North State Journal Vol. 7, Issue 10

VOLUME 7 ISSUE 10

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2022

Budd takes 20-point lead as McCrory craters in new poll Raleigh U.S. Rep. Ted Budd continued to stretch out his lead in the upcoming May 17 Republican U.S. Senate primary, according to a new poll released Monday.

In the poll, released Monday afternoon by the Club for Growth, Budd earned 43% of the vote among likely Republican primary voters, compared to 23% for former Gov. Pat McCrory. The 20-point gap is the largest of any publicly-available poll in the race to secure the Republican nomination for the seat for the retiring Richard Burr.

Former U.S. Rep. Mark Walker took 9% of the vote and combat veteran Marjorie K. Eastman earned 4%, which around 20% undecided.

“North Carolina voters understand that Ted Budd is the true conservative in this race and will fight for them in Washington,” said Club for Growth PAC President David McIntosh.

AP PHOTO

Demonstrators protest outside of the Supreme Court Tuesday, May 3, 2022, in Washington, D.C.

Supreme Court draft suggests Roe could be overturned

NSJ STAFF

Depp libel suit moves ahead against Heard after resting case Falls Church, Va. A judge is letting Johnny Depp move forward with his libel suit against his exwife, Amber Heard, after the former “Pirates of the Caribbean” star rested his case in a Virginia courtroom.

Heard’s lawyers asked the judge Tuesday to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing no reasonable jury could find in his favor based on the evidence he put forward. But the judge said the standard for dismissing a case at this point in a trial is exceedingly high, and that the case should be allowed to move forward if Depp has provided even a “scintilla” of evidence backing up his claims.

Heard’s team will now to present its case. Depp is suing Heard over an op-ed piece she wrote referring to herself as a victim of domestic abuse.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

CDC restates recommendation for masks on planes, trains New York U.S. health officials on Tuesday restated their recommendation that Americans wear masks on planes, trains and buses, despite a court ruling last month that struck down a national mask mandate on public transportation.

Americans age 2 and older should wear a wellfitting masks while on public transportation, including in airports and train stations, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended, citing the current spread of coronavirus and projections of future COVID-19 trends.

The government had repeatedly extended the mandate, and the latest one had been set to expire May 3. But a federal judge struck down the rule on April 18. The same day, the TSA said it would no longer enforce the mandate.

The CDC asked the Justice Department to appeal the decision, which the department did.

By Mark Sherman The Associated Press

13th Congressional District: Hines’ ambition meets crowded field

By Matt Mercer North State Journal RALEIGH — Bo Hines, one of eight candidates seeking the Republican nomination in the state’s 13th Congressional District, talked frequently about making politics his career.

Spending one year as a wide receiver for NC State’s football team, he made statements to several media outlets about running for office, saying he has aspirations of being governor and eventually president.

In December 2014, Hines announced that he was leaving NC State and transferring to Yale.

“This has been a very tough decision for me. I love NC State and the people I have had the privilege of getting to know there. ...

My goal is to pursue a specific career path in law and politics, and I believe that transferring to an Ivy League institution will help me reach that goal,” Hines was quoted as saying in a WRAL report at that time. hree years later, Hines was quoted in a Hartford Courant story saying he went to Yale for reasons beyond football. He said he “loved the school and staff in Raleigh. ... but, ultimately I knew I wanted to have a political career and I felt like Yale would give me the best opportunity to do that one day.”

The story said Hines originally wanted to be the 9th District Representative in Congress.

“I’d run as a Republican, but I’m not a social conservative,” Hines said. “I call myself a social libertarian, I guess. I’m a lot more liberal on certain social issues. I think it’s part of our generation. I’m hoping the Republican Party in the future will not be so bogged down by the 80-year-olds sitting in Congress who want to regulate how people live their lives,” he said to the paper.

A few months later, citing repeated injuries, Hines announced he was retiring from football. He told the Yale Daily News he made the decision to protect his long-term health.

That story, published in August 2017, again references his decision to attend Yale “because of the political opportunities an Ivy League degree would open for him.”

During 2017, Hines also said that the Ivy League football players were “a lot smart smarter, so you’re not going to have blown coverages, busted coverages, you have to be on top of your game.

Timing is very important because what they might not have in speed they make up for in intelligence.”

A 2015 profile of Hines in the Raleigh News & Observer quoted him saying his big political dreams would be “governor of North Carolina and the ultimate goal would be president.”

In a 2021 interview with the See HINES, page A2

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

CHRIS SEWARD | AP PHOTO

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Republican candidate for U.S. House of Representatives Bo Hines, of North Carolina, speaks to the crowd before former President Donald Trump takes the stage at a rally Saturday, April 9, 2022, in Selma.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A leaked draft opinion suggests the U.S. Supreme Court could be poised to overturn the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade case that legalized abortion nationwide, according to a Politico report.

A decision to overrule Roe would lead to abortion bans in roughly half the states and could have huge ramifications for this year’s elections. But it’s unclear if the draft represents the court’s final word on the matter — opinions often change in ways big and small in the drafting process.

President Joe Biden said Tuesday that the “basic fairness and the stability of our law demand” that the court not overturn Roe. While emphasizing

that he couldn’t speak to the authenticity of the draft, Biden said his administration is preparing for all eventualities for when the court ultimate rules in its decision.

“If the court does overturn Roe, it will fall on our nation’s elected officials at all levels of government to protect a woman’s right to choose,” Biden said.

“And it will fall on voters to elect pro-choice officials this November. At the federal level, we will need more pro-choice Senators and a pro-choice majority in the House to adopt legislation that codifies Roe, which I will work to pass and sign into law.”

Whatever the outcome, the Politico report late Monday represented an extremely rare breach of the court’s secretive See SCOTUS, page A2

State’s top Republicans unite behind GOP primary judicial slate

By Matt Mercer North State Journal THE THREE statewide Republican judicial primaries that will be decided on May 17 have seen attention placed on them from some surprising corners.

Republicans in both the General Assembly and on the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals have actively backed a slate of three candidates: Trey Allen for the Supreme Court, and Beth Freshwater Smith and Michael Stading for the Court of Appeals.

Allen faces two candidates for the Supreme Court nomination: current Court of Appeals judge April Wood and Davidson County attorney Victoria Prince.

Stading faces former N.C. Industrial Commission chair Charlton Allen and Freshwater Smith is taking on two-term incumbent Donna Stroud, who is currently the chief judge of the 15-member appellate court.

A new 527 organization called True Conservative Judges produced mailers to Republican-leaning voters backing the three candidates. The treasurer of the group, Mecklenburg County attorney Larry Sheheen, told North State Journal its aim was to educate primary voters on the best choices in the race.

“We feel strongly that judges should remember they are governed by the Constitution, they don’t govern the Constitution.

This is nothing negative against anyone, but we feel strongly that these judges would be the best choices,” he said in an interview.

Sheheen added that the group

would make enough of an impact to see the three prevail.

Allen and Wood have been actively campaigning for the Supreme Court seat for over a year. Allen, who currently serves as general counsel for the N.C. Administrative Office of Courts, See GOP PRIMARY, page A3

North State Journal for Wednesday, May 4, 2022

A2 WEDNESDAY

5.4.22 #332

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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 Lauren Rose Design Editor Published each Wednesday

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THE WORD: THE FIRST CHRISTIANS

“And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.” Acts 11:26 The lives of the converts were so different from their unbelieving neighbors, that they were called Christians. It is supposed that the name was given them in mockery or contempt by the heathen people of Antioch. But the name stuck, and is now used universally to describe those who follow Christ. It may not be the very best of names.

Perhaps disciple is better — disciples means learners, followers. We should all be disciples of Christ and should ever be learning of Him, growing in grace and likeness of Him as we follow Him. Perhaps believer is a better name. It carries in itself the thought that we are saved by believing on Christ. It is faith which works the victories in this world.

Perhaps follower would be better. To follow Christ is to receive Him as Master and to cling to Him in obedience and devotion wherever we may go.

But the word “Christian,” given at Antioch as a sneer — is now used everywhere. It is full of meaning. Those who are Christians should be like Christ — “little Christs”. They should represent Christ in the world.

Those who see them — should see the image of Christ in them!

PUBLIC DOMAIN

“The Exhortation to the Apostles” by James Tissot (circa 1886) is a painting in collection of the Brooklyn Museum.

Matthew Henry says, “Hitherto the followers of Christ were called disciples, that is, learners, scholars; but from that time they were called Christians. The proper meaning of this name is, a follower of Christ; it denotes one who, from serious thought, embraces the religion of Christ, believes His promises, and makes it his chief care to shape his life by Christ’s precepts and example. Hence it is plain that multitudes take the name of Christian — to whom it

does not rightly belong! But the name without the reality — will only add to our guilt. While the bare profession will bestow neither profit nor delight, the possession of it will give both the promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.”

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.

SCOTUS from page A1 deliberation process.

“Roe was egregiously wrong from the start,” the draft opinion states. It was signed by Justice Samuel Alito, a member of the court’s 6-3 conservative majority who was appointed by former President George W. Bush.

The document was labeled a “1st Draft” of the “Opinion of the Court” in a case challenging Mississippi’s ban on abortion after 15 weeks, a case known as Dobbs v.

Jackson Women’s Health Organization.

The court is expected to rule on the case before its term ends in late June or early July.

The draft opinion in effect states there is no constitutional right to abortion services and would allow individual states to more heavily regulate or outright ban the procedure.

“We hold that Roe and Casey must be overruled,” it states, referencing the 1992 case Planned Parenthood v. Casey that affirmed Roe’s finding of a constitutional right to abortion services but allowed states to place some constraints on the practice. “It is time to heed the Constitution and return the issue of abortion to the people’s elected representatives.”

Politico said only that it received “a copy of the draft opinion from a person familiar with the court’s proceedings in the Mississippi case along with other details supporting the authenticity of the document.”

The draft opinion strongly suggests that when the justices met in private shortly after arguments in the case on Dec. 1, at least five voted to overrule Roe and Casey, and Alito was assigned the task of

HINES from page A1 Yale Daily News shortly after he announced he was running for Congress, Hines alluded to the academics of Yale being superior to NC State.

“I felt the best way to learn more about politics would be to go up to Yale and challenge myself with some of the best and the brightest and surround myself with people in the academic community that I knew would challenge me,” Hines said.

He is not the only Ivy League graduate in the race. Kelly Daughtry, a Johnston County attorney, earned her undergraduate degree at Dartmouth.

According to her biography on her law firm’s website, she graduated cum laude from the northeastern school and then earned her legal degree from UNC Chap-

“We hold that Roe and Casey must be overruled. It is time to heed the Constitution and return the issue of abortion to the people’s elected representatives.”

Justice Samuel Alito in draft opinion leak

Alito, in the draft, said the court can’t predict how the public might react and shouldn’t try.

“We cannot allow our decisions to be affected by any extraneous influences such as concern about the public’s reaction to our work,” Alito wrote in the draft opinion.

People on both sides of the issue quickly gathered outside the Supreme Court waving signs and chanting on a balmy spring night,

following the release of the Politico report.

At Supreme Court arguments in December, all six conservative justices signaled that they would uphold the Mississippi law, and five asked questions that suggested that overruling Roe and Casey was a possibility.

Only Chief Justice John Roberts seemed prepared to take the smaller step of upholding the 15week ban, though that too would be a significant weakening of abortion rights.

Until now, the court has allowed states to regulate but not ban abortion before the point of viability, around 24 weeks.

The court’s three liberal justices seemed likely to be in dissent.

It’s impossible to know what efforts are taking place behind the scenes to influence any justice’s vote. If Roberts is inclined to allow Roe to survive, he need only pick off one other conservative vote to deprive the court of a majority to overrule the abortion landmark.

Chief Justice Roberts confirmed authenticity of leaked draft opinion on Tuesday, and ordered an investigation.

conservative groups, who took out ads ahead of the April 9 rally in Selma saying they couldn’t support Hines.

The Hines and Daughtry campaigns are sniping at one another in recent television advertising.

An ad from Daughtry accuses Hines of becoming an aspiring career politician, noting he hasn’t worked a full-time job before running for office. Club for Growth Action, which has spent heavily on Hines’ behalf, responded by accusing Daughtry of supporting Democratic judges for office.

Campaign reports show that Daughtry supported the U.S. Senate campaign of Cheri Beasley in June of 2021, six months before running as a Republican for Congress. She also gave money to 2020 N.C. Supreme Court candidate Mark Davis, a Democrat, and Attorney General Josh

Stein in 2020.

“We think North Carolinians need to know that Kelly Daughtry supported a Democrat for their Supreme Court, which allowed liberals to block Republican redistricting plans and then draw districts benefiting Democrats,” said Club for Growth Action President David McIntosh in a statement. “Kelly Daughtry has a record of being more in touch with Democrats running for office than Republican voters.”

In response, Daughtry campaign senior advisor Dee Stewart said, “Kelly is a businesswoman and more than 90% of Kelly’s donations were to Republicans,” when asked about the donations.

The Republican nominee will likely face state Sen. Wiley Nickel or former state Sen. Sam Searcy, both of Wake County, in the general election.

AP PHOTO

Members of the Supreme Court pose for a group photo at the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., April 23, 2021. writing the court’s majority opinion.

Votes and opinions in a case aren’t final until a decision is announced or posted on the court’s website.

The leak jumpstarted the intense political reverberations that the high court’s ultimate decision was expected to have in the midterm election year. Already, politicians on both sides of the

el Hill’s law school.

There is one NC State graduate in the race – Johnston County businessman DeVan Barbour.

According to his Linkedin profile, Barbour earned his degree from NC State in 2006. He has the longest track record of political involvement of the candidates in the race, serving in several roles within the state’s Republican Party over the past 15 years, including as a congressional district chairman and as a delegate to the 2016 and 2020 Republican National Conventions.

Ahead of the May 17 primary, many of the candidates have avoided candidate forums. Barbour was one of four to attend the most recent one in Cary along with Chad Slotta, former U.S. Rep. Renee Ellmers, and Kevin Wolff. Kent Keirsey and Jessica Morel are also running.

aisle were seizing on the report to fundraise and energize their supporters on either side of the hot-button issue.

When asked about abortion policy generally, Americans have nuanced attitudes on the issue, and many don’t think that abortion should be possible after the first trimester or that women should be able to obtain a legal abortion for any reason.

“I felt the best way to learn more about politics would be to go up to Yale and challenge myself with some of the best and brightest.”

13th Congressional District candidate Bo Hines

Hines, who has been endorsed by former President Donald Trump, has not attended any of the candidate forums dating back to January. His move from running for a western North Carolina seat to one bisected by Interstate 95 also drew the ire of local

North State Journal for Wednesday, May 4, 2022

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Redistricting Special Master assistant involved in NC maps under investigation for data manipulation Princeton Gerrymandering Project’s Sam Wang under investigation

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal FILE PHOTO

Attorney General Josh Stein briefs media from the N.C. Emergency Operations Center in Raleigh in this file photo.

Stein sues Hurricane Florence contractor

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — On the heels of a state audit critical of the monitoring of federal hurricane relief funds, N.C. Attorney General Josh Stein has announced a lawsuit against a Hurricane Florence contractor.

The state audit said $502 million of Hurricane Florence Disaster Recovery Funds were distributed with limited monitoring and another $783 million was distributed to recipients with no way to measure results.

In an April 28 news release, Stein announced the lawsuit against Illinois-based company Green Lantern Services and its

GOP PRIMARY from page A1 is close with Chief Justice Paul Newby. Allen clerked for Newby, he said, in a July 2021 story.

“It was a great education in how our state’s highest court functions. It was also an education in how a conservative judge goes about trying to remain faithful to the original understanding of the Constitution and to the text and legislative intent of the laws when deciding cases,” said Allen.

Two former Supreme Court Justices – Barbara Jackson and former Chief Justice Mark Martin – have issued endorsements for Wood.

In the Stroud-Freshwater Smith race, state legislators have contributed to Freshwater Smith’s campaign. They include state Sen. Jim Perry (R-Lenoir) and House Majority Leader John Bell (R-Wayne), and have actively supported her on social media and at local GOP events.

In addition, some of Stroud’s colleagues on the Court of Appeals including Jefferson Griffin

owner Dennis Daugherty for “defrauding North Carolinians who were attempting to repair storm damage after Hurricane Florence in 2018.”

“Dennis Daugherty saw North Carolinians struggling to rebuild their homes after Hurricane Florence as an opportunity to make a quick buck, we allege in our complaint,” said Josh Stein in the release. “When businesses trick their customers, I’ll take them to court.”

According to Stein’s office, the lawsuit alleges that Daugherty went door to door in the coastal region of North Carolina falsely claiming to be a licensed contractor in the wake of the storm. The lawsuit claims Daugherty asked

for advance payment and, in some cases, urged homeowners to sign over insurance checks.

“NCDOJ’s Consumer Protection Division received nine complaints from customers who paid a total of more than $250,000 to the defendants,” Stein’s release says.

Throughout his tenure as attorney general, Stein has consistently made robocalls and other scams a priority, as well as filing lawsuits over opioids and e-cigarettes while supporting banning menthol cigarettes.

He has also offered support in favor of school districts being able to regulate off-campus speech for K-12 students but has remained mainly silent over U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland’s memorandum directing the FBI to investigate parents protesting their school boards.

Stein is considered to be a likely Democratic candidate for the 2024 North Carolina governor’s race.

and Jeff Carpenter, have made public their support for Freshwater Smith.

In an email to supporters, Griffin said, “I have had a significant number of people ask me about the three statewide primary races on the Republican ticket. I am placing my recommendations below. I know all of these candidates and they would serve NC well in the seats they are running for,” and listed off Allen, Freshwater Smith, and Stading.

Sources have told NSJ that some of the acrimony around Stroud dates back to the hiring of Eugene Soar as the appeals court clerk in the summer of 2021.

Soar was previously a registered Democrat but appeared to change his voter registration to unaffiliated after taking the position.

“We are fortunate to have his experience to continue the critical work performed by our clerk’s office and its hard-working staff,” said Stroud in a statement announcing his hiring.

Soar served as a research assis-

tant for Judge Wanda Bryant, a Democrat, at the Court of Appeals and previously as a staff attorney at the Office of Appellate Division.

Former House President Pro Tem Paul “Skip” Stam, who has remained active in politics following his retirement from the N.C. House, issued his own letter supporting Stroud.

“I do not think I have ever appeared before her in court. I know the quality of her work but also in a different way. I have read the published opinions of the Court of Appeals for about 50 years,’ said Stam. “I scanned some and read many, including all of Judge Stroud’s public opinions. Her opinions are logical, fair, clear, and conservative.”

In the other appeals court seat, Stading the edge over Charlton Allen, also earning the support of current members of the court and also earned endorsements from the N.C. Values Coalition and Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson.

State Democrats have no contested statewide judicial primaries.

RALEIGH — An assistant to the Special Masters involved in North Carolina’s 2021 redistricting process is under investigation for data manipulation per a report

by The New Jersey Globe.

According to that report, Princeton University has begun an internal investigation of Sam Wang, who heads up the Princeton Gerrymandering Project following allegations by members of his staff that Wang was “manipulating data to match his personal agenda, and for mistreating people who worked for him.”

“He’d fudge the numbers to get his way,” said one individual according to The New Jersey Globe.

“He had an agenda. He was good at hiding it when he had to, but it was clear Sam wanted Democrats to win and he was willing to cheat to make that happen.”

Additionally, The New Jersey Globe reported that that “Wang created a toxic work environment that included retaliatory acts and job threats, and a possible Title IX violation,” according to three individuals directly connected to the Princeton Gerrymandering Project.

“From the beginning of the remedial redistricting process Dr. Wang’s involvement was problematic, yet no one took our concerns seriously,” said Sen. Ralph Hise (R-Mitchell) in a statement. “The allegations that he skewed data to favor Democrats during the New Jersey redistricting process should absolutely call into question his

involvement in North Carolina, after all, the court accepted a map drawn by the Special Masters’ team.”

Hise’s statement notes that “When the remedial process concluded, the court accepted a Congressional map drawn by the Special Masters’ team — including Wang — that only had one competitive district, compared to the legislature’s map which included four highly competitive districts.”

In February of this year, lawmakers in North Carolina filed a motion to dismiss Wang and another assistant, Tyler Jarvis, for activities forbidden for Special Masters by engaging in “substantive ex-party communications,” with the plaintiffs’ experts.

Wang had allegedly been in contact with the plaintiffs prior to being hired in February of 2022, the same month lawmakers filed their motion citing the inappropriate communications.

In their motion to remove Wang and Jarvis, lawmakers cited Wang had previously been accused of similar inappropriate contact involving a member of the New Jersey Redistricting Commission.

The motion was later denied and both assistants remained in place.

A three-judge panel eventually upheld the state’s two legislative maps but drew new congressional lines based on recommendations by the Special Masters.

“Today’s ruling is nothing short of egregious,” Moore said in a statement following the panel’s ruling. The trial court’s decision to impose a map drawn by anyone other than the legislature is simply unconstitutional and an affront to every North Carolina voter whose representation would be determined by unelected, partisan activists.”

AP PHOTO, FILE

In this July 26, 2017, file photo, a lawmaker studies a district map during a joint select committee meeting on redistricting in Raleigh.

NC Auditor’s statewide audit finds noncompliance issues, questioned costs over $1.65M

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — The N.C. State Auditor’s statewide audit of federal funding awards has found several noncompliance issues.

According to the auditor’s office, the state spent $39.2 billion in federal financial assistance under various federal programs in 2021.

Total questioned costs in the audit come to $1,652,455. The majority of the questioned costs, was attributed to errors in misspending of COVID-19 relief funds totaling $1,341,695.

Some of the audit’s findings included deficient monitoring of COVID-19 relief funding by the North Carolina Pandemic Recovery Office, spending issues by the Department of Public Safety related to the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERA), deficiencies in the Medicaid provider enrollment and termination process and inadequate monitoring of local health departments by the Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS).

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) oversaw $75.1 million in funding for rent and utility payments, according to the audit. The money was overseen by The N.C.

Office of Recovery and Resiliency set up within DPS. Auditors reviewed transfer payment activity within the ERA program totaling around $21.5 million and “initially found that some expenditures were reimbursed twice, resulting in overpayments of $1,201,030.” Due to the errors found in the ERA program, DPS may have to pay back $1,341,695 back to the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

Two reports ERA was required to submit were reviewed by State Auditor Beth Wood’s office reviewed had significant problems.

An April 2021 report had $633,656 in underreported distributed funds and underreported the number of households getting assistance by 805. The second report looked was in May 2021 and it showed underreported funds of $156,910 and an underreported the number of households of 218.

The N.C. Pandemic Recovery Office (NCPRO), established by Gov. Roy Cooper in May of 2020, failed to properly monitor $2.92 billion in federal funds used for COVID-19 expenditures. The audit says NCRPRO did not review subrecipient expenditures or complete separate monitoring activities for high-risk subrecipients. Addition-

According to the auditor’s office, the state spent $39.2 billion in federal financial assistance under various federal programs in 2021. ally, NCPRO did not review subrecipient audit reports or direct expenditures of state entities.

NCDHHS was found to have had errors in its Medicaid Provider Billing and its payment process resulting in overpayments.

The agency processed more than 46 million original fee-for-service claims totaling $10.8 billion in payments during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2021, according to the audit.

NCDHHS also faced issues with overpayments Medicaid program last year after an audit found $11.4 million was paid out to uncredentialed providers.

There were also deficiencies in the Medicaid eligibility and termination processes identified by Wood’s office.

During the audit period, ap-

proximately 2.1 million beneficiaries received $14.1 billion in Medicaid benefits. Auditors redetermined eligibility for a sample of 152 beneficiaries that had benefits totaling $47.1 million paid on their behalf during the audit period and found three (1.97%) eligibility errors. The audit’s findings state that “Although $2,871 resulted from the errors identified, the amount of Medicaid funds paid on behalf of ineligible beneficiaries is likely greater.

The audit also says approximately $14.1 billion in Medicaid funds went to 18,048 providers during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021.The entities involved or contracted to performed screening and enrollment did so for 4,187 providers that were paid $3.7 billion during the audit period. When auditors looked at its sample of 93 of those paid providers, “one or more errors in nine (9.7%) provider records.”

The audit also cited a monitoring issues by the Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) pertaining to the Education Stabilization Fund – Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief program (ESSER).

During the reporting period cited in the audit, NCDPI

awarded $354.5 million to 266 public-school units (PSUs) that incurred $72.6 million in expenditures related to the program.

Auditors reviewed the ESSER Annual Report spending and identified errors for “138 (52%) PSUs.” Major findings included 119 PSUs with inaccurate amounts, resulting $1.89 million in awards errors and $13.89 million in expenditure errors.

In addition, 17 PSUs were included but had no award or expenditure activity, “resulting in overreported awards and expenditures of $1.69 million and $234,764, respectively.”

Two PSUs were left out of the reporting and as a result awards and expenditures were both underreported by over $113,000 each.

Wood’s office issued a standalone audit report of NCDPI containing detailed findings of the statewide audit results. State Superintendent Catherine Truitt responded to the audit, agreeing with the findings and recommendations.

Truitt cited stagging shortages related to issues with ESSER reporting and in other areas indicated “Processes for future reporting have been amended to ensure additional controls are in place to promote greater accuracy.”

North State Journal for Wednesday, May 4, 2022

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North State Journal for Wednesday, May 4, 2022

Murphy to Manteo

Jones & Blount

Strawberry season sweet as ever Strawberry season is underway in North Carolina.

Our state is the fourth-largest producer of strawberries in the nation, with about 1,100 acres harvested across the state.

The peak of the season is traditionally Mother’s Day. “Growers have done a good job protecting the crop from recent cool temperatures and because of their hard work, this year’s strawberry crop looks to be plentiful,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler in April.

For fun family or group outings, go to the N.C. Strawberry Association’s listing at www.ncstrawberry.com/farm-locator to find a local you-pick strawberry farm and contact information.

WEST

Meadows says 1/6 panel has sought to publicly ‘vilify’ him

By Eric Tucker The Associated Press

Transylvania County The U.S. Forest Service says a section of the Blue Ridge Parkway has reopened to traffic as firefighters have made progress controlling a fire in the Pisgah National Forest. The agency said on Saturday that the Barnett Branch fire covers 370 acres, but it’s now 50% contained. The parkway had been closed earlier in the week from U.S. Highway 276 to the Pisgah Inn. Portions of the Yellow Gap Road and some trails remain closed. Thirty U.S. Forest Service firefighters were assigned to work the wildfire Saturday. The fire’s cause remains under investigation.

AP

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Former Trump White House chief of staff Mark Meadows accused the congressional committee investigating last year’s attack on the U.S. Capitol of leaking all of the text messages he provided to the panel in what he says was an effort to vilify him publicly.

The argument was made in a filing Friday in Washington’s federal court, where Meadows sued in December to invalidate subpoenas issued to him for his testimony and to Verizon for his cell phone records.

In the latest filing, lawyers for Meadows asked a judge to reject the committee’s request for a court ruling in its favor that could force Meadows to comply with the subpoenas. The committee requested an expedited briefing schedule Wednesday after filing its motion the previous week.

The lawyers say Meadows deserves a chance through the fact-gathering process known as discovery to gather information about questions that are still in dispute, such as the committee’s claims that former President Donald Trump did not properly invoke executive privilege over the items subpoenaed by the panel because he did not communicate that position directly to the committee.

“Mr. Meadows cannot possibly know whether that unsupported contention

counties with strawberry farms

PIEDMONT

Audit: Charter school falsified enrollment for more money

Forest fire halfway contained; parkway stretch reopens

Wilkes County A state audit says staff at a now-closed charter school falsified enrollment numbers to obtain more than $400,000 in state money. State Auditor Beth Wood’s office also said in Wednesday’s report that Bridges Academy in Wilkes County misused almost $79,000 in taxpayer funds to support a preschool it had opened in 2020. The academy closed last year amid an investigation. The audit’s findings were referred to the local district attorney, as well as to the IRS and state Revenue Department.

The report says the academy didn’t prepare and submit required income forms for contract workers.

EAST

Authorities break up dog-fighting ring

Rower plans solo trip from Virginia Beach to France Wake County Peter Harley has roughly 4,000 miles on the open ocean in front of him — or about 3-4 months of paddling the Atlantic. The 61-year-old South Africa native, who resides in Cary, will embark this week on a solo row from Virginia Beach to La Trinité Sur-Mer, France. It’s only been ever attempted twice.

Both unsuccessful. With help from daughter Bonnie Evans, Harley’s expedition doubles as a fundraiser. A website and robust social media presence aims to raise $750,000 for charities benefitting the planet, children, and animals.

Gaston County Authorities say more than 30 dogs have been seized after law enforcement officers broke up a dog-fighting ring. Gaston County Police Animal Care and Enforcement responded to a Gastonia address on Thursday to investigate a report of dogs fighting in the backyard. The department says when animal care and enforcement specialists arrived they found a dead dog in the yard. They also found other dogs caged and living in poor conditions, and investigators were concerned about some dogs suffering from obvious injuries. There’s no word about potential charges.

Cumberland County The top commander at Fort Benning plans to retire, and his replacement has already been named. Army officials say Maj. Gen. Patrick Donahoe plans to step down in July as commanding general at the base in Georgia.

His successor will be Maj. Gen. Curtiss Buzzard — the current deputy chief of staff for the U.S. Army Forces Command at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. Donahoe has served nearly 34 years in the Army and has been top commander at Fort Benning since July 2020. A change-of-command ceremony takes place July 14 at Fort Benning.

Onslow County Relatives say a 22-year-old former Camp Lejeune U.S. Marine has been killed alongside Ukrainian forces in the war with Russia, in the first known death of an American citizen fighting in Ukraine.

Rebecca Cabrera tells CNN her son Willy Joseph Cancel was killed Monday while working for a military contracting company that sent him to Ukraine. According to an online fundraising page, Cancel had volunteered with his local fire department in New York while in high school, and he had a 7-month-old son.

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Former US Marine killed while fighting in Ukraine

Fort Benning top commander to retire later this year

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Music icon’s handgun returned over 43 years after theft Madison County Forty-three years is a long time to wait to reclaim stolen property, but that’s how long it took for one Madison County music legend. On April 15, Sheriff Buddy Harwood presented Bobby Hicks with the pistol Hicks lost in 1978 in Greensboro. Hicks is a Marshall resident and former fiddle player with bluegrass music titan Bill Monroe.

Harwood returned the handgun, a Browning Hi-Power .9mm short cartridge, after the gun was found in a pawn shop in Greensboro.

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Juvenile charged with felony for false report of gun in school Yancey County Blue Ridge Elementary School was placed on lockdown on April 25, after a call was received reporting that someone with a gun was seen on school grounds. Police responded and searched but were unable to find any gunman. It was determined that the report was false, and the person who made the call, a juvenile whose name was not released, was identified, arrested and charged with a felony for False Report of Mass Violence on Educational Property.

WLOS

Two arrested for assaulting deputies

Police: NC officers on leave after armed woman is shot

Man charged with holding 3 against will

1 person reported killed in fire at home

Durham County Multiple Durham police officers are on administrative leave while authorities investigate the shooting of an armed woman this weekend. Durham police say the shooting occurred Saturday after its officers arrived to respond to an indecent exposure report. The department says they found a woman with a weapon, and that an officer shot her. The woman was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries. The State Bureau of Investigation and Durham police’s Professional Standards Division are investigating. Police didn’t immediately identify the woman who was shot and the officer that the agency says shot her.

Alamance County A sheriff’s office says man has been arrested after deputies say he held his girlfriend and her two children against their will. Deputies with the Alamance County Sheriff’s Office responded to a domestic call on Tuesday and spoke with a family member who told them that the woman and her children were inside and believed to be in distress. Because of a history of domestic violence involving the respective parties, deputies forced their way into the home and found Dustin Wayne Cook hiding in a closet.

Bladen County A fire marshal’s office says one person was killed in a fire at a home. The Bladen County Fire Marshal said that although the fire was called in at 8:20 a.m. on Friday, the charred remains found by firefighters when they arrived suggested the fire had started around midnight. The single-wide home was the last house of a dead-end road. The fire marshal’s office said a preliminary investigation showed it was an older home where it’s believed there were no smoke detectors in place.

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Gates County Emily Savchenko and Stoney Etters were arrested after Gates County deputies responded to a domestic disturbance call at their house last week. While police were investigating the incident, Savchenko and Etters assaulted the officers. Savchenko, 18, was also charged with possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Charges are still pending against Etters, a Eure resident.

WAVY

is true without discovery — or whether the Select Committee had awareness of former President Trump’s assertions,” the motion states. It adds that Meadows must have the ability to obtain any communications between the committee and Trump and possibly to take depositions of people familiar with those discussions.

The House voted in December to hold Meadows in criminal contempt after he ceased cooperating, referring the matter to the Justice Department, which has not said whether it will take action. Meadows’ legal team has said he provided extensive cooperation but that the committee refused to respect Trump’s assertion of executive privilege.

The motion by Meadows also accuses the committee of waging a “sustained media campaign” against him. Though it does not provide evidence, it says the committee has leaked all of the text messages Meadows has produced to the committee.

“The Congressional Defendants, under the auspices of a legitimate subpoena, induced Mr. Meadows to produce thousands of his private communications only to use them in a concerted and ongoing effort to vilify him publicly through the media,” Meadows’ attorney, George Terwilliger, wrote in the motion.

The committee declined through a spokesperson to comment about Meadows’ accusations against the panel.

Republicans lead voter registration gains over Democrats heading into midterm cycle

By Matt Mercer North State Journal RALEIGH — Republicans are out-registering Democrats in North Carolina. Since the end of the 2020 election cycle, Republicans have cut into Democrats’ voter registration advantage by over a full percent (1.08%), gaining nearly 85,000 net registered Republicans, bringing Democrats’ lead to only 4.12% ahead of November’s general election.

Voter registration numbers for Republicans grew by 1.8% since Jan. 30, 2021, while Democrats’ registrants only grew by 0.7%.

Republican registration gains with black voters have grown by 13.5% compared to 3.6% growth in Democratic registration numbers since April 2021.

Among Native American voters, Republican registration numbers have grown by 8.2% compared to 0.7% growth in Democratic registration numbers since April 2021.

This growth is largely in southeastern North Carolina, led by Robeson County. The county showed Republican registrations

AP

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grew by 9.3% and Democratic registrations decreased by -1.0%.

Gains in rural counties have accounted for a majority of Republican growth in the same time period in many states, including North Carolina.

Data from the Republican National Committee shows voters in rural counties make up around 35% of registered voters but are responsible for over 77% of net gains.

“North Carolina is continuing to trend red, and Democrats will be sent packing this fall at the ballot box,” said RNC spokeswoman Savannah Viar.

While Republicans are outregistering Democrats, the growth of unaffiliated voters has surpassed both.

In data as of April 30 this year, unaffiliated voters numbered 2,534,366, with Democrats at 2,495,474 and Republicans at 2,200,299.

Five years ago, 2,647,484 voters were registered Democrats, versus 2,064,966 Republicans and 2,091,906 unaffiliated. The trend is even more stark compared to 10 years ago, when over 2.8 million voters were registered Democrats and just over 2 million were Republicans, with 1.7 million registered unaffiliated.

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North State Journal for Wednesday, May 4, 2022

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

VISUAL VOICES

EDITORIAL | FRANK HILL

The public good versus the public ‘want’

We aren’t living in ancient Israel under the rabbinical laws of the Book of Leviticus where debts were forgiven every seven years during Jubilee.

THERE IS A MOVE AFOOT in Washington where, by executive order, debt will magically be canceled for forty-six million adults, 16% of all households, who owe $1.75 trillion in student loans. According to a 2019 Federal Reserve report, “5.4% or 7.1 million households have $50,000 or more in student loan debt…45% of households led by a person age 25-40 in the top 1% of overall income have student loan debt”.

60% of all student debt was used for graduate school, not undergrad.

Many of these people have gone on to become wealthy doctors, lawyers and business executives who can afford to pay back their loans, just like everyone else who has debt has to pay.

We live in 21st-century America where economics, law and common sense rule, not some genie in the bottle waiting to grant everyone’s wish.

Will canceling student debt mean every newly-freed debtor will contribute something of substance for the entire nation as a “public good” ― or will it just help the borrower get out of debt? As a condition for debt relief, the debtor should be asked to contribute his or her services gratis at the very minimum until the value of their loan is discharged in some public policy manner such as providing medical care to Medicaid patients in rural areas or legal services to the poor.

Generally, the difference between the two major parties historically has been between reliance on personal freedom and responsibility (Republicans) and collective government support in almost every sector of our lives together (Democrats).

Since people decided they could live together and not hermitize themselves on small self-sustaining farms or kill what their families eat every day by hunting, they agreed that any civilization needs a few overarching laws and rules under which everyone will abide and live peaceably together. Without a common set of rules and values, we would be living in a state of chaos which Thomas Hobbes said would be “nasty, brutish and short” because it would be survival-of-the-fittest Darwinism every second of the day.

The “public good” is better when everyone enjoys the same things common to every citizen ― personal freedoms and property rights protected by law, a just judicial system and law enforcement agency. Life is good when public roads are built and maintained; clean water and clean

air are available to every citizen and we are protected from physical harm from enemies from abroad and domestic criminals from within.

Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln recognized the benefit of solid public education since if the broad populace was uneducated, the chances of maintaining a self-governed democratic republic was slim. While public education is not explicitly enumerated in the Constitution, most conservatives can agree that collective government expense on public education benefits the “public good” as long as teachers stick to teaching the basics of reading, writing and arithmetic.

Jefferson and Lincoln would not consider paying for graduate school debt incurred by upper-income adults as “public education”. Such debt was assumed by adults for private purposes, not the public.

Liberals see a far more expansive interpretation of “the public good”.

They view everything as being under the purview of a benevolent government administered apparently by all-knowing philosopher kings who are seldom seen or elected to public office.

The meaning of “public good” to liberals includes free education, free health care, free housing and free food, shelter and clothing to those who need it. Liberals also see a healthy dose of government coercive intrusion into moderating individual’s speech and thoughts on views they, the left, sees as objectionable ― which usually just means they disagree with it.

American liberalism has taken the United States from a state of being where the government exists to serve and protect people as they pursue their own individual dreams and path in life to one where the government exists to tell everyone what to do and say and give them money taken from other people.

It is almost the antithesis of the principles of freedom America was founded upon 246 years ago. The public good means everyone should benefit― not just a select few.

EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS

Cancel culture takes another ‘L’ as Joe Rogan and Spotify thrive

According to Rogan, his “subscriptions went up massively” in the midst of his critics’ attacks.

BECAUSE CANCEL CULTURE is so pervasive in this country, anytime someone comes out on top of such attempts is worth documenting for the record.

In my previous column, I noted how the Washington Post’s recent efforts to cancel the popular conservative “Libs of TikTok” Twitter account by outing the anonymous person behind the account failed big time as the Twitter user now has a full-time paid gig doing what she loves to do in addition to a new Substack page which boasts of “thousands of paid subscribers.”

Back in February, we also talked about popular podcaster Joe Rogan and the ongoing campaigns that were being conducted by the media, leftists, supposed “medical experts” and Hollywood types such as classic rock artist Neil Young at getting both him and Spotify, the online streaming platform that hosts Rogan’s podcasts, canceled.

Ostensibly, they wanted Rogan off the air because he was allegedly pushing medical “disinformation” about COVID-19, the vaccine, and alternative treatment options including monoclonal antibodies, vitamin supplements, and ivermectin, the latter of which Rogan said in September 2021 were recommended for him by his doctor to take when he came down with the coronavirus.

His mention of ivermectin, which in much larger doses is also used as a deworming drug for horses, prompted “news” outlets like CNN to air “report” after “report” mocking Rogan for taking a “livestock drug” or “horse dewormer,” with such outlets leaving out the fact that ivermectin had in fact been previously approved by the FDA for treatment in humans in much smaller doses to treat parasitic infections.

Rogan angered his critics at the time by not backing down, even inviting on CNN’s chief medical correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, who Rogan roasted for his network’s smear campaign against him. During that October interview, Rogan got Gupta to admit that CNN should have clarified that ivermectin could also be used by humans, though Gupta would never outright admit that his colleagues, including anchor Don Lemon, lied about Rogan.

In an update on the cancel culture campaign against Rogan and

Spotify, I’m pleased to inform readers that it hasn’t worked. In fact, according to Rogan, his “subscriptions went up massively” in the midst of his critics’ attacks. He said last Friday that “during the height of it all, I gained two million subscribers.”

Along with that development has come the equally good news that Spotify has also done well. Per a report from CNN, “Spotify saw its paid memberships increase, and the platform now has 182 million premium subscribers — up from 180 million in the previous quarter and 15% higher year over year, the company said in its first quarter earnings report Wednesday.”

They also noted that “total revenue was up 24% over last year.”

Spotify said in a statement that the numbers likely would have been even higher had they not pulled services from Russia after the country’s attack on Ukraine.

Spotify mostly stood strong with Rogan in the midst of the various media-driven “controversies” drummed up over his broadcast, and remains one of the few online audio/video streaming news and info sites that hasn’t dropped the hammer on those with views that don’t strictly fall in line with official government health edicts.

It would appear they, like Rogan, Libs of TikTok, “Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling and others – are laughing all the way to the bank despite the best efforts of The Usual Suspects to shut them down for not adhering to whatever Groupthink mentality is prevailing at the time of their alleged “offenses.”

Good for them.

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, May 4, 2022 LETTER TO THE EDITOR | IRINA COMER

Serving on county commission should not be ‘full-time’ job WAKE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS are considering giving themselves a 132% raise this year, from $28,588 to more than $66,000. This is incredibly imprudent as a fiscal matter. It is also remarkably tone deaf at a time when real wages all over the state are declining in the face of the worst inflation in 40 years.

But there is a more concerning aspect to the proposed raise than its sheer enormity. That aspect is the Commissioners’ characterization of their role as “full-time” to justify the increase.

Commission Chairman Sig Hutchinson was quoted as saying: “This is truly a full-time job. The more time you put in this job, the more you get done.”

There is so much wrong with that statement. Government should strive to provide those services that government is best suited to provide, and it should strive to provide them as efficiently as possible. There are very few things that government is best suited to provide, and that is just as true in Wake County as any other jurisdiction.

That is why Wake County Commissioner is intended to be a parttime position. If, as Mr. Hutchinson suggests, Commissioners are spending full time hours every week doing Commission business, then they are doing it wrong.

The role of the Commission is to set the property tax rate, regulate land use and zoning outside of municipalities, and adopt the County’s annual budget. The County already has a competent

set of staff to carry on important activities day-to-day.

The expansion of the Commissioners’ perceived role for themselves is an excellent example of Parkinson’s Law, but is terrible for Wake County residents. Nearly anything that government tries to do costs money, and the more time Commissioners spend trying to do more things, regardless of merit or marginal efficiency, the more money it will eventually cost. That always translates to higher taxes.

The only exception is the introduction of government mandates, something the Commission spent a lot of time on recently. Such mandates do not necessarily require additional tax dollars, but they infringe heavily on individual rights and can wreak extraordinary economic damage (think lockdowns).

Exacerbating the issue is the introduction of a retirement benefit.

Retirement benefits are generally reserved for careers. The last thing we need is a set of Commissioners that fancies themselves career mandarins. If the current Commissioners expect to make a career out of being Commissioners, then they not only risk overestimating their worth, they risk underestimating the expectations of voters.

Service as a Commissioner is a public service, and a part-time one at that. Commissioners would do well to remember that.

Irina Comer lives in Cary

COLUMN | STEPHEN MOORE

Canceling student loan debt would make college more expensive IT MIGHT BE THE BIGGEST giveaway in American history.

President Joe Biden wants to cancel more than $1 trillion of outstanding student loan debt. Biden has already delayed for more than a year student loan repayment, and under his new rules, most delinquent and deadbeat borrowers would NEVER have to repay.

What a deal for the people who never paid a dime back of the tuition money they owe to Uncle Sam. This plan makes suckers out of the millions who have felt honorbound to pay off their debts. My wife spent years after graduating from college diligently writing checks to pay off the tens of thousands of dollars of loans. That’s the way it works when you borrow money and you’ve signed a commitment to pay the money back.

Think about what would happen if this loan repayment policy were to be implemented. Who would ever pay off a student loan ever again after this blanket forgiveness program?

Who would benefit? The most recent Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Finances found that only 22% of families had student loan debt and that “student debt has consistently been disproportionately held by higher-income families.” So this is a giveaway to the financially successful students and families paid for by middle-class workers, millions of whom didn’t go to elite universities in the first place.

Once student loans move to “free college” for everyone, university tuitions, which are already soaring at two to three times the inflation rate, would race further ahead of all other consumer prices. When I attended the University of Illinois in the

early 1980s, the tuition was $1,000 a semester. Now, it’s closer to $12,000 a semester. Where’d all the money go?

The Biden administration has misdiagnosed the fundamental problem here. To wit: Colleges and universities have become fat, flabby and inefficient money burners with no accountability.

No oversight. No getting rid of bad teachers and professors. No looking under the hood to see where extraneous costs could be axed.

No demand on tenured professors to teach one or two classes a year.

If student loan debt has to be retired, why should taxpayers pick up the tab? Why not force universities with massive endowments, in many cases in the tens of billions of dollars, to use that money to pay off the debts students incurred while they received virtually worthless, useless sociology, gender studies and psychology degrees?

This would incentivize schools to cut their tuitions and their costs, something the academic elites are desperately trying to avoid.

Democrats think that buying votes this November by making college essentially free will win them elections. But there is no free lunch, and there is no free college. It’s just a question of who pays the piper. And it shouldn’t be YOU. 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.”

COLUMN | DAN GIBSON

Draft opinion leak foreshadows new battles ahead I GREW UP in the long-shadow of Roe. I learned law with the jaded knowledge and dashed hopes of Casey. I never thought I would see the day the Supreme Court would undo those twin evils.

I also never thought I would see the day the Supreme Court would leak a draft opinion.

This is monumental, gigantic, extraordinary; I could exhaust a thesaurus of synonyms and still not say enough. What do we make of all this?

It is too early to say—especially since the opinion is only a draft—but let me offer four brief thoughts.

First, don’t take this at face value; keep your eye on the ball. It would be foolish to speculate on who leaked this and why. But the justices and clerks of the United States Supreme Court are all immensely intelligent people. Whoever leaked it knew what they were doing and had a motive. It’s hard to imagine they did this for any reason other than influencing the Court’s ultimate decision. Perhaps that is through stirring up public outcry against overturning Roe. Perhaps it is to make the Court gutting—but not overturning—Roe look more moderate. Perhaps—and I think this is most likely—it is to influence the Senate. The Senate is finely balanced.

A strong gust of wind could push Maine Sen. Susan Collins or any other moderate into the maelstrom of abolishing the filibuster and packing the Court. Let’s pray none of this comes to pass and this draft becomes a published opinion.

Second, if this is actually a draft opinion, and it certainly looks like one, whoever leaked it must pay a high price. Justices hold office during “good behavior.” Leaking internal court documents is not good behavior, and we should at least consider impeachment here. I’ve worked in the North Carolina Supreme Court and argued cases there. All appellate courts rely on confidential drafts and memos to deliberate about cases. Leaking those breaks crucial trust between the justices, pushing them to further partisan partitioning. Imagine if the justices only circulated drafts to others they thought agreed with them. The Court would lose much of the give and take their opinions show. Just as importantly, this is another step along the path to the Supreme Court becoming Judge Judy in the eyes of the public. Our ridiculous confirmation hearings are a disgrace to our Republic. Until now, the Court has largely kept it-

self outside such shameful antics. We need to unite to send a clear message that we the People will not tolerate such folly from our highest judges or their clerks.

Third, this is not the end for the pro-life movement. To borrow Churchill, it is not even the beginning of the end—but it is the end of the beginning. If abortion legislation is returned to the States, then we have many legislative battles ahead. Many in the Republican Party say a lot about pro-life issues. The time has come to see if they will act as well as they talk. If the Court overturns Roe, the North Carolina General Assembly will likely consider legislation on abortion pills, allowing family members to sue abortionists, and perhaps even a fetal heartbeat bill. These votes may be determined by pro-life Democrats or moderate Republicans who will toe the party line but are not actively pro-life. Call your legislator.

Tell them this matters. If Roe is gone, don’t let this session go by without action.

Fourth, now is the time to invest in pro-life organizations. Ending Roe will curb abortion but it will not end it. Women will still become pregnant unexpectedly. They will still wonder how they can afford to raise their children. Men will still encourage their girlfriends or wives to abort their child. That is the nature of a fallen world. The law is part of the solution to restraining sin but not the whole. More than ever, we must support our crisis pregnancy centers, our adoption agencies, our foster care systems, and our charities that help women, children, and families. If you don’t know where they are, ask you pastor, your friends, your legislator.

These charities are on the frontlines of helping women in crisis.

Pray for them, volunteer for them, donate to them. They too are part of the solution to sin but not the whole.

The whole solution to sin can only be found in Christ’s body and blood broken and spilled on the Cross. We conquer death, we conquer Roe, only by dying with Him and rising with Him. Roe’s shadow cannot overcome His light. Our faint justice only points to His final justice. No matter what happens this term of Court, don’t forget that a higher Court with a higher Judge will have the ultimate verdict.

Dan Gibson is an attorney and lives in Wake County

BE IN TOUCH

Letters addressed to the editor may be sent to letters@nsjonline.com

or 1201 Edwards Mill Rd. Suite 300. Raleigh, N.C. 27607. Letters must be signed; include the writer’s phone number, city and state; and be no longer than 300 words. Letters may be edited for style, length or clarity when necessary. Ideas for op-eds should be sent to opinion@nsjonline.com.

A7 COLUMN ROBERT LEVY

Resistance ends badly for all of us RIDDLE ME THIS: What do the deaths of George Floyd and almost every other deadly police encounter have in common?

Each death was preceded by a criminal suspect resisting arrest.

In the case of George Floyd, police officer Derek Chauvin and others tried to arrest Floyd. He resisted. He had to be subdued.

Yes, the force was excessive.

Indeed, Chauvin went to jail.

But George Floyd would be alive today had he not resisted arrest.

It’s a familiar story. The cases of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri and Eric Garner in New York City began and ended just like that of George Floyd.

The problem is generic: The now deceased was involved in illegal activity. He became belligerent.

An officer attempted an arrest.

The suspect resisted. The suspect died.

Now, that does not mean that a police officer should have the right to act as a zealot, utilizing force that is clearly excessive.

Nor does it mean that a suspect is necessarily responsible for his own death. Regardless of “fault,” and even while cities burn, both liberals and conservatives must recognize that a problem exists.

We must join in a solution.

Unfortunately, the current proposals only aggravate the problem. Should we “defund” the police; or, should we “defend’ them? Both approaches are “post mortem” They solve nothing.

Rather, we must focus on the “condition precedent.” In too many officer-involved shootings, the suspect was “resisting arrest.”

If George Floyd had let Derick Chauvin cuff him, Minneapolis, Seattle and Portland would be livable today. Floyd would be alive. So, “the talk” needs to be given to all our children regardless of race. From middle school through high school, we should have that “talk.” We should teach that resisting arrest is both illegal and dangerous.

We must insist, and clearly message to all, “Obey the order of a police officer. Do it not because you think the cop is right, but because the street is no place to argue.” And. add to “the talk” a familiar warning. “Even if the police officer goes to jail because he was “dead wrong”, it does you no good if you are ‘dead right.’”

Our founders understood that even The King’s Constables could be wrong. Over-zealous law enforcement existed when our Constitution was ratified.

It exists now. It is, in part. why our Bill of Rights exists. It is why arrests are only a prelude to an appearance before a neutral magistrate. It is why there is a right to a speedy trial. It is even why criminal suspects of even minor crimes, like the ones of which Floyd and Garner were accused, have the right to an attorney and reasonable bail. Moreover, administrative complaints are available, too.

Widening this approach, perhaps we should bar a suspect from suing for the use of excessive force if he, in what could be provable in court, resisted arrest.

The word on the street would quickly spread, lessening even false claims of “police brutality.”

Conversely, as a check on law enforcement, the right of an officer to qualified immunity from civil and criminal misconduct should be based on the proper use and function of the officer’s body camera. Just as a police officer takes care of his weapon, he should wear and take care of his body camera. The weapon protects him from actual danger. The camera protects him from dangerous false accusations.

In the possession of an honest and deducted public servant, both are equally important for the officer ‘s protection.

Resisting arrest should be a serious felony unto itself.

It is too often a “throw away misdemeanor” that is dismissed in favor of the underlying crime for which the suspect was arrested. And, it also has a dark side. Too often law enforcement adds the charge without much merit. Too often “resisting” has been used to hide excessive force itself. But today, with fully functioning body cameras, that is no longer wide spread or practical.

If we want to reduce officer involved shootings, the “word on the street” must become “Don’t resist!” Complain to the judge.

Don’t fight “the man” at the scene of an arrest. It rarely ends well.

Robert Levy lives in Southern Pines

North State Journal for Wednesday, May 4, 2022

A8

NATION & WORLD 100s of US urban areas will become rural with new criteria The Associated Press HUNDREDS OF URBAN areas in the U.S. are becoming rural, but it’s not because people are leaving.

It’s just that the U.S. Census Bureau is changing the definition of an urban area. Under the new criteria, more than 1,300 small cities, towns and villages designated urban a decade ago would be considered rural.

That matters because urban and rural areas qualify for different types of federal funding. Some communities worry the change could affect health clinics in rural areas as well as transportation and education funding from federal programs. But leaders in other communities designated to lose their urban status say it won’t make a difference.

“We are rural and we feel rural, and that’s how we already identify,” said Randy Reeg, city administrator of Mauston, Wisconsin, a city of 4,347 residents about 75 miles northwest of Madison.

Groups like the American Hospital Association say the changes, which are the biggest being made to the definitions in decades, could cause problems for people who need medical care in rural areas.

“Going with the new definition could limit the number of rural health clinics moving forward and have a negative impact on rural access to care,” said Shannon Wu, senior associate director of policy at the hospital association.

For starters, the Census Bureau is switching to housing units instead of people as the basis for calculating what should be an urban area. Bureau officials say the change will make it easier to update between once-a-decade head counts of the U.S. They also contend that it’s needed because a new privacy method introduces errors into 2020 census population numbers at small geographies to protect people’s identities.

Housing counts stay accurate un-

AP PHOTO

An illuminated cross stands in front of a residence near downtown Dawson, Ga., on April 17, 2020. der the method.

A place had to have at least 2,500 people to be urban under old criteria that lasted more than a century. Now, it will need at least 2,000 housing units, the equivalent of about 5,000 people. A revised list of urban areas won’t be released until later this year, but a third of the areas deemed urban a decade ago would be knocked into the rural category under the new criteria.

Places with 50,000 residents or more were considered “urbanized areas,” compared with “urban clusters” having between 2,500 and 49,999 residents in the past.

But those distinctions will be eliminated and all will be called urban areas under the new definition.

Some communities worry that the switch to housing units will cause some areas to be underestimated if the Census Bureau uses

the U.S. average of 2.6 people per household for its calculations. For instance, Madera County, California, has 3.3 people per household, and the change “would not fully represent the community,” Patricia Taylor, executive director of the Madera County Transportation Commission, said in a letter to the bureau last year.

The Census Bureau says the new definition should be used for statistical purposes only. But the bureau’s urban areas form the cores of metro and micro areas, and its definitions provide the basis for how other agencies classify urban and rural areas in determining eligibility for federal funding. The bureau reviews the definitions every 10 years after a census, and the urban population has grown from about 45% of the total U.S. population in 1910 to more than 80% a decade ago.

“We’ve heard people say 2,500

was too low. That was the impetus for the increase,” said Michael Ratcliffe, a senior geographer with the Census Bureau.

Different federal programs use different definitions of urban and rural, and some communities qualify for rural funding for some programs and not others.

But any changes “will have significant implications for many groups and communities,” said Kenneth Johnson, a senior demographer at the University of New Hampshire who studies rural issues.

“Another likely concern for many rural communities is that if many existing urban areas are redefined as rural, competition for the limited rural funds will increase,” Johnson said.

A coalition of associations representing cities, counties, planners and transportation groups had objected to many of the proposed changes last year, saying the switch from people to housing units would miss variations in development and land use patterns.

The Census Bureau tried to address those concerns by creating three levels of urban area definitions for census blocks, which are the nation’s smallest geographic unit. Census blocks will be urban if they have 425 housing units per square mile, the equivalent of 1,105 people. Before the change, census blocks with at least 500 people per square mile were considered urban.

The redesignation gives the bureau a way to distinguish between the “urban nucleus” and less densely populated areas, typically on the fringes of urban areas.

Bill Keyrouze, executive director of Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations, said the Census Bureau’s revisions, adding different levels of urban areas based on density, “was an adequate compromise.”

For the town of DeMotte, Indiana, 85 miles southwest of South Bend, which won’t qualify as an urban area anymore, it doesn’t really matter from a “status” viewpoint, Town Manager Michael Cain said.

“You are who you are. The number of people doesn’t matter. It’s the spirit of the community that matters, whether your town is a cohesive group of people who care about each other,” Cain said.

AP PHOTO

Serbia displays Chinese missiles amid concerns in Balkans BELGRADE, Serbia — Serbia on Saturday publicly displayed a recently delivered Chinese anti-aircraft missile system, raising concerns in the West and among some of Serbia’s neighbors that an arms buildup in the Balkans could threaten fragile peace in the region.

The sophisticated HQ-22 surface-to-air system was delivered last month by a dozen Chinese Air Force Y-20 transport planes in what was believed to be the largest-ever airlift delivery of Chinese

Copenhagen, Denmark Danish health officials said Monday that 1.1 million excess COVID-19 vaccines will be discarded in the coming weeks because their expiration date is near, and efforts to donate them to developing countries have failed.

Statens Serum Institut, a government agency that maps the spread of COVID-19 in Denmark, said the epidemic in the Scandinavian country “is currently under control, and the vaccine coverage in the Danish population is high.”

Around 81% of Denmark’s population of 5.8 million has received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, while nearly 62% have received a booster shot.

The agency said that Denmark, like most countries across the world, has a surplus of vaccines.

“Now there are global challenges with the donation of COVID-19 vaccines, (among others) because for the first time during the pandemic, a situation has arisen where the supply of vaccines exceeds the demand,” the agency, known in Denmark as SSI, said in a statement. “This also applies to Denmark.”

SSI added that Denmark has donated 9 million doses of vaccines and has been collaborating with other European Union countries to find countries that will receive surplus vaccines.

“However, in light of declining demand and lack of roll-out capacity and willingness to be vaccinated in developing countries, it has been difficult for Denmark and other EU countries to find recipient countries for the excess doses,” it said.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Biden order to boost mining may not have quick payoff

HQ-22 anti-aircraft systems, whose export version is known as FK3, left, during the military exercises on Batajnica, military airport near Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, April 30, 2022.

The Associated Press

Denmark to destroy excess soon-to-expire COVID-19 vaccines

arms to Europe.

Although Serbia officially seeks membership in the European Union, it has been arming itself mostly with Russian and Chinese weapons, including T-72 battle tanks, MiG-29 fighter jets, Mi-35 attack helicopters and drones.

Back in 2020, U.S. officials warned Belgrade against purchasing HQ-22 missile systems, whose export version is known as FK-3. They said that if Serbia really wants to join the EU and other Western alliances, it must align its military equipment with Western

standards.

The Chinese missile system has been widely compared to the American Patriot and the Russian S-300 surface-to-air missile systems although it has a shorter range than more advanced S-300s.

Serbia is the first operator of the Chinese missiles in Europe.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said at the end of the arms display at a military airport near Belgrade that the Chinese missiles, as well as other recently delivered military hardware, are not a threat to anyone and only represent a “powerful deterrent” against potential attackers.

“We will no longer allow to be a punching bag for anyone,” Vucic said, apparently referring to NATO’s 78-day bombardment of Serbia for its bloody crackdown against Kosovo Albanian separatists in 1999.

Serbia, which was at war with its neighbors in the 1990s, does not recognize Kosovo’s independence

declared in 2008. It still has frosty relations with NATO-members Croatia and Montenegro as well as Bosnia, whose separatist Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik attended the military drill on Saturday.

Vucic said Serbia is also negotiating a purchase of French multi-purpose Dessault Rafale jets, as well as British Eurofighter Typhoon fighters. He said that only “political hurdles” could prevent the purchase of the Western aircraft.

There are widespread concerns that Russia could push its ally Serbia into an armed conflict with its neighbors to try at least partly to shift public attention from the war in Ukraine.

Although Serbia has voted in favor of U.N. resolutions that condemn the bloody Russian attacks in Ukraine, it has refused to join international sanctions against its allies in Moscow or outright criticize the apparent atrocities committed by the Russian troops in Ukraine.

Washington, D.C. President Joe Biden is turning to a Cold War-era law to boost production of lithium and other minerals used to power electric vehicles, but experts say the move by itself is unlikely to ensure the robust domestic mining Biden seeks as he promotes green energy sources.

Biden’s action, part of his efforts to find alternatives to fossil fuels, does not waive or suspend existing environmental and labor standards, the White House said. Nor does it address the chief hurdle to increased domestic extraction of socalled critical minerals: the years-long process needed to obtain a federal permit for a new mine.

Even so, the mining industry and supporters in Congress cheered Biden’s use of the 1950 Defense Production Act to increase U.S. supplies of lithium, nickel and other minerals needed for electric-vehicles batteries and other cleanenergy technology.

Environmentalists, meanwhile, worry that Biden is activating a war-time tool to boost mineral extraction that can contaminate groundwater and harm ranching and wildlife.

“The clean energy transition cannot be built on dirty mining,” said Lauren Pagel, policy director of Earthworks, an environmental group that pushing for stronger restrictions on hardrock mining.

Biden’s order directs the Defense Department to consider at least five metals — lithium, cobalt, graphite, nickel and manganese — as essential to national security and authorizes steps to bolster domestic supplies.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Pine Needles lures Sorenstam back to U.S. Women’s Open, B3

JOHN LOCHER | AP PHOTO

NC State offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu poses for photos after being selected by the Carolina Panthers with the sixth pick in last week’s NFL Draft in Las Vegas.

Panthers stay the course in NFL Draft NFL

Carolina added a franchise tackle and addressed the quarterback position while building for the future

Panthers pick up option on Burns, sign returner Roberts

By Shawn Krest North State Journal

Charlotte The Carolina Panthers have picked up the fifth-year option on Pro Bowl defensive end Brian Burns’ contract, keeping him with the team at least through the 2023 season. The Panthers have said they’re hopeful they can sign Burns to a long-term contract before that deal is up. The 16th pick in the 2019 draft, Burns has 25½ sacks in his first three seasons.

Only Julius Peppers with 30 sacks had more in his first three seasons in Carolina. The Panthers also solidified their return game, agreeing to terms on a one-year contract with 2018 All-Pro Andre Roberts.

Roberts, 34, was voted second‑team All-Pro in 2020 and 2021. Roberts led the NFL in kickoff return yards (1,010) last season while spending time with Houston Texans and Los Angeles Chargers.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Lucas leaves Kentucky to join Scheyer’s staff at Duke Lexington, Ky. Duke announced Monday that Kentucky assistant Jai Lucas was joining the staff of first‑year coach Jon Scheyer.

The 33-year-old Lucas was a Kentucky assistant last season after arriving in August 2020 as recruiting coordinator. He is credited with attracting players such as standout guard TyTy Washington Jr. for last year’s 26-8 squad. Prior to working at UK, Lucas spent seven seasons at his alma mater, Texas, and also played professionally for three seasons. Lucas is the son of Durham native John Lucas II, the NBA player and coach who starred at Maryland and currently works in player development with the Houston Rockets. Scheyer, who has taken over for retired Mike Krzyzewski, previously promoted former Blue Devils player Amile Jefferson to assistant coach. He also named ex‑Elon coach Mike Schrage to special assistant to the head coach after Nolan Smith left for Louisville.

THE NFL DRAFT is filled with smoke screens as teams try to mask their true intentions with false narratives and leaked rumors. It’s easy for a team to lose its way, but the Carolina Panthers were able to stay on their path during the 2022 draft and find a way to meet their most pressing needs.

The Panthers selected sixth overall and were in dire need of a franchise tackle to help solidify an offensive line that has been one of the biggest problems on the team since the days a young Cam Newton was running for his life.

As the team moved closer to going on the clock, however, the Panthers appeared to be looking at taking alternative routes through their draft picks. Perhaps Carolina GM Scott Fitterer was putting up some smoke screens of his own as the Panthers were rumored to be considering Pitt quarterback

MATTHEW HINTON | AP PHOTO

The Panthers added to their mix at quarterback by trading up into the third round to select Ole Miss signal-caller Matt Corral.

Kenny Pickett and Liberty’s Malik Willis, maybe as high as the sixth pick, or perhaps with a trade down to help replenish some of the picks the Panthers lost in last offseason’s trade for current quarterback Sam Darnold.

Darnold struggled with injury and inconsistency as Carolina’s starting quarterback, and the team

needed to emerge from the draft weekend with a better picture at its most important position. The question was whether it was a need glaring enough to be worth passing up a shot at one of the top tackles in the draft.

It’s not clear whether the team was ever close to going in the direction of a quarterback early, but the

first five picks of the draft should have helped make the team’s direction clear.

There were three elite tackles at the top of the draft in NC State’s Ikem “Ickey” Ekwonu, Alabama’s Evan Neal and Mississippi State’s Charles Cross. Two of them — Ekwonu and Neal — had been mocked at first overall in some draft projections.

Even the most optimistic mocks would have left the Panthers selecting the best of whoever was left from that trio with pick six, but, as the Panthers went on the clock, they had their choice of all three thanks to an early-draft run on the defensive side of the ball.

Fitterer stayed the course and took his potential franchise left tackle, tabbing Ekwonu and leaving the former Wolfpack blocker to play pro in the same state as he did college.

“All of them had great traits, and we would have been happy with any of them,” Fitterer said.

“What we really like about Ickey is he is a tone-setter. He has the intelligence and the physical style of play. He brings all of the intangibles that we want as well as the See PANTHERS, page B3

Crunch time for area college baseball teams N.C.’s four ACC teams and others from around the state are hoping to play their best ball starting this month

By Brett Friedlander North State Journal DUKE BASEBALL coach Chris Pollard gathered his players for a pep talk last week as they prepared to begin the final month of the regular season.

“May ball is here,” he said in the speech, posted on the team’s social media account. “You can’t kill us. We won’t go away. It’s our time. This is when we do it.”

Based on the current ACC baseball standings, which show the Blue Devils mired in the Coastal Division cellar, Pollard’s message would seem to be an exercise in wishful thinking.

History, however, suggests otherwise.

Like the Masters golf tournament, which according to popular lore doesn’t really begin until the back nine on Sunday, college

11 Wins in the last 13 games for NC State baseball baseball doesn’t truly get serious until the calendar flips to May. That’s certainly been the case for Duke, which has compiled a 43-22 during the month since 2016. The Blue Devils’ 14-2 mark last May included a season-defining 12-game winning streak that helped Duke to its first ACC Tournament championship since 1961.

So while the Blue Devils are currently 8-13 in the conference — the same as they were after 21 games a year ago — and under .500 overall at 19-23, Pollard’s optimism for another strong run to the postseason is not unfounded.

“We use the expression, ‘You don’t rise to the occasion, you fall back to the level of your system and your preparation,’” Pollard said on his weekly radio show last week. “That’s where culture is so

CHRIS CARLSON | AP HPOTO

Duke coach Chris Pollard is hoping the Blue Devils can again make a late-season push like they did last year when they won an ACC title. important.

“The ability to take punches but keep moving forward, the ability to stay in the fight even when things don’t appear to be going well is a product of the fact that we’ve had a program that’s been good at that for a long time.

So there’s a year-in, year-out dedication to (the idea that) we’re not going away.”

Duke isn’t the only state ACC team with an expectation of saving its best for last.

Left for dead after a 1-8 start in the league last year, NC State found a winning formula at midseason then caught fire as April turned to May and into June.

The Wolfpack advanced to the ACC Tournament final before losing a 1-0 heartbreaker to Duke, then won their NCAA regional at Louisiana Tech, upset Arkansas in a super regional and came within a COVID outbreak at the See BASEBALL, page B4

B2

North State Journal for Wednesday, May 4, 2022

WEDNESDAY

5.4.22

TRENDING

Chase Elliott: The 2020 Cup Series champion snapped a 26-race winless streak with a victory in Monday’s rain‑delayed race at Dover. Elliott led the final 53 laps and won his 14th career Cup race. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. was second and had his first top-five finish of the season for JTG Daugherty Racing. Ross Chastain was third, while Christopher Bell finished fourth followed

by Elliott’s Hendrick Motorsports teammate Alex Bowman.

DeAndre Hopkins: Arizona’s three-time All‑Pro receiver has been suspended six games for violating the NFL’s policy on performanceenhancing substances.

The Cardinals finished with an 11-6 record last season but faded down the stretch when Hopkins was out of the lineup because of injuries. Now they’ll be without the 29-year‑old for a big chunk of the upcoming season.

Hopkins played in 10 games last season, catching 42 passes for 572 yards and eight touchdowns.

Zandon: The horse trained by Chad Brown is the favorite for Saturday’s 148th Kentucky Derby, drawing 3-1 odds Monday. Zandon will start from the No. 10 post among 20 horses for the $3 million marquee event for 3-year-olds. Epicenter was initially expected to be the Derby favorite but is the 7-2 second betting choice after drawing the No. 3 post.

Messier, one of two colts trained by Tim Yakteen after he took over their training this spring for suspended Hall of Famer Bob Baffert, is the 8-1 third choice and will start from the No. 6 post.

Beyond the box score POTENT QUOTABLES

MLS

Fullback Ruan had a goal and an assist to lead Orlando City SC to a 2-1 victory over Charlotte FC. Orlando City (5-3-2) led by two goals until Christian Fuchs scored for Charlotte (3-6-1) in the 60th minute when he converted the club’s first penalty kick.

Charlotte is 0-5-1 on the road this season but returns to Bank of America Stadium on Saturday when it hosts Inter Miami CF.

GERALD HERBERT | AP PHOTO

“I couldn’t sign it fast enough.”

Pelicans forward Zion Williamson, a former Duke star, on if he would sign an extension this offseason if New Orleans offers one.

JOHN RAOUX | AP PHOTO

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

NHL

JOSEPH LANGAN | AP PHOTO

“Playing baseball at the highest level is my goal.”

Staten Island FerryHawks left fielder Kelsie Whitmore, who became the first woman to start a game in the Atlantic League when she played Sunday at the Gastonia Honey Hunters.

PRIME NUMBER

324 Length of the suspension, in games, handed down by Major League Baseball to Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer on Friday for sexual abuse allegations he denies. The 2020 NL Cy Young Award winner was accused of beating and sexually assaulting a San Diego woman in 2021. Prosecutors said in February there was insufficient evidence to press charges.

Bauer is appealing the suspension to an arbitrator.

MEL EVANS | AP PHOTO

Rutgers coach C. Vivian Stringer announced her retirement Saturday after 50 years in college basketball. The Hall of Fame coach finished with 1,055 wins, fourth all-time among Division I women’s basketball coaches, and she had four Final Four appearances while leading Cheyney State, Iowa and Rutgers.

GENE J. PUSKAR | AP PHOTO

The Red Wings fired coach Jeff Blashill on Saturday, ending the coach’s seven‑year run in Detroit.

Blashill was 204-261-72 during his tenure, reaching the playoffs in his first postseason but failing to do so the past six years. Blashill had been the second longest‑tenured coach in the NHL, trailing only Tampa Bay’s Jon Cooper.

OLYMPICS

NATACHA PISARENKO | AP PHOTO

There appears to be four candidates for the 2030 Winter Games, with Salt Lake City, Vancouver and Sapporo, Japan, leading the list.

Interest has also been shown

by Barcelona with snow events proposed for regions in the Pyrenees. An IOC technical team was in Salt Lake City last week and travels this week to Vancouver. The Winter Games in 2026 will be Milan and Cortina, Italy.

North State Journal for Wednesday, May 4, 2022

Sorenstam’s return to Pine Needles a highlight for upcoming U.S. Women’s Open The legendary golfer is set to play against the world’s best for just the second time since retiring in 2008

“I don’t feel any pressure. …

When you get a little older, you think about the journey more than the destination.”

By Brett Friedlander North State Journal SOUTHERN PINES — Annika Sorenstam was born in Sweden and lives in Florida. But when she set foot on the property at Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club for last week’s U.S. Women’s Open media day, it felt like a homecoming for the World Golf Hall of Famer.

“There’s a friendly family feeling and the environment is very nice,” she said. “But it’s also quite laid back, and that’s what I really like.”

Sorenstam’s love for Pine Needles was kindled in 1996 when she formed a bond with the resort’s matriarch Peggy Kirk Bell — who used to call her Heineken because she couldn’t pronounce her actual name — while practicing for the first U.S. Women’s Open to be played there.

It blossomed later that summer when she solidified her claim to stardom by winning her second straight Open title.

A lot has changed since then.

Bell is gone, having passed away in 2016 at the age of 95.

The course underwent a facelift

Annika Sorenstam

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Ten-time LPGA major championship winner Annika Sorenstam speaks during last week’s media day for the U.S. Women’s Open that will be held at Pine Needles on June 2-5 in Southern Pines. a year later, with noted designer Kyle Franz widening fairways, reworking several greens and adding some native waste areas.

Sorenstam has all but disappeared from competitive golf, having “stepped away” in 2008 to start a family.

Through it all, the lure of Pine Needles has never faded. That’s why the 51-year-old mother of two has chosen to return for her first Open appearance in 14 years. She earned the invitation by winning the U.S. Senior Women’s Open in

her first attempt last August.

It’s an opportunity she said she probably wouldn’t have accepted had the tournament been scheduled anywhere else.

“No, I would not,” she said. “I’m pretty sure about that.”

Sorenstam’s dominant win in 1996, in which she lapped the field by finishing six shots ahead of everyone else, set a tone for future major championships at Pine Needles.

The other two Women’s Opens held there were won by one fellow

Hall of Famer and another player whose 20 career wins and two majors will eventually get her enshrined — Karrie Webb in 2001 and Christie Kerr in 2007.

Because of her age, decreased length off the tee and lack of recent activity, Sorenstam holds no delusions of winning or even contending in her return — even though the course, at 6,638 yards, is set up to play 26 yards shorter this year than it did for its previous Opens.

“I’m learning to adjust,” she said. “I’m not happy mentally about it, but it is the reality of what it is. I’ll just keep on plugging and hopefully with some good feel around the greens, it will all come back.

“This is not really my bread and butter anymore. It’s more just going out and having a good time, so I don’t feel any pressure.

Memories come back. When you get a little older, you think about the journey more than the destination.”

Kayla Jones wastes no time in giving back The former NC State star and Minnesota Lynx draft pick started a scholarship to benefit a female athlete at her high school in Williamston

By Brett Friedlander North State Journal THE NC STATE women’s basketball team had just been denied a trip to the Final Four with a heartbreaking double-overtime loss to UConn, and Kayla Jones needed something to cheer her up.

It came, of all places, on social media in the form of a random direct message from a fan.

“He said, ‘It was put in my spirit to help you start a scholarship fund,” Jones said of the Wolfpack supporter who has asked to remain anonymous. “When he said that, I couldn’t say no. I said, ‘OK, let’s start it,’ and literally, we just ran with it from there. Just being in a position to give back is a blessing to everybody.”

The donor pledged the first $500 to get the Kayla Jones Scholarship off the ground and the young player, who was taken

by Minnesota Lynx in the second round of last month’s WNBA

Draft, plans “to continue to elevate it” through her own efforts.

The scholarship will be awarded annually to a senior female athlete at Jones’ alma mater, Riverside High School in Williamston.

Although athletic ability will be taken into account, factors such as academics and leadership will be equally important in choosing its recipients.

According to a notice announcing the scholarship, applicants are required to have a minimum grade point average of 3.0, be accepted to an accredited four-year college or two-year community college, show excellent character and sportsmanship, and be passionate about academics, teamwork, community service and volunteering.

Those are all qualities that helped make Jones one of the Wolfpack’s most inspirational and popular players during her recently completed five-year career.

A 6-foot-2 forward, Jones was a first-team All-ACC selection in 2020-21 and a second-team pick this season after choosing to return for the extra COVID year of eligibility. She said she has always tried to use her platform as a high-profile athlete to be a role model for young girls aspiring to

PANTHERS from page B1

“He’s a special person to physical attributes.”

Ekwonu played high school ball go along with his physical in Charlotte and attended the 2015 NFC Championship Game when the style of play. … He has all Panthers advanced to play in Super of those tools.”

Bowl 50.

“The fact that every step of my football journey I’ve been in North Panthers coach Matt Rhule Carolina, I think that says some- on Ickey Ekwonu thing,” Ekwonu said.

It’s the first time the Panthers have Rhule said that Darnold would used a first-round pick on an offensive tackle since 2008, and Ekwonu still be the team’s starter and Corshould provide protection for a line ral would develop behind him as the that the Panthers have rebuilt this team’s quarterback of the future.

“It’s going to take some time,” offseason, signing free agent guard Austin Corbett and center Bradley Rhule said. “Sometimes when you take those guys at six, the pressure Bozeman prior to the draft.

“When he came in our building it is so great to put them on the field, was like a bolt of energy,” coach Matt they can get ruined. I think this is Rhule said of Ekwonu. “He’s a spe- the most amazing opportunity for a cial person to go along with his phys- guy that we think has first‐round talical style of play. There is no doubt ent, who has played at a high level, to that he can pass set and run block. come in here, grow his body, develop his body, learn under Sam, learn unHe has all of those tools.”

The team wasn’t scheduled to der P.J. (Walker, Carolina’s backup pick again until the fourth round, quarterback) ... and learn the system No. 137 overall, but Fitterer moved from the ground up with (offensive up to address the quarterback spot. coordinator) Ben (McAdoo). WhenAfter Pickett and Wilis were off the ever that time is that he is ready to board, the Panthers traded pick 137 play, he will get his opportunity.”

Fitterer didn’t rule out the Panand a third-round pick in next year’s draft to move into this year’s third thers adding another veteran quarround and take Ole Miss quarter- terback during the offseason to help push Darnold in camp. back Matt Corral.

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Kayla Jones, who was selected by the Minnesota Lynx in last month’s WNBA Draft after starring at NC State, has established a scholarship at Riverside High School in Williamston. follow in her footsteps.

The scholarship fund is an extension of that.

“I just try to be that hope and that inspiration,” said Jones, who finished her college career with 1,068 points and 734 rebounds while helping State to three straight conference tournament championships and its first NCAA Elite Eight trip since 1998.

“I know when I was a kid, if I was standing there staring at a player, I’d wish that they would speak to me. So when I saw some kids when we played the Washington Mystics (in a WNBA exhibition game) the other day, I went over there and talked to them. I just wanted to open myself up and

“I just try to be that hope and that inspiration.”

Kayla Jones let them know, ‘I see you.’ I tried to be that person that they can welcome and look up to.”

Jones’ attitude and her dedication to the community aren’t a surprise to those who know her.

Still, the announcement that someone so young has decided to endow a scholarship that benefits those at her high school left Riverside guidance counselor Jamila

With the two most pressing needs addressed in the draft’s first two days, the Panthers turned to the NFL cliché of taking the best available player for their final four selections. Fitterer traded up in the fourth round to take Penn State linebacker Brandon Smith. In the sixth round, the Panthers went linebacker again, adding Virginia Tech’s Amare Barno, who will likely contribute as an edge rusher.

The Panthers added to their offensive line depth with Tennessee’s Cade Mays later in the sixth. He’s a versatile lineman who played all five spots for the Vols. The Panthers finished their work with Baylor cornerback Kalon Barnes, adding yet another player who dealt with Rhule in college to the team’s roster.

The connecting factor between the three defensive players taken on the draft’s third day was speed.

“What was standing there was a bunch of almost freakish athletic guys,” Fitterer said. “We are a draft-and-develop organization, and that is where we trust our coaches to develop them. ... Until they become impact position players, we know that they can contribute on special teams with their speed and athleticism.”

Draft and develop: Sounds like a good way to avoid being led astray by a few well-placed smoke screens.

B3 As her son Will not-so-tactfully pointed out recently, her current age is the same as the combined age of sisters Nelly and Jessica Korda, two of the top players in the game today.

That doesn’t mean Sorenstam is coming back to Pine Needles for a ceremonial victory lap.

“I am very competitive, but I need to keep my competitive level to what I’m capable of doing,” she said. “If I can just play my golf, I’ll be happy.”

Sorenstam doesn’t need any more trophies to validate her legacy.

Her 90 tournament victories worldwide are the most ever by a female golfer. She has won 10 majors, including three U.S. Women’s Opens, eight LPGA Player of the Year awards and six Vare Trophies for the lowest scoring average in a season.

She is the only woman to shoot a 59 in competition and was the first to play against the men in a sanctioned PGA Tour event when she teed it up at the Colonial in 2003.

As impressive as that resume is, they were little more than numbers on a sheet of paper to Sorenstam’s children, who both came along after her retirement.

Because 12-year-old Ava and 11-year-old Will had only experienced their mother’s golf prowess through YouTube videos and practice rounds together, they were the inspiration for her decision to play competitively again.

Just don’t call what she’s doing a comeback.

“This is not necessarily about me trying to do a comeback,” she said. “It was more about the family. They wanted me to play. So it’s very special.”

Riddick “absolutely floored.”

“We are super proud of Kayla and all of her accomplishments,” Riddick said. “This just speaks volumes because she could have done any number of things as a way to give back to the community. But because she values athletes and education, she wanted to do something that would recognize those students here in her home.”

While Jones plans to take an active role in raising money and promoting the scholarship that carries her name, she will leave its administration and the selection of its recipients to a group of others that includes Riddick and her cousin Kevin Nixon.

It’s a move designed to keep the process as fair as possible since Jones is still so connected to those at Riverside.

Besides, she’s going to be too busy playing basketball to spend time reading the essays that are part of the application process.

The 22nd overall pick in the WNBA Draft, Jones contributed six points, three rebounds, two assists and a blocked shot in 15 minutes of her first exhibition game. As one of 15 players still in camp with the Lynx, she has her work cut out for her to earn one of the team’s 11 regular season roster spots.

But she’s not putting any pressure on herself to succeed.

“There’s definitely a learning curve. It’s definitely different than college,” Jones said. “At first I was nervous, but you can just control what you can control. Now I’m just trying to relax, go hard and just enjoy the moment.”

MATT GENTRY | AP PHOTO

The Panthers selected Virginia Tech pass-rushing linebacker Amare Barno in the sixth round of last weekend’s draft.

North State Journal for Wednesday, May 4, 2022

B4

Fayetteville State’s Williams highlights area draftees The Chiefs selected the defensive back, the first Broncos player chosen since 1973

By Shawn Krest North State Journal JOSHUA WILLIAMS had already made history when he became the first Fayetteville State player invited to participate in the Senior Bowl. The Broncos cornerback then continued to make school history when he was selected by Kansas City in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

Williams became the first Fayetteville State player drafted in any round since 1973, and this fall he should become the third Bronco to play in the NFL and the first since 2011. Williams was the first player from an HBCU drafted in two years as the Chiefs took him 135th overall.

He credited his performance at the Senior Bowl with putting him on NFL radar and improving his draft stock.

“I knew it was going to be my big opportunity to answer questions people had about me playing at a Division II school,” he said while meeting with the Kansas City media. “I was just having fun playing football, trying not to think about it too much — often that’s when things go wrong.”

The Chiefs spoke to Williams

BUTCH DILL | AP PHOTO

Fayetteville State cornerback Joshua Williams, pictured at the Senior Bowl in February, was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the fourth round of last weekend’s NFL Draft with the 135th overall pick. briefly at the NFL Combine and then had a more detailed interview with him later in the process, telling him they were interested in selecting him. Still, he went into the third day of the draft not sure where he stood with Kansas City or any of his other potential suitors. So he kept his draft party small and intimate.

“We didn’t do anything too crazy,” he said. “About five family members. We were just down-

stairs when I got the call. I could see it was a Missouri number, and, at that point, I saw two picks later was Kansas City. So I put the pieces together and started smiling ear to ear.”

While there have been other Division II players who went on to star in the NFL, just getting drafted out of Fayetteville State is an accomplishment for Williams.

“It definitely just speaks to the exposure we’ve been getting (at

HBCUs),” he said. “And also to the hard work I’ve been putting in just trying to create a name for myself.

I’m glad it paid off. I’m glad all these things came to fruition. I’m glad to be a Kansas City Chief.”

Williams wasn’t the only small school product from the state to hear his name called in the NFL Draft. Lenoir Rhyne’s Dareke Young was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the seventh round.

The wide receiver was taken with the 233rd overall pick. Young also ran the ball at the Division II school and prides himself on his versatility.

“The more you can do, the better,” he told the Seattle media after being selected.

Young credited a successful predraft visit to Seattle with securing his draft spot.

“Seattle just felt like the right fit, and I’m glad they took a shot on me,” he said.

He’s the seventh Lenoir-Rhyne player drafted and the second in three years, joining Kyle Dugger, who was taken by the Patriots in 2020.

Four other schools in the state had players selected in this year’s draft.

Appalachian State linebacker D’Marco Jackson was taken by the New Orleans Saints with the 18th pick of the fifth round.

NC State had a pair of players go off the board. Ikem “Ickey” Ekwonu was the first area player selected when the Carolina Panthers took him in the first round, sixth overall. Ekwonu’s teammate, punter Trenton Gill, was also chosen, going to the Bears with the 34th pick of the seventh round.

Gill is the first Wolfpack punter taken since quarterback/punter Johnny Evans was drafted in 1978.

“I’m glad all these things came to fruition. I’m glad to be a Kansas City Chief.”

Joshua Williams He could also join AJ Cole and give the Pack two punters in the league next season.

Wake Forest had two players selected. Offensive lineman Zach Tom was chosen by the Green Bay Packers with the 35th pick of the fourth round. Almost exactly two rounds later — at pick 36 of the sixth round — defensive back Ja’Sir Taylor was taken by the Chargers.

UNC led the way for North Carolina colleges with four players taken — all on offense. Quarterback Sam Howell, once thought to be a potential first-rounder, fell to Day 3 and was drafted with the first pick of the fifth round by the Washington Commanders.

Howell was the second Tar Heel selected. Guard Joshua Ezeudu was taken by the New York Giants with the third pick of the third round.

Two other UNC players were chosen in the fifth round. Running back Ty Chandler went to the Minnesota Vikings with the 26th pick of the fifth, and guard Marcus McKethan went four selections later to the Giants.

Now, all the local talent will need to put in the work to clear the next hurdle — making an NFL roster.

“All of this was great,” Williams said. “The pre-draft process was cool. Now I can do what I want to do — play football.”

What’s left to do: A look at the Carolina Panthers’ remaining needs The team filled its two biggest holes in the draft and can now turn its attention elsewhere

By Shawn Krest North State Journal THE CAROLINA Panthers have to consider their 2022 Draft a success after addressing the two positions that most needed attention.

They also happen to be the two positions that are toughest to fill outside of the draft, so using their top two choices on those areas was a near must.

The Panthers filled their glaring need at left tackle with NC State’s Ickey Ekwonu at the sixth overall pick. It’s the first time since 2008 that Carolina has used a first-rounder on an offensive tackle, and, not by coincidence, the Panthers have struggled at that spot nearly ever since.

The team also had a need at quarterback and traded up to take Ole Miss passer Matt Corral.

While Carolina coach Matt Rhule said Corral wouldn’t push Darnold to start this year, it still solidifies a spot that clearly needed help.

So, what’s next?

With teams turning back to the remaining free agents on the market to address needs, where do the Panthers still need to improve before the 2022 season starts? Here’s a look at the most crucial areas to upgrade.

Quarterback Yes, we just said the Panthers addressed this position in the draft. But if the front office is to be trusted and Corral will devote most of his rookie year to developing for the future, then Carolina still needs someone who can take snaps and produce if Darnold isn’t the answer.

There are two quarterbacks who could become available as the offseason goes on. The Browns traded for Deshaun Watson, making former top pick Baker Mayfield available. The 49ers also may be ready to part ways with Jimmy Garoppolo.

The trade market for both quar-

BASEBALL from page B1

College World Series of playing for the national championship.

Coach Elliott Avent’s 2022 team is actually in a better position at 11-9 in the conference and 29-13 overall than it was at this time last season.

State has already started picking up steam with wins in 11 of its last 13 games, including a threegame nonconference sweep of Radford last weekend. With a lineup that has begun to hit its

GENE J. PUSKAR | AP PHOTO

Trade talks between the Browns and Panthers about quarterback Baker Mayfield broke down Friday during the NFL Draft. Carolina selected Ole Miss quarterback Matt Corral in the third round, lessening the chance the teams will renew discussions about the 2018 first overall pick. terbacks appears to have dried up as most teams that needed quarterbacks have found them. If one or both is released, the Panthers could bring one in to push Darnold in training camp and be available if Darnold struggles or goes down to injury.

Wide receiver The Panthers have DJ Moore, who they signed to a long-term contract before the start of free agency, and Robby Anderson has also produced in his time with the team. But the Panthers need to add depth to a position that is very thin behind those two starters.

There are plenty of big names available on the secondary free agent market. The question is whether any of them have some-

stride after incorporating seven new position players and the potential return of injured pitching ace Sam Highfill, the Wolfpack can’t be counted out for a return trip to Omaha.

“It has just been a huge process,” Penn transfer shortstop Josh Hood said after hitting two homers and driving in five runs in Sunday’s 11-4 win. “Just looking back from the fall to now, seeing how this team has grown together and what the season has done to everybody, whether that is

to develop for the future — want to add someone young. Jadeveon Clowney has been around the block but is still just 29 years old.

Perhaps the best bet for the team is 26-year-old Takkarist McKinley.

happy feet in the pocket at times.

Among the tight ends still available are Jared Cook, Kyle Rudolph and former Tar Heel Eric Ebron.

Tight end

The Panthers lost Haason Reddick in free agency and need to find someone to replace him rushing the passer. Carolina used a late pick to take Amare Barno in the sixth round, but it may be asking a lot of the Virginia Tech rookie to replace Reddick.

There aren’t many impact veterans still available, especially if the Panthers — clearly still looking

The Panthers signed Ian Thomas to a long-term contract, which makes this less of a glaring need, but the team generally has used multiple tight ends in the past and may want to add a pass-catching tight end to help alleviate the need for receiver depth. In addition to improving protection, another way to improve quarterback play is to give him more targets, and tight end is a good safety valve. That’s especially for a quarterback like Darnold, who has made no secret of his

The team doesn’t have a glaring need at any of the defensive back spots, but defensive coordinator Phil Snow indicated that he’d like to add to the team’s depth at safety when discussing the offseason last month.

Tyrann Mathieu was the top safety left on the market and clearly more than a mere depth pick.

The Saints snapped him up shortly after the draft, however. The team might consider former 49ers safety Jaquiski Tartt, who is 30 but likely the top remaining option on the market.

figuring out who we are, getting comfortable and especially with this big stretch coming up, being comfortable and knowing who we are, it’s good to get those things out of the way so we can focus on playing well.”

The Wolfpack will look to build on its confidence against rival North Carolina this weekend.

As important as the threegame series is for State, it has the potential to be even more of a springboard for the Tar Heels.

Coach Scott Forbes’ team has

fallen upon hard times and is tied with Duke for last in the Coastal at 8-13. But because of a hot 18-3 start and a 24-17 overall record, UNC is still in a reasonable position to earn an NCAA Tournament bid.

The same can be said for Wake Forest. The Deacons are just 1011 in the ACC but 29-13 overall and are dangerous against any opponent if they get any pitching at all to go along with an offense that ranks first in the conference in home runs (82), second in runs

(406) and fourth in hitting (.316).

Outside the ACC, East Carolina, Campbell and UNC Wilmington are all on track to play their way into the NCAA Tournament even if they don’t win their respective conference tournaments.

The Pirates (27-18) lead the American Athletic Conference at 11-4 in league play, and the Camels (26-14) lead the Big South at 13-2. The Seahawks (24-18) stand third in the Colonial Athletic Association at 9-6 heading into the season’s most important month.

thing left in the tank. The list includes longtime Panthers killer Julio Jones, as well as Jarvis Landry, Odell Beckham Jr. and, perhaps the best fit for the team, former Indianapolis Colt TY Hilton. He seems to be most in demand following the draft out of that group, however.

Edge rusher

Safety

The 3 big questions nob

A7

normal

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

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

The e eing thrown out of work.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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I’ve been trying to take extra precautions, because all of this brings up apprenticeship 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 program 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 within certain 2009 pandemic, actually have coronavirus. Some scientists suggest China has been cheating, stealing, pirating and pillaging American fields within the humanities. They call CARY of this brings up — Caryof 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 based Epic Games, 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 the graphics, gaming st everyone has finding truth but upon attending to replace the dollar as the reserve currency with their renminbi. and entertainment social grievances. Grievance scholars bully students, administrators and other company, has departments adhering to their announcedinto a partnership worldview. The worldview they promote is Jason with Apprenti, a national neither scientific nor rigorous. Grievance EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS leaderconsist in registered studies of disciplines such as tech apprenticeships, to studies, sociology, anthropology, gender COLUMN | REP. RICHARD HUDSON queer studies,new sexuality and critical race introduce studies.

Unreal Engine-based In 2017 and 2018, authors Pluckrose, apprenticeships.

Lindsay and Boghossian started To jumpstart the submitting bogus academic papers to program, Epic Games academic journals in cultural, queer, race, gender, fat and sexuality studies will be matching to determine if they would pass peer a $100k grant from the “THIS IS THEfallen DAYinto the lord has made, let usthe re seriousness of the virus and the need review and be accepted for WITH MOST STATES under either shelter-in-place or stay-at-home place.

I understand Department of Labor, publication.

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Apprenti If you are celebrating the Easter season, I—urge again, not answers, but answer journal.” are reliable. can be with those answers and “Our Struggle Is My Struggle: Solidarity That is what reflect message be comforted, that ents believability. will also seek additional predictions asand to when the ourthe eighth commodity inon this Ashby: fewgone examples pub-what concerts, family

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Not any way,Two other in fertilizer, gassupposed passage from Mein Kampf. roles across ainmultitude simply questioning the data and asking when we can start getting back This is all new to Americans, an and chemical pric- tural Sciences Center. These state- production. That’s true for other temporary In1Concord, a shape, highThat school named remainhoax vigilant and stay safe, at includinges, farmers across papers were published, Ashby: asenior difficult ques-weTanner commodities, too.or We rank No. in to do, of-the-art the are ag scithe last state Icontin- to normal additions as thoughtothey conspiracy theorists are people who or is form.

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Since when did questioning government at all levels become a bad normal.” over. architecture, assisting a dog rape was dog-on-dog rape.

But the and eggs. We are number 2 in hogs state and we know this virus is in and free transformaal roots for centuries. Our farming and innovative That is what citizens living in a free society were supposed Not one little bit. diverse range forced of sectors paper eventually Boghossian, industries currently bring in $95.9 thing? that population, which presents tive ag research. It also means we and turkeys. to do, last I checked.

Pluckrose Lindsay prematurelybillion out annually with projections by should be significant contributors on their and mission to to close a risk to poultry. The industry reunder the pseudonymWall Sister Toldjah first concern as wedemand go along in all this, of course, my family. I’m Matthews themselves.

Street Journal writer mains Stacey on heightened alerthas andalso we written NSJ: How has the is pandemic meeting the growing the N.C. Department of Agriculture inMy the talentAgap. dState and Legal Insurrection. hadThe figured out what they were doing. worried about them catching the virus, and I’m worried I will.

After and is a regular contributor to Re continue to encourage implementlikely to reach $100 billion in the for food worldwide. The United Na- impacted farmers, producers, need for real-time Some papers accepted for publication ing strict biosecurity measures on ag retailers and consumers? tions predicts farmers today will next few years, making agribusisuffering from the H1N1 virus (swine flu) during the 2009 pandemic, 3D skills continues to gain training in academic journals advocated farms. Testing on farms is continuneedbeen to produce to 100extra percent ness the top business in the state. I’ve trying 75 to take precautions, because all of this brings up momentum, outpacing men like dogs and punishing white male ing statewide and we have prohibitAshby: We I’are proud not thattothe moretoo food by 2050 to keep of upawith Commissioner Steve Troxler cred- way many memories painful experience d prefer repeat. average IT technology college students for historical slavery by agriculture industry really stepped ed poultry shows and sales to help so overall we are optimisits the grit and innovative spirits demand, But what also makes me lose sleep is how easily most everyone has asking to sitand in silence on the floor skills them by 50% of in North Carolina’s hardworking tic about the future of agriculture up during the pandemic and con- prevent the spread of this virus. chains during class and to be expectedfarmers to and the private and public but understand that farmers are tinued to work to produce food and growing 10% faster than learn from the discomfort. Other papers investment in agricultural research facing considerable challenges to- fiber. Farmers and producers un- NSJ: Will the consumer see the overall job market celebrated morbid obesity as a healthyand life infrastructure that should po- day. derstood that to ensure a stable a major rise in local produce worldwide.

The gaming choice and advocated treating privately food supply, you cannot hit pause or meat prices at the grocery sition N.C. well in the years ahead. industry masturbation added 30,000 conducted as a form of on production. We saw some dis- stores this summer due to In a recent interview with NSJ, NSJ: What are North sexual violence against women. Typically, new entry level roles ruptions for dairy producers that inflation, the avian flu, or the department spokesperson Andrea Carolina’s biggest agricultural academic journal editors resulted in unusable milk and loss- war overseas?

Ashby framed some of the challeng- products at this time? last year, and in ordersend submitted papers out to referees for review. In es and innovations on the horizon es, but we also saw increased interto meet this demand for recommending acceptance for publication, Ashby: The U.S. Department Ashby: Livestock accounts est in local food including strong for our state in its role as a nationnew talent, it gave will these be ofpapers the glowing many reviewers for nearly 67 percent of total agri- demand for local meats. The de- of Agriculture’s recently released al leader in agriculture production. utmost importance for praise. cultural cash receipts, so broilers mand for local processing quick- food price outlook for 2022 projPoliticaland scientist Zach Goldberg ran studios companies (chickens) -1, hogs-2 and turkeys-3 ly exceeded available slaughter ca- ects higher food costs due in part NSJ: What are a few examples certain grievance studies concepts through are among the top commodities. pacity as producers sought to bring to the conflict between Russia and of investment and innovation to structure the hiring the Lexis/Nexis database, to see how often Ukraine and recent interest rate inTobacco-4, soybeans-5, chick- more products to market. from the public and private process to build a more they appeared in our press over the years. en eggs-6, corn-7 and sweet potasector that are currently in competitive workforce.

He found huge increases in the usagesplace or being planned? toes-8. While sweet potatoes are NSJ: Are there any See AG page B6 “As the demand for of “white privilege,” “unconscious bias,” “critical raceskills theory” and “whiteness.” real-time continues All of this is being taught to college to grow, apprenticeship students, many of whom become primary tegic effort, focused on increasing programs not only offer and secondary school teachers who then awareness of the opportunity in an effective solution to indoctrinate our young people.

North Carolina for entrepreneurs the techwhether talent gap, they I doubt the coronavirusand with federal decisionmakers. also have the crunch potential caused financial will give college “With the 4th largest military and university who are a to enrich theadministrators, lives of footprint in the country and our crossbreed between a parrot and jellyfish, active network of companies, unipeople and communities, the guts and backbone to restore academic versities, governments, and ecoconnecting them with respectability. Far too often, they get much sessment of the North Carolina op- nomic development organizations, NorthState Journal staff invaluable resources andcampus of their political support from portunity,” said Michael Cunning- North Carolina is becoming the opportunities,” said grievance people who areJulie members of theRALEIGH — North Carolina “With the right high-level ham, Chair of the North Carolina Frontline of the Future in Defense faculty and diversity and Lottering, Director ofmulticulturalhas clear potential to significantly Board of Science, Technology & Innovation,” said North Carolicommitment, we can administrative offices.

Innovation. “As recommended in na Commerce Secretary Machelle grow its defense innovation econUnreal Engine Education, The best hope lies with boards of omy with more strategic focus and and will accelerate new, this report of state experts, we will Baker Sanders. “Taking decisive Epic Games. trustees, though many serve as yes-men improved state leadership, accordgeographically diverse, high- work with the Governor and lead- action to grow defense innovation training for Industry the university president. I think that ership of the General Assembly to will enable us to expand the ininga to recommendations from the and start mentorship good would be will to find 1950s or 1960s recommend that they designate a novation ecosystem of our state, North Carolina Defense Innova- paying jobs and improve ... catalogs.

Look at course offerings at be provided bythe CG member of the Council of State as which is fundamental to growing tion Task Force, a study group con- the state’s economy.” aSpectrum. time when college graduates knew how the state champion for a multi-year the economy, attracting new invened by the North Carolina Board “We are to read, write and compute, and make initiative to expand the defense in- dustry, expanding jobs, raising the of Science, Technology & Innovaexcited to collaborate Michael Cunningham, N.C. them today’s curricula. Another helpful novation economy in North Caro- tax base, promoting national secution (BSTI). withwould Epicbe and Apprenti tool to give careful consideration lina and improve national aware- rity, and improving the quality of The task force’s new report—Ad- Board of Science, Technology & oneliminating this initiative.

This to all classes/majors/minors ness of our very considerable and life of all North Carolinians.” vancing Defense Innovation: In- Innovation containing the word “studies,” co-investment will allow such ascreasing U.S. Department of DeDepartment of Defense offihigh-quality defense innovation women, Asian,closely black orwith queer studies.fense Funding for North Carolina us to work assets. With the right high-level cials agree. “North Carolina is a I’d bet that by restoring the traditionalSmall Business Technology DevelFederal Small Business Inno- commitment, we can and will ac- national leader in military basic Epic’s customers and academic mission to colleges, they would opment & Commercialization— vation Research (SBIR) and Small celerate new, geographically di- and applied research,” said Steindustry leaders to train put a serious dent into the COVID-19 finds that funding to North Caro- Business Technology Transfer verse, high-paying jobs and im- phen Lee, Senior Scientist at the and inspire creators, while budget shortfall. lina small businesses from the U.S. (STTR) grants are the single larg- prove the health and sustainability Army Research Institute. “The leveraging the Apprenti state has enormous potential to Department of Defense (DoD), est source of early-stage technolo- of the state’s economy.”

Walter Williams is aaccess professor of through two well-established tech- gy and commercialization funding modelE.to increase While North Carolina has sev- grow these capabilities, in the proeconomics at George Mason University. nology grant programs, currently for small businesses in the United eral support organizations that aid cess supporting its small businessto expert-led development ranks the state 20th in the nation, States, at more than $3.7 billion in with the defense innovation econo- es through the SBIR and STTR and coaching across with 1.1% of the U.S. total. Howev- 2019. Among the federal agencies my, the task force finds that histor- programs. The proximity of prethese industries.” er, the task force finds North Caro- offering SBIR or STTR grants, the ically such assistance has been rel- mier universities and military basshared Jeremy Chinn, lina’s ranking has significant room DoD is by far the largest funder, atively small, intermittent, and not es provides a strong foundation for Global Chief Operating strategic in nature. The task force the state’s small businesses, along to grow, based on the state’s perfor- awarding $1.8 billion in 2019.

“The Board thanks the state’s recommends the state implement with support from the State of mance on several macro-economic Officer, CG Spectrum.

business & economy

Fixingn.c. college corruption FAST

FACTS

A6

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north STA

VISUAL VOICES

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

Despite challenging times, N. Carolina agriculture remains a national leader

Task force finds ‘significant’ potential in NC defense tech economy

factors related to innovation.

distinguished task force for its as-

a well-funded, sustained, and stra-

North Carolina.”

North State Journal for Wednesday, May 4, 2022

B6

For the week ending 4/22

Total Cash & Bond Proceeds

$2,822,519,955 Add Receipts

$273,549,360 Less Disbursements

$178,548,669 Reserved Cash

$125,000,000 Unreserved Cash Balance Total

$6,674,576,706 Loan Balance:

$280,300,000

AG from page B5 creases. In that report, food-athome prices are projected to increase 3 to 4 % in 2022, and 4.5 to 5.5 % in food away from home.

NSJ: How is the current inflation spike impacting our agricultural communities?

Ashby: The cost of doing business has gone up significantly for farmers across the board and we know they are really having to take a pencil to paper to determine what makes sense to grow.

Fertilizer costs are up, fuel prices are up, the chemicals used to control weeds and pests have increased. There’s little room for error for farmers this year.

NSJ: What recent programs have been effective and which ones are you hoping to continue to implement that support our farmers and producers?

Ashby: The IMPEC grant program, which stands for Improving Meat Production and Efficiency, has been effective in efforts to increase processing capacity in the state. There has been an increased demand for local meats and that demand from producers for local processing exceeding availability. We have noted wait times for processing slots being backed up a year or more and recognized a need to try to help small processors increase their slaughter and processing capacity. With the support of the legislature, we put federal COVID funds designated for the state to work starting a grant program for meat and seafood processors that has been successful in reducing wait times for processing and increasing our state’s protein capacity. This in turn has This in turn has helped producers.

We are proud of this program and what it has been able to accomplish for farmers, processors and consumers.

NSJ: Can you provide any specific figures on fertilizer/ gas price increases, labor shortage (if any), supply chain effects, etc?

Ashby: In early March, USDA reported that three types of fertilizer had gone up significantly.

Urea has increased 149 percent, liquid nitrogen was up 192 percent and anhydrous ammonia saw a 235 percent increase. We are seeing some inputs running 65 to 100 percent higher as well. In terms of supply change issues, like a number of non-ag industries, we don’t have any figures, but we are seeing delays in parts and equipment with computer chips. Also, some crop chemicals have been in short supply or hard to find.

If you have any additional questions or need additional information on any of the programs mentioned above here a few links to check out: High Pathogenic Avian Influenza: http://www.ncagr.gov/avianflu/ Included on this link are links to specific relevant topics: What is avian influenza, consumer and food safety, biosecurity, FAQ, backyard flocks, wild birds and hunting, bird shows/sales, commercial poultry.

AP PHOTO

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Cody Brown, right, with the 436th Aerial Port Squadron, checks pallets of 155 mm shells ultimately bound for Ukraine, Friday, April 29, 2022, at Dover Air Force Base, Del.

Biden visits Lockheed plant as weapons stockpile strained The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Joe Biden on Tuesday visited a Lockheed Martin plant that manufactures an antitank weapons system, heralding the U.S.made arms as a gamechanger for Ukraine’s stiff resistance to Russia’s invasion.

But Biden’s planned visit to the Alabama factory line also drew attention to a growing concern as the war drags on: Can the U.S. sustain the cadence in shipping vast amounts of arms to Ukraine while maintaining a healthy stockpile it may need if conflict erupts with North Korea, Iran or elsewhere?

The U.S. has provided at least 7,000 Javelins, including some transferred during the Trump administration, or about onethird of its stockpile, to Ukraine in recent years, according to an analysis by Mark Cancian, a senior adviser with the Center for Strategic and International Studies international security program. The Biden administration says it has committed to sending 5,500 Javelins to Ukraine since the Feb. 24 invasion.

Analysts also estimate that the United States has sent about one-quarter of its stockpile of shoulder-fired Stinger missiles to Ukraine. Raytheon Technologies CEO Greg Hayes told inves-

tors last week during a quarterly call that his company, which makes the weapons system, wouldn’t be able to ramp up production until next year, due to parts shortages.

“Could this be a problem?

The short answer is, ‘Probably, yes,’” said Cancian, a retired Marine colonel and former Office of Management and Budget specialist on Pentagon budget strategy, war funding and procurement programs.

He added that Stingers and Javelins were where “we’re seeing the most significant inventory issues” and that production of both weapons systems has been limited in recent years.

The Russian invasion offers the U.S. and European defense industry a big opportunity to bolster profits as lawmakers from Washington to Warsaw are primed to increase defense spending in response to Russian aggression. Defense contractors, however, face the same supply chain and labor shortage challenges that other manufacturers are facing, along with some others that are specific to the industry.

Military spending by the U.S. and around the world was rising even before Russia’s Feb. 24 invasion. Biden’s proposed 2023 budget sought $773 billion for the Pentagon, an annual increase of about 4%.

Globally, total military spending rose 0.7% to more than $2 trillion for the first time in 2021, according to an April report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

The war will mean increased sales for some defense contractors, including Raytheon, which makes the Stinger missiles Ukrainian troops have used to knock out Russian aircraft. The company is also part of a joint venture with Lockheed Martin that makes the Javelins.

Biden visited Lockheed Martin’s facility in Troy, Alabama, which has the capacity to manufacture about 2,100 Javelins per year. The trip comes as he presses Congress to quickly approve his request for an additional $33 billion in security and economic assistance for Kyiv. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said Monday he hoped quick bipartisan agreement on the security package could be reached so the Senate could begin considering it “as early as next week.”

A White House official, who was not authorized to comment publicly and insisted on anonymity, said the Pentagon is working with defense contractors “to evaluate the health of weapons systems’ production lines and examine bottlenecks” in the manufacturing process. The administration is also considering

Pfizer profit soars in first quarter, revises 2022 forecast Industry analysts say that revenue from the drugmaker’s COVID-19 vaccine and pill will likely continue to exceed forecasts The Associated Press COVID-19 vaccine and treatment sales helped Pfizer breeze past Wall Street’s first-quarter expectations, as the drugmaker’s profit grew 61%.

The coronavirus vaccine Comirnaty, which has been Pfizer’s top seller for about a year, brought in more than $13 billion in sales in the quarter. The pill treatment Paxlovid, which launched late last year, added another $1.5 billion.

All that helped company revenue swell 77%, compared to last year’s quarter, when vaccine sales were still ramping up.

But Pfizer didn’t hike its fullyear sales forecast for both products, as well as total revenue, and company shares slipped in early trading.

Overall, Pfizer on Tuesday posted net income of $7.86 billion, and adjusted earnings of $1.62 per share in the first quarter, easily topping the $1.49 projected by industry analysts, according to a survey by FactSet.

AP PHOTO

The Pfizer logo is displayed at the company’s headquarters, Feb. 5, 2021, in New York.

Revenue was $25.66 billion, also beating Wall Street expectations for $24.1 billion.

Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine launched in late 2020 and became the drugmaker’s top selling product by last year’s second quarter.

That was before children started receiving the preventive shots and adults began receiving booster doses.

Pfizer books the vast majority of revenue from Comirnaty and splits profit, as well as the cost to make and distribute the vaccine, with development partner BioNTech.

Sales of that vaccine topped analyst expectations for the quarter, but revenue from Paxlovid fell short.

Pfizer said it still expects Comir-

a range of options, if needed, to boost production of Javelins and Stingers, the official said.

Pentagon press secretary John Kirby said Monday that America’s military readiness is not dependent on one system. He said that every time the Pentagon develops a package of weapons and systems to send to Ukraine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the department do an assessment on what the impact will be on readiness.

The lightweight but lethal Javelin has helped the Ukrainians inflict major damage on Russia’s larger and better-equipped military. As a result, the weapon has gained almost mythic regard, celebrated with a Javelin song and images of Mary Magdalene carrying a Javelin becoming a meme in Ukraine.

Lockheed Martin CEO James Taiclet said in a recent CNBC interview that demand for the Javelin and other weapon systems would increase broadly over time because of the Russian invasion. He said the company was working “to get our supply chain ramped up.”

“We have the ability to meet current production demands, are investing in increased capacity and are exploring ways to further increase production as needed,” Lockheed Martin, which is based in Bethesda, Maryland, said in a statement.

naty to bring in about $32 billion in sales this year, with Paxlovid recording around $22 billion.

Revenue from both products will likely wind up exceeding forecasts, Mizuho Securities USA analyst Dr. Vamil Divan said in a research note. He noted that current projections only include contracts the company signed as of mid April.

Outside Comirnaty and Paxlovid, Pfizer makes several cancer treatments, other vaccines and internal medicine drugs like Eliquis, for preventing blood clots and strokes.

Sales of that drug climbed 12% excluding the impact of foreign currency rates, to $1.79 billion in the quarter.

Pfizer Inc., based in New York, also revised the 2022 earnings forecast it debuted in February to reflect an accounting policy change. It now expects adjusted earnings of $6.25 to $6.45 per share.

That’s down a dime on both ends of the range from its previous forecast for $6.35 to $6.55 per share.

Analysts forecast earnings of $7.14 per share.

The company still expects that 2022 total revenue will range between $98 billion and $102 billion.

Analysts forecast total revenue of $105.92 billion.

Shares slipped 32 cents to $48.02 before the opening bell Tuesday.

Pfizer’s stock hit an all-time high price of $61.71 on Dec. 20.

But that price has fallen 18% so far this year, a steeper drop than the roughly 13% decline of the Standard & Poor’s 500 index.

North State Journal for Wednesday, May 4, 2022

B7

Toyota RAV4 Prime

PHOTOS COURTESY TOYOTA

Step-by-step into the electric future Why is this RAV4 always sold out?

By Jordan Golson North State Journal SAN DIEGO — It seems like every carmaker is making a full-throated conversion to electric.

New EVs are everywhere, and my inbox is filled with announcements of new battery factories and vehicle assembly facilities, and electric cars are all anyone seems to be talking about.

Except for, it seems, actual consumers. Though vehicles like the new Ford F-150 Lightning have hundreds of thousands of preorders, the standard F-150 sells many more hundreds of thousands of trucks every year.

Electric cars are coming, but not as fast as some would think.

That’s why vehicles like the Toyota RAV4 Prime, my test car this week, are so interesting.

Prime is the name Toyota gives to its line of plug-in hybrid vehicles, cars with a plug and a battery big enough to drive the car 30 or 40 miles on a charge and then a standard gas-powered engine to keep going after that.

It’s the formula pioneered by the Chevrolet Volt more than a decade ago, and it is, in my opinion, the way to get the masses excited about electric cars.

EV enthusiasts have long argued that range anxiety isn’t something to be anxious about at all, as most day-to-day vehicle use is for very short trips — maybe a few dozen miles at most. Not co-

incidentally, that’s where plug-in hybrids (PHEV) excel. The RAV4 Prime gets an EPA-estimated 42 miles of range from its 18.1 kWh battery, which is more than enough for most everyday journeys.

The regular RAV4 is the best-selling non-pickup truck in the US, with more than 400,000 units sold in 2021. Taking that excellent vehicle and adding a 40mile electric range is a recipe for success, even with a hefty $50,000 price tag.

Still, the RAV4 Prime qualifies (for now, at least) for a $7,500 federal tax credit and any potential

state credits, which puts it at least in the right ballpark as the standard RAV4.

But it’s much more fun to drive.

The RAV4 Prime is one of the fastest-accelerating Toyotas around, going from 0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds or so (depending on whose claims you listen to). Thanks to its electric powertrain, it’s zippy in traffic and when merging on the highway. It makes a combined 302 horsepower between electric and gas, which isn’t supercar quick, but it’s plenty to make this one zippy crossover.

It’s comfortable and practical, with room for five plus excel-

lent cargo space. The RAV4 takes an ideal vehicle — the best-selling compact SUV — and electrifies it.

And that’s the end of it.

It doesn’t look weird. You’d barely know it was electric if not for the second fuel door and a few diminutive “Prime” badges on the rear and sides. And even then, you’d need to know what “Prime” means.

For someone who doesn’t mind flying under the radar, which probably describes most Toyota RAV4 buyers, if we’re honest, the RAV4 Prime is perfect.

Plug it in at home, fill up that battery, drive around on electric-

ity and then do it again the next day with no one the wiser. It’s what electric cars will be, eventually—just a way to get around.

This understatedness is a large part of the appeal of the RAV4 Prime. Most folks don’t want a weird-looking car to tell everyone that they’re green. That’s what the Prius Prime is for. Some folks want a vehicle to get from Point A to Point B, but maybe using electricity instead of gas.

My RAV4 Prime was a fully loaded XSE trim, with a 9-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, all manner of tech gizmos like a head-up display, 360-degree camera, and heated and ventilated seats.

There’s an enormous panoramic sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, and automatic high beams, and Toyota’s excellent standard safety suite with adaptive cruise, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring.

Of course, all those things are also available in the standard gas-powered (or mild hybrid, for that matter) RAV4s. But that’s the point. The RAV4 Prime is little more than a RAV4 with a big battery.

The 6.6 kW onboard charger is enough to fill the battery in around 3 hours, so if you make a morning school dropoff run and then an afternoon school pickup run, you can use the entire battery on both ends and get more than 80 miles of total electric range in a day.

But there’s always a catch. The Toyota RAV4 Prime is incredibly popular and is inevitably sold out everywhere. You’ll need to call around and get lucky or place an order with your local Toyota dealer if you want one.

But if you do get one, know that it’s worth the work. It’s a Toyota RAV4, but electric.

North State Journal for Wednesday, May 4, 2022

B8

features Mothers and others who shape our lives

By Lindsay Moore For the North State Journal OVER THE YEARS I can remember countless women who have impacted my life. These women have joyfully taken on “mothering” roles alongside my own mother, and have contributed beauty, goodness and truth to my life. P.D. Eastman’s 1960 children’s book “Are You My Mother?” refers to a little bird’s biological mother, but unlike birds, humans are relational by nature and mothering can come in many different forms.

Every year on the second Sunday in May since 1907, Americans have celebrated “Mother’s Day.” Mother’s Day founder, Anna Jarvis, believed a mother is “the person who has done more for you than anyone in the world.”

“Mother” by definition is defined as “a woman who offers affection, care and protection.” And understood broadly, expanding the title of motherhood to others who offer wisdom, love and support doesn’t lessen the importance, sacrifice and love of a biological mother.

While genetically our biological mothers contribute half of our

DNA at conception, and our biological fathers the second half, science now tells us that the genetic bond between mother and child does not end at conception. Interestingly, it has been proven that mother and babies continue to share each other’s cells throughout pregnancy. Almost from conception, there is a continuous two way flow of cells containing DNA as they continuously transverse the placenta and enter the mother’s blood flow. While most cells are destroyed by the mom’s immune system, science has shown that some persist and become embedded in the mother’s organs and can live on for months and even decades after delivery. The mother’s cells have also been found to continue in the baby’s blood and developing child. In one study, more than half of adults still had maternal cells in their blood.

This fact should be particularly comforting to those mothers who have lost a child. Mother’s Day can be quite difficult for these mothers as they remember their loss and the pain cannot be diminished no matter how much time has passed. Furthermore, for many single women and women who cannot have children,

“ ‘You are not a kitten. You are not a hen. You are not a dog. You are not a cow. You are not a boat, or a plane, or a Snort! You are a bird, and you are my mother?’ said the baby bird.” from “Are You My Mother?”

Mother’s Day can be deeply sad, perhaps a reminder of one’s loss or something they have never experienced.

While this does not fully heal these heartaches, I believe the call of voluntary mothering is a beautiful gift to children of any age. The physical demand of motherhood can be greatly enriched by the support of women who are willing to come alongside them as mothers as their children grow. Voluntary mothering perhaps supports new life with loving guidance as children pursue their dreams and grow in spiritual maturity. The world is infinitely more beautiful when it bears witness to all kinds

of mothers, both biological and supportive, and it is important to consider them with equal celebration on Mother’s Day. Growing up in the small town of Mayodan, North Carolina, I was one among hundreds of children who considered Fred and Louise Bailey to be local celebrities. Furthermore, I was incredibly fortunate as a child that they attended my church. In fact, it was every child’s goal to turn 10 years old just so that they would finally be eligible to sit at Fred and Louise’s table during our weekly youth group. Sadly, the Bailey’s did not have children of their own and while my young mind did not consider this fact until I was much older, upon reflection that childless void, while difficult, gave them the opportunity to welcome more children than they could’ve ever hoped for into their home and ultimately into their hearts.

As a very impatient child I decided I was not going to wait to sit at their table. Undeterred at the age of seven I invited myself home with them one day after church.

Little did they know that my onetime, self-driven invitation would become a weekly Sunday occurrence over the next decade of my

life. Not only did I stay for Sunday lunch, I made it imminently known I would be at their doorstep soaking in their presence until my parents insisted I come home. Louise made it her mission to share her faith with me as we crafted and cooked all things southern. To this day, I am known for my collard greens as a result of Louise’s instruction. She taught me the gift of hospitality which has been part of my lifestyle as I’ve invited children of all backgrounds into my home for meals or an encouraging life conversation.

She also taught me to suffer well. There were only a few times that I sensed her sadness in not having children of her own. However, she chose daily to transform her sorrow into joy as she welcomed children like me into her home. When I lost my first daughter halfway through pregnancy I named her Louise knowing that my sweet friend Louise would be at heaven’s gates to welcome and mother her. There’s not a day that I do not think of Louise as I mother my own two daughters and as I lovingly continue to welcome others into my home and life.

So on this Mother’s Day, let us celebrate all women who mother and who truly make a difference in the lives of those who are in need of support, protection and most of all love.

Sneakers, elastic pants: People alter office wear amid COVID The Associated Press NEW YORK — Blazers in knit fabrics, pants with drawstrings or elastic waists, and polo shirts as the new button-down.

Welcome to the post-pandemic dress code for the office.

After working remotely in sweats and yoga pants for two years, many Americans are rethinking their wardrobes to balance comfort and professionalism as offices reopen. They’re giving a heave-ho to the structured suits, zip-front pants and pencil skirts they wore before the COVID-19 pandemic and experimenting with new looks. That has retailers and brands rushing to meet workers’ fashion needs for the future of work.

“Being comfortable is more important than being super structured,” said Kay Martin-Pence, 58, who went back to her Indianapolis office last month in dressy jeans and flowy tops after working remotely in leggings and slippers for two years. “Why feel buttoned up and stiff when I don’t have to?”

Before COVID-19, Martin-Pence used to wear dress pants with blazers to the pharmaceutical company where she works. She’s gone back to heels, but they’re lower, and she says she will never wear dress pants again to the office.

Even before the pandemic, Americans were dressing more casually at work. The time spent in sweats accelerated the shift from “business casual” to “business comfort.”

Still, return-to-office dressing

PHOTO VIA AP

This photo provided by Brooks Brothers shows a model showing a Brooks Brothers casual office wardrobe. remains a social experiment, said Adam Galinsky, a social psychologist at Columbia Business School who coined the term “enclothed cognition,” or how what people wear affects how they think.

“My guess is that it will go more casual, but maybe it doesn’t,” Galinsky said. “People are going to be consciously thinking about: ‘Am I wearing the right outfit for being in the office?’ They’re going to be thinking about what they’re doing, the context they’re in, and the social comparisons of what others will be doing.”

Steve Smith, CEO of outdoor sportswear brand L.L. Bean, said people are stepping out of their “typical uniform” — whatever form

“My guess is that it will go more casual, but maybe it doesn’t.”

Adam Galinsky, a social psychologist at Columbia Business School that may take.

“They’re going to expect more flexible hours, to be able to work in hybrid model, and to be comfortable — as comfortable as they were at home,” he said. “Some of the office uniforms, office wardrobes, are

shifting and changing. There’s no reason why it can’t be permanent.”

Data from market research firm NPD Group and retailers reflect the shifting trends.

Wire-free bras now represent more than 50% of the total, nonsports bra market in the U.S., reversing a long-term trend, according to NPD. Sales of dressy footwear have been rebounding since 2021, but they’re still 34% below 2019 levels and more likely fueled by the return of social occasions, not the office, NPD said. Instead, casual sneakers are now the most common shoes for work.

Clothing rental company Rent the Runway said rentals for blazers were up nearly twofold in February from last year, reflecting a return to offices. But its customers are choosing colorful versions like pastel and fabrics like lightweight tweed, linens and twill. It said “business formal” rentals — traditional workwear like basic sheaths, pencil skirts and blazers — are roughly half of what they were in 2019, said Anushka Salinas, president and chief operating officer.

Stitch Fix, a personal shopping and styling service, noted men are increasingly choosing options like hiking and golf pants for the office.

For the first three months of the year, revenue for that type of clothing was up nearly threefold over a year ago.

Polo shirts have replaced the collared button-down for men, and there’s strong demand for pull-on pants, the company said. The ratio of elastic-waist work pants to those with buttons or zippers on Stitch

Fix was one to one in 2019; now it’s three to one.

Retailers had to pivot to Americans’ changing demands throughout the pandemic and now again with many returning to offices.

Upscale department store Nordstrom, for example, has opened women’s denim shops to highlight its expanded selection as it sees more women wearing jeans to work.

“The new challenge is: How do I look presentable when I am in person without sacrificing comfort?” said Gihan Amarasiriwardena, co-founder and president.

The 200-year-old haberdashery Brooks Brothers had a bigger challenge — it never followed the casual office attire trend several years ago like its rivals. Under a new owner and CEO Ken Ohashi, the company has found success in offering relaxed styles in a post-bankruptcy reinvention.

Now, 45% of its offerings are casual sportwear like sweaters and polo shirts. Before the pandemic, that figure was 25%, Ohashi said.

He said dress shirts are making a comeback as workers return to the office. But Brooks Brothers is adding a twist: a stretch version of its cotton-knit shirts with the comfort of a polo. It also is offering colorful jackets.

“The guy is attracted to novelty right now, novelty color, novelty print, novelty pattern,” Ohashi said. “Historically, that guy came in, and he was buying a navy, a charcoal and black suit. He definitely wants to mix it up. And I think that is here to stay.”

TAKE NOTICE

CABARRUS NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 18 SP 522 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Paul L. Christenbury and Stacey M. Christenbury (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Paul L. Christenbury and Stacey M. Christenbury) to PRLAP, Inc., Trustee(s), dated June 29, 2007, and recorded in Book No. 7641, at Page 132 in Cabarrus County Registry, North Carolina. The Deed of Trust was modified by the following: A Loan Modification recorded on April 9, 2008, in Book No. 8170, at Page 143, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Cabarrus County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Concord, Cabarrus County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on May 16, 2022 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Concord in the County of Cabarrus, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: TRACT #1:Lying and Being in a Number 2 Township,

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CABARRUS COUNTY 20sp157 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY LARRY W. MACK AND CINDY L. MACK DATED NOVEMBER 7, 2001 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 3504 AT PAGE 113 IN THE CABARRUS COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA *102.20-109732.FC01.202*

NOTICE OF SALE

Cabarrus County, North Carolina, and being located on the east side of Untz Road (S.R. No. 1444), adjoining Carter B. Fisher, George E. Mantooth, Carl S. Barnhardt, and others and being more particularly described as follows:Beginning, at an iron in Untz Road (S.R. No. 1444), a common corner with Carter B. Fisher, George E. Mantooth, and others and runs through Untz Road, North 20-00-48 West (through an iron at 169.95 feet) for a total distance of 174.44 feet to an iron a common corner with George E. Mantooth, William Rankin, Carl S. Barnhardt, North 69-11-30 East 277.35 feet to an iron; thence a new line South 20-44-20 East (through an iron at 136.24 feet) for a total distance of 162.21 feet to an iron in the line of Carter B. Fisher, a new corner; thence South 66-41-30 West (through an iron at 229.01 feet) for a total distance of 279.84 feet to an iron in Untz Road, the Point of Beginning, containing 1.075 acres (including overlap and right of way areas for Untz Road and a 25 foot right of way easement), as surveyed and platted by James E. Craddock, RLS, of Concord Engineering and Surveying, Inc. on 3/20/1989.Being the same parcel of land conveyed to Kenneth H. Marshall and wife, Leta P. Marshall, tenants by the entirety from Kermit H. Marshall and wife, Lois Marshall by that Deed dated 12/06/1993 and recorded 12/20/1993 in Deed Book 1159 at Page 281 in the Cabarrus County Public Registry.Tract #2:Beginning at a iron found, located on the property lines between the Kermit H. Marshall and Lois Marshall 1.00 acre tract and the Kenneth H. Marshall and Leta P. Marshall 1.08 acre tract as shown on the attached survey and thence S. 22-49-16 E. 90.95 feet to an iron set, thence S. 14-10-45 E. 24.27 feet to a point, thence N. 21-00-16 West, 115.00 feet to the place and point of beginning, being approximately 166 square feet as shown on the attached survey drawn by Medlin Surveying Co. dated 9/6/06.Being the same parcel of land conveyed to

Kenneth H. Marshall and wife, Leta P. Marshall from Kermit H. Marshall and wife, Lois Marshall by that Deed dated 10/18/2006 and recorded 10/19/2006 in Deed Book 7093 at Page 138 in the Cabarrus County Public Registry.

Tract #3:Beginning at an iron set along the property line of Lot 52 of Rollingwood Forest and the Kenneth H. Marshall and Leta P. Marshall Parcel and thence N. 25-48-53 E. 10.40 feet to a point; thence N. 58-38-13 E. 30.50 feet to an iron set; thence N. 65-39-20 W. 17.47 feet to a point; thence S. 68-47-59 W. 49.86 feet to the place and point of Beginning, being approximately 397 square feet more or less, as shown on the survey drawn by Medlin Surveying Co. dated 9/6/06 as shown on the attached plat.Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 7506 Untz Road, Concord, North CarolinaBeing the same parcel of land conveyed to Kenneth H. Marshall and wife, Leta P. Marshall from Kermit H. Marshall and wife, Lois Marshall by that Deed dated 9/8/2006 and recorded 9/21/2006 in Deed Book 7032 at Page 308 in the Cabarrus County Public Registry.Being all of the above referenced property less and except the property beginning at an iron set, said iron located N. 66-41-30 E. from an iron found on the property line of Kenneth H. Marshall and Leta P. Marshall and Charter B. Fisher, thence from this point of beginning N. 14-10-45 W. 47.61 feet to a point, thence S. 21-00-16 E. to a point, thence S. 66-51-50 W. 5.66 feet to the point and place of beginning, being approximately 133 square feet as shown on the attached survey labeled exhibit drawn by Medlin Surveying Company, dated 9/6/2006. Being the same parcel of land conveyed to Kermit H. Marshall and wife, Lois Marshall from Kenneth H. Marshall and wife, Leta P. Marshall by that Deed dated 9/08/2006 and recorded 9/21/2006 in Deed Book 7032 at Page 311 in the Cabarrus County Public Registry.

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 Cabarrus County courthouse at 10:00AM on May 17, 2022, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Larry W. Mack and Cindy L. Mack, dated November 7, 2001 to secure the original principal amount of $128,981.00, and recorded in Book 3504 at Page 113 of the Cabarrus County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property: Concord, NC 28025 Tax Parcel ID: 0000 Present Record Owners: Mack and Cindy I. Mack

5751 Claw Ct, 5652 97 0214 Larry Walter

The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Larry Walter Mack and Cindy I. Mack.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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. Cash will not be accepted. 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.

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

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

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

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 1245266 - 22407

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.

The date of this Notice is March 21, 2022.

Attorney for the Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 Posted: By: 20-109732

Suite

400

North State Journal for Wednesday, May 4, 2022

B9

TAKE NOTICE

CABARRUS AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 20 SP 165 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Sondra S. Eddings and Randal A. Eddings (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Sondra S. Eddings and Randal A. Eddings) to Louis A. Trosch, Trustee(s), dated June 25, 2007, and recorded in Book No. 7661, at Page 141 in Cabarrus County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Cabarrus County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Concord, Cabarrus County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at

18 SP 592 AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, CABARRUS COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Bobby G. Hubbard and Doris G. Hubbard to Stewart Title Guaranty Company, Trustee(s), which was dated December 10, 2004 and recorded on December 15, 2004 in Book 5704 at Page 150 and rerecorded/modified/corrected on March 18, 2005 in Book 5858, Page 60, Cabarrus County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on May 11, 2022 at 01:00 PM, and will

CUMBERLAND NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 21 SP 749 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Daniel Detres-Rosario and J. Lopez Valentin (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Daniel Detres-Rosario and Jennifer Lopez Valentin) to Landscape Title and Escrow, LLC, Trustee(s), dated April 15, 2016, and recorded in Book No. 9845, at Page 0583 in Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Cumberland County, North Carolina and the holder

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 21 SP 731 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Jahmaal A. Santos and Emeka Santos (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Jahmaal A. Santos and Emeka Santos) to National Title Network, Trustee(s), dated July 24, 2013, and recorded in Book No. 09255, at Page 0659 in Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Cumberland County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on May 16, 2022 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 21 SP 728 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Hamilton Marketing Group, LLC (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Hamilton Marketing Group, LLC) to Law Office of Miranda R. McCoy, Trustee(s), dated January 10, 2020, and recorded in Book No. 10669, at Page 0277 in Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Cumberland County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on May 16, 2022 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Fayetteville in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Parcel A BEING all of Lot No. 1 Ellington Pines, Sec. 2 per Plat Book 13 on Page 47 of the Cumberland County Registry and described as follows: BEGINNING at a stake in the northern margin of Cumberland Mill Road, the Northeast Corner of the Ellington Pines subdivision per plat cited above and runs thence the eastern line of the subdivision North 255.81 feet to a stake; thence East 87.17 feet; thence South 277.03 feet to the margin of Cumberland Mills Road; thence with it North 76 degrees 19 minutes East 89.72 feet to

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, CUMBERLAND COUNTY 22 SP 166 Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Christopher Alan Roach and Pauline P. Roach, in the original amount of $119,200.00, payable to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., dated June 7, 2007 and recorded on July 3, 2007 in Book 7634, Page 452, modified by Loan Modification recorded on May 2, 2014 in Book 09423, Page 0251, Cumberland County Registry.

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

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 22SP61 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY CUMBERLAND NOTICE OF SALE IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY JORGE D SALDANA DATED JUNE 20, 2014 RECORDED IN BOOK 9463 AT PAGE 380 IN THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default

CUMBERLAND IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CUMBERLAND COUNTY 22sp48 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY ROBERT L. HILD, JR. AND TIFFANY N. HILD DATED MARCH 27, 2009 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 8114 AT PAGE 210 IN THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA *102.21-112041.FC01.202* 21-112041 IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION

12:00 PM on May 16, 2022 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Concord in the County of Cabarrus, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Lying and Being in the City of Concord, Number Two (2) Township of Cabarrus County, North Carolina on the South side of Barnhardt Avenue, Being a part of the property of CANNON AND SPENCER, a map of which is on file in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Cabarrus County in Map Book 6, page 64, adjoining the property of Jesse Lee Carter and others, and being more fully described as follows: BEGINNING at an iron stake on the South side of Barnhardt Avenue, the old Northeastern corner of Jesse Lee Carter (Deed Book 540, Page 392) and runs thence with the line of Carter and Raymond Weaver (Deed Book 374, Page 120) South 10-18-06 East 435.17 feet to an iron stake in the line of Weaver, a corner of Walter B. Robbins, III (Deed Book 368, Page 55); thence with the line of Robbins North 7941-10 East 99.91 feet to an iron stake in the line of Robbins, rear corner of Gary C. Helms (Deed Book 408, Page 780); thence with the line of Helms North 10-17-33 West 435.15 feet to an iron stake on the South side of Barnhardt Avenue, the old Southwestern corner of Helms; thence with the South side of Barnhardt Avenue South 79-42-00 West 99.98 feet to the point of BEGINNING, containing 1.00 acre, more or less, as surveyed and platted by Robert D. Faggart,

R.L.S., March 8, 1994. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 2453 Barnhardt Avenue, Northwest, Concord, North Carolina.

For back reference, see Book 1209, Page 7, Cabarrus Registry. Randal A. Eddings and Sondra S. Clark, (Eddings) are now married, and the purpose of this Deed is to create an Estate by the Entirety in the grantees herein as provided by the North Carolina General Statutes.

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

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

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

sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, to wit:

Cecil W McCombs et al by deed dated August 6,1956, and recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds for Cabarrus County, N.C.

Lying in No. 4 Township and being Lots Nos. 25, 26, and 27 in Block G as shown on the map of West Brook, a map of said property being on file in office of the Register of Deeds in Map book 6 page 7.

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

Beginning at an iron stake in the Western edge of Woody Avenue at the front corner of Lots Nos. 27 and 28 in Block G, this beginning point being North 6-19 East 75 feet from the Northwestern corner of the intersection of Maywood Avenue and Woody Avenue, and runs thence North 83-41 West 150 feet with the Northern line of Lot No. 28 to the back corner of Lots Nos. 27 and 28 in the back line of Lot No. 16; thence North 6-19 East 75 feet with the back line of Lots Nos. 27, 26, and 25 to the back corner of Lots Nos. 24 and 25 in the backline of Lot No. 18; thence South 8341 East 150 feet with the Southern line of Lot No. 24 to the front corner of Lots Nos. 24 and 25 in the Western edge of Woody Avenue; thence South 6-19 West 75 feet with the Western edge of Woody Avenue to the point of Beginning, and is the same property conveyed to Robert Lee Griffin by

of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on May 16, 2022 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Hope Mills in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: All that certain lot or parcel of land situated in the City of Hope Mills, Cumberland County, North Carolina and more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot Two Hundred Forty-Two (242), Southview, Section Seven (7), Part One (1), according to a plat duly recorded in Plat Book 111, Page 19, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 2917 Piney Mountain Drive, Hope Mills, North Carolina.

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

situated in Hope Mills in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: The land referred to herein below is situated in the County Cumberland, State of North Carolina, and is described as follows: All that certain lot or parcel of land situated in or neer the Town of Hope Mills, Pearces Mill Township, Cumberland County, North Carolina and more particularly as follows: Being all of Lot 3 as shown on a plat entitled “Crosswinds, Section Four Phase One, Part One Zero Lot Line” duly recorded in Plat Book 123, Page 130, County, North Carolina Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 542 Gapway Court, Hope Mills, North Carolina.

Parcel ID: 0425-43-5083Commonly known as 542 Gapway Court, Hope Mills, NC 28348 However, by showing this address no additional coverage is provided

the BEGINNING. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 3482 Cumberland Road, Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Parcel B BEGINNING at a stake in the northern margin of the public road leading from Fayetteville to Cumberland Mills, at a point 89.72 feet westwardly from C.L. Brock’s South west corner, the southwest corner of Lot No. 1, and running thence with the western line of Lot No. 1 North 277.03 feet to the North west corner of said Lot; thence West 87.17 feet to a stake in the eastern margin of a 40 foot street Corbin Road; thence with the eastern margin of said Corbin Road South 298.25 feet to the intersection of the northern margin of the aforesaid public road leading from Fayetteville to Cumberland Mills; thence with the northern margin of said public road North 76 degrees 19 minutes East 89.72 feet to the beginning, being Lot No. 2 in the Subdivision of Lots 1, 2, 3 and 4 as made by W.L. Corbin, C.E. in March 1950. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 2339 Carbine Street & 3492 Cumberland Road, Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Parcel C BEING all of Lot 5 in a subdivision known as ELLINGTON PINES Section 2, according to a map of the same duly recorded in Book of Plats 13, Page 47, Cumberland County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 2303 Carbine Street, Fayetteville North Carolina.

Parcel D BEING all of Lot No. 6, Ellington Pines Plat, Section 2, according to a plat of same recorded in Book of Plats #13, Page 47, Cumberland County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 2299 & 2295 Carbine Street, Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Parcel E

having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door or other usual place of sale in Cumberland County, North Carolina, at 2:00 P.M. on May 17, 2022, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property, to wit:

Said property is commonly known as 112 McCray Street, Kannapolis, NC 28081.

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

property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are All Lawful Heirs of Doris G. Hubbard.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Any person who occupies the property

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.

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

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

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

BEING all of Lot Nos. 7 and 8, Ellington Pines Plat, Section 2, according to a plat of same recorded in Book of Plats #13, Page 47, Cumberland County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 2281, 2285, 2289 & 2293 Carbine Street, Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Parcel F BEING all of Lot 3 as shown on a plat entitled “Property of Brown Property Ventures Inc.” duly recorded in Book of Plats 107, Page 38, Cumberland County, North Carolina Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 2152, 2156, 2160, 2164, 2210, 2214, 2218, 2206 & 2234 LadySlipper Drive, Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Parcel G BEING all of Lot 2 as shown on a plat entitled “Property of Brown Property Ventures, Inc.” duly recorded in Book of Plats 107, Page 38, Cumberland County, North Carolina Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 2248 LadySlipper Drive, Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Parcel H BEING all of Lot 5, Ellington Pines as shown on plat recorded in Plat Book 11, page 15, Cumberland County Registry.

Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 2210, 2214, 2218, 2232, 2242, 2248, 2252 Caramel Drive & 3472 Cumberland Road, Fayetteville North Carolina.

There is excepted from the above described property the northern one-half of the lot is more particularly described as follows: BEGINNING at a stake in the center of fire lane, the northwest corner of the tract of which this is a part, and runs thence as the second line of the tract of which this is a part with the center of said fire lane S 76 deg. 19 minutes E 100 feet to a stake; thence as the third line of the tract of which

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

this is a part S 677 feet to a stake; thence a new line N 89 degrees 13 minutes W. 97.9 feet to a stake in the first line of the tract of which this is a part; thence with the first line of the tract of which this is a part N 700.9 feet to the beginning.

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

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

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

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

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

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: 1289753 - 9840

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

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 18-10071-FC01

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: 5412 - 21352

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: 5382 - 21245

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

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

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

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 5115 - 19642

against the party or parties in possession by the Clerk of Superior Court of the county in which the property is sold.

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination (North Carolina General Statutes §45-21.16A(b)(2)). Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of termination. If the Trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the Substitute Trustee, in

their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Together with improvements located hereon; said property being located at 3709 Clearwater Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28311.

Tax ID: 0439051332 Third party purchasers must pay the recording costs of the trustee’s deed, any land transfer taxes, the excise tax, pursuant North Carolina General Statutes §105-228.30, in the amount of One Dollar ($1.00) per each Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or fractional part thereof, and the Clerk of Courts fee, pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §7A-308, in the amount of Forty-five Cents (0.45) per

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

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

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and

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 Cumberland County courthouse at 1:30 PM on May 18, 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 by Jorge D Saldana, dated June 20, 2014 to secure the original principal amount of $70,470.00, and recorded in Book 9463 at Page 380 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: 2 0 1 Eppingdale Drive, Spring Lake, NC 28390

Tax Parcel ID: 0 5 02-3 9 5449 Present Record Owners: Jorge D Saldana The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Jorge D Saldana.

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

including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure.

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

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.

The date of this Notice is 11th day of April, 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: 5921-7153

CUMBERLAND COUNTY 22sp48

May 9, 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 Robert L. Hild, Jr. and Tiffany N. Hild, dated March 27, 2009 to secure the original principal amount of $118,289.00, and recorded in Book 8114 at Page 210 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.

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

A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or 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. Cash will not be accepted. 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

BEING all of Lot 42, Hillendale, Section 2, as shown on map thereof recorded in Book of Plats 44, Page 63, Cumberland County Registry.

IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY ROBERT L. HILD, JR. AND TIFFANY N. HILD DATED MARCH 27, 2009 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 8114 AT PAGE 210 IN THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA A M H J H J G K H M H J B L F P G KG KG K ALMCPKMHLBIOLEHIABMFLK AMOJODMHGAAJCPKKMNBECK ALIPDLJGPHDHIONCJAFEDK ALPGCDEFOHKGIKJJIIKJCK DLLDLLLLLDLDDLLLLLLDDL 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

Address of property: Waterbury Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28311 Tax Parcel ID: 8323 Present Record Owners:

4

8

1

0 5 3 0 -14 Tiffany N. Hild

The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Tiffany N. Hild.

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

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

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,

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.

The date of this Notice is April 21, 2022.

Attorney for the Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 Posted: By: 21-112041

Suite

400

North State Journal for Wednesday, May 4, 2022

B10 TAKE NOTICE

CUMBERLAND NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, CUMBERLAND COUNTY 22 SP 180 Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Eduardo M. Gallero, in the original amount of $53,500.00, payable to Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., dated April 1, 2014 and recorded on April 3, 2014 in Book 09406, Page 0458, modified by Loan Modification recorded on April 6, 2016 in Book 09836, Page 0397, Cumberland County Registry.

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

21 SP 21 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 Chad Edward LeMaire a/k/a Chad Le Maire and Edith LeMaire a/k/a Edith Le Maire to TRSTE, Inc., Trustee(s), which was dated August 18, 2006 and recorded on September 12, 2006 in Book 7360 at Page 199, 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

20 SP 155 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 Chad Owens and Kellie Ann Owens to Fidelity National Title Insurance Company, Trustee(s), which was dated September 12, 2017 and recorded on September 14, 2017 in Book 10167 at Page 392, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on May 10, 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:

AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 19 SP 1254 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Larfue Williams, Sr. and Joyce K. Williams (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Larfue Williams, Sr. and Joyce K. Williams) to H. Terry Hutchens, Esquire, Trustee(s), dated October 19, 2016, and recorded in Book No. 9968, at Page 0465 in Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Cumberland County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 22 SP 137 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Randalph J. Mehan (Deceased) (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Randalph J. Mehan, Heirs of Randalph J. Mehan: Barbara Ramsey Mehan a/k/a Barbara Ramsey Lewis, Nicole Mehan) to Heather Lovier, Trustee(s), dated December 7, 2020, and recorded in Book No. 10962, at Page 0793 in Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Cumberland County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, or the customary

DAVIDSON 21 SP 226 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, DAVIDSON COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Thomas D. Underwood, Wendy Underwood and Patsy Wray, Rickey Wray to W.J. Kellam, Jr., Trustee(s), which was dated May 22, 2007 and recorded on May 29, 2007 in Book 1790 at Page 0699, Davidson 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,

22 SP 41 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, DAVIDSON COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Jacqueline Michelle Holmes to Jeffrey J. Berg, Trustee(s), which was dated April 24, 2015 and recorded on April 24, 2015 in Book 2178 at Page 72, Davidson County Registry, North Carolina.

Defaulthavingbeenmadeofthenotetherebysecuredbythe said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on May 16, 2022 at 11:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION DAVIDSON COUNTY 21sp438 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY CHRISTOPHER POWE DATED NOVEMBER 20, 2009 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 1950 AT PAGE 882 IN THE DAVIDSON COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA *102.21-112287.FC01.202* 21-112287 IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION DAVIDSON COUNTY 21sp438 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY CHRISTOPHER POWE DATED

having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door or other usual place of sale in Cumberland County, North Carolina, at 2:00 P.M. on May 10, 2022, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property, to wit: THE LAND REFERRED TO HEREIN BELOW IS SITUATED IN THE COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND, STATE OF North Carolina, AND IS DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEING ALL OF UNIT 5, IN A SUBDIVISION KNOWN AS STEWARTS CREEK CONDOMINIUMS II, PHASE XXIX, ACCORDING TO A PLAT OF SAME DULY RECORDED IN CONDOMINIUM BOOK 3, PAGES 50-56, CUMBERLAND COUNTY REGISTRY. SUBJECT TO THE RIGHTS, PRIVILEGES, APPURTENANCES, EASEMENTS, OBLIGATIONS, COVENANTS, CONDITIONS AND RESTRICTIONS CONTAINED AND DESCRIBED IN THE DECLARATION, AND TOGETHER WITH THE UNDIVIDED FRACTIONAL INTEREST IN THE COMMON AREAS AND FACILITIES AS ESTABLISHED IN THE DECLARATION RECORDED IN BOOK 3383, PAGE 335, AND THE SUPPLEMENTAL DECLARATION RECORDED IN BOOK 3747, PAGE 286, CUMBERLAND COUNTY REGISTRY.

and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on May 11, 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: A PARCEL OF LAND SITUATED IN THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND, WITH A STREET LOCATION ADDRESS OF 2852 CHILLINGWORTH DR; FAYETTEVILLE, NC 28306 CURRENTLY OWNED BY CHAD LEMAIRE AND EDITH LEMAIRE HAVING A TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBER OF 0405-73-7220 AND FURTHER DESCRIBED AS LT 52 MEADOWBROOK SEC 1 PT 1 (0.16 AC) AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 86 AT PAGE 85 OF THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY REGISTRY. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

Said property is commonly known as 2852 Chillingworth Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28306.

Situated in the of Cumberland,

City of Hope Mills, County State of North Carolina.

Being all of Lot 4 as shown on a plat entitled “Roslin Farms, Section 1, (Sheets 1 & 2)” duly recorded in Book of Plats 117, Pages 108 & 109, Cumberland County, North Carolina Registry.

Lot 4 above described are conveyed subject to the following Wetlands Notification provision.

COMPLIANCE WITH WETLAND REGULATION: In accordance with TITLE 15 NCAC 2H.0500, the following DEED NOTIFICATION applies to each of Lot(s) 4 of the ROSLIN FARMS SECTION ONE (SHEETS 1& 2), Subdivision,BookofPlats117,Pages108&109,Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina, prepared by Moorman, Kizer & Reitzel, Inc., Engineers, Planners & Surveyors, dated June 28, 2006, and recorded October 28, 2006, with respect to each of the aforesaid lots being as follows: “In the event any portion of this lot(s) is determined to meet the requirements for designation as a regulatory wetland.

Any subsequent fill or alteration of this wetland shall conform to the requirements of the State wetland rules

Together with improvements located hereon; said property being located at 6800-5 Willowbrook Drive #5, Fayetteville, NC 28314. Tax ID: 9498-42-5631-202 Third party purchasers must pay the recording costs of the trustee’s deed, any land transfer taxes, the excise tax, pursuant North Carolina General Statutes §105-228.30, in the amount of One Dollar ($1.00) per each Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or fractional part thereof, and the Clerk of Courts fee, pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §7A-308, in the amount of Forty-five Cents (0.45) per each One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) or fractional part thereof with a maximum amount of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00). A deposit of five percent (5%) of the bid or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale and must be tendered in the form of certified funds. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts will be immediately due and owing.

Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS WHERE IS. There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject

A certified check only (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Chad Le Maire and wife, Edith Le Maire.

adopted by State of North Carolina in force at the time of the proposed alteration. The intent of this provision is to prevent additional wetland fill, so the property owner should not assume that a future application for fill would be approved.

The property owner shall report the name of the subdivision in any application pertaining to said wetland rules. This covenant is intended to ensure continued compliance with wetland rules adopted by the State North Carolina and therefore benefits made be enforced by the State of North Carolina. This covenant is to run with the land and shall be binding on all parties and all persons claiming under them” Alsoknownas6700ValleyFallsRoad,HopeMills,NC28348 Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

Said property is commonly known as 6700 Valley Falls Road, Hope Mills, NC 28348.

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

to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, special assessments, land transfer taxes, if any, and encumbrances of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owners of the property are the Heirs/Devisees of Eduardo M. Gallero a/k/a Eduardo Marling Gallero.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

File No.: 11-02814-FC01

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 Chad Owens and Kellie Ann Owens.

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

12:00 PM on May 16, 2022 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Fayetteville in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Real property in the City of FAYETTEVILLE, Township of CROSS CREEK County of CUMBERLAND, State of North Carolina, described as follows:Being all of Lot 48 in a subdivision known as Green Valley Estates, Section One, Part Two, according to a plat of same being duly recorded in Book of Plats 33, and Page 38, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 1557 Mintz Avenue, Fayetteville, North Carolina.Being all of that certain property conveyed to LARFUE WILLIAMS, SR. AND WIFE JOYCE K. WILLIAMS from MICHAEL D NEPSTAD, SINGLE, by deed dated NOVEMBER 16, 2006 and recorded NOVEMBER 21, 2006 IN BOOK 7426, PAGE 420 of official records.Commonly known as: 1557 Mintz Ave, Fayetteville, NC 28303APN#: 0429-10-0896 Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. 45-21.23.

Should the property be purchased by a third

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on May 16, 2022 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Fayetteville in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Tax Id Number(s): 0406-06-1195 Land situated in the Township of Seventy First in the County of Cumberland in the State of NC Being all of Lot 1, Block EE, Section 5, Arran Hills Subdivision, according to a plat of the same duly recorded in Book of Plat 32, Page 20, Cumberland County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 6501 Carloway Drive, Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Commonly known as: 6501 Carloway Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28304-2716 The property address and tax parcel identification number listed are provided solely for informational purposes.

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

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court

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

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

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

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

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

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

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed

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 May 16, 2022 at 11:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Davidson County, North Carolina, to wit:

conveyances of record.

of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Patsy Wray.

BEGINNING at a point in the center of Highway 52, the northwest corner of Howard Michael’s tract; thence with Foyle Easter’s line S 86° 31’ E and crossing an iron stake on the east right of way of said highway at 30.46 feet and continuing for a total distance of 230.46 feet to an iron stake, a new corner to Howard Michael in Foyle Easter’s line; thence with two new lines to Howard Michael, S 6° 30’ E 100.00 feet to an iron stake; thence N 86° 31’ W and crossing an iron stake on the east right of way of Highway 52 at 200.00 feet and continuing for a total distance of 230.46 feet to a point in the center of said highway; thence with the center of said highway, N 6° 30’ W 100.00 feet to the point of beginning, and containing 0.52 acres.

Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior

cash the following described property situated in Davidson County, North Carolina, to wit: Being all of Lots 74, 75 and the northern one-half of Lot 76, next to and adjoining Lot 75, said partial lot being 50 feet on Arland Drive and 160 feet deep, all of Springbrook, Section 1, as shown on a map of same recorded in Plat Book 16, Page 88A, in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Davidson County, North Carolina.

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

Said property is commonly known as 344 Arland Drive, Lexington, NC 27292.

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

NOVEMBER 20, 2009 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 1950 AT PAGE 882 IN THE DAVIDSON COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA A M H J H J G KG M H J B L F O H P E J G K ALMCPLNNHBIOLEHAEFEBPK AMOJODMHGAAJBPLPIEKHCK ALIPDLJGMHDOILIDDGIODK ALPGADGFMHPILEABAFFJCK DLLDLLLLLDLDDDLLLLLDDL 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 Davidson County courthouse at 10:00AM on May 16, 2022, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Davidson County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Christopher Powe, dated November 20, 2009 to secure the original principal amount of

Said property is commonly known as 4260 Old US Highway 52, Lexington, NC 27295.

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

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 Jacqueline Michelle Holmes.

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.

$88,949.00, and recorded in Book 1950 at Page 882 of the Davidson County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property: Thomasville, NC 27360 Tax Parcel ID: 1632300000040F Present Record Owners: Christopher Powe

1315 Unity St,

The Heirs of

The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are The Heirs of Christopher Powe.

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

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.

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

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

provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b) (2)]. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

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

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 20-00435-FC01

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: 1284966 - 10348

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: 6373 - 24393

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

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 21-04661-FC01

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

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.

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

File No.: 18-12010-FC02

authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure.

A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or 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. Cash will not be accepted. 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.

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

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.

The date of this Notice is April 26, 2022.

Attorney for the Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 Posted: By: 21-112287

Suite

400

North State Journal for Wednesday, May 4, 2022

B11

TAKE NOTICE

DAVIDSON AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 16 SP 586 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Anthony Robert Ellington (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Anthony Robert Ellington) to Devan L. Shumway, Trustee(s), dated August 20, 2015, and recorded in Book No. 2192, at Page 444 in Davidson 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 Davidson County,NorthCarolinaandtheholderofthenoteevidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Lexington, Davidson County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 11:30 AM on May 11, 2022 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Lexington in the County of Davidson, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEGINNING at a pk nail set near the center of Parks Road,

JOHNSTON 21 SP 405 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, JOHNSTON COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Ontarius Dickens to NSB Trustee Services, LLC, Trustee(s), which was dated March 21, 2019 and recorded on March 21, 2019 in Book 5312 at Page 983, Johnston County Registry, North Carolina.

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

19 SP 706 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, JOHNSTON COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Samuel S. King and Marie King to Emery D. Ashley, Attorney At Law, Trustee(s), which was dated June 10, 2016 and recorded on June 10, 2016 in Book 4778 at Page 798, Johnston County Registry, North Carolina.

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

RANDOLPH NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 22 SP 46 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Milessa H. Edwards and Billy W. Edwards (Deceased) (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Billy W. Edwards and Milessa H. Edwards) to Countrywide Title Corporation, Trustee(s), dated June 24, 2002, and recorded in Book No. 1770, at Page 2808 in Randolph County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Randolph County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned

WAKE AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 18 SP 2542 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Benicio Thomas (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Benicio Thomas and Alexius Bishop Thomas) to Betty J. Gibson, Trustee(s), dated January 31, 2018, and recorded in Book No. 17034, at Page 01770 in Wake County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Wake County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Wake County

AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 19 SP 1689 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Kristy Aguilar and Jeffrey Aguilar (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Jeffrey J. Aguilar and Kristy D. Aguilar) to Old Republic National Title Insurance Company, Trustee(s), dated May 17, 2017, and recorded in Book No. 016785, at Page 01936 in Wake County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Wake County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Wake County Courthouse door, the Salisbury Street entrance in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on May 9, 2022 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Willow Spring in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more

19 SP 3036 AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, WAKE COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Joyce M. Young to Investors Title Insurance Company, Trustee(s), which was dated May 1, 2006 and recorded on May 5, 2006 in Book 11944 at Page 747, 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 May 11, 2022 at 10:00 AM, and will

21 SP 799 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 L. Kenneth Howard and Kimberly D. Davis to Law Office of Henry Pleasant, Trustee(s), which was dated May 24, 1999 and recorded on June 1, 1999 in Book 8325 at Page 2158, 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 May 11, 2022 at 10:00 AM, and will

the point of beginning being the southeast corner of this tract and the southwest corner of Lot Number 1 as shown on unrecorded plat of Rodney B. Owens and SBG Enterprises prepared by David A. Craver, RLS 2857, on February 19, 1988; thence with the approximate center of Parks Road South 65 deg. 26 min. 45 sec. West 20.90 feet to a point; thence South 61 deg. 27 min. 22 sec. West 50.00 feet to a point; thence South 58 deg. 29 min. 10 sec. West 19.10 feet to a PK nail. corner to Lot Number 3; thence with the line of Lot Number 3, North 24 deg. S 1 min. 05 sec. West crossing an iron set at 30.20 feet and a second iron set at 255.93 feet and continuing a total distance of 286.07 feet to a PK nail set near the center of Hill Top Road; thence with the approximate center of Hill Top Road. North 59 deg. 38 min.

50 sec. East 6.79 feet to a point; thence continuing with the approximate center of Hill Top Road, North 52 deg. 56 min.

25 East 84.93 feet to a PK nail set. corner of Lot Number 1; thence with the line of Lot Number 1, South 24 deg. 51 min.

05 sec. East crossing an iron set at 30.69 feet and a second iron set at 270.76 feet and continuing a total distance of 299.35 feet to the point and place of beginning, the same being and containing .600 acre, more or less, and being Lot Number 2 as shown on unrecorded plat of Rodney B. Owens and SBG Enterprises dated February 19, 1988, and prepared by David A. Craver, RLS 2857, and revised December 2, 1988. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 276 Lake Drive #10, Lexington, North Carolina.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 1190632 - 19384

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 May 17, 2022 at 12:00 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Johnston County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING all of Lot 196, Parkview Subdivision, Phases 10-11, as shown on map recorded in Plat Book 87, Pages 103 through 104, Johnston County, to which reference is hereby made for a complete and accurate description thereof.

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

Said property is commonly known as 336 Crawford Pkwy, Clayton, NC 27520.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200

Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 21-08599-FC01

and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on May 17, 2022 at 12:00 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Johnston County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING All of Lot 30 of the TYSONS CORNER SUBDIVISION as shown on plat recorded in Plat Book 61, pages 120-122, Johnston County Registry, to which reference is hereby made for a more particular description.

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

Said property is commonly known as 120 West Silverado Court, Kenly, NC 27542.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC

Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 19-01347-FC02

Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Asheboro, Randolph County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 10:00 AM on May 10, 2022 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Thomasville in the County of Randolph, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being known and designated as Lot No. 14 of Misty Acres, as recorded in Plat Book 25, Page 38, in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Randolph County, North Carolina.

Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 265 Misty Drive, Thomasville, North Carolina.

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.

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,

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.

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

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

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

Courthouse door, the Salisbury Street entrance in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on May 16, 2022 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Wake Forest in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot 52 of Olde Mill Stream Subdivision, Phase 4B, as shown on plat recorded in Book of Maps 2003, Page 1157, Wake County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 513 Wheddoncross Way, Wake Forest, North Carolina. Parcel ID: 0307943 Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23.

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

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

particularly described as follows: All that certain lot of parcel of land situated in the City of Township, Wake County, North Carolina and more particularly described as follows:Being all of Lot 20 as shown on map entitled “Phase Two, Kennebec Farm Subdivision”

by Ashworth Land Surveying and recorded in Book of Maps 2005, Pages 919-921, Wake County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 7805 Heavenly Place, Willow Spring, North Carolina.Being the same premises that was conveyed unto Jeffrey J. Aguilar and Spouse, Kristy D. Aguilar by North Carolina General Warranty Deed from Comfort Homes, Inc., dated March 10th, 2006, and recorded March 10th, 2006, at Deed Book 011854 and Deed Page 00529 in the records of the Wake County Recorder’s Office, State of North Carolina.Parcel ID(s): 0331972 Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23.

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

The property to be offered pursuant to

sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Wake County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING ALL OF LOT 1, UMSTEAD GLEN SUBDIVISION AS SHOWN ON PLAT ENTITLED “RECOMBINATION, RIGHT-OF-WAY DEDICATION AND SUBDIVISION PLAT OF UMSTEAD GLEN SUBDIVISION” DATED FEBRUARY 27, 2000, PREPARED BY G.R. BROWN SURVEYING AND THEREOF RECORDED IN BOOK OF MAPS 2000, PAGE 1128, WAKE COUNTY REGISTRY.

and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.

Said property is commonly known as 7131 Ebenezer Church Road, Raleigh, NC 27612.

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 Joyce M. Young.

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

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

sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Wake County, North Carolina, to wit:

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 Rudy C. Howard and wife, Nancy Thompson Howard, a onehalf undivided interest; Felecia Howard Hipp, a one-fourth undivided interest and Melanie Howard Ernst, a one-fourth undivided interest.

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

BEING ALL OF LOT 13, OF THE GRAHAM HOWARD PROPERTY, AS SHOWN ON MAP RECORDED IN BOOK OF MAPS 1996 PAGE 184 OF THE WAKE COUNTY REGISTRY. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

Said property is commonly known as 2126 ANGIER RD, Fuquay Varina, NC 27526.

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

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

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.

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: 6216 - 23976

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: 1256671 - 12389

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: 1279321 - 10820

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

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.: 19-15485-FC01

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

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

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

File No.: 21-02733-FC01

B12

North State Journal for Wednesday, May 4, 2022

pen & paper pursuits

sudoku

solutions From April 27, 2022

VOLUME 7 ISSUE 10 | WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2022 | RANDOLPHRECORD.COM

THE RANDOLPH COUNTY EDITION OF THE NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Randolph record

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

This historical cabin on Worth Street in Asheboro has undergone significant changes since a new owner has taken possession.

COUNTY NEWS Republicans lead onestop voting in Randolph Over 2,200 voters have cast their ballots in the first five days of the state’s early voting period for the May 17 primaries.

Of those, over 1,500 have been registered Republicans, with over 500 unaffiliated and just over 200 for Democrats.

Nearly 50% of the early vote totals have come at the Randolph County Board of Elections office in Asheboro.

Early voting continues through Saturday, May 14.

Gov Cooper nominates new state controller Gov. Roy Cooper announced the nomination of Deputy State Budget Director Nels Roseland to serve as State Controller.

Roseland currently serves as the Deputy State Budget Director in the North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management, where he assists agencies with operational issues and oversees state recovery funding efforts.

Previously, he was the Deputy Chief of Staff and Chief Financial Officer in the N.C. Department of Justice.

“Nels Roseland is a strong leader who has decades of experience in state government and public finance,” said Gov. Cooper in a statement.

Roseland replaces Dr. Linda Combs, who has served as State Controller since June 2014 and is retiring on June 30, 2022.

NC awarded grant for 9-8-8 Suicide Prevention Lifeline transition The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services received $3.3 million to expand support for people in mental health crisis. The funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration will help the state transition the Suicide Prevention Lifeline from the current 10-digit number to an easier, three-digit number — 9-88 — for people having suicidal thoughts or experiencing a mental health crisis.

On July 16, 2022, 9-8-8 will become the national three-digit dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

Call center staff can provide crisis counseling along with information on local community resources and referrals.

Cabin fever gives new life to Worth Street structure

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record ASHEBORO — Mark Dillon viewed the cabin sitting at 426 Worth St. differently than others who checked out the property.

“It just hadn’t been loved,” Dillon said.

He has changed that.

Dillon, and his wife, Carol Schuck Dillon, purchased the cabin and are turning it into a home.

“When we walked in, there was some potential for someone dumb enough to do it,” Mark Dillon said.

It was purchased in December of $48,500 – or about $20,000 below the listed price.

Now, passersby marvel at the structure.

Others have been excited when they’ve seen the possibilities for the cabin, which is located in the historical Greystone Terrace neighborhood.

Dillon said there’s not a straight line in the building, making for some interesting moments during the renovation. So he has tagged the cabin with a nickname.

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Here’s the living room with new windows and a fireplace changed to a gas stove in the log cabin on Worth Street.

“It’s named the ‘Crooked Cabin’ for a reason,” he said.

The Dillons have lived in Randleman for about 20 years, a couple of Indiana natives who figured they would stay for a few years and then came to embrace the lifestyle in Randolph County.

The renovations are going to

County board chairman says the restructuring of fire districts is not a tax increase County will also soon see first payments from opioid settlement

By Ryan Henkel For the Randolph Record ASHEBORO – The Randolph County Board of Commissioners met Monday with multiple budget items on the agenda as well as to provide some clarification in regards to the new fire districts.

First up, the board of commissioners approved the final design

by HH Architecture for the development of the Farm, Food and Family Education Center as well as a budget amendment to reallocate the funds that the county had already set aside for the project.

The plan, which will cost $29,564,000, will have around 44 acres of development with around 60 acres of undeveloped land as a buffer.

“There’s a couple of parts, but

“This is not a tax increase.

This is not a budget increase hearing tonight.

Fire departments have no taxing authority.”

Chairman Darrell Frye on restructuring

cost about $25,000, with a bulk of that related to windows and roofing. The good thing, Dillon said, is that old craftmanship holds up well.

So in that regard, it stays heated well because of the thick logs.

While the official size of the cabin might be up to 1,200 square

and sales. We have a lot of accessory buildings as well just to be in support. Incubator barns, equipment sheds, greenhouses, raw material storage, animal staging. These are all necessary for the support of the facility.”

The board also held its first round of public hearings for the restructuring of the county’s fire tax districts to remove the 15 cent fire tax cap, starting with the Climax, Franklinville, Guil-Rand and Westside.

“This is not a tax increase,” said Chairman Darrell Frye on the restructuring. “This is not a budget increase hearing tonight. Fire departments have no taxing authority. This board was elected by the citizens of this county to represent them. Any changes in the fire tax can only be made by the board of county commissioners.”

“We have rates over a wide range, but our caps are at 15 cents.

Any fire department in the county can go over that limit right now.

The problem is that when the citizens would get their tax bills, it would have the 15 cent fire tax and if their fire tax was set at 15 or 16, there would be a second line for that additional tax and that could be confusing. That they had two fire taxes on their tax bill when re-

Cooperative Extension will have offices, there’ll be gardens, labs, and a demonstration kitchen,” said HH Architecture CEO, Kristen Hess. “Soil and Water will have their offices with meeting and classroom space. There’s a proposed maker space and then a commercial kitchen for businesses actually wanting to start with a kitchen certified by the county. There’s a big exhibit hall component with concessions and an open-air arena for livestock shows See COMMISSIONERS, page 6

feet, it’s about 800 square feet of what Dillon calls practical space, with a low ceiling. There are three bedrooms and a bath, though the Dillons really consider it a two-bedroom place.

The renovation quickly became a passion for the Dillons in any of their spare time. He’s a music technology instructor for Guilford Tech Community College based at the High Point campus and she’s a Spanish teacher at Weaver Academy in Greensboro.

“It feels like the fastest remodel in the history of remodels,” Mr. Dillon said. “There’s nothing about that cabin that should have worked that quickly.”

Dillon is touched by the history of the cabin. He said it was built in 1850 and moved it to its present location in 1936 during the Great Depression.

His research showed that it had been used a rental property for much of the past 30 years, perhaps going back as far as a half-century. It clearly had fallen into disrepair, so among the first order of business was doing something about the broken windows.

Dillon described smoke damage from a fire years ago. Otherwise, the interior needed mostly structural work.

“For an 1850s cabin, it’s not in bad shape,” he said. “It’s kind of shocking that cabin has held up as well as it has.”

The Dillons will live in the cabin as their Randleman home is remodeled.

5

20177 52016 $1.00

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Randolph Record for Wednesday, July 21, 2021

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Randolph Record for Wednesday, May 4, 2022 Randolph Record for Wednesday, July 7, 2021

WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY

7.21.21 7.7.21 5.4.22 #3

WEEKLY FORECAST

Voters show up for early voting in county

WEEKLY FORECAST

#1

“Join the “Join the “Join the conversation” conversation”

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

Editor

Publisher Publisher Xxx

Randolph Record staff

The next most popular ear- Early voting began April 28 and ly voting site has been Braxton it ends at 3 p.m. May 14.

FRIDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY SUNDAY Until May 14, the only weekgym in Trinity, SATURDAY ASHEBORO — Turnout has Craven School FRIDAY SATURDAY MONDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY SUNDAY JULY 23 end date for early voting was5 where 142 votes were cast the varied at Randolph County’s JULY 24 JULY 21 JULY 22 JULY 25 JULY 2 JULY 3 JULY JUNE 30 JULY 1 JULY 4 four locations for early voting first day followed by 136 and 58. this past Sunday.

HI78° 86° 84°is set The United the HI 88° few HI for HI for 86° HIFranklinville HI89° Meth81°HI HI May 17.

88° HI during 91° first HI days 91°the 88° HI primary that69° date,62° voters cast odist Church 73, LO 66° drew LO 62°LO On LO LO 65° LOprimary.

70° 67° LO LO 68°123 and LO LO 70° 67° LO must 69° ballots at their 64 voters PRECIP for 260 total.

The busiest location has15% been 5% PRECIP 57% PRECIP 43% PRECIPpre17% PRECIP PRECIP 24%designated 20% PRECIP 24% PRECIP15% 13% PRECIPPRECIP PRECIP 32% Randleman Civic Center had cincts. at the Randolph County Board The Randolph County Board of Elections on North Fayette- the lowest total turnover for the ville Street in Asheboro. That first three days with totals of of Elections cancelled a meeting scheduled for last week. Anothsite had the largest number of 110, 56 and 33 for 199 total.

County residents can vote at er meeting was on this week’s votes in each of the first three RANDOLPH COMMUNITY COLLEGE any of the early voting locations. calendar. days (324, 308, 130).

Cory Lavalette Editor Editor

Matt Mercer Matt Mercer Senior Opinion Editor Frank Hill Sports Editor Sports Editor

Design Editor Cory Lavalette Cory Lavalette Lauren Rose

Senior Opinion Opinion Editor Editor Senior

Published Frank Hill each Wednesday by Frank Hill North State Media LLC

Design Editor 1550 N.C. Hwy 24/27 W, Design Editor

Lauren Rose Albemarle, Lauren RoseN.C. 28001 Published each Wednesday Published each Wednesday by(704) North State Media, LLC 269-8461

by North State Media, LLC 1201 Edwards Mill Rd. INFO@STANLYJOURNAL.COM 3101 Industrial Dr., Suite 105 Suite 300 STANLYJOURNAL.COM Raleigh, 27609 Raleigh,N.C. NC 27607 TO SUBSCRIBE: 704-269-8461 orSUBSCRIBE: online at nsjonline.com TO SUBSCRIBE: 704-269-8461 TO 704-269-8461 oronline online at at nsjonline.com nsjonline.com or Annual Subscription Price: $50.00

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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 MAY 4

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

HI 86

♦ Mildred Mae Cozart Poole, LOW 58 age 85, of Asheboro, died July PRECIP 42% See OBITS, page 7 9, 2021.

THURSDAY MAY 5 See OBITS, page 7

HI 80 LOW 62 PRECIP 5%

Guide MONDAY

TUESDAY

TUESDAY

JULY JULY 26 6

HI 87° May 7 69° LO 89° 67°

HI LO

PRECIP 24% NC Zoo Plant PRECIP 24%Sale

JULY 27

HI LO PRECIP

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Located in the Africa parking lot, the zoo will showcase plants cultivated staff horticulture experts. Plant varieties vary. More information and pre-sales at https:// of High Point, died April 24, 2022 at nczoospringplantsale.ggo.

Westchester Manor. enrollment of 915. sion, there’s bid/bidding

RCC pushes more MEETfor THE STAFFstudents as numbers lag

DEATH NOTICES

PJ Ward-Brown before those classes start.

Randolph Record said there’s an efMattfortWilliams to bolster enrollment. He cited the RCC Commitment Grant, ASHEBORO — Enrollment Lauren at Randolph Community Col- a program designed as a funding lege isn’t likely to bounce back to mechanism to fill the gap that’s Frank pre-pandemic levels right away not covered by federal or state aid Coryto students. despite a school official pointing “There has never been a betout unprecedented financial inter to attend RCC centives for potential students.

Who isopportunity “Editor?”

Chad Williams, vice president and not have to worry about how

♦ Joyce Lefler Tucker, age 72 of By Bob Sutton Randleman, died April 30, 2022.

♦ Annie Mae Kern, age 93 of Asheboro, died April 29, 2022 at Cross Roads Retirement Community.

Neal NealRobbins Robbins Sports Editor

Randolph

♦ Vennie Darlene Barnes, age 97 of Biscoe, died April 28, 2022 at Autumn Care Nursing & Rehabilitation.

♦ Ruby Jean Luther, age 91 of Asheboro, died April 27, 2022 at Alpine Health and Rehabilitation.

♦ Mary Lou Crowe Budd, age 83 of Siler City, died April 26, 2022 at Central Carolina Hospital. ♦ William “Bill” Wilborn, age 93 of Siler City, died April 25, 2022 at his home.

That’s off slightly from the usual to 1,000,

♦ Mary Elizabeth Kizer Dix, age 96 of number that ranges up Asheboro, died April 23, 2022 at Williams said.

Mount Vista Health Park.

“There has never been a better opportunity to attend Cousins Maine Traditional enrollment numRCCTruck and not have to worry ♦ Theresa “Louise” Miller, age 81 it’s the Lobster bers haveLillard flattened, but of Randleman, 2022 in students number died of April high23,school about how to pay for it.” her home. noon to 8pm

in programs designed for dual enrollment that has dropped, ♦ Brandon Isaac Preciado, 15 months ♦ Betty Charles Cochran, Christian, Cousins Lobster is a RCC Maine president Dr. Robert “We’re just not ♦ James “Jimmy” Lowell Tucker, age 82 old of Siler City, died April 24, 2022. age 92 of Troy, died April 23,seeing 2022 at the level “Shark Tank” success story of engagement that we had seen,” Shackleford Jr. of Asheboro, died April 28, 2022, at her residence.

“Jan” 87 to pay forMabe it,” White, RCC age president Dr. Williams said. from 2012. The food truck for hisstudent home. services at RCC, said a♦ Janette RCC held a one-week break decline in high school students in Robert Shackleford Jr. said. “We sensation now has 30 food dual enrollment has been the big- meet students exactly where they earlier this month amid the sumtrucks and nine restaurants are and help them go as far as they mer semester, which began May gest reason for a dip. across the U.S. They serve 24 and concludes July 26. Late “Overall, we’re still seeing a de- can possibly go.”

WEEKLY CRIME LOG Maine lobster rolls and Beginning with the fall semes- registration for the fall semester cline in enrollment comparing to ♦previous Allum, Michelle Maryann Rd. full-time students County Courthouse. tacos, tails, soups and runs through Aug. 10, with classter, Church qualifying years prior (F, to26), the pan- Gilead Arrested on charge of Simple demic,” Williams said. “I don’t will be eligible for up to $1,000 es beginning Aug. 16. quesadillas. The food truck ♦ Shipwash, Brian Lewis (M, 43), ♦ Spivey, Christopher Nathaniel (M, Assault, 4/27/22, 7177 Still dealing with adjustments per semester. know if on we’ll get toatnumbers we’ve Arrested will be in Asheboro at 216 S. on charge of PWIMSD 55), Arrested on charge of Assault Powerline Rd Lot 5. made because ofatthe coronavirus ThatVI CS, makes attending seen in previous fall semesters. … Schedule Possess Marijuana RCC on a Female, on 4/25/22, Fayetteville St. in downtown pandemic, not all 2021 fall semesthe most enticing from a finanreaching out29), to every stu- Paraphernalia, ♦We’re Key, Caleb, Jordan (M, on 4/26/22, at RCJ. Randolph County Courthouse.

Asheboro on Saturday. dent we can in every way we can.” cial standpoint in the 16 years ter classes will be in person. Some Arrested on charge of Uttering ♦ Eoute, Tyler Alan (M, 26), Arrested ♦ Stevenson, William Samuel (M, will use a hybrid model with a Williams has been at the school, A fall semester at the two-year Forged Endorsement, Forgery of charge Second Degree worked in 33), Arrested charge of Larceny sessions Endorsement, on 4/26/22, at 5033 mixtureonof face-to-faces said.of He previously school in Asheboro would often onhe on 4/25/22, at RCJ. of Motor on sessions.

4/25/22, atMany classLeigh2,600 Lane Rd.to 3,000 students en- Trespass, andVehicle, virtual RCC’s financial aid office. have Randolph County Courthouse.

“There’s never a better time to es provide students with options rolled. At the beginning of this♦ Fee, Michael Jamal (M, 18), Arrested ♦ Morgan, Tracey Ellen (F, 50), on how to attend and participate, go back to college,” he said. week, that number stood at about on chage of Assault Inflict Serious ♦ Abukhalaf, Jordan Ali (M, 26), Arrested on charge of Misdemeanor Asheboro Cars & Coffee Williams said.

For the current summer ses1,900 with about a month to go Injury, on 4/25/22, at RCJ. Arrested on charge of ten counts Larceny, Possession of Stolen

May 14

WEEKLY LOG GOods, DWLR,CRIME Fict/Cncl/Rev Reg

♦ Hill, Thomas Brandon (M, 31), Card/Tag, Rear Lamps VIolation, Arrested on charge of two counts on 4/26/22, at Randolph ♦ Williams, Denishia LorrenCounty Breaking and or Entering, two Courthouse.

(B /F/30) Arrest on chrg of counts Larceny after Break/ WEEKLY CRIME LOG 1) Pwimsd Marijuana (F), 2) Enter, two counts Possession of ♦ Maintain Pylant, Brandie Lee (F, 40), Arrested Veh/dwell/place Cs Stolen Goods, two counts Habitual on charge of Second Degree (f) (F), 3) Possess X on 4/25/22, at of Randolph on 4/26/22, at 4140 Mt Arrest on charge Resisting ♦Trespass, Boggs, Matthew Harrison (M, 39), Larceny,

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.

Sexual Exploit Minor 2nd Degree, on 4/22/22, at 228 W Balfour Ave.

8am

Antiques, hot rods, exotic cars and more will be on display at the Asheboro Mall. ♦ Whitehead, George Alan (M, 52), 176 E. Salisbury St, Asheboro, on

♦ Anselmo, Manuel Avellaneda- (M, 33), Arrested on charge of Trafficing in Cocaine, on 4/22/22, at 9714 US HWY 220 N Randelman.

Public Officer, 321 Kings Ridge Rd, Randleman, on 07/14/2021.

07/13/2021. ♦ Millikan, Bobby Wayne (M, 33), Arrest on charge of Assault on a Female, at 8300 Curtis Power Rd, Bennett, NC, on 07/14/2021.

Arrest on charge of Misdemeanor Possession of Schedule IV CS, Possession of Stolen motor vehicle, imporoper use of a dealer tag, failure to deliver title, failure to appear on felony, at I-85 Exit 111, on 07/13/2021.

Vote Chris Vote forfor Chris ParrishParrish

♦ Hazelwood, Elizabeth (F, 44), Arrest on chage of Misdemeanor Larceny, at Hoover Hill Rd/Slick Rodk Mtn, on 07/14/2021.

♦ Passmore, Casey Lynn, Arrest on charge of possession of marijuana ♦ Cheek, Helenia Spinks (F, 64), ♦ Lynch, Detrick Lamont (M, 40), up to 1/2 oz., at Randolph Arrest on charge of Misdemeanor Arrest on charge of Assault by Courthouse, on 7/13/2021.

Possession of Schedule VI CS, ♦ Pugh, Robert Daniel (M, 39), pointing a gun, Discharging a Possessiong of Stolen Motor Arrest on charge of Simple firearm to cause fear, Reckless ♦ Roark, Justin Steven (M, 30), Vehicle, at I-85 Exit 111, on Assault (M), at 139 Drum St, driving to endanger, Seagrove, on Arrest on charge of Possession 07/13/2021.

Asheboro, on 07/14/2021.

07/12/2021.

Endorsed by Lt. Governor Mark Robinson of Meth, Possession with intent to manufacture, sell or distribute ♦ McQueen, James Allen Jr (M, 35), ♦ Richardson, Erwin Quint Jr (M, ♦ Helms, Chad Lee (M, 37), Arrest LIFE LONG CONSERVATIVE REPUBLICAN ENDORSED BY LT. GOVERNOR MARK ROBINSON 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 on 7/13/2021. at Veteran prosecutor, 22Rd, years with over 120 superior court trials to date Follow Chris on Facebook at: to appear on misdemeanor, 07/12/2021. ♦ Seibert, Sarah Elizabeth (F, 32), Parrish www.facebook.com/Chris Professor of civil and criminal law (over 18 years) and 3 time published author for Superior Court Judge

Randolph County Superior CourtCourt Judge Randolph County Superior Judge

May 17, 2022 Primary Election

LIFE LONG CONSERVATIVE REPUBLICAN EXPERIENCE MATTERS MAY 17, 2022 PRIMARY ELECTION EXPERIENCE MATTERS

TO LEARN MORE:

Or visit Chris’s website at:

Animal cruelty prosecutor – Prosecuted the case that became the basis of Susie’s Law

www.parrishforjudge.nationbuilder.com Veteran prosecutor, 22 years with over 120 superior court trials to date

United States Coast Guard Auxiliary - Past Commander, PA II Specialist, Instructor

WWE leaves virtual reality behind in 1st tour since 2020  Professor ofEmail civil and criminal law (over 18 years) and 3 �me published author parrishforjudge@gmail.com

FRIDAY MAY 6

By Dan Gelston The Associated Press

HI 79 LOW 62 PHILADELPHIA — Triple H walked with his arms crossed PRECIP 79% like

an X — his signature Degeneration X symbol — with his 7-foot tag-team partner, Joel Embiid, to 7 month ringSATURDAY a ceremonial MAY bell last before a Philadelphia 76ers playoff game.

His theme music blared HI 75 through the arena, and near51 from the ly 19,000 fansLOW hanging 40% rafters roaredPRECIP when the wrestler hoisted his bad-guy weapon-ofchoice sledgehammer and struck the bell.

SUNDAY MAY 8 Sure, the setting wasn’t WrestleMania — though Triple H lost a match in the same building when HI 66 the event was held there in 1999 — but for the superstar-turned-exLOW 46 ecutive, the frenzied atmosphere PRECIP 24% was a reminder of what WWE lost during the 16 months it ran without live events and raucous MONDAY MAY 9 crowds.

“It was a fun opportunity to get back into an arena packed full of fans and have them HI 70go nuts,” said Triple H, known these days as LOW 49Levesque.

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 MAY 10 is Awe-some!” singsongs once the pandemic relegated the company to running empty arena matchHI with 75 a piped-in es every week soundtrack and virtual LOW 55 fans.

No more. PRECIP 4% 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

Over 20 years experience in the Superior Court Division

 Animal cruelty prosecutor - Prosecuted the case that became the basis of Susie’s Law

Lives in Asheboro with wife Melanie and his two step sons

 United States Coast Guard Auxiliary - Past Commander, PA II Specialist, Instructor

ple cheering over him, or booing

 Over 20 years experience in the CourtTODivision over him or going into different PAID FOR BY THESuperior COMMITTEE ELECT CHRIS PARRISH SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE  Lives in Asheboro with wife Melanie and his two step sons To learn more: Follow Chris on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/Chris Parrish for Superior Court Judge

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PHOTO BY WILLY SANJUAN/INVISION/AP

In this Jan. 9, 2018, file photo, Paul “Triple H” Levesque participates in the “WWE Monday Night Raw: 25th Anniversary” panel during the NBCUniversal Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour in Pasadena, Calif. pay-per-view Sunday in Texas and Dallas on Monday for the flagship “Raw” TV show on USA. WWE spruced up sets, brought back old stars and hit the reset button on TV programming humbled with record-low ratings and a strong need for new stars.

“I do think if we were doing this in front of the live crowd, it would have been a situation that would have made me an even better per-

former,” Reigns said. “As a live performer, that simultaneous response keeps you sharp. We had to adjust and adapt to the times that were in front of us.”

With Hulk Hogan in the house, WWE held their only WrestleMania with fans this past April 10 and 11 at Raymond James Stadium. WWE last ran a weeknight televised event with a paid crowd on March 9, 2020, in Washington.

WWE then moved to its in-house performance center in Florida on March 13, before setting up what it dubbed The ThunderDome -where fans registered for spots on LED digital videoboards — for stretches in Florida at the Amway Center, Tropicana Field and the Yuengling Center.

“People like Roman have been able to emotionally bring a performance that, maybe with peo-

directions over him,” have benefited, Levesque said. “But that’s the beauty of what we do, to go be entertained, however you want to be entertained. As a performer, sometimes that’s difficult.”

WWE’s July 5 “RAW” on USA Network hit 1.472 million viewers, the lowest in the 28-plus year history of the show.

Levesque, WWE EVP of global talent strategy and development, said the company would “take a hard look” at how it can attract more fans to the product each week. WWE can only hope the combination of live crowds and the return of box office attractions such as Becky Lynch, Goldberg, and Cena can ignite interest and grow ratings during the build to the marquee Aug. 21 SummerSlam at the home of the Las Vegas Raiders.

“It never is one thing,” Levesque said. “We see this as a moment in time to shift everything. I think you’ll see it in just the layout of everything, the set designs, the way it’s presented. There’s a greater emphasis on utilizing the spaces that we have and the TV aspect of it while still engaging the fans.

A lot of that comes from the time we had to experiment inside the ThunderDome.”

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, May 4, 2022

OPINION

3

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

COLUMN | U.S. REP. RICHARD HUDSON

Defending freedoms and our border

For too long, big tech platforms have silenced free speech, even that of the President of the United States.

“THE CONSTITUTIONAL FREEDOM of religion is the most inalienable and sacred of all human rights.”

This quote by President Thomas Jefferson underscores the importance of freedom of religion to the soul of our nation. The right to practice one’s religion free of government interference is the most fundamental tenant of our democracy. However, this most basic right has been attacked repeatedly over the course of our history, and still today.

Last week, the Supreme Court began hearing arguments in the case of Joe Kennedy. An eighteen-year Marine veteran, Kennedy was an assistant football coach at Bremerton High School in Washington.

After each game, Kennedy would kneel, and offer a brief, quiet, personal prayer. While he did not actively encourage students to join him, many voluntarily decided to participate over time. Eventually, the school district ordered Coach Kennedy to stop praying with students.

He then requested an exemption to continue his personal prayer but was denied. Instead, the school district imposed a ban prohibiting Kennedy and any employee from engaging in religious activity either silently or audibly. Coach Kennedy refused to back down, and after kneeling on the 50-yard line for a 15-second prayer, he was placed on administrative leave and barred from coaching.

Seven years since being fired, Coach Kennedy’s case has finally reached the Supreme Court where hopefully he will receive the justice he deserves. I have been a supporter of Kennedy’s fight for many years and have signed two amicus briefs in support of his case. Additionally, I had the privilege of meeting with him personally on the first day of arguments last Monday. I admire people like Coach Kennedy who boldly live out their faith and are not afraid to take a stand. I will continue to stand by Coach Kennedy and work to protect your right to express your faith.

People like Coach Kennedy make me optimistic for our future and inspire me to keep fighting for our values. And like freedom of religion, freedom of speech is another essential right that has fallen under attack.

For too long, big tech platforms have silenced free speech, even that of the President of the United States. I was personally censored for the second time this year when I attempted to share an article from Fox News detailing a Department of Justice filing by John Durham

on President Trump’s election. Many pushed disinformation about Trump’s ties to Russia to divide our nation, waste millions of tax dollars, and attack the sitting President of the United States. Big tech was only too happy to promote these lies. Yet social media censored me for trying to share this story.

The internet is the town square of the 21st century and Congress must work to ensure that its rules are consistent and allow for the peaceful freedom of expression – be it a progressive or conservative point of view. I will continue to fight to preserve your right to free speech and to make sure those who infringe upon this right are held accountable.

This fight for accountability does not stop with our first amendment – rather, it extends to all situations that undermine the freedom and safety of the American people. Last week, Biden’s Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas was on Capitol Hill to discuss the ongoing crisis at our border. Under his watch, we have lost operational control of our southern border, with over 221,000 migrant encounters being recorded in March alone – the highest on record. If the Biden administration’s plans are carried out, the repeal of Title 42 border protections will only make this crisis worse.

The Secretary told Congress the Biden administration has “effectively managed” the border. I completely disagree. That’s why last week, I demanded Sectary Mayorkas enact real changes to secure our border including finishing the border wall, increasing funding to border patrol, and maintaining Title 42 protections. I will not back down because the impacts of the border crisis - and the record amount of deadly fentanyl coming into the country - affect every community in America.

Our government exists to serve the American people and to protect your God-given rights. Whether it’s defending your freedoms or securing our borders, rest assured I will continue to fight every day to make sure it does just that.

Richard Hudson is serving his fifth term representing North Carolina’s 8th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He currently serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee and in House leadership as the Republican Conference Secretary.

COLUMN | DAVID HARSANYI

Biden’s Ministry of Truth You can vividly imagine the thermonuclear meltdown the country would be (rightly) subjected to if a Republican president assembled a government panel tasked with weeding out “disinformation.”

A FEDERAL SPEECH CZAR? Just as the Founders imagined it, no doubt.

Earlier this week, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas told Congress that his agency is creating a “Disinformation Governance Board” to combat “misinformation” coming from Russia as we near this year’s midterm elections. The Biden administration’s new Committee on Public Information will be led by Nina Jankowicz, “a disinformation fellow” who, perfectly enough, comes to the administration from a think tank named after Woodrow Wilson.

Like Wilson, Mayorkas, himself a font of untruths, does not explain under what constitutional power he proposes to oversee speech.

It gets tedious to point this out, but you can vividly imagine the thermonuclear meltdown the country would be (rightly) subjected to if a Republican president assembled a government panel tasked with weeding out “disinformation.” To our technocrats’ dismay, this isn’t Europe, where the state can dictate allowable speech and sometimes arrests those who don’t abide. Here, citizens are the ones who call out the state for peddling misinformation, not the other way around.

The pro-censorship Left, which is to say the vast majority of contemporary Democrats, now have Barack Obama on board as well.

The one-time neoliberal champion of free speech — a freedom he employed aggressively to mislead the American people when it served his partisan interests — alleged during a recent Stanford University speech that “people are dying” from misinformation. And, you know, if censorship can save one life ...

Indeed, these arbiters of truth not only happen to be some of the same people who ran around repeating ludicrous conspiracies about foreign interference for five years; they’re also the same people who used the menace of “Russian disinformation” to lie and suppress news that undermined their electoral prospects, as they did with the Hunter Biden laptop story. (That crew, you’ll be surprised to learn, includes Czarina Jankowicz.)

Setting aside such a cynical use of “disinformation,” are we really supposed to believe that an administration that tells us with a straight face that a $3.5 trillion spending bill “costs zero dollars” or that showing

an ID is tantamount to Jim Crow 2.0 or that your sex relies entirely on your perception is going to sort out the accuracy of rhetoric? Jankowicz was hired by a man who for the past 50 years has been one of our most entertaining fabulists.

Most tech companies do not offer unencumbered free-association rights. They spend tens of millions each year in Washington rentseeking and lobbying for favorable regulations and are highly susceptible to state intimidation and threats. Recall that press secretary Jen Psaki informed the media not long ago that the White House was “flagging problematic posts for Facebook that spread disinformation.”

Or that White House Communications Director Kate Bedingfield was arguing that social media companies “should be held accountable” for the ideas of those who use their platforms. Or U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy saying “we” must “root out” misleading speech. What government claims is a conspiracy theory can be a plausible possibility, as we learned when Facebook, at the behest of government officials, banned stories on the Chinese origins of COVID. While the state putting an imprimatur on “truth” is dangerous to freedom, it is also laughable in practice. As a person passing judgment on truth, Jankowicz has shown to be completely inadequate for the job.

From treating the Steele dossier (Russian misinformation, as it turns out) as fact (not to mention getting the basics about the story wrong) to repeatedly using her position as disinformation “expert” to dismiss the Hunter Biden story as a “Kremlin” concoction, she is no better, it seems, than the average leftist partisan on CNN. Of course, getting to the truth is not the point of all this. It is by any liberal ideal of open discourse preferable to allow lies to seep into the information stream than to allow a panel nomenklatura to start dictating the veracity of what we read and hear. First, and foremost, because it’s authoritarian. Second, because those who take the job can’t be trusted.

David Harsanyi is a senior writer at National Review and author of “Eurotrash: Why America Must Reject the Failed Ideas of a Dying Continent.”

Randolph Record for Wednesday, May 4, 2022

4

SPORTS SIDELINE REPORT DRAG RACING

72-year-old Force breaks at zMAX Dragway Concord John Force won the Circle K NHRA Four-Wide Nationals on Sunday at zMAX Dragway for his 155th Funny Car victory.

The 72-year-old Force beat Robert Hight, Ron Capps and Mike McIntire Jr. in the final with a 3.914-second run at 328.66 mph in a Chevrolet Camaro SS. Force qualified No. 1 with a track-record run and set the track speed record at 335.07 mph in the first round of eliminations. Mike Salinas won in Top Fuel and Steve Johnson in Pro Stock Motorcycle. Salinas ran a 3.708 at 330.47 in the final.

Johnson won his final with a 6.740 at 200.65 on a Suzuki.

NBA

76ers’ Embiid misses Game 1 with orbital fracture Miami Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid has a right orbital fracture and a mild concussion and is out for the foreseeable future. Embiid was injured late in Philadelphia’s victory at Toronto last Thursday, when the 76ers were closing out the Raptors and finishing off a six-game win in an Eastern Conference first round series. Fourthseeded Philadelphia lost Game 1 of East semifinals at top-seeded Miami 106-92 without Embiid on Monday night.

HORSE RACING

Kentucky Derby leads off Triple Crown without Baffert Churchill Downs, Ky. The Kentucky Derby leads off the first Triple Crown season in decades without the chance of Bob Baffert officially winning one or more of the three races.

Two horses handled by the suspended trainer are among the top contenders.

Former assistant Tim Yakteen would get the credit if Taiba or Messier wins after taking over training duties. Taiba could become the first horse since 1883 to win the Derby with two or fewer previous starts.

And Taiba’s jockey, Mike Smith, is looking to become the oldest jockey to win the Derby.

JASON MINTO | AP PHOTO

Chase Elliott, center, celebrates in Victory Lane after winning Monday's NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover.

Elliott ends drought, wins at Dover The 2020 champion snapped a 26-race winless streak The Associated Press DOVER, Del. — Chase Elliott snapped a 26-race winless streak when the 2020 NASCAR champion pulled away down the stretch to win the NASCAR Cup Series race on Monday at Dover Motor Speedway.

Elliott, who led the final 53 laps, won his 14th career Cup race and gave Hendrick Motorsports another victory on the mile concrete track. Elliott followed teammate Alex Bowman’s checkered flag a year ago, and a Hendrick driver won for the 22nd time at Dover.

Hendrick swept the top four spots last season, but Monday’s race — with a finish delayed a day because of rain — had four different teams in the top four spots.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. was second

and had his first top-five finish of the season for JTG Daugherty Racing. Ross Chastain, last week’s winner at Talladega, was third for Trackhouse Racing and Joe Gibbs Racing driver Christopher Bell finished fourth.

Elliott, who leads the points standings, hopped on the window ledge of his No. 9 Chevrolet and pointed toward a solid crowd at Dover for a weekday race.

“We just had some good circumstances, finally,” Elliott said.

“We’ve had some tough races over the last four, five months. This one means a lot in so many different ways. Hope to see this big crowd here next year.”

Martin Truex Jr. spun himself out on the last lap while racing for a top-five finish when he appeared to get boxed out by Chastain.

Chastain and Truex argued on pit road after the race.

“We were talking about where we were going to go fishing next

WNBA

Innocence claims denied in death of Chris Paul’s grandfather

WNBA to honor Griner with decal on teams’ floor

Nathaniel Jones died in November 2002

New York The WNBA will honor Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner with a floor decal, The Associated Press reported. The decal will feature Griner’s initials “BG” as well as her No. 42. All 12 teams will have the decal on their home courts starting with the season opener Friday night. Griner is still being detained in Russia after being detained at a Moscow airport on Feb. 17 when a search of her luggage revealed vape cartridges that allegedly contained oil derived from cannabis. She faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and has a hearing set for May 19.

The Associated Press WINSTON-SALEM — Judges denied the innocence claims Thursday of four men who were convicted of killing the grandfather of NBA star Chris Paul when they were teens, even though a key witness has recanted her testimony.

In 2020, the North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission found sufficient evidence of factual innocence to send their cases to a panel of three Superior Court judges.

But on Thursday, after an eightday hearing in a Forsyth County courtroom, a three-judge panel rejected the claims of defendants Rayshawn Banner, Christopher Bryant, Nathaniel Cauthen and Jermal Tolliver, the Winston-Salem Journal reported.

Nathaniel Jones, 61, died from a heart attack outside his Winston-Salem home after being tied up, beaten and robbed in November 2002. Paul, his grandson, was a standout high school basketball

player at the time and now plays for the Phoenix Suns.

Cauthen and his brother, Banner, who were 15 and 14 years old at the time of Jones’ death, were convicted of first-degree murder and are serving life sentences. Bryant, Tolliver and Dorrell Brayboy — all 15 at the time — were convicted of second-degree murder and were released after serving prison time.

Brayboy was fatally stabbed outside a Winston-Salem supermarket in 2019.

The men were charged after hours of interrogation by Winston-Salem police detectives, the Winston-Salem Journal reported.

They told commission staff, commission members and the judges that they were innocent and that every time they told detectives they didn’t have anything to do with Jones’ death, they were accused of lying, according to the newspaper.

In some instances, they said police detectives threatened them with the death penalty. Bryant said a detective pointed to a place on his arm and said that would be where a needle for lethal injection would go. Bryant said that minutes later, he started implicating himself.

“We just had some good circumstances, finally.”

Chase Elliott week,” Chastain cracked. “I’m racing with champions and I got beat.”

The race was red-flagged Sunday with Hendrick teammates Kyle Larson and Elliott sitting first and second. Elliott controlled the race late and Hendrick now has had all four drivers win a race this season. Elliott was building toward the win after three straight top-10 finishes at Martinsville, Bristol dirt and Talladega.

“Those guys, they’ve been deserving of one for a while,” Elliott said. “Glad we could get across the line first. We’ll enjoy it for a few days and go to work next week.”

Dover wrapped its only NASCAR weekend of the season. The track traditionally held two NASCAR weekends but moved one race date last season to Nashville Superspeedway. Dover hosted one race weekend in 1969 and 1970 and then held two races every season from 1971 to 2020.

Speedway Motorsports bought the track (Dover Motorsports) late last year. Speedway Motorsports President Marcus Smith worked the Dover gates and greeted fans Monday with the track shortstaffed because of the postponement.

“I think it’s a great event and I hope we continue to race there for a long time. It’s definitely a cool place,” Bowman said.

The Cup Series races next Sunday at Darlington Raceway. Truex is the defending race winner. Toyota is set to celebrate its 1,500th NASCAR race during Darlington’s annual Throwback Weekend.

MATT YORK | AP PHOTO

Four of the five men who, as teenagers, were convicted of murder in the Winston-Salem death of the grandfather of Suns guard Chris Paul were denied innonence claims last Thursday in Forsyth County.

No definitive physical evidence ever tied the men to the crime scene, including fingerprints lifted from Jones’ vehicle. The commission also performed post-conviction DNA testing on items from the crime scene, but there was no match to the men.

Chris Paul has made no public statement about the hearing. Robin Paul, his mother, and his aunt, Rhonda Hairston, both took the stand Wednesday and said they believe the men convicted of Jones’ murder are guilty.

Jessicah Black, who was a teenager when she met the boys two months before Jones’ death, testified that she hung out with them

and drove them around, often smoking marijuana. Black told police and testified in two trials that she heard some of the boys talk about robbing Jones and that she was sitting at a picnic table in Belview Park about 100 yards from Jones’ house and could hear Jones scream during the attack.

Black, now 36, has since recanted all of her previous testimony and said in court last week that it was all a lie. She said police detectives coerced her into making a false statement and told her that if she didn’t say what they wanted to hear, she would go to prison for life for murder. She was never criminally charged.

Randolph Record for Wednesday, May 4, 2022

BEST OVERALL ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

PREP NOTES

Wheatmore golfers claim PAC crown Randolph Record staff WHEATMORE was the overwhelming winner in the Piedmont Athletic Conference Tournament for boys’ golf last week at Colonial Country Club in Thomasville.

The Warriors posted a score of 324 for a 43-shot advantage on runner-up Providence Grove.

Randleman (375) was third, followed by Trinity (376), Uwharrie Charter Academy (417) and Southwestern Randolph (453).

Eastern Randolph didn’t have enough entrants for a team score, but that didn’t stop the school from making an impact.

The individual champion was Connor Carter of Eastern Randolph with a 3-under-par 68.

Wheatmore teammates Ryan

Marshall (73) and Ryan Baynard (76) held the next two spots before fourth-place Jayden Moffitt (80) of Eastern Randolph.

Asheboro takes fourth In the Mid-Piedmont Conference, Asheboro shot 362 in the championship tournament for fourth place at Winding Creek Golf Course in Thomasville.

The Blue Comets were led by David Elliott’s 79 for fifth place and Luke Payne’s 80 for a share of sixth place.

Track and field Providence Grove’s girls and Trinity’s boys were PAC titlists in the championship meet last week at Wheatmore.

5

On the girls’ side, Providence Grove had 175 points for a comfortable margin on second-place Randleman, which had 120.

Among multiple champions in the girls’ meet was Eastern Randolph’s Brecken Snotherly, who captured the 400-, 1,500- and 3,200-meter runs.

For the boys, Trinity compiled 147 points to easily win ahead of runner-up Providence Grove, which had 116. Randleman was third with 113.

For the boys, the highlights included Trinity’s Dylan Hodges as the winner of the 200, 400 and high jump and Wheatmore’s Zach Hazelwood as the first-place runner in the 1,600 and 3,200.

Arianna LovingoodSmith Arianna LovingoodSmith was all smiles after the indoor state meet in February.

Baseball, softball PAC Tournaments in both sports are taking place this week.

Finals are slated for 7 p.m. Thursday at the home fields of the regular-season champions.

That means the baseball title game will be played at Randleman. The softball final will be contested at Providence Grove.

COURTESY PHOTO

Asheboro, track and field.

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Asheboro’s David Elliott putts on the fourth green during a match at Asheboro Municipal Golf Course in March.

PREP SPORTS SHOTS: ON THE BALL FIELD

Lovingood-Smith won three individual events as the Blue Comets were overwhelming winners in the Mid-Piedmont Conference championship last week at Oak Grove.

Lovingood-Smith, a senior, won the high jump with an effort of 4 feet, 8 inches, claimed the long jump at 15-7 and captured the triple jump at 36-6.

This was all part of Asheboro’s title effort. The Blue Comets rang up 157 points compared to runner-up Central Davidson’s 93.

Asheboro also had an individual winner in the shot put with Morgan Williams’ toss of 29-4½.

RACING

Beard secures victory at Caraway Randolph Record staff SOPHIA – Coy Beard led for a large portion of the Late Models race on his way to victory Saturday night at Caraway Speedway.

Dean Fogleman was the runner-up, with Daniel Schadt in third place.

In the 30-lap Challengers race, the winner was Brian Rose in a wire-to-wire effort. Alan Vance placed second and Fletcher Whatley was third among nine entrants.

In the Mini Stocks, Jimmy Crigger was the winner for the second time this year. He topped the field in the 20-lap race, edging Alex Whatley.

A.J. Briscoe was sixth, a no-

table finish given it was his first appearance in the division this season. He was the track’s Mini Stocks runner-up in 2021.

In UCARs, Daniel Hughes emerged in the front of the 15lap race. He pulled ahead of second-place Troy Ring and thirdplace Justin Smith.

In a Legends race, Justice Calabro claimed a victory in a 25lap event.

The Bandolero feature went to Bryson Brinkley, who was followed by Phoenyx Kimball.

There’s no regular racing this weekend at Caraway Speedway.

The next event is set for May 14 with the David “Lightning” Saunders Memorial the main event.

COLLEGE NOTES

Maness tabbed for All-SAC team

PHOTOS BY PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Clockwise, Randleman’s Trey Way slides home for a run in the bottom of the second inning against Southeast Guilford during a baseball game last week at Randleman. Southwestern Randolph’s Landon Williamson delivers the pitch during a baseball game at Uwharrie Charter Academy.

Uwharrie Charter Academy’s Kenzie Hill slides under the tag of Randleman’s Savannah Roman during the quarterfinals of this week’s Piedmont Athletic Conference Tournament. UCA won 10-0 to advance. Southwestern Randolph’s Lileigh Payne puts down a bunt against South Stanly during the final regular-season game last week at Southwestern Randolph.

Randolph Record staff

Hill notches another honor

FORMER Southwestern Randolph softball standout Heaven Maness of Wingate added to her accolades by being named to the AllSouth Atlantic Conference first team.

Maness is a first-team pick for the second year in a row.

She posted a .361 batting average during the regular season while belting nine home runs and a team-best 12 doubles.

The third baseman also went 20-for-20 in stolen bases.

She was the 2021 SAC Freshman of the Year.

Uwharrie Charter Academy alum Hunter Hill picked up USA South Conference honors for the second time.

He was named Rookie Pitch of the Week for baseball as North Carolina Wesleyan clinched the USA South’s East Division title.

Hill’s effort involved throwing six shutout innings of relief in the Battling Bishops’ 19-7 victory against Methodist. He gave up three hits and four walks while striking out two to improve his record to 2-0.

N.C. Wesleyan took a 25-15 record into this week’s conference tournament.

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Randolph Record for Wednesday, May 4, 2022

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Randolph Community College, state honors Shackleford’s influence, passion Randolph Record staff ASHEBORO — Outgoing Randolph Community College president Dr. Robert Shackleford Jr. is leaving with more distinctions.

Shackleford was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine on April 27.

That came as part of the ribbon cutting for the Dr. Robert S. Shackleford Allied Health Center.

Members of the Board of Trustees and the Foundation Board, faculty, staff, students, state legislators, and members of the Randolph County community were on hand on the front lawn and in the lobby of the Center.

“When (Board of Trustees Chair Mac Sherrill) announced they were going to name it the Robert Shackleford Jr. Allied Health Center, that was such a shock,” Shackleford said. “This whole thing has been a dream.”

Sherrill said it was appropriate to recognize Shackleford in many ways.

“This is such a great day of celebration,” Sherrill said. “We’re finally celebrating the opening of

this beautiful new building. We’re celebrating the great career of our president and friend, Dr. Robert Shackleford. So, it only seems fitting that we add one more reason to celebrate. It is a great honor that, on behalf of the Governor, I present you the Long Leaf Pine award to Dr. Robert Shackleford for all his years of service to Randolph Community College, the citizens of Randolph County, and the state of North Carolina.”

Darrell Frye, who’s chair of the Randolph County Board of Commissioners, said Shackleford promoted the college and backed that up with pushing for initiatives that helped RCC grow.

“His legacy will live on here long after any of us,” Frye said.

“Not because his name is on the building, but because of what happens inside of this building. The teachers that work here are going to produce people that come out and save lives and change lives.

When you take the work ethic of the Randolph County people and you couple that with the teaching that comes out of this campus, you’ve got a workforce that’s sec-

PHOTO VIA RCC

Randolph Community College president Dr. Robert Shackleford Jr. ond to none.”

The Center houses the College’s Associate Degree Nursing, Radiography, Medical Assisting, and Emergency Medical Services programs. The building has a two-story feature wall — a digital screen created by marketing agency Union that changes depending on

the time of day and combines medical themes with RCC visuals.

“You will never find a president more committed to the mission of the North Carolina Community College System than Dr. Shackleford,” said Suzanne Rohrbaugh, RCC’s vice president for instructional services. “It is about creating opportunities and about changing lives. That means something to him. He doesn’t take that lightly.

You won’t find anybody that’s more willing to serve this county, this community, the region, and the state. And that’s really evident today as we celebrate this building.”

North Carolina Community College System President Thomas Stith III and various legislators and school officials also spoke.

Here are comments from some of the other speakers: * State Sen. Dave Craven: “We’re here today for workforce development. That’s what this building’s about. This is what our community colleges do across the state.

Any company that you talk to now is short on labor. It’s facilities like this that train our medical professionals to be future leaders in this

area, our region, and our great state.” * State Rep. Pat Hurley: “This building should be a shining example for everybody in North Carolina. They spent our money wisely. Dr. Shackleford went out as a one-man advocate for this tax because he didn’t want the taxes to go up for the people. … Everything that goes on at RCC — it is a bridge to success.” * State Rep. Allen McNeill: “The last 15 years have eclipsed the other 45 years. You have done a wonderful job. You took a good community college and made it great.” * RCC vice president for administrative services Daffie Garris: “It truly takes an army for a project like this. We kept the goals of creating a building that reflects our college’s commitment to student success. That’s truly what we thought about all the time as we were building this building. It’s more than fitting that this building is named after Dr. Robert S. Shackleford Jr.” Shackleford’s retirement is effective July 1. He has been in the position since 2007.

Sen. Rand Paul wants to investigate origins of COVID-19 SMITHFIELD, Ky. — U.S. Sen. Rand Paul promised Saturday to wage a vigorous review into the origins of the coronavirus if Republicans retake the Senate and he lands a committee chairmanship.

Speaking to supporters at a campaign rally, the libertarian-leaning Kentucky Republican denounced what he sees as government overreach in response to the COVID-19 AP PHOTO pandemic. He applauded a recent judge’s order that voided the federal Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., speaks during a Senate Foreign Relations mask mandate on planes and trains committee hearing on the Fiscal Year 2023 Budget in Washington, and in travel hubs.

D.C., Tuesday, April 26, 2022.

“Last week I was on an airplane for the first time in two years and didn’t have to wear a mask,” he said, control after the November elec- whelmingly, not 100%, but overdrawing cheers from the partisan tion. The Senate currently has a whelmingly the evidence points to crowd. “And you know what I saw 50-50 split, but Democrats have this virus being a leak from a lab,” in the airport? I saw at least 97% of the slim edge because Vice Presi- Paul said.

In the U.S., many conservatives the other free individuals not wear- dent Kamala Harris is a tie-breakhave accused Chinese scientists of ing vote. ing masks.”

“When we take over in Novem- developing COVID-19 in a lab and Paul has clashed repeatedly with Dr. Anthony Fauci, the country’s ber, I will be chairman of a commit- allowing it to leak.

U.S. intelligence agencies remain top infectious disease expert, over tee and I will have subpoena powthe government’s COVID-19 poli- er,” Paul said. “And we will get to divided on the origins of the corocies and the origins of the virus that the bottom of where this virus came navirus but believe China’s leaders did not know about the virus before from.” caused the global pandemic.

The senator, an eye surgeon, con- the start of the global pandemic, Paul, who is seeking a third term this year in Kentucky, said he’s in tinued to offer his theory about the according a Biden-ordered review that was released last summer. line to assume a committee chair- origins of the virus.

The scientific consensus remains “If you look at the evidence, overmanship if the GOP wins Senate

that the virus most likely migrated from animals in what’s known as a zoonotic transmission. So-called “spillover events” occur in nature, and there are at least two coronaviruses that evolved in bats and caused human epidemics, SARS1 and MERS. At the Kentucky GOP rally for Paul, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, the state’s senior senator, also pointed to Paul’s opportunity to lead a committee if the GOP wins Senate control.

If that occurs, he said, Paul would become chairman of “one of the most important committees in the Senate — in charge of health, education, labor and pensions.”

McConnell was upbeat about Republican prospects in November.

“I’ve never seen a better environment for us than this year,” said McConnell, who is in line to again become majority leader if the GOP reclaims the Senate.

The rally featured a number of other prominent Kentucky Republicans, including several who are considering running for governor in 2023, when Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear will seek a second term.

In his speech, Paul continued to rail against socialism, saying it would encroach on individual lib-

erties. The senator was first elected to the Senate in the tea party-driven wave of 2010.

“When President Trump said he wanted to ‘Make America Great Again,’ I said, ‘Amen,’” Paul said.

“But let’s understand what made America great in the first place, and that’s freedom, constitutionally guaranteed liberty.”

In this year’s Senate race in Kentucky, Charles Booker is by far the best known of a handful of Democrats seeking their party’s nomination for Paul’s seat in the May 17 primary. Paul is being challenged by several little-known candidates in the GOP primary. A general election campaign between Paul and Booker would be a battle between candidates with starkly different philosophies.

Booker, a black former state lawmaker, narrowly lost a bid for the Senate Democratic nomination in 2020. He is a progressive who touts Medicare for all, anti-poverty programs, a clean-energy agenda and criminal justice changes. Paul, a former presidential candidate, has accumulated a massive fundraising advantage over Booker.

Kentucky has not elected a Democrat to the U.S. Senate since Wendell Ford in 1992.

Aging Services Planning Committee recommends to you for board approval the following amounts: Randolph Senior Adults, $586,904 and Regional Consolidated Services, $310,349, for a total Randolph County allocation of $897,253 as it is known today,” said Executive Director of RSSA, Mark Hensley.

Funding will not need to come from Randolph County and is instead provided by Community Services Block Grants and the Older Americans Act. The county’s only role is deciding who the provider will be and how their funds will be allocated over their three year bid.

The board of commissioners also renewed its contract with Mediko, Inc. for inmate medical services at a cost of $791,532.55.

According to Sheriff’s Office Manager, Justin Brubaker, Correctional Healthcare was another competitive option that was looked into, but Mediko proved to be the preferred option with things such as their use of LPNs and the familiarity already had with them.

“We’ve been with Mediko since November of 2019,” Brubaker said.

“As far as COVID-19 and what we’ve been through, we can’t say enough about the staff with Mediko. It’s just that bond, that relationship we have with Mediko.

We’ve trusted them since 2019.”

County manager, Hal Johnson, gave an update on the opioid settlement that Randolph County had participated in, stating that the county would see $9,824,000 over an 18 year period, with the first payment of $377,000 expected in late spring. The money has safeguards on it that will only allow it to be used on things that will “help offset the effects of the opioid epidemic.”

“The memorandum of agreement that we signed with the State, outlines about seven or eight different areas that the county will focus on as we begin to develop programs and allocate money to various treatment options,” Johnson said. “The county government must also sponsor a joint planning meeting with all of our municipalities. That meeting will be open to the public also and it’s a time for the county to meet formally with our municipalities and agencies and

talk about different options that we may want to pursue over time.”

The board then awarded a contract to S&S Building and Development for the Social Services renovations at Northgate.

The low bid offer came in at $1,318,792, but the extra costs of the project are going to see a projected total of $1,599,792, which the board has already budgeted for.

The project is expected to be completed in 10 months.

Finally, the board gave approval for a fourth – and potentially final – budget amendment for the Courthouse Renovation Capital Project “We’ve gotten our substantial completion, they’ve moved in, they’re occupying the space, there’s just a few little odds and ends to be wrapped up,” said county engineer, Paxton Arthurs. “The main thing being the changes to the front counter with the secure transaction and the deal trays.”

The amendment, which is for $26,000, will finish out and close the project according to Arthurs.

The Randolph County Board of Commissioners will next meet June 6.

The Associated Press

COMMISSIONERS from page 1 ally there’s only one, but it had to be done that way under the current structure. That’s one of the reasons why we wanted to change the structures of the fire districts.”

In more of an effort to be transparent, according to associate county attorney Aimee Scotton, the county had sent out notices alerting the public about these proposed changes.

However, there was some confusion among the public in regards to a statement in that notice about the county’s tax cap of $1.50. Some felt that this was going to be the newly proposed fire tax rate, leading to a bit of uproar.

“That $1.50 [tax rate] is set by the State of North Carolina,” Frye said. “It also includes your Randolph County property taxes. It’s not just a limit on fire taxes. It is a cap on any county wide tax that would be passed in this county. For example, if you had a school tax, that would be added into this total.

And the total for all of these taxes cannot exceed $1.50. So there is a cap but it’s all inclusive to protect

you against a higher level of any sort of taxes.”

Randolph County is not looking to raise the fire tax rate during these public hearings, however, Chairman Frye did note that some fire departments, such as Climax, are asking to increase those rates, but that would require them to present a proposed budget before the board of commissioners for approval.

The board approved second-year bids for Aging Services to Randolph Senior Adults Association (RSSA), who will be the lead agency in Randolph County, and Regional Consolidated Services (RCS).

The agencies help provide adult daycare, congregant nutrition, home-delivered meals, information and options counseling, transportation, in-home aid at levels I, II and III and housing and home improvement to older residents who need additional assistance.

Along with approving the agency bids, the board also approved their proposed fiscal year 21-22 fund allocation.

“Working with the current Randolph County award amount, the

REDUCED RESPONSE TIMES PROACTIVE CRIME PREVENTION SAVING TAXPAYER DOLLARS A SHERIFF WHO KEEPS HIS PROMISES, PUTTING PEOPLE FIRST AH-0001451645-01

PAID FOR BY THE COMMITTEE TO RE-ELECT GREG SEABOLT FOR SHERIFF

Randolph Record for Wednesday, May 4, 2022

7

obituaries

Evelyn Lassiter Walker Jester

September 3, 1931 — April 29, 2022 Evelyn Lassiter Walker Jester, age 90, of Asheboro passed away Friday, April 29, 2022 at Randolph Health.

Mrs. Jester was born in Montgomery County, NC to parents Clifford and Exie Cagle Lassiter.

Evelyn was a 1948 graduate of Farmer School and was a member of New Union United Methodist Church. She was retired from Asheboro City Schools as cafeteria manager at Asheboro High School.

After retirement, she was employed with Southern Wholesale. Evelyn enjoyed needlepoint, cooking, reading, and loved her crossword puzzles and word search. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Carl Walker and her brother, Darrell Lassiter.

She is survived by her husband, Fred Jester; daughters, Amy Cagle (Kevin) and Donna Moore (David) all of Asheboro; Grandchildren, Bart Cagle (Sara), Cori Cagle (Scott Hunt), Sydney Alexander (Greg), Cage Hyder, Sarah Holt (Brandon), Laura Derry (Tommy); Great Grandchildren, Dawson and Walker Cagle, and Eli Holt; Step Daughter, Rhonda Trollinger (Mark) of Asheboro; Sister, Linda Talbert (Jerry); Brothers, Donnie Lassiter (Martha) and Larry Lassiter (Deloris).

Memorials may be made to New Union UMC, 2499 Old NC 49, Asheboro, NC 27205.

Estelle Hooker Saunders

Carlene Gallimore Cox

June 13, 1924 — April 28, 2022

March 25, 1932 — April 25, 2022

Estelle Saunders, known to all as "Nanny" is now in the arms of her wonderful, wonderful Savior. She went home Thursday afternoon with her three girls by her side.

She was one who was always the listener, the care giver, the one you called if one of your children needed something, always selfless.

A virtuous woman she was, early to rise, to sew, to cook, to clean. Never a graduate but so deserving of honors and awards for many achievements.

Her greatest achievement was to teach her family to love, how to get on our knees, pray and the importance of church. She was a lifelong member of Neighbors Grove Wesleyan Church where she served in the nursery, rocking and loving on babies. She retired from L & L Cleaners.

Estelle is survived by daughters, Sandra Jernigan (Benny), Judy Jackson (Darrell), Teresa Taylor Fields (David). She was Nanny to her grandchildren, Joshua Jackson (Jamey), Chris Taylor, Luke Jackson (Jessica), Heather Yates (Bucky), Creath Brown (Adam), Kati Brown (Josh) and to her great grandchildren, Dalton, Destiny, Savannah, Hallie, Camden, Gracin, Ava, Jakob, Averi, Ella, Aubree, Mateo, Khloe, Adyson, Azleigh, Isabella and Myla.

She is also survived by several nieces and nephews and a sister-inlaw Betty Tucker Smith.

In addition to her parents, D.E. and Nealie Hooker, 2 brothers and 4 sisters, Estelle was also preceded in death by husbands Ray Barker and Simpson Saunders, daughter Vickie Lynn and son-in-law Tim Taylor.

Memorials may be made to Neighbors Grove Wesleyan Church, 1928 N. Fayetteville St., Asheboro, NC 27203 or Hospice of Randolph, 416 Vision Dr., Asheboro, NC 27203.

Carlene Gallimore Cox, age 90, passed on Monday, April 25, 2022 at High Point Medical Center.

Mrs. Cox was born in Randolph County on March 25, 1932 to Lewis Quincy Gallimore and Pallie Pierce Gallimore. In addition to her parents, Carlene was preceded in death by her husband, Worth Clinton Cox. Carlene was also preceded in death by her brother, Gene Gallimore and her two sisters, Bernice Gallimore Myers and Marie Gallimore Parrish.

Carlene is survived by her son Terry Clinton Cox and wife Melissa of Asheboro and son Brian Christopher Cox and wife Meg of Charlotte. She is also survived by her grandchildren Matthew Cox and wife Callie of Charlotte, Morgan Cox of Winston-Salem, Caroline Cox of Charlotte of Charlotte, and Cameron Cox of Charlotte.

As scripture states in Psalm 139:14, Carlene Cox was fearfully and wonderfully made. God beautifully made Carlene Cox. The fruits of Carlene Cox's beautiful spirit touched all who knew her.

Carlene Cox's vocation in life include Bossong Hosiery Mills, Acme-McCrary Hosiery Mills, and Tabernacle School. Her Godly calling was always being a loving, giving, sweet, kind, Christian daughter, wife, Mom, Grandma, relative, friend, neighbor and member of her beloved Tabernacle Community.

Thanks Be to God for The Blessing and Joy Carlene Cox IS and to a life that continues to be well lived and well loved.

Edris York Yates, 89, passed away on April 26, 2022 in Clermont Florida at South Lake Hospital.

She was born to Toy Leonard and Elizabeth Holt York on January 29, 1933 in Staley, N.C. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her sister Linda York Harton.

Dr. Yates held degrees in education from Western Carolina, UNC, and a doctorate from Florida Atlantic University. She was a career educator in the Florida public school system in West Palm Beach and during her tenure held positions as teacher, counselor, and principal.

She had a special place in her heart for animals and wildlife and had several special dog companions throughout her life. Her hobbies included ceramics and painting.

Edris enjoyed traveling and spending time with friends and family. One of her favorite places was Disney World, and after retiring, she moved to a community near the park. In retirement, she divided her time between Florida and her native North Carolina.

Edris is survived by: her niece, Karen Vaca (Tony) of Pittsboro, nephew H. Lynn Harton (Flavia), of Greenville, SC; and her niece Helen Harton (Dan Putnam), of Cedar Falls, Iowa; great nephews Grant Allen (Catherine) of Staley, Darren Allen of Asheboro, and Craig Allen of Weehawken, NJ; great nieces Sara Yazbeck (George) of Huntersville and Leigh Harton of NY City; one GG niece and one GG nephew.

Sherry Britt Luck

July 26, 1947 — April 26, 2022

Jerry Alan Kinlaw

January 8, 1951 — April 27, 2022 Jerry Alan Kinlaw, age 71, of Asheboro passed away on Wednesday, April 27, 2022 at the Randolph Hospice House.

Mr. Kinlaw was born in Dillon, SC on January 8, 1951 to Dr. Brady and Lena "Billie" McLamb Kinlaw. He was retired from Abbott Laboratories and was an accomplished musician.

Jerry was a member of Oakhurst Baptist Church. He was always working with his hands whether on classic cars or woodworking and was a member of the Carolina AMC Classic Car Club. Jerry loved the beach. He loved KFC and having lunch under the tree.

He is survived by his wife of 8 years, Judy Haywood Kinlaw; son, Michael Brady Kinlaw of Georgia; brothers, Dr James Brady Kinlaw Jr. (Wendy) of Asheboro and Junius Michael Kinlaw (Johnna) of Altavista, Judy’s sons, Brent Lee Cole (fiancée Jackie Berry) of Concord, Lance Neal Cole (Stefanie) of Reidsville, and Grant Monroe Cole of Asheboro; 5 grandchildren; nieces, Whitney Kinlaw Shevlin and Mallory Kinlaw Nardin; and 4 great nephews.

Memorials may be made to Oakhurst Baptist Church, 2225 S. Fayetteville St., Asheboro, NC 27205 or Cross Road Baptist Church, 1566 Old Cox Rd., Asheboro, NC 27205.

August 3, 1961 — April 29, 2022 John Michael "Fish" Howe age 60, passed away Friday, April 29, 2022 at Autumn Care Nursing Home in Biscoe.

John was born on August 3, 1961 in Syracuse, New York, the son of Harold Frederick Howe, Sr. and Sue Niles Howe.

John was formerly was employed as a truck driver and loved to go fishing, ride motorcycles and travel. He loved his faithful canine companion "Jacob".

He was preceded in death by his parents: Harold and Sue Howe and sister: Tina Marie Howe.

John is survived by his wife: Tracey Hardsock Howe; daughters: Sarah Howe Beyliff and Stephanie Ann Howe; stepdaughter: Melanie Rogers; stepsons: Jeremy Rogers and Loren Kilburn; 10 grandchildren; siblings: Martha Howe, Harold Frederick Howe, Jr., Darrin Thomas Howe, Brian Keith Howe, Linda Kipp and Kim Milks.

Mary Evelyn Jackson McIntosh November 6, 1926 — April 25, 2022

Edris York Yates

January 29, 1933 — April 26, 2022

John Michael Howe

Sherry Elaine Britt Luck age 74, died Tuesday, April 26, 2022, at Duke University Hospital, Durham, NC. Sherry was born July 26, 1947, to Alford and Louise Ivy Britt.

Sherry was a family first woman and Mama to everyone. She and her husband Larry spent countless hours at Frank and Larry's Restaurant, in Level Cross. Sherry loved children and was always drawn to any child in the restaurant. With her health declining over the past few months, she still wanted to be at the restaurant to see the many people she loved and enjoyed. She was a real people person and, as one grandchild said, she was the Queen of spoiling others. She will be greatly missed.

She is survived by: husband: Larry Luck; daughter: Kim Osborne (Robert) of Greensboro, NC; son Tommy Luck (Jill) of Randleman, NC; grandchildren: Justin Osborne (Heather), Ryan Osborne (Tiffany), Dylan and Tyler Luck; sisters: Sue Wade of Waynesboro, VA and Sandra Green of Laurinburg, NC. She is preceded in death by sisters: Loretta Stallings and JoAnn Brisson.

Mary Evelyn Jackson McIntosh, age 95, passed peacefully on April 25 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. She was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee on November 6, 1926 to Ella Blalock Jackson and Fowler Jackson, Sr. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Fowler Jackson, Jr., her daughter Pamela M. Lemmons, and her beloved husband of 59 years, Cal McIntosh.

Surviving family members are her daughter, Lynne Estes (Chuck), son, Dr. Thom McIntosh (Melonie), sonin-law Ernie Lemmons (Karen), grandsons Corey Lemmons (Lucinda), Mark Lemmons, Chase Estes (Dr. Lindsey Estes), Dr. Scott McIntosh (Dr. Natalie McIntosh), Dr. Paul McIntosh (Dr. Wendy McIntosh Song), and her extended family, grandsons Jason Lemmons (Kim), Ted Lemmons, Chris Pierce (Chrissy), Nicholas Pierce, and granddaughters Leah Estes and Ashley Nichols (Josh).

She was a great-grandmother to Lucas, Jackson, Lawson, Shepard, Eli, Charlotte, Spencer, Will, Faith, Gage, Jacob, and Brooke, and great, great grandmother to Landon. She also leaves behind dear nieces and nephews.

She graduated as Valedictorian of her senior high school class at the age of 16 in 1943, from Mt. Holly High School in Mt. Holly, NC. Mary enjoyed being a homemaker and mother of 3 children. She served on PTA boards, Brownie Scout leader, and other areas of her children's lives. She was the quintessential volunteer and friend. She befriended neighbors in all the areas where she lived, and took countless meals to those in need. She was a mother to those who didn't have one. Her essence has always been caring for others around her.

Upon moving to Asheboro in 1980, she accepted a job with the Chamber of Commerce and worked there until her retirement in November, 1993. She also worked part time at Paschal Associate Sales for 18 years until she retired a second time at the age of 86. She was active in the ABWA, and was selected Woman of the Year in 1988.

Judith Holt Poole Turner

February 29, 1944 — April 25, 2022 Judith Holt Poole Turner, 78, of Jamestown, formerly of Asheboro, passed away on Monday, April 25, 2022.

Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, April 28, 2022 at 11:00 am at Pugh Funeral Home, Asheboro, with Gary Mason officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery.

Born in Randolph County on February 29, 1944, Judith was the daughter of Claude and Onota Holt and was a 1962 graduate of Asheboro High School. She was a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was the owner and operator of Hop's Bar-B-Q in Randleman until her retirement. She loved going to the beach and spending time with family and friends and was a member of Cross Road Baptist Church in Asheboro.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Poole, and her son, Joey Poole.

She is survived by her husband of 32 years, Joe Turner, of the home; daughter Karen Poole Cole and husband Tony of Asheboro; brother Jerry Holt of Jacksonville, Florida; step-sons Randy Turner and wife Debbie of Asheboro and Rusty Turner and wife Jennifer of Asheboro; step-daughter Pattie Dingess and husband John of Asheboro; sister-in-law and life long best friend Ann Graves of Asheboro; niece Kathy Hyler of Kinston; nephews Brian Holt and wife Karen of Florida and Kevin Holt of Asheboro; 6 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild; and special friends Rose Blackburn and Barbara Gallimore.

James "Jim" Lee Tisdale

August 12, 1964 — April 24, 2022 James (Jim) Lee Tisdale of Franklinville, NC, formerly of Green Valley, IL passed away on April 24, 2022.

Jim was born in Pekin, Ill. to Lee (Pete) and Evelyn Tisdale. He attended Green Valley Grade and High School and enlisted into the United State Army in 1982 to serve his county during a 10 year military career, receiving many awards and commendations throughout his career. He lived in many places in the United States and overseas, but settled in North Carolina, where he has lived and worked for close to 30 years. He loved to play music and be with friends and family. Jim had a big heart and fun- loving spirit and always said good- bye with “Love you more!”

Jim is preceded in death by his father, Pete Tisdale.

Jim is survived by his children Tosha (Michael) Walden and Terry Tisdale, his mother, Evelyn Tisdale, his sisters, Susan (Wayne) White, Gloria (Mark) Kilmer, Lynn(Brian) Tackett, and brother David (Tonya) Tisdale, his 4 grandchildren whom he truly adored, many nieces and nephews, and lots of friends.

Randolph Record for Wednesday, May 4, 2022

8

STATE & NATION

Trump’s bid to shape GOP faces test with voters in May races

By Steve Peoples The Associated Press NEW YORK — Donald Trump ‘s post-presidency enters a new phase this month as voters across the U.S. begin weighing the candidates he elevated to pursue his vision of the Republican Party.

“The month of May is going to be a critical window into where we are,” said Maryland Republican Gov. Larry Hogan, a Trump critic defending incumbent GOP governors in Georgia, Ohio and Idaho against Trump-backed challengers this month. “I’m just concerned that there are some people trying to tear the party apart or burn it down.”

Few states may be a higher priority for Trump than Georgia, where early voting began on Monday ahead of the May 24 primary. He’s taken a particularly active role in the governor’s race there, recruiting a former U.S. senator to take on the incumbent Republican. For similar reasons, Trump is also aiming to unseat the Republican secretary of state.

While the primary season will play out deep into the summer, the first batch of races could set the tone for the year. If Republican voters in the early states rally behind the Trump-backed candidates, the former president’s kingmaker status would be validated, likely enhancing his power as he considers another bid for the presidency. High-profile setbacks, however, could dent his stature and give stronger footing to those who hope to advance an alternate vision for the GOP. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz predicted a strong month of May for Trump and his allies.

“The voices in Washington that want him to fade into obscurity or

AP PHOTO

Former President Donald Trump applauds the crowd as he arrives to speak at a rally Saturday, April 9, 2022, in Selma to be silenced are engaged in their own form of wishful thinking,” Cruz said in an interview. “That’s not going to happen. Nor should he.”

As Republicans grapple with Trump, Democrats are confronting their own set of revealing primaries.

Candidates representing the Democrats’ progressive wing are yanking the party leftward while offering conflicting messages about how to overcome their acute political shortcomings, Biden’s

weak standing chief among them.

History suggests that Democrats, as the party that controls Washington, may be headed for big losses in November no matter which direction they go.

Florida Sen. Rick Scott, who leads the GOP’s effort to retake the Senate, described the month of May as a brutal sorting period likely to be dominated by Republican infighting instead of the policy solutions or contrasts with Democrats he’d like to see.

“The primaries too often be-

NC judge drops price to cover school plan, omits spend order

By Gary D. Robertson The Associated Press

FILE PHOTO

Special Superior Court Judge Mike Robinson.

RALEIGH — A North Carolina judge cut the amount of money needed to comply through the middle of next year with a stepby-step plan to address state educational inequities. But he declined to leave in place the crux of another judge’s order that directed cash from government coffers be sent to state agencies to cover a fiscal gap.

Special Superior Court Judge Mike Robinson ruled in long-running public education spending litigation which he began presiding over last month. Judge David Lee had directed in November that $1.75 billion be moved from state coffers to three government agencies to carry out two years of an eight-year, $5.6 billion remedial plan that he also endorsed last June.

Robinson wrote that provisions within a two-year state budget — approved by the General Assembly and signed by Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper a week after Lee’s order — reduced the amount now needed to carry out the plan through June 2023 to $785 million. But since a panel of the state Court of Appeals had already blocked the portion of Lee’s ordering directing the transfer because it said only lawmakers can appropriate money, Robinson said he was obliged to remove that directive from his amended order.

That part of the ruling is a setback for school districts and parents of students who are plaintiffs in decades-long litigation over school funding. They say the state keeps falling short of its constitutional duties to help at-risk children and those in poor counties.

Still, Robinson wrote, Lee’s order should be amended to declare the state has failed to fully fund those two years of the remedial plan that Lee backed, and that additional money is “adjudged to be owed” to three state agencies.

The Supreme Court had ordered Robinson to review Lee’s order in light of the budget law and report back by April 20. The judge asked for and received an extra week, saying he needed more time to work through disagreements among state officials over how much money in the new budget law covered the remedial plan programs.

Landmark Supreme Court decisions in 1997 and 2004 declared there was a constitutionally protected right to obtain the “opportunity for a sound basic education” and that the state had not lived up to that mandate, especially for children in poor regions.

With Robinson’s ruling, the case now returns to the state Supreme Court, which could decide to what lengths the judicial branch can go to ensure schoolchildren have the opportunity to succeed when it determines the legislative and executive branches have fallen short of their duties.

No date for oral arguments has been announced.

Lee said last year that the remedial plan — based on an outside consultant’s report and input from Cooper and the State Board of Education — could satisfy the rulings from the “Leandro” litigation, named for a plaintiff when the lawsuit was filed in 1994.

Lee wrote that other portions of the constitution addressing education access gave him the right to direct spending.

Lawyers for Republican legislative leaders — who only recently were added as formal parties in the case — had argued before Robinson that Lee’s order directing the transfer from state coffers should have been canceled altogether. But attorneys representing school districts, parents and state officials said Robinson’s job wasn’t to consider whether to throw out Lee’s order, but whether to adjust it in light of the budget provisions.

Robinson did write that it appeared that there would be enough unappropriated money — over $4 billion — in the state’s general fund to make a transfer like Lee ordered to cover the $785 million. That unspent balance would be sitting in a savings reserve that lawmakers say can’t be spent unless there is legislative approval.

Chief Justice Paul Newby named Robinson to review Lee’s order in light of the budget law on the same day the Supreme Court agreed to fast-track appeals over that order. In January, Lee had reached the mandatory retirement age for judges at 72. Newby had authority, however, to allow Lee to stay on the bench and perform the review. Lee had been monitoring the case since late 2016.

come sort of character assassinations,” Scott said in an interview.

“That’s what has happened.”

He added, “Hopefully, people come together.”

No race may be messier than the Republican primary election for Georgia’s governor. Trump has spent months attacking Republican incumbents Gov. Brian Kemp and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. He blames both men for not working hard enough to address election integrity issues relating to the 2020 presi-

dential election.

Georgia Republican Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, a frequent Trump critic who is not running for reelection, described Trump’s decision to back former Sen. David Perdue against Kemp an “embarrassing” waste of time that could undermine the GOP’s broader goals this fall.

Duncan predicted Trump would ultimately win some races and lose others this month, but he was especially optimistic about Kemp’s chances to beat back Trump’s challenge.

“If a sitting governor is able to defeat that whole Donald Trump notion by a huge amount — and others down the ticket — I think we’re gonna send a message that it’s gonna take more than a Donald Trump endorsement to call yourself a Republican,” he said.

Six months before the general election, the Republican candidates in key primaries have already spent mountains of campaign cash attacking against each other as Democrats largely save their resources — and sharpest attacks — for the November.

In the Pennsylvania, where Trump-backed Dr. Mehmet Oz and former hedge fund executive David McCormick are locked in a fierce fight for the GOP nomination, the candidates and allied outside groups have spent more than $48 million on television advertising so far. Democrats spent just over $10 million.

And in North Carolina, Republican forces have spent more than $15 million on a divisive primary pitting Trump-backed Rep. Ted Budd against former Gov. Pat McCrory. Democrats, who have united behind former state Supreme Court Chief Justice Cheri Beasley, spent just over $2 million.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING

Stanly County Journal

Gov Cooper nominates new state controller Gov. Roy Cooper announced the nomination of Deputy State Budget Director Nels Roseland to serve as State Controller.

Roseland currently serves as the Deputy State Budget Director in the North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management, where he assists agencies with operational issues and oversees state recovery funding efforts. Previously, he was the Deputy Chief of Staff and Chief Financial Officer in the N.C. Department of Justice.

“Nels Roseland is a strong leader who has decades of experience in state government and public finance,” said Gov. Cooper in a statement. “I am confident he will continue to serve the people of our state with integrity and dedication.”

Roseland replaces Dr. Linda Combs, who has served as State Controller since June 2014 and is retiring on June 30, 2022.

NC awarded grant for 9-8-8 Suicide Prevention Lifeline transition The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services received $3.3 million to expand support for people in mental health crisis. The funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration will help the state transition the Suicide Prevention Lifeline from the current 10-digit number to an easier, three-digit number — 9-8-8 — for people having suicidal thoughts or experiencing a mental health crisis.

On July 16, 2022, 9-88 will become the national three-digit dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Call center staff can provide crisis counseling along with information on local community resources and referrals.

Republicans lead onestop voting in Stanly Over 500 voters have cast their ballots in the first five days of the state’s early voting period for the May 17 primaries.

Of those, over 300 have been registered Republicans, with over 100 unaffiliated and just over 50 for Democrats.

Nearly 60% of the early vote totals have come at the Stanly County Board of Elections office in Albemarle.

Early voting continues through Saturday, May 14.

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20177 52016 $0.50

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PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

South Stanly softball South Stanley’s Mattie Poulos hits a 3 run home run against Southwestern Randolph in the top of the first inning during the final regular season game at Southwestern Randolph high school in Asheboro, on April 29, 2022. Read more on page 5.

Albemarle officials unveil strategic plan presentation to city council

By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal ALBEMARLE — At the Albemarle City Council’s regularly-scheduled meeting on May 2, city officials presented a strategic plan that documented Albemarle’s goals and tactics through a presentation.

The finalized three-year plan (set for fiscal years 2023-2026) was unveiled by City Manager Michael Ferris, along with Director of Parks and Recreation Lisa Kiser, and was unanimously adopted and approved by the council.

“What we are excited to present tonight is something that pulls together everything that the city has been doing into a one comprehensive plan,” Ferris said. “It will benefit staff, the city council, and provide a focus for the future. It will also provide something in one comprehensive document that we can share with the public and let

them know about what is a priority for the city.”

With input from the mayor, council, leadership team and citizens, the strategic plan lays out the city’s official vision and mission: “Albemarle will be a place where all people can develop their potential, bringing neighbors together to support a connected community rich in water, air, land and opportunity. The mission of the City of Albemarle is to provide our citizens with a vibrant quality of life based on sound management, transparency and good stewardship of resources.”

More specifically, the plan manifests itself through five primary goals — the first is that the city will invest in its workforce to enhance city operations and efficiency to better serve the community.

Secondly, the city aims to enhance resources, improve practices to protect residents, and safeguard the city in order to improve

“What we are excited to present tonight is something that pulls together everything that the city has been doing into a one comprehensive plan.”

Albemarle City Manager Michael Ferris quality of life; Albemarle will also invest in infrastructure needed to ensure reliable and consistent service delivery.

According to the document, the city will look to guide growth and facilitate economic opportunities in order to benefit all residents and businesses. Lastly, a goal was laid out to enhance com-

Combat death puts spotlight on Americans fighting in Ukraine

By Jay Reeves The Associated Press Harrison Jozefowicz quit his job as a Chicago police officer and headed overseas soon after Russia invaded Ukraine. An Army veteran, he said he couldn’t help but join American volunteers seeking to help Ukrainians in their fight.

Jozefowicz now heads a group called Task Force Yankee, which he said has placed more than 190 volunteers in combat slots and other roles while delivering nearly 15,000 first aid kits, helping relocate more than 80 families and helping deliver dozens of pallets of food and medical supplies to the southern and eastern fronts of the war.

It’s difficult, dangerous work.

But Jozefowicz said he felt helpless watching from the United

States last year during the U.S. pullout from Afghanistan, particularly after a close friend, Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss, died in a suicide bombing at Kabul.

“So, I’m just trying to do everything I can to make sure I can help others not go through what I went through,” he said Saturday during an interview conducted through a messaging platform.

A former U.S. Marine who died last week was believed to be the first American citizen killed while fighting in Ukraine. Willy Joseph Cancel, 22, died Monday while working for a military contracting company that sent him to Ukraine, his mother, Rebecca Cabrera, told CNN. An undetermined number of other Americans — many with military backgrounds — are thought to be in the country battling Russian forces beside both

“Anyone who wants to join the defense of security in Eu- rope and the world can come and stand side by side with the Ukrainians against the invaders of the 21st century,” President President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Ukrainians and volunteers from other countries even though U.S. forces aren’t directly involved in fighting aside from sending military materiel, humanitarian aid and money. The U.S. government discourages Americans from fighting in Ukraine, which raises legal and national security is-

munity amenities, programs, and services to engage residents of different backgrounds, lifestyles, and generations.

The plan contains the specific tactics that the city will pursue to achieve the goals and strategies in year one. Each year, the implementation plan will be developed and finalized in parallel to the budget process.

“Our evaluation approach into our evaluation plan is we’re going to do this annually, so the department directors will be responsible for assessing progress and the impact measures and also identifying challenges,” Kiser said. “The manager will prepare and submit an annual strategic plan evaluation for counsel and seek out recommended changes as needed.”

The Albemarle City Council will hold its next regular meeting in the Albemarle City Hall Council Chambers on May 16 at 6:30 p.m.

sues.

Russia’s invasion has given Ukraine’s embassy in Washington the task of fielding inquiries from thousands of Americans who want to help in the fight, and Ukraine is using the internet to recruit volunteers for a foreign force, the International Legion of Defense of Ukraine.

“Anyone who wants to join the defense of security in Europe and the world can come and stand side by side with the Ukrainians against the invaders of the 21st century,” President President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a recruitment pitch.

Texan Anja Osmon, who did tours in Iraq and Afghanistan while serving in the U.S. Army from 2009 through 2015, said she went to Ukraine on her own.

A medic, she said she arrived in Ukraine on March 20 and lived in the woods with other members of the International Legion before a new commander sent her away because he didn’t want female fighters.

Osmon, 30, said her mother wants her home before SeptemSee UKRAINE, page 2

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, May 4, 2022

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Warren Buffett tells shareholders about spending $51 billion The Associated Press OMAHA, Neb. — Warren Buffett gave Berkshire Hathaway investors a few details Saturday about how he spent more than $50 billion earlier this year and again reassured them that the company he built will endure long after the 91-year-old billionaire is gone.

Tens of thousands of investors packed an Omaha arena to listen to Buffett and Berkshire’s vice chairmen answer questions at Berkshire’s annual meeting that was back in person for the first time since the pandemic began.

Berkshire revealed in its earnings report that its mountain of cash shrank to $106 billion in the first quarter from $147 billion at the beginning of the year as Buffett invested $51 billion in stocks and repurchased $3.2 billion of its own shares.

Buffett told shareholders that right after he told them in his annual letter on Feb. 26 that he was having trouble finding anything to buy at attractive prices, Berkshire spent more than $40 billion on stocks over the next three weeks.

Buffett didn’t reveal everything he bought but did mention several highlights, including boosting Berkshire’s stake in oil giant Chevron to $26 billion, up from $4.5 billion at the beginning of the year to make it one of the conglomerate’s four biggest investments. Berkshire also spent billions buying up 14% of Occidental Petroleum’s shares in the first half of March, and added to its already massive investment in Apple stock.

Even before Saturday, it was clear Buffett was on the hunt because he agreed to buy the Alleghany insurance conglomerate for $11.6 billion and made another multibillion-dollar investment in HP Inc. Buffett said Saturday that he also bought three German stocks but didn’t name them.

Buffett said Berkshire was able to take advantage of the fact that Wall Street is largely run like a “gambling parlor” with many people speculating wildly on stocks.

“Occasionally, Berkshire gets a chance to do something, and it’s not because we’re smart. It’s be-

UKRAINE from page 1 ber. But for now she’s anxious to get out of the hotel where she is staying in Lviv and catch on with another fighting force nearer the action.

“I can’t turn away from injustice,” she said. “No one should be scared.”

U.S. Marine veteran Eddy Etue said he quit his job in the gig economy, found a friend in Colorado to watch his cat and gave up his home four blocks from the beach in San Diego, California, to help out in Ukraine, where he’s been about two weeks. He first worked with an aid organization but now is training with the International Legion.

Etue, 36, said he simply couldn’t stay home. “It’s just the right thing to do,” said Etue, who financed the journey through an online fundraising campaign.

Etue’s family history pulled him toward Ukraine. He said his grandparents left Hungary with nothing but their four children and clothes after the 1956 revolution, which was put down by Soviet forces that killed or wounded thousands.

“What’s happening here will affect not only the people who are experiencing it but their children and grandchildren as well,” he said. “I know that from personal experience.”

Jozefowicz, the former Chicago cop, says there are thousands of American and other volunteers in Ukraine. Multiple organizations are operating in the country, and Jozefowicz said his group alone

AP PHOTO

Two men take a break on a bench during the Berkshire Hathaway 2022 Annual Shareholders Meeting weekend at the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Neb., Friday, April 29, 2022. cause we’re sane.” Buffett said.

Buffett revealed that he has made a big bet on Microsoft’s planned acquisition of Activision Blizzard. He said a couple months after one of Berkshire’s other investment managers bought roughly 15 million Activision shares, he increased that stake to roughly 9.5% of the company — or about 74 million shares — after Microsoft announced the deal in January because Activision stock was selling for less than the $95 per share deal price.

Both Buffett and his investing partner, Charlie Munger, reiterated their past criticisms of cryptocurrencies like bitcoin because they don’t produce anything.

Munger said cryptocurrencies are “stupid because they’re likely to go to zero” and “evil because they undermine the Federal Reserve.” He said they make American leaders seem foolish for not banning them like China did.

Even though Berkshire is led

by Buffett and the 98-year-old

has placed scores of volunteers in positions all over the country, with about 40 of those being combat jobs.

“We do not facilitate a civilian going into any direct-action role.

We only guide and connect prior military volunteers,” he said.

But there’s plenty of other work to do. Groups of volunteers are getting medical and food supplies to people in the nation of 44 million people, he said, and others are working with refugees and others who’ve had to flee their homes.

“The closer I got into Ukraine and the more time I spent in Ukraine, the more voids I found that needed to be filled to maximize my groups volunteer efforts,” he said.

Osmon, who said she’s been in contact with Jozefowicz’s group, said she supplied troops with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications after days in the woods.

“Most everyone had air raid fever from hiding in the trenches in the snow and cold air,” she said.

“Bronchitis was ravaging us.”

Etue said he got a feel for the country after making a 24-hour round trip with another volunteer to pick up a vehicle in Odessa. He said he’s been impressed with the quality of people serving in the International Legion since Ukrainians have done a good job of weeding out the inexperienced and “war tourists” who don’t have much to offer a military unit.

“I think they’re doing amazingly well given that they’re at war with one of the largest standing armies in the world,” he said.

Munger, investors didn’t ask much about succession planning perhaps because Buffett said a year ago that Vice Chairman Greg Abel, who oversees all of the company’s non-insurance businesses now, will eventually replace him as CEO. Berkshire also has two other investment managers who will take over the company’s portfolio.

Buffett said he thinks Berkshire’s decentralized culture that relies heavily on trusting people to do the right thing and avoiding huge risks will help the company thrive well into the future and many of the companies it owns like BNSF railroad and its major utilities will remain stalwarts of the economy.

“Berkshire is built to forever.

There is no finish point,” Buffett said. “The new management — and the management after them and after them — are just custodians of a culture that’s embedded.”

In response to concerns about the current high inflation, Buffett

told investors that the best thing they could do is invest in themselves so that someone will always want to pay them for their services regardless of how much a dollar is worth. He said all of Berkshire’s companies are paying extraordinarily higher prices for raw materials and products, but inflation should have been expected after all the money the government sent out during the pandemic.

Buffett said he thinks the country has become more polarized than it has been at any time since the 1930s when public opinion split sharply about President Franklin Roosevelt.

“I don’t think it’s a good development for society generally when people get tribal,” he said.

In addition to investments, Berkshire Hathaway owns more than 90 business outright, including BNSF railroad, several major utilities, Geico insurance and an assortment of manufacturing and retail companies.

PHOTO VIA AP

Eddy Etue, an American who left home for Ukraine to help in the fight against Russia, is shown in a self portrait taken on Sunday, May 1, 2022.

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, May 4, 2022

OPINION

3

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

COLUMN | U.S. REP. RICHARD HUDSON

Defending freedoms and our border

For too long, big tech platforms have silenced free speech, even that of the President of the United States.

“THE CONSTITUTIONAL FREEDOM of religion is the most inalienable and sacred of all human rights.”

This quote by President Thomas Jefferson underscores the importance of freedom of religion to the soul of our nation. The right to practice one’s religion free of government interference is the most fundamental tenant of our democracy. However, this most basic right has been attacked repeatedly over the course of our history, and still today.

Last week, the Supreme Court began hearing arguments in the case of Joe Kennedy. An eighteen-year Marine veteran, Kennedy was an assistant football coach at Bremerton High School in Washington. After each game, Kennedy would kneel, and offer a brief, quiet, personal prayer. While he did not actively encourage students to join him, many voluntarily decided to participate over time. Eventually, the school district ordered Coach Kennedy to stop praying with students. He then requested an exemption to continue his personal prayer but was denied.

Instead, the school district imposed a ban prohibiting Kennedy and any employee from engaging in religious activity either silently or audibly.

Coach Kennedy refused to back down, and after kneeling on the 50yard line for a 15-second prayer, he was placed on administrative leave and barred from coaching.

Seven years since being fired, Coach Kennedy’s case has finally reached the Supreme Court where hopefully he will receive the justice he deserves. I have been a supporter of Kennedy’s fight for many years and have signed two amicus briefs in support of his case. Additionally, I had the privilege of meeting with him personally on the first day of arguments last Monday. I admire people like Coach Kennedy who boldly live out their faith and are not afraid to take a stand. I will continue to stand by Coach Kennedy and work to protect your right to express your faith.

People like Coach Kennedy make me optimistic for our future and inspire me to keep fighting for our values. And like freedom of religion, freedom of speech is another essential right that has fallen under attack.

For too long, big tech platforms have silenced free speech, even that of the President of the United States. I was personally censored for the second time this year when I attempted to share an article from

Fox News detailing a Department of Justice filing by John Durham on President Trump’s election. Many pushed disinformation about Trump’s ties to Russia to divide our nation, waste millions of tax dollars, and attack the sitting President of the United States. Big tech was only too happy to promote these lies. Yet social media censored me for trying to share this story.

The internet is the town square of the 21st century and Congress must work to ensure that its rules are consistent and allow for the peaceful freedom of expression – be it a progressive or conservative point of view.

I will continue to fight to preserve your right to free speech and to make sure those who infringe upon this right are held accountable.

This fight for accountability does not stop with our first amendment – rather, it extends to all situations that undermine the freedom and safety of the American people. Last week, Biden’s Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas was on Capitol Hill to discuss the ongoing crisis at our border. Under his watch, we have lost operational control of our southern border, with over 221,000 migrant encounters being recorded in March alone – the highest on record. If the Biden administration’s plans are carried out, the repeal of Title 42 border protections will only make this crisis worse.

The Secretary told Congress the Biden administration has “effectively managed” the border. I completely disagree. That’s why last week, I demanded Sectary Mayorkas enact real changes to secure our border including finishing the border wall, increasing funding to border patrol, and maintaining Title 42 protections. I will not back down because the impacts of the border crisis - and the record amount of deadly fentanyl coming into the country - affect every community in America.

Our government exists to serve the American people and to protect your God-given rights. Whether it’s defending your freedoms or securing our borders, rest assured I will continue to fight every day to make sure it does just that.

Richard Hudson is serving his fifth term representing North Carolina’s 8th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He currently serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee and in House leadership as the Republican Conference Secretary.

COLUMN | DAVID HARSANYI

Biden’s Ministry of Truth You can vividly imagine the thermonuclear meltdown the country would be (rightly) subjected to if a Republican president assembled a government panel tasked with weeding out “disinformation.”

A FEDERAL SPEECH CZAR? Just as the Founders imagined it, no doubt.

Earlier this week, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas told Congress that his agency is creating a “Disinformation Governance Board” to combat “misinformation” coming from Russia as we near this year’s midterm elections. The Biden administration’s new Committee on Public Information will be led by Nina Jankowicz, “a disinformation fellow” who, perfectly enough, comes to the administration from a think tank named after Woodrow Wilson. Like Wilson, Mayorkas, himself a font of untruths, does not explain under what constitutional power he proposes to oversee speech.

It gets tedious to point this out, but you can vividly imagine the thermonuclear meltdown the country would be (rightly) subjected to if a Republican president assembled a government panel tasked with weeding out “disinformation.” To our technocrats’ dismay, this isn’t Europe, where the state can dictate allowable speech and sometimes arrests those who don’t abide. Here, citizens are the ones who call out the state for peddling misinformation, not the other way around.

The pro-censorship Left, which is to say the vast majority of contemporary Democrats, now have Barack Obama on board as well.

The one-time neoliberal champion of free speech — a freedom he employed aggressively to mislead the American people when it served his partisan interests — alleged during a recent Stanford University speech that “people are dying” from misinformation. And, you know, if censorship can save one life ...

Indeed, these arbiters of truth not only happen to be some of the same people who ran around repeating ludicrous conspiracies about foreign interference for five years; they’re also the same people who used the menace of “Russian disinformation” to lie and suppress news that undermined their electoral prospects, as they did with the Hunter Biden laptop story. (That crew, you’ll be surprised to learn, includes Czarina Jankowicz.)

Setting aside such a cynical use of “disinformation,” are we really supposed to believe that an administration that tells us with a straight face that a $3.5 trillion spending bill “costs zero dollars” or

that showing an ID is tantamount to Jim Crow 2.0 or that your sex relies entirely on your perception is going to sort out the accuracy of rhetoric? Jankowicz was hired by a man who for the past 50 years has been one of our most entertaining fabulists.

Most tech companies do not offer unencumbered free-association rights. They spend tens of millions each year in Washington rentseeking and lobbying for favorable regulations and are highly susceptible to state intimidation and threats. Recall that press secretary Jen Psaki informed the media not long ago that the White House was “flagging problematic posts for Facebook that spread disinformation.” Or that White House Communications Director Kate Bedingfield was arguing that social media companies “should be held accountable” for the ideas of those who use their platforms.

Or U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy saying “we” must “root out” misleading speech. What government claims is a conspiracy theory can be a plausible possibility, as we learned when Facebook, at the behest of government officials, banned stories on the Chinese origins of COVID. While the state putting an imprimatur on “truth” is dangerous to freedom, it is also laughable in practice. As a person passing judgment on truth, Jankowicz has shown to be completely inadequate for the job. From treating the Steele dossier (Russian misinformation, as it turns out) as fact (not to mention getting the basics about the story wrong) to repeatedly using her position as disinformation “expert” to dismiss the Hunter Biden story as a “Kremlin” concoction, she is no better, it seems, than the average leftist partisan on CNN. Of course, getting to the truth is not the point of all this. It is by any liberal ideal of open discourse preferable to allow lies to seep into the information stream than to allow a panel nomenklatura to start dictating the veracity of what we read and hear. First, and foremost, because it’s authoritarian. Second, because those who take the job can’t be trusted.

David Harsanyi is a senior writer at National Review and author of “Eurotrash: Why America Must Reject the Failed Ideas of a Dying Continent.”

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, May 4, 2022

4

SPORTS SIDELINE REPORT DRAG RACING

72-year-old Force breaks at zMAX Dragway Concord John Force won the Circle K NHRA Four-Wide Nationals on Sunday at zMAX Dragway for his 155th Funny Car victory.

The 72-year-old Force beat Robert Hight, Ron Capps and Mike McIntire Jr. in the final with a 3.914-second run at 328.66 mph in a Chevrolet Camaro SS. Force qualified No. 1 with a track-record run and set the track speed record at 335.07 mph in the first round of eliminations. Mike Salinas won in Top Fuel and Steve Johnson in Pro Stock Motorcycle. Salinas ran a 3.708 at 330.47 in the final.

Johnson won his final with a 6.740 at 200.65 on a Suzuki.

NBA

76ers’ Embiid misses Game 1 with orbital fracture Miami Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid has a right orbital fracture and a mild concussion and is out for the foreseeable future. Embiid was injured late in Philadelphia’s victory at Toronto last Thursday, when the 76ers were closing out the Raptors and finishing off a six-game win in an Eastern Conference first round series. Fourthseeded Philadelphia lost Game 1 of East semifinals at top-seeded Miami 106-92 without Embiid on Monday night.

HORSE RACING

Kentucky Derby leads off Triple Crown without Baffert Churchill Downs, Ky. The Kentucky Derby leads off the first Triple Crown season in decades without the chance of Bob Baffert officially winning one or more of the three races.

Two horses handled by the suspended trainer are among the top contenders.

Former assistant Tim Yakteen would get the credit if Taiba or Messier wins after taking over training duties. Taiba could become the first horse since 1883 to win the Derby with two or fewer previous starts.

And Taiba’s jockey, Mike Smith, is looking to become the oldest jockey to win the Derby.

JASON MINTO | AP PHOTO

Chase Elliott, center, celebrates in Victory Lane after winning Monday's NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover.

Elliott ends drought, wins at Dover The 2020 champion snapped a 26-race winless streak The Associated Press DOVER, Del. — Chase Elliott snapped a 26-race winless streak when the 2020 NASCAR champion pulled away down the stretch to win the NASCAR Cup Series race on Monday at Dover Motor Speedway.

Elliott, who led the final 53 laps, won his 14th career Cup race and gave Hendrick Motorsports another victory on the mile concrete track. Elliott followed teammate Alex Bowman’s checkered flag a year ago, and a Hendrick driver won for the 22nd time at Dover.

Hendrick swept the top four spots last season, but Monday’s race — with a finish delayed a day because of rain — had four different teams in the top four spots.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. was second

and had his first top-five finish of the season for JTG Daugherty Racing. Ross Chastain, last week’s winner at Talladega, was third for Trackhouse Racing and Joe Gibbs Racing driver Christopher Bell finished fourth.

Elliott, who leads the points standings, hopped on the window ledge of his No. 9 Chevrolet and pointed toward a solid crowd at Dover for a weekday race.

“We just had some good circumstances, finally,” Elliott said.

“We’ve had some tough races over the last four, five months. This one means a lot in so many different ways. Hope to see this big crowd here next year.”

Martin Truex Jr. spun himself out on the last lap while racing for a top-five finish when he appeared to get boxed out by Chastain.

Chastain and Truex argued on pit road after the race.

“We were talking about where we were going to go fishing next

WNBA

Innocence claims denied in death of Chris Paul’s grandfather

WNBA to honor Griner with decal on teams’ floor

Nathaniel Jones died in November 2002

New York The WNBA will honor Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner with a floor decal, The Associated Press reported. The decal will feature Griner’s initials “BG” as well as her No. 42. All 12 teams will have the decal on their home courts starting with the season opener Friday night. Griner is still being detained in Russia after being detained at a Moscow airport on Feb. 17 when a search of her luggage revealed vape cartridges that allegedly contained oil derived from cannabis. She faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and has a hearing set for May 19.

The Associated Press WINSTON-SALEM — Judges denied the innocence claims Thursday of four men who were convicted of killing the grandfather of NBA star Chris Paul when they were teens, even though a key witness has recanted her testimony.

In 2020, the North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission found sufficient evidence of factual innocence to send their cases to a panel of three Superior Court judges.

But on Thursday, after an eightday hearing in a Forsyth County courtroom, a three-judge panel rejected the claims of defendants Rayshawn Banner, Christopher Bryant, Nathaniel Cauthen and Jermal Tolliver, the Winston-Salem Journal reported.

Nathaniel Jones, 61, died from a heart attack outside his Winston-Salem home after being tied up, beaten and robbed in November 2002. Paul, his grandson, was a standout high school basketball

player at the time and now plays for the Phoenix Suns.

Cauthen and his brother, Banner, who were 15 and 14 years old at the time of Jones’ death, were convicted of first-degree murder and are serving life sentences. Bryant, Tolliver and Dorrell Brayboy — all 15 at the time — were convicted of second-degree murder and were released after serving prison time.

Brayboy was fatally stabbed outside a Winston-Salem supermarket in 2019.

The men were charged after hours of interrogation by Winston-Salem police detectives, the Winston-Salem Journal reported.

They told commission staff, commission members and the judges that they were innocent and that every time they told detectives they didn’t have anything to do with Jones’ death, they were accused of lying, according to the newspaper.

In some instances, they said police detectives threatened them with the death penalty. Bryant said a detective pointed to a place on his arm and said that would be where a needle for lethal injection would go. Bryant said that minutes later, he started implicating himself.

“We just had some good circumstances, finally.”

Chase Elliott week,” Chastain cracked. “I’m racing with champions and I got beat.”

The race was red-flagged Sunday with Hendrick teammates Kyle Larson and Elliott sitting first and second. Elliott controlled the race late and Hendrick now has had all four drivers win a race this season. Elliott was building toward the win after three straight top-10 finishes at Martinsville, Bristol dirt and Talladega.

“Those guys, they’ve been deserving of one for a while,” Elliott said. “Glad we could get across the line first. We’ll enjoy it for a few days and go to work next week.”

Dover wrapped its only NASCAR weekend of the season. The track traditionally held two NASCAR weekends but moved one race date last season to Nashville Superspeedway. Dover hosted one race weekend in 1969 and 1970 and then held two races every season from 1971 to 2020.

Speedway Motorsports bought the track (Dover Motorsports) late last year. Speedway Motorsports President Marcus Smith worked the Dover gates and greeted fans Monday with the track shortstaffed because of the postponement.

“I think it’s a great event and I hope we continue to race there for a long time. It’s definitely a cool place,” Bowman said.

The Cup Series races next Sunday at Darlington Raceway. Truex is the defending race winner. Toyota is set to celebrate its 1,500th NASCAR race during Darlington’s annual Throwback Weekend.

MATT YORK | AP PHOTO

Four of the five men who, as teenagers, were convicted of murder in the Winston-Salem death of the grandfather of Suns guard Chris Paul were denied innonence claims last Thursday in Forsyth County.

No definitive physical evidence ever tied the men to the crime scene, including fingerprints lifted from Jones’ vehicle. The commission also performed post-conviction DNA testing on items from the crime scene, but there was no match to the men.

Chris Paul has made no public statement about the hearing. Robin Paul, his mother, and his aunt, Rhonda Hairston, both took the stand Wednesday and said they believe the men convicted of Jones’ murder are guilty.

Jessicah Black, who was a teenager when she met the boys two months before Jones’ death, testified that she hung out with them

and drove them around, often smoking marijuana. Black told police and testified in two trials that she heard some of the boys talk about robbing Jones and that she was sitting at a picnic table in Belview Park about 100 yards from Jones’ house and could hear Jones scream during the attack.

Black, now 36, has since recanted all of her previous testimony and said in court last week that it was all a lie. She said police detectives coerced her into making a false statement and told her that if she didn’t say what they wanted to hear, she would go to prison for life for murder. She was never criminally charged.

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, May 4, 2022

5

1st woman to start Atlantic South Stanly League game does so in Gastonia hosts baseball,

softball conference tournaments

The Gastonia Honey Hunters faced Staten Island FerryHawks left fielder Kelsie Whitmore on Sunday

The Associated Press GASTONIA — Kelsie Whitmore played left field and batted ninth for the Staten Island FerryHawks on Sunday, becoming the first woman to start a game in the Atlantic League and one of the first to do so in a league connected to Major League Baseball.

The 23-year-old Whitmore cracked manager Edgardo Alfonzo’s lineup for the FerryHawks’ game at the Gastonia Honey Hunters.

Whitmore, a right-handed hitter, went 0 for 2. She struck out in her first at-bat, was hit by a pitch in the second — she hustled toward first base after being struck in the arm by a breaking pitch — and flied out to right in her third time up. She was then pulled for a pinch-hitter in a 10-5 loss.

Flawless in the field, Whitmore caught a couple of flyballs hit in her direction.

Whitmore had previously come off the bench for Staten Island, making her debut on April 21 at Charleston as a pinch-runner with two outs in the ninth inning.

Whitmore is a two-way player and has been working with pitching coach and former big leaguer Nelson Figueroa, but she’s yet to pitch in a game for Staten Island.

A former college softball player at Cal State Fullerton, Whitmore signed with Staten Island this month, one of several notable moments for women in baseball this season.

Last month, San Francisco Giants coach Alyssa Nakken filled in as first base coach, becoming the first woman to coach on the field for a big league game. A few days before that, Rachel Balk-

By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal

JOSEPH LANGAN | AP PHOTO

Staten Island FerryHawks player Kelsie Whitmore leads off first as a pinch-runner during a game against the Charleston Dirty Birds on April 21. Whitmore played left field and batted ninth for the FerryHawks in Gastonia on Sunday, becoming the first woman to start a game in the Atlantic League and one of the first to do so in a league connected to Major League Baseball.

“Playing baseball at the highest level is my goal.”

Kelsie Whitmore, Staten Island FerryHawks left fielder ovec won her debut managing the Low-A Tampa Tarpons in the New York Yankees’ system, becoming the first woman to skipper a team affiliated with a major league club.

Whitmore pitched and played in the outfield for the U.S. women’s baseball team from 2014-19 and spent parts of two seasons with the Sonoma Stompers of the independent Pacific Association.

Atlantic League teams are not big league affiliates, but the circuit is an MLB partner league. It’s a step up in quality from the Pa-

cific Association.

“I’m grateful for all the opportunities I’ve been given,” Whitmore said prior to the season.

“This one, by far, I’m really looking forward to because it’s next level for me.”

At least two other women have played in a league with a connection to MLB: Lee Anne Ketcham and Julie Croteau were on the Maui Stingrays in the Hawaiian Winter Baseball League in 1994.

“Playing baseball at the highest level is my goal,” Whitmore said. “You know, if you ask any other guy that’s going to be in the league what his goal is, it’s the same thing, to get to the next level and play at the highest level I could possibly play at.

“Eventually, I want to play in affiliated ball. I want to make this game my career, my living, and just, you know, be a part of it as much as I can.”

ALBEMARLE — With opening-round games underway, South Stanly High School’s campus in Norwood is this year’s home for the Yadkin Valley Conference baseball and softball tournaments.

Both conference competitions for the two leagues — featuring a pair of Stanly County regular season champions in the Comets’ baseball team and Bulls’ softball team — began on May 2.

On the baseball side, No. 3 Union Academy (14-7, 6-4) defeated No. 6 Gray Stone (6-11, 0-10) with a 10-0 shutout, while No. 4 South Stanly (6-12, 4-6) narrowly slipped past No. 5 seed Robinson (7-13, 4-6) 11-10.

In Tuesday’s action, No. 2 Mount Pleasant (9-9, 6-4) was set to face Union Academy, while top seed and regular season champion North Stanly (20-1, 10-0) went

against a familiar foe in South Stanly. The championship games are set for May 6 at 7:30 p.m.

On the softball side, No. 3 Union Academy (16-4, 7-3) eased past No. 6 Robinson (2-15, 0-10) 10-0, while No. 4 North Stanly (11-7, 4-6 YVC) lost to No. 5 Gray Stone (11-9, 2-8).

In the second round on Tuesday, Union Academy was scheduled to challenge top seed South Stanly (20-3, 10-0), and Gray Stone faced No. 2 seed Mount Pleasant (13-7, 7-3). Like the baseball format, the softball championship finals are set for May 6 at 7:30 p.m.

Uwharrie Charter is the reigning YVC baseball tournament champion, while South Stanly holds that same claim for the YVC softball tournament.

All tickets for the championship rounds on May 6 can be purchased via the official South Stanly High School GoFan web page at gofan.co/app/school/NC2172.

South Stanly’s Kassie Swink makes the throw to first base against Southwestern Randolph during the final regular season game at Southwestern Randolph high school in Asheboro, on April 29, 2022.

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Greyhounds compete in a race at the Iowa Greyhound Park on April 16 in Dubuque, Iowa. After the end of a truncated season in Dubuque in May, the track here will close. By the end of the year, there will only be two tracks left in the country.

CHARLIE NEIBERGALL | AP PHOTO

Greyhound racing nearing its end in the US Increased sports gambling and animal welfare concerns have sunk the sport

By Scott McFetridge The Associated Press DUBUQUE, Iowa — Vera Rasnake laughed as she led a trio of barking, jostling dogs into the Iowa Greyhound Park, but her smile faded when she acknowledged that after 41 years of being around the sleek animals, her sport was teetering on extinction.

After the end of a truncated season in Dubuque in May, the track here will close. By the end of the year there will only be two tracks left in the country.

“It’s very hard for me to see this,”

Rasnake said.

It’s been a long slide for greyhound racing, which reached its peak in the 1980s when there were more than 50 tracks across 19 states. Since then, increased concerns about how the dogs are treated along with an explosion of gambling options have nearly killed a sport that gained widespread appeal about a century ago.

A racing association found that betting on greyhounds plunged from $3.5 billion in 1991 to about $500 million in 2014. Since then, many more tracks have closed.

In some states like the dog-racing mecca of Florida in 2021, it was voter initiatives that ended the sport at the state’s dozen tracks. In others like Iowa, state officials allowed casinos to end subsidies that had kept greyhound

“People don’t realize how normalized it was in American culture for a long time.”

Gwyneth Anne Thayer, author of “Going to the Dogs” racing alive as interest declined.

“Do I think the industry is dying? Yes,” said Gwyneth Anne Thayer, who has written a history of greyhound racing. But “it’s happening way faster than I thought it would.”

The Dubuque track closure and the end of racing in West Memphis, Arkansas, this December

will leave racing only in West Virginia, where tracks in Wheeling and near Charleston operate with subsidies from casino revenue.

For some animal welfare groups, the industry’s collapse is the culmination of decades of work to publicize allegations of greyhound mistreatment. The group GREY2K was formed in 2001 and Carey Theil, the organization’s executive director, said he feels a sense of accomplishment now that the sport’s end seems within reach.

“This has become one of the signature animal welfare debates of our time,” Theil said.

“They’re beautiful. Like works of art,” Janiszewski said.

At times, the sport drew more spectators than its more prominent rival horse racing. While

considered seedy by some, it was mainstream entertainment for decades, Thayer said.

“People don’t realize how normalized it was in American culture for a long time,” she said.

Greyhound racing also is held in other countries, including Australia, Great Britain, Ireland, Mexico and Vietnam, but it is facing some of the same problems apparent in the U.S. Although greyhound racing in the U.S. will be confined only to West Virginia, that state seems intent on retaining the sport, said Steve Sarras, president of the West Virginia Kennel Owners Association. The state’s two tracks run races five-days a week year-round.

Sarras said West Virginia legislators made repeated visits to his kennel and others to inspect conditions, and ultimately were confident the dogs are well treated.

“When you see it firsthand, you cannot fake how happy a dog is,” he said.

6

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, May 4, 2022

Sen. Rand Paul wants to investigate origins of COVID-19 The Associated Press SMITHFIELD, Ky. — U.S. Sen. Rand Paul promised Saturday to wage a vigorous review into the origins of the coronavirus if Republicans retake the Senate and he lands a committee chairmanship.

Speaking to supporters at a campaign rally, the libertarian-leaning Kentucky Republican denounced what he sees as government overreach in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He applauded a recent judge’s order that voided the federal mask mandate on planes and trains and in travel hubs.

“Last week I was on an airplane for the first time in two years and didn’t have to wear a mask,” he said, drawing cheers from the partisan crowd. “And you know what I saw in the airport? I saw at least 97% of the other free individuals not wearing masks.”

Paul has clashed repeatedly with Dr. Anthony Fauci, the country’s top infectious disease expert, over the government’s COVID-19 policies and the origins of the virus that caused the global pandemic.

Paul, who is seeking a third term this year in Kentucky, said he’s in line to assume a committee chairmanship if the GOP wins Senate control after the November election. The Senate currently has a 50-50 split, but Democrats have the slim edge because

Vice President Kamala Harris is a tie-breaking vote.

“When we take over in November, I will be chairman of a committee and I will have subpoena power,” Paul said. “And we will get to the bottom of where this virus came from.”

The senator, an eye surgeon, continued to offer his theory about the origins of the virus.

“If you look at the evidence, overwhelmingly, not 100%, but overwhelmingly the evidence points to this virus being a leak from a lab,” Paul said.

In the U.S., many conservatives have accused Chinese scientists of developing COVID-19 in a lab and allowing it to leak.

U.S. intelligence agencies remain divided on the origins of the coronavirus but believe China’s leaders did not know about the virus before the start of the global pandemic, according a Biden-ordered review that was released last summer.

The scientific consensus remains that the virus most likely migrated from animals in what’s known as a zoonotic transmission. So-called “spillover events” occur in nature, and there are at least two coronaviruses that evolved in bats and caused human epidemics, SARS1 and MERS. At the Kentucky GOP rally for Paul, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, the state’s senior senator, also pointed to Paul’s opportunity to lead a com-

AP PHOTO

Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., speaks during a Senate Foreign Relations committee hearing on the Fiscal Year 2023 Budget in Washington, D.C., Tuesday, April 26, 2022. mittee if the GOP wins Senate control.

If that occurs, he said, Paul would become chairman of “one of the most important committees in the Senate — in charge of health, education, labor and pensions.”

McConnell was upbeat about Republican prospects in November.

“I’ve never seen a better environment for us than this year,” said McConnell, who is in line to again become majority leader if the GOP reclaims the Senate.

The rally featured a number of other prominent Kentucky Republicans, including several who are considering running for governor in 2023, when Democrat-

ic Gov. Andy Beshear will seek a second term.

In his speech, Paul continued to rail against socialism, saying it would encroach on individual liberties. The senator was first elected to the Senate in the tea party-driven wave of 2010.

“When President Trump said he wanted to ‘Make America Great Again,’ I said, ‘Amen,’” Paul said. “But let’s understand what made America great in the first place, and that’s freedom, constitutionally guaranteed liberty.”

In this year’s Senate race in Kentucky, Charles Booker is by far the best known of a handful of Democrats seeking their party’s nomination for Paul’s seat in the May 17 primary. Paul is be-

ing challenged by several little-known candidates in the GOP primary. A general election campaign between Paul and Booker would be a battle between candidates with starkly different philosophies.

Booker, a black former state lawmaker, narrowly lost a bid for the Senate Democratic nomination in 2020. He is a progressive who touts Medicare for all, anti-poverty programs, a clean-energy agenda and criminal justice changes. Paul, a former presidential candidate, has accumulated a massive fundraising advantage over Booker.

Kentucky has not elected a Democrat to the U.S. Senate since Wendell Ford in 1992.

JonBenet Ramsey’s father wants outside agency to test DNA The Associated Press DENVER — The father of JonBenet Ramsey is supporting an online petition asking Colorado’s governor to intervene in the investigation into her death more than 25 years ago by putting an outside agency in charge of DNA testing in the case.

The 6-year-old was found dead in the basement of her family’s home in Boulder on Dec. 26, 1996, bludgeoned and strangled, several hours after her mother called 911 to say her daughter was missing and a ransom note had been left behind. Her death was ruled a homicide, but nobody was ever prosecuted.

John Ramsey said wants DNA evidence that was never tested before to be transferred away from Boulder police to a different agency, KUSA-TV reported Sunday.

“Somehow we’ve got to force the police, or take it away from them, the ability to go ahead and test some of the crime scene evidence that was never tested for DNA,” he said. “Why that’s never been done and will never be done by the police baffles me.”

The petition notes that advancements in DNA and the use of genetic genealogy is leading to the solving of more cold case around the country. It criticizes the Boulder Police Department for not doing enough to use DNA to solve the case, noting that the department said at the time of the 25th anniversary of JonBenet’s death that it was “actively reviewing genetic DNA testing processes” to see if those could be applied to the case.

In this Jan. 3, 1997, file photo, a police officer sits in her cruiser outside the home in which 6-year-old JonBenet Ramsey was found murdered in Boulder, Colorado on Dec. 26, 1996.

AP PHOTO

In a statement, a spokesperson for Polis said “The State will review the petition and look into how the state can assist in using new technology to further investigate this cold case and to identify JonBenet Ramsey’s killer.” The statement did not address the involvement of Boulder police.

Meanwhile, the Boulder Police Department said it has been working with state law enforcement agencies and the FBI, on the investigation and that DNA from

the case is regularly checked for any new matches. As of December, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation has updated over 750 DNA samples from the investigation with the latest DNA technology, the department said in a statement.

“We have a shared goal to bring justice—and hopefully some peace—to JonBenet’s family and everyone who was impacted by her loss,” Police Chief Maris Herold said in the statement.

The police department was criticized for its initial handling of the investigation into the death of JonBenet, who had competed in beauty pageants.

The details of the crime and video footage of JonBenet from the pageants propelled the case into one of the highest-profile mysteries in the United States, unleashing a series of true-crime books and TV specials.

While the district attorney at the time of JonBenet’s death

said her parents were under “an umbrella of suspicion” early on, tests in 2008 on newly discovered DNA on her clothing pointed to the involvement of an “unexplained third party” in her slaying, and not her parents, John and Patsy Ramsey, or their son, Burke. That led former district attorney Mary Lacy to clear the Ramseys of any involvement, two years after Patsy Ramsey died of cancer, calling the couple “victims of this crime.”

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, May 4, 2022

7

obituaries

James Ray Lorch

January 6, 1945 ~ April 30, 2022

Celebrate the life of your loved ones.

Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in SCJ at obits@ stanlyjournal.com

James Ray Lorch, 77, of Albemarle, passed away Saturday, April 30, 2022, at Autumn Care Salisbury, NC, surrounded by his family.

He was born on January 6, 1945, in Concord, North Carolina to the late Hubert Ray Lorch and the late Virginia Dellinger Lorch.

He was a previous owner/operator of Lorch Plumbing and Heating and a retired mechanical contractor for I. L. Long of Winston Salem.

Mr. Lorch attended Lenoir-Rhyne University. He was a member of the Albemarle Lodge 703, Scottish Rite Mason 32nd degree, Stanly County Shrine Club, the Oasis Shriner Temple in Charlotte, NC, Shriner’s Characters Parade Unit, Albemarle Jaycees, and a lifelong member of First Lutheran Church. His greatest joys in life were spending time with his family, traveling, and supporting the only team there ever was - the Carolina Tar Heels.

Survivors include his loving wife of 56 years, Joretta Lorch of Albemarle, NC; Daughter, Cindy Waisner (Charlie); Son, Michael Lorch (Laura); Granddaughters, Grasyn Waisner, Cierra Waisner, and Payton Lorch; Sister, Linda Cress (Robert) of Orangeburg, SC.

Jane Elaine (Hatley) Smith

October 19, 1929 ~ April 29, 2022 Jane Elaine Hatley Smith, 92, of Albemarle, passed away Friday, April 29, 2022 at Trinity Place in Albemarle.

Jane was born October 19, 1929 in Stanly County to the late Ulysses A. Hatley and the late Ruth Shank Biles. She was also preceded in death by husband, James Thomas Smith, daughter, Wanda Elaine (Joe) Mauldin, great-grandsons, Jonathan Morton Jr., and Kevin Kendall, half sisters, Betty Sue Furr, and Jeanette, son-in-law James Carriker.

Jane loved the Lord, her family, and her church family. She loved hummingbirds, all animals and plants especially her dog Sassy. Jane was the family jokester and loved to make people laugh. She was loved and will be missed by all. A special thanks to Trinity Place and all the wonderful nurses and caretakers on A and B hall as well as her special roommate Elsie Hinson.

Survivors include daughter, Libby Carriker, son, Darrell "Smiley" (Rose) Smith, son, Larry (Bonnie) Smith, grandchildren, Angela Kendall, Jonathan (Teresa) Morton, Jana (Frank) Gregory, Jodi Merritt, Ellie Morton, Jill (Jeremy) Talbert, Joanie (Eric) Mauldin, Jamie (Tiffany) Carriker, Jaman "J.T." (Amanda) Smith, Natalee (Zach) Rogers, 23 great-grandchildren, and 12 greatgreat-grandchildren.

Minnie Ruth (Crisco) Rollings

Shelby Troutman Long

September 3, 1935 ~ April 28, 2022

February 16, 1939 - April 25, 2022

Minnie Ruth Crisco Rollings, 86, formally of Jefferson South Carolina, passed away Thursday, April 28, 2022 at Trinity Place in Albemarle.

Minnie was born September 3, 1935 in Stanly County to the late Ollie Lee Crisco and the late Isadora Harris Crisco. She was also preceded in death by husband, Clyde Rollings, brothers, Melvin (Edna) Brunson Crisco and Otis (Teen) Lee Crisco.

Survivors include nieces, Beverly C. Baucom, Rita Crisco, Sharon C. (Todd) Hartmann, and nephew Mark Crisco; great- nieces and nephews, Michael Baucom, Julia York, Joshua Hartmann, Cory Hartmann, Collin (Sarah) Hartmann, and Caitlin Webb; Stepchildren; Maxie (Cathy) Rollins, Tonya Rollins; step- grandchildren, Travis Rollins, Nick Rollins, Ashley Atkinson; and many loved ones.

And a special thanks to her caregivers and staff at Trinity Place Albemarle and Hospice of Stanly County.

Shelby Jean Troutman Long, 83, of Stanfield, passed away Monday, April 25, 2022 at Atrium Health Cabarrus. Her funeral service will be 2pm Thursday, April 28, 2022 at Loves Grove United Methodist Church with Rev. Jim White officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends on Wednesday evening from 6pm until 8pm at Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Locust.

Mrs. Long was born February 16, 1939 in Cabarrus County, NC to the late Herman Harrison Troutman and Lois Kathleen Scott Troutman. She retired from the former Stonewall Jackson Training School where she was the cafeteria supervisor. Shelby was a member of Loves Grove United Methodist Church.

Shelby is survived by her husband, Fred Wilson Long of the home.

Other survivors include two sons, Michael Long (Sylvia) and Tracy Long (Jennifer) all of Stanfield, NC; two daughters, Susan Steen (Joel) of Concord, NC and Rachel Williams (Robert) of Salisbury, NC; four brothers, Bob Troutman (Martha),Scott Troutman (Shenna), Grady Troutman (Linda) and David Troutman (Sandy); four sisters, Virginia Kowalsky, Wanda Soots, Connie Draughn and Janet Patterson (George); twelve grandchildren, Cesley Helms, Robert Brandon, Erica McClellan, Sarah Fitts, Jessica Shoup, Elizabeth Dorroh, Angelina Moysan, Grant Long, Andrew Long, Bryson Long, Lyndsey McLean and Malorie Fisher and nine great grandchildren.

Shelby is preceded in death by six brothers, James “Buck” Troutman, Boyd Troutman, Ernest Troutman, Don Troutman, Gene Troutman and Curtis Troutman and two sisters, Alice Crayton and Shirley Pressler.

Larry Furr

October 28, 1947 ~ April 26, 2022

Raymond James "Jim" Enos, III February 17, 1963 - April 28, 2022

Raymond James “Jim” Enos, III, of Albemarle passed away on Thursday, April 28, 2022. A celebration of life service will be held at a later date in Wilmington, NC. Jim was born February 17, 1963 in Springfield, MA to Raymond James Enos, Jr. and the late Maryann Eytalis Brodeur. Jim’s hobbies included playing guitar, singing, spending time with his dogs, drinking coffee, and smoking cigars. He retired from Corning after 25 dedicated years to the company.

To know Jim, aka Jimmy, was to know love. He brought laughter to any room. His heart was as big as his hugs.

Jim is survived by his wife Patsy Ann Wood Enos; sisters: Pam Enos Brazelton (Wayne) of Hampstead, NC; Lindsey Enos Bryant (Elissa Edwards) of Raleigh, NC; stepson: Justin Stoeber of Longmont, CO; nieces and nephews: Bryce Brazelton, Kaleb Bryant, Tessa Bryant, Jacob Bryant, Charleigh Bryant; Aunt: Lee Enos of Wilmington, NC; good friends: Darlene and Liam Pendergrass of Salisbury, NC.

Mary "Butch" Page August 24, 1945 - April 28, 2022

Mary "Butch" Catherine Luther Page, 76, of Albemarle, passed away at Atrium Health Cabarrus.

She was born August 24, 1945 in York, SC to the late Hubert Wesley Luther and Ada Norris Luther.

A loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Perfectly imperfect in all aspects of life. She was a feisty firecracker. Loved the beach and listening to music. She was an avid GRIT TV watcher, Walker Texas Ranger and loved General Hospital.

"Butch" is preceded in death by the love of her life, Jim Parrett.

She is survived by a daughter Barbara Lowder of Locust, NC; son, Billy Joe Richardson and wife Lucy of Rockwell, NC; two Sisters, Betty Hinson of Concord, NC and Pearlie Talbert of Albemarle, NC; a grandson, Michael Lowder and wife Alisha; granddaughter, Stacey Lowder and Anthony; and four great grandchildren, Hannah, Makaleigh, Gabrian and Maddox. She is also preceded in death by two brothers and three sisters, Agnes Vanhoy, Suzanne Foster and Wanda Butler and grandson, Mark Lowder.

James ‘Larry’ Furr, 74, of Norwood, passed away Tuesday, April 26, 2022 at his home.

Mr. Furr was born on October 28, 1947 in Stanly County to the late James Albert and Mary Esther Hathcock Furr. He was a mobile home door maker and a member at Freedom Tabernacle church where he served as a Deacon. Larry loved spending time fishing and working on boats and cars.

In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his wife, Judy Shoemaker Furr; and one brother, Wade Lee Furr Sr. He is survived by his daughters: Wendy Hartsell (James) of Norwood and Sharon Newton (Timothy) of Mt. Gilead; three brothers: Curtis Furr of Texas, James Furr (Cindy) of Norwood, and Kenneth Furr (Renee) of Concord; one sister: Thesa Hartsell (George) of Stanfield; three grandchildren: Megan Pinion (Jason), Aaron Hartsell (Brittany), and Tyler Newton (Carmela); and nine great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Stanly and the Uwharries 960 N First Street, Albemarle NC 28001.

Sylvia Elaine (Doby) Chandler

January 9, 1949 ~ April 27, 2022 Sylvia Elaine Chandler, 73, of Albemarle, passed away Wednesday, April 27, 2022 at her home.

Sylvia was born January 9, 1949 in Rowan Co., North Carolina to the late Robert Doby and the late Geneva Doby She was also preceded in death

by Sue Carver, Janie Thomas, and Corky Edwards.

Survivors include husband, Ithma Ronald Chandler of the home.

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, May 4, 2022

8

STATE & NATION

NC judge drops price to cover school plan, omits spend order

By Gary D. Robertson The Associated Press RALEIGH — A North Carolina judge cut the amount of money needed to comply through the middle of next year with a step-bystep plan to address state educational inequities. But he declined to leave in place the crux of another judge’s order that directed cash from government coffers be sent to state agencies to cover a fiscal gap.

Special Superior Court Judge Mike Robinson ruled in long-running public education spending litigation which he began presiding over last month. Judge David Lee had directed in November that $1.75 billion be moved from state coffers to three government agencies to carry out two years of an eight-year, $5.6 billion remedial plan that he also endorsed last June.

Robinson wrote that provisions within a two-year state budget — approved by the General Assembly and signed by Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper a week after Lee’s order — reduced the amount now needed to carry out the plan through June 2023 to $785 million. But since a panel of the state Court of Appeals had already

blocked the portion of Lee’s ordering directing the transfer because it said only lawmakers can appropriate money, Robinson said he was obliged to remove that directive from his amended order.

“Accordingly, this court cannot and shall not consider the legal issue of the trial court’s authority to order state officers to transfer funds from the state treasury to fund” the remedial plan, Robinson wrote.

That part of the ruling is a setback for school districts and parents of students who are plaintiffs in decades-long litigation over school funding. They say the state keeps falling short of its constitutional duties to help at-risk children and those in poor counties.

Still, Robinson wrote, Lee’s order should be amended to declare the state has failed to fully fund those two years of the remedial plan that Lee backed, and that additional money is “adjudged to be owed” to three state agencies.

The Supreme Court had ordered Robinson to review Lee’s order in light of the budget law and report back by April 20. The judge asked for and received an extra week, saying he needed more time to work through disagree-

ments among state officials over how much money in the new budget law covered the remedial plan programs.

Landmark Supreme Court decisions in 1997 and 2004 declared there was a constitutionally protected right to obtain the “opportunity for a sound basic education” and that the state had not lived up to that mandate, especially for children in poor regions.

With Robinson’s ruling, the case now returns to the state Supreme Court, which could decide to what lengths the judicial branch can go to ensure schoolchildren have the opportunity to succeed when it determines the legislative and executive branches have fallen short of their duties. No date for oral arguments has been announced.

Lee said last year that the remedial plan — based on an outside consultant’s report and input from Cooper and the State Board of Education — could satisfy the rulings from the “Leandro” litigation, named for a plaintiff when the lawsuit was filed in 1994.

Lee wrote that other portions of the constitution addressing education access gave him the right to direct spending.

Lawyers for Republican legis-

Special Superior Court Judge Mike Robinson.

FILE PHOTO

lative leaders — who only recently were added as formal parties in the case — had argued before Robinson that Lee’s order directing the transfer from state coffers should have been canceled altogether. But attorneys representing school districts, parents and state officials said Robinson’s job wasn’t to consider whether to throw out Lee’s order, but whether to adjust it in light of the budget provisions.

Robinson did write that it appeared that there would be enough unappropriated money — over $4 billion — in the state’s general fund to make a transfer like Lee

ordered to cover the $785 million. That unspent balance would be sitting in a savings reserve that lawmakers say can’t be spent unless there is legislative approval.

Chief Justice Paul Newby named Robinson to review Lee’s order in light of the budget law on the same day the Supreme Court agreed to fast-track appeals over that order. In January, Lee had reached the mandatory retirement age for judges at 72. Newby had authority, however, to allow Lee to stay on the bench and perform the review. Lee had been monitoring the case since late 2016.

Trump’s bid to shape GOP faces test with voters in May races

By Steve Peoples The Associated Press NEW YORK — Donald Trump ‘s post-presidency enters a new phase this month as voters across the U.S. begin weighing the candidates he elevated to pursue his vision of the Republican Party.

“The month of May is going to be a critical window into where we are,” said Maryland Republican Gov. Larry Hogan, a Trump critic defending incumbent GOP governors in Georgia, Ohio and Idaho against Trump-backed challengers this month. “I’m just concerned that there are some people trying to tear the party apart or burn it down.”

Few states may be a higher priority for Trump than Georgia, where early voting began on Monday ahead of the May 24 primary. He’s taken a particularly active role in the governor’s race there, recruiting a former U.S. senator to take on the incumbent Republican. For similar reasons, Trump is also aiming to unseat the Republican secretary of state.

While the primary season will play out deep into the summer, the first batch of races could set the tone for the year. If Republican voters in the early states rally behind the Trump-backed candidates, the former president’s kingmaker status would be validated, likely enhancing his power as he considers another bid for the presidency. High-profile setbacks, however, could dent his stature and give stronger footing to those who hope to advance an alternate vision for the GOP. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz predicted a strong month of May for Trump and his allies.

“The voices in Washington that want him to fade into obscurity or

AP PHOTO

Former President Donald Trump applauds the crowd as he arrives to speak at a rally Saturday, April 9, 2022, in Selma to be silenced are engaged in their own form of wishful thinking,” Cruz said in an interview. “That’s not going to happen. Nor should he.”

As Republicans grapple with Trump, Democrats are confronting their own set of revealing primaries.

Candidates representing the Democrats’ progressive wing are yanking the party leftward while offering conflicting messages about how to overcome their acute political shortcomings, Biden’s

weak standing chief among them.

History suggests that Democrats, as the party that controls Washington, may be headed for big losses in November no matter which direction they go.

Florida Sen. Rick Scott, who leads the GOP’s effort to retake the Senate, described the month of May as a brutal sorting period likely to be dominated by Republican infighting instead of the policy solutions or contrasts with Democrats he’d like to see.

“The primaries too often be-

come sort of character assassinations,” Scott said in an interview.

“That’s what has happened.”

He added, “Hopefully, people come together.”

No race may be messier than the Republican primary election for Georgia’s governor. Trump has spent months attacking Republican incumbents Gov. Brian Kemp and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. He blames both men for not working hard enough to address election integrity issues relating to the 2020 presi-

dential election.

Georgia Republican Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, a frequent Trump critic who is not running for reelection, described Trump’s decision to back former Sen. David Perdue against Kemp an “embarrassing” waste of time that could undermine the GOP’s broader goals this fall.

Duncan predicted Trump would ultimately win some races and lose others this month, but he was especially optimistic about Kemp’s chances to beat back Trump’s challenge.

“If a sitting governor is able to defeat that whole Donald Trump notion by a huge amount — and others down the ticket — I think we’re gonna send a message that it’s gonna take more than a Donald Trump endorsement to call yourself a Republican,” he said.

Six months before the general election, the Republican candidates in key primaries have already spent mountains of campaign cash attacking against each other as Democrats largely save their resources — and sharpest attacks — for the November.

In the Pennsylvania, where Trump-backed Dr. Mehmet Oz and former hedge fund executive David McCormick are locked in a fierce fight for the GOP nomination, the candidates and allied outside groups have spent more than $48 million on television advertising so far. Democrats spent just over $10 million.

And in North Carolina, Republican forces have spent more than $15 million on a divisive primary pitting Trump-backed Rep. Ted Budd against former Gov. Pat McCrory. Democrats, who have united behind former state Supreme Court Chief Justice Cheri Beasley, spent just over $2 million.

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VOLUME 4 ISSUE 32 | WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2022

Twin City Herald

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Firing it over the plate Wheatmore Warriors Travis Hurt delivers to the plate against Walkertown Wolfpack during the Asheboro Zookeepers Invitational at Southwestern Randolph High School in Asheboro, on April 14, 2022. The Warriors fell to the Wolfpack 12-2.

WHAT’S HAPPENING Wake debate team wins national title Wake Debate won its first ever national championship in the Cross Examination Debate Association’s Nationals. Sophomores Dimarvin Puerto and Asya Taylor won the crown with a 9-0 decision over the University of Michigan at the championships, held at George Mason University last month. Wake had advanced to the nationals 18 times in its history before Taylor and Puerto finally broeken through.

Puerto is a Spanish major from Chicago, while Taylor is a Dallas native.

WFU.EDU

New exhibit shows life at Reynolds estate A news presentation and exhibit at the Reynolda House Museum of American Art will give a glimpse behind the scenes at what life was like at the Reynolds estate.

Ban Helms, the director of the museu’’s library and archives will present, along with Amber C. Albert, manager of community and academic learning. Guests will see the family’s lifestyle and the role of the servants who made it possible.

A tour of the property will also show areas not typically available to the public. The presentation runs through early June.

WINSTONSALEM.COM

Police to host charity event The Winston-Salem Police Foundation will hold its Operation Protect & Serve charity event on Thursday, May 19, at the Millennium Center in WinstonSalem. The event will celebrate the police department’s role in the community, raise awareness of the foundation’s community building efforts and will raise funds. Guests will be treated to food, beverages and have the chance to bid on auction items.

WINSTONSALEM.COM

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20177 52016 $0.50

8

Masks to remain optional in Winston-Salem/Forsyth Co. Schools Students recognized for regional awards and Governor’s School selections

By Ryan Henkel For the North State Journal WINSTON-SALEM – The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Board of Education met Tuesday where they voted to continue their optional mask policy as well approve funding for a new robotics and coding program.

Because the amount of positive cases of COVID-19 in Forsyth County has continued to remain low, the Strongschools NC Public Health Toolkit recommended that masking should stay optional for all schools and facilities. The board voted unanimously in favor of the recommendation.

“As we look at Forsyth County, we remain in the low category,” said Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, Fredricca Stokes. “As we move to our district and our staff, we only reported 35 cases from April 1 to April 15.

Our numbers are low and we are so happy about that.”

The board recognized 39 WSFCS students who received 2022 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards for the Mid Carolina Region presented by the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to identify students with exceptional artistic and literary talent and present their remarkable work to the world.

The two awards that are presented are the Gold Key – the very best works submitted to local programs, which 14 WSFCS students received – and the Silver Key – stand-out works submitted to local programs that demonstrate exceptional ability, which 27 WSFCS students received.

“There are 26 counties in our Mid Carolina region and there were 2,000 entries this year of student artwork that was judged,” said Penny Freeland, WSFCS Visual Arts Administrator. “From that, our school district was awarded 79 awards with regional Gold Keys, Silver Keys and Honorable Mentions.”

Community College report shows major economic impact Twin City Herald staff RALEIGH — A comprehensive new economic impact analysis finds that North Carolina’s 58 Community Colleges have a $19 billion annual impact on the state’s economy and supports more than 320,000 jobs across the state.

The economic impact study found for every dollar the state invests in North Carolina’s Community Colleges, the state gains $7.50 in added incomes and social savings. The colleges gen-

erate nearly double the revenue from what they take in from the taxpayers. For every $1 the state invests, taxpayers get $1.90 back in added tax revenues and public sector savings, according to the study.

“The Community College System serves over half a million students each year and fuels North Carolina’s job engine,” said system president Thomas Stith. “Our strong partnerships with business and industry in our communities and around the globe are creating a demand for our community col-

“As we look at Forsyth County, we remain in the low category. ... As we move to our district and our staff, we only reported 35 cases from April 1 to April 15.

Our numbers are low and we are so happy about that.”

Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, Fredricca Stokes

In addition, 38 students were recognized for their selection to the 2022 North Carolina Governor’s School.

The board approved the Robotics and Coding RFP Award and Purchase which will see an initial price tag of $600,861.75 that will be covered by the school system’s ESSER funds.

“In 2020, the State implemented a requirement for us to teach K-12 computer science standards

The report showed over $400 million in annual economic impact from Forsyth Tech leges to provide the unique and skilled workforce needed, and we are leading economic recovery efforts in North Carolina.”

The report was an exhaustive undertaking supported by the North Carolina General Assembly, leaders from the N.C. Association of Community College Presidents, N.C. State’s Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research, and national research leader Emsi Burning Glass.

“It’s been a privilege to have worked and supported our education partners on this study from the beginning as I was confident the results would blow us away.

embedded in the content area standards,” said Assistant Superintendent for Information Technology, Kevin Sherrill. “We’re a little bit behind on that and we think it’s time for us to get focused. We feel like this robotics and coding program will give us an excellent opportunity to partner with instructional services, train those folks, develop lesson plans where appropriate and embed these tools and lessons into the lesson plan organizers for each grade level.”

WSFCS hopes to implement the program starting in the Summer and Fall of 2022 and its goal is that for grades 3-8, by June 2023, all students will have at least two experiences provided by the Instructional Technology Facilitators and Media Coordinators with a coding and robotics solution.

The board also approved the proposed bylaws for ESSER advisory council and appointments, the sale of the Rural Hall property and the request by Carver High School for a greenway trail.

The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Board of Education next meets on May 10.

And it did. I think it’s fair to say not many government-funded programs generate more revenue than they take in from taxpayers,” said State Sen. Deanna Ballard (R-Watauga), who chairs the Senate Education Committee.

“It’s critical that our high school graduates and adults looking to gain new skills take advantage of the incredible opportunities that their local community college provides.”

The report also says that community college graduates have higher incomes that contribute to a larger tax base and a growing state. For example, students who graduate with an associate degree from a N.C. community college will see an increase in earnings of up to $7,000 or more each year compared to a person with a high school diploma or equivalent. If the student builds upon See COLLEGES, page 2

Twin City Herald for Wednesday, May 4, 2022

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COLUMN | DAVID HARSANYI

Biden’s Ministry of Truth A FEDERAL SPEECH CZAR? Just as the Founders imagined it, no doubt.

Earlier this week, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas told Congress that his agency is creating a “Disinformation Governance Board” to combat “misinformation” coming from Russia as we near this year’s midterm elections. The Biden administration’s new Committee on Public Information will be led by Nina Jankowicz, “a disinformation fellow” who, perfectly enough, comes to the administration from a think tank named after Woodrow Wilson. Like Wilson, Mayorkas, himself a font of untruths, does not explain under what constitutional power he proposes to oversee speech.

It gets tedious to point this out, but you can vividly imagine the thermonuclear meltdown the country would be (rightly) subjected to if a Republican president assembled a government panel tasked with weeding out “disinformation.” To our technocrats’ dismay, this isn’t Europe, where the state can dictate allowable speech and sometimes arrests those who don’t abide. Here, citizens are the ones who call out the state for peddling misinformation, not the other way around.

The pro-censorship Left, which is to say the vast majority of contemporary Democrats, now have Barack Obama on board as well. The one-time neoliberal champion of free speech — a freedom he employed aggressively to mislead the American people when it served his partisan interests — alleged during a recent Stanford University speech that “people are dying” from misinformation. And, you know, if censorship can save one life ...

Indeed, these arbiters of truth not only happen to be some of the same people who ran around repeating ludicrous conspiracies about foreign interference for five years; they’re also the same people who used the menace of “Russian disinformation” to lie and suppress news that undermined their electoral prospects, as they did with the Hunter Biden laptop story. (That crew, you’ll be surprised to learn, includes Czarina Jankowicz.)

Setting aside such a cynical use of “disinformation,” are we really supposed to believe that an administration that tells us with a straight

face that a $3.5 trillion spending bill “costs zero dollars” or that showing an ID is tantamount to Jim Crow 2.0 or that your sex relies entirely on your perception is going to sort out the accuracy of rhetoric? Jankowicz was hired by a man who for the past 50 years has been one of our most entertaining fabulists.

Most tech companies do not offer unencumbered free-association rights. They spend tens of millions each year in Washington rent-seeking and lobbying for favorable regulations and are highly susceptible to state intimidation and threats. Recall that press secretary Jen Psaki informed the media not long ago that the White House was “flagging problematic posts for Facebook that spread disinformation.” Or that White House Communications Director Kate Bedingfield was arguing that social media companies “should be held accountable” for the ideas of those who use their platforms. Or U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy saying “we” must “root out” misleading speech. What government claims is a conspiracy theory can be a plausible possibility, as we learned when Facebook, at the behest of government officials, banned stories on the Chinese origins of COVID. While the state putting an imprimatur on “truth” is dangerous to freedom, it is also laughable in practice. As a person passing judgment on truth, Jankowicz has shown to be completely inadequate for the job. From treating the Steele dossier (Russian misinformation, as it turns out) as fact (not to mention getting the basics about the story wrong) to repeatedly using her position as disinformation “expert” to dismiss the Hunter Biden story as a “Kremlin” concoction, she is no better, it seems, than the average leftist partisan on CNN. Of course, getting to the truth is not the point of all this. It is by any liberal ideal of open discourse preferable to allow lies to seep into the information stream than to allow a panel nomenklatura to start dictating the veracity of what we read and hear. First, and foremost, because it’s authoritarian. Second, because those who take the job can’t be trusted.

♦ Jeannine Shaw Allen, 92, died Wednesday, April 27, 2022.

♦ Savannah Parker Doby, 89, of Winston-Salem, died April 30, 2022.

♦ Clydia Mae Streeter Mitchell, 84, died April 27, 2022.

♦ Albert Rudolph “Rudy” Anderson, Sr., 95, of Winston-Salem, died April 27, 2022.

♦ Robert Franklin Dotson, Sr., 87, of Winston-Salem, died April 28, 2022.

Neal Robbins

Editor Shawn Krest

Sports Editor Cory Lavalette

Senior Opinion Editor Frank Hill

Design Editor Lauren Rose Published each Wednesday as part of the North State Journal.

(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

1201 Edwards Mill Rd. Suite 300 Raleigh, NC 27607

David Harsanyi is a senior writer at National Review and author of “Eurotrash: Why America Must Reject the Failed Ideas of a Dying Continent.”

DEATH NOTICES

♦ Larry Franklin Canada, 84, of Forsyth County, died April 30, 2022. ♦ Mabel Aline McNeil Cheatwood, 97, of Millers Creek, died April 27, 2022.

♦ Arlene Joyce Eads Dunn, 80, of Winston-Salem, died May 1, 2022. ♦ Max Carroll Etchason, 76, of Clemmons, died April 27, 2022. ♦ Thomas “Tom” Franklin

Jones, 81, of Lewisville, died April 27, 2022. ♦ Jennie (Crissman) Lewis, 75, of Winston Salem, died May 1, 2022. ♦ S. Eugene Lovely, 89, of Brevard, died April 27, 2022. ♦ Rashmi Luther, 74, died April 29, 2022. ♦ Brian Russell Matheny, 53, of Forsyth County, died April 28, 2022.

♦ James “David” Nelson, 85, of Kernersville, died April 29, 2022. ♦ Theodore Robert Ochs, 91, died April 27, 2022. ♦ Daniel “Wayne” Richardson, Sr., 87, of Lewisville, died April 29, 2022. ♦ Mary Boyer Smith, 90, of Forsyth County, died May 1,

2022. ♦ Sarah Mock Spaugh, 87, of Forsyth County, died April 30, 2022. ♦ Kathy Ann Hutchins Tullock, 63, of Forsyth County, died May 1, 2022. ♦ Elizabeth Moutos Vlasis, 86, of Forsyth County, died April 27, 2022. ♦ Steven “Steve” Wayne Willard, 60, of Forsyth County, died April 28, 2022.

WEEKLY CRIME LOG ♦ ADAMS, JAMES JORDAN was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT ON FEMALE at 108 STAGECOACH RD on 4/30/2022

♦ Dibona, Thomas James (M/25) Arrest on chrg of Solicit Child / Computer (F), at 1430 River Ridge Dr, Clemmons, NC, on 4/27/2022 22:11.

♦ ALLEN, JASPER GREEN was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT-SIMPLE at MORTHWEST/TR on 5/2/2022

♦ DURRELL, CHRISTOPHER XAVIER was arrested on a charge of 2ND DEGREE TRESPASS at 660 W FIFTH ST on 5/2/2022

♦ ANDRES, ANTONIO was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT ON FEMALE at 2208 WINSTED ST on 4/30/2022

♦ EPPERSON, ANDREW KOCH was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT ON FEMALE at 201 N CHURCH ST on 5/2/2022

♦ BAIER, JONATHAN CHARLES was arrested on a charge of DRUGS-POSS SCHED II at 1601 S HAWTHORNE RD on 4/29/2022

♦ FARLEY, RONNIE ODELL was arrested on a charge of POSS COCAINE FEL at 810 AKRON DR on 5/1/2022

♦ BOWMAN, JUSTIN KYLE was arrested on a charge of DRIVING WHILE IMPAIRED at 7104 BRANDEMERE LN on 5/2/2022 ♦ Brown, Nicola Marcell (F/52) Arrest on chrg of Mv Theft (F), at 201 N Church St, Winston-salem, NC, on 4/28/2022 16:24. ♦ BROWNDERR, JEREMIAH KEVON was arrested on a charge of STALKING at 201 N CHURCH ST on 5/2/2022 ♦ DAVIS, ANTHONY DAJAN was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT ON FEMALE at 201 N CHURCH ST on 5/1/2022

COLLEGES from page 1

their associate degree to then earn a bachelor’s degree, their annual income also doubles on average.

The report also assesses the economic impact of five programs that each college offers on the area economy, the return on invest-

♦ GABRIEL, SETH BRANDON was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT ON FEMALE at 384 BROAD ST on 5/1/2022 ♦ GASKINS, TORAN MARQUEZ was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT ON FEMALE at 927 E SPRAGUE ST on 5/1/2022 ♦ GUILLENLAREDO, ALEXANDER was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT-SIMPLE at 1 TIMLIC AV on 4/29/2022 ♦ Haverkos, Jayce Alexander (M/18) Arrest on chrg of Dwi Aid & Abet Impaired Driving, M (M), at 9299 Moore Rd/moorerjr Dr, Tobaccoville, NC, on

ment for students, and the benefits generated for N.C. taxpayers.

In Forsyth County, the report showed over $400 million in annual economic impact from Forsyth Tech. Local programs measured in the report included magnetic resonance imaging, IT programming and software development, diesel

4/28/2022 23:49. ♦ HOLLAND, KIMBERLY DAWN was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT-SIMPLE at 384 BROAD ST on 5/1/2022 ♦ HURDLEY, DESTINEE LYNN was arrested on a charge of IMPAIRED DRIVING DWI at 598 S BROAD ST/W ACADEMY ST on 5/1/2022 ♦ JEFFCOAT, PAUL DEMAR was arrested on a charge of 2ND DEGREE TRESPASS at 100 HANES MALL BV on 5/2/2022

OFA/FTA-POSS/CON F-WN/ LQ/MXBV UNATH PR at 900 WAUGHTOWN ST on 4/29/2022

Manslaughter (F), at 301 N Church St, Winston-salem, NC, on 4/28/2022 13:10.

♦ LINNEY, ELIZABETH ANN was arrested on a charge of ASSLT ON OFF/ST EMP at 100 HANES MALL BV on 5/1/2022

♦ PEGUERO, TAYLOR JANAY was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT-SIMPLE at 2688 BETHABARA RD on 4/30/2022

♦ LOPEZCHAVEZ, MARIA DELCARMEN was arrested on a charge of OFA-FTASHOPLIFTING CONCEALMENT GOODS at 201 N CHURCH ST on 4/29/2022

♦ RAMSEY, DEMUS EUGENE was arrested on a charge of ROBBERY at 1400 BUTLER ST on 5/1/2022

♦ JOHNSON, JARVIS HENRY was arrested on a charge of PROBATION VIOLATION at 3000 OLD GREENSBORO RD on 5/2/2022

♦ Lowery, Antoine Rashawn (M/32) Arrest on chrg of 1) Assault On Female (M), 2) Cyberstalking (M), and 3) Harassing Phone Calls (M), at 201 N Church St, Winston-salem, NC, on 4/28/2022 15:35.

♦ KAREM, WILLIAM ANTHONY was arrested on a charge of FUGITIVE at 201 N CHURCH ST on 5/2/2022

♦ MEDINACRUZ, SERGIO was arrested on a charge of BURGLARY-1ST DEGREE at 307 LAKE VIEW BV on 5/1/2022

♦ KING, DALTON JAMES was arrested on a charge of 2ND DEGREE TRESPASS at 825 CASSELL ST on 5/1/2022

♦ MELVIN, CURTIS LEE was arrested on a charge of FRAUDCREDIT CARD at 598 N TRADE ST/W SIXTH ST on 4/29/2022

♦ LEUPOLD, OSKAR ANDREW was arrested on a charge of 2ND DEGREE TRESPASS at 320 E HANES MILL RD on 4/30/2022

♦ MORRISON, MARCUS DENNIS was arrested on a charge of POSS COCAINE FEL at 508 N JACKSON AV on 5/2/2022

♦ LEWIS, MAURICE VICTOR was arrested on a charge of

♦ Pearson, Kevin Allen (M/36) Arrest on chrg of Invol

and heavy equipment technology, business administration and nursing. Overall, the report attributed a $400.4 million economic impact for the county with alumni impact at $314.6 million.

The report also highlighted the economic impact of students on the county. Students from Forsyth

County would have left for other educational opportunities without the existence of Forsyth Tech, according to the report. The students contributed $13.3 million in spending to the local economy.

The operations and construction projects of the college also contribute significantly to the lo-

♦ RIVERA, DESIREE was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT-SIMPLE at 927 E SPRAGUE STREET on 5/1/2022 ♦ ROBERTS, ANTHONY LAMONT was arrested on a charge of MISUSE OF 911 SYSTEM at OLD GREENSBORO RD/CREW ST on 5/2/2022 ♦ SHOUSE, MICHAEL JOHN was arrested on a charge of LARCENY-FELONY at 3682 WYANDOTTE AV on 4/29/2022 ♦ Stedge, Abigail Rose (F/19) Arrest on chrg of 1) P/w/i/s/d Sched Ii (F), 2) Drugsposs Sched I (F), 3) Drug Paraphernalia (M), 4) Drug Paraphernalia (M), and 5) Fail To Appear/compl (M), at 4799 Baux Mountain Rd/white Rock Rd, Winston-salem, NC, on 5/1/2022 19:28.

cal economy. Over 1,620 people are employed full-time by Forsyth Tech with $67.8 million in total economic impact when the dayto-day operating expenses of over $25 million per year are included.

Construction projects also contributed $4.6 million to the local economy.

Twin City Herald for Wednesday, May 4, 2022

SPORTS

3 SPONSORED BY

SIDELINE REPORT DRAG RACING

72-year-old Force breaks at zMAX Dragway Concord John Force won the Circle K NHRA Four-Wide Nationals on Sunday at zMAX Dragway for his 155th Funny Car victory.

The 72-year-old Force beat Robert Hight, Ron Capps and Mike McIntire Jr. in the final with a 3.914-second run at 328.66 mph in a Chevrolet Camaro SS. Force qualified No. 1 with a track-record run and set the track speed record at 335.07 mph in the first round of eliminations. Mike Salinas won in Top Fuel and Steve Johnson in Pro Stock Motorcycle. Salinas ran a 3.708 at 330.47 in the final.

Johnson won his final with a 6.740 at 200.65 on a Suzuki.

NBA

76ers’ Embiid misses Game 1 with orbital fracture Miami Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid has a right orbital fracture and a mild concussion and is out for the foreseeable future. Embiid was injured late in Philadelphia’s victory at Toronto last Thursday, when the 76ers were closing out the Raptors and finishing off a six-game win in an Eastern Conference first round series. Fourthseeded Philadelphia lost Game 1 of East semifinals at top-seeded Miami 106-92 without Embiid on Monday night.

HORSE RACING

Kentucky Derby leads off Triple Crown without Baffert Churchill Downs, Ky. The Kentucky Derby leads off the first Triple Crown season in decades without the chance of Bob Baffert officially winning one or more of the three races.

Two horses handled by the suspended trainer are among the top contenders.

Former assistant Tim Yakteen would get the credit if Taiba or Messier wins after taking over training duties. Taiba could become the first horse since 1883 to win the Derby with two or fewer previous starts.

And Taiba’s jockey, Mike Smith, is looking to become the oldest jockey to win the Derby.

JASON MINTO | AP PHOTO

Chase Elliott, center, celebrates in Victory Lane after winning Monday's NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover.

Elliott ends drought, wins at Dover The 2020 champion snapped a 26-race winless streak The Associated Press DOVER, Del. — Chase Elliott snapped a 26-race winless streak when the 2020 NASCAR champion pulled away down the stretch to win the NASCAR Cup Series race on Monday at Dover Motor Speedway.

Elliott, who led the final 53 laps, won his 14th career Cup race and gave Hendrick Motorsports another victory on the mile concrete track. Elliott followed teammate Alex Bowman’s checkered flag a year ago, and a Hendrick driver won for the 22nd time at Dover.

Hendrick swept the top four spots last season, but Monday’s race — with a finish delayed a day because of rain — had four different teams in the top four spots.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. was second

and had his first top-five finish of the season for JTG Daugherty Racing. Ross Chastain, last week’s winner at Talladega, was third for Trackhouse Racing and Joe Gibbs Racing driver Christopher Bell finished fourth.

Elliott, who leads the points standings, hopped on the window ledge of his No. 9 Chevrolet and pointed toward a solid crowd at Dover for a weekday race.

“We just had some good circumstances, finally,” Elliott said.

“We’ve had some tough races over the last four, five months. This one means a lot in so many different ways. Hope to see this big crowd here next year.”

Martin Truex Jr. spun himself out on the last lap while racing for a top-five finish when he appeared to get boxed out by Chastain.

Chastain and Truex argued on pit road after the race.

“We were talking about where we were going to go fishing next

WNBA

Innocence claims denied in death of Chris Paul’s grandfather

WNBA to honor Griner with decal on teams’ floor

Nathaniel Jones died in November 2002

New York The WNBA will honor Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner with a floor decal, The Associated Press reported. The decal will feature Griner’s initials “BG” as well as her No. 42. All 12 teams will have the decal on their home courts starting with the season opener Friday night. Griner is still being detained in Russia after being detained at a Moscow airport on Feb. 17 when a search of her luggage revealed vape cartridges that allegedly contained oil derived from cannabis. She faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and has a hearing set for May 19.

The Associated Press WINSTON-SALEM — Judges denied the innocence claims Thursday of four men who were convicted of killing the grandfather of NBA star Chris Paul when they were teens, even though a key witness has recanted her testimony.

In 2020, the North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission found sufficient evidence of factual innocence to send their cases to a panel of three Superior Court judges.

But on Thursday, after an eightday hearing in a Forsyth County courtroom, a three-judge panel rejected the claims of defendants Rayshawn Banner, Christopher Bryant, Nathaniel Cauthen and Jermal Tolliver, the Winston-Salem Journal reported.

Nathaniel Jones, 61, died from a heart attack outside his Winston-Salem home after being tied up, beaten and robbed in November 2002. Paul, his grandson, was a standout high school basketball

player at the time and now plays for the Phoenix Suns.

Cauthen and his brother, Banner, who were 15 and 14 years old at the time of Jones’ death, were convicted of first-degree murder and are serving life sentences. Bryant, Tolliver and Dorrell Brayboy — all 15 at the time — were convicted of second-degree murder and were released after serving prison time.

Brayboy was fatally stabbed outside a Winston-Salem supermarket in 2019.

The men were charged after hours of interrogation by Winston-Salem police detectives, the Winston-Salem Journal reported.

They told commission staff, commission members and the judges that they were innocent and that every time they told detectives they didn’t have anything to do with Jones’ death, they were accused of lying, according to the newspaper.

In some instances, they said police detectives threatened them with the death penalty. Bryant said a detective pointed to a place on his arm and said that would be where a needle for lethal injection would go. Bryant said that minutes later, he started implicating himself.

“We just had some good circumstances, finally.”

Chase Elliott week,” Chastain cracked. “I’m racing with champions and I got beat.”

The race was red-flagged Sunday with Hendrick teammates Kyle Larson and Elliott sitting first and second. Elliott controlled the race late and Hendrick now has had all four drivers win a race this season. Elliott was building toward the win after three straight top-10 finishes at Martinsville, Bristol dirt and Talladega.

“Those guys, they’ve been deserving of one for a while,” Elliott said. “Glad we could get across the line first. We’ll enjoy it for a few days and go to work next week.”

Dover wrapped its only NASCAR weekend of the season. The track traditionally held two NASCAR weekends but moved one race date last season to Nashville Superspeedway. Dover hosted one race weekend in 1969 and 1970 and then held two races every season from 1971 to 2020.

Speedway Motorsports bought the track (Dover Motorsports) late last year. Speedway Motorsports President Marcus Smith worked the Dover gates and greeted fans Monday with the track shortstaffed because of the postponement.

“I think it’s a great event and I hope we continue to race there for a long time. It’s definitely a cool place,” Bowman said.

The Cup Series races next Sunday at Darlington Raceway. Truex is the defending race winner. Toyota is set to celebrate its 1,500th NASCAR race during Darlington’s annual Throwback Weekend.

MATT YORK | AP PHOTO

Four of the five men who, as teenagers, were convicted of murder in the Winston-Salem death of the grandfather of Suns guard Chris Paul were denied innonence claims last Thursday in Forsyth County.

No definitive physical evidence ever tied the men to the crime scene, including fingerprints lifted from Jones’ vehicle. The commission also performed post-conviction DNA testing on items from the crime scene, but there was no match to the men.

Chris Paul has made no public statement about the hearing. Robin Paul, his mother, and his aunt, Rhonda Hairston, both took the stand Wednesday and said they believe the men convicted of Jones’ murder are guilty.

Jessicah Black, who was a teenager when she met the boys two months before Jones’ death, testified that she hung out with them

and drove them around, often smoking marijuana. Black told police and testified in two trials that she heard some of the boys talk about robbing Jones and that she was sitting at a picnic table in Belview Park about 100 yards from Jones’ house and could hear Jones scream during the attack.

Black, now 36, has since recanted all of her previous testimony and said in court last week that it was all a lie. She said police detectives coerced her into making a false statement and told her that if she didn’t say what they wanted to hear, she would go to prison for life for murder. She was never criminally charged.

the bett ing to e stitution don’t kn now.”

The o for mil taking while a about t

Twin City Herald for Wednesday, May 4, 2022

4

STATE & NATION

NC judge drops price to cover school plan, omits spend order

By Gary D. Robertson The Associated Press RALEIGH — A North Carolina judge cut the amount of money needed to comply through the middle of next year with a step-bystep plan to address state educational inequities. But he declined to leave in place the crux of another judge’s order that directed cash from government coffers be sent to state agencies to cover a fiscal gap.

Special Superior Court Judge Mike Robinson ruled in long-running public education spending litigation which he began presiding over last month. Judge David Lee had directed in November that $1.75 billion be moved from state coffers to three government agencies to carry out two years of an eight-year, $5.6 billion remedial plan that he also endorsed last June.

Robinson wrote that provisions within a two-year state budget — approved by the General Assembly and signed by Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper a week after Lee’s order — reduced the amount now needed to carry out the plan through June 2023 to $785 million. But since a panel of the state Court of Appeals had already

blocked the portion of Lee’s ordering directing the transfer because it said only lawmakers can appropriate money, Robinson said he was obliged to remove that directive from his amended order.

“Accordingly, this court cannot and shall not consider the legal issue of the trial court’s authority to order state officers to transfer funds from the state treasury to fund” the remedial plan, Robinson wrote.

That part of the ruling is a setback for school districts and parents of students who are plaintiffs in decades-long litigation over school funding. They say the state keeps falling short of its constitutional duties to help at-risk children and those in poor counties.

Still, Robinson wrote, Lee’s order should be amended to declare the state has failed to fully fund those two years of the remedial plan that Lee backed, and that additional money is “adjudged to be owed” to three state agencies.

The Supreme Court had ordered Robinson to review Lee’s order in light of the budget law and report back by April 20. The judge asked for and received an extra week, saying he needed more time to work through disagree-

ments among state officials over how much money in the new budget law covered the remedial plan programs.

Landmark Supreme Court decisions in 1997 and 2004 declared there was a constitutionally protected right to obtain the “opportunity for a sound basic education” and that the state had not lived up to that mandate, especially for children in poor regions.

With Robinson’s ruling, the case now returns to the state Supreme Court, which could decide to what lengths the judicial branch can go to ensure schoolchildren have the opportunity to succeed when it determines the legislative and executive branches have fallen short of their duties. No date for oral arguments has been announced.

Lee said last year that the remedial plan — based on an outside consultant’s report and input from Cooper and the State Board of Education — could satisfy the rulings from the “Leandro” litigation, named for a plaintiff when the lawsuit was filed in 1994.

Lee wrote that other portions of the constitution addressing education access gave him the right to direct spending.

Lawyers for Republican legis-

Special Superior Court Judge Mike Robinson.

FILE PHOTO

lative leaders — who only recently were added as formal parties in the case — had argued before Robinson that Lee’s order directing the transfer from state coffers should have been canceled altogether. But attorneys representing school districts, parents and state officials said Robinson’s job wasn’t to consider whether to throw out Lee’s order, but whether to adjust it in light of the budget provisions.

Robinson did write that it appeared that there would be enough unappropriated money — over $4 billion — in the state’s general fund to make a transfer like Lee

ordered to cover the $785 million. That unspent balance would be sitting in a savings reserve that lawmakers say can’t be spent unless there is legislative approval.

Chief Justice Paul Newby named Robinson to review Lee’s order in light of the budget law on the same day the Supreme Court agreed to fast-track appeals over that order. In January, Lee had reached the mandatory retirement age for judges at 72. Newby had authority, however, to allow Lee to stay on the bench and perform the review. Lee had been monitoring the case since late 2016.

Trump’s bid to shape GOP faces test with voters in May races

By Steve Peoples The Associated Press NEW YORK — Donald Trump ‘s post-presidency enters a new phase this month as voters across the U.S. begin weighing the candidates he elevated to pursue his vision of the Republican Party.

“The month of May is going to be a critical window into where we are,” said Maryland Republican Gov. Larry Hogan, a Trump critic defending incumbent GOP governors in Georgia, Ohio and Idaho against Trump-backed challengers this month. “I’m just concerned that there are some people trying to tear the party apart or burn it down.”

Few states may be a higher priority for Trump than Georgia, where early voting began on Monday ahead of the May 24 primary. He’s taken a particularly active role in the governor’s race there, recruiting a former U.S. senator to take on the incumbent Republican. For similar reasons, Trump is also aiming to unseat the Republican secretary of state.

While the primary season will play out deep into the summer, the first batch of races could set the tone for the year. If Republican voters in the early states rally behind the Trump-backed candidates, the former president’s kingmaker status would be validated, likely enhancing his power as he considers another bid for the presidency. High-profile setbacks, however, could dent his stature and give stronger footing to those who hope to advance an alternate vision for the GOP. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz predicted a strong month of May for Trump and his allies.

“The voices in Washington that want him to fade into obscurity or

AP PHOTO

Former President Donald Trump applauds the crowd as he arrives to speak at a rally Saturday, April 9, 2022, in Selma to be silenced are engaged in their own form of wishful thinking,” Cruz said in an interview. “That’s not going to happen. Nor should he.”

As Republicans grapple with Trump, Democrats are confronting their own set of revealing primaries.

Candidates representing the Democrats’ progressive wing are yanking the party leftward while offering conflicting messages about how to overcome their acute political shortcomings, Biden’s

weak standing chief among them.

History suggests that Democrats, as the party that controls Washington, may be headed for big losses in November no matter which direction they go.

Florida Sen. Rick Scott, who leads the GOP’s effort to retake the Senate, described the month of May as a brutal sorting period likely to be dominated by Republican infighting instead of the policy solutions or contrasts with Democrats he’d like to see.

“The primaries too often be-

come sort of character assassinations,” Scott said in an interview.

“That’s what has happened.”

He added, “Hopefully, people come together.”

No race may be messier than the Republican primary election for Georgia’s governor. Trump has spent months attacking Republican incumbents Gov. Brian Kemp and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. He blames both men for not working hard enough to address election integrity issues relating to the 2020 presi-

dential election.

Georgia Republican Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, a frequent Trump critic who is not running for reelection, described Trump’s decision to back former Sen. David Perdue against Kemp an “embarrassing” waste of time that could undermine the GOP’s broader goals this fall.

Duncan predicted Trump would ultimately win some races and lose others this month, but he was especially optimistic about Kemp’s chances to beat back Trump’s challenge.

“If a sitting governor is able to defeat that whole Donald Trump notion by a huge amount — and others down the ticket — I think we’re gonna send a message that it’s gonna take more than a Donald Trump endorsement to call yourself a Republican,” he said.

Six months before the general election, the Republican candidates in key primaries have already spent mountains of campaign cash attacking against each other as Democrats largely save their resources — and sharpest attacks — for the November.

In the Pennsylvania, where Trump-backed Dr. Mehmet Oz and former hedge fund executive David McCormick are locked in a fierce fight for the GOP nomination, the candidates and allied outside groups have spent more than $48 million on television advertising so far. Democrats spent just over $10 million.

And in North Carolina, Republican forces have spent more than $15 million on a divisive primary pitting Trump-backed Rep. Ted Budd against former Gov. Pat McCrory. Democrats, who have united behind former state Supreme Court Chief Justice Cheri Beasley, spent just over $2 million.

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Hudson visits Southern Pines U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson visits small and family-owned businesses at the Southern Pines Business Association Spring Fest on Saturday, April 30.

COUNTY NEWS Gov Cooper nominates new state controller Gov. Roy Cooper announced the nomination of Deputy State Budget Director Nels Roseland to serve as State Controller.

Roseland currently serves as the Deputy State Budget Director in the North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management, where he assists agencies with operational issues and oversees state recovery funding efforts. Previously, he was the Deputy Chief of Staff and Chief Financial Officer in the N.C. Department of Justice.

“Nels Roseland is a strong leader who has decades of experience in state government and public finance,” said Gov. Cooper in a statement.

Roseland replaces Dr. Linda Combs, who has served as State Controller since June 2014 and is retiring on June 30, 2022.

NC awarded grant for 9-8-8 Suicide Prevention Lifeline transition The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services received $3.3 million to expand support for people in mental health crisis. The funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration will help the state transition the Suicide Prevention Lifeline from the current 10-digit number to an easier, three-digit number — 9-8-8 — for people having suicidal thoughts or experiencing a mental health crisis.

On July 16, 2022, 9-8-8 will become the national threedigit dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Call center staff can provide crisis counseling along with information on local community resources and referrals.

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New sales tax projections could mean lower property taxes New walkways to be constructed along two residential streets

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal PINEHURST — The Village of Pinehurst Council met on Tuesday, April 26 where they provided updates on recent hires, property tax projections and new construction.

The Village announced that they had recently made two additional hires for their planning department.

“For a very long time, we’ve been kind of shorthanded in our planning department and we’re

very happy to announce that over the last two weeks, we’ve hired two new planners,” said Village Manager, Jeff Sanborn. “So we’ll be at full strength starting about the middle of May.” Sanborn also clarified that now that the Village has received and analyzed the sales tax projections from the State of North Carolina, there should be an update to the projected tax rates that were proposed at the last meeting.

“At that time, we recommended to the council, that when they do eventually adopt a budget, to stay in line with the property tax structure that was approved in last year’s five-year plan. At the same time I announced we had gotten some updated sales tax

projections from the state that might impact that. We’ve analyzed it now and what we will be recommending to the council moving forward is a reduction of one penny in property tax for each of those five years. So for FY23, the impact would be that rather than a sales tax increase of half a cent, it will be a decrease of half a cent.”

Mayor John Strickland also made note that the Given Memorial Library and Tufts Archives transfer from the Given Tufts Organization was finalized on April 18.

“The library transition took place on Monday, April 18,” Mayor Strickland said. “The Village has now taken responsibility, with the

Community College report shows major economic impact North State Journal staff RALEIGH — A comprehensive new economic impact analysis finds that North Carolina’s 58 Community Colleges have a $19 billion annual impact on the state’s economy and supports more than 320,000 jobs across the state.

The economic impact study found for every dollar the state invests in North Carolina’s Community Colleges, the state gains $7.50 in added incomes and social savings. The colleges generate nearly double the revenue from what they take in from the taxpayers. For every $1 the state invests, taxpayers get $1.90 back in added tax revenues and public sector savings, according to the study.

“The Community College System serves over half a million students each year and fuels North Carolina’s job engine,” said system president Thomas Stith. “Our strong partnerships with business and industry

The report showed nearly $100 million in annual economic impact from Sandhills Community College in our communities and around the globe are creating a demand for our community colleges to provide the unique and skilled workforce needed, and we are leading economic recovery efforts in North Carolina.”

The report was an exhaustive undertaking supported by the North Carolina General Assembly, leaders from the N.C. Association of Community College Presidents, N.C. State’s Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research, and national research leader Emsi Burning Glass.

“It’s been a privilege to have worked and supported our ed-

ucation partners on this study from the beginning as I was confident the results would blow us away. And it did. I think it’s fair to say not many government-funded programs generate more revenue than they take in from taxpayers,” said State Sen. Deanna Ballard (R-Watauga), who chairs the Senate Education Committee. “It’s critical that our high school graduates and adults looking to gain new skills take advantage of the incredible opportunities that their local community college provides.”

The report also says that community college graduates have higher incomes that contribute to a larger tax base and a growing state. For example, students who graduate with an associate degree from a N.C. community college will see an increase in earnings of up to $7,000 or more each year compared to a person with a high school diploma or equivalent. If the student builds See COLLEGES page 2

library board and village staff, for the Given Library and the Tufts Archives. We look forward to developing that entity to be the best resource it can be for the residents of Pinehurst.”

The council gave its approval for the renewed leases for two buildings on the Pinehurst Harness Track.

The Harness Track Restaurant and The Country Saddler tack shop were approved for five-year terms beginning on July 1 and going through June of 2027 at a 4.7% increase in rent for the coming year as based on the consumer price index (CPI).

“For some, it might catch their See PINEHURST, page 2

North State Journal for Wednesday, May 4, 2022

2 WEDNESDAY

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WEEKLY FORECAST

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“Join the conversation” North State Journal (USPS 20451) (ISSN 2471-1365) Publisher Neal Robbins

Editor Matt Mercer

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COLLEGES from page 1 upon their associate degree to then earn a bachelor’s degree, their annual income also doubles on average.

The report also assesses the economic impact of five programs that each college offers on the area economy, the return on investment for students, and the benefits generated for N.C. taxpayers.

In Moore County, the report showed nearly $100 million in

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annual economic impact from Sandhills Community College.

Local programs measured in the report included automotive technologies, aviation, business technologies, radiography, and engineering. Overall, the report attributed a $99.3 million economic impact for Sandhills with alumni impact at $54.8 million.

The report also highlighted the economic impact of students on the county. Students from outside Moore County

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account for 24% of the credit-seeking students at SCC. Overall student spending generated $6.7 million for the local economic and supported 164 jobs.

The operations of the college also contribute significantly to the local economy. Over 800 people are employed fulltime by SCC with $37.8 million in total economic impact when the day-to-day operating expenses of over $8.3 million per year are included.

Cory Lavalette

Senior Opinion Editor

Lauren Rose Published each Wednesday

by North State Media, LLC 1201 Edwards Mill Rd. Suite 300 Raleigh, NC 27607 TO SUBSCRIBE: 704-269-8461 or online at nsjonline.com Annual Subscription Price: $50.00 Periodicals Postage Paid at Raleigh, N.C. and at additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: North State Journal

PINEHURST from page 1 interest because 4.7% is lower than some of the more recently reported numbers of 7 or 8% that we’re seeing year over year right now,” Sanborn said. “What we typically do for all of our financial analysis in regards to CPI is that for each month of a calendar year, we calculate the CPI change from 12 months prior to that time and then we average all of those numbers. For this past year, it came out to 4.7%.

While that seems low in the

market we’re in right now, the same methodology will result in a higher CPI than the prevailing market might suggest when inflation is on the downturn. It kind of evens out in the end.”

The council then approved a finalized plan to construct new walkways on the northside of Pine Vista Drive and the southside of McKenzie Road. The plan is to have the walkways completed by late Fall of 2022, but that was noted as being “an aggressive timeline.”

After the regular council busi-

ness was concluded, the public comments period was opened up and the discussion over shortterm rentals continued to dominate the floor with speakers still being strongly divided.

No potential actions or ordinances over STRs have been brought forth for serious consideration from the council yet and the conversations on how the Village will progress continues to take place in the Village’s work sessions.

The Village of Pinehurst Council will next meet May 10.

1201 Edwards Mill Rd. Suite 300 Raleigh, NC 27607

WEEKLY CRIME LOG ♦ HOLDER, JEREMY JUSTIN, 36, W, M, 5/2/2022, Moore County Sheriff’s Office, Breaking and or Entering, Felony Larceny, Possess Stolen Goods/Prop, Possess Drug Paraphernalia (x3), Open Cont After Cons Alc Subofn, Possess Methamphetamine (x2), Resisting Public Officer, Carrying Concealed Gun, Conceal/Fail Report a Death, Aid and Abet Conceal/Fail Report a Death, Possess Heroin, Poss Manufacture Sell Deliver Methamphetamine, Possess Schedule II Controlled Substance, Maintain Vehicle Dwelling Place CS, Simple Possession Schedule IV CS, Simple Possession Schedule VI CS, Possess Marijuana Paraphernalia, $36,000 Secured, 4/8/22, Sanford ♦ CABRERA-SANCHEZ, JUAN HUMBERTO, 30, H, M, 5/2/2022, Robbins PD, Possess Manufacture Fraudulent Identification, Resiting Public Officer, $50,000 Secured, 6/1/22, Robbins ♦ TEMPLE, ELLIS SHANE, 44, W, M, 5/1/2022, Moore County Sheriff’s Office, Assault on a Female, No Bond, 5/20/22, Lillington ♦ MORLOCK, JOSHUA REID, 31, W, M, 5/1/2022, Southern Pines PD, Felony Larceny, Misdemeanor Larceny, Felony Possession of Cocaine, Possess Schedule II CS, Maintain Vehicle Dwelling Place CS, $30,000 Secured, 5/18/22, Hope Mills ♦ DUMAS, COREY ALONZO, 25, B, M, 5/1/2022, Moore County Sheriff’s Office, Possess Marijuana up to 1/2 oz, Second Degree Trespass, $1,500 Secured, 5/18/22, Eagle Springs ♦ DELACERDA, EVELYN MARIE, 41, I, F, 5/1/2022, Moore County Sheriff’s Office, Felony Possession of Cocaine, Simple Possession Schedule II CS, Maintain Vehicle Dwelling Place CS, Possess Drug Paraphernalia, $15,000 Secured, 5/18/22, Hope Mills ♦ WILLIAMS, VICTOR ALLEN, 55, B, M, 4/30/2022, Moore County Sheriff’s Office, Driving While Impaired, Poss Opn Cnt/ Cons Alc Psg Area, Simple Possession Schedule II CS, Possess Drug Paraphernalia, Flee Elude Arresy With Motor Vehicle, $5,000 Secured, 5/18/22, Pinebluff ♦ TERRY, KENNITH JERMAR, 34, B, M, 4/30/2022, Moore County Sheriff’s Office, Communicating Threats, Second Degree Trespass, Possess Methamphetamine, $4,500 Secured, 5/11/22, Vass

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moore

happening Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in Moore County:

May 5-8 MCKC Dog Show

Frank Hill

Design Editor

MONDAY

Have you looked at your public schools lately?

At Moore County Schools, you have choices!

• In-Person for kids who learn best face-to-face.

• Blend+Ed for kids who are homeschooled but want to attend in-person part-time.

• Connect! Virtual Academy for kids who learn well independently, are self-motivated and want the flexibility of an entirely virtual option.

It’s time to take a new look at what public schools can do for your family. See what Moore County Schools can do for you at www.mcschoices.com. #MCSCHOICES #MCSCONNECT! #MCSBLENDED

The Moore County Kennell Club will host its annual dogs shows at the Pinehurst Polo Fields at 200 Beulah Hill Road, Pinehurst. Admission is $5 per car to enter the show.

May 6-8 Dressage in the Sandhills Dressage is back at the Pinehurst Harness Track with events scheduled May 6-8.

The events are all day.

The Spitfire Grill Four shows remaining!

Based on the hit 1996 film, The Spitfire Grill is a heartwarming and inspirational musical tale of redemption, perseverance and family. Set in a small Wisconsin town, the show features a gorgeous soulful score everyone will love.

Tickets are available at the Encore Center in Southern Pines.

May 7 Carthage Buggy Festival The Carthage Buggy Festival is a celebration of the rich history of Carthage commemorates the famous Tyson and Jones Buggy Factory. The festival will have music, food, and entertainment for the entire family.

Pauline

BRUN

For Moore County School Board

Listening to parents for our kids!

The Conservative Choice for Moore County Schools

I believe in:

Academics First Education NOT Indoctrination

Listening to Parents Safety for Students and Teachers

Paid for by: Bruno for the Board

TUNE INTO The John and Maureen show

Sundays

1 - 2PM WEEB 990 AM 104.1 and 97.3 FM

Moore County School Choice Expo 1 p.m.

Meet charter, private, home school, hybrid, remote learning and traditional public school representatives at Pinehurst Village Hall, 395 Magnolia Drive, Pinehurst.

North State Journal for Wednesday, May 4, 2022

OPINION

3

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

COLUMN | U.S. REP. RICHARD HUDSON

Defending freedoms and our border

For too long, big tech platforms have silenced free speech, even that of the President of the United States.

“THE CONSTITUTIONAL FREEDOM of religion is the most inalienable and sacred of all human rights.”

This quote by President Thomas Jefferson underscores the importance of freedom of religion to the soul of our nation. The right to practice one’s religion free of government interference is the most fundamental tenant of our democracy. However, this most basic right has been attacked repeatedly over the course of our history, and still today.

Last week, the Supreme Court began hearing arguments in the case of Joe Kennedy. An eighteen-year Marine veteran, Kennedy was an assistant football coach at Bremerton High School in Washington. After each game, Kennedy would kneel, and offer a brief, quiet, personal prayer. While he did not actively encourage students to join him, many voluntarily decided to participate over time. Eventually, the school district ordered Coach Kennedy to stop praying with students. He then requested an exemption to continue his personal prayer but was denied.

Instead, the school district imposed a ban prohibiting Kennedy and any employee from engaging in religious activity either silently or audibly.

Coach Kennedy refused to back down, and after kneeling on the 50yard line for a 15-second prayer, he was placed on administrative leave and barred from coaching.

Seven years since being fired, Coach Kennedy’s case has finally reached the Supreme Court where hopefully he will receive the justice he deserves. I have been a supporter of Kennedy’s fight for many years and have signed two amicus briefs in support of his case. Additionally, I had the privilege of meeting with him personally on the first day of arguments last Monday. I admire people like Coach Kennedy who boldly live out their faith and are not afraid to take a stand. I will continue to stand by Coach Kennedy and work to protect your right to express your faith.

People like Coach Kennedy make me optimistic for our future and inspire me to keep fighting for our values. And like freedom of religion, freedom of speech is another essential right that has fallen under attack.

For too long, big tech platforms have silenced free speech, even that of the President of the United States. I was personally censored for the second time this year when I attempted to share an article from

Fox News detailing a Department of Justice filing by John Durham on President Trump’s election. Many pushed disinformation about Trump’s ties to Russia to divide our nation, waste millions of tax dollars, and attack the sitting President of the United States. Big tech was only too happy to promote these lies. Yet social media censored me for trying to share this story.

The internet is the town square of the 21st century and Congress must work to ensure that its rules are consistent and allow for the peaceful freedom of expression – be it a progressive or conservative point of view.

I will continue to fight to preserve your right to free speech and to make sure those who infringe upon this right are held accountable.

This fight for accountability does not stop with our first amendment – rather, it extends to all situations that undermine the freedom and safety of the American people. Last week, Biden’s Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas was on Capitol Hill to discuss the ongoing crisis at our border. Under his watch, we have lost operational control of our southern border, with over 221,000 migrant encounters being recorded in March alone – the highest on record. If the Biden administration’s plans are carried out, the repeal of Title 42 border protections will only make this crisis worse.

The Secretary told Congress the Biden administration has “effectively managed” the border. I completely disagree. That’s why last week, I demanded Sectary Mayorkas enact real changes to secure our border including finishing the border wall, increasing funding to border patrol, and maintaining Title 42 protections. I will not back down because the impacts of the border crisis - and the record amount of deadly fentanyl coming into the country - affect every community in America.

Our government exists to serve the American people and to protect your God-given rights. Whether it’s defending your freedoms or securing our borders, rest assured I will continue to fight every day to make sure it does just that.

Richard Hudson is serving his fifth term representing North Carolina’s 8th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He currently serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee and in House leadership as the Republican Conference Secretary.

COLUMN | DAVID HARSANYI

Biden’s Ministry of Truth You can vividly imagine the thermonuclear meltdown the country would be (rightly) subjected to if a Republican president assembled a government panel tasked with weeding out “disinformation.”

A FEDERAL SPEECH CZAR? Just as the Founders imagined it, no doubt.

Earlier this week, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas told Congress that his agency is creating a “Disinformation Governance Board” to combat “misinformation” coming from Russia as we near this year’s midterm elections. The Biden administration’s new Committee on Public Information will be led by Nina Jankowicz, “a disinformation fellow” who, perfectly enough, comes to the administration from a think tank named after Woodrow Wilson. Like Wilson, Mayorkas, himself a font of untruths, does not explain under what constitutional power he proposes to oversee speech.

It gets tedious to point this out, but you can vividly imagine the thermonuclear meltdown the country would be (rightly) subjected to if a Republican president assembled a government panel tasked with weeding out “disinformation.” To our technocrats’ dismay, this isn’t Europe, where the state can dictate allowable speech and sometimes arrests those who don’t abide. Here, citizens are the ones who call out the state for peddling misinformation, not the other way around.

The pro-censorship Left, which is to say the vast majority of contemporary Democrats, now have Barack Obama on board as well.

The one-time neoliberal champion of free speech — a freedom he employed aggressively to mislead the American people when it served his partisan interests — alleged during a recent Stanford University speech that “people are dying” from misinformation. And, you know, if censorship can save one life ...

Indeed, these arbiters of truth not only happen to be some of the same people who ran around repeating ludicrous conspiracies about foreign interference for five years; they’re also the same people who used the menace of “Russian disinformation” to lie and suppress news that undermined their electoral prospects, as they did with the Hunter Biden laptop story. (That crew, you’ll be surprised to learn, includes Czarina Jankowicz.)

Setting aside such a cynical use of “disinformation,” are we really supposed to believe that an administration that tells us with a straight face that a $3.5 trillion spending bill “costs zero dollars” or

that showing an ID is tantamount to Jim Crow 2.0 or that your sex relies entirely on your perception is going to sort out the accuracy of rhetoric? Jankowicz was hired by a man who for the past 50 years has been one of our most entertaining fabulists.

Most tech companies do not offer unencumbered free-association rights. They spend tens of millions each year in Washington rentseeking and lobbying for favorable regulations and are highly susceptible to state intimidation and threats. Recall that press secretary Jen Psaki informed the media not long ago that the White House was “flagging problematic posts for Facebook that spread disinformation.” Or that White House Communications Director Kate Bedingfield was arguing that social media companies “should be held accountable” for the ideas of those who use their platforms.

Or U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy saying “we” must “root out” misleading speech. What government claims is a conspiracy theory can be a plausible possibility, as we learned when Facebook, at the behest of government officials, banned stories on the Chinese origins of COVID. While the state putting an imprimatur on “truth” is dangerous to freedom, it is also laughable in practice. As a person passing judgment on truth, Jankowicz has shown to be completely inadequate for the job. From treating the Steele dossier (Russian misinformation, as it turns out) as fact (not to mention getting the basics about the story wrong) to repeatedly using her position as disinformation “expert” to dismiss the Hunter Biden story as a “Kremlin” concoction, she is no better, it seems, than the average leftist partisan on CNN. Of course, getting to the truth is not the point of all this. It is by any liberal ideal of open discourse preferable to allow lies to seep into the information stream than to allow a panel nomenklatura to start dictating the veracity of what we read and hear. First, and foremost, because it’s authoritarian. Second, because those who take the job can’t be trusted.

David Harsanyi is a senior writer at National Review and author of “Eurotrash: Why America Must Reject the Failed Ideas of a Dying Continent.”

North State Journal for Wednesday, May 4, 2022

4

obituaries

Dorothy Medlin

January 6, 1935 - April 30, 2022 Dorothy “Dot” Medlin, 87 of Aberdeen, passed away on April 30, 2022 at Westfield Rehabilitation and Health Center in Sanford.

Born on January 6, 1935 in Moore County to the late John and Annie Belle Riley. Born and raised in Aberdeen, she attended and graduated from Aberdeen High School. She played on the girls’ basketball team at Aberdeen High School that was the first all-girls team to make it to a state level. She loved playing Bingo and traveling.

She was a dedicated homemaker who loved spending time with her children and grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Bruce Medlin and one son, Terry Lee Medlin.

She is survived by two daughters, Cheryl Medlin Smith (Mark) and Karen “Dee” Medlin Riley (Shawn); eight grandchildren, Richard Medlin (Tanya), Jonathan Medlin, Adam Medlin, Sydney Bryan (Byron), Taylor Smith (Brittany), Chad Smith, Brittney Phillips (Brock) and Paige Shoulders (Zach); also survived by four great grandchildren, Loralei, Parker, B.E. and Riley.

Robert Dennis Combs April 28, 2022

Robert Dennis Combs (formerly of Wells, Vermont) passed away unfairly and way too soon on April 28, 2022. If you knew Robert, you were blessed. Robert was a hardworking, strong, kind, loving, and gentle soul who always wanted to lend a helping hand to family, friends, and his community.

The loves of his life were his three girls – his wife Rae and his daughters Tasha Hall and Sheila (Scott) Hensley – as well as his five grandchildren – Peyton and Morgan Hall; Sterling, Stone, and Sierra Hensley. It takes an exceptional person to be a fierce, loving parent to children who are not biologically yours and that is what Robert was to Tasha and Sheila. To them he was “Dad” in every single sense of the word and feeling.

His loving wife Rae was by his side for almost three decades. A true love story, from Vermont to North Carolina, they were each other's steadfast companions. They truly were the best of friends and each other’s biggest fans.

In addition to his wife, children and grandchildren, Robert is survived by his sister, Carol Combs, his two brothers - Roland and Colin Combs - as well as several nieces and nephews, all of whom live in Vermont. He is predeceased by his parents, Robert and Charlotte Combs, and his brothers Clifford and Carl Combs.

While we are glad you are not suffering anymore Robert, we will miss and love you forever and hold you deep in our hearts. We are thankful for and will cherish every single second we got to spend with you.

Roberta Austin

June 22 1943 ~ April 28, 2022 Roberta Austin of Southern Pines on April 28, 2022, at Gracious Living at the age of 78.

Roberta was born in Middletown, CT on June 22, 1943, to the late Leslie and Arline Crowell Brooke. She graduated from Valley Regional High School in Deep River, CT. Roberta loved being active outdoors. She enjoyed gardening, boating and fishing.

Roberta and her late companion, Ted found joy traveling across the country. Upon his death, she moved to Southern Pines. Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her sisters, Pamela Stevens, Candace Leary, Arline Cardoso; her brother, Leslie A. Brooke.

She leaves behind her daughter, Donna Erdman of Raeford; her dog Fig; her grandchildren, Austin Erdman of Raeford, Steven Erdman of Raeford; her brother, Mike Brooke of Westbrook, CT.

Terry Lee Owens May 30, 1953 - April 27, 2022

Terry Lee Owens, age 68, died Wednesday, April 27, 2022 at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital surrounded by family.

Terry was a financial planner and owned and operated Owens and Associates in Southern Pines. He was also a member of the Southern Pines Rotary Club.

He is survived by his wife Susan Owens and a brother Tony Owens of Mooresboro, NC.

SPONSORED BY BOLES FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORY

Robert Conley Fowler

Effie "Carol" Booth September 7, 1946 - April 27, 2022

Effie “Carol” Booth, 75, of West End, NC passed away on April 27, 2022 at FirstHealth Hospice House in Pinehurst.

Carol was born September 7, 1946 in Moore County, NC to the late Cecil Suddreth and the late Mary Agnes Tyner Suddreth. Carol was a loving wife and excellent homemaker. She enjoyed working in her yard, growing flowers and canning fresh vegetables from her garden. She worked as a secretary for over 20 years with Moore County Department of Social Services. She was a life-long member of Summerhill Baptist Church.

She is survived by her husband of 56 years, James “Charles” Booth; two brothers, Charles Suddreth (Ann) and Winfred Suddreth; one sister Polly McNeill; as well as other extended family and close friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters Betty Jean Dowd and Doris Suddreth Crane.

October 16, 1965 - April 24, 2022 Robert Conley Fowler, age 56 of Vass, passed away on April 24, 2022 at his home.

Born on October 16, 1965 in Moore County, NC to Charles and Carolyn Fowler. He served with Crains Creek Fire Department for 36 years.

In addition to his mother, Carolyn Fowler of Vass, he is survived by his wife, Kathy Fowler; three sons, Robert C. Fowler, Jr. of Vass, Richard Fowler and his wife, Arielle of Cameron, Charles Fowler and his fiancé, Sara Speight of Vass; three brothers, Tony Fowler and his wife, Kathy of Siler City, Mitchell Fowler of Vass, Michael Fowler and his wife, Cyndee of Cameron; one sister, Tina Owens of West End; five grandchildren, Kinston, Ava, Jace, Liam and Calum; also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Guy Baker

March 21, 1926 - April 23, 2022

Russell Colin Hall March 4, 1960 - April 22, 2022

Russell Colin Hall, 62, of Belmont, NC passed away at his secondary residence in Pinehurst on Friday, April 22, 2022.

Russell was born in South Africa on March 4, 1960 to Russell and Anthea Hall. He grew up in South Africa and immigrated to the United States 10 years ago. He was a wonderful husband and devoted father and son. He enjoyed making model trains, listening to music and cooking wonderful food for his family; especially Indian cuisine with curry.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife of almost 25 years Rene Hall; his son Russell Hall and wife Kelly; two daughters, Victoria Lüpke and husband Garreth and Danielle Hall; five grandchildren Seth, Leah, James and Alex Hall and Rayne Lüpke; and his brother Craig Hall (Adie).

He was preceded in death by his sister Tracy Hall.

Guy Baker, 96 of Pinehurst, passed away on April 23, 2022 peacefully at home after a brief illness. He was born on March 21, 1926 in Connellsville, Pennsylvania to the late James A. and Elizabeth K. Baker, where he graduated from high school. He entered the Air Force and trained as a radio gunner.

He was discharged in 1946 after serving in Japan.

Guy was employed by the Railway Mail Service as a clerk until its demise. He then was transferred to the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Post Office as Finance Manager for several local branches until his retirement in 1985. Guy regularly attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church and was also a member of the Yellow Rockers Square Dance Club.

On June 14, 1952 in Connellsville, PA, he married the former Kathleen W. Rottler who predeceased him in 1975. On July 4, 1981 in Hyde Park, NY, he married the former Betty Ellen Whitten Howe, who predeceased him in 2013.

He is survived by his daughter, Marti Baker Daly of Pinehurst, NC, two stepsons, W. Reid Howe and his wife Sandy of Wilmington, NC and Mark Whitten Howe of Spokane, WA. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son-in-law, Roger Daly and daughter-in-law, Cindy Howe.

R. Thayer Broili April 25, 2022

R. Thayer Broili, Jr. of Pinehurst passed away on April 25, 2022, at the age of 76.

Thayer was born on April 13, 1946, in Hillsborough, NC to the late Robert Thayer and Grayce Mitchell Broili. He graduated high school in Hawaii and from there he attended UNC and graduated with a BS in English. He also obtain degrees from NC State in Agriculture & Life Sciences followed

by Duke University with a degree in Environmental Science.

He was passionate about the environment and how it all worked together and did a lot of service through his career to help change how the government and other people understood this bigger picture. Once he had grandchildren, he saw how this would affect them the most and was very dedicated to teaching them until the last days of his life. Whether it was planting things with them or teaching them about animals, he was always trying to plant the seed about how important this was with people.

He leaves behind his wife Cornelia Broili of Pinehurst; his daughter Adriane Borden of Cincinnati, OH, and her two daughters, Luella and Sienna; stepsons, Robert Waddington III and his wife, Whitney of Kill Devil Hills, his two children, Bert and Joseph; Renze Waddington and his wife, Liz, and their daughters, Virginia, Caroline, and Georgia; his stepdaughter, Renée Waddington, and her two sons, Ivey and Austin.

He is preceded in death by his oldest daughter, Tiffany Broili.

Sylvia Marie Simmons

September 11, 1959 - April 27, 2022 Sylvia Marie Simmons, 62 of Aberdeen, passed away on April 27, 2022 surrounded by her family.

Born on September 11, 1959 in Pinehurst, North Carolina to the late Ronald and Marie Webb. She was a manager for City Pawn Shop for many years. She loved collecting things and riding her motorcycle when she was able.

She is survived by her husband, James Simmons; two sons, Adam King, Brandon King and their father, Paul King; step-daughter, Ivy Thorton; one sister, Jean Almond; also survived by six grandchildren and her beloved dog, Tilda.

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