North State Journal Vol. 7, Issue 12

VOLUME 7 ISSUE 12

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2022

See primary election results at www.nsjonline.com

Folwell says ‘many red flags’ in proposed Atrium Health merger Raleigh State Treasurer Dale Folwell expressed concern about the proposed merger between Charlotte-based Atrium Health and midwestbased Advocate Aurora Health that was announced last week.

“The proposed merger of Atrium Health and Advocate Aurora Health into a sixstate medical behemoth pocketing $27 billion in annual revenue raises many red flags. Chief among those is the monopolistic nature of the alliance, which would be the sixth largest health system in the country,” said Folwell.

He also cited that the state is home to one of the country’s top five metropolitan markets with the highest level of health care concentration and said research “consistently shows mergers and acquisitions do not deliver on hospital executives’ promises, but instead trigger higher costs, reduced access and the same or lower level of care.”

COURTESY PHOTO

An art project at a Cone Boulevard restaurant owned by Greensboro developer Marty Kotis is shown.

Upping the ‘cool factor’ in Greensboro through development projects

NSJ STAFF

Tillis to lead bipartisan Senate delegation to June NATO Summit Washington, D.C. U.S. Sens. Thom Tillis (RNC) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Co-Chairs of the Senate North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Observer Group, announced they will lead a bipartisan Senate delegation to the NATO Summit in Madrid, Spain on June 28-30, 2022.

Tillis and Shaheen – along with members of the NATO Observer Group – will represent the U.S. Senate in meetings with NATO allies and aspirant countries to underscore U.S. support for NATO. “Our support for NATO is crucial as the war in Ukraine continues,” said Tillis. “It’s no secret the Russian invasion of a free and sovereign democracy has had a ripple effect across the whole world, including our own, and we must do everything we can to stand with our allies and prevent Putin from causing a widescale world war.”

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Supreme Court rules for Sen. Cruz in campaign finance case Washington, D.C. The Supreme Court’s conservative majority sided with Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas and struck down a provision of federal campaign finance law, a ruling that a dissenting justice said runs the risk of causing “further disrepute” to American politics.

The court, by a 6-3 vote, said the provision Cruz challenged limiting the repayment of personal loans from candidates to their campaigns violates the Constitution. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote for the majority that the provision “burdens core political speech without proper justification.”

Cruz, who has served in the Senate since 2013, loaned his campaign $260,000 the day before the 2018 general election for the purpose of challenging the law.

Cruz’s spokesman, Steve Guest, said the senator was “gratified” by the decision, which Guest said would “help invigorate our democratic process by making it easier for challengers to take on and defeat career politicians.”

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

In-person graduation ceremonies return in 2022

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — K-12 Schools as well as universities and colleges whose graduation ceremonies were canceled or were forced to be held virtually online during the pandemic are back in-person this year.

The state’s largest K-12 district, Wake County, will be holding indoor in-person graduation ceremonies this year for all 34 of its high schools with 21 being held at the Raleigh Convention Center and nine at the Meymandi Concert Hall. Early graduation events for seven schools start on May 20 and run through May 27. The remaining high school ceremonies are slated to begin June 10 and end June 16.

Homeschooling, which saw explosive student population growth during the pandemic, also has graduation ceremonies lined up.

NCHE (North Carolinians for Home Education) is offering its annual commencement ceremonies for homeschooled students at 5:00 pm, Saturday, May 28, at the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem.

All of the UNC System schools are holding in-person commencement ceremonies this year. Nearly all of the schools intend to livestream their graduation events. Several schools used large venues like arenas and coliseums and some were held outdoors, but none of the institutions required masks or proof of vaccination.

Several universities have already held their ceremonies between May 6 and May 8, includ-

ing, N.C. Central University on May 6, Appalachian State on May 6 and 7, East Carolina University on May 6, Elizabeth City State, UNC Asheville, Fayetteville State, N.C. State University, and Western Carolina University on May 7, while UNC Chapel Hill held commencement on May 8.

Additionally, the UNC School of the Arts held graduation on May 7 at the Benton Convention Center in downtown Winston-Salem.

Seven colleges held their commencement activities over the weekend of May 13 and 14.

UNC Charlotte and Winston-Salem State University held commencement ceremonies on May 13, Cato College of Education, and College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, UNC Greensboro, UNC Pembroke and North Carolina A&T held events on May 14. UNC Wilmington held its ceremonies on May 13 and May 14.

The N.C. School of Science and Math (NCSSM) has outdoor commencement ceremonies planned for Saturday, May 28, 2022, at 10 a.m. The event will take place on Watts Lawn and is not open to the public and is only for seniors and “their closed family members.”

There’s also an “online recognition ceremony” happening at NCSSM to be held Sunday May 29th at 10:00am on the NCSSM Watts Lawn. The event is also closed to the general public.

“The entire event will be livestreamed on the NCSSM YouTube Channel, in addition, the Online Recognition Ceremony will also be professionally recorded, and an edited video will be available during the summer,” according to the NCSSM website.

The year 2022 is shown in this graduation photo from UNC Charlotte’s commencement ceremony.

COURTESY PHOTO

GREENSBORO — Commercial real estate developer and restauranteur Marty Kotis has big plans for drawing business and young people to Greensboro by “upping the cool factor” through various development projects.

Kotis is the CEO of Kick Ass Concepts, formerly known as Kotis Holdings. Kick Ass Concepts bills itself as a “development, commercial real estate, restaurant and entertainment

company.” He is also the man responsible for the explosion of vibrant street art in the area through his project Kotis Street Art. Kotis’ company owns around 45 acres along part of the Battleground Avenue corridor in midtown Greensboro within which he intends to create a “live, work, and play district with amenities including rooftop terraces, shops and apartments along the greenway.”

Kick Ass Concepts’ sizeable See GREENSBORO, page A2

Rockingham County school board members question membership dues to secretive education nonprofit

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — At the April 18 meeting of the Rockingham County Board of Education, several members questioned membership fees paid to The Innovation Project as well as what the benefits were to the district for such a membership.

Discussion on The Innovation Project (TIP) came up during the proposed budget request presentation made by district Chief Financial Officer Annie Ellis.

Specifically, board member Bob Wyatt raised the question of why TIP membership fees local budget delineation had changed.

“Nothing changed in terms of amount of money, but the delineation did change,” said Wyatt. “The Innovation Project membership dues for $23,475 shows up and it has never shown up before.”

Ellis responded that when the dues began in 2017, it was “paid out of state 024 but since then we’ve moved it to local 801 and we just didn’t have that as a description line item in the budget.”

During crosstalk on the movement of TIP’s membership dues within the budget, board member Doug Isley commented the due had previously been categorized “under legal fees.”

Wyatt also referred to North Carolina School Association dues in a similar fashion, stating that “There was no way for me to know what the $67,000 was for. When I saw this, I said, ‘you know what, that’s a whole lotta money and I don’t know what it is’.”

Ellis then said they had broken out the line item so the board could see what was in it. Board

members followed up by asking why the district hadn’t broken it out like that before.

Board members also asked what the benefits were from paying TIP membership dues at which point Ellis turned and deferred the question to Superintendent Rodney Shotwell.

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North State Journal for Wednesday, May 18, 2022

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THE WORD: SECRETS TO A HAPPY LIFE

5.18.22

“The Andes of Ecuador” is a painting

by Frederic Edwin Church, a central figure in the Hudson River School of American landscape painters.

This painting is in the collection of the Reynolda House Museum of American Art in WinstonSalem.

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“Variety Vacationland” Visit us online nsjonline.com

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

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PUBLIC DOMAIN

“As your days — so shall your strength be!” Deuteronomy 33:25 One of the secrets of happy and beautiful life, is to live one day at a time. Really, we never have anything to do any day — but the bit of God’s will for that day. If we do that well — we have absolutely nothing else to do.

Time is given to us in days. It was so from the beginning. This breaking up of time into little daily portions means a great deal more than we are accustomed to think. For one thing, it illustrates the gentleness and goodness of God. It would have made life intolerably burdensome if a year, instead of a day — had been the unit of division. It would have been hard to carry a heavy load, to endure a great sorrow, or to keep on at a hard duty — for such a long stretch of time. How dreary our common task-work would be — if there were no breaks in it, if we had to keep our hand to the plough for a whole year! We never could go on with our struggles, our battles, our suffering — if night did not mercifully settle down with its darkness, and bid us rest and renew our strength.

We do not understand how great a mercy there is for us in the briefness of our short days. If they were even twice as long as they are — life would be intolerable! Many a time when the sun goes down — we feel that we could scarcely have gone another step. We would

GREENSBORO from page A1 footprint of 1 million square feet of retail space and around 150 tenants has a portfolio of iconic businesses like the Painted Plate, Red Cinemas Luxury Theater, Burger Warfare, Pig Pounder, and Tracks Beer Garden Bazaar and Bandstand.

In an interview with North State Journal, Kotis said he thinks the 11-acre project in downtown Greensboro is probably the most interesting one. The site used to be the old Brooks Lumber yard with related warehouses, but Kotis has begun transforming it into a hip multi-use venue.

“We’ve got Dram & Draught Whiskey Bar in there. We’re doing an electric vehicle company in there,” said Kotis. “We’re doing salon suites, a food truck park, an outdoor music venue, a farmer’s market, an indoor music venue, an axe throwing and skateboarding place, an art gallery and a beer garden.”

Additionally, new 10-acre mixed use spaces in both the midtown and high ground areas for entertainment, office, and retail use are also in the works.

Bringing Greensboro into the same competition range as Charlotte and Raleigh in terms of jobs, shopping, entertainment, and overall city attractiveness are keys to his development strategy.

“First thing is you have to have jobs that people want,” Kotis said.

“And the second part of it is you have to have the amenities that people want - the restaurants, the bars artwork, the performing arts.”

Along the Battleground Avenue

COURTESY PHOTO

A sculpture inside one of the development projects owned

by Marty Kotis. corridor in midtown Greensboro is an area Kotis has been working on redeveloping since 1991. He noted a list of older and defunct businesses in that zone have been swapped out for newer “cool stuff that you normally see in a city” and the next step was to address the area’s building height problem.

“I’m going back in and looking to dense those up and go more vertical because that’s one of the problems in Greensboro,” Kotis explained. “When you drive through town, you don’t see many buildings that are over one story or two stories in height along most of our corridors and it really weird.

Kotis said he noticed the lack of vertical development as an issue,

but said that when other people visit the city, “they can’t quite put their finger on it, but they’re like, ‘this just feels run down or older, you know, like an 80s strip mall’.”

“I’m also just kind of developing more in cell along the Battleground Avenue Corridor,” said Kotis. “And I’m going back and looking at shopping centers, like along West Market Street, or up in the Northeast side of town where I’m rejuvenating centers and redeveloping them, which is something I really enjoy doing.”

Kotis went on to mention the need for more apartments that would be attractive to younger people to compete with some of the dated existing set of housing options in the area.

But there have been some road-

have fainted in defeat — if the summons to rest had not come just when it did.

We see the graciousness of the divine thoughtfulness in giving us time in periods of little days, which we can easily get through with — and not in great years, in which we would faint and fall by the way. It makes it possible for us to go on through all the long years and not to be overwrought, for we never have given to us at any one time — more than we can do between the morning and the evening.

If we learn well the lesson of living just one day at a time, without anxiety for either yesterday or tomorrow, we shall have found one of the great secrets of Christian peace. That is the way God teaches us to live.

That is the lesson both of the Bible and of nature. If we learn it, it will cure us of all anxiety; it will save us from all feverish haste; it will enable us to live sweetly in any experience.

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34 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.

blocks along the redevelopment path Kotis wants to take and the Greensboro City Planning Department has been somewhat of an obstacle. Kotis described traveling to different areas in the state and getting great ideas to bring back but ending up being frustrated by city planners.

“When I come back to Greensboro, I’m frustrated because they don’t know how to deal with creative projects,” Kotis said of the city’s planning department.

“They’re used to approving a Sheetz or McDonald’s or something I’ve seen before. But when we’re thinking outside the box, they can’t think outside the box with us, and so their instant reaction to all of these projects is to turn them down.”

Kotis also pointed to the city’s use of ordinances, giving an example of wanting to have ten food trucks at the Tracks, the 8-acre development project near downtown.

“The city, in their infinite wisdom, has decided that no, you should really only be able to have one to three food trucks because we don’t want to have too many food trucks compete with restaurants in the area,” said Kotis.

“Well, they’re not. There’s not a single damn restaurant on this whole city block that I own, or this city block I own, this city block I found or this city block that I own.

And when I want to put in food trucks on my own property, they say that’s too many and they’ve got an ordinance preventing it.”

Kotis also is frustrated with the city demanding he build a permanent toilet to accommodate 100 people for a planned outside mu-

sic venue. He called it “asinine” that the city also wanted gates on that outdoor venue so that in the event of a fire, so people can “go stand out in the middle of the street or in the middle of the railroad.”

Crime and homelessness in parts of the city tied to a lack of policing and legal enforcement are also issues, according to Kotis. In particular, crime has been an issue near Tracks.

“It’s a constant problem in if we go down to Tracks and walk through there. I guarantee you we will see piles of trash that my guys have cleaned for that week,” Kotis said. “You’ll see piles of trash. You’ll see homeless people around; they’re urinating or defecating [and] they’ll be breaking into businesses.”

Kotis said the general rule has been for homeless people could “just have carte blanche authority, to do whatever they want to do” and “at the expense of all of our liberties.” He added that police officers have been reluctant to make arrests for fear of being accused of harassing the homeless.

In addition, Kotis said drug users and aggressive panhandling have also been deterrents to advancing redevelopment.

“We had a guy come over twice now and strip down naked in front of a shopping center in front of a Pure Barre space and start going through the trash cans and harassing people and yelling at them and all that,” Kotis gave as an example.

“Imagine you’re a new business, wanting to come into the area and see that… you go, ‘I don’t want to go there,’” Kotis added.

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Stan Lee ‘Dream’ by JEKS is one of many walls at Red Cinemas. Artists from around the world have come to Greensboro to display their work around the city.

North State Journal for Wednesday, May 18, 2022

Clinton campaign lawyer sought to ‘use’ FBI, prosecutor says The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — A lawyer for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign who is charged with lying to the FBI early in the Trump-Russia probe sought to “use and manipulate” federal law enforcement to create an “October surprise” in the final weeks of the presidential race, a prosecutor alleged Tuesday at the start of his trial. Defense lawyers told jurors he never lied.

Michael Sussmann is accused of misleading the FBI during a September 2016 meeting by telling the bureau’s top lawyer that he wasn’t acting on behalf of a particular client when he presented computer data that he said might connect Russia to then-candidate Donald Trump. In reality, prosecutors say, he was acting on behalf of the Clinton campaign and another client who had provided him with the data.

He lied, prosecutor Brittain Shaw told jurors, in hopes of generating an “October surprise” of FBI investigations into Trump and negative news coverage of him, and because he knew the FBI would consider the information less credible if it thought it was being presented on behalf of the Clinton campaign.

“He told a lie that was designed to achieve a political end, a lie that was designed to inject the FBI into a presidential election,” said prosecutor Brittain Shaw.

But Sussmann’s lawyers sought to counter each of the prosecution’s allegations, portraying him as a well-respected attorney with deep experience in law enforcement and cybersecurity matters who would never lie to the FBI. The fact that he represented Democratic clients was well-known to the FBI and not anything he intended to hide, they said.

Sussmann’s trial is the first arising from special counsel John

AP PHOTO

Michael Sussmann, a cybersecurity lawyer who represented the Hillary Clinton presidential campaign in 2016, arrives to the E. Barrett Prettyman Federal Courthouse, Monday, May 16, 2022, in Washington, D.C. Durham’s investigation into the FBI’s original probe into Russian election interference and potential ties with the Trump campaign. In an early recognition of the politically loaded nature of the case, Shaw urged jurors to put aside any feelings they might have about Trump, Russia or Clinton.

“Some people have very strong feelings about politics and Russia, and many people have strong feelings about Donald Trump and Russia. But we are not here because these allegations involve either of them, nor are we here because the client was the Hillary Clinton campaign,” Shaw said.

At issue is a Sept. 19, 2016 meeting in which Sussmann presented Baker, the FBI’s then general counsel, with computer data gathered by another of his clients that purported to show furtive contact between computer servers of the Trump Organization and Russia-based Alfa Bank. That connection, if true, would have been explosive at a time when the FBI was examining whether the Trump campaign and

Russia were conspiring to sway the election.

The FBI investigated the data but quickly ruled out anything suspicious or nefarious. The internet activity instead reflected what Shaw described as a “spam email server” used to send out marketing.

“The server did not reflect a crime,” Shaw told jurors, “nor was it a threat to national security.”

Under a prosecutor’s questioning, he said that knowing where the information came from and who it was provided by would have been a key “data point” in assessing its credibility, though he said he likely would have done the technical analysis no matter what.

Durham was appointed in 2019 by then-Attorney General William Barr to look for any misconduct as the U.S. government was examining potential coordination between Russia and the 2016 Trump campaign. An investigation by an earlier special counsel, Robert Mueller, did not find a criminal conspiracy between Russia and the Trump campaign.

McConnell: Finland, Sweden ‘important additions’ to NATO WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said Sunday that Finland and Sweden would be “important additions” to NATO as he led a delegation of GOP senators to the region in a show of support against Russia’s aggression.

McConnell also called on President Joe Biden to designate Russia as state sponsor of terrorism over its invasion of Ukraine.

Speaking to reporters from Stockholm, McConnell said that Finland and Sweden, unlike some members of the Western alliance, would likely be in a position to pay their NATO obligations and would offer significant military capabilities.

“They will be important additions to NATO, if they choose to join,” he said, adding, “I think the United States ought to be first in line to ratify the treaty for both these countries to join.”

McConnell is a longtime NATO supporter, and his trip to the Nordic nations with Republican Sens.

Susan Collins of Maine, John Barrasso of Wyoming and John Cornyn of Texas follows their surprise stop Saturday in Ukraine’s capital to express solidarity in the fight against the Kremlin.

McConnell was in Sweden while leading diplomats from the

EDUCATION from page A1 Shotwell said it went back to the “restart school model” and that they (TIP) turned one of their schools around so “they [the district] didn’t have to.” The superintendent then began listing everything TIP had touched, at times reading off a sheet of paper in front of him, despite TIP not being a listed agenda item.

During his remarks, Shotwell also said they used TIP to “target” messaging to homeschool and private school student populations to “encourage them to come back to Rockingham County Public Schools.”

“We also had exposure since 2016 to personalized learning through various natives we’ve created a personalized learning framework for our students and teachers through this,” said Shotwell, who went on to list TIP as responsible for “44 selfpaced” teacher professional development modules and Math 1 curric-

Mecklenburg Sheriff ordered to issue gun permits without delay

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — A North Carolina Superior Court judge issued a preliminary injunction on May 3 enjoining the Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden from further delays related to pistol permits.

The preliminary injunction issued by Judge Karen Eady-Williams is in response to a lawsuit filed by Grass Roots North Carolina (GRNC) and Gun Owners of America (GOA).

Eady-Williams’ order stipulates McFadden must process pistol purchase permit within the 14 days required by North Carolina law and concealed carry permit applications within the 45 days as required by state statute.

Additionally, McFadden’s office must request mental health records to process concealed handgun applications within the state law requirement of 10 days and to process fingerprints for concealed carry applicants within five business day.

GRNC said that their organization has received complaints for years from Mecklenburg County residents about unlawful delays related to pistol and concealed handgun permits. Those complaints led to a lawsuit being filed in August 2021. GRNC and GOA’s complaint alleged that McFadden’s office was taking up to six months to schedule appointments for permits and up to an additional six months to process permit applications.

“We believe this order sends a clear message to sheriffs in Guilford, Mecklenburg and Wake counties, among others, that obstructing lawful citizens from exercising the right to keep and bear arms will no longer be tolerated,” said GRNC President Paul Valone in a statement. “To ensure

30 NATO member states met in Berlin to discuss providing more support to Ukraine and moves by Finland, Sweden and others to join NATO in the face of threats from Russia.

Several hours after Finland’s announcement that it would seek to join NATO, Sweden’s governing party also endorsed becoming an alliance member, a move that could lead to the country’s application within days.

The office of Finland’s president,

Sauli Niinisto, said the American lawmakers will meet with the president to discuss Finland’s NATO membership, the Ukraine war and other issues. McConnell’s office confirmed the visit.

But NATO-member Turkey is “not favorable” toward those two additions, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Friday, complicating the move to bolster the alliance as a deterrent to Russia.

The high-level meetings comes as the Congress is working to ap-

prove $40 billion in military aid to Ukraine, a substantial infusion of support for the region. The measure includes $6 billion for Ukraine for intelligence, equipment and training for its forces, plus $4 billion in financing to help Ukraine and NATO allies build up their militaries.

The latest round of assistance would push U.S. support to Ukraine beyond $50 billion, which has raised concerns from some conservative Republicans in the party’s isolationist wing wary of the price of overseas spending.

The measure stalled in the Senate over the objection of Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., but McConnell is determined to see that it passes in the coming week.

“We’ll get the job done,” McConnell told reporters on a conference call.

McConnell said it is in America’s interest to support Ukraine as he brushed aside criticism from some fellow Republicans, including former President Donald Trump, about the level of spending.

McConnell said he told Zelenskyy that there is vast bipartisan support in Congress for helping Ukraine. “This is not a charity we’re involved in here,” McConnell said. “This is to prevent this group of thugs from beginning a march through through Europe.”

Asked about a resolution introduced in the Senate designating Russia a state sponsor of terror, McConnell said he supports it. But he also said Biden could declare that on his own, without congressional action.

“I would encourage him to do it,” McConnell told reporters.

McConnell could not say wheth-

ulum for use in virtual teaching.

Shotwell then went on to describe a grant from TIP for six teachers to get master’s degrees and national certification that was previously unknown to the board.

“We also have the teaching scholars grants at N.C. State University and with this we’ve got six teachers that are getting a master’s degree and their National Board Certification all at the same time,” Shotwell said. “And all we’re asking in return is ... they got the grant for us... these teachers are not having to pay anything to get their masters and national certification... and all we’re asking is for them to stay with us for six years. And last time I checked, we don’t have a lot of math teachers.”

Shotwell also mentioned a “transforming early learning grant” through the Kellogg’s Foundation that covered learning centered design, personalized learning, leadership development for principals and

teachers and early learning network descriptions.

The Rockingham superintendent said TIP was engaged in a “Principal Partnership” with the educational labs which also seemed to be news to the board. The partnership apparently involves six schools voluntarily chosen to participate in a study to examine teacher lesson plans and their impact.

Following Shotwell’s comments, Isley redirected by asking Ellis about why TIP’s dues had been listed under legal fees since 2017.

“I believe when we first originally started paying the dues it was coded under legal fees because it originated out of two lawyers that started the project if I am correct.... two law firms. So, I think that was it,” Ellis replied while occasionally looking over at Shotwell.

Isley objected to the board being in the dark about TIP’s payments, stating that he found the district had spent “$126,000 maybe more.”

Public records requests conducted by North State Journal revealed Rockingham County Public Schools had written 26 checks totaling $124,412 to TIP beginning in July of 2017 and running through January of 2022.

“The board never voted on it. It never came up to the board,” said Isley. “And if it was such a great, grandiose project, why has it not been in the book? Why has it not been highlighted in a meeting? Why has it not been brought up in gifts, grants and donations?”

Isley said some of what Shotwell mentioned sounded good, but “it still doesn’t negate the fact that this board knew nothing about it.” He also questioned what other money was being spent that the board was unaware of.

In a likely reference to North State Journal reporting on TIP, Isley brought up articles written on the organization and possible ties to Critical Race Theory.

The Associated Press

UKRAINIAN PRESIDENTIAL PRESS OFFICE VIA AP

In this handout photo provided by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Office, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., pose for a photo in Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, May 14, 2022.

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“We believe this order sends a clear message to sheriffs in Guilford, Mecklenburg and Wake counties, among others, that obstructing lawful citizens from exercising the right to keep and bear arms will no longer be tolerated.”

GRNC President Paul Valone compliance by a sheriff who has so far dragged his feet, Grass Roots North Carolina advises anyone whose fingerprints are not taken with five business days of completing a concealed handgun application to contact us immediately.”

In August 2021, the same month GRNC sued McFadden, a federal judge ordered Wake County Sheriff Gerald Baker to pay over $26,000 to the plaintiffs in a pistol permit delay case originally filed in April of 2020. The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF), Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) and GRNC filed the suit along with Kelly Stafford, a member of GRNC and a Wake County resident who has been denied a permit by Baker.

Late last August, Gov. Roy Cooper issued his 60th veto on a bill that would have eliminated the permit process for sheriff departments. The legislation vetoed

by Cooper was House Bill 398, which had the backing of the N.C. Sheriffs’ Association. At the time, the associations General Counsel Eddie Caldwell said, “The sheriffs feel like it was a very valuable system that has just outlived its use.”

“I think the United States ought to be first in line to ratify the treaty for both these countries to join.”

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell

er the latest aid package would be the last before the November elections. The spending on Ukraine has been a simmering campaign issue for some Republican candidates.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., who already pushed the aid through the House with bipartisan votes, said on CNN’s “State of the Union” about the Senate Republicans: “They couldn’t pass the Ukraine bill with the senators going over to Ukraine empty-handed with a promise. We passed the bill.”

Zelensky, in his nightly video address Saturday after meeting with the Republicans, said he believed that the senators’ trip showed “the strong connection between the Ukrainian and American people. We discussed various areas of support for our country, including defense and finance, as well as strengthening sanctions against Russia.”

It was the second high-profile congressional delegation to stop in Ukraine in as many weeks. Pelosi visited on May 1 with a group of House Democrats and promised Zelenskyy that the United States will “be there for you until the fight is done.”

Board member Paula Rakestraw said that “in her research” she had not seen a connection between Innovation Project and Critical Race Theory and said they [board members] are “paying attention anytime someone sends that (CRT) up as a red flag and are investigating it.”

“It doesn’t negate the fact that this board representing the people of Rockingham County did not know about this money,” Isley replied. “That, to me, is a major issue.”

Isley initially proposed removing TIP’s dues from the local budget items but withdrew the idea when it was pointed out this was a proposed budget and Shotwell was uncertain what would happen to the programs TIP was running in the district, including the teacher scholar grants.

It was noted by Ellis that action to remove the dues could happen later on in the budget approval process.

The board eventually unanimously approved the proposed budget.

North State Journal for Wednesday, May 18, 2022

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North State Journal for Wednesday, May 18, 2022

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Welcome to Greensboro

Despite an abundance of luscious foliage, the Greensboro name doesn’t symbolize a color.

Greensboro honors Gen. Nathanael Greene, who led American forces in the Revolutionary War’s Battle of Guilford Courthouse in 1781.

But where is the final “e” in Greensboro? It seems to have tumbled out of the middle of the city’s name. In fact, it was never there. As a consequence, many think Greensboro is named for its greenery. Why county commissioners – who paid $98 for 42 acres in 1808 to start Greensborough, as originally spelled – dropped the general’s last letter is a mystery.

The “e” still appears in Greene Street, Greene Township, Gen. Greene School and Nathanael Greene School, according to a comprehensive history shared by the city.

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The Greensboro city skyline is pictured.

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College students win high marks at robotics competition

School resource officer on leave after fight with student Henderson County Officials say a resource officer at an elementary school has been placed on administrative leave after he got into a fight with a student. Henderson County Public Schools issued a statement saying the principal at Fletcher Elementary School reported the fight, which occurred on Monday, to system administrators. The statement says administrators reported the incident to the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office. The sheriff’s office then asked the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation to look into the matter.

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Buncombe County The UNC Asheville’s IEEE Student Chapter won second place at the 2022 IEEE SoutheastCon Hardware Competition in Mobile, Alabama. The 12 team members developed a Mardi Gras themed robot and constructing a small-scale, L-shaped parade route. For points, this robot had to autonomously navigate the route while completing tasks meant to simulate cleaning the streets of Mobile post-parade. The UNCA team beat top engineering schools in the region, like the University of Florida, Virginia Tech and Clemson. UNC Charlotte took first place.

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IBM: 6 black colleges getting cybersecurity centers

Community mourns lynching victims Chatham County About 100 people attended a service to honor the memories of five people who were lynched in Chatham County more than a century ago.

The service held Saturday was organized by local NAACP branches with support from the nonprofit Equal Justice Initiative. The group encourages researchers around the country to gather and share information about lynchings that happened in their communities.

According to the EJI, researchers have documented 123 “terror lynchings” of African Americans in North Carolina between 1877 and 1950. Those were among 4,084 that have been documented in Southern states during that time.

Guilford County IBM says six historically black universities in five Southern states will be getting cybersecurity centers aimed at training underrepresented communities. In a news release the company said the schools are Xavier University of Louisiana, the Southern University System in Louisiana, North Carolina A&T, South Carolina State, Clark Atlanta and Morgan State universities. IBM says it plans more than 20 of these centers at historically black colleges and universities nationwide.

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State to take over social services in county

Coast Guard rescues dog from Pamlico Sound Dare County U.S. Coast Guard officials say a crew rescued a dog lost overboard in Pamlico Sound. Coast Guard Station Hatteras Inlet said the crew aboard a boat received a report of a vessel that had lost their dog overboard. A short time later, the crew noticed movement on the calm water, then realized it was the dog named Myla swimming toward the boat. The crew headed toward Myla and hauled her aboard. The crew inspected the exhausted dog to ensure she wasn’t injured, then the Coast Guard says Myla was reunited with her owners.

Bertie County A North Carolina agency is assuming temporary control of a portion of a county social services department after an investigation revealed systemic problems.

The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services will temporarily assume leadership of child welfare services at the Bertie County Department of Social Services. The investigation revealed a lack of adequate training, supervision and capacity to deliver appropriate child welfare services. The move is authorized under state law and has the support of the county and the department.

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US Forest Service covers abandoned shaft to protect hikers Buncombe County The U.S. Forest Service put a grate over an abandoned 30-foot-deep pit mine shaft that posed a hazard on a popular biking trail.

Nicknamed the “sinkhole,” the shaft is on the Holly Springs Trail in Pisgah National Forest.

In the last decade, there had been multiple incidents in which people and animals had fallen into the hole. Several options were considered before officials decided to cover the sinkhole with a 12-foot by 10-foot flat aluminum grate that is safe to walk or ride over and meets safety requirements while maintaining the character of the trail.

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UNC-Chapel Hill to rename dormitory, student affairs office

Spike in overdoses shakes county Polk County First responders and medical personnel in Polk County have been coping with a spike in drug overdoses over the last two weeks. In a 12-day span, response teams were called to 10 separate overdoses, and three people ended up dead. Investigators suspect that the cases all involve drugs laced with fentanyl.

Most of the victims were in their 20s and 30s. Normally, the county responds to one or two overdose cases in a given month.

WLOS

Wounded dump truck driver arrested in road-rage shootout Wake County Police say a dump truck driver who was shot and wounded on Wednesday in a road rage incident has been charged. Raleigh police said a dump truck driver who ran a red light and the driver of an Audi who followed him pulled out guns in a confrontation. The dump truck driver fired at the Audi, whose driver fired back and hit the dump truck driver in the leg. Police arrested the dump truck driver, Sylvester Stokes, and charged him with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill and with possession of a firearm by a felon.

Orange County UNC is renaming a residence hall and a student affairs office long named for people tied to white supremacy. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill dedicated the Hortense McClinton Residence Hall and the Henry Owl Building in an on-campus ceremony. McClinton became UNC’s first Black faculty member in 1966. Owl was the first Native American to enroll at the university, in 1928. The buildings had been named for North Carolina Gov. Charles B. Adcock and Ku Klux Klan member Julian Carr, who promoted violence to terrorize black voters at the turn of the 20th Century.

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Man gets 10 months for sex assault on flight

Reward offered for information on endangered red wolf death Tyrrell County The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is offering a $5,000 reward for information that leads to a conviction in the shooting death of an endangered red wolf. The wolf was found in a muddy field in Tyrrell County on April 15, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It had been shot in the spine and collapsed in the mud, some of which was found in its lungs. Killing a red wolf is illegal, except under special circumstances.

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Cumberland County A man was sentenced to 10 months in prison for sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl during a flight on a commercial airliner last year. Ryan Eugene Larned of Fayetteville was also sentenced to five years’ supervised release and ordered to pay a $2,000 fine for sexual contact without consent. Larned also has to register as a sex offender. On a flight between Charlotte and Raleigh, Larned was seated next to a teenager, who was flying alone. Prosecutors say Larned put his coat over the teen and himself, then reached into her pants. The teen immediately reported the assault.

US House Judiciary Republicans: DOJ labeled dozens of parents as terrorist threats

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — U.S. House Judiciary Republicans led by U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) released a statement on May 11 indicating they had sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland regarding his Oct. 2021 memorandum directing the targeting of parents by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

“This is about intimidation. This is about chilling free speech,” Jordan said at a hearing held the same day the letter was released.

Garland’s memorandum was prompted by a letter to President Joe Biden by the National School Boards Association (NSBA). That letter drew comparisons between parents protesting actions by their local school boards to “domestic terrorism.” Within weeks of Garland issuing his memorandum, the NSBA apologized for their letter. In February 2022, an email was uncovered showing the NSBA had advanced knowledge of the release of Garland’s memorandum.

As of April 2, 30 states have distanced themselves from the NSBA with 22 of those states, including North Carolina, dropping their membership entirely.

The Republican House Judiciary letter describes information from whistleblowers covering at least dozens of investigations into parents using the threat tag “EDUOFFICIALS.” House Judiciary Republicans uncovered the threat tag last year and apparently is actively being used by the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division to track investigations related to parents protesting at school board meetings around the country.

“These investigations into concerned parents were the direct result of your October 4 directive to the FBI. Each of the cases was initiated following your directive. Each of the complaints came into the FBI through the same snitchline—the National Threat Operations Center—highlighted in the press release accompanying your October 4 memorandum,” reads the House Judiciary Republicans letter to Garland.

“One complainant even told an FBI agent that they reported the tip to the FBI because of the snitch-line, despite having ‘no specific information’ about any actual threat,” the letter says. “These facts lead us to conclude that these investigations into concerned parents, and likely many more like them, would not have occurred but for your directive.”

The other point is that Garland’s memorandum is a violation of the First Amendment rights of parents and seeks “to intimidate parents into silence via the threat of federal agents coming to their homes to

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“investigate” their attempts to effectively participate in and freely discuss the education of their children. “ According to the statement, one example involves the FBI investigating whether a mom was a threat to her local school board because she belonged to a “right wing mom’s group” known as “Moms for Liberty” and because she “is a gun owner.” The allegation against the Moms for Liberty parent was reported to the FBI via a hotline set up last fall by Garland.

Another example was an investigation into a father who opposed mask mandates. Garland’s hotline was also used in that case, alleging that the father in question “fit the profile of an insurrectionist,” and “rails against the government,” and the complainant claimed he “has a lot of guns and threatens to use them.”

The complaint against the father turned out to be meritless after an FBI agent interviewed the complainant, who admitted they had ‘no specific information or observations of . . . any crimes or threats’.”

This latest round of whistleblower information further contradicts testimony given to Congress by Garland October 2021.

“I can’t imagine any circumstance in which the Patriot Act would be used in the circumstances of parents complaining about their children, nor can I imagine a circumstance where they would be labeled as domestic terrorism,” Garland said at the time.

The month following Garland’s statements to Congress, 16 state attorney’s general led by Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita sent a letter to President Biden and Garland decrying Garland’s memorandum.

Rokita’s letter demanded the Biden administration immediately cease attempting to “to intimidate parents under the threat of being investigated as “domestic terrorists” from exercising their rights.”

North Carolina’s Attorney General Josh Stein was not among the other 15 signing the letter.

The letter to Garland contains two key points related to Garland’s Oct. 4, 2021, Memorandum. One is that the memorandum “repeats the canard that ‘there has been a disturbing spike in harassment, intimidation, and threats of violence against school administrators, board members, teachers, and staff’.”

In addition to Indiana’s Rokita, also signing the letter were attorneys general from Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Utah.

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North State Journal for Wednesday, May 18, 2022

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

VISUAL VOICES

EDITORIAL | FRANK HILL

Democrats: flee the party of violence

I am so old I am not just a yellow-dog Democrat ― I am a mossy-back Democrat!

WHICH POLITICAL PARTY condones the use of violence more ― the Democrat or Republican Party?

Any political party in America which accepts any form of willful violence against anyone to make a political point should be abandoned by any current member to be honest. There is no instance that can be justified on any moral or ethical scale where anyone can attack another person in America or destroy their property and be celebrated as a hero.

But since we live in a time of advanced moral relativism, it is fair to compare the number of times one political party in America has turned a blind eye to the use of violence by anyone on their side of the political spectrum versus the other side and see which party is more supportive of violence to achieve political objectives.

Those on the left will point judgmental fingers at the perpetrators of the January 6, 2021 invasion of the US Capitol. As well they should ― anything that went beyond commonly accepted practices of mass lobbying or peaceful demonstration was wrong and the guilty should be punished after a court trial by serving time in prison.

Democrats turned a blind eye to the BLM riots of 2020, calling them “mostly peaceful” despite news reports staged in front of burning buildings and riotous crowds. Democrats from President Biden on down assert that protestors have the right to gather near the private homes of Supreme Court Justices and essentially try to physically intimidate them into not overturning Roe vs. Wade.

Democrats refuse to prosecute criminals for obvious acts of violence such as the California DA who refused to press charges against the man who attacked comedian Dave Chappelle on stage during a performance.

There is not a single prominent Democrat in North Carolina, either elected, a former elected official, newspaper editor or political operative world who has publicly stated that all violent crime committed in the name of “politics” should be punished, including any member of their own Democrat Party constituency.

If an elected Democrat did condemn the violence exhibited by their side, they would be defeated in their next primary and that would be

the end of their political career in North Carolina.

The hypocrisy of anyone in public life who accepts violence in the pursuit of a political cause they support cannot be overstated. It can’t be OK in one instance and not in every other. Violence to advance a political point on a public policy issue is wrong in every case. Everyone has to agree to oppose it in every form and instance or else we will continue to have chaos in our streets and neighborhoods.

Remaining a Democrat today while ignoring their party’s obvious acceptance of violence as a political activist tool makes about as much sense as older Democrats I talked with when I was running for Congress as a Republican in 1984 in eastern North Carolina. “I agree with everything you say, young feller” I heard repeatedly. “But I can’t vote for you because you are a Republican!”

“What has that got to do with anything if you agree with the policies I support?” I would retort.

“Well, my daddy was a Democrat; my grandpa was a Democrat and my great grandpappy was a Democrat. I am so old I am not just a yellow-dog Democrat ― I am a mossy-back Democrat! So I reckon I am gonna keep on living and one day die as a Democrat!”

Remaining a Democrat today just because a person thinks it is the same party as in 1968 makes as much sense as those older Southern Democrats did in 1984. The “Peace and Love” Democrat Party doesn’t exist anymore. They are the party that openly supports anarchy and lawlessness without any remorse or embarrassment.

Flee while you can, patriotic Democrats. Don’t remain being part of the Democrat Party unless you will do something to decry its support of violence and destruction publicly for all the world to hear. And then hire a private security guard to protect you, your family and your home and property ― because you are going to need it.

EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS

Democrats go down dangerous road greenlighting protests at Supreme Court Justices’ homes

Most disturbingly have been the Biden White House-endorsed demonstrations outside of the homes which started after their addresses complete with maps were posted online by the militant abortion group “Ruth Sent Us.”

FOR THE LAST 16 MONTHS, we’ve heard little else from Democrats regarding the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot outside of calling it an “insurrection” that was “incited” by allegedly “dangerous” rhetoric uttered by then-President Donald Trump in a speech given at the Ellipse near the White House.

The belief that Trump “incited” people to riot was literally the basis for the Democrats’ second impeachment effort, and since then anyone who agreed with Trump in whole or in part regarding what he felt were questionable, tainted election results has also been treated as an “insurrectionist” and a “threat to democracy.”

Republicans have also been given numerous lectures about how it was important that our “institutions should be respected” rather than undermined and how our “norms must be preserved.”

But in the aftermath of the Supreme Court leak earlier this month in the form of a draft majority opinion that suggested the court was about to overturn 1973’s Roe v. Wade ruling, all that talk about “respecting our institutions and norms” has conveniently been thrown out the window.

As I write this, outraged Democrats and their media allies are pulling out all the stops to intimidate the conservative Justices who — if the draft majority opinion holds — appear to be poised to send the abortion issue back to the states.

Democrat “leaders” are already laying the groundwork for impeaching some of the conservative Justices, proclaiming they “lied” during their confirmation hearings about their thoughts on Roe v.

Wade. There has already been an attempt by the Senate to “codify” the landmark ruling — except the Senate legislation actually went much further, which might be one reason why it didn’t get anywhere.

Most disturbingly, however, have been the Biden White Houseendorsed demonstrations outside of the homes of some of the conservative Justices, which started after their addresses complete with maps were posted online by the militant abortion group “Ruth Sent Us.” Unlike protests at a politician’s home, protests at the homes of judges and other members of the court are against the law according

to the U.S. code, punishable by fines and/or up to a year in prison.

Specifically, here’s what the Code states: “Whoever, with the intent of interfering with, obstructing, or impeding the administration of justice, or with the intent of influencing any judge, juror, witness, or court officer, in the discharge of his duty, pickets or parades in or near a building housing a court of the United States, or in or near a building or residence occupied or used by such judge, juror, witness, or court officer, or with such intent uses any sound-truck or similar device or resorts to any other demonstration in or near any such building or residence, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.”

President Biden has said he’s okay with protests at the Justices’ homes as long as they are “peaceful.” Sen. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) has also encouraged them, wrongly equating them to marches he said he’s seen outside of his own home. Other Democrats — many of who have been part of the chorus yelling “insurrection” at Republicans since January 2021 have also lent their voices to agitating enraged activists at a time when tensions are dangerously high.

None of them have condemned the sharing of the Justices’ addresses online, and Twitter, which has said in the past that it is against such things, has done nothing to take down the accounts of those spreading the information.

God forbid anything happens to any of the Justices and/or their family members, but if it does, Democrats will be partially responsible. If Republicans have to be held to an “incitement” standard, so should Democrats, especially considering what they’ve said has been far worse than anything Trump said in that January 2021 speech.

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 18, 2022 COLUMN | MICHAEL BARONE

Progressives’ version of ‘democracy’: 2 plus 2 equals 5 The 2016 Russia collusion hoax fizzled in 2018; the 2020 suppression of the Hunter Biden laptop information has come undone in 2022; and Twitter’s progressive censors are about to be sacked by the pro-free speech Elon Musk.

THEY MAY OR MAY NOT have been playing the song “The World Turned Upside Down” when Lord Charles Cornwallis’s troops surrendered to Gen. George Washington at Yorktown in 1781, but there’s good reason to sing it now.

Progressives tell us that it is a violation of “democracy” to allow state legislators and governors elected by voters to decide how to regulate or criminalize abortion. “Democracy,” in this view, requires such decisions to be made by nine unelected judges.

Progressives tell us that “democracy” requires “content moderation” — censorship, in plain English — of all communications over prevalent social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook. Free speech, in this view, violates “democracy” unless “content moderators,” or censors, who are primarily from the progressive Left, decide what can and cannot be communicated.

Things haven’t quite become an Orwellian dystopia in which “democracy” only requires an agreement that two plus two is five. But we have gotten to the point that speech considered offensive must be called violence, and “mostly peaceful,” or violent, protests must be regarded as speech.

Progressives have also moved to suppress information formerly considered useful but now stigmatized for producing politically incorrect results. College and graduate school admissions offices are dropping standardized tests, and felony charges for stealing goods under some amount — $950 in California — are barred.

Those who invoke “democracy” often do it to justify something like its opposite.

The justification for turning the world upside down varies. Those claiming that “democracy” requires few or no restrictions on abortion have the excuse that the Supreme Court 49 years ago plucked out of thin air (rather than any clause of the Constitution) a right to abortion and has reasserted it ever since.

Advocates have been unembarrassed by liberal scholars’ devastating criticism of this Roe v. Wade decision, going back to John Hart Ely in 1973, who wrote that Roe “is not constitutional law” and “gives almost no sense of an obligation to try to be” and to Ruth Bader Ginsburg in 1985, who wrote, “The Court ventured too far in the change it ordered and presented an incomplete justification for its action.”

Amid all of the lamentations of Justice Samuel Alito’s leaked draft opinion purporting to reverse Roe, you will search in vain for full-throated defenses or celebrations of the reasoning of Justice Harry Blackmun’s opinion. My view is that it owes much to the fact that of all the 115 Supreme Court justices in history, Blackmun spent most of his pre-judicial career as a lawyer for doctors, who, of

course, were the people prosecuted under criminal abortion laws.

The progressives arguing for social media censorship (“content moderation”) must search back further in history for judicial sanction — back, perhaps, to Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes’s analogy of shouting “fire” in a crowded theater in a series of cases, some of which upheld the Wilson administration’s criminal prosecutions of peaceful protesters against World War I. Progressives argue “democracy” is suddenly threatened by “misinformation,” and the prime culprits are former President Donald Trump and his supporters, arguably a target-rich environment.

Actually, the most successful purveyors of “misinformation” have been the progressives themselves. For the better part of three years, with the cooperation of Pulitzer Prize-awarded journalists, they advanced misinformation in the form of the Russia collusion hoax, concocted apparently by operatives of the Hillary Clinton campaign and nurtured by intelligence officials and a duplicitous FBI director.

That doesn’t excuse Trump’s multiple misstatements and baseless charges that the 2020 election was stolen. Two wrongs don’t make a right.

But it does highlight that in seeking to delegitimize an election result, both Clinton and Trump violated a political norm observed by Richard Nixon in 1960 and Al Gore in 2000.

Good luck getting progressives to admit that.

Why are progressives just now overturning norms, insisting that democracy requires courts to remove an issue from voters, and progressive censors removing speech from public forums?

Presumably because things aren’t going their way. The 2016 Russia collusion hoax fizzled in 2018; the 2020 suppression of the Hunter Biden laptop information has come undone in 2022; and Twitter’s progressive censors are about to be sacked by the pro-free speech Elon Musk.

That leaves the Biden Democrats in trouble as inf lation, immigration and crime escalate out of control. Rising inf lation and illegal immigration can plausibly be attributed to Biden administration policies and rising crime to many Democrats’ embrace of “defund the police” policies.

No wonder the Biden administration is creating a Government Disinformation Board to be headed by a purveyor of the Russia collusion hoax. When you’re losing on the facts, argue the law. When you’re losing on the law, argue the facts. When you’re losing on both, shut the whole discussion down — and call that “democracy.”

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

COLUMN | STEPHEN MOORE

When the people tasked with protecting our children are the villains What is so chilling and unforgivable about this tale is that teachers and pediatricians are the people entrusted by parents and society at large to care for and educate children.

THE EVIDENCE SHOWS that school closures during COVID were an epic public policy blunder.

The school lockdowns in many states were arguably the most significant episode of governmentsponsored child abuse in American history.

You don’t have to take my word for it. Last week, the liberal New York Times came to the same conclusion after an extensive investigation. The New York Times found: “Extended school closures appear to have done much more harm than good, and many school administrators probably could have recognized as much by the fall of 2020. In places where schools reopened that summer and fall, the spread of Covid was not noticeably worse than in places where schools remained closed.”

The New York Times also found that the primary victims were the lowest-income children.

Wealthy families found education alternatives for their children either in their homes or private schools. Children from low-income families barely participated in online lessons.

“This will probably be the largest increase in educational inequity in a generation,” said Thomas Kane, an author of a Harvard study on the disparate impact of the COVID lockdowns.

The study also found that most of these school closures occurred “in major cities, which tend to be run by Democratic officials ... Republicans were generally quicker to reopen schools. High-poverty schools are also more likely to have unionized teachers, and some unions lobbied for remote schooling.” And all this time, you probably thought Democrats were the party that cares about children.

But there are other villains as well that need to be exposed. Who did this to our children?

The teachers unions were probably the most shameful player, the worm in the education apple. Even after months of evidence that in-class instruction posed virtually no danger to children or teachers, they wouldn’t teach. They treated COVID as a paid vacation, even as private and Catholic

schools down the street were open. In September of last year, nearly 90% of the Chicago teachers even voted to go on strike after not teaching for six months.

They weren’t the only ones in on the crime against our nation’s children. Let’s not forget about the inexcusable role of the American Academy of Pediatrics. This group of children’s doctors originally called for entire school openings for the 2020-21 school year. That was based on science.

But then, politics intervened. Two weeks later, the group did a sudden 180-degree reversal and joined in solidarity with the teachers unions calling for closing schools. They even signed joint statements with the unions.

It’s not hard to understand why the pediatricians pulled the rug out from beneath our children. Every study has shown that pediatricians are politically liberal and more so than any other medical group.

Pediatricians were regularly on TV or elsewhere in the news, falsely spooking parents about the dangers of sending children to school. It was propaganda — the big lie.

What is so chilling and unforgivable about this tale is that teachers and pediatricians are the people entrusted by parents and society at large to care for and educate children. They are supposed to have our sons’ and daughters’ best interests at stake regarding their health and well-being. But they selfishly put politics and paychecks ahead of child welfare.

So Democratic politicians, teachers unions and pediatricians formed an alliance to deny our children schooling. These are the people who sanctimoniously lecture us about the necessity of “following the science.” Yet they ignored it. They peddled fear, not facts, and perhaps Biden’s new ministry of “misinformation” might want to investigate them.

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.”

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 ERICK ERICKSON

Hostages to a cult THIS PAST WEEK, the average price of a gallon of gasoline hit a record high in the United States. Some states are regularly seeing prices above five dollars for a gallon of gas. The country is now regularly experiencing an increase of over four dollars on average. In the same week gas hit records, the Biden administration canceled oil and gas leases in the Gulf of Mexico and Alaska.

Internal documents show the administration is more focused on climate change than change in your pocket.

Americans are held hostage to a cult of extremists.

The extremist view that has taken root within the Biden administration and much of the national press and Left is that the world will reach a point of irreversible environmental collapse in less than a decade unless we reduce our carbon emissions. As a result, Americans must give up their lifestyle, income and resources because China, India and much of the developing world will not. We must hold ourselves back because they will not.

A byproduct of this insanity is that our energy independence has been given up and we are now dependent on Saudi Arabia, Venezuela and other nefarious actors. The Biden administration has even considered allowing Iranian oil exports into the Western market.

President Joe Biden and Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm want you to buy electric cars instead. There is no significant market for used electric cars. New electric cars, even with government subsidy, are not something the poor and middle class can regularly afford. If every American switched, the nation does not have the infrastructure to supply power to recharge all those cars overnight. We do not have enough lithium to produce the batteries necessary for the demand. Mining lithium is itself an environmental catastrophe, but one that rich, white, American progressives do not have to see.

Our economic fortunes, our family incomes and our future are held hostage to this insanity.

Americans have seen a decline in take-home pay. Even as their wages have gone up, inf lation has so outpaced the increases that average American’s wage has declined 3%. The president admits energy makes up over 60% of the inf lation we are seeing. The cost of fuel for tractors, trucks and other equipment has gone up.

That has impacted grain prices, food prices and the price at the pump. Curtailing the ability to get fuel out of the ground will only exacerbate the problem.

Moving Americans to batterypowered cars, in addition to the lack of feasibility, would be terribly impractical for rural Americans.

Farmers need reliable trucks and tractors that can run for long periods of time without having to recharge. When gas-powered equipment does run out of fuel, its refueling time is minutes versus half-hours or more for electric equivalents.

Nothing about the Biden administration’s efforts is practical. They are policies driven by pessimism and fear. They provide competitive advantages to rogue regimes while holding Americans hostage to the whims of people who fear belching cows.

The Democrats will not be able to sustain this. Momentum is building for change. Biden, speaking the other day about inf lation, presented Americans with the choice between his policies and something he called “ultra-MAGA,” a reference to former President Donald Trump and his Republican supporters. But it was only a few years ago when Ultra-MAGA Man himself was president of the United States.

With Trump as president, Americans did not have runaway inf lation, high gas prices and energy dependence tied to rogue regimes. Americans were net energy exporters, able to buy what they wanted at stores and fill up their cars without breaking the bank. Biden is selling a hypothetical Trump Republican plan, but Americans actually lived the Trump Republican plan and it saved them money. They will want to go back to it. They’ll decide they prefer the mean tweets if it means they will not go broke.

Democrats believe Trump and the GOP are existential threats to American democracy. But they are so wedded to the environmental extremist cult that they themselves will put Trump and the GOP back in power. Americans will not long suffer being held hostage by a cult of extremists who make their lives worse.

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North State Journal for Wednesday, May 18, 2022

NATION & WORLD The servant leadership legacy of Howard Coble

By Lindsay Moore For North State Journal GREENSBORO — It’s been over 15 years since I first opened my passenger door to the man many knew in North Carolina as “Our Congressman.” And whether he actually was your congressman or not, Congressman Howard Coble, who preferred to be called just “Howard,” was most certainly your friend and advocate. While by title I served as the Congressman’s scheduler and district press secretary for nearly a decade, to Howard I was his “gatekeeper.” To him this meant keeping his schedule organized with driving directions, contacts and talking points, I quickly learned there was much more to the role I played.

Howard Coble was a celebrity, a title I’m sure if he was here he would quickly dismiss. However, Howard was not your celebrity of today’s world of political shenanigans and disparaging attacks on an opposing party’s views or character, instead he was made of the super hero brand of politician – the ones that are practically extinct in today’s political arena.

While today’s political pundits would consider Howard’s superpowers to be both foreign and ineffective, the down-home style of his weekly visits home fueled by his exuberant love for the very people he represented made him one of the most effective politicians I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. The foundation of these superpowers stemmed from his lifelong pursuit of inclusion, civility, and steadfast conviction. While many in today’s political climate defiantly believe these three attributes cannot effectively coexist in politics, Howard Coble’s legacy demonstrates otherwise.

You see, on that sultry hot August day when I opened the car door on what I would later call my “Howard Coble adventures,” he disarmed me with his kind, yet jovial smile as he said “Miss Moore, it’s hotter than a tater out there.” This among many others was a line I would hear often on the days we spent traveling the 6th Congressional district. He would always remind me he borrowed it from one of his favorite West Virginia bluegrass singers. He considered himself a bluegrass aficionado.

Howard grew up in a blue-collar family where his mom sewed pockets on denim at the old Blue Bell factory in Greensboro and his dad began his career as a sweeper and was promoted to a men’s clothing salesman at the local Belk store.

He knew what it meant to have hard-working parents who were respectful and grateful for all that

they had, no matter how much or how little that might be. Howard never forgot that. In fact, he was always on the lookout for those in the community who were often not seen or recognized. When he spoke to students at local public schools in his district, he reminded them to thank their teachers, principals and the custodians, that all were equally worthy of praise and admiration.

He would remind students that freedom came with a cost. Howard cautioned the young minds before him “to never be casual about freedom; but instead embrace freedom very jealously, very dearly and very warmly because if you become casual about freedom, one day you will wake up and find you are no longer free.”

Born in the community of Alamance in rural southeastern Guilford County, as a student he was considered quick-witted and intelligent, and had a particular love of the game of baseball. He joined the United States Coast Guard after a year attending Appalachian State University, serving for over five years and earning the rank of Captain. He stayed as a reservist for 18 years. He then graduated from Guilford College with a degree in history. Howard earned his law degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He spent 20 years as a practicing attorney.

He served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney before winning a term in the N.C. House of Representatives. He then served as Gov. Jim Holshouser’s revenue secretary and returned to the N.C. House for two more terms in 1979.

In 1984, Howard won the 6th District election to Congress against one-term incumbent Robin Britt. In his reelection bid two years later, he won by just 79 votes. From that time forward Howard maintained the seat for over 30 years and remains the longest-serving Republican member of Congress in North Carolina history.

During his tenure on Capitol Hill, Howard served on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee as well as the House Judiciary Committee. His constituents back home, though, were never far from his mind and heart. He looked forward to the end of each work week so he could return home and leave behind what he often jokingly referred to as “the swamp.”

However, when in Washington, Howard welcomed constituents, businesses and other public entities from his district. He would take the time to listen with great concern as he and his staff discerned how best to respond to their needs through legislation, federal grant funding, and congressional earmarks. Per-

COURTESY PHOTO

Howard Coble is shown in this photo from his former chief of staff Marshall Hurley

AP PHOTO

Congressman Howard Coble, R-N.C. is greeted upon arrival for a memorial service for former North Carolina Gov. James Holshouser at Brownson Memorial Presbyterian Church in Southern Pines, Fri., June 21, 2013. haps his most notable work was his desire to reform the congressional pension plan. In fact, he pledged not to receive any pension from the United States government. He told CBS Up to the Minute, “I figure taxpayers pay my salary – not a bad salary, and I figured that’s sufficient.

Let me fend for myself after the salary’s collected.” He was one of only two representatives, the other being Ron Paul, during his 30-year tenure to decline their pension.

Howard was known for both his kind, thoughtful and quick-witted personality on Capitol Hill. Just as the district he represented had more Democrats than Republicans by voter registration, Howard always thought that opposing views when worked out amicably and respectfully made better legislation.

He always held fast to his conservative values and did so with civility

and true diplomatic prowess.

The greatest contribution of Howard Coble was not just that he was an effective member of Congress as proven by his leadership, but that he blazed a divergent path in the world of politics by being not only accessible, but inclusive.

Howard welcomed all constituents regardless of political ideology or background to meet with him each week in his district offices. Howard was truly a public servant and adamantly believed he served at the will of those who elected him and it was not his congressional seat, but that of the people. He and his staff were known statewide for their compassionate and responsive constituent services. His favorite president was Teddy Roosevelt and he often would remind me of a famous quote by the ‘rough rider’ president that “Nobody cares how much you know, until

Crypto comes to Washington. Will the millions buy influence?

The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — Erin Houchin braced for the worst when a mysterious group started buying television ads last month in her highly competitive southern Indiana congressional race.

Houchin assumed she would face a negative blitz, like the one that crushed her in 2016 when she ran for the same seat. But, in fact, the opposite happened.

American Dream Federal Action, a super political action committee financed by a cryptocurrency CEO, saturated the district with ads promoting Houchin as a “Trump Tough” conservative who would “stop the socialists in Washington.” That push helped secure her victory last week in a Republican primary.

“All you can do is hold your breath,” Houchin’s longtime consultant, Cam Savage, said of when they learned about the ad buy. “It could help you, but the fear is it will end you.”

The impact of the unsolicited helps shows how cryptocurrency tycoons are emerging as the new political power players. They are pouring millions of dollars into primary elections as they try to gain influence over members of Con-

AP PHOTO

In this April 3, 2013 photo, Mike Caldwell, a 35-year-old software engineer, holds a 25 Bitcoin token at his shop in Sandy, Utah. gress and other government officials who are crafting regulations.

This year, for the first time, industry executives have spent nearly $20 million so far, according to records and interviews.

It’s a delicate but deliberate march by companies that make money based in part on evading government attention.

More than $100 million also has been spent lobbying since 2018 by crypto companies, as well as those who potentially stand to lose if the industry goes mainstream, records

show.

The push comes as the Biden administration and Congress consider new regulations and set funding levels for agencies that will oversee crypto.

“What do they want? They want no regulation, or they want to help write the regulation. What else is new?” asked Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, an industry critic.

Cryptocurrencies are a digital asset that can be traded over the internet without relying on the global banking system. They’ve been pro-

moted as a way for that those with limited means to build wealth by investing in the next big thing.

But they’re also highly speculative and often lack transparency, which substantially increases risk.

There are signs that crypto is going mainstream. Fidelity Investments, one of the nation’s largest providers of retirement accounts, announced earlier this month it will start allowing investors to put Bitcoin in their 401(k) accounts.

And there are indications that the government is increasing scrutiny.

The Securities and Exchange Commission unveiled a plan last week that would nearly double the size of its staff focused on cryptocurrency oversight. Days later, the Justice Department indicted the CEO of a cryptocurrency platform and mining operation, alleging he orchestrated a “$62 million global investment fraud scheme.”

Meanwhile, members of Congress and the administration have raised concerns that Russian oligarchs could turn to cryptocurrency to evade U.S. sanctions put in place when Russia invaded Ukraine.

Cryptocurrency advocates in Congress acknowledge problems but argue the roughly $2 trillion in-

they know how much you care.”

There was rarely a weekend that Howard did not come home. It was of utmost importance to him to return each weekend so that he could be available for both his constituents’ private and public requests.

He attended more than 900 eagle ceremonies and rode in over 250 parades during his tenure. While many today consider these extraneous activities, for Howard they were of the utmost importance because they meant honoring those he served and letting them know he cared.

If you were fortunate enough to have ever met Howard you were most likely greeted with the request to call him by his first name.

This was most often followed by the inquiry: “Where did you go to high school?” And with the same beguiling smile and a twinkle in his eye – the very features which disarmed me - he would proudly name your high school mascot with absolute precision if it was in North Carolina and oftentimes beyond.

Not only did this interaction help him remember that person, but it showed with great authenticity that he cared deeply about that person and wanted them to feel comfortable and respected. He offered his services and support to anyone that asked as he truly desired to include anyone he could. His weekends were filled with chicken pie suppers in Davidson County and spaghetti dinners in Greensboro. As a lifelong bachelor his constituents were not only his friends, but also his family.

Howard passed away on Nov. 3, 2015 at the age of 84 from complications due to skin cancer. Yet the joy he exuded lives on in the countless individuals whose lives he helped make better. He remembered everyone he met and made them feel valued. In the age of social media where personal interaction and civility are nearly obsolete, we all could look to the life of Howard Coble and be reminded that a true public servant is always of the people and for the people.

dustry has matured.

“I’m confident that bitcoin protects consumers,” said Sen. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., who has invested in the currency. “I’m not confident that all cryptocurrencies protect consumers. In fact, I’m willing to bet that the majority of those are fraudulent.”

Many cryptocurrency proponents vehemently opposed regulation. But lobbyists say that’s now a settled debate and their aim is to convince skeptics not to have too heavy a regulatory hand.

Perianne Boring, founder of the Chamber of Digital Commerce, makes the case for developing accounting standards for the industry to help crypto firms become publicly traded companies.

“Because there are no standards, many businesses are hesitant to touch cryptocurrency,” said Boring, whose group has spent nearly $2 million lobbying the federal government.

Some lobbyists are hoping that a wave of campaign spending could help, much of it directed to Democratic primary races.

“Folks in crypto are, all of a sudden, happy to go to political fundraisers,” said Kristin Smith, the executive director of the Blockchain Association. Smith, whose group has spent about $4 million on lobbying since 2018. She added, “The government could actually come in and really mess it up if we aren’t constructively engaging.”

Hornets eyeing D’Antoni as next coach, B4

MiLB ACROSS NC

BRETT FRIEDLANDER | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

First National Bank Field has been home to Greensboro’s minor league baseball team since 2005, when the team rebranded under its current name, the Grasshoppers.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Tar Heels reunion at Monmouth as Reese joins Rice’s staff West Branch, N.J. Brian Reese is returning to Monmouth University for a second stint as an assistant coach under fellow UNC alum King Rice. The Hawks, who are moving from the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference to the Colonial Athletic Association in July, announced the hiring Tuesday. Reese, who worked at Monmouth from 20112015, left to become the head coach at nearby Georgian Court University in 201516. He spent five seasons at Illinois State (2016-21) as an assistant and also worked at High Point and Wingate as an assistant prior to joining Rice in his first season at Monmouth in 2011. Reese and King played for the Tar Heels under Hall of Fame coach Dean Smith during the 1990-91 season.

NFL

NC A&T alumnus Cohen injured during streamed workout Chicago Former Chicago Bears running back and North Carolina A&T standout Tarik Cohen, now a free agent, apparently suffered an injury during a training session being livestreamed on his Instagram account. The hard-luck player, released in March by the Bears due to past injuries, grabbed the back of his leg after going down during the workout.

The incident was seen on Instagram Live, with Cohen falling to the floor after backpeddling. Cohen played three full seasons with Chicago but made it to only three games in 2021 before tearing knee ligaments. He missed the rest of that season and then was released by the Bears. A fourth‑round draft pick in 2017 out of NC A&T, Cohen had a strong rookie year as a running back and kick returner. He made All-Pro as a punt returner in 2018 when he led the NFL with 33 runbacks for 411 yards.

Grasshoppers bring family fun to Gate City From famous bat dogs to a home run-happy park, Greensboro’s minor league team kicks off NSJ’s tour of the state’s pro baseball teams

By Brett Friedlander North State Journal GREENSBORO — A statue honoring a Baseball Hall of Famer stands proudly outside Greensboro’s First National Bank Field.

But the likeness isn’t that of Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Johnny Mize or any of the other star players who have spent time with the team now known as the Grasshoppers on their way up the minor league ladder.

It’s of a black Labrador retriever named Miss Babe Ruth.

Introduced as a novelty in 2006 by her owner, team president and general manager Donald Moore, Babe — as she was known — became a crowd-pleasing fixture at Grasshoppers games. The

hand-painted bucket that she used to carry balls to umpires over her nine-year career is on permanent display at the baseball shrine in Cooperstown, New York.

Although other teams, including the Durham Bulls, have since used dogs to retrieve bats and entertain fans during their games, Greensboro was among the originators of the idea.

It’s a tradition that has returned this year after being put on hold for the past two seasons because of the COVID pandemic with the introduction of the Grasshoppers’ newest bat dog, Willie Mae Mays.

“Years ago, I said here we are in the family entertainment business and over half the families in America have pets, primarily dogs. So I just thought it would be neat to incorporate a dog into what we do,” said Moore, who is now in his 22nd season working with Greensboro’s minor league team. “That’s how it all started here.

“People get a kick out of it. Some of them come out just to see the dogs. I’ve always said I don’t care why they come, as long as they

BRETT FRIEDLANDER | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Willie Mae Mays, the latest bat dog for the Greensboro Grasshoppers, retrieves a bat during a game at First National Bank Field. come.”

Willie Mae is the fifth pooch to serve as the Grasshoppers’ bat dog. She sits patiently with Moore beside the Grasshoppers dugout for two innings per game and retrieves the bats of home team hitters after they’re done using them.

According to an announcement over the PA system she “leads the South Atlantic League in retrieved bats,” a total that was nearing triple digits heading into the current homestand.

While the bat dog isn’t the reason Morgan Ricketts made the 30-minute drive from nearby Madison to bring her children to a

recent game against the Asheville Tourists, the sight of Willie Mae running around the bases at the end of the seventh inning was certainly a highlight of the night for 10-year-old Harper and 9-yearold Bentley.

“I love the dog, it’s cute,” said Harper, who plays outfield and shortstop for her rec softball team.

As much of a Grasshoppers trademark as the bat-retrieving dogs have become, Willie Mae is hardly the only reason fans flock to the ballpark.

The list of future major leaguers See MILB, page B4

Depth key for Hurricanes against Rangers New York has top-end talent, but Carolina can take the second round series by getting contributions throughout the lineup

By Cory Lavalette North State Journal RALEIGH — Parity is alive and well in the NHL. Five of the eight first round series went to seven games and two others to six. Only Colorado, which dispatched Nashville in four straight games, made quick work of their Round 1 opponent.

“I don’t think anybody’s surprised,” Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour said before his team’s Game 7 matchup Saturday with the Bruins. “I think any one of these teams in the East, if you said they were going to be the champs at the end, we wouldn’t go, ‘Oh, that’s shocking.’”

There are no easy outs in the

Eastern Conference, and after Carolina eliminated Boston with their 3-2 win they now get another tough opponent in the New York Rangers.

Like the Bruins, the Rangers have a Hall of Fame level player, one of the top young defensemen in the game and a host of complementary players who each bring something different to the table.

“There’s a lot of similarities,” Brind’Amour said.

Oh, and their goalie is pretty good too.

Before the series starts Wednesday at PNC Arena, here’s a closer look at what the Hurricanes need to do to stop each area of the Rangers’ game.

Forwards New York is led by Artemi Panarin, the 30-year-old Russian who has averaged 1.34 points per game since signing his blockbuster free agent deal with the Rangers before the 2019-20 season.

JOHN MINCHILLO | AP PHOTO

The Hurricanes will look to continue their success against goalie Igor Shesterkin and the Rangers when the teams start their second round Stanley Cup Playoffs series Wednesday at PNC Arena.

While Panarin doesn’t score a ton (71 goals since coming to the Big Apple), his 178 assists the past three seasons trail only Connor McDavid (214) and Jonathan Huberdeau (181). He also had the overtime winning goal in the Rangers’ Game 7 win over Pittsburgh that got them to the second round.

Most of the goals have come from Chris Kreider, who at age 31 had a career year with 52 of them, 24 more than his previous career high. Twenty-six of his goals this season were on the power play.

“He’s probably the best guy in front of the net in the NHL, espeSee HURRICANES, page B3

B2

North State Journal for Wednesday, May 18, 2022

WEDNESDAY

5.18.22

TRENDING

Ian Harkes: The 2017 Hermann Trophy winner as college soccer’s top player at Wake Forest was selected as Dundee United’s player of the year.

The 27-year‑old, a son of former U.S. captain John Harkes, had three goals in 28 Scottish Premier League matches in his fourth season with the club. Dundee United finished fourth, earning a spot in the Europa Conference League’s third qualifying round.

Charles Leclerc: The Formula One championship leader crashed a 1974 Ferrari once piloted by three-time F1 champion Niki Lauda in a demonstration run Sunday at the 2022 Monaco Historic Grand Prix. Leclerc lost control of the rear of the car and backed into the barriers. Leclerc won the pole for his home race Monaco Grand Prix last year but crashed before the race began and missed the event outright. Leclerc has won two of five F1 races this season and leads reigning champion Max Verstappen in the standings by 19 points.

Steve Kerr: The Golden State coach is out of the NBA’s health and safety protocols and preparing to coach the Warriors in the Western Conference Finals after missing the last three games of the semifinal round with COVID-19.

Kerr said his symptoms were mild with a cough and congestion but his biggest concern was not to get anyone around him sick. He departed less than two hours before tipoff of Game 4 last Monday against the Grizzlies after arriving at Chase Center and testing positive.

Beyond the box score POTENT QUOTABLES

MLS

Djordje Mihailovic and Alistair Johnston scored to lead CF Montreal to a 2-0 win over Charlotte FC on Saturday at Bank of America Stadium. Sebastian Breza stopped both shots he faced for Montreal (6-3-2). Mihailovic’s goal came on an assist from Romell Quioto, and Johnston’s shot deflected into the net in the 67th minute.

Charlotte (4-7-1) had a 14-11 edge in shots, but Montreal had a 4-2 advantage in shots on goal.

CHRIS CARLSON | AP PHOTO

“He is a football kid that happens to be really fast.”

Panthers coach Matt Rhule on cornerback Kalon “Boogie” Barnes, a seventh‑round pick who ran a 4.23 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine.

CHRIS CARLSON | AP PHOTO

HORSE RACING

MLB

KARL B. DEBLAKER | AP PHOTO

“It’s too fresh right now.”

Bruins captain Patrice Bergeron on if he may retire after the Hurricanes eliminated Boston in Saturday’s Game 7.

PRIME NUMBER

5 Times in Chris Paul’s career that his team led a playoff series 2-0 yet lost the best-of-seven after the Suns were blown out at home in Game 7 by Luka Doncic and the Mavericks in the Western Conference semifinals. Phoenix also did it in last season’s NBA Finals when it led the Bucks 2-0 before losing the next four games.

GRACE RAMEY | DAILY NEWS VIA AP

JOE PUETZ | AP PHOTO

Kentucky Derby runner-up Epicenter has been set as the morning line favorite for Saturday’s Preakness Stakes. Derby winner Rich Strike is not in the field of nine for the second jewel of horse racing’s Triple Crown.

Epicenter, who opened at 6-5 odds, and fourth-place finisher Simplification are the only horses back from the Derby.

Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols became the oldest player to make his big league pitching debut since 1929. The 42-year‑old pitched the ninth inning for St. Louis on Sunday, the first time he took the mound in his 22-year career. He gave up four runs on two home runs but got the final three outs in a 15-6 win.

NASCAR

COLIN E. BRALEY | AP PHOTO

Kurt Busch became the 11th different driver to win in the 13 races so far in the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season, piloting his 23XI Racing No. 45 to a win at Kansas Speedway on Sunday. It’s the second win in two seasons for the Michael Jordan/ Denny Hamlin-owned team, which got its first victory last year when Bubba Wallace drove the No. 23 to a win at Talladega.

North State Journal for Wednesday, May 18, 2022

COLUMN | SHAWN KREST

HURRICANES from page B1

cially on the power play,” Hurricanes defenseman, and former Kreider teammate, Tony DeAngelo said.

Defenseman Brady Skjei, who also played with Kreider in New York, described him as “a horse.”

“He’s a big guy,” Skjei said of the 6-foot-3, 223-pound left wing. “He’s hard to move once he gets planted in front, and he’s definitely tough to get out of the way.”

Center Mika Zibanejad is the other big weapon on New York’s front lines, an all-situations player who is used similarly to how Carolina deploys Sebastian Aho — lots of power play time, tons of shorthanded minutes and the expectation to be a difference-maker in all three zones.

Ryan Strome and deadline addition Andrew Copp provide depth scoring, while Alexis Lafreniere and Kaapo Kakko were top-of-the-draft picks who have yet to realize their potential. New York will be without Barclay Goodrow for at least the start of the series after he was hurt in Game 1 against the Penguins.

The ACC’s roots are in Greensboro, but the league is considering moving its headquarters to a city like Orlando or Charlotte.

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Should the ACC stay in Greensboro?

Only the staunchest Greensboro homer would argue that THE ACC WAS BORN in Greensboro in 1953 and still lives these are NOT all things that should be considered in the in its hometown. That may not be the case for much longer, process. And, according to reports, the two cities expected to however.

New commissioner Jim Phillips turned heads and generated compete with Greensboro to land the headquarters, Charlotte and Orlando, both meet those criteria. more than his share of bad will around North Carolina when Charlotte is a fast-growing city — it’s added nearly half he admitted that the conference was exploring the possibility a Greensboro in population over the last 10 years — with of moving its headquarters out of Greensboro. a young, diverse population and an ever-growing The state of North Carolina has always been number of successful companies. ESPN, arguably the the center of the ACC, both geographically and in ACC’s most important partner, has a large presence spirit. However, as the conference has expanded, there, and the city has state-of-the-art facilities and there have been questions about whether keeping has hosted championships in football, basketball and the ACC so NC-centric is in the best interests of baseball in recent years, as well as conference media the league. days.

In 1953, the conference had seven (soon to Charlotte is also easily accessible from each of be eight) teams spread from Maryland to South the cities that ACC schools call home. If you search Carolina. Now, it stretches from Boston to Miami flights from Boston or Miami to Charlotte, you get and as far west as Indiana and Kentucky. Instead a wide variety of times and price points. One of the of supplying half of the conference’s teams, the Jim Phillips is first results when searching Boston to Greensboro is four North Carolina ACC schools now constitute willing to wear a connecting flight — through Charlotte. A Miami to just over a quarter of the membership. There are the black hat Greensboro search suggests that flying to Raleighas many schools to the south (four) and north Durham may be a better value. of the Mason-Dixon Line as there are in North and be the one Orlando, while located on the southern end of the Carolina. to make the call. conference’s footprint, also has its advantages. It’s That doesn’t necessarily mean that a move is in also easily accessible from across the ACC. It has a order, just that the possibility should be studied. history, albeit not as extensive, of hosting championship events And as the new guy, coming in from Illinois, Phillips is willing and certainly has the infrastructure to do so in the future. to wear the black hat and be the one to make the call.

ESPN also has a major presence in that city, since the network Commissioners of major sports leagues rarely enjoy is owned by Disney — the recognizable face of Orlando. popularity with the public. Just listen to Gary Bettman, Roger Florida also has well-known tax advantages, scoring highly for Goodell or Rob Manfred get introduced to a crowd. And one Phillips on the “operational expenses” bullet point. of the biggest changes since 1953 is that the ACC is now a None of this is meant to throw shade on Greensboro, which major sports league. Its commissioner needs to make the best has been an ideal home for the league and host for most of the business decision for the league, and, as is often the case, that ACC Tournaments. It’s just that the conference has grown, means selecting financial considerations over tradition. from North Carolina’s special gem to one of the top entities in Reportedly, Phillips’ criteria for finding the ACC’s home the college sports landscape. includes the following: That doesn’t mean it has to move. The SEC’s home since Be located within the Eastern Standard Time zone 1948 has been Birmingham, Alabama, a city that’s smaller Population size with positive growth trends than Greensboro and not growing as fast. That league seems Access to a large hub airport with effective access to and to be doing just fine staying close to its traditional roots. from all ACC member schools Still, it may be time for the ACC to consider moving out of Anticipated benefit to the overall ACC brand its childhood home and finding something bigger. It’s at least Financial considerations related to operational expenses worth looking into it and seeing what’s out there. The ACC He later added in an interview with longtime ACC writer will be better for going through the process. And if Phillips David Teel, “Should it be aligned with media opportunities? ultimately decides to stay in Greensboro, it should be the result Should it be aligned with Fortune 100, 200, 500 of a business decision, not an emotional one. companies? Should it be aligned with corporate sponsorship Failing to do so, while undoubtedly more popular in the opportunities? Should it be aligned with a city that could host short run, is a mistake. championships or does host championships?”

Queens making jump to Division I “We’re not going to sneak up on anybody.

We’re going to get everybody’s best shot.”

Grant Leonard, Queens men’s basketball coach

B3

The private university in Charlotte will join the ASUN Conference starting in the fall

By Brett Friedlander North State Journal QUEENS UNIVERSITY had already begun the process of transitioning to the NCAA’s highest level in December 2020 when its men’s basketball team was invited to play in the prestigious Paradise Jam as an emergency replacement during the height of the COVID pandemic.

The Royals’ success in that event, which included an upset of Howard, only strengthened the belief of school administrators that the jump to Division I was the right decision.

“As a top Division II program in the country, we are high-performing across many sports and we often compete against Division I opponents in the championship season or in preseason,” athletic director Cherie Swarthout said.

“But that went a long way to saying, ‘Yeah, we are there.’ It validates you as an athletic department.”

A private school located in the Myers Park area of Charlotte with an enrollment of around 2,500, Queens sponsors teams in 24 sports.

It will begin play as a member of the Division I ASUN Conference in the fall and will be immediately eligible to compete for league championships. Until proposed legislation is passed, however, it must serve a four-year transition period before being able to qualify for NCAA national postseason events.

Because of the Royals’ success at the Division II level, including 25 team national championships and 144 individual national titles, men’s

basketball coach Grant Leonard said the move to Division I is a natural progression — not just for his program, but for all the school’s teams.

“It’s something we’re prepared for as an athletic department and an institution,” said Leonard, who was an assistant that helped Queens to six straight NCAA Tournament appearances before being elevated to the head coaching job this spring.

“We were so successful in the South Atlantic Conference and Division II that I think we’re ready for the challenge and to blaze a new trail in the ASUN and Division I.” Because many of Queens’ athletic facilities were built within the past 10 years, including the $30 million Levine Center that houses Curry Arena — home of the Royals men’s and women’s basketball teams — much of the physical infrastructure needed for the move is already in place.

Leonard believes that the transition on the field of play will be just as seamless.

His confidence is strengthened by the fortunes of future ASUN rival Bellarmine, a private university in Louisville that made a similar jump from Division II to Division I a year ago.

The Knights’ men’s basketball team went 20-13 overall and 11-5 in the conference in 2021-22 before beating Florida Gulf Coast, Liberty and Jacksonville for the championship in its first appearance in the ASUN Tournament.

“We already feel like we can compete right away because of our own past success against Division I teams,” said Leonard, whose program also claims a recent exhibition victory against VCU and a two-point loss to Wake Forest in addition to its strong performance

at the Paradise Jam. “Watching Bellarmine do it gives us another model. But also in the negative, it prepares teams that we’re going to be ready. We’re not going to sneak up on anybody.

We’re going to get everybody’s best shot.”

While the move to Division I directly impacts athletics, AD Swarthout said that the decision to upgrade was made with more than just sports in mind.

“This is really a more broadbased part of our university’s strategic framework to fuel growth and raise brand awareness,” she said.

“We feel like in athletics, we’ve done a very good job positioning ourselves from a position of strength for this transition. But it’s very much a university initiative.”

The choice of the ASUN over at least one other potential conference suitor was part of that same initiative.

“Our board felt that the ASUN represented larger markets with their current footprint,” Swarthout said, “markets that we are not in right now. That will help us fuel growth and increase our national recognition.”

The Royals’ first competition as a Division I program will likely be a men’s or women’s soccer game this fall. But before that happens, there’s still some unfinished business to address.

On Friday, the undefeated women’s lacrosse team will take on East Stroudsburg in a national semifinal in St. Charles, Missouri. The winner will play either Adelphi or Indianapolis for the title two days later.

Then next week, Queens will be represented by athletes competing in the NCAA track and field championships.

Swarthout said that a Division II national title celebration would be a fitting way to celebrate her school’s upcoming move to Division I. “I couldn’t picture or plan for a sweeter story,” she said of the possibility of going out on top. “I just can’t think of a better ending.”

Defense Brad Marchand got all the boos from the Hurricanes fans in the first round, and last year’s Norris Trophy winner Adam Fox will get them in this series.

It’s not Fox’s antics on the ice that draw the ire of the Caniacs but rather his decision off it. He was the third piece that came to Carolina in the blockbuster 2019 trade that sent Noah Hanifin and Elias Lindholm to Calgary for Dougie Hamilton and Micheal Ferland, but he had his eyes set on Broadway from the start.

Rather than lose him for nothing, the Hurricanes traded the rights to Fox to New York for two second round picks. Fox has been a plug-and-play No. 1 defenseman for the Rangers since — and surely the Hurricanes wonder what could have been if they convinced him to come to Raleigh.

Jacob Trouba is the other big name on the Blueshirts defense, and both Ryan Lindgren and K’Andre Miller are logging big minutes as young and talented defenders.

Goaltending Igor Shesterkin is a lock for the Vezina Trophy this season.

“You can see he’s a pretty good goalie,” Hurricanes forward Teuvo Teravainen said Monday.

“He’s been good all year.”

He’s not, however, invincible. Shesterkin was “good not great” in the first round, finishing with a .911 save percentage and 3.67 goals-against average. He also had a tough time against the Hurricanes this season.

Shesterkin lost his two starts, both at Madison Square Garden, to Carolina during the regular season, stopping 53 of 60 shots (.883 save percentage) in April matchups that helped the Hurricanes sew up the Metropolitan Division.

Shesterkin also won all three of his starts against Tampa Bay this season, the bright spot in a 6-6-0 record against the seven remaining playoff teams.

All that said, he is capable of stealing a series by himself.

On the ice The Rangers ranked fourth on the power play (25.2%) and seventh on the penalty kill (82.3%) during the regular season. Carolina’s PK was a league-best 88.0%, while power play finished 13th at 22.0%.

Special teams will play a huge role. Just like the Bruins series, the Hurricanes will likely be content to play as much 5-on-5 hockey as they can.

New York gave up 20 full-strength goals in the first round against Pittsburgh compared to just 10 allowed by Carolina, and no team gave up as many 5-on-5 scoring chances (225) as the Rangers. The Hurricanes yielded just 135.

The high-danger scoring chances were even starker. The Rangers gave up 116 at 5-on-5 to the Penguins — 22 more than the Kings, who gave up the second most, and a whopping 71 more than Carolina allowed to the Bruins. New York finished with eight more high-danger chances than the Hurricanes had in Round 1 (56-48).

The regular season saw New York rank 28th in scoring chances differential and 21st on high-danger chances. The Hurricanes were third in both.

The lesson: If this series is played at 5-on-5, anything outside of a Herculean performance by Shesterkin gives Carolina a giant edge.

“When we’re on our game, we’re staying out of the box, I think we’re very confident no matter who we play that we’re going to come out on the winning side,” DeAngelo said.

Prediction One could argue that the Rangers have the best forward, defenseman and goaltender in the series.

But the Hurricanes had 14 players with at least 25 points during the regular season, including nine with 40. New York, meanwhile, has eight and five, respectively.

Depth matters, and it’s Carolina’s best attribute. Special teams or Shesterkin could swing the series, but it looks like a mismatch.

The Rangers’ power play wins them one, Shesterkin steals another, but Carolina wins in 6.

PAUL SANCYA | AP PHOTO

Only two players — Edmonton’s Connor McDavid (214) and Florida’s Jonathan Huberdeau (181) — have totaled more than the 178 assists Artemi Panarin has dished out in the last three seasons since he signed as a free agent with the Rangers.

B4

North State Journal for Wednesday, May 18, 2022

D’Antoni emerges as serious candidate for Hornets’ coaching vacancy The longtime NBA coach is known for his explosive offense and taking star players to the next level

By Jesse Deal North State Journal CHARLOTTE — Although James Borrego’s successor as Charlotte Hornets head coach has not yet been announced, one name seems to be leading the pack.

According to Substack reporter Marc Stein, Hornets general manager Mitch Kupchak has targeted ex-Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni as a frontrunner for the job in Charlotte. Stein reported the 71-year-old is in “a strong position” based on an “ongoing buzz in league coaching circles.”

After suffering a demoralizing 132-103 loss to the Atlanta Hawks in the Play-In Tournament on April 13 — Charlotte’s second blowout in a must-win situation in back-to-back seasons — the Hornets fired Borrego, who had been with the team since the 2018-19 season.

The search for the coach to take the Hornets to a new level — one centered around young talents LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges — began in earnest.

Charlotte has reportedly finished the first round of the search, according to league sources, having met with several candidates in person. Former Lakers coach Frank Vogel is among the team’s list of interviewed candidates that includes D’Antoni, Kenny Atkinson, Darvin Ham, Charles Lee, David Vanterpool and Sean Sweeney.

MATT YORK | AP PHOTO

With Mike D’Antoni emerging as a lead candidate for the Hornets’ coaching vacancy, many are wondering if he could have the same impact on Charlotte point guard LaMelo Ball as he had on two-time MVP Steve Nash.

If D’Antoni lands the job in Charlotte, it will be his sixth NBA head coaching opportunity. He has previously spent time with the Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets. The coach has taken both Phoenix and Houston to the Western Conference Finals but has never reached the NBA Finals.

D’Antoni has a lifetime coaching record of 672 wins and 527 losses. He spent 2020-21 as an assistant coach with the Brooklyn Nets before he stepped down

5 NBA teams Mike D’Antoni has coached: Denver, Phoenix, New York, the Lakers and Houston at the season’s end; his last head coaching stint was the 2019-20 season where Houston ended up with a 44-28 record.

During his time with the Suns,

he coined the “seven seconds or less” offense — a philosophy of getting a good shot as quickly as possible, thus creating a rapid offensive pace and defensive breakdowns because the opponents’ defense cannot recover in time.

While the possible hiring of D’Antoni could do wonders for Ball’s growing reputation as a stellar floor general at the point guard position, it’s unclear how D’Antoni would address the Hornets’ perpetual defensive woes. He has built his reputation on being an offensive-minded coach, but

Charlotte is desperate for defense right now.

Even for a team that contains many solid NBA players, it could be argued that not a single member of Charlotte’s roster provided great rim-stopping ability last season — only five teams in the league allowed more points than the Hornets (114.9). It wasn’t just one specific flaw either. Time and time again, opposing teams had no trouble lighting up the Hornets from behind the arc or down in the paint.

The Hornets finished 23rd, 25th, 16th and 22nd in scoring defense in the past four seasons under Borrego. In the past, D’Antoni’s teams have only finished in the top half of the league in defensive rating on four occasions, including the 2011-12 season when he resigned following an 18-24 start.

Still, his history with players such as Steve Nash and James Harden showcases what D’Antoni could do to unleash Charlotte’s powerful-yet-inconsistent offense and take Ball’s game to the next level.

In Phoenix, D’Antoni’s offensive game plan centered around pick-and-rolls and 3-pointers, and Nash won two MVP awards. Under D’Antoni in Houston, Harden notched an MVP award while leading the league in scoring three times and assists once.

After two successful seasons in the league, Ball is on the cusp of superstardom and has publicly admitted he wants to take a larger role in the offense.

“When they really put them keys in my hand, I feel like it’s gonna be a whole new situation.

But until then, I’m gonna keep doing what I need to do, just try to get these wins,” Ball said in an interview with SLAM magazine in March. “I ain’t gonna lie, every game I feel like I can do more than what I’m doing. It’s just [about] reading the whole game and reading the whole situation.”

Holt comes full circle with NC Sports Hall of Fame induction The Gibsonville native and NC State star was one of the most prolific receivers in NFL history

seeds planted on a field in his hometown of Gibsonville.

Just not a football field.

“I pulled tobacco as a 14-15-yearold, and I vowed I would never go back to that field ever again,” he said. “The sap, the heat, fighting off snakes and everything that went with it, immediately I said I’ll do this now because I had to do it to get cleats and different things for school. But I was like there’s got to be something better than this.

“I said I gotta do something in sports, so I strengthened my hands and strengthened my forearms to go out, catch passes and

make a career out of football.”

Holt was honored along with 10 other new inductees in a ceremony at the Raleigh Convention Center on April 22.

The other members of the 2022

and 400 to straightaway center, the ball carries well there thanks in part to the six-story condos that keep the wind from becoming a factor for more than half the field.

The Grasshoppers, a high Class A farm club of the Pittsburgh Pirates, are annually among the South Atlantic League leaders in long balls. This year’s team ranks second behind only the Greenville (S.C.) Drive with 45 through 33 games.

That includes a season-high six — to go along with two by the opposition — in a 13-7 win against Asheville on May 5.

There were so many home runs that night that Don Tilley, the scoreboard operator who also triggers the fireworks that shoot off every time a Grasshopper hits one over the fence, ran out of ordinance.

That did little to dampen the festive atmosphere on Cinco de Mayo night.

“We have fun here,” Tilley said.

“I can’t believe I get paid to do this.”

There’s also plenty to keep even those who have to pay for their entry into the ballpark entertained.

The between-innings promotions feature performances by mascot Guilford the Grasshopper and audience participation games led by an ultra-upbeat hype man called “Spaz.”

“Whether it’s the music we play, me being in the stands or doing contests on the field, it’s that fan interaction that makes us special,” said Dan Mackey, who has played the part of Spaz for the past 17 seasons after getting his start while working his way through school as the Greensboro College mascot Leo the Lion. “I think the fans really enjoy the energy.”

Especially when it’s supplied by a dog that runs the bases and gives new meaning to the term Labrador retriever.

Guilford the Grasshopper works the crowd during the team’s Cinco de Mayo Night at First National Bank Field.

By Brett Friedlander North State Journal TORRY HOLT is already a member of the College Football Hall of Fame, the St. Louis Rams Hall of Fame and the Senior Bowl Hall of Fame.

He’s twice been a finalist for inclusion in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The former Eastern Guilford High School and NC State star has been honored so many times for his accomplishments on the gridiron that induction ceremonies have become almost routine.

But that wasn’t the case with his most recent enshrinement because of where it is and what it represents.

“This one is special because it’s home. It’s where I grew up,” Holt said upon his entry into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame last month. “This feels good. And I don’t take it lightly.”

A sure-handed pass-catcher who still holds Wolfpack school records for receiving yards in a career (3,379), season (1,604) and game (255 against Baylor in 1998), Holt earned the nickname “Big Game” because of his penchant for playing his best when the stakes were highest.

It’s an ability that grew from

MILB from page B1 who have played for the franchise, which has also gone by the nicknames Hornets and Bats, includes Hall of Famers Jeter, Rivera and Mize, along with current major league standouts Christian Yelich, Giancarlo Stanton, J.T. Realmuto and Marcel Ozuna.

Henry Davis, the first overall pick in last year’s MLB Draft, was hitting .341 with five homers before being called up to Double-A last week.

The state-of-the-art, 7,500-seat First National Bank Field, which opened in 2005, features an outdoor sports bar, a children’s play area, a party deck and 16 luxury suites along with a scenic view of downtown Greensboro.

It’s also a great place to see home runs.

Although its dimensions aren’t out of the ordinary at 315 feet down the left field line, 312 to right

He earned seven Pro Bowl selections in 11 seasons, and his 13,382 career receiving yards ranked 13th all-time at the time of his retirement.

As much as Holt accomplished in football, he’s been equally if not more prolific since leaving the sport.

He’s dabbled in broadcasting and coaching, and he teamed with his younger brother Terrence — also a former NC State and NFL football player — to form a successful construction company.

His most important contributions have come through the Holt Brothers Foundation, an entity dedicated to helping children understand and deal with a parent suffering from cancer. It’s an organization dedicated to his mother Ojetta Holt-Shoffner, who died of lymphoma in 1996 at the age of 43.

“It means a lot to us to do well in the community, and it’s even better because we’re at home in the state where we grew up,” Holt said.

“And now here I am being inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame.

“I tell young people that you don’t necessarily have to leave home to do well. Although I went away for a while, I think my brother and I are examples of that.

North Carolina is always home.

That’s what makes this so special because I can share it with people that have watched me from Pop Warner to high school to college and with people who don’t know me on a personal level, but cheered me on from afar.”

class are fellow football stars Sam Mills and Timmy Newsome, basketball players Missouri Arledge, Henry Bibby and Tyrone “Muggsy” Bogues, basketball coach Dave Robbins, major leaguer Luke Appling, golf coach Dan Brooks, athletic trainer Ronnie Barnes and television personality Tom Suiter.

The North State Journal’s selection as the best athlete produced

by Guilford County as part of its 100 in 100 series, Holt caught 42 touchdown passes during a high school career that earned him prep All-American honors.

Despite that success, it took a year at Hargrave Military Academy working to improve his SAT scores before then-State coach Mike O’Cain took a chance on him by becoming one of the few to offer him a college scholarship.

“I love Coach O’Cain to this day for taking me in,” Holt said. “He and the staff at NC State believed in me and gave me an opportunity to fulfill my dreams as a collegiate athlete, achieve what I was able to achieve on the football field and continue to go on to represent my state.”

Holt wasted little time becoming an integral part of the Rams’ “Greatest Show on Turf” after being taken as the sixth overall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft.

He caught 52 passes with six touchdowns during his rookie season while helping his team to the 2000 Super Bowl, then went on to record 1,300 or more receiving yards in an NFL record six straight seasons.

BRETT FRIEDLANDER | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Former NC State and NFL receiver Torry Holt speaks during his induction into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame on April 22 at the Raleigh Convention Center.

13,382 Career receiving yards for Torry Holt, the 16th most in NFL history

BRETT FRIEDLANDER | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

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Anne from the slowdown that under the pseudonym Sister Toldjah My first concern astremendous we go along in all Stevenson-Yang, this, of course, is my family. I’m Stacey has also themselves.

A Wall Street Journal writer portunities in Matthews China to avoid co- written “The Chinese exert industry analyst dState and Legal Insurrection. began over had figured outtwo whatyears they were doing.The Associated Press worried about them catching the virus, and I’m worried I will.

After and is a regular contributor to Re operating with official censorship leverage over businesses,” said Some papers for publication ago with the accepted pandemic.” suffering from the H1N1 (swine flu) during the 2009 pandemic,or surveillance or suffering a conAnne Stevenson-Yang of virus J Capin academic journals advocated trainingBEIJING — Elon Musk’s ties to I’ve sumer backlash abroad over huWhether the Twitter dealbrings will up ital been Research. about trying“Iftoyou takecare extra precautions, because all of this men like dogs and punishing white male man rights or other issues. More go ahead remains an open questhe Shanghai operation (of TesChina through his role as electric way too many memories of a painful experience I’ d prefer not to repeat.

Key findings include: college students for historical slavery by tion.

Musk tweeted Tuesday that then you’re going to put everycar brand Tesla’s biggest share- la), But what also makes me lose sleep is how easily most everyone hascommon are companies such as asking them to sit in silence on the floor in could add complexity to his thing it can’t happen unless the com- hotel operator Marriott, which else in service to that.” holder chains during classpercent and to be expectedbid to to buy Twitter.

Forty-seven Musk says he sees “no indica- pany shows public proof that the in 2018 fired an employee who learn from thereported discomfort.

Other papersOther companies that want ac- tions” Beijing might use Tesla as number of Twitter accounts with- “liked” a Twitter post praising a of owners job celebrated morbid obesity as a healthycess life openings that could not privately to China give in to pressure to leverage, but other companies out real users behind them is be- customer survey outside China choice and advocated treating that called Tibet a country. follow Beijing’s positions on Tai- don’t wait for government orders. low 5% of the total. be filled,masturbation unchangedas a form of wan and other issues. But Twit- Automakers, clothing brands and conducted Regulators can pressure auOn Monday, he said at a busisexual from violence March.against women. Typically, ter is shut out by internet barri- others take pre-emptive action to ness conference in Miami that a tomakers by blocking them from academic journal editors ers that block most Chinese users protect their access to China by deal at a lower price wasn’t “out expanding output while orderThe net percent ofsend submitted papers out to referees for review. In from seeing global social media, changing marketing or products of the question,” Bloomberg News ing them to stay silent about the owners raising average recommending acceptance for publication, which gives Beijing no leverage sold worldwide to reflect official reported. That supported sugges- reason. More openly, state media selling pricesgave decreased many reviewers these papers glowing over the company, though the rul- positions such as the ruling par- tions by industry analysts that have called for boycotts of Jappraise. two points to a net 70% ing Communist Party uses it to ty’s claim that self-ruled Taiwan is Musk wants out of the deal or a Political scientist Zach Goldberg ran lower price due to a fall in the val- See MUSK page B6 part of its territory. spread propaganda abroad. (seasonally adjusted), certain grievance studies concepts through two points below the Lexis/Nexis database, to see how often lastappeared month’sinhighest they our press over the years. reading.

He found huge increases in the usages of “white privilege,” “unconscious bias,” The net percent of “critical race theory” and “whiteness.” owners who expect All of this is being taught to college real sales to of bewhom higher students, many become primary increased six points and secondary school teachers who then indoctrinate ourtoyoung from March a netpeople. plan in 2023 with the Public SerThe Associated Press I doubt whether the coronavirusvice Commission of South Carolinegative 12%. caused financial crunch will give college RALEIGH — Duke Energy na as part of future planning there. reported in NFIB’s who are a andAs university administrators, “Customers in North Carolina Corp.’s electricity-generating submonthly between jobs report, crossbreed a parrot and jellyfish, and South Carolina deserve an orsidiaries for North Carolina told the gutsbusinesses and backbone to restore academic small derly energy transition that supregulators on Monday how they respectability. too often, ports communities and maintains can comply with a new state law continue to Far struggle to they get much of their political support from campusdemanding significant greenhouse affordable rates, while ensuring the find workers fillare open grievance peopleto who members of gas the reductions by the end of the decontinued reliable service and ecopositions with 47% faculty and diversity and multiculturalcade. nomic competitiveness on which administrative offices. (seasonally adjusted) of both states depend,” Duke Energy The document filings with the best hope lies withjob boards of North Carolina Utilities CommisNorth Carolina President Stephen allThe owners reported trustees, though many serve as yes-men De May said in a news release. sion come seven months after Demopenings they could not for the university president. I think that a The four portfolios envision retirocratic Gov. Roy Cooper signed bifill instart thewould current good be toperiod. find 1950s or 1960s ing Duke Energy’s coal-fired power partisan legislation that directed catalogs.

Look at the offerings at Of those hiring orcourse trying plants located in North Carolina by the utility to lower carbon dioxide ato time when college graduates 2035, in keeping with a companyemissions 70% from 2005 levels hire, 93% of owners knew how to read, write and compute, and makeby 2030. Zero-net CO2 emissions wide announcement in February. reported few or no AP PHOTO them today’s curricula. Another helpful The utility has already retired its would be met by 2050. qualified applicants forconsideration tool would be to give careful coal-fired plants in South Carolina.

The law says the commission, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper completes signing into law a the positions were to eliminating allthey classes/majors/minors Some that remain in North Caroliwhich must rule on an energy path major energy bill as several legislators and an aide applaud during containing trying to the fill.word “studies,” such asby year’s end, can delay the tar- an Executive Mansion ceremony in Raleigh, Oct. 13, 2021. na serve South Carolina customers. women, Asian, percent black or queer All of the options rely on an “all Fifty-four of studies.get years in some circumstances, I’d bet that by restoring the traditionaland three of the four energy-portof the above” mix to make up for the owners mission reported capitalthey would academic to colleges, folio alterations offered by Char- customers through 2035 compared they believed the cost to ratepayers lost coal-fired power production outlays in the six COVID-19 lotte-based Duke Energy extend to reaching the 70% reduction in would be much more, or that the and address future electricity need. put a serious dent last into the budget shortfall. months, down two law lacked enough monetary assis- They include grid improvements 2030, according to Duke Energy. the date to 2032 or 2034. and energy efficiency; more solar Company officials cautioned tance for low-income residents.

Those three portfolios would rely points from March. Of Walter E. Williams is a professor of less on solar power and energy-stor- that the potential annual custompower and battery storage; hydroThe portfolio options address those owners making economics at George Mason University. ing batteries and more on nuclear er bill increases, ranging from 1.9% energy production shifts by Duke electric power storage; an emerging expenditures, 40% power and offshore wind turbines to 2.7%, could change and like- Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy form of small nuclear power plants; reported spending on for emissionless production. They ly would be zero or minimal in the Progress, which have power plants and additional natural gas-powalso would result in slightly low- first few years of any plan that reg- and serve customers in both states. ered plants, which provide energy new equipment, 24% er average annual increases on re- ulators approve. Some business- But the 70% reduction only applies on cloudy or high-demand days. acquired vehicles, tail power bills for the 4.4 million es and advocates for the poor op- to North Carolina because the law and 14% improved or North Carolina and South Carolina posed the final legislation because requires it. The utilities will file the See DUKE ENERGY, page B6 expanded facilities.

business & economy

Fixingn.c. college corruption FAST

FACTS

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

Musk’s China ties add potential risks to Twitter purchase

Duke Energy offers CO2 cut options for NC by 2030, ‘32, ‘34

North State Journal for Wednesday, May 18, 2022

B6

GOP’s new midterm attack: Blaming Biden for formula shortage The Associated Press For the week ending 4/13

Total Cash & Bond Proceeds

$2,893,999,557 Add Receipts

$95,054,378 Less Disbursements

$206,773,320 Reserved Cash

$125,000,000 Unreserved Cash Balance Total

$6,443,327,045 Loan Balance:

$340.3M

MUSK from page B5 anese, South Korean and other brands during disputes with their governments.

Tesla’s sales in China rose 226% last year to 473,600 vehicles, according to LMC Automotive. That was about half of its 935,222 global deliveries.

Musk, who is Tesla’s chairman, was asked about the possibility the automaker might be used by Beijing as leverage over Twitter while appearing virtually at a May 11 event hosted by The Financial Times newspaper on the auto industry’s future.

“I’ve seen no indications to that effect,” Musk replied.

Musk said he expects China to be 25% to 30% of Tesla’s market in the long term.

The South African-born billionaire said he doesn’t see another Tesla factory in China in the near term but the company will expand in Shanghai.

The company, headquartered in Austin, Texas, didn’t respond to questions by email about its expansion plans.

Human rights activists criticized Tesla after it opened a showroom in Xinjiang in the northwest last year despite complaints of abuses against ethnic Muslim groups living there. The company isn’t alone: Volkswagen AG operates a factory in the region and Chinese partners of other global brands have sales outlets there.

Musk says he wants to make Twitter a “politically neutral” forum for as much free speech as each country’s laws allow.

He hasn’t said what he might do about Twitter’s requirement that accounts of China’s state media and officials must be labelled “state-affiliated.” Scrapping that or curbs on inflammatory speech might make it easier for Beijing or other governments to influence American public opinion during elections.

China has the biggest population of internet users at just over 1 billion, according to official data.

But most cannot see Twitter, other social media abroad and thousands of websites run by news outlets, human rights or pro-democracy activists and others.

China has its own popular but heavily censored social media.

They are required to delete material deemed subversive or pornographic.

In 2018, Tesla became the first foreign automaker to set up its own factory in China after ownership restrictions in the industry were scrapped. Until then, global automakers had to work through state-owned partners that assembled their vehicles.

Tesla’s honeymoon included access to subsidies for buyers of electrics and an exemption from sales tax. But when subsidies were extended in 2020 to help the industry through the pandemic, Tesla was excluded, while its closest Chinese rival, luxury electric brand NIO, remained eligible.

Musk is known for flamboyant gestures that include smoking marijuana during a radio interview. But he is alert to Chinese sensitivities.

He complained anti-virus measures in California disrupted Tesla production but said nothing in public after the shutdown of Shanghai forced his company’s factory to close.

AUSTIN, Texas — Republicans aiming to retake control of Congress have already sharpened a message centering around blaming Democrats for high inflation, expensive gas, migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border and violent crime in some cities.

But GOP leaders landed on an issue this week that it hopes could prove even more potent: tying President Joe Biden to a shortage in baby formula.

Parents are suddenly running into bare supermarket and pharmacy shelves in part because of ongoing supply disruptions and a recent safety recall. But in an election year that was already shaping up to be rocky for Democrats, Republicans sense that the shortage could prove to be an especially tangible way to argue that Biden is incapable of quickly solving problems confronting the U.S. “This is not a Third World country,” said GOP Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York, the chair of the House Republican conference. “This should never happen in the United States of America.”

Biden insisted last week there’s “nothing more urgent we’re working on” than addressing the shortage.

Asked if his administration had responded as quickly as it should have, Biden said, “If we’d been better mind readers, I guess we could’ve. But we moved as quickly as the problem became apparent.”

But the defense by the White House illustrates how finger-pointing at the Biden administration has already spread far and wide among Republicans in Washington, on television and on social media. It’s a new issue for the GOP to hammer at and a way to address families at a time when Democrats believe outrage

AP PHOTO

Rebecca Heinrich, director of the Mothers’ Milk Bank, loads frozen milk donated by lactating mothers from plastic bags into bottles for distribution to babies Friday, May 13, 2022, at the foundation’s headquarters in Arvada, Colo. over the U.S. Supreme Court possibly ending the right to an abortion could galvanize women and other key voters, and thwart or at least lessen a Republican wave in November.

The full-court press by Republicans included linking the formula shortage with the rising number of migrants coming into the U.S. — one of the biggest issues they have sought to lay at the feet of an unpopular president. On Thursday, Rep. Kat Cammack, R-Florida, shared an image of a shelving unit at a U.S. Border Patrol facility in Texas that showed a single shelf with four boxes full of baby formula containers, and a half-dozen more baby formula containers on that shelf.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said Friday that Border Patrol is “following the law” that requires the government to provide adequate food, specifically formula for children under the age of one, who are detained at the border.

GOP political consultants

“This is not a Third World country. This should never happen in the United States of America.”

Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), chair of the House Republican conference nonetheless call it a ready-made issue that resonates with voters.

“It’s just another one of those consumer issues that pop up from time to time that are very easy for people understand,” said Matt Mackowiak, a Republican strategist based in Texas. “They’ve got to figure out a solution and they’ve got to do it soon.”

In Washington, lawmakers are responding to the shortage by scheduling hearings and demanding information from the FDA and formula makers as part of sweeping investigations. Democratic leaders of the House Com-

De-Arching: McDonald’s to sell Russia business, exit country

restaurants in Ukraine and continues to pay its employees there.

Western companies have wrestled with extricating themselves from Russia, enduring the hit to their bottom lines from pausing or closing operations in the face of sanctions. Others have stayed in Russia at least partially, with some facing blowback.

French carmaker Renault said Monday that it would sell its majority stake in Russian car company Avtovaz and a factory in Moscow to the state — the first major nationalization of a foreign business since the war began.

Maxim Sytch, a professor of management and organizations at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business, said McDon-

ald’s and others also face pressure from customers, employees and investors over their Russian operations.

“The era where companies could avoid taking a stance is over,” Sytch said. “People want to be associated with companies that do the right thing. There’s much more to business __ and life __ than maximizing profit margins.”

McDonald’s first restaurant in Russia opened in the middle of Moscow more than three decades ago, shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall. It was a powerful symbol of the easing of Cold War tensions between the United States and Soviet Union, which would collapse in 1991.

Now, the company’s exit is prov-

ing symbolic of a new era, analysts say. Sytch, who lived in Russia when McDonald’s entered the market and remembers the excitement surrounding the opening, said the closing signifies a reversal to the Soviet era of isolation.

“It’s really painful to see the many years of gains on the democratic front being wiped out with this atrocious war in Ukraine,” he said.

Kempczinski left open the possibility that McDonald’s could someday return to the Russian market.

“It’s impossible to predict what the future may hold, but I choose to end my message with the same spirit that brought McDonald’s to Russia in the first place: hope,” he wrote in his employee letter. “Thus, let us not end by saying, ‘goodbye.’

Instead, let us say as they do in Russian: Until we meet again.”

McDonald’s owns 84% of its restaurants in Russia; the rest are operated by franchisees. Because it won’t license its brand, the sale price likely won’t be close to the value of the business before the invasion, said Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalData, a corporate analytics company.

McDonald’s said it expects to record a charge against earnings of between $1.2 billion and $1.4 billion over leaving Russia.

McDonald’s has more than 39,000 locations across more than 100 countries. Most are owned by franchisees — only about 5% are owned and operated by the company.

McDonald’s said exiting Russia will not change its forecast of adding a net 1,300 restaurants this year, which will contribute about 1.5% to companywide sales growth.

Last month, McDonald’s Corp. reported that it earned $1.1 billion in the first quarter, down from more than $1.5 billion a year earlier. Revenue was nearly $5.7 billion.

to achieve the least cost path,” among other considerations in signing off on a plan. The panel, composed of seven members nominated by Cooper, has the discretion to delay the 2030 target by up to two years, and even longer if regulatory and construction delays for nuclear or wind energy facilities arise, or if the grid’s performance is questioned.

Duke Energy said over 500 people representing more than 300 groups in the two states of-

fered their input and feedback as the options were drafted. The commission will hold public hearings in July and August.

A coalition of environmental and clean energy groups said Monday that it will offer an alternative plan by July 15 that will also focus on equity and environmental justice.

“We may not agree on all the details included in the modeling to reach these goals but are optimistic that this process will lead to a cleaner electricity sector and

more jobs across the state,” said Peter Ledford with the NC Sustainable Energy Association, a coalition member.

The law was considered a major regulatory and political accomplishment when enacted in October following negotiations largely between Cooper and state senators from both parties.

Duke is the dominant electric utility in North Carolina, while the two subsidiaries serve roughly a third of South Carolina electricity customers.

The Associated Press MCDONALD’S is closing its doors in Russia, ending an era of optimism and increasing the country’s isolation over its war in Ukraine.

The Chicago burger giant confirmed Monday that it is selling its 850 restaurants in Russia. McDonald’s said it will seek a buyer who will employ its 62,000 workers in Russia, and will continue to pay those workers until the deal closes.

“Some might argue that providing access to food and continuing to employ tens of thousands of ordinary citizens, is surely the right thing to do,” McDonald’s President and CEO Chris Kempczinski said in a letter to employees. “But it is impossible to ignore the humanitarian crisis caused by the war in Ukraine.”

McDonald’s said it’s the first time the company has ever “dearched,” or exited a major market.

It plans to start removing golden arches and other symbols and signs with the company’s name.

McDonald’s said it will also will keep its trademarks in Russia and take steps to enforce them if necessary.

McDonald’s said in early March that it was temporarily closing its stores in Russia but would continue to pay its employees. It was a costly decision. Late last month, the company said it was losing $55 million each month due to the restaurant closures. It also lost $100 million worth of inventory.

McDonald’s has also closed 108

DUKE ENERGY from page B5 The portfolio that reaches a 70% reduction by 2032 relies more on offshore wind production. Of the two portfolios that reach the reduction by 2034, one emphasizes the use of “small modular reactors,” while the other would rely on nuclear and offshore wind. Additional nuclear likely wouldn’t come online until the early 2030s.

The North Carolina law says the commission can examine “the latest technological breakthroughs

mittee on Oversight and Reform wrote formula makers seeking information that includes what steps they are taking to increase supplies and prevent price gouging.

“The national formula shortage poses a threat to the health and economic security of infants and families in communities across the country—particularly those with less income who have historically experienced health inequities, including food insecurity,” said a letter to Chris Calamari, the president of Abbott Nutrition.

The letter seeks all documents related to the closure of Abbott Nutrition’s plant in Sturgis, Michigan. Abbott Nutrition recalled several major brands of powdered formula and shut down the factory when federal officials began investigating four babies who suffered bacterial infections after consuming formula from the facility.

Abbott is one of only a handful of companies that produce the vast majority of the U.S. formula supply, so their recall wiped out a large segment of the market.

Democrats are framing the shortage as an example of how Americans are harmed when a few big companies control the market. But like inflation or high gas prices, their challenge is explaining the contributing factors to the public.

Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, one of the most vulnerable Democrats up for reelection this year, said the supply chain problems with formula, microchips, gasoline and other products have complex roots, many that stretch back to the pandemic.

“It’s up for us in Congress to address these, to try to figure out where to go, how do we overcome these bottlenecks in the supply chains,” Kelly said. “But not because of an election. Because this affects people’s lives.”

AP PHOTO

McDonald’s restaurant is seen in the center of Dmitrov, a Russian town 75 km., (47 miles) north from Moscow, Russia, on Dec. 6, 2014.

North State Journal for Wednesday, May 18, 2022

B7

2023 Nissan Z The last letter in sports cars And the best affordable sports car you can buy

By Jordan Golson North State Journal SAN DIEGO — The manual transmission is on its way out.

Over the past decade, as automatic transmissions have gained gears and ubiquity, the practical advantages of a manual have disappeared. They have worse fuel economy as autos have shifted to 9- and 10-gear units optimized for highway cruising. And manual transmissions aren’t even cheaper anymore, thanks to fewer buyers wanting to actually spec them.

Manual transmissions have now been relegated to a bare handful of cars. So what’s the enthusiast to do if you wish to, in the eye-rollingly cliche car journalism expression, “row your own?”

Enter the 2023 Nissan Z. The new Z is the latest in the five-decade, seven-generation line of storied Nissan sports cars. It drops the numerical prefix in the US for the first time, as otherwise, it would go from 370Z to 300Z because of reduced engine displacement, and we can’t have smaller numbers in our car names.

It takes a significant chunk of the outgoing 370Z’s platform and drivetrain to save costs. But that’s ok because it succeeds at keeping costs down, and it was an excellent platform to begin with.

Under the hood is an excellent 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 borrowed from the Infiniti Q50 and Q60 Red Sport, making an impressive 400 HP and 350 lb-ft of torque. That’s 400 horsepower for $40,000, as Nissan reps have told me several times, which is a pretty solid bang for the buck.

The Z, which I drove around San Diego for a few hours last week, looks better than ever. It draws inspiration from a long line of prior Z cars, with a long hood and short rear deck with a total length five inches longer than the 370Z, although with the same wheelbase.

I’m a massive fan of using LED lights as design elements rather than having dull bulbs, and the Z knocks it out of the park. The eye-like half-circles of the front headlights are inspired by the Japan-only 240ZG from the ‘70s, and the taillights are a modern take on the 300ZX from the early ‘90s. Teens from that era will instantly recognize the rear end, and the nostalgia will sell more than a few Zs. The car is enjoyable to drive, with short throws on the six-speed manual and a forgiving clutch. Even more forgiving is the fantastic SynchroRev Match system automatically matches the engine speed to your gear selection before you release the clutch, allowing for jostle-free downshifts when you’re looking to drop the hammer.

A nine-speed automatic is available for no charge, though I imagine manuals will be a popular option on the Z. It should be, anyway, since this is an enthusiast car and manuals are so hard to find. Enthusiasts will also find a manual parking brake, which may come in handy if you’re looking to practice your drift game.

Though much of the interior will be recognizable as a carryover from the 370Z (including the entire trunk and the climate and window controls), the dash cluster and infotainment screen are new. The cluster was designed with input from a Nissan racing driver, so the tachometer hits redline precisely at 12 o’clock, and things like oil pressure and differential temperature are displayed prominently. A green-yellow-red shift indicator helps maximize your performance, too.

Nissan has made it easy to buy, which is better for customers and simplifies production for a company trying to squeeze every dollar out of this little sports car.

There are just two trim levels, Sport for $41,015 and Performance for $10,000 more. Moving up gives you a whole litany of improvements including a limited-slip diff, better brakes, 19-inch forged aluminum-alloy wheels and high-performance tires, a rear spoiler, leather seats, heated seats, and a 9-inch touchscreen featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and a Bose audio system.

The Sport model only gets an 8-inch screen, 18-inch wheels, and wired CarPlay, but it still makes for an inviting platform for folks looking to maximize their fun-to-dollar ratio. Android Auto is wired regardless of trim, weirdly. Nissan pointed out that using an older engine means tuning houses will already have a wide variety of performance parts ready for Z buyers who want to upgrade their rides. There are a bare handful of options, including an upgraded Nismo exhaust that you’ll definitely want to grab.

But it’s the design and the heritage that takes it home for me. The new Z is drop-dead gorgeous, particularly the Seiran Blue tester I had. Make sure to opt for the blue interior, which is mind-bogglingly good-looking. Black is so boring. It can’t help but bring a smile to your face, especially if you grew up pining for an old-generation Z. The proportions are near-perfect, the driving experience is sublime, and the design (especially the brake lights) is pure Z. It’s the best affordable sports car you can buy right now, delivering the look, the performance, and the sheer delight that only a proper sports car can — four hundred horsepower for forty thousand dollars. The Toyota Supra is pricier for 100 fewer horses.

Z is literally the last letter in sports cars. It arrives in dealerships this summer.

PHOTOS COURTESY NISSAN

North State Journal for Wednesday, May 18, 2022

B8

features Take in Greensboro: the crossroads of old and new NC

By Lindsay Moore For the North State Journal SITUATED AT THE FOOTHILLS of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the heart of the old North State, Greensboro offers a deep wealth of history, culture, and recreation. Here are some things to know and see if you’re planning a visit: Guilford Courthouse The Battle of Guilford Courthouse was a critical battle in the Revolutionary War where the British General Lord Cornwallis lost one third of his army, which in turn hastened the defeat at Yorktown.

Blandwood Mansion Blandwood is the oldest standing example of Italianate architecture in the United States.

Originally constructed in 1795, Blandwood later served as N.C. Governor John Motley Morehead’s home.

The International Civil Rights Museum: An educational center devoted to advancing civil and human rights. It commemorates the Feb. 1, 1960 beginning of sitins at a whites-only lunch counter in Greensboro by four N.C. A&T University students through non-violent protest.

ACC Headquarters Home to the Atlantic Coast Conference and the ACC Hall of Fame.

Greensboro Grasshoppers Baseball Stadium Greensboro’s minor league baseball team plays right in the heart of downtown Greensboro Wyndham Golf Championship Contested annually on the Donald Ross-designed course at Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro, it was founded in 1938 and is the sixth-oldest event on the PGA TOUR excluding the Majors. This year’s championship will be held August 3rd-7th.

The ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament The ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament returns to Greensboro for 2023.

The NC Folk Festival The North Carolina Folk Festival takes place each September in Greensboro and features more than 300 artists on multiple stages with continuous performances.

Carolina Blues Festival Blues rule under the big tent rain or shine featuring six national, local and regional blues acts.

Broadway Shows at the Tanger Center This 3,000-seat venue is home to touring Broadway productions, concerts, Guilford College’s Bryan Series, Greensboro Symphony Orchestra performances, comedy shows and all types of family entertainment.

Triad Stage productions: Triad Stage is known for its ground-breaking productions in their downtown facility that includes a 300-seat thrust theater and an 80-seat cabaret space.

Congressman Howard Coble The late Triad representative holds the record as N.C.’s longest serving Republican congressman.

First Lady Dolley Madison Born in the Guilford College area, Greensboro boasts the rights to America’s original first lady.

John Isner A graduate of Walter Hines Page Senior High School in Greensboro, tennis player John Isner turned pro in 2007.

Ken Jeong Raised in Greensboro, Jeong, a former physician, turned to acting and has starred in films such as The Hangover and appeared in episodes of The Office and Curb Your Enthusiasm.

L. Richardson Preyer He was appointed by President Kennedy and served as judge for the Middle District Court of N.C. and also served over a decade in the US House of Representatives from N.C. Edward R. Murrow A native of Greensboro, Murrow was an American broadcast journalist and war correspondent. He first gained prominence during World War II with a series of live radio broadcasts from Europe for the news division of CBS. O. Henry: Born in Greensboro, William Sydney Porter, better known under the pseudonym O. Henry, was an American short story writer.

Chris Daughtry: Born in rural Guilford County on the outskirts of Greensboro, Daughtry is a well-known rock singer and musician.

Vince Evans: A graduate of Smith High School in Greensboro, Evans is a former professional American football quarterback who played with the Chicago Bears and was the MVP of the 1977 Rose Bowl.

Businesses headquartered in Greensboro: Atlantic Coast Conference, Biscuitville, Cook Out, The Carroll Companies, The Fresh Market, Gilbarco Veeder-Root, D.H. Griffin Companies, HAEC, Ham’s, Honda Aircraft Company, ITG Brands, Kayser-Roth, Kontoor Brands, Kotis Properties, Koury Corporation, Mack Trucks, Market America, Mid-Atlantic Freight, First Bank, Qorvo, Replacements, Ltd., Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Volvo Trucks, Wrangler (jeans).

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

“Greensboro” by Skatinchinchilla located over off S. Eugene Street in Greensboro.

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Greensboro developer Marty Kotis brings street art artists from around the world to display their work on buildings throughout the city.

Outdoor art gives Greensboro street cred Over 300 street art installations by over 70 artists have covered spaces in the Gate City

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal GREENSBORO — One cannot travel through Greensboro these days without catching sight of the vivid and larger than life street art murals dotting the downtown area.

With over 250 installments to date, there’s a piece of art on a wall in the Gate City for everyone, from futuristic cityscapes to pop culture themes and rich historical murals to larger-than-life figures like Elon Musk and whimsical cartoons.

In 2021, Greensboro made the Men’s Journal top 10 in a list of destinations for outdoor art. The man responsible for launching the city into the street art stratosphere is commercial real estate developer Marty Kotis, who also serves on the UNC Board of Trustees.

Kotis set up Kotis Street Art, an organization that facilitates the process for artists interested in putting up a piece in the Gate City. Kotis Street Art’s website has a vast amount of information for visitors, including a map to find their walls and profiles of the artists. Additionally, a key role Kotis Street Art plays is identifying available walls artists can legally paint on as well as businesses who want to commission art for their outdoor spaces.

From start to finish, Kotis himself funds and supports all of the needs for the artists while they are working on their projects, including what he said is a “significant artist fee.” Artists from around the world have been appreciative of his generosity, resulting in a steady stream of word-of-mouth referrals to work with Kotis Street Art. Support for the artists can include everything from airfare, food and lodging, to prepping the walls to be used as well as the paints and other supplies needed to create the art. Kotis one time even bought a fire engine for use by artists Adnate, from Australia, and Eric Mangen, from Luxembourg, to paint the two-story Guilford Green Community Center.

Artist’s works are captured through photos and videography of the entire process is shared with the artists, along with Public Relations assistance in order to help promote their work. Gallery space in downtown is also on the Kotis Street Art menu. Kotis doesn’t charge commissions, meaning artists retain 100 percent of the proceeds.

Kotis began the journey into street art back in 2010 with smaller scale projects that included concept art murals on the sides of restaurants he owned. His inspiration came after trips to Urban Spree in Berlin, Upfest in Bristol,

COURTESY PHOTO

Artist shown at work on a street art project in Greensboro. and Shoreditch in London.

By 2017, he had bigger ideas brewing and was supporting large scale wall projects and has worked with over 70 artists from around the world.

One of the more prolific and most sought-after artists is Brian Lewis, who uses the artist name “JEKS.” His work can be seen in multiple locations around Greensboro and his work includes everything from realistic portraits to recognizable cartoon figures and pop culture references to classic graffiti letter tagging.

Most of the street art Kotis has helped install usually remains in place for at least a year and some of the installations are as old as five years.

“The goal is to run out of walls first before painting over existing ones,” Kotis said.

A popular draw is the Red Cinema, where art wraps around the entire building and is readily visible from the street with the highrise buildings of downtown in the background. Kotis installed special lighting to highlight the work on the Red Cinema building and says he has plans to do the same for other locations.

Kotis also told North State Journal about a by invitation only private street art park. The park has around 60 ten by ten panels available for use. There is also a “free wall” which can be used by anyone who asks for access.

Kotis would like to see Greensboro’s status elevated instead of being a “consolation prize after Charlotte and Raleigh.”

“Now, I think one of the things about Greensboro is we’re constantly competing with losing young, folks, or even, you know, middle-aged folks to Major markets like a Raleigh or Charlotte, or Durham, or even a Winston,” Kotis said in an interview with North State Journal. “Some of that is just the cool factor. Now they [younger people] want to go where they’re there’s cooler apartment options, cooler scenes for restaurants and bars. There are more artistic things going on appealing to younger crowd trying to turn to maybe urbanize a little bit there.”

“Well, I gotta tell you, I’m really worried that we’re going to

see Durham or Winston pass us,” Kotis said in relation to trying to keep college students living in the area after graduation. “You know, when you start looking at population of cities, unless Greensboro grows, its population is going to become relegated to fourth or fifth or sixth largest city in the state.”

While street art draws visible attention, Greensboro also has a number of what Kotis calls hidden “little gems.”

One of the gems mentioned

by Kotis is the Elsewhere Museum on South Elm Street in downtown. Elsewhere is a living museum, unique in that artists create arrangements using only the materials available on site. The museum describes itself as a “collaborative learning laboratory built from Sylvia Gray’s three-story thrift store” using her 58-year collection of materials.

Kotis also mentioned The Forge, a 501(c)3 nonprofit community makerspace brought to life by fellow developer Andy Zimmerman. The Forge is a popular “hands-on” space where people can gather to “work on projects while sharing ideas, equipment, tools, and knowledge.”

Beyond the explosion of street art and upping the “cool factor,” Kotis also expressed concern that the city could be on a “downward spiral” economically in comparison to other cities in the state. He also believes he can help “move the needle” in investments for his hometown.

“Now, on the flip side of this,” said Kotis. “Why I believe in investing in Greensboro is that there’s not a lot of the institutional capital competing to come into this market, so, you can be kind of a big fish in a little pond here. You can impact the city more here.”

“If I go into Raleigh or Charlotte, I can do some cool stuff, but I won’t move the needle as much as I can here in Greensboro,” Kotis said. “And it’s my home, it’s where I’m from. So, I’d like to see it changed.”

Kotis added that he’d like to see it be a place where if his son would want to live or visit and not think Greensboro was boring or that he was “going back to Mayberry.”

North State Journal for Wednesday, May 18, 2022

Got To Be NC Festival returns from May 20-22

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the Got To Be NC Festival is returning to the N.C. State Fairgrounds from May 20-22 “We’re excited to be back and we’ve been busy planning for new attractions and activities as well as festival favorites,” Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said in a press release. “North Carolina agriculture and agribusinesses will certainly be front and center as we celebrate an industry that has continued to keep us fed despite significant challenges the

past few years.”

Highlights of the festival will include antique tractors, a barbecue buffet fundraiser on May 21, North Carolina food products, rides, games, livestock, kids’ activities, and music.

“We saw interest in local food and beverage products grow during the pandemic, and we want to continue that momentum as it is helps support North Carolina farmers and agribusiness operators,” Troxler said.

“That, in turn, helps ensure we continue to have access to local foods moving ahead.”

The Food Lion Local Goodness Marketplace will be locat-

ed in the Expo Center promoting offerings from around 75 North Carolina food and beverage companies. Admission to the Marketplace is $3 and hours of operation include Friday from noon to 8 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Farm Credit Associations of North Carolina will sponsor the “Young Farmer of the Day” and the N.C. State Fair Junior Livestock Scholarships winners will be recognized by Troxler.

Changes to this year’s festival include moving livestock exhibits to the Jim Graham Building and an addition of “Germ City,”

the popular handwashing activity and exhibit at last year’s N.C. State Fair. Also, for the first time ever, the North Carolina distilleries will be represented at the festival.

Not to be missed is the all-youcan-eat barbecue sampling at the annual Carolina Masonic Pig Jig fundraiser to benefit the Masonic Homes for Children in Oxford.

The event will be held on May 21 and tickets are $15 for ages 11 and up, $5 for ages 7-10 and entry is free for children 6 and under.

If carnival rides are on the menu, $20 for ride-all-day wristbands are available for Friday and Sunday.

B9 FESTIVAL GATE HOURS May 20, noon to 10 p.m.

May 21, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

May 22, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

BUILDING AND EXHIBIT HOURS May 20, noon to 8 p.m.

May 21, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

May 22, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

CARNIVAL HOURS May 20, noon to 10 p.m.

May 21, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

May 22, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Admission and parking for Got To Be NC are free. For a full list of event information visit: www.gottobencfestival.com

Besties and former ‘The Office’ co-stars write on friendship tween seasons three and four.

Fischer and Kinsey talked recently to The Associated Press about their book, the podcast and their friendship. Answers have been edited for length and clarity.

The Associated Press NEW YORK — Spoiler alert: Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey obviously knew how “The Office” ended its nine-year run on NBC, because, after all, they filmed it — but revisiting that time for their new book, “Office BFFs: Tales of The Office from Two Best Friends Who Were There,” was still something they put off.

“I have not watched the finale episode in full even now,” confessed Fischer, who played receptionist Pam Beasley, recently over Zoom. “I just watched the parts that I had to write about in the book because it’s too emotional for me.”

Kinsey, however, “watched the whole thing.”

“I boohooed through it. When we were writing about it, I started crying,” said Kinsey, who played the stickler, cat-loving accountant, Angela Martin.

The real-life best friends and former co-stars have put their memories to good use, with both “Office BFFs” and a rewatch podcast called “ Office Ladies.” They’re more than halfway through season six of the series.

AP: How do you remember so clearly what happened to be able to fill a podcast and a book?

AP PHOTO

Angela Kinsey, left, and Jenna Fischer, friends and former co-stars of the comedy series “The Office” pose for photos in Glendale, Calif., Tuesday, March 22, 2022, to promote their book “The Office BFFs: Tales of The Office from Two Best Friends Who Were There.”

Fischer: We are big journalers so we journaled about our days on set. And Angela is a digital hoarder. She kept every email I ever sent her. It was so great.

When I was writing the chapter on the romance between (characters) Jim and Pam, she had an old email that I had written her. She forwarded that to me, and I was able to use that.

AP: Is there anything you’ve saved specifically for the podcast and other things for the book? Or was there overlap?

who are not from show business or Hollywood ... just try and figure out what it means to be on a show and navigate a red carpet and how to do interviews and all those things you don’t learn in an acting class. And we were horrible at it. Those are things we don’t really talk about on the podcast.

AP: You’ve started these businesses together and pivoted into a new career path, marketing on yourselves rather than characters. Do you want to inspire others in making career changes by thinking outside-the-box?

Kinsey: I turned 50 and I didn’t think I would be trying anything new in my career at 50. And here I am, learning how to do a podcast and writing a book with my best friend. I just think of other women I’ve always looked up to who reinvented themselves later in life and that you don’t have to say, “Oh, I can’t do that or it’s too late.” It’s not too late, it’s really not. That’s something I would want to share with other folks out there.

In “Office BFFs,” they also document the growth of their friendship from when they first bonded while filming an episode in sea-

son one to Kinsey being at Fischer’s side when she broke her back while attending an NBC party in New York during the hiatus be-

situated in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Unit 3, Harbour Pointe Condominium, Phase Two, according to a plat of same duty recorded in Condo Book 6, Page 142, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina with ownership, interest, privileges, appurtenances, conditions, and restrictions contained and described on the Declaration of Harbour Pointe Condominiums recorded in Book 6340, Page 309, Cumberland County Registry.

Property Address: 103 Harbour Pointe Place, APT 3308-3, Fayetteville, NC 28314 Parcel Identification No.: 0407-48-0311-103 Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in NCGS §45-21.23.

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

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

existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or 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 payoff of the lien without the knowledge of the Trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the Trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit.

The purchaser will have no further remedy.

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

of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

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

THISISACOMMUNICATIONFROMADEBT COLLECTOR. THE PURPOSE OF THIS COMMUNICATION IS TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE, except as stated below in the instance of bankruptcy protection.

IF YOU ARE UNDER THE PROTECTION OF THE BANKRUPTCY COURT OR HAVE BEEN DISCHARGED AS A RESULT OF A BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDING, THIS NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU PURSUANT TO STATUTORY REQUIREMENT AND FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND IS NOT INTENDED AS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT OR AS AN ACT TO COLLECT, ASSESS, OR RECOVER ALL OR ANY PORTION OF THE DEBT FROM YOU PERSONALLY.

TRUSTEE BY: Natasha M. Barone Attorney at Law Hutchens Law Firm

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 May 23, 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 Ruth A. Loeven, dated December 17, 2009 to secure the original principal amount of $157,162.00, and recorded in Book 8313 at Page 707 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.

Antonio Loeven (1%)

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.

The date of this Notice is March 29, 2022.

Kinsey: The podcast is a true re-watch. And the book is our personal journey as two gals

TAKE NOTICE

CUMBERLAND NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE Publication Dates: May 11, 2022 and May 18, 2022 22 SP 15 Under and by virtue of power of sale granted to Petitioner pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 47C-3-116 under a Claim of Lien filed on January 3, 2020 in Cumberland County File Number 20 M 6 (the “Lien”) against James M. Verney. (“Respondent”), by Harbour Pointe Condominium Owner’s Association, Inc. (the Association”). As the beneficiary of the Claim of Lien and pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 47C-3-116, The Association. seeks to foreclose the Lien, which evidences a valid debt. Respondent defaulted on the payment of the debt represented by the Claim of Lien. The undersigned ill offer for sale at the courthouse door in the City of Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on May 23, 2022 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CUMBERLAND COUNTY 19SP897 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY RUTH A. LOEVEN DATED DECEMBER 17, 2009 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 8313 AT PAGE 707 AND MODIFIED BY AGREEMENT RECORDED ON JULY 21, 2014 IN BOOK 9472, PAGE 590 AND FURTHER MODIFIED BY AGREEMENT RECORDED JANUARY 11, 2018 IN BOOK 10233 PAGE 454 IN THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CUMBERLAND COUNTY 17SP119 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY SHAUN STAFFORD AND CANDACE STAFFORD DATED SEPTEMBER 21, 2009 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 8252 AT PAGE 427 AND MODIFIED

BY AGREEMENT RECORDED JULY 1, 2015 IN BOOK 9679, PAGE 233 AND FURTHER MODIFIED BY AGREEMENT RECORDED JUNE 15, 2016 IN BOOK 9880, PAGE 569 IN THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CUMBERLAND COUNTY 20SP181 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY WARREN HILL AND TIFFANY HILL DATED JUNE 3, 2010 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 8411 AT PAGE 251 IN THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will

Address of property: 7 2 2 4 Harvestgrain Dr, Stedman, NC 28391 Tax Parcel ID: 0 49 6 - 8 27304 Present Record Owners: Ruth A. Loeven (99%) and Amanda Esther Paschall and Daniel

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 10:00AM on May 26, 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 Shaun Stafford and Candace Stafford, dated September 21, 2009 to secure the original principal amount of $224,489.00, and recorded in Book 8252 at Page 427 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.

The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Ruth A. Loeven (99%) and Amanda Esther Paschall and Daniel Antonio Loeven (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 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,

Stafford and Candace Stafford The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Shaun Stafford and Candace Stafford.

S h a u n

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

expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Cumberland County courthouse at 10:00AM on May 23, 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 Warren Hill and Tiffany Hill, dated June 3, 2010 to secure the original principal amount of $95,609.00, and recorded in Book 8411 at Page 251 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 1 1 3 Lakeridge Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28304 Tax Parcel ID: 0405-087988 Present Record Owners: Tiffany S. Hill The record owner(s) of the property, according to the

records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Tiffany S. Hill.

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.

Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten

Address of property: Ave, Stedman, NC 28391 Tax Parcel ID: 9917 Present Record Owners:

214 Eastfield 0496-80-

Attorney for the Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107

Suite

400

Suite

400

Suite

400

14-066664

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.

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.

Attorney for the Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 12-037086

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 12, 2022.

days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

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

The date of this Notice is May 3, 2022.

Attorney for the Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 20-109308

North State Journal for Wednesday, May 18, 2022

B10 TAKE NOTICE

CUMBERLAND IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CUMBERLAND COUNTY 22sp251 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY JIMMY B. MITCHELL AND CLAUDINA A. MITCHELL DATED DECEMBER 3, 2004 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 6733 AT PAGE 539 AND MODIFIED BY AGREEMENT RECORDED DECEMBER 19, 2013 IN BOOK 9349, PAGE 872 AND FURTHER MODIFIED

BY AGREEMENT RECORDED AUGUST 29, 2017 IN BOOK 10158, PAGE 285 AND FURTHER MODIFIED BY AGREEMENT RECORDED SEPTEMBER 25, 2018 IN

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CUMBERLAND COUNTY 20sp304 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY ELIZABETH ANN WILL AKA ELIZABETH WILLS DATED OCTOBER 4, 2000 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 5351 AT PAGE 487 IN THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand

19 SP 32 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 Antwan L. Blackshear and Shannon L. Blackshear, husband and wife to Lynn P. Holley, Trustee(s), which was dated February 1, 2013 and recorded on February 4, 2013 in Book 09103 at Page 0418, 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 June 1, 2022 at 01:30 PM, and will

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CUMBERLAND COUNTY 21sp676 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY JEAN ADAMS BENSON DATED MARCH 24, 2014 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 9404 AT PAGE 623 IN THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA *102.21-112006.FC01.202* IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CUMBERLAND COUNTY 21sp676 NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default

DAVIDSON 19 SP 543 AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, DAVIDSON COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Robin Ann Van Pelt to PBRE Inc., Trustee(s), which was dated January 22, 2013 and recorded on January 24, 2013 in Book 2088 at Page 107, Davidson County Registry, North Carolina.

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

FORSYTH NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 22 SP 214 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Charles Richard Applegate, Jr. and Charles R. Applegate (Deceased) (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Charles R. Applegate, Heirs of Charles R. Applegate: Charles Richard Applegate, Jr., Donna Sutris, Jennifer Applegate, Cindy Cohen, Kimberly Applegate) to Trustee Services, Inc., Trustee(s), dated December 21, 2011, and recorded in Book No. RE 3036, at Page 2065 in Forsyth County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Forsyth County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Winston-

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 22 SP 211 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Dana L. Marcus (Deceased) (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Dana L. Marcus and Successor Trustee of the Dana L. Marcus Trust u/d/t dated December , 1997) to Heather Lovier, Trustee(s), dated May 6, 2020, and recorded in Book No. RE 3524, at Page 1692 in Forsyth County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Forsyth County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:15 PM on May 25, 2022 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Winston Salem in the County of Forsyth, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Tax ID Number(s): 6815-94-3179.000 Land situated in the Township of Winston Salem in the

JOHNSTON IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION JOHNSTON COUNTY 22sp22 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY PAUL DURHAM AND MORGAN BARBOUR DATED DECEMBER 23, 2013 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 4395 AT PAGE 831 IN THE JOHNSTON COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA *102.20-109234.FC01.202* NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default

BOOK 10380, PAGE 160 AND FURTHER MODIFIED BY AGREEMENT RECORDED AUGUST 13, 2019 IN BOOK 10563, PAGE 685 IN THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Cumberland County courthouse at 10:00AM on May 23, 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 Jimmy B. Mitchell and Claudina A. Mitchell, dated December 3, 2004 to secure the original principal amount of $51,039.00, and recorded in Book 6733 at Page 539 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: 2905 Murro St, Spring Lake, NC 28390 Tax Parcel ID: 0513-416972 Present Record Owners: The Heirs of Claudina Mitchell The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are The Heirs of Claudina Mitchell.

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. 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.

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 11:00AM on May 23, 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 Elizabeth Ann Will aka Elizabeth Wills, dated October 4, 2000 to secure the original principal amount of $93,000.00, and recorded in Book 5351 at Page 487 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.

7 Address of property: 0 0 Mcpherson Ave, Fayetteville, NC 28303 0428-50Tax Parcel ID: 3801 The Heirs of Present Record Owners: Elizabeth Wills

The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are The Heirs of Elizabeth Wills.

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. 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.

sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Cumberland County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING all of Lot Number 79 in a subdivision known as HIGHLAND POINTE AT SUMMER GROVE SUBDIVISION and the same being duly recorded in Book of Plats 131, at page 78, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina.

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

Said property is commonly known as 3017 Blockade Runner Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28306.

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

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 11:00AM on June 2, 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 Jean Adams Benson, dated March 24, 2014 to secure the original principal amount of $163,500.00, and recorded in Book 9404 at Page 623 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: St, Fayetteville, NC 28303 Tax Parcel ID: 1091 Present Record Owners: Jean Adams Benson

1809 Spruce 0428-54The Estate of

and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on May 24, 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: BEING KNOWN AND DESIGNATED as Lot Number 12, as shown on the Plat of WINTER GARDEN - PHASE 2B, as recorded in Plat Book 58, page 74, in the Office of the Register of Deeds of DAVIDSON County, North Carolina, reference to said plat 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 6718 Planters Drive, High Point, NC 27265-7983.

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

Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:15 PM on June 1, 2022 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Walkertown in the County of Forsyth, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Beginning at an iron stake the southeast corner of the within described Tract: said stake being located North 5 deg. 00’ East 215.5 feet from an iron stake in the north line of School Street in the west line of O.V. Neal; running thence from said beginning point with the west line of said Neal North 5 deg.

00’ East 100.0 feet to an iron stake in said Neal’s line; thence North 85 deg.

11’ West 200.0 feet to an iron stake in the east margin of a street known as Woodland Drive; thence with the east margin of Woodland Drive South 5 deg. 00’ West 100.0 feet to an iron stake; thence South 85 deg. 11’ East 200.0 feet to an iron stake the place of beginning. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 2911 Lakawanna Drive, Walkertown, North Carolina.

For further reference see map of Mrs. Nancy Poindexter Hall Property , said plat recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Forsyth County, NC, in plat book 16, page 94.

Tax Parcel Number: 6868-12-8612.00 (Block 5171, Lot

County of Forsyth in the State of NC Land situated in the City of Winston Salem in the County of Forsyth in the State of NC Beginning at an existing iron pipe in the eastern right-of-way line of Lester Lane (a 50-foot public right of way), said iron pipe also being located at the northwest corner of Lot 14 as shown on the map of Biltmore as recorded in Plat Book 14 at Page 76, Forsyth County Registry; running thence from the point and place of beginning along the eastern right-of-way line of Lester Lane on a curve to the left having a radius of 73.98 feet, a chord corner and distance of North 32 degrees 56 minutes 45 seconds West 44.34 feet to an existing iron pipe located at the southeast corner of Lot 16 as shown on the map of Biltmore referenced above; thence with the eastern line of said Lot 16 North 24 degrees 53 minutes 42 seconds East 45.20 feet to a point; thence on a curve to the right the following three chords, courses, and distances: (1) North 58 degrees 52 minutes 28 seconds East 20.45 feet to a point; (2) North 68 degrees 58 minutes 59 seconds East 60.53 feet to a point; and (3) North 80 degrees 22 minutes East 30.69 feet to a point; thence South 11 degrees 31 minutes 34 seconds East a total distance of 94.11 feet to an existing iron pipe located in the North line of Lot 14 of Biltmore; thence with the north line of said Lot 14, South 78 degrees 46 minutes 38 seconds West 120.26 feet to the point and place of beginning, containing .19006 of an acre, more or less, as shown on a survey prepared by

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 Johnston County courthouse at 10:00AM on May 24, 2022, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Johnston County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Paul Durham and Morgan Barbour, dated December 23, 2013 to secure the original principal amount of $119,387.00, and recorded in Book 4395 at Page 831 of the Johnston County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property: Woodsboro Place, Benson, NC 27504 Tax Parcel ID: Present Record Owners:

3

2

8

13D04046T Paul Durham

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 Antwan L. Blackshear and wife, Shannon L. Blackshear.

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

The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are The Estate of Jean Adams Benson.

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. Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days

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

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

019W) Property Address: 2911 Lakawanna Drive, Walkertown, NC 27051 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

Thomas A. Riccio, dated June 1, 1995, entitled “Survey prepared for Forsyth Stratford Ventures, L.L.C.”. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 501 Lester Lane, Winston Salem, North Carolina.

Commonly known as: 501 Lester Ln, Winston Salem, NC 27103-1802 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

and Morgan Barbour The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Paul Durham and Morgan Barbour.

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,

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 May 3, 2022.

Attorney for the Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 14-061626

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of

Attorney for the Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 20-109664

Suite

400

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 May 3, 2022.

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.

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.: 18-11628-FC01

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

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC

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.

Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 Posted: By: 21-112006

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 18, 2022.

Attorney for the Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway,

Suite

400

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

Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 19-17528-FC01

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

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee

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

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

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.

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.

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: 6321 - 24272

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: 7039 - 26589

The date of this Notice is May 4, 2022.

Attorney for the Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 Posted: By: 20-109234

Suite

400

North State Journal for Wednesday, May 18, 2022

B11

TAKE NOTICE

RANDOLPH NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 22 SP 68 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Rogelio M. Rivera and Maria Gabriela Rivera Salazar (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Rogelio M. Rivera and Maria Gabriela Rivera Salazar) to PRLAP, Inc., Trustee(s), dated January 28, 2004, and recorded in Book No. 1854, at Page 0800 in Randolph County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Randolph County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Asheboro, Randolph County,

UNION NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 21 SP 0357 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Bradley T. Hill (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Bradley T. Hill) to John C. MacNeill, Jr., Trustee(s), dated May 29, 2003, and recorded in Book No. 04913, at Page 0046 in Union County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Union County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Judicial Center in Monroe,

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 21 SP 461 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Pamela Lemmond Rivers and David Eric Rivers (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Pamela Lemmond Rivers and David Eric Rivers) to A. Robert Kucab, Trustee(s), dated February 19, 2016, and recorded in Book No. 06618, at Page 0818 in Union County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Union County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the Judicial Center in Monroe, Union County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:00 PM on May 26, 2022 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Waxhaw in the County of Union, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEGINNING at a point in the center of State Road #1108, a corner of Lot No. 2 conveyed to Roland Lemmond on January 23, 1975, and runs thence with the line of Lot No. 2 as follows: (1) North 85 degrees 16 minutes 57 seconds

21 SP 382 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, UNION COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Bryan D Drummond and Teresa D Henderson a/k/a Teresa R. Henderson to Timothy M. Bartosh or William B. Naryka, Trustee(s), which was dated September 20, 2006 and recorded on September 25, 2006 in Book 04311 at Page 0410, Union 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

WAKE

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 21SP1706 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY WAKE NOTICE OF SALE IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY BRENDA H. WILKINS DATED DECEMBER 2, 2003 RECORDED IN BOOK 10573 AT PAGE 1046 IN THE WAKE 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 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

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 20 SP 617 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by James D. Reinhardt, III and Laura C. Reinhardt (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): James D. Reinhardt, III and Laura Reinhardt) to A. Grant Whitney, Trustee(s), dated November 17, 2006, and recorded in Book No. 012286, at Page 02393 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 June 1, 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

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 21SP1709 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY WAKE NOTICE OF SALE IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY HERBERT A. EVERETT DATED JULY 30, 2007 RECORDED IN BOOK 12682 AT PAGE 2311 IN THE WAKE 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 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

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION WAKE COUNTY 17SP557 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY ROBBIE OSTROWSKI, JR. AND LYNETTE OSTROWSKI DATED MAY 15, 2000 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 8587 AT PAGE 1393 IN THE WAKE COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA *102.11-022529.FC04.202* 11-022529 NOTICE OF SALE

North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 10:00 AM on May 24, 2022 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Archdale in the County of Randolph, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being known and designated as Lot Numbers 129, 130, and 131 of Forest Hills, as recorded in Plat Book 7 at Page 65 in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Randolph County, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 3613 Rocklane Drive, Archdale, 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

Union County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:00 PM on May 26, 2022 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Monroe in the County of Union, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 45 of the E.M. Subdivision known as White Oaks, as same is shown on map thereof recorded in Plat Book 5 at Page 99, Union County, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 2610 Corinth Church Road, Monroe, 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

East 1108.67 feet to an iron stake; (2) North 84 degrees 49 minutes 58 seconds East 1279.55 feet to a corner of Lot No. 2 in E.J. Sims’ estate lands; thence with the said Sims’ line South 8 degrees 14 minutes 09 seconds West 1347 feet to an iron stake, a new corner; thence three lines as follows: (1) South 86 degrees 47 minutes 20 seconds West 1217.16 feet to an iron stake; (2) South 77 degrees 51 minutes 30 seconds West 355.23 feet to an iron stake; (3) South 77 degrees 33 minutes 20 seconds West 820.64 feet to a point in the center of State Road #1108; thence with the center of said road North 0 degrees 48 minutes 50 seconds East 244.46 feet to the point of BEGINNING, and containing 7.40 acres of land and being Lot No. 3 in Edna H. Lemmond’s land and being a part of the land described in Deed Book 40, Page 208, Union County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 9615 Richardson King Road, Waxhaw, North Carolina.

Being the identical property as conveyed to Grantor in Book 6552 at page 507 in the Union County public registry.

Parcel ID #05174008C 24 Month Chain of Title: Date:10/22/2015 Book :06552 Page: 0507 Owner Brothers Housing and Real Estate, Inc.; Date:04/13/2015 Book: 06419 Page :0676 Owner: Pamela Cheryl Lemmond Rivers and husband, David Eric Rivers; Date: 09/01/2010 Book :05389 Page :0811 Owner: Pamela Cheryl Lemmond Rivers

conducting the sale on May 24, 2022 at 12:30 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Union County, North Carolina, to wit: Being all of Lot 156 of Wesley Oaks Subdivision, Phase 2, Map 1 of 8, as same is shown on map thereof recorded in Plat Cabinet I at File# 881 & 804 in the Union County Public Registry; which is a revision of map recorded in Plat Cabinet 1, File #797.

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

Said property is commonly known as 505 Palmerston Lane, Waxhaw, NC 28173.

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

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.

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.

Property Address: 9615 Richardson King Road, Waxhaw, NC 28173 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

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 Bryan D. Drummond and wife, Teresa R. Henderson.

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

Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 5017 - 19075

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street

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: 6015 - 23158

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.

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

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: 3049 - 7439

File No.: 21-05137-FC01

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

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee

NOTICE TO CREDITORS State of North Carolina WILLIAM TAYLOR UZZLE, JR. Wake County No. 22 E 1066

All persons, firms or corporations having claims against WILLIAM TAYLOR UZZLE, JR., late of Wake County, North Carolina, are notified to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before June 10, 2022 or this notice will be pleaded in

bar of recovery. All persons indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 18th day of May, 2022.

R. Daniel Boyce

Executor Estate of William T. Uzzle, Jr. 431 Marlowe Road Raleigh, North Carolina 27609

for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Wake County courthouse at 10:00 AM on May 27, 2022, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Wake County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Brenda H. Wilkins, dated December 2, 2003 to secure the original principal amount of $11,584.22, and recorded in Book 10573 at Page 1046 of the Wake County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Brenda H. Wilkins.

by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing.

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

Address of property: Chinook Court, Raleigh, NC 27610 Tax Parcel ID: Present Record Owners: Wilkins

5

7

0

1

1733409428 Brenda H.

The record owner(s) of the property, according to the

particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot 818 in Heritage Wake Forest Subdivision, Phase II, Section 4, as shown on a map thereof recorded in Book of Maps 2003, Page 456, Wake County Registry, to which reference is hereby made for a more particular description. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 1076 Trentini Avenue, Wake Forest, 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

for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Wake County courthouse at 10:00 AM on May 27, 2022, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Wake County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Herbert A. Everett, dated July 30, 2007 to secure the original principal amount of $12,957.07, and recorded in Book 12682 at Page 2311 of the Wake County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property: Tuck Rd, Raleigh, NC 27610 Tax Parcel ID: Present Record Owners: Everett

2829

Friar

0036292 Herbert A.

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 Wake County courthouse at 11:00AM on June 3, 2022, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Wake County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Robbie Ostrowski, Jr. and Lynette Ostrowski, dated May 15, 2000 to secure the original principal amount of $120,000.00, and recorded in Book 8587 at Page 1393 of the Wake County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property:

3

6

0

4

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

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

The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Herbert A. Everett.

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

Arrowwood Dr, Raleigh, NC 27604 Tax Parcel ID: Present Record Owners: Ostrowski and Lynette Ostrowski

0067498 R o b b i e

The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Robbie Ostrowski and Lynette Ostrowski.

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

Ingle Case Number: 2481-2721

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 21st day of March, 2022.

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.

Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 2574 - 5941

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street

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.

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 25th day of March, 2022.

Ingle Case Number: 2966-3260

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

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.

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 15, 2022.

Attorney for the Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 Posted: By: 11-022529

Suite

400

B12

North State Journal for Wednesday, May 18, 2022

pen & paper pursuits

sudoku

solutions From May 8, 2022

VOLUME 7 ISSUE 12 | WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2022 | RANDOLPHRECORD.COM

THE RANDOLPH COUNTY EDITION OF THE NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Randolph record

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Let’s hear it

Members of East Coast Rhythm & Blues perform on stage Sunday during the first night of the City of Asheboro’s Summer Concert Series at Bicentennial Park.

COUNTY NEWS Workers stab each other in fight at NC fast-food restaurant

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

Two workers at a North Carolina fast-food restaurant stabbed each after getting into a fight, police said.

The Asheboro Police Department said in a news release that officers responded to a reported stabbing at a Wendy’s restaurant, news outlets reported.

Officers found one of the stabbing victims at the scene. The victim was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

The Randolph County Sheriff’s Office sighted the suspect’s car in Randleman and took them into custody during a traffic stop. The suspect was taken to a hospital for treatment, authorities said.

The suspect was then taken into custody and transported to a local medical facility for treatment of a stab wound.

Police hadn’t identified the suspect as of Monday evening.

School administrators issued a shelter-in-place order for Asheboro High School and South Asheboro Middle School, both of which were close to the restaurant.

ASHEBORO — The newly created social district in downtown Asheboro is being embraced by some business owners involved in providing food and beverage.

“I do think it will be a positive impact,” said Barbara Gallimore, an owner of The Flying Pig Food and Spirits on Sunset Avenue.

“Economically, I think it will help businesses that were hurt during COVID.” The City of Asheboro approved the social district in a downtown area that will be available three days per week. This will allow alcohol beverages in public spaces, something endorsed by Downtown Asheboro Inc. “It makes for a community gathering place,” said Rebekah McGee, executive director for Downtown Asheboro Inc. “They can come and go from restaurants and bars within the district.”

It has been dubbed Zoo City Social District. It’s open from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays beginning this week.

“We think for businesses this was a good decision,” McGee said. “The social districts tend to work really good downtown. This

Social Security Administration releases most popular baby names The most popular baby names in 2021 have been released by the Social Security Administration.

The data from the SSA is based on Social Security card application data.

In North Carolina, the top boy’s name was Liam, with 699 occurrences.

The remainder of the top 10 were Noah, William, James, Oliver, Henry, Elijah, Jackson, Lucas, and Levi.

The top girl’s name was Olivia, with 531 occurrences. The remainder of the top 10 were Ava, Emma, Charlotte, Amelia, Sophia, Harper, Isabella, Evelyn, and Elizabeth.

5

20177 52016 $1.00

Businesses expect positive impact from Asheboro’s social district

8

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Downtown Asheboro will have a social district beginning with three days this week. fits well in a city the size of Asheboro.”

The city council approved the formation of the social district in a 6-1 vote earlier this month.

Joel McClosky, co-owner/CEO of Four Saints Brewing Company, said he’s uncertain of what level of boost his business will receive, but he figures it’s worth a shot.

“Like any decision, it’s made with the best intentions,” McClosky said. “I don’t think it’s going

to hurt my business or anyone’s business.”

Downtown Asheboro Inc. has provided the five key guidelines.

They are: * All alcohol must be purchased from a location within the district. * All alcohol must be in approved container with logo of business and district. * Alcohol cannot enter an ABC permitted establishment. * Alcohol cannot enter private

property unless otherwise noted by social district logo. * Business participation is completely voluntary as there is no fee to participate.

Gallimore said she expects the impact to be largest when there are special events taking place in downtown. It will allow patrons more flexibility and freedom during those activities.

Gallimore said her restaurant is approaching the 13-year mark in Asheboro. She said compared to three years ago, there’s much more activity and foot traffic in the area.

McClosky said he expects the atmosphere stemming from the social district will add vibrancy to downtown. It could be a marketing advantage for Asheboro.

“We have some new industry coming to the area,” he said.

“Maybe they’ll move to Asheboro instead of moving to Greensboro.

We have a social district, too.”

McClosky said he has talked to business owners in a few other cities in North Carolina and there are positive reviews from those social districts. He said retail shops have tended to experience bumps in business based on additional foot traffic other than See SOCIAL DISTRICT, page 2

Funds coming to Randolph County aid sheriff’s office in voters turn out early fighting cyber crimes Randolph Record staff

Randolph Record staff

County has two detectives assigned to ICAC investigations, with one of the officers also on a task force involving Homeland Security investigations.

Equipment purchased with the grant funding will enable both detectives to work on multiple cases at the same time.

ICAC detectives also conduct electronic forensic analysis.

According to the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, the department’s ICAC unit receives 51 cyber tips annually. There are 38 of those tips under investigation as of last week.

“The (sheriff’s office) prioritizes ICAC investigations and diligently seeks every opportunity to improve the technology to investigate related crimes,” according to a release from the department.

ASHEBORO — The Randolph County Sheriff’s Office will receive a grant to assist in investigating internet crimes against children.

The sheriff’s office received notification last week of the $73,468.37 awarded in local law enforcement funding from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations.

The funding was awarded for the Internet Crimes Against Children unit to add an additional forensic work station, purchase mobile forensic equipment and software, and attend advanced training.

Funding is earmarked by the Legislature for agencies that investigate ICAC across the state and is administered through the North Carolina Sheriff’s Association. Randolph See AID, page 2

ASHEBORO — Nearly 4,000 more voters in Randolph County cast early ballots for this month’s primary compared to a similar election cycle four years ago.

With four early voting sites, the total number of voters in Randolph County checked in at 10,205. Fourteen days of early voting concluded Saturday afternoon.

Saturday’s number of voters was 1,055.

The primary day was set for Tuesday.

In 2018, the total number of early voters in the county was 6,376.

This spring, the final tallies for the four sites were: 5,019 at the Board of Elections office in Asheboro, 2,108 at Braxton Craven School gym in Trinity, 1,610 at the Randleman Civic Center and 1,468 at Franklinville United Methodist Church.

With the exception of May 1 (the only Sunday for early voting), each day there were more than 500 voters, topped by Friday’s 1,363.

Randolph Record for Wednesday, July 21, 2021

2 22

Randolph Record for Wednesday, May 18, 2022 Randolph Record for Wednesday, July 7, 2021

WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY

7.21.21 7.7.21 5.18.22 #3

WEEKLY FORECAST RACING WEEKLY FORECAST

#1

Causey comes from back Guide to capture Caraway victory WEDNESDAY

WEDNESDAY

JULY JUNE 30 21

HI HI

91°

THURSDAY

THURSDAY

JULY 1JULY 22

88° HI

HI

91°

LO LO 70° 67° LO LO 70° PRECIP 15% PRECIP15% 13% PRECIPPRECIP

Randolph Record staff

“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

Neal NealRobbins Robbins Sports Editor 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

Annual Subscription Price: $50.00 Periodicals Postage Paid at Raleigh, Annual Subscription Price: $50.00N.C. and at additional mailing offices.

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Send address changes Send address changes to: North State Journal to: North State Journal 1201 Edwards Mill Rd. 3101 Industrial Dr., Suite 105 Suite 300 Raleigh, N.C. 27609 Raleigh, NC 27607

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 18

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

HI 86

♦ Mildred Mae Cozart Poole, LOW 67 age 85, of Asheboro, died July PRECIP 3% See OBITS, page 7 9, 2021.

THURSDAY MAY 19 See OBITS, page 7

HI 91 LOW 65 PRECIP 38%

Randolph

FRIDAY

JULY 2

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

JULY 23 JULY 3

88° HI LO 67°

HI78° 66° LO

HI89° LO68°

PRECIP 5%

57% PRECIP

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JULY 24 JULY 4

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JULY 25 5 JULY

86° 84° HI HI 86° 88° 65° LO 69° 62° LO LO 69° 43% PRECIP 32% 17% PRECIPPRECIP 24% 24% PRECIP 81°HI 62°LO

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JULY JULY 26 6

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JULY 27

The Randolph Guide is a HI 87° HI HI 89° quick look at what’s going LO 67° LO 69° LO onPRECIP in Randolph 24% County.

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Whatley appeared poised to race second.

Mason Vance and Josh Philto the finish line before CrigSOPHIA — Heath Causey gers got off line and crashed and lips were winners in the five-lap emerged at the front at the right Whatley had to stay out of the UCAR qualifying heats.

Clay Rogers rekindled memotime to win Saturday’s Late Mod- way. That allowed Hartley to RANDOLPH COMMUNITY COLLEGE ries at the speedway in the Grand els feature at Caraway Speedway. move to the front.

Blessing Crigger gained a form of satis- National Super Series, winning a Causey was at the back of the of the Badges 15-car field before making his faction by claiming the trophy in pair of 50-lap races in the new touring division. A.J. Henrickthe Enduro 50-lapper. moves. noon In the Challengers, Brian son was second in both races.

Garrett Campbell, Coy Beard Rogers last won at Caraway and Justin Hicks all held the lead Rose was the winner in the 35Law enforcement at some point during the 75 laps. lap feature. Top qualifier Fletch- Speedway in 1997 in the Hooters Beard ended up second and er Whaley was the runner-up, ProCup series. The Grand Nafrom around Randolph

By Bob Sutton enrollment before classes Anthony start. tional sion, Super there’s Series will return to of 915.

Tonythose Housman, Chase Murphy turned in his best with Randolph Record County will gather at That’s off10.slightly from the usual Williams saidSalisbury there’s inan the ef- track Sept. and Bobby finish at the track in third place, Bennett “There hasCounty never been a that will ranges up to 1,000, bolster enrollment. He cit-Thisnumber week, there be Carnexttothree spots. followed by Tristian McKee and thefort the Randolph ed theSmith, RCC Commitment olina Williams Monster said.

Truck Madness ASHEBORO — Enrollment Justin bidding to re-Grant, Ronnie Riggs. betterOffice opportunity Sheriff’s for the to attend on FridayTraditional and Saturdayenrollment nights at numUCAR champion, the Mini Stocks race, Rudy program designed was as athe funding atInRandolph Community Col-peata as RCCBlessing and not have the speedway.

The next regular in that division’s Hartley roared toto thebounce victory as he towinner bers have flattened, but it’s the mechanism to fill the15-lap gap that’s lege isn’t likely back annual of theto worry racingnumber night at of thehigh trackschool comesstudents about how to pay for it.” forcovered front-wheel driveorcars. avoided a wreck on the final lap.awayracenot by federal state aid pre-pandemic levels right Badges. The public is Daniel Hughes placed June 4.

Jimmya school Criggerofficial and pointing Alex Teammate in programs designed for dual ento students. despite invited to attend the “There has never been a bet- rollment that has dropped, out unprecedented financial inRCC president Dr. Robert “We’re just not seeing the level ter opportunity to attend RCC centives for potential students. ceremony to honor Chad Williams, vice president and not have to worry about how of engagement that we had seen,” Shackleford Jr. every law enforcement for student services at RCC, said a to pay for it,” RCC president Dr. Williams said. officer in Randolph RCC held a one-week break decline in high school students in Robert Shackleford Jr. said. “We dual enrollment has been the big- meet students exactly where they earlier this month amid the sumCounty for their are and help them go as far as they mer semester, which began May gest reason for a dip. dedication to serve their 24 and concludes July 26. Late “Overall, we’re still seeing a de- can possibly go.” community.

Beginning with the fall semes- registration for the fall semester cline in enrollment comparing to previous years prior to the pan- ter, qualifying full-time students runs through Aug. 10, with classdemic,” Williams said. “I don’t will be eligible for up to $1,000 es beginning Aug. 16.

Still dealing with adjustments know if we’ll get to numbers we’ve per semester.

That makes attending RCC made because of the coronavirus seen in previous fall semesters. …

We’re reaching out to every stu- the most enticing from a finan- pandemic, not all 2021 fall semesdent we can in every way we can.” cial standpoint in the 16 years ter classes will be in person. Some the Park: a A fall semester at the two-year Williams has been at the school, will use a hybrid model with Rock school in Asheboro would often he said. He previously worked in mixture of face-to-faces sessions Stephanie Quayle and virtual sessions. Many classhave 2,600 to 3,000 students en- RCC’s financial aid office.

“There’s never a better time to es provide students with options rolled. At the beginning of this 6pm on how to attend and participate, week, that number stood at about go back to college,” he said.

For the current summer ses- Williams said.

1,900 with about a month to go The downtown

May 19

RCC pushes more MEETfor THE STAFFstudents as numbers lag PJ Ward-Brown Matt Lauren Frank Cory Who is “Editor?”

May 20

WEEKLY CRIME LOG

Asheboro concert series kicks off its ♦ Williams, Denishia Lorren (B /F/30) Arrest on chrg of Friday concert slate WEEKLY CRIME 1) Pwimsd Marijuana (F), 2) LOG with country singer Maintain Veh/dwell/place Cs (f) (F), 3) Possess X Quayle.

Casey ♦ Whitehead, George Alan (M, 52), 176 E. Salisbury St, Asheboro, onStephanie Arrest on charge of Resisting ♦ Boggs, Matthew Harrison (M, 39), Noel is the on opening Arrest charge ofact.

Misdemeanor 07/13/2021.

Public Officer, 321 Kings Ridge Rd, Arrest on charge of Misdemeanor Possessiontake of Schedule Randleman, on 07/14/2021.

Larceny, at 2587 Wayne White Rd, COURTESY PHOTO The concerts placeIV CS, ♦ Millikan, Bobby Wayne (M, 33), Possession of Stolen motor Pleasant Garden, on 07/14/2021.

Bicentennial Arrest on charge of Assault on a on thevehicle, ♦ Models Hazelwood, Elizabeth (F, 44), Heath Causey, left, celebrates his Late victory Saturday night at Caraway Speedway. imporoperPark use of a dealer Female, at 8300 Curtis Power Rd, Arrest on chage of Misdemeanor ♦ Bolton McKee, James Henry Stagetag, and aretofree to title, the failure to failure deliver Bennett, NC, on 07/14/2021.

Larceny, at Hoover Hill Rd/Slick (M, 47), Arrest on charge of appear on felony, at I-85 Exit 111, public.

Rodk Mtn, on 07/14/2021.

Possession of Stolen Goods, at on 07/13/2021. ♦ Passmore, Casey Lynn, Arrest on inpossession the social discharge of of marijuana ♦ Cheek, Helenia Spinks (F, 64), ♦ Lynch, Detrick Lamont (M, 40),ages permitted trict willup include drinks. to 1/2 mixed oz., at Randolph Arrest on charge of Misdemeanor Arrest on charge of Assault by “We Possession don’t wantofto promote Friday Night said she’s pleased patrons the restaurants Courthouse, on 7/13/2021.

Schedule VI CS, Gallimore ♦ Pugh,entering Robert Daniel (M, 39), pointing a gun, Discharging a that Asheboro is taking small or bars. anything that’s of detrimental Bluegrass: Possessiong Stolen Motor Arrest on charge of Simple firearm to cause fear, Reckless steps with the social district.

McGee’s non-profit group put ♦ Roark, Justin Steven (M, 30), Vehicle, at I-85 Exit 111, on Assault (M), at 139 Drum St, to downtown.”

The Grassifieds driving to endanger, Seagrove, on “It’s a Arrest good way to kindofofPossession ease together a proposal, working on charge 07/13/2021.

Asheboro, on 07/14/2021.

07/12/2021. into it,” she said of the three days with city staff.

There were adof Meth, Possession with intent 7pm per week. “We don’t want to projustments and tweaks along the Barbara Gallimore of The Flying to manufacture, sell or distribute ♦ McQueen, James Allen Jr (M, 35), ♦ Richardson, Erwin Quint Jr (M, ♦ Helms, Chad Lee (M, 37), Arrest mote anything that’s detrimental way to approval.

Pig Food andonSpirits heroin, Simple possession of Traditional Arrest charge of Possession 31), Arrest on charges of Felony on charge of Felony Sexual bluegrass to downtown.”

“We were the catalyst,” McGee II, III,a IVnice CS, Maintaining of Marijuana up to 1/2 oz., Larceny and Possession of Stolen Exploitation of a minor in the ThereSchedule could be insaid.

“We were happy with the band The Grassifieds, Place, Possession Drug Possession of drug paraphernalia, Goods, at 5471 Needhams Trail, crease for businesses in theofcomcompromises.” second degree (10 counts), 727 from Walkertown, Paraphernalia, 1029are High Point Failure to appeal felony, failure Seagrove, on 07/14/2021. ing weeks even as any at kinks district, with on many othState legislation was put in a social McDowell Rd, Asheboro, NC, on Rd, on 7/13/2021. to appear oncities misdemeanor, followingat worked out. place in response to the pandem- er similar-sized N.C., will perform at 07/12/2021. ♦ Seibert, Sarah Elizabeth (F, 32), “The first week some people ic, which had limited many es- that.

Asheboro’s historic “Each city does it a bit differ- may come out for the novelty of tablishments and their abilities it,” McClosky said. to stay in operation. Those in- ently,” she said.

Sunset Theater. Tickets Signage will go up to desigMcGee said Asheboro will becluded capacity limits. are $10.

McGee said Kannapolis was gin somewhat cautiously, thus nate the boundaries of the social the first city in the state to adopt limiting it to three days. Bever- district.

6469 Clyde King Rd, Seagrove, on SOCIAL DISTRICT from page 1 07/15/2021.

WWE leaves virtual reality behind in 1st tour June since 5 2020 FRIDAY MAY 20

By Dan Gelston The Associated Press

WEEKLY CRIME LOG

HI 94 ♦ Davis, Salassia Hykiah LOW 68 PHILADELPHIA — Triple H Asmin (M, 22), Arrested walked with his arms crossed PRECIP 9% like on charge of Simple an X — his signature DegeneraPossess CS Schedule tion X symbol — with his 7-foot IV, Possess Marijuana tag-team partner, Joel Embiid, to SATURDAY 21 month Paraphernalia, Possess ring a ceremonialMAY bell last before a Philadelphia 76ers playDrug Paraphernalia, off game.

PWIMSD Schedule II CS, His theme music blared HI 91 PWIMSD Heroin, Maintain through the arena, and near68 from the Place CS, on 5/12/22, at ly 19,000 fansLOW hanging 24% rafters roaredPRECIP when the wrestler 5761 Greens Acres Dr Lot hoisted his bad-guy weapon-of1. choice sledgehammer and struck the bell.

SUNDAY MAY 22 Sure, the setting wasn’t WrestleMania — though Triple H lost a match in the same building when HI 83 the event was held there in 1999 — but for the superstar-turned-exLOW 59 ecutive, the frenzied atmosphere PRECIP 32% was a reminder of what WWE lost during the 16 months it ran without live events and raucous MONDAY MAY 23 crowds.

“It was a fun opportunity to get back into an arena packed full of fans and have them HI 69go nuts,” said Triple H, known these days as LOW 51 Levesque.

WWE executive Paul PRECIP 32% “That adrenaline rush, there’s nothing like it.”

WWE hasn’t been the same without its “Yes!” chants or “This TUESDAY MAY 24 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 57 fans.

No more. PRECIP 24% 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

Summer Concert ple cheering over him, or booing over him or going into different Series: Sand Band

directions over him,” have benefit7pmed, Levesque said. “But that’s the beauty of what we do, to go be enhowever you want to Thetertained, beach music be entertained. As a performer, group Sand Band sometimes that’s difficult.”

WWE’s June July 5 5“RAW” on USA will perform Network hit City 1.472 of million viewers, as part of the the lowest in the 28-plus year hisAsheboro Summer tory of the show. ♦ Chambers, Ethan Levesque, WWE Concert Series.

The EVP of globBradford (M, 31), Arrested al talent strategy and developconcerts take place on on charge of Attempted ment, said the company would ♦ Spinks, Kimesha Kelly Felony Larceny, Break the Bicentennial Park “take a hard look” at how it can (F, 48), Arrested on or Enter a Motor Vehicle, attract fans to to the the product Stage andmore are free each week. WWE can only hope ♦ Blackburn, Sabrina Jo (F, charge of Uttering Forged First Degree Trespass, public. the combination of live crowds 43), Arrested on charge Endorsement, Forgery of Injury to Real Property, and the return of box office attracof First Degree Trespass, Instrument, on 5/10/22, Possess Meth, on 5/8/22, tions such as Becky Lynch, GoldInjury to Trees, Crops, at 727 McDowell Rd. at 1366 Meadowlands Dr. berg, and Cena can ignite interest Lands, Littering 15-500 and grow AID from page 1ratings during the build ♦ Hall, Thomas Zachery ♦ Brown, Randal Huston to the marquee Aug. 21 Summerlbs, on 5/11/22, at 7917 (M, 32), Arrested on (M, 70), Arrested on at thetohome of the Las VeIn Slam addition investigating Old US HWY 64. gasreported Raiders.cases, the ICAC charge of Possess charge of Felony Larceny, tips and “It neverelectronic is one thing,” Levesque lab processes foren♦ Hernadez, Rigoberto Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Stolen sic evidence for nine other agensaid.

“We see this as a moment in Lorenzo (M, 31), Arrested Possess Meth, Assault Goods, on 5/7/22, at 1417 cies. time They toare theeverything.

RandlemanI think shift on charge of Simple Gov Official/Employee, Pine Hill Rd. Policeyou’ll Department, Silerthe City Po- of evsee it in just layout Assault, two counts of Resisting Public Officer, lice Department, Chatham Counerything, the set designs, the way PHOTO BYMcCray WILLY SANJUAN/INVISION/AP ♦ Martin, Dylan (M, ty Sheriff’s Office, Asheboro Assault on a Female, on on 5/9/22, at 1912 it’s presented.

There’s Poa greater 26), onMonday chargeNight of lice Department, Police emphasis onLiberty utilizing the spacIn this Jan.at 9,1847 2018,Bailey file photo, Paul “Triple H” Ln. Levesque participates in Arrested the “WWE 5/10/22, Scaleybark Department, Seagrove Police DeLarceny of Motor Vehicle, es that we have and the TV aspect Raw: 25th Anniversary” panel during the NBCUniversal Television Critics Association Winter Press Rd. partment, Ramseur Police Deof it while still engaging the fans.

Tour in Pasadena, Calif. ♦ McIntosh, Angela Hope (F, on 5/6/22, at 7263 partment, Homeland SecuriA lot and of that comes from the time ♦ Newbold, Joseph 55), Arrested on charge of Charles Mtn Rd. ty. we had to experiment inside the Kenneth (M, 63), Arrested Simple Possess Schedule ICAC Unit has processed WWE then Gracelynn moved to its in-houseTheThunderDome.” pay-per-view Sunday in Texas and former,” Reigns said. “As a live ♦ Brandeberry, 48 devices for other agencies since on charge of Trafficking II CS, Possess Marijuana The first start is putting fans performance in Florida on Dallas on Monday for the flagship performer, that simultaneous re-Gabrielle (F, 30),center Arrested August 2021 to aid both state and in Methamphetamine, to 1/2keeps oz, Possess — holding their homemade signs sponse you sharp. We had March 13, before setting up what “Raw” TV show on USA. WWE up federally prosecuted cases. Based on charge of Possess PWIMSD II back old Drug Paraphernalia, and wearing catchphrase -- information to adjust and adapt to the times it dubbed The ThunderDome on spruced up Schedule sets, brought from their the sheriff’s Schedule I CS, Possess T-shirts — back in the seats. where fans registered for spots that were in front of us.” stars and hit the reset button on CS, Trafficking Opium Larceny by Employee, on office, requests for forensic analyDrug Paraphernalia, on “When we have that on LED digital videoboards — for With Hulk Hogan in the house, TV programming humbled with sis have totaled 193 electroniclive de-crowd, or Heroin, PWIMSD 5/9/22, at Castlerock Rd. sometimes they almost become stretches in Florida at the Amway record-low ratings and a strong WWE held their only Wrestle-5/6/22, at RCJ. vices within the past year.

Mania with fans this past April Center, Tropicana Field and the the cameras for a lot of the perneed for new stars. formers,” Reigns said. “But when “I do think if we were doing this 10 and 11 at Raymond James Sta- Yuengling Center.

“People like Roman have been you don’t have that real-time, flesh in front of the live crowd, it would dium. WWE last ran a weeknight have been a situation that would televised event with a paid crowd able to emotionally bring a per- interaction, the red light becomes have made me an even better per- on March 9, 2020, in Washington. formance that, maybe with peo- the focal point for the performer.”

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Randolph Record for Wednesday, May 18, 2022

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

COLUMN | U.S. REP. RICHARD HUDSON

Protecting our community

We need real and urgent action to end the wave of violent crime that is engulfing this country.

This starts by rejecting calls to “defund” or “disband” the police.

EVERY DAY, brave men and women kiss their loved ones goodbye and go to work, knowing that day could be their last. These are police officers who work all throughout the year to protect our communities, even under threats like never before.

It’s National Police Week, a time to honor those who have fallen in the line of duty and thank our nation’s law enforcement for all they do to protect this country. Being a police officer is one of the most challenging jobs out there, yet thousands of brave men and women answer the call every day to serve and protect. However, in recent years, our police have not received the resources and respect they deserve.

America is enduring one of the worst crime waves in decades.

Violent crime is skyrocketing across the country — homicide rates have increased 48% this year compared to this time two years ago. Similarly, assaults on police have also gone up significantly — attacks on uniformed officers have increased 56% compared to 2020. Despite this, liberal politicians have continued to support a “woke agenda” over the safety of the American public. Progressives in Washington have repeatedly shown this by endorsing radical efforts to defund or even disband the police. And while President Joe Biden has voiced support for law enforcement, he has failed to back up these calls with meaningful action to support police and address the crimewave plaguing our cities.

We need real and urgent action to end the wave of violent crime that is engulfing this country. This starts by rejecting calls to “defund” or “disband” the police and giving these agencies the tools and training they need to do their jobs and keep Americans safe.

Meanwhile, families everywhere also continue to suffer from rapid inflation and severe supply shortages because of misguided liberal policies. Inflation has risen every month since President

Biden took office. Transportation costs are up 8.5%, electricity 11.0% and groceries 10.8%. Perhaps worst of all, fuel prices are up almost 43.6% percent. Last week, the national average for a gallon of gas hit a new high of $4.43, while diesel hit a record $5.56.

More alarming, however, is the severe supply shortage of critical goods in this country like baby formula. Record gas prices and inflation are costing families an extra $5,200 this year compared to last. The last thing parents need right now is worrying about how they are going to feed their kids. I can only imagine the fear many of you are now facing as grocery store shelves are empty. In our state, we’ve also seen this impact supplies at food banks and pantries.

Last week, I wrote the President and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) demanding they do more to address the baby formula shortage. This baby formula issue is not new — we have known about recalls and supply chain issues for months. It is unacceptable that the FDA and President Biden have not acted faster to solve these issues, but I will not stop working until they provide us with answers, and it is resolved.

Last week I also continued my commitment to improving health care. I was proud to have three bills advance in the Energy and Commerce Committee to support youth mental health, lower drug prices, and increase accountability of countries like China. These bipartisan bills build on my work as a leader in House Republicans’ Healthy Future Task Force.

Whether it is supporting our police, addressing inflation and supply chain issues, or protecting the health and safety of you and your family, I will continue to fight every day to make sure our communities are healthy and secure. As your congressman, and as a dad, that is my promise to you.

COLUMN | DAVID HARSANYI

Better questions to ask Americans on abortion Do you support the Democratic Party’s effort to legalize abortion through all nine months of pregnancy in all 50 states?

WITH THE LEAK of a Supreme Court draft opinion by Justice Samuel Alito overturning Roe v. Wade, the media has gone into hyper-drive trying to obscure the real contours of the debate. One of the most obvious ways they do it is by highlighting politicallymotivated surveys and conducting push-polling.

Take Politico’s recent Morning Consult poll, which informs us that 53% of voters say Roe should not be overturned. Even among Republican voters, only 48% support overturning Roe. First of all, who cares? It’s a completely irrelevant query, really. The court exists not to care what polls tells them. And, really, on what constitutional grounds do these 53% of Americans maintain the decision should be upheld? There is tons of evidence illustrating that, other than in the broadest terms, most Americans have no idea what Roe entails.

If you want to delve into the topic, a far more worthwhile line of inquiry would be: “Do you believe the issue of abortion should be a protected constitutional right, or should voters be able to decide the issue on a state level?” This properly lays out the reality of choices that voters face. And I suspect the numbers would look quite different when the issue is framed properly. But, of course, that would mean informing those being questioned that overturning Roe doesn’t necessarily mean an abortion ban. That would be inconvenient.

The Morning Consult poll also finds that 41% of voters say it is “very important” for them to vote for a candidate in the 2022 midterms who supports “abortion access.” Every Republican-led law that’s been enacted on the issue of abortion in recent years, including the Mississippi bill that sparked the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health case, provides “access” to abortion. Maybe some future bill won’t, but these do.

Do you think those 41% understand this reality, one that is purposely obscured by the question? I don’t.

And anyway, why are pollsters posing inexact theoretical questions about abortion when they can ask precise ones that would properly gauge where the public stands on the debate that does exist? Democrats run Washington, and Chuck Schumer, who runs the Senate, has already brought the Women’s Health Protection Act bill to the floor. This bill had tangible policy components that properly reflect the Democratic Party’s position on abortion, so pollsters don’t have to guess.

Some easy questions might be:

Do you support the Democratic Party’s effort to legalize abortion through all nine months of pregnancy in all 50 states?

Do you support the Democrats’ efforts to prohibit states from passing laws that forbid abortions after viability?

Do you support the Democrats’ efforts to prohibit states from passing laws against sex-selective abortions?

Do you support the Democrats’ efforts to overturn existing laws that require parental or guardian notification for minors?

Do you agree with Democrats that non-doctors should be given the right to perform abortions?

Do you agree with the Democratic Party’s efforts to strip medical workers of conscience rights and compel them to participate in abortion procedures or lose their jobs?

Democrats, including President Joe Biden, want to eliminate the Hyde Amendment so that the federal government can fund abortions with taxpayer dollars. Do you agree?

Do you agree with the Biden administration that more abortions are vital in keeping down the poor population, increasing labor force participation and helping the economy?

A few years back, Republicans in Congress attempted to pass a 20-week limit on abortion. Do you think such a limit is reasonable?

In Florida and Mississippi, Republican governors have signed laws limiting legal abortion to the first 15 weeks of pregnancy.

Would you support similar limits in your state?

Rather, Politico asks about the prospect of prison for women who obtain abortions, which 73% oppose. Not only has there never been a serious anti-abortion bill that proposes jail time for women who get abortions, Texas, for instance, specifically exempts women from homicide charges for abortions. Prison time has never been part of the anti-abortion policy agenda. Why would you ask this particular question and not any of the others?

To fearmonger and mislead participants.

It is undeniable that American attitudes regarding abortion are complex and often contradictory. But media outlets have further obfuscated the issue to protect Democrats. It is perhaps most obvious in the questions they ask.

David Harsanyi is a senior writer at National Review and author of “Eurotrash: Why America Must Reject the Failed Ideas of a Dying Continent.”

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Randolph Record for Wednesday, May 18, 2022

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SPORTS SIDELINE REPORT NFL

4 Bills Hall of Famers planning support of shooting victims Buffalo Bills Hall of Fame running back Thurman Thomas told The Associated Press he and several former teammates are coming together in Buffalo this week to help support families of the shooting victims. Among those players expected to make the trip are Hall of Famers defensive end Bruce Smith and receiver Andre Reed, along with Thomas and Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly, who like Thomas lives in the area.

Thomas, who has already pledged $10,000 of support to the victims’ families from his charitable foundation, said it was too early to provide any details of the gathering.

NHL

Golden Knights fire DeBoer after missing playoffs Las Vegas The Vegas Golden Knights fired coach Peter DeBoer on Monday after they missed the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. Vegas failed to qualify for the postseason after a barrage of injuries compounded by salary cap problems wreaked havoc on the lineup. DeBoer coached the Golden Knights for 2½ seasons after being named to replace Gerard Gallant in January 2020. DeBoer, 53, is the fourth coach to lose his job since the regular season ended, joining Detroit’s Jeff Blashill, the New York Islanders‘ Barry Trotz and Philadelphia interim coach Mike Yeo.

SOCCER

Chelsea sale not yet approved London The British government has yet to approve the sale of Premier League club Chelsea to a consortium fronted

by Los Angeles Dodgers part-owner Todd Boehly.

Outgoing Russian owner Roman Abramovich is not allowed to profit from the proceeds of the sale since he was sanctioned and his assets were frozen for his links to President Vladimir Putin after the invasion of Ukraine. An update to the license allowing Chelsea to continue operating as a business is required from the government to approve the buyout. Abramovich said he hopes the proceeds of the 2.5 billion-pound ($3.1 billion) sale will go to charitable causes, having previously said they would go to help victims of the war in Ukraine.

PRO FOOTBALL

3 CFL teams cancel opening practices amid work stoppage Toronto Three Canadian Football league teams canceled their opening training-camp practices Sunday, a day after the league and players union broke off negotiations on a collective bargaining agreement. The Montreal Alouettes, Hamilton TigerCats and Toronto Argonauts canceled practices, with more teams expected to follow suit.

The previous CBA expired at midnight, with the CFL Players’ Association directing players from seven of the nine teams to participate in a work stoppage beginning at 12:01 a.m. EDT Sunday. The lone previous CFL strike came in 1974 and was resolved before the start of the season.

AP PHOTO

Kurt Busch celebrates after winning Sunday's NASCAR Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway.

Kurt Busch takes Jordan Brand to Victory Lane at Kansas The win was the second ever for 23XI Racing The Associated Press KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Kurt Busch was slowly driving his Jordan Brand-styled ride toward victory lane at Kansas Speedway on Sunday when car owner Denny Hamlin stopped him in his tracks, ducked his head through the window and said: “We did it.”

Did they ever.

Busch survived a weary day of tire attrition, then pinched his way past Kyle Larson for the lead with eight laps to go, before driving away from the reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion

to win for the first time at Kansas — and give the up-and-coming 23XI Racing team owned by Hamlin and NBA great Michael Jordan its second win ever.

“That’s the most gratifying part, helping these guys win,” Busch said. “It’s all about team work. I don’t do this alone.”

Larson had the dominant car, riding the top line around the mile-and-a-half oval, but Busch was able to put his Toyota just about anywhere he wanted.

That paid off when the two were side-by-side with eight to go and Busch squeezed by Larson, who brushed the wall and lost just enough momentum to surrender the lead — and the win.

Busch pulled his No. 45 car

— one of the numbers that Jordan wore during his career — to a stop at the start-finish line and climbed out the window before throwing his arms up in triumph, the familiar Jumpman logo splashed across his fire suit.

It was the second win for 23XI after Bubba Wallace triumphed last year at Talladega, and it came at the most unexpected of times; neither of the team’s drivers had finished in the top 10 this season.

“You know, we as an organization kind of let these guys down — I’m talking about Bubba and Kurt, all the mistakes we’d made on pit road and whatnot,” Hamlin said. “But lets talk about the positives. I can’t thank Kurt enough.

The Jordan Brand’s first race, so

jealous he gets to drive that car, and then to have that thing so fast there, yeah, it’s just — I’ve never had this kind of feeling, even for a win for me, much less when I didn’t win. It’s different.”

There were no hard feelings about the way Busch raced to the finish, either.

“He never got into me. I’m trying to squeeze throttle to get position on him and just got tight,” Larson said. “That was fun racing with Kurt the last half of the race. I was trying hard the whole time.”

Kyle Busch was third followed by Denny Hamlin. Christopher Bell parlayed his third pole of the season into a fifthplace finish. Truex bounced back from his tire issue to finish sixth with Chastain, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Alex Bowman and Wallace rounding out the top 10.

The series takes a regular-season break before the Coca-Cola 600 and heads to Texas for next weekend’s All-Star race.

Panthers’ Corral has ‘big chip’ on shoulder after draft fall The quarterback slid to the third round in last month’s NFL Draft The Associated Press CHARLOTTE — Matt Corral’s unexpected fall to the third round of the NFL Draft has left the Carolina Panthers rookie quarterback with a good bit of motivation as he begins his professional career.

“Honestly, I had a big chip on my shoulder before — but it just got bigger,” Corral said Friday after his first minicamp practice.

Corral traveled to Las Vegas to be a part of the draft festivities last month but left the green room following the first night when his name wasn’t called. He never returned. He spent the second night in a nearby hotel room with his family waiting — and waiting — to be selected.

It didn’t happen until the 94th overall pick when the quarterback-needy Panthers traded up into the bottom half of the third round to get him, ending what the former Mississippi signal-caller called “a roller coaster of emo-

tion.”

“I truly have never been happy and sad at the same time,” Corral said of the phone call. “I’ve never felt that before.”

Corral offered no explanation for the free fall.

He addressed an NFL Network report shortly after the draft that attributed teams passing on him because he had “alcohol and related issues” in his past.

“I don’t know where that came from,” Corral said. “It’s one of those things that got out there.

That was honestly the first time I heard that. That’s not something I can control.”

Panthers coach Matt Rhule downplayed those reports, saying the team talked to his college roommate, teammates and coaches — and the feedback was “you’re going to love him.”

“I’m more interested in the issues that people have now than the issues that they have overcome,” Rhule said. “I certainly don’t want to be judged at what I was at 18, 19 or 20 (years old). All of us have gone through things in life.”

While Corral’s fall from a potential first-round draft pick cost

CHRIS CARLSON | AP PHOTO

Panthers quarteback Matt Corral, who slid to the third round of the draft before Carolina traded up to select him, takes part in drills during last week's rookie minicamp in Charlotte. him millions on his rookie contract, the reality is he’s landed in a place where he has a chance for long-term success. The Panthers don’t have an established quarterback.

Sam Darnold struggled last year with 13 touchdown passes and 19 interceptions and his hold on the starting spot is tenuous at best. P.J. Walker is the only other returning QB. Rhule said it helps “even the playing field” for rookies that all of Carolina’s offensive players will be learning a new system under new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo.

Corral said his immediate goal is to position himself to compete, but that’s not his biggest concern right now.

“All it comes down to is know-

ing the playbook,” Corral said.

“If I can know the playbook, I’m going to be ready to play. ... Of course my mentality is to be the starter, but right now I’m trying to get on that 53-man roster.”

Panthers rookie offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu said he likes what he saw on day one from Corral in the huddle.

“Cool, calm and collected,” Ekwonu said. “Just going through the walkthroughs this morning you could see the poise in the pocket and you kind of feel like he’s ready for the position.”

Rhule said the Panthers love Corral’s moxie.

“The way he throws the ball, his vision, his release and his timing, we just thought it would transfer over to this level,” Rhule said.

Randolph Record for Wednesday, May 18, 2022

PREP ROUNDUP

Soccer teams start state playoffs strong at home

5 BEST OVERALL ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Ellie Garrison

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record ASHEBORO and Uwharrie Charter Academy won opening-round games in the state playoffs for girls’ soccer Monday night.

Asheboro defeated visiting Foard 2-1 behind two goals from Tess Moody in Class 3-A. Natalie Flores had an assist and goalkeeper Sarah Allred made nine saves.

UCA topped Piedmont Community 7-0 in Class 1-A, with Ava Cugino posting two goals and one assist, Kendall Jarrell scoring twice and Chloe Douglas, Kaylen Trucks and Ivy Redding all providing one goal.

Second-round games are set for Thursday.

A pair of Class 2-A teams from Randolph County failed to advance, while undefeated Wheatmore was slated to begin the playoffs Tuesday night.

No. 15 seed Southwestern Randolph absorbed a 2-1 home loss to No. 18 seed East Davidson.

Providence Grove, the No. 27 seed, tied with sixth-seeded West Stokes. That 2-2 draw came before West Stokes moved on in the bracket via penalty kicks.

Softball Providence Grove was the only team from Randolph County to make it through the first week of the state playoffs.

The unbeaten Patriots won twice at home in Class 2-A, beating Patton 9-2 and West Wilkes 4-1.

Emma Mazzarone struck out 10 in the first round and fanned 17 batters in the West Wilkes game.

Providence Grove, the top seed in the West Region, was slated for a home game against No. 8 seed Mount Pleasant on Tuesday night.

The regional semifinals are slated for Friday night – and the Patriots would be home again if they’ve reached that round.

Southwestern Randolph began with a 7-4 home victory against No. 21 seed Maiden. The 12th-seeded Cougars then fell 2-1 at No. 5 seed West Stokes.

Also in Class 2-1, fourth-seeded Forbush ousted No. 29 seed

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Uwharrie Charter Academy’s Kendall Jarrell, who scored two goals, takes a shot against visiting Piedmont Community during the Class 1-A state playoffs Monday night. The Eagles will play again this week.

Randleman 8-0 and second-seeded West Stanley topped No. 31 seed Wheatmore 13-0.

In Class 1-A, fifth-seeded Eastern Randolph belted No. 28 seed Hayesville 12-1 before losing 9-7 at home to No. 12 seed Union County.

No. 16 seed Uwharrie Charter Academy bowed out with a 10-5 home loss to No. 17 seed Draughn.

Baseball Aside from two shutout victories for reigning Class 2-A state champion Randleman, other area teams had success in the first week of the state playoffs.

No. 19 seed Trinity recorded a 10-1 victory at No. 14 seed McMichael on Cade Hill’s complete-game pitching in Class 2-A. The Bulldogs pulled off another road win by upending No. 3 seed Shelby Burns by 11-7.

The Class 1-A bracket was set to bring together No. 23 seed Eastern Randolph and No. 18 seed Uwharrie Charter Academy for Tuesday night’s third round. The winner will be tagged for Friday night’s regional semifinals.

Both teams won two road outings. Eastern Randolph began by winning 12-1 at Murphy before

posting a 10-0 rout of Bradford Prep. UCA smacked North Stokes 13-3 and Draughn 7-3.

In Class 3-A, Asheboro bowed out with a 4-1 first-round loss at North Henderson.

Boys’ golf Eastern Randolph junior Connor Carter finished as the Class 1-A runner-up in the state tournament last week in Southern Pines.

Carter’s two-day total of 156 put him as the runner-up. He had two rounds of 78 at Longleaf Golf & Family Club.

Mitchell sophomore Connor Warren was the winner with a 2-under-par 70 in the final round.

That was good for an eight-stroke edge on Carter.

Carter played the front nine in the second round at 1-under 34 before five bogeys, a double bogey and one birdie on the backside.

South Stanly was the team champion, winning the program’s first title.

In Class 2-A at Foxfire Resort & Golf Club’s Red Course in Jackson Springs, Wheatmore junior Ryan Baynard tied for 66th at 187 with rounds of 92 and 94.

Randleman’s rich pitching provides perks Tigers blank first two baseball foes in state playoffs

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record RANDLEMAN – Trey Way is considered among the best pitchers on Randleman’s star-studded baseball team.

Too bad he rarely finds his way to the mound these days.

“They don’t give me chances anymore,” Way said with a laugh, understanding the situation. “It’s a good thing.”

Randleman’s bid to repeat as Class 2-A state champion is off to a rousing start through the first week of the state playoffs.

It was Drake Purvis’ turn Thursday night, when he tossed a one-hitter in an 11-0 second-round victory against visiting East Gaston. The game was cut short to five innings.

“It went pretty quickly,” Purvis said. “And that’s what you want.”

It was the team’s 12th shutout of the season, albeit some coming in shortened games based on the prolific offense racking up so many runs that the mercy rule is implemented.

“We look to run-rule every team that we can,” catcher Brooks Brannon said. “And if we can’t, we just win in seven and that’s OK with us.”

The Tigers (27-1), the top seed in the West Region, were set to be back in action for another home game Tuesday night vs. 25th-seeded Mount Pleasant in the third round.

Dispatching East Gaston (20-7) came on top of the 15-0 five-inning blanking of visiting Lincolnton on Tuesday when Ryan White dealt three innings with three strikeouts and Seth Way worked the last two innings of the combined two-hitter.

White, a senior, and Purvis, a sophomore, are a pair of energetic left-handers. They credit Brannon with keeping them on task.

“I can tell by the look in their eyes, and they’re always dialed in,” Brannon said. “Whenever they’re dialed in, they’re unhittable. As long as we keep rolling like that, it’s hard for us to lose.”

Purvis struck out 11, includ-

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Randleman pitcher Drake Purvis reacts to an out during Thursday night’s shutout of East Gaston in the Class 2-A state playoffs. ing three in the seventh. He issued his only two walks in that frame as well. East Gaston’s lone hit was a first-inning infield dribbler.

After seeing what White can do, Purvis said it’s a matter of going out and matching it.

“It’s a competition. That’s how I view it,” Purvis said. “He’s the best.

I’m the best.”

It’s a luxury for coach Jake Smith.

“It all starts on the bump. I feel like we’ve got two, three maybe four,” he said of the pitching-rich options. “I just feel like we’ve got a number of our guys that can be successful at any time. We’ve got confidence in them. … I feel we really have a great staff that really knows its roles.”

Center fielder Braylen Hayes views the mound work from a distance, noting the importance of those duties, particularly with some convenient power alleys for batters at Joe Brookshire Field.

“Our pitching is some studs,” Hayes said.

Purvis mixed in fastballs, curveballs, sliders and change-ups to keep the Warriors off balance.

So for Trey Way, he has been limited to a handful of pitching starts.

Still …

“He’s right there with them,” Smith said of the team’s top pitchers.

This sets up as an ideal combi-

nation if the Tigers continue to advance.

“We try to minimize as much damage as possible,” Smith said.

“Defense really works good behind our pitchers, really try to play clean baseball all the way around. You want to save arms. Offense is kind of the cure-all when it comes to stuff like that. We’ve been pretty aggressive with the sticks and getting good leads early on teams and putting pressure on.”

Even light rain couldn’t dampen the Tigers’ offense in their latest game.

Randleman began the scoring Thursday with Brannon’s two-run, opposite-field laser to right field for a home run on the first pitch he saw in the bottom of the first. Trey Way hit a ground-rule double to center field and Hunter Atkins drilled a two-run single to highlight a fiverun second inning.

In the fourth, Brannon’s lead-off double set the tone for four more runs, with Bryson Sweatt, Gus Shelton and White providing run-scoring singles and Kaden Ethier posting a sacrifice fly.

White finished 3-for-3 and Sweatt drove in three runs.

In last Tuesday’s first-round romp, Atkins homered and tripled as part of a four-RBI outing, Brannon also drove in four runs and Trey Way scored three times.

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Ellie Garrison, right, of Wheatmore makes a move in front of Southwestern Randolph’s Marcela Rodriguez during a game earlier this season.

Wheatmore, girls’ soccer Garrison racked up more big offensive numbers as the Warriors completed an undefeated regular season with two more victories last week.

Garrison, a sophomore, produced four goals and one assist in a 12-3 triumph against visiting Uwharrie Charter Academy. Summer Bowman was credited with five goals and three assists, Natalie Bowman posted two goals and one assist and Maggie Messner had a goal in that game.

Garrison followed that a day later with six goals and one assist in the 9-0 romp past host Providence Grove to conclude the Piedmont Athletic Conference portion of the schedule. Natalie Bowman’s two goals and Kara Comer’s one goal marked the other scoring.

The Warriors took a 19-0 record into the state playoffs.

As the West Region’s No. 2 seed in Class 2-A, they were slated to meet visiting East Rutherford on Tuesday night.

In the regular season, Wheatmore outscored its opponents by a combined score of 164-8.

PREP TRACK AND FIELD

Randleman girls, SWR’s Cole lead state qualifiers Randolph Record staff HIGH POINT — Randleman’s girls excelled in several field events and a Southwestern Randolph sprinter highlighted the boys’ results from Randolph County in Friday’s Class 2-A Midwest Regional track and field meet at High Point Athletic Complex.

Randleman junior Iniyah Mitchell and senior Kyle Vaughn held the top two spots in the shot put at 36 feet, 5 inches and 35-8, respectively. Mitchell was fourth in the discus at 94-5.

Randleman freshman Gracie Beane was the runner-up in two events -- the triple jump at 34-¾ and the high jump at 5-0.

Southwestern Randolph junior Adam Cole won the 100-meter dash in 11.30 seconds, barely ahead of High Point Andrews’ Correy McManus (11.33).

Randleman senior Chris Gentry was second in the 110 hurdles in 16.23.

The top four finishers in each event qualified for Friday’s state meet at North Carolina A&T in Greensboro. Place finishers among the top eight were point scorers for their teams.

Also among the girls, Southwestern Randolph senior Josie Allred took third in the high jump at 4-10. Trinity freshman Sarabeth Johnson tied for fifth in the high jump at 4-6. Randleman freshman Ava Jones also cleared 4-6, but was down in the standings based on number of attempts.

Junior Peyton Wilson of Wheatmore claimed fourth in the 400 in 1:04.6.

Providence Grove’s Jensen Auman, Willow Maynor, Kaylan Currin and Mia Browder combined for sixth in the 3,200 relay in 11:44.03. Auman placed seventh in the 3,200 in 14:27.91 and eighth in the 1,600 in 6:46.18.

Wheatmore’s 1,600 relay of Gracie Hodgin, Madeline Work, Kaitlyn Miller and Wilson was seventh in 4:37.80.

On the boys’ side, Trinity senior Michael Connelly was fourth (43.19) and classmate Jonathan Hill was fifth in 43.33 in the 300 hurdles. Hill took sixth in the 110 hurdles in 17.55.

Trinity’s 3,200 relay of Hill,

Mitchell Marin-Pulido, Jose Castillo and David Makupson was seventh in 9:15.58.2.

In the high jump, Southwestern Randolph sophomore Lance Everhart was fifth at 5-10 and Trinity junior Dylan Hodges was eighth at 5-8.

Class 3-A At Mocksville, Asheboro had several strong performances in the Midwest Regional at Davie County High School.

Senior Arianna Lovingood-Smith was second with a leap of 5-2 in the high jump.

Freshman Rebecca Wilson was fifth in the event at 4-10.

Senior Rose Kidd was seventh in the 400 in 1:04.81. Sophomore Sophia Roman was fifth in the 3,200 in 13:18.69.

In the 800 relay, the unit of Jaqueline Holden, Audrey Patterson, Veronica Powell and Sion Murrain was sixth in 1:52.63.

The relay of Patterson, Lovingood-Smith, Powell and Murrain took seventh in the 400 relay in 52.97.

For the Asheboro boys, sophomore Mark Valentino ended up sixth in the triple jump at 413½. Junior Nicolas Chavez was seventh in 43.40 in the 300 hurdles.

Class 1-A Also at Davie County High School, Eastern Randolph junior Brecken Snotherly was second in the 3,200 in 5:47.91 and in the 3,2000 in 13:08.03 in girls’ races at the Midwest Regional. Corvian Community School’s Taylor Worley was first in both races.

On the boys’ side, sophomore Josh Brady of Eastern Randolph was second in the 110 hurdles in 16.37 seconds and third in the 300 hurdles in 44.89.

Freshman Ian Moore took eighth in the discus at 95-9.

The Wildcats’ quartet of Daniel Yarborough, Malachi Letterlough, Daniel Thomas and A’Donye Herbert placed eighth in 47.33 in the 400 relay. The same group was ninth in the 1:38.57 in the 800 relay.

The state meets for Class 1-A and Class 4-A will be held Saturday at N.C. A&T.

Randolph Record for Wednesday, May 18, 2022

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RD MO RIA L

UWHARR IE RD

PR OS PE CT

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RD SHELTON CTRY

RO UTH RD

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ALD RID GE

RD SH EN GL I W

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TR L EA RL

WILLIAMS DAIRY RD

RRY RD MACK LINEBE

RD BRO WN TOM

RD

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CA RL AL LR ED

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OLD LEXINGTON RD

HWY 73/74 INTERSTATE

ME

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RD

WH ITE S

PINE VIE

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4 Y7 HW

RD

GEORGE

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WHITETAIL DR

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CHAUCER TRL DR

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IRVIN CTRY RD

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NC HWY 22 N

MIL L RD BRA NSO N EV AN SC ED AR LN

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RD RY CT

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RD

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RD ITE RD

EARNHARDT RD

JERICO RD

RYAN DR

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BRANSON DAVIS RD

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GUIL-RAND FIRE PROTECTION ASSOC STA41

RD

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GUIL-RAND FIRE PROTECTION ASSOC STA21

RD LL

MIL RANE COLT

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RD OLE PO BA CC O

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N 11

RD

RD

MI

RD RY CT

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OLD GLENOLA RD

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MT GILEAD

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1 inch = 1.7 miles

E

ST WE

TUR NPIK E

RD

BRUCE PUGH RD

RD

THIS MAP WAS PREPARED BY RANDOLPH COUNTY, NC FOR THE COUNTY'S INTERNAL USE. RANDOLPH COUNTY, ITS AGENTS AND EMPLOYEES MAKE NO WARRANTY AS TO THE CORRECTNESS OR ACCURACY OF THE INFORMATION SET FORTH ON THIS MAP, WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, IN FACT OR IN LAW, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION THE IMPLIED WARRANITES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. MAP IS BASED ON STATE PLANE COORDINATE SYSTEM IN 1983 DATUM.

4

PORT RD IR LA B

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­

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Y

SH ILO H

RD

ON EES SB

Adjacent County Roads City Limits County Boundary

Fire Station

I-7

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Fire District

B RD BUL

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Date of Hearing: Monday, June 6, 2022

Date of Hearing: Monday, June 6, 2022

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Place: Randolph County Historic Courthouse Meeting Room 145-C Worth Street, Asheboro NC

Place: Randolph County Historic Courthouse Meeting Room 145-C Worth Street, Asheboro NC

Subject: Abolition of Current Capped County Service District and Creation of New Uncapped County Service District

Subject: Abolition of Current Capped County Service District and Creation of New Uncapped County Service District

for Fire Protection, Emergency, Medical, Rescue and Ambulance Services (Climax District)

for Fire Protection, Emergency, Medical, Rescue and Ambulance Services (Guil-Rand District)

The Climax Fire Protection County Service District currently in place was formed for the provision of fire protection services and emergency, medical, rescue and ambulance services with a tax rate limitation of fifteen (15) cents per one hundred dollars ($100) valuation. Randolph County is considering abolishing the current capped district and replacing it with an identical county service district that does not have the fifteen (15) cents cap. If created, this new district will contain the exact same properties that are currently in the capped Climax Fire Protection County Service District. See map below. One step in this process is the public hearing noted above where you will have the opportunity to voice your opinion on this matter. It is important to note that, if the current district is abolished and replaced with the new district, this is not a tax increase. It simply gives the fire department the ability to request a rate above the current fifteen (15) cent cap. The tax rate for the district will continue to be set by the Board of County Commissioners.

There is also a report on file in the Office of the Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners (725 McDowell Road, Asheboro, NC) containing a large map of the proposed service district, a statement that the proposed district meets the standards contained in North Carolina General Statute 153A-302 and the plan for providing fire protection to the district. The County plans to provide fire protection to this district in the same manner as fire protection is currently provided, through contracting with the Climax Fire Department. This report is available for public inspection during normal office hours, 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday excluding public holidays.

The Guil-Rand Fire Protection County Service District currently in place was formed for the provision of fire protection services and emergency, medical, rescue and ambulance services with a tax rate limitation of fifteen (15) cents per one hundred dollars ($100) valuation. Randolph County is considering abolishing the current capped district and replacing it with an identical county service district that does not have the fifteen (15) cents cap. If created, this new district will contain the exact same properties that are currently in the capped Guil-Rand Fire Protection County Service District. See map below. One step in this process is the public hearing noted above where you will have the opportunity to voice your opinion on this matter. It is important to note that, if the current district is abolished and replaced with the new district, this is not a tax increase. It simply gives the fire department the ability to request a rate above the current fifteen (15) cent cap. The tax rate for the district will continue to be set by the Board of County Commissioners. There is also a report on file in the Office of the Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners (725 McDowell Road, Asheboro, NC) containing a large map of the proposed service district, a statement that the proposed district meets the standards contained in North Carolina General Statute 153A-302 and the plan for providing fire protection to the district. The County plans to provide fire protection to this district in the same manner as fire protection is currently provided, through contracting with the Guil-Rand Fire Department. This report is available for public inspection during normal office hours, 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday excluding public holidays.

WESTSIDE FIRE DISTRICT

FOREST DR KAMERIN ST

S MAIN ST

OAKM MOU ONT DR NTA IN R D

ST

CLIFF RD

ILLE ST S FAYE TTEV

ST MCDER MOTT

SO UT HM ON TD R

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UWHA RRIE ST DR

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N ELM ST

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BACK CREE K RD

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HOU ND TR L RD CAB LE C REE K

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BILLY WA LKER RD

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W BAILE

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WESTSIDE VOL FIRE & RESCUE STA23

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FOUSHEE RD

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JUNE TRL

ROBY COE RD

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THIS MAP WAS PREPARED BY RANDOLPH COUNTY, NC FOR THE COUNTY'S INTERNAL USE. RANDOLPH COUNTY, ITS AGENTS AND EMPLOYEES MAKE NO WARRANTY AS TO THE CORRECTNESS OR ACCURACY OF THE INFORMATION SET FORTH ON THIS MAP, WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, IN FACT OR IN LAW, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION THE IMPLIED WARRANITES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. MAP IS BASED ON STATE PLANE COORDINATE SYSTEM IN 1983 DATUM.

1 inch = 1.2 miles

BECKERDITE RD

AN RD JO

STO RE RD

CEDAR FALLS RD

DR KOONCE

^

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SAN DY C REE K

FRANKLINVILLE FIRE PROTECTION ASSOC STA22

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NC HWY 22

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RD ROUTH

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BERR Y RD

RD

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NE CI RA

HAW KSVIE

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N SMITH ST

DRIVE

LEM RD NEW SA

UN TR D

Roads ER SNYD

D IM R SWA

ST AR MO

Adjacent County Roads City Limits County Boundary

Fire Station

R MEAD OW RD

­

1 inch = 1.5 miles

TON BUN

RD

Roads

Fire District

^

HO OV E

Fire Station

THIS MAP WAS PREPARED BY RANDOLPH COUNTY, NC FOR THE COUNTY'S INTERNAL USE. RANDOLPH COUNTY, ITS AGENTS AND EMPLOYEES MAKE NO WARRANTY AS TO THE CORRECTNESS OR ACCURACY OF THE INFORMATION SET FORTH ON THIS MAP, WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, IN FACT OR IN LAW, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION THE IMPLIED WARRANITES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. MAP IS BASED ON STATE PLANE COORDINATE SYSTEM IN 1983 DATUM.

RD

^

Adjacent County Roads City Limits County Boundary

SHADY GROVE CHURC H RD

Fire District

Y 22 0 BU SS

FRANKLINVILLE FIRE DISTRICT

GE ID KR EE CR

s .

W HI TE

RD

HINSHAW FARM RD

ST

h -

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GREESO N CTRY

W AY NE

DR

HAWKSVIEW RD

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R

PIEDMONT ESTATES RD

RD

RD

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PRO VIDE NCE CHU RCH RD

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21

RED LANE RD

4 US

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WH ITT HU NT RD

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THIS MAP WAS PREPARED BY RANDOLPH COUNTY, NC FOR THE COUNTY'S INTERNAL USE. RANDOLPH COUNTY, ITS AGENTS AND EMPLOYEES MAKE NO WARRANTY AS TO THE CORRECTNESS OR ACCURACY OF THE INFORMATION SET FORTH ON THIS MAP, WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, IN FACT OR IN LAW, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION THE IMPLIED WARRANITES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. MAP IS BASED ON STATE PLANE COORDINATE SYSTEM IN 1983 DATUM.

1 inch = 1 miles

2 NC

D ETT R HOCK

RD HUNT

L MIL

BER RY L

f a -

n a n d p d s -

BAN TAM RD

NC 62 E

D TR OF CR

GUILRAND FIRE DISTRICT

­

MANTLE RD

Roads

s s -

d t s y f

Fire Station

MASON RD

^

Adjacent County Roads City Limits County Boundary

HUNTING LODGE RD

r

Fire District

BAKER RD

e h o t k h d t o d

AN DR EW

e l t e -

US

HW

Y

64

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Date of Hearing: Monday, June 6, 2022

Date of Hearing: Monday, June 6, 2022

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Place: Randolph County Historic Courthouse Meeting Room 145-C Worth Street, Asheboro NC

Place: Randolph County Historic Courthouse Meeting Room 145-C Worth Street, Asheboro NC

Subject: Abolition of Current Capped County Service District and Creation of New Uncapped County Service District for Fire Protection, Emergency, Medical, Rescue and Ambulance Services (Franklinville District)

Subject: Abolition of Current Capped County Service District and Creation of New Uncapped County Service District for Fire Protection, Emergency, Medical, Rescue and Ambulance Services (Westside District)

The Franklinville Fire Protection County Service District currently in place was formed for the provision of fire protection services and emergency, medical, rescue and ambulance services with a tax rate limitation of fifteen (15) cents per one hundred dollars ($100) valuation. Randolph County is considering abolishing the current capped district and replacing it with an identical county service district that does not have the fifteen (15) cents cap. If created, this new district will contain the exact same properties that are currently in the capped Franklinville Fire Protection County Service District. See map below. One step in this process is the public hearing noted above where you will have the opportunity to voice your opinion on this matter. It is important to note that, if the current district is abolished and replaced with the new district, this is not a tax increase. It simply gives the fire department the ability to request a rate above the current fifteen (15) cent cap. The tax rate for the district will continue to be set by the Board of County Commissioners. There is also a report on file in the Office of the Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners (725 McDowell Road, Asheboro, NC) containing a large map of the proposed service district, a statement that the proposed district meets the standards contained in North Carolina General Statute 153A-302 and the plan for providing fire protection to the district. The County plans to provide fire protection to this district in the same manner as fire protection is currently provided, through contracting with the Franklinville Fire Department. This report is available for public inspection during normal office hours, 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday excluding public holidays.

The Westside Fire Protection County Service District currently in place was formed for the provision of fire protection services and emergency, medical, rescue and ambulance services with a tax rate limitation of fifteen (15) cents per one hundred dollars ($100) valuation. Randolph County is considering abolishing the current capped district and replacing it with an identical county service district that does not have the fifteen (15) cents cap. If created, this new district will contain the exact same properties that are currently in the capped Westside Fire Protection County Service District. See map below. One step in this process is the public hearing noted above where you will have the opportunity to voice your opinion on this matter. It is important to note that, if the current district is abolished and replaced with the new district, this is not a tax increase. It simply gives the fire department the ability to request a rate above the current fifteen (15) cent cap. The tax rate for the district will continue to be set by the Board of County Commissioners. There is also a report on file in the Office of the Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners (725 McDowell Road, Asheboro, NC) containing a large map of the proposed service district, a statement that the proposed district meets the standards contained in North Carolina General Statute 153A-302 and the plan for providing fire protection to the district. The County plans to provide fire protection to this district in the same manner as fire protection is currently provided, through contracting with the Westside Fire Department. This report is available for public inspection during normal office hours, 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday excluding public holidays.

Randolph Record for Wednesday, May 18, 2022

7

obituaries DEATH NOTICES

♦ Rachel Davis Butterworth, age 86 of Asheboro, died May 14, 2022 at Woodland Hills. ♦ Colt Harrison Seawell, age 32 of Asheboro, died May 9, 2022.

Nancy Forehand Avery

December 9, 1947 — May 14, 2022 Nancy Avery, 74, of High Point, NC peacefully passed away on May 14, 2022. She was born December 9, 1947 in Greenville, NC and was the daughter of John Lester Forehand and Helen Allen Hall. Nancy was preceded in death by her father, John Lester Forehand.

Nancy leaves behind her husband of 53 years, Mitchell S. Avery, Jr. of High Point, NC. They were married August 23, 1969 and share three daughters. Surviving family include her mother, Helen Allen Hall, stepfather, Robert J. Hall, daughters Ainsley Avery Royals (Steve), Jennifer Avery Mier (Stacy), Julie Avery and three surviving grandchildren, Caroline Avery, Carter Tyree and Savannah Royals. She is also survived by her brother, Allen Hall (Kathy) and nephew, Taylor.

Nancy’s family was her greatest joy and accomplishment.

Nancy attended East Carolina University and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education and Master’s Degree in Public School Administration. She spent her career making an impact on young people. For many years, she was teacher for Greenville City Schools. In 1990, she joined Asheboro City Schools as an Assistant Principal for Asheboro High School. She would spend the remainder of her career at the service of students as Principal of Guy B. Teachey Elementary School and North Asheboro Middle School.

Her students may remember her dressing up as a mailman, a turkey at Thanksgiving or as the Grinch at Christmas! Between principalships, she worked as HR director for Asheboro City Schools.

Daniel Franklin "Danny" Baker

March 26, 1949 — May 8, 2022 Daniel Franklin "Danny" Baker, age 73, of Asheboro passed away on Sunday, May 8, 2022 at Forsyth Medical Center.

Mr. Baker was born in Skygusty, WV on March 26, 1949 to Thomas Lee and Celia Leona Bledsoe Baker. Daniel was a 1966 graduate of Mount Rogers High School in White Top, VA. He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, serving in the 173rd Airborne Brigade, and received the National Defense Service Medal, Parachute Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Vietnam Campaign Medal W/Device, Bronze Star Medal W/ Cluster, Purple Heart, and Air Medal. He was formerly employed with Guilford Mills and retired from McMurry Fabrics. Daniel was a member of Bible Missionary Church in Asheboro. In addition to his parents, Daniel was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife of 39 years, Faye Baker, his son, Daniel "Danny" Baker, and brother, Arthur Stanley Baker. Daniel loved fly fishing and deer hunting.

He is survived by his daughter, Jaime Carol Baker Markwood of Asheboro; 6 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; sisters, Candy Summey of Trinity and Linda Martin of Dallas, NC; and brother, Jeff Baker of Asheboro.

2

Jason Craig Sharpe, 40, of Asheboro, NC, passed away Thursday, May 12, 2022 in Asheboro, NC. Jason was born on February 4, 1982 in Charlotte, NC. He is the son of John Avery Sharpe, Jr. of Fayetteville, NC and Teresea Poteat Riner of Monroe, NC. Survivors in addition to his parents, include a daughter, Haleigh Sharpe of Randleman, NC; sisters Nicole Sharpe of San Diego, CA and Lindsay Smith of Jacksonville, FL; paternal grandfather John Sharpe, Sr. of Spartanburg, SC. In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to Samaritan Colony, Inc., 136 Samaritan Drive, Rockingham, NC 28379.

Kirstie Anne Morgan, age 26, of Troy, passed away on May 14, 2022.

Kirstie was born in Moore County on June 1, 1995 to Dwayne Ray and Kimberly Hall Morgan.

She is survived by her parents Ray Morgan of Star and Kimberly Hall Morgan of Seagrove; sister Alisa Morgan of WEDNESDAY Star; half brothers Gavet Worrell of Germany; Brennan Worrell of Asheboro; and grandmother Judy Greene of Troy.

2

Patricia Carol Lockemy Martin, age 77, of Franklinville passed away May 15, 2022 at Randolph Hospice House.

Pat loved taking care of her family and doing for them. She cooked meals for all, but her vegetable soup and cornbread topped all the rest. Pat loved her Pepsi, pulling for the Carolina Panthers, adored bingo and playing scratch off lottery. She was a force to be reckon with when necessary. Most of all, her grandchildren were the apple of her eye. Pat is preceded in death by her parents, Toney and Margaret Lockemy and daughter, Rebecca Fuson and great grandchild, Carmon.

Patricia is survived by her husband of 51 years, Bearnard Martin; son, Bearnard "Bear" Martin, Jr. (Jamie Painter); daughters, Blinda Williams (Aaron), and Angelia Hogan (Brian); son-in-law Charles Fuson; grandchildren: Tabitha, Melanie, Charles, Cody, Luke, Lisa, Dana, Ashlee, Nicole, Madison, and Tyler; great grandchildren: Victoria, Arial, Taylor, Destiny, Nolan, Asher, Oakley, Brianna, Stepfan, Aleah, Little Charlie and Zander; brother, Don Lockemy and granddog, Toby.

James Mitchell Davis Sr., age 89, of Asheboro, passed away on May 11, 2022 at Clapps Nursing Home in Asheboro.

Mr. Davis was born in Moore County on October 19, 1932 to Neil and Gladys Turner Davis.

In addition to his parents Mr. Davis was preceded in death by his wife Annie Gardner Davis, and sons James Davis Jr., Roger Davis and Billy Davis.

He is survived by his daughter Peggy Yates of Trinity; step daughter Vivian Davis (Junior) of Biscoe; step daughter Renetta Brown (Rodney) of Randleman; daughter in law Beth Davis of Asheboro and brother Gilbert Davis (Phyllis) of Robbins.

Grandchildren BJ Parkerson, LeAnne Brower, Derrick Bramblett, Chad Davis, Jimmy Davis, Jennifer Myrick, Rhonda Kernodle, William Davis, Melinda Duncan, Jessica Davis, Aaron Davis, Dawn Davis, and Michael Davis.

Frances Nellie Hart Dowd Norris

August 23, 1944 — May 10, 2022 Frances Nellie Hart Dowd Norris, 77, of Bear Creek, passed away on Tuesday, May 10, 2022.

Frances was born in Clearwater, Florida on August 23, 1944, the daughter of Arthur Joe and Betty Poe Hart.

She was a member of Rives Chapel Baptist Church. Frances retired after working for years as an assembly worker for Zurn Industries in Sanford. She enjoyed her flowers, crocheting, and all sorts of other crafts. Frances adored animals. She was an amazing mother, and cherished her family. In addition to her parents, Frances is preceded in death by her husband David Dowd; and brother, Joe "JC" Hart.

Frances is survived by her daughters, Diane Dowd Burns of Siler City, and Donna Dowd Maness of Bear Creek; son, Michael David Dowd of Wake Forest; sister; Elizabeth Hamer of Siler City; 8 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

March 28, 1931 - May 12, 2022

February 4, 1982 - May 12, 2022

June 1, 1995 — May 14, 2022

October 19, 1932 — May 11, 2022

September 16, 1944 — May 15, 2022

Bonnie Meisch

Jason Sharpe

Kirstie Anne Morgan

James Mitchell Davis Sr.

Patricia Lockemy Martin

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7.21.21 7.7.21 #3

Deeanna Stevens

December 26, 1964 - May 8, 2022 Deeanna Leigh Trotter Stevens, 57, of Asheboro, died Sunday, May 8, 2022, at Randolph Health in Asheboro.

Born in Randolph County, NC on December 26, 1964, Deeanna was the daughter of the late Charles Dwain Trotter and Brenda Page Bryant. She worked as a pharmacy tech at Randolph Health. Deeanna loved going to Sunset Beach, baking cakes and watching football. She loved her grandchildren and spending time with them.

In addition to her parents, Deeanna was preceded in death by her grandfather, Oscar Page.

Surviving are her son, Justin Martin; sister, Jenene Baxter; brother, Charles Trotter; former husband, Ronald Martin; and grandchildren, Ava Grace Martin and Maggie Lyn Martin.

Bonnie Ervalene Meisch, 91, of Asheboro, passed away Thursday, May 12, 2022 at Alpine Health and Rehabilitation in Asheboro.

Bonnie was born on March 28, 1931, in Ducktown, TN to the late Harley Fair and Lily Pate Fair.

She retired from Black & Decker in 1987. She was the oldest of nine children and the last survivor.

Bonnie was a dedicated wife and mother and she loved her family.

She would sing with her church choir and their traveling quartet.

In addition to her parents and siblings, Bonnie was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years after love at first sight, Neil Meisch, Sr.; and her son, Neil Meisch, Jr. She is survived by her daughter, Debbie Knapp (John) of Asheboro; son, Gareth "Gary" Meisch (Patti) of Asheboro; grandchildren, Daniel Meisch (Jenny), Robbie Knapp, Sara Knapp, Heather Meisch (Rob); T.J. Meisch (Maggie); great grandchildren, Kyla Meisch, Kade Knapp, McKenzy George, Bladen Allred, Jackson Baylor, and Emily Baylor.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Center Cross Baptist Church Parsonage Improvement fund, 1789 Center Cross Church Road, Asheboro, NC 27205.

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“Join the “Join the conversation” conversation”

Kathleen Hilliard Burke, 97, of Siler City, passed away on Tuesday, May 10, 2022 at Moses Cone Hospital.

Kathleen was born in Chatham County on October 16, 1924, the daughter of John Gordon and Ethel Dunlap Hilliard.

She was a graduate of Bonlee High School. She had many jobs which she loved including Sweater's USA, AJ Schneider & Sons, and retiring as a CoManager for Wes Care Senior Center. Kathleen was the oldest member at Rives Chapel Baptist Church, where she was a member of the Joy in the Morning Sunday School Class, had previously served as the President of the WMU, and also as the Church Financial Secretary. She loved gardening, tending to her flowers, and cooking a delicious meal. In addition to her parents, Kathleen is preceded in death by her husband, Winfred Burke; sisters, Margaret Phillips, Ruby Fesmire and husband Paul; and brother, SATURDAY Howard Hilliard and wife Rachel.

She is survived by her JULY 3 son, Dennis Burke and wife Bonnie of McLeansville, NC; HI HI89° Tabitha81° granddaughter, Ekeberg and husband Brian of Winnsboro, LO68° 62° LO TX; and great grand dog whom she adored, Annie.

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Randolph Record for Wednesday, July 7, 2021

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Randolph Record for Wednesday, May 18, 2022

8

STATE & NATION

Cooper reveals what he wants to do with $6.2B surplus

By Gary D. Robertson The Associated Press RALEIGH — Gov. Roy Cooper proposed that North Carolina government spend or earmark much of a projected $6.2 billion surplus to address further a host of needs like building construction, education inequities, affordable housing and worker retention.

The Democratic governor unveiled his recommended adjustments to the second year of a two-year budget lawmakers approved and he signed last fall.

They also include higher pay for state employees and teachers beyond what the enacted budget already directs.

“Despite a difficult few years, North Carolina families and communities are marching ahead with the resilience that has always defined us,” Cooper told reporters. “The budget that I’m presenting today will build on our success and strengthen those areas that need reinforcement.”

The budget proposal came two days after the General Assembly and Cooper’s administration announced the state would exceed previous revenue projections for the current fiscal year by $4.2 billion, or 15%. That news also upped projections for the year starting July 1 by nearly $2 billion.

Cooper handles the overcollec-

AP PHOTO

Gov. Roy Cooper speaks at a news conference May 11 at the Administration Building in Raleigh to discuss his proposed state budget adjustments for the upcoming fiscal year. tions by increasing second-year spending by $2.3 billion, or 8.5%, to $29.3 billion. But there’s also another $2.4 billion going to a host of itemized “investments” he places in reserves for things like infrastructure, economic development and workforce training that does not count in the $29.3 billion.

The remaining $1.5 billion is unspent, but appropriating the rest is likely to breed skepticism among Republican legislators who will review his ideas before passing their own adjustments.

The legislative session begins Wednesday.

“While the governor’s budget

proposal includes several shared priorities, we are wary of excessively increasing spending in the face of potential economic downturns,” House Speaker Tim Moore said in a written statement.

Cooper’s proposal contains neither additional tax cuts nor more money for state’s rainy day fund.

He pointed out that the fund is already on track to reach $4.25 billion once the new fiscal year begins July 1 and that income tax cuts are already contained in the current budget.

While calling his proposal “a smart, fiscally sound budget.”

Cooper also added: “I think that

it’s clear that we want to invest more than (Republicans) do.” Any final legislative budget would be presented to the governor, who could let it become law or veto it.

Senate leader Phil Berger’s office declined comment on Cooper’s proposal.

Moore said he was hopeful a bipartisan agreement could be reached with the governor. Compared to last year, when lawmakers worked for months crafting a two-year plan because no comprehensive budget was in place, Republicans have sounded less willing to stay in Raleigh this summer since the current budget would continue if no agreement is reached with Cooper.

His proposal includes $687 million more for K-12 and University of North Carolina system construction projects and repairs; $102 million to purchase and improve potential sites to lure large companies to the state; and $165 million for affordable housing, including first-time homebuyer down payment assistance to low- and middle-income people.

The governor also wants to spend an additional $526 million to cover the next year of a public education spending remedial plan approved by a judge to meet standards cited in the long-standing “Leandro” litigation. The state Supreme Court could soon rule whether the courts can force lawmakers to fund the plan.

On pay raises, a 2.5% increase for most state employees set to begin in July would grow in Cooper’s plan to 5%, while state law enforcement and health care workers would get a 7.5% increase. Teacher pay schedules

In early primaries, voters favor polling places over mail The Associated Press ATLANTA — The great voteby-mail wave appears to be receding just as quickly as it arrived.

After tens of millions of people in the United States opted for mail ballots during the pandemic election of 2020, voters in early primary states are returning in droves to in-person voting this year.

In Georgia, one of the mostly hotly contested states, about 85,000 voters had requested mail ballots for the May 24 primary, as of Thursday. That is a dramatic decrease from the nearly 1 million who cast mail ballots in the state’s 2020 primary at the height of the coronavirus pandemic.

The trend was similar in Ohio, Indiana and West Virginia, which held primaries this month; comparisons were not available for Nebraska, another early primary state.

A step back in mail balloting was expected given easing concerns about COVID-19, but some election officials and voting experts had predicted that far more voters would seek out the convenience of mail voting once they experienced it.

Helping drive the reversal is the rollback of temporary rules expanding mail ballots in 2020, combined with concerns over election integrity.

“It’s unfortunate because our election system has been mischaracterized and the integrity of our elections questioned,” said Ben Hovland, a Democrat appointed

PHOTO VIA AP

Marcia Carroll, 72, of Perrysburg takes an Ohio voting sticker at the Woodland Elementary School Polling location in Perrysburg, Ohio, on Tue., May 3, 2022.

by Trump to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission. “Mail ballots are a safe and secure method of voting used by millions of Americans, including myself.”

A record 43% of voters in the U.S. cast mail ballots in 2020, compared with 24.5% in 2016, according to the commission’s survey of

local election officials. The number of voters who used in-person early voting also increased, although the jump was not quite as large as in mail ballots, the survey found.

Before the November 2020 election, 12 states expanded access to mail ballots by loosening certain requirements. Five more either

mailed ballots to all eligible voters or allowed local officials to do so, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. This year, eight states will mail ballots to every eligible voter.

In Georgia, state officials had adopted no-excuse mail ballots and three weeks of early, in-person vot-

would be adjusted to ensure instructors see a combined average 7.5% raise this year and next, instead of the current 5%. Onetime bonuses of $1,500 to $3,000 also would be offered for workers and teachers.

State Budget Director Charlie Perusse said these and other compensation proposals are needed to address a state government job vacancy rate approaching 20%. The turnover rate last year among first-year state employees reached 36%, he added.

Cooper once again proposed expanding Medicaid to hundreds of thousands of additional low-income adults through the 2010 federal Affordable Care Act. While Republicans have opposed the idea for years, Berger said last year he’s now open to expansion.

A special House-Senate study committee began meeting in the winter to consider expansion and other health care access improvements.

“I believe that we’re getting closer than ever to an agreement,” Cooper said. “I do appreciate that Republican leaders are taking this seriously.”

An impasse between Cooper and Republicans on Medicaid expansion was the chief reason why the state never had a comprehensive two-year budget approved in 2019.

Last year, the budget was enacted 4½ months late as Republicans finally won support from enough Democratic colleagues as spending provisions were adjusted. Cooper agreed to sign it, saying the good within the budget outweighed the bad. That budget ordered the creation of the Medicaid expansion committee.

ing before the pandemic.

Experts said it is too early to say whether voting patterns have shifted permanently. How people vote in primaries does not necessarily reflect how they will vote in a general election, when turnout will be heavier and voters might be more worried about crowded polling places and long lines.

Preliminary data from Ohio, Indiana and West Virginia also shows the number of mail ballots cast this year is a fraction of what the states saw in the 2020 primaries and tracks closely to 2018 levels.

In the Virginia governor’s election last year, the percentage of mail ballots cast was slightly larger than four years earlier but noticeably lower than in 2020, said Charles Stewart III, an elections expert and professor of political science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

“Elections are kind of going back to where they were,” he said.

Georgia voters are turning to early, in-person voting, which is setting records. About 305,000 ballots have been cast at early voting locations across the state, or three times as many who did so for the same period during the 2018 primary, according to state officials.

Outside an early voting location north of Atlanta, some voters said they simply preferred the convenience of voting early and in person, while others said they worried mail ballots were not as secure.

“Today I walked in, got my ballot, voted, and I’m leaving,” said Bill Baldwin, who was back to voting in person after casting a mail ballot in 2020 due to pandemic concerns.

“And I’m not standing in a line to the other end of the building.”

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Stanly County Journal

ANDREW HARNIK | AP PHOTO

Medal of Valor awarded to Concord officer President Joe Biden awards Concord Police Officer Paul Stackenwalt the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor in the East Room of the White House, Monday, May 16, 2022, in Washington, D.C.

WHAT’S HAPPENING Rubber Duck Derby and Waddle to support autism The 14th annual Rubber Duck Derby will take place on May 21.

The event helps raise money for GHA Autism Supports. Ducks must be purchased by May 19, and the duck dumping will take place at the Stanly County YMCA Family Pool on Saturday morning.

The grand prize is $3,000 cash, with $1,000 for second place and another $425 split between three other duck owners. This year, the event is accompanied by the inaugural Duck Waddle 5K race at the Stanly County Family YMCA Park.

Banjoist Randy Smith recovering from heart surgery Randy Smith, a Monroe native best known for his long banjo career, is recovering from triple-bypass surgery last week. The 66-yearold musician wasn’t feeling well on May 8 and had high blood pressure and an elevated heart rate. His girlfriend took him to a hospital in Matthews, where he was diagnosed with several blocked arteries. He was transferred to Charlotte for the procedure. He won’t be able to play banjo for the next six weeks as he recovers.

Nucor announces purchase of Illinois overhead door maker Nucor Corp. says it is buying an Illinois-based overhead door manufacturer for $3 billion in a deal expected to close in June. The Charlotte-based steel manufacturer entered into an agreement to purchase C.H.I. Overhead Doors from global private equity firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. C.H.I. makes overhead door products for residential and commercial use, as well as rolling steel and rubber doors for commercial and industrial customers. It has approximately 800 employees in two manufacturing plants in Arthur, Illinois, and Terre Haute, Indiana, and regional warehouses located in California, Colorado, New Hampshire and New Jersey.

5

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8

Stanly commissioners Concord Police officers eye renovation plans for awarded Medal of Valor Agri-Civic Center in Washington

By Jessie Deal North State Journal ALBEMARLE — At its May 16 meeting, the Stanly County Board of Commissioners received a presentation by Amanda Griffey, director of the Agri-Civic Center Director, who is managing the floor renovation plans for the venue.

According to Griffey, the lobby floor at the Agri-Civic Center — located at 26032 Newt Road in Albemarle — is in disrepair and in need of a longterm solution, specifically a sealed concrete floor that could be installed in July.

“The lobby in its entirety was renovated back in 2017,” Griffey said. “At that time, vinyl plank flooring was installed and we’ve had some issues with the flooring ever since. It just has not held up to the tremendous amount of wear and tear that that building receives.”

Griffey added that she has heard several complaints from clients renting out the facility who have stated their concerns about the floor’s current condition.

The Friends of the Agri-Civic Center have offered $125,000

through a State SCIF grant towards the cost of the project and the total-estimated cost is projected to reach $180,000.

The staff at the venue has reached out to six professional concrete flooring companies for their recommendations and price quotes. The comprehensive plan is to remove the vinyl plank flooring and demolish the 30-year-old tile underneath, as well as leveling the floor and putting down a sealant that would create a moisture barrier.

This proposed solution would allegedly last for an estimate of 40 to 50 years.

Commissioner Bill Lawhon addressed the board’s desire to hire a local company: “Every dollar we spend in Stanly County with a Stanly County company creates nine additional dollars. When you take it outside the county, we don’t get that benefit to our economy. When you spend hours, you need to spend locally.”

The board ultimately voted to approve a spending budget of $180,000 but to hold off on further plans until more local companies are consulted for price quotes.

Maggie Peterson, famous for ‘The ‘Andy Griffith Show,’ dies The Associated Press MAGGIE PETERSON, whose character on “The Andy Griffith Show” developed a memorable infatuation with Mayberry sheriff Andy Taylor, has died, her family said Monday. She was 81.

A post to her Facebook page said Peterson died in her sleep on Sunday with her family present.

According to the post, Peterson’s health took a turn for the worse when her husband, Gus Mancuso, died of Alzheimer’s disease in

2021 at age 88.

“I loved being part of that great show and the many friends and fans I’ve made because of it,” she said in a social media post in 2020.

In the 1963 episode, Peterson played the role of Charlene Darling, who along with her father and four musical brothers visited Mayberry and crammed themselves into one hotel room as they waited for her fiance to arrive.

Sheriff Andy Taylor lets the family spend a night in the courthouse and it’s then that Charlene be-

By Jessie Deal North State Journal ALBEMARLE — On May 16, President Joe Biden honored a fallen NC police officer and his three colleagues with the Medal of Valor for their efforts during a hostage situation in 2020.

Four members of the Concord Police Departments — Officers Jason Shuping, Kyle Baker, Paul Stackenwalt, and Kaleb Robinson — each received the honor that is awarded to public safety officers who have demonstrated courage, regardless of personal safety, in the attempt to save others from harm.

“Fallen Officer Jason Shuping and Officers Kyle Baker, Paul Stackenwalt, and Kaleb Robinson of the Concord, NC, Police Department engaged a suspect in a busy retail area who opened fire on the officers and took a woman hostage,” the White House said in a released statement. “The officers fired at the suspect to turn attention away from their colleagues and shielding each other with their own bodies – until they ended the threat. During the gunfight, Officer Shuping paid the

comes smitten with the sheriff. It was only when the fiance gets to town that Charlene settles for her first love.

During the next season, the Darlings return to Mayberry to help Charlene find a young boy to become engaged to her new baby.

They pick Opie, played by Ron Howard, and the sheriff comes up with a scheme to show the family that his son isn’t the one they want.

Margaret Ann Peterson was born on Jan. 10, 1941, in Greeley, Colorado. According to IMDb, the Internet Movie Database site, she, her brother and two of his friends formed a small group that rode around on a pickup truck singing to people. It was those tours that led to her discovery by director Bob Sweeney and producer Aaron Ruben, who teamed to develop Griffith’s show.

Peterson also has credits for “Casino” (1965), and “Mars At-

ultimate sacrifice. All four men demonstrated courageous action in a volatile encounter with a gunman to protect the public.”

At the time of the incident, Shuping, 25, had been a member of his department for less than two years.

The Concord officers received the award alongside 11 other first responders who performed recognized acts of bravery between 2019 and 2021. Shuping’s medal was accepted by his wife, Haylee Shuping, at the Washington, D.C, ceremony.

“Officers Shuping, Baker, Stackenwalt, and Robinson displayed incredible courage to protect our community,” said U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson (NC-08). “We will never forget the ultimate sacrifice made by Officer Shuping and his family.

Today’s Medal of Valor awards will ensure his life and the actions of his colleagues that day receive the recognition they deserve. Police officers are facing threats like never before, but I am grateful for the service of brave law enforcement officers like Jason Shuping, Kyle Baker, Paul Stackenwalt, and Kaleb Robinson.”

PUBLIC DOMAIN

Peterson on The Bill Dana Show in 1964. tacks!” (1996), among other appearances.

The family said a private service will be held in the next few weeks.

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, May 18, 2022

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“Join the conversation” Stanly County Journal ISSN: 2575-2278

Publisher Neal Robbins

Editor Matt Mercer

Sports Editor Cory Lavalette

Senior Opinion Editor Frank Hill

Design Editor Lauren Rose Published each Wednesday by North State Media LLC 1550 N.C. Hwy 24/27 W, Albemarle, N.C. 28001 (704) 269-8461 INFO@STANLYJOURNAL.COM STANLYJOURNAL.COM

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WEEKLY CRIME LOG

♦ KERLEY, JESSE FRANKLIN (W /M/53), FUGITIVE FROM JUSTICE, 05/17/2022, Stanly County Sheriff`S Office, ♦ GAINEY, CHRYSTAL LYNN (W /F/46), EXPLOIT DISABLE/ELDER CAPACITY, 05/16/2022, Stanly County Sheriff`S Office, ♦ HUMPHRIES, DEANA MARIE (W /F/35), SECOND DEGREE TRESPASS, 05/16/2022, Stanly County Sheriff`S Office, ♦ THOMAS, BRIAN ADAM (W /M/37), FUGITIVE FROM JUSTICE, 05/16/2022, Stanly County Sheriff`S Office, ♦ ROBINSON, MERSADES ELEXISDOMONIQUE (B /F/30), EXPLOIT DISABLE/ELDER TRUST (f), 05/14/2022, Albemarle PD, ♦ BURNS, KINWAN DYSHUN (B /M/41), DISORDERLY CONDUCT, 05/14/2022, Stanly County Sheriff`S Office, ♦ PANNELL, JORDAN ALLEN J (W /M/21), USE OF PREMISES INDEC EXPOSURE (m), 05/14/2022, Albemarle PD, ♦ RIVERS, MEKHI KALEEK JAYQUAN (B /M/19), ASSAULT ON FEMALE, 05/13/2022, Albemarle PD, ♦ TUCKER, BRANDY SUE (W /F/31), DRIVING WHILE IMPAIRED, 05/13/2022, Stanly County Sheriff`S Office, ♦ DAVIS, DIQUAN MONTEO (B /M/23), CARRYING CONCEALED WEAPON, 05/13/2022, Albemarle PD, ♦ LITTLE, ALEXANDER EUGENE (B /M/30), ASSAULT ON FEMALE, 05/13/2022, Albemarle PD,

AP PHOTO

Jerry Lee Lewis speaks at the Country Music Hall of Fame after it was announced he will be inducted as a member Tuesday, May 17, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn.

Jerry Lee Lewis, Keith Whitley to join Country Hall of Fame The Associated Press NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Jerry Lee Lewis, the late country singer Keith Whitley and music executive Joe Galante will join the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Lewis, 86, nicknamed “The Killer,” wore a red sequined jacket and white shoes at Tuesday’s announcement, where he was introduced by duo Brooks & Dunn.

“I was wondering if they were ever going to induct me,” Lewis said at the press conference. “But they’ve come around and I was re-

ally glad and grateful for it.”

He found his initial fame under the guidance of Sam Phillips at Sun Records in Memphis, where he played alongside Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash in the now famous Million Dollar Quartet. His energy and ego were showcased on his early rock hits like “Great Balls of Fire” and “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On.” Over the years, he’s been vocal about being snubbed from the Country Music Hall of Fame, saying he couldn’t understand not being recognized for his country records and contribution to the

genre.

His career was nearly derailed over the scandal of his marriage to his 13-year-old cousin, Myra, and he faced a backlash from fans during a tour in England in 1958, when crowds became combative.

Lewis spent several years blacklisted before mounting a return to the country charts in the late ‘60s. He had top country singles like “What Made Milwaukee Famous (Has Made a Loser Out of Me),” “She Even Woke Me Up to Say Goodbye,” and “To Make Love Sweeter for You.” Whitley had a short career,

spanning just four years and seven months on the Billboard charts before his death at the age of 34 in 1989. But he found commercial breakthrough with hits like “When You Say Nothing at All” and “I’m No Stranger to the Rain.”

His widow, fellow country singer Lorrie Morgan, described during the press conference on Tuesday how much it meant to her family and their two children to have him inducted.

“Keith never knew how good he was,” said Morgan. “He would absolutely blown away if he were here today.”

Galante took the helm at RCA Nashville at age 32, the youngest person to ever lead a major label’s Nashville division. He would go on to sign artists like Clint Black, Kenny Chesney, Lorrie Morgan and Keith Whitley, Vince Gill, The Judds, Martina McBride and more.

Congress dives into UFOs, but no signs of extraterrestrials The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congress held its first hearing in half a century Tuesday on unidentified flying objects. And no, there is still no government confirmation of extraterrestrial life.

Testifying before a House Intelligence subcommittee, Pentagon officials did not disclose additional information from their ongoing investigation of hundreds of unexplained sightings in the sky. But they said they had picked a director for a new task force to coordinate data collection efforts on what the government has officially labeled “unidentified aerial phenomena.”

Ronald Moultrie, the undersecretary of defense for intelligence, said the Pentagon was also trying to destigmatize the issue and encourage pilots and other military personnel to report anything unusual they see.

“We want to know what’s out there as much as you want to know what’s out there,” Moultrie told lawmakers, adding that he was a fan of science fiction himself. “We get the questions not just from you.

We get it from family and we get them night and day.”

Lawmakers from both parties say UFOs are a national security concern. Sightings of what appear to be aircraft flying without discernible means of propulsion have been reported near military bases and coastlines, raising the prospect that witnesses have spotted undiscovered or secret Chinese or Russian technology.

But the sightings are usually fleeting. Some appear for no more than an instant on camera — and then sometimes end up distorted by the camera lens. The U.S. gov-

AP PHOTO

Deputy Director of Naval Intelligence Scott Bray points to a video display of a UAP during a hearing of the House Intelligence, Counterterrorism, Counterintelligence, and Counterproliferation Subcommittee hearing on “Unidentified Aerial Phenomena,” on Capitol Hill, Tuesday, May 17, 2022, in Washington, D.C. ernment is believed to hold additional technical information on the sightings that it has not disclosed publicly.

An interim report released by intelligence officials last year counted 144 sightings of aircraft or other devices apparently flying at mysterious speeds or trajectories. In all but one of the sightings investigated, there was too little information for investigators to even broadly characterize the nature of the incident.

A top Pentagon official on Tues-

day briefly demonstrated the challenge. Scott Bray, deputy director of naval intelligence, stood next to a television to show a short video taken from an F-18 military plane. The video shows a blue sky with passing clouds. In a single frame — which it took several minutes for staff in the room to queue up — there is an image of one balloon-like shape.

“As you can see, finding UAP is harder than you may think,” Bray said, using the acronym for “unidentified aerial phenomena.”

Rep. André Carson, an Indiana Democrat who chaired the hearing, called on investigators to show they “are willing to follow the facts where they lead.”

Rep. Rick Crawford, an Arkansas Republican, noted that the investigations were not “about finding alien spacecraft but about delivering dominant intelligence.”

“The inability to understand objects in our sensitive operating areas is tantamount to intelligence failure that we certainly want to avoid,” he said.

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, May 18, 2022

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

COLUMN | U.S. REP. RICHARD HUDSON

Protecting our community

We need real and urgent action to end the wave of violent crime that is engulfing this country.

This starts by rejecting calls to “defund” or “disband” the police.

EVERY DAY, brave men and women kiss their loved ones goodbye and go to work, knowing that day could be their last.

These are police officers who work all throughout the year to protect our communities, even under threats like never before.

It’s National Police Week, a time to honor those who have fallen in the line of duty and thank our nation’s law enforcement for all they do to protect this country. Being a police officer is one of the most challenging jobs out there, yet thousands of brave men and women answer the call every day to serve and protect. However, in recent years, our police have not received the resources and respect they deserve.

America is enduring one of the worst crime waves in decades.

Violent crime is skyrocketing across the country — homicide rates have increased 48% this year compared to this time two years ago. Similarly, assaults on police have also gone up significantly — attacks on uniformed officers have increased 56% compared to 2020. Despite this, liberal politicians have continued to support a “woke agenda” over the safety of the American public. Progressives in Washington have repeatedly shown this by endorsing radical efforts to defund or even disband the police. And while President Joe Biden has voiced support for law enforcement, he has failed to back up these calls with meaningful action to support police and address the crimewave plaguing our cities.

We need real and urgent action to end the wave of violent crime that is engulfing this country. This starts by rejecting calls to “defund” or “disband” the police and giving these agencies the tools and training they need to do their jobs and keep Americans safe.

Meanwhile, families everywhere also continue to suffer from rapid inflation and severe supply shortages because of misguided liberal policies. Inflation has risen every month since President

Biden took office. Transportation costs are up 8.5%, electricity 11.0% and groceries 10.8%. Perhaps worst of all, fuel prices are up almost 43.6% percent. Last week, the national average for a gallon of gas hit a new high of $4.43, while diesel hit a record $5.56.

More alarming, however, is the severe supply shortage of critical goods in this country like baby formula. Record gas prices and inflation are costing families an extra $5,200 this year compared to last. The last thing parents need right now is worrying about how they are going to feed their kids. I can only imagine the fear many of you are now facing as grocery store shelves are empty. In our state, we’ve also seen this impact supplies at food banks and pantries.

Last week, I wrote the President and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) demanding they do more to address the baby formula shortage. This baby formula issue is not new — we have known about recalls and supply chain issues for months. It is unacceptable that the FDA and President Biden have not acted faster to solve these issues, but I will not stop working until they provide us with answers, and it is resolved.

Last week I also continued my commitment to improving health care. I was proud to have three bills advance in the Energy and Commerce Committee to support youth mental health, lower drug prices, and increase accountability of countries like China. These bipartisan bills build on my work as a leader in House Republicans’ Healthy Future Task Force.

Whether it is supporting our police, addressing inflation and supply chain issues, or protecting the health and safety of you and your family, I will continue to fight every day to make sure our communities are healthy and secure. As your congressman, and as a dad, that is my promise to you.

COLUMN | DAVID HARSANYI

Better questions to ask Americans on abortion Do you support the Democratic Party’s effort to legalize abortion through all nine months of pregnancy in all 50 states?

WITH THE LEAK of a Supreme Court draft opinion by Justice Samuel Alito overturning Roe v. Wade, the media has gone into hyper-drive trying to obscure the real contours of the debate. One of the most obvious ways they do it is by highlighting politicallymotivated surveys and conducting push-polling.

Take Politico’s recent Morning Consult poll, which informs us that 53% of voters say Roe should not be overturned. Even among Republican voters, only 48% support overturning Roe. First of all, who cares? It’s a completely irrelevant query, really. The court exists not to care what polls tells them. And, really, on what constitutional grounds do these 53% of Americans maintain the decision should be upheld? There is tons of evidence illustrating that, other than in the broadest terms, most Americans have no idea what Roe entails.

If you want to delve into the topic, a far more worthwhile line of inquiry would be: “Do you believe the issue of abortion should be a protected constitutional right, or should voters be able to decide the issue on a state level?” This properly lays out the reality of choices that voters face. And I suspect the numbers would look quite different when the issue is framed properly. But, of course, that would mean informing those being questioned that overturning Roe doesn’t necessarily mean an abortion ban. That would be inconvenient.

The Morning Consult poll also finds that 41% of voters say it is “very important” for them to vote for a candidate in the 2022 midterms who supports “abortion access.” Every Republican-led law that’s been enacted on the issue of abortion in recent years, including the Mississippi bill that sparked the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health case, provides “access” to abortion. Maybe some future bill won’t, but these do.

Do you think those 41% understand this reality, one that is purposely obscured by the question? I don’t.

And anyway, why are pollsters posing inexact theoretical questions about abortion when they can ask precise ones that would properly gauge where the public stands on the debate that does exist? Democrats run Washington, and Chuck Schumer, who runs the Senate, has already brought the Women’s Health Protection Act bill to the floor. This bill had tangible policy components that properly reflect the Democratic Party’s position on abortion, so pollsters don’t have to guess.

Some easy questions might be:

Do you support the Democratic Party’s effort to legalize abortion through all nine months of pregnancy in all 50 states?

Do you support the Democrats’ efforts to prohibit states from passing laws that forbid abortions after viability?

Do you support the Democrats’ efforts to prohibit states from passing laws against sex-selective abortions?

Do you support the Democrats’ efforts to overturn existing laws that require parental or guardian notification for minors?

Do you agree with Democrats that non-doctors should be given the right to perform abortions?

Do you agree with the Democratic Party’s efforts to strip medical workers of conscience rights and compel them to participate in abortion procedures or lose their jobs?

Democrats, including President Joe Biden, want to eliminate the Hyde Amendment so that the federal government can fund abortions with taxpayer dollars. Do you agree?

Do you agree with the Biden administration that more abortions are vital in keeping down the poor population, increasing labor force participation and helping the economy?

A few years back, Republicans in Congress attempted to pass a 20-week limit on abortion. Do you think such a limit is reasonable?

In Florida and Mississippi, Republican governors have signed laws limiting legal abortion to the first 15 weeks of pregnancy.

Would you support similar limits in your state?

Rather, Politico asks about the prospect of prison for women who obtain abortions, which 73% oppose. Not only has there never been a serious anti-abortion bill that proposes jail time for women who get abortions, Texas, for instance, specifically exempts women from homicide charges for abortions. Prison time has never been part of the anti-abortion policy agenda. Why would you ask this particular question and not any of the others?

To fearmonger and mislead participants.

It is undeniable that American attitudes regarding abortion are complex and often contradictory. But media outlets have further obfuscated the issue to protect Democrats. It is perhaps most obvious in the questions they ask.

David Harsanyi is a senior writer at National Review and author of “Eurotrash: Why America Must Reject the Failed Ideas of a Dying Continent.”

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Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, May 18, 2022

4

SPORTS SIDELINE REPORT NFL

4 Bills Hall of Famers planning support of shooting victims Buffalo Bills Hall of Fame running back Thurman Thomas told The Associated Press he and several former teammates are coming together in Buffalo this week to help support families of the shooting victims. Among those players expected to make the trip are Hall of Famers defensive end Bruce Smith and receiver Andre Reed, along with Thomas and Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly, who like Thomas lives in the area.

Thomas, who has already pledged $10,000 of support to the victims’ families from his charitable foundation, said it was too early to provide any details of the gathering.

NHL

Golden Knights fire DeBoer after missing playoffs Las Vegas The Vegas Golden Knights fired coach Peter DeBoer on Monday after they missed the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. Vegas failed to qualify for the postseason after a barrage of injuries compounded by salary cap problems wreaked havoc on the lineup. DeBoer coached the Golden Knights for 2½ seasons after being named to replace Gerard Gallant in January 2020. DeBoer, 53, is the fourth coach to lose his job since the regular season ended, joining Detroit’s Jeff Blashill, the New York Islanders‘ Barry Trotz and Philadelphia interim coach Mike Yeo.

SOCCER

Chelsea sale not yet approved London The British government has yet to approve the sale of Premier League club Chelsea to a consortium fronted

by Los Angeles Dodgers part-owner Todd Boehly.

Outgoing Russian owner Roman Abramovich is not allowed to profit from the proceeds of the sale since he was sanctioned and his assets were frozen for his links to President Vladimir Putin after the invasion of Ukraine. An update to the license allowing Chelsea to continue operating as a business is required from the government to approve the buyout. Abramovich said he hopes the proceeds of the 2.5 billion-pound ($3.1 billion) sale will go to charitable causes, having previously said they would go to help victims of the war in Ukraine.

PRO FOOTBALL

3 CFL teams cancel opening practices amid work stoppage Toronto Three Canadian Football league teams canceled their opening training-camp practices Sunday, a day after the league and players union broke off negotiations on a collective bargaining agreement. The Montreal Alouettes, Hamilton TigerCats and Toronto Argonauts canceled practices, with more teams expected to follow suit.

The previous CBA expired at midnight, with the CFL Players’ Association directing players from seven of the nine teams to participate in a work stoppage beginning at 12:01 a.m. EDT Sunday. The lone previous CFL strike came in 1974 and was resolved before the start of the season.

AP PHOTO

Kurt Busch celebrates after winning Sunday's NASCAR Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway.

Kurt Busch takes Jordan Brand to Victory Lane at Kansas The win was the second ever for 23XI Racing The Associated Press KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Kurt Busch was slowly driving his Jordan Brand-styled ride toward victory lane at Kansas Speedway on Sunday when car owner Denny Hamlin stopped him in his tracks, ducked his head through the window and said: “We did it.”

Did they ever.

Busch survived a weary day of tire attrition, then pinched his way past Kyle Larson for the lead with eight laps to go, before driving away from the reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion

to win for the first time at Kansas — and give the up-and-coming 23XI Racing team owned by Hamlin and NBA great Michael Jordan its second win ever.

“That’s the most gratifying part, helping these guys win,” Busch said. “It’s all about team work. I don’t do this alone.”

Larson had the dominant car, riding the top line around the mile-and-a-half oval, but Busch was able to put his Toyota just about anywhere he wanted.

That paid off when the two were side-by-side with eight to go and Busch squeezed by Larson, who brushed the wall and lost just enough momentum to surrender the lead — and the win.

Busch pulled his No. 45 car

— one of the numbers that Jordan wore during his career — to a stop at the start-finish line and climbed out the window before throwing his arms up in triumph, the familiar Jumpman logo splashed across his fire suit.

It was the second win for 23XI after Bubba Wallace triumphed last year at Talladega, and it came at the most unexpected of times; neither of the team’s drivers had finished in the top 10 this season.

“You know, we as an organization kind of let these guys down — I’m talking about Bubba and Kurt, all the mistakes we’d made on pit road and whatnot,” Hamlin said. “But lets talk about the positives. I can’t thank Kurt enough.

The Jordan Brand’s first race, so

jealous he gets to drive that car, and then to have that thing so fast there, yeah, it’s just — I’ve never had this kind of feeling, even for a win for me, much less when I didn’t win. It’s different.”

There were no hard feelings about the way Busch raced to the finish, either.

“He never got into me. I’m trying to squeeze throttle to get position on him and just got tight,” Larson said. “That was fun racing with Kurt the last half of the race. I was trying hard the whole time.”

Kyle Busch was third followed by Denny Hamlin. Christopher Bell parlayed his third pole of the season into a fifthplace finish. Truex bounced back from his tire issue to finish sixth with Chastain, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Alex Bowman and Wallace rounding out the top 10.

The series takes a regular-season break before the Coca-Cola 600 and heads to Texas for next

Panthers’ Corral has ‘big chip’ on shoulder after draft fall The quarterback slid to the third round in last month’s NFL Draft The Associated Press CHARLOTTE — Matt Corral’s unexpected fall to the third round of the NFL Draft has left the Carolina Panthers rookie quarterback with a good bit of motivation as he begins his professional career.

“Honestly, I had a big chip on my shoulder before — but it just got bigger,” Corral said Friday after his first minicamp practice.

Corral traveled to Las Vegas to be a part of the draft festivities last month but left the green room following the first night when his name wasn’t called. He never returned. He spent the second night in a nearby hotel room with his family waiting — and waiting — to be selected.

It didn’t happen until the 94th overall pick when the quarterback-needy Panthers traded up into the bottom half of the third round to get him, ending what the former Mississippi signal-caller called “a roller coaster of emo-

tion.”

“I truly have never been happy and sad at the same time,” Corral said of the phone call. “I’ve never felt that before.”

Corral offered no explanation for the free fall.

He addressed an NFL Network report shortly after the draft that attributed teams passing on him because he had “alcohol and related issues” in his past.

“I don’t know where that came from,” Corral said. “It’s one of those things that got out there.

That was honestly the first time I heard that. That’s not something I can control.”

Panthers coach Matt Rhule downplayed those reports, saying the team talked to his college roommate, teammates and coaches — and the feedback was “you’re going to love him.”

“I’m more interested in the issues that people have now than the issues that they have overcome,” Rhule said. “I certainly don’t want to be judged at what I was at 18, 19 or 20 (years old). All of us have gone through things in life.”

While Corral’s fall from a potential first-round draft pick cost

CHRIS CARLSON | AP PHOTO

Panthers quarteback Matt Corral, who slid to the third round of the draft before Carolina traded up to select him, takes part in drills during last week's rookie minicamp in Charlotte. him millions on his rookie contract, the reality is he’s landed in a place where he has a chance for long-term success. The Panthers don’t have an established quarterback.

Sam Darnold struggled last year with 13 touchdown passes and 19 interceptions and his hold on the starting spot is tenuous at best. P.J. Walker is the only other returning QB. Rhule said it helps “even the playing field” for rookies that all of Carolina’s offensive players will be learning a new system under new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo.

Corral said his immediate goal is to position himself to compete, but that’s not his biggest concern right now.

“All it comes down to is know-

ing the playbook,” Corral said.

“If I can know the playbook, I’m going to be ready to play. ... Of course my mentality is to be the starter, but right now I’m trying to get on that 53-man roster.”

Panthers rookie offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu said he likes what he saw on day one from Corral in the huddle.

“Cool, calm and collected,” Ekwonu said. “Just going through the walkthroughs this morning you could see the poise in the pocket and you kind of feel like he’s ready for the position.”

Rhule said the Panthers love Corral’s moxie.

“The way he throws the ball, his vision, his release and his timing, we just thought it would transfer over to this level,” Rhule said.

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, May 18, 2022

5

States hands off when it comes Two Stanly softball to NCAA, athlete compensation teams advance in state playoffs

By Jim Vertuno The Associated Press

AUSTIN, Texas — The NCAA waited nearly a year to issue a warning that there are still rules to follow now that college athletes can earn money off their fame, sparking speculation that a crackdown could be coming for schools and boosters that break them.

But the NCAA isn’t the only enforcement organization that stayed quiet as millions of dollars started flying around college athletes.

Nearly half the states, 24 in all, have laws regarding athlete compensation, all passed since 2019.

Several specifically ban the sort of pay-for-play and recruiting enticement deals the NCAA still outlaws and critics of the new system worry about.

Yet those states have shown no appetite to question or investigate the schools, the contracts or the third-party groups orchestrating them. Even if they did, there is little legal framework for how they would do it.

Texas and Florida, two states with major college football and basketball programs, ban payfor-play contracts and using deals to lure recruits to campus. But neither state set up mechanisms to investigate or punish a school, organization or agent caught breaking the rules.

“A lot of people are referencing the NCAA not taking action, but the same can be said about states,” said Darren Heitner, an attorney who helped craft the Florida law.

The unenforced state bans on pay-for-play and recruiting deals calmed lawmakers who worried that college sports they love were changing, said Heitner, an advocate for athletes’ rights to earn money. But there has been no indication a state attorney general or local prosecutor will go after a big university, coach and wealthy donors if the team is bringing in top players and winning.

Alabama was one state that did have specific punishment in its law: Anyone providing compen-

South Stanly and West Stanly both moved on to the third round

AP PHOTO

Both the NCAA and states have been hesitant to enforce rules and laws regarding name, likeness and image deals.

“A lot of people are referencing the NCAA not taking action, but the same can be said about states.”

Darren Heitner, an attorney who helped craft the Florida law sation to an athlete that caused them to lose eligibility faced a potential Class C felony, which carried up to 10 years in prison.

But Alabama lawmakers repealed the state’s entire college athlete compensation law earlier this year. The law’s original author called for the repeal because he worried it left Alabama schools at a recruiting disadvantage compared with rival schools in other states that didn’t have similar restrictions.

Arkansas gives some legal power to the athletes in that state. They can sue their agent or another third party that offers or sets up a deal later deemed improper and they are declared ineligible to play.

Half the states don’t have athlete compensation laws. Schools there have been left to navigate

the general parameters the NCAA provided in June 2021 on the eve of the NIL era and to wait to see what would be enforced. Pay-forplay and “improper inducements” were still off the table, the NCAA said then, but there were few details and NIL deals were struck by the hundreds in the weeks that followed.

The NCAA finally stepped back into its enforcement role with new guidance that sought to clarify the types of contracts and booster involvement that should be considered improper.

Few expect a massive crackdown and the Division I Board of Governors noted that its focus was on the future. There are simply too many athletes and too many contracts for NCAA enforcement to look at them all.

“The enforcement is going to fall on the NCAA, (but) there’s no way they’ll try to look at thousands of deals,” said Mit Winter, a sports law attorney in Kansas City, Missouri.

The NCAA will more likely look at some of the highly publicized deals set up through prominent business owners and third-party collectives that have popped up around dozens of schools to pool millions of dollars and connect athletes with business deals.

victor of that game will meet the winner of No. 14 Anson (16-7, 6-2 Rocky River) and No. 6 Bandys (23-4, 13-1 Catawba Valley) on Friday.

The two other Stanly softball

By Jesse Deal teams weren’t able to advance Stanly County Journal to the second week of the playALBEMARLE — While eight offs. No. 21 North Stanly (12-9, teams from Stanly County were 4-6 YVC) defeated No. 11 West part of the NCHSAA baseball Davidson (13-12, 12-1 Central and softball state playoffs, just Carolina) 11-3 in the first round five of them made it to the sec- of the 2A bracket but fell 6-2 to ond round and only a pair ad- No. 6 Bandys (23-4, 13-1 Catawba Valley) two days later. In the vanced to the third round.

The South Stanly and West 1A bracket, No. 15 Gray Stone Stanly softball teams are still (11-11, 2-8 Yadkin Valley) hosted No. 18 Elkin (15-10, alive with their eyes on 7-5 Northwest) in the the state championfirst round but lost in ship game on June 3. an 18-0 shutout.

Reigning state softOn the baseball diball champion and amond, two Stanly No. 1 seed South Stanteams were eliminated ly (24-3, 10-0 YadWins on in the first round and kin Valley) hosted two others were unable and defeated No. 32 the season to advance past the secAndrews (3-17, 1-11 so far for ond round.

Smoky Mountain) In the 1A bracket, 15-0 in the first round South Stanly of the 1A bracket. The softball, which No. 20 South Stanly (714, 4-6 Yadkin Valley) Bulls were then able to was set to defeated No. 13 Hayesadvance to the third ville (10-5, 8-4 Smoky round with a 6-1 win play in the Mountain) 3-1 but then over No. 17 Draughn third round suffered a 7-3 loss to (16-9, 9-3 Western No. 4 Swain CounHighlands).

South of the state ty (16-3, 11-1 Smoky Stanly was set to chalplayoffs on Mountain). lenge No. 8 Cherryville In the 2A bracket, (16-8 10-2 Southern Tuesday No. 2 North Stanly (22Piedmont) on Tuesday.

3, 10-0 Yadkin Valley) The victor of that game will face the winner of No. hosted and defeated No. 31 Bun12 Union Academy (18-5, 7-3 ker Hill (12-12, 9-5 Catawba ValYadkin Valley) and No. 13 Star- ley) 10-7 before losing 3-1 to No. mount (20-3, 12-2 Northwest) 15 Community School of Davidson (15-6, 6-4 Catawba Shores) on Friday.

In the 2A bracket, No. 2 West in the second round.

Meanwhile, No. 21 Gray Stone Stanly (23-4, 8-0 Rocky River) hosted and defeated No. 31 (6-12, 0-10 Yadkin Valley) fell to Wheatmore (8-13, 2-10 Pied- No. 12 Christ the King (8-10, mont Athletic) with a 13-0 shut- 3-7 Catawba Shores) in the first out before edging past No. 15 round of the 1A bracket, and R-S Central (14-10, 9-3 Moun- Rocky River Conference runner-up No. 8 West Stanly (20tain Foothills) in a 9-8 finish.

The Colts were scheduled to 7, 13-2) had a 3-2 loss to No. 25 face. No. 23 Morehead (16-8, 7-3 Mount Pleasant (12-10, 5-5 YadMid-State) in the third round kin Valley) in the first round of Tuesday after press time. The the 2A bracket.

24

New Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson will reportedly meet with the NFL to discuss sexual misconduct allegations that could lead to league discipline.

RON SCHWANE | AP PHOTO

Source: Browns’ Watson to meet with NFL officials in Texas The three-time Pro Bowler was traded from the Texans to Cleveland in the offseason

By Tom Withers The Associated Press CLEVELAND — NFL officials will meet this week with Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson as the league continues to investigate whether he violated its personal-conduct policy, a person familiar with the plans told The Associated Press on Monday.

Watson, who is facing 22 civil lawsuits from massage therapists accusing him of sexual misconduct, is scheduled to speak with the league’s representatives in Tex-

as, said the person who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation.

Watson is facing potential discipline by the league, which is independently investigating his actions while he was with the Houston Texans. Commissioner Roger Goodell said on April 28 that there was no timeframe on any possible ruling on Watson.

Reporter Josina Anderson was first to report the league-Watson meeting on Twitter.

“We have no update and will decline comment on that tweet,” league spokesman Brian McCarthy said in an email to AP. “There’s no timetable as the review is active and ongoing.”

Watson’s attorney, Rusty Hardin, told AP he will leave it to the

$230M The value of the fully guaranteed contract Deshaun Watson signed with the Browns after being traded to Cleveland from Houston NFL to discuss its schedule of interviews, but he assumes “Watson will be interviewed at great length soon.”

The meeting with league officials is a significant development for Watson, who signed a fully

guaranteed $230 million contract in March with the Browns after initially turning down a trade to Cleveland.

The Browns, who sent three first-round draft picks and six total selections to the Texans for Watson, are eager to find out if they’ll be without him for any portion of this season after making such a major investment in the three-time Pro Bowler.

In March, two Texas grand juries declined to indict Watson on criminal complaints from 10 women. He has denied all wrongdoing and said during a news conference with the Browns in April that he “never assaulted or disrespected or harassed any woman in my life.”

Watson has given depositions

on several of the civil cases. To this point he has not missed any of Cleveland’s offseason programs.

It’s not clear who Watson will be meeting with this week.

Lisa Friel, a former prosecutor in New York, has been heading the investigation. Once it is completed, former U.S. District Court Judge Sue Robinson, a disciplinary officer jointly appointed by the league and NFL Players Association, will decide if Watson violated the conduct policy and report to Goodell.

There is some precedent in this type of case. Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was suspended six games by the league in 2010 after a 20-year-old college student accused him of sexually assaulting her. The punishment was later reduced to four games.

6

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, May 18, 2022

DHS disinformation board’s work, plans remain a mystery The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — There is little credible information about the new Disinformation Governance Board.

And that has made it an instant target for criticism.

The board, part of the Department of Homeland Security, was announced in early May. But DHS has released few details on how the board will function and what powers it will have.

DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas was questioned by Republican members of Congress who have already called for the board to be disbanded. Some civil liberties advocates also worry the group could violate freedom of speech.

With disinformation campaigns working to shape opinions on everything from the war in Ukraine to the presidential election in the United States, the rocky start for the board may undermine its effectiveness and hurt the efforts to staunch the harm that false narratives can cause.

“It is just an episodic failure,” said Brian Murphy, a former director of DHS’ intelligence arm, of the board’s launch. “And it has set the true disinformation professionals, wherever they live, back.”

Testifying before Congress recently, Mayorkas said the board would examine how DHS currently counters disinformation and make sure the agency “does not infringe on freedom of speech, rights

AP PHOTO

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas speaks during a Senate Appropriations - Subcommittee on Homeland Security hearing, Wed. May 4, 2022, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. of privacy, civil rights and civil liberties.” DHS already has an office of civil rights and civil liberties.

“It is going to establish what should have been established years ago: standards, definitions, guidelines and policies,” he said.

The board’s bungled rollout could also hurt existing efforts to identify and stop foreign disinformation campaigns, which have been labeled a national security threat by both Republican and Democratic administrations.

The top Republicans on two key congressional panels wrote to the department demanding more information. Even privately, con-

gressional staffers say they know little about the board or how it’s being funded beyond the spare public announcements made by the department’s leadership.

“Given the complete lack of information about this new initiative and the potential serious consequences of a government entity identifying and responding to ‘disinformation,’ we have serious concerns about the activities of this new Board,” wrote Reps. Mike Turner of Ohio and John Katko of New York, the top Republicans on the House Intelligence and Homeland Security committees.

DHS that same day held a call

with congressional staffers and the board’s new director, Nina Jankowicz.

According to one person on the call, Jankowicz said there was a broad vision for what the board would do but did not offer specifics to some questions. The department also has not provided Congress with detailed written plans beyond a summary it sent to Capitol Hill the same day the department publicly announced the creation of the board.

Ninety-five percent of Americans identified misinformation last year as a problem when they’re trying to access important information, according to a poll conducted by The Pearson Institute and The Associated PressNORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

But the difference between opinion and disinformation is often contested — and many argue the government shouldn’t be responsible for drawing the line.

The board’s creation spurred outrage across social media, with dozens of conservative pundits and Republican politicians dubbing it the “Ministry of Truth,” a reference to the government agency responsible for creating propaganda in George Orwell’s novel “1984.” The term “Ministry of Truth” trended on Twitter for hours.

Thousands of posts focused on Jankowicz, including past social media posts that criticized Republicans and questioned the veracity of stories about Hunter Biden, the president’s son.

While the board was set up in part to combat Russian disinformation, it instead fueled conspiracy theories and more stories in Russian state media. One Kremlin-backed piece carried the headline: “Biden’s ‘Ministry of Truth’ is

another propaganda tool.”

Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah echoed that point to Mayorkas directly, calling the board a “terrible idea” that “communicates to the world that we’re going to be spreading propaganda in our own country.”

Homeland Security initially said the board would have the two-part mission of countering Russian disinformation activities and false narratives smugglers use to induce people in Latin America to try to reach the U.S.-Mexico border.

Trying to tamp down concerns about “thought police,” Mayorkas said in a television interview to CNN that “we in the Department of Homeland Security don’t monitor American citizens.”

In fact, DHS does. The sprawling department, created in response to the security failures leading up to the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, has broad authorities to track and collect data on American citizens. It has repeatedly been accused of misusing those powers. In a bulletin earlier this year, DHS said it was using social media to identify potential conspiracy theories that might inspire domestic violence or terrorism.

DHS won’t have the ability to remove posts or accounts that it deems are spreading disinformation. That power still rests with the tech companies themselves, said Katie Harbath, a former public policy director for Facebook who is now the International Republican Institute’s technology and democracy director.

“DHS is going to have to do what they normally do,” Harbath said. “If there’s a post they think should be taken down or factchecked, they can report that to the platforms, but the platforms are going to make their own call.”

Randy Weaver, participant in Ruby Ridge standoff, dies at 74

By Nicholas K. Geranios The Associated Press SPOKANE, Wash. — Randy Weaver, patriarch of a family that was involved in an 11-day Idaho standoff with federal agents 30 years ago that left three people dead and helped spark the growth of anti-government activists, has died at the age of 74.

His death was announced last week in a Facebook post by daughter Sara Weaver, who lives near Kalispell, Montana.

“Love you always Dad” was written on Sara Weaver’s Facebook page, posted with a picture of an older Randy and a smiling Sara, along with the dates Jan. 3, 1948, and May 11, 2022.

Details of Randy Weaver’s death were not immediately available.

The standoff in the mountains near Ruby Ridge in the Idaho Panhandle transfixed the nation in August of 1992.

Randy Weaver moved his family to northern Idaho in the 1980s to escape what he saw as a corrupt world. Over time, federal agents began investigating the Army veteran for possible ties to white supremacist and anti-government groups. Weaver was eventually suspected of selling a government informant two illegal sawed-off shotguns.

To avoid arrest, Weaver holed up on his land near Naples, Idaho.

On Aug. 21, 1992, a team of U.S. marshals scouting the forest to find suitable places to ambush and arrest Weaver came across his friend, Kevin Harris, and Weaver’s 14-year-old son Samuel in the woods. A gunfight broke out. Samuel Weaver and Deputy U.S. Marshal William Degan were killed.

AP PHOTO

Randy Weaver holds the door of his cabin showing holes from bullets fired during the 1992 siege of his Ruby Ridge, Idaho, home, model at left, during testimony before the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 6, 1995.

The next day, an FBI sniper shot Randy Weaver. As Weaver, Harris and Sara ran back toward the house, the sniper fired a second bullet, which passed through Vicki Weaver’s head as she held an infant and wounded Harris in the chest.

During the siege, Sara Weaver crawled around her mother’s

blanket-covered body to get food and water for the survivors until the family surrendered on Aug. 31, 1992.

Harris and Randy Weaver were arrested, and Weaver’s three daughters went to live with their mother’s family in Iowa. Randy Weaver was acquitted of the most serious charges and Harris was ac-

quitted of all charges.

The surviving members of the Weaver family filed a wrongful death lawsuit. The federal government awarded Randy Weaver a $100,000 settlement and his three daughters $1 million each in 1995.

After Ruby Ridge, federal agents laid siege to the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Tex-

as. It ended violently after 51 days on April 19, 1993, when a fire destroyed the compound after an assault was launched, killing 76 people.

Timothy McVeigh cited both Ruby Ridge and Waco as motivators when he bombed the federal building in Oklahoma City in 1995. Ruby Ridge has been cited often by militia and patriot groups since.

In the 30 years since the standoff, Ruby Ridge remained a rallying cry for anti-government activists. The Spokesman-Review reported Weaver remained popular among white supremacists and extremists in the years following the standoff, and was often seen selling his book, “The Federal Siege at Ruby Ridge,” at gun shows and survivalist expos.

Sara Weaver lives near Kalispell, Montana, a city in the northwestern part of the state that is the gateway to Glacier National Park and more than 100 miles east of Ruby Ridge.

Sara Weaver said she is devastated each time someone commits a violent act in the name of Ruby Ridge. “It killed me inside,” she told The Associated Press in 2012, regarding the Oklahoma City bombing. “I knew what it was like to lose a family member in violence. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.”

After graduating from high school in Iowa, Sara Weaver moved to the Kalispell area in 1996. Her sisters and father followed shortly after.

She has been back to Ruby Ridge, to the land her family still owns. All that remains of the family’s modest home is the foundation, she said.

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, May 18, 2022

7

obituaries

Nancy Achey Lambert

Barbara Louis (Barbee) Goins

Gertie Phyllis Williams

Joel Thomas Fesperman

Jeffrey Lynn Barbee

December 7, 1933 - May 16, 2022

July 15, 1946 ~ May 14, 2022

January 15, 1952 ~ May 13, 2022

May 7, 1951 ~ May 11, 2022

August 20, 1964 ~ May 11, 2022

Nancy Achey Lambert, 88, of Albemarle, passed away Monday, May 16, 2022 in her home.

Her memorial service will be 2pm Wednesday, May 18, 2022 in the Stanly Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. David Cochran officiating. Burial will be at a later date in the Bethany United Methodist Church Cemetery.

Mrs. Lambert was born December 7, 1933 in Bethlehem, PA to the late Emerson Achey and Anna Amanda Fehnel Achey. She formerly worked in the cafeteria at New London Elementary School and Pfeiffer University. Nancy was a member of Bethany United Methodist Church. She loved animals, her dog Annie and her grandchildren.

Nancy is preceded in death by her husband, Lester Goode Lambert and a son, Keith Alan Lambert. She is survived by two daughters, Lisa Teague (Allen) and Lori Campbell (fiancé Troy Horisberger) all of Albemarle, NC; three sons, Richard Achey (Joan) of Bethlehem, PA, Edward Achey (Sandy) of Easton, PA and Eugene Achey (Karen) of Treichlers, PA; four grandchildren, Derek Johnson (Catherine) of Norwood, NC, Brandon Johnson (Alexis) of Albemarle, NC, Megan Campbell of Albemarle, NC and Chelsey Johnson of Pensacola, FL and nine great grandchildren, Sarah, Leah, Noah, Brenden, Zedd, Baby Johnson, Gabriel, Ava and Ellie.

Barbara Louis Goins, 75, of Norwood, passed away Saturday, May 14, 2022, at home.

Barbara was born July 15, 1946, in North Carolina to the late Grover C. Barbee and the late Cora Bell Barbee.

She was also preceded in death by her husband, Gilbert Goins and her brothers, Gary Barbee and Johnny Barbee.

Barbara was a wonderful wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother. She enjoyed fishing and would often visit Appalachians. Barbara would read her devotional Bible everyday to grow in her relationship with Lord who she loved with all her heart. She was a simple woman who loved spending time with her family and would take every opportunity to share the Lord with them.

Survivors include sons, Terry Stirewalt of Norwood, NC, and Frank Stirewalt of Texas; daughters, Katrina Sue Locklear of Maxton, NC, and Carrie Starkey of Salisbury, NC; 20 grandchildren and 42 greatgrandchildren; and best friend and sister-in-Christ, Helen Locklear of Maxton, NC; and Patrick Davis of Norwood, NC, whom she called son, and his family.

Gertie Phyllis Metz Williams, 70, of Albemarle, passed away Friday, May 13, 2022 peacefully in her home.

Phyllis was born January 15, 1952 in Mecklenburg County to the late James Metz and the late Maggie Jones Metz. She was also preceded in death by loving husband Henry Mack Williams; brothers and sisters, Richard Metz, Thomas Metz, Eddie Jones, Johnnie Metz, James Metz, Vickie Metz, Vivian Smith, and Artie Metz.

Phyllis was a very loving and giving person who cherished her family and was a true woman of God. She was a fashionista and had a welcoming spirit that brought joy to everyone she met and will be missed by all who knew her.

Survivors include daughter, Cynthia Metz of the home, sons, Anthony (Pamela) Metz of Albemarle, Brian Metz of the home, Michael (Pamela) Williams of Washington D.C., special son, Patrick Aubin, siblings, Dolphus (Sammie) Metz, Lillian Blackman, and James Williams, sister-inlaws, Berlyn Metz, and Sadie Knight, grandchildren, Dara, Isis, Johnnathan, Christopher, Iyanna, and Michael Jr., great-grandchid, Zara Christina, very special nieces, Marilyn Metz and Diane Metz, and special nephew Randy Ponds.

Joel Thomas Fesperman, 71, of New London, passed away Wednesday, May 11, 2022 at Atrium Health Cabarrus in Concord.

Joel was born May 7, 1951 in North Carolina to the late Martin Luther Fesperman and the late Margaret Jewell Bryant Fesperman.

He was also preceded in death by sister, Sue Hall; and brothers, Glen "Dusty" Martin Fesperman, Brian David Fesperman, and Gary Fesperman.

Survivors include wife of 48 years, Lorena Hill Fesperman of the home; daughters, Gina Fesperman Starnes and Carrie Fesperman Lomax; son, Joel Fesperman, II; 11 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; sister, Robin Nowling; and brother, Dean Fesperman.

Joel was Pastor of All In Christ Baptist in New London for four and a half years. He also loved to hunt and fish with his family. Joel was the proud grandfather of his "Chocolate Rebel". The thing Joel would talk about the most was how much he loved the Lord and his family.

Jeffrey Lynn Barbee, 57, of Locust, passed away on Wednesday, May 11, 2022.

Mr. Barbee was born on August 20, 1964, to Patsy Jennette Simpson Barbee, and the late Gary Phillip Barbee.In addition to his father, he was also preceded in death by brother, Ronald Lee Barbee.

Jeff will be remembered as a loving father and grandfather.

Survivors include: mother, Patsy Jennette Barbee; daughters, Lisa McGraw, Katelyn Barbee, Michelle Barbee Furr; son, Timothy (Heather) McGraw; granddaughter, Kacie Fikes; brothers, Jerry Barbee, Gary Michael (Kay) Barbee, Rick (Marie) Barbee; niece, Amanda (Matt) King.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Jeffrey's funeral fund at Hartsell Funeral Home.

Jewell Lingerfelt Surratt April 21, 1943 - May 11, 2022

Ricky Neal Armstrong

Jim Bunn

April 2, 1953 - May 10, 2022

November 5, 1936 ~ May 13, 2022

Larry Alexander Deaton

August 27, 1947 - May 13, 2022 Larry Alexander Deaton, 74, of Oakboro, passed away Friday, May 13, 2022 at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center.

Mr. Deaton was born August 27, 1947 to the late Veron Deaton and Alma Treece Deaton.

James Lawrence “Jim” Bunn, 85, of Norwood, passed away Friday afternoon, May 13, 2022 at Atrium Health Stanly in Albemarle.

Jim was born November 5, 1936 in Cabarrus County to the late Foster C. and Myrtle Suther Bunn. He was a 1958 graduate of Pfeiffer College and former owner of Norwood Insurance Agency.

Jim was a member of First United Methodist Church in Norwood and was a past president of Piney Point Golf Club and was an avid golfer.

He is survived by his wife, Gail Thomas Bunn of the home; daughter, Leslie Bunn of Florida and son, Steven Bunn and wife Ronda of Norwood; two grandsons Devin and Seth Bunn and a sister Millicent Bunn of Concord.

Memorials may be made to: First United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 948, Norwood, NC 28128 and/or World Hunger Fund at First Lutheran Church 230 S Second Street, Albemarle, NC 28001.

Allyn Paul Higdom February 6, 1940 ~ May 12, 2022

Allyn Paul Higdem, 82, of Albemarle, passed away Thursday, May 12, 2022 at Brian Center Health & Rehabilitation Spruce Pine.

Mr. Higdem was born February 6, 1940 in Minnesota to the late Arnold Palmer Higdem and the late Myrtle Ada Higdem.

He was also preceded in death by his wife, Undine Carolyn Higdem.

Survivors include brother, Brenton Higdem of Sherwood, AR; and nephew, Brandon Douglas Higdem.

Memorials may be directly mailed to The Albemarle American Legion post #76 at P.O. box 742, Albemarle, NC 28002.

Ricky Neal “Rick” Armstrong, 64, of Albemarle, NC passed away Tuesday, May 10, 2022 in Atrium Health Cabarrus.

Rick was born April 2, 1953 in Beckley, WV, to the late Ray Armstrong and Betty Sandridge.

He enjoyed video games and his dogs, Millie and Zoe. Rick loved to travel with his wife Bebe. They shared a wonderful 42 years together full of love and adventure.

Rick is survived by his wife, Belinda Armstrong of the home; two brothers, Jerry Armstrong of Moundsville, WV and Mike Armstrong of Harrisburg, VA; three sisters, Vickie Carden of Landover, MD, Vesta Kopp of Southport, NC and Marty Jarrell of Greensboro, NC; stepfather, Clifford Sandridge of Luray, VA and a special niece, Holly Kopp of Denver, NC and special nephew, Zachary Kopp of Wilmington, NC. Rick was also preceded in death by his stepmother, Sandra Armstrong.

Jewell Lingerfelt Surratt, 79, of Oakboro, passed away Wednesday, May 11, 2022. Her memorial service will be 6 PM on Friday, May 13, 2022 in Providence Church of God with Pastor Jerry Ingle and Pastor Torbin Stroupe officiating.

Born April 21, 1943 in Stanly County, NC, she was the daughter of the late George Lee Lingerfelt and Carrie Mae Rogers Lingerfelt. She was a retired beautician and a member of Providence Church of God. She loved to do drawings.

She was preceded in death by two sons Chris Lingerfelt and Bryan Lingerfelt, four sisters Bernice Morton, Evelyn Harris, Joann Snipes, and Jane Crump and three brothers James Lingerfelt, David Lingerfelt and Wayne Lingerfelt. Survivors include three sisters, Kay Lingerfelt Carpenter of Mt. Gilead, Janice Elaine Richardson of Greensboro, Marie Williams of Albemarle, and a special nephew Rodger Morton of Oakboro and a special friend Shirley Efird of Stanfield.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorials be made to Hospice of Cabarrus County, 5003 Hospice Ln, Kannapolis, NC 28081 or the Gideons, PO Box 140800, Nashville, TN, 37214-0800.

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, May 18, 2022

8

STATE & NATION

Gov Cooper reveals what he wants to do with $6.2B surplus

By Gary D. Robertson The Associated Press RALEIGH — Gov. Roy Cooper proposed that North Carolina government spend or earmark much of a projected $6.2 billion surplus to address further a host of needs like building construction, education inequities, affordable housing and worker retention.

The Democratic governor unveiled his recommended adjustments to the second year of a two-year budget lawmakers approved and he signed last fall.

They also include higher pay for state employees and teachers beyond what the enacted budget already directs.

“Despite a difficult few years, North Carolina families and communities are marching ahead with the resilience that has always defined us,” Cooper told reporters. “The budget that I’m presenting today will build on our success and strengthen those areas that need reinforcement.”

The budget proposal came two days after the General Assembly and Cooper’s administration announced the state would exceed previous revenue projections for the current fiscal year by $4.2 billion, or 15%. That news also upped projections for the year starting July 1 by nearly $2 billion.

Cooper handles the overcollec-

AP PHOTO

Gov. Roy Cooper speaks at a news conference on Wed., May 11, 2022, at the Administration Building in Raleigh, to discuss his proposed state budget adjustments for the upcoming fiscal year. tions by increasing second-year spending by $2.3 billion, or 8.5%, to $29.3 billion. But there’s also another $2.4 billion going to a host of itemized “investments” he places in reserves for things like infrastructure, economic development and workforce training that does not count in the $29.3 billion.

The remaining $1.5 billion is unspent, but appropriating the rest is likely to breed skepticism among Republican legislators who will review his ideas before passing their own adjustments.

The legislative session begins Wednesday.

“While the governor’s budget

proposal includes several shared priorities, we are wary of excessively increasing spending in the face of potential economic downturns,” House Speaker Tim Moore said in a written statement.

Cooper’s proposal contains neither additional tax cuts nor more money for state’s rainy day fund.

He pointed out that the fund is already on track to reach $4.25 billion once the new fiscal year begins July 1 and that income tax cuts are already contained in the current budget.

While calling his proposal “a smart, fiscally sound budget.”

Cooper also added: “I think that

it’s clear that we want to invest more than (Republicans) do.” Any final legislative budget would be presented to the governor, who could let it become law or veto it.

Senate leader Phil Berger’s office declined comment on Cooper’s proposal.

Moore said he was hopeful a bipartisan agreement could be reached with the governor. Compared to last year, when lawmakers worked for months crafting a two-year plan because no comprehensive budget was in place, Republicans have sounded less willing to stay in Raleigh this summer since the current budget would continue if no agreement is reached with Cooper.

His proposal includes $687 million more for K-12 and University of North Carolina system construction projects and repairs; $102 million to purchase and improve potential sites to lure large companies to the state; and $165 million for affordable housing, including first-time homebuyer down payment assistance to low- and middle-income people.

The governor also wants to spend an additional $526 million to cover the next year of a public education spending remedial plan approved by a judge to meet standards cited in the long-standing “Leandro” litigation. The state Supreme Court could soon rule whether the courts can force lawmakers to fund the plan.

On pay raises, a 2.5% increase for most state employees set to begin in July would grow in Cooper’s plan to 5%, while state law enforcement and health care workers would get a 7.5% increase. Teacher pay schedules

In early primaries, voters favor polling places over mail The Associated Press ATLANTA — The great voteby-mail wave appears to be receding just as quickly as it arrived.

After tens of millions of people in the United States opted for mail ballots during the pandemic election of 2020, voters in early primary states are returning in droves to in-person voting this year.

In Georgia, one of the mostly hotly contested states, about 85,000 voters had requested mail ballots for the May 24 primary, as of Thursday. That is a dramatic decrease from the nearly 1 million who cast mail ballots in the state’s 2020 primary at the height of the coronavirus pandemic.

The trend was similar in Ohio, Indiana and West Virginia, which held primaries this month; comparisons were not available for Nebraska, another early primary state.

A step back in mail balloting was expected given easing concerns about COVID-19, but some election officials and voting experts had predicted that far more voters would seek out the convenience of mail voting once they experienced it.

Helping drive the reversal is the rollback of temporary rules expanding mail ballots in 2020, combined with concerns over election integrity.

“It’s unfortunate because our election system has been mischaracterized and the integrity of our elections questioned,” said Ben Hovland, a Democrat appointed

PHOTO VIA AP

Marcia Carroll, 72, of Perrysburg takes an Ohio voting sticker at the Woodland Elementary School Polling location in Perrysburg, Ohio, on Tue., May 3, 2022.

by Trump to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission. “Mail ballots are a safe and secure method of voting used by millions of Americans, including myself.”

A record 43% of voters in the U.S. cast mail ballots in 2020, compared with 24.5% in 2016, according to the commission’s survey of

local election officials. The number of voters who used in-person early voting also increased, although the jump was not quite as large as in mail ballots, the survey found.

Before the November 2020 election, 12 states expanded access to mail ballots by loosening certain requirements. Five more either

mailed ballots to all eligible voters or allowed local officials to do so, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. This year, eight states will mail ballots to every eligible voter.

In Georgia, state officials had adopted no-excuse mail ballots and three weeks of early, in-person vot-

would be adjusted to ensure instructors see a combined average 7.5% raise this year and next, instead of the current 5%. Onetime bonuses of $1,500 to $3,000 also would be offered for workers and teachers.

State Budget Director Charlie Perusse said these and other compensation proposals are needed to address a state government job vacancy rate approaching 20%. The turnover rate last year among first-year state employees reached 36%, he added.

Cooper once again proposed expanding Medicaid to hundreds of thousands of additional low-income adults through the 2010 federal Affordable Care Act. While Republicans have opposed the idea for years, Berger said last year he’s now open to expansion.

A special House-Senate study committee began meeting in the winter to consider expansion and other health care access improvements.

“I believe that we’re getting closer than ever to an agreement,” Cooper said. “I do appreciate that Republican leaders are taking this seriously.”

An impasse between Cooper and Republicans on Medicaid expansion was the chief reason why the state never had a comprehensive two-year budget approved in 2019.

Last year, the budget was enacted 4½ months late as Republicans finally won support from enough Democratic colleagues as spending provisions were adjusted. Cooper agreed to sign it, saying the good within the budget outweighed the bad. That budget ordered the creation of the Medicaid expansion committee.

ing before the pandemic.

Experts said it is too early to say whether voting patterns have shifted permanently. How people vote in primaries does not necessarily reflect how they will vote in a general election, when turnout will be heavier and voters might be more worried about crowded polling places and long lines.

Preliminary data from Ohio, Indiana and West Virginia also shows the number of mail ballots cast this year is a fraction of what the states saw in the 2020 primaries and tracks closely to 2018 levels.

In the Virginia governor’s election last year, the percentage of mail ballots cast was slightly larger than four years earlier but noticeably lower than in 2020, said Charles Stewart III, an elections expert and professor of political science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

“Elections are kind of going back to where they were,” he said.

Georgia voters are turning to early, in-person voting, which is setting records. About 305,000 ballots have been cast at early voting locations across the state, or three times as many who did so for the same period during the 2018 primary, according to state officials.

Outside an early voting location north of Atlanta, some voters said they simply preferred the convenience of voting early and in person, while others said they worried mail ballots were not as secure.

“Today I walked in, got my ballot, voted, and I’m leaving,” said Bill Baldwin, who was back to voting in person after casting a mail ballot in 2020 due to pandemic concerns.

“And I’m not standing in a line to the other end of the building.”

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VOLUME 4 ISSUE 33 | WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2022

Twin City Herald

PHOTO COURTESY WAKE FOREST PHOTOGRAPHY

Graduation Day

Wake Forest was one of several area school to hold commencement. Here, graduates attend a special weekend ceremony on campus prior to Monday’s graduation.

WHAT’S HAPPENING Reynolda House docents get to design their own tours In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the docentvolunteer program at Reynolda House, the docents will lead unique 90-minute Museum tours. Going off script, each docent will design his or her own tour route and, along the way, invite visitors to see the Museum through their personal lens of favorite stories, spaces, and objects. Every tour will offer a different experience; come for one or more!

Recommended for ages 10 and up. Advance registration is required.

WINSTONSALEM.COM

Whitney Hill to give fantasy writing workshop Come to the Central Library auditorium on Saturday, May 21 at 2 p.m. for a discussion of fantasy world-building with author Whitney Hill.

Ms. Hill is a local author and her series take place in the Triangle. She’ll show you how to infuse your world with magic, lore, and fun.

Whitney Hill is the author of the Shadows of Otherside fantasy series and the Otherside Heat paranormal romance series. Her first book, Elemental, was the winner of the 8th Annual WD Self-Published E-Book Awards. Her second book, Eldritch Sparks, was one of Kirkus Reviews’ Top 100 Indie Books of 2021.

WSFCS presents first draft of new Code of Conduct Free or reduced meal applications to potentially return for upcoming school year

overuse of exclusionary punishment which disproportionately impacts students of color and students with disabilities.

The new code of conduct aims to mostly do away with exclusionary punishments except in rare and extreme instances and instead focuses on districtwide rules, disciplinary response cycles, prevention classroom practices, fair and accountable disciplinary policies and practices and restorative interventions to help create the perception of school as a welcoming, safe and inclusive environment for all students and families.

“We want our adults to have an accountable and restorative approach to student discipline and building character,” said Dr. Lionel Kato, Chief Officer for Learning Supports.

WSFCS will host public comments for the new code at their next meeting on May 24, with a vote on it slated for June 14.

The board was also given a presentation by the Crossnore Schools and Children’s Home – Center for Trauma-Resilient Communities, the board approved $116,270; approved “The Center for Trauma Resilient Communities is an organization through the Crossnore

Schools,” said Dr. Corliss Thompson-Drew, Director of Psychological Services. “It helps organizations and communities imbed and embody the science of trauma resilience. The mission is really to help people understand what trauma is. The science of trauma and the impact on the body and mind and emotional functioning” WSFCS announced that they will be doing their Summer Meal Program, which is free for any child up to the age of 18.

There will be 27 open sites and 21 mobile meal sites that will operate from June, 20 to August, 11 serving breakfast from 8:15am8:45am and lunch from 11:30am 12:30pm.

WSFCS is also urging parents to fill out free and reduced meal applications as the schools are anticipating having to go back to their pre-pandemic meal cost guidelines.

“During the pandemic, when we shut down in 2020, one of the great things that the USDA program did was that they opened up a number of waivers to reduce barriers for school districts around the country to continue to provide meals to students while they weren’t in our schools for several months,” said Lauren Richards,

Penny Latham Mothershed wins Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award

pediatric families through three Family Rooms inside area hospitals (Brenner Children’s, Forsyth Medical Center, and Cone Health) and six Hospitality Carts (Brenner Children’s, Forsyth Medical Center, Randolph Health, and Cone Health) were offered. The House also underwent several expansions and now has 36 bedrooms. Meals, private bedrooms, recreational areas, and support services are available for those staying at the House; refreshments and quiet spaces are offered through the Family Rooms and Hospitality Carts. The organization is now known as the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Piedmont Triad, Inc. Penny was recognized for her tireless efforts to establish and maintain the Ronald McDonald

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal WINSTON-SALEM — The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Board of Education met Tuesday, May 10, to present the new student code of character, conduct and support draft as well as to pitch two new support programs.

After meeting with 300+ stakeholders including staff, teachers, parents and community members, WSFCS redrafted their code of conduct as the prior one was deemed to be outdated, not user friendly, failed to look at students holistically and was missing critical sections.

“We embarked on a deep data dive in April of last year that consisted of looking at and analyzing data over the last three years,” said Dr. Effie McMillian, Executive Director of Equity, Access, and Acceleration. “What was found in that data was that we definitely have a problem with the use and

Founder of Piedmont Ronald McDonald House honored

WINSTONSALEM.COM

North State Journal staff

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20177 52016 $0.50

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THE RONALD MCDONALD House Charities of the Piedmont Triad, Inc. founder, Penny Latham Mothershed was recognized with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award at the organization’s Annual Alan’s Legacy – Heart of Gold Society cele-

bration.

Penny and her late husband Dick Latham lost their young son Alan to cancer in 1980. To honor his memory, the Lathams worked with Dr. Richard Patterson to create a 10-bedroom home for families of children from outside the community receiving treatment at local medical facilities. This became the Ronald McDonald House of Winston-Salem (RMHWS) that opened in 1984. Soon, programs for local

Chief Operations Officer. “The biggest one was that meals became free for all students, everywhere.

So there were no more free and reduced meal applications or having to apply. They were just free.

That has extended into the 202122 school year, however, as of June 30, 2022, all of those USDA meal waivers end and it is not looking promising that there is going to be an extension.”

The board heard from Assistant Superintendent for Technology, Kevin Sherrill, about the potential implementation of a software service subscription for a digital, cloud-based platform that would monitor the wellbeing of students and for student safety.

“The purpose is to mitigate cyberbullying and monitor student internet activity,” Sherrill said.

“It’s not to filter internet activity, as we do that internally already, but to monitor what kids are doing online and to monitor and manage classroom educational devices.”

The board flew through the final action items on the agenda, approving the 2022-23 proposed budget recommendation, the disposition of surplus property, that being one vehicle, the replacement of Main Street Academy’s roof, the application and conveyance for Easton Waterline, the Title I Contract for Education Resource Group and the ESSER Indoor Air Quality Project Bids for Bolton Elementary School and Jefferson Middle School.

The WSFCS Board of Education will next meet May 24.

“We never knew we needed a Ronald McDonald House until we had one. Now we can’t imagine life without it" Ronald McDonald House board member

House and its programs to our community. One RMH board member put it this way: “We never knew we needed a Ronald McDonald House until we had one.

Now we can’t imagine life without it.”

Mothershed received the honor in a ceremony in Forsyth County last Thursday.

Twin City Herald for Wednesday, May 18, 2022

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COLUMN | DAVID HARSANYI

Better questions to ask Americans on abortion

Publisher Neal Robbins

Editor Shawn Krest

Sports Editor Cory Lavalette

Senior Opinion Editor Frank Hill

Design Editor Lauren Rose Published each Wednesday as part of the North State Journal.

(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.

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WITH THE LEAK of a Supreme Court draft opinion by Justice Samuel Alito overturning Roe v. Wade, the media has gone into hyperdrive trying to obscure the real contours of the debate. One of the most obvious ways they do it is by highlighting politically-motivated surveys and conducting push-polling.

Take Politico’s recent Morning Consult poll, which informs us that 53% of voters say Roe should not be overturned. Even among Republican voters, only 48% support overturning Roe. First of all, who cares? It’s a completely irrelevant query, really. The court exists not to care what polls tells them. And, really, on what constitutional grounds do these 53% of Americans maintain the decision should be upheld?

There is tons of evidence illustrating that, other than in the broadest terms, most Americans have no idea what Roe entails.

If you want to delve into the topic, a far more worthwhile line of inquiry would be: “Do you believe the issue of abortion should be a protected constitutional right, or should voters be able to decide the issue on a state level?” This properly lays out the reality of choices that voters face. And I suspect the numbers would look quite different when the issue is framed properly. But, of course, that would mean informing those being questioned that overturning Roe doesn’t necessarily mean an abortion ban. That would be inconvenient.

The Morning Consult poll also finds that 41% of voters say it is “very important” for them to vote for a candidate in the 2022 midterms who supports “abortion access.” Every Republican-led law that’s been enacted on the issue of abortion in recent years, including the Mississippi bill that sparked the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health case, provides “access” to abortion. Maybe some future bill won’t, but these do.

Do you think those 41% understand this reality, one that is purposely obscured by the question? I don’t.

And anyway, why are pollsters posing inexact theoretical questions about abortion when they can ask precise ones that would properly gauge where the public stands on the debate that does exist? Democrats run Washington, and Chuck Schumer, who runs the Senate, has already brought the Women’s Health Protection Act bill to the floor. This bill had tangible policy components that properly reflect the Democratic Party’s position on abortion, so pollsters don’t have to guess.

Some easy questions might be: Do you support the Democratic Party’s effort to legalize abortion

through all nine months of pregnancy in all 50 states?

Do you support the Democrats’ efforts to prohibit states from passing laws that forbid abortions after viability?

Do you support the Democrats’ efforts to prohibit states from passing laws against sex-selective abortions?

Do you support the Democrats’ efforts to overturn existing laws that require parental or guardian notification for minors?

Do you agree with Democrats that non-doctors should be given the right to perform abortions?

Do you agree with the Democratic Party’s efforts to strip medical workers of conscience rights and compel them to participate in abortion procedures or lose their jobs?

Democrats, including President Joe Biden, want to eliminate the Hyde Amendment so that the federal government can fund abortions with taxpayer dollars. Do you agree?

Do you agree with the Biden administration that more abortions are vital in keeping down the poor population, increasing labor force participation and helping the economy?

A few years back, Republicans in Congress attempted to pass a 20week limit on abortion. Do you think such a limit is reasonable?

In Florida and Mississippi, Republican governors have signed laws limiting legal abortion to the first 15 weeks of pregnancy. Would you support similar limits in your state?

Rather, Politico asks about the prospect of prison for women who obtain abortions, which 73% oppose. Not only has there never been a serious anti-abortion bill that proposes jail time for women who get abortions, Texas, for instance, specifically exempts women from homicide charges for abortions. Prison time has never been part of the anti-abortion policy agenda. Why would you ask this particular question and not any of the others?

To fearmonger and mislead participants.

It is undeniable that American attitudes regarding abortion are complex and often contradictory. But media outlets have further obfuscated the issue to protect Democrats. It is perhaps most obvious in the questions they ask.

David Harsanyi is a senior writer at National Review and author of “Eurotrash: Why America Must Reject the Failed Ideas of a Dying Continent.”

Wake Forest fires Jen Hoover as women’s basketball coach The Associated Press

ment just twice, though Hoover guided the Demon Deacons there in 2021.

“Wins and losses matter, we do keep score,” Currie said in an online news conference with reporters. “At the same time, I believe that Wake Forest over the last 10 years has steadily increased its investment in women’s basketball, and we have a very, very significant in women’s basketball.

“I would never point to a spe-

cific record or a specific loss. It’s more of an aggregate body of work, so to speak.”

Hoover was an all-Atlantic Coast Conference performer as a Wake Forest player from 1987-91.

“I am disappointed and deeply saddened to receive the news that I was terminated today without cause,” Hoover said. “I am so proud of our many accomplishments over the past 10 years including the return for the program to the NCAA in 2021.”

Yet the follow-up to that NCAA bid offered an example of Currie’s concerns on whether the program was making “forward progression.” This year’s team went 16-17 and just 4-14 in league play.

After the season, all three assistants departed, with associate head coach Erin Dickerson Davis becoming head coach at William & Mary.

The decision came nearly two months after the Demon Deacons concluded the season with

♦ Miles Michael Burick, 72, of Forsyth County, died May 14, 2022.

♦ John Thomas McGee, 73, of Forsyth County, died May 14, 2022.

♦ Gregory Wayne Sapp, 64, of Forsyth County, died May 14, 2022.

Ina Jean Tucker Stephens, 92, of Forsyth County, died May 13, 2022.

♦ Bobby Gwyn, 87, of WinstonSalem, died May 11, 2022.

♦ Helen Locile Eaton Mickey, 96, of Stanleyville, died May 12, 2022.

♦ Margaretha Maria Behr Shelton, 84, died May 13, 2022.

Victoria “Vickie” Jean Inman Vanhoy, 71, of Walkertown, died May 14, 2022.

WAKE FOREST has fired women’s basketball coach Jen Hoover, parting ways with the former Demon Deacons player after 10 seasons.

The school announced the move Wednesday evening, with athletics director John Currie pointing to the program’s overall trajectory as well as turnover on the coaching staff. Wake Forest has made the NCAA Tourna-

a WNIT second-round loss to Middle Tennessee. Currie said the move followed a comprehensive program review, but timing proved awkward considering Currie and Hoover were both in Florida attending the ACC’s spring meetings this week.

Currie said he met with Hoover after she concluded her portion of the meetings there.

“The reality is there’s never a good time,” Currie said. “And once a decision has been made, the right thing to do for all the people involved is to go ahead and move forward with that decision.”

DEATH NOTICES

♦ Richard Crews Idol, 94, of Kernersville, died May 15, 2022.

♦ Beth Nacole Hill Peters, 38, of Clemmons, died May 11, 2022.

♦ Nellie Kennedy Shore, 80, of Surry County, died May 12, 2022.

2022.

Wilburn Price Walker, 97, of Forsyth County, died May 11, 2022.

Dale Lee Williams, 66, of Forsyth County, died May 13, 2022.

Marie Tuttle Vaughn, 88, of Forsyth County, died May 11,

WEEKLY CRIME LOG ♦ BAILEY, SETH AARON was arrested on a charge of IMPAIRED DRIVING DWI at 3638 BETHABARA PARK BV on 5/15/2022 ♦ BONNER, RICO ANTOINE was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT ON FEMALE at 2700 PIEDMONT CR on 5/15/2022 ♦ Boyles, Katrina Yontz (F/38) Arrest on chrg of 1) Drug Trafficking (F), 2) Drug Trafficking (F), 3) Drugs-misd Poss (M), 4) P/w/i/s/d Sched Iv (F), 5) Drug Paraphernalia (M), and 6) Drug Paraphernalia (M), at 7895 Broad St, Rural Hall, NC, on 5/12/2022 18:10. ♦ Brown, Clinton Dwright (M/44) Arrest on chrg of 1) P/w/i/s/d Cocaine (F), 2) Open Beverage (M), 3) Resisting Arrest (M), 4) Resisting Arrest (M), 5) Speeding To Elude Arrest (M), and 6) Fail To Burn Headlamp Between The Period Sunset And Sunrise (M), at 7895 Broad St, Rural Hall, NC, on 5/12/2022

18:08. ♦ Clark, Charis Lamont (M/30) Arrest on chrg of Assaultsimple (M), at 201 N Church St, Winston-salem, NC, on 5/13/2022 13:20. ♦ CLARK, DONALD ELON was arrested on a charge of 2ND DEGREE TRESPASS at 199 HANES SQUARE CR/HANES MALL BV on 5/16/2022 ♦ Crews, Patrick Renard (M/38) Arrest on chrg of 1) Assault On Female (M), 2) Dom Criminal Trespas (M), and 3) Fail To Appear/compl (M), at 5023 Baux Mountain Rd, Winstonsalem, NC, on 5/11/2022 18:28. ♦ Crosby, Amarja Labre (F/22) Arrest on chrg of Ofa/fta-injury To Personal Property, M (M), at 200 N Main St, Winston-salem, NC, on 5/11/2022 14:03. ♦ DRAPER, HARRY LEE was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT ON FEMALE at 1129 N CAMERON AV on 5/15/2022

♦ DURRELL, CHRISTOPHER XAVIER was arrested on a charge of 2ND DEGREE TRESPASS at 520 N SPRING ST on 5/15/2022 ♦ Eccles, James Edward (M/52) Arrest on chrg of 1) Sex Offender Residency Violations (F), 2) Fail To Register - Sex Offender Registration (F), and 3) Fail To Register - Sex Offender Registra (F), at 301 N Church St, Winstonsalem, NC, on 5/12/2022 12:30. ♦ FAIR, CLIFTON TYRONE was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT ON FEMALE at 150 WALKERTOWN AV on 5/15/2022 ♦ FALL, MATAR was arrested on a charge of KIDNAPPING at 4369 INDIANA AV/NORTH POINT BV on 5/15/2022 ♦ Floyd, Maurice (M/58) Arrest on chrg of Assault On Female (M), at 5115 Main St, Walkertown, NC, on 5/14/2022 17:28. ♦ GASTON, WAYNE JAMES was

arrested on a charge of 2ND DEGREE TRESPASS at 2121 W CLEMMONSVILLE RD on 5/15/2022 ♦ Holland, Charles Edward (M/24) Arrest on chrg of 1) Indecent Liberties With Student (F), 2) Indecent Liberties With Student (F), 3) Indecent Liberties With Student (F), 4) Indecent Liberties With Student (F), 5) Indecent Liberties With Student (F), 6) Indecent Liberties With Student (F), 7) Indecent Liberties With Student (F), 8) Indecent Liberties With Student (F), 9) Indecent Liberties With Student (F), 10) Indecent Liberties With Student (F), 11) Indecent Liberties With Student (F), 12) Indecent Liberties With Student (F), 13) Indecent Liberties With Student (F), 14) Indecent Liberties With Student (F), 15) Indecent Exposure (F), 16) Indecent Exposure (F), 17) Indecent Exposure (F), 18) Indecent Exposure (F), 19) Indecent Exposure (F), 20) Indecent Exposure (F), 21)

Indecent Exposure (F), 22) Indecent Exposure (F), 23) Indecent Exposure (F), 24) Indecent Exposure (F), 25) Indecent Exposure (F), 26) Indecent Exposure (F), 27) Indecent Exposure (F), 28) Indecent Exposure (F), 29) Indecent Exposure (F), 30) Indecent Exposure (F), and 31) Indecent Exposure (F), at 143 N Peace Haven Rd, Winstonsalem, NC, on 5/16/2022 15:45. ♦ HOPKINS, MARCUS EUGENEMASSEY was arrested on a charge of RESISTING ARREST at 400 E HANES MILL RD on 5/15/2022 ♦ JESSUP, STERLING JAMON was arrested on a charge of P/W/I/S/D MARIJUANA at 201 N CHURCH ST on 5/15/2022 ♦ Keiger, Allen Graham (M/53) Arrest on chrg of Vio. Protective Order By Courts Another State/ Indian Tribe (M), at 3828 High Point Rd, Winston-salem, NC, on 5/11/2022 20:56.

Twin City Herald for Wednesday, May 18, 2022

SPORTS

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SIDELINE REPORT NFL

4 Bills Hall of Famers planning support of shooting victims Buffalo Bills Hall of Fame running back Thurman Thomas told The Associated Press he and several former teammates are coming together in Buffalo this week to help support families of the shooting victims. Among those players expected to make the trip are Hall of Famers defensive end Bruce Smith and receiver Andre Reed, along with Thomas and Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly, who like Thomas lives in the area.

Thomas, who has already pledged $10,000 of support to the victims’ families from his charitable foundation, said it was too early to provide any details of the gathering.

NHL

Golden Knights fire DeBoer after missing playoffs Las Vegas The Vegas Golden Knights fired coach Peter DeBoer on Monday after they missed the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. Vegas failed to qualify for the postseason after a barrage of injuries compounded by salary cap problems wreaked havoc on the lineup. DeBoer coached the Golden Knights for 2½ seasons after being named to replace Gerard Gallant in January 2020. DeBoer, 53, is the fourth coach to lose his job since the regular season ended, joining Detroit’s Jeff Blashill, the New York Islanders‘ Barry Trotz and Philadelphia interim coach Mike Yeo.

SOCCER

Chelsea sale not yet approved London The British government has yet to approve the sale of Premier League club Chelsea to a consortium fronted

by Los Angeles Dodgers part-owner Todd Boehly.

Outgoing Russian owner Roman Abramovich is not allowed to profit from the proceeds of the sale since he was sanctioned and his assets were frozen for his links to President Vladimir Putin after the invasion of Ukraine. An update to the license allowing Chelsea to continue operating as a business is required from the government to approve the buyout. Abramovich said he hopes the proceeds of the 2.5 billion-pound ($3.1 billion) sale will go to charitable causes, having previously said they would go to help victims of the war in Ukraine.

PRO FOOTBALL

3 CFL teams cancel opening practices amid work stoppage Toronto Three Canadian Football league teams canceled their opening training-camp practices Sunday, a day after the league and players union broke off negotiations on a collective bargaining agreement. The Montreal Alouettes, Hamilton TigerCats and Toronto Argonauts canceled practices, with more teams expected to follow suit.

The previous CBA expired at midnight, with the CFL Players’ Association directing players from seven of the nine teams to participate in a work stoppage beginning at 12:01 a.m. EDT Sunday. The lone previous CFL strike came in 1974 and was resolved before the start of the season.

AP PHOTO

Kurt Busch celebrates after winning Sunday's NASCAR Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway.

Kurt Busch takes Jordan Brand to Victory Lane at Kansas The win was the second ever for 23XI Racing The Associated Press KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Kurt Busch was slowly driving his Jordan Brand-styled ride toward victory lane at Kansas Speedway on Sunday when car owner Denny Hamlin stopped him in his tracks, ducked his head through the window and said: “We did it.”

Did they ever.

Busch survived a weary day of tire attrition, then pinched his way past Kyle Larson for the lead with eight laps to go, before driving away from the reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion

to win for the first time at Kansas — and give the up-and-coming 23XI Racing team owned by Hamlin and NBA great Michael Jordan its second win ever.

“That’s the most gratifying part, helping these guys win,” Busch said. “It’s all about team work. I don’t do this alone.”

Larson had the dominant car, riding the top line around the mile-and-a-half oval, but Busch was able to put his Toyota just about anywhere he wanted.

That paid off when the two were side-by-side with eight to go and Busch squeezed by Larson, who brushed the wall and lost just enough momentum to surrender the lead — and the win.

Busch pulled his No. 45 car

— one of the numbers that Jordan wore during his career — to a stop at the start-finish line and climbed out the window before throwing his arms up in triumph, the familiar Jumpman logo splashed across his fire suit.

It was the second win for 23XI after Bubba Wallace triumphed last year at Talladega, and it came at the most unexpected of times; neither of the team’s drivers had finished in the top 10 this season.

“You know, we as an organization kind of let these guys down — I’m talking about Bubba and Kurt, all the mistakes we’d made on pit road and whatnot,” Hamlin said. “But lets talk about the positives. I can’t thank Kurt enough.

The Jordan Brand’s first race, so

jealous he gets to drive that car, and then to have that thing so fast there, yeah, it’s just — I’ve never had this kind of feeling, even for a win for me, much less when I didn’t win. It’s different.”

There were no hard feelings about the way Busch raced to the finish, either.

“He never got into me. I’m trying to squeeze throttle to get position on him and just got tight,” Larson said. “That was fun racing with Kurt the last half of the race. I was trying hard the whole time.”

Kyle Busch was third followed by Denny Hamlin. Christopher Bell parlayed his third pole of the season into a fifthplace finish. Truex bounced back from his tire issue to finish sixth with Chastain, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Alex Bowman and Wallace rounding out the top 10.

The series takes a regular-season break before the Coca-Cola 600 and heads to Texas for next weekend’s All-Star race.

Panthers’ Corral has ‘big chip’ on shoulder after draft fall The quarterback slid to the third round in last month’s NFL Draft The Associated Press CHARLOTTE — Matt Corral’s unexpected fall to the third round of the NFL Draft has left the Carolina Panthers rookie quarterback with a good bit of motivation as he begins his professional career.

“Honestly, I had a big chip on my shoulder before — but it just got bigger,” Corral said Friday after his first minicamp practice.

Corral traveled to Las Vegas to be a part of the draft festivities last month but left the green room following the first night when his name wasn’t called. He never returned. He spent the second night in a nearby hotel room with his family waiting — and waiting — to be selected.

It didn’t happen until the 94th overall pick when the quarterback-needy Panthers traded up into the bottom half of the third round to get him, ending what the former Mississippi signal-caller called “a roller coaster of emo-

tion.”

“I truly have never been happy and sad at the same time,” Corral said of the phone call. “I’ve never felt that before.”

Corral offered no explanation for the free fall.

He addressed an NFL Network report shortly after the draft that attributed teams passing on him because he had “alcohol and related issues” in his past.

“I don’t know where that came from,” Corral said. “It’s one of those things that got out there.

That was honestly the first time I heard that. That’s not something I can control.”

Panthers coach Matt Rhule downplayed those reports, saying the team talked to his college roommate, teammates and coaches — and the feedback was “you’re going to love him.”

“I’m more interested in the issues that people have now than the issues that they have overcome,” Rhule said. “I certainly don’t want to be judged at what I was at 18, 19 or 20 (years old). All of us have gone through things in life.”

While Corral’s fall from a potential first-round draft pick cost

CHRIS CARLSON | AP PHOTO

Panthers quarteback Matt Corral, who slid to the third round of the draft before Carolina traded up to select him, takes part in drills during last week's rookie minicamp in Charlotte. him millions on his rookie contract, the reality is he’s landed in a place where he has a chance for long-term success. The Panthers don’t have an established quarterback.

Sam Darnold struggled last year with 13 touchdown passes and 19 interceptions and his hold on the starting spot is tenuous at best. P.J. Walker is the only other returning QB. Rhule said it helps “even the playing field” for rookies that all of Carolina’s offensive players will be learning a new system under new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo.

Corral said his immediate goal is to position himself to compete, but that’s not his biggest concern right now.

“All it comes down to is know-

ing the playbook,” Corral said.

“If I can know the playbook, I’m going to be ready to play. ... Of course my mentality is to be the starter, but right now I’m trying to get on that 53-man roster.”

Panthers rookie offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu said he likes what he saw on day one from Corral in the huddle.

“Cool, calm and collected,” Ekwonu said. “Just going through the walkthroughs this morning you could see the poise in the pocket and you kind of feel like he’s ready for the position.”

Rhule said the Panthers love Corral’s moxie.

“The way he throws the ball, his vision, his release and his timing, we just thought it would transfer over to this level,” Rhule said.

Twin City Herald for Wednesday, May 18, 2022

4

STATE & NATION

Gov Cooper reveals what he wants to do with $6.2B surplus

By Gary D. Robertson The Associated Press RALEIGH — Gov. Roy Cooper proposed that North Carolina government spend or earmark much of a projected $6.2 billion surplus to address further a host of needs like building construction, education inequities, affordable housing and worker retention.

The Democratic governor unveiled his recommended adjustments to the second year of a two-year budget lawmakers approved and he signed last fall.

They also include higher pay for state employees and teachers beyond what the enacted budget already directs.

“Despite a difficult few years, North Carolina families and communities are marching ahead with the resilience that has always defined us,” Cooper told reporters. “The budget that I’m presenting today will build on our success and strengthen those areas that need reinforcement.”

The budget proposal came two days after the General Assembly and Cooper’s administration announced the state would exceed previous revenue projections for the current fiscal year by $4.2 billion, or 15%. That news also upped projections for the year starting July 1 by nearly $2 billion.

Cooper handles the overcollec-

AP PHOTO

Gov. Roy Cooper speaks at a news conference on Wed., May 11, 2022, at the Administration Building in Raleigh, to discuss his proposed state budget adjustments for the upcoming fiscal year. tions by increasing second-year spending by $2.3 billion, or 8.5%, to $29.3 billion. But there’s also another $2.4 billion going to a host of itemized “investments” he places in reserves for things like infrastructure, economic development and workforce training that does not count in the $29.3 billion.

The remaining $1.5 billion is unspent, but appropriating the rest is likely to breed skepticism among Republican legislators who will review his ideas before passing their own adjustments.

The legislative session begins Wednesday.

“While the governor’s budget

proposal includes several shared priorities, we are wary of excessively increasing spending in the face of potential economic downturns,” House Speaker Tim Moore said in a written statement.

Cooper’s proposal contains neither additional tax cuts nor more money for state’s rainy day fund.

He pointed out that the fund is already on track to reach $4.25 billion once the new fiscal year begins July 1 and that income tax cuts are already contained in the current budget.

While calling his proposal “a smart, fiscally sound budget.”

Cooper also added: “I think that

it’s clear that we want to invest more than (Republicans) do.” Any final legislative budget would be presented to the governor, who could let it become law or veto it.

Senate leader Phil Berger’s office declined comment on Cooper’s proposal.

Moore said he was hopeful a bipartisan agreement could be reached with the governor. Compared to last year, when lawmakers worked for months crafting a two-year plan because no comprehensive budget was in place, Republicans have sounded less willing to stay in Raleigh this summer since the current budget would continue if no agreement is reached with Cooper.

His proposal includes $687 million more for K-12 and University of North Carolina system construction projects and repairs; $102 million to purchase and improve potential sites to lure large companies to the state; and $165 million for affordable housing, including first-time homebuyer down payment assistance to low- and middle-income people.

The governor also wants to spend an additional $526 million to cover the next year of a public education spending remedial plan approved by a judge to meet standards cited in the long-standing “Leandro” litigation. The state Supreme Court could soon rule whether the courts can force lawmakers to fund the plan.

On pay raises, a 2.5% increase for most state employees set to begin in July would grow in Cooper’s plan to 5%, while state law enforcement and health care workers would get a 7.5% increase. Teacher pay schedules

In early primaries, voters favor polling places over mail The Associated Press ATLANTA — The great voteby-mail wave appears to be receding just as quickly as it arrived.

After tens of millions of people in the United States opted for mail ballots during the pandemic election of 2020, voters in early primary states are returning in droves to in-person voting this year.

In Georgia, one of the mostly hotly contested states, about 85,000 voters had requested mail ballots for the May 24 primary, as of Thursday. That is a dramatic decrease from the nearly 1 million who cast mail ballots in the state’s 2020 primary at the height of the coronavirus pandemic.

The trend was similar in Ohio, Indiana and West Virginia, which held primaries this month; comparisons were not available for Nebraska, another early primary state.

A step back in mail balloting was expected given easing concerns about COVID-19, but some election officials and voting experts had predicted that far more voters would seek out the convenience of mail voting once they experienced it.

Helping drive the reversal is the rollback of temporary rules expanding mail ballots in 2020, combined with concerns over election integrity.

“It’s unfortunate because our election system has been mischaracterized and the integrity of our elections questioned,” said Ben Hovland, a Democrat appointed

PHOTO VIA AP

Marcia Carroll, 72, of Perrysburg takes an Ohio voting sticker at the Woodland Elementary School Polling location in Perrysburg, Ohio, on Tue., May 3, 2022.

by Trump to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission. “Mail ballots are a safe and secure method of voting used by millions of Americans, including myself.”

A record 43% of voters in the U.S. cast mail ballots in 2020, compared with 24.5% in 2016, according to the commission’s survey of

local election officials. The number of voters who used in-person early voting also increased, although the jump was not quite as large as in mail ballots, the survey found.

Before the November 2020 election, 12 states expanded access to mail ballots by loosening certain requirements. Five more either

mailed ballots to all eligible voters or allowed local officials to do so, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. This year, eight states will mail ballots to every eligible voter.

In Georgia, state officials had adopted no-excuse mail ballots and three weeks of early, in-person vot-

would be adjusted to ensure instructors see a combined average 7.5% raise this year and next, instead of the current 5%. Onetime bonuses of $1,500 to $3,000 also would be offered for workers and teachers.

State Budget Director Charlie Perusse said these and other compensation proposals are needed to address a state government job vacancy rate approaching 20%. The turnover rate last year among first-year state employees reached 36%, he added.

Cooper once again proposed expanding Medicaid to hundreds of thousands of additional low-income adults through the 2010 federal Affordable Care Act. While Republicans have opposed the idea for years, Berger said last year he’s now open to expansion.

A special House-Senate study committee began meeting in the winter to consider expansion and other health care access improvements.

“I believe that we’re getting closer than ever to an agreement,” Cooper said. “I do appreciate that Republican leaders are taking this seriously.”

An impasse between Cooper and Republicans on Medicaid expansion was the chief reason why the state never had a comprehensive two-year budget approved in 2019.

Last year, the budget was enacted 4½ months late as Republicans finally won support from enough Democratic colleagues as spending provisions were adjusted. Cooper agreed to sign it, saying the good within the budget outweighed the bad. That budget ordered the creation of the Medicaid expansion committee.

ing before the pandemic.

Experts said it is too early to say whether voting patterns have shifted permanently. How people vote in primaries does not necessarily reflect how they will vote in a general election, when turnout will be heavier and voters might be more worried about crowded polling places and long lines.

Preliminary data from Ohio, Indiana and West Virginia also shows the number of mail ballots cast this year is a fraction of what the states saw in the 2020 primaries and tracks closely to 2018 levels.

In the Virginia governor’s election last year, the percentage of mail ballots cast was slightly larger than four years earlier but noticeably lower than in 2020, said Charles Stewart III, an elections expert and professor of political science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

“Elections are kind of going back to where they were,” he said.

Georgia voters are turning to early, in-person voting, which is setting records. About 305,000 ballots have been cast at early voting locations across the state, or three times as many who did so for the same period during the 2018 primary, according to state officials.

Outside an early voting location north of Atlanta, some voters said they simply preferred the convenience of voting early and in person, while others said they worried mail ballots were not as secure.

“Today I walked in, got my ballot, voted, and I’m leaving,” said Bill Baldwin, who was back to voting in person after casting a mail ballot in 2020 due to pandemic concerns.

“And I’m not standing in a line to the other end of the building.”

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VOLUME 7 ISSUE 12 | WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2022 | MOORE.NORTHSTATEJOURNAL.COM

MOORE COUNTY

DAVID SINCLAIR | FOR THE NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Newsies sell papers

North Moore High School students performed the musical “Newsies” at C.E. Hackney Auditorium during the week of May 6-8. The performance was directed by Kimberly Fielder-Jones.

COUNTY NEWS Proposed county budget released County Manager Wayne Vest presented the proposed 202223 county budget last week and the county at the regular meeting of the Moore County Commissioners Monday. The budget included requests from county department heads, the Moore County Schools and Sandhills Community College. The nearly $200 million budget will keep property tax rates flat. At its regular meeting on Monday, the Board of Commissioners set a public hearing on the proposed budget for June, 21 at 5:30 with final adoption of the budget set for June 23.

County schools name teacher, principal of the year A Southern Pines Elementary School music teacher and West Pine Middle School principal were the top honorees at a banquet held by Moore County Schools in Pinehurst last week. Melanie Henderson of Southern Pines Elementary was named district Teacher of the Year and Jeni West, principal of West Pine Middle School, was district principal of the year.

Social Security Administration releases most popular baby names The most popular baby names in 2021 have been released by the Social Security Administration. The data from the SSA is based on Social Security card application data.

In North Carolina, the top boy’s name was Liam, with 699 occurrences. The remainder of the top 10 were Noah, William, James, Oliver, Henry, Elijah, Jackson, Lucas, and Levi. The top girl’s name was Olivia, with 531 occurrences. The remainder of the top 10 were Ava, Emma, Charlotte, Amelia, Sophia, Harper, Isabella, Evelyn, and Elizabeth.

Proposed budget sees reduction in Pinehurst property tax rate Public hearing for budget to be held at next regular meeting

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal PINEHURST — The Village of Pinehurst Council met Tuesday, May 10, to further discuss the proposed fiscal year 2023 budget and vote on multiple action items.

Village Manager Jeff Sanborn gave an updated presentation to the council on the fiscal year 2023 budget and strategic operating plan.

The Village is looking to have a $27.1 million budget, which is 6% above the 2022 amended general fund budget.

The proposed budget will also see a reduction in the property tax rate to $0.31, down half a cent from the previously projected rate.

The budget also includes five initiative action plans that cover the nine strategic goals of the Village. These include an update to the Pinehurst Development Ordinance, small area plans for Village Place/Rattlesnake Trail Corridor and Pinehurst South/Hwy 5 Commercial Area, expanding and renovating Given Library/Tuft Archives, retrofitting current athletic fields at Cannon Park with synthetic turf and the relocation of the Public Services Complex.

The significant capital projects in the proposed budget include $1.24 million for the synthetic turf replacement, $1 million for

the Given Library/Tuft Archives renovations, $400k for pedestrian facilities, $355k for stormwater drainage projects, $350k for potential land acquisitions for the public services complex relocation, $245k for garbage trucks and $200k for streetscape improvements.

There will be a public hearing for the proposed budget on May 24 and a vote to finalize it on June 14.

The Village Council also approved a one year formal agreement with Partners in Progress for continued economic development services.

Partners in Progress has worked as Moore County’s economic developer since 2015 As such, it has worked as the economic developer for all of the municipalities in

Moore County.

“Moore County will be trying to attract some of the types of support services and support industries that would be working handin-hand with larger development projects that are going on,” said Mayor Pro Tem Patrick Pizzella.

“That presents opportunities and challenges for those of us in Pinehurst, but I think we’re well positioned for that.”

There are five municipal governments that work with PIP within Moore County – Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen, Carthage and Robbins – and although historically, the agreement has been based on a formal, written agreement between PIP and Moore County, there is not a similar agreement between PIP and the municipalities.

The contract for Pinehurst is based upon the one with Moore County with dues costing $23,100 per year.

The council approved a resolution for the appointment of Cara See BUDGET, page 2

Southern Pines preliminary budget sees tax rate remaining steady Decision on St. John Paul development plan pushed back again

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal SOUTHERN PINES — The Town of Southern Pines Council met Tuesday, May 10, where they went over their preliminary budget for fiscal year 2023 and continued public hearings from their last meeting.

The Town of Southern Pines saw a tax base growth of 5% which means that the town received enough income to keep their property tax rate at $0.40 for another year, which it has remained at since 2017-18.

“Bottom line, all current service levels are maintained, property tax rate is held at $0.40, obviously we continue to move money towards capital assets and facilities, the rainy day fund stays in place, $266,000 in available fund balance for consideration of

projects in the coming year, the ARPA funds we’ll be revisiting in the first quarter, the CLRP will be updated, staff will be adding Police planning and IT and we’ll continue to pay all of our debts,” said Town Manager Reagan Parsons.

The town will host a public hearing for the budget on June 14 and they are expected to vote on it following that hearing.

Continuing from last month’s meeting, the public hearing for the St. John Paul conceptual development plan opened up with comments from those opposed to the request by the church for their proposed developments.

The main issue raised was that the land is designated as Rural Estate in the UDO and the church’s plan to build a private school, athletic fields and religious institution would be going against that designation.

Those opposed to the development fear that Southern Pines will lose more of the land that was designated as “Horse Country” and the increase in traffic

and noise from the development would do harm to the horses that lived adjacent to it.

However, the council voted to continue the hearing in their next meeting, after both sides agreed to third-party mediation.

“We’ve heard neighbors and their comments,” said Mayor Carol Haney. “If there’s a chance that you all could work something out, I don’t think this council would have a problem with us continuing it. If you all can come up with an agreement, it would be so much better than us doing it.”

The council held another public hearing, this one for the creation of a municipal service district in order to fund parkway improvements related to a reimbursement agreement for the Morganton Park South Planned Development Area.

“The purpose of the municipal service district is that there would be a tax rate placed on the area over and above the tax rate See SOUTHERN PINES page 2

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SOUTHERN PINES from page 1 that is town wide and those revenues would very specifically go toward the discussed parkway to run between 15-501 and Morganton Road to serve not only the Target development, but all future developments within this area in addition to just general traffic that is flowing on 15-501 and Morganton Road,” Parsons said.

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There were no public comments made and, due to an NC statute, the council will have to vote to approve the municipal service district again before it will take effect.

The council then approved two architectural permits, one to build a 54,905 square foot medical office located in the planned development known as Morganton Park North and owned by Pinehurst Medical

Group, LLC, and the other for a 6,760 square foot commercial retail building in Morganton Park.

Finally, the council passed Ordinance 1988, which was a charter amendment to conduct nonpartisan municipal elections using the plurality method, which was discussed at last month’s meeting.

The Town of Southern Pines Council will next meet June 14.

not understand just how deep it goes.”

The board passed another resolution, for a quality-based selection exemption to pursue a oneyear contract renewal with CMS Engineering for traffic studies in Pinehurst, particularly intersections on Hwy 211, NC-2 and Morganton Road.

“Every year, we commission a study on the traffic on the majority of intersections on the state highways that traverse the Village of Pinehurst,” Sanborn said.

“We don’t do them all every year.

We do half one year and then half the next year. It’s time to renew that contract.”

CMS Engineering has been doing the traffic studies for the Village of Pinehurst since 2005

and due to a general statute in North Carolina, engineers, architects and surveyors have to be selected based on qualifications unless an exception is granted by a local council.

“It gives us the ability to understand and see trends of how our intersections are improving or getting worse depending on other actions that are taking place around us,” said Jeff Batton, Assistant Village Manager for Operations.

The council also approved a request for qualifications for Library and Archives Design Services to narrow down the field of applicants for the Given Library and Tuft Archives renovations.

The Village of Pinehurst Council will next meet May 24.

Sports Editor Cory Lavalette

Senior Opinion Editor Frank Hill

Design Editor Lauren Rose Published each Wednesday

by North State Media, LLC 1201 Edwards Mill Rd. Suite 300 Raleigh, NC 27607 TO SUBSCRIBE: 704-269-8461 or online at nsjonline.com Annual Subscription Price: $50.00 Periodicals Postage Paid at Raleigh, N.C. and at additional mailing offices.

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BUDGET from page 1 Mathis to a two-year term on the Pinehurst Historic Preservation Commission.

“My family has been part of Pinehurst since 2008 and my husband and I just moved here permanently a year ago with our son,” Mathis said. “More than history and architecture, I have a love of Pinehurst history and architecture. I think it’s something we need to preserve because it’s one of the things that draws people to this place in the first place.

I hope I can help bridge any existing gap between people who have been here a very long time and appreciate that history and the people who are coming in that are drawn to it, who might

WEEKLY CRIME LOG ♦ LOCKLEAR, RAVEN LEE, 28, I, M, 5/17/2022, Moore County Sheriff’s Office, PWISD Schedule I CS, $2,500 Secured, 5/26/22, Wagram ♦ POPLIN, TERRY MICHAEL, 26, W, M, 5/16/2022, Pinehurst PD, Communicating Threats (x2), Injury to Personal Property (x2), Violate Domestic Violence Protection Order (x4), Assault on Female, Larceny of Motor Vehicle (x2), $8,000 Secured, 5/19/22, Helmet ♦ O’BRIEN, JULLIAN ROBERT, 26, W, M, 5/16/2022, Southern Pines PD, Extradition/Fugitive Other State, $290,000 Secured, 5/18/22, Southern Pines

♦ TERRY, KENNITH JERMAR, 34, B, M, 5/14/2022, Moore County Sheriff’s Office, Communicating Threats, $1,000 Secured, 6/17/22, Vass ♦ GOINS, MITCHELL MCKINLEY, 37, W, M, 5/14/2022, Moore County Sheriff’s Office, Simple Possession Schedule III CS, Poss W/I MSD Schedule III CS, Attempt Break/Enter Motor Vehicle, Possess Methamphetamine, Carrying Concealed Gun, Possess Drug Paraphernalia, $7,500 Secured, 5/25/22, Carthage ♦ EVERS, CORRINA JO, 45, W, F, 5/13/2022, Moore County Sheriff’s Office, Unauthorized Use of Motor Vehicle (x7), Misdemeanor Larceny (x4), $5,000 Secured, 6/8/22, Robbins ♦ REVELS, REGGIE DEMOND, 39, B, M, 5/12/2022, Southern Pines PD, Sex Offender/Child Premises, $10,000 Secured, 5/12/22, Raeford ♦ NELSON, BRANDON MATTHEW, 41, W, M, 5/12/2022, Moore County Sheriff’s Office, Possess W/I to MSD Heroin, Possess Heroin, Traffick in Methamphetamine, Possess Methamphetamine, Poss W/I MSD Schedule II CS, Possess W/I SD Marijuana, Maintn Veh/Dwell/Place CS (x2), Simple Possession Schedule II CS, Possess Drug Paraphernalia, Possess Marijuana Paraphernalia, $300,000 Secured, 5/25/22, Eagle Springs

TUESDAY

MAY 23

HI LO PRECIP

71° 53° 34%

MAY 24

HI LO PRECIP

MOORE CITIZENS FOR FREEDOM

MOORE COUNTY Remember that we live in the best country, the best state, and by far the best county.

MOORE COUNTY, WHAT A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE!

happening Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in Moore County:

May 22 Pops on the Green 8pm Enjoy a night under the stars, with music inspired by the stars, from galactic film scores to classical evocations of the heavens. The concert will take place on the McNeill-Woodward Green. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved into Owens Auditorium.

Armed Forces Cup Teams from each military branch will compete in the 2022 National Armed Forces Cup at Pinehurst Resort.

More information at vgagolf.org.

May 30 Pinehurst Family Fest 10am

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

76° 59° 24%

moore

May 28-30

♦ CROUCH, RICHARD ALAN, 37, W, M, 5/16/2022, Out of County, PMSD Methamphetamine, Possess Heroin, Possess Drug Paraphernalia, $50,000 Secured, 7/18/22, Sanford ♦ WILSON, ISSAC CLIFTON, 40, W, M, 5/15/2022, Moore County Sheriff’s Office, Possess Methamphetamine, Possess Marijuana up to 1/2 oz, Possess Drug Paraphernalia, $5,000 Secured, 5/18/22, Cameron

MONDAY

The Village of Pinehurst Family Fest includes a full day of live music, a kids area, video game truck, challenges from the First Tee of the Sandhills, photo booth with the U.S. Women’s Open trophy, and food and beverage options.

Children and active and retired military (must show ID) are admitted free of charge.

North State Journal for Wednesday, May 18, 2022

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

COLUMN | U.S. REP. RICHARD HUDSON

Protecting our community

We need real and urgent action to end the wave of violent crime that is engulfing this country.

This starts by rejecting calls to “defund” or “disband” the police.

EVERY DAY, brave men and women kiss their loved ones goodbye and go to work, knowing that day could be their last. These are police officers who work all throughout the year to protect our communities, even under threats like never before.

It’s National Police Week, a time to honor those who have fallen in the line of duty and thank our nation’s law enforcement for all they do to protect this country. Being a police officer is one of the most challenging jobs out there, yet thousands of brave men and women answer the call every day to serve and protect. However, in recent years, our police have not received the resources and respect they deserve.

America is enduring one of the worst crime waves in decades.

Violent crime is skyrocketing across the country — homicide rates have increased 48% this year compared to this time two years ago. Similarly, assaults on police have also gone up significantly — attacks on uniformed officers have increased 56% compared to 2020. Despite this, liberal politicians have continued to support a “woke agenda” over the safety of the American public. Progressives in Washington have repeatedly shown this by endorsing radical efforts to defund or even disband the police. And while President Joe Biden has voiced support for law enforcement, he has failed to back up these calls with meaningful action to support police and address the crimewave plaguing our cities.

We need real and urgent action to end the wave of violent crime that is engulfing this country. This starts by rejecting calls to “defund” or “disband” the police and giving these agencies the tools and training they need to do their jobs and keep Americans safe.

Meanwhile, families everywhere also continue to suffer from rapid inflation and severe supply shortages because of misguided liberal policies. Inflation has risen every month since President

Biden took office. Transportation costs are up 8.5%, electricity 11.0% and groceries 10.8%. Perhaps worst of all, fuel prices are up almost 43.6% percent. Last week, the national average for a gallon of gas hit a new high of $4.43, while diesel hit a record $5.56.

More alarming, however, is the severe supply shortage of critical goods in this country like baby formula. Record gas prices and inflation are costing families an extra $5,200 this year compared to last. The last thing parents need right now is worrying about how they are going to feed their kids. I can only imagine the fear many of you are now facing as grocery store shelves are empty. In our state, we’ve also seen this impact supplies at food banks and pantries.

Last week, I wrote the President and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) demanding they do more to address the baby formula shortage. This baby formula issue is not new — we have known about recalls and supply chain issues for months. It is unacceptable that the FDA and President Biden have not acted faster to solve these issues, but I will not stop working until they provide us with answers, and it is resolved.

Last week I also continued my commitment to improving health care. I was proud to have three bills advance in the Energy and Commerce Committee to support youth mental health, lower drug prices, and increase accountability of countries like China. These bipartisan bills build on my work as a leader in House Republicans’ Healthy Future Task Force.

Whether it is supporting our police, addressing inflation and supply chain issues, or protecting the health and safety of you and your family, I will continue to fight every day to make sure our communities are healthy and secure. As your congressman, and as a dad, that is my promise to you.

COLUMN | DAVID HARSANYI

Better questions to ask Americans on abortion Do you support the Democratic Party’s effort to legalize abortion through all nine months of pregnancy in all 50 states?

WITH THE LEAK of a Supreme Court draft opinion by Justice Samuel Alito overturning Roe v. Wade, the media has gone into hyper-drive trying to obscure the real contours of the debate. One of the most obvious ways they do it is by highlighting politicallymotivated surveys and conducting push-polling.

Take Politico’s recent Morning Consult poll, which informs us that 53% of voters say Roe should not be overturned. Even among Republican voters, only 48% support overturning Roe. First of all, who cares? It’s a completely irrelevant query, really. The court exists not to care what polls tells them. And, really, on what constitutional grounds do these 53% of Americans maintain the decision should be upheld? There is tons of evidence illustrating that, other than in the broadest terms, most Americans have no idea what Roe entails.

If you want to delve into the topic, a far more worthwhile line of inquiry would be: “Do you believe the issue of abortion should be a protected constitutional right, or should voters be able to decide the issue on a state level?” This properly lays out the reality of choices that voters face. And I suspect the numbers would look quite different when the issue is framed properly. But, of course, that would mean informing those being questioned that overturning Roe doesn’t necessarily mean an abortion ban. That would be inconvenient.

The Morning Consult poll also finds that 41% of voters say it is “very important” for them to vote for a candidate in the 2022 midterms who supports “abortion access.” Every Republican-led law that’s been enacted on the issue of abortion in recent years, including the Mississippi bill that sparked the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health case, provides “access” to abortion. Maybe some future bill won’t, but these do.

Do you think those 41% understand this reality, one that is purposely obscured by the question? I don’t.

And anyway, why are pollsters posing inexact theoretical questions about abortion when they can ask precise ones that would properly gauge where the public stands on the debate that does exist? Democrats run Washington, and Chuck Schumer, who runs the Senate, has already brought the Women’s Health Protection Act bill to the floor. This bill had tangible policy components that properly reflect the Democratic Party’s position on abortion, so pollsters don’t have to guess.

Some easy questions might be:

Do you support the Democratic Party’s effort to legalize abortion through all nine months of pregnancy in all 50 states?

Do you support the Democrats’ efforts to prohibit states from passing laws that forbid abortions after viability?

Do you support the Democrats’ efforts to prohibit states from passing laws against sex-selective abortions?

Do you support the Democrats’ efforts to overturn existing laws that require parental or guardian notification for minors?

Do you agree with Democrats that non-doctors should be given the right to perform abortions?

Do you agree with the Democratic Party’s efforts to strip medical workers of conscience rights and compel them to participate in abortion procedures or lose their jobs?

Democrats, including President Joe Biden, want to eliminate the Hyde Amendment so that the federal government can fund abortions with taxpayer dollars. Do you agree?

Do you agree with the Biden administration that more abortions are vital in keeping down the poor population, increasing labor force participation and helping the economy?

A few years back, Republicans in Congress attempted to pass a 20-week limit on abortion. Do you think such a limit is reasonable?

In Florida and Mississippi, Republican governors have signed laws limiting legal abortion to the first 15 weeks of pregnancy.

Would you support similar limits in your state?

Rather, Politico asks about the prospect of prison for women who obtain abortions, which 73% oppose. Not only has there never been a serious anti-abortion bill that proposes jail time for women who get abortions, Texas, for instance, specifically exempts women from homicide charges for abortions. Prison time has never been part of the anti-abortion policy agenda. Why would you ask this particular question and not any of the others?

To fearmonger and mislead participants.

It is undeniable that American attitudes regarding abortion are complex and often contradictory. But media outlets have further obfuscated the issue to protect Democrats. It is perhaps most obvious in the questions they ask.

David Harsanyi is a senior writer at National Review and author of “Eurotrash: Why America Must Reject the Failed Ideas of a Dying Continent.”

3

North State Journal for Wednesday, May 18, 2022

4

obituaries

Eric Sean Roberts June 12, 1969 - May 9, 2022

Eric Sean Roberts, 52 of Jackson Springs passed away on May 9, 2022.

He was born on June 12, 1969 in Greenville, Mississippi to Arthur and Nancy Roberts. Eric was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed playing golf, baseball, and riding through the country.

He was also a huge LSU fan. A devoted husband and father that was a true asset to all his friends and family.

Eric was preceded in death by his grandfather, J.W. Chesney, mother-in-law and father-in-law, Patricia Lee Jacobs and Kenneth Ashon Lee. In addition to his parents, Arthur and Nancy Roberts, Eric is survived by his wife, Katherine Roberts; two children, Chloe Nicole Chesney Roberts and Eric Cole Chesney Roberts; two sisters, Mandy Roberts Davis and Lisa Jones Endtricht; also survived by many nieces and nephews and other family and friends.

Richard Allen White 1933 ~ 2022

Richard Allen White, 89, of Southern Pines, NC, passed away on May 8, 2022, from natural causes.

He was preceded in death by his wife Anne and parents, Donald and Blanche White.

Richard is survived by his four sons - Brian, Robert, Andrew, and John; six grandchildren, and seven Great Grandchildren.

Richard served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1952-to 1956, during the Korean War.

Shawn Michael Runkle

November 26, 1975 - May 12, 2022 SGM Shawn Michael Runkle, US Army (RET) 46, passed away on May 12, 2022.

He was born on November 26, 1975 in York, Pennsylvania to the late James and Linda Runkle.

Shawn proudly served in the US Army for over 28 years, retiring in 2022. He loved to travel and traveled extensively throughout his military service. He was an avid cycler and enjoyed hunting and fishing.

He is survived by his wife, Stefanie Runkle; two daughters, Jade S. Runkle and Avery E. Runkle; one sister, Kelly Jackson and her husband, James; nephews, KP, Kyle and Ian; also survived by many friends.

Lillie "Lil" Eaton Maness September 24, 1935 - May 11, 2022

Lillie “Lil” Mae Maness, 86 years old died peacefully on May 11th, 2022 at her home in Aberdeen, NC. Born on September 24th, 1935 in Stokes, Co. and raised in Troy, NC. preceded in death by her father David Franklin Eaton and Etta Elenora Dorsett and also her beloved son in law Mark McInnis.

Loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She prayed for her family every day. Married to Hugh Maness for 49 years. She loved baking pound cakes and watching her favorite team Duke.

A dedicated member of Victory Community Baptist Church for 37 years. Despite many challenges in her life she overcame the obstacles through years of hard work and prayer. She was always giving God the glory for the grace in life.

She was the mother of Sherri McInnis, and Loretta Snelgrove, husband Mike. Lil was the grandmother of Stephanie Bartel, husband Reggie, Natalie Chavis, husband Eric, Chase Snelgrove, wife Sarah and Nikki Heimbach, husband Jonathan.

She is also survived by her 8 great grandchildren: Alex, Olive, Malachi, Titus, Anya, Kaiden, Brooklyn and Lucas.

SPONSORED BY BOLES FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORY

Diana Adams Tufts Kenneth (Ken) Meyer Douglas Amburgey April 27, 1937 - May 9, 2022

July 31, 1947 - May 8, 2022

Diana Adams Tufts Meyer was born in Elizabethtown, N.C. on April 27, 1937, the daughter of Terry Lyon and John H. Hemingway. She is predeceased by two brothers, Joseph and Terry, and survived by another brother, John Alden Hemingway.

Diana was a 1959 graduate of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, with a B.A. in English. Following graduation, Diana taught at Pinehurst High School. She was married to Donnell G. “Buck” Adams in 1961. They had three children, Donnell G., Elizabeth and Robert P. Adams.

In 2002, Diana was married to Peter Tufts, Peter died in 2006.

In 2008, Diana was married to Charles Meyer in London, England.

Diana’s interest in health found expression by her service on the Board of the Thurston Arthritis Foundation at UNC Chapel Hill. She completed her duties by serving, with her husband, Charles, as President of the Foundation Board. Sandhills Community College’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa is the Diana and Charles Meyer Chapter. Her community service skills were well served by her service on the Moore Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Board where she headed several charitable Balls.

She also served as President of the Auxiliary Board. Diana was perhaps proudest of the work she did with the Village Chapel, where she served as head of Community Donations.

Gardening skills were always important to Diana, and as a member of The Garden Club of the Sandhills, she had ample opportunity to exhibit those skills, with particular affection for the Peony.

Diana leaves a son, Donnell G. “Buck” Adams, Jr. and his wife, Sally, their daughters Annabelle Hale and Olivia Hasty; a daughter Beth and her husband Clarke and their children Kathryn, Suzanna and Clarke Keough, Jr., as well as a son, Robert P. Adams. Her stepchildren include: Richard W. Tufts, Katherine Meyer Merritt, Charles Meyer, Jr. and Robert P. Meyer.

Kenneth (Ken) Douglas Amburgey, age 74 of West End, NC went to be with his Savior, Jesus Christ, on May 8, 2022. Ken was born in Middletown, Ohio on July 31, 1947 to Marvin Curtis and Evelyn Fern (Rudicil) Amburgey.

Growing up, Ken was active in a variety of sports, participated in Boy Scouts, and possessed a strong love of music. Ken attended Middletown High School and was a proud member of the Middie Marching Band, of which he would later become the director. Ken graduated from Eastern Kentucky University in 1969 with a Bachelor of Music Education degree. During this time, he was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity and the EKU Marching Band. Ken later earned a Master of Music degree from Miami University.

Ken’s career as a music educator was one that touched many lives.

He was fondly known by his students as “Mr. A.” He was skilled at achieving musical excellence, but most importantly, he wanted his students to be the best individuals that they could be. Ken began his teaching career with Middletown City Schools in 1970 as a band director at the Freshman High School. He then became the marching band director at his Alma Mater, Middletown High School (1974-1980). Following that, he was the band director at Edgewood High School (198183) and completed his career as the band director at Anderson High School (1984-2003). During his time at Anderson, Ken was featured in Band and Orchestra Magazine as the Ohio recipient for “50 Directors Who Make a Difference” issue. After retiring from the public school system, Ken worked at St. John XXIII School as the band director for grades 6-8.

During his tenure, he increased participation in band class by 95%!.

Ken, above all, was a family man. In 1980, he married the love of his life, Carla (Williams) Amburgey. Their love was truly a bond that will never be broken.

They had many adventures and created stories that will live on forever. Their final chapter together fulfilled one of Ken’s lifelong dreams - to live on a lake. Ken’s proudest accomplishment was being a father to his three children, Kenya, Justin, and Chelsea. In turn, they sincerely believe they had the best dad that ever lived.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Evelyn Amburgey. He is survived by his wife, Carla Amburgey; sister, Sharon Amburgey; children, Kenya Snider (Bill), Justin Amburgey (Rebecca), Chelsea Rose (Thomas); grandchildren, Will Snider, Cullen Amburgey, Knox Amburgey, Thatcher Amburgey, Tate Amburgey, Brooks Amburgey, Finley Rose, Kennedy Rose; and best friend, his loyal dog Linus.

Celebrate the life of your loved ones.

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