North State Journal Vol. 6, Issue 22 by North State Journal

VOLUME 6 ISSUE 22

WWW.NSJONLINE.COM

WEDNESDAY, JULY 28, 2021

the Wednesday

NEWS BRIEFING

Over 1 million patients have recovered from COVID-19 in NC Raleigh The latest report from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Service shows that over 1 million have recovered from COVID-19. The estimated number, which was updated on July 26, shows 1,005,765 recovered from symptoms. NCDHHS estimates a median time to recovery of 14 days from the date of specimen collection for non-fatal COVID-19 cases who were not hospitalized, or if hospitalization status is unknown. The estimated median recovery time is 28 days from the date of specimen collection for hospitalized non-fatal COVID-19 cases.

US women settle for silver following Biles' exit

ASHLEY LANDIS | AP PHOTO

Simone Biles, of the United States, watches gymnasts perform at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, July 27, 2021, in Tokyo.

NSJ STAFF

NC Court of Appeals will resume in-person oral arguments Raleigh The North Carolina Court of Appeals will resume its regular schedule of oral arguments in person when the fall session begins in August. The first arguments are scheduled for the week of Aug. 10, 2021. Chief Justice Paul Newby revoked the remaining emergency directives related to the COVID-19 pandemic issued since March 2020, clearing the way for the Court of Appeals to resume its regular in-person operations. Chief Judge Donna Stroud said, “The 15 judges of the Court of Appeals are looking forward to holding oral arguments in person. We are pleased to welcome attorneys, parties to cases, and the public back to our Court, and we will also continue to use some innovations adopted due to the pandemic to improve public access to the Court and improve the Court’s operations.” NSJ STAFF

Wendell Murphy receives inaugural Don Fish NC Sports Hall of Fame Legacy Award Raleigh Duplin County native and NC State University alumnus Wendell Murphy has been named as the recipient of the inaugural Don Fish North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame Legacy Award. NCSHOF executive director Jeff Elliott said the Legacy Award is named in honor of his predecessor, Don Fish, who led the NCSHOF for more than 15 years and oversaw a period of tremendous growth for the organization. “This honor will only be bestowed for truly outstanding contributions to sports in this state and as such may not be given each year,” Elliott said. A pioneer in agribusiness, Murphy has supported athletic programs at universities throughout N.C., including the football operations center at Carter-Finley Stadium, which is named in his honor; and has served on the Centennial Authority, which manages PNC Arena. NSJ STAFF

Former Wyoming senator dies after bicycle accident Gillette, Wyo. Retired Sen. Mike Enzi, a Wyoming Republican known as a consensus-builder in Washington, has died after he broke his neck in a bicycle accident. He was 77. Enzi died Monday surrounded by family and friends, former spokesman Max D’Onofrio said. He had been hospitalized with a broken neck and ribs for three days following a bicycle accident near Gillette. Police have seen no indication that anybody else was nearby or involved in the accident, said Lt. Brent Wasson. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

NORTH

STATE

JOURNaL

Major NC hospital systems announce Covid-19 vaccine requirement for employees By David Larson North State Journal RALEIGH — After a July 22 announcement by the North Carolina Healthcare Association (NCHA) encouraging their 130 member health providers to mandate vaccines for their employees, five major hospital systems — Atrium Health, Cone Health, Duke University Health System, Novant Health and Wake Forest Baptist Health — announced their intention to follow this guidance. Certain campuses of UNC Health announced they would follow suit as well. Those campuses are UNC Medical Center, UNC Rex, UNC Johnston, UNC Chatham, UNC Rockingham and UNC Southeastern. “North Carolina’s hospitals and health systems exist to improve and protect the health of our communities, which is why they place patient, visitor and team member health and safety at the heart of the care they provide,” the NCHA statement said. “In keeping with that goal, the North Carolina Healthcare Association strongly supports hospital and health system policies that require all hospital employees and clinical team members to be vaccinated against COVID-19.” Mandy K. Cohen, secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, released a statement later that day applauding the move by these major players in the state’s

health care. “Thank you to the North Carolina Healthcare Association, and the health systems that are leading the way requiring vaccination for employees, for taking action to protect the health care workforce, their patients, our communities and the state,” Cohen said. “Vaccinations are our way out of the pandemic. Don’t wait to vaccinate.” In the NCHA announcement, they cited statistics from Cohen’s DHHS, saying vaccination was vital because “nearly 99% of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths during May and June were among people not fully vaccinated.” Rep. Wayne Sasser (R-Stanly), who chairs the state’s House Health Committee and House Health Appropriations Committee, said on the announcements, “To be honest with you, I’m a little bit surprised, and probably disappointed.” Hospitals have long required multiple vaccinations to secure employment, but Sasser said the fact that this was retroactively imposed on existing employees and that the COVID vaccines are only available due to an “emergency-use authorization” has caused a lot of anger. He said it seemed like “a gray area” legally to require employees to take a vaccine that hasn’t received full FDA approval. “Statewide, we’re just getting blown up,” Sasser said on See HOSPITALS, page A2

Questions remain about relocation of COVID-positive migrants to NC By Matt Mercer North State Journal RALEIGH — Concerns about whether COVID-19-positive migrants are coming North Carolina have gone unanswered by Gov. Roy Cooper and the Biden administration. On March 11, the state’s eight Republican members of Congress sent a letter to Gov. Roy Cooper on the issue. “We write to express our concerns regarding the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) recent changes to our nation’s border security policies, which have put North Carolinians at risk. The surge of migrants can be directly attributed to the Biden administration’s decisions to halt the Migrant Protection Protocols program, suspend border wall system construction, weaken immigration enforcement, and implement ‘catch and release’ at the border. These divisive policies rolled back President Trump’s successful efforts to control our border. Simply put, these policies are reckless and are putting our constituents in danger,” part of the letter read. The members’ letter referenced a number of media reports that DHS released hundreds of illegal immigrants infected with COVID-19 into the interior of the United States, including being placed on charter buses heading from Texas to North Carolina. “There has been no explanation to justify releasing COVID-positive migrants into our communities,” the letter continued. A month later, U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC8) followed up with a letter to Vice President Kamala Harris to obtain more information about the situation at the border. According to Hudson’s office, he asked whether unaccompanied children are required to quarantine or test negative for COVID-19 prior to being released to a sponsor in order to prevent potential community exposure or spread of COVID-19. His office said that letter went unanswered as well. Most recently, Hudson tweeted that “The Biden administration

Cooper administration creates statecertified COVID-19 vaccination card Since March, Cooper had been considering creation of what some call a ‘vaccine passport’

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — After sidestepping questions earlier this year about whether or not North Carolina would be creating a “vaccine

passport,” Gov. Roy Cooper’s administration has created a “certified” state vaccination card for COVID-19. In late March, Cooper said, “We want to be able to help people to be able to show others that they have gotten the vaccine, because a lot of people are going to want that.” At the time, Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Eden) called the idea of vaccine passports “ridiculous” and indicated he doesn’t believe the government should mandate

COVID-19 vaccinations. Cooper also said earlier this year that his administration was figuring out a way to provide proof of vaccination and that there were discussions taking place “about the best way to do that.” Those discussions appear to have ended, and a proof-of-vaccination card has been created. The newly created card, found on the N.C. Department of Health and Human See CARD, page A2

“There has been no explanation to justify releasing COVID-positive migrants into our communities.” Letter to Gov. Cooper from NC’s Republican congressional delegation has discussed more restrictions on vaccinated Americans than illegal immigrants, who they are also transporting around our country. To remain serious about combating COVID-19, we must end the worsening #BidenBorderCrisis.” During a press briefing on July 21, Cooper answered a question posed by North State Journal about whether COVID-positive illegal immigrants have indeed been transported to the state. “I have not seen that information,” he responded. The concerns expressed are due to the large increase in border encounters in the first six months of 2021. In June, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported over 188,000 migrant encounters at the southern border. That represents a rise from May — in which there were over 180,000 — and over 1 See MIGRANTS, page A2

North State Journal for Wednesday, July 28, 2021

A2 WEDNESDAY

THE WORD: GOD WILL KEEP HIS PROMISES

7.28.21 #293

OBADIAH: 15-17 For the day of the Lord is near upon all the heathen: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee: thy reward shall return upon thine own head. 16 For as ye have drunk upon my holy mountain, so shall all the heathen drink continually, yea, they shall drink, and they shall swallow down, and they shall be as though they had not been. 17 But upon mount Zion shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness; and the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions.

“Liberty's story” Visit us online nsjonline.com North State Journal (USPS 20451) (ISSN 2471-1365) Neal Robbins Publisher Matt Mercer Editor in Chief Cory Lavalette Managing/Sports Editor Frank Hill Senior Opinion Editor Emily Roberson Business/Features Editor David Larson Associate Editor Lauren Rose Design Editor

Published each Wednesday by North State Media, LLC 3101 Industrial Dr., Suite 105 Raleigh, N.C. 27609 TO SUBSCRIBE: 704-269-8461 or online at nsjonline.com Annual Subscription Price: $50.00 Periodicals Postage Paid at Raleigh, N.C. and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: North State Journal 3101 Industrial Dr., Suite 105 Raleigh, N.C. 27609

“Esau and Jacob” by Matthias Stom (circa 1640) is a painting in the Hermitage Museum Saint Petersburg, Russia.

MIGRANTS from page A1

CARD from page A1

million in the federal fiscal year. The increases have been notable since President Joe Biden rolled back most of former President Donald Trump’s southern border policies. For comparison, just 33,049 migrants were encountered at the southern border in June 2020. “We are in the hottest part of the summer, and we are seeing a high number of distress calls to CBP from migrants abandoned in treacherous terrain by smugglers with no regard for human life,” CBP acting Commissioner Troy Miller said in a recent statement to Fox News. “Although CBP does everything it can to locate and rescue individuals who are lost or distressed, the bottom line is this: The terrain along the border is extreme, the summer heat is severe, and the miles of desert migrants must hike after crossing the border in many areas are unforgiving.” U.S. Rep. Madison Cawthorn (RNC11) introduced a bill that would forbid the use of federal funds to compensate airlines that transport illegal immigrants throughout the country, according to the Washington Examiner. That legislation, which is titled the No-Fly for Illegals Act, would ban the government from funding migrant air travel for any unlawful person in the United States, the outlet said. “Illegal immigrants are being flown to, and relocated across, our once secure nation with no regard to our nation’s laws or families safety,” Cawthorn said in a statement. “I’m deeply troubled by the reports regarding the crisis at our southern border and the dangerous and unlawful immigration policies of the Biden administration. I refuse to watch illegal aliens be unlawfully flown and relocated to our beautiful states on the taxpayer’s dollar.” The last time there were 1 million reported border encounters was in the 2006 fiscal year. Government estimates indicate that CBP agencies expect to encounter 2 million migrants the 2021 fiscal year.

Services (NCDHHS) website, is only for those who have been fully vaccinated. There is no mention or provision for those who have recovered from COVID-19 and have natural immunity. The frequently asked questions (FAQ) for the vaccination-proof card repeatedly states that private industries, event venues and employers can require such a card from patrons and workers in order to access their facilities and services. “Employers in North Carolina can ask employees their vaccination status and require proof of vaccination or a valid medical or religious exemption. Employers cannot require that their employees share any other personal medical information,” the FAQ section for employers reads. Nowhere in the NCDHHS FAQ is “religious exemption” defined. One of the FAQ’s topics addresses whether proof has to be provided for teen attending schools, sports and summer camps if those venues ask for proof of vaccination. The FAQ says that the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction “does not currently require proof that youth have received a COVID-19 vaccination to participate in school-related activities.” The answer is different for private businesses or venues where summer camps or sports camps operate. Those entities “can require proof of vaccination to take part in certain activities such as sports teams or camps.” Additionally, for college level students, the NCDHHS FAQ says they have to provide proof if required by the school, even at public universities in North Carolina. The FAQ equates the COVID-19 virus vaccination to that of “measles, mumps and rubella.” “Most colleges and universities already require on-campus students to show proof that they are vaccinated against viral diseases like measles, mumps and rubella, or provide a valid religious or med-

HOSPITALS from page A1 legislators receiving emails from health care workers upset with the new vaccine requirements. “A lot of the employees kind of feel like they’ve been mistreated because they stuck by the hospitals when there wasn’t any guarantee that they were going to survive.” He also said many of those writing feel like they were not able to give input on the decision “and then just all of a sudden this just shows up and this is the way it is. There are some people that are not happy.” NCHA did say it recognizes health providers may not immediately adopt this guidance because of their unique local conditions and “encourages each to determine the appropriate time to implement a requirement.”

PUBLIC DOMAIN

The NC Chamber, a statewide organization supporting North Carolina’s businesses, released a statement also lending support to the NCHA and hospitals. “The well-being of North Carolina’s workers, customers, and communities remains the top priority for job creators as we work to relaunch our economy,” said Gary Salamido, president and CEO of the NC Chamber. “To this end, it is vital that we protect our health care heroes and vulnerable patient populations from contracting and spreading COVID-19 in health care settings. The NC Chamber supports the North Carolina Healthcare Association’s recommendations that our hospitals and health care systems implement policies that in their best judgment ensure all hospital employees and

Obadiah follows the books of Philemon, Third John and Second John on the list of the shortest books of the Bible. Like the others on this list, Obadiah is a single chapter. It has fewer verses than Philemon, with 21, but has more words. The Book of Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament and concerns the fall of Edom, a nation founded by Jacob’s brother Esau. For much of its history, Edom was controlled by Jerusalem. But, when the Babylonians sacked Jerusalem, the Edomites helped the Babylonians loot the city. The prophet Obadiah delivered a simple message to the Edomites: God will keep his promises to Israel. The entire book of Obadiah was a message from God to the people of Edom condemning their actions in helping outsiders take over the lands of Israel. God, through Obadiah, warned the people of Edom that when people place themselves in opposition to God’s people, they will be judged.

the COVID-19 vaccine.” The University of North Carolina public university system is also requiring students to provide proof of vaccination. At UNC Asheville, all students and guests have to show a negative COVID-19 test result from a test taken “within 4 days of move-in or they can be exempt from testing by providing proof of COVID-19 vaccination.” All persons must provide that negative test result or proof of vaccination at the check-in station before they will be allowed to move into their dorm. UNC Chapel Hill takes it a step further, requiring faculty, students and staff to register their vaccination status using the “CarolinaConnect” COVID-19 Vaccine Certification portal. Students will asked to confirm or deny they have received a COVID-19 vaccine or can choose not to answer. UNC Chapel Hill students who

have not been fully vaccinated or choose not to answer will be “required to participate in the Carolina Together Testing Program in the fall.” The testing situation is similar at UNC Wilmington, where the website states “students living on campus this summer who are not vaccinated will be required to have weekly surveillance testing.” A May message from the UNC Wilmington Chancellor indicated that students providing proof that they are fully vaccinated will be exempt from both the return-to-campus testing and the surveillance testing. While North Carolina State University plans a return to “normal operations” for fall 2021, the school’s website says that “Effective June 1, 2021, all those who have received vaccines on campus or who provide proof of vaccination status through the HealthyPack Portal will be exempt from any required surveillance testing.” NCSU also will require a mask for everyone on campus “regardless of vaccination status — while indoors (with a few exceptions),” and that anyone accessing campus “must conduct daily symptom checks regardless of whether they participate in testing.” According to COVID-19 issue tracking by BallotPedia, 19 states prohibit proof-of-vaccination requirements. All 19 have Republican governors, and of those states, 11 governors have banned proof-of-vaccination requirements using an executive order. Lawmakers in eight states passed legislation to ban proof-of-vaccination requirements. Only four states have some kind of digital vaccination status portal or app. Those states, all with Democratic governors, are California, New York, Hawaii and Oregon. New York was the first to institute a vaccine passport, dubbed the “Excelsior Pass.” North Carolina would now be the fifth state in that list with its new state “certified” vaccination card.

The date by which employees will have to be fully vaccinated differs by institutions: Atrium Health, which operates in the Charlotte area, is requiring vaccination by Oct. 31; Cone Health, which operates in the Triad, by Oct. 1; Duke Health, which operates in the Triangle area, by Sept. 21; Novant, which operates in the Triangle and Triad, by Sept. 15; UNC Health, which operates in the Triangle and southern and eastern parts of the state, by Sept. 21; and Wake Forest Baptist Health, which operates in the Triad, by Oct. 31. “Our state’s health systems and hospitals have seen firsthand how debilitating and deadly this disease can be,” the NCHA statement concludes. “Protecting patients, visitors and healthcare personnel from COVID-19

continues to be of paramount importance. Hospital and health system employee vaccination against COVID-19 is vital to safely care for patients by protecting them from infection, and to mitigate the spread of the virus within healthcare facilities and among clinicians, patients and their families and friends.” Sasser said he wasn’t sure if the legislature was going to respond with any bill reining in mandatory vaccines, but he said it would certainly be part of conversations this week for the House Republican Caucus. “To make it retroactive on the people who have looked after all the sick COVID patients up to this point, I’m a little disappointed,” Sasser said. “And what the legislature is going to do, I don’t have any idea.”

Instructions to obtain a copy of an individual’s COVID-19 vaccination are featured in this image from the N.C. Dept. of Health and Human Services website. ical exemption,” the FAQ states. Private schools like Duke University, Campbell University and Davidson College all have language on their websites requiring students to present proof of vaccination in order to attend classes on campus. At Duke University, “All students will be tested upon arrival at Duke and must then participate in weekly surveillance testing regardless of their vaccination status.” Duke also offers a “religious exemption,” but states that those granted such an exemption will be “subject to daily symptom monitoring, regular testing, masking and other protocols applicable to those who have not been vaccinated.” Those seeking religious exemptions at Duke have to complete a form by Sept. 1 that includes filling out a “description of your religious beliefs that are contrary to

"To make it retroactive on the people who have looked after all the sick COVID patients up to this point, I’m a little disappointed.” Rep. Wayne Sasser (R-Stanly), cochair of House health and health appropriations committees clinical team members are protected against the virus.” State law mandates exemptions for medical and religious reasons, and hospital systems indicated they would review exemption requests on a case-bycase basis.

North State Journal for Wednesday, July 28, 2021

Inflation fears and politics shape views of Biden economy By Josh Boak The Associated Press

SALVATORE LAPORTA | AP PHOTO

Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency Michael Stanley Regan, left, is welcomed by Italian Minister for Ecological Transition Roberto Cingolani as he arrives at Palazzo Reale in Naples, Italy, Thursday, July 22, 2021, to take part in a G20 meeting on environment, climate and energy.

Biden mileage rule to exceed Obama climate goal By Hope Yen The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a major step, President Joe Biden is proposing a return to aggressive Obama-era vehicle mileage standards over five years. He’s then aiming for even tougher anti-pollution rules after that to forcefully reduce greenhouse gas emissions and nudge 40% of U.S. drivers into electric vehicles by decade’s end. The proposed rules from the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Transportation are expected to be released as early as next week, according to four industry and government officials who have been briefed on the plan. They spoke on the condition of anonymity because the standards haven’t been finalized. But administration officials have been discussing the numbers with the auto industry. Making good on a Biden promise during the presidential campaign, the regulatory action would tighten tailpipe emissions standards rolled back under President Donald Trump. Acknowledging Biden’s goal of cutting U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by at least half by 2030, the rules would begin with the 2023 car model year and start by applying California’s 2019 framework agreement on emissions standards. The California deal increases the mileage standard and cuts greenhouse gas emissions by 3.7% per year. Requirements ramp up in 2025 to Obama-era levels of a 5% annual increase in the mileage standard and a similar cut in emissions. They then go higher than that for model year 2026, one of the people said, perhaps in the range of 6% or 7%. Neither EPA nor the Transportation Department would

comment on the proposal. The new standards go partway in meeting the demand from environmental groups, several of which were pushing for a quick return to at least the Obama-era standards. In the proposed rule, the EPA is likely to make a nonbinding statement that the requirements will ramp up even faster starting in 2027, forcing the industry to sell more zero-emissions electric vehicles, the industry and government officials said. For now, the agency was seeking to ask that 40% of all new car sales to be electric vehicles by 2030, according to one of the officials. The Biden administration defers for now in setting post-2026 mileage requirements, setting the stage for bigger fights ahead over the level of government effort needed to combat climate change against the future of the auto industry, which currently draws most of its profits from gas-powered SUV sales. Delaware Sen. Tom Carper, who chairs the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, has been urging tough rules that would ban sales of new gasoline-powered passenger vehicles by 2035. Under Obama, automakers were required to raise fuel economy 5% per year from 2021 through 2026. But under Trump, that was reduced to 1.5% annually. In 2019, five automakers — Ford, BMW, Honda, Volkswagen and later Volvo — split with competitors and reached a deal with California to raise mileage by 3.7% per year. Trump later repealed California’s legal authority to set its own standards, which the Biden administration is moving to restore. It wasn’t clear whether the Biden administration would restore credits for selling electric vehicles, but that is likely since

EVs are a cornerstone of its plan to fight climate change. Biden’s nearly $2 trillion infrastructure proposal includes 500,000 new charging stations for electric cars and trucks, and he has proposed tax credits and rebates to help spur sales. Under the Obama-era standards, automakers got double credit for fully electric vehicles toward meeting their fuel economy and pollution requirements. That “multiplier” was removed in the Trump years. Several automakers including GM have expressed a commitment to transition to all electric vehicle sales, though environmental groups are skeptical the companies will stick to their promises if consumers continue to favor gas-powered cars, which now cost less. Potentially easing the transition for automakers is a nearly trillion-dollar bipartisan Senate infrastructure bill that would help fund the half-million new electric charging stations around the country. An accompanying $3.5 trillion Senate spending bill backed by Democrats was expected to provide tax credits and other incentives for consumers to switch to electric vehicles. Those measures are still pending in Congress. Fully electric vehicles represent just 2% of new vehicle sales in the U.S., but analysts expect that to rise rapidly in coming years. Earlier this year as negotiations were starting, a coalition of automakers told the Biden administration it would agree to raise mileage standards to reduce tailpipe emissions but with tradeoffs and at rates lower than those brokered by California and the five other automakers. The automakers would have agreed to stricter standards in exchange for the added credits for selling electric vehicles.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Joe Biden is banking on the idea of making life more affordable for middle-class families — and that’s where the recent bout of inflation poses both a political and an economic risk. Many Americans are not feeling all that confident about the economy, according to a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Republican lawmakers have attacked the Biden administration over inflation as the country reopened from the coronavirus pandemic, and feelings about the economy are settling along partisan lines. Fewer than half, 45%, judge the economy to be in good shape, while 54% say it’s in poor shape. Views are similar to what they were in AP-NORC polls in June and in March, despite increases in vaccinations and the flow of federal dollars from Biden’s $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package. The results suggest that Americans not only filter their thoughts about the economy through their politics but also see uncertainty as the country is still 6.8 million jobs below pre-pandemic levels. John Novak, a 52-year-old school maintenance worker from Hudson, Wisconsin, is tired of seeing higher gasoline prices and sixmonth waits to buy a refrigerator. He blames the size of the aid package. “Everything just costs more, and no one’s really making more other than if you get government money, which I did get some, but I’d rather have prices lower,” said Novak, who voted for President Donald Trump last year. “It’s a tough spot. We’re kind of coming out of this pandemic and then when you pour too much money in, you just can’t get enough of what you want.” While pledging to stay vigilant against price increases, Biden administration officials say that the recent burst reflects the complex nature of restarting an economy that had been shuttered because of the pandemic and that inflation will only be elevated temporarily as a result. “There’s no better way to contradict false messaging than by posting strong performance,” said Jared Bernstein, a member of the White House Council of Economic Advisers. “When you’re in the midst of a recovery with these kinds of numbers, I think it makes it harder for

people on the other side to paint a false version of reality.” Still, political identity is infusing views on the economy. About 6 in 10 Democrats call the economy good, while three-quarters of Republicans say conditions are poor. That spills over to how Americans are judging Biden’s handling of the economy, with 52% approving and 47% disapproving overall. Biden’s approval rating overall is somewhat higher, at 59%, as is his approval rating for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, at 66%. About 8 in 10 Democrats, but only about 1 in 10 Republicans, approve of Biden on the economy. Republicans are somewhat more likely to approve of Biden’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic (about 3 in 10 do) and even issues like health care and infrastructure (about 2 in 10 do). Federal Reserve officials have estimated that the economy could grow at roughly 7% this year. But the U.S. central bank is also tasked with keeping inflation at a 2% target, and there are signs that the pressures pushing up prices have yet to fade as there are limited supplies of houses, autos and the raw materials used by many manufacturers. Republican lawmakers have blamed Biden’s spending for the inflation and say his plans for another $4.1 trillion in new spending to be paid for through taxes on the wealthy and corporations will only cause prices to keep rising. They frame it as a return to the runaway price increases of the 1970s, and the message is connecting with Republican voters. “As Joe Biden’s inflation crisis rages, he just can’t stop fueling it with more reckless government spending,” said Florida Sen. Rick Scott, who is chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee. “Americans are experiencing 1970s-style inflation again, and it’s because of Joe Biden’s failed economic policies.” Those kinds of criticisms are being echoed by voters in a sign of the challenge before Biden as he tries to broaden the appeal of his policies. Gregory Holman, 58, a hotel property manager in Grants Pass, Oregon, said he couldn’t find an affordable used car. He said it was the fault of too much government spending and graded Biden accordingly. “I’d give him an F,” Holman said. “He’s just a failure at everything he does.”

ANDREW HARNIK | AP PHOTO

In this July 19, 2021, photo, President Joe Biden speaks in the State Dining Room of the White House, in Washington, D.C.

More NC districts vote to make masks optional this fall Total of 14 NC school districts eliminate mandate for K-12 students By A.P. Dillon North State Journal RALEIGH — The school boards for Mooresville Graded School District and Cabarrus, Caldwell, Catawba, Cleveland, Lincoln, Pender, Sampson and Watauga counties have voted to make masks optional for all students for the upcoming 202122 school year. There are now 14 districts making masks optional for the 2021-22 school year. Previously, five other boards had passed mask-optional motions: including Harnett, Haywood, Randolph, Rowan-Salisbury and Union Counties.

Sampson County’s school board voted to make masks optional for all K-12 students and staff at its meeting on July 26. Cabarrus, Caldwell and Lincoln also recently held similar votes. On July 23, Pender’s board unanimously voted on a resolution to make masks optional. Mooresville Graded School district’s board voted on their proposal July 25. The Pender board’s resolution cites the fact that all of their staff and employees were offered the vaccine. It also cites the extremely low mortality rates for children versus adults and the low transmission rate from students to staff. After the vote, Pender board member Beth Burns said she wanted to thank all of the parents who have gone out of their way to email Gov. Cooper and Sen. Ra-

bon about SB 173. “I believe that you have made your voice heard, and we thank you for giving us back the power to make this decision today,” Burns said. Burns also said that when they made their July 20 announcement that masks would continue in Pender County, the board “had no idea the governor was going to have a press conference” updating school guidance the next day. She said that “it might have been bad timing on our part, but we did not know that the governor was going to do this.” For the Mooresville board meeting, there were two masking options presented. The first would have required K-8 students and staff to wear a mask at all times other than while eating or drinking. The second

proposal made masks optional with “thresholds in place to move to ‘masks required’ if necessary.” The threshold mentioned would mean that Iredell County (where Mooresville is located) is deemed to have substantial or critical community spread under the state’s COVID-19 County Alert System. That system is controlled and updated by the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. The only exception to the optional use of masks will be school buses, where all staff and students must wear one. A statement was posted to the Mooresville district’s Facebook page the same night as the vote. The statement underscored when masks might have to be used again. “If at any point the county or

the schools meet certain thresholds as recommended by health officials, masking will be required either district wide, school specific, or for an individual classroom, depending on the situation, until the heightened danger passes and/or numbers show a decline,” the statement reads. The school boards in districts of Anson, Brunswick, Cumberland and Durham have all voted to keep all students masked regardless of the change to the StrongSchools NC Toolkit or vaccination status. Wake County, the state’s largest county, had previously voted to keep masks in place but may revisit the matter at an upcoming Aug. 3 school board meeting. A protest to make the masks optional is planned at the district’s headquarters in Cary.

North State Journal for Wednesday, July 28, 2021

Murphy to Manteo

Jones & Blount

NC’s top employers by county

Gov. Cooper refuses to take position on Critical Race Theory

The State of North Carolina is the largest overall employer in North Carolina, with around 82,000 public employees, according to the N.C. Office of State Human Resources. Over a quarter (27%) of them work for the University of North Carolina system. With this many public employees, it’s unsurprising that in 55 of the state’s 100 counties, public school systems are the largest employer. The public schools take the top spot in both large and small counties, whether urban or rural. This is true from the largest school system in the state, Wake, to small counties such as Alleghany, Chowan, Clay counties where public schools are the top employer, 2019 and Hyde. Manufacturing is the largest employer in 12 counties where manufacturing is the top employer, 2019 counties. Medical establishments — often large counties where public administration is the top employer, 2019 hospital systems such as Cone Health, HCAMission and Vidant — tie that total with 12 counties counties where universities are the top employer, 2019 as well. counties where the Department of Defense is the top employer, 2019 In four counties, universities account for the largest total: Durham (Duke), Jackson (Western counties where other private businesses are the top employer, 2019 Carolina), Orange (UNC Chapel Hill), and Watauga counties where hospitals/medical establishments are the top employer, 2019 (Appalachian State). The Dept. of Defense covers three counties in the eastern part of the state (Craven, Cumberland, and Onslow).

WEST

PIEDMONT

Sheriff: Deputy on leave while restraint investigated

Man sent to prison for stabbing jail guard

Burke County The Burke County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a video was posted on social media showing a man collapse while a deputy appears to restrain him by his neck. The deputy is seen holding a man with the crook of his elbow pressed against the man’s neck. The man goes limp and the deputy lowers him to the ground. Another video shows the man awake and standing after his collapse, pressed against the side of the patrol car. A deputy is on administrative leave with pay during the investigation. Deputies do not wear body cameras.

Madison County Madison County resident William D. Auman worked 30 years of trial practice, including 10 death penalty cases and roughly 70 murder cases, but maybe no case was as memorable as the Gahagan homicides. Auman found the details surrounding the 1983 homicides — for which three Tennessee men were charged with robbery and double murder in 2001 — so compelling that he wrote a novel about it. The book, “If Trees Could Testify,” was published in June and details the highly publicized case of the double homicides.

Franklin County Troy Lamont Powell, 32, was sentenced to more than 17 years in prison for assaulting a jail guard with a 6-inch metal shank in 2019. Powell pleaded guilty to the charges in April. Powell was being held on federal drug and gun charges in the Franklin County Detention Center. On Dec. 30, 2019, a jail guard offered Powell some tissues when Powell struck the guard in the rib cage with a shank made of metal. Powell continued to make threatening statements to other jail guards before being transported to another jail.

Factory fire leads to river pollution

Firefighters resign after policy change Macon County A large number of firefighters have resigned after the department made a policy change. Cullasaja Gorge Fire and Rescue announced that firefighters were now required to live within the district. At least 15 firefighters and possibly as many as 18 turned in their gear and stepped down when the policy went into effect. The department has 22 trained firefighters still on staff, with another 18 new hires. WLOS

McDowell County A fire at a plywood factory caused a spillage of hydraulic fluid into the Catawba River. Firefighters responded to a fire at Columbia Forest Products near Old Fort. An unspecified amount of fluid was released into the river. Crews were able to contain the spill a short distance downstream. Several fire departments from McDowell County responded, as did Asheville Fire Department’s Regional Hazmat Response Team, North Carolina Emergency Management and North Carolina Division of Water Resources. WSPA

Man sentenced for soliciting minors for photos Surry County A man who used social media to solicit minors in Virginia to send him sexually explicit photographs and videos in exchange for gifts has been sentenced to 210 months in prison. Jason Kelly Inman, 41, of Mount Airy, used Snapchat to solicit four boys, ages 14 to 16, living in Virginia. Inman admitted he exchanged messages with the teens and provided them with gifts, including alcohol, marijuana, vape cartridges, money, and cell phones. Inman would then turn the conversation toward sexual issues, eventually requesting and receiving sexually explicit photographs and videos from the teens. AP

By Matt Mercer North State Journal RALEIGH — At a July 21 press briefing, Gov. Roy Cooper refused to take a position on what has become a hotbutton education issue across the country: whether Critical Race Theory, a Marxistinspired ideology, should have its principles taught in the state’s public schools. Critical Race Theory is based in the belief that all facets of society, all people, and history are inherently racist and that resolution or redemption for those people or societal structures is not possible. At the press briefing, Cooper was asked directly his position on the issue. Cooper responded, “What I think is we need a good teacher in every classroom and a good principal in every school. And we need to keep them safe from COVID-19. That’s what I’m focused on right now.” In a follow-up question, Cooper was asked about his position on a bill that would ban these views from classrooms, which is currently making its way through the General Assembly. That measure, House Bill 324, would prohibit public schools from compelling

Durham County Two men have been found shot to death inside a car on an Interstate 85 exit ramp, police said. The shooting happened late Friday afternoon in Durham and both men were pronounced dead at the scene. Officers said it appeared the driver and passenger were targeted. Mourners gathered at the scene. An investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information was asked to call police. AP

Uber driver charged with sexually assaulting customer

By NSJ staff

Dealership apologizes for derogatory term for black customer Robeson County A car dealership has apologized for a derogatory term posted to its social media to identify a black woman who bought a car. Lumberton Honda posted a picture on Facebook of Trinity Bethune standing in front of a car outside of the dealership and a comment congratulating her on buying her first car. But instead of using her real name, they called her “Bon Quisha.” The post was removed from the page, and the dealership offered the apology Friday. The post suggested that an employee made the original comment and no longer works there.

Plane flips after landing on Ocracoke; no serious injuries Hyde County Officials say no one was seriously injured when a small airplane flipped over onto its roof shortly after landing at the Ocracoke Island Airport on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. The incident happened around 1:30 p.m. Sunday, a news release from the Cape Hatteras National Seashore said. The single-engine airplane came to rest in grass near the end of the runway, and emergency officials responded. Neither the pilot nor passenger required transport to a hospital. The Federal Aviation Administration was notified.

RALEIGH — U.S. Rep. Ted Budd (RNC13) questioned the role of what his office says is the influence of a liberal activist organization on Gov. Roy Cooper’s “Doses to Doors” COVID-19 vaccination program. “With nearly 70% of the United States population having received at least one vaccine dose, I agree that we must continue to provide North Carolinians access to vaccines, but I am concerned by reports about certain nonprofit groups involved with the ‘Doses to Doors’ program. Any entity that receives or is involved in an outreach campaign financed by tax dollars should be carefully scrutinized to make sure those dollars are not put toward sending workers door-to-door under the guise of public health if they are, in fact, political activists with potentially

Protesters target Tillis at his home

Woman to become rare 2-time organ donor

County to pay $1.25M to crash victim’s family Johnston County The family of a woman killed in a crash with a sheriff’s deputy earlier this year will receive $1.25 million in a settlement. No lawsuit was filed by the family, and claims against the sheriff’s office were settled without admitting liability. In January, Shirley Ann James, 63, was killed in a crash with a patrol car driven by Johnston County deputy Quinton Rhue, 24. Rhue had been driving with his lights and siren on, passing traffic on U.S. Highway 301 as James was traveling in the same direction. She was turning when she was struck by Rhue’s patrol car. AP

compromised motives for obtaining contact information on thousands of people,” Budd’s letter reads. His concern focused on the liberal activist organization Action NC, which was formerly part of ACORN in North Carolina and was run by the same activist, Pat McCoy. The letter continues, alleging that Action NC focuses on community organizing and left-wing “get-out-thevote” initiatives. “It is unacceptable that this clearly partisan organization without any clear public health expertise is using taxpayer funds to go door-to-door,” the letter continues. Budd included a list of questions for Cooper, including how his office selected the organizations to participate, what information is being gathered and if the organizations keep any personal or health information from the campaigns.

Wake County An Uber driver has been charged with sexually assaulting a customer earlier this year. Wake County Sheriff’s Office investigators charged Muhammad Arslan Afzal with first-degree kidnapping, seconddegree forcible sexual offense, indecent exposure and sexual battery. The driver stopped his car on the shoulder of Interstate 540 near Knightdale early on May 9 and asked his passenger to move to the front seat to help him with his GPS. The driver assaulted the woman, then drove her to her destination before he fled.

students to affirm or profess belief in discriminatory concepts, such as one race or sex being superior to another; inherent racism, sexism, or oppression; or character traits, values, moral codes, or privileges ascribed to a certain race or sex. Despite attempting to deflect from answering, Cooper said he hadn’t seen that legislation come from the General Assembly. While Cooper wouldn’t either support or oppose Critical Race Theory, many state leaders have railed against its tenets. Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Eden) said he opposes Critical Race Theory and recently said, “I will combat it with everything that I have, because it undoes the framework that produced the most successful ongoing experiment in selfgovernment in the history of mankind.” Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson has spoken against Critical Race Theory on numerous occasions, saying that it is “not about equality; it is about teaching students that because of the color of your skin, you are either oppressed or an oppressor. And ushering students towards this ideology will lead us to a divided and wrongful future.”

Budd presses Cooper on doorto-door vaccine program

EAST

Police: 2 dead after interstate shooting

Defense attorney in 1983 homicides pens novel based on case

Wilson County A woman is set to join the elite ranks of two-time living organ donors. On Tuesday, surgeons in New York took part of 54-yearold Stephanie Allen’s liver and transplant it into her brother, Eric Allen. Stephanie Allen, a delivery driver and mother of four, previously donated a kidney to her sister in 2006. Just 91 people have donated two organs to two people since April 1994. Stephanie will stay in New York for a month during her recovery. Her sister, Lisa Ball, who received her kidney, volunteered to care for her. AP

By NSJ staff RALEIGH — Activists with the Sunrise movement, a far-left organization that says it advocates for the Green New Deal, staged a protest in the driveway of U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis’ Mecklenburg County home over the weekend. In multiple social media posts, members of the organization posted pictures

of themselves at his driveway carrying signs, using a bullhorn and chanting farleft slogans. On Facebook, Tillis’ wife Susan wrote about the protest: “This is not the first time they have chosen to protest at our home but this time was definitely the longest and scariest.” According to WUNC, the protesters started with a rally at a Huntersville park before blocking the street at Tillis’ home.

North State Journal for Wednesday, July 28, 2021

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

VISUAL VOICES

EDITORIAL | FRANK HILL

When being an authentic ‘idiot’ could be considered ‘patriotic’

Robert F. Kennedy was fond of telling his staff that, in ancient Athens long ago, “idiots” were nothing more than private citizens who kept to themselves.

I REALLY WANT TO SAY that all of this spending by the Biden administration on behalf of the Socialist Democratic Party of America is idiotic. However, I know that could be misconstrued as being mean, nasty and offensive in today’s sensitive times. So here’s another way to get to the same word — but in a less offensive way. The $4 trillion infrastructure bill takes the cake for fiscal irresponsibility. The American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) estimated in 2020 that it would take only $164 billion to repair our nation’s bridges and get them into top operational condition. Surely $1 trillion would take care of all of the modernization we need to improve America’s highways and byways. But no, President Biden and the Socialist Progressive Democrats want to spend $3 trillion more on new entitlement programs which have nothing to do with improving our national transportation networks. It is contrary to any sane budget policy I have ever seen in Washington put forth by any serious budget expert since 1980. Common sense and history have proven that such spending is inflationary and destructive in the long-run. Instead of using the word “idiotic” as a childish ad hominem attack on the Biden administration, we should consider reinstating the original meaning of the word in Greek as it was used 2,400 years ago. Robert F. Kennedy was fond of telling his staff that, long ago in ancient Athens, “idiots” were nothing more than private citizens who kept to themselves. They didn’t participate in public debate. They didn’t run for public office. They didn’t vote. They did incur fines for not voting, but other than that penalty, these “idiots” went about their business oblivious to the rest of society. According to various online etymology sites, the word “idiot” derives its core meaning from the Greek ἰδιώτης (pronounced ‘idios’) which meant “a private citizen and ἰδιώτης (‘idiōtēs’) which meant a “person lacking professional skill”.

Men with property who could afford to buy swords and shields to serve as hoplites in the Greek army were required to participate in debates and discussions in the public square in ancient Athens. They were considered “polites,” or “public citizens” worthy of honor and respect, because they participated in the art of politics, which, by the way, included how they were going to tax everyone including themselves to pay for wars in which they would be combatants, not some unknown poor person they would vote to send into battle against the vaunted Spartan or Persian armies. That is the definition of a pure “participatory democracy” right there. “Tax Me and Send Me to War!” is a slogan hardly ever uttered on the floor of Congress in the last 60 years. The Latin word “idiota” later was understood to mean the “ordinary person” or “layman,” which carried the connotation that they lacked the education and ability to participate in the public arena through rhetoric and diplomacy. In the 14th century, the Middle English “idiot,” and in Old French “idiote,” gained widespread use to describe an ignorant, stupid person or someone who was just plain crazy, to borrow some nonpolitically correct terms from the 21st century. Perhaps people in America today who favor balanced budgets, a strong national defense and personal and religious freedom, whether they are conservative, independent or liberal, need to help restore the less offensive ancient Greek connotation of the word “idiot.” A generous pension fund could be set up and offer golden parachutes to lifelong politicians such as President Biden and any socialist Democrat — as well as any of the many spendthrift Republicans who have served in Washington — to retire from public life permanently and stay out of everyone else’s business like the “idiots” of ancient Athens. It would be far less expensive than electing them and allowing them to continue running up the national debt on us and future generations. Americans could salute them as patriots for stepping aside in the national interest before they can do any more harm.

EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS

LA spa becomes new epicenter of culture war between women, transgender-rights activists

“Yes, the thought of male genitalia in girls’ locker rooms — and vice versa — might be distressing to some.” Charlotte Observer Editorial Board

Though the battle between women and transgender-rights advocates is mostly playing out in the courts, there is another front to this culture war. This front is not seen often, but it is nevertheless being quietly (and sometimes not so quietly) waged at gyms, spas and other similar places across America. In late June, a customer at the Wi Spa in Los Angeles recorded herself confronting the staff, because they allegedly allowed someone who claimed to be a transgender woman to walk around the “women’s section” with their man parts on full display in front of women and young girls. “So Wi Spa is in agreement with men that just say they are a woman, and they can go down there with their penis and get into the women’s section?” the woman asked incredulously as others looked on. Though it was hard to hear their response, it sounded like the Wi Spa employee told the woman that it was state law that allowed the supposed transgender woman to do just that. In the video, you could see another woman demanding a refund after the alleged incident. Other women were also shown standing around, clearly upset about what is said to have happened. Outside of the employees, who were obligated to tell the woman that state law mandated they allow the alleged transgender woman the access they were given, two men were seen in the video telling the outraged woman to shut up, with one actually having the nerve to mansplain what she and other women should be comfortable seeing in a dressing room, locker room, bathroom, etc. Not long after the video went viral, a number of dueling protests were held outside of the spa, with one of them involving Antifa thugs who attacked people who opposed the spa’s stance. Sadly, instead of siding with the women who were distressed over having to see a naked man — who identified as a woman — in the women’s section, the L.A. Times editorial board told women, including

those who have experienced sexual assault, that, yes, we understand your concerns, and yes, some religions forbid situations like what happened at Wi Spa, but your discomfort is secondary to a person’s right to identify as whatever gender they want to and to flaunt it accordingly. “There is no doubt that Wi Spa did the right thing in defending the right of a transgender customer to be nude in the women’s area, even though the sight of male-appearing genitalia discomfited at least one female customer,” they wrote. “But no one has an absolute right to feel comfortable all the time. People have a right to use the spa, but that doesn’t include with it a guarantee that they all will feel at ease with everything they see. They might prefer a spa where a certain amount of body covering is required.” Further, they stated that “customers of public-serving businesses should be prepared to share space with the public, in all our forms, varieties and customs. Anti-discrimination laws stand for the principle that all are welcome, whether we are comfortable or not.” If that sounded familiar, it should. Back in May 2016, during the HB2 “bathroom bill” debate here in North Carolina, the Charlotte Observer Editorial Board infamously wrote that “Yes, the thought of male genitalia in girls’ locker rooms — and vice versa — might be distressing to some. But the battle for equality has always been in part about overcoming discomfort…” Here we are over five years later, and the battle rages on. No matter what the courts decide on down the line about women’s rights and those of transgender persons, this war will never be — and should not be — over until women feel safe in gender-segregated facilities and in their chosen sport again. Media analyst Stacey Matthews has also written under the pseudonym Sister Toldjah and is a regular contributor to RedState and Legal Insurrection.

North State Journal for Wednesday, July 28, 2021 COLUMN MICHAEL WHATLEY

COLUMN | JOE LONSDALE

Remove North Carolina’s state health plan blindfolds

The Cicero Institute estimates that fully incorporating reference pricing into state employee health plans across America could directly save taxpayers $4 billion a year.

IMAGINE that your daughter is buying her first car. She asks for your advice on picking one, because she doesn’t have a good sense of how much to pay or how to choose. You might explain to her what different kinds of cars typically cost. You might send her to see a trusted salesperson. But you probably wouldn’t hand her your credit card, blindfold her, let her walk into the nearest dealership and tell her you’ll pay for the first car she touches. Yet that’s the current approach used by North Carolina to pay for healthcare for teachers, nurses, state troopers and retirees on the state health plan. Without price transparency, public servants are getting ripped off, or, even worse, they’re forced to skip needed care because they fear an unknown cost. Why does North Carolina outlaw commonsense transparency that could increase savings for state employees and lower costs for taxpayers? It’s because powerful healthcare interests know that transparency creates consumer choice and enables competition, eating into their billions of profits (and don’t be fooled — “non-profit” healthcare systems lobby against transparency and make billions while paying their leaders exorbitant salaries). Other state healthcare plans have figured out what all of us already know: knowledge is power when it comes to healthcare. Recognizing this fact, many states require that critical price information be made available to patients. Some states, like New Hampshire, Kentucky, and Utah, have even established “right-to-shop” programs. Under these programs, workers and taxpayers share in the millions in savings when state employees use more affordable healthcare options. And California and Montana use “reference-based” pricing to equalize wildly different pricing for the same care at different locations. Prices paid in California’s program fell by one-quarter in the first two years, while Montana saw a savings of nearly $50 million in only the first two years of its program. The Cicero Institute estimates that fully incorporating reference pricing into state employee health plans across America could directly save taxpayers $4 billion a year. As

these reforms create a culture of choice, the savings to consumers could add up to $16 billion while enabling new competition and innovative ways to deliver better, more-affordable healthcare. But these benefits are not reaching North Carolinians. Instead, under so-called “data use restrictions” written into state law by special interests, North Carolina prohibits sharing price information with patients. Courageous leaders, like state Treasurer Dale Folwell, have identified this problem and are working to fix it. The State Employees Association of North Carolina (SEANC) supports his efforts to help its 55,000 members afford high quality healthcare. But behind closed doors, special interests are fighting to keep price information secret. Some go as far as to send the treasurer completely blacked out contracts, as if they were hiding a classified national security plan. I started multiple multi-billion dollars companies in various industries before getting involved in pro-consumer policy, but you don’t have to be a business whiz to understand what’s going on here. The more information big hospitals and insurance companies can keep to themselves, the more money they can make off the rest of us. Our politicians need to stop playing games with state employees’ health and embrace full price transparency — like that required by recent federal rules. North Carolina patients are in the dark. As a result, teachers, nurses, state troopers and retirees are incurring exorbitant medical bills when more affordable options might be across the street. And even if a more affordable option doesn’t exist today, transparency can create the incentive for better, cheaper options to exist. Here’s a simple proposal: Why don’t we take off the blindfolds? Joe Lonsdale is an American entrepreneur and technology investor who founded the Cicero Institute, a policy organization that develops entrepreneurial solutions to public problems. Follow him on Twitter @JTLonsdale.

COLUMN | STEPHEN MOORE

How the left has used Covid-19 to bankrupt the United States COVID-19 has somehow given a new license to even the nuttiest leftist ideas.

I HAVE NEVER bought the conspiracy theories that COVID-19 was a diabolical political plot to undermine the country. But what is apparent with each passing week is that the virus has been the springboard for the left’s agenda to transform America in a way that Sen. Bernie Sanders, Michael Moore or Rachel Maddow could have never imagined. Without COVID-19, President Joe Biden would never have been elected, of course. So, for the left, the virus defeated former President Donald Trump. COVID-19 is now the gateway to the left’s utopian agenda of multitrilliondollar climate policies, hyper-regulation of the economy, the rebirth of the welfare state and a radical redistribution of income. Under Trump policies, we had one of the most robust financial and economic expansions on record, especially regarding minority advancement and historic reductions in poverty. The entitlement state was in retreat as income growth and record job openings pushed millions of people out of the welfare state into work. If the left truly cared about the plight of the poor, they would have celebrated. Instead, the results showing tax cuts, deregulation and laissez-faire policies work made liberals miserable. COVID-19 made the rebirth of big government possible. Last year, with Trump still in the White House, Congress spent $6 trillion, much of it — such as the $600-a-week bonus in unemployment benefits — wastefully and ineffectively. But it was emergency spending. The National Bureau of Economic Research recently declared the recession ended in April of 2020, and the recovery has been accelerating thanks to the vaccine. We would be aggressively cutting government spending in a rational world, as we did after victories in World War II and the Cold War. Instead, the left has leveraged COVID-19

fears to call for a $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation bill on top of the $1.9 trillion spent in March on welfare programs and now $4.1 trillion in public works programs; labor union protections; green new deal subsidies; Medicare and Medicaid and food stamps expansions; and bailouts of Amtrak, urban transit and schools. The public schools in many blue states were shut down for a year, yet taxpayers have to give the teachers unions $100 billion. Explain that one. The Congressional Budget Office calculates all of this will add $20 trillion of new debt spending over a decade — and that is with a massive tax increase. COVID-19 has somehow given a new license to even the nuttiest leftist ideas. So, we have Democrats speeding forward with a plan to raise tax rates to more than 50% and implement welfare benefits that can pay families more than $100,000 in annualized wage-equivalent benefits. The government could hit and remain above 50% of GDP, matching the European socialist nations. Spending programs that were once scoffed at with price tags in the billions of dollars are now sailing through with trillion-dollar budgets. Moreover, COVID-19 has unleashed Modern Monetary Theory, meaning that the federal government apparently has a no-limit credit card. COVID-19 is all but over, and the toll has been awful. Life expectancy fell in 2020 for the first time since World War II. Tragically, the “cure” — or should I say, the carnage — of the Biden post-COVID-19 progressive experiment might, in the end, be far more devastating and long-lasting than the terrible disease itself. Stephen Moore is a senior fellow at the Heritage Foundation and an economic consultant with FreedomWorks.

BE IN TOUCH

Letters addressed to the editor may be sent to letters@nsjonline.com or 3101 Industrial Dr. Suite 105. Raleigh, N.C. 27609. 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.

Easier to vote and harder to cheat THE DISCONNECT between Democrats in Washington D.C. and everyday Americans is growing every day. While Joe Biden, Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer remain focused on increasing the power of the federal government, Americans face rising prices, low wages and struggling local economies. There is no question that we have a crisis at the Mexican border that Biden and Kamala Harris refuse to acknowledge, and Congressional Democrats are pushing legislation to grant citizenship to illegal aliens. The same can be said of election integrity. It is remarkable that millions of Americans have expressed concern over election irregularities, and the Democrats’ response is to work overtime on lawsuits and legislation to weaken protections against voter fraud. The Democrats’ assault on election integrity is taking place on several fronts, as Democrats and their allies have attacked state legislation to increase transparency and ballot protections, eliminate voter ID and pushed a federal takeover of elections. They have mislabeled Georgia’s voting reform legislation as “voter suppression,” when it actually made it easier to vote in Georgia than in Biden’s home state of Delaware. They marketed Senate Bill 1 as the “For the People Act,” when it actually aimed to eliminate basic election safeguards, like voter ID and laws against ballot harvesting. North Carolinians aren’t fooled by the Democrats’ political games. As the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19 caught many states flat-footed in the 2020 election cycle, North Carolina was prepared. The NCGOP spent two years recruiting and training over 570 attorneys and thousands of volunteer observers across the state. Indeed, Republican volunteers were present and actively engaged at all absentee ballot canvasses, early voting sites, election day polls, county canvasses, recount meetings and protest hearings. The NCGOP also worked closely with the Republican National Committee (RNC) and our N.C. Republican House and Senate Caucuses to push back on attempts by the N.C. Board of Elections to eliminate important safeguards to protect the ballot. In a move seen in several important battleground states, the BOE attempted to change the rules after voting had already started by settling a lawsuit brought by Democrat activists without including Republicans in settlement negotiations. While the RNC and our legislative caucuses were able to challenge these changes in court and other changes were only temporary, the brazen partisan actions by the BOE were certainly not the last time that the board will act to reduce transparency in our elections. Just last month, the Cooper-appointed North Carolina State Board of Elections attempted to limit the number of poll observers. In a swift, united effort, the NCGOP and the RNC protested the proposed rule changes. The RNC publicly stated the proposed rule would, “eliminate transparency and accountability in our elections.” Republicans in the General Assembly responded with legislation that would allow for greater flexibility in the rotation of poll observers throughout the day. And to carry us home, county GOP activists flooded the board’s public comments section in opposition to the rule change. Due to the overwhelming backlash from Republicans at the national, state and local levels, the Board of Elections changed their proposed rule to allow more poll observers in North Carolina. The RNC is committed and focused on preserving election integrity across the country, participating in over 58 lawsuits in 23 states through the 2020 election, winning a majority of them and spending $30 million in legal efforts. This year, the RNC led the litigation effort in the monumental Supreme Court victory Brnovich vs. DNC, which reaffirmed the criminalization of ballot harvesting and will have positive ramifications for election security for decades to come. Now, the RNC has active investigations in several states, including Ohio, Pennsylvania and Michigan. To ensure vigilance moving forward, RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel created the Committee on Election Integrity, where I am honored to serve as the co-chair to the Southern Region. The NCGOP understands that without proper faith in our elections, the American political system cannot properly function. That’s why we cannot rely on our successes of 2020 to coast us through the contentious election cycle of 2022. This Saturday, the NCGOP’s very own Election Integrity Committee will convene for our first meeting. The Committee’s mission is to engage with county and state boards of elections, recruit poll observers and election integrity volunteers, make statutory and administrative rule recommendations, and refine the NCGOP’s Election Integrity Operational Plan. By bringing together election-law experts and party leaders now, we will be ready for whatever antics the Democrats may try come Election Day. No matter what the Democrats say, Republicans are committed to making it easier to vote and harder to cheat. As Ben Franklin said, “Failing to prepare is preparing to fail,” and that’s why the NCGOP’s Election Integrity Committee is set to kick off nearly a year and a half before Election Day in 2022. This statewide effort will require all handson-deck, so rally your family, friends and neighbors, and join the NCGOP’s Election Integrity volunteer network to help secure North Carolina’s elections in 2022.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 28, 2021

SPORTS

NCSHOF inducts 11 new members, B4

JEFF SINER | THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER VIA AP

Quarterback Sam Darnold speaks to the media at the opening of Carolina Panthers training camp Tuesday at Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

the Wednesday SIDELINE REPORT NBA

Hornets to pick 11th in NBA Draft New York A year after jumping up to third in the draft, the Charlotte Hornets will pick 11th on Thursday in the 2021 NBA Draft. Charlotte also has back‑to-back selections in the second round, the 56th and 57th overall picks. Jalen Johnson, the 6-9, 210-pound freshman who left Duke in February in the middle of his freshman season, will likely be the highestdrafted player with ties to a North Carolina school. Durham native Trey Murphy, who played last season at Virginia after two years at Rice, is a possible lottery pick, and Isaiah Todd, who played in the G League last year after playing his final two years of high school basketball in Raleigh, could also be a first‑round selection. UNC’s Day’Ron Sharpe, Duke’s Matthew Hurt and DJ Steward, and UNCG’s Isaiah Miller could also hear their names called in the two‑round draft.

BASKETBALL

Wolfpack players knocked out of The Basketball Tournament Columbus, Ohio NC State’s alumni team, Wolf Blood, was upset in the first round of The Basketball Tournament and eliminated in their TBT debut. The seventh‑seeded Wolf Blood lost to 10th‑seeded Category 5, made up of the University of Miami alumni, in the first game of the Columbus Regional. Torin Dorn led the former Wolfpack stars with 15 points and eight rebounds. Abu Abdul‑Malik added 14 points. Trevor Lacey had 11 points and six rebounds, while C.J. Williams scored nine. Rion Brown (18), Zach Johnson (15) and Kamari Murphy (10) led Category 5. The 64‑team tournament will conclude July 31 to Aug. 3 when the final eight teams compete in Dayton, Ohio.

Question marks, position battles as Panthers open camp Uncertainty and youth make this a crucial preseason By Shawn Krest North State Journal THE CAROLINA PANTHERS returned to Spartanburg, South Carolina, for the start of their 2021 training camp. The team is coming off a disappointing 5-11 season and has gotten even younger this offseason. There are plenty of ques-

tion marks and uncertainty on the roster as the Panthers begin their summer preparations for the season. Here are some key areas where the team hopes to get some clarity before the season kicks off: Quarterback This spot is a twofer for the Panthers — a question mark and a position battle. Sam Darnold will be the starter, replacing veteran Teddy Bridgewater. Darnold is young and showed promise, but he strug-

gled in his time with the Jets. Most people have assumed the move to Darnold will be an upgrade after a string of disappointing performances in the clutch by Bridgewater, but the departed vet was 10 percentage points more accurate than Darnold last year and had a QB rating 24 points higher. Coordinator Joe Brady thinks he can fix Darnold, but that’s far from a certainty. Behind Darnold, returning backups P.J. Walker and Wil Grier will battle for the QB2 spot.

Offensive Line One reason given for Darnold’s struggles in New York was a lack of protection. The Panthers line could be just as shaky. Pro Football Focus had the Panthers line ranked 31 out of 32 teams last year. The team has position battles on each side of the line. On Darnold’s blindside, Cam Erving will get the chance to win the starting left tackle job. A former first-round draft pick, he’s playing for his fourth team and is still looking for the chance to be the man at left tackle. He’ll have to beat out Trent Scott and Greg Little, who have each had the chance to win the job already, and rookie Brady Christensen. Both guard spots are also unsettled. Pat Elflein and Deonte See PANTHERS, page B3

A conference divided: ACC returns to two-division format Notre Dame is back to being independent, and the Atlantic and Coastal are back for 2021 By Brett Friedlander North State Journal RALEIGH — Opinion is split right down the middle when it comes to the return of divisional play in the ACC. Coaches in the Coastal Division are all for it. Their counterparts in the Atlantic? Not so much. Well, at least most of them. “If you ask every Atlantic coach if they want divisional play or not, there’s only one that wants divisional,” Wake Forest’s Dave Clawson said Thursday at the ACC’s Football Kickoff event. He was referring, of course, to Clemson’s Dabo Swinney, whose team has won the division championship — along with the overall conference title — every year since 2015. “There’s only one that’s for it, and he’s just happy to win the Atlantic every year for the last (six) years,” Clawson said. “And then yesterday if you asked, those guys are all against it. I wonder why that is?” The obvious answer is that teams in the Coastal Division, whose coaches appeared at the league’s preseason media gathering the previous day, don’t have

NELL REDMOND | AP PHOTO

NC State coach Dave Doeren answers a question during ACC Football Kickoff in Charlotte last Thursday. to compete directly against the powerful Tigers during the regular season. Clemson is once again the overwhelming favorite to continue its dominance, garnering 146 of a possible 147 votes in a preseason media poll. NC State

was a distant second, followed by Boston College, Florida State, Wake Forest, Louisville and Syracuse. By contrast, six of the seven teams in the Coastal — preseason pick North Carolina, Miami, Virginia Tech, Pittsburgh, Virginia,

Georgia Tech — received at least one first-place vote. Duke, which was predicted to finish last, is the only one that didn’t. So while Clawson’s Deacons and their fellow Atlantic foes go into every year hoping to finish first but realistically understanding that they’re probably playing for second, the league’s other seven teams actually stand a realistic chance of sitting atop their division standings. In fact, each of them, including Duke, has won the Coastal and made an appearance in the ACC Championship Game during the past seven seasons the conference has featured divisional play. That doesn’t include last year, when the league scrapped its traditional format in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Instead of the two division winners facing one another in the title game, the teams with two best regular season winning percentages met in Charlotte. That created a rematch between Clemson and Notre Dame, which joined the league on a temporary basis. With the league going back to an eight-game schedule and the Irish returning to independent status after their brief cameo, the ACC has reinstated its traditional two-division format for 2021. And just as Clawson suggested, those in the Coastal Division are happy about it. See ACC, page B4

North State Journal for Wednesday, July 28, 2021

B2 WEDNESDAY

7.28.21

TRENDING

Claire Curzan: The rising senior at Cardinal Gibbons High School placed fifth in her semifinal heat of the women’s 100 butterfly and 10th overall with a time of 57.42, missing out on a spot in the final and a shot at a medal. The 17-year‑old finished 0.23 seconds out of the medal race — only the top eight semifinalists earned a spot in the final, which was won by Canada’s Maggie MacNeil in a time of 55.59. Curzan’s American teammate Torri Huske missed bronze by one‑hundredth of a second.

Beyond the box score POTENT QUOTABLES

WOMEN’S SWIMMING

Charlotte swimmer Erika Brown (left) and three teammates became the first Americans to win a medal at the Tokyo Games, taking bronze in the women’s 4x100 relay Saturday. The Hough High graduate led off the relay with a 56.04 opening leg, and teammates Abbey Weitzeil, Natalie Hinds and Simone Manuel rounded out the race in third with a time of 3:32.81, finishing behind Australia and Canada.

CHARLIE RIEDEL | AP PHOTO

“He would have been crying.” Cary’s Katie Zaferes on her father, who died three months ago, after she won bronze in the women’s triathlon. MATTHIAS SCHRADER | AP PHOTO

Kara Lawson: The Duke women’s basketball coach has helped the United States’ 3x3 women’s basketball team to a 6-1 start in the preliminary round of the sport’s Olympic debut in Tokyo. The U.S. lost for the first time Tuesday, dropping a 20-18 decision to Japan on Tuesday, and will face France in the quarterfinals on Wednesday. Coaches are not allowed to coach during games, but they can participate in practice to help their teams prepare. Sophie Hansson: The NC State swimmer, who is competing for Sweden in Tokyo, placed sixth in Tuesday’s final of the 100 breaststroke with a time of 1:06.07. She finished 1.12 seconds behind the winner, American Lydia Jacoby. The 22-year-old Hansson also competed in the 4x100 freestyle relay — the Swedes failed to advance after a fourthplace finish in their first heat on Saturday — and will race in her first heat of the 200 breaststroke on Wednesday.

RIFLE

MEN’S BASKETBALL

GREGORY BULL | AP PHOTO

“I think we’re a little bit too stressed out.” U.S. women’s gymnast Simone Biles on her decision to pull out of the team event. PRIME NUMBER

121 Medals won by the United States in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janiero, 54 more than second‑place Great Britain. The Americans had 46 gold medals, 37 silvers and 38 bronze. Great Britain was second with 27 gold medals, followed by China with 26. The U.S. came to Tokyo with 2,523 medals all-time in the Summer Games, including 1,022 golds.

ALEX BRANDON | AP PHOTO

NC State graduate Lucas Kozeniesky teamed with Mary Carolynn Tucker to win a silver medal in the 10-meter air rifle mixed team event on Tuesday. The U.S. team lost to China’s tandem of Qian Yang and Haoran Yang in the gold medal match. Kozeniesky also finished sixth in Sunday’s men’s 10-meter air rifle event.

CHARLIE NEIBERGALL | AP PHOTO

Former Duke standout and Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum had nine points on 3-of-9 shooting in the United States’ 83-76 loss to France in the first game of Group A play. The Americans shot just 36.2% from the floor as a team for its first Olympic loss since 2004. The U.S. plays its second game Wednesday against Iran.

WOMEN’S SOCCER

SILVIA IZQUIERDO | AP PHOTO

Tar Heels defender Lucy Bronze, right, assisted on the lone goal — a tally by Ellen White in the 74th minutes — in Great Britain’s 1-0 win over host country Japan on Saturday. Bronze also had an assist in last Wednesday’s 2-0 win over Chile. Great Britain tied Canada 1-1 on Tuesday to finish atop Group E with two wins and a draw.

North State Journal for Wednesday, July 28, 2021

Holly Springs diver will get two shots at medals in Tokyo Andrew Capobianco will compete in both the synchronized and individual 3-meter diving events in Tokyo

NELL REDMOND | AP PHOTO

UNC quarterback Sam Howell answers a question during ACC Football Kickoff last Wednesday in Charlotte.

ACC players cashing in carefully on NIL endorsements Quarterbacks, in the highest demand, are also looking to involve their teammates

“I don’t want this to be about the quarterback”

By Shawn Krest North State Journal

Sam Howell, UNC quarterback

CHARLOTTE — Sam Howell met with the media at ACC Football Kickoff in Charlotte last week and was asked a series of lightning round questions: Jay-Z or Kanye? Marvel or DC? Popeyes or Bojangles? Howell leaned back in his seat and smiled at the last question before answering Bojangles. “It’s interesting that you should ask that,” he said. An hour after his press session was over, the reason for his reaction became clear — Howell was introduced as the latest spokesperson for the chicken chain that is a North Carolina institution. Welcome to the new landscape of college sports. Starting on July 1, the date the NCAA allowed student-athletes to profit from their name, image and likeness. Some athletes have been slow to take advantage of the potential source of revenue. Duke quarterback Gunnar Holmberg and running back Mataeo Durant both said they’ve been approached by companies but have yet to ink any deals. “I told our players, name, image and likeness — we used to call it reputation,” said Blue Devils coach David Cutcliffe. “Let’s not forget that as you build this. … What you can’t do with name, image and likeness is get so carried away with it that you erode your image. It can be a dangerous thing.” Some ACC players have been more aggressive. Miami defensive back Bubba Bolden and quarterback D’Eriq King both signed five-figure deals on day one. King also teamed up with a rival, Florida State’s McKenzie Milton, to start Dreamfield, a company to help other players find NIL deals that suit them.

“I’ve been knowing McKenzie for six, seven years now, back when he was in high school, UCF, I was at Houston. We’ve been in the same conference, had a relationship,” King said. “Obviously, Florida State is our rivals. But like they say, business is business. We both thought it was a good idea to partner with Dreamfield, co-found the company. It’s really to help as many guys as we can. The whole platform is for everybody else to make a lot of money.” Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett has also jumped in with both feet. He signed a deal with Pittsburgh’s Oaklander Hotel and its restaurant, Spirits & Tables. Part of his deal includes a complimentary weekly dinner with his offensive linemen. “That was very important,” he said. “That was something that started back in my high school, actually a tradition in my high school. Carried it into college. Can only do one a season, not getting paid as much. Obviously, (I) now have an opportunity to take all six linemen, have an extra guy go in. We can do that once a week throughout the entire season. That was obviously very important for me to get done first.” Pickett also trademarked a logo that combines his initials and uniform number 8, presumably to begin selling merchandise. “It gives some young guys an opportunity to look up at a Kenny Pickett and say, ‘I want to be like him. Look what he got. How do I get where Kenny is?’” Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi said. “Everybody wants to be in Kenny’s shoes. It’s not a given. He’s earned everything he’s got.” Pickett and King have both attempted to share the wealth with teammates, addressing the inequi-

ty that’s sure to come when companies begin paying some players. It’s an issue that, if not handled well, could fracture a locker room. Howell had also been careful about his teammates’ feelings once the offers started rolling in. “Sam Howell stood up and said, ‘I don’t want this to be about the quarterback,’” UNC coach Mack Brown recalled. “‘I don’t want it to be disruptive in the locker room.’” Carolina has responded by pursuing group licensing to allow the team to share the wealth. “That means that the backup right guard is going to have a chance to be involved with opportunities that he wouldn’t be if it’s three players on your team that are,” Brown said. Of course, Howell — a Heisman candidate entering his junior year — is still very much in demand. “I hired a marketing team, so we have a marketing team working on my behalf,” he said. “They’ve done a good job kind of lifting the weight off my shoulders.” Georgia Tech linebacker Ayinde Eley hasn’t announced any deals yet, but the prospect of playing in a major city was one of the draws when he transferred from Maryland. “Yeah, Atlanta itself, even if you weren’t a college football player, anything you do in marketing, Atlanta is a good place for you just to get your name out there,” he said. “You walk the streets of Atlanta, you’ll see a famous person, a celebrity, somebody that can help you help yourself. I just feel like, with the NIL coming out and everything, Atlanta’s a great place for marketing.” If there was one caveat that all the players seemed to agree on, however, it was that football should be the priority. Three different players — Miami’s Bolden, UNC’s Howell and Virginia’s Keytaon Thompson — uttered the same catchphrase: “Just keep the main thing the main thing.” “The deals come,” Bolden added. “You do it when you can do it. My main focus, personally, is football.”

Panthers wide receiver DJ Moore gets an assist unloading a tub of candy and snacks from his trunk at the team’s training camp dormitory at Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Andrew, including his two brothers: 23-year-old Christian and Andrew’s twin brother, Matthew. Andrew has called his brother Matthew his “biggest inspiration because he shows me our resiliency and toughness,” Capobianco’s father said. Michael said Matthew is a “very bright kid,” adding By A.P. Dillon that he overcame having a learnNorth State Journal ing disability and also dealt with RALEIGH — Holly Springs having seizures to graduate fourth High School has a rooting inter- in his class of 650 at Holly Springs est in this year’s Summer Olym- High School. Matthew is currentpics. Andrew Capobianco, a 2017 ly studying pharmacology at UNC. graduate of the school, will com- Christian, Andrew’s older brothpete in two diving events and rep- er, is in his third year at graduresent the United States at the To- ate school at NC State University studying to become an exotic pet kyo Games. Capobianco, 21, will compete veterinarian. Capobianco said his sons are in the 3-meter synchronized diving event with his partner, 2016 “three very driven kids, three good silver medalist Michael Hixon, on souls — first and foremost. Just good kids. Wednesday. He has also “We try to take the qualified for the individblessing and try to push ual 3-meter diving event them forward,” he addtaking place on Aug. 2-3. “Andrew ed. “We are blessed,” When not diving, AnCapobianco’s father, Mi- is a very drew also works with chael, told North State talented special needs kids in Journal. sports activities as well Capobianco’s father diver, but as a program called said he knew from a what makes “Lunch Buddies,” which young age — around 2 — aids special needs stuthat Andrew had talent us most dents in socializing and was “very, very dif- proud is the during mealtimes. ferent,” but that his par- man that he “Andrew is a very talticipation in the Tokyo ented diver, but what Games still seems “sur- has become makes us most proud is real.” and who he the man that he has be“I think when the opening ceremonies hit is as a man.” come,” his father said. Michael credited Anand, God willing, we get drew’s coach, Drew Joto see him walking out Michael hansen, with being “as with the rest of the team, Capobianco, gifted a coach” as his I think at that point it son is a diver. He also will be a lot more real,” Andrew’s said right now they only Michael Capobianco father worry about “one day at said. a time and one dive at a Born in Mineola, New time.” York, Andrew is a forAndrew has a wealth of expemer gymnast who won the level 8 Junior Olympic national title rience heading into his Olympic on floor exercise for his age group debut. On the world championin 2013, overlapping with his start ship stage, he earned an eighthin diving while in seventh grade in place finish for the synchronized 2011. That same year, he broke a 3-meter event and a bronze for the 22-year-old high school diving re- mixed team event in 2019. In 2017, cord for Nassau County, New York. he placed 10th for the mixed synAfter graduating from Hol- chronized 10-meter. His other career highlights inly Springs High School, Capobianco went on to dive for Indiana clude being a 2019 Pan-AmeriUniversity where, at age 21, he becan Games team member (bronze, came the 2012 NCAA champion 1-meter and synchronized 3-mefor both the 3-meter and 1-meter ter); 2018 World Cup team memevents. He is a five-time junior na- ber; three-time senior national tional champion, holding wins in champion (two individual 3-meter the 2014 1-meter, the 2015 3-me- titles, one synchronized 3-meter ter, and the 2014, 2015 and 2016 title); 2014 and 2016 Junior World Championships team member; Platform events. The elder Capobianco said the and 2015 Junior Pan-American entire family has rallied behind Championships team member.

EUGENE HOSHIKO | AP PHOTO

Holly Springs native Andrew Capobianco, right, will compete in two diving event at the Tokyo Games.

PANTHERS from page B1 Brown are the favorites to win the spots on the left and right, respectively, but as many as a half-dozen linemen will be involved in the competition. Backup skill positions The top two receivers should be rising star DJ Moore and Robby Anderson, who is reunited with Darnold after starting his career with the Jets. At running back, Christian McCaffrey’s return from injury will be a big upgrade to the position. The team has to replace do-everything receiver Curtis Samuel and dependable backup runner Mike Davis, who both departed in the offseason. Cornerback The Panthers dedicated all of last year’s draft picks to defense and started this year’s draft on that side of the ball as well, selecting corner Jaycee Horn with the eighth overall pick. He’ll be penciled in across from Donte Jackson. After that, however, things get shaky fast. The team will need to find a nickel corner and reliable backups. AJ Bouye would be a good start, but he’ll miss the first two games serving a PED suspension. Troy Pride and Rashaan Melvin will need to step up. Safety JEFF SINER | THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER VIA AP

Tre Boston was an emergency fill-in last

year, returning to Carolina to plug a hole in the secondary. He left over the offseason, leaving the Panthers again looking for answers at safety. Veterans Juston Burris and Kenny Robinson are the best bets on the roster, but the team was bringing in veterans during minicamps for tryouts, so there may still be a move on the eve of the regular season. The other safety spot seems to be in good hands with hybrid safety/linebacker Jeremy Chinn, who had an outstanding rookie year. Front seven There aren’t any clear-cut position battles on defensive line or at linebacker, but there’s still plenty of uncertainty. Brian Burns had a breakout season on the edge last year, and Derrick Brown looks like a keeper in the middle. Yetur Gross-Matos and Bravvion Roy are also promising, but the talent up front didn’t translate to high sack numbers last year. They’ll need to get quarterbacks on the ground this year to show they’re more than just potential. At linebacker, the team brought in Denzel Perryman and Haason Reddick. Perryman should be able to complement Shaq Thompson as a classic ‘backer, giving the Panthers their best linebacker tandem since Thompson and Luke Kuechly. Reddick is more of an edge rusher who should help provide support for the defensive line. The individual pieces are promising, but they’ll need to develop chemistry together quickly during camp.

North State Journal for Wednesday, July 28, 2021

NCSHOF inducts new class after year’s wait After being delayed by the coronavirus pandemic, the 11-person class — featuring Debbie Antonelli, Mack Brown and Julius Peppers — was enshrined By Brett Friedlander North State Journal RALEIGH — Mack Brown has been inducted into several halls of fame during his long, successful career as a college football coach. This one, he said, was the most special because of who he went in beside him. In 1997, Brown recruited Julius Peppers to play at North Carolina, beginning a career that saw Peppers excel on both the football field and basketball court. Friday, their paths crossed again as the newest members of the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame. The current Tar Heels coach and the former Tar Heels star were part of an 11-person class whose induction into the state shrine was delayed a year because of the coronavirus pandemic. “It’s the coolest thing in the world to be able to watch these young people whom you have been

involved in their lives get married, have children and become very successful,” Brown said at a press conference before the induction ceremony at Raleigh Convention Center. “To watch them give back to the community and then come back and be around them to see the lives that they have built for themselves, that’s the real reward for coaching.” The rest of this year’s class included NC State basketball star and ESPN analyst Debbie Antonelli, longtime UNC track and cross-country coach Dennis Craddock, Burlington high school team doctor Charles Kernodle Jr., Greensboro high school basketball coach Mac Morris, Boston Red Sox World Series champion Trot Nixon, Wolfpack Club director Bobby Purcell, Charlotte athletic director Judy Rose, sportswriter Tim Stevens and Chicago Bears defensive back Donnell Woolford. Former Wake Forest and NBA star Tyrone “Muggsy” Bogues was also elected, but his induction was deferred until 2022 because he was unable to attend Friday’s ceremony. While Brown was responsible for bringing Peppers to Chapel Hill after a standout career at Southern Nash High School, he never got to

coach him at UNC. He left to take the job coaching at Texas before his star recruit played his first game in Carolina Blue. Despite that disconnect, the two men have maintained a strong bond that goes beyond athletics. “He’s a big part of the reason I became a Tar Heel, so to go in alongside him is something I never expected but I’m grateful for,” Peppers said. “I never played for him, but I stayed in touch with him, and I was excited that he was coming back (to UNC).” As much star power as this year’s class has, with nationally recognized names such as Peppers, Brown, Nixon, Woolford and Antonelli, the most intriguing member is perhaps the least known of the group. Kernodle never distinguished himself on the playing field, but because of his contributions, a countless number of others had the opportunity to do so. For more than 70 years, he served as the team doctor for the Burlington Williams High School football team, riding the team bus to games to look after athletes until after his 100th birthday. In 2007, the football field at the school was named in his honor. Kernodle also helped with the

football and basketball teams at Elon, his undergraduate alma mater. The Elon graduate died last September and was one of two new Hall of Famers who were inducted posthumously. The other was Craddock, who earned 31 ACC Coach of the Year awards and whose 45 conference championships are the most in any sport in the history of the league. Morris compiled a 456-151 record and three 4A state championships as the basketball coach at Greensboro’s Page High. He also served as co-executive director of the North Carolina Coaches Association. Purcell, who started his career at State as an assistant football coach, oversaw the construction of the Murphy Football Center and Vaughn Towers at Carter-Finley Stadium, as well as the funding of nearly 300 athletic scholarships annually. Rose was just the third female athletic director at a Division I school when she was hired by Charlotte. She served for 28 years, leading the 49ers’ program through a period of significant expansion, including the addition of football. Stevens reported on state high school sports for the Raleigh News

& Observer for 48 years. The NCHSAA’s media award is named in his honor. Brown has 253 wins and counting to go along with a national championship at Texas, Peppers won the Chuck Bednarik Award as the nation’s best college defensive player in 2001 before going on to the NFL, where he recorded 159.5 sacks for the Carolina Panthers, Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears. Nixon was a two-sport star at New Hanover High in Wilmington who went on to hit .274 with 137 homers in 12 major league seasons. He was a member of the Red Sox team that rallied from a 3-0 playoff deficit to beat the New York Yankees on the way to the 2006 World Series championship. Woolford played three sports at Douglas Byrd High in Fayetteville, earned All-American honors twice at Clemson and ranks third in Bears history with 32 career interceptions. Antonelli was a starting forward for the Wolfpack from 1982-86, leading the team to a pair of Sweet 16 appearances. After graduation, she went on to become an Emmy Award winner and one of the most respected men’s and women’s basketball analysts on television.

BRETT FRIEDLANDER | NORTH STATE JOURNAL

The North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame enshrined 11 new members last week.

Hurricanes make 13 picks in NHL Draft Carolina traded out of the first round and then kept trading down, stockpiling a baker’s dozen of selections By Cory Lavalette North State Journal THE CAROLINA Hurricanes traded away their first-round pick Friday night during the 2021 NHL Draft, grabbing two second-rounders for the final six rounds on Saturday. It wasn’t the only pick swap the team’s front office made during the two-day virtual event, and while the team didn’t select in the first round for the first time since 2012, it got a bit of everything with its staggering 13 selections. Carolina of course added more Finns to its prospect pool, selected three goalies for the first time in franchise history, infused its mostly barren blueline stockpile with three players in the first 100 picks and then a fourth, and even drafted the sons of two NHL players. Oh, and they even took a guy named Bobby Orr. For now, the Hurricanes’ 2021 draft will be best remembered for all of the trades Carolina made. While there were surely efforts to improve the team’s NHL roster during the two-day draft, the Hurricanes traded down five times on Saturday, accumulating four extra 2021 picks by moving down the draft board. Toss in a second-round selection acquired from Columbus in exchange for defenseman Jake Bean, and Carolina added a baker’s dozen to its prospect pool, plus an extra third-round pick in 2022. “We went into the draft with the strategy that we wanted to get as many picks as we possibly can accumulate,” GM Don Waddell said, “because we’re going to miss a lot of guys this year. A lot of people are, but you’re going to hit up some guys too. And the more picks you have, the better your odds are that some of these guys are going to become very good NHL players.”

CHRIS O’MEARA | AP PHOTO

The Hurricanes piled up draft picks during draft weekend, including trading defenseman Jake Bean to Columbus for a second-round pick. Armed with the 40th and 44th picks in Round 2, Carolina added two defensemen. First, the Hurricanes drafted UMass-bound right-handed defenseman Scott Morrow (ranked 48th in North State Journal’s list of the draft’s top 100 prospects), an offensive-minded defender from Minnesota. “Probably one of the most skilled players in this draft and that’s not including the defenseman,” said assistant general Darren Yorke, who oversees the team’s amateur scouting.” Morrow described himself as an all-situations defenseman. “It all starts with my skating,” he said, “being a 6-foot-2, smooth scanning defenseman who can contribute on both ends of the ice. I can move the puck. I can run a power play. I can play in the penalty kill, play in any situation.” Four picks later, Carolina chose the first of two consecutive Finns, selecting Aleksi Heimosalmi (NSJ 55). Heimosalmi was

“The more picks you have, the better your odds are that some of these guys are going to become very good NHL players.” Don Waddell, Hurricanes GM named the top defenseman at the World U18s, finishing with eight points in seven games for Finland. Yorke said Heimosalmi is “another sort of those offensive defenseman but also that doesn’t really sacrifice any defensive play.” The Hurricanes then chose the first of five forwards they would take in the draft, selecting Finnish winger Ville Koivunen (NSJ 49). The creative Koivunen led Karpat’s U20 team in scoring last season, though there are strides that need to be taken defensively.

“To get somebody with that has about as high a compete as anyone probably in the draft with the same type of offensive skills … Harri Aho (manager of Karpat and Sebastian Aho’s father) just raved about his character.” With their fourth pick and first third-rounder, the Hurricanes selected goaltender Patrik Hamrla from the Czech Republic — the first of three goalies the team took on the draft’s second day. Carolina also selected Nikita Quapp from Germany (sixth round, 187th overall) and Yegor Naumov from Russia (seventh round, 200th overall). “It’s someone that you know both (goalie coach) Paul Schonfelder and (goalie development coach Jason Muzzatti) were really excited about,” Yorke said, “and (that) sort of led into this trend here with some of the other goalie selections.” The Hurricanes also tapped into some NHL bloodlines, drafting forwards Jackson Blake (NSJ 77) — the son of former Islanders 40-goal scorer Jason Blake — and Justin Robidas (NSJ 61) — the son of tenacious defenseman Stephane Robidas — in the fourth and fifth round, respectively. Yorke called Blake “incredibly smart” and Robidas “incredibly competitive,” saying both play and see the game on high levels. Between those picks, Carolina took another familiar name: Robert Orr (NSJ 99). A right wing with Halifax of the QMJHL, Orr has no relation to the famed Bruins defenseman, but he did put up good offensive numbers in his first season with the Mooseheads (15 goals, 32 points in 41 games). Yorke called Blake “incredibly smart” and Robidas “incredibly competitive,” saying both play and see the game on high levels. The Hurricanes closed out their draft with another sixthround pick — big London Knights defenseman Bryce Montgomery — and two more overseas picks in the seventh round — center Nikita Guslistov and defenseman Joel Nystrom.

ACC from page B1 “I think it creates more excitement for the player to have the opportunity to win a division championship,” Duke’s David Cutcliffe said. “You get into November where college football gets really serious, where champions are determined, and you’re going to end up having five or six teams in the hunt for an opportunity to be an ACC champion with division play. I think it’s the better way to go.” Love it or hate it, the ACC didn’t have any choice in the decision to return to divisional play. According to NCAA rules, which were waived last year because of the pandemic, conferences must either play their championship game between division winners or between the top two teams following a full round-robin schedule involving all league members. If there’s one thing about the current format coaches from both the Atlantic and the Coastal can agree, it’s that the ACC needs to find a way to adjust its schedule to allow nondivisional teams to meet more than once every 12 years. It’s a situation that has become so frustrating to some once-traditional rivals that UNC and Wake Forest decided to play one another in 2019 in a game that didn’t count in the conference standings. “I don’t think that’s fair to the student-athletes at any of these schools,” NC State’s Dave Doeren said of the current cross-divisional scheduling rotation. “(Wolfpack linebacker) Payton Wilson is a great example. He grows up going to Duke football games, he comes to NC State, he gets to play them one time. Some of our guys don’t ever get to play Duke. I just don’t think that’s a good way to put it together. “I loved last year, playing as many teams as we got to play from the other side. What’s the best way to do that? That’s not for me to decide. I would just like to see a little bit more of a rotation. How does that get done? Is it getting rid of divisions, realigning, adding another conference game? I don’t know. That’s for people ahead of me to decide.”

nt l pay for this

OP north STATEmen

virus, covered up its spread and tried to tell the world there were only 3,341 related deaths has led to worldwide panic, economic collapse and millions of Americans needlessly being thrown out of work. The crisis has cost the U.S. taxpayer at least $2.4 trillion in addedPerhaps debt plus trillions more in Federal Reserve backup liquidity to the COVID-19 markets and financial outlets. If the U.S. dollar were not the reserveis China’s currency, we would not be able to fund any of these emergency Chernobyl. measures without immediate fear of rampant inflation and currency depreciation. China has to pay for their aberrant ways and decisions through economic and financial means. Diplomacy has obviously not worked to bring China into the civilized world of 21st century health, hygiene and fair trade. Totalitarian communist regimes never take the blame or express sincere regret and remorse, because that is not what totalitarian governments do. They take advantage of every weakness they find in adversaries and keep pushing until they win or the adversaries push back. That is, unless an exogenous event happens such as the Chernobyl meltdown in 1986. Some experts believe that event, not the Star Wars program of Reagan, led directly to the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1989. Perhaps COVID-19 is China’s Chernobyl. Senators in Washington are already talking about the possibility of China forgiving $1.2 trillion in debt we owe them as one way to get China to “pay” for the damage they have caused the US. Don’t hold your breath waiting for a Chinese “Jubilee” to happen but ask your elected representatives to hold China accountable in tangible financial ways for this disaster. It is about time they are expected to operate as responsible citizens of the world like any other modern nation.

worldwide pandemics can trace their source to the United States over curve our 231-year history. At least four in the 20th centurythe alone canin bethe nove muted — after directly traced to China: 1957 “Asian flu,” 1968 “Hong Kong flu,” 1977all, tr have abided “Russian flu” and the 2002 SARS outbreak. There is evidence thatby therecom to stay at home; they massive 1918 “Spanish flu” pandemic also had its origins in China. they’ve donned mask There is 100% agreement, outside China, that COVID-19 Weof need The result: a reduc originated in Wuhan Province probably from the completely transparency According to the Neal out Robbins, unregulated and unsanitary wet markets. Some believe it came of aUn Metrics and Evaluat and Chinese honesty Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior biowarfare lab run by the communist army.opinion editor administratio from our Until China adopts rigorous verifiable policing and Trump regulation of peak outbreak was r their food safety and health protocols, American business has no other scientific experts ventilators by nearly choice than to build redundant manufacturing elsewhere purely — we need to plantsAugust by nearly 12, for national security and safety reasons as well as supply and delivery know what they Here’s the problem reliability concerns. know, what they questions will a The most direct way to make China “pay” for this disaster is tothat offer First, what is the t and when U.S. tax credits to companies whodon’t will source at least half of their important because it theyThere hope to production back in the United States. is approximately $120 be open or closed, wh billion worth of American direct investment plants and equipment know what in they more in China. Chinese direct investment in the U.S. is about $65liberalized billion by soci don’t. ought to lock down f comparison. We’ve seen case fa An investment tax credit of 30% on half of U.S. investment in China the number of identi today, or $60 billion, applied to repatriated American manufacturing and the denominato investment to the U.S. would cost the U.S. Treasury $18 billion in have tax revenue spread over a few years. $18 billion in lostpeople revenue is actually number has been ove decimal dust compared to the $6 trillion+ Marshall Plan we are now of death, particularly undertaking to save our own economy, not of defeated enemies as in the sources suggest the n past. many American people are dyi China has been cheating, stealing, pirating and pillaging Even import business now for the past 30 years. They have made no secret more that they actually have corona intend to replace the U.S. as the premier superpower in the world and of identified cases co replace the dollar as the reserve currency with their renminbi. number of people wh

Business & Economy

ective, zero United States over y alone can be g Kong flu,” 1977 evidence that the gins in China. OVID-19 mpletely eve it came out of a

d regulation of iness has no other s elsewhere purely pply and delivery

disaster is to offer t half of their ximately $120 s and equipment out $65 billion by

vestment in China n manufacturing $18 billion in t revenue is Plan we are now d enemies as in the

laging American no secret that they in the world and renminbi.

VISUAL VOICES

EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS

s about when strophe normal

It’s okay to ask questions about to this get back to normal The comfort How Chinawe willbegin payThe for COVID-19 3 big questionscatas nob EDITORIAL | FRANK HILL

COLUMN | REP. RICHARD HU COLUMN | BEN SHAPIRO

WITH MOST STATES under either shelter-in-place or stay-at-home China lied about the origin of the ONE THING IS CERTAIN; after thisthanks COVID-19 virus cavalierofmanner in which orders to local ordissipates state governments,The a majority Americans THIS WEEK, virus, according to members ofTHE theand fed ied to tell the world there were only “THIS IS DA around the globe and in the United States, China will pay for this covered up its spread t are having to adjust to what is being called the “new normal.” and state and local governments, Americans have rldwide panic, economic collapse and in it” (Psalm 118:24) catastrophe one way or another. 3,341 related deaths has led to w Some of these orders extend at least through the end of this month. ce or stay-at-home fallen into place. I understand the seriousness of the virus thetoneed the curve in the novel coronavirus outbreak. The being thrown out of work. I know that durin Inand order put the crisis causedVirginia’s by Chinastay-at-home in perspective, zero millions of Americans needlessly orders go into June. ty of Americans to take precautions, but I’m uneasy with how people who simply ask muted — after all, trends can easily reverse — bu payer at least $2.4 trillion in added working from home worldwide pandemics can trace their source to theCarolina, United States over Gov.The has cost the U.S. tax Here in North Democratic Roycrisis Cooper stated during normal.” questions about the data, and when things can start getting back to have abided by recommendations and orders. The Reserve backup liquidity to the be glad” the Bible our 231-year history. At least fourainrecent the 20th century alone be that “we debt plus trillions more Federa coronavirus press can briefing just don’t know yet”asifin the nd of this month. are treated in some circles with contempt. to flu,” stay 1977 at home; they’ve practiced socialthe distancin he U.S. dollar were notnormal the reserve and dad, Easter directly traced to China: 1957 “Asian flu,” 1968 “Hong Kong markets and financial outlets. If will extend into May. Since when did state’s stay-at-home orders They’re treated as though we as a society simply must accept flu” without JOSE LUIS MAGANA | to AP PHOTO they’ve donned masks. fund any of these emergency have be thankful “Russian and the 2002 SARS outbreak. There is evidence that the currency, we would not be able to Perhaps If he decide to extend it, questions should be asked as to the Wedoes need WALTER E.Board WILLIAMS questioning per stated during question what the government tells usbefore about Senate when it’s safe to begin theand Urban The result: a reduction inwithout expected hospitalizat Lenten and of rampant inflation and currency pandemic. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell testifies Banking, Housing, Affairs hearing to examine the Semiannual Monetary Policy Report to massive 1918 “Spanish flu” pandemic also had its origins in China. measures immediate fea justification for it. And the answers should not be vague ones like “we COVID-19 t know yet” if the Thursday, processJuly of returning back to normalcy. According to theseasons University of Washington Institi For me, my faith Congress, 15, 2021, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. There is 100% government agreement, outside oftransparency China, thatofCOVID-19 depreciation. must do this out an abundance Easter of caution.” is China’s No. The government works for us, and we have the right to ask those Metrics and Evaluation model most oft cited by m ant ways and decisions through I celebra and honesty originated in at Wuhan Province probably from the has to pay forAs their aber provide a China all levels It will need tocompletely be explained in detail to the people ofmaking. this state who asked as to the questions. And the longer stay-at-home orders are in place all over the Trump administration, the expected need for plomacy has obviously not worked Corinthians 1:4, hos whD Chernobyl. unregulated and unsanitary wet markets. believe it came of a home economic and financial means. fromSome our to are being told remain joblessout and at for an undetermined message of become a specified time. In recent months, gue ones like “we country, and the stricter some of them get in states, such as Michigan, peak outbreak was revised down by over 120,000 world of 21st century health, hygiene affliction, so that biowarfare lab run by the communist Chinese army. to bring China into the civilized scientific amount of timeexperts why models predicting hundreds of thousands of cases wew as consumer demand has exceedhope that we13,000 will bad thing? thethe more people, sitting at home feeling isolated and/or anxious about ventilators by nearly and the number of ov unist regimes never take blame affliction, withcomm the c Until China adopts rigorous verifiable policing and regulation of and fair trade. Totalitarian are reliable. ed the supply of goods and ser— we need to once again enjoy of this state who when they can get back to providing for their families, will demand August by nearly 12,000. orse, because that is not what God.” That is what their food safety and health protocols, American business has no other or express sincere regret and rem vices in some industries, inflation To know date, what I’ve gone what the state has asked and then they along with answers. Here’s the problem: We still don’t know the ans sporting events, yndetermined take advantage of every weakness If you are celebrat topped 2%. choice than tofree build redundant manufacturing totalitarian do. The citizens mandated thatplants we do,elsewhere but alongpurely thehas way I’ve also had governments questions about housands of cases Leaders at the local and state levels should be as forthcoming as they know, what they questions that will allow the economy to reopen. pushing until they win or the Powell suggested duringonhis reflect this concerts, family for national security safety reasons as well supply andleaders delivery they find in adversaries andmessa keep the data. StateasRepublican have, too. living inand a free can be with those answers — and again, not vague answers, but concerns. answer congressional last week First, what is the truetestimony coronavirus fatality and rate?c God’s example don’t and when reliability adversaries push back. gatherings, Unfortunately, when certain types ofthe questions get asked, AMERICA’S COLLEGES are rife with that economy was “still athere waysistime. society kedhappens and then with details that give their statements believability. important because it determines whether certain ent such asThe the Chernobyl this difficult T The most direct waywere to make China “pay”hope for this is to offer That is, unless an exogenous ev they to disaster corruption. financial squeeze resulting sometimes a disturbing tendency among some people to treat those church services off” from achieving that progress. dbelieve questions about We should all continue to do what we can to keep our families, be open or closed, whether we ought to pursue — that event, not the Staropportunities Wars confident we will em supposed from COVID-19 offers for a U.S. tax credits to companies who will source at least half of their meltdown in 1986. Some experts know what theythe data and asking questioning when we can start On many Wednesday, when thegetting Fed is- back arestill rising, with consumer pric- simply By Christopher Rugaber and more Sponsored by Union and our communities safe. But we continue more liberalized society that presumes wide spreat Sponsored by should also o the dissolution of theourselves, Soviet In this same spiri bit of remediation. Let’s first examine what production back in5.4% the There is though approximately program of are Reagan, led directly to do, lastUnited I JuneStates. sues a policy statement and Powto normal as they are$120 conspiracy theorists or people who es having jumped in The Associated Press don’t. after our own t asked, there to of ask questions about the data, because while reasonable stay-at-home ought to lock down further. mightisbe the root academic corruption, “It is getting harder and neighborsany helping n billion of American direct in plants and equipment inora1989. ell holds news conference, from a worth year ago, the biggest in- investment otherwise don’t care if they get themselves others sick. checked. title of a recent study, WASHINGTON, ehernobyl. to treatsuggested those by the measures are understandable, they should have an expiration We’ve seen case fatality rates — Concord, the number of C temporary In a hig signal that such progress is near crease in Chinese 13 date. years.direct Last month’s D.C.also — With in China. investment in the U.S. is about $65 billion by Perhaps COVID-19 is China’s harder for the Fed to Since when did questioning government at all levels become a bad “Academic Grievance Studies and the North State Journal for Wednesday, April 15, 2020 start getting back This is all new to Americans, and it is not normal. Not in any way, the number of identified COVID-19 cases — but eady talking about the possibility could thein Fed is getting money to buy aare 3-D surge marked a fourth straight thing? That is what free citizens living inflation uncomfortably high and comparison. sacrifices arethat Senators Washington alb inmean a free society were supposed explain why it needs toand the denominator Corruption of Scholarship.” The study wasCOVID-19 are people who shape, or form. So while we should remain vigilant and stay safe, at closer to reducing its bond purmonth of unexpectedly large price the Delta variant raisare likely wrong. We don’t k debt we owe them as oneopinion way toand get analysis health$1.2 caretrillion workers An investment tax credit of 30% on of U.S. investment in China in over. of China forgiving tokeep do,half last I checked. done by Areo, an NC yields less buying $120 billion of chases. increases, heightening fears that ing economic concerns, a dividsick. the same time we shouldn’t get comfortable with this so-called “new people have actually died of coronavirus. Some so y have caused US. Don’t hold your today, or $60 billion, applied to repatriated China to “pay” damage digitalthe magazine. By the way, Areo is short My first American concern asmanufacturing we go along in all this, of course, isfor mythe family. I’m th Nathan Sheets, chief economist ed Federal Reserve will meet this persistently higher inflation will assets commercial ls become aAreopagitica, badbut ask normal.” number has been overestimated, given that classi a month.” lee” to happen your elected for aseafood, speech delivered by investment to the U.S. would cost the U.S. Treasury $18 billion in breath waiting for a Chinese “Jub the virus, and Fixed I’m worried will.a After at PGIM IncomeIand forerode the value of recent pay rais- worried about them catching ty were supposed Not one little bit. week to discuss when and how it tax of death, particularly among elderly patients, can ountable in tangible financial ways for John Milton in defense of free speech. revenue spread over a few years. $18 billion in lost revenue is representatives to hold China acc fewer recreational merflu) director international fiduringofthe 2009 pandemic, should dial back its ultra-low-in- es and undermine the economic suffering from the H1N1 virus (swine Authors Helen Pluckrose, James A.terest rate policies. sources suggest the number is dramatically under Nathan Sheets, former decimal trillion+ Marshall Plan we are now this disaster. nance at the Fed, said the divide recovery.dust compared to the $6 I’ve been trying to take extra precautions, because all of this brings up fishing trips in 2020 Lindsay and Peter Boghossian say has that also e, to is my family. Stacey Matthews pseudonym Sister Toldjah manyas people areFed dying home. ed operate as I’m responsible citizens of the twotime sharply The main concern is that For written now, theunder U.S. the economy is undertaking to save our ownthe economy, notmany defeated enemies inon the Itreflects is at about they are expect director ofofinternational way too memories of a painful experience I’d prefer not todifrepeat. something has gone drastically wrong ied I will. After and is a regular contributor to RedState and Legal Insurrection. Even more importantly, we have no clue how m ation. ferent ways of viewing the econoFed will end up responding too growing briskly in the wake of the past. MOREHEAD CITY — the world like any other modern But what also lose sleep is how easily most everyone has at the Fedmakes me in academia, especially within certainpandemic recession, and the pace late and too aggressively to high finance 2009 pandemic, my. coronavirus. Those officials whoscientists support sugges actually have Some Commercial fishermen China has been cheating, stealing, pirating and pillaging American fields within the humanities. They call ancases earliercould taperbe arean likely focused sold 42.9 million pounds of of hiring is healthy, which is why inflation by quickly jacking up inl of this brings up of identified order of magnitude now for the past 30 years. They have made no secretcrisis, that they these fields “grievance studies,” wherethe Fed’s policymakers will like- business fish and shellfish to North on current levels ofhad high inflation pandemic terest rates and perhaps causing ment during the Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion refer notscholarship to repeat. number of people who have coronavirus and is not dealers so much based uponly move closer toward acting soon. intend replace the as Rethe premier superpower in the world Carolina seafood and the fact that the economy has the Fed’s policymakers appear di- and anothertorecession. LastU.S. week, ost everyone has finding but upon attending to In particular, the officials are ex- replace theindollar as thepeppered reserve currency with their renminbi. in 2020,truth a decrease of 19% vided over how soon to start re- nearly returned to its pre-panpublicans Congress

Fixingn.c. college corruption FAST

FACTS

Fed to discuss a pullback in economic aid with inflation up A6

north STA

Approved Logos

social grievances. Grievance from 2019 and about a 23% scholars pected to discuss the timing and bully students, decrease from administrators the previous and other mechanics of slowing their $120 departments into adhering to their billion-a-month in bond purchasfive-year average. worldview. The worldview is a pandemic-era policy that is Recreational fishermen they promote es — neither scientific norfinfish rigorous. Grievance landed 53.5 million EDITORIAL intended to keep long-term loan | weighing 24.9 million poundssuch as e studies consist of disciplines rates low to spur borrowing and from stateanthropology, coastal and gender studies, sociology, spending. estuarine waters in 2020. The queer studies, sexuality and critical raceThis week’s meeting occurs total weight harvested was studies. against the backdrop of a risky about 4.6% higher 2019Pluckrose, In 2017 and 2018,than authors policy bet by Fed Chair Jerome and a 4% increase over the Lindsay and Boghossian started Powell. Powell is gambling that previous 5-year-average. submitting bogus academic papers tothe central bank can engineer an The decrease in academic journals in cultural, queer, exceedingly delicate task: To keep commercial was race, gender, harvest fat and sexuality studiesthe Fed’s short-term benchmark tied to a 41.3% decrease in to determine if they would pass peer rate pegged near zero, where it has hard blue crab landings from seriousness of and the be virus and the review accepted for need publication. been since March 2020, until the 2019 that may have been Acceptance ofimpacts dubious research y with how people who simply ask that job market has fully healed, withpartly due to from editors found sympathetic to their en thingsjournal can start getting back COVID-19. The Division ofto out fueling a sustained bout of intersectional or postmodern leftist vision Marine Fisheries heard from s with contempt. high inflation. of the world would who prove the problem of Yet the stakes around that bet several fishermen said a societylow simply must accept without standards. theyacademic found it difficult to move ls us about when it’s safefake to begin thepapers Several research blue crabsofatthe the beginning malcy. were for publication. The Fat of theaccepted state’s stay-at-home us, and we have the many right to ask those Studies journal published a hoax paper order when restaurants Since when did that the term was wereargued closed. home orders are in place all bodybuilding over the questioning so,such hard blue crabs andas should be replaced hem get exclusionary in Even states, Michigan, remained the state’s top with “fat bodybuilding, as a fat-inclusive government eeling isolated and/or anxious about commercial seafood in terms politicized performance.” One reviewer ng for their families, will demand at all levels of pounds landed, while said, “I thoroughly enjoyed reading this The Associated Press shrimpand brought theit most article believe has an important become a money to forthcoming fishermen vels should be as as contribution to makeat tothe thethey field and this NEW YORK — Bitcoin’s bad thing? price docks. The top five species by again, not vague answers, but answer journal.” surged again Monday after specweight landed commercially “Our Struggle Is My Struggle: Solidarity That ismay what ents believability. that Amazon be enfrom NorthasCarolina coastal Replyulation Feminism an Intersectional to hat we can toestuarine keep ourwaters families, tering the cryptocurrency sector free citizens and in 2020 Neoliberal and Choice Feminism,” was afe. But we should after it posted a job seeking a “digwere: hard also blue still crabscontinue (13.1 living in a free accepted for publication by Affilia, a ital currency and blockchain prodmillion lbs.), shrimp (9.7 ecause while reasonable stay-at-home feminist journal for social workers. The society were million lbs.),an summer flounder uct lead.” y shouldpaper also have expiration consisted partdogfish of adate. rewritten Bitcoin jumped more than 14% (1.8 million lbs.),in spiny supposed nd it is not normal. Not in any way, passage from Mein Kampf. (1.5 million lbs.), and stripedTwo otherin the past 24 hours, nearly reachd remainhoax vigilant stay safe, at including papers were published, to unit do, last I setmullet (1.3and million lbs.). ing $40,000 per before “Rape and Queer Performativity mfortable with thisfive so-called “new TheCulture top species checked. at Urban Dog Parks.” This landed recreationally frompaper’s subject was dog-on-dog rape. But North Carolina coastal andthe dog rape paper eventually Boghossian, estuarine watersforced in 2020 Pluckrose and seatrout Lindsay to prematurely out were: spotted (3.6 under the pseudonym Sister Toldjah million lbs.),Ayellowfin tuna themselves. Wall Street Journal writer dState and Insurrection. (2.4Legal million lbs.), dolphin had figured out what they(2.1 were doing. million bluefish (2.1 for publication Somelbs.), papers accepted million lbs.), journals and Spanish in academic advocated training mackerel (1.8 and million lbs.). white male men like dogs punishing Anglers took 16.4 million college students for historical slavery by fishing them trips in Carolina asking toNorth sit in silence on the floor in coastal and estuarine chains during class andwaters to be expected to in 2020, about 1.1 million Other papers learn from the discomfort. fewer than in 2019. The data y celebrated morbid obesity as a healthy life for the Marine Recreational choice and advocated treating privately Information Program is conducted masturbation gathered by port agents as a form of sexual violence against talking to fishermen at women. Typically, s academic journal editors recreational access sites send such submitted papers out to referees for review. In as piers, boat ramps, charter recommending acceptance docks, and on the beach. for publication, many reviewers gave these papers glowing praise. Political scientist Zach Goldberg ran certain grievance studies concepts through the Lexis/Nexis database, to see how often

Powell with questions about infla- ducing — or “tapering,” in Fed demic size. Hiring is robust and is being tion, for which they largely blamed parlance — its monthly bond purPresident Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion chases. Several regional Fed bank held back mostly by a shortage of Jasonrather than a lack of destimulus package, which was en- presidents support tapering soon, workers, STACEY MATTHEWS including James Bullard of the St. mand for them, Sheets said. Under acted in March. In his testimony, Powell largely Louis Fed, Patrick Harker of the this view, the Fed can’t do much stood by his view that higher infla- Philadelphia Fed and Robert Ka- about labor supply. | REP. RICHARD “The HUDSON economy is, bottom line, of the Dallas Fed. tion will prove temporary. His rea- planCOLUMN Powell has said that the cen- much better than it was a year soning is that recent high price increases — for things like used and tral bank wants to see “substan- ago,” Sheets said. “It is getting new cars, hotel rooms and airline tial further progress” toward its harder and harder for the Fed to tickets — have been driven main- goals of maximum employment explain why it needs to keep buyly by supply shortages related to and price stability before it would ing $120 billion of assets a month.” Yet Powell and the rest of the the swift reopening of the econo- consider reducing the bond purmy. But he also stated more explic- chases. To make up for years of in- Fed’s leadership — notably Rich“THIS IS THEfallen DAYvice thechair lord made, MOST STATES shelter-in-place stay-at-home into place. I understand ofhas the Fed’s let usthr flation remaining belowor2%, Pow- ard Clarida, itlyWITH than before that the Fedunder won’t either in it” to (Psalm 118:24). orders local or state governments, majority Americans to take precautions, but I’m unea board, and John Williams, presiell said, theaFed wants of inflation hesitatethanks to raiseto rates should it deI know that this challenging time of soc dent during ofquestions the Federal Reserve moderately exceed 2% average cidehaving that inflation is getting outisofbeing are to adjust to what called the “newits normal.” about the Bank data, and wh working from home or losing a job, it diffi inflation targetthe and to of show signs control. Some of these orders extend at least through end this month. normal are treated inmay somebecircle of remaining above it forbe anglad” un- asSee After a stay-at-home period of broad agree-go into the Bible tells to do. as However, as aa FED, page B6us Virginia’s orders June. They’re treated though we

VISUAL VOICES

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

and dad, the Easter holiday hasthe reminded me ofte Here in North Carolina, Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper stated during question what government and of hopeful for, even m a recent coronavirus press briefing that “we just don’t knowhave yet”to if be thethankful process returning back in to the norm and pandemic. state’s stay-at-home orders will extendLenten into May. No. The government works for me, my faith is an important part ofstay-at my da Easter seasons If he does decide to extend it, questions should be asked asFor to the questions. And the longer making. As I celebrated my family, justification for it. And the answers should notabe vague ones like “we country,Easter and thewith stricter some ofI provide Corinthians 1:4, the which reminds our Lord “com must do this out of an abundance of caution.” more people,us sitting at home message of affliction, so thatwhen we may becan able toback comfort thos It will need to be explained in detailhope to the people of this state who they get to provid that we cryptocurrencies, many to will track short po- bone tling closer to $37,000. The five- if not impossible affliction, with of the comfort which we ourselves a are being told to remain jobless and at home for an undetermined answers. dating back to earlier this year. on the cryptocurrency. week intra-day high reached sitions once again enjoy God.”of cases amount of time why models predicting hundreds of thousands Leaders at the local and state l Amazon’s listing says the However, the jobs are not necesMonday comes after a long slide sportingjob events, If you are celebrating the Easter season, I urge are reliable. can be with those answers where it dipped under $30,000 company is looking for “an expe- sarily related to blockchain devel- — and this message and be comforted, that concerts, family To date, I’ve gone with what the state has asked and thenonopment, with details that give theirso statem but list blockchain backrienced product leader toreflect develfrom an April highalong of nearly God’s example comfort allallthose in arou groundand asWe relevant experience forneed opway Amazon’s Digital and $65,000. mandated that we do, but along the I’ve also hadCurrency questions about should continue to do w gatherings, this difficult time. Through faith and by helping o those applying for the job. strategy and product also Republican speculation leaders that Blockchain theThere data.isState have, too. ourselves, and our communities s church services a statement, Amazon rejectroadmap.” theUnfortunately, price surge may have also types confident weInwill emerge out of this pandemic strb when certain ofand questions get asked, there is to ask questions about the data, many more online retail as spirit, “fabricated” a report The Seattle-based been a result of traders buying this ed same I continue to bethat inspired th by sometimes a disturbing tendency among some people to treatInthose measures are understandable, said it would be accepting paycurrently has 74 listings for up bitcoin to fill positions they giantafter our own neighbors helping neighbors. simply questioning the data and asking when we can start getting back This is all new to Americans, a whose descriptions include were short on, having bet its value jobs temporary In Concord, a high school senior named Tanne to normal as though they are conspiracy theorists or are people who shape, or form. So while we shou would fall further. But it’s difficult the words “blockchain,” the back- See BITCOIN, page B6 printer andwe plastic to make f sacrifices are sick. money to buy a 3-D otherwise don’t care if they get themselves or others the same time shouldn’t get co health care workers out of his own home. Since when did questioning government a bad normal.” over. at all levels become thing? That is what free citizens living in a free society were supposed Not one little bit. to do, last I checked. My first concern as we go along in all this, of course, is my family. I’m Stacey Matthews has also written worried about them catching the virus, and I’m worried I will. After and is a regular contributor to R suffering from the H1N1 virus (swine flu) during the 2009 pandemic, I’ve been trying to take extra precautions, because all of this brings up way too many memories of a painful experience I’d prefer not to repeat. But what also makes me lose sleep is how easily most everyone has

Bitcoin jumps on speculation that Amazon considering crypto

We get to the weird stuff with this week’s car, B7

North State Journal for Wednesday, July 28, 2021

ncdot CASH REPORT For the week ending 7/23 Total Cash & Bond Proceeds:

$2,489,362,890 Add Receipts:

$57,959,454 Less Disbursements:

$110,744,606 Reserved Cash:

$597,262,323 Unreserved Cash Balance Total:

$5,193,325,286

TONY DEJAK | AP PHOTO

Heather Bise, owner of The House of Bise Bespoke, poses in the “Art” bedroom, Monday, July 19, 2021, in Cleveland.

FED from page B5 of New York — will likely stick to a go-slow approach toward withdrawing economic support, Sheets said. It’s not yet clear how the highly contagious and fast-spreading delta variant of the coronavirus might affect the U.S. or global economies, Sheets said, or how the job market will fare in coming months. Hiring could accelerate in September as schools reopen, more parents are able to take jobs and expanded unemployment aid programs expire. “There is no reason whatsoever for us to be in a hurry here,” Sheets said, summarizing the leadership’s likely view. The bond market is signaling much less concern about future inflation, with the yield on the 10-year Treasury note having fallen by nearly a half-percentage point since the spring, to about 1.28%. This also gives the Fed more time to consider its options, Sheets said. Powell has said the Fed will communicate its intention to taper “well in advance” of doing so. David Mericle, an economist at Goldman Sachs, said that based on historical practice, that would mean that the central bank will likely signal its intentions about two meetings before announcing a move. Accordingly, Mericle predicts that the Fed will provide its first clear hint about tapering at its September meeting, followed by another signal in November before announcing the actual taper in December.

Small businesses lifted by return of summer tourists The Associated Perss SMALL BUSINESSES in the U.S. that depend on tourism and vacationers say business is bouncing back, as Americans rebook postponed trips and spend freely on food, entertainment and souvenirs. U.S. states and cities have loosened many of their restrictions on crowd size and mask-wearing, a positive sign for businesses that struggled for more than a year when theme parks and other tourist attractions were shuttered. Still, the return to a pre-pandemic “normal” is a way off for most. There are few business travelers and international tourists. Many businesses are grappling with staff shortages and other challenges. And if a surge of the more contagious delta variant or another variant of the coronavirus forces states to reenact restrictions or lockdowns, the progress might be lost. The U.S. Travel Association, a travel industry trade group, predicts domestic travel spending will total $787 billion in 2021. That’s up 22% from 2020 but still down 20% from 2019 levels. The association predicts travel spending won’t completely rebound above 2019 levels until 2024. In Santa Fe, New Mexico, Jenny Kimball, co-owner of the independent hotel La Fonda on the Plaza, with 180 rooms, said her hotel is sold out through the summer and booked about 90% on average for the fall. That’s a welcome

change from the two or three guests the hotel had at one point as it stayed open during the height of the pandemic. “It’s crazy busy, it’s wonderful, everyone is happy,” she said. The clientele is different than prior to the pandemic: There are more families and people working remotely, and they’re staying longer, an average or four or five nights compared to two or three. “Families want to come and stay longer and really vacation and see more of the city and more of the museums,” Kimball says. Kimball’s biggest problem: A shortage of workers in the restaurant, bar and kitchen. She urged vacationers to have patience. “It’s very hard after such a horrible year to have the demand and not be able to serve them, because we don’t have 100 percent staffing back yet,” she says. Heather Bise owns and runs a 7-bedroom bed-and-breakfast in Cleveland, Ohio, near the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She opened The House of Bise Bespoke in 2019 and catered to international tourists, attracting guests from New Zealand, Botswana, Eastern Europe and other far-off places. The cancellations started in January 2020 and she refunded guests thousands of dollars. So, Bise retooled her business model and switched to renting out the whole house. Ohio lifted restrictions on mass gatherings in March, and the Hall of Fame reopened in June. Business has rebounded during the

past two months — so much so that she’s making more than she was pre-pandemic. Demand is so strong she raised prices and switched from serving breakfast and dinner to just breakfast. But her guests are now all from the U.S., usually families meeting up for a reunion or wedding parties — which now make up 60% of her business. She worries that the wedding business will evaporate after the summer and fall. “Let’s just hope people are having weddings in January,” she said. Many owners are pleasantly surprised by the pickup in domestic tourists, but still need to see corporate travelers and tourists from overseas before business is back to normal. That could take some time. While improved from 2020, the USTA estimates that spending on business travel this year will be less than half of 2019’s $270 million and international travel spending will total about one-third the $179 million spent two years ago. Martha Sheridan with the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau said the Boston tourism industry is relying on “leisure visitors” — families traveling to the city to take in attractions, couples vacationing and women taking “girls weekends.” That means weekend business is strong, but mid-week business is still “significantly lower than what it would normally be.” That could begin to change, she said, when conventions resume at

the end of July. Because of the pandemic, Boston Duck Tours lost the big groups it usually counts on — not only people from international cruises in port or in town for business travel but also students on school field trips. The tour group has offered land-and-water tours in the Boston area every year since 1994. Business is about 80% of 2019 levels, with 21 of the 28 duck boats — which can operate on land and water — running at about 75% capacity. But leisure travelers have come back strong, said Cindy Brown, CEO of the company. “We weren’t sure how busy we would be,” she said. “I’ve been shocked to see how many people are eager to travel, see attractions and get out of their houses.” And so far, tourists have been freewheeling with spending, small business owners say. Alan Dietrich, CEO of Crater Lake Spirits in Bend, Ore., which has two tasting rooms catering to tourists who come to the area, said he’s seen an explosion in demand since pandemic restrictions were fully lifted ahead of the Fourth of July. “Every minute we’re open, we’re seeing people coming in,” he said. “People have been locked down for the last 14 months, they’re dying for something to do. The limiting factor is just staff.” He is also seeing people spending freely. In Bend, the average price of an entree has gone up $3 and the price of a cocktail has gone up $1 due to staffing shortages and higher wholesale food prices, says Dietrich, who also sits on the board of Bend’s tourism development group. “No one is balking at the prices at all,” he added. “Nobody cares what stuff costs right now, people are just happy to be out and about.”

BITCOIN from page B5 ments in cryptocurrency by the end of the year, and that it could launch its own digital coin in 2022. But it did acknowledged that is exploring what the use of cryptocurrencies would look like on Amazon. “We believe the future will be built on new technologies that enable modern, fast, and inexpensive payments, and hope to bring that future to Amazon customers as soon as possible,” the company said. Tom Forte, a senior research analyst who covers Amazon for the investment bank D.A. Davidson, said he doubts Amazon will accept bitcoin across its platform any time soon. Forte noted bitcoin accounts for less than 1% of transaction payments on Overstock.com, one of the few online retailers to accept the cryptocurrency. “It’s been an effective mechanism for trading and speculation, but it hasn’t shown to date to be a form of currency for payments,” Forte said. Proponents of bitcoin seem to have shifted their pitch from its value as a digital currency, focusing more on applying it as “store of value,” like gold or other commodities. Bitcoin is not tied to a bank or government and allows users to spend money anonymously. The coins are created by users who “mine” them by lending computing power to verify other users’ transactions. They receive bitcoins in exchange.

IMF forecasts 6% global growth this year as economies reopen The Associated Perss WASHINGTON, D.C. — The International Monetary Fund is sharply upgrading its economic outlook this year for the world’s wealthy countries, especially the United States, as COVID-19 vaccinations help sustain solid rebounds from the pandemic recession. But the 190-country lending agency has downgraded its forecast for poorer countries, most of which are struggling to vaccinate. Overall, the IMF said Tuesday that it expects the global economy to expand 6% this year — a dramatic bounce-back from the 3.2% contraction in the pandemic year of 2020. The IMF’s foreLUDOVIC MARIN | AP PHOTO cast, unchanged from its previous estimate in April, would mark In this May 18, 2021 file photo, International Monetary Fund the fastest calendar-year global (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva speaks at the growth in records dating to 1980. end of the Financing of African Economies Summit, in Paris. Beneath the worldwide number, however, a gap between the The United States is expected vaccine haves and have-nots is close to 40% of the population widening. The IMF expects ad- has been vaccinated, are large- to register 7% growth this year, vanced economies to grow 5.6% ly reopening after last year’s a sharp reversal from last year’s this year, an upgrade from the COVID-19 lockdowns. But in de- 3.5% drop and an upgrade from 5.1% it forecast in April, fueled by veloping and emerging market the 6.4% growth the IMF had the swift recovery of consumers countries, the vaccination rate is forecast for 2021 back in April. President Joe Biden’s ambiand businesses. But it downgrad- just 11%. Moreover, the governed its 2021 forecast for emerging ments of poorer countries cannot tious spending plans are expectmarket and developing countries match the outpouring of governed to fuel growth this year and to 6.3% from its April forecast of ment spending that rich coun- next. The IMF predicts that the tries have been using to propel U.S. economy will grow 4.9% in 6.7%. 2022, up from the 3.5% it projectAdvanced economies, in which their economic recoveries.

ed three months ago. The 19 European countries that share the euro currency are forecast to grow 4.6% collectively this year, versus last year’s 6.5% contraction. Japan, which endured a 4.7% drop in economic growth in 2020, is expected to expand 2.8% this year. But the 2021 forecast for Japan marks a downgrade from what the IMF expected in April, reflecting a resurgence of COVID-19 cases earlier this year. In the developing world, the outlook for China, the world’s second-largest economy after the United States, was marked down to 8.1% after the government scaled back spending and investment. The IMF also slashed its growth forecast for India to 9.5% from 12.5% three months ago after the country was overwhelmed by COVID cases. Despite the brighter outlook for major economies, the outlook across the world has been clouded by uncertainty over the delta variant of the coronavirus and the uneven progress of vaccination campaigns. “The recovery is not assured until the pandemic is beaten back globally,’’ Gita Gopinath, the IMF’s chief economist, wrote in a blog post. In the update to its World Economic Outlook, the IMF expressed concern that any major resurgence of inflation would pressure the world’s central banks into raising interest rates and thereby threatening the global recovery. Still, it expects inflation to return to pre-pandemic levels in most countries next year.

North State Journal for Wednesday, July 28, 2021

2021 Toyota Mirai

PHOTOS COURTESY TOYOTA

The future is here (sort of) For very early adopters only By Jordan Golson North State Journal SAN DIEGO — I spent the past week with one of the strangest cars I’ve ever driven. It’s the hydrogen-powered Toyota Mirai, and it might be the future, or it might be a weird research project — it’s just too soon to tell. As a car, the Mirai is lovely. It’s built on the same platform as the Lexus LS, and it’s comfortable, roomy, quiet, and luxurious. And with a $67,420 price tag, that all makes sense. The exterior, especially in the Hydro Blue my tester had, is sharp, with pleasing angles and a design that carries the car’s significant bulk well. It’s not a small vehicle, but it never seemed ungainly. Inside it’s typical Toyota, with easy-to-reach controls, cupholders and a wireless phone charger in the center console, and lots of safety and convenience features like adaptive cruise control and ventilated and heated seats. So, you might think it’s just a large luxury sedan and leave it at that. Except it’s not if you look under the hood. That’s because this car is powered by hydrogen. There are three carbon-fiber-reinforced tanks in the Mirai that hold a total of 11 pounds of hydrogen under 10,000 PSI of pressure. One is in the center tunnel between the passengers (which is why the center console is so massive), another below the rear seat, and a third beneath the battery behind the rear seats. I heard many Hindenburg jokes during my week with the Mirai, but rest assured that the Mirai’s hydrogen tanks can withstand gunfire (Toyota tested them), so I wasn’t too worried. Basically, if you’re in a crash severe enough to have an impact on the hydrogen tanks, those tanks are probably the least of your worries. Driving the Mirai is an awful lot like driving any other Toyota hybrid. It has the same odd gear knob that a Prius has, and at low speeds, it’s literally the same experience. A large lithium-ion battery is located in the rear and provides power at low speeds, helps with efficiency by generating electricity during braking, and gives the car a small added boost of power during acceleration. Sitting behind the wheel, you would barely notice anything was different except for the weird, artificial “whoosh” noise that Toyota pipes in through the stereo, so you get some kind of audible feedback of what’s going on under the hood. And now we get to the weird stuff. A hydrogen-powered car works as an electric car: a large battery and electric motors to turn the wheels. Except where a battery-electric vehicle (or BEV, as some in the industry like to call it) uses a large battery charged from

the electric grid to power the motors, a hydrogen car uses something called a fuel cell to generate electricity. It’s still “green” and silent, but your energy comes from a chemical reaction in the fuel cell “stack.” Hydrogen from the tank combines with oxygen in the air to produce electrical current and water. The water drips out of a small pipe beneath the car and is the only byproduct of the process. Hydrogen molecules pass through an anode where they’re split into electrons and protons. Electrons go off to a circuit to generate electrical current, while protons go through an electrolyte membrane to a cathode where they meet up with oxygen and the split electrons and turn into water molecules. Complicated? Wildly. But the net effect is that you can “fill up” an electric car with hydrogen in just a few minutes, rather than waiting much longer to charge a battery in an electric vehicle. In a way, it’s all the convenience of a gas-powered car with the environmental friendliness (and clean air) of an EV. Of course, there’s a catch. Actually, several. First, hydrogen fuel cells are expensive. They use lots of platinum, titanium, and carbon fiber between the fuel cell and hydrogen storage. Toyota sells this Mirai for $66,000 before government tax incentives knock more than $10,000 off the price. And Toyota is probably losing money on every single one they sell. That’s partially because they also include a $15,000 prepaid debit card to cover the cost of hydrogen. Toyota also throws in 21 days of free car loans because hydrogen is extremely hard to find. There is a single hydrogen filling station in San Diego County, and the rest are primarily located in Orange County or the Bay Area in California. A Mirai owner told me that when the San Diego filling station was offline for a week earlier this year, Toyota gave all San Diego Mirai owners loaner cars because they couldn’t fill up. There are some new hydrogen stations in the works, but nothing close to a nationwide network. The infrastructure just isn’t there yet. Many companies are investing in hydrogen technology, and Honda, Toyota, and Hyundai all sell hydrogen cars in California — but we’re years, or likely decades away from it going mainstream. And so, my week in the Mirai is a bit of a taste of the future. Costs need to go down, and the number of filling stations needs to go up, and there’s no guarantee that either of those things will happen in a timely manner. But I drove a car that emits only water, makes no noise, and leaves the air cleaner than it found it thanks to a bunch of air filters. Is the Mirai part of our hydrogen-powered future? I don’t know, but it sounds pretty good to me.

North State Journal for Wednesday, July 28, 2021

features A blue sticker with the Amazon logo is displayed on a buzzer system in the apartment building of Jason Goldberg, chief commerce strategy officer at marketing company Publicis Communications, Monday, March 29, 2021, in Chicago.

SHAFKAT ANOWAR | AP PHOTO

Amazon’s mission: Getting a ‘key’ to your apartment building The Associated Press NEW YORK — Amazon is tired of ringing doorbells. The online shopping giant is pushing landlords around the country — sometimes with financial incentives — to give its drivers the ability to unlock apartment-building doors themselves with a mobile device. The service, dubbed Key for Business, is pitched as a way to cut down on stolen packages by making it easy to leave them in lobbies and not outside. Amazon benefits because it enables delivery workers to make their rounds faster. And fewer stolen packages reduce costs and could give Amazon an edge over competitors. Those who have installed the device say it reduces the constant buzzing by delivery people and is a safer alternative to giving out codes to scores of delivery people. But the Amazon program, first announced in 2018, may stir security and privacy concerns as it gains traction. The company said that it does background checks on delivery people and that they can unlock doors only when they have a package in hand to scan. But tenants may not know that Am-

azon drivers have access to their building’s front doors, since Amazon leaves it up to the building to notify them. Ashkan Soltani, a privacy researcher who was a senior tech advisor to former President Barack Obama, said that any device connected to the internet could be hacked, including the Amazon one, and bad actors could try to unlock the doors. “You’re essentially introducing a foreign internet-connected device into an otherwise internal network,” said Soltani, who was also a former chief technologist at the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. Amazon didn’t respond to questions about potential hacking. The company has already installed the device in thousands of U.S. apartment buildings but declined to give a specific number. It sometimes leaves a clue, placing a round sticker with the Amazon smile logo on buzzers where the device has been installed. On one New York City street, the sticker was on three of 11 buildings. In another neighborhood, two of seven buildings had the sticker. Amazon salespeople have been fanning out to cities across the

country to knock on doors, make cold calls or approach building managers on the street to urge them to install the device. The company has even partnered with local locksmiths to push it on building managers while they fix locks. Amazon installs the device for free and sometimes throws in a $100 Amazon gift card to whoever lets them in. Soltani said he learned about Key for Business when he was approached by two Amazon salespeople in April who wanted access to the building where he lives in Oakland, California. Building management declined, and no device was installed. Amazon had better luck with Kenton Girard. A Chicago landlord, Girard agreed to have the device installed in four of his buildings as a way to reduce package theft, which was getting so bad that he was considering building a package drop box outside. “I would have paid to have it done,” Girard said of the Amazon device. Currently, only the U.S. Postal Service has a way to enter apartment buildings in order to get to mailboxes. UPS says it has tested a way for its workers to enter

buildings without buzzing tenants, teaming up with a smartlock company in 2018. But that test ended, and UPS declined to say why. The company says customers can instead have their packages delivered to nearby grocery stores, dry cleaners or florists if they’re not home. FedEx declined to comment for this story. Amazon has wanted to walk through people’s front doors for years. In 2017, it launched a way for shoppers to let delivery people come in their home when they’re not there and leave packages in the foyer. Walmart did the same shortly after, but its delivery people also stocked the fridge with groceries. Amazon and Walmart don’t say how many people are using those services, but both have expanded them to more cities recently. In 2018, Amazon set its sights on apartment buildings, launching Key for Business and signing up big landlords to install the device in their developments. But the push seems to have accelerated in the last year or so, with Amazon deploying salespeople nationwide. Recent job postings in Miami and San Antonio say Amazon salespeople can make $3,000 to $11,000 a month in bonuses and commissions. Amazon won’t say how much it’s spending on the effort. Not all Amazon packages can get through front doors. The company delivers about 60% of its own packages itself, according to

shopping data firm Rakuten Intelligence; the rest come through other delivery companies that can’t let themselves in. Philip T. Evers, a logistics professor at University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, said Amazon’s desire to get the device into as many buildings as possible may be a way to keep competitors out. “The landlord may say, ‘You know, I’ll do this for one company, but maybe we don’t want it for every delivery company that’s out there,’ “ he said. He added that Amazon could find other uses for the service, like having delivery people pick up returns left in the lobby instead of making shoppers schlep to the post office. Amazon declined to share any future plans. Jason Goldberg, chief commerce strategy officer at marketing company Publicis Communications, said the device could save Amazon money, since workers can drop off more packages during a shift and may have to offer fewer refunds to those whose packages were stolen. He heard about the program in December, when a locksmith replacing the buzzer system at his Chicago condo building offered to install Amazon Key for Business for free. Goldberg, who helps manage the building, later allowed Amazon salespeople — dangling a $100 Amazon gift card — to install the device. “They give it away for free because it benefits Amazon more than us,” Goldberg said.

Federal court lifts CDC rules for Florida-based cruise ships The Associated Press MIAMI — Pandemic restrictions on Florida-based cruise ships are no longer in place under a ruling Friday by a federal appeals court, while the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention seek to fight a Florida lawsuit challenging the regulations. A three-judge panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals had temporarily blocked a previous ruling last Saturday that sided with Florida officials, but the court reversed that decision on Friday, explaining that the CDC failed to demonstrate an entitlement to a stay pending appeal. Last weekend’s temporary stay had kept the CDC regulations regarding Florida-based cruise ships in place while the CDC appeals the June decision by U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday. Those regulations can no longer be enforced but can still be used as guidelines. The lawsuit, championed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, claims that the CDC’s multiple-step process to allow cruising from Florida is overly burdensome, harming both a multibillion-dollar industry that provides some 159,000 jobs and revenue collected by the state. In court filings, attorneys for Florida had urged the 11th Circuit to reject the CDC request to keep its rules intact. “The equities overwhelmingly favor allowing the cruise industry to enjoy its first summer sea-

MALCOLM DENEMARK | FLORIDA TODAY VIA AP

The Disney Dream sails out of Port Canaveral, Fla. on a two night test sailing, also known as a simulation cruise, Saturday, July 17, 2021. son in two years while this Court sorts out the CDC’s contentions on appeal,” Florida’s lawyers argued. The CDC, however, said keeping the rules in place would pre-

vent future COVID-19 outbreaks on ships that are vulnerable to the spread of the virus because of their close quarters and frequent stops at foreign ports. “The undisputed evidence

shows that unregulated cruise ship operations would exacerbate the spread of COVID-19, and that the harm to the public that would result from such operations cannot be undone,” the CDC said in a

court filing. The CDC first flatly halted cruise ships from sailing in March 2020 in response to the coronavirus pandemic, which had affected passengers and crew on numerous ships. Then the CDC on Oct. 30 of last year imposed a four-phase conditional framework it said would allow the industry to gradually resume operations if certain thresholds were met. Those included virus mitigation procedures and a simulated cruise to test them before embarking regular passengers. Merryday’s decision concluded that the CDC can’t enforce those rules for Florida-based ships and that they should merely be considered nonbinding recommendations or guidelines. Several cruise lines have begun preliminary cruises under those guidelines, which the Tampa judge agreed with Florida are too onerous. “Florida persuasively claims that the conditional sailing order will shut down most cruises through the summer and perhaps much longer,” the judge wrote in June, adding that Florida “faces an increasingly threatening and imminent prospect that the cruise industry will depart the state.” Disney Cruise Lines held its first simulated sailing under CDC rules last Saturday when the Disney Dream departed from Port Canaveral, Florida. The passengers were volunteer Disney employees.

North State Journal for Wednesday, July 28, 2021

IN MEMORY

Jackie Mason, comic who perfected amused outrage, dies at 93 The Associated Press NEW YORK — Jackie Mason, a rabbi-turned-comedian whose feisty brand of standup comedy led him to Catskills nightclubs, West Coast talk shows and Broadway stages, has died. He was 93. Mason died Saturday at 6 p.m. ET at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Manhattan after being hospitalized for over two weeks, the celebrity lawyer Raoul Felder told The Associated Press. The irascible Mason was known for his sharp wit and piercing social commentary, often about being Jewish, men and women and his own inadequacies. His typical style was amused outrage. “Eighty percent of married men cheat in America. The rest cheat in Europe,” he once joked. Another Mason line was: “Politics doesn’t make strange bedfellows, marriage does.” About himself, he once said: “I was so self-conscious, every time football players went into a huddle; I thought they were talking about me.” His death was mourned far and wide, from fellow comedian Gilbert Gottfried, who called him “one of the best,” to Fox News Channel personality Sean Hannity, who hailed Mason as “irreverent, iconoclastic, funny, smart and a great American patriot.” Henry Winkler tweeted: “Now you get to make heaven laugh.” Mason was born Jacob Maza, the son of a rabbi. His three brothers became rabbis. So did Mason, who at one time had congregations in Pennsylvania and North Carolina. Comedy eventually proved to be a more persistent calling than God. “A person has to feel emotionally barren or empty or frustrated in order to become a comedian,” he told The Associated Press in 1987. “I don’t think people who feel comfortable or happy are motivated to become comedians. You’re searching for something and you’re willing to pay a high price to get that attention.” Mason started in show business as a social director at a resort in the Catskills. He was the guy who got everybody up to play Simon Says, quiz games or shuf-

Carolyn Cates Hurley October 26, 1941 — July 19, 2021

AP PHOTO

Actor/comedian Jackie Mason stands beside a bus displaying a sign advertising his TV show, 1992. fleboard. He told jokes, too. After one season, he was playing clubs throughout the Catskills for better money. “Nobody else knew me, but in the mountains, I was a hit,” Mason recalled. In 1961, the pint-sized comic got a big break, an appearance on Steve Allen’s weekly television variety show. His success brought him to “The Ed Sullivan Show” and other programs. He was banned for two years from the “Sullivan” show when he allegedly gave the host the finger when Sullivan signaled to him to wrap up his act during an appearance on Oct. 18, 1964. Mason’s act even carried him to Broadway, where he put on several one-man shows, including “Freshly Squeezed” in 2005, “Love Thy Neighbor” in 1996 and “The World According to Me” in 1988, for which he received a special Tony Award. “I feel like Ronald Reagan tonight,” Mason joked on Tony night. “He was an actor all his life, knew nothing about politics and became president of the United States. I’m an ex-rabbi

who knew nothing about acting and I’m getting a Tony Award.” Mason called himself an observer who watched people and learned. From those observations he said he got his jokes and then tried them out on friends. “I’d rather make a fool of myself in front of two people for nothing than a thousand people who paid for a ticket,” he told the AP. His humor could leap from computers and designer coffee to then-Sen. John Kerry, former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Donald Trump. He was able to articulate the average Joe’s anger, making the indignities of life seem funny and maybe just a little bit more bearable. “I very rarely write anything down. I just think about life a lot and try to put it into phrases that will get a joke,” he said. “I never do a joke that has a point that I don’t believe in. To me, the message and the joke is the same.” On TV, Mason was a reliable presence, usually with a cameo on such shows as “30 Rock” or “The Simpsons” or as a reliable guest on late night chat shows. He performed in front of Britain’s

Queen Elizabeth II and his show “Fearless” played London’s West End in 2012. He portrayed a Jewish ex-pajama salesman in love with an Irish-Catholic widow portrayed by Lynn Redgrave in a series called “Chicken Soup” in 1989 but it didn’t last. During the O.J. Simpson murder trial, the British Broadcasting Corp.’s Scottish service hired Mason as a weekly commentator. He was in “Caddyshack II,” a notorious flop. Mason’s humor sometimes went too far, as when he touched off a controversy in New York while campaigning for GOP mayoral candidate Rudolph Giuliani against Democrat David Dinkins, who was Black. Mason had to apologize after saying, among other things, that Jews would vote for Dinkins out of guilt. Felder, his longtime friend, told the AP that Mason had a Talmudic outlook on life: “That whatever you would say to him, he would start an argument with you.” He is survived by his wife, producer Jyll Rosenfeld, and a daughter, Sheba.

CAROLYN MADELINE CATES HURLEY, 79, of Salisbury, N.C., passed away Monday, July 19, 2021, at Novant Rowan Regional Medical Center. Born Oct. 26, 1941, in Burlington, N.C., she was the daughter of the late Vance Cates and Eva Mangum Cates. Mrs. Hurley was a graduate of East Carolina University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in education. She was a firstgrade schoolteacher at Frank B. John and Overton elementary schools. Mrs. Hurley was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Salisbury, a member of the Colonial Dames, a member of Chi Omega sorority, and was awarded the Clement Cup by Historic Salisbury. Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her brother, Philip Cates; and son, Gordon P. “Buck” Hurley, Jr. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Gordon P. Hurley; son, James F. Hurley, IV; and sister, Margaret Schenck. Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, July 23, 2021, at City Memorial Park cemetery. Memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Friday at First Presbyterian Church, with Rev. Dr. Randal V. Kirby officiating. The family will speak to friends following the service in Lewis Hall. The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Myron Goodman, Dr. Boyd Watts, Judy Leazer, and caretakers Jackie Mills and Timeka Jones. Memorials may be made to Elizabeth H. Hurley Memorial Park Fund, c/o Foundation of the Carolinas, 220 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202; Historic Salisbury Foundation, 215 Depot St., Salisbury, NC 28144 or to the charity of donor’s choice. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Hurley family.

TAKE NOTICE

CABARRUS IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CABARRUS COUNTY 20SP440 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY TERRY LEON COFIELD AND DANIENE DAVIDA COFIELD DATED JULY 14, 1998 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 2243 AT PAGE 321 IN THE CABARRUS COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority

CUMBERLAND NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 21 SP 299 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by William Charles Ross (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): William Charles Ross, Heirs of William Charles Ross a/k/a William C. Ross: Charlotte R. Ross, Amanda E. Ross, Wanda Robinson) to Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, Trustee(s), dated March 8, 2005, and recorded in Book No. 6817, at Page 771 in Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of

AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 17 SP 1005 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Fern E. Clark (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Fern E. Clark) to Fidelity National Title Insurance Company, Trustee(s), dated May 8, 2015, and recorded in Book No. 09647, at Page 0729 in Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Cumberland County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CUMBERLAND COUNTY 21SP107 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY ROBERT COLLINS AND ELIZABETH E. COLLINS DATED DECEMBER 21, 2007 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 7777 AT PAGE 706 IN THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in the payment of the secured indebtedness and failure to perform the stipulation

contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in the payment of the secured indebtedness and failure to perform the stipulation and agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the owner and holder of the secured debt, the undersigned substitute trustee will expose for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at the county courthouse of said county at 10:30AM on August 4, 2021 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Terry Leon Cofield and Daniene Davida Cofield, dated July 14, 1998 to secure the original principal amount of $73,600.00, and recorded in Book 2243 at Page 321 of the Cabarrus County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property: Springs Rd, Concord, NC 28025

3984

Cold

Deeds Cumberland County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on August 2, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Fayetteville in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot 9, Block ‘G’, in a subdivision known as West Area Heights, Revised Map of Two, and the same being duly recorded in Book of Plats 27, Page 67, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 1111 Danbury Road, Fayetteville, North Carolina. Property Address: 1111 Danbury Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28311 Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. 45-21.23.

August 2, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Fayetteville in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: All that certain lot or parcel of land situated in the City of Fayetteville, Seventy First Township, Cumberland County, North Carolina and more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot No. 117, in a subdivision known as Beaver Run, Section Three, according to a plat of the same duly recorded in Plat Book 76, Page 76, Cumberland County, North Carolina Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 933 Flintwood Road, Fayetteville, North Carolina. P.I.D.#: 9487-27-3533 Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. 45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court

and agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the owner and holder of the secured debt, the undersigned substitute trustee will expose for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at the county courthouse of said county at 10:30AM on August 2, 2021 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, in Cumberland County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Robert Collins and Elizabeth E. Collins, dated December 21, 2007 to secure the original principal amount of $63,000.00, and recorded in Book 7777 at Page 706 of the Cumberland County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property: 2616 Horner Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28306 Tax Parcel ID:

Tax Parcel ID: 55697535890000 Daniene Present Record Owners: Davida Cofield And Being more commonly known as: 3984 Cold Springs Rd, Concord, NC 28025 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Daniene Davida Cofield. The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition

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

renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon written notice to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time notice of termination is provided. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. The date of this Notice is July 15, 2021. Andrew Vining Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 05-70594

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. 7A-308(a)(1). The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the

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

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

costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. 7A-308(a)(1). The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00),

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

0415-27-5633 Present Record Owners: Elizabeth E. Collins

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

The Heirs of

And Being more commonly known as: 2616 Horner Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28306 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are The Heirs of Elizabeth E. Collins. The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance «AS IS, WHERE IS.» Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition

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

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 4357 - 15832

The date of this Notice is July 13, 2021. LLG Trustee LLC Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 20-110688

Parkway,

Suite

400

North State Journal for Wednesday, July 28, 2021

B10 TAKE NOTICE

CUMBERLAND IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CUMBERLAND COUNTY 21SP297 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY CHARLES GREGORY PARHAM AND EDELTRAUT PARHAM DATED DECEMBER 21, 2005 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 7105 AT PAGE 1 IN THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority

20 SP 151 AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, CUMBERLAND COUNTY

contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in the payment of the secured indebtedness and failure to perform the stipulation and agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the owner and holder of the secured debt, the undersigned substitute trustee will expose for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at the county courthouse of said county at 10:30AM on August 9, 2021 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, in Cumberland County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Charles Gregory Parham and Edeltraut Parham, dated December 21, 2005 to secure the original principal amount of $55,250.00, and recorded in Book 7105 at Page 1 of the Cumberland County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property:

and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on August 11, 2021 at 01:30 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Cumberland County, North Carolina, to wit:

Sedgefield Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28306 Tax Parcel ID: 0415-17-8265 Present Record Owners: The Heirs of Edeltraut Marianne Parham And Being more commonly known as: 2616 Sedgefield Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28306 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are The Heirs of Edeltraut Marianne Parham. The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance «AS IS, WHERE IS.» Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Haven L. Crecelius and Jessica L. Crecelius to H. Terry Hutchens, Trustee(s), which was dated May 22, 2009 and recorded on May 26, 2009 in Book 08158 at Page 0482 and rerecorded/modified/ corrected on March 9, 2015 in Book 09606, Page 0833, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina.

BEING all of Lot Number 72 in a subdivision known as CLIFTON FORGE and the same being duly recorded in Book of Plats 40, Page 7 in the Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina.

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

Said property is commonly known as 3614 Lakeshore Drive, Hope Mills, NC 28348.

Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Haven L. Crecelius and wife, Jessica L. Crecelius.

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

18 SP 555 AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

Being all of Lot No. 17, Block “E”, in a subdivision known as Revision of Eaglewood Forest, Section Two, according to a plat of same duly recorded in Book of Plats 35, Page 46, Cumberland County Registry.

NORTH CAROLINA, CUMBERLAND COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Kevin W. Heath and Anne J. Heath to TRSTE, Inc., Trustee(s), which was dated July 20, 2007 and recorded on July 26, 2007 in Book 7656 at Page 797, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina. Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual

18 SP 542 AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, CUMBERLAND COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Kevin W. Heath a/k/a Kevin Heath and Anne J. Heath a/k/a Anne Heath to TRSTE, Inc., Trustee(s), which was dated October 18, 2006 and recorded on October 20, 2006 in Book 7397 at Page 243, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina. Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county

16 SP 887 AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, CUMBERLAND COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Darlene Noble to Amy Mandari, Trustee(s), which was dated May 27, 2005 and recorded on June 1, 2005 in Book 6895 at Page 101, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina. Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee

1322681 – DRS 21-SP-166 NOTICE OF SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE’S FORECLOSURE SALE OF REAL PROPERTY UNDER AND BY VIRTUE of the power and authority contained in that certain Fixed Rate Note executed by Gregory D. Rayty (hereinafter “Borrower”) and Deed of Trust executed and delivered by Gregory D. Rayty and Sreimao Rayty (hereinafter “Grantors”) recorded on March 28, 2016 and recorded in Book 9829 at Page 4 in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Cumberland County, North Carolina (hereinafter “Deed of Trust”); and because of the default in the payment of the indebtedness secured thereby and failure to carry out and perform the stipulations and agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the indebtedness secured by the Deed of Trust, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will place for sale, at public auction, to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at Cumberland County Courthouse, 117 Dick Street, Fayetteville, North Carolina on THURSDAY, AUGUST 12, 2021 AT 12:00 NOON, all of Borrower’s and Grantors’ rights, easements, appurtenances, royalties, mineral rights, oil and gas rights, all water and riparian rights, ditches, and water stock and all existing and future improvements, structures, fixtures, and replacements that may now, or at any time in the future, be part of the Property thereto belonging, and all other appurtenant rights and

DAVIDSON NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 21 SP 168 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Tammy Lynn McDowell (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Tammy Lynn McDowell) to Richard Pearman, Jr., Trustee(s), dated May 19, 2006, and recorded in Book No. 1700, at Page 1926 in Davidson County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Davidson County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Lexington, Davidson County,

20 SP 87 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, DAVIDSON COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Pamela Reeves Murdock a/k/a Pamela R. Murdock and Richard John Murdock to PBRE, Inc., Trustee(s), which was dated December 19, 2006 and recorded on December 19, 2006 in Book 1752 at Page 0204, Davidson County Registry, North Carolina. Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION DAVIDSON COUNTY 21sp197 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY EULEE JOHNSON AND CASSELL ASHE JOHNSON AKA INEZ CASSELL JOHNSON DATED MARCH 31, 2008 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 1860 AT PAGE 1094 IN THE DAVIDSON COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in the payment of the secured indebtedness and failure to perform the stipulation and

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

Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 3613 Yorktown Road, Hope Mills, NC 28348. A cash deposit (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time

An Order for possession of the property may be issued

courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on August 11, 2021 at 01:30 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Cumberland County, North Carolina, to wit:

BEING ALL OF LOT 81, IN A SUBDIVISION KNOWN AS LAFAYETTE VILLAGE, SECTION 2, ACCORDING TO A PLAT OF THE SAME DULY RECORDED IN BOOK OF PLATS 14, PAGE 6, CUMBERLAND COUNTY REGISTRY.

Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 5212 Cypress Road, Fayetteville, NC 28304. A cash deposit (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars

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

Parkway,

Suite

400

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS: If you are a tenant residing in the property, be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b) (2)]. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

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

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

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 17-01545-FC02

to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 18-19659-FC01

but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 18-04696-FC01

will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on August 11, 2021 at 01:30 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Cumberland County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING ALL OF LOT 246, IN SUBDIVISION KNOWN AS SOUTHVIEW, SECTION VII, PART ONE, AND THE SAME BEING DULY RECORDED IN BOOK OF PLATS 111, PAGE 119, CUMBERLAND COUNTY REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 2933 Piney Mountain Drive, Hope Mills, NC 28348. A cash deposit (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars

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

of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 16-07844-FC01

privileges, situated, lying and being in Cumberland County, State of North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEGINNING AT A RE-BAR SET IN THE SOUTHERN LINE OF THE ORIGINAL TRACT AT ITS INTERSECTION WITH THE WESTERN RIGHT-OF-WAY (100’ R/W) MARGIN OF US 301, DUNN ROAD, SAID POINT HAVING THE FOLLOWING NC NAD83(2007) GRID DATA: NORTHING 22,489.3927’ EASTING 2,089,052.5941 US FEET. COMBINED FACTOR OF 0.9998715 AND RUNNING THENCE FOR A FIRST CALL WITH THE ORIGINAL SOUTHERN LINE NORTH 53 DEGREES 47 MINUTES 05 SECONDS WEST 236.16 FEET TO AN EXISTING IRON STAKE AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF DEED BOOK 4005, PAGE 339 AND THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF DEED BOOK 2708, PAGE 379; THENCE, CONTINUING WITH THE NORTHEAST LINE NORTH 53 DEGREES 47 MINUTES 05 SECONDS WEST 564.41 FEET TO AN IRON PIPE SET IN THE EASTERN RIGHT-OF-WAY (65 FEET FROM CENTERLINE OF THE NORTH BOUND TRACT) MARGIN OF THE CSX RAILROAD; THENCE THE FOLLOWING COURSES WITH SAID MARGIN: NORTH 42 DEGREES 36 MINUTES 20 SECONDS EAST 100.00 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE NORTH 42 DEGREES 13 MINUTES 09 SECONDS EAST 100.00 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE NORTH 40 DEGREES 48 MINUTES 40 SECONDS EAST 100.00 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE NORTH 39 DEGREES 45 MINUTES 34 SECONDS EAST 100.00 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE NORTH 39 DEGREES 13 MINUTES 02 SECONDS EAST 100.00 FEET TO A

POINT; THENCE NORTH 37 DEGREES 47 MINUTES 54 SECONDS EAST 22.09 FEET TO A SET IRON PIPE AT THE MOST NORTHERN CORNER; THENCE SOUTH 61 DEGREES 35 MINUTES 05 SECONDS EAST 744.55 FEET TO A RE-BAR SET IN THE WESTERN MARGIN OF US 301, DUNN ROAD; THENCE WITH SAID MARGIN SOUTH 31 DEGREES 54 MINUTES 02 SECONDS WEST 342.56 FEET TO A RE-BAR SET AT THE BEGINNING OF A CURVE THAT IS CONCAVE TO THE NORTHWEST HAVING A RADIUS OF l,533.17 FEET; THENCE IN A SOUTHWESTERLY DIRECTION 280.15 FEET ALONG THE ARE TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING, SAID ARC SUBTENDED BY A CHORD WHICH BEARS SOUTH 37 DEGREES 08 MINUTES 07 SECONDS WEST 279.76 FEET, CONTAINING 10.15 ACRES. Tax Parcel ID: 0582-82-9925 Property Address: 10.15 acres off of Dunn Road, Godwin, Cumberland County, NC Present Record Owners: Gregory D. Rayty and Sreimao Rayty The terms of the sale are that the real property hereinbefore described will be sold for cash to the highest bidder. The Substitute Trustee reserves the right to require a cash deposit or a certified check not to exceed the greater of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00). In the event that the note holder or its intended assignee is exempt from paying the same, the successful bidder may also be required to pay revenue stamps on the Trustee’s Deed, any Land Transfer Tax, and the tax required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1).

The real property hereinabove described is being offered for sale “AS IS, WHERE IS” and will be sold subject to all superior liens, unpaid taxes, and special assessments. Other conditions will be announced at the sale. The sale will be held open for ten (10) days for upset bids as by law required. If the Trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the Trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the Trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Additional Notice Where the Real Property is Residential With Less Than 15 Rental Units: An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. §45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not

cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. If you are an employee, director or officer of Cape Fear Farm Credit, ACA, or are an immediately family member or residing in the household of an employee, director or officer of Cape Fear Farm Credit, then are you not eligible to bid or purchase at this sale, unless prior written consent is obtained from the Association’s Standards of Conduct Official. Immediate family includes a parent, spouse, child, sibling, stepparent, stepchild, stepsibling, half-sibling, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece, grandparent, grandchild, and the spouses of any of the foregoing. The foregoing restriction also applies to any business partner of, or any company which is directly or indirectly owned or controlled by an employee, director or officer of Cape Fear Farm Credit and warrant to Cape Fear Farm Credit in the purchase contract that you are not a related party under the rules described. If you have questions, please contact: Summer Howard 910323-9188, Ext. 3250. Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. Substitute Trustee By: William Walt Pettit, Attorney 6230 Fairview Road, Suite 315 Charlotte, NC 28210 Telephone: (704) 362-9255

North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 11:30 AM on August 4, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Thomasville in the County of Davidson, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Beginning at an iron stake on the south side of Dalton Avenue, said stake being 319 feet and 4 inches east of the center of East Holly Hill Road, a avenue 86 feet and 5 inches to an iron stake, a new corner for Dalton Lambeth; thence south with a new line for line for Dalton Lambeth 147.18 feet to an iron stake in Carl Watford line; thence with Carl Watford line in a western direction 86 feet and 5 inches to an iron stake, said stake being 322 feet east of center of East Holly Hill Road; thence in a northern direction with a new line for Dalton Lambeth 147.18 feet to the BEGINNING. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 108 Rotary Lane, Thomasville, North Carolina.

September 27, 2012, in Book No. 2073, at Page 1554.

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

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and

will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on August 9, 2021 at 11:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Davidson County, North Carolina, to wit: Being all of Lots Nos. 58, 59, and 60 of Carter Heights, according to the plat thereof, which is duly recorded in Plat Book 4, Page 47, in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Davidson County, North Carolina. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 603 Johnson St, Thomasville, NC 27360. A cash deposit (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time

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

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

agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the owner and holder of the secured debt, the undersigned substitute trustee will expose for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at the county courthouse of said county at 10:00AM on August 9, 2021 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, in Davidson County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Eulee Johnson and Cassell Ashe Johnson aka Inez Cassell Johnson, dated March 31, 2008 to secure the original principal amount of $131,250.00, and recorded in Book 1860 at Page 1094 of the Davidson County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property: 203 Heron Rd, Lexington, NC 27292

Tax Parcel ID: 11348A0000033 Present Record Owners: The Estate of Cassell Ashe Johnson And Being more commonly known as: 203 Heron Rd, Lexington, NC 27292 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are The Estate of Cassell Ashe Johnson. The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance «AS IS, WHERE IS.» Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition

an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon written notice to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time notice of termination is provided. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. The date of this Notice is July 20, 2021. LLG Trustee LLC Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 21-111565

See Deed Book 273 at Page 184, as the lands described here are a part of that tract. The Deed of Trust was modified by the following:

Loan

Modification

recorded

North State Journal for Wednesday, July 28, 2021

B11

TAKE NOTICE

DAVIDSON IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION DAVIDSON COUNTY 20SP53 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY RONNIE W. RUSSELL AND CLAIRE J. RUSSELL DATED JULY 31, 1997 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 1043 AT PAGE 648 AND MODIFIED BY AGREEMENT RECORDED NOVEMBER 27, 2013 IN BOOK 2126, PAGE 19 IN THE DAVIDSON COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION DAVIDSON COUNTY 20SP126

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

FORSYTH NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 21 SP 357

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by John R. Chambers and Nan T. Chambers (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): John R. Chambers and Nan T. Chambers) to William R. Echols, Trustee(s), dated May 22, 2013, and recorded in Book No. RE 3125, at Page 1980 in Forsyth County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Forsyth County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for

ONSLOW NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 20 SP 25

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Janet Elmore (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Janet Lynn Elmore, Heirs of Janet Lynn Elmore a/k/a Janet Elmore: Jasmine Alexandria Elmore) to Trustee Services of Carolina, Trustee(s), dated June 23, 2009, and recorded in Book No. 3252, at Page 124 in Onslow County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Onslow County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Jacksonville, Onslow County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 10:00 AM on August 5, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Jacksonville in the County of Onslow, North Carolina, and

RANDOLPH 21 SP 107 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

NORTH CAROLINA, RANDOLPH COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Emily C. Brock and William D. Brock to Hugh M. Queener, Trustee(s), which was dated September 6, 2017 and recorded on September 6, 2017 in Book 2562 at Page 582, Randolph County Registry, North Carolina. Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note

UNION 21 SP 80 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

NORTH CAROLINA, UNION COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Neugene Anton Kelly and Linda J. Kelly to Chicago Title Insurance Co., Trustee(s), which was dated February 7, 2007 and recorded on February 8, 2007 in Book 04453 at Page 0715, Union County Registry, North Carolina. Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as

Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in the payment of the secured indebtedness and failure to perform the stipulation and agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the owner and holder of the secured debt, the undersigned substitute trustee will expose for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at the county courthouse of said county at 10:00AM on August 2, 2021 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, in Davidson County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Ronnie W. Russell and Claire J. Russell, dated July 31, 1997 to secure the original principal amount of $52,000.00, and recorded in Book 1043 at Page 648 of the Davidson County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property: 210 Blythe Dr, Thomasville, NC 27360 Tax Parcel ID: 16350A0000032 Present Record Owners: Claire Judith Everhart Russell And Being more commonly known as: 210 Blythe Dr, Thomasville, NC 27360 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Claire Judith Everhart Russell. The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance «AS IS, WHERE IS.» Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities

an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon written notice to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time notice of termination is provided. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. The date of this Notice is July 13, 2021. LLG Trustee LLC Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 20-109146

substitute trustee will expose for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at the county courthouse of said county at 10:00AM on August 4, 2021 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, in Davidson County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Norman F. Crews, dated March 18, 2013 to secure the original principal amount of $93,279.00, and recorded in Book 2094 at Page 1356 of the Davidson County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property: 7 0 7 Overbrook Dr, Thomasville, NC 27360 Tax Parcel ID: 1601200020004

The Estate of Present Record Owners: Norman F. Crews And Being more commonly known as: 707 Overbrook Dr, Thomasville, NC 27360 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are The Estate of Norman F. Crews. The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance «AS IS, WHERE IS.» Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is made subject to

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

an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon written notice to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time notice of termination is provided. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. The date of this Notice is May 10, 2021. LLG Trustee LLC Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 20-109702

foreclosure sales, at 1:15 PM on August 11, 2021 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Winston Salem in the County of Forsyth, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEGINNING at a one-half inch existing iron pipe located in the southern right of way line of Robinhood Road, said point being also the northeast corner of Lot 7 as shown on the Map of Merry Acres as recorded in Plat Book 24, Page 1, Forsyth County Registry; running thence along the eastern line of said Lot 7 South 01 degrees 46 minutes 00 seconds West 186.69 feet to a one-inch existing iron pipe located in the southeast corner of said Lot 7; running thence along the southern line of said Lot 7 South 76 degrees 23 minutes 50 seconds West 115.92 feet to a point, said point being the southwest corner of said Lot 7 and the southeast corner of Lot 8 as shown on the Map of Merry Acres (Plat Book 24, Page 1); running thence along a new line North 08 degrees 53 minutes 00 seconds West 180.59 feet to a new iron pipe located in the southern right of way line of Robinhood Road; running thence along the southern right of way line of Robinhood Road North 76 degrees 22 minutes 56 seconds East 150.55 feet to the POINT AND PLACE OF BEGINNING, and containing 23,980.688 square feet as shown on the survey prepared by Harris Baker Gupton, PLS, dated June 5, 2000. Together with improvements located thereon;

said property being located at 2786 Robinhood Road, Winston Salem, North Carolina. The above-described tract consists of the major portion of Lot 7 as shown on the Map of Merry Acres as recorded in Plat Book 24, Page 1, in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Forsyth County, North Carolina. The Deed of Trust was modified by the following: A Loan Modification recorded on April 2, 2019, in Book No. RE 3453, at Page 578. Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for

sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued

pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 4581 - 16933

being more particularly described as follows: The following described property: All that certain lot or parcel of land situated in Jacksonville Township, Onslow County, North Carolina and more particularly described as follows: Survey tie down commences at the point of intersection of centerline of NCSR 1308 (Gum Branch Road) with the centerline of NCSR 1323 (60’ R/W); thence with the centerline 1323 in a Northeastern direction 1792.9 feet to a P.K. Nail in said Road centerline at its intersection of the extended centerline of a 30 foot easement; thence leaving said Road centerline and along the center of said easement N. 18 degs. 23’ E. 303.88 feet to an iron stake; thence continuing with said easement N. 18 degs. 23’ E. 19.89 feet to an iron stake, being the point of beginning; thence from described beginning. N. 86 degs. 18’ 54” E. 265.28 feet to an iron stake; thence S. 64 degs. 18’ 00” E. 162.0 feet to an iron stake; thence 38 degs. 24’ 54” E. 318.49 feet to an iron stake; thence N. 32 degs. 16’ 18” W. 60.0 feet to an iron stake; thence S. 60 degs. 37’ 54” W. 402.64 feet to an iron stake; thence 86 degs. 18’ 54” W. 214.20 feet to an iron stake; thence S. 18 degs. 23’ W. 37.77 feet to the point of beginning and containing 1.26 acres as surveyed by Atlantic Surveying Associates July 22, 1985. Subject to the easement more particularly described as follows: Survey tie down commences at the point of centerline of NCSR 1308 (Gum Branch Road) with the extended centerline of NCSR 1323 (60 foot R/W); thence with the

centerline of NCSR 1323 in a Northeastern Direction 1792.9 feet to a P.K. Nail in said Road centerline at the intersection of said centerline with the extended centerline of a 60 foot easement, the true point of beginning, thence from said true point of beginning and with the centerline of said easement, N. 18 degs. 23’ 00” E. 361.54 feet to an iron pipe being the centerline terminus of a 60’ ingress and egress easement. Said easement extending and running parallel to said centerline and 30’ from said centerline on each side thereof, and being a 60’ easement. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 186 Half Moon Church Road, Jacksonville, North Carolina. Being the same parcel conveyed to Janet Lynn Elmore from Kirkland P. Martin, Jr., and Kathleen Steen Martin and Janette (Martin) Hicks Barron and Kurt Robert Barron, by virtue of a Deed dated 11/12/1991, recorded 11/13/1991, in Deed Book 1022, Page 497, County of Onslow, State of North Carolina. Assessor’s Parcel No: 0327 20000 2 Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor

the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less

than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm P.O. Box 1028 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 Phone No: (910) 864-3068 https://sales.hutchenslawfirm.com Firm Case No: 1771 - 3632

evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on August 10, 2021 at 01:00 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Randolph County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING ALL OF LOT 4, Map 2, Trindale Forest Subdivision, as per plat thereof duly recorded in Plat Book 12, Page 86, in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Randolph County, North Carolina. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 4728 Roby Drive, Archdale, NC 27263. A cash deposit (no personal checks) of five percent

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

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

any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 FAX: (910) 392-8587 File No.: 19-06624-FC02

Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on August 3, 2021 at 12:30 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Union County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING all of Lot 199, CALLONWOOD, Phase 1, as the same is shown on map thereof recorded in Plat Cabinet H, File 753, Union County Public Registry. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 1188 Stonedown Lane, Matthews, NC 28104. A cash deposit (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars

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

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION UNION COUNTY 19sp807

the owner and holder of the secured debt, the undersigned substitute trustee will expose for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at the county courthouse of said county at 1:00PM on August 9, 2021 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, in Union County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed R. Harold Baker and Emma Lou B. Baker, dated June 24, 2005 to secure the original principal amount of $106,000.00, and recorded in Book 3826 at Page 580 of the Union County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property: 2 4 1 1 Unionville Indian Trail Rd West, Indian Trail, NC 28079 Tax Parcel ID:

08300032 Present Record Owners: Emma Lou B. Baker And Being more commonly known as: 2411 Unionville Indian Trail Rd West, Indian Trail, NC 28079 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Emma Lou B. Baker. The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance «AS IS, WHERE IS.» Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is made subject to

an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon written notice to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time notice of termination is provided. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. The date of this Notice is May 21, 2021. LLG Trustee LLC Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107 19-104594

WAKE

instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Wake County, North Carolina, and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Wake County, North Carolina, at 2:00PM on August 3, 2021, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property, to wit: Being all of Lot 8 Oakview Subdivision as the same is shown on plat thereof recorded in Book of Maps 1960, Page 126, Wake County Registry. Together with improvements located hereon; said property being located at 3808 Boddie Drive, Raleigh, NC 27609. Tax ID: 1715599034 Third party purchasers must pay any land transfer tax, the recording costs of the trustee’s deed, the excise tax pursuant North Carolina General Statutes §105-228.30 in the amount of One Dollar ($1.00) per each Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or fractional part thereof, and the Clerk of Court’s assessment fee pursuant to North Carolina

General Statutes §7A-308 in the amount of Forty-five Cents (0.45) per each One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) or fractional part thereof with a maximum amount Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00). A deposit of five percent (5%) of the bid or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale and must be tendered in the form of certified funds. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts will be immediately due and owing. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS WHERE IS. There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, special assessments, land transfer taxes, if any, and encumbrances of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owners of the property is Matthew Charles Santelli. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: An order for possession of the

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

filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the Substitute Trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Anchor Trustee Services, LLC Substitute Trustee Cameron D. Scott Morrow & Britton, PLLC Attorney for Substitute Trustee 312 South Chester Street, Gastonia, NC 28052 Charlotte Office: 6000 Fairview Road, Suite 110, Charlotte, NC 28210 Phone: (704) 865-2897 Fax: (704) 271-9163 CScott@MorrowandBritton.com

agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the owner and holder of the secured debt, the undersigned substitute trustee will expose for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale at the county courthouse of said county at 11:00AM on August 13, 2021 the following described real estate and any other improvements which may be situated thereon, in Wake County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Leroy Cotton and Clara Walker, dated December 5, 1997 to secure the original principal amount of $40,872.42, and recorded in Book 7790 at Page 852 of the Wake County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modified by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property: 3032 Jack Mitchell Rd, Zebulon, NC 27597

Tax Parcel ID: 0186275 Present Record Owners: The Estate of Clara Walker and The Heirs of Leroy Cotton And Being more commonly known as: 3032 Jack Mitchell Rd, Zebulon, NC 27597 The record owner(s) of the property, as reflected on the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are The Estate of Clara Walker and The Heirs of Leroy Cotton. The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition

you are a tenant residing in the property, be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon written notice to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time notice of termination is provided. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. The date of this Notice is July 26, 2021. LLG Trustee LLC Substitute Trustee 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 333-8107

IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY R. HAROLD BAKER AND EMMA LOU B. BAKER DATED JUNE 24, 2005 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 3826 AT PAGE 580 IN THE UNION COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in the payment of the secured indebtedness and failure to perform the stipulation and agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, WAKE COUNTY 19 SP 3086 Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed and delivered by Matthew Charles Santelli, in the original amount of $25,980.00, payable to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Countrywide Bank, N.A., dated November 9, 2005 and recorded on November 9, 2005 in Book 11677, Page 337, Wake County Registry. Default having been made in the payment of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Anchor Trustee Services, LLC having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION WAKE COUNTY 21SP570 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY LEROY COTTON AND CLARA WALKER DATED DECEMBER 5, 1997 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 7790 AT PAGE 852 IN THE WAKE COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in the payment of the secured indebtedness and failure to perform the stipulation and

20-110505

B12

North State Journal for Wednesday, July 28, 2021

pen & paper pursuits

sudoku

solutions From July 21, 2021

North State Journal for Wednesday, July 28, 2021

NATION & WORLD

First person tried under Hong Kong security law found guilty By Alice Fung The Associated Press HONG KONG — The first person to be tried under Hong Kong’s sweeping national security law was found guilty of secessionism and terrorism on Tuesday in a ruling closely watched for indications of how the law will be applied as China tightens its grip on the city long known for its freedoms. Tong Ying-kit was charged with inciting secession and terrorism for driving his motorcycle into a group of police officers last year while carrying a flag bearing the banned protest slogan “Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times.” Rights groups condemned his conviction, and many are bracing for further such trials since more than 100 people have been arrested under the legislation — part of Beijing’s increasing crackdown on dissent in Hong Kong following months of anti-government protests in 2019. Tong, a 24-year-old restaurant worker, pleaded not guilty to the charges, arguing the slogan itself does not call for secession. He now faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, but his lawyers are expected to argue for a lighter punishment at his sentencing hearing Thursday. The new national security legislation not only resulted in the charges against Tong, but it also spelled out how the trial would be conducted. The proceedings, which ended July 20, were held

VINCENT YU | AP PHOTO

In this July 6, 2020, file photo, Tong Ying-kit arrives at a court in a police van in Hong Kong. in the Hong Kong High Court with no jury, under rules allowing the exception from Hong Kong’s common law system if state secrets need to be protected, foreign forces are involved or if the personal safety of jurors needs to be protected. Trials are presided over by judges handpicked by Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam. Reading the verdict, Justice Esther Toh said Tong “committed terrorist activities causing or intended to cause grave harm to the society” in pursuit of a political agenda. Tong did not speak during the reading of the verdict. He waved

to his parents and others in the gallery as he was escorted from the chamber. Tong’s defense lawyer has said it’s impossible to prove that Tong was inciting secession merely by having used the slogan. The defense also said there is no evidence that Tong committed the act deliberately, that he tried to avoid crashing into officers and that his actions couldn’t be considered terrorism since there was no serious violence or harm to society. The verdict was immediately condemned by Amnesty International, which called it “the beginning of the end for freedom of ex-

pression in Hong Kong.” “People should be free to use political slogans during protests, and Tong Ying-kit should not be punished for exercising his right to free speech,” Asia-Pacific Regional Director Yamini Mishra said in an emailed statement. “It is particularly clear that he should never have been charged with a ‘national security’ offense carrying a possible life sentence.” Hong Kong has long enjoyed freedoms not seen on the Chinese mainland, and Beijing committed to protecting those rights and the city’s democratic system for at least 50 years after the territory was handed back to China from British colonial rule in 1997. But in recent years, Beijing has sought to exert more influence on the city, and when demonstrations broke out in 2019 to protest those moves, China tightened the screws even more. While Hong Kong has its own Legislative Council, Beijing’s ceremonial legislature imposed the national security law on the city after it determined the council couldn’t pass the legislation itself because of political opposition. China’s legislature also mandated changes to the makeup of the council to ensure an overwhelming pro-Beijing majority, and required that only those it determines to be “patriots” can hold office. Hong Kong’s last remaining pro-democracy newspaper, Apple Daily, was forced out of business last month, and several of its journalists and executives have been arrested as part of the widening crackdown. Library books and school curricula have also been investigated for alleged secessionist messages. All the city’s major pro-democracy figures have either been jailed, sought asylum abroad or been intimidated into silence.

Tunisia on edge as president suspends parliament, fires PM By Bouazza Ben Bouazza The Associated Press TUNIS, Tunisia — Troops surrounded Tunisia’s parliament and blocked its speaker from entering Monday, after the president suspended the legislature and fired the prime minister and other top members of government, sparking concerns for the North African country’s young democracy at home and abroad. In the face of nationwide protests over Tunisia’s economic troubles and the government’s handling of the coronavirus crisis, President Kais Saied dismissed the officials, including the justice and defense ministers. He announced a series of other measures on Monday, including a nationwide curfew from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. for one month and a ban on gatherings of more than three people in public places. He denied allegations that he was fomenting a coup d’etat. Some demonstrators cheered the firings, shouting with joy and waving Tunisian flags. But others accused the president of a power grab, and the country’s overseas allies expressed concern that it might be descending again into autocracy. In a move sure to fuel those worries, police raided the offices of broadcaster Al-Jazeera and ordered it shut down. Tunisia, which ignited the Arab Spring in 2011 when protests led to the overthrow of its longtime autocratic leader, is often regarded as the only success story of those uprisings. But democracy didn’t bring prosperity. Tunisia’s economy was already flailing before the pandemic hit, with 18% unemployment, and young people demanding jobs and an end to police brutality protested in large numbers earlier this year. The government recently announced cuts to food and fuel subsidies as it sought its fourth loan from the International Monetary Fund in a decade, further fueling anger in impoverished regions. The pandemic has only compounded those problems, and the government recently reimposed lockdowns and other virus restrictions in the face of one of Africa’s worst outbreaks. Angry at the economic malaise and the poor handling of the pandemic, thousands of protesters defied virus restrictions and scorch-

UN: World leaders can attend annual meeting in person United Nations The United Nations has decided to let world leaders attend their annual gathering at the U.N. General Assembly in September in person — or deliver pre-recorded speeches if COVID-19 restrictions prevent them from traveling. General Assembly President Volkan Bozkir, a strong supporter of inperson meetings, said in a note from his office to the 193 U.N. member nations, that significant efforts have been made to ensure that the U.N. is able to host an in-person high-level week from Sept. 21-30. Last year, the COVID-19 pandemic kept world leaders from coming to New York for their annual meeting for the first time in the 75year history of the United Nations. Instead, prerecorded speeches from leaders were shown in the General Assembly Hall, introduced by a single diplomat from each country. This year, U.N. deputy spokesman Farhan Haq told reporters it will be “a hybrid set-up,” with some leaders delivering their speeches in person in the assembly chamber and some video statements. Bozkir’s office said the assembly president worked closely with member states and the U.N. system to ensure that high-level week could “benefit from in-person diplomacy” among leaders. There has been growing pressure from some countries whose leaders want to come to New York to have an inperson meeting. During high-level weeks, there are usually thousands of people in the U.N. complex and hundreds of side events. The note makes no mention of where or whether side events will take place. U.N. diplomats expect almost all to be held away from the U.N. headquarters complex. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Pentagon chief: Myanmar military acts ‘flatly unacceptable’

HEDI AZOUZI | AP PHOTO

Demonstrators celebrate with a Tunisian national flag during a rally after the president suspended the legislature and fired the prime minister in Tunis, Tunisia, Sunday, July 25, 2021. ing heat in the capital, Tunis, and other cities Sunday to demand the dissolution of parliament. The largely young crowds shouted “Get out!” and slogans calling for an early election and economic reforms. Clashes erupted in many places. “I must shoulder the responsibility, and I have done so. I have chosen to stand by the people,” the president said in a solemn televised address. Saied said he had to fire the prime minister and suspend parliament because of concerns over public violence. He said he acted according to the law — but parliamentary speaker Rached Ghannouchi, who heads the Islamist party that dominates the legislature, said the president didn’t consult with him or the prime minister as required. The three have been in conflict. “We have taken these decisions ... until social peace returns to Tunisia and until we save the state,” Saied said. Saifeddine Makhlouf, founder of and lawmaker in a coalition of hardline Islamists, denounced the president’s move as a coup, saying, “We will not let it pass.”

However, the president, a former constitutional law professor elected in 2019, rejected allegations during a meeting with representatives of several national organizations that he was engaging in a coup. “I ask how some can talk of a coup d’etat,” Radio Mosaique quoted Saied as saying. “I studied and taught law. I applied the constitution, respecting its dispositions.” The president invoked a constitutional article that allows him to assume executive power for an unspecified period of time in cases of “imminent danger threatening the institutions of the nation and the independence of the country and hindering the regular functioning of the public powers.” Tensions between the prime minister and president have been blamed for poor management of the virus, while a bungled vaccination drive led to the dismissal of the health minister this month. Inside and outside Tunisia, from the U.N. to the U.S., the European Union and beyond, concern was raised about whether the nascent democracy was taking an authoritarian turn.

Former President Moncef Marzouki called for political dialogue, saying in a Facebook video, “We made a huge leap backward tonight; we are back to dictatorship.” Potential violence and respect for Tunisia’s institutions were at the forefront of concerns by allies. “The already volatile region cannot bear to have more unrest than it has presently had,” U.N. deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said. U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke by phone with the Tunisian leader, encouraging him “to adhere to the principles of democracy and human rights that are the basis of governance in Tunisia,” State Department spokesman Ned Price said. Blinken also asked that Saied “maintain open dialogue with all political actors and the Tunisian people.” France, Tunisia’s former colonial ruler, said it counts on “respect for a state of law and the return, as soon as possible, to the normal functioning of institutions.” Italy, likewise, appealed for respect of the Tunisian Constitution, while Turkey hoped “democratic legitimacy” is soon restored.

Singapore U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin decried the actions of Myanmar’s military rulers on Tuesday and urged a regional bloc to keep demanding an end to the violence. Myanmar, also called Burma, has been wracked by violence by its security forces against people protesting against the military’s seizure of power in February. Austin applauded the Association of Southeast Asian Nations for its efforts to solve the crisis, including a consensus reached with Myanmar’s military leader in April. “The Myanmar military’s refusal to respect the inalienable rights of the Burmese people and to defend their basic well-being is flatly unacceptable,” Austin said in a lecture in Singapore. He said the U.S. will work with partners in the region to urge Myanmar’s military to “move in the right direction” and release civilians it has imprisoned. Austin, who is on a tour of Southeast Asia, met with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Tuesday. He also met Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen to reaffirm the countries’ longstanding ties, according to a joint statement. “As Prime Minister Lee has counseled, we are not asking countries in the region to choose between the United States and China,” Austin said. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

TO SUBSCRIBE: 704-269-8461

VOLUME 4 ISSUE 43 | WEDNESDAY, JULY 28, 2021 | STANLYJOURNAL.COM

Stanly County Journal

RON HARRIS | AP PHOTO

Masks on?

This March 6, 2020, file photo, shows the headquarters for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. The nation’s top health agency is expected to backpedal on its masking guidelines and recommend that even vaccinated people wear masks indoors in parts of the U.S. where the coronavirus is surging, according to an anonymous federal official.

WHAT’S HAPPENING One million pounds of trash collected Stanly County The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has resumed efforts to collect trash along North Carolina roads, after taking a hiatus from the work due to last year’s pandemic. The department has made progress in clearing much of the litter that accumulated. NCDOT contractors, crews and volunteers have picked up eight million pounds of trash around the state, including more than a million in District 10, which includes Anson, Cabarrus, Mecklenburg, Stanly and Union counties. WCNC

Child killed in drive-by shooting; 1 arrested Union County Police arrested one man and were searching for other suspects in connection with a drive-by shooting a day earlier that left a 13-year-old girl dead. The victim was sitting outside with friends when an SUV drove by and someone inside opened fire. The child, who was not immediately identified, was treated at the scene and then transported to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Javon Demontre Robinson, 20, of Monroe, was charged with firstdegree murder. Warrants were issued for two other men, and a potential fourth suspect was in the process of being identified. AP

Firefighters rescue 6 kids from burning home Mecklenburg County Six children were rescued from a house fire that investigators blamed on a clothes dryer, firefighters said Friday. The Charlotte Fire Department says the fire occurred at a twostory home north of downtown Charlotte. The department said one of the children and a firefighter had to be evaluated by county emergency medical personnel. In all, officials say three adults, nine children and some family pets were displaced. Investigators believe the fire started accidentally in a dryer. According to the fire department, the fire caused about $40,000 in damages. AP

State Fire Marshal, nearby cities assist with staffing after COVID outbreak within Albemarle Fire Dept By David Larson Stanly County Journal ALBEMARLE — As of Monday, the Albemarle Fire Department had returned some staff to shifts, but the Office of the State Fire Marshal, as well as the cities of Kannapolis and Concord, will continue to cover much of the staffing at Albemarle’s three stations after a COVID-19 outbreak. The AFD held a joint press conference July 21 with the City of Albemarle, the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Stanly County Health Department “to provide an update and to reassure the public that fire and emergency services will continue.” Later, they released a statement on their social media, saying, “As a result of the hard-working and dedicated staff, at no point have we not been able to provide coverage from all three City stations. However, like any situation, there is a limit to what we can do.” The statement said that the nearby cities of Kannapolis and Concord were assisting in covering any shifts that were short

staffed, adding, “The Office of the State Fire Marshal has supported our call for assistance as well.” While these other agencies were assisting, the AFD said, “Our staff will be off during this time to allow for a break for their mental, physical, and emotional well-being.” The outbreak at the AFD had, at its peak, 10 fire fighters who tested positive for COVID, with several since cleared to return to work. “There are no new cases reported,” Albemarle Fire Chief Pierre Brewton told SCJ on July 26. “Of the three reported in the hospital, two remain in the hospital and one is home.” The AFD had announced that the other agencies would cover fully for them until July 26 at 8 a.m. And according to plan, Brewton said, “Crews are reporting to their assigned shifts starting today.” He said, though, that “The balance of the team members are scheduled to return by 7/30,” so “assistance is still needed until the balance of staff fully returns.” Rep. Wayne Sasser (R-Stan-

“There are no new cases reported. Of the three reported in the hospital, two remain in the hospital and one is home.” Albemarle Fire Chief Pierre Brewton ly), who represents the area in the state House, told SCJ that “There’s been a lot of support with the community,” including a prayer vigil. “I just hope everyone pulls through and continues to improve,” Sasser said. “All of those people have been in everybody’s prayers, and it looks like everyone’s going to survive; that’s a good thing.” Brewton told SCJ he was grateful to those other fire departments for their assistance, saying, “The coverage provided by the state and other neighboring departments allowed for the City of Albemarle to contin-

Search warrants lead to seizure of 181 grams of fentanyl in Albemarle SCJ staff ALBEMARLE — Through a collaborative effort, the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division and the Stanly County SWAT team utilized search warrants on July 22 to arrest a pair of Albemarle residents on various drug and gun charges. Approximately 181 grams of fentanyl, 4.1 grams of methamphetamine, an AR-15 style rifle and two handguns were seized by authorities during the raid. “We’re thrilled to be able to get that kind of quantity off the streets and to be able to save lives while protecting the community,” Cpt. Chris Huneycutt of the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office told SCJ. In what was the culmination of a “several-week investigation,” Tyshaun Grant Crump of 640 Pee Dee Ave. and Braxton Demille Phifer of 644 Pee Dee Ave. were each arrested on multiple charges.

They are scheduled to appear in the Stanly County District Court on Aug. 2. Crump was charged with opiate trafficking; possession of a controlled substance with the intent to manufacture, sell or deliver; maintaining a vehicle or dwelling for use, storage, or sale of controlled substances; and illegal firearm possession by a convicted felon. Phifer was charged with possession of a controlled substance with the intent to manufacture, sell or deliver; maintaining a vehicle or dwelling for use, storage, or sale of controlled substances; and possession of a stolen firearm. Huneycutt told SCJ that the usage of fentanyl is an issue that has continued to cause crime and medical emergencies throughout Stanly County at a problematic rate. “From our perspective, you have some statistical fluctuations based on overdoses; however, we’re still seeing a very high usage of fentanyl

from a street perspective,” he said. According to April’s statistics — the most current data released by the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services pertaining to individual counties — Stanly County had the state’s second-highest rate of opioid overdoses resulting in hospital visits, with 20.7 people per 10,000 residents. Only McDowell County had a higher rate than Stanly in April. Stanly’s latest overdose rate is over three times the state’s average per-county rate of 6.7 people; a total of 36 emergency department visits have been reported in 2021, nearly equaling the 37 reported in the same time-span in 2020. In one particular recent opioid overdose, an arrest was made by detectives with the Albemarle Police Department. Felicia Owens, an Albemarle resident, was charged on July 15 with second-degree murder and death by distribution as a result of a fatal overdose of a

ue high quality customer service and timely response commitment.” In an earlier statement, the AFD said that they had recently been on the other side of this arrangement, and “Just as we delivered staffing assistance recently to the Kannapolis Fire Department in their time of need, the Kannapolis Fire Department will be providing staffing relief to the Albemarle Fire Department.” The department did stress that there had been no gaps in fire coverage for the city during the COVID outbreak and resulting staffing difficulties. “Thanks to everyone for your support of the Albemarle Fire Department,” the statement concluded. “Please continue to keep everyone in your thoughts as we face the challenges of COVID.” The Albemarle Fire Department has three stations — Fire Station One, at 1610 East Main St., which covers the east side of the city; Fire Station Two, at 607 Concord Rd., which covers the west; and Fire Station Three, at 209 Northeast Connector, which covers the north.

37-year-old male on Jan. 24. On the same day as Owens’ arrest, more charges were made by the APD in a separate search warrant raid where approximately 65 grams of methamphetamine, 41 grams of marijuana, one gram of fentanyl, drug paraphernalia and $3,034.00 in cash were seized by detectives. With the help of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and Norwood Police Department, multiple charges were given to Jordan Williams, Dewitt Williams and Xee Xiong; all three made their first scheduled court appearance on July 26. Jordan Williams, 26, was charged with methamphetamine trafficking; possession of a controlled substance with the intent to manufacture, sell or deliver; maintaining a dwelling; and drug paraphernalia possession. Dewitt Williams, 63, was charged with illegal firearm possession by a convicted felon; methamphetamine and fentanyl possession; and maintaining a dwelling. Xiong, 33, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance with the intent to manufacture, sell or deliver.

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, July 28, 2021

2 WEDNESDAY

7.28.21

WEEKLY FORECAST

#196

WEDNESDAY

JULY 28

HI LO PRECIP

“Join the conversation” Stanly County Journal ISSN: 2575-2278

Publisher Neal Robbins

Editor David Larson

Sports Editor Cory Lavalette

Senior Opinion Editor Frank Hill

Design Editor Lauren Rose Published each Wednesday by North State Media LLC 1550 N.C. Hwy 24/27 W, Albemarle, N.C. 28001 (704) 269-8461 INFO@STANLYJOURNAL.COM STANLYJOURNAL.COM

TO SUBSCRIBE: 704-269-8461 or online at nsjonline.com Annual Subscription Price: $25.00 Periodicals Postage Paid at Raleigh, N.C. and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Stanly County Journal t

DEATH NOTICES

♦ Jackie Lavon Smith, 65, of Stanly County, died July 8. ♦ John Wilson Barbee, 76, of Locust, died July 22. ♦ Glenda Turner Moore, 80, of Norwood, died July 23.

92° 70° 9%

THURSDAY

JULY 29

HI LO PRECIP

95° 72° 8%

FRIDAY

JULY 30 HI LO PRECIP

92° 69° 23%

SATURDAY

HI LO PRECIP

85° 67° 35%

TUESDAY

AUG 2

AUG 1

86° 68° 24%

HI LO PRECIP

MONDAY

SUNDAY

JULY 31

HI LO PRECIP

AUG 3

83° 65° 32%

HI LO PRECIP

79° 63° 33%

Records: TN spent $11K on influencers for airfare promo By Dan Gelston The Associated Press NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee paid thousands of dollars for social media influencers to promote a new initiative that uses $2.5 million in taxpayer dollars to offer flight vouchers largely to out-of-state residents. According to documents obtained through a public records request, the Department of Tourist Development paid an estimated $11,000 to at least 11 local influencers to post on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok touting the new program. Emails show the state had originally budgeted $30,000 for influencers. To date, the state has spent more than $230,000 out of its $270,000 tourism marketing budget to advertise the program online. That has raised eyebrows among both Republican leaders and Democratic lawmakers wondering why tax dollars are being spent on tourists’ airfare. The reveal — which included a promotional video with country music star Brad Paisley — caught state leaders off guard, sparking the Tourism Commissioner Mark Ezell to later apologize last week to a legislative panel on his agency’s rollout of the program. Lee, who is running for reelection in 2022, proposed setting aside $2.5 million of state funds in his 2021-22 fiscal year budget. The line item, listed as “marketing project” under the tourism agency’s budget, was passed by the GOP-controlled statehouse with no debate or discussion on how it would be spent from lawmakers. Yet on top of the $2.5 million, the state also allocated $100,000 for video programming, $30,000 for YouTube promotions and $50,000 for Facebook and Twitter marketing, according to the agency’s emails. Another $120,000 was

MARK HUMPHREY | AP PHOTO

This Sept. 27, 2011, file photo shows the Cumberland River and downtown Nashville, Tenn. spent on video production, but Brad Paisley “was not paid for his participation,” said tourism spokesperson Amanda Murphy in an email. The Nashville office of the marketing company used by the state, VMLY&R, reached out to tourism and lifestyle social media influencers in the state, many of them in Nashville and with a heavy focus on Instagram, the records show. The program initially required booking at least a two-night nonrefundable hotel stay, with one or more nights from Sunday through Wednesday, in four cities: Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis or Chattanooga. Amid pressure, the state expanded the cities to include the Tri-Cities area of Bristol, Johnson City and Kingsport. The airfare vouchers can be used anywhere, though the state is hoping they’ll be used on flights to Tennessee. Ezell said the state could not limit the vouchers and remain on the quick timeline they wanted to help recoup revenues being lost because of unfilled hotel rooms in the larger cities.

“In order to do that, the reservation systems and the process that we could do had to be done this way,” Ezell said in an interview. “It wasn’t able to be done the other way and still be timely is how we made that. And the offer is open to Tennesseans too, and all 50 states and even international travelers.” Ezell said the program is about hotel incentives in cities that are still feeling the loss of conventions, business travel and international visits. “Those four larger cities are 100% of the tax revenue shortfall in hotels,” Ezell said. “In March, the state of Tennessee was down about $7 million in sales tax and those four cities, Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga and Knoxville were more than $7 million down.” The Tri-Cities area was not the only place concerned about the list of places included in the program. Ken Maples, a commissioner for Pigeon Forge, emailed Ezell this month, asking about promoting the Smoky Mountains and Sevier County, which have seen significant visitor traffic during the pandemic.

“I assume this is the ‘continual thanks’ we get for carrying the state through Covid… and always a solid financial supporter of the state coffers,” Maples wrote. Ezell responded by comparing the program’s focus on cities hurt by restricted business and international travel to the aid offered in the Smokies after deadly wildfires there in 2016, totaling more than $5 million. “Hotels in those four cities were willing to offer immediate discounts because unlike businesses in Sevier County, many of those hotels have occupancies during the week of under 40%,” Ezell wrote. “I am very grateful for the tremendous work being done by the partners in Sevier County.” As of last week, 1,412 packages had been sold. The majority of the packages had been booked in Nashville, with 1,531 rooms sold so far. Nearly 400 packages have been sold in Knoxville and around 230 packages have been sold in Chattanooga. No packages had yet been sold in the Tri-Cities.

WEEKLY CRIME LOG ♦ Biby, Michael Steven (W /M/35) Arrest on chrg of Felony Probation Violation (F), at 16553 Capra Lane, Mount Pleasant, NC, on 7/25/2021 ♦ Smith, Mackenzie Neal (W /F/33) Arrest on chrg of Driving While Impaired (M), at 126 S Third St, Albemarle, NC, on 7/23/2021

♦ Eudy, Clayvon Kevin (W /M/36) Arrest on chrg of Possess Methamphetamine (F), at Austin Rd, Albemarle, NC, on 7/23/2021

♦ Phifer, Braxton Demille (B /M/27) Arrest on chrg of 1) Possession Of Stolen Firearm (F), 2) Pwimsd Heroin (F), 3) Maintain Veh/dwell/ place Cs (f) (F), 4) Surrender By Surety (F), 5) Surrender By Surety (M), 6) Surrender By Surety (F), and 7) Surrender By Surety (F), at 644 Pee Dee Av, Albemarle, NC, on 7/21/2021

♦ Merritt, Donnie Ray (W /M/59) Arrest on chrg of Misdemeanor Larceny (M), at Us 52/rose, Albemarle, NC, on 7/23/2021

♦ Abbey, Zachary Dakota (W /M/21) Arrest on chrg of Assault On Female (M), at 126 South 3rd St, Albemarle, NC, on 7/21/2021

♦ Morrissette, Ryan George (W /M/34) Arrest on chrg of Misuse Of 911 System (M), at 184 Deerfield Ln, Locust, NC, on 7/23/2021

♦ Smith, Shelby William (W /M/24) Arrest on chrg of Felony Possession Sch Ii Cs, F (F), at 4TH Street, Albemarle, NC, on 7/21/2021

♦ Harwood, Crystal (W /F/39) Arrest on chrg of Driving While Impaired (M), at Highway 52 South, Norwood, NC, on 7/23/2021

David Crisco

Roderick Funk

DAVID MARK CRISCO, 67, of Albemarle, passed away on July 26, 2021 in Concord, NC. He was born on July 17, 1954 to John Truett and Lula (Hartsell) Crisco in Albemarle, NC. David worked in Research Development for many years in which he thoroughly enjoyed. Mark was no stranger to the outdoors and he had a special love for hunting. In his spare time he was could be found riding his motorcycle and hanging out with his buddies. Mark will sorely be missed by all who knew and loved him. David is survived by his loving spouse of 47 years, Katherine; daughter, Jennifer Crisco Hartsell; brother, Phillip Wayne Crisco of Albemarle, NC., 3 grandkids, 4 great grandkids and 2 more on the way. He was preceded in death by his father, John Truett Crisco, mother, Lula Hartsell Crisco, and brother, John Keith Crisco. Graveside Services will be 11:00 am, Friday, July 30th, 2021 at Stanly Gardens of Memory, Albemarle, NC, officiated by Rev Branan Hooven. Burial will take place in the Stanly Gardens of Memory.

RODERICK DALE FUNK, 66, of Albemarle passed away on Saturday, July 24, 2021 at his home. A private celebration of life service will be held on August 22, 2021 in Dewitt, Michigan with family and friends. Rod was born May 7, 1955 in Cheboygan County, Michigan to Merla Virginia Keetch and the late Howard William Funk. He retired from General Motors in Michigan. After he retired, he continued employment as a supply chain professional with Alcoa, Honeywell, and Thermal Windows. Rod enjoyed traveling, boating, and spending quality time with his son, family, and friends. He is survived by his wife Dana Dean Kessler; son: Nathan Funk; mother: Merla Keetch; step- children: Jason (Ellen) Bright, Jamie (Meghan) Bright; 3 step grandchildren; siblings: Ralph (Carla) Funk, Robin (Jim) Hastings, Ruth (Jack) Barber; 7 nieces and nephews; 12 great nieces and nephews; mother and father-in-law: Gerald A. (Mercedes) Dean.

See OBITS, page 7

Maintain Veh/dwell/place Cs (f) (F), 4) Trafficking,opium Or Heroin (F), 5) Possess Drug Paraphernalia (M), 6) Possession Of Firearm By Felon (F), 7) Surrender By Surety (F), and 8) Surrender By Surety (M), at 640 Pee Dee Ave, Albemarle, NC, on 7/21/2021

♦ Plowman, Bret James (W /M/34) Arrest on chrg of Att Breaking Or Enter Bldg (m) (M), at 23405 Cecil Ln, Albemarle, NC, on 7/23/2021 ♦ Wright, Elizabeth Allyn (W /F/31) Arrest on chrg of Civil Order For Arrest - Child Support (M), at 126 South Third Street, Albemarle, NC, on 7/22/2021 ♦ Mcdonald, Derrick Ray (B /M/37) Arrest on chrg of Felony Possession Of Marijuana (F), at 126 South Third Street, Albemarle, NC, on 7/22/2021 ♦ Blizzard, Randy Leroy (W /M/29) Arrest on chrg of 1) Assault With Deadly Weapon (m) (M) and 2) Assault On Female (M), at 126 South Third St, Albemarle, NC, on 7/22/2021 ♦ Collins, Shawn Ramonte (W /M/44) Arrest on chrg of 1) Assault With Deadly Weapon (m) (M), 2) Assault On Female (M), and 3) Communicate Threats (M), at 126 S Third St, Albemarle, NC, on 7/22/2021 ♦ Crump, Tyshaun Grant (B /M/36) Arrest on chrg of 1) Pwimsd Sch I Cs (F), 2) Pwimsd Sch Ii Cs (F), 3)

♦ Greene, Brianna Estelle (W /F/23) Arrest on chrg of 1) Possess Methamphetamine (F) and 2) Misdemeanor Probation Viol (M), at Stanly Courthouse, Albemarle, NC, on 7/20/2021

34) Arrest on chrg of Pwimsd Marijuana (F), at 140Coggins Av, Albemarle, on 07/15/202 ♦ Williams, Jordan Dewitt (B M, 26) Arrest on chrg of Pwimsd Marijuana, F (F), at 222S Morrow Av, Albemarle, on 07/15/202 ♦ Gautier, Zachary Randall (W M, 28) Arrest on chrg of Insurance Fraud, F (F), at 807Brunson Dr, Albemarle, on 07/20/2021 ♦ Lambert, Shaun Christopher (W M, 43) Arrest on chrg of Dv Protection OrderViolation (M), at 301 Yadkin St, Albemarle, on 07/21/2021 ♦ Lowery, Kimberly Ann (W F, 36) Arrest on chrg of Simple Assault (M), at 304Second Av, Albemarle, on 07/21/2021 ♦ Lowery, Laurin Burnice (W M, 62) Arrest on chrg of Assault On Female (M), at 304Second Av, Albemarle, on 07/21/2021 ♦ Watkins, Shawna Ann (B F, 21) Arrest on chrg of Resisting Public Officer, M (M), at301 Yadkin St, Albemarle, on 07/22/2021. ♦ Watson, Pamela Terrele (B F, 53) Arrest on chrg of Habitual Larceny (F), at 300 SBell Av, Albemarle, on 07/22/2021

♦ Allen, Demetrius Utruis (B /M/31) Arrest on chrg of 1) Pwimsd Sch I Cs (F) and 2) Felony Probation Violation (F), at 126 South Third St, Albemarle, NC, on 7/20/2021

♦ Lilly-baldwin, Jalyn Jamerion (B M, 25) Arrest on chrg of True Bill Of Indictment, F(F), at 100 Carpenter Av/s Second St, Albemarle, on 07/23/202

♦ Oxendine, Misty Lee (I /F/36) Arrest on chrg of 1) Possess Heroin (F), 2) Possess Methamphetamine (F), 3) Pwimsd Methamphetamine (F), 4) Maintain Veh/dwell/place Cs (f) (F), and 5) Possess Drug Paraphernalia (M), at Lovemill Road, Stanfield, NC, on 7/20/2021

♦ Tyson, Marisha Antoinette (B F, 40) Arrest on chrg of Larceny By Changing PriceTag, M (M), at 781 Leonard Av, Albemarle, on 07/23/202

♦ Xiong, Xee Nmn (A F, 33) Arrest on chrg of Pwimsd Methamphetamine (F), at 222 SMorrow Av, Albemarle, on 07/15/2021 ♦ Owens, Felicia Gail (W F, 33) Arrest on chrg of Second Deg Murder Dist Drug (F), at126 S Third St, Albemarle, on 07/15/2021 ♦ Little, David Levander (B M,

♦ Bebber, Esco Mcdowd (W M, 39) Arrest on chrg of Shoplifting Concealment Goods,M (M), at 781 Leonard Av, Albemarle, on 07/24/2021 ♦ Lowery, Kimberly Ann (W F, 36) Arrest on chrg of Simple Assault (M), at 304Second Av, Albemarle, on 07/25/2021

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, July 28, 2021

OPINION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor COLUMN | REP. RICHARD HUDSON

The hidden consequences of chaotic spending and border policies

Instead of working to reduce prices and spending in the face of this rising inflation, last week President Biden and Washington Democrats worked to double down on their reckless spending habits and continued to push through a $3.5 trillion partisan taxing and spending package.

INFLATION IS A TAX on all of us. American economist Thomas Sowell said of inflation, “It is a way to take people’s wealth from them without having to openly raise taxes. Inflation is the most universal tax of all.” Inflation has increased every single month of Joe Biden’s presidency. In fact, the consumer price index (CPI) has increased by 5.4% in the last year, the largest jump since right before the financial crisis of 2008. What are President Biden and my Democratic colleagues going to do to curb inflation? Over the Independence Day weekend, President Biden’s administration said Americans should celebrate the fact that the overall cost of barbequing was down by 16 cents. This laughable claim was rightly criticized and completely tone deaf in the face of rising costs on everyday items. I am sure you have noticed the major increase in gas prices, which are up by 45.1%. The overall cost to travel has only gotten more expensive, with the cost of hotel stays up 16.9% and car rentals up 87.7%. In addition, the cost of milk is up by 5.6%, fruit is up by 7.3%, and household appliances are up 30%. The list goes on. According to a New York Fed survey released last Monday, consumers can expect to see prices up by 4.8% overall in the next 12 months. Instead of working to reduce prices and spending in the face of this rising inflation, last week President Biden and Washington Democrats worked to double down on their reckless spending habits and continued to push through a $3.5 trillion partisan taxing and spending package. I believe it is critical to invest in our roads, bridges, ports and broadband. Republicans and Democrats agree on a lot of infrastructure investments. Yet rather than working towards a commonsense solution, Democrats plan to run up a huge bill and tax you to pay for it. While many on the Left claim any tax increases will only impact corporations and the extremely wealthy, data released last week by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce showed the President’s tax plan will directly increase taxes on 35,000 small businesses in our state. This will impact millions of employers,

employees and consumers alike. Rest assured, I am working hard to fight against this unnecessary and reckless spending that leaves you and your families with lower wages and higher taxes. Protecting you and the economic well-being of our nation is one of my top priorities. Another one of my top priorities is working to solve President Biden’s border crisis. Last week, we learned that U.S. Border Patrol encountered 188,829 illegal immigrants in June, the largest number in 21 years. Vice President Kamala Harris proclaimed progress was being made at the border, but you cannot argue with the facts. In addition to record numbers of migrants at the border, agents apprehended 1,000 pounds of the lethal drug fentanyl in June, more than the last three Junes combined. A new report also showed that COVID cases at the border have surged 900% — all while the Biden administration continues to transport migrants all over our country. I wonder how much the surge in COVID cases can be attributed to thousands of immigrants — some with COVID, some not tested — President Biden is releasing into our country every day. I have been to the border and seen this crisis myself. It is heartbreaking to see this humanitarian, national security and public health crisis continuing to get worse. Despite the challenges we face, last week I was able to accomplish several important measures for our community. On Wednesday, the House passed the PFAS Action Act of 2021. As the Cape Fear River in our region has been impacted by the PFAS chemical GenX, I was proud to support the bill and secure two amendments that will fund water systems in our community and others impacted by GenX. Also on Wednesday, the Energy and Commerce Committee passed my bipartisan bill to expand vaccine development through the FDA and NIH. Vaccines have helped us combat this pandemic and I will keep leading efforts to build on our progress. Our challenges are many, but by working together, I am confident we can still accomplish great things for our community, state, and country.

COLUMN | DAVID LIMBAUGH

Biden’s baleful border betrayal U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported that June border apprehension numbers reached a 21-year high, with more than 188,000 arrests and more than 1.1 million this year to date.

IS THERE ANYTHING the left won’t blame on their fantastical scapegoat, climate change? Don’t bet on it. Their latest dodge is blaming the border crisis, which they created, on the climate crisis, which they invented. A Politico article is headlined, “It’s Not a Border Crisis. It’s a Climate Crisis.” That’s a convenient twofer. Never let an opportunity to blame a crisis on climate change go to waste. Well played. But to the left, I guess the border catastrophe isn’t a crisis. How could you support open borders and think that the invasion by invitation is a crisis? How could America-resenting leftists regard the influx of millions of new Democrat voters a crisis? It would be like the Democrats being apoplectic over federal spending. Nope. Not gonna happen. If only these migrants knew that leftist policies are on the way to turning this country into a socialist state — you know, the kind they’re escaping from. But let’s quit playing games. This is very serious and getting more so every day. U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported that June border apprehension numbers reached a 21-year high, with more than 188,000 arrests and more than 1.1 million this year to date. Even more troubling: This is not a seasonal spike as Democrats have been saying. The numbers of crossings usually rise in the spring and then recede in the summer, but the numbers are still increasing. At this rate, we’ll break the 2006 record. President Joe Biden and his faithful party continue to deny, obfuscate and deceive, but none of their rationalizations hold water — and they know it. This is a crisis purely of their making; reversing President Donald Trump’s border policies, emasculating Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, and rolling out the red carpet for illegals is hardly going to deter attempted crossings. Indeed, we can trace these endless crossing spikes directly to these and Biden’s other wanton policies of scrapping the “Remain in Mexico” policy, ending border-wall construction and supporting the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. Not that you would expect the left to be consistent, but they sure are fair-weather opponents of COVID-19. Just as they never objected to maskless left-wing rioters or fleeing Texas Democrat lawmakers, they seem wholly indifferent to the hazards of COVID-19-infected migrants. No, actually, they are worse than indifferent. Here, they are COVID-19 enablers, given their plan to end Title 42, the law Trump invoked to refuse

entry to immigrants with the virus. This, despite knowing and even admitting that this action will cause a new influx of migrants and possibly result in Homeland Security having to process up to 1,200 family units a day. COVID-19 infection rates in emergency shelters for migrant youth are reportedly between 15% and 20%. You don’t have to be a cynic to know that Democrats are pushing amnesty for reasons other than human compassion. And their methods are brazen and obscene. They are trying to sneak a “pathway to citizenship” into their reckless $3.5 trillion budget plan, ostensibly to support families and generate job growth. Never mind their audacity in pretending to be pro-jobs when their endless government handouts are keeping people from seeking employment and exacerbating the plight of businesses starved for workers. Never mind that amnesty will encourage even more migrants to stampede toward our border. But to include amnesty provisions in an infrastructure bill is insultingly deceitful. Could an unintended consequence of Biden’s border disaster be a reconciliation between the Bushes and Trumps? Don’t be silly. Let’s not get carried away. But it is noteworthy that George P. Bush, Texas land commissioner and nephew of former President George W. Bush (no immigration hawk by anyone’s estimation), has sued the Biden administration for ending border wall construction in his state. “Farmers and ranchers are long accustomed to illegal activity, but it’s reached a point where it’s not sustainable, and we need help from the federal government,” said Bush. Well, what do you know! Isn’t it interesting, by the way, that in opposing the wall, Democrats claimed it was cruel and ineffective? How can it be cruel if it is ineffective? Why go to the trouble of tearing it down if it wasn’t working? Oh, that’s right. It was working. Kudos to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott for his initiative to build a wall, and bravo to all those cruel people who donated $400,000 to the project in the first week. I wonder if they think it will be ineffective. As the left and Democratic elected officials continue their scorchedearth assault on reasonable and sane public policies, hopefully more states and private individuals and entities will exercise self-help to combat this lunacy. David Limbaugh is a writer, author and attorney. His latest book is “Guilty by Reason of Insanity: Why the Democrats Must Not Win.”

VISUAL VOICES

BE IN TOUCH

Letters addressed to the editor may be sent to letters@stanlyjournal.com or 1550 N.C. Hwy 24/27 W, Albemarle, N.C. 28001. 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@stanlyjournal.com.

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, July 28, 2021

SPORTS SIDELINE REPORT

Bubba Wallace and the 23XI Racing team has struggled in its first Cup Series season, placing in the top 10 just once.

NASCAR

NASCAR penalizes Hendrick Motorsports for engine infractions Loudon, N.H. NASCAR has penalized the Hendrick Motorsports teams of reigning Cup champion Chase Elliott and Alex Bowman for engine allocation infractions at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Elliott’s No. 9 team and Bowman’s No. 48 were found in violation of a rule that covers engine assembly. Hendrick Motorsports said the violations were the result of an administrative error. Competition officials also deducted 25 points from each team’s total in both the driver and team owner standing. Elliott’s crew chief Alan Gustafson and Bowman’s crew chief Greg Ives each was fined $50,000.

MLB

White Sox’s Mercedes rejoins Triple-A Charlotte Chicago One day after announcing he was stepping away from baseball, Yermín Mercedes was back with the Chicago White Sox’s Triple-A affiliate, the Charlotte Knights. The White Sox confirmed Thursday the surprising rookie who carried the team with his booming bat early in the season and got sent to the minors following a prolonged slump was in uniform for the Knights’ game against the Durham Bulls. It was a turnaround from his sincedeleted post Wednesday night that included an image with the words “it’s over.” He wrote in the caption, “I walked away from baseball for a while. God bless you. It’s over.”

MARK HUMPHREY | AP PHOTO

Jordan’s first year Cup racing a missed layup with Wallace The new No. 23 team has just one top-10 finish this season By Dan Gelston The Associated Press LOUDON, N.H. — The 23XI Racing team posted a slideshow of the Bubba Wallace firesuit collection and asked fans to comment on their favorite. The designs were from business plucked straight out of Super Bowl ad space: Wallace was dressed by top companies in fast food, fantasy sports and auto insurance. For a driver who spent most of his NASCAR career scraping together sponsorship deals for underfunded teams, Wallace is flush

with Fortune 500 cash. Oh, and boasting Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin as team owners sure helps the cause. But deep-pocketed sponsors and a race team seemingly on firm financial footing has done little to help Wallace find success on the track. He has one top-10 finish this season — he had five last season driving for Richard Petty Motorsports — led three laps since late April and needs a win over the next four races to earn a playoff berth. The wins better come in bunches. Jordan said at NASCAR’s kickoff at Daytona that Wallace should “probably win at least a couple races.” Cool. When?

“It’s about taking the next step at this point,” Hamlin said in New Hampshire. “I think my question to the team is, ‘What’s next? How do we now move that up?’ When you look at data and everything, the car has a ton of potential. How can we optimize Bubba, the entire team’s performance, pit crew and everything, to get better? Because making the step to get in the top 10 consistently, gaining those three to four spots we need to be in the top 10 consistently, that’s a big step.” Hamlin has modest expectations of getting Wallace those next three to four spots by the end of the season. Wallace’s average finish is 20th. The good news, Jordan showed up in June at Pocono Raceway — with pal Ahmad Rashad — for Wallace’s best result of the season when he placed 14th and fifth in the doubleheader on the tri-oval track. Wallace said he would take a “mental reset” during NASCAR’s two-week Olympics break — the schedule resumes Aug. 8 at Watkins Glen — before trying to close NASCAR’s version of the regular season on a playoff push. “We’ve had the speed for a lit-

tle bit, but there are certain things that have taken us out or put us behind a little bit,” Wallace said. “It’s just a matter of perseverance and coming back and just trying to get the best results.” While Wallace will always have critics, he’s still a fan favorite at the track, and his newfound mainstream celebrity recently landed him (along with Hamlin and Motley Crue’s Tommy Lee) in a Post Malone video. Wallace did admit that no one at 23XI asked for his input on a driver should it land a second charter and expand to a two-driver organization next season. Kurt Busch, the 2004 NASCAR champion, has been the race team’s top target. Busch’s deal was up and Chip Ganassi, his current car owner, sold his NASCAR team to Trackhouse Racing owner Justin Marks. Marks will field one car next season for Daniel Suarez and one for a driver to be named later. Ross Chastain, Busch’s teammate at Ganassi, is a candidate for that second seat. Busch said he’s “getting close” to a deal that will likely include long-time sponsor Monster Energy.

OLYMPICS

Salazar gets lifetime ban for sexual, emotional misconduct

Jim Sterk, pictured left after introducing Eli Drinkwitz as Missouri's new football coach in December 2019, will step down as the school's athletic director after leading the Tigers for five years.

Tokyo Track coach Alberto Salazar has been permanently banned by the U.S. Center for SafeSport for sexual and emotional misconduct. Salazar has 10 days to appeal the decision, which was handed down Monday. The SafeSport center does not reveal details of investigations. In 2019, a handful of runners revealed that they had been emotionally and physically abused while working with Salazar as part of the Nike Oregon Project team. In January 2020, SafeSport temporarily banned the 62-year-old Salazar. The decision Monday makes it a permanent ban, pending any appeal. JEFF ROBERSON | AP PHOTO

NHL

Jones traded to Blackhawks, signs 8-year, $76M extension Chicago Blackhawks acquire Seth Jones, agree on $76M, 8-year deal The Chicago Blackhawks acquired the star defenseman Seth Jones from the Columbus Blue Jackets in a blockbuster trade Friday just before the NHL draft began. The Blackhawks got Jones and the 32nd pick in the draft and a 2022 sixthrounder from the Blue Jackets for 20-year-old defenseman Adam Boqvist, the 12th and 44th picks in the draft and a 2022 firstrounder. Jones then agreed to a $76 million, eight-year extension that carries a $9.5 million annual salary cap hit that will kick in at the start of the 2022-23 season.

Missouri AD to step down after 5 years in position Jim Sterk hired former App State coach and NC State offensive coordinator Eli Drinkwitz in late 2019 The Associated Press MISSOURI ATHLETIC director Jim Sterk will step down once a replacement is found, ending a fiveyear tenure that was marked by school-wide social unrest, millions of dollars in facilities upgrades and key coaching hires in football and basketball. The school said in a statement Monday that the 65-year-old Sterk had “mutually agreed” to part ways with Missouri once a nationwide search identifies the Tigers’ next athletic director. The leadership change comes amid a major landscape shift in college sports, where athletes can now benefit from their image and likeness and conferences could soon realign.

“We are grateful for the dedicated leadership Jim has provided over the last five years to position Mizzou for even greater success,” university president Mun Choi said in a statement. “We recognize his many contributions and appreciate his continued role as we search for the next leader of Mizzou Athletics.” Sterk was the athletic director at Portland State, Washington State and San Diego State before he was hired by Missouri in 2016. At the time, campus-wide protests related to race, workplace benefits and leadership led to the resignation of several of the system’s top officials, and many athletes in a variety of sports were involved in the campaigns. Sterk offered his unwavering support, providing a calm and leadership from the moment he arrived in Columbia. His first major hiring came the following year, when he fired bas-

“I believe that Mizzou Athletics is well positioned for future success.” Jim Sterk, outgoing Missouri athletic director ketball coach Kim Anderson after three losing seasons and replaced him with Cuonzo Martin. The Tigers reached the NCAA Tournament in Martin’s first season but have struggled to make it into the upper level of the SEC, only returning to the tournament this past season. The second major personnel decision came two years ago, when Sterk fired football coach Barry Odom and hired Eli Drinkwitz away from Appalachian State. Despite the myriad problems caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,

Drinkwitz led the Tigers to a 5-5 record in his debut season, and he already has landed a stellar recruiting class for next season. Sterk was popular among high-profile donors, too. He was able to coalesce support to build a $98 million south end zone facility that opened in the summer of 2019, and ground is schedule to be broken this fall on a $34 million indoor practice facility that will be located southwest of Memorial Stadium. Last week, the athletic department announced a record fundraising year with $55.5 million during the fiscal year. “I am grateful for the hard work of our amazing staff, coaches and student-athletes, as well as the generous support of our alumni and friends during my tenure as athletics director,” said Sterk, who did not provide any clue of his future plans. “I believe that Mizzou Athletics is well positioned for future success.”

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, July 28, 2021

NCHSAA commissioner responds to state bill House Bill 91 would create a state-run commission to oversee high school athletics By Jesse Deal Stanly County Journal

JEFFREY PHELPS | AP PHOTO

The Packers and quarterback Aaron Rodgers seem to be inching toward a return to Green Bay for the three-time MVP after a tumultuos offseason.

Packers’ CEO ‘hopeful’ about sorting things out with Rodgers “We have been working tirelessly with Aaron and his representation to resolve the issues he has raised this offseason and are hopeful for a positive resolution,” Brian Gutekunst, Packers GM

The franchise quarterback seems open to returning to Green Bay By Steve Megargee The Associated Press GREEN BAY, Wis. — Green Bay Packers president/CEO Mark Murphy remains hopeful quarterback Aaron Rodgers will play for them this season but says he doesn’t know whether the three-time MVP will arrive for the start of training camp. “We’ve been in constant communication,” Murphy said Monday after the NFL’s only publicly owned team held its annual shareholders meeting. “It’s been obviously months. I’m hopeful that we can have it all resolved.” Murphy’s comments followed an NFL Network report that Rodgers has indicated to people close to him he does plan to play for the Packers this season. ESPN later reported that Rodgers and the Packers were close to an agreement that would include voiding the 2023 season

from his contract. Rodgers’ agent, David Dunn, didn’t respond to a message seeking comment. The Packers hold their first training camp workout Wednesday. Murphy said there’s no scenario under which the Packers would trade Rodgers. Rodgers didn’t participate in organized team activities this spring — a change from his usual offseason routine — and skipped the Packers’ mandatory minicamp. Under the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement, Rodgers would be subject to a $50,000 fine for each day he holds out during training camp. Rodgers’ future with the Packers has been arguably the NFL’s biggest offseason story since ESPN reported in the hours leading up to the draft that the reigning MVP didn’t want to return to Green Bay. “We want him back,” Murphy told the 3,900 shareholders who gathered at Lambeau Field. “We’re committed to him for 2021 and beyond. He’s our leader. We’re looking forward

to winning another Super Bowl with him.” General manager Brian Gutekunst spoke at the shareholders meeting and mentioned Rodgers’ name first while referring to the offense’s “strong returning nucleus.” “We have been working tirelessly with Aaron and his representation to resolve the issues he has raised this offseason and are hopeful for a positive resolution,” Gutekunst said. At one point during the meeting, after Murphy praised Gutekunst, nearly all the shareholders applauded, but one fan yelled, “I’ve never seen him throw a touchdown.” But that comment was a rare exception in a peaceful two-hour meeting. Murphy said he was pleasantly surprised at the reception and added that he did hear one person say, “Put your ego aside, Murphy.” He said that he understood fans’ frustrations over the standoff. “I think it’s kind of a pox on both houses, us and Aaron,” Murphy said.

ALBEMARLE — With House Bill 91 looming on the horizon, the future of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association is hanging in the balance. On July 21, the N.C. Senate Education Committee voted in favor of the bill that would potentially dissolve the NCHSAA by the fall of 2022, replacing it with a 17-person commission containing nine governor-appointed members, four Senate-appointed members, and four House-appointed members. If the Senate votes for HB 91, the House would then vote on if the scope of high school sports in North Carolina should move from a private, nonprofit organization to a “North Carolina Interscholastic Athletic Commission” held by the state’s Department of Administration. The bill, if passed, “We believe would then need to be signed that high by Gov. Roy Cooper. “The General Assembly’s dis- school athletics cussion today of HB 91 rep- in our state resents what we believe to be a full-scale attack on the abil- should not be a ity and desire of the NCH- political issue.” SAA Member Schools to govern their own affairs as relates to high school athletics, edu- Que Tucker, cation-based athletics,” Que NCHSAA Tucker, commissioner of the commissioner NCHSAA, said during a July 20 virtual press conference. “We believe that high school athletics in our state should not be a political issue. When you start peeling away or turning the pages of this bill, clearly there are politics involved in how the new Commission that they have mentioned would be established.” Tucker said that the NCHSAA has a “proud history spanning almost 110 years” and that the 427 member schools in the organization have had an active role governing the direction of high school sports throughout the years in the best interests of their students. “We implore the members of the General Assembly to recognize the outstanding work that we have done, are doing and look forward to doing in high school athletics in our state,” she continued. “We have invited them to share in good faith if they have ideas to improve the NCHSAA or would like to discuss matters pertaining to the Association.” Senate Republicans have contended that the NCHSAA has fiscally mismanaged its $40 million in assets — an amount that equates to twice the assets of any other high school sports association in the United States. “The NCHSAA Board and Staff hope that legislators will participate in a productive and positive way to improve high school and youth athletics,” Tucker said. “However, we feel it is unlikely, at best, that students in our state will be the benefactors if changes such as what we see in HB 91 and suggestions like we see in that bill are made under the threat of imminent legislative takeover.”

Oklahoma, Texas move toward leaving Big 12 The conference’s flagship schools plan to jump to the Southeastern Conference The Associated Press OKLAHOMA and Texas took the first formal step Monday toward moving to the Southeastern Conference and leaving the Big 12 behind. The only schools to win college football national championships during the Big 12’s 27-year history notified the conference they would not be renewing an agreement that binds its members through 2025. In a joint statement, the schools made no mention of the SEC and said “the universities intend to honor their existing grant of rights agreements.” “However, both universities will continue to monitor the rapidly evolving collegiate athletics landscape as they consider how best to position their athletics programs in the future,” the schools said. Texas and Oklahoma have been in discussions with the SEC about joining the league, though neither school nor the powerhouse conference has acknowledged that publicly. The “grant of rights” gives the conference control of the school’s media rights and runs concurrent with the Big 12’s television contracts with ESPN and Fox, which expire in 2025. “Although our eight members are disappointed with the decisions of these two institutions, we recognize that intercollegiate athletics is experiencing rapid change and will most likely look much different in 2025 than it does cur-

“It is difficult to understand how an Oklahoma institution of higher education would follow the University of Texas to the detriment of the State of Oklahoma.” Oklahoma State President Kayse Shrum on rival Oklahoma

LM OTERO | AP PHOTO

Oklahoma and Texas announced their intention to leave the Big 12 Conference and are eyeing a move to the Southeastern Conference. rently,” Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby said in a statement. The remaining eight Big 12 schools — Kansas, Kansas State, Iowa State, Oklahoma State, TCU, Baylor, Texas Tech and West Virginia —- had been hoping to persuade the conference’s flagship schools to stay put. Bowlsby, who was part of a video conference this weekend with

the university presidents of Oklahoma and Texas, acknowledged the future of the league will not include the Longhorns and Sooners. “Like many others, we will use the next four years to fully assess what the landscape will look like in 2025 and beyond,” he said. “The remaining eight institutions will work together in a collaborative manner to thoughtfully and

strategically position the Big 12 Conference for continued success, both athletically and academically, long into the future.” Oklahoma State President Kayse Shrum wasn’t as diplomatic as Bowlsby in a series of tweets about the pending departures. She said actions of Texas and Oklahoma come after months of planning with the SEC.

“We believe these conversations, which developed over a long period of time, are in clear breach of the bylaws of the Big 12 Conference and broke a bond of trust between our universities in existence for decades,” Shrum said, and then took aim at Oklahoma State’s Bedlam rivals. “It is difficult to understand how an Oklahoma institution of higher education would follow the University of Texas to the detriment of the State of Oklahoma,” she added. The next step for Oklahoma and Texas would be applying for SEC membership in a conference that has produced 12 national champions in football since 2003 and is positioned to distribute as much as $70 million annually to its members in the coming years. Big 12 distributed $345 million to its 10 members this year ($34.5 million apiece), down from the previous year because of the pandemic. Most of that revenue comes from the Big 12’s TV deals. The SEC announced an average payout to each of its members of $44.6 million in January. The conference signed a new deal with ESPN last year worth $300 million annually that would add another $20 million per year to that figure when it goes into effect in 2024.

area.” EMPHIS, Tenn. — Faced He also cited a widespread fear the threat of overburdened of being unnecessarily exposed to itals, states across the country onverting convention centers, Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, Julythe 28, virus. 2021 “All around, people are scared,” ts facilities and performance he said. es into backup treatment sites Their fears are not unfounded. oronavirus patients. In this majority-black city along What some Memphis, Tenthe Mississippi River, lawmakers e, residents don’t get is why in and community leaders have been r city, a shopping center in the sounding the alarm over what they dle of a predominantly black, Don Thompson see as a disturbing trend of the viincome By residential neighborThe Associated Press rus killing African Americans at a d has been chosen. higher rate. ty and state officials are conSACRAMENTO, Calif. — As Nutbush resident Patricia Hared that droughtan influx patients wildandofwind-driven fires as have become more dangerris wondered aloud if city officials m Memphis, well as nearby across the were “trying to contaminate” the sissippi, ous Arkansas andAmerican rural West in recent years, firefighters neighborhood. Tennessee, will strain hospi- have tried to become smarter in how Activist Earle Fisher, an AfriTheir fears are echoed across they prepare. ADRIAN SAINZ | AP PHOTO can American Memphis pastor, country: They’re Governors, mayors using new technology understands the anxiety. “This health and experts in numerous This Friday, April 3, 2020 photo, shows Gateway Shopping Center better positioning of resources in a bid to keep small blazis an honest and reasonable cones are also researching and in Memphis, Tenn. from eruptingmedical into mega-fires cern and skepticism,” Fisher said. tructinges makeshift the ones that torched a record “I think it’s par for the course for ities. like 4% of California last year, or the black people to be righteously a Chinese restaurant and other Lee has disclosed a few: the Mun New York City, they’re turnnation’s biggest wildfire this year skeptical of governmental intero the Javits convention that Center has charred a section of sic Ore-City Center in Nashville, the businesses. gon half theMcCormick size of Rhode Island. Locating a treatment center for vention that did not consult with Chattanooga Convention Center, in Chicago, the ThereCenter; have beenand 730 more the Knoxville Expo Center — all coronavirus patients there pos- people on the ground first.” e Convention in wildCalifornia Amerso far this sites year away from residential neigh- es two problems, residents say: Doug McGowen, the city’s chief dy, Utah,fires theinMountain than last, an increase of about operating officer, said the GateIt could potentially expose them borhoods. Expo Center. 16%. But nearly triple the area has way site was being considered beto the virus amid concerns that The Gateway Shopping Cenhe U.S. burned Army — Corps of Engi470 square miles. cause it could potentially accomter in the Nutbush neighborhood blacks are contracting COVID-19 s has beenCatching scoutingfires locations more quickly gives firefighters a better chance Tennessee, and officials here of Memphis is different. The cen- at higher rates; and it could force modate hundreds of beds. He said of keeping compiled a list them of 35small. possi- ter features a Save A Lot grocery some of the stores they rely on to if it were converted to a treatment That includes new a Rent-A-Center, a Fami- close. site, it would hold only mildly ill backup sites. They haven’tusing restore, fire-behavior computer modeling coronavirus patients who could be Nutbush resident and commuly Dollar, a beauty supply shop, ed the whole list, but Gov. Bill that can help assess risks before

ment. For Nutbush resident fear of contracting the matched with the worry th could lose stores that are the neighborhood. Offici ven’t said if stores would the Gateway facility was If they did, shopping wo come more difficult for re especially for those who ar have no means of transpo to stores located farther aw “For people who don’t car, what do they do?” ask ris, who spoke to The Ass Press while lugging a bott tergent, a package of bott ter and other items from t A Lot to her car. She note grocery store recently clos her house and she already travel farther to get to Gat “When we do things got to consider the people neighborhood,” she said. “W need to make the neighb worse than it already is.” U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, phis Democrat, said the d doesn’t make sense. “I’m sure there are othe that would work, and they have used those rather t into a residential neighbo Cohen said.

New technology propels efforts to fight Western wildfires

fires start, then project their path and growth. When “critical weather” is predicted — hot, dry winds or lightning storms — the technology, RINGO H.W. CHIU | AP PHOTO on top of hard-earned experience, allows California planners A helicopter makes a water drop to put out hotspots in a wildfire in Topanga, west of Los Angeles, Monday, July 19, 2021. to pre-position fire engines, bulldozers, aircraft and hand crews armed with shovels and chain quickly, what once were fire look- battle against wildfires worsened dozen new Sikorsky Firehawk he- have all the technology in the saws in areas where they can re- out towers staffed by humans have by a century of reflexive wildfire licopters — at $24 million each world — fire control is impossilargely been replaced with camer- suppression and overgrown for- — that can operate at night, fly ble.” spond more quickly. Working with wildfires is more With the computer modeling, as in remote areas, many of them ests, and communities creeping faster, drop more water and car“they can do a daily risk forecast in high-definition and armed into what once were sparsely pop- ry more firefighters than the Viet- realistic, he said, by taking adnam War-era Bell UH-1H “Hueys” vantage of patches that previousacross the state, so they use that with artificial intelligence to dis- ulated areas. ly burned to channel the spread of Yet, firefighters’ goal is to rep- they will eventually replace. cern a asmoke mornfor planning,” said Lynne Tolmabin Salman, son ofplume Kingfrom Salman, Associated Press It will also soon receive seven new blazes. fog. There are 800 such cam- licate the outcome of a fire that choff, spokeswoman for Cal assented Fire, ingto the deal. Timothy Ingalsbee, a former eras scattered across California, started Monday in the canyon military surplus C-130 transport firefighting agency. “I go with the consent, so I UBAI, California’s United Arab EmirThat’s helped Cal Fire hold an Nevada and Oregon, and even ca- community of Topanga, between aircraft retrofitted to carry 4,000 federal firefighter who now heads agree,”sual the viewers prince can said,remotely chuckling, — OPEC, Russia and other gallons of fire retardant, more Firefighters United for Safety, watch Los Angeles and Malibu. average 95% of blazes to 10 acres drawing a round of applause from roducing Sunday It had the potential to swift- than three times as much as Cal Ethics and Ecology, also said firewildfires in real time. or nations less even on in poor conditions, fighters need to adopt a new apmanagers said. So far this proyear, it’s those held on Fire the video call.can then “start ly spread through dry brush but Fire’s workhorse S-2 airtankers. ized anshe unprecedented For all that, firefighters’ efforts proach when confronting the tactical based was held to about 7 acres after waof fires10 below 10 acres. But making it had not beendecisions smiles and ion cut 96.5% of nearly million ter-dropping aircraft were scram- to outsmart and suppress wild- most dangerous wind-driven whatweeks they can see,” even Federal firefighters laughsonfor after the before soels, or a 10th of global supply,similarly track how dry vegetation has be- firefighters reach the scene, Tol- bled within minutes from LA and fires is counterproductive if all wildfires that leapfrog containOPEC+ group of OPEC opes of boosting crashing pric-thencalled it does is postpone fires in areas ment lines by showering flaming neighboring Ventura County. said. come in certain areas, sta- machoff members and other nations failed mid the coronavirus pandemic What firefighters don’t want is that will eventually burn, argued embers a mile or more ahead of Cal Fire and other fire agencies tion crews and equipment ahead in March reach agreement a price war, officialsstorms said. or in areas have to been earlyanadopters of re- another wildfire like the one that Richard Minnich, a professor in the main inferno. of lightning It’s better to build more fire-reravaged the Malibu area in 2018. Riverside who studies fire ecology. mote imaging and other technolowhere gather during holi-production cuts, sending pricThis could be people the largest re- on “No matter how sophisticat- sistant homes and devote scarce gies thatSaudi can beArabia key in early wild- It destroyed more than 1,600 days, said Stanton Florea, a es U.S. tumbling. sharply ion in production from OPEC said John Bailey, a structures, killed three people ed the technology may be, the ar- resources to protecting threatService spokesman atcriticized the fire detection, Russia days earlier over perhaps Forest a decade, maybe loneas they can manage or physical- ened communities while letting National Interagency Fire Center former firefighter and now profes- and forced thousands to flee. what it described as comments said U.S. Energy In another bid to gain an early ly impact things is small,” he said. the fires burn around them, he sor at Oregon State University. in Boise, Idaho.Secretary of the kingdom, Brouillette, who effort credited Some experts argue it’swhich a losing advantage, California is buying a “We’re in over our heads. You can said. In another to catch critical fires

PEC, oil nations agree o nearly 10M barrel cut

ident Donald Trump’s per- finds itself trying to appease l involvement in getting duel- Trump, a longtime OPEC critic. Even U.S. senators had warned parties to the table and helpto end a price war between Saudi Arabia to find a way to boost prices as American shale di Arabia and Russia. il prices have collapsed as the firms face far-higher production navirus and the COVID-19 costs. American troops had been ss it causes have largely halt- deployed to the kingdom for the lobal travel and slowed down first time since the Sept. 11, 2001, r energy-chugging sectors attacks over concerns of Iranias manufacturing. It has an retaliation amid regional tenstated the oil industry in sions. “They’ve spent over the last U.S., which now pumps more month waging war on American e than any other country. body. He said he didn’t have an exJeffrey Collins while we are defendut someBy producers have been oil producers act number because there were so The Associated Press This is not how friends ctant to ease supply. The car- ing theirs. many. treat friends,” Sen. Kevin nd other COLUMBIA, nations on S.C. Sunday “It gets tosaid a point where it real— There were add muchfrom to theNorth report,” moreMexico than 100 wounds Cramer, on a ly doesn’t a Republican ed to allow to stab cut only said Beaver, pathologist at the SouthaCarolina Dakota, before thea OPEC+ deal. 000 barrels month,university a stick- student University of South Carkilled a man who attacked her U.S.Medical producers have already point for an by accord initially after she mistakenly thought his olina. been reducing output. The Amerhed Friday after marathon Beaver said almost all the stab car was heraUber ride, a patholoInstitute laudo conference between 23 na- ican Petroleum wounds were to Josephson’s head, gist testified Monday. ed Sunday’s global it s. The nations arms, chest andpact, back saying and several Theretogether was alsoagreed so little blood of the would have peneleft in 21-year-old Jo- help getwounds other nations’ stateut 9.7 million barrels aSamantha day will into her brain or neckthe and sephson’s ownedtrated oil production to follow ughout May and body June.— 20 milliliters been fatal. He took 170 photos and when a body typically has at least he group reached the deal just lead of U.S. producers that are try4 liters (1 gallon) — that work- 13 X-rays. to were plunging s beforeersAsian re- ingtoto adjust “There a lot demand. of injuries,” at her markets autopsy struggled Brouillette said the U.S. did not ned Monday and as internaget enough blood for routine test- Beaver said. of its own al benchmark Brent crude Josephson got into Rowland’s ing, said Dr. Thomas Beaver,make who commitments 2019was thinking was conducted the examination the car in March cuts, but ableit to ed at just over $31 a barrel ofproduction her obvious Uber ride—back her house, woman after her death. show the thattoplunging American shale producers The murder and kidnapping prosecutors said. Instead, the demand because of the pandemggle. trial of Nathaniel Rowland en- University of South Carolina stuic is toRobbinsville, slash U.S. oil proideo aired by the Saudi-owned dent from New Jertered its second week Monday as expected duction. lite channel sey, found herself trapped in the Beaver spentAl-Arabiya an hour methodicalback Oil seatMinister because Bijan Rowland had detailing the roughly 120 sepaIranian Zanwed the lymoment that Saudi child proof lock on, investigarate stab wounds on Josephson’s ganeh the also told state television rgy Minister Prince Abdulaziz

Expert at murder trial: Uber rider stabbed up to 120 times

land’s attorneys have pointed out scientists weren’t absolutely certain Rowland’s DNA was on the knife and his genetic material wasn’t in other places it might SAUDI be ENERGY expected. In this photo released by Saudi Energy Ministry, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al-Saud, Minist Their questioning has also Energy of Saudi Arabia, third right, chairs a virtual summit showed of the Group of Josephson 20 energy that while ap-minister his office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Friday, April 10, 2020, topeared coordinate response toshe plummet to fight aher attacker — prices due to an oversupply in the market and a downturn inhad global demand due that to the pandem several stab wounds went all the way through her hands — none of Rowland’s DNA was found her or under her fingernails praise. Andrés that Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the deal but its president, on and no visible marks were found “The pure size of the cu said the United Arab Emirates would Manuel López Obrador, had on Rowland after his arrest. precedented, but, then ag with testified cut another 2 million barrels of Friday that he had agreed Beaver he was certain the knife with two impact blades taken is the the corona oil a day between them atop the Trump that the U.S. will compencan on of Rowland’s having demand,” said M add the to trash OPEC+ deal. The three countries sate what Mexico cannot from girlfriend was used to kill Josephmed Ghulam, an energy an proposed did not immediately acknowledge theTRACY GLANTZ | cuts. THE STATE VIA AP son. But on cross examination, Raymond James. “The big Oil Deal with OPEC the cut themselves, though ZanBeaver told a defense attorney Defendant Nathaniel Rowland speaks with his attorney, Alicia But Ghulam is Court, done. Tuesday, This will save ganeh thehis video conferthathunhe Googled hundreds of and pic- others Goode,attended right, during trial in RichlandPlus County it may be enough. dreds of thousands of energy jobs ence. tures of knives after not the autopsy to July 20, 2021, in Columbia, S.C. figure out what“This could have is at caused least a tempo said Officials said other planned cuts in the United States,” Trump unique wounds inves-industry lief forand thesent energy thank would stand in the deal, meaning in a tweet. “I would like tothe tigators a photo of a different look- This i dence, from matching a footprint tors said. an 8-million-barrel-per-day cut and congratulate President Pu- the global economy. Prosecutors have taken a me- found on a rear window of Row- ing weapon. is tooupbig to fail and of Russia and King of faces from July through end of the Rowland to to lifebe in let prisland’stin vehicle to Josephson, to cell-Salman thodical approach thethe entire trial. liance showed responsibil Saudi Arabia.” year and a 6-million-barrel cut for Before Beaver took the stand, they phone data showing he was in the on if convicted. Prosecutors did this agreement,” said Per M TheherKremlin 16 months beginning not choose to seek the death penbody was said found President linked Josephson’s bloodinto2021. areas area where alty. call Nysveen, the head of ana 65 miles from whereheld she was all“This over Rowland’s Chevrolet Im- some Vladimir Putin a joint will enable the rebalancdeath turned a nalast seen in Columbia’s FiveSaudi Points KingJosephson’s pala, knife two blades Energy. “Even tho with Trump and Sal- Rystad ing ofathe oilwith markets and and the extional spotlight on ride-hailing cleaning supplies in the trash be- entertainment district. man to express support of the production cuts are small pected rebound of prices by $15 Another witness said DNA safety and led to some changes, hind his girlfriend’s home and on a whatprominent the market needed a also said Putin spoke sep- more per in the owned short by term,” including disfounddeal. underIt Rowland’s fingernails sockbarrel and bandana Row- said postpone the stock arately with Trump aboutplays the of oildriver’s aland. statement from Nigeria’s oil license plates. It is buildi matched Josephson’s genetic maacross problem, the countrythe wor The prosecution has introduced terial.market and other issues. being streamed straints ministry. by Court TV.now avoided.” In previous testimony, Row- cautious a mountain other scientific blocked eviAnalysts offered Mexico of had initially

& CREMATORY 522 North 2nd St. P.O. Box 7 Albemarle, NC 28002 Phone 704-983-1188

460 Branchview Dr. NE P.O. Box 367 Concord, NC 28026 Phone 704-786-1161

13575 Broadway Ave. P.O. Box 100 Midland, NC 28107 Phone 704-888-5571

www.hartsellfh.com

12115 University City Blvd. P.O. Box 219 Harrisburg, NC 28075 Phone 704-247-1722

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, July 28, 2021

obituaries Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, April 15, 2020

obituaries Robert Wilson

Dawn Sharpe

JP Caldwell

ROBERT KENNETH WILSON, JP Caldwell, 87, of Albemarle, 88, husband of Ricardia Dale Wilson passed away Wednesday, July 21, for sixty-four years,Jason father of James 2021 at his home.Tony (Jym), Deborah Jean (Paulsen), and JP was born July 24, 1933 Efird Sandra Lee (Holcomb) died suddenly in Tennessee toSmith the late George Monday morning, July 19, 2021 in Washington Caldwell and the late ASON EUGENE “GENE” ONY MONROE SMITH, 72, of Albemarle, NC. 94, went home to be with Annie Price Caldwell. Hetowas also EFIRD, Rockwell, NC, went be with He was bornTuesday, in Burlington, preceded in and death by his wife, his Lord April 7, 2020, at his his Lord Savior Jesus Christ Vermont on Aug. 3, 1932 to Arthur IreneonCaldwell, sister, Hall, home in Stanfield. Wednesday, AprilViola 8, 2020 at Gene was born October 9, 1925, in his home surrounded by family. A and Miriam Wilson. and infant siblings, Esther and his Cabarrus County to the late Simeontwinprivate family service will be held. Robert, Willie, Bob, Dad, brother Hugh. Jason Efird and thehis latewife, Sarah Ella Survivors Online condolences can be made at Grandpa, Pop-Pop loved include sons, Burris In addition to his stanlyfuneralhome.com his family, hisEfird. country, (especially Kenneth (Kim) Caldwell of parents, he was preceded in death by TonyNC wasand bornJoel August 11, 1947 Vermont), and automobiles of every Charlotte, (Laura) his wife, Jewell Little Efird; sisters, in Stanly County to the late Pearlie sort (especially those manufactured Caldwell of Albemarle, NC, 11 Mary Lambert, Fannie Almond, Asbury Smith and Emmer Lee in the US before 1955). grandchildren, and 10 greatMinnie Furr, Wilma Burleson and Smith. He was the son in law of Pat He served Stewart Air Force Homer grandchildren. Aileenat Huskey; and brothers, and Mick Cagle where he worked at Base inEfird, Newburgh, NY from 1952- Efird, JPthe was veteran of theyears U.S.until Getus Efird and Wayne fishahouse for many 1956. During his enlistment, he met Navyheand served aboard the Sr. opened Anchor House Seafood his futureAwife, Ricky, (who was will be U.S.S. Midway during thewife Korean private funeral service in Rockwell. He and his Becky servingheld in the Corps He worked as service onWomen’ Saturday,s Army April 11, 2020 War.owned and operated Anchor House as a medical technician at West Pump Lighting at Love’ s Grove United Methodist manager for 25for years beforeand retiring in 2009. Church Cemetery in Stanfield Mr. Smith was a charter Point), on a blind double-date. Company in Charlotte formember many officiated Rev. Jim White. and deacon Open Door Baptist Following hisby retirement, Bob Burialyears, until hisat retirement, and willmoved follow attothe s Grove United loved the and Ricky herLove’ hometown also Church served in asRichfield. Deacon He at Bear Methodist Cemetery, 4360 Creek Lord and his family abundantly. of Albemarle, NCChurch where they Primitive Baptist Church.Tony Polk Fordyears Road,together. Stanfield. was a wonderful husband, father, and spent 33 happy JP enjoyed gardening and loved Survivors Bob include son Gerald music. grandfather andaccomplished could fix anything During retirement stayed He was an Wayne (Gail) Efird of Albemarle; he put his hands on. busy volunteering with NARFE, musician of many instruments daughter Lisa Efird (Mark) Hartsell Mr. Smith is survived by his wife OASIS,ofand spent thousands of and played in a Smith bluegrass Stanfield; granddaughters, Becky Cagle of theband, home, hours celebrating antique cars with The Ridgecrest Boys. Kelly Efird Barbee and Lauren sons Walter Smith and Robbie the members of(Justin) The Hornets Hartsell Crump;Nest and greatSmith; daughter Kayla Henderson chaptergrandsons, of the Antique Automobile Ian Patrick Simmons and (Brandon); grandchildren Danielle, Club ofElliot America. Jacob Simmons. Dustin, and Steele Smith, Keaton In addition to his may children Memorials be made to Love’s and Ella Henderson; brother David and their families heMethodist is survived Grove United Church, PO Smith; sisters Kay Kriechbaum, BoxMarjorie 276, Stanfield, NC 28163-0276. Karen Stevenson, Ruby Eudy, and by a sister, Hancox, of Dorothy Smith (Nick). Worcester, Mass. and many fine He is preceded in death by nieces and nephews.

Dawn Maria Wiles Sharpe, 56, of Mt Pleasant, NC went to be with the LordMerle on Tuesday, July 20, 2021, at her home. She was born on Helms October 29, 1964 in Columbia, South Carolina. She was precededAUSTIN in death ERLE LORRAINE by her parents and HELMS, 72,grandparents. of Marshville, She graduated in 1983, from Spring passed away Wednesday, April 8, Valley School inHospice Columbia, 2020High at McWhorter House inand Monroe. SC, was a lover of Arts. She was Lorraine was born April 28,in 1947 employed by Academy Sports in Monroe to theand lateloved Homer David Kannapolis, NC, her job, as Austin and Jewell Delphia-Jane well as her co-workers. Austin. was alsoby preceded in DawnShe is survived her husband, death by brothers, A.D. and Teddy Alton L Sharpe, Jr; her son, Alton L Austin;III and sister, Joy Sharpe, (Kathy); herAustin. daughter, The family will receive friends Sara M Sharpe; and 4 grandchildren, from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Friday, John-Robert, Selena, Addison and April 10, 2020 at Hartsell Funeral Sebastian. She also leaves behind her Home of Albemarle. The funeral beloved Spaniel, Payton, serviceCocker will be at 11:00 am on who she undeniably cherished. Saturday at Pleasant Hill Baptist Dawn in was a fun-loving, strong Church Marshville, officiated woman beautiful smileLeon and by Rev.with JohnaMiller and Rev. Whitley. She willFamily lie in state 30 infectious laugh. wasfor very minutes prior to thealways service.making She will important to Dawn, be laid toand restholidays in the church cemetery. birthdays special. She Sheavid is survived by her beloved was an fan of the South Carolina husband of 47 years, Paul Helms Gamecocks, loved spending her time of the home; son, Alex on the beach, and had a(Deanna) soft spot in Helms of Pageland; daughter, Paula her heart for animals. She was a very (Cristin Brandt) Helms of Mint Hill; devoted mother Mason, and grandmother, grandchildren, Grant, and who will be greatly missed.Boyce, Raegan Helms; brothers, Private family services will be Royce, Tim Austin; and sisters, held, while a memorial service for Patricia Mullis, and Angel Tarleton. Dawn will be held later date. Memorials mayatbeamade to the

Alzheimer’s Association, 4600 Park Rd., Suite 250, Charlotte, NC 28209.

brothers Joe Smith, Wayne Smith, Claude Smith, Wade Smith, Robert Smith, and sister Mary Morris. Memorial contributions can be made to Open Door Baptist Church at 44563 Hwy 52, Richfield, NC 28137 or to Hospice & Palliative Care of Cabarrus County at 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28081.

Linda Page

Pauline Tucker

LINDA PAGE, 79, of Locust, NC, passed away Wednesday, July 21, 2021, in her home. AULINE ELIZABETH ALMOND TUCKER, 98, passed She was born June 17, 1942, away peacefully at Trinity Place, in Albemarle, NC, to the late Albemarle, NC on April 11, 2020. Girley Lee Almond and Verna Pauline was born on March 22, Mae Almond Kendall. Linda 1922 in Cabarrus County, NC to thegraduated from Ridgecrest High BENTON RAYFORD late John Richard Almond and AliceSchool in 1960. She formerly HOWARD, 90, of Locust,Almond. passed Shirley Ada Ann Lambert worked at Allisons Manufacturing away Saturday, 24, 2021 his She isJuly survived by heratthree Company for thirty five years and Haire home. daughters, Gay Michel (Jack), worked at the Locust Restaurant Oak Island, Pamela Mr.Howard wasNC; born April Rushing 4, HIRLEY HAIRE, 73, for many years.MAE She enjoyed Oakboro, NC; Kathy working 1931 in (Foreman), North Carolina to the late of in Albemarle passed away on her yard, walking with (Marc), Albemarle, NC; her MartinHunt Lee Howard and the late Ara April 11, 2020 at Atrium Health her favorite neighbors, spending son, Chris Tucker (Chris Lear), Ellen Howard. He was also preceded Stanly. The family family will holdball a private with her at the will be greatlytimegraveside service forof Mrs. Haire. in deathWashington, by wife, LouDC. EvaShe Turner field and taking care her little missed by her five grandchildren, Shirley was born December 12, Howard; brothers, Grover, Lindsay, dog Eddie. Heather Rushing Chaney (Shannon), 1946 in Washington, DC to the and J.B.; and sister, Zola Medlin. Linda is preceded in death Michael Rushing, Elizabeth Michel late Charles Richard Bateman and Benton was a proud Korean war husband fifty four Hartzog (Craig), Jack Michel, Jr. by her Elizabeth MaeofMulligan Bateman. Veteran.(Jenn), Bud enjoyed many hobbies, (Zeke) Page. Shehusband is and Woody Hunt as well as years, Zelin Shirley is survived by her including traveling, golf, visiting the by her children, Crystal seven great-grandchildren. She alsosurvived of 30 years Vaughn Smith of mountains, and gardening. leavescamping behind cherished nieces and Huneycutt of Locust, NC and Albemarle; sister Sandra Painter Survivors include daughter, nephews. Dexter Page (Sandy) of Locust, of Gainesville, VA; half-brother Teresa (Shorty) Hatley of Locust; The family expresses its sincere NC; Robert four grandchildren Leslie Bateman of Stevensville, sons, Benny (Tammy) of gratitude to the Howard staff and caregivers FurrMD; (Jason), Megan Heather Huneycutt, step-children Smith at and Trinity for the care they Oakboro JeffPlace (Connie) Howard of Jacksonville, and DavidPage; Taylor HuneycuttFL and Colby provided Pauline. of Norwood; sister, Rachel Collins of of New London, NC;Creed 4 threeSmith great-grandchildren, A privateingraveside Concord; brother law, Billservice (Sylvia)will beAustin, step-grandchildren; niecesFurr; Cyndi Afton and Layton held on Monday, April 13,Jimmy 2020. A Turner of Oakboro; grandson, Hentschel Leesburg, VA and a sister, DorisofEfird (Keith) of celebration of Pauline’s life and legacy Cheryl Hardy of Aylett, VA;nieces, 16 grand(Sherrie) Hatley; granddaughter, Locust, NC and numerous will be held this summer. niecesand and nephews; and Gus the Amy (Scott) Honeycutt; nephews cousins. She is also In lieu of flowers, the family dog. Stanly Funeral and Cremation grandson, Dustin (Lisa) Howard; in death by a sister, requests donations be made to the preceded Care of Albemarle is serving the granddaughter Candace (Wayne) Morris. BrightFocus Foundation at www. Joyce Haire family. Sutton;brightfocus.org. grandson, Robert Howard; granddaughter, Janna (Jamin) Brown; grandson, Derek (Hallie) Lambert; 17 great grandchildren; and a special thank you to his caregiver, Julie Kiker.

Benton Howard

Danny Erby Almond, 63, Anna Lee Hawes Earnhardt, of Albemarle, passed away 72, of Marshville, passed away Wednesday, July 21, 2021 Thursday,Danny July 22, 2021 at Jerry at Bethany Woods Nursing Hospice of Union County in Fincher Center in and Rehabilitation Monroe. Luther Albemarle. Anna was born January 11, ANNY PAUL LUTHER, ERRY FINCHER passed from Mr.onAlmond was born 1949 Hill,passed North Carolina this life 65,in of Rose Norwood, away April 3, 2020 at 8:05March 1958surrounded to Dorothy Ann DeBerry to the late William unexpectedly Thursday,Brantley April 9, pm. 18, He was by his family and the Erby Hawes and the late Stanly LindainCarr and Almond 2020 at Atrium Health holding the hand oflate the love of R. Almond. addition to his father, Hawes. Albemarle. his life. Jerry is In preceded in death Mr. siblings, Almond was also preceded Mr. Luther was born Marchin 27, by three two brothers, Billy She was also preceded 1955 to the Robert Fulton and Fincher, Richard in death byand hisLarry sister, Debbie death by late daughter, Amelia Lee Gilbert Helen Tucker Luther. Fincher, and one sister, Barbra JoyceDarrell Almond Polk and brother, Earnhardt. Danny was survived his wife, Moore. Ray Almond. Survivors includebyloving Denise Burleson Luther53 of Norwood; He isThe survived by his Eleanor family willwife, receive friends husband of almost years, sons, Jeremy Lutherof and Katefrom Fincher of the home, daughter, 5:00 - 7:00 pm, on Monday, James Max(Karen) Earnhardt Jody Luther; step-sons, Bryan Fincher Jacobsat ofHartsell Wingate Funeral July 26, 2021, Marshville, NC, daughters, Lisa Cindy Whitley and Gregg (Anita) Whitley; NC., son and daughter in law, Tommy Home of Albemarle. (Rwany) Sibaja, Janice (Tim) Grandchildren, Daniel Luther and (Tiffany) Fincher of New London Danny is survived by his Finein; grandchildren, Isabella NC., Step Hunter Zado, as well as his brother, Children, Jimmy (Lisa) mother, Dorothy DeBerry Sibaja, Roman Sibaja, Patrick Bob Luther Jr (Lorena), uncle Jack Lanier of Locust NC, Wanda (Bob) Almond;ofsister, Finein, and Eleanor Finein; Luther and several other loved nieces, Krimminger LocustGlenda NC., Eric(Todd) Watson; son, Daniel (Jennifer) brother,and George E. Hawes; and (Sharon) nephews cousins. Lanier of Charlotte NC., Almond; Grandchildren, Angel sister, L. Wellons. DannyLois recently retired from Grandchildren-Trey (Gera) Whitson Morgan, Zackery Almond, Charlotte Pipe and Foundry after of Midland, Step-grandchildren, a dedicated 37 years and worked ZachDanielle (Brittney)Almond, Washington, Aaron Nathaniel there with his sons and several other (Kinsey) Washington, Caleb (Nayeli) Almond, and two greatfriends and family members. Washington, Beth (Robbie) Setzer, grandchildren. Danny is also Danny loved spending time at Matthew ( April Step and survived by) Wallace, lots of nieces his lake house with his family and great-grandchildren, Britlyn-Eve nephews. friends as well as vacationing with his Washington, Robert Setzer, George The family will have a private family. Danny and Denise enjoyed (Sara) Setzer, Tracy (Rob) Setzer service at a later date.

listening to beach music and loved to shag dance every chance they could get. He was an amazing father, loving grandfather and great friend to many. He will never be forgotten. A celebration of life will be announced once the current COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Luther family.

Bumgardener, Katie Underwood, Andrew Underwood, Step great great grandchild, Waylon George Setzer and brother Donald Lewis Fincher of Albemarle, NC. Jerry Fincher will be laid to rest on Wednesday April 8,2020 at 11:00 am at Canton Baptist Church. Anyone interested in attending, please RSVP at 704-796-2412. Dr. Phil McCray and Pastor Tommy Fincher will officiate.

James Hinson

Linda Hatley

Brenda Hathcock L

INDA TUCKER HATLEY, 69, of Albemarle, passed away Monday, April 13, 2020. BRENDA RENAE Linda was born September 18, HATHCOCK passed away 1950 in Concord to the late Jacob and unexpectedly at her home on Claris Tucker. She was also preceded Friday, July 23,brother, 2021 atTerry the Lee age of in death by her 64. Renae isher predeceased by her Tucker, and twin sister, Brenda father, Hopkins. Renae TuckerCharles Strickland. We know Brenda is and survived by her lovingwatching husband Linda are in Heaven Billy Renae is lovingly overof us46 andyears. laughing. remembered her mother, Linda wasby a loving mother, sister, and “Nana.” very giving Evelyn HarrisShe of was the ahome, sons, and loving Linda would Anthony of person. the home, Kevin alwaysand do anything she could for (April) her grandson Trent, others, especially her family. She Albemarle, NC. Brother, Michael enjoyed working at FastShop #5, had Hopkins of Albemarle. Renae Locust. Aunts Linda will forever loved In-laws, andbeUncles, along and greatly missed. withSurvivors numerous nieces, nephews include her son, and cousins she thought Alan Hatleythat and wife, Angela, ofa lotAlbemarle; of and enjoyed time brother,spending Ronnie Tucker with. and wife, Linda, of Midland; Renae was born inHatley; Stanly1 granddaughter, Leslie County on November niece; and 2 nephews. 30. She graduated from The family willNorth receiveStanly friends fromSchool 4:00 pm 6:00 pm, High in- 1975. SheThursday, enjoyed Apriloutdoors, 16, 2020 atfishing Hartselland Funeral being Home inwith Albemarle. Linda will working her flowers. She was be laid to rest a private a caregiver forduring her mother for the committal last 4 years.service at Bethel United Methodist Church, Midland. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Bethel UMC, 12700 Idlebrook Rd, Midland, NC 28107.

Danny Almond

Anna Earnhardt

JAMES STEPHEN HINSON, SR., of New London passed away on Saturday, July 24. 2021 at Atrium Health Stanly. A celebration of life service will be held at 11AM on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at Immanuel Baptist Church officiated by his brother WILLIAM CHARLES Virgil Hinson. Entombment MORGAN, 59, of Albemarle, passed will follow at Stanly Gardens of away Sunday, July 25, 2021 at Atrium Memory. Visitation will be held Mercy in Charlotte. from 6-8PM on Tuesday, July William was born May 19, 27, 2021 at Stanly Funeral and 1962 in North Carolina to the late Cremation Care of Albemarle. William Joseph Morgan and the late James was born October 29, Elizabeth Camilla Morton Morgan. 1942 in Stanly County to the late The family will receive friends Zeb Hinson and Leria Marbry from 5:00pm - 7:00pm, Tuesday, Hinson. He loved working on July, 27, 2021, at Hartsell Funeral the farm and spending time Home of Albemarle. The funeral with his family, especially his service will be on Wednesday, July, grandchildren. Mr. Hinson 28. 2021 at 1:00pm at Dunn’s Grove attended Immanuel Baptist Baptist Church Baptist Church Church and was retired from in Albemarle, officiated by Pastor the City of Albemarle as a heavy Jeremy Holt. Burial will follow at the equipment operator. James Fairview Memorial Park at 1425 East enjoyed helping others and giving Main Street, Albemarle. back to those in need. Survivors include wife, Patricia Mr. Hinson is survived by Dianne Morgan of Albemarle, NC, his wife of 58 years Linda H. son, William Dalton Morgan, of Hinson; son James (Steve) Celebrate the life ofAlbemarle, your loved NC, step-father, Jerry Stephen Hinson, Jr. (Hope) of Chandler, and loving nephews, Sam ones. Submit obituaries and New London; grandchildren: and Michael Lawhon, and loving Holli Hinson, Brittany Hinson, death notices to besister-in-laws, published in Ann Barringer Mary and Michael James Hinson; 6 and Teresa Helms. great-grandchildren; brothers: SCJ at obits@stanlyjournal.com William was a fighter and Joel Hinson (Kay) of Morganton, survivor and he lived life to the fullest Virgil Hinson (Debbie) of regardless of medical issues from Norwood; sister: Janice Bost birth and throughout his life. (Sonny) of Norwood. He was William was a loving and devoted preceded in death by his brother husband to his wife Dianne of Bobby D. Hinson. 34 years and he was also the best father a son could ask for to his son William Dalton. William was an extraordinary man of integrity, a leader, a jokester, a storyteller, and his son’s best friend.

William Morgan

Simple, Affordable, Convenient Available 24 Hours a Day

Southern Piedmont Cremation Services provides a basic cremation service for families who have experienced the loss of a loved one and do not desire a traditional funeral or farewell ceremony. When your loved one passes simply call our office and our professional team will come as quickly as possible and bring your loved one into our care. Phone: 704-985-4851

Fax: 704-550-5508

Email: care@spcremation.com

Stanly County Journal for Wednesday, July 28, 2021

STATE & NATION

Biden stumps for McAuliffe in early test of political clout By Jonathan Lemire The Associated Press ARLINGTON, Va. — President Joe Biden led the kind of campaign rally last week that was impossible last year because of the pandemic, speaking before nearly 3,000 people in support of a fellow Democrat whose race for Virginia governor could serve as a test of Biden’s own strength and coattails. Biden motorcaded across the Potomac River to back Terry McAuliffe, a former governor looking for a second term. The race is seen as an early measure of voters’ judgment on Democratic control of all branches of the federal government. The president stood before an enthusiastic and largely unmasked crowd who gathered around a park pavilion and playground on a warm July night. He emphasized that he shared the same vision as McAuliffe about the need for greater public investments in order to drive economic growth. But Biden was also focused on the political stakes. “You’re not gonna find anyone, I mean anyone, who knows how to get more done for Virginia than Terry,” Biden said. “Off-year election, the country’s looking. This is a big deal.”

ANDREW HARNIK | AP PHOTO

President Joe Biden greets Virginia democratic gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe as he arrives to speak at a campaign event for McAuliffe at Lubber Run Park, Friday, July 23, 2021, in Arlington, Va. It was a clear return to politics as normal after 2020, when Biden had to speak to supporters who stayed in their cars at drive-in rallies or give remarks in front of sparse audiences. The rock songs and tightly packed people standing before center stage suggested that Democrats will not be waging campaigns via Zoom meetings and conference calls this year.

Protesters against an oil pipeline interrupted Biden and the president took a shot at his 2020 opponent as he told the crowd to not shout them down. “It’s not a Trump rally,” Biden said. “Let them holler. No one’s paying attention.” McAuliffe’s win in his state’s gubernatorial primary was one of a string of recent victories by self-

styled pragmatic candidates in relatively low-turnout elections — which tend to draw the most loyal base voters — and his race is being carefully watched by Democrats looking to shape their messaging for next year. “It’s an important test for the Biden administration. The margins are so small, and he needs to be able to use his clout to help candidates get across the finish line,” said Adrienne Elrod, a senior adviser to Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign who also worked on Biden’s inaugural. “His message is simple: that he is delivering on promises on vaccines, record job growth and infrastructure.” McAuliffe, who previously served as governor from 2014 to 2018, is facing Glenn Youngkin, a political newcomer. Despite the state trending blue over the last decade, the race is seen as competitive. As one of only two regularly scheduled governor’s races this year, is drawing outsize national attention as a potential measuring stick of voter sentiment ahead of the 2022 midterms. The Virginia race could serve as a checkup on Biden’s status, and the Democratic National Committee has pledged to spend $5 million to help McAuliffe’s campaign this year, a clear signal that the White House has prioritized the race. Youngkin has positioned himself as a more moderate Republican in a state Trump lost by 10 points in 2020. He has said he was “honored” by the former president’s endorsement of his cam-

paign. Biden has pledged to work with Republicans and has spent enormous political energy on the bipartisan infrastructure deal. But he still went after the GOP on Friday, saying it “offers nothing more than fear, lies and broken promises.” White House aides have pointed to polling that suggests Biden’s agenda is broadly popular with voters of both parties, even though it has received little support from GOP lawmakers in Washington. But Republican strategists cast doubt on whether Biden’s poll numbers would translate into votes. While both Biden and McAuliffe have been active in Democratic politics for decades, they have relatively few direct political connections, though McAuliffe ran the state campaign for Biden in 2020. But their political and ideological similarities are extensive. Virginia’s off-year elections have always been looked at as a sort of national bellwether, and “with the Democratic nominee being so philosophically close and similar to Biden, many may see Virginia as a stronger bellwether than usual,” said Mark Rozell, a political science professor at George Mason University. Current Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam, like all Virginia governors, is prohibited from seeking a second consecutive term. The other notable off-year election in 2021, for New Jersey governor, is not expected to be competitive, with Democrats likely maintaining control.

TOM REEL | THE SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS VIA AP

This April 6, 2010, file photo, shows the Dolph Briscoe Unit correctional facility in Dilley, Texas.

what had been an empty state prison in Dilley, Texas, about 100 miles north of the border city of Laredo, said Robert Hurst, a spokesman for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. He said the converted facility will be able to hold more than 950 people. All of those arrested so far have been single adult men, according to Val Verde County Attorney David Martinez, who said he was advised last week that the number of migrant arrests could increase to as many as 100 or 200 per day. Such large numbers, he said, “would overwhelm not only my office, but our entire system pretty quickly.” Most land along the southern Texas border is private, but Martinez said his understanding was that state troopers would not ar-

rest family units. Last week, U.S. officials reported that they had encountered 55,805 members of families with children in June, which was up 25% from the previous month. That figure still remains far below the high of 88,587 in May 2019. “If John Doe is caught on my property and he has his wife and his children with him, chances are he’s not going to be arrested,” Martinez said. “That’s what’s been represented to me.” A spokesman for the Texas Department of Public Safety did not immediately return a message at the end of last week. Val Verde County, which has around 50,000 residents, has become the backdrop of Abbott’s criticism of President Joe Biden over the

border as the two-term governor, who is up for reelection in 2022, has sought to take Trump’s mantle on immigration. He returned to the county last weekend along with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and other officials, including Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, who tweeted this week that she had tested positive for COVID-19. “The state jail commission has worked out a way to jail far more people that are currently being jailed,” Abbott said during his visit on Saturday. But the largest Texas counties along the southern border, where crossings are typically the highest, have rejected Abbott’s offer to heighten enforcement and accept disaster declarations, which governors typically only grant during

events like hurricanes or wildfire. Migrants arrested by state troopers for trespassing first began showing up to the former prison on Tuesday. Prison officials said in a statement said that preparations for the facility included temporary air conditioning — which many Texas prisons don’t have in living areas — and training and licensing jailers. Since first announcing earlier this summer that Texas would begin charging migrants with state crimes, Abbott has said law enforcement would not be involved in “catch and release” and said those arrested would spend time behind bars. But Martinez said he would handle the cases same as usually does, which typically means offering time served. “My office is working really hard to try to minimize the amount of time that they have to sit in that jail,” he said.

VOLUME 3 ISSUE 44 | WEDNESDAY, JULY 28, 2021

Twin City Herald

NELL REDMOND | AP PHOTO

Kicking off the season Wake Forest head coach Dave Clawson answers a question during an NCAA college football news conference at the Atlantic Coast Conference media days in Charlotte, Thursday, July 22, 2021.

WHAT’S HAPPENING Teen killed in drive-by shooting Forsyth County An 18-year-old was shot and killed last Wednesday in a drive-by shooting in Winston-Salem. The unidentified teen was one of two people hit in the shooting. A second person was hospitalized with a gunshot wound to the hand. Police said that several rounds were fired during the incident. They have not made any arrests and are still investigating. CBS 17

Restaurant closes suddenly Forsyth County The restaurant Crafted the Art of the Taco announced over the weekend that it was closing its Winston-Salem location. The decision came about five years after it first opened. Crafted has another location in Greensboro which is staying open. The owners were able to offer several long-time staff members positions in the Greensboro store. WFMY

Organizations can apply for Rescue Plan funds Forsyth County Local organizations can begin applying for federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Information sessions began taking place last week, and applications are due on August 27. Forsyth County is expected to receive $74 million in Rescue Plan money, and $56 million of it has still not yet been allocated. The COVID response money can be used to support public health, replace revenue loss or other negative economic impact or improve infrastructure. WXII

20177 52016 $0.50

Major Winston-Salem hospitals to order staff to get vaccine The Associated Press RALEIGH — The North Carolina Healthcare Association announced on Thursday that several of the state’s largest hospital systems will require employees to get a COVID-19 vaccine in order to continue working at their facilities. The sites that will soon mandate vaccinations for workers include Duke University Health network and several UNC Health hospitals. Other hospital systems that will compel staff to get the vaccine will include Charlotte-based Atrium Health, Greensboro-based Cone Health, Wake

Forest Baptist Health and Winston-Salem based Novant Health. “Hospital and health system employee vaccination against COVID-19 is vital to safely care for patients by protecting them from infection, and to mitigate the spread of the virus within healthcare facilities and among clinicians, patients and their families and friends,” the group wrote in a message to its 130 members. The move comes as North Carolina decided on Wednesday to eliminate its statewide mask starting July 30. The state has seen a surge in cases and hospitalizations fueled by the more lethal delta variant.

On May 6, most adult residents had received at least one dose of vaccine, according to the state Department of Health and Human Services. The office told The Associated Press on Thursday that 94% of cases and deaths reported between May 6 and July 11 have been among people not fully vaccinated. The latest state data shows 54% of residents eligible for a shot are fully vaccinated, less than the national average of 57% of Americans 12 and older being fully immunized, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease and Prevention. Vaccination rates are far worse in several North Carolina counties. In Hoke County, a

rural area outside of Fayetteville, less than 1 in 4 residents have gotten at least one COVID-19 shot. North Carolinians 12 years of age or older are eligible for a COVID-19 shot, which are widely available and free of charge. At participating vaccination sites, unvaccinated adults who come in for their first dose can get $25. Drivers who bring someone in for their initial shot also qualify for the prepaid Mastercard. Dr. Mandy Cohen, the state’s top public health official, praised the association for encouraging hospitals to compel their workers to get vaccinated. “Thank you to the North Carolina Healthcare Association, and the health systems that are leading the way requiring vaccination for employees, for taking action to protect the health care workforce, their patients, our communities and the state,” Cohen said in a news release. “Vaccinations are our way out of the pandemic. Don’t wait to vaccinate.”

Lawsuit: Black couple alleges discrimination by Tyson Farms

Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation Announces Assistant Director Hire

The Associated Press

Nora Carr to join Foundation staff in August 2021

WINSTON-SALEM — A Black couple working at Tyson Farms plant in North Carolina has filed a lawsuit that says a supervisor frequently used racial slurs against them, showed disdain for their Muslim faith and that the company refused to address the issue despite multiple requests. Michelle and Adrian Switzer filed the lawsuit in Forsyth County Superior Court in April. Tyson Farms, with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, and 123 plants nationwide, replied in an email that a response could be expected within five business days. Herman L. Stephens, the attorney for the Switzers, didn’t immediately return a telephone call seeking comment Tuesday. A working phone number for his clients couldn’t be found. Michelle and Adrian Switzer began work at the Tyson Farms plant in Wilkes County in 2015, according to the lawsuit. The company maintained an atmosphere which created “a strong fear among employees regarding their job security and of revealing Tyson Farms employee matters to outsiders,” the lawsuit said. The Switzers said their team leader, who is identified in the suit but not named as a defen-

dant, used a racial slur on numerous occasions in front of Adrian Switzer to disparage Black people, according to the complaint. The lawsuit added that the team leader berated the man repeatedly and watched him during his work break. Michelle Switzer also was targeted by slurs, and on one occasion had a protective smock thrown at her by the team leader, according to the suit. The couple says the couple submitted complaints to a supervisor who, the lawsuit says, indicated that he didn’t want to hear them. The Switzers also complained to the company’s human resources department, plant management and a company help line, all to no avail, according to the lawsuit. Michelle Switzer was fired on April 20, 2019, for reasons related to her race, religion and in retaliation for her complaints, the lawsuit says. Adrian Switzer wanted to keep his job, but was forced to quit because of the team leader’s hostility and the failure of Tyson Farms to address the conduct, the document says. In January, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issued a right to sue notice for the Switzers, according to the lawsuit. The couple is seeking a trial by jury, compensatory and punitive damages in excess of $25,000, and attorney’s fees.

TCH staff

ed leading the district’s strategic plan development and implementation, serving on the executive team to oversee the operations of North Carolina’s third largest school district and leading internal and external communications. Prior to that, Carr served as chief communications officer for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools where her responsibilities included leading and/or supervising strategic communications planning, media relations, community relations, volunteers and partnerships, CMSTV (a cable television news and information channel), employee and corporate communications. Carr also has served as a Board member and officer for a variety of nonprofit organizations in Greensboro, Charlotte and St. Louis, Missouri. “We are thrilled to have Nora join our team,” said Maurice “Mo” Green, executive director of the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation. “Having worked closely with Nora both at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and at Guilford County Schools, I am confident that Nora will be a tremendous asset to the Foundation, assisting ZSR in generating creative ideas, implementing strategy and fostering a spirit of collaboration as she works alongside staff, Trustees, partners,

THE Z. SMITH Reynolds Foundation (ZSR) announced that Dr. Nora Carr will join the staff of the Foundation as assistant director in August 2021. Carr will assist in promoting the mission and core values of the Foundation by overseeing the implementation of All For NC: ZSR’s Framework for Grantmaking and Learning. This includes helping Trustees identify programmatic priorities, playing leadership roles within the state of North Carolina and within the broader field of philanthropy, actively listening to and learning from people and communities across the state, and coordinating the programmatic and grantmaking operations of the Foundation. In addition, Carr will support ZSR’s Executive Director Maurice “Mo” Green as it pertains to matters of Foundation operations, strategic planning and general management. Carr brings to the Foundation a combination of public, private and nonprofit sector experience. She most recently comes to ZSR after spending 13 years as chief of staff of Guilford County Schools where her responsibilities includ- See CARR, page 2

Twin City Herald for Wednesday, July 28, 2021

2 WEDNESDAY

7.28.21

WEEKLY FORECAST

#148

WEDNESDAY

JULY 28

HI LO PRECIP

“Join the conversation” Twin City Herald Publisher Neal Robbins

Editor Shawn Krest

Sports Editor Cory Lavalette

Senior Opinion Editor Frank Hill

Design Editor Lauren Rose Published each Wednesday as part of the North State Journal. 3101 Industrial Dr., Suite 105 Raleigh, N.C. 27609 (704) 269-8461 INFO@TWINCITYHERALD.COM TWINCITYHERALD.COM

TO SUBSCRIBE: 704-269-8461 or online at nsjonline.com Annual Subscription Price: $50.00 Periodicals Postage Paid at Raleigh, N.C. and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Stanly County Journal 1550 N.C. Hwy 24/27 W, Albemarle, N.C. 28001.

95° 70° 9%

FRIDAY

THURSDAY HI LO PRECIP

96° 74° 4%

SATURDAY

JULY 30

JULY 29

HI LO PRECIP

92° 69° 24%

JULY 31

HI LO PRECIP

87° 68° 24%

MONDAY

SUNDAY

AUG 2

AUG 1

HI LO PRECIP

86° 68° 32%

♦ Anderson, James Michael (M/48) Arrest on chrg of Possession Control Substance Jail (F), at 201 N Church St, Winston Salem, NC, on 7/26/2021 09:37. ♦ Avelarmenjivar, Kenia Raquel (F/28) Arrest on chrg of 1) Impaired Driving Dwi (M) and 2) Improper Lane Change (M), at Germanton Rd, Stokes County, NC, on 7/24/2021 02:49. ♦ Bailey, Danny Gray (M/25) Arrest on chrg of 1) Communicate Threats (M) and 2) Resisting Arrest (M), at 201 N Church St, Winstonsalem, NC, on 7/26/2021 10:36.

♦ Collie, Johnny Julius (M/40) Arrest on chrg of 1) Adw - Inflict Injury (M), 2) Communicate Threats (M), 3) Weap-poss By Felon (F), and 4) Weap-poss By Felon (F), at 3933 Tanglebrook Rd, High Point, NC, on 7/26/2021 01:20. ♦ Cotner, Matthew Aaron (M/39) Arrest on chrg of Assault On Female (M), at 730 Bethania-rural Hall Rd, Rural Hall, NC, on 7/22/2021 12:09. ♦ DAWSON, JAMAAL PHILLIP was arrested on a charge of 2ND DEGREE TRESPASS at 2700 UNIVERSITY PW on 7/25/2021 ♦ FEEMESTER, TYRONE ANTHONY was arrested on a charge of POSS COCAINE FEL at 299 E FOURTEENTH ST on 7/25/2021

♦ Bryson, Roquita Quiana (F/23) Arrest on chrg of Impaired Driving Dwi (M), at 199 Silas Creek Pw/wb 40_silas Creek Pw Ra, Winston-salem, NC, on 7/21/2021 04:15.

♦ GOMEZHERNANDEZ, MARISOL MARISOL was arrested on a charge of AFFRAY at 2934 N PATTERSON AV on 7/25/2021

♦ Clayton, Pamela Melissa (F/46) Arrest on chrg of Aid And Abet Larceny ($1,000 Or Less), M (M), at 3394 Old Hollow Rd/martin St, Walkertown, NC, on 7/23/2021 02:16. ♦ COLEY, DECANTISE ANTONIE was arrested on a charge of 2ND DEGREE TRESPASS at 100 W FIFTH ST on 7/26/2021

83° 64° 24%

reversing President Donald Trump’s border policies, emasculating Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, and rolling out the red carpet for illegals is hardly going to deter attempted crossings. Indeed, we can trace these endless crossing spikes directly to these and Biden’s other wanton policies of scrapping the “Remain in Mexico” policy, ending border-wall construction and supporting the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. Not that you would expect the left to be consistent, but they sure are fair-weather opponents of COVID-19. Just as they never objected to maskless left-wing rioters or fleeing Texas Democrat lawmakers, they seem wholly indifferent to the hazards of COVID-19-infected migrants. No, actually, they are worse than indifferent. Here, they are COVID-19 enablers, given their plan to end Title 42, the law Trump invoked to refuse entry to immigrants with the virus. This, despite knowing and even admitting that this action will cause a new influx of migrants and possibly result in Homeland Security having to process up to 1,200 family units a day. COVID-19 infection rates in emergency shelters for migrant youth are reportedly between 15% and 20%. You don’t have to be a cynic to know that Democrats are pushing amnesty for reasons other than human compassion. And their methods are brazen and obscene. They are trying to sneak a “pathway to citizenship” into their reckless $3.5 trillion budget plan, ostensibly to support families and generate job growth. Never mind their audacity in pretending to be pro-jobs when their endless government handouts are keeping people from seeking employment and exacerbating the

plight of businesses starved for workers. Never mind that amnesty will encourage even more migrants to stampede toward our border. But to include amnesty provisions in an infrastructure bill is insultingly deceitful. Could an unintended consequence of Biden’s border disaster be a reconciliation between the Bushes and Trumps? Don’t be silly. Let’s not get carried away. But it is noteworthy that George P. Bush, Texas land commissioner and nephew of former President George W. Bush (no immigration hawk by anyone’s estimation), has sued the Biden administration for ending border wall construction in his state. “Farmers and ranchers are long accustomed to illegal activity, but it’s reached a point where it’s not sustainable, and we need help from the federal government,” said Bush. Well, what do you know! Isn’t it interesting, by the way, that in opposing the wall, Democrats claimed it was cruel and ineffective? How can it be cruel if it is ineffective? Why go to the trouble of tearing it down if it wasn’t working? Oh, that’s right. It was working. Kudos to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott for his initiative to build a wall, and bravo to all those cruel people who donated $400,000 to the project in the first week. I wonder if they think it will be ineffective. As the left and Democratic elected officials continue their scorched-earth assault on reasonable and sane public policies, hopefully more states and private individuals and entities will exercise self-help to combat this lunacy. David Limbaugh is a writer, author and attorney. His latest book is “Guilty by Reason of Insanity: Why the Democrats Must Not Win.”

DEATH NOTICES

♦ Fenner, De Vante Dominique (M/27) Arrest on chrg of Impaired Driving Dwi (M), at 620 Prison Road (hyde Corr), NC, on 7/23/2021 13:30.

♦ CARPENTER, BRANDON AUSTIN was arrested on a charge of IMPAIRED DRIVING DWI at 598 PETERS CREEK PW/W ACADEMY ST on 7/24/2021

HI LO PRECIP

Biden’s baleful border betrayal

♦ BANKS, LISA CALDWELL was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT-SIMPLE at 1815 E TWENTY-FIFTH ST on 7/25/2021

♦ Canter Robinson, William Brett (M/24) Arrest on chrg of 1) Impaired Driving Dwi (M) and 2) Ndl - Suspended / Revoked (M), at Harper Rd I 40 West, Clemmons, NC, on 7/24/2021 03:00.

85° 66° 24%

AUG 3

OPINION | DAVID LIMBAUGH

WEEKLY CRIME LOG ♦ ALLAH, SABUR RASHID was arrested on a charge of FALSE IMPRISONMENT at 900 N CLEVELAND AV on 7/26/2021

HI LO PRECIP

TUESDAY

♦ HAWKINS, AHVION RAI was arrested on a charge of 2ND DEGREE TRESPASS at 725 N CHERRY ST on 7/25/2021 ♦ HENDERSON, TARYAN JOSEF was arrested on a charge of LARCENY-FELONY at 201 N CHURCH ST on 7/25/2021 ♦ HUFFIN, FRANKLIN was arrested on a charge of ROBBERY at 201 N CHURCH ST on 7/26/2021 ♦ JASPER, JAMES DARELL was arrested on a charge of 2ND DEGREE TRESPASS at 3450 HEALY DR on 7/25/2021 ♦ Jennings, Brandon Markeese (M/25) Arrest on chrg of 1) Assault On Female (M), 2) Vand-personal Prop (M), and 3) Vand-real Property (M), at 980 Ash Land Ct, Lewisville, NC, on 7/26/2021 17:18. ♦ JOHNSON, TERRY AVRIN

was arrested on a charge of FUGITIVE at ROBINHOOD RD/N PEACE HAVEN RD on 7/26/2021 ♦ Koller, Juli Ann (F/35) Arrest on chrg of 1) Cause False Brdcast (M) and 2) Misuse Of 911 System (M), at 2651 W Mountain St, Kernersville, NC, on 7/24/2021 01:45. ♦ Lorenzo Morales, Rosario (F/38) Arrest on chrg of Child Abuse, M (M), at 8011 Cain Wood Ct, Walkertown, NC, on 7/21/2021 06:43 ♦ Merritt, Ronnie Layne (M/51) Arrest on chrg of 1) Drugsposs Sched Ii (F), 2) Misd Poss Controlled Substance (M), and 3) Fail To Appear/compl (M), at 3098 Old Hollow Rd/ darrow Rd, Walkertown, NC, on 7/22/2021 19:14. ♦ MOORE, MATTHEW WEST was arrested on a charge of POSS COCAINE FEL at 799 W FOURTH ST/N BROAD on 7/24/2021 ♦ PEACH, MARY was arrested on a charge of ASSLT ON OFF/ST EMP at 3000 BUTTERFIELD DR on 7/25/2021 ♦ Peek, Devon Allen (M/21) Arrest on chrg of 1) Poss Stolen Goods (F), 2) Possession Marijuana (M), 3) Drug Paraphernalia (M), 4) Ccw (M), 5) Fail To Appear/ compl (M), 6) Fail To Appear/ compl (M), and 7) Fail To Appear/compl (M), at Wb 40/ sb 311, Winston Salem, NC, on 7/21/2021 11:26. ♦ ROBERSON, JAMES ALBERT was arrested on a charge of IMPAIRED DRIVING DWI at 650 W SIXTH ST on 7/25/2021 ♦ SCAMMELL, DANNY RAY was arrested on a charge of ASSAULT ON FEMALE at 705 BROOKSTOWN AV/N SPRING ST on 7/24/2021 ♦ Speaks, Jeffrey Scott (M/52) Arrest on chrg of Fraud-obt Property (F) (238 counts) at 201 N Church St, Winstonsalem, NC, on 7/26/2021

09:30. ♦ STAFFORD, DARNELL DEMONICK was arrested on a charge of DOM CRIMINAL TRESPAS at 1604 N PATTERSON AV on 7/25/2021 ♦ Stubbs, Donald Elvis (M/59) Arrest on chrg of 1) Possession Marijuana (M), 2) Fail To Appear/compl (F), 3) Fail To Appear/compl (F), and 4) Resisting Arrest (M), at 411 Alpaugh Rd, Winston Salem, NC, on 7/22/2021 10:43. ♦ Temple, Robert Keary (M/27) Arrest on chrg of 1) B&evehicle (F), 2) Fraud-obt Property (F), 3) Fraud-obt Property (F), 4) Poss Stolen Goods (F), and 5) Misd Poss Controlled Substance (M), at 2405 Lewisville-clemmons Rd, Clemmons, NC, on 7/21/2021 18:33. ♦ THARINGTON, JEFFREY SCOTT was arrested on a charge of IMPAIRED DRIVING DWI at 2300 LEWISVILLECLEMMONS RD on 7/24/2021

♦ Miriam Callis Bumgarner, 98, of WinstonSalem, died July 23, 2021. ♦ James Ronnie Evans, 73, of Surry County, died July 21, 2021. ♦ Elizabeth “Libby” Greene Hunter Ebert, 83, of Forsyth County, died July 21, 2021. ♦ Izoria Sheppard Gordon, 93, of Forsyth County, died July 22, 2021. ♦ Stephen “Steve” Wiley Hauser, 72, of Forsyth County, died July 21, 2021. ♦ Chester Mack Hill, 87, of Belews Creek, died July 23, 2021. ♦ Seaford Robert Gray Johnston, 51, of Forsyth County, died July 23, 2021. ♦ John Irvin Jones, 84, of King, died July 22, 2021. ♦ Phyllis Juanita Wilhelm Knight, 83, of Forsyth County, died July 22, 2021. ♦ Pat Ann Barfield McDaniel, 72, died July 22, 2021. ♦ Gay Eileen Warren Myers, 84, died July 24, 2021. ♦ Betty Lou Hill Parrish, 88, of Lexington, died July 23, 2021. ♦ James “Jim” Earnest Reed, 70, of WinstonSalem, died July 21, 2021. ♦ David Anthony Ryggs Jr., 60, of Forsyth County, died July 22, 2021.

♦ TUTTLE, KIMBERLY LEIGH was arrested on a charge of DRUGS-POSS SCHED II at JONESTOWN on 7/26/2021

♦ Susie Young Scott, 64, of Forsyth County, died July 22, 2021.

♦ UZZELL, CORMALITA PEACE was arrested on a charge of MV THEFT at NORTH BROAD STREET/6TH STREET on 7/25/2021

♦ Juanita Lou Sullivan, 80, died July 24, 2021.

♦ WEBB, BRENT RASHAD was arrested on a charge of VIO. PROTECTIVE ORDER BY COURTS ANOTHER STATE/ INDIAN TRIBE at 201 N CHURCH ST on 7/26/2021 ♦ WILLIAMS, RANDALL LONORRIS was arrested on a charge of 2ND DEGREE TRESPASS at 1691 WESTBROOK PLAZA DR on 7/26/2021 ♦ Wilson, Douglas Andrew (M/44) Arrest on chrg of 1) Assault On Female (M), 2) Fail To Appear/compl (M), and 3) Fail To Appear/compl (M), at 7000 River Center Dr, Clemmons, NC, on 7/24/2021 17:18.

♦ Earl Bernard Steelman, U.S. Army Retired, 93, of Yadkin County, died July 24, 2021.

♦ Alvin Worrell, 81, of Forsyth County, died July 21, 2021.

CARR from page 1

and grantees.” “Dr. Carr will be an invaluable asset to the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation,” said Guilford County Schools Superintendent Sharon L. Contreras, PhD. “We will miss her and are grateful for the 13 years she spent in service to the students and staff of Guilford County Schools. We know that her work will now have an even greater impact across the state of North Carolina.” Carr earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from St. Louis University, a master’s in communications studies with a concentration in public relations from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and a Doctor of Education and education specialist degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Carr’s first day with the Foundation is August 9, 2021.

Twin City Herald for Wednesday, July 28, 2021

SPORTS