North State Journal Vol. 6, Issue 52 by North State Journal

VOLUME 6 ISSUE 52 |

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2022

Redistricting review to end, candidate filing scheduled to resume Raleigh Barring a last-minute order from the N.C. Supreme Court, the 2022 primary election filing period for candidates is set to resume on Thursday, Feb. 24. Special masters appointed by a three-judge panel have until Wednesday, Feb. 23, to review remedial maps after the Supreme Court ruled in a 4-3 decision that the maps drawn in November 2021 were unconstitutional. The special master process was upended in a Monday filing by the legislative defendants to remove two assistants hired by the special masters after illegal communication took place between them and plaintiffs’ experts. NSJ STAFF

Robinson leads NC speakers at CPAC Raleigh Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson is scheduled to speak at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference in Orlando, Florida, that begins Thursday. An agenda posted for the conference shows Robinson speaking on Thursday, following Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. In addition, U.S. Rep. Ted Budd and former U.S. Rep. Mark Walker, who are competing for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate, will appear on panels at the conference. Also scheduled to attend is first-term U.S. Rep. Madison Cawthorn (NC-11). The Saturday night keynote address is scheduled to be given by former President Donald Trump.

Putin defies West, mounts Ukraine invasion

Russian President Vladimir Putin talks via videoconference with members of the Russian Paralympic Committee team on the eve of the XIII Paralympic Winter Games in Beijing, in Moscow, Russia, Monday, Feb. 21, 2022.

Cooper: Schools, local governments should end mask mandates Cooper questions bill to let parents decide on masks for kids as “unwise” and ‘irresponsible’

NSJ STAFF

Hong Kong orders mandatory COVID-19 tests for all residents Hong Kong Hong Kong will test its entire population of 7.5 million people for COVID-19 in March, the city’s leader said Tuesday, as it grapples with its worst outbreak driven by the omicron variant. The population will be tested three times in March, Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam said. She said testing capacity will be boosted to 1 million a day or more. “Since we have a population of some 7 million people, testing will take about seven days,” said Lam. Hong Kong has largely aligned itself with mainland China’s “zero-COVID-19” policy, which aims to totally stamp out outbreaks, even as many other countries are shifting their approach to living with the virus. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Wild horse on North Carolina Outer Banks euthanized Corolla One of the wild horses on the Outer Banks has been euthanized, according to the group that helps protect them. The Corolla Wild Horse Fund said on its Facebook page Sunday that its veterinarian euthanized the stallion, named Tyler, last week. According to the organization, the horse was in its mid-20s and had been under observation by staff as well as the veterinarian. It was clear that the horse was approaching the end of its life, the post said. The horse “went down somewhere we could spot him,” according to the post, which also said he was buried “in a quiet place right where he lived his entire life.” The Corolla Wild Horse Fund manages the herd of wild Spanish mustangs that roam on the northernmost portion of the Outer Banks. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

20177 52016 $0.50

ALEXEI NIKOLSKY, SPUTNIK, KREMLIN POOL PHOTO VIA AP

NC Congressman Hudson champions national ‘Unmask Our Kids Act’ Appeals to counties in district to eliminate mandates

to mandate masking. On Feb. 8, the same day that Hudson cosponsored the “Unmask Our Kids Act” and spoke on it in Congress, the Cumberland County Board of EducaBy David Larson tion in his district decided to North State Journal make masks optional. HowevRALEIGH — When Rep. er, because the county’s health Ashley Hinson, a Republican department had a county-wide from Iowa, filed H.R. 6619, the indoor mask mandate, this polUnmask Our Kids Act, in the icy shift by the school board was U.S. House of Representatives rendered ineffectual. Dr. Jennifer Green, the Cumon Feb. 7, the first co-sponsor for the bill was Rep. Richard Hud- berland County health director, put an indoor mask son, a Republican mandate in place in representing N.C.’s August 2021, and it 8th Congressional has remained in place District. since then. Hudson The day after the “For hypocrite appealed directly bill was introduced, politicians who to Green in a letter Hudson took to the to rescind her mask House floor to ar- want to control mandate and allow gue for H.R. 6619. your life, it’s schools to be mask He said that there rules for thee optional in line with was hypocrisy evithe school board’s dent as celebrities but not for vote. and high-profile me. It’s time “In addition to folpoliticians are relowing the well-espeatedly photo- to scrap these tablished science, I graphed unmasked mandates and would further urge in crowds, while you to follow the parthey are unwavering give parents ents,” Hudson wrote in their insistence the freedom to in the Feb. 11 letter. that children, who choose what’s “Our local Cumberare at a much lower land County Board risk of being affect- best for their of Education made ed by COVID-19, children.” the decision to make are forced to wear masks optional based masks in school. His on both the existing press release specif- U.S. Congressman science and their curically called out for- Richard Hudson rent roles as parents, mer Georgia guber- (R-NC8) educators, and local natorial candidate leaders. I respectfulStacey Abrams, who ly urge you to follow supports masking children, for not wearing a mask their lead, and revise the August at a school visit where the stu- 2021 abatement order, in light of both the recent evidence and redents were made to mask. “For hypocrite politicians spected parental input.” A few days later, on Feb. 16, who want to control your life, it’s rules for thee but not for Green announced she would reme,” said Hudson. “It’s time to move the abatement order that scrap these mandates and give was blocking the school board’s parents the freedom to choose new mask-optional policy. Her what’s best for their children. decision would be effective at If it’s good enough for the poli- 5 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 20. In ticians, it’s good enough for our addition, with Green no longer enforcing this order, the schools kids.” Hudson is also taking his became mask-optional in Cumfight back to his district, where berland County that day, Feb. 16. A press release from Hudson he wants local school boards and health departments to after this development claimed eliminate any requirement for schools under their jurisdiction See HUDSON page A2

By A.P. Dillon and Matt Mercer North State Journal RALEIGH — Gov. Roy Cooper cited his administration’s success in handling the omicron variant of COVID-19 and said at a Feb. 17 media briefing that schools and local governments should end their mask mandates. While encouraging the entities to do so, he stopped short of issuing an order on the matter, instead continuing to defer to them on enforcement. “We are taking a positive step on mask requirements to help us move safely toward a more normal dayto-day life,” said Gov. Cooper. “It’s time to focus on getting our children a good education and improv-

ing our schools, no matter how you feel about masks.” As of Feb. 17, 60 school districts – more than half of the state’s 115 districts – have gone mask optional. A proposed set of changes to the StrongSchools NC toolkit was made public, with an effective date of March 7. No clear reason was given for the choice of that date beyond continued attempts to push for citizens and children to get vaccinated. The proposed upcoming updates to the toolkit for K-12 schools include promoting vaccinations and boosters, continuing COVID testing in schools, and “considering moving to voluntary masking at the discretion of local authorities as universal masking is a less important tool in lower risk settings like schools.” The updates for schools also seem to link going mask-optional for students to vaccination status, stating, “Masks are recommended See MASKS, page A2

Grantmaking pass-through for dark money sets up shop in Durham By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — A organization with sub-groups that serve as a pass-through for dark money has set up shop in Durham. Arabella Advisors describes itself as a “philanthropic advising firm” that is a “Certified B Corporation that provides guidance and support to the world’s leading philanthropists and impact investors.” The organization opened its fifth office in Durham during the second quarter of 2020. The Durham location was originally slated to have a staff of 20. According to a press release, Arabella Advisors’ CEO Sampriti Ganguli said, “With this new office, Arabella Advisors will expand our geographic footprint to better serve the broad community of philanthropists, attract new talent, and retain the exceptional talent driving the firm’s growth and helping our clients achieve their diverse social-impact goals.” Tucked under Arabella Advisers’ umbrella are “grantmaking” organizations that redistribute funds from Dark money sources to other groups and non-profits that include the Sixteen Thirty Fund, The Hopewell Fund, and the New VenSee DURHAM, page A2

North State Journal for Wednesday, February 23, 2022

A2 WEDNESDAY

THE WORD: NURSING A VIPER!

Colossians 3:5-7

2.23.22 #322

“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived.” A new life in Christ calls for the utter destruction of these evils. It is a shameful list which Paul names. It makes us ashamed to think that such qualities may belong to us — or may nest in our heart! Who would have thought that any these vile things could exist in anyone who wears the human form! Yet many of these ugly things are found in each of us! Our hearts are naturally cages of unclean birds! What does Paul tell us we should do with these unholy things? He says we are to put them to death. When we find any evil thing in ourselves, we must kill it, for it is not right for it to live. An uncompromising war should be waged against all evil. He who cherishes any impurity in himself — is nursing a viper which will sting him to death by and by!

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

North State Journal (USPS 20451) (ISSN 2471-1365) Neal Robbins Publisher Matt Mercer Editor in Chief Cory Lavalette Managing/Sports Editor Frank Hill Senior Opinion Editor Emily Roberson Business/Features Editor David Larson Associate Editor Lauren Rose Design Editor Published each Wednesday by North State Media, LLC 3101 Industrial Dr., Suite 105 Raleigh, N.C. 27609 TO SUBSCRIBE: 704-269-8461 or online at nsjonline.com Annual Subscription Price: $50.00 Periodicals Postage Paid at Raleigh, N.C. and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: North State Journal 1201 Edwards Mill Rd. Suite 300 Raleigh, NC 27607

PUBLIC DOMAIN

“The Great Day of His Wrath” by John Martin (circa 1851) is an oil painting in the collection of the Tate Britain Museum, London.

HUDSON from page A1 some credit for Green’s change of heart. “After the state passed a law and the school board voted to make masks optional, I demanded the health department stop standing in the way,” Hudson said in the statement. “I am glad the county has made this overdue decision, and I will keep fighting to end these mandates across our state and country.” The law that Hudson was likely referring to is the “Free the Smiles Act,” S.B. 173, which would block school districts across the state from imposing mask mandates on students. The bill passed both the House and Senate on Feb. 17. In the House, the bill received a veto-proof majority of 76-42, but in the Senate, it was two votes shy of the 30 votes needed for a three-fifths vote. Fortunately for Republicans, two from their caucus — Sens. Ralph Hise (R-Mitchell) and Jim Perry (R-Lenoir) — were absent, so if Gov. Cooper vetoes the bill, they would almost certainly vote with their party to override. Cooper, though, is signaling

he may be done fighting the battle to maintain mandates across the state for schools. He made an announcement the same day that he was now recommending districts do away with their mandates. While the details of this big change are unclear, it seems to signal there would no longer be any resistance from state Health Department officials when counties declared themselves mask-optional. Many districts announced immediately afterwards that they would follow the lead of places like Cumberland County and make masking optional for their students. At the federal level, H.R. 6619 has been referred to the House Education and Labor Committee, but it is unlikely to pass a chamber run by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a left-wing Democrat representing the San Francisco area of California. After Hudson’s comments on the floor, House Democrats voted not to consider the bill. With momentum across the country growing to unmask students and debate unlikely to go away, though, the bill, or another like it, may soon reemerge.

AP PHOTO

Rep. Richard Hudson, R-N.C., asks questions to Richard Bright, former director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, during a House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health hearing Thursday, May 14, 2020, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

MASKSfrom page A1 in indoor settings for people at high risk for severe disease and who are not up to date on vaccines.” Additionally, the updates say masks are “required” following a COVID infection and “recommended” after a COVID exposure. “Because masks can add a layer of protection for those who want it, schools should support students and staff who choose to wear a mask,” the final K-12 schools proposed toolkit update reads. Similar updates for childcare settings were also included in the proposed March 7 toolkit changes. Responding to a question from a media outlet, Cooper characterized the General Assembly’s activities to move forward legislation to allow parents to choose whether or not their child is masked as “frantic.” “I know they are looking at something today and they are very frantic about it,” Cooper said when asked if

he would veto the mask choice bill moving through the legislature. “From what I know about it, I have concerns that it is unwise and irresponsible. I mean, are we going to let people pick and choose which public health rules they are going to follow?” Cooper then said he would review the bill when lawmakers pass it, which they did. Senate Bill 173, the Free the Smiles Act, was sent to the governor on Friday, Feb. 18. The bill passed the House prior to Cooper’s briefing along partisan lines by a vote of 76-42. It also passed the Senate by a vote of 28-17, with only two Democrats voting in favor; Sen. Ben Clark (D-Cumberland) and Sen. Kirk deViere (D-Cumberland). In a press release, House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Kings Mountain) announced that the North Carolina House passed the Free the Smiles Act “in a veto-proof, bipartisan vote

DURHAM from page A1 ture Fund. Funds managed by Arabella Advisors dropped around $896 million into progressive campaigns and activities during 2020. As reported recently by the Capital Research Center, Arabella Advisers’ in-house advocacy arm The Sixteen Thirty Fund dropped $410 million into “lobbying, anti-Republican ads, and grants to left-wing PACs and other political groups, which helped oust President Donald Trump, retain a slim majority in the House of Representatives, and take control of the Senate (with the vice president’s tie-breaking vote).” Capital Research Center (CRC) is a watchdog organization that tracks and examines “how foundations, charities, and other nonprofits spend money and get involved in politics and advocacy.” Highlighted in the CRC’s report was that North Carolina was a major target for the Sixteen Thirty Fund and Arabella Advisers. “Arabella’s biggest target by far was North Carolina, where Sixteen Thirty Fund poured out $9.5 million, 85% of it to just two groups: Fair Future NC and Piedmont Rising,” the report reads. “Fair Future NC” is a 501(c)(4) launched in 2019. “While its 2020 finances aren’t available, the group received $1.05 million from Sixteen Thirty in 2019, about three times its entire 2019 budget,” CRC writes. “The North Carolina secretary of state reports that Fair Future NC spent close to $172,000 in TV attack ads against two Republican state senators, Joyce Krawiec (SD-31) and Amy Galey (SD-24), who both won reelection in 2020.” Piedmont Rising, a partisan political activism outfit, has portrayed itself as a news outlet through its political advertisement spending on

“All health care decisions for our students belong with their parents, not with politicians or bureaucrats. No one cares about these children more than their parents, and no one is better-suited to make these decisions.” House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Kings Mountain)

of 76-42.” “All health care decisions for our students belong with their parents, not with politicians or bureaucrats. No one cares about these children more than their parents, and no one

J.R. Miller was a pastor and former editorial superintendent of the Presbyterian Board of Publication from 1880 to 1911. His works are now in the public domain.

social media and spent more than $118,000 on Facebook ads in 2020. The group spent upwards of $1.2 million attacking Republican U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis during 2020. Groups masquerading as news outlets funded by money funneled by Arabella Advisers’ grantmaking groups helped to blanket the 2020 election cycle with hyper-partisan ads and fake news coverage. As reported by North State Journal in July of 2020, Dark money funded political activism was masquerading as journalism through Cardinal & Pine, a state affiliate of Courier Newsroom. The money flowing into Courier Newsroom was mainly coming from ACRONYM, a progressive Dark money group that at the time was headed up by Democratic strategist Tara McGowan. Late last year, progressive billionaire George Soros and LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman acquired McGowan’s Courier News to run “Good Information, Inc.,” which seeks to “combat disinformation.” Another apparent Dark money-tied group residing in the Tarheel state is States Newsroom, which operates a network of left-wing and hyper-partisan fake news websites. The organization is headed up by Chris Fitzsimon, formerly of Policy Watch, a blog run by the left-leaning NC Justice Center. States Newsroom, based in Chapel Hill, started as a project of the Arabella-run 501(c)(3) Hopewell Fund under the name “Newsroom Network.” During our reporting in 2020 on Courier Newsroom, North State Journal also reached out to States Newsroom for comment but did not receive a response. “In June 2019, States Newsroom was spun off as an independent nonprofit with its own 501(c) (3) tax-exempt status, but a number of its local affiliates are used by the Hopewell Fund as its own legal

aliases,” according to CRC. States Newsroom has two dozen affiliates, including NC Policy Watch. NC Policy Watch founder and former director Chris Fitzsimon run States Newsroom, which was previously called the “Newsroom Network.” Also employed at State Newsroom is Andrea Verykoukis as deputy director. She previously was an author for the Progressive Pulse, the left-leaning legislative offshoot of NC Policy Watch. Nelle Dunlap who was the media director for NC Policy Watch is the digital director of State Newsroom. Both the Washington Post and OpenSecrets.org have reported on States Newsroom, comparing it to that of ACRONYM’s Courier Newsroom. OpenSecrets.org obtained a copy of IRS filings and financial documents for States Newsroom revealing the group’s plans to acquire an additional $27 million by the end of last year. Among the financial documents was a $1 million donation offer from the Wyss Foundation, named for and funded by Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss. In 2021, Wyss was worth an estimated $8.5 billion. He amassed his wealth as the head of Synthes USA, a medical implants and biomaterials manufacturing business. Wyss sold Synthes USA to Johnson & Johnson for a whopping $19.7 billion in 2012. Wyss has dumped tens of millions of dollars into Dark money Democratic and progressive groups, including the Fund for a Better Future, which has front groups promoting various aspects of President’s Biden’s Build Back Better plan, such as climate change. According to the New York Times, since 2009, the Wyss Foundation has funneled close to $57 million into Arabella’s New Venture Fund.

is better-suited to make these decisions,” said Moore. He also said the action was “long overdue.” When asked what happens if local school boards don’t lift mask mandates, he said local control was “important” and legislation he signed gave them that control. He also said he thinks most of the school boards will “consider it.” The governor was asked if there is local control, why did he feel the need to say something today and if he thought places that still have mask requirements needed to “hear this from you.” Cooper responded that, over the pandemic, officials and schools have looked to guidance like the toolkit, but that “we’re at a point in the pandemic where the health officials say that lifting those mask mandates might be the right thing for them to do” and that “they should consider that.” The lack of a clear statement that masks should be optional in

schools by both Cooper and N.C. Department of Health and Human Services interim Secretary Kody Kinsley is similar to the governor’s inaction on reopening K-12 schools for in-person instruction in 2020 and into early 2021. The legislature ran a bill to reopen schools which revealed a clear partisan divide with the majority of Democrats voting it down. The bill still passed and was sent to Cooper, who vetoed it and in his veto message said the bill “threatens public health.” An attempt to override was unsuccessful, with Democrats in the Senate upholding the veto. A new school reopening bill was announced on March 10, 2021, which coincided with the one-year anniversary of Cooper’s statewide COVID state of emergency order. The new version included language preserving the governor’s powers to order closures or increased restrictions on a district-by-district basis. Cooper signed it.

North State Journal for Wednesday, February 23, 2022

NC native working for alternative social media competitor SONNY NELSON grew up interested in politics, but the first campaign she worked on was a big one: the re-election effort for President Donald Trump in 2020. A native of Harnett County and a recent Campbell University graduate, Nelson attended the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C., with her mom, as they did every year, and interviewed for a position with the campaign. “I interviewed for the position of executive assistant to the communications director, Tim Murtaugh, and I moved (to Washington, D.C.) about two weeks after that. It all happened extremely fast,” she said in an interview with North State Journal. “I didn’t graduate with the intent of ‘I’m going to go work on the Trump campaign,’ but I thank God for that to happen. It was amazing. It was a great experience.” Nelson says she grew up involved watching Fox News, and that politics has always been a big part of conversation with her family. She is especially interested in pro-life issues. Her mother, Tonya Nelson, is the founder and CEO of Hand of Hope Pregnancy Centers, which has three locations in North Carolina. While in college at Campbell she says she changed her major “three or four times” trying to figure out what she wanted to do, ultimately graduating with two degrees, one in broadcasting and one in health communication. She says the on-campus TV studio was more helpful than any of her classes to prepare her for her career. While on the Trump campaign, Nelson quickly moved up, ending as the associate director of strategic communications. It was in that role she handled booking surrogates across the country and deploying speakers to key markets for events. “I remember when I was interviewing, he (Murtaugh) was telling me that your role is going to shift a lot. That’s how it works with campaigns. You do a lot more than what your job title says,” said Nelson. It was the COVID-19 pandemic that led to her biggest role in the campaign, helping launch “Team Trump online,” a nightly streaming show that averaged 1 million viewers every night. Nelson pointed out that figure consistently beat CNN’s viewership as well. In producing that show, Nelson would help plan out the segments, write scripts, and reach out to surrogates and coordinate their appearances. “It was a massive operation and became bigger than I expected it to be,” she says. On the show, Nelson would work with well-known names such as Mercedes Schlapp. “I think it definitely kind of pioneered, you know, new ways of reaching people … embracing people you may not have met be-

fore,” she added. Once the campaign ended, Nelson had a decision to make: stay in the D.C. area or come back home to North Carolina. “I missed my family and wanted to come home,” she says. She quickly found herself back in a whirlwind. “After I moved home, I got a call from Jason Miller, who is now CEO of GETTR, asking if I wanted to help work on the second impeachment of Donald Trump. I joined the president’s defense team for the second impeachment running media affairs with some of our surrogates like Congressman Jim Jordan and using them to go on TV on behalf of the president,” said Nelson. While lasting just two weeks or so, it would be that contact with Miller that got Nelson involved with the upstart social media platform. GETTR launched in July 2021 with Nelson leading media affairs. GETTR, which says it now has almost 5 million users, has been a new world for Nelson to navigate. She says the platform is a place for anyone to go and state their political opinion “without the fear of getting censored or shadow banned or kicked off. Freedom of speech is still very attractive to Americans. And I think that’s why we’ve had a huge uptake in users,” she says. While the platform is new, she says for such a young company, the technology is superior to others. One aspect she mentions is livestreaming, which has a live chat feature and several news outlets broadcasting live from the platform. “We are about to launch one of our new features, which will be our short video competitor to Instagram Reels and TikTok. I’ve been playing around on it and I’m really excited for it. I think it’s going to take off,” she says, adding, “GETTR is turning into, and it is our goal, to be the all in one platform where people can go for everything that they use from other apps.” Nelson adds that it’s not just politics that GETTR will be known for, saying the company is making an effort to expand in sports and athletics with the addition of users such as NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom. She also says GETTR is actively working to grow outside of the United States. One notable example is Brazil, where its president, Jair Bolsonaro, often uses the platform. She says she’s looking forward to the 2022 midterms and thinks there will be a “red wave” for Republicans. “People are seeing how poor their quality of life is under (President) Biden, he is not doing anything to help everyday Americans. And what I tell people is, you can hate Trump all you want, but you can’t honestly tell me that your life is better today than it was three years ago. I think we’ll see a big swing back to the Republican policies that have gotten us to a prosperous America.”

uate degree (six years) in school administration or a bachelor’s degree plus five years of relevant experience. Also, passing the School Leaders Licensure Assessment. There is no active administrator or educator license yet on file with the state for Sutton. View Sutton’s Warren County Schools Contract. Raw link to contract for print version: https://nsjonline.com/ w p-content/uploads/2022/01/ Sut ton- Super intendent- C ontract-2022.pdf Filling Sutton’s district four seat has created chaos over the past month, with the Wake school board voting to approve Craston Artis for the spot only to have him withdraw after it became apparent he was not a resident of that district before he applied. The board has subsequently reopened the selection process. Sutton first joined Wake County’s school board in 2009. He resigned from the board of Wake County Public Schools (WCPSS) on Dec. 31, 2021, after spending most of the year serving both as WCPSS board chair and interim superintendent of Warren County Public Schools. The double-duty drew criticism from parents and the public, questioning whether or not serving in both roles was a conflict of interest. During a closed session on May 25, 2021, Warren County’s school board approved the hiring of Sutton as interim superintendent over the time period of July 1 through

Dec. 31, 2021. The board later unanimously approved making the appointment permanent at a meeting on Nov. 15, 2021. Warren schools has only around 1,700 students, compared to WCPSS’ estimated 155,000. In the past, Sutton had served as president of the Triangle Urban League and was also executive director of the North Carolina NAACP. He ran unsuccessfully in the Democratic primary for state superintendent in 2020 and was also involved with campaign work for two Democrats: former U.S. Rep. Eva Clayton and former Gov. Beverly Perdue. In December 2014, Sutton created some controversy by wearing a t-shirt to the board meeting that read “#BlackLivesMatter.” Sutton gave a speech about almost being arrested in 2010 during protests over diversity busing. Some 21 people who were arrested over the course of four WCPSS board meetings, including former NC NAACP head Rev. William Barber, pleaded guilty to trespassing in 2012. During his 2014 remarks on racial disparities in schools, he also referred to the Eric Garner case, a man who died after a New York City police officer used a chokehold on him. “I often wonder had I reacted differently, had I reacted in a manner that displayed how upset I really was, would my life not have been different?” Sutton said in 2014 of the 2010 incident. “And if that arrest hold hadn’t gone to an improperly applied chokehold.”

By Matt Mercer North State Journal

TONY DEJAK | AP PHOTO

Former President Donald Trump speaks at a rally at the Lorain County Fairgrounds, Saturday, June 26, 2021, in Wellington, Ohio.

Trump’s social media app launches year after Twitter ban The Associated Press NEW YORK — Former President Donald Trump’s social media app that he hopes will rival Twitter launched Monday as he seeks a new digital stage to rally his supporters and fight Big Tech limits on speech, a year after he was banned from Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. His Truth Social app was offered for download from the Apple App Store to a limited number of subscribers who had preordered. Others who were added to a waiting list are to be given access over the next 10 days. The site encountered technical glitches shortly after launch, with reports that subscribers were shut out for hours. Others had trouble signing on. The site is not expected to be open to anyone who wants to download it until next month. “Due to massive demand, we have placed you on our waitlist,” read a message to some of those trying to access the platform, adding, “We love you.” Trump is hoping Truth Social will attract the millions who followed him on Twitter as he hints at a third presidential run, triggering a wave of other subscribers to justify the billions of dollars that investors have bet on the venture. Shares in a company that plans to buy Trump Media and Technology Group, the parent of Truth Social, have soared in recent months. According to Apple’s rankings, Truth Social was the top free app in the U.S. on Monday morning, besting the “Talking Ben the Dog” children’s game, streaming service HBO Max, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook. The partial launch Monday follows an experimental “beta” launch to test the platform last

“Our main goal here is to give people their voice back.” Trump Media CEO and former GOP Congressman Devin Nunes

week. Trump was banned from top social media platforms following the Jan. 6 Capitol riot last year that critics accused him of inciting. The ban has raised difficult questions about free speech in a social media industry dominated by a few tech giants — an issue that Trump and conservative media have seized upon. Republicans were quick to use the launch of Truth Social to raise money for their election efforts. “After over A YEAR of muzzling by the Liberal Big Tech Tyrants: TRUMP. IS. BACK,” wrote GOP House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy in a fundraising email appeal Monday. Groups like the Republican National Committee and the Congressional Leadership Fund also have been fundraising off the launch. “Our main goal here is to give people their voice back,” Trump Media CEO and former GOP Congressman Devin Nunes said Sunday on Fox News. He added that the app offers “the opposite of some Silicon Valley tech oligarch freak telling people what they want to think and deciding who can or cannot be on the platform.” Nunes said the app should be “fully operational” by the end of March. For all the fanfare, Trump appears to have largely stayed away

from the app on launch day. A screenshot taken of his Truth Social account showed no new messages as of 4 p.m. Eastern. His last message was from a week earlier: “Get Ready! Your favorite President will see you soon!” Before Twitter permanently barred him from posting last year, Trump had tweeted nearly 60,000 times and had attracted almost 90 million followers. Trump is hoping to tap into outrage over the social media bans to attract a broad audience to keep the stock rising — and possibly hand him hundreds of millions of dollars personally — but he faces significant challenges. Trump’s company, Trump Media, has been promised nearly $300 million from a publicly traded company that plans to merge with it and got pledges from dozens of private investors for an additional $1 billion to fund its operations, but it still needs approval from regulators for the deal before it can access the cash. The company it hopes to merge with, Digital World Acquisition Corp., has said regulators are investigating following reports that it may have broken security rules last year by talking to Trump representatives about possibly joining forces before selling stock to the public. Digital World is a so-called blank-check company that is only allowed a quick path to going public without many disclosures if it has not identified a target to buy yet. Another regulatory investigation is focused on possible stock trading violations earlier in the fall. Investors in shares of Digital World are valuing its eventual merger target, Trump Media, at $10 billion.

Former Wake County school board chair paid $135k as new Warren schools superintendent Contract contains typical perks; travel and membership allowances By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — Former Wake County Public Schools board chair Keith Sutton has settled into his new role as superintendent of Warren County Public Schools. In a statement posted to the Warren County schools website, Sutton said, “I feel like my years of working as an education consultant, advocate, legislative liaison, community organizer, and policy maker, in addition to my years of service as a member of the Wake County Board of Education, have all led me to this moment and this opportunity in Warren County. “Warren County Schools has a great team that I’m honored to work with every day and we have promising students, eager to learn.” Sutton’s contract as permanent superintendent of Warren County schools spans Jan. 1 to June 30, 2025. A copy of Sutton’s new contract obtained by North State Journal shows a base compensation of $135,000 annually. Increases to

salary will depend on state adjustments to the maximum allotment for superintendents. He will also receive any state-adopted central office administrative bonuses. Typical of superintendent contracts, Warren County Schools will pay up to $2,000 annually for memberships in civic organizations and skills development. Sutton will also receive a monthly job-related travel allowance of $350. “Mr. Sutton has done an excellent job over the past four and a half months in Warren County, making recommendations and decisions that have significantly impacted our students and staff for the better,” Warren County Schools Board of Education Chair Jennifer Sims said in the statement. “With his long standing track record of educational service and advocacy, we’re excited to have Mr. Sutton’s leadership and experience working to benefit our families and the Warren County community.” Sutton’s new superintendent contract also stipulates he must complete the Next Generation Superintendent Development Program or a similar approved program. The district will also pay for that training. According to N.C. Department of Public Instruction Communica-

“Warren County Schools has a great team that I’m honored to work with every day and we have promising students, eager to learn.” Warren County Schools superintendent Keith Sutton

tions Director Blair Rhoades, “Per State Board policy a person can be hired as a non-traditional candidate if they have at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university and five years of leadership or managerial experience that the local hiring board deems relevant.” In the months before he left WCPSS for Warren County schools, Sutton apparently completed a nine-month long Urban Superintendents Academy. The course was offered through the AASA, The School Superintendents Association. The state of North Carolina requires certain education requirements for superintendents to obtain school administrator licenses, such as having an advanced grad-

North State Journal for Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Murphy to Manteo

New congressional map designed to promote competition In a flurry of activity, the General Assembly approved remedial maps following an order from the N.C. Supreme Court that ruled the previous iteration violated the state constitution. The new congressional map, which was publicly unveiled last Thursday, created four “swing” districts across the state. “At the beginning of this process, we were told Democrats

wanted competitive maps. We honored that request even though it was clear they would vote against the maps,” state Sen. Paul Newton (R-Cabarrus), the chairman of the Senate Redistricting Committee, said in a statement. “We’ve been able to introduce maps that are constitutionally compliant and respond well to the court-mandated tests. Now North Carolina

S.L. 2022-2 Senate

will be home to some of the most competitive Congressional races in the nation.” Elsewhere, the N.C. House agreed to a bipartisan map, tinkering with districts in the state’s urban counties, and the N.C. Senate drew a new map that would have been won by Gov. Roy Cooper in 25 of the 50 districts based on 2020 election results.

Ashe

Surry

47 Mitchell

Yadkin

Alexander

Haywood

Swain

Henderson

Jackson

41 38

Gaston

DV2-B

DV1-B

S.L. 2022-3 Congress

TA37

242

127

43 042

151 211

043

Person

Wilkes

Caldwell

Yancey

Madison

Yadkin

Alexander

Swain

Jackson

Cleveland

Transylvania

Macon

Montgomery

205

104

088

121

226

231

113

144

112

28B

Tyrrell

28C

028

17A

030

042

LW31

LW18

142

02-08

143

Mecklenburg 211

045

044

150

089 030 026

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224

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200

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027

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138 228 243 122

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225

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131

129

229

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088

Wilson

226 144

140

121

20-14 015

20-10

078

20-04

04-13

20-12 20-08

018

Johnston

Beaufort

Greene

20-05

Lenoir

Hoke

Cumberland

Craven

Pamlico

0608

Ashe

16-03

New Hanover

17-09

Forsyth

12-01

061

065

FR5A

NDRI

G42A

014

PR10A

SDRI

015

Johnston

PR28 PR08

006

PR23A

Harnett PR33

PR13

H23

PR24

034

064

074

200

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H09

H08 H07

H10

JAM3

240

142

103

G47

G46

G51

G02

G52

PR21

Johnston

PR09

PR11A PR31B

PR19

PR25

PR30 PR12B

12-04

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PR31A

PR23A

PR27B PR28

PR13

PR08

PR27A

PR26

PR22

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025

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G72

G70 G71

101

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109

JEF4

200

054

102

011

243

122

147

098

NCLAY1

NCLAY2

229

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121

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105

232

SCLAY

016

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066 022

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034 036

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G65 JAM3

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G60

G56

G59 G57

G52

JEF3

G75

Bladen

Pender

Columbus

20 17

RC2

Brunswick

ES 027 RF

EA1

LC TH

036 CF

CO EH CH

UNC

WW DA

PG2

SUM4

015

042

Counties

Chatham

PIT113

District

020

054

038

Rowan

036 010

058

045

026

023

120

NC General Assembly, February 17, 2022.

012

017

02-04

02-01

08-11

006 19-09

19-20

1311

19-21

013

09-03

09-02

PR20

PR32

06-10

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007

0810

12-07

12-02

37 12-06

15-03

PR23B

PR28 PR08

PR09

PR11A PR34

PR25

PR31B

PR30

PR12B

12-04

PR23A

PR21

Johnston

PR12A

15-01

12-01

12-08

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19-18 19-19

02-06 1308-02 080702 13-09 05 13-06 06 07- 07- 01-47 09-01 08- 07- 07- 13 05 1919-16 13-08 06 07 11 07- 01-45 01-42 1317 04 08-09 07- 0701-43 05 13-07 02 03 01-39 01-51 010707- 12 07-01-01- 01-37 44 13-01 05-08 30 200101 09 17 01-46 17-11 15 15011711-02 2018 0117-04 01- 01-36 10 1704-18 16 05-07 0138 10-02 04-05 05 10-01 29 11 0101- 0104-17 011701-04 05- 05-01 17-03 2011-01 16 33 01- 01-10 01- 12 0105-03 04-08 04-21 01 06 03 17 13 01-02 01- 05 09 17-02 01-28 04-09 04-20 04-11 01 01-06 0101-31 20-14 17-13 2001-07 14 01-34 01-49 17-07 04-15 04-01 0410 10-03 010401-32 0101-260104- 02 01-23 1720- 04-04-19 03 20 19 01-0101- 41 04 0401-40 12 04 13 27 25 0148 14 04-16 04- 0417-09 2020-12 04-10 10-04 35 0106 12 17-06 08 20-03 1804-07 18-06 18-01 22 08 1801-21 01-50 2020-09 20-11 03 16-10 06B 20-05 16-02 16-11 20-06A 18-05 1618-04 20-01 PR29A 03 16-06 16-05 18-02 16-01 16-07 PR10B 06-07 1618-07 04 06-06 03-00 16-09 15-04 06-09 06PR29B PR10A 08 PR11B 06-05 15-02 12-05 06-04

Lee

Miles

056

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19-03

19-11 1912

19-14 19-13

13-10

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014

08-07

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02-03

Randolph

010

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19-05

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08-03

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02-02

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078

Groupings

35.3

075

019

07-10

NWM117

002

0804 08-08

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015

Franklin

14-01

032

Durham

003

MTEN

30-2

30-1

MCH110

SCLAY

34-1 054

53-1

53-2

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051

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068

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Wake

006

043 WD

FEN2 NCLAY1 NCLAY2

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005 PA

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024

050

New Hanover

029

Durham

046

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023

037

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045

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044

ENO

SWASH

WH H

FEN1

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028

012

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025

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042

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028 040

035

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H05

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020

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034

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G66

H06

H08 H07

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JAM1

H09

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47 Robeson

NMAD

076

038

040

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Craven

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H20B

H18

H12

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064 062

070

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H01

072

026

028

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005

H21

H13

44 45

Rockingham

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H19A H10 H16 H17 H11

H02

012

29A

H14

H29A

H26

060

078

039

38A

29B

17B

H15

088

H27-A

H20A

H22

80A

044

006

007

Union

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014

29C 018

28C

035

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015

227

139.1

28A

PG2

032

H24 H25 H23

86A

046

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H27-B

004

048

112 221

SDRI

042 016

FR5A

NDRI

014

015

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082

009

236

219

061

067

011

CG1

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064 065 013

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043

050

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063

082

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505

053 084

Beaufort

Hoke 48

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Richmond

Anson

NCGR2

066

062

6 Harnett

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Pitt Greene

SF2

OR2

068

506

Davie

014

201

136 113

103

148 28B

SUM4

203

112

137

605 606

010

011

091

090

088

140

GR JAM5

H04

10-00

123 004 124

100

129

305

304 903 301 303 802 203 205 403 402 803 401 901 404 701 902 703 601 702 405 501 704 603 502 503 504 607 604

122

01-02

104

231

051

054

204

306 302

012

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104

061

01-07

204.1

206

602

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205

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058

225

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801

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705

708

149

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030

015

052

78.1

138 228

FEN1

SUM2 SUM3

027

014

013

105

082 042

109 045 116 084 108 046 009 002 095 033 001 010 017 083 006 021 018 062 020 008 234 115 130 051 032 035 007 034 094 064 063 038 047 049 235 066 019 125 037 048 036 106 117 050 102 074 220 067 065 071 057 085 099 216 111 072 068 070 110 096 077 119 075 073 103 217 120 076 086 218 097 069 092 118 101 233 114 215 100

031

039

031

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012

023

230

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056

025 055

040

079

027

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126 026

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029

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080

224

023

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G73

222

026

024

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030

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01-11

808

123

072

055

OR1

706 707

807

073 SLIB

01-08

141

906

805

074

071

11 02

905

Johnston

Tyrrell

Wilson

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083

201

907

809

075

12 10

11-01 01-10

237

146

131 133

12-05 12 06

12-12

STOK

021

111

Washington

Martin

Perquimans

Currituck

Chowan

Edgecombe

Bertie

Wake

Union

Hertford

Nash

Moore

Montgomery

Gates

Scotland

1819

081

207

909 904 908

12-09 02-03

212

107.1

135 210

046

G03 G05

G67

G69

150

Stanly

112

101 132

FBSH

12-08

02-02

239 128

214

1618

Chatham

34 66

49 41

SF1

Yadkin

12-13

02-05

02-09 145

151

017

033

12-04

02-01 02-07

241

238.1

031

032

12-11

02-08

106

134

045

05-00

12-03

015

013

034

092

04-01

02-06

010

011

091

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04-08

211

044

033

04-12 04-13

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023

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04-09

207

107

223.1

002

016

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03-00

202

143

089

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127

209

042

108

MON1

G10

G07

G12

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G18 G19

G13

G58 G56

G59 G57

G09

SUM1 JAM4

H06

SMAD

H05

H03

PR27B

PR31A PR13

PR28

PR24 PR27A PR26

Source: SL 2022-4 House

062 066

G65

JAM1 H19B

H19A

H11

060 070

150

H13

G60

H28

H20B

H18 H17 H12

H01

072

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H14

H20A

H22 H16

H02

Davidson

PR23

005

H21 H15 088

G50 G61

Rowan

044

Cabarrus

133

043

MON2B

G21

G15 G14 G44 G45 G48

G49

G62

FR1 G66

CC3

CC1

Mecklenburg

CF19

NWASH

MON2A

G20

G17

G16

LW18

G26

G24

G33

G35 G36

G37

FR2 H29A

H26

G34

G38

G64

H29B

H27-A

H25

H24

86A

80A

G39

G63

012

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PR31A

PR23B

PR28 0E1

PR12B

G42B

G43

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PR34

NMAD

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G41A

009

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206

242

LW31

G25

G29

G30 G40A1 G41B G32

FR4

067

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FR3 G40A2 G40B

013

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MON3

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G28

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PR10B

PR12A

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CG1

SF3

Iredell

208

Gaston SF4

063 064

PR31B

12-04

DV2-B DV1-B

WP32

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066

062

Brunswick PR29A

15-01

PR29B

PR10A

PR11B

PR12A

12-01

12-06

Harnett

PR28

0E1

Halifax

112

100 104

Lee

102

NCGR1 OR1 068

10-04

16-09

PR10B

16-09

15-01

PR34

12-02

Lee

Northampton

Warren

Franklin

Guilford - Forsyth

TA37

Guilford

SF1

17-06

16-04

15-04

12-07

101

109 92

Mecklenburg

107 73 Gaston 108 Mecklenburg

111

Vance 32

Durham

56 29

Cabarrus

105

NCGR2

112

16-10 16-11

SF2

021

Columbus

17-12

16-01

15-02

12-05

12-06

Rockingham

DN29

17-02

16-06

15-03

12-02

DW28

17-07

PR32 PR29A 16-01

16-04

12-08

Orange

Alamance

Randolph

106

Cleveland

Polk

Lincoln

17-13

Henderson

STOK

12-08

030

1819

10-01

06-10

013

1618

Stokes

011

38A

Pender

95 98

110

Granville

Rowan

Lincoln Rutherford

Transylvania

Macon

Clay

Catawba

113

63 61

Davidson

Burke

Buncombe

117

Jackson

Cherokee

McDowell

Person

Caswell

Davie

17-03

16-07 18-07

12-09

17A

17-05

16-11

16-06

12-07

15-03

Guilford

Alexander

115

119

120

Guilford

17-04

Yadkin

114

Haywood

Graham

13-01

17-11 17-10

116

118

Bladen

09-01

Avery

Caldwell

Yancey

Rockingham

Forsyth

Iredell

06-04

Union 039

29A

01-38

PR20

NC General Assembly, February 17, 2022.

Stokes

Wilkes 94

Mitchell

Swain

Robeson

19-09

19-16

19-17

120 Miles

90 Surry

Madison

06-06

012

014

01-46 01-18

16-02 18-04

06-07

06-09

13-07

01-44

01-51

01-36

16-05

020

37A

01-43

13-08

13-05

Alleghany

Watauga

Jones

Sampson

01-33

18-02

035

37B

01-39

01- 01-11 29

Wake

18-05

20-01

045

01-42

1603

16-07

15-04 15-02

12-05

P02A

09-02

10-03

10-04

S.L. 2022-4 House

Hyde Wayne

19-21

01-47

01-45

01-37 07-09 0130 0117 01-15

01-16

11-01

04-21

06-05

38B

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20-03

20-06B

236

29B

041

20-11

042

070713 05

07-04

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20-06A

032

29C

139.1

0419

04-05

04-17

04-08

221

112

040

05-01

07-02 0703 07-12

11-02

02-04 1319-13 19-12 13-11 13-10 1902 13-09 20 13-06

02-06

07-06

08- 07-07 0706 11

07-01

05-03 05-06

20-17

03-00

015

113

07-10

04-18

PIT113

219

08-09

05-07

20-16

02-01

08-05

08-10

01-08

201

016

232

28B 28C

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Chatham

136

091

137 148

08-02 08-11

05-05

01-02

08-07

08-03

033

35.3

10-02

10-01

Dare

Pitt

Onslow

054

Durham

AN AW

16-02

16-05

18-07

06-05

12-09 06-10

054

18-04

18-02

06-06

06-04

13-01

01-37

Wake

18-05

06-07

09-03

01-48

20-01

0608

06-09

013

19-16

Source: SL 2022-2

Scotland

05-08

203

227

231

53-1 53-2

01-04

015

093

016

027 038

NWM117

123 004

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20-15

MCH110

Cabarrus

205 104

003

043

10-00

060 030

014

01-07

149

132

042 027

054

012

023

105

026

041 081

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01-11 204.1

126

016

11-02

237

213

11-01

01-10

141

UNC

Orange

12-12

02-03 212

146

12-09

239 128 214

107.1

222

046

025

02-02

135 210

028

151

238.1

223.1

LC TH NS OW WW

12-05

12-08 12-06 12-10

145

209

Gaston

043

02-05

02-09

241

12-04 12-13

02-01 02-07

134

042

20-06A

1917

13-08 13-07

01-39 01-51 0144

01-

006

007

09-01

Washington

Duplin

Wake

20-05

03-00

01-42 13-05

01-43

19-09 19-21

13-09

13-06

0132

04-16

020

13-10

1302

11-01

04-15 04-01 0404-19 04 04-14

PIT113

District

045

Chatham

Counties

2006B

19-18 19-19 19-20

1311

02-06 07- 07- 01-47 13

30 0101- 01-46 17-11 17 01-15 18 170117-04 01-36 10 0138 29 01-11 0101-100117-01 17- 17-03 16 01- 01-04 05 01-33 03 01- 01- 12 0113 01-02 01- 05 09 01-28 01 01-06 01-14 17-02 17-13 0101-07 17-07 01-34 31 01-23 01-19 0101-26 1741 01-0101-40 12 27 25 01- 01-20 17-09 35 01-22 18-01 17-06 18-06 01-21 01-50 16-10

04-05 04-21

04-20 04-11 04-02

0104- 49 03 04- 0406 12 20-08 04-07 1820-03 08 18-03 20-09 0413

04-10

20-11

052

010

042

Randolph

011

034

Groupings

042

007

006

SCLAY

04-09

2010 20-04

0703

0707- 12 0701 09 11-02

04-18 04-17 04-08

05-01 05-03

05-06 20-17 20-14

20-12

LC NM

05-07

2016

075

19-12

19-13

02-04

02-01

05 08- 07- 0706 07 11 07- 01-45 04 07-

08-09

05-08

2015 NWM117

078

02-05 0807

08-05 07-06

0810

07-10 MCH110

19-15 19-11

02-03

19-14

08-02

08-11 05-05

NCLAY1

017

19-07 02-02 08-04

08-08 08-03 033

35.3

008

005

19-03

032 30-1

34-1 054

53-1

19-05

052

031

34-2 051

GL 53-2

008 012 010 013 055-49 047 11 042 041

039

027 038

016

UNC

018 014

14-02

30-2

009055048

ES RF

EA1

LC TH OW

040

036 CF

CO EH CH

NC CB

020

040

WDS WD

RE HF

019

019 018 015 014

017

015

068 TR

006

043

Brunswick

NCLAY2

PG2

076

008

030

PG1

SUM4

006

005

Carteret

Mecklenburg

060

066

007

14-01

022

021 004 001 003 002 020

001

Franklin

029

046 024

005 PA

FEN2

SUM2 SUM3

27 JAM5

074

037

050

CS1

016 002

Durham

023

ENO

New Hanover

SUM1 JAM4

H05

H07

H04

032

078

Union

H06

H09

H08

H03

064 062

070

022 034 036 038

38A

014

17B

026

JAM1

H18

H12

H13

H01

Davidson

024 048

013

H19B

H19A H10 H16 H17 H11

H02

082

29B

H14

072

050

006

012

H15

088

046

H20B

H21

H22

80A

044

016

29A 041

86A

016

032

035

38B

29C 040

018

042

004

221

039

227

137

012

010

Davie

37B

014

015

505

053 084

37A

061

067

011

506

011

236

219

015

232

602

122

054

012

064 065 013 507

043

Orange

Columbus

015 003

MTEN

045

NCGR1

CG2

WILT

Granville

CRDM

044

011

BTNR

028 025

Guilford CG1

SF3

012

KITT 026

Onslow Pender

NMAD

MON3

Wake - Durham

Carteret

Robeson

OR2 SF4

063

082

303 301

203

205 403 402 401 901 404 902 703 601 702 405 501 704 603 502 503 504 604

803 701

709

201

124

MON2A CG3B MON2B SMAD CG3A G27 G26 G28 FR5B G09 FR3 G40A2 MON1 G29 G25 G10 G24 G40B FR5A G30 G21 G08 NDRI G23 G22 G41B G07 FR4 G32 G41A G40A1 G33 G31 G20 G05 G06 JEF1 G39 G34 G18 G19 G03 G42A G02 G42B G17 G12 G04 G35 G01 G38 G43 G13 G11 G16 G68 G36 G64 G67 G72 G37 G15 G14 G44 SDRI JEF2 G70 G71 G48 G45 G63 G49 G69 G47 G50 G74 H29B G46 G73 G62 H27-B G51 FR2 FR1 G52 G61 JEF3 G58 H27-A G75 G56 G66 G60 H24 H25 H29A G54 H26 JEF4 G59 G57 JAM2 G65 JAM3 H23 H20A G55 G53 H28 FEN1

066

062

607

605 606

051

305

302 304

204 903

802

705

052 013

10-00 203

004

061

087

055

01-02

123

003

043

028

044

015

148

Moore

Richmond

Anson

138 228

Chowan

Martin

Chatham

9 Union

230

122

Edgecombe

Mecklenburg

Clay

109

052

140

Harnett Stanly

013

132 060

030 014

011

022

801

804 806

706 707

808

123

OR1 068

306

206

905

708 005

149

029 045 116 084 108 046 009 095 033 010 083 006 017 021 018 062 020 034 234 115 130 051 035 007 032 78.1 064 063 038 047 049 235 066 019 125 037 048 036 106 117 050 102 147 074 220 098 071 067 065 059 057 085 099 216 058 111 072 068 070 096 077 075 073 103 217 120 076 086 218 097 069 092 118 101 233 114 215 100 093 131 225 136 091 090 129 031

805

807

072

083

201

906 809

074

071 073

01-04

139.1

Lee

Gaston

027

054

012

024 023

105

042

056

025 055

040

053

039

131

133 075

11-01

01-07

Forsyth

081

207

907

Duplin

Sampson

NCGR2

SF1

204.1

082

041 081

079

200 027

229

Bertie

026

SF2

112

033

11-02

12-12

01-08

STOK

021

111

909 904 908

12 10

01-10

01-11

Rockingham

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

Pamlico

Wake

Randolph

Cabarrus

Polk

Franklin

Durham

080

224

024

213

12 06

12-09

Cabarrus

237 141 126

Craven Jones

19 Cumberland

Scotland

1819

Wayne

Bladen

101 132 FBSH

12-05 12-08

02-03 212

146

016

243

Nash

8 Rowan

Rutherford

Henderson

Orange

Perquimans

Lincoln

Graham

Halifax

Davidson

Catawba

Buncombe

Haywood

Alamance

Davie

Burke

Guilford

Currituck

Hertford

Forsyth

Iredell

McDowell

Northampton

Warren

Vance

Granville

Avery

Mitchell

Cherokee

Caswell

Watauga

Rockingham

k an

Stokes

Surry

n de

Ashe

Insets only

u sq Pa

VTD

210

089

County

02-02

239

214 107.1

135

41 222

026

150

1618

017

Stokes

Hyde

031

032

12-04 12-13

128

238.1

223.1 045

Gates

145

Mecklenburg

209

Gaston

046

092

091

12-03

02-01 02-05

02-07 02-09

015

013

034

12-11

02-06 02-08

241

010

011

EBND 05-00

04-08 207

143

134

Hoke

004

009

Surry

013

04-01

04-13

133 142

033

Rowan

017

Beaufort

Greene

Lenoir

04-03 04-12

04-09

03-00

023

002

016 04-11

202

240

CF19

LW31

Alleghany

19A

009

044

CC3

Dare

Pitt

Richmond

Anson

Wilson

Harnett

Tyrrell Washington

Martin

Moore

Guilford - Forsyth

CC1

CC4

206

208

Chowan

Edgecombe

Lee

Montgomery

Stanly

Mecklenburg

WP32

Lincoln

Chatham

Nash

Wake

Johnston

Mecklenburg Iredell

DN29

DW28

16 15

Randolph

Bertie

11 13

NC Board of Elections settles suit over foreign voter records

Perquimans

Franklin

Durham

Currituck

Hertford

Orange Alamance

Rowan

Cabarrus

Cleveland

Polk

25 30

Gates

Northampton

Warren

Granville Vance

Halifax

Person

Lincoln

Transylvania

Macon

Clay

Caswell

Davidson

Catawba

49 Rutherford

Cherokee

26 Guilford

Davie

Burke

McDowell

Graham

31 Forsyth

32 Caldwell

Iredell Buncombe

Rockingham

Stokes

Avery

Yancey

Madison

Wilkes

Union

Districts

Jones & Blount

Alleghany

Watauga

068 076

Randolph

Miles

Source: SL 2022-3

Printed by the NC General Assembly, February 17, 2022.

WEST

PIEDMONT

Child injured in 40-foot fall while hiking

Confession solves cold case Watauga County Billy Wayne Davis, 81, an inmate in Augusta, Georgia, confessed to a murder, solving a 50-year-old cold case in Watauga County. Bryce Durham, 51, his wife Virginia, 44, and son Bobby, 18, were all brutally murdered in their home in 1972. Three other perpetrators in the crime, Billy Sunday Birt, Bobby Gene Gaddis and Charles David Reed, are already deceased. Davis was already serving a life sentence and said that the triple homicide was a murder for hire.

Polk County A 5-year-old boy was hospitalized with nonlife threatening injuries after falling while on a hike. The boy and his family were hiking toward the waterfall on Melrose Falls Trail on Saturday when the child fell down and rolled about 40 feet. Tryon Fire, Saluda Fire & Rescue, Polk County EMS and Polk County Rescue Squad all responded. WLOS

NC State removes ‘Dixie’ from alma mater Wake County The NC State University Board of Trustees has decided to remove the word “Dixie” from its alma mater because of its Confederate connotation. The board voted to change the wording of the first line of the song. “Where the winds of Dixie softly blow” will be replaced by “Where the Southern winds so softly blow.” The song was originally written in the 1920s and the word “Dixie” has been part of the song since 1925.

WLOS

Cherokee County The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office rounded up many of the major methamphetamine dealers and supplies in the area with a large bust dubbed Operation Cupid. Among those arrested were Terry Wayne Hunt, Charles Bruce Boyd Jr., Dylan Blake Mode, Shane Lee Ruppe, Brittany Lachelle Pittman, Ian Russell Kiernan, Beth Nicole Rojas, Patricia Gail Huskey, Jesse Faith Pennington, Tommy Joe Gregory, Jonathan Matthew Ramsey, Paul Derek Lee Jr., Billy Joe Smith, Krystal Kay Boatman and Brandon Lee Miller, all of Gaffney, Kristen Ashely Lee Carter of Cowpens, and Larry Timothy Miller, Sean Lee Whisnant and Larry Charles Jones of Blacksburg.

Buncombe County Police released an image of a suspect who has been using stolen checks across the state. Fraud detectives say the person has used the checks in Asheville, Black Mountain, Kings Mountain and Marion, as well as car breakins in Asheville, Cherokee County and South Carolina. The suspect may have ties to the Myrtle Beach area.

Teen dies after drive-by shooting

Catawba County An investigation is underway after decorative wooden arches weighing 40 tons collapsed along a pedestrian walkway in Hickory. No one was hurt, although a nearby bridge was damaged. A possible cause has not been given. The arches were erected less than a year ago and funded through a bond referendum. The arches cost about $750,000. Hickory Mayor Hank Guess said last spring that the arches would be “safe” and would “last forever.” Taxpayers will not bear any costs from the collapse because of the warranty on the arches.

Harnett County A man was charged in a drive-by shooting in which his brother died of a gunshot wound to the head. The Harnett County Sheriff’s Office said a woman in Cameron reported her house was shot at from a passing car. Five people inside were not injured. Deputies responding to a car fire found Isiah Keion Chestnutt, 17, shot in the head. Chestnutt died at a hospital. Authorities charged Chestnutt’s brother, Jaquon Ray Chestnutt, 18, with attempted murder, shooting into an occupied dwelling, assault with a deadly weapon and felony conspiracy. Two juveniles were also charged.

Brunswick County Eight people have been indicted by a grand jury for voter fraud following an investigation by the state Board of Elections. District Attorney Jon David’s office said investigators with the elections board presented numerous cases of individuals swearing falsely in a primary or general election to a Brunswick County grand jury last week. There have been two arrests. The district attorney said the defendants are all illegal immigrants or convicted felons whose voting rights have not been restored. The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to work to serve arrest orders for those indicted, officials said.

WLOS

Pharmaceutical company to add 400 jobs Iredell County An over-the-counter pharmaceutical company is expanding its facilities and adding nearly 400 jobs. BestCo LLC is investing $177 million in expanding its Mooresville facilities. The investment, designed to increase the company’s production capacity, will create 394 jobs with an average salary of $51,209, slightly higher than the county average. BestCo develops and manufactures over-the-counter drugs, vitamins and dietary supplements. The company is moving into an existing 215,000-square foot manufacturing building, and building a new facility on the same site. AP

WSPA

Grand jury indicts 8 for voter fraud

Arches weighing 40 tons collapse along pedestrian walkway

Police searching for suspect in bad checks, break-ins Operation Cupid busts 19 for drug violations

EAST

Man arrested after high-speed chase

Divers recover more remains from crashed plane off coast

‘Lizard Lick Towing’ star says son killed in shooting

Randolph County Jonathan Luke Edwards, 30, was arrested following a multi-county high-speed chase last week. Edwards was wanted on 14 warrants related to felony theft. Police gave up one chase, starting in Davidson County, for safety concerns. A later chase, from Randolph to Montgomery County, resulted in Edwards’ arrest. Once he was caught, Edwards was charged with possession of a firearm as a felon, felony fleeing arrest, possession of a stolen vehicle, assaulting a government official and reckless driving.

Carteret County Dive teams recovered more human remains from a crashed plane that was carrying eight people, including four teenagers. Two passengers were positively identified, and their remains will be turned over to their families. The single-engine plane was flying from Hyde County to Carteret County when it crashed into the Atlantic Ocean. The plane was found in about 55 feet of water a few miles offshore. Authorities recovered the plane’s flight data recorder. The passengers were returning from a charity hunting event in Hyde County. The pilot and his son lived in Greenville. The others lived in Carteret County.

Johnston County The owner of Lizard Lick Towing, a towing and repossession business featured in a reality TV show, confirmed his son was killed in a shooting. Ronnie Shirley confirmed that Harley Shirley, 21, was fatally shot in Garner. Shirley and his wife, Amy, starred in a reality show based on their family business from 2011 to 2014. Johnston County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a shooting in the parking lot of a Sheetz gas station. Deputies found Shirley, who was pronounced dead at the scene. A 20-year-old woman was also shot and taken to the hospital with non lifethreatening injuries.

NSJ

RALEIGH — On the last day of January, a settlement was reached involving the disclosure of records pertaining to foreigners registering and voting in the state of North Carolina. The lawsuit was filed in June 2019 by the Public Interest Legal Foundation (PILF) against the North Carolina State Board of Elections (NCSBE) and its director, Karen Brinson Bell, for failure to produce noncitizen audit records which were first asked for in September and October of 2018. “This is a huge win for transparency in North Carolina’s elections,” PILF President J. Christian Adams said in a press release. “The public has a right to know about election vulnerabilities. These records conclusively show that foreigners have been registering to vote and voting in North Carolina elections.” Adams continued, “It is a shame our efforts to disclose these records were met with such resistance by election officials. Real foreign interference in American elections happens when foreigners cast ballots. This victory demonstrates that changes to national voter registration policies are needed to prevent this from happening.” The original request from PILF for noncitizen voting and audit process records included specific counties including Buncombe, Durham, Fosyth, Guilford, and Mecklenburg. While a lower court dismissed PILF’s complaint, an appeal to the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals was successful in May 2021. As part of the settlement agreement, the NCSBE has agreed to pay some of PILF’s legal fees. In response to a request for comment, NCSBE Communications Director Patrick Gannon issued the following statement: The bipartisan State Board of Elections voted on January 20 to settle

the Public Interest Legal Foundation v. Bell lawsuit. The vote was unanimous by all members present. Under the settlement, the State Board will provide PILF various records about audit processes and list maintenance activities related to non-U.S. citizens, in exchange for a complete dismissal of the lawsuit. Importantly, the settlement provides that the State Board may redact all information that would allow PILF to personally identify any individual registrant who was being reviewed for potential improper registration, including names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, phone numbers, email addresses, street addresses, signatures, and identifying numbers used for registration and voting purposes. PILF had sought this personal information in the litigation. The State Board’s goal all along was protecting the privacy of individuals who were only suspected of improper registration. The majority of such individuals were determined to be properly registered citizens, upon further review. Both a federal district court and the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the Public Interest Legal Foundation’s argument that they should get such personal information. The State Board will provide the records to PILF, but redact all personally identifying information. The monetary settlement was for $5,000, an amount unanimously approved by the bipartisan State Board members present for the vote. An important context to this lawsuit is that, at the time PILF requested the records at issue in the case, the State Board was under an order from a federal judge not to disclose many of those records. That order was lifted after this case had already been litigated in district court and on appeal. The settlement agreement explicitly disclaims that the State Board violated any law.

BRYAN ANDERSON | AP PHOTO

Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the State Board of Elections, poses for a picture while working at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh, Monday, Dec. 6, 2021.

North State Journal for Wednesday, February 23, 2022

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

EDITORIAL | FRANK HILL

Elon Musk’s “itty-bitty” $11 billion tax payment Tesla founder Elon Musk is scheduled to If progressives want to engage in a debate pay $11 billion in California state and federal over who should “pay their fair share,” taxes by April 15. here’s a philosophical question for them to That figure, $11 billion, would almost be answer: “Shouldn’t everyone pay at least $1 in equal to tax collections from all sources in federal taxes to be protected by our national South Carolina or Louisiana. military?” Musk’s tax payment would pay for every Isn’t part of living in a democracy a shared state-related expense from teacher salaries sacrifice of the cost of living in peace at the to road construction to the state Medicaid very minimum? The moment someone stops match in each state. His single payment is “paying” for a service or product — in this about 40% of all state taxes collected from case, government protection against enemies millions of North Carolinians last — the less they start to care about year. whether it is good or not. And yet, we have an almost Well over half of American cartoonish U.S. president, Joe taxpaying households pay nothing Biden, who last week said: “Look, in federal income tax each year, and I’m a capitalist. I think you should 60% of all American households be able to go out and make a receive more in federal benefits million or billion dollars if you than they pay in all taxes combined. have the capability, but just pay a If the truth was being told, the left His combined little bit. Pay your fair share.” has already “won” when it comes to state and Paying $11 billion in taxes the progressive income tax because federal tax is not just a “little bit” or just a there is a net transfer of $1.7 trillion rate is 54.1%. “fair share.” Mr. President. It is annually from the rich to the lesshumongous. rich via the tax code. How “fair” is Federal bureaucrats should President Biden and progressive that? Should make sure Elon Musk gets the socialist liberals are stuck in one person be Congressional Medal of Honor, the Gilded Age of the 1880s in responsible for America. They believe every rich a Nobel Prize and a ticker tape paying taxes parade down Constitution Avenue person is a “robber baron” like equal to what to thank him for sending billions the Vanderbilts, Rockefellers and to them to spend on the leviathan Goulds, who made fortunes in many states federal government we have today. railroads and unethical trusts. collect from Elon Musk is facing such The thought process in progressive millions of an enormous one-time tax bill minds goes like this: Uber-wealthy people? because he exercised options for people must have their fortunes on 22.8 million shares granted to the backs of poor people. Therefore, him in 2012 in his then start-up they should be punished with high electric vehicle company, Tesla. tax rates to force them to share He made such a colossal gain in capital value their wealth with the same poor people they through his hard work, high tolerance for abused to get to the top. risk and vision over the next nine years. “Pay your fair share” is just a euphemism Since his options are taxed as an employee for progressive socialist Democrats who benefit or compensation at the top ordinaryreally want to use the coercive power of income level, Musk is facing a 37% federal government to force the full redistribution tax plus the 3.8% net investment tax of all wealth to the poor and near-poor right imposed by Obamacare that goes to support now. Medicare. In addition, Musk will have to pay The question is not how we can force a few the 13.3% top tax rate in California. other Elon Musks nationwide to pay “a little His combined state and federal tax rate is bit more” in taxes. The question is whether 54.1%. How “fair” is that? Should one person we can save America from progressives who be responsible for paying taxes equal to what would like to shut down future Elon Musks many states collect from millions of people? from ever getting wealthy through their own How can anyone such as President Biden hard work and ingenuity in a free enterprise or any of his progressive socialist Democratic system of laws and individual rights. soulmates say wealthy people such as Elon Musk need to pay “just a little bit” when the top 5% of income-earners in America already pay 60.3% of all income taxes annually?

GUEST OPINION | ROBERT LEVY

CNN: Silence is violence “SILENCE IS VIOLENCE.” It’s one of those trite sayings that became very popular on the left side of reality. For instance, the new ethos that recently emerged among the “woke” presupposes that marginal citizens are being victimized by a racist society. Therefore, being opposed to racism is not enough. Those who do not verbally or “mostly ’peacefully’” attack those who are part of a racist society are complicit in that racist society itself. For instance, in the logic of the left, the police are actively killing unarmed African-Americans. For them, it is not enough for us to oppose such “genocide.” We must be “allies.” And, allies must affirmatively work to defund the police. In their view, to do less makes us “racist,” too. It is abetting the crime. “Silence is violence.” One problem for the left is American society is not systemically racist. Police officers are not actively engaged in the wanton and systematic killing of African-Americans or any allegedly marginalized people. In legal terms, the argument “assumes facts not in evidence.” It is like the old question, “Do you still beat your wife?” Regardless of the answer, “yes” or “no,” the response is incriminating. That is because the question assumes the respondent is a wife-beater. Likewise, the left assumes that our society is systemically racist. Such a society, if true, would be so malevolent that the failure to dismantle it would constitute complicity. “Silence would be violence.” But what if the underlying facts were true? What if there were issues, maybe different issues, where evil was endemic. Would “silence be violence?” Recently, CNN reported that a 12-year-old child died of a fentanyl overdose. He bought counterfeit oxycontin from his school mate. The fatal pill was laced with the deadly dust. The CNN reporter did her job as expected. She showed a picture of a cute little boy with a perfect complexion as he might have looked at his Boy Scout Jamboree. The camera quickly switched to the boy’s mother as her tears filled the television screen. The anchor then joined the reporter in ‘feeling her pain.” The reporter and the anchor cried out for the overdosed middle school teens all over America. I wanted to cry too. But the reporter and her anchor were silent with regard to the real origin of the youngster’s death. They failed to say that his deadly fentanyl likely came from our border with Mexico. She failed to explain that ever since President Biden opened President Trump’s border fence, in the first five months after Joe Biden took office, fentanyl deaths immediately rose by more than 1,000 per month. And the deaths kept rising as the border enforcement became increasingly abandoned. Yet CNN reported only a tragic death. As to its cause, they were silent. Was CNN’s silence, violence? Over the past year, about 100,000 Americans, mostly young people, many BIPOC and poor, were killed by fentanyl. More young people were killed by fentanyl than were killed by COVID. Yet worthless masks became omnipresent. Conversely, the Border Patrol was emasculated. Fentanyl increasingly poured in. The result was rising death. And, they’re still dying. Predictably, they will continue to die in direct proportion to the expansion of illegal immigration. Yet CNN is silent. Indeed, their silence is violence. Long ago I learned that the most important part of communication has nothing to do with “what you say.” The most important part of communication is “what you don’t say.” For journalists, author Ronan Farrow coined the technique ‘catch and kill.” But when the news media treats an open border responsible for thousands of dead youngsters with no more circumspection than the gossip pioneered by Farrow’s description of The National Enquirer, then we must condemn such journalism. We must agree that in the case of CNN and other legacy media, “their silence is violence.” Robert Levy lives in Moore County

EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS

In the Culture Wars, the GOP now has the advantage

Transgender “women” athletes crushing records in women’s sports is also forcing people into rethinking their position on allowing men who identify as women to compete in women’s sports.

ONE TOPIC that is frequently discussed in Republican circles is how we can gain the upper hand in the ongoing culture wars. Up until a couple of years ago, it felt like the GOP was losing on a number of fronts. Thanks to coordinated efforts between Democrats, the media, Hollywood, and, of course, activist judges on the left, we were losing ground on issues related to gender identity politics, defunding the police, cancel culture, and the teaching of Critical Race Theory in public school classrooms. But thanks to a combination of factors — including the more radical elements of the Democratic party and a fine-tuned Republican messaging strategy — things are changing to the point that the GOP now has the advantage. We saw this first play out during the 2020 presidential election. House Democrats took a drubbing, losing 13 seats. Even though they maintained their majority, it was a very slim one compared to the one Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) started with before the election. The culprit? Their embrace of the Defund the Police movement during the Antifa/Black Lives Matter-led protests that took place over the summer in response to the officer-involved death of Minneapolis resident George Floyd. Many of the anti-police protests devolved into violent rioting and looting, which played out on national TV at the same time Pelosi and other House Democrats, including admitted socialist Democrat Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), were adding fuel to the fire by trashing police officers and, in AOC’s case, amplifying the case for diverting money from police departments to social workers. In ads, House Republicans reminded voters of the Democrat ties to the far-left Defund the Police movement every chance they got. The results of House elections in 2020 spoke for themselves. As the 2022 midterm election campaign season begins to heat up, the same “Defund the Police” Democrats including AOC and another socalled “Squad” member — Rep. Cori Bush (D-Mo.) — are doubling down on defund the police efforts, with Bush recently declaring in an interview with Axios that “‘Defund the police’ is not the problem.” “We dangled the carrot in front of people’s faces and said we can get

it done and that Democrats deliver, when we haven’t totally delivered,” she continued, apparently unaware that every reputable poll taken on defunding the police shows diverse groups opposing the idea, including African-Americans, the Latino community, and Asian-Americans. A similar backlash is occurring against CRT, which we saw play out in a big way in Virginia with their November 2021 red wave as voters rejected Terry McAuliffe’s bashing of parents who were simply expressing concern over what their children were being taught in school. Cancel culturalists, too, are facing setbacks as high-profile public figures such as the popular podcaster Joe Rogan, comedian Dave Chappelle, and “Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling simply refuse to be canceled in the face of leftist backlash to their comments about the coronavirus vaccine (Rogan) and transgender issues (Chappelle and Rowling), respectively. Transgender “women” athletes crushing records in women’s sports is also forcing people into rethinking their position on allowing men who identify as women to compete in women’s sports. You’d think this one would be a no-brainer, but bizarrely there are still plenty of holdouts. Per a recent Politico article, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is keenly aware of the issues they face going into the fall elections, and they have warned House Democrats that the “GOP’s ‘alarmingly potent’ culture war attacks” are poised to inflict more damage if Democrats can’t formulate a coherent response to them. Unless they can figure out how to keep the AOCs and Cori Bushes of their party quiet, not to mention limit Joe Biden’s public appearances, no amount of slick messaging is going to change what is expected to happen to Democrats come November. 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, February 23, 2022

VISUAL VOICES

COLUMN | MARK BAUERLEIN

COLUMN | J ANTOINE MINER SR.

Kids need knowledge, and so do adults In August 2018, when youths pulled down Silent Sam, the Confederate statue at UNC-Chapel Hill, we can be sure that the vandals knew little of the history that the statue commemorated. Just look at NAEP scores in U.S. History over the years for a clear record of the abysmal historical understanding young Americans possess. Those firedup kids may have had lots of righteousness in their bones that night, but the facts of slavery, the War, and the ordinary Confederate soldier lay far from their vision of the memorial desecrated. They would explain that they joined in because of their abhorrence of white supremacy, which for them is embodied in the Ku Klux Klan, but ask them for a little information about that infamous organization and they would have nothing to say. They don’t know, for instance, that during the heyday of race-based lynching, the 1890s-1900s, it was the GOP that pressed for racial progress, while the Democratic Party backed Jim Crow policies throughout the South and kept blacks out of the voting booth. The ignorance is not unrelated to the anarchy. Those heated kids were acting in a knowledge vacuum, and the absence of truth is one of the things that made them angry. They wouldn’t like to admit it, and they likely didn’t realize it, but the chaos could only have happened if their heads were empty of concrete facts and experiences, words and values of that faraway era. As I have said to my son when trying to get him to do his homework, “When people are talking about something you know nothing about, it’s not a good feeling.” Millennials today are in that condition all the time, and so is Generation Z. As I argue in my new book, “The Dumbest Generation Grows Up,” they leave adolescence and enter the world with little knowledge and less understanding of the past. Most of them have no religion and no country — only one-third consider themselves patriots. They don’t read very much on their

own either, only seven minutes per day according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. It leaves them in a state of rootlessness. They have no foundations, no primary beliefs that transcend their personal circumstances. They spent their adolescence online with one another, building their network, taking pictures and texting and not reading books, going to church, seeking good art and music, and wandering through museums and historic sites. The building blocks of adulthood didn’t form, including the great events, myths and legends, heroes, poems and novels and movies that would have given them a better sense of the meaning of life and the inevitability of disappointment. They thought a big Facebook following would bring happiness — maybe it did at age 18, but it doesn’t work so well at age 28. Today, Millennials report upticks in anxiety, depression, and narcissism, a trend which started before the pandemic hit. They have lots of job dissatisfaction and they tend to mistrust their fellow citizens. They get married and have kids at much lower rates than Boomers did. And they don’t have the equipment to manage these downturns. They don’t pray, they don’t sacrifice for country or family, they don’t find consolation in literature or music. All they have is their sole selves and their friends, just like the characters in that 1990s TV show aptly named “Friends.” It’s not enough. Young people are hungry for purpose and meaning; they are thirsty for transcendence. That’s what the Woke movement and its statue-toppling gives them: a moral vision of life. Unless they get a better one, an inspiring and positive alternative to this misguided “justice” outlook, the sour mood that this generation now suffers will continue.

Sweden appears to have achieved herd immunity much more swiftly and thoroughly than other nations. Deaths were higher at the start of the pandemic but fell much lower than other lockdown nations in succeeding months. What is clear today is that the Swedes saved their economy. This year, it’s projected to be 5% larger than before the pandemic, compared to a 2% gain for Germany and a 1% gain for Britain. Moreover, the extra debt Sweden has had to take on is a fraction of that of lockdown countries. So it will not have to spend decades paying for the costs of lockdowns. Swedish schools stayed open with no face masks. Test scores are up, and there is no talk in Sweden about “lost” years of education. What is sadly ironic about the Sweden story is this should have been the U.S. We’re the land of the free, not Sweden. We are the nation of rugged individualism, not Sweden, with its more socialist economy and collectivist mindset. We have more solid constitutional protections to guarantee citizen rights against heavy-handed government. But the politicians from local health officials and mayors all the way up to the top federal medical experts and lawmakers opted for deadly decisions to shut down the engines of our economy and lock people in their homes. Those policies did irreparable harm that will be felt for many years to come. Those who supported this great mistake need to be held accountable. Sweden’s successful response strategy reminds us that we must never again shut down our businesses and schools. I just pray we have all learned that enduring lesson before another virus wave arrives.

I was once asked why I don’t celebrate “Black History Month.” My answer? I don’t celebrate black history month because I just celebrate black history. To me, Black History Month is a cheap way to appease people and minimize the major contributions that black people have contributed to the American story and will do so forever. Black History Month places all black success into the shortest month and every leap year we get an extra day of black history. That’s not for me. To isolate the contributions that blacks have made to the global fabric to a single month and call it “Black History Month” is a disservice, not just to blacks, but to all mankind. In my mind, “black history” is simply history, and it is a story that should forever be told in conjunction with all history, not as some separate event, but as a significant and substantial part of history that is shaping the histories of the future to this day. It’s not that I don’t celebrate black history month because I don’t acknowledge the contributions that black people have made to our history. I don’t celebrate black history month because it is impossible to fit all of those contributions into a one-month time frame. Relegating such a celebration of this history to one month minimizes them by only focusing on the few high-profile contributors while ignoring the masses of others who have contributed to the society and success of men and women from the shadows. As the Executive Director of EMPACT One Foundation, I understand all too well what it means to work in the shadows. Our mission is to create programs, services, and community resources that transform lives, schools, and communities. We aim to enable individuals through education and community engagement to empower themselves, their families, and their community Every day I am in the community meeting with and working with our economically challenged members who have found themselves hardest hit by a declining economy and climbing prices. No need for notoriety, never looking for applause or accolades; simply looking to be the light at the end of someone else’s dark tunnel. Believe it or not, it is from the shadows that humanity does its greatest work. I found out a long time ago that the greatest among us are those whose names no one knows. As a black conservative, I know how hard it can be to step out of the shadows, which has allowed me to understand the comfort of remaining in there. I don’t need people to know my name or what I’ve done. I just need those with whom I engage to know that I’ve done what I said I would do and that’s enough for me. Blacks have always done their best work from the shadows, often out of necessity. It’s not a month’s worth of recognition we’re looking for, but merely the reliable tools for success. If you give us the tools or at least show us where to find them, we can help build our nation. Even when those tools have been withheld from us, if you just give us time, we will create the tools, and help recreate the world. This is why I am a conservative. I have found that the chief strategy and goal of the Republican Party is providing people — regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age or origin — access to the tools necessary to build the world that they envision for themselves, their family, and their community. That’s because those tools are shaped by the same self-evident truths that apply to every person and makeup the heart of the American idea. Reverence for these principles is why I’m a conservative and also why “Black History Month” isn’t for me.

Stephen Moore is a senior fellow at Freedom Works. He is also author of the new book: “Govzilla: How The Relentless Growth of Government Is Devouring Our Economy.”

J Antoine Miner Sr. is a veteran of the U.S. Army, Executive Chairman and National President/CEO of EMPACT One Foundation, and single father of five.

Mark Bauerlein is Emeritus Professor at Emory University. His new book is “The Dumbest Generation Grows Up: From Stupefied Youth to Dangerous Adults.”

COLUMN | STEPHEN MOORE

In the end, Sweden did it right What if two years ago, when COVID-19 first hit these shores, our politicians hadn’t panicked? What if the government did what it has done every time we were confronted with a deadly virus, such as the Spanish f lu or polio? Instead of locking down our schools, churches and businesses, the government could have simply informed citizens of the risks of getting sick and urged people to be extra careful about hygiene, stay out of crowded places and protect the vulnerable. It turns out there was one country that mostly rejected lockdowns and let life go on as normal as possible under dire circumstances. That country was Sweden. There were some restrictions and temporary lockdowns, but they were minimal. The hero of this story is Anders Tegnell, Sweden’s chief epidemiologist. He was Sweden’s Anthony Fauci, but unlike the now-widely discredited Fauci, Tegnell eschewed lockdowns. The international media pilloried him for not following “the science.” At first, it seemed the Swedish live-and-let-live strategy was a miserable failure. Death rates soared higher than in other European nations. But to their credit, the Swedes ignored the “mad modelers” such as Britain’s Imperial College team, which predicted multiple times that the number of deaths around the world would be more than actually occurred. Sweden made some mistakes at the beginning. Like many states in the United States, the Swedes failed to protect elderly nursing home residents adequately, which was a significant reason that deaths in Sweden were higher than in neighboring Norway or Denmark. But Tegnell argued that the collateral damage of lockdowns would outweigh what good they do on a society-wide basis. He was proven right. Two years later, Sweden’s COVID-19 death rate is 1,614 per million people — much lower than Britain (2,335) or the U.S. (2,836), which both had much more stringent lockdowns.

Black History Month isn’t for me

BE IN TOUCH

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North State Journal for Wednesday, February 23, 2022

NATION & WORLD Former NSBA director was aware of Merrick memo targeting parents prior to its release Email shows former NSBA interim director didn’t tell state chapter members By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — A newly uncovered email raises more questions between the NSBA and the Biden administration’s coordination to surveil parents protesting their local school boards. A new email obtained by Parents Defending Education reveal that the National School Boards Association was aware of U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland’s memorandum directing the FBI to investigate parents protesting local school boards prior to its publication. “The American people deserve the truth about this issue immediately,” Nicole Neilly, President of Parents Defending Education told Fox News. “It is appalling that the Department of Justice and Education Department have continued to stonewall on this scandal, ignoring pleas not only from the very people they are supposed to represent but also from the elected officials to whom they report,” said Neilly. “It’s little wonder that trust in government is at a historic low point.” According to the email between former National School Boards Association (NSBA) board members Pam Doyle and Beverly Slough dated Oct. 5, 2021, Doyle asserts that the NSBA’s former interim director Chip Slaven “knew about the U.S. AG directives before they were published. … So much for communicating with the BOD.” The state chapters represented by Doyle (Alabama) and Slough (Florida) have both withdrawn membership with the NSBA. As of late December 2021, 28 state chapters had distanced themselves from the NSBA, with 19 of those states dropping their membership, including North Carolina. When Garland’s memorandum

CAROLYN KASTER | AP PHOTO

Attorney General Merrick Garland speaks at the Department of Justice in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022 was announced, Slaven applauded the “swift” action by the DOJ, releasing a statement that said it sent a “strong message to individuals with violent intent who are focused on causing chaos, disrupting our public schools, and driving wedges between school boards and the parents, students, and communities they serve.” The NSBA’s letter to President Biden was dated Sept. 29, 2021, which allegedly prompted Garland to issue his memorandum just five days later on Oct. 4, 2021. The NSBA letter suggested treating parent protests at school boards like “domestic terrorism” through application of the Patriot Act. Parents Defending Education uncovered emails and a memorandum demonstrating the Biden White House was in contact with the NSBA for “several weeks” prior to the NSBA letter being made public. After intense backlash, the NSBA withdrew its letter to Biden, which then disappeared from the NSBA website. By mid-October of 2021, House Republicans, including Republican U.S. Rep. Dan Bishop (NC-09), issued a letter demanding answers

from Garland. That same month, the NSBA issued an apology to its members. Last November, documents provided to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee by a whistleblower showed the FBI employing counterterrorism measures with regard to school boards around the country using a threat tag dubbed “EDUOFFICIALS.” Biden’s Education Secretary Miguel Cardona was also apparently involved, with emails indicating he had solicited the letter from the NSBA. According to related emails obtained and published by Parents Defending Education, in early October 2021 NSBA Secretary-Treasurer Kristi Swett told member Marnie Maldonado that Slaven “told the officers he was writing a letter to provide information to the White House, from a request by Secretary Cardona.” North Carolina U.S. Sens. Richard Burr and Thom Tillis, along with two dozen other Republican senators led by U.S. Sen. Tim Scott (R-South Carolina), sent a letter to Cardona on Jan. 13, 2022, asking him to “explain your role, or your staff’s role, in the creation of this

letter.” It is unclear if Cardona has yet responded to the senators’ letter. Both a spokesperson for Biden’s Department of Education and Cardona have denied he asked for the letter. On Feb. 17, U.S. House Judiciary Reps. Jim Jordan (R-OH), Mike Johnson (R-LA), and Andy Biggs (R-AZ) sent a letter to Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen about the Department of Justice’s newly formed domestic terrorism office, raising concerns it will be used to target parents protesting their school boards. The letter requests documents related to the new office, but also demands an answer about why the office was created against the advice of career officials at the DOJ. The week prior, Jordan and 17 members of the House Judiciary Committee had sent a letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray informing him his agency has not sufficiently answered the committee’s questions surrounding Garland’s investigation into parents and accusing the FBI of stonewalling. “We received the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s half-page response to our serious concerns about the FBI’s use of counterterrorism resources — as evidenced by documents provided to us by a whistleblower — to target concerned parents at local school board meetings,” the letter from House Judiciary Republicans reads. “Your response declined to answer in detail any questions we posed or to provide any documents we sought.” The House Judiciary letter followed testimony given to the Senate Judiciary Committee on Feb. 8 by Olsen and Jill Sanborn, executive assistant director of the FBI’s national security branch. Both Olsen and Sanborn appeared to distance themselves from the Garland memorandum, with Olsen downplaying his department’s role in the matter. It was during testimony at the Senate Judiciary hearing that Olsen announced the creation of a new “domestic terrorism unit.”

Shoppers walk down Oxford Street, Europe’s busiest shopping street, in London, Dec. 23, 2021.

AP PHOTO

UK: People with COVID in England won’t need to self-isolate The Associated Press LONDON — People with COVID-19 won’t be legally required to self-isolate in England starting in the coming week, the U.K. government has announced, as part of a plan for “living with COVID” that is also likely to see testing for the coronavirus scaled back. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said ending all of the legal restrictions brought in to curb the spread of the virus will let people in the U.K. “protect ourselves without restricting our freedoms.” “I’m not saying that we should throw caution to the winds, but now is the moment for everybody to get their confidence back,” Johnson told the BBC in an interview. “We’ve reached a stage where we think you can shift the balance away from state mandation, away from banning certain courses of action, compelling certain courses of action, in favor of encouraging personal responsibility.” But some of the government’s scientific advisers said it was a risky

move that could bring a surge in infections and weaken the country’s defenses against more virulent future strains. Wes Streeting, health spokesman for the main opposition Labour Party, accused Johnson of “declaring victory before the war is over.” A reminder that the coronavirus remains widespread came with the news that Queen Elizabeth II tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday. Buckingham Palace said the 95-year-old monarch was experiencing mild, cold-like symptoms. Johnson’s Conservative government lifted most virus restrictions in January, scrapping vaccine passports for venues and ending mask mandates in most settings apart from hospitals in England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, which set their own public health rules, also have opened up, although more slowly. A combination of high vaccination rates in the U.K. and the milder omicron variant means easing restrictions didn’t lead to a surge in hospitalizations and deaths. Both

are falling, and 85% of people age 12 and up have had two vaccine doses and almost two-thirds have had a third booster shot. Now the Conservative government says it will remove “all remaining domestic COVID regulations that restrict public freedoms” as part of a “move away from government intervention to personal responsibility.” The legal requirement to isolate for at least five days after a positive COVID-19 test will be replaced with advisory measures, and the coronavirus will be treated more like the flu as it becomes endemic. The new plan foresees vaccines and treatments keeping the virus in check, though the government said “surveillance systems and contingency measures will be retained” if needed. “COVID will not suddenly disappear, and we need to learn to live with this virus and continue to protect ourselves without restricting our freedoms,” Johnson said. The announcement will please many Conservative Party lawmak-

ers, who argue that the restrictions were inefficient and disproportionate. It could also shore up Johnson’s position among party lawmakers, who have been mulling an attempt to oust him over scandals including lockdown-breaching government parties during the pandemic. But scientists stressed that much remains unknown about the virus, and future variants that may be more severe than the currently dominant omicron strain. The New and Emerging Virus Threats Advisory Group, which advises the government, said last week that the idea viruses become progressively milder “is a common misconception.” It said the milder illness associated with omicron “is likely a chance event” and future variants could be more severe or evade current vaccines. “This is not the time to take risks,” said Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, an umbrella group for state-funded health authorities in Britain. “We need to operate in an evidence-based and incremental way.”

Biden moves to reverse Trump-era limits on green cards San Diego The Biden administration last week proposed reversing a rule that denies green cards to applicants who receive certain government benefits, one of former President Donald Trump’s signature moves to limit immigration. The administration stopped applying the more expansive Trump-era limits in March, making the announcement more of a formality to insulate it from legal challenges. Its publication in the Federal Register in the coming days will trigger a 60-day public comment period, followed by a final version. While the proposal has no immediate impact, it is an important step toward undoing Trump’s version of the “public charge” rule, as President Joe Biden promised during his campaign. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said the rule was “not consistent with our nation’s values.” “Under this proposed rule, we will return to the historical understanding of the term ‘public charge’ and individuals will not be penalized for choosing to access the health benefits and other supplemental government services available to them,” Mayorkas said in a statement. The Biden administration’s revisions restore rules that do not consider use of noncash benefits like food stamps, health services and transportation vouchers when determining green-card eligibility. The Biden administration’s move was cheered by illegal immigration advocates, many of whom have had a strained relationship with the White House, saying they haven’t acted fast enough to reverse more of Trump’s policies. The proposal may still face legal challenges. Texas and other states have sought to stop Biden from undoing Trump’s immigration policies. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

McCarthy backs Cheney’s GOP challenger Washington, D.C. House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy endorsed a primary challenger to GOP Rep. Liz Cheney, a remarkable step for a party leader that effectively lends his weight to the effort to purge a chief critic of former President Donald Trump’s from Congress. The GOP House leader is determined to win back control of the chamber in this fall’s midterm elections, and he sees that mission as running through Trump, who remains the undisputed leader of the party. Cheney broke sharply from the GOP leader, and almost all of her Republican colleagues, as they continued to embrace Trump after the Jan. 6 Capitol protest. She was among 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach Trump and increasingly spoke out against him. In a statement expressing appreciation for McCarthy’s support, Harriet Hageman said Cheney was “actively damaging the Republican Party.” “The Democrats in Washington only see her as a temporary but useful tool to achieve their partisan goals, and the Republicans want nothing to do with her,” Hageman said. In July, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi chose Cheney and another Trump critic, GOP Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois, to sit on the Democraticled panel investigating the protest. McCarthy said he was “shocked” that Cheney would join the committee and later called her a “Pelosi Republican.” THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

NC A&T headed to CAA, B3

CRAIG LASSIG | AP PHOTO

Center Mason Plumlee and the Hornets have struggled to defend the rim this season, and recent 3-point shooting woes compounded the problem in the lead up to the All-Star break.

Free-falling Hornets look to get back on track

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

NC State women No. 3, UNC up 6 spots to 18th in latest AP poll Indianapolis UNC’s win over then-No. 3 Louisville helped the Tar Heels (21‑5, 11‑5 in the ACC) jump up six spots to No. 18 in The Associated Press women’s basketball poll released this week. It also helped their rivals at NC State. The Wolfpack (25‑3, 16‑1 ACC) flipped places with the Cardinals, climbing to No. 3. NC State clinched a share of the ACC regular season title with Sunday’s blowout home win over Syracuse. It marked the first time in 32 years the Wolfpack women finished first in conference play. South Carolina, which has been ranked No. 1 since the preseason, remained the country’s top team, receiving all 30 first‑place votes. Stanford stayed at No. 2, and Baylor followed Louisville to round out the top five.

Tubby Smith steps down at High Point; son G.G. takes over High Point Tubby Smith stepped down as head coach of the High Point’s men’s basketball team last week. Smith was replaced by his son and associate head coach G.G. Smith for the remainder of this season and next season. High Point said in a release that Smith feels after contracting COVID‑19 for a second time in less than a year and having been away from the program for an extended period that the timing is right for this change. Smith will remain at his alma mater to assist with alumni, community engagement, fundraising for athletics and other university priorities. In four seasons, the Panthers were 45-68 with Smith at the helm. Before High Point, Smith served as head coach at Memphis, Texas Tech, Minnesota, Kentucky, Georgia, and Tulsa. He led Kentucky to the 1998 NCAA title. G.G. Smith, 45, was 56‑98 in five seasons at Loyola Maryland from 2013‑18. The Panthers (11‑17, 5‑9 in the Big South) lost their first two games under their new coach and close out the regular season with games Wednesday and Saturday.

be ready to go.” As the Hornets prepare for Friday night’s home game against Toronto, the team will look to find answers for a disappointing 10game stretch. The only two wins By Jesse Deal during that period were against North State Journal Pistons — statistically the worst CHARLOTTE — There was team in the league — and the tangible energy on Jan. 21 inside Lakers, who were without LeBron the Spectrum Center. The Char- James and Anthony Davis. Throughout the season, Charlotte Hornets had just delivered their home crowd a triumphant lotte has been an offense-heavy 121-98 victory over Oklahoma squad that can outscore any team City, winning their third in a row on any given night. But it’s also a during a stretch in which they had group that lacks a true rim-protecting center, leading to struggles won 10 out of 14 games. on the defensive end of The Hornets were six the court. games above .500 and On the final day beseemingly in the driver’s fore the trade deadline seat for a playoff spot, “We’ll get on Feb. 10, Hornets and spirits were high ready for general manager Mitch in Charlotte as coach Kupchak tried to patch James Borrego and his that final that problem by trading young team led by bud- stretch run, for center Montrezl Harding stars LaMelo Ball rell. While the former and Miles Bridges pro- get some Washington Wizards vided one of the NBA’s healthy big man has impressivemost lethal offensive atbodies, clear ly averaged 17.8 points tacks. and 7.8 rebounds during At that moment, it our mind would have been un- and be ready his four games with the Hornets, he has not profathomable to predict vided the defensive help the Hornets would lose to go.” Charlotte sorely needs. 11 of their next 14 games, As unreliable as the spiraling into the All- James Hornets’ defense has Star break with a 29-31 Borrego, proven to be, Charlotte record and the reality has often been able to that a postseason ap- Hornets coach outscore its problems. pearance is anything but That hasn’t happened over the a done deal. Looking ahead to the final 22 last three weeks due to the team’s games, the optimistic outlook for struggles from the 3-point line. Charlotte is that it still contains Long-range shooting slumps have most of the components that guid- plagued Terry Rozier and Kelly ed it to success earlier this season: Oubre Jr, Charlotte’s two most a variety of electric shooters, a trigger-friendly 3-point contribufast-paced court rhythm and the tors, while Ball and Bridges have capability to rain down points — struggled from deep as well. Aside from an 18-for-42 night as proven in a 158-126 win last on Feb. 11, the Hornets have made month. One missing ingredient in the just 33% of their attempts (54 of formula is Gordon Hayward, who 163) from behind the arc during is out indefinitely with a left an- the past six games — a percentage kle sprain he sustained on Feb. 7. that would place Charlotte at 25th While an X-ray on his leg came in the league. Due to the rough back negative, it remains to be spell, the Hornets have dropped seen if Hayward will be able to from second place to ninth in overall team 3-point success (35.7%). return. But despite the struggles of late, In the meantime, the rest of his teammates have had some time to the Hornets still have a roadmap to make a playoff run if things also rejuvenate this week. “We’ll decompress for the next turn around in March and April. “We have to stay even-keeled five days, get back together and get ready for the final 22, but this throughout the ebbs and flows of group has been through a lot so the game and stay poised in the far,” Borrego said following Thurs- high-pressure situations,” Oubre day’s 111-107 double-overtime loss said last week. “A team can go to Miami. “We need this. It’s going on a run, but if we keep our cool to be great for us, to get away from and trust that our system and the it and refresh. We’ll get ready for things that we do will work, then I that final stretch run, get some feel like we’ll be better off. Consishealthy bodies, clear our mind and tency is key.”

Charlotte lost 11 of its 14 games heading into the All-Star break

DMITRI LOVETSKY | AP PHOTO

Karol Swiderski (11), pictured competing for Poland in Euro 2020 last June, will be a key player for Charlotte FC when the team makes its MLS debut Saturday at D.C. United.

Ready or not, Charlotte FC to open play The MLS expansion team has plenty of interest and question marks on the roster By Shawn Krest North State Journal CHARLOTTE’S NEW MLS team will play its inaugural game on Saturday, facing D.C. Untied on the road before playing its opener on March 5 against the LA Galaxy. The team expects more than 65,000 fans at Bank of America Stadium to greet the team in its first home game. Excitement levels are high, but based on the history of MLS expansion teams, expectations should probably remain low. Charlotte will be the 10th team added to MLS in the last decade. Of the previous nine, only one managed to get a win in its debut game — Los Angeles, which beat Seattle 1-0 in its opener and started its MLS existence 2-0 and 6-2-2. Overall, the nine previous expansion teams managed a 1-6-2 record in their first game, including losses by the last four — Cincinnati, Nashville, Miami and Austin. The latter two were shut out in their openers. Things didn’t improve quickly

after the opener for Charlotte FC’s predecessors. Miami lost its first five games, Nashville and Minnesota their first two. In their first seasons, the nine expansion teams have posted an average record of 10-14-7. Only three managed winning records: Nashville (8-7-8 in 2020), Los Angeles (16-9-9 in 2018) and Atlanta (15-9-10 in 2017). So will Charlotte FC’s first season be more like Los Angeles or Cincinnati (6-22-6 in 2019)? The team played three preseason matches, going 0-2-1 and managing a total of one goal. Charlotte lost 1-0 to Charleston Battery, which went 10-15-7 in the USL Championship last season, then went 0-1-1 against two teams that finished in the bottom half of the MLS last year, playing Columbus to a scoreless draw and then losing to Inter Miami, 2-1. Charlotte showed some fight in the preseason, including a bench-clearing scuffle with Columbus. The team also showed steady progress over the three games, culminating with its first goal in the final preseason contest. “We progressed a lot, we analyze every game, every training. We See CHARLOTTE, page B3

North State Journal for Wednesday, February 23, 2022

WEDNESDAY

2.23.22

TRENDING

Kevin Barbay: The Central Michigan offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach has been hired to fill the same role at Appalachian State. Barbay replaces Frank Ponce, who left the Mountaineers to become quarterbacks coach at Miami. Barbay has been a longtime assistant to coach Jim McElwain, serving on his staffs at Colorado State and Florida before joining him at Central Michigan. Chippewas running back Lew Nicholls III led the nation in rushing last season while coached by Barbay. Emile Francis: The Hall of Fame coach and general manager has died at 95. Francis was general manager of the Rangers from 1964-76, also serving as coach for parts of 10 seasons during that time. New York made nine straight playoff appearances in his tenure. After he was fired by the Rangers in 1976, Francis was GM of the Blues from 1976‑83, serving two stints as coach. He then left to become GM of the Hartford Whalers from 1983‑89. He played six NHL seasons as a goalie with the Blackhawks and Rangers. Laura Barquero: The Spanish figure skater has become the fourth athlete to fail a doping test at the Beijing Olympics after testing positive for a banned steroid, the International Testing Agency said on Tuesday. Barquero and her partner Marco Zandron finished 11th in the pairs competition. The ITA said her positive sample was given after the short program on Friday and the case will be heard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Beyond the box score POTENT QUOTABLES

NASCAR

For the second straight year, the winner of the Daytona 500 reached Victory Lane in a Cup Series race for the first time. Rookie Austin Cindric won his debut in the No. 2, edging Bubba Wallace to give team owner Roger Penske a victory on his 85th birthday. A late crash forced overtime, and several cars also wrecked in the final turn coming to finish line in the points race debut of the Next Gen car.

SCOTT P. YATES | THE ROANOKE TIMES

“Now it’s starting to get into crunch time.” UNC’s Armando Bacot on the Tar Heels making a case for an NCAA Tournament bid.

JOHN RAOUX | AP PHOTO

NBA

HORSE RACING

KEN RUINARD | AP PHOTO

“I think I’d rather get wrecked out than finish second.” Bubba Wallace after he was narrowly beaten by Austin Cindric at the Daytona 500. PRIME NUMBER

MATT YORK | AP PHOTO

Chris Paul will reportedly miss 6-to-8 weeks with a thumb injury. The former Wake Forest star, who played briefly in Sunday’s All-Star Game while wearing a wrap on his right thumb, has led the Suns to an NBA-best 48-10 record in his 17th season. Paul is averaging 14.9 points, 4.5 rebounds and 10.7 assists through 58 games this season.

JEFF ROBERSON | AP PHOTO

Medina Spirit was stripped of the victory in last year’s Kentucky Derby and Mandaloun was declared the winner after a ruling by state racing stewards on Monday. The since‑deceased Medina Spirit tested positive after the race last May for a steroid, betamethasone, that is legal in Kentucky but banned on race day.

GOLF

16 Made 3-pointers by Stephen Curry in Sunday’s NBA All-Star Game, a new record. Twenty-seven of Curry’s 30 shots were from behind the arc, and he finished with 50 points to earn MVP honors in Team LeBron’s 163-160 win in Cleveland.

ROSS D. FRANKLIN | AP PHOTO

Bernhard Langer broke his own record as the oldest player to win a PGA Tour Champions event by winning his fourth Chubb Classic title. It’s the 16th straight year Langer, who was 64 years, 5 months and 23 days old on Sunday, won an event on the tour. He now has 43 victories in Champions play, two behind all-time leader Hale Irwin.

North State Journal for Wednesday, February 23, 2022

B3 Grappling glee Trinity High School’s David Makupson celebrates his win in the championship match of the 2A 138-pound division over Bandys High School’s Will Nix during the NCHSAA wrestling finals Saturday at the Greensboro Coliseum.

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Plenty at stake for Heels, Pack in rematch UNC heads to Raleigh with NCAA hopes, while NC State looks to salvage its season

1-3 against State in Raleigh as a UNC player — the Pack would like nothing better than to stick a pin in the Tar Heels’ hopes for an NCAA bid. The Heels were on the right side of a tournament bubble before shooting themselves in the foot with a bad home loss to woeful Pitt last week. Carolina mitigated the damage with a Quad I win at Virginia Tech over the weekend. UNC held serve earlier this week, beating Louisville and

avoiding what would have been another bad loss, even though the win over a Quad III foe didn’t add to the Tar Heel resume. Now Davis and the Heels will travel to face State in the hopes of making a statement with a Quad II win over the Pack. “They are a very talented, very good basketball team, terrific coaching staff, and they play extremely well at home,” Davis said. “It’s late February. We’ve talked about this as a team, this isn’t the time to take a deep breath, to relax, to take your foot off the gas pedal. Actually, it’s the exact opposite. It’s (time) to floor it, in terms of our preparation and our practice and our play.” Not that making life miserable for the Tar Heels isn’t enough motivation, but State has plenty more at stake. An NCAA bid is off the table, save for an ACC Tournament title. State enters the week at 11-16, 4-12 in the conference. The Wolfpack snapped a six-game losing streak last Tuesday with a 76-61 win over Georgia Tech in what coach Kevin Keatts called the team’s most complete performance of the season. In a display of buzzard’s luck, the Pack then had a momentum-sapping eight days off before playing Boston College after press time in a tune-up for the Carolina

game. “If you’re playing well, you want to continue to play,” Keatts said, “but we need some rest. I do know we don’t have that much depth and our guys were tired. The week before we played a lot of games, but after playing that well on both ends, I would have rather played again the next day.” With State’s disappointing record this year, the question of Keatts’ future with the program has come up. NC State athletic director Boo Corrigan gave him a vote of confidence last week, appearing on local sports radio and declaring, “Kevin Keatts is our guy. Kevin Keatts is our basketball coach and I support Kevin Keatts.” Corrigan cited a season-ending injury to Manny Bates that deprived Keatts and the Wolfpack of their scoring and rim-protecting presence inside. “Everyone wants to win more, and I’m not gonna shy away from that,” Corrigan said. “But you look at the effort our guys are playing with and the connectivity with Keatts and the coaching staff and how hard he’s coaching. Obviously, it’s a tough time, but he’s our guy and our coach and we look forward to brighter days ahead.” Of course, the days would get brighter quickly with a win over the hated Heels on Saturday.

tition in the CAA in all sports except football and bowling next fall. Football will delay its entry until the 2023 season so that the Big South can maintain its automatic qualifier status for the FCS playoffs while it attempts to find replacement members. Conferences must have at least six teams to be an automatic qualifier. With Hampton and Monmouth also leaving for the CAA, the Big South will have only five football-playing members. A&T’s decision to stay an extra year was praised by Big South commissioner Kyle Kallander. “We want to express our particular appreciation to North Carolina A&T State University for the professional manner in which it is handling its transition by committing to Big South football for the 2022 season,” he said in a statement. “While losing members anytime is disappointing, we understand these are institutional business decisions that aren’t necessarily

driven by athletics. The Big South Conference is a strong and stable league that will continue to provide opportunities for national athletics success for its student-athletes and teams.” Among its remaining members are in-state schools Campbell and Gardner-Webb. The Big South and Ohio Valley Conference announced Monday they would combine their football memberships starting in 2023. The addition of A&T, Hampton and Monmouth will expand the CAA’s football membership to 14. “The Aggies fit perfectly into the framework of the conference’s vision that calls for our membership to work together to advance nationally competitive athletic programs — coupled with outstanding academic programs — that empower student-athletes as whole persons to strive at the highest level in every aspect of their lives,” CAA commissioner Joe D’Antonio said. “The CAA is excited to add a second HBCU to its membership and going forward the conference will continue to be focused on making decisions that ensures its membership a competitive and sustainable model.” Not only does the new affiliation provide the Aggies with exposure in the major media markets of Boston (Northeastern) and Philadelphia (Drexel), it also offers reduced travel expenses overall.

A&T will play as part of a Southern Division with Elon, Hampton, William & Mary and football-only members Richmond and Towson, all of which are located within a 5½-hour drive of Greensboro. UNC Wilmington is also a league member in all sports besides football. The rest of the full-time CAA lineup includes College of Charleston, Delaware, Drexel, Hofstra and Northeastern, Monmouth, Northeastern, Stony Brook and Towson, along with associate (football) members Albany, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Villanova. According to a statement issued by A&T, the process that led to the conference change began last November when it was issued an invitation to join CAA, which was looking to bolster its membership after the departure of James Madison to the Sun Belt. University officials conducted a two-month evaluation that included “an exhaustive compilation of data; interviews with students, athletic staff; alumni, boosters and hall of fame members; and additional fact finding” before deciding to make the move. When the Aggies left the MEAC for the Big South in February 2020, Martin cited finances and an upgraded level of competition as the primary factors. Athletic director Earl Hilton, in his presentation to

the Board of Trustees, said that the CAA offers an even better fit academically and athletically. A&T is currently classified as an R2 doctoral research university by the Carnegie Foundation, with aspirations of being upgraded to R1 status thanks to the recent opening of the $100 million Harold L. Martin Engineering Research and Innovation Complex. It will join six other R1 or R2 institutions in the CAA. There are no other R1 or R2 members in the Big South. “We are pleased to be joining a conference of similarly focused institutions,” board chairperson Hilda Pinnix-Ragland said in the statement. A&T dominated the MEAC in football, winning 11 conference championships with five FCS playoff appearances. The Aggies also had four Celebration Bowl wins from 2015-19. It went 5-6 in its only Big South season in 2021. The men’s basketball team has reached the NCAA Tournament 10 times, while the women’s basketball team has made five tournament trips, including one last season. “We come from a tradition of exceptional athletic and academic achievement, and absolutely see the CAA as a new and prominent stage on which to continue that tradition,” Hilton said. “The case to join was clear and persuasive.”

is unbalanced,” said a preview on MLSSoccer.com. Coach Miguel Angel Ramirez also didn’t seem particularly moved by the current roster, telling USA Today, “We need to reinforce the squad. We need to have something else to be more competitive. Right now, we’re screwed.” Ramirez is working to find the right combination, switching the team’s formation for the final preseason game from a 4-3-3 to a 3-5-2. He’ll likely continue to try to push buttons as the year goes on.

It remains to be seen whether Ramirez will stick with the new formation or if that was a change to account for the absence of striker Karol Swiderski, who missed the Inter Miami game. Swiderski is likely to be Charlotte FC’s top player and the early face of the franchise after arriving from Greek PAOK for a reported $5 million transfer fee. The 4-3-3 formation seems to fit best with Ramirez’s preferred style, which is to attack opposing defenses, although it remains to be seen

whether Charlotte will have the firepower to support that. Other names to know on the first edition of North Carolina’s MLS team are Sergio Ruiz, a midfielder from Spain who was the first player signed by the franchise; midfielder Ben Bender, the top pick in the MLS Draft out of Maryland; and midfielder Titi Ortiz. The team also has a veteran in defender Christian Fuchs and fullback Harrison Afful. With limited offense and a solid defense, Charlotte will likely be

leaning on a physical, blue-collar approach this season and attempt to grind out wins and ties along the way. There are bound to be stretches where it doesn’t work and the team looks like a true expansion team. But the team should also be able to produce some big moments. The ceiling is likely a team that will stay on the fringe of the playoffs. Regardless of the success on the field, the team can expect to be welcomed with open arms by a community starved for soccer at the top level.

By Shawn Krest North State Journal IT’S SAFE TO SAY that when UNC travels to NC State for a rematch between the two rivals, Roy Williams won’t be making a halftime appearance. Ol’ Roy has been more visible in his first year of retirement than he was when he was on the Carolina sideline. He’s been a fixture in the stands at UNC games and has been part of three different halftime ceremonies at the Dean Dome this year — one for former player Danny Green, one to honor himself and Dean Smith by naming portions of I-40 after each coach, and one, in the first game against NC State, to unveil his banner in the Dean Dome rafters. When Williams isn’t working more halftimes than unicycling acrobat Red Panda, he’s made appearances at games everywhere from West Virginia to NC Central, catching up with friends still in the coaching business. It’s tough to imagine a scenario in which the UNC legend makes it through the doors of PNC Are-

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Kevin Keatts got a vote of confidence from NC State AD Boo Corrigan, but the Wolfpack coach could further make his case to return next season with a win over the rival Tar Heels on Saturday at PNC Arena. na on Saturday, however, as the Wolfpack looks to even the score with the Tar Heels. In the first game, the Williams halftime ceremony was the only drama left in the affair as UNC jumped out to an early 10-point lead, extended it to 40-19 and led by 25 at the break on the way to a 20-point win. In addition to evening the score against the Heels and welcoming first-year UNC coach Hubert Davis to Raleigh — Davis went

NC A&T jumps conferences again, joins Colonial The Aggies moved from the MEAC to the Big South this season By Brett Friedlander North State Journal AFTER SPENDING a half-century as a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, a league it helped start in 1970, NC A&T is moving to its second new affiliation in as many years. On Friday, the Historically Black University announced that it plans to leave the Big South to become a member of the Colonial Athletic Association. The move was approved by a unanimous vote of A&T’s Board of Trustees. “This is indeed the right decision for our university and our student-athletes,” chancellor Dr. Harold L. Martin said in a video presentation to the board before its vote. The Aggies will begin compe-

CHARLOTTEfrom page B1 work hard every day,” goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina said. The team is struggling with chemistry, no surprise for a squad that was assembled from scratch over the last few months. The roster will likely continue to be a work in progress throughout the season. As Charlotte opens play, the team seems deep up the middle but weak on the wings. “The roster build doesn’t seem fully baked yet, and what’s there

North State Journal for Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Wolfpack slugger White makes smashing debut The freshman first baseman hit five home runs in his first weekend of college baseball, including three in his debut

By Brett Friedlander North State Journal SOME FRESHMAN athletes make the adjustment from high school to college faster than others. For NC State baseball player Tommy White, the transition took exactly one pitch. After taking a ball out of the strike zone, the solidly built first baseman sent a towering home run over the center field wall on his first swing as a member of the Wolfpack. He followed that up with two more homers, also to the deepest part of the ballpark. The display of raw power in his college debut didn’t just help State to a 23-4 season-opening victory against Evansville on Friday, it put him into the record books as the first Wolfpack player since Chris Schaeffer in 2010 to hit three round-trippers in a single game. So much for the first game jitters “It’s unreal,” White said after the game, in which he went 5 for 6 with six RBIs and five runs scored. “I was just hoping to get my first hit. I was just seeing the ball well. It was a fun experience all around.” As for those jitters, White admitted he wasn’t as calm and collected as his results at the plate might suggest. “I was super nervous,” he said, adding that coach Elliott Avent and assistant Chris Hart told him to “stay calm, play the game you’ve been playing since you were 10 years old and do what you’ve always done.” White followed the advice to the letter. A physically mature beyond his years 6-foot-2, 242-pound first baseman, the St. Pete Beach, Florid, native has long been known for his ability to hit the baseball a long way. Described by ProspectsLive. com as perhaps “the best pure prep hitter in the 2021 class,” White earned high school All-American honors at IMG Academy and won a home run derby in Frisco, Texas, in October 2020 on the way to being ranked as the No. 18 overall prospect nationally by Perfect Game. He’s certainly lived up to the hype thus far. White followed up his smash-

PHOTO COURTESY OF NC STATE ATHLETICS

NC State freshman Tommy White hit three home runs in his Wolfpack debut and finished the three-game weekend series with five homers. ing debut by hitting homers in the next two games, including a grand slam on Saturday, to lead State to a series sweep of the Aces. He went 9 for 14 for the weekend with five homers, 12 RBIs and seven runs scored, a performance that won him player of the week honors from both the ACC and Collegiate Baseball. An even more significant honor came in Saturday’s game. In his next at-bat after his grand slam, Evansville intentionally walked him. “I’ve said he’s as good of a freshman hitter as we’ve ever had here since I’ve been here,” Avent said after Friday’s 24-6 victory. “He’s just got great power. He’s a good hitter. He’s a good player. He’s got a great feel for the game. He’s a baseball player. He loves to play, loves to compete. But even with

“I’ve said he’s as good of a freshman hitter as we’ve ever had here since I’ve been here.” Elliott Avent, NC State coach those things, (what he’s done is) pretty remarkable.” His performance on the field notwithstanding, the fact that he’s even on campus playing for the Wolfpack is somewhat remarkable in itself. White was projected as a potential high-round pick in last June’s MLB Draft. But because of a stated desire to play college ball and a high financial figure that

scared teams away, he went unselected. Having committed to the Wolfpack early, he was anything but disappointed. “NC State was everything to me,” he said. “As a sophomore I committed here, and it just felt like home right away. Being from St. Pete, Florida, it’s a lot different being far away from home. This just felt like home.” He’s already made a favorable impression on his new teammates. “Man, that kid can play,” senior second baseman J.T. Jarrett said. “I’m obviously happy he’s on my team.” White’s bat is one of several new pieces inserted into a Wolfpack lineup that saw six position players from last year’s College World Series team move on to the

professional ranks. While his first weekend in red and white was the most memorable, it was hardly the only encouraging performance. Overshadowed by White’s three-homer opener was a pair of long balls by Charlotte transfer Dominic Pilolli. Two other transfers, Josh Hood (Penn) and LuJames Groover (Charlotte), also had five or more hits during the weekend. Their additions are a big reason why the Wolfpack entered the new season ranked among the top 10 in multiple national polls. The first three games did nothing to lessen those expectations. In fact, they far exceeded those of a certain freshman slugger. “It’s not what I expected,” White said. “I expected just to have fun and get my feet wet in college baseball. It’s a great debut.”

Brind’Amour pushing Hurricanes through ‘dog days’ The NHL is back to 82 games this season, and that means grinding through the middle of a jam-packed schedule

“The great teams find a way to just keep going.” Rod Brind’Amour, Hurricanes coach

By Cory Lavalette North State Journal RALEIGH — Rod Brind’Amour is in his fourth season as coach of the Carolina Hurricanes, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, only one of his first three years resulted in a full 82-game schedule. After playing 56 regular season games last season and 68 the year before, the Hurricanes are 50 games into this season but still have 32 to go before the playoffs. “It’s very noticeable,” Brind’Amour said on Valentine’s Day after his team had followed a weeklong break with four games in six days. “Coming out of this little break, it kind of felt like, ‘Hey, we should be getting near the end.’ And then you look up and go, ‘Wait a minute: It’s not even close to the end.’ We’re just kind of halfway home.” While the league is back to its usual number of games, 2021-22 has been nothing but normal. The break built into the schedule for players to compete in the Winter Olympics meant condensing the 82 games into a tighter window. And even when the NHL backed out of Beijing due to COVID-19, the number of games that had been postponed due to the virus quickly filled up any breathing room the schedule might have had. Carolina just played three games in four nights, winning all three, before getting a brief respite with three days without games from Tuesday through Thursday. There are two more three-day windows for rest and recovery —

DERIK HAMILTON | AP PHOTO

Despite leaving Friday’s home game against Nashville, Hurricanes center Vincent Trocheck played in back-to-back games in Pennsylania, including scoring a goal and assisting on the overtime gamewinner in Philadelphia on Monday. March 7-9 and March 14-16 — but otherwise, the schedule is a blitzkrieg of games until the regular season finale April 28. Starting with Friday’s home game against Columbus, the Hurricanes will play 32 games in 63 days. There are six sets of back-toback games, and all of them are part of three games in four nights. Next week, Carolina will play four games, starting at home against Edmonton on Sunday with trips to Detroit and Washing-

ton on Tuesday and Thursday, respectively. Then the Penguins will be waiting for them in Raleigh on Friday. The Hurricanes will play at least three games in all nine of the season’s remaining weeks, and in four of those weeks they’ll play four games. While veterans like Jordan Staal — who has played all 82 games five times in his career — know what it’s like to grind through a full schedule, it’s different for several of the Hurricanes’ younger

players. “Actually, I’ve never played 82 games before,” Martin Necas said. “This is my third season and first full season in the NHL, which is just kind of weird. It’s exciting. It’s a long season. You have ups and downs as a player (and) as a team, for sure.” Brind’Amour seems to worry the least about his younger guys, shrugging aside a question about 19-year-old rookie Seth Jarvis perhaps hitting the proverbial “rookie

wall.” “Everyone talks about that, young guys getting used to it,” Brind’Amour said. “Young guys are the guys that have all the energy. They’re the guys that don’t have nothing else to do but play hockey. They don’t have families to worry about. They’re the ones that I think can just plow through it.” This is also the time of year that injuries often start mounting — and they have for the Hurricanes. Carolina has had players leave each of the last three games. Vincent Trocheck exited Friday’s home game against Nashville but was able to play the back-to-back games in Pennsylvania. On Sunday afternoon in Pittsburgh, Brendan Smith went down to block a shot and was hit in the head with the puck. He left the game and did not play Monday. Then in Philadelphia, Tony DeAngelo did not return after suffering an upper-body injury. It’s all part of navigating the NHL’s treacherous 82-game regular season that Brind’Amour knows will challenge the body but even more so the mind. “The great teams find a way to just keep going, keep playing the same way,” Brind’Amour said. “And that’s the hard part of hockey. It’s not physically for me. It’s not a physical demand because guys get enough rest. No, it’s that mentally answering the bell every night. That’s the challenge.”

The 3 big questions nob

normal

WITH MOST STATES under either shelter-in-place or stay-at-home hina lied about the origin of the ONE THING IS CERTAIN; after thisthanks COVID-19 virus cavalierofmanner in which C orders to local ordissipates state governments,The a majority Americans THIS WEEK, virus, according to members ofTHE theand fede ed to tell the world there were only “THIS IS DA around the globe and in the United States, China will pay for this covered up its spread tr are having to adjust to what is being called the “new normal.” and state and local governments, Americans have ldwide panic, economic collapse and in it” (Psalm 118:24). catastrophe one way or another. 3,341 related deaths has led to wo Some of these orders extend at least through the end of this month. ce or stay-at-home fallen into place. I understand the seriousness of the virus thetoneed the curve in the novel coronavirus outbreak. The e eing thrown out of work. I know that during Inand order put the crisis causedVirginia’s by Chinastay-at-home in perspective, zero millions of Americans needlessly orders go into June. ty of Americans to take precautions, but I’m uneasy with how people who simply ask muted — after all, trends can easily reverse — but ayer at least $2.4 trillion in added working from home worldwide pandemics can trace their source to theCarolina, United States over Gov.The has cost the U.S. taxp Here in North Democratic Roycrisis Cooper stated during normal.” questions about the data, and when things can start getting back to have abided by recommendations and orders. The Reserve backup liquidity to the be glad” the Bible our 231-year history. At least fourainrecent the 20th century alone be that “we debt plus trillions more Federa coronavirus press can briefing just don’t know yet”asifin the of this month. are treated in some circles with contempt. to flu,” stay 1977 at home; they’ve practiced socialthe distancing hed U.S. dollar were notnormal the reserve and dad, Easter directly traced to China: 1957 “Asian flu,” 1968 “Hong Kong markets and financial outlets. If th will extend into May. Since when did state’s stay-at-home orders They’re treated as though we as a society simply must accept flu” without they’ve donned masks. und any of these emergency have to be thankful “Russian and the 2002 SARS outbreak. There is evidence that the currency, we would not be able toa Perhaps If he it, questions should be asked as to the Wedoes needdecide to extend WALTER E. WILLIAMS questioning per stated during question what the government tells us about when it’s massive safe to begin the The result: a reduction inwithout expected hospitalizati Lenten and of rampant inflation and currency pandemic. 1918 “Spanish flu” pandemic also had its origins in China. measures immediate fear justification for it. And the answers should not be vague ones like “we COVID-19 know yet” if the process of returning back to normalcy. According to theseasons University of Washington Institu For me, my faith is government There is 100% agreement, outside oftransparency China, thatofCOVID-19 depreciation. must do this out an abundance Easter of caution.” is China’s No. The government works for us, and we have the right to ask those Metrics and Evaluation model most oft cited by m ant ways and decisions through making. As I celebra and honesty originated 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 sked as to the And the longer stay-at-home orders are in place all over and the unsanitary wet markets. administration, theand expected need for hosp plomacy has obviouslyquestions. not worked Corinthians 1:4, whi Chernobyl. unregulated believe it Trump came of at a home economic financial means. D fromSome our to are being told remain joblessout and message offor an undetermined become a ue 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 century health, hygiene affliction, so that we biowarfare lab run by the communist Chinese army. to bring China into the civilized scientific amount of timeexperts why models predicting hundreds of cases w hope that we13,000 willof thousands bad thing? thethe more people, sitting at home feeling isolated and/or anxious about ventilators by nearly and the number of ov unist regimes never take blame affliction, withcomm the co Until China adopts rigorous verifiable policing and regulation of and fair trade. Totalitarian are reliable. — we need to once again enjoy of this state who when they can get back to providing for their families, will demand August by nearly 12,000. rse, because that is not what God.” That is what their food safety and health protocols, American business has no other or express sincere regret and rem To know date, what I’ve gone what the state has asked and then they along with ndetermined answers. Here’s the problem: We still don’t know the answ sporting events, take advantage of every weakness If you are celebrat choice than tofree build redundant manufacturing totalitarian do. They citizens mandated thatplants we do,elsewhere but alongpurely the way I’ve also had governments questions about housands of cases Leaders at the local and state levels should be as forthcoming as they know, what they questions that will allow the economy to reopen. pushing until they win or the reflect on this concerts, family for national security safety reasons as well supply andleaders delivery they find in adversaries andmessa keep the data. StateasRepublican have, too. living inand a free can be with those answers — and again, not vague answers, but concerns. answer First, what is the true coronavirus fatality and rate?c God’s example don’t and when reliability adversaries push back. gatherings, Unfortunately, when certain types of questions get asked, there is AMERICA’S COLLEGES are rife with society edhappens and then with details that give their statements believability. important because That it determines whether certain nt such asThe the Chernobyl this difficult Th The most direct waywere to make China “pay”hope for this is to offer is, unless an exogenous they to disaster corruption. financial squeeze resulting sometimes a disturbing tendency among people to treat thosetime. ev church some services questions about We should all continue to do what we can to keep our families, be open or closed, whether we ought to pursue — S elieve that event, not the Staropportunities Wars confident we will em supposed from COVID-19 offers for a U.S. tax credits to companies whosimply willknow source at least half of their meltdown in 1986. Some experts what theythe data and asking questioning when we can start getting back and many more Sponsored by ourselves, and our communities safe. But we should also still continue more liberalized society that presumes wide sprea Sponsored by the dissolution of the Soviet In thisled same spiritt bit of remediation. Let’sUnion first examine what production back in the States. There is though approximately programor of are Reagan, directly to do, lastUnited I to normal they are$120 conspiracy theorists people who don’t.as afterdown our own asked, there to of ask questions about the data, because while reasonable stay-at-home ought to lock further. neighbors helping ne mightisbe the root academic corruption, billion worth checked. of American direct investment in plants and equipment in 1989. otherwise don’t care if they get themselves or others sick. title of a recent study, to treatsuggested those by the measures are understandable, they should also have an date. direct investment in the U.S. is about $65We’ve seen rates — Concord, the number of Cd temporary hernobyl. In a high inexpiration China. Chinese billion by case fatality Perhaps COVID-19 China’s Since when did questioning government at all levels become aisbad “Academic Grievance Studies and the North State Journal for Wednesday, April 15, 2020 start getting back This is all new to Americans, and it is not normal. Not in any way, the number of identified COVID-19 cases — but bp ady talking about the possibility to buy aare 3-D sacrifices are society comparison. Senators inmoney Washington alr thing? That is what free citizens living in a free were supposed Corruption of Scholarship.” The study was we should remain vigilant and are people who shape, or form. So while stay safe, at and the denominator are likely wrong. We don’t kn debt we owe them as oneopinion way toand get analysis health$1.2 caretrillion workers An investment tax credit of 30% U.S. investment in China ino over. of China forgiving toon do,half lastof I checked. done by Areo, an will Goldsboro same time we shouldn’t get comfortable with this so-called “newbillion, applied to repatriated American manufacturing people have actually died of coronavirus. Some the sou yick. have caused US. the Don’t hold your today, or $60 China to “pay” for the damage digitalthe magazine. By the way, Areo is short My first concern as we go along in all this, of course, is my family. I’m see expansion of delivered by see” become aAreopagitica, bad number beenbreath overestimated, given that classifi to happen but ask normal.” your elected for a speech investment to the U.S. would costworried the U.S.about Treasury billion in has waiting Ifor a Chinese them$18 catching the virus, and I’m worried will. After “Jubi y were supposed Not one little bit. of death, particularly among elderly patients, untableJohn in tangible financial Milton in defense ways of freefor speech. tax revenue spread over a few years. $18 billion lost revenue hold Chinacan acc nation’s best-selling suffering fromin the H1N1 virusis(swine flu) representatives during the 2009topandemic, Authors Helen Pluckrose, James A. sources suggest the number is dramatically under decimal dust compared to the $6 I’ve trillion+ Marshall Plan we are now this disaster. been trying to take extra precautions, because all of this brings up pickle brand Lindsay and Peter Boghossian say has that also written under the pseudonym Sister Toldjah e, is my family. Stacey Matthews manyas people are dying home. d to operate as I’m responsible citizens of undertaking to save our own economy, notmany of defeated enemies in the It is at about timenot they expect way too memories of a painful experience I’d prefer to are repeat. something has gone drastically wrong ed I will. After and is a regular contributor to RedState and Legal Insurrection. Even more importantly, we have no clue how ma ation. past. the world like any other modern n But what also makes me lose sleep is how easily most everyone has in academia, especially GOLDSBORO — within Mt. certain 2009 pandemic, actually have coronavirus. Some scientists suggest China has been cheating, stealing, pirating and pillaging American fields the humanities. They call Olivewithin Pickle Company, of this brings up of identified business now for the past 30 years. They have made no secret that theycases could be an order of magnitude these fields “grievance studies,” where Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill,coronavirus senior opinion Inc. will create 167 efer notscholarship to repeat. number of people who have had and n is not so much based upon intend to replace the U.S. as the premier superpower in the world and jobs in Wayne County, st everyone has finding truth but upon attending to replace the dollar as the reserve currency with their renminbi. social grievances. Grievancehas scholars Governor Roy Cooper bully students, administrators announced. The companyand other departments into adhering to their will invest more than worldview. The worldview they promote is Jason $35 million to nor expand neither scientific rigorous. Grievance EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS studies consist of disciplines such as its manufacturing, sociology, anthropology, gender studies, warehouse, and COLUMN | REP. RICHARD HUDSON queer studies, sexuality and critical race distribution operations to studies. Goldsboro. In 2017 and 2018, authors Pluckrose, “Some our verystarted best Lindsay andof Boghossian submitting bogus academic business recruiters arepapers to academic journals in cultural, queer, the existing industries race, gender, fat and sexuality studies that continue to reinvest to determine if they would pass peer in North Carolina,” said “THIS IS THEfallen DAYinto the lord has made, let usthe re seriousness of and the be virus and the review accepted for need publication. WITH MOST STATES under either shelter-in-place or stay-at-home place. I understand Acceptance of dubious research in it” (Psalm 118:24). y with how people who simply ask that Governor Cooper. “The orders thanks to local or state governments, a majority of Americans to take precautions, but I’m uneas editors sympathetic to their this challenging time of soc n thingsjournal can start getting back to expansion offound a household are having to adjust to what is being called the “new normal.”I know that during questions about the data, and whe intersectional or postmodern leftist vision working from home or losing a job, it may becircle diffi with contempt. Some of these orders extend at least through the end of this month. brand like Mt. Olive Pickle normal are treated in some of the world would prove the problem of be glad” as the Bible tells us to do. as However, as aasC a societylow simply muststandards. acceptthat without Virginia’s stay-at-home orders go into June. They’re treated though we Company academicproves and dad, the Easter holiday has reminded s us about when it’s safe to begin the REBECCA BLACKWELL | government AP PHOTO me of Here in North Carolina, Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper stated during question what the telj Several of the fake research papers North Carolina’s quality have to be thankful and hopeful for, even in the m alcy. were accepted for publication. The FatKrystal Guerra, 32, poses for a picture a recent coronavirus press briefing that “we just don’t know yet” if the process of returning back to norm outside her apartment, which she has to leave after her new landlord gave her less than a month’s of life, central location, Lenten and pandemic. s, and we have journal the right to ask those Studies published a hoax papernotice that her rent would go up by 26%, state’s stay-at-home orders will extend into May. No. The government works for Saturday, Feb. 12, 2022, in the Coral Way neighborhood of Miami. Since when did andargued experienced talent that the term was me, my faith is an important part ofstay-atmy dai home orders are in place all bodybuilding over the Easter seasons If he does decide to extend it, questions should be asked asFor to the questions. And the longer are attractive to growing questioning andas should be replaced making. As I celebrated my family, hem get exclusionary in states, such Michigan, justification for it. And the answers should notabe vague ones like “we country,Easter and thewith stricter some ofI tr provide with “fat bodybuilding, a fat-inclusive companies.” government Corinthians 1:4, the which reminds our Lord “comf eling isolated and/or anxious as about must do this out of an abundance of caution.” more people,us sitting at home message of politicized performance.” One reviewer Headquartered in affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those ng for their families, will demand at all levels It will need to be explained in detail to the people of this state who when they can get back to providi said, “I thoroughly enjoyed reading this hope that we will Mount Olive, N.C., near affliction, with the comfort which we ourselves ar are being told to remain jobless and at home for an undetermined answers. article and believe it has an important become a once again enjoy Goldsboro, Olive God.”of cases vels should be as forthcoming contribution toMt. make to as thethey field and this amount of time why models predicting hundreds of thousands Leaders at the local and state le bad thing? sporting events, If you are celebrating the Easter season, I—urge again, not vagueCompany answers, but journal.” Pickle hasanswer are reliable. can be with those answers and “Our Struggle Is My Struggle: Solidarity That is what reflect and be comforted, that ents believability. concerts, family operated in its namesake To date, I’ve gone along with what the state has asked and thenon this message with details that give theirso statem Feminism as anfamilies, Intersectional Reply to God’sabout example andWe comfort in need arou at we can to keep our free citizens mandated that we do, but along the way I’ve also had questions and hometown since shouldallallthose continue to do wh gatherings, Neoliberal and Choice Feminism,” was this difficult time. Through faith and by helping o fe. But we should alsoin still continue the data. State Republican leaders have, too. ourselves, and our communities s its founding 1926. church services living in a of free accepted for publication by Affilia, a North Carolina is one leases feed into the U.S. consumer versity of Miami. confident we will emerge out of this pandemic str cause while reasonable stay-at-home Unfortunately, when certain types of questions get asked, there is to ask questions about the data, b Manufacturing feminist journal forthe social workers. The a handful of society states being and many more price index, which is used to mea“I thought that was insane,” were this same spirit, I continue to be inspired the by y shouldpaper also have an expiration sometimes disturbing some people to treatInthose measures are understandable, consisted in part of adate. rewritten targeted by investors, and “Without a lot of rental sure inflation. nation’s best-selling said Guerra,a who decidedtendency to move among after our own supposed neighbors helping neighbors. d it is not normal. Not in any way,Two other passage from Mein Kampf. simply questioning the data and asking when we can start getting back This is all new to Americans, an Inflation jumped 7.5% in Januout. “Am I supposed to stop pay- vacancy that landlords are brand ofand pickles, peppers, places like Mount Airy are temporary In Concord, a shape, high school senior named Tanner remainhoax vigilant stay safe, at including papers were published, to do, last I ary from a year earlier, the biggest to normal as though they are conspiracy theorists or are people who or form. So while we shoul ing for everything else I have gooffering entire blocks of and relishes, Mt.Queer Olive accustomed to having, that to buy “Rape Culture and Performativity a 3-D printer andwe plastic to make fa mfortable with this so-called “new sacrifices are increase four time decades. While ing on in my lifecare just so I canget paythemselves otherwise don’t if they or others sick. money theinsame shouldn’t get co checked. their small downtowns annually packs and sells at Urban Dog Parks.” This paper’s subject economists expect to rent? That’s unsustainable.” health caremany workers out of his own that home. gives them some pricing Since when did questioning government at all levels become a bad normal.” over. was dog-on-dog rape. But the dog rapepackaged for sale more than 230 million decrease Not as pandemic-disrupted Guerra alone. Rents living in a free society were supposed thing? Thatis ishardly what free citizens one little bit. paper eventually forced Boghossian, supply chains unravel, rising rents have exploded across the coun- power because they’re not jars of product across to do, last I checked. Pluckrose and Lindsay to prematurely out could keep inflation high through try, causing many to dig deep into sitting on empty units that the UnitedAStates. The under the pseudonym Sister Toldjah My savings, first concern as we along in all this, of course, is my family. I’m also written themselves. Wall Street Journal writer the endStacey of theMatthews year since has housing their downsize to go subpar By R.J. Rico they need to fill.” dState and Legal Insurrection. company’s had figured outexpansion what they were doing.The Associated Press worried about them catching the virus, and I’m worried I will. After and is a regular contributor to Re costs make up one-third of the units or fall behind on payments Some accepted will addpapers two sites in for publication suffering from the H1N1 (swine flu) during the 2009 pandemic,consumer price index. and risk eviction now that virus a federin academic journals advocated trainingKrystal Guerra’s Miami apart- I’ve Danielle because Hale, Realtor.com’s al moratorium been tryinghas to ended. take extra precautions, all of this brings up Things have gotten so bad in Goldsboro, totaling men like dogs and punishing white male Boston, which has nearly overthemany 50 largest U.S. metro ar- chief ment has a tiny kitchen, cracked wayIntoo economistI’d prefer not to repeat. memories of a painful experience more than 290,000 college students for historical slavery by median rent rose an astoundtiles, warped cabinets, no dish- eas, But what also makes me lose sleep is how easily most everyone hastaken San Francisco as the nasquare feet, support asking them to to sit in silence on the floor in tion’s second-most expensive rentwasher and hardly any storage ing 19.3% from December 2020 chains and to be expectedspace. to three during more class production to December 2021, according to driver of high inflation that has al market, that one resident went learn the discomfort. Other papersBut Guerra was fine with the a Realtor.com analysis of proper- become one of the nation’s top viral for jokingly putting an igloo lines,from warehousing, and celebrated morbid obesity as a healthyapartment’s life shortcomings. It was ties with two or fewer bedrooms. economic problems. Labor De- on the market for $2,700 a month. distribution. choice and advocated treating privately all part of being a 32-year-old And nowhere was the jump big- partment data, which covers ex- “Heat/ hot water not included,” “The Goldsboro conducted masturbation as a form of graduate student in South Flor- ger than in the Miami metro area, isting rents as well as new listings, Jonathan Berk tweeted. sexual violence against women. Typically, expansion relieves Experts say many factors are reida, she reasoned, and she was where the median rent exploded shows much smaller increasacademic journal editors send submitted happy to live there for a few more to $2,850, 49.8% higher than the es, but these are also picking up. sponsible for astronomical rents, pressures on the papers out to referees for review. In years as she finished her market- previous year. Rental costs rose 0.5% in January including a nationwide housing company’s facilities in recommending acceptance for publication, Other cities across Florida — from December, the Labor De- shortage, extremely low rental vaing degree. Mount Olive and many reviewers gavepositions these papers glowing That was until a new own- Tampa, Orlando and Jacksonville partment said last week. That may cancies and unrelenting demand us to handle growth well praise. er bought the property and told — and the Sun Belt destinations seem small, but it was the biggest as young adults continue to enter Political scientist said Zach Goldberg ran into the future,” her he was raising the rent from of San Diego, Las Vegas, Austin, increase in 20 years, and will like- the crowded market. certain grievance studies concepts through According to the U.S. Cen$1,550 to $1,950, a 26% increase Texas, and Memphis, Tennessee, ly accelerate. Bobby Frye, President the Lexis/Nexis database, to see how often Economists worry about the sus Bureau, rental vacancy rates that Guerra said meant her rent all saw spikes of more than 25% andappeared CEO of Mt. Olive they in our press over the years. impact of rent increases on inflawould account for the majority of during that time period. Pickle. pleased He found“We hugeare increases in the usagesher take-home pay from the UniRising rents are an increasing tion because the big jumps in new See RENT, page B6 of “white privilege,” “unconscious bias,” that all of our operations “critical race theory” and “whiteness.” will remain in Wayne All of this is being taught to college County.” students, many of whom become primary new positions andThe secondary school teachers who then Legislatures provided to the comindoctrinate our young people. include forklift mittee on Friday. I doubt truck whether the coronavirusAn effort by some House Repubdrivers, drivers, caused financial crunch will give college licans in 2019 to expand coverage manufacturing staff, and who are a and university administrators, fizzled when it became clear a promanagerial personnel. crossbreed between a parrot and jellyfish, posed work requirement for expanthe gutsthe andwages backbone While willto restore academic sion recipients faced legal scrutiny. respectability. Far too often, they get much In 2021, longtime expansion opvary for each position, of their political support from campusBy Gary D. Robertson ponent Senate leader Phil Berger, a al government’s 90% share of covprimary care workers and nurses, altogether, thewho average grievance people are members of The the Associated Press ering the uninsured would stay in Republican, said he was now willand struggling rural hospitals. annualand salary for and the multicultural faculty diversity ing to accept expansion as part Rep. Donny Lambeth, a For- place under expansion. administrative offices. new positions is $41,431, But support has slowly grown of the lengthy budget negotiations RALEIGH — A study panel that syth County Republican and the The best hope lies with boards of could serve as the glidepath for the committee’s co-chairman, said within the GOP amid persistent with Cooper. exceeding Wayne trustees, though many serve as yes-men But Republican House SpeakGeneral Assembly to accept broad he’s hopeful that several months of lobbying by a conglomeration of County’s overall average for the university president. I think that a Medicaid expansion in North Car- meetings will result in a wide-rang- health care and social service ad- er Tim Moore said there wasn’t annual good startwage wouldofbe$38,401. to find 1950s or 1960s olina a decade after it was first of- ing health care package — includ- vocates and local government offi- enough support among party memThe new jobs the offerings at catalogs. Look athave the course bers in the chamber. ing expansion — that could be vot- cials. fered met for the first time Friday. apotential time whento college graduates knew howThe Joint Legislative Committee ed on by the full General Assembly “We’re not lukewarm yet in the About 2.7 million North Carocreate an to read, write and compute, and makeon Access to Healthcare and Med- in September or October. Many lina residents are now covered by House. It is still rather chilly,” Lamannual payroll impact of them today’s curricula. Another helpful icaid Expansion was created in the Republicans remain skeptical of Medicaid. Expansion could add an- beth said after Friday’s meeting. more than tool would be $6.9 to givemillion carefulfor consideration other roughly 400,000 to 600,000. “It is a heavy lift to convince our state budget approved in Novem- expansion, however. the region. all classes/majors/minors to eliminating “We look forward to making House caucus that this is the right “Our role is to try to get facts ber. containing the word “studies,” “Mt. Olive Pickle has such as When Democratic Gov. Roy on the table and help you be an in- 2022 the year we close the coverage direction to go. Now, is it imposwomen, Asian, black or queer studies.Cooper, a longtime expansion ad- formed legislator so that at some gap for all those without an afford- sible? No, I wouldn’t be here if I been an outstanding I’d bet that by restoring the traditionalvocate, and Republican lawmakers point we can debate some of the de- able option for health insurance,” thought it was impossible.” corporate and community academic mission to colleges, they would Berger also said this week that couldn’t negotiate a budget agree- cisions and recommendations that Erica Smith Palmer with Carepartner fordent many put a serious intoyears,” the COVID-19 ment that contained coverage to we do want to make,” Lambeth told 4Carolina, a pro-expansion orga- he could envision an expansion budget shortfall. said N.C. Senator Jim vote before the November elecnization, said in a news release. hundreds of thousands of addi- colleagues. The 2021 federal COVID-19 re- tions. North Carolina is among 12 tional low-income adults, the study Perry. “This additional Walter E. Williams is a professor of committee was inserted as a sub- states that haven’t expanded Med- lief law would give the dozen states The NCSL said in its presentainvestment and new jobs economics at George Mason University. icaid as allowed under the 2010 that haven’t accepted expanded tion that states that have expanded stitute. are welcomed additions coverage more money to cover tra- Medicaid saw minimal fiscal imThe panel, which is likely to meet federal health care law. for Wayne County and Republicans in charge of the ditional Medicaid patients through pact, more financially stable hosfor several months, will consider other topics beyond expansion that General Assembly since 2011 have 2023 if they sign up. That would pitals, improved substance abuse we’re ready to support discourage health care services. been skeptical of expansion for result in an additional $1.5 billion treatment and earlier cancer detecthe company in this next Friday’s meeting also looked at ad- years. They were worried about the to $2 billion in additional federal tion and treatment. But it may have phase of growth.” dressing “surprise billing” by out- fiscal health of traditional Medic- funding, according to information led to waiting times for some ser-

business & economy

Fixingn.c. college corruption FAST

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

Rents reach ‘insane’ levels across United States with no end in sight

Medicaid expansion panel eyes worker shortages, hospitals

of-network providers, shortages in

aid coverage or whether the feder-

the National Conference of State

vices, the group said.

North State Journal for Wednesday, February 23, 2022

For the week ending 2/18

Total Cash & Bond Proceeds

$2,749,780,481 Add Receipts

$169,530,582 Less Disbursements

$189,322,027 Reserved Cash

$125,000,000 Unreserved Cash Balance Total

$6,201,128,594 Loan Balance:

$380.3M

BRITTAINY NEWMAN | AP PHOTO

People shop in Macy’s on Nov. 26, 2021, in New York.

January retail sales surge 3.8% as consumers defy inflation The Associated Press

RENT from page B5 during the fourth quarter of 2021 fell to 5.6%, the lowest since 1984. “Without a lot of rental vacancy that landlords are accustomed to having, that gives them some pricing power because they’re not sitting on empty units that they need to fill,” said Danielle Hale, Realtor.com’s chief economist. Meanwhile, the number of homes for sale have been at a record low, contributing to ballooning home prices that have caused many higher-income households to remain renters, further upping demand. Construction crews are also trying to bounce back from material and labor shortages that at the start of the pandemic made a preexisting shortage of new homes even worse, leaving an estimated shortfall of 5.8 million single-family homes, a 51% leap from the end of 2019, Realtor.com said. And potentially compounding all of this is the increasing presence of investors. A record 18.2% of U.S home purchases in the third quarter of 2021 were made by businesses or institutions, according to Redfin, as investors targeted Atlanta, Phoenix, Miami, Charlotte, North Carolina, and Jacksonville, Florida — popular destinations for people relocating from pricier cities. In many towns and cities across the country, real estate is primed for business investors. Mount Airy, N.C. is offering an entire block of its tiny downtown packaged for sale. Hale said the increasing presence of investors is a factor in rent hikes, but only because they have pricing power due to low vacancies. “I don’t think that’s the only driver,” she said. Most investors aren’t tied down by rent control. Only two states, California and Oregon, have statewide rent control laws, while three others – New York, New Jersey and Maryland – have laws allowing local governments to pass rent control ordinances, according to the National Multifamily Housing Council. And laws in some states like Arizona actually restrict local jurisdictions from limiting what landlords can charge tenants. In Tucson, Arizona, the mayor’s office said it has been deluged with calls from residents worried about rent hikes after a California developer recently bought an apartment complex that catered to older people and raised rents by more than 50%, forcing out many on fixed incomes. The rent on a one-bedroom apartment in the complex went from $579 to $880 a month, an increase legal under Arizona state law. Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema decried the increases during a recent Senate Banking Committee hearing, saying Arizona’s rapidly growing housing costs have been a “major concern” of hers for years. Nationally, Hale, the Realtor. com economist, expects rents to continue to rise this year, but at a slower pace, thanks to increased construction. “Improving supply growth should help create more balance in the market,” said Hale, who forecasts rents to rise 7.1% in 2022. NSJ staff contributed to this report.

NEW YORK — Fueled by pay gains, solid hiring and enhanced savings, Americans sharply ramped up their spending at retail stores last month in a sign that many consumers remain unfazed by rising inflation. Retail sales jumped 3.8% from December to January, the Commerce Department said Wednesday, a much bigger increase than economists had expected. Though inflation helped boost that figure, most of January’s gain reflected more purchases, not higher prices. Last month’s increase was the largest since last March, when most households received a final federal stimulus check of $1,400. The fact that consumer spending remains brisk even after government stimulus has faded — enhanced unemployment aid ended in September — suggests that Americans’ pay is rising enough to drive a healthy pace of spending and economic growth. Still, those trends could also further accelerate high inflation, which has become the biggest threat to the economy and the reason the Federal Reserve is expected to raise interest rates several times this year beginning in March. “Consumers say they are worried about inflation, but they continue to spend,” said Gus Faucher, chief economist at PNC Financial.

“Job growth is strong, wages are increasing and household wealth is way up thanks to rapidly rising home values and, until recently, stock prices.” Retail sales rose solidly across the spectrum in January. Sales at general merchandise stores rose 3.6% and at department stores 9.2%. Purchases at furniture and home furnishings stores increased 7.2%. Online sales jumped 14.5%. Restaurants were an outlier in January: Sales fell 0.9%, likely a reflection of many people refraining from dining out at a time when reported omicron infections were exploding. Gasoline sales fell 1.3%, possibly a result of the cost and cases of omicron, which rose in tandem, according to Ted Rossman, a senior industry analyst at Bankrate.com. Since the pandemic erupted two years ago, spending has continued to be heavily weighted toward goods — things that people can own. But as COVID-19 cases decline, Americans are expected to begin spending more on concerts, movies and dinners out. At the same time, Wednesday’s retail report covers only about onethird of overall consumer spending; it doesn’t include such services as haircuts, hotel stays and plane tickets. The New York clothing company Untuckit has registered a rebound in recent weeks, with more people

preparing for an eventual return to the office, said Aaron Sanandres, the CEO and a co-founder. “I am optimistic that this time there is a bit more momentum,” Sanandres said. The omicron variant that emerged in late November caused widespread worker shortages, with many employees calling in sick. Yet the wave of the most recent variant appears to have been shortlived. Reported infections began to decline by mid-January as fast as they rose late last year. Cases have plunged from 436,000 a day two weeks ago to 136,000 Monday. What is rising is inflation, reaching heights not seen in four decades. The acceleration of prices has wiped out many pay raises and caused the Fed to reverse course from its low-interest rate policies and signal that it will steadily tighten credit this year to try to cool inflation. January’s robust increase in retail purchases followed gains in October and November before a sharp drop in December, a month when sales are normally high. By January, despite surging inflation — consumer prices soared 7.5% last month from 12 months earlier — Americans appeared ready to renew spending. The strong January report comes as major retailers, including Walmart, are slated to release their fiscal fourth-quarter financial figures, starting as early as Thurs-

day. Bryan Eshelman, a managing director in the retail practice at AlixPartners, believes the earnings reports, which cover November through January, will be strong as stores have been able to wield their pricing power. But he questions whether consumers will continue to pay full price or go back to their old behaviors of waiting for a sale. “Will retailers be willing to have the discipline to hold the line?” he asked. The volatility in retail sales data is also emerging after the pandemic and related supply crunches drastically altered the behavior of Americans, particularly at the end of 2021. Major retailers companies urged people to shop early to avoid shortages, and Americans did, in huge numbers. Services spending, at least in some sectors, is rising along with goods purchases. Joseph Aquino, who runs a real estate services firm in New York, says leasing activity for retail spaces is picking up, recovering from a steep downturn in that sector. Still, the sector’s recovery has a long way to go. Rents on Madison Avenue had ranged from $1,500 to $1,800 a square foot before the pandemic, Aquino said. Now, the same space is now going for between $600 to $800 per square foot. “There is a sense of optimism, “Aquino said. “People are realizing that the virus is slowly dissipating.”

Treasury brews up ideas for a more competitive beer market The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — The government wants to give beer lovers more choices than the usual suspects when they reach for a drink — and help them pay less for whatever they choose. As part of a larger Biden administration effort to boost competition in all sorts of industries, the government is looking at ways to loosen the grip of a few big beer companies that control 65% of the market. The answers could include everything from rethinking how beers are displayed on grocery store shelves to considering whether brews can be shipped straight to doorsteps. The Treasury Department came up with its list of suggestions earlier this month in response to a July executive order by President Joe Biden to develop a plan to improve small business access to the beer, wine and spirits industry. The department issued a 64page report that looks at how state alcohol laws impact competition for smaller brewers, asks the Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission to examine how mergers affect smaller companies and look at labeling rules that make it hard to comply with federal laws. It offers mostly recommendations to a variety of actors, but several law enforcement agencies are directed in coming months to decide whether to create new federal rules on the trade. Bob Pease, CEO of the Brewer’s Association for small and independent craft brewers, says the report is a good first step, but “there is a lot of work yet to be done” to level the playing field for smaller brewers.

SUE OGROCKI | AP PHOTO

In this Oct. 1, 2018, photo, a customer looks over the beer selection at Crest Foods in Oklahoma City. “What’s happening is that the competitive landscape has shifted,” Pease said. “And antitrust enforcement is critical for the ability of smaller producers to compete.” Pease’s trade group represents 5,300 U.S. brewery members and nearly 40,000 members of the American Homebrewers Association. He says it’s more and more difficult to compete as a small outfit, especially after massive mergers between big breweries, like the $107 billion merger between Anheuser-Busch InBev and SABMiller, which needed federal government approval to close in 2016. In its recent report, Treasury looked at how big brewers, distributors and retailers potentially exclude smaller players from the market. Smaller brewers complain that distributors choose to work primarily with larger companies and retailers slot beer in preferred locations on shelves, despite a ban on the practice. Jim McGreevy, president of the

Beer Institute, which represents the country’s biggest beermakers, said the report is a “mischaracterization of the thriving American beer industry.” “Consumers are benefiting from the growing number of brewers and beer importers, with more choices for beer than at any other time in our nation’s history,” he said in a statement. Beer, ale and malt beverage prices increased by about 2% last year, significantly below the overall annual inflation rate of 7%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Census Bureau reported that there were 4,217 breweries in 2019, about 80% of which have fewer than 20 employees. There’s been a roughly tenfold increase in breweries with fewer than 20 workers since 2009, a sign of the growth of independent brewing and the desire for greater access to the market. The issue of a few companies dominating the market extends beyond beer and wine makers to

the larger economy, says Matthew Weinberg, a professor at Ohio State University who studies anticompetition issues. Weinberg, who has researched the effects of beer company mergers, found that merger agreements between large brewers can result in price increases to consumers, even though companies say that these unions lower costs for people. “I can imagine that the most vulnerable people in our economy are the ones who are least able to avoid price increases. It has consequences for the rise in inequality we’ve seen in the past 40 years,” Weinberg said. Pease says his association is working on building solutions for smaller brewers where federal enforcement is lacking. “What has been a consistent pattern over the past 12 to 24 months is wholesaler consolidation, where there are fewer and fewer beer distributors, which inhibits small brewers’ ability to go to market,” he said. “What we’re doing now is pushing for direct to consumer shipping.” Most states restrict direct shipment of beer to customers, but at least 12 states including Florida, Hawaii, and West Virginia, have started to allow the practice. Most states allow the direct shipment of wine. The Treasury report leaves it up to the states to decide. “State officials need to evaluate the direct-to-consumer distribution model,” both in terms of opportunities for small producers and the risks of making alcohol available to underage drinkers, the report states. It added that “such balancing of public policy values is best addressed by a democratically-elected legislature.”

North State Journal for Wednesday, February 23, 2022

2022 MINI John Cooper Works

A grin-inducing go kart on steroids The automotive equivalent of an excited puppy By Jordan Golson North State Journal SAN DIEGO — I’ve driven a lot of fun, affordable sports cars over the years. “It’s better to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow” is a famous adage on amateur track days, and it’s 100 percent true. I’d rather drive a Mazda MX-5 or Toyota 86 around a race track than a Lamborghini Huracan. A high-performance rocket ship like the Lamborghini allows less talented drivers to cover their mistakes with raw power. If you mess up your braking point in a track-focused supercar, it’s not as big a deal as if you make a tiny error in my test car this week, the 228-horsepower Mini John Cooper Works hardtop. Here’s a provocative statement: This little Mini JCW is the best affordable sports car you can buy today. With a turbocharged two-liter engine making 228 hp and 235 ftlbs of torque, the JCW skips from 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds with the 8-speed automatic fitted. There’s also a six-speed manual available, making for a good time but a slightly slower run to 60 mph. Minis have always been fun little go karts — or at least the small, three-door variants are. The bigger Clubman stretches the definition of Mini, but this three-door hardtop is quintessential Mini fun. This car is like an excited puppy, scrabbling hard to put down the power and get going down the road. It’s front-wheel drive, a fun challenge, but with sticky tires and an excellent adaptive suspension, the JCW is only too happy to rip into corners at whoop-inducing speeds. Four-piston brakes, developed with Brembo, help get things under control if you get a little too excited. But it’s the excellent steering that makes the Mini JCW so much

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MINI

fun. With the wheels pushed way out to the corners, the car turns on a dime, and zipping through traffic is consistently grin-inducing. The beer can-shaped dual exhaust makes a delightful burble,

particularly in Sport mode, and it’s a friendly reminder that you’re sitting in something special. John Cooper Works is the racing division of MINI, roughly equivalent to parent company BMW’s M

division, and JCW badges are everywhere: the wheels, brakes, fenders, and the boot are all emblazoned with the logo. The JCW gets a fun rear spoiler above the tailgate, and the British flag taillights are a fun tongue-in-cheek nod to Mini’s home country. The Mini’s interior is very loveit-or-hate-it, with an enormous circular dial in the middle acting as a throwback to the classic Mini’s centrally mounted speedometer. Sadly that’s gone, replaced with a modern navigation screen. It is, however, surrounded by a color-changing dial that can alternatively act as a tachometer, volume indicator, or climate control temperature display. It’s a wildly unnecessary but charming add-on, and there’s a lot of that in this car. The glowing, bright red start/ stop switch is in the center of a row of old-style toggle switches at the bottom of the central control stack. The steering wheel is small, lovely

to grip, and eager to send the car off in exciting new directions with the slightest twitch. The oval-shaped digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel is a nice change from the rectangular screens that adorn every other vehicle. Just about the only thing I dislike about the MINI John Cooper Works is the annoying BMW shifter that protrudes between the front seats like a tall stick stuck in the ground. It feels out of place with the automatic transmission affixed, though it’s the perfect position for a manual shifter (which is why it’s there, of course). The seats are comfortable, at least up front - don’t plan to bring many friends along, especially if they have any stuff with them. Folding down the rear seats gives you ample cargo space, but with the rear seats up, you’ve barely got room for a backpack or overnight bag. This is a city car for folks without children or a commuter or weekend toy for families. I can’t tell you how much joy this fantastic Mini brought me in the week I had it. It put a smile on my face every time I zipped away from a red light, hearing the exhaust burble and crackle when I put it in Sport mode (which is where it should always live). The toggle switches in the ceiling to control the sunroof and the color of the ambient interior lighting make you feel like you’re piloting a WWII fighter plane, and the entire car feels solidly built. It’s not cheap, but it is affordable for everything it gives you. This is a small, luxury car and, in some ways, is the entry point for the BMW performance lineup. My Mini JCW started at $32,900, but that rose quickly with the addition of the $7,000 lux- and convenience-focused Iconic trim, ending up at $41,350. There are less-expensive trims available, but this is a fair price for what can reasonably be considered a luxury sports car. It might not look the part of a traditional sports car like the MX-5 or a BR-Z, but the Mini Cooper back in the ‘60s didn’t look like anything else on the road either. The Mini is its own thing and embraces that role with gusto.

North State Journal for Wednesday, February 23, 2022

features NSJ talks NC Sweetpotatoes (yes, one word!) Below is an excerpt of a 2021 interview with the NC SweetPotato Commission in honor of their 60th anniversary. Follow the latest recipes, learning resources and industry updates at ncsweetpotatoes.com. By Elizabeth Lincicome For the North State Journal RALEIGH — The North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission is a nonprofit corporation made up of over 400 sweetpotato (officially one word) growers along with the packers, processors, and business associates that support them. The sole purpose of the commission is to increase sweetpotato consumption through education, promotional activities, research, and honoring horticultural practices among its producers. NCSPC representative CoCo Daughtry says that thanks to the six sweetpotato farmers that first chartered the commission in 1961, the commission has supported its growers and maintained North Carolina as the No. 1 sweetpotato producing state in the United States since 1971. The organization offers members education and benefits in the areas of food science, shelf stability, and best practices for growers. Daughtry sat down with the NSJ to explain a bit more about why the sweetpotato is our state’s vegetable and the rich heritage behind this community of farmers: NSJ: Tell me about the sweetpotato community of

farmers and ag workers, etc. Daughtry: The sweetpotato community in North Carolina has the best savvy and innovative farmers and industry leaders in the country. We are blessed to have a tightly woven ag community that is civic-minded and unwavering in support of their neighbors. This would include not only sweetpotato farmers and laborers but those in Extension, in research at the universities and of course our Department of Agriculture. What kind of climate do sweetpotatoes grow best in? The subtropical climate of North Carolina along with our sandy soils are the perfect growing conditions for sweetpotatoes. The majority are grown along the Piedmont area, but over half the counties in the state produce sweetpotatoes. How did it come about that NC chose the sweetpotato as the state veggie? In 1993, Mrs. Celia Batchelor’s fourth-grade civics class at Elvie Street Elementary School in Wilson, N.C. was visited by Representative Gene Arnold (since retired and former chairman of the Public School Forum of North Carolina). His visit inspired her students to become involved in their state government. These fourth-grade students, along with their parents, and teachers, began a letter-writing campaign to the State Legislature requesting that the sweetpo-

GERRY BROOME | AP PHOTO | FILE

Sweet potatoes are piled into boxes straight from the field in this file photo taken at Vick Family Farms in Wilson. tato be named the state vegetable. The entire community became involved in the campaign. After two years of letter writing and a lot of hard work, the bill passed in the General Assembly’s summer session of 1995. Our sweet superfood was declared the Official State Vegetable of North Carolina! Awareness of the nutritional value of the sweetpotato seems to be at an all-time high. Is there a cult following, and how have you worked to promote our state vegetable? I don’t know about a cult following, but we sure would like that! I can say that as health has become top of mind for consumers, we are seeing increased use of sweetpotatoes more than only at the holidays. In an effort to create a greater

“following” of lifelong sweetpotato consumers, we set out to captivate them at an earlier age. In doing so, we had developed a K-12 curriculum set up in step with U.S. Board of Education standards featuring sweetpotatoes as a tool for lessons. Coupled with that we have worked with N.C. Farm to School to create the video series you asked about earlier and have created recipes to use in the school dining setting. Is there more than one use for a sweetpotato? What else do you make with them? As the words in our jingle go: “Serve up broad with a dip, or fried sweetpotato chips, sweetpotato pancakes, salads too, Bake em , broil em… good for you.” That being said, sweetpotatoes are delicious served sweet or savory. We encour-

age sweetpotato consumers to step out of their comfort zones and experiment by using sweetpotatoes in smoothies, roasted in salads, on the grill, or spiralized to replace noodles. Perhaps unbeknownst to many parents, school nutrition employees play an outsize role in our children’s day to day health. Nationwide, 100,000 schools serve 29.6 million students lunch each day, and in North Carolina alone there are approximately 15,000 child nutrition employees in our 115 public school districts. Daughtry says this year the commission came up with three original recipes centered around sweetpotatoes. These include Chicken & Sweetpotato Teriyaki, Sweetpotato Bean Chili, and a Sweetpotato Quesadilla that are being utilized in school cafeterias around the state.

PHOTOS VIAAP

Left, a recipe for Creamy Brussels Sprouts Slaw, with a mayonnaise-based dressing spiked with citrus juice, onions, mustard, and Parmesan cheese, appears in New York in January 2018. Right, a recipe for vegan Napa cabbage slaw, made with sesame, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, and honey, appears in New York in Feb. 2020.

Slaws expand the definition of salad for winter By Katie Workman The Associated Press AS WE MAKE our way through the depths of winter, what is seasonally available influences what we want to eat and what we cook. In the main course department, we tend to turn to dishes like slow roasts, braises, stews and the like. But in many households, mine included, dinner isn’t complete without a salad. And unlike in summer, when fluffy lettuces, juicy tomatoes and fresh herbs abound, the pickings feel slimmer. This is when our definition of salad could use some expansion and creativity. Enter: Slaws. Or coleslaws — what’s the difference? Really nothing. Technically, coleslaw involves cabbage, whether green, red or napa, while the category of slaws can include all kinds of chopped or shredded crunchy vegetables. The two words are used interchangeably for the most part however. Merriam-Webster Dictionary says “coleslaw” comes from the Dutch “koolsla,” which combines “kool” (cabbage) and “sla” (salad). At its simplest, classic American coleslaw is a mixture of chopped or grat-

ed cabbage with mayonnaise, vinegar, and maybe a bit of sugar, plus salt and pepper, of course. In the South and other barbecue-heavy parts of the country, coleslaw is often served with slowcooked meats, either on the side or perhaps piled onto a pulled pork or smoked brisket sandwich. Slaw is also popular on hot dogs in some parts of the U.S., such as West Virginia. It can be found on or alongside various sandwiches in other regions, like the New York deli-style Reuben made with corned beef (with slaw instead of sauerkraut, it’s called a Rachel!), or pastrami sandwiches or hamburgers. Fried chicken is another dish frequently served with slaw. Not all slaws are made with mayo. In North Carolina, for instance, slaw is usually quite vinegary, and not at all creamy. It’s a must-have accompaniment to the region’s pulled pork. Many of us think of slaws primarily in the summer, when we are grilling outdoors or hosting a barbecue for friends. And that’s a shame, because since slaws are made from cabbage and other hardy vegetables, especially root vegetables, they are perfect for the cold-weather

cooking months. Slaws don’t get soggy as quickly as leaf lettuce salads, so they can stay in the fridge for a day or two, sometimes longer. They make use of seasonal produce, and offer a nice change of pace from cooked vegetables on the plate. They can be colorful and highly nutritious, and recipes are usually quite flexible. Once you get the basic shredding or chopping technique down and find a simple slaw dressing that you like, you can keep changing things up and adapting until baby lettuces and asparagus appear in the markets again. So, other than cabbage, what vegetables can be used to make slaws? Carrots, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi, beets, zucchini, summer squash, cucumber, bell peppers and winter squashes are some candidates. Even the harder vegetables can be used raw: The key is to shred them finely and peel off any tough skin. Remove any seeds from vegetables like squashes, cucumber or peppers. To shred cabbage for slaw, you have a few choices. To do it by hand, first remove any dinged-up outer leaves and then quarter the cabbage. Cut the core out of each quarter. Place each chunk of cabbage on

a cutting board and, using a large, sharp knife, thinly slice the cabbage crosswise to create thin shreds. You can also use a mandoline, or the slicing or shredding attachment of a food processor. I like the slicing blade better than the grating blade for cabbage, as the grating blade creates tiny bits which don’t have as much appealing texture. But you can definitely use a handheld box grater or the shredding blade for hardier vegetables, like beets or carrots. Other popular add-ins for slaws include raisins or other dried fruits, nuts, apples, grapes, celery, bacon, onions or scallions, sugar snap peas, corn and fresh herbs. Here’s a good, super-basic, creamy slaw dressing: ½ cup mayonnaise ½ cup sour cream (or additional mayonnaise) 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard ½ cup minced scallions or green onions, or red onion Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste Blend all of the ingredients together in a large bowl. Add about 6 cups of shredded cabbage or other vegetables. You can also add a couple of tablespoons of minced, seeded jalapeno peppers or a squirt of

hot sauce if you want to amp up the heat level. Asian slaws are also popular, usually made with a dressing that includes oil and vinegar blended with ingredients like soy sauce, sesame oil, scallions, ginger and cilantro. In Southeast Asian cuisine, shredded vegetable salads might include green papaya and fish sauce. There are Tex-Mex versions (think chipotles in adobo, cumin, chili powder, lime juice, cilantro), and western North Carolina boasts a Red Slaw version, with ketchup instead of mayonnaise. In Russia, cranberries often make an appearance in slaw. So, let’s brighten up those dinner plates with some new slaw recipes like Vegan Asian Napa Cabbage Slaw; Spicy Coleslaw; Brussels Sprouts, Apple, and Pomegranate Slaw Salad; Creamy Brussels Sprouts Slaw; Kohlrabi, Green Cabbage and Broccoli Rabe Slaw, and Creamy Blue Cheese and Bacon Coleslaw. Katie Workman writes frequently about food for The Associated Press. She has written two cookbooks focused on familyfriendly cooking, “Dinner Solved!” and “The Mom 100 Cookbook.” She blogs at http://www. themom100.com/about-katieworkman. She can be reached at Katie@themom100.com.

North State Journal for Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Once savvy, NBC’s Olympics deal is shakier after Beijing The Associated Press NEW YORK — There were many reasons to think NBC made a savvy business deal in 2014 when it locked up the American media rights to the Olympics through 2032 for $7.75 billion. As the Beijing winter games come to a close, it’s harder to see them now. These Olympics were a disaster for the network: a buzz-free, hermetically-sealed event in an authoritarian country a half-day’s time zone away, where the enduring images will be the emotional meltdown of Russian teen-agers after a drug-tainted figure skating competition and a bereft Mikaela Shiffrin, sitting on a ski slope wondering what went wrong. Many American athletes underperformed, and arguably the most successful — freestyle skier Eileen Gu — competed for China. Viewers stayed away in alarming numbers, and NBC has to wonder whether it was extraordinarily bad luck or if the brand of a once-unifying event for tens of millions of people is permanently tainted. “Given the investment, they’ve got to be disappointed right now,” said Andrew Billings, director of the sports communications program at the University of Alabama. Network executives say there are no plans to try and adjust or escape from its rights deal. Several experts say that would be unlikely, given how live sports are increasing in value and represent one of the few ways advertisers can gather large audiences to sell automobiles or beer. NBC Olympics President Gary Zenkel talks optimistically about future games in Paris, Italy and Los Angeles. Beijing, like Tokyo last year, took place in an environment where the primary objective was to prevent the spread of COVID-19. That meant no fans or athletes’ families in the stands, no quirky

BERNAT ARMANGUE | AP PHOTO

Kamila Valieva, of the Russian Olympic Committee, reacts after the women’s free skate program during the figure skating competition at the 2022 Winter Olympics, Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022, in Beijing. stories about the host country and even few announcers: most of NBC’s team worked from an office building in suburban Connecticut. “Certainly one of the great supporting actors in every Olympics is the host city,” Zenkel said. “It’s the culture, the people, even the sponsor activations. People from all over the world come together and that is not (in Beijing) and there’s no way for us to try to translate something like that.” Through Tuesday, an average of 12.2 million people watched the Olympics in prime-time on NBC, cable or the Peacock streaming service, down 42 percent from the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea. The average for NBC alone was 10 million, a 47 percent drop, the Nielsen company said.

That’s even with the average inflated by airing directly after the Super Bowl, a night that brought in 24 million viewers. NBC Sports chairman Pete Bevacqua said ratings are in line with what they told advertisers, who are sold packages that include linear and streaming coverage. NBC has not yet said whether the Beijing games turned a profit or lost money. Thursday’s figure skating, where Russian Kamila Valieva competed despite a positive drug test and fumbled away any chance at a medal, was excruciating television. One woman on Twitter proclaimed the Olympics were “over for me. My lasting impression will be fake snow against a backdrop of 87 nuclear reactors in a country

with a despicable human rights record during a pandemic. And kids who can look forward to years of therapy.” The image of Valieva standing alone on the ice, looking terrified before her performance, stuck with NBC’s Mike Tirico. “The adults in the room left her alone,” he said on the air. “Portrayed by some this week as the villain, by others as the victim. She in fact is the victim of the villains.” While there has long been corruption in the bidding process for the Olympics, the Valieva episode tarnished the actual competition, Billings said. “That’s even more damaging to the product,” he said. For NBC, “this feels like a particularly vulnerable moment,” said

someone closely involved with the Olympics and television, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of ongoing business ties. The time zones for Paris and winter 2026 in Italy are still not ideal, with the prospect of no live events in prime time in the United States. That changes for Los Angeles in summer 2028. The 2030 Winter Games could be held in North America, with Vancouver and Salt Lake City expressing interest. The IOC could name a host city next year. Brisbane, Australia, was named the summer 2032 host last year. Bevacqua and NBC realize there is work ahead to build an Olympic brand that has been tarnished over the past six months. “I think we in many ways have to work internally with the IOC with the USOPC to rejuvenate the Games coming out of Tokyo and Beijing in preparation for Paris, Italy and LA. That is going to be a strategic priority of ours,” Bevacqua said. NBC knew, even before the pandemic, that the Tokyo and Beijing games were likely to be the low point of the rights deal, said John Ourand, media writer at the Sports Business Journal. “Things look particularly bleak now,” Ourand said. “It certainly is a low-water mark. But two of the next three Olympics are going to be blockbusters for NBC.” Although European games might not be best for a primetime television audience, they will be better for people who want to see events on demand, NBC said. The executives said it was possible that more exclusive content will be moved to Peacock, which requires a paid subscription. But they also envision Peacock as a one-stop home for everything about the Olympics. “I wouldn’t run to say (the rights deal) is not working for NBC,” Pilson said. “On the contrary, I think it is and it will work better for them.”

CLAY ENOS/COLUMBIA PICTURES-SONY PICTURES VIA AP

Tom Holland appears in a scene from “Unchartered.”

Tom Holland’s latest adventure ‘Uncharted’ tops box office The Associated Press TOM HOLLAND might be without his Spider-Man suit in “Uncharted,” but his latest action-adventure is still doing good business at the North American box office. The video game adaptation starring Holland and Mark Wahlberg is on its way to earning $51 million over the long Presidents Day weekend, according to studio estimates Sunday. Sony Pictures estimated its Friday through Sunday grosses will be $44.2 million, putting it at No. 1. Though not a superhero payday, it’s enough for the industry to breathe a sigh of relief as it’s the biggest opening weekend since “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” The weekend’s other new opener, “Dog” found a modest audience too and landed in second place. The unpredictability of pan-

demic-era audiences made “Uncharted” a bit of a wild card, and the poor reviews from critics had some going into the weekend with cautious optimism. The Ruben Fleischer-directed pic, based on a PlayStation game, opened on 4,275 screens. “This result is yet another extraordinary testament to the appetite for the theatrical experience that Sony Pictures bet on,” said Josh Greenstein, the president of Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group, in a statement. Sony also released the megahit “Spider-Man: No Way Home” exclusively in theaters late last year. That Holland-led enterprise has now earned over $770.1 million in North America and is the No. 3 domestic release of all time. “Tom Holland is a megastar regardless of whether he’s Peter Parker or Nathan Drake,” said Paul Dergarabedian, the senior

media analyst for Comscore. “For many of the actors who have portrayed superheroes, breaking out of that role and having big box office success outside of that is a tough go.” “Uncharted” does have a ways to go to make up its $120 million production budget, which will likely be heavily offset by overseas earnings. Its global total has already surpassed $100 million and, unlike “Spider-Man,” “Uncharted” will also get the benefit of a release in China, beginning March 14. Channing Tatum’s “Dog,” which he co-directed (with his longtime producing partner Reid Carolin) and stars in, also opened on 3,677 screens this weekend. United Artists estimates that it’ll earn $15.1 million for the weekend and $18.1 million including Monday. Tatum plays an Army ranger tasked with driving a traumatized military

dog from Oregon to Arizona for her handler’s funeral in the film, which was received well by critics and audiences. Plus, it only cost around $15 million to make. The PostTrak survey shows that the opening weekend audience for “Dog” was 53% over age 35 and 54% was female. “To have two movies do really solid business makes it feel like 2019 all over again,” Dergarabedian said. In its second weekend Kenneth Branagh’s “Death on the Nile” landed in fourth place with $6.3 million, behind “Spider-Man,” while “Jackass Forever” took fifth place with $5.2 million. According to Dergarabedian, the momentum from this weekend should be the “perfect leadup” to the already highly anticipated release of Warner Bros. “The Batman” on March 4. “Think about all the people in

the movie theater this weekend being exposed to trailers,” Dergarabedian said. “This is great news for ‘The Batman.’” Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore. Final domestic figures will be released Monday. 1. “Uncharted,” $44.2 million. 2. “Dog,” $15.1 million. 3. “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” $7.2 million. 4. “Death on the Nile,” $6.3 million. 5. “Jackass Forever,” $5.2 million. 6. “Marry Me,” $3.7 million. 7. “Sing 2,” $2.8 million. 8. “Scream,” $2 million. 9. “Blacklight,” $1.8 million. 10. “The Cursed,” $1.7 million.

North State Journal for Wednesday, February 23, 2022

B10 TAKE NOTICE

CABARRUS AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 19 SP 41 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Jean R. Cook and Michael Hancock (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Michael A. Hancock and Jean Cook, Heirs of Jean Cook a/k/a Jean R. Cook: Kellie J. Hancock a/k/a Kellie Hancock) to PRLAP, Inc., Trustee(s), dated August 15, 2003, and recorded in Book No. 4775, at Page 187 in Cabarrus County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register

CUMBERLAND PUBLICATION DATES: February 23, 2022 and March 2, 2022 File No.: 21 CVS 6940 AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in a judgment bearing the caption “Freedom Mortgage Corporation vs. Joseph Allen Smaw,

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CUMBERLAND COUNTY 20sp96 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY ANTHONY JEFFREY TODARO AND CHRISTY L. TODARO DATED JULY 18, 2013 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 9250 AT PAGE 240 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

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CUMBERLAND COUNTY 19SP592 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY KEVIN C. SOMSAVAENGRANDQUIST AND CHANPHAENG SOMSAVAENGRANDQUIST DATED JANUARY 27, 2012 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 8819 AT PAGE 138 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

21 SP 763 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, CUMBERLAND COUNTY

of Deeds Cabarrus County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Concord, Cabarrus County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on February 28, 2022 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Kannapolis in the County of Cabarrus, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot 112 of Manchester Place, Phase 1, Map 2 as the same is shown on a map thereof recorded in Map Book 37 at Page 110 in the Cabarrus County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 2214 Oakhurst Court, Kannapolis, North Carolina. Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third

Jr., Tahna Shere Stephens aka Tahna Shere Smaw, Castle Credit Co. Holdings, LLC, and Substitute Trustee Services, Inc., Substitute Trustee, and pursuant to the terms of the judgment, the undersigned Commissioner will offer for sale that certain property as described below. Said sale will be held in the City of Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, the 7th day of March, 2022 at the courthouse door, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situate in the County of Cumberland North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of lot number 50 in a subdivision known as ARRAN HILLS, SECTION 14, PART 3 and the same being duly recorded in Book of Plats 52, at page 3, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina.

and, pursuant to demand of the owner and holder of the secured debt, the undersigned substitute trustee will expose for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at the county courthouse of said county at 10:00AM on February 28, 2022 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 Anthony Jeffrey Todaro and Christy L. Todaro, dated July 18, 2013 to secure the original principal amount of $163,844.00, and recorded in Book 9250 at Page 240 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: Plains Dr, Hope Mills, NC 28348 Tax Parcel ID:

3017

High

0 4 24 - 5 7-

and, pursuant to demand of the owner and holder of the secured debt, the undersigned substitute trustee will expose for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at the county courthouse of said county at 10:30AM on March 7, 2022 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 Kevin C. SomsavaengRandquist and Chanphaeng Somsavaeng-Randquist, dated January 27, 2012 to secure the original principal amount of $130,241.00, and recorded in Book 8819 at Page 138 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: Silverbell Loop, Fayetteville, NC 28304 Tax Parcel ID:

0405-66-

and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on March 2, 2022 at 01:30 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Cumberland County, North Carolina, to wit:

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Jack A McClure And Jill M McClure to David W. Allred, Trustee(s), which was dated December 4, 2012 and recorded on December 10, 2012 in Book 09061 at Page 0656, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina.

BEING all of Lot 3 in a subdivision known as WILLOW OAKS, and the same being duly recorded in Book of Plats 110, Page 38, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina

Said property is commonly known as 6450 Willow Oaks Dr, Stedman, NC 28391.

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CUMBERLAND COUNTY 19sp1719 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY RICHARD T. HARVATIN DATED OCTOBER 13, 2016 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 09968 AT PAGE 0433 IN THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA *102.19-108594.FC01.202* 19-108594 IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CUMBERLAND COUNTY 19sp1719

15 SP 789 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 Brian Scott Remson and April A. Remson to The Law Offices of Daniel A. Fulco, PLLC, Trustee(s), which was dated June 15, 2006 and recorded on June 27, 2006 in Book 7281 at Page 461, 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

21 SP 514 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

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

A certified check only (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due

IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY RICHARD T. HARVATIN DATED OCTOBER 13, 2016 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 09968 AT PAGE 0433 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 payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Cumberland County courthouse at 10:30AM on February 28, 2022, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Cumberland County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Richard T. Harvatin, dated October 13, 2016 to secure the original principal amount of $145,268.00, and recorded in Book 09968 at Page 0433 of the Cumberland County Public Registry. The

conducting the sale on March 9, 2022 at 01:30 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Cumberland County, North Carolina, to wit:

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

Property Address – 6423 Dunham Drive, Fayetteville, North Carolina 28304 Parcel Identification No.: 0406-16-4098 The property is being sold “as is”, without warranties, subject to all taxes, special assessments and prior liens or encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Any assessments, costs or fees resulting from the sale will be due and payable from the purchaser at the sale. The sale will not convey any personal property which may be located on the real property and the Commissioner makes no warranties or representations as to whether improvements to the real property are personal in nature. A cash deposit (no personal check), or

9681Present Record Owners: Organization, LLC

W a l t o n

And Being more commonly known as: 3017 High Plains Dr, Hope Mills, NC 28348 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Walton Organization, LLC. The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities

4833 Kevin Present Record Owners: C. Somsavaeng-Randquist and Chanphaeng SomsavaengRandquist And Being more commonly known as: 2542 Silverbell Loop, Fayetteville, NC 28304 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Kevin C. Somsavaeng-Randquist and Chanphaeng SomsavaengRandquist. 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

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

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: Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28306 Tax Parcel ID: 6251Present Record Owners: Unknown Heirs of Richard T. Harvatin

3329 Cornell 0434-08T

The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are The Unknown Heirs of Richard T. Harvatin. The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder

EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.

Said property is commonly known as 4958 Pinewood 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 Brian Scott Remson and wife, April A. Remson.

Being all of Lot 23 in a Subdivision known as Pinewood Lakes Sub-Div., Section I and the same being duly recorded in Book of Plats 27, Page 49, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

Parcel Number: 0426-22-2453

NORTH CAROLINA, CUMBERLAND COUNTY

BEING all of Lot Number Eighteen (18) of Hilltop Subdivision as shown on plat of the same recorded in Book of Plats 22, page 57, in the Office of the Register of Deeds, Cumberland County, North Carolina.

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Denis MacDonald Goodridge to Netco, Inc., Trustee(s), which was dated June 27, 2012 and recorded on July 3, 2012 in Book 08938 at Page 0591, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina.

Being the same property or a portion of the same property conveyed to Denis McDonald Goodridge by Instrument dated May 09, 1978 from Max Cleland, Administrator of Veteran’s Affairs filed on May 11, 1978 in Book 2653 at Page 802 in the Cumberland County records.

Defaulthavingbeenmadeofthenotetherebysecuredbythe said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on March 9, 2022 at 01:30 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Cumberland County, North Carolina, to wit:

Also being the same property or part of the same property acquired by an instrument dated October 07, 2010 and recorded on November 17, 2010 as (instrument) 37453 (book) 08523, (page) 0583 of the Official Records of Cumberland County, North Carolina from Denis McDonald Goodridge, a single man aka Denis MacDonald Goodridge, grantor, to Denis MacDonald Goodridge, a single man, grantee.

20 SP 45 AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on March 9, 2022 at 01:30 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Cumberland County, North Carolina, to wit:

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

BEING ALL OF LOTS 136 & 137 IN THE NANA BROADFOOT SUBDIVISION, ACCORDING TO A PLAT OF THE SAME DULY RECORDED IN BOOK OF PLATS 9, PAGE 57, CUMBERLAND COUNTY REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA.

NORTH CAROLINA, CUMBERLAND COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Horatio S. Fox and Mary Ann Fox to Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, Trustee(s), which was dated August 29, 2005 and recorded on September 2, 2005 in Book 6996 at Page 0851, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina. Defaulthavingbeenmadeofthenotetherebysecuredbythe said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the

Commonly Drive,

known Fayetteville,

as:

2127 NC

Dillon 28306

Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 306 North Churchill Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28303. A certified check only (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time

Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 2127 Dillon DR, Fayetteville, NC 28306. A certified check only (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes,

An Order for possession of the property may be issued

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.

certified check in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the high bid, will be required at the time of the sale. The sale will be held open for ten days for upset bids as required by law. This the 9th day of February, 2022. Susan R. Benoit, Commissioner Post Office Box 2505, Fayetteville, NC 28302 (910) 8646888

COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE, except as stated below in the instance of bankruptcy protection. IF YOU ARE UNDER THE PROTECTION OF THE BANKRUPTCY COURT OR HAVE BEEN DISCHARGED AS A RESULT OF A BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDING, THIS NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU PURSUANT TO STATUTORY REQUIREMENT AND FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND IS NOT INTENDED AS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT OR AS AN ACT TO COLLECT, ASSESS, OR RECOVER ALL OR ANY PORTION OF THE DEBT FROM YOU PERSONALLY.

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. 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: 1261786 - 10730

THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. THE PURPOSE OF THIS COMMUNICATION IS TO

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

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

a tenant residing in the property, be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon written notice to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time notice of termination is provided. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. The date of this Notice is December 29, 2021. LLG Trustee LLC Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 20-109014

Parkway,

Suite

400

a tenant residing in the property, be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon written notice to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time notice of termination is provided. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. The date of this Notice is January 12, 2022. LLG Trustee LLC Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 18-103291

Parkway,

Suite

400

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS: If you are

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.

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

File No.: 21-07218-FC01

of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days written notice to the landlord. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

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

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587

The date of this Notice is February 8, 2022. Attorney for the Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 19-108594

Suite

400

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.

File No.: 15-09591-FC01

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 Denis MacDonald Goodridge.

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.

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

pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b) (2)]. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior

to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 19-21538-FC01

North State Journal for Wednesday, February 23, 2022

B11

TAKE NOTICE

FORSYTH AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 21 SP 357 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by John R. Chambers and Nan T. Chambers (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): John R. Chambers and Nan T. Chambers) to William R. Echols, Trustee(s), dated May 22, 2013, and recorded in Book No. RE 3125, at Page 1980 in Forsyth County Registry, North Carolina. The Deed of Trust was modified by the following: A Loan Modification recorded on April 2, 2019, in Book No. RE 3453, at Page 578 , default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Forsyth County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:15

ONSLOW NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 21 SP 524 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Alexis K. Bedoya and Ruben Bedoya (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Alexis K. Bedoya and Ruben Bedoya) to The Law Offices of Daniel A. Fulco, PLLC, Trustee(s), dated January 12, 2007, and recorded in Book No. 2802, at Page 962 in Onslow County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Onslow County, North Carolina and the holder of the note

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 21 SP 474 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Geoffred E. Gatlin and Diana L. Gatlin (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Geoffred E. Gatlin and Diana L. Gatlin) to National Title Network, Trustee(s), dated November 26, 2011, and recorded in Book No. 3689, at Page 146 in Onslow County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Onslow County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Jacksonville, Onslow County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 10:00 AM on March 3, 2022 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Hubert

RANDOLPH NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION

Page 1); running thence along a new line North 08 degrees 53 minutes 00 seconds West 180.59 feet to a new iron pipe located in the southern right of way line of Robinhood Road; running thence along the southern right of way line of Robinhood Road North 76 degrees 22 minutes 56 seconds East 150.55 feet to the point and place of beginning, and containing 23,980.688 square feet as shown on the survey prepared by Harris Baker Gupton, PLS, dated June 5, 2000. The above-described tract consists of the major portion of Lot 7 as shown on the Map of Merry Acres as recorded in Plat Book 24, Page 1, in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Forsyth County, North Carolina. Being the same premises conveyed to John R. Chambers and wife, Nan T. Chambers, by deed from Sara P. Chambers, widow, dated 11/22/2005, and recorded 11/28/2005, in Deed Book 2620, Page 1841, in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Forsyth County, North Carolina.

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

evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Jacksonville, Onslow County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 10:00 AM on March 3, 2022 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Midway Park in the County of Onslow, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 12 B, Block A, as shown on a plat entitled “Section I, The Glen of Hunters Creek” as recorded in Map Book 22, Page 153, Onslow County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 1954 Heather Loop, Midway Park, North Carolina.

The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return

of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not

cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23.

A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed

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

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1).

in the County of Onslow, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: The Land referred to herein below is situated in the County of Onslow, State of North Carolina, and is described as follows:

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 22SP3 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY STANLY IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY TIM RILEY HARWOOD AND MARY V. HARWOOD DATED SEPTEMBER 26, 2008 RECORDED IN BOOK 1252 AT PAGE 534 IN THE STANLY COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE

UNION NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 18 SP 545 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Seth A. Coltrain and Dina Harris (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Seth A. Coltrain and Dina Harris) to Costner Law Office, Trustee(s), dated April 6, 2016, and recorded in Book No. 6649, at Page 35 in Union County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of

WAKE NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION WAKE COUNTY 21 CVS 10266 OF

DARRIN FENWAY MCCLAIN and BRENDA FAYE MCCLAIN Petitioners,

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION WAKE COUNTY 19SP2731 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY WILMA O. ZIPF AND DONALD JOSEPH ZIPF, JR. DATED OCTOBER 6, 1995 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 6704 AT PAGE 51 IN THE WAKE COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in the payment of the secured indebtedness and failure to perform the stipulation and agreements therein contained

21 SP 1647 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 Nathan David Farcasin to Gold Law PA, Trustee(s), which was dated June 7, 2019 and recorded on June 7, 2019 in Book 017467 at Page 00795, 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 courthouse for conducting the sale on March 2, 2022 at 10:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Wake County, North Carolina, to wit:

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.

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale

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.

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA RANDOLPH COUNTY IN THE SUPERIOR COURT

been filed in the above-entitled Complaint. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows:

Heglar v. Gardner; 21 CVS 1780 To Alexandra Gardner:

Plaintiff is seeking compensatory damages that resulted from property damage to a vehicle and all other consequential damages resulting from a motor vehicle

City of Hubert; Township of Swansboro, County of Onslow; State of North Carolina Being all of Lot 8 as shown on map entitled “Final Plat Creeker Town South Subdivision” dated October 20, 2005 and recorded in Map Book 50 Page 1 Slide L-1099 Onslow County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 115 Spain Drive, Hubert, North Carolina. Parcel ID: 067862 Commonly known as 115 Spain Drive, Hubert, NC 28539 However, by showing this address no additional coverage is provided.

Take notice that a pleading seeking relief against you has

STANLY

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION COMPLAINT TO QUIET TITLE

PM on March 2, 2022 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Winston Salem in the County of Forsyth, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: All that certain lot or parcel of land situated in Winston Township, Forsyth County, North Carolina and more particularly described as follows: Being known and designated as Lots No. 7 & 8, Block 4, on the map showing a portion of Merry Acres, recorded in Plat Book 24, at Page 1, in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Forsyth County, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 2786 Robinhood Road, Winston Salem, North Carolina. Save and Except for the 23,980.688 square foot tract of land conveyed to John Robert Chambers and wife, Nan Tyler Chambers in Deed Book 2127, Page 1427, in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Forsyth County, North Carolina, said property being more particularly described as follows: Beginning at a one-half inch existing iron pipe located in the southern right of way line of Robinhood Road said point being also the northeast corner of Lot 7 as shown on the Map of Merry Acres as recorded in Plat Book 24, Page 1 Forsyth County Registry; running thence along the eastern line of said Lot 7 South 01 degrees 46 minutes 00 seconds West 186.69 feet to a one-inch existing iron pipe located in the southeast corner of said Lot 7; running thence along the southerly line of said Lot 7 South 76 degrees 23 minutes 50 seconds West 115.92 feet to a point, said point being the southwest corner of said Lot 7 and the southeast corner of Lot 8 as shown on the Map of Merry Acres (Plat Book 24,

2 8 0 2 4

Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Stanly County courthouse at 12:00 PM on March 2, 2022, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Stanly County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Tim Riley Harwood; Mary V. Harwood, dated September 26, 2008 to secure the original principal amount of $101,246.00, and recorded in Book 1252 at Page 534 of the Stanly 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: Harwood Rd, New London, NC 28127 Tax Parcel ID: 662003000802 Present Record Owners: Riley Harwood

Deeds Union County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Judicial Center in Monroe, Union County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:00 PM on March 10, 2022 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Monroe in the County of Union, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 2, containing 1.082 acres, of MEDLIN FARMS, Section I, according to map recording in Plat Cabinet C, File 530, Union County Registry, to which reference is hereby made for a more particular description. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 5800 Laney Rogers Road, Monroe, North Carolina.Property Address: 5800 Laney Rogers Road, Monroe, NC 28112

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

Heirs of Tim

The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Heirs of Tim Riley Harwood. The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property

accident on November 6, 2019. You are required to make defense to such pleading not later than April 4, 2022, and upon your failure to do so the party seeking service against you will apply to the court for the relief sought.

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: 4581 - 16933

This, the 23rd day of February 2022. D. Darren Howard (Attorney to Debra Heglar; Plaintiff) 820 N. Elm St. High Point, NC 27262

offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice

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

The date of this Notice is 2nd day of February, 2022. Grady I. Ingle, Attorney for Substitute Trustee Ingle Law Firm, PA 13801 Reese Blvd West Suite 160 Huntersville, NC 28078 (980) 771-0717 Ingle Case Number: 5453-6450

All persons, firms, and corporations having claims against DALLAS JAMES BROWN (aka DALLAS J. BROWN), of 35 Springmoor Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina 27615, are hereby notified to present them to ELIZABETH B. CONNER, 8101 Stillbreeze Drive, Fuquay Varina, NC 27526, and BEVERLY B. McCOY, 242 Pebblebrook Lane,

Macon, GA 31220, Co-Executors, on or before the 23rd day of May, 2022, in care of the undersigned at the address below, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to DALLAS JAMES BROWN (aka DALLAS J. BROWN)will please make immediate payment to the Estate of DALLAS JAMES

BROWN (aka DALLAS J. BROWN). This the 23rd day of February, 2022.

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION OF

Elizabeth Powell, Baron Powell, James Powell, David Powell, Mitchell Powell, Lewis Powell, Barbara Powell and Albert Powell : PLEASE TAKE NOTICE a complaint has been filed claiming that you have no right, title, or interest in the following property in Wake County and described as follows:

shown on a map recorded in Book of Maps 1999 pg. 1842, WCR, for further reference.

Tel: 888-443-1446 Email: cameron@hemphillgelderlaw.com

You must respond in writing to the address below by March 29, 2022 or your default will be entered and judgment rendered declaring that you have no right, title or interest in this property.

STAM LAW FIRM, PLLC S/ Paul Stam, Attorney for Petitioner P.O. Box 1600 Apex, NC 27502 Tel: 919-642-8971 Fax: 919-387-7329 Email: paulstam@stamlawfirm.com Publish: February 16, February 23, March 2, 2022

COMPLAINT TO QUIET TITLE HENRY POWELL SMITH, et al, including the UNKNOWN HEIRS OF AFFIE “EFFIE” SMITH POWELL, WILLIAM ATLAS POWELL, NITA POWELL, ETHELENE POWELL, CAROLYN POWELL, ELIZABETH POWELL, BARON POWELL, JAMES POWELL, DAVID POWELL, MITCHELL POWELL, LEWIS POWELL, BARBARA POWELL, and ALBERT POWELL, Respondents. To the unknown heirs of Affie “Effie” Smith Powell, William Atlas Powell, Nita Powell, Ethelene Powell, Carolyn Powell,

and, pursuant to demand of the owner and holder of the secured debt, the undersigned substitute trustee will expose for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at the county courthouse of said county at 11:00AM on March 4, 2022 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, in Wake County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Wilma O. Zipf and Donald Joseph Zipf, Jr., dated October 6, 1995 to secure the original principal amount of $119,920.00, and recorded in Book 6704 at Page 51 of the Wake County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property: Woodbrook Way, Garner, NC 27529 Tax Parcel ID:

0134424

BEGINNING AT A POINT ON THE SOUTHWEST SIDE OF NEW BERN AVENUE ROAD, SAID POINT BEING THE NORTH-EAST CORNER OF LOT NO. 17; RUNNING THENCE IN A SOUTHWESTERLY DIRECTION ALONG THE DIVIDING LINE BETWEEN LOTS 17 AND 18, A DISTANCE OF 155 FEET TO THE CENTER OF A BRANCH; THENCE SOUTHEASTERLY ALONG THE CENTER OF SAID BRANCH A DISTANCE OF 42 FEET TO THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF LOT NO. 19; THENCE NORTHEASTERLY ALONG THE DIVIDING LINE BETWEEN LOTS NO. 19 AND NO. 18, A DISTANCE OF 171 FEET TO A POINT ON THE SOUTHWEST SIDE OF NEW BERN AVENUE ROAD; THENCE NORTHWESTERLY ALONG THE SOUTHWESTERN LINE OF NEW BERN AVENUE ROAD, A DISTANCE OF 40 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING; BEING LOT NO. 18 ACCORDING TO A MAP OF BATTERY HEIGHTS, WHICH MAP IS RECORDED IN BOOK OF MAPS 1911, PAGE 23, OFFICE OF REGISTER OF DEEDS, WAKE COUNTY, N. C. AND BEING THE SAME LOT OF LAND CONVEYED TO E.H. BROUGHTON BY FRED F. DRAKE AND WIFE, BY DEED DATED AUGUST 11, 1942, AND RECORDED IN BOOK 451, AT PAGE 72, IN THE REGISTRY

BEING that tract of land containing 0.55 acres, more or less, with an address of 2249 E. Williams St., Apex, NC 27539, and bounded on the west by the eastern right of way of N.C. Hwy 55, on the north by other property of the Plaintiffs, see Deed Book 18425 pg. 2211, WCR, on the south by Equity Trust Co., Custodian—Wake ID # 56638, and on the east by Lots 206, 207, and 208 of Sunset Hills Phase 3 Section 1, as

Present Record Owners: Wilma O. Zipf

The Estate of

And Being more commonly known as: 1129 Woodbrook Way, Garner, NC 27529 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are The Estate of Wilma O. Zipf. 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 OF WAKE COUNTY. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 1504 Poole Rd, Raleigh, NC 27610. A certified check only (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to

ELIZABETH B. CONNER and BEVERLY B. McCOY, Co-

This the 23rd day of February, 2022. HEMPHILL GELDER P.C. S/ Cameron Stanton Guardian Ad Litem for Unknown Heirs P.O. Box 31205 Raleigh, NC 27622

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

Executors c/o Tanya N. Oesterreich Oesterreich Law, PLLC PO Box 2067 Concord, NC 28026

purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon written notice to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time notice of termination is provided. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. The date of this Notice is January 31, 2022. LLG Trustee LLC Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 19-107715

Parkway,

Suite

400

B12

North State Journal for Wednesday, February 23, 2022

pen & paper pursuits

sudoku

solutions From February 23, 2022

VOLUME 6 ISSUE 52 | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2022 | RANDOLPHRECORD.COM

THE RANDOLPH COUNTY EDITION OF THE NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Randolph record

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Under construction

Here’s the scene Monday at historical McCrary Park, where renovations are taking place. Dugouts have been removed and the hill and beer pit are gone for now. Even the outfield wall has been taken down for some construction work. With this going on, Asheboro High School’s baseball team will play games at Kiwanis Park off Meadowbrook Road in Asheboro.

COUNTY NEWS

Greenwood set for concert in Liberty By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

COVID cases continue to drop After experiencing a 50% drop in cases since the first of February last week, Randolph County again saw COVID cases fall by 50% this week. The daily average of cases for the seven days ending Feb 18 was less than 50 per day. Eleven people were hospitalized last week with a positive COVID case. Over 68% of the county’s adult population has received at least one dose of the vaccine and 95% of the citizens over 65 have received a vaccine dose.

Zoo to welcome three lemurs The North Carolina Zoo is adding three new residents to the desert habitat exhibit. Cholula, Cedar and Speedwell are three grey mouse lemurs who are arriving at the zoo from the Duke Lemur Center in Durham. The lemurs are about three inches tall, and the species is the second smallest lemur in Madagascar. They are nocturnal and will likely be hiding in the bushes found in the habitat.

Thomasville reports first homicide in more than year A man was killed when he was hit by gunfire from outside his home, police said. Thomasville police said officers were dispatched to a home at 7:46 p.m. on Saturday in response to reports of shots being fired, the WinstonSalem Journal reported. Arriving officers found Elvin Yomar Barbosa Jimenez, 41, dead inside the home, police said. It was Thomasville’s first reported homicide since Feb. 1, 2021, the police department said. Witnesses told police the shots came from somewhere near the street in the residential neighborhood of mostly one-story houses.

LIBERTY — With Lee Greenwood’s appearance on the schedule for this weekend, Liberty Showcase Theater has drawn some attention. Yet in many ways, that’s nothing new for the entertainment venue. “We have a lot of country artists from the ‘70s to the ‘90s,” said Spring Gates, general manager of Brown Entertainment. “We also do have some of the top bluegrass artists.” Brown Entertainment is the company that manages the theater. Greenwood is a country music singer and songwriter, and a Grammy Award winner. For the Liberty Showcase Theater, Greenwood’s appearance shapes up as a good one, but it’s not atypical, Gates said. He fits in with a regular run of performers, with The Oak Ridge Boys and Vince Gill among the past notable singers to take the stage. Greenwood will perform at 7

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Recording artist Lee Greenwood signs Stars and Stripes during the ground breaking event for Helping a Hero Home Program for SGT Joe Bartel in August in Aberdeen. p.m. Saturday. His hits include “God Bless the USA,” “Somebody’s Gonna Love You,” “Dixie Road,” and “Going, Going, Gone.” Some performers take a larger role in marketing their perfor-

mances. That appears to be the case for Greenwood’s upcoming date. “They’ve been very proactive with that,” Gates said. Greenwood will perform at 8

p.m. Friday at another of Brown Entertainment’s locales — the Reidsville Showcase at the Rockingham Theater. The Liberty and Reidsville venues are both operated by Brown Entertainment, which is based in southern Alamance County about 12 miles from Liberty. The Reidsville location opened in mid-September with Exile on opening night. Gates said the goal is to book performers for one night at each site. Because of Greenwood’s past popularity, he might attract a more mainstream audience. “I’m not really sure if it broadens (the appeal),” Gates said. “It does cross over a little bit.” Most shows at Liberty Showcase Theater attract crowds of 400 to 500 patrons, Gates said. She said the number of shows varies per month, but the preference is to keep a full schedule. Among next month’s scheduled performers are Lonestar (March 12) and Collin Raye (March 26). “We are working to get a show every weekend,” Gates said.

School board advances pay increases, will remove bus masks Cook says pandemic response by state and federal government has “hurt our future”

Randolph Record staff ASHEBORO — Students may be able to ride buses without masks if federal rules change, and teachers will likely receive additional pay in May following votes at this week’s county board of education meeting. The Randolph County school board also adopted a 2023-2024 school calendar Monday night. Before the school board’s business session, chairman Gary Cook made a lengthy statement regarding the pandemic and the government’s response to it. “I feel like we were held hostage,” said Cook. “The governor held all the power.” Cook also called out federal and

state leaders for the impacts of pandemic policies on students and the education system. “Our kids were thrown so far behind, it will take years for some of them to make up. As this school year started, I thought we were moving in the right direction,” said Cook. But, the continued limitations on schools by state and federal rules have caused lasting damage to students and the education system, according to Cook. “Here’s my beef. This is what they’ve really accomplished,” said Cook. “They’ve driven great teachers into other fields. They’ve raised mental stress on staff and parents, but the worst thing you’ve done is you hurt so many kids emotionally. You’ve damaged them mentally; you’ve set them back so far many of them will never catch up. You hurt our future.” As the meeting turned to action items, the board addressed a short but broad agenda.

The board adopted a policy that aligns the system’s bus masking policy with federal rules. The board’s action means that if the federal government removed its mask mandate for school buses, the county’s policy would automatically change to remove the mask mandate locally at the time of the federal change. The change was made after the board discussed their options if the federal government changed mask rules before the next school board meeting. The adopted language of the system’s mask policy now reads that “cloth face coverings will be required on school system transportation only to the extent required by federal law.” Teachers to receive supplemental pay from state The state budget passed last See SCHOOLS, page 2

20177 52016 $1.00

Randolph Record for Wednesday, July 21, 2021

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Randolph Record for Wednesday, February 23, 2022 Randolph Record for Wednesday, July 7, 2021

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conversation” Stanly County Journal ISSN: 2575-2278 North NorthState State Journal Journal (USPS 20451) (USPS 20451) Publisher (ISSN 2471-1365) (ISSN 2471-1365) Neal Robbins

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DEATH NOTICES

♦ Christopher Enos Burris, WEEKLY FORECAST 40, of Oakboro,X DEATH NOTICES SPONSORED BY ♦ Georgia Bernice Siler, 89, of Siler City, died July 15, 2021, at her home. ♦ Harold Eugene “Gene” Anderson, 82, died at his home on Monday, July 12, 2021 in a tragic house fire. CALL OR TEXT 336-629-7588 ♦ Addie Mae Hunt McLeod, age 79, died July 11, 2021, at Autumn Care in Biscoe.

WEDNESDAY FEB 23

♦ Jonathan Edward Ferree, 50, of Black Mountain, formerly of Asheboro, died July 11, 2021.

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♦ Mildred Mae Cozart Poole, LOW 50 age 85, of Asheboro, died July PRECIP 69% See OBITS, page 7 9, 2021.

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The Randolph HI 87° GuideHIis HI 89° a LO quick look at what’s LO 67° 69° LO PRECIP going on in24% Randolph PRECIP 24% PRECIP County.

88° 69° 24%

February 5 – June 25

RANDOLPH COMMUNITY COLLEGE

RCC pushes more MEETfor THE STAFFstudents as numbers lag PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Korean Influence Pottery Exhibit

Maycie Rudzinski of The Virtual Academy of Randolph stands with superintendent Dr. Stephen Gainey and Cathy Waddell, assistant superintendent for curriculum of the RCSS, 9am-4pm after winning the Randolph County School System’s District Spelling Bee on Feb. 15 at Randleman By Bob Sutton sion, there’s enrollment of 915. before those classes start. Elementary School. The influence of Korean Randolph Record Williams said there’s an ef- That’s off slightly from the usual ceramics North “Thereonhas never been a thattoranges fort to bolster enrollment. He citfor thisnumber school year provideupanto 1,000, Carolina’s pottery said. ASHEBORO — Enrollment ed the RCC Commitment Grant, optionWilliams for students in grades K-8. better opportunity to attend RudzinskiTraditional previously enrollment attended numat Randolph Community Col- a program designed as a funding tradition is a relatively RCC and not haveItto worry Randleman Middleflattened, School. but it’s the bers have lege isn’t likely to bounce back to mechanism to fill the gap that’s recent development. type ofof learning envi- students about how to pay for it.” number high school pre-pandemic levels right away not covered by federal or state aid“This has its origins in some ronment has been very beneficial in programs designed for dual endespite a school official pointing to students. of the designs Jacques to students like that Maycie, are rollment has who dropped, “There has never been a betout unprecedented financial inRCC incorporated president Dr. Robert critical thinkers and independent each elementary and middle Randolph Record staff students. Busbee “We’re just not seeing the level ter opportunity to attend RCC centives for potential and driven learners who rigorschool in the district, according when he started Chad Williams, vice president and not have to worry about how of engagement that we had seen,” Shackleford Jr. analyze their Larrypresident Chap- ously RANDLEMAN Maycie Williamsand said. to pay for from it,” RCC Dr. question for student services –at RCC, said ato information Jugtown Pottery in education,” according directorShackleford of instructional Rudzinski Theschool Virtual Acad- inpell,Robert RCC held ato informaone-week break Jr. supsaid. “We decline inofhigh students 1917, most notably tion Carter gathered from amid teach-the sumservices for the Randolph emy Randolph has wasbeen the winearlier this month students exactly where they dualatenrollment the big-portmeet a Korean bowl form. ner of Randolph County School County School System. Chappell ers at the academy. are and help them go as far as they mer semester, which began May gest reason for a dip. The runners-up were Gavin System’s District Spelling Bell is the spelling bee’s facilitator. Examples of modern 24 and concludes July 26. Late “Overall, we’re still seeing a de- can possibly go.” Justine Carter, principal of The Black of Trinity Elementary last week at Randleman Middle works, as well as a few registration for the fall semester Beginning with the fall semescline in enrollment comparing to Virtual Academy, said: “We are School, Kylie Staples of SouthSchool. runs through Aug. 10, with classter, qualifying full-time students previous years prior to the panearly examples from Rudzinski, a seventh-grad- so proud of Maycie. She is a very mont Elementary School, Leona es beginning Aug. 16. will be eligible for up to $1,000 demic,” Williams said. “I don’t Jugtown Pottery, will Johnston-Oliveau of Liberty Eleer, emerged from a field of 25 en- bright young lady.” dealing with adjustments per semester. know if we’ll get to numbers we’ve Carter School and Ben Barr of said Rudzinski is an as- mentary Still trants. be highlighted in this made because School. of the coronavirus attending seen previous“primordial” fall semesters. Hopewell Elementary writer.makes Her teachers have RCC She inspelled – …piring That show. Featured artists not all 2021 fall semesthe most fromwho a finan-Thispandemic, We’re reaching every was a preliminary comher enticing as a student meaning existing out at ortofrom thestu-described include: Kyle Carpenter, terofclasses will beNational in person. Some cial knows standpoint in the 16 years dent we can in every way we to can.”“always petition the Scripps background inforbeginning of time – correctly will use a hybrid model with a Wen Liu, Ben Owen Williams beenand at the A fall Po Spelling Bee. Rudzinski advances on thehas subject, is al-school, clinch the semester victory. at the two-yearmation mixture Panthers of face-to-faces said. He previously workedtointhe Carolina school in Asheboro would oftenwayshewilling Region- sessions to share that infor“I wasn’t expecting it,” RudzIII, Benjamin Owen IV, and Bee, virtual sessions. Many classRCC’s financial aid office. havesaid 2,600 to 3,000 students which is presentwith her teachers and her al Spelling inski of winning and the open-mation Pam Owens, Phillip es provide students of America, to be with held options rolled. At beginning of thispeers.”“There’s never a better timeedtoby Bank portunity to the advance to a regionPollet, David Stuempfle, 13 at Bank of America Virtual Academyhe at said. Ran- Marchon alweek, round. how to attend andStaparticipate, go back to college,” that number stood at about The Ben Winslow. dium in Charlotte. within the RCSS sesOne student participated from Williams said. For added the current summer 1,900 with about a month to godolph was

PJ Ward-Brown Matt The VirtualLauren Academy Frank student wins spelling bee Cory Who is “Editor?”

WEEKLY CRIME LOG ♦ Williams, Denishia Lorren (B /F/30) Arrest on chrg of WEEKLY CRIME 1) Pwimsd Marijuana (F), 2) LOG Maintain Veh/dwell/place Cs (f) (F), 3) Possess X

♦ Boggs, Matthew Harrison (M, 39), Arrest on charge of Misdemeanor Larceny, at 2587 Wayne White Rd, Pleasant Garden, on 07/14/2021. ♦ Bolton McKee, James Henry (M, 47), Arrest on charge of Possession of Stolen Goods, at 6469 Clyde King Rd, Seagrove, on 07/15/2021.

February 26 Arrest on charge of Resisting Public Officer, 321 Kings Ridge Rd, Randleman, on 07/14/2021. ♦ Hazelwood, Elizabeth (F, 44), Arrest on chage of Misdemeanor Larceny, at Hoover Hill Rd/Slick Rodk Mtn, on 07/14/2021.

Lee Greenwood at Showcase ♦ Whitehead, George Alan (M, 52), 176 E. Salisbury St, Asheboro, onLiberty Theater Arrest on charge of Misdemeanor 07/13/2021. Possession of Schedule IV CS, ♦ Millikan, Bobby Wayne (M, 33), 7pm Possession of Stolen motor Arrest on charge of Assault on a vehicle, imporoper Country music icon use of a dealer Female, at 8300 Curtis Power Rd, tag, failure to deliver title, failure to has Bennett, NC, on 07/14/2021. Lee Greenwood appear on felony, at I-85 Exit 111,

embarked on his 40th

on 07/13/2021. ♦ Passmore, Casey Lynn, Arrest on anniversary tour with charge of possession of marijuana ♦ Cheek, Helenia Spinks (F, 64), a stop in Randolph up to 1/2 oz., at Randolph Arrest on charge of Assault by County. Tickets Courthouse, on 7/13/2021. pointing a gun, Discharging a

♦ Lynch, Detrick Lamont (M, 40), Arrest on charge of Misdemeanor Possession of Schedule VI CS, ♦ Pugh, Robert Daniel (M, 39), start at $50. More Possessiong of Stolen Motor Arrest on charge of Simple firearm to cause fear, Reckless ♦ Roark, Justin Steven (M, 30), information and tickets Vehicle, at I-85 Exit 111, on Assault (M), at 139 Drum St, driving to endanger, Seagrove, on Arrest|on charge Possession at thelibertyshowcase. PJ WARD-BROWN NORTH STATEof JOURNAL 07/13/2021. Asheboro, on 07/14/2021. 07/12/2021. of Meth, Possession with intent com. Participants wait their turn in the first round during the Randolph County School System’s to manufacture, sell or distribute ♦ McQueen, James Allen Jr (M, 35), ♦ Richardson, Erwin Quint Jr (M, ♦ Helms, Chad Lee (M, 37), Arrest District Spelling Bee last week at Randleman Elementary School. heroin, Simple possession of Arrest on charge of Possession 31), Arrest on charges of Felony on charge of Felony Sexual Schedule II, III, IV CS, Maintaining of Marijuana up to 1/2 oz., Larceny and Possession of Stolen Exploitation of a minor in the Place, Possession of Drug Possession of drug paraphernalia, Goods, at 5471 Needhams Trail, second degree (10 counts), 727 Paraphernalia, at 1029 High Point Failure to appeal on felony, failure Seagrove, on 07/14/2021. McDowell Rd, Asheboro, NC, on SCHOOLS from page 1 appear on misdemeanor, In toRandolph County, the at 2024. Rd, on 7/13/2021. Seagrove Town 07/12/2021. ♦ Seibert, Sarah Elizabeth (F, 32), school board adopted a plan to Council year by the General Assembly distribute the additional pay to Students honored included a $100 million fund teachers as part of their May pay6pm Prior to the board’s business for supplemental pay for public checks if the funds are provided school teachers. Most counties to the school system by the state session, they recognized star Regular business in North Carolina provide a sup- before May 1 each year. Certified students for the month. Each meeting of the town plement to teachers in addition teachers and instructional sup- month, the system honors stucouncil at 798 NC Hwy to state pay. In Randolph Coun- port personnel are eligible for dents who are respectful, respon705, Seagrove. ty, the supplement was $3,330 the additional pay in Randolph sible and doing the right thing. This month, those students are: in 2021, according to the state County. Horryus Butcher (3rd Grade, budget. Under the Teacher Asple cheering over him, or booing Coleridge Elementary School); sistance Program, Randolph System approves 2023-24 over him or going into different Raymond Byars (9th Grade, County teachers will receive an school calendar directions over him,” have benefitUwharrie Ridge Six-Twelve); additional $934 on an annual ed, Levesque said. “But that’s the The 2023-2024 recommended Kevin Chareo Avila (8th Grade, basis. State assistance varies by Randolph County county and is based on criteria school calendar includes 180 stu- Southeastern Randolph Midbeauty of what Commissioners we do, to go be enthat includes real property val- dent days; 14 teacher workdays; dle School); Megan Cheek (8th tertained, however you want to ues, poverty estimates and the 11 holidays and 10 annual leave Grade, Southwestern Randolph 6pmbe entertained. As a performer, current supplement in the coun- days. The first day for students Middle School); Hayden Clemsometimes that’s difficult.” will be Monday, August 28, 2023, mons (1st Grade, Seagrove Elety. WWE’s July of 5 “RAW” on USA Regular meeting the Five counties — Buncombe, and the last day for students will mentary School); Shaeli Cuevas Network hit 1.472 million viewers, county commissioners Durham, Guilford, Mecklen- be Tuesday, June 11, 2024. The (2nd Grade, The Virtual AcadtheHistoric lowest in the 28-plus year hisat the burg and Wake — will not receive approved calendar includes an emy at Randolph); Sydney Hall tory of the show. Courthouse, 145 Worth state supplements. Each of those inclement weather make-up plan (9th Grade, Southwestern RanLevesque, WWE EVP of globcounties have existing local sup- where the first five days missed dolph High School); Malachi Street, Asheboro. al talent strategy and developplements exceeding $7,000 each are absorbed, with subsequent Letterlough (12th Grade, Eastern ment, said the company would Randolph High School); Krisyear. Caswell, Cherokee, Gra- days made up as scheduled. “take a hard look” at how it can Highlights of the calendar in- tian Nance (2nd Grade, Southham and Swain counties have no attract more fans to the product county supplement and each will clude a three-day holiday over mont Elementary School); Kariseach week. WWE can only hope receive new supplements exceed- Thanksgiving in fall 2023, a sa Van Vliet (4th Grade, Farmer the combination of live crowds ing $2,000 per year. Graham nearly two-week Christmas Elementary School); Adlee Yates and the return of box office attracCounty will receive the maxi- break and a 12-day spring break (2nd Grade, Tabernacle Elementions such as Becky Lynch, Goldfrom March 29 through April 8, tary School). mum supplement of $4,250.

March 1

WWE leaves virtual reality behind in 1st tour since 2020 FRIDAY FEB 25

By Dan Gelston The Associated Press

HI 74 LOW 40 PHILADELPHIA — Triple H walked with his arms crossed PRECIP 18% like

an X — his signature Degeneration X symbol — with his 7-foot tag-team partner, Joel Embiid, to SATURDAY 26 month ring a ceremonial FEB bell last before a Philadelphia 76ers playoff game. His theme music blared HI 53 through the arena, and near37 from the ly 19,000 fansLOW hanging 14% rafters roaredPRECIP when the wrestler hoisted his bad-guy weapon-ofchoice sledgehammer and struck the bell. SUNDAY FEB 27 Sure, the setting wasn’t WrestleMania — though Triple H lost a match in the same building when HI 56 the event was held there in 1999 — but for the superstar-turned-exLOW 32 ecutive, the frenzied atmosphere PRECIP 40% was a reminder of what WWE lost during the 16 months it ran without live events and raucous MONDAY FEB 28 crowds. “It was a fun opportunity to get back into an arena packed full of fans and have them HI 53go nuts,” said Triple H, known these days as LOW 28Levesque. WWE executive Paul PRECIP 4%there’s “That adrenaline rush, nothing like it.” WWE hasn’t been the same without its “Yes!” chants or “This TUESDAY FEB 29 is Awe-some!” singsongs once the pandemic relegated the company to running empty arena matchHI with 59 a piped-in es every week soundtrack and virtual LOW 38fans. No more. PRECIP 3% With most American sports leagues settled in to their old routines, WWE ditched its stopgap home in Florida and resumed touring last Friday night with “Smackdown” from Houston, a

March 7

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March 12

Pops: Movie Muse berg, and Cena can ignite interest and grow ratings during the build

7:30pm to the marquee Aug. 21 Summer-

at the home of the Las VeThe Slam Carolina gas Raiders. Philharmonic returns “It never is one thing,” Levesque for asaid. live “We performance see this as a moment in February 17, 2022 at The ♦ Lisa Faye Sales, 55 of Siler City, ♦ James Henry Seagraves Sr, in Owens time toAuditorium shift everything. I think Randolph Hospice House in died on Sunday, February 13, 58, born October 13, 1963, died you’ll see itThe in just the layout of evin Pinehurst. oneAsheboro. 2022 at her home. February 16, 2022, after a long erything, the set designs, the way night show features illness. PHOTO BY WILLY SANJUAN/INVISION/AP it’s presented. There’s a greater ♦ Vera Mae Lambeth Varner ♦ Rosaleen Bingham Dunn, age grand cinematic scores emphasis on utilizing the spacIn this Jan. 9, 2018, file photo, Paul “Triple H” Levesque participates in the “WWE Monday Night Cunningham, 74, of Asheboro, 94, died on February 19, 2022 ♦ Jamie McGee Strickland, 61, withesvideo clips and that we have and the TV aspect Raw: 25th Anniversary” panel during the NBCUniversal Television Critics Association Winter Press died on Tuesday, February 15, at SECU Hospice House of died Monday, February 14, 2022 behind-the-scenes reels the fans. of it while still engaging Tour in Pasadena, Calif. 2022. Johnston Health in Smithfield, at First Health Moore Regional in A lot of that comes from the time from classic films. NC. Pinehurst. we had to experiment inside the ♦ RuNelle Lucy Lowe Moran, WWE then moved to its in-house ThunderDome.” former,” Reigns “As a live Sunday in Texas and 90, of Asheboro, diedsaid. Tuesday, ♦pay-per-view James Raeford Voncannon ♦ William “Bill” Richard Stowers,

DEATH NOTICES

performance center in performer, thatatsimultaneous re-58, died Dallas on Monday the flagship February 15, 2022 Clapp’s of 116 Bennett Farmfor Road, Saturday, February 12,Florida on March 13, before setting up what sponse keeps you sharp. We had “Raw” TV show on USA. WWE Convalescent Nursing Home in Asheboro, died on February 19, 2022. to adjust and adapt to the times it dubbed The ThunderDome -spruced 2022. up sets, brought back old Asheboro. where fans registered stars and hit the reset button on that were in front of us.” ♦ Tammy Davis Williamson, 61, for spots on LED digital videoboards — for With Hulk Hogan in the house, TV programming humbled with ♦ Laura Martinez, 43, of Asheboro, died Friday, February 11, 2022 at ♦ Marvin Winfred Cheek, 91, of in Florida at the Amway WWE heldFebruary their only Wrestle-Firststretches record-low ratings and a strong died Saturday, 12, 2022 Health Moore Regional. Asheboro, NC, died Thursday, with fans this past April Center, Tropicana Field and the need for new stars. atMania Randolph Health in Asheboro. “I do think if we were doing this 10 and 11 at Raymond James Sta- Yuengling Center. “People like Roman have been in front of the live crowd, it would dium. WWE last ran a weeknight have been a situation that would televised event with a paid crowd able to emotionally bring a perhave made me an even better per- on March 9, 2020, in Washington. formance that, maybe with peo-

The first start is putting fans — holding their homemade signs and wearing their catchphrase T-shirts — back in the seats. “When we have that live crowd, sometimes they almost become the cameras for a lot of the performers,” Reigns said. “But when you don’t have that real-time, flesh interaction, the red light becomes the focal point for the performer.”

Randolph Record for Wednesday, February 23, 2022

OPINION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor VISUAL VOICES

COLUMN | REP. RICHARD HUDSON

Time to end unscientific mask mandates

Sadly, our kids have had to endure mandates for too long, even while liberal mandatepushing politicians like Stacey Abrams ignored them.

WE STOOD UP to mask mandates for our kids — and won. For a while now, we have known the science behind COVID-19 and masking. Data has shown that COVID poses a low risk to children, masks do little to stop the spread in classrooms, and wearing masks harms a child’s development. Even so, mask mandates in our schools have gone on too long. That’s why earlier this month, I cosponsored the Unmask Our Kids Act to direct education funding only to school districts that provide in-person learning and optional masks. I spoke on the House floor about a 12-year-old in our community who refused to wear a mask with support from his dad because it made it hard to breathe in gym class. I highlighted how he was written up and thrown out, yet Stacey Abrams one day later smiled unmasked in a school surrounded by masked children. This hypocrisy has frustrated so many parents, including me. However, Cumberland County remained one of the last in our region to continue imposing a school mask mandate. There, a local health department order was blocking a vote by the school board to drop the mandate. Last week, on behalf of concerned parents, I urged the county to follow the science and allow optional masking in our classrooms. After I contacted the health director, the county revised its order. As a result, beginning last Wednesday masks were allowed to be optional in schools — marking a victory for parents’ rights and freedom. Parents should be able to decide what’s best for their child. Sadly, our kids have had to endure mandates for too long, even while liberal mandate-pushing politicians like Stacey Abrams ignored them. At last week’s Super Bowl, the hypocrisy continued, as Hollywood celebrities and politicians were seen ignoring California’s strict indoor mask policy. Children performing during the Super Bowl, however, were masked. As I have said before, the hypocrisy of “rules for thee but not for me”

when it comes to mandates must end. I am working to make sure that happens. Yet as many were ignoring their own mask mandates at last week’s Super Bowl, the mainstream media was ignoring something else — an explosive report from Special Counsel John Durham. This past weekend, Durham, who was appointed to investigate the origins of the FBI’s original Russia probe into President Trump, filed a report alleging criminal activity by individuals affiliated with the Hillary Clinton campaign. The filing stated individuals associated with the Clinton campaign tasked a technology company with spying on the Trump campaign, and later the White House, in order to find evidence of unlawful association between the former president and Russia. Such actions are highly illegal and, if true, would constitute a scandal the likes of which have not been seen since Watergate. However, the mainstream media has remained silent. What’s worse — big tech is helping to cover up this story. Last week, I shared an article from Fox News detailing the latest Durham filing. Shortly after, my post was censored by Facebook’s fact checkers. They are trying to silence my voice and the truth — but we can’t let that happen. The Russia hoax was used to divide our nation, waste millions of tax dollars, and attack the sitting president of the United States. The American people deserve answers and accountability, not big-tech censorship. Just as I am fighting against mandates, I am working to put an end to this censorship as a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee. From mandates, to inflation, to Russia, and so many other challenges facing our nation right now, you deserve to know the truth. Rest assured I will never stop fighting for that and for you.

COLUMN | MICHAEL BARONE

Must government be a ‘big, waddling, sluggish beast’?

Klein deftly avoids mentioning one recent government initiative that achieved its intended results: the Trump administration’s Operation Warp Speed, which produced COVID vaccines in record time.

ITINERANT POLICY journalist Ezra Klein, now with the New York Times, has highlighted something interesting about the Biden Democrats’ now-defunct Build Back Better package — something beyond its huge cost (trillions) and its failure to get majority support in the Democratic Congress, just like the single-payer health-care bill that recently failed to pass in California’s Democratic supermajority legislature. The Democrats’ major problem, Klein argues, is that they’re too un-ambitious, proposing only “a grab-bag of longstanding Democratic proposals” that mostly seek to close the “gaps” between the “social insurance options” of “any Western European nation.” He might have added that some of these nations — Sweden in the 1990s and Germany in the 2000s, for example — have cut back sharply on these policies. The models he and others cite most often are small, Scandinavian and lightly populated. Sweden, with around 10 million people, is about the size of Michigan, while Norway, Denmark and Finland, with about 5.5 million each, are about the size of Wisconsin and Minnesota. Laced through Klein’s 2,104-word article is a nostalgia for the huge governmental projects of the New Deal and World War II. He wants government to seek grander goals — “reinvigorate American semiconductor manufacturing, rebuild critical supply chains, finance regional innovation hubs across the country” — even if it doesn’t seem capable of attaining them. Klein deftly avoids mentioning one recent government initiative that achieved its intended results: the Trump administration’s Operation Warp Speed, which produced COVID vaccines in record time. Presumably, there was a fear that any favorable mention of the orangefaced ex-president would ruin Times readers’ breakfasts. President Donald Trump’s vaccine success evoked the great achievements of early 20th-century government — the gigantic dams built by progressive Republicans and New Deal Democrats that produced zero-emission electricity; the astonishing production of airplanes, tanks and ships in World War II; the building of the Pentagon — still the world’s largest office building 80 years later — in just 18 months. There’s also the Manhattan Project, which in three years produced not one but two workable atomic bombs; and the Apollo program, which in nine years sent men to the moon. Like Operation Warp Speed, all these involved massive government financing of private sector research and production. Franklin Roosevelt

had seen firsthand the suboptimal performance of government-seized railroads and shipyards in World War I. He chose, despite his antibusiness prejudices, to rely on big corporations rather than government agencies to get things done in his war. Why did those mammoth government projects work so much better than most government works today? Three reasons immediately occur. One is that these earlier efforts had clear goals with an endpoint in sight. The A-bomb. The moon. Second, they did not face the regulatory apparatus and environmental roadblocks that hobble big projects today. Philip Howard of Common Good has advanced proposals for ditching the endless lawsuits and delays spawned by decades of (well-intentioned) laws and regulations. As a developer, Trump seemed well-positioned to push for such reforms. Alas, he mostly didn’t. The third thing that’s different is that we’re not getting the kind of get-it-done leaders needed to make government work. Roosevelt had an uncanny knack, unmatched by recent presidents, of choosing the right person, civilian or military, for the jobs he really wanted to get done. He promoted Gen. George Marshall in September 1939 and snagged General Motors President William Knudsen to coordinate war production in May 1940. This meant that the United States was already getting prepared for war when Pearl Harbor was attacked in December 1941. Gen. Leslie Groves and James Webb were not politically correct choices to head the Manhattan Project and the Apollo program, respectively, but they got their seemingly impossible jobs done. Sometimes that took scrambling and ignoring ordinary procedures. Reading Dan McLaughlin’s account in National Review of how Operation Warp Speed officials got an air-handling unit delivered from the Midwest to a Massachusetts Moderna factory by arranging a law enforcement escort brought to mind Steve Vogel’s account in “The Pentagon” of how Gen. Brehon Somervell, told that a steel shipment would be weeks late, ordered a truck convoy to ship the stuff from Pittsburgh to Washington overnight. To achieve anything like Klein’s ambitious goals, you need clear goals; you need to sweep aside bureaucratic roadblocks; and you need, most of all, to choose the right people to get things done, as Trump did on Operation Warp Speed, and Roosevelt did on defense production and the Manhattan Project. Absent those things, big government remains, as I wrote a dozen years ago, “a big, waddling, sluggish beast, ever ready to boss you around, but not able to perform useful functions at anything but a plodding pace.” Michael Barone is a senior political analyst for the Washington Examiner, resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and longtime co-author of The Almanac of American Politics. Michael Barone is a senior political analyst for the Washington Examiner, resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and longtime co-author of The Almanac of American Politics.

Randolph Record for Wednesday, February 23, 2022

SPORTS SIDELINE REPORT COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Michigan’s Howard suspended 5 games for Wisconsin melee Ann Arbor, Mich. Michigan basketball coach Juwan Howard has been suspended the final five games of the regular season and fined $40,000 for hitting a Wisconsin assistant in the head, triggering a postgame melee. The Big Ten Conference also on Monday suspended three players one game for the altercation following the Badgers’ 77-63 win on Sunday: Michigan’s Moussa Diabate and Terrance Williams II, and Jahcobi Neath of Wisconsin. Wisconsin coach Greg Gard was fined $10,000 for violating the conference’s sportsmanship policy but was not suspended. Howard is expected to be back for the Big Ten tournament, which begins March 9 in Indianapolis.

SOCCER

Neymar hopes to play for U.S. club in future Sao Paulo Neymar hopes to play in the United States one day, more than he wants to return to his Brazil homeland. The 30-year-old striker recently extended his contract with Paris Saint-Germain to 2025. The striker jokingly said he wants to play in the U.S. “because the championship is quick, so there’s four months of vacations. That’s how you can play (there) for many years.” Asked whether he is planning for his retirement, Neymar said he jokes with his friends about hanging his boots at age 32.

MLB

Baseball owners make slight moves as talks continue Jupiter, Fla. Baseball negotiations resumed with new intensity Monday in an effort to salvage opening day, and owners made a pair of slight moves toward lockedout players but put off bigticket bargaining issues until later. MLB increased its offer of a bonus pool for pre-arbitration players by $5 million to $20 million that would go to 30 top players, a fraction of the $115 million for 150 players the union has asked for. Clubs also increased their proposal for a lottery for the amateur draft from the top three picks to the top four. Players have asked for the top eight.

NHL

Hull no longer Blackhawks’ team ambassador Chicago Hall of Fame forward Bobby Hull is no longer serving as a team ambassador for the Chicago Blackhawks. Hull played for Chicago for 15 years, collecting 604 goals and 549 assists. The Blackhawks said Monday they are redefining the role of team ambassador. Hull, 83, has had several troubling episodes off the ice over the years, including being convicted of assaulting a police officer who intervened in a dispute with thenwife Deborah in 1986. Hull’s second wife, Joanne, accused him of abuse during an interview with ESPN for a 2002 show.

PHELAN M. EBENHACK | AP PHOTO

Brad Keselowski (6), Kyle Busch (18) and Martin Truex Jr. (19) will have to wait another year to try and win their first Daytona 500 after rookie Austin Cindric (2) claimed the Cup Series' season-opening race on Sunday.

Truex, Busch among those still waiting for first Daytona 500 win While another first-time winner won Sunday’s race, a group of accomplished drivers will have to wait another year The Associated Press DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Aric Almirola parked his No. 10 Ford during a brief red flag late in the Daytona 500 and let his mind wander. He had a fast car. He had solid track position. He had everything he needed to finally win “The Great American Race.” All those thoughts raced through his head as he waited for NASCAR’s season-opening spectacle to resume. And he kept coming back to the same notion: What better time to do something so special than in his 12th

and final attempt? “I thought for sure, like, ‘Man, this is setting up nicely to have that storybook ending,’” Almirola recalled. Almirola came up short again, finishing fifth Sunday. It was a bittersweet moment for the veteran driver who is embarking on his last full-time season in the Cup Series. “It’s emotional, honestly. It’s emotional,” he said, his voice trailing off. “Awe, man. That’s a great feeling to be in the thick of it coming down to the end of the Daytona 500. You dream about those things as a kid. I remember sitting up in the grandstands. It’s special. I hate losing, though.” Almirola had plenty of heartbroken company, including Kyle Busch, Brad Keselowski and Martin Truex Jr. All of them end-

ed up watching Austin Cindric and Team Penske celebrate in Victory Lane. “Every year it doesn’t happen, it makes that intensity go up the next year,” said Fox Sports color analyst Tony Stewart, who was 0 for 17 in the Daytona 500 when he retired. Among those without a Daytona 500 win are three former champions. Martin Truex Jr. (0 for 18): Truex crossed the line 13th and extended NASCAR’s longest active skid in the 500. It was a disappointing finish for the 2017 series champion who won each of the first two stages in the Daytona 500. But he was caught up in a five-car crash with 50 laps to go when Tyler Reddick broke a part and spun right in front of him. Kyle Busch (0 for 17): Busch

finished sixth in NASCAR’s premier event. He led four times for 28 laps, passing Stewart for the most laps led in the 500 without winning the race. He was in the mix in overtime despite sustaining some front-end damage during an eight-car crash on lap 62. Brad Keselowski (0 for 13): Keselowski trigged three multicar wrecks, including one just past the start-finish line on the last lap, and came home ninth. It was a tough ending to the start of Keselowski’s new venture. He left Penske after 12 seasons to join Roush Fenway Racing and form RFK Racing. Keselowski, who won a qualifying race Thursday, led six times for a race-high 67 laps but came up short in his bid to finally win the 500 two months after his father died.

Tubby Smith steps down as High Point’s coach By Brett Friedlander North State Journal TUBBY SMITH, citing the effects of two bouts with COVID in less than a year, decided to step down as the basketball coach at High Point University. The announcement came last week. He was succeeded by his son and associate head coach G.G. Smith, starting with Thursday’s 78-71 home loss to Big South Conference foe Longwood and Saturday’s 66-64 loss at Radford. The younger Smith will lead the program through its final games this season, as well as in 202223. The 70-year-old Smith, who won a national championship with Kentucky in 1998, began his college career as a player at High Point, earning all-conference honors as a senior. He returned to his alma mater four years ago in an effort to help boost the fortunes of its struggling program. He ends his tenure with a 4567 mark. The season’s team stood at 11-14 overall, 5-6 in the Big South, when the coaching switch was made. “I feel blessed to have had an amazing career leading, coaching and teaching great young men at first-class institutions,” Smith said in a statement announcing his decision. “Working at my alma mater during this stage of my career has been a dream. I’m thrilled that G.G. will be taking over as head coach. He will do a super job.” Smith went on to say that he and his wife, Donna, a former High Point homecoming queen,

JAMES CRISP | AP PHOTO

High Point basketball coach Tubby Smith directs his team during a game at Kentucky’s Rupp Arena earlier this season. will continue to support and assist the university in any way they can. “HPU will always have a very special place in our hearts as we met and fell in love here at High Point,” he said. “Our commitment and passion for HPU will never wane and we intend to continue to be an integral part of its growth and prosperity well into the future.” Smith is one of only three coaches in college basketball history to take five different schools

to the NCAA Tournament. In addition to Kentucky, he also led Tulsa, Georgia, Minnesota and Texas Tech to the tournament. He was honored with a banner hoisted to the rafters at Rupp Arena commemorating his time at Kentucky prior to High Point’s game against the Wildcats earlier this season. Smith’s career record, which includes a two-year stint at Memphis, is 642-369. “Tubby Smith is a Hall of Fame head coach and HPU has been

fortunate to have his leadership of our men’s basketball program,” High Point athletic director Dan Hauser said. “From Day One with the Panthers, Coach Smith established a first-class program of the utmost character and integrity. “His passion on the court was unmatched and his enthusiasm to engage with HPU alumni and in the High Point community was amazing to experience. I’m excited to work with G.G. and continue the growth of the basketball program.”

Randolph Record for Wednesday, February 23, 2022

MID-PIEDMONT CONFERENCE BASKETBALL

Blue Comets capture boys’ league title Asheboro defeats Ledford to snatch championship Randolph Record staff WINSTON-SALEM — Asheboro’s boys’ basketball team made it happen when it mattered most in the Mid-Piedmont Conference. The Blue Comets took down top-seeded Ledford 60-52 in Friday night’s final at Oak Grove. It was a balanced effort offensively for Asheboro, which received 14 points from Jerquarius Stanback, 13 points from Tramir Martin, 12 points from Hakeeme Butler and eight points from Tan-

ner Marsh. It was the third meeting this month between Asheboro and Ledford, with the road team winning each of the first two. Ledford won 60-38 before Asheboro took a 53-52 decision in the regular season. Asheboro was set to enter the Class 3-A state playoffs this week riding a seven-game winning streak and carrying a 19-7 record. Balanced scoring was a theme for the Blue Comets in three games in the conference tournament last week. The stretch began with a 69-35 romp past sixth-seeded Montgomery Central in a home quarterfinal game,

BEST OVERALL ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

with Butler providing 13 points and Stanback, Marsh and Martin all chipping in with 11 points. Then came the semifinal at Oak Grove, where the Blue Comets prevailed 61-55 against second-seeded Central Davidson. Martin had 17 points and Butler supplied 14 points. DJ Headen, who scored 10 points, made a pair of late free throws to help seal the outcome. On the girls’ side, fifth-seeded Asheboro tumbled to fourth-seeded Central Davidson in a 42-31 road loss. Sion Martin provided 18 points and 10 rebounds for the Blue Comets. Asheboro, which won two of its last three regular-season games, finished the season with a 4-20 record a year after reaching the Class 3-A state final. Top-seeded North Davidson defeated third-seeded Ledford 59-46 to win the conference tournament.

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Asheboro’s Hakeeme Butler goes up in the lane against Central Davidson during the semifinals of the Mid-Piedmont Tournament last week at Oak Grove.

Tramir Martin Asheboro, boys’ basketball Martin, a senior guard, had a strong three-game run in the Mid-Piedmont Conference Tournament as the Blue Comets pulled out a championship. He scored a total of 41 points in the three games, giving the Blue Comets a lift with his backcourt play. His defensive work boosted Asheboro to some key rallies, PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL particularly in the Asheboro’s Tramir Martin semifinal. shoots the ball against Martin notched Central Davidson during the semifinals of the Mid-Piedmont 11 points in a rout Conference Tournament at Oak of Montgomery Grove. Central in the quarterfinals before leading the charge with 17 points in a semifinal victory against Central Davidson. He added 13 points in Friday night’s 60-52 win over top-seeded Ledford in the championship game.

PAC GIRLS

Tigers keep title wave going Randolph Record staff

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Clockwise from top left: Randleman’s Gracyn Hall shoots the ball against Uwharrie Charter during the PAC Tournament girls’ championship game Friday night at Randleman. Providence Grove’s Michael Fee shoots over UCA’s Max Denamur during the PAC Tournament boys’ final. UCA’s Ashara Spruill shoots the ball against Randleman. Ashton Troutman of UCA lets out a big yell prior to the buzzer going off in a victory against top-seeded Providence Grove.

PAC BOYS

UCA emerges with league title Randolph Record staff RANDLEMAN — Uwharrie Charter Academy put together a solid boys’ basketball campaign in the Piedmont Athletic Conference, and the Eagles might have saved their best for late in the season. They capped this part of the surge by winning the PAC Tournament with Friday night’s 66-52 toppling of regular-season champion Providence Grove. Coach Brad Monroe’s team won three of its last four regular-season games before last

week’s three-game sweep in the conference tournament while holding the No. 3 seed. The Eagles (18-6) were set to embark on play in the Class 1-A state playoffs this week. In the title game, Ashton Troutman poured in 26 points, while Jordan Harrison had 16 points and Pierce Leonard added 11 points. Troutman, a post player, was too much of a load for the Patriots. “We have to play almost perfect weak-side defense to control him,” Providence Grove coach Wes Luther said.

UCA led for a large portion of the title game, but was up just 4237 after three quarters. “They made the shots we didn’t make,” Luther said. “Ultimately, we got to make shots.” Zane Caudle racked up 22 points and Chase Whitaker had 12 points for Providence Grove. The Patriots didn’t convert enough on free throws, drawing Luther’s concern. UCA and Providence Grove split two regular-season meetings, with the road team winning each of those. UCA won 72-43 at home

against sixth-seeded Wheatmore in the tournament quarterfinals before going to second-seeded Trinity and pulling out a 66-57 victory. Providence Grove, which received a bye in the quarterfinals, survived a 73-72 overtime semifinal scare from visiting Randleman, the No. 4 seed. Luke Thomas tallied 24 points, Caudle had 17 points and Michael Fee added 10 points in the semifinal. The Patriots had won the first outright boys’ basketball regular-season conference championship in school history. Randleman’s Lucas Gneiting and Dylan Wheatley both had 15 points, Baylor Petty notched 13 points and Christian Long scored 12 points in the semifinal.

RANDLEMAN — Randleman’s girls’ basketball team made it through Piedmont Athletic Conference play unscathed, capped by the league tournament championship. The Tigers headed off to the state playoffs with a 22-0 record. Last week turned out to be rewarding for Randleman, which won twice on its homecourt in the tournament to back up its regular-season championship. “The bull’s-eye has been on our back all year,” Randleman coach Brandon Varner said. “The pressure has been building.” First there was a 66-51 victory against fourth-seeded Wheatmore. Then came Friday night’s 56-43 triumph against third-seeded Uwharrie Charter Academy in the title game. A strong first half in the title game gave the Tigers a working margin. They led 33-15 at the break. “In the first half, we hit a lot of shots,” Varner said. “UCA continued to battle. They’re going to be a tough out in the playoffs.” Gracyn Hall scored 21 points in the semifinal and 18 in the final for Randleman. Elizabeth York posted 19 points and 13 points, respectively, while Audra Petty had 14 points and 17 points. UCA (17-8) played three games last week, topping visiting Providence Grove 40-25 in the quarterfinals and winning 43-37 at Southwestern Randolph in the semifinals. There were rough patches on offense in the final for the Eagles. “For whatever reason, I haven’t been able to identify why, we’re a slow-starting team,” UCA coach Austin Davis said. “We got the looks that we wanted, couldn’t get them to fall.” Ashara Spruill was the top scorer for UCA in each game, scoring 17, 16 and 13 points in the three games. Kristen Jensen added 13 points in the semifinal and seven in the final. Wheatmore’s Kara Comer notched 18 points in the semifinal vs. Randleman.

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Randolph Record for Wednesday, February 23, 2022

6 PREP WRESTLING

Winning it all motivates state champs Trinity’s Makupson, UCA’s Hernandez, Roberts collect wrestling titles

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record GREENSBORO — Contending for state championships in years past was part of the motivation for Trinity’s David Makupson and Uwharrie Charter Academy’s Grayson Roberts. Experiencing the winning feeling again was part of the quest for UCA’s Aldo Hernandez. All three wrestlers ended up as titlists Saturday at the Greensboro Coliseum. Makupson, a senior, put together a dominating four-match run through the 138-pound division in Class 2-A, winning the states after fourth-place finishes in each of the past two years. “Fourth place back-to-back years, that really motivated me to work harder,” Makupson said. “Because I realized what I was doing wasn’t enough. In my head, I thought I was working hard enough. When I didn’t see the outcomes I wanted, that really got me going.”

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Trinity’s David Makupson, top, controls Will Nix of Bandys in the Class 2-A 138-pound final. He got moving to such a level that he couldn’t be stopped during the three-day meet. Makupson opened the tournament with an 11-0 decision against West Caldwell’s Rakeem Smith. He next notched a second-period fall against North Pitt’s Jayvion Perry. Then came a pair of major decisions, first handling East Carteret’s Shane Hatfield by 13-1 in the semifinal and then controlling Bandys’ Will Nix by

10-0 in the final. “Not letting him score any points, just dominating the whole match, just staying in control,” said Makupson, who finished the season with a 50-1 record. “Just pace myself because I already knew I had a better gas tank than he did.” Both of the UCA champions are juniors, each needing three victories in Class 1-A. “Getting third two years in a row

really, really hurt,” Roberts said. “Motivation. Always motivated.” Roberts, a 160-pounder, won the final with a 7-5 decision against Union Academy’s Isaac Williams in a rematch of an East Regional final a week earlier. Roberts won that previous matchup by 10-3. “This felt amazing,” Roberts said. “I was still unsatisfied with my finals performance. I felt I could tighten things up. I’ll just come back next

Area wrestlers stick with it for solid finishes By Bob Sutton Randolph Record GREENSBORO — It was an encouraging start to the state tournament for Randolph County wrestlers Thursday. And not a bad finish either by Saturday. Aside from state champions David Makupson (138 pounds, Class 2-A) of Trinity and Aldo Hernandez (132, Class 1-A) and Grayson Roberts (160 pounds, Class 2-A), there were solid performances that lasted all the way to their final matches. Randolph County wrestlers excelled in the first rounds in Class 3-A and Class 2-A. Of the combined 15 entrants in those classes, 12 of them won in the opening round. And the three that lost in the first round won at least one consolation bout. In Class 1-A, four of UCA’s 13 entrants won in the first round. By the end, UCA teammates Byan Lackey (138) and Doug Bowles (170) were state runners-up, while several others placed in the top six. Among those were four wrestlers in third place, including impressive bounce-back efforts from Asheboro’s Logan Lambeth in Class 3-A at 182 and Southwestern Randolph’s Clay Sugg in Class 2-A at 195. In title bouts, Lackey was pinned in 49 seconds by Avery County senior Ethan Shell, who won his third state title. Lackey received a forfeit

and recorded a major decision to reach the final. Bowles suffered a 10-3 loss to Connor Medvar of Mount Airy in the final. Medvar was the 152-pound state champion in Class 1-A last year. Bowles notched a 39-second pin of Cherokee’s Darius Saunooke in the quarterfinals and a pin of Avery County’s Seth Blackledge in 2:31 of the semifinal. Lambeth and Sugg racked up five consecutive wins for their thirdplace spots. Lambeth lost by a 4-3 decision to Pisgah’s Alex Almaraz in his opening bout. He responded by posting a 9-0 decision against First Flight’s Gage Tomlin. Then came a 12-4 decision against St. Stephens’ Andre Britt, a 7-2 decision against West Carteret’s Hiroki Cruz, an 8-3 sudden-victory outcome against Union Pines’ Nicholas Mascolino and then a second-period pin of Harnett Central’s Jose Zambrano. That was an ideal way to cap his high school career. “Pinning the dude in my thirdplace match,” Lambeth said of his highlight. How did he recover from the opening-day disappointment? “Support from my coaches and friends and family,” he said. Sugg lost via pin in the first round to eventual champion Owen Clark of Newton-Conover before rattling

off five wins in a row, beginning with a third-period pin of North Pitt’s Alexis Lar Ramirez in 3:50 in the first consolation round. Next came a 49-second pin of North Carolina School of Science and Math’s William McMahon, an 11-5 decision against Bandys’ Zachory Evans, a 2-1 squeaker against Forbush’s Luke Hurley and a 6-2 decision against East Surry’s Daniel Villasenor. Providence Grove’s Brooks Freeman (182, Class 2-A) placed third, taking a smoother route early on. Freeman opened with a 9-3 upset of Bartlett Yancey’s Dylan Wall. Freeman then secured a third-period technical fall against West Lincoln’s Braxton Young in the quarterfinals. Then Freeman was derailed by East Surry’s Eli Becker’s second-period pin. He got back on track with an 8-3 decision against Raydyn Brooks of Bandys before finishing by dominating Oxford Webb’s Nicholas Harris, who didn’t score in Freeman’s technical fall victory in 2:43. UCA’s Brandon Jordan was third at 113. After a loss in the first round, he won his next three matches, two of those by pins. He stuck Leadership Academy’s Cooper Wingate in 1:35 of the third-place match. Fourth place went to Asheboro’s Xavier Santos (113, 3-A), Trinity’s Spencer May (113, 2-A), UCA’s Ethan Hines (106, 1-A) and UCA’s Jaden Maness (182, 1-A).

Santos, the Midwest Regional champion, edged East Lincoln’s Devean Huskey 6-5 to start the states. Santos followed that by defeating West Brunswick’s Marquis Shaw 7-2. His title hopes ended in a semifinal loss to eventual champion Charlie Sly of Cramer. Then Santos won by a decision and lost by a pin. Trinity’s Spencer May pinned Louisburg’s Brandon Nolasco-Rayo to open competition. He lost in the quarterfinals in a 5-3 decision to R-S Central’s Sumter Horton. In the consolation bracket, May posted back-to-back pins and a decision before he was pinned by Mount Pleasant’s Trent Almond in the thirdplace match. Hines lost in his first match and then won twice before losing. Maness took a similar path to fourth place, though receiving a forfeit in his first consolation assignment. Sixth-place spots went to Asheboro’s Luke Lambeth (160, 3-A) and Providence Grove’s Colton Wood (285, 2-A). Luke Lambeth topped Dixon’s Shawn Disbennett 6-0. Lambeth was on the other end of a shutout in a 3-0 quarterfinal loss to Foard’s Zane Birtchet. He then scored a 32-second pin and won by decision before dropping his last two bouts by decisions. At 285, Providence Grove’s Colton Wood registered a 16-second pin of

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year better.” Roberts (48-4) never trailed, but Williams pulled even at 5-5 in the third period because of a point awarded when Roberts was called for stalling. Roberts immediately secured the winning takedown. In earlier rounds, Roberts pinned Elkin’s Adrian Rodriguez in 2:33 and flattened Avery County’s Bradley Parker in 2:49. Hernandez was the Class 3-A champion at 120 last year while competing for Montgomery Central. He moved to 132 this season. “It does feel like there’s more pressure on you during the season,” he said. “I feel like everyone is trying to wrestle you their best.” Hernandez (49-3) never went the distance in his three matches, beginning with a pin in 1:57 of Mount Airy’s John Alex Cox. Then came a pair of technical falls while allowing just one point. The semifinal with Bradford Prep’s Lucas Ellis ended in 3:17 and then the title bout with Alleghany’s Bryson Church was done in 2:22 with Hernandez rolling up a 15-0 score. “The plan was to go out there and score points,” Hernandez said. “The game plan was to take him down and then get to work on top.” UCA was third in the Class 1-A team standings behind Avery County and Robbinsville. Trinity placed ninth in Class 2-A. Bandys was the team champion.

Trask’s Javier Corona. Wood had to go the distance in the quarterfinals, losing 5-3 to Brevard’s Jarek Stewart-Karolweics. Wood then notched two pins before he was pinned twice. Others from the county had encouraging starts before stalling and ending up short of a final place finish. Diego Gutierrez (126) of Asheboro handled Orange’s Dillon Heffernan 11-4 before losing in a 6-5 decision to Swansboro’s Isaac Gawronski. Asheboro’s Michael Brady (195) fell in a 4-2 overtime decision to West Carteret’s Joshua Knipe. He bounced back with an 11-4 handling of Scotland County’s Michael Locklear before he was ousted. Trinity’s Brayden Hall (106) needed overtime to defeat Southwest Onslow’s Carter Duhan 6-5. In the quarterfinals, he fell in a 3-2 decision to Kaden Shoup of Shelby Burns before posting a shutout in his first consolation-bracket match. Southwestern Randolph’s Luke White (132) flattened Trask’s Christian Still in one minute. White dropped a 9-6 decision to West Craven’s Walker Bell in the second round. White had another pin before he was eliminated in a onepoint loss Casey Hohn (152) of Trinity stuck Burlington Cummings’ Zyneal White in the second period. But Hohn was a first-period pin victim against Newton-Conover’s Jason Brawley in the quarterfinals. Then came a pin for Hohn before he lost an elimination bout by two points.

Randolph Record for Wednesday, February 23, 2022

obituaries

Beverly Wilkins Hooker 1956 - 2022

1931 - 2022

Donald Ray Cheek, 90, of Seagrove, N.C., peacefully departed a long and happy life on Feb. 14, 2022, in Concord, N.C., at the home of his stepdaughter Patricia Garner. Born in Franklinville, N.C., on Dec. 9, 1931, Don was a middle child in a Great Depressionera family headed by William Thurman and Macie Mae Marley Cheek. He had four brothers and two sisters who lived to adulthood and two sisters who died in infancy. In 1945, the family moved to Asheboro, a town Don and many of the family members continued to call home. In addition to Iona, Don was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, his daughter Lori Cheek Warner, of Sneedville, Tenn., his sisters Mary Cheek Craven, of High Point, N.C., and Louise Cheek Johnston Allred, of Asheboro, his brothers Wade, of Asheboro, and Jesse, of Aurora, Col., two nieces and three nephews. He is survived by his brothers Marvin and Max, his stepdaughter Patricia Garner, and six nieces, the daughters of Mary, Jesse and Louise. Those of us who loved him will miss his goodness in the world.

1943 - 2022

Beverly Wilkins Hooker, 65, of Asheboro, passed away on February 20, 2022. She was born on July 13, 1956 in Fayette County, GA. Beverly’s greatest work was operating a group home for years and she loves her girls dearly. Beverly is survived by her husband, Dougald Hooker; adopted grandson, Christian D. Hill (Little Man); brother, Scott Wilkins and various brothers and sisters. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Virgie Wilkins. The family will hold a service at a later date.

Connie Ann Wheeler Sanderson, 78, of Asheboro, passed away on February 14, 2022 at Randolph Hospital. She was born on October 14, 1943 to Clyde And Helen Wheeler. Mrs. Sanderson was a strong, independent, kind and caring lady who loved her family and her grandchildren were everything to her. She had previously worked at Roses, Energizer, Sara Lee and was currently employed with Goodwill of Randleman. Mrs. Sanderson loved crafting, reading and beading. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Sanderson was preceded in death by her husband, Vyron Johnson, brother, Glen Wheeler and sister, Donna Wies. Mrs. Sanderson is survived by her daughter, Polly Miller (Michael Beck) of Asheboro; sons, Ken Sanderson (Mariann) of Georgia, Brian Sanderson (Sherry) of South Carolina; grandchildren, Josh Sanderson, Steph Sanderson (Jordan), Jessica Sanderson, Donnie Warren (Christy), Gary Cole (Kiesha); 10 great grandchildren; brother, Leo Wheeler (Valerie); sister, Barbara Lawrence; several nieces and nephews.

Madeline Holleman Hudson

Margaret Rabon Thornton

Donald Ray Cheek

Connie Ann Wheeler Sanderson

James Alexander Steed

1944 - 2022

1931 - 2022

Margaret Rabon Thornton, age 77 of Randleman passed away February 14, 2022 at Moses Cone. Margaret was a graduate of Green Sea High School in S.C and retired from Hughes Furniture Company in Asheboro. She is preceded in death by her parents, Harley and Eutha Rabon, grandchild, Amanda Thornton, sisters, Zonnie Martin, and Betty Windham; brothers, Bobby and Elden Rabon. Margaret is survived by her husband, Dean Thornton, daughter, Charlotte Bowland husband Charles of Asheboro; son, Bobby Thornton and wife Kathy of Randleman; grandchildren: Heather Lambirth and husband Matthew of Asheboro, Bobby Thornton, Jr. of Randleman and Christopher Thornton of SC; great grandchildren: Aiden Bowland, Matthew Lambert, Dalton Thornton and Lilly Thornton; brothers, Richard Rabon of Thomasville, Wade Rabon of Sophia, Michael Rabon of Trinity and Joe Rabon of Thomasville; sisters, Lois Pratt of TN. and Lynnette Buffkin of Loris, SC.

James Alexander Steed, 90, was called home to be with His Lord and Savior, Thursday February 17, 2022. He was born on May 14, 1931 to AP and Mae Owens Steed who are also at home with The Lord. James graduated from Randleman High School, Class of 1950. James was a native of Randleman and retired from Western Electric/AT&T after 39 years of holding the position as project manager. James was given endless opportunities to travel nationally and internationally in that position. He was a faithful lifelong member at First United Methodist Church of Randleman, and loved his Sunday school class. He was also a member of the rotary club for several years, and was a very active member of Randolph Asheboro YMCA . James was an avid rose Gardner, and always blessed his community with flowers. James is survived by his loving wife and life partner of 70 years, Rita Steed; Son Jim Steed (Pam); Daughter, Kathryn Simpson (Gene); Brother Bill Steed; Sister Annette Hicks; Grandchildren: Paige Elliott (Brad), Jared Steed, Andrew Simpson, Abigail Stubelt (Jared), and Angel Simpson. Great Grandchildren: Lanie, Blakeley, Ainsley Elliott and Jace Steed.

1924 - 2022

Madeline Holleman Hudson, 97, formerly of Pittsboro, passed away on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at White Oak Manor in Kings Mountain, NC. Ms. Hudson was born in Durham on March 25, 1924, the daughter of Juluis and Zada Howard Holleman. Madeline was a member of Loves Creek Church. She prided herself on being a hard worker, she retired after years working as an Inspector for Collins & Aikman. Madeline loved sewing and working in her garden. In addition to her parents, Madeline is preceded in death by her sisters, Alma Smith and Eva Mae Holt, Mary Alice Luther, and Inez Sessoms; brother, Marvin and J.D. Hollerman. She is survived by her sons, Hal Hudson and wife Conda of Kings Mountain, Larry Hudson of South Carolina, and Bobby D. Hudson and wife Linda of Siler City; sister, Doris Tant of Pittsboro; 4 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandson.

Betty Sue Brown Lennon Jean Lupold Knepp

1933 - 2022

Donald Lewis Beane, Jr. 1967 – 2022

Donald “Don” Lewis Beane, Betty Sue Brown Lennon, age Jr., 54, of Siler City, passed away 1935 – 2022 88, of Asheboro passed away on on Monday, February 14, 2022 Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at surrounded by his loved ones at Jean Lupold Knepp, 86, of Bear Clapp’s Convalescent Nursing his home. Creek, passed away on Tuesday, Home. 1938 – 2022 Mr. Beane was born in February 15, 2022 at Moore Mrs. Lennon was born in Chatham County on July 29, 1967, Regional Hospital. Randleman, NC on December Zelma Lynthacum McNeill, age the son of Donald Lewis Beane, Sr. Mrs. Knepp was born in Clinton 3, 1933 to Susie and Willard 83, passed away on February 19, and Camela Perry Crutchfield. County, PA on March 21, 1935, the Brown. She grew up in Asheboro 2022 at First Health Hospice in In addition to his father, daughter of George and Marguerite where she met and married the love Pinehurst. he is preceded in death by his Watkins Lupold. of her life, Frank Lennon. Mrs. McNeill was born in grandparents, Paul and Carlene Jean was an active member of the Betty devoted her life to making Montgomery County on July 25, Perry. Antioch Christian Church. She spent a loving home for Frank and their 1938 to Jessie and Bernice Green He is survived by his daughters, her working years as a Registered 2 children. They were members Lynthacum. Cheyenne and Jillian Beane of Nurse, she enjoyed making people of First United Methodist Church In addition to her parents she is Wilmington; wife Tanya Beane of smile. Jean was a member of the where many years ago she started preceded in death by her son Larry Siler City; step daughter, Inessa Goldston Book Club. In addition to the Mother’s Morning Out McNeill. Ravat of Siler City; mother, her parents, she is preceded in death program. “Miss Betty” lovingly Zelma is survived by her husband Camela Beane Crutchfield and by her sister, Nancy Keller. cared for many children. Floyd McNeill of the home; husband Alfred of Liberty; She is survived by her husband Betty is survived by her 2 sons Phillip McNeill (Audrey) of brother, Perry Beane and wife Harry Knepp, Jr.; son, Robbie children, son, Lee Lennon and Seagrove; Jerry McNeill (Sharon) Lindsey of Greensboro; life friend Knepp and wife Jennifer of Spring daughter Debbie Miller and of Seagrove; sisters Mamie Lewis and children’s mother, Kimberly Lake; daughter Erin K. Warrick husband Charlie, all of Asheboro. of Biscoe; Pearlie Macon of Candor Jarman Beane; nieces, Sandra and husband Donnie of Pikeville; In addition to her parents, Betty and daughter-in-law Sharon and Aiden Beane; nephew, Colby grandchildren, Caitlin Brown was preceded in death by her H. McNeill of Seagrove. Nine Beane. and husband Matt, Jesse Knepp, siblings, Ted Brown, Joe Brown, grandchildren, twenty great Memorials may be made to Randolph Record forand Wednesday, Cheyenne Warrick and Isaac Knepp Lucille Blake, Francis Davis, and grandchildren four great great July the Brenner Children’s Hospital and wife Becca; step grandchildren, Bonnie Groce. grandchildren. c/o Colby Beane with your Elizabeth and Dean Hamilton; and Betty’s gentle spirit and kind check payable to Wake Forest great grandson, Oliver Brown. heart will forever be remembered. Baptist Health, note “Brenner Randolph Record for Wednesday, July 7, 2021 A memorial service will be held at Children’s” on the memo line of 1:00 PM on Saturday, February 26, your check and send to: Office 2022 at Antioch Christian Church, of Philanthropy and Alumni WEDNESDAY 246 Antioch Christian Church WEEKLY FORECAST Relations, P.O. Box 571021, Road, Bear Creek, NC 27207, with Winston-Salem, NC 27157. Rev. Jimmy Tolton officiating. WEDNESDAY WEEKLY FORECAST

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STATE & NATION

NC State drops ‘Dixie’ North State Journal staff RALEIGH — The NC State Board of Trustees approved a wording change to the university’s Alma Mater, removing “Dixie” in the first lines of the song and replacing it with “Southern” in a move that effective immediately. Chancellor Randy Woodson said in a letter that, “A growing number of students, faculty, staff and alumni have expressed concerns about the word ‘Dixie’ in our Alma Mater and see it as contrary to NC State’s vision, values and goals.” “In response to concerns, last year the Alumni Association Board of Directors formed an executive task force to review the Alma Mater. The task force ultimately presented options for moving forward, one of which was removing “Dixie” and replacing it with a geographical reference. The chair of NC State’s Board of Trustees, Stan Kelly, and I brought this issue to the full Board of Trustees and recommended the change be made,” the letter continues. The term “Dixie” itself is a geographic nickname for the South. The board unanimously approved the change on Feb. 18. Since 1925, the school’s alma mater has stared with, “Where the winds of Dixie softly blow, o’er the fields of Caroline.” Now, the first line of the song begins, “Where the Southern winds so softly blow.” The lyrics and accompanying music of NC State’s Alma Mater were in written in 1925. The lyrics were composed by Alvin M. Fountain, an

GERRY BROOME | AP PHOTO | FILE

The North Carolina State band performs prior to an NCAA college football game against Troy in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 5, 2015. electrical engineering graduate in 1923 with the music by Bonnie F. Norris, Jr., a 1923 mechanical engineering graduate. Fountain went on to attend Columbia University and Peabody College and ultimately returned to NC State to teach. Fountain Dining Hall on NC State’s campus is named for him. NC State was founded in 1887,

over 21 years after the Civil War ended. “Traditions remain an important part of NC State. Those traditions must reflect who we are today and what we hope to achieve. As an institution of higher learning founded on a land-grant mission, we have a responsibility to continually educate ourselves and

those who pass through our doors to unite against intolerance, model inclusivity, and advance the dignity and power of diversity. Making this change is simply the right thing to do,” Chancellor Woodson’s letter ends. The change was included in a faculty report to the Board of Trustees on Feb. 18. It was one of

‘The brand is so toxic’: Dems fear extinction in rural US By Steve Peoples t The Associated Press SMETHPORT, Pa. — Some Democrats in rural Pennsylvania are afraid to tell you they’re Democrats. The party’s brand is so toxic in the small towns 100 miles northeast of Pittsburgh that some liberals have removed bumper stickers and yard signs and refuse to acknowledge their party affiliation publicly. These Democrats are used to being outnumbered by the local Republican majority, but as their numbers continue to dwindle, the few that remain are feeling increasingly isolated and unwelcome in their own communities. “The hatred for Democrats is just unbelievable,” said Tim Holohan, an accountant based in rural McKean County who recently encouraged his daughter to get rid of a pro-Joe Biden bumper sticker. “I feel like we’re on the run.” The climate across rural Pennsylvania is symptomatic of a larger political problem threatening the Democratic Party ahead of the 2022 midterm elections. Beyond losing votes in virtually every election since 2008, Democrats have been effectively ostracized from many parts of rural America, leaving party leaders with few options to reverse a cultural trend that is redefining the nation’s political landscape. The shifting climate helped Republicans limit Democratic gains in 2020 — the GOP actually gained House seats despite for-

KEITH SRAKOCIC | AP PHOTO

Democratic candidate for the Pennsylvania U.S.senate seat in the 2022 primary election, Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, center, greets people as arrives for a campaign stop at the Mechanistic Brewery, in Clarion, Pa., Saturday, Feb. 12, 2022. mer President Donald Trump’s loss — and a year later, surging Republican rural support enabled Republicans to claim the Virginia governorship. A small but vocal group of party officials now fears the same trends will undermine Democratic candidates in Ohio, Wisconsin, Georgia, North Carolina and Pennsylvania, states that will help decide the Senate majority in November, and the White House two years after that. Meanwhile, the Democratic Party continues to devote the vast majority of its energy, messaging and resources to voters in more populated urban and suburban areas.

The Democratic Party’s struggle in rural America has been building for years. And it’s getting worse. Barack Obama won 875 counties nationwide in his overwhelming 2008 victory. Twelve years later, Biden won only 527. The vast majority of those losses — 260 of the 348 counties — took place in rural counties, according to data compiled by The Associated Press. The worst losses were concentrated in the Midwest: 21 rural counties in Michigan flipped from Obama in 2008 to Trump in 2020; Democrats lost 28 rural counties in Minnesota, 32 in Wisconsin and a whopping 45 in

Iowa. At the same time, recent Republican voter registration gains in swing states like Florida and North Carolina were fueled disproportionately by rural voters. Biden overcame rural losses to beat Trump in 2020 because of gains in more populous Democratic counties. Perhaps because of his victory, some Democratic officials worry that party leaders do not appreciate the severity of the threat. Democratic Rep. Jim Cooper of Tennessee, who recently announced he would not seek re-election to Congress this fall, warns that the party is facing ex-

three resolutions presented to the board following a vote of the staff Senate. The other resolutions presented were to eliminate a 20% cap on increase in staff salaries and a COVID-19 vaccine mandate. The meeting minutes have not bene publicly posted and efforts by North State Journal to obtain them are ongoing.

tinction in small-town America. “It’s hard to sink lower than we are right now. You’re almost automatically a pariah in rural areas if you have a D after your name,” Cooper told The Associated Press. Even if Democrats continue to eke out victories by piling up urban and suburban votes, former Sen. Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota fears her party will have “unstable majorities” if they cannot stop the bleeding in rural areas. “Democrats have the House, they have the Senate, the presidency, but it’s an unstable majority. By that, I mean, the narrowest kind, making it difficult to advance ideas and build coalitions,” said Heitkamp, who now heads the One Country Project, which is focused on engaging rural voters. She criticized her party’s go-to strategy for reaching rural voters: focusing on farmers and vowing to improve high-speed internet. At the same time, she said Democrats are hurting themselves by not speaking out more forcefully against far-left positions that alienate rural voters, such as the push to “defund the police.” While only a handful of Democrats in Congress support stripping such money from police departments, for example, conservative media popular in rural communities — particularly Fox News — amplifies such positions. “We’re letting Republicans use the language of the far left to define the Democratic Party, and we can’t do that,” Heitkamp said. “The trend lines in rural America are very, very bad. ... Now, the brand is so toxic that people who are Democrats, the ones left, aren’t fighting for the party.”

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Stanly County Journal

NATHAN POSNER | AP PHOTO

A member of the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army rests ahead of deployment to Poland from Fort Bragg, N.C. on Monday, Feb. 14, 2022. They are among soldiers the Department of Defense is sending in a demonstration of American commitment to NATO allies worried at the prospect of Russia invading Ukraine.

WHAT’S HAPPENING Man sentenced for firearm and drug trafficking charges Stanly County Arthur Alexander McQueen, Jr., 36, was sentenced to 292 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and 120 months for felon in possession of a firearm. A police informant purchased 500 grams of fentanyl in Forsyth County last May. Police seized a stolen handgun with a large capacity magazine, a large quantity of money, drug paraphernalia, 4.1 kilograms of fentanyl and 26 grams of crack cocaine. McQueen was found trying to flush the fentanyl and arrested. At the time of the offenses, McQueen had previously been convicted of multiple drug felonies in Forsyth County. NSJ

Man arrested after highspeed chase Montgomery County Jonathan Luke Edwards, 30, was arrested following a multicounty high-speed chase last week. Edwards was wanted on 14 warrants related to felony theft. Police gave up one chase, starting in Davidson County, for safety concerns. A later chase, from Randolph to Montgomery County, resulted in Edwards’ arrest. Once he was caught, Edwards was charged with possession of a firearm as a felon, felony fleeing arrest, possession of a stolen vehicle, assaulting a government official and reckless driving. MY FOX 8

Police seek suspect in bus driver’s death Mecklenburg County Police are looking for a suspect who shot and killed a bus driver. Charlotte-Mecklenburg police found a Charlotte Area Transit System bus that had gone off the road. The officers located the bus driver, Ethan Rivera, 41, who had been shot. He died on Saturday at a local hospital. There were four passengers on the bus at the time of the shooting and none was hurt, police said. AP

20177 52016 $0.50

Stanly County Winter Wine Festival back on for 2022 Event is from 12-5 pm Feb 26 at Albemarle’s Market Station By David Larson Stanly County Journal ALBEMARLE — After a COVID-induced hiatus in 2021, the Stanly County Winter Wine Festival is making a return in 2022. Tickets are now available to the event, to be held on Feb. 26 from noon to 5 p.m. at Market Station in Downtown Albemarle. SCJ had a chance to speak with Joy Almond, Albemarle’s Main Street director, about the event. “We had to cancel last year,” Almond said. “So we’re excited to be able to resume the event in person again this year.” Almond said the event typically has around 1,500 people, and they expect a similar crowd in

2022. Since last year’s event was canceled due to COVID, this year they are taking some precautions to have a safe event while still allowing people to mingle freely. “We’ll encourage people to wear masks, and we’ll have some hand-sanitizer stations set up, but with it being a wine tasting where people are going to go table to table with samples, I know that’s going to be a challenge,” Almond said. “It’s a semi-outdoor event; it’s going to be tented. Part of the event will be set up differently where some of the tents will have openings at the bottom to allow for more air to circulate. So we’re trying to host the event responsibly and we’re excited to be able to host it.” In terms of what vendors will be coming, Almond said she has 12 vineyards signed up for the event so far. She said all but one of the vendors from the last event, which was in 2020, have

“We have had people in past years, because we have so many vineyards under one roof, we’ve had people literally come to this event to stock their wine cellars and will buy cases of wine to take back with them.” Joy Almond, Albemarle’s Main Street director confirmed they will be returning. “It wasn’t because they didn’t want to be here or any reservation in regards to COVID about being here,” Almond said of the one vineyard that couldn’t make it. “It was simply because they

didn’t have the staff to be able to cover the event.” The event itself, she said, is a fun way for friends to get together and sample wines and socialize. They don’t even have to be expert connoisseurs to enjoy themselves, although some serious wine aficionados do show up. “We have had people in past years, because we have so many vineyards under one roof, we’ve had people literally come to this event to stock their wine cellars and will buy cases of wine to take back with them,” Almond said. “So it’s a one-stop shop for those that are really into North Carolina-made wines. And I’m really pleased that we have this event to be able to celebrate a major driving force of our local economy, the vineyard industry.” In addition to the more-expert visitors, she also says many show up with a group of friends and make a day of it. “I see a lot of group outings,” she said. “You can tell [because] there are women who all wear matching t-shirts that are wine themed, and they all seem to have a lot of fun together. It seems like an outing for a lot of See WINE FESTIVAL, page 2

Stanly Sheriff’s Office renews appeal to public for answers in 2013 murder case Stanly County Journal staff ALBEMARLE — Nearly nine years after a local resident was found dead in his home, the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office is still seeking the public’s assistance in untangling the truth behind the unsolved murder. On May 12, 2013, just outside Albemarle’s city limits, 27-yearold Jason Burleson was discovered deceased in the basement of his home, shot and tied to a chair, with his mouth and nose ducttaped. His house had been ransacked and plundered, but there was no trace of who the culprit or culprits might be — nor any indication on why the tragic murder occurred. Almost a decade later, the sheriff’s office is not giving up its effort to track down and bring the murderer to justice. In order to do that, they are reaching out to media to bring the case back to the public’s attention. “Our purpose for this is to try to reach somebody that maybe

wouldn’t come forward with information years ago but will come forward now,” Capt. Chris Huneycutt of the SCSO told SCJ. “We’ve tried to give his mother and all of his family some closure. We still talk with her on a very regular basis, and she’s just as distraught about it today as she was on the day it happened. This is one of those situations where time doesn’t heal all wounds for all people.” As for any possible new leads in the case’s trail, Huneycutt said that “there’s not much to go on” and that years of questioning have also yielded years of unfounded rumors: “We have a tremendous amount of information in this case, and yet none of it appears to be usable, credible information.” Over 40 people were interviewed by authorities involved in this case; repeated interviews multiple years later with the same people did not generate any new leads or new accounts pertaining to the tragic event, only a common narrative surrounding Burleson’s

“Our purpose for this is to try to reach somebody that maybe wouldn’t come forward with information years ago but will come forward now.” Capt. Chris Huneycutt, Stanly Sheriff’s Office positive reputation among his friends and family. “The overarching thing whenever we’ve gone back and interviewed people at this point is that not one person has said a bad thing about Jason,” Detective Karcin Vick-Dunn said. “Everybody loved him, like he was the one person who would do anything for anybody.” In the meantime, the sheriff’s office will be re-examining the actual physical evidence that was

collected at the crime scene, hoping that advances in technology between 2013 and 2022 could possibly make some of that evidence more useful — and hoping that its plea to the community will produce new information. “Sometimes people think, ‘Well, I know stuff, but it might not matter.’ But a lot of times, it’s that information that does matter. The things that people think are insignificant, to us having seen the file but haven’t looked at everything, they’re the critical pieces. So we are asking anyone to come forward,” Huneycutt continued. Stanly County Crime Stoppers is still offering a $15,000 reward in exchange for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for Burleson’s death. Anyone with any information at all pertaining to the murder case is advised to contact Stanly County Crime Stoppers at 704-982-0711, Lt. Joseph Lawing at 704-986-3738, or Huneycutt at 704-986-3690.

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, February 23, 2022

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RALEIGH — The NC State Board of Trustees approved a wording change to the university’s Alma Mater, removing “Dixie” in the first lines of the song and replacing it with “Southern” in a move that is effective immediately. Chancellor Randy Woodson said in a letter that, “A growing number of students, faculty, staff and alumni have expressed concerns about the word “Dixie” in our Alma Mater and see it as contrary to NC State’s vision, values and goals.” “In response to concerns, last year the Alumni Association Board of Directors formed an executive task force to review the Alma Mater. The task force ultimately presented options for moving forward, one of which was removing “Dixie” and replacing it with a geographical reference. The chair of NC State’s Board of Trustees, Stan Kelly, and I brought this issue to the full Board of Trustees and recommended the change be made,” the letter continues. The board unanimously approved the change on Feb. 18. Now, the first line of the song begins, “Where the Southern winds so softly blow.” The lyrics and accompanying music of NC State’s Alma Mater

♦ Linda Love Stancil, 79, of Stanfield, died Feb. 10.

♦ Leon Cephus Frederick, 94, of Albemarle, died Feb. 17.

♦ David Edward Perry, 42, died Feb. 12.

♦ Peggy Cole Smith, 73, of New London, died Feb. 18.

♦ Mary Frances Huneycutt, 89, of Locust, died Feb. 14.

♦ John Ervin Eudy, Jr., 70, of Albemarle, died Feb. 18.

♦ Randall Lee Hatley, 46, of New London, died Feb. 15.

♦ Mickey Holloway Bowers, 81, of Albemarle, died Feb. 19.

♦ Oseas Tubntse Zagada, 7 months 15 days, of Albemarle, died Feb. 16.

♦ Gordon Glenn Almond, 87, of New London, died Feb. 20.

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The exterior of Talley Student Union at NC State University is shown in this photo. were originally penned in the 1920s, and the word “Dixie” had been part of the song since 1925. “Traditions remain an important part of NC State. Those traditions must reflect who we are today and what we hope to achieve. As an institution of higher learning founded on a land-grant mission, we have a responsibility to continually edu-

cate ourselves and those who pass through our doors to unite against intolerance, model inclusivity, and advance the dignity and power of diversity. Making this change is simply the right thing to do,” Chancellor Woodson’s letter ends. The change was included in a faculty report to the Board of Trustees on Feb. 18. It was one of three res-

♦ Deborah Joyce Moore Troutman, 55, of Badin, died Feb. 21.

friend groups that seem to come out and enjoy. And I recognize a lot of people there, but there are also a lot of those that are traveling from all over the state and some from places outside of our state. But it does bring a lot of people, and a diverse crowd, too, I would say.”

♦ Blalock, Walter Louise (W /M/60) Arrest on chrg of Possession Of Firearm By Felon (F), at 20758 Nc Hwy 138, Aquadale, NC, on 2/16/2022

♦ Burleson, Cody Scott (W M, 25) Arrest on chrg of Pwimsd Heroin (F), at Fast Stop,New London, on 02/16/2022

♦ Snapp, Rachael Elaine (W F, 26) Arrest on chrg of Financial Card Fraud (f) (F), at 841Nc 24-27 Bypass E/nc 740 Bypass, Albemarle, on 02/21/2022

♦ Smith, Christopher Darryl (W /M/32) Arrest on chrg of Felony Probation Violation (F), at 25119 Millingport Rd, Locust, NC, on 2/17/2022

♦ Smith, Jeremy Allen (W /M/38) Arrest on chrg of Larceny Of Motor Vehicle (f), F (F), at 126 South Third Street, Albemarle, NC, on 2/20/2022

♦ Cavender, David Wayne (W /M/67) Arrest on chrg of Lar Remove/dest/ dea Ct Compo (F), at 126 South 3rd St, Albemarle, NC, on 2/17/2022

♦ Musselwhite, Tyler Ryan (W M, 30) Arrest on chrg of Shoplifting ConcealmentGoods, M (M), at 781 Leonard Av, Albemarle, on 02/18/2022

September 17, 1971 – February 4, 2022

Camelia Conejo Palacios, 50, of Albemarle passed away on February 4, 2022 in Atrium Health Stanly. Born September 17, 1971 in Huetamo, Michocan, Mexico, she was the daughter of Maricela Conejo Palacios of Huetamo, Mexico and the late Jose Palacios. Camelia was a devout Catholic and she loved to bake and cook. She also loved her pets. She was a waitress at Mr. Tequilla in Norwood. She is survived by her husband, Jaime Duarte Hernandez of Albemarle, daughter Dayanna M. Romero-Palacios of Albemarle, and four brothers, Juan José Palacios Conejo, Miguel Ángel Palacios Conejo, Alejandro Palacios Conejo, Carlos Palacios Conejo.

See OBITS, page 7

tival, visit Glory Beans Coffee House, Livi Bug’s Boutique, Local Boujee, Starnes Jewelers or McRae Jewelers in Norwood. They can also be purchased online at stanlycountywinterwinefest.com. Only people 21 and older will be admitted, though, so those attending will need to find someone to watch the pets and kids for the afternoon.

♦ Blalock, Walter Louise (W M, 60) Arrest on chrg of Second Degree Trespass (M), at203 Nc 24-27 Bypass E, Albemarle, on 02/16/2022.

♦ Moore, Caleb James (B M, 31) Arrest on chrg of Awdw Intent To Kill (F), at 126 SThird St, Albemarle, on 02/16/2022

Camelia Conejo Palacios

For those who are interested in coming to socialize but may not be into wine, she said there will be other items to sample, including food trucks like What-ABurger, Higgins and Sons BBQ, Hilltop Seafood, and On-Time Snacks, as well as musical entertainment provided by DJ Dean. To buy tickets for the 2022 Stanly County Winter Wine Fes-

olutions presented to the board following a vote of the staff Senate. The other resolutions presented were to eliminate a 20% cap on increase in staff salaries and a COVID-19 vaccine mandate. The meeting minutes have not bene publicly posted and efforts by North State Journal to obtain them are ongoing.

WEEKLY CRIME LOG

♦ Pethel, Brian Shane (W /M/43) Arrest on chrg of Dv Protection Order Violation (M), at 126 South Third St, Albemarle, NC, on 2/16/2022

Gordon “Pete” Glenn Almond, 87, of New London passed away on Sunday, February 20, 2022 at his home surrounded by his family. His funeral service will be held at 2PM on Thursday, February 24, 2022 in the Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care Chapel in Albemarle officiated by Rev. Ron Loflin. Visitation will be held from 1-2PM prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Fairview Memorial Park in Albemarle. Mr. Almond was born January 22, 1935 in Stanly County to the late William Martin Almond and Hettie Turner Almond. Pete was a United States Army Veteran and was part of the 101st Airborne Division. He retired from sales in auto parts. After retirement, Pete was known in the community for teaching tennis to many students over the years where he touched countless lives and helped so many. Pete is survived by his wife of the home Rachel Holt Almond; and daughters: Myra Almond of Wilmington, NC, Sheri Almond of Cumberland, VA.

HI LO PRECIP

TUESDAY

FEB 28

PHOTO COURTESY OF NC STATE

WINE FESTIVAL from page 1 ♦ Donald Mark Simpson, Sr., 66, of Norwood, died Feb. 17.

January 22, 1935 – February 20, 2022

MONDAY

FEB 27

North State Journal staff

♦ Camelia Conejo Palacios, 50, of Albemarle, died Feb. 4.

Gordon “Pete” Glenn Almond

52° 38° 14%

HI LO PRECIP

SUNDAY

NC State adds ‘Southern’ to Alma Mater, drops ‘Dixie’

DEATH NOTICES

♦ Carol Sue Barbee Efird, 75, of Oakboro, died Feb. 16.

FRIDAY

♦ Webb, Clarence Scott (W M, 55) Arrested on Citation of Dwlr Impaired Rev(22-00609), at 651 Nc 24-27 Bypass E/henson St, Albemarle, on 02/18/2022 ♦ Musselwhite, Tyler Ryan (W M, 30) Arrested on Citation of Misdemeanor Larceny(22-00618), at 781 Leonard Av, Albemarle, on 02/18/202 ♦ Lilly, Jamarcus Franklin Harris (B M, 33) Arrest on chrg of Possession Of ControlledSub Prison/jail (F), at 447 Arey Av/lundix St, Albemarle, on 02/19/2022 ♦ Jones, Gregory Lamont (B /M/30) Arrest on chrg of Assault And Battery (M), at 731 Samantha, Norwood, NC, on 2/16/2022 ♦ Brown, Caroline Elizabeth (W F, 31) Arrest on chrg of Possess Drug Paraphernalia(M), at Badcock Furniture, Albemarle, on 02/20/2022 ♦ Culbreth, Corey Lane (W M, 21) Arrest on chrg of Driving While Impaired (M), at220 Snuggs Street, Albemarle, on 02/20/2022. ♦ Delarosa, Maria Florinda (W /F/54) Arrest on chrg of 1) Misdemeanor Larceny (M), 2) Misdemeanor Larceny (M), 3) Misdemeanor Larceny (M), 4) Misdemeanor Larceny (M), 5) Misdemeanor Larceny (M), and 6) Misdemeanor Larceny (M), at 625 E Red Cross Rd, Oakboro, NC, on 2/16/2022

♦ Muniz, Johnny Steven (W /M/32) Cited on Charge of Dwlr Impaired Rev (202200106), at 199 Lake Shore Dr/ lehue-parker Rd, Norwood, NC, on 2/16/2022. ♦ Richardson, Frank Nmn (B /M/36) Arrest on chrg of Felony Possession Sch Ii Cs (F), at 126 South Third Street, Albemarle, NC, on 2/20/2022 ♦ Harris, Robert Lawrence (B /M/53) Arrest on chrg of Assault On Female (M), at 11263 Old Road, Norwood, NC, on 2/20/2022 ♦ Khan, Dalton Majeed (W /M/25) Arrest on chrg of 1) Possess Heroin (F), 2) Possess Drug Paraphernalia (M), 3) Fta - Release Order (F), 4) Fta - Release Order (F), 5) Fta - Release Order (F), 6) Fta - Release Order (F), and 7) Surrender By Surety (F), at 44707 Ledbetter Road, New London, NC, on 2/19/2022 ♦ Dennis, Kayla Jade (W /F/21) Arrest on chrg of 1) Driving While Impaired (M), 2) Reckless Drvg-wanton Disregard (M), and 3) Dwlr Impaired Rev (M), at Old Salisbury Road, Albemarle, NC, on 2/18/2022 ♦ Garcia, Kaila Marie (W /F/29) Arrest on chrg of 1) Uttering Forged Instrument (F), 2) Poss 5+ Counterfeit Instument (F), 3) Obtain Property False Pretense (F), and 4) Obtain Property False Pretense (F), at 209 North Love Chapel Rd, Stanfield, NC, on 2/15/2022 ♦ Ballard, Ashley Paul (W /M/39) Arrest on chrg of Fta - Release Order (M), at Courthouse, Albemarle, NC, on 2/18/2022 ♦ Lewellen, Zachary Warren (W /M/29) Arrest on chrg of 1) Fta - Criminal

Summons Or Citation (M), 2) Fta Criminal Summons Or Citation (M), and 3) Fta - Criminal Summons Or Citation (M), at 126 South Third St, Albemarle, NC, on 2/17/2022

♦ Blalock, Walter Louise (W /M/60) Arrest on chrg of Surrender By Surety (M), at 126 South Third Street, Albemarle, NC, on 2/17/2022 ♦ Helms, Franklin Darrel (W /M/66) Arrest on chrg of 1) Assault On Govt Official/emply (M) and 2) Assault Phy Inj Emergency Prsn (F), at 126 S Third St, Albemarle, NC, on 2/17/2022 ♦ Mason, Spencer Kyle (W /M/33) Arrest on chrg of 1) Pwimsd Methamphetamine (F), 2) Maintain Veh/dwell/place Cs (f) (F), 3) Possess Drug Paraphernalia (M), and 4) Possess Drug Paraphernalia (M), at Millenport Road, Locust, NC, on 2/17/2022 ♦ Mason, Dustin Shaun (W /M/35) Arrest on chrg of 1) Pwimsd Methamphetamine (F), 2) Maintain Veh/dwell/place Cs (f) (F), and 3) Possess Drug Paraphernalia (M), at 25150 Millingport Rd, Locust, NC, on 2/17/2022 ♦ Horne, Bethany Leigh (W /F/36) Arrest on chrg of Possess Methamphetamine (F), at Millingport Rd, Albemarle, NC, on 2/17/2022 ♦ Whitley, Jesse Dan (W /M/34) Cited on Charge of Dwlr Impaired Rev (202200110), at 243 N Main St/w Andrews St, Norwood, NC, on 2/17/2022. ♦ Crooks, Joshua Demetrius (B /M/18) Arrest on chrg of 1) Pwimsd Marijuana (F), 2) Maintain Veh/dwell/ place Cs (f) (F), and 3) Carrying Concealed Gun (m) (M), at 24/27, Albemarle, NC, on 2/15/2022 ♦ Davenport, Ariah Lenae (B /F/19) Arrest on chrg of 1) Pwimsd Marijuana (F) and 2) Maintain Veh/ dwell/place Cs (f) (F), at 24/27 Wyatt Road, Albemarle, NC, on 2/15/2022

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, February 23, 2022

OPINION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor VISUAL VOICES

COLUMN | REP. RICHARD HUDSON

Time to end unscientific mask mandates

Sadly, our kids have had to endure mandates for too long, even while liberal mandatepushing politicians like Stacey Abrams ignored them.

COLUMN | MICHAEL BARONE

Must government be a ‘big, waddling, sluggish beast’?

Klein deftly avoids mentioning one recent government initiative that achieved its intended results: the Trump administration’s Operation Warp Speed, which produced COVID vaccines in record time.

ITINERANT POLICY journalist Ezra Klein, now with the New York Times, has highlighted something interesting about the Biden Democrats’ now-defunct Build Back Better package — something beyond its huge cost (trillions) and its failure to get majority support in the Democratic Congress, just like the single-payer health-care bill that recently failed to pass in California’s Democratic supermajority legislature. The Democrats’ major problem, Klein argues, is that they’re too unambitious, proposing only “a grab-bag of longstanding Democratic proposals” that mostly seek to close the “gaps” between the “social insurance options” of “any Western European nation.” He might have added that some of these nations — Sweden in the 1990s and Germany in the 2000s, for example — have cut back sharply on these policies. The models he and others cite most often are small, Scandinavian and lightly populated. Sweden, with around 10 million people, is about the size of Michigan, while Norway, Denmark and Finland, with about 5.5 million each, are about the size of Wisconsin and Minnesota. Laced through Klein’s 2,104-word article is a nostalgia for the huge governmental projects of the New Deal and World War II. He wants government to seek grander goals — “reinvigorate American semiconductor manufacturing, rebuild critical supply chains, finance regional innovation hubs across the country” — even if it doesn’t seem capable of attaining them. Klein deftly avoids mentioning one recent government initiative that achieved its intended results: the Trump administration’s Operation Warp Speed, which produced COVID vaccines in record time. Presumably, there was a fear that any favorable mention of the orangefaced ex-president would ruin Times readers’ breakfasts. President Donald Trump’s vaccine success evoked the great achievements of early 20th-century government — the gigantic dams built by progressive Republicans and New Deal Democrats that produced zero-emission electricity; the astonishing production of airplanes, tanks and ships in World War II; the building of the Pentagon — still the world’s largest office building 80 years later — in just 18 months. There’s also the Manhattan Project, which in three years produced not one but two workable atomic bombs; and the Apollo program, which in nine years sent men to the moon. Like Operation Warp Speed, all these involved massive government financing of private sector research and production. Franklin Roosevelt

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, February 23, 2022

SPORTS SIDELINE REPORT COLLEGE BASKETBALL

SOCCER

MLB

Baseball owners makes slight moves as talks continue Jupiter, Fla. Baseball negotiations resumed with new intensity Monday in an effort to salvage opening day, and owners made a pair of slight moves toward lockedout players but put off bigticket bargaining issues until later. MLB increased its offer of a bonus pool for pre-arbitration players by $5 million to $20 million that would go to 30 top players, a fraction of the $115 million for 150 players the union has asked for. Clubs also increased their proposal for a lottery for the amateur draft from the top three picks to the top four. Players have asked for the top eight.

NHL

that storybook ending,’” Almirola recalled. Almirola came up short again, finishing fifth Sunday. It was a bittersweet moment for the veteran driver who is embarking on his last full-time season in the Cup Series. “It’s emotional, honestly. It’s emotional,” he said, his voice trailing off. “Awe, man. That’s a great feeling to be in the thick of it coming down to the end of the Daytona 500. You dream about those things as a kid. I remember sitting up in the grandstands. It’s special. I hate losing, though.” Almirola had plenty of heartbroken company, including Kyle Busch, Brad Keselowski and Martin Truex Jr. All of them ended up watching Austin Cindric and Team Penske celebrate in Victory Lane. “Every year it doesn’t happen, it makes that intensity go up the next year,” said Fox Sports color

“Every year it doesn’t happen, it makes that intensity go up the next year.” Tony Stewart analyst Tony Stewart, who was 0 for 17 in the Daytona 500 when he retired. Among those without a Daytona 500 win are three former champions. Martin Truex Jr. (0 for 18): Truex crossed the line 13th and extended NASCAR’s longest active skid in the 500. It was a disappointing finish for the 2017 series champion who won each of the first two stages in the Daytona 500. But he was caught up in a five-car crash with 50 laps to go

NBA honors past, present with 75th tribute at All-Star Game Michael Jordan, Tim Duncan, Stephen Curry, Chris Paul and James Worthy were among those honored

“To see those guys today and then be on stage with those guys — it’s just crazy.” LeBron James

The Associated Press CLEVELAND — One by one the names of the NBA’s greatest players were called, bridging basketball’s past and present. And as each walked onto the floor, LeBron James found himself in further disbelief. The posters on his bedroom wall as a kid came to life. “Allen Iverson and Jason Kidd, Gary Payton, Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Oscar Robertson,” James said, still trying to grasp the experience. “To see those guys today and then be on stage with those guys — it’s just crazy.” On Sunday night, the league celebrated its diamond anniversary with a sparkling tribute to honor 75 years on the hardwood floor. During a moving halftime tribute at Sunday’s All-Star Game, 45 members of the 75th Anniversary Team — including Jordan, Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and James — stood elbow to elbow on a giant circular stage in the middle

when Tyler Reddick broke a part and spun right in front of him. Kyle Busch (0 for 17): Busch finished sixth in NASCAR’s premier event. He led four times for 28 laps, passing Stewart for the most laps led in the 500 without winning the race. He was in the mix in overtime despite sustaining some front-end damage during an eight-car crash on lap 62. Brad Keselowski (0 for 13): Keselowski trigged three multicar wrecks, including one just past the start-finish line on the last lap, and came home ninth. It was a tough ending to the start of Keselowski’s new venture. He left Penske after 12 seasons to join Roush Fenway Racing and form RFK Racing. Keselowski, who won a qualifying race Thursday, led six times for a race-high 67 laps but came up short in his bid to finally win the 500 two months after his father died.

RON SCHWANE | AP PHOTO

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, left, and former NBA great Michale Jordan greet each other during the introduction of 75 of the league's greatest players during halftime of Sunday's NBA AllStar Game in Cleveland. of Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. This was a chance for the game’s greatest to take a bow and be saluted for cutting the path for today’s players. For James, who made a fadeaway jumper — the kind Jordan made famous — to send Team LeBron to a 163-160 win over Team Durant, the chance to be around players he idolized was overwhelming.

“Every time they would announce another name, I didn’t even get an opportunity to like rejoice in the player that they had named,” he said. “It was, like, Gary Payton. I was, like, wow! Then J Kidd showed up, and then A.I. (Iverson) showed up, and then it was D. Wade, C.P. (Chris Paul), and Steph (Curry). I was just tripped out.” James wasn’t the only one. Each wearing blue blazers with

a 75th logo on their chests, the best of the NBA’s best were introduced to huge ovations, with the loudest cheers going to Jordan, the last player to walk onto the raised podium at center court. The forwards were brought out first with Charles Barkley leading the way. Giannis Antetokounmpo, one of six current All-Stars on the 75th team, changed out of his Team LeBron uniform for the on-court tribute. During the TV broadcast, Barkley said being amongst the NBA’s elite hit him harder than he expected. Antetokounmpo, one of the two Europeans on the squad, also was awed by being part of the ceremony. “When you start playing basketball when you are young, you never imagine to be next to all these all-time greats,” said Milwaukee’s star. “Your name being called, going out there to shake their hands and just stand next to them, interact with them, it was amazing. “I kind of teared up on stage because I’m not supposed to be here, man. Being among those guys is — man, it’s crazy.”

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Beijing’s Olympics close, ending 6 Stanly basketball safe but odd global moment teams receive state playoff bids A Russian doping scandal proved to be the biggest story of the 2022 Winter Games

Albemarle and North Stanly had both their boys’ and girls’ teams make the brackets

The Associated Press BEIJING — A pile of figure-skating rubble created by Russian misbehavior. A new Chinese champion — from California. An ace American skier who faltered and went home empty-handed. The end of the Olympic line for the world’s most renowned snowboarder. All inside an anti-COVID “closed loop” enforced by China’s authoritarian government. The terrarium of a Winter Games that has been Beijing 2022 came to its end Sunday, capping an unprecedented Asian Olympic trifecta and sending the planet’s most global sporting event off to the West for the foreseeable future, with no chance of returning to this corner of the world until at least 2030. On Sunday night, Xi and International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach stood together as Beijing handed off to Milan-Cortina, site of the 2026 Winter Games. “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” kicked off a notably Western-flavored show with Chinese characteristics as dancers with tiny, fiery snowflakes glided across the stadium in a ceremony that, like the opening, was headed by Chinese director Zhang Yimou. Unlike the first pandemic Olympics in Tokyo last summer, which featured all but empty seats at the opening and closing, a modest but energetic crowd populated the seats of Beijing’s “Bird’s Nest” stadium. It felt somewhat incongruous — a show bursting with color and energy and enthusiasm and even joy, the very things that couldn’t assert themselves inside China’s COVID bubble. “We welcome China as a winter sport country,” Bach said, closing

BERNAT ARMANGUE | AP PHOTO

Teams arrive during the closing ceremony of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. the Games. He called their organization “extraordinary” and credited the Chinese and their organizing committee for serving them up “in such an excellent way and a safe way.” By many mechanical measures, these Games were a success. They were, in fact, quite safe — albeit in the carefully modulated, dress-up-for-company way that authoritarian governments always do best. The local volunteers, as is usually the case, were delightful, helpful and engaging, and they received high-profile accolades at the closing. There was snow — most of it fake, some of it real. The venues — many of them, like the Bird’s Nest and the Aquatic Center, harvested from the 2008 edition of the Beijing Olympics — performed to expectations. One new locale, Big Air Shougang, carved from a repurposed steel mill, was an appealingly edgy mashup of winter wonderland and rust-belt industrial landscape. TV ratings were down, but streaming viewership was up: By Saturday, NBC had streamed 3.5 billion minutes from Beijing, compared to 2.2 billion in South Korea in 2018. And then, of course, there were

the Russians. And doping. Again. The 15-year-old Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva tested positive for using a banned heart medication. The result wasn’t announced by anti-doping officials until after she’d won gold as part of the team competition, even though the sample was taken weeks earlier. The Court of Arbitration for Sport cleared her to compete in the individual discipline, ruling that as a minor she had protected status. But Valieva, although heavily favored to win, fell several times during her free skate routine, landing her fourth place and prompting a cold reception from her embattled coach, Eteri Tutberidze. “Rather than giving her comfort, rather than to try to help her, you could feel this chilling atmosphere, this distance,” Bach said the next day, proclaiming his outrage. Valieva’s Russian teammates took gold and silver, but on a night of drama, even the winners were in tears. The affair produced one possible legacy for Beijing: Valieva’s ordeal has inspired talk of raising the minimum age for Olympic skaters from 15 to 17 or 18.

a No. 31 seed in the 2A bracket and played second-seeded Lincoln Charter Eagles (21-4, 10-0 Catawba Shores). The Colts had previously lost to Parkwood (13-14, 6-4 RRC) 64-48 in last week’s RRC semifinals but still By Jesse Deal earned a state playoff spot. Stanly County Journal Out of the six Stanly teams ALBEMARLE — While the to make the playoffs, only one Yadkin Valley Conference and of them is coming off a conferRocky River Conference tour- ence championship victory. The naments wrapped up on Friday, North Stanly girls (20-2, 10-0 the postseason will continue YVC) defeated Albemarle (177, 7-3 YVC) 70-46 in for six Stanly CounFriday’s YVC champity high school basketonship, capping off an ball teams in the state undefeated conference playoffs. slate. Three boys’ teams The No. 7 Comets (North Stanly, Albehosted the 16th-seedmarle and West Staned West Wilkes Blackly) and three girls’ Seed for hawks (8-15, 3-9 Footteams (North Stanhills) in the first round ly, Albemarle and North of the 2A bracket. Gray Stone) received Stanly girls’ Hoping to bounce a bid to play in Tuesback from their chamday’s first round of basketball, pionship loss to the the North Carolina the highest of Comets, Albemarle’s High School Athletic Association 2021-22 the six Stanly girls received a No. 8 in the 1A bracket championships. County teams seed and hosted the No. 25 North Stanly’s boys that earned Blue Ridge Early Col(19-7, 10-2 YVC) were lege Bobcats (8-13, 2-4 given a No. 17 seed in playoff bids Smoky Mountain). the 2A bracket and Lastly, the No. 28 traveled to face the Gray Stone Day girls’ No. 16 East Surry Carteam (8-11, 4-6 YVC) traveled dinals (16-7, 9-3 Foothills). With a 78-65 loss to Robin- to face the fifth-seeded Bishson (22-3, 12-0) on Friday, the op McGuinness Villains (20Comets fell just short of win- 6, 10-0 Northwest Piedmont) ning the YVC championship but in the 1A bracket. The Knights were granted another chance lost to Robinson 39-31 in the in the postseason. Albemarle’s first round of the YVC tournaboys (11-12, 5-7 YVC) also lost ment. South Stanly’s boys (5-20, 4-8 to Robinson in the conference tournament, falling by a score YVC), Gray Stone Day’s boys (019, 0-12 YVC), and West Stanof 100-63 in the semifinals. In the 1A bracket’s open- ly’s girls (7-19, 4-6 RRC) did not ing round, the No. 30 Bulldogs receive a playoff bid. The second round of playoff squared off on the road with the third-seeded Uwharrie Charter action is set for Thursday night, followed by the third round on Eagles (18-6, 8-4 PAC-7). Meanwhile, West Stanly’s Saturday and the fourth round boys (12-10, 7-3 RRC) received next Tuesday.

7th

RYAN KANG | AP PHOTO

Dustin Johnson announced he would be sticking with the PGA Tour, the latest of the world’s top golfers to turn down riches to join Greg Norman’s upstart Super Golf League.

Dustin Johnson says he’s sticking with the PGA Tour Greg Norman’s Super Golf League was struck a blow when some of golf’s biggest stars said they weren’t interested in jumping to the upstart tour

The Associated Press LOS ANGELES — A proposed Saudi-financed rival golf league took a massive hit Sunday when Dustin Johnson said he was “fully committed” to the PGA Tour, and Bryson DeChambeau indicated he would stay where the stars were playing.

Johnson added his name to a growing list of golf’s top players who have said they are not interested in taking guaranteed riches from the “Super Golf League” that Greg Norman and his LIV Golf Investments are behind. Rory McIlroy, the first to speak out against a rival league and the guaranteed riches two years ago, said Sunday’s development left the concept “dead in the water.” “Who’s left? Who’s left to go?” McIlroy said. “I just can’t see any reason why anyone would go.” Johnson, a two-time major champion who has spent more time at No. 1 in the world than any of the current players — he now is at No.

“I am fully committed to the PGA Tour.” Dustin Johnson 6 — had kept his intentions quiet over the last few months, leading to speculation he would join. “I feel it is now time to put such speculation to rest. I am fully committed to the PGA Tour,” he said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to play on the best tour in the world and for all it has provided me and my family.”

Like some other players, Johnson said there are areas where the PGA Tour can “improve and evolve.” Hours later, DeChambeau posted a statement on Twitter that appeared to cool his enthusiasm. “While there has been a lot of speculation surrounding my support for another tour, I want to make it very clear that as long as the best players in the world are playing the PGA Tour, so will I,” DeChambeau said. Johnson’s statement means no one from the top 10 in the world have indicated any interest in signing up for the league. That doesn’t include DeChambeau at No. 12, or marquee names like Brooks Koep-

ka and Jordan Spieth. “I think it’s nice now that we all can sit down and say, ‘Look, we’re all on the same page here,” McIlroy said. “Are there things the tour could do better and they’re working on? Of course, but that’s the same in any business, in any sports league around the world.” McIlroy, Koepka and world No. 1 Jon Rahm were among the first to reject a rival tour at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic two years ago, and they doubled down on their support this week at the Genesis Invitational, where the chatter was loud about the proposed league getting close to announcing 20 players.

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, February 23, 2022

FDA: Do not use recalled infant formulas tied to infections The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. health officials warned parents not to use three popular powdered infant formulas manufactured at an Abbott plant in Michigan that investigators recently linked to bacterial contamination. The Food and Drug Administration said it is investigating four reports of infants who were hospitalized after consuming the formula, including one who died. The agency said one of the cases involved salmonella and three involved Cronobacter sakazakiim, a rare but dangerous germ that can cause blood infections and other serious complications. Abbott, one of the country’s largest infant formula makers, said it is recalling all potentially affected products manufactured at the facility. The recall affects certain lots of Similac, Alimentum and EleCare with expiration dates of April 1, 2022, or later. The product was distributed throughout the U.S. and overseas, the company said in a statement. FDA staff are now inspecting Abbott’s plant in Sturgis, Michigan, where environmental samples

MARK DUNCAN | AP PHOTO

In this Tuesday, July 19, 2011, file photo, Similac baby formula is displayed on the shelves at Shaker’s IGA in Olmsted Falls, Ohio. tested positive for the Cronobacter bacteria. Inspectors have also uncovered potential manufacturing problems and past records showing the destruction of formula due

to bacterial contamination. “We’re working diligently with our partners to investigate complaints related to these products, which we recognize include infant

formula produced at this facility, while we work to resolve this safety concern as quickly as possible,” said FDA Deputy Commissioner Frank Yiannas.

The FDA said it is working with federal and local authorities in Minnesota, Ohio and Texas— the states where the infant infections were reported. Abbott could not specify how many units the recall includes, but brands like Similac are among the best-selling formulas in the U.S. and overseas. “We value the trust parents place in us for high quality and safe nutrition and we’ll do whatever it takes to keep that trust and resolve this situation,” a company spokeswoman said in a statement. Abbott said parents can identify the recalled products by examining the number on the bottom of each container. The affected formulas have a number starting with 22 through 37, contain K8, SH, or Z2 and have an expiration date of April 1, 2022, or later. The company has also setup a website where parents can check if their products have been recalled: https://www. similacrecall.com/us/en/home. html. The company said its own testing of finished product didn’t detect any contamination. The recall does not affect liquid infant formulas or any other Abbott products.

Let’s go Brandon: Driver caught in unwinnable culture war By Dan Gelston The Associated Press DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Brandon Brown drove into NASCAR’s home track and immediately saw his name everywhere. Banners. Yard signs. T-shirts. Flags waving atop row after row of flashy RVs. “Hopefully, they know it’s for me and they’re pulling for me,” Brown said. They’re not. At least not completely. One of the most unrecognizable drivers in NASCAR is in the clutches of a swirling culture war he never asked to be part of as he quietly pursued a racing career. Take a look around the Daytona infield and the “Let’s Go Brandon” flags that dot the landscape outnumber the ones for Earnhardt and Elliott — and embody the unofficial battle cry of the sport’s right-leaning fanbase. NASCAR denounced the slogan. The fans who turned Daytona International Speedway into a Republican rally when former President Donald Trump visited two years ago — some still gleefully recall his pace lap in the armored presidential limo called “The Beast” — have revelled in hijacking a televised faux pas as an insult directed at President Joe Biden. Brown just wants to race. Instead, the kind of spotlight he wished would have burned out by now continues to beam right on him. Like it or not. “There’s a lot of things that make me look like the enemy,” he told The Associated Press before his season opened Saturday with NASCAR’s second-tier Xfinity Series race at Daytona. The 28-year-old Brown unwittingly became entangled in this debacle when he won his first career NASCAR race in October in Alabama, and the Talladega Superspeedway crowd chanted “F--- Joe Biden” during Brown’s interview. It was not clear if NBC Sports reporter Kelli Stavast, who was wearing a headset, could hear what the crowd was saying during

CHRIS O’MEARA | AP PHOTO

A “Let’s go Brandon” flag flies with others Friday, Feb. 18, 2022, at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. the interview, and she incorrectly told Brown the fans were cheering “Let’s go, Brandon.” The slogan escalated into the fast-evolving pop-culture lexicon. Politicians shouted the phrase from the House floor and repeated the soundbite in campaign ads. Trump’s website offers ornaments, buttons and pint glasses — $29.95 for a set of two — with “Let’s go Brandon” stamped on each piece of kitschy merchandise. The souvenir shops that line Daytona’s streets sell Brandon-inspired T-shirts — none of them, of course, approved by NASCAR. “But at the same time, my name’s out there. People know who I am now,” Brown said. “There’s some reputability to that.” Brown had been relatively un-

known while racing since 2014 in NASCAR’s two developmental series and had never won until Talladega. His euphoria in the aftermath dimmed as the slogan shot from meme to mainstream fodder. Brown largely stayed out of the fray. “My goal was to stay silent and hope that it went away,” he said. “Obviously, it got legs of its own and people started putting words in my mouth.” Brown granted few interviews. But he said he received “an overwhelming amount of hate” on social media as #LGB turned into a political football he wasn’t prepared to handle. “For me, a big goal was and still is to change the narrative of what LGB means,” he wrote last month

in a statement. “I would like it to become a constructive voice for those like myself, who land somewhere in the middle and have views that align with both sides.” Brown drives for underfunded and undermanned Brandonbilt Motorsports team owned by his father, and the big-buck sponsorships that prop up teams in the series have been hard to find. Brown said he was determined not to capitalize on his newfound notoriety until he announced in December a full-season deal with LGBCoin. You know, a crypto coin capitalizing on the “Let’s Go Brandon” craze. One problem: NASCAR had not approved the LGB sponsorship — even as Brandonbilt prematurely announced it.

Steve Phelps, NASCAR’s president, said the top motorsports series in the United States does not want to be associated with politics “on the left or the right.” Yet its conservative ties get top billing in Sunday’s Daytona 500. Fox CEO Lachlan Murdoch is the honorary starter and Landon Cassill is driving a car fielded by Spire Motorsports and sponsored by Fox Nation. Brown knows he won’t be able to shake #LGB, even as he tries to convince himself he can win over fans with his performance, not politics. “I hope they’re saying it about the 68, right? That’s what we’ve got to hope they’re saying,” he said. “Let’s go Brandon to get to victory lane.”

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, February 23, 2022

obituaries

Carol Sue Barbee Efird September 25, 1946 – February 16, 2022

Carol Sue Barbee Efird, 75, of Oakboro, passed away Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at Forrest Oakes Healthcare Center in Albemarle. Carol was born September 25, 1946 in North Carolina to the late Craig Barbee and the late Lillian Barbee. She was also preceded in death by husband, Doug Efird, and sons, Adrian Efird and Ramsey Kyle Efird. Services for the Efird family will be announced at a later date. Survivors include sisters, Joanne Hahn and Pam Hinson, both of Oakboro, NC, and several nieces and nephews.

Dorothy Rinehart Zehring November 23, 1923 – February 11, 2022

Dorothy Rinehart Zehring, 98, of Oak Island, passed away Friday, February 11, 2022 at Transitions Life Care in Raleigh. Dorothy was born November 23, 1923 in Stanly County to the late Archie Davis Rinehart and the late Bessie Lee Rinehart. She was also preceded in death by husband, Garland Franklin Zehring. Dorothy grew up in the Badin area. She graduated from Albemarle High School. Moved to the D.C. area where she met her husband. After the war they moved back to the Badin area for 20 years, then later moved to Charlotte. Upon her husbands death, Dorothy moved to Oak Island. Survivors include daughters, Patricia (Malcolm) Huneycutt of Cary, NC, Darlla McKelvy of Kill Devil Hills, NC; grandchildren, Jeffrey (Sarah) Huneycutt, Jason (Kim) Huneycutt, James (Rebecca) Huneycutt, and Andrea Thomas; and greatgranddaughter Hannah Thomas.

Peggy Cole Smith November 7, 1948 – February 18, 2022

Peggy Cole Smith, 73, of New London, passed away Friday, February 18, 2022 at Atrium Health Stanly in Albemarle. Peggy was born November 7, 1948 in Stanly County to the late Walter Stancil Cole Jr. and the late Hazel Goodman. She was also preceded in death by husband, Sherrill Ethan Smith, brothers, Wayne Cole and Ted Cole. Survivors include sons, Marty Garner and Stephen Harris; daughter,Fallon Brown; stepdaughters, Anita (Kelly) Thompson and Pamela (Archie) Hulen; and many cherished grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.

John Ervin Eudy Jr.

Leon Cephus Frederick

October 6, 1951 – February 18, 2022

February 21, 1927 – February 23, 2022

John Ervin Eudy, Jr., 70, of Albemarle passed away on Friday, February 18, 2022 at his home surrounded by family. Mr. Eudy was born October 6, 1951, in Stanly County to the late John Ervin Eudy, Sr. and Mary Elizabeth Dennis Eudy. He served for 41 years with the North Carolina Air National Guard and retired as a Senior Master Sergeant. He was a veteran serving in Desert Shield/ Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. John enjoyed being outdoors and took his family camping over the years. He was also known as “Jungle John” because kids would climb on him, and he would toss them around. His grandchildren adored him and his playful personality, always making them feel special. His kind heart was a reflection of Jesus and his faith in God. John is survived by the love of his wife Debbie Hartsell Eudy; sons: Josh Eudy (Ashley) of Locust, Justin Eudy (Kristi) of Albemarle; grandchildren: Zain, Logan, August, Nixon, Sawyer, and Ashton; siblings: Hazeline Hinson (Bud), George Eudy (Debby), Paul Eudy (Jane), Ben Eudy, Thomas Eudy (Pennie), Gathie West; and many nieces and nephews.

Mr. Leon Cephus Frederick, 94, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 17, 2022 , at his home, surrounded by his family. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, February 23, 2022, at First Baptist Church in Albemarle at 1:00 p.m.. The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall after the service. Born on February 21, 1927 in Roxboro, North Carolina to the late John Nicholas and Lelia Whitt Frederick. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Marshall. Leon was devoted to his family, and enjoyed his friends, playing tennis and bridge, and being outdoors in the sunshine. Throughout his life, Leon served in both his community and his church. He especially enjoyed his many years of special friendships formed as a member of the Saints Sunday School Class. Leon is survived by his wife of almost 70 years, Barbara; sister Mary Ellen Lunsford of Durham; his three children, John Frederick of Greenville, SC, Charles Frederick (Sandy) of Asheville, and Laura Averette (Brad) of Cary; four grandchildren, Brooks Frederick (Stephanie) of Denver, CO, Anna Nichols (Christopher) of Raleigh, Marshall Dobbins (Jonny) of Winston-Salem, and Lydia Averette of Durham; and great-granddaughter, Julia Nichols.

Thomas Clyde Moose, III, “Moose” October 26, 1953 – February 15, 2022

Thomas Clyde Moose, III, “Moose”, 68, of Fairview, NC passed away Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at Presbyterian Main, Charlotte, NC. Tom was born October 26, 1953 in Mecklenburg County, NC to the late Thomas Clyde Moose, Jr. and Edith Ward Moose. He retired from Town & Country Ford in Charlotte as a parts salesman. Tom was a devout Christian praying every night. He loved hunting and taking camping trips with his wife. Tom was a devoted husband, Dad and Papa. Tom is survived by his wife Martha Clontz Moose of the home. He is also survived by a son, David Moose (Ashley) of Wilmington, NC; a daughter, Nikki Boone (Matt) of Locust, NC; five grandchildren, Kali Boone (Dennis Rogers), Colton Boone, Mac Middleton, Peyton Moose and Ellisyn Moose; brother, Gary Barnes (Lee) of Four Oaks, NC and a special cousin, Jane Taylor (Robert) of Charlotte, NC.

Mary Frances Huneycutt February 25, 1932 – February 14, 2022

Mary Frances Huneycutt, 89, of Locust, passed away Monday, February 14, 2022, at her home, surrounded by her family. Mrs. Huneycutt was born February 25, 1932, to the late Hugh and Riller Hinson Almond. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Billie Reece Huneycutt; sisters, Ora Lee (Hollis) Reid, “Deanie” (Ron) Barbee; brother, Odell (Lorene) Almond. Frances loved her family, enjoyed cooking, gardening, canning and traveling to the beach. She simply loved life! Frances is survived by her sons, Danny R. (Barbara) Huneycutt, Eddie R. (Koni) Huneycutt, Todd W. (Lori) Huneycutt; grandchildren, Chad (Meredith) Huneycutt, Bart Huneycutt, William (Katie) Huneycutt, Emily (Daniel) Smith; greatgrandchildren, Hannah, Logan, Kamdyn, Karmyn, and Katelyn Huneycutt; brother, Mike Almond; sister, Pat (Nathan) Osborne.

Deborah Joyce Moore Troutman June 7, 1966 – February 21, 2022

Deborah Joyce Moore Troutman, 55, of Badin, NC, passed away Monday, February 21, 2022 at Forest Oakes Healthcare Center, Albemarle, NC. Her funeral service will be 2pm Wednesday, February 23, 2022 in the Stanly Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Kenneth Burris officiating. Burial will follow in Stanly Gardens of Memory. The family will receive friends from 12pm until 1:30pm at the funeral home prior to the service. Mrs. Troutman was born June 7, 1966 in Stanly County, NC to the late William Arnold Moore and Barbara Joyce Fincher Moore. She retired from Stanly Regional Hospital as a grill cook. She was a member of Fairview Baptist Church. Deborah was an animal lover and she loved her family dearly. Deborah is survived by her husband, Rickey “Rick” Joe Troutman of the home. She is also survived by a son Jeffrey “JC” Furr of Jacksonville, NC; two grandsons, Mason and Austin Furr; brother, Terry Wayne Moore (Darla) of Norwood, NC; nephew, Josh Moore of Midland, NC and great nephew, Joshua Moore of Midland, NC.

Oseas Tubntse Zagada July 1, 2021 – February 16, 2022

Oseas Tubntse Zagada, age 7 months 15 days, of Albemarle, passed away Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center in Charlotte. Oseas was born July 1, 2021 in North Carolina to Josue ZagadaMacedo and Kaohlee Vue. He was also preceded in death by great-grandfather, Fa Pao Vue, grandfather, Tou Vue, and aunt, Lily Vue . The family will receive friends from 9:00am - 12:45pm, Saturday, February 26, 2022, at Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle. The funeral service will immediately follow on Saturday, February 26, 2022 at 1:00pm in Hartsell Funeral Home’s Lefler Memorial Chapel, officiated by Pastor Angel Gomez. Survivors include mother, Kaohlee Vue and father, Josue Zagada-Macedo of Albemarle, NC, sister, Aidelena Zagada, and brother, Josue Alekxander Zegada, and grandmothers, Nou Vang and Maria Zegada.

Isaac Louis Dexter September 25, 1941 – February 19, 2022

Isaac Louis Dexter, 80, of Mount Gilead, NC, passed away peacefully surrounded by family Saturday, February 19, 2022. Isaac was born September 25, 1941 in Samburg, Tennessee to the late James Marion Dexter and the late Audrey Faye Reed Dexter. He was also preceded in death by his sisters, Marjorie Caksackkar, and Nadine Mitchell; and brothers, Jack Dexter, and Harvie Dexter. The family will have a memorial service officiated by Rev. Don Burleyson at 3:00 pm, Saturday, February 26, 2022 at Hartsell Funeral Home’s Lefler Memorial Chapel in Albemarle, 522 North 2nd Street Albemarle, NC 28001. Survivors include his loving wife of 56 years, Sandra Dexter of Mount Gilead, NC, sons, Michael (Melissa) Dexter of Lincolnton,NC, and Scott (Tracey) Dexter of Lincolnton, NC; grandchildren, Nikki (Aaron) Senter, Hunter (Florence Bunce) Dexter, Peyton (Mary Field) Dexter, Lindsay Dexter, Greyson Clawson, Madison Dexter, and Lauren Dexter; greatgranddaugter, Aubrey Senter; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, February 23, 2022

STATE & NATION

Dems, GOP set inflation, COVID mandates as election themes By Alan Fram The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — Democrats and Republicans each want to flash election-year signals that they are riding to the rescue of families struggling with rising costs and the 2-year-old coronavirus pandemic. Not surprisingly, the parties differ over how to do that. And in comments and votes in the Senate last week, each side fleshed out themes it will use to stir up support in this fall’s voting for control of Congress. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., talked about inflation, bashing President Joe Biden and Democrats for policies like curbing drilling on federal lands that he said were stifling domestic energy production and driving up gasoline prices. But he also raised culture war issues that have flared in the nation’s schools, including mask mandates and social justice instruction that conservatives find objectionable. Republicans “are standing up for science, for common sense and for the children’s best interests,” McConnell said. “The party of parents has your back,” he added, a remark that conjured angry mothers and fathers at school board meetings that the GOP hopes to harness. “Two years of needless school closures and unscientific forced child masking are two years too many,” he said. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said Democrats will focus on pushing “solutions that will lower costs and leave more money in people’s pockets.” Chiding Republicans, he said, “Complaining about the problem doesn’t make inflation better, proposing solutions

J. SCOTT APPLEWHITE | AP PHOTO | FILE

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., speaks to reporters after a Republican strategy meeting at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., Feb. 15, 2022. does.” Schumer said Democrats are considering legislation to reduce costs for child care, food, prescription drugs and semiconductors, the vital computer part now facing supply-chain shortages. “We’re still going to move forward” even if GOP opposition would doom a proposal, Schumer said, suggesting that unsuccessful Senate votes would produce political value for Democrats. The economy and pandemic could look different by the time ballots are cast in November. A threatened Russian invasion of Ukraine and its repercussions could upend things. But for now, Schumer’s party is clearly on the defensive.

They have controlled the White House and Congress as inflation has risen to 7.5% annually, the highest in four decades. Regular gasoline, a benchmark people can easily see and feel, cost an average $3.53 per gallon nationally last week, up from $2.58 a year ago, AAA said. Even communities in Democratic-led states like New York and California are easing mask mandates as people increasingly bristle at those and other restrictions that have reshaped life with COVID-19. In addition, Democrats’ 50-50 Senate control, thanks to Vice President Kamala Harris’ tiebreaking vote, is in danger. Each party has at least four seats in play in November, but Biden’s negative approval

ratings further burden Democrats, who are facing the long history of midterm election losses by the party holding the White House. Schumer acknowledged that Democrats are “not going to agree on everything” they want to pursue. Notably, he said Democrats have yet to unite behind a proposal to suspend the 18.4 cents per gallon federal gasoline tax through this year. Sponsors said that bill would bring “much needed economic relief to families.” Based on government estimates on typical driving and vehicles’ gas mileage, an average driver would save around $100 for the entire year. McConnell mocked it as a “bold,

KEITH SRAKOCIC | AP PHOTO

Democratic candidate for the Pennsylvania U.S.senate seat in the 2022 primary election, Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, center, greets people as arrives for a campaign stop at the Mechanistic Brewery, in Clarion, Pa., Saturday, Feb. 12, 2022. to reverse a cultural trend that is redefining the nation’s political landscape. The shifting climate helped Republicans limit Democratic gains in 2020 — the GOP actually gained House seats despite former President Donald Trump’s loss — and a year later, surging Republican rural support enabled Republicans to claim the Virginia governorship. A small but vocal group of party officials now fears the same trends will undermine Democratic candidates in Ohio, Wisconsin, Georgia,

North Carolina and Pennsylvania, states that will help decide the Senate majority in November, and the White House two years after that. Meanwhile, the Democratic Party continues to devote the vast majority of its energy, messaging and resources to voters in more populated urban and suburban areas. The Democratic Party’s struggle in rural America has been building for years. And it’s getting worse. Barack Obama won 875 counties nationwide in his overwhelm-

ing 2008 victory. Twelve years later, Biden won only 527. The vast majority of those losses — 260 of the 348 counties — took place in rural counties, according to data compiled by The Associated Press. The worst losses were concentrated in the Midwest: 21 rural counties in Michigan flipped from Obama in 2008 to Trump in 2020; Democrats lost 28 rural counties in Minnesota, 32 in Wisconsin and a whopping 45 in Iowa. At the same time, recent Republican voter registration gains in swing states like Florida and North Carolina were fueled disproportionately by rural voters. Biden overcame rural losses to beat Trump in 2020 because of gains in more populous Democratic counties. Perhaps because of his victory, some Democratic officials worry that party leaders do not appreciate the severity of the threat. Democratic Rep. Jim Cooper of Tennessee, who recently announced he would not seek re-election to Congress this fall, warns that the party is facing extinction in small-town America. “It’s hard to sink lower than we are right now. You’re almost automatically a pariah in rural areas if you have a D after your name,” Cooper told The Associated Press. Even if Democrats continue to

creative plan” that would do little for voters while reducing federal money for road projects. He made clear he would oppose it, ensuring it will go nowhere. That proposal’s sponsors include Democrats’ four most endangered incumbents facing reelection: Sens. Mark Kelly of Arizona, Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire, Raphael Warnock of Georgia and Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada. “It’s a desperate cry for help,” No. 2 Senate GOP leader John Thune of South Dakota said of Democrats’ gas tax plan. He said it shows they “realize they’re on the wrong side of the energy issue, the wrong side of the inflation issue.” McConnell brought up reliable GOP favorites such as accusing Democrats of being soft on crime and “pandering to woke mobs” while leaving blameless victims of violence at risk. But Republicans are also latching onto fresher, COVID-19 era concerns. When the Senate gave final approval to a bill averting an imminent government shutdown, Republicans forced votes on proposals ending federal COVID-19 vaccine mandates and vaccine requirements for students imposed by school districts. Both were narrowly defeated, with every Democrat opposing each amendment. Democrats noted that vaccines, masks and testing have been documented to save lives, with Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., comparing GOP opposition to those steps to “blaming the rescue crew for a shipwreck.” Still, the public and politicians of both parties are exhibiting growing impatience with pandemic restrictions. And as the omicron wave recedes nationally, Republicans warned that continued resistance to relaxing those curbs would hurt Democrats. “Parents are frustrated by that,” Thune of school masking mandates. “And I think Democrats are starting to hear that. So I think the politics of all these mandates is starting to change.”

eke out victories by piling up urban and suburban votes, former Sen. Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota fears her party will have “unstable majorities” if they cannot stop the bleeding in rural areas. “Democrats have the House, they have the Senate, the presidency, but it’s an unstable majority. By that, I mean, the narrowest kind, making it difficult to advance ideas and build coalitions,” said Heitkamp, who now heads the One Country Project, which is focused on engaging rural voters. She criticized her party’s go-to strategy for reaching rural voters: focusing on farmers and vowing to improve high-speed internet. At the same time, she said Democrats are hurting themselves by not speaking out more forcefully against far-left positions that alienate rural voters, such as the push to “defund the police.” While only a handful of Democrats in Congress support stripping such money from police departments, for example, conservative media popular in rural communities — particularly Fox News — amplifies such positions. “We’re letting Republicans use the language of the far left to define the Democratic Party, and we can’t do that,” Heitkamp said. “The trend lines in rural America are very, very bad. ... Now, the brand is so toxic that people who are Democrats, the ones left, aren’t fighting for the party.”

Need Ammo?

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VOLUME 4 ISSUE 22 | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2022

Twin City Herald

NATHAN POSNER | AP PHOTO

WHAT’S HAPPENING Man charged in cousin’s stabbing death

Twin City Herald staff

Forsyth County Carl Rodrique Martin, 67, has been charged with voluntary manslaughter in the stabbing death of his 63-year-old cousin. According to police, Everrette Leon Martin Jr., 63, was stabbed to death Sunday night at his home on the northeastern side of the city. Emergency medical technicians pronounced Everrette Martin dead at the scene, police said. An argument between the two men escalated into a fight, police said. During the confrontation, Everrette Martin was stabbed multiple times. Both men lived at the home, according to police. AP

Plane crashes into tractor-trailer on highway Forsyth County An airplane crashed into a tractor-trailer on a highway, killing the pilot and sparking a small fire. A twin-engine Beechcraft Barron crashed into the tractor-trailer on Interstate 85 South, in Lexington. The plane was taking off from the airport when it lost altitude and crashed into the southbound tractortrailer. The name of pilot wasn’t released. The driver of the tractor-trailer was taken to a Winston-Salem hospital for treatment of minor injuries. AP

20177 52016 $0.50

Nearly three dozen shots fired in Saturday night incident

POLICE RESPONDED to an incident where nearly three dozen shots were fired at a car on Saturday night. Winston-Salem Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to Dunbar Street at 11:18 PM on Saturday night for shots fired in the 2400 block, near Douglas and Attucks Street. According to reports, 30 to 35 shots were fired. Five juveniles were driving home in a car when they were confronted by several people with guns.

“For unknown reasons, (the people outside the car) began to shoot at the juveniles,” according to a statement from police. The department also said that the attack did not appear to be a random act of violence. Despite the large number of shots, only one juvenile passenger in the car reported an injury. The victim was hit in the hand and taken to a local hospital for nonlife threatening injuries. Winston-Salem’s Gun Crime Reduction Unit responded and took over the investigation. “Anyone with any information

“For unknown reasons, (the people outside the car) began to shoot at the juveniles." Statement from Winston-Salem police

regarding this investigation is asked to call the Winston-Salem Police Department at 336-773-

7700, Crime Stoppers at 336-7272800, or En Espanol 336-7283904,” a police news release said. The violence is part of a rising trend of violence among young people in the Winston-Salem area. “There’s a generation out there now that does not fear the police, they don’t fear dying,” Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough told Fox 8. “We should not accept, nor should we be expecting what’s happening in our community. All of us have got to get involved.” The city council intends to discuss crime prevention programs at a meeting this week. Council member Annette Scippio spoke out against the violence, calling for members of the community to stop tolerating crime and violence in their neighborhoods, even if family members are involved in the criminal activity.

After $73M win, Sandy Hook families zero in on gun marketing The Associated Press HARTFORD, Conn. — After agreeing to a $73 million lawsuit settlement with gun-maker Remington, the families of nine Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting victims say they are shifting their focus to ending firearms advertising with macho, military themes that exploit young men’s insecurities, all in the hopes of preventing more mass shootings. The families say Remington used those kinds of ads to promote its AR-15-style rifles like the one used to kill 20 young children and six educators inside the Newtown, Connecticut, school on Dec. 14, 2012. Remington’s marketing strategies are expected to be unveiled when the families’ lawyers publicly release thousands of internal company documents obtained during the lawsuit. Lawyers for Remington and its insurers agreed to the disclosure as part of the settlement announced Tuesday. The records could provide one of the most detailed looks yet at the push by firearms manufacturers to popularize AR-15s and similar rifles, gun industry watchers say, especially after a 10-year federal ban on such weapons expired in 2004. Observers have compared the case to those that led tobacco companies to disclose damaging internal documents and later agree to billions of dollars in settlements over sickened smokers. It’s not clear when the families’

lawyers will release the documents. A lawyer for the families, Joshua Koskoff, said the records are being organized for public consumption, a process expected to take weeks. The documents include emails between employees, internal company presentations and business projections, Koskoff said. He declined to discuss the contents of the records. “The information that may come out ... there may be features of the way that the gun industry does business that are not either widely known or not widely appreciated,” said Timothy D. Lytton, a law professor at Georgia State University. “This is going to shine a spotlight on the industry’s role in the issue of the problem of gun violence.” Lawyers for Remington and its insurers did not return messages seeking comment. Remington, founded in 1816 and based in Madison, went bankrupt a second time in 2020, and its assets were later sold at auction to several other companies. Two new companies were created, Remington Firearms and Remington Ammunition. At the news conference announcing the settlement, Koskoff showed Remington ads that he said appealed to troubled youths like Adam Lanza, the 20-year-old man who carried out the Sandy Hook shooting. Lanza used a Remington-made Bushmaster XM15E2S rifle that was legally owned by his mother. He killed his mother in their Newtown home before going to the school.

“The information that may come out ... there may be features of the way that the gun industry does business that are not either widely known or not widely appreciated." Timothy D. Lytton, a law professor at Georgia State University The ads contained messages including “Consider Your Man Card Reissued” and “Clear the Room, Cover the Rooftop, Rescue the Hostage.” Koskoff said Remington targeted younger, at-risk males in advertising and product placement in violent video games. The lawsuit said the company’s advertising played a role in the school shooting. Lanza had severe and deteriorating mental health problems, which combined with his preoccupation with violence and access to his mother’s weapons “proved a recipe for mass murder,” a report by Connecticut’s child advocate said. From the 10th grade, Lanza’s mother kept him at home, where he was surrounded by an arsenal of firearms and spent long hours playing violent video games, the report said. His medical and school records included references to diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder,

anxiety and OCD, although psychiatrists say those conditions are not indicative of future violence. The National Shooting Sports Foundation, a gun industry group that happens to be based in Newtown, said the Sandy Hook families never produced evidence that Remington’s advertising had any effect on Lanza. The foundation estimates there have been more than 20 million AR-15-style rifles sold in the U.S. and asserts that few are used in crimes. According to the latest FBI crimes statistics, of the 13,600 firearms used in homicides in 2020, about 450 were rifles; more than 8,000 handguns were used. Remington’s marketing of its AR-15-style rifles before the Sandy Hook shooting contributed to surging sales of the weapon nationwide, Koskoff said. In the mid- to late 2000s, he said, only about 100,000 AR-15s were sold annually in the U.S. But by 2012, the number had skyrocketed to more than 2 million, he said. He and the Sandy Hook families blamed a private equity firm, Cerberus Capital Management, which bought Remington in 2007, for being more concerned about profits than safety in seeking increased rifle sales. A message seeking comment was left for the firm. Cerberus, as Remington’s owner, was responsible for shifting the company’s focus from traditional hunting rifles to AR-15-style rifles and for the resulting marketing campaigns.

Twin City Herald for Wednesday, February 23, 2022

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COLUMN | JOYCE KRAWIEC

Is it 1984? Is Big Brother watching you?

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Design Editor Lauren Rose Published each Wednesday as part of the North State Journal. (704) 269-8461 INFO@TWINCITYHERALD.COM TWINCITYHERALD.COM TO SUBSCRIBE: 704-269-8461 or online at nsjonline.com Annual Subscription Price: $50.00 Periodicals Postage Paid at Raleigh, N.C. and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: North State Journal

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DEATH NOTICES ♦ Peter Anothy Bosch Jr., 79, of Winston-Salem, died February 20, 2022. ♦ Wilton Ray Bourne, 71, of Westfield, died February 18, 2022. ♦ Stella Paralee “Polly” Davis, 96, of Winston-Salem, died February 16, 2022. ♦ Louise Mae Brooks Fricault, 90, died February 19, 2022.

I do know that disagreement should invite more debate, not less.

LATELY THERE HAS BEEN a huge movement that many are calling the new “woke society” and the “counterculture revolution.” I’m not exactly sure what any of that means but I do know that there has been an attempt to silence some voices that disagree with the preferred establishment decisions. Nothing has displayed this more than the Covid pandemic. You’ve probably been hearing about the controversy surrounding Joe Rogan. I must say, I didn’t know who he was until this latest brouhaha started. I think the attempt to silence him might have backfired. I never listened to him before, but I just had to go hear what the hype was all about. He was very interesting. I might continue to tune in to his podcast. We’ve seen sports stars and other famous people besmirched and ridiculed because they had the nerve to question some of the “science” that has been published. Never mind that many scientists themselves have questioned this and others have changed “science” on a regular basis. Those that made the decision not to take the vaccine are treated like second class citizens. I am not a scientist so I will leave that for others to argue. I do know that disagreement should invite more debate, not less. Give me your facts and data and let me decide but let me also hear all the others’ facts and data. I want to hear all the information available and then I can make my own decisions. We saw how social media shut down accounts that did not conform to the orthodoxy put forth by Dr. Fauci and others. There are also medical professionals who are being threatened and silenced because they are not towing the line of these “scientists.” I have met with a number of these medical providers and, believe me, it’s not a joke. They have been investigated and threatened for daring to treat patients with Covid protocols that do not follow the establishment. These providers were treating their patients, when most were doing nothing but providing oxygen and saying there was no treatment. I have no idea what proper treatment is, but I do know that patients and doctors should make those decisions. Neither should be forced to follow any established protocol and voices should not be silenced because they disagree. By the way, after treating thousands of Covid patients, these doctors lost none to the disease. That’s a powerful fact and shouldn’t be silenced. One of the investigations pending is because these doctors dared to post their recommended protocol on their website. By the way, it was only for their own patients. In 1945, George Orwell said this, and it rings true today: The chief danger to freedom of thought and speech at this moment is not the direct interference of … any official body. If publishers and editors exert themselves to

keep certain topics out of print, it is not because they are frightened of prosecution but because they are frightened of public opinion. In this country intellectual cowardice is the worst enemy a writer or journalist has to face … The sinister fact about literary censorship in England is that it is largely voluntary. Unpopular ideas can be silenced, and inconvenient facts kept dark, without the need for any official ban … the same kind of veiled censorship also operates in books and periodicals, as well as in plays, films, and radio. At any given moment there is an orthodoxy, a body of ideas which it is assumed that all right-thinking people will accept without question. It is not exactly forbidden to say this, that or the other, but it is “not done” to say it … Anyone who challenges the prevailing orthodoxy finds himself silenced with surprising effectiveness. A genuinely unfashionable opinion is almost never given a fair hearing, either in the popular press or in the highbrow periodicals. In Orwell’s famous novel “1984”, Winston Smith lives in Oceania and he is governed by constant surveillance. There are no governing laws but there is a police force, the “Thought Police.” There are posters everywhere that say, “Big Brother is Watching You.” Winston Smith works at the Ministry of Truth and his job is to rewrite reports in newspapers of the past to conform to present reality. In other words, he rewrites history to the way some want it to be. In fear of sounding like a conspiracy theorist, I hesitate to point out that many of us see our history being rewritten daily. Most of you have probably noticed the changes of the meanings of words. Words that had certain meanings now mean something else entirely. History lessons that we learned in school are now sometimes taught as fictional and an entirely new narrative has taken its place. History is what it is, the good, the bad and the ugly. It should be taught and remembered as it was. It should be as accurate as possible. That’s exactly why I like the written word still. Computers are fantastic and they make writing so much easier. They also make it easier to change things. I still have an old set of encyclopedias. They are a thing of the past and I can’t remember the last time anyone used one of those books. I intend to keep them though. Someday, others can look back and see what true definitions were before they were changed to a more modern politically correct meaning. Don’t be silenced because you have a differing opinion than others. Even if it’s not popular, your opinion and your facts matter too. But do be careful, BIG BROTHER MAY BE WATCHING YOU. Joyce Krawiec represents the 31st district in the N.C. Senate.

♦ Miriam Louise Naglee Fuller, 64, died February 16, 2022. ♦ Arnold “Art” Arthur Gill, 78, died February 19, 2022. ♦ Larry William Gordy, Sr., 75, of Forsyth County, died February 16, 2022. ♦ Nicky Hondros, 87, of WinstonSalem, died February 17, 2022. ♦ Judy Faith Flinchum Hunt, 76, of High Point, died February 16, 2022. ♦ Barbara Jean Weller Jeffords, 73, died February 17, 2022. ♦ Jean Adams Jordan, 88, of Forsyth County, died February 17, 2022. ♦ Irene Eads Kimel, 85, of WinstonSalem, died February 16, 2022. ♦ Roger Dale Merritt, 75, of Tobaccoville, died February 16, 2022. ♦ Emory Beford Morris, 80, of High Point, died February 16, 2022. ♦ Ivan Lee Perry, 71, of Siloam, died February 16, 2022. ♦ Carolyn “Diann” Hardiman Quinn, 64, of Forsyth County, died February 16, 2022. ♦ Mabel Dunn Ritchie, 96, of Advance, died February 16, 2022. ♦ Doris Marie West Segraves, 96, of Winston-Salem, died February 18, 2022. ♦ Helen Louise Donovan Sekits, 76, died February 17, 2022. ♦ Nannie Bouchelle Snyder, 93, of Wilkes County, died February 16, 2022. ♦ Mildred Havlicek Verzi, 95, died February 18, 2022. ♦ Serafim “Sam” Georgio Vlahos, 79, of Winston-Salem, died February 16, 2022. ♦ Jesse James White, 89, of Kernersville, died February 18, 2022.

WEEKLY CRIME LOG ♦ Adams, Joseph Clinton (W /M/44) Arrest on chrg of 1) Probation Violation (M), 2) Probation Violation (M), and 3) Probation Violation (M), at 201 N Church St, Winston-salem, NC, on 2/17/2022 20:34. ♦ ATWATER, LEVANDER DEJUAN was arrested on a charge of IMPAIRED DRIVING DWI at 1599 MOUNT ZION PL on 2/17/2022 ♦ Ayers, Ashley Marie (W /F/24) Arrest on chrg of Assaultsimple (M), at 5054 Mcgee Rd, Walkertown, NC, on 2/16/2022 18:30. ♦ BONDURANT, JOSEPH DEAN was arrested on a charge of DRUGS-POSS SCHED II at 4700 CARLTON DR on 2/17/2022 ♦ BRYANT, CHAMARAY DEVON was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT-SIMPLE at 900 E SEVENTEENTH ST/N LIBERTY ST on 2/21/2022 ♦ CLARK, BRYAN LEE was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT ON FEMALE at 760 FERRELL CT on 2/17/2022 ♦ COLTEY, DANIELLE MARIE was arrested on a charge of DRUGS-POSS SCHED II at 251 BOND ST on 2/19/2022 ♦ CORTESESCALANTE, JESUS was arrested on a charge of DRIVING WHILE IMPAIRED at 1198 S STRATFORD RD/SILAS CREEK PW on 2/21/2022 ♦ Douglas, Danielle Alexandria (B /F/39) Arrest on chrg of 2nd Degree Trespass (M), at 3630 Clemmons Rd, Clemmons, NC, on 2/19/2022 06:20. ♦ GARLINGTON, DERRICK JEROD was arrested on a charge of POSS STOLEN GOODS/PROP at 2700 PETERS CREEK PW on 2/19/2022 ♦ GARLINGTON, DERRICK JEROD was arrested on a charge

of CONCEALING MDSE at 2700 PETERS CREEK PW on 2/19/2022 ♦ GRAVELY, ALISSA ELIZABETH was arrested on a charge of DRIVING WHILE IMPAIRED at 531 AKRON DR on 2/20/2022 ♦ HARLEE, LARRYAKIYAH OLAJUWON was arrested on a charge of CARRY CONCEALED W/O PERMIT IN POSS OR FAIL TO DISCLOSE at 900 NEW HOPE LN/N LIBERTY ST on 2/18/2022 ♦ HART, JAHSHAUN DAQUEZ was arrested on a charge of POSS MARIJUANA FEL at 950 DUSTIN ST on 2/19/2022 ♦ HERNANDEZ, JAVIER OLMEDO was arrested on a charge of WEAP-POSS BY FELON at 2098 BERTHA ST/JUNIA AV on 2/19/2022 ♦ JONES, KEITH VONTRELL was arrested on a charge of IMPAIRED DRIVING DWI at 499 N MARSHALL ST/W FIFTH on 2/17/2022 ♦ LEWIS, DEQUANTEZ JHMAD was arrested on a charge of LARCENY-FELONY at 201 N CHURCH ST on 2/17/2022 ♦ LEWIS, RAMONE VICTOR was arrested on a charge of POSS MARIJUANA FEL at 450 DUSTIN ST on 2/19/2022 ♦ LIM, JAMIE ADRIENNE was arrested on a charge of IMPAIRED DRIVING DWI at 499 N MARSHALL ST/W FIFTH ST on 2/17/2022 ♦ LINDSEY, KHRISTY SHANEE was arrested on a charge of POSS COCAINE FEL at 1599 HARRIET TUBMAN DR/E SIXTEENTH ST on 2/20/2022 ♦ Lopez, Diego Juan (W /M/27) Arrest on chrg of Larcswitch Pricetag, M (M), at 1018 Bethania-rural Hall Rd/ forum Pw, Rural Hall, NC, on 2/17/2022 00:01.

♦ Martin, Jahiem Lamar (B /M/20) Arrest on chrg of 1) Poss Stolen Goods (F), 2) Poss Marijuana Misd (M), 3) Weapposs By Felon (F), and 4) Ccw (M), at 1439 Dellabrook Rd/ shady Mount Av, Winstonsalem, NC, on 2/18/2022 11:50. ♦ MCCLELLAN, TARRIBIAN SIMONE was arrested on a charge of CCW at 1399 N MARTIN LUTHER KING JR DR/N LIBERTY ST on 2/19/2022

♦ RANKIN, NIGEL MARQUELL was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT-POINT GUN at 301 MEDICAL CENTER BV on 2/17/2022 ♦ RICHARDSON, KWELI MALIK was arrested on a charge of 2ND DEGREE TRESPASS at 3333 SILAS CREEK PW on 2/18/2022 ♦ ROBINSON, DAVID ANTHONY was arrested on a charge of 2ND DEGREE TRESPASS at 100 HANES MALL BV on 2/17/2022

♦ MCCOY, VICTORIA LASABLE was arrested on a charge of FRAUD-OBT PROPERTY at 3200 REYNOLDA RD on 2/19/2022

♦ THOMAS, VICTOR ANTOINE was arrested on a charge of COMMUNICATE THREATS at 399 W FOURTEENTH ST/OAK ST on 2/18/2022

♦ MCLAURIN, HOPE TAMARA was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT-SIMPLE at 430 N LIBERTY ST on 2/19/2022

♦ Tilley, Jeremy Jeremy (W /M/19) Arrest on chrg of 1) Breaking/larc-felony (F), 2) Larceny-firearm (F), 3) Larceny-firearm (F), and 4) Larceny-firearm (F), at 8231 Gauldin Rd, Walnut Cove, NC, on 2/18/2022 17:56.

♦ MCLEOD, CORNELIUS ORLANDO was arrested on a charge of VANDREAL PROPERTY at 899 WAUGHTOWN ST/S MARTIN LUTHER KING JR DR on 2/17/2022 ♦ MOORE, JUSTIN KELLY was arrested on a charge of VANDPERSONAL PROP at 201 N CHURCH ST on 2/18/2022 ♦ Morgan, Urique Dexterlee (B /M/21) Arrest on chrg of Vandpersonal Prop (M), at 201 N Church St, Winston-salem, NC, on 2/16/2022 14:47. ♦ Neal, James Watkins (B /M/61) Arrest on chrg of 1) B&e-vehicle (F), 2) Larceny-credit Card (F), 3) Fraud-obt Property (F), 4) Fraud-obt Property (F), 5) Fraud-obt Property (F), and 6) Fraud-obt Property (F), at 301 N Church St, Winston-salem, NC, on 2/18/2022 00:00. ♦ OLIVO, RUBEN BERMUDEZ was arrested on a charge of CONTRIB DELINQ MINOR at 4636 A MAIN ST on 2/18/2022

♦ VINSON, HOPE NICOLE was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT-SIMPLE at 201 N CHURCH ST on 2/20/2022 ♦ WAGNER, TRAYVON DEQUAN was arrested on a charge of IMPAIRED DRIVING DWI at 699 N JACKSON AV/ NEW WALKERTOWN RD on 2/17/2022 ♦ White, Kewan Lamont (B /M/36) Arrest on chrg of 1) Assault On Female (M) and 2) Assault On Female (M), at 200 N Main St, Winston-salem, NC, on 2/16/2022 11:35. ♦ WILLIAMSON, DEMARCUS RAYSHON was arrested on a charge of RESISTING ARREST at 113 E. 15TH ST on 2/19/2022 ♦ WILLIAMSON, DEMARCUS RAYSHON was arrested on a charge of WEAP-POSS BY FELON at 201 N CHURCH ST on 2/20/2022

Twin City Herald for Wednesday, February 23, 2022

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