North State Journal Vol. 8, Issue 18

the BRIEF this week

US Supreme Court won’t let NC charter school enforce dress code

Leland

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday left in place an appellate ruling barring a North Carolina public charter school from requiring girls to wear skirts to school.

The justices declined without comment to hear an appeal from the Charter Day School in the eastern North Carolina town of Leland. A federal appeals court had ruled that the school’s dress code violated students’ constitutional rights. School founder Baker Mitchell had said the dress code was intended to promote “chivalry” by the male students and respect for the female students, according to court documents.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Florida court won’t reinstate prosecutor removed by DeSantis Tallahassee, Fla.

The Florida Supreme Court refused to reinstate a Florida prosecutor who was removed by Gov. Ron DeSantis after making comments opposing prosecutions for abortions or “gender-affirming” health care.

In a 6-1 decision, Florida’s highest court rejected the petition brought by Andrew Warren, a twice-elected state attorney for Florida’s Hillsborough County in the Tampa area.

The Republican governor last year suspended Warren, accusing him of neglect of duty and incompetence, after the Democratic state attorney signed statements, along with other prosecutors across the country, opposing criminal charges against abortion providers or women seeking abortions. He also said he wouldn’t prosecute people for providing so-called genderaffirming health care, and his office’s policies didn’t charge people with some minor crimes.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Gov Roy Cooper veto total now up to 83

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH

— Democratic

Gov. Roy Cooper has vetoed six bills since the middle of June, raising his already record-breaking total to 83.

Cooper’s predecessors issued a combined total of 35 vetoes. His vetoes now account for 70% of all vetoes issued by North Carolina governors since the office was given that power in the mid-1990s. Cooper took office in January 2017. The governor’s most recent vetoes came on June 23 and included Senate Bill 582, the North Carolina Farm Act of 2023, and House Bill 750, Address ESG Factors.

Miss Statesville crowned Miss North Carolina 2023

High Schooler from Clayton crowned Miss North Carolina’s Teen

North State Journal

“The provision in this bill that severely weakens protection for wetlands means more severe flooding for homes, roads and businesses and dirtier water for our people, particularly in eastern North Carolina,” Cooper said in his veto message of the 2023 Farm Act. “This provision coupled with the drastic weakening of federal rules caused by the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision in the Sackett case, leaves approximately 2.5 million acres, or about one half of our state’s wetlands, unprotected.” Cooper’s veto message went on to say “The General Assembly has allocated tens of millions of dollars to protect the state from

See COOPER , page A2

HIGH POINT — For the first time in Miss North Carolina’s history, Miss Statesville was the last-named called when the Queen of the Tarheel State was crowned. Taylor Loyd, a senior at UNC Chapel Hill, was named the 85th Miss North Carolina and earned the right to compete for the title of Miss America.

Loyd’s win capped off a week of pageantry in High Point North Carolina that saw over $116,000 in scholarships awarded to the contestants from across the state. Loyd succeeds Karolyn Martin, an Appalachian State University graduate, who will step away from the crown to enter law school at UNC School of Law in the fall.

Loyd’s crowning moment came with a $20,000 scholarship and the keys to a new car.

took home the title of Miss North Carolina’s Teen. House, representing Miss Cleveland, an unincorporated community in Johnston County and Ava Socarras from Gastonia were the first names called for awards on Thursday during the first day of teen preliminary competition with the pair tying for the evening gown preliminary award.

Carrie Rader representing Queen City took home the first teen preliminary talent award and a $500 scholarship. In the Miss preliminary talent segment, Loyd wowed the judges with her operatic vocal performance of “Amour, raiment mon courage” from Gounod’s “Romeo and Juliette” taking the preliminary award for talent and a $1,000 scholarship. Hannah Welborn-Lewis from Sandhills received Thursday’s evening gown award and a $1,000 scholarship.

In addition to the Miss North Carolina competition, for women aged 18 to 28, the Miss North Carolina’s Teen competition hosted contestants from 13 to 17 years of age. Hanley House, a high school junior from Clayton,

Coast Guard captain temporarily relieved of command pending investigation

By A.P. Dillon North

State Journal

RALEIGH — According to a press release by the U.S. Coast Guard, Capt. Matthew Baer has been temporarily relieved from command of Coast Guard Sector North Carolina as of June 20.

Baer’s Coast Guard bio says he lives in Wilmington, has numerous merit awards and has been assigned in the past to the USCGC Diligence in Wilmington and the USCGC Juniper in Newport, Rhode Island. He also served in several other positions in Virginia and Georgia as well as at the Coast Guard Special Missions Training Center aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.

“Rear Adm. Shannon Gilreath,

Fifth Coast Guard District commander, temporarily relieved Baer due to a loss of confidence in his ability to effectively command the sector, pending an administrative investigation and final determination,” the press release stated.

According to his bio, Gilreath assumed the duties of commander, Fifth Coast Guard District, in May 2022. In that role, he is the “operational commander of all U.S. Coast Guard missions from the North Carolina, South Carolina border to New Jersey, encompassing nearly 3,000 Coast Guard active duty, reserve, and civilian personnel.”

Cmdr. Courtney Sergent has temporarily assumed the position of sector commander to maintain unit operations and Baer has been temporarily reassigned to the Fifth

Coast Guard District headquarters in Portsmouth, per the release.

North State Journal reached out to the Coast Guard for more details but was told that due to the ongoing investigation, “we are unable to share any additional information beyond what is in the press release at this time.”

In other recent news, North Carolina’s Elizabeth City Coast Guard crew was part of the search effort for the OceanGate submersible vehicle that went missing while exploring and documenting the wreckage of the Titanic. Contact had been lost with the vehicle on June 18.

A C-130 aircraft from the Coast Guard Air Station in Elizabeth

On Friday, Annika Schneider, representing Metrolina, won the teen preliminary evening gown segment and a $250 scholarship. A three-way tie occurred in the teen preliminary talent category.

See MISS NC , page A3

PHOTO VIA DAVID SINCLAIR Miss North Carolina 2022 Karolyn Martin crowns the 2023 Miss North Carolina, Taylor Loyd at the annual Miss North Carolina pageant in High Point on Saturday, June 24, 2023.

“One of One”

Visit us online nsjonline.com

North State Journal (USPS 20451) (ISSN 2471-1365)

Neal Robbins Publisher Matt

Editor in Chief

Mercer

Cory Lavalette Managing/Sports Editor

Frank Hill Senior Opinion Editor

Emily Roberson Business/Features Editor

Lauren Rose Design Editor

Published each Wednesday by North State Journal 1201 Edwards Mill Rd. Suite 300 Raleigh, NC 27607

TO SUBSCRIBE: 336-283-6305 or online at nsjonline.com

Annual Subscription Price: $50.00

Periodicals Postage Paid at Raleigh, N.C. and at additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER:

Send address changes to: North State Journal

1201 Edwards Mill Rd. Suite 300 Raleigh, NC 27607

INVESTIGATION from page A1

City completed multiple searches for the underwater vehicle, per the Twitter timeline by the official Twitter account for the First Coast Guard District.

The U.S. Coast Guard Northeast reported conducting multiple search flights around 900 miles off the coast of Cape Cod in Massachusetts; two flights on June 19 and another two flights on June 21.

On June 22, the U.S. Coast Guard held a press conference indicating a debris field of the submersible’s parts had been located and it appeared to have imploded, killing all five on board.

“The debris is consistent with the catastrophic implosion of the vessel,” Rear Adm. John Mauger, commander of the First Coast Guard District, said at a news conference.

OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush was on board the submersible, along with British businessman Hamish Harding, French diver Paul-Henri Nargeolet, and Pakistani investor Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman.

Colossians 3:1-2

Paul reminds us that those who believe on Christ — should live a risen life.

We live on the earth at present. We walk on earth’s streets. We live in material houses, built of stones, bricks, or wood. We eat earth’s fruits, gathering our food from earth’s fields, orchards and gardens. We wear clothes woven of earthly fabrics. We adorn our homes with works of art that human hands make. We engage in the business of earth. We find our happiness in the things of this life. But there will be a life after this. We call it Heaven. We cannot see it. There is never a rift in the sky, through which we can get even a glimpse of it. We have in the Scriptures hints of its beauty, its happiness, its blessedness. We know it is a world without sorrow, without sin, without death.

Paul’s teaching is that the Christian, while living on the earth — ought to begin to live this heavenly life.

One day a friend sent me a splendid butterfly, artistically mounted, known as the Lima Moth. This little creature is said to be the most beautiful of North American insects. Its color is light green with variegated spots. In its caterpillar state, it was only a worm. It died and entered its other or higher state, as we would say — and then the worm became a splendid butterfly.

This illustrates the two stages of a Christian’s life.

Here we are in our earthly state. After this will come the heavenly condition. “The things that are above” belong to this higher, spiritual life. But the Christian is exhorted to seek these higher things — while living in this lower world. We belong to heaven, although we are not yet living in heaven. Paul presents the same truth in another form, when he says, “Our citizenship is in heaven.” Though we are in this earthly world — but we do not belong here. We are only strangers and pilgrims.

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.

flooding and my administration is working to stop pollution like PFAS and other contaminants. This bill reverses our progress and leaves the state vulnerable without vital flood mitigation and water purification tools.”

Senate Agriculture, Energy, and Environment Committee Chairman Brent Jackson (R-Sampson) issued a statement criticizing the governor’s veto of this year’s farm bill and noted it had “strong bipartisan support.”

The Farm Act of 2023 passed the House 77-38 with eight Democrats signing on. The Senate’s concurrence vote was 37-6, including nine Democrats voting in favor.

The Senate swiftly overrode the veto on June 26 by a vote of 2617. The nine Democrats who had previously voted in favor of the bill reversed their votes to uphold the governor’s veto.

In a post-override statement, Jackson called out those Democrats who changed their votes.

“North Carolina Farmers work day-in-day-out to make sure we all have enough food to feed our families, and it’s a shame that after originally supporting the 2023 Farm Act, several Democrats turned their back on farmers,” Jackson said.

Cooper’s veto message of House Bill 750 reads, “This bill does exactly what it claims to stop. For political reasons only, it unnecessarily limits the Treasurer’s ability

to make decisions based on the best interest of state retirees and the fiscal health of the retirement fund.”

State Treasurer Dale Folwell responded to the veto, stating “The legislature correctly passed a new law that protects retirees’ money from being used for Wall Street’s wacktivist political agenda.”

“This issue not only affects the pension plans, but also local budgets and the Banking Commission which I chair. As keepers of the public purse we are protecting and defending the state’s money from this politicization,” Folwell said, adding that he requests that the General Assembly “override this sadly misguided veto from Gov. Cooper.”

On June 21, the North Carolina Senate overrode all four of the vetoes issued by Cooper between June 16-19.

The overridden vetoes included Senate Bill 364, (Nondiscrimination and Dignity in State Work) which passed both chambers with veto-proof margins yet Cooper vetoed it on June 16, as well as three vetoes on June 19: Senate Bill 331 (Consumer Finance Act Amendments), Senate Bill 329 (Retail Installment Sales Act Amendments) and Senate Bill 299 (Reimburse Late Audit Costs with Sales Tax Rev.).

According to the House calendar, the vetoes overridden by the Senate will be taken up on June 27. The House has a veto-proof majority, so the overrides will likely be successful.

In his veto of Senate Bill 364, Cooper said, “In North Carolina, the diversity of our people is a strength. This legislation attempts to eliminate training that can help us understand the unconscious bias we all bring to our work and our communities.”

“Our state employees come from diverse backgrounds and we should be encouraging freedom of thought, instead of subjecting them to discriminatory trainings,” Sen. Warren Daniel (R-Burke), the primary sponsor of Senate Bill 364, said in a press statement. “This bill strikes the necessary balance between forbidding discrimination in our state workplaces and maintaining the First Amendment rights of our state employees.”

The veto message also alluded to comments made during a debate on the House floor by Reps. Keith Kidwell (R-Beaufort) and Jeff McNeely (R-Iredell).

In response to Rep. Diamond Staton-Williams invoking her “belief in the power of God” and that she was a regular churchgoer during the debate on the state’s abortion laws, Kidwell remarked to staffers at the back of the chamber that she must have meant to the church of Satan.

McNeely’s remark came during debate over expanding school choice scholarships to all families in the state. He had started to ask Rep. Abe Jones (D-Wake) whether or not Jones being black and an athlete helped him get into Harvard. McNeely later apologized to

Jones on the House floor.

Senate Bill 364 prohibits compelled speech and affirmation of ideological beliefs in state hiring and workplace training.

Both 331 and 229 passed the legislature with unanimous support from both parties. In the veto override vote of those bills, nearly every Democrat who voted to pass the measures flipped their vote in order to uphold the governor’s veto.

Senate Bill 331 deals with payday loan regulations. The bill increases licensing fees paid by payday lending outfits and also slightly increases the interest rate they charge for the loans.

Senate Bill 299 strengthens penalties for local governments for failing to file audited financial reports in a timely manner.

“After voting to support these bills, Democrats have decided that loyalty to their party leader is more important than good policy.

At the end of the day, Democrats have a constituency of one — Roy Cooper,” Sen. Jim Perry (R-Lenoir), the primary sponsor of Senate Bills 329 and 331, said in a press statement.

Folwell, a Republican, and State Auditor Beth Wood, a Democrat, issued a joint statement urging the legislature to override the veto of 299. Both Folwell and Wood sit on the state’s Local Government Commission charged with overseeing the health and stability of local governments and municipalities across the state.

“Local governments that ne -

glect to conduct annual audits should not be let off the hook and given a slap on the wrist,” Sen. Lisa Barnes (R-Nash), the primary sponsor of Senate Bill 299, said in a press statement. “Residents need to know how their local officials are spending their hardearned tax dollars. It’s a shame that Gov. Cooper vetoed a bill that supports good governance and provides transparency to our residents.”

Senate Bill 329 also passed with some Democratic support. That bill makes a small increase to the finance charge rates applied to certain consumer credit installment sale contracts for items from 21% to 24%. It also has a slight increase for contracts involving cars and raises the late fee on contracts by $3, going from $15 to $18 for past-due accounts.

Four bills have become law this session without the governor’s signature after Cooper refused to sign them, the most recent being House Bill 130, titled Energy Choice/Solar Decommissioning Requirements. The bill requires owners of utility-scale solar projects to set aside funds and responsibly decommission their projects once completed. The bill also blocks cities from creating ordinances that “prohibits connection, reconnection, modification, or expansion” on energy sources or services delivered to homeowners and businesses.

Since the start of June, the governor has also signed 22 bills into law.

“Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your hearts on things above! Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things!”

“Butterflies” by Winslow Homer (1878) is a painting in the collection of the New Britain Museum of American Art, New Britain, Connecticut.

A U.S. Coast Guard HC-130H plane from CGAS Clearwater performs a flyover during the national anthem.

COOPER from page A1

Senate’s Parents’ Bill of Rights sees some movement

Members of the House K-12 Education Committee raised enforcement questions

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — The Senate’s

Parent’s Bill of Rights (Senate Bill 49) finally saw some movement as the House K-12 Education Committee gave a preferred committee substitute (PCS) to the bill a favorable report on June 21.

Senate Bill 49 seeks to increase transparency in several areas such as the well-being of students, curriculum and medical records, as well as enumerating 12 rights for parents that include the right to direct the child’s education, care, upbringing, and moral or religious training.

Those 12 rights also include requiring parental consent for reproductive health education programs or surveys, opting out of data collection efforts, the right to seek medical or religious exemption from immunization requirements, and the right to inspect records, books or other materials. The PCS that was approved made minor changes, such as removing school transportation from the prohibition on record-

ing minors without parental consent. That change was made because most school buses have cameras installed for the safety of the students and the driver.

Another change in the PCS on parental consent for the health care of a minor adds a person standing in loco parentis to guardian and parental definitions.

Senate Bill 49 was first filed at the end of January this year and passed the Senate in early February but had sat in House committees until finally being heard by the House K-12 Education Committee last week.

Senate Bill 49 is similar to the Parents’ Bill of Rights (House Bill 755) that was filed during the 2021-22 legislative session. One difference between the two bills is that Senate Bill 49 prohibits gender identity and sexuality discussions or lessons in grades K-4 whereas the previous bill only barred those topics for K-3. Fifth grade was excluded from Senate Bill 49 due to the introductory discussions in the grade on puberty and reproduction. Under state law, health classes covering those topics in more depth begin in seventh grade.

In an interview earlier this year with North State Journal, House K-12 Education Committee Co-Chair Rep. John Torbett (R-Gaston) indicated the House

Sen. Amy Galey (R-Alamance)

may present its own version, but given the recent approval by Torbett’s committee, it would appear the Senate version will be the only one.

During the June 21 meeting, Torbett and other members of the committee pressed the bill’s primary sponsor, Sen. Amy Galey (R-Alamance), on whether the bill had adequate enforcement ability.

Torbett asked Galey if there was anything punitive in the bill for bad actors not following the law.

Galey replied that employees of the state “may be subject to disciplinary actions.” She also said the bill is really designed to give parents information on their rights and not to punish. She added that “one would hope school boards will give the parent the power to advocate for their child.”

Torbett pressed the question, asking what happens if someone

Audit report finds Commerce Dept. failed to monitor $128M in federal workforce program funds

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — A report by the N.C. State Auditor’s Office found that the Department of Commerce’s Division of Workforce Solutions (DWS) did not “design and implement procedures” to make sure that certain funds were spent in accordance with state and federal laws.

The findings by the N.C. State Auditor’s Office (NCSAO) focused on federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds. The funds are meant to aid job seekers in finding work, accessing education opportunities, training, and support services as well as connecting employers with skilled workers.

According to the report, the lack of procedures increased the risk for local development boards to spend money on items other than allowable WIOA program activities.

North Carolina receives funding from the United States Department of Labor for the administration of the adult program, dislocated worker program, youth program and national dislocated worker grants.

“The four WIOA programs included in this audit’s scope re -

MISS NC from page A1

Mia Geter representing Charlotte Mecklenburg, Colleen McDermott representing Johnston County, and Hanley House all delivered outstanding performances, to share the second teen preliminary talent award and received a $500 scholarship each.

Olivia Gray, Miss Carolina Dogwood, won the second preliminary talent award in the Miss NC category. Loyd, like House in the teen category, became a double preliminary winner capturing the second preliminary award for evening gown.

With the conclusion of the preliminary nights, the stage was set for the final competitions with House and Loyd entering as favorites due to their two preliminary awards. House, a high school junior from Clayton, captivated the audience with her dedication to empowering young entrepreneurs through her community service initiative called “Passion to Profit.” Her lyrical dance performance to “Don’t Stop Believing” was a testament to her talent and passion. She took home the crown, the title of Miss North Carolina’s Teen, and the right to compete for the title of Miss America’s Teen.

The remaining top-five in

ceived and spent approximately $158 million of WIOA funds from July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2022, and reported providing services to approximately 21,000 program participants,” the NCSAO report states. The WIOA program activities are administered locally through 23 local workforce development boards.

Among the key findings in the report, there was no monitoring for the $128 million in WIOA grant funds.

“DWS did not monitor $128 million (81%) of $158 million local workforce development board spending to ensure that WIOA funds were used for programs to help 21,000 job seekers access employment, education, training, and support services to succeed

the teen competition were Rishika Karanam from Dunn as the fourth runner-up, Annika Schneider from Metrolina as the third runner-up, Carrie Rader from Queen City as the second runner-up and Colleen McDermott from Johnston County as the first runner-up.

The moment everyone had been waiting for arrived Saturday night as Taylor Loyd, representing Statesville, was crowned Miss North Carolina 2023.

Loyd, hailing from Mooresville, impressed the judges with her community service initiative called “Healing Hearts Through the Arts,” which promotes the use of arts for mental health and well-being. She showcased her vocal talent once again with a repeat of her preliminary award-winning operatic vocal performance.

Loyd’s crowning moment came with a $20,000 scholarship and the keys to a new car courtesy of Dunn-based car dealer Knox Auto.

The top five placements in the Miss North Carolina competition were Miss Cleveland Maura Westbrook as the fourth runner-up, Miss Queen City Keelie Jones as the third runner-up, Miss Sandhills Hannah Welborn-Lewis as the second run-

has made statements that they won’t follow the law. Galey responded by saying some elected officials don’t uphold their oath of office and gave the example of some school boards that were already not following laws like the state’s calendar law. She said she thinks “they should be held accountable by the voters.”

At least one teacher has been cited as stating they will refuse to follow the law if passed.

An attendee of a May 24 “Pride in the Profession” event held by Orange County Public Schools’ Chief Equity Officer Lee Williams shared their notes with North State Journal. That meeting included conversations about the Parents’ Bill of Rights. The notes shared with North State Journal cite fifth grade River Park Elementary teacher Billie Markham as stating, “Teachers are already saying they are not going to obey the law if it is passed; I won’t be recognizing it.”

Orange County Schools was contacted for comment but did not provide one on Markham’s statement other than to say “Senate Bill 49 is not law in North Carolina. The district has no comment on a hypothetical scenario.”

Rep. Cynthia Ball (D-Wake) also asked Galey what recourse a parent has if a teacher, school or district disregards the law.

Galey’s response was similar to what she had told Torbett in that an employee could be subject to disciplinary action by the school or district. She added that if the conflict is not resolved within 30 days the parent can notify the state board of education to request a hearing, and that under the bill the parent could request a declaratory judgment action and the court could award costs and attorney’s fees as part of an injunctive relief.

Under the bill, districts must inform parents of any health care or counseling services their child receives or requests. There is also a requirement for parents to be notified if their child requests a name change or demands the usage of gender-identity-style pronouns.

Rep. Julie von Haefen (D-Wake) called the bill “overly broad” and seemed opposed to the bill’s requirement on medical or counseling requests.

“The mandatory notification requirements before a student can receive counseling is going to have a chilling effect at a time when we have discussed in this committee so many times about how we’re all concerned about the mental health of our students,” said von Haefen. “This is going to basically discourage them from disclosing that need for help.”

in the labor market,” states the report’s findings.

Issues found in the report included DWS failing to examine payment vouchers, local board accounting records, canceled checks and other documentation.

Examples given included DWS being unable to make sure local workforce development boards spent $54 million on allowable activities for the Dislocated Worker Program and $50 million on allowable activities for the Youth Program.

The report recommended that DWS monitor local workforce development board activities and its spending of WIOA funds as well as make sure that such activities followed state and federal law.

In a response letter to the NCSOA’s report, Department of Commerce Secretary Machelle Sanders agreed with the findings and wrote that “many of the strategies recommended in the audit has already been implemented or are in the process of being implemented.”

“DWS management stated that it did not monitor 100% of local workforce development board activities and spending because limited staff hindered its ability to promptly schedule the annual reviews,” according to the report.

ner-up and Miss Durham Abby Britt as the first runner-up. Britt was also first runner-up in 2022.

The final round began with the announcement of the top fifteen placements which, in addition the top-five, included Miss Iredell County Hannah Harvey, Miss Carolina Dogwood Olivia Gray, Miss Dunn Carlie Spencer, Miss Fayetteville Dogwood Janiya Pipkin, Miss Randolph County Tori Gross, Miss Jacksonville Lauryn Mallard, Miss Greenville Faith May, Miss Charlotte Mecklenburg Jada Carter, Miss Moore County Brittany Putman, Miss Piedmont Jordan Garrick and Miss Clayton Taylor Stovall.

The competition also recognized outstanding achievements with additional awards. Miss Statesville, Taylor Loyd, received the Karen Bloomquist Elson Rookie Scholarship, a $1,000 scholarship. Miss Morehead City, Macy Messer, was honored with the Jeanne Swanner Robertson Congeniality Scholarship, also a $1,000 scholarship. Miss Ballantyne, Bailey Beam, and Miss Rose Hill, Abigail Batchelor, both received the Non-Finalist Talent Scholarship, a $500 scholarship each. Miss New Bern, Kaylee Spruill, was awarded the Non-Finalist Interview Scholarship, a $500 scholarship.

Annual school calendar report highlights K-12 calendar law disputes

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — At its June meeting, the State Board of Education received the annual report given to the General Assembly on the start and end dates for the state’s K-12 schools.

The report showed while most districts began school on Aug. 28, 2022, at least seven district boards of education had voted to start and end school at odds with the state’s calendar law which states school will begin “no earlier than the Monday closest to August 26.”

Under the state’s current calendar law, a district is required to have an end date for school no later than the Friday closest to June 11. The law also has a minimum requirement of 185 days or 1,025 hours of instruction.

Schools exempt from the law include charter schools, lab schools, regional schools and renewal school districts. Also exempt are year-round schools, restart schools and cooperative innovative high schools.

Boards that voted to alter the calendar start date include Cleveland, Gaston, Lee, Rutherford, Stanly, Surry and Yadkin.

Other districts in the report that had start dates other than Aug. 28 included Pitt, Kannapolis City Schools, Cabarrus, Iredell-Statesville, Lincoln, Mount Airy and Polk.

Districts that received calendar waivers included Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Brunswick, Buncombe, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Mitchell, Swain, Watauga and Yancey. There are currently 11 bills, all filed in the House, related to school calendar flexibility that made it through the crossover deadline. Two bills, House Bill 86 and House Bill 106, deal with calendar flexibility statewide and in various districts respectively.

The remaining bills would apply to Carteret, Craven, Granville, Halifax, Harnett, Hoke, Hyde, Johnston, Lee, Pitt, Roanoke and Vance counties.

Most of the calendar flexibility bills include a provision with a first semester end date of Dec. 31 and would require districts to administer first semester exams “prior to the conclusion of that semester.”

The Senate is unlikely to approve such bills based on remarks given by Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Eden) in an interview with North State Journal earlier this year.

“I don’t think there’s a need to change it,” Berger said. “If I thought there was a chance that changing it would improve outcomes as far as kids are concerned as far as school is concerned. I would certainly consider that.”

O f the complaints involving the calendar law about retaining summer vacation schedules, accommodating community college calendars and making first-semester testing fall before the winter holiday break, Berger said, “All the arguments that are being made now are exactly the same arguments that were being made back then.”

“If you look at how many holidays, workdays, nonschool days that take place between August and December,” said Berger referencing community college course scheduling. “It’s a pretty good number and I refuse to believe that they cannot align the calendar, if, in fact, it is that important as far as community colleges are concerned.”

The travel and tourism industry in the state has consistently pushed back on annual calls to change the calendar law, which was enacted under Democrat majorities in 2004. The groups cite increased revenues going from $14 billion to $26 billion since the law was enacted.

“The four WIOA programs included in this audit’s ope received and spent approximately $158 million of WIOA funds.”

State Auditor’s Office

“One would hope school boards will give the parent the power to advocate for their child.”

north STATEment

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

EDITORIAL | LECH WALESA

The Declaration of Independence still inspires today

The following is a speech by the Honorable Lech Walesa, first president and founding father of Poland, in Washington D.C., on June 4, 1996:

BEING HERE AGAIN brings back cherished memories of that day six years ago when, as we were all witnessing the end of the communist empire and of the Cold War, I had the honor of addressing a joint session of the United States Congress.

Poles love liberty as one loves a bride, but Americans love her more as a grandmother.

It was one of those rare moments when we all felt that history was being made. There are indeed very few such great landmarks to one’s lifetime. But this was not the first time Poles and Americans shared such moments. It was two centuries ago when, by a historical coincidence, our ancestors both in America and in Poland were simultaneously experiencing momentous changes in the lives of their nations.

America had just won her independence and in 1790 ratified a democratic constitution. A year later and an ocean away on May 3, the Polish Parliament also passed its own constitution, a grand design for modern political reform.

There were striking similarities between them. The basic concept of the American Constitution, that the source of governmental power stems from the will of the people, was also embodied in the Polish one. Both stated the same basic objective: liberty and general welfare of the people.

The Polish reformers were spiritually at home with the American founding fathers; they shared the same fundamental ideals.

America was viewed as a model; it was certainly not an accident that Polish Reformer-King Stanislaw August had put a bust of George Washington in his study at the Warsaw Castle. And it was certainly not accidental that Polish volunteers participated in the American Revolution.

But while the America envisaged by the founding fathers has become a great democracy and still governs itself by the same Constitution, Poland has spent most of the last two centuries relentlessly struggling to achieve among the nations of the earth that which your Declaration of Independence called “a separate and equal station to which laws of nature and Nature’s God entitle them.”

I am not a historian, as you know, but sometimes I think that, perhaps, apart from the right ideals and stubborn resolve, nations need a bit of luck too. I would have liked fortune to have placed the Poland of the 1791 Constitution somewhere on the map of North America and not in the center of Europe, between autocratic and imperial Russia and Prussia.

It was exactly 200 years ago that President George Washington was

EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS

retiring. Having led a victorious fight against the imperial tyranny of Britain and ensured America’s independence, he could withdraw into the peace and tranquility of his beloved Mount Vernon. He cautioned that free people must always remain wary of potential threats, but he was convinced that what he called America’s “detached and distant position” offered hope that the republic would endure.

As you well know, my country, inhabiting the heart of Europe, unfortunately, had not the luxury of such a “distant and detached position’’ over the past two centuries. The tough experiences of our history do not make a retirement in true peace of mind a very likely possibility for any leader.

Perhaps that is why Poles love liberty as one loves a bride, but Americans love her more as a grandmother.

But I believe that although we cannot affect fortune, we can and should help it. From 1989, liberty in Central Europe had been given a new, historic chance, a chance preceded by a very, very long and bitter struggle and, as such, deserving the needed nourishment of peace and security.

We have before us a rare window of opportunity to help preserve both peace and freedom — and the former depends much on the latter — and ensure that it extends well into the 21st century. Just as the 18th-century constitutions opened a new epoch, the fall of totalitarianism in Europe offers a similar prospect today.

But many a great battle in history had been ultimately lost due to a lack of follow-up by the victors to ensure a durable success. I strongly believe that this is such a moment requiring a follow-up in the form of providing NATO security to ensure the durability of the democratic revolutions of 1989.

Only the United States has the power and authority today to lead towards this goal.

I am particularly pleased that this cause has found much bipartisan support in the United States Congress. It gives me much faith and hope that the liberty for which so many have struggled for so long will be given the protection and opportunity it merits.

I wish to thank you once again for your kind invitation and for your inestimable support now as in the past.

Fly that flag high on Independence Day

IT’S ALWAYS AMAZED ME that there are people out there who make decisions about flying the American flag based on who happens to be president at the time.

I remember not long after 9/11, we were treated to one story after another about how some who didn’t support then-President George W. Bush said they didn’t want to fly the flag because they felt like people would “mistake” them for Bush supporters who were feeling especially patriotic about America in the aftermath of the horrific terrorist attacks.

It’s always amazed me that there are people out there who make decisions about flying the American flag based on who happens to be president at the time.

So instead of showing love for their country despite their political disagreements with President Bush, these same critics of the president opted to stuff it in a drawer, away from the eyes of those on the left who we were previously told were tolerant and nonjudgmental of differing views.

Several years later when Barack Obama was elected president, a fresh wave of articles hit, letting us know that those who had felt uncomfortable flying the flag under Bush were now flying it again under Obama.

“After a divisive presidency and strident campaign in which patriotism was used as a wedge issue, supporters of President-elect Obama are hanging flags, donning Old Glory lapel pins and humming the national anthem,” the Raleigh News and Observer reported in a conveniently timed November 2008 piece which carried the headline “Winds of Patriotism Renewed.”

The paper also quoted one Obama supporter as saying she “got in bed and started reading the Declaration of Independence for the first time in a long time” the day after the election, while another declared, “The first thing I did the morning after the election was take [the American flag] from my den and fly it proudly in front of my house.”

The reasons people do and do not fly the American flag are their own, but I can’t imagine not flying mine simply because Joe Biden is president.

In my opinion, it doesn’t matter who the president is nor what the pressing issue happens to be in this country at any given time; there is no reason why any person in this country who loves it should ever be ashamed to fly their flags in their yards, hang small ones in their homes, wear a flag pin or what have you regardless of whoever our president is.

The mistake fair-weather citizens make on the hanging of the flag and other traditional displays of patriotism is that they believe the flag merely represents the president of this country.

It does not. It represents the ideals upon which this nation was founded.

It represents a love of country that goes way beyond whoever currently

occupies the Oval Office. I proudly displayed this country’s flag during the Clinton administration years, did so under Obama and continue to do so under Biden regardless of my opposition to what he stands for.

No president will ever make me ashamed to display my country’s flag.

As a commenter at my old blog once wrote, “America is an idea that is bigger and better than one individual, even if it’s the president.”

Wherever I go, whenever I see the American flag flown it gives me such a sense of pride and comfort to see the stars and stripes because I know what it means and I know how so many have fought and died to keep America safe and free.

On Independence Day and all days before and after, don’t be ashamed to fly your American flag high, no matter on which side of the political aisle you hang your hat. I can think of no better way to celebrate the First Amendment and robust disagreements on the issues than doing that, in the greatest country on earth.

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

Civilizations clash — in Ukraine and at Home

The fault lines between civilizations will be the battle lines of the future.

SAMUEL HUNTINGTON got Ukraine wrong.

That’s what a casual reader of “The Clash of Civilizations?” — published in Foreign Affairs 30 years ago this summer — might think.

Huntington was at the peak of his career as a political science professor and director of the John M. Olin Institute for Strategic Studies at Harvard University when he wrote “the fault lines between civilizations will be the battle lines of the future.”

The Cold War with the Soviet Union was over.

American troops easily evicted Saddam Hussein from Kuwait two years earlier. This was meant to be a golden age — a new world order, as President George H.W. Bush called it, even “the end of history.”

But Huntington knew perpetual peace had not arrived. Nor was foreign policy about to become mere police work.

The Islamist atrocities of 9/11 confirmed his insights. The “War on Terror” was really a war between the West and another civilization’s most militant manifestation. The Bataclan Theater in Paris and the London Underground were as much a battlefield in this war as the caves of Tora Bora or the deserts of Iraq.

Yet Huntington had his detractors, who claimed civilization itself was a racist term and unscientific.

More recently, some have called out Huntington’s 1993 assertion that “If civilization is what counts ... the likelihood of violence between Ukrainians and Russians should be low.”

Ukraine sits atop a fault line between the West and what Huntington called Orthodox civilization.

He expected no earthquakes, however, because Ukraine and Russia “are two Slavic, primarily Orthodox peoples who have had close relationships with each other for centuries.”

Did he fail to foresee Putin? Not exactly.

American leaders feared the worst from the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991. President Bush warned Ukrainians, in particular, against pursuing immediate independence from Moscow.

In remarks penned by Condoleezza Rice — later dubbed the “Chicken Kiev” speech by columnist William Safire — Bush condemned “suicidal nationalism” and appeared to make the case that the Soviet Union was good for free trade among its member republics.

A neoliberal, anti-populist argument for the Soviet empire — the Ukrainians, bravely and sensibly, ignored Bush and declared national independence. That wasn’t tantamount to a declaration of war with Moscow.

Huntington was right: For nearly a quartercentury, the remarkable thing wasn’t the tensions between Ukraine and Russia but that the friction didn’t ignite into war. Yet Huntington was not

COLUMN | NEWT GINGRICH

naive about the direction Russia was likely to choose in the future. He defined Russia as the most important “torn country,” forced to decide which civilization it would follow. “The question of whether Russia is part of the West or the leader of a distinct Slavic-Orthodox civilization has been a recurring one in Russian history,” he wrote. The demise of the USSR raised it again.

What’s happened in the 30 years since Huntington wrote “The Clash of Civilizations?” is that more and more torn countries have made up their minds. Ukraine, torn between Western and Orthodox civilization, chose the West — and Putin invaded. Russia, civilizationally invested on Serbia’s side in the Balkan conflicts of the 1990s, turned away from the West as NATO intervened in support of Muslims in Bosnia and Kosovo.

Other nations have also made civilizational choices.

Turkey under President Recep Erdogan is still a member of NATO but has rejected the Westernizing secularism of Kemal Ataturk in favor of stronger commitments to Islam. India, likewise, has been moving away from the Western model of non-sectarian liberal democracy toward a reassertion of Hindu civilizational roots.

Huntington’s former student and rival prognosticator of the post-Cold War world, Francis Fukuyama, envisioned a future in which liberal democracy would inexorably spread.

In the three decades since Huntington challenged Fukuyama’s “end of history” thesis, the older scholar has been proved right. The War on Terror was a tragic confirmation. America fought for 20 years to bring a semblance of liberalism and democracy to Afghanistan, only for the Taliban to retake power the minute our forces left. The outcome is hard to explain in Fukuyama’s terms, but all too predictable according to Huntington. We embarked on nation-building when the task confronting us was really that of changing a civilization. It never stood a chance.

The one big thing missing from Huntington’s theory is supplied by the last book he wrote before his death in 2008. In “Who Are We?

The Challenges to America’s National Identity,” published in 2004, Huntington recognized the clash of civilizations was coming home. The “culture war” is a clash of civilizations, and America is now a torn country. Are we still Western, or are we woke?

Until we make that choice, the clash of civilizations will be fought as much within our own institutions — and souls — as on the borders of Europe or across the Taiwan Strait.

Daniel McCarthy is the editor of Modern Age: A Conservative Review.

Hunter Biden is helping Donald Trump

President Trump is on the edge of becoming the symbol of Americans being attacked and oppressed by their own government.

Rewriting American history

GEORGE ORWELL SAID, “The most effective way to destroy people is to deny and obliterate their own understanding of their history.” In the former USSR, censorship, rewriting of history and eliminating undesirable people became part of Soviets’ effort to ensure that the correct ideological and political spin was put on their history. Deviation from official propaganda was punished by confinement in labor camps and execution.

Today there are efforts to rewrite history in the U.S., albeit the punishment is not so draconian as that in the Soviet Union. New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu had a Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee monument removed last month. Former Memphis Mayor A C Wharton wanted the statue of Confederate Lt. Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest, as well as the graves of Forrest and his wife, removed from the city park. In Richmond, Virginia, there have been calls for the removal of the Monument Avenue statues of Confederate President Jefferson Davis and Gens. Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson and J.E.B. Stuart.

It’s not only Confederate statues that have come under attack. Just by having the name of a Confederate, such as J.E.B. Stuart High School in Falls Church, Virginia, brings up calls for a name change. These history rewriters have enjoyed nearly total success in getting the Confederate flag removed from state capitol grounds and other public places.

Slavery is an undeniable fact of our history. The costly war fought to end it is also a part of the nation’s history. Neither will go away through cultural cleansing. Removing statues of Confederates and renaming buildings are just a small part of the true agenda of America’s leftists. Thomas Jefferson owned slaves, and there’s a monument that bears his name — the Thomas Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C. George Washington also owned slaves, and there’s a monument to him, as well — the Washington Monument in Washington. Will the people who call for removal of statues in New Orleans and Richmond also call for the removal of the Washington, D.C., monuments honoring slaveholders Jefferson and Washington? Will the people demanding a change in the name of J.E.B. Stuart High School also demand that the name of the nation’s capital be changed?

HUNTER BIDEN’S SWEETHEART plea deal — and protection from typical punishment — will likely become major assets for his father’s most dangerous challenger.

Consider that the same Department of Justice that is treating Joe Biden’s son with kid gloves is threatening his biggest political rival with potentially 400 years of jail time. That only accounts for one of four legal assaults designed to engineer the political environment and protect the incumbent president.

This stark contrast in the Biden administration’s selective use of the justice system will prove to be astonishingly destructive politically. It will only strengthen former President Donald Trump and weaken President Biden.

You must wonder how the Biden loyalists at DOJ thought Hunter Biden’s clearly one-sided, absurd deal would not lead to a massive public backlash.

Just ask your friends and neighbors how many of them think they could avoid prison after lying on a federal gun purchasing form (a felony) and then declining to pay more than $100,000 in taxes for two years in a row.

For that matter, ask rapper Kodak Black, who pleaded guilty to the same gun charge for which Hunter Biden got probation. In 2019, then-22year-old Black was sentenced to more than three years in federal prison after pleading guilty to weapons charges.

Biden family defenders (and the elite media) have claimed this isn’t a fair comparison because Hunter Biden was a so-called first offender. To quote President Joe Biden, “C’mon, man!” Hunter Biden has a long-documented history of illegal drug activity and questionable business dealings. He’s never been prosecuted because his father is a long-serving U.S. senator-turned-vice president-turned president. This flimsy defense

only clarifies the bias.

Further, these so-called personal mistakes by Hunter Biden pale in comparison to the much more serious questions about his professional life. Why did the widow of the mayor of Moscow send him $3.5 million? Why did Burisma put him on the board when he knows nothing about natural gas or Ukraine? What did he do to earn money from Kazakhstan and Romania? Why did a Chinese oligarch send him a diamond? Why did the Bidens set up so many shell companies if they aren’t trying to hide the flow of foreign money?

The personal and the professional issues combine when you ask the simple question: What did Hunter Biden do to have the after-tax income to pay off more than $2 million in taxes and penalties? This leads to the question: What has he been earning out of his supposed art, and who has been paying for it?

Overwhelmingly, the American people are coming to believe that there are two systems of justice in America: One to protect Democrats and another to attack their political opponents.

President Trump is on the edge of becoming the symbol of Americans being attacked and oppressed by their own government. The proof is the degree to which Americans believe the FBI and the DOJ are corrupt. Even before Trump was indicted, two-thirds of Americans believe the DOJ has been weaponized for political purposes. This will only get worse.

Specifically within the Republican electorate, every attack on President Trump or Republicans — and every defense of the Biden family, the Clintons and other Democrats — will cement the belief that there is an entrenched, biased establishment that must be defeated.

This week, Hunter Biden did his share to help Trump become the Republican nominee. Future revelations of Biden family corruption are likely to put Trump back in the White House.

These leftists might demand that the name of my place of work — George Mason University — be changed. Even though Mason was the author of the Virginia Declaration of Rights, which became a part of our Constitution’s Bill of Rights, he owned slaves. Not too far from my university is James Madison University. Will its name be changed? Even though Madison is hailed as the “Father of the Constitution,” he did own slaves. Rewriting American history is going to be challenging. Just imagine the task of purifying the nation’s currency. Slave owner George Washington’s picture graces the $1 bill. Slave owner Thomas Jefferson’s picture is on the $2 bill. Slave-owning Union Gen. Ulysses S. Grant’s picture is on our $50 bill. Benjamin Franklin’s picture is on the $100 bill.

The challenges of rewriting American history are endless, going beyond relatively trivial challenges such as finding new pictures for our currency. At least half of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence were slave owners. Also consider that roughly half of the 55 delegates to the 1787 Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia were slave owners. Do those facts invalidate the U.S. Constitution, and would the history rewriters want us to convene a new convention to purge and purify our Constitution?

The job of tyrants and busybodies is never done. When they accomplish one goal, they move their agenda to something else. If we Americans give them an inch, they’ll take a yard. So I say, don’t give them an inch in the first place. The hate-America types use every tool at their disposal to achieve their agenda of discrediting and demeaning our history. Our history of slavery is simply a convenient tool to further their cause.

Walter E. Williams was a professor of economics at George Mason University. This column originally ran on June 14, 2017.

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

THE UNANIMOUS DECLARATION of the

thirteen united States of America

WHEN in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.—That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, —That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.—Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.

He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.

He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.

He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.

He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance.

He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.

He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:

For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:

For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:

For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:

For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:

For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:

For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences

For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:

For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:

For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.

He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.

He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.

He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.

He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our Brittish brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

NHL Draft preview, B4

Miller, Smith Jr. lead Hornets’ 2023 draft class

NBA

Former Wake Forest star John Collins headed to Jazz

Atlanta

The Atlanta Hawks have agreed to trade former Wake Forest standout John Collins to the Utah Jazz for veteran forward Rudy Gay and a future second round draft pick, according to a person with knowledge of the deal. Collins was the subject of trade speculation during the offseason and again leading up to last week’s NBA Draft before he finally was dealt to Utah, according to The Associated Press’ source who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the trade cannot become official before July 6. The 25-year- old Collins scored in double figures in each of his six seasons in Atlanta. Collins played two years with the Demon Deacons, earning first-team All-ACC honors during the 2016 -17 season, and he was the 19th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.

MLS

Charlotte FC plays

CF Montreal to scoreless draw

Charlotte

Kristijan Kahlina saved three shots for Charlotte

FC, Jonathan Sirois finished with four saves for CF Montreal and the two clubs played to a scoreless draw on Saturday. Montreal

(8-9 -2) swept Charlotte

(6 -8- 6) last season, scoring two goals in both wins, and was trying to become the first club to beat Charlotte three straight times. Montreal is just 1-8-2 in its 11 road matches this season and has been outscored 24 -5. Only the 1998 Miami Fusion and 2017 Real Salt Lake clubs had worse differentials through 10 matches (minus-20). Charlotte is 5-1- 4 in its last 10 home matches in all competitions. Charlotte outshot Montreal 13 -9 with a 4 -3 edge in shots on goal.

Charlotte next plays on July 5 when it travels to face New York City.

Apex teen living dream as ‘American Ninja Warrior’

Brandon Thomas has reached the semifinals of the show’s 15th season

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

BRANDON THOMAS was used to the courses and obstacles at his local gyms, but the 18-yearold was now facing a completely new one in the biggest moment of his life.

Thomas was in Los Angeles on the set of the 15th season of NBC’s hit series, “American Ninja Warrior,” living out a dream he had had since he was 9. It was now all real and he was staring down the barrel of the six-obstacle course in front of him.

If Thomas was nervous, he didn’t show it. He stormed through the first few obstacles on the course, letting out victorious roars after each successful completion, and made it to the fifth obstacle, The Cubes, in 47.33 seconds. But Thomas ultimately came up short of getting a shot at the warped and mega walls for $10,000 as he slipped on the final cube.

The Apex native still qualified for a trip to the head-to-head semifinals as his run was the sixth-farthest and fastest one completed in his qualifier bracket.

“It’s been amazing,” Thomas said in a phone interview with North State Journal. “It’s been weird going from watching it on the TV to seeing how big the

obstacles actually are in person. They’re massive. It’s just been an amazing experience.”

Thomas has been a fan of ninja, a fast-growing sport that involves obstacle course competitions, since he was little. He grew up watching the show and his mother, Julie, surprised him with a trip to a ninja gym when he was 14.

“I’ve been watching the show since Season 4,” Thomas said, “but the guy that actually got me into it was Flip Rodriguez. I specifically remember watching him in Season 6, and I told my parents I was going to be on the show one day while watching him. He was always so quick, and I wanted to run the courses just like Flip. He’s been a huge inspiration for me.

“I’ve always loved the idea of ninja, but there were never any gyms around here for the longest time. One day, it might have been in the middle of eighth or ninth grade, my mom just took me to a gym without telling me. It was just a homeschool event, and from that moment on I just fell in love with the sport again.”

Training and improving his ninja skills at his local gyms — WarriorTech OCR in Morrisville and Rock Solid Warrior in Apex and Fuquay-Varina — had been the norm for Thomas for years, but training for “American Ninja Warrior” was a bit different than what he had been used to.

“Once I got the call for the

Charlotte came away with four new players from last week’s draft

By Jesse Deal North State Journal

CHARLOTTE — Ever since the Hornets received a stroke of luck at last month’s NBA Draft Lottery by landing the second overall pick, fans and media wondered if Alabama wing Brandon Miller or G League Ignite guard Scoot Henderson would be selected by the team in the June 22 draft.

That wait is over, and the hotly debated decision will determine both the future of the Hornets and legacies of those involved with the pick.

When Charlotte was on the clock for the first time last Thursday, NBA commissioner Adam Silver announced Miller as the second overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center in New York.

The 6-foot-9 SEC Player of the Year is coming off a freshman season in which he averaged 18.8 points and 8.2 rebounds per game with the Crimson Tide.

Miller will bring versatility to the Hornets’ lineup with his ability to slash into the lane while also shooting 38% from behind the arc. He also has the skill set to handle the ball and make plays for others — especially out of the pick and roll.

“It’s definitely an exciting moment and a dream come true, for sure,” Miller said following the draft. “I think what fans are getting is a winner who’s willing to make all the winning plays and try to win as many basketball games as I can.”

Hornets star point guard LaMelo Ball video-called Miller shortly after he was picked by Charlotte to congratulate him, signaling that the two new teammates are already hitting it off.

“It’s definitely a great feeling,” Miller told reporters of his immediate connection with Ball and the team. “Mike (owner Jordan) and LaMelo (Ball) made me feel like I was at home. … With (Ball) being a playmaker and me being a shot-maker, I think that kind of fits well.”

Hornets general manager Mitch Kupchak mentioned after the draft that Miller had been the front office’s favored pick over Henderson throughout the draft process, although

there had been some “spirited debate” within the team’s inner circle as to who the pick should be. Many believe Henderson to be the more talented player, but Miller was arguably a better fit with Ball already in place in the Hornets’ backcourt.

“They are both excellent players and both will probably go on to have long NBA careers, but (Miller’s) the one we think will have the best NBA career as a Hornet,” Kupchak said.

He noted that around five teams had heavily pursued the No. 2 pick in a possible trade before the draft, but he said the Hornets never got to the point where they seriously considered moving the pick.

Charlotte entered the 2023 draft with five picks in all: a pair of first-rounders (Nos. 2 and 27) and three second round picks (Nos. 34, 39 and 41).

With the 27th overall pick, the Hornets selected Arkansas shooting guard Nick Smith Jr. — a former No. 1 recruit in 2022 at 247Sports and once Miller’s AAU teammate.

The 19-year-old Smith will be battling for playing time behind the starting backcourt of LaMelo Ball and Terry Rozier while also hoping to overcome a lingering knee injury that hampered his freshman year with the Razorbacks. He averaged 12.5 points, 1.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game last season.

“I’m coming in with a big chip, for sure,” Smith said after he was selected. “I also understand this game is a business and Charlotte was willing to take a chance on me. My trust is in Charlotte right now.”

Going into Thursday’s draft, Kupchak had hinted that the Hornets might not use all five of their draft picks — and they didn’t.

Shortly after Smith’s selection, Charlotte traded picks Nos. 34 (to Sacramento) and 39 (to Boston) to acquire Detroit’s selection of 7-foot center James Nnaji at No. 31.

Nnaji, 18, was among the youngest and rawest players selected in the draft, but the Hornets believe the former rotational center for FC Barcelona can make an impact in Charlotte under the right leadership and training.

With their final pick of the night, the Hornets selected UCLA guard Amari Bailey at

MATT KELLEY | AP PHOTO

Second overall pick Brandon Miller, center, smiles during last Friday’s press conference with Hornets general manager Mitch Kupchak, left, and fellow first round pick Nick Smith Jr. in Charlotte.

ELIZABETH MORRIS | NBC

Apex’s Brandon Thomas competes during the 15th season of “American Ninja Warrior.”

“I’d just find that earliest open gym and start running obstacles, making sure my body is in peak condition.”

Brandon Thomas

TRENDING

Gavin Williams:

The Fayetteville native and former Cape Fear High School pitcher threw 52/3 innings in his major league debut in the Guardians’ 7‑6 win over the Athletics last Wednesday. Williams, Cleveland’s consensus top prospect and 2021 first‑round pick, allowed four runs on four hits — all in the third — while striking out four. The right‑hander maxed out at 98 mph, topping 96 mph on 18 of his 84 pitches. Williams was 3‑2 with a 2.93 ERA in nine starts this year with Triple‑A Columbus.

Deion Sanders:

The Colorado football coach has returned home from the hospital following surgery last Friday for blood clots in his legs. In a video posted on Instagram on Saturday, Sanders told his family that he had successful surgery for a blood clot in his left thigh and another in the same leg below his knee. He said he also has a blood clot in the right leg that doctors were “going to get soon.” Doctors have warned Sanders that his foot may need to be amputated.

Josh Eilert:

The West Virginia assistant has been selected as the Mountaineers’ interim men’s basketball coach, the school said Saturday. The move comes after Hall of Famer Bob Huggins resigned following a drunken driving arrest. The 43‑year‑old Eilert first joined Huggins as a graduate assistant at Kansas State in 2006 and followed him to WVU in 2007. Eilert has had a variety of roles with the Mountaineers. Under NCAA rules, West Virginia’s players have a 30‑day window to enter the transfer portal following Huggins’ resignation.

Beyond the box score

POTENT QUOTABLES

Ross Chastain held off Martin Truex Jr. and won the Ally 400 at Nashville Superspeedway for his third career Cup Series victory and first since Talladega in April of last year. Chastain led a race‑high 100 laps, including the final 34, weaving by some slower traffic to hold off Truex by 0.789 seconds to clinch a playoff berth. Denny Hamlin finished third followed by Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson.

Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal after agreeing to a four‑year, $11.6 million contract extension.

Dick Vitale, in a tweet, after he revealed he needs two more surgeries on his vocal chords.

PRIME NUMBER

62‑35

Regular season record for the Bills since UNC Wilmington graduate and Norwood native Brandon Beane took over as general manager. Beane and coach Sean McDermott each received two‑year contract extensions that will keep them in Buffalo through 2027.

Chris Paul is on the move again. The former Wake Forest star and Winston‑Salem native will be traded for the second time this offseason and is headed to Golden State. The Warriors will send Jordan Poole to the Wizards for Paul, who was traded from Phoenix to Washington in a deal that shipped Bradley Beal to the Suns.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

LSU center fielder Dylan Crews was named the winner of the Golden Spikes Award as the top amateur baseball player in the country. The two‑time Southeastern Conference player of the year and expected early pick in next month’s amateur draft is among the national leaders in most offensive categories.

Duke assistant coach Amile Jefferson, right, is leaving the Blue Devils to become an assistant with the NBA’s Boston Celtics, according to reports. Jefferson, a former Blue Devils player and 2015 NCAA title winner, was an assistant during Jon Scheyer’s first season as coach. He also worked as director of player development in Mike Krzyzewski’s final season as Duke coach.

GEORGE WALKER IV | AP PHOTO

COLLEGE BASEBALL

TYLER KAUFMAN | AP PHOTO

NBA

MATT YORK | AP PHOTO

“I feel trapped not being able to express myself.”

JORDAN STRAUSS | INVISION

VIA AP

CHUCK BURTON | AP PHOTO

“I’m ready to grind.”

KARL B DEBLAKER | AP PHOTO

Three local players were drafted and four more signed last week

By Shawn Krest North State Journal

DERECK LIVELY II was known for bringing energy to the court at Duke. Whenever he entered the game, you could expect to hear screaming and see hair, sweat and slobber flying as he threw himself into the task of defending the rim.

Lively will now join another high-energy guy in Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, known for his emotional clashes with referees from his courtside seat.

Lively was drafted by Oklahoma City with the 12th pick of last week’s NBA Draft, but in short order, he was traded to Dallas and will join Cuban’s shark tank in Big D.

“I feel like I can definitely see myself having a great time in Dallas and being a great fit,” Lively said on draft night. “I was just on the phone with (Cuban) less than two minutes ago. He was just saying, ‘Congratulations and we’re just excited to have you and we’re excited to start,’ which is exactly the same exact feeling I’m feeling.”

“When it came to (Lively), he was the guy we wanted,” Cuban told Dallas sports radio. “He was available, we would have taken him at 10 if we couldn’t do the deal.”

Mavs president Michael Finley compared Lively to Tyson Chandler, saying that the Duke oneand-done freshman was “pretty high on our board.”

“We were excited to see him, quote-unquote, slip into a position where we could choose him,” Finley said. “So, we were excited that he was available for us.”

Lively was the only player with local connections chosen with a lottery pick, although it was a big night for plenty of other players familiar to North Carolina basketball fans.

Lively’s Duke teammate Dariq Whitehead was the next local player off the board, going with pick No. 22 to the Brooklyn Nets. Whitehead impressed teams with his potential, but a history of

injuries in his one season at Duke, as well as another pre-draft foot operation, caused him to slide to the bottom of the first round.

“I can only imagine had he been at strength, he would’ve gone a lot higher and so forth,” Nets GM Sean Marks said at the team’s draft press conference.

“I think I can definitely get back to that guy who I was,” Whitehead said. “I feel like people definitely from last year, they tend to think that I’m not athletic, and that was due to me pretty much playing on one leg. But I feel like I can definitely show the athletic part, and then really my playmaking.”

Whitehead’s most recent operation was done by the Nets’ team foot specialist, one of several links between the team and the Duke draftee. He was born and grew up in Newark, New Jersey, be -

fore leaving to attend Montverde Academy in Florida at age 13. Joining the Nets will be a homecoming for him.

“Being away from home at a young age, going to high school in Florida, this is the first time where my family is going to be able to fully watch me play with everybody, friends and family,” he said. Oklahoma City got to help with another local player in the second round of the draft. The Thunder took Clemson’s Hunter Tyson with the 37th overall pick. They then traded the Monroe native and Piedmont High alumnus to the world champion Denver Nuggets.

Despite winning it all earlier in the month, Denver seems ready to welcome Tyson, who will have a solid chance of making the team — something not always the case for second-rounders joining title

teams.

“I really like this guy. Great dude,” Jim Clibanoff, Denver’s vice president of scouting, said at the team’s draft press conference. “Came in for a pre-draft workout for us. We had breakfast. Interacted so well with everybody at the table with us. Came at the workout, hit like every shot. This is a guy who got better each year at Clemson.” Clibanoff praised Tyson’s ability to “fit” multiple times.

“He knows how to win, knows how to fit in,” he said. “He’ll really help us stretch the floor. We think he can play the power forward and small forward spots. … He’s got a lot of different components to his game that you’ll like, and he’ll learn how to fit in.”

GG Jackson, who had the briefest N.C. connection of the draft

Lively, Whitehead, Tyson get call in NBA Draft College World Series ends in heartbreak for Wake Forest

The Demon Deacons were eliminated one game shy of the championship round

By Steve Reed

The Associated Press

WAKE FOREST picked a bad time for its first two-game losing streak of the season. The Demon Deacons lost to LSU on back-toback days at the College World Series to end their magical year one game shy of the championship series.

Wake beat LSU 3-2 on Monday of last week, putting the Deacs in the favorable position of needing one win in two games to advance to the weekend’s best-of-three championship round. Instead, Wake scored just two runs in the two games, losing 5-2 to eventual champion LSU on Wednesday and dropping the rematch in an 11-inning pitcher’s duel on a tworun walk-off home run.

“We just slayed a giant tonight,” said LSU coach Jay Johnson. “And that was special.”

The Deacs continued their Omaha power outage in the two games against LSU. After scoring 75 runs in five home games and setting an NCAA Tournament record with a run differential of plus-59 entering the College World Series, Wake’s bats went cold. In their four games in Oma-

HORNETS from page B1

No. 41.

ha, the Deacs hit just .158. Justin Johnson, a .306 hitter with .954 OPS this year, went just 1-for15 in Omaha. Nick Kurtz (.345, 1.247) was hitless in nine at-bats and missed the final game after injuring his rib in pregame warmups, reaggravating a problem that had persisted throughout the CWS.

“The stuff that happened today was kind of a holdover from the Alabama super, truthfully, and he’s been battling all week,”

Bailey is another former five-star high school recruit and a high-upside defensive guard who needs to work on his shooting. The 6-foot-5 Chicago native had 11.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game in his only season with the Bruins. We feel really good about our draft,” Kupchak said in his post-draft presser, “and I’m hopeful that in four or five years I can look back on it and that feeling is justified.”

Wake coach Tom Walter said of Kurtz. “We have a healthy Nick Kurtz, maybe, who knows, maybe (Wednesday’s loss) is different too.” Wake scored first in Wednesday’s game and was seven innings away from a date with Florida for the title, but LSU erupted for four runs in the third inning. Meanwhile, Wake turned in the first seven innings of its 18-inning season-ending scoreless stretch.

“We had people on base all day,”

NINJA WARRIOR from page B1

show, I started running courses that would be similar to previous qualifying-style courses,” Thomas said. “So roughly six obstacles, some very technical obstacles, agility, and always ending with the warped wall and the mega wall. I also had to adjust my sleep schedule since it’s filmed in the middle of the night. I had to make sure my body could function into the late hours of the night.

Walter said. “We were 2-for-17 with runners on base today. And that’s going to be hard-pressed to win a game with those kind of numbers with people on base.”

That set up a winner-take-all game on Thursday, with each team starting their ace on short rest. Wake had won all 18 previous games started by ACC Pitcher of the Year Rhett Lowder this season. LSU gave the ball to Paul Skenes, a finalist for the Golden Spikes Award, given to college baseball’s player of the year.

Both pitchers lived up to the hype in what may have been the college game of the year. Lowder allowed three hits over seven scoreless innings, striking out six in an 88-pitch outing that came two games after he threw 100 pitches against Stanford. Skenes did Lowder one better, allowing just two hits in eight innings, and striking out nine in a 120-pitch day, coming five days after a 123-pitch outing.

“Paul Skenes was fantastic, and Rhett matched him pitch for pitch,” Walter said. “It was one of the best-pitched college baseball games I’ve ever seen.”

The bullpens took over after that, with three Wake relievers allowing two hits over three innings. Michael Massey led the way for the Deacs, getting five of his eight outs by strikeout. LSU turned to Thatcher Hurd, who had three one-hit innings.

“Preparing for the show, I was usually waking up somewhere between 11 to 1 in the afternoon and I’d go to the gym as much as I could. I’d just find that earliest open gym and start running obstacles, making sure my body is in peak condition.

“I ran a lot of courses, a lot of just basic skills just to make sure my body control is on point and my technique is as good as it can be on whatever type of obstacle I may see because you

class, was the next “local” player to go. He was committed to UNC for the upcoming season before reclassifying and heading to college a year early, getting a release from his letter of intent and playing at South Carolina. He was drafted by Memphis at No. 45.

Four other players were signed as free agents after not being drafted.

NC State’s Terquavion Smith, who was expected to go in the second round, signed with the 76ers. His Wolfpack teammate Jarkel Joiner signed with Atlanta.

UNC’s Pete Nance signed with Cleveland, giving him the chance to join the franchise that his father played seven seasons for and his brother four.

Fellow Tar Heel Leaky Black joined Charlotte on a free agent contract.

never know what you’re going to see on the course. Once I was done training at the gym, I’d head home and it was just training my mind to be awake in the middle of the night so I’d be playing a lot of solitaire because that keeps your mind really focused.” The improved training regimen worked like a charm — Thomas is still in the competition and will have a shot at the national finals when he competes in a ninja vs. ninja race in

In the end, it was a familiar face who downed the Deacs. With one on in the 11th inning, closer Camden Minacci entered and threw the 573rd and final Wake Forest pitch in the College World Series.

Tommy White, a transfer from NC State, sent that pitch over the left field wall for a game- and season-ending home run.

“There weren’t any mistakes (all game),” Walter said. “We made one bad pitch and Tommy White didn’t miss it.”

As the Tigers celebrated on the field, White approached Minacci and hugged his former ACC rival.

“Their season is over,” White said. “It’s a very hard time. They had had high expectations coming into this. And they played great. I’ve known Camden and Bennett Lee for quite some time. We’re all from Tampa. I played with him, against him growing up my whole life. And he’s one of my closest friends. So I didn’t want him to feel anything. I just wanted to make sure he was all right.”

Like most of Wake’s players and fans, Minacci was not all right in the moment, as a season that saw the team set school and conference records ended in heartbreak.

“I’d rather coach this team and not win the national championship than coach any other team,” Walter said. “And I’m just beyond proud of them.”

the semifinals in a few weeks. The small taste of ANW has only inspired Thomas even more.

“Hopefully I’m back for the next season, but I’m going to find a way to keep competing and keep getting stronger so that way the next time I’m on a qualifying course I actually hit a buzzer,” Thomas said with a chuckle.

“American Ninja Warrior” airs every Monday at 8 p.m. on NBC.

JOHN PETERSON | AP PHOTO

Wake Forest’s Pierce Bennett reacts to LSU’s game-winning home run in the 11th inning of last Thursday’s winner-take-all game at the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska.

ARTIE WALKER JR | AP PHOTO

Duke forward Dariq Whitehead was selected 22nd overall by the Brooklyn Nets at last week’s NBA Draft.

Hurricanes armed with picks, cap space entering NHL Draft

Carolina heads to Nashville with the ability to make big moves

By Cory Lavalette North State Journal

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Hurricanes have fared well at the draft since Don Waddell took over as the team’s general manager.

First round picks Andrei Svechnikov and Seth Jarvis have quickly developed into top six forwards. Pyotr Kochetkov, a 2019 second round selection, looks like Carolina’s goaltender of the future. Alexander Nikishin, a 2020 fourth-rounder, is considered by many to be the best defenseman not playing in North America.

The last two seasons, the Hurricanes didn’t have their Round 1 pick, trading out of the first round in 2021 and surrendering their opening night selection at last year’s draft as part of the compensation for their successful offer sheet to Jesperi Kotkaniemi.

Carolina enters Wednesday’s first round in Nashville with its top pick, the 30th overall, and is armed with eight more selections in Rounds 2-7. The Hurricanes hold their own draft choices in each round except the third, but Carolina has Philadelphia’s third from last year’s Tony DeAngelo trade (71st overall) and also has surplus picks in the fifth (139th overall, from Vancouver in the Ethan Bear trade) and seventh (163rd overall, acquired in exchange for Carolina’s sixth round pick, 188th overall, last year) rounds.

Carolina’s own second day picks are selections Nos. 62, 126, 158, 190 and 222.

The Hurricanes will likely have to wait until the end of Wednesday’s Round 1 at Bridgestone Arena unless they have a trade to move up the draft board. Meanwhile, the Blackhawks will surely select Connor Bedard with the first overall pick, making him the new face of the Chicago franchise as it begins a rebuild.

Carolina has never drafted a player 30th overall in franchise history, having surrendered its first round pick in 2006 to the Blues in the trade that landed the Hurricanes Doug Weight. When the Hurricanes won the Stanley Cup that season, they were placed in the final spot in the draft order —

then 30th. St. Louis later flipped the pick as part of a package to move up and draft Patrick Berglund, and New Jersey selected Matthew Corrente with the 30th choice.

The Hurricanes did have some luck in the past at 71st overall. In 1998, Erik Cole was picked with that selection. Carolina also took Alexander Perevalov last year at No. 71.

While the two days of the draft are ultimately about teenagers fulfilling another dream in their path to the NHL, it’s also one of the busiest trade days of the year.

The Hurricanes got started early, agreeing with Philadelphia on a trade that would bring DeAngelo back to Raleigh. The deal, however, has been held up by the NHL, but the Hurricanes are still trying to finalize the trade. Carolina dealt the defenseman and a seventh round pick to the Flyers at last year’s draft for three draft picks rather than re-signing the restricted free agent.

Philadelphia then gave DeAngelo a two -year contract worth $5 million annually. If the trade goes through, the Flyers would retain half his contract for next season to ship him back to the Hurricanes.

In his one year in Carolina, DeAngelo posted 10 goals and 51 points, logging nearly 20 minutes a game. He played more than

Eduard Sale, LW

6’2, 174 pounds • Brno (Czechia)

22 minutes a night for the Flyers last season but clashed with new Philadelphia coach John Tortorella, who frequently criticized DeAngelo’s defense.

The 27-year-old would slot into the third pairing in his return to Carolina and likely run the second power play with Brent Burns entrenched on the top unit.

The Hurricanes also took care of their most pressing unrestricted free agent, re-signing captain Jordan Staal to a four-year extension with a $2.9 million cap hit.

That’s less than half the $6 million Staal made over the past decade, giving Carolina even more cap space to work with during the offseason. That could come into play in Nashville.

Last season, the Hurricanes weaponized their cap space to acquire Max Pacioretty and Dylan Coghlan from Vegas for nothing and also landed Burns from San Jose. Those moves happened after the draft in Montreal, but Carolina could opt to be aggressive in Nashville as teams look to clear cap space ahead of the opening of free agency on July 1.

Combined with a full complement of draft picks, the Hurricanes have all the pieces to make noise in Music City.

The Hurricanes might not be able to pass on Sale if he falls to them at 30th overall. He’s the type of boom-or-bust prospect on which Carolina loves to take a chance. He’s creative with the puck but probably needs to be a top-six player to be effective in the NHL.

NSJ Rank: 21st

What they’re saying

Corey Pronman, The Athletic: “Sale’s toolkit is exciting ... and (he) has a ton of natural offensive abilities.”

Dobber Hockey: “ Needs to continue to round out his off-puck game but has the upside to become a top-six NHL forward.”

The Hockey News: “If Sale finds a way to add more of a competitive dimension to his game, the team that takes him is going to be very happy.”

Maxim Strbak, D

6’1½, 205 pounds • Sioux City (USHL)

Committed to Michigan State, the Slovakian import had five goals and 18 points in the USHL last season. The son of Martin Strbak, who played 44 NHL games, is a defensive defensemen who shows flashes of having offensive upside. He’s a reliable defender who usually makes the right decisions.

NSJ Rank: 45th

What they’re saying

Corey Pronman, The Athletic: “I don’t see him as a legit scorer and puck-mover in the NHL, but he’s good enough with the puck, can skate pucks up, and can make enough plays to survive at higher levels.”

Dobber Hockey: “Will likely become a bottom-pair shutdown specialist.”

Scott Wheeler, The Athletic: “Strbak’s a pro-built, stocky and physically strong defender who can play hard minutes..”

Lenni Hameenaho, RW

5’11½, 173 pounds • Assat (Liiga)

The Hurricanes love their Finns, so why not target another? Hameenaho is well-rounded winger who spent all of last season playing against men in Finland’s top league. He’d be a safer choice than Sale, but his upside is also not as high.

NSJ Rank: 48th

What they’re saying

Scott Wheeler, The Athletic: “I could envision him becoming a complementary winger in the NHL, but I don’t see him as either a driver, a checker, or a skill guy.” Dobber Hockey: “Could grow into a solid middle-six NHL forward with added pace.”

The Hockey News: “If you’re looking for a solid on-ice citizen, he fills that need. ... He’s a good skater who can play both ends of the ice.”

NSJ’s 2023 NHL Draft Top 100 Prospects

1 Connor Bedard, C

2 Adam Fantilli, C

3. Leo Carlsson, C

4 William Smith, C

5 Matvei Michkov, RW

6 Zach Benson, LW

7 Ryan Leonard, RW

8 Dalibor Dvorsky, C

9 Matthew Wood, RW

10. Oliver Moore, C

11. David Reinbacher, D

1 2. Gabriel Perreault, RW

13. Nate Danielson, C

14. Colby Barlow, LW

15. Brayden Yager, C

16. Samuel Honzek, LW

17. Tom Willander, D

18. Quentin Musty, LW

19. A xel Sandin Pellikka, D

20. Calum Ritchie, C

21. Eduard Sale, LW

22. Gavin Brindley, C

23. Daniil But, LW

24. Otto Stenberg, C

25. Andrew Cristall, LW

26. Ethan Gauthier, RW

27. Lukas Dragicevic, D

28. Oliver Bonk, D

29. Riley Heidt, C

30. Bradly Nadeau, LW

31. Mikhail Gulyayev, D

32. Dmitriy Simashev, D

33. Tanner Molendyk, D

34. Charlie Stramel, C

35. Danny Nelson, C

36. Michael Hrabal, G

37. Koehn Ziemmer, RW

38. Carson Rehkopf, LW

39. Kasper Halttunen, RW

4 0. Luca Cagnoni, D

41. Oscar Fisker Molgaard, C

42. Nick Lardis, LW

43. David Edstrom, C

4 4. Caden Price, D

45. Maxim Strbak, D

4 6. Gracyn Sawchyn, C

47. Jayden Perron, RW

4 8. Lenni Hameenaho, RW

49. Beau Akey, D

50. Trey Augustine, G

51. Hunter Brzustewicz, D

52. Theo Lindstein, D

53. Nico Myatovic, LW

5 4. Mathieu Cataford, C

55. Coulson Pitre, RW

56. Anton Wahlberg, C

57. Aydar Suniev, LW

5 8. Cameron Allen, D

59. Aram Minnetian, D

60. Andrew Strathmann, D

61. William Whitelaw, RW

62. Luca Pinelli, C

63. Carson Bjarnason, G

6 4. Jakub Dvorak, D

65. Easton Cowan, RW

66. Roman Kantserov, RW

67. Alex Ciernik, LW

6 8. Denver Barkey, C

69. Noah Dower Nilsson, LW

70. Noel Nordh, LW

71. Etienne Morin, D

72. Kalan Lind, LW

73. Adam Gajan, G

74. Jesse Kiiskinen, RW

75. Jacob Fowler, G

76. Quinton Burns, D

77. Matthew Mania, D

78. Felix Unger Sorum, RW

79. Carey Terrance, C

80. Andrew Gibson, D

81. Gavin McCarthy, D

82. Martin Misiak, RW

8 3. Tristan Bertucci, D

8 4. Scott Ratzlaff, G

8 5. Aiden Fink, RW

86. Juraj Pekarcik, LW

87. Alexander Rykov, RW

8 8. Arttu Karki, D

89. Jaden Lipinski, C

90. Tyler Peddle, LW

91. Rasmus Kumpulainen, C

92. Connor Levis, RW

93. Albert Wikman, D

94. Zeb Forsfjall, C

95. Felix Nilsson, C

96. Jayson Shaugabay, RW

97. Ethan Miedema, LW

98. Alex Pharand, C

99. Zach Nehring, RW

100. Hoyt Stanley, D

AP PHOTOS

Connor Bedard, the biggest hockey prospect in years, is poised to join the Chicago Blackhawks when the NHL Draft takes place this week in Nashville.

$0

GOING GREEN from page B5

“Sustainable aviation fuels, they are indeed the biggest technological potential to decarbonize the aviation sector, but the main problem ... is that they are not available,” said Dimitri Vergne, a senior policy officer at BEUC.

“We know that before the end of the next decade — at least — they won’t be available in massive quantities” and won’t be the main source of fuel for planes, Vergne added.

Producers say SAF reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80%, compared with regular jet fuel, over its life cycle.

Airlines have been talking about becoming greener for years. They were rattled by the rise of “flight shaming,” a movement that encourages people to find less-polluting forms of transportation — or reduce travel altogether.

The issue gained urgency this year when European Union negotiators agreed on new rules requiring airlines to use more sustainable fuel starting in 2025 and rising sharply in later years.

The United States is pushing incentives instead of mandates.

A law signed last year by President Joe Biden will provide tax breaks for developing cleaner jet fuel, but one of the credits will expire in just two years. Wilkinson, the American Airlines executive, said that was too short to entice sustainable fuel producers and that the credit should be extended by 10 years or longer.

The International Air Transport Association, an airline trade group, estimates that SAF could contribute 65% of the emissions reductions needed for the industry to hit its 2050 net-zero goal.

But very few flights are powered by SAF because of the limited supply and infrastructure.

Just before the Paris Air Show opened, President Emmanuel Macron announced that France would contribute 200 million euros ($218 million) toward a 1 billion euro ($1.1 billion) plant to make SAF.

Many airlines have touted investments in SAF producers such as World Energy, which has a plant in Paramount, California, and Finland’s Neste.

United Airlines plans to triple its use of SAF this year, to 10 million gallons — but it burned 3.6 billion gallons of fuel last year.

Some see sustainable fuel as a bridge to cleaner technologies, including larger electric planes or aircraft powered by hydrogen. But packing enough power to run a large electric plane would require a fantastic leap in battery technology.

Hydrogen must be chilled and stored somewhere — it couldn’t be carried in the wings of today’s planes, as jet fuel is.

“Hydrogen sounds like a good idea. The problem is the more you look into the details, the more you realize it’s an engineering challenge but also an economics challenge,” Richard Aboulafia of AeroDynamic Advisory, an aerospace consultancy, said at the Paris Air Show. “It’s within the realm of possibility, (but) not for the next few decades.”

The Associated Press NEW YORK — Amazon was sued Wednesday by the Federal Trade Commission for allegedly engaging in a yearslong effort to enroll consumers without consent into Amazon Prime and making it difficult for them to cancel their subscriptions.

In a complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, the agency accused Amazon of using deceptive designs, known as “dark patterns,” to deceive consumers into enrolling in Prime, which provides subscribers with perks such as faster shipping for an fee of $139 annually, or $14.99 a month.

The FTC said Amazon made it difficult for customers to purchase an item without also subscribing to Prime. In some cases, consumers were presented with a button to complete their transactions — which didn’t clearly state it would also enroll them in Prime.

Getting out of a subscription was often too complicated, and Amazon leadership slowed or rejected changes that would have made canceling easier, the complaint said.

Internally, Amazon called the process “Iliad,” a reference to the ancient Greek poem about lengthy siege of Troy during the Trojan war.

“Amazon tricked and trapped people into recurring subscriptions without their consent, not only frustrating users but also costing them significant money,” FTC Chair Lina Khan said in a prepared statement. “These manipulative tactics harm consumers and law-abiding businesses alike.”

The FTC argued that Amazon’s practices violated the FTC Act and another law called the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act, which Amazon disputed.

“The FTC’s claims are false on the facts and the law,” Amazon spokesperson Heather Layman said in a statement. “The truth is that customers love Prime, and by design we make it clear and simple for customers to both sign up for or cancel their Prime membership.”

Launched in 2005, Prime has more than 200 million members worldwide who are entitled to perks such as free delivery, returns and the streaming service Prime Video.

In the first three months of this year, Amazon reported it made $9.6 billion from subscriptions, a 17% jump from the same period last year.

In a news release announcing the lawsuit, the FTC said though its complaint is significantly redacted, it contains “a number of allegations” that backs up its accusations against Amazon. It also accused the compa-

“Amazon tricked and trapped people into recurring subscriptions without their consent, not only frustrating users but also costing them significant money.”

ny of attempting to hinder the agency’s investigation into Prime, which began in 2021, in several instances.

In the past two years, the agency has been ramping up its enforcement against deceptive sign-up and cancellation tactics that could manipulate consumers into buying products or services they don’t want. In December, it said Epic Games Inc., the maker of the popular Fortnite video game, would pay $245 million in customer refunds for deceptive payment methods. In November, the telecom company Vonage settled a similar case for $100 million.

Layman, the Amazon spokesperson, said the company found it “concerning” the FTC filed the lawsuit without notifying Amazon,

which was in discussion with agency staffers about Prime.

“While the absence of that normal course engagement is extremely disappointing, we look forward to proving our case in court,” she said.

The lawsuit also comes as Amazon is facing heightened regulatory scrutiny as it moves to expand its e-commerce dominance and dip its toes into other markets, including groceries and health care.

Some anti-monopoly groups celebrated the lawsuit shortly after the FTC’s announcement, while others called it absurd.

“The complaint is that Amazon encourages people to use Amazon Prime – this is like going after Kroger for promoting its rewards program or Costco for its membership club,” Carl Szabo, the vice president and general counsel of the tech industry group NetChoice, said in a statement. “It is abundantly clear that the FTC is a runaway agency in need of greater oversight. Congress must engage in robust oversight to rein in the FTC by cutting funding and investigating its ethical lapses and abuse of power.”

The group, which counts Amazon as one of its members, also pointed to Khan’s prior criticism of the company, and accused her of using the lawsuit “to attack American businesses she doesn’t like.”

approved

The Associated Press MINNEAPOLIS — Talon Metals Corp. filed papers with Minnesota regulators Wednesday to launch the environmental review process for its proposed underground nickel mine near the northern town of Tamarack, which would supply nickel to Tesla for electric car batteries.

The Department of Energy has already given the project a $114 million grant to build an ore processing plant in North Dakota, part of the Biden administration’s efforts to boost domestic production of nickel, lithium and other metals needed for electric vehicles and the fight against climate change.

That funding contrasts with the administration’s efforts to kill another proposed mining project in northern Minnesota, the Twin Metals copper-nickel mine near Ely, which is just upstream from the pristine Boundary Waters Canoe Area wilderness. And the federal government earlier this month raised a new obstacle to the separate NewRange Copper Nickel mine near Babbitt when the Army Corps of Engineers revoked a crucial water quality permit.

The Talon mine may have administration support, but it already faces opposition from the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe and concern from environmental groups.

They’re worried about the potential impacts on water resources and Native communities in the area, about 115 miles (185 kilometers) north of Minneapolis. Like the NewRange

and Twin Metals ore deposits, the metals are bound up in sulfide minerals that can generate sulfuric acid when exposed to the environment.

The Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy said in a statement that the U.S. would be better off boosting recycling to secure its nickel and other metal supplies. Around the world, governments and companies advancing renewable energy have found themselves battling communities opposed to similar projects, which critics have dubbed “green colonialism.”

“We are being asked to trust in mining practices that have not been proven safe elsewhere,” the tribal government says on its website, “and we are not willing to risk our lands, people or culture as part

of a safety experiment for corporate gain.”

Talon Metals is a joint venture with the Anglo-Australian company Rio Tinto, the world’s second-largest metals and mining corporation, which has long been criticized by environmental and Indigenous groups around the world. Talon has an agreement with Tesla to supply 75,000 metric tons (165 million pounds) of nickel concentrate and smaller quantities of cobalt and iron from the mine over six years once it goes into commercial production.

Talon kicked off the review process by submitting an environmental assessment worksheet to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The agency will use the

company’s assessment as a starting point for developing a more extensive environmental impact statement on the project, which would guide the department and other agencies in deciding whether to issue permits.

Talon said its plan contains ample safeguards.

“We do not believe that addressing climate change should come at the expense of the natural environment,” Talon CEO Henri van Rooyen said in a statement. “We can move to a clean energy system, protect the environment, respect tribal culture resources and self determination, involve front line communities and working people in project approvals and create good paying union jobs. It doesn’t have to be a choice.”

The review process historically takes several years, at least. The DNR launched a website on Wednesday outlining what Talon will face. But Talon is hoping the mine’s design will speed things up enough so that it can begin production for Tesla in 2027.

Talon is also touting the local economic benefits. It says the mine would employ around 300 union workers in addition to the nearly 100 people who are already working in Tamarack, and would use union construction workers. It says around $100 million in mining royalties would go to state and local governments and the local school district, in addition to over $7 million in taxes to local cities, townships and school districts in one of the poorest counties of Minnesota.

Amazon is accused of enrolling consumers into Prime without consent and making it hard to cancel

Proposed Minnesota nickel mine begins environmental review, would supply Tesla if

FTC Chair Lina Khan

AP PHOTO

An Amazon Prime delivery vehicle is seen in downtown Pittsburgh on March 18, 2020.

AP PHOTO

Sumps, where cuttings from the core sampling machines are deposited, are seen in an upland area at the Talon Metals Corporation drilling site near Tamarack, Minn. on Wednesday, June 7, 2023.

Will Independence Day picnics be more expensive this year? For most menu items, the answer is yes

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — As annual Independence Day celebrations approach, picnic meals may be more expensive than last year according to the Wells Fargo Agri-Food Institute’s Fourth of July Food Report.

The report says food inflation has slowed down but it still won’t be cheaper for this year’s festivities.

Sirloin steak is now at $10.75 per pound, an increase of 2.9% from last year. Last year’s price was already up 14% over 2021 prices.

Chicken breasts are running around $4.24 per pound, which is down nearly 2% over last year, while pork chops are up 1% from a year ago, now priced at $4.19 per pound.

Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) statistics, ground beef rose by 16% in 2021 and now sits at $5.36 per pound, which is just under a 1% increase over 2022. If you want cheese on your burger this Fourth of July it will cost you 10% more than last year.

Other increases on typical July 4th holiday staples over last year’s costs include bread up by 22%, ice cream up by 9%, potato chips up 15% and beer up 8%.

With regard to chips, the report puts them at “$6.45 a pound, up 15% from last year,” and that “Inflation for potato chips is even higher than the general inflation rate for the catchall category of ‘other foods’ which is currently

running at 9%.” Additionally, dips and condiments may be about 9% more expensive than last year, per the Wells Fargo report.

Quenching one’s thirst may also be more expensive as the soft drink

industry is still dealing with higher labor and packaging, per the report which cites a 12-ounce soft drink currently costing 54 cents, an increase of 14% from a year ago. Other items covered by the report include eggs and milk.

At the onset of 2023, a dozen eggs cost $4.82. That price has come down significantly, with an average cost now at $2.67; a 7% drop from a year ago.

“Last year saw record strong milk prices at the producer level.

This forced the dairy processors and retailers to pass along those high prices to consumers. Milk prices have fallen substantially over the first part of 2023, but this hasn’t yet helped the consumer,” the report says.

FDA warns consumers not to use off-brand versions of Ozempic, Wegovy

The Associated Press

THE U.S. FOOD and Drug Administration is warning consumers not to use off-brand versions of the popular weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy because they might not contain the same ingredients as the prescription products and may not be safe or effective.

Agency officials said this week that they have received reports of problems after patients used versions of semaglutide, the active ingredient in the brand-name medications, which have been compounded, or mixed in pharmacies. Officials didn’t say what the problems were. The trouble is that those versions, often sold online, contain a version of semaglutide that is used in lab research and has not been approved for use in people.

“Compounded drugs are not FDA-approved, and the agency

does not verify the safety or effectiveness of compounded drugs,” the notice said. Sales of semaglutide products have soared in the past few years after the drug was shown to spur fast and significant weight loss. The drugs manufactured by Novo Nordisk include brands Ozempic and Rybelsus, used to treat diabetes, and Wegovy, approved to treat obesity.

Demand for the medications has outstripped supply. As of May, Ozempic and Wegovy remain on the FDA’s list of drug shortages. When drugs are in short supply, compounding pharmacies are permitted to produce versions of those medications.

Consumers should only use drugs containing semaglutide with a prescription from a licensed health care provider and obtained from a state-licensed pharmacy or other facilities registered with the FDA, the agency said.

This

Miss Stanly County competes at Miss NC

Miss Stanly County Shelby

Sides and Miss Stanly County’s Teen Emilee Potts competed last week in High Point in the Miss North Carolina competition. Taylor Loyd, Miss Statesville, won the title of Miss North Carolina, and Hanley House of Clayton won Miss North Carolina’s Teen.

Sides was a 2022 graduate of Stanly Community College and advocated for community college education as her social impact platform at Miss North Carolina. She previously served as Miss Stanly County’s Outstanding Teen. Potts, a rising junior at East Rowan, performed a lyrical dance routine in talent.

Albemarle wins $270K grant for downtown revitalization

29 local governments in rural areas across the state were awarded grants from the Rural Transformation Grant Fund, a robust source of support for rural economic development projects in North Carolina. A total of $8 million will be issued from the Fund, which helps local governments overcome challenges that limit their economic competitiveness.

The Rural Transformation Grant Fund, the centerpiece of a broader Rural Engagement and Investment Program from Commerce, addresses a wide variety of needs, from revitalizing downtown districts, building the capacity of local government staffs, revitalizing neighborhoods, fostering small business recovery, and generally supporting economic growth initiatives.

The city of Albemarle received a $270,000 grant that will support downtown revitalization improvements including new sidewalks, installation of tree wells and decorative lighting. The anticipated outcome will make the area safer for pedestrians and will promote traffic calming and improved pedestrian amenities for the Pfeiffer Campus and surrounding businesses.

U.S. Forest Service proposes recreation fee changes for Uwharrie National Forest

Randolph Record

THE U.S. FOREST SERVICE, an agency under the jurisdiction of the Department of Agriculture, is proposing to change recreation fees at two sites in the Uwharrie National Forest. The public has been invited to provide input to these proposed fee changes for 60 days from June 23 until August 22.

According to the Forest Service, the goal of these changes is to improve the visitor experience through site upgrades paid for by the collected fees.

At this time, the fees are only a proposal. After public comment is received, the Forest Service will assess the comment and concerns of the public and then present the fee proposals to the Southern Region Recreation Resource Advisory Committee (RRAC) at a future date.

“The Uwharrie National Forest provides a variety of recreational opportunities to visitors, and we are continually working on ways to enhance the visitor experience,” said the Forest Service in a press release. “Collections from recre-

ation fees are reinvested at the field level and used to address maintenance needs. The proposed recreation fees will help us provide additional recreation opportunities and support our goal to provide safe, well-maintained, and sustainable recreation opportunities for the public to enjoy.”

The proposed fee changes the Forest Service seeks comments on are the following:

Campgrounds

** Yates Place Camp – new $50 group site fee per night with a group size of 50 people.

Trails

** Wood Run Mountain Bike Trail System – new $5/rider per day fee or a new $30 annual pass (these fees would only apply to mountain bike use)

Additionally, the following fee proposals went through the required participation process in 2019 and are awaiting review by the Southern Region Recreation Resource Advisory Committee:

** Badin Lake OHV Trail System – increase from $5 to $15/trail

“The proposed recreation fees will help us provide additional recreation opportunities and support our goal to provide safe, well-maintained, and sustainable recreation opportunities for the public to enjoy.”

U.S. Forest Service

vehicle per day, and increase from $30 to $60 for the optional annual pass (As proposed, this fee would be phased in over a two-year period).

** Yates Place Camp – new $10 per night fee for single sites.

In 2004, Congress passed the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (REA), which allows the Forest Service to retain funds collected at certain recreation sites and use these funds lo-

Two Stanly County students receive Golden LEAF scholarships

By Jesse Deal North State Journal

STANLY COUNTY — A pair

of Stanly County students have been selected to receive a share of up to $14,000 in collegiate scholarships, according to an official announcement from the Golden LEAF Foundation on June 22.

Yeika Mercado-Lopez of Stanly Early College High School and Jameel Shaheed of South Stanly High School were two of the 215 students in North Carolina that were honored with the scholarship funding; Mercado-Lopez will attend UNC-Wilmington, while Shaheed is headed to East Carolina University.

“We are proud to award scholarships to hardworking and bright students with deep roots in their rural communities,” said Scott T.

Hamilton, Golden LEAF Foundation President and Chief Executive Officer. “These students were

selected out of a pool of more than 1,700 applicants. We look forward to the future success of these scholarship recipients as they follow their education pursuits and develop into North Carolina’s next generation of rural leaders.”

Per Golden LEAF guidelines, high school seniors entering college as first-year students are eligible for a $3,500 annual scholarship for up to four years of undergraduate study at a participating four-year NC college or university.

Additionally, community college transfer students are eligible for $3,500 a year for up to three years of undergraduate study.

The foundation selects recipients from rural or economically distressed counties on an aggregated criteria “based on need, future career goals, and an expressed intent to contribute to the state’s rural communities upon graduation from college.”

In accordance with a 1998 Master Settlement Agreement with tobacco companies, the Golden LEAF Foundation was created to limit the blowback from tobacco-related job loss since the crop had been a major part of the local economy for generations. The nonprofit collaborates with government and educational institutions in the state to help transition the economy.

“The Golden LEAF Foundation established the Golden LEAF Scholarship Program to broaden educational opportunities and provide support to students from rural counties with the goal that after graduation recipients will return and contribute back to rural communities,” the foundation said in a press release. “The North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA) administers the program and selects

cally to operate, maintain, and improve these sites. The resources derived from the collection of frees help provide quality recreation opportunities that meet the modern expectation of visitors and create a more financially sustainable developed recreation program for the benefit of future generations.

Under REA, all new fees and any fee changes must be proposed to and approved by a citizen’s advisory committee. Committee members represent a broad array of recreation interest groups to help ensure that the Forest Service is proposing reasonable and publicly acceptable new fees and fee changes.

The public is invited to comment on the proposed fee changes by August 22. For more information, please visit www.fs.usda.gov/goto/ nfsnc/recfeeproposals. To provide comments about this fee proposal for the RRAC to consider, please contact Logan Free at (828) 2574256, by email at SM.FS.NFsNCfees.usda.gov, or by mail at:

ATTN: Recreation Fee Proposals 160A Zillicoa Street Asheville, NC 28801

Stanly County residents provide entertainment at Miss NC Cade Whitley (right) is joined by his mother, Starla Whitley (left), to entertain those in attendance at the annual Miss North Carolina events in High Point.

DAVID SINCLAIR | FOR RANDOLPH RECORD

WEDNESDAY 6.28.23 #294

“Join the conversation”

Stanly County Journal ISSN: 2575-2278

Neal Robbins Publisher Matt Mercer Editor in Chief Griffin Daughtry Local News Editor Cory Lavalette Sports Editor Frank Hill Senior Opinion Editor Lauren Rose Design Editor

Published each Wednesday as part of North State Journal 1550 N.C. Hwy 24/27 W, Albemarle, N.C. 28001

TO SUBSCRIBE: 336-283-6305 STANLYJOURNAL.COM

Annual Subscription Price: $50.00 Periodicals Postage Paid at Raleigh, N.C. and at additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: North State Journal 1201 Edwards Mill Rd. Suite 300 Raleigh, NC 27607

We stand corrected:

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

NC Center for Safer Schools launches parent engagement committee

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — The North Carolina Center for Safer Schools (CFSS) announced the launch of a Parent Engagement Committee with the aim of giving parents a voice in safety issues in the state’s K-12 schools.

According to a press release by the N.C. Department of Public Instruction, the committee

will have a 24-member advisory board made up of three parents/ guardians from the state’s eight educational regions to ensure diverse geographical participation. Two of the three members will be from a school district, and one from a charter school.

“What happens in the community goes over into the schools, and it all starts at home,” said CFSS Executive Director Karen Fairley. “It’s vital for parents to

be engaged in matters of school safety, and it’s the Center’s responsibility to keep them as informed as possible.

Fairley went on to say that the Committee was modeled on the superintendent’s Parent Advisory Commission, with a goal of sharing experiences, making safety recommendations to elected officials and policymakers, and bringing ideas and feedback to Fairley herself.

Parents wishing to apply need to have a child in K-12 at the time of applying, be a legal North Carolina resident, and be able to serve for at least two years, which will include attendance at monthly meetings.

Additionally, parents applying will need at least one reference from a public figure or educator from the public school system.

Applications are due Friday, July 7, and those who are selected to be committee members will be notified by Friday, July 28.

The application is linked in the June 19 press release under “news” on the N.C. Department of Public Instruction’s website: https://www.dpi.nc.gov/news/ press-releases

Fox News unveils primetime lineup with Jesse Watters in Tucker Carlson’s former time slot

The Associated Press JESSE WATTERS will fill the Fox News Channel time slot left vacant by the firing of Tucker Carlson, part of a dramatic revamp of the network’s evening lineup announced on Monday.

Greg Gutfeld’s late-night show that combines news and comedy will move up an hour to start at 10 p.m. Eastern, displacing Laura Ingraham. She’ll shift to 7 p.m., the hour that Watters has occupied. Sean Hannity will stay in his 9 p.m. time slot, Fox said. The new lineup debuts on July 17.

The announcement comes roughly two months after Fox News fired Carlson shortly after settling a defamation lawsuit with the voting machine maker Dominion Voting Systems on the eve of trial. The case, which centered on the network’s airing of false claims following the 2020 presidential election, exposed a trove of private messages sent between Fox hosts, including Hannity and Carlson, in which they criticized peers at the network.

CRIME LOG

♦ ALLARD, EDMUND, JOSEPH (W /M/64), DRIVING WHILE IMPAIRED, 06/23/2023, Stanly County Sheriff’s Office

♦ MCPHERSON, CARL WINGATE (W /M/54), PAROLE VIOLATION, 06/23/2023, Stanly County Sheriff’s Office

♦ DRYMAN, AMANDA LEE (W /F/35), POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUB PRISON/JAIL, 06/21/2023, Stanly County Sheriff’s Office

♦ BROWN, MARYBETH NMN (W /F/26), PROBATION VIOLATION, 06/20/2023, Stanly County Sheriff’s Office

♦ DAVIS, CALVIN WESLEY (B /M/60), FELONY LARCENY, 06/20/2023, Stanly County Sheriff’s Office

♦ JOHNSON, MELVIN

LEROY (B /M/35), MISDEMEANOR LARCENY, 06/20/2023, Stanly County Sheriff’s Office

♦ SANDERS, TYLER WAYNE (W /M/24), ASSAULT INFLICT SERIOUS INJ (M), 06/20/2023, Stanly County Sheriff’s Office

♦ MASON, SPENCER KYLE (W /M/34), PWIMSD

METHAMPHETAMINE, 06/19/2023, Stanly County Sheriff’s Office

Carlson has since begun doing occasional monologues for Twitter, although Fox is attempting to get him to stop the broadcasts.

Fox has seen its ratings tumble since Carlson exited. Carlson averaged 3.25 million viewers at 8 p.m. in the first three months of

the year, and the string of guest hosts who replaced him the past two months usually reached under 2 million, making the network’s command more tenuous.

The lineup change signals that Fox is doubling down on its opinionated evening programming strategy, with three sharp-tongued men filling the prime-time hours.

It’s something of a triumphant return for Watters, who got his start at the 8 p.m. hour, doing man-inthe-street interviews and oth-

er features for Bill O’Reilly before O’Reilly’s firing in 2017.

It also means double duty for Gutfeld and Watters, who are both panelists on “The Five” and will continue there. The late-afternoon political talk show has become Fox’s most popular program.

Keeping that show’s chemistry intact appeared to be a priority for Fox. Gutfeld said in a Wall Street Journal interview last week that he would no longer appear on “The Five” or do his late-night show if he

were to get Carlson’s old time slot. Trace Gallagher, who has worked at Fox since the network began in 1996, will host a news show at 11 p.m., filling the hour that Gutfeld is leaving vacant.

“The unique perspectives of Laura Ingraham, Jesse Watters, Sean Hannity, and Greg Gutfeld will ensure our viewers have access to unrivaled coverage from our best-in-class team for years to come,” Fox News CEO Suzanne Scott said in a statement.

Tech billionaires’ cage match? Musk throws down the gauntlet and Zuckerberg accepts challenge

The Associated Press

ELON MUSK and Mark Zuckerberg are ready to fight, offline.

In a now-viral back-and-forth seen on Twitter and Instagram last week, the two tech billionaires seemingly agreed to a “cage match” face off.

It all started when Musk, who owns Twitter, responded to a tweet about Meta reportedly preparing to release a new Twitter rival called “Threads.” He took a dig about the world becoming “exclusively under Zuck’s thumb with no other options” — but then one Twitter user jokingly warned Musk of Zuckerberg’s jiu jitsu training.

SCHOLARSHIPS from page 1

students for awards.”

Students receiving the funds are allowed to use the money to cover costs associated with their education, such as tuition, books,

“I’m up for a cage match if he is lol,” Musk wrote. Zuckerberg, CEO of Facebook and Instagram parent company Meta Platforms, soon responded — and appeared to agree to Musk’s proposal.

“Send me location,” Zuckerberg wrote on an Instagram story, which showed a screenshot of Musk’s tweet alongside another user’s response urging the Twitter owner to “start training.”

Zuckerberg is actually trained in mixed martial arts. The Facebook founder posted about completing his first jiu jitsu tournament last month.

In response to Zuckerberg’s location request, Musk proposed

transportation, childcare, fees and supplies; funds can be applied to any semester of the school year.

To date, Golden LEAF has provided 6,251 scholarships totaling more than $42 million to students

the Vegas Octagon. He then joked about his fighting skills and workout routine, suggesting that the fight may not be serious.

“I have this great move that I call ‘The Walrus’, where I just lie on top of my opponent & do nothing,” Musk wrote.

Whether or not Musk and Zuckerberg actually make it to the ring has yet to be seen — especially as Musk often tweets about action prematurely or without following through. But, even if their cage match agreement is all a joke, the banter gained attention. An endless chain of memes and posts to “choose your fighter” have sprung up in response.

from rural communities attending statewide colleges and universities.

Scholarship recipients can also apply for the Golden LEAF Rural Internship Initiative, an internship program that provides

“The story speaks for itself,” a Meta spokesperson said in a statement to The Associated Press. Zuckerberg has not commented further.

Despite the uncertainity of a cage match actually happening, bids are already being placed for a projected winner. DraftKings’ projected odds stood at 140+ for Musk and -160 for Zuckerberg as of last Thursday.

The Associated Press also reached out to the Ultimate Fighting Championship, which owns the Octagon, and Twitter for statements. Twitter’s press email responded with a poop emoji, its standard automated response to reporters.

Golden LEAF Scholars with professional work experience related to their career field. Approved interns can earn $15 an hour for up to 400 hours of work over the course of eight to 10 weeks between June and August.

This combination of photos show Fox News commentators Laura Ingraham, from left, Jesse Watters, Sean Hannity and Greg Gutfeld. Watters will host an opinion show in the time slot formerly occupied by Tucker Carlson, Fox News Channel announced Monday.

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

There is no short path back to institutional credibility

Scientists decided to promote garbage while hiding behind their credentials.

Institutional trust is built over the course of years. Decades. Centuries.

Dishonesty takes just a moment to destroy institutional trust.

This week, Dr. Peter Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine and professor of molecular virology at Baylor College of Medicine, got into a spat with podcaster Joe Rogan and presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Hotez has a long-standing feud over vaccine efficacy and safety with RFK Jr., who has long been a proponent of the scientifically unverified theory that childhood vaccines cause autism; RFK Jr., appearing on Rogan’s podcast, tore into Hotez. Hotez responded by accusing Rogan of spreading “misinformation” — to which Rogan quite properly responded that if Hotez wished to rebut that “misinformation” in debate with RFK Jr. on his show, he’d be happy not only to host but to contribute $100,000 to a charity of Hotez’s choice. Hotez refused the invite. He then appeared on MSNBC, where he explained, “Anti-vaccine disinformation... is now a lethal force in the United States. I offered to go on Joe Rogan but not to turn it into the Jerry Springer show with having RFK Jr. on.”

This is still a free country; no one is obligated to debate anyone else. But Hotez essentially argues that his credentials excuse him from having to defend his case publicly in debate. In the past, there might have been something to that: Few would have expected a virologist to debate, say, Jenny McCarthy, even 20 years ago, for better or worse. Why? Because the scientific community could point to decades

Joe Biden is not OK

Every week, the president of the United States says something completely bonkers.

ON JUNE 16, President Joe Biden ended a big gun-control speech in Connecticut with the words, “God save the queen, man.” Why did the president express adoration for the departed Brit monarch? Was he confused about royal succession? Who knows.

When asked about the incident, White House aides offered nonsensical and conflicting answers — because they have absolutely no idea, and neither does the president. It’s likely that the octogenarian spontaneously used a cool-sounding phrase, much like when your elderly neighbor tells you to “keep on truckin’” for no apparent reason. It happens.

Yet, Axios writer Alex Thompson points out that Biden “has an arsenal of wacky phrases.” And the president’s “quirky aphorisms,” he contends, “are sometimes weaponized by Republicans to insinuate the 80-year-old president is in mental decline.”

There is no need for insinuation. Biden’s mental acuity, never impressive, has considerably deteriorated. Sure, he also tends to botch “old-timey” sayings like, “lots of luck in your senior year,” which he says is a gibe from his Corn Pop days. But most reporters who pretend perceptions of Biden’s decline are due to his propensity for homespun maxims or previously unknown stuttering problems almost surely wouldn’t find him fit enough to babysit their kids.

Every week, the president of the United States says something completely bonkers, and everyone goes on with their day. We’re not talking about his propensity to lie about politics or his blustery lifelong fabulism. We’re talking about his inability to articulate simple ideas without notes — and often with notes. There are rarely any fact-checks of these statements. How can there be? They don’t even make sense

of success in health outcomes — longer, healthier lives and fewer childhood diseases among them. The scientists acted as scientists, predominantly worried about following evidence and producing functional solutions to human problems.

Then the scientists decided to promote garbage while hiding behind their credentials. They claimed that men could be women; that universal masking would stop the spread of COVID-19; that schools had to be closed to stop mass death from COVID-19 among children, and that at the same time, protesters on behalf of “racial justice” could safely congregate in close proximity; that the COVID-19 vaccine would stop transmission; that capitalism had to be curbed to stop global warming. They used the credibility of science to preach political nonsense.

And in just a few years, the credibility gained by our scientific institutions has completely eroded. Just 41% of Americans now say that they believe the Centers for Disease Control are doing an excellent or good job. That distrust is entirely earned, given the CDC’s egregiously awful performance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

All of this means that those who purport to speak in the name of science — the same people who have used that label to avoid debate — must now wade back into the arena. They simply don’t have the credibility to demand the trust of the public. It’s time to earn it.

Ben Shapiro, 39, is a graduate of UCLA and Harvard Law School, host of “The Ben Shapiro Show,” and co-founder of Daily Wire+.

as lies. There is no handwringing about the role of competency in our democracy. There is no discussion about the 25th Amendment. Just listen to any one of his speeches. “Put a pistol on a brace, it turns into a gun — makes it more — you can have a higher-caliber weapon, higher-caliber bullet coming out of that gun,” the president explained before wishing Her Majesty his best. This was also complete gibberish. There is so much gibberish.

Only a couple of days before his “God save the queen” comment, Biden informed a crowd gathered for a League of Conservation Voters endorsement that “we (have) plans to build a railroad from the Pacific all the way across the Indian Ocean,” which must have really impressed everyone in attendance. “We have plans to build in Angola one of the largest solar plants in the world,” Biden went on. “I can go on, but I’m not. I’m going off-script. I’m going to get in trouble.”

A few days before the railroad comment, Biden couldn’t remember Winston Churchill’s name when speaking to the prime minister of the U.K. Listen, I’m not great with names myself, and I’m sure as an 80-year-old I’d have trouble recalling world leaders ... but I’m confident I wouldn’t think myself competent enough to be the most powerful man in the world. Nor should Biden.

That same week, when asked why a Ukrainian FBI informant referred to Biden as the “Big Guy,” the president lashed out for being posed “dumb questions.” He does this often in frustration. When the president isn’t flubbing canned lines to the rare tough question, he yells things like, “c’mon, man!” A few years ago, this kind of rhetoric was considered democracyshattering. Now, it’s quirky and folksy.

The week before he couldn’t remember Churchill’s name, the president also tripped and fell on stage after a commencement speech at the Air Force Academy. Biden’s surrogates pointed out that there had been a sandbag right there, as if no one, whether young or old, could possibly be expected to walk over a small bag without falling to the floor.

You might recall that after the former president gingerly navigated a ramp after giving a speech at West Point in 2020, The New York Times’ headline the next day was: “Trump’s Halting Walk Down Ramp Raises New Health Questions.”

The president, the Times went on, “also appeared to have trouble raising a glass of water to his mouth during a speech at West Point a day before he turned 74, the oldest a president has been in his first term.” The sitting president is now six years older than Trump was at the time — he would be a decade older should he finish a second term.

Of course, everyone ages differently — Sen. John Fetterman, only 53, can barely put together a thought while some septuagenarian is out there writing his literary opus right now. Nor is there anything wrong with or especially unique about being a scatterbrained and tired 80-year-old. In this case, maybe Americans who elected a scatterbrained and tired 80-year-old deserve to be governed by him — good and hard, as H.L. Mencken might say.

But please stop pretending Biden is OK. He’s not.

David Harsanyi is a senior editor at The Federalist. Harsanyi is a nationally syndicated columnist and author of five books — the most recent, “Eurotrash: Why America Must Reject the Failed Ideas of a Dying Continent.”

COLUMN | BEN SHAPIRO

COLUMN | DAVID HARSANYI

SIDELINE REPORT

MLB Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman gets his 2,000th hit

Los Angeles

Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman got his 2,000th career hit. He reached the milestone in the eighth inning Sunday night with his second double in a 6-5 loss in 11 innings to the Houston Astros. Freeman’s sharp line drive to right field drove in Mookie Betts and made him the 295th player in major league history to reach the mark. Freeman was playing in his 1,801 game, becoming the seventh player to reach 2,000 hits as a member of the Dodgers. The 33-yearold Freeman spent his first 12 seasons with Atlanta, joining the Dodgers as a free agent before last season.

NASCAR

Edwards 1st inductee into Nashville’s new Legends Plaza

Lebanon, Tenn.

Carl Edwards became the first driver inducted into the Nashville Superspeedway’s new Legends Plaza. Edwards, a six-time winner on this track, was inducted Sunday before the Ally 400 in the third Cup race at the 1.33-mile, D-shaped oval concrete track. Edwards was named one of NASCAR’s top 75 drivers earlier this year despite retiring in 2016 at the age of 36 with 28 career Cup Series’ victories. He called this more than an honor on a track he called very tough. Not for Edwards, who finished in the top 10 of 12 of his 13 Xfinity Series events at the track.

SOCCER

Chelsea’s Koulibaly is latest soccer star headed to Saudi Arabia

London

Kalidou Koulibaly has become the latest soccer star to head to Saudi Arabia after joining AlHilal from Chelsea on a three-year contract. The Senegal international has followed in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante by opting to play in the lucrative Saudi Pro League. The 32-year-old center back only spent a year at Chelsea after signing from Napoli last summer on a four-year contract. Financial details of the Saudi deal were not revealed. Al-Hilal is Saudi’s most successful team. It also recently signed Portugal international Ruben Neves from Wolverhampton.

NFL Assault charge against Raiders’

Adams dropped Kansas City, Mo.

A misdemeanor assault charge filed last October against Las Vegas Raiders’ wide receiver Davante Adams has been dismissed. Adams was charged after shoving a photographer to the ground while walking off the field. The Kansas City Star reports the charge was dropped June 5. Adams’ lawyer declined to comment. Kansas City police say the photographer suffered whiplash, a headache and a possible minor concussion. Adams apologized in his postgame media comments and later on Twitter.

Stanly County native Beane gets extension from Bills

The Associated Press ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The Buffalo Bills locked up their brain trust tandem of general manager Brandon Beane and coach Sean McDermott through the 2027 season after signing the duo to twoyear contract extensions on Friday.

The timing of the deals represents a reward while also emphasizing the long-term faith of co-owner Terry Pegula in the pair, who are now on their third respective contracts with the team since signing extensions in 2020. Beane, at 46, and McDermott, 49, have transformed what had been a floundering franchise upon their arrival in 2017 into a consistent playoff contender.

In that time, the Bills went from enduring a 17-year playoff drought, which was the longest active streak in North America’s four professional major sports, to qualifying for the postseason in five of the past six years. The run of success began with the team ending the drought in 2017, and now includes a four-year playoff run in which the Bills are three-time defending AFC East champions.

McDermott, who was hired in January 2017 following Rex Ryan’s

dismissal, is credited with instilling a winning culture built around a trusted group of leaders headed by the safety tandem of Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer.

He was also praised for helping navigate the team through a series of adversity. The Bills finished second in the AFC at 13-3 in a season where safety Damar Hamlin went into cardiac arrest and was resuscitated on the field during a game at Cincinnati on Jan. 2. There also were two schedule disruptions because of snowstorms.

With a 62-35 record, McDermott ranks third on the franchise

62-35

Regular season record for the Bills since Brandon Beane took over as GM

regular season win list behind Marv Levy (123) and Lou Saban (70).

The only knock on McDermott

has been how each of the past two Bills seasons have ended.

Buffalo came out flat in a 27-10 loss to Cincinnati in the divisional round last season. Two years ago, the Bills squandered a three-point lead in the final 13 seconds of regulation in a 42-26 overtime loss to Kansas City in the divisional round.

McDermott is taking on extra responsibilities in overseeing the defense this year after the team abruptly announced in February that coordinator Leslie Frazier is taking the year off from coaching.

Beane, a native of Norwood, was hired in May 2017 after Doug Whaley’s dismissal and is credited for purging Buffalo’s over-priced and under-producing roster by rebuilding the Bills through the draft and free agency. His most influential decision was using a stockpile of draft picks to eventually trade up in the 2018 draft order and select quarterback Josh Allen with the seventh pick.

Of the five quarterbacks selected in the first round of the 2018 draft, Allen and Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson are the remaining two still on the teams that selected them.

The relationship between Beane and McDermott dates to the Carolina Panthers in 2011. Beane was the Panthers director of football operations at the time when McDermott was hired to become the team’s defensive coordinator.

Beane and McDermott are prepared to become the longest-serving GM-coach tandem in franchise history entering their seventh season together. That will surpass the six-plus seasons GM Bill Polian and Levy — both Pro Football Hall of Famers — worked together in Buffalo from 1986 to ’92.

After being traded from the Suns to the Wizards, Chris Paul is on the move again with a deal in place to send him to the Warriors for Jordan Poole.

Chris Paul traded again, this time to Warriors

Jordan Poole will go to the Wizards

The Associated Press CHRIS PAUL’S PURSUIT of an NBA championship is taking him to the Golden State. The Warriors have agreed to the framework of a trade last week y that will send Jordan Poole to the Washington Wizards, according to a person with knowledge of the matter.

The trade also includes a package of draft capital, said the person, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the trade has not been finalized and approved by the NBA.

ESPN first reported the agreement was struck by the teams.

The Wizards agreed to acquire Paul — a Winston-Salem native and former Wake Forest star

— from Phoenix the week before in the deal that sent Bradley Beal from Washington to the Suns. Paul had two of his title-hope seasons thwarted by the Warriors. In 2018, Paul and the Houston Rockets had a 3-2 series lead in the Western Conference finals before he got hurt, missed the final two games and Golden State prevailed — and later won the NBA title.

And in 2019, the Warriors beat Paul and the Rockets again, that time in the West semifinals before ultimately falling to Toronto in the NBA Finals.

The move could also provide the Warriors with financial flexibility in future seasons. Poole is about to begin a four-year, $128 million deal. Paul is due about $31 million this coming season and has nothing guaranteed after that.

It may usher in something totally new and different for Paul — a

1,363

Career regular season and playoff games Chris Paul

bench role. He has appeared in 1,214 regular-season games and another 149 in the playoffs, and he has started every single one of them. But it obviously seems unlikely that he would supplant guards Stephen Curry or Klay Thompson in Golden State’s starting lineup.

So at 38 years old and about to enter his 19th NBA season, Paul could find himself in a new position. But there is an obvious tradeoff, since

the Warriors will almost certainly be considered a title-contender going into next season after winning four championships in the last decade — and Paul has never gotten his championship. He went to the NBA Finals with Phoenix in 2021, but the Suns blew a 2-0 series lead and lost to Milwaukee in six games.

The 12-time All-Star averaged 13.9 points and 8.9 assists this past season for Phoenix.

Poole, who turned 24 earlier this week, joins a Washington team now fully in the midst of a complete rebuild. He averaged 20.4 points this past season, one that began with Golden State veteran Draymond Green punching Poole at practice during training camp before taking a brief leave of absence from the team. Green is set to become a free agent, one that the Warriors want to retain.

Both the GM and coach Sean McDermott received two more years on their deals

AP PHOTO

The Buffalo Bills locked up general manager Brandon Beane through the 2027 season after signing him and coach Sean McDermott to two-year contract extensions last week.

Hurricanes center Jordan Staal, left, agreed to a new fouryear contract with Carolina worth an average of $2.9 million annually.

Former North Stanly pitcher Rhett Lowder shines on College World Series stage

The Wake Forest ace held LSU scoreless in seven innings last Thursday

By Jesse Deal North State Journal

With the postseason fate of Wake Forest’s baseball team hanging on a must-win game against LSU last Thursday, Demon Deacons coach Tom Walter called on his ace pitcher to take the mound in a winner-take-all situation with the hopes of advancing to the College World Series finals.

Staal signs 4-year extension with Carolina Hurricanes

Carolina’s captain will make an average of $2.9 million annually

By Cory Lavalette North State Journal

RALEIGH — Jordan Staal has played 11 seasons for the Carolina Hurricanes, so what’s four more?

The Hurricanes and Staal agreed to a four-year contract extension on Sunday worth $11.6 million, ensuring the Carolina captain will remain in Raleigh.

“This is where I wanted to be,” Staal said during a Zoom call Sunday afternoon. “I feel like we’ve got some unfinished business, and I’m just super excited to be part of this organization.

“This group of guys and just everything about it just fit exactly what I wanted to finish off my career with. So I’m excited about it. It’s gonna be a lot of fun and a lot of good future memories.”

Staal had 17 goals and 17 assists in 2023-23, the final year of a 10-year, $60 million contract he signed after being traded from Pittsburgh to Carolina before the 2012-13 season. His new contract

“I’m ready to grind … I’m excited about the deal and where this team’s headed in, the direction, and I’m just happy to be a part of it.”

Jordan Staal, Hurricanes center

will have less than half of that cap hit — $2.9 million annually compared to $6 million.

The veteran of more than 1,300 regular season and playoff games wouldn’t guarantee this would be the final contract of his career, but at nearly 35 years old he conceded not many are still playing as they approach 40.

“There’s not a whole lot of guys that keep playing after this contract,” he said, “but we’ll see when it gets to the end of it.”

Staal returns to a team with Stanley Cup aspirations.

The Hurricanes have made the playoffs in all five of Rod Brind’Amour’s seasons as head coach and have twice made the Eastern Conference finals, in-

cluding this past season.

“I’m ready to grind,” Staal said. “I’m ready to play and feel really good about my game. And I feel like I can help the team for the rest of this contract, and I’m going to do my best to my abilities. … I’m excited about the deal and where this team’s headed in, the direction, and I’m just happy to be a part of it.”

With Staal re-signed, the Hurricanes can turn their focus to other players. Jesper Fast, Staal’s frequent linemate, is an unrestricted free agent, as are goalies Frederik Andersen and Antti Raanta. Core players Sebastian Aho, Brett Pesce and Brady Skjei could all be unrestricted free agents next summer, and upand-coming players Seth Jarvis and Martin Necas will also be due new contracts then.

“The core group of that room understands that we haven’t quite finished the job that we set out to do as a core,” Staal said. “I feel like there’s some ability to keep everyone and really get the job done and kind of push over the hump here. So I’m definitely hoping we can keep everyone, and we’re going to try to do that.”

Albemarle native and former North Stanly star Rhett Lowder was up to the challenge, tossing 63 strikes in 88 pitches while allowing no runs and just three hits in seven efficient innings.

A lthough the top-seeded Demon Deacons eventually lost in the 11th inning on a home run by the fifth-seeded Tigers’ Tommy White in a 2-0 LSU win, nothing can take away one of the best seasons in the history of Wake Forest baseball. The Deacs set program records in regular season wins, ACC wins, ACC series wins, postseason wins and overall wins.

availability — he responded by shutting out the Tigers during his appearance and breaking Wake Forest’s single-season strikeout record.

Currently projected to be one of the first pitchers selected and a top-10 pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, he acknowledged that his performance felt like the closing of a chapter.

I’m grateful just to be able to put this jersey on, so whatever I can do whenever I can pitch, I’m gonna pitch. This might be the last time,” Lowder said. “It’s going to be hard for me to take this off tonight, but there’s no way I wouldn’t pitch in this game. This is probably the best game I’ve ever played in. I wish we could have come out on the other side, but credit to LSU — they’re a really good team and Paul Skenes is a really good pitcher.”

Wake Forest baseball coach Tom Walter on pitcher Rhett Lowder

Lowder’s confident showing in a precarious situation was emblematic of the dominance he has shown over the past two seasons and demonstrative of how far he believes his team has come.

“This is just the evolution of Wake Forest baseball to get to where we are now. It’s something to be proud of,” the two-time ACC Pitcher of the Year said after the game. “I’m super grateful just to be able to put the jersey on and then to be a part of what we’ve built. This is the standard for Wake Forest baseball now, so I’m just excited to see when they get back.”

Even though Lowder had pitched just three games earlier (a 3-2 win over LSU on June 17), the junior left himself only one choice in the matter when it came to his

With the 2-0 extra-inning win, the Tigers advanced to an all-SEC best-of-three finals against Florida, leaving the Deacs just one victory short as Wake lost to them in back-to-back contests. Despite his team’s loss, Wake’s coach made it clear that he was proud of the way Lowder represented his school in that game as well as his three years in Winston-Salem.

“The guy went 30-5 in his career and this was the first game we’ve lost this year that he’s pitched in,” Walter said. “Obviously we wouldn’t be here without him, and he’s just a total gamer.

“He was just out there competing and battling, matching Paul Skenes pitch for pitch. The most amazing thing is that he’s an even better kid than he is a pitcher. He’s just the kind of guy that you want to go to war with. Everybody on this team just has so much respect and love for him. He’s the epitome of what you want in a college baseball player.”

Lowder now awaits the next step in his career: the first round of MLB’s amateur draft is set for July 9 in Seattle.

Ross Chastain holds off Martin Truex Jr. to win at Nashville

The Trackhouse Racing driver picked up his third career win

The Associated Press

LEBANON, Tenn. — Ross Chastain held off Martin Truex Jr. and won the Ally 400 at Nashville Superspeedway on Sunday night, his third career NASCAR Cup Series victory.

It was Chastain’s first win since Talladega in April 2022, and he drove his Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet to the team’s first victory this year at its home track. Chastain had started on the pole for the first time in his career.

Chastain entered fourth in the season points race and wound up leading a race-high 100 laps at the 1.33-mile, D-shaped concrete oval. That included the final 34 laps as the 30-year-old had to weave by some slower traffic to hold off Truex by 0.789 seconds.

The driver known as “Melon Man” celebrated clinching a playoff berth with a burnout before smashing a watermelon onto the start-finish line.

“I had a group that believed in me and they didn’t let me get down,” Chastain said after the race. “They bring rocket ships and I just try to point them to Victory Lane”

Truex led 50 laps as the season points leader tried to string together back-to-back wins. He won at Sonoma going into NASCAR’s lone break in the 38-race season.

Truex finished ahead of Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Denny Hamlin, both in Toyotas. Chase Elliott was fourth and Hendrick Motorsports teammate Kyle Larson was fifth.

Tyler Reddick started beside Chastain on the front row and won the first stage.

As they began the second stage, Truex went three-wide at the front with Chastain and William Byron for some thrilling racing on a track known for having boring competition for years after opening in

2001. The third caution of the race came on lap 146 on the restart on the frontstretch as Ryan Blaney crashed head-on into an interior wall after being tapped from behind by Kyle Busch with Alex Bowman also involved. Blaney walked out of the infield care center after what he called the hardest hit of his life.

Blaney said he checked up on the restart and got hit from be-

hind, then he couldn’t get his Ford straightened up after hitting the grass. He called it “pretty ridiculous” there was no SAFER barrier on the infield wall.

“Stinks going home early,” Blaney said.

Stewart-Haas Racing made a flurry of crew chief changes Tuesday before this weekend at Nashville, and Chase Briscoe was reunited with Richard Boswell, who guided him to eight Xfinity Se-

ries wins between 2018 and 2020. Boswell had been crew chief for SHR’s No. 98 Xfinity team with Riley Herbst. Briscoe finished 31st.

Bubba Wallace made his 200th Cup Series start, looking to add to his two career wins and 15 top fives. He started ninth in the No. 23 Toyota for 23XI Racing and finished 15th. NASCAR next heads to downtown Chicago for a street course race on July 2.

“They bring rocket ships and I just try to point them to Victory Lane”

Ross Chastain on his Trackhouse Racng team

“He’s just the kind of guy that you want to go to war with.”

Ross Chastain picked up his first Cup Series win of the season and third of his career on Sunday at Nashville Superspeedway.

in 2024

The Associated Press PELLA, Iowa — Kathleen Evenhouse took a break from her work in the corner of a small-town Iowa coffee shop to slam the federal criminal indictment of Donald Trump as patently political, the work of a U.S. Justice Department she says is awash in hypocrisy.

“I think we’re playing a game as a country,” the 72-year-old author from Pella said in an interview, expressing a sentiment widely shared among conservatives since the former president was charged. “I think that damages any sense of justice or any sense of — should I even bother to vote? Why should I listen to the news? Or why should I care?”

Evenhouse does plan to vote in Iowa’s first-in-the-nation Republican presidential caucuses next year. Despite her anger about Trump’s plight, he will not win her support.

Many voters in early states who will play an outsize role in deciding his political fate agree that he

is being treated unfairly. While there is widespread distrust of the Justice Department and its pursuit of him on charges that he illegally stored classified documents and tried to hide them from federal officials, some voters in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina say Trump has become too damaged to be nominated by his party a third time. “If you dig a hole and then you have to climb out, it’s going to be harder to do,” Evenhouse said.

“And that’s where I think he is.”

While the double-standard theory may have taken hold among GOP voters in the early states, it’s not clear that such outrage will translate into ballots cast for Trump when voting for president begins next year. It’s not so much that voters have lost affection for Trump, but that the turmoil has become too heavy a burden for some of them to feel he can win.

“Right now I am a Trump supporter,” said 76-year-old Karen Szelest of Indian Land, South Carolina. “However, I think they’re

doing everything they can to have him not run for president of the United States. And I think perhaps, for the betterment of the country, I may vote for somebody else because they keep going after Trump, going after Trump, going after Trump.”

Trump’s challenge will be maintaining that advantage as the legal cases against him proceed. His hope that they will work in his favor is bolstered by Republican-leaning voters such as Kelly White of Indian Land.

“It kind of makes me want to support him more,” she said.

Among the most common counterarguments, there are those people who play down the allegations Trump faces while also pointing to what they see as a double standard — one that has excused, for instance, the email server that former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, a Democrat, kept in the basement of her private residence in New York.

Charges that she mishandled classified documents weren’t pur-

sued by the Justice Department, in part because relevant Espionage Act cases brought over the past century involved alleged efforts to obstruct justice and willful mishandling of classified information. Those factors were not at play in her case, investigators concluded.

At a farmer’s market in Bedford, New Hampshire, Tom Zapora was chatting with friends and snacking on a “tornado potato,” a spiraled, fried potato on a skewer, shortly after Trump’s appearance in court.

“There’s a lot of things going on there, and in my humble opinion, the current president, past presidents, have done as much if not more wrong than he has and they’ve kind of slid under the radar,” said Zapora, a Republican who owns a moving company.

In Pella, a Dutch-themed community of about 10,000 people in Iowa’s Republican-heavy Marion County where Trump received two-thirds of the vote in 2020, the investigation was hardly the most pressing issue on the minds of voters at a campaign event for one of

Trump’s challengers, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott. During a question-and-answer session, it took 40 minutes for the subject of the indictment to come up.

When it did, the questioner ignored the charges against Trump, asking instead about the fairness of the Justice Department.

Standing in the audience of about 200, 58-year-old engineer Gina Singer, who has been a devoted Trump supporter, said the indictment had become a distraction from the serious business of choosing a presidential nominee who can beat Biden next year.

Though she’s bothered by what she sees as a double standard, she is uncertain about whether Trump will be saddled with so much suspicion that she thinks a next-generation candidate may be what’s best for the party.

“I love everything he stands for and I want his policies to be enacted,” Singer said. “But they’ll just keep on going after him. So, I’m looking for someone else. Both things can be true.”

The Associated Press

NEW YORK — After three years, the pandemic-era freeze on student loan payments will end soon. Student loan interest will start accruing on September 1 and payments are starting in October. It might seem tempting to just keep not making payments, but the consequences can be severe, including a hit to your credit score and exclusion from future aid and benefits.

More than 40 million Americans will have to start making federal student loan payments again at the end of the summer under the terms of a debt ceiling deal approved by Congress. That means tough decisions for many borrowers, especially those in already-difficult financial situations.

Experts say that delinquency and bankruptcy should be options of last resort, and that deferment and forbearance — which pause payments, though interest may continue to accrue — are often better in the short term.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T MAKE STUDENT LOAN PAYMENTS?

Once the moratorium ends, borrowers who can’t or don’t pay risk delinquency and eventually default. That can badly hurt your credit rating and make you ineligible for additional aid and government benefits.

If you’re struggling to pay, advisers first encourage you to check if you qualify for an income-driven repayment plan, which determines your payments by looking at your expenses. You can determine this by visiting the Federal Student Aid website. If you’ve worked for a government agency or a non-profit organization, you could also be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which forgives student debt after 10 years.

Carolina Rodriguez, Director of the Education Debt Consumer Assistance Program at the Com-

munity Service Society of New York, emphasizes that anyone temporarily unemployed should be able to qualify for a $0 payment plan. And many others qualify based on income and family size.

“The repercussions of falling into delinquency can be pretty severe,” Rodriguez said. “The federal government can administratively intercept tax refunds and garnish wages. And it can affect Social Security, retirement, and disability benefits. Does it make financial sense at that point? Probably not.”

Rodriguez says her organization always advises against deferment or forbearance except once a borrower has exhausted all other options. In the long term, those financial choices offer little benefit, as some loans will continue to accrue interest while deferred.

Abby Shafroth, senior attorney and director of the Student Loan Borrower Assistance Project at the National Consumer Law Center, said that, of the two, deferment is generally a better option.

That’s because interest generally does not accrue on Direct Subsidized Loans, the subsidized portion of Direct Consolidation Loans, Subsidized Federal Stafford Loans, the subsidized portion of FFEL Consolidation Loans, and Federal Perkins Loans. All other federal student loans that are deferred will continue to accrue interest.

“Forbearance allows you to postpone payments without it being held against you, but interest does accrue. So you’re going to see your balance increase every month.”

WHAT ABOUT DECLARING BANKRUPTCY?

For most student loan borrowers, it’s still very difficult to have your loans discharged, or canceled, through bankruptcy. Borrowers must prove a very hard standard of financial circumstances, called “undue hardship.”

“That doesn’t mean people shouldn’t look into it,” Rodriguez

said. “But they may not be successful at discharging their loans.”

For borrowers who show that level of financial strain, chances are they have other options, Rodriguez said.

She advises that borrowers make sure they are speaking to a bankruptcy attorney who understands student loan bankruptcy, which requires a different proceeding than other types of bankruptcy.

Shafroth, of the NCLC, says that new guidance on student loan bankruptcy has been coming out in recent years.

“Though it is difficult to get your loans discharged through the bankruptcy process, an increasing number of borrowers are eligible to get their loans discharged that way,” she said. “A lot of people write that off as ‘there’s no way,’ it’s impossible.’ But it’s increasingly possible.”

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A LOAN GOES INTO DEFAULT?

When you fall behind on a loan by 270 days — roughly 9 months — the loan appears on your credit report as being in default.

“At that point, it’s not just behind, it’s in collections,” Shafroth said. “That’s when you become ineligible to take out new federal student aid. A lot of people go into default because they weren’t able to complete their degree the first time. This prevents them from going back to school.”

Once a loan is in default, it’s subject to the collection processes mentioned above. That means the government can garnish wages (without a court order) to go towards paying back the loan, intercept tax refunds, and seize portions of Social Security checks and other benefit payments.

WHAT ARE OTHER OPTIONS IF I CAN’T MAKE PAYMENTS?

Shafroth said that many borrowers may still be eligible to have loans canceled via a patchwork of programs outside of the Biden ad-

ministration’s proposed debt relief program.

“If your school closed before you could complete your program, you’re eligible for relief. If your school lied to you or misrepresented the outcome of what your enrolling would be, you can file a borrower defense application, and request your loan be canceled on that basis,” she said. “If you have a disability, you can sometimes have your loans canceled on that basis.”

Shafroth encourages borrowers to look at the Student Aid website to see what their options might be before missing payments.

WHAT IF MY LOANS WERE IN DEFAULT BEFORE MARCH 2020?

Under the Biden administration’s Fresh Start program, borrowers with federal student loans who were in default before the pause have a chance to become current.

Borrowers who were in default will not be subject to collection processes or have wages garnished through about August 2024, or roughly one year after the payment freeze ends. These borrowers have also been granted permission to apply for federal student loans again, to complete degrees. Lastly, these defaulted loans are now being reported to credit bureaus as current.

That said, borrowers must take action if they want to stay out of default after this year-long leniency period ends.

To eliminate your record of default, you should contact the Education Department’s Default Resolution Group online, by phone, or by mail, and ask the group to take the loans out of default via the Fresh Start policy. In four to six weeks, any record of default will be removed from your credit report, and the loans will be placed with a loan servicer. This will also give you access to income-driven repayment plans and Public Service Loan Forgiveness, if applicable.

New graduates line up before the start of a graduation ceremony.

Some Republicans are angry about Donald Trump’s prosecution yet ready to vote for someone else

It’s almost time to resume student loan payments. Not doing so could cost you

STATE & NATION

Biden raises cash in San Francisco as he revs up his 2024 campaign

The Associated Press

PALO ALTO, California —

President Joe Biden ramped up his reelection effort last week with four fundraisers in the San Francisco area, as his campaign builds up its coffers and lays strategic foundations for 2024.

By the end of June, Biden’s campaign will have more than 20 fundraisers involving him, Vice President Kamala Harris, first lady Jill Biden and second gentleman Douglas Emhoff, according to a person involved in Biden’s travel plans who insisted on anonymity to discuss the schedule.

More than half of the fundraisers are with the Democratic president, who will be traveling to New York, Maryland and Illinois. The president hit the themes of his campaign at a Friday fundraising event in Connecticut, saying his goal is to do more to tell voters about his legislative accomplishments with infrastructure, computer chip production and programs for responding to climate change, among other policies.

At the first of two California fundraisers, Biden said democracy itself was at stake in the 2024 election and said his administration had reinstilled “a sense of

confidence in the Constitution.”

The fundraiser at the home of Microsoft chief technology officer Kevin Scott was cohosted by Reid Hoffman, the billionaire cofounder of LinkedIn. Biden took aim at Alabama Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville for holding up military promotions because of a policy that en-

and Republicans are skeptical of US spying practices, an AP-NORC poll finds

The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — As it pushes to renew a cornerstone law that authorizes major surveillance programs, the Biden administration faces an American public that’s broadly skeptical of common intelligence practices and of the need to sacrifice civil liberties for security.

Congress in the coming months will debate whether to extend Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. Section 702 authorizes U.S. spy agencies to collect large amounts of foreign communications for intelligence purposes ranging from stopping spies to listening in on allies and foes. Those collection programs also sweep up U.S. citizen communications that can then be searched by intelligence and law enforcement officers.

The poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows that Democrats and Republicans have similar views on surveillance tactics, while Republicans have become substantially less likely over the last decade to say it’s at least sometimes necessary to sacrifice freedom in response to threats.

U.S. intelligence officials say Section 702 is necessary to protect national security and to counter China, Russia and other adversaries. They credit the program with better informing U.S. diplomats and

enabling operations like last year’s strike to kill a key plotter of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

But officials will have to overcome sharp divisions in Congress and bipartisan anger at the FBI, though most observers still believe Section 702 will be renewed in some form.

Driving a political shift is increasing skepticism among Republican elected officials of the FBI and intelligence agencies. Conservatives have battered the FBI for misleading the primary surveillance court in its investigation into former President Donald Trump campaign’s ties to Russia. Trump and other top Republicans often accuse the so-called government “deep state” of using its powers to target conservatives.

Historically, “the left flank has been the more vocal objector to government surveillance on privacy and civil liberties grounds,” said Carter Burwell, who was chief counsel to Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, when the law was last renewed in early 2018.

“Over the past five or 10 years, with the rise of the libertarian wing of the Republican Party, call it the antigovernment wing of the Republican Party, that is an equally vocal and powerful plurality,” said Burwell, now a lawyer at the firm Debevoise & Plimpton.

The poll asked U.S. adults

sures members of the military still have access to abortions, which were restricted in many states after a Supreme Court ruling last year. “It’s bizarre. I don’t remember it happening before and I’ve been around,” said Biden, 80, who added a joke about his age: “I know I don’t look like I’ve been around a long time.”

whether they support several practices authorized by Section 702. It found that 28% of adults support the government listening to phone calls made outside of the U.S. without a warrant, while 44% oppose the practice. Views are similar about the U.S. reading emails sent between people outside of the U.S. without a warrant.

The public was more receptive to surveillance of activity outside of the U.S. a decade after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. That shifted significantly by the 20th anniversary of the attacks in 2021.

In the latest poll, 48% of Americans this year said they believed it necessary to sacrifice their rights and freedoms to prevent terrorism, down from 54% in 2021 and nearly two-thirds in 2011. That shift was especially dramatic among Republicans, with just 44% saying that’s sometimes necessary compared with 69% in 2011. Among Democrats, 55% still say so, similar to the 59% who said so in 2011.

Sarah Apwisch, a 57-year-old from Three Rivers, Michigan, described herself as somewhat opposed to the monitoring of foreign emails and phone calls. A Democrat, Apwisch said she was “mostly pro-FBI” but concerned after years of negative stories about the bureau.

“Honestly, I don’t want to hear anything about the FBI,” she said. “I want the FBI to go do their business and not be in the news because they’re doing their job well and not doing things that make waves. How they do that, I don’t know.”

Apwisch also said she supports the FBI and other agencies trying to hunt down enemy spies, but was uncertain about whether the FBI should also use foreign intelligence to investigate other U.S. crimes.

White adults were somewhat more likely to say they were opposed to various forms of surveillance —

The fundraising blitz follows Biden’s first campaign rally on recently in Philadelphia, where he was endorsed by key unions — the event highlighting a pivotal constituency in the largest population center of a critical battleground state. It was meant as an early display of enthusiasm for Biden’s campaign, and a venue for him to interact directly with voters before he spends much of the rest of the month meeting with deep-pocketed benefactors.

The flurry of engagements comes ahead of the end of the fundraising quarter at the end of the month — and Biden’s campaign finance report in July will provide the first test of Democratic donor enthusiasm for his reelection effort.

Biden, unlike former President Donald Trump and other 2024 GOP contenders, has not revealed any clues about his fundraising haul since declaring his candidacy in April. And his campaign launch was timed to avoid having to file a campaign finance report for the first quarter, a historically rough fundraising period.

For the first time in U.S, elections, Biden has joint fundraising agreements with all 50 state Democratic parties and the branch in

Washington, D.C., an arrangement that can help maximize donations while minimizing expenses in the early months of the campaign. It’s part of a broader effort to unite a diverse Democratic coalition behind Biden as the Republicans undergo what could be a large and divisive primary.

“While MAGA Republicans burn cash in their primary, competing for whose agenda is the most extreme, the president’s campaign will be capitalizing on the opportunity to raise significant resources,” said Biden’s campaign manager Julie C. Rodriguez, referring to Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan.

Separately, Rodriguez is traveling across the U.S. to meet with donors, local officials and community leaders to help align the coalition. Along with other campaign officials, the tour begins in Atlanta and will include Boston, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Los Angeles and St. Louis.

Not all of Biden’s time in San Francisco was devoted to the campaign. He went with Newsom and other officials to the Lucy Evans Baylands Nature Interpretive Center and Preserve in Palo Alto. He toured the coastal wetland area and announced $600 million for projects to address climate change.

“These wetlands act as a critical buffer between the rising tides and the communities at risk,” said Biden, calling the preserve a “success story” in ongoing efforts to contain the damage from climate change.

48% said they opposed the government listening to foreign calls without a warrant — than Black or Hispanic adults, each at 34%.

In Congress, some Democrats and Republicans have found common cause over their complaints about Section 702. Two lawmakers earlier this year issued a statement calling for an end to U.S. surveillance without a warrant. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., chairs the liberal Congressional Progressive Caucus, while Rep. Warren Davidson, R-Ohio, is a member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus. “We must take this opportunity to reform Section 702 and overhaul privacy protections for Americans so that they truly protect the civil rights, civil liberties, and privacy rights that are foundational to our democracy,” Jayapal and Davidson said.

Previous lawmaker efforts to require warrants for searching intelligence databases have failed. Intelligence officials argue they have ramped up training for agents

searching the databases and tightened requirements to consult with lawyers on sensitive queries.

Supporters of Section 702 argue most U.S. adults want the government to stop foreign adversaries even if they state misgivings about how American intelligence operates.

Glenn Gerstell, a former general counsel at the National Security Agency who is advocating for Section 702 to be extended, noted that while Congress has to be responsive to public opinion, “some of this gets pretty technical and isn’t easily understood by the public.”

He said he still believed the law would be renewed with some amendments to bolster civil liberties protections and enshrine into law changes that the FBI has made in response to a series of wrongful uses of foreign intelligence.

“At the end of the day, I think most members of Congress understand the value of the statute and understand that when we don’t have the statute, there is no substitute,” Gerstell said.

Democrats

AP PHOTO

A sign outside the National Security Administration campus in Fort Meade, Md., is seen.

AP PHOTO

President Joe Biden speaks at the Lucy Evans Baylands Nature Interpretive Center and Preserve in Palo Alto, Calif., Monday, June 19, 2023.

Miss Randolph County Tori Gross earned a Top 16 finish at the Miss North Carolina competition last week in High Point. Taylor Loyd, Miss Statesville, was the winner. Gross received two scholarship awards during the week of competition totaling $2,750. “My work as Miss Randolph County is not finished, and I cannot wait to finish out my year as I serve our great county,” said Gross after the competition. Gross, of Trinity, is a graduate of Randolph Community College.

Archdale native Hannah Welborn-Lewis, competing as Miss Sandhills, was a preliminary evening gown winner and finished second runner-up to Miss North Carolina. Parker Sterling, of Randleman High School, represented Randolph County in the Miss North Carolina’s Teen competition.

DAVID SINCLAIR | FOR RANDOLPH RECORD

U.S. Forest Service proposes recreation fee changes for Uwharrie National Forest

Multiple people shot

on Salem Court in Asheboro

Authorities are currently investigating a shooting that took place this past weekend in the 800 block of Salem Court in Asheboro. According to the Asheboro Police Department, three victims were found at the scene and were immediately transported by EMS to a local medical facility. An additional victim arrived at the health facility after being transported there by a personal vehicle.

In a press release, the police department said that one victim suffered a gunshot wound to the head, one victim was shot in the abdomen, and the third victim received a bullet wound in the leg. The fourth victim’s injuries are unknown at this time. The condition of each victim has yet to be reported. Detectives with the Asheboro Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division have asked that anyone with information regarding this case to contact Detective D. Kivett at (336) 626-1300, Ext. 2109.

Citizen

Sheriff’s

Academy is taking applications

The Randolph County Sheriff’s Office is once again offering Sheriff’s Citizen Academy classes to Randolph County residents who are interested in learning more about local law enforcement and how they operate. Classes for the upcoming academy include a tour of the sheriff’s office and Emergency Services Headquarters, driving, firearm, and K9 demonstrations, and a tour of the jail and courthouse. In addition, residents will also have the opportunity to learn more about several community-based programs, patrol operations, and fleet maintenance. The Citizens Academy consists of ten sessions that meet once a week on Tuesday evenings. Each session runs from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. and will be held at the Randolph County Emergency Services Headquarters unless specified otherwise. Applications for this free program can be found at https://www.

randolphcountync.gov/381/

Citizens-Academy and must be submitted by August 1. Eligibility requirements for participation can be found online by using the same URL.

Randolph Record

THE U.S. FOREST SERVICE, an agency under the jurisdiction of the Department of Agriculture, is proposing to change recreation fees at two sites in the Uwharrie National Forest. The public has been invited to provide input to these proposed fee changes for 60 days from June 23 until August 22.

According to the Forest Service, the goal of these changes is to improve the visitor experience through site upgrades paid for by the collected fees.

At this time, the fees are only a proposal. After public comment is received, the Forest Service will assess the comment and concerns of the public and then present the fee proposals to the Southern Region Recreation Resource Advisory Committee (RRAC) at a future date.

“The Uwharrie National Forest provides a variety of recreational opportunities to visitors, and we are continually working on ways to enhance the visitor experience,” said the Forest Service in a press release. “Collections from recreation fees are

reinvested at the field level and used to address maintenance needs. The proposed recreation fees will help us provide additional recreation opportunities and support our goal to provide safe, well-maintained, and sustainable recreation opportunities for the public to enjoy.”

The proposed fee changes the Forest Service seeks comments on are the following:

Campgrounds

** Yates Place Camp – new $50 group site fee per night with a group size of 50 people.

Trails

** Wood Run Mountain Bike Trail System – new $5/rider per day fee or a new $30 annual pass (these fees would only apply to mountain bike use)

Additionally, the following fee proposals went through the required participation process in 2019 and are awaiting review by the Southern Region Recreation Resource Advisory Committee:

** Badin Lake OHV Trail Sys-

“The proposed recreation fees will help us provide additional recreation opportunities and support our goal to provide safe, well-maintained, and sustainable recreation opportunities for the public to enjoy.”

U.S. Forest Service

tem – increase from $5 to $15/trail vehicle per day, and increase from $30 to $60 for the optional annual pass (As proposed, this fee would be phased in over a two-year period).

** Yates Place Camp – new $10 per night fee for single sites.

In 2004, Congress passed the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (REA), which allows the Forest Service to retain funds collected at certain recreation sites and use these funds locally to operate,

maintain, and improve these sites. The resources derived from the collection of frees help provide quality recreation opportunities that meet the modern expectation of visitors and create a more financially sustainable developed recreation program for the benefit of future generations.

Under REA, all new fees and any fee changes must be proposed to and approved by a citizen’s advisory committee. Committee members represent a broad array of recreation interest groups to help ensure that the Forest Service is proposing reasonable and publicly acceptable new fees and fee changes.

The public is invited to comment on the proposed fee changes by August 22. For more information, please visit www.fs.usda.gov/goto/ nfsnc/recfeeproposals. To provide comments about this fee proposal for the RRAC to consider, please contact Logan Free at (828) 2574256, by email at SM.FS.NFsNCfees.usda.gov, or by mail at:

ATTN: Recreation Fee Proposals

160A Zillicoa Street Asheville, NC 28801

More poll workers sought for elections in Randolph

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

ASHEBORO — The Randolph County Board of Elections is making a push to replenish its roster of poll workers.

Melissa Kirstner, director of the Randolph County Board of Elections, has described an urgent need to secure more workers.

“We always really scramble to find people to work,.” Kirstner said. “It’s a long day, and a lot of people can’t make that commitment.”

Workers are needed for early voting days as well as Election Day.

Kirstner said more than 25 percent – and perhaps up to onethird – of the election workers have dropped off the list in Randolph County in recent years, largely beginning with the 2020 election during the pandemic.

About three dozen potential poll workers attended the county’s recruitment fair last week. Kirstner said it was the first time

that the board of elections held such an event specifically focused on signing up more workers.

“We think it went very well,” Kirstner said. “We did a lot of explaining and set up a (mock election venue). We wanted to walk them through what it’s like. They might have been to the polls as voters, but seeing it from the other side, it’s a little different.”

Poll workers must be Randolph County registered voters or students age 17 and older. These are paid positions. Kirstner said the drop in available poll workers became heightened because of concerns during the pandemic. The average age of poll workers in Randolph County has been about 67 years old, she said.

In the past, the board of elections counted on past workers continuing in those roles and word-of-month messaging to fill slots. Kirstner said it was clear in 2022 that more efforts were needed to restock those positions.

“It’s a struggle everywhere,”

she said. “We’re trying to build it back.” There are municipal elections this fall in Randolph County. For Kirstner and her staff, this is the build-up to the presidential election next year.

“We’re gearing up for 2024,” she said. “We’re trying to get ahead of the game. If we can get them in and started for this November, that will help, and they’ll get an understanding of what it’s about.”

Students at the age of 17 can serve as assistants at the polls. They need permission from parents or guardians and approval from their school principal.

There will be ongoing recruitment for poll workers in the county. The board of elections is planning to hold another fair in September at Randolph Community College.

stop implementation plan (also known as early voting) for the fall’s municipal election.

8 5 2017752016 $1.00

Miss Randolph County earns top 16 spot at Miss NC

Senate resolution honors Tillman’s legacy

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

A NORTH CAROLINA state senate resolution honoring the life and memory of former state Sen. Jerry Tillman passed last week.

Tillman spent nine terms in office representing Randolph County before stepping down in 2020. He died Feb. 4 at age 82 in Greensboro. In part, Senate Resolution 753 states: “The Senate wishes to express its highest appre

ciation of Jerry Wayne Tillman, former State Senator, as a citizen and public servant and extend its sympathy to his family for the loss of its distinguished member.”

The resolution’s sponsors included David Craven, who has filled Tillman’s seat. Senior president pro tem Phil Berger of Rockingham County and Durham Democrat Mike Woodard joined Craven.

The motion to adopt passed 46-0.

Tillman, a Republican, was

chairman of the Senate Finance Committee in addition to his other committee roles. He was the Senate majority whip.

“Jerry was an incredible advocate for Randolph County,” said Craven, whose 29th district also includes Anson, Montgomery, Richmond and Union counties. “He was a dedicated educator, coach and statesman.”

Tillman had been active in the Archdale/Trinity Lions Club. He was also a member of the Archdale Friends Meeting.

At the time of Tillman’s death, Berger, the Senate leader, said: “Jerry was truly larger than life. He was never afraid to share his thoughts on a particular bill and would often lighten the mood by regaling us with tales about music, racing, and baseball.”

Fox News unveils primetime lineup with Jesse Watters in Tucker Carlson’s former time slot

The Associated Press JESSE WATTERS will fill the Fox News Channel time slot left vacant by the firing of Tucker Carlson, part of a dramatic revamp of the network’s evening lineup announced on Monday.

Greg Gutfeld’s late-night show that combines news and comedy will move up an hour to start at 10 p.m. Eastern, displacing Laura Ingraham. She’ll shift to 7 p.m., the hour that Watters has occupied. Sean Hannity will stay in his 9 p.m. time slot, Fox said. The new lineup debuts on July 17.

The announcement comes roughly two months after Fox News fired Carlson shortly after settling a defamation lawsuit with the voting machine maker Dominion Voting Systems on the eve of trial. The case, which centered on the network’s airing of false claims following the 2020 presidential election, exposed a trove of private messag-

es sent between Fox hosts, including Hannity and Carlson, in which they criticized peers at the network.

Carlson has since begun doing occasional monologues for Twitter, although Fox is attempting to get him to stop the broadcasts.

Fox has seen its ratings tumble since Carlson exited. Carlson averaged 3.25 million viewers at 8 p.m. in the first three months of the year, and the string of guest hosts who replaced him the past two months usually reached under 2 million, making the network’s command more tenuous.

The lineup change signals that Fox is doubling down on its opinionated evening programming strategy, with three sharptongued men filling the primetime hours. It’s something of a triumphant return for Watters, who got his start at the 8 p.m. hour, doing man-in-the-street interviews and other features for Bill O’Reilly before O’Reilly’s fir-

Randolph Guide

The Randolph Guide is a quick look at what’s going on in Randolph County.

June 29

ZooKeepers vs. Holly Springs Salamanders

7pm

Come out to McCrary Park as the Asheboro ZooKeepers take on the Holly Springs Salamanders! To buy tickets online, please visit https:// zookeepersbaseball.com/ schedules/.

July 1

ing in 2017.

It also means double duty for Gutfeld and Watters, who are both panelists on “The Five” and will continue there. The late-afternoon political talk show has become Fox’s most popular program.

Keeping that show’s chemistry intact appeared to be a priority for Fox. Gutfeld said in a Wall Street Journal interview last week that he would no longer appear on “The Five” or do his latenight show if he were to get Carlson’s old time slot.

Trace Gallagher, who has worked at Fox since the network began in 1996, will host a news show at 11 p.m., filling the hour that Gutfeld is leaving vacant.

“The unique perspectives of Laura Ingraham, Jesse Watters, Sean Hannity, and Greg Gutfeld will ensure our viewers have access to unrivaled coverage from our best-in-class team for years to come,” Fox News CEO Suzanne Scott said in a statement.

Asheboro Farmers Market 7am – 1pm

Come out to the Asheboro Downtown Farmers Market, located at 134 S. Church Street. This event is free and open to the public! Adopt & Play 10am – 2pm

The Randolph County Animal Services will be hosting its monthly Adopt & Play event this weekend at the Animal Services Adoption Center, located at 1370 County Land Rd. in Randleman! Adoption fees on specific animals have been reduced for this event.

July 4

ZooKeepers 4th of July Game

7pm

Come out to McCrary Park on the 4th of July as the Asheboro ZooKeepers take on the Holly Springs Salamanders! Stick around for the fireworks display following the game! To buy tickets online, please visit https:// zookeepersbaseball.com/ schedules/.

Tech billionaires’ cage match? Musk throws down the gauntlet and Zuckerberg accepts challenge

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg are ready to fight, offline.

In a now-viral back-and-forth seen on Twitter and Instagram last week, the two tech billionaires seemingly agreed to a “cage match” face off.

It all started when Musk, who owns Twitter, responded to a tweet about Meta reportedly preparing to release a new Twitter rival called “Threads.” He took a dig about the world becoming “exclusively under Zuck’s thumb with no other options” — but then one Twitter user jokingly warned Musk of Zuckerberg’s jiu jitsu

training.

“I’m up for a cage match if he is lol,” Musk wrote.

Zuckerberg, CEO of Facebook and Instagram parent company Meta Platforms, soon responded — and appeared to agree to Musk’s proposal.

“Send me location,” Zuckerberg wrote on an Instagram story, which showed a screenshot of Musk’s tweet alongside another user’s response urging the Twitter owner to “start training.” Zuckerberg is actually trained in mixed martial arts. The Facebook founder posted about completing his first jiu jitsu tournament last month.

In response to Zuckerberg’s lo -

cation request, Musk proposed the Vegas Octagon. He then joked about his fighting skills and workout routine, suggesting that the fight may not be serious.

“I have this great move that I call ‘The Walrus’, where I just lie on top of my opponent & do nothing,” Musk wrote.

Whether or not Musk and Zuckerberg actually make it to the ring has yet to be seen — especially as Musk often tweets about action prematurely or without following through. But, even if their cage match agreement is all a joke, the banter gained attention. An endless chain of memes and posts to “choose your fighter” have sprung up in response.

“The story speaks for itself,” a Meta spokesperson said in a statement to The Associated Press. Zuckerberg has not commented further.

Despite the uncertainity of a cage match actually happening, bids are already being placed for a projected winner. DraftKings’ projected odds stood at 140+ for Musk and -160 for Zuckerberg as of last Thursday.

The Associated Press also reached out to the Ultimate Fighting Championship, which owns the Octagon, and Twitter for statements. Twitter’s press email responded with a poop emoji, its standard automated response to reporters.

AP PHOTO

This combination of photos show Fox News commentators Laura Ingraham, from left, Jesse Watters, Sean Hannity and Greg Gutfeld. Watters will host an opinion show in the time slot formerly occupied by Tucker Carlson, Fox News Channel announced Monday.

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

There is no short path back to institutional credibility

Scientists decided to promote garbage while hiding behind their credentials.

Institutional trust is built over the course of years. Decades. Centuries.

Dishonesty takes just a moment to destroy institutional trust.

This week, Dr. Peter Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine and professor of molecular virology at Baylor College of Medicine, got into a spat with podcaster Joe Rogan and presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Hotez has a long-standing feud over vaccine efficacy and safety with RFK Jr., who has long been a proponent of the scientifically unverified theory that childhood vaccines cause autism; RFK Jr., appearing on Rogan’s podcast, tore into Hotez. Hotez responded by accusing Rogan of spreading “misinformation” — to which Rogan quite properly responded that if Hotez wished to rebut that “misinformation” in debate with RFK Jr. on his show, he’d be happy not only to host but to contribute $100,000 to a charity of Hotez’s choice. Hotez refused the invite. He then appeared on MSNBC, where he explained, “Anti-vaccine disinformation... is now a lethal force in the United States. I offered to go on Joe Rogan but not to turn it into the Jerry Springer show with having RFK Jr. on.”

This is still a free country; no one is obligated to debate anyone else. But Hotez essentially argues that his credentials excuse him from having to defend his case publicly in debate. In the past, there might have been something to that: Few would have expected a virologist to debate, say, Jenny McCarthy, even 20 years ago, for better or worse. Why? Because the scientific community could point to decades

Joe Biden is not OK

Every week, the president of the United States says something completely bonkers.

ON JUNE 16, President Joe Biden ended a big gun-control speech in Connecticut with the words, “God save the queen, man.” Why did the president express adoration for the departed Brit monarch? Was he confused about royal succession? Who knows.

When asked about the incident, White House aides offered nonsensical and conflicting answers — because they have absolutely no idea, and neither does the president. It’s likely that the octogenarian spontaneously used a cool-sounding phrase, much like when your elderly neighbor tells you to “keep on truckin’” for no apparent reason. It happens.

Yet, Axios writer Alex Thompson points out that Biden “has an arsenal of wacky phrases.” And the president’s “quirky aphorisms,” he contends, “are sometimes weaponized by Republicans to insinuate the 80-year-old president is in mental decline.”

There is no need for insinuation. Biden’s mental acuity, never impressive, has considerably deteriorated. Sure, he also tends to botch “old-timey” sayings like, “lots of luck in your senior year,” which he says is a gibe from his Corn Pop days. But most reporters who pretend perceptions of Biden’s decline are due to his propensity for homespun maxims or previously unknown stuttering problems almost surely wouldn’t find him fit enough to babysit their kids.

Every week, the president of the United States says something completely bonkers, and everyone goes on with their day. We’re not talking about his propensity to lie about politics or his blustery lifelong fabulism. We’re talking about his inability to articulate simple ideas without notes — and often with notes. There are rarely any fact-checks of these statements. How can there be? They don’t even make sense

of success in health outcomes — longer, healthier lives and fewer childhood diseases among them. The scientists acted as scientists, predominantly worried about following evidence and producing functional solutions to human problems.

Then the scientists decided to promote garbage while hiding behind their credentials. They claimed that men could be women; that universal masking would stop the spread of COVID-19; that schools had to be closed to stop mass death from COVID-19 among children, and that at the same time, protesters on behalf of “racial justice” could safely congregate in close proximity; that the COVID-19 vaccine would stop transmission; that capitalism had to be curbed to stop global warming. They used the credibility of science to preach political nonsense.

And in just a few years, the credibility gained by our scientific institutions has completely eroded. Just 41% of Americans now say that they believe the Centers for Disease Control are doing an excellent or good job. That distrust is entirely earned, given the CDC’s egregiously awful performance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

All of this means that those who purport to speak in the name of science — the same people who have used that label to avoid debate — must now wade back into the arena. They simply don’t have the credibility to demand the trust of the public. It’s time to earn it.

Ben Shapiro, 39, is a graduate of UCLA and Harvard Law School, host of “The Ben Shapiro Show,” and co-founder of Daily Wire+.

as lies. There is no handwringing about the role of competency in our democracy. There is no discussion about the 25th Amendment.

Just listen to any one of his speeches.

“Put a pistol on a brace, it turns into a gun — makes it more — you can have a higher-caliber weapon, higher-caliber bullet coming out of that gun,” the president explained before wishing Her Majesty his best. This was also complete gibberish. There is so much gibberish.

Only a couple of days before his “God save the queen” comment, Biden informed a crowd gathered for a League of Conservation Voters endorsement that “we (have) plans to build a railroad from the Pacific all the way across the Indian Ocean,” which must have really impressed everyone in attendance. “We have plans to build in Angola one of the largest solar plants in the world,” Biden went on. “I can go on, but I’m not. I’m going off-script. I’m going to get in trouble.”

A few days before the railroad comment, Biden couldn’t remember Winston Churchill’s name when speaking to the prime minister of the U.K. Listen, I’m not great with names myself, and I’m sure as an 80-year-old I’d have trouble recalling world leaders ... but I’m confident I wouldn’t think myself competent enough to be the most powerful man in the world. Nor should Biden.

That same week, when asked why a Ukrainian FBI informant referred to Biden as the “Big Guy,” the president lashed out for being posed “dumb questions.” He does this often in frustration. When the president isn’t flubbing canned lines to the rare tough question, he yells things like, “c’mon, man!” A few years ago, this kind of rhetoric was considered democracyshattering. Now, it’s quirky and folksy.

The week before he couldn’t remember Churchill’s name, the president also tripped and fell on stage after a commencement speech at the Air Force Academy. Biden’s surrogates pointed out that there had been a sandbag right there, as if no one, whether young or old, could possibly be expected to walk over a small bag without falling to the floor.

You might recall that after the former president gingerly navigated a ramp after giving a speech at West Point in 2020, The New York Times’ headline the next day was: “Trump’s Halting Walk Down Ramp Raises New Health Questions.” The president, the Times went on, “also appeared to have trouble raising a glass of water to his mouth during a speech at West Point a day before he turned 74, the oldest a president has been in his first term.” The sitting president is now six years older than Trump was at the time — he would be a decade older should he finish a second term.

Of course, everyone ages differently — Sen. John Fetterman, only 53, can barely put together a thought while some septuagenarian is out there writing his literary opus right now. Nor is there anything wrong with or especially unique about being a scatterbrained and tired 80-year-old. In this case, maybe Americans who elected a scatterbrained and tired 80-year-old deserve to be governed by him — good and hard, as H.L. Mencken might say.

But please stop pretending Biden is OK. He’s not.

David Harsanyi is a senior editor at The Federalist. Harsanyi is a nationally syndicated columnist and author of five books — the most recent, “Eurotrash: Why America Must Reject the Failed Ideas of a Dying Continent.”

COLUMN | BEN SHAPIRO

COLUMN | DAVID HARSANYI

SIDELINE REPORT

MLB

Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman gets his 2,000th hit

Los Angeles

Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman got his 2,000th career hit. He reached the milestone in the eighth inning Sunday night with his second double in a 6-5 loss in 11 innings to the Houston Astros. Freeman’s sharp line drive to right field drove in Mookie Betts and made him the 295th player in major league history to reach the mark. Freeman was playing in his 1,801 game, becoming the seventh player to reach 2,000 hits as a member of the Dodgers. The 33-yearold Freeman spent his first 12 seasons with Atlanta, joining the Dodgers as a free agent before last season.

NASCAR

Edwards 1st inductee into Nashville’s new Legends Plaza

Lebanon, Tenn.

Carl Edwards became the first driver inducted into the Nashville Superspeedway’s new Legends Plaza. Edwards, a six-time winner on this track, was inducted Sunday before the Ally 400 in the third Cup race at the 1.33-mile, D-shaped oval concrete track. Edwards was named one of NASCAR’s top 75 drivers earlier this year despite retiring in 2016 at the age of 36 with 28 career Cup Series’ victories. He called this more than an honor on a track he called very tough. Not for Edwards, who finished in the top 10 of 12 of his 13 Xfinity Series events at the track.

SOCCER

Chelsea’s Koulibaly is latest soccer star headed to Saudi Arabia

London Kalidou Koulibaly has become the latest soccer star to head to Saudi Arabia after joining AlHilal from Chelsea on a three-year contract. The Senegal international has followed in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante by opting to play in the lucrative Saudi Pro League. The 32-year-old center back only spent a year at Chelsea after signing from Napoli last summer on a four-year contract. Financial details of the Saudi deal were not revealed. Al-Hilal is Saudi’s most successful team. It also recently signed Portugal international Ruben Neves from Wolverhampton.

NFL Assault charge against Raiders’

Adams dropped Kansas City, Mo.

A misdemeanor assault charge filed last October against Las Vegas Raiders’ wide receiver Davante Adams has been dismissed. Adams was charged after shoving a photographer to the ground while walking off the field. The Kansas City Star reports the charge was dropped June 5. Adams’ lawyer declined to comment. Kansas City police say the photographer suffered whiplash, a headache and a possible minor concussion. Adams apologized in his postgame media comments and later on Twitter.

Stanly County native Beane gets extension from Bills

Both the GM and coach Sean McDermott received two more years on their deals

The Associated Press

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The Buffalo Bills locked up their brain trust tandem of general manager Brandon Beane and coach Sean McDermott through the 2027 season after signing the duo to twoyear contract extensions on Friday.

The timing of the deals represents a reward while also emphasizing the long-term faith of co-owner Terry Pegula in the pair, who are now on their third respective contracts with the team since signing extensions in 2020. Beane, at 46, and McDermott, 49, have transformed what had been a floundering franchise upon their arrival in 2017 into a consistent playoff contender.

In that time, the Bills went from enduring a 17-year playoff drought, which was the longest active streak in North America’s four professional major sports, to qualifying for the postseason in five of the past six years. The run of success began with the team ending the drought in 2017, and now includes a four-year playoff run in which the Bills are three-time defending AFC East champions.

McDermott, who was hired in January 2017 following Rex Ryan’s

dismissal, is credited with instilling a winning culture built around a trusted group of leaders headed by the safety tandem of Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer.

He was also praised for helping navigate the team through a series of adversity. The Bills finished second in the AFC at 13-3 in a season where safety Damar Hamlin went into cardiac arrest and was resuscitated on the field during a game at Cincinnati on Jan. 2. There also were two schedule disruptions because of snowstorms.

With a 62-35 record, McDermott ranks third on the franchise

62-35

Regular season record for the Bills since Brandon Beane took over as GM

regular season win list behind Marv Levy (123) and Lou Saban (70).

The only knock on McDermott

has been how each of the past two Bills seasons have ended.

Buffalo came out flat in a 27-10 loss to Cincinnati in the divisional round last season. Two years ago, the Bills squandered a three-point lead in the final 13 seconds of regulation in a 42-26 overtime loss to Kansas City in the divisional round.

McDermott is taking on extra responsibilities in overseeing the defense this year after the team abruptly announced in February that coordinator Leslie Frazier is taking the year off from coaching.

Beane, a native of Norwood, was hired in May 2017 after Doug Whaley’s dismissal and is credited for purging Buffalo’s over-priced and under-producing roster by rebuilding the Bills through the draft and free agency. His most influential decision was using a stockpile of draft picks to eventually trade up in the 2018 draft order and select quarterback Josh Allen with the seventh pick.

Of the five quarterbacks selected in the first round of the 2018 draft, Allen and Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson are the remaining two still on the teams that selected them.

The relationship between Beane and McDermott dates to the Carolina Panthers in 2011. Beane was the Panthers director of football operations at the time when McDermott was hired to become the team’s defensive coordinator.

Beane and McDermott are prepared to become the longest-serving GM-coach tandem in franchise history entering their seventh season together. That will surpass the six-plus seasons GM Bill Polian and Levy — both Pro Football Hall of Famers — worked together in Buffalo from 1986 to ’92.

After being traded from the Suns to the Wizards, Chris Paul is on the move again with a deal in place to send him to the Warriors for Jordan Poole.

Chris Paul traded again, this time to Warriors

Jordan Poole will go to the Wizards

The Associated Press

CHRIS PAUL’S PURSUIT of an NBA championship is taking him to the Golden State. The Warriors have agreed to the framework of a trade last week y that will send Jordan Poole to the Washington Wizards, according to a person with knowledge of the matter.

The trade also includes a package of draft capital, said the person, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the trade has not been finalized and approved by the NBA.

ESPN first reported the agreement was struck by the teams.

The Wizards agreed to acquire Paul — a Winston-Salem native and former Wake Forest star

— from Phoenix the week before in the deal that sent Bradley Beal from Washington to the Suns. Paul had two of his title-hope seasons thwarted by the Warriors. In 2018, Paul and the Houston Rockets had a 3-2 series lead in the Western Conference finals before he got hurt, missed the final two games and Golden State prevailed — and later won the NBA title.

And in 2019, the Warriors beat Paul and the Rockets again, that time in the West semifinals before ultimately falling to Toronto in the NBA Finals.

The move could also provide the Warriors with financial flexibility in future seasons. Poole is about to begin a four-year, $128 million deal. Paul is due about $31 million this coming season and has nothing guaranteed after that.

It may usher in something totally new and different for Paul — a

1,363

Career regular season and playoff games Chris Paul

bench role. He has appeared in 1,214 regular-season games and another 149 in the playoffs, and he has started every single one of them. But it obviously seems unlikely that he would supplant guards Stephen Curry or Klay Thompson in Golden State’s starting lineup.

So at 38 years old and about to enter his 19th NBA season, Paul could find himself in a new position. But there is an obvious tradeoff, since

the Warriors will almost certainly be considered a title-contender going into next season after winning four championships in the last decade — and Paul has never gotten his championship. He went to the NBA Finals with Phoenix in 2021, but the Suns blew a 2-0 series lead and lost to Milwaukee in six games.

The 12-time All-Star averaged 13.9 points and 8.9 assists this past season for Phoenix.

Poole, who turned 24 earlier this week, joins a Washington team now fully in the midst of a complete rebuild. He averaged 20.4 points this past season, one that began with Golden State veteran Draymond Green punching Poole at practice during training camp before taking a brief leave of absence from the team. Green is set to become a free agent, one that the Warriors want to retain.

AP PHOTO

The Buffalo Bills locked up general manager Brandon Beane through the 2027 season after signing him and coach Sean McDermott to two-year contract extensions last week.

Alex Coleman transfers to North Carolina for softball

Former Southwestern Randolph player follows college coach

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

ALEX COLEMAN said she relished her time as a college softball player at Marshall. She said she’s hoping for something even more as she follows her coach to North Carolina.

The former Southwestern Randolph standout has become a Tar Heel.

“I kind of made a decision to enter the (transfer) portal, and it was a really hard decision,” Coleman said.

Megan Smith Lyon left her position as Marshall’s coach to take the position at North Carolina, her alma mater. The good times that Coleman had with the Thundering Herd she hopes will resume with the Tar Heels.

The outfielder has two seasons of eligibility remaining.

“When I was young, I wanted to play there,” Coleman said of the university in Chapel Hill. “Playing for Carolina is a place every girl from North Carolina should really dream of. This will be good for everyone who wants to see me play.”

Megan Smith Lyon coached five seasons at Marshall following stops as head coach at Western Carolina and Kansas. Her husband, Corey Lyon, was on the Marshall staff, and he has been named an assistant coach with the Tar Heels.

These moves come after Donna Papa retired from the North Carolina coaching position this spring after 38 years.

Marshall was 45-10 this year, marking a school record for wins.

Coleman put together a stellar season, starting all 55 games and batting in the lead-off spot for a majority of the games.

She was named All-Sun Belt Conference’s first team as she collected 79 hits to lead the conference and rank fifth nationally. Her 61 runs scored were one short of a Marshall record. Coleman, who batted .427, was sixth nationally with 42 stolen bases.

Her role “is to get on base and run,” she said.

A slap hitter, she said Smith Lyon has guided her the past couple of seasons.

“A lot of my success is due to her,” Coleman said. “I know what I’m getting into.”

The connection between Cole-

Randolph Record

HERE’S A LIST of the Mid-Piedmont Conference’s major award winners plus Asheboro’s all-conference selections for spring sports:

Baseball

Player of the Year: Tanner Marsh (Asheboro)

Pitcher of the Year: Garrett Roark (Ledford)

Coach of the Year: Kevin Goss (Ledford)

Asheboro: Connor Adams, Davis

Gore, Tanner Marsh.

Boys’ golf

Player of the Year: Aidan Wilson (Oak Grove)

Coach of the Year: Randy Mercer (Ledford)

Asheboro: David Elliott, Luke Payne

Girls’ soccer

Offensive Player of the Year: Keelan Moore (North Davidson)

Defensive Player of the Year: Reese Sullivan (North Davidson)

Coach of the Year: Jose Duarte (North Davidson)

Asheboro: Carlisle Dozier, Natalie Flores, Madison Luck, Natasha Mederos, Tess Moody.

Softball

Player of the Year: Alex Gray (North Davidson)

Pitcher of the Year: Alissa Russ (Oak Grove)

Coach of the Year: Danielle

Gabi Carter

man and Smith Lyon was partly formed when Coleman played travel ball for the Carolina Cardinals.

Colman, 20, mostly played as a center fielder or left fielder as a freshman and then took a spot in right field as a sophomore. She said she received a few calls when her name was in the transfer portal, but the connection to the new coaching staff at North Carolina was clear.

Huntington, W.Va., was about a five-hour drive away for Coleman, so playing closer to home should

Randleman, volleyball

Carter was rated among Randleman’s top producers in several categories during her senior season on the volleyball team. She was the leader among the Tigers in service percentage and second on the team in aces.

She also made strong contributions in blocks and kills per set. She played as an outside hitter and defensive specialist.

Randleman racked up a 17-6 record in 2022 for its fifth consecutive winning season.

Carter was also a member of Randleman’s Piedmont Athletic Conference champion girls’ basketball team.

** During the summer, we recognize seniors from the past school year.

have benefits.

“I really feel I owe it to myself to come home and compete at the ACC level,” she said. “The Sun Belt is no joke.”

The Thundering Herd with 16070 under Smith Lyon. For Coleman, changing schools comes with some sadness as well.

“I love Huntington and fell in love with it,” she said. “It will always hold such a special place in my heart. Everybody loves Marshall, and I love Marshall and always will.”

COLLEGE NOTES

Area athletes produce notable numbers

Randolph Record TREVOR MARSH, UNC

Wilmington’s junior outfielder, was named to the All-Colonial Athletic Association’s first team in baseball. The Seahawks (34-23) won the league’s regular-season and tournament titles.

Marsh, who played in high school for Asheboro, batted .319 with 12 home runs and 48 runs batted in. He also smacked 13 doubles and one triple and stole three bases. One of his home runs came in the NCAA regional opener against Duke earlier this month at Conway, S.C. Thomas, White pick up freshman honors

UNC Greensboro pitcher Luke Thomas and Western Carolina pitcher Matt White were named to the Southern Conference all-freshman team.

ond-most for the Spartans (2534).

White, a rookie out of Randleman, posted a 5-0 record with a 3.86 ERA in 21 appearances, with 20 of those in relief. He struck out 16 and walked 19 in 30 1/3 innings. White notched wins in three of his last five regular-season appearances for the Catamounts (21-33).

Softball success

Campbell second baseman Makayla McClain was named to the All-Big South freshman team. The former Providence Grove standout batted .341 with two home runs.

Diluzo (Oak Grove)

Asheboro: Morgan Coward, Taylor Davis. Boys’ tennis

Player of the Year: Logan Thoma (Ledford)

Coach of the Year: Caleb Robertson (Central Davidson)

Asheboro: Patrick Piansay.

Boys’ track and field

Sprint Events MVP: Valentino Mark (Asheboro)

Distance Events MVP: Hunter Creech (Oak Grove)

Field Events MVP: Brecken Crotts (Central Davidson)

Coach of the Year: Calvin Keller (Oak Grove)

Asheboro: Connor Adams, Nicolas Chavez, Lance Everhart, Valentino Mark, 1,600 relay.

Girls’ track and field

Sprint Events MVP: Azaria Martin (Montgomery Central)

Distance Events MVP: Jillian Parks (Central Davidson)

Field Events co-MVPs: Rebecca Wilson (Asheboro), Emma Hadley (Oak Grove)

Coach of the Year: Shawn Loggins (Oak Grove)

Asheboro: Lia George, Sion Murrain, Jalaya Showers, Rebecca Wilson, 400 relay, 800 relay.

Thomas, in his first season out of Providence Grove, posted a 4-4 record with a 5.69 earned run average and a team-high three saves. Thomas was used in relief in 18 of his 22 outings. He struck out 50 batters in 55 1/3 innings. Thomas shared the teamhigh mark in victories with Randleman alum Matt Kemp (4-3), whose 25 appearances – all in relief – were the sec-

McClain, who was twice named Big South Freshman of the Week, led Big South freshmen with six triples and 31 stolen bases. She had a 10-game hitting streak late in the season. The Camels (42-18) won the Big South Tournament and went 1-2 in NCAA Tournament play in Durham.

** Edi Austin, a freshman out of Providence Grove, batted .389 with 28 home runs as Louisburg College set a school record for victories with a 63-5 record.

The Hurricanes finished fourth in the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II World Series.

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

COURTESY PHOTO

Southwestern Randolph graduate Alex Coleman has joined North Carolina’s softball team.

PJ WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Tanner Marsh of Asheboro was named the Player of the Year for Mid-Piedmont Conference baseball.

Gabi Carter had a solid career for Randleman’s volleyball team.

ZooKeepers mark home debut with win

Randolph Record

ASHEBORO — The Asheboro ZooKeepers, a college summer league baseball team, finally got to play a game in their home ballpark. It was a winning endeavor for the ZooKeepers, who topped the visiting Boone Bigfoots 9-6 on Thursday night at McCrary Park. The second game of the Coastal Plain League doubleheader was wiped out during the first inning because of lightning and then rain.

Jared Beebe and Tyler McPeak both smashed two-run home runs in Asheboro’s victory. Beebe also had a run-scoring single, and McPeak provided a two-run double. Ethan Snyder was the winning pitcher.

Post 45 makes most of home action

Randolph Record

ASHEBORO — Randolph County Post 45 won all three games it completed in its first games this year at McCrary Park in Asheboro.

The weekend victories against three different opponents pushed Post 45’s record to 14-1.

With stadium renovations incomplete, the Randolph County team played road games or at Randleman High School in the first few weeks of the season. Then games early last week were rained out.

The three-day event at McCrary Park began with a game with Morgantown (W.Va.) The Post 2 game was suspended by lightning Friday night, with Post 45 up 4-0 in the third inning. The game ultimately ended up being canceled. Post 45 defeated Cleveland County Post 82 by 4-1, with Samuel Asbill logging six innings and Tanner Marsh finishing on the mound in Saturday’s first game. Marsh doubled twice and drove in two runs.

The dramatics came against St. Mary’s (Md.) Post 255 on Sat-

urday night. Braylen Hayes hit a game-winning three-run home run to complete a comeback to lift Post 45 to a 7-4 victory. Post 45 rallied from a 4-1 deficit. The four-run seventh included Hunter Atkins driving in the tying run. Robert Garner was the winning pitcher with three innings of no-hit relief.

On Sunday, Hayes knocked in three runs in a 14-5 triumph against Morgantown. Connor Adams was the winning pitcher. Hayes, Marsh, Atkins, Pierce Leonard and Josh Meadows were all credited with two hits.

On Saturday night at Martinsville, Va., the ZooKeepers split a doubleheader with the Martinsville Mustangs. Asheboro won 3-1 before falling 8-2.

In the victory, Win Scott pitched a complete game in the seven-inning tilt, and Jay Dillard’s two-run single broke a tie.

On Friday night, the ZooKeepers prevailed 11-10 in 10 innings against the High Point-Thomasville HiToms at Finch Field. Jarrett Pokrovsky drove in four runs, Dylan Driver scored three runs, and McPeak had three hits.

The winning at home didn’t last as the Macon Bacon topped the ZooKeepers 6-5 on Sunday night despite McPeak’s home run. The ZooKeepers led 5-3 through six innings.

That result dropped Asheboro’s record to 6-10.

Earlier last week, the ZooKeepers’ final two scheduled games at their temporary home at UNC Greensboro Baseball Stadium were rained out.

After a pair of home dates this week, the ZooKeepers will be back for a July 4 matchup with the Holly Springs Salamanders.

Asheboro’s Jay Dillard reaches second base as the ball skips away from Boone’s Carlos Amezquita during last week’s game at McCrary Park.

The Associated Press

PELLA, Iowa — Kathleen

Evenhouse took a break from her work in the corner of a small-town Iowa coffee shop to slam the federal criminal indictment of Donald Trump as patently political, the work of a U.S. Justice Department she says is awash in hypocrisy.

“I think we’re playing a game as a country,” the 72-year-old author from Pella said in an interview, expressing a sentiment widely shared among conservatives since the former president was charged. “I think that damages any sense of justice or any sense of — should I even bother to vote? Why should I listen to the news? Or why should I care?”

Evenhouse does plan to vote in Iowa’s first-in-the-nation Republican presidential caucuses next year. Despite her anger about Trump’s plight, he will not win her support.

Many voters in early states who will play an outsize role in deciding his political fate agree that he

is being treated unfairly. While there is widespread distrust of the Justice Department and its pursuit of him on charges that he illegally stored classified documents and tried to hide them from federal officials, some voters in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina say Trump has become too damaged to be nominated by his party a third time.

“If you dig a hole and then you have to climb out, it’s going to be harder to do,” Evenhouse said.

“And that’s where I think he is.”

While the double-standard theory may have taken hold among GOP voters in the early states, it’s not clear that such outrage will translate into ballots cast for Trump when voting for president begins next year. It’s not so much that voters have lost affection for Trump, but that the turmoil has become too heavy a burden for some of them to feel he can win.

“Right now I am a Trump supporter,” said 76-year-old Karen Szelest of Indian Land, South Carolina. “However, I think they’re

doing everything they can to have him not run for president of the United States. And I think perhaps, for the betterment of the country, I may vote for somebody else because they keep going after Trump, going after Trump, going after Trump.”

Trump’s challenge will be maintaining that advantage as the legal cases against him proceed. His hope that they will work in his favor is bolstered by Republican-leaning voters such as Kelly White of Indian Land.

“It kind of makes me want to support him more,” she said.

Among the most common counterarguments, there are those people who play down the allegations Trump faces while also pointing to what they see as a double standard — one that has excused, for instance, the email server that former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, a Democrat, kept in the basement of her private residence in New York.

Charges that she mishandled classified documents weren’t pur-

sued by the Justice Department, in part because relevant Espionage Act cases brought over the past century involved alleged efforts to obstruct justice and willful mishandling of classified information. Those factors were not at play in her case, investigators concluded.

At a farmer’s market in Bedford, New Hampshire, Tom Zapora was chatting with friends and snacking on a “tornado potato,” a spiraled, fried potato on a skewer, shortly after Trump’s appearance in court.

“There’s a lot of things going on there, and in my humble opinion, the current president, past presidents, have done as much if not more wrong than he has and they’ve kind of slid under the radar,” said Zapora, a Republican who owns a moving company.

In Pella, a Dutch-themed community of about 10,000 people in Iowa’s Republican-heavy Marion County where Trump received two-thirds of the vote in 2020, the investigation was hardly the most pressing issue on the minds of voters at a campaign event for one of

Trump’s challengers, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott. During a question-and-answer session, it took 40 minutes for the subject of the indictment to come up.

When it did, the questioner ignored the charges against Trump, asking instead about the fairness of the Justice Department.

Standing in the audience of about 200, 58-year-old engineer Gina Singer, who has been a devoted Trump supporter, said the indictment had become a distraction from the serious business of choosing a presidential nominee who can beat Biden next year.

Though she’s bothered by what she sees as a double standard, she is uncertain about whether Trump will be saddled with so much suspicion that she thinks a next-generation candidate may be what’s best for the party.

“I love everything he stands for and I want his policies to be enacted,” Singer said. “But they’ll just keep on going after him. So, I’m looking for someone else. Both things can be true.”

Some Republicans are angry about Donald Trump’s prosecution yet ready to vote for someone else in 2024

Brenda Wood Bowers

October 27, 1947 — June 22, 2023

Brenda Wood Bowers age 75, of Asheboro passed away on June 22, 2023. Brenda was born on October 27, 1947, in Gaffney, South Carolina to Mildred Louise McDaniel.

Mrs. Bowers retired from the US Postal Service. Brenda was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and friend. She loved all her family and especially her canine companion “Scooter”. Brenda enjoyed cooking, going shopping, getting her nails manicured, and was always ready to go out to eat a steak. She was a very thoughtful, forgiving and giving lady!

Mrs. Bowers was preceded in death by her mother and her husband: James Darrell Bowers. She is survived by her sister: Debbie Wood Tracey (Richard); her children: David Glenn Tuttle of Pilot Mountain, Don Jeffrey Tuttle (Jessie) of Seagrove, Dennis Scott Tuttle of Kernersville, and Dena Tuttle Carpenter (Adrian) of Winston Salem; 5 grandchildren: Andrew, Angie, Angel, David, Jr., and Jeffrey; 3 great grandchildren.

Deborah Grove "Debbie" Tucker

November 26, 1952 — June 22, 2023

Deborah “Debbie” Tucker, 70, of Randleman passed away at home on June 22, 2023. Debbie was born on November 26, 1952, in Columbia, SC to Homer and Nora Grove. She was preceded in death by her husband of 41 years, Pete Tucker, as well as her parents and her brother HT Grove. She is survived by her children, son and daughter-in-law, James and Tracy Cox of Winston Salem, NC and daughter and son-inlaw, Amanda and Matt Salmons of Randleman, NC, as well as 3 grandchildren, Thomas and Rebecca Salmons and Aaron Cox. She also leaves behind her best friend of over 44 years, Lagray Matthews and her husband Daniel. She also leaves behind her 3 beloved furbabies, Lucy, Lexi and Elsa.

Debbie was a loving wife, mother and granny. She enjoyed spending time with her kids and grandchildren. Debbie loved her animals Lucy, Lexi and Elsa. She was always known as The Best Dog Mom! Animals won the lottery when they were chosen to live with her. Debbie enjoyed spending her summers camping in the mountains. She enjoyed her many friendships from Raccoon Hollow. She retired from the Randleman ABC store to spend time with her grandkids.

Helen Beatrice Mabe Stamatas

March 19, 1939 — June 20, 2023

Helen Beatrice Mabe Stamatas, 84 completed her earthly journey and went to her heavenly home on Tuesday, June 20, 2023.

Helen was born March 19, 1939 in Reidsville, NC, to Odis William Mabe and Frances “Jackie” Chilton Mabe Evans.

Helen lived her life to the fullest, always striving to fill her 84 years with fun and excitement. She loved animals and was always an energetic and adventurous soul. For a time, she owned and operated her own photography business, traveling to churches in North Carolina and Virginia to take family photographs for individuals and church directories.

At Universal Healthcare, where she spent the last part of her earthly journey, it seemed everyone loved her. Many of the staff would visit her room--just to have her “I love you” brighten up their day.

In addition to her parents, Helen was predeceased by her husband, James Richard “Dick” Stamatas; son, Todd Douglas Schoolfield; sister, Nancy Mabe Hood; and step-father, Larry Curtis “Jimmy” Evans.

Lynn Wiseman

August 8, 1963 - June 26, 2023

Lynn Anthony Wiseman, 59, of Asheboro, passed away Monday, June 26, 2023 at The Randolph Hospice House in Asheboro.

Lynn was born on August 8, 1963 in Moore County. He was a professional painter for 35 years. Lynn was easy going, had a kind heart and would help anyone in need. He never met a stranger, loved to crack jokes and flirt with his nurses. He was very patriotic and loved listening to music, especially Rhythm and Blues, Country and Gospel.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Pauline Talbert Wiseman Reaves; stepfather, Walter S. Reaves; sisters, Janice Sutherland and Shelia Wiseman.

Survivors include his siblings, Patricia Wiseman of Asheboro, Buck Wiseman and wife Sue of Robbins, Lisa Hinson of Asheboro; and several nieces and nephews.

Frances Marie (Staley) Manley

February 4, 1942 ~ June 16, 2023

Frances Marie Staley Manley, age 81 of Liberty, passed away Friday June 16, 2023 at the Randolph Hospice House in Asheboro.

A native of Randolph County, Frances was born February 4, 1942 to the late L. Worth and June Shaver Staley. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brothers Johnny, Jimmy and Albert Staley and sister Marion Staley.

Frances received her education at Liberty High School in Liberty, NC and worked as a weaver at Mastercraft for many years. She spent her career in the textile industry, holding many different positions She was a member of Liberty Grove United Methodist Church and enjoyed spending time with and taking care of her granddaughter.

She leaves to cherish her memory, a son, Douglas Wayne Manley, granddaughter Alexis Manley, sisters Shirley Hufstetler, Linda Burgett, Judy Chamberlin (Frank), Debra Hinshaw (Michael), brother Larry Staley and various nieces and nephews.

Martha Carolyn McGill

November 24, 1937 — June 21, 2023

Martha Carolyn McGill, 85, loving wife of the late Clarence Marvin McGill, devoted mother and grandmother, passed peacefully on June 21, 2023.

After working several years as a professional beautician, Martha became a business owner and operated her own beauty salon in Asheboro. It was during this time that she met and married Clarence, her husband of nearly 34 years. In addition to owning and operating Asheboro Coach Company later known as Carolina American Tours, they opened a retail clothing store adjacent to her salon, Darlyn Fashions. She enjoyed organizing tours and traveling with her husband.

Martha was a loving mother and grandmother who always made holidays, birthdays and other occasions uniquely special. Christmas was her favorite holiday, decorating, cooking and baking all the family’s beloved dishes.

She is survived by her children, daughter Diana Lynch of Greensboro and son Ron Cook (Luz) of Winston Salem, step daughters, Rhonda Routh (Steve) of Franklinville and Phyllis Phillips (Dwight) of Asheboro, grandchildren Keana Massey (David), Derek Routh, Benjamin Routh, Travis Phillips, Mandy Jones, Antoinette Villanueva, Josh McAlister, Bryan Villanueva and Shane Burrow, great grandchildren Jaxson, Emmali, Addisyn, Samuel, Dalton, Noah, Nathan, Adaline and Scarlett, brother Foy Lee West (Beth) of Asheboro, sister Gayenelle Gray (Bob) of Charlotte, nephews Keith West and Rob Gray as well as many other beloved family members. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her mother, Virgie West.

James David "JD" Huffstetler

February 16, 1927 — June 20, 2023

James David Huffstetler “JD”, age 96, of Randleman died Tuesday, June 20th at home with family.

Mr. Huffstetler was born and raised in Stanley, North Carolina. At the age of 18 he was drafted to serve in World War II, where he spent 18 months in Germany. JD was married to the beautiful love of his life, Frances Handsel Huffstetler, for 59 years. He relocated to Randleman where he took the position as plant manager at JP Stevens Incorporated from 1960 to 1983. He was a proud member of First United Methodist Church in Randleman from 1960 to present. JD loved his garden, quail, and deer hunting, watching sports specifically basketball and most of all his family. His most prized possession was his granddaughter, Kali Huffstetler, he was extremely proud of her and loved her very much.

JD is preceded in death by his wife, Frances Huffstetler; parents: Kelly and Ocie Huffstetler; sisters: Iva Lee Ballard and Pauline Williams. He is survived by sons: Kelly and David Huffstetler; daughter: Ann Huffstetler; granddaughter: Kali Huffstetler all of Randleman; sister: Mary Cannon of Stanley.

Helen is survived by daughter, Deborah Schoolfield Kennedy and husband, Dale, of Asheboro, NC; son, Charles E. “Chuck” Schoolfield, Jr. of Pulaski, VA; daughter, Mary Schoolfield Cashatt of McLeansville, NC; grandchildren, Susan Kennedy and husband Shane Culler, Katie Kennedy Odenweller, Chris Kennedy and wife Emily, Jonathan Kennedy, Charles E. Schoolfield III and wife Janessa, Zachary Cashatt and wife Ashley, Andrea Cashatt, Shawn Schoolfield, LeighAnn Schoolfield; fourteen great grandchildren; sisters, Shirley Mabe Kendrick of Graham, NC, Geneva Mabe Speas and husband Ray of Sneads Ferry, NC, Cindy Mabe Hobby of Graham, NC; brother, Russell Leonard Evans of Reidsville, NC; several nieces and nephews and many loving friends and neighbors.

Doris Sheffield Pitts

April 15, 1929 - June 21, 2023

Doris Marie Sheffield Shaw Pitts, 94, of Asheboro, died Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at her home. Born in Guilford County, NC, on April 15, 1929, Doris was the daughter of the late, Neil McDonald Sheffield and Agnes Marie Welch. She was a member of Huldah Baptist Church and was a homemaker.

In addition to her parents, Doris was preceded in death by her husband, Brownie Pitts; daughter, Rhonda Gail Lawrence, son, Bruce Shaw; brothers, Junior Sheffield and Wayne Sheffield. She is survived by her sons, Brian Shaw (Annette) of Holden Beach, Ricky Shaw of Asheboro, Rodney Pitts of Greensboro; sister, Sandra Joines (Buddy) of Asheboro; brother, Sam Sheffield (O'Dene) of Robbins, sister-in-law, Betty Sheffield of Asheboro; seven grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren.

Steven "Marcus" Cheek

May 26, 1975 - June 19, 2023

Steven Marcus Cheek, 48, passed away Monday, June 19, 2023, in West Valley, UT.

Steven was a humble man, one that always put other’s feelings before his. He loved his children and family; to him, his greatest accomplishment was his three beautiful children. He was so proud and supportive of his oldest son, Steven’s, artwork and drawings, posting them online. He was proud of his middle daughter, Sabrina’s, band accomplishments, and his baby girl Simone. We call her Monie, his up and coming actress looking for her name in lights, he will be watching from above. He liked Carolina basketball and as sad as it may seem, he enjoyed driving his truck. He was in the Navy over ten years where he served his country well. He served some time in Hawaii, where he married his wife. Most of all, he spent time with his children when he was off from driving his truck. He was a beautiful son and he called his mom just to say, “are you okay mom?” We would talk for hours while he was driving down the road. I will miss those calls, and his children will miss their father; he will miss their weddings, birthdays and accomplishments.

I know this obituary seems it is about everyone else, but that’s what Steven was to the people mentioned in this obituary, everything. “There is no me without you Mom” was the last text I received from Steven. Little did he know there is no me without him. My heart is broken rest in peace, my son.

Steven was preceded in death by his grandparents, Wilbert and Eula Mae Cheek; uncles, James Cheek, Thomas Cheek, Ray Cheek, Causey Cheek; and aunt, Ollie Day.

He is survived by his children, Steven Cheek, Jr., Sebrina Cheek, Samone, Cheek; mother of his children, Shonda Cheek; mother, Ruby Burnett; stepfather, Charles Staley, Sr.; brother, Charles Staley, Jr.; a host of relatives and friends.

Donald Steven Roark Jr

January 3, 1983 ~ June 14, 2023

Donald “Donny” Steven Roark Jr, 40, passed away Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at Moses Cone Hospital. Born January 3, 1983 in Guilford County, he is the son of Donald Roark Sr and Joyce Crisp Ivan.

Donny grew up in Randleman and graduated from Randleman High School in 2002. He studied Forestry and Wildlife after graduating and later in life, Theology. Donny loved children and enjoyed spending time with his nieces and nephews. He knew his Lord and Savior and is currently walking the streets of gold.

Donny is survived by his father, Donald Roark, Sr. and his wife Tammy of Randleman; mother, Joy Ivan and her husband Steve of Sophia; paternal grandmother, Lela Roark; maternal grandmother, Mary Allen; siblings, Justin Roark and Brittany Roark; aunts and uncles, Janice Hampton, Judy Roark, and David Crisp; as well as a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Billy Ray Crisp, Thomas Allen, and Clinton Roark.

Biden raises cash in San Francisco as he revs up his 2024 campaign

The Associated Press

PALO ALTO, California —

President Joe Biden ramped up his reelection effort last week with four fundraisers in the San Francisco area, as his campaign builds up its coffers and lays strategic foundations for 2024.

By the end of June, Biden’s campaign will have more than 20 fundraisers involving him, Vice President Kamala Harris, first lady Jill Biden and second gentleman Douglas Emhoff, according to a person involved in Biden’s travel plans who insisted on anonymity to discuss the schedule.

More than half of the fundraisers are with the Democratic president, who will be traveling to New York, Maryland and Illinois. The president hit the themes of his campaign at a Friday fundraising event in Connecticut, saying his goal is to do more to tell voters about his legislative accomplishments with infrastructure, computer chip production and programs for responding to climate change, among other policies.

At the first of two California fundraisers, Biden said democracy itself was at stake in the 2024 election and said his administration had reinstilled “a sense of con-

fidence in the Constitution.” The fundraiser at the home of Microsoft chief technology officer Kevin Scott was cohosted by Reid Hoffman, the billionaire cofounder of LinkedIn.

Biden took aim at Alabama Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville for holding up military promotions because of a policy that en-

and Republicans

of US spying practices, an AP-NORC poll finds

The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — As it pushes to renew a cornerstone law that authorizes major surveillance programs, the Biden administration faces an American public that’s broadly skeptical of common intelligence practices and of the need to sacrifice civil liberties for security.

Congress in the coming months will debate whether to extend Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. Section 702 authorizes U.S. spy agencies to collect large amounts of foreign communications for intelligence purposes ranging from stopping spies to listening in on allies and foes. Those collection programs also sweep up U.S. citizen communications that can then be searched by intelligence and law enforcement officers.

The poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows that Democrats and Republicans have similar views on surveillance tactics, while Republicans have become substantially less likely over the last decade to say it’s at least sometimes necessary to sacrifice freedom in response to threats.

U.S. intelligence officials say Section 702 is necessary to protect national security and to counter China, Russia and other adversaries. They credit the program with better informing U.S. diplomats and

enabling operations like last year’s strike to kill a key plotter of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

But officials will have to overcome sharp divisions in Congress and bipartisan anger at the FBI, though most observers still believe Section 702 will be renewed in some form.

Driving a political shift is increasing skepticism among Republican elected officials of the FBI and intelligence agencies. Conservatives have battered the FBI for misleading the primary surveillance court in its investigation into former President Donald Trump campaign’s ties to Russia. Trump and other top Republicans often accuse the so-called government “deep state” of using its powers to target conservatives.

Historically, “the left flank has been the more vocal objector to government surveillance on privacy and civil liberties grounds,” said Carter Burwell, who was chief counsel to Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, when the law was last renewed in early 2018.

“Over the past five or 10 years, with the rise of the libertarian wing of the Republican Party, call it the antigovernment wing of the Republican Party, that is an equally vocal and powerful plurality,” said Burwell, now a lawyer at the firm Debevoise & Plimpton.

The poll asked U.S. adults

sures members of the military still have access to abortions, which were restricted in many states after a Supreme Court ruling last year. “It’s bizarre. I don’t remember it happening before and I’ve been around,” said Biden, 80, who added a joke about his age: “I know I don’t look like I’ve been around a long time.”

whether they support several practices authorized by Section 702. It found that 28% of adults support the government listening to phone calls made outside of the U.S. without a warrant, while 44% oppose the practice. Views are similar about the U.S. reading emails sent between people outside of the U.S. without a warrant.

The public was more receptive to surveillance of activity outside of the U.S. a decade after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. That shifted significantly by the 20th anniversary of the attacks in 2021.

In the latest poll, 48% of Americans this year said they believed it necessary to sacrifice their rights and freedoms to prevent terrorism, down from 54% in 2021 and nearly two-thirds in 2011. That shift was especially dramatic among Republicans, with just 44% saying that’s sometimes necessary compared with 69% in 2011. Among Democrats, 55% still say so, similar to the 59% who said so in 2011.

Sarah Apwisch, a 57-year-old from Three Rivers, Michigan, described herself as somewhat opposed to the monitoring of foreign emails and phone calls. A Democrat, Apwisch said she was “mostly pro-FBI” but concerned after years of negative stories about the bureau.

“Honestly, I don’t want to hear anything about the FBI,” she said. “I want the FBI to go do their business and not be in the news because they’re doing their job well and not doing things that make waves. How they do that, I don’t know.”

Apwisch also said she supports the FBI and other agencies trying to hunt down enemy spies, but was uncertain about whether the FBI should also use foreign intelligence to investigate other U.S. crimes. White adults were somewhat more likely to say they were opposed to various forms of surveillance —

The fundraising blitz follows Biden’s first campaign rally on recently in Philadelphia, where he was endorsed by key unions — the event highlighting a pivotal constituency in the largest population center of a critical battleground state. It was meant as an early display of enthusiasm for Biden’s campaign, and a venue for him to interact directly with voters before he spends much of the rest of the month meeting with deep-pocketed benefactors.

The flurry of engagements comes ahead of the end of the fundraising quarter at the end of the month — and Biden’s campaign finance report in July will provide the first test of Democratic donor enthusiasm for his reelection effort.

Biden, unlike former President Donald Trump and other 2024 GOP contenders, has not revealed any clues about his fundraising haul since declaring his candidacy in April. And his campaign launch was timed to avoid having to file a campaign finance report for the first quarter, a historically rough fundraising period.

For the first time in U.S, elections, Biden has joint fundraising agreements with all 50 state Democratic parties and the branch in

Washington, D.C., an arrangement that can help maximize donations while minimizing expenses in the early months of the campaign. It’s part of a broader effort to unite a diverse Democratic coalition behind Biden as the Republicans undergo what could be a large and divisive primary.

“While MAGA Republicans burn cash in their primary, competing for whose agenda is the most extreme, the president’s campaign will be capitalizing on the opportunity to raise significant resources,” said Biden’s campaign manager Julie C. Rodriguez, referring to Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan.

Separately, Rodriguez is traveling across the U.S. to meet with donors, local officials and community leaders to help align the coalition. Along with other campaign officials, the tour begins in Atlanta and will include Boston, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Los Angeles and St. Louis.

Not all of Biden’s time in San Francisco was devoted to the campaign. He went with Newsom and other officials to the Lucy Evans Baylands Nature Interpretive Center and Preserve in Palo Alto. He toured the coastal wetland area and announced $600 million for projects to address climate change. “These wetlands act as a critical buffer between the rising tides and the communities at risk,” said Biden, calling the preserve a “success story” in ongoing efforts to contain the damage from climate change.

48% said they opposed the government listening to foreign calls without a warrant — than Black or Hispanic adults, each at 34%.

In Congress, some Democrats and Republicans have found common cause over their complaints about Section 702. Two lawmakers earlier this year issued a statement calling for an end to U.S. surveillance without a warrant. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., chairs the liberal Congressional Progressive Caucus, while Rep. Warren Davidson, R-Ohio, is a member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus.

“We must take this opportunity to reform Section 702 and overhaul privacy protections for Americans so that they truly protect the civil rights, civil liberties, and privacy rights that are foundational to our democracy,” Jayapal and Davidson said.

Previous lawmaker efforts to require warrants for searching intelligence databases have failed. Intelligence officials argue they have ramped up training for agents

searching the databases and tightened requirements to consult with lawyers on sensitive queries.

Supporters of Section 702 argue most U.S. adults want the government to stop foreign adversaries even if they state misgivings about how American intelligence operates.

Glenn Gerstell, a former general counsel at the National Security Agency who is advocating for Section 702 to be extended, noted that while Congress has to be responsive to public opinion, “some of this gets pretty technical and isn’t easily understood by the public.”

He said he still believed the law would be renewed with some amendments to bolster civil liberties protections and enshrine into law changes that the FBI has made in response to a series of wrongful uses of foreign intelligence.

“At the end of the day, I think most members of Congress understand the value of the statute and understand that when we don’t have the statute, there is no substitute,” Gerstell said.

Democrats

are skeptical

AP PHOTO

A sign outside the National Security Administration campus in Fort Meade, Md., is seen.

AP PHOTO

President Joe Biden speaks at the Lucy Evans Baylands Nature Interpretive Center and Preserve in Palo Alto, Calif., Monday, June 19, 2023.

HOKE COUNTY

Summer chicken sale

The Hoke County GOP held its summer chicken sale in the field next to Rockfish Speedway last Saturday. Rockfish Church Trail Life USA kids and parents helped distribute 434 cases of chicken (17,370 lbs) and donate $1,300 to the Open Door Soup Kitchen of Hoke County. This group effort helped provide meals for those in need in our community.

COUNTY NEWS

Fall Parks & Recreation registration open until July 7

Fall registration for Parks and Recreation is still open. Registration for football, soccer, volleyball, and cheerleading will close on July 7, 2023.

Hoke County Parks and Recreation provides a variety of athletics and programs for children to participate in that include baseball, softball, football, and summer camp. It also puts on various events for the community, such as the Autism Walk, Color Run, and Breakfast with Santa. In addition, Parks and Recreation provides parks and community buildings that are available to be rented for your family or business special events. To register for any fall sports programs, please visit https://www.hokecounty. net/161/Parks-Recreation.

Skydive Paraclete

XP to host Independence Day Celebration

Skydive Paraclete XP will be holding an Independence Day Celebration on Sunday July 3, 2023. Bring the family along with some chairs and blankets, as the Paraclete XP crew will be hosting a fireworks show following sunset. This event is free and open to the public, family friendly, and open all day. PK’s Bar & Grill will be open along with food trucks and festivities for attendees to enjoy. Mark your calendars and be sure to enjoy skydiving, food, and fun this Fourth of July.

Senator Budd votes to advance FY 2024 NDAA, secures pay raise for servicemembers and construction funding for installations

North State Journal

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Ted Budd (R-NC), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, voted to advance the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to the Senate Floor.

Budd secured a 5.2% pay raise for North Carolina servicemembers and their families, as well as nearly $400 million for construction at North Carolina’s military installations.

Budd also led the effort to ensure this year’s NDAA sends a strong message that reduction to special operations force structure should not be considered given the vital and increasing role special operations forces play in strategic competition, in addition to conducting counter-terrorism operations and responding to no-notice crises.

“As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I know how much North Carolina contributes to America’s strength on the world state,” said Budd in a press statement. “The Old North State has a proud tradition of supporting our

military, and it is my honor to vote for an NDAA that supports North Carolina’s servicemembers, their families, and our military installations. This year’s package also helps the United States confront the Chinese Communist Party, invests in American manufacturing, and secures critical supply chains. I will continue working to get this important bill across the finish line and signed into law.”

The package contained several notable benefits for North Carolina, including the following:

** 5.2% pay raise for service members and their families.

** The authorization of $398.9 million in military construction, planning and design funding for state military installations including:

*** Fort Liberty, formerly Fort Bragg ($165 million total)

*** Camp Lejeune ($110 million total)

*** Cherry Point (109.5 million total)

*** $12 million to complete the Army Reserve Center in Asheville

*** $2.2 million to complete the planning and design of the North Carolina National Guard’s

Aviation Support Facility in Salisbury.

** Expresses a Sense of the Senate that reductions to special operations force structure should not be considered. Such cuts would have a negative impact on North Caroline communities surrounding Fort Liberty and Camp Lejeune.

** Amends Section 150 of the FY2022 NDAA to include an accounting of remaining service life, upgrades, and other modifications made to each F-15 as part of a report required before divesting aircraft, including F-15E’s at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.

** Amends Section 1230fb of Title 10 to ensure National Guardsmen, Reservists, and families receive pre-mobilization health benefits without delay in the event the president’s budget is delivered late to Congress.

The package also contained several national priorities, including the following:

** Deterring China and Russia

*** Authorizes the full budget request for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative and the European Deterrence Initiative.

Commissioners approve updated name for Rockfish Park

Public hearing for budget held

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

RAEFORD – The Hoke County

Board of Commissioners met Tuesday, June 20, with a public hearing for the FY 2023-24 budget and a handful of community updates on the agenda.

The board kicked off the meeting by holding a public hearing for the county’s FY 2023-24 budget ordinance, however, no speakers came forth and so the commissioners promptly closed it.

“I think that speaks to the work that our staff has done, so I want to take the time to thank the Coun-

ty Manager for their leadership in putting together a budget for this county,” said Chairman Allen Thomas, Jr. “The fact that people are not lined up out the door speaking about the budget, I believe, shows that they are pleased with the direction this county is going in.”

The budget is still continuing to be worked on and will be up for final approval next month.

The board also approved the renaming of Rockfish Park to The Rockfish Community Park.

“I’ve been approached by some of the folks in Rockfish and especially Larry Chason, and they requested that we make this change,” said Commissioner Bobby Wright.

“I don’t have any problems with it, and if I make somebody happy, I’m

happy for them.”

“With the work that the Maintenance Department is doing to it, it looks real good,” said Commissioner James Leach. “I think it’s great to name it The Rockfish Community Park. We need to get a sign to put in the park side of it like it is on the house side of it.”

The rest of the board mirrored the sentiment and directed staff to look into getting a proper sign for the park.

County Manager Letitia Edens also stated that the finance department reported a revenue of over $18,000 as a result of the Dixie Youth State Softball Tournament that Hoke County hosted for the first time in 17 years.

The Hoke County Board of Commissioners will next meet July 3.

*** Modernizes our nuclear arsenal to ensure the United States maintains strategic deterrence against potential adversaries.

*** Authorizes $1.9 billion to fully fund the next amphibious transport dock, LPD-33 despite the Biden Administration leaving it out of the budget request.

*** Authorizes multiyear procurement of 10 Virginia-class submarines including long lead time materials to save the taxpayers’ money.

*** Authorizes an increase of $190 million to support continued development of the nuclear-armed sea-launched cruise missile despite the Biden Administration’s attempt to kill the program.

*** Requires a report on the feasibility and advisability of establishing a quantum computing innovation center within the Department of Defense (DOD).

*** Improves DOD’s ability to build the capabilities of foreign security forces.

** Boosting U.S. Manufacturing and Securing Supply Chains

*** Directs the DOD to make

See BUDD, page 2

WEDNESDAY JUNE 28 HI 8 5° LO 62 ° PRECIP 3% THURSDAY JUNE 29 HI 8 3° LO 63° PRECIP 22% FRIDAY JUNE 30 HI 8 5° LO 61° PRECIP 1 8% SATURDAY JULY 1 HI 8 5° LO 65° PRECIP 2 3% SUNDAY JULY 2 HI 80° LO 65° PRECIP 5 8% MONDAY JULY 3 HI 82° LO 65° PRECIP 4 3% TUESDAY JULY 4 HI 80° LO 6 4° PRECIP 39%

♦ Wilson, Edward Milton (B/M/71), DV Protective Order Viol, 06/26/2023, Hoke County Sheriff’s Office

♦ Dimattia, Anthony Lewis (I/M/21), B&E Felony, 06/26/2023, Hoke County Sheriff’s Office

♦ Klack, Jason Ryan (W/M/28), Assault on a Female, 06/25/2023, Hoke County Sheriff’s Office

♦ Woods, Chalcy Temple (I/F/27), Shoplifting Concealment Goods, 06/24/2023, Hoke County Sheriff’s Office

♦ Hammonds, Meagan (I/F/43), Larceny of a Firearm, 06/24/2023, Hoke County Sheriff’s Office

♦ Owen, Tameca Chaquita (B/F/44), Trafficking in Methamphetamine, 06/21/2023, Hoke County Sheriff’s Office

versary air platform development.

** Requires the Army to update its tactical wheeled vehicle strategy every 5 years.

*** Authorizes $5 million to scale new technologies for titanium metal powder production.

*** Recognizes the importance of domestic production, processing and refining of strategic and critical materials necessary for defense requirements such as niobium, tantalum, and scandium, which predominantly come from non-allied foreign countries.

Senator Budd also championed the following additional provisions:

** Establishes a Foreign Military Sales Center of Excellence to improve the training and education of personnel engaged in foreign military sales planning and execution.

** Directs DOD to brief Congress on efforts to facilitate the use of the foreign military sales process to deliver non-program of record defense articles and services to allies and partners.

** Authorizes $10 million to accelerate semiautonomous ad-

** Directs DOD to submit a plan to fully deploy internet operations management program DOD-wide and integrate a security orchestration and automation capability into the program to better secure DOD networks.

** Directs DOD to submit an implementation plan for Thunderdome Zero Trust Architecture to better secure DOD networks.

** Authorizes co-development and co-production of Iron Dome, David Sling, and other missile defense efforts with Israel.

** Directs DOD to develop a strategy for improved integrated maritime domain awareness and interdiction capabilities to counter seaborne threats in the Middle East.

The NDAA must still pass the Senate, conference with the House of Representatives, and final passage, as well as receive the President’s signature to become law. Senator Budd will continue to fight for these provisions throughout the legislative and appropriations process.

H H H H H

VOTE BOYLES JOHNNY

#1 Police Department, all our hard working Fire Departments and loyal First Responders. Our city is especially blessed to have these hardworking folks.”

work together to keep our city moving in the right direction.

PLEASE

H

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

There is no short path back to institutional credibility

Scientists decided to promote garbage while hiding behind their credentials.

Institutional trust is built over the course of years. Decades. Centuries.

Dishonesty takes just a moment to destroy institutional trust.

This week, Dr. Peter Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine and professor of molecular virology at Baylor College of Medicine, got into a spat with podcaster Joe Rogan and presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Hotez has a long-standing feud over vaccine efficacy and safety with RFK Jr., who has long been a proponent of the scientifically unverified theory that childhood vaccines cause autism; RFK Jr., appearing on Rogan’s podcast, tore into Hotez. Hotez responded by accusing Rogan of spreading “misinformation” — to which Rogan quite properly responded that if Hotez wished to rebut that “misinformation” in debate with RFK Jr. on his show, he’d be happy not only to host but to contribute $100,000 to a charity of Hotez’s choice. Hotez refused the invite. He then appeared on MSNBC, where he explained, “Anti-vaccine disinformation... is now a lethal force in the United States.

I offered to go on Joe Rogan but not to turn it into the Jerry Springer show with having RFK Jr. on.”

This is still a free country; no one is obligated to debate anyone else. But Hotez essentially argues that his credentials excuse him from having to defend his case publicly in debate. In the past, there might have been something to that: Few would have expected a virologist to debate, say, Jenny McCarthy, even 20 years ago, for better or worse. Why? Because the scientific community could point to decades

of success in health outcomes — longer, healthier lives and fewer childhood diseases among them. The scientists acted as scientists, predominantly worried about following evidence and producing functional solutions to human problems.

Then the scientists decided to promote garbage while hiding behind their credentials. They claimed that men could be women; that universal masking would stop the spread of COVID-19; that schools had to be closed to stop mass death from COVID-19 among children, and that at the same time, protesters on behalf of “racial justice” could safely congregate in close proximity; that the COVID-19 vaccine would stop transmission; that capitalism had to be curbed to stop global warming. They used the credibility of science to preach political nonsense.

And in just a few years, the credibility gained by our scientific institutions has completely eroded. Just 41% of Americans now say that they believe the Centers for Disease Control are doing an excellent or good job. That distrust is entirely earned, given the CDC’s egregiously awful performance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

All of this means that those who purport to speak in the name of science — the same people who have used that label to avoid debate — must now wade back into the arena. They simply don’t have the credibility to demand the trust of the public. It’s time to earn it.

Taxation without representation

The biggest problem for Hoke County animals is lack of program development including a robust spay/ neuter program.

MANY PEOPLE IN POWER have a habit of funding and supporting the programs and initiatives that they care about and which will make them look good in the eyes of their voters. They want to get re-elected. They become blind to the actual needs of the community, and they focus their attention on vanity projects and quick attention-grabbing schemes. Citizens with other concerns, no matter how valid, slowly give up. A bold few continue the fight often looking for creative ways to draw attention to the issues that are being neglected by elected leaders.

Hoke County is a prime example of this unfortunate abuse of power.

To those of us who do not feel represented or heard by our elected leaders, listen up. Our civil rights are being violated. We are being subjected to “taxation without representation.”

Sounds harsh, but it is true. When Hoke County’s Allen Thomas rebukes citizens for speaking out on issues that do not matter to him or his commissioners, that is an abuse of power. We cannot sit by and let this continue. We pay taxes that fund the projects and payrolls in Hoke County.

Our words matter.

The National Constitution Center describes the phrase “taxation without representation” as “a populace that is required to pay taxes to a government

authority without having any say in that government’s policies.” The term has its origin in a slogan of the American colonists against their British rulers: “Taxation without representation is tyranny.” Sounds just like Hoke County. One of the issues that hits close to home for me is animal welfare or lack of it in Hoke County. We pay taxes to fund the shelter and the animal control operations, yet calls to animal control go unanswered and the girls taking care of the animals are severely overworked and close to being burned out. We should all care about that. Their mental health is important. Let’s get them some help. There is a huge shift in animal welfare across the state. People are stepping up and demanding more from their elected leaders. It starts with a desire to do better and to fund programs that actually make a difference. It takes hard work and not lazy management. It takes transparency and including all community stakeholders in the decisionmaking processes. It takes allowing the passionate activists to have a seat at the table.

The biggest problem for Hoke County animals, from the eyes of those working in the trenches, is lack of program development including a robust spay/ neuter program. The girls working at the shelter do an incredible job, but they

cannot do it all. It takes leadership and effective management from those in charge and the people holding the purse strings. It takes standardized procedures and agency policies, not vague or discretionary strategies.

Our elected leaders need to address the animal welfare problem in Hoke County. Let’s start with participation in the state spay/neuter reimbursement program. Tier 1 counties receive 70100% reimbursement. Yes, there is paperwork involved including reporting shelter data like intake and euthanasia rates, but access to low cost spay/neuter has been proven to be one of the biggest factors in reducing pet overpopulation.

When school starts back this fall, we should hope that the Pet Responsibility Program is active in fifth grade classrooms across our county. Proven to be successful and costing very little, the only reason this initiative is not in our schools is irresponsible and selfish leadership. Please continue to speak up. Be bold. Other counties have succeeded. We can too.

Animal welfare is not the only issue not being addressed appropriately by Hoke County. We the people are the ones that need to take back our county. Speak up. Write letters. Form a community group. Take legal action. Be part of the solution to the issues that are important to you.

Ben Shapiro, 39, is a graduate of UCLA and Harvard Law School, host of “The Ben Shapiro Show,” and co-founder of Daily Wire+.

COLUMN | BEN SHAPIRO

COLUMN | MELISSA SWARBRICK

SIDELINE REPORT

MLB Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman gets his 2,000th hit

Los Angeles Los Angeles Dodgers first

baseman Freddie Freeman got his 2,000th career hit. He reached the milestone in the eighth inning Sunday night with his second double in a 6-5 loss in 11 innings to the Houston Astros. Freeman’s sharp line drive to right field drove in Mookie Betts and made him the 295th player in major league history to reach the mark. Freeman was playing in his 1,801 game, becoming the seventh player to reach 2,000 hits as a member of the Dodgers. The 33-yearold Freeman spent his first 12 seasons with Atlanta, joining the Dodgers as a free agent before last season.

NASCAR

Edwards 1st inductee into Nashville’s new Legends Plaza

Lebanon, Tenn.

Carl Edwards became the first driver inducted into the Nashville Superspeedway’s new Legends Plaza. Edwards, a six-time winner on this track, was inducted Sunday before the Ally 400 in the third Cup race at the 1.33-mile, D-shaped oval concrete track. Edwards was named one of NASCAR’s top 75 drivers earlier this year despite retiring in 2016 at the age of 36 with 28 career Cup Series’ victories. He called this more than an honor on a track he called very tough. Not for Edwards, who finished in the top 10 of 12 of his 13 Xfinity Series events at the track.

SOCCER

Chelsea’s Koulibaly is latest soccer star headed to Saudi Arabia

London Kalidou Koulibaly has become the latest soccer star to head to Saudi Arabia after joining AlHilal from Chelsea on a threeyear contract. The Senegal international has followed in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante by opting to play in the lucrative Saudi Pro League. The 32-year-old center back only spent a year at Chelsea after signing from Napoli last summer on a fouryear contract. Financial details of the Saudi deal were not revealed. Al-Hilal is Saudi’s most successful team. It also recently signed Portugal international Ruben Neves from Wolverhampton.

Chris Paul traded again, this time to Warriors

Jordan Poole will go to the Wizards

The Associated Press CHRIS PAUL’S PURSUIT of an NBA championship is taking him to the Golden State. The Warriors have agreed to the framework of a trade last week y that will send Jordan Poole to the Washington Wizards, according to a person with knowledge of the matter.

The trade also includes a package of draft capital, said the person, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the trade has not been finalized and approved by the NBA. ESPN first reported the agreement was struck by the teams.

The Wizards agreed to acquire Paul — a Winston-Salem native and former Wake Forest star

— from Phoenix the week before in the deal that sent Bradley Beal from Washington to the Suns. Paul had two of his title-hope seasons thwarted by the Warriors. In 2018, Paul and the Houston Rockets had a 3-2 series lead in the Western Conference finals before he got hurt, missed the final two games and Golden State prevailed — and later won the NBA title. And in 2019, the Warriors beat Paul and the Rockets again, that time in the West semifinals before ultimately falling to Toronto in the NBA Finals.

The move could also provide the Warriors with financial flexibility in future seasons. Poole is about to begin a four-year, $128 million deal. Paul is due about $31 million this coming season and has nothing guaranteed after that.

It may usher in something totally new and different for Paul — a

1,363

Career regular season and playoff games Chris Paul

bench role.

He has appeared in 1,214 regular-season games and another 149 in the playoffs, and he has started every single one of them. But it obviously seems unlikely that he would supplant guards Stephen Curry or Klay Thompson in Golden State’s starting lineup.

So at 38 years old and about to enter his 19th NBA season, Paul could find himself in a new position. But there is an obvious tradeoff, since

the Warriors will almost certainly be considered a title-contender going into next season after winning four championships in the last decade — and Paul has never gotten his championship. He went to the NBA Finals with Phoenix in 2021, but the Suns blew a 2-0 series lead and lost to Milwaukee in six games.

The 12-time All-Star averaged 13.9 points and 8.9 assists this past season for Phoenix.

Poole, who turned 24 earlier this week, joins a Washington team now fully in the midst of a complete rebuild. He averaged 20.4 points this past season, one that began with Golden State veteran Draymond Green punching Poole at practice during training camp before taking a brief leave of absence from the team. Green is set to become a free agent, one that the Warriors want to retain.

AP PHOTO

After being traded from the Suns to the Wizards, Chris Paul is on the move again with a deal in place to send him to the Warriors for Jordan Poole.

Ross Chastain holds off Martin Truex Jr. to win at Nashville

The

Trackhouse Racing driver picked up his third career win

The Associated Press

LEBANON, Tenn. — Ross Chastain held off Martin Truex Jr. and won the Ally 400 at Nashville Superspeedway on Sunday night, his third career NASCAR Cup Series victory. It was Chastain’s first win since Talladega in April 2022, and he drove his Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet to the team’s first victory this year at its home track. Chastain had started on the pole for the first time in his career.

Chastain entered fourth in the season points race and wound up leading a race-high 100 laps at the 1.33-mile, D-shaped concrete oval. That included the final 34 laps as the 30-year-old had to weave by some slower traffic to hold off Truex by 0.789 seconds.

The driver known as “Melon Man” celebrated clinching a playoff berth with a burnout before smashing a watermelon onto the start-finish line.

“I had a group that believed in me and they didn’t let me get down,” Chastain said after the race. “They bring rocket ships and I just try to point them to Victory Lane”

Truex led 50 laps as the season points leader tried to string together back-to-back wins. He won at Sonoma going into NASCAR’s lone break in the 38-race season.

Truex finished ahead of Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Denny Hamlin, both in Toyotas. Chase Elliott was fourth and Hendrick Motorsports teammate Kyle Larson was fifth.

Tyler Reddick started beside Chastain on the front row and won the first stage.

As they began the second stage, Truex went three-wide at the front with Chastain and William Byron for some thrilling racing on a track known for having boring competition for years after opening in

2001.

The third caution of the race came on lap 146 on the restart on the frontstretch as Ryan Blaney crashed head-on into an interior wall after being tapped from behind by Kyle Busch with Alex Bowman also involved. Blaney walked out of the infield care center after what he called the hardest hit of his life.

Blaney said he checked up on the restart and got hit from be-

hind, then he couldn’t get his Ford straightened up after hitting the grass. He called it “pretty ridiculous” there was no SAFER barrier on the infield wall.

“Stinks going home early,” Blaney said.

Stewart-Haas Racing made a flurry of crew chief changes Tuesday before this weekend at Nashville, and Chase Briscoe was reunited with Richard Boswell, who guided him to eight Xfinity Se-

ries wins between 2018 and 2020.

Boswell had been crew chief for SHR’s No. 98 Xfinity team with Riley Herbst. Briscoe finished 31st.

Bubba Wallace made his 200th Cup Series start, looking to add to his two career wins and 15 top fives. He started ninth in the No. 23 Toyota for 23XI Racing and finished 15th.

NASCAR next heads to downtown Chicago for a street course race on July 2.

“They bring rocket ships and I just try to point them to Victory Lane”

Ross Chastain on his Trackhouse Racng team

Ross Chastain picked up his first Cup Series win of the season and third of his career on Sunday at Nashville Superspeedway.

The Associated Press PELLA, Iowa — Kathleen Evenhouse took a break from her work in the corner of a smalltown Iowa coffee shop to slam the federal criminal indictment of Donald Trump as patently political, the work of a U.S. Justice Department she says is awash in hypocrisy.

“I think we’re playing a game as a country,” the 72-year-old author from Pella said in an interview, expressing a sentiment widely shared among conservatives since the former president was charged. “I think that damages any sense of justice or any sense of — should I even bother to vote? Why should I listen to the news? Or why should I care?”

Evenhouse does plan to vote in Iowa’s first-in-the-nation Republican presidential caucuses next year. Despite her anger about Trump’s plight, he will not win her support.

Many voters in early states who will play an outsize role in deciding his political fate agree that he is being treated unfairly. While there is widespread distrust of the Justice Department and its pur-

suit of him on charges that he illegally stored classified documents and tried to hide them from federal officials, some voters in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina say Trump has become too damaged to be nominated by his party a third time.

“If you dig a hole and then you have to climb out, it’s going to be harder to do,” Evenhouse said.

“And that’s where I think he is.”

While the double-standard theory may have taken hold among GOP voters in the early states, it’s not clear that such outrage will translate into ballots cast for Trump when voting for president begins next year. It’s not so much that voters have lost affection for Trump, but that the turmoil has become too heavy a burden for some of them to feel he can win.

“Right now I am a Trump supporter,” said 76-year-old Karen Szelest of Indian Land, South Carolina. “However, I think they’re doing everything they can to have him not run for president of the United States. And I think perhaps, for the betterment of the country, I may vote for somebody else because they keep going after Trump, going after Trump, going

after Trump.”

Trump’s challenge will be maintaining that advantage as the legal cases against him proceed. His hope that they will work in his favor is bolstered by Republican-leaning voters such as Kelly White of Indian Land.

“It kind of makes me want to support him more,” she said.

Among the most common counterarguments, there are those people who play down the allegations Trump faces while also pointing to what they see as a double standard — one that has excused, for instance, the email

server that former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, a Democrat, kept in the basement of her private residence in New York.

Charges that she mishandled classified documents weren’t pursued by the Justice Department, in part because relevant Espionage Act cases brought over the past century involved alleged efforts to obstruct justice and willful mishandling of classified information. Those factors were not at play in her case, investigators concluded.

At a farmer’s market in Bedford, New Hampshire, Tom Zapora was chatting with friends and snacking on a “tornado potato,” a spiraled, fried potato on a skewer, shortly after Trump’s appearance in court.

“There’s a lot of things going on there, and in my humble opinion, the current president, past presidents, have done as much if not more wrong than he has and they’ve kind of slid under the radar,” said Zapora, a Republican who owns a moving company.

In Pella, a Dutch-themed community of about 10,000 people in Iowa’s Republican-heavy Marion County where Trump received

two-thirds of the vote in 2020, the investigation was hardly the most pressing issue on the minds of voters at a campaign event for one of Trump’s challengers, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott. During a question-and-answer session, it took 40 minutes for the subject of the indictment to come up.

When it did, the questioner ignored the charges against Trump, asking instead about the fairness of the Justice Department.

Standing in the audience of about 200, 58-year-old engineer Gina Singer, who has been a devoted Trump supporter, said the indictment had become a distraction from the serious business of choosing a presidential nominee who can beat Biden next year.

Though she’s bothered by what she sees as a double standard, she is uncertain about whether Trump will be saddled with so much suspicion that she thinks a next-generation candidate may be what’s best for the party.

“I love everything he stands for and I want his policies to be enacted,” Singer said. “But they’ll just keep on going after him. So, I’m looking for someone else. Both things can be true.”

The Associated Press

NEW YORK — After three years, the pandemic-era freeze on student loan payments will end soon. Student loan interest will start accruing on September 1 and payments are starting in October.

It might seem tempting to just keep not making payments, but the consequences can be severe, including a hit to your credit score and exclusion from future aid and benefits.

More than 40 million Americans will have to start making federal student loan payments again at the end of the summer under the terms of a debt ceiling deal approved by Congress.

That means tough decisions for many borrowers, especially those in already-difficult financial situations. Experts say that delinquency and bankruptcy should be options of last resort, and that deferment and forbearance — which pause payments, though interest may continue to accrue — are often better in the short term.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T MAKE STUDENT LOAN PAYMENTS?

Once the moratorium ends, borrowers who can’t or don’t pay risk delinquency and eventually default. That can badly hurt your credit rating and make you ineligible for additional aid and government benefits.

If you’re struggling to pay, advisers first encourage you to check if you qualify for an income-driven repayment plan, which determines your payments by looking

at your expenses. You can determine this by visiting the Federal Student Aid website. If you’ve worked for a government agency or a non-profit organization, you could also be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which forgives student debt after 10 years.

Carolina Rodriguez, Director of the Education Debt Consumer Assistance Program at the Community Service Society of New York, emphasizes that anyone temporarily unemployed should be able to qualify for a $0 payment plan. And many others qualify based on income and family size.

“The repercussions of falling into delinquency can be pretty severe,” Rodriguez said. “The federal government can administratively intercept tax refunds and garnish wages. And it can affect Social Security, retirement, and disability benefits. Does it make financial sense at that point? Probably not.”

Rodriguez says her organization always advises against deferment or forbearance except once a borrower has exhausted all other options. In the long term, those financial choices offer little benefit, as some loans will continue to accrue interest while deferred.

Abby Shafroth, senior attorney and director of the Student Loan Borrower Assistance Project at the National Consumer Law Center, said that, of the two, deferment is generally a better option.

That’s because interest generally does not accrue on Direct Subsidized Loans, the subsidized portion of Direct Consolidation Loans, Subsidized Federal Stafford Loans, the subsidized portion

of FFEL Consolidation Loans, and Federal Perkins Loans. All other federal student loans that are deferred will continue to accrue interest.

“Forbearance allows you to postpone payments without it being held against you, but interest does accrue. So you’re going to see your balance increase every month.”

WHAT ABOUT DECLARING BANKRUPTCY?

For most student loan borrowers, it’s still very difficult to have your loans discharged, or canceled, through bankruptcy. Borrowers must prove a very hard standard of financial circumstances, called “undue hardship.”

“That doesn’t mean people shouldn’t look into it,” Rodriguez said. “But they may not be successful at discharging their loans.”

For borrowers who show that level of financial strain, chances are they have other options, Rodriguez said.

She advises that borrowers make sure they are speaking to a bankruptcy attorney who understands student loan bankruptcy, which requires a different proceeding than other types of bankruptcy.

Shafroth, of the NCLC, says that new guidance on student loan bankruptcy has been coming out in recent years.

“Though it is difficult to get your loans discharged through the bankruptcy process, an increasing number of borrowers are eligible to get their loans discharged that way,” she said. “A lot of people write that off as ‘there’s

no way,’ it’s impossible.’ But it’s increasingly possible.”

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A LOAN GOES INTO DEFAULT?

When you fall behind on a loan by 270 days — roughly 9 months — the loan appears on your credit report as being in default.

“At that point, it’s not just behind, it’s in collections,” Shafroth said. “That’s when you become ineligible to take out new federal student aid. A lot of people go into default because they weren’t able to complete their degree the first time. This prevents them from going back to school.”

Once a loan is in default, it’s subject to the collection processes mentioned above. That means the government can garnish wages (without a court order) to go towards paying back the loan, intercept tax refunds, and seize portions of Social Security checks and other benefit payments.

WHAT ARE OTHER OPTIONS IF I CAN’T

MAKE PAYMENTS?

Shafroth said that many borrowers may still be eligible to have loans canceled via a patchwork of programs outside of the Biden administration’s proposed debt relief program.

“If your school closed before you could complete your program, you’re eligible for relief. If your school lied to you or misrepresented the outcome of what your enrolling would be, you can file a borrower defense application, and request your loan be canceled on that basis,” she said. “If you have a disability, you can sometimes

have your loans canceled on that basis.”

Shafroth encourages borrowers to look at the Student Aid website to see what their options might be before missing payments.

WHAT IF MY LOANS WERE IN DEFAULT BEFORE MARCH 2020?

Under the Biden administration’s Fresh Start program, borrowers with federal student loans who were in default before the pause have a chance to become current.

Borrowers who were in default will not be subject to collection processes or have wages garnished through about August 2024, or roughly one year after the payment freeze ends. These borrowers have also been granted permission to apply for federal student loans again, to complete degrees. Lastly, these defaulted loans are now being reported to credit bureaus as current.

That said, borrowers must take action if they want to stay out of default after this year-long leniency period ends.

To eliminate your record of default, you should contact the Education Department’s Default Resolution Group online, by phone, or by mail, and ask the group to take the loans out of default via the Fresh Start policy. In four to six weeks, any record of default will be removed from your credit report, and the loans will be placed with a loan servicer. This will also give you access to income-driven repayment plans and Public Service Loan Forgiveness, if applicable.

“There’s a lot of things going on there, and in my humble opinion, the current president, past presidents, have done as much if not more wrong than he has and they’ve kind of slid under the radar.”

Tom Zapora

Some Republicans are angry about Donald Trump’s prosecution yet ready to vote for someone else in 2024

It’s almost time to resume student loan payments. Not doing so could cost you

Clayton Howell Buoyer

May 8, 1926 ~ June 23, 2023

Clayton Howell Buoyer, age 97, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 23, 2023. He was born in Raeford to the late John Duncan Buoyer and Sallie Clyde Howell. Clayton was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 44 years, Janet Cornwell Buoyer, as well as his sisters Katie Margaret Childress, Bennie Lee Melvin, Hattie Marie Sacca, Myrtle Blackmon, and his brother Earl Duncan Buoyer. He is survived by his three children: Lewis Duncan Buoyer (Ellen), Frances McDermott (Paul), and Mary Lynn Larson (Steve), along with eight grandchildren and one greatgrandchild.

During his youth, Clayton found joy in playing baseball and swimming in Rockfish Creek. After high school, Clayton enlisted in the U.S. Army and served during World War II in Europe. His unit was part of the historic meeting of the Russian Red Army at the Elbe River in Germany. Following his military service, he worked at Raeford Oil, McDonald’s Tire Recapping and dedicated many years of his life managing Raeford Salvage Company while also owning and operating Buoyer Bait & Tackle Shop for a period.

Linda Faye Melton

September 28, 1952 ~ June 23, 2023

Linda Faye Hayes Melton, of Raeford, NC passed away on June 23, 2023, at the age of 70.

Linda was born in Scotland County, NC on September 28, 1952, to the late James Woodrow Hayes and Ethel Freeman Hayes.

She was preceded in death by her siblings, Edward “Ches” Hayes, Helen H. King, Charles Linwood Hayes, and Jerry Hayes; and one granddaughter, Jessica Melton. She was employed in the banking business and the Hoke County school systems.

Linda is survived by her brother, David Hayes (Patricia), of Red Springs; Grandsons, Scott Melton (Brittany) of Red Springs, Joey Melton (Sierra) of Raeford; greatgrandchildren, Aiden and Peyton Melton of Red Springs and Mason Melton of Raeford; and two sisters in law, Sara Hayes of St. Pauls, and Lawanna Hayes, of Raeford.

John T. Bundy

July 26, 1938 ~ June 21, 2023

Mr. John T. Bundy, of Raeford NC, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at the age of 84.

John was born in Hoke County, NC on July 26, 1938, to the late Lonnie and Lena Bundy.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Geraldine Bundy. John is survived by his children, Judy Britt (David), and Ronald Bundy (Kim); grandchildren, Josh Whitaker (Stephanie), Amanda Hettler, Austin Bundy, and Shaunna Bundy; and five great-grandchildren, Lilyanna Whitaker, Aryah Whitaker, Jeremyah Whitaker, Elijah McCrae, and Josiah Turner; and one sister Jean Shepley.

James Michael Ray

April 20, 1961 ~ June 9, 2023

(RET) SGM J. Michael Ray retired from this life at the age of 62 after a long battle with ALS. Mike was born in Louisville, Kentucky on April 20th, 1961, to the late James Pryce Ray and Ava Nell Ray.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Jewel Nevaeh Ray.

He is survived by his loving wife, Deanna Lynne Ray, of 34 years; two children, Jennifer Lynne Ray (Keshon) and James Joshua Ray of Louisville, Kentucky; three grandchildren, Madison Brooke Ray (Nicholas), Aniyah Kay Gill and James Michael Ray; one greatgrandchild, Lakelyn Rae Mahoney.

Mike retired from the U.S Army after 21 plus years of service. He served in Operation Just Cause and Operation Desert Shield/ Storm. His first duty station was at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He then spent time abroad at Incirlik Air Base in Turkey. He was then stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington before he spent the last fifteen years of his military service in 1st SFOD-D at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. His military decorations include two Defense Meritorious Service Medals, two Meritorious Service Medals, three Army Commendation Awards, the Southwest Asia Service Medal with one Bronze Star, Master Parachutist Badge and Air Assault Badge.

Bill R. James

June 1, 1946 ~ June 16, 2023

Bill R. James of Holden Beach and formerly of Raeford died in First Health Moore Regional HospitalHoke Campus on June 16, 2023.

Bill was born on June 01, 1946, in Anderson, SC to the late Joseph R. James and Myrtie Angeline Herring James.

After high school, Bill served in the United States Army from July 1965 through July 1968 and was awarded the following medals and badges: Parachutist Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Air Medal, and Purple Heart.

Later, Bill attended UNC Pembroke and retired from Ingersoll Rand before he and his wife Diane retired to Holden Beach in 2006. There they settled easily into the area’s active coastal retirement community. They became advocates in support of senior issues and joined organizations whose missions address the rights of seniors to live their lives with purpose, independence, dignity, good health, and happiness.

Also, Bill was a faithful member of United Vision Pentecostal Church in Shallotte until declining health intervened. He was truly a man of immense faith who read his bible daily, attended church regularly, prayed for others as well as for God’s guidance and forgiveness in his own life, and always had a thankful heart!

Christine (Lide) Wike

October 24, 1956 ~ June 22, 2023

Mrs. Christine Wike, age 66 went home to rest with her heavenly father on June 22, 2023.

She leaves to cherish her loving memories her husband, Bobby Wike; children: Micheal L. Lide (Quida), Connica Fairley (Jesse), Latronda Coble; sisters: Fannie Stuart, Mattie Lide, Lillian Lide, Belinda Joyce Lide, thirteen grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren along with a host of other family and friends. Christine will be greatly missed.

Edna Stubbs Dailey

February 22, 1955 ~ June 20, 2023

Edna Stubbs Dailey, age 68, transitioned from earth to glory on June 20, 2023. She leaves to cherish her loving memories her sisters, Dorothy S. McLaughlin, Shirley S. McRae, Virginia S. Rahmaan, Thelma S. Bishop, Theresa Stubbs, Beverly Stubbs, Barbara Flowers along with a host of family and friends.

Edna will be remembered and greatly missed by the many lives she touched.

Carlos L McRae

December 1, 1973 ~ June 14, 2023

Mr. Carlos McRae age, 49 transitioned from earth to glory on June 14, 2023. He leaves to cherish his loving memories his daughter, Shanice McRae; father, Richard Ferguson; brothers: Tony McRae, Wayne Ferguson, Micah McDonald; sister, Dale Ferguson; two granddaughters along with a host of other family and friends. Carlos will be greatly missed.

He taught Special Education at Hoke County High School after retiring from the military. He coached baseball and football and genuinely cared about his students and players. He was determined to coach baseball for as long as he could and coached from his wheelchair his last year. “I really enjoy being around the boys. There’s a great group of young men in the school and I have them on my baseball team. Seeing their accomplishments and their trials and tribulations and helping them through those is very rewarding for me.”

Mike loved to play sports and one of his many accomplishments was winning the state pole vault medal in his senior year of high school. Mike was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing. He loved spending his free time out in the woods or on the lake. He was also a devoted fan to the Kentucky Wildcats and the Atlanta Braves.

We want to thank our special friends; Gary and Kathy Brigman, Shelley and Steve Wilburn, Walter and Verna Barnhill, and Bobby and Jane Britt. We would not have made this journey as smooth without you.

Mike and Deanna were blessed to be able to honor his wish to be cared for at home by his wonderful nurses; Amanda Noble, Jason Harris, Mike Carpenter, and Zak Boulton. Thank you to PHH of Knightdale, NC for assisting in his care for many years.

However, an obituary for Bill would certainly not be complete without mentioning his delightful and spontaneous sense of humor. He had an innate ability not only to observe but also to express humorously many of life’s ordinary interactions and events. Also, to his credit and to everyone’s amusement, Bill was a really talented mimic with really great comedic timing.

Now, as we, his family and friends, mourn Bill’s loss, we shall be forever thankful for his presence in our lives and thankful, too, for his kind, warm, loving, humorous, and joyful spirit and personality that will live forever in our hearts!

In addition to his parents, Bill was predeceased one month and one day by his loving and caring wife of fiftyfive years, Beverly Diane Bass James. He is survived by two brothers, Joseph James (Erlene) and Jim James, both of South Carolina; two very special nieces, Brantley Elizabeth Bass of Raleigh, and Melissa Aiken Partain of Anderson, SC; brother-in-law, Tony E. Bass (Rosa) of Raeford; several nieces and nephews from the James’ family; and two wonderfully loving and supportive neighbors, Doug, and Judy Todd of Holden Beach.

With respect to Bill’s wishes, there will be no funeral services and his remains will be inurned in the Bass’ family plot in the Raeford City Cemetery.

STATE & NATION

Biden raises cash in San Francisco as he revs up his 2024 campaign

The Associated Press

PALO ALTO, California —

President Joe Biden ramped up his reelection effort last week with four fundraisers in the San Francisco area, as his campaign builds up its coffers and lays strategic foundations for 2024.

By the end of June, Biden’s campaign will have more than 20 fundraisers involving him, Vice President Kamala Harris, first lady Jill Biden and second gentleman Douglas Emhoff, according to a person involved in Biden’s travel plans who insisted on anonymity to discuss the schedule.

More than half of the fundraisers are with the Democratic president, who will be traveling to New York, Maryland and Illinois. The president hit the themes of his campaign at a Friday fundraising event in Connecticut, saying his goal is to do more to tell voters about his legislative accomplishments with infrastructure, computer chip production and programs for responding to climate change, among other policies.

At the first of two California fundraisers, Biden said democracy itself was at stake in the 2024 election and said his administration had reinstilled “a sense of

confidence in the Constitution.”

The fundraiser at the home of Microsoft chief technology officer Kevin Scott was cohosted by Reid Hoffman, the billionaire cofounder of LinkedIn. Biden took aim at Alabama Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville for holding up military promotions because of a policy that en-

Democrats and Republicans are skeptical of US spying practices, an AP-NORC poll finds

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As it pushes to renew a cornerstone law that authorizes major surveillance programs, the Biden administration faces an American public that’s broadly skeptical of common intelligence practices and of the need to sacrifice civil liberties for security.

Congress in the coming months will debate whether to extend Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. Section 702 authorizes U.S. spy agencies to collect large amounts of foreign communications for intelligence purposes ranging from stopping spies to listening in on allies and foes. Those collection programs also sweep up U.S. citizen communications that can then be searched by intelligence and law enforcement officers.

The poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows that Democrats and Republicans have similar views on surveillance tactics, while Republicans have become substantially less likely over the last decade to say it’s at least sometimes necessary to sacrifice freedom in response to threats.

U.S. intelligence officials say Section 702 is necessary to protect national security and to counter China, Russia and other adversaries. They credit the program with better informing U.S. diplomats and

enabling operations like last year’s strike to kill a key plotter of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. But officials will have to overcome sharp divisions in Congress and bipartisan anger at the FBI, though most observers still believe Section 702 will be renewed in some form.

Driving a political shift is increasing skepticism among Republican elected officials of the FBI and intelligence agencies. Conservatives have battered the FBI for misleading the primary surveillance court in its investigation into former President Donald Trump campaign’s ties to Russia. Trump and other top Republicans often accuse the so-called government “deep state” of using its powers to target conservatives.

Historically, “the left flank has been the more vocal objector to government surveillance on privacy and civil liberties grounds,” said Carter Burwell, who was chief counsel to Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, when the law was last renewed in early 2018.

“Over the past five or 10 years, with the rise of the libertarian wing of the Republican Party, call it the antigovernment wing of the Republican Party, that is an equally vocal and powerful plurality,” said Burwell, now a lawyer at the firm Debevoise & Plimpton.

The poll asked U.S. adults

sures members of the military still have access to abortions, which were restricted in many states after a Supreme Court ruling last year. “It’s bizarre. I don’t remember it happening before and I’ve been around,” said Biden, 80, who added a joke about his age: “I know I don’t look like I’ve been around a long time.”

whether they support several practices authorized by Section 702. It found that 28% of adults support the government listening to phone calls made outside of the U.S. without a warrant, while 44% oppose the practice. Views are similar about the U.S. reading emails sent between people outside of the U.S. without a warrant.

The public was more receptive to surveillance of activity outside of the U.S. a decade after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. That shifted significantly by the 20th anniversary of the attacks in 2021.

In the latest poll, 48% of Americans this year said they believed it necessary to sacrifice their rights and freedoms to prevent terrorism, down from 54% in 2021 and nearly two-thirds in 2011. That shift was especially dramatic among Republicans, with just 44% saying that’s sometimes necessary compared with 69% in 2011. Among Democrats, 55% still say so, similar to the 59% who said so in 2011.

Sarah Apwisch, a 57-year-old from Three Rivers, Michigan, described herself as somewhat opposed to the monitoring of foreign emails and phone calls. A Democrat, Apwisch said she was “mostly pro-FBI” but concerned after years of negative stories about the bureau.

“Honestly, I don’t want to hear anything about the FBI,” she said.

“I want the FBI to go do their business and not be in the news because they’re doing their job well and not doing things that make waves. How they do that, I don’t know.”

Apwisch also said she supports the FBI and other agencies trying to hunt down enemy spies, but was uncertain about whether the FBI should also use foreign intelligence to investigate other U.S. crimes.

White adults were somewhat more likely to say they were opposed to various forms of surveillance —

The fundraising blitz follows Biden’s first campaign rally on recently in Philadelphia, where he was endorsed by key unions — the event highlighting a pivotal constituency in the largest population center of a critical battleground state. It was meant as an early display of enthusiasm for Biden’s campaign, and a venue for him to interact directly with voters before he spends much of the rest of the month meeting with deep-pocketed benefactors.

The flurry of engagements comes ahead of the end of the fundraising quarter at the end of the month — and Biden’s campaign finance report in July will provide the first test of Democratic donor enthusiasm for his reelection effort.

Biden, unlike former President Donald Trump and other 2024 GOP contenders, has not revealed any clues about his fundraising haul since declaring his candidacy in April. And his campaign launch was timed to avoid having to file a campaign finance report for the first quarter, a historically rough fundraising period.

For the first time in U.S, elections, Biden has joint fundraising agreements with all 50 state Democratic parties and the branch in

Washington, D.C., an arrangement that can help maximize donations while minimizing expenses in the early months of the campaign. It’s part of a broader effort to unite a diverse Democratic coalition behind Biden as the Republicans undergo what could be a large and divisive primary.

“While MAGA Republicans burn cash in their primary, competing for whose agenda is the most extreme, the president’s campaign will be capitalizing on the opportunity to raise significant resources,” said Biden’s campaign manager Julie C. Rodriguez, referring to Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan.

Separately, Rodriguez is traveling across the U.S. to meet with donors, local officials and community leaders to help align the coalition. Along with other campaign officials, the tour begins in Atlanta and will include Boston, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Los Angeles and St. Louis.

Not all of Biden’s time in San Francisco was devoted to the campaign. He went with Newsom and other officials to the Lucy Evans Baylands Nature Interpretive Center and Preserve in Palo Alto. He toured the coastal wetland area and announced $600 million for projects to address climate change.

“These wetlands act as a critical buffer between the rising tides and the communities at risk,” said Biden, calling the preserve a “success story” in ongoing efforts to contain the damage from climate change.

48% said they opposed the government listening to foreign calls without a warrant — than Black or Hispanic adults, each at 34%.

In Congress, some Democrats and Republicans have found common cause over their complaints about Section 702. Two lawmakers earlier this year issued a statement calling for an end to U.S. surveillance without a warrant. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., chairs the liberal Congressional Progressive Caucus, while Rep. Warren Davidson, R-Ohio, is a member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus.

“We must take this opportunity to reform Section 702 and overhaul privacy protections for Americans so that they truly protect the civil rights, civil liberties, and privacy rights that are foundational to our democracy,” Jayapal and Davidson said.

Previous lawmaker efforts to require warrants for searching intelligence databases have failed. Intelligence officials argue they have ramped up training for agents

searching the databases and tightened requirements to consult with lawyers on sensitive queries.

Supporters of Section 702 argue most U.S. adults want the government to stop foreign adversaries even if they state misgivings about how American intelligence operates.

Glenn Gerstell, a former general counsel at the National Security Agency who is advocating for Section 702 to be extended, noted that while Congress has to be responsive to public opinion, “some of this gets pretty technical and isn’t easily understood by the public.”

He said he still believed the law would be renewed with some amendments to bolster civil liberties protections and enshrine into law changes that the FBI has made in response to a series of wrongful uses of foreign intelligence.

“At the end of the day, I think most members of Congress understand the value of the statute and understand that when we don’t have the statute, there is no substitute,” Gerstell said.

AP PHOTO

A sign outside the National Security Administration campus in Fort Meade, Md., is seen.

AP PHOTO

President Joe Biden speaks at the Lucy Evans Baylands Nature Interpretive Center and Preserve in Palo Alto, Calif., Monday, June 19, 2023.

Tearful end to CWS

Wake Forest’s Camden Minacci (14) gets a

in Omaha, Neb., Thursday, June 22, 2023.

COUNTY NEWS

Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation funds nine art projects with new cohort of grants Forsyth County Winston-Salem’s Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation awarded grants totaling $1.6 million to nine organizations across North Carolina, spanning the state from the Qualla Boundary to New Bern.

The second cohort of awards expands the Inclusive Public Art Initiative through a $2 million partnership between ZSR and the Mellon Foundation, the nation’s largest supporter of arts and humanities. The partnership supports grant awards; planning grant awards to semifinalists; and administration and communication activities, including a partnership with PBS North Carolina to document the projects.

ZSR launched the initiative in 2018 with grants totaling $450,000 to 10 organizations. Through the new cohort, the initiative will continue to support art that spotlights women and people of color in North Carolina whose stories have been untold or undertold. It also aims to catalyze community conversations that result in a shared and fuller understanding of our common history — and common bonds — as North Carolinians.

Here are the newest Inclusive Public Art Initiative grantee organizations and project sites.

Arise Collective (Raleigh) City of Washington (Washington)

Coharie Intra-Tribal Council (Clinton)

Highland Neighborhood Association (Gastonia)

Hola Carolina (Franklin)

Hope Center of Hendersonville (Hendersonville)

Museum of the Cherokee Indian (Qualla Boundary) North Carolina African American Heritage Commission (Winnabow)

Tryon Palace Foundation (New Bern)

WSFCS Board of Education approves addition of professional development days for teachers

School breakfasts and lunches to increase by $0.10 at 16 schools

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

WINSTON-SALEM — The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Board of Education met Tuesday, June 13 with a presentation of a staffing update as well as a renewal of various contracts.

The board was given a staffing update in preparation for the 2023-24 school year.

According to Chief Human Resource Officer Leslie Alexander, WSFCS has 366 total school support vacancies for 2023-24, which is down by 157 from the same time last year (2022-23).

There are 293 classroom vacancies (down by 12), 17 non-classroom certified vacancies (down by 26), and 56 classified vacancies (down by 118).

There was also an update on

operations staff, which is looking at 206 total vacancies, which is actually up by 25 from this time last year. According to Alexander, they are dealing with a handful of retirements among bus drivers, which saw an increase in vacancies by 34, and they also only started tracking custodian vacancies this year.

However a big area of improvement was with kitchen assistants which saw over a 50% increase in staffing since last year.

Alexander also stated that WSFCS are really pushing to fill vacancies by hosting multiple recruitment events.

“We’ve increased our total recruitment events by about 15%,” Alexander said. “We specifically targeted our HBCUs and our HSIs.”

The process seems to be paying off because according to Alexander, of the 1700+ individuals who attended a recruitment event, 40% submitted job applications to WSFCS.

“We really wanted to make sure that teachers had an opportunity to do deeper learning throughout the year.”

Chief Operations Officer Lauren Richards

“We’re also very excited to promote recruitment and retention through our TSLIP grant,” Alexander followed up with. “That’s a $14 million grant that we received from the Department of Education and so for the 21-22 school year in bonus and instructional bonuses, we paid out over $1 million. We’re happy to be able to give that money back to our teachers.”

The board then approved modifications to the 2023-24 school calendar in order to support professional development.

Forsyth County employees raise more than $19,000 for Arts Council

Exceeded county goal by $3,000

North State Journal

FORSYTH COUNTY employees raised $$19,011 for the Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County during a workplace campaign in May. This year’s campaign, which was themed “23 And We: Art in our DNA,” exceeded both the county’s $16,000 goal and what it raised in previous campaigns before the pandemic. County employees contributed through pledging money, which often involved them setting an amount per paycheck to go to the non-profit. Departments also held a variety of fundraisers including bake sales, raffles, putt-

putt, bowling, an art auction and selling food items like popcorn and snacks.

The lunchtime finale for the campaign was held on May 31 in downtown Bailey Park with a vendor market, food trucks and talent show featuring performances by both city and county employees and their families. Mellisa Cliver took third place for singing “Black Velvet,” Sanai Henderson got second place for singing “Stand Up,” and Tamra Bradshaw-Sheller won first place for singing “I Will Always Love You.” Arts Council CEO Chase Law was the MC of the talent show. Campaign organizers said they were grateful to county employees for their participation, as well as the many sponsors who donated prizes for the campaign.

“The Arts Council Campaign has always been my most favorite time of the year with the county,” said Linda Gaskins, a human resources consultant for Forsyth County and a member of the council’s board of trustees. “It’s the one time in the year county employees are able to fully immerse themselves in everything artistic and fully enjoy all of the wonderful things both our local artists and internal artists bring to our vibrant community. This year, was a special one because we really focused on highlighting our talented internal artists. We also had a truly outstanding campaign team this year!”

The Arts Council is the biggest driver of cultural investment in Forsyth County. The Arts Council

“We really wanted to make sure that teachers had an opportunity to have some professional development opportunities so that they can do deeper learning throughout the year,” said Chief Operations Officer Lauren Richards.

“We tagged a day on at the end of the quarter so teachers would still have a day in their school and their classroom to do grades and close out that quarter and then another day for district-level professional development for curriculum support to provide deeper learning going into the next quarter.”

The professional development days were added on October 31, January 25 and March 5.

The board also approved a renewal of their SRO contracts with Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office for $4,441,220 which provides funding for a captain, a lieutenant, three sergeants, three corporals and 31 SROs, and with the Kernersville Police Department for

See BOE, page 2

hug from Michael Massey in the 11th inning against LSU in a baseball game at the NCAA College World Series

There is no short path back to institutional credibility

Scientists decided to promote garbage while hiding behind their credentials.

INSTITUTIONAL TRUST is built over the course of years. Decades. Centuries.

Dishonesty takes just a moment to destroy institutional trust.

We stand corrected:

♦ Burr Lee Burchette, 89, died June 21, 2023.

♦ Elizabeth Adams “Lib” Elliott, 91, died June 22, 2023.

♦ Jerry Thomas Gray, 73, of Winston-Salem, died June 21, 2023.

♦ Ruth Adkins Love, 86, of Surry County, died June 22, 2023.

♦ Dr. William “Bill” McCall Jr., 97, of Winston Salem, died June 21, 2023.

♦ David Scott Mooney, 58, of Kernersville, died June 23, 2023.

♦ William “Billy” Roger Pilson, 71, of Winston-Salem, died June 21, 2023.

♦ Hubert Eugene Poindexter, Jr., 87 of Kernersville, died June 21, 2023.

♦ Lynette Craver Richardson, 48, of Lexington, died June 22, 2023.

♦ Joann Whicker Royal, 70, of Kernersville, died June 23, 2023.

♦ Anna Dean Wilson Spinnett, 84, of WinstonSalem, died June 24, 2023.

♦ Addie Wood, 96, of Winston-Salem, died June 23, 2023.

BOE from page 1

$680,224 which provides funding for a sergeant and five SROs within the Kernersville city limits.

The board then approved a $0.10 increase on the cost of both breakfast and lunches in order to “close the gap between the funds received for free reimbursements

ARTS from page 1

To report an error or a suspected error, please send NSJ an email: corrections@nsjonline.com with “Correction request” in the subject line. provides operational support to a broad range of partner arts organizations that provide 800,000 experiences a year, including music, vi-

This week, Dr. Peter Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine and professor of molecular virology at Baylor College of Medicine, got into a spat with podcaster Joe Rogan and presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Hotez has a long-standing feud over vaccine efficacy and safety with RFK Jr., who has long been a proponent of the scientifically unverified theory that childhood vaccines cause autism; RFK Jr., appearing on Rogan’s podcast, tore into Hotez. Hotez responded by accusing Rogan of spreading “misinformation” — to which Rogan quite properly responded that if Hotez wished to rebut that “misinformation” in debate with RFK Jr. on his show, he’d be happy not only to host but to contribute $100,000 to a charity of Hotez’s choice. Hotez refused the invite. He then appeared on MSNBC, where he explained, “Antivaccine disinformation... is now a lethal force in the United States. I offered to go on Joe Rogan but not to turn it into the Jerry Springer show with having RFK Jr. on.”

This is still a free country; no one is obligated to debate anyone else. But Hotez essentially argues that his credentials excuse him from having to defend his case publicly in debate. In the past, there might have been something to that: Few would have expected a virologist to debate, say, Jenny McCarthy, even 20 years ago, for better or worse. Why? Because the scientific community could point to decades of success in health outcomes —

1084 Lewisville-clemmons Rd, Lewisville, NC, on 6/26/2023 07:23.

♦ BRIDGES, BRYAN MICHAEL was arrested on a charge of PROBATION VIOLATION at 300 LINDBERGH ST on 6/24/2023

♦ Brooks, Devontray Ja`quarius (M/18) Arrest on chrg of 1) B&e-vehicle (F), 2) 1st Degree Trespass (M), 3) Aid And Abet Larceny (over $1,000) (F), and 4) Resisting Arrest (M), at 3625 Williston Rd, Walkertown, NC, on 6/25/2023 03:00.

♦ Cunningham, Takiyah Zhane (F/25) Arrest on chrg of Concealing Mdse, M (M), at 1018 Bethania-rural Hall Rd/forum Pw, Rural Hall, NC, on 6/22/2023 18:59.

longer, healthier lives and fewer childhood diseases among them. The scientists acted as scientists, predominantly worried about following evidence and producing functional solutions to human problems.

Then the scientists decided to promote garbage while hiding behind their credentials. They claimed that men could be women; that universal masking would stop the spread of COVID-19; that schools had to be closed to stop mass death from COVID-19 among children, and that at the same time, protesters on behalf of “racial justice” could safely congregate in close proximity; that the COVID-19 vaccine would stop transmission; that capitalism had to be curbed to stop global warming. They used the credibility of science to preach political nonsense.

And in just a few years, the credibility gained by our scientific institutions has completely eroded. Just 41% of Americans now say that they believe the Centers for Disease Control are doing an excellent or good job. That distrust is entirely earned, given the CDC’s egregiously awful performance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

All of this means that those who purport to speak in the name of science — the same people who have used that label to avoid debate — must now wade back into the arena. They simply don’t have the credibility to demand the trust of the public. It’s time to earn it.

Ben Shapiro, 39, is a graduate of UCLA and Harvard Law School, host of “The Ben Shapiro Show,” and co-founder of Daily Wire+.

NC, on 6/23/2023 17:53.

♦ HAMPTON, RODNEY LEE was arrested on a charge of ADW - INFLICT INJURY at 402 E HANES MILL RD on 6/24/2023

♦ Hamrick, Keenen Omarion (M/19) Arrest on chrg of 1) Aslt On Offcr/felony (F), 2) B&e-vehicle (F), 3) Larceny-felony (F), 4) 1st Degree Trespass (M), 5) Resisting Arrest (M), and 6) Speeding To Elude Arrest (F), at 3625 Williston Rd, Walkertown, NC, on 6/25/2023 05:00.

♦ Harris, Raymond Oneal (M/33) Arrest on chrg of Speeding To Elude Arrest, F (F), at 1199 Highland Av/e Twelfth St, Winstonsalem, NC, on 6/21/2023 16:00.

Awik/no Injury (F), 5) Disch Fa/occ Dwell (F), 6) Awik/no Injury (F), 7) Vand-personal Prop (M), and 8) Vandreal Property (M), at 3081 Waughtown St, Winston-salem, NC, on 6/25/2023 00:30.

♦ Atwood, Jeffrey Alan (M/41) Arrest on chrg of Assault On Female (M), at 905 Lamond Ct, Winston-salem, NC, on 6/22/2023 00:53.

♦ Atwood,

at 3625 Williston Rd, Walkertown, NC, on 6/25/2023 03:00.

♦ Baldwin, Shukor Javaris (M/26) Arrest on chrg of 1) Assault On Female (M), 2) Vandreal Property (M), and 3) Trespass (M), at

and paid meals and limit the potential hardship for some families.” This will affect Atkins High, Middle College, Clemmons Elementary, Reagan High, The Downtown School, Sherwood Forest, Early College, Southwest Elementary, Lewisville Elementary, Lewisville Middle, Virtual

sual art, theater, festivals, film and independent bookstores. Forsyth County is one of many workplace campaigns that help fund the Arts Council. “We are grateful for Forsyth

♦ Cunningham, Takiyah Zhane (F/25) Arrest on chrg of 1) Concealing Mdse (M) and 2) Ndl - Suspended / Revoked (M), at 1018 Bethania-rural Hall Rd/forum Pw, Rural Hall, NC, on 6/22/2023 19:15.

♦ Daniels, Jordan Candice (F/24) Arrest on chrg of Probation Violation (M), at 201 N Church St, Winston-salem, NC, on 6/21/2023 22:55.

♦ Denton, Andrew James (M/44) Arrest on chrg of 1) Fraud-obt Property (F) and 2) Worthless Check (F), at 201 N Church St, Winston-salem, NC, on 6/22/2023 13:07.

♦ Donaldson, David Wayne (M/46) Arrest on chrg of Impaired Driving Dwi, M (M), at 400 Lewisville-vienna Rd, Lewisville, NC,

♦ Johnson, Jyquone Sidney (M/28) Arrest on chrg of 1) Affray (M) and 2) Resisting Arrest (M), at 2718 W Mountain St, Kernersville, NC, on 6/24/2023 22:22.

♦ Johnson, Willie Lee (M/36) Arrest on chrg of Concealing Mdse, M (M), at 301 Bethania-rural Hall Rd, Rural Hall, NC, on 6/21/2023 15:56.

♦ King, Jonathan Wesley (M/34) Arrest on chrg of P/w/i/s/d Marijuana, F (F), at 1199 Highland Av/e Twelfth St, Winston-salem, NC, on 6/21/2023 16:00.

♦ Kiser, Courtney Dawn (F/21) Arrest on chrg of Assault-simple (M), at 2561 Emily Dr, Kernersville, NC, on 6/26/2023 10:00.

♦ LEE, LARRY LOUIS was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT-SIMPLE at 1425 W FIRST ST on 6/24/2023

♦ MATULEVIC, JOSHUA ERIC was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT ON FEMALE at 214 W FOURTH ST on 6/24/2023

♦ MERRITT, BRYAN AUSTIN was arrested on a charge of VIO. PROTECTIVE ORDER BY COURTS ANOTHER STATE/ INDIAN

at 5311 Cedar Green Dr, Walkertown,

Academy, Meadowlark Elementary, Meadowlark Middle, Whitaker, West Forsyth High, Vienna Elementary as every other school in the district receives access to meals at no cost to the household.

Finally, the board approved a $117,924 contract with Public Impact to help address difficulties in recruitment and reten-

County Government’s continued support of the arts through their annual workplace campaign, annual allocation, and special, onetime funding through the American Rescue Plan Act,” said Law.

tion, a continuation of the SEL curriculum contracts with Second Step ($91,481.15) and Project Wayfinder ($377,770), renewal of the $328,540.70 Engaging Schools contract, renewal of the $159,020 Panorama Universal Screening contract, renewal of the $1,335,285.96 iReady curriculum associates contract, renewal

of the $697,685 Discovery Education Tech Book and Resource contract, $348,500 for a new Adopted Digital Science Textbook for all high school biology classes, and a $110,362.50 contract with Ellevation, a multilingual learner equity software platform. The WSFCS Board of Education will next meet June 27.

and cultural community.”

“Forsyth County Government plays an important role in developing a vibrant community that fosters creativity and connection. We celebrate and express our deepest gratitude for their support of our arts

The Arts Council is one of only two organizations the county participates in fundraising campaigns for, the other being the United Way of Forsyth County.

COLUMN | BEN SHAPIRO

SPORTS

SIDELINE REPORT

MLB Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman gets his 2,000th hit

Los Angeles

Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman got his 2,000th career hit. He reached the milestone in the eighth inning Sunday night with his second double in a 6-5 loss in 11 innings to the Houston Astros. Freeman’s sharp line drive to right field drove in Mookie Betts and made him the 295th player in major league history to reach the mark. Freeman was playing in his 1,801 game, becoming the seventh player to reach 2,000 hits as a member of the Dodgers. The 33-yearold Freeman spent his first 12 seasons with Atlanta, joining the Dodgers as a free agent before last season.

NASCAR

Edwards 1st inductee into Nashville’s new Legends Plaza

Lebanon, Tenn.

Carl Edwards became the first driver inducted into the Nashville Superspeedway’s new Legends Plaza.

Edwards, a six-time winner on this track, was inducted Sunday before the Ally 400 in the third Cup race at the 1.33-mile, D-shaped oval concrete track. Edwards was named one of NASCAR’s top 75 drivers earlier this year despite retiring in 2016 at the age of 36 with 28 career Cup Series’ victories. He called this more than an honor on a track he called very tough. Not for Edwards, who finished in the top 10 of 12 of his 13 Xfinity Series events at the track.

SOCCER

Chelsea’s Koulibaly is latest soccer star headed to Saudi Arabia

London Kalidou Koulibaly has become the latest soccer star to head to Saudi Arabia after joining AlHilal from Chelsea on a three-year contract. The Senegal international has followed in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante by opting to play in the lucrative Saudi Pro League. The 32-year-old center back only spent a year at Chelsea after signing from Napoli last summer on a four-year contract. Financial details of the Saudi deal were not revealed. Al-Hilal is Saudi’s most successful team. It also recently signed Portugal international Ruben Neves from Wolverhampton.

NFL Assault charge against Raiders’

Adams dropped Kansas City, Mo.

A misdemeanor assault charge filed last October against Las Vegas Raiders’ wide receiver Davante Adams has been dismissed. Adams was charged after shoving a photographer to the ground while walking off the field. The Kansas City Star reports the charge was dropped June 5. Adams’ lawyer declined to comment. Kansas City police say the photographer suffered whiplash, a headache and a possible minor concussion. Adams apologized in his postgame media comments and later on Twitter.

Stanly County native Beane gets extension from Bills

Both the GM and coach Sean McDermott received two more years on their deals

The Associated Press ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The Buffalo Bills locked up their brain trust tandem of general manager Brandon Beane and coach Sean McDermott through the 2027 season after signing the duo to twoyear contract extensions on Friday.

The timing of the deals represents a reward while also emphasizing the long-term faith of co-owner Terry Pegula in the pair, who are now on their third respective contracts with the team since signing extensions in 2020.

Beane, at 46, and McDermott, 49, have transformed what had been a floundering franchise upon their arrival in 2017 into a consistent playoff contender. In that time, the Bills went from enduring a 17-year playoff drought, which was the longest active streak in North America’s four professional major sports, to qualifying for the postseason in five of the past six years. The run of success began with the team ending the drought in 2017, and now includes a four-year playoff run in which the Bills are three-time defending AFC East champions.

McDermott, who was hired in January 2017 following Rex Ryan’s

dismissal, is credited with instilling a winning culture built around a trusted group of leaders headed by the safety tandem of Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer.

He was also praised for helping navigate the team through a series of adversity. The Bills finished second in the AFC at 13-3 in a season where safety Damar Hamlin went into cardiac arrest and was resuscitated on the field during a game at Cincinnati on Jan. 2. There also were two schedule disruptions because of snowstorms. With a 62-35 record, McDermott ranks third on the franchise

62-35

Regular season record for the Bills since Brandon Beane took over as GM

regular season win list behind Marv Levy (123) and Lou Saban (70).

The only knock on McDermott

has been how each of the past two Bills seasons have ended.

Buffalo came out flat in a 27-10 loss to Cincinnati in the divisional round last season. Two years ago, the Bills squandered a three-point lead in the final 13 seconds of regulation in a 42-26 overtime loss to Kansas City in the divisional round.

McDermott is taking on extra responsibilities in overseeing the defense this year after the team abruptly announced in February that coordinator Leslie Frazier is taking the year off from coaching.

Beane, a native of Norwood, was hired in May 2017 after Doug Whaley’s dismissal and is credited for purging Buffalo’s over-priced and under-producing roster by rebuilding the Bills through the draft and free agency. His most influential decision was using a stockpile of draft picks to eventually trade up in the 2018 draft order and select quarterback Josh Allen with the seventh pick.

Of the five quarterbacks selected in the first round of the 2018 draft, Allen and Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson are the remaining two still on the teams that selected them.

The relationship between Beane and McDermott dates to the Carolina Panthers in 2011. Beane was the Panthers director of football operations at the time when McDermott was hired to become the team’s defensive coordinator.

Beane and McDermott are prepared to become the longest-serving GM-coach tandem in franchise history entering their seventh season together. That will surpass the six-plus seasons GM Bill Polian and Levy — both Pro Football Hall of Famers — worked together in Buffalo from 1986 to ’92.

After being traded from the Suns to the Wizards, Chris Paul is on the move again with a deal in place to send him to the Warriors for Jordan Poole.

Chris Paul traded again, this time to Warriors

The Associated Press CHRIS PAUL’S PURSUIT of an NBA championship is taking him to the Golden State. The Warriors have agreed to the framework of a trade last week y that will send Jordan Poole to the Washington Wizards, according to a person with knowledge of the matter.

The trade also includes a package of draft capital, said the person, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the trade has not been finalized and approved by the NBA.

ESPN first reported the agreement was struck by the teams.

The Wizards agreed to acquire Paul — a Winston-Salem native and former Wake Forest star

— from Phoenix the week before in the deal that sent Bradley Beal from Washington to the Suns. Paul had two of his title-hope seasons thwarted by the Warriors.

In 2018, Paul and the Houston Rockets had a 3-2 series lead in the Western Conference finals before he got hurt, missed the final two games and Golden State prevailed — and later won the NBA title.

And in 2019, the Warriors beat Paul and the Rockets again, that time in the West semifinals before ultimately falling to Toronto in the NBA Finals.

The move could also provide the Warriors with financial flexibility in future seasons. Poole is about to begin a four-year, $128 million deal. Paul is due about $31 million this coming season and has nothing guaranteed after that.

It may usher in something totally new and different for Paul — a

1,363

Career regular season and playoff games for Chris Paul

bench role. He has appeared in 1,214 regular-season games and another 149 in the playoffs, and he has started every single one of them. But it obviously seems unlikely that he would supplant guards Stephen Curry or Klay Thompson in Golden State’s starting lineup.

So at 38 years old and about to enter his 19th NBA season, Paul could find himself in a new position. But there is an obvious tradeoff, since

the Warriors will almost certainly be considered a title-contender going into next season after winning four championships in the last decade — and Paul has never gotten his championship. He went to the NBA Finals with Phoenix in 2021, but the Suns blew a 2-0 series lead and lost to Milwaukee in six games.

The 12-time All-Star averaged 13.9 points and 8.9 assists this past season for Phoenix.

Poole, who turned 24 earlier this week, joins a Washington team now fully in the midst of a complete rebuild. He averaged 20.4 points this past season, one that began with Golden State veteran Draymond Green punching Poole at practice during training camp before taking a brief leave of absence from the team.

Green is set to become a free agent, one that the Warriors want to retain.

Jordan Poole will go to the Wizards

AP PHOTO

The Buffalo Bills locked up general manager Brandon Beane through the 2027 season after signing him and coach Sean McDermott to two-year contract extensions last week.

AP PHOTO

STATE & NATION

Biden raises cash in San Francisco as he revs up his 2024 campaign

The Associated Press

PALO ALTO, California —

President Joe Biden ramped up his reelection effort last week with four fundraisers in the San Francisco area, as his campaign builds up its coffers and lays strategic foundations for 2024.

By the end of June, Biden’s campaign will have more than 20 fundraisers involving him, Vice President Kamala Harris, first lady Jill Biden and second gentleman Douglas Emhoff, according to a person involved in Biden’s travel plans who insisted on anonymity to discuss the schedule.

More than half of the fundraisers are with the Democratic president, who will be traveling to New York, Maryland and Illinois. The president hit the themes of his campaign at a Friday fundraising event in Connecticut, saying his goal is to do more to tell voters about his legislative accomplishments with infrastructure, computer chip production and programs for responding to climate change, among other policies.

At the first of two California fundraisers, Biden said democracy itself was at stake in the 2024 election and said his administration had reinstilled “a sense of con-

fidence in the Constitution.” The fundraiser at the home of Microsoft chief technology officer Kevin Scott was cohosted by Reid Hoffman, the billionaire cofounder of LinkedIn.

Biden took aim at Alabama Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville for holding up military promotions because of a policy that en-

and Republicans

of US spying practices, an AP-NORC poll finds

The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — As it pushes to renew a cornerstone law that authorizes major surveillance programs, the Biden administration faces an American public that’s broadly skeptical of common intelligence practices and of the need to sacrifice civil liberties for security.

Congress in the coming months will debate whether to extend Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. Section 702 authorizes U.S. spy agencies to collect large amounts of foreign communications for intelligence purposes ranging from stopping spies to listening in on allies and foes. Those collection programs also sweep up U.S. citizen communications that can then be searched by intelligence and law enforcement officers.

The poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows that Democrats and Republicans have similar views on surveillance tactics, while Republicans have become substantially less likely over the last decade to say it’s at least sometimes necessary to sacrifice freedom in response to threats.

U.S. intelligence officials say Section 702 is necessary to protect national security and to counter China, Russia and other adversaries. They credit the program with better informing U.S. diplomats and

enabling operations like last year’s strike to kill a key plotter of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. But officials will have to overcome sharp divisions in Congress and bipartisan anger at the FBI, though most observers still believe Section 702 will be renewed in some form.

Driving a political shift is increasing skepticism among Republican elected officials of the FBI and intelligence agencies. Conservatives have battered the FBI for misleading the primary surveillance court in its investigation into former President Donald Trump campaign’s ties to Russia. Trump and other top Republicans often accuse the so-called government “deep state” of using its powers to target conservatives.

Historically, “the left flank has been the more vocal objector to government surveillance on privacy and civil liberties grounds,” said Carter Burwell, who was chief counsel to Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, when the law was last renewed in early 2018.

“Over the past five or 10 years, with the rise of the libertarian wing of the Republican Party, call it the antigovernment wing of the Republican Party, that is an equally vocal and powerful plurality,” said Burwell, now a lawyer at the firm Debevoise & Plimpton.

The poll asked U.S. adults

sures members of the military still have access to abortions, which were restricted in many states after a Supreme Court ruling last year. “It’s bizarre. I don’t remember it happening before and I’ve been around,” said Biden, 80, who added a joke about his age: “I know I don’t look like I’ve been around a long time.”

whether they support several practices authorized by Section 702. It found that 28% of adults support the government listening to phone calls made outside of the U.S. without a warrant, while 44% oppose the practice. Views are similar about the U.S. reading emails sent between people outside of the U.S. without a warrant.

The public was more receptive to surveillance of activity outside of the U.S. a decade after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. That shifted significantly by the 20th anniversary of the attacks in 2021.

In the latest poll, 48% of Americans this year said they believed it necessary to sacrifice their rights and freedoms to prevent terrorism, down from 54% in 2021 and nearly two-thirds in 2011. That shift was especially dramatic among Republicans, with just 44% saying that’s sometimes necessary compared with 69% in 2011. Among Democrats, 55% still say so, similar to the 59% who said so in 2011.

Sarah Apwisch, a 57-year-old from Three Rivers, Michigan, described herself as somewhat opposed to the monitoring of foreign emails and phone calls. A Democrat, Apwisch said she was “mostly pro-FBI” but concerned after years of negative stories about the bureau.

“Honestly, I don’t want to hear anything about the FBI,” she said. “I want the FBI to go do their business and not be in the news because they’re doing their job well and not doing things that make waves. How they do that, I don’t know.”

Apwisch also said she supports the FBI and other agencies trying to hunt down enemy spies, but was uncertain about whether the FBI should also use foreign intelligence to investigate other U.S. crimes. White adults were somewhat more likely to say they were opposed to various forms of surveillance —

The fundraising blitz follows Biden’s first campaign rally on recently in Philadelphia, where he was endorsed by key unions — the event highlighting a pivotal constituency in the largest population center of a critical battleground state. It was meant as an early display of enthusiasm for Biden’s campaign, and a venue for him to interact directly with voters before he spends much of the rest of the month meeting with deep-pocketed benefactors.

The flurry of engagements comes ahead of the end of the fundraising quarter at the end of the month — and Biden’s campaign finance report in July will provide the first test of Democratic donor enthusiasm for his reelection effort.

Biden, unlike former President Donald Trump and other 2024 GOP contenders, has not revealed any clues about his fundraising haul since declaring his candidacy in April. And his campaign launch was timed to avoid having to file a campaign finance report for the first quarter, a historically rough fundraising period.

For the first time in U.S, elections, Biden has joint fundraising agreements with all 50 state Democratic parties and the branch in

Washington, D.C., an arrangement that can help maximize donations while minimizing expenses in the early months of the campaign. It’s part of a broader effort to unite a diverse Democratic coalition behind Biden as the Republicans undergo what could be a large and divisive primary.

“While MAGA Republicans burn cash in their primary, competing for whose agenda is the most extreme, the president’s campaign will be capitalizing on the opportunity to raise significant resources,” said Biden’s campaign manager Julie C. Rodriguez, referring to Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan.

Separately, Rodriguez is traveling across the U.S. to meet with donors, local officials and community leaders to help align the coalition. Along with other campaign officials, the tour begins in Atlanta and will include Boston, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Los Angeles and St. Louis.

Not all of Biden’s time in San Francisco was devoted to the campaign. He went with Newsom and other officials to the Lucy Evans Baylands Nature Interpretive Center and Preserve in Palo Alto. He toured the coastal wetland area and announced $600 million for projects to address climate change. “These wetlands act as a critical buffer between the rising tides and the communities at risk,” said Biden, calling the preserve a “success story” in ongoing efforts to contain the damage from climate change.

48% said they opposed the government listening to foreign calls without a warrant — than Black or Hispanic adults, each at 34%.

In Congress, some Democrats and Republicans have found common cause over their complaints about Section 702. Two lawmakers earlier this year issued a statement calling for an end to U.S. surveillance without a warrant. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., chairs the liberal Congressional Progressive Caucus, while Rep. Warren Davidson, R-Ohio, is a member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus.

“We must take this opportunity to reform Section 702 and overhaul privacy protections for Americans so that they truly protect the civil rights, civil liberties, and privacy rights that are foundational to our democracy,” Jayapal and Davidson said.

Previous lawmaker efforts to require warrants for searching intelligence databases have failed. Intelligence officials argue they have ramped up training for agents

searching the databases and tightened requirements to consult with lawyers on sensitive queries.

Supporters of Section 702 argue most U.S. adults want the government to stop foreign adversaries even if they state misgivings about how American intelligence operates.

Glenn Gerstell, a former general counsel at the National Security Agency who is advocating for Section 702 to be extended, noted that while Congress has to be responsive to public opinion, “some of this gets pretty technical and isn’t easily understood by the public.”

He said he still believed the law would be renewed with some amendments to bolster civil liberties protections and enshrine into law changes that the FBI has made in response to a series of wrongful uses of foreign intelligence.

“At the end of the day, I think most members of Congress understand the value of the statute and understand that when we don’t have the statute, there is no substitute,” Gerstell said.

Democrats

are skeptical

AP PHOTO

A sign outside the National Security Administration campus in Fort Meade, Md., is seen.

AP PHOTO

President Joe Biden speaks at the Lucy Evans Baylands Nature Interpretive Center and Preserve in Palo Alto, Calif., Monday, June 19, 2023.

MOORE COUNTY

Miss Moore County, Miss Sandhills take home awards at Miss NC

Moore County was well-represented at the Miss North Carolina competition last week in High Point. Taylor Loyd, Miss Statesville, was the winner. Miss Sandhills, Hannah Welborn-Lewis, was second-runner in the Miss North Carolina competition last weekend in High Point while Miss Moore County, Brittney Putnam, finished in the Top 16. Wellborn-Lewis, who holds an undergraduate degree from Western Carolina and a master’s degree from UNC Greensboro, also won a preliminary evening gown award. She performed a clogging routine en route to her second runner-up finish. Putnam, of Fayetteville, won four scholarship awards during the week of pageantry and competition in High Point. She received the Woman on a Crusade Award ($1,500), Beverly Adams Heart of North Carolina Award ($2,500), Julie Martin Woman of Courage Award ($1,000) and Wells Fargo Community Service Scholarship ($2,000). Camryn Dilday, Miss Moore County’s Teen, competed in the Miss North Carolina’s Teen competition. Her talent was ballet en pointe.

COUNTY NEWS

Forest

U.S.

Service proposes recreation fee changes for Uwharrie National Forest

The U.S. Forest Service is proposing to change recreation fees at two sites in the Uwharrie National Forest. The public has been invited to provide input to these proposed fee changes for 60 days from June 23 until August 22.

According to the Forest Service, the goal of these changes is to improve the visitor experience through site upgrades paid for by the collected fees.

At this time, the fees are only a proposal. After public comment is received, the Forest Service will assess the comment and concerns of the public and then present the fee proposals to the Southern Region Recreation Resource Advisory Committee (RRAC) at a future date.

The proposed fee changes the Forest Service seeks comments on are the following: Yates Place Campground (new $50 group site fee per night with a group size of 50 people) and the Wood run Mountain Bike Trail System ($5/rider per day fee or a new $30 annual pass (these fees would only apply to mountain bike use).

The public is invited to comment on the proposed fee changes by August 22. For more information, please visit www.fs.usda.gov/goto/ nfsnc/recfeeproposals. To provide comments about this fee proposal for the RRAC to consider, please contact Logan Free at (828) 2574256, by email at SM.FS. NFsNCfees.usda.gov, or by mail at:

ATTN: Recreation Fee

Proposals 160A Zillicoa Street

Asheville, NC 28801

Moore commissioners approve new county budget

By Matt Mercer North State Journal

CARTHAGE — The Moore County Board of Commissioners gave final approval to its 202324 budget in a special session on Thursday, June 22, at the commissioners’ meeting room inside the historic courthouse in Carthage.

One of the top priorities of the board’s budget proposal was adjusting the county’s property tax rate. The period revaluation, which was due for Moore County this upcoming year, reassesses all property tax assessments to their

current market valuation.

Moore County Commissioners stated their goal this year was to make the property tax rate revenue neutral, according to County Manager Wayne Vest.

“First and foremost, we have a revaluation year. At the outset earlier in the year, when the notices of value went out, there was some degree of panic because we had significant increases across the county and property values,” said Vest at the meeting. “The property values are one component of the tax rate and property values. We knew what was coming as far as the value increases.”

Vest continued, saying this budget accomplishes that goal and maintains the same revenue overall between the general fund, emergency management fund and fire district fund.

The final comprehensive budget spends around $213 million. The budget is also revenue neutral from the previous year. The FY 2023 tax rates were $0.6300 cents. The new FY 2024 budget is $0.4550, just under the revenue neutral rate of $0.4673.

“We’re almost a penny and a quarter under revenue neutral,” Vest added.

County employees will see two

Senator Budd votes to advance FY 2024 NDAA, secures pay raise for servicemembers and construction funding for installations

North State Journal

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Ted Budd (R-NC), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, voted to advance the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to the Senate Floor. Budd secured a 5.2% pay raise for North Carolina servicemembers and their families, as well as nearly $400 million for construction at North Carolina’s military installations.

Budd also led the effort to ensure this year’s NDAA sends a strong message that reduction to special operations force structure should not be considered given the vital and increasing role special operations forces play in strategic competition, in addition to conducting counter-terrorism operations and responding to no-notice crises.

“As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I know how much North Carolina contributes to America’s strength on the world state,” said Budd in a press statement. “The Old North State has a proud tradition of supporting our military, and it is my honor to vote for an NDAA that supports North Carolina’s servicemembers, their families, and our military installations. This year’s package also helps the United States confront the Chinese Communist Party, in-

vests in American manufacturing, and secures critical supply chains. I will continue working to get this important bill across the finish line and signed into law.”

The package contained several notable benefits for North Carolina, including the following:

— 5.2% pay raise for service members and their families.

— The authorization of $398.9 million in military construction, planning and design funding for state military installations, including Fort Liberty, formerly Fort Bragg ($165 million total)

— Expresses a Sense of the Senate that reductions to special operations force structure should not be considered. Such cuts would have a negative impact on North Caroline communities surrounding Fort Liberty and Camp Lejeune.

— Amends Section 150 of the FY2022 NDAA to include an accounting of remaining service life, upgrades, and other modifications made to each F-15 as part of a report required before divesting aircraft, including F-15E’s at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.

— Amends Section 1230fb of Title 10 to ensure National Guardsmen, Reservists, and families receive pre-mobilization health benefits without delay in the event the president’s budget is delivered late to Congress. The package also contained

several national priorities, including the following:

— Deterring China and Russia

— Authorizes the full budget request for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative and the European Deterrence Initiative.

— Modernizes our nuclear arsenal to ensure the United States maintains strategic deterrence against potential adversaries.

— Authorizes $1.9 billion to fully fund the next amphibious transport dock, LPD-33 despite the Biden Administration leaving it out of the budget request.

— Authorizes multiyear procurement of 10 Virginia-class submarines including long lead time materials to save the taxpayers’ money.

—Authorizes an increase of $190 million to support continued development of the nuclear-armed sea-launched cruise missile despite the Biden Administration’s attempt to kill the program.

— Requires a report on the feasibility and advisability of establishing a quantum computing innovation center within the Department of Defense (DOD).

— Improves DOD’s ability to build the capabilities of foreign security forces.

— Boosting U.S. Manufacturing and Securing Supply Chains

— Directs the DOD to make advanced purchase commitments of titanium sponge from a domes-

cost of living adjustments (COLA) in the budget: 3% effective on July 1, 2023, and a second on Jan. 13, 2024. The budget also allows for 33 new full-time employees and one part-time employee throughout the county administration, bringing the total number to 767 employees, the highest in county history. Many of the new positions are for public safety: 10 sheriff’s deputies, one detective sergeant and two detention officers. The budget also calls for hiring two public safety telecommunicators and additional property management staff.

Moore County Schools is funded at just under $52 million, including expenses, capital outlays, digital learning, debt service school nurse and Sandhills Center allocations. Sandhills Community College will receive $7.9 million from the county in FY 2024. A budget document posted by

See BUDGET, page 2

tic source for inclusion in the National Defense Stockpile.

— Authorizes $5 million to scale new technologies for titanium metal powder production.

— Recognizes the importance of domestic production, processing and refining of strategic and critical materials necessary for defense requirements such as niobium, tantalum, and scandium, which predominantly come from non-allied foreign countries.

The NDAA must still pass the Senate, conference with the House of Representatives, and final passage, as well as receive the President’s signature to become law. Senator Budd will continue to fight for these provisions throughout the legislative and appropriations process.

DAVID SINCLAIR | FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL

We stand corrected:

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

the county also says that property and sales taxes is expected to comprise nearly 74% of General Fund revenues. Following the vote, Board

Chairman Nick Picerno said in a statement, “Today we passed by a unanimous vote of 4-0 to approve the budget for Moore County. You will see this reflected in your property tax bill that should mail sometime next month and should

be lower than last unless you had an extremely higher property valuation (over 31%). The really big effect will be on your automobile where the new lower rate of 45.5 cents vs. 63 cents last year will be very noticeable.”

Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in Moore County:

June 29

Trivia Thursday at the Brewery

6pm

Come out for Trivia at the Southern Pines Brewery! Enjoy fun and prizes each Thursday. Southern Pines Brewing Company is located at 565 Air Tool Dr., Southern Pines, NC.

Thursday Night Music Bingo

7pm

Come out to James Creek Cider House for Music Bingo with Lauren! James Creek is located at 172 US Hwy 1 Bus. in Cameron. A food truck will be on site at 8!

June 30

Summer Block Party

12pm – 4pm

Shop local at the Summer Block Party in Downtown Southern Pines! Receive 15% off a purchase from several downtown stores if you bring a bag or cup from another shop on the block! When you shop, you will be entered into a drawing from each shop you purchase from!

Carthage

Farmers Market

2pm – 6pm

Come out and support your local farmers at the brand-new farmers market in Carthage! The market features fresh produce, meats, eggs, and handmade goods! The market will be set up on S. Ray Street in the parking lot across from the post office.

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

There is no short path back to institutional credibility

Scientists decided to promote garbage while hiding behind their credentials.

Institutional trust is built over the course of years. Decades. Centuries.

Dishonesty takes just a moment to destroy institutional trust.

This week, Dr. Peter Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine and professor of molecular virology at Baylor College of Medicine, got into a spat with podcaster Joe Rogan and presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Hotez has a long-standing feud over vaccine efficacy and safety with RFK Jr., who has long been a proponent of the scientifically unverified theory that childhood vaccines cause autism; RFK Jr., appearing on Rogan’s podcast, tore into Hotez. Hotez responded by accusing Rogan of spreading “misinformation” — to which Rogan quite properly responded that if Hotez wished to rebut that “misinformation” in debate with RFK Jr. on his show, he’d be happy not only to host but to contribute $100,000 to a charity of Hotez’s choice. Hotez refused the invite. He then appeared on MSNBC, where he explained, “Anti-vaccine disinformation... is now a lethal force in the United States. I offered to go on Joe Rogan but not to turn it into the Jerry Springer show with having RFK Jr. on.”

This is still a free country; no one is obligated to debate anyone else. But Hotez essentially argues that his credentials excuse him from having to defend his case publicly in debate. In the past, there might have been something to that: Few would have expected a virologist to debate, say, Jenny McCarthy, even 20 years ago, for better or worse. Why? Because the scientific community could point to decades

Joe Biden is not OK

Every week, the president of the United States says something completely bonkers.

ON JUNE 16, President Joe Biden ended a big gun-control speech in Connecticut with the words, “God save the queen, man.” Why did the president express adoration for the departed Brit monarch? Was he confused about royal succession? Who knows.

When asked about the incident, White House aides offered nonsensical and conflicting answers — because they have absolutely no idea, and neither does the president. It’s likely that the octogenarian spontaneously used a cool-sounding phrase, much like when your elderly neighbor tells you to “keep on truckin’” for no apparent reason. It happens.

Yet, Axios writer Alex Thompson points out that Biden “has an arsenal of wacky phrases.” And the president’s “quirky aphorisms,” he contends, “are sometimes weaponized by Republicans to insinuate the 80-year-old president is in mental decline.”

There is no need for insinuation. Biden’s mental acuity, never impressive, has considerably deteriorated. Sure, he also tends to botch “old-timey” sayings like, “lots of luck in your senior year,” which he says is a gibe from his Corn Pop days. But most reporters who pretend perceptions of Biden’s decline are due to his propensity for homespun maxims or previously unknown stuttering problems almost surely wouldn’t find him fit enough to babysit their kids.

Every week, the president of the United States says something completely bonkers, and everyone goes on with their day. We’re not talking about his propensity to lie about politics or his blustery lifelong fabulism. We’re talking about his inability to articulate simple ideas without notes — and often with notes. There are rarely any fact-checks of these statements. How can there be? They don’t even make sense

of success in health outcomes — longer, healthier lives and fewer childhood diseases among them. The scientists acted as scientists, predominantly worried about following evidence and producing functional solutions to human problems.

Then the scientists decided to promote garbage while hiding behind their credentials. They claimed that men could be women; that universal masking would stop the spread of COVID-19; that schools had to be closed to stop mass death from COVID-19 among children, and that at the same time, protesters on behalf of “racial justice” could safely congregate in close proximity; that the COVID-19 vaccine would stop transmission; that capitalism had to be curbed to stop global warming. They used the credibility of science to preach political nonsense.

And in just a few years, the credibility gained by our scientific institutions has completely eroded. Just 41% of Americans now say that they believe the Centers for Disease Control are doing an excellent or good job. That distrust is entirely earned, given the CDC’s egregiously awful performance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

All of this means that those who purport to speak in the name of science — the same people who have used that label to avoid debate — must now wade back into the arena. They simply don’t have the credibility to demand the trust of the public. It’s time to earn it.

Ben Shapiro, 39, is a graduate of UCLA and Harvard Law School, host of “The Ben Shapiro Show,” and co-founder of Daily Wire+.

as lies. There is no handwringing about the role of competency in our democracy. There is no discussion about the 25th Amendment.

Just listen to any one of his speeches.

“Put a pistol on a brace, it turns into a gun — makes it more — you can have a higher-caliber weapon, higher-caliber bullet coming out of that gun,” the president explained before wishing Her Majesty his best. This was also complete gibberish. There is so much gibberish.

Only a couple of days before his “God save the queen” comment, Biden informed a crowd gathered for a League of Conservation Voters endorsement that “we (have) plans to build a railroad from the Pacific all the way across the Indian Ocean,” which must have really impressed everyone in attendance. “We have plans to build in Angola one of the largest solar plants in the world,” Biden went on. “I can go on, but I’m not. I’m going off-script. I’m going to get in trouble.”

A few days before the railroad comment, Biden couldn’t remember Winston Churchill’s name when speaking to the prime minister of the U.K. Listen, I’m not great with names myself, and I’m sure as an 80-year-old I’d have trouble recalling world leaders ... but I’m confident I wouldn’t think myself competent enough to be the most powerful man in the world. Nor should Biden.

That same week, when asked why a Ukrainian FBI informant referred to Biden as the “Big Guy,” the president lashed out for being posed “dumb questions.” He does this often in frustration. When the president isn’t flubbing canned lines to the rare tough question, he yells things like, “c’mon, man!” A few years ago, this kind of rhetoric was considered democracyshattering. Now, it’s quirky and folksy.

The week before he couldn’t remember Churchill’s name, the president also tripped and fell on stage after a commencement speech at the Air Force Academy. Biden’s surrogates pointed out that there had been a sandbag right there, as if no one, whether young or old, could possibly be expected to walk over a small bag without falling to the floor.

You might recall that after the former president gingerly navigated a ramp after giving a speech at West Point in 2020, The New York Times’ headline the next day was: “Trump’s Halting Walk Down Ramp Raises New Health Questions.”

The president, the Times went on, “also appeared to have trouble raising a glass of water to his mouth during a speech at West Point a day before he turned 74, the oldest a president has been in his first term.” The sitting president is now six years older than Trump was at the time — he would be a decade older should he finish a second term.

Of course, everyone ages differently — Sen. John Fetterman, only 53, can barely put together a thought while some septuagenarian is out there writing his literary opus right now. Nor is there anything wrong with or especially unique about being a scatterbrained and tired 80-year-old. In this case, maybe Americans who elected a scatterbrained and tired 80-year-old deserve to be governed by him — good and hard, as H.L. Mencken might say.

But please stop pretending Biden is OK. He’s not.

David Harsanyi is a senior editor at The Federalist. Harsanyi is a nationally syndicated columnist and author of five books — the most recent, “Eurotrash: Why America Must Reject the Failed Ideas of a Dying Continent.”

COLUMN | BEN SHAPIRO

COLUMN | DAVID HARSANYI

obituaries

Margaret Marie Gordon Sands

September 10, 1942 - June 24, 2023

Margaret Marie Gordon Sands, 80 of Aberdeen, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2023 at The Greens in Pinehurst.

Born on September 10, 1942 in Surry County, NC to the late Wellborn and Maggie Gordon. She worked as a paralegal and at FirstHealth for many years. Margaret was a faithful member of Ives Memorial Baptist Church where she had a special calling to teach the little children. She lived her life dedicated to her savior and had no doubt that she would spend eternity in Heaven.

She was preceded in death by son, Donald G. Sands, Jr. (2008) and brother, James Dallas Gordon (1990).

She is survived by her loving husband, Donald Sands; three nieces, sisters-in-law, brothers-inlaw, and family.

Edmund Dean Schwanger

October 19, 1934 - June 23, 2023

Edmund Dean Schwanger (known to many as simply Coach Ted), 88, of Pinehurst, North Carolina, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on June 23, 2023.

Born October 19, 1934 to Rollin and Ivous in Sandusky, Ohio, Ted graduated from Sandusky High School in 1952, where he became a four-year letter winner in three sports and was later accepted into the Sandusky High School Hall of Fame.

Ted went on to play college football for the Tennessee Volunteers and earned the right to play in the prestigious Cotton Bowl. Tennessee is also the place where he met the love of his life, Diane, whom he was married to for 60 years. He now has gone home to spend eternity with her.

Ted was drafted in the early days of the NFL by the Baltimore Colts. He then went on to earn the nickname “Coach Ted” that stayed with him for the rest of his life, as he coached high school football for the Perkins Pirates for 14 years and designed letterman jackets students still wear today.

When Ted wasn’t on the football field, he could be found swinging irons on the golf course, and in his later years, watching his grandchildren play sports and selling Cadillac cars to the Pinehurst, North Carolina community.

Ted was preceded in death by wife Diane, brothers Rollin and Donald and son, Toby.

Christian Lennox Andre Bellmore

December 6, 2003 - June 19, 2023

AMN Christian Lennox Andre Bellmore, USAF, passed away on June 19, 2023 at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma.

Born on December 6, 2003 in Cape Canaveral, Florida to parents, Samantha Mecke and Samuel Bellmore. Christian joined the USAF in July of 2022 and was stationed at Tinker AFB in Oklahoma assigned to 552d Training Support Squadron. Following in his parents footsteps, he was excited to serve his country with honor.

He is survived by his loving mother, Samantha Ann Mecke of NC; loving father, Samuel Ryan Bellmore (Amanda) of GA; one sister, Emmalin Bellmore; maternal grandparents, Tom and Ann Mecke; fraternal grandparents, Susan Wert (Michael) and Robert Bellmore; aunts, Claire Mecke Dugan, Sarah McFarland, Wendy Basehoar (Daniel), Sally Hall, Jane Dilling (Paul) and Stacy Heckman (Chris); uncles, Anthony Harris and Stuart Bellmore; great aunt, Anna Schriver; also survived by other family and friends.

He is survived by his three daughters Terry (Rick), Tammy (Paul) and Tricia (Barry), 14 grandchildren Erica, Jonathan, Lindsay ,TJ, Drew, Katie, Kelly, Jeremy, Andrew, Cameron, Austin, Brianna, Elliot and Elyssa and ten great- grandchildren Aubrey, Mason, Arabella, Elle, Addison, Diora, Ariel, Jaylee, Paisley and Layla.

Charlotte Behrenberg Walker

May 18, 1930 - June 23, 2023

Charlotte Behrenberg Walker, 93, of Southern Pines, NC went peacefully to be with her Lord and Savior on June 23, 2023.

Born in Pittsburgh, PA in 1930 to William Christian and Charlotte Behrenberg, Charlotte had an amazing life. She was the daughter of a career Army officer, moving numerous times during her youth to include a tour to Japan in her late teens. During that tour, Charlotte met and married the love of her life, LT Sam S. Walker. They were married for 67 years until his death in 2015.

Charlotte was the epitome of an Army wife. Always supportive of Sam in his many assignments, she lovingly cared for their three children: Walton (Buck), Sam and Sally. They travelled the world including her favorite stations of West Point NY, Wurzburg Germany, Berlin Germany, Izmir Turkey and the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington Va. Her beautiful smile and outgoing personality made her an invaluable helpmate and hostess for Sam in his exceptional military career. She was a favorite of the cadets as the totally engaged wife of the Commandant of Cadets at The United States Military Academy at West Point and later as the wife of the Superintendent of the Virginia Military Institute. Charlotte was passionate about music and art. She enjoyed playing her piano and painting in her younger years. For 31 years she was a Red Cross volunteer. Charlotte was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ. She attended Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Southern Pines and was an active member of Daughters of the King.

Charlotte was preceded in death by her husband GEN (Ret) Sam S. Walker and her daughter, Sally Anne Walker. She is survived by her two sons, COL (Ret) Walton H. Walker II (Catherine) of Fayetteville, NC, LTC (Ret) Sam S. Walker III (June) of Seneca SC, and six grandchildren, Walton H. Walker III (Lorene), Sam B. Walker, Joseph B. Walker (Katee), Charlotte W. Olsen (Thomas) Catherine W. Mielke (Benjamin), and Michael S. Walker. Charlotte had six great-grandchildren: Ellis and Lucy Olsen, Gale and Jonathan Walker, William and Emily Mielke. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

Henry Webster Turner

December 26, 1941 - June 20, 2023

Henry Webster Turner, 81, of Southern Pines, passed peacefully at the FirstHealth Hospice House, he had fought valiantly against cancer, on Tuesday, June 20th.

Born in Chattanooga, TN, he was the son of the late Henry Harrison and Julie MacIntosh Turner. Henry’s family moved to Southern Pines when he was a young boy where he graduated from Southern Pines High School, class of 1960. After graduation he attended, NC State, Campbell College and American University in Washington D.C. Henry did some traveling and lived in Japan where he taught English, before returning home to Southern Pines to help out at the family business, Turner Picture Frame Shop. He went on be a skilled Stonemason, doing wonderful stone walls, walks and fireplaces. He also worked for the Pinehurst Resort. In October of 1996, Henry married his soulmate, the love of his life, Donna Murphy.

Henry enjoyed writing and even had a book completed that he was hoping to get published. He loved art and music. He loved being out in nature and walks around Weymouth Center, but he was happiest when he was with his soulmate Donna and their dogs, Phoebe and Gracie. Henry will be best remembered for his quick wit and sharp sense of humor.

Henry was the loving husband of Donna Murphy Turner. He was the brother of Beth VanLanen and her husband Jerry. He was the brother - in - law of Melissa Murphy and Pamela Murphy. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, great - niece and great - nephews. Henry leaves behind his faithful four legged friends, Gracie and three cats. He was predeceased by his best friend since First Grade, Michael Boes.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Henry’s memory may be made to the Moore Humane Society, 5355 NC Hwy 22, Carthage, NC 28327 or to the Solutions for Animals, 2298 N. Horace Walters Rd. Raeford, NC 28376.

Sherry Mae Jett

January 27, 1956 - June 19, 2023

Sherry Mae Jett, 67, of Aberdeen, passed peacefully at the family home on Monday, June 19th.

Sherry was born January 27, 1956 in Florida to the late Charles D. and Mary Katherine Cummings Jett. She grew up in Aberdeen, attending Pinecrest High School and Sandhills Community College. Her career was spent with the Pinehurst Resort, where she worked for 35 years in various departments, retiring as the Director of Transportation in 2018. Sherry lead with compassion and empathy, never putting herself above nor below anybody. She was a longtime and faithful member of Community Presbyterian Church of Pinehurst, and relied heavily on her faith throughout her many trials and tribulations. Sherry was an outgoing and social lady, always at the ready for anyone in need. “To love or be loved by Sherry was to know unconditional love. She was a light for all she met, making life for others, just a little bit brighter.”

Sherry is survived by her son Evan Lyne of Seattle, WA. She was the sister of Manuel Jett, Greg Jett and the late Ellery Jett. She is survived by her niece Emily Bishop (Michael) and nephew Aaron Jett (Meaghan). Sherry was the great - aunt of Natalie Culp (Matt), Gregory Dawkins (Sarah), Katherine Dawkins, and Destiny Jett. She was the great - great - aunt of Eleanor Rose and Landyn, all of whom she considered her own children and grandchildren. She is also survived by numerous cousins and close friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Sherry’s honor to Community Presbyterian Church Pinehurst at 125 Everette Road Pinehurst NC 28374 or Gentiva Hospice Rockingham at 1198 Rockingham Rd Rockingham NC 28379.

C hatham News & R e C oR d

Kyle Shipp launches campaign for Mayor of Pittsboro

Kyle for Mayor

PITTSBORO — Kyle Shipp

is thrilled to announce his candidacy for Mayor of Pittsboro and share a bold vision for the future of Pittsboro. As a town commissioner, Shipp gained valuable experience and an indepth understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Pittsboro.

Outgoing Mayor Cindy Perry said, “Having served as Mayor for three terms, I wholeheartedly endorse Kyle as the ideal candidate to lead our Town to a prosperous and inclusive future.” Shipp said he “feels ready to take the lead as Mayor, build on past achievements, and shape a future that reflects the aspirations of every resident.”

Shipp said he considers his campaign slogan more of a mantra for what lies ahead: “Plan for Pittsboro. Plan for our future. Plan together.”

He said he will work with the community and lead Pittsboro towards a prosperous and sustainable future.

Plan for Pittsboro

Strategic planning is of critical importance in shaping the destiny of Pittsboro. This town is unlike any other, and the plans made today must ensure it remains both economically vibrant and environmentally sustainable. Shipp said he will work hand-in-hand with local experts, businesses and community members to develop a blueprint addressing key areas such as infrastructure modernization, downtown vitality and the preservation of Pittsboro’s unique cultural heritage.

“I believe that growth is possible while staying true to the past,” Shipp said.

Plan for our future

Pittsboro has a rich history and is well-known for its unique character. As the population continues to increase, long-term plans must be made now to ensure that character is preserved, thoughtfully scaled and inclusive of all.

How Chatham County is celebrating Independence Day

Shipp said his plan focuses on fostering entrepreneurship and creating a business-friendly environment for both new and existing businesses; generating quality employment opportunities for residents. Shipp said he will also hold businesses accountable to Pittsboro’s most urgent priorities: protecting natural resources and delivering affordable housing.

Plan together

Shipp said he seeks to empower and uplift every resident of Pittsboro. His plan is merely a first draft: the true plan is one made together as a community.

“Civic engagement is essential to enhancing the quality of life for all,” Shipp said.

Through initiatives that support local arts, culture, and recreation, Shipp envisions vibrant public spaces where residents can gather, connect, and thrive. He said he will continue to cultivate partnerships with community organizations, listen to the voices of residents and champion inclusion, all with the goal of keeping Pittsboro a place where everyone feels valued and welcomed.

Shipp said believes that action is inherent in the planning process: make a plan, try the plan, and revise the plan while moving forward. With a proven commitment to transparent governance, fiscal responsibility and community engagement, he said he feels poised to build upon these accomplishments and tackle the challenges that lie ahead.

In the coming months, Shipp said he will engage with residents through a series of town hall meetings, neighborhood gatherings, and digital platforms, promoting an inclusive dialogue where all ideas and aspirations for Pittsboro are valued.

“With a shared vision and collective action, there is a sustainable future ahead for the town,” Shipp said. He invites residents to get engaged and help plan for the challenges ahead, ensuring that today’s actions benefit generations to come.

By Taylor Heeden Chatham News & Record

THE FOURTH OF JULY — also known as Independence Day in the U.S. — is widely celebrated across Chatham County with various festivals, church celebrations and firework displays.

The News & Record has compiled a list of activities in the county leading up to and on Independence Day residents can participate in. Here’s how Chatham communities are commemorating the founding of the United States.

Summer Fest 2023

The Pittsboro Business Association will host its annual Summer Fest starting at 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 2, at the town parking lot across from Postal Fish Company in downtown Pittsboro.

Summer Fest will have a dedicated space for children, the Kids Zone, complete with a water slide, a dunk tank, a bounce house, an inflatable axe-throwing lane, an obstacle course and more.

For adult festivalgoers, there are several contests to participate in, from the highly anticipated beard and mustache competition to the newly added amateur BBQ cook-off. There will also be various entertainers at the event, from live musicians to jugglers and balloon animal artists.

Food trucks and vendors will be available throughout Summer Fest.

The July 4 Dueling Dogs Seminar

Canines can put on their flippers and swim caps in this patriotic aquatic competition in Goldston at the Dueling Dogs Seminar, an all-day affair on Tuesday, July 4, at the Indian Creek K9 Aquatics Center in Goldston.

See JULY 4, page A9

AG Josh Stein meets with Chatham leaders to talk law enforcement

By Taylor Heeden Chatham News & Record

PITTSBORO — Many of Chatham County’s elected officials and various municipal administrations came together on Monday afternoon for a round-table discussion with N.C. Attorney General Josh Stein.

Stein has served as N.C.’s Attorney General since 2017 and recently announced his 2024 run to take the governor’s seat for the next election.

The group came together to discuss various issues facing the criminal justice system — from lulls in the hiring of law enforcement officers to new funds com-

ing from the opioid lawsuit set-

tlements Stein and his office have spearheaded.

“We’ve worked with the sheriff … the Chiefs of Police and others in law enforcement to come up with a package to try to help address recruitment and retention challenges,” Stein told the group. Sheriff Mike Roberson was present at Monday’s conversation, and he provided some insight on some of the challenges the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office has experienced, specifically in regard to filling vacant positions.

“We have 14 certified law enforcement position vacancies,

with no applications, and then we have 13 detention positions open, and we have a couple of applications on that,” Roberson said. “But we’re not getting enough people to apply to even sift through … To be honest with you, we’re behind on the number of deputies that we have. We

See STEIN, page A12

LET FREEDOM RING!

MATT RAMEY | CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

Rodeo in Chatham

The Silk Hope Pro Rodeo took place this past weekend on June 23 and 24. You can see

photos from the event on page B10. $1.00

COURTESY PHOTO

Summer Fest is one of the events taking place the weekend of July 4.

Chatham News & Record

www.chathamnewsrecord.com

North State Media LLC

303 West Raleigh Street, Siler City, North Carolina 27344

Copyright 2023 North State

Media LLC

Neal Robbins, Publisher publisher@northstatejournal.com 336-552-6800 NEWSROOM

Matt Mercer, Editor in Chief matt@northstatejournal.com

Griffin Daughtry, Local News Editor griffin@northstatejournal.com

Lauren Rose, Design Editor lauren@northstatejournal.com

Taylor Heeden, Web Editor theeden@chathamnr.com

Cory Lavalette, Statewide Sports Editor cory@northstatejournal.com

Jeremy Vernon, Chatham Sports Editor jeremy@chathamnr.com

Valeria Cloës, Copy Editor valeriacloes@chathamnr.com

ADVERTISING

Jason Justice jjustice@chathamnr.com

Advertising Inquiries advertising@chathamnr.com

OFFICE

Karen Pyrtle karen@chathamnr.com

Doris Beck doris@chathamnr.com

Florence Turner billing@chathamnr.com

The Chatham News & Record (USPS #101-160) is published weekly, 52 weeks a year, by North State Media LLC, 303 West Raleigh Street, Siler City, N.C. 27344.

N.C. POSTMASTER:

Send address changes to

The Chatham News & Record, PO Box 290, Siler City, N.C. 27344

CONTACT US

For a vacation hold or to report a delivery problem: 919-663-3232

To place a classified or display ad: 919-663-3232; Fax: 919-663-4042

To submit a news tip or correction: 919-663-3232; email: news@ chathamnr.com

SUBSCRIPTION RATES

Subscription rates begin at $6.58/month (1 year print & digital, paid annually) or $4.92/month (digital only, paid annually). Pick your plan at www. chathamnewsrecord.com/ subscribe.

Auto-renew; cancel anytime

Chatham Community Library to host food seminar “Raising Good Eaters”

From Chatham County Government PITTSBORO — Chatham Community Library will host “Raising Good Eaters,” which is part of the “Learn About Food at Your Library” series from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 29, at Chatham Community Library. This program is free and open to the public in the Holmes Family Meeting Room.

The N.C. Cooperative Extension-Chatham County Center will give a presentation and food demonstration on healthy foods and proper nutrition for young children. Children have different nutritional needs from adults and healthy skepticism to new things, including food.

These two factors can make meals challenging for caregiv-

ers in addition to limited budgets, limited time, and sometimes limited patience.

“Raising Good Eaters” is aimed at taking the pressure off mealtimes, giving caregivers a better understanding of the nutritional and behavioral needs for this age group, and discussing feeding strategies for young children.

The Food Literacy Center grant is made possible by funding from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) as administered by the State Library of North Carolina, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (IMLS grant number LS-252476-OLS-22).

Residents may visit the libraries’ website www.cha-

WHAT: “Learn About Food at Your Library: Raising Good Eaters”

WHEN: Thursday, June 29, 2023, from noon to 1:30 p.m.

WHERE: Chatham Community Library, Holmes Family Meeting Room, 197 NC-87, Pittsboro, NC 27312

WHO: Tara Gregory, registered dietitian, with the N.C. Cooperative Extension

thamlibraries.org, or contact the Library at 919-545-8084 for more information on this and other events and programs.

SANDY BRANCH BAPTIST CHURCH

You are invited to our Fourth of July celebration on Saturday, July 1. We will serve hot dogs with all the trimmings beginning at 5 p.m. There will be plenty of desserts, as well as a homemade ice cream competition. Following the meal there will be Bingo and a cornhole tournament. Join us at 715 Sandy Branch Church Road, Bear Creek.

CAMERON GROVE AME ZION CHURCH

Cameron Grove AME Zion Church will hold it’s Mortgage Burning Celebration on Sunday, July 2, at 3 p.m. The speaker will be Bishop Kenneth Monroe, Presiding Bishop of the Eastern North Carolina Episcopal District, the AME Zion Church.

Dinner will be served. The church is located at 309 Vernon St., Broadway.

CALENDAR

The Town of Siler City is developing a downtown streetscape master plan to serve as a guiding document for future public improvements that will provide for safer pedestrian experiences, convenient parking, and will stimulate positive growth. The focus of the streetscape improvements includes improved pedestrian facilities such as sidewalks and cross walks, traffic calming measures, public parking options, landscape and lighting improvements, and various other public amenities. The community engagement event on June 28 is an opportunity for the design team to present preliminary improvements in the form of graphics and images for public comment and feedback. A presentation will be made to explain the proposed improvements at 4:15 p.m. followed by an open house community design workshop and public forum. Event Date and Time: Wednesday, June 28, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at the City Hall Courtroom, 311 N. Second Avenue.

Start your Summerfest ‘23 fun Sunday, July 2, at the Chatham County Historical Courthouse in Pittsboro, where volunteers from the Deep River Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) will hand out flags and candy free of charge. The Historical Museum will also be open at this time. The museum’s regular hours are from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays. Admission is free. We follow state and local directives regarding masks and distancing. 919-542-6222.

Rd (Apex) 21.500 acres

$825,000

Olives Chapel Rd (Apex) 12.619 acres

$1,500,000 00 Olives Chapel Rd (Apex) 33.662 acres

$3,366,200

Olives Chapel Rd (Apex) 75.430 acres $9,051,600

Thomas Kelly Rd (Sanford) 36.000 acres

$350,000

Chatham Community Library will host “Raising Good Eaters,” which is part of the “Learn About Food at Your Library” series. This program is free and open to the public, Thursday, beginning June 29, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Chatham Community Library, Holmes Family Meeting Room, 197 NC-87, Pittsboro.

5741 Old

955 Alton King Rd (Goldston) 11.566 acres

$185,000 267 Marshall Rd (Pittsboro) 10.049 acres

$250,000

Hamlets Chapel Rd (Pittsboro) 42.804 acres $1,200,000 13120 Strickland Rd (Raleigh) 16.250 acres

Wat (Durham) 3 Bdrm, 3 Bath $675,000 5741 Old Stony Wat (Durham) 3 Bdrm, 3 Bath $675,000

• The Siler City Lion’s Club meeting for July at Dry Dock Seafood Restaurant, will be July 11 and 25 at 6 p.m. Join the Club, and see that you can make a difference in the world and your local community. We meet the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. Together we serve!

Start your Summerfest ‘23 fun Sunday, July 2, at the Chatham County Historical Association Museum in Pittsboro, where volunteers will give out flags beginning at 4 p.m. The museum’s regular hours are from 11 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays. It is located in the Historical Courthouse, 9 Hillsboro St., Pittsboro. Admission is free. We follow state and local directives regarding masks and distancing. 919-542-6222.

The Goldston Public Library announces the Goldston Book Club, every 2nd Monday of each month, from 2 to 3 p.m. Individuals who are interested in joining a book club can stop by the Goldston Public Library.

“Join the conversation”

Stony

Siler City Board of Commissioners approve 2023-24 budget, scrap stormwater utility fee

By Valeria Cloës Chatham News & Record

SILER CITY — The Siler City Board of Commissioners met at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 20, in the Courtroom at City Hall to approve the town’s 2023-2024 budget. The town’s new budget for the fiscal year increases water, sewer and solid waste and recycling rates. These rates have not been increased since 2016.

The Commissioners’ first order of business was to approve the budget itself: As reported by Taylor Heeden, the commissioners previously debated adding a stormwater utility fee. However, it was scrapped from the final budget.

In a follow-up interview

with Town Manager Hank Raper, he said the tax rate is being kept at 54 cents.

“But there are increases to water and sewer rates, as well as increases in solid waste collection services,” he said.

For residents inside city limits, the base water rate will be $27 and the sewer rate will be $19.25. For residents outside city limits, the base water rate will be $54 and the base sewer rate will be $38.50.

For commercial buildings inside city limits, the base water rate will be $33 and the base sewer rate will be $27. For commercial buildings outside city limits, the base water rate will be $66 and the base sewer rate will be $54.

In addition, for solid waste

These rates will be effective July 1, 2023.

and recycling in residential areas, the monthly rate per household will now be $19.36, and for commercial areas the monthly rate per business will be $25.88.

These rates will be effective July 1, 2023. A full breakdown of increased rates will be available online at www.chathamnewsandrecord.com.

This is the first time since 2016 that the water and sewer rates have increased, Raper said.

The budget, with notes to fix typos, was approved unan-

imously.

In addition, in the 20-minute long open session, Planning Director Jennifer Baptiste gave a presentation to the board about the rezoning request by Mid-State Development Center. This presentation showed the affected parcels of land along U.S. 64, Stockyard Road and Ellington Road.

With no public comments, Raper updated the commissioners on renovations done to the roof of City Hall which have left it looking red again after power washing.

Finally, Raper informed the commissioners about the Siler City Alcoholic Beverage Control Board 2023-2024 budget for them to review. No action was required.

Board holds public hearing on Sanford merger

By Taylor Heeden Chatham News & Record

PITTSBORO — While the weather roared outside of the Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center on Monday evening, Pittsboro commissioners held their last meeting of the month, which included conducting a public hearing on the Sanford water and wastewater merger.

Assistant Town Manager Kent Jackson gave a presentation on the merger during the hearing, where he gave a brief overview of how the town got to where it is today. The summary was documented in a memorandum, which was given to the board prior to the meeting.

“On August 12, 2022, the Town engaged with Freese and Nichols to perform a study and analysis of the opportunities and challenges of a merged system with the City of Sanford,” the memorandum read. “Phase 1 of this comprehensive study focused primarily on financial options and impacts, including system development fees and rates. The findings and conclusions of Phase 1 indicated significant opportunities and advantages for the potential merger and therefore Phase 2 was au-

thorized. Phase 2 has focused on governance, assets, system operation, and capital funding.”

Jackson said the merger would help mitigate several issues with Pittsboro’s current infrastructure, such as limited sewer capacity, unsteady utility rates and more.

“Even smaller projects … cannot be supported because of the very limited wastewater capacity,” he said. “The benefit of this arrangement with Sanford is to enable us to achieve that sewer capacity, mainly through the force main project, but also through other upgrades.”

Jackson also ran through some questions regarding the merger various residents and board members have expressed throughout the planning process. Jackson said current customers would still receive the same level of service under the merger, as both Sanford and Pittsboro utilize the same software and systems for billing and collection.

Customers can also report issues through the same mediums they currently use, such as going to town hall in-person, calling the department or submitting a request online. Utility bills are expected to remain steady, but the re-

Customers can also report issues through the same mediums they currently use, such as going to town hall in-person, calling the department or submitting a request online.

port stated the system development fees (SDFs) in Pittsboro could increase under the merger.

A concern water quality activists in Pittsboro have revolves around Sanford’s water contamination. Sanford has PFAS and PFOA — potential human carcinogens — in its water supply, which the city said it plans on addressing by installing a Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) system in its water treatment facility. Pittsboro already has a GAC system installed in its water treatment plant, which was put online last July.

Commissioner John Bonitz said residents have approached him with concerns regarding the water quality of Sanford’s water, and if it

would have a negative impact on Pittsboro’s supply.

“I am hearing constituents ask specifically for the pollutant goals or limits or Sanford’s GAC plan,” he said. “I’m pleased they’re going to install that level of advanced filtration and have plans for even more, but we do need to know at what level that GAC will be operated and managed.”

Bonitz said he appreciates all of the work staff and contracted agencies have done to create the drafted interlocal agreement, but he said most of the public seems to be “hungry for more information.”

“They’ve not been able to find it, or they’ve not been able to find it easily,” he said. “We’ve been kind of sprinting to catch up with this ambitious set of timelines, which is no fault to any of us.”

Bonitz suggested creating a webpage on the town website where residents could go to find more information on the merger and interlocal agreement, which he said would help fill the void of questions from residents.

Jackson said creating a page for the merger would be possible, if that was something the board wanted to move forward with.

From Chatham County Sheriff’s Office

On June 13, Phillip Charles Laney Jr., 44, of 400 Pritchard Ave., D2, Chapel Hill, was arrested by Deputy Zackary Gross for assault on a female and misdemeanor larceny. He was issued a written promise to appear in Chatham County District Court in Pittsboro on July 12. On June 13, he was also arrested by Deputy Gross for sell/deliver cocaine, possession with intent to sell/deliver cocaine, and maintain vehicle/dwelling/ place for controlled substance. He was issued no bond and is scheduled to appear in Orange County District Court in Hillsborough on June 26.

On June 13, Edgar Emanuel Rodriguez, 27, of 126 Santa Fe Circle, Siler City, was arrested by Deputy Wes Chafa for breaking/entering with the intent to terrorize/injure. He was issued a $10,000 secured bond and is scheduled to appear in Chatham County District Court in Pittsboro on July 17.

On June 14, Lela Faye Partin, 54, of 3647 Alston Chapel Road, Pittsboro, was arrested by Deputy Chris Scales for domestic violence protective order violation. She was issued a written promise to appear in Chatham County District Court in Pittsboro on July 19.

On June 14, James Michael Stanley, 31, of 3645 Alston Chapel Road, Pittsboro, was arrested by Deputy Scales for domestic violence protective order violation. He was issued a written promise to appear in Chatham County District Court in Pittsboro on July 19.

On June 16, Alisa Elaine Garcia, 37, of 855 Cypress Church Road, Cameron, was arrested by Deputy Jonathan Frazier for two counts of failure to appear per a release order. She was issued a $5,000 secured bond and is scheduled to appear in Chatham County District Court in Pittsboro on June 28.

On June 16, Dana Renee Brady, 47, of 606 W. Fifth St. Siler City, was arrested by Deputy Dalton Oldham for failure to appear-child support. She was issued a $15,000 secured bond and is scheduled to appear in Chatham County District Court in Pittsboro on June 30.

On June 16, Kendall Moore Jones, 25, of 233 Highgate Circle, Wake Forest, was arrested by Deputy Conner Lee for two counts of domestic violence protective order violation. He was held on a 48-hour domestic violence hold and is scheduled to appear in Chatham County District Court in Pittsboro on June 28.

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

Wait, wait, we’re still growing, right?

Growing my inner life has always been a priority for me. I’m an introvert, for heaven’s sake!

THAT TIME, all those many eons ago, I burned ALL my journals? OK, yes, that was a come-on to capture your interest. (Did it work?)

Back to said burning of all the many journals I’d kept over twenty years. Not wishing to bore you, I’ll simply say that personal victimization ran rampant in those journals, a good excuse for a return to their original form of dust to dust. (And they were also stellar fuel for a New Year’s Day start-anew bonfire!)

Next move. I mean it’s difficult to go from recording one’s inner state to the state of recording zip about that same inner terrain. There was a quasi-empty bookcase shelf that had previously housed the incinerated journals. And yes, my eye always seemed to catch the now-open space whenever I passed that bookcase. A furtive look, yes, but still an awareness rather like a phantom limb.

And what can I say, unconsciously motivated by that-now empty and journal-less shelf, I started a new form of recording, but online. I began to hoard wisdom sayings and quotes. As it turns out, my hoarding (stockpiling?) evolved into years (and years) of wise quotes and wisdom nuggets

Why hoard (er, stockpile) all these wisdom nuggets? Growing my inner life has always been a priority for me. I’m an introvert, for heaven’s sake! And remember ALL those incinerated journals? I now created a new online garden, planting seeds, lots and lots of seeds, hoping some would take root in my being. Goodies such as compassion, tolerance and love of my fellow humans. Yeah, right, just the easy stuff …

How often, through the years, did I find myself returning to this wisdom cache for support? (Jan grimaces.) After the first five years or so of weekly copy and pasting (and copy and pasting), did I frequently return to my wisdom cache for those reputed growth nutrients? Rarely.

I mean, forty-five plus pages of collected wisdom sayings, over

EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS

the course of 15-plus years, and the apparent impact on my life, for the most part, seemed to be, “OMG, I forgot I created that file!” Filled to the gills with sage words for growing myself into a deep-hearted human being and I periodically forgot the file even existed. Pretty dispiriting.

Sigh. As a quick retrospective of the hours spent copying and pasting, I decided to dive into those 15+ years of hoped-for exponential growth. OMG, I just jumped right into the deep end (without the benefit of water wings.). In a few words, the reading was heavy-going, seriously heavy-going. I found it difficult to stay in the deep end for very long with the sheer density of all the collected wisdom. What had I been thinking?

And then, as per usual, the light of understanding appeared, just when needed, from of all places, Facebook. (How does that light show up? Too deep a dive for me. I’m just glad it does.) And there, lighting my way forward, vis-à-vis, author Kate Bowler:

“Bless that old self, They did such a good job with what they knew.

They made you who you were … ”

Yep, my burned journals, my periodically forgotten wisdom file, both “grew” me in all the moments I was truly present to them in the past. However, one never knows, or controls, the metamorphosis of growth.

I released old journals of behaviors that no longer served me. I constructed a wisdom file that, very likely, seeped into me as I copied and pasted. And now, I’m here. With both you and me. Writing and sharing the challenges and gifts of our human journey. I’m betting you’re already on this growth bandwagon, right? Or you wouldn’t be reading this?

Jan Hutton is a retired hospice/hospital social worker who believes in living life with heart and humor. She has happily lived in Chatham for 20 years.

Fly that flag high on Independence Day

IT’S ALWAYS AMAZED ME that there are people out there who make decisions about flying the American flag based on who happens to be president at the time.

I remember not long after 9/11, we were treated to one story after another about how some who didn’t support then-President George W. Bush said they didn’t want to fly the flag because they felt like people would “mistake” them for Bush supporters who were feeling especially patriotic about America in the aftermath of the horrific terrorist attacks.

It’s always amazed me that there are people out there who make decisions about flying the American flag based on who happens to be president at the time.

So instead of showing love for their country despite their political disagreements with President Bush, these same critics of the president opted to stuff it in a drawer, away from the eyes of those on the left who we were previously told were tolerant and nonjudgmental of differing views.

Several years later when Barack Obama was elected president, a fresh wave of articles hit, letting us know that those who had felt uncomfortable flying the flag under Bush were now flying it again under Obama.

“After a divisive presidency and strident campaign in which patriotism was used as a wedge issue, supporters of President-elect Obama are hanging flags, donning Old Glory lapel pins and humming the national anthem,” the R aleigh News and Observer reported in a conveniently timed November 2008 piece which carried the headline “Winds of Patriotism Renewed.”

The paper also quoted one Obama supporter as saying she “got in bed and started reading the Declaration of Independence for the first time in a long time” the day after the election, while another declared, “The first thing I did the morning after the election was take [the American flag] from my den and fly it proudly in front of my house.”

The reasons people do and do not fly the American flag are their own, but I can’t imagine not flying mine simply because Joe Biden is president.

In my opinion, it doesn’t matter who the president is nor what the pressing issue happens to be in this country at any given time; there is no reason why any person in this country who loves it should ever be ashamed to fly their flags in their yards, hang small ones in their homes, wear a flag pin or what have you regardless of whoever our president is.

The mistake fair-weather citizens make on the hanging of the flag and other traditional displays of patriotism is that they believe the flag merely represents the president of this country.

It does not. It represents the ideals upon which this nation was founded.

It represents a love of country that goes way beyond whoever currently occupies the Oval Office. I proudly displayed this country’s flag during the Clinton administration years, did so under Obama and continue to do so under Biden regardless of my opposition to what he stands for.

No president will ever make me ashamed to display my country’s flag.

As a commenter at my old blog once wrote, “America is an idea that is bigger and better than one individual, even if it’s the president.”

Wherever I go, whenever I see the American flag flown it gives me such a sense of pride and comfort to see the stars and stripes because I know what it means and I know how so many have fought and died to keep America safe and free.

On Independence Day and all days before and after, don’t be ashamed to fly your American flag high, no matter on which side of the political aisle you hang your hat. I can think of no better way to celebrate the First Amendment and robust disagreements on the issues than doing that, in the greatest country on earth.

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

COLUMN | JAN HUTTON

Really can’t judge book by its cover

LIFE, IT’S BEEN SAID, is a funny teacher.

Not funny as in funny “ha-ha” but funny as in how things come around, sometimes in sort of an ironic way. Life, unlike my high school algebra teacher, for instance, gives the test first and then the lesson. Mrs. Johnston, on the other hand, gave us the lessons first and then we had the test but that didn’t help much — at least for me.

I say all that to point out I’ve had a few mental light bulbs to come on lately in that regard. One of them has been that what we see on the outside of folks may not be what’s happening on the inside where they’re really living.

Every day, I believe, we come in contact with folks who may be smiling like a clown outside but inwardly they’re dying. And every day, we may be, to others, one of those folks who are smiling on the outside but dying inside.

Some of that, I’m convinced, has to do with the drastic change in life we’ve experienced since an illness most of us previously had never heard of drove many of us to “shelter in place.” With that for many people came the loss of jobs, income, independence, self-worth and a reason to get up in the morning. We will be a long time in learning the long-lasting effects of this as those effects show up in such places as child abuse, depression and suicides.

You see, laughing on the outside but crying on the inside can be caused by any number of issues, including physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. Some such as the corona virus can cause distress in all of those areas.

If, for instance, someone is physically ill from the virus, hospitalized, out of work and financially distressed, he or she may find his or her mind struggling just to stay afloat while wondering where is God in all this.

For me, the outside-inside realities were more physical, although nothing exists in a vacuum. Years ago, when my dad was on this side of the Great Divide and I was a mere child, I would sometimes plead with him to play catch or throw the ol’ pigskin around. And sometimes he would oblige, even though he’d put in a hard day putting food on the table. But other times he’d say something to the effect of, “I’d like to but I don’t feel like it.”

More than one time when he would say that, I would say to him something like “You don’t look sick.” And to that he would reply, “I’m not sick; I just hurt.” And then he would throw out the warning: “One day you’ll probably know what I mean.”

He was right.

That day is here.

I do.

Both he and my mother decided they wanted me and my two older brothers to remember them daily so they gave us genes laced with a dose of arthritis.

And we do ... Remember them, that is.

Daily.

Now I’m not saying this in this space to ask you to send me a “Get Well” card. I’m not sick. If you want to send a box of chocolate chip cookies, well ... that might be a different story.

Rather, I say this to point out what I used to know as the obvious intellectually I now know as the obvious by experience. And while I might look okay (I hope) on the outside sometimes on the inside I’m not a happy camper. The obvious good news is that for me and others with this same issue there are options for getting better. And I’ve had several of them involving a surgeon and a knife over the past several years and I’m tickled pink things worked out as well as they did. They have brought me some relief that is not spelled “R-O-L-AI-D-S” as the old television commercial said and that eventually hopefully I can go out with somewhat of a bang rather than a whimper.

However, I know the jury is still out on the virus and the final answer won’t be written for some time, maybe years even. To me, that’s where I need something that’s bigger than me, even something I don’t completely understand. That’s where faith in God comes in.

I’m a big believer in what The Book says that good can out of bad if we will let it. Actually, what the Book says is that God will help us discover the good when there’s bad if we want to discover it and we’ll let it happen. The obvious good for me physically here is that there are some things I did that helped. But the bigger good news may be that I can become a bit more sensitive and a bit less judgmental about other folks.

I haven’t walked, as our Native American ancestors said, “a mile in their moccasins.” I’m going to try to do more of that and less jumping to conclusions, try to find out how things really are, if I can and they will let me.

So, excuse me for a moment while I grab a BC powder for my joints which still ache but let me not forget that for some folks, the healing is going to take more than a tablet or two and a few minutes.

Let me be found guilty trying to be helpful to my fellow traveler long the way. May it be so for you, as well. I believe in the end one of the good things to come out of the bad is that we’ll find the “Golden Rule” — treat other folks like you want to be treated — will bring us peace in the midst of the storm.

Bob Wachs is a native of Chatham County and retired long-time managing editor of the Chatham News/ Chatham Record, having written a weekly column for more than 30 years. During most of his time with the newspapers, he was also a bi-vocational pastor and today serves Bear Creek Baptist Church for the second time as pastor.

There is no short path back to institutional credibility

INSTITUTIONAL TRUST is built over the course of years. Decades. Centuries.

Dishonesty takes just a moment to destroy institutional trust.

Last week, Dr. Peter Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine and professor of molecular virology at Baylor College of Medicine, got into a spat with podcaster Joe Rogan and presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Hotez has a longstanding feud over vaccine efficacy and safety with RFK Jr., who has long been a proponent of the scientifically unverified theory that childhood vaccines cause autism; RFK Jr., appearing on Rogan’s podcast, tore into Hotez. Hotez responded by accusing Rogan of spreading “misinformation” — to which Rogan quite properly responded that if Hotez wished to rebut that “misinformation” in debate with RFK Jr. on his show, he’d be happy not only to host but to contribute $100,000 to a charity of Hotez’s choice. Hotez refused the invite. He then appeared on MSNBC, where he explained, “Anti-vaccine disinformation... is now a lethal force in the United States. I offered to go on Joe Rogan but not to turn it into the Jerry Springer show with having RFK Jr. on.”

This is still a free country; no one is obligated to debate anyone else. But Hotez essentially argues that his credentials excuse him from having to defend his case publicly in debate. In the past, there might have been something to that: Few would have expected a virologist to debate, say, Jenny McCarthy, even 20 years ago, for better or worse. Why? Because the scientific community could point to decades of success

BE

TRUTH’S STRANGER THAN FICTION

Nobody can deny that maxim. No one’s imagination is expansive enough to fathom the myriad of possibilities, coincidences and weird outcomes life tosses at us. Sometimes, a person can’t know how bizarre things will turn out until years later.

This experience happened to me when I visited the Titanic Artifact Exhibition at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. I’ve been a Titanic buff since I was fourteen and devoured Walter Lord’s book, “A Night to Remember.” Of course, decades later, I saw the blockbuster hit, with Leo DiCaprio as soon as it came out!

When in Orlando years ago, I declined a trip to Epcot because I opted to spend my time there at “The Titanic Experience” where a thespian playing the part of a doomed passenger took us on a tour of replicated rooms of the ship, and she acted out the moments of the disaster.

Therefore, when I visited the Titanic Artifact Exhibition in Raleigh, I was a bit jaded, a tad nonchalant and a smidgen blasé about seeing the artifacts. After all, I knew the story. I’d seen the rescued treasures from it before in Orlando. Nevertheless, I dutifully scanned the display cases in Raleigh.

I noted a black bag with a huge lock, which was larger than a doctor’s black bag and not used for medicines; folks back then used it to stow their valuable jewelry, like a lock box. I gazed at the case with the restored wooden clothespins gathered at the wreck site and fathomed how they rejuvenated the soggy wood. I studied the pince-nez eyeglasses with a “C” curve to fit the nose and marveled at their pristine condition.

Next, I donned the 3D specs to peer at the video of the wreckage. I read the placards discussing the passengers like the ill-fated Strauss couple, the survivor Molly Brown and the young girl, Ruth Becker.

As an aside, half–talking to myself, I said in a rather ho-hum voice to a docent leaning by the door, “Is there anything here that has a North Carolina connection?”

She led me over to a case in the next room. Within it was a faded yet legible document. It was simply named Form# 30240-Tel. Titanic C.Q.D.

My mouth dropped open. I realized the significance of what I was seeing. Furthermore, I understood that if folks had known what they had in their possession all along down there in Hatteras, since the tragic night of April 14, 1912, it would not have taken until 1987 to locate the colossal wreck!

A C.Q.D. was received at Hatteras Station at 11:25 p.m. Titanic called giving its position as 41.49N? 0.24W, about 380 miles SSE of Cape Race.

in health outcomes — longer, healthier lives and fewer childhood diseases among them. The scientists acted as scientists, predominantly worried about following evidence and producing functional solutions to human problems.

Then the scientists decided to promote garbage while hiding behind their credentials. They claimed that men could be women; that universal masking would stop the spread of COVID-19; that schools had to be closed to stop mass death from COVID-19 among children, and that at the same time, protesters on behalf of “racial justice” could safely congregate in close proximity; that the COVID-19 vaccine would stop transmission; that capitalism had to be curbed to stop global warming. They used the credibility of science to preach political nonsense.

And in just a few years, the credibility gained by our scientific institutions has completely eroded. Just 41% of Americans now say that they believe the Centers for Disease Control are doing an excellent or good job. That distrust is entirely earned, given the CDC’s egregiously awful performance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

All of this means that those who purport to speak in the name of science — the same people who have used that label to avoid debate — must now wade back into the arena. They simply don’t have the credibility to demand the trust of the public. It’s time to earn it.

Ben Shapiro, 39, is a graduate of UCLA and Harvard Law School, host of “The Ben Shapiro Show,” and cofounder of Daily Wire+.

Ten minutes later Titanic gave a current position as 41.46N 50.14W (a matter of five-tosix-miles’ difference).

The CQD acronym for “Come Quickly Distressed” read “have struck iceberg.” This entry from the Hatteras Weather Station Diary and Log is one of the earliest distress signals received from R.M.S. Titanic. On April 14 at 11:25 p.m., it was recorded by the signalman at the station.

Next, Supervisor Richard Daily transcribed the signal and relayed it to N.Y. David Sarnoff, the future founder of RCA, was then on duty, and he didn’t believe the message, thinking it “junk.”

The message was never seen again until 2005. You see, during the subsequent renovation to Hatteras Station the log papers had been rolled up and stuffed into the plaster walls to provide insulation.

About eight years ago the National Park Service restored the facility to its original circa 1900 look. The log papers were discovered. The entry is preserved and on exhibit for the public to see in Raleigh.

So really, all along there was a record of the coordinates of where this ship sank when it hit the ‘berg in 1912.

In 1987, it was a bit of a treasure hunt to uncover the mysteries of the Titanic, but here in NC, we had a historical Titanic treasure too, not in the water, but instead wadded up in a wall, not unlike a wren’s nest.

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

COLUMN | BEN SHAPIRO

My Titanic ‘aha’ moment, and I’m not talking about the wreck

Board meets to vote on budget

By Taylor Heeden Chatham News & Record

PITTSBORO — The board of commissioners convened last Tuesday evening to for its last meeting of the month, where commissioners were slated to talk about next year’s budget.

The amended proposed budget would raise the ad valorem tax rate from 66.5 cents to 68.5 cents per $100 of property evaluation, an increase that county officials say will allow the County to keep the allotted 7% pay increase for employee

pay raises, while also providing an additional $4,400 pay increase for each employee. Like the proposed 7% increase, the additional $4,400 pay increase is available to all permanent employees who meet or exceed expectations according to their annual review. The $4,400 amount will be prorated based on full-time equivalency.

This meeting comes after the board voted to amend 3-2 the proposed budget at the beginning of the month, with commissioners David Delaney and Franklin Gomez Flores dissenting on the matter.

The main reason behind the disagreements between the rest of the board and Delaney and Gomez-Flores revolves around the county’s Board of Elections. While the budget does add a full-time Elections Systems Technician position for the Board of Elections, it doesn’t fulfill the full requests sent to the county.

In a budget public hearing in May, members of the elections board sought a pay increase and funding for the new elections technician position. The proposed amended budget only funds the new position,

Silk Hope Ruritan Club donates interactive panels to Silk Hope School

Chatham News & Record

THE SILK HOPE Ruritan

Club has donated state-of-theart interactive video panels to Silk Hope School. These cutting-edge panels serve as tools for teachers, providing them with enhanced capabilities for classroom instruction and acting as the modern-day succes-

sors to traditional blackboards.

The recent donation is a significant step toward the school’s goal of equipping every classroom with these interactive devices. During a ceremony, Johnny Johnson, the treasurer of the Silk Hope Ruritan Club, presented a check for $4,630.96 to Principal Caroline Linker and school secre-

tary Sherri Campbell, symbolizing the club’s commitment to supporting educational advancement.

The panels provided by the Silk Hope Ruritan Club are manufactured by Newline, a leading provider of educational solutions for institutions ranging from K-12 school districts to higher education. These

not the salary increase. Delaney said in the June 5 meeting he would not approve a budget without the salary increase for the elections staff.

Elections board members said a salary increase is needed to keep elections fair and efficient in the county. They said without adequate pay for elections staff, the BOE will struggle to recruit and retain hires.

Commissioners Dasher, Howard and Kenlan commissioners, however, disagreed with Delaney’s assessment of the funding. They argued that if the elections office saw a salary increase, departments across the county on a similar employment structure would also have to see an increased salary.

panels are designed to transform teaching spaces and improve the learning experience of students.

One of the key advantages of the Newline displays is their responsive nature, allowing multiple students to touch and draw simultaneously without lag. This feature fosters collaborative and interactive learning, promoting an active-learning environment in the classroom. By encouraging student participation and engagement, these interactive panels have the potential to greatly enhance knowledge retention and overall academic performance.

The amended proposed budget would raise the ad valorem tax rate from 66.5 cents to 68.5 cents per $100 of property evaluation.

During a ceremony, Johnny Johnson, the treasurer of the Silk Hope Ruritan Club, presented a check for $4,630.96 to Principal Caroline Linker and school secretary Sherri Campbell, symbolizing the club’s commitment to supporting educational advancement.

Chatham Animal Rescue & Education hires new executive director

Chatham Animal Rescue & Education

CHATHAM ANIMAL Rescue & Education (CARE) is proud to announce the hiring of their new Executive Director Jon Spoon.

Spoon brings a passion for promoting animal welfare along with years of experience as a non-profit director, college administrator and small business owner. He holds a B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Asheville and a law degree from North Carolina Central University.

Spoon is a proven leader in the community and region having graduated from Leadership Chatham, the Rural Economic Development Institute, and the Latino Initiative through Go Global N.C. In 2018, Jon was selected as a Goodmon Fellow for Emerging Leaders through Leadership Triangle.

Spoon is excited to take the reigns for an established and impactful organization in Chatham.

“I think this is a fantastic opportunity to put my local connections and management skillset to use for a cause that is near and dear to my heart,” Spoon said. “I care deeply for the community in Chatham County and have always loved

CARE recently announced Jon Spoon would become its executive director.

animals. The chance to work for the betterment of both is a very exciting undertaking.”

The initial goals for CARE under Spoon’s leadership will be to expand its fostering base, diversify and develop its board of directors, and grow its fundraising network through per-

Teachers, get your applications in for a Bright Ideas education grant!

Teachers, are you looking for new opportunities to fund projects for your classroom? Central Electric is awarding up to $15,000 in Bright Ideas education grants to local educators in K-12 classrooms for the 2023-2024 school year.

The final deadline for all grant applications is Sept. 15, but don’t wait to apply. Applications submitted prior to the early-bird deadline on Aug. 15 will be entered to win one of five $100 Visa® gift cards. Scan the QR code or visit NCBrightIdeas.com for more informaiton or to apply!

sonal and corporate donations.

Joan Cunningham, president of CARE’s board of directors, comments “We are delighted to welcome Jon to the CARE family. He brings a unique combination of experience and leadership skills.”

Cunningham continues “Jon

has a commitment to our mission and the energy and skills to help CARE reach and exceed our strategic goals and to maintain our financial health and ensure our sustainability. We are lucky to have someone with such a love for and knowledge of Chatham Coun-

“I think this is a fantastic opportunity to put my local connections and management skillset to use for a cause that is near and dear to my heart. I care deeply for the community in Chatham County and have always loved animals. The chance to work for the betterment of both is a very exciting undertaking.”

Jon Spoon

ty to help CARE grow to meet the challenges of the changing character of our county.”

Spoon began work as CARE’s executive director on June 15, 2023, and will reaching out to volunteers, donors and community partners in the coming weeks. For more information about CARE, please visit the organization website or reach out directly to Jon Spoon at jons@ chathamanimalrescue.org or 919-200-8948.

Investors are now looking strong at our area!

Woofspeed is only 4 miles from Siler City, Toyota is 16 miles north of Siler City. This is a great time to sell your house &/or land.

Contact: Billy Williams 919-548-1404

COURTESY PHOTO

Nationwide wireless broadband network helps

Chatham County first responders, celebrates fifth year

By Valeria Cloës Chatham News & Record

PITTSBORO — Representatives from FirstNet and AT&T, as well as N.C. House Rep. Robert Reives II (D-Dist.54) and Gov. Roy Cooper attended FirstNet’s Five Year Anniversary Celebration at 2 p.m. on Thursday, June 22, at the new Chatham County Emergency Operations Center.

FirstNet in partnership with AT&T provides first responders with a nationwide wireless broadband network during natural disasters and other public safety situations where first responders’ networks become compromised or down.

FirstNet’s 25-year contract with AT&T is operated and overseen by the FirstNet Authority, housed in the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Steve Newton, the emergency management director for Chatham County, said FirstNet is already in most of the county.

“FirstNet, for us, is another carrier, another source,” he said. “The advantage that we have with FirstNet is the way that their whole network is intentionally designed to be more robust, survivable and recoverable during a disaster. But really, they engineered it around the work that we do every day.”

Through a recommendation of the 9/11 Commission, the idea for FirstNet was born because of the widespread communications issue the pubic safety disaster caused, Jon Olson, senior public safety advisor for FirstNet Authority, said.

For example, Jocelyn Moore,

FirstNet Authority board member, said she remembered working on Capitol Hill during 9/11 and not being able to call any of her family members to tell them she was OK.

Since 2017, the FirstNet Authority has consulted with over 3,000 public safety stakeholders in North Carolina to understand what the state’s needs were and will be in the future, Olson said.

Gov. Cooper opted-in to FirstNet on Nov. 13, 2017, bringing its services and network to the state and build-

ing it out during these first five years, Olson said.

“In just five years, five short years, FirstNet has delivered a network engineered to and built for the unique needs of public safety,” Olson said. “Resulting in a differentiated experience for public safety stakeholders, including a dedicated core, now a fleet, of over 150 deployables.”

The company has rolled out the Emergency Mobile Communications trucks, with antennas that can broadcast a network within two miles from

Chatham County residents advised of jury scam

Chatham County Sheriff’s Office RESIDENTS OF CHATHAM COUNTY are being cautioned by the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office about a jury duty scam currently making the rounds.

The Sheriff’s Office has received several reports last week from residents who were contacted by scammers falsely posing as representatives of the Sheriff’s Office. In each case, the fraudulent caller informs the recipient that they have neglected their jury duty obligation and must pay a fine to prevent imminent arrest and incarceration.

If you receive such a call, hang up without providing any information about yourself or taking any action. You may be pressured by the caller into staying on the phone to purchase a money order, pre-paid debit card or gift card, but you should resist and hang up. If asked to do so, do not leave your home or place of work to meet the caller at any loca-

tion.

Statewide, members of the public have reported being scammed out of thousands of dollars through jury duty scams such as these. In reality, per North Carolina statute the penalty for disobeying a jury summons is currently $50 for each time a juror fails to appear. In North Carolina, official jury summonses, as well as failure to appear notices, are always delivered to your home or post office box by first class mail.

“These deceptive individuals prey on the fear of arrest and exploit our sense of civic responsibility,” Sheriff Mike Roberson said. “The Sheriff’s Office will never call you to demand payment for missed jury duty. If you receive such a call, please report it to our office immediately. Together we can protect our community from these fraudulent schemes.”

Chatham County residents should promptly report any suspicious calls or emails to the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office at 919-542-2911.

Hours: Mon.–Fri. 11am–5pm and Saturday 10am–4pm, Closed Sun.

the truck, Thomas Nicolette, section chief of the FirstNet Response Operations Group, said, as well as Ford Broncos — spread out around 43 states — equipped with FirstNet connectivity measures.

In addition to those 150 deployables, FirstNet’s network covers more than 2.91 million square miles and has “Flying COWS” that can help with connectivity from up to 400 feet for disaster situations like wildfires, according to their website.

The company has five of the

Emergency Mobile Communications vehicles stationed throughout the United States in New Jersey, Georgia, California, Missouri and Texas, Nicolette said. The company hopes to add three more in the future, specifically in Boston, Massachusetts, Chicago, Illinois, and Portland, Oregon, he said.

The Emergency Mobile Communications truck is able to be deployed and on scene within 14 hours of the emergency and can even sleep one person in order to accommodate prolonged use during a public safety disaster, Nicolette said.

Gov. Cooper who attended and spoke at the celebration said he has met with many first responders and that they have lots of courage and determination.

“They [first responders] are always ready to risk life, limb and ready to be away from family,” Gov. Cooper said. “ … They are totally committed. And I have deep admiration for them. The least we can do is to make sure that they have a reliable way to communicate with each other during crises.”

Speaking to specific examples, FirstNet has specifically been able to help North Carolina during hurricanes, especially with Hurricane Florence in 2018, Gov. Cooper said.

“While we’re celebrating five years of FirstNet, this isn’t the end,” President of AT&T North Carolina Trey Rabon said. “And we’re going to continue to invest in this network. We’re going to continue to evolve the network.”

MATT RAMEY | CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

Gov. Roy Cooper speaks at the

in Pittsboro to a crowd of local and state leaders.

Penny Nicole Boren Nalley

December 28, 1965 ~ June 19, 2023

Penny Nicole Boren Nalley, 57, of Greensboro, N.C., entered into eternal rest on June 19, 2023, at Yanceyville Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center.

Penny was born on December 28, 1965, in Mobile, A.L. She grew up in Siler City, and spent the majority of her life in Charleston, S.C., and Greensboro, N.C. She loved being at the beach, being a mother, and helping anyone in need. She was the proud owner of her own business, Shiny Penny Cleaning Service, and held many other service related positions throughout her life. Penny will be remembered for her beautiful smile, for her love of animals as she rescued so many, and for her greatest love, her daughter Nicole.

Penny is predeceased by her brother, Ralph McMichael Boren II and her father, Benjamin Clark Boren Jr. She is survived by her mother, Nancy Boren Harris of Greensboro, N.C.; her daughter, Nicole Nalley Oakes (Zach) of Greensboro, N.C.; her sisters, Kathleen Boren Stewart of Greensboro, N.C., and Patty Boren Baldree (Lane) of James Island, S.C.

A graveside service will be held on July 8, 2023, at 1 p.m. at Oakwood Cemetery in Siler City, N.C.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to SPCA of the Triad, 3163 Hines Chapel Road, Greensboro, N.C. 27405. www. triadspca.org

Smith & Buckner Funeral

Home is assisting the BorenNalley family.

Online condolences may be made at www.smithbucknerfh. com.

obituaries

sponsoring refugee families and assisting with their transition into the community. She loved to entertain and was well known for her annual Christmas Eve Open House and for providing late night snacks and counsel to many of her childrens’ friends throughout the years.

In addition to her family, Judy’s loves were traveling, spending time in her garden, training and caring for her beloved dogs. Quick to laugh, she enjoyed listening to and telling stories.

Judith “Judy” (Weber) Chewning

February 20, 1949 ~ April 4, 2023

Judith “Judy” (Weber) Chewning of Pittsboro, N.C., and formerly Kennebunk, M.E., passed away on April 4, 2023.

Judy was born February 20, 1949, in New York City to Paul and Anna May Weber. She grew up in Ramsey, N.J., and attended the Academy of Mount Saint Vincent in New York followed by Long Island University.

Judy was a devoted mother to her three children and a supporter of her community.

For many years she volunteered as an EMT for Kennebunk’s ambulance service. She donated her time to Caring Unlimited, a domestic violence resource center, and she was involved in

She is survived by her former husband Vic Chewning of Kennebunk, M.E.; her brother, Jeff Weber and his wife Judy of San Antonio, T.X.; her daughter, Nicki Chewning and husband David Turner and their daughter Avery of Fryeburg, M.E.; her son Sam Chewning of Siler City, N.C., and his daughter Hailey; and her daughter Anneke Chewning and her fiancée Brittany Mays of Mooresville, N.C.

The final demonstration of Judy’s generous spirit was the gift of her body to the Duke University Medical School.

Judy’s wishes were to not have a funeral, but for those who would like to honor her memory, please consider making a donation to Chatham Animal Shelter (chathamanimalrescue. org), Happy Hills Animal Foundation (www.hhaf.org), or your local animal shelter.

ELIZABETH ANN EDWARDS CARMACK

December 19, 1942 ~ June 20, 2023

Elizabeth Ann Edwards Carmack, 80, of Goldston, passed away on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at her home.

She was the daughter of the late Major Edwards and Dorothy Layton Edwards. In addition, she was preceded in death by husband Rev. Eugene Carmack; a son, Clyde Robin Davis; and a brother Robert Lee Edwards.

Survivors include a son Robert Davis of Goldston; a daughter Donna Marie Jowett of Inman, South Carolina.; a brother Kenneth Edwards, Carro Gordo, North Carolina; three grandchildren; and one greatgrandchild.

Visitation was held Wednesday, June 28, 2023, until 7 p.m. at Bridges-Cameron Funeral Home, when a Celebration of Life was held with Pastor Jeff Mozingo officiating. A private burial will be held at Mt. Gilead Baptist Church at a later date.

VAUGHN ‘BUDDY’ CLARK

April 7, 1934 ~ June 18, 2023

Vaughn “Buddy” Clark, 89, of Moncure passed away on June 18, 2023, at Central Carolina Hospital.

He was born in Fort Bragg, to James Layfette Clark and Addie Walker Clark. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, James “Jimmy” Clark. Buddy divided his working years between the textile industry and the last ten years as a certified water treatment specialist with Bristol Meyers in Morrisville. His service in the Swann Station Baptist Church brotherhood will be missed by many in the Swann Station community who needed home repairs and wheelchair ramps built. For many years he helped gather funds, purchase Christmas gifts, and provide Christmas parties for the Cameron Boys Camp and later the Duncan Girls Camp, which are affiliated with the Baptist Children’s Home.

Buddy is survived by his wife, Joyce Murchison Clark; his daughters, Susan Hardy of Sanford, Vicki Cohen of Trinity and Gayle Marget of Midlothian, Virginia; also eight granddaughters, six greatgrandchildren; siblings, Glenda Gaines of Goldston, Ann Burns of Sanford, Mark Clark of North Myrtle Beach, Joanie Clarke of Pittsboro, and Patti Wyrick of Holden Beach.

The family received friends on Friday, June 23, 2023, from 10 until 10:50 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall of Swann Station Baptist Church. The funeral service will follow in the sanctuary at 11 a.m. with Rev. Russell Blackmon officiating. Burial followed in Cameron Grove Cemetery. The family requests that donations be made in memory of Buddy to Swann Station Baptist Church, 7592 N.C. 87 S., Sanford, N.C. 27332. Condolences may be made at www.bridgescameronfuneralhome. com.

LANDA TAYLOR VAUGHN

March 27, 1945 ~ June 12, 2023

Landa Taylor Vaughn, 78, of Sanford, passed away on Monday, June 12, 2023. She was the daughter of the late Grayson Melvin Taylor and Flora Bell Lawrence Taylor. In addition, she was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth D. Vaughn. She was a member of Jonesboro Presbyterian Church.

Landa is survived by her sons, Tim Kennedy of Sanford and Ronnie Kennedy of Cameron; sisters, Lanelia Pettus of Sanford, Lane Dinkins of Fayetteville, and Jane Dinkins of Sanford; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. The family received friends on Monday, June 26, 2023, from 1 until 2 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of Jonesboro Presbyterian Church. A Celebration of Life service followed in the sanctuary at 2 p.m. with Rev. John Taylor officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Jonesboro Presbyterian Church, 2200 Woodland Ave., Sanford, N.C. 27330 or plant a tree in her memory.

Condolences may be made at www.bridgescameronfuneralhome. com.

JEFFREY ‘JEFF’ LYNN CAMPBELL, September 29, 1967 ~ June 20, 2023

Jeffrey “Jeff” Lynn Campbell, 55, of Sanford, passed away on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte.

He was born in Holyoke, Massachusetts, the son of Mary Elizabeth “Libby” Wilmoth and the late Clyde Campbell. Jeff was employed by General Timber for 39 years.

Jeff is survived by his wife of 35 years Rae Stone Campbell; his children, Chase Campbell, Chance Campbell and Mallory Campbell, all of Sanford; mother and father, Libby and Wayne Wilmoth of Sanford; and sister Sheila Skula of Sanford.

A graveside service was held on Sunday, June 25, 2023, at 3 p.m. at Farmville Cemetery with Pastor Mike Garner officiating. Condolences may be made at www.bridgescameronfuneralhome. com.

SHIRLEY CRICKMORE BECHTEL HOSKINS

October 27, 1931 ~ June 16, 2023

Shirley Crickmore Bechtel Hoskins, 91, of Sanford, passed away on Friday, June 16, 2023, at UNC-Chapel Hill.

She was the daughter of the late Stanley and Lenora Cox Graham. She was also preceded in death by a son Charles Wallace. She was employed in Food Services.

A graveside service was held Friday, June 23, 2023, at 2 p.m. with Pastor Wesley Thomas and Michael Bechtel presiding in the Jonesboro Cemetery

Surviving relatives are sons, Michael Bechtel of Cary, William Bechtel of Sanford; six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Condolences may be made at www.bridgescameronfuneralhome. com.

Shots fired at Chatham County deputy’s home; reward offered

Chatham County Sheriff’s Office

THE PITTSBORO Police Department is investigating an incident Monday night in which shots were fired at a Chatham County Sheriff’s Office deputy’s home.

This act of violence against a

member of law enforcement and their family is an offense that threatens the safety and security of our community. In response to the crime, Sheriff Mike Roberson has condemned the act and announced a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

Shortly after 9 p.m. on Monday, June 26, 2023, officers responded to the Pittsboro residence of a Chatham County deputy which was targeted by an individual or individuals who discharged firearms at the home, endangering the lives of the deputy and his family. While no inju-

ries were reported, the incident is a reminder of the risks and challenges faced by law enforcement officers who dedicate their lives to protecting our community.

“The safety and well-being of our officers and their families is of utmost importance to us,”

Sheriff Roberson said. “An attack

on a deputy’s home is not just an attack on one person; It is an attack on the values of justice, security, and the rule of law. This act of violence will not be tolerated. Anyone who targets law enforcement in our community will face the full force of the law.”

The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone with information about the shooting, or the individuals involved, to come forward. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Pittsboro Police Department at 919-5423200, or the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office at 919-542-2911.

Will Independence Day picnics be more expensive this year? For most menu items, the answer is yes

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — As annual Independence Day celebrations approach, picnic meals may be more expensive than last year according to the Wells Fargo Agri-Food Institute’s Fourth of July Food Report.

The report says food inflation has slowed down but it still won’t be cheaper for this year’s festivities.

Sirloin steak is now at $10.75 per pound, an increase of 2.9% from last year. Last year’s price was already up 14% over 2021 prices. Chicken breasts are running around $4.24 per pound, which is down nearly 2% over last year, while pork chops are up 1% from a year ago, now priced at $4.19 per pound.

Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) statistics, ground beef rose by 16% in 2021 and now sits at $5.36 per pound, which is just under a 1% i ncrease over 2022. If you want cheese on your burger

this Fourth of July it will cost you 10% more than last year.

Other increases on typical July 4th holiday staples over last year’s costs include bread

up by 22%, ice cream up by 9%, potato chips up 15% and beer up 8%.

With regard to chips, the report puts them at “$6.45 a

pound, up 15% from last year,” and that “Inflation for potato chips is even higher than the general inflation rate for the catchall category of ‘other

Apex teen living dream as ‘American Ninja Warrior’

Brandon Thomas has reached the semifinals of the show’s 15th season

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

BRANDON THOMAS was used to the courses and obstacles at his local gyms, but the 18-year-old was now facing a completely new one in the biggest moment of his life.

Thomas was in Los Angeles on the set of the 15th season of NBC’s hit series, “American Ninja Warrior,” living out a dream he had had since he was 9. It was now all real and he was staring down the barrel of the six-obstacle course in front of him.

If Thomas was nervous, he didn’t show it. He stormed through the first few obstacles on the course, letting out victorious roars after each successful completion, and made it to the fifth obstacle, The Cubes, in 47.33 seconds. But Thomas ultimately came up short of getting a shot at the warped and mega walls for $10,000 as he slipped on the final cube.

The Apex native still qualified for a trip to the head-tohead semifinals as his run was the sixth-farthest and fastest one completed in his qualifier bracket. “It’s been amazing,” Thomas said in a phone interview with North State Journal. “It’s been weird going from watching it on the TV to seeing how big the obstacles actually are in person. They’re massive. It’s just been an

JULY 4 from page 1

Furry companions will dive off of a dock and into a pool, where they will go head to head in a series of competitions and races. It costs $40 per dog, and the dog has to “be a comfortable and confident dock diver with no hesitation going off the dock and have experience doing Speed Re-

amazing experience.”

Thomas has been a fan of ninja, a fast-growing sport that involves obstacle course competitions, since he was little. He grew up watching the show and his mother, Julie, surprised him with a trip to a ninja gym when he was 14.

“I’ve been watching the show since Season 4,” Thomas said, “but the guy that actually got me into it was Flip Rodriguez. I specifically remember watching him in Season 6, and I told

trieve,” according to the event’s web page.

Carolina Tiger Holiday Enrichment Tour

Lions, tigers and more, oh my!

Carolina Tiger Rescue will be hosting a special holiday tour at 2 p.m. on Monday, July 3. This special Fourth of July-themed

my parents I was going to be on the show one day while watching him. He was always so quick, and I wanted to run the courses just like Flip. He’s been a huge inspiration for me.

“I’ve always loved the idea of ninja, but there were never any gyms around here for the longest time. One day, it might have been in the middle of eighth or ninth grade, my mom just took me to a gym without telling me. It was just a homeschool event, and from that moment on I just

tour will give visitors to the big cat sanctuary the chance to see the kings and queens of the jungle and savannah up close and personal.

Carolina Tiger Rescue’s website defines enrichment as “anything that is added to an animal’s habitat that stimulates their senses or promotes natural behaviors.” The July 3 tour

fell in love with the sport again.”

Training and improving his ninja skills at his local gyms — WarriorTech OCR in Morrisville and Rock Solid Warrior in Apex and Fuquay-Varina — had been the norm for Thomas for years, but training for “American Ninja Warrior” was a bit different than what he had been used to.

“Once I got the call for the show, I started running courses that would be similar to previous qualifying-style courses,” Thom-

will feature patriotic enrichment tools such as enticing scents, toys made to withstand the wild animals, different textures and more.

People interested in going on the tour can register for it on the Carolina Tiger Rescue website. Tickets start at $28 for ages 13 and up and $21 for children.

foods’ which is currently running at 9%.”

Additionally, dips and condiments may be about 9% more expensive than last year, per the Wells Fargo report.

Quenching one’s thirst may also be more expensive as the soft drink industry is still dealing with higher labor and packaging, per the report which cites a 12-ounce soft drink currently costing 54 cents, an increase of 14% from a year ago.

Other items covered by the report include eggs and milk.

At the onset of 2023, a dozen eggs cost $4.82. That price has come down significantly, with an average cost now at $2.67; a 7% d rop from a year ago.

“Last year saw record strong milk prices at the producer level. This forced the dairy processors and retailers to pass along those high prices to consumers. Milk prices have fallen substantially over the first part of 2023, but this hasn’t yet helped the consumer,” the report says.

as said. “So roughly six obstacles, some very technical obstacles, agility, and always ending with the warped wall and the mega wall. I also had to adjust my sleep schedule since it’s filmed in the middle of the night. I had to make sure my body could function into the late hours of the night.

“Preparing for the show, I was usually waking up somewhere between 11 to 1 in the afternoon and I’d go to the gym as much as I could. I’d just find that earliest open gym and start running obstacles, making sure my body is in peak condition.

“I ran a lot of courses, a lot of just basic skills just to make sure my body control is on point and my technique is as good as it can be on whatever type of obstacle I may see because you never know what you’re going to see on the course. Once I was done training at the gym, I’d head home and it was just training my mind to be awake in the middle of the night so I’d be playing a lot of solitaire because that keeps your mind really focused.”

The improved training regimen worked like a charm — Thomas is still in the competition and will have a shot at the national finals when he competes in a ninja vs. ninja race in the semifinals in a few weeks.

The small taste of ANW has only inspired Thomas even more.

“Hopefully I’m back for the next season, but I’m going to find a way to keep competing and keep getting stronger so that way the next time I’m on a qualifying course I actually hit a buzzer,” Thomas said with a chuckle.

“American Ninja Warrior” airs every Monday at 8 p.m. on NBC.

Bray Park Aquatic Center

Siler City’s Bray Park Aquatic Center will be open on the weekend leading up to and on the Fourth of July. The pool will be open from noon to 6 p.m., and has many amenities such as a splash pad, bathhouse, swimming pool, picnic shelter and more.

ELIZABETH MORRIS | NBC

Apex’s Brandon Thomas competes during the 15th season of “American Ninja Warrior.”

Wolfspeed announces $1.25 billion funded secured notes led by Apollo Credit Funds

Investment supports domestic capacity expansion plans

Wolfspeed

DURHAM — Wolfspeed

Inc., the global leader in silicon carbide technology, today announced a $1.25 billion secured note financing from an investment group led by Apollo with an accordion feature for up to an additional $750 million. The financing supports the company’s previously announced U.S. expansion efforts and is a significant step toward achieving the company’s $6.5 billion global capacity expansion plan. Execution of Wolfspeed’s U.S. growth plan will accelerate adoption of silicon carbide across a wide array of end markets and support meaningful job creation in U.S. semiconductor manufacturing.

The 9.875% notes will mature in 2030 and are optionally prepayable by the company based on the terms of the indenture governing the notes. The investment was led by funds managed by Apollo’s approximately $450 billion cred-

it business.

“The group’s commitment to Wolfspeed further validates the importance of silicon carbide to the global energy transition,” said Gregg Lowe, president and chief executive officer of Wolfspeed. “This important step in our financing provides significant capital to scale up near-term operations

Town of Pittsboro announces launch of informative website on Proposed Water and Wastewater Systems Merger

Town of Pittsboro

PITTSBORO — The Town of Pittsboro is pleased to announce the launch of a public website dedicated to providing information on the proposed merger of the water and wastewater systems with the City of Sanford.

The website, which can be accessed at www.pittsboronc.gov/ merger, aims to keep residents and stakeholders informed about the background, benefits and other relevant details of the merger discussions.

The website features various sections that explain the background of the merger discussions, including how the idea of merging the water and sewer systems came about and what has been discussed so far. Additionally, the website outlines the benefits of merging the water and wastewater systems, providing insights into how this merger could positively impact the communities involved.

One of the highlights of the website is a section that compares the options available to

the Town of Pittsboro and the City of Sanford regarding their water and wastewater systems. This section includes charts that allow residents to visually understand the differences and potential benefits of each option.

Furthermore, the website includes a frequently asked questions (FAQs) section, where residents can find answers to common queries about the merger. In an effort to maintain transparency and encourage community engagement, there is also a form where residents can submit their questions to be answered on the website.

The Town of Pittsboro is committed to keeping the public informed and engaged throughout the merger process. The website will be regularly updated with new information. Residents and customers are encouraged to visit the website to stay informed about the merger and to participate in the discussions by submitting questions and feedback.

For more information, please visit www.pittsboronc.gov/ merger.

at our Mohawk Valley Fab and construction of our Siler City materials facility to help us capture the growing silicon carbide market opportunity. The financing positions Wolfspeed to continue to lead the growth of the industry and focus on the execution of our vertically integrated strategy to meet growing demand.”

“Our agreement with Apollo and its capital partners achieves our near-term funding targets while prioritizing our shareholders with a new, non-dilutive source of financing,” said Neill Reynolds, chief financial officer of Wolfspeed. “Apollo and its capital partners’ investment follows an extensive review of our business

New Vets Pets hospital set for

Pittsboro

From Vets Pets

PITTSBORO — Vets Pets, a North Carolina cooperative network of veterinary hospitals, has announced its latest expansion. Haw River Animal Hospital, situated in the newly built Northwood Landing, is slated to start operations by Fall 2023. The hospital will be located at 40 Ramseur Road, Pittsboro

The Haw River Animal Hospital will provide full-service veterinary care for dogs and cats in Pittsboro and the surrounding communities. The facility will open under the leadership of Dr. Katie Sizer. Sizer will co-own the practice in partnership with Vets Pets and has been with them for the past year.

“I could not be more excited to be opening a veterinary hospital in this community I love so much,” Sizer said. “With the partnership of Vets Pets, I am realizing a childhood dream opening a hospital where I can provide high quality, kind care to pets and pet parents.”

Having spent her childhood traveling the world as an army child, Sizer has been a North Carolinian since 1995. She pursued her college education at Methodist University in Fay-

etteville, N.C., before attending veterinary school at N.C. State, graduating in 2013. She calls Pittsboro home alongside her husband, two children and three dogs.

Sizer specializes in pain management, dentistry, internal medicine and low-stress animal handling. She is a Fear Free Certified Professional and a Certified Cat Friendly Veterinarian. When not professionally engaged, Sizer enjoys hiking, canoeing, gardening, movie-watching, traveling, and spending quality time with her family.

“We are excited to add Dr. Sizer to our group of exceptional veterinary partners. I feel so fortunate to add another Veterinarian of Dr. Sizer’s talent and character to our partner team.”

Steve Thomas, CEO of Vets Pets, said. “Her passion for veterinary medicine, enthusiasm for leadership and ‘can-do’ attitude is inspiring. I’ve really enjoyed working with her so far and look forward to more.”

For more information, or to schedule an interview with Sizer, or Vets Pets CEO Steve Thomas, please contact Matt Mumpower by email at mattmumpower@thevetspets.com or by phone at 252-237-1375.

and demonstrates their conviction in our team, operating plan and trajectory.”

“Apollo is pleased to provide a dynamic and flexible credit solution to Wolfspeed as it significantly expands its silicon carbide manufacturing capacity. The company’s growth plan is designed to deliver critical silicon carbide products for a range of automotive and industrial uses, and support sustainability goals with market-leading technology,” said Joseph Jackson, Partner, Apollo Credit. “With the help of our capital partners, we have crafted a facility that can provide up to $2 billion to ramp the company’s expansion plans.”

Wells Fargo & Company and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC served as financial advisors to Wolfspeed and Latham & Watkins LLP and Smith, Anderson, Blount, Dorsett, Mitchell & Jernigan, L.L.P. served as legal counsel to Wolfspeed. Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP served as legal counsel to the Apollo funds and the noteholder group. Apollo Capital Solutions provided capital markets and structuring advisory services on the transaction.

COURTESY PHOTO A rendering of the future John Palmour Silicon Carbide Center coming to Siler City.

Town of Pittsboro receives $250,000 from the Golden LEAF Foundation for Stormwater Mitigation Project

“This funding is not just about resolving current challenges; it’s about building a safer, more resilient Pittsboro.”

Pittsboro Mayor Cindy Perry

Town of Pittsboro

PITTSBORO — The Town of Pittsboro is pleased to announce that The Golden LEAF Foundation has awarded $250,000 in funding for a flood mitigation project inside the town.

The Foundation provided these funds to the town to address a critical infrastructure need along Pittsboro Elementary School Road.

The town will use these funds to improve the area’s stormwater infrastructure to enhance the system’s capacity to manage excess water, thereby reducing flooding and overtopping issues that have troubled this area for years.

In their recent meeting, the Golden LEAF Board of Directors awarded $7,160,085 in funding across three Golden LEAF Programs, with $1,368,100 allocated for six projects through the Flood Mitigation Program.

The Town of Pittsboro is

need more deputies, but I can’t honestly go asking for more deputies if I can’t fill the positions that I’ve got.”

Stein said there are several bills filed at the N.C. General Assembly which could help close the gap in law enforcement vacancies. One of these bills, House Bill 140, was signed into law and allows for police departments in the state to create civilian investigative teams, specifically for responses to traffic crashes and incidents.

“On average, it takes that officer an hour to handle the paperwork involved in the crash,” Stein said. “If we can have civilians do that, that frees up certain sworn officers to be able to do the work that we all want them to do, which is to investigate crime.”

Siler City Town Manager Hank Raper was also present for Monday’s conversation. Raper broke down what he and his staff have done to help fill vacancies at the Siler City Police Department.

As previously reported, Raper said the town approved an officer recruitment program, where they town will hire inex-

Parents charged after infant suffers drug overdose

honored to be a recipient of these funds, which will have a profound impact on the safety and resilience of our community.

Severe flooding has long been a challenge in Pittsboro, leading to problems such as inundated streets, downed trees and flooded properties, with the area around Pittsboro Elementary School Road being particularly affected.

The investment from The Golden LEAF Foundation will enable us to directly address these issues, significantly improving the safety and resilience of our infrastructure.

Pittsboro Mayor Cindy Perry expressed gratitude for the funding, stating, “This funding is not just about resolving current challenges; it’s about building a safer, more resilient Pittsboro. By improving our infrastructure, we’re enhancing the everyday lives of our residents and laying a stronger foun-

dation for economic development. We’re grateful to The Golden LEAF Foundation for their crucial support in this endeavor.”

Scott T. Hamilton, president and chief executive officer of the Golden LEAF Foundation, said, “The Golden LEAF Foundation was entrusted by the N.C. General Assembly to administer a program for local governments seeking to mitigate flooding in their community. We are pleased to provide the Town of Pittsboro with the funding to upsize the stormwater infrastructure on Pittsboro Elementary School Road to reduce flooding in heavy rain events.”

The Town of Pittsboro is dedicated to improving the lives of its residents. We continue to seek funding for vital projects like these and pledge to use these resources effectively and efficiently, always aiming to enhance our community’s well-being and prosperity.

Chatham News & Record

ON APRIL 22, 2022, an 11-month-old infant was taken to Chatham Hospital in Siler City suffering from an unknown medical condition.

The infant’s parents — Brian Lavariega, 24, of 176 Belle Lane, Siler City, and Hally Scotton, 21, of 176 Belle Lane, Siler City — offered no explanation to medical staff about the cause of the infant’s declining health.

It was determined that the infant was suffering from a drug overdose and required naloxone, a medicine that reverses an opioid overdose, to save her life. A drug screen later determined that the infant tested positive for fentanyl, norfentanyl (a metabolite of fentanyl) and morphine, consistent with street heroin. Lavariega and Scotton were each charged with felony child abuse (neglect) serious bodily injury, felony child abuse (intentional) serious bodily injury, and misdemeanor child abuse.

On June 6, 2023, Lavariega was arrested by the Siler City Police Department and held in the Chatham County Detention Center under a $25,000 bond.

On June 23, 2023, Scotton was arrested by the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office and held in the Chatham County Detention Center under a $150,000 bond.

They are scheduled to appear in Chatham County District Court on July 17, 2023.

the concerns from potential recruits is the nature of the job.

“I think we have to be having a different kind of conversation about investing in these professions … If we want people like us to send our kids and say to our kids what a wonderful profession (law enforcement) is,” she said. “We need smart, thoughtful, kind and compassionate people going into it.”

District Attorney Jeff Nieman also shared a similar sentiment as Howard, saying people who are involved in the criminal justice system who aren’t police officers should advocate for those careers more.

perienced officers to complete Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) and will pay them throughout their 640-hour-long required courses.

The town also increased starting pay, salaries for current employees and created a $5,000 signing bonus to incentivize new officers — things believed to have helped fill long-time vacancies, leaving the department

Happy 4th of July!

Wishing

Pittsboro

Blake Stewart

114 Russet Run Suite 120 919-542-3020

with only one opening in its patrol division.

“One of the things was trying to put even more funding into the police department, which is not just an infusion of additional resources, but trying to efficiently and effectively spend the resources that we have,” Raper said. “It’s not 100% successful, but I think if two out of three work out for you, that’s a pretty

good number. The alternative, however, is paying overtime and burning out the officers that you have so you have to accept some costs there and go into that.”

Another hurdle law enforcement offices in Chatham County and across the state face is getting youth interested in law enforcement as a career. Chatham County Board of Commissioners Chair Karen Howard said one of

“The idea of holding accountable law enforcement officers who don’t uphold the highest standards is not an opposite to being pro cop and upholding the profession — They coincide,” Nieman said. “Both of those things are about raising up our expectations, honor and tribute that we pay to that profession … Those of us who aren’t in law enforcement in particular, need to be talking in our communities about what an important, honorable profession law enforcement is.”

Sharon A Dickens

NIKKI WITT | CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

Chatham County Sheriff Mike Roberson (center) talks to Josh Stein (left) about law enforcement in Chatham County.

Northwood’s Powell earns invite to another prestigious camp,

Siler City Jets 14U team ready for more after successful first season

Registration is still open and games will start after Labor Day

By Jeremy Vernon Chatham News & Record

AIMING TO FILL the hole brought on by a lack of middle school football in Chatham County, the Siler City Jets 14U team was started in 2022 to help give local athletes the chance to play tackle football in the years leading up to high school.

The team, coached by Chatham Middle School teacher Chris Graves, played their games in the East Wake Football League in the 14U at-large division. Despite playing most of the season with just 16 players, the Jets made it all the way to the league’s championship game before falling to the Raleigh Revolution, 30-18.

Ryan Johnson, co-founder of the team and the head football coach at Jordan-Matthews, said the team’s success in its first year was very encouraging. But what is most important, he said, is giving

Last week, Seaforth’s Jarin Stevenson announced his decision to commit to Alabama and reclassify to 2023. He is on campus this week to enroll.

Stevenson is ranked as the No. 40 overall player in the Class of 2023 by 247Sports’ composite recruiting rankings.

area athletes the chance of playing football in their middle school years, something many of them lacked in the

Stevenson explains decision to join Alabama

The 6-foot-10 power forward is also reclassifying and will join the Crimson Tide for the upcoming season.

By Jeremy Vernon Chatham News

& Record

PITTSBORO — Last week, local boys basketball standout Jarin Stevenson announced his commitment to the Univer-

sity of Alabama and his decision to leave Seaforth early and join the Crimson Tide ahead of the 2023-24 season.

Stevenson, who is headed to Tuscaloosa to enroll this week, chatted with the News & Record after his announcement to detail why exactly he chose the Crimson Tide over UNC, Virginia and several other schools. He said head coach Nate Oats’ program was not

See STEVENSON, page B4

past.

“Before we did this, kids either took a year off when they couldn’t afford to or went to

other places where there was middle school football and never came back home,” Johnson said. “It’s very vital to keep

kids here, and it’s also important for the development of these young kids.”

Johnson said it has been common practice for he and his coaches to reteach a lot of fundamentals to incoming ninth graders once they reach Jordan-Matthews, as many haven’t played the sport since they were 10 or 11 years old.

The hope is that bridging the gap between 12U and high school will help build better players and, with that, more team success. This fall, the Jets will welcome eight players who played on last year’s 14U team to their JV squad, a trend Johnson wants to continue in the future.

“The biggest thing is the familiarity,” Johnson said. “They get to know the coaches and faces, and it helps make for a smoother transition. We run our system at Jordan-Matthews all the way down at 8U. It starts at the beginning. The most successful programs, they implement their base stuff even at the age of eight. This class coming in, the first 14U class we’ve had, has had a smooth transition so far. They know what the coaches expect and they know the culture.”

Johnson also wants to put the most talented players on the field, something that was hard to do before the youth team started. With the gap between 12U and high school,

See JETS, page B4

Central, Seaforth hope to build on successful 2022 seasons

The Bears reached the 1A title match, while Seaforth went 11-2 overall.

By Jeremy Vernon Chatham News & Record

BEAR CREEK — Last fall proved to be a banner season for Chatham County’s girls’ tennis teams.

At the 1A level, Chatham Central made it all the way to the state tournament finals before losing to Mount Airy. Seaforth earned the top spot in the 2A east region, but the Hawks fell to N.C. Science & Math in the first round of the playoffs.

On the individual level, Chatham Central seniors Olivia Brooks and Ellie Phillips won the 1A doubles state championship, rallying from a first-set deficit to defeat Bishop McGuinness’ Isabella Ross and Nina Holton. It was the second straight season the pair played in the 1A finals.

Speaking with the News & Record earlier this week, Chatham Central head coach Heather Brooks said she’s excited for the upcoming season, but knows how hard it will be to replace the graduating duo, as well as fellow senior Jaylee

Williams. “(Olivia and Ellie) were strong leaders,” she said. “They had played the top two positions for two years, so all the underclassmen looked up to them. They’re going to be hard shoes to fill in terms of leadership. I wouldn’t be surprised if they were asked to come hit with some of (our current players) at practice to help them out during the preseason.”

Brooks said she expects rising seniors Lauren Caviness, Rachel Albright and Hallie

Seaforth rising junior Makenzy Lehew was 10-2 in singles play last season for the Hawks, who were the top team in the 2A east region entering the state playoffs. The Hawks lost in the first round of the 2A tournament to N.C. Science & Math.

Webster to pick up some of the slack in the leadership department. While they might not be as strong at the top as last season, the Bears hope they can put together a more balanced lineup this upcoming season. A few other players expected to help in that regard are rising senior Emma Townsend and rising junior Carlee Callahan. “(Carlee)’s like a little fireball,” Brooks said. “I have a feeling she’s going to step up.

See TENNIS, page B5

PHOTO COURTESY OF SILER CITY JETS 14U

The Siler City Jets 14U football team competed in its inaugural season in 2022 and made it to the championship game of the East Wake Football League 14U division.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SILER CITY JETS 14U

Jordan-Matthews head coach Ryan Johnson poses with the league runner-up trophy after the Jets 14U team’s loss to the Raleigh Revolution in the championship game.

SIMON BARBRE | CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

JAMES KIEFER | CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

Powell earns invite to NBPA Top 100 Camp 87

By Jeremy Vernon Chatham News & Record

PITTSBORO — The accolades keep coming for Northwood rising senior boys’ basketball player Drake Powell.

This week, Powell is participating in the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) Top 100 camp in Orlando, Florida, along with 99 other of the top high school players in the country.

The players who are competing at the camp were chosen with help from John Lucas, a Durham native who played basketball at the University of Maryland before having a 14year NBA career from 197690. The camp has taken place since 1994, and over 300 former campers have gone on to play in the NBA.

Powell is one of two UNC commits attending the camp along with James Brown. Also participating are three of the top-10 players in the class of 2024 — No. 4 Flory Bidunga, No. 7 Liam McNeeley and No. 9 Derik Queen — and the top two overall players in the class of 2025 in No. 1 Cameron Boozer and No. 2 Cooper Flagg.

The Top 100 camp has produced plenty of recent NBA draftees, including 16 players in the 2023 draft. Among the current NBA players who participated in the camp in the past are Devin Booker, Jaylen Brown, Stephen Curry, Anthony Davis, DeMar DeRozan, Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving.

Powell, a 6-foot-6 forward, is ranked as the No. 15 overall player in the Class of 2024. He’s

also considered the No. 1 player in the state of North Carolina after recently passing North Mecklenburg forward and Duke commit Isaiah Evans.

Earlier this month, Powell competed with 34 others in USA Basketball’s 2023 U19 men’s national team training camp in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Despite not being chosen for the final 12-player roster that is set

to play in the FIBA U19 Men’s World Cup in Hungary starting this Friday, the Northwood product has certainly done himself plenty of favors with his play this offseason.

While Powell has set himself up well for life beyond high school, he still has unfinished business at the prep level. Over the past three seasons, he has helped Northwood reach the 3A state championship game twice, but each time the Chargers came up short.

In 2021, Northwood made the tournament finals before losing to Weddington. This past season, the Chargers tied a program record with 28 wins before suffering a lopsided defeat to Central Cabarrus in the 3A title game. In 75 career games at Northwood, Powell has averaged 16.2

CUSTOM HOMES & RENOVATIONS

points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.0 steals per game. He will likely end his career with the Chargers with over 1,500 career points, as he currently has 1,213 and totaled 578 last season. To reach 2,000 career points, Powell would need to average 25.4 points per game, given Northwood plays as many games (31) as it did last season.

Powell will undoubtedly lead the Chargers in 2023-24, but there are several other players who will also share the burden. Despite losing starting forwards Max Frazier and Kenan Parrish to graduation this offseason, Northwood expects to bring back rising senior Fred Whitaker Jr. (9.6 ppg), rising senior Jake Leighton (7.8 ppg), rising senior Ashton Elliott (5.3 ppg as a starter) and rising sophomore Cam Fowler (4.3 ppg).

SIMON BARBRE | CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

Northwood rising senior Drake Powell is competing at the NBA Players Association’s Top 100 camp in Orlando, Fla., this week. Powell is a top-15 recruit in the Class of 2024.

CHATHAM COUNTY SPORTS

Here are some more of our best photographs showcasing Chatham County sports during the 2022-23 school year. Throughout the summer, we’ll share more shots our photographers captured from three seasons of full of high-level competition from local athletes.

P.J. WARD-BROWN | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

JAMES KIEFER | CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

SIMON BARBRE | CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

It’s put up or shut up time for the Hornets

WELL, THE HORNETS didn’t listen to me. Shocker.

Jeremy Vernon, Chatham News & Record Sports Editor

Blessed with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Charlotte opted for Alabama’s Brandon Miller over Scoot Henderson/a potential trade. Last week, I argued why one of the latter two choices would be the wisest move. But here we are.

The Hornets have made their bed, and now they have to make sure it doesn’t catch on fire and burn the whole house down.

Charlotte came into this year’s draft with a less-than-stellar history of picking players. I’ve seen too many tweets about the players the Hornets could have had — guys like Kobe Bryant, Bradley Beal, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Zach LaVine, Devin Booker and Donovan Mitchell — and the players they rode with instead — Vlade Divac, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Cody Zeller, Noah Vonleh, Frank Kaminsky and Malik Monk.

Am I wrong to question the Hornets’ decision-making? The evidence seems to suggest otherwise. So how am I supposed to feel comfortable about what Miller can bring to the table?

I’ll give Miller this — He seems to

only the best decision for his immediate future, but also the one that sets him up best for his aspirations beyond college.

“First off, all the schools are great schools and had great communities,” Stevenson said. “But what set Alabama apart is the NBA offense they run and the open spots they have available where I can earn myself an opportunity to play and have an impact as a freshman.”

The 6-foot-10 forward, who was recently ranked No. 40 overall in the class of 2023 by 247Sports’ composite ranking, is the Crimson Tide’s highest-rated commit in the class. Other freshmen set to join the team for the upcoming season are No. 58 Sam Walters (6-foot-8 forward), No. 98 Kris Parker (6-foot-6 forward) and No. 110 Mouhamed Dioubate (6-foot-7 forward).

Stevenson told the News & Record that Alabama’s coaches expect him to fill the role Noah Clowney held in the offense last season. Clowney, a fellow 6-foot-10 forward, averaged 9.8 points and 7.9 rebounds per game in 36 games for the Crimson Tide in 22-23, earning SEC All-Freshman Team honors along the way.

Last Thursday, Clowney — who was ranked No. 79 overall in the class of 2022 by 247’s Composite rankings — was selected No. 21 overall by the Brooklyn Nets in the 2023 NBA Draft. Stevenson hopes he can make a similar jump over the next year and put himself in place to join the pro ranks next June.

“That’s ideally what I would like, but ultimately it’s going to happen when the time is right,” Stevenson said. “I need to put in a lot of work and continue to get better. I feel like Alabama has the coaches and the resources to help me get there. They’ve proved it with Clowney and different prospects. I should be ready after Year 1, but if that doesn’t happen, whenever the time is right.”

At 6-foot-10 with a solid handle and some shooting touch, Stevenson is the ideal type of forward for today’s NBA, but there is still plenty he needs to work on with his game to improve his stock over the next year. He shot an O.K. percentage from 3-point range with Seaforth last season (25-of-74, 33.7%), but he’ll likely need to bump that up above 35 or 40% to really

have this weird irrational confidence, or maybe it’s just a solid sense of humor. In the pre-draft process, he went viral for claiming that Paul George was his pick for the greatest player of all time. After he was selected last week, he made more noise by predicting Charlotte would make the NBA Finals this upcoming season.

Shoot for the moon, I guess.

Is Charlotte a contender to win the Eastern Conference in 2023-24? I’d say they’re far from it. This past season, the Hornets finished 14 out of 15 teams in the East with a 27-55 record. The Hornets will have a few new additions with Miller and the return of Miles Bridges (yuck), but Charlotte isn’t expected to make any big splashes in free agency.

While making the finals seems out of the realm of possibility, the playoffs seems like a much more attainable goal for the team. And there’s no reason why they shouldn’t be able to fight for a spot.

Before cratering out last season, Charlotte made the play-in round in two straight seasons, but lost before making the actual playoffs. Bringing back Miller and Bridges could get the Hornets over the hump and reach the actual postseason for the first time since 2016.

To help reach that goal, Charlotte will have to lock down key pending free agent forward P.J. Washington as well as make a decision on wing Kelly Oubre Jr. If the Hornets decide to let Oubre go, it would free up about $16 million in space they could use to bring on another player.

If Charlotte fails to get the ball rolling and can’t make the playoffs this year, what is keeping LaMelo Ball from deciding he’d rather play out his second contract elsewhere? Sure, the Hornets could offer him the most money, but they will have inspired zero confidence that they are a franchise worthy of a superstar-caliber player.

From there, things could snowball pretty fast. Who’s to say the Hornets won’t be moved to a different city like Seattle or Las Vegas? Maybe a change of scenery is just what the doctor ordered.

I kid, a little. Honestly I think the Hornets have a deal signed with the City of Charlotte to stay through at least 2045. But contracts are meant to be broken. And who’s to say the city would even want the team that far down the road?

Whatever the next step the Hornets take, they can’t afford to have it be the wrong one.

catch the eye of scouts.

Another thing he’ll need to do is add weight to his frame. At 200 pounds flat, Stevenson could probably stand to gain 30 or 40 pounds to build a more desirable frame for NBA teams. Right now, the only NBA players who stand 6-foot-10 or higher and weigh 230 pounds or less are Miami’s Nikola Jovic (205), Brooklyn’s Nic Claxton (215), Cleveland’s Evan Mobley (215), Memphis’ Santi Aldama (215) and Denver’s Michael Porter Jr. (218).

Luckily for Stevenson, Alabama has state of the art athletic facilities thanks to the success of its football program, and the men’s basketball team has a solid strength and conditioning coach in Henry Barrera, whose previous stops included time as a performance training specialist at Nike World Headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon. Stevenson said he’s excited at the chance to put on more weight over the coming months.

“I’m excited to see the cuts and rips I’m going to get,” he said. “Alabama is a football school, but that doesn’t mean they’re just going to put on football weight. They mentioned that they’re going to put us in basketball shape and help us put on smart weight. That way I’m still agile and quick on the floor but, at the same time, I’m getting stronger.”

While the decision to leave high school a year early was tough for Stevenson, he is grateful for the opportunity he was given to help start Seaforth’s boys basketball program. Stevenson played his freshman year at Northwood before moving across town to his new school, and he leaves the Hawks as their all-time leading scorer with 1,011 points in just two seasons.

This past winter, Stevenson earned Gatorade North Carolina Boys’ Basketball Player of the Year honors after averaging 21.5 points, 11.6 rebounds and 3.7 blocks per game and shooting 60.1% of his shots from the field. The Hawks will have a hard time replacing that kind of production, but Stevenson likes the direction the program is heading.

“It was nice, going to a new school and creating a foundation, Stevenson said. “Seaforth is a great school. We have a great team, and I’m excited for their future. I had a good time playing with them.”

STEVENSON from page 1

“What set Alabama apart is the NBA offense they run and the open spots they have available where I can earn myself an opportunity to play and have an impact as a freshman.”

Jarin Stevenson

JETS from page 1

many players decided to give up the sport and try new things during the break in between.

“We encourage kids to play all sports, but you kind of run through that brick wall of, after a year away from football, do I really want to go back?

It’s very important to have the program around right now,” Johnson said.

Right now, Johnson is expecting five or six rising eighth graders who played for the 14U team to return this upcoming season. Registration is still open for the team, and is expected to run through at least July 9, though Johnson said that deadline would likely be extended.

The 14U season will begin after Labor Day, with most games scheduled for Satur -

days and the occasional weekday pending scheduling conflicts. Home games are played at Jordan-Matthews in Siler City. The $225 registration fee, according to the team’s website, includes game pants, game jersey, game socks, helmet, a mouthpiece and shoulder pads. Items not included are padded practice pants, cleats and a practice jersey.

Of course, the Siler City Jets aren’t the only 14U team offered in Chatham County. Also competing as part of the East Wake Football League is the East Chatham Chargers, which acts as a feeder program for Northwood and Seaforth. For more information on both teams, including details on how to register for the 2023 season, head to ecchargers. org.

Ryan Johnson, JordanMatthews head coach

TENNIS from page 1

Last year was her first year playing, so she was a little timid and nervous. But I really feel like this year she’s going to emerge. She really works hard and wants to do the best that she can.”

At Seaforth, the Hawks will bring back their entire roster of players after competing in just their second-ever varsity season in 2022.

The top returning singles

player for Seaforth will be rising senior Evelyn Atkins, who went 7-4 overall at the No. 1 spot last season. Also coming back are rising senior Lauren Keeley (7-1 singles) and rising juniors Bailey Shadoan (8-4 singles) and Lillian McFall (9-2 singles). In doubles play, the top returning pair is Keeley and rising junior Makenzy Lehew, who were 8-1 between the No. 1 and No. 2 doubles spots last fall.

Chatham Central and Seaforth will compete in the same conference in 2023 along with other county programs Jordan-Matthews and Northwood. The Chargers join the fray in the Mid-Carolina Conference this season after spending the past several years competing at the 3A level. Brooks said she welcomes all the tough competition in the area, as she believes it will only help her team going forward.

“I would much rather play the harder competition than the weaker,” Brooks said. “The harder competition only makes you stronger. It makes the girls play harder and develop their skills more. That’s one reason Olivia and Ellie were so good. They would play tournaments on the weekends and play tougher competition. I’d rather that happen than us going into the playoffs against a tough team and not knowing how to react.”

“(Olivia and Ellie) were strong leaders. They had played the top two positions for two years, so all the underclassmen looked up to them.

PHOTO COURTESY OF HEATHER BROOKS

The Chatham Central girls tennis team made it to the 1A state finals in 2022 before falling to Mount Airy. Seniors Olivia Brooks and Ellie Phillips also claimed the 1A doubles title.

“It’s very vital to keep kids here, and it’s also important for the development of these young kids.”

Heather Brooks, Chatham Central head coach

APARTMENTS

Now accepting applications for 2BR, 1.5BA Range, refrigerator, dishwasher are included in the rent. Rent starts at $630 and up. 400 Honeysuckle Dr., Pittsboro, NC 27312 919-542-5410

TDD 1-800-735-2962

Email: pittsborovillage@ECCMGT.com

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES

HIRING CNA ’ s

ALL SHIFTS

CALL: 919-542-3151

Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for appointment to complete application and interview.

Pittsboro Christian Village 1825 East Street, Pittsboro, NC

SUDOKU

Silk Hope Pro Rodeo a hit in Chatham County

SILER CITY — Thousands of residents made their way to the Ruritan Club in the Silk Hope community to attend the Silk Hope Pro Rodeo on June 23 and 24.

The Silk Hope Pro Rodeo featured seven different events where cowboys and cowgirls alike competed for best in show. From bull riding to cattle roping, the rodeo highlighted a unique kind of athleticism from competitors.

Dennis “Strawberry” Pruitt said the Silk Hope rodeo is one he’s looked forward to since last year. He said after the success of last year’s event, he hoped to raise rodeo patrons’ expectations with a higher capacity, even more vendors and food options and a local event people of all ages can enjoy.

“It’s a small community, but it branches out,” he said. “This also helps the Ruritan Club — They raise money there for all the stuff they do throughout the year. Lots of people in the community there get involved in coming sponsor-wise and just to help out … It’s amazing.”

PHOTOS BY MATT RAMEY

Sweden, redux

By Debbie Matthews

Curious Cook

TODAY, I made the home shopping pilgrimage to Ikea.

And, because I just that adore that nutty store and that cafeteria that resembles elementary school in the abundance of comfort food that never challenges the palate, but is always a culinary hug from your Swedish Grandma, I decided to revisit a column from the first visit I made to Ikea.

When I write a column, I have a topic. Today’s topic is the Swedish meatballs at Ikea, and the copycat recipe I have. Then the column begins to write itself in my head — which this one has, but in an uncharacteristically fragmented way. The last thing that happens is that I come up with the opening line; often in the shower, or while walking the dog.

Today I both showered and walked the dog almost four miles and came up with bupkis.

I do though, have some crazy weather facts about the Lapland region of Sweden that I discovered while doing research for this piece.

Kiruna is in Lapland and the northernmost city in Sweden. It lies ninety miles north of the Arctic Circle. The warmest temp ever recorded was 88.9 (F) degrees, in July 1945. The coldest was -45.9 (F) in January 1999. The sun does not set for the fifty days between May 28 and July 16 and doesn’t rise from Dec. 11 to Jan. 1 (22 days). Yikes.

Contact me at dm@bullcity.mom

FURNITURE STORE SWEDISH MEATBALLS

1 cup homemade white bread crumbs

2 tablespoons butter

1/3 white onion, minced

2 cloves garlic, minced

¼ teaspoon ground allspice

kosher salt, or to taste

¼ teaspoons freshly ground pepper

½ cup milk

1 teaspoon

Worcestershire sauce

¾ pound ground veal or turkey

½ pound ground pork

1 large egg, plus 1 egg

white, beaten

vegetable oil, for baking sheet

2 tablespoon butter

2 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1 ½ cup beef stock

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

¼ cup heavy cream

kosher salt to taste

freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For service:

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Lingonberry or tart mixed-berry jam

To make meatballs: Put bread crumbs in a large bowl. Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, allspice, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and cook, stirring, until soft, about 5 minutes. Add milk and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce and bring to a simmer. Pour milk mixture over bread crumbs and stir to make a thick paste (called panade); let cool. Add ground veal or turkey, ground pork, egg and egg white to the bowl and mix until combined. Brush baking sheet with vegetable oil. Scoop meat with small portion scoop, then roll into 1-inch balls and arrange on prepared baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Bake meatballs for about 20 minutes or until cooked through.

To make gravy: Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add flour and cook, whisking, until smooth. Whisk in beef broth, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce and bring to simmer. Add heavy cream and meatballs. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until gravy thickens about 10 minutes. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Transfer to serving dish and sprinkle with the parsley. Serves six meatballs. Serve with a simple starch like egg noodles or mashed potatoes and a dollop of jam. You can also serve on toasted and buttered bread like a split baguette or Texas toast.

Because of the very rich nature of this dish, green vegetables as a side and post-prandial walk are highly recommended by me, your doctor, your arteries and your Levi’s.

(starting pay increases for experience)

General Labor starting at Industrial Maintenance positions starting at transportation to and from work from Greensboro or High Point

Guaranteed on-site interviews

On-site Health & Wellness Center 401(k) and profit sharing

Great benefits

Educational assistance

One week of vacation after 90 days and additional week after 180 days

Employee discounts on chicken