North State Journal Vol. 6, Issue 5

VOLUME 6 ISSUE 5

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31, 2021

Bull-ish on being ready for baseball Durham Bulls seasonal employees sit in a waiting area after receiving a COVID-19 vaccination at Durham Bulls Athletic Park last week. The team held the vaccination clinic so employees will be fully vaccinated in time for the start of the Triple-A East season in early May. Major League Baseball opens its season April 1. See B4 for a preview of all the players with North Carolina ties who are on MLB rosters to start the season.

PHOTO BY MELANIE MCCULLOUGH

the Wednesday

NEWS BRIEFING

Biden wants infrastructure package approved over summer Washington, D.C. President Joe Biden is pushing a $3 trillion infrastructure plan and hopes Congress will pass it this summer. The president will announce parts of his “Build Back Better” package Wednesday in Pittsburgh. The plan aims to spend federal dollars on infrastructure, domestic manufacturing and Biden’s green agenda, according to the officials. It could include $3 trillion in tax increases.

Bill would name new Ag Science center for Troxler Raleigh A bill to name the new Agricultural Sciences Center of the Department of Agriculture after current Ag Commissioner Steve Troxler passed the state Senate unanimously last week and is headed to the N.C. House.

The cutting-edge laboratory, located on Reedy Creek Road in Raleigh, will perform tests for the department on food safety, pesticides and veterinary medicine.

Biden makes first judicial nominations Washington, D.C. President Joe Biden has announced his first slate of judicial nominations. The nine women and two men mark the first major impact Biden will have on the judicial branch. Biden has promised to nominate a black female to the Supreme Court if he has the opportunity to nominate a justice. Four of his first nominees to the federal bench are black females.

White House wants mask mandates Washington, D.C. President Joe Biden called the situation “deadly serious” and the head of Biden’s CDC said she had a feeling of “impending doom” as the two appealed for new mask mandates to stave off a “fourth surge” of coronavirus. Biden’s calls come as more states have eliminated mask mandates as cases have dropped by approximately 75% and deaths have declined by 70% since the new year.

NORTH

STATE

JOURNaL ELEVATE THE CONVERSATION

Lawmakers seek to end ‘sue and settle’ agreements Any deal attempting to settle a lawsuit the General Assembly is a party to would require joint approval of statehouse leaders

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

law change via secret settlement with political allies.”

The bill was filed just a few days after N.C. State Board of Elections (NCSBE) Director Karen Brinson Bell was questioned by members of the Senate Redistricting and Elections Committee about the settlement she and N.C. Attorney General Josh Stein entered into with Democratic attorney and former Hillary Clinton campaign lawyer Marc Elias.

The agreement tripled the number of days an absentee ballot could be accepted by county election boards, jumping from the three days after election day required by law to nine days.

The agreement also attempted to end the legal witness requirement for absentee ballots.

Brinson Bell said during the hearing that she had been given authority by the NCBSE to negotiate the agreement.

Lawmakers, who were a party in the lawsuit, were not informed of the settlement agreement until it had already been filed with the court. Brinson Bell told lawmakers that she was “not aware they were in the dark” about the settlement and that it was “not her concern.”

During questioning, lawmakers pressed Brinson Bell about her role in the settlement, which changed absentee ballot rules after voting was already underway. Brinson Bell maintained her actions and those of the NCSBE were legal. She also maintained the rule changes did not alter state law, a point that both lawmakers and several judges disagreed with.

“I don’t think you changed the law; I think you broke the law,” said Sen. Bill Rabon (R- Brunswick) to Brinson Bell, later adding, “the buck stops with you,

RALEIGH — Members of the North Carolina Senate have filed a bill to block future “sue and settle” agreements like the one the N.C. State Board of Elections director and state attorney general entered into during the 2020 election.

Senate Bill 360, titled, “Prohibit Collusive Settlements by the Attorney General,” was filed on March 25 by the three cochairs of the Senate Redistricting and Elections Committee, Sens. Paul Newton (R-Cabarrus), Warren Daniel (R-Caldwell) and Ralph Hise (R-Mitchell).

“Elections Director Karen Brinson Bell and Attorney General Josh Stein behaved so egregiously and improperly that they’ve lost the trust of voters and legislators,” said Newton in a statement. “Director Brinson Bell wouldn’t even acknowledge that she changed state law last year, a fact that federal judges and reporters have upheld for months.”

According to the one-page bill, any deal attempting to settle a lawsuit the General Assembly is a party to would require joint approval from the speaker of the House and the president pro tempore of the Senate.

Newton also said that “This bill is intended to make sure no elections director, whether Ms. Brinson Bell or someone else, ever has the power to secretly execute a mid-election See SUE AND SETTLE, page A2

House bill would limit eminent domain Bill passed House with bipartisan supermajority

By David Larson North State Journal RALEIGH — A bill aimed at strengthening property owner protections from eminent domain is headed to the state Senate after the House passed the bill with a bipartisan supermajority. H.B. 271 passed the House 101-17 on March 25.

Eminent domain is a process whereby governments can take private property from the owner, typically for use in a public project, like building a road or school.

But at times, governments have taken private property through eminent domain only to give it to

another private owner who plans on developing the land in a way the government considers a “public benefit.”

The bill aims to directly prevent this by adding the following language to Section 1 of the N.C. Constitution: “Private property shall not be taken by eminent domain except for a public use. Just compensation shall be paid and shall be determined by a jury at the request of any party.”

The bill would create a constitutional amendment referendum, so voters would choose whether or not to approve this language on eminent domain during the 2022 elections.

“This legislation is necessary to prevent overreach of state governSee EMINENT DOMAIN, page A3

House redistricting leader expects a bipartisan, transparent process Rep. Destin Hall will lead effort to revisit state’s election laws

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — With the 2020 election in the rearview, the General Assembly will be turning its attention to the 2022 midterms and beyond. That means a focus on election law and redistricting with an eye on what is happening on Capitol Hill.

North State Journal sat down with Rep. Destin Hall (R-Caldwell) recently and talked to him about the coming redistricting process and possible election-related legislation.

Delayed census data, which Hall says they anticipate receiving sometime in September, has pushed back redistricting efforts by lawmakers, but Hall says conversations on the topic are already happening.

“That’s important because you can’t draw any districts really until you have that data,” said Hall.

“Anywhere from a municipality all the way up to your congressional seats — until you get data, you really can’t do much.”

“I know their filing dates are going to be coming up this summer,” Hall said of the situation municipalities are in due to the delayed data. “We are starting to have those discussions about how to handle the municipality part of that. As far as our legislative congressional maps, we still think we’ll have time to get that done because those [races] won’t be until 2022.”

This will be Hall’s third time be-

ing involved in redistricting, but it is the first time he’ll do it as chair of See HALL, page A2

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 31, 2021

A2 WEDNESDAY

THE WORD: HE IS NOT HERE

3.31.21

The takeaway from the first four Beatitudes is that the recognition of Jesus as our redeemer is the pathway to eternal salvation. That payoff came on Easter Sunday when Jesus fulfilled his promise — made in Matthew 20 — that after his crucifixion, he would rise again on the third day.

The Christian symbol of the cross has inspired many hymns — “The Old Rugged Cross,” “There is Power in the Blood” and “Nothing but the Blood,” to name a few — but the resurrection of Jesus is the true symbol of salvation. The sacrifice on the cross earned humanity the ultimate prizes of redemption and everlasting life through Christ. The miracle of Easter is celebrated in the hymn “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today” by Charles Wesley — co-founder of the Methodist Church — with the line “Where thy victory, O grave?”

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“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

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And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him. 7 But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.

6

PUBLIC DOMAIN

“Resurrection of Christ” by Raphael (1499-1502) is one of the earliest known paintings by the Renaissance master and is in the collection of the Sao Paulo Museum of Art, Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Raleigh, N.C. 27609

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

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

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SUE AND SETTLE from page A1 Ms. Brinson Bell.”

Federal Judge William Osteen, who had ruled in early August to block the agreement’s attempts to change the absentee ballot signature requirement, said that the board’s settlement action is “an unacceptable misuse of the remedy created by this court’s order.”

Osteen said the fact that the NCSBE had mischaracterized his injunction “in order to obtain contradictory relief in another court frustrates and circumvents this court’s August order.” Osteen also called the board’s actions a “flagrant misuse of this court’s injunctive relief” that “appear to ignore the rule of law.”

As the meeting began to spill over into its second hour, Sen. Carl Ford asked Brinson Bell why they shouldn’t demand her resignation. Brinson Bell offered her 15 years of elections experience, resume and bipartisan appointment by the state elections board as a response, stating that the NCSBE “is who determines my termination and my hire.”

GERRY BROOME | AP PHOTO

In this Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020, file photo, stacks of ballot envelopes waiting to be mailed are seen at the Wake County Board of Elections in Raleigh.

HALL from page A1 the House committee. He said he wants to make sure redistricting is transparent, with a “really open process” that is “deliberate and methodical.”

Since its inception in the fall of 2016, the National Democratic Redistricting Committee (NDRC), run by former Obama attorney general Eric Holder, has been vocal about the need to attack gerrymandering in specific states in order to “secure fair maps for the next decade.” North Carolina has been on the NDRC’s target list since the beginning, often working with Democratic fixer and former Hillary Clinton campaign attorney Marc Elias.

“Well, the first thing that I’ll say is that we don’t spend a lot of time thinking about what Eric Holder wants us to do,” Hall said about Holder’s increasing focus on North Carolina, adding that groups like Holder’s are “not after fair maps; they’re after maps that elect more Democrats.”

Hall recounted the process in 2019, which was done in the open, was videotaped every step of the way and without using partisan data per a court order.

“So, for the first time in the history of the state, maps were drawn without using partisan data. And the result was that many Democrats still voted against those maps,” Hall said.

In terms of drawing districts, Hall said he agrees with the use of “Stevenson criteria,” a method to keep counties and municipalities as whole as possible based upon population.

Left-leaning groups like Common Cause North Carolina and the N.C. ACLU have sued over vot-

fraud, trample the First Amendment, further erode confidence in our elections, and forever dilute the votes of legally qualified eligible voters.”

Hall said he is “generally aware of H.R. 1, and from what I know about it, I don’t like it.”

“It basically transforms the way that we do elections in this country and the way that we’ve done them since the founding of this country,” said Hall. “States are in control of their own elections process and this bill would essentially strip that away and give it to the federal bureaucracy, which we think would be a disaster.”

Hall added that there has been some “very initial discussion” about what the General Assembly might be able to do about H.R. 1, but said right now, it is “mainly a fight that’s going to take place in Congress.”

FILE PHOTO

Rep. Destin Hall (R-Caldwell) speaks with staffers at the N.C. General Assembly in this undated file photo. ing maps and election-related laws since Republicans took over supermajorities in both chambers after the 2010 elections.

Republicans have not had much help from the N.C. attorney general’s office in those cases. In 2016 as he was running for governor, then-Attorney General Roy Cooper refused to defend the state in an appeal of a court ruling that overturned a set of election and voter ID laws. His successor, Josh Stein, refused to appeal another voter ID-related suit ahead of the 2020 primaries.

“Well, you know, the maps in North Carolina have been litigated

now for decades, and it seems like that’s just been a constant thing in North Carolina,” said Hall about the possibility for litigation of future maps. “Our hope is that this time around we can avoid a lot of that. I can tell you that we plan to conduct a transparent process following constitutional guidelines.”

While that is Hall’s hope, he also expects a lawsuit regardless of their transparent and bipartisan efforts.

“There are groups out there that are just simply interested in electing more Democrats and any map that doesn’t do that to the maximum possible extent, they’re not going to be pleased with it, and

they’re going to file suit over it,” said Hall. “We believe that the process can be done in a bipartisan way in this building. What left-wing interest groups want to do outside of the building, we can’t control.”

National level bills moving through Congress have not escaped the attention of N.C. lawmakers.

In particular, they are watching H.R. 1, which has already passed the House and contains sweeping changes which critics say will weaken election integrity. Former Vice President Mike Pence called H.R. 1 “a massive 800-page election overhaul bill that would increase opportunities for election

Election-related laws In addition to redistricting, Hall is taking a look at how to resolve issues that cropped up during the 2020 election, such as a police officer in Durham County who was told he could not vote while in his official uniform.

“That was a blatantly unconstitutional decision,” Hall said. “A person can’t be turned away from polls for wearing their work uniform, especially our law enforcement uniform.”

Hall went on to say lawmakers are preparing a bill that will make it clear in state law that election boards may not turn away a uniformed law enforcement officer or uniformed military personnel or first responder from the polls simply because they are wearing their uniform.

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 31, 2021

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Trump calls Fauci and Birx ‘self-promoters’ The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — Former President Donald Trump slammed two of his most prominent coronavirus advisers in a statement released Monday. He says Dr. Anthony Fauci and Dr. Deborah Birx are “two self-promoters trying to reinvent history.”

Fauci is the chief medical adviser to President Joe Biden, and Trump called him “the king of flip-flops.”

He accused Fauci of “moving the goalposts to make himself look as good as possible.”

Birx managed the Trump administration’s response to the pandemic, and Trump says she “is a proven liar with very little credibility left.”

Trump’s comments come in response to a documentary that aired on CNN on Sunday. In the film, Birx says the U.S. did not act aggressively enough to fight the spread of the coronavirus, saying that deaths “could have been mitigated or decreased substantially” after the initial wave.

Fauci told CNN it seemed like the Trump virus team was “fighting with each other rather than fighting the virus.”

In his statement, Trump says, “Dr. Fauci would always talk negatively about [Birx] and, in fact, would ask not to be in the same room with her.”

Pence laying groundwork for his political future The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — The former vice president is steadily reentering public life as he eyes his professional and political future after the Trump administration. Mike Pence is joining conservative organizations, writing op-eds, delivering speeches and launching an advocacy group that will focus on promoting the Trump administration’s accomplishments.

Pence has unique challenges as he reenters the political fray. For someone who built a reputation as one of Trump’s most steadfast supporters, Pence is now viewed with suspicion among many Republicans following the contested 2020 election and subsequent second impeachment of President Donald Trump.

If Pence were to enter the 2024 GOP presidential primary, he would have to reinforce his loyalty to Trump while defending his decisions during the final days of the administration. If anyone can achieve this awkward balance, some Republicans say, it’s Pence.

“Anybody who can pull off an endorsement of Ted Cruz and become Donald Trump’s vice-presidential nominee should not be counted out,” said Republican strategist Alice Stewart, who worked for Cruz’s 2016 presidential campaign when Pence endorsed him. “He has a way of splitting hairs and threading the needle that has paid off in the past.”

JESSICA HILL | AP PHOTO

In this June 21, 2008, file photo, Susette Kelo, left, former owner of the controversial little pink house, stands in front of her old home at its new location in New London, Conn.

EMINENT DOMAIN from page A1 bly has repeatedly tried to pass legislation to limit eminent doment into property takings that main in N.C. but has been unsucare not for a public use, but rath- cessful. North Carolina law now er benefit private development,” allows eminent domain for “pubsaid Rep. Dennis Riddell (R-Al- lic use or benefit,” but H.B. 271 amance), the lead primary spon- would strike “or benefit” since that language would allow this sor of the bill, in a press release.

Interest in strengthening pro- kind of transfer of private proptections for property owners erty from one owner to another.

Along with Riddell, the otharound eminent domain spiked after a 2005 U.S. Supreme Court er three primary sponsors of case known as Kelo vs. New Lon- H.B. 271 are Rep. Dean Arp don. In this case, the town of (R-Union), Rep. Steve Tyson New London, Connecticut, took (R-Craven) and Rep. Mark Broland from the owner, Susette dy (R-Union).

“There is no liberty when the Kelo, so that an investor could use it for economic development. government can take your propThe court ultimately decided the erty, or your freedom, without city was within its rights to take just cause and due process of the the land for this purpose, even highest standards,” Arp said. “We though the development was pri- all understand there are some instances where the government vate.

Since this case, many states may properly, with just compenhave amended their constitu- sation, declare eminent domain tions and statutes to prevent this and take private property. But use of eminent domain. Over the we do not want that great powlast decade, the General Assem- er of the government to be used

to take your property and give it to someone else. That’s why this constitutional amendment is needed for North Carolina.”

In addition to the constitutional amendment, H.B. 271 aims to change state statute defining the reasons properties can be seized using eminent domain.

The language details exactly which construction projects can use this power, including allowing utility companies to connect their customers.

“Life, liberty, and property rights are fundamental values for North Carolinians and all Americans,” Riddell said. “Property rights and assets are the product of our labor and investments as Americans, and this proposal would elevate protection for every North Carolinian to higher levels where we believe they should be.”

The bill was sent to the Senate on March 29 and referred to the Senate Rules Committee.

Charlotte businesswoman brings unique perspective to UNC Board The General Assembly has finalized its nominees to the UNC Board of Governors

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — The UNC Board of Governors seats were filled by the General Assembly last week.

The House nominated five members to return to the board: Kellie Hunt Blue of Robeson County, Carolyn L. Coward of Buncombe County, Leo Daughtry of Johnston County, Reginald R. Holley of Brunswick County and current vice-chair Wendy Floyd Murphy of Duplin County. Former state Rep. John Fraley of Iredell County was nominated for the seat currently occupied by Doyle Parrish of Wake County.

The UNC Board of Governors is made up of 24 voting members elected to staggered four-year terms. The members are elected by the Senate and House at the North Carolina General Assembly and no individual can be selected for more than three full four-year terms.

The Senate’s selection included the re-election of Jimmy Clark of Greensboro, Art Pope of Raleigh and board chair Randy Ramsey of Beaufort. The seat vacated by Darrell Allison, who has been appointed Chancellor of Fayetteville State University, will be taken up by former state Sen. Joel Ford of Mecklenburg County.

New members include Kirk Bradley, a real estate developer from Sanford; Lee Roberts, who worked as former Gov. Pat McCrory’s budget director before launching a Raleigh real estate investment company; and Sonja Nichols, a businesswoman from Charlotte.

Nichols is the president and CEO of Nicholant Enterprises a provider of “expert Contract Secu-

PHOTO COURTESY OF SONJAFORSENATE.COM

Businesswoman Sonja Nichols is pictured in this undated file photo. rity and Executive Protection Services to clients across the greater Charlotte, N.C. area.” She spoke with North State Journal exclusively to discuss her appointment and her background.

“Only God would have me land this,” said Nichols. “Never ever in a million years would I ever have imagined that I would be invited to what I consider is a very presti-

gious board.”

Nichols said the UNC BOG represents “all that is North Carolina.” Of her appointment, she said she wants to help represent what “is good about North Carolina” in terms of the state’s smaller, rural colleges and HCBUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities).

“I don’t think a lot of people give credit to just how good our schools

really are,” said Nichols. “There are things we can always do better, and therein lies your opportunity. I think I will represent those things that could be better in those schools, and I can bring a different perspective to the table.”

Philanthropy has played a major role in Nichols’s life in the Charlotte area. She served as the president of the Women’s Impact Fund,

“This legislation is necessary to prevent overreach of state government into property takings that are not for a public use, but rather benefit private development.”

Rep. Dennis Riddell (R-Alamance)

one of the largest women’s collective giving groups in the country, which on average gives away half a million dollars a year in grants.

On her philanthropy activity, Nichols laughed and said, “Yeah, I’ve been a little restless.” She said she got into philanthropic work while she was home when her children were young.

Nichols also was a co-chair of the United Negro College Fund’s Maya Angelou Women Who Lead Luncheon, which featured Oprah Winfrey. That event brought in a fundraising windfall of over $2.3 million. She said the funds helped pay for grants for students to attend HBCU’s, many of which are “right here in North Carolina.”

She was president of the Good Friends Charlotte Luncheon in 2019, which raised $510,000 to provide funding for items not typically covered by public assistance, like a baby crib. “I love the group because it is so unique,” said Nichols. She also served as chair of the Veterans Bridge Home Salute Gala which helps veterans make the transition back to civilian life.

Nichols is married to Richard Nichols Jr., and the couple has three children — two sons and one daughter.

Speaking about her children with pride and a mother’s joy, Nichol said that her eldest son Richard is a Morehouse College graduate and has recently obtained an MBA from UCLA. Her younger son James also graduated from Morehouse College and is currently at the Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

Nichols’ daughter, Kayla Marie, graduated from Spelman College with a degree in economics and works for a financial planning group in Charlotte.

When asked what one thing people may or may not know about her, Nichols said that she is a cook and characterized herself as a “Black Julia Child.” Her favorite dish is Louisiana Gumbo, and she said she’d “match her gumbo up against anybody.”

“There are some things you are supposed to be humble about, but I am not humble about that!”

Nichols said about her gumbo recipe.

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 31, 2021

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Murphy

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 31, 2021

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WEST

Buncombe County The Asheville City Council voted to remove a monument dedicated to a racist governor of the Confederate era. The council voted 6 to 1 to remove the 75-foot granite obelisk at the center of the city’s downtown. The monument honors Zebulon Vance. He was a Buncombe County native and North Carolina governor during the Civil War as well as a U.S. senator. He also owned slaves. And he once wrote that a “putrid stream of African barbarism” ran through the veins of Black people.

AP

Couple leaves kids behind to flee drug charges McDowell County Police are seeking Wesley Clayton “Clay” Rhom, 32, and Megan Monie Rhom, 32, who both left behind their four children to escape arrest for multiple drug violations.

Mr. Rhom didn’t appear for his trial date earlier this month. He’s charged with multiple counts of drug trafficking. Mrs. Rhom is wanted for conspiracy to traffic meth and heroin.

est. 1802 Asheboro

Home Moravian Church est. 1771 Winston-Salem

Duke University Chapel

NSJ staff

est. 1932 Durham

RALEIGH — Sen. Thom Tillis said Monday that he has prostate cancer and will undergo surgery next week in North Carolina to treat it.

“I am in the hands of outstanding medical professionals and expect to make a full recovery,” the Republican said in a statement.

He said the cancer was detected relatively early.

“I can’t emphasize enough how important routine screenings are, regardless of how healthy you think you are,” he wrote. “I had no symptoms and would have never imagined I had cancer.

My prognosis is good because I went to my annual physical and received a PSA test, which led to a biopsy and eventually my diagnosis. Early detection can truly save lives.”

Jeff Karnes, a Mayo Clinic professor in Rochester, Minnesota, and urologist who specializes in prostate cancer, is not treating Tillis but noted patients with similar diagnoses that are detected early typically spend a night in a hospital for what he considers a “fairly routine surgery.”

Patients he’s treated have often returned to work within four to six weeks, with some performing desk work the week after their surgery.

Tillis, the 60-year-old Charlotte-area resident who is married with two grown

est. 1734 Bath

St. Mary’s Chapel Harrison Methodist Church

Rocky River Presbyterian Church

est. 1785 Pineville

est. 1855 Raleigh

est. 1751 Rocky River

Christ Episcopal Church est. 1750 New Bern

PIEDMONT

Avery County Three inmates at the Avery County jail were rewarded with pizza after they rescued a detention officer who was attacked by another inmate. Daniel Bledsoe knocked the officer to the ground and tried to choke him. Jonathan Potter, Colby Flynn and Gustavo Rojas assisted in subduing Bledsoe. The inmates were allowed to choose a special meal as a reward and opted for pizza.

WBTV

EAST

Wolves bite worker at center where lion had killed intern

Feds OK casino revenue agreement between NC, Catawba tribe

Caswell County A woman has been bitten by two juvenile wolves at the Animal Park at the Conservators Center, where an intern was fatally mauled by a lion in 2018. The worker was “performing routine activities” with the young wolves when she was bitten on her upper arms and right leg. The wolves did not escape their enclosure. The woman was taken to the hospital with non lifethreatening injuries. In 2018, intern Alexandra Black was cleaning an animal enclosure when a lion escaped from a locked pen and fatally attacked her.

Cleveland County The federal government has approved a revenue-sharing agreement between the Catawba Indian Nation and the state that clears the way for a casino near the state’s southern border. North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper inked the deal with the Rock Hill, South Carolina-based tribe in January, paving the way for Las Vegas-style gaming at Kings Mountain. The Catawba tribe has said the planned $273 million resort would bring thousands of jobs to North Carolina.

Under the agreement, the tribe will pay up to 8% of gaming revenues to the state.

Football team pays tribute to fire chief

AP

Harnett County David Sierra Orozco, 31, a Mexican national, was convicted on child pornography charges after authorities say he tried to swallow memory cards containing pornographic images. Deputies in Harnett County stopped Orozco in July 2017 for driving his Lexus erratically. Deputies found more than $100,000 in cash and memory cards.

Orozco grabbed the memory cards and tried to eat them. He swallowed one and chewed another that deputies were able to retrieve.

Three other cards were unscathed, and they contained multiple images and videos of child pornography.

Robeson County A Pennsylvania woman died after being shot in a road rage incident on Interstate 95 as she and her husband drove to the beach. The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office was still searching for her killer after the Thursday shooting. The shooter was driving a silver or gray, 2010 model Chevy Malibu or Impala with tinted windows. The victim was Julie Eberly, 47 of Manheim, Pennsylvania. Her husband, Ryan Eberly, was not injured. The couple’s vehicle unknowingly came close to the shooter’s vehicle while merging into another lane. Someone in the other car fired at them.

AP

AP

WLOS

Charges are possible after boy, 6, fatally struck Wake County North Carolina’s State Highway Patrol says that possible charges could be filed after a 6-year-old boy was struck by a truck in the Garner area. Investigators found a truck with front-end damage believed to have struck the boy. Authorities identified the child as Fred Lamont Woodard Jr. He was found on the shoulder of N.C. 50 and died at a hospital a short time later. A 73-yearold Raleigh man has been identified as the driver. The Highway Patrol said it will work with the Wake County District Attorney’s office on any possible criminal charges.

Man arrested in double shooting Warren County Val Deshawn Wright, 43, was arrested in Henderson and faces charges of first-degree murder and attempted murder. Wright, nicknamed “Slap,” is accused of shooting and killing Kewana Diane Taylor, 37, in Warrenton. Wright also allegedly shot Richard E. Johnson, 43, multiple times. He is currently recovering at Duke University Hospital, where he was life flighted after the shooting.

CBS 17

AP

Cape Lookout Lighthouse closed for two years to do repairs

Crews looking for father and son missing during fishing trip Wayne County Emergency crews searched for a father and 5-year-old son who went missing during a fishing trip along the Neuse River. The two were fishing from a dock at the Goldsboro Boating Access Area when the boy fell in the water. The father jumped in to try to rescue his son, but both went missing in the strong current. A helicopter and seven boats were working to find the father and son in water that’s about 10 feet deep. At least 20 or 30 family members rushed to the dock when they learned what happened.

AP

Carteret County The Cape Lookout Lighthouse will be closed for two years for repairs. The 163-foot-tall lighthouse at Cape Lookout National Seashore was built in the 1850s and underwent numerous repairs and upgrades over the years. During an inspection in February, engineers discovered serious safety concerns, including cracks in iron landing plates and separations between the iron stairs and masonry. The lighthouse will not be open for climbing this season. The museum, located near the base of the lighthouse, will remain open to visitors. A major renovation is scheduled to begin this fall or winter and take two years.

children, is a former IBM consultant who joined the U.S. Senate after serving eight years in the North Carolina state House, the last four as House speaker.

His victory over Democratic Sen. Kay Hagan in 2014 helped the GOP take control of the Senate. He won reelection after narrowly defeating Democratic challenger Cal Cunningham in 2020 in what became the most expensive U.S. Senate race ever. Tillis serves on the armed services and judiciary committees and is a usually reliable vote for the Republican leadership.

Tillis’ GOP colleague in the chamber, Sen. Richard Burr, said in a statement that he is praying for Tillis and his wife, Susan.

“I’m confident Thom will tackle this latest challenge the way he approaches everything in life: with plenty of energy, good spirits, and the support of his friends and family,” Burr wrote.

U.S. House Rep. Richard Hudson also offered hopes for a quick recovery. “Renee and I are thankful Senator Tillis caught his cancer early and are praying for a quick and full recovery,” said Hudson. “As a strong advocate for cancer screenings, I join with Sen. Tillis in encouraging everyone to follow cancer screening recommendations that help save lives every day.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Five Dems now vying for Burr’s seat

Woman shot, killed in road-rage incident on I-95

Child porn conviction follows attempt to eat the evidence

AP

Polk County Polk County High School’s football team will pay tribute to former player James “Tank” Waters, who died at age 40 last year. Waters was the Tryon Fire Chief and died unexpectedly. The team will wear red decals on their helmets that say “Tank.” It’s the first time Polk High will have the color red on its uniforms. The color was chosen in honor of the fire department. Waters played defensive line for Polk in the 1990s and remained a supporter of the team.

WLOS

Sen. Thom Tillis says he’ll have surgery for prostate cancer

Saint Thomas Episcopal Church

Inmates rewarded with pizza for saving officer

Asheville votes to remove monument to Confederate governor

Jones & Blount

Sandy Creek Primitive Baptist Church

Easter Sunday in NC Easter Sunday is April 4 this year. While gatherings in N.C. will look different than in years past, churches across the state are beginning to re-open with some having their first services in a year on this Easter Sunday.

The historic St. Matthias’ churches in N.C. are Episcopal Church included est. 1867 on this Asheville week’s map.

St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Bath is the oldest surviving church building in the state, constructed in 1734. The St. Thomas Parish, though, was established when Bath County was founded in 1696. The churchgoers would meet at homes. The church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.

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NSJ staff BEAUFORT — The mayor of a small North Carolina coastal town is getting into next year’s race for the U.S. Senate, joining four other known candidates.

Beaufort Mayor Rett Newton plans to announce his bid for the Democratic nomination in early April, the Carteret County News-Times reported. Republican Sen. Richard Burr has said he won’t seek reelection in 2022.

Newton, a retired Air Force colonel and current doctoral student at Duke University studying marine science and conservation, would join a growing pool of announced candidates, particularly among Democrats.

“We have such great national challenges that I just can’t sit on the sideline, certainly not when our democracy is under attack,” he told the newspaper in an interview. “I

am committed to running for the U.S. Senate in 2022.”

Newton was first elected mayor of Beaufort in 2017. His tenure has been marked by the region’s recovery following Hurricane Florence and Hurricane Dorian.

Former state Sen. Erica Smith, current state Sen. Jeff Jackson and virologist Richard Watkins are among those already in the Democratic primary race. Advisers of former state Supreme Court Chief Justice Cheri Beasley said this month that she’ll soon enter the race.

Former U.S. Rep. Mark Walker is running for the Republican nomination, with Lara Trump and current U.S. Rep. Ted Budd both rumored to be considering bids. Party primaries are scheduled for March 2022.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

AP

Cabinet shuffle: Gov. Roy Cooper’s second-term personnel moves

By Matt Mercer North State Journal RALEIGH — Gov. Roy Cooper’s successful re-election campaign secured another four years in the governor’s mansion in Raleigh.

Through early 2021, his cabinet appointees, the officials who run executive branch agencies, have seen turnover, and as of March 24, all but one have full-time leaders.

A trio of appointees have been with Cooper since his administration began in 2017: Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy Cohen, Department of Public Safety Secretary Eric Hooks and Department of Revenue Secretary Ronald Penny. Cohen has been omnipresent with Cooper since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, often speaking two or three times per week publicly during virtual press briefings. Hooks and Penny, both African Americans, have kept lower profiles in their roles in the administration. Hooks has appeared during some of the governor’s COVID-19 briefings to discuss issues with the state’s prison population.

A fourth cabinet official, Department of Transportation Secretary Eric Boyette, has been with Cooper

since 2017 in two separate positions.

Boyette first served as the Department of Information Technology secretary before replacing James Trogdon at NCDOT. On Feb. 4, 2020, Cooper announced Trogdon’s resignation in what was the first personnel move of the administration. Trogdon’s controversial term left the state’s transportation department in fiscal disarray. Two separate audits revealed mismanagement of salary increases of $39 million and exceeding its $5.94 billion 2019 fiscal year budget by $742 million, or 12.5%. The shortfall combined with COVID-19 issues resulted in $2 billion in cuts to construction projects and department-wide furloughs.

State auditor Beth Wood noted in a legislative oversight hearing there was “no evidence” that NCDOT tried to slow its spending, laying a lack of oversight and management at the feet of NCDOT CFO Evan Rodewald and chief engineer Tim Little.

“None of us are better than the secretaries they trust,” said Wood at the May 2020 hearing, adding that department secretaries are “where the buck should stop.”

Tracy Doaks was named as Boyette’s successor at NCDIT, but

A trio of appointees have been with Cooper since his administration began in 2017: Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy Cohen, Department of Public Safety Secretary Eric Hooks and Department of Revenue Secretary Ronald Penny. she then left in July 2020 to lead a non-profit focused on delivering high-speed internet and other essential technologies for communities throughout the state.

Cooper appointed Jim Weaver as the state’s NCDIT secretary and chief information officer on Feb. 17, 2021. He previously served in the same role for the state of Washington.

Machelle Sanders joined Boyette in changing agencies.

First joining the cabinet in 2017 as the Department of Administration secretary, Sanders took over on Feb. 12, 2021, as Department of

Commerce secretary after Tony Copeland left at the end of January.

“Machelle has been an outstanding leader in this administration, and I am grateful that she is willing to take on this new role and continue to serve our great state,” said Cooper. “Her strong background as a business leader and her extensive knowledge of what it takes to build a globally competitive workforce will serve North Carolina well as we attract better paying jobs, help small businesses and stimulate our innovation and entrepreneurial economy.”

Mark Edwards, who served as a deputy secretary under Sanders, is the acting NCDOA secretary.

Three agencies have new leaders in Cooper’s second term.

After Michael Regan’s confirmation as President Joe Biden’s Environmental Protection Agency administrator, Dionne Delli-Gatti will take over as Department of Environmental Quality secretary.

Delli-Gatti’s appointment was announced on Feb. 16, 2021.

“I’m deeply honored and humbled to lead this critical state agency. I’m ready to get to work for the people of North Carolina, digging in on the tough environmental issues our state is facing,” said Delli-Gatti

after her appointment.

She most recently worked at the Environmental Defense Fund as the director of Southeast Climate and Energy, following six years at the Atlanta EPA regional office as congressional and governmental liaison.

A pair of former legislators left their roles within Cooper’s cabinet at the end of 2020: Susi Hamilton and Larry Hall, who led the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources and Department of Military and Veteran’s Affairs, respectively.

Cooper named D. Reid Wilson to NCDNCR effective on Jan. 1, 2021.

Wilson served as a deputy under Hamilton and before that worked as the executive director of the Conservation Trust for North Carolina, the EPA and the Sierra Club.

Retired Lt. Gen. Walter Gaskin was appointed as NCDMVA secretary on Jan. 13, 2021.

Gaskin retired from active duty in 2013 following a career in the U.S. Marine Corps. In his career, Gaskin served as the deputy chairman of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Military Committee in Brussels, Belgium, and served as the commanding general of the 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lejeune, from June 2006 until July 2008.

98% of ALL Farms are Family Farms

ncfb.org

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North State Journal for Wednesday, March 31, 2021

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

VISUAL VOICES

EDITORIAL | FRANK HILL

The spirit of religion and the spirit of liberty are what made (makes) America great

Without morality, freedom cannot reign, and without faith there is no basis for morality.

ALEXIS DE TOCQUEVILLE visited America in the early days of the Republic on an official mission for the French department of the interior to study the US penitentiary system. What he discovered as he traveled America became one of the seminal works on government in world history, “Democracy in America,” published in 1835.

He discovered the Anglo-American civilization “…is the result of two quite distinct elements, which elsewhere have often been at war but in America have somehow been incorporated into one another and marvelously combined. I allude to the spirit of religion and the spirit of liberty.”

He observed religious liberty in America which allowed minimal, decentralized democratic representative government to be established at the local, state and national level. Both could not exist without the other, he said, or else eventually the new American republic would fail.

Religious freedom in America allowed people to govern themselves and negate the necessity for powerful government to be concentrated in the hands of kings, tyrants or councils that often ruled in capricious ways.

Without a virtuous, self-governed populace, the need for concentrated power in the hands of a few would become a necessity for no other reason than keeping the peace based solely on observable human nature.

As activists seek to dismantle traditional norms in our culture that have emanated from our historical journey as a nation based on JudeoChristian principles, we are faced with what James R. Wood referred to as a Tocquevillian conundrum in his March 25 review of Shadi Hamid’s essay in The Atlantic, “America without God,” published in Providence magazine: “We have to also account for the Böckenförde Paradox: the idea that liberal societies depend on non-liberal realities that liberal structures can neither produce nor sustain. Liberal societies require a virtuous, and thus religious, citizenry, as many of the Founding Fathers recognized. But, as the Tocquevillians have long argued, liberal societies seem to undermine the very institutions that inculcate such virtue…Such societies do this… through the general disdain expressed toward religion by individuals, academia, the entertainment industry, the media, etc.”

When the populace ceases to be religious, then politics becomes “religion” for partisan followers. “Without morality, freedom cannot reign and without faith there is no basis for morality” he wrote. Societies without morality and faith would devolve into a state of Darwinist survival of the fittest, where it doesn’t matter who is more moral or ethical but which political faction has the financial, technological and organizational resources to take over full control of the government and tell everyone else what to say, think and do. It sets up bitter conflicts that never get resolved.

Witness the cancel culture around us or the rampant censorship of opposing views by the titans of social media outlets. There is no appeal to a high authority in the religious sense of such actions — only a statement that those who are censored have opinions or views about public policy matters with which the media titans disagree.

There is no other reason to argue for the abolition of the filibuster in the U.S. Senate if it is not to make certain political beliefs the statemandated “religion” for everyone to obey and follow. Ending the filibuster would render the U.S. Senate to the status of being just another legislative body instead of the crucible of reason and compromise which has served America for 232 years.

About 35% of all millennials now consider themselves to be “nones,” as in having no religious affiliation, and 23% of all voters are “nones,” up from 16% in 2007. Based on what de Tocqueville observed 186 years ago, it is easy to envision a day when America ceases to be a religious nation and becomes a secular socialist nation as France and other European nations have become. Not only would he be shocked at the amount of control Americans have ceded to Washington bureaucrats, he would also be stunned at animus directed toward religious people by today’s media and left-wing socialists.

Easter is a good time to reflect not only on our personal salvation but about how important our religious beliefs are to our collective life together as Americans. The spirit of religion and freedom go hand in hand with each other in America. One of them goes and our democratic republic dissolves with it.

EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS

Democrats who said we must respect election results are now trying to overturn a House election

We went from it being legally justified for Democrats to object to certifying a presidential election, to it being an affront to democracy for Republicans to do so, to it being legally justified for a Democrat to object to election results in a House race where they lost.

BACK IN JANUARY, every other statement from Democrats was on how we must respect the results of an election.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) was the loudest of them all, especially after the Capitol riots on Jan. 6. An unwillingness to accept election results was one reason Democrats impeached former President Trump and tried to “cancel” Republican members of Congress who objected to the certification of the presidential election.

Keep in mind, members of Congress objecting to the certification of a presidential election is not a new thing, nor is it against the law. It was done by a number of House Democrats in 2001, 2005, and 2017 — all after a Republican president was elected.

But at the same time Democrats and the media were lecturing about the importance of accepting election results and moving on, behind the scenes, an Iowa Democrat who lost a House race by 6 votes was lobbying Pelosi and the House Administration Committee to overturn the results of an election that had been certified by the state back in November.

The battle for Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District was between Republican candidate Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Democrat candidate Rita Hart. Because the election was so close, there was a recount. Miller-Meeks was certified as the winner of the race, but Hart did not concede. Instead of taking her case to the courts, she chose to take it directly to the Democrat-controlled House, where presumably she thought she’d have better luck.

To date, though Miller-Meeks was seated, Hart has been met with enthusiastic support from Pelosi and her fellow Democrats. When Pelosi was criticized for the optics of the House Administrative Committee “reviewing” the district’s election results, she cited the fact that only six votes separated the two nominees and said Hart exercised her legal right to start this process and that they were proceeding accordingly.

For those keeping score at home, in a relatively short time span, we went from it being legally justified for Democrats to object to

certifying a presidential election, to it being an affront to democracy for Republicans to do so, to it being legally justified for a Democrat to object to election results in a House race where they lost.

The lawyer representing Hart in this case is Democrat super-lawyer Marc Elias. North Carolinians may remember him as the lawyer who colluded with Democrats behind closed doors last year to change election law without the bother of going through the Republicancontrolled state legislature.

In response to lawsuits filed by Republican House and Senate leaders in N.C., multiple federal judges slammed the shady deal. Elias was also hit recently “with sanctions by a federal court for violating ethics rules in a suit against Texas over straight-ticket voting,” according to a Bloomberg report.

The crux of Elias’ legal argument in Hart’s case is in appealing to House Democrats to ignore Iowa law when determining whether to include 22 additional votes. Not all of the votes were for Hart, but enough reportedly were to give her the victory should she ultimately prevail in the House.

It’s true that the House is not bound by Iowa law. But if we’re to go by the example Democrats set just two months ago, having the legal right to do something doesn’t always make it right to do — right? We know if the parties here were reversed, there would not be a major media outlet here that wasn’t focused on telling us “What It All Means” about those evil Republicans who never respect election results except for all the times when they do.

Just add this to the long list of examples of Democrats not practicing what they preach on accepting election results. If Republicans must do so and forfeit any right to legal challenges, Democrats should be held to the same standards. Period.

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

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 31, 2021

GUEST OPINION | ROBERT LUEBKE

Democrats and teachers’ unions: trying to fool us twice MOST NORTH CAROLINIANS know a con game when they see one. The North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE) and its parent organization, the National Education Association (NEA), have been working ARPA is not to keep public schools about making closed and federal funds flowing to teachers and our schools educators. safe and jumpFrustrated parents starting the are angry that the economy. It’s unwillingness of teachers about rewarding to return to the classroom teachers’ unions is causing their kids to fall further behind. Meanwhile, and other parents can’t help but constituencies notice many charter that helped both schools and nearly all private schools are open.

Joe Biden and The resulting frustration Roy Cooper get helped produce legislation elected. that ultimately pressured Gov. Roy Cooper and legislative Republicans to develop a reopening plan.

Now that North Carolina has a plan for reopening public schools, expect even more calls for additional funding and staffing.

Last summer, the New York Times chronicled these developments in an article aptly headlined, “Big mess looms if schools don’t get billions to reopen safely.” Earlier this year, NCAE President Tamika Walker Kelly did her part when she called on lawmakers to provide more resources to address the coronavirus pandemic and to grant more pay for teachers and additional support staff to meet the social and emotional needs of students.

Democratic lawmakers say the answer to this problem is more money, and lots of it. They got their wish. Congressional Democrats and President Joe Biden approved $1.9 trillion — yes, that’s trillion with a “t” — in additional spending for coronavirus relief, including $130 billion for K-12 education, $3.6 billion of which is targeted for North Carolina public schools.

We need more money? The bank accounts say otherwise.

North Carolina schools have already received close to $2 billion in federal stimulus money

from two previous federal relief bills. Not to mention, North Carolina is already sitting on a lot of cash. According to government documents, North Carolina still has not spent about $254 million of the $3.6 billion it received from Congress for coronavirus relief. On top of that, the Office of State Controller reported North Carolina’s unreserved fund balance sat at $5.4 billion in February.

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has reported that our nation’s schools have spent only a fraction of the $67.5 billion that was allocated in the first two coronavirus relief bills. As a result, CBO is estimating that only $6.4 billion of the $130 billion new education piece of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) will actually be spent in 2021. Furthermore, CBO estimates that the remainder of the education spending will be divided out over the next seven years. That means only about 5% of the $130 billion in coronavirus aid to public schools will be spent this year.

Yes, you read that right. Just 5 percent.

If you wonder what’s going on, you have company. If we really are in a funding emergency, a lot of things don’t make sense. For example, why do leaders divide funding for ARPA over seven years and drag their feet on school reopening plans? Why are there provisions to allow states to pay for services and maintain staffing levels? That’s status-quo behavior, not nimble thinking to promptly address the coronavirus. It’s 2010 all over again, when thenPresident Barack Obama signed a stimulus bill providing similar handouts for teachers’ unions, government unions and nonprofit organizations.

This only makes sense when you realize this: ARPA is not about making our schools safe and jump-starting the economy. It’s about rewarding teachers’ unions and other constituencies that helped both Joe Biden and Roy Cooper get elected. Coronavirus legislation is merely the banner under which this massive bailout has been orchestrated. It’s a classic example of what it means when activists talk about having a seat at the table. And the NEA sits in the big-boy chair.

It’s wrong, and it’s time we realize teachers’ unions — not coronavirus — are the greater threat to public education.

Dr. Robert Luebke is senior fellow in the Center for Effective Education at the John Locke Foundation, North Carolina’s free-market public policy think tank.

COLUMN | LYNN UZZELL

Madison’s five lessons for overcoming polarization (Part 2) Lesson 2: Find creative ways to encourage both sides of every argument.

Throughout his life, Madison retained great faith in the power of the free press to remedy the evils arising from “fake news,” as we call it today. Despite the Dolley Madison persistence of such “abuses,” instituted Madison believed that “the regular world is indebted [to the Wednesday press] for all the triumphs which have been gained by “drawing room reason and humanity, over nights” at the error and oppression.” If one White House, paper published “falsehood and everyone and slanders,” these untruths could be corrected was invited. Her “in a certain degree, by nonpartisan contradictions in rival or parties became hostile papers.” so popular that Nevertheless, Madison they were known was not naïve. He understood that “the oneas “squeezes.” sided publications which happen to predominate at particular periods” created a “delusion” in the minds of people who encountered only perspectives that reinforced their own opinions. He whimsically suggested that the perfect solution might be an arrangement whereby each sheet of newspaper was printed on one side by a press representing one party, then printed on the other side by its rival.

That way, readers could not avoid “both sides of every question,” and “truth would always have a fair chance.”

Instead of promoting free speech on college campuses by inviting the most polarizing or even inflammatory speakers, universities should be encouraging more bipartisan debates.

Given the insularity and nasty tone of today’s media “bubbles,” Madison’s suggestion might require further refinement. Currently, both sides in the political debate are writing in such polarizing fashion that a media diet that included listening to the other side’s overheated polemics would not likely moderate or broaden anyone’s opinions.

Studies have shown that the experiment may have the opposite effect.

Far more constructive would be publications or events designed to engage opposing sides in a format that encouraged civil disagreement.

Instead of promoting free speech on college campuses by inviting the most polarizing or even inflammatory speakers, universities should be encouraging more bipartisan debates. Robert George and Cornel West are two academics with sharply contrasting political opinions, yet they have teamed up to encourage students to challenge their pre-existing beliefs in a spirit of “civic

friendship.” This example, all too rare today, is surely worthy of emulation.

Lesson 3: Socialize with your (political) enemies.

In the early republic, members from different parties lived in separate boarding houses and rarely met for any purpose other than waging political battles. When he was president, Thomas Jefferson would host a dinner with Federalists on one evening and invite only Republicans the next.

Madison’s administration established a social change in the nation’s capital — one owing perhaps more to the president’s vivacious and charming first lady. Dolley Madison instituted regular Wednesday “drawing room nights” at the White House, and everyone was invited. Her nonpartisan parties became so popular that they were known as “squeezes.” One guest, Pennsylvanian Rep. Jonathan Roberts, observed: “By her deportment in her own house you cannot discover who is her husband’s friends or foes.”

Of course, partisan rancor did not magically disappear over whipped syllabub and ice cream, but it was softened. One may disagree, vehemently, with a dining companion, but it becomes harder to demonize him.

Even in the spring of 1812 — when a looming presidential election and the possibility of war were fraying everyone’s nerves — Dolley’s charm offensive made hyper-partisanship socially awkward. The Federalists tried to boycott her soirées but changed their minds when the Republicans surged into her drawing room in greater numbers. The festive crowds representing only the president’s party, she reported, “alarm’d” the opposition party “into a return. They came in a large party last night also & are continuelly calling.”

Today, anecdotal evidence suggests that politicians in Washington have reverted to the worst tendencies of the early republic: they rarely socialize with members from the other party. Some evidence suggests that female politicians are more likely to socialize across party lines or reach across the aisle politically, but other studies dispute that characterization. In any case, the country would benefit from more examples of Dolley Madison’s nonpartisan social graces — whether it comes from the gentlemen or the ladies.

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

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

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GUEST OPINION | MICHAEL WHATLEY

During COVID-19, Gov. Cooper made a bad situation worse A FEW WEEKS AGO, Gov. Cooper held his first in-person press conference since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to announce schools will be resuming in-person instruction. Democrats have lauded Cooper’s decision as “leadership.”

In reality, what happened under Cooper’s direction was a prolonged, preventable series of bad decisions that only increased hardship for North Carolinians with each mandate he single-handedly enacted.

What began as a public health crisis turned into a public health, economic and education crisis.

In March of last year, Cooper announced all public schools in North Carolina would shift to a purely remote schedule for a twoweek minimum. Little did we know, Cooper’s order to keep schools closed would drag on for a year. During that time, 10,000 kids became unaccounted for in North Carolina. Human trafficking increased by 40%. Mental health issues soared among children, youth suicide rates surpassed COVID-19 deaths by ten-fold, and students experienced devastating learning loss. Many families, especially single-parent households, were not able to work without the stability and support offered by the public school system.

Here is the tragedy: This never had to happen.

Unlike Gov. Cooper, Republican governors in other states put their students and citizens first from the very beginning. When Gov. Ron DeSantis opened schools last August, because “the data and evidence were overwhelmingly clear,” that was real leadership. When Gov. Abbott reopened Texas businesses to 100% operation, that was real leadership. When Gov. Kristi Noem refused to close a single church during the pandemic, that was real leadership.

Meanwhile, in North Carolina, Cooper’s governorship was defined by inaction and heavy-handed mandates that crippled our state. When one of Cooper’s most loyal donors, the North Carolina Association of Educators, demanded to keep schools closed, he obeyed. As Cooper’s Democrat School Board pushed off reopening schools, they busied themselves with passing a radical leftist social studies curriculum, despite 28,000 North Carolinians speaking out against it. After Republicans in the state legislature fought tooth and nail to reopen schools, and succeeded in sending a bipartisan bill to Cooper’s desk, he waited until the last possible day to veto it.

Simply put, Gov. Cooper failed the students and families of North Carolina. Even when the top universities in our state released research that clearly backed reopening schools, Cooper sided with the teachers’ unions and kept schools closed.

Rest assured, Republicans are fighting harder than ever to restore freedom and fairness in North Carolina. Right now, the GOP in the state legislature is advancing legislation to reign in Cooper’s executive powers in the Emergency Powers Act. Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson just established a task force for North Carolinians to report incidents of political indoctrination in the classroom. The RNC and NCGOP are mobilizing to protect election integrity in North Carolina, because we cannot afford to let such blatant Democrat overreach ever happen again. As a party, we have never been so clear-sighted on the need to elect Republican leaders.

If North Carolina takes away one thing from the COVID-19 pandemic, it should be this: Gov. Cooper did not create a health crisis, but he did create an economic and education crisis that only made matters worse. He chose allegiance to the Democrat Party over North Carolinians’ freedom to earn a living and receive an education. This has no place in the freest country in the world, and certainly no place in the Tar Heel State. Moving forward, we expect Cooper to put politics aside and work with Republican legislators, because if there is one cause for both parties to rally behind, it is the students of North Carolina.

Michael Whatley is chairman of the North Carolina GOP.

GUEST OPINION | GREGG THOMPSON

Rural NC businesses need better broadband to stay competitive RUNNING A SMALL BUSINESS isn’t easy in the best of times, and these aren’t the best of times. Social distancing and concerns over spreading COVID-19 forced many small businesses to try to connect with customers online rather than in person, but here’s the catch: Some businesses can’t easily do that.

I grew up in North Carolina’s beautiful mountains, an area that brings irreplaceable diversity of culture and vibrancy to our state. But here in the early decades of the 21st century, when the phones in our pockets are smarter than the computers that helped the astronauts land on the moon, there are still rural pockets of the state that don’t have fast internet. According to the Federal Communications Commission, the number of North Carolinians without broadband access is close to half a million.

That’s unacceptable.

Broadband, another way of saying a fast, reliable and alwayson connection, isn’t a luxury. It’s not something you get so you can stream movies while the kids play video games. Broadband is a necessity, especially if you’re a small business owner. Being able to connect with customers online matters as much as having a phone so they can call you.

Small and independent local businesses form the backbone of North Carolina’s economy and deserve access to all the tools they need to not only survive but thrive, regardless of where they are. One of the most powerful tools they can have is broadband.

What’s more, broadband can also help attract new industries and jobs to rural communities, just as rivers and rail and roads did in the past. Companies aren’t going to locate in communities if they can’t easily connect with their customers.

That’s why my association, the National Federation of Independent Business, is asking the General Assembly to remove the barriers to expanding broadband, especially the expenses associated with infrastructure to reach all areas of the state. This will definitely help ensure that all North Carolinians have access to fast internet speeds and the economic opportunities that it brings.

Broadband connectivity allows our small businesses to grow by giving them access to customers far beyond the reach of their brick-and-mortar locations. To ensure the continued economic vibrancy of our small business community, we need broadband to reach every corner of North Carolina.

Gregg Thompson is the North Carolina director of the National Federation of Independent Business, the nation’s leading small business advocacy organization.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31, 2021

SPORTS

NC to host men’s, women’s NCAA soccer tourneys, B4

WADE PAYNE | AP PHOTO

Joey Logano won Monday at Bristol Motor Speedway in the first NASCAR Cup Series race on dirt since Richard Petty won at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds in Raleigh in 1970.

the Wednesday SIDELINE REPORT NASCAR

Elliott to honor Kulwicki with ’92 championship paint scheme Charlotte Chase Elliott will honor 1992 NASCAR Cup Series champion Alan Kulwicki in May at Darlington by stylizing his No. 9 Chevrolet identical to the Hooters paint scheme Kulwicki drove in the only title race of his career.

Kulwicki was killed in a plane crash five races into the 1993 season on his way to Bristol Motor Speedway.

He’d been at an appearance at a Hooters in Knoxville and flying on a Hooters corporate jet. Hooters in 2017 signed on as a sponsor for Chase Elliott and features the champion in its national marketing campaigns. Although the sponsorship is for only three races a year, the branding with Chase Elliott resonates with NASCAR and now Darlington offers the opportunity for Hooters to honor both its current champion and its first champion.

NHL

Hurricanes’ Necas named 2nd Star of the Week Raleigh Hurricanes forward Martin Necas was named the NHL’s Second Star for the week ending March 28. The 22-yearold Czech native had four goals and three assists in three Hurricanes’ wins, including a four-point game in Carolina’s come-from-behind 4-3 victory Saturday over Tampa Bay. Adam Fox, the Rangers defenseman who was traded to New York by the Hurricanes in April 2019, was named First Star, and Nashville goalie Juuse Saros was Third Star. Necas, who was also the league’s Third Star for the week ending March 7, ranked second on the Hurricanes with 28 points (nine goals, 19 assists) in 30 games entering Carolina’s game Tuesday in Chicago.

Logano wins historic race in Bristol dirt NASCAR’s top series returned to its roots for the first time in more than 50 years

By Jenna Fryer The Associated Press BRISTOL, Tenn. — Somewhere under the thick red haze floating over Bristol Motor Speedway, Joey Logano took the checkered flag for NASCAR’s first Cup Series race at a dirt track in more than a half-century.

He couldn’t see much — visibility was next to nothing during this Monday dust storm — but Logano clung to the familiar bottom lane around the bullring to collect the checkered flag on this NASCAR experiment.

Logano got a jump on Denny Hamlin on the overtime restart to earn his third career victory at

Bristol. But this was not the Bristol of old — the track had been covered with 2,300 truckloads of red Tennessee clay so that NASCAR could add a dirt track to the Cup schedule for the first time since 1970.

“How about Bristol on dirt, guys! This is incredible,” Logano said to the crowd, a reduced capacity sellout of about 30,000 fans.

“There’s nothing like winning at Bristol but putting it on dirt and being the first to do it is very special.”

Logano became the seventh race winner through seven races this season and gave Team Penske back-to-back victories. Ryan Blaney won in a Penske Ford last week.

The Logano victory closed a weekend of uncertainty and even some hysteria as NASCAR launched this drive through the

“How about Bristol on dirt, guys! This is incredible.”

Joey Logano to the crowd following his win dirt. It was broadcast partner Fox who wanted a dirt race on the Cup schedule and Speedway Motorsports, seeking some new energy at its beloved Bristol bullring, said it would take the race — the first on dirt since Richard Petty won the Grand National race at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds in Raleigh on Sept.

30, 1970.

So NASCAR awarded the experiment to Bristol, bypassing dozens of quality established dirt tracks across the country. The snub extended to Tony Stewart,

who had successfully hosted seven Truck Series races at his Eldora Speedway dirt track in Ohio but said his track was never considered for a Cup race.

Marcus Smith, the CEO of Charlotte-based Speedway Motorsports, insisted concrete Bristol was up to the challenge and he told The Associated Press he’d spent nearly $2 million to make the dirt dream a reality.

Smith was pleased with the buzz generated by the event, even as NASCAR huddled for solutions to extreme dust, poor tire durability and shifting weather conditions that made the buildup a muddy mess. When race day finally arrived, torrential overnight rains had flooded the Bristol grounds and NASCAR had to postpone Sunday’s show by a day.

Through all the consternation, See NASCAR, page B4

Despite loss, Moore looks to make Wolfpack elite NC State lost in the Sweet 16 for the third straight time, but its coach still believes he can get his team over the hump

By Brett Friedlander North State Journal ONE OF WES MOORE’S vices, as his players will attest, is his affinity for drinking tea.

“Unsweet,” he said last week as he held up a large cup in response to a question on a Zoom conference.

Unfortunately for the NC State women’s basketball coach and his team, his history in the NCAA Tournament’s round of 16 is similar to the way he takes his preferred beverage.

When his Wolfpack were beaten by Indiana in the semifinals of the Mercado Region on Sunday, it marked the third straight postseason in which they were eliminated in the not-so-Sweet 16.

This one was especially painful since State was the region’s No. 1

“In practice he says, ‘If it’s not perfect, it’s not right,’ which is a crazy standard.

But it’s his standard. He doesn’t let us settle at all.”

ETHAN HYMAN | THE NEWS & OBSERVER VIA AP

NC State center Elissa Cunane on coach Wes Moore

Coach Wes Moore has rebuilt the Wolfpack into national contenders, but NC State is still looking to break through into women’s basketball’s upper echelon.

seed and a favorite to get to the Final Four for only the second time in school history.

The disappointment was etched on Moore’s face as he met with the media following the 73-70 loss in San Antonio. But even as the reality of the situation began to set in, he was already looking ahead to his next chance at breaking the pattern.

“We’re going to get over the hump. We’ve got to get over the hump,” Moore said. “We’ve got to keep putting ourselves in this position, then hopefully close the deal and take advantage of it.”

Moore has made steady prog-

ress during his eight seasons with the Wolfpack, improving from 18-15 and a ninth-place finish in the ACC in 2015 to back-to-back conference tournament championships and the current streak of three straight Sweet 16s.

This year’s team, which finished 22-3, added to the list of accomplishments by beating two topranked teams on the road during the regular season before earning a No. 1 NCAA Tournament seed.

The elite of women’s college basketball is an exclusive club, however, and the Wolfpack has learned entry isn’t easily attained.

That’s what motivates Moore to

keep trying to crash the party. It’s a goal he began chasing even before he took the State job.

It’s the reason he took the job in the first place after 358 wins, 12 Southern Conference regular season titles and nine NCAA Tournament berths in 15 seasons at Chattanooga.

“At NC State, we have all the resources we need to recruit some of the best players in the country and compete at the highest level,” Moore said. “I loved my 15 years at UT-Chattanooga, but I think you always knew that there was goSee MOORE, page B3

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 31, 2021

B2 WEDNESDAY

3.31.21

NCHSAA CHAMPIONSHIPS

Beyond the box score POTENT QUOTABLES

BOYS’ SOCCER 1A: Pine Lake Prep 3,

Franklin Academy 1 2A: Croatan 4, Hibriten 1 3A: Weddington 2,

New Hanover 1 4A: Cardinal Gibbons 3,

Myers Park 1 GIRLS’ LACROSSE East Chapel Hill 14, Weddington 8 BOYS’ LACROSSE 1A-3A: Marvin Ridge 14,

East Chapel Hill 6 4A: Cardinal Gibbons 14,

Hough 5 TRENDING

Aaron Ekblad: The Florida defenseman had surgery Monday and is likely done for the season. The Panthers said Ekblad will need 12 weeks to recover. The team didn’t reveal the extent of the damage and only said he had surgery to “repair a fracture in his lower extremities.” The 12‑week time frame means he wouldn’t be able to play again until late June at the earliest — about the time of the Stanley Cup Final.

Florida was in third place in the Central Division, just behind the Lightning and Hurricanes, entering Tuesday’s games.

Shaka Smart: The former VCU basketball coach left Texas to take over at Marquette in his home state of Wisconsin. The Golden Eagles pursued Smart in 2014 — three years after he led VCU to the Final Four — but he stayed with the Rams. Marquette instead hired longtime Duke assistant Steve Wojciechowski, who was fired March 19 after seven seasons. Smart is a combined 272-142 in 12 seasons at VCU and Texas. The Longhorns earned a No. 3 seed in this year’s NCAA Tournament but were upset in the first round

by Abilene Christian.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

The UConn women reached their 13th straight Final Four behind freshman Paige Bueckers, whose 28 points led the Huskies over Baylor 69-67 on Monday. UConn (28-1) has made the national semifinals every season since 2008 and won six titles during that span. The Huskies will face Arizona on Friday for a spot in the title game. The Wildcats are in their first Final Four after beating Indiana on Monday.

AJ MAST | AP PHOTO

“We’re not much of a storyline.

We’re Houston.”

Robeson County native Kelvin Sampson after Houston eliminated Syracuse from the NCAA Tournament on Saturday.

The Cougars reached the Final Four with a win over Oregon State on Monday.

ERIC GAY | AP PHOTO

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

NBA

FERNANDO LLANO | AP PHOTO

“I think they were very arrogant.”

Former Mexico assistant coach Mario Carrillo after the U.S. men’s soccer team failed to qualify for the Summer Olympics.

PRIME NUMBER

85% The threshold of players and primary field staff Major League Baseball wants vaccinated before it relaxes coronavirus protocols. While few players are currently vaccinated, according to MLB, restrictions such as mandatory masks in dugouts bullpens and gathering at indoor spaces would be allowed under most circumstances if the percentage is reached.

J. PAT CARTER | AP PHOTO

Howard Schnellenberger, the legendary coach who revived the Miami Hurricanes and Louisville Cardinals and later started the program at Florida Atlantic during a half-century in college football, died Saturday. He was 87. Schnellenberger reached the sport’s pinnacle in 1983, leading Miami to its first of five national titles.

TONY GUTIERREZ | AP PHOTO

The Hornets acquired guard Brad Wanamaker from the Warriors on Thursday, exchanging future secondround picks and cash in the deal. The 6-foot-3 Wanamaker has played in 39 games this season and averaged 4.7 points and 2.5 assists. The 31-year-old went scoreless in four minutes of his Charlotte debut Saturday.

NHL

DERIK HAMILTON | AP PHOTO

Former Hurricanes captain Eric Staal’s brief and dreadful stint in Buffalo is over after the Sabres traded the 36-year-old to Montreal on Friday in exchange for third- and fifth-round picks. Staal joins the Canadiens with just three goals and 10 points in 32 games but leaves behind a Buffalo team that had a 16‑game winless streak at the time of the trade.

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 31, 2021

B3

Transfer portal scrambles basketball rosters across state Every Division I team in North Carolina has been impacted by player movement

By Shawn Krest North State Journal

JEFFREY A. CAMARATI | COURTESY OF UNC ATHLETICS

UNC running back Michael Carter performs a drill during the Tar Heels’ pro day Monday at the school’s indoor practice facility in Chapel Hill.

Spring football, pro days take center stage in ACC The early end to basketball has shifted attention to pigskin

have kept him off the field for most of the last two-plus years, Gilbert showed that his speed hasn’t been affected too badly, running a 4.36 time in the 40. Fellow DB Michael Carter II also helped himself, running a 4.30 time in the 40.

By Shawn Krest Ends Victor Dimukeje and North State Journal Chris Rumph II are also expectFOOTBALL SPRING prac- ed to generate NFL interest, altice often has to live in the shad- though Rumph wasn’t able to parow of March Madness in the state ticipate in several drills due to a of North Carolina. This year, how- nagging injury. Duke also showever, with the hardwood season cased tight end Noah Gray, offencoming to a premature end for sive lineman Devery Hamilton every basketball program in the and running back Deon Jackson.

Meanwhile, Holmberg was the state, fans and media are turning away from arenas and toward clear frontrunner at quarterback the whistles and horns emanating as spring practice came to an end in Durham. He said the team will from football practice fields. add wrinkles to the ofWhile spring ball usufense allowing him to ally focuses on the seathrow on the run and son to come, this spring do more run-pass opfeatures a chance for tion plays, in the model many area schools to of Kansas City’s Patrick look backward as well.

Mahomes.

With the NFL ComNC State was next, bine canceled due to Duke holding its pro day on COVID-19, the pro days cornerback Tuesday. The aspirtraditionally held at Mark Gilbert’s ing NFL stars from the each school now repre40 time at the Wolfpack roster are gosent the only chance for ing with a “less is more” draft hopefuls to make Blue Devils’ approach to draft prep. an impression on NFL pro day Offensive lineman Joe scouts.

Sculthorpe will tip the The league converged scales close to 10 pounds on North Carolina starting this week. UNC and Duke lighter than his playing weight, held their on-campus pro days on while defensive tackle Alim McNeill is down 15.

Monday.

After dieting and working out The Tar Heels had plenty of offensive talent displaying their following the season, McNeill wares for the assembled NFL joked that pro day represents brass. Running backs Michael “time to feast, time to eat.”

The pair of linemen are joined Carter and Javonte Williams and wide receivers Dyami Brown and by tight end Cary Angeline.

Over on the practice field, the Dazz Newsome all expect to hear their names called, and Brown 2021 team has far more stabiliappears to have done the best job ty at quarterback than during the of boosting his NFL stock. Line- 2020 season. Bailey Hockman’s backer Chazz Surratt represent- transfer made it clear that the ed the defense, and a pair of for- Wolfpack will be Devin Leary’s mer Heels, running back Jordan team going forward. Leary has Brown and tight end Brandon declared himself 100% back from the broken leg that cut his season Fritts, also were showcased.

NFL scouts and coaches also short last year, and his fellow ofgot a glimpse of the future, as cur- fensive players say he’s become rent Carolina quarterback Sam more of a leader and more asserHowell was called upon to throw tive in his communication in the passes during offensive drills, huddle and during timeouts.

Wake Forest takes center stage helping his skill position players on Wednesday. Edge rusher “Booto look good.

Howell is the main reason that gie” Basham will be the highlight a feeling of optimism surrounds for NFL scouts, but Wake will also the 2021 Tar Heel team as it showcase wide receiver Sage Surworks its way through spring ball. ratt and former quarterback JaThe Heels are looking to replace mie Newman, who transferred to the skill position talent they lost Georgia but never played for the and will have several young play- Dawgs after opting out of last seaers ready to expand their roles on son.

Looking forward, the Deadefense.

Over at Duke, while Gunnar cons’ offense returns quarterback Holmberg was putting forward Sam Hartman, the entire offenhis case to win Duke’s starting sive line and several key receivers. job — the fourth different start- Defense was the first thing coach ing quarterback in as many years Dave Clawson mentioned, howfor the Blue Devils — seven for- ever, when discussing what had mer Blue Devils showcased for the impressed him most early in the spring. The Deacs have holes to league.

Cornerback Mark Gilbert took fill in the secondary and at linethe biggest step forward. After backer, but Clawson likes what he battling lower-body injuries that sees from both units.

4.36

SPRING: That time of year in North Carolina where, if you don’t like the way your favorite team’s roster looks, just wait a minute, and it’ll change.

No team has embodied that idea more than UNC. It wasn’t that long ago that the Tar Heels were known as the model of stability. Coach Roy Williams did things old-school, and that included keeping players around and developing them.

Williams’ transfer-free streak ended two years ago when point guard Seventh Woods left for South Carolina. Big man Brandon Huffman and guard Jeremiah Francis joined the exodus after last season.

This season promised to dwarf Williams’ previous transfer totals.

With the NCAA loosening transfer rules and players having an extra year of eligibility to play with due to the coronavirus pandemic, the offseason promised to be a “wild west,” according to rival coach Mike Krzyzewski.

Sure enough, more than 1,000 players have already entered the transfer portal, topping the total for last offseason before the season even officially ends for everyone. And North Carolina has been at the center of the transfer drama.

Almost as soon as the Tar Heels’ season-ending loss to Wisconsin was over, reports began surfacing of players unhappy with playing time and looking for better opportunities to develop.

Freshman 7-footer Walker Kessler was the first to leave, hitting the portal just over two days after the season-ending loss. Redshirt junior big man Sterling Manley followed, announcing his intention to graduate and move on. The latter’s decision wasn’t a shock, as Manley went out to center court with his graduating classmates on Senior Night to salute the Smith Center crowd.

Freshman big man Day’Ron Sharpe also announced he was headed to the NBA, and — based on statements from Sharpe and the school — its sounds like a permanent move rather than testing the waters.

Thus far, however, the stampede for the door appears to have quelled. Freshman guard Caleb Love, thought to be one of the likeliest candidates to leave after his father posted messages of frustration on Twitter early in the week, announced he’d be back to com-

MOORE from page B1 ing to be a little bit of a ceiling once you reached a certain point.

Here there’s no ceiling, but it’s tough.”

A 63-year-old Texan with a self-deprecating sense of humor and a Southern drawl syrupy enough to sweeten a gallon of his favorite drink, Moore jokes that he chose State only because “they offered me the job.”

But having spent two seasons earlier in his career as an assistant to Hall of Famer Kay Yow, he knew of both the challenges and potential of a Wolfpack program that had regressed into mediocrity under Yow’s successor, Kellie Harper.

As much as that connection to Yow may have helped steer Moore to State, it had surprisingly little to do with his getting the job — even though Kay’s sister Debbie was the one doing the hiring.

“I had never met him,” the Wolfpack’s athletic director emeritus said.

That unfamiliarity wasn’t the only thing Moore had going against him.

“I had gone into the search thinking I needed to hire a female because I’d hired a male for swimming and women’s tennis and I was used to hiring women,” Yow said. “It just worked out that at NC State, these amazingly talented men kept popping up and showing interest in our jobs.”

To say that Moore hit his interview out of the park would be a little like saying that State’s 6-foot-5 All-American center Elissa Cunane is tall.

The clincher came when he turned the tables on Yow by putting her on the spot.

“We took him to dinner, and

GARY LANDERS | AP PHOTO

Guard Kellan Grady is staying a Wildcat but moving on from Davidson, opting to transfer to Kentucky. plete “unfinished business.”

The biggest question marks remaining on next season’s rough draft of a roster are Garrison Brooks, who has the option of returning as a super senior, and Armando Bacot, who could also choose to test the NBA Draft waters.

UNC is, of course, also shopping the transfer portal as well as reaching out to uncommitted 2021 high school seniors to try to fill out its roster, although nothing appeared imminent as the sport still seems more focused on exit doors than new entrances in the portal.

Duke also hasn’t seen quite as much wild west activity as Krzyzewski might have expected, although the Blue Devils have seen some churn. Super senior Jordan Goldwire announced he would be using his extra year of eligibility elsewhere, and freshman Jaemyn Brakefield entered the portal.

The biggest unsettled decisions that will determine Duke’s 2021 roster are freshman guard DJ Steward, freshman big man Mark Williams and leading scorer Matthew Hurt, who could all choose to test the NBA waters.

Surprisingly, NC State — which has leaned heavily on transfers under coach Kevin Keatts — has been the model of stability in the transfer portal era.

Since the portal was implemented in early 2018, the Pack had been one of two power conference teams not to lose a player. Iowa was the other.

That streak ended, however, when guard Braxton Beverly left for Eastern Kentucky for his super senior season.

One year into the transition to coach Steve Forbes, Wake Forest has seen the most outgoing activity in the portal of the in-state ACC

teams. Six Deacons have entered the portal, with Quadry Adams already finding a new home at St. Bonaventure. Blake Buchanan, Jalen Johnson, Ismael Massoud, Jahcobi Neath and Emmanuel Okpomo have also joined him in the portal. Former Indiana State forward Jake LaRavia has joined the Deacs.

The transfer portal is far from just an issue for the ACC teams, however. Western Carolina saw double-digit scorer Matt Halvorsen leave for Florida Gulf Coast for his fifth year. Three other Catamounts, including leading scorer Mason Faulker, are also in the portal. WCU also added a transfer.

East Carolina has four players in the portal, including leading scorer Jayden Gardner. The Pirates picked up Boston College sophomore Wynston Tabbs.

Davidson has lost a pair of players, with super senior Carter Collins leaving for Murray State and super senior Kellan Grady headed to Kentucky. David Czerapowicz is also in the portal.

Charlotte’s Caleb Byrd, one of two 49ers freshmen in the portal, left for Jacksonville State.

UNC Asheville saw reserves BJ McLaurin and AJ McBride leave, with Lavar Batts, who started at NC State, also in the portal.

UNCA also added a player from the portal.

NC Central has seen an eye-popping nine players hit the portal, including eight of its top nine scorers and nine of the top 11. Central has added College of Charleston’s Dontavious King and Providence’s Kris Monroe.

A&T has five players in the portal, Campbell one, App State three, High Point two, Elon two, UNCW five and UNCG one.

UNCW has added two transfers and High Point one.

at the end of dinner, Wes turned to me and said, ‘So are you going to hire me or not?’” Yow recalled.

“I’d never had anybody ask me that in an interview. He said he figured we’d talked enough for me to know whether or not I was going to hire him.

“I told him, ‘You just got here today and there are other people you have to meet, let’s just let this play out.’ Obviously, we knew it was going well and we really liked him.”

Although Yow and others in State’s athletic administration knew they’d made the right choice, they were also aware that it was going to take time for Moore — or anyone who had gotten the job — to bring the onceproud program back to prominence.

The turning point came in 2016 when a massive $35 million renovation was completed, transforming historic Reynolds Coliseum from an antiquated barn into a state-of-the-art showplace that finally helped Moore recruit top talent to the Wolfpack.

“You bring a 17-year-old into Reynolds before it was renovated and you talk about (the men’s national championships) in ’72 and ’83, we might as well have been talking about pre-World War II to them,” Yow said. “He was doing the best he could with what he had before the renovation, and he struggled.

“But he stuck around, hired the right people as assistant coaches, we got the renovation done and it started happening.”

The updated arena is only part of the reason for Moore’s success in recruiting players the stature of WNBA draft pick Kiara Leslie, 2020 ACC Tournament MVP Aislinn Konig and current

team members Kayla Jones, Kai Crutchfield, Jakia Brown-Turner, Jada Boyd and Cunane.

“He’s just a great leader for us on and off the court,” Cunane said. “He really just molds us into the players and people that he wants us to be. I think he knows the sky’s the limit.

“In practice he says, ‘If it’s not perfect, it’s not right,’ which is a crazy standard. But it’s his standard. He doesn’t let us settle at all. We haven’t ever been complacent about where we’re at because Coach Moore is always pushing us to do every little thing right.

I’m super thankful for that.”

While Moore is quick to deflect the credit for all he’s accomplished to his players, he has also begun to gain some personal recognition of his own.

Last week, he was named the winner of this year’s Pat Summitt Trophy as the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association’s national Coach of the Year.

“There’s such a great legacy here with Kay and all that she did with the great players that came through here, and Wes has rebuilt it the right way,” current State AD Boo Corrigan said. “It’s not easy to win, but he’s been methodical in his approach and he’s got a special group of young ladies.

“You look at him and you think, ‘How’s he doing this?’ He’s a guy from Texas who’s in North Carolina and has that ‘aw shucks’ (vibe) about him. He didn’t really get his chance until late in his career, and he’s absolutely maximized it.”

Not quite.

Going by Moore’s standard of “if it’s not perfect, it’s not right,” there are still a few humps left for the Wolfpack to get over.

B4

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 31, 2021

Familiar North Carolina names ready to shine in baseball’s comeback season MLB returns with a full season planned

By Shawn Krest North State Journal WHEN THE 2021 MLB season begins, a familiar face will be taking the mound to get things started.

Madison Bumgarner has been named the opening day starter for the Arizona Diamondbacks and will get his team’s season started for the sixth time in his career. It will be his first for the D-Backs and first since 2019.

The product of Hickory and South Caldwell High School is just one of several North Carolina products looking to return to past heights in this comeback season for Major League Baseball.

After a bizarre 60-game regular season due to last year’s pandemic, MLB is ready to try the full 162-game slate this year, gradually allowing more and more fans to attend games again.

Bumgarner earned the start after Zac Gallen, a UNC Tar Heels product and one of the top young pitchers in the NL last year, hurt himself taking batting practice. Gallen will start the year working his way back from a hairline fracture.

The last time we saw Ryan Zimmerman, who was born and raised for his early years in Washington, North Carolina, the veteran was spraying champagne with his Washington Nationals teammates after winning the 2019 World Series.

Zimmerman opted out of the 2020 season due to COVID con-

ASHLEY LANDIS | AP PHOTO

Hickory’s Madison Bumgarner will be the opening day starter for the Arizona Diamondbacks. cerns, and there was speculation it may lead to his retirement. Zim has shown there’s still plenty left in the tank, however, hitting six home runs in 23 spring at-bats.

He’ll be joining teammate Trea Turner, a product of NC State Wolfpack baseball and someone who certainly doesn’t need to make a comeback. Turner is on his way to developing into a star for the Nats, and Las Vegas oddsmakers have him as the co-favorite to lead MLB in hits this year. He’s also the sec-

ond most-likely bet to lead the NL in steals.

Turner’s former Wolfpack teammate Carlos Rodón is showing signs of a bounce-back year after being surprised by the White Sox decision not to tender him a contract offer in the offseason, making him a free agent. Rodón returned to the Sox after what he calls a “wake-up call” and has had a strong spring. Rodón struck out 16 in 13 2/3 spring innings, walking just one to earn a spot in the Chicago rotation.

Two other players who opted out of 2020 will look to follow Zimmerman’s lead and get back into their form from 2019 and earlier. Chris Archer, a product of Clayton High and the Durham Bulls, returned to the Tampa Bay Rays and has shown off a new changeup in the spring.

He’ll follow a one-inning “opener” to pitch in what passes for the Rays rotation to start the season.

Marcus Stroman, formerly of Duke, also returns after missing all of last season. He’ll be a mainstay in

WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary will host both the men’s and women’s NCAA soccer championship games, and sites across the state will hold the tournament games over nearly three weeks.

NASCAR from page B1

BEN MCKEOWN | AP PHOTO

NC to host entire men’s, women’s NCAA soccer tournaments Colleges and venues across the state will host three weeks of games, culminating in the championship games at Cary’s WakeMed Soccer Park

By Brett Friedlander North State Journal Raleigh missed out on hosting the first two rounds of March Madness when the NCAA decided to move both its men’s and women’s tournaments into centralized bubbles in Indianapolis and San Antonio.

On Thursday, the NCAA offered an olive branch by announcing that its upcoming men’s and women’s soccer tournaments will be held entirely in North Carolina.

The dual events will begin on April 27 with 84 teams playing games at nine sites around the state and culminate with dual College Cups the weekend of May 13-17. It will be the first time the men’s and women’s national championships will be decided on the same day and the same field.

While the soccer tournaments won’t make up for the national exposure lost when men’s basketball

a strong Mets rotation.

The Mets will be trying to beat out the Atlanta Braves in the NL East. Orange High’s Bryse Wilson, older brother of NC State linebacker Payton, appeared to win the job as Atlanta’s fifth starter. But since the Braves can go the first couple weeks with just four starting pitchers, Wilson will need to work his way back from a minor league camp assignment to start the year. Still, he’s expected to be a factor on the mound for the Braves this season.

Of course, when it comes to comebacks, the 2020 National League Comeback Player of the Year deserves a mention. UNC’s Daniel Bard returned to the mound as a Rockies reliever following seven years since his last MLB appearance. He’s expected to start this year as Colorado’s closer.

Fellow former Tar Heel Matt Harvey, who has bounced around since starting his career as a budding star with the Mets, has won a spot in the Orioles’ rotation.

Other North Carolina products to watch this season: Greg Holland (Marion and Western Carolina) opens the year as the Royals’ closer.

After winning his first World Series ring with the Dodgers, Corey Seager (Kannapolis) has hit eight spring home runs, most by a Dodger since 2004.

Wil Myers (Thomasville and Durham Bulls) led the Padres in home runs this spring.

Emilio Pagan (Belmont Abbey, Gardner-Webb and Durham Bulls) will play a major role in the Padres’ bullpen and may end up being the full-time closer.

Colin Moran (UNC) is moving from third base to first for the Pirates this year.

Ryan Thompson (Campbell) will play a role in the Rays’ bullpen as the team’s ground-ball specialist.

Trent Thornton (Charlotte, UNC) will be a long reliever for the Blue Jays.

was moved out of PNC Arena and the top-seeded NC State women missed the opportunity to host at Reynolds Coliseum, having them in North Carolina is still “a really big deal,” according to one of those responsible for making it happen.

“In terms of national visibility and attention, nothing can replace March Madness,” said Scott Dupree, executive director of the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance.

“But when you’re talking about 84 soccer teams coming to the state and a lot of them spending a whole lot of nights here, economic impact-wise, it’s going to be a huge event very similar to the men’s basketball tournament.”

While the announcement was made last week, the process that brought the two soccer tournaments to the state began as early as November, shortly after the season was moved from its traditional fall schedule to the spring.

North Carolina was chosen because of the NCAA’s long-standing relationship with the Town of Cary and the fact that the championship rounds for both the men and women were already scheduled for WakeMed Soccer Park.

Handling all the logistics necessary to transform the idea into reality was a team effort between Cary venue manager William Da-

vis and his staff, the GRSA, NCFC Youth, NCAA men’s and women’s coordinators Ryan Tressell and Kelly Whitaker, and UNC associate athletic director for event management John Brunner.

In addition to the WakeMed complex, games will also be held at Campbell, East Carolina, UNC Wilmington, UNC Greensboro and Wake Forest, along with Bryan Park in Greensboro, Sportsplex in Matthews and Wilson’s Gillette Athletic Complex.

“The great thing about North Carolina is that you’ve got a ton of great soccer schools down there and a ton of great facilities right in your backyard,” said the NCAA’s Tressell, who knows all about the subject having spent nine years working in the athletic department at High Point University.

“I started by drawing up all the schools within a couple hour radius (of Cary) and began calling to ask about availability. That’s sort of what led us to where we are.”

One venue conspicuously absent from the list, especially since UNC is officially the host institution of both the men’s and women’s tournament, is Fetzer Field in Chapel Hill.

The Tar Heels’ home stadium was unavailable because of a prior commitment to hold the ACC women’s lacrosse tournament there.

“Even though they can’t host any matches, you’d never know it because they’re there, they’re helping, they’re offering resources,” Tressell said, singling out Brunner in particular as an important member of the planning team. “They’ve been a really good partner with us.”

While those organizing the soc-

cer tournaments have learned a lot from watching the ongoing basketball events play out, Dupree said there will inevitably be some unexpected logistical quirks with which to deal.

Not the least of which is the weather.

“The thing that makes soccer harder to do than basketball is that it’s played outdoors,” Dupree said. “In basketball, you’ve got a wooden floor that you put down and you can play on it around the clock, as much as you want.

In soccer, you’ve got to deal with outdoor fields and you’ve got to let them rest. So you’ve got to have a lot of fields, which is why we’re using so many venues.”

As was the case with basketball, the decision to move the soccer tournaments to one centralized location was made as a way to minimize travel and condense the time needed to conduct the championships.

It also brings the entire event under one set of COVID rules and protocols.

Although Gov. Roy Cooper has recently relaxed the state’s restrictions on attendance for public events such as the NCAA soccer tournaments, Tressell said that the NCAA plans to limit capacity to 25% at each site.

The easing of Phase 3 restrictions “is good news because it says that things are opening up and getting better,” Tressell said.

“We’ll still max out at that 25% because that’s still where we’re at with our protocols.

“Our No. 1 thing is being able to get family and friends in, but our goal is to stream all the games so people will be able to see them one way or the other.”

Smith remained optimistic and headed to the track Monday morning convinced this dirt project was a success.

The final product was a doubleheader — Martin Truex Jr. won his first Truck Series race in 15 years to open the day — and then Logano closed the Cup race with the overtime victory.

Everyone seemed happy, and before the race was even over, the track announced over the public address system that Bristol would run on dirt again next season.

“It’s only my fourth dirt race ever, so I had a lot of fun trying to figure it out,” Logano said. “I was having a blast racing, trying to find the right lanes, moving around.”

Ricky Stenhouse Jr., a veteran dirt racer, was second for his highest finish of the season. Hamlin, who had last raced on dirt in go-karts when he was 8, finished third.

Daniel Suarez was a season-best fourth for new team Trackhouse Racing, which is part-owned by Pitbull. Suarez’s first drive on dirt came in Friday practice and he caught on so quickly that he led his first laps of the season — 58 of them in all — and even bumped Logano out of his way to take over the point.

But Logano took over with 61 laps remaining and wasn’t challenged until the final restart when the race went to a two-lap overtime.

It was impossible to handicap this first dirt race because the teams had no idea how to prepare and the drivers had wildly varying experience. Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell — two of the top dirt racers in the country — were the favorites, and the race might have gone differently had the two not crashed with each other 54 laps into the race.

Seven of the Cup regulars entered the Truck Series race just to get some track time on an unknown surface, a decision that bought them two additional practice sessions as well as Monday’s earlier race. Truex, a dirt novice, dominated the field to win the trucks and led a race-high 126 of the 253 laps.

Suarez was the other benefactor of adding the truck to his schedule with a breakthrough finish for his new team. Of the so-called dirt experts, it was Stenhouse with a quiet runner-up finish who delivered.

Ryan Newman, who in the past few years began racing a bit on dirt with some regularity, finished a season-high fifth.

orth STATEment

irus dissipates l pay for this

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The cavalier manner in which China liedcan about thetheir origin of theto the United States over state and local go worldwide pandemics trace source The crisiscan hastrace costtheir the U.S. taxpayer atand least $2.4 trillion i worldwide pandemics source to the United States over virus, covered up its spread and tried to tell the world there were only the curve in the nove our 231-year history. At least four in the 20th century alone can be debt plus trillions more in Federal Reserve backup liquidity our 231-year history. At least four in the 20th century alone can be 3,341 related deaths has led to worldwide panic, economic collapse and — after all,the tre directly traced to China: 1957 “Asian flu,” 1968 “Hong Kong flu,” 1977 markets and financial outlets.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS

OP north STATEmen

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Business & Economy CES VISUAL VISUAL VOICES

VISUAL VOICES

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

EDITORIAL | FRANK HILL

EDITORIAL | FRA

COLUMN | REP. RICHARD HU COLUMN | BEN SHAPIRO

North State Journal for Wednesday, April 15, 2020

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

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

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

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

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

Some of these orders extend at least through the end of this month. In o ce orcan stay-at-home fallen to into place.

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

The e being thrown of work.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

COVID-19 1918 “Spanish flu” pandemic also had its origins in China. measures immediate fea for it. And the answers should not be vague ones like “we a recent press briefing that “we just don’t know yet” ifjustification the transparency process of returning back to normalcy.

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

Theis know yet” if the returning tocoronavirus normalcy.

According to the University of Washington Institu For me, my faith Easter seasons government There istrader 100% agreement, of China, thattrading COVID-19 depreciation.

In this Marchprocess 10 photo provided by back provided by the New York Stock Exchange, Phyllis Arenaoutside Woods works on the floor. must do this out of an abundance of caution.” is China’s state’s stay-at-home orders will extend into May. No. The government works for us, and we have the right to an Province probably from the completely China has to pay for their aberrant ways and decisions through is China’s Since when did No. The government works for us, and we have the right to ask those Metrics and Evaluation model most oft cited by m origin ant ways and decisions through making.

As I celebra and honesty originatedshould in at Wuhan Province probably from the completely China has to pay for their aberr provide a all levels It will need to be explained in detail to the people of this state who If he does decide to extend it, questions be asked as to the questions.

And the longer stay-at-home orders are in 1:4, place a nsanitary wet markets. believe itlonger came out of but aChernobyl. financial means.

Diplomacywet hasmarkets. obviously notbelieve worked Chernobyl. asked to the questions.

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

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

And the answers should not be vague ones like “we country, and the stricter some of them get in states, such as M by the communist Chinese army. to bring China into the civilized world of 21st century health, hygiene gue ones like “we country, and the stricter some of them get in states, such as Michigan, peak outbreak was revised down by over 120,000, orld of 21st health, hygiene Under an ISA agreement, he would owe an agreedlem and thatcentury universities have encouraged affliction, that wew biowa biowarfare lab run by the communist Chinese army. to we bring China into the civilized scientific experts amount of the time why models predicting hundreds of thousands ofso cases government hope that will must do this out of an abundance of caution.” more people, sitting at home feeling isolated and/or anxi bad thing? the more people, sitting at home feeling isolated and/or anxious about pts rigorous verifiable policing and regulation of and fair trade.

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

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

Totalitarian are reliable.

—iswe need to again enjoyforsincere atnot all levels It amount will need to be in detail to the people this state who when they can getnoback to providing their families, will d would be very low.

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

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

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

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

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

The financial squeeze resulting sometimes afinancial disturbing tendency among some people to treat thosetime. church services The Purdue istoalready experimenting with ptcy protection, would certainly corruption. squeeze resulting questions about We should all continue to do what we can keep our families, be open or closed, whether we ought to pursue — believe that event, not the Staropportunities Wars confident we will em supposed free citizens from COVID-19 offers for a mandated that we do, but along the way I’ve also had questions about We should all continue to do what we can to keep our fam U.S. tax credits to companies who will source at least half of their meltdown in 1986.

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

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

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

by Union the government sent out er. still Amazon benefited as peo-from Stanunder Choe safe.

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

by Union bit ofbefore remediation.

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

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

There is approximately $120 of Research Reagan, led directly to the of the Soviet to do, last I dissolution toremediation. normal as though they are conspiracy theorists or people who being funded byprogram the Purdue Foundation, diligence lending to 18-yearbitStates. of Let’s first examine what living in a free don’t. produ for those amounts last spring, ple shopped more online, Apple The Associated Press afterdown ourinown asked, there to of ask questions about the data, because while reasonable stay-at-home ought to lock further. mightisbe the root academic corruption, neighbors helping st ne billion worth of American direct investment instock plants and equipment when certain types of questions getmore asked, there isbeafter to ask questions about the data, because while reasonable part of the university’s endowment.

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

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

Chinese direct investment in the U.S. is about $65 billion by Perhaps COVID-19 is China’s program now but is already showing positive results. ydirect wouldinvestment ensure that loans are small and suggested by the title of a recent study, sometimes abydisturbing tendency among some people to Zoom treat those measures are they also have an expi bottom, example.

A understandable, new government at ple worked from home and Since for when did questioning all should levels become a bad NEW — It was a littleCOVID-19 in the U.S. $65 billionYORK Perhaps is China’s Chernobyl.

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

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

Senators in Washington alra round ofGrievance government payments Video Communications surged over one yearwebsite ago it that thedata terrifything?

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

Not in Corruption of Scholarship.”

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

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

We don’t k we owe them as one way to get health care workers — $1,400 to individuals — is unISAs: as students and adults started hdebt a solution is politically unpopular.

Corruption of Scholarship.”

The study was ing free fall for the stock market Electric vehicle An investment tax credit of 30% on half of U.S. investment in China of China forgiving $1.2 trillion in over. to do, last Ishape, checked. done

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

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

Some so y have caused the US. Don’t hold your derway.

Tech stocks as adone suddenly ushering in one The ended, standard payment periodmeeting for theoronline.

Back onsiderably reduce the number of byMy Areo, an opinionasand analysis today, $60 billion, applied to repatriated American manufacturing China to “pay”isfor the damage digital magazine.

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

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

Social media has only amplis become a bad group are the market’s biggest by normal.” of its greatest runs. today, number has been overestimated, given that classifi ee”totoborrow happen but ask your elected makingto it the U.S. would digital ble for college and would magazine.

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

After “Jub Since when 23, did questioning at gains all“Jubilee” levels become afied bad normal.”

U.S. would cost thein U.S. Treasury $18 the trend, traders talk on by virus, breath waiting for revenue aso Chinese tofew happen but ask your elected value, their helped make On in March 2020, theFederal S&Pgovernment y were supposed Not one little bit.billion of death, particularly among elderly patients, can competitive with most Plus and private loan ionately affect low-income students.

It for Areopagitica, aasin speech delivered invest untable in tangible financial ways for to support growing John Milton defense of free speech. tax spread over a years. $18 billion lost revenue is representatives to hold China acc suffering from the H1N1 virus flu) during the 2009 pandemic, Reddit, Twitter and elsewhere up forhold weakness other secfell 2.9%.

In all, thecitizens index living thing?

That what free ina asix-month free across society were supposed Not one little bit.(swine over a few years.majoring $18 billion in lost revenue is representatives to China accountable in tangible financial ways for terms.

Inisaddition, all students receive disfavor students in soft but John Milton in defense of free speech.

Authors Helen Pluckrose, James A.500 sources suggest the number is dramatically under tax decimal dust compared to the $6 trillion+ Marshall Plan we are now this disaster.

I’ve been trying tobuy. takeThey’ve extra precautions, because all of this brings up rev UPS fleet about what stocks to torsSister aspayments the Toldjah economy continued to Authors dropped nearly 34% in about a before towe do, last I checked. grace period post-graduation begin.

Lindsay and Peter Boghossian say has that Helen Pluckrose, James A. pared tofamily. the as $6 trillion+ Marshall Plan are now e, is my I’m this Stacey Matthews also written under thedisaster. pseudonym manyas people are dying home. diplines. to operate responsible citizens of decim undertaking to save our own economy, not of defeated enemies in the It is at about timenot they expect been to push up the stock struggle. wayhelping too many memories ofsay a painful experience I’d prefer to are repeat. month, wiping out makes three years’ something has gone drastically wrong Once a recipient successful payments for e are solutions that can be implemented — Lindsay and Peter Boghossian that My first concern as we go along in all this, of course, is my family.

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

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

Even more importantly, we have no clue how mn CHARLOTTE – Arrival, a global e our own economy, not of defeated enemies as in the It is about time they are expected to operate as responsible citizens of ation. under past. the world like any other modern market broadly, but their inSince last autumn, though, exworth of gains for the market.

But what alsodrastically makes mewrong lose sleep is how easily most everyone has in academia, especially certain the prescribed term of the contract, no additional s acrimonious political climate. something has gone company creating electricwithin vehicles 2009 pandemic, worried about them catching the virus, and I’m worried I will.

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

Some scientists sugges like any otherfor modern nation. fluence is mostand evident in what citement an economic liftoff That turned out the to beworld the botChina has been cheating, stealing, pirating pillaging American past. fields within the humanities.

They payments are even if(swine they have less solution has been referred to as “skin in call in academia, especially within (EVs) using of this brings up game-changing ofcertain identified cases could be an order of magnitude suffering from therequired H1N1 virus flu)paid during the 2009 pandemic, have comehave to bemade known assecret “meme has caused a more widespread tom, even though the coronavicheating, stealing, pirating and pillaging American business now for the past 30 years.

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

Suchnot a policy would has callannounced for institutions fields within the humanities.

They call technologies, NealinRobbins, publisher | Frank Hill,coronavirus senior opinion stocks.”

GameStop surged refer to years. repeat. upturn.

Banks, energy producrusbeen pandemic worsened in the number of people who have had and n I’ve trying to take extra precautions, because all of this brings up he past 30 They have made no secret that they scholarship is not so much based upon intend to replace the U.S. as the premier superpower the world and busine Both ISAs and in the game policies would hare in the risk of every student these fields “grievance studies,” where thatcredit ithas will be building its second 1,625% January, for example, ers and smaller companies whose ensuing months and skin the econoost everyone finding truththe butinstitution. upon attending toway too many memories of abenefits. painful experience I’dasprefer notscholarship tocurrency repeat.iniswith he as premier superpower world and replace the dollar the reserve their renminbi. have many down-stream Both would put outU.S. a loan tothe attend not so much basedreupon Hop Local in Downtown intend U.S. microfactory in Charlotte, In in the even though the video game profits would be the biggest benmy sank deeper into recession. social grievances.

Grievance But what also makes metolose sleep is how most everyone hastruth as the reserve currency with their renminbi. pressure on universities keep tuition low his means thatCarolina. universities would bescholars on finding upon attending North Arrival is investing tailer has but struggled financially.to eficiaries of and aeasily stronger economy replac Massive amounts of support for bully students, administrators and other

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

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Fixing college Overstimulated? Stocks soar corruption

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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

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VISUAL VOICES

New Bern offset some of the artificial pressure on demand for or some part of student loan debt in when social grievances. Grievance scholars approximately $41.2 million the departments into adhering to their the economy from the Feder- have led the way, as coronavirus The gains for GameStop, AMC higher education.

They would also align universities’ efault. Such a policy would require action bully students, administrators and other Entertainment and other meme vaccines roll out and Washingal Reserve and Congress limitmodern production center that Head to downtown New Bern worldview. The worldview they promote is Jason with those students.

Universities would stocks defied — and, in ss since student loansup are disbursed byGrievance the edinterests intogravity adhering to their delivers even more financialdepartments how far stocks wouldof fall.

The ton can assemble to 10,000 electric neither scientific nor rigorous. for family-friendly Easter activities EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS the opinion nearly every aid.just Those gains are also pick-worldview. recovered all its losses by not be invested in student success, increased ernment.

Theof worldview theypropromote is deliveryconsist vans each year and is such as market studies of disciplines all weekend long. The public power fessional investor Wall Street, ing upprobably the slack for technologyneither August.

THEWS enrollment. Some universities would begin ther solution can to be implemented locally. scientific noron rigorous.

Grievancecommunity’sEDITORIAL expected bring more than 250 sociology, anthropology, gender studies, | STAC beloved Beary common sense. stocks, which lost momen-studies Asoffer time better passed,guidance the quicktodestudents when theyhave choose of institutions are giving it critical a consist of disciplines such RICHARD as new jobs toalready the sexuality region.

In December COLUMN | REP. HUDSON queer studies, and raceto Merry Christmas celebration has as interest rates rise on wor-sociology, anthropology, gender studies, velopment of coronavirus vacmajors, choose classes and taketum out loans. e Share Agreements (ISAs).

ISAs areit 2020, the company announced studies. expanded to organize festive events A spac-tacular boom raises ries about cines helped stocks shoot even would establish its North American These innovative solutions will do whathigher “Free inflation. l agreements in which students receive queer studies, sexuality and critical race all year ’round, including Easter this In 2017 and 2018, authors Pluckrose, concerns higher.

So did growing legions of and Boghossian started headquarters in Charlotte’s South College” cannot: make students and universities funding Lindsay in exchange for a predetermined studies. weekend. Peruse sidewalk sales, First-time investors join, and first-time investors, who suddensubmitting bogus academic papers to End. Arrival, founded in 2015, is behave more wisely and act together towards the post-graduation income over a certain In 2017 and 2018, authors Pluckrose, take a carriage ride, snap photos The frenzy around stocks has had plenty of time to get into the game doesn’t stop academic in cultural, queer, ly same accelerating theincome transition to zerogoal. That goal is to create educated, wise years. The percentjournals of and number Lindsay and Boghossian started with the Easter Bunny, and hunt raised worries along Wall Street the market using free trading race, gender, fat and sexuality studies commercial vehicles by and and productive graduates.

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Here in North Carolina, Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper stated during question what the government tel Several of the fake research papers extend at least through the end of this month. normal are treated in some circles with contempt.

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The current SAH gatherings, amoun been using money they got as on an exchange.

Two bull markets in one Neoliberal and Feminism,” community and Choice bringing onboard was bad thing? this difficult time.

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by Affilia, a the region’s talent,” said what, you’ll beThat supporting the confident we will emerge out of this pandemic ecause while reasonable stay-at-home the North Carolina Hospital Association, I would “Our Struggle Is My Struggle: Solidarity te senator recently said we are going to billion, more than six times the government.

The Robinhood is what Wall Street’s big rally actuale along with what the state has asked and then with details that give their statements believability.

Unfortunately, when certain types of questions get asked, there is to ask questions about the data, feminist journal chief for social workers. The Tostrb d and many more Michael Ableson, executive society were historic downtown district in prior year.

They’ve already surInthose this spirit, I continue toCraven be inspired the by yow should also have date. trading app and popular withwe many ly had two distinct stages.

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Pluckrose and Lindsay to prematurely deployment strategies for health professionals.

“Rape Culture and Queer Performativity re reasonable data points that should serve out if they get themselves or others sick. the same time we shouldn’t get comfortable with this so-called “new otherw of electric vehicles.”

Many of the under the pseudonym Sister Toldjah checked.

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

I’m Stacey Matthews has also written themselves.

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

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

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Some papers accepted for publication suffering from the H1N1 virus (swine flu) during the 2009 pandemic, paper eventually forced Boghossian, re not reopening everything tomorrow.

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UPS’s North American fleet as parttraining d. in academic journals citizens, advocated to do, I’ve been trying precautions, this bringsout up Rigorous statewide antibody testing would be to take extra Pluckrose andbecause Lindsayall to of prematurely care of our most vulnerable and of its commitment to purchase up men like dogs and punishing whiteismale as we go along inbusinesses, all this, ofnow. course, my implemented family. I’m once Stacey Matthews has also written under the pseudonym Sister Toldjah My available. themselves.

A Wall Street Journal writer way too many memories of a painful experience I’ d prefer not to repeat. egin to reopen our drop since last April when spend- arrival of spring, meaning consumrelief payments.

By Martin Crutsinger to 10,000 vehiclesfor from Arrival inslavery by college students historical m catching the virus, and I’m worried I will.

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

In conjunction with other regional governors had figured out what they were doing. lowing aasking couple of data models — Fuller, worrie But what also makes me lose sleep is how easily most everyone has ers will be growing more active, ing tumbled 12.4% as the country However, both are expected reThe Associated Press the U.S.them and Europe. excited to sit in“We’re silence on the floor in H1N1 virus (swine flu) during theexpected 2009 pandemic, I wouldthis month as moreSome accepted forglobal publication d the CDC. The models project N.C. cases waspapers broadsided by the pan- and the Treasury Department re- sufferi bound strongly by this significant milestone that chains during class and to be toand cooperation with the White House, fairConallocation of items such in academic demic. journals advocated training ported this week that it had made I’ve be tween April 20 and May 5.because people are vaccinated and flush WASHINGTON, D.C.a — take extra precautions, all ofpapers this ensure brings N.C. up receives will enable UPS to economically learn from the discomfort.

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But President Joe Biden had signed the ment was completing the bulk of ruary as standing directive for rapid response to enable the asking them to sit in silence on the floor in ng its necessity.

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In As long as a business the ability celebrated morbid obesity as awith healthy Automotive. acceptance for publication, to follow sound Covid-19 hygiene, they would be choice and advocated treating privately es to lift recommending and reduce or continue on-going reviewers gave these papers glowing allowed to re-enter the economy. I would lean into conducted masturbation as a form of s need tomany be determined using scientific praise. exercising a little common sense on what works and sexual violence against women. Typically, Suspending and, more concerning, scientist rights Zach Goldberg ran what is appropriate. Restrictions could be lessened as academic journal editors send submitted f individualPolitical constitutional are

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

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certain grievance studies concepts through

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 31, 2021

B6

ncdot CASH REPORT For the week ending 3/26 Total Cash & Bond Proceeds:

$2,144,632,164 Add Receipts:

$80,849,543 Less Disbursements:

$92,218,196 Reserved Cash:

$733,546,734 Unreserved Cash Balance Total:

$4,583,669,426

VW to seek damages from former executives for diesel scandal Berlin Volkswagen is seeking damages from two former top executives for their role in the diesel emissions scandal that cost the German automaker billions of euros and a hefty dent in its reputation. VW said after a board meeting Friday that it wants damages from ex-chief executive Martin Winterkorn and Rupert Stadler, the former head of its Audi brand, “on account of breaches of the duty of care under stock corporation law.” In its statement, the company didn’t specify the amount of damages it would seek. VW said a law firm the supervisory board tasked with investigating liability issues reviewed millions of documents, conducted hundreds of interviews and “concluded that negligent breaches of duty had occurred” by the two executives. The probe found that Winterkorn allegedly “breached his duties of care (...) by failing, in the period from 27 July 2015 on, to comprehensively and promptly clarify the circumstances behind the use of unlawful software functions” in 2.0 TDI diesel engines sold in the North American market between 2009 and 2015. Volkswagen paid more than 31 billion euros ($37.5 billion) in fines and court settlements and two executives went to prison in the United States.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Agency finds that Elon Musk tweet violated federal labor law Detroit Tesla CEO Elon Musk has tweeted his way into trouble with another federal agency, this time the National Labor Relations Board. The board on Thursday found that a May 20, 2018 Musk tweet unlawfully threatened employees with loss of stock options if they chose to be represented by the United Auto Workers union. Board members ordered Tesla to make Musk delete the tweet and stop threatening employees with loss of benefits for supporting a labor organization. Tesla must also post a notice addressing unfair labor practices at its Fremont, California, plant, and post a notice dealing with the tweet at all its facilities nationwide. The board also told Tesla to reinstate an employee who was fired for organizing activity and to give him back pay. Other than the back pay, Tesla faces no financial penalties, the UAW said. Musk tweeted on May 20, 2018: “Nothing stopping Tesla team at our car plant from voting union. Could do so tmrw if they wanted. But why pay union dues and give up stock options for nothing?

Our safety record is 2X better than when plant was UAW & everybody already gets healthcare.”

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

New SBA head plans changes at agency; focus now is COVID-19

By Joyce M. Rosenberg The Associated Press NEW YORK — The new head of the Small Business Administration says she expects to make changes at the agency that she says will enable it to further help small companies devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In an interview with The Associated Press, two days after she was sworn in, Isabella Casillas Guzman said her immediate focus is implementing the small business provisions in the $1.9 trillion coronavirus rescue package President Joseph Biden signed into law last week.

The country has lost 400,000 businesses since the start of the pandemic, Guzman said, warning that “many more are at risk.”

Guzman expects small business provisions in the rescue package to help, including $10 billion to support state lending to companies, and $100 million for a new program called Community Navigator aimed at giving education and advice to struggling business owners. But, she said, more vaccinations against the coronavirus and the $1,400 stimulus payments millions of Americans are receiving will also ultimately aid business by helping the economy recover.

Those are indirect aid pro-

BILL O’LEARY | THE WASHINGTON POST VIA AP, POOL, FILE

In this Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2021, file photo, Isabella Casillas Guzman attends a Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship hearing to consider her nomination to be Administrator of the Small Business Administration on Capitol Hill, in Washington, D.C. grams. The rescue package also included direct help in the form of additional money for the Paycheck Protection Program and more than $28 billion in grants for restaurants hammered by government-ordered shutdowns during the virus outbreak.

Guzman already knows how the SBA operates, having been a

deputy chief of staff at the agency during the Obama administration.

“We’ll be looking at our overall programs to see a path forward for small businesses,” she said.

Guzman acknowledged that the SBA’s role has changed dramatically as a result of the pandemic; she said the agency has gotten at-

tention it never had in the past.

The SBA’s lending focus over the past year has been the PPP, which has approved nearly 8 million loans worth more than $700 billion. Before the pandemic, the agency’s main lending vehicles were its 7(a) and 504 programs that owners turned to for loans to start and build their businesses. Those traditional lending programs may see some changes, Guzman said.

The administrator’s agenda also includes improving SBA technology to make it more accessible to businesses; she noted that many businesses adopted or upgraded their technology in order to survive the virus outbreak.

“We just need to ensure that we’ve modernized the SBA,” she said.

The SBA plans to use Community Navigator to gather information to help it determine what changes it needs to make, Guzman said. The program is aimed at working with community financial institutions and SBA-sponsored Small Business Development Centers to help struggling and disadvantaged businesses.

“That will provide us with a strong feedback loop from small businesses about what their needs are,” Guzman said.

Before coming to the SBA, Guzman also served as director of California’s Office of the Small Business Advocate. She has held positions at companies including ProAmerica Bank, a commercial bank in California, and GovContractPros, a consulting firm based in Chevy Chase, Maryland, that she co-founded.

Whiskey makers face worsening hangover from trade dispute

By Bruce Schreiner The Associated Press LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A hangover from Trump-era tariff disputes could become even more painful for American whiskey distillers unless their entanglement in a trans-Atlantic trade fight is resolved soon.

Bourbon, Tennessee whiskey and rye whiskey were left out of recent breakthroughs to start rebuilding U.S. trade relations with the European Union and the United Kingdom in the wake of Donald Trump’s presidency. Tariffs were suspended on some spirits, but the 25% tariffs slapped on American whiskey by the EU and UK remain in place. And the EU’s tariff rate is set to double to 50% in June in the key export market for U.S. whiskey makers.

A leading spirits advocate is imploring top U.S. trade envoy Katherine Tai to not leave whiskey producers behind. The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States urged her to press for an immediate suspension of the European tariffs and to secure agreements removing them.

“Swift removal of these tariffs will help support U.S. workers and consumers as the economy and hospitality industry continue to recover from the pandemic,” the council said in a recent statement after Tai was confirmed by the Senate.

American whiskey makers have been caught up in the trans-Atlantic trade dispute since mid-2018, when the EU imposed tariffs on American whiskey and other U.S. products in response to Trump’s decision to slap tariffs on European steel and aluminum.

Since then, American whis-

key exports to the EU are down by 37%, costing whiskey distillers hundreds of millions in revenue between 2018 and 2020, the council said. American whiskey exports to the UK, the industry’s fourth-largest market, have fallen by 53% since 2018, it said.

The tariffs amount to a tax, which whiskey producers can either absorb in reduced profits or pass along to customers through higher prices — and risk losing market share in highly competitive markets.

Amir Peay, owner of the Lexington, Kentucky-based James E. Pepper Distillery, said American whiskey has become “collateral damage” in the trade disputes.

It’s cost him about three-fourths of his European business, and the looming 50% EU tariff threatens to drain what’s left.

“That could possibly end our business in Europe as we’ve known it over the years,” Peay said in a phone interview Thursday.

He’s already curtailed some whiskey shipments to Europe as a hedge against the potential doubling of the EU tariff. His distillery’s signature bourbon and rye brand is James E. Pepper 1776.

Peay spent years and significant money cultivating European markets, especially in Germany, France and the UK. He was planning to double his European business before the trade disputes hit.

“The way things are going, everything that we invested to date looks like it could be destroyed,” he said.

The tariffs have hurt spirits industry giants as well.

“We estimate that our company ... has borne roughly 15% of the entire tariff bill levied against the U.S. in response to steel and alu-

PAUL SAKUMA | AP PHOTO

In this March 4, 2011, file photo, a bartender begins to pour a drink from a bottle of Jack Daniels at a bar in San Francisco. minum tariffs,” Lawson Whiting, president and CEO of Louisville, Kentucky-based Brown-Forman Corp., said recently. “They have become a big problem for us and it’s imperative that we get it resolved as soon as possible.”

Brown-Forman’s leading product is Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, a global brand.

For Kentucky bourbon producers, tariffs slashed their exports by 35% in 2020, with shipments to the EU plummeting by nearly 50%, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association said.

The EU had traditionally been the largest global market for Kentucky distilleries, accounting for 56% of all exports in 2017. It’s now about 40%, the association said.

“Our signature bourbon industry has sustained significant damage for more than two years because of a trade war that has nothing to do with whiskey,”

SPENDING from page B5 totaling $1.9 trillion.

“With $1,400 stimulus checks making their way into bank accounts, health conditions improving and weather warming up, U.S. consumers look ready for a spring bloom,” said Gregory Daco, chief U.S economist at Oxford Economics.

Consumer spending, which is closely watched because it accounts for 70% of economic activity, jumped 3.4% in January. Personal incomes, which provide the fuel for future spending, surged 10.1% the same month as the U.S. doled out $600 checks.

All the government support and ultra-low interest rate policies from the Federal Reserve have raised concerns that inflation could take off as the economy opens up. A price gauge tied to spending that is followed by Fed officials showed an increase of 1.6% over the 12 months ending in February, up from a 1.4% gain in January.

However, much of that increase

MARK LENNIHAN | AP PHOTO

Shoppers look at items in Bed, Bath and Beyond, Thursday, March 25, 2021, in New York. reflected rising energy costs. Core inflation, by this measure was up 1.4% for the 12 months ending in February, down from a 1.5% gain in January. The inflation readings remain below the Fed’s 2% target for annual price increases and Fed Chairman Jerome Powell repeated this week that any rise in

inflation this year should be temporary.

In addition to the boost from another round of stimulus checks, economists believe spending will be supported this year by the buildup in household savings over the past year as consumers stayed away from restaurants and can-

KDA President Eric Gregory said.

“And it will get much worse if we can’t deescalate this dispute.”

Kentucky distilleries craft 95% of the world’s bourbon supply, the association estimates.

The thaw in the U.S. disputes with the EU and UK were part of an effort to resolve a longstanding Airbus-Boeing dispute. The tariff suspensions applied to duties that had been imposed on some spirits producers on both sides of the Atlantic. But the breakthroughs left plenty unresolved, including disputes that led to the retaliatory tariffs still hitting American whiskey.

The suspended tariffs mean some European spirits producers can ship their products into the U.S. duty free, while American whiskey makers are still subject to tariffs, Whiting said.

“We just want a level playing field for American whiskey,” he said.

celled vacations. The government reported that personal savings totaled a sizable $2.41 trillion with the saving rate, saving as a percentage of after-tax income, at 13.6%.

The overall economy, as measured by the gross domestic product, grew at an annual rate of 4.3% in the fourth quarter, capping a year when GDP plunged by 3.5%, the biggest annual setback in more than seven decades.

Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Analytics, said he expects GDP fueled by strong consumer spending, will grow at an annual 5.1% this quarter followed by quarterly growth rates continuing to rise for the rest of the year, giving the economy 6% growth for all of 2021, the strongest performance in 37 years.

“It will be a boom year,” Zandi said. “The economy will be helped by an end to the pandemic which will make people feel comfortable about going out, along with massive support from the federal government and pent-up demand from consumers.”

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 31, 2021

B7

General says attacks by foreign hackers are ‘clarion call’ ty to act against these type of adversaries,” he said.

Nakasone said one chalWASHINGTON, D.C. — The lenge is that foreign state hackU.S. Cyber Command conduct- ers have taken advantage of leed more than two dozen oper- gal constraints that prevent U.S. ations aimed at thwarting in- intelligence agencies such as the terference in last November’s NSA, whose surveillance is fopresidential election, the gener- cused abroad, from monitoral who leads the Pentagon’s cy- ing domestic infrastructure for cyber threats. Hackers are inber force said Thursday.

Gen. Paul Nakasone did not creasingly using U.S.-based virtual private networks, describe the nature of or VPNs, to evade dethe operations in testection by the U.S. govtimony to the Senernment. ate Armed Services “It is the As a result, he said, Committee but said clarion call the problem is not they were designed “to that intelligence agenget ahead of foreign for us to cies can’t connect all threats before they in- look at this the dots but rather “we terfered with or influcan’t see all of the dots.” enced our elections in differently “We have an inabil2020.”

— how do ity to see everything,” A U.S. intelligence he added. “We as U.S. assessment released we ensure Cyber Command or last week said that nei- we have as the National Security ther Russia nor any Agency may see what other nation manipu- a nation is occurring outside of lated votes or conduct- both the the United States, but ed cyberattacks that resiliency when it comes into the affected the outcome and the United States, our adof the vote. versaries are moving Nakasone’s appear- ability to very quickly. They unance before the comderstand the laws and mittee came as the act against U.S. deals with ma- these type of the policies that we have within our nation, jor cyber intrusions, including a breach by adversaries.” and so they’re utilizing our own infrastrucelite Russian hackers ture, our own interthat exploited supply Gen. Paul net service providers, chain vulnerabilities Nakasone, to create these intruto break into the netsions.” works of federal gov- U.S. Cyber A senior Biden adernment agencies and Command ministration official private companies. told reporters earlier Nakasone said in his prepared remarks that Cy- this month that the administraber Command and the Nation- tion was not currently seeking al Security Agency are helping additional authorities to moniplan the Biden administration’s tor U.S.-based networks. Rathresponse to the SolarWinds in- er, the U.S. is working to encourtrusion and that “policymakers age better information-sharing are considering a range of op- from the private sector about cytions, including costs that might ber threats.

Private companies are typbe imposed by other elements of ically reluctant to share inforour government.”

Separately, the U.S. is work- mation on hacks and attempting with the private sector to re- ed hacks with the FBI and other spond to a separate hack that government agencies, mostly exposed tens of thousands of out of fear of the negative busiservers running Microsoft’s Ex- ness fallout if it were to become change email program to intru- public. In many cases, companies don’t even report the incision.

Asked by the committee dents to the government.

On Wednesday, Sen. Mark chairman, Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., whether the intrusions Warner, D-Va., lamented in a represented a “new terrain,” webinar about being unable to Nakasone said both the Solar- get support in Congress for legWinds and Microsoft hacks re- islation to make it mandatory vealed “a scope, a scale, a level for companies to disclose cyber of sophistication that we hadn’t breaches. The chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee seen previously.”

“It is the clarion call for us to singled out the telecommunicalook at this differently — how do tions sector — a big target in the we ensure we have as a nation SolarWinds hack — as being esboth the resiliency and the abili- pecially resistant.

By Eric Tucker The Associated Press

CNES2021, DISTRIBUTION AIRBUS DS VIA AP

This satellite image from Cnes2021, Distribution Airbus DS, shows the cargo ship MV Ever Given stuck in the Suez Canal near Suez, Egypt, Thursday, March 25, 2021.

Giant container ship that blocked Suez Canal is finally free

By Christopher Rugaber The Associated Press SUEZ, Egypt — Salvage teams on Monday freed a colossal container ship stuck for nearly a week in the Suez Canal, ending a crisis that had clogged one of the world’s most vital waterways and halted billions of dollars a day in maritime commerce.

Helped by the tides, a flotilla of tugboats wrenched the bulbous bow of the skyscraper-sized Ever Given from the canal’s sandy bank, where it had been firmly lodged since March 23.

The tugs blared their horns in jubilation as they guided the Ever Given through the water after days of futility that had captivated the world, drawing scrutiny and social media ridicule.

The giant vessel headed toward the Great Bitter Lake, a wide stretch of water halfway between the north and south ends of the canal, where it will be inspected, said Evergreen Marine Corp., a Taiwan-based shipping company that operates the ship.

The Suez Canal Authority also will inspect the area where the vessel ran aground, to see if it is safe for shipping to resume through the waterway and clear a traffic jam of ships waiting to enter.

“We pulled it off!” said Peter Berdowski, CEO of Boskalis, the salvage firm hired to extract the Ever Given, in a statement.

“I am excited to announce that our team of experts, working in close collaboration with the Suez Canal Authority, successfully refloated the Ever Given … thereby making free passage through the Suez Canal possible again.”

Buffeted by a sandstorm, the Ever Given had crashed into a bank of a single-lane stretch of the canal, about 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) north of the southern entrance, near the city of Suez. That created a massive traffic jam that held up $9 billion a day in global trade and strained supply chains already burdened by the coronavirus pandemic.

At least 367 vessels, carrying everything from crude oil to cat-

“We used to have big, fat warehouses in all the countries where the factories pulled supplies. … Now these floating ships are the warehouse.”

Capt. John Konrad tle, are backed up as they wait to traverse the canal. Dozens of others have taken the long, alternate route around the Cape of Good Hope at Africa’s southern tip — a 5,000-kilometer (3,100-mile) detour that costs ships hundreds of thousands of dollars in fuel and other costs.

Egypt, which considers the canal a source of national pride and crucial revenue, has lost over $95 million in tolls, according to the data firm Refinitiv. President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi, who for days was silent about the crisis, praised Monday’s events.

“Egyptians have succeeded in ending the crisis,” he wrote on Facebook, “despite the massive technical complexity.”

“Mission accomplished,” villager Abdalla Ramadan said.

“The whole world is relieved.”

The U.S. Embassy in Cairo tweeted its congratulations to Egypt.

While the canal is now unblocked, it is unclear when traffic would return to normal. Analysts expect it could take at least another 10 days to clear the backlog on either end.

The breakthrough came after days of immense effort with an elite salvage team from the Netherlands. Tugboats pushed and pulled to budge the behemoth from the shore, their work buoyed by high tide at dawn Monday that led to the vessel’s partial refloating. Specialized dredgers dug out the stern and vacuumed sand and mud from beneath the bow.

The operation was extremely delicate. While the Ever Given was stuck, the rising and falling tides put stress on the vessel,

which is 400 meters (a quarter mile) long, raising concerns it could crack or break.

“We were helped enormously by the strong falling tide we had this afternoon. In effect, you have the forces of nature pushing hard with you and they pushed harder than the two sea tugs could pull,” Berdowski said.

The crew on the tugs was “euphoric,” but there also was a tense moment when the huge ship was floating free “so then you have to get it under control very quickly with the tugs around it so that it doesn’t push itself back into the other side” of the canal, he said.

Jubilant workers on a tugboat sailing with the Ever Given chanted, “Mashhour, No. 1,” referring to the dredger that worked around the vessel. The dredger is named for Mashhour Ahmed Mashhour, assigned to run the canal with others when it was nationalized in 1956 by President Gamal Abdel-Nasser.

The crisis cast a spotlight on the vital trade route that carries over 10% of global trade, including 7% of the world’s oil.

Over 19,000 ships ferrying Chinese-made consumer goods and millions of barrels of oil and liquified natural gas flow through the artery from the Middle East and Asia to Europe and North America.

The unprecedented shutdown, which raised fears of extended delays, goods shortages and rising costs for consumers, has prompted new questions about the shipping industry, an on-demand supplier for a world now under pressure from the coronavirus pandemic.

“We’ve gone to this fragile, just-in-time shipping that we saw absolutely break down in the beginning of COVID,” said Capt.

John Konrad, the founder and CEO of the shipping news website gcaptain.com. “We used to have big, fat warehouses in all the countries where the factories pulled supplies. … Now these floating ships are the warehouse.”

International trade expert Jeffrey Bergstrand predicted “only a minor and transitory effect” on prices of U.S. imports.

“Since most of the imports blocked over the last week are heading to Europe, U.S. consumers will likely see little effect on prices of U.S. imports, except to the extent that intermediate products of U.S. final goods are made in Europe,” said Bergstrand, professor of finance at the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business.

STOCKS from page B5 three months this year.

A global recovery

COURTNEY CROW | NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE VIA AP

In this photo provided by the New York Stock Exchange, trader Neil Catania works on the floor, Thursday, March 25, 2021.

The coronavirus really knows no geographic boundaries. As it devastated populations and economies around the world, global financial markets sustained sharp losses.

The recovery has also been worldwide. Stocks from China, South Korea and other emerging markets as a group are up almost the exact same percentage as the S&P 500 since March 23, 2020.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 index is also up a similar amount.

European markets have been

ANNA MONEYMAKER | THE NEW YORK TIMES VIA AP, POOL

U.S. Cyber Command Commander, National Security Agency Director and Central Security Service Chief Gen. Paul Nakasone speaks at a hearing on Capitol Hill, Thursday, March 25, 2021, in Washington, D.C.

lagging, although their performance is much better when seen in dollar terms instead of euros.

Worsening infection rates are raising worries of a “third wave” on the continent and are forcing governments to bring back some restrictions on daily life. But the hope is that the continued rollout of vaccines will get economies and trade back to normal across the world.

Who’s getting left behind?

Even with so many first-time investors joining the market, not everyone is benefiting from rising stocks. Only a little more than half of all U.S. households owned stocks in 2019, whether by

day-trading stocks or holding an S&P 500 index fund in a 401(k) account.

Likewise, not every stock has participated in the market’s run higher over the last year. A handful of stocks within the S&P 500 are actually lower, headlined by Gilead Sciences, which is down 9.8%. The stock soared early in the pandemic as its remdesivir drug became a treatment for COVID-19 but fell back in part on concerns about upcoming patent expirations.

Other early stock winners of the pandemic have also tailed off since the market took off a year ago, including Clorox, whose disinfecting wipes became like currency, and Spam-maker Hormel Foods.

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 31, 2021

B8

2021 Cadillac Escalade

PHOTOS COURTESY CADILLAC

Luxury and technology and giant SUVs A giant luxury SUV that’s absolutely stuffed with whiz-bang tech.

The new Escalade lives up to the legacy

By Jordan Golson North State Journal VAIL, Colorado — There are three ways into the full-size SUV lifestyle from General Motors.

First there’s the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban, with the latter being the longer of the two. These are the workhorses of the group, selling both to folks with large families and large dogs, and folks who work for a living.

It’s hard to call a truck that starts at $50,000 “utilitarian,” but that’s sort of the vibe it gives off. If you want a huge SUV at a (more) affordable price, aim for the Tahoe. Even the High Country trim that starts close to $70,000 still ends up being a bit less than the other options.

There’s also the GMC Yukon, which I reviewed back in February. That truck weighed in at more than $83,000 with the Denali trim affixed and is considerably more luxurious than the Tahoe.

Covered in chrome and leather, the Yukon Denali was a clear step up from the Chevrolet product even though they’re ostensibly the same truck, made on the same platform, and assembled on the same production line with the same engine and drivetrain.

The basic layout of the Tahoe and Yukon are similar — three rows, captain’s chairs in the second row, an enormous tailgate and plenty of cargo storage — but they feel very different thanks to design decisions around the layout of the dash, the transmission selector and, especially, the design of the exterior. This is one of those times when buyers are going to walk into a dealership, look at both vehicles for a moment and make a snap decision on which one to pick (and that’s if they didn’t know well be-

fore they walked in).

But if you want an even more luxurious giant SUV, especially one with a huge amount of fancy tech installed, you should get my test car this week: The 2021 Cadillac Escalade.

I borrowed a $109,500 top-ofthe-line Escalade Platinum and cruised around Colorado for a week loaded full of luggage and friends and gave it an extremely thorough test.

Driving experience-wise, it was very similar to the Yukon that I reviewed, so I’ll skip over that (fuel economy was as expected, in the mid-teens, so efficient it isn’t) — but there is a lot of cool and unique tech here that’s worth calling out.

First up is the series of enormous screens. They’re curved and designed to look like one continuous piece of glass, but we actually have three different OLED screens here. OLED is a new thing to the car world, but it is what’s in the highest-end smartphones from Apple and Samsung these days, and it looks terrific.

Cadillac’s navigation is particularly useful, with a full-screen takeover of the dash cluster available when you’re using the builtin mapping functionality. The screens are crisp and text is readable, and there’s a jaw-dropping augmented reality feature too.

The Escalade has a front-facing camera that you can display on the gauge cluster. It shows you what’s directly ahead of you, which might not sound too exciting because you can just look out the windshield to see that, right?

But, when you have a turn coming up, that screen will display a giant set of blue arrows at the precise location where you need to turn. Basically it shows giant arrows floating in mid-air that get bigger as you approach your turn-in point.

It’s hard to describe but amazing to see.

It even turned out to be some-

what useful a few times when navigating on unfamiliar roads, but I’m waiting for the eventual projection of those floating arrows onto the windshield itself, which I’m sure will happen in the next 10 years or so. Maybe.

There’s also a night-vision mode that Cadillac has offered for a while; it does highlight deer and people walking at the side of the road, which is helpful.

The massive infotainment screen in the center also supports wireless Apple CarPlay, though the screen is oddly shaped and CarPlay only supports rectangles, so there was a lot of wasted space there. My wireless connection was also flaky throughout my entire time with the Escalade, but I’ve had it work reliably with other GM products, so I’m going to chalk that up to early production glitches. It also supports Android Auto.

There are other cool little things too. The numerous massaging functions in the Escalade’s front seats are phenomenal and make a long road-trip considerably more comfortable and enjoyable, and there’s a refrigerated storage compartment in the center console that’s shockingly large and easily fits a half-dozen Vitamin Water bottles.

Just about the only thing missing from my Escalade was Super Cruise — GM’s top-notch driver assist feature that I wrote about in the Chevy Bolt EUV a few weeks ago. Because of production constraints, it’s hard to find Escalades with Super Cruise added these days, which is disappointing.

If you want a giant luxury SUV that’s absolutely stuffed with whiz-bang tech, you’ll get solid value for money (a weird thing to say considering the price) with the new Escalade — just make sure you can score Super Cruise before plunking down more than 100 large. It’s worth it, I promise.

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 31, 2021

B9

TAKE NOTICE

CABARRUS IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CABARRUS COUNTY 20sp390 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY FREDERICK L MALLOY DATED JULY 27, 2005 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 6123 AT PAGE 108 IN THE CABARRUS COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in the payment of the secured indebtedness and failure to perform the 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 CABARRUS COUNTY 20sp327 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY ANGELA D. BARRETT DATED MARCH 31, 2006 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 6650 AT PAGE 246 IN THE CABARRUS COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in the payment of the secured indebtedness and failure to perform the 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

CUMBERLAND GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 19 CVS 6444 NOTICE OF JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE SALE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND SunTrust Bank, Plaintiff, vs.

All Lawful Heirs of Dennis R. Rabe a/k/a Dennis Richard Rabe; Shea Nicole Rabe, Heir of Dennis R. Rabe a/k/a Dennis Richard Rabe; Mariselda F. Rabe; D’marco Rabe, Heir of Dennis R. Rabe a/k/a Dennis Richard Rabe; Jazmyn Rabe, Heir of Dennis R. Rabe a/k/a Dennis Richard Rabe; PNC Bank, N.A. s/b/m RBC Bank (USA) f/k/a RBC Centura Bank; Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC,

Defendant(s).

19 CVS 6444

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Jeremy B. Wilkins, Commissioner, pursuant to the

21 SP 6 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, CUMBERLAND COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed

by Hope Z. Crocker to Prlap, Inc., Trustee(s), which was dated June 8, 2007 and recorded on June 12, 2007 in Book 7614 at Page 348, 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 April 14, 2021 at 01:30 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CUMBERLAND COUNTY 19SP940

IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY NORMAN L. RACHELS AND LEA ANN RACHELS DATED OCTOBER 4, 2013 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 9306 AT PAGE 744 IN THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in the payment of the secured indebtedness and failure to perform the stipulation and agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the owner and holder of the secured debt, the undersigned substitute trustee will expose for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 21 SP 77

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made

by Scott William Whalen (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Scott William Whalen) to Loan Guaranty Officer, M.D. Parker, Trustee(s), dated March 31, 1997, and recorded in Book No. 4637, at Page 0024 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 April 12, 2021 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:

secured debt, the undersigned substitute trustee will expose for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at the county courthouse of said county at 10:00AM on April 13, 2021 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Frederick L Malloy, dated July 27, 2005 to secure the original principal amount of $127,550.00, and recorded in Book 6123 at Page 108 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: 5512 River Falls Road, Charlotte, NC 28215 Tax Parcel ID: 55062017770000 Present Record Owners: Frederick L. Malloy And Being more commonly known as: 5512

county courthouse of said county at 12:00PM on April 5, 2021 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Angela D. Barrett, dated March 31, 2006 to secure the original principal amount of $125,039.00, and recorded in Book 6650 at Page 246 of the Cabarrus County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

River Falls Road, Charlotte, NC 28215 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Frederick L. Malloy.

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

reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are TPM Properties Limited Partnership.

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.

due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

The date of this Notice is March 12, 2021.

LLG Trustee LLC Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 19-107025

Parkway,

Suite

400

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

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

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.

The date of this Notice is March 3, 2021.

LLG Trustee LLC Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 17-091119

The record owner(s) of the property, as

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

Order/Judgment entered in the above-captioned case on February 8, 2021 (“Order”), and by virtue of the appointment, power and authority contained in that Order, has been authorized and ordered to sell the property commonly known as 814 Black Creek Court, Fayetteville, NC 28311 (“Property”).

Said Property is secured by the Deed of Trust executed by Dennis R. Rabe and Mariselda F. Rabe, dated June 4, 2004 and recorded on June 9, 2004 in Book 6551 at Page 626 of the Cumberland County, North Carolina Registry. The Property shall be sold together with improvements located thereon, towards satisfaction of the debt due by Dennis R. Rabe, and secured by the lien against such property in favor of SunTrust Bank.

The Commissioner will offer for sale to the highest bidder at a public auction 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 April 14, 2021 at 01:30 PM the following described real property (including all improvements thereon) located in Cumberland County, North Carolina and described as follows: BEING ALL OF LOT 8 IN A SUBDIVISION KNOWN AS PINEWINDS, SECTION TWO, ACCORDING TO A PLAT OF THE SAME BEING DULY RECORDED IN BOOK OF PLATS 106, PAGE 132, CUMBERLAND COUNTY REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA. The above described property will be sold, transferred and conveyed “AS IS, WHERE IS”

subject to liens or encumbrances of record which are superior to such Deed of Trust, together with all unpaid taxes and assessments and any recorded releases. Neither the Commissioner nor the holder of the debt secured by such Deed of Trust, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Commissioner or the holder of the debt make any representation 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 and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such conditions expressly are disclaimed. The Commissioner shall convey title to the property by non-warranty deed, without any covenants or warranties, express or implied.

An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 1-339.29 (c) in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the judge or 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. 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.

To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current record owners of the property as reflected on the records of the CUMBERLAND COUNTY Register of Deeds’ office not more than ten (10) days prior to the date hereof are Mariselda F. Rabe and All Lawful Heirs of Dennis R. Rabe.

A cash deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchasing price will be required at the time of the sale. Any successful bidder shall be required to tender the full balance of the purchase price of bid in cash or certified check at the time the Commissioner tenders a deed for the Property or attempts to tender such deed, and should said successful bidder fail to pay the full balance purchase price of bid at that time, said bidder shall remain liable on said bid as provided for under North Carolina law.

The sale will be reported to the court and will remain open for advance or upset bids for a period of ten (10) days as required by law. If the Commissioner 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 Commissioner.

If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the Commissioner, 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.

JEREMY B. WILKINS, Commissioner 5431 Oleander Drive, Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 (910) 202-2800 Phone (888) 207-9353 Facsimile

for cash the following described property situated in Cumberland County, North Carolina, to wit:

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.

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.

declare the sale to be void and return the deposit.

The purchaser will have no further remedy.

1 2 6 5 Address of property: Amber Ridge Rd Northwest, Concord, NC 28027 Tax Parcel ID: 46812640810000 Present Record Owners: TPM Properties Limited Partnership And Being more commonly known as: 1265 Amber Ridge Rd Northwest, Concord, NC 28027

Being all of Unit 2, Section III, Phase 24 The Crossings at Morganton, as recorded in Condominium Book 5, Page 35, in the Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina with the ownership interest, privileges, appurtenances, conditions and restrictions contained and described in the Declaration of the Crossing at Morganton Condominiums recorded in Book 3885, Page 738, and amended in Book 3950, Page 62 and Book 4519, Page 816 in the Aforesaid registry.

Said property is commonly known as 264 Waterdown Dr, Apt 2, Fayetteville, NC 28314.

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 Hope Z. Crocker.

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

Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid

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

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

the county courthouse of said county at 10:30AM on April 12, 2021 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, in Cumberland County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Norman L. Rachels and Lea Ann Rachels, dated October 4, 2013 to secure the original principal amount of $115,305.00, and recorded in Book 9306 at Page 744 of the Cumberland County Public Registry.

The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property: 1 Bienville Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28311 Tax Parcel ID: 0542-37-4700 Present Record Owners: Norman L. Rachels and Lea Ann Rachels

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9

And Being more commonly known as:

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BEING all of Lot 18, in a subdivision known as EAGLEWOOD FOREST, SECTION FOUR, according to a plat of the same duly recorded in Book of Plats 39, Page 32, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 3733 Waring Place, Hope Mills, North Carolina.

Being the same property described in that Deed recorded in 4543, Page 0651, Office of the Register of Deeds, Cumberland County, NC. Being the same property described in that Deed from the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to the parties of the first part named herein.

This property is being conveyed subject to restrictive covenants, easements and rights of way of record.

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).

Bienville Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28311 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Norman L. Rachels and Lea Ann Rachels.

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

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

Parkway,

Suite

400

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

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

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 20-06925-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

($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.

more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time notice of termination is provided. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

The date of this Notice is March 22, 2021.

LLG Trustee LLC Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 17-090367

Parkway,

Suite

400

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

Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon written notice to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no

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: 3602 - 14502

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 31, 2021

B10 TAKE NOTICE

CUMBERLAND 19 SP 741 AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, CUMBERLAND COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed

by Kaci H. Marcus to H. Terry Hutchens, Trustee(s), which was dated January 7, 2011 and recorded on January 13, 2011 in Book 08565 at Page 0659, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina.

or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on April 14, 2021 at 01:30 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Cumberland County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING all of Lot No. 29, Section 1, Welmar Heights, according to a plat of the same duly recorded in Book of Plats 17, Page 47, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina.

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

Said property is commonly known as 1103 Martindale Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28304.

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,

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

Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.

16 SP 887 AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

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 Darlene Noble to Amy Mandari, Trustee(s), which was dated May 27, 2005 and recorded on June 1, 2005 in Book 6895 at Page 101, 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 April 14, 2021 at 01:30 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder

20 SP 144 AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, CUMBERLAND COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed

by Stacey Barr a/k/a Stacey C. Barr and Joshua Barr a/k/a Joshua B. Barr to Peter F. Makowiecki, Trustee(s), which was dated May 8, 2008 and recorded on May 12, 2008 in Book 07886 at Page 0482, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina.

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

DAVIDSON IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION DAVIDSON COUNTY 20SP126 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY NORMAN F. CREWS DATED MARCH 18, 2013 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 2094 AT PAGE 1356 IN THE DAVIDSON COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in the payment of the secured indebtedness and failure to perform the stipulation and agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the owner and holder of the secured debt, the undersigned substitute trustee

JOHNSTON NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, JOHNSTON COUNTY 21 SP 2 Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed

by Betty Elaine Joyner, in the original amount of $105,242.05, payable to Beneficial Mortgage Co. of North Carolina, dated January 26, 2007 and recorded on January 30, 2007 in Book 3277, Page 678, Johnston County Registry.

Default having been made in the payment of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Anchor Trustee Services, LLC having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Johnston County, North Carolina, and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Johnston County, North Carolina, at 2:00PM on

19 SP 586 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 John M. Guzi, Jr. and Gary Lee Hollar, Jr. to William R. Echols,, Trustee(s), which was dated July 8, 2009 and recorded on July 13, 2009 in Book 3730 at Page 585, Johnston County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of 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 April 13, 2021 at 12:00 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Johnston County, North Carolina, to wit:

RANDOLPH NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 20 SP 141

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made

by Thomas M. Hodgin and Barbara F. Hodgin (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Thomas M. Hodgin and Barbara F. Hodgin) to Richard Pearman Jr, Trustee(s), dated August 16, 2001, and recorded in Book No. 1725, at Page 2275 in Randolph County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Randolph County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Asheboro, Randolph County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 10:00 AM on April 13, 2021 and will sell to

BEING ALL OF LOT 246, IN SUBDIVISION KNOWN AS SOUTHVIEW, SECTION VII, PART ONE, AND THE SAME BEING DULY RECORDED IN BOOK OF PLATS 111, PAGE 119, CUMBERLAND COUNTY REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

Said property is commonly known as 2933 Piney Mountain Drive, Hope Mills, NC 28348.

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 Kaci H. Marcus.

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

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 Darlene Noble.

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

Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.

An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be

courthouse for conducting the sale on April 7, 2021 at 01:30 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Cumberland County, North Carolina, to wit:

COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.

Said property is commonly known as 1524 Greenock Avenue, Fayetteville, NC 28304.

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

To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Stacey & Josh Barr, LLC.

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

Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING

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

will expose for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at the county courthouse of said county at 10:00AM on April 12, 2021 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, in Davidson County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Norman F. Crews, dated March 18, 2013 to secure the original principal amount of $93,279.00, and recorded in Book 2094 at Page 1356 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.

The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are The Estate of Norman F. Crews.

BEING ALL OF LOT 174 IN A SUBDIVISION KNOWN AS ARRAN LAKE, SECTION 3 AND THE SAME BEING DULY RECORDED IN BOOK OF PLATS 28, PAGE 32, CUMBERLAND COUNTY REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

7 Address of property: Overbrook Dr, Thomasville, NC 27360 Tax Parcel ID: 1601200020004 Present Record Owners: The Estate of Norman F. Crews

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And Being more commonly known as: Overbrook Dr, Thomasville, NC 27360

7

707

April 15, 2021, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property, to wit: All that certain property situated in the Township of Beulah in the County of Johnston and State of North Carolina, being more fully described in a deed dated 01/22/1982 and recorded 01/25/1982, among the land records of the county and state set forth above, in Deed Volume 908 and Page 694.

Tax map or parcel id no: 03P06014A Being more specifically described as follows: BEGINNING at an iron pipe set on the bank of a ditch at the intersection of the ditch bank with the eastern right-of-way line of N.C.S.R. #2148, a corner with S. E. Woodard, and the line runs thence along the southern bank of the ditch North 64° 43’ 45” East 159.37 feet to an iron stake, corner with Roland D. Woodard; thence with the Woodard line South 05° 41’ 40” West 208.26 feet to an iron stake, another corner with Roland D. Woodard; thence with the Woodard line North 87° 52’ 10” West 140.00 feet to an iron stake set in the eastern right-of-way line of N.C.S.R. #2148; thence with the eastern right-of-way line of said road North 07 degrees 00’ East 135.00 feet to the point and place of beginning and contains 0.54 acres, more

BEGINNING at a stake in the eastern line of Massey Street, said stake being North 38 degrees 20 minutes East 147.75 feet along the eastern line of Massey Street from the intersection of the eastern line of Massey Street with the northern line of Oak Street, said stake cornering with the property of Willie Hill; thence along the eastern line of Massey Street North 38 degrees 20 minutes East 77.25 feet to a stake cornering with the property of Mr. Wall; thence along the line of Mr. Wall, South 51 degrees 40 minutes East 145 feet to a stake cornering with the lands of C.L. Richardson; thence along Richardson’s line, South 38 degrees 20 minutes West 77.25 feet to a stake cornering with the property of Willie Hill; thence along the line of Willie Hill, North 51 degrees 40 minutes West 145 feet to the point and place of BEGINNING, according to a plat and survey of the property by William Ragsdale, Jr., Registered Land Engineer, dated December 17, 1959.

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

or less, according to a plat and survey by Dennis R. Blackmon, RLS, dated January 22, 1982, and styled “Survey for Thaddeus Joyner and wife, Betty Elaine Joyner.”

Together with improvements located hereon; said property being located at 320 Beulah Town Road, Kenly, NC 27542. Tax ID: 03P06014A Third party purchasers must pay the excise tax, pursuant North Carolina General Statutes §105-228.30, in the amount of One Dollar ($1.00) per each Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or fractional part thereof, and the Clerk of Courts fee, pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §7A-308, in the amount of Forty-five Cents (0.45) per each One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) or fractional part thereof with a maximum amount of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00). A deposit of five percent (5%) of the bid or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale and must be tendered in the form of certified funds. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts will be immediately due and owing.

Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS WHERE IS. There are no representations of warranty relating to the

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

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

To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are John M. Guzi, Jr.

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.

File No.: 19-06676-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

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.

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.: 16-07844-FC01

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC

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.

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.

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 19-21461-FC01

com.

The date of this Notice is March 22, 2021.

LLG Trustee LLC Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 20-109702

Parkway,

Suite

400

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

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

For additional information, please see Auction.

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 Betty Elaine Joyner.

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

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

Said property is commonly known as 310 North Massey Street, Selma, NC 27576-2517.

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

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 highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Climax in the County of Randolph, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: TRACT I Being all of Lot Number 52, Rolling Acres, a plat of which is recorded in Plat Book 15, Page 13.

Being that parcel of land conveyed to Thomas M. Hodgin and wife, Barbara Hodgin, tenants by the entirety from George F. Shaw and Sherrill W. Shaw DBA Randleman Development Company by that deed dated 03/05/1980 and recorded 03/19/1980 in Deed Book 1117, at Page 514 of the Randolph County, NC Public Registry.

TRACT II Being all of Lot No. 38 of Rolling Acres Subdivision, a plat of which is to be found of record in Plat Book 15, Page 13, Randolph County Public Registry.

Being that parcel of land conveyed to Thomas McKinley Hodgin and wife, Barbara Ann Hodgin, tenants by the entirety from George F. Shaw and Sherrill W. Shaw DBA Randleman Development Company by that deed dated 04/29/1981 and recorded 05/11/1981 in Deed Book 1126, at Page 857 of the Randolph County, NC Public Registry.

Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 5765 Randolph Meadows Road, Climax, North Carolina.

The Deed of Trust was modified by the following:

A Loan Modification recorded on May 27, 2010, in Book No. RE2183, at Page 1279.

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

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

Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587

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

Anchor Trustee Services, LLC Substitute Trustee John P. Fetner, Bar #41811 McMichael Taylor Gray, LLC Attorney for Anchor Trustee Services, LLC 3550 Engineering Drive, Suite 260 Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 404-474-7149 (phone) 404-745-8121 (fax) jfetner@mtglaw.com

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.: 19-06010-FC02

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: 3383 - 8657

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 31, 2021

B11

TAKE NOTICE

RANDOLPH 21 SP 12 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, RANDOLPH COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed

by Jerry Belville to Donald W. Courtney, Trustee(s), which was dated April 28, 2011 and recorded on May 3, 2011 in Book 2231 at Page 484 and rerecorded/modified/corrected on June 23, 2016 in Book 2499, Page 1064, Randolph County Registry, North Carolina.

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 April 13, 2021 at 01:00 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Randolph County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING all of Lot No. 4 of Pine Ridge Acres Subdivision, Map No. 2, as shown recorded in Plat Book 35, Page 74, in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Randolph County, North Carolina.

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

Said property is commonly known as 2949 PINE RIDGE RD, Asheboro, NC 27205.

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

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

Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS

WAKE

highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Wendell in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: The following described property in the County of Wake, State of North Carolina: Lot 20 of Fall Creek, Section 2, as shown on a map thereof recorded in Book of Maps 1986, Page 530, Wake County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 1321 Raybon Drive, Wendell, North Carolina.Being and intending to describe the same premises conveyed in a deed recorded 10/29/1987 in Book 4137, Page 106. Property Address: 1321 Raybon DriveParcel ID: 1784.01-39-1667 0155177

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 18 SP 1758

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Donna H. Waszak and Lee W. Waszak (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Donna H. Waszak) to PRLAP, Inc., Trustee(s), dated December 9, 2006, and recorded in Book No. 012365, at Page 00293 in Wake County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Wake County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Wake County Courthouse door, the Salisbury Street entrance in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on April 5, 2021 and will sell to the

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 20 SP 1877

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Shirley Johnson (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Shirley Johnson, Heirs of Shirley Johnson: Sherman L. Johnson) to Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, Trustee(s), dated April 20, 2005, and recorded in Book No. 011321, at Page 00102 in Wake County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Wake County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Wake County Courthouse door, the Salisbury Street entrance in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on April 5, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Wake Forest in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEGINNING at a point in the line of the Raleigh

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 20 SP 812

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Terri A. Byrd and Merle T. Byrd (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Merle T. Byrd, Heirs of Merle T. Byrd a/k/a Merle Todd Byrd: Janet Roxanne Byrd Yates) to Aaron Anderson Brock & Scott, Trustee(s), dated September 20, 2006, and recorded in Book No. 012186, at Page 00895 in Wake County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Wake County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Wake County Courthouse door, the Salisbury Street entrance in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on April 12, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Knightdale in the County of

20 SP 193 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, WAKE COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Christine M. Stironek to The Law Firm of Hutchens, Senter & Britton, P.A., Trustee(s), which was dated February 22, 2018 and recorded on February 27, 2018 in Book 017054 at Page 01530, Wake County Registry, North Carolina.

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

AMENDED NOTICE OF SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE’S SALE OF REAL ESTATE UNDER AND BY VIRTUE OF the power and authority contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed and delivered by Linda Chasten and Samuel Chasten, wife and husband and Samanda N. Chasten, a single woman dated February 14, 2008, and recorded March 4, 2008, in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Wake County, North Carolina, in Book 12985 at Page 1161, securing a Note in the original principal amount of $328,000.00, and because of default in the payment of the indebtedness thereby secured and failure to carry out and perform the stipulations and agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the owner and holder of the indebtedness secured by said Deed of Trust, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will expose for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale in the County Courthouse of Wake County, in the City of Raleigh, North Carolina, on April 6, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. O’clock, all

21 SP 60 AMENDED 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 Joseph Franklin Gibbs, Jr. a/k/a Joseph Franklin Gibbs and Okeyna Loving Gibbs to Harry E. Dean III & Peter Cameron, Trustee(s), which was dated July 31, 2019 and recorded on July 31, 2019 in Book 17525 at Page 00642, Wake County Registry, North Carolina.

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

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 Jerry C. Belville.

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.

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.

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

to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit.

The purchaser will have no further remedy.

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

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

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

Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 27 of the property of Marlie L. Choplin and V. Patrick Thompson according to the plat thereof which is duly recorded in Book of Maps 1967, Page 380, Wake County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 100 New Holly Court, Knightdale, North Carolina.

Tax ID #0100890 The Deed of Trust was modified by the following:

A Loan Modification recorded on July 29, 2015, in Book No. 016100, at Page 01908.

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.

courthouse for conducting the sale on April 7, 2021 at 10:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Wake County, North Carolina, to wit: Situated in the Township of St. Matthews, County of Wake, State of North Carolina: Being all of Lot 1 as is shown on map recorded in Book of Maps 1992, Page 804, Wake County Registry.

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

Said property is commonly known as 112 Robertson Street, Knightdale, NC 27545.

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

Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.

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

To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are All Lawful Heirs of Christine M. Stironek.

An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing

written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b)(2)]. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

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

The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC

that certain parcel of land secured by the abovedescribed Deed of Trust recorded in Book 12985 at Page 1161, situated in Wake County, North Carolina, as more particularly described therein, which legal description is made a part hereof and incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein and briefly described as Lot 2, Section I, Black Horse Run, Book of Maps 1973, Page 413.

ADDRESS SHOWN AS SECURITY ON THE NOTE AND DEED OF TRUST: 11705 Old Creedmoor Road, Raleigh, NC 27613.

PRESENT RECORD OWNERS as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds not more than 10 days prior to posting the notice is/are: Linda Chasten and Samanda Chasten.

In the event the property which is the subject of this Notice of Sale is residential real property with less than fifteen (15) rental units, an order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the Clerk of Superior Court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental

agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination.

The notice shall also state upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that person must pay the tax of forty-five cents per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required

by NCGS 7A-308 (a)(1), up to a maximum of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00). The property is being sold “as is and where is” with no representations or warranties of any type or kind being given or to be construed as being given or made; and, no title certification of any type or kind is being made or is to be construed as being made. The terms of the sale are that the real property hereinabove described

will be sold for cash to the highest bidder and that the undersigned will require the successful bidder at the sale to immediately deposit cash or certified check in the amount of the greater of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred and fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater. The real property hereinabove described will be sold subject to any unpaid taxes, prior encumbrances, if any, and special assessments.

The sale will be held open for ten (10) days for upset bids as by law required and will also be subject to a ten (10) day right of redemption or to the filing of a bankruptcy petition. In the event of an upset bid, redemption or the filing of a bankruptcy petition, or any other reason that the Substitute Trustee deems necessary to redo the sale, the bid deposit will be returned and no other remedies will be assertable.

18-SP-1986 This _20th____ day of February, 2021.

/s/ Frances S. White __________________ Frances S. White or Rick D. Lail, either one of

courthouse for conducting the sale on April 14, 2021 at 10:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Wake County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING all of Lot 57 in Phase I, Parcel B, Hedingham Village as shown on plat recorded in Book of Maps 1987, Page 1089 and re-recorded in Book of Maps 1987, Page 1772, Wake County Registry.

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

Said property is commonly known as 4700 Thurmount Place, Raleigh, NC 27604.

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

Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer

and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record.

To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Joseph Frank Gibbs, Jr. and wife, Okeyna Loving Gibbs.

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

Granite Company lands, said point being the Southeast corner of David Carter’s land and the Northeast corner of the lot conveyed herein; thence with the line of Raleigh Granite Company, S. 4 deg. 30 minutes West 150 feet to a stake in the said line, the Northwest corner of another John H. Haley lot; thence with said Haley’s line N. 86 deg. 30 minutes West 174 feet to a stake in said line; thence in a line parallel with the line of Raleigh Granite Company, N. 4 deg. 30 minutes East 150 feet to a stake in the line of David Carter; this with said Carter’s line s. 86 deg. 30 minutes East 174 feet to a stake in the line of Raleigh Granite Company, the point of BEGINNING. The above described lot which measures 150 feet by 174 feet is the Eastern end of the lot of land conveyed by Lee Carter and wife, Florence A. Carter to John M. Haley and wife, Maggie Carter Haley; and being the identical land conveyed to Myrtle C. Allen by John H. Haley and wife, Maggie Carter Haley by deed dated June 22, 1960 and recorded in Book 1417, page 74, Wake County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 4432 Lassiter Road, Wake Forest, North Carolina.

File No.: 20-13548-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.

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

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

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

4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 1247381 - 12629

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

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 3777 - 12484

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: 1288965 - 9835

Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 20-00582-FC01

whom may act, Substitute Trustee P.O. Box 30081 Charlotte, N.C. 28230-0081 (704) 817-8134

5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 20-13468-FC01

B12

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 31, 2021

pen & paper pursuits

sudoku

solutions From March 24, 2020

A8

North State Journal for Wednesday, March 31, 2021

NATION & WORLD

World leaders call for pandemic treaty, but short on details Vague proposal would still leave enforcement up to member states

By Maria Cheng The Associated Press LONDON — In a commentary published Tuesday, more than 20 heads of government and global agencies called for an international treaty for pandemic preparedness that they say will protect future generations in the wake of COVID-19.

But there were few details to explain how such an agreement might actually compel countries to act more cooperatively.

World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and leaders including Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain, Premier Mario Draghi of Italy and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda proposed “a renewed collective commitment” to reinforce preparedness and response systems by leveraging the U.N. health agency’s constitution.

“The world cannot afford to wait until the pandemic is over to start planning for the next one,” Tedros said during a news conference. He said the treaty would provide “a framework for international cooperation and solidarity” and address issues like surveillance systems and responding to outbreaks.

International regulations governing health implemented by WHO already exist — and can

be disregarded by countries with few consequences. Despite an obligation for nations to share critical epidemic data and materials quickly with WHO, for example, China declined to do so when the coronavirus first broke out.

And with no enforcement powers, WHO officials had little means of compelling them to share details, an AP investigation last year found.

Steven Solomon, WHO’s principal legal officer, said the proposed pandemic treaty would need to be ratified by lawmakers in the participating countries.

“Specifics about enforcement will be up to member states to decide on,” Solomon said.

European Council President Charles Michel first laid out the idea of a pandemic treaty at the U.N. General Assembly in December. Joining Tedros at Tuesday’s briefing, Michel said the global community needs to “build a pandemic defense for future generations that extends far beyond today’s crisis. For this, we must translate the political will into concrete actions.”

Gian Luca Burci, a former WHO legal counsel who is now a professor at the Graduate Institute of international affairs in Geneva, described the proposal as an attempted “big fix” involving information sharing, preparedness and response, saying the concept is “like a Christmas tree, frankly.”

“But to me, the risk is that it diverts attention from the tool that we have,” WHO’s existing In-

GERALD HERBERT | AP PHOTO

In this file photo dated Monday, March 29, 2021, A bin of used syringes inside a trailer during a mass vaccination event in Metairie, outside New Orleans. ternational Health Regulations, Burci said recently. He said his fear was those regulations would get short shrift and receive “cosmetic improvements, but fundamentally remain a weak instrument.”

Although the 25 signatories of the commentary called for “solidarity,” and greater “societal commitment,” there was no indication any country would soon change its own approach to responding to the pandemic. China, Russia and the United States didn’t join in signing the statement.

WHO legal officer Solomon said the pandemic treaty might also address issues such as the sharing of vaccine technology and vaccine supplies, but gave no in-

dication how that might happen.

Despite WHO’s calls for patents to be waived during the pandemic, rich countries have continued to oppose efforts by poor countries to compel them to share vaccine manufacturing technology.

Tedros pleaded with rich countries last week to immediately donate 10 million COVID-19 vaccines so that immunization campaigns could start in all countries within the first 100 days of the year. Not a single country has yet publicly offered to share its vaccines immediately. Of the more than 459 million vaccines administered globally, the majority have been in just 10 countries — and 28% in just one. WHO didn’t identify the countries.

“The world cannot afford to wait until the pandemic is over to start planning for the next one.”

WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

Arizona Senate revokes mask rules as state’s governor blocks mask mandates Twenty-one states have either rolled back statewide mask mandates or never implemented one The Associated Press

PATRICK SEMANSKY | AP PHOTO

This March 19, 2018, file photo shows Apple's App Store app in Baltimore.

Epic Games complains to UK over Apple The Associated Press CARY-BASED Epic Games submitted a complaint Tuesday about Apple’s alleged “monopolistic practices” to the U.K. competition watchdog, which is investigating the iPhone maker over concerns it has a dominant position in app distribution. The move by the maker of the popular video game Fortnite is the latest salvo in its bitter battle over Apple’s App Store. Epic Games has also filed legal challenges in the U.S. and Australia, and an antitrust complaint in the European Union against Apple.

The game-maker’s complaint accuses Apple of anti-competitive behavior and setting strict rules on app distribution and payments in alleged violation of U.K. rules. Apple said it wasn’t surprised by Epic’s U.K. complaint, “as we have seen them use the same playbook around the world.”

The dispute stems from Apple taking a 30% cut from some purchases made through apps, which music streaming service Spotify and other apps have also taken issue with. Epic tried to bypass the App Store with a direct payment system, but Apple

responded by dropping the Fortnite app from the platform.

“By kneecapping the competition and exerting its monopoly power over app distribution and payments, Apple strips U.K. consumers of the right to choose how and where they get their apps, while locking developers into a single marketplace that lets Apple charge any commission rate they choose,” Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney said in a statement.

“These harmful practices lead to artificially inflated costs for consumers, and stifle innovation among developers, many of whom are unable to compete in a digital ecosystem that is rigged against them,” Sweeney alleged.

Epic said it’s not seeking monetary damages but wants regulators to come up with fixes to prevent market distortion and manipulation.

Apple said Epic Games became hugely successful thanks to the App Store and now “wants to operate under a different set of rules than the ones that apply to all other developers. The result would be weakened privacy and data security protections for our customers, and we think that’s wrong.”

PHOENIX — The Arizona Senate voted Monday to rescind its mandatory mask policy, and the House speaker made the same move on his own authority.

The Senate vote on the rules designed to limit the spread of the coronavirus got no support from minority Democrats. All 16 Republicans voted for the rule change.

Face masks are now optional, and members continue to have the option of voting from their offices.

The move comes just days after Republican Gov. Doug Ducey blocked cities and counties from continuing to impose mask requirements. Ducey never issued a statewide mask order but had allowed local governments to issue mandates. The mayors of Tucson and Flagstaff have refused to revoke their mask rules, and they can still be enforced in government buildings and are required in schools.

Democrats noted that the head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and President Joe Biden warned the nation Monday that too many Americans were declaring victory against the virus too quickly and mask mandates and other restrictions should be maintained or restored to prevent a “fourth surge” of the virus.

Sen. Martin Quezada, a Democrat representing parts of Glendale, said the minority community he represents has been particularly hard hit by the virus, and wearing a mask is a simple thing that can lower transmission rates.

“Wearing a mask is something so simple that even a 4-year-old can do it,” Quezada said. “And the adults are the ones throwing temper tantrums about this? If children can do it, we should be able to do it too.”

Republican Sen. Rick Gray of Sun City took umbrage, saying no one was throwing a tantrum.

“This is an option and a choice that we have in the Senate, and the last I remember America was about the land of the free and allowing people to make decisions for

ROSS D. FRANKLIN | AP PHOTO

Arizona Republican Gov. Doug Ducey answers a question during a news conference for the latest Arizona COVID-19 information Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2020, in Phoenix. themselves,” Gray said. “If people have concerns, they can leave their masks on and should leave their masks on.”

Senate President Karen Fann said the new rule only rescinds the mask mandate. She also promised to reveal “an idea up her sleeve” Tuesday that may help Democrats feel better. Her comment came after she called up the only Republican senator who sits on the Democrats’ side of the chamber, which has 15 desks on each side of a center aisle.

GOP House Speaker Rusty Bowers can change the rules on his own, and sent a revised policy to members and staff after the House finished its afternoon floor session Monday. Masks are now optional on the floor, but will be required in some offices and other areas.

Seven of 90 lawmakers have disclosed COVID-19 infections, with one senator infected this year.

The Arizona Department of Health Services on Monday reported 604 new virus cases and no new deaths. That brings the state’s pandemic total to 840,492 cases.

The number of deaths attributed to COVID-19 in Arizona remains 16,918.

The number of infections is thought to be far higher than reported because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick.

According to the state’s coronavirus dashboard, more than 3 million vaccine doses have been administered to Arizonans, with more than

1 million residents fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of Saturday morning. Arizona has a total population of approximately 7.5 million.

Meanwhile, health officials said the number of confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patients hospitalized statewide decreased to 549 on Sunday — the lowest number since Oct. 3.

The number of ICU beds used by coronavirus patients fell to 169.

Ducey cited rising vaccination rates and the opening of vaccine appointments to all adults, as well as a declining number of COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations, for his decision on Thursday to ban local government mask mandates.

His decision was welcomed by business interests and Republican officials and condemned by public health experts and Democrats. The order allows businesses to enforce mask mandates and distancing requirements if they want, but cities, towns and counties must lift theirs.

Arizona joins Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, Iowa and Montana as states who have recently announced the ending of mask mandates. Twenty-one states have either rolled back statewide mask mandates or never implemented one.

“If folks want to wear a mask, they are free to do so,” said Gov. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) in a tweet last fall. “Those who don’t want to wear a mask shouldn’t be shamed into it, and govt should not mandate it. We need to respect each other’s decisions. In SD, we know a little common courtesy can go a long way.”

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VOLUME 4 ISSUE 26 | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31, 2021 | STANLYJOURNAL.COM

Stanly County Journal

ROBERT CLARK | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Pastor John Hedgepeth of Northwood Temple Pentecostal Church in Fayetteville speaks to churchgoers during an Easter ‘drive-in’ service in 2020.

WHAT’S HAPPENING Pedestrian hit and killed by car Cabarrus County A pedestrian was struck and killed by a vehicle on Zion Church Road on Monday morning. The accident occurred at about 4 a.m. near Highway 49. The road was closed for part of Monday while state highway patrol officers investigated the incident. Paramedics pronounced the victim dead at the scene.

No names were released and no charges were immediately filed.

WSOC

Man rapes 15-year-old while out of jail on similar charge Davidson County Blake Alan Craver, 19, of Thomasville, was accused of raping a 15-year-old girl. Craver was out of jail on pretrial release on a similar, unrelated case when the new attack occurred.

He’s accused of second-degree forcible rape and seconddegree kidnapping. The incident occurred on Dec. 15. Davidson County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested Craver after the victim underwent an interview and medical exam.

WSOC

Deputy US Marshal shoots, kills man while attempting arrest Mecklenburg County A deputy U.S. marshal shot and killed a fugitive during an attempted arrest on outstanding warrants. Officers with the Marshals Service’s regional fugitive task force approached the man to arrest him on outstanding warrants. Officers shot him after perceiving “a lethal threat.” Authorities found a gun on the scene. Frankie Jennings, 32, who is black, was pronounced dead at the scene.

No law enforcement members were hurt. Charges in the outstanding warrants against Jennings included assault with a deadly weapon on a government official, breaking and entering and possession of a firearm by a felon.

AP

Stanly County churches organize Holy Week services For second year in a row, Easter gatherings limited by COVID precautions

By David Larson Stanly County Journal ALBEMARLE — As the COVID-19 pandemic enters its second year, Stanly County churches are left with the decision of how to run their services during what is the holiest week of the Christian calendar. Many are offering both in-person and online options, with the in-person attendance often including mask requirements, spaced seating and the need to make reservations beforehand to limit crowds.

Stanly County has dozens of active churches, but below are the plans for a few of the prominent ones on how they intend to gather for Holy Week in 2021. If you plan to attend any services in person, make sure to check with that specific church’s website for more information on their practices before arriving.

First Baptist Church of Albemarle, a downtown church founded more than a century ago, has

been in a “regathering” phase since March 7.

“Worship will be both in person and online,” a statement on their website says. “During this phase of regathering, we can only have 75 individuals in the sanctuary for Worship, and we ask that you continue to wear your mask and socially distance from one another.

Following the service, plan to exit the building, and if you want to talk and catch up, do so outside the building.”

During Holy Week, First Baptist is planning on having a “Tenebrae service” on Maundy Thursday at 7 p.m. Tenebrae services go back to medieval monasteries, where they would gradually extinguish the Lenten candles, leaving complete darkness in preparation for Good Friday, the day of Jesus’ death. On Easter, FBC will then have an 11 a.m. morning service to celebrate the resurrection.

In Locust, NewLife Church is having two Easter services, 8:45 a.m. and 10:15 a.m., both of which have in-person and online options.

On its social media, the church says, “Easter is just around the corner! We want you to come celebrate with us here at NewLife on

April 4th! Invite your friends, coworkers, family, and everyone you know to share in this wonderful occasion. It might just change their life forever.”

Stanly County’s only Catholic Church, Albemarle’s Our Lady of the Annunciation, will be celebrating in-person during Holy Week but with no streaming options.

The Charlotte Diocese’s Bishop Peter Jugis, along with nearly all dioceses, has waived the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and holy days during the pandemic. Despite this, churches are still free to offer services, with proper precautions, to those who wish to attend.

Services will take place every day during Holy Week.

The Paschal Triduum, which is the three-day period from the evening Maundy Thursday until sundown on Easter, will see services at 7 p.m. on Thursday; 3 p.m. on Good Friday for the Passion of the Lord; and again at 7 p.m. for the Stations of the Cross; 8 p.m. Saturday for the Easter Vigil; and then on Sunday for Easter services at 9:30 a.m. There will also be an Easter Mass in Spanish at 12:15 p.m.

The county has many Method-

Stanly County animal shelter partners with Charlotte nonprofit organization

By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal ALBEMARLE — Last Thursday, March 25, Stanly County Animal Protective Services officially embarked upon a partnership with the Humane Society of Charlotte.

As a direct effect of this new arrangement, the animal shelter, located at 1037 Coble Ave. in Albemarle, will now have pets that are spayed or neutered, as well as registered service animals, readily available to the public.

After only a few days of the partnership, Stanly County Animal Protective Services (SCAPS) was able to provide 20 animals with surgeries and vaccinations thanks to the services offered by the Humane Society of Char-

lotte.

“This partnership will allow us to have fully vetted animals available for public adoption, behavioral/medical animals fully vetted and ready to go to their rescue, and SCAPS Barn Buddies vetted, ear tipped and ready for their next outdoor adventure,” SCAPS (formerly known as Stanly County Animal Control) said in a social media post. “We are overly excited about this amazing partnership, and what the future has to offer for the animals of Stanly County.”

The “Barn Buddies” adoption program, which also began last week, is designed to promote safe homes for pairs of unsocialized cats that are spayed or neutered, microchipped, dewormed and treated for fleas. These cats,

which are available for an adoption fee of $40 each, are also vaccinated for rabies, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia.

Stanly County Animal Protective Services’ new partnership with the Humane Society of Charlotte is the latest in a set of recent changes for the animal shelter.

On Oct. 5, 2020, the Stanly County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a measure that moved the day-to-day jurisdiction of the animal control department from the county health department to the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office. The change in operational duties now mirrors the chain chain of command for animal control shelters in nearby Cabarrus and Union

ist churches, but due to guidance from their conference leadership, they are offering mostly online options. Norwood First UMC is having indoor worship with distancing and masks, in addition to their drive-thru and online options. While Wesley Chapel in Misenheimer has a statement on their website saying, “As we seek to care for the health and safety of our neighbors during this covid-19 pandemic, we have ceased all in-person gatherings,” they continue to have services and will have an 11 a.m. drive-thru gathering for Easter.

West Stanly Baptist Church will be having in-person services, with a sunrise service at 7 a.m. Easter morning, Sunday school for grades K-12 from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m., breakfast at 8 a.m. and morning worship at 9 a.m. For the breakfast held between the two services, the church asks those wanting to attend to bring one or two items to share. West Stanly Baptist’s website says for those who are not comfortable coming inside the sanctuary, they have a “COVID safe room” and will also broadcast live on the radio, at 100.7 FM, and on their Facebook page.

Restrictions on in-person church attendance in North Carolina were lifted by a judge almost a year ago, but most churches continue to limit attendance and to add distancing and masking requirements. Online services have largely replaced in-person services during the pandemic.

counties.

Later in October, the sheriff’s office officially announced the hiring of its new command staff for the Stanly County Animal Protective Services. The office introduced shelter manager and director Jana Aviles, who has previous experience working for the Cabarrus County Animal Control. Sergeant Tim Rogers was also named as the first fulltime animal control officer for the facility and will be supervising the law enforcement aspect of the shelter.

As of last week, SCAPS expanded its availability and is now open to the public Monday through Saturday from noon until 4:30 p.m. The shelter’s website currently holds an animal adoption questionnaire and application as well a form for lost pets, which can be sent to lostandfoundpets@stanlycountync.gov.

In addition, an updated registry of found pets, reclaimed pets, and animals available for adoption can be viewed on the SCAPS Facebook page.

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, March 31, 2021

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WEEKLY CRIME LOG

♦ Love, Amanda Jane (W F, 30) Arrest on chrg of Shoplifting Concealment Goods, M(M), at 781 Leonard Av, Albemarle, on 03/24/202 ♦ Braley, Brandon Carl (W M, 35) Arrest on chrg of Shoplifting Concealment Goods(M), at 641 Nc 24-27 Bypass E, Albemarle, on 03/25/2021 ♦ Maples, Abby Marie (W F, 29) Arrest on chrg of Shoplifting Concealment Goods, M(M), at 781 Leonard Av, Albemarle, on 03/25/2021 ♦ Shaw, Debbie Lynn (W F, 49) Arrest on chrg of Larc Merchant Prod Code Fraud (F),at 781 Leonard Av, Albemarle, on 03/25/2021 ♦ Pratt, Corey Jermain (B M, 48) Arrest on chrg of Child Abuse (m) (M), at 1973 EMain St, Albemarle, on 03/26/2021 ♦ Pratt, Corey Jermain (B M, 48) Arrest on chrg of Possess Marijuana Up To 1/2 Ounce,M (M), at 1973 E Main St, Albemarle, on 03/26/2021. ♦ Blackmon, Jevon Tyrese (B M, 21) Arrest on chrg of Possession Of Stolen Firearm(F), at Scj, Albemarle, on 03/26/2021 ♦ Tyson, Laura Ann (B F, 47) Arrest on chrg of Simple Possess Sch Vi Cs (m), M (M),at 1600 Woodhurst Ln/henson St, Albemarle, on 03/26/2021 ♦ Pratt, Corey Jermain (B M, 48) Arrested on Citation of Possess Marijuana Up To 1/2Ounce (21-01185), at 1973 E Main St, Albemarle, on 03/26/2021 ♦ Tyson, Laura Ann (B F, 47) Arrested on Citation of Simple Possess Sch Vi Cs (m)(21-01191), at 1600 Woodhurst Ln/ henson St, Albemarle, on 03/26/2021 ♦ Solomon, Vicki Mae (W F, 47) Arrested on Citation of Dwlr Impaired Rev(2101205), at 105 Hearne St/s Third St,

meet a martial arts instructor who teaches them kung fu and they learn principles found in Chinese philosophy.

Scholastic said it had removed the book from its websites, stopped processing orders for it and sought a return of all inventory. “We will take steps to inform schools and libraries who may still have this title in circulation of our decision to withdraw it from publication,” the publisher said in a statement.

Pilkey in a YouTube statement said he planned to donate his advance and all royalties from the book’s sales to groups dedicated to stopping violence against Asians and to promoting diversity in children’s books and pub-

75° 49° 4%

TUESDAY

APRIL 6

HI LO PRECIP

78° 52° 3%

DEATH NOTICES

♦ Stirewalt, Michael Jeffrey (W M, 31) Arrest on chrg of Misdemeanor Larceny (M), at126 S Third St, Albemarle, on 03/24/2021

‘Captain Underpants’ spinoff pulled for ‘passive racism’

By Mark Kennedy The Associated Press

51° 30° 17%

FRIDAY

APRIL 2

Albemarle, on 03/27/2021 ♦ Lowery, John Franklin (W M, 44) Arrest on chrg of Possess Methamphetamine (F), at2014 E Main St, Albemarle, on 03/28/2021 ♦ Williams, Deamani Montreal (B M, 20) Arrest on chrg of Breaking And Or Entering(f) (F), at 735 Nc 24-27 Bypass E, Albemarle, on 03/28/2021 ♦ Mcmillian, Jamiela Nicole (B F, 34) Arrest on chrg of Injury To Real Property (M), at2680 W Main St/nc 24-27 Hwy, Albemarle, on 03/28/2021.

Leach, Kyle J (W /M/31) Arrest on chrg of 1) Pwimsd Sch Ii Cs (F), 2) Pwimsd Heroin (F), and 3) Pwimsd Marijuana (F), at 537 Salisbury Av/spruce St, Albemarle, NC, on 3/25/2021

♦ Rose, Jackson James E (W M, 31) Arrest on chrg of Misdemeanor Larceny, M (M), at781 Leonard Av, Albemarle, on 03/28/2021

♦ Deberry, Sarah Lynn (W /F/37) Arrest on chrg of 1) Breaking Or Entering (m) (M) and 2) Second Degree Trespass (M), at S 3rd St, on 3/24/2021

♦ Lindsey, Jamarian Dequan (B M, 27) Arrest on chrg of Resisting Public Officer, M(M), at 510 S First St, Albemarle, on 03/28/2021. ♦ Battisto, Hayden Kyle (W M, 25) Arrest on chrg of Driving While Impaired, M (M), at841 Nc 24-27 Bypass E/e Main St, Albemarle, on 03/28/2021

♦ Belk, Carl Ward (W /M/29) Arrest on chrg of Driving While Impaired, M (M), at Jail, on 3/28/2021 ♦ Buczynski, Khristina Ann (W /F/42) Arrest on chrg of 1) Simple Assault (M), 2) Communicate Threats (M), and 3) Second Degree Trespass (M), at 28873 Nc 24/27, Albemarle, NC, on 3/28/2021 ♦ Smith, Eric Michael (W /M/41) Arrest on chrg of 1) Possess Stolen Motor Vehicle (F) and 2) Altering Serial Numbers (F), at 126 S Third Street, Albemarle, NC, on 3/26/2021

lishing.

“I hope that you, my readers, will forgive me, and learn from my mistake that even unintentional and passive stereotypes and racism are harmful to everyone,” he wrote. “I apologize, and I pledge to do better.”

The decision came after a Korean American father of two young children started a Change. org petition asking for an apology from the publisher and writer.

It also follows a wave of high-profile and sometimes deadly violence against Asian Americans nationwide since the pandemic began.

Earlier this month, the estate of Dr. Seuss said six of his books would no longer be published because they contained depictions of groups that were “hurtful and wrong,” including Asian Americans. The move drew immediate reaction on social media from those who called it another example of “cancel culture.”

PHOTO BY WILLY SANJUAN | INVISION | AP, FILE

Dav Pilkey arrives at the premiere of “Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie” in Los Angeles on May 21, 2017.

♦ Rich, Jessica Anne (W /F/32) Arrest on chrg of 1) Felony Possession Sch Ii Cs (F), 2) Possess Heroin (F), 3) Pwimsd Marijuana (F), and 4) Possess Drug Paraphernalia (M), at 537 Salisbury Av/ spruce St, Albemarle, NC, on 3/25/2021 ♦ Smith, Ryan Gage (W /M/27) Arrest on chrg of 1) Pwimsd Sch Ii Cs (F), 2) Pwimsd Heroin (F), and 3) Pwimsd Marijuana (F), at 537 Salisbury Av/ spruce St, Albemarle, NC, on 3/25/2021

♦ Brown, Caroline Elizabeth (W F, 30) Arrest on chrg of Misdemeanor Larceny, M (M),at 781 Leonard Av, Albemarle, on 03/28/2021

♦ Williams, Deamani Montreal (B M, 20) Arrest on chrg of Possession Of StolenFirearm (F), at 735 Nc 24-27 Bypass E, Albemarle, on 03/28/2021

♦ Byrd, Bobby Jerome (W /M/27) Arrest on chrg of Communicate Threats (M), at 36513 Old Salisbury Rd, New London, NC, on 3/26/2021

♦ Cason, D Angelo Jaquice (B /M/20) Arrest on chrg of 1) Consp Robbery Dangrs Weapon (F), 2) Awdwikisi (F), 3) Awdw Serious Injury (F), 4) Dis Weap Occ Dwell / Moving Veh (F), 5) Possession Of Firearm By Felon (F), 6) Discharge Firearm In City (M), 7) Fta Release Order (F), and 8) Fta - Release Order (M), at West Main/concord Rd, Albemarle, NC, on 3/23/2021

♦ Terry Lee Russell, 69, of Norwood, passed away March 22. ♦ Karen Nelms Blakely, 65, of Locust, passed away March 23. ♦ Zelia Ann Leonard Springer, 81, of Richfield, passed away March 25. ♦ Donald Ellis Starnes Sr, 80, of Locust, passed away March 27. ♦ Gloria Mae Danbury Harless, 79, of Locust, passed away March 27. ♦ Gloria Dale McCall Mitchell, 88, of New London, passed away March 27. ♦ Mary Ellen Russell Aldridge, 84, of Albemarle, passed away March 28. ♦ Ann Randall Taylor, 87, of Oakboro, passed away March 28. ♦ Jordan Clifford Hinson, 21, of Locust, passed away March 28.

♦ Weast, Trenton Ray (W /M/52) Arrest on chrg of 1) Possess Methamphetamine (F) and 2) Possess Drug Paraphernalia (M), at 32913 Nc 49 Hwy/russell Rd, New London, NC, on 3/23/2021 ♦ Harwood, David Joe (W /M/46) Arrest on chrg of 1) Breaking Or Entering (m) (M) and 2) Second Degree Trespass (M), at 24927 Odell Dr, Albemarle, NC, on 3/23/2021 ♦ Harwood, Brandy Price (W /F/35) Arrest on chrg of 1) Breaking Or Entering (m) (M) and 2) Second Degree Trespass (M), at 24927 Odell Dr, Albemarle, NC, on 3/23/2021

Zelia Springer

Karen Blakely

ZELIA ANN LEONARD SPRINGER, 81, of Richfield passed away March 25, 2021 in Tucker Hospice House in Kannapolis. A graveside service will be held at 3 PM on Monday, March 29, 2021 at Paul’s Crossing Baptist Church Cemetery with Pastor Dusty Laney and Pastor Bo Sherrill officiating.

The family will greet friends following the graveside service.

Born January 18, 1940 in Stanly County, NC she was the daughter of the late James Albert Leonard and Julia Poplin Leonard. She worked for over 26 years with Wiscassett Mills and later worked as a stocking clerk at Walmart in Albemarle. She was a member of Highland Baptist Church. She loved fishing and gardening and loving on her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Vaden Malcolm “Chub” Springer Sr. in 2013. She is survived by daughter Cathy Sherrill and husband Mike of Mt. Ulla, Kristi Laton and husband Gary of Mt. Pleasant, and son Bud Springer of Kannapolis, brother James Leondard Jr. of Richfield, sisters Sue Swaringen of Albemarle and Becky Ingram of Richfield, three grandchildren Christopher Sherrill (Sarah), Pressley Laton (K. C. Banner), Taylor Springer, and three great-grandchildren Micah, Zachary, and Sawyer.

In lieu of flowers the family wishes memorials to be made to Highland Baptist Church, 106 Highland Dr., New London, NC 28127 or to the Paul’s Crossing Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 40461 Paul’s Crossing Rd., Richfield, NC 28137.

KAREN NELMS BLAKELY, 65, of Locust, NC, passed away Tuesday, March 23, 2021 in her home. Her memorial service will be 2pm Saturday, April 3, 2021 at the Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care Chapel of Locust with Rev. Bruce League officiating.

The family request that those attending please wear a mask due to the Covid restrictions.

Mrs. Blakely was born November 28, 1955 in St. Louis, MO to Mary Nelms Shaw of Oakboro, NC and the late Ron Oran Nelms. Karen retired from First Bank of Locust and formerly worked with Food Lion in Locust, NC. She loved her three granddaughters. Karen enjoyed going to car shows and bowling.

Karen is survived by her husband, Hunter Blakely of the home. She is also survived by two sons, Jason Blakely and wife Katie of Midland, NC and Nick Blakely and wife Danielle of Albemarle, NC; three granddaughters, Kayla Blakely, Kelsey Blakely and Rylee Blakely and two brothers, David Nelms of Monroe, NC and Greg Nelms of Oakboro, NC. Memorials may be made to Community Home Care & Hospice, 1024 Albemarle Road Unit 904, Troy, NC 27371.

Stanly funeral and Cremation Care of Locust is serving the Blakely family.

See OBITS, page 7

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, March 31, 2021

3

OPINION Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor VISUAL VOICES

COLUMN | REP. RICHARD HUDSON

Biden has yet to reach across the aisle as promised

If President Biden meant what he said, I remain ready to work together to end the crisis on the border, invest in our infrastructure, and end the tragic scourge of gun violence.

ON INAUGURATION DAY, I was encouraged to hear President Biden focus much of his speech on unity, going as far as saying, “We can join forces, stop the shouting, and lower the temperature. For without unity, there is no peace, only bitterness and fury.”

However, more than halfway through President Biden’s first 100 days in office, I have yet to see that olive branch be extended. I came to Washington to fight for you, no matter who is president, and to work across the aisle to deliver real results. Unfortunately, President Biden’s promises of unity have so far been empty words on issues like COVID relief, infrastructure, immigration and — the latest — gun control.

Amidst a global pandemic, we are experiencing a heartbreaking humanitarian crisis on our southern border, and it is being ignored by the administration for political reasons. The media continues to cover for President Biden, but nearly twice as many unaccompanied minors are being apprehended daily than during the peak of 2019. During this Biden border surge, according to a report last week, criminal organizations trafficking women, children and families have earned as much as $14 million a day. Migrants are packed together in facilities and not being tested for COVID-19, then being released to travel to states, including North Carolina. Also, in the last week, only 13% of 13,000 migrants were returned to Mexico. These facts all point to a worsening border crisis that must be addressed.

However, instead of focusing on the border, last week President Biden unveiled a new $3 trillion spending package disguised as an infrastructure bill. The only problem — this bill will be full of Green New Deal climate initiatives that will make it harder to build any new infrastructure that our country needs. This package follows up on their $2 trillion non-COVID relief bill that was passed without a single Republican vote. Once again, it is clear the Democrats will try and go at it alone.

To pay for this package, they plan to raise your taxes, wiping out the historic tax cuts from President Trump during one of the hardest financial years our country has seen. Cutting taxes and regulations the last four years unleashed the greatest economy we have seen — record low unemployment, record low poverty among all races and record high median income. As Washington Democrats aim to reverse these policies and push their massive Green New Deal spending, hold on to your wallets, folks.

Last week, I was also devastated to see the shootings in Georgia and Colorado. As I have said, as a father, I am committed to ending this scourge of gun violence. That’s why as recently as this month, I have championed legislation that increases school safety, supports mental health, expands information sharing and tackles the root causes of gun violence.

ANDREW HARNIK | AP PHOTO

President Joe Biden speaks during a news conference in the East Room of the White House, Thursday, March 25, 2021, in Washington, D.C.

Unfortunately, many on the left have rushed to politicize the recent tragedies in order to push for gun control legislation that harms lawabiding citizens and would have done nothing to prevent previous mass shootings. Earlier this month, House Democrats passed H.R. 8 and H.R. 1446 that would turn law-abiding citizens into criminals for helping a friend or neighbor and allow a government bureaucrat to delay a firearm sale indefinitely. These bills would only threaten our Second Amendment rights and are not the solutions we need. As President Biden and Washington Democrats renew their push for these bills, I am calling on my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to work together and pass targeted measures that would fix the problem.

If President Biden meant what he said, I remain ready to work together to end the crisis on the border, invest in our infrastructure, and end the tragic scourge of gun violence. So far, it looks like the Biden administration is working to appease the radical left, but I will not be discouraged from working to solve problems and represent you.

COLUMN | STEPHEN MOORE

Are Democrats dangerous to your health?

But the story that hasn’t been told is that Democratic governors have done a much, much worse job keeping blacks protected from the virus than red-state governors.

Rep. Jack Kemp used to say that minority voters “don’t care what you know until they know that you care.” Democrats have cleaned up with black and Hispanic voters (although a little less so with each passing election) by professing how much they care.

Ah, but it is also a truism that actions speak louder than words. Black voters made significantly more economic progress in former President Donald Trump’s one term, despite his label as a “racist,” than in eight years under former President Barack Obama. The black poverty rate fell to its lowest level EVER under Trump; whereas, little progress was made in Obama’s two terms. Ditto for Hispanics.

The income gains under Trump policies were larger in three years under Trump than in the eight years under Obama for both Hispanics and blacks. Asian progress also soared high under Trump; the median Asian household income reached very close to $100,000 in 2018 — much higher than for whites.

Money isn’t everything. What about health and well-being? Here, too, Democrats have failed racial minorities in America. Consider the performance of Republican governors versus Democratic governors in keeping minorities free from COVID-19 infection and death. On a national basis, it is true and troubling that minorities have been more adversely affected by COVID-19 than whites. The media reports this all the time.

But the story that hasn’t been told is that Democratic governors have done a much, much worse job keeping blacks protected from the virus than red-state governors. For proof of this, I checked the racial composition data from The Atlantic’s COVID Tracking Project through January 2021. Two findings jump out.

First, blacks per 100,000 population were substantially MORE likely to die from COVID-19 if they reside in blue states with a Democratic governor than in red states with a Republican governor. Of the 10 states

with the highest rates of COVID-19 deaths per 100,000 black residents — led by New York, New Jersey and Michigan — most have Democratic governors. Eight of the 10 states with the lowest death rates for blacks have Republican governors.

For example, a black person living in Michigan was five times more likely to die of COVID-19 than a black person living in West Virginia.

These shocking results might be an artifact of differences within states — incomes, population density, mean temperature and so on. But they are not. I also examined the black-white death rate WITHIN states, and the data shows the same pattern. A black person was five times more likely to die from COVID-19 than a white in Washington, D.C., (run by Democrats), and twice as likely to die of COVID-19 in New York.

Hispanics don’t fare any better with Democratic leadership. According to the Atlantic COVID trackers: “The largest disparities between white people and Latinx people are in Washington and Oregon (blue states), where Latinx people are 3.7 times more likely to have tested positive than their white neighbors.”

What makes these results doubly amazing is that these same Democratic politicians were also much more likely to enforce strict and prolonged lockdowns of schools and businesses, which were advertised as ways to keep minorities safe. Whoops! Now we know that the Democratic strategy of shutting down their local economies not only put minorities into unemployment lines but also put minorities at greater risk of hospitalization and death.

Remember this the next time Democratic politicians say how much they care about minority Americans. Judging from their performance, the reality seems to be: not much.

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

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, March 31, 2021

4

SPORTS SIDELINE REPORT NFL

Infant son of Browns’ Switzer stable after surgery Cleveland Browns wide receiver Ryan Switzer said his infant son is stable after doctors found what was causing him to bleed. The former UNC standout, who has been updating his son’s medical fight on social media the past few weeks, posted on Twitter on Monday that his son, Christian, was being prepped for an operation.

The 9-month-old has had two severe bleeding episodes, and despite a surgery and numerous procedures, doctors had been unable to pinpoint the cause. Switzer’s young son had also tested positive for COVID-19.

NBA

Creators of NBA Top Shot get $305M in funding Silver Spring, Md. Canadian blockchain technology company Dapper Labs has secured $305 million in private funding — some of it from current and former NBA players, including Michael Jordan — to scale up its virtual NBA trading card site, the company said Tuesday.

Vancouver-based Dapper says NBA Top Shot has rung up $500 million in sales and registered more than 800,000 accounts since its public beta testing phase began in October. The virtual cards come in the form of a floating digital cube that includes a video highlight of an NBA player and come with a non-fungible token, backed by blockchain technology, certifying its authenticity and scarcity.

WOMEN’S SOCCER

Nationwide joins growing list of NWSL sponsors Chicago Nationwide has become a sponsor of the National Women’s Soccer League, the latest in a string of league partnerships that have been growing since the Women’s World Cup in 2019. The league, in its ninth season, currently counts Nike, Budweiser and Verizon as national sponsors. Secret Deodorant will sponsor the upcoming preseason Challenge Cup tournament.

CBS and Twitch are the league’s broadcast partners.

The Challenge Cup opens April 9 with a rematch of the tournament’s final last summer between the Chicago Red Stars and the Houston Dash, and the regular season begins May 15.

GOLF

Horschel win Match Play title Austin, Texas Billy Horschel had just enough left in the tank to win the Dell Technologies Match Play on Sunday with plenty of help from Scottie Scheffler in a sloppy end to the longest week in golf. Horschel made only one birdie in the championship match, chipping in from 40 feet on the fifth hole, and left the big mistakes to the 24-year-old Scheffler in winning 2 and 1. Horschel, who had never reached the weekend in four previous appearances at this World Golf Championship, won $10.5 million for sixth PGA Tour victory and fifth individual title.

MICHAEL CONROY | AP PHOTO

Syracuse's Alan Griffin (0) and Jesse Edwards (14) look on during the Orange's 62-46 loss to Houston in Saturday's Sweet 16 game in Indianapolis.

ACC ends season with early NCAA Tournament exit None of the conference’s teams advanced past the Sweet 16

By Steve Megargee The Associated Press Based on its own lofty standards, the Atlantic Coast Conference had a poor regular season.

Its postseason was even worse.

Florida State and Syracuse were the only ACC teams to make it past the first round, and both lost convincingly in the regional semifinals. ACC teams finished with a 4-7 NCAA Tournament record, marking the league’s lowest win total and winning percentage in this event since 1979.

It is just the fourth time the ACC hasn’t sent a team to a regional final since the NCAA Tour-

nament went to a 48-team format in 1980 (it’s now a 68-team event).

The only other years the ACC was left out of the Elite Eight were 2003, 2006 and 2014.

“I think every conference goes through those periods,” Florida State coach Leonard Hamilton said Sunday after the Seminoles’ 76-58 loss to Michigan. “You can’t stay on top forever.”

Hamilton expects the ACC to return to form in short order.

But the league that has won three of the last five national titles — and a total of 11 since 1991 — had to take its lumps this year.

The ACC’s problems started with the uncharacteristic struggles of one of its signature programs. Duke went 13-11, withdrew from the ACC Tournament due to a positive COVID-19 test and ended a string of 29 consec-

utive NCAA Tournament appearances.

When the NCAA Tournament brackets came out, the ACC teams with the best seeds were Florida State and Virginia at No. 4 in their respective regions. That marked the first time since seeding began in 1979 that the ACC didn’t have any team seeded higher than fourth.

That represented quite a fall for a conference that had three No. 1 seeds for the 2019 NCAA Tournament: Duke, North Carolina and eventual national champion Virginia.

“We weren’t quite as good at the top,” Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim said after the first round of the NCAA Tournament. “Obviously, Carolina and Duke weren’t as good as they’ve been. Virginia was good, but they struggled during the middle of the year. We didn’t really have a top-10, top-15, top-16 team, top-20 team, really, at the end of the day. We had a lot of good teams.”

That became apparent during this tournament.

First-round losers from the ACC included Clemson, Georgia Tech, North Carolina, Virginia and Virginia Tech. Virginia fell to No. 13 seed Ohio in one of the first round’s bigger upsets. North Caro-

lina coach Roy Williams watched his personal record in first-round games fall to 29-1 when the Tar Heels got blown out by Wisconsin.

The ACC’s one pleasant NCAA Tournament surprise was Syracuse, which sneaked into the field with a No. 11 seed but knocked off San Diego State and West Virginia before losing 62-46 to Houston.

While the ACC was down this year, the league figures to be strong again quickly.

Hamilton noted how the consistent strength of the league’s traditional powers has made the conference’s other programs get better. Florida State is a prime example, as the Seminoles have reached the Sweet 16 in the last three tournaments and might have earned a No. 1 or No. 2 seed last year if the pandemic hadn’t halted the season.

Some of those usual heavyweights weren’t quite as strong this year, and the entire conference suffered as a result. Hamilton doesn’t expect it to start a trend.

“This year, maybe we do not have someone in the Elite Eight,” Hamilton said. “But I think most people — most rational, reasonable-thinking people — they know this is not going to be the issue moving forward.”

USMNT loses to Honduras, will miss 3rd straight Olympics The U.S. team also failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup The Associated Press American players fell to the field at the final whistle. Another missed Olympics soccer tournament for the U.S. men.

Juan Carlos Obregón scored in the fourth minute of first-half stoppage time, goalkeeper David Ochoa committed a blunder that gifted Luis Palma a goal two minutes into the second half, and Honduras beat the United States 2-1 on Sunday in an Olympic qualification game at Guadalajara, Mexico.

U.S. captain Jackson Yueill pulled a goal back with a curling 23-yard shot in the 52nd minute, but the Americans misfired on several good chances to equalize.

“Obviously, we’re devastated, absolutely devastated,” U.S. coach Jason Kreis said. “In our locker room, the guys are like it’s a tragedy — a tragedy.”

U.S. men had trouble creating chances in the first half, and the Americans missed their third straight Olympics.

The American Olympic skid is part of a trend that includes the senior national team missing the

FERNANDO LLANO | AP PHOTO

Sebastian Soto reacts at the end of the United States' 2-1 loss Sunday to Honduras in the Concacaf Olympic qualifying semifinal match. The loss means the U.S. won't compete in its third straight Olympics.

2018 World Cup. “We lose an opportunity to play in an international tournament with more pressure, where these players have to be in these environments and continue to improve with that pressure,” Kreis said.

Olympic men’s soccer is limited to players both Jan. 1, 1997, and later, and clubs don’t have to release players.

In contrast, the women’s tournament is open to senior national teams. The U.S. has won three

of the last four soccer gold medals and is favored to win again this summer.

Still, there were chances. Jonathan Lewis’ 63rd-minute header was headed off the goal line by Wesley Degas, and Yueill’s free kick in the 69th was batted away by goalkeeper Alex Barrios. Lewis had an open 4-yard shot off Tanner Tessman’s pass in the 83rd minute but allowed the ball to bounce off a boot. Johnny Cardoso mishit an open header in sec-

ond-half stoppage time.

Honduras advanced to its fourth straight Olympics this summer in Japan after finishing fourth in 2016. Mexico, the 2012 gold medal winner, earned the other berth from North and Central America and the Caribbean by defeating Canada 2-0 in the second game of the doubleheader.

CONCACAF qualifiers join Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Egypt, France, Germany, Ivory Coast, Japan, New Zealand, Romania, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea and Spain in the draw, which will be held in Zurich on April 21.

The tournament will be played from July 21 to Aug. 7 in Tokyo, Kashima, Miyagi, Saitama, Sapporo and Yokohama.

Among the top U.S. players not in qualifying were Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams, Gio Reyna, Josh Sargent, Sergiño Dest, Chris Richards and Antonee Robinson.

Atlanta refused to release defenders George Bello and Miles Robinson, and forward Brooks Lennon.

“The only solution I would say there is that if you can get the European players that are midseason,” Kreis said, “then perhaps you’re in better shape, but we all know the difficulties of that, as well.”

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, March 31, 2021

5

South Stanly uses fourth-quarter burst to take down Chatham Central The Rebel Bulls evened their record at 2-2 with the win

By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal

FRANK FRANKLIN II | AP PHOTO

Mike Woodson, pictured in 2014 when coaching the Knicks, was hired by Indiana to replace Archie Miller as men’s basketball coach.

Hoosiers bring back former star player Woodson as coach Indiana fired former NC State player Archie Miller in mid-March

By Michael Marot The Associated Press INDIANAPOLIS — Mike Woodson won one Big Ten title and one NIT championship while playing for Bob Knight.

He’s hoping to celebrate a lot more frequently at his alma mater over the next several years.

Indiana hired the former star player as its new coach Sunday, issuing a four-word statement on Twitter — “Welcome home, Coach Woodson” — before the formal announcement.

Woodson returned to the New York Knicks as an assistant this season after previously serving as New York’s head coach for a little more than two seasons. He was introduced Monday.

“I have spoken with numerous individuals at the college and NBA levels, and they were unanimous in their support of and respect for Mike,” athletic director Scott Dolson said. “From his ability in terms of X’s and O’s to his skill at building relationships and developing players, his reputation is outstanding. As a coach, he’s succeeded at the highest levels of the NBA, and he’s mentored some of the game’s all-time great players.”

The 63-year-old Indianapolis native was a college star, finishing his playing career as the sec-

“As a coach, he’s succeeded at the highest levels of the NBA, and he’s mentored some of the game’s all-time great players.”

Scott Dolson, Indiana athletic director ond-leading scorer in Hoosiers history. After graduating in 1980, he went to play in the NBA and then spent his entire coaching career at the professional level. In nine seasons as coach, most of those with the Atlanta Hawks, Woodson went 315-365.

Woodson becomes the first Indiana alum hired as head coach since Lou Watson replaced Branch McCracken in 1965. Dan Dakich, who also played for Knight and is now a radio personality and color commentator on ESPN, was interim coach for seven games in 2008 after Kelvin Sampson was fired.

Reaction to the hiring was positive from those closest to the program.

“I love it. Woody is a proven coach,” former Indiana and New York Knicks star Jared Jeffries said. “He did an amazing job with our Knicks team. One of the nicest guys I’ve ever met. Most of all, understands our school better than anyone.”

Dolson may have telegraphed the move when he announced March 15 that Archie Miller had been fired after four mediocre seasons. In explaining what he was seeking in a coach, Dolson told reporters he wanted an updated offense that appealed to recruits and college players who hoped to play in the NBA. Another attractive attribute is Woodson’s history of mentoring top players. During his NBA career, he’s worked with more than two dozen All-Stars. Fans have complained loudly about player development through most of the 21-year post-Knight era.

Some who played for Woodson believe he could be successful immediately.

“One of my favorite coaches to play for,” Jamal Crawford said.

An immediate concern for Woodson is that six Indiana players are currently in the transfer portal. His hiring could prompt at least some of those to reconsider.

To help with the transition, Dolson has hired former Ohio State coach Thad Matta as an associate athletic director for basketball administration. Matta, who played at Butler and later served as head coach at Butler and Xavier, also reportedly interviewed for the coaching job.

Woodson, who still ranks fifth all-time at Indiana with 2,061 points, was one of dozens of players who attended Knight’s return to Assembly Hall in February 2020.

NORWOOD — Entering the fourth quarter of Friday’s matchup between South Stanly and Chatham Central, both teams had been locked into a subdued stalemate.

The Rowdy Rebel Bulls’ offense then proceeded to flip a switch as it reeled off 28 unanswered points in a seven-minute span, stunning a Bearcat defense that had held the Bulls to only six points before the explosive burst.

South Stanly’s (2-2, 2-2 Yadkin Valley Conference) 34-8 victory over Chatham Central (1-2, 1-2 YVC) could be an important confidence boost for a Bulls team that had been outscored 94-18 in their past two games.

“On defense, we controlled the momentum all night and did what we needed to do. We were just waiting for the offense to get rolling, and by the end of the game, we were golden,” South Stanly coach Ryan Ochier said. “In the first half, we weren’t getting pressure on their quarterback. But after that, we were flying around and making adjustments on our blitzes. It made a big difference.”

Ochier said having three touchdowns erased because of self-inflicted penalties was a setback for his team but not enough to subdue its will to win.

“Our guys are resilient, and we talked to them at halftime and said, ‘We just have to control us because we’re killing ourselves,’” he said. “They understood and took it upon themselves — they started getting on the same page and communicating.”

South Stanly’s late-game heroics began with around 10 minutes left in the game when a short punt by the Bears allowed the Bulls to start their drive at the 40-yard-line. It didn’t take long for the Bulls to approach the red zone.

Freshman quarterback Drew Gaddy then faked a handoff and proceeded to score with an 8-yard designed run up the middle, giving his team its first lead of the night. Less than two minutes later, the Bulls had already forced the Bears into a three-and-out looked to build up the lead.

Sophomore running back Omaurion Eldridge — who led the Bulls with 16 carries for 106 yards — found the end zone with a quick 3-yard rushing touchdown at the 7:45 mark.

South Stanly’s defense then intercepted Bears quarterback Michael Moore, and the Bulls capitalized when freshman Luke Dennis scored on a 7-yard run. After being limited to six points all night, the Bulls had scored 21 in a three minutes.

With less than two minutes to play, senior Jaderian Smith dealt the final blow to Chatham Central’s defense with a 40-yard touchdown run.

28 Unanswered points for South Stanly in a 34-8 win over Chatham Central

Overseas Tokyo ticket holders may get only partial refunds The Summer Olympics will not allow fans from outside Japan to attend

By Stephen Wade The Associated Press TOKYO — Many fans living outside Japan who bought tickets for the Tokyo Olympics from brokers — known as Authorized Ticket Resellers — will not get full refunds. And they may have a long wait to get any refunds at all.

The question of refunds came into play a week ago when local organizers and the Japanese government decided to bar most fans from abroad because of the pandemic.

There are dozens of Authorized Tickets Resellers. They are typically appointed by national Olympic committees and are allowed to charge a 20% handling fee on tickets. For $2,000 worth of tickets, for instance, the reseller can charge $2,400.

CoSport, the ATR for the United States and other territories and countries, said in a letter over the weekend to ticket holders that it would not refund the handling fee.

It said it would refund the face value of the ticket and the shipping fees.

The letter, signed by CoSport president Robert F. Long, said: “CoSport and other Olympic entities encouraged the Japanese government and organizers to refund all cost incurred by international spectators.”

Tokyo organizers have said they would refund the face value of the tickets but are not responsible for other added charges. They have said they will not cover the extra fees imposed by ATRs, or cancellation fees for hotels or flights.

JAE C. HONG | AP PHOTO

Many fans living outside Japan who bought Tokyo Olympic tickets from Authorized Ticket Resellers will not get full refunds.

The New Jersey-based CoSport added that it would not receive refunds from the organizers until “the third quarter of this year” and could not start paying refunds until then.

It has also asked purchasers to apply for refunds almost immediately. It set a deadline of April 9 to submit the required document.

“Failure to meet this deadline will jeopardize your refund,” the letter said. “We realize this is a quick turnaround, however, it

is based on the deadline we must meet to apply for a refund on your behalf.”

By applying for a refund, customers may in effect be releasing CoSport from any further claims.

This would keep ticket holders from taking further legal action.

Brandon Nagata, who lives in Honolulu, said he has spent almost $4,000 on tickets. He said he applied for some refunds from CoSport more than six months ago.

He said he’s received $209 but is

still waiting for $420 to be refunded.

He said he held on to about $3,000 worth of tickets, hoping he’d able to attend.

“I don’t like that they are making us fill out a form with information they already have,” he wrote in an email to The Associated Press.

“It’s another thing to delay the refund or to disqualify customers from getting the refunds.”

Records show that CoSport, which also operates as JET Set

Sports, received two loans each of $784,900 in a coronavirus-related loan program run by the Small Business Administration. One came in April 2020 and the other in January, for a total of $1,569,800.

Tokyo organizers said about 600,000 Olympic tickets have been sold to people outside Japan.

Japanese residents bought 4.45 million. Organizers said several years ago there would be a total of 7.8 million tickets for the Olympics.

ment. area.”

EMPHIS, Tenn. — Faced For Nutbush resident He also cited a widespread fear the threat of overburdened of being unnecessarily exposed to fear of contracting the itals, states across the country matched with the worry th the onverting convention centers, Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, March 31,virus.

2021 “All around, people are scared,” could lose stores that are ts facilities and performance the neighborhood. Offici he said. es into backup treatment sites Their fears are not unfounded. ven’t said if stores would oronavirus patients.

Blackwell said in his opening sergeant. Scurry said she grew conthe the Gateway facility was this majority-black along that What some Memphis, Tenstatement Fire DepartcernedInbecause the officers hadn’tcity If they did, shopping wo the Mississippi River, lawmakers e, residents don’t get is why in ment first responder who wanted to moved after several minutes. come and leaders been aid administer was more warneddifficult off by for re r city, a shopping center in the “You cancommunity call me a snitch if youhave Chauvin, pointed Mace her. who ar want to,” Scurry said her call to what foratthose sounding the in alarm over they whoespecially dle of a predominantly black, “She wanted to check on the sergeant, which was played in of transpo see as a disturbing trend of the vi- have no means his income residential neighborcourt. She said she wouldn’t nor- pulse, check on Mr. Floyd’s well-beto stores located farther aw rus killing African Americans at a d has been chosen. mally call the sergeant about the ing,” Blackwell said. “She did her “For people who higher rate. ty and state officials are conuse of force because it was beyond best to intervene. When she ap- don’t car,Chauvin what do….they resident Har- Mr. ed that The an Associated influx ofPress patients Mr.do?” ask the scopeNutbush of her duties, but “myPatricia in- proached Chauvin reached for hisspoke Mace and stinctsris were telling mealoud that someris, who to The Ass wondered if city officials m Memphis, as well as nearby pointed her while direction.

She a bott thing were is wrong.”

MINNEAPOLIS — The video Press lugging “trying to contaminate” theit in sissippi, Arkansas and rural Theneighborhood. video played during open- couldn’t help.” of George gasping for breath tergent, a package of bott Tennessee, will Floyd strain hospiAbout a dozen people chanted ing statements was posted to Facewas essentially Exhibit A as the ter and other items from t Activist Earle Fisher, an AfriTheir fears are echoed across outside the courtbook by a bystander who witnessed and carried signs former Minneapolis police officer ADRIAN SAINZ | AP PHOTO A Lot to her car.

She note can American Memphis pastor, country:who Governors, mayors Floyd being arrested after he was house as Floyd family attorney Ben pressed his knee on the black grocery store recently clos understands the anxiety.

“This health man’s experts in numerous This Friday, April 3, 2020 photo, shows Gateway Shopping Centeraccused of trying to pass a coun- Crump, the Rev. Al Sharpton and neck went on trial Monday members of the Floyd family went terfeit $20 bill at a convenience on charges of murder and manher house and she already is an honest and reasonable cones are also researching and in Memphis, Tenn. inside. store. cern The footage caused revulsion and skepticism,” Fisher said. travel farther to get to Gat tructingslaughter. makeshift medical Crump said the trial would be a across the U.S. and beyond.

Prosecutor Jerry Blackwell “When we do things “I think it’s par for the course for ities. showed the jurors the footage at It prompted calls for the coun- test of “whether America is going got to consider the people black people to be righteously a Chinese restaurant and other Lee has disclosed a few: the Mun New York City, they’re turnof Intry to confront racism and police to live up to the Declaration the earliest opportunity, during she said. “W skeptical of governmental inter- neighborhood,” sic City Center in Nashville, the businesses. o the Javits Center convention and blasted the idea brutality.

Confederate statues and dependence,” opening statements, after telling thatwith it wouldneed be a tough test for the ju- neighb to make other vention symbols that were did pulled them that number to remember notdown consult Locating a treatment center for Chattanooga Convention Center, in Chicago, thetheMcCormick around the U.S., activists dewas 9 minutes, seconds the Knoxville Expo Center — all coronavirus patients there posworse than it already is.” people on and the ground first.”rors. e Convention Center;29and in —the know that if George Floyd Cohen, manded Doug that police department of time officer Derek ChauU.S. Rep. Steve McGowen, the city’s“We chief sites away from residential neigh- es two problems, residents say: dy, Utah,amount the Mountain Amerwas a white American citizen, and budgets be cut or overhauled. vin had Floyd pinned to the paveoperating officer, said the Gate- phis Democrat, said the d It could potentially expose them Jurors borhoods.

Expo Center. watched intently as the he suffered this painful, tortuous ment last May. makeknee sense. way site was beingscreens, considered to the virus amid concerns that The Gateway Shopping Cenhe U.S. Army Corps of Engideathbewith a doesn’t police officer’s on video played on multiple The white officer “didn’t let up” “I’m sure there cause it could potentially accoms has been locations with one drawing a sharp breath his neck, nobody, nobody, would beare othe evenscouting after a handcuffed Floydter saidin the Nutbush neighborhood blacks are contracting COVID-19 saying this isthat a hard case,” he said. and they as Floyd said he couldn’t breathe.

27 times he couldn’t would work, modate hundreds of beds. He said and TVitVIAcould force of Memphis is different. The cen- at higher rates;COURT Tennessee, and that officials here breathe AP, POOL The downtown MinneapoChauvin sat calmly during opening and went limp, Blackwell said in compiled a list of 35 possi- ter features a Save A Lot grocery some of the stores they rely on to if it were converted to a treatment have used those rather t lis courthouse hasa been fortified neighbo statements took notes, the case that haven’t triggeredreworldwide image from video, defense attorney residential site, and it would holdlooking only mildly ill into close. Eric Nelson, left, store, In a this Rent-A-Center, a Famibackup sites.

They with concrete barriers, fences and up at the video periodically. protests, scattered violence and na- and former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin listen said.City and patients who could Nutbush and commu- “Mycoronavirus ly Dollar, a beauty supply shop, ed the whole but Gov. Bill barbedbeand Cohen razor wire. stomach hurts.

My neck tional list, soul-searching over racial as Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill presidesresident over pre-trial

6

Jurors shown video at exofficer’s trial in Floyd’s death

justice. motions prior to opening statements, Monday March 29, 2021, in “He put his knees upon his neck the trial of Chauvin, in the May 25, 2020, death of George Floyd at and his back, grinding and crush- the Hennepin County Courthouse in Minneapolis, Minn. ing him, until the very breath — no, ladies and gentlemen — until the very life was squeezed out of him,” tale signs of asphyxiation and had nary arrest, complicating law enfentanyl and methamphetamine forcement subdual, restraint, and the prosecutor said.

Chauvin attorney Eric Nel- in his system, Nelson said. He said neck compression.”

Chauvin, 45, is charged with unson countered by arguing: “Derek Floyd’s drug use combined with his Chauvin did exactly what he had heart disease and high blood pres- intentional second-degree murbeen trained to do over his 19-year sure, as well as the adrenaline flow- der, third-degree murder and maning through his body, to cause his slaughter. The most serious charge, career.”

Floyd was resisting arrest, and death from a heart rhythm distur- the second-degree murder count, carries up to 40 years in prison. The Chauvin arrived to assist other of- bance.

“There is no political or social case is the first trial ever televised in ficers who were struggling to get cause in this of courtroom,” Nelson Minnesota.

Floyd into a squad car as the crowd bin Salman, a son King Salman, Associated Press The first witness was Minneapsaid. evidence is far greataround them grew larger and more assented to“But thethe deal. er than 9 minutes and 29 seconds.” olis police dispatcher Jena Scurhostile, Nelson said.

“I go The with the consent, so I UBAI, United Arab Emirmedical examiner’s autopsy ry, who testified that she saw part The defense attorney also disagree,” the prince — OPEC, and other and chuckling, methamphet- of Floyd’s arrest unfolding via a putedRussia that Chauvin was to blame noted fentanylsaid, a round of applause from roducing on Sunday drawing amine in Floyd’s system but listed city surveillance camera and was for nations Floyd’s death. histhe cause of death as “cardiopulmo- so disturbed that she called a duty Floyd, 46, had none of thethose tell- on video call. ized an unprecedented pro-

PEC, oil nations agree o nearly 10M barrel cut

But it had not been smiles and ion cut of nearly 10 million els, or a 10th of global supply, laughs for weeks after the soopes of boosting crashing pric- called OPEC+ group of OPEC mid the coronavirus pandemic members and other nations failed in March to reach an agreement a price war, officials said.

This could be the largest re- on production cuts, sending pricion in production from OPEC es tumbling. Saudi Arabia sharply and Russia Kate Gareau themselves Glenn Gamboa daysfound earlier over perhaps By a decade, maybe lon- criticized doing late last month in a discusThe Associated Press what it described as comments said U.S. Energy Secretary sion organized by One Small Step ofwill theeventually kingdom, which Brouillette, who — credited be heard in a NEW YORK A few yearscritical ago, that finds StoryCorps itself trying to appease ident Donald per- about podcast.

Dave IsayTrump’s started worrying a 74-year-old Americainas he saw the middle Trump, aRobinson longtimeis OPEC critic. rel involvement getting dueltiree who served in the adminisground between the political parEven U.S. senators had warned parties to the table and helpties vanish into what he calls “dis- tration of former Democratic Gov. Arabia to find a way to to end connection a price war between Saudi Tim Kaine of Virginia. and a vast void.” boost prices as di Arabia and Russia.

Gareau is aAmerican 42-year-old shale real es“I am not ever concerned about far-higher production il pricespeople have arguing collapsed theother,firms tate agent. withas each be- face The two women RichIsay said.costs.

“But American troops live hadinbeen navirus cause andthat’s the healthy,” COVID-19 mond, 20 minutes for apart.

Yet I washave concerned withhaltpeople treatdeployed to about the kingdom the ss it causes largely they’since d neverthe metSept. and probably neving one another withdown contempt.” first time 11, 2001, lobal travel and slowed Isay, the recipient of a MacAr- er would have, if not for their joint attacks over concerns Iranir energy-chugging sectors in One of Small Step. thur “genius” grant, the winner of involvement an retaliation regional tenas manufacturing.

Itand has During anamid hour-long conversation, six Peabody awards the foundsions. Robinson and Kate Gareau reflectstated er the oiloralindustry in Storyof the history project ed on their families theirlast spirCorps, hatched an idea: The surest “They’ve spent overandthe U.S., which now pumps more ituality.

For both women, though, way to start rebuilding common month waging war on American e than any other country. he decided, was to gather the most powerful experience was oil producers while we are defendut someground, producers have been people of differing views and back- recognizing their commonalities. ing theirs.

This not how friends ctant to grounds ease supply.

The car“I’ve beenisinvolved in racial recto sit down and simply treat friends,” said Sen. nd other nations on Sunday onciliation efforts going Kevin back to talk to each other. school, whenfrom I wasNorth in the wouldn’t to solve But high a Republican ed to allowIt Mexico cuteverything. only Cramer, NAACP Council,” deal.

Robinson he feltaitmonth, was a start, and he named Dakota, beforeYouth the OPEC+ 000 barrels a stick“So this ishave something that’s his aninitiative One U.S.said. producers already point for accord accordingly: initially very dear to my heart.”

Small Step. been reducing output.

The Amerhed Friday after a Step, marathon “Our values are very similar,” she One Small which Isay esican Petroleum Institute laudo conference between 23among na- a growadded. “I’ve never made judgments tablished in 2018, is ed Sunday’s globalbased pact, it s. The nations together agreed about people on saying their politiing number of nonprofit initiatives cal affiliation. has nothing whose aim is to narrow will help get otherThat nations’ state-to ut 9.7 million barrels a dayAmerica’s your character — unless increasingly toxic political divide. owneddo oilwith production to follow the ughout May and June. you act like an idiot.

How deal Philanthropic groups, which by law he group reached the deal just lead of U.S. producers that arewetrymust remain non-political, may be with each other — civility — matto plunging s before Asian markets ters. Dignity matters.” demand. ideally suited to serverethat ing goal.to adjust Brouillette said the U.S. did not ned Monday and as internaGareau, a political independent, Foundations last year donated $57 commitments its own al benchmark Brent at a similar of discovery. million to such civiccrude educationmake and arrived “There is sobut much focus on peoleadership programs, according to production cuts, was able to ed at just over $31 a barrel ple’sobvious differences, especially where the research Candid. show the — that plunging American shale group producers “One Small Step is all about this politics is concerned, that many demand because of the pandemggle. idea that we don’t have to treat forget how similar they are,” she is expected to slashCOVID U.S. oiland proideo aired byother the Saudi-owned said. “Between the each with contempt — ic that duction. lite channel Al-Arabiya you can look across the political di- election, we feel very insular, and we feel very separate. and see that each other as human Iranian Oil Minister BijanShowing Zanwed the vide moment Saudi is really important.” beings,” Isay said. alsonottold state television rgy Minister Prince Abdulaziz ganeh we’re

hurts. Everything hurts,” Floyd says, and: “I can’t breathe, officer.”

Onlookers repeatedly shout at the officers to get off Floyd. One woman, identifying herself as a city Fire Department employee, shouts at Chauvin to check Floyd’s pulse.

The timeline differs from the initial account submitted last May by prosecutors, who said Chauvin held his knee on Floyd’s neck for 8 minutes, 46 seconds. The time 8:46 soon became a rallying cry in the case. But it was revised during the investigation.

Fourteen people in the jury box are hearing the case — eight of them white, six of them Black or multiracial, according to the court.

Two will be alternates, though the judge hasn’t said which ones will deliberate the case.

state leaders are determined to prevent a repeat of the riots that followed Floyd’s death, with National Guard troops already mobilized.

Chauvin’s trial is being livestreamed, a first in Minnesota, by order of the judge and over the objections of the prosecution. Judge Peter Cahill ordered that cameras be allowed largely because of the pandemic and the required social distancing that meant there would be almost no room for spectators in the courtroom.

The Chauvin and Floyd families are allotted one seat each in the courtroom. Floyd’s brother Philonise represented the Floyd family on Monday. The seat for a Chauvin family member was empty, as it was all through more than two weeks of jury selection.

A key to bridging the political divide: Sit down and talk?

Which is what Gail Robinson

about that.”

“People need to know each other,” Levin added. “They need to understand each other’s experiences, Some recorded conversations their perspectives and One Small on political or other issues.

“While we talked about poli- became part of the StoryCorps Step is helping that happen.”

Heidi Arthur, The Ad Council’s tics — and I can guess where she podcast or broadcast on NPR. Like stands and she may guess where I all StoryCorps conversations, they chief campaign development offistand — we didn’t really talk about were entered into the Library of cer, said One Small Step matchpolitics in finite terms,” Gareau Congress to be preserved as his- es her group’s Love Has No Labels said. “I really appreciate her and tory. And this month, boosted by campaign, which manages to “take her perspective, and I feel like she a national advertising campaign the most divisive moments in our really appreciates me and my per- from The Ad Council, One Small country and bring people messages of unity and hope around incluStep is ready to grow even larger. spective.”

“The dream with One Small sion.” That campaign, launched in After their conversation, Gareau and Robinson each reached out to Step is that we convince the coun- 2015, has included recent commerSAUDI ENERGY StoryCorps to provide their con- try it’s our patriotic duty to see the cials addressing the rising number of anti-Asian hate crimes during humanity in people with whom we tact information to the other.

They In this photo released by Saudi Energy Ministry, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al-Saud, Minist plan to stay in touch and hope to disagree, which is a complete moon the pandemic.

Energy of Saudi chairs the Group of bullet,” 20 energy no silver Arthurminister shot,” Isay said. a virtual summit of“There’s meet in person onceArabia, COVID-19third re- right, his officehave in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Friday, April 10, 2020, coordinate a response to plummet “But, you know, a lot of meanIn the interest of fostering even- tosaid. strictions eased. prices duedescribes to an oversupply market StoryCorps and a downturn global demand due pandem actions can add upto to the a real handedness, has en- iningful As Isay it, One Smallin the Step is predicated on the theo- gaged both liberal and conser- seismic shift in how people relate ries of Gordon Allport, a Harvard vative donors. One Small Step’s to each other.”

One Small Step was initially professor who studied the roots of donors include the Hearthland praise. that Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the deal but its president, Andrés prejudice and discrimination in Foundation, funded by Steven meant to be done face-to-face, with “The pure size Manuel López Obrador, had said the United Arab Emirates would in 2023.

Butof the cu Spielberg and Kate Capshaw, well- plans to take it online the 1950s. precedented, but, then ag Friday that he had agreed with cut“When another 2 million barrels of Isay said the pandemic changed you put enemies face to known as progressive Hollywood that. Last April, with the help of corona donors, and thethat Charles Ini- compenface, have a visceral is the impact the Trump the Koch U.S. will oil a and daythey between them expeatop the platform Vonage, said M funded the billionaire rience with one The another, thatcountries sense tiative,sate on demand,” whatbyMexico cannot communications add to having OPEC+ deal. three $1 Ghulam, million in bandknowncuts. for his sup- which donated of hate fear can meltacknowledge away and philanthropist med an energy an the proposed did notand immediately you can see the person in a new port of Republican candidates and width to the project, One Small Raymond James.

“The big Oil Deal with OPEC the though ZanStep was up-and-running digitally. conservative issues. way,”cut Isaythemselves, said.

But Ghulam and others PlusLevin, is done.

This direcwill save “Remote hunganeh the“ifvideo interviews in some Rachel executive Yet, attended he cautioned, you doconferit it may notthan be enough. of thousands of energy ence. waysjobs are more effective faceThe Hearthland Foundation, wrong, you can make things actu- tor of dreds to-face youa tempo notedinthat storytellers themally much worse.”

“Thisbecause is at least theasUnited States,” Trump saidinterviews Officials said other planned cuts don’t have to worry about geogselves, Spielberg and Capshaw recFor that reason, StoryCorps bewould stand in the deal, meaning in a tweet. “I would like to thank lief for the energy industry “These are still ognize the potency of storytelling raphy,” Isay the gan 8-million-barrel-per-day its new initiative gradually. cut economy. This i and congratulate President Pu- said.global an But as One Small Step has devel- and have supported Isay’s work in strangers coming together, and is too big to be let to fail and tin of Russia and King Salman of from July through the end of the digoped, expansion has followed, with StoryCorps for two decades. The people just feel a little bit safer liance showed responsibil Saudi Arabia.” year and a 6-million-barrel cut for roughly 800 people meeting in USC Shoah Foundation, which itally.” thisof agreement,” Per M That feeling safety may be said a Kremlin said 16 months beginning inAustin, 2021. SpielbergThe established in 1994, has President pairs in about 40 cities. In key to its success. to preserve the stories Texas, example, Am- worked Nysveen, the head of ana Vladimir Putin held aof joint call “Thisforwill enableAmina the rebalancplace for shouting, Holocaust witnesses. deen Weidknecht Energy.

“Even tho withsurvivors Trumpand and Saudi King“There’s Sal- aRystad ing ofand theJoseph oil markets and disthe ex“Storytelling is key because but there’s also a place for whiscussed being on opposite sides at a pected rebound of prices by $15 man to express support of the production cuts are small rally protesting Donald Trump and you’re helping to humanize the pering in people’s ears,” Isay said. the market needed a It also sep-canwhat per in the short term,” “Change happen that way, too. other,”deal.

Levin said. said “We Putin live inspoke yet barrel still finding common ground. said postpone stock arately with Trump aboutWe’re the oil aOnstatement from Nigeria’s hopeful that we’ll the be able to buildi such silos in our country.

There’s the StoryCorps Connect app, a oil takeproblem, one smallthe wor about some- help the country father and son strengthened their something straints market andhearing other issues. ministry. step back from thisavoided.” abyss that we’re story, especially in au- cautious bond after decades of feeling blocked dis- body else’s now Analysts offered Mexico had initially dio. There’s something so intimate standing at right now.”

That hardly means the two agree tant from each other.

& CREMATORY 522 North 2nd St. P.O. Box 7 Albemarle, NC 28002 Phone 704-983-1188

460 Branchview Dr. NE P.O. Box 367 Concord, NC 28026 Phone 704-786-1161

13575 Broadway Ave. P.O. Box 100 Midland, NC 28107 Phone 704-888-5571

www.hartsellfh.com

12115 University City Blvd.

P.O. Box 219 Harrisburg, NC 28075 Phone 704-247-1722

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, March 31, 2021 Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, April 15, 2020

7

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obituaries obituaries

Jason Efird Oliff ASONLilly EUGENE “GENE”

J

EFIRD,JOANN 94, wentOLIFF, home to be with LILLY 87, his Lord Tuesday, April 7, 2020, at his Stanfield, NC passed away Sunday, home in21, Stanfield.

March 2021 at Atrium Health GeneHer wasfuneral born October 1925, Stanly. service9,will be in Cabarrus County to the late Simeon 2pm Monday, March 29, 2021 in Jason EfirdFuneral and theand late Cremation Sarah Ella the Stanly Burris Efird.

In addition towith his Care Chapel in Albemarle parents,Todd he was preceded in death by Pastor Coble officiating.

Burial his wife, Jewell LittleGardens Efird; sisters, will follow in Stanly of Mary Lambert, Fannie Almond, Memory.

Minnie Wilma Burleson and Mrs. Furr, Oliff was born February Aileen Huskey; and brothers, Homer 4, 1934 in Tazwell County, VA to Efird, Efird and the lateGetus Claiborne NealWayne BoothEfird, and Sr. Omey Bertha Caudill Booth. She funeraland service wasAaprivate homemaker she will was be of heldMissionary on Saturday, April 11, 2020 the Baptist Faith. at Love’ United Methodist Lilly sisGrove survived by her husband Church Cemetery in Stanfield of sixty eight years, Richard Stephen officiated Rev. Jim White.

Burial Oliff, Sr. ofbythe home.

She is also will follow at the Love’ s Grove survived by a son, Richard S. United Oliff, Methodist Church Cemetery, 4360 Jr. of Locust, NC; four daughters, Polk Ford Road, Stanfield.

Elizabeth M. Coble of Stanfield, NC, Survivors include son Gerald Marjorie C. Beaver of Corsicana, Wayne (Gail) Efird of of Cheyenne, Albemarle;WY TX, Judy P. Smith daughter Lisa (Mark) Hartsell and Loretta J.Efird Harris of Cheyenne, of Stanfield; granddaughters, WY; seven grandchildren and nine Kelly Efird Barbee anda Lauren great grandchildren; brother, John Hartsell (Justin) Crump; and E. Booth of Crawfordville, FLgreatand grandsons, Ian Patrick Simmons and three sisters, Evelyn Virginia Goff Elliot JacobMD, Simmons. of Waldorf, Wanda Lee Mudd Memorials mayMD be made to Love’s of Huntingtown, and Ruby Grove United Methodist Church, Spradlin of Thomasville, GA. PO Box 276, Stanfield, NC Cremation 28163-0276.

Stanly Funeral and Care of Albemarle is serving the Oliff family.

Tony Smith Douglas ONY MONROEStarnes SMITH, 72, of

T

Rockwell, NC, went to be with DOUGLAS ENLOE his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ STARNES, 89, of Mount Gilead on Wednesday, April 8, 2020 at passed away Monday, March his byAfamily.

A 22,home 2021 surrounded in his home. private private family service will be held. family service will be held at Online be made at Stanly condolences Gardens of can Memory with stanlyfuneralhome.com Pastor Ron Loflin officiating. A Tony was born 11,will 1947be celebration of lifeAugust service in Stanly to the late Pearlie held at aCounty later date.

Asbury and Emmer Lee BornSmith September 2, 1931 in Smith.

He was the son in law of Pat Lexington County, SC, he was and MickofCagle where he worked at the son the late Alfred Starnes the fish house for many years until and Anne Jackson Starnes. He he opened Anchor House was a veteran of the USSeafood Air in Rockwell.

He and his wife Becky Force and the US Army and was owned operated Anchor House retiredand as an insurance salesman for 25Home years before retiring in 2009. with Beneficial Insurance Mr. Smith was a charter member Company of Charlotte. Mr. and deacon atan Open Door Baptist Starnes was avid gardener Church in Richfield.

He loved and he loved spending timethe on Lord his family abundantly.

Tony Lakeand Tillery.

He loved to sit out was a wonderful father, on the lake andhusband, watch the birdsand grandfather and could anything and the bees and the fix sycamore he put Mr. his hands on. was a very trees.

Starnes Mr. Smith survived by his wife faithful manisand was actively Becky Cagle Smith of the home, involved in church before his sons Walter SmithHis andbelief Robbiewas health declined.

Smith; “absentdaughter from theKayla bodyHenderson and present (Brandon); grandchildren Danielle, with the Lord.” In his final days Dustin, and Steele Smith, Keaton he commented that his life was and Ellaone.

Henderson; brother David a good He often reminisced Smith; sisters Kaytimes Kriechbaum, about the good spent Karen Stevenson, Ruby Eudy, and with his granddaughters.

His Dorothy Smith (Nick). granddaughters were the light of is preceded in death by hisHe life. brothers Joe Smith, Smith, Mr. Starnes wasWayne preceded Claude Smith, Wade Smith, Robert in death by his wife Dorothy Smith, and sister Mary Morris.

G. Starnes.

Survivors include Memorial contributions can be daughter Lisa Schuepp (Ralph) made to Open Door Baptist Church of Winter Springs, Florida, two at 44563 Hwy 52,Adrienne Richfield,Mayfield NC granddaughter 28137 to Hospice & Palliative Care (Will or Brown) of Norfolk, VA and of Cabarrus County at 5003 Hospice Carli Mayfield of Norfolk, VA and Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28081. his beloved cat Chico.

He was preceded in death by two brothers Ronald and Barry Starnes.

Pauline Tucker

of Albemarle, 5 grandchildren: Tiffany, Brandon, April, Summer, Tony and 13 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by four brothers.

M

HELMS, 72, of Marshville, SYLVIA B. BROCK, 72, of passed away Wednesday, April Norwood, lifetime partner of 8, 2020 atHatley, McWhorter Hospice Ronnie passed away House in Monroe.at home surrounded by peacefully was born April 28, 1947 herLorraine loving daughters, on March in Monroe to the late Homer David 24th.

Austin Jewell Delphia-Jane Bornand May 19, 1947, in Stanly Austin. She in County, NC,was shealso waspreceded the daughter death by brothers, and Teddy of the late Harvey A.D. S. and Rachel Austin; and sister, Joy Austin.

(Austin) Barbee.

The family willactive receive friendsof Sylvia was an member from 6:00 pm 8:00 pm, Friday, Union Chapel Methodist Church, April 10, 2020 at Hartsell Funeral Albemarle, where she engaged in Home of Albemarle.

The funeral numerous caring ministries.

She service will be at 11:00 am on was always eager to jump in the Saturday Pleasant Hillhit Baptist truck withatRonnie and the Church in Marshville, road to the beach, the officiated mountains, byanywhere, Rev. John Miller and Rev. Leon or often with camper Whitley.

Shefamily will liewas in state in tow. Her the for 30 minutes prior tolife, the service.

Sheher will epicenter of her especially be laid to rest in the church cemetery. many grandchildren and greatShe is survived by her beloved grandchildren. husband of 47 years, Helms She is survived byPaul her daughter, of the home; son, Alex son (Deanna) Debbie (Craig) Blake, Brian Helms ofPreslar, Pageland; daughter, Paula (Donna) daughter Melissa (Cristin Brandt) Helms of Mint Preslar and son Bradley (Amy Hill; grandchildren, Grant, and Taylor) Preslar,Mason, Elliott Hatley; Raegan Helms; brothers, Boyce, grandchildren Justin (Scotti) Royce, Tim Austin; and sisters, Blake, Seth (Marie) Blake, Brandon Patricia Mullis, AngelPreslar, Tarleton.

(Natalie) Blake,and Weston Memorials may be made to the Tyler, Aliayah and Connor Preslar, Alzheimer’ s Association, 4600 Park and Graylan Swink; greatRd., Suite 250, Charlotte, NC 28209. grandchildren Easton Smith, Harlan Blake and Waylon Blake; brother Ernie (Judy) Barbee; and sister-in-law Melba Barbee special fur-baby Daisy, and several loved nieces, nephews and other extended family members. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased in death by her brother, Roy Barbee, of Oakboro.

A celebration of Sylvia’s life will be held on Saturday, May 22nd, 2:00pm to 4:00pm, at Union Chapel Methodist Church fellowship hall, 24361 Hwy 52 South Albemarle, NC. Donations may be made in Sylvia’s memory to Hospice of Stanly & The Uwharrie, 960 North First Street, Albemarle, HATLEY, 69, of NC INDA 28001,TUCKER or hospicestanly.org.

Albemarle, passed away Monday, April 13, 2020.

Linda was born September 18, 1950 in Concord to the late Jacob and Claris Tucker. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Terry Lee Tucker, and her twin sister, Brenda Tucker Strickland. We know Brenda and Linda are in Heaven watching over us and laughing.

Linda was a loving mother, sister, and “Nana.” She was a very giving and loving person. Linda would always do anything she could for others, especially her family. She enjoyed working at FastShop #5, Locust. Linda will be forever loved and greatly missed.

Survivors include her son, Alan Hatley and wife, Angela, of Albemarle; brother, Ronnie Tucker and wife, Linda, of Midland; granddaughter, Leslie Hatley; 1 niece; and 2 nephews.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm, Thursday, April 16, 2020 at Hartsell Funeral Home in Albemarle. Linda will be laid to rest during a private committal service at Bethel United Methodist Church, Midland.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Bethel UMC, 12700 Idlebrook Rd, Midland, NC 28107.

L

PGloria Mitchell

AULINE ELIZABETH ALMOND TUCKER, 98, passed away peacefully at Trinity Place, Albemarle, on April 11, 2020.

GLORIANC DALE MCCALL Pauline was88, born on March 22, MITCHELL, of New London 1922 in Cabarrus County, NC to the passed away Saturday, March 27, late John Richard Almond and Her Alice 2021 at Atrium Health Stanly.

Ada Ann Lambert funeral service willAlmond. be 2 PM on She is survived herat three Thursday, April 1,by 2021 the Stanly daughters, Gay Chapel Michel (Jack), Funeral Home with Rev. Oak Island, NC; Pamela Rushing Nathan Hammill officiating.

Burial (Foreman), Oakboro, NC; Kathy will follow in the Sweet Home Hunt (Marc), Albemarle, Baptist Church Cemetery.NC; Theher body son, Chris Tucker (Chris Lear), will lie in state at Stanly Funeral Washington, DC. Shefrom will be and Cremation Care 12greatly Noon missed by her five grandchildren, until 2 PM prior to the service.

Heather Rushing Born March 21,Chaney 1933 in(Shannon), Michael Rushing, Michel Charlotte, NC, sheElizabeth was the daughter Hartzog (Craig), Jack Michel, of the late Barron McCall andJr. (Jenn), andSkidmore Woody Hunt as well as Catherine McCall.

She seven great-grandchildren.

She also was a member of Sweet Home leaves behind cherished and Baptist Church and she nieces attended nephews.

Open Door Baptist Church. family its sincere SheThe worked asexpresses an operator with gratitude to the staff and caregivers Southern Bell for many years and at Trinity for the care they later was aPlace homemaker.

She lived provided Pauline. for her cats and enjoyed tending to A private graveside service will be them. held onwas Monday, Aprilin13, 2020.

She preceded death byA celebration of Pauline’ s life and legacy her husband Jack Emory Mitchell. will be held this summer.

Survivors include sons Johnny In lieu of flowers,and theJeff family Taylor of Monroe, Taylor requests donations be made to the (Jackie) of York, SC, daughters BrightFocus Foundation at www.

Rosalind Burleson (Eddie) of brightfocus.org.

New London, and Debra Miles

Merle Helms Sylvia Brock ERLE LORRAINE AUSTIN

S

Shirley Haire

HIRLEY MAE HAIRE, 73, of Albemarle passed away on April 11, 2020 at Atrium Health Stanly. The family will hold a private graveside service for Mrs. Haire.

Shirley was born December 12, 1946 in Washington, DC to the late Charles Richard Bateman and Elizabeth Mae Mulligan Bateman.

Shirley is survived by her husband of 30 years Vaughn Smith of Albemarle; sister Sandra Painter of Gainesville, VA; half-brother Robert Bateman of Stevensville, MD; step-children Heather Smith of Jacksonville, FL and David Smith of New London, NC; 4 step-grandchildren; nieces Cyndi Hentschel of Leesburg, VA and Cheryl Hardy of Aylett, VA; 16 grandnieces and nephews; and Gus the dog. Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Albemarle is serving the Haire family.

Linda Hatley

Danny Luther Mary Aldridge ANNY PAUL LUTHER,

D

65, of Norwood, passed away MARY ELLEN RUSSELL unexpectedly Thursday, April 9, ALDRIDGE, 84, of Albemarle, 2020 ataway Atrium HealthMarch Stanly in passed Sunday, 28, Albemarle.

2021 at Atrium Health Stanly.

Mr. Lutherservice was born March Her funeral will be at27, 3 1955on toSaturday, the late Robert andin pm AprilFulton 3, 2021 Helen Tucker Luther.and Cremation the Stanly Funeral Danny wasin survived by hiswith wife, Care Chapel Albemarle Denise Kaye Burleson of Norwood; Pastor FryLuther officiating. sons, Jeremy (Karen) and Burial will follow inLuther the Stony JodyUnited Luther; Methodist step-sons, Bryan Hill Church Whitley andThe Gregg (Anita) Cemetery. family willWhitley; receive Grandchildren, Daniel Luther and friends prior to the service from Hunterpm Zado, well as his brother, 2-2:45 at as Stanly Funeral and Bob Luther Jr (Lorena), uncle Jack Cremation Care.

Luther severalwas otherborn loved nieces, Mrs.and Aldridge nephews and cousins.

October 19, 1936 in Iredell DannyNC recently retired County, and was thefrom daughter Charlotte and Foundry of the latePipe Edward Elancy after Russell a dedicated years and worked and Vernie 37 Bell Kimrey Russell. there withEllen his sons several other Mary wasand a long-time friends and member of family Stony members.

Hill United Danny loved spending time at as Methodist Church and served his lake house with his family and secretary of the church. friends well as MaryasEllen isvacationing preceded inwith his family.

Danny and Denise death by her husband Joeenjoyed Douglas listening toShe beach music andby loved to Aldridge. is survived shag dance every chance they could nephews, Doug Owens, Donnie get.

He was an amazing father, Owens (Amy), David Owens loving grandfather great friend to (Kelli), and and Mark Mills; nieces, many.

He will never be forgotten.

Debbie Poplin (Randy) and Kelly A celebration life will be Jenny Vanhoy (Lynn);ofgreat niece, announced once the great current Mabry (Cameren); nephews COVID-19 are lifted.

Joshua andrestrictions Jacob Vanhoy; greatHartsell great nieceFuneral CharlieHome Belle of Mabry; Albemarle is serving LutherDon sister, Joanne Mills;the brother family.

Russell (Rhonda); special friends Jim and Cathy Bivens, Jerry and Shelia Talbert, and Shelia Stichroth.

Memorial contributions can be made to Stony Hill United Methodist Church at 28996 Stony Hill Road, Albemarle, NC 28001.

Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Albemarle is serving the Aldridge Family.

Jerry Fincher Gloria Harless ERRY FINCHER passed from

J

this life onMAE April DANBURY 3, 2020 at 8:05 GLORIA pm.

He was surrounded bypassed his family HARLESS, 79, of Locust and holding the March hand of27, the2021 love of away Saturday, hisAtrium life. Jerry is preceded in death in Health Cabarrus. by three siblings, twowill brothers, Billy Her funeral service be 2 PM Gilbert Fincher, and 31, Larry Richard Wednesday, March 2021 at Fincher,Baptist and one sister, Barbra Joyce Bethel Church with Rev. Moore.Bolding and Rev. Charlie Brian He is survived by hisBurial wife, Eleanor Littlejohn officiating. will Kate Fincher of the home, daughter, follow in the church cemetery.

Cindy Fincher offriends Wingate The family willJacobs receive on NC., son and daughter in law, Tommy Wednesday from 12:30 until 1:30 in (Tiffany) Fincher of New London the church fellowship hall prior to NC.,service.

Step Children, Jimmy (Lisa) the Lanier Locust NC, Wanda (Bob) BornofMay 17, 1941 in Cannelton Locust NC., Eric ,Krimminger WV, she wasofthe daughter of the (Sharon) Lanier Charlotte NC., late Mervin andof Leona Harrah Grandchildren-Trey (Gera) Whitson Danbury. She retired as an of Midland,Charge Step-grandchildren, Operating Nurse from Zach (Brittney) Washington, Thomas Memorial Hospital Aaron in (Kinsey) Washington, Caleb South Charleston, WV. Mrs.(Nayeli) Harless Washington, Beth (Robbie) Setzer, was a member of Bethel Baptist MatthewShe ( April ) Wallace, Step Church. loved having tea great-grandchildren, Britlyn-Eve parties with her granddaughters, Washington, Robert Setzer, George cooking, baking, sunflowers, (Sara) Setzer, Tracy (Rob) watching hummingbirdsSetzer and porch Bumgardener, Underwood, swing sunsets Katie with her Pooch.

Andrew Underwood, Step great Mrs. Harless is survived by her great grandchild, Waylon GeorgeE. soul mate of 59 years, Chalmer Setzer and brotherson Donald Lewis “Pooch” Harless, Jeff Harless Fincher of Albemarle, NC. and wife, Mandy, granddaughters JerryHarless Fincher (Christopher will be laid to rest on Kendal Wednesday April 8,2020 at Harless, 11:00 am Lopez), Kiley Harless, Tori at Canton Baptist Church.

Anyone Veronica Harless, Danny Danbury interested inWV, attending, of Oak Hill, sistersplease Patty RSVP at 704-796-2412.

Dr. Phil McCray White of Oak Hill, WV, Carolyn and Pastor Tommy Fincher will Jarrett of Smithers, WV, and Donna officiate. of Oak Hill, WV. A son, Angelona Joe Harless, a foster son Carl Kelly, and a brother, Harold Danbury preceded her in death. “Aunt Gordy” leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews that she adored.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to Bethel Baptist Church Youth Fund, 617 Bethel Church Rd., Locust NC, 28097.

In addition to services held locally, there will be a memorial service held April 2, 2021 at 2 PM at Handley Baptist Church in Handley, WV. Rev. Cook Baldwin officiating.

Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in SCJ at obits@stanlyjournal.com

Celebrate the life of your loved ones.

Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in SCJ at obits@stanlyjournal.com

Simple, Affordable, Convenient Available 24 Hours a Day

Southern Piedmont Cremation Services provides a basic cremation service for families who have experienced the loss of a loved one and do not desire a traditional funeral or farewell ceremony.

When your loved one passes simply call our office and our professional team will come as quickly as possible and bring your loved one into our care.

Phone: 704-985-4851

Fax: 704-550-5508

Email: care@spcremation.com

8

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, March 31, 2021

STATE & NATION

Feds seek end to dredging limits that protect sea turtles

By Russ Bynum The Associated Press SAVANNAH, Ga. — The federal government is close to undoing a policy that for 30 years has protected rare sea turtles from being mangled and killed by machines used to suck sediments from shipping channels in four Southern states.

The Army Corps of Engineers is in charge of keeping U.S. waterways clear for boats and ships.

Since 1991, the agency has suspended dredging of harbors in Georgia, the Carolinas and Florida during warmer months when sea turtles are most abundant in coastal waters and females lay eggs on Southern beaches.

But, in the coming weeks, the Army Corps plans to begin scrapping those seasonal limits, starting with Georgia, after the National Marine Fisheries Service concluded last year that sea turtles protected by the Endangered Species Act can likely endure roughly 150 deaths anticipated annually from year-round dredging.

Conservationists are sounding alarms, saying the federal government is downplaying the threat to sea turtles’ long-term recovery while reversing a policy that has minimized the number of turtles crushed or dismembered after being sucked into dredges.

The Georgia environmental group One Hundred Miles is urging state officials to resist the change. Sustained efforts to reduce sea turtle deaths in the water and to catalogue and protect their

nests on land have been credited with pushing nesting to record levels in the region in 2019. Scientists say the rebound is fragile but encouraging.

“We can’t afford to throw that all away now,” said Catherine Ridley, a One Hundred Miles vice president who also coordinates volunteers for nest counts on St. Simons Island, Georgia. “We put our blood, sweat and tears into this effort for decades. And it’s personal to us.”

Thousands of sea turtles that nest each spring and summer share their coastal habitat with busy seaports in all four states.

The Army Corps relies on dredging to remove accumulated sediments and debris that can make shipping channels shallower and less safe to navigate.

Army Corps officials say they can eliminate seasonal dredging limits without putting sea turtles in greater peril. They cite both economic and environmental reasons for the change.

Limits since the 1990s varied by state, but roughly confined dredging to between December and March. Those decisions focused too much on sea turtles, while ignoring other protected species such as critically endangered North Atlantic right whales, said Nicole Bonine, environmental compliance and sustainability manager for the Army Corps’ South Atlantic Division.

“We’re saying we need the whole year to evaluate the best way to do it to reduce the risks to all species,” Bonine said. “So it’s not let’s

GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES VIA AP

In this June 30, 2019, photo provided by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, a loggerhead sea turtle returns to the ocean after nesting on Ossabaw Island, Ga. just kill more turtles. That’s nobody’s goal. Our goal is to work with researchers to find ways to continue to reduce that risk.”

For decades, Georgia’s window for coastal dredging ended March 31. But the Army Corps plans to dredge the entrance channel to the Port of Brunswick in April or May. The project is expected to take three to six weeks, likely overlapping with the sea turtle nesting season. A second dredging project in North Carolina could start this summer.

Ramona McGee, an attorney with the Southern Environmental Law Center, has been tracking the looming changes. She said eliminating seasonal dredging limits is “an unjustified about-face.”

“These windows have been in place because resource agencies recognized they worked,” McGee

said.

Giant loggerhead sea turtles, protected as a federally threatened species, nest during the spring and summer months on beaches from North Carolina to Florida. Smaller numbers of endangered green and Kemp’s ridley sea turtles lay eggs in the region as well.

A biological assessment the National Marine Fisheries Service published last year predicts dredging in the warmer months will kill 460 sea turtles between the four states over a period of three years. The agency’s report concluded that many deaths aren’t likely to “cause an appreciable reduction in the likelihood of survival.”

It’s a 50% increase in the number of dredging deaths the agency considered acceptable for sea

turtles in its last biological assessment in 1997.

In memos to the Army Corps, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources has expressed reluctance to abandon seasonal dredging limits. The state agency notes warmer waters in the summer attract sea turtles in far greater numbers than during winter.

Mark Dodd, the biologist overseeing the Georgia agency’s sea turtle recovery program, said dredging during nesting season also means greater risk to adult female loggerhead turtles that don’t start laying eggs until age 30.

“Loggerheads are unique in that they have delayed sexual maturity,” Dodd said. “It takes 30 years to replace a female loggerhead that you lose through dredging.”

MATIAS J. OCNER | MIAMI HERALD VIA AP

Police keep an eye on tourists as they make their way down Ocean Drive during Spring Break in Miami Beach, Fla. on Monday, March 22, 2021.

Deadly spring break: 3 men charged in 2 deaths in Florida

By Kurt Anderson The Associated Press ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Two North Carolina men on spring break in Florida have been charged with drugging and raping a woman who later died, possibly of a drug overdose in Miami Beach, police said Tuesday.

Meanwhile, in Panama City, a man has been charged with fatally shooting a teenager from Kentucky and another Florida man died when he jumped from the 23rd story of a beach resort with a parachute that did not open, authorities said.

The deaths and alleged crimes come amid continuing chaos in South Beach, where police have

arrested hundreds of partiers involved in violence and property destruction. Most of those involved have not been college students on spring break, but adults from Florida and out of state, authorities have said.

The two men arrested in Miami Beach, Evoire Collier, 21, and Dorian Taylor, 24, have been charged with sexual battery as well as burglary with battery, theft and credit card fraud.

The woman was found dead last Thursday after officers responded to “reports of an unconscious female” at a South Beach hotel, according to a police report.

The men are accused of stealing the dead woman’s credit cards to help fund their South Beach va-

cation, the report says. Online jail records did not indicate whether the two had an attorney who could speak for them.

Whether the two are charged with manslaughter or murder will depend on what caused the woman’s death, which a medical examiner has not yet released. Investigators are looking into whether the woman died of a drug overdose, possibly a substance supplied by the men, who said they gave her a “green pill,” according to the arrest report.

In Panama City Beach, Christopher Lawrence Cox, 37, of Louisville, Kentucky, was charged with one count of murder and one count of attempted murder in the shooting death early Tuesday of a

14-year-old boy and the wounding of his stepbrother, also 14, police said in a news release. Both of the stepbrothers are also from Louisville. Online jail records did not indicate whether he has an attorney.

Police identified the man who died in the parachute fall as 31-year-old Timothy Ackerman of Panama City Beach.

South Beach was relatively calm Monday night, according to police. Since February, however, there have been over 1,000 arrests there amid brawls and damage to property. City officials imposed a curfew from Thursday through Sunday each week until April 12, including the nighttime closing of causeways leading to Miami

Beach from the mainland.

Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber, mindful of the risk of the coronavirus spreading through such large and unmasked crowds, said the city known worldwide as a tourist destination and anything-goes attitude is trying to control the situation.

“We’re trying to get a handle on it. And we’re only doing it through policing and a curfew and shutting down our causeways coming into our city in the evening,” Gelber said in a television interview.

“But that’s just a temporary stop.

Hopefully it will calm down in a few weeks when other places open up and this pandemic really gets into the rearview mirror, where it’s not now.”

VOLUME 3 ISSUE 28 | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31, 2021

Twin City Herald

SHAWN ROCCO | DUKE HEALTH VIA AP

In this Wednesday, March 24, 2021, image from video provided by Duke Health, Alejandra Gerardo, 9, looks up to her mom, Dr. Susanna Naggie, as she gets the first of two Pfizer COVID-19 vaccinations during a clinical trial for children at Duke Health in Durham

WHAT’S HAPPENING Visitation resumes at detention center The Forsyth County Law Enforcement Detention Center resumed limited visitation. It suspended visitation during the pandemic, but, with state-wide restrictions easing and vaccines more readily available, residents will now get to receive visits from friends and family members.

In order to accommodate as many visitors as possible, each resident may have only one visit per week, and there will be a maximum of three visitors per floor at a time in order to maintain appropriate social distancing. Each visitor will have the opportunity to visit for 15 minutes.

NSJ

Police investigate two shootings Winston-Salem police are investigating a pair of shootings over the weekend. A 27-year-old man, whose name wasn’t immediately released, was hit in the torso in a drive by shooting on North Cherry Street on Friday night. He is in stable condition with nonlife-threatening injuries. A few hours later, a 24-year-old man was shot in the arm outside of a gentleman’s club where he worked by a customer who had been asked to leave.

WXII

Shots in little arms: COVID-19 vaccine testing turns to kids

By Lauran Neergaard The Associated Press THE 9-YEAR-OLD TWINS didn’t flinch as each received test doses of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine — and then a sparkly bandage to cover the spot.

“Sparkles make everything better,” declared Marisol Gerardo as she hopped off an exam table at Duke University to make way for her sister Alejandra.

Researchers in the U.S. and abroad are beginning to test younger and younger kids to make sure COVID-19 vaccines are safe and work for each age. The first shots are going to adults who are most at risk from the coronavirus, but ending the pandemic will require vaccinating children too.

“Kids should get the shot,” Marisol told The Associated Press this week after the sisters participated in Pfizer’s new study of children under age 12. “So that everything might be a bit more normal.”

She’s looking forward to when she can have sleepovers with friends again.

So far in the U.S., teen testing is furthest along: Pfizer and Moderna expect to release results soon showing how two doses of their vaccines performed in the 12 and older crowd. Pfizer is currently authorized for use starting at age 16; Moderna is for people 18 and older.

But younger children may need different doses than teens and adults. Moderna recently began a study similar to Pfizer’s new trial, as both companies hunt the right dosage of each shot for each age group as they work toward even-

TED S. WARREN | AP PHOTO

A worker fills a syringe with the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at a clinic in Toppenish, Wash., Thursday, March 25, 2021. tually vaccinating babies as young as 6 months.

Getting this data, for all the vaccines being rolled out, is critical because countries must vaccinate children to achieve herd immunity, noted Duke pediatric and vaccine specialist Dr. Emmanuel “Chip” Walter, who is helping to lead the Pfizer study.

Most COVID-19 vaccines being used around the world were first studied in tens of thousands of adults. Studies in children won’t need to be nearly as large: Re-

searchers have safety information from those studies and subsequent vaccinations of millions of adults.

And because children’s infection rates are so low — they make up about 13% of COVID-19 cases documented in the U.S. — the main focus of pediatric studies isn’t counting numbers of illnesses. Instead researchers are measuring whether the vaccines rev up youngsters’ immune systems much like they do adults’ — suggesting they’ll offer similar protection.

Prosecutors ask court to jail Proud Boys leader before trial The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — Federal prosecutors are urging a judge to order a North Carolina man jailed while awaiting trial on charges he plotted with other members of the far-right Proud Boys group to storm the U.S. Capitol to stop Congress from certifying President Joe Biden’s electoral victory.

Justice Department prosecutors said in a court filing on Friday that Charles Donohoe, 33, of Kernersville, “played a direct role in un-

leashing violence on the Capitol” and celebrated online after the attack.

While conceding that they don’t have any evidence that Donohoe entered the Capitol on Jan. 6, prosecutors claim he was “heavily involved” in planning, organizing and leading a coordinated assault on the building.

“When it came time to act, (Donohoe) did so without hesitation — advancing past barriers and joining in efforts to push past law enforcement,” prosecutors wrote.

Donohoe, a Marine Corps veteran, was arrested on March 17 in North Carolina after he and three other alleged Proud Boys leaders were indicted on conspiracy charges.

Donohoe is one of at least 20 leaders, members or associates of the neo-fascist Proud Boys charged in federal court with offenses related to the Jan. 6 riots.

Other charges in the March 10 indictment against Donohoe, Ethan Nordean, Joseph Biggs and Zachary Rehl include obstruction of an of-

ficial proceeding, obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder and disorderly conduct. Prosecutors also are seeking pretrial detention for the other three men charged in the indictment.

U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly in Washington, D.C., has scheduled an April 1 hearing for the case against the four men.

An attorney who represented Donohoe after his arrest didn’t respond to an email seeking comment.

Nordean, 30, of Auburn, Wash-

Proving that is important because while children are far less likely than adults to get seriously ill, at least 268 have died from COVID-19 in the U.S. alone and more than 13,500 have been hospitalized, according to a tally by the American Academy of Pediatrics. That’s more than die from the flu in an average year. Additionally, a small number have developed a serious inflammatory condition linked to the coronavirus.

Apart from their own health risks, there still are questions about how easily children can spread the virus, something that has complicated efforts to reopen schools.

Earlier this month, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infectious disease expert, told Congress he expected that high school students likely would begin getting vaccinated in the fall. The elementary students, he said, may not be eligible until early 2022.

In North Carolina, Marisol and Alejandra made their own choice to volunteer after their parents explained the opportunity, said their mother, Dr. Susanna Naggie, an infectious disease specialist at Duke. Long before the pandemic, she and her husband, emergency physician Dr. Charles Gerardo, regularly discussed their own research projects with the girls.

In the first phase of the Pfizer study, a small number of children receive different doses of vaccine as scientists winnow out the best dosage to test in several thousand kids in the next phase.

“We really trust the research process and understand that they may get a dose that doesn’t work at all but may have side effects,” said Naggie, describing the decision-making that parents face in signing up their children.

For Marisol, the vaccination was “really easy. If you just sit still during the shot, it’s just going to be simple,” she said.

ington, was a Proud Boys chapter president and member of the group’s national “Elders Council.”

Biggs, 37, of Ormond Beach, Florida, is a self-described Proud Boys organizer. Rehl, 35, of Philadelphia, and Donohoe serve as presidents of their local Proud Boys chapters, according to the indictment.

Proud Boys members, who describe themselves as a politically incorrect men’s club for “Western chauvinists,” have frequently engaged in street fights with antifascist activists at rallies and protests. Vice Media co-founder Gavin McInnes, who founded the Proud Boys in 2016, sued the Southern Poverty Law Center for labeling it as a hate group.

Twin City Herald for Wednesday, March 31, 2021

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REP. JACK KEMP used to say that minority voters “don’t care what you know until they know that you care.”

Democrats have cleaned up with Black and Hispanic voters (although a little less so with each passing election) by professing how much they care.

Ah, but it is also a truism that actions speak louder than words. Black voters made significantly more economic progress in former President Donald Trump’s one term, despite his label as a “racist,” than in eight years under former President Barack Obama. The Black poverty rate fell to its lowest level EVER under Trump, whereas little progress was made in Obama’s two terms. Ditto for Hispanics.

The income gains under Trump policies were larger in three years under Trump than in the eight years under Obama for both Hispanics and Blacks.

Asian progress also soared high under Trump; the median Asian household income reached very close to $100,000 in 2018 — much higher than for whites.

Money isn’t everything. What about health and well-being? Here, too, Democrats have failed racial minorities in America. Consider the performance of Republican governors versus Democratic governors in keeping minorities free from COVID-19 infection and death. On a national basis, it is true and troubling

♦ Bishop, Carson Manning (M/25) Arrest on chrg of 1) Breaking/enter-misd (M), 2) Breaking/larc-felony (F), 3) Larceny-firearm (F), 4) Fail To Appear/compl (M), 5) Fail To Appear/compl (M), and 6) Fail To Appear/compl (M), at 1925 Westheimer Dr, Clemmons, NC, on 3/26/2021 01:39.

♦ GREEN, LENEIL RANDOLPH was arrested on a charge of P/W/I/S/D SCHED IV at 696 HANES MALL BV on 3/28/2021

♦ CLARK, STACY NICOLE was arrested on a charge of REC/POSS STOLE MV at 201 N CHURCH ST on 3/28/2021 ♦ COLLINS, MICHAEL REED was arrested on a charge of 1ST DEGREE TRESPASS at 4401 N PATTERSON AV on 3/29/2021 ♦ Collison, Gilbert Lee (M/46) Arrest on chrg of Vio. Protective Order By Courts Another State/ Indian Tribe (M), at 6310 Allegacy Wy, Clemmons, NC, on 3/25/2021 13:56. ♦ COOPER, WILLIAM CORTEZ was arrested on a charge of IMPAIRED DRIVING DWI at 719 COLISEUM DR on 3/27/2021 ♦ CRAIG, PARCO DON was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT - INFLICTING SERIOUS BODILY INJURY at 205 FOREST HILL AV on 3/29/2021

73° 49° 6%

APRIL 6

HI LO PRECIP

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that minorities have been more adversely affected by COVID-19 than whites. The media reports this all the time.

But the story that hasn’t been told is that Democratic governors have done a much, much worse job keeping Blacks protected from the virus than red-state governors. For proof of this, I checked the racial composition data from The Atlantic’s COVID Tracking Project through January 2021. Two findings jump out.

First, Blacks per 100,000 population were substantially MORE likely to die from COVID-19 if they reside in blue states with a Democratic governor than in red states with a Republican governor.

Of the 10 states with the highest rates of COVID-19 deaths per 100,000 Black residents — led by New York, New Jersey and Michigan — most have Democratic governors. Eight of the 10 states with the lowest death rates for Blacks have Republican governors.

For example, a Black person living in Michigan was five times more likely to die of COVID-19 than a Black person living in West Virginia.

These shocking results might be an artifact of differences within states — incomes, population density, mean temperature and so on. But they are not.

I also examined the Black-white death rate WITHIN states, and the data shows

the same pattern. A Black person was five times more likely to die from COVID-19 than a white in Washington, D.C., (run by Democrats), and twice as likely to die of COVID-19 in New York.

Hispanics don’t fare any better with Democratic leadership. According to the Atlantic COVID trackers: “The largest disparities between white people and Latinx people are in Washington and Oregon (blue states), where Latinx people are 3.7 times more likely to have tested positive than their white neighbors.”

What makes these results doubly amazing is that these same Democratic politicians were also much more likely to enforce strict and prolonged lockdowns of schools and businesses, which were advertised as ways to keep minorities safe. Whoops! Now we know that the Democratic strategy of shutting down their local economies not only put minorities into unemployment lines but also put minorities at greater risk of hospitalization and death.

Remember this the next time Democratic politicians say how much they care about minority Americans.

Judging from their performance, the reality seems to be: not much.

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

DEATH NOTICES

♦ DICKERSON, DOMINIQUE LENARD was arrested on a charge of 2ND DEGREE TRESPASS at 1990 GRIFFITH RD on 3/29/2021

♦ BURRELL, DEMOND was arrested on a charge of IMPAIRED DRIVING DWI at 3901 BETHANIA STATION RD on 3/27/2021

HI LO PRECIP

TUESDAY

Are Democrats dangerous to your health?

♦ ADAMS, SAMUEL MAZYCK was arrested on a charge of ADW - INFLICT INJURY at 800 N SPRING ST on 3/27/2021

♦ BRYSON, ROBERT DESHON was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT ON FEMALE at 2687 FAIRLAWN DR on 3/27/2021

APRIL 5

OPINION | STEPHEN MOORE

WEEKLY CRIME LOG

♦ Bocholis, Kristopher Jason (M/42) Arrest on chrg of Assault On Female (M), at 440 Lindsay St, Kernersville, NC, on 3/26/2021 16:33.

MONDAY

♦ GUTHRIE, DESHAWN ANTWAN was arrested on a charge of INTERFERENCE W/ELECTRONIC MONITORING DEV at 201 N CHURCH ST on 3/29/2021 ♦ Helms, Sean Steven (M/36) Arrest on chrg of 1) Concealing Mdse (M) and 2) Vand-personal Prop (M), at 1104 Bethania-rural Hall Rd/ sb 52_bethania Rural Hall Rd Ra, Rural Hall, NC, on 3/28/2021 13:26. ♦ HIPOLITOGONZALEZ, JUAN CARLOS was arrested on a charge of IMPAIRED DRIVING DWI at 2569 PETERS CREEK PW/TRADEMART BV on 3/28/2021 ♦ HOPKINS, JOHN HENRY was arrested on a charge of CCW at 400 N TRADE ST on 3/27/2021 ♦ JOHNSON, DESTINY MICHELLE was arrested on a charge of ASSAULTSIMPLE at 4841 COBBLE CREEK CR on 3/28/2021 ♦ Lappeaux, Patrick Wayne (M/32) Arrest on chrg of 1) Drug Trafficking (F) and 2) Drugs-poss Sched Ii (F), at 4276 N Patterson Av, Winston-salem, NC, on 3/25/2021 13:32. ♦ LAROQUE, MICHAEL PETER was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT ON FEMALE at HANES MALL BLVD on 3/29/2021 ♦ MACKALL, KIERA SHANTEL was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT-SIMPLE at 127 N CLEVELAND AV on 3/27/2021 ♦ MANNING, MISTY DAWN was arrested on a charge of ASSLT ON OFF/ST EMP

at 3420 ROSEMONT AV on 3/28/2021 ♦ MARTIN, EVERRETTE LEON was arrested on a charge of OFAFTA-SHOPLIFTING CONCEALMENT GOODS at 598 PETERS CREEK PW/W ACADEMY ST on 3/27/2021

at 4460 Wallburg Landing Dr, Winston-salem, NC, on 3/25/2021 11:27.

♦ Jerry Lee Adams, 84, of WinstonSalem, died March 24, 2021.

♦ RAMOS, YOVANI VELASQUEZ was arrested on a charge of IMPAIRED DRIVING DWI at 2398 PETERS CREEK PW/WB 40 on 3/27/2021

♦ John Henry Clowers, Jr., 64, of Winston-Salem, died March 24, 2021.

♦ MARTIN, NATHANIEL LEE was arrested on a charge of INDECENT EXPOSURE at 801 N MARTIN LUTHER KING JR DR on 3/27/2021

♦ ROBINSON, DAVID ANTHONY was arrested on a charge of 2ND DEGREE TRESPASS at 301 MEDICAL CENTER BV on 3/28/2021

♦ MCKEITHAN, LEE MONROE was arrested on a charge of 2ND DEGREE TRESPASS at100 W FIFTH ST on 3/27/2021

♦ SALDIERNA, ALFREDO was arrested on a charge of TRAFFICKING MARIJUANA at 4223 TISE AV on 3/29/2021

♦ MCKENZIE, WANDU BRANDON was arrested on a charge of COMMUNICATE THREATS at 4020 PENDORIC CR on 3/27/2021

♦ Shelby, Michael Austin (M/21) Arrest on chrg of 1) Indecent Liberties (F), 2) Indecent Liberties (F), 3) Indecent Liberties (F), 4) Statutory Rape / Sex Offense (F), 5) Statutory Rape / Sex Offense (F), 6) Statutory Rape / Sex Offense (F), and 7) Statutory Rape / Sex Offense (F), at 301 N Church St, Winston-salem, NC, on 3/29/2021 18:03.

♦ MOBLEY, JUSTIN LAMBERT was arrested on a charge of RESISTING PUBLIC OFFICER at 1980 MARYLAND AV on 3/27/2021 ♦ PALACIOS, EDWIN NOE was arrested on a charge of VAND-PERSONAL PROP at 1438 S STRATFORD RD on 3/27/2021 ♦ Palmer, Larry Lee (M/59) Arrest on chrg of 1) Breaking/larc-felony (F) and 2) Drug Paraphernalia (M), at 4635 Walkertown Community Center Rd, Walkertown, NC, on 3/27/2021 20:54. ♦ Parker, Dedric Kenard (M/36) Arrest on chrg of False Report Motor Vehicle Theft, M (M), at 2895 Harper Rd, Clemmons, NC, on 3/25/2021 14:42. ♦ Parker, Melinda Adams (F/63) Arrest on chrg of Breaking/larc-felony (F), at 4635 New Walkertown Rd, Walkertown, NC, on 3/27/2021 20:54. ♦ Pittman, Jason Charles (M/43) Arrest on chrg of 1) Larceny-felony (F) and 2) Weap-poss By Felon (F),

♦ SMITH, RYAN JYRELL was arrested on a charge of FUGITIVE at 201 N CHURCH ST on 3/29/2021 ♦ SMITH, RYAN JYRELL was arrested on a charge of REC/POSS STOLE MV at 3515 TYLER DR on 3/28/2021

♦ Silvano Calzolari, 73, of WinstonSalem, died March 24, 2021.

♦ Florence Ashley Curtis, 93, of Winston-Salem, died March 25, 2021. ♦ Judy Garner Dudley, 76, of Winston-Salem, died March 27, 2021. ♦ Margaret “Margo” Ehlers, 73, died March 26, 2021. ♦ Reverend Ernest Lee Ford, 85, of Winston-Salem, died March 24, 2021. ♦ Thurman “Louie” Jones, Jr., 60, of Winston-Salem, died March 25, 2021. ♦ Fotini Siafacas Kakouras, 87, of Winston-Salem, died March 24, 2021. ♦ David Franklin Kiger, 71, of Lexington, died March 24, 2021. ♦ Daisy Williams Kuzio, 94, of Winston-Salem, died March 25, 2021. ♦ Bonnie Sue Perrell Landreth, 71, died March 28, 2021. ♦ Betty Cox Mabe, 82, died March 25, 2021. ♦ Carlos Aguilar Martinez, 65, of Forsyth Co., died March 26, 2021. ♦ Sue Mills Moore, 85, died March 27, 2021. ♦ Doris Ann Bowlen Nelson, 73, of Surry Co., died March 27, 2021. ♦ Robert “Bob” Fred Pegg, 94, of Kernersville, died March 25, 2021.

♦ VALADEZ, JORGE REYES was arrested on a charge of IMPAIRED DRIVING DWI at 5720 SHATTALON DR on 3/27/2021

♦ R.G. Pendergrass, Sr., 81, of Pfafftown, died March 26, 2021.

♦ VAUGHAN, ALICIA was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT-SIMPLE at 2684 FAIRLAWN DR on 3/27/2021

♦ Naomi Ruth Hundley Scruggs, 76, of High Point, died March 24, 2021.

♦ Warden, Mark Eugene (M/55) Arrest on chrg of Vio. Protective Order By Courts Another State/ Indian Tribe (M), at 201 N Church St, Winston-salem, NC, on 3/29/2021 19:10.

♦ George Hackett “Hack” Smith, 85, of Winston-Salem, died March 26, 2021.

♦ Helen Jacqueline “Jackie” Lawson Phillips, 78, of Forsyth Co., died March 27, 2021.

♦ Frances Adelaide Perryman Shuler, 101, of Forsyth Co., died March 26, 2021.

♦ Barbara Jean White Wall, 76, of Kernersville, died March 26, 2021. ♦ Allan Kimbrough Clements Hollan Womble, 97, of Arbor Acres, died March 24, 2021.

Twin City Herald for Wednesday, March 31, 2021

3

SPORTS

SPONSORED BY

SIDELINE REPORT NFL

Infant son of Browns’ Switzer stable after surgery Cleveland Browns wide receiver Ryan Switzer said his infant son is stable after doctors found what was causing him to bleed. The former UNC standout, who has been updating his son’s medical fight on social media the past few weeks, posted on Twitter on Monday that his son, Christian, was being prepped for an operation.

The 9-month-old has had two severe bleeding episodes, and despite a surgery and numerous procedures, doctors had been unable to pinpoint the cause. Switzer’s young son had also tested positive for COVID-19.

NBA

Creators of NBA Top Shot get $305M in funding Silver Spring, Md. Canadian blockchain technology company Dapper Labs has secured $305 million in private funding — some of it from current and former NBA players, including Michael Jordan — to scale up its virtual NBA trading card site, the company said Tuesday.

Vancouver-based Dapper says NBA Top Shot has rung up $500 million in sales and registered more than 800,000 accounts since its public beta testing phase began in October. The virtual cards come in the form of a floating digital cube that includes a video highlight of an NBA player and come with a non-fungible token, backed by blockchain technology, certifying its authenticity and scarcity.

WOMEN’S SOCCER

Nationwide joins growing list of NWSL sponsors Chicago Nationwide has become a sponsor of the National Women’s Soccer League, the latest in a string of league partnerships that have been growing since the Women’s World Cup in 2019. The league, in its ninth season, currently counts Nike, Budweiser and Verizon as national sponsors. Secret Deodorant will sponsor the upcoming preseason Challenge Cup tournament.

CBS and Twitch are the league’s broadcast partners.

The Challenge Cup opens April 9 with a rematch of the tournament’s final last summer between the Chicago Red Stars and the Houston Dash, and the regular season begins May 15.

GOLF

Horschel win Match Play title Austin, Texas Billy Horschel had just enough left in the tank to win the Dell Technologies Match Play on Sunday with plenty of help from Scottie Scheffler in a sloppy end to the longest week in golf. Horschel made only one birdie in the championship match, chipping in from 40 feet on the fifth hole, and left the big mistakes to the 24-year-old Scheffler in winning 2 and 1. Horschel, who had never reached the weekend in four previous appearances at this World Golf Championship, won $10.5 million for sixth PGA Tour victory and fifth individual title.

MICHAEL CONROY | AP PHOTO

Syracuse's Alan Griffin (0) and Jesse Edwards (14) look on during the Orange's 62-46 loss to Houston in Saturday's Sweet 16 game in Indianapolis.

ACC ends season with early NCAA Tournament exit None of the conference’s teams advanced past the Sweet 16

By Steve Megargee The Associated Press BASED ON its own lofty standards, the Atlantic Coast Conference had a poor regular season.

Its postseason was even worse.

Florida State and Syracuse were the only ACC teams to make it past the first round, and both lost convincingly in the regional semifinals. ACC teams finished with a 4-7 NCAA Tournament record, marking the league’s lowest win total and winning percentage in this event since 1979.

It is just the fourth time the ACC hasn’t sent a team to a regional final since the NCAA Tour-

nament went to a 48-team format in 1980 (it’s now a 68-team event).

The only other years the ACC was left out of the Elite Eight were 2003, 2006 and 2014.

“I think every conference goes through those periods,” Florida State coach Leonard Hamilton said Sunday after the Seminoles’ 76-58 loss to Michigan. “You can’t stay on top forever.”

Hamilton expects the ACC to return to form in short order.

But the league that has won three of the last five national titles — and a total of 11 since 1991 — had to take its lumps this year.

The ACC’s problems started with the uncharacteristic struggles of one of its signature programs. Duke went 13-11, withdrew from the ACC Tournament due to a positive COVID-19 test and ended a string of 29 consec-

utive NCAA Tournament appearances.

When the NCAA Tournament brackets came out, the ACC teams with the best seeds were Florida State and Virginia at No. 4 in their respective regions. That marked the first time since seeding began in 1979 that the ACC didn’t have any team seeded higher than fourth.

That represented quite a fall for a conference that had three No. 1 seeds for the 2019 NCAA Tournament: Duke, North Carolina and eventual national champion Virginia.

“We weren’t quite as good at the top,” Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim said after the first round of the NCAA Tournament. “Obviously, Carolina and Duke weren’t as good as they’ve been. Virginia was good, but they struggled during the middle of the year. We didn’t really have a top-10, top-15, top-16 team, top-20 team, really, at the end of the day. We had a lot of good teams.”

That became apparent during this tournament.

First-round losers from the ACC included Clemson, Georgia Tech, North Carolina, Virginia and Virginia Tech. Virginia fell to No. 13 seed Ohio in one of the first round’s bigger upsets. North Caro-

lina coach Roy Williams watched his personal record in first-round games fall to 29-1 when the Tar Heels got blown out by Wisconsin.

The ACC’s one pleasant NCAA Tournament surprise was Syracuse, which sneaked into the field with a No. 11 seed but knocked off San Diego State and West Virginia before losing 62-46 to Houston.

While the ACC was down this year, the league figures to be strong again quickly.

Hamilton noted how the consistent strength of the league’s traditional powers has made the conference’s other programs get better. Florida State is a prime example, as the Seminoles have reached the Sweet 16 in the last three tournaments and might have earned a No. 1 or No. 2 seed last year if the pandemic hadn’t halted the season.

Some of those usual heavyweights weren’t quite as strong this year, and the entire conference suffered as a result. Hamilton doesn’t expect it to start a trend.

“This year, maybe we do not have someone in the Elite Eight,” Hamilton said. “But I think most people — most rational, reasonable-thinking people — they know this is not going to be the issue moving forward.”

USMNT loses to Honduras, will miss 3rd straight Olympics The U.S. team also failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup The Associated Press AMERICAN PLAYERS fell to the field at the final whistle. Another missed Olympics soccer tournament for the U.S. men.

Juan Carlos Obregón scored in the fourth minute of first-half stoppage time, goalkeeper David Ochoa committed a blunder that gifted Luis Palma a goal two minutes into the second half, and Honduras beat the United States 2-1 on Sunday in an Olympic qualification game at Guadalajara, Mexico.

U.S. captain Jackson Yueill pulled a goal back with a curling 23-yard shot in the 52nd minute, but the Americans misfired on several good chances to equalize.

“Obviously, we’re devastated, absolutely devastated,” U.S. coach Jason Kreis said. “In our locker room, the guys are like it’s a tragedy — a tragedy.”

U.S. men had trouble creating chances in the first half, and the Americans missed their third straight Olympics.

The American Olympic skid is part of a trend that includes the senior national team missing the

FERNANDO LLANO | AP PHOTO

Sebastian Soto reacts at the end of the United States' 2-1 loss Sunday to Honduras in the Concacaf Olympic qualifying semifinal match. The loss means the U.S. won't compete in its third straight Olympics.

2018 World Cup. “We lose an opportunity to play in an international tournament with more pressure, where these players have to be in these environments and continue to improve with that pressure,” Kreis said.

Olympic men’s soccer is limited to players both Jan. 1, 1997, and later, and clubs don’t have to release players.

In contrast, the women’s tournament is open to senior national teams. The U.S. has won three

of the last four soccer gold medals and is favored to win again this summer.

Still, there were chances. Jonathan Lewis’ 63rd-minute header was headed off the goal line by Wesley Degas, and Yueill’s free kick in the 69th was batted away by goalkeeper Alex Barrios. Lewis had an open 4-yard shot off Tanner Tessman’s pass in the 83rd minute but allowed the ball to bounce off a boot. Johnny Cardoso mishit an open header in sec-

ond-half stoppage time.

Honduras advanced to its fourth straight Olympics this summer in Japan after finishing fourth in 2016. Mexico, the 2012 gold medal winner, earned the other berth from North and Central America and the Caribbean by defeating Canada 2-0 in the second game of the doubleheader.

CONCACAF qualifiers join Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Egypt, France, Germany, Ivory Coast, Japan, New Zealand, Romania, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea and Spain in the draw, which will be held in Zurich on April 21.

The tournament will be played from July 21 to Aug. 7 in Tokyo, Kashima, Miyagi, Saitama, Sapporo and Yokohama.

Among the top U.S. players not in qualifying were Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams, Gio Reyna, Josh Sargent, Sergiño Dest, Chris Richards and Antonee Robinson.

Atlanta refused to release defenders George Bello and Miles Robinson, and forward Brooks Lennon.

“The only solution I would say there is that if you can get the European players that are midseason,” Kreis said, “then perhaps you’re in better shape, but we all know the difficulties of that, as well.”

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Twin City Herald for Wednesday, March 31, 2021

STATE & NATION

Feds seek end to dredging limits that protect sea turtles

By Russ Bynum The Associated Press SAVANNAH, Ga. — The federal government is close to undoing a policy that for 30 years has protected rare sea turtles from being mangled and killed by machines used to suck sediments from shipping channels in four Southern states.

The Army Corps of Engineers is in charge of keeping U.S. waterways clear for boats and ships.

Since 1991, the agency has suspended dredging of harbors in Georgia, the Carolinas and Florida during warmer months when sea turtles are most abundant in coastal waters and females lay eggs on Southern beaches.

But, in the coming weeks, the Army Corps plans to begin scrapping those seasonal limits, starting with Georgia, after the National Marine Fisheries Service concluded last year that sea turtles protected by the Endangered Species Act can likely endure roughly 150 deaths anticipated annually from year-round dredging.

Conservationists are sounding alarms, saying the federal government is downplaying the threat to sea turtles’ long-term recovery while reversing a policy that has minimized the number of turtles crushed or dismembered after being sucked into dredges.

The Georgia environmental group One Hundred Miles is urging state officials to resist the change. Sustained efforts to reduce sea turtle deaths in the water and to catalogue and protect their nests on land have been credit-

ed with pushing nesting to record levels in the region in 2019. Scientists say the rebound is fragile but encouraging.

“We can’t afford to throw that all away now,” said Catherine Ridley, a One Hundred Miles vice president who also coordinates volunteers for nest counts on St. Simons Island, Georgia. “We put our blood, sweat and tears into this effort for decades. And it’s personal to us.”

Thousands of sea turtles that nest each spring and summer share their coastal habitat with busy seaports in all four states.

The Army Corps relies on dredging to remove accumulated sediments and debris that can make shipping channels shallower and less safe to navigate.

Army Corps officials say they can eliminate seasonal dredging limits without putting sea turtles in greater peril. They cite both economic and environmental reasons for the change.

Limits since the 1990s varied by state, but roughly confined dredging to between December and March. Those decisions focused too much on sea turtles, while ignoring other protected species such as critically endangered North Atlantic right whales, said Nicole Bonine, environmental compliance and sustainability manager for the Army Corps’ South Atlantic Division.

“We’re saying we need the whole year to evaluate the best way to do it to reduce the risks to all species,” Bonine said. “So it’s not let’s just kill more turtles. That’s no-

GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES VIA AP

In this June 30, 2019, photo provided by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, a loggerhead sea turtle returns to the ocean after nesting on Ossabaw Island, Ga. body’s goal. Our goal is to work with researchers to find ways to continue to reduce that risk.”

For decades, Georgia’s window for coastal dredging ended March 31. But the Army Corps plans to dredge the entrance channel to the Port of Brunswick in April or May. The project is expected to take three to six weeks, likely overlapping with the sea turtle nesting season. A second dredging project in North Carolina could start this summer.

Ramona McGee, an attorney with the Southern Environmental Law Center, has been tracking the looming changes. She said eliminating seasonal dredging limits is “an unjustified about-face.”

“These windows have been in place because resource agencies recognized they worked,” McGee

said.

Giant loggerhead sea turtles, protected as a federally threatened species, nest during the spring and summer months on beaches from North Carolina to Florida. Smaller numbers of endangered green and Kemp’s ridley sea turtles lay eggs in the region as well.

A biological assessment the National Marine Fisheries Service published last year predicts dredging in the warmer months will kill 460 sea turtles between the four states over a period of three years. The agency’s report concluded that many deaths aren’t likely to “cause an appreciable reduction in the likelihood of survival.”

It’s a 50% increase in the number of dredging deaths the agen-

cy considered acceptable for sea turtles in its last biological assessment in 1997.

In memos to the Army Corps, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources has expressed reluctance to abandon seasonal dredging limits. The state agency notes warmer waters in the summer attract sea turtles in far greater numbers than during winter.

Mark Dodd, the biologist overseeing the Georgia agency’s sea turtle recovery program, said dredging during nesting season also means greater risk to adult female loggerhead turtles that don’t start laying eggs until age 30.

“Loggerheads are unique in that they have delayed sexual maturity,” Dodd said. “It takes 30 years to replace a female loggerhead that you lose through dredging.”

Deadly spring break: 3 men charged in 2 deaths in Florida

By Kurt Anderson The Associated Press ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Two North Carolina men on spring break in Florida have been charged with drugging and raping a woman who later died, possibly of a drug overdose in Miami Beach, police said Tuesday.

Meanwhile, in Panama City, a man has been charged with fatally shooting a teenager from Kentucky and another Florida man died when he jumped from the 23rd story of a beach resort with a parachute that did not open, authorities said.

The deaths and alleged crimes come amid continuing chaos in South Beach, where police have arrested hundreds of partiers involved in violence and property destruction. Most of those involved have not been college students on spring break, but adults from Florida and out of state, authorities have said.

The two men arrested in Miami Beach, Evoire Collier, 21, and Dorian Taylor, 24, have been

charged with sexual battery as well as burglary with battery, theft and credit card fraud. The woman was found dead last Thursday after officers responded to “reports of an unconscious female” at a South Beach hotel, according to a police report. The men are accused of stealing the dead woman’s credit cards to help fund their South Beach vacation, the report says. Online jail records did not indicate whether the two had an attorney who could speak for them.

Whether the two are charged with manslaughter or murder will depend on what caused the woman’s death, which a medical examiner has not yet released. Investigators are looking into whether the woman died of a drug overdose, possibly a substance supplied by the men, who said they gave her a “green pill,” according to the arrest report.

In Panama City Beach, Christopher Lawrence Cox, 37, of Louisville, Kentucky, was charged with one count of murder and one count of attempted murder in the shooting death early Tuesday of a

MATIAS J. OCNER | MIAMI HERALD VIA AP

Police keep an eye on tourists as they make their way down Ocean Drive during Spring Break in Miami Beach, Fla. on Monday, March 22, 2021.

14-year-old boy and the wounding of his stepbrother, also 14, police said in a news release. Both of the stepbrothers are also from Louisville. Online jail records did not in-

dicate whether he has an attorney.

Police identified the man who died in the parachute fall as 31-year-old Timothy Ackerman of Panama City Beach.

South Beach was relatively calm Monday night, according to police. Since February, however, there have been over 1,000 arrests there amid brawls and damage to property. City officials imposed a curfew from Thursday through Sunday each week until April 12, including the nighttime closing of causeways leading to Miami Beach from the mainland.

Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber, mindful of the risk of the coronavirus spreading through such large and unmasked crowds, said the city known worldwide as a tourist destination and anything-goes attitude is trying to control the situation.

“We’re trying to get a handle on it. And we’re only doing it through policing and a curfew and shutting down our causeways coming into our city in the evening,” Gelber said in a television interview.

“But that’s just a temporary stop.

Hopefully it will calm down in a few weeks when other places open up and this pandemic really gets into the rearview mirror, where it’s not now.”