North State Journal Vol. 10, Issue 26

New Wilmington vet hospital explodes after car hits gas line

Wilmington A new veterinary hospital exploded Tuesday morning in North Carolina after a car crashed into a nearby gas meter, authorities said. About 20 minutes before the explosion in Wilmington, a car had run o the road and hit the gas lines that feed into the Eastern Carolina Veterinary Medical Center, which was still under construction, the Wilmington Police Department said. The driver ed the scene in their vehicle before police arrived, he said. The building had been quickly evacuated, and while re ghters were searching the building, it exploded, a Wilmington Fire Department spokesperson said. Three re ghters were injured and subsequently hospitalized — two with non-life-threatening injuries and another with severe burns to their hands and arms. No veterinary sta , construction crew members or pets were harmed in the explosion, Eastern Carolina Veterinary Referral said on social media. Police found the vehicle and the driver, who was taken into custody and under evaluation by the N.C. Highway Patrol after showing signs of impairment, o cials said.

Charlotte FC trades for Inter Miami keeper Callender

LGC approves $868.4M in projects at meeting the BRIEF this week

Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Charlotte FC acquired goalkeeper Drake Callender from Inter Miami, the clubs announced Tuesday. Inter Miami received $400,000 in general allocation money for 2025, and another $350,000 for 2026. Callender, 27, has barely played this season after su ering an injury while playing with the U.S. national team in January.

Labor Department discovers illegal mine in western NC

A Superior Court judge granted an injunction

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — The North Carolina Department of Labor uncovered an illegal mining operation in Mitchell County, leading to state enforcement action against the unpermitted site operated by Horizon 30, LLC.

According to the North Carolina Department of Labor (NCDOL) press release, the agency discovered the illegal mine in Poplar after the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration requested the NCDOL to give miner safety training at the site. During that visit, an NCDOL o cial “identi ed multiple irregularities and questioned whether the site had the required

See MINE, page A3

Trump attempts to broker peace in Ukraine

The president met separately with Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy and hopes to set up a face-to-face meeting

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump says he has begun arrangements for a face-to-face meeting between Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss a pathway to end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The president made the announcement shortly after speaking by phone with Putin on Monday as he hosted Zelenskyy and top European leaders to discuss his push to end the brutal war. The talks came amid a signi cant measure of trepidation on the continent that Trump is pressing Ukraine to make concessions that will only further embolden Putin.

“I called President Putin, and began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelenskyy,” Trump said in a social media post soon after lengthy talks with Zelenskyy and the European leaders ended. “After that meeting takes place, we will have a Trilat, which would be the two Presidents, plus myself. Again, this was a very good, early step for a War that has been going on for almost four years.”

It was not clear if Putin has fully signed on to such talks.

See SUMMIT, page A3

Wake County will receive nearly $704 million for its schools

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — The Local Government Commission approved more than $868.4 million in nancing requests at its Aug. 5 meeting to support various public projects across North Carolina. The largest approval was for Wake County, which received nearly $704 million in limited obligation bonds to fund the construction of a new Morrisville High School, a rebuild of Brentwood Elementary School and renovation of North Garner Middle School to accommodate growing student numbers with-

out requiring a tax increase.

The Local Government Commission (LGC) approved $37 million in conduit revenue bonds for Pine Lake Preparatory in Mooresville to re nance bonds and fund capital projects, a move that will save approximately $690,000 annually in debt service.

Montessori School of Raleigh, also located in Wake County, was approved for $5 million to refund prior bonds.

Housing authorities in Raleigh, Wilmington and Durham received approvals for $32.5 million, $28 million, and $22.5 million, respectively, to nance low- to moderate-income multifamily housing developments.

Other large approvals included Mooresville receiving

page A2

Housing authorities in Raleigh, Wilmington and Durham received a combined $82M for housing projects.

“We’re going to let the president go over and talk to the president, and we’ll see how that works out.”

President Donald Trump

the word | Visions and dreams

We owe everything good and beautiful to our visions. They lead us to higher things, showing glimpses of character and achievement beyond what we’ve reached, stirring discontent with our present and a longing to climb.

An artist sees something lovely and paints it. An inventor dreams of a blessing for the world, broods over it, and nally gives it form. Columbus was a dreamer. While others believed there was nothing beyond the sea, he saw a continent and heard the bidding, “Go and nd it!” Laughed at by scholars, he sailed forth and discovered a new world. All progress comes through those who dream and follow their visions.

One promised result of the Holy Spirit’s coming was fuller life: “Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams.” It’s assumed the old no longer dream — that their work is done. But death is not the end. Life continues in nitely. Paul was old when he said, “forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before.” Philippians 3:13. The aged must keep their hearts young, their love strong, and their sympathy alive. Though the body weakens, the spirit can still burn with holy re. Old men are for counsel. Their experience is needed. “Your old men will dream dreams” — of beauty, service, and love — and then seek to bring them to life. Miracles may cease in one sense, but heaven’s communication has not. God still puts into men’s hearts desires, hopes, and calls to kindness.

A legend tells of Martin, a soldier, who one winter night met a poor beggar. All he had was his cloak. He cut it in half and gave one part to the man. That night, he saw a vision of Christ wearing the half-cloak.

“This cloak,” said the King, “has Martin given to me.” Every human need we encounter is a vision of Christ appealing to us. When we serve, we serve Him.

Visions also come through beautiful lives. We all know someone whose presence inspires us to live better — not by

words or reproof, but by gentleness, purity, and peace. One said of another, “When I meet him, the air is sweeter.” Some lives command reverence. Even the irreverent fall silent in their company. Every rare Christian life awakens a heavenly vision in others. If we grasped our in uence, we would never dare to live carelessly.

“Your young men will see visions.” When the Spirit lls our lives, we glimpse what we might become. His coming is like spring to wintered elds — awakening life.

But not all visions are heavenly. If the Spirit pervades us, our visions are holy. If the spirit of evil rules, our visions debase. A vision of the world’s need for Christ inspires missionary zeal. Yet many Christians turn from sinners as if nothing can be done for them. But these are the ones who most need our compassion.

A man walking the docks in Liverpool saw piles of dirty cloth. In his mind, he saw ne garments made from them — and

made it so. When we look at outcast lives, we should not see what they are, but what they might become: children of God. This vision compels us to reach the lost. Yet some dream beautiful things but never bring them to life. Some believe prayer alone will take the place of toil. But prayer cannot replace obedience, labor, or sacri ce. You cannot pray yourself into character or pray a vision into reality. Sometimes prayer is not our duty.

Adam Clarke, the great commentator, was asked by a young preacher how he rose so early. “Do you pray about it?” the young man asked. “No,” Clarke replied, “I get up.” Some never move toward their ideals, hoping others will tell them the secret. “How do you live without worry or anxiety? I suppose it’s prayer.” The answer is, “No — I do it.” Prayer is sacred and powerful, but it will not do the work we are called to do. You must live your dreams. The artist doesn’t pray his vision into marble — he labors until the form emerges.

When the Holy Spirit touches a life, it rises to new power. Look at the disciples after Pentecost. Once timid and fearful, they became bold, eloquent, world-changing men.

Emerson said, “What I need is someone to make me do what I can.” Most of us fall short of our potential. A true friend doesn’t coddle us but inspires us to our best. The greatest gift a friend can give is a vision of nobleness and the encouragement to pursue it.

God has given us these wonderful lives — but we do not know how to use them until the Spirit breathes upon us. When we are lled with the Spirit, our young men shall see visions, and our old men shall dream dreams. Then shall our lives reach their best.

J. R. Miller (1840-1912) was a pastor and former editorial superintendent of the Presbyterian Board of Publication from 1880 to 1911. His works are now in the public domain. This is an edited version of his original.

Outer Banks await looming Hurricane Erin

The storm was forecasted to churn up dangerous swells and winds up the East Coast

By Allen G. Breed and John Seewer

The Associated Press

RODANTHE — Hurricane Erin chugged slowly toward the eastern U.S. coast Tuesday, stirring up treacherous waves that already have forced dozens of beach rescues days before the biggest storm surges are expected.

While forecasters remain con dent the center of the monster storm will remain far o shore, the outer edges are likely to bring damaging tropical-force winds, large swells and life-threatening rip currents.

Warnings about rip currents have been posted from Florida to the New England coast, with New York City closing its beaches to swimming on Wednesday and Thursday. Several Long Island and New Jersey beaches also will be o -limits.

“Enjoy the shore, enjoy this beautiful weather but stay out of the water,” New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said Tuesday.

O the coast of Massachusetts, Nantucket Island could see waves of more than 10 feet later this week. But the biggest threat is along the barrier islands of North Carolina’s Outer Banks, where evacuations have been ordered.

Erin has become an unusually large and deceptively worrisome storm while moving through the Caribbean, with its tropical storm winds stretching 200 miles from its core. Forecasters expect it will grow larger as it moves through the Atlantic and curls north.

It continued to lash the Turks and Caicos Islands on Tuesday, where government services

were suspended a day earlier and residents were ordered to stay home, along with parts of the Bahamas, before it’s expected to turn toward Bermuda and the U.S.

By Tuesday, Erin had lost some strength from previous days and dropped to a Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph, the National Hurricane Center in Miami said. It was about 655 miles south-southeast of Cape Hatteras.

Rough ocean conditions have already been seen along the U.S. coast — at least 60 swimmers were rescued from rip currents Monday at Wrightsville Beach. The biggest swells along the

“It’s

Holly Andrzejewski, Hatteras

East Coast are expected to develop Wednesday and last into Thursday.

On the Outer Banks, local leaders said Erin’s storm surge could swamp roads with waves of 15 feet. Mandatory evacuations were ordered on Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands, and more than 1,800 people

had left Ocracoke by ferry since Monday. North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein warned residents along the coast to be prepared in case they need to evacuate and declared a state of emergency on Tuesday in advance of the storm. Bulldozers were busy shoring up the dunes, and on Hatteras, the owners of a pier removed a few planks, hoping the storm surge will pass through without tearing up the structure.

Holly Andrzejewski, who just bought a bed-and-breakfast on Hatteras Island with her husband, said they spent the last few days bringing in all the outdoor furniture and making sure there were generators,

extra water and ashlights.

“It’s just one of those things where you know this is always a possibility and it could happen, and you just make the best out of it. Otherwise you wouldn’t live at the beach,” she said.

The Outer Banks’ thin stretch of low-lying barrier islands that jut into the Atlantic Ocean are increasingly vulnerable to storm surges. There are concerns that parts of the main highway could be washed out, leaving some routes impassible for days.

Farther south, no evacuations had been ordered, but some beach access points were closed as forecasts call for water levels up to 3 feet over normal high tides for several days.

$16

and Lin-

• $260,000 to Maysville (Jones County) to replace aging vehicles and equipment

• $400,000 to Elizabeth City (Pasquotank County)

gaining approval for $11.1 million to expand St. James Elementary School. Other approvals granted by the LGC included:

Winston-Salem/Forsyth Schools audit nds millions in scal mismanagement

The district faces an estimated $46 million budget de cit

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — The state auditor has released an audit report on Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools that uncovered several issues.

The Rapid Response Division of the state auditor’s o ce reviewed the nancial situation of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools (WS/FCS) after reports were made to the State Auditor’s Tipline regarding the district’s estimated $46 million budget de cit.

“Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools dug itself into a deep nancial hole, and it’s going to take real discipline to climb out of it,” North Carolina Auditor Dave Boliek said in a press release. “Our schools need to be focused on teaching students. That becomes a lot more di cult when you’re staring down a $46 million budget de cit.

“By shining a bright light on these speci c problems, it is our hope that a sense of urgency will develop in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools to right the ship in a hurry.”

The audit report contains seven areas of concern:

• More than $75 million in bonuses were given out as WS/ FCS overspent its annual revenue during FY 2022 and FY 2023.

• COVID-era temporary federal funding was used to support sta salaries, but once the funds dried up, WS/FCS absorbed the costs instead of removing positions.

• Failure to adjust full-time equivalent (FTE) sta ng levels despite declining student enrollment from 53,878 in FY 2018 to 50,550 in FY 2025 (par-

from page A1

Russia state news agency Tass cited Putin’s foreign a airs adviser Yuri Ushakov saying Putin and Trump “spoke in favor” of continuing direct talks between the Russian and Ukrainian delegations. Ushakov said they also discussed “the idea of raising the level of the direct Russian-Ukrainian negotiations.”

Zelenskyy told reporters following the White House meeting that if Russia does “not demonstrate a will to meet, then we will ask the United States to act accordingly.”

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who attended the White House talks, added in an

state environmental permits.”

“This is exactly why I’ve made it a priority to support and empower our eld sta ,” said Labor Commissioner Luke Farley. “Their experience, judgment, and vigilance are critical to keeping workers safe and enforcing the law.”

“If our sta hadn’t gone above and beyond their duty to protect workers, this illegal operation could have continued unnoticed — putting lives at risk and undermining public trust in our regulatory system,” Farley said.

When Horizon 30 failed to produce necessary documentation, the NCDOL o cial alerted the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ), which con rmed the operation was unauthorized and violated state mining laws. Legal proceedings are now underway to shut down the operation.

NCDEQ inspection reports and letters list those involved with Horizon 30 as Brent Fernandes, Sean Chipman, Bruce Carter and Theodore Carter. None of the business records or letters to Horizon 30 provides a point of contact beyond a mailing address, inhibiting attempts to reach Horizon 30 for comment.

tial year), while FTE counts rose from 6,538 to 6,783 over the same period.

• From July 1, 2024, to May 9, 2025, there were 311 manual budget overrides for 308 purchase orders out of 19,603 total, but only 33 accounts received upward adjustments within 30 days, resulting in inaccurate budget tracking and overspending.

• Failure to reassess COVID - era bonus payments, resulting in overspending current nances despite revenue shortfalls. Bonus payments totaled $98.3 million from FY 2018 to FY 2025 (partial), peaking at $53.2 million in FY 2022 when the district overspent by $3.5 million.

• Misuse of suspense accounts meant to hold transactions until proper classi cation was made. As of June 5, the to -

appearance on Fox News that “if Russia is not playing ball” on direct talks with Ukraine “the United States plus Europe will do more when it comes to tari s and sanctions” on Moscow.

Zelenskyy previously said he wanted Russia to agree to a cease re before any meeting between himself and Putin, but he said Monday that if the Ukrainians started setting conditions, the Russians would do the same.

“That’s why I believe that we must meet without any conditions and think about what development there can be of this path to the end of war,” Zelenskyy said.

Earlier, Trump said during

According to North Carolina Secretary of State records, Horizon 30 has an o ce on Wake Forest Road in Raleigh and a main o ce in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The organization was registered in North Carolina on May 29. Those records show the registrant as Brent Fernandes, who has a California address, according to NCDEQ notice letters.

Pennsylvania Secretary of State records show Horizon 30’s initial creation date as April 25, 2018.

The permit Horizon 30 applied for allows mining in an area over 50 acres. Excavations cover approximately 23 of those acres, aimed at producing solid granite ballast and stone compositions intended for emergency repairs of Hurricane Helene-damaged CSX railroad lines.

In a statement to media outlets, CSX Railroad wrote their company “has continued to work within the required regulatory framework to complete the critical infrastructure restoration project on the Blue Ridge Subdivision. We decline to comment on the practices of other companies.”

Area residents told Fox News Digital that Horizon 30’s operation along the Nolichucky Riv-

tal balance under all the suspense accounts was more than $332 million, but under standard accounting practices, all items in a suspense account should be investigated and resolved so the account regularly maintains a zero balance.

• Lack of fully reviewing all active contracts when creating the annual budget.

Additionally, the report says WS/FCS has not fully corrected other issues found during previous audits.

In response to the audit, WS/FCS Interim Superintendent Catty Moore acknowledged the report but did not necessarily agree that there was malfeasance.

“WS/FCS maintains, and we believe the Auditor’s report conrms, that the current nancial crisis which WS/FCS is experiencing was not the result

talks with Zelenskyy and the European leaders that a potential cease re and who gets Ukrainian territory seized by Russia should be hashed out during a face-to-face meeting between the warring countries’ two leaders.

“We’re going to let the president go over and talk to the president, and we’ll see how that works out,” Trump said.

That was a shift from comments Trump made soon after meeting Putin last week, when he appeared to tilt toward Putin’s demands that Ukraine make concessions over land seized by Russia, which now controls roughly one- fth of Ukrainian territory.

“If our sta hadn’t gone above and beyond their duty to protect workers, this illegal operation could have continued unnoticed.

Luke Farley, Labor commissioner

er has killed animals, and some blamed respiratory deaths on dust plumes coming from the mining site. Resident Leo Sharp submitted drone footage to Fox News Digital showing activity at the mining site. Horizon 30 received multiple communications regarding its permit issues, including a March 7, 2025, Notice of Regulatory Requirement telling the company it was operating a site that required a permit under the North Carolina Mining Act. An additional violation letter went out June 5.

A little over a month later, on April 11, NCDEQ received an incomplete application, and on May 6, Horizon 30 received a Notice of Violation (NOV) for mining without a permit that required the company to cease

as Kranz, resigned around the same time as McManus.

McManus indicated at an April 2 school board meeting that approximately $13 million in “fund balance” used to cover salary bonuses and pay increases in 2024 was done without notifying the board. That fund balance refers to the Sun Balance, which is federal and local funds used for school meals.

The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners rejected a $32.1 million loan request from WS/FCS during their 2025-26 budget meeting in May.

On May 1, the State Board of Education issued a letter to WS/ FCS about ndings from a delayed district audit, which was four months late and included similar concerns as the state auditor’s report. The district responded to the state board’s letter, saying it would implement corrective measures.

of any illegal misappropriation of funds or fraudulent behavior on the part of any member of its Finance Department or district leadership,” Moore wrote. “It was the result of years of poor accounting practices and lack of nancial management. WS/ FCS accepts accountability for its nancial mistakes and will take all necessary steps to restore the nancial health of this district.”

Moore’s letter also outlined corrective actions for each of the audit ndings.

WS/FCS’s nancial issues gained attention earlier this year before Moore was named interim superintendent in early June.

In April, Moore’s predecessor, Tricia McManus, announced she was resigning to “focus on family.” The district’s chief nancial o cer, Thom-

Trump also announced Monday he would back European security guarantees for Ukraine as he met with Zelenskyy and the leaders of France, Britain, Germany, Italy and Finland, as well as the president of the European Commission and the head of NATO.

Trump stopped short of committing U.S. troops to a collective e ort to bolster Ukraine’s security. He said instead that there would be a “NATO-like” security presence and that all those details would be hashed out with EU leaders.

“They want to give protection and they feel very strongly about it, and we’ll help them out with that,” Trump said.

all related mining activities and directing Horizon 30 to either submit a complete a mining permit application or restore the site.

A complete application was received May 16, when the permit application fee was received.

Eleven days later, NCDEQ did a follow-up inspection, which showed that violations outlined in the NOV had not been rectied and additional mining had occurred at the site since the inspection on April 23.

In a letter dated May 16, Horizon 30 CFO Sean Chipman responded to the NOV, writing that the site was providing necessary materials for emergency rebuilding of the CSX Blue Ridge Subdivision railroad service lines damaged from Tropical Storm Helene.

Chipman stated that Horizon 30 “relies upon emergency permits, authorizations, waivers and other applicable allowances for services supporting Emergency Railway Repairs and Executive Orders of the President of the United States, including those supporting the America First initiative and energy independence, as well as prior and concurrent emergency response directives.”

Chipman also wrote the company had made “corrective mea-

Not mentioned in either the state board’s letter or WS/ FCS’s response is that the district allegedly owes the Internal Revenue Service approximately $7.8 million related to the failure to report withholding monies.

During a June 10 press conference, Moore brie y mentioned “issues with the IRS” but did not give details other than it had to do with payroll taxes going back to 2021.

When North State Journal reached out to WS/FCS for comment on the IRS issue, a district spokesperson said the district had been in contact with the IRS and “there may be funds owed for the withholding due and for interest penalties.”

In a follow-up on the topic, the spokesperson said six quarters of withholding were paid late or without the proper reconciliation, but WS/ FCS has corrected those issues and is waiting for the IRS to respond on what the district might owe.

Zelenskyy said deep U.S. involvement in the emerging security guarantees is crucial.

“It is important that the United States make a clear signal, namely that they will be among the countries that will help to coordinate and also will participate in security guarantees for Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said.

Speaking Monday before the White House meetings took place, Russia’s Foreign Ministry rejected the idea of a possible NATO peacekeeping force in Ukraine. Such a scenario could lead to further escalation and “unpredictable consequences,” ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova warned.

sures” to address issues presented by NCDEQ in its earlier letter.

On July 21, the North Carolina Department of Justice led for an injunction in Mitchell County against Horizon 30 on behalf of NCDEQ. Even though a complaint was led, NCDEQ held a public hearing on July 29 on Horizon 30’s application for the mining site in Mitchell County. Chipman was noti ed of the hearing by letter.

On Aug. 11, Superior Court Judge Ted McIntire agreed to the state’s request for a temporary injunction, with Horizon 30 immediately ceasing its operations. McIntire’s District 24 seat covers Avery, Madison, Mitchell, Watauga and Yancey counties.

Steven Weber, the lawyer representing Horizon 30, told the judge mining had stopped on Aug. 9, and the company would withdraw its current mining application and submit a new plan within 30 days.

McIntire’s order also stated material can no longer be moved o the site and Horizon 30 must submit a remediation plan to NCDEQ within 30 days. Any violations of the order could result in civil and criminal penalties. An additional hearing is tentatively scheduled for Sept. 23.

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

The conversation continues

I am convinced that nothing of value happens apart from God’s hand, and it is my hope that this witness continues to anchor our work in something greater than ourselves.

JOHN SKVARLA HAD a way of distilling complex challenges into simple, actionable truths. A businessman, lawyer and public servant, he was as comfortable in the boardroom as in the public square. As North Carolina’s secretary of Environment and Natural Resources, and later as secretary of Commerce, he gave a master class in leadership almost every day. I was fortunate to work with him in government and law practice. I was blessed to call him a friend and mentor who was the inspiration for North State Journal.

When faced with transition opportunities, John hunted for opportunities to move from “three to two.” It meant nding a way to take three positions — including the vacant ones — and combine the work and talent into two positions. It wasn’t just about cutting costs. It was about adding value, trusting people to rise to the occasion and ensuring the enterprise was always stronger after the change.

That lesson, and many others from John, have guided me on my professional journey, especially in these past 10 years as publisher of North State Journal. From the very beginning, our mission has been to ll a void in the media landscape and tell the story of our remarkable state. As I prepare to leave this role to take on a new challenge in service to our country, I have found a three-to-two opportunity. Trip Ho end, who has masterfully led the operations of our presses in Charlotte and managed many of the critical cost and revenue areas of our company, will become publisher and absorb much of my content and oversight roles. Jim Sills, who has led our local newspapers and special publications with vision and creativity, will become chief operating o cer and shoulder the circulation and advertising oversight from my role. By dividing my responsibilities between two trusted leaders, we are gaining strength. With Cory Lavalette and his team of seasoned and decorated journalists, our newspaper is in the steady hands of people who understand its mission and potential.

But before I go, let’s re ect — not just on what we’ve built together, but on who has made it possible.

First and foremost is my family. This work has not come without sacri ce. My wife, Beth, has been both a patient partner

BE IN TOUCH

and an honest counselor. I am the kite, and she is my string. Our boys, Everett and James, have grown up with a father who often had to put the paper to bed instead of them. They’ve also been with me as we traveled the state to be a part of the best times in the best places — and through that work and experiences, we are all improved. They gave me grace when deadlines stretched late and weekends blurred into Mondays. Whatever credit may be attached to my name belongs equally to them.

I owe a similar debt to my incomparable parents, Lynn and Wanda, who instilled in me the conviction that ideas and institutions matter, hard work is honorable and service to one’s community is the highest calling. They encouraged me to dream bigger than my circumstances and reminded me that perseverance matters as much as talent.

And then there is the sta of North State Journal — past and present. From those who took a gamble on a brandnew statewide paper in 2016 to those who joined later and carried the mission forward, every page we’ve printed is testimony to their creativity, patience and professionalism. Producing a newspaper each week is not glamorous work. It is a grind of reporting late-night meetings, catching typos before the presses roll and elding the calls of readers who care deeply about what we do. Our sta has embraced that grind with pride. They are the beating heart of this enterprise.

Of course, a newspaper is nothing without its readers. From Murphy to Manteo, in every county of this state, readers have subscribed, written letters, shared articles and supported us. Your engagement has shaped our coverage and sharpened our mission. You have reminded us that our work is not for ourselves but for the communities we serve. We set out to create North Carolina’s only statewide newspaper, and that vision has only been realized because you chose to read, respond and renew.

The mission of this paper has always been simple: to tell North Carolina’s story with fairness, depth and a commitment to the future of our state. We believed then, as now, that our state deserves more than recycled headlines and eeting digital distractions. We deserve a permanent record of who we are, what we value

and where we are headed. That mission endures, even as leadership changes.

For me personally, nothing in this journey mattered more than grounding our work in timeless truth. Since Volume 5, every issue of North State Journal has included The Word — a passage of Scripture bringing the eternal wisdom of Almighty God onto our pages. Editing that page each week has been a labor of love and a harbor of truth in a storm of spin, misinformation and viewpoints. I am convinced that nothing of value happens apart from God’s hand, and it is my hope that this witness continues to anchor our work in something greater than ourselves.

Transitions are always bittersweet. Saying goodbye to this role means letting go of something I helped to plant and grow. But it also means entrusting it to people who will water it with fresh ideas and renewed energy. For me, it means taking on a new assignment — serving rural America at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It is work that feels like a natural extension of my roots in Asheboro, my lifelong commitment to rural communities and the work of North State Journal.

So before I turn the page, I want to look around the newsroom, the pressroom and the state, once more. To my family, my colleagues and our readers across North Carolina — thank you for believing in a vision many thought impossible and proving that a community with shared values can engage with truth and nd common ground.

From the start, our mission has been to elevate the conversation in North Carolina — to move beyond noise and partisanship, to ask better questions, and to remind ourselves that ideas and institutions matter. I am grateful to have been part of that conversation with you, and I intend to remain part of it in the years ahead.

As I hand this role to new leadership, I leave with gratitude, hope and conviction that North State Journal will continue to ll the void, tell North Carolina’s story and elevate the conversation. My request to you is simple: keep reading, keep questioning and keep engaging. The conversation continues.

Neal Robbins is publisher of North State Journal.

Letters addressed to the editor may be sent to letters@nsjonline.com or 1201 Edwards Mill Rd., Suite 300, Raleigh, NC 27607. Letters may be edited for style, length or clarity when necessary. Ideas for op-eds should be sent to opinion@nsjonline.com.

Contact a writer or columnist: connect@northstatejournal.com

Trump administration ensuring colleges follow Supreme Court ruling

Rather than simply pick the best quali ed applicants, these “percent plans” allow universities to indirectly implement a rmative action under the table.

WITH CONCERNS that some universities are bypassing the Supreme Court’s ruling to ban a rmative action in admissions, President Donald Trump and his administration are working overtime to ensure institutions of higher learning follow the law moving forward.

In 2023, the Supreme Court ruled in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard that using a race-based admissions process for potential students is illegal and in violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

The immediate aftermath was positive, and many universities again started relying on merit and standardized testing scores. However, some universities began looking for alternatives to take their racial discrimination in admissions underground. In other words, they kept illegally discriminating against students while pretending they were not.

One common tactic universities use is what the Manhattan Institute has described as “percent plans.” These percent plans are now used in numerous prominent colleges, including the State University of New York, University of Texas at Austin, Texas Agricultural and Mechanical University (Texas A&M) and the University of California (UC) system.

Rather than simply pick the best-quali ed applicants, these “percent plans” allow universities to indirectly implement a rmative action under the table. With these plans, universities simply guarantee that the top percent of students in each high school class within a state receive admission based on GPA. Considering that most states have high schools that are majority-minority, this practice guarantees a certain amount of each incoming class will be a speci c race.

The percentage is di erent depending on the university and state. In Texas, thenGov. George W. Bush signed a bill into law in 1997 mandating a top 10% rule for public universities. California currently has a rule in place granting the top 9% of graduates from high schools direct admission to the UC system.

While all high school students, regardless of race, deserve equal access to public universities, this is certainly not the way to achieve it. These “percent plans” are nothing more than quotas enacted as an alternative form of a rmative action.

Unfortunately, universities are also nding other ways to bypass the Supreme Court. Take Duke University, for example.

Duke President Vincent Price released a statement last year promoting advancing “racial and social equity.”

Price is apparently a man of his word. The university has openly participated in “regional recruiting” within the state, a tactic often used to attain students in majority-minority locations.

The university has also taken the additional step of guaranteeing full tuition grants to students from North Carolina and South Carolina with families with an income of less than $150,000. While this may appear as a move to help struggling families send their students to a prestigious university, the school has made the goal clear to circumvent the a rmative action ban.

Duke University administrators adopted this policy a week before the Supreme Court’s decision to ban a rmative action when the outcome appeared inevitable. Then-dean of admissions Christoph Guttentag explained that “diversity is not one-dimensional” and that it “manifests in various and interconnected ways” when asked about the situation.

EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS

MICHAEL CASEY / AP PHOTO

People walk through Harvard’s campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in March.

He later added in a thinly veiled comment that o ering this tuition grant helped Duke in “maintaining racial diversity” the following year.

When other universities saw a decline in minority students after the a rmative action ban, Duke University saw a slight increase with the new tuition policy being introduced.

With serious concerns regarding universities nding new ways such as these to bypass the a rmative action ban, the Trump administration is thankfully working to curb this issue. On Aug. 7, Trump signed an executive order to enforce transparency in the university admissions process.

The executive order will require colleges that receive federal funding to provide more admissions data to the Department of Education to ensure these institutions are not using other tactics to bypass the Supreme Court’s a rmative action ban.

Colleges must now “submit the data necessary to verify that their admissions do not involve unlawful discrimination,” according to the White House. The idea is that the federal government can look at the data and determine if schools are still using racial quotas or other strategies to admit speci c students.

This is in addition to the Trump administration aggressively targeting schools this year that heavily relied on a rmative action in the past and zealously promoted diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and programs, such as the University of Pennsylvania, Harvard University, and Brown University. University administrators have often shown themselves to be bad actors in the past who care more about pushing their political agendas than doing what is best for their schools and students. Attempting to bypass the Supreme Court’s a rmative action ruling is just the most recent example.

The Trump administration’s e orts to ensure universities are transparent with their admissions data going forward are a great rst step in holding these administrators responsible. Every child deserves a fair opportunity to go to college. In order to achieve this goal, schools should accept the best applicants they receive, regardless of any student’s race or background.

Casey Ryan is a writer and investigative reporter at Defending Education. This column was originally published by Daily Caller News Foundation.

STEPHEN MOORE

‘Drill, baby, drill’ is working

WELL, SO MUCH for the vaunted renewable energy “transition” to save the planet. This was always a fable. We get 80% of our energy from fossil fuels, and with Donald Trump now in the White House, that ratio is rising, not falling.

A Reuters headline from recent days tells the real story: “US crude production to hit record 13.41 million (barrels per day) in 2025 before falling.”

The data from the International Energy Agency tells the same story about clean natural gas: We’re producing more of it than ever before. Why shouldn’t we? The U.S. has greater access to clean, cheap, reliable and made-in-America natural gas than any other nation. Natural gas is far cheaper and less land-intensive than ugly wind and solar farms that industrialize America’s natural landscape beauty.

All told, American energy in the ground is a $50 trillion treasure chest right under our feet. The commercial value of this abundance is nearly enough to pay o our entire national debt. We would be lunatics to leave it in the ground.

The rapid revival of America as an energy superpower under Trump should come as no surprise. This is a continuation of a 15-year trend thanks to the fracking and horizontal drilling revolution that has nearly tripled U.S. annual production.

Even under Joe Biden — who was as green as poison ivy — oil and gas production hit new highs. But that was mostly due to the sharp rise in oil prices when Biden became president.

Crude was more than $100 in 2022 and generally ranged between $70 and $85 for the rest of Biden’s term. At $100 a barrel, drillers will search for oil in your backyard. If not for Biden’s environmental regulations and the cancellation of vital energy infrastructure, such as the Keystone XL pipeline, we would have produced far more oil under Biden. Gas wouldn’t have gone up to $5 a gallon.

What’s impressive about the Trump oil production spike is that it’s happened even as the global spot price of oil has fallen. In other words, we’re getting the best of both worlds: made-in-America energy and low prices at the pump. The Energy Information Administration reports forecasts that gas prices will keep falling to below $3 a gallon by next year. That is, unless you live in California, where gas still costs above $5 a gallon.

Let’s not forget the national security bene ts from this pro-drilling strategy. More U.S. drilling means less pro ts for Iran, Russia and other enemies of freedom. It weakens Vladimir Putin’s hand and drives him to the negotiating table since the Russian economy is dependent on natural gas exports for survival. This story is a helpful reminder that policy directly impacts everyone’s lives and that a president’s policies matter. One of Biden’s rst executive orders was to cancel the Keystone XL pipeline to slow oil and gas delivery across the country. Trump rescinded the order on the rst day of his second term, making oil and gas production a national security and economic priority.

As a result, we are looking at a future with America dominating global energy markets, and prices here at home continuing to fall.

Stephen Moore is a former economic adviser to Donald Trump, co-founder of Unleash Prosperity and a visiting fellow at the Heritage Foundation.

Crime issue threatens to bite Democrats once again

Democrats have seemingly backed themselves into a corner once again.

IN THE SUMMER of 2020 amid the George Floyd riots, Democrats and their media allies embraced elements of the “Defund the Police” movement, coddling it to the nth degree heading into the fall presidential and Congressional elections.

As I’ve written before, prominent Democrats fueled the “police are bad” re. Among them were future Vice President Kamala Harris, who supported a bail fund for extremist defundthe-police “protesters,” many of whom were arrested for their role in virtually destroying entire city blocks in Minneapolis via looting, res and violence.

Then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) called federal o cers “stormtroopers” and part of then-President Trump’s supposed “secret police” force when they were sent in to help riotplagued cities like Portland, Oregon, deal with demonstrators trying to burn down federal courthouses.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) was among a group of radical congressmembers who unapologetically opposed funding for police departments, stating during the debate in New York City on reallocating police funding that “defunding police means defunding police.”

The constant drumbeat of anti-police rhetoric from Democrats ended up hurting House Democrats in that year’s elections, with some Democratic leaders acknowledging after the fact how their association with the movement led people to believe they were soft on crime.

“‘Defund the police’ is killing our party, and we’ve got to stop it,” then-House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-S.C.) said in a 2020 postelection interview.

Here we are, some ve years later, and Democrats have seemingly backed themselves into a corner once again on this issue in the aftermath of President Donald Trump federalizing law enforcement in Washington, D.C., in response to some high-pro le violent crimes that happened there in recent weeks and which made national headlines.

One of them was the June 30 murder of Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, 21, who was an intern for Rep. Ron Estes (R-Kan.). The other was the violent Aug. 3 assault on former DOGE sta er Edward Coristine, 19, who reportedly was coming to the defense of a woman who was allegedly being carjacked.

The immediate reaction from Democrats was to accuse Trump of an unconstitutional power grab (wrong) and to repeatedly claim that crime was actually down in D.C.

Beyond the countless stories shared on social media by people who have been victimized in D.C., the problem with that statement is that the crime stats are in dispute as accusations y that the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has been massaging its numbers to make crime data look better than it actually is.

In fact, one lawsuit on this matter, led in 2020, was quietly settled earlier this year.

“Police brass repeatedly told o cers to downgrade theft cases, knife attacks, and

violent assaults to lesser o enses, according to internal MPD emails, depositions, and phone call transcripts,” a story from the Free Beacon on allegations made by former MPD Sgt. Charlotte Djossou.

This May, a police commander with the MPD was suspended over allegations that the department was “falsifying crime data” by manipulating it to “make it appear violent crime has fallen considerably compared to last year,” according to a report from NBC News Washington.

The D.C. Police Union has also injected some reality into the discussion, writing that “crime is spiraling out of control” and suggesting “immediate action is necessary to restore public safety.” They also agree with Trump’s decision, although they feel it “must be a temporary measure, with the ultimate goal of empowering a fully sta ed and supported MPD to protect our city e ectively.”

We’ll see how all of this plays out in the coming weeks and months. But with crime again being a top priority for voters as we head into the 2026 midterm election campaign season, Democrats shouldn’t be too surprised if this issue comes back to haunt them once again.

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

Murphy to Manteo

You’re in!

This week, some 63,000 rising public

in North Carolina are receiving direct admission letters by mail. These letters notify students they’ve already been accepted to several in-state colleges and universities without needing to apply through the traditional process. The letters correspond to direct admission for the 2026-27 academic year and include a QR code guiding students to NCCollegeConnect.org to claim their

Participating UNC System universities

EAST

PIEDMONT

HPU freshmen host kids’ bike giveaway

be built in Cabarrus County within the next few years, Novant Health said last week. Novant said in an Aug. 14 announcement it has been approved to build a 50 -bed community hospital along Trinity Church Road in Concord. The facility is expected to open in 2030 and will be “state of the art” and “energy e cient.”

The hospital will include an emergency room, procedure rooms, diagnostic imaging, lab services, labor and delivery services, general medicine and surgical care. The health care provider said that on top of those services, the facility will have the exibility to expand to meet future needs. Novant said its new hospital will be a “critical access point” and lls a more than 40 -mile gap between its hospitals in Rowan and Mecklenburg counties. Novant Health has 19 hospitals across the Carolinas and nearly 900 clinics and facilities.

NSJ

Guilford County High Point University freshmen assembled 150 bicycles Sunday afternoon before surprising local children with the new rides, according to university o cials. The children, from D -Up Inc., Growing the Distance and the Community Writing Center, were invited to the Millis Athletic and Convocation Center on campus for the surprise, o cials said. Earlier in the day, students worked in two shifts to assemble the bikes as part of an initiative to connect with the community.

NSJ

School employee charged with indecent liberties with student

Randolph County

A man has been charged with sex crimes in the Piedmont Triad, according to documents. According to warrants, William Edward Villano, 30, of Trinity, is accused of engaging in sexual activity with an underage student at Uhwarrie Ridge, where he was working, last October. He was taken into custody last week and charged with two counts of felony sex act with a student and two counts of felony indecent liberties with a student. He was given a $45,000 bond. WXII

Parents killed, children injured in single-car crash

Orange County Authorities said on Sunday that a husband and wife died and two of their children were injured in an Orange County crash along I-85/40 last week. The single - car crash happened Friday afternoon on north I-85/east I- 40 near U.S. 70 at mile marker 161 when a 2018 Honda Odyssey went o the highway to the right, hit several trees, then went down an embankment and struck a large tree, N.C. Highway Patrol Sgt. Tyler Tucker said. The person in the front passenger seat, Maria Nunney, 50, of Cleveland, Ohio, died at the scene, Tucker said. The driver and Maria Nunney’s husband, Donald Nunney, 55, was airlifted to a local hospital but later died there, according to Tucker. Two of their children, a 9 -year- old boy and a 14 -year- old girl, were in the back seat and were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment and were in serious condition. The cause of the wreck is still under investigation.

WGHP

MCAS Cherry Point welcomes new commanding o cer

Craven County Col. Timothy Drieslein became MCAS Cherry Point’s new commanding o cer after a change of command ceremony held last week. Col. Brendan “Cletus” Burks was in the position for three years. During Burks’ time, Cherry Point won the “Air Station of the Year” award two years in a row. It is Drieslein’s fth tour at Cherry Point. Marines, elected o cials and community members all lled the base theater to say goodbye to one commanding o cer and welcome a new one.

WNCN

Residents urged to take ferries to mainland ahead of storm

Hyde County

The

Suspects arrested in Facebook robbery scheme

Cumberland County

A young man and a youth were arrested after a robbery at gunpoint Saturday during a ruse to buy a cellphone via Facebook near Fayetteville. The unusual theft happened just south of Fayetteville, where the victim planned to sell a cellphone to a buyer met via Facebook, according to a Cumberland County Sheri ’s O ce news release.

The two suspects — who said they would buy the cellphone — then met at the victim’s home, brandished a rearm and stole the phone, deputies said. The duo then ed the area in a silver sedan, later found in the 1800 block of Catawba Street in Fayetteville by the Fayetteville Police Department. As Fayetteville police arrived at the scene, the thieves tried to run into a nearby home but were caught, deputies said. The Cumberland County Sheri ’s O ce then raided the house and discovered two guns, which were seized.

WITN

California Democrats release plan to gerrymander seats in state House

The move is a counter to Texas’ e orts to shift more power to the GOP

The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — In a display of cutthroat yet calculated politics, Democrats unveiled a proposal that could give California’s dominant political party an additional ve U.S. House seats in a bid to win control of Congress next year.

The plan calls for an unusually timed reshaping of House district lines to greatly strengthen the Democratic advantage in the state ahead of midterm elections, when Republicans will defend a fragile majority.

It amounts to a counterpunch to Texas, where the GOP is trying to add ve seats to its House delegation at the urging of President Donald Trump as he tries to avoid losing control of Congress and, with it, prospects for his conservative agenda in the latter part of his term.

If approved by voters in November, the California blueprint could nearly erase Republican House members in the nation’s most populous state.

The Democratic plan is intended to win the party 48 of its 52 U.S. House seats, up from 43.

The campaign arm of House Democrats, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, released the maps last Friday, and the Democratic-led Legislature later posted them online. State lawmakers plan to hold hearings and vote on the new maps next week.

to long-serving Republican Rep. Ken Calvert, Democratic and Republican registration is currently split about evenly.

But in the redrawn district, Democratic registration would jump to 46% with GOP registration falling to 26%.

Other Republicans whose districts would see major changes intended to favor Democrats include Reps. Kevin Kiley in Northern California, David Valadao in the Central Valley farm belt and Darrell Issa in San Diego County. Also, embattled Democratic incumbents would see their districts padded with additional left-leaning voters.

Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom said last Thursday that his state will hold a Nov. 4 special referendum on the redrawn districts.

“Californians oppose Newsom’s stunt because they won’t let a self-serving politician rig the system to further his career.”

Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.)

“This is about more than drawing lines on a map. It’s about drawing a line in the sand to stop Texas and Trump from rigging the election,” state Senate Democratic leader Mike McGuire said in a statement. While a general notion behind drawing districts is to unite what’s called communities of interest — neighborhoods and cities that share similar concerns or demo -

graphic traits — the proposed remapping would create a jigsaw of oddly shaped districts to maximize Democratic clout.

The 1st Congressional District is currently anchored in the state’s conservative far northeast corner and is represented by Republican Rep. Doug LaMalfa, a Trump supporter. The district has a nearly 18-point GOP registration edge.

Under the proposal, Democrats would end up with a 10-point registration advantage there after drastic reshaping to include parts of heavily Democratic Sonoma County near the Paci c Coast.

In a post on the social platform X, LaMalfa called the proposal “absolutely ridiculous.”

In the battleground 41st District east of Los Angeles, home

Pakistan defends ood response after 270-plus killed NATION & WORLD

O cials have been accused of not alerting those in danger

By Muhammad Sajjad and Riaz Khan

The Associated Press

BUNER, Pakistan — Rescuers recovered dozens more bodies from the rubble of collapsed homes in a northwestern district of Pakistan, bringing the death toll to at least 274, as authorities defended their response to the ooding and said they did not need any foreign help at this point.

Heavy rains and ooding also killed dozens of people in neighboring Kashmir.

Mohammad Suhail, a spokesman for Pakistan’s emergency service, said 54 bodies were found in Buner, a mountainous area in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where torrential rains and cloudbursts triggered massive ooding last Friday.

Suhail said villagers remain missing, and search e orts are focused on areas where homes were attened by torrents of water that swept down from the mountains, carrying boulders that smashed into houses like explosions.

Authorities have warned of more deluges and possible landslides, urging local administrations to remain on alert. Higher-than-normal monsoon rains have lashed the country since June 26 and killed more than 600. In India-administered Kashmir, located across Pakistan’s northeastern border, rains triggered more ash oods in two villages in the Kathua district, killing seven people, o cials said Sunday. Rescuers in Chositi

“If people had been informed earlier, lives could have been saved and residents could have moved to safer places.”

Mohammad Iqbal, Pir Baba schoolteacher

village are still looking for dozens of missing people after the area was hit by ash oods last week during an annual Hindu pilgrimage. At least 60 people were killed, and some 150 were injured. More than 300 others were rescued. Residents in Buner have accused o cials of failing to warn them to evacuate after torrential rain and cloudbursts triggered deadly ooding and land-

slides. There was no warning broadcast from mosque loudspeakers, a traditional method in remote areas.

The government said that while an early warning system was in place, the sudden downpour in Buner was so intense that the deluge struck before residents could be alerted.

Lt. Gen. Inam Haider, chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority, told a hastily convened news conference in Islamabad that Pakistan was experiencing shifting weather patterns because of climate change. Since the monsoon season began in June, Pakistan has already received 50% more rainfall than in the same period last year, he added.

He warned that more intense weather could follow, with heavy rains forecast to continue this month.

Some countries have reached

O -duty NYPD o cer

fatally shoots man

New York

An o -duty New York

Police Department o cer fatally shot a man who was pointing a fake gun at the o cer last Friday night on Staten Island, according to law enforcement. At about 8 p.m., a 911 call came in about a man with a gun at the back of a diner, o cials said. An o -duty o cer then spotted the same man with what appeared to be a rearm and told another o -duty o cer. They told the man to put the rearm down, but instead he pointed it at the o cers, police said. One o cer then red at the man.

New Orleans mayor indicted over relationship cover-up

“We can’t stand back and watch this democracy disappear district by district all across the country,” Newsom said.

The announcement marked the rst time any state beyond Texas o cially waded into Trump’s ght, though several governors and legislative leaders from both parties have threatened such moves.

Rep. Richard Hudson of North Carolina, who heads the House GOP campaign arm, accused Newsom, a potential 2028 presidential candidate, of “shredding California’s Constitution and disenfranchising voters.”

“Californians oppose Newsom’s stunt because they won’t let a self-serving politician rig the system to further his career,” said Hudson, who heads the National Republican Congressional Committee.

out to Islamabad o ering help, but Haider said Pakistan has su cient resources and does not require foreign assistance at this time.

Asfandyar Khan Khattak, director-general of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority, said “no forecasting system anywhere in the world” could predict the exact time and location of a cloudburst, a sudden and intense downpour.

Mohammad Iqbal, a schoolteacher in Pir Baba village, said the lack of a timely warning system caused casualties and forced many to ee their homes at the last moment.

“Survivors escaped with nothing,” he said. “If people had been informed earlier, lives could have been saved and residents could have moved to safer places.”

Idrees Mahsud, a disaster management o cial, said Pakistan’s early warning system used satellite imagery and meteorological data to send alerts to local authorities. These were shared through the media and community leaders. He said monsoon rains that once only swelled rivers now also triggered urban ooding.

An emergency services spokesman in Buner, Mohammad Sohail, said more than half the damaged roads in the district had reopened by Sunday, allowing vehicles and heavy machinery to reach cuto villages.

Crews were clearing piles of rocks and mud dumped by the oods. They were still using heavy machinery to remove the rubble of collapsed homes after families reported that some of their relatives were missing. In one of the deadliest incidents, 24 people from one family died in the village of Qadar Nagar when oodwaters swept through their home on the eve of a wedding. The head of the family, Umar Khan, said he survived the oods because he was out of the house at the time. Four of his relatives have yet to be found.

New Orleans New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell was indicted last Friday in what prosecutors called a yearslong scheme to hide a romantic relationship with her bodyguard, who is accused of being paid as if he was working even when they met alone in apartments and traveled to vineyards for wine tasting. Cantrell faces charges of conspiracy, fraud and obstruction, less than ve months before she leaves o ce due to term limits. The rst female mayor in New Orleans’ 300year history was elected twice but now becomes the city’s rst mayor to be charged while in o ce. Cantrell’s bodyguard, Je rey Vappie, was already facing wire fraud charges and making false statements. He has pleaded not guilty.

Island o Indonesia shaken by 5.8 quake Palu, Indonesia

A magnitude 5.8 undersea earthquake shook the eastern side of Indonesia on Sunday morning, injuring 29 people, including two in critical condition. The quake struck 9.3 miles north of Poso district in Central Sulawesi province, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, and was followed by at least 15 aftershocks. Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency said most of the injured had been taken to the regional government hospital. Most of them were the congregation attending Sunday morning service at a church, said National Disaster Mitigation Agency spokesperson Abdul Muhari on Sunday.

Russian industrial plant re kills 11, injures 130

Moscow

A re at an industrial plant in Russia’s Ryazan region last Friday killed 11 people and injured 130, Russian o cials said. The blaze broke out Friday at the Elastik plant in the Shilovsky District, around 155 miles southeast of Moscow. According to the Russian state news agency RIA Novosti, a gunpowder workshop at the facility caught re and triggered the blast. It was the second deadly explosion at the Elastik plant in less than four years. In October 2021, 17 people were killed in an explosion at manufacturer Razryad.

Target, Ulta will not renew 2021 partnership

New York Target and Ulta Beauty are parting ways, ending a partnership launched in 2021 that created in-store shops lled with beauty products at hundreds of the discounter’s stores. According to a joint release issued last Thursday, the companies said they have “mutually agreed” not to renew their pact, which concludes in August 2026. Until then, the Ulta Beauty experience at Target will continue in Target stores and on Target.com, the release said. Ulta is currently in 600 of Target’s roughly 1,980 stores, according to a Target spokesperson.

Nike co-founder Knight pledges $2B to Oregon cancer center Portland, Ore.

An Oregon university says Nike co-founder Phil Knight and his wife, Penny Knight, have pledged a record $2 billion to its cancer center. Oregon Health & Science University described the donation last Thursday as the “largest single donation ever made to a U.S. university, college or academic health center.” It surpasses the $1.8 billion Michael Bloomberg gave to Johns Hopkins in 2018, which was described by that university at the time as the largest single donation to a U.S. university. Universities across the country are struggling with moves from President Donald Trump’s administration to cancel or freeze research grants at universities.

Kellogg to remove arti cial dyes by end of 2027

New York

WK Kellogg Co. plans to remove arti cial dyes from its breakfast cereals in the next two and a half years. That’s according to the company and the attorney general of Texas. The maker of Froot Loops and Apple Jacks gave the timeline last Thursday as U.S. food producers face pressure from the U.S. government and consumers to phase out synthetic colorings. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton says Kellogg signed an agreement assuring his o ce that the Michigan-based company would “permanently remove toxic dyes” from its cereals by the end of 2027. Kellogg says it already had committed to doing that and to stop launching new products with the dyes in January 2026.

Werner recalls more than 100K ladders

Werner is recalling more than 100,000 faulty ladders due to a locking mechanism that can fail, potentially causing users to fall and injure themselves. In cooperation with federal consumer product regulators, Werner is recalling 122,250 Multi-Max Pro ladders that come in 20- and 24-foot sizes. The ladders were sold exclusively at Home Depot between November 2021 and February 2024. The Illinois-based company said owners of the recalled ladders should stop using them immediately and register on the company’s website to begin the process for a full refund.

US will build $750M Texas y factory to ght cattle parasite

The USDA aims to release sterile ies and ramp up detection e orts

By John Hanna The Associated Press

THE U.S. PLANS to build a $750 million factory in southern Texas to breed billions of sterile ies, ramping up its efforts to keep esh-eating maggots in Mexico from crossing the border and damaging the American cattle industry.

Secretary Brooke Rollins announced last Friday that the U.S. Department of Agriculture hopes to be producing and releasing sterile male New World screwworm ies into the wild within a year from the new factory on Moore Air Base outside Edinburg, Texas, about 20 miles from the border. She also said the USDA plans to deploy $100 million in technology, such as y traps and lures, step up border patrols by “tick riders” mounted on horseback and train dogs to sni out the parasite.

In addition, Rollins said the U.S. border will remain closed to cattle, horse and bison imports from Mexico until the U.S. sees that the pest is being pushed back south toward Panama, where the y had been contained through late last year through the breeding of sterile ies there. The U.S. has closed its border to those imports three times in the past eight months, the last in July, following a report of an infestation about 370 miles from the Texas border. American o cials wor-

“Farm security is national security.”

Brooke Rollins, Agriculture secretary

ry that if the y reaches Texas, its esh-eating maggots could cause billions of dollars in economic losses and cause already record retail beef prices to rise even more, fueling greater in ation. The parasite can also infest wildlife, household pets and, occasionally, humans.

“Farm security is national security,” Rollins said during a news conference at the Texas State Capitol in Austin with Tex-

as Gov. Greg Abbott. “All Americans should be concerned. But it’s certainly Texas and our border and livestock-producing states that are on the front lines of this every day.”

The pest was a problem for the American cattle industry for decades until the U.S. largely eradicated it in the 1970s by breeding and releasing sterile male ies to breed with wild females. It shut down y factories on U.S. soil afterward.

The Mexican cattle industry has been hit hard by infestations and the U.S. closing its border to imports.

Mexico’s Agriculture ministry said in a statement last Friday that Mexico Agriculture and Rural Development Sec-

retary Julio Berdegué Sacristán and Rollins signed a screwworm control action plan. It includes monitoring with y-attracting traps and establishing that livestock can only be moved within Mexico through government-certi ed corrals, the statement said.

“We will continue with conversations that lead to actions that will permit the reopening of livestock exports,” Berdegué posted on X.

The new y-breeding factory in Texas would be the rst on U.S. soil in decades and represents a ramping up of the USDA’s spending on breeding and releasing sterile New World screwworm ies. The sterile males are released in large enough numbers that wild females can’t help but mate with them, producing sterile eggs that don’t hatch. Eventually, the wild y population shrinks away because females mate only once in their weekslong lives.

In June, Rollins announced a plan to convert an existing factory for breeding fruit ies into one for breeding sterile New World screwworm ies, as well as a plan to build a site, also on the air base near Edinburg, for gathering ies imported from Panama and releasing them from small aircraft. Those projects are expected to cost a total of $29.5 million.

The Panama y factory can breed up to 117 million ies a week, and the new Mexican y factory is expected to produce up to 100 million more a week. Rollins said the new Texas factory would produce up to 300 million weekly. She said President Donald Trump’s administration wants to end the U.S. reliance on y breeding in Mexico and Panama.

“It’s a tactical move that ensures we are prepared and not just reactive, which is today what we have really been working through,” Rollins said.

July retail sales rise 0.5% as some shoppers step up purchases ahead of tari s

Consumers moved to buy big-ticket items before expected price hikes

By Anne D’Innocenzio The Associated Press

NEW YORK — Shoppers spent at a healthy pace in July, particularly at the nation’s auto dealerships, even as President Donald Trump’s tari s start to take a toll on jobs and lead to some price increases. But the gures also underscore anxiety among Americans: All the uncertainty around the expansive duties appears to be pushing them to step up their purchases of furniture and other items ahead of the expected price increases, analysts said.

Retail sales rose a solid 0.5% last month from the previous month, and June spending was stronger than expected, according to the Commerce Department’s report released last Friday. June’s retail sales were revised upward to 0.9% from the original 0.6% increase, the agency said. The pace in July matched economists’ estimates. The increases followed two consecutive months of spending declines in April and May.

Excluding auto sales, which have been volatile since Trump imposed tari s on many foreign-made cars, retail sales rose 0.3% in July.

rometer of discretionary spending, also fell as shoppers eat at home to save money.

A category of sales that excludes volatile sectors such as gas, cars and restaurants rose last month by 0.5% from the previous month. The gure feeds into the Bureau of Economic Analysis’s consumption estimate and is a sign consumers are still spending on some discretionary items.

NCDOT CASH REPORT FOR THE WEEK ENDING AUG. 15

Beginning Cash

$2,952,621,209

Receipts (income)

$234,751,811

Disbursements

$409,439,781

Cash Balance

$2,777,920,616

Auto sales rose 1.6%. They appear to have returned roughly to normalized spending after a surge in March and April as Americans attempted to get ahead of Trump’s 25% duty on imported cars and parts and then a slump, according to Samuel Tombs, chief U.S. Economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics. The data showed solid spending across various stores. Business at clothing stores and online retailers saw increases. Business at home furnishings and furniture stores had strong sales gains. However, at electronics stores, sales were down. Business at restaurants, the lone services component within the Census Bureau report and a ba-

Tuan Nguyen, an economist at RSM US, noted the di culty of attributing the entire July gain to resilient American shoppers given so much uncertainty surrounding the economy and tari s. A sizable portion of the gain likely came from rising prices of imported goods under the impact of tari s, he said.

Nguyen also noted he can’t dismiss the possibility that consumers once again pulled forward their spending ahead of the August tari deadline, taking advantage of Amazon Prime Day sales as well as competing sales from the likes of Walmart and Target.

Nguyen noted that the sharp rise in furniture sales, for example, appeared to indicate shoppers were trying to get ahead of the duties.

“With so much noise in the data, the rest of the year promises to be a wild and bumpy ride.”

Tuan Nguyen, RSM US economist

“There is nothing fundamentally wrong with American households that would suggest a spending recession given that shoppers are in a strong enough nancial position to accelerate purchases,” he wrote. “With so much noise in the data, the rest of the year promises to be a wild and bumpy ride.”

Earlier this month, the Labor Department reported that U.S. hiring is slowing sharply as Trump’s trade policies paralyze businesses and raise concerns about the outlook for the world’s largest economy. U.S. employers added just 73,000 jobs last month, the Labor Department reported, well short of the 115,000 expected.

Consumer prices rose 2.7% in July from a year earlier, the same as the previous month and up from a post-pandemic low of

2.3% in April. On a monthly basis, prices rose 0.2% in July, down from 0.3% the previous month, while core prices ticked up 0.3%, a bit faster than the 0.2% in June.

Many businesses are also likely still absorbing much of the cost of the duties. The consumer price gures likely re ect some impact from the 10% universal tari Trump imposed in April, as well as higher duties on countries such as China and Canada.

But that may change. U.S. wholesale in ation soared unexpectedly last month, signaling that Trump’s taxes are pushing costs up and that higher prices for consumers may be on the way.

The Labor Department reported last Thursday that its producer price index — which measures in ation before it hits consumers — rose 0.9% last month from June, the biggest jump in more than three years.

In May, Walmart, the nation’s largest retailer, warned that it had increased prices on bananas imported from Costa Rica from 50 cents per pound to 54 cents, but it noted that a large sting for shoppers wouldn’t start to appear until June and July.

Devo documentary explores ‘Whip It’, band’s misunderstood legacy

The Cosmic De-Evolution Tour will kick o in Toronto on Sept. 24

By Mark Kennedy

The Associated Press

NEW YORK — You know the band Devo, right? The guys with the funny red plastic hats and jumpsuits? The New Wave musicians behind the silly “Whip It” video? They had that odd, spiky ’80s vibe? Well, it turns out you may not know as much as you think.

The new Net ix documentary “Devo” is an eye-opening examination of an Ohio-born art-rock band that argues they were perhaps the most misunderstood band on the face of the planet.

“We were trivialized and pigeonholed,” co-founder Gerald Casale tells The Associated Press. “This documentary allows us to talk about what we were thinking and what we are motivated by to create what we created.”

Directed by Chris Smith, “Devo” uses archival footage and interviews to trace the band’s beginnings, rise and fall, with cameos from fans like David Bowie, Iggy Pop and Neil Young. “What we saw was regression”

Devo introduced themselves

to the world in 1977 by making a frenetic version of the Rolling Stones’ “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” which earned them a crucial slot on “Saturday Night Live.” On stages, they would wriggle like worms or dress like the guys from “Ghostbusters.”

They released their Brian Eno-produced debut, “Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo!” in 1978 and reached platinum status with 1980’s “Freedom of Choice,” which featured “Whip It,” a hit just as their label was getting ready to drop them.

But behind the odd neck braces and knee pads were powerful art and literary ideas about where the country was going. They named themselves after the idea that modern society was entering a process of “devolution.”

“We were seeing a world that was the antitheses of the idealized, promised future ginned up in the ’50s and ’60s,” Casale says in the movie. “What we saw was regression.”

The nucleus of the band was formed from tragedy: Casale and Mark Mothersbaugh met at Kent State University, where they lived through the 1970 killing of four unarmed anti-war student protesters by the National Guard.

That tragedy forged in the pair an antiestablishment, anti-capitalist protest, mixing lofty art history with pop cul-

“We were true punk, meaning we questioned illegitimate authority, and we stayed in our own lane and did our thing, remaining true to our vision. That’s punk.”

Gerald

Casale, Devo co-founder

ture. They admired Dadaism and Andy Warhol. The factories of Akron inspired their gray overalls and clear plastic face masks — portraying cogs in a machine like in the art movie “Metropolis.”

“We had a meta-approach,” Casale tells the AP. “It was a multimedia, big idea approach. Music was an element, a layer, a dimension, but it was connected to this big worldview.”

“Whip It” video

Part of Devo’s strength was its visual component, and their videos were drenched with political commentary. The upbeat “Beautiful World” featured footage of police violence, the KKK and bombings, while “Freedom of Choice” warned against the dangers of conformity.

The song “Whip It” was written after reading Thom-

as Pynchon’s 760-page postmodern sci- tome “Gravity’s Rainbow.” The video — featuring cowboys drinking beer, dangerous gunplay and assault — was actually mocking President Ronald Reagan and his macho brand of conservatism.

A counterculture legacy

Rock has always needed bands like Devo, a corrective to the corporate machine. You can see an echo of Devo when M.I.A. raised her middle nger during the Super Bowl halftime show in 2012.

“I always tried to be optimistic that devolution was something that was going to be corrected and that our message would not be necessary at this point, but unfortunately, it’s more real than ever.”

After Devo, Casale directed music videos and commercials, while Mothersbaugh scored movies and TV shows such as “Pee-Wee’s Playhouse,” “The Life Aquatic with Steve

Zissou,” “Rugrats” and “Hello Tomorrow!”

There are signs of optimism when members of Devo play live these days. Mothersbaugh says he sees a lot of young people who have used their smartphones to bypass media gatekeepers.

“We see a lot of people that look like us, with gray hair out there in the audience. But there’s also, there’s also a lot kids, which is kind of surprising to me, but I think it’s only because they have this thing in their hand that they sometimes use to their advantage.”

Devo is set to hit the road later this year in a co-headlining tour with the B-52’s.

You may think of Devo as New Wave, early electronica or synth-pop, but they see themselves di erently: “We were true punk, meaning we questioned illegitimate authority, and we stayed in our own lane and did our thing, remaining true to our vision,” says Casale. “That’s punk.”

Two decades after an identity crisis, Anna’s blended family faces new challenges

By Bob Garver The Sun

I REMEMBER being a big fan of the 1976 “Freaky Friday” with Jodie Foster and Barbara Harris. Granted, I saw it when I was young enough to not know the tropes of the body-swap comedy, but I still have fond memories. I got a few laughs out of the 2003 update with Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis, and I have some fond memories of watching it with my mom and cousins, though those are more about spending quality time with family. I mostly just squirmed impatiently through the new follow-up “Freakier Friday,” and the fondest memory I’ll take away is that Manny Jacinto from “The Good

Place” has a prominent role, and I have fond memories of that show.

More than 20 years have passed since teenager Anna (Lohan) switched bodies for a day with her mother Tess (Curtis). The two had some wacky fun before developing newfound respect for one another and coming out of the experience with a stronger bond. Anna has since become a mother to teenager Harper (Julia Butters), with Grandmother Tess always eager to help, occasionally overstepping boundaries that Anna wishes she’d recognized, while Harper would like both adults to give her some space. At a parent-teacher conference, single mom Anna falls for Eric (Jacinto), the widowed father of Harper’s British classmate Lily (Sophia Hammons), and the two are soon engaged to be wed, even though the teens can’t stand one another. All four women are in mopey moods the

night of Anna’s bachelorette party, where they get readings from psychic Jen (Vanessa Bayer), who sets them on the course to change their hearts, which of course means more body-swap shenanigans. The next morning, Anna has switched bodies with Harper, and Tess has switched with Lily. Fortunately, not much time is wasted on the shock or acceptance of the arrangement, since Anna and Tess have been through this before. As such, it doesn’t take long for everybody to start going about each other’s days. Anna-as-Harper and Tess-as-Lily have to go to school, where they have detention due to a food ght. But since they gure they won’t have to worry about getting more detention themselves, they sneak o and eat junk food in bodies with a higher metabolism.

It’s Harper-as-Anna and Lily-as-Tess who get most of the screen time, which is to be

expected given the advertising’s focus on Lohan and Curtis. Jokes about Curtis’ senior citizen body, especially when it comes to having to use the bathroom, abound. The girls dislike each other enough to want the wedding to be called o , so they agree to use the body swap to break up Eric and Anna. This involves dragging Anna’s old boyfriend Jake (Chad Michael Murray) into the couple’s wedding plans, even though he still carries something of a torch for Tess following the rst movie. As if that weren’t enough, they get a chance to bond with Ella (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan), a pop star managed by Anna, who invites “Anna” to play at one of her shows with her old band Pink Slip. Harper never knew her mom was such an awesome musician, and neither girl really understands how much their parents love each other and them. Hijinks in the rst half give way to les-

sons (but also more hijinks) in the second half. Maybe I wasn’t digging “Freakier Friday” because I’ve seen enough body-swap comedies since the 1976 “Freaky Friday” to know exactly what to expect from these movies. Or maybe it was because I was a male watching a movie with four female leads and wasn’t the target audience. Or maybe the movie just isn’t that sharp (I de nitely found the food ght lazy and unfunny). I laughed at a scant few jokes, but not enough to give the movie a recommendation. I’m glad “Weapons” won the last two weekends at the domestic box o ce instead of this overpushed mess.

Grade: C-

“Freakier Friday” is rated PG for thematic elements, rude humor, language and some suggestive references. Its running time is 110 minutes.

Charlotte’s Jason Allen King crowned NC’s funniest person

Read the room and know your audience

By Dan Reeves North State Journal

WHEN Charlotte-based comedian Jason Allen King was voted North Carolina’s Funniest Person by Raleigh’s famed Goodnights Comedy Club earlier this year, the title gave him pause — not out of disbelief, but with the faint delight of someone who’s been pouring his blood, sweat and tears into the work for more than a decade.

“It feels pretty great,” Allen said. “I’ve been doing this for a minute, and things like that let me know I’ve made some good decisions — that maybe I can actually do this.”

That “minute” is 11 years of stand-up, but Allen’s path to the stage began in lm and media production. Since moving to Charlotte in 2002 from northeastern Pennsylvania, he’s worked as a location manager, actor, writer and producer, logging credits on projects from “The Hunger Games” to Showtime’s “Homeland.”

In his creative partnership with lmmaker Jon Schwert, King produced feature lms, commercials for brands like Dirt Devil and NASCAR, and

COURTESY HELIUM COMEDY

Charlotte-based comedian

Jason Allen King is performing at the Comedy Zone in Charlotte on Aug. 26.

the short series “George and Monty.” It was that project that pushed Allen to sharpen his comedy writing — which led him to a stand-up class at Charlotte’s Comedy Zone.

“About the second class, they put you right on stage,” King said. “I remember thinking, ‘This is a problem. This is so much fun.’” Within six months, he was hosting at the club.

King’s victory at Goodnights this year was no easy feat: 150 comics were narrowed down through preliminary and seminal rounds.

“When you’re performing, you’re actually living in the fu-

ture and the present at the same time,” he said. “You’re doing your jokes, but you’re four seconds ahead of what’s coming next.”

“Everyone knocked it out of the park,” Allen said of the nine comics who were nalists.

Allen’s poised comedic style comes from years of knowing how to read a room and know his audience. Though he’s not afraid to edge into provocative territory when it serves the joke, Allen’s thoughtful about the current climate for comedians, where cultural sensitivities and political divides can in uence what works in a room.

“If you want to talk about provocative things, you just have to be very, very good at it,” he says. “When less experienced comics try to do that too soon, it’s like trying to throw a 101-mph fastball in high school. Learn to be funny rst.”

Charlotte, Allen said, is the longest he’s ever lived anywhere — and he’s become one of the city’s biggest cheerleaders.

“When I moved here, it was the biggest small town you could live in,” he said. “Now it’s grown into a proper city. My whole family’s here now. We do Sunday dinners. It’s home.”

That home base hasn’t stopped him from touring. Allen performs up and down the

East Coast, from comedy clubs and theaters to corporate gigs. He’s preparing to release a comedy album by year’s end, debut “George and Monty” at festivals and perform on Carnival Cruise Line in 2026. His Dry Bar Comedy special is available online.

“The goal is to keep building,” Allen said. “Get to bigger venues, do longer sets, maybe land a TV special one day. In the meantime, I just want people to come to a show and laugh. And maybe follow me on Instagram.”

Eyeing a starting spot

Carolina Panthers safety Lathan Ransom prepares for practice at training camp. The fourth-round draft pick has had more bright spots than dark moments so far.

Winston-Salem Open update, B3

the Thursday SIDELINE REPORT

NCAA SPORTS

Tennessee Tech makes move to Southern Conference, leaves Ohio Valley after 77 years

Cookeville, Tenn. Tennessee Tech announced a move to the Southern Conference starting July 1, 2026. The Golden Eagles are leaving the Ohio Valley Conference, where they have been members since 1949. Athletic director Casey Fox says this change will create new geographic rivalries and boost the school’s athletic aspirations. The Southern Conference will become an 11-team league.

NFL Cowboys owner Jones reveals cancer diagnosis, credits experimental drug

Oxnard, Calif.

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has credited an experimental trial drug for successfully treating advanced melanoma as he disclosed his cancer diagnosis publicly for the rst time. The 82-year-old Jones was initially diagnosed in June 2010 and underwent two surgeries on his lung and two on his lymph nodes over the next 10 years after skin cancer cells metastasized.

NWSL

Lussi scores equalizer for Courage in 1-1 tie with Thorns

Cary Tyler Lussi scored her rst goal of the season in the 70th minute and the North Carolina Courage tied 1-1 with the Portland Thorns. Lussi red at the back post to equalize with a low rst-time shot. The draw gave the Courage their rst point under acting head coach Nathan Thackeray, who assumed this role after Sean Nahas was red Aug. 6.

Room to grow: Panthers rookies o er mixed bag early in preseason

A look at how each draftee has done through two games

By Shawn Krest North State Journal

THROUGH TWO preseason games, both losses, the Carolina Panthers have managed just 13 points. That doesn’t mean it’s time to panic. The Carolina starters played sparingly, and even in that limited time, quarterback Bryce Young was able to throw for the one Panthers touchdown of 2025.

Still, even if it’s not time to sound the alarm, that doesn’t mean all is well in Pantherland.

“To sum it up, it was day of almost,” secoach Dave Canales said after the second game — a 20-3 loss at Houston. “I just challenged the group. Are we going to be almost good

or are we going to make the plays when they are there to be made?”

Canales pointed to the

team’s 1-of-10 performance on third down, and a pair of near-miss big plays. Second-year tight end Ja’Tavi-

“Are we going to be almost good or are we going to make the plays when they are there to be made?”

Canales, Panthers coach

on Sanders dropped a Young pass that hit him in the hands, and, after rookie rst-rounder Tetairoa McMillan beat his man with a double move, backup quarterback Andy Dalton was hit, and injured, by an unblocked rusher, causing the pass to fall short.

“All in all, just kind of looking play to play, I’m excited about our group,” Canales said. “I’m excited about the talent that we have out there. But

See PANTHERS, page B3

Blue Devils look to build on strong 2024

Manny Diaz worked to improve the team after a successful debut

By Shawn Krest North State Journal

IT’S A PRESEASON cliché to declare that a football team entered training camp in the “best shape ever.” While Manny Diaz thinks it’s true at Duke, he also doesn’t think it’s enough.

“This is the strongest team we’ve had at Duke in the last four years,” he said. “It’s the fastest team we’ve had at Duke in the last four years. Really, with those two things being together, if we get challenged into an arm-wrestling competition, we should expect to come out on top, and if anyone wants to run relay races against us, we feel con dent we can win relay races.

“The issue is we have a football season coming up. Duke surprised just about

everyone with last year’s success, but that doesn’t do much for Diaz either.

“No one can play at the same level they played at a year ago for us to have the kind of success we want to have,” he said.

“It’s how do I be a better version of what I was in the past?”

Here’s a look at Duke’s prospects for building on last season in 2025.

Last year: Manny Diaz made his triumphant return to head coaching with a nine -win season, nishing second in ACC Coach of the Year voting. The Blue Devils were led by a dominant defense. They swept the state, beating Wake, NC State and UNC (not to mention Elon), and also beat Florida State for the rst time ever.

Changes and newcomers: Duke had the second-fewest transfer portal losses of any power conference team, with quarterback Maalik Murphy (Oregon State) and running back Star Thomas (Tennes-

see) being the highest-pro le departures. The Blue Devils brought in Tulane quarterback Derian Mensah to replace Murphy. Four other expected starters on o ense are transfers: Receivers Andrel Anthony (Oklahoma) and Cooper Barkate (Harvard), tight end Landen King (Utah) and guard Jordan Larsen (South Dakota). On defense, lineman Josiah Green (Dartmouth), cornerback Jaiden Francois (Utah State) and possibly safety Caleb Weaver (Sam Houston) are in line to start. The Blue Devils also signed the No. 31 recruiting class in the nation, which makes it the highest-rated in program history.

TRENDING

Niall Shiels

Donegan: The Scot, who grew up in nearby Mill Valley advanced to the U.S Amateur San Francisco s Olympic Club before falling to Jackson Herrington Donegan — season at UNC after two years at Northwestern — outlasted Notre Dame junior Jacob Modleski with a par on the 19th hole in windy conditions in the Donegan pulled even with a 6-foot birdie putt on the par-5 17th

Lawrence Taylor

The Hall of Fame linebacker was named to The Associated Press All-Time All-America football team The unveiling of the all-time team is part of the news organization’s celebration of the 100th anniversary of the AP All-America team Taylor who starred for UNC in 1980 was named to the second-team defense

Idan Toklomati:

The Charlotte FC rookie scored in only goal in a 1-0 win over Real Salt Lake Charlotte’s sixth straight victory Toklomati found the net in the 35th minute when he used an assist from Ashley Westwood to score his seventh goal Keeper Kristijan Kahlina made it stand up with seven saves — in the second half

Beyond the box score

POTENT QUOTABLES

“I’m

exactly where I’m supposed to be I’m sure C J would say the same thing ”

Br yce Young on facing C J Stroud in a preseason game Stroud was drafted second, behind Young, in 2023

“I just think he needs some help around him too ”

C J Stroud on Br yce Young

PRIME NUMBER

Years since MLB had a player named Bob, before Tampa promoted Bob Sey mour from Durham on Fr iday Sey mour wa s leading the International Leag ue w ith 30 home r uns and since White Sox pitcher Bob How r y in 2010

NASCAR Austin Dillon lef t no doubt this time that he w ill make the NA SCA R Cup Ser ies

0 75-mile oval The R ichard Childress R acing dr iver outdueled Ryan Blaney over

A kshay Bhatia made an ace on the 17th hole of the BM W Championship, w inning a car The Wake Forest native’s hole-in-one came on a 227-yard, par 3 Bhatia shot a third-round 66 on Saturday The ace earned him a BM W i X M70 and $125,000 for the Evans Scholars Foundation

Carolina rookie OLB Nic Scour ton sustained a collapsed lung during a joint practice w ith the Houston Texans Scour ton was taken to a hospital, and as a precaution, the second-round pick drove back to team Canales wasn’t sure how long Scour ton would be out

A Nor th Carolina judge threw out the conv ictions of four men in the death of Chr is Paul’s grandfather over t wo decades ago The men were conv icted of k illing 61-year-old Nathaniel Jones Jones died from a hear t attack outside his home af ter being tied up, beaten and robbed The judge cited recanted testimony, poor legal representation and DNA ev idence

NC State poised for bounce-back season

After a disappointing 2024 campaign, the Wolfpack are hoping for a better outcome

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

COULD THE NC State Wolfpack be the top dog in the Triangle this season?

The college football season is quickly approaching, and the Wolfpack are looking to bounce back after a tough 2024 campaign. But do they have what it takes to climb out of the hole?

Let’s take a deeper look at the Wolfpack’s 2025 outlook:

Last year: There was a lot of preseason hype for the Wolfpack heading into last season, but it didn’t take long before all that hope dried up. NC State delivered mostly disappointment in 2024, nishing with a losing record for the rst time since 2019.

Key injuries plagued the lineup all season, and a nal loss to ECU in the Military Bowl, which culminated with a ght on eld, put the nal nail in what was a dismal season.

Changes and newcomers:

This year, NC State will have new faces leading both sides of the ball as new o ensive coordinator Kurt Roper and defensive coordinator D.J. Eliot will look to get the program back on track.

Roper had been with the program since 2019, having served

as both quarterback and running back coach. Eliot brings a wide variety of experience, having coached in the ACC, SEC, Big 12, Pac-12 and NFL.

Players to watch: The Wolfpack have quite a few players to watch out for on the offensive side of the ball, including a core of young returners.

Sophomore quarterback CJ Bailey will look to build on a promising rst season in which he successfully navigated being thrust into the starter role midseason.

Along with Bailey, NC State has a plethora of returning talent at the skill positions, including running back Hollywood Smothers, tight end Justin Joly, and receivers Noah Rogers, Terrell Anderson and Wesley Grimes.

The Wolfpack will also be relying a lot on senior linebacker Caden Fordham to set the tone as the leader on defense. Fordham su ered a season-ending injury last year early into the season, which set the Wolfpack back quite substantially.

Biggest strength: Having returners in almost every skill position should go a long way for the Wolfpack, even with a new OC.

Bailey had a lot of chemistry with Joly and Rogers last season, and that should go a long way this year.

NC State will also be looking to have a lot more success in the run game this season.

Smothers led the Pack in

rushing yards and touchdowns last season (571 yards, six touchdowns) while splitting carries with two other backs. Now he’ll be the main option with plenty of opportunities to showcase his talents.

Biggest worry: After a notably down year on defense, can NC State turn things around?

Former DC Tony Gibson was a defensive mastermind for so many years, but without reliable ways to penetrate and pressure the quarterback last season, the team struggled, especially against the run.

With Gibson moving on to Marshall, it will now be up to Eliot to get the Wolfpack

season and maybe even challenges for an ACC title.

Neither have happened in Doeren’s prior 12 years as the Wolfpack’s head coach, and fans are antsy for one of those things to nally happen.

The path to contention will have to start with key victories over the ve N.C. schools on the Wolfpack’s schedule. Securing those bragging rights will be big for the team and its outlook this year.

Worst case: With two new coordinators, there’s a lot of room for things to go wrong in Raleigh.

There were plenty of concerns on the defensive side of the ball last season, and losing as much talent as NC State did in the secondary has to be concerning.

On the other side of the ball, were the performances of key o ensive players the norm or an outlier?

If the Wolfpack comes out of the gate at and su ers another loss to the Pirates, things could go o the rails quickly for NC State.

Number of new coordinators who will be leading the Wolfpack this season

back on track. With an oseason exodus of defensive backs, did the coaching sta do enough to replace all of that lost talent?

Best case: Everything comes together and Dave Doeren nally delivers a 10-win

Outlook: It shouldn’t be a di cult hurdle to improve on last year’s 6-7 nish, but the Wolfpack are still making a lot of gambles. Regardless, there’s plenty of promising talent on the roster, and it was clear the team needed to make changes after how last season went.

It feels like almost a certainty this year will be a better season for the Wolfpack faithful.

Tournament action rolls on at Winston-Salem Open

The nals are scheduled for Saturday

By Jesse Deal

North State Journal

WINSTON-SALEM — The Winston-Salem Open is in full swing this week at the Wake Forest Tennis Complex, where the annual men’s tournament will conclude with the nals on Saturday.

For 14 years, the tournament has served as a key ATP World Tour 250 summer tune-up, bringing together a mix of international stars and local talent to battle on the hardcourts in the nal event before the U.S. Open.

The 2025 Winston-Salem Open features a 48-player singles draw and 16 doubles teams, compiling 28 players ranked inside the world’s Top 75.

The event includes standouts such as Stefanos Tsitsipas (No. 28), Tallon Griekspoor (No. 31), Gabriel Diallo (No. 33), Lorenzo Sonego (No. 35) and Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard (No. 39).

At last year’s Winston-Salem Ppen, Sonego rolled past American Alex Michelsen (No. 30) for the singles title. The two-time defending American champion duo of Nathaniel Lammons (No. 32) and Jackson Withrow (No. 28) are both competing in the doubles event again, but not as partners this time.

Lammons has teamed up

PANTHERS from page B1 2

can we play together, and can we make it come alive? We didn’t do that to our standard, and to my standard today.”

Here’s a look at the performances of the Panthers 2025 draft class, two games in:

McMillan: Young’s new target had a mixed bag in the two games. The double move was de nitely the high point for him. He also had a nice leaping catch in the rst game. Overall, however, he’s struggled to get open against rst-teamers. That led to a Young interception (wiped out by penalty) and a coverage sack against Houston. He also had a potential touchdown bounce o his hands in the end zone against Cleveland. His blocking has also

with Sadio Doumbia (No. 31) of France, while Withrow has partnered with Jan Zielinski (No. 30) of Poland; the two teams were set to play against each other Tuesday.

Fans have already witnessed a slate of competitive early-round matches, with seeded players advancing alongside up-and-coming challengers.

On Monday night, American Sebastian Korda (No. 86) and Polish standout Kamil Majchrzak became the rst singles players in the tournament to advance to the Round of 16.

After a 21⁄2-month layo caused by a right shin stress fracture, Korda re -

been hit or miss. He had a nice block to spring Jimmy Horn on a receiver screen but also blew a block on another screen leading to lost yardage.

Nic Scourton, OLB, second round: The pass rusher entered the opener on the third defensive series. He showed the ability to drop into coverage on blitzes and began to get pressure on the quarterback as the game went on — and more subs entered on the opposing line. He had a nice arsenal of pass rush moves and shows hustle following the play to the end. He’ll be out awhile, however, after su ering a collapsed lung. Princely Umanmielen, OLB, third round: He actually entered the rst game earlier than Scourton, as it seems

turned to the court at the Winston-Salem Open and picked up a straight-sets win. The 25-year- old American defeated Vít Kopriva (No. 87) 6-3, 6-4, marking his 12th victory of the season.

“All the emotions possible,” Korda said Monday night. “It’s fun to be back here. The last time I was here was in 2023 and had some good results, so it’s nice to be back here. Hopefully it stays hot and I can keep playing some good tennis.”

The tournament carried a local Wake Forest presence in the opening round, as Stefan Dostanic (No. 412) and D.K. Suresh (No. 352) — the De -

he’s being looked at as part of the third-down package. Like Scourton, he did better against backup linemen, and he ashed speed and hustle running down plays from behind. His rush moves need work, and he got pushed around by rst-string blockers. Trevor Etienne, RB, fourth round: Like many young running backs, he’s shifting and moving too much, looking for college-sized holes. He seemed to make progress between the two games. He did a better job of “one move and go” against Houston, both in returns and on runs. Decision-making on returns was shaky in the opener. He had a mu on an ill-advised catch attempt and later took a kick out of the end zone, resulting in poor

mon Deacons’ top two singles players who helped capture the NCAA title this spring — were both competing in the main draw.

Dostanic prevailed over Aleksander Vukic (No. 93) 6-4, 6-2 and aimed to upset fth-seeded Sonego on Tuesday; Suresh suffered a quick Round of 64 exit at the hands of Mariano Navone (No. 74) on Monday.

Dostanic’s victory Monday night wasn’t the only highlight of the night for Wake fans.

The 2025 NCAA champion men’s Demon Deacons team was honored at the Wake Forest Tennis Center with a special on-court ceremony, receiving its national championship rings ahead of Dostanic’s primetime singles match.

The celebration capped one of the most dominant seasons in college tennis history.

The Demon Deacons nished 40-1 overall, setting program and ACC records, won both the ITA National Indoor and NCAA team titles, and claimed the program’s second NCAA championship following its 2018 title.

Led by 2025 ITA National Coach of the Year Tony Bresky, Wake Forest became just the fourth program to capture both the ITA and NCAA championships in the same season more than once.

As the rst Wake Forest player to win a singles match in the main draw in Winston-Salem Open history, Dostanic said he

eld position after a penalty. He also has shown the ability to make guys miss and to break tackles. Lathan Ransom, S, fourth round: He entered in the second quarter and repeatedly showed an ability to make open- eld tackles and stop ball carriers in their tracks. He had several tackles just shy of the rst down line. He also got the chance to blitz , but he hasn’t really been tested yet in coverage.

Cam Jackson, NT, fth round: He entered in the third quarter of the opener and did well when blocked one-on-one. He did get pancaked on one early attempt to rush the passer. He missed the second game with “something in his shoulder,” according to Canales.

was inspired by the local turnout who showed up to cheer on the Deacs.

“That was maybe the best part of it,” he said. “Hearing all the support just sort of helped me stay focused and helped me stay in the moment.”

Dostanic, Korda, McDonald, Marcos Giron (No. 55), Nishesh Basavareddy (No. 106), Darwin Blanch (No. 409) and Aleksander Kovacevic (No. 71) are the seven American singles players who advanced to the second round of play.

The Winston-Salem Open’s top seed, Tsitsipas, was set to square o in the second round on Tuesday against Yunchaokete Bu (No. 76), while second-seeded Griekspoor faced Marton Fucsovics (No. 94) and third-seeded Luciano Darderi challenged Mackenzie McDonald (No. 102).

In the doubles bracket, the teams of Lucas Miedler (No. 28) and Francisco Cabral (No. 29) joined Rohan Bopanna (No. 55) and Romain Arneodo (No. 39) as the rst four doubles players to reach the quarter nals.

The top-seeded British duo of Joe Salisbury (No. 15) and Neal Skupski (No. 10) were set to take on the Wake Forest team of Suresh and Luca Pow (No. 460).

Last year, Suresh and Pow advanced to the semi nals, where they fell short in a matchup against the eventual doubles champion team of Lammons and Withrow.

Mitchell Evans, TE, fth round: He started the opener when Carolina came out in a two-tight end set. He’s a solid blocker, sealing the edge on one longish run play in the rst game and also blocks down eld on passes. He didn’t turn around fast enough on a short dumpo play, resulting in a drop.

Jimmy Horn, WR, sixth round: Granted, he did it against defenders far lower on the depth chart than McMillan, but Horn has impressed with his ability to get open and add yards after the catch. He has ve catches in two games and was open on multiple occasions when quarterbacks didn’t get him the ball. He was also impressive in his punt and kick returns.

Davis, Carmouche, Alves win titles in Charlotte

The PFL crowned a trio of champions in its Queen City debut

By Shawn Krest North State Journal

CHARLOTTE — Al e Davis stepped to the podium in the Bojangles Coliseum, wearing a black eye on his left side and a large gold belt draped over the shoulder on his right.

“I need someone to pinch me,” Davis said, “and wake me up.”

The lightweight had just upset defending champion Gadzhi Rabadanov to win the 2025 PFL Lightweight title and the $500,000 in prize money that came with it.

“Just thinking how it’s going to change mine and my family’s life,” he said in his clipped British accent, “mad emotion is coming out of me.”

Rabadanov hadn’t lost since 2021, winning 12 in a row and taking just three minutes and nine seconds, combined, to win his quarter nal and semi nal bouts to secure his spot in the tournament nal.

Davis was able to stie the champion, however. His game plan called for the kickboxing specialist to keep Rabadanov at bay with distance striking, forcing both

Women’s

Conference Carolinas will crown its rst ag champion in the Bull City

By Asheebo Rojas North State Journal

A SIGNIFICANT milestone for collegiate women’s ag football is coming to Durham.

Conference Carolinas, set to become the rst NCAA Division I or II conference to sponsor women’s ag football at the varsity level in the 2025-26 season, partnered with the Durham Sports Commission to bring its inaugural conference championship to Durham County Memorial Stadium this spring.

The conference’s women’s ag football championship will run from April 17-19. Eight teams will qualify for the championship, and the event will start with four quarter nal games on Friday. The semi nals will be played Saturday and set up the championship matchup for Sunday.

“We are excited to host our rst championship at Durham County Memorial Stadium,” Conference Carolinas Commissioner Chris Colvin said. “This will be a great venue for our 11 teams to set their goals to reach in April.”

For the Durham Sports Commission, this opportunity has been years in the making, even before Conference Carolinas rst announced its plans to add women’s ag football as a varsity sport in July 2024.

“We, just at a macro level, we’ve really started to track on ag football at every level. Youth, high school and collegiate for four years now,” Durham Sports Commission Executive Director Marcus Manning said. “What was very apparent was that it was a sport that was growing

DUKE from page B1

Players to watch: Mensah is expected to be an upgrade at quarterback. Brian Parker II is the rock on a veteran o ensive line that returns four starters, including Justin Pickett and Matt Craycraft. Running backs Jaquez Moore and Peyton Jones will also be key contributors on that side of the ball.

Defense is still expected to be the strength of the team, however, led by one of the best secondaries in college football. Corner Chandler Rivers and safety Terry Moore are All-America candidates. The pass rush

ghters to stay on their feet.

When Rabadanov was able to use his edge in wrestling to take Davis down, he was unable to do any damage from the top position, nullifying the advantage that might have given him on the scorecards.

In the end, the judges rewarded Davis’ striking more than they penalized him for giving up takedowns, and he won a tight decision, 48-47, on all three cards.

Davis was astounded that his strategy worked so well.

“Literally, it felt like I was in some sort of simulation,” he said. “This is what I was thinking might happen, and then I did it.

“I was surprising myself in there.”

Davis was one of three champions crowned in the PFL’s rst visit to Charlotte. In the co-main event, Liz

Carmouche knocked out Jena Bishop in the third round to win the PFL women’s yweight title.

Carmouche, who also held the Bellator Women’s title at yweight, had some early adversity. After a relatively uneventful rst round that saw both ghters feeling each other out, Bishop got Carmouche to the ground in the second, catching her in an arm bar and a triangle choke as she attempted to submit Carmouche.

Carmouche was able to work her way out of both.

“I felt totally comfortable,” she said of the triangle. “I had a lot of space. My carotid artery was never cut o . I had my blood supply.”

When Bishop tried the arm bar, Carmouche tried to force her to release by lifting her and slamming her to the mat, to no avail.

“She did a good job securing the arm bar,” she said, “But I was content. I was not gonna let it happen. On the slam, most people loosen up, but she held on tight.

“Finally,” she added, “I saw opening to escape.”

The two battled against the cage, with Bishop holding the advantage as Carmouche was biding her time.

“I could feel her gassing herself out,” she said. “I was thinking I don’t need to reverse her and go back and forth. I can just let her gas herself out.”

The strategy paid o in the third, when Carmouche caught Bishop with a left hook, ooring her. She then nished the match with ground and pound from top position.

“Mad emotion is coming out of me.”

Al e Davis

“All the punches didn’t feel like they hit hard,” she said. “All the energy from them went into the other person.”

The win was a triumphant return to North Carolina for the former soldier.

“North Carolina was one of the places where I went to C School in the Marine Corps,” Carmouche said. “I’m familiar being here. It was cool to be able to come back in a whole di erent way.”

The bantamweight championship featured a pair of ghters who entered the tournament as alternates and upset their way to the nal.

Marcirley Alves beat Justin Wetzell in a ve-round decision, 49-46, 48-47 and 48-47, to win the title. Alves worked to keep the ght o the mat, where he had a striking advantage against the wrestler Wetzell. He was able to thwart several takedown attempts and made a statement by taking Wetzell to the mat for the ght’s rst takedown.

Alves built a lead on the scorecards and was able to withstand a late Wetzell rally to win.

“I’m so blessed,” the Brazilian Alves said. “This is one dream for me. This is my life. Everybody is coming for a ght with me, now. I’ll be ready for everybody.”

ag football championship coming to Durham

the rst

at an exponential rate, and so it was interesting to see how it was growing here within our footprint.”

Girls’ high school ag football has been sanctioned in 17 states, including Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, Alabama and Mississippi in the southeast. The North Carolina High School Athletic Association has not yet sanctioned the sport, but more than 100 high schools in North Carolina elded a team last year. The DSC helped facilitate an uno cial state championship at Durham County Memorial Stadium in December to conclude a state playo between high school teams in Durham, Johnston, New Hanover, Union and Wake counties.

Now the growth has spilled over into college athletics.

The CIAA launched women’s ag football as a club sport earlier this year, with Fayetteville State, Johnson C. Smith, Livingstone College and Winston-Salem State participating in North Carolina. While the NAIA was the rst college governing body

should also be strong, led by ends Vincent Anthony Jr. and Wesley Williams. Tre Freeman leads an underrated linebacker corps.

Biggest strength: Diaz is a defensive mastermind, and there’ s no question Duke will be carried as far as the defense takes it. With big-time playmakers up front and in back, the team should be able to produce turnovers. An improved o ense will be able to grind it out on the ground and also has skill position talent to hit the big play.

Biggest worry: The Blue Devils were short on home run plays on o ense last year. Diaz

of Conference

Mount St. Mary’s and Wingate.

“This will be a great venue for our 11 teams to set their goals to reach in April.”

Chris Colvin, Conference Carolinas commissioner

to compete in ag football in 2021, the Atlantic East Conference, a Division III league, became the rst NCAA conference to feature women’s ag football as a varsity sport with its inaugural season in the spring. Conference Carolinas is the rst scholarship-level conference to play ag football as a varsity sport. Eight teams from the conference — Chowan University, Emmanuel University, Ferrum College, King University, Lees-McRae College, University of Mount Olive, Barton College and Erskine College — will participate in the inaugural season alongside three associate members in Mars Hill,

brought players at the skill positions, but unlike the rest of the team, they haven’t had time to develop chemistry together. The schedule also has plenty of potential problems for a team that beat one foe with a winning record last year. Best case: Talent-wise, Duke ranks higher than expected in the ACC. The Blue Devils landed 13 preseason award watch-list spots — only Clemson and Miami had more. If the talent comes together like it did on last year’s squad and the o ense can make opponents pay for turning it over with quick-strike scores, Duke could be a dark

The rst conference games will be played Feb. 28.

Colvin said the championship landed in Durham partly to the DSC’s vision and proactive approach to promoting the growth of women’s ag football. Through hosting the NAIA tackle football championships and connections with USA Flag and NFL Flag, the DSC got a head start on guring out which direction the sport was headed.

“It got to a point where, from a Durham standpoint recognizing our location, recognizing that the Triangle region is one of the best sports ecosystems in the country based on all the feedback we received, that this could be a tremendous growth opportunity for ag and for Durham if we can get ahead of it and really nd some strategic partners,” Manning said. “We thought the potential was there to reach out and really be aggressive, as Chris mentioned, in terms of nding a partner and really wanting Chris to come to Durham, take a site visit, and

horse contender in the league. The Blue Devil defense will keep the team in most games. Worst case: The o ense suffers from dry spells as the new talent fails to nd a spark. Early-season upset losses sour the team chemistry, and the defense starts to wear down from taking on too much of the load.

Outlook: The nonconference slate doesn’t have the four guaranteed wins most non-Notre Dame years do at Duke. Illinois is a tough Week 2 opponent, and Mensah returning to his old school for a road game at Tulane provides some unnecessary nonconference dra-

let’s have that conversation and that dialogue.”

“The Triangle is a location that we’d love to have more championships,” Colvin said. “We’ve held a few, but it hasn’t really worked out in a lot of cases, whether it’s Raleigh, Cary, Durham. So this is actually the rst time we’ve really interacted with Durham speci cally, and we thought it was a great opportunity, and we jumped on it. And also, it’s just a good location for us.”

Manning is optimistic about what the sport could evolve into regarding its economic and social impact in Durham. He wants the city to be a “ ag football hub,” while Colvin is excited to be on the forefront of an expanding movement.

“I really think ve years from now, women’s ag football is going to be almost like a commonplace sport across the NCAA,” Colvin said. “It’s a great opportunity for us to say we’re on the leading edge of that and provide that opportunity for those student athletes.”

“No one can play at the same level they played at a year ago for us to have the kind of success we want to have.”

Manny Diaz, Duke coach

ma. Duke also plays at Syracuse and Cal in back-to-back weeks, plus there’s a trip

The Blue Devils could easily be a better team than last year and struggle to match the win-loss record.

CUMBERLAND

Notice

In the General Court of Justice Superior Court Division Before the Clerk Estate File # 23 E1963 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR NOTICE The undersigned having quali ed as executor of the estate of Lillie Mae Campbell, deceased, late of Cumberland County North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to present them to the undersigned on or before the 14th day of November, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms, and corporations indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 14th day of August 2025. Maxine McNeill Johnson 1 634 Joye Street West Columbia SC 29169 Executor of the Estate of Lillie Mae Campbell

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION ESTATE FILE NO. 25E000848-250 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Jose Joaquim D’Arruda, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at 2517 Raeford Road, Fayetteville, NC 28305, on or before November 7, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms, and corporations indebted to the said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. Dated this 7th day of August, 2025. Dorothy Ann D’Arruda, Executor of the Estate of Jose Joaquim D’Arruda NICOLE A. CORLEY MURRAY & CORLEY, P.A. N.C. BAR NO. 56459 2517 RAEFORD ROAD FAYETTEVILLE, NC 28305 – 3007 (910) 483 – 4990 COUNSEL FOR EXECUTOR

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA County of Cumberland In the General Court of Justice Superior Court Division Estate le#25E001243-250

undersigned on or before November 21, 2025 at Post O ce Box 53555, Fayetteville, North Carolina 28305, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms and corporations indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 21st day of August, 2025 J. Duane Gilliam, Jr., Executor of the Estate of Kathleen Louise Piecuch c/o Gilliam Law Firm, PLLC Post O ce Box 53555 Fayetteville, NC 28305 (910) 485-8899

08/21/2025, 08/28/2025, 09/04/2025 and 09/11/2025 NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NUMBER: 25E001107-250 In the Matter of the Estate of: WILLIAM ELIJAH AUTRY Deceased. ))))) EXECUTOR’S NOTICE

The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of William Elijah Autry, deceased, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before November 14, 2025 (which is three (3) months after the day of the rst publication of this notice), or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms and corporations indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. THIS the 14th day of August, 2025.

William Craig Autry, Executor of the Estate of William Elijah Autry, Deceased c/o J. Thomas Neville Yarborough, Winters & Neville, P.A. P.O. Box 705 Fayetteville, NC 28302-0705 Publish: 08/14/2025, 08/21/2025, 08/28/2025 and 09/04/2025

Administrator’s / Executors’ Notice

The undersigned, having quali ed as Byron Cousin of the Estate of James Eltion Barlow Jr., Deceased, late of Cumberland County, herby noti es all persons, rms, and corporations having Claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 30th day of November, 2025, (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All Debtors of the decedent are requested to make Immediate payment to the undersigned.

The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Maria Luise Davis, deceased, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, hereby noti es all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 21st day of November, 2025, (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All Debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This 15th day of August 2025 Daniel H. Davis III Executor of the Estate of Maria Luise Davis 2855 Linden Road Aberdeen, NC 28315

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION ESTATE FILE 25E001099-250 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: MARIAN JACQUELYN HARGIS ADMINISTRATOR’S NOTICE The undersigned, having quali ed as the Administrator of the estate of Marian Jacquelyn Hargis, deceased, late of Cumberland County, this is to notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 10th of November , 2025, (which is three months after the the day of the rst publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 25th of July, 2025. David Hargis 933 E. Winds Ln, Fayetteville, NC 28311 Administrator of the estate of Marian Jacquelyn Hargis, deceased.

NOTICE OF CREDITORS:

Decedent: Donald Leon Ferebee IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION ESTATE FILE 24E000882-250 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Donald Leon Ferebee Late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, the Undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at 405 Southwick Dr., Fayetteville, NC 28303, not later than November 07, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms, and corporations indebted to the Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. Dated this 7th day of August 2025. Viola Ferebee, Executor of the Estate of Donald Leon Ferebee, 405 Southwick Rd., Fayetteville, NC 28303.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION ESTATE FILE NO. 25E001219-250 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND Having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Ronald Edward Gordy, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at 2517 Raeford Road, Fayetteville, NC 28305, on or before November 14, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms, and corporations indebted to the said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. Dated this 14th day of August, 2025. Diana Vogel, Administrator of the Estate of Ronald Edward Gordy NICOLE A. CORLEY MURRAY & CORLEY, P.A.

N.C. BAR NO. 56459 2517 RAEFORD ROAD FAYETTEVILLE, NC 28305 – 3007 (910) 483 – 4990 COUNSEL FOR ADMINISTRATOR

NOTICE

State of North Carolina County of Cumberland In the General Court of Justice Superior Court Division Estate File

25E001222-250 In the Matter of the Estate of Edward Keith Hairr Administrator’s Notice The undersigned, having quali ed as Administrator of the estate of Edward Keith Hairr, Eddie Hairr, deceased, late of Cumberland County, this is to notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 25th day of November, 2025, (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please immediate payment to the undersigned. This 25th day of August, 2025, Bobby Ray Hairr 4428 Dunn Rd. Eastover, NC 28312 Administrator of the estate of Edward Keith Hairr, Eddie Hairr, Deceased Publication Dates LWLM0351056

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF LARRY HURLEY, SR. Cumberland County Estate File No. 23E001988-250

All persons, rms and corporations having claims against Larry Hurley, Sr., deceased, of Cumberland County, North Carolina, are noti ed to present their claims to Davis W. Puryear, Administrator, at 4317 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, NC 28311, on or before the 8th day of November, 2025 (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice), or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. Debtors of the Decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the Administrator named above. This the 4th day of August, 2025. Davis W. Puryear Administrator of the Estate of Larry Hurley, Sr. Davis W. Puryear Hutchens Law Firm Attorneys for the Estate 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311 Run dates: August 7, August 14, August 21 and August 28, 2025

EXECUTOR’S NOTICE

In the General Court of Justice Superior Court Division Estate File # 25E001112-250

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND

The undersigned having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Flora I. Marrow, Deceased late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before November 7, 2025 at Post O ce Box 53555, Fayetteville, North Carolina 28305, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms and corporations indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 7th day of August, 2025 Daniel L. Poindexter, Jr., Executor of the Estate of Flora I. Marrow c/o Gilliam Law Firm, PLLC Post O ce Box 53555 Fayetteville, NC 28305 (910) 485-8899 08/07/2025, 08/14/2025, 08/21/2025, 08/28/2025

NOTICE

In the General Court of Justice Superior Court Division Before the Clerk Estate File #25E001132-250 State of North Carolina Cumberland County Administrator Notice The undersigned having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Hwa Cha Martin, deceased, late of Cumberland County, this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 7th day of November, 2025 (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 7th day of August, 2025. Sandra M. Pate Administrator of the Estate of Hwa Cha Martin 3755 Burbank Lane, Winston-Salem, NC 27106

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE

SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION

ESTATE FILE NO. 24E002857-250

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND

Having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Raymond Joseph Ortega, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at 2517 Raeford Road, Fayetteville, NC 28305, on or before November 14, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms, and corporations indebted to the said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. Dated this 14th day of August, 2025. Gina Gentry, Administrator of the Estate of Raymond Joseph Ortega NICOLE A. CORLEY MURRAY & CORLEY, P.A. N.C. BAR NO. 56459 2517 RAEFORD ROAD FAYETTEVILLE, NC 28305 – 3007 (910) 483 – 4990 COUNSEL FOR ADMINISTRATOR

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

State of North Carolina Cumberland County Administrator Notice In the General Court of Justice Superior Court Division Estate File #: 25E001165-250 The undersigned, having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Guy Daniel Reed, deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby noti es all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 7th day of November, 2025 (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All Debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 7th day of August, 2025. Matthew Guy Reed Administrator 1338 Sawyer Ct. Hope Mills, NC 28348 Run dates: August 7, August 14, August 21, August 28, 2025

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF BEATRICE STEADMAN Cumberland County Estate File No. 25E001158-250 All persons, rms and corporations having claims against Beatrice Steadman, deceased, of Cumberland County, North Carolina, are noti ed to present their claims to Jesse Auttwon Steadman, Administrator, at 10131 Barr Lake Dr., Houston, TX 77095, on or before the 8th day of November 2025 (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice), or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. Debtors of the Decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the Administrator named above. This the 1st day of August, 2025. Jesse Auttwon Steadman Administrator of the Estate of Beatrice Steadman Davis W. Puryear Hutchens Law Firm Attorneys for the Estate 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311 Run dates: August 7, August 14, August 21 and August 28, 2025

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

In the General Court of Justice County of Cumberland Superior Court Division Estate File # 25E000339-250 Administrator’s/Executor’s Notice The undersigned, having quali ed as administrator of the Estate of Mickey Charles Stoker, deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby noti es all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 21st day of November, 2025 (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 12th day of August, 2025. Meghann C. Stoker, administrator of the estate of Mickey Charles Stoker. 6233 Lakehaven Dr. Fayetteville, NC 28304.

DURHAM

Notice to Creditors

Having quali ed as Administrator of

c/o Lisa M. Schreiner Attorney at Law P.O. Box 446 114

Street Fuquay Varina, NC 27526 (For publication: 07/31, 08/07, 08/14, 08/21/2025)

TO CREDITORS

ed as Co-Administrators of the Estate of THOMAS JAY TUCKER, late of Moore County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of the decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at the o ce of Ivey & Eggleston, Attorneys at Law, 111 Worth Street, Asheboro, North Carolina 27203, on or before November 1, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms or corporations indebted to said estate should make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 31st day of July, 2025 GARY THOMAS TUCKER AND CHRISTOPHER JAY TUCKER Co-Administrators of the Estate of THOMAS JAY TUCKER MARION “BETH”MCQUAID, Attorney IVEY & EGGLESTON, ATTORNEYS AT LAW 111 Worth Street Asheboro, NC 27203 (336) 625-3043

PUBL/DATES: 07/31/25 08/07/25 08/14/25 08/21/25

NEW HANOVER

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER NOTICE TO CREDITORS The undersigned,KAREN SELZ, having quali ed as the Executor of the Estate of WAYNE RICHARD CHALMERS, Deceased, hereby noti es all persons, rms or corporations having claims against the Decedent to exhibit same to the said KAREN SELZ, at the address set out below, on or before October 31, 2025, or this notice may be pleaded in bar of any payment or recovery of same. All persons indebted to said Decedent will please make immediate payment to the undersigned at the address set out below. This the 22nd day of July, 2025. KAREN SELZ Executor of the Estate of WAYNE RICHARD CHALMERS c/o ROBERT H. HOCHULI, JR. 219 RACINE DR., SUITE #A6 Wilmington, NC 28405

Notice to Creditors To All Creditors: Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Maria Ross, deceased, late of New Hanover County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against the Estate of said Maria Ross to present them to the undersigned on or before the 1st day of November, 2025 (this date being 3 months from the rst publication date of this notice) or same will be pleased in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate

NOTICE

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA RANDOLPH COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 25SP214-750 FOR THE ADOPTION OF A FEMALE MINOR

TO: the biological father of Baby Girl Edwards, a female child, born on July 28, 2025 in Asheboro, North Carolina, to Tequira Isabel Edwards. Take notice that a Petition for Adoption was led with the Clerk of Superior Court for Randolph County, North Carolina in the above entitled special proceeding. The Petition relates to Baby Girl Edwards, a female child, born on July 28, 2025 in Asheboro, North Carolina, to Tequira Isabel Edwards. Ms. Edwards reports that there are two possible biological fathers; “Alex Unknown” and “Robert Unknown”. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that you are required to le a response to such pleading not later than 40 days from the rst day of publication of this notice, that date being August 21, 2025, and upon your failure to do so the Petitioner will apply to the Court for relief sought in the Petition. Any parental rights you may have will be terminated upon the entry of the decree of adoption. Kelly T. Dempsey, Attorney for Petitioners, 101 S Tryon Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28280.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of MARK LEWIS PAGE, late of Randolph County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of the decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at the o ce of Ivey & Eggleston, Attorneys at Law, 111 Worth Street, Asheboro, North Carolina 27203, on or before November 06, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms or corporations indebted to said estate should make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 7th day of August 2025.

JORDAN LEIGH PAGE aka JORDAN PAGE BEASON Executor of the Estate of MARK LEWIS PAGE S. SCOTT EGGLESTON, Attorney IVEY & EGGLESTON, ATTORNEYS AT LAW 111 Worth Street Asheboro, NC 27203 (336) 625-3043

PUBL/DATES: 08/07/25, 08/14/25, 08/21/25, 08/28/25

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Robert L. Wheeler, late of Randolph County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at P.O. Box 5994, Greensboro, North Carolina 27435, on or before the 31st day October 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms, and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 31st day of July 2025.

Brenda G. Fales Executor of the Estate of Robert L. Wheeler

Jonathan M. Parisi Attorney at Law Spangler Estate Planning P.O. Box 5994 Greensboro, NC 27435

WAKE

Notice to Creditors

Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of TAMMY LEIGH BAKER, late of Wake County, North Carolina (25E002711-910), the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 3rd day of November, 2025 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 31st day of July 2025.

Leigh Vondus Baker, III

Executor of the Estate of Tammy Leigh

Baker

c/o Lisa M. Schreiner

Attorney at Law P.O. Box 446

114 Raleigh Street Fuquay Varina, NC 27526

(For publication: 07/31, 08/07, 08/14, 08/21/2025)

Notice to Creditors

Having quali ed as Co-Executors of the Estate of WILLIAM PETE FRANKLIN, late of Wake County, North Carolina (25E002577910), the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 17th day of November, 2025 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 14th day of August 2025.

Kimberly Franklin Gilbert Nancee Louise Franklin

Co-Executors Estate of William Pete

Franklin

c/o Lisa M. Schreiner

Attorney at Law P.O. Box 446 114 Raleigh Street Fuquay Varina, NC 27526 (For publication: 08/14, 08/21, 08/28, 09/04/2025)

NOTICE NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS A davit of Ownership and Legal Status COME NOW, the private man: Jehorek, Jason-Gerald, sui juris, who hereby declares and a rms publicly and on the record that he is the registered owner and holder of the authenticated Certi cate of Live Birth No. 104-68-326079, issued by Shasta County, California, and further recognized by Federal Registration No. 25051551-1. It is hereby a rmed that the private man named above, under declaration of a private trust, fully acknowledges that the Registrar of Titles is authorized to receive for registration of memorials upon any outstanding certi cate of title an o cial birth certi cate pertaining to a registered owner named in said certi cate of title, showing the date of birth of said registered owner. This is contingent upon the attachment of an a davit from an a ant who states familiarity with the facts recited, con rming that the individual named in the birth certi cate is the same party as one of the owners named in the certi cate of title. Thereafter,

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF WAKE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 25SP000970-910 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE UNDER THAT POWER OF SALE. GRANTED IN THE DECLARATION OF COVENANTS RESTRICTIONS AND EASEMENTS, RECORDED AT BOOK 2206, PAGE 284, AND AS AMENDED WAKE COUNTY REGISTRY CONCERNING JULIUS STEVENSON AND SPOUSE, IF ANY NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE OF ASSOCIATION’S SALE OF REAL ESTATE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the Declaration of Covenants Restrictions and Easements recorded at Book 2206, Page 284, as amended Wake County Registry; and because of default in the payment of the indebtedness secured by said Declaration and failure of performance of the stipulations and agreements therein contained, and pursuant to the Order

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

25SP000306-120

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Edward McCallum (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Edward McCallum) to Brock and Scott, Trustee(s), dated December 4, 2020, and recorded in Book No. 14735, at Page 0160 in Cabarrus County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O ce of the Register of Deeds Cabarrus County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door in Concord, Cabarrus County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on August 25, 2025 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following

entered in 25SP000970-910, Superior Court of WAKE County, North Carolina, the undersigned Trustee will expose for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate located in WAKE County, North Carolina: Legal Description: Lot 31, Block C, Williamsburg Manor Subdivision, Phase II, according to a plat recorded at Book of Maps 1973, Page 468, Wake County Registry. ALSO BEING that property described in that deed recorded at Deed Book 12311, Page 568 in the O ce of the Register of Deeds of Wake County, North Carolina. Present Legal Owners: Julius Stevenson and spouse, if any Property Address: 1232 Donaldson Court Cary, NC 27511 A Certi ed Check ONLY (no personal checks) deposit of ve percent (5%) of the amount of the bid, or Seven Hundred Fifty and 00/100 Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered at the time of the sale. Any successful bidder shall be required to tender the full balance of the purchase price so bid in cash or certi ed check at the time the Trustee tenders to him a deed for the property or attempts to tender such deed and should said successful bidder fail to pay the full balance purchase

real estate situated in Kannapolis in the County of Cabarrus, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: All that certain lot or parcel of land situated in the City of Kannapolis, Cabarrus County, North Carolina and more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 47 of Manchester Place, Phase 2, Map 3, as same is shown on plat thereof recorded in Map Book 43, Page 76, in the Register of Deeds for Cabarrus County, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 223 Newport Drive, Kannapolis, North Carolina. Tax ID: 5612 46 8412 0000 NOTE: The property address and tax parcel identi cation number listed are provided solely for informational purposes, without warranty as to accuracy or completeness and are not hereby insured. Being that parcel of land conveyed to Edward McCallum, separated from Juan M. Nunez and wife, Andrea Gonzalez by that deed dated 9/13/2018 and recorded 9/25/2018 as Instrument No. 23953 in Deed Book 13196, at Page 1 of the Cabarrus County, NC public registry. PARCEL NUMBER(S): 5612 46 8412

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to three

and recorded on February 8, 2023 in Book 11667 at Page 287, 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 o er 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 27, 2025 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 No. 6, Block D, in a subdivision known as Sherwood Park, Section 1, and the same being duly recorded in Plat Book 24, Page 75, Cumberland County Registry. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 1334 Camelot Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28304. A Certi ed Check ONLY (no personal checks) of ve 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

price so bid at that time, he shall remain liable on his bid. This sale will be held open ten (10) days for upset bids as required by law. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. 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 ling of a bankruptcy petition prior to the con rmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without knowledge of the Trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the Trustee, in his sole discretion, if he 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. The real estate will be sold subject to any and all superior liens, including taxes and special assessments, if any. Upon the conclusion of the sale 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 this Court. If you occupy the property pursuant to a rental agreement please note that any person who occupies the property

hours 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 o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered 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 o cers, 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 o ered 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 ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred

THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be o ered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being o ered 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 o ered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/or appraisal. 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 Ricardo Ramirez and spouse, Yoshelin Garcia.

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

pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving notice of said sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be e ective 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 (homeowner) 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 e ective date of termination. The sale will be held open for ten (10) days for upset bids as required by law. THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. THE PURPOSE OF THIS COMMUNICATION IS TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. EXCEPT IN THE INSTANCE OF BANKRUPTCY PROTECTION. IF YOU ARE UNDER THE PROTECTION OF THE BANKRUPTCY COURT OF HAVE BEEN DISCHARGED AS A RESULT OF THE BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDING, THIS NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU PURSUANT TO STATUTORY REQUIREMENT AND FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND IS NOT

fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certi ed 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 ling of a bankruptcy petition prior to the con rmation 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

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 e ective 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 e ective date of the termination. Pursuant to NCGS §45-21.25A, this sale may be subject to remote bids placed by bidders not physically present at the place of sale, which may be accepted by the person conducting the sale, or their agent”. 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

been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O ce 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 o er 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 25, 2025 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Hope Mills in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: being all of lot 26 as shown on the plat entitled “teakwood forest, phase 2 lots 1349” duly recorded in plat book 139, page 147, Cumberland County, North Carolina registry, which plat is incorporated herein by reference and made a part thereof for greater certainty of description and location of said premises. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 505 Sheila Street, Hope Mills, North Carolina.

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 25SP000534-250 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY JUAN LUCAS JR DATED FEBRUARY 12, 2002 RECORDED IN BOOK NO. 5682, AT PAGE 456 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

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

2025, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Cumberland County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Juan Lucas Jr, dated February 12, 2002 to secure the original principal amount of $63,900.00, and recorded in Book No. 5682, at Page 456 of the Cumberland County Public Registry. The terms of the

but

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 o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered 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 o cers, 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 o ered 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

or warranty is intended. Address of property: 804 Lakecrest Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28301 Tax Parcel ID: 0429-70-1564 The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Estate Of Juan Lucas Jr c/o Antoine Lucas, administrator and Antoine Lucas and Chanda Lucas. The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered 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 o cers, 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 o ered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any

subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered

25 SP 216 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 Jennifer Alberts and Travis Tate to Cynthia Porter eld, Trustee(s), which was dated December 3, 2020 and recorded on December 3, 2020 in Book DE 2444 at Page 1791, 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

AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 22 SP 730 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Ramarama, Inc. (PRESENT RECORD

OWNER(S): Ramarama, Inc.) to Browning Law Firm, PA, Trustee(s), dated April 23, 2021, and recorded in Book No. 9312, at Page 454 in Durham 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 O ce of the Register of Deeds Durham 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 o er for sale at the courthouse door in Durham, Durham County,

IN THE

undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er 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 25, 2025 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 LOT NO. 10, BLOCK A, ROBERT L. LAMBETH ADDITION (PHILLIPS ST.), ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF WHICH IS DULY RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 1, PAGE 309, IN THE OFFICE OF THE REGISTER OF DEEDS OF DAVIDSON COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, REFERENCE TO WHICH PLAT IS HEREBY MADE FOR A MORE PARTICULAR DESCRIPTION. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 312 Phillips Street, Thomasville, NC 27360. A Certi ed Check ONLY (no personal checks) of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00),

North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 3:00 PM on August 26, 2025 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Durham in the County of Durham, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: LYING on the northern side of Ellis Road, containing 8.43 acres, more or less, and being all of that property shown on that plat of the property PEOPLE CHRISTAIN CHURCH as per plat and survey thereof now on le in the O ce of the Register of Deeds of Durham County in Plat Book 169 at Page 372, to which plat reference is hereby made for a more particular description of same. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 1343 Ellis Road, Durham, North Carolina. Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to three hours 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

COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION DURHAM COUNTY 25sp000427-310 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY ZEENALYN P. WILLIAMS DATED OCTOBER 31, 2006 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 5406 AT PAGE 883 IN THE DURHAM COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Durham County courthouse at 11:00AM on August 27, 2025, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Durham County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Zeenalyn P. Williams, dated October 31, 2006 to secure the original principal amount of $150,000.00, and recorded in Book 5406 at Page 883 of the Durham County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modi ed 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: 5813 Catskill Ct, Durham, NC 27713 Tax Parcel ID: 201744 Present Record Owners: Zeenalyn P. Williams

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 o ered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being o ered 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 o ered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/or appraisal. 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 Jennifer

Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered 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 o cers, 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 o ered 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 ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fty

The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Zeenalyn P. Williams. The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered 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 o cers, 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 o ered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fty dollars

and

the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the o cers, 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,

transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of

Alberts and spouse, Travis Tate. 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 e ective 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 e ective date of the termination. Pursuant to NCGS §45-21.25A, this sale may be subject to remote bids placed by bidders not physically present at the place of

dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certi ed 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 ling of a bankruptcy petition prior to the con rmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge

sale, which may be accepted by the person conducting the sale, or their agent”. If the

Reasons of such inability to convey

and reinstatement

($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely

Ready to go

Chatham Central and Northwood faced o in the Jack Shaner Jamboree on Saturday, the nal tuneup ahead of Week 1 action. For more, turn to Page B1.

Conservancy at Jordan Lake petitioning for expanded wastewater services

The subdivision’s wastewater treatment plant currently can only service homes in the community

First domino in national redistricting ght likely to fall with Texas GOP poised for vote on maps

Texas’ Republican-led legislature is expected to approve new congressional maps that add ve new House seats that the GOP could win. The extraordinary move expected Wednesday comes at President Donald Trump’s urging.

Trump wants to stave o Republicans losing control of the House of Representatives in next year’s midterms.

Texas Democratic state lawmakers delayed the vote by eeing the state, but enough returned this week for the body to reconvene.

The GOP House speaker assigned around-the- clock police monitors to Democrats to make sure they don’t ee again. One state representative spent Monday night and Tuesday in the Texas House rather than agree to a monitor and was joined by other Democrats in protest.

Gabbard revokes security clearances of 37 current, former government o cials

The Trump administration says it’s revoking the security clearances of 37 current and former national security o cials. A memo posted Tuesday by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard accused the targeted o cials of having engaged in the “politicization or weaponization of intelligence” to advance partisan goals. It also accuses them of failing to safeguard classi ed information.

$2.00

By Ryan Henkel Chatham News & Record

PITTSBORO — The Chatham County Board of Commissioners held a few di erent public hearings at its Aug. 18 meeting, including a request

for expanded wastewater treatment services.

The rst hearing was for a rezoning request for approximately 21 acres of property located within the Conservancy at Jordan Lake subdivision from residential to light industrial to allow for the expanded use of the subdivision’s wastewater treatment plant.

The Conservancy at Jordan Lake was a conservation subdivision that was approved by the board in March 2022, and along with that, the approved plans allowed for the construction of a wastewater treatment plant.

NC updates more than 20,000 voter records, seeks more ID numbers

Some voters have been asked to help complete their records

By Gary D. Robertson The Associated Press

RALEIGH — Voter registration records for more than 20,000 people in North Car-

olina have been successfully amended thus far in an e ort by election o cials to add missing identi cation numbers.

In mid-July, the State Board of Elections began formally an

“When this project started, their wastewater treatment plant was, and continues to be, internal to the development,” said Zoning Administrator Angela Plummer. “The rst phase of that treatment facility is underway.”

e ort that seeks to resolve a lawsuit led by President Donald Trump’s Justice Department that focused on voter registration records that lacked either a voter’s driver’s license number or the last four digits of their Social Security number. Federal and state laws have directed that election o cials must re -

Democrats look to new crop of candidates to win back US House

In Trump country, the party is recruiting locals who are less “academic”

By Joey Cappellitti The Associated Press

FAIRVIEW — Jamie Ager has spent much of the past year rebuilding his farm in the foothills of western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene tore through the region, cutting power, destroying fences and scattering livestock. Then earlier this year, Ager lost his beef contract with local schools, a casualty of billions of dollars in cuts to the U.S. Department of Agriculture under the Trump administration.

Now the fth-generation farmer is running for Congress — part of a new crop of Democratic candidates the party is turning to as it tries to compete in the tough, often rural districts it may need to ip to retake the U.S. House in 2026.

Democrats say these new recruits are uniquely suited to break through in districts where President Donald Trump’s popularity dominates. Many, like Ager, are already a well-known presence in their communities. And in parts of North Carolina, Kentucky, Michigan and elsewhere, the party is betting local credibility can cut through skepticism where the

“The execution of a lot of those ideas has been gummed up, you know, not well executed.”

Jamie Ager, U.S. House candidate

To allow for the wastewater treatment plant to serve parcels outside of the conservation

See LAKE, page A3

quest this ID information since 2004 of new registrants, but for about a decade the state’s registration form failed to make clear that voters were supposed to provide it if they had it.

A “Registration Repair Project” supported by the now Republican-controlled state board — ipped from a Democratic majority in the spring — created a public online database with the names of 103,270 registrants the lacking the numerical identi ers. They were asked

See RECORDS, page A3

Aug. 12

• Eleazar Benitez Costilla, 58, of Pittsboro, was arrested by CCSO for precautions against attacks by dangerous dogs and animals running at large prohibited.

• Jwantana Lynn Huddleston, 49, of Asheville, was arrested by CCSO for simple possession of Schedule VI controlled substance, possession of marijuana paraphernalia and possession of drug paraphernalia.

• Ernie Bernard Mapp, 57, of Asheville, was arrested by CCSO for simple possession of Schedule VI controlled substance, possession of marijuana paraphernalia and possession of drug paraphernalia.

• Rene Geovani Cano Monzon, 50, of Chapel Hill, was arrested by CCSO for sex act by substitute parent or custodian and rstdegree kidnapping.

• Christopher Shane Lancaster, 34, of Apex, was arrested by CCSO for assault on a female, misdemeanor crime of domestic violence and harassing phone call.

Pittsboro nance director takes on expanded role as assistant town manager

Heather Meacham will continue overseeing the town’s nances

Chatham News & Record sta

PITTSBORO — The Town of Pittsboro’s nance director will take on additional duties as assistant town manager beginning Aug. 18, lling a position recently vacated by Kent Jackson.

Heather Meacham, who has served as nance director since 2016, will assume the dual role of assistant town manager/nance director following approval by the Pittsboro Board

of Commissioners at its Aug. 11 meeting. The board approved the position description, salary grade and role at the same meeting where commissioners recognized Jackson for his ve years of service to the town.

Jackson, who served as assistant town manager and engineering director, is leaving for a new opportunity.

In her expanded position, Meacham will continue to oversee the town’s nancial operations while taking on broader responsibilities supporting Town Manager Jonathan Franklin and the day-to-day administration of municipal government.

“I am honored to serve the Town of Pittsboro in a greater capacity,” Meacham said. “I look forward to continuing to work with our talented sta and committed leadership to support the community we all care so deeply about.”

Franklin said Meacham’s experience made her well-suited for the expanded role.

“Heather has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, and dedication to our Town,” Franklin said. “Her expertise in municipal nance, paired with her collaborative approach, makes her well-suited for this expanded role.”

Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in Chatham County:

Aug. 21

Opinionation Trivia at House of Pops

6-8 p.m.

Two sessions of this “Family Feud”-style game are held each Thursday evening, rst round at 6 p.m. and the second at 7 p.m., o ering contestants two opportunities to win House of Hops gift cards worth $15 and $25 each.

12 Russet Run Suite 110 Pittsboro

Aug. 22

Lego Club 4-5 p.m.

Weekly free Lego building session for children aged 2 and older, with Duplo blocks provided for very young children. Contact 919-545-8085 for more details.

Chatham Community Library Holmes Meeting Room 197 N.C. Highway 87 N. Pittsboro

The Old Ceremony at Bynum Front Porch! 7-8:30 p.m.

Free musical performance by The 8:59’s. Donations are welcome. This is a family-friendly event with food and beverages available for purchase on-site.

Front Porch, Bynum General Store 950 Bynum Road Bynum

Aug. 23

Chatham Mills Farmers Market

8 a.m. to noon

Producers-only farmers market o ering a wide variety of goods from fresh produce to other groceries, including eggs, cheese, meat, health and wellness items, and crafts. Everything is created by the vendors themselves.

Lawn of the historic Chatham Mills

480 Hillsboro St. Pittsboro

Aug. 27

Jazz Night at The Sycamore at Chatham Mills 6-9 p.m.

Every Wednesday night, the Sycamore at Chatham Mills hosts live Jazz Nights. The series features a rotating list of local musicians. The Sycamore also o ers its Lounge Menu in the dining room on Wednesday nights. Reservations are highly recommended.

480 Hillsboro St. Suite 500 Pittsboro

states.

NC, 19 other states sue DOJ to stop new immigration requirements on victim funds

conference Monday, calling the administration’s threat to withhold funds “the most heinous act” he’s seen in politics.

The Associated Press left a message seeking comment from a DOJ spokesperson Monday afternoon.

Church News

RIVES CHAPEL BAPTIST CHURCH

4338 Rives Chapel Church Road Siler City

The Glorymen will be performing at the 10 a.m. Worship Service on Sunday, Aug. 24

All are invited!

to provide an ID number through the Division of Motor Vehicles website or by visiting their county election board ofces. County election o cials also have conducted research to update records.

As of Monday, the registrants on the list had fallen 20% to 82,540, an election board news release said.

By Claudia Lauer and Mike Catalini

A COALITION of attorneys general from 20 states — including North Carolina — and Washington, D.C., is asking a federal judge to stop the U.S. Department of Justice from withholding federal funds earmarked for crime victims if states don’t cooperate with the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement e orts.

The lawsuit led Monday in Rhode Island federal court seeks to block the Justice Department from enforcing conditions that would cut funding to a state or subgrantee if it refuses to honor civil immigration enforcement requests, denies U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement o cers access to facilities or fails to provide advance notice of release dates of individuals possibly wanted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement because of their immigration status.

The lawsuit asks that the conditions be thrown out, arguing that the administration and the agency are overstepping their constitutional and administrative authority.

The lawsuit also argues that the requirements are not permitted or outlined in the Victims of Crime Act, known as VOCA, and would interfere with policies created to ensure victims and witnesses report crimes without fear of deportation.

“These people did not ask for this status as a crime victim. They don’t breakdown neatly across partisan lines, but they share one common trait, which is that they’ve su ered an unimaginable trauma,” New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said during a video news

subdivision, the applicant needed to apply for classi cation as a regional wastewater treatment plant, which also requires a light industrial zoning district designation.

The properties adjacent to the Conservancy at Jordan Lake that are planned to be served are also owned by the applicant, Chatham Land Group.

“The idea is that those parcels, if they have residential lots on them, would be able to be served by the same wastewater treatment plant,” said attorney Nicolas Robinson, who was representing the applicant. “There is no change in the size or physical aspect of the wastewater treatment plant that is already proposed. It is going to be built at the size that is approved whether or not this rezoning occurs.”

The board then held a hearing for a revision to an approved conditional district — compact community, Vickers Village, located o U.S. 15-501 N and Jack Bennett Road to modify the phasing schedule.

“Vickers Village has been an approved mixed-use development, compact community for a few years now,” Plum-

The federal conditions were placed on VOCA funding, which provides more than a billion dollars annually to states for victims compensation programs and grants that fund victims assistance organizations. VOCA funding comes entirely from nes and penalties in federal court cases, not from tax dollars.

Every state and territory has a victims compensation program that follows federal guidelines, but largely is set up under state law to provide nancial help to crime victims, including medical expense reimbursement, paying for crime scene cleanup, counseling or helping with funeral costs for homicide victims. VOCA covers the cost of about 75% of state compensation program awards.

The funds are also used to pay for other services, including testing rape kits, funding grants to domestic violence recovery organizations, trauma recovery centers and more.

Advocates and others argue that the system needs to protect victims regardless of their immigration status and ensure that reporting a crime does not lead to deportation threats. They also say that marginalized communities, such as newly arrived immigrants, are more likely to be crime targets.

“The federal government is attempting to use crime victim funds as a bargaining chip to force states into doing its bidding on immigration enforcement,”

New York Attorney General Letitia James, who also joined the lawsuit, said in a statement Monday. “These grants were created to help survivors heal and recover, and we will ght to ensure they continue to serve that purpose. … We will not be bullied into abandoning any of our residents.”

“There is no change in the size or physical aspect of the wastewater treatment plant that is already proposed.”

Attorney Nicolas Robinson, who was representing the applicant, Chatham Land Group

mer said. “Due to various issues, they’ve come before you once before to have the development schedule modi ed. They’re still working on getting developers and things in line to take this property and get it started. But they’re going to need to ask for a little more time.”

The deadline for the submission of the phase one nal plat had been extended in 2024 to Dec. 31, 2026. The request now is to push that out an additional two years to Dec. 31, 2028.

“The residential portions of the community were on the cusp of being sold recently to a national builder late last year,” Robinson said, who was also representing the Vickers Bennett Group. “But there were

President Donald Trump’s administration has sought to withhold or pull back other federal funding or grant funding midstream, saying awardees and programs no longer agree with its priorities. In April, it canceled about $800 million in DOJ grants, some of which were awarded to victims service and survivor organizations.

And in June, states led a lawsuit over added requirements in Violence Against Women Act funding that mandated applicants agree not to promote “gender ideology,” or run diversity, equity and inclusion programs or prioritize people in the country illegally.

Several attorneys general said the VOCA conditions appear to be another way the administration is targeting so-called sanctuary jurisdictions that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities, though there is no clear de nition of what a sanctuary state or city is.

The Trump administration earlier this month released an updated list of states, cities and counties it considers sanctuary jurisdictions. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said in the August announcement that the department would “continue bringing litigation against sanctuary jurisdictions and work closely with the Department of Homeland Security to eradicate these harmful policies around the country.”

As of Monday afternoon attorneys general from California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin — all Democrats — had signed on to the lawsuit.

some changes that occurred, including some additional costs that were added to the project and some market conditions, which caused that sale to not close. ... (The deadline) is now inadequate to allow for a whole new purchaser to come in and do their due diligence and come out ready to start construction.”

The nal hearing was for a zoning ordinance text amendment to allow automobile and automobile accessory sales and services to the table of permitted uses in the light industrial zoning district.

“Automobile and automobile accessories sales and services are currently only listed as permitted in the legacy B-1 zoning district and the regional business district,” Plummer said. “In the light industrial district, currently, automobile service stations, including tuneups, minor repairs, tire services, washing facilities and similar services are allowed. This would allow all to be allowed in the same zoning district.”

Following the hearings, the board referred each item to the planning board for their review.

As planned, the board is now sending letters to those who haven’t already acted and o ered a numerical ID, or have yet to indicate that they have neither a driver’s license nor a Social Security number. The letter recipients are being told they can mail in their ID number with postage-paid return envelopes provided, in addition to the DMV and in-person options.

“It’s quick. It’s easy. It’s free,” board Executive Director Sam Hayes said, adding that taking action now will “avoid any issues the next time they show up to vote.”

People on the list who don’t provide the information will have to vote provisionally the next time they cast a ballot — meaning their ballots may not count in some state and local races without correct ID information. Municipal elec-

tions will be held starting next month. The board release said that paper and electronic voter rolls will ag these voters so they vote with a provisional ballot and provide missing information for their ballot to count.

The missing numerical IDs led to other complaints and litigation leading to the 2024 elections and played a prominent part in a state Supreme Court race. U.S. attorneys have contended that accurate registration rolls help ensure fair and reliable election results. Many Democrats said these voters are already being scrutinized because they already have to show a photo ID to vote like everyone else. North Carolina has 7.57 million registered voters and is considered a perpetual battleground state. Close elections could be a ected if registrants cast ballots that ultimately aren’t counted. Another mailing will go out at a later date to close to 100,000 additional voters whose records also lack the identi ers but will be allowed to continue casting regular ballots because there’s evidence, for example, that they supplied a number or an alternate ID as allowed under the law.

The Chatham County Board of Commissioners will next meet Sept. 15 Share with your community!

Send your birth, death, marriage, graduation and other announcements to community@chathamnewsrecord.com

Weekly deadline is Monday at noon.

THE WAYS OF THE HEATHEN

BIBLE STUDY: Psalms 106:34-48

Church of Living Water; Pastor: James Mitchell. God told Israel to destroy the wicked of that day, but they didn’t obey God. They began to mingle among the heathen and began to take on their ways. Most all the Democrats and a few rhino Republicans have taken on the ways of the heathen. These Democrats of today have lost what little sense they had. They seem to hate America. They stand up for the terrorist Hamas over Israel. They spread lies about the people in Gaza starving, yet hardly ever speak about the starving captives that Hamas has. Aren’t some parents daughters unto devils? How evil it is to have children’s bodies mutilated, where they may never get over such evil. If one rotten apple is placed in a barrel of good apples, then the good apples will go bad. We must vote these socialist/communist Democrats out of judgment fell on these heathens. Repent of what you’ve done to America and its citizens. Wake up, America, to the murderers, rapists, and God- haters of His Word who hate our law enforcement, like Ice, which is removing some 20 million illegals and terrorists out of America. Biden and Democrats brought these illegals in for their votes. These Democrats are racist, trying to divide us. They only talk about the big lie of climate change, racism and defunding our police. Let’s thank Donald Trump! All need to repent and believe that Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead. So, all that are willing could be forgiven of all our sins!

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

Open letter to my children about hope

Is that your raw need? To hear that it’s going to be all right? Can I, with a clear conscience, provide such assurance in such a world as this?

WELL, MY DEAR ONES, as you know, I love poetry, like Emily Dickinson’s line, “Hope is a thing with feathers.” Yesterday, your mom pointed to the cardinal’s nest in the corner of the front porch roof. I identi ed with the adult birds ying back and forth from the nest to feed their brood. All of you squealed with delight at those babies, their open mouths and bulging eyes straining with raw need.

According to Wendell Berry, “The young ask the old to hope.” Is that your raw need? To hear that it’s going to be all right? Can I, with a clear conscience, provide such assurance in such a world as this?

In biblical Hebrew, the same word can be translated as “hope” or “wait,” but I think there’s a di erence between waiting and waiting with hope. An ancient poet promised, “Those who hope (or wait) in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles.” That is a lofty, soaring vision, yet the poet also promised the hopeful “will walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31). Perhaps waiting with hope is to continue to put one foot in front of the other and “stop dithering,” as Berry adds. Your mom and I had to wait for you. Some aspects of waiting together were really enjoyable! (That’s a subject for another talk.) As months passed into years, we felt grief, frustration and anger. Other ancient poets cried out, “How long, O Lord?” Then each one of you came, and you are more than I could have ever hoped for. But I share my experience of waiting in case there comes a time when you, too, feel as if you are losing hope. I tell you that I know what that feels like.

Let me go back even further in time. I was friendly with a high school classmate named Justin Carter. After graduation, many of us stuck close to Raleigh, but Justin went to New York City. He played guitar, and he believed he could have a music career. I have not kept in touch with Justin, but his “audacity of hope” (Barack Obama) has remained with me after all these years. Recently, I came across his record and heard him sing, “What can you tell your children about hope?” When I played it for you, you asked me why I was crying. J. Drew Lantham wrote, “Wherever I stand in wild witness … I can sometimes defer the troubles of the world to have hope in something better.” Justin’s music is a “wild witness” to me. You are witnesses of hope as well. I think of how you planted milkweed in our backyard because you learned of the plight of the monarch butter y, and how you added soft moss and smooth rocks to make a magic place where wishes come true. When you nished, you tugged me outside by the hands, shouting, “See? See!” Maybe hope is always about perspective. Enough talk; let’s watch those baby birds through our window.

Love, Dad

Andrew Taylor-Troutman’s newest book is “This Is the Day.” He serves as pastor of Chapel in the Pines Presbyterian Church as well as a writer, pizza maker, co ee drinker and student of joy.

Beginning of school year reminder we can start over

The farther away I get from that rst day of the year, the more I see it with rose-colored glasses.

AT THE RISK of stating the obvious, it’s that time of year again. Unless you’re involved in a year-round school, students have, are or will be heading to classrooms around the time you read this.

For some, it’s back to school; for others, it’s a rst-time event. Some will go with a clear goal, while others may not be so sure. Some are excited; others ... well, you know.

It’s been a short summer. Always is, especially if you’re young. And all across the land, there are shrieks and cries and moans and groans as the start of the year nears ... and that’s just from the teachers and sta .

Reminds me of the story of the mother who came to the door of her son’s bedroom on the rst day of school for the new academic year. He hadn’t arisen despite her repeated pleas and threats that he was going to be late getting there.

Again and again she knocked on the door and called to him and threatened to pour cold water on his noggin and all manner of other things designed to get him out of bed, all to no avail. Finally, she stood in the doorway and yelled at the top of her lungs, “Young man, you get up ... right now!”

“Why, Mama?” he pleaded.

“Well, for one thing,” she said, “it’s almost 8 a.m. and I’ve got your breakfast ready. For another, you’re 42 years old, and for the third, you’re the only principal the school has.”

The farther away I get from that rst day of the year, the more I see it with rose-colored glasses. It’s been awhile since those days for me, for either the third grade or the third time, I was a freshman in college. Still, no matter what, I think there’s something good and needed about the start of the year, and it has to do with starting over.

Seems like the older I become, the more I need or think I need to start over on some things ... sometimes lots of things. And that’s one thing the new school year means.

It means you can forget the un nished plans, the unrealized dreams, and the mistakes and downsides of the previous year. Of course, conversely, it means you can remember the good stu , and that’s good because you can build on that. It’s sort of like I couldn’t do multiplication until I learned the numbers.

And I know it’s a di erent world today, but, to me, there’s something really bene cial about the social dimension of back to school. When I was a young boy, about the time dinosaurs were roaming the earth, I wanted to start the new school year. One reason was to learn in whose room I would be laboring. Would it be “The Teacher from the Black Lagoon” or would it be Pearl Pureheart?

And with which of my running buddies would I be sharing the year? Would this be the year I push the envelope too far, or would it be the one where I nally learned not only some English and history and math but also some sense?

So while the details may change somewhat, the principles remain close to the same. And as the 2025-26 academic year gets underway, wish your students well, think kind thoughts about and say a prayer for the teachers, and nd a way, even if you’re not a student, to go back to school this year and learn some needed lessons.

Especially if it’s the school of life.

Bob Wachs is a native of Chatham County and emeritus editor at Chatham News & Record. He serves as pastor of Bear Creek Baptist Church.

Just love those cheap highs

With the hindsight of an adult (well, mostly), I realize the behavior that so morti ed me as a child was really a conscious decision by my mother to acknowledge, on the y, people of all stripes.

PLEASE, just let me hide! Please … Growing up, I was often incredibly embarrassed by my mother in all sots of public places — stores, elevators and such. Morti ed is more like it. Why? Mom always (always!) initiated conversations with people, anyone, often gathering their life stories by the time we reached our appointed oor or checkout counter. I recall shrinking deep within myself, looking intently at the oor, pretending I wasn’t there. (No, no, I don’t know her! Really! Get me out of here!) How could she be so nosy, so intrusive of someone else’s personal space?!

Fast-forward a few hundred years and I seem to have morphed into that same elevator, cashier line yakker, as my mother. With the hindsight of an adult (well, mostly), I realize the behavior that so morti ed me as a child was really a conscious decision by my mother to acknowledge, on the y, people of all stripes. C’mon, isn’t there enough to do in our lives? “I’m late, I’m late, I’m late!”

Acknowledge yet another human being on our quickly turning hamster wheel of life. Now, just c’mon!

But, but … What was she talking about?

Anyone out there besides me have one of those kid’s chemistry sets when they were young? The kind in which pouring one solution into a second tube made it gently bubble over, into a third tube, we were

suddenly blessed with a smell of rotten eggs? Into a fourth tube and pink liquid was gently frothing down my hand. De nitely “wow“ stu .

And you were the chemist. So was I. We were little teeny chemists, weren’t we? Chemists, acting on the various elements that impact our physical world. With elements, small though they be, still creating wonderful and eye-opening consequences. Small chemical, but social elements, nonetheless, such as: “Hi, how are you? “Hey, that’s a great hat! You’re really looking chipper today.” And the beat goes on. Our brain’s hormones, when stimulated with friendliness, acknowledgment or kindness, make us feel good. Our brain’s hormones feel good and, guess what, we humans do too.

As embarrassed as I was by how I characterized my mother‘s friendliness, I never realized until recently that she was a chemist, on a quest (as am I, now.) A chemist transforming, itty-bitty, little pro-social variables in someone else’s brain, into “I’m cheering you on.”

Cheap social science? Cheap date? Cheap high? Who cares. It works. Now get out there and lift someone’s spirits by any simple acknowledgment that oats your boat. The operative word here is “simple.” You got it?

Jan Hutton, a resident of Chatham County and retired hospice social worker, lives life with heart and humor.

Why I support returning to traditional elections

Rankedchoice voting was pitched as a reform to solve a problem that, frankly, didn’t exist in Alaska.

IN RECENT YEARS, we’ve seen several changes to our state’s election system, including the adoption of ranked-choice voting (RCV) following the passage of Ballot Measure 2 in 2020. I want to speak plainly with you today about where I stand on this issue and why I believe Alaska should return to the traditional method of voting that served our state well for decades.

Let me start by acknowledging a simple fact: I have been elected governor under both systems. I won under the traditional voting method in 2018 and again under rankedchoice voting in 2022. So my position on this issue is not about political gain or loss. It is about trust, clarity and con dence in our electoral process.

Ranked-choice voting was pitched as a reform to solve a problem that, frankly, didn’t exist in Alaska. We were told it would reduce partisanship, promote consensus candidates and make elections more fair. In reality, what we got was a system that confused voters, made outcomes less transparent, and created deep concerns about how votes are tabulated and who ultimately decides an election. When I talk with Alaskans, whether in urban Anchorage, on the Kenai or in rural communities from Bethel to Kotzebue, the message I hear time and again is the same: Ranked-choice voting is complicated, and many people don’t trust it. That’s not just a perception problem; it’s a legitimacy problem. For any election system to work, voters must understand how it functions and believe in its fairness. RCV fails on both counts.

Here’s how. Under the traditional method, you vote for the candidate you support. The candidate with the most votes wins. It’s simple, straightforward and easy to understand. But under ranked-choice voting, you’re asked to rank candidates in order of preference: rst, second, third and so on. If no candidate gets a majority of rst-choice votes, a computerized process kicks in, redistributing ballots according to preferences until someone gets over 50%. While this may sound neat in theory, in practice, it’s left many Alaskans scratching their heads.

In some cases, the candidate who receives the most rst-choice votes doesn’t win. That undermines a basic sense of fairness. In other cases, ballots are “exhausted” because voters didn’t rank every candidate. That means those votes are discarded in later

rounds of counting, e ectively silencing the voter. And because the nal tally depends on a computer-run algorithm, we lose the immediacy and transparency of watching precincts report on election night.

To be clear, the concern here is not about technology itself; it’s about trust. People want to see the vote counted in a way they can understand. They want to be able to explain the result to their friends and neighbors without needing a owchart or a computer science degree. That’s the kind of clarity that strengthens democracy. Ranked-choice voting moves us in the opposite direction.

We are one of only two states, along with Maine, that currently use ranked-choice voting in statewide elections. If this were such an e ective and bene cial reform, why haven’t other states adopted it? Why haven’t we seen a groundswell of support from legislatures or voters elsewhere? The opposite has happened: 17 states have banned it. The truth is, most Americans — and most Alaskans — prefer a system they can understand and trust.

We should never make our elections more complicated than they need to be. Let’s remember what elections are fundamentally about: expressing the will of the people. That requires clarity, con dence and transparency. The traditional voting system delivered that for decades in Alaska. Ranked-choice voting has not.

It is time to bring back a system that puts the voter rst. One person, one vote. The candidate with the most votes wins. That’s how our democracy was designed to work. That’s how Alaskans expect it to work. And that’s the system I will support going forward.

I trust the good judgment of the people of Alaska. I believe when given the chance, we will return to a system that is fair, understandable and grounded in trust. Let’s put the power of elections back where it belongs: in your hands, not in the hands of a computer algorithm.

Mike Dunleavy is governor of Alaska and writes in his personal capacity. This article was originally published by Daily Caller News Foundation.

Trump’s biggest immigration win yet

SOLVING AMERICA’S illegal immigration crisis didn’t require amnesty — just better leadership.

Last week, the Center for Immigration Studies released a study showing America’s foreign-born population dropped by 2.2 million from January to July. While the number of naturalized U.S. citizens increased, there was a staggering 1.6 millionperson drop among illegal immigrants. CIS estimated that this represented a 10% decline in the country’s illegal immigrant population.

While determining the number of illegal immigrants always requires estimation, this drop is supported by anecdotal evidence.

“Nurse in US for 40 years self-deports,” a recent Newsweek headline reads.

For decades, many Democrats and some Republicans have presented amnesty as the only way to solve the country’s broken immigration system.

“Lansing man self deporting to Kenya after 16 years in America,” WILX, a Michigan TV station, recently reported. In April, the LA Times wrote, “More immigrants opt to self-deport rather than risk being marched out like criminals.”

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said some foreign leaders have also told her this is happening.

“Over and over again, I’m hearing that hundreds of thousands of their citizens are coming home, voluntarily,” she said. For decades, many Democrats and some Republicans have presented amnesty as the only way to solve the country’s broken immigration system. The Trump administration has taken a lot of ak for trying a di erent approach. It’s o ering $1,000 to illegal immigrants who leave voluntarily. It’s ning illegal immigrants who stay, ramping up arrests and sending some illegals to third countries or Alligator Alcatraz. Like everyone else, illegal immigrants respond to incentives. This mix of carrots and sticks is working. The Trump administration has also closed the southern border.

A decrease in illegal immigration is great news for most Americans. It will increase wages for low-skill Americans. It will put downward pressure on housing prices. It will reduce crime. It will lower the amount of money Americans spend supporting illegal immigrants.

But it’s terrible news for the Democratic Party — especially if this drop continues. If the country didn’t have any illegal immigrants, Democrats would have less political power.

That’s not a claim about illegal immigrants voting in elections, although that does happen. It’s about the census. Every 10 years, the federal government counts how many people are living in the country. Congressional seats are divvied out to states based on those population numbers, which includes both legal and illegal immigrants.

In other words, states with large numbers of illegal immigrants receive extra Congressional seats — and Electoral College votes. That list includes blue states like California and New York, but also red states like Florida and Texas. Evidence suggests blue states bene t more from this than red states.

Another advantage comes in the making of congressional and legislative districts, which are supposed to have a similar number of people. Note: That’s a similar number of residents, not citizens. Illegal immigrants tend to congregate in blue cities. This allows the creation of more districts in deep blue areas. This is one reason that Republican districts in Nevada tend to have more registered voters.

It’s unlikely that President Donald Trump’s new census excluding illegals will happen anytime soon, but if it did, Democrats would be in signi cant trouble.

at Joint Base ElmendorfRichardson, Sept. 11, 2023, in Anchorage, Alaska.

Democrats’ desperate ght against Trump’s deportation e orts has a downside. The New York Times recently interviewed swing voters, including Desmond Smith, a young black man from Mississippi. He backed former President Joe Biden in 2020 and Trump in 2024. Asked how Democrats could appeal to him, he said, “Fight for Americans instead of ghting for everybody else.”

That should be a no-brainer, but for the reasons described above, it’s a tough option for Democrats.

Trump keeps winning on immigration policy and immigration politics.

Victor Joecks is a columnist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

obituaries

Billy Hugh Elkins

Dec. 7, 1941 – Aug.14, 2025

Billy Hugh Elkins, 83, of Bear Creek, died Thursday, August 14, 2025.

Billy was born in Lee County, NC on December 7, 1941, to the late Alton Hugh and Gladys Williams Elkins. He was the owner of Elkins Sawmill in Moncure. He was a member of Antioch Christian Church Independent Baptist.

Billy is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Rebecca “Becky” Luther Elkins; and children, Amy Elkins Fields, Doyle Elkins and

wife, Sheila, and Jay Elkins and wife Beth. He is also survived by his ten grandchildren, Logan Fields, Seth Elkins and wife, Emily, Ashton Fields, Sawyer Elkins, Ty Elkins, Calan Hilliard and husband, Jon Michael, Abby Gandee and husband, Brayden, Madelyn Elkins, Klaire Clodfelter and Maci Clodfelter; and two great grandchildren, Hudson Elkins and Eva Mae Hilliard; sister, Vicky Elkins Scott and husband, Danny and niece, Blair Auman and husband, Glenn and their children, Daniel and Nora Grace.

A visitation will be held Sunday, August 17, 2025, from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. at Antioch Christian Church Independent Baptist. The funeral service will follow at 3:00 p.m., with Rev. Jimmy Talton o ciating. Family and Friends are welcome to visit with the family at other times at his home.

In lieu of owers the family request memorials be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org/donate.

Smith & Buckner Funeral Home is serving the Elkins family. Online Condolences may be made at www.smithbucknerfh. com

JEAN MARKS TILLOTSON

NOV. 20, 1937 – AUG. 16, 2025

Jean Marks Tillotson, age 87, of the Deep River Community passed away on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at West eld Nursing and Rehabilitation after a lengthy period of declining health. She was born in Lee County on November 20, 1937 to the late Joseph Talmage Marks and Cora Belle Covert Marks. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband William “Billy” Martin Tillotson; daughter Melissa Kay Tillotson and brother Martin Talmadge Marks. Jean was a graduate of Deep River High School. She worked as an Instructional Assistant for many years. Before her health declined, Jean was an active member of Flat Springs Baptist Church where she served as church librarian. She is survived by three children Ronnie Tillotson and wife Sandy of Deep River, Jelena Follweiler and husband Daren of Boston, MA, Pam Shaver and husband Melvin of Deep River; brothers Barry Marks and wife Rae, Jack Marks and wife Ann all of Deep River; sister-in-law Ann Marks of Deep River; three grandsons Alex Shaver, Tony Shaver, Luke Shaver and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

MARY CATHERINE BURKE GREEN

OCT. 10, 1940 – AUG. 17, 2025

After a long illness, Mary Catherine peacefully passed away Sunday, August 17, 2025. She was born in Chatham County on October 10, 1940, to the late John Elwood and Edna D. Burke. In addition to her parents, Mary Catherine was preceded in death by her husband, Jackie Green, siblings, Larry (Fanny) Burke, Ellen (Mike) Dixon, an infant sister, son-in-law, Allen L. Badders, and brother-in-law, John Hall. Mary Catherine was employed by Kayser Roth in Pittsboro until its closing, afterwards, with love and compassion, she provided childcare for all her grandchildren. She and Jackie loved to take the grandkids out to the Truck Stop for breakfast or a short trip to Walmart for a “small” toy. Her kind smile and sweet voice welcomed you to her cozy home where she displayed her beautiful handmade quilts and a tree that was always decorated for the current season. She will be remembered for a home full of delicious smells from chicken and rice, her homemade spaghetti, and wonderful baked goods. She was an excellent cook. Whether she was whipping up fudge or dealing with troublesome kids in the backseat, Mawmaw was a master of multitasking. She enjoyed listening to gospel music and completing word search books. Mary Catherine was a prayer warrior and loved her family and church family. Her family has heavy hearts but know that she is at peace and was ready to meet her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

GLENDA RENA EMERSON

OCT. 16, 1982 – AUG. 14, 2025

Glenda Rena Emerson, 42, of Siler City, passed away on Thursday, August 14, 2025. She was born in Guilford County on October 16, 1982, to Christopher H. Smith and Glenda S. Smith. She was a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend. She loved her children, which were her world. She loved spending her time with her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Ray Davis. She is survived by her parents, Christopher H. Smith and Glenda S. Smith; daughters, Destiny Emerson, Lilly Davis, Annie Davis and Ruby Davis; sisters, Angel Pearce (Joe Pearce), Gina Emerson (KC Jordan) and Crystal Smith (Ace Edwards); numerous nieces and nephews and a host of family and friends.

Sherry Buckner Beal

June 30, 1970 – Aug. 8, 2025

Sherry Buckner Beal, 55, of Ramseur, passed away on Friday, August 8, 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3:00 PM on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at Kildee Church in Ramseur, where Sherry was a member.

Pastor Robby Dilmore will be o ciating, with the Eulogy by Rev. Doug Armstrong. The family will receive friends following the

We offer an on-site crematory with many options of Celebration of Life services, Traditional, and Green Burials. Call us to set an appointment to come by and learn more.

service in the fellowship hall. For those unable to attend the service, the Register and Memorials will be available at Lo in Funeral Home from Noon until 5:00 PM on Monday afternoon.

Sherry was born in Chatham County on June 30, 1970, attended Silk Hope School and graduated from Jordan Matthews High School in 1988. Following graduation, she attended Central Carolina Community College and achieved her associate’s degree as a Registered Nurse. Sherry had a heart for loving and helping people through healthcare as evidenced by her twenty-seven years of service in the Chatham Hospital Emergency Room and Operating Room, Hospice of Chatham County, as well as Piedmont Health Services in Pittsboro.

Sherry loved her family and was a devoted wife, mother, sister, daughter and friend to everyone around her. She had a calm and encouraging spirit and was always most joyful with a shing pole in her hand. Sherry enjoyed being at the

beach, sitting on the pier as well as lending a helping hand on the family farm. Sherry was preceded in death by her father, Robert Earl Buckner as well as her in-laws, Aubrey Clyde and Sarah Burgess Beal.

Survivors: husband of thirty years Michael Beal, daughter Ashleigh Beal of the home, son Robert Beal of Ramseur, mother Teresa T. Buckner of Siler City, sister Leslie Culberson and husband Tracy of Siler City, brother Kevin Buckner and wife Annette of Siler City, sister-inlaw Marie Greene and husband Brian of Pineola, nieces, Hannah Culberson, Camryn Greene Curtis (Harrison), Aubrey Greene, and nephew, Alan Culberson. Condolences may be made online at www. lo infuneralservice.com.

Arrangements by Lo in Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Ramseur. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Chatham County, P.O. Box 1077, Pittsboro, NC 27312 or to the American Cancer Society, 7027 Albert Pick Road, Suite 104, Greensboro, NC 27409.

Terence Stamp, British actor who portrayed General Zod in early Superman lms, dead at 87

His career spanned decades and countless lms

By Pan Pylas The Associated Press

LONDON — Terence Stamp, the British actor who often played the role of a complex villain, including that of General Zod in the early Superman lms, has died. He was 87.

His death on Sunday was disclosed in a death notice published online, prompting a wave of tributes from and an array of fans and those close to him within the industry, including the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, or BAFTA.

The London-born Stamp started his lm career with 1962’s seafaring “Billy Budd,” for which he earned Oscar and BAFTA award nominations.

His six decades in the business were peppered with highlights, including his touching portrayal of the transsexual Bernadette in 1994’s “The Adventure of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,” the second of his two BAFTA nominations.

But it will be his portrayal of the bearded Zod in 1978’s “Superman” and its sequel “Superman II” two years later that most people associate with Stamp. As the Kryptonian arch enemy to Christopher Reeve’s Man of Steel, Stamp introduced a darker, charming and vulnerable — more human — element to the franchise, one that’s been replicated in countless superhero movies ever since.

Edgar Wright, who directed Stamp in his nal feature lm, 2021’s “Last Night in Soho,” remembered the actor in an Instagram post as “kind, funny, and endlessly fascinating.”

“The closer the camera moved, the more hypnotic his presence became. In close-up, his unblinking gaze locked in so powerfully that the e ect was extraordinary. Terence was

a true movie star: the camera loved him, and he loved it right back,” Wright said.

Bill Duke, who starred with Stamp in director Steven Soderbergh’s 1999 crime drama “The Limey,” said he was “deeply saddened” to hear of his death.

“He brought a rare intensity to the screen, but o -screen he carried himself with warmth, grace, and generosity,” he said on Facebook.

Stamp started his acting career on stage in the late 1950s, where he acted in repertory theatre and met Michael Caine, who was ve years older. The pair lived together in a at in central London while looking for their big break. He got it with “Billy Budd” and Stamp embarked on a career that would see him in the early 1960s be part of the “angry young men” movement that was introducing an element of social realism into British moviemaking.

That was perhaps most notable in the 1965 adaptation of John Fowles’ creepy debut novel “The Collector,” where he played the awkward and lonely Freddie Clegg, who kidnapped Samantha Eggar’s Miranda Grey in a warped attempt to win her love. It was a performance that would earn the young Stamp, fresh o his Oscar nomination, the best actor award at that year’s Cannes Film Festival.

While part of that 1960s British movement, Stamp learned from some of the most seasoned actors from the classical era, including Laurence Olivier.

“I worked with Olivier briefly on my second movie (1962’s “Term of Trial”),” Stamp recalled in an interview with the AP in 2013. “And he said to me, ‘You should always study your voice.’” Stamp then segued into a spot-on Olivier impersonation, continuing, “‘Because, as you get older, your looks go, but your voice will become empowered.’”

His career took a bit of a hiatus from the late 1960s after he missed out on the role of James Bond to replace Sean Connery, that included a yearslong stint in India which saw him embrace a more holistic approach to his self.

It was the unexpected role of General Zod that brought him back to the limelight. He played John Tunstall in 1988’s “Young Guns,” the Galactic Republic leader in 1999’s “Star Wars” prequel “The Phantom Menace,” appeared in the comedies “Yes Man” and “Get Smart” in 2008, and delivered voice performances in the video games “Halo 3” and “The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.”

Born in London’s East End on July 22, 1938, Stamp lived a colorful life, particularly during the 1960s when he had a string of romances, including with actress Julie Christie and model Jean Shrimpton. He married 29-year-old Elizabeth O’Rourke in 2002 at the age of 64 but the couple divorced six years later. Stamp did not have any children.

Stamp retained his looks as the years ticked by, his natural handsomeness hardened by a more grizzled look.

He generally sought to keep his standards high — to a point. “I don’t do crappy movies, unless I haven’t got the rent,” he said.

Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in Chatham News & Record at obits@northstatejournal.com

Mike Castle, who championed 50 State Quarters Program while in Congress, dead at 86

The rst State Quarter was his home state of Delaware

By Mingson Lau The Associated Press

WILMINGTON, Del. — Former Delaware Gov. Mike Castle, a Republican moderate who championed creating the popular 50 State Quarters Program of commemorative coins while he served in Congress, has died. He was 86.

The Delaware Republican Party announced that Castle died last Thursday in Greenville but shared no other details.

Castle was among Delaware’s most successful politicians, never losing a race until his stunning upset in a 2010 primary for the U.S. Senate seat Democrat Joe Biden held before becoming vice president.

“Mike was de ned by his integrity, and for that reason, you couldn’t nd another member of Congress who would say a bad word about him,” said Biden. “All of us in Delaware owe Mike a debt of gratitude.”

During his 18 years in Congress, Castle became a leader of centrist Republicans, earning a reputation as a scal conservative and social moderate not afraid to challenge the party line on issues ranging from government spending to environmental protection and abortion.

As Delaware’s lone representative in the U.S. House from 1993 to 2011, he supported a pay-as-you-go policy for both spending and tax cuts. Castle played roles in improving child nutrition programs and establishing the No Child Left Behind education reform program. His signature issue in Congress was the commemorative quarters program that featured coins honoring each state, starting with Delaware. He was dubbed by the coin grading service Numismatic Guaranty Company as “The Coinage Congressman.”

The quarters boosted federal revenues as they were taken out of circulation. He also helped

MATT SLOCUM / AP PHOTO

Rep. Mike Castle (R-Del.) at a town hall meeting in Philadelphia in 2009.

“Mike was de ned by his integrity, and for that reason, you couldn’t nd another member of Congress who would say a bad word about him.”

Former President Joe Biden

establish a similar program honoring U.S. presidents with dollar coins, beginning in 2007, and an “America the Beautiful” quarter program honoring national parks, monuments and nature areas starting in 2010.

“The Honorable Michael Castle embodied the best of public service — moderation, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to all Delawareans,”

Delaware GOP Chairman Gene Truono said in a statement Thursday. Castle had been a state lawmaker and lieutenant governor before becoming governor in 1985.

Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer ordered ags own at halfsta for the next week in Castle’s honor.

“During his time as governor, Mike Castle visited every single school in our state, including mine, where he spoke to my high school class with the same warmth, humility, and commitment to public service that dened his career,” said Meyer, a Democrat.

Democratic brand has fallen.

Ager said he sees national Democrats as out of touch with rural life: too “academic” and “politically correct and scripted.”

“That’s just not what people are interested in,” he said. “The ideas of helping poor people, being neighborly, the ideal of doing those things, I think, are worthy, good ideas that are actually popular. But the execution of a lot of those ideas has been gummed up, you know, not well executed.”

A shifting House map

Heading into next year’s midterms, Democrats believe momentum is on their side. Historically, the president’s party loses ground in the midterms. In 2018, during Trump’s rst term, Democrats ipped 41 seats to take control of the House. Republicans currently control the House by such a slim margin that Democrats need to pick up only a few seats to break the GOP’s hold on Washington.

The Republican-led tax break and spending cut bill has added to Democrats’ optimism. About two-thirds of U.S. adults expect the new law will help the rich, according to a poll from The Associated PressNORC Center for Public A airs Research. About half say it’ll do more harm than good for middle-class people and people like them.

Still, Republicans remain con dent. They point to hav-

Chatham County Aging Services Weekly Activities Calendar

ing fewer vulnerable seats than Democrats have this cycle. Only three Republicans hold House districts Democrat Kamala Harris won last year, while 13 Democrats represent districts Trump won. They also note Democrats’ low opinion of their own party after last year’s losses. In a July AP-NORC poll, Democrats were likelier to describe their own party negatively than Republicans, with many Democrats calling it weak or ine ective.

In places where local dynamics may give Democrats a shot, it means nding the right candidates is especially important, party leaders say.

“Recruitment matters in these years when the environment is going to be competitive,” Democratic pollster John Anzalone said.

Democrats hope a farmer in western North Carolina can regain trust

With power, water and telecommunications down due to last year’s hurricane, Ager’s Hickory Nut Gap farm became a hub for the community — hosting cookouts and using propane to grill food for neighbors.

Statewide, the storm caused nearly $60 billion in damage and killed more than 100 people. Little federal aid has reached the hardest-hit parts of western North Carolina.

“Helene hitting de nitely put an exclamation point on, like, ‘Whoa, we need help and support,’” Ager said.

Democrats see Ager as a high-risk, high-reward candidate who could be successful in a district where Democrats have struggled.

No Democrat has won North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District since it was redrawn by the Republican-controlled legislature in 2011. A court-ordered redistricting ahead of the 2020 election made it slightly more favorable to Democrats, encompassing Asheville and much of western North Carolina. Republican Rep. Chuck Edwards still won by nearly 14 percentage points last year and is expected to seek reelection.

Grayson Barnette, a Democratic strategist who helped recruit Ager, said in some districts it’s a risk to run a candidate who hasn’t held elected ofce before.

“But I would argue that’s a good thing, especially when the Democrats just took the big hit we did,” Barnette said. “We have to look in the mirror and say, ‘Let’s try something new.’”

In a district where nearly 62% of residents live in very low-density areas, Barnette believes Ager’s identity — as a business owner, coach and father with deep local roots — could cut through. His unpolished, direct style, he says, may resonate more than a polished political résumé.

In the video launching his campaign, Ager shows ooding on the farm and is seen on the porch of his home, feeding chickens, driving a tractor and spending time with his wife and three sons.

“I’m not flashy, but I’m

honest,” he says in the video.

Ager doesn’t call himself a Democrat in the roughly two-minute video and rarely used the word during a three -hour interview. Still, his ties to the party run deep: His brother serves in the state House, following in the footsteps of their father. His grandfather served six years in the U.S. House.

Asked whether that might be a liability in the district, Ager shrugged: “Then don’t vote for me.”

Trump’s big bill could reshape a conservative district in Michigan

In western Michigan, state Sen. Sean McCann is a different kind of candidate from Ager. He’s buttoned-up and soft-spoken, with a long resume in elected o ce and deep roots in Kalamazoo, having served for a decade on the city commission before winning a seat in the state House in 2010.

In a district anchored by conservative and religious values, Democrats see McCann as the kind of steady, experienced gure who can make inroads — especially as backlash builds to Trump’s tax bill, which includes deep spending cuts.

At a recent meeting at Kalamazoo’s Family Health Center, where nearly 65% of patients rely on Medicaid, the center’s president warned the proposed Medicaid cuts would be devastating.

“It’s about being home in the community and listening to our community’s values — and

carrying those to Washington,” McCann said.

The district is represented by Republican Rep. Bill Huizenga, who won reelection by nearly 12 percentage points in 2022. But Huizenga hasn’t said whether he’ll seek another term, and Trump carried the district by only 5.5 percentage points in 2024.

Democrats hope strong ties help elsewhere

Across the country, Democrats are watching similar races in places like Iowa and Kentucky, where local candidates with strong community ties are running. In Iowa’s 2nd District, state Rep. Lindsay James — a fourth-term lawmaker and Presbyterian pastor — is weighing a run in the northeast part of the state. In Kentucky’s 6th, which includes Lexington and Richmond, former federal prosecutor Zach Dembo is running his rst campaign, describing himself as a political outsider.

It’s a mix of pro les: Ager, the farmer-turned-candidate feeding neighbors after a hurricane. McCann, the public servant meeting with health workers in his hometown. And others like them trying to reconnect a skeptical electorate.

“Yes, the Democratic Party has some taint to it,” Ager said.

“But when I go talk to Republicans who are friends that I’ve known forever, there’s genuine admiration and mutual respect for each other. And that comes from being in this community forever.”

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NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE # 22SP000062-180 NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE NC Hwy 87 Major Lee road W. Woods Doster, Administrator of the Estate of Leo Campbell, Petitioner, vs. Ingrid Campbell; Corey Campbell; Golowis Freeman; Ingird Collette Campbell, Trustee of Trust Number “Tract D” Land Trust; and Ingird Collette Campbell, Trustee of Trust Number 3401 Hwy 87 North Land Trust; Respondents. Pursuant to the Order for Possession, Custody, Control, and Sale of Real Property led on June 23, 2022, in the above captioned proceeding, NOTICE is hereby given that the subject properties described below will be put up for public sale on August 26, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.; the sale will be held at the Chatham County Courthouse in the designated area for sale. The subject properties, which are being sold together, are commonly referred to as Major Lee Road, Pittsboro, NC 27312, Parcel #0080774, and NC 87 N, Pittsboro, NC 27312, Parcel #0005908 and are more particularly described as follows: TRACT 1: BEING ALL of that certain 1.50 acres, more or less, designated as “Tract D-1” on the plat hereinafter referred to, together with a perpetual right of way and easement over and upon that certain 30 foot wide access easement extending along the Eastern property line of said Tract D, all as shown upon that certain survey and plat entitled, “Survey for Ingrid C. Campbell, Trustee” dated 7/24/2003 by Dowell G. Eakes, PLS recorded at Plat-Slide 2003-250, Chatham County Registry. Chatham County Parcel 0080774

Address: Major Lee Road, Pittsboro, North Carolina 27312 TRACT 2: All that certain 7.44 acres, more or less, designated as “Tract D” on the plat hereinafter referred to, together with a perpetual right of way and easement over and upon that certain 30 foot wide access easement extending along the Eastern property line of said Tract D, all as shown upon that certain survey and plat entitled, “Survey For Ingrid C. Campbell, Trustee” dated 7/24/2003 by Dowell G. Eakes, PLS recorded at Plat Side 2003-250, Chatham County Registry.

Chatham County Parcel 0005908

Address: NC 87 N, Pittsboro, NC 27312

A cash deposit from the highest bidder equal to ten percent (10%) of the amount of the bid is required at the time of public sale. Said bid shall be reported to the Court and will remain open for the requisite upset bid period as required by law. The Court reserves the right to approve and reject all bids. THE PROPERTY IS SOLD AS-IS, WHERE-IS, WITH ALL FAULTS. This is the 31st day of July 2025.

Shelby L. Lennon, Attorney for Commissioner Law O ces of Doster and Brown, P.A. 206 Hawkins Avenue Sanford, NC 27330

919-842-5007 CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

The undersigned certi es that she has this day served upon the below listed persons, a copy of the Notice of Public Sale by depositing a copy in a postpaid wrapper in the United States Postal O ce, properly addressed to each part as follows: Ingrid Campbell 754 Warrenton Rd. Apt 113175 Fredericksburg, VA 22406 Golowis Freeman 849 Montgomery Street 1 Jersey City, New Jersey 07306 Corey Campbell 438 Cranbrook Court Orange Park, FL 32065 This is the 31st day of July 2025.

Shelby L. Lennon, Attorney for Commissioner Law O ces of Doster and Brown, P.A. 206 Hawkins Avenue Sanford, NC 27330 919-842-5007

NOTICE

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aspx?CatID=17, or companies may call 919-777-1122 for the quali cation requirements. Submittals are due by 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 6, 2025.

NOTICE

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The City of Sanford is seeking quali ed companies to provide janitorial services for city owned buildings in the TriRiver Water service area. After the selection and award, selected rms will submit pricing proposals. This Request for Quali cations and others can be found on the TriRiver Water “Bid Opportunity” webpage at https://www.tririverwater.com/Bids.

aspx?CatID=17, or companies may call 919-777-1122 for the quali cation requirements. Submittals are due by 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 6, 2025. NOTICE

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6, 2025.

NOTICE OF TAX FORECLOSURE SALE

Under and by virtue of an order of the District Court of Chatham County, North Carolina, made and entered in the action entitled COUNTY OF CHATHAM vs. EMMETT W. CALDWELL and spouse, if any, and all possible HEIRS, ASSIGNS OR DEVISEES OF EMMETT W. CALDWELL and spouse, if any, or any other person or entity claiming thereunder, et al, 08CVD000616180, the undersigned Commissioner will on the 27th day of August, 2025, o er for sale and sell for cash, to the last and highest bidder at public auction at the courthouse door in Chatham County, North Carolina, Pittsboro, North Carolina at 12:00 o’clock, noon, the following described real property, lying and being in State and County aforesaid, and more particularly described as follows:

Beginning at an iron pipe which is located at the intersection of Jones Ferry and River Ave., running thence with the North side of that road 370 feet to an iron stake, the intersecting with the Coggin Lot 1528 running thence with the lot line of that lot towards River Road 290 feet more or less to an iron pipe the intersecting with lot 1539 running thence with that lot’s line approximately 120 feet to a stake on River Road., running thence with that road Northeast side approximately 34 feet to the beginning.

Subject to restrictive covenants and easements of record. Parcel Identi cation Number: 0073058

The undersigned Commissioner makes no warranties in connection with this property and speci cally disclaims any warranties as to title and habitability. This property is being sold as is, without opinion as to title or any other matter.

This sale will be made subject to all outstanding city and county taxes and all local improvement assessments against the above described property not included in the judgment in the above-entitled cause. A cash deposit of 20 percent of the successful bid will be required. In addition, the successful bidder will be required, at the time the Deed is recorded to pay for recording fees and revenue stamps assessed by the Chatham County Register of Deeds.

This sale is subject to upset bid as set forth in N.C.G.S. Section 1-339.25.

This the 8th day of July, 2025.

Mark D. Bardill/Mark B. Bardill, Commissioner P.O. Box 25 Trenton, NC 28585

Publication dates: August 14, 2025 August 21, 2025

NOTICE

City of Sanford / TriRiver Water REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

Vehicle Maintenance and Repairs Advertisement

The City of Sanford is seeking quali ed companies to provide vehicle maintenance and repairs for vehicles and trucks owned by TriRiver Water. After the selection and award, selected rms will submit pricing proposals. This Request for Quali cations and others can be found on the TriRiver Water “Bid Opportunity” webpage at https://www.tririverwater.com/Bids.

aspx?CatID=17, or companies may call 919-777-1122 for the quali cation requirements. Submittals are due by 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 6, 2025.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of John Kevin Conlon aka John K. Conlon, Deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate to exhibit them to the undersigned at the o ces of Tillman, Whichard & Cagle, PLLC, 501 Eastowne Drive, Suite 130, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, on or before the 21st day of November, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment. This 21st day of August, 2025. DONNA CONLON, EXECUTOR ESTATE OF JOHN KEVIN CONLON AKA JOHN K. CONLON

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

Section 5311 (ADTAP), 5310, 5339, 5307 and applicable State funding, or combination thereof.

This is to inform the public that a public hearing will be held on the proposed Chatham Transit Network Community Transportation Program Application to be submitted to the North Carolina Department of Transportation no later than October 3, 2025.

The public hearing will be held on Thursday, August 28, 2025 at 3:00 pm before the Chatham Transit Network Board of Directors.

Those interested in attending the public hearing and needing either auxiliary aids and services under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or a language translator should contact Anna Testerman on or before Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at telephone number 919-542-5136 x102 or via email at a.testerman@chathamtransit.org.

The Community Transportation Program provides assistance to coordinate existing transportation programs operating in Chatham County as well as provides transportation options and services for the communities within this service area. These services are currently provided using on-demand and subscription services. Services are rendered by Chatham Transit Network.

The total estimated amount requested for the period July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027.

NOTE: Local share amount is subject to State funding availability.

Project

Total Amount

Local Share

5311 Administrative

$ 307,815 $ 46,172 (15%)

5310 Operating (No State Match)

$ 260,000 $ 130,000 (50%)

Combined Capital $ 342,563 $ 34,257 (10%)

Funding programs covered are 5311, 5310, 5339 Bus and Bus Facilities, 5307 (Small xed route, regional, and consolidated urban-rural systems)

TOTAL $ 910,378 $ 210,429

Total Funding Requests

Total Local Share This application may be inspected at 127 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Pittsboro, NC 27312 from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. Written comments should be directed to Anna Testerman before August 27, 2025. End of Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Chatham County 25E000382-180

Having quali ed as Co-Executors of the Estate of Kaja Finkler aka Kay Finkler aka Kaile Nehame Dvora Finkler, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, the undersigned do hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claim against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned c/o

Guido De Maere, P.A. at 100 Europa Drive, Suite 160, P.O. Box 3591, Chapel Hill, NC 27515 on or before the 31st day of October, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms and corporations indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 31st day of July, 2025. Guido De Maere and Dan Oren, Co-Executors of the Estate of Kaja Finkler aka Kay Finkler aka Kaile Nehame Dvora Finkler

Attorney for the Estate: Guido De Maere, P.A. P.O. Box 3591 Chapel Hill, NC 27515-3591 To be published: July 31, August 7, 14 & 21, 2025

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned, having quali ed on the 13th day of August, 2025, as Co-Executors of the Estate of Elizabeth Fletcher, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 21st day of November, 2025, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This 21st day of August, 2025. Kathryn Bethune and Ramon Gomez, Co-Executors of the Estate of Elizabeth Fletcher c/o Candace B. Minjares, Kennon Craver, PLLC 4011 University Drive, Suite 300 Durham, North Carolina 27707

THE CHATHAM NEWS: 8/21, 8/28, 9/4, and 9/11/2025

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Nina W. Moore quali ed before the Chatham County Clerk of Court on July 17, 2025 as The Executor of The Estate of Richard Devon Moore, 11229 Siler City Glendon Road, Bear Creek, NC 27207. This is to notify all persons, rms and corporations, as required by NCGS 28A-14-1, having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the attorney designated below on or before the 31st Day of October, 2025 or this notice will be pled in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payments to the undersigned. Payments and claims should be presented to M. Andrew Lucas, P.O. Box 1045, Sanford, NC 27331-1045. Please Publish: July 31st, August 7th, 14th, 21st, 2025

Notice to Creditors

Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Regina Pasterczyk, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at the o ce of their attorney at 110 Oakwood Drive, Suite 300, Winston-Salem, NC 27103-1958, on or before the 14th day of November, 2025 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms, and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 14th day of August, 2025. Kenneth Michael Pasterczyk, Executor Estate of Regina Pasterczyk c/o Craige Jenkins Liipfert & Walker LLP 110 Oakwood Drive, Suite 300 Winston-Salem, NC 27103 Craige Jenkins Liipfert & Walker, LLP Published: August 14, 21, 28 and September 4, 2025

Notice to Creditors

All persons, rms and corporations having claims against William Charles Swan, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, are noti ed to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before November 10, 2025 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This the 7th day of August, 2025. Susan Hodge, Administrator c/o W. Thomas McCuiston 200 Towne Village Drive Cary, NC 27513

NOTICE

ALL PERSONS, rms, and corporations having claims against Kevin Wayne Anderson , deceased, of Chatham County, N.C., are noti ed to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before November 7, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This the 7th of August, 2025. Kim McCullough Anderson , Administrator of the Estate of Kevin Wayne Anderson, c/o Amanda Honea, Attorney, 1033 Wade Avenue, Suite 104, Raleigh, NC 27605.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Max Allen Maples, deceased, of Chatham County, N.C., the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said estate to exhibit them on or before the 21st day of November 2025, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. Published on the 21st day of August 2025. Shanda Hardin, Administrator, 5216 Eastview Lane, Ramseur, NC 27316.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA

CHATHAM COUNTY

25E000390-180

ALL persons having claims against Matthew Gerard Cecil, deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, are noti ed to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before Nov 07 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This the 7th day of August, 2025. Stephen Gerard Cecil, Executor C/O Lenfestey, Maxie & Burger, PLLC 5640 Dillard Drive, Suite 101 Cary, North Carolina 27518 A7, 14, 21 and 28

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA

CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#25E000306-180

The undersigned, RICHARD DAVID WOOD, having quali ed on the 2ND Day of JULY, 2025 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of RICHARD JOHN WOOD, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to him on or before the 31ST Day OF OCTOBER 2025, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This, the 31st DAY OF JULY 2025. RICHARD DAVID WOOD, EXECUTOR 65571 AVENIDA CADENA DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CA 92240 Run dates: Jy31,A7,14,21p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA

CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#25E000412-180

The undersigned, JOHN MONROE WALTERS, having quali ed on the 30TH Day of JULY, 2025 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of PHALA DOROTHY LAMOUR WALTERS deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to him on or before the 7TH Day NOVEMBER 2025, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This, the 7TH DAY OF AUGUST 2025.

JOHN MONROE WALTERS, EXECUTOR

119 CHATHAM DR. CHAPEL HILL, NC 27516 Run dates: A7,14,21,28p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#25E000401-180 The undersigned, MICHAEL ALFRED JAMES MOORE, having quali ed on the 28TH Day of JULY, 2025 as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of MICHAEL THOMAS MOORE deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to him on or before the 7TH Day NOVEMBER 2025, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This, the 7TH DAY OF AUGUST 2025. MICHAEL ALFRED JAMES MOORE, ADMINISTRATOR 1705 ELMER MOORE RD. SILER CITY, NC 27344 Run dates: A7,14,21,28p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#23E000694-180 The undersigned, ANGELA VENDEN WALKER, having quali ed on the 16th Day of JULY, 2025 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of JOYCE LILIAN BERRY, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to him on or before the 31ST Day OF OCTOBER 2025, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This, the 31ST DAY OF JULY 2025. ANGELA VENDEN WALKER, EXECUTOR 955 BEAVER DAM RD. CHAPEL HILL, NC 27517 Run dates: Jy31,A7,14,21p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#25E000314-180 The undersigned, HOLLY MEREDITH O’NEILL, having quali ed on the 23RD Day of JUNE, 2025 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of JESSE KENNETH BOGGS, JR., deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to him on or before the 31ST Day OF OCTOBER 2025, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This, the 31st DAY OF JULY 2025. HOLLY MEREDITH O’NEILL, EXECUTOR 427 MILLINGPORT LANE NEW LONDON, NC 28127 Run dates: Jy31,A7,14,21p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#25E000342-180 The undersigned, KENNETH EUGENE POWELL, having quali ed on the 1ST Day of AUGUST, 2025 as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of CAROLYN JEAN MILLER POWELL, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 21ST Day NOVEMBER 2025, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This, the 21ST DAY OF AUGUST 2025. KENNETH EUGENE POWELL, ADMINISTRATOR 3933 HIGHLAND CREEK CT. PFAFFTOWN, NC 27040 Run dates: A21,28,S4,11p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#25E000416-180 The undersigned, DONALD WAYNE CHAMBERS, having quali ed on the 8TH Day of AUGUST, 2025 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of ROYCE DILLARD CHAMBERS deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to him on or before the 14TH Day NOVEMBER 2025, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This, the 14TH DAY OF AUGUST 2025. DONALD WAYNE CHAMBERS, EXECUTOR 111 POLKS LANDING RD. CHAPEL HILL, NC 27516 Run dates: A14,21,28,S4p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#25E000228-180

The undersigned, AMY CRABTREE SEAGROVES, having quali ed on the 22ND Day of JULY, 2025 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of TERRY GENE SEAGROVES deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to him on or before the 7TH Day NOVEMBER 2025, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This, the 7TH DAY OF AUGUST 2025. AMY CRABTREE SEAGROVES, EXECUTOR 744 LEWTER SHOP RD. APEX, NC 27523 Run dates: A7,14,21,28p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#25E000424-180 The undersigned, JAMES RAY HOLDER, JR.,

States rethink long-held practice of setting speed limits based on how fast drivers travel

Limits have traditionally been the 85th percentile of vehicle speeds

By Je McMurray

The Associated Press

ROSE HAMMOND pushed authorities for years to lower the 55 mph speed limit on a two-lane road that passes her assisted living community, a church, two schools and a busy park that hosts numerous youth sports leagues.

“What are you waiting for, somebody to get killed?” the 85-year-old chided o cials in northwest Ohio, complaining that nothing was being done about the motorcycles that race by almost daily.

Amid growing public pressure, Sylvania Township asked county engineers in March to analyze whether Mitchaw Road’s posted speed is too high. The surprising answer: Technically, it’s 5 mph too low.

The reason dates back to studies on rural roads from the 1930s and 1940s that still play an outsized role in the way speed limits are set across the U.S. — even in urban areas.

Born from that research was a widely accepted concept known as the 85% rule, which suggests a road’s posted speed should be tied to the 15th-fastest vehicle out of every 100 traveling it in free- owing tra c, rounded to the nearest 5 mph increment.

But after decades of closely following the rule, some states — with a nudge from the federal government — are seeking to modify if not replace it when setting guidelines for how local engineers should decide what speed limit to post.

Drivers set the speed

The concept assumes that a road’s safest speed is the one most vehicles travel — neither too high nor too low. If drivers think the speed limit should be raised, they can simply step on the gas and “vote with their feet,” as an old brochure from the Institute of Transportation Engineers once put it.

“The problem with this approach is it creates this feedback loop,” said Jenny O’Connell, director of member programs for the National Association of City Transportation O cials. “People speed, and then the speed limits will be ratcheted up to match that speed.”

The association developed an alternative to the 85% rule known as “City Limits,” which aims to minimize the risk of injuries for all road users by setting the speed limit based on a formula that factors in a street’s activity level and the likelihood of con icts, such as collisions.

The report points out the 85% rule is based on dated research and that “these historic roads are a far cry from the vibrant streets and arterials that typify city streets today.”

Amid a recent spike in road deaths across the country, the Federal Highway Administration sent a subtle but important message to states that the 85% rule isn’t actually a rule at all and was carrying too much weight in determining local speed limits. In its rst update since 2009 to a manual that establishes national guidelines for tra c signs, the agency clari ed that communities should also consider such things as how the road is used, the risk to pedestrians, and the frequency of crashes.

Leah Shahum, who directs the Vision Zero Network, a nonpro t advocating for street safety, said she wishes the manual had gone further in downplaying the 85% rule but acknowledges the change has already impacted the way some states set speed limits. Others, however, are still clinging to the simplicity and familiarity of the longstanding approach, she said.

“The 85th percentile should not be the Holy Grail or the Bible, and yet over and over again it is accepted as that,” Shahum said.

Rethinking the need for speed

Under its “20 is Plenty” campaign, the Wisconsin capital of Madison has been changing signs across the city this summer, lowering the speed limit from 25 mph to 20 mph on local residential streets.

When Seattle took a similar step in a pilot program seven years ago, not only did it see a noticeable decline in serious injury crashes but also a 7% drop in the 85th percentile speed, according to the Vision Zero Network. California embraces the 85% rule even more than most states as its basis for setting speed limits. But legislators have loosened the restrictions on local governments a bit in recent years, allowing them to depart from the guidelines if they can cite a proven safety need. Advo -

cates for pedestrians and bicyclists say the change helps, but is not enough.

“We still have a long way to go in California in terms of putting value on all road users,” said Kendra Ramsey, executive director of the California Bicycle Coalition. “There’s still a very heavy mindset that automobiles are the primary method of travel and they should be given priority and reverence.”

But Jay Beeber, executive director for policy at the National Motorists Association, an advocacy organization for drivers, said following the 85% rule is usually the safest way to minimize the variation in speed between drivers who abide by the posted limit and those who far exceed it.

“It doesn’t really matter what number you put on a sign,” Beeber said. “The average driver drives the nature of the roadway. It would be patently unfair for a government to build a road to encourage people to drive 45 mph, put a 30 mph speed limit on it, and then ticket everyone for doing what they built the road to do.”

80 is the new 55

Fears about oil prices prompted Congress in the 1970s to set a 55 mph national maximum speed limit, which it later relaxed to 65 mph before repealing the law in 1995 and handing the authority to states. Since then, speed limits have kept climbing, with North Dakota this summer becoming the ninth state to allow drivers to go 80 mph on some stretches of highway. There’s even a 40mile segment in Texas between Austin and San Antonio where 85 mph is allowed. Although high-speed freeways outside major population centers aren’t the focus of most e orts to ease the 85% rule, a 2019 study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety — a research arm funded by auto insurers — illustrates the risks. Every 5 mph increase to a state’s maximum speed limit

“The problem with this approach is it creates this feedback loop. People speed, and then the speed limits will be ratcheted up to match that speed.”

Jenny O’Connell, National Association of City Transportation O cials

increases the chance of fatalities by 8.5% on interstate highways and 2.8% on other roads, the study found.

“Maybe back when you were driving a Model T you had a real feel for how fast you were going, but in modern vehicles you don’t have a sense of what 80 mph is. You’re in a cocoon,” said Chuck Farmer, the institute’s vice president for research, who conducted the study.

A town’s attempt at change

If elected o cials in Sylvania Township, Ohio, got their way, Mitchaw Road’s posted speed limit would be cut dramatically — from 55 mph to 40 mph or lower. The county’s nding that the 85% rule actually calls for raising it to 60 mph surprised the town’s leaders, but not the engineers who ran the study.

“If we don’t make decisions based on data, it’s very di cult to make good decisions,” Lucas County Engineer Mike Pniewski said.

For now, the speed limit will remain as it is. That’s because Ohio law sets maximum speeds for 15 di erent types of roadways, regardless of what the 85% rule suggests.

And Ohio’s guidelines are evolving. The state now gives more consideration to roadway context and allows cities to reduce speed limits based on the lower standard of the 50th percentile speed when there’s a large presence of pedestrians and bicyclists. Authorities there recently hired a consultant to consider additional modi cations based on what other states are doing.

“States have very slowly started to move away from the 85th percentile as being kind of the gold standard for decision-making,” said Michelle May, who manages Ohio’s highway safety program. “People are traveling and living differently than they did 40 years ago, and we want to put safety more at the focus.”

It’s unclear whether any of these changes will ultimately impact the posted speed on Mitchaw Road. After years of futile calls and emails to state, county and township o cials, Hammond says she isn’t holding her breath.

“I just get so discouraged,” she said.

DE AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA Sección 5311 (ADTAP), 5310, 5339, 5307 y fondos estatales aplicables, o una combinación de los mismos. Esto es para informar al público que se llevará a cabo una audiencia pública sobre la solicitud propuesta del Programa de Transporte Comunitario de la Red de Tránsito de Chatham que se presentará al Departamento de Transporte de Carolina del Norte a más tardar el 3 de octubre de 2025. La audiencia pública se llevará a cabo el jueves 28 de agosto de 2025 a las 3:00 pm ante la Junta Directiva de Chatham Transit Network. Aquellos interesados en asistir a la audiencia pública y que necesiten ayudas y servicios auxiliares bajo la Ley de Estadounidenses con Discapacidades (ADA) o un traductor de idiomas deben comunicarse con Anna Testerman el miércoles 27 de agosto de 2025 o antes, al número de teléfono 919-542-5136 x102 o por correo electrónico al a.testerman@ chathamtransit.org. El Programa de Transporte Comunitario brinda asistencia para coordinar los programas de transporte existentes que operan en el condado de Chatham, así como también brinda opciones y servicios de transporte para las comunidades dentro de esta área de servicio. Estos servicios se prestan actualmente mediante servicios bajo demanda y de suscripción. Los servicios son prestados por Chatham Transit Network. El monto total estimado solicitado para el período del 1 de julio de 2026 al 30 de junio de 2027. NOTA: El monto de la participación local está sujeto a la disponibilidad de fondos estatales. Monto total del proyecto Participación local 5311 Administrativo $ 307,815 $ 46,172 (15%) 5310 Operativo (Sin Contrapartida Estatal) $ 260,000 $ 130,000 (50%) Capital Combinado $ 342,563 $ 34,257 (10%) Los programas de nanciamiento cubiertos son 5311, 5310, 5339 Autobuses e instalaciones de autobuses, 5307 (Rutas jas pequeñas, regionales y sistemas urbano-rurales consolidados)

P24#y1910,378 $ 210,429

Total de solicitudes de nanciamiento Participación local total Esta solicitud puede ser inspeccionada en 127 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Pittsboro, NC 27312 de 9:00 am a 4:00 pm. Los comentarios escritos deben dirigirse a Anna Testerman antes del 27 de agosto de 2025. Fin del aviso NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY 25E000272-180

CHATHAM SPORTS

sends a serve in a game against Northwood on Aug. 13.

Seaforth downs crosstown rival in straight sets

Naomi Stevenson and Ally Forbes led the attack over the Chargers

By Asheebo Rojas

Chatham News & Record

PITTSBORO — Junior outside hitter Ally Forbes recorded team highs of 16 kills and four aces to lead Seaforth to a 3-0 home win over Northwood on Aug. 13.

After spearheading a dominant 25-8 opening period, Forbes, a UNC Wilmington commit, helped the Hawks escape a more competitive sec -

ond set to put her team in the driver’s seat.

Seaforth and Northwood exchanged points until late in the set when the Hawks led 19-17. Forbes landed back-to-back kills to extend the Hawks’ lead to four, and she added a couple of more scores in the set’s nal plays for a 25-18 victory. The Hawks took a 2-0 advantage.

“We rely on her,” Seaforth coach Scott Green said of Forbes. “She’s one of our leaders. She’s one of our captains, so she comes through night after night. Said Forbes, “The amazing sets were super great. Good

passes. I feel like all around, everything kind of came together, which helps you play better.”

The Valgus sisters were a huge part of the Hawks’ 41 total kills as junior setter Abigail led the team with 12 assists, senior and TCU commit Josie totaled 10 and freshman libero Isabelle contributed seven. Senior Alyssa Sarbaugh also nished with seven assists.

Freshman outside hitter Naomi Stevenson, the younger sister of former Seaforth basketball star Jarin Stevenson, made some big plays for the Hawks too, recording a

Northwood and Chatham Central competed against each other at the Jack Shaner Jamboree on Aug. 15.

“Our goal is to win a state championship.”

Josie Valgus

season-high 13 kills and three aces. With Seaforth’s former standout hitter Keira Rosenmarkle playing at Union Pines for her senior year, Stevenson has t seamlessly into the Hawks’ second hitter role with two straight double-digit kill performances to start the season. Stevenson said she was already close friends with some

of her Seaforth teammates before the season started, which has helped her feel comfortable in varsity competition.

“I think it’s amazing to always have another hitting weapon on the court,” Josie Valgus said. “It takes a lot of stress o of me and Ally and even Abigail, Clarke (Hollier). All the middles, if we can spread out o ense as a setter, not having the block set up on just one hitter, it’s super great.” Northwood gave Seaforth a ght in the beginning of each set thanks to some much

See VOLLEYBALL, page B2

Week 1 previews for local football matchups

The football

regular season begins Friday

By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record

THE HIGH SCHOOL football season ofcially kicks o Friday. Here are previews of the local week one matchups and the rst power rankings ahead of the new year:

Seaforth at Chapel Hill (7 p.m.)

Observations on Chatham Central, Northwood at Jack Shaner Jamboree

The former conference foes line it up in the nal test ahead of Week 1

By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record

PITTSBORO — The pads got to popping in Chatham County on Friday. Northwood hosted its annual Jack Shaner Jamboree last week, continuing to honor the school’s rst head football coach for whom the event is named after.

8 teams compete at Jack Shaner Jamboree

The Chargers (3A) were joined by Chatham Central (1A), Apex (8A), Carrboro (4A), Graham (4A), Western Alamance (5A), Southern Lee (6A) and Trinity Christian (NCISAA). The teams played multiple 30-minute scrimmages on 40-yard elds. For local teams Northwood and Chatham Central, Friday served as one last opportunity to test run a whole o season worth of preparation before the real games begin.

Here’s some noteworthy observations for both teams as they put on the nishing touches before Week 1.

Northwood

Northwood’s starters got most of their reps in the rst scrimmage against Western Alamance with some hitting the eld against Apex too. Coming into the scrimmage against Western Alamance, which went 8-4 and made the 3A playo s in 2024, one of the biggest questions for Northwood was what the receiving corps would look like, and that

After a 3-7 campaign in 2024, Seaforth will look to set the tone in its new era against 7A opponent Chapel Hill. The Tigers went 4-6 last fall after dealing with key injuries and ended the season winning three of their last four games. Most of Chapel Hill’s o ensive and defensive leaders graduated in the spring, leaving a lot of questions to be answered on what to expect from the new faces stepping in.

The Tigers will return senior quarterback Samuel Zimmerman, who missed signi cant time last season due to injury. Chapel Hill went 3-2 in the ve games Zimmerman played in, and he ended the year with 572 passing yards and seven passing touchdowns. As for Seaforth, it’ll be interesting to watch who gets the start at quarterback between Duncan Parker and Mason Pooley and how di erent both sides of the ball look under new leadership.

Seaforth may have the upper hand with experience in this matchup, but it has yet to beat an opponent from a higher classi cation. The Hawks have also yet to win a season opener. They’ll get a chance to start the new era with a milestone win Friday.

Northwood at Harnett Central (7 p.m.)

Northwood, which went 6-5 and earned a playo berth last season, is starting 2025

See PREVIEWS, page B3 See FOOTBALL, page B3

4 Away games for Friday’s local slate

Ally Forbes

Seaforth, volleyball

Seaforth junior Ally Forbes earns athlete of the week honors for the week of Aug. 11. Forbes picked up right where she left o to start the season, logging team highs of 13 kills in a win over Apex Friendship on Aug. 12 and 16 kills in a win over Northwood the next day. She’s also been the Hawks’ leading server with a combined 13 aces in the two games.

The UNC Wilmington commit is coming o an all-conference-worthy 2024 season in which she recorded 274 kills (42.9% kill percentage), 83 aces and 158 digs. On the biggest stage in last year’s state championship game, she led Seaforth with 21 kills. She’s a captain in 2025 with hopes of leading the Hawks back to the state nal.

from page B1

needed punches from seniors Shae Leighton, who nished with a team-high six kills, Imani Henderson, who recorded four kills and four assists, and Emma Dorsey, who contrib -

uted four assists alongside her three kills and ve digs. In the nal set, the Chargers responded well to Seaforth’s attacking and even built a small lead. But once the Hawks tied the set at 11, they started to pull away for a 25-15 closeout victory.

Chatham

Central volleyball bests J-M in opening week of 2025-26 season

By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record

CHATHAM CENTRAL and Jordan-Matthews put on a classic rivalry battle in the rst week of the volleyball fall season.

Bears sophomore outside hitter Addison Goldston and junior middle hitter Maeson Smith combined for 25 kills to help defeat the Jets 3-2. Senior setter Abby Cunnup also had a big night with 25 assists.

After winning the third set to take a 2-1 lead, Jordan-Matthews evened the score with a 25-20 win in set four. In the decisive fth set, Chatham Central took a 9-2 lead before closing the win out 15-6.

Woods Charter started the year with a 3-1 win over Oxford Prep on Aug. 13 and followed that with a 3-0 victory over Raleigh Charter Friday. The Wolves won every set against Raleigh Charter by double digits.

It hasn’t been the best start to the season for Northwood and Chatham Charter as both teams went 0-3 in the rst week. The Chargers lost a close battle to Lee County 3-2 on Aug. 14. Conference standings as of Sunday (overall, conference) Four Rivers 3A/4A: 1. Eastern Randolph (1-0, 0-1); 2. North Moore (2-0, 0-0); 3. Uwharrie Charter (4-2, 0-0); 4. Southwestern Randolph (1- 4, 0-0); 5. Jordan-Matthews (0 -2, 0-0); 6. Northwood (0-3, 0-0)

Central Tar Heel 1A: 1. Woods Charter (2-0, 0-0); 2. Clover Garden School (1-1, 0-0); 3. Ascend Leadership (0-1, 0-0); 4. River Mill (0-2, 0-0); 5. Chatham Charter (0-3, 0-0); 6. Central Carolina Academy (0-0, 0-0); 7. Southern Wake Academy (0-0, 0-0) Greater Triad 1A/2A: 1. Bishop McGuinness (1-1, 0-0); 2. Winston-Salem Prep (1-1, 0-0); 3. Chatham Central (11, 0-0); 4. South Davidson (1-2, 0-0); 5. South Stokes (1-2, 0-0); 6. College Prep and Leadership

Seaforth’s been o to a business-as-usual start coming o a state title appearance in 2024. The Hawks have started the year with a 2-0 record for the rst time since 2022. In the past two seasons, Seaforth lost

el 4-0 in its season opener on Aug. 13. Conference Standings as of Sunday (overall, conference)

Assists for Chatham Central setter Abby Cunnup

(0 -3, 0-0); North Stokes (0-0, 0-0) Big Seven 4A/5A: 1. Seaforth (2-0, 0-0); 2. Cedar Ridge (2-0, 0-0); 3. J.F. Webb (2-0, 0-0); 4. Carrboro (3-2, 0-0); 5. Orange (1-1, 0-0); 6. Durham School of the Arts (1-2, 0-0); 7. South Granville (1-2, 0-0)

Boys’ soccer Jordan-Matthews started the year with a 6-1 rout over Southern Alamance on Friday. The Jets jumped out to a 3-1 lead in the rst half. Northwood also got its rst victory of the season over Southern Alamance 4-0 on Aug. 14. Seaforth fell to Green Lev-

its rst game to Apex Friendship, but on Aug. 12, it knocked o the Patriots (now an 8A school) for the rst time in program history 3-1. Even after losing key 2024 seniors in Maris Huneycutt, Kendall Anderson and Mia

Big Seven 4A/5A: 1. Cedar Ridge (1-0, 0-0); 2. South Granville (1-1, 0-0); 3. Carrboro (0 - 0-1, 0-0); 4. Seaforth (0 -1, 0-0); 5. Orange (0-1, 0-0); 6. Durham School of the Arts (0 -1, 0-0); 7. J.F. Webb (0-0, 0-0)

Four Rivers 3A/4A: 1. Northwood (1-0, 0-1); 2. Jordan-Matthews (1-0, 0-0); 3. Southwestern Randolph (1-0, 0-0); 4. North Moore (0-0-1, 0-0); 5. Eastern Randolph (0 - 0, 0-0); 6. Uwharrie Charter (0-0, 0-0)

Girls’ tennis

Chatham Charter opened the year with a 7-2 win over Eno River Academy on Aug. 14. Seaforth fell 6-3 in its season opener against Chapel Hill on Aug. 14. Northwood struggled against Carrboro in a 9-0 loss on Aug. 14. Carrboro also beat Jordan-Matthews 6-0 the day before.

Kellam along with Rosenmarkle, the mindset and goals remain the same for the still-experienced Seaforth squad.

“Our goal is to win a state championship,” Valgus said. “We work and we practice towards that every single day.”

with a tough 6A opponent in Harnett Central. The Trojans went 8-3 in 2024 and made the 3A playo s as a 19 seed.

Harnett Central is expected to have another successful year as they’re ranked seventh in HighSchoolOT’s 910 area code rankings amongst some of the best teams in the Fayetteville and Sandhills region. The Trojans are returning key playmakers from last season like junior quarterback Koby Howard, who threw for more than 2,200 yards and 31 touchdowns, junior receiver DJ Brown, who caught 41 passes for 802 yards and 15 touchdowns, and linebacker William Jones, who recorded 115 tackles and eight tackles for loss.

Northwood’s defensive backs should expect to be put to work as most of Harnett Central’s o ensive production came through the air last season. Limiting turnovers will also be crucial as all but one of Harnett Central’s defenders with at least one of the team’s 11 interceptions in 2024 are back.

For the Chargers, this game will also be an opportunity to exhibit growth from last season. Northwood started last fall with two rough losses against opponents in higher classi cations, and with another chance at that same caliber of competition, the Chargers can set a better tone to start the season.

Jordan-Matthews at Carrboro (7 p.m.)

After going 3-7 last season, Jordan-Matthews will begin the new year with a rematch against fellow 4A opponent Carrboro. On their way to a 3-7 nish in 2024, the Jaguars defeated the Jets 27-0 in the second game of the season. Carrboro pounded Jordan-Matthews in the run game, rushing for 165 yards and

FOOTBALL from page B1

session gave a pretty good idea.

The Chargers ran with juniors Nick Armstrong and Willie Boynton out wide and junior Raje Torres in the slot. Seniors Mickell Wilson and Laken Goldenberg-Sheets rotated at tight end, giving senior quarterback Grayson Cox a bigger body to target. As he’s always been, Torres was a threat in the short game and in open space with his speed. Against Western Alamance, Cox hit Torres on a backside swing pass that he ran

three touchdowns (5.2 yards per carry) in addition to 132 yards and a score through the air.

Mike Charway, the senior who led the Jaguars’ rushing attack in that game, isn’t back this season, and neither are quarterback Tyler Pease and the team’s leading receivers. Based on what it showed in the Jack Shaner Jamboree on Friday, Carrboro will have decent size, but it will likely have some things to work through o ensively in Week 1. With built up excitement about what the Jets accomplished in the weight room and overall team maturity, this game will also be a litmus test

in for a touchdown. Armstrong was the target of a few deep balls, and although he and Cox couldn’t connect for one against the Warriors, he caught a long pass over an Apex defender for a touchdown. Northwood’s defensive line also had a solid showing against Western Alamance. Featuring sophomore Max Hohenwarter, sophomore Jaxon Green and Wilson, the unit had little problems getting to the back eld and holding the line in the run game. Expect Northwood to once again succeed in the run game

of growth. Jordan-Matthews ended the 2024 season with a win and can carry the momentum over by winning consecutive season openers for the rst time since 2013.

Chatham Central at Graham (7 p.m.)

Last year’s meeting between Chatham Central and Graham went down to the wire. The Bears led 14-7 with just four seconds remaining before Graham quarterback Jonathan Henry threaded a pass to Kam Mason in the end zone for the game-tying score at the buzz-

on the o ensive end. Senior Robert Tripp has already established himself as the Chargers’ top back, and he showed why with some strong runs Friday, but senior Leo Mortimer also exhibited good vision in his reps against Apex.

Chatham Central

Chatham Central got plenty of good work in Friday as its starters saw a wide range of competition.

The most glaring thing about this Bears team is the improved

er. The Red Devils went on to win 20-14 in overtime, ending Chatham Central’s chances at a second win in heartbreaking fashion.

But now, the Bears have a chance at revenge in Week 1. Graham, which went 1-9 last season, was outmatched on both sides of the ball in almost every game last season. The Red Devils lost key pieces in Henry and two-way skill player Jamel Lee. Based on their appearance at the Jack Shaner Jamboree, they’ll look to utilize the short passing game and get playmakers in space.

After going 1-10 in 2024,

execution, especially on the offensive end. Against Carrboro and Northwood’s backup units, Chatham Central looked like a team that had plenty of time to prepare and work through mistakes leading up to the season. The Bears were able to move the ball down eld and break long plays.

In their second scrimmage against Carrboro, Tyler Congrove — the speedy sophomore running back broke a 40-yard touchdown run — and sophomore quarterback Brooks Albright followed right behind

Chatham Central had its best o season under coach Derrin Little and is looking to show that in the rematch. The Bears had a full spring and summer with its starting quarterback Brooks Albright and more time to develop through 11-on-11 action before the regular season.

This is as good as a chance for the Bears to start the season 1-0 for the rst time since 2020.

Preseason power rankings

1. Seaforth 2. Northwood 3. Jordan-Matthews 4. Chatham Central

that with a 20-yard completion to junior Sayvion Burnette. Senior athlete Nick Glover also had a good night as he beat a Carrboro defender on a stop-and-go route for a touchdown, ran in a short pass for another score against the Jaguars and hauled in a 40-yard touchdown against Northwood on the rst play. Defensively, junior Wilson Hinshaw stood out as a high-energy player on the defensive front, especially in the pass rush. The unit also had its good moments, including tackles for loss and a coverage sack.

Former Chatham standouts will play across various sports at the next level

Local athletes to compete in college sports this fall 7th

By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record

CHATHAM COUNTY isn’t the only place where local athletes are suiting up for the fall sports season.

Former standouts are continuing their careers on the collegiate level this season with recent grads getting their rst taste of the next level and veterans returning for another year.

While watching the high school athletes compete, here’s where you can catch Chatham’s graduates across multiple sports.

Football

Brendan Harrington (Northwood, Georgia Southern, seventh year)

Aidan Laros (Northwood, Kentucky, senior)

Jake Mann (Northwood, NC State, redshirt senior)

Gus Ritchey (Northwood, Cary, NC State, freshman)

Luke Gaines (Chatham Central, Guilford College, freshman)

Robbie Delgado (Northwood, Barton College, junior)

Volleyball

Kelsey Hussey (Chatham Central, Pfei er, sophomore)

Maya Sheridan (Woods Charter, Swarthmore College, freshman)

Karaleigh Dodson (Chatham Central, Meredith College, freshman)

Abby Johnson (Chatham

Season of college football for Georgia Southern’s Brendan Harrington

Central, Central Carolina Community College, sophomore)

Kendall Anderson (Seaforth, Geneva College, freshman)

Women’s soccer

Lucy Miller (Woods Charter, Meredith College, junior)

Sydney Cox (Northwood, ECU, junior)

Sam Tucker (Seaforth, Newberry College, sophomore)

Emma O’Rourke (Seaforth, Gardner-Webb, freshman)

Men’s soccer

Ken Vasquez (Northwood, Guilford College, sophomore)

Julian Bozzolo (Seaforth, Denison, freshman)

Cross-country

Jack Anstrom (Seaforth, NC State, freshman)

Caroline Murrell (Northwood, NC State, senior)

Juana Silva Jimenez (Seaforth, Meredith College, freshman)

Anna Peeler (Woods Charter, Catawba College, freshman)

Sydney Batey (Woods Charter, Montreat College, freshman)

Women’s golf

Mackenzie Crossman (Chatham Charter, Barton College, sophomore)

Dillon makes NASCAR Cup playo s with redemptive victory

The Richard Childress Racing driver overcame a broken rib to end his 37-race winless streak

The Associated Press

RICHMOND, Va. — Austin Dillon was hurting mentally and physically when he arrived at Richmond Raceway. He found the cure for what ailed him in Victory Lane.

Racing with a broken rib and some wounded pride, Dillon locked into the Cup Series playo s with a clean run to his second consecutive victory on the 0.75-mile oval.

It was a redemptive triumph for the Richard Childress Racing driver, whose championship eligibility was revoked by NASCAR last year after he wrecked Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin on the nal lap to win at Richmond.

After missing the playo s and enduring criticism from Logano, Hamlin and others who accused him of racing dirty, he went through a 37-race winless stretch before breaking through at Richmond with his rst top ve of the season.

“Man, that feels good,” said Dillon, whose previous best nish had been a seventh at Texas Motor Speedway in May. “I really wanted that one. Last year hurt really bad just going through the whole process of it, but this one feels so sweet. Man, I love Richmond.”

He revealed after his sixth career victory that he also had raced with the rib injury the past three weeks since falling o a ladder before the Aug. 3 race at Iowa Speedway.

“I was thrown down a lot this week and didn’t feel great,” he said.

He shrugged o the pain to outduel Ryan Blaney over the nal 100 laps, seizing control with a shrewd strategy call to pit his No. 3 Chevrolet four laps earlier than the Team Penske driver’s No. 12 Ford.

Dillon, who led 107 of 400 laps, won by 2.471 seconds over Alex Bowman. Blaney faded to third, followed by Joey Logano and Austin Cindric.

Dillon became the 14th race winner to lock into the 16-driv-

Dillon interacts with spectators while walking down a runway during driver introductions before a NASCAR Cup Series race.

“Man, that feels good. I really wanted that one.”

Austin Dillon

er eld for the Cup playo s, which are contested over thenal 10 races of the season.

The regular season will conclude next Saturday night at Daytona, where the nal two playo drivers will be conrmed — and at least one will

qualify through the points standings.

Tyler Reddick and Bowman are in the nal two provisional spots on points, but either could be eliminated if another new winner emerges at Daytona (which has happened twice in the last three years).

“Really stressful on a lot of fronts,” Bowman said. “I think with the way that race normally goes, it’s about a must-win at that point because I think you’re most likely going to have a new winner. Just need to go

execute and try to win the race. That’s all we can really do.” Streak over

After a consistent start to his season, Chase Elliott is in a slump heading into the playo s. The 2020 Cup champion nished last at Richmond and failed to nish for the rst time since last October at Las Vegas Motor Speedway 27 races ago. Elliott nearly had cleared the pileup on the 198th lap when he was tagged in

the right rear by Kyle Busch.

“I think Kyle just didn’t know that we were trying to squeeze by the wreck on the bottom,” Elliott said. “We had a good start to the night, and it just slowly unraveled until it nally fell apart. Hopefully, we get on a better stretch starting next week.”

Since brie y taking the points lead after his June 28 win at Atlanta, the seven-time Most Popular Driver has nished outside the top 10 in ve of seven races.

SIDELINE REPORT

NCAA FOOTBALL

Harbaugh refuses to comment after NCAA levies heavy penalties on Michigan

Los Angeles

Jim Harbaugh is refusing to comment on the NCAA’s decision to ne the University of Michigan tens of millions of dollars and to suspend head coach Sherrone Moore for a third game due to the sign-stealing scandal that occurred during Harbaugh’s tenure at his alma mater. Harbaugh stayed mum on the Wolverines following his Los Angeles Chargers’ 23-22 preseason loss to the Rams for his rst interaction with the media since the NCAA’s rulings were announced. The NCAA sharply criticized Harbaugh’s stewardship when it announced the sanctions.

NFL

“End Racism,”

“Choose Love” returning to NFL end zones

The NFL is continuing its on- eld social justice messaging for a sixth straight season. The Associated Press learned that all 32 teams will feature an end zone message at each home game throughout the season. They will select from four options, including “End Racism,” “Stop Hate,” “Choose Love” or “Inspire Change.” Once again, “It Takes All of Us” will be stenciled in the opposite end zone for all games. The only change from 2024 is that “Inspire Change” replaces “Vote.”

NBA

Lakers to honor Hall of Fame coach Riley with statue unveiling against Celtics

Los Angeles

The Los Angeles Lakers will unveil a statue of former coach Pat Riley on Feb. 22. Riley joins Lakers greats like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant in bronze outside their home arena. The Lakers will honor Riley during a game against their longtime rival, the Boston Celtics. Riley coached the Lakers from 1981 to 1990, leading them to four NBA championships. He had a .733 winning percentage in the regular season and a 102-47 mark in the playo s.

MLB Phillies ace Wheeler diagnosed with blood clot in right arm, placed on 15-day IL

Washington The Philadelphia Phillies have placed ace Zack Wheeler on the 15-day injured list with a blood clot in his right arm. Phillies executive Dave Dombrowski says Wheeler has been diagnosed with a “right, upper extremity blood clot.” Wheeler pitched last Friday against Washington and was limited to ve innings for the second consecutive start. The right-hander allowed two runs and four hits. The 35-year-old Wheeler is 10-5 this season with a 2.71 ERA.

FBS doesn’t have lock on talent

Bryce Lance and WCU’s Taron Dickens head list on non-FBS

stars

By Steve Megargee The Associated Press

BRYCE LANCE COULD have cited plenty of reasons had he chosen to leave North Dakota State for a Bowl Subdivision program for his senior season. Lance decided he had more a compelling case to stick around.

After helping North Dakota State win a national title while catching 17 touchdown passes to lead all Championship Subdivision players, Lance believed he still had more to o er at the FCS level. He heads our list of players to watch from outside the FBS programs.

“Honestly, the thing that kept me here was my teammates,” said Lance, the younger brother of Los Angeles Chargers quarterback and former North Dakota State star Trey Lance. “I always say you’ve got your whole life to make money. There’s no amount of money that would make me not want to nish my senior year with my brothers. That was the big thing — my teammates.”

Lance redshirted in 2021 and totaled one catch from 2022-23 before breaking out in a big way last year. The 6-foot-3 wideout caught 75 passes for 1,071 yards. His 17 touchdown receptions tied a Missouri Valley Conference record, and seven of them came in four playo games. He caught six passes for 125 yards and three touchdowns in a 28-21 semi nal victory over South Dakota State. He followed that up by compiling nine receptions for 107 yards and a touchdown as North Dakota State beat Montana State 3532 in the nal, giving the Bison their 10th title in 14 years.

Western Carolina QB Taron Dickens Dickens only started four games as a redshirt freshman last season after taking over for the injured Cole Gonzales,

but his performance during that stretch makes it enticing to wonder what’s next. He nished the season having completed 73.8% of his passes for 1,428 yards with 12 touchdowns and three interceptions. He threw for more than 400 yards in two of his four starts — a 38-34 victory over Chattanooga and a 47-42 triumph at Samford.

Southern DE Ckelby Givens

Givens had an FCS-leading 27½ tackles for loss last season to go along with 12 sacks and three forced fumbles. He tied for sixth place in voting for the Buck Buchanan Award given to the top FCS defensive player. Givens had 21 tackles for loss, seven sacks and four forced fumbles in 2023.

William & Mary CB Jalen Jones

This 6-foot defensive back had 22 passes defended, 1.8

2

400-yard passing games in four starts by Western Carolina’s Taron Dickens

passes defended per game and 20 pass breakups last year to lead the FCS in all three categories. He was an Associated Press All-America rst-team selection.

Rhode Island LB A.J. Pena

Pena had 82 overall tackles, 22½ tackles for loss and 12½ sacks last season to earn AP All-America rst-team honors. Pena nished 13th in the voting for the Buck Buchanan Award. He has totaled 44 ½ tackles for loss and 27 sacks over his three-year career.

Monmouth QB Derek Robertson

Robertson led FCS players in total yards passing (3,937) and yards passing per game (328.1) last season. He nished sixth in the voting for the Walter Payton Award, given annually to the top FCS o ensive player. Robertson completed 65% of his attempts and threw 31 touchdown passes with only six interceptions. He had thrown for 2,897 yards and 25 touchdowns with Maine in 2023.

Incarnate Word WR Jalen Walthall

Walthall caught 85 passes for 1,290 yards and 14 touchdowns last season as an AP All-America rst-team selection. He ranked third among all FCS players in yards receiving. The 6-2 receiver was at Hawaii from 2021-23 before transferring to Incarnate Word.

Breaking down some top- ight players on college football teams likely to be bad

Two ACC players make the list of diamonds in the rough

By Steve Megargee The Associated Press

ISAAC SMITH KNOWS what drew him to Mississippi State and why he has remained there.

“There’s no distractions in Starkville,” the junior safety told reporters during Southeastern Conference media days. “Small town. Real pretty community. The people are awesome. I fell in love with it, and I’m still in love with it and will forever always be in love with it.”

Smith’s 127 tackles last season led the Southeastern Conference and tied him for seventh place among all Football Bowl Subdivision players, production that hasn’t translated to team success. Mississippi State has gone 7-17 overall and 1-15 in SEC competition during Smith’s two seasons.

That makes Smith a natural candidate to head our list of good players on teams that gure to struggle this season, even though he believes Mississippi State has what it takes to turn things around. He considers Mississippi State a blue-collar program that values hard work.

“I love the fact that’s Mississippi State’s been all about that, just working hard and going to prove something that maybe people don’t think you can do,” Smith said.

Mississippi State’s chances of being more competitive this season depend on whether Smith can help upgrade a defense that allowed 34.1 points per game last season. Texas Tech, Oklahoma State and Purdue were the only Power Four

teams to give up more points per game.

Wake Forest RB Demond Claiborne

Claiborne rushed for 1,049 yards and 11 touchdowns last year for a Wake Forest team that nished 4-8 for a second straight season. He rushed for at least 113 yards against North Carolina A&T, NC State, Stanford and Cal. Claiborne also had 23 catches for 254 yards and two more scores. The ACC preseason media poll forecasts Wake Forest to nish 16th out of 17 teams, ahead of only Stanford.

New Mexico RB Scottre Humphrey

After helping Montana State reach the Football Championship Subdivision title game last year, Humphrey makes the move to the FBS ranks while trying to help New Mexico produce its rst winning season since 2016.

1,049

Rushing yards last year for Wake Forest’s Demond Claiborne

Purdue RB Devin Mockobee

The small-town, home-stater started at Purdue as a walk-on but earned a scholarship by helping Purdue win the 2022 Big Ten West Division crown. Purdue has struggled since — going 4-8 in 2023 and 1-11 in 2024 — but Mockobee has remained productive. His 2,466 yards rushing rank him seventh on Purdue’s all-time list.

Southern Mississippi CB Josh Moten Moten transferred to Southern Miss after intercepting ve passes for Mar-

shall last season to tie for fourth place among all Bowl Subdivision players. Southern Miss went 1-11 last year and has won more than three games just once over the past ve seasons.

Northwestern OT Caleb Tiernan

Northwestern went 4-8 in 2024 for its third losing season in the last four years, but the Wildcats have a quality left tackle in Tiernan. He has started 30 games over the last three seasons.

Cal LB Cade Uluave

After being named the Pac-12’s freshman defensive player of the year by the league’s coaches in 2023, Uluave collected 71 tackles while playing nine games for the Golden Bears last season. Cal went 5-7 last year for its fth straight losing season, and it’s picked to nish 15th in the ACC this year.

TIFF pulls documentary on 2023 Hamas attack from festival

O cials cited rights issue, while lmmakers claim their work is being censored

By Jake Coyle The Associated Press

NEW YORK — The Toron-

to International Film Festival pulled from its lineup a documentary on the Hamas 2023 attack into Israel over what the festival says was a footage rights issue.

Organizers for the festival acknowledged last Tuesday that they withdrew Canadian lmmaker Barry Avrich’safter initially o ering the lm a spot in the upcoming edition of TIFF. The lm chronicles the story of retired Israeli Gen. Noam Tibon, whose e orts to save his family and others during the Oct. 7, 2023, attack was pro led in a “60 Minutes” segment. Representatives for the festival said in a statement that the lm’s invitation “was withdrawn by TIFF because general requirements for inclusion in the festival, and conditions that were requested when the lm was initially invited, were not met, including legal clearance of all footage.”

“The purpose of the requested conditions was to protect TIFF from legal implications and to allow TIFF to manage and mitigate anticipated and known risks around the screening of a lm about highly sensitive sub-

“We invite audiences, broadcasters and streamers to make up their own mind, once they have seen it.”

“The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue” lmmakers

ject matter, including potential threat of signi cant disruption,” the festival said.

The lmmakers, though, say the festival is engaging in “censorship” by denying the lm a place in the festival.

“We are shocked and saddened that a venerable lm festival has de ed its mission and censored its own programming by refusing this lm,” the lmmaking team said in a statement. “Ultimately, lm is an art form that stimulates debate from every perspective that can both entertain us and make us uncomfortable.”

Deadline, which rst reported the news, said a sticking point was related to the identi cation and legal clearance of Hamas militants’ own livestreaming of the attack.

The lmmakers pledged to release the lm: “We invite audiences, broadcasters and streamers to make up their own mind, once they have seen it.”

Cameron Bailey, TIFF chief executive, apologized “for any pain this situation may have caused” and said he was still hoping to have the lm at the festival.

“I remain committed to working with the lmmaker to

meet TIFF’s screening requirements to allow the lm to be screened at this year’s festival,” said Bailey. “I have asked our legal team to work with the lmmaker on considering all options available.”

Bailey strongly rejected allegations of censorship, explaining instead said the situation requires compassion and sympathy.

“The events of October 7, 2023, and the ongoing su ering in Gaza weigh heavily on us, underscoring the urgent need for compassion amid rising antisemitism and Islamophobia,” said Bailey. “While we are not a political organization, TIFF will always strive to present our programing in a safe, inclusive environment.”

The Toronto festival has sometimes prompted headlines over its selections. Last year, it canceled screenings of “Russians at War,” a documentary about Russian soldiers in the war with Ukraine. Protesters in Toronto called the lm Russian propaganda.

After the festival paused screenings due to “signi cant threats,” “Russians at War” was quietly screened toward the end of the festival.

this week in history

Haitian Revolution begins, Sir William Wallace executed, Krakatoa erupts, “Mary Poppins”

AUG. 21

1831: Nat Turner launched a violent slave rebellion in Virginia, resulting in the deaths of at least 55 white people.

1911: Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” was stolen from the Louvre Museum in Paris.

1959: President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a proclamation o cially declaring Hawaii the 50th state.

AUG. 22

1851: The schooner America outraced over a dozen British ships o England to win a trophy later known as the America’s Cup.

1791: The Haitian Revolution began as enslaved people of Saint-Domingue rose up against French colonizers.

1910: Japan annexed Korea, which remained under Japanese control until the end of World War II.

1922: Irish revolutionary Michael Collins was shot to death, apparently by Irish Republican Army members opposed to the Anglo-Irish Treaty.

AUG. 23

1970: The Salad Bowl strike began, led by Cesar Chavez, as 5,000 to 10,000 laborers walked o the job in the largest U.S. farm worker strike.

1305: Scottish rebel leader Sir William Wallace was executed by the English for treason.

1775: Britain’s King George III proclaimed the American colonies to be in a state of “open and avowed rebellion.”

1927: Amid protests, Italian-born anarchists Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti were executed in Boston for 1920 robbery murders; 50 years later, Gov. Michael Dukakis said they were unfairly tried.

AUG. 24

1814: During the War of 1812, British forces invaded Washington, D.C., setting re to the still-under-construction Capitol and the White House.

1954: President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Communist Control Act, outlawing the Communist Party in the United States.

1992: Hurricane Andrew smashed into Florida; the storm resulted in 65 deaths and caused more than $26 bil-

On Aug. 23, 1970, Cesar Chavez launched the “salad bowl” strike, a nationwide lettuce boycott to gain recognition for his United Farm Workers Organizing Committee, prompting nearly 10,000 workers to walk o the job.

lion in damage across Florida, Louisiana and the Bahamas.

AUG. 25

1916: Woodrow Wilson signed the National Park Service Organic Act, creating the agency to protect natural and historic sites for future generations.

1875: Matthew Webb became the rst person to swim across the English Channel,

crossing from Dover, England, to Calais, France.

1944: Paris was liberated by Allied forces after four years of Nazi occupation during World War II.

AUG. 26

1944: French Gen. Charles de Gaulle led a victory march in newly liberated Paris, defying the threat of German snipers.

1939: The rst televised major league baseball games were broadcast on experimental station W2XBS: a doubleheader between the Cincinnati Reds and the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field.

1958: Alaskans went to the polls to overwhelmingly vote in favor of statehood.

AUG. 27

1883: The island volcano Krakatoa erupted with a series of cataclysmic explosions. The explosions (which could be heard 3,000 miles away) and tsunamis in Indonesia’s Sunda Strait claimed some 36,000 lives.

1894: Congress passed the Wilson-Gorman Tari Act, which contained a provision for a graduated income tax.

1964: The lm “Mary Poppins” had its world premiere in Los Angeles.

Prince Harry, Meghan extend Net ix partnership

The couple stepped back as senior members of the royal family in 2020

By Itzel Luna

The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — Prince Harry and Meghan have extended their partnership with Net ix and their media company, Archewell Productions with a multiyear, rst-look deal, the couple announced last Monday. Archewell began collaborating with the streaming giant in 2020 and have produced a handful of documentary content, including the popular “Harry & Meghan.” The Duchess of Sussex also developed a lifestyle brand, As Ever, in partnership with Net ix.

The collaboration has also produced the documentary series’ “Polo,” “Heart of Invictus” and “Live to Lead.”

“My husband and I feel inspired by our partners who work closely with us and our Archewell Productions team to create thoughtful content across genres that resonates globally, and celebrates our shared vision,” Meghan said in a statement.

The couple and Net ix also announced upcoming collaborations, including a second season of, “With Love, Meghan,” a lifestyle and cooking show starring the duchess. The show will also

In their latest move to expand business and media projects in the U.S., Britain’s Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, have extended a multiyear deal with Net ix.

receive a special holiday episode in December. The show is Net ix’s most-watched culinary show since its March release, according to the company. It ranked

solutions

low compared to other releases in the rst half of this year, with 5.3 million views, according to Net ix’s semiannual report.

“Masaka Kids, A Rhythm Within,” a documentary short

lm that centers on a small orphanage in Uganda’s Masaka region, is also set to release this year. Archewell is also in production with Net ix on a feature adaptation of Carley For-

“Harry and Meghan are in uential voices whose stories resonate with audiences everywhere. The response to their work speaks for itself.”

Bela Bajaria, Net ix chief content o cer

tune’s novel “Meet Me at the Lake.” The drama “follows a decade-spanning love story that begins with a chance encounter and a broken promise,” the statement read.

“Harry and Meghan are inuential voices whose stories resonate with audiences everywhere. The response to their work speaks for itself,” Bela Bajaria, Net ix’s chief content ocer, said in a statement.

Their extended deal with Net ix is the latest in the couple’s yearslong e ort to develop business ventures in the United States. They had also penned a multiyear deal with Spotify in 2020 and produced a podcast, “Archetypes,” but cut ties with the company in 2023.

The couple have been detangling their lives from the British royal family and are living in California with their two young children.

famous birthdays this week

Dave Chappelle speaks during the 39th annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony in 2024. The comedian turns 52 on Sunday.

SCOTT A GARFITT/ INVISION / AP PHOTO

Claudia Schi er poses for photographers upon arrival at the world premiere of the lm “Argylle” in 2024 in London. The supermodel turns 55 on Monday.

Actor Tom Skerritt, pictured during a Q&A panel at the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo in 2024, turns 92 on Monday.

Barbara Eden celebrates 94, Baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. is 65, Tom Skerritt hits 92

THESE CELEBRITIES have birthdays this week.

AUG. 21

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer James Burton is 86. Singer Jackie DeShannon is 84. Film director Peter Weir is 81. Football Hall of Famer Willie Lanier is 80. Actor Loretta Devine is 76.

AUG. 22

Pro Football Hall of Fame coach Bill Parcells is 84. Writer-producer David Chase is 80. Retired CBS newsman Steve Kroft is 80. Rock singer Roland Orzabal (Tears For Fears) is 64.

AUG. 23

Actor Vera Miles is 96. Actor Barbara Eden is 94. Football Hall of Famer Sonny Jurgensen is 91. Singer-songwriter Linda Thompson is 78. Rock singer Julian Casablancas (The Strokes) is 47.

AUG. 24

WWE co-founder Vince McMahon is 80. Actor Anne Archer is 78. Baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. is 65. Talk show host Craig Kilborn is 63. Actor-comedian Dave Chappelle is 52.

AUG. 25

Tom Skerritt is 92. Rock musician Gene Simmons (Kiss) is 76. Rock singer Rob Halford (Judas Priest) is 74. Musician Elvis Costello is 71. Film director Tim Burton is 67. Model Claudia Schi er is 55.

AUG. 26

Broadcast journalist Bill Whitaker is 74. Jazz musician Branford Marsalis is 65. Actor Macaulay Culkin is 45.

AUG. 27

Actor G.W. Bailey is 81. Rock musician Alex Lifeson (Rush) is 72. Fashion designer and lmmaker Tom Ford is 64.

O set, John Cena, John Grisham’s ‘Rainmaker’ gets TV adaptation

Jussie Smollett’s alleged attack is unpacked on Net ix

The Associated Press

MIGOS RAPPER OFFSET

releasing his third solo album and Samara Weaving playing a reformed getaway driver in the heist thriller “Eenie Meanie” are some of the new television, lms, music and games headed to a device near you.

Also, among the streaming offerings worth your time: An adaptation of John Grisham’s “The Rainmaker” hits Peacock, John Cena stars as a awed superhero in season 2 of “The Peacemaker” and the Amanda Knox trial in Italy gets dramatized in a Hulu series.

MOVIES TO STREAM

Weaving plays a reformed getaway driver who gets pulled back in to save a problematic ex-boyfriend in “Eenie Meanie,” a new heist thriller streaming on Hulu on Friday. Karl Glusman plays the pathetic ex in this intriguing ensemble that includes Steve Zahn, Andy Garcia, Randall Park and Marshawn Lynch. “Deadpool” writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick produced the lm, which is the directorial debut of writer-director Shawn Simmons.

Remember the strange Smollett saga that began back in January 2019 when the “Empire” actor told police that two men assaulted him in an apparent hate crime which investigators began to believe was a hoax? It’s the subject of a new Net ix documentary “The Truth About Jussie Smollett?” streaming on Friday. The ordeal stretched on for years and in November the Illinois Supreme Court overturned Smollett’s conviction on charges of staging a racist and homophobic attack against himself in 2019 and lying to Chicago police. The trailer for the doc, which includes interviews with journalists, lawyers, investigators and law enforcement, teases a new sit-down interview with Smollett himself. Swedish lmmaker Lasse Hallström takes audiences on a romantic journey through Europe with an American girl (Madelyn Cline) and a New Zealander (KJ Apa) in “The Map That Leads to You,” streaming on Prime Video. It’s based on the

2017 J.P. Monninger novel.

MUSIC TO STREAM

On Friday, Migos rapper Oset will release his third solo album, “Kiari.” The title is his legal name — a direct re ection of the album he described to The Associated Press earlier this month as “a look in the mirror.” He said it’s a collection of “different versions of O set, which comes from Kiari. … I’m always trying to rebrand and recreate.” Start with “Bodies,” a red-hot collaboration that marries Oset’s melodic, aggressive ow and the dexterous lyricist JID atop a sample of nu-metal band Drowning Pool’s 2001 cut “Bodies.” It’s become a 2025 Billboard Hot 100 hit for a reason. Who would’ve thought, nearly 40 years after their formation, that the California shoegaze-y nu-metal band Deftones would become more popular than ever before? They’ve found new and nostalgic audiences online and have quickly become recognized as one of the most in uential bands of the 2000s — 20 years after the fact. On Friday, they will release a new album “Private Music.” And they sound as tight as ever.

SERIES TO STREAM

The Knox trial gets dramatized in a Hulu series called “The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox.” Knox is an executive producer on the project, as is Monica Lewinsky. Grace Van Patten stars as the study abroad student in Italy who nds herself in prison for murdering her housemate, Meredith Kercher. The case becomes a media sensation and Knox is called Foxy Knoxy — among other things — by the tabloids. The series also shares more of the story of Ra aele Sollecito, Knox’s boyfriend at the time, who was also convicted of the murder. Both had their sentences thrown out by Italy’s highest court in 2015. We also see Knox’s di culty adjusting to regular life after she returns to the States. The eight-episode series is streaming now. Cena stars as a awed superhero in Season 2 of “The Peacemaker” arriving on HBO Max on Thursday. It’s the rst release of a DC Comics story after “Superman “ ew into theaters earlier this summer. James Gunn, who is co-chairman and CEO of DC Studios, directed “Super-

man” and is the showrunner of “The Peacemaker.” A new Prime Video docuseries called “The Home Team: NY Jets” followed six Jets players and their partners for the 2024-2025 NFL season. We see the home life of these pros

“I’m always trying to rebrand and recreate.” O set

as they also juggle the demands of the sport. The lmmakers also made the documentary “Kelce” about former Philadelphia Eagles player Jason Kelce in his 2022 season. It debuts Thursday.

An adaptation of Grisham’s “The Rainmaker” hits Peacock on Friday. The legal thriller is airing on the USA Network, and the streamer drops each episode a week later. Milo Callaghan plays Rudy Baylor, who is fresh out of law school and about to start working at the largest law rm in the state. On his rst day, Baylor gets red so he takes a job at a small ambulance-chasing rm that works out of a former taco joint. Rudy’s rst big case

pits him against the big, fancy law rm that let him go — and his girlfriend who still works there.

VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

You don’t see many surfboards in video games — most virtual riders would rather pick up a skateboard or snowboard. The “hoversword” at the heart of Sword of the Sea pushes back at that bias by combining all three. It throws in the ability to surf on sand, which is helpful given that your world is essentially one big desert. Your character, the Wraith, is exploring ancient ruins in search of longlost artifacts. Master the right techniques and you get to surf on actual water. Publisher Giant Squid is led by Matt Nava, who was the art director on the 2012 indie classic Journey, and Sword of the Sea shares that game’s meditative vibe. Hang

on PlayStation 5 or PC.

Duplin Journal

8 arrested during saturation patrols

Duplin County Eight people were arrested during a targeted saturation patrol operation in Duplin County on Aug. 14. In a continued e ort to improve public safety, the Duplin County Sheri ’s O ce, with support from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI), carried out targeted saturation patrols in Beulaville, Chinquapin, Lyman and Pin Hook. In total, o cers stopped over 60 vehicles, issuing eight citations, one written warning, and more than 42 verbal warnings. The patrols aimed to increase law enforcement visibility and target issues such as impaired driving, drug activity and tra c violations. Sheri Stratton Stokes credited the success of the operation to strong interagency cooperation, emphasizing that collaborative e orts are key to keeping even the most remote corners of Duplin County safe.

Unemployment rates rise

Duplin County Unemployment in Duplin County rose slightly for the month ending June 30, with the rate increasing to 3.6%, up from 3.2% in May and nearly half a percentage point higher than in April. The county’s labor force stands at 22,412, with 21,608 employed and 804 unemployed. While the rise is modest, it marks a continued upward trend over the past two months and may be in uenced by several local factors like departmental consolidations and the dissolution of the Tourism Development Authority, which resulted in sta layo s. Seasonal shifts in agricultural employment may also play a role in the uptick. Updated gures for July are expected on Aug. 27.

Cabin Lake County Park unveils new logo

Pink Hill Cabin Lake County Park is turning heads with a new logo that re ects the fresh energy and outdoor spirit of the local gem. The park’s updated look adds a modern touch to a longtime favorite. According to county o cials, new merchandise featuring the logo will soon be available.

$2.00

Back in session: HCA leads the way into the school year

Students at Harrells Christian Academy returned to school last week, marking the uno cial end of summer break. Across Duplin County and surrounding areas, students are gearing up for the start of a new academic year lled with fresh opportunities, challenges and the promise of growth. With excitement in the air and backpacks in hand, many are preparing to reconnect with classmates, meet new teachers and dive into learning. Duplin County Schools are set to welcome students back Monday, o cially kicking o the 2025-26 school year.

As Wallace grows, so do educational needs

By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal

WALLACE — The Wallace area is experiencing signicant growth, evidenced by hundreds of permits issued for new homes and the arrival of numerous businesses. This growth has raised important questions about educational facili-

ties, particularly where incoming children will attend school.

Wallace Mayor Jason Wells has noted an increasing concern regarding school capacity at recent community meetings, including a session with the Wallace Rotary Club.

“People were asking about the schools,” Wells said in an interview with Duplin Journal.

“Wallace Elementary is already kind of maxed out as far as what they can handle. You also have Wallace Christian, which is growing by leaps and bounds.”

In the past, there were e orts to establish a charter school in the Wallace area; however, progress on this initiative appears to have stalled, according to Wells.

“That doesn’t mean it won’t happen at some point,” Wells said.

He said the upcoming devel-

opment could reignite interest in charter school options.

Wells points out that the development in the surrounding area will not only impact local schools but could also affect schools in Pender County, such as Penderlea School, which may receive students from new developments.

While work on creating a charter school seems to have subsided, Wells believes the

Rose Hill eyes possible rail stop in land use plan

The board approved increases for water, sewer and zoning applications

By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal

ROSE HILL — The Rose Hill Board of Commissioners and the town’s planning board held a joint meeting Aug. 12 to hear a presentation on a proposed Comprehensive Land Use Plan for the town.

North Carolina statutes require municipalities to adopt a land use plan to enforce zoning regulations and guide future growth. Currently, Rose Hill does not have this required plan in place, so it has engaged Insight Consulting Group to assist in creating one. During the meeting, the board listened to an almost hourlong presentation by Ashli Barefoot.

According to Barefoot, several

Magnolia warns: Illegal burning could cost violators $25K daily

Police cite rising violations and public health risks in ramping up enforcement e orts

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

MAGNOLIA — The Mag-

nolia Police Department is cracking down on illegal burning, warning residents that violations of North Carolina’s open burning law could result in nes of up to $25,000 per day. Police Chief Jerry Wood announced stepped-up enforcement in response to a rise in local violations and repeated failure by some to comply with the law, stating, “It has to stop now.” Open burning of anything other than natural

yard debris — like trash, plastic, or treated wood — not only violates N.C. Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) regulations but could also put the health of neighbors at risk.

“We have tried to give folks every opportunity to comply,” Wood said. “But due to increased frequency and failure to heed previous warnings, we will be checking closely to ensure any open burning is in compliance.”

He added that the burning of nonvegetative materials is especially harmful to those with respiratory issues or allergies.

“If it doesn’t grow naturally, don’t burn it,” he said.

The DEQ’s open burning rule allows only the burning

“If it’s anything other than natural yard debris, it’s going to be a nuisance to the violator too — to the tune of $25,000 per violation, per day.”

Police Chief Jerry Wood

Carey

O ce Phone: 910 463-1240

To place a legal ad: 919 663-3232; Fax: 919 663-4042

LOCAL BRIEF

Duplin County secures conviction in major sex o ense case

Kenansville A major criminal case has come to a close in Duplin County, as Joseph Sanderson, 37, plead guilty to crimes committed in 2023 and was sentenced to 20 to 29 years in the North Carolina Department of Corrections. Sanderson was convicted of First Degree Rape and First Degree Statutory Sex O ense. Following his release, he will be required to register as a sex o ender for life and will be placed on permanent GPS monitoring. The Duplin County Sheri ’s O ce Criminal Investigation Division led the case, with Sheri Stratton Stokes commending District Attorney Ernie Lee and the Fifth Prosecutorial District for their commitment to justice and the protection of the community. THURSDAY

Greenevers moves forward with infrastructure projects

The board approved an $839,000 waterline contract and is eyeing more grant opportunities

By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal

GREENEVERS — The Greenevers Town Board approved a nearly $840,000vcontract with TA Loving at its Aug. 11 meeting, moving forward with a long-anticipated waterline extension project after successfully negotiating the original $1.4 million bid down by nearly half. The board also discussed grant opportunities for home rehabilitation projects, concerns over high septic system rates and a potential application for a state Municipal Recovery Fund (MRF) grant to improve the town’s sewer system. Josh Outlaw with the Adams Company recommended that the town’s attorney get involved in doing the title research on properties of consideration. According to Outlaw, grant funding can be used to revitalize owned or occupied brick-and-mortar homes. The deadline to apply is in October and will require public hearings in September and October.

Next, Cole Williams with McDavid Associates, gave updates on the town’s well water projects.

“The fourth advertisement is going out in September newspapers and will hopefully get bids,” Williams said.

High sewer rates and options for a Municipal Recovery Fund grant were discussed.

“One of the highest complaints we get from our constituents is that their septic bills are too high, so we’ve got to do something about this,” Mayor Diane Brown said.

The board voted to have Williams put together documentation for an MRF grant to pursue options to improve the town’s sewer.

Next, Antonio Williams of Rose Hill o ered his services to maintain the side roads throughout the town. At an hourly rate of $120, the board asked him to look at the areas around town and provide an estimated cost for services.

Town Clerk Emma Brinson announced that the Planning Board will be meeting with the East Carolina Council at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 29. The Planning Board will meet with the town board Aug. 25 to discuss subdivision ordinances.

The Department of Transportation is sponsoring a

Community Clean Up Day on Sept. 27. Two large dumpsters will be on site behind town hall for the collection of metal and trash. Trash bags and mittens will be available for people to pick up their trash. Constituents are asked to drop o trash anytime on Sept. 27 and are asked to make sure items are placed inside the receptacles, not on the sides or elsewhere.

The board discussed the sale of the town truck. They agreed to consider bids starting at $300. If no interested party contacts the town soon, a junk dealer may be called.

The board reviewed an Internal Control Policy for Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. Brown and the commissioners asked questions concerning the database used by Brinson in the policy. The board then approved the policy. An opening for a new maintenance person has been posted to the town’s website. Concerns about lling the position led the board to discuss whether or not sta ng agencies should get involved or if a part-time person should be hired. Community Day, scheduled for Oct. 24, has been rescheduled to Oct. 18.

Share with your community!

Send your birth, death, marriage, graduation and other announcements to community@ duplinjournal.com

Weekly deadline is Monday at noon.

WALLACE from page A1

coming growth makes the area ripe for the idea.

“I think it’s always been a possibility,” he said. “People want choice when it comes to education. I truly believe the more options you have, the better. I think we’ve got good, decent public schools, but people want options.” Wells advocates for educational choices, noting that potential residents seek variety in school options, as well as in housing and community amenities.

“When they’re looking into an area to move to, they want choices,” said Wells. “They want choices when it comes to nice parks and housing, but

“People want choice when it comes to education. I truly believe the more options you have, the better.”

Wallace Mayor Jason Wells

they also want choices when it comes to their kids’ education.”

As Wallace continues to grow, so will the town’s needs for educational facilities to accommodate the rising number of children headed to the area. According to Wells, it is essential to take measures to address this expansion e ectively.

“As we continue to expand and grow as a community, you’re going to want to have more availability when it comes to schools, whether

that’s the county schools deciding we need a bigger school, or whether that means more private school choice, or whether that means charter school choices,” Wells said. “There’s no such thing, I believe, as one size ts all in anything, especially when it comes to education. I’m a rm believer that the more options you have to o er, the more likely somebody will look at your community and say that’s a place I want to call home.”

Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in Duplin County:

Aug. 23

Warsaw Day Back-to-School Giveaway

Noon to 3 p.m.

Jsmoove and Brave Entertainment presents its annual Warsaw Day Back-to-School Giveaway at Warsaw Parks and Recreation. Come out for free school supplies, live music, fun activities and food trucks. For more information, call 910-271-5052.

309 Memorial Drive, Warsaw

Aug. 29

Bill Lord Memorial Knights of Columbus Charity Golf

Tee up for a great cause at the 17th Annual Bill Lord Memorial Knights of Columbus Charity Golf Tournament at River Landing. This four-person scramble welcomes men and women of all skill levels with unlimited range balls, golf carts, refreshments, prizes and a luncheon on the terrace. Proceeds support Duplin County Schools’ Exceptional Children’s Program, funding grants that make a real di erence in students’ lives. Hosted by the L.A.M.B. Foundation, which has raised more than $23 million for special needs children. For more information, call Mike Vandiver at 910-271-4444. River Landing, Wallace

Aug. 30

The Black Male Expo

11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Black Male Expo 2025 will be at the KEMBA Center in Warsaw. The one-day event is designed for men ages 16 to 25, o ering tools for personal growth, career readiness and community leadership. Hear from keynote speaker Girard Newkirk, CEO of Genesis Block, and engage in roundtable talks, breakout sessions on fatherhood and leadership, mental health resources, networking, music, food and more. 124 Water Tank Road, Warsaw

Got a local event? Let us know and we’ll share it with the community here. Email our newsroom at community@ duplinjournal.com. Weekly deadline is Monday at noon.

Deteriorated railroad crossing prompts safety concerns

Mounting frustration over the downtown tracks has residents wondering when, or if, CSX will act

By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal

ROSE HILL — As part of his health routine, Timothy Edmonson of Rose Hill rides his bicycle around town. He found out the hard way that not all routes are safe when he crossed the railroad tracks at the corner of Railroad and Church streets. Edmonson said the crossing is in such bad shape that he almost damaged his bicycle and could have injured himself.

Concerned over the safety of the crossing, Edmonson called the toll-free CSX Railroad number posted on poles beside the tracks for reporting problems. He made multiple reports over a period of time. That was about two years ago.

Rotted ties at the Railroad and Church Streets crossing in downtown Rose Hill remain unrepaired despite years of complaints to CSX Railroad.

“Those ties are about 8-by-8 (inches), so when you’ve got a section that’s rotted, that’s a big cavity to ride over on a bicycle.”

Timothy Edmonson

Duplin Journal tested the crossing in a sedan, driving at a slow speed of approximately 5 mph. The experience felt similar to driving over a curb, suggesting that traveling at a higher speed could seriously damage a car’s suspension system. Edmonson took his concern over the crossing to the

“Those ties are about 8-by-8 (inches), so when you’ve got a section that’s rotted, that’s a big cavity to ride over on a bicycle,” Edmonson said in an interview with Duplin Journal. “It’s beyond splintered — it’s deteriorated. It’s almost like having a big pothole in the asphalt.”

Rose Hill Board of Commissioners meeting last Monday during public comment period. He quickly discovered he was not alone in trying to get CSX Railroad to repair the crossing.

Mayor Davy Buckner responded to Edmonson’s remarks saying he and at least two town commissioners have contacted CSX about the problem but have had no success.

During the interview with Duplin Journal, Edmonson said he personally spoke with a rail worker on-site and explained the situation, mentioning that he had already reported the issue. Edmonson said the worker responded, “Yeah, you have to keep on them.”

Duplin Journal reached out to Austin Staton, CSX director of media relations, by phone. He

later responded with an email. “I wanted to let you know that we have alerted our engineering team to the concerns and someone from our team will go out and review the crossings in the area to determine what can be done in the near term,” Staton wrote in the email. “I also wanted to let you know that CSX works hard to address crossing concerns in a timely manner. Many factors a ect the pace and scheduling of crossing repairs, such as weather, equipment and resource availability. CSX invests heavily in infrastructure maintenance to (ensure) the safe, reliable movement of trains, and the safety of our employees and the communities where we operate.”

Kenansville church joins forces with local schools for cleanup

With power tools, pine straw and prayer, Kenansville Baptist prepares the school grounds for a new year

By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal

KENANSVILLE — Members of Kenansville Baptist Church joined the Tiger family Saturday morning for a cleanup day at both James Kenan High School and Kenansville Elementary. Principal Michael Holton and his assistant Brian Jones donned power tools to cut back overgrowth and blow debris from parking lots at James Kenan. Teachers, parents, students and employees trimmed bushes and gathered debris for disposal. At Kenansville Elementary, members of Kenansville Baptist Church helped put down pine straw.

Partnerships like this between schools and the community are needed more now than ever.

Amid unprecedented cutbacks to government programs that a ect education and low-income families, rural schools require additional support to meet the needs of the families they serve.

“The heartbeat of any community is in its schools; if you want to have an impact in the community, you have to have an impact in the schools,” KBC senior pastor Aaron Smith said. Smith, who grew up in Beulaville, became the pastor of KBC ve years ago. His vision to help the community through its schools started small.

“When Principal Holton started attending church with us, that opened doors for us to do things at James Kenan, and things just grew from there to help Kenansville Elementary too,” Smith said.

“At rst, they just let us buy food for the teachers, and that was an easy thing we could do.”

Then the church gave grocery bags of food to kids in need at Kenansville Elementary and James Kenan.

“We discovered that no matter how many backpacks we gave away, no matter how much food we gave away, it was never enough,” Smith said.

The backpack program re-

vealed a real hunger problem in the area. Ladies at a Women’s Conference gave funds to start a food pantry in one of the schools. It served 30 families in its rst year of service. Now the church continues its Backpack Buddies program with supplemental food for needy children in both Kenansville Elementary and James Kenan.

Additionally, they launched the Tiger Adoption program, which allows church members to serve as secret prayer partners and gift-givers to teachers at the schools.

“The most important thing we do is pray over our schools,” Smith said. “All summer long, we have been praying that the Lord goes before us and our teachers in the schools and that

the Holy Spirit will already be there and working.”

Looking for additional ways to serve, Smith became the coach for the James Kenan’s girls’ basketball team. In this role, he heard more rsthand stories of kids working to support their households and struggling.

“So often we have our heads in the sand about what is going on around us, but coaching gives me the opportunity to know and make a di erence,” Smith said. “There is a weightiness that kids at James Kenan have that I never had to deal with growing up. I just want to help them be successful and leave the world a better place by being a positive role model for them now.”

“The heartbeat of any community is in its schools; if you want to have an impact in the community, you have to have an impact in the schools.”

Aaron Smith, KBC senior pastor

He encourages his church to check the pulse of their e ectiveness by how much impact they have in their community.

“If we closed our doors, would our community know if we weren’t here?” Smith said. “I’d like to think that our community would miss us if KBC ceased to exist.”

Access to schools in Duplin County has improved due to cooperative principals and school boards. Smith noted that such opportunities arise through leadership that fosters community involvement. He credited principals like Holton, Hargrove and the late Austin Obasohan, who actively encouraged local churches to be involved in the school system.

“Opportunities like this don’t happen without leadership at the highest level opening doors and making it happen,” Smith said.

Despite its modest size of around 100 members, KBC has made a notable impact, demonstrating a strong commitment to its community outreach.

“One of the most important aspects of any ministry is consistency,” Smith said. “Spiritual impact is di cult to measure. We may never see the fruit of all this in our lifetime, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t important. Showing long-term faithfulness in the same direction is what we are after.”

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

| PHILIP GLADDEN

Praying and feeding

“We pray for the hungry, then we feed them.”

IN A JULY 21, 2013, homily in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis said, “In our Christian life, may prayer and action always be deeply united.” This thought re ects James 2:15-17, “If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and eat your ll,’ and yet you do not supply their bodily needs, what is the good of that? So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.” This is what Jesus taught, “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. ... Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:35, 40) Pope Francis is often quoted, “You pray for the hungry. Then you feed them. This is how prayer works.”

That is the approach of Duplin Christian Outreach Ministries (DCOM), a crisis assistance center in Wallace, that recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. Over the years, DCOM has expanded its outreach in Duplin County. One of the most important ministries is the partnership between DCOM and seven food pantries across the county. This food ministry is carried out by Beyond These Walls (Beulaville), Community Food Bank (Snow Hill), Community Mobile Pantry (Warsaw), Grace by Faith (Rose Hill), Helping Hands Food Pantry (Wallace), Kingdom Partnership Food Pantry (Beulaville) and Rose Hill Methodist Church Food Pantry. In the rst seven months of 2025, these pantries have served approximately 4,700 households and 13,100 individuals in Duplin County.

COLUMN | VICTOR JOECKS

As those numbers testify, the need is great, and those numbers don’t re ect the entire need in Duplin County. According to 2024 data, our county has a food insecurity rate of 19.8%, which equals 13,300 fellow citizens. Thirty-four percent of children under 18 face food insecurity. Recent federal legislation cutting funding to the SNAP (food stamps) program is expected to a ect more than 1 million North Carolinians, including 1 in 6 children. One of the many expected e ects of these cuts is a greater reliance on food banks, most of which are already struggling to meet the needs of so many people.

I share this information to call attention to the increasing need for food assistance and the e orts already being made across the county. I am sure there are many other food banks operating in Duplin County other than the seven listed in this article. I also provide this information to try to cut through the heated and divisive rhetoric and remind us of the faith imperative to feed hungry people.

Christians regularly pray, “Give us this day our daily bread.” To pray that is to confess we are dependent on God as our Creator and Sustainer. To pray that while some of us enjoy an abundance of daily bread is to assume a responsibility for sharing that bread with others. We pray for the hungry, then we feed them.

Philip Gladden is a retired minister who lives in Wallace.

Trump’s biggest immigration win yet

For decades, many Democrats and some Republicans have presented amnesty as the only way to solve the country’s broken immigration system.

SOLVING AMERICA’S illegal immigration crisis didn’t require amnesty — just better leadership.

Last week, the Center for Immigration Studies released a study showing America’s foreign-born population dropped by 2.2 million from January to July. While the number of naturalized U.S. citizens increased, there was a staggering 1.6 million-person drop among illegal immigrants. CIS estimated that this represented a 10% decline in the country’s illegal immigrant population.

While determining the number of illegal immigrants always requires estimation, this drop is supported by anecdotal evidence.

“Nurse in US for 40 years self-deports,” a recent Newsweek headline reads.

“Lansing man self deporting to Kenya after 16 years in America,” WILX, a Michigan TV station, recently reported.

In April, the LA Times wrote, “More immigrants opt to self-deport rather than risk being marched out like criminals.”

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said some foreign leaders have also told her this is happening.

“Over and over again, I’m hearing that hundreds of thousands of their citizens are coming home, voluntarily,” she said.

For decades, many Democrats and some Republicans have presented amnesty as the only way to solve the country’s broken immigration system. The Trump administration has taken a lot of ak for trying a di erent approach. It’s o ering $1,000 to illegal immigrants who leave voluntarily. It’s ning illegal immigrants who stay, ramping up arrests and sending some illegals to third countries or Alligator Alcatraz. Like everyone else, illegal immigrants respond to incentives. This mix of carrots and sticks is working. The Trump administration has also closed the southern border.

A decrease in illegal immigration is great news for most Americans. It will increase wages for low-skill Americans. It will put downward pressure on housing prices. It will reduce crime. It will lower the amount of money Americans spend supporting illegal immigrants.

But it’s terrible news for the Democratic Party — especially if this drop continues. If the country didn’t have any illegal immigrants, Democrats would have less political power.

That’s not a claim about illegal immigrants voting in elections, although that does happen. It’s about the census. Every 10 years, the federal government counts how many people are living in the country. Congressional seats are divvied out to states based on those population numbers, which includes both legal and illegal immigrants.

In other words, states with large numbers of illegal immigrants receive extra Congressional seats — and Electoral College votes. That list includes blue states like California and New York, but also red states like Florida and Texas. Evidence suggests blue states bene t more from this than red states.

Another advantage comes in the making of congressional and legislative districts, which are supposed to have a similar number of people. Note: That’s a similar number of residents, not citizens. Illegal immigrants tend to congregate in blue cities. This allows the creation of more districts in deep blue areas. This is one reason that Republican districts in Nevada tend to have more registered voters.

It’s unlikely that President Donald Trump’s new census excluding illegals will happen anytime soon, but if it did, Democrats would be in signi cant trouble.

Democrats’ desperate ght against Trump’s deportation e orts has a downside. The New York Times recently interviewed swing voters, including Desmond Smith, a young black man from Mississippi. He backed former President Joe Biden in 2020 and Trump in 2024. Asked how Democrats could appeal to him, he said, “Fight for Americans instead of ghting for everybody else.”

That should be a no-brainer, but for the reasons described above, it’s a tough option for Democrats.

Trump keeps winning on immigration policy and immigration politics.

Victor Joecks is a columnist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

REBECCA WHITMAN COOKE FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

Rita’s Place gets new life

“We are honored to continue the legacy of Rita’s Country Cooking, a true cornerstone of the Mount Olive community.”

Karson

McCullen, Farm House owner

By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal

MOUNT OLIVE — Shortly after Labor Day weekend, Rita’s Restaurant will become the second location of The Farm House Restaurant.

“This expansion is more than a business opportunity — it is a divine appointment,” Farm House owner Karson McCullen said. “We are honored to continue the legacy of Rita’s Country Cooking, a true cornerstone of the Mount Olive community. For years, Rita’s has been a gathering place for families and friends, and we are committed to honoring that tradition while introducing The Farm House’s signature warmth, hospitality, and homestyle Southern cooking.”

Rita Diane (Sullivan) Long died of cancer in 2022 when she was 58 years old. Friends and family still honor her legacy in Mount Olive with both the restaurant and a cat rescue named in her honor because she loved cats. Rita’s Place will remain open through Aug. 29.

“We encourage everyone to come by, enjoy their favorite meals, and share memories during these nal weeks,” McCullen said.

McCullen, who is an active member of Mount Olive First Pentecostal Holiness Church, grounds every decision of his business in his faith.

“The Farm House was

founded with a simple mission: to serve with love, excellence, and integrity — values grounded in our faith,” McMullen said.

“Every decision is prayed over, and we seek to glorify God in every aspect of our work — from the way we greet our guests, to the way we prepare each plate, to the way we lead our team From the moment we met Mr. Billy Long, Rita’s current steward, we knew this was a God-orchestrated encounter. Every conversation, every detail and every open door has been a clear reminder that this expansion is not a coincidence, but part of God’s perfect plan.”

The Farm House serves breakfast, lunch and dinner along with full catering services from its agship location in Newton Grove. All of these services will continue there, while the new Mount Olive location opens and expands to include the same o erings.

“We remain fully committed to our Newton Grove location, where The Farm House began,” McMullen said. “That restaurant will continue to thrive under the leadership of the same talented and devoted team who have been with us through every season.”

In Mount Olive, The Farm House leadership has emphasized their strong commitment to the longtime sta of Rita’s. McCullen said they view these

Local #12921

Wallace NC

Since the inception of the Bill Lord Golf Tournament, we have provided over $92,000 in aid for our teachers! The programs we provide are not supported by the school budget.

Local #12921 • Wallace NC

Since the inception of the Bill Lord Golf Tournament, we have provided over $92,000 in aid for our teachers! The programs we provide are not supported by the school budget.

Last year the teachers of exceptional children from 12 different Duplin County schools applied for and received over $13,000 to purchase technology, multi sensory equipment, materials for hands-on STEM learning to meet each child’s needs.

Local #12921

Wallace NC

team members as essential to the restaurant’s future.

“Their knowledge, relationships, and heart for the community are invaluable,” he said.

“They are not being replaced — they are being embraced as part of The Farm House family. Our goal is to build upon their strong foundation, adding new team members as we grow so that both locations ourish.”

McCullen told Duplin Journal is currently hiring individuals who have a heart for service and hospitality.

“This is more than a job — it’s an opportunity to serve, grow, and make a di erence in a Christ-centered, uplifting environment,” he said.

McCullen also sees this expansion as far more than a business decision; he considers it a calling. He expressed deep gratitude to both God and the community for the chance to serve Mount Olive, describing the opening as “the unfolding of a calling, nurtured in prayer, rooted in faith and strengthened by community.”

McCullen extended heartfelt thanks to loyal customers, dedicated sta and new neighbors in Mount Olive, adding that he looks forward to welcoming everyone into the restaurant and into their hearts.

NC updates more than 20,000 voter records, seeks more ID numbers

Some voters have been asked to help complete their records

By Gary D. Robertson The Associated Press

RALEIGH — Voter registration records for more than 20,000 people in North Carolina have been successfully amended thus far in an e ort by election o cials to add missing identi cation numbers.

In mid-July, the State Board of Elections began formally an e ort that seeks to resolve a lawsuit led by President Donald Trump’s Justice Department that focused on voter registration records that lacked either a voter’s driver’s license number or the last four digits of their Social Security number. Federal and state laws have directed that election o cials must request this ID information since 2004 of new registrants, but for about a decade the state’s registration form failed to make clear that voters were supposed to provide it if they had it.

A “Registration Repair Project” supported by the now Republican-controlled state board — ipped from a Democratic majority in the spring — created a public online database with the names of 103,270 registrants the lacking the numerical identi ers. They were asked to provide an ID number through the Division of Motor Vehicles website or by visiting their county election board ofces. County election o cials also have conducted research to update records.

As of Monday, the registrants on the list had fallen 20% to 82,540, an election board news release said.

As planned, the board is now sending letters to those who haven’t already acted and o ered a numerical ID, or have yet to indicate that they have neither a driver’s license nor

MAGNOLIA from page A1

of natural vegetation like leaves and limbs, and only under speci c conditions. Burns must occur between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., and never on Code Orange or worse air quality days. Additionally, yard debris must originate from and be burned on the same property, and only if public yard debris pickup is not available.

The 17th Annual Bill Lord Golf Tournament August 29, 2025

“To God be the glory — great things He has done, and greater things are yet to come,” he said.

Commercial land-clearing burns have additional restrictions. Fires must be at least

River Landing Golf Course

The 17th Annual Bill Lord Golf Tournament August 29, 2025

River Landing Golf Course

a Social Security number. The letter recipients are being told they can mail in their ID number with postage-paid return envelopes provided, in addition to the DMV and in-person options.

“It’s quick. It’s easy. It’s free,” board Executive Director Sam Hayes said, adding that taking action now will “avoid any issues the next time they show up to vote.”

People on the list who don’t provide the information will have to vote provisionally the next time they cast a ballot — meaning their ballots may not count in some state and local races without correct ID information. Municipal elections will be held starting next month. The board release said that paper and electronic voter rolls will ag these voters so they vote with a provisional ballot and provide missing information for their ballot to count.

The missing numerical IDs led to other complaints and litigation leading to the 2024 elections and played a prominent part in a state Supreme Court race. U.S. attorneys have contended that accurate registration rolls help ensure fair and reliable election results. Many Democrats said these voters are already being scrutinized because they already have to show a photo ID to vote like everyone else.

North Carolina has 7.57 million registered voters and is considered a perpetual battleground state. Close elections could be a ected if registrants cast ballots that ultimately aren’t counted.

Another mailing will go out at a later date to close to 100,000 additional voters whose records also lack the identi ers but will be allowed to continue casting regular ballots because there’s evidence, for example, that they supplied a number or an alternate ID as allowed under the law.

500 feet from homes and 250 feet from public roads when the wind is blowing toward them, and may only be ignited with approved fuels like kerosene or diesel.

While exceptions exist for camp res, outdoor cooking and re ghter training, o cials urge all residents to think twice before lighting a re.

“If it’s anything other than natural yard debris, it’s going to be a nuisance to the violator too — to the tune of $25,000 per violation, per day,” Wood said.

Local #12921

Wallace NC

Since the inception of the Bill Lord Golf Tournament, we have provided over $92,000 in aid for our teachers! The programs we provide are not supported by the school budget.

Last year the teachers of exceptional children from 12 different Duplin County schools applied for and received over $13,000 to purchase technology, multi sensory equipment, materials for hands-on STEM learning to meet each child’s needs.

Bill Lord Golf Tournament

River Landing Golf Course

Last year the teachers of exceptional children from 12 different Duplin County schools applied for and received over $13,000 to purchase technology, multi sensory equipment, materials for hands-on STEM learning to meet each child’s needs.

Since the inception of the Bill Lord Golf Tournament, we have $13,000 to purchase technology, multi sensory equipment, materials for hands-on STEM learning to meet each child’s needs.

UMO recruiter honored for pioneering work in ag education

Curtis Rains won the 2025 Visionary Impact Award for advancing agricultural teaching careers

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

CURTIS R. RAINS, serving as the agricultural recruiting liaison at the University of Mount Olive (UMO), has been recognized with the 2025 Visionary Impact Award by the South Carolina Association of Agricultural Educators. The award acknowledges his signi cant contributions to enhancing agricultural education in the region, particularly in linking North and South Carolina and facilitating pathways for students to pursue careers as agricultural educators.

Rains focuses on not just recruitment but also collabora-

factors went into creating the proposed plan, including the town’s demographics, its housing situation, the local economy,\ and feedback collected from an online survey, as well as in-person surveys conducted during the 2024 North Carolina Poultry Jubilee.

In the proposed future land use plan, areas are targeted as either commercial, industrial, o ce institutional, low-density agriculture, medium high density (primarily housing) and recreation.

During the presentation, a few members of the public attending the meeting questioned a small area of land that had been targeted for recreational use in the plan. Since the specific area that borders West Ridge Street for a few blocks is privately owned land, the concern is

tion. He has established partnerships with organizations such as South Carolina FFA and Piedmont Technical College to create a sustainable pathway aimed at addressing the shortage of agricultural educators and enhancing access to quality agricultural education.

“It’s a privilege to encourage teachers to continue promoting agriculture and to help improve the educational opportunities for young people,” Rains said. “These partnerships ensure we have skilled, passionate educators to meet the needs of our communities.”

Since taking on his role at UMO in 2005, Rains has engaged with hundreds of schools, fostering relationships that are crucial in addressing the agricultural educator shortage in the region. His e orts have notably opened doors for stu-

how that could a ect the landowners should they wish to sell or develop the property in the future. Barefoot said the area had been mistakenly selected and the plan would be corrected. Barefoot added the land use plan does not restrict any specific use for the land but is designed to be consulted in future growth and zoning plans.

Notable in Barefoot’s presentation were what the consultants considered Rose Hill’s strengths and weaknesses.

She said the strengths included the tourist opportunities thanks to Duplin Winery and the World’s Largest Frying Pan, efcient emergency services, the geographic advantage of being close to I-40 and U.S. Highway 117, diversity, nearby large employers, a friendly community and a relatively low crime rate.

Barefoot advised the town to stay informed on the North Car-

dents from rural communities, providing them opportunities for higher education and careers in agriculture.

Tim Woodard, UMO vice president for enrollment, marketing, and communications, highlighted Rains’ in uence, stating that his e orts have motivated many students to consider careers in agriculture.

Rains noted the growth of the School of Agriculture at UMO, expanding from a few students to approximately 300 currently enrolled. He emphasized the importance of new programs, technology, and practical experiences in maintaining engagement and energy in his mission to support future agricultural students. As the demand for agricultural educators increases, Rains remains committed to ensuring a strong pipeline of quali ed professionals in the eld.

olina Department of Transportation’s rail feasibility study, which could reactivate passenger rail service between Raleigh and Wilmington. The right-of-way for that route would include the existing tracks that run through the Rose Hill downtown area. The report recommends that the town advocate for a train stop in Rose Hill should the rail project proceed due to the potential economic development bene ts. While Rose Hill does not have a train depot, it could be an important investment for the town.

Listed as town weaknesses were limited businesses, a visual aesthetic that needs improving, a lack of a ordable housing, limited entertainment and challenges in disseminating information in the community.

In addition, the presentation targeted what were referred to as threats to the area, including air quality, environmental con-

cerns, a lack of visible growth, substandard housing and concerns with education.

Barefoot said the weaknesses and threats targeted should be considered as opportunities to improve the town by using the land use plan to nd ways to attract businesses and o ces to currently vacant buildings and marketing recreational opportunities and tourism.

In order to make corrections to the plan regarding areas targeted as recreational, plus provide additional time for additional public input, the planning board and board of commissioners both voted to table a nal vote on the plan until the Oct. 14 board meeting.

In other business, the board of commissioners voted to increase water and sewer tap fees to be more in line with the actual cost of installing the taps after hearing the recommendation

from Town Administrator Angela Smith.

Smith said current tap fees for the most common ¾-inch water tap and four-inch sewer tap are $700 for each.

“We did a cost estimate as to what it actually cost for a ¾-inch tap, and it was over $1,100,” Smith said. “For a four-inch sewer tap, it was $860. That does not include any asphalt patch.”

The board voted to raise the current tap fees by $500 across the board.

Smith also recommended that the board begin charging a new fee for all zoning applications submitted for review.

“We contacted the other towns, and the minimum application fee is $50,” Smith told the board, recommending a $25 fee to cover administrative costs in processing the applications.

The board voted to approve the fee.

DUPLIN SPORTS

2025 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

HIGH STANDARDS

to starting positions for the

WALLACE ROSE HILL: The Bulldogs haven’t had a losing season in 17 years, but are they are about to fall from grace?

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

TEACHEY — Say it isn’t so.

The football program started by Thell Overman, crafted with the signature of Jack Holley, reaped its biggest trophies during the Joey Price/Kevin Motsinger era.

But have the mighty ‘Dawgs’ winning ways run its course?

Motsinger, who is the winningest active coach in Duplin County (174-85), says, “Everyone is expecting us to be bad.”

The veteran coach isn’t making the statement without at least a little cause from the naysayers, even if they do their bashing quietly.

Wallace-Rose Hill’s last losing season was in 2008, when the Bulldogs went 2-10 under head coach Glenn Sellers.

The next two seasons Price and company won state titles.

James Kenan’s last sub-.500 season was in 2019 (5-6). East Duplin went 3-4 the following season. The next fall North Duplin was 3-7. Additionally, WRH has more wins than its three Duplin schools.

According to longtime sportswriter

Bill Rollins, WRH is 608-257-8 in the past 69 years, while JK is 491-269-5 in 68 years, ND 460-318-5 in 70 years and ED 398-216-4 in 63 years.

The totals start after they were considered fully consolidated (ND in 1956, WRH in 1957, JK in 1958 and ED in 1962).

And yet the Bulldogs have been a victim of their own success. Until this season, Motsinger has been forced to play bigger schools in the nonconference schedule since schools the size of WRH don’t want anything to do with the Bulldogs.

That’s as compelling a statement as any that can be made for WRH, especially if you look at the nonconference foes of the other three schools.

2025 Schedule

Aug. 22 vs. East Duplin

Aug. 29 at Kinston

Sept. 5 at Clinton

Sept. 12 vs. Pender

Sept. 19 OPEN

Sept. 26 vs. Goldsboro*

Oct. 3 at Princeton*

Oct. 10 at Midway*

Oct. 17 vs. Spring Creek*

Oct. 24 vs. Rosewood**

Oct. 31 at James Kenan*

*Swine Valley 3A/2A game

**Swine Valley’s lone 2A school

Motsinger, who appears to have the deck stacked against him and the ’Dawgs this fall, could once again be the last Duplin team left in the playo s in late November, even while JK enjoys a revival and ED is itching to show its 6-6 mark last season was nothing more than an odd hiccup on the road to success.

Motsinger passed both Ken Avent Sr. and Ken Avent Jr. in career wins last season, though an overtime loss to the Tigers broke WRH’s 13-game streak against its rival.

Lamb could be WRH’s fth Division I running back since 2017

WRH, like the other three Duplin schools, is looking to shore up its offensive line while projecting Jamarae Lamb as the fth running back to play Division I football since 2017, joining a group that includes Javonte Williams, Cameren Dalrymple, Kanye Roberts and Irving Brown.

The senior has nine Division I o ers, though he could play at one of many Division II schools.

Motsinger will shift to the o ensive coordinator spot after Adam Scronce took the head coaching job at Hobbton.

Scronce’s top o ensive coach, Graham Walker, left to coach at ED.

Yet there’s something about the un-

See WRH, page B6

JAMES KENAN: Contending is not enough as the Tigers seek to be the last 3A team standing

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

WARSAW — Tim Grady says his Tigers are a hungry football team and that a core of returnees are leading the charge.

He initially spoke about senior leaders and before breaking it down to a threesome.

“Last November, they came to me during the bus drive back from Northeastern said to me, ‘We’ll be back. We want to win a state championship’” Grady said.

The 2024 gang was three wins from toting home the rst title for James Kenan since 2013.

“I think that game was a wakeup call, and I think now know about what it takes,” Grady said.

James Kenan lost 46-28 in a game that got out away from the Tigers in the third quarter.

Many key players return, though, the defense took a huge hit.

And that last JK title was coached by Ken Avent Jr.

His two nephews — running back Eli and his twin brother fullback/defensive end Cal — and running back Jeremiah Hall were the leaders atop Grady’s list.

“First o , nobody in this program can say they work harder than Eli,” Grady said.

“First one there every day. He’s that kind of leader. Organized and engaged. And the commitment of Cal and Jeremiah is o the charts. These three guys are second to none. They set the tone for all we do, and they’re also held to the same standard, and our program respect is earned.”

They will run the ball in Grady’s smashmouth o ense that will also be tooled with the explosive David Zeleya and speedy Zamarion Smith. Yet wide receiver Christopher Hill also returns and newcomer Keyshawn Murray (FB, QB, LB) is there to amplify the noise.

“Obviously, I think the depth of our skill position players is a strength,” said Grady, who is 33-15 since taking over in 2021. “We only have two o ensive linemen back.

2025 Schedule

Aug. 22 at Southern Wayne

Aug. 29 OPEN

Sept. 5 at Southern Nash

Sept. 12 vs. East Duplin

Sept. 19 vs. Spring Creek*

Sept. 26 at Rosewood**

Oct. 3 vs. Midway*

Oct. 10 at Goldsboro*

Oct. 17 vs. C.B. Aycock

Oct. 24 at Princeton*

Oct. 31 vs Wallace-RH*

*Swine Valley 3A/2A games

** Swine Valley’s only 2A school

A few of those guys can play on the outside as well. I like our o ensive potential, and especially since all them were there last year and have the experience.” Hall led the team in running with 1,150 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Zeleya went for 483 yards and 10 touchdowns and 250 in receptions and four more scores.

Eli Avent was a danger to pass (62-105 for 1,022 yards, 11 TDs) or run (30-156, 6 TDs) in either short-yardage situations or via a designed play.

While the athletic talent of SE/WB Tyquise Wilson (31-450, 4 TDs) will be missed, Hill (7-216, 2 TDs) — who missed several games in 2004 because of an injury — will pick up his production.

As will wideout Smith and Cal Avent, though his stats are less important.

“Cal’s our adjustable wrench, and sometimes it’s a game-day decision as to where he plays,” Grady said. “Keyshawn (Murray) is a lot like that. Can play anywhere in the back eld and can play to a great level at the corner and a ’backer. We’ve also got a couple of young receivers we can put out on the ank.”

Defense needs time and reps

Matching the intensity and dominance of the Tigers’ defense in 2024 is almost an impossible objective as JK

See JK, page B2

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

SPONSORED BY BILL CARONE

Jansley Page

WHR, volleyball

Jansley Page started the season where she left o .

The WRH senior had 54 kills last week during wins over Pender, Clinton and East Duplin. Page, a three-time all-Duplin volleyball player was key in last season’s 21-win campaign.

She had a kill percentage of 43.8% while accounting for 260 spikes as the Bulldogs won the East Central 2A Conference title and advance to the third round of the playo s.

gave up 10.5 points per game. Hassan Kornegay, the state’s leading tackler (203) and Mr. Football in Duplin County, has graduated. And JK is also without 100-plus tacklers Ty Morrisey and Josh Mitchell, and stud lineman Dakota Henderson (86 tackles).

John Bert Avent, father of the Avent twins, is the defensive coordinator, and he admits the Tigers won’t start out as defensive monsters.

“We’re trying to nd our identity, nd out exactly who we are and where we can put players,” he said. “A lot of our backs will be included, but that will change from game to game. I can’t see us putting Jeremiah (Hall) on defense after he runs for a 50 -yard touchdown. And we play the hot runner, so it could be Cito (Zeleya) or another guy who will need rest.”

JK will operate out of a 3-5 defensive scheme that features Cal Avent, Alex Vazquez as defensive ends, Jaylon Smith as nose guard and Miguel Osorio, and Hunter Whitman as tackles.

Hall, Smith, Murray and Steadman McIver will be inside linebackers, with Taulil Pearsall, Terell Allen and Jacquez Smith on the outside.

Zeleya had six interceptions last season, Smith three and Murray two. Wilson netted ve, but many of the picks came because of both talent at every position and because of the pressure JK put on quarterbacks.

Teams couldn’t run against Kornegay and company.

“We’re not very big, but they are strong,” Avent said of the game plan. “We need to capitalize on our speed and learn to read and break down plays. Playing the sport makes you smart, and I’m excited to see how we learn.”

Early matchups against Firebirds, Panthers are key

JK will nd out exactly where it stands after back-to -back games against Southern Nash and East Duplin, a 4A school that is not in the Swine Valley Conference with the Tigers and Wallace-Rose Hill.

Two Locations Pink Hill / Mount Olive 252.568.3911 / 919.658.6027 www.kornegayinsurance.com

But the Tigers will warm up for that heat by facing South-

ern Wayne in their opener and then have a bye in Week 2.

If all goes as planned JK will burn past Spring Creek, Rosewood, Midway, Goldsboro and Princeton to set up a Halloween matchup with WRH in Warsaw.

The Tigers broke a 13-game skid against the Tigers in the playo s.

Don’t expect their biggest rival to back down easily. In fact, WRH head coach Kevin Motsinger, who rebuilt the Tigers before Ken Avent Jr. arrived, passed both Ken Avent Sr. and Ken Avent Jr. in career wins.

So that mountain remains each season, even as talent levels on the eld come and go.

JK also manhandled ED last season and likewise slipped past powerhouse Whiteville.

The Panthers won’t go 6-6 and have to contend with an ED offense that has given JK problems in the past decade under Battle Holley.

Yet another good test is a trip to the Firebirds’ eld. South-

James Kenan Football 2025 2024 record: 12-2, tied WRH in ECC, advanced to fourth round of 2A playo s Coach: Tim Grady Career record: JK (32-14 from 2021-24) Coaching sta : DC John Bert Avent, Ken Avent III, Lee Sutton, John Thomas Avent, Juan Hooper, Dontaveus Smith

State titles: 1960, 2007, 2013

ern Nash, a 5A school, went 9-3 last fall, which included a 41-40 OT loss to Rocky Mount (10-1) and a 42-13 loss to rival Northern Nash (10-1) on the Knights’ eld.

It will be a good test for a Duplin County team, which generally whip Nash County schools, as both live and die by the running game and defense.

Southern Wayne, which won one game in 2024 and only seven in the past four seasons, is the opening night cupcake, though in a higher classi cation.

A clash with Princeton looks like a challenge, and Grady is wary of all Swine Valley foes.

“It’s not a sleeper conference,” he said. “Someone can hurt your feelings on Friday nights. We don’t overlook anyone. The pure athletes at Goldsboro can kill you.

“The number of players that are committed to the process is more than I’ve ever seen. The leadership is phenomenal. They believe in the grind and the process, and they are capable of winning a state championship.”

Key returnees: Sr. QB Eli Avent (62-105 for 1,022 yards, 11 TDs, 85-311, 5 TDs running) Sr. RB/DB David Zeleya (87-483, 10 TDs; 15-150 3 TDs receiving, 115 tackles), Jeremiah Hall (133-1,150, 13 TDs), FB/DL Cal Avent (311 rushing, 6.6 tackles, 3.5 sacks), Sr. DB Zamarion Smith (4.5 tackles), Sr. WR/DB Chris Hill (7-215, 3 TDs), Sr. Alex Vasquez (3.5 tackles, 2 sacks), Key losses: LB Hasaan Kornegay (203 tackles per game, 3.5 sacks), RB Tyquise Wilson (31-450, 2.5 sacks, 5 interceptions), LB Ty Morrisey (9.6 tackles), DL Jr. Jacquez Smith (5.9), DB/RB Josh Mitchell (84-651, 6 TDs, 110 tackles) The skinny: Every team dreams of advancing beyond “last season,” and JK is no di erent. Giving the defense a break might be having the o ense score early and often. All the players are there for the Tigers to run over teams en route to mercy-rule routs. They play ve solid teams and ve that the Tigers can dominate or at least beat. JK returned to its glory years-form in 2024. Grady was Duplin’s top coach, Kornegay Mr. Football and Zeleya a player that was the unstoppable in the win over WRH. It’s going to be a good year. How well the newcomers jell with veterans is the key.

Carolina dreaming: Rebels seek another CC title run

North Duplin returns the bulk of a team that won its rst 10 games in 2024

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

CALYPSO — North Duplin head football coach Hugh Martin is building the frontlines of his gridiron team by shu ing a mixture of newcomers and high-risers alongside a handful of proven warriors.

Martin, who returns a cast of skill position players, is seeking combinations that will make the Rebels strong on offense and defense.

Graduation didn’t appear to take away much from the Rebels, though upon further examination, it left ND minus some black-and-blue heavyweights in the trenches — Ricky Castro, Rahmear Gates, Gavin McClenny — and even a few not in three-point positions — Donovan Armwood, Luke Kelly, Brian Zambrano.

“We’re a work in progress on both sides of the ball,” Martin said. “We’ve moved kids around to play positions they didn’t play last year and put together di erent combinations. We’ve shu ed and reshu ed and are nding things out.

“We did some good things during a scrimmage, but right now we don’t have the depth to need.”

And while most people looked only at what the Rebels were returning — and it’s a strong bunch — ND’s style since Ken Avent Sr. was its coach was to win the wars in the trenches.

If a team can’t stop ND, the Rebels will march over ve or six rst-down yardsticks and chew up eight minutes of the clock before their plunge into the end zone.

Martin and his sta , which includes Brad Rhodes, Daniel Cates, Grant Lee, Wilfredo Puac and Colton Chrisman, are putting together muscle players for ND’s groundwork at two points of attack.

The defensive line has one of the best anchors in the state in 6-foot, 310-pound UNC recruit Trashawn Ru n.

Classmates Carson Barwick (5-5, 189) and Braylon Lee (5 -10, 185), juniors Dylan Aguliar (5-9, 208) and Jayden Clemmons (6-3, 165), and

sophomore Noah Bennett (6 -1, 170) will hope to give ND its line power.

“It all starts with consistency in practice and preparation,” said Martin, who is 130 -100 at ND and 148-123 overall. “We need to nd consistency in drills and everything we do to put us on a path to be the best we can be.”

The Rebels maxed out on that until Game 11 following a 26-20 loss to league foe Lakewood in the third round of the playo s.

ND was 10-0 and untouchable before the setback even though it had two hard-earned wins during the regular season (Lakewood and Hobbton).

“We’ve went over how last year isn’t going to help us,” said Martin, who also felt his Rebels would progress into becoming one of the best 2A teams in the East. “We have a very competitive conference.”

Yet no one is selling the Rebels short of winning the Carolina Conference or making a deep run in the playo s, even though if ND would have had 10 less students it would have been a 1A school.

The electricity starts with running back Carell Phillips (6-0, 160), who 1,913 yards and 31 touchdowns last fall.

Duplin County’s top rusher averaged 174 yards per game.

Classmate and back eld mate Vance Carter (5-10, 165) also returns after pushing for

North Duplin Football 2025

2024 record: 10-1, won Carolina Conference title after going 9-3 in 2023. Lost to Lakewood in third round of 1A playo s

Coach: Hugh Martin:

Entering his 20th season at ND

Career record: 148-123

(130-100 from 200624 at ND, 18-23 from 1990-93 at East Duplin) ND state titles: 1972

Notable: Went to 1A title games under Martin in 2007 and 2017. Martin was assistant coach at 2023 Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas. He is 24th in

573 yards and six touchdowns

a season ago. Look for fullback Ethan Turnage (6-0, 220) and running backs Noa Quintanilla (6 - 0, 210) and Holden Williams (5 -9, 165) to block and tote the ball in the Wing-T o ense.

Blocking fullback Quan Stevens (5-10, 170) and tight ends Ru n and Lucas Dail will be active in between-the-hashmarks work. Garris Warren (5-10, 168) will be the backup quarterback.

Junior Keiz Brock (5-10, 135) will replace three-year signal-caller Kelly.

“Both of them worked hard to develop, and both have a great work ethic,” Martin said. “Garris was a running back last year, so he understands the o ense, while Keiz was the JV quarterback.

ND’s defense will be solid in the middle and in the secondary as linebackers Turnage, Dail, Quintanilla and Austin Wolfe (5-7, 160), and defensive backs Williams, Phillips and Carter bring more experience as both units try to work in conjunction with the line.

Rebels should be in the hunt

ND will be on the road for four of its rst ve games, with the fth being trip to Lakewood, which starts play in the new Carolina Conference, which has gone

2025 Schedule

Aug. 22 at Southside

Aug. 28 at Rosewood

Sept. 5 vs. Spring Creek

Sept. 12 at Jones

Sept. 19 at Lakewood*

Sept. 26 OPEN

Oct. 3 vs. East Bladen*

Oct. 10 vs. W. Columbus**

Oct. 17 at Union

Oct. 24 vs. E. Columbus*

Oct. 31 Hobbton*

*Carolina Conference 2A/1A games **CC lone 1A school

from ve 1A schools to six 2A schools (Hobbton, Lakewood, Union, ND, West Columbus, East Bladen) and 1A East Columbus as the NCHSAA increased from four to eight classi cations.

The biggest change might bene t conference favorites Lakewood or ND. Should one win the CC and the other nish second and be other -

all-time wins among current N.C. coaches. Coaching Sta : Brad Rhodes, Grant Lee, Daniel Cates, Wilfredo Puac, Grant Lee, Colton Chrisman

Key Losses: QB/DB Luke Kelly, RB Brian Zambrano (68-344, 3 TDs), LB Issac Davis (54 tackles), DB Donavan Armwood (4.6 tackles), OL Ricky Castro, OL/DL Gavin McClenny, OL/DL Rahmear Gates, DB Anthony Kornegay, DB Wesley Holmes

Key Returnees: Sr. RB Carrell Phillips (200-1,913, 31 TDs), Sr. DL/OL Trashawn Ru n (3.8 tackles), LB Austin Wolfe (4.8 tackles), Sr. RB Vance Carter (121-573, 6 TDs), Sr. MLB Ethan Turnage (5.7 tackles) Sr. LB Wesley Holmes (72 tackles), Sr. DB Branson Martin (4.2 tackles), Sr. DB Garris Warren (2.8 tackles, 6 interceptions), Sr. Holden Williams (2.3 tackles), Jr. LB Noah Quintanilla

Newcomers: Sr. OL/DL Carson Barwick, So. Noah Bennett, Jr. OL/DB Jayden Clemmons, So. K/LB Rimi Villian, Jr. OL/DL Dylan Aguliar, Sr. OL/DL Carson Barwick, Jr. QB/DB Keiz Brock,

wise unbeaten in the league.

Max Prep’s RPI rankings determine playo seeds. Last season, league runners-up could not be seeded higher than any school that won its conference title.

And while taking bus rides early, ND will host the three schools (East Bladen, West Columbus, East Columbus) furthest away from its campus. It’s a do-it-now season for the Rebels as 14 seniors will end their prep careers and ND will rebuild in 2026.

Based on last fall, Phillips has a chance to run for more than 2,000 yards if he stays healthy. Yet should he su er an injury, the entire scenario changes and ND is regrouping and making plans on the run.

That’s how fragile football can be at a small school.

The team has a lot of potential to be a top-16 seed and earn a rst-round playo bye. Yet everyone from Calypso to Cherokee is addressing the 2A title to 2024 champ Tarboro, which already has nine state title trophies.

Sr. TE/LB Kaniel Guo, Jr. OL/DL Dylan Aguliar

The Skinny: North Duplin is riding the crest of a 19-4 string the past two seasons, its best back-to-back run since going 19-7 from 20017-18 and 25-4 during head coach Hugh Martin’s rst two season in Calypso (2007-07). The Rebels have an all-state caliber DE in Trashawn Ru n and solid players around him — Ethan Turnage, Noa Quintanilla, Garris Warren, Austin Wolfe. RB Carell Phillips was Duplin County’s O ensive Player of the Year last fall. The Rebels have 14 seniors, with more than half being key contributors in the past. Here’s a prediction: ND will win 12 games and have its best three-year run since since Avent Jr. went 31-8 from 2000-02. The 12 victories would give the Rebels 32 wins and one win more than both Avent Jr. and three more than Avent Sr. had when ND was 29-8 from 1977-79. Counting his three seasons at ED, Martin had been a head coach 23 years. Avent Sr. (173-105) coached the Rebels for 25 seasons. ND’s Ricard Kaleel (113-77-5) was in charge for 19 seasons.

Panthers return as contender in new 4A classi cation

East Duplin opens 2025 as favorites to win the ECC

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

BEULAVILLE — Football

fans were forced to take notice last season when the East Duplin football team became a pretender and not a contender.

Panthers loyalists felt the pain and players the tough injuries that led to a 6-6 season.

Losses to James Kenan, Wallace-Rose Hill, Richlands and Kinston put a damper on the Panthers’ postseason hopes that were only slightly relieved with an upset of No. 8 St. Pauls in the rst round.

There’s far too much talent and pride to keep the Panthers down this fall.

East Duplin will spar against three of the teams that it lost to in 2024, and while they won’t be conference a airs, they will prepare the Panthers for anything they will see in the new ECC, which includes Clinton and less powerful programs at Trask, Pender, South Lenoir and Southwest Onslow.

And the most intense gridiron test of all could come against 5A Jacksonville.

“It’s a tough nonconference schedule that will de nitely get us battle-tested going into the conference games,” said East Duplin head coach Battle Holley, who has a career mark of 155-62 and is entering his 14th season in Beulaville after two years at Kinston and one at WRH.

“We have some good skill kids, but we’ve got to hold onto the football and really come out of the scrimmages as injury-free as possible,” said the son of Jack Holley, the second-winningest coach in state history.

“The kids got a lot of work and a lot of reps. I also see special teams will be big now in the live games.”

Yet Holley isn’t committing to

MICHAEL JAENICKE / DUPLIN JOURNAL

2025 Schedule

Aug. 22 at Wallace-RH

Aug. 29 vs. Princeton

Sept. 5 at Richlands

Sept. 12 at James Kenan

Sept. 19 vs. Jacksonville

Sept. 26 OPEN

Oct. 3 vs. Southwest Onslow**

Oct. 10 vs. Trask*

Oct. 17 at Clinton**

Oct. 24 at Pender*

Oct. 31 vs. South Lenoir*

*East Central 3A/4A Conference games **ECC 4A foes

throwing out early accolades or promises.

“It’s early, and for me seeing our kids eagerly come to practice at 7:30 in the morning meant something,” he said.

Holley’s Wing-T o ense returns its top runners and the Panthers quarterback as the backeld starts the season healthy.

Quarterback Branson Norris was hurt before the opening game in 2024 and fullback Shawn Davis and running back Keeshon Mckinnie begin anew after injuries forced them to play hurt while also missing snaps and games.

Senior Davis (169-1,464 yard, 19 TDs) is the lead destroyer of would-be tacklers.

Classmate Aaron Hall (132-799, 9 TDs) came to the forefront while Mckinnie (54 -485, 6 TDs and 7-98, TD re-

East Duplin Football 2025

2024 record: 6-6 overall, 3-3

ECC, after going 10-2 in 2023

Coach: Battle Holley Career record: 155-62. WRH (9-4 in 2007), Kinston (22-6 from 2008-09), ED (124-52 from 2011-24). He is in the top 20 for career wins among current N.C. coaches. Led ED to its rst state nal in 2017 and its rst state title in 2022. Has coached in ve East Region nals.

Assistant coaches: Brian Aldridge, Seth Sandlin (DC), Graham Walker, Slade Brown, Scott Kennedy, Cameron Cottle, Scott Kennedy, Chris

NFL

“End Racism,” “Choose Love” returning to NFL end zones

The NFL is continuing its on- eld social justice messaging for a sixth straight season. The Associated Press learned that all 32 teams will feature an end zone message at each home game throughout the season. They will select from four options, including “End Racism,” “Stop Hate,” “Choose Love” or “Inspire Change.” Once again, “It Takes All of Us” will be stenciled in the opposite end zone for all games. The only change from 2024 is that “Inspire Change” replaces “Vote.”

Seniors Shawn Davis, from left, Tavarius Dawson, Branson Norris, Zack Ball and Luke Hall will be leaders for ED this fall.

ceiving) worked through a injury.

Allen Stukes (46-250, 3 TDs) and Dewayne Davis (12-183, 3 TDs) and wide receiver Zachary Ball (6-165, 3 TDs) were also contributing players who should be stronger and better.

Garrett Sholar and Bryson Brown will play at tight end.

O-line returnees Luke Hall and Jack Tuck will be joined by newcomers Brody Blizzard, Luke Caraway, Everett Miller and Anderson Puac.

ED used four quarterbacks before Norris (26-71 for 404 yards and 3 TDs), returned to the eld after his injury. He had ve interceptions in eight games and will need to keep his picks to a reasonable amount or Holley won’t call his number because the o ense has been proven and is a staple of the program at all levels.

“We’ve got some depth in the back eld and will be working to get that on the line,” Holley said. “We’re running our stu and getting better, making a few things di erent.”

Tavarius Dawson, Jacauri Hill, White and Tucker Coston bring the most experience to the defensive line as Semaj Scott, Stukes and Jeremiah Davis look to nd roles.

The linebacking crew of Davis, Esiah Bennerman, Ayden Lane and Bryson Brown are all new to their positions.

The secondary will be anchored by free safety JP Murphy, corner Dewayne Brown, strong safety Hall, safety Ball and Mck-

2025 East Duplin Roster

inne, with help from Gavin Jarman and Nickolas Davis. Jarman will handle the placekicking and punting duties.

Holley’s lineup will likely change as coaches continue to evaluate players based on snaps.

ED’s biggest loss from 2024 were linebackers Jordan Hall (10.4 tackles per game) and Luke Hughes (10.9) While the Panthers might not be favored in two or three of its rst ve games, it wouldn’t matter if ED goes 2-3 or 3-2 since

Jarman, Jeremy Joyner, Landen Kennedy, Jade Brinkley, Gage Jackson, Robin Crumpler, Waylon Sloan Key returnees: Sr. RB Shawn Davis (169-1,464 yards, 2 TDs), Sr. RB Aaron Hall (132-799, 9 TDs), Jr. RB/DB Keeshon Mckinnie (54-584, 3.8 tackles per game), Branson Norris (26-74 for 3 TDs), Sr. WR/DB Zack Ball (6-165, 3 TDs, 2.2 tackles), So. DB/RB Dewayne Davis (2.9 tackles), Sr. RB Alan Stukes (46-250, 3 TDs), Sr. OL/DL Jack Tuck, Jr. T Jacouri Hill, Sr. FS JP Murphy Sr.

Key losses: LB Jordan Hall (10.4 tackles per game), QB/SS Landon Bond, G/DL (6.4 tackles), DL Calvin Harper (8.7 tackles), LB Luke Hughes (10.9 tackles), SS Coary Smith (4.5 tackles).

The skinny: Last season, the Panthers su ered their worst mark since going 3-4 in the limited-play

Los Angeles The Los Angeles Lakers will unveil a statue of former coach Pat Riley on Feb. 22. Riley joins Lakers greats like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant in bronze outside their home arena. The Lakers will honor Riley during a game against their longtime rival, the Boston Celtics. Riley coached the Lakers from 1981 to 1990, leading them to four NBA championships. He had a .733 winning percentage in the regular season and a 102-47 mark in the playo s. SIDELINE REPORT

NBA

Lakers to honor Hall of Fame coach Riley with statue unveiling against Celtics

none are ECC schools. They could actually be 1-5 and still roll to ve league wins and be champs.

Then the postseason starts and it’s a crap shoot. If they improve dramatically, it won’t matter if the Panthers are favored or even a heavy underdog on the road.

The top 16 teams in 4A get rst-round byes.

Yet the biggest di erence could be the teams they may face in the 4A East playo s.

COVID-19 season of 2020. ED won 10 or more from 2015 to 2017 and again in 2021 to 2023. Landing o ensive-minded Graham Walker is a blessing for ED, which has the biggest sta among Duplin schools. It’s hard to see the Panthers losing to the likes of ECC foes such as Trask, South Lenoir and even Southwest Onslow, and whipping Clinton is also not a stretch. Shawn Davis has the potential to be the biggest o ensive threat in the league, and it’s do-or-die for the senior, whose injuries forced him to miss games the previous two seasons. Holley’s O-line, which was subpar last season compared to past teams, will develop before the defense. No one would be terribly shocked if ED went 3-0 heading into its matchup with JK. Beating 5A Jacksonville on Sept. 9 would be a jackpot bonus for the Panthers.

Daniel Thomas Wilkins

July 1, 1981 – Aug.12, 2025

It is with sad hearts that we announce the passing of our dear Daniel Thomas Wilkins, 44, of Willard and formerly of Baltimore, MD, on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at his home.

He was born July 1, 1981, in Baltimore, MD. Daniel is survived by his mother, Sharon McNeil and stepfather, Walter Williams; his father, Daniel Timothy Wilkins; son, Daniel T. Wilkins Jr.; stepson, Aaron Wilkins; grandparents, Jerome and Vivian Wilkins; brother, Cedric Wilkins; sister, Tanya L. Wilkins; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Daniel, with his jovial, outgoing personality, was a joy to be around. Friends loved Daniel as if he was their family. He enjoyed playing video games and reading. Being respectful and super kind were two things that de ned Daniel. Most of all, Daniel loved his family. He was loved and will truly be missed.

Celebration of Life for Daniel will be Saturday, August 23, 2025, in Baltimore, MD, with place and time to be announced. A service of Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Burgaw Chapel.

Jan. 7, 1936 – Aug. 14, 2025

Albert John Ferry Jr., age 89, died Thursday, August 14, 2025, in ECU Health Duplin Hospital in Kenansville, NC. He is survived by his daughter, Mary Louise Jones Velk of Pink Hill; three sons, William “Bill” Robert Ferry of Pink Hill, James Lee Ferry of New Bern, Katsuhiro Miyara of CA; fteen grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

Vivian Linda Whaley

Feb. 16, 1942 – Aug. 16, 2025

Vivian Linda Whaley, age 83, died on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at home. She is preceded in death by her husband Maxful Buster Whaley, sister Elizabeth Ann Stevens, and brother Albert Gene Lee.

Mrs. Whaley is survived by her three sons, Kevin Maxful Whaley of Richlands, Joseph Russell Whaley and wife Janice of Richlands, Tracey Lynn Whaley of Richlands; two grandchildren, Casey Whaley, Blake Surcey and wife Kim; and three great grandchildren, Aiden Gillispie, Jaxon Surcy, and Pipper Surcey.

In lieu of owers, donations can be made to Serenity Funeral Home, PO Box 780, Beulaville, NC 28518 or to Tracey Whaley, 503 Greenwood Rd., Richlands, NC 28574.

Yvonne Johnson Tillman

May 12, 1940 – Aug. 4, 2025

Yvonne Johnson Tillman, 85, died Monday, Aug. 4, 2025. Yvonne is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Lisa Tillman Weeks and Bill Weeks of Raleigh; a son, Gary (Buster) Tillman of Hampstead; grandchildren Casey Tillman Kelly, Gary Mark Tillman, Ryan Tillman and Heather, April Tillman Goodson and Josh, Michael Weeks, and Whitney Behrend and Mike; and ve greatgrandchildren Rhylea Kelly, Clay Tillman, Marley Tillman and Corbin and Carson Goodson.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gary Tillman; her son, Mark Tillman; her parents, Hazel and A.D. Johnson and an infant sibling. Graveside rites were held August 7, at the Calypso Cemetery. O ciating was the Rev. Andy Beard. A Tyndall Service

derdog, counted-out sentiment that inspires Motsinger, and really his team since arriving before the 2017 season.

The Bulldogs won their fourth state title in a row that year and sixth championship in 10 years. That much winning brings a lot of jealousy, and every team playing the Bulldogs could beat a signature power program in Eastern North Carolina.

Motsinger won’t be winging it on his own but will have more responsibilities and, possibly, pressure than ever.

Lamb (5-foot-11, 164 pounds), who ran for 1,362 yards and scored eight touchdowns last fall, could be charting to even more impressive heights in 2025.

Joining him in the back eld are running backs Jamari Carr (67-521, 7 TDs), Darrius McCrimmon (5-11, 152) and Devon Sloan (5-11, 153), fullbacks Montavious Hall (5-8, 226), Khay’jre Murphy (5-11, 237) and Logan Marks (5-8. 166), and SE/WB Adrian Glover (5-10, 154).

Finding blockers has been more di cult. WRH went through three centers — David Sanchez, Shane Miller and Brady Blanton — before Jacoby Dixon (6-0, 237) took over a week ago, though all that could change.

Jonathan Robinson (5-9, 220) and (Tashii Hu n (6-3, 311) are in line for snaps as guards.

Yet senior Christian Scarlett (6-4, 351) is a load that will have to be double-teamed on the offensive line.

The biggest preseason loss came last week when senior Jeremiah Baker (6-1, 167) su ered an ACL injury that will force him to miss the season.

Matthew Wells (6-0, 182) returns to quarterback and could be more involved in the o ense with his arm and legs.

Defensive front is a strength

Tyler Pugh, who coached at James Kenan last season, will take Motsinger place as the defensive coordinator.

He will have a loaded front line that includes nose guard Trent Williams (5-8, 204), Adrian Allen 5-11, 307) at tackle and

WRH Football 2025

Murphy (5-11, 237) and Hall (58, 226) as his ends. Aspen Brown (6-2, 216), Will Brooks (5-11, 161), Sloan and McCrimmon will be linebackers.

The ’Dawgs secondary includes Lamb, Carr, Wells, Glover, Kaleb Carr (5-9, 149), Chase Bland (6-2, 173) and DaShawn Fennell (5-7, 135).

Steven Acosta, who plays for the WRH soccer team, is the placekicker. QB/DB Kayden Keith (6-1, 185) looks like the signal caller of the future as the lone freshman on the roster.

Playing the bigger schools after same-sized schools duck scheduling calls

WRH opens by hosting ED this weekend.

Coach: Kevin Motsinger Career record: 181-85. WRH (77-28 from 2017-24), New Hanover (71-43 from 2006-14), James Kenan (24-14 from 2003-05)

Coaching sta : DC Tyler Pugh, Bubba James, Cory Lovelace, Doug Skipper, William Je ers, Jordan Boser, Kevin Johnson, Scott Imwalle, Johnny Carr 2024 record: 9-4, tied JK for ECC title after winning league in 2023. Notable: Motsinger led WRH to 2A title in 2017 and took New Hanover to a 4A nal berth in 2009 and WRH to the 2A nal in 2021. Revived programs at JK and New Hanover. He is in the near the 10 in career wins among current N.C. coaches. WRH state titles: (7) 2014-17, 2008-09, 1994. Top returnees: Jr. RB Jamarae Lamb (more than 2,000 yard running and receiving in ’24), Sr. RB/DB Jamari Carr (521 rushing, 7 TDs), QB Matthew Wells (27-51 for 435 yards, 5.8 tackles per game), DL Kha’jyre Murphy (2.1 tackles per game), Sr. DB Jeremiah

They then travel to Kinston and Clinton on consecutive Fridays. Pender follows to make the nonconference schedule as light as it has been in ve or six seasons. Some of WRH’s games against top-notch foes in the past include Rolesville, New Hanover, Leesville Road, Havelock and Hoggard, as same-sized schools refused to answer phone calls to schedule the Bulldogs.

That’s the pressure cooker known as Bulldogs football, which almost always lives up to its reputation even in seasons in which fans have greater expectations than might be warranted.

One day, WRH will have a losing record.

Don’t expect it in 2025.

Baker (3.8 tackles), Sr. DL Aspen Brown, TE Jr. Adrian Glover, Sr. RB/DB JC Carr, Sr. LB Will Brooks (70 tackles), Sr. RB/DB/LB Darrius McCrimmon, Sr. LB/RB Devon Sloan, Jr. DL Kha’jyre Murphy (2.1 tackles), Sr. OL Christian Scarlett, Key losses: Adam Scronce (OC) and his booth assistant Graham Walker have left for Hobbton and ED, respectively. RB Irving Brown (4,545 yards and 65 TDs in three seasons), DB Kam Thomas, DL Jerard Smith (2.2 tackles), TE Dane Turner, DB Jamari Shaw (54 tackles), DL Tyvaun Williams

The skinny: WRH lost its entire OL and all but four starters before starting the 2024 season and went 9-4 with a di cult schedule. The loss of Brown hurts. So does losing two coaches, though picking up Tyler Pugh from JK was a win. WRH will be tested, but the Bulldogs are scrutinized, idolized and provide some of the best bulletin board inspiration for foes because of its winning. Look for a runner or two to emerge alongside Jamarae Lamb. WRH remains the standard in Duplin until it is beaten by ED and JK in the same season. That’s a possibility this season, though it’s also history that the ’Dawgs win games and lead the all-time series against both rivals by a signi cant margin, though ED has caught up in the past 15 years.

Gregory Leon Sutton

Oct. 7, 1963 – Aug.12, 2025

Mr. Gregory Leon Sutton, age 61, of Clayton, NC, passed away on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at Durham VA Health Care in Durham, NC.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. at the Rose Hill Funeral Home Chapel in Rose Hill, NC. Burial will follow at Duplin Memorial Gardens in Teachey, NC.

Left to cherish his precious memories are two sons: Shuan Coston of Durham, NC and Christian Paige (Kamesha) of Su olk, VA; two daughters: Monica Dobson of Baltimore, MD and Tempestt Sutton of Clayton, NC; two brothers: Danny M. Sutton of Rose Hill, NC and Oliver W. Sutton (Alita) of Winston-Salem, NC; one sister, Hattie Sutton of Rose Hill, NC; eleven grandchildren, ve aunts, two uncles; one sister-in-law, Pamela Sutton of Rose Hill, NC; numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and friends that will miss him dearly.

David Earl Vernon Jr.

May 13, 1954 – Aug. 13, 2025

David Earl Vernon Jr., 71, went to his home in Glory to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, August 13, 2025. He was surrounded by lots of love and family.

He was born May 13, 1954, in Wilmington, the son of David Earl Vernon Sr., and Martha Blanton Vernon. In addition to his parents, David Earl was preceded in death by his brother, Dwight Wade Veron, and sisters, Zadie Mae Hall and Martha Ann Robinson.

David Earl is survived by his loving wife of 19 years, Rose Vernon; daughter, Marcia Woodcock (Je ); son, David Perry Vernon (Shannon); stepchildren, Earl Moore (Melanie), Karen Smith (Eric), Tara Strickland (Robert), and Joshua Myers; 15 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; brother, Jesse R. Vernon (Karen); special friend, Jimmy Meeks; many nieces, nephews, and friends, all who loved David Earl. Not to be forgotten are David Earl’s fur babies, Duke, Lily, Little Bit, and Clara, all who were his constant companions.

David Earl was a faithful member and trustee at Currie Community Baptist Church, where he also often took care of lawn maintenance as well as other church duties. His strong Christian faith was a beacon and a ray of sunshine to others.

David Earl enjoyed family gatherings with lots of good food to eat, sitting on his front porch facing the church, and listening to country music. Family was everything to David Earl, and he was a loving husband, Grandpa Earl, and Papa to grandkids, a helpful brother, and a loyal friend. His presence in our lives will surely be missed and forever remembered.

Memorial service will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Currie Community Church, 28396 NC Hwy. 210, Currie, NC, with Pastor Eric Hutchins conducting the service. The family will receive friends following the service.

Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family at quinnmcgowen.com

A service of Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Burgaw Chapel.

Roger Lee Shephard

Aug. 17, 1950 – Aug. 13, 2025

Roger Lee Shepard, 74, of Bolivia and formerly of Wallace left this earthly life for his eternal home to be with Jesus on Wednesday, August 13, 2025.

He was born on August 17, 1950, in Duplin County, the son of the late Ernest Marvin Shepard Sr. and Edna Gray Shepard. He was also preceded in death by his sister Shirley Faye Shepard and daughter-in-law Dana Shepard.

Roger proudly served his country in the United States Army National Guard until retiring with twenty years of service. He also retired with Thirty-one years of service with the NC Department of Corrections. Being a servant of the community, Roger served forty years with Wallace Fire Department, more than thirty years with EMS and over thirty years with Wallace Police Department.

Surviving to cherish his memory is his best friend and devoted wife of fty years, Pamela Smith Shepard; sons Sammy Shepard and wife Donna of Willard and Rodney Shepard and wife April of Burgaw; daughter Rhonda Michelle Northcott of Bolivia; grandchildren Parker Sandlin and wife Taylor, Molly Jayne, Kaylee Peterson, Nicholas Shepard, Carson Shepard, Keagan Northcott, Kensley Northcott, Lacy Furr, Brandon Teachey, Kolton Teachey and C.J. Couch; great grandchildren, Hayden Sandlin, Layla Sandlin, Conan Furr and Randyn Swinson; brother Ernest Marvin Shepard and wife Brenda of Ernul, NC; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends that loved Roger dearly. Roger was a loving husband and caring father, grandfather and brother. He was a simple man who enjoyed the simple things in life, but his greatest joy was family. Roger loved people and was loved in return. He never met a stranger and was always willing to help anyone who needed help. He was an active member of Sunset Harbor First Baptist Church where he served as Deacon. Being a good neighbor and friend, Roger was loved and respected by all who knew him. He leaves behind many in his community - family, friends, neighbors, colleagues and a loving church family that were blessed to have known him and been a part of his life. Roger will surely be missed but he will never be forgotten. Memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Wallace Chapel with his Pastor Brian Holland o ciating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the funeral home. In lieu of owers, the family requests that memorial gifts be given in memory of Roger Shepard to SECU Foundation, PO Box 25966, Raleigh, NC 276117665 (earmark for SECU Hospice House of Brunswick) or the charity of your choice.

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home of Wallace, NC 910-2854005

Jacqueline Marie Theiss-Carr

Feb. 11, 1983 – Aug. 13, 2025

Jacqueline Marie Theiss-Carr, 42, of Wilmington, passed away @ “607” on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at Lower Cape Fear Lifecare surrounded by the love of her family and friends. She was born on February 11, 1983, in Westwood, NJ, to Bruce Kenneth Theiss and Suzanne Hilla Theiss.

Jacqueline was a loving mother who enjoyed watching her children at sporting events, especially cheering from the sidelines with the other football moms, who have become part of the family. She also liked reading books in her spare time. She dedicated her whole heart to her family and anyone in need.

In addition to her parents, Jacqueline is survived by her husband, Da’Shawn Lamont Carr; her sons, Brant Tyler Theiss (Marlee Byers), Kilby Grant Theiss-Dixon; her daughters, Harmony Marie Nicole TheissDixon, Kayden Rose Carr; her brothers, Brian Paul Theiss (Alison Theiss), Daniel John Theiss; her grandson, Warren Parker Theiss; her nieces, Keira Theiss, Emily Theiss.

A Celebration of Life and a Mass at St Mark will be forthcoming at a later date.

Quinn McGowen Funeral Home of Wilmington is serving the family.

Ricky Charles Beasley

March 21, 1959 – Aug. 5, 2025

Ricky Charles Beasley, at the age of 66, a resident of the Oak Ridge community near Mount Olive, died August 5, 2025.

Ricky was a member of the Bear Marsh Baptist Church, where a service of remembrance was held on Friday, August 8, with the Rev. Paul Rose o ciating, followed by a visitation.

He was an accomplished guitarist and singer.

Ricky leaves behind his beloved wife, Rose Garris Beasley, to whom he was married for 42 years; their three children and spouses, Ricky Lee Beasley and Lindsey Taylor Beasley of Mount Olive, Brandon Charles Beasley and Holly Taylor Beasley of Richlands, and Kelly Beasley Cole and Brandon Cole of Mount Olive; grandchildren, Mya, Trysten, Maddie, Laney, and Lexi Beasley, and Brynlee and Canaan Cole; a brother and sister-in-law, Willis Earl Beasley and Loretta Shivar Beasley of the Greensboro area; two sisters and brothers-inlaw, Eleanor Beasley Jones and William Jones of Mount Olive, and Janet Beasley Holland and Bill Holland of Goldsborond Faye Gurganus Beasley; infant twin sisters. A Tyndall service.

James “Freddy” Simpson V

Jan. 1, 1976 – Aug.10, 2025

James “Freddy” Fredrick Simpson V, 49, of Wilmington, NC, passed away on Sunday, August 10, 2025, at Novant New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington.

James Fredrick Simpson V, a ectionately known as “Freddy,” was born to Emily C. Simpson and James Fredrick Simpson IV in Wilmington, North Carolina, on January 1, 1976. Raised in Pender County, he spent his early years along the banks of the Black River with his younger, beloved brother, Jeremy, where his love for the outdoors began to take root. A proud graduate of Pender High School, Freddy went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, later completing his master’s in nursing from Liberty University. He then went on to be a CRRN, Manager of Rehabilitation Nursing, and worked at the New Hanover Hospital for over 20 years!

Freddy’s passion for the water never waned. He ran a shing charter out of Wrightsville Beach, sharing his expertise and love for the ocean with others, and he was an avid sherman and surfer throughout his life.

In time, Freddy met and married the love of his life, Jennifer Anne Krieger. Together they built a family and a life lled with adventure, raising their two children, Emma and Davis. Whether at home or on the road, Freddy’s greatest joy was being with them, especially as they traveled the country competing on national dirt bike racing circuits.

Freddy will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, his deep love for family, and his ability to inspire those around him to embrace life with passion and courage. His contagious smile would literally light up a room.

The family will be receiving friends and family on Sunday, August 17, 2025, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Quinn McGowen Funeral Home in Wilmington. A Celebration of Life will take place at Quinn McGowen Funeral Home in Wilmington at 11 a.m. on Monday, August 18, 2025.

The Celebration of Life and a gathering of friends will continue at Dockside Restaurant following the service.

At 3 p.m., the family will set sail to honor Freddy’s nal wishes to be released at sea. Anyone with a boat is invited to follow.

A private family ceremony will be held at Simpson Family Cemetery.

Gifts in memory of Freddy can be designated to Novant Health New Hanover Rehabilitation Hospital at give.nhrmc.org.

David Williams Rouse

Jr.

June 7, 1953 – Aug. 1, 2025

David Williams Rouse Jr., lovingly known as “Pops” by his family, passed away peacefully surrounded by his close family on August 1, 2025, at the age of 72. A lifelong resident of Rose Hill, North Carolina, he was born there on June 7, 1953, to the late David and Winifred Rouse.

Pops grew up on the family farm where they raised chickens, tobacco, and corn - a place that shaped his quiet strength and tireless work ethic. His career began working for his father as an electrician. After, he worked for many years in a factory plant as an electrical technician and later became the owner of his own business, constructing and wiring houses. Always handy and resourceful, he could build or x just about anything. He took pride in working with his hands and spent countless hours tinkering in his shop.

Some of his favorite days were spent shing on a river bank or oundering on the sound. Pops loved animals and in his later years you would see him just driving around with his pup companion. He was a big fan of westerns: James Bond, Star Trek, the Beetles and the oldies. David was a man of few words, often keeping to himself, but his strong will and determined spirit left a lasting impression on those who knew and loved him. When he set his mind to something, he made it happen. When YouTube became popular it also became his best friend. His grandchildren are all to familiar with visiting him and watching him go through an instructional repair video of some sort.

Although his last years on this earth were medically complex, Pops maintained an incredible will to live. If there was even a glimmer of hope or positivity, he would nd it. He fought with strength and determination until the very end. His unwavering spirit and optimistic outlook in his later years will forever be remembered by his family and those who cared for him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, David and Winifred Rouse. Left to cherish his memory are his son, Will Rouse and his sisters, Patricia McGarty and Treva Simmonsand his brother, Hugh Rouse. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Jessica Herrmann (husband, Nick), Olivia Rouse (husband, Errol), and Marisa Rouse (partner, Michael). He also leaves four great-grandchildren: Odin Rouse, Preston Herrmann, Connor Herrmann, and Zoey Manley. David “Pops” Rouse will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of owers, a contribution may be made to the ASPCA, American Cancer Society, or a non-pro t organization of your choice.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Rock sh Presbyterian Church Cemetery.

Family and friends are welcome to visit David’s home on Thursday, August 7, to pay their respects.

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and Cremation service of Wallace, NC.

Stanly NewS Journal

A tractor a day …

Tractors, farm equipment, food trucks and vendor displays ll the parking area at the Agri-Civic Center during Saturday's annual Agri-Civic Day celebration. The free family event featured educational demonstrations, live music and children's activities, with proceeds bene ting the Friends of the Agri-Civic Center.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Trump administration vying to own big stake in Intel after SoftBank’s $2B bet on company

U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Tuesday con rmed the U.S. government is vying for a 10% stake in Silicon Valley pioneer Intel in an unusual deal that would deepen the Trump administration’s nancial ties with major computer chip manufacturers and punctuate a dramatic about-face from the president’s recent push to oust the company’s CEO. The ambitions that Lutnick con rmed in a televised interview with CNBC came the day after various news outlets reported on the negotiations between the Trump administration and Intel. The talks come on the heels of a $2 billion investment that Japanese technology giant SoftBank Group announced Monday.

Okla. to require N.Y., Calif. teachers to pass ideology test

Oklahoma will require applicants for teaching jobs from California and New York to pass an exam that the state’s top education o cial says is designed to safeguard against “radical leftist ideology.” Opponents decry the exam as a “MAGA loyalty test.”

Ryan Walters, the state public schools superintendent, said Monday that any teacher coming from the two blue states will be required to pass Oklahoma’s PragerU assessment test before getting a certi cation. PragerU is short for Prager University and promotes itself as a leading conservative nonpro t. State education o cials say the 50-question test is nalized and will be rolling out “very soon.”

Man found guilty of woman’s 2019 murder, sentenced to life in prison

It was the second trial in the case, after the rst ended with a hung jury

By Charles Curcio Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — A Stan-

ly County jury found a man guilty of rst-degree murder in a homicide case dating back more than half a decade.

The jury came back with two counts of rst-degree murder against Joseph Lee Rhodes for the death of Sasha Lee Duley Naylor and her unborn child. Rhodes was also found guilty of concealing Naylor’s death.

Rhodes’ trial started with jury selection on July 22 and featured 10 days of testimony. The jury took ve hours of deliberation to render their verdict.

Naylor was rst reported missing on Jan. 14, 2019, with the Stanly County Sheri ’s O ce launching an investigation.

Naylor’s family, who live in

Chris Whitley submitted his resignation

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — The Al-

bemarle City Council will soon have an open interim position for its District 4 seat.

At the council’s meeting on Monday night, Mayor Ronnie Michael announced that Councilmember Chris Whitley ocially submitted his resignation from the council.

“As many of you have seen over the past few months, Councilmember Whitley has missed several meetings. That

Ohio and West Virginia, reported having not heard from her for several months.

The investigation, which included searches, cellphone forensics and witness interviews, eventually led investigators to Union County, where Naylor’s Ford Taurus has been spotted in August the prior year.

Along with the Stanly County Sheri ’s O ce, the North Carolina SBI and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department combined to search the area with cadaver K-9 dogs and other investigative support.

Rhodes was charged in Februaruy 2019 with two counts of rst-degree murder, approximately six months from the last time Naylor had been seen alive, according to a release from Capt. Chris Huneycutt of the Stanly Sheri ’s O ce. Naylor was not seen after Aug. 24, 2018, when she was seen in Norwood, despite some unveri ed reports following a silver alert. At the time, Naylor was 15 weeks pregnant.

“Without the diligent work of the detectives and deputies, our o ce would not have been able to successfully present this case to the jury.”

T. Lynn Clodfelter, district attorney

Senior Resident Superior Court Judge Patrick T. Nadolski sentenced Rhodes to two consecutive terms of life imprisonment without parole, along with a 73-to-100 month sentence for concealing Naylor’s death, which will run concurrently.

District Attorney T. Lynn Clodfelter prosecuted the case, assisted by Assistant District Attorneys Virginia Ann Sullivan and Peter Strickland.

Clodfelter expressed his gratitude to the Stanly County Sheri ’s O ce for its tireless e orts during the investi-

gation, trial preparation and trial.

“Without the diligent work of the detectives and deputies, our o ce would not have been able to successfully present this case to the jury,” Clodfelter said.

“The sta I have have literally gone well above and beyond with this case,” Stanly County Sheri Je Crisco said in a phone interview Monday. Crisco said this case was “one of those anomalies where you do not have a body and you don’t have a crime scene.”

He credited Capt. Huneycutt, Lt. George Miller, Sgt. Karson Vick-Dunn and Sgt. Trent Middlebrook, along with the rest of the sta with being unquestionably prepared for the recent trail.

“They literally poured their heart and soul into this,” Crisco said.

The sheri also thanked the jurors, saying in his 33 years of witnessing and being part of the investigation associated

is due to a lengthy illness by one of his family members,” Michael said. “Mr. Whitley knows that that is going to continue for some time, and he has decided to submit his resignation. It will be e ective Aug. 30 of this year. Council will follow the same process that we have followed in the past to put a new member on the board.”

Starting Aug. 30, the council will accept con dential letters of interest from District 4 residents seeking appointment to Whitley’s empty seat. All submissions that are marked con dential and addressed to the mayor’s o ce at Albemar-

“(Whitley) has been a very dedicated councilmember.”

Benton Dry, councilmember

“Join the conversation”

North State Journal

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Dan Reeves, Features Editor

Charles Curcio, Reporter

Jesse Deal, Reporter

PJ Ward-Brown, Photographer

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Published Wednesday and Sunday as part of North State Journal

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FRIDAY AUG. 22

SATURDAY AUG. 23

Albemarle names new assistant city manager

Zach Ollis is the city manager in Cramerton

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — Incom-

ing City Manager Darren Rhodes has appointed Zach Ollis as Albemarle’s assistant city manager after a national search process.

The city announced the hiring in a media release on Monday.

Ollis, who will begin his duties in Albemarle on Sept. 15, has more than a decade of local government experience in North Carolina managing municipal services that range from public safety to planning and development.

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to serve the City of Albemarle. I’m impressed with the city’s positive transformation in recent years,” Ollis said. “The community has developed an outstanding strategic plan to guide its

CRIME LOG

Aug. 12

• Crystal Dawn E rd-Williams, 51, was arrested for defrauding drug or alcohol test.

• Alfonsa Junior Bryant, 40, was arrested for communicating threats, disorderly conduct, criminal contempt and misdemeanor stalking.

• Joseph David Smith, 34, was arrested for maintaining a vehicle, dwelling or place for controlled substances, possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver Schedule II controlled substance, felony possession of cocaine, failure to maintain lane control, tra cking in methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession or manufacture of fraudulent identi cation.

• Stephen Craig Raborn, 36, was

COUNCIL from page A1

le City Hall will be accepted through Sept. 12 and reviewed Sept. 15.

“It will be an unexpired term, but that term runs again next year,” Michael added. The council voted to appoint Councilmember Dexter Townsend to assume Whitley’s various roles and responsibilities. Townsend will now serve as a delegate to the Rocky River Rural Planning Organization’s Transportation Advisory Committee and as an alternate delegate to the Centralina Council of Govern-

“I’m

honored to have the opportunity to serve the City of Albemarle.”

Zach

Ollis, new assistant city manager

future. I’m looking forward to working with city sta and elected leaders to continue Albemarle’s progress.”

The application process for Albemarle’s assistant city manager position drew more than 100 applicants.

“Throughout the interview process, Zach’s track record of leading successful local government teams and highly impactful community projects stood out,” Rhodes said. “Zach’s range of skills and experience will be valuable assets as Albemarle evolves and we advance the quality of life for everyone in our community.”

Since 2022, Ollis has served as town manager in Cramerton (Gaston County), where he

arrested for assault in icting serious injury.

Aug. 13

• William Clinton Burney, 45, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, simple possession of Schedule III controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

• Tory Lee Rushing, 19, was arrested for larceny after breaking and entering, breaking and entering, felony larceny and injury to real property.

• Crystal Dawn Cochran, 39, was arrested for obtaining property by false pretense, larceny of chose in action and uttering forged instrument.

• Travis James Bennett, 32, was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia, felony possession of cocaine and

ments. He will also take minutes during closed sessions when no clerk is present and will sign all travel vouchers.

“ (Whitley) has been a very dedicated councilmember,” Councilmember Benton Dry said. “He’s added a lot to this board, not only here in chambers but in other duties that he has taken on during his time. I would hope that we as a community would bow our heads and ask the good Lord to be with this young man and be with his family for speedy and hopefully total recovery.

“We as a community stand behind the Whitley family, as

managed an $8 million general fund budget and a sta of nearly 100 employees.

During his tenure there, the town secured nearly $5 million in state grants for recreation, historic preservation, public safety and downtown projects. He also oversaw more than $3 million in improvements, including streetscapes, park upgrades and public art installations, and led an overhaul of land-use codes and the development review process.

Before Cramerton, Ollis served six years as town manager in Tryon (Polk County), where he developed a $15 million capital improvement plan for water and sewer needs, led an information technology upgrade, and directed a downtown streetscape project to improve accessibility and walkability.

He began his career as town manager in Wilson’s Mills (Johnston County), helping to develop the town’s public safety department and guiding a $5 million sewer project funded through grants and loans.

Ollis, a graduate of Appalachian State University, holds a master’s degree in public administration and is a credentialed manager with the International City/County Management Association.

felony possession of Schedule II controlled substance.

Aug. 14

• Brittany Faith Mauldin, 33, was arrested for breaking and entering a motor vehicle, possession of drug paraphernalia and simple possession of Schedule IV controlled substance.

• Chadwick Montgomery Preslar, 52, was arrested for possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver cocaine, possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver methamphetamine, possession with intent to sell or deliver marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Aug. 17

• Brian Lee Phillips, 43, was arrested for second degree trespass.

well as the other folks that are going through this as well.”

Whitley, a lifelong Stanly County resident and West Stanly High graduate, served 32 years in the North Carolina National Guard and had a 38-year banking career, retiring from Wells Fargo in 2016. Active in the community, he has held leadership roles with the Albemarle Civitan and Kiwanis clubs, United Way and the Stanly County Board of Education. The Albemarle City Council is set to hold its next regular meeting on Sept. 2 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.

Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in and around Stanly County:

Aug. 25

Color and Connect: Drop In 9:30-11:30 a.m.

For those who need some relaxing “me” time. Come to the library and enjoy co ee or tea while you get a little creative. Supplies are provided, or feel free to bring your own.

Main Library 133 E. Main St. Albemarle

Needle Bugs, Knitting and Crocheting 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Social group for those who enjoy any type of needlework. Bring your supplies.

Norwood Branch Library 207 Pee Dee Ave. Norwood

Aug. 27

Albemarle Downtown Farmers Market

8 a.m. to noon

Locally grown and created items are available from this farmers market, representing vendors from across Stanly County.

Market Station 501 W. Main St. Albemarle

Aug. 28

Locust Farmers Market

9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This producers-only market o ers fresh produce, homemade foods and crafts by local creators. Conveniently located across the street from Locust Elementary School. Open May through September. Corner of 24/27 and Vella Drive Locust

Shake, Rattle and Roll 10:45-11:15 a.m.

Music and movement class for children ages 0-4 and their caregivers. These classes are designed to promote emotional, cognitive and social development, improve social skills, and encourage caregiver/ child bonding!

Albemarle Main Library 133 E. Main St. Albemarle

TRIAL from page A1

with a trial, this particular jury “did their duty above and beyond.”

This was the second trial conducted for this case. Rhodes’ rst ended in a mistrial when the jury could not reach a verdict.

The e orts of his sta and the district attorney’s o ce led to Friday’s conviction, Crisco said.

“With new information and people coming to testify, that put the case over the edge where we were able to win the case.”

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

Trump’s biggest immigration win yet

For decades, many Democrats and some Republicans have presented amnesty as the only way to solve the country’s broken immigration system.

SOLVING AMERICA’S illegal immigration crisis didn’t require amnesty — just better leadership.

Last week, the Center for Immigration Studies released a study showing America’s foreign-born population dropped by 2.2 million from January to July. While the number of naturalized U.S. citizens increased, there was a staggering 1.6 million-person drop among illegal immigrants. CIS estimated that this represented a 10% decline in the country’s illegal immigrant population.

While determining the number of illegal immigrants always requires estimation, this drop is supported by anecdotal evidence.

“Nurse in US for 40 years self-deports,” a recent Newsweek headline reads.

“Lansing man self deporting to Kenya after 16 years in America,” WILX, a Michigan TV station, recently reported. In April, the LA Times wrote, “More immigrants opt to self-deport rather than risk being marched out like criminals.”

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said some foreign leaders have also told her this is happening.

“Over and over again, I’m hearing that hundreds of thousands of their citizens are coming home, voluntarily,” she said.

For decades, many Democrats and some Republicans have presented amnesty as the only way to solve the country’s broken immigration

system. The Trump administration has taken a lot of ak for trying a di erent approach. It’s o ering $1,000 to illegal immigrants who leave voluntarily. It’s ning illegal immigrants who stay, ramping up arrests and sending some illegals to third countries or Alligator Alcatraz. Like everyone else, illegal immigrants respond to incentives. This mix of carrots and sticks is working. The Trump administration has also closed the southern border.

A decrease in illegal immigration is great news for most Americans. It will increase wages for low-skill Americans. It will put downward pressure on housing prices. It will reduce crime. It will lower the amount of money Americans spend supporting illegal immigrants.

But it’s terrible news for the Democratic Party — especially if this drop continues. If the country didn’t have any illegal immigrants, Democrats would have less political power.

That’s not a claim about illegal immigrants voting in elections, although that does happen. It’s about the census. Every 10 years, the federal government counts how many people are living in the country. Congressional seats are divvied out to states based on those population numbers, which includes both legal and illegal immigrants.

In other words, states with large numbers of illegal immigrants receive extra Congressional seats — and Electoral College votes. That list includes blue states like California and New York, but also red states like Florida and Texas.

Evidence suggests blue states bene t more from this than red states.

Another advantage comes in the making of congressional and legislative districts, which are supposed to have a similar number of people. Note: That’s a similar number of residents, not citizens. Illegal immigrants tend to congregate in blue cities. This allows the creation of more districts in deep blue areas. This is one reason that Republican districts in Nevada tend to have more registered voters.

It’s unlikely that President Donald Trump’s new census excluding illegals will happen anytime soon, but if it did, Democrats would be in signi cant trouble.

Democrats’ desperate ght against Trump’s deportation e orts has a downside. The New York Times recently interviewed swing voters, including Desmond Smith, a young black man from Mississippi. He backed former President Joe Biden in 2020 and Trump in 2024. Asked how Democrats could appeal to him, he said, “Fight for Americans instead of ghting for everybody else.”

That should be a no-brainer, but for the reasons described above, it’s a tough option for Democrats.

Trump keeps winning on immigration policy and immigration politics.

Victor Joecks is a columnist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Why I support returning to traditional elections

Rankedchoice voting was pitched as a reform to solve a problem that, frankly, didn’t exist in Alaska.

IN RECENT YEARS, we’ve seen several changes to our state’s election system, including the adoption of ranked-choice voting (RCV) following the passage of Ballot Measure 2 in 2020. I want to speak plainly with you today about where I stand on this issue and why I believe Alaska should return to the traditional method of voting that served our state well for decades.

Let me start by acknowledging a simple fact: I have been elected governor under both systems. I won under the traditional voting method in 2018 and again under ranked-choice voting in 2022. So my position on this issue is not about political gain or loss. It is about trust, clarity and con dence in our electoral process.

Ranked-choice voting was pitched as a reform to solve a problem that, frankly, didn’t exist in Alaska. We were told it would reduce partisanship, promote consensus candidates and make elections more fair. In reality, what we got was a system that confused voters, made outcomes less transparent, and created deep concerns about how votes are tabulated and who ultimately decides an election.

When I talk with Alaskans, whether in urban Anchorage, on the Kenai or in rural communities from Bethel to Kotzebue, the message I hear time and again is the same: Ranked-choice voting is complicated, and many people don’t trust it. That’s not just a perception problem; it’s a legitimacy problem. For any election system to work, voters must understand how it functions and believe in its fairness. RCV fails on both counts.

Here’s how. Under the traditional method, you vote for the candidate you support. The candidate with the most votes wins. It’s simple, straightforward and easy to understand. But under ranked-choice voting, you’re asked to rank candidates in order of preference: rst, second, third and so on. If no candidate gets a majority of rst-choice votes, a computerized process kicks in, redistributing ballots according to preferences until someone gets over 50%. While this may sound neat in theory, in practice, it’s left many Alaskans scratching their heads.

In some cases, the candidate who receives the most rst-choice votes doesn’t win. That undermines a basic sense of fairness. In other cases, ballots are “exhausted” because voters didn’t rank every candidate. That means those votes are discarded in later rounds of counting, e ectively silencing the voter. And because the nal tally depends on a computer-run algorithm, we lose the immediacy and transparency of watching precincts report on election night.

To be clear, the concern here is not about technology itself; it’s about trust. People want to see the vote counted in a way they can understand. They want to be able to explain the result to their friends and neighbors without needing a owchart or a computer science degree. That’s the kind of clarity that strengthens democracy. Ranked-choice voting moves us in the opposite direction.

We are one of only two states, along with Maine, that currently use ranked-choice voting in statewide elections. If this were such an e ective and bene cial reform, why haven’t other states adopted it? Why haven’t we

Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks at Joint Base ElmendorfRichardson, Sept. 11, 2023, in Anchorage, Alaska.

seen a groundswell of support from legislatures or voters elsewhere?

The opposite has happened: 17 states have banned it. The truth is, most Americans — and most Alaskans — prefer a system they can understand and trust.

We should never make our elections more complicated than they need to be. Let’s remember what elections are fundamentally about: expressing the will of the people. That requires clarity, con dence and transparency. The traditional voting system delivered that for decades in Alaska. Ranked-choice voting has not.

It is time to bring back a system that puts the voter rst. One person, one vote. The candidate with the most votes wins. That’s how our democracy was designed to work. That’s how Alaskans expect it to work. And that’s the system I will support going forward.

I trust the good judgment of the people of Alaska. I believe when given the chance, we will return to a system that is fair, understandable and grounded in trust. Let’s put the power of elections back where it belongs: in your hands, not in the hands of a computer algorithm.

Mike Dunleavy is governor of Alaska and writes in his personal capacity. This article was originally published by Daily Caller News Foundation.

NC updates more than 20,000 voter records, seeks more ID numbers

help complete their records

By Gary D. Robertson

The Associated Press

RALEIGH — Voter registration records for more than 20,000 people in North Carolina have been successfully amended thus far in an e ort by election o cials to add missing identi cation numbers.

In mid-July, the State Board of Elections began formally an e ort that seeks to resolve a lawsuit led by President Donald Trump’s Justice Department that focused on voter registration records that lacked

either a voter’s driver’s license number or the last four digits of their Social Security number. Federal and state laws have directed that election o cials must request this ID information since 2004 of new registrants, but for about a decade the state’s registration form failed to make clear that voters were supposed to provide it if they had it.

A “Registration Repair Project” supported by the now Republican-controlled state board — ipped from a Democratic majority in the spring — created a public online database with the names of 103,270 registrants the lacking the numerical identi ers. They were asked to provide an ID num-

ber through the Division of Motor Vehicles website or by visiting their county election board o ces. County election o cials also have conducted research to update records.

As of Monday, the registrants on the list had fallen 20% to 82,540, an election board news release said.

As planned, the board is now sending letters to those who haven’t already acted and o ered a numerical ID, or have yet to indicate that they have neither a driver’s license nor a Social Security number. The letter recipients are being told they can mail in their ID number with postage-paid return envelopes provided, in addition to the DMV and in-person options.

“It’s quick. It’s easy. It’s free,” board Executive Director Sam Hayes said, adding that taking action now will “avoid any issues the next time they show up to vote.”

People on the list who don’t provide the information will have to vote provisionally the next time they cast a ballot — meaning their ballots may not count in some state and local races without correct ID information. Municipal elections will be held starting next month. The board release said that paper and electronic voter rolls will ag these voters so they vote with a provisional ballot and provide missing information for their ballot to count.

The missing numerical IDs

led to other complaints and litigation leading to the 2024 elections and played a prominent part in a state Supreme Court race. U.S. attorneys have contended that accurate registration rolls help ensure fair and reliable election results. Many Democrats said these voters are already being scrutinized because they already have to show a photo ID to vote like everyone else.

North Carolina has 7.57 million registered voters and is considered a perpetual battleground state. Close elections could be a ected if registrants cast ballots that ultimately aren’t counted.

Another mailing will go out at a later date to close to 100,000 additional voters whose records also lack the identi ers but will be allowed to continue casting regular ballots because there’s evidence, for example, that they supplied a number or an alternate ID as allowed under the law.

The original name was a reference to Microsoft’s MSN network

By David Bauder

The Associated Press

CHANGING its mind about keeping its name, the MSNBC news network said Monday it will become My Source News Opinion World, or MS NOW for short, as part of its corporate divorce from NBC.

The TV network, which appeals to liberal audiences with a stable of personalities including Rachel Maddow, Ari Melber and Nicole Wallace, has been building its own separate news division from NBC News. It

will also remove NBC’s peacock symbol from its logo as part of the change, which will take effect later this year.

The name change was ordered by NBC Universal, which last November spun o cable networks USA, CNBC, MSNBC, E! Entertainment, Oxygen and the Golf Channel into its own company, called Versant. None of the other networks are changing their name.

MSNBC got its name upon its formation in 1996, as a partnership then between Microsoft and NBC. Even back then, it was a puzzling moniker to many. But it stuck, even after the NBC partnership with Microsoft that produced it ended, and Versant CEO Mark Lazarus

said in the initial days of the spino that it would stay, making Monday’s announcement an unexpected about-face.

Name changes always carry an inherent risk, and MSNBC President Rebecca Kutler said that for employees, it is hard to imagine the network under a di erent name.

“This was not a decision that was made quickly or without signi cant debate,” she said in a memo to sta . During this time of transition, NBC Universal decided that our brand requires a new, separate identity. This decision now allows us to set our own course and assert our independence as we continue to build our own modern newsgathering organization.”

Kutler said the network’s editorial direction will remain the same.

“While our name will be changing, who we are and what we do will not,” she said. Still, it’s noteworthy that the business channel CNBC is leaving “NBC” in its name. MSNBC argues that CNBC has always maintained a greater separation and, with its business focus, is less likely to cover many of the same topics. The a liation between a news division that stresses objectivity and one that doesn’t hide its liberal bent has long caused tension. President Donald Trump refers to the cable network as “MSDNC,” for Democratic National Committee. Even be-

fore the corporate change, NBC News has been reducing the use of its personalities on MSNBC. Some NBC News personalities, like Jacob Soboro , Vaughn Hillyard, Brandy Zadrozny and Antonia Hylton, have joined MSNBC. The network has also hired Carol Leoning, Catherine Rampell and Jackie Alemany from The Washington Post, and Eugene Daniels from Politico. Maddow, in a recent episode of Pivot, noted that MSNBC will no longer have to compete with NBC News programs for reporting product from out in the eld — meaning it will no longer get the “leftovers.”

“In this case, we can apply our own instincts, our own queries, our own priorities, to getting stu that we need from reporters and correspondents,” Maddow said. “And so it’s gonna be better.”

MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough revealed he network’s new logo on his show Monday morning. “It looks very sporty,” he said.

Stanly County Project Lazarus plans Overdose Awareness Day event

The event will feature a remembrance walk and slideshow

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — In obser-

vance of International Overdose Awareness Day, Stanly County Project Lazarus will host a remembrance walk and resource fair on Aug. 28.

The event will run from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Central United Methodist Church in Albemarle.

International Overdose Awareness Day, observed globally on Aug. 31, raises awareness of overdose prevention and seeks to reduce the stigma surrounding drug-related deaths.

It also serves as a time to honor those lost and recognize the grief of their families and friends.

The upcoming fourth-annual event in Albemarle will feature local recovery speakers and a photo slideshow honoring those impacted by overdose. Community organizations focused on prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery will

also be on hand to provide resources and information.

“Join us to remember and honor your loved ones who have been a ected by overdose,” Stanly County Project Lazarus said in a statement. “This year, we are collecting photos of those who have experienced overdose for

a remembrance slideshow that will be played at our Overdose Awareness event.”

In order to honor those lost to overdose, photos for the event’s remembrance slideshow can be submitted to Corey Beth Travaglini at corey@ willsplace.org.

Stanly County Project Lazarus is a community coalition that works in partnership with the Stanly County Health Department to address substance use, overdose prevention and recovery support at the local level. Together, they aim to develop relationships and pro-

NC, 19 other states sue DOJ to stop new immigration requirements on victim funds

All the state AGs are elected Democrats

By Claudia Lauer and Mike Catalini

The Associated Press

A COALITION of attorneys general from 20 states — including North Carolina — and Washington, D.C., is asking a federal judge to stop the U.S. Department of Justice from withholding federal funds earmarked for crime victims if states don’t cooperate with the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement e orts.

The lawsuit led Monday in Rhode Island federal court seeks to block the Justice Department from enforcing conditions that would cut funding to a state or subgrantee if it refuses to honor civil immigration enforcement requests, denies U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement o cers access to facilities or fails to provide advance notice of release dates of individuals possibly wanted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement because of their immigration status.

The lawsuit asks that the conditions be thrown out, arguing that the administration and the agency are overstepping their constitutional and administrative authority.

The lawsuit also argues that the requirements are not permitted or outlined in the Victims of Crime Act, known as VOCA, and would interfere with policies created to ensure victims and witnesses report crimes without fear of deportation. “These people did not ask for this status as a crime victim. They don’t breakdown neatly across partisan lines, but they share one common trait, which is that they’ve su ered an unimaginable trauma,” New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said during a video news conference Monday, calling the administration’s threat to withhold funds “the most heinous act” he’s seen in politics. The federal conditions were placed on VOCA funding, which provides more than a billion dollars annually to states for victims compensation programs and grants that fund victims assistance organizations. VOCA funding comes entirely

from nes and penalties in federal court cases, not from tax dollars.

Every state and territory has a victims compensation program that follows federal guidelines, but largely is set up under state law to providenancial help to crime victims, including medical expense reimbursement, paying for crime scene cleanup, counseling or helping with funeral costs for homicide victims. VOCA covers the cost of about 75% of state compensation program awards.

The funds are also used to pay for other services, including testing rape kits, funding grants to domestic violence recovery organizations, trauma recovery centers and more.

Advocates and others argue

Share with your community! Send us your births, deaths, marriages, graduations and other announcements to be published in Stanly News Journal. community@stanlynewsjournal.com

deadline is Monday at Noon

“These

Matthew J. Platkin, New Jersey attorney general

that the system needs to protect victims regardless of their immigration status and ensure that reporting a crime does not lead to deportation threats. They also say that marginalized communities, such as newly arrived immigrants, are more likely to be crime targets.

“The federal government is attempting to use crime victim funds as a bargaining chip to force states into doing its bidding on immigration enforcement,” New York Attorney General Letitia James, who also joined the lawsuit, said in a statement Monday. “These grants were created to help survivors heal and recover, and we will ght to ensure they continue to serve that purpose. … We will not be bullied into abandoning any of our residents.”

The Associated Press left a message seeking comment from a DOJ spokesperson Monday afternoon.

“Join us to remember and honor your loved ones who have been a ected by overdose.”

Stanly County Project Lazarus

cedures to increase the ability to respond to substance use in the community.

“For decades, drug overdose deaths were on the rise, driven by heroin, fentanyl and other substances. But recently, overdose deaths have dropped signi cantly,” the coalition announced on May 31.

Stanly County saw a sharp drop in drug overdose deaths last year, according to new data from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. Fatal overdoses fell from 30 in 2023 to 21 in 2024, the lowest total since nine were recorded in 2016.

Emergency room visits tied to overdoses also declined, falling from 90 in 2023 to 60 in 2024. That gure represents the lowest number in a decade, compared with a peak of 167 visits in 2018.

For August, purple ags and “Time to Remember, Time to Act” yard signs can be found at partner agencies across Stanly County to bring awareness to the 3,213 deaths in North Carolina attributed to overdose in 2024.

President Donald Trump’s administration has sought to withhold or pull back other federal funding or grant funding midstream, saying awardees and programs no longer agree with its priorities. In April, it canceled about $800 million in DOJ grants, some of which were awarded to victims service and survivor organizations.

And in June, states led a lawsuit over added requirements in Violence Against Women Act funding that mandated applicants agree not to promote “gender ideology,” or run diversity, equity and inclusion programs or prioritize people in the country illegally.

Several attorneys general said the VOCA conditions appear to be another way the administration is targeting so-called sanctuary jurisdictions that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities, though there is no clear de nition of what a sanctuary state or city is.

The Trump administration earlier this month released an updated list of states, cities and counties it considers sanctuary jurisdictions. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said in the August announcement that the department would “continue bringing litigation against sanctuary jurisdictions and work closely with the Department of Homeland Security to eradicate these harmful policies around the country.”

As of Monday afternoon attorneys general from California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin — all Democrats — had signed on to the lawsuit.

OBITUARIES

LARRY WAYNE ALMOND

OCT. 15, 1951 – AUG. 12, 2025

Larry Wayne Almond, 73, of Albemarle, passed away Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at Atrium Health Stanly Hospital in Albemarle.

Larry was born on October 15, 1951, in North Carolina to the late Carlie Joseph Almond and the late Sarah Frances Barbee Almond. He was also preceded in death by brothers, Jerry Almond and Buddy Almond, sister, Margaret Hathcock and brother-in-law Darrell Creed.

Larry graduated from North Stanly High School class of 1970. He worked as Maintenance Supervisor for Palm Harbor Homes.

A lifelong fan of Duke Basketball, Larry rarely missed a game and proudly cheered on the Blue Devils through every season. Away from the court, he found joy in the quiet beauty of gardening, tending to his vegetables. He loved working with his hands and could x anything - a real-world MacGyver whose creativity and resourcefulness seemed to have no limits. He cherished time spent outdoors, whether casting a line, walking along the beach, or enjoying peaceful walks through Rock Creek Park. Larry will be remembered for a life well-lived, a love of simple pleasures, and the kindness and laughter shared with everyone fortunate enough to know him. The family will receive friends from 2-2:45 p.m. on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle.

A Celebration of Life will follow at 3pm in the Hartsell Funeral Home Le er’s Memorial Chapel o ciated, by Pastor Ray Johnson. Survivors include daughter, April (Rodger) Lentz of Wilson, NC, grandchildren, Payton, Avery, and Addie Lentz; brother, Jimmy Almond, of Albemarle, NC, sisters, Jane Creed of Albemarle, NC, Elaine Barrier (Hoyle)of Rich eld, NC and Nancy Childers (Tommy) of Ellerbe, NC and brother-in-law Blane Hathcock, also many nieces and nephews. Memorials may be shared to Tillery Compassionate Care 960 N 1st St, Albemarle, NC 28001. Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Almond family.

REV. WILLIAM J. TAYLOR

AUG. 7, 1927 – AUG. 15, 2025

Rev. William J. Taylor entered into the presence of the Lord on August 15, 2025. He was a native of Georgia and was born to Minnie and Egbert Taylor. Preceding him in death was his wife of 60 years, Eva Mae Satter eld, two brothers and one sister. Surviving are his two daughters, Diane Ingram of Indian Trail, NC, and Robin Bowers of Mint Hill, NC, along with her husband Richard Bowers.

Pastor Taylor is also survived by two nephews, two nieces, four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Always known as “Preacher Bill” he served as Pastor of fteen churches across North and South Carolina and was interim Pastor at nine additional churches. His last full-time ministry was at Faulks Baptist Church in Marshville, NC, and prior to that, he was Pastor of First Baptist Church in Rockwell, NC for seven years. Pastor Taylor was an Evangelist at heart and led many revivals across the two states as well as personally leading many souls to Christ.

We rejoice in the promise of eternal life.

“Well done, thy good and faithful servant”.

RAY MILTON HUGGINS

MAY 4, 1944 – AUG. 16, 2025

Ray Milton Huggins, 81, of Albemarle, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Forrest Oaks Healthcare.

Born in Union County on May 4, 1944, Ray was the son of the late Rev. George and Louise Huggins. He was also preceded in death by his beloved wife, Hilda Ingold Huggins, in 2019. Ray was a man known for his persistence, determination, and strong will—qualities that shaped his life and left a lasting impression on those who knew him. Whether facing life’s everyday challenges or supporting his family, Ray met each moment with steadfast resolve.

He is survived by his two daughters, Cindy Gri n (Tony) and Teresa Gordon (Lonnie); grandchildren, Candice Shuey (Brandon), Troy Gri n (Gracelyn), Lexi Gordon, Abigail Gordon, and Ellie Gordon; and great-grandchildren, Natalie, Tripp, and Kai. He also leaves behind his brother, Edwin Huggins (Sharon), and nephew Randy Huggins (Sharon). In keeping with Ray’s wishes, there will be no formal services. In lieu of owers, memorials may be made to Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care, 1835 Badin Rd., Albemarle, NC 28001, who is proudly serving the Huggins family during this time.

Terence Stamp, British actor who portrayed General Zod in early Superman lms, dead at 87

His career spanned decades and countless lms

By Pan Pylas The Associated Press

LONDON — Terence Stamp, the British actor who often played the role of a complex villain, including that of General Zod in the early Superman lms, has died. He was 87.

His death on Sunday was disclosed in a death notice published online, prompting a wave of tributes from and an array of fans and those close to him within the industry, including the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, or BAFTA.

The London-born Stamp started his lm career with 1962’s seafaring “Billy Budd,” for which he earned Oscar and BAFTA award nominations.

His six decades in the business were peppered with highlights, including his touching portrayal of the transsexual Bernadette in 1994’s “The Adventure of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,” the second of his two BAFTA nominations.

But it will be his portrayal of the bearded Zod in 1978’s “Superman” and its sequel “Superman II” two years later that most people associate with Stamp. As the Kryptonian arch enemy to Christopher Reeve’s Man of Steel, Stamp introduced a darker, charming and vulnerable — more human — element to the franchise, one that’s been replicated in countless superhero movies ever since.

Edgar Wright, who directed Stamp in his nal feature lm, 2021’s “Last Night in Soho,” remembered the actor in an Instagram post as “kind, funny, and endlessly fascinating.”

“The closer the camera moved, the more hypnotic his presence became. In close-up, his unblinking gaze locked in so powerfully that the e ect was extraordinary. Terence was

MATT SAYLES / AP PHOTO

Terence Stamp arrives at the premiere of “Valkyrie” in 2008.

a true movie star: the camera loved him, and he loved it right back,” Wright said. Bill Duke, who starred with Stamp in director Steven Soderbergh’s 1999 crime drama “The Limey,” said he was “deeply saddened” to hear of his death.

“He brought a rare intensity to the screen, but o -screen he carried himself with warmth, grace, and generosity,” he said on Facebook. Stamp started his acting career on stage in the late 1950s, where he acted in repertory theatre and met Michael Caine, who was ve years older. The pair lived together in a at in central London while looking for their big break.

He got it with “Billy Budd” and Stamp embarked on a career that would see him in the early 1960s be part of the “angry young men” movement that was introducing an element of social realism into British moviemaking.

That was perhaps most notable in the 1965 adaptation of John Fowles’ creepy debut novel “The Collector,” where he played the awkward and lonely Freddie Clegg, who kidnapped Samantha Eggar’s Miranda Grey in a warped attempt to win her love. It was a performance that would earn the young Stamp, fresh o his Oscar nomination, the best actor award at that year’s Cannes Film Festival.

While part of that 1960s British movement, Stamp learned from some of the most seasoned actors from the classical era, including Laurence Olivier.

“I worked with Olivier briefly on my second movie (1962’s “Term of Trial”),” Stamp recalled in an interview with the AP in 2013. “And he said to me, ‘You should always study your voice.’” Stamp then segued into a spot-on Olivier impersonation, continuing, “‘Because, as you get older, your looks go, but your voice will become empowered.’”

His career took a bit of a hiatus from the late 1960s after he missed out on the role of James Bond to replace Sean Connery, that included a yearslong stint in India which saw him embrace a more holistic approach to his self.

It was the unexpected role of General Zod that brought him back to the limelight. He played John Tunstall in 1988’s “Young Guns,” the Galactic Republic leader in 1999’s “Star Wars” prequel “The Phantom Menace,” appeared in the comedies “Yes Man” and “Get Smart” in 2008, and delivered voice performances in the video games “Halo 3” and “The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.”

Born in London’s East End on July 22, 1938, Stamp lived a colorful life, particularly during the 1960s when he had a string of romances, including with actress Julie Christie and model Jean Shrimpton. He married 29-year-old Elizabeth O’Rourke in 2002 at the age of 64 but the couple divorced six years later. Stamp did not have any children.

Stamp retained his looks as the years ticked by, his natural handsomeness hardened by a more grizzled look.

He generally sought to keep his standards high — to a point.

“I don’t do crappy movies, unless I haven’t got the rent,” he said.

Mike Castle, who championed 50 State Quarters Program while in Congress, dead at 86

The rst State Quarter was his home state of Delaware

By Mingson Lau The Associated Press

WILMINGTON, Del. — Former Delaware Gov. Mike Castle, a Republican moderate who championed creating the popular 50 State Quarters Program of commemorative coins while he served in Congress, has died. He was 86.

Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in Stanly News Journal at obits@ northstatejournal.com

The Delaware Republican Party announced that Castle died last Thursday in Greenville but shared no other details.

Castle was among Delaware’s most successful politicians, never losing a race until his stunning upset in a 2010 primary for the U.S. Senate seat Democrat Joe Biden held before becoming vice president.

“Mike was de ned by his integrity, and for that reason, you couldn’t nd another member of Congress who would say a bad word about him,” said Biden. “All of us in Delaware owe Mike a debt of gratitude.”

During his 18 years in Congress, Castle became a leader of centrist Republicans, earning a reputation as a scal conservative and social moderate

not afraid to challenge the party line on issues ranging from government spending to environmental protection and abortion.

As Delaware’s lone representative in the U.S. House from 1993 to 2011, he supported a pay-as-you-go policy for both spending and tax cuts. Castle played roles in improving child nutrition programs and establishing the No Child Left Behind education reform program. His signature issue in Congress was the commemorative quarters program that featured coins honoring each state, starting with Delaware.

He was dubbed by the coin grading service Numismatic Guaranty Company as “The Coinage Congressman.”

The quarters boosted federal revenues as they were taken out of circulation. He also helped establish a similar program honoring U.S. presidents with dollar coins, beginning in 2007, and an “America the Beautiful” quarter program honoring national parks, monuments and nature areas starting in 2010.

“The Honorable Michael Castle embodied the best of public service — moderation, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to all Delawareans,” Delaware GOP Chairman Gene Truono said in a statement Thursday.

Castle had been a state lawmaker and lieutenant governor before becoming governor in 1985.

Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer ordered ags own at halfsta for the next week in Castle’s honor.

“During his time as governor, Mike Castle visited every single school in our state, including mine, where he spoke to my high school class with the same warmth, humility, and commitment to public service that dened his career,” said Meyer, a Democrat.

STANLY SPORTS

South Stanly football looks for big season

The Bulls return their senior quarterback and skill players from last year’s 6-5 season

By Charles Curcio Stanly News Journal

THE SOUTH STANLY Rebel Bulls improved last season under head coach Terry Shankle, nishing over .500 for the rst time in a full campaign since 2018.

In 2024, South ended a 10 -game losing streak to West Stanly and won at Albemarle, nishing second in the Stanly Cup standings to North.

The Bulls went 6-5 overall and earned the school’s rst playo win in many years at home versus Avery County ibefore losing in the second round.

Shankle, who played foot-

ball at South Stanly and later at UNC, said he and his coaching sta “have been all in,” adding they “have put a lot of time in for these kids, and the kids responded. They believed.”

He added, “seeing what happened when you work hard and you do things correctly, (the players) have seen the progress you can make.”

Last season’s success, Shankle said, was about showing people how much work the players had put in, resulting in the win over West and other convincing victories. Two of the Bulls’ four regular-season losses were by ve points or less.

This year, South returns a strong number of starters, including left-handed senior quarterback Kaleb Richardson, who Shankle said has made big improvements since starting as a sophomore. Richard-

6-5

son, he noted, had never played quarterback until 2023 and has since earned back-to-back All-Conference selections.

“He has improved tremendously just in reading the coverage,” Shankle said. “Every year, he just gains more and more knowledge. He’s more engaged now.”

The strength of the Bulls this season, he said, is in the skill positions. South returns running backs Ikey Holt and Carter Callicutt, along with wide

COURTESY PFEIFFER ATHLETICS

Lefko-Mills Field has served as the home for Pfei er University’s soccer programs for several decades.

Pfei er men’s soccer players prepare for 2025 season

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

among the Falcons who could play larger roles this season. “I chose Pfei er because I went to a small school in Forsyth County for most of my life, so Pfei er had that familiarity with it being a small school itself,” Leister said in a video pro le released by the team.

receiver Jasiah Holt and others.

The Bulls may be young on the o ensive line, but Shankle noted the returning linemen all played varsity last season and have that experience under their belts.

Having more experience than other teams, he added, is something people in football do not always emphasize enough.

“Being out there on fourth down and making good decisions, getting stops, that’s going to be one of our biggest (strengths),” Shankle said.

South’s head coach said his team will pass the ball well this year but needs to work on its ground game.

Defensively, Shankle said the Bulls’ front six or seven should be as strong as the skill players scheduled to play in the defensive back eld.

Trip Edwards returns to

South this season after delivering eight sacks in 2024.

“Our front four is going to shock some people,” Shankle said. This season, South Stanly needs to play better defense against the run, according to the head coach, who said some teams late in games were able to run the clock out against them. He added stopping the run “was our Achilles’ heel.”

2025 schedule

Aug. 22 at West Stanly

Aug. 29 vs. Piedmont

Sept. 5 vs. Anson County

Sept. 19 @ Bonnie Cone * Sept. 26 @ Union Academy * Oct. 3 vs. North Rowan * Oct. 10 vs. North Stanly * Oct. 17 at Thomas Je erson Oct. 24 vs. Mtn. Island Charter Oct. 31 at Albemarle * * conference game

West Stanly volleyball opens season with pair of home wins

The Colts downed North Stanly in four sets and South Stanly in three

By Charles Curcio Stanly News Journal

RED CROSS — The West Stanly volleyball team kicked o the 2025 volleyball season this week after posting a 25-win season and a fourth-round appearance in the 2A state playo s last season.

West hosted two county rivals last week, facing North Stanly on Tuesday and South Stanly on Thursday.

This week, West was scheduled to continue a four-game home stand with East Rowan on Monday and Anson on Tuesday before traveling to Carson on Thursday.

Last Tuesday’s game West Stanly 3, North Stanly 1

The Colts opened the sea-

son against a Comets team that reached the regional nals of the 2A tournament last season. West dropped the rst set 25-17 then rallied to win the next three with scores of 25-24, 25-9 and 25-22 to win the match 3-1.

Saylor Edwards led the Colts with 14 kills, while Payton Watson added six kills. Scarlet Grifn paced the o ense with 28 assists and added ve service aces, and Laila Little had four kills and two aces.

Thursday’s Game West Stanly 3, South Stanly 0

The Colts swept the Rebel Bulls in three sets to improve to 2-0 on the season. Scores of the match were 25-23, 25-18 and 26-24. Edwards led the o ense for West with 15 kills, while Watson added seven and Melania Yow had ve. Gri n had 36 assists for the Colts, and Georgia Mo tt had 27 digs and four service aces.

Dillon makes NASCAR Cup playo s with redemptive victory

The Richard Childress Racing driver overcame a broken rib to end his 37-race winless streak

The Associated Press

RICHMOND, Va. — Austin Dillon was hurting mentally and physically when he arrived at Richmond Raceway. He found the cure for what ailed him in Victory Lane.

Racing with a broken rib and some wounded pride, Dillon locked into the Cup Series playo s with a clean run to his second consecutive victory on the 0.75-mile oval.

It was a redemptive triumph for the Richard Childress Racing driver, whose championship eligibility was revoked by NASCAR last year after he wrecked Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin on the nal lap to win at Richmond.

After missing the playo s and enduring criticism from Logano, Hamlin and others who accused him of racing dirty, he went through a 37-race winless stretch before breaking through at Richmond with his rst top ve of the season.

“Man, that feels good,” said Dillon, whose previous best nish had been a seventh at Texas Motor Speedway in May. “I really wanted that one. Last year hurt really bad just going through the whole process of it, but this one feels so sweet. Man, I love Richmond.”

Austin

introductions

He revealed after his sixth career victory that he also had raced with the rib injury the past three weeks since falling o a ladder before the Aug. 3 race at Iowa Speedway. “I was thrown down a lot this week and didn’t feel great,” he said.

He shrugged o the pain to outduel Ryan Blaney over thenal 100 laps, seizing control with a shrewd strategy call to pit his

“Man, that feels good. I really wanted that one.”

Austin Dillon

No. 3 Chevrolet four laps earlier than the Team Penske driver’s No. 12 Ford.

Dillon, who led 107 of 400 laps, won by 2.471 seconds over

Judge tosses convictions in 2002 killing of NBA star Paul’s grandfather

State attorneys are considering an appeal

The Associated Press

WINSTON-SALEM — A North Carolina trial judge has thrown out the convictions of four men in the 2002 death of basketball star Chris Paul’s grandfather. Now state attorneys are considering their next moves, including an appeal.

Superior Court Judge Robert Broadie vacated and dismissed their convictions late last week following a January hearing in Forsyth County.

Nathaniel Arnold Cauthen, Rayshawn Denard Banner, Christopher Levon Bryant and Jermal Matthew Tolliver had been found guilty in trials in 2004 or 2005 for the killing of Nathaniel Jones. The four were all 14 or 15 years old when they and another teen were arrested.

Jones, 61, died from a heart attack outside his Winston-Salem home after being tied up, beaten and robbed.

A three-judge panel previously had denied the defendants’ innocence claims after testimony in a 2022 hearing.

But Broadie’s order, led last Friday, cited recanted testimony from a key witness, poor legal representation and ques-

tionable actions by police. DNA pro les also “further serve to corroborate Defendants’ assertions that their confessions were false” and that the defendants “were not present at the scene of the crime,” the judge wrote.

Alex Bowman. Blaney faded to third, followed by Joey Logano and Austin Cindric.

Dillon became the 14th race winner to lock into the 16-driver eld for the Cup playo s, which are contested over the nal 10 races of the season.

The regular season will conclude next Saturday night at Daytona, where the nal two playo drivers will be con rmed — and at least one will qualify

Paul, Jones’ grandson, was a standout high school basketball player at the time of the assault and had committed to play at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem. Paul, now 40, is a 12-time NBA All-Star who now plays for the Los Angeles Clippers.

Attorney General Je Jackson’s o ce, whose lawyers defend criminal cases on appeal, asked the state Court of Appeals on Monday to halt enforcement of Broadie’s order “while we review it and consider next steps,” spokesperson Nazneen Ahmed said.

Cauthen and his brother, Banner, were convicted of rst-degree murder and are serving life sentences. Bryant, Tolliver and Dorrell Brayboy were convicted of second-degree murder and were released after serving prison time. Brayboy was fatally stabbed outside a Winston-Salem supermarket in 2019.

Monday’s petition to the appeals court by a state attorney said that, without action, Cauthen and Banner “will be released back into the community without this Court having an opportunity to hear and determine the State’s issues on appeal.”

Forsyth County District Attorney Jim O’Neill criticized

through the points standings.

Tyler Reddick and Bowman are in the nal two provisional spots on points, but either could be eliminated if another new winner emerges at Daytona (which has happened twice in the last three years).

“Really stressful on a lot of fronts,” Bowman said. “I think with the way that race normally goes, it’s about a must-win at that point because I think you’re most likely going to have a new winner. Just need to go execute and try to win the race. That’s all we can really do.”

Streak over

After a consistent start to his season, Chase Elliott is in a slump heading into the playo s. The 2020 Cup champion nished last at Richmond and failed to nish for the rst time since last October at Las Vegas Motor Speedway 27 races ago.

Elliott nearly had cleared the pileup on the 198th lap when he was tagged in the right rear by Kyle Busch.

“I think Kyle just didn’t know that we were trying to squeeze by the wreck on the bottom,” Elliott said. “We had a good start to the night, and it just slowly unraveled until it nally fell apart. Hopefully, we get on a better stretch starting next week.”

Since brie y taking the points lead after his June 28 win at Atlanta, the seven-time Most Popular Driver has nished outside the top 10 in ve of seven races.

“I have never seen that happen before in acourt of law.”

Jim O’Neill, Forsyth County district attorney

Broadie’s ruling, in particular his dismissals of the cases “with prejudice,” which could make them harder to appeal.

“I have never seen that happen before in a court of law,” O’Neill said in a statement to the newspaper. “Most judges welcome scrutiny and appellate review of their decisions.” Christine Mumma, the lawyer for Banner and Cauthen, pushed back on criticism of the judge’s ruling.

“If the General Assembly didn’t want judges to have the authority to dismiss with prejudice, they wouldn’t have given judges that authority,” Mumma wrote in an email. “They also wouldn’t have passed statutes recognizing if charges are dismissed with prejudice, there’s no right of appeal.” Mumma is the executive director of the North Carolina Center on Actual Innocence, a nonpro t that helps investigate and litigate claims of innocence.

Stanly high schools to kick o 2025 football season

Two of the four local teams have a head-to-head matchup

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — The 2025 high school football season begins Friday with all four Stanly County varsity teams taking the eld for their Week 1 matchups.

Two of the four local teams will begin the season in a head-to-head matchup, while one team is set to host a nonconference squad and another will hit the road for a nonconference showing.

South Stanly at West Stanly

In an anticipated rivalry game between neighbor-

ing schools, the West Stanly Colts will host the South Stanly Rebel Bulls on Larry Wagner Field. Both teams are eager to start the season with a victory, and the matchup is expected to draw a large crowd. Kicko is scheduled for 7 p.m.

The Colts, under the leadership of coach Ralph Jackson, are hoping to rebound from a challenging 2024 season. West Stanly nished with a 1-9 overall record and 1-4 mark in the Rocky River Conference, placing them fth in the conference standings.

The Rebel Bulls, led by coach Terry Shankle, had a more successful 2024 campaign by comparison, nishing with a 6-5 overall record and a 2-3 record in the Yadkin Valley Conference. South Stanly advanced to the second round of the state playo s before falling to Starmount.

16-27

Combined record of the four Stanly County football teams last season

Community School of Davidson at North Stanly

With a 7 p.m. kicko , the North Stanly Comets will open their season at home against the Community School of Davidson Spartans from the Catawba Shores Conference. Coach Chad Little and the Comets are looking to build on last season’s performance and are hopeful for a strong start.

The Comets are coming o a 6-5 season in 2024, nishing third in the Yadkin Valley Conference with a 3-2 re -

cord. They secured a spot in the state playo s as an at-large bid but were eliminated in the rst round.

Last season, the Spartans posted a 9-4 record and advanced to the third round of the 2A state playo s.

Albemarle at College Prep and Leadership Academy

The Albemarle Bulldogs will travel an hour north to Jamestown to face the College Prep and Leadership Academy Royals of the Northwest Piedmont Conference with a 7:30 p.m. kicko .

The Bulldogs are trying to improve upon their 3-8 record from the 2024 season, when they nished fth in the Yadkin Valley Conference with a 1-4 record. Despite the challenging season, coach Richard Davis returns a mix of experienced players and newcomers, aiming to build a competitive team.

As the home team, the Royals are set for a memorable contest as they o cially elevate their program to the varsity level after playing at the JV level last season.

The junior, who attended Wheatmore High School in Trinity, hopes to get more involved with the team this year. He said the coaching sta sold him on the vision of joining the team following his time with the Greensboro United Soccer Association and NC Fusion soccer organizations.

“I also met with coach Tony (Faticoni) and coach Scott (Martin) at the time, and they told

“They found a good group of guys here, and we all click together.”

Brody Dycus, Pfei er sophomore mid elder

me about what their plans were for the four years of me being at Pfei er,” Leister said. “I was really interested in what they had to say, and felt that I had the

con dence to do something with this program and that we could achieve success.”

Dycus described his journey to college soccer as “kind of a straight shot.”

The sophomore from Patrick Henry High School in Ashland, Virginia, is the son of two Pfei er alumni who encouraged him to pursue his soccer dreams with the Falcons.

“I knew from a very young age that I wanted to play college soccer, maybe since I was in mid-

dle school. I just always loved the sport and always had a passion for it,” Dycus said. “Playing with the Richmond Kickers for almost 11 years of my club career helped me nd teams and coaches that were really supportive.”

He noted that Faticoni encouraged him even during his earlier playing days prior to joining the Falcons.

“Tony was always checking on me and making sure I was doing all right, asking how games and practices were going,” Dycus

NCAA FOOTBALL

Harbaugh refuses to comment after NCAA levies heavy penalties on Michigan

Los Angeles Jim Harbaugh is refusing to comment on the NCAA’s decision to ne the University of Michigan tens of millions of dollars and to suspend head coach Sherrone Moore for a third game due to the sign-stealing scandal that occurred during Harbaugh’s tenure at his alma mater. Harbaugh stayed mum on the Wolverines following his Los Angeles Chargers’ 23-22 preseason loss to the Rams for his rst interaction with the media since the NCAA’s rulings were announced. The NCAA sharply criticized Harbaugh’s stewardship when it announced the sanctions.

NFL

“Choose Love,” “End Racism,” returning toNFL end zones

The NFL is continuing its oneld social justice messaging for a sixth straight season. The Associated Press learned that all 32 teams will feature an end zone message at each home game throughout the season. They will select from four options, including “End Racism,” “Stop Hate,” “Choose Love” or “Inspire Change.” Once again, “It Takes All of Us” will be stenciled in the opposite end zone for all games. The only change from 2024 is that “Inspire Change” replaces “Vote.”

NBA

Lakers to honor Hall of Fame coach Riley with statue unveiling against Celtics

Los Angeles

The Los Angeles Lakers will unveil a statue of former coach Pat Riley on Feb. 22. Riley joins Lakers greats like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant in bronze outside their home arena. The Lakers will honor Riley during a game against their longtime rival, the Boston Celtics. Riley coached the Lakers from 1981 to 1990, leading them to four NBA championships. He had a .733 winning percentage in the regular season and a 102-47 mark in the playo s.

said. “When I went on my visit, the team just had a great environment overall. They found a good group of guys here, and we all click together. It’s just a great community here.”

Leister and Dycus are joined by eight other mid elders on the Falcons roster: juniors Josh Aguirre-Escobar, Caleb Yopp and Drew Garro; sophomore Jonathan Hansen; and freshmen David Austin, Alejandro Bastidas, Rafael Galicia-Hernandez and Barrett Owens.

NOTICES

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Become part of something great... We are eager to welcome individuals who are dedicated to our mission and committed to enhancing our community. Interested candidates are invited to browse our open full and part time positions via the website below to nd out how to apply for one of our job openings at SCC.

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JASPER TURNER Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of JASPER TURNER, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of the said JASPER TURNER to present them to the undersigned or his attorney on or before November 12, 2025 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 13th day of August, 2025. Executor: Bobby Turner 231 Poplin Street Norwood, NC 28128

Attorney for Estate: Connie Edwards Mosher 239 N. First Street Albemarle, NC 28001

704-983-0086 Publication dates: August 13, August 20, August 27, September 3

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Executor of the ESTATE OF DONNA ROSE SMART HUNEYCUTT, deceased of 16207 Pless Mill Road, Stan eld, NC 28163 (Stanly County Clerk of Court Case No. 25E000464-830), the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the Estate of said Decedent DONNA ROSE SMART HUNEYCUTT to present them to the undersigned RICHARD LEON HUNEYCUTT, Executor, PO Box 56, Locust, NC 28097, in care of Tanya N. Oesterreich, Oesterreich Law PLLC, at PO Box 2067, Concord, North Carolina 28026, on or before the 20th day of November, 2025, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms and corporations indebted to the said ESTATE OF DONNA ROSE SMART HUNEYCUTT will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 20th day of August, 2025. RICHARD LEON HUNEYCUTT, Executor ESTATE OF DONNA ROSE SMART HUNEYCUTT PO Box 56 Locust, NC 28097

c/o Tanya N. Oesterreich, Esq. Oesterreich Law PLLC PO Box 2067 Concord, North Carolina 28026

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA ROWAN COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE DISTRICT COURT DIVISION 25 CVD 1133 LARRY WAYNE FURR, JR, Plainti , Vs. HELEN MICHELLE THOMAS, Defendant, NOTICE OF SERVICE BY PROCESS OF PUBLICATION TO: HELEN MICHELLE THOMAS PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT A COMPLAINT AND SUMMONS HAVE BEEN FILED AGAINST YOU BY PLAINTIFF LARRY FURR FOR ABSOLUTE DIVORCE IN THE ROWAN COUNTY COURTHOUSE. YOU WILL HAVE UNTIL TO OCTOBER 08, 2025 TO ANSWER THIS COMPLAINT AT 210 N. MAIN STREET, SALISBURY, NORTH CAROLINA, 28144. THIS NOTICE IS SENT PURSUANT TO N.C. GEN STAT 1-597. THIS IS THE 06 DAY OF AUGUST, 2025.

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA, IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE STANLY COUNTY. SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK 25SP000091-830 IN THE MATTER OF DELSIA MAE ALLEN

Incompetent NOTICE OF SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

Pursuant to an order of the Honorable Ginger D.F. E rd, Clerk of Superior Court of Stanly County, North Carolina, entered on the 3rd day of July, 2025 in the special proceeding entitled in the Matter of Delsia Mae Allen, Incompetent, 25SP000091830, the undersigned Guardian of the Estate of Delsia Mae Allen, who by said Order was appointed Commissioner to sell the lands described in the petition will o er for sale to the highest bidder at public auction on the 20th day of August, 2025 at 10:00 AM at the courthouse door in Albemarle, Stanly County, North Carolina that certain parcel or tract of land lying and being in Albemarle, County of Stanly, State of North Carolina and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot No. 3, in Block B, as shown on plat of Loftin Farms, recorded in Plat Book 5, page 199, O ce of the Register of Deeds of Stanly County, North Carolina, reference to which is hereby made for a more complete description hereof by metes and bounds. For reference see deed duly recorded in Deed Book 373, page 589, Stanly County Registry. This property has a physical address of Hyman Drive, Albemarle, North Carolina 28001 and is vacant. The sale shall be made subject to all unpaid ad valorem taxes, liens, easements and restrictions of record. The high bidder must deposit with the Clerk of Superior Court ve (5) percent of the high bid or $750.00, whichever amount is greater as by law required. The sale shall remain open for ten (10) days for a raised bid as by law required and the nal bid will be subject to the con rmation of the court. Any further announcements shall be made at the sale.

Lovie B. Reid, Sr., Guardian of the Estate of Delsia Mae Allen 235 Irby Street Salisbury, NC 28746

James A. Phillips, Jr. Attorney for the Estate of Delsia Mae Allen P.O. Box 1162 117 W. North Street Albemarle, NC 28002 704-983-2709 Publish: August 13, 2025 and August 19, 2025. Posted on: July 28, 2025.

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 25E000431-830

Having quali ed as Administrator of the estate of Jason Allen Huneycutt, deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina. This is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Jason Allen Huneycutt to present them to the undersigned on or before November 20, 2025, or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment.

This 20th day of August, 2025 Cassidy Huneycutt 20890 Ridgecrest Road Locust, NC 28097 Administrator

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Lisa A. L. Deese, Sherrill D. Lowder, Jr. and Sally M. Lowder have quali ed as Co-Executors of the Estate of Shirley Jo Lowder a/k/a Shirley D. Lowder a/k/a Shirley Di ee Lowder, deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, and do hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to present them to the undersigned in care of Crisp Cherry McCraw PLLC, Attn: C. Michael Crisp, 615 S. College Street, Suite 1430, Charlotte, NC 28202, on or before the 13th day of November, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 13th day of August, 2025. Lisa A. L. Deese Sherrill D. Lowder, Jr. Sally M. Lowder c/o Crisp Cherry McCraw PLLC 615 S. College Street, Suite 1430 Charlotte, NC 28202 (704) 332.0203

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 25E000430-830 Having quali ed as Administratrix of the estate of Mark Lewis McGee, deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina. This is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Mark Lewis McGee to present them to the undersigned on or before Oct 31, 2025, or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This 30th day of July,

O set, John Cena, John Grisham’s ‘Rainmaker’ gets TV adaptation

Jussie Smollett’s alleged attack is unpacked on Net ix

The Associated Press

MIGOS RAPPER OFFSET releasing his third solo album and Samara Weaving playing a reformed getaway driver in the heist thriller “Eenie Meanie” are some of the new television, lms, music and games headed to a device near you.

Also, among the streaming offerings worth your time: An adaptation of John Grisham’s “The Rainmaker” hits Peacock, John Cena stars as a awed superhero in season 2 of “The Peacemaker” and the Amanda Knox trial in Italy gets dramatized in a Hulu series.

MOVIES TO STREAM

Weaving plays a reformed getaway driver who gets pulled back in to save a problematic ex-boyfriend in “Eenie Meanie,” a new heist thriller streaming on Hulu on Friday. Karl Glusman plays the pathetic ex in this intriguing ensemble that includes Steve Zahn, Andy Garcia, Randall Park and Marshawn Lynch. “Deadpool” writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick produced the lm, which is the directorial debut of writer-director Shawn Simmons.

Remember the strange Smollett saga that began back in January 2019 when the “Empire” actor told police that two men assaulted him in an apparent hate crime which investigators began to believe was a hoax? It’s the subject of a new Net ix documentary “The Truth About Jussie Smollett?” streaming on Friday. The ordeal stretched on for years and in November the Illinois Supreme Court overturned Smollett’s conviction on charges of staging a racist and homophobic attack against himself in 2019 and lying to Chicago police. The trailer for the doc, which includes interviews with journalists, lawyers, investigators and law enforcement, teases a new sit-down interview with Smollett himself.

Swedish lmmaker Lasse Hallström takes audiences on a romantic journey through Eu-

rope with an American girl (Madelyn Cline) and a New Zealander (KJ Apa) in “The Map That Leads to You,” streaming on Prime Video. It’s based on the 2017 J.P. Monninger novel.

MUSIC TO STREAM

On Friday, Migos rapper Oset will release his third solo album, “Kiari.” The title is his legal name — a direct re ection of the album he described to The Associated Press earlier this month as “a look in the mirror.” He said it’s a collection of “di erent versions of O set, which comes from Kiari. … I’m always trying to rebrand and recreate.” Start with “Bodies,” a red-hot collaboration that marries O set’s melodic, aggres-

“I’m always trying to rebrand and recreate.”

sive ow and the dexterous lyricist JID atop a sample of nu-metal band Drowning Pool’s 2001 cut “Bodies.” It’s become a 2025 Billboard Hot 100 hit for a reason. Who would’ve thought, nearly 40 years after their formation, that the California shoegaze-y nu-metal band Deftones would become more popular than ever before? They’ve found new and nostalgic audiences online and have quickly become recognized as one of the most in uential

KJ Apa and Madelyn Cline star in the lm “The Map That Leads to You.”

of Ra aele Sollecito, Knox’s boyfriend at the time, who was also convicted of the murder. Both had their sentences thrown out by Italy’s highest court in 2015. We also see Knox’s di culty adjusting to regular life after she returns to the States. The eight-episode series is streaming now.

Cena stars as a awed superhero in Season 2 of “The Peacemaker” arriving on HBO Max on Thursday. It’s the rst release of a DC Comics story after “Superman “ ew into theaters earlier this summer. James Gunn, who is co-chairman and CEO of DC Studios, directed “Superman” and is the showrunner of “The Peacemaker.”

A new Prime Video docuseries called “The Home Team: NY Jets” followed six Jets players and their partners for the 2024-25 NFL season. We see the home life of these pros as they also juggle the demands of the sport. The lmmakers also made the documentary “Kelce” about former Philadelphia Eagles player Jason Kelce in his 2022 season. It debuts Thursday.

An adaptation of Grisham’s “The Rainmaker” hits Peacock on Friday. The legal thriller is airing on the USA Network, and the streamer drops each episode a week later. Milo Callaghan plays Rudy Baylor, who is fresh out of law school and about to start working at the largest law rm in the state. On his rst day, Baylor gets red so he takes a job at a small ambulance-chasing rm that works out of a former taco joint. Rudy’s rst big case pits him against the big, fancy law rm that let him go — and his girlfriend who still works there.

VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

bands of the 2000s — 20 years after the fact. On Friday, they will release a new album “Private Music.” And they sound as tight as ever.

SERIES TO STREAM

The Knox trial gets dramatized in a Hulu series called “The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox.” Knox is an executive producer on the project, as is Monica Lewinsky. Grace Van Patten stars as the study abroad student in Italy who nds herself in prison for murdering her housemate, Meredith Kercher. The case becomes a media sensation and Knox is called Foxy Knoxy — among other things — by the tabloids. The series also shares more of the story

You don’t see many surfboards in video games — most virtual riders would rather pick up a skateboard or snowboard. The “hoversword” at the heart of Sword of the Sea pushes back at that bias by combining all three. It throws in the ability to surf on sand, which is helpful given that your world is essentially one big desert. Your character, the Wraith, is exploring ancient ruins in search of long-lost artifacts. Master the right techniques and you get to surf on actual water. Publisher Giant Squid is led by Matt Nava, who was the art director on the 2012 indie classic Journey, and Sword of the Sea shares that game’s meditative vibe. Hang 10 on PlayStation 5 or PC.

School is in session

Forsyth County Sheri ’s deputies were at Ward Elementary School last week to welcome kids and parents on the rst day of the 2025-26 school year.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

First domino in national redistricting ght likely to fall with Texas GOP poised for vote on maps

Texas’ Republican-led legislature is expected to approve new congressional maps that add ve new House seats that the GOP could win. The extraordinary move expected Wednesday comes at President Donald Trump’s urging. Trump wants to stave o Republicans losing control of the House of Representatives in next year’s midterms. Texas Democratic state lawmakers delayed the vote by eeing the state, but enough returned this week for the body to reconvene. The GOP House speaker assigned around-the- clock police monitors to Democrats to make sure they don’t ee again.

Gabbard revokes security clearances of 37 current, former government o cials

The Trump administration says it’s revoking the security clearances of 37 current and former national security o cials. A memo posted Tuesday by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard accused the targeted o cials of having engaged in the “politicization or weaponization of intelligence” to advance partisan goals. It also accuses them of failing to safeguard classi ed information. The action re ects the president’s continued distrust of career intelligence o cials he has long seen as working against the nation’s interests.

Forsyth commissioners approve $8.6M allocation for school debt

The money will be used to pay what WSFCS’s owes to the state

By Ryan Henkel Twin City Herald

WINSTON-SALEM — The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners approved the allocation of funds to help pay o Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools’ state debt. The WSFCS Board of Education made a request to the county for the appropriation of approximately $8.6 million in set aside funding. The school district is currently projected to owe the state $11.3 million as part of its 2024 -25 budget shortfall. The current interest on that debt is 1%, however the WSFCS Board of Education will be petitioning the State Board of Education to waive the interest.

“Part of the reason for waiting to send the letter is being able to send a reduced amount that we believe that we’re going

to owe them that might make it more palatable for the State Board of Education to waive the 1% interest,” said Interim Superintendent Catty Moore.

The request to the county is two-fold, partly asking for appropriations from the district’s capital maintenance program and from earned interest from the 2023 general obligation two-third bonds.

“Essentially, it’s a reallocation of funds and using additional funding in order to repay outstanding debts from scal year ’25,” said Assistant CFO Lee Plunkett.

The rst request was for around $3.9 million in funding previously allocated and held by the county for capital maintenance needs.

“Each year, you as a board have adopted a general fund budget that includes $1.735 million that is sent to the capital project ordinance that funds the school’s capital maintenance program,” Plunkett said. “The schools are asking to reallocate only some of the un-

Judge tosses convictions in 2002 killing of NBA star Paul’s grandfather

State attorneys are considering an appeal

The Associated Press

WINSTON-SALEM — A North Carolina trial judge has thrown out the convictions of four men in the 2002 death of basketball star Chris Paul’s grandfather. Now state attorneys are considering their next moves, including an appeal. Superior Court Judge Rob -

ert Broadie vacated and dismissed their convictions late last week following a January hearing in Forsyth County.

Nathaniel Arnold Cauthen, Rayshawn Denard Banner, Christopher Levon Bryant and Jermal Matthew Tolliver had been found guilty in trials in 2004 or 2005 for the killing of Nathaniel Jones. The four were all 14 or 15 years old when they and another teen

“It’s basically dollars that have been budgeted to the school or were a part of the bond issue that would be available for their use.”

Board Chair Don Martin

spent general fund dollars that are sitting in your education capital project ordinance. The $8.5 million in bond proceeds will still be there and used for the capital maintenance program.”

According to Plunkett, since the funds are general fund dollars, there are no restrictions on their use.

The motion to approve that funding appropriation passed 5-2, with Commissioners Gloria Whisenhunt and Richard Linville voting in opposition.

“I will be voting in opposition to this motion because

it’s state driven,” Whisenhunt said. “We’re a county. If we begin paying the state problems, then they have no reason to come and help us. They will assume that the county is going to take care of everything, and it is impossible.

The second request was to appropriate approximately $4.7 million in investment earnings associated with the 2023 general obligation bonds.

“The IRS allows debt service interest on outstanding bonds to be paid with investment earnings on those bonds, as long as it ts under certain parameters,” Plunkett said. “The school’s share of this interest is $4.7 million and the county currently has enough investment earnings that are generated from these same bonds to pay this $4.7 million debt service interest payment and that is over and above the amount that we have set aside for our arbitrage rebate liability.”

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NC updates more than 20,000 voter records, seeks more ID numbers

Some voters have been asked to help complete their records

By Gary D. Robertson The Associated Press

RALEIGH — Voter registration records for more than 20,000 people in North Carolina have been successfully amended thus far in an effort by election o cials to add missing identi cation numbers.

In mid-July, the State Board of Elections began formally an e ort that seeks to resolve a lawsuit led by President Donald Trump’s Justice Department that focused on voter registration records that lacked either a voter’s driver’s license number or the last four digits of their Social Security number. Federal and state laws have directed that election o cials must request this ID information since 2004 of new registrants, but for about a decade the state’s registration form failed to make clear

that voters were supposed to provide it if they had it.

A “Registration Repair Project” supported by the now Republican-controlled state board — ipped from a Democratic majority in the spring — created a public online database with the names of 103,270 registrants the lacking the numerical identi ers. They were asked to provide an ID number through the Division of Motor Vehicles website or by visiting their county election board ofces. County election o cials also have conducted research to update records.

As of Monday, the registrants on the list had fallen 20% to 82,540, an election board news release said.

As planned, the board is now sending letters to those who haven’t already acted and o ered a numerical ID, or have yet to indicate that they have neither a driver’s license nor a Social Security number. The letter recipients are being told they can mail in their ID number with postage-paid return envelopes provided, in addi-

tion to the DMV and in-person options. “It’s quick. It’s easy. It’s free,” board Executive Director Sam Hayes said, adding that taking action now will “avoid any issues the next time they show up to vote.”

People on the list who don’t provide the information will have to vote provisionally the next time they cast a ballot — meaning their ballots may not count in some state and local races without correct ID information. Municipal elections will be held starting next month. The board release said that paper and electronic voter rolls will ag these voters so they vote with a provisional ballot and provide missing information for their ballot to count. The missing numerical IDs led to other complaints and litigation leading to the 2024 elections and played a prominent part in a state Supreme Court race. U.S. attorneys have contended that accurate registration rolls help ensure fair and reliable election results.

20,730

Voters who have successfully updated their records

Many Democrats said these voters are already being scrutinized because they already have to show a photo ID to vote like everyone else.

North Carolina has 7.57 million registered voters and is considered a perpetual battleground state. Close elections could be a ected if registrants cast ballots that ultimately aren’t counted.

Another mailing will go out at a later date to close to 100,000 additional voters whose records also lack the identi ers but will be allowed to continue casting regular ballots because there’s evidence, for example, that they supplied a number or an alternate ID as allowed under the law.

NC, 19 other states sue DOJ to stop new immigration requirements on victim funds

All the state AGs are elected Democrats

By Claudia Lauer and Mike Catalini The Associated Press

A COALITION of attorneys general from 20 states — including North Carolina — and Washington, D.C., is asking a federal judge to stop the U.S. Department of Justice from withholding federal funds earmarked for crime victims if states don’t cooperate with the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement e orts.

The lawsuit led Monday in Rhode Island federal court seeks to block the Justice Department from enforcing conditions that would cut funding to a state or subgrantee if it refuses to honor civil immigration enforcement requests, denies U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement o cers access to facilities or fails to provide advance notice of release dates of individuals possibly wanted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement because of their immigration status.

The lawsuit asks that the conditions be thrown out, arguing that the administration and the agency are overstepping their constitutional and administrative authority.

The lawsuit also argues that the requirements are not permitted or outlined in the Vic-

PAYMENTS from page A1

According to Plunkett, neither funding request would have an impact on the county’s current year fund balance.

tims of Crime Act, known as VOCA, and would interfere with policies created to ensure victims and witnesses report crimes without fear of deportation.

“These people did not ask for this status as a crime victim. They don’t breakdown neatly across partisan lines, but they share one common trait, which is that they’ve su ered an unimaginable trauma,” New Jersey

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said during a video news conference Monday, calling the administration’s threat to withhold funds “the most heinous act” he’s seen in politics.

The federal conditions were placed on VOCA funding, which provides more than a billion dollars annually to states for victims compensation programs and grants that fund victims assistance organizations. VOCA funding comes entirely from nes and penalties in federal court cases, not from tax dollars.

Every state and territory has a victims compensation program that follows federal guidelines, but largely is set up under state law to provide nancial help to crime victims, including medical expense reimbursement, paying for crime scene cleanup, counseling or helping with funeral costs for homicide victims.

VOCA covers the cost of about 75% of state compensation program awards.

The funds are also used to pay for other services, including test-

ing rape kits, funding grants to domestic violence recovery organizations, trauma recovery centers and more.

Advocates and others argue that the system needs to protect victims regardless of their immigration status and ensure that reporting a crime does not lead to deportation threats. They also say that marginalized communities, such as newly arrived immigrants, are more likely to be crime targets.

“The federal government is attempting to use crime victim funds as a bargaining chip to force states into doing its bidding on immigration enforcement,” New York Attorney General Letitia James, who also joined the lawsuit, said in a statement Monday. “These grants were created to help survivors heal and recover, and we will ght to ensure they continue to serve that purpose. … We will not be bullied into abandoning any of our residents.”

The Associated Press left a message seeking comment from a DOJ spokesperson Monday afternoon.

President Donald Trump’s administration has sought to withhold or pull back other federal funding or grant funding midstream, saying awardees and programs no longer agree with its priorities. In April, it canceled about $800 million in DOJ grants, some of which were awarded to victims service and survivor organizations.

the bond issue that would be available for their use. If nothing happened, nothing would change either. Making this happen impacts our budget as if nothing happened.”

The second motion passed 4-3, with Commissioner Gray Wilson joining in with Whisenhunt and Linville in opposition. “In my view, it’s not giving money away,” said Board Chair Don Martin. “It’s basically dollars that have been budgeted to the school or were a part of

According to County Manager Shontell Robinson, the payments will be required to be paid to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. County Attorney Gordon Watkins further clari ed that the commission would have the authority to o set future pay-

ments to the school system if the money was spent on anything else. Commissioner Dan Besse also clari ed to the community that the funds are not going to change the drastic reduction in force that was announced by the school district earlier this month. “The tragic cutbacks that were announced earlier this week by the superintendent and the board of education will not be a ected by this request,”

And in June, states led a lawsuit over added requirements in Violence Against Women Act funding that mandated applicants agree not to promote “gender ideology,” or run diversity, equity and inclusion programs or prioritize people in the country illegally.

Several attorneys general said the VOCA conditions appear to be another way the administration is targeting so-called sanctuary jurisdictions that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities, though there is no clear de nition of what a sanctuary state or city is.

The Trump administration earlier this month released an updated list of states, cities and counties it considers sanctuary jurisdictions. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said in the August announcement that the department would “continue bringing litigation against sanctuary jurisdictions and work closely with the Department of Homeland Security to eradicate these harmful policies around the country.”

As of Monday afternoon attorneys general from California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin — all Democrats — had signed on to the lawsuit.

Besse said. “None of this funding would go to change any of that. We are not under a time action limitation associated with the cutbacks that have been announced. All of those are in response to reduction in revenue from other sources for ongoing operational budgets of the school. None of this money would go to reverse any of those cuts. Not a dollar.”

The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners will next meet Aug. 28. THURSDAY

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

Trump’s biggest immigration win yet

For decades, many Democrats and some Republicans have presented amnesty as the only way to solve the country’s broken immigration system.

SOLVING AMERICA’S illegal immigration crisis didn’t require amnesty — just better leadership.

Last week, the Center for Immigration Studies released a study showing America’s foreign-born population dropped by 2.2 million from January to July. While the number of naturalized U.S. citizens increased, there was a staggering 1.6 million-person drop among illegal immigrants. CIS estimated that this represented a 10% decline in the country’s illegal immigrant population.

While determining the number of illegal immigrants always requires estimation, this drop is supported by anecdotal evidence.

“Nurse in US for 40 years self-deports,” a recent Newsweek headline reads.

“Lansing man self deporting to Kenya after 16 years in America,” WILX, a Michigan TV station, recently reported.

In April, the LA Times wrote, “More immigrants opt to self-deport rather than risk being marched out like criminals.”

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said some foreign leaders have also told her this is happening.

“Over and over again, I’m hearing that hundreds of thousands of their citizens are coming home, voluntarily,” she said.

For decades, many Democrats and some Republicans have presented amnesty as the only way to solve the country’s broken immigration

system. The Trump administration has taken a lot of ak for trying a di erent approach. It’s o ering $1,000 to illegal immigrants who leave voluntarily. It’s ning illegal immigrants who stay, ramping up arrests and sending some illegals to third countries or Alligator Alcatraz. Like everyone else, illegal immigrants respond to incentives. This mix of carrots and sticks is working. The Trump administration has also closed the southern border.

A decrease in illegal immigration is great news for most Americans. It will increase wages for low-skill Americans. It will put downward pressure on housing prices. It will reduce crime. It will lower the amount of money Americans spend supporting illegal immigrants.

But it’s terrible news for the Democratic Party — especially if this drop continues. If the country didn’t have any illegal immigrants, Democrats would have less political power.

That’s not a claim about illegal immigrants voting in elections, although that does happen. It’s about the census. Every 10 years, the federal government counts how many people are living in the country. Congressional seats are divvied out to states based on those population numbers, which includes both legal and illegal immigrants.

In other words, states with large numbers of illegal immigrants receive extra Congressional seats — and Electoral College votes. That list includes blue states like California and New York, but also red states like Florida and Texas.

Evidence suggests blue states bene t more from this than red states.

Another advantage comes in the making of congressional and legislative districts, which are supposed to have a similar number of people. Note: That’s a similar number of residents, not citizens. Illegal immigrants tend to congregate in blue cities. This allows the creation of more districts in deep blue areas. This is one reason that Republican districts in Nevada tend to have more registered voters.

It’s unlikely that President Donald Trump’s new census excluding illegals will happen anytime soon, but if it did, Democrats would be in signi cant trouble.

Democrats’ desperate ght against Trump’s deportation e orts has a downside. The New York Times recently interviewed swing voters, including Desmond Smith, a young black man from Mississippi. He backed former President Joe Biden in 2020 and Trump in 2024. Asked how Democrats could appeal to him, he said, “Fight for Americans instead of ghting for everybody else.”

That should be a no-brainer, but for the reasons described above, it’s a tough option for Democrats.

Trump keeps winning on immigration policy and immigration politics.

Victor Joecks is a columnist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Why I support returning to traditional elections

Rankedchoice voting was pitched as a reform to solve a problem that, frankly, didn’t exist in Alaska.

IN RECENT YEARS, we’ve seen several changes to our state’s election system, including the adoption of ranked-choice voting (RCV) following the passage of Ballot Measure 2 in 2020. I want to speak plainly with you today about where I stand on this issue and why I believe Alaska should return to the traditional method of voting that served our state well for decades.

Let me start by acknowledging a simple fact: I have been elected governor under both systems. I won under the traditional voting method in 2018 and again under ranked-choice voting in 2022. So my position on this issue is not about political gain or loss. It is about trust, clarity and con dence in our electoral process.

Ranked-choice voting was pitched as a reform to solve a problem that, frankly, didn’t exist in Alaska. We were told it would reduce partisanship, promote consensus candidates and make elections more fair. In reality, what we got was a system that confused voters, made outcomes less transparent, and created deep concerns about how votes are tabulated and who ultimately decides an election.

When I talk with Alaskans, whether in urban Anchorage, on the Kenai or in rural communities from Bethel to Kotzebue, the message I hear time and again is the same: Ranked-choice voting is complicated, and many people don’t trust it. That’s not just a perception problem; it’s a legitimacy problem. For any election system to work, voters must understand how it functions and believe in its fairness. RCV fails on both counts.

Here’s how. Under the traditional method, you vote for the candidate you support. The candidate with the most votes wins. It’s simple, straightforward and easy to understand. But under ranked-choice voting, you’re asked to rank candidates in order of preference: rst, second, third and so on. If no candidate gets a majority of rst-choice votes, a computerized process kicks in, redistributing ballots according to preferences until someone gets over 50%. While this may sound neat in theory, in practice, it’s left many Alaskans scratching their heads.

In some cases, the candidate who receives the most rst-choice votes doesn’t win. That undermines a basic sense of fairness. In other cases, ballots are “exhausted” because voters didn’t rank every candidate. That means those votes are discarded in later rounds of counting, e ectively silencing the voter. And because the nal tally depends on a computer-run algorithm, we lose the immediacy and transparency of watching precincts report on election night.

To be clear, the concern here is not about technology itself; it’s about trust. People want to see the vote counted in a way they can understand. They want to be able to explain the result to their friends and neighbors without needing a owchart or a computer science degree. That’s the kind of clarity that strengthens democracy. Ranked-choice voting moves us in the opposite direction.

We are one of only two states, along with Maine, that currently use ranked-choice voting in statewide elections. If this were such an e ective and bene cial reform, why haven’t other states adopted it? Why haven’t we

Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks at Joint Base ElmendorfRichardson, Sept. 11, 2023, in Anchorage, Alaska.

seen a groundswell of support from legislatures or voters elsewhere?

The opposite has happened: 17 states have banned it. The truth is, most Americans — and most Alaskans — prefer a system they can understand and trust.

We should never make our elections more complicated than they need to be. Let’s remember what elections are fundamentally about: expressing the will of the people. That requires clarity, con dence and transparency. The traditional voting system delivered that for decades in Alaska.

Ranked-choice voting has not. It is time to bring back a system that puts the voter rst. One person, one vote. The candidate with the most votes wins. That’s how our democracy was designed to work. That’s how Alaskans expect it to work. And that’s the system I will support going forward.

I trust the good judgment of the people of Alaska. I believe when given the chance, we will return to a system that is fair, understandable and grounded in trust. Let’s put the power of elections back where it belongs: in your hands, not in the hands of a computer algorithm.

Mike Dunleavy is governor of Alaska and writes in his personal capacity. This article was originally published by Daily Caller News Foundation.

States rethink long-held practice of setting speed limits based on how fast drivers travel

Limits have traditionally been the 85th percentile of vehicle speeds

By Je McMurray

The Associated Press

ROSE HAMMOND pushed authorities for years to lower the 55 mph speed limit on a two-lane road that passes her assisted living community, a church, two schools and a busy park that hosts numerous youth sports leagues.

“What are you waiting for, somebody to get killed?” the 85-year-old chided o cials in northwest Ohio, complaining that nothing was being done about the motorcycles that race by almost daily.

Amid growing public pressure, Sylvania Township asked county engineers in March to analyze whether Mitchaw Road’s posted speed is too high. The surprising answer: Technically, it’s 5 mph too low.

The reason dates back to studies on rural roads from the 1930s and 1940s that still play an outsized role in the way speed limits are set across the U.S. — even in urban areas.

Born from that research was a widely accepted concept known as the 85% rule, which suggests a road’s posted speed should be tied to the 15th-fastest vehicle out of every 100 traveling it in free- owing tra c, rounded to the nearest 5 mph increment.

But after decades of closely following the rule, some states — with a nudge from the federal government — are seeking to modify if not replace it when setting guidelines for how local engineers should decide what speed limit to post.

Drivers set the speed

The concept assumes that a road’s safest speed is the one most vehicles travel — neither too high nor too low. If drivers think the speed limit should be raised, they can simply step on the gas and “vote with their feet,” as an old brochure from the Institute of Transportation Engineers once put it.

“The problem with this approach is it creates this feedback loop,” said Jenny O’Connell, director of member programs for the National Association of City Transportation O cials. “Peo -

ple speed, and then the speed limits will be ratcheted up to match that speed.”

The association developed an alternative to the 85% rule known as “City Limits,” which aims to minimize the risk of injuries for all road users by setting the speed limit based on a formula that factors in a street’s activity level and the likelihood of con icts, such as collisions.

The report points out the 85% rule is based on dated research and that “these historic roads are a far cry from the vibrant streets and arterials that typify city streets today.”

Amid a recent spike in road deaths across the country, the Federal Highway Administration sent a subtle but important message to states that the 85% rule isn’t actually a rule at all and was carrying too much weight in determining local speed limits. In its rst update since 2009 to a manual that establishes national guidelines for tra c signs, the agency claried that communities should also consider such things as how the road is used, the risk to pedestrians, and the frequency of crashes.

Leah Shahum, who directs the Vision Zero Network, a nonpro t advocating for street safety, said she wishes the manual had gone further in downplaying the 85% rule but acknowledges the change has already impacted the way some states set speed limits. Others, howev-

er, are still clinging to the simplicity and familiarity of the longstanding approach, she said.

“The 85th percentile should not be the Holy Grail or the Bible, and yet over and over again it is accepted as that,” Shahum said.

Rethinking the need for speed

Under its “20 is Plenty” campaign, the Wisconsin capital of Madison has been changing signs across the city this summer, lowering the speed limit from 25 mph to 20 mph on local residential streets.

When Seattle took a similar step in a pilot program seven years ago, not only did it see a noticeable decline in serious injury crashes but also a 7% drop in the 85th percentile speed, according to the Vision Zero Network. California embraces the 85% rule even more than most states as its basis for setting speed limits. But legislators have loosened the restrictions on local governments a bit in recent years, allowing them to depart from the guidelines if they can cite a proven safety need. Advocates for pedestrians and bicyclists say the change helps, but is not enough.

“We still have a long way to go in California in terms of putting value on all road users,” said Kendra Ramsey, executive

“The problem with this approach is it creates this feedback loop. People speed, and then the speed limits will be ratcheted up to match that speed.”

Jenny O’Connell, National Association of City Transportation O cials

director of the California Bicycle Coalition. “There’s still a very heavy mindset that automobiles are the primary method of travel and they should be given priority and reverence.”

But Jay Beeber, executive director for policy at the National Motorists Association, an advocacy organization for drivers, said following the 85% rule is usually the safest way to minimize the variation in speed between drivers who abide by the posted limit and those who far exceed it.

“It doesn’t really matter what number you put on a sign,” Beeber said. “The average driver drives the nature of the roadway. It would be patently unfair for a government to build a road to encourage people to drive 45 mph, put a 30 mph speed limit on it, and then ticket everyone for doing what they built the road to do.”

80 is the new 55

Fears about oil prices prompted Congress in the 1970s to set a 55 mph national maximum speed limit, which it later relaxed to 65 mph before repealing the law in 1995 and handing the authority to states. Since then, speed limits have kept climbing, with North Dakota this summer becoming the ninth state to allow drivers to go 80 mph on some stretches of highway. There’s even a 40-mile segment in Texas between Austin and San Antonio where 85 mph is allowed. Although high-speed freeways outside major population centers aren’t the focus of most e orts to ease the 85% rule, a 2019 study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety — a research arm funded by auto insurers — illustrates the risks. Every 5 mph increase to

a state’s maximum speed limit increases the chance of fatalities by 8.5% on interstate highways and 2.8% on other roads, the study found.

“Maybe back when you were driving a Model T you had a real feel for how fast you were going, but in modern vehicles you don’t have a sense of what 80 mph is. You’re in a cocoon,” said Chuck Farmer, the institute’s vice president for research, who conducted the study.

A town’s attempt at change If elected o cials in Sylvania Township, Ohio, got their way, Mitchaw Road’s posted speed limit would be cut dramatically — from 55 mph to 40 mph or lower. The county’s nding that the 85% rule actually calls for raising it to 60 mph surprised the town’s leaders, but not the engineers who ran the study.

“If we don’t make decisions based on data, it’s very di cult to make good decisions,” Lucas County Engineer Mike Pniewski said.

For now, the speed limit will remain as it is. That’s because Ohio law sets maximum speeds for 15 di erent types of roadways, regardless of what the 85% rule suggests.

And Ohio’s guidelines are evolving. The state now gives more consideration to roadway context and allows cities to reduce speed limits based on the lower standard of the 50th percentile speed when there’s a large presence of pedestrians and bicyclists. Authorities there recently hired a consultant to consider additional modi cations based on what other states are doing.

“States have very slowly started to move away from the 85th percentile as being kind of the gold standard for decision-making,” said Michelle May, who manages Ohio’s highway safety program. “People are traveling and living di erently than they did 40 years ago, and we want to put safety more at the focus.”

It’s unclear whether any of these changes will ultimately impact the posted speed on Mitchaw Road. After years of futile calls and emails to state, county and township o cials, Hammond says she isn’t holding her breath.

“I just get so discouraged,” she said.

Forsyth SPORTS

Breaking down some top- ight players on teams likely to be bad

Two ACC players make the list of diamonds in the rough

By Steve Megargee

The Associated Press

ISAAC SMITH KNOWS

what drew him to Mississippi State and why he has remained there.

“There’s no distractions in Starkville,” the junior safety told reporters during Southeastern Conference media days. “Small town. Real pretty community. The people are awesome. I fell in love with it, and I’m still in love with it and will forever always be in love with it.”

Smith’s 127 tackles last season led the Southeastern Conference and tied him for seventh place among all Football Bowl Subdivision players, production that hasn’t translated to team success. Mississippi State has gone 7-17 overall and 1-15 in SEC competition during Smith’s two seasons.

That makes Smith a natural candidate to head our list of good players on teams that gure to struggle this season, even though he believes Mississippi State has what it takes to turn things around. He considers Mississippi State a blue-collar program that values hard work.

“I love the fact that’s Mississippi State’s been all about that, just working hard and going to prove something that maybe people don’t think you can do,” Smith said.

Mississippi State’s chances of being more competitive this season depend on whether Smith can help upgrade a defense that allowed 34.1 points per game last season. Texas Tech, Oklahoma State and Purdue were the only Power Four teams to give up more points per game.

move to the FBS ranks while trying to help New Mexico produce its rst winning season since 2016.

Purdue RB Devin Mockobee

The small-town, home-stater started at Purdue as a walkon but earned a scholarship by helping Purdue win the 2022 Big Ten West Division crown. Purdue has struggled since — going 4-8 in 2023 and 1-11 in 2024 — but Mockobee has remained productive. His 2,466 yards rushing rank him seventh on Purdue’s all-time list.

Southern Mississippi

CB Josh Moten

Moten transferred to Southern Miss after intercepting ve passes for Marshall last season to tie for fourth place among all Bowl Subdivision players. Southern Miss went 1-11 last year and has won more than three games just once over the past ve seasons.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Aiden Bernardino

Wake Forest RB Demond Claiborne

Claiborne rushed for 1,049 yards and 11 touchdowns last year for a Wake Forest team that nished 4-8 for a second straight season. He rushed for at least 113 yards against North Carolina A&T, NC State, Stanford and Cal. Claiborne also had 23 catches for 254 yards and two more scores. The ACC preseason media poll forecasts Wake Forest to nish 16th out of 17 teams, ahead of only Stanford.

New Mexico RB Scottre Humphrey

After helping Montana State reach the Football Championship Subdivision title game last year, Humphrey makes the

Northwestern OT Caleb Tiernan

Northwestern went 4-8 in 2024 for its third losing season in the last four years, but the Wildcats have a quality left tackle in Tiernan. He has started 30 games over the last three seasons.

Cal LB Cade Uluave

After being named the Pac-12’s freshman defensive player of the year by the league’s coaches in 2023, Uluave collected 71 tackles while playing nine games for the Golden Bears last season. Cal went 5-7 last year for its fth straight losing season, and it’s picked to nish 15th in the ACC this year.

Glenn, boys’ soccer

Aiden Bernardino is a senior mid elder/ defender on the Glenn boys’ soccer team.

The Bobcats are o to a 3-0 start this year, outscoring foes by a 23-1 margin. Bernardino has scored in all three games, with two goals and three assists in the opener against CDHS, two more in the rematch, and a goal and assist against Wheatmore.

He currently ranks eighth in the state in scoring, 12th in goals and ninth in assists.

Dillon makes NASCAR Cup playo s with redemptive victory

The Richard Childress Racing driver overcame a broken rib to end his 37-race winless streak

The Associated Press

RICHMOND, Va. — Austin Dillon was hurting mentally and physically when he arrived at Richmond Raceway. He found the cure for what ailed him in Victory Lane.

Racing with a broken rib and some wounded pride, Dillon locked into the Cup Series playo s with a clean run to his second consecutive victory on the 0.75-mile oval.

It was a redemptive triumph for the Richard Childress Racing driver, whose championship eligibility was revoked by NASCAR last year after he wrecked Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin on the nal lap to win at Richmond.

After missing the playo s and enduring criticism from Logano, Hamlin and others who accused him of racing dirty, he went through a 37-race winless stretch before breaking through at Richmond with his rst top ve of the season.

“Man, that feels good,” said Dillon, whose previous best nish had been a seventh at Texas Motor Speedway in May. “I really wanted that one. Last year hurt really bad just going through the whole process of it, but this one feels so sweet. Man, I love Richmond.”

He revealed after his sixth career victory that he also had raced with the rib injury the past three weeks since falling o a ladder before the Aug. 3 race at Iowa Speedway.

“I was thrown down a lot this week and didn’t feel great,” he said.

He shrugged o the pain to outduel Ryan Blaney over the nal 100 laps, seizing control with a shrewd strategy call to pit his No. 3 Chevrolet four

laps earlier than the Team Penske driver’s No. 12 Ford. Dillon, who led 107 of 400 laps, won by 2.471 seconds over Alex Bowman. Blaney faded to third, followed by Joey Logano and Austin Cindric. Dillon became the 14th race winner to lock into the 16-driver eld for the Cup playo s, which are contested over thenal 10 races of the season. The regular season will conclude next Saturday night at Daytona, where the nal two playo drivers will be con rmed — and at least one will qualify through the points standings.

“Man, that feels good. I really wanted that one.”

Austin Dillon

Tyler Reddick and Bowman are in the nal two provisional spots on points, but either could be eliminated if another new winner emerges at Daytona (which has happened twice in the last three years).

“Really stressful on a lot of fronts,” Bowman said. “I think with the way that race normal-

ly goes, it’s about a must-win at that point because I think you’re most likely going to have a new winner. Just need to go execute and try to win the race.

That’s all we can really do.” Streak over

After a consistent start to his season, Chase Elliott is in a slump heading into the playo s. The 2020 Cup champion nished last at Richmond and failed to nish for the rst time since last October at Las Vegas Motor Speedway 27 races ago. Elliott nearly had cleared the

pileup on the 198th lap when he was tagged in the right rear by Kyle Busch.

“I think Kyle just didn’t know that we were trying to squeeze by the wreck on the bottom,” Elliott said. “We had a good start to the night, and it just slowly unraveled until it nally fell apart. Hopefully, we get on a better stretch starting next week.”

Since brie y taking the points lead after his June 28 win at Atlanta, the seven-time Most Popular Driver has nished outside the top 10 in ve of seven races.

SIDELINE REPORT

NCAA FOOTBALL

Harbaugh refuses to comment after NCAA levies heavy penalties on Michigan

Los Angeles

Jim Harbaugh is refusing to comment on the NCAA’s decision to ne the University of Michigan tens of millions of dollars and to suspend head coach Sherrone Moore for a third game due to the sign-stealing scandal that occurred during Harbaugh’s tenure at his alma mater. Harbaugh stayed mum on the Wolverines following his Los Angeles Chargers’ 23-22 preseason loss to the Rams for his rst interaction with the media since the NCAA’s rulings were announced. The NCAA sharply criticized Harbaugh’s stewardship when it announced the sanctions.

NFL

“End Racism,” “Choose Love” returning to NFL end zones

The NFL is continuing its on- eld social justice messaging for a sixth straight season. The Associated Press learned that all 32 teams will feature an end zone message at each home game throughout the season. They will select from four options, including “End Racism,” “Stop Hate,” “Choose Love” or “Inspire Change.” Once again, “It Takes All of Us” will be stenciled in the opposite end zone for all games. The only change from 2024 is that “Inspire Change” replaces “Vote.”

FBS doesn’t have lock on talent

Bryce Lance and WCU’s Taron Dickens head list on non-FBS

stars

By Steve Megargee The Associated Press

BRYCE LANCE COULD

have cited plenty of reasons had he chosen to leave North Dakota State for a Bowl Subdivision program for his senior season.

Lance decided he had more a compelling case to stick around.

After helping North Dakota State win a national title while catching 17 touchdown passes to lead all Championship Subdivision players, Lance believed he still had more to o er at the FCS level. He heads our list of players to watch from outside the FBS programs.

“Honestly, the thing that kept me here was my teammates,”

said Lance, the younger brother of Los Angeles Chargers quarterback and former North Dakota State star Trey Lance. “I always say you’ve got your whole life to make money. There’s no amount of money that would make me not want to nish my senior year with my brothers. That was the big thing — my teammates.”

Lance redshirted in 2021 and totaled one catch from 2022-23 before breaking out in a big way last year. The 6-foot-3 wideout caught 75 passes for 1,071 yards. His 17 touchdown receptions tied a Missouri Valley Conference record, and seven of them came in four playo games. He caught six passes for 125 yards and three touchdowns in a 28-21 semi nal victory over South Dakota State. He followed that up by compiling nine receptions for 107 yards and a touchdown as North Dakota State beat Montana State 3532 in the nal, giving the Bison their 10th title in 14 years.

Western Carolina QB Taron Dickens

Dickens only started four games as a redshirt freshman last season after taking over for the injured Cole Gonzales,

but his performance during that stretch makes it enticing to wonder what’s next. He nished the season having completed 73.8% of his passes for 1,428 yards with 12 touchdowns and three interceptions. He threw for more than 400 yards in two of his four starts — a 38-34 victory over Chattanooga and a 47-42 triumph at Samford.

Southern DE Ckelby Givens

Givens had an FCS-leading 27½ tackles for loss last season to go along with 12 sacks and three forced fumbles. He tied for sixth place in voting for the Buck Buchanan Award given to the top FCS defensive player. Givens had 21 tackles for loss, seven sacks and four forced fumbles in 2023.

William & Mary CB Jalen Jones

This 6-foot defensive back had 22 passes defended, 1.8

400-yard passing games in four starts by Western Carolina’s

passes defended per game and 20 pass breakups last year to lead the FCS in all three categories. He was an Associated Press All-America rst-team selection.

Rhode Island LB A.J. Pena

Pena had 82 overall tackles, 22½ tackles for loss and 12½ sacks last season to earn AP All-America rst-team honors. Pena nished 13th in the voting for the Buck Buchanan Award. He has totaled 44 ½ tackles for loss and 27 sacks over his three-year career.

Robertson led FCS players in total yards passing (3,937) and yards passing per game (328.1) last season. He nished sixth in the voting for the Walter Payton Award, given annually to the top FCS o ensive player. Robertson completed 65% of his attempts and threw 31 touchdown passes with only six interceptions. He had thrown for 2,897 yards and 25 touchdowns with Maine in 2023. Incarnate Word WR Jalen Walthall

Walthall caught 85 passes for 1,290 yards and 14 touchdowns last season as an AP All-America rst-team selection. He ranked third among all FCS players in yards receiving. The 6-2 receiver was at Hawaii from 2021-23 before transferring to Incarnate Word.

Prince Harry, Meghan extend Net ix partnership

The couple stepped back as senior members of the royal family in 2020

By Itzel Luna The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — Prince Harry and Meghan have extended their partnership with Net ix and their media company, Archewell Productions with a multiyear, rst-look deal, the couple announced last Monday. Archewell began collaborating with the streaming giant in 2020 and have produced a handful of documentary content, including the popular “Harry & Meghan.” The Duchess of Sussex also developed a lifestyle brand, As Ever, in partnership with Net ix.

The collaboration has also produced the documentary series’ “Polo,” “Heart of Invictus” and “Live to Lead.”

“My husband and I feel inspired by our partners who work closely with us and our Archewell Productions team to create thoughtful content across genres that resonates globally, and celebrates our shared vision,” Meghan said in a statement.

The couple and Net ix also announced upcoming collaborations, including a second season of, “With Love, Meghan,” a lifestyle and cooking show starring the duchess. The show will also receive a special holiday episode in December.

The show is Net ix’s most-watched culinary show since its March release, according to the company. It ranked low compared to other releases in the rst half of this year, with 5.3 million views, according to Net ix’s semiannual report.

“Masaka Kids, A Rhythm Within,” a documentary short lm that centers on a small orphanage in Uganda’s Masaka region, is also set to release this year. Archewell is also in production with Net ix on a fea-

In their latest move to expand business and media projects in the U.S., Britain’s Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, have extended a multiyear deal with Net ix.

ture adaptation of Carley Fortune’s novel “Meet Me at the Lake.” The drama “follows a decade-spanning love story that begins with a chance encounter and a broken promise,” the statement read.

“Harry and Meghan are inuential voices whose stories resonate with audiences everywhere. The response to their work speaks for itself,” Bela Bajaria, Net ix’s chief content ocer, said in a statement. Their extended deal with Net ix is the latest in the couple’s yearslong e ort to develop business ventures in the United States. They had also penned a multiyear deal with Spotify in 2020 and produced a podcast,

“Archetypes,” but cut ties with the company in 2023. The couple have been detangling their lives from the British royal family and are living in California with their two young children.

the stream

O set, John Cena, John Grisham’s ‘Rainmaker’ gets TV adaptation

Jussie Smollett’s alleged attack is unpacked on Net ix

The Associated Press

MIGOS RAPPER OFFSET releasing his third solo album and Samara Weaving playing a reformed getaway driver in the heist thriller “Eenie Meanie” are some of the new television, lms, music and games headed to a device near you.

Also, among the streaming offerings worth your time: An adaptation of John Grisham’s “The Rainmaker” hits Peacock, John Cena stars as a awed superhero in season 2 of “The Peacemaker” and the Amanda Knox trial in Italy gets dramatized in a Hulu series.

MOVIES TO STREAM

Weaving plays a reformed getaway driver who gets pulled back in to save a problematic ex-boyfriend in “Eenie Meanie,” a new heist thriller streaming on Hulu on Friday. Karl Glusman plays the pathetic ex in this intriguing ensemble that includes Steve Zahn, Andy Garcia, Randall Park and Marshawn Lynch. “Deadpool” writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick produced the lm, which is the directorial debut of writer-director Shawn Simmons.

Remember the strange Smollett saga that began back in January 2019 when the “Empire” actor told police that two men assaulted him in an apparent hate crime which investigators began to believe was a hoax? It’s the subject of a new Net ix documentary “The Truth About Jussie Smollett?” streaming on Friday. The ordeal stretched on for years and in November the Illinois Supreme Court overturned Smollett’s conviction on charges of staging a racist and homophobic attack against himself in 2019 and lying to Chicago police. The trailer for the doc, which includes interviews with journalists, lawyers, investigators and law enforcement, teases a new sit-down interview with Smollett himself. Swedish lmmaker Lasse Hallström takes audiences on a romantic journey through Europe with an American girl (Madelyn Cline) and a New Zealander (KJ Apa) in “The Map That Leads to You,” streaming on Prime Video. It’s based on

the 2017 J.P. Monninger novel.

MUSIC TO STREAM

On Friday, Migos rapper Oset will release his third solo album, “Kiari.” The title is his legal name — a direct re ection of the album he described to The Associated Press earlier this month as “a look in the mirror.” He said it’s a collection of “different versions of O set, which comes from Kiari. … I’m always trying to rebrand and recreate.” Start with “Bodies,” a red-hot collaboration that marries Oset’s melodic, aggressive ow and the dexterous lyricist JID atop a sample of nu-metal band Drowning Pool’s 2001 cut “Bodies.” It’s become a 2025 Billboard Hot 100 hit for a reason. Who would’ve thought, nearly 40 years after their formation, that the California shoegaze-y nu-metal band Deftones would become more popular than ever before? They’ve found new and nostalgic audiences online and have quickly become recognized as one of the most in uential bands of the 2000s — 20 years after the fact. On Friday, they will release a new album “Private Music.” And they sound as tight as ever.

SERIES TO STREAM

The Knox trial gets dramatized in a Hulu series called “The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox.” Knox is an executive producer on the project, as is Monica Lewinsky. Grace Van Patten stars as the study abroad student in Italy who nds herself in prison for murdering her housemate, Meredith Kercher. The case becomes a media sensation and Knox is called Foxy Knoxy — among other things — by the tabloids. The series also shares more of the story of Ra aele Sollecito, Knox’s boyfriend at the time, who was also convicted of the murder. Both had their sentences thrown out by Italy’s highest court in 2015. We also see Knox’s di culty adjusting to regular life after she returns to the States. The eight-episode series is streaming now. Cena stars as a awed superhero in Season 2 of “The Peacemaker” arriving on HBO Max on Thursday. It’s the rst release of a DC Comics story after “Superman “ ew into theaters earlier this summer. James Gunn, who is co-chairman and CEO of DC Studios, directed “Super-

man” and is the showrunner of “The Peacemaker.” A new Prime Video docuseries called “The Home Team: NY Jets” followed six Jets players and their partners for the 2024-2025 NFL season. We see the home life of these pros

“I’m always trying to rebrand and recreate.”

as they also juggle the demands of the sport. The lmmakers also made the documentary “Kelce” about former Philadelphia Eagles player Jason Kelce in his 2022 season. It debuts Thursday.

An adaptation of Grisham’s “The Rainmaker” hits Peacock on Friday. The legal thriller is airing on the USA Network, and the streamer drops each episode a week later. Milo Callaghan plays Rudy Baylor, who is fresh out of law school and about to start working at the largest law rm in the state. On his rst day, Baylor gets red so he takes a job at a small ambulance-chasing rm that works out of a former taco joint. Rudy’s rst big case

pits him against the big, fancy law rm that let him go — and his girlfriend who still works there.

VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

You don’t see many surfboards in video games — most virtual riders would rather pick up a skateboard or snowboard. The “hoversword” at the heart of Sword of the Sea pushes back at that bias by combining all three. It throws in the ability to surf on sand, which is helpful given that your world is essentially one big desert. Your character, the Wraith, is exploring ancient ruins in search of longlost artifacts. Master the right techniques and you get to surf on actual water. Publisher Giant Squid is led by Matt Nava, who was the art director on the 2012 indie classic Journey, and Sword of the Sea shares that game’s meditative vibe. Hang

or PC.

on

STATE & NATION

Democrats look to new crop of candidates to win back US House

In Trump country, the party is recruiting locals who are less “academic”

By Joey Cappellitti

The Associated Press

FAIRVIEW — Jamie Ager has spent much of the past year rebuilding his farm in the foothills of western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene tore through the region, cutting power, destroying fences and scattering livestock.

Then earlier this year, Ager lost his beef contract with local schools, a casualty of billions of dollars in cuts to the U.S. Department of Agriculture under the Trump administration.

Now the fth-generation farmer is running for Congress — part of a new crop of Democratic candidates the party is turning to as it tries to compete in the tough, often rural districts it may need to ip to retake the U.S. House in 2026.

Democrats say these new recruits are uniquely suited to break through in districts where President Donald Trump’s popularity dominates. Many, like Ager, are already a well-known presence in their communities. And in parts of North Carolina, Kentucky, Michigan and elsewhere, the party is betting local credibility can cut through skepticism where the Democratic brand has fallen.

Ager said he sees national Democrats as out of touch with rural life: too “academic” and “politically correct and scripted.”

“That’s just not what people are interested in,” he said. “The ideas of helping poor people, being neighborly, the ideal of doing those things, I think, are worthy, good ideas that are actually popular. But the execu-

tion of a lot of those ideas has been gummed up, you know, not well executed.”

A shifting House map

Heading into next year’s midterms, Democrats believe momentum is on their side. Historically, the president’s party loses ground in the midterms. In 2018, during Trump’s rst term, Democrats ipped 41 seats to take control of the House. Republicans currently control the House by such a slim margin that Democrats need to pick up only a few seats to break the GOP’s hold on Washington.

The Republican-led tax break and spending cut bill has added to Democrats’ optimism. About two-thirds of U.S. adults expect the new law will help the rich, according to a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public A airs Research. About half say it’ll do more harm than good for middle-class people and people like them.

Still, Republicans remain con dent. They point to having fewer vulnerable seats than Democrats have this cycle. Only three Republicans hold House districts Democrat Kamala Harris won last year, while 13 Democrats represent districts Trump won.

They also note Democrats’ low opinion of their own party after last year’s losses. In a July AP-NORC poll, Democrats were likelier to describe their own party negatively than Republicans, with many Democrats calling it weak or ine ective.

In places where local dynamics may give Democrats a shot, it means nding the right candidates is especially important, party leaders say.

“Recruitment matters in these years when the environment is going to be competitive,” Democratic pollster John Anzalone said.

Democrats hope a farmer in western North Carolina can regain trust

With power, water and telecommunications down due to last year’s hurricane, Ager’s Hickory Nut Gap farm became a hub for the community — hosting cookouts and using propane to grill food for neighbors.

Statewide, the storm caused nearly $60 billion in damage and killed more than 100 people. Little federal aid has reached the hardest-hit parts of western North Carolina.

“Helene hitting de nitely put an exclamation point on, like, ‘Whoa, we need help and support,’” Ager said.

Democrats see Ager as a high-risk, high-reward candidate who could be successful in a district where Democrats have struggled.

No Democrat has won North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District since it was redrawn by the Republican-controlled legislature in 2011. A court-ordered redistricting ahead of the 2020 election made it slightly more favorable to Democrats, encompassing Asheville and much of western North Carolina. Republican Rep. Chuck Edwards still won by nearly 14 percentage points last year and is expected to seek reelection.

Grayson Barnette, a Democratic strategist who helped recruit Ager, said in some districts it’s a risk to run a candidate who hasn’t held elected o ce before.

“But I would argue that’s a good thing, especially when the Democrats just took the big hit

we did,” Barnette said. “We have to look in the mirror and say, ‘Let’s try something new.’”

In a district where nearly 62% of residents live in very low-density areas, Barnette believes Ager’s identity — as a business owner, coach and father with deep local roots — could cut through. His unpolished, direct style, he says, may resonate more than a polished political résumé.

In the video launching his campaign, Ager shows ooding on the farm and is seen on the porch of his home, feeding chickens, driving a tractor and spending time with his wife and three sons.

“I’m not ashy, but I’m honest,” he says in the video.

Ager doesn’t call himself a Democrat in the roughly two-minute video and rarely used the word during a three-hour interview. Still, his ties to the party run deep: His brother serves in the state House, following in the footsteps of their father. His grandfather served six years in the U.S. House.

Asked whether that might be a liability in the district, Ager shrugged: “Then don’t vote for me.”

Trump’s big bill could reshape a conservative district in Michigan

In western Michigan, state Sen. Sean McCann is a di erent kind of candidate from Ager. He’s buttoned-up and soft-spoken, with a long resume in elected o ce and deep roots in Kalamazoo, having served for a decade on the city commission before winning a seat in the state House in 2010.

In a district anchored by conservative and religious values, Democrats see McCann as the

kind of steady, experienced gure who can make inroads — especially as backlash builds to Trump’s tax bill, which includes deep spending cuts.

At a recent meeting at Kalamazoo’s Family Health Center, where nearly 65% of patients rely on Medicaid, the center’s president warned the proposed Medicaid cuts would be devastating.

“It’s about being home in the community and listening to our community’s values — and carrying those to Washington,” McCann said.

The district is represented by Republican Rep. Bill Huizenga, who won reelection by nearly 12 percentage points in 2022. But Huizenga hasn’t said whether he’ll seek another term, and Trump carried the district by only 5.5 percentage points in 2024.

Democrats hope strong ties help elsewhere

Across the country, Democrats are watching similar races in places like Iowa and Kentucky, where local candidates with strong community ties are running. In Iowa’s 2nd District, state Rep. Lindsay James — a fourth-term lawmaker and Presbyterian pastor — is weighing a run in the northeast part of the state. In Kentucky’s 6th, which includes Lexington and Richmond, former federal prosecutor Zach Dembo is running his rst campaign, describing himself as a political outsider. It’s a mix of pro les: Ager, the farmer-turned-candidate feeding neighbors after a hurricane. McCann, the public servant meeting with health workers in his hometown. And others like them trying to reconnect a skeptical electorate.

“Yes, the Democratic Party has some taint to it,” Ager said. “But when I go talk to Republicans who are friends that I’ve known forever, there’s genuine admiration and mutual respect for each other. And that comes from being in this community forever.”

Jamie Ager is a Democratic candidate for North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District.

Randolph record

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Trump administration vying to own big stake in Intel after SoftBank’s $2B bet on company

U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Tuesday con rmed the U.S. government is vying for a 10% stake in Silicon Valley pioneer Intel in an unusual deal that would deepen the Trump administration’s nancial ties with major computer chip manufacturers and punctuate a dramatic about-face from the president’s recent push to oust the company’s CEO. The ambitions that Lutnick con rmed in a televised interview with CNBC came the day after various news outlets reported on the negotiations between the Trump administration and Intel. The talks come on the heels of a $2 billion investment that Japanese technology giant SoftBank Group announced Monday.

Okla. to require N.Y., Calif. teachers to pass ideology test

Oklahoma will require applicants for teaching jobs from California and New York to pass an exam that the state’s top education o cial says is designed to safeguard against “radical leftist ideology.”

Opponents decry the exam as a “MAGA loyalty test.”

Ryan Walters, the state public schools superintendent, said Monday that any teacher coming from the two blue states will be required to pass Oklahoma’s PragerU assessment test before getting a certi cation. PragerU is short for Prager University and promotes itself as a leading conservative nonpro t.

$2.00

Randolph to bene t from state funding for trails

Projects in several parts of the county will receive boosts from the Great Trails State Program

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

ASHEBORO — Funding for a few trail projects in Randolph County is coming through the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

This is part of the Great Trails State Program.

The projects are designed to foster economic growth, outdoor recreation and quality of life. This funding also supports land acquisition, planning and maintenance e orts.

“The support that we have received from our local legislators for these projects is immense, and we want to thank them for having the vision to support the trail development in the county,” said Mary Joan Pugh, Randolph County

trail coordinator. “The county is proud to be a member of the Great Trails State Coalition, which worked with the General Assembly to create the GTSP.” Pugh, who retired from the North Carolina Zoo, said the commitment to the development of trails in the county and statewide is one of the silver linings stemming from the pandemic.

“I never thought this day would come with state funding for trails,” she said.

The sites involved in Randolph County are:

• North Asheboro Greenway:

$134,000 for design and engineering, enhancing connectivity and outdoor recreation opportunities in Asheboro.

• DRST Harlan Creek Bridge: $175,000 allocated for design and engineering, connects the two sections of the trail for a total of four miles connecting Franklinville to Ramseur.

• DRST Randleman Dam

“We’ve got four communities really, really happy that they got picked for these projects.”

Mary Joan Pugh, county trail coordinator

to Randleman Blueway/Paddleway: $172,000 to develop a scenic water-based trail and shing access, promoting eco-tourism and outdoor activities.

• Hope Valley Road Trail Extension (Archdale): $143,250 for trail design, providing residents and visitors additional pathways for biking and walking.

Pugh said the Great Trails State Program provides funding for various types of trails, noting that the sites in Randolph County all have di erent needs.

“None of these projects would be feasible without this funding,” she said. “We’ve got four communities really, really happy that they got picked for these projects.”

The Deep River State Trail involving the Harland Creek Bridge will connect two communities.

“You can go from downtown Ramseur all the way to Franklinville,” she said.

Asheboro city o cials were pleased to be part of the funding.

“This greenway project is a great example of how we can align local priorities with state resources to bring lasting value to our community,” assistant city manager Trevor Nuttall said. “By leveraging grant dollars, we’re able to move forward with important recreational improvements while allowing city resources to remain focused on public safety and infrastructure needs.”

Overall, the governor’s o ce allocated nearly $11 million for trail design and engineering in the Piedmont encompassing 37 projects.

“This is a one-time thing,” Pugh said, noting that there will be a push for renewals of the program.

Pugh said she’s seeking more grants for additional projects.

Randolph County Schools to transition to own conference for middle school athletics

The transition will move RCSS from a 10-team conference to a seven-team conference

By Ryan Henkel Randolph Record

ASHEBORO — Randolph County Schools will be moving to its own conference for middle school athletics starting in the 2026-27 season.

At its Aug. 18 regular business meeting, the Randolph County Schools Board of Education approved the realignment following discussion amongst the board.

“We clearly have enough middle schools in our school system to have our own athletic conference,” said Superintendent Stephen Gainey.

Currently, there are three members of the conference that are not part of the Randolph County School System: North Asheboro Middle, South Asheboro Middle and Uwharrie Charter Academy.

Gainey stated he had been approached many times over the possible restructuring, hence the conversation being brought up before the board.

“From a budget standpoint, we need to keep as much money in the Randolph County School System as we can,” said Board Member Fred Burgess. “I’d rather have two of our middle schools play each other again for a second time and keep the revenue there then split it with another school system.”

A few board members also pointed to this as a way to po -

tentially reduce students transferring or being recruited to di erent districts.

“Whether we want to admit it or not, we’re in this era of school choice, and you can’t come back from it,” Burgess said. “We need to do things that protect the Randolph County School System whenever we can.”

Board Member Shannon Whitaker added, “At some point we have to take a stand and we have to make some changes, whether it’s this year or next year.”

The board discussed potentially restructuring as soon as this school year, but with how close the year is to starting, the board felt it was best to push it out to next year.

“If this were April or May, I would be saying let’s have a con-

“We need to do things that protect the Randolph County School System whenever we can.”

Fred Burgess, board member

ference with just our schools in it,” Burgess said. “I don’t want to see kids not play though. The seasons kind of started with practices and things like that, so I don’t want to do that.” However, the board did decide that all postseason games this year will only be held at Randolph County Schools sites. The board was also noti ed

THURSDAY AUG. 21

FRIDAY AUG. 22

SATURDAY AUG.

Randolph County to receive boost in internet coverage

More than 1,400 locations in the county should receive access that hasn’t been available

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

RANDOLPH COUNTY is one of 26 counties in the state receiving expanded internet coverage in a program announced by Gov. Josh Stein.

The awards in Randolph County will provide high-speed internet access to

CRIME LOG

Aug. 11

• Kaitlin Marie Adkins, 24, was arrested by the Randolph County Sheri ’s O ce (RCSO) for felony insurance fraud and felony obstructing justice.

• Tyler Randell Beane, 29, was arrested by RCSO for selling or delivering a Schedule II controlled substance.

Aug. 12

• Colette Marley Tinnin, 72, was arrested by RCSO for attempt to obtain property by false pretense.

Aug. 13

• Mersadies Layne Clinard Primm, 35, was arrested by RCSO for obtaining

SCHOOLS from page A1 that the district received the North Carolina Stronger Connections Grant totaling more than $182,000. “We wrote this grant to be used to increase SRO services, particularly for our elementary schools to reduce, signi cantly, the student-to-SRO ratio,” said Director of Federal Programs Beth Davis. “This is a special, competitive grant that comes out of Title IV in the Safe and Healthy components.”

1,403 homes and businesses. This comes in conjunction with Randolph Communications and Brightspeed.

The “Completing Access to Broadband” involves $58 million to connect 10,076 households and businesses statewide in this round of the project, according to the North Carolina Department of Information Technology.

The funding includes $41 million from the American Rescue Plan and $17 million from selected broadband providers.

property by false pretense, possession of a stolen motor vehicle and larceny of a motor vehicle.

• Matthew Charles Welsh, 48, was arrested by RCSO for larceny and possession of stolen goods.

Aug. 14

• Johnathan Gene Smith, 35, of Randleman, was arrested by RCSO for ve counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor.

• Phillip Douglas Gee, 41, was arrested by RCSO for eeing to elude, hit and run, careless and reckless driving and driving while license revoked.

The additional SROs will be implemented at 17 of the district’s 31 schools.

“I want to say a big thank you to Beth because this is an additional resource for us and she found it, went after it and that’s why we have it,” Gainey said. “First of all, to do it, we have to give the sheri ’s o ce time to recruit and train additional SROs. They’re ready to move, but it will take a little bit of time before we get this grant in place.”

According to Davis, the

“We’re making historic investments to close the digital divide, and more programs are on the way to connect additional communities across the state,” said Teena Piccione, NCDIT secondary and chief information o cer.

For Randolph County, the addition is boosting 60.1% of the county’s 2,333 eligible locations. Among other adjacent or nearby counties set for expanded broadband in this phase of the project are Chatham, Guilford, Moore and Rowan.

• Danny Harris Jr., 54, was arrested by RCSO for possession of a controlled substance in a jail or prison.

• Joseph Daniel Speight, 66, was arrested by RCSO for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Aug. 17

• Amanda Leann Powers, 38, was arrested by RCSO for possession of a Schedule II controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Guide

Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in Randolph County:

Aug. 22

Friday Night Sunset Series: Held every Friday, May-August

5:30-8:30 p.m.

Admission for 21-plus is $8 per person. A variety of homemade concessions are available for purchase, including hard cider, local wine, craft beer and a variety of seasonal cocktails. Admission does not include food or drink but does cover musical performances.

Millstone Creek Orchards 506 Parks Crossroads Church Road Ramseur

Aug. 23

Summer Outdoor Market

9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

A producer’s market with work available from local artisans, craftspeople and food producers. Contact 336-824-5263 for details.

Millstone Creek Orchards

506 Parks Crossroads Church Road Ramseur

The Invictus Project Rescue Run 5K and Child Exploitation Awareness Event

9-11 a.m.

grant lasts through September 2026, but there is no current guarantee that the funding will be available again following that.

“It really depends on what the federal government does,” Davis said. “This is a special, bipartisan approved grant that has been out there for a couple of years. So if they were to continue it, we could continue to apply for it.”

The Randolph County Schools Board of Education will next meet Sept. 15.

Share with your community! Send us your births, deaths, marriages, graduations and other announcements: community@randolphrecord.com

Weekly deadline is Monday at noon

The event will include a 5k run/walk, food trucks, live music, educational booths and guest speakers from the law enforcement community. To register to run or walk, participants can visit theinvictusproject.org/ rescuerun.

Bicentennial Park

135 Sunset Ave. Asheboro

Aug. 23, 26 & 28

City of Asheboro Farmers Market

7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Fresh seasonal produce, farm-fresh products, baked goods, and a variety of owers and plants are available for purchase directly from local farmers. Open weekly on Saturdays, Tuesdays and Thursdays through the end of October.

134 S. Church St. Asheboro

Aug. 25 & Aug. 27

Liberty Farmers Market

4-7 p.m.

Purchase a wide array of high-quality, fresh produce from local farmers and growers at this convenient downtown location.

Open every Monday and Wednesday through the end of October.

423 W. Swannanoa Ave.

Liberty

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

Trump’s biggest immigration win yet

For decades, many Democrats and some Republicans have presented amnesty as the only way to solve the country’s broken immigration system.

SOLVING AMERICA’S illegal immigration crisis didn’t require amnesty — just better leadership.

Last week, the Center for Immigration Studies released a study showing America’s foreign-born population dropped by 2.2 million from January to July. While the number of naturalized U.S. citizens increased, there was a staggering 1.6 million-person drop among illegal immigrants. CIS estimated that this represented a 10% decline in the country’s illegal immigrant population.

While determining the number of illegal immigrants always requires estimation, this drop is supported by anecdotal evidence.

“Nurse in US for 40 years self-deports,” a recent Newsweek headline reads.

“Lansing man self deporting to Kenya after 16 years in America,” WILX, a Michigan TV station, recently reported. In April, the LA Times wrote, “More immigrants opt to self-deport rather than risk being marched out like criminals.”

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said some foreign leaders have also told her this is happening.

“Over and over again, I’m hearing that hundreds of thousands of their citizens are coming home, voluntarily,” she said.

For decades, many Democrats and some Republicans have presented amnesty as the only way to solve the country’s broken immigration

system. The Trump administration has taken a lot of ak for trying a di erent approach. It’s o ering $1,000 to illegal immigrants who leave voluntarily. It’s ning illegal immigrants who stay, ramping up arrests and sending some illegals to third countries or Alligator Alcatraz. Like everyone else, illegal immigrants respond to incentives. This mix of carrots and sticks is working. The Trump administration has also closed the southern border.

A decrease in illegal immigration is great news for most Americans. It will increase wages for low-skill Americans. It will put downward pressure on housing prices. It will reduce crime. It will lower the amount of money Americans spend supporting illegal immigrants.

But it’s terrible news for the Democratic Party — especially if this drop continues. If the country didn’t have any illegal immigrants, Democrats would have less political power.

That’s not a claim about illegal immigrants voting in elections, although that does happen. It’s about the census. Every 10 years, the federal government counts how many people are living in the country. Congressional seats are divvied out to states based on those population numbers, which includes both legal and illegal immigrants.

In other words, states with large numbers of illegal immigrants receive extra Congressional seats — and Electoral College votes. That list includes blue states like California and New York, but also red states like Florida and Texas.

Evidence suggests blue states bene t more from this than red states.

Another advantage comes in the making of congressional and legislative districts, which are supposed to have a similar number of people. Note: That’s a similar number of residents, not citizens. Illegal immigrants tend to congregate in blue cities. This allows the creation of more districts in deep blue areas. This is one reason that Republican districts in Nevada tend to have more registered voters.

It’s unlikely that President Donald Trump’s new census excluding illegals will happen anytime soon, but if it did, Democrats would be in signi cant trouble.

Democrats’ desperate ght against Trump’s deportation e orts has a downside. The New York Times recently interviewed swing voters, including Desmond Smith, a young black man from Mississippi. He backed former President Joe Biden in 2020 and Trump in 2024. Asked how Democrats could appeal to him, he said, “Fight for Americans instead of ghting for everybody else.”

That should be a no-brainer, but for the reasons described above, it’s a tough option for Democrats.

Trump keeps winning on immigration policy and immigration politics.

Victor Joecks is a columnist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Why I support returning to traditional elections

Rankedchoice voting was pitched as a reform to solve a problem that, frankly, didn’t exist in Alaska.

IN RECENT YEARS, we’ve seen several changes to our state’s election system, including the adoption of ranked-choice voting (RCV) following the passage of Ballot Measure 2 in 2020. I want to speak plainly with you today about where I stand on this issue and why I believe Alaska should return to the traditional method of voting that served our state well for decades.

Let me start by acknowledging a simple fact: I have been elected governor under both systems. I won under the traditional voting method in 2018 and again under ranked-choice voting in 2022. So my position on this issue is not about political gain or loss. It is about trust, clarity and con dence in our electoral process.

Ranked-choice voting was pitched as a reform to solve a problem that, frankly, didn’t exist in Alaska. We were told it would reduce partisanship, promote consensus candidates and make elections more fair. In reality, what we got was a system that confused voters, made outcomes less transparent, and created deep concerns about how votes are tabulated and who ultimately decides an election.

When I talk with Alaskans, whether in urban Anchorage, on the Kenai or in rural communities from Bethel to Kotzebue, the message I hear time and again is the same: Ranked-choice voting is complicated, and many people don’t trust it. That’s not just a perception problem; it’s a legitimacy problem. For any election system to work, voters must understand how it functions and believe in its fairness. RCV fails on both counts.

Here’s how. Under the traditional method, you vote for the candidate you support. The candidate with the most votes wins. It’s simple, straightforward and easy to understand. But under ranked-choice voting, you’re asked to rank candidates in order of preference: rst, second, third and so on. If no candidate gets a majority of rst-choice votes, a computerized process kicks in, redistributing ballots according to preferences until someone gets over 50%. While this may sound neat in theory, in practice, it’s left many Alaskans scratching their heads.

In some cases, the candidate who receives the most rst-choice votes doesn’t win. That undermines a basic sense of fairness. In other cases, ballots are “exhausted” because voters didn’t rank every candidate. That means those votes are discarded in later rounds of counting, e ectively silencing the voter. And because the nal tally depends on a computer-run algorithm, we lose the immediacy and transparency of watching precincts report on election night.

To be clear, the concern here is not about technology itself; it’s about trust. People want to see the vote counted in a way they can understand. They want to be able to explain the result to their friends and neighbors without needing a owchart or a computer science degree. That’s the kind of clarity that strengthens democracy. Ranked-choice voting moves us in the opposite direction.

We are one of only two states, along with Maine, that currently use ranked-choice voting in statewide elections. If this were such an e ective and bene cial reform, why haven’t other states adopted it? Why haven’t we

Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks at Joint Base ElmendorfRichardson, Sept. 11, 2023, in Anchorage, Alaska.

seen a groundswell of support from legislatures or voters elsewhere?

The opposite has happened: 17 states have banned it. The truth is, most Americans — and most Alaskans — prefer a system they can understand and trust.

We should never make our elections more complicated than they need to be. Let’s remember what elections are fundamentally about: expressing the will of the people. That requires clarity, con dence and transparency. The traditional voting system delivered that for decades in Alaska. Ranked-choice voting has not.

It is time to bring back a system that puts the voter rst. One person, one vote. The candidate with the most votes wins. That’s how our democracy was designed to work. That’s how Alaskans expect it to work. And that’s the system I will support going forward.

I trust the good judgment of the people of Alaska. I believe when given the chance, we will return to a system that is fair, understandable and grounded in trust. Let’s put the power of elections back where it belongs: in your hands, not in the hands of a computer algorithm.

Mike Dunleavy is governor of Alaska and writes in his personal capacity. This article was originally published by Daily Caller News Foundation.

Glenda Gallimore Scott

Sept. 9, 1939 – Aug. 10, 2025

Glenda Gallimore Scott, 85, of Greensboro NC, passed away on August 10, 2025, at Camden Health in Greensboro, NC. Born September 9, 1939, in Randolph County, NC, she was the daughter of the late William Clyde Gallimore and Anna Luda Pennell Gallimore.

Glenda graduated from Farmer High School (Denton) in 1957. She worked in o ce equipment sales and in various administrative assistant roles. In her later years, she provided home care services for the elderly in her community. She was a strong advocate for elder care, and volunteered in many community services, including Meals on Wheels.

Glenda loved all types of animals, and of course, they loved her too. This included a pet box turtle that followed her everywhere she went in the yard, rehabbing of squirrels, and regularly feeding nice dinners to opossums on her deck. She was a strong advocate for animal rights and fostered/sheltered many stray and abused dogs and cats. She will be deeply missed, but her memory and spirit will live on in the hearts of those who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Glenda is survived by her sister, Betty Davis of Cary, and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by sisters, Faye and Joyce Gallimore; brothers, Jay, Ned, Raymond, Sherman and Billy Gallimore; and by special nephews, Darrell Gallimore, Jo Jo Metwally, Randy Davis and Je rey Gallimore. Graveside service and burial will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Piney Grove Methodist Church, 7564 Jackson Creek Road, Denton, NC 27239. A Celebration of Life reception will follow in the Church Fellowship Hall. In lieu of owers, donations can be sent to Piney Grove Methodist Church, ATTN: Kenneth Patrick, 13520 E Old US Hwy 64, Lexington, NC 27292.

Martha Grace Maness

April 27, 1969 – Aug. 14, 2025

Martha Grace Maness, 56, of Walnut Cove, died Thursday, August 14, 2025, at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice in WinstonSalem. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Martha was born in Moore County, and she enjoyed music, especially playing the piano. She was a mother to many, a friend to all and loved life. Martha leaves us with her grace and love. She was preceded in death by her parents, J. Archie and Susan Lawson Maness. Survivors: son, Jayson Bledsoe and wife, Whitney Finch, of Weaver, AL, siblings, Carol Vaughn, of Manhattan, KS, Wesley Maness and wife, Margie, of Burlington, Tammy Welch and husband, Russell, of Seagrove, Terri Reece and husband, Steve, of Stockbridge, GA, Tina Adams, of Pensacola, FL. Arrangements by Lo in Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Ramseur.

Sandra Burr

Dec. 4, 1952 – Aug. 11, 2025

Sandra Kaye Dixon Burr, 72, of Asheboro, died Monday, August 11, 2025, at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem.

Funeral services will be conducted at noon on Friday, August 15, 2025, at Bailey’s Grove Baptist Church, Asheboro, with Pastor Jon Shook o ciating. Burial will follow at Faith Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery, New London.

A native of Fayette County, WV, Mrs. Burr was born December 4, 1952, the daughter of the late Dewey Edward and Mary Margaret Bish Dixon. She attended Bailey’s Grove Baptist Church and had a very strong faith. She loved her kids, her sisters, and her cats. Mrs. Burr was like no other woman in the entire world who was loved by all who knew her.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Burr was preceded in death by her sister, Sylvia Armstrong. She is survived by her husband, William James Burr Sr.; daughter, Mary Margaret Mattson; son, William James Burr Jr.; sisters, Kathy Swaringen, Donna Barringer, and Nancy Patate. The family will receive friends at the church from 11 a.m. to noon on Friday, prior to the funeral service.

Ann Albright Smith

Oct. 5, 1944 – Aug. 15, 2025

Ann Albright Smith, 80, of Asheboro, passed away Friday, August 15, 2025, at her home surrounded by her family.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m., Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at Ridge Funeral Home Chapel, Asheboro, with Pastor Ed Carter o ciating. Burial will follow in Maple Springs Community Church Cemetery. Born on October 5, 1944, in Randolph County, NC, Ann was the daughter of the late Guye Reid Albright and Rosa Mo tt Albright. Ann graduated from Coleridge High School and retired from Asheboro City Schools after 30 years. It always warmed her heart when former students always recognized her out in public. Ann always saw the good in people and never met a stranger. She was a member of Central Church and was a member of Central Methodist Womens Group. Ann loved animals; she would talk to them frequently and enjoyed their calming nature. She also enjoyed dressing up in ne clothes and looking and feeling her best.

Surviving are her husband, Bill Smith of the home; son, Russ Smith and wife Judy of Asheboro; grandson, Jared Smith; sisters, Sarah Brady of Asheboro, Becky Albright of Asheboro; brother, Farris Reid Albright of Asheboro; and niece, Sharon Brady.

The family will receive friends from 12:30-1:45 p.m. Wednesday, prior to the service, at Ridge Funeral Home, Asheboro. Memorials may be made to Maple Springs Community Church, Cemetery Fund, c/o Lib Brown, 5775 NC Hwy 22/42, Ramseur, NC 27316.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the nurses and sta in the ICU at Randolph Health and Hospice of Randolph for the special care given to Ann.

Phillip Ray Hales

July 8, 1952 – Aug. 11, 2025

Phillip Ray Hales, 73, of Asheboro, died Monday, August 11, 2025, at his home.

Born on July 8, 1952, in Wilson, NC, Phillip was the son of Wilbur Cone Hales and Ercelle Strickland Hales, who preceded him in death. He received a bachelor’s degree from NC State University and a master’s degree from Kent State. He moved to New York City and worked as a graphic designer for several marketing rms. Later, he moved to Florida and continued to do freelance work.

Phillip was an accomplished artist who enjoyed painting. He enjoyed gardening and doing yard work. Phillip loved his little dog, Molly.

Surviving are his sister, Patsy Johnson and husband, Jim of Denton; niece, Sally Burlington and husband Rob of Raleigh; nephew, Adam Johnson and wife Elizabeth of Black Mountain; great nieces and nephews, Pearce Burlington, Lainey Burlington, Will Johnson, Emme Johnson; and his dearest friend, Kate Moran of Boca Raton, Florida.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.

The family would like to express their deep appreciation to Phil’s next-door neighbor, Teresa Campbell, for all her help over the last two years.

Janie Sanders Callicutt

Aug. 13, 1948 – Aug. 14, 2025

Janie Irene Saunders Callicutt, age 77 of Troy, passed away peacefully at Autumn Care of Biscoe on Thursday, August 14, 2025.

Janie was born in Montgomery County on August 13, 1948, to the late James Saunders and the late Mildred Hamilton Saunders. Janie was a teacher and bus driver for Montgomery County schools for many years. Janie loved to shop. She was a devoted wife, mother, nana, and great-grandmother who loved spending time with her family. She was married to the love of her life for 34 years, Jerry Lee Callicutt, who preceded her in death.

Janie is survived by her daughters: Eva Childers of Ellerbe, and Penny Speer (David) of Troy; seven grandchildren, nine great grandchildren; one brother Ray Saunders of Troy and sisters: Brenda Parsons of Troy and Betty Dyer of Lexington. Along with her husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Jerry L. Callicutt Jr., and her daughter, Janice Marie Dorsett.

A Graveside Service will be held on Monday, August 18, 2025, at 11 a.m., Callicutt Chapel, Wesleyan Church Cemetery, 1100 Horseshoe Bend Road, Troy, NC, with Pastor Brian Hoover o ciating.

Pugh Troy Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Janie Callicutt.

Gary Dale Routh

June 5, 1963 – Aug. 11, 2025

Gary Dale Routh, 62, of Sophia, passed away at home surrounded by his family and loved ones on Monday, August 11, 2025, after a long battle with illness. He was born June 5, 1963, in Guilford County to Franklin Dee Routh and Shelby Jean Pierce.

Gary was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend. He was a skilled craftsman and used those abilities to build ne furniture.

Gary loved his family, gardening, his cars, his cats, and tattoos. He was well known for his body art and had won several tattoo awards. Gary will be dearly missed by so many.

Gary is survived by his loving wife, Dianne Routh of the home; daughters, Alicia Routh of Sophia, Ashley Routh of Sophia; stepdaughters, April Haynes Barber, Roxanne Trumpower; father, Franklin Routh (Sondra) of Asheboro; grandchildren, Larz Dale Strickland of Denton, Maddy Trumpower of Burlington, Harmony Trumpower of Burlington, Jalyen Trumpower of Burlington, Jamie Vaughn of Asheboro, Helena Vaughn of Fayetteville; brother, Frankie Routh; sister, Mitzi Pugh.

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, August 22, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. at Pugh Funeral Home, 600 S. Main Street, Randleman.

Pamela Lucas

Nov. 18, 1949 – Aug. 12, 2025

Pamela “Pam” Gail Lucas, 75, of Seagrove, died Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at The Randolph Hospice House in Asheboro.

A funeral service will be conducted at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, August 17, 2025, at the Ridge Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Bill Simpson o ciating.

Pam was born on November 18, 1949, in Moore County, NC, the daughter of the late Lennie Garner and Jennie York Garner. She was a graduate of WestMoore High School, class of 1968. She had retired from Mid State Plastics and was a member of Maple Springs Baptist Church. Pam loved reading and going to both the beach and the mountains.

In addition to her parents, Pam was preceded in death by her brother, Perry Garner. She is survived by her husband Larry Lucas of the home; sons, Donald Lucas (Sandra) of Seagrove, Seth Lucas (Annette) of Seagrove, Matthew Lucas of Seagrove; brothers, Kim Garner (Debra) of Robbins, Shane Garner (Karen) of Robbins; sister-inlaw, Belinda Garner of Sophia; brothers-in-law, Mike Lucas (Janet), of Seagrove, Jerry Lucas of Asheboro; grandchildren, Hannah Lassiter (Grayson), Mason Lucas, Dillon Lucas, Cheyenne Davis, and Destiny Williams.

The family will receive friends from 1:45 p.m. until 2:45 p.m., Sunday at Ridge Funeral Home prior to the service.

Memorials may be made to Maple Springs Baptist Church, PO Box 357, Seagrove, NC 27341; or to Hospice of Randolph, 416 Vision Drive, Asheboro, NC 27203.

Isaac Lee Johnson

Nov. 24, 2004 – Aug. 12, 2025

Isaac Lee Johnson, 20, of Asheboro, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at Thomasville Medical Center.

A celebration of life will be held on 2 p.m., Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Sunset Avenue Church of God with Rev. Boyd Byerly o ciating.

Isaac was born on November 24, 2004, in Guilford County. He loved his family and friends deeply. He enjoyed turkey hunting and going white water kayaking. Isaac also enjoyed playing guitar and singing. Isaac had a vibrant, fun and loving personality. He never met a stranger; he always would share a story and a smile wherever he went.

He is survived by his parents, Derrick Johnson and Tracy Callicutt Johnson; brothers, Eli Johnson and Chase Johnson both of the home; and grandparents, Gary and Marie Callicutt and Carlton and Shelia Johnson; aunts, Gina Grant (Joshua), Jillian West (Michael); cousins, Caleb, Aaron, Stella, Emily, Ella, Eden, and Everly.

The family will receive friends from 12:45 until 1:45 p.m., Saturday at the church prior to the service.

Rhonda Strider Freeman

Jan. 24, 1969 – Aug. 15, 2025

Rhonda Strider Freeman, 56, of Asheboro, went home to be with the Lord on August 15, 2025, at Baptist Hospital, surrounded by her family that she loved and cherished so very deeply.

She was born and raised in Randolph County and served as an LPN for many years. She loved her job, but more than anything, she loved her family. She was a wonderful wife, mother, sister and Nana.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Christine Strider, her father, Deldon Strider, her sister, Barbara Hunsucker, her sister, Daphne Strider, Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles.

She is survived by her husband, Harvey Freeman of the home. Her sons Willie Freeman (Amber) of Asheboro and Harvey G Freeman Jr. (Cynthia) of Asheboro. Her daughter, Sherry Walker (Bo) of Asheboro. Her stepson, Keith Freeman (Susan) of Biscoe. Her sisters Denise Batten (David) of Asheboro, Ruth Strider of Asheboro, Tina Simmons (Remus) of Troy. Her brothers Hector Strider of Asheboro and Hoyt Strider of Troy. 9 grandchildren and lots of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Mrs. Freeman will be at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church, 7811 Pisgah Covered Bridge Rd, Asheboro, NC, 27205, with the Rev. Tommy Kidd. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. Visitation for Mrs. Freeman will be prior to the service from 1-1:50 p.m. at the church.

Pugh Funeral Home Asheboro is proudly serving the Freeman family.

Thomas Newton Kearns Jr.

Sept.6, 1951 – Aug. 14, 2025

Thomas Newton Kearns Jr., 73, of Manning, South Carolina, passed away on August 14, 2025.

Born on September 6, 1951, Tom was the son of the late Thomas Newton Kearns Sr. and Mildred Ann Brinkley Kearns. He grew up in Asheboro alongside his sister, Natalie Benson, and carried a deep love of family throughout his life.

A proud Marine, Tom served his country honorably and

March 15, 1941 – Aug.14, 2025

Raymond Everett Thompson, 84, passed away at Moses Cone Hospital on August 14, 2025, in Greensboro, NC. Raymond was born and raised in the Farmer-Asheboro area. He was born on March 15, 1941, to Howard Kelly Thompson and Vergie Lenora Rollins Thompson. He was a husband, father, grandfather, and greatgrandfather. He was easy-going and fun to be around. Everybody loved Raymond. He loved having parties and loved to cook barbecue shoulders. He liked to hunt, sh and ride on the lake in his boat. Raymond is survived by his pit bull, Sugar. They shared good times and food together. They loved each other very much.

Raymond and Louise celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary on August 10, 2025. Raymond is survived by his loving wife Louise Hargett Thompson. He was preceded in death by his son Raymond Arness Thompson (Debra Bolt). Raymond Arness is also survived by his ex-wife Donna Lemons mother to Meredith Yuri (Hiro Yuri) of Japan and Kristen Sports (Alex Sports) of San Diego, CA. Kristen is mother to Cameron and Dillon Sports. Raymond Arness is also survived by his exwife Shelly Strayhorne, mother of Michael Thompson (Hannah Thompson). Michael is father to Isaiah, Gracie, Elijah and Malachi. Survived by daughter, Chloe Thompson (Matt). Raymond Everett Thompson is survived by a daughter Suzan Thompson Latham, mother of Savannah Latham and Ashton Latham and grandmother of Joziah Thompson.

He is also survived by his brother James Leonard Thompson and his daughter Daylin Thompson Perrin. He is predeceased by brothers William Howard and Ambert Ray Thompson. A visitation will be on Monday, August 18, 2025, from 6-8 p.m. at Pugh Funeral Home, 437 Sunset Avenue in Asheboro. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, in the Glenn “Mac” Pugh Chapel with Reverend Jason Cheek o ciating. Burial will follow at Randolph Memorial Park.

achieved the rank of Sergeant before returning home. He went on to retire from United Brass Works, Inc. in Randleman, North Carolina. Tom married the love of his life, Nancy Kearns, and together they built a 38-year marriage lled with laughter, devotion, and shared passions— from sports to music to simply enjoying each other’s company.

He was the proud father of two sons, Thomas Kearns, III (and wife Melissa) and Adam Kearns (and husband Pierre Perez). His legacy continues through his grandchildren: Thomas Kearns IV, Michael Kearns, and Abigail Kearns. He was also a beloved uncle to his niece, Moment Schweiger (and husband Matt).

Tom’s life was full of passions that re ected his generous spirit and adventurous heart. He loved shing, gol ng, listening to music, and watching sports—always with Nancy by his side. His devotion extended to his community, where he coached both the men’s and women’s soccer teams at Randleman High School, served as a FIFA-certi ed referee, and volunteered with the Randleman Parks & Recreation Department.

Dec. 23, 1923 – Aug. 14, 2025

Noralean Beal Cox, 101, of Asheboro, died Thursday, August 14, 2025, at The Randolph Hospice House in Asheboro. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m., Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at Ridge Funeral Home Chapel, Asheboro, with Pastor Mark Wilburn and Rev. Randy Blanton o ciating. Burial will follow at Faith Tabernacle of Praise Cemetery (formerly Giles Chapel UMC Cemetery).

Born on December 23, 1923, in Forsyth County, NC, Noralean was the daughter of the late Bessie Mae Beal Stutts. She retired from Bossong Hosiery and attended Central Wesleyan Church for over 60 years. Noralean enjoyed gardening, working in her owers, camping and spending time with her family.

In addition to her mother, Noralean was preceded in death by her husband of 73 years, Reuben Cox; daughter, Ellen Cox Blanton; son, Billy Joe Cox; sister, Bernice Beal Coble grandchildren, Bradley Cox and Julie Stickler.

Surviving are her sons, Eugene Cox (Elizabeth) of Asheboro, Gary Cox (Kathy) of Bennettsville, SC; sister, Lillie Mae Beal Beane of Asheboro; grandchildren, Keith Blanton (Eva), Kim Blanton, Randy Blanton (Gina), Je rey Cox, Wanda Sue Wilburn (Mark), Kasey Crotts (Derrick), Erika Mills (Robert); great grandchildren, Mark Wilburn (Jessica), Emery Crotts (Amber), Maddie Humble (Nick), Brandon Wilburn (April), Madeleine Blanton, Lillian Blanton, Trey Mills, Lauren Mills, Madison Cox, Brian Blanton; and great-great grandchildren, Noah, Skyler, Lynnlee, Neely, Eli, Chase, Bryce, and Mereighan.

The family will receive friends from 10-10:45 a.m. Tuesday, prior to the service at Ridge Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Randolph, 416 Vision Drive, Asheboro, NC 27203; or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

He was a certi ed Black Belt and instructor in the martial art of Songshan Kempo, and a lifetime member of the Marine Corps League.

Above all, Tom will be remembered for his kind heart, his love of animals (especially his puppies, Chewby and Trouble), his pride in his family, and the joy he brought to others with his stories, jokes, and ever-present love of The Beatles and rock ’n’ roll.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Pugh Funeral Home in Randleman, NC (600 S. Main St.) beginning at 2 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 3 p.m., with burial immediately after. Friends and Family are invited to continue celebrating Tom’s life at 5 p.m. at Sir Pizza in Randleman (Back Room), where memories, laughter and stories will be shared in true Tom fashion.

In lieu of owers, the family asks that donations be made in Tom’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Pugh Funeral Home in Randleman is honored to serve the Kearns family.

Dec. 5, 1927 – Aug.14, 2025

Kathleen Lovette Baggett, 97, of Randleman, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at Hospice of Randolph in Asheboro, NC. She was born on December 5, 1927, in Randleman to Charles Robert Lovette and Mary King Lovette. Kathleen will be remembered as caring and compassionate wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. One of eight siblings, she was a lifelong resident of Randleman, where she married the love of her life, Bill Baggett, raised ve children, and had a life full of love, laughter, and memories. Kathleen worked at Randleman Savings & Loan and was a leader for the local Girl and Boy Scout Troops. She was a Christian who loved the Lord and was a member of New Salem United Methodist Church. Kathleen was a social butter y who loved her friends, especially to play Rook and Scrabble. She also loved to play the piano. Kathleen is survived by her children; Ann McDonald (Tommy) of Randleman, Sonny Spencer (Wanda) of Mt. Gilead, Nancy Hall (Ty) of Randleman, and Patty B. Reeder (Terry) of Asheboro; 10 grandchildren, four step grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, two greatgreat grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Bill Baggett; son, Billy Baggett; ve sisters and two brothers.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 1-1:50 p.m. at New Salem United Methodist Church in Randleman. Funeral Service will follow at 2 p.m. with Reverend Johnny Lord o ciating. Burial will conclude at Oaklawn Cemetery in Asheboro, NC.

In lieu of owers, the family asks that donations in Kathleen’s name be made to Hospice of Randolph, 416 Vision Dr, Asheboro, NC 27203 or Victory Junction, 4500 Adam’s Way, Randleman, NC 27317.

The family would like to give special thanks to all the sta and wonderful people of Hospice of Randolph, Randolph Hospital, and Brookdale.

Pugh Funeral Home in Randleman is honored to serve the Baggett family.

Hilda Mae Auman

June 17, 1933 – Aug. 14, 2025

With peace and love, we announce the passing of a dear Mother, Granny, Great-Granny and friend whose warmth, kindness, and gentle spirit touched the lives of all who knew her. Hilda left this world on August 14, 2025, at the age of 92. She was surrounded by love, leaving behind treasured memories that will forever be cherished by family and friends. She will be remembered for her unwavering devotion, her generous heart, and the wisdom she shared so freely. Though she is no longer with us in body, her legacy of compassion, strength and moral integrity will live on in the hearts of those she held dear. May she rest in peace, reunited with loved ones gone before, and may her memory be a comfort to all who knew her.

Hilda was born on June 17, 1933, in Asheboro, NC to George and Myrtle Ledwell and was their only child. She lived a charmed childhood, that included the companionship of her dog “Ginger”. These precious memories were readily shared with family and friends. Her parents instilled in her respect and compassion for all individuals, regardless of race, religious beliefs or ethnic background. Hilda was witty, loved to laugh and she especially loved to dance, winning the “Best Dancer” superlative in her Senior Year at Asheboro High School. In 1951, she fell in love and married Darold Ray Auman, who was serving in the US Air Force as a tail-gunner. As a military wife, Hilda lived in Denver, CO, New Braunfels, TX and Savannah, Ga before moving back to Asheboro to welcome the birth of their rst child, Kathryn in 1953. In 1955, the family moved to Raleigh, NC so that Darold could continue his studies at UNC-Chapel Hill. In 1961, they welcomed a new addition to the family, a son, Gregory. Job opportunities led the family to Charleston, SC for a year, and then to Roanoke Rapids/Weldon, NC where they lived for approximately 16 years before returning to Asheboro, NC.

Johnny Campbell

March 22, 1946 –Aug. 13, 2025

John Wayne “Johnny” Campbell, 79, of Asheboro, died Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at W. G. (Bill) Hefner VA Medical Center in Salisbury. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m., Saturday, August 23, 2025, at the Ridge Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Joey Miller o ciating. Burial will follow at New Hope Memorial Gardens. Military honors will be provided by the Randolph County Honor Guard.

Born on March 22, 1946, in Red Springs, NC, Johnny was the son of the late Thomas Arnold Campbell and Mary Ellen Key Campbell. He had retired from the Asheboro Fire Department and was a member of Asheboro Pentecostal Holiness Church.

As a sergeant, Johnny served honorably in the US Army as

Throughout all the moves and cities, Hilda was able to nd gainful employment as a secretary. Her secretarial and organizational skills were noteworthy, as her employers quickly surmised. As a member of the National Secretaries Association – Roanoke Rapids Chapter, she was awarded the honor of “Secretary of the Year” in 1970. Needless to say, her favorite class in high school was “typing”!

Upon returning to Asheboro, she began working as a secretary with Stedman Corporation. However, when David Stedman decided to sell the business and focus on writing the book, Our Ageless Constitution, he asked if Hilda would consider working with him and his sta in completing the book. She was so proud and viewed this request as a honor. She viewed working with David Stedman, Don Vaughn and LaVaughn Lewis as the highlight of her career.

Lastly, and as an acknowledgement of her caring nature, she loved her pets. They were an integral part of her life. All the animals that she provided a home for were typically strays that were lucky enough to wander into her home. She loved and cared for them all!

Hilda was preceded in death by her parents, George and Myrtle Ledwell and her husband of 47 years, Darold Ray Auman. She leaves behind her daughter, Kathryn Auman Barrett (Don) of Asheboro, NC, and son, Gregory Ray Auman of Greensboro, NC. As a Granny, she also leaves behind the joys of her life, her grandchildren: Lauren Barrett Lelewski (Andy) of Tampa, FL, Benjamin Ryan Barrett (Rachel) of St. Petersburg, FL, Finn Gentry Barrett (Isiah) of Battle Creek MI, Nathan Ray Auman (Ronda) of North Wilkesboro, NC and Emily Alene Auman (Bruce) of Laughlin, NV. Her legacy will continue in the memories she made with her great-grandchildren: Jack Barrett Lelewski, Claire Mae Lelewski, William Martin Barrett, Georgia MacMillan Barrett, Kaylee Ray Auman and Levy Cole Auman. Visitation is scheduled for 10:00 am on Friday, August 22, 2025, with a Memorial Service at 11:00 am at Pugh Funeral Home, 437 Sunset Ave., Asheboro, NC 27203. A private interment will take place at Oaklawn Cemetery. The family requests that memorials be sent to either of the following: First United Methodist Church 224 N. Fayetteville St. Asheboro, NC 27203 Website: fumcasheboro.org SPCA of Randolph County 300 W. Baily St. Asheboro, NC 27203 Website: randolphspca.com

a Combat Medic during the Vietnam War, and also served in the US Airborne. In addition to his parents, Johnny was preceded in death by his sister, Mildred Campbell. He is survived by his daughter, Melanie Witek (Steven) of Colfax; son, Scott Campbell (Cindy) of Asheboro; sisters, Billie Jean Needham of Ramseur, Faye Roberts (Vance) of Asheboro, Judy Fields (Robert) of Asheboro, Ana Atwater (John) of Sedge eld; step-mother, Maria Zambrano; brothers, Harold Campbell (Sheila) of Asheboro, Ray Campbell (Mary) of Asheboro, Danny Campbell (Donna), James Campbell (Linda) of Asheboro; grandchildren, Amber Campbell and (Trent Harris), Ashley Plunkett and (Tyler), Timothy Campbell, John Campbell, James Campbell (Drew), Camron Witek, Elise Witek, and six great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 12:30 p.m. until 1:45 p.m., Saturday, prior to the service at Ridge Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Gentiva Hospice, 533 South Fayetteville Street, Asheboro, NC 27203; Asheboro Pentecostal Holiness Church, 405 Summit Avenue, Asheboro, NC 27203; Primary Health Choice - Home Care and Behavioral Health, 817 S. Fayetteville St.,, Suite C, Asheboro, NC 27203; or to W. G. (Bill) Hefner VA Medical Center, 1601 Brenner Avenue, Salisbury, NC 28144.

STATE & NATION

Democrats look to new crop of candidates to win back US House

In Trump country, the party is recruiting locals who are less “academic”

By Joey Cappellitti

The Associated Press

FAIRVIEW — Jamie Ager has spent much of the past year rebuilding his farm in the foothills of western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene tore through the region, cutting power, destroying fences and scattering livestock.

Then earlier this year, Ager lost his beef contract with local schools, a casualty of billions of dollars in cuts to the U.S. Department of Agriculture under the Trump administration.

Now the fth-generation farmer is running for Congress — part of a new crop of Democratic candidates the party is turning to as it tries to compete in the tough, often rural districts it may need to ip to retake the U.S. House in 2026.

Democrats say these new recruits are uniquely suited to break through in districts where President Donald Trump’s popularity dominates. Many, like Ager, are already a well-known presence in their communities. And in parts of North Carolina, Kentucky, Michigan and elsewhere, the party is betting local credibility can cut through skepticism where the Democratic brand has fallen.

Ager said he sees national Democrats as out of touch with rural life: too “academic” and “politically correct and scripted.”

“That’s just not what people are interested in,” he said. “The ideas of helping poor people, being neighborly, the ideal of doing those things, I think, are worthy, good ideas that are actually popular. But the execu-

tion of a lot of those ideas has been gummed up, you know, not well executed.”

A shifting House map

Heading into next year’s midterms, Democrats believe momentum is on their side. Historically, the president’s party loses ground in the midterms. In 2018, during Trump’s rst term, Democrats ipped 41 seats to take control of the House. Republicans currently control the House by such a slim margin that Democrats need to pick up only a few seats to break the GOP’s hold on Washington.

The Republican-led tax break and spending cut bill has added to Democrats’ optimism.

About two-thirds of U.S. adults expect the new law will help the rich, according to a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public A airs Research. About half say it’ll do more harm than good for middle-class people and people like them.

Still, Republicans remain con dent. They point to having fewer vulnerable seats than Democrats have this cycle. Only three Republicans hold House districts Democrat Kamala Harris won last year, while 13 Democrats represent districts Trump won.

They also note Democrats’ low opinion of their own party after last year’s losses. In a July AP-NORC poll, Democrats were likelier to describe their own party negatively than Republicans, with many Democrats calling it weak or ine ective. In places where local dynamics may give Democrats a shot, it means nding the right candidates is especially important, party leaders say.

“Recruitment matters in these years when the environment is going to be competitive,” Democratic pollster John Anzalone said.

Democrats hope a farmer in western North Carolina can regain trust

With power, water and telecommunications down due to last year’s hurricane, Ager’s Hickory Nut Gap farm became a hub for the community — hosting cookouts and using propane to grill food for neighbors.

Statewide, the storm caused nearly $60 billion in damage and killed more than 100 people. Little federal aid has reached the hardest-hit parts of western North Carolina.

“Helene hitting de nitely put an exclamation point on, like, ‘Whoa, we need help and support,’” Ager said.

Democrats see Ager as a high-risk, high-reward candidate who could be successful in a district where Democrats have struggled.

No Democrat has won North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District since it was redrawn by the Republican-controlled legislature in 2011. A court-ordered redistricting ahead of the 2020 election made it slightly more favorable to Democrats, encompassing Asheville and much of western North Carolina. Republican Rep. Chuck Edwards still won by nearly 14 percentage points last year and is expected to seek reelection.

Grayson Barnette, a Democratic strategist who helped recruit Ager, said in some districts it’s a risk to run a candidate who hasn’t held elected o ce before.

“But I would argue that’s a good thing, especially when the Democrats just took the big hit

we did,” Barnette said. “We have to look in the mirror and say, ‘Let’s try something new.’” In a district where nearly 62% of residents live in very low-density areas, Barnette believes Ager’s identity — as a business owner, coach and father with deep local roots — could cut through. His unpolished, direct style, he says, may resonate more than a polished political résumé.

In the video launching his campaign, Ager shows ooding on the farm and is seen on the porch of his home, feeding chickens, driving a tractor and spending time with his wife and three sons.

“I’m not ashy, but I’m honest,” he says in the video.

Ager doesn’t call himself a Democrat in the roughly two-minute video and rarely used the word during a three-hour interview. Still, his ties to the party run deep: His brother serves in the state House, following in the footsteps of their father. His grandfather served six years in the U.S. House.

Asked whether that might be a liability in the district, Ager shrugged: “Then don’t vote for me.”

Trump’s big bill could reshape a conservative district in Michigan

In western Michigan, state Sen. Sean McCann is a di erent kind of candidate from Ager. He’s buttoned-up and soft-spoken, with a long resume in elected o ce and deep roots in Kalamazoo, having served for a decade on the city commission before winning a seat in the state House in 2010.

In a district anchored by conservative and religious values, Democrats see McCann as the

kind of steady, experienced gure who can make inroads — especially as backlash builds to Trump’s tax bill, which includes deep spending cuts.

At a recent meeting at Kalamazoo’s Family Health Center, where nearly 65% of patients rely on Medicaid, the center’s president warned the proposed Medicaid cuts would be devastating.

“It’s about being home in the community and listening to our community’s values — and carrying those to Washington,” McCann said.

The district is represented by Republican Rep. Bill Huizenga, who won reelection by nearly 12 percentage points in 2022. But Huizenga hasn’t said whether he’ll seek another term, and Trump carried the district by only 5.5 percentage points in 2024.

Democrats hope strong ties help elsewhere

Across the country, Democrats are watching similar races in places like Iowa and Kentucky, where local candidates with strong community ties are running. In Iowa’s 2nd District, state Rep. Lindsay James — a fourth-term lawmaker and Presbyterian pastor — is weighing a run in the northeast part of the state. In Kentucky’s 6th, which includes Lexington and Richmond, former federal prosecutor Zach Dembo is running his rst campaign, describing himself as a political outsider. It’s a mix of pro les: Ager, the farmer-turned-candidate feeding neighbors after a hurricane. McCann, the public servant meeting with health workers in his hometown. And others like them trying to reconnect a skeptical electorate.

“Yes, the Democratic Party has some taint to it,” Ager said. “But when I go talk to Republicans who are friends that I’ve known forever, there’s genuine admiration and mutual respect for each other. And that comes from being in this community forever.”

Jamie Ager is a Democratic candidate for North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District.

RandolpH SPORTS

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Soccer teams look to build in new season

Area volleyball teams got their 2025 seasons underway

Randolph Record sta

THE OPENING WEEK of the boys’ soccer season had two state nalists from a year ago back in action, while numerous games were postponed because of weather or eld conditions.

Asheboro and Southwestern Randolph made it to championship games last November, both

nishing as runners-up. So the new season brings the promise for more success.

Asheboro made a two-game swing to the Wilmington area with mixed results.

Asheboro began with a 3-1 victory against West Brunswick as Ozmar Martinez and Ivan Castaneda each notched one goal and one assist. Alexander Diaz recorded the other goal. Then the Blue Comets dropped a 6-0 decision to Wilmington Hoggard in a rescheduled game.

• Southwestern Randolph topped host Montgomery Cen-

tral 3-1 with Yael Rebollar Ortiz posting two goals and Kevin Garcia scoring the other.

• Providence Grove used three goals from Saul Cortes and two goals from Seth Johnson to top visiting Southern Guilford 7-6. Volleyball

Randleman defeated visiting Providence Grove 25-17, 25-15, 11-25, 25-14 in a nonleague season opener.

Lilah Covington posted 15 kills and 15 service points, while Karrington Jones

Area teams take fresh starts into new football season

Three schools in Randolph County have new coaches, while ve area teams begin with road games

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

THE START OF the high school football season is here this week, and three Randolph County teams are embarking on new seasons with rst-year coaches. And the schedules look di erent for teams in the county, with conference realignment meaning a shu ing of slates compared to recent seasons.

Here’s a look at Friday night’s openers involving county teams. Providence Grove at Randleman

Both teams have new coaches as these former conference rivals open the season. These are neighboring schools, so familiarity runs high. The game is also the lone intracounty matchup in Week 1. Providence Grove’s Cody Moran, the school’s athletics director, has taken the coaching position as well.

Randleman will be guided by David Diamont, who arrived after three seasons as o ensive coordinator at Burns. The Tigers

The rst slate of games includes only one rematch from 2024 meetings as new series are launched

were 9-3 last year following a 10-2 mark in 2023, so they’ll aim to keep the positive momentum.

Randleman has John Kirkpatrick, who’ll be in his third season as a starter, at quarterback. Providence Grove’s 3-7 record last year marked the Patriots’ rst losing record since 2017. Providence Grove has won only one of the last nine meetings with Randleman, with that coming in the fall of 2021.

High Point Central at Asheboro

Calvin Brown begins his third season as Asheboro’s coach after arriving from Providence Grove.

The Blue Comets had a breakthrough of sorts last year with a 4-7 record. That victory total exceeded Asheboro’s count from the previous four seasons combined (when it won three times).

The teams met four times from 2011-14, with High Point Central winning each time.

Eastern Randolph at Southern Alamance

Eastern Randolph faces an Alamance County school to open the schedule for the fth season in a row. The last four matchups came vs. Eastern Alamance.

Eastern Randolph coach Burton Cates, the winningest active high school football coach in the state, is from Alamance County. He’s a Graham resident.

This will be the rst football game between bordering schools since 2019 and the third battle in a stretch of more than 15 years. This is the only Alamance County school on the Wildcats’ slate this year.

Southern Alamance has won the past two meetings (2019, 2012), though Cates was at Lee County for the 2012 get-together before returning a few years later to Eastern Randolph.

The Wildcats, who were 12-1 in 2024, have lost a total of two regular-season games in the past four seasons combined.

Southern Alamance will begin the season with a di erent coach for the third year in a row (plus there was an acting coach for the 2023 postseason). Alum Jonathan Hester is in charge after a promotion from an assistant coach overseeing linemen.

See FOOTBALL, page B2

had 10 kills for Randleman.

Later in the week, Providence Grove won against Chatham Central 25-18, 25-11, 25-16 as Kolbi Jo Lineberry and Lara Wiseman both had seven kills.

• Asheboro secured two nonconference victories.

The Blue Comets topped visiting Jordan-Matthews 25-18, 25-11, 25-16, with Eva Vuncannon’s 20 assists and Emma Little’s 16 digs among the highlights.

In defeating Wheatmore 25-9, 25-11, 25-13, Lia George had 13 digs and 10 kills for Asheboro.

• Wheatmore had a 25-11,

25-10, 25-14 triumph against South Davidson as Alexis Holifield had 22 digs, 11 kills and four aces.

• Uwharrie Charter Academy secured a 25-14, 27-19, 25-10, 25-16 victory at South Rowan with Emory Johnson racking up 42 assists and Caroline Way supplying 25 kills and 14 digs.

• Southwestern Randolph dropped two of three matches at the end of the week in Chapel Hill. The Cougars defeated Felton Grove in three sets, but fell to East Chapel Hill and Durham Jordan.

The track is set to resume racing, with the Grand National Super Series making a stop

Randolph Record sta

SOPHIA — Racing is scheduled to resume at Caraway Speedway on Saturday after a pair of scheduled idle weekends at the stock-car track.

The time o for drivers gave speedway o cials a chance to see some construction projects in the works. It’s also the lone 2025 stop at the speedway for the Grand National Super Series, with twin 50-lap races expected.

The Grand National Super Series held a race earlier this month at Orange County Speedway in Rougemont. Former NASCAR Cup Series driver Jeremy May eld, who was one of the winners during the Orange County Speedway card, is atop the Grand National Super Series points standings.

There will be features for Limited Late Models, Chargers, Mini Stocks, UCARs, 602 Modi eds, Crown Vics / Bootleggers and Legends on Saturday’s docket.

Points leaders in the speedway’s classes include Matthew Smith in Chargers, Jimmy Cooper in UCARs, Bryson Brinkley in Limited Late Models, Joel Belanger in 602 Modi eds, Tyler Bush in Mini Stocks and Steven Collins in Crown Vics / Bootleggers.

The UCARs standings are particularly tight, with Cooper holding 1,142 points, Jeremy Kidd at 1,140 and Justin Smith at 1,106.

Saturday’s track activities are scheduled to begin earlier than normal at 5 p.m.

Sadie Upchurch

UCA, volleyball

Upchurch provided boosts to Uwharrie Charter Academy as the new high school season began.

The senior libero helped the Eagles to a 4-2 record in the opening week of the season.

It began when she had 20 digs in a four-set road victory against South Rowan.

UCA later participated in a two-day invitational and recorded three more victories. Those came against McMichael, South Iredell and Blu ton (S.C.)

The Eagles will have their home opener next Wednesday vs. Richmond Senior.

FOOTBALL from page B1

Southwestern Randolph at East Davidson

It’s the rst meeting between the schools in 15 years.

Southwestern Randolph, under coach Seth Baxter, was 6-5 last year for its third consecutive six-win season.

East Davidson was 2-8 a year ago, with both victories at home.

Trinity at South Davidson

Mark Raynor is Trinity’s new coach, and there could be rebuilding necessary. The Bulldogs haven’t nished with

a winning record since 2017.

Trinity last won an opener in 2022.

South Davison and Trinity last met in 2018, with the Bulldogs rolling 53-0 in a season opener.

Wheatmore at East Rowan

Wheatmore managed one victory in coach Jacob Shefeld’s rst season. The Warriors last had a winning mark in 2018.

Yet East Rowan has had back-to-back winless seasons following a pair of one-win marks.

This is a rst-time football matchup between the schools.

Judge tosses convictions in 2002 killing of NBA star Paul’s grandfather

State attorneys are considering an appeal

The Associated Press

WINSTON-SALEM — A North Carolina trial judge has thrown out the convictions of four men in the 2002 death of basketball star Chris Paul’s grandfather. Now state attorneys are considering their next moves, including an appeal.

Superior Court Judge Robert Broadie vacated and dismissed their convictions late last week following a January hearing in Forsyth County.

Nathaniel Arnold Cauthen, Rayshawn Denard Banner, Christopher Levon Bryant and Jermal Matthew Tolliver had been found guilty in trials in 2004 or 2005 for the killing of Nathaniel Jones. The four were all 14 or 15 years old when they and another teen were arrested.

Jones, 61, died from a heart attack outside his Winston-Salem home after being tied up, beaten and robbed.

A three-judge panel previously had denied the defendants’ innocence claims after testimony in a 2022 hearing.

But Broadie’s order, led last Friday, cited recanted testimony from a key witness, poor legal representation and questionable actions by police. DNA pro les also “further serve to corroborate Defendants’ assertions that their

“I have never seen that happen before in a court of law.”

Jim O’Neill, Forsyth County district attorney

confessions were false” and that the defendants “were not present at the scene of the crime,” the judge wrote.

Paul, Jones’ grandson, was a standout high school basketball player at the time of the assault and had committed to play at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem. Paul, now 40, is a 12-time NBA All-Star who now plays for the Los Angeles Clippers.

Attorney General Je Jackson’s o ce, whose lawyers defend criminal cases on appeal, asked the state Court of Appeals on Monday to halt enforcement of Broadie’s order “while we review it and consider next steps,” spokesperson Nazneen Ahmed said.

Cauthen and his brother, Banner, were convicted of rst-degree murder and are serving life sentences. Bryant, Tolliver and Dorrell Brayboy were convicted of second-degree murder and were released after serving prison time. Brayboy was fatally stabbed outside a Winston-Salem supermarket in 2019.

Monday’s petition to the appeals court by a state attorney said that, without action, Cauthen and Banner “will be re -

leased back into the community without this Court having an opportunity to hear and determine the State’s issues on appeal.”

Forsyth County District Attorney Jim O’Neill criticized Broadie’s ruling, in particular his dismissals of the cases “with prejudice,” which could make them harder to appeal.

“I have never seen that happen before in a court of law,” O’Neill said in a statement to the newspaper. “Most judges welcome scrutiny and appellate review of their decisions.”

Christine Mumma, the lawyer for Banner and Cauthen, pushed back on criticism of the judge’s ruling.

“If the General Assembly didn’t want judges to have the authority to dismiss with prejudice, they wouldn’t have given judges that authority,” Mumma wrote in an email. “They also wouldn’t have passed statutes recognizing if charges are dismissed with prejudice, there’s no right of appeal.” Mumma is the executive director of the North Carolina Center on Actual Innocence, a nonpro t that helps investigate and litigate claims of innocence.

NCAA FOOTBALL

Harbaugh refuses to comment after NCAA levies heavy penalties on Michigan

Los Angeles Jim Harbaugh is refusing to comment on the NCAA’s decision to ne the University of Michigan tens of millions of dollars and to suspend head coach Sherrone Moore for a third game due to the sign-stealing scandal that occurred during Harbaugh’s tenure at his alma mater. Harbaugh stayed mum on the Wolverines following his Los Angeles Chargers’ 23-22 preseason loss to the Rams for his rst interaction with the media since the NCAA’s rulings were announced. The NCAA sharply criticized Harbaugh’s stewardship when it announced the sanctions.

NFL

“End Racism,” “Choose Love” returning to NFL end zones

The NFL is continuing its on- eld social justice messaging for a sixth straight season. The Associated Press learned that all 32 teams will feature an end zone message at each home game throughout the season. They will select from four options, including “End Racism,” “Stop Hate,” “Choose Love” or “Inspire Change.” Once again, “It Takes All of Us” will be stenciled in the opposite end zone for all games. The only change from 2024 is that “Inspire Change” replaces “Vote.”

NBA

Lakers to honor Hall of Fame

coach Riley with statue unveiling against Celtics

Los Angeles

The Los Angeles Lakers will unveil a statue of former coach Pat Riley on Feb. 22. Riley joins Lakers greats like Kareem AbdulJabbar, Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant in bronze outside their home arena. The Lakers will honor Riley during a game against their longtime rival, the Boston Celtics. Riley coached the Lakers from 1981 to 1990, leading them to four NBA championships. He had a .733 winning percentage in the regular season and a 102-47 mark in the playo s.

MLB

Phillies ace Wheeler diagnosed with blood clot in right arm, placed on 15-day IL

Washington

The Philadelphia Phillies have placed ace Zack Wheeler on the 15-day injured list with a blood clot in his right arm. Phillies executive Dave Dombrowski says Wheeler has been diagnosed with a “right, upper extremity blood clot.” Wheeler pitched last Friday against Washington and was limited to ve innings for the second consecutive start. The right-hander allowed two runs and four hits. The 35-yearold Wheeler is 10-5 this season with a 2.71 ERA.

pen & paper pursuits

this week in history

Haitian Revolution begins, Sir William Wallace executed, Krakatoa erupts, “Mary Poppins”

AUG. 21

1831: Nat Turner launched a violent slave rebellion in Virginia, resulting in the deaths of at least 55 white people.

1911: Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” was stolen from the Louvre Museum in Paris.

1959: President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a proclamation o cially declaring Hawaii the 50th state.

AUG. 22

1851: The schooner America outraced over a dozen British ships o England to win a trophy later known as the America’s Cup.

1791: The Haitian Revolution began as enslaved people of Saint-Domingue rose up against French colonizers.

1910: Japan annexed Korea, which remained under Japanese control until the end of World War II.

1922: Irish revolutionary Michael Collins was shot to death, apparently by Irish Republican Army members opposed to the Anglo-Irish Treaty.

AUG. 23

1970: The Salad Bowl strike began, led by Cesar Chavez, as 5,000 to 10,000 laborers walked o the job in the largest U.S. farm worker strike.

1305: Scottish rebel leader Sir William Wallace was executed by the English for treason.

1775: Britain’s King George III proclaimed the American

On Aug. 23, 1970, Cesar Chavez launched the “salad bowl” strike, a nationwide lettuce boycott to gain recognition for his United Farm Workers Organizing Committee, prompting nearly 10,000 workers to walk o the job.

colonies to be in a state of “open and avowed rebellion.”

1927: Amid protests, Italian-born anarchists Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti were executed in Boston for 1920 robbery murders; 50 years later, Gov. Michael Dukakis said they were unfairly tried.

AUG. 24

1814: During the War of 1812, British forces invaded Washington, D.C., setting re to the still-under-construction Capitol and the White House. 1954: President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Communist Control Act, outlawing the Communist Party in the United States. 1992: Hurricane Andrew smashed into Florida; the storm resulted in 65 deaths and caused more than $26 billion in damage across Florida, Louisiana and the Bahamas.

AUG. 25

1916: Woodrow Wilson signed the National Park Service Organic Act, creating the agency to protect natural and historic sites for future generations.

1875: Matthew Webb became the rst person to swim across the English Channel, crossing from Dover, England, to Calais, France.

1944: Paris was liberated by Allied forces after four years of Nazi occupation during World War II.

AUG. 26

1944: French Gen. Charles de Gaulle led a victory march in newly liberated Paris, defying the threat of German snipers.

1939: The rst televised major league baseball games were broadcast on experimental station W2XBS: a doubleheader between the Cincinnati Reds and the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field.

1958: Alaskans went to the polls to overwhelmingly vote in favor of statehood.

AUG. 27

1883: The island volcano Krakatoa erupted with a series of cataclysmic explosions. The explosions (which could be heard 3,000 miles away) and tsunamis in Indonesia’s Sunda Strait claimed some 36,000 lives.

1894: Congress passed the Wilson-Gorman Tari Act, which contained a provision for a graduated income tax.

1964: The lm “Mary Poppins” had its world premiere in Los Angeles.

1990: Blues musician Stevie Ray Vaughn and four others were killed in a helicopter crash near East Troy, Wisconsin.

TIFF pulls documentary on 2023 Hamas attack from festival

O cials cited rights issue, while lmmakers claim their work is being censored

By Jake Coyle The Associated Press

NEW YORK — The Toronto International Film Festival pulled from its lineup a documentary on the Hamas 2023 attack into Israel over what the festival says was a footage rights issue.

Organizers for the festival acknowledged last Tuesday that they withdrew Canadian lmmaker Barry Avrich’safter initially o ering the lm a spot in the upcoming edition of TIFF.

The lm chronicles the story of retired Israeli Gen. Noam Tibon, whose e orts to save his family and others during the Oct. 7, 2023, attack was proled in a “60 Minutes” segment.

Representatives for the festival said in a statement that the lm’s invitation “was withdrawn by TIFF because general requirements for inclusion in the festival, and conditions that were requested when the lm was initially invited, were not met, including legal clearance of all footage.”

“The purpose of the requested conditions was to protect TIFF from legal implications and to allow TIFF to manage and mitigate anticipated and known risks around the screening of a lm about highly sen-

“We invite audiences, broadcasters and streamers to make up their own mind, once they have seen it.”

“The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue” lmmakers

sitive subject matter, including potential threat of signi cant disruption,” the festival said.

The lmmakers, though, say the festival is engaging in “censorship” by denying the lm a place in the festival.

“We are shocked and saddened that a venerable lm festival has de ed its mission and censored its own programming by refusing this lm,” the lmmaking team said in a statement. “Ultimately, lm is an art form that stimulates debate from every perspective that can both entertain us and make us uncomfortable.”

Deadline, which rst reported the news, said a sticking point was related to the identi cation and legal clearance of Hamas militants’ own livestreaming of the attack.

The lmmakers pledged to release the lm: “We invite audiences, broadcasters and streamers to make up their own mind, once they have seen it.”

Cameron Bailey, TIFF chief executive, apologized “for any pain this situation may have caused” and said he was still hoping to have the lm at the festival.

“I remain committed to working with the lmmaker to

meet TIFF’s screening requirements to allow the lm to be screened at this year’s festival,” said Bailey. “I have asked our legal team to work with the lmmaker on considering all options available.”

Bailey strongly rejected allegations of censorship, explaining instead said the situation requires compassion and sympathy.

“The events of October 7, 2023, and the ongoing su ering in Gaza weigh heavily on us, underscoring the urgent need for compassion amid rising antisemitism and Islamophobia,” said Bailey. “While we are not a political organization, TIFF will always strive to present our programing in a safe, inclusive environment.”

The Toronto festival has sometimes prompted headlines over its selections. Last year, it canceled screenings of “Russians at War,” a documentary about Russian soldiers in the war with Ukraine. Protesters in Toronto called the lm Russian propaganda.

After the festival paused screenings due to “signi cant threats,” “Russians at War” was quietly screened toward the end of the festival.

The Toronto International Film Festival pulled the documentary “The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue” from the 2025 lineup. The lmmakers accuse TIFF of censorship.

Debut novelist Aisha Muharrar deftly explores love, loss in ‘Loved One’

The emotional mystery spans years, continents and relationship statuses

By Rob Merrill The Associated Press

I PICKED UP a copy of “Loved One” based solely on the fact that its rst-time author, Aisha Muharrar, was involved in three television comedies that made me laugh: “Hacks,” “Parks and Recreation” and “The Good Place.”

The opening scene of “Loved One” could be a set piece on any of those shows, as we jump inside the head of our narrator, 30-year-old Julia, who is delivering the eulogy at a friend’s funeral, a popular indie musician at the time of his death. She thinks in pop culture tropes. “Gabe and I were actual friends. … We weren’t the kind of friends who were never really friends. The kind of friends you see in a romantic comedy where there are two incredibly attractive people who are deeply emotionally invested in each other, and we’re supposed to believe they have never once considered the idea of sexual intercourse.”

Julia next goes to the bathroom and ends up needing to borrow a tampon from Elizabeth, a British woman Gabe had been dating for more than a year at the time of his accidental death. (He slipped and hit his head on a marble sink when exiting the shower of an LA hotel.) Elizabeth’s words to

VIKING VIA AP

“Loved One” author Aisha Muharrar has written for hit TV comedies “Parks and Recreation,” “Hacks” and “The Good Place.”

Julia in their brief bathroom encounter set the rest of the story in motion: “I know exactly who you were to Gabe.”

After some required background about how Julia and Gabe met at a program for arts and architectural students in Barcelona in the summer between high school and college, Julia is on her way to London to retrieve a few of Gabe’s things at the request of Gabe’s grieving mother. “I was a set of house keys buried at the bottom of a purse, nally plucked out, jangling with a purpose,” is the poetic way Muharrar describes Julia’s feelings as she heads overseas. Once in London, the sto -

SOLUTIONS FOR THIS WEEK

“I was a set of house keys buried at the bottom of a purse, nally plucked out, jangling with a purpose.”

Aisha Muharrar, “Loved One”

ry takes on an almost buddy comedy feels, with Julia and Elizabeth warily befriending one another as they attempt to collect mementos of Gabe’s — from a guitar he once played to a Mets cap he wore. We stay inside Julia’s head most of the time, as she travels around London, still delivering inner monologues wrapped in her pop-culture sensibility: “I liked learning a new tidbit about him. It was never-before-seen footage that kept the movie of his life rolling.” As the two women get to know one another, we as readers get to know more about their relationships with Gabe, and especially what happened in the nal month or so before his death. Muharrar’s work developing her main characters throughout the story allows her to explore deeper themes of grief and loss in the nal third of the book without too much sentimentality. Closure may be too much to ask for these grieving women, but it’s enough that they realize they still have lives to live without the object of the book’s title.

famous birthdays this week

Barbara Eden celebrates 94, Baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. is 65, Tom Skerritt hits 92

THESE CELEBRITIES have birthdays this week.

AUG. 21

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer James Burton is 86. Singer Jackie DeShannon is 84. Film director Peter Weir is 81. Football Hall of Famer Willie Lanier is 80. Actor Loretta Devine is 76.

AUG. 22

Pro Football Hall of Fame coach Bill Parcells is 84. Writer-producer David Chase is 80. Retired CBS newsman Steve Kroft is 80. Rock singer Roland Orzabal (Tears For Fears) is 64.

AUG. 23

Actor Vera Miles is 96. Actor Barbara Eden is 94. Football Hall of Famer Sonny Jurgensen is 91. Singer-songwriter Linda Thompson is 78. Rock singer Julian Casablancas (The Strokes) is 47.

AUG. 24

WWE co-founder Vince McMahon is 80. Actor Anne Archer is 78. Baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. is 65. Talk show host Craig Kilborn is 63. Actor-comedian Dave Chappelle is 52.

AUG. 25

Tom Skerritt is 92. Rock

AUG. 26

Broadcast journalist Bill Whitaker is

the stream

O set, John Cena, John Grisham’s ‘Rainmaker’ gets TV adaptation

Jussie Smollett’s alleged attack is unpacked on Net ix

The Associated Press

MIGOS RAPPER OFFSET releasing his third solo album and Samara Weaving playing a reformed getaway driver in the heist thriller “Eenie Meanie” are some of the new television, lms, music and games headed to a device near you.

Also, among the streaming offerings worth your time: An adaptation of John Grisham’s “The Rainmaker” hits Peacock, John Cena stars as a awed superhero in season 2 of “The Peacemaker” and the Amanda Knox trial in Italy gets dramatized in a Hulu series.

TO STREAM

MOVIES

Weaving plays a reformed getaway driver who gets pulled back in to save a problematic ex-boyfriend in “Eenie Meanie,” a new heist thriller streaming on Hulu on Friday. Karl Glusman plays the pathetic ex in this intriguing ensemble that includes Steve Zahn, Andy Garcia, Randall Park and Marshawn Lynch. “Deadpool” writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick produced the lm, which is the directorial debut of writer-director Shawn Simmons.

Remember the strange Smollett saga that began back in January 2019 when the “Empire” actor told police that two men assaulted him in an apparent hate crime which investigators began to believe was a hoax? It’s the subject of a new Net ix documentary “The Truth About Jussie Smollett?” streaming on Friday. The ordeal stretched on for years and in November the Illinois Supreme Court overturned Smollett’s conviction on charges of staging a racist and homophobic attack against himself in 2019 and lying to Chicago police. The trailer for the doc, which includes interviews with journalists, lawyers, investigators and law enforcement, teases a new sit-down interview with Smollett himself. Swedish lmmaker Lasse Hallström takes audiences on a romantic journey through Europe with an American girl (Madelyn Cline) and a New Zealander (KJ Apa) in “The Map That Leads to You,” streaming on Prime Video. It’s based on the

2017 J.P. Monninger novel. MUSIC TO

STREAM

On Friday, Migos rapper Oset will release his third solo album, “Kiari.” The title is his legal name — a direct re ection of the album he described to The Associated Press earlier this month as “a look in the mirror.” He said it’s a collection of “different versions of O set, which comes from Kiari. … I’m always trying to rebrand and recreate.” Start with “Bodies,” a red-hot collaboration that marries Oset’s melodic, aggressive ow and the dexterous lyricist JID atop a sample of nu-metal band Drowning Pool’s 2001 cut “Bodies.” It’s become a 2025 Billboard Hot 100 hit for a reason. Who would’ve thought, nearly 40 years after their formation, that the California shoegaze-y nu-metal band Deftones would become more popular than ever before? They’ve found new and nostalgic audiences online and have quickly become recognized as one of the most in uential bands of the 2000s — 20 years after the fact. On Friday, they will release a new album “Private Music.” And they sound as tight as ever.

SERIES TO STREAM

The Knox trial gets dramatized in a Hulu series called “The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox.” Knox is an executive producer on the project, as is Monica Lewinsky. Grace Van Patten stars as the study abroad student in Italy who nds herself in prison for murdering her housemate, Meredith Kercher. The case becomes a media sensation and Knox is called Foxy Knoxy — among other things — by the tabloids. The series also shares more of the story of Ra aele Sollecito, Knox’s boyfriend at the time, who was also convicted of the murder. Both had their sentences thrown out by Italy’s highest court in 2015. We also see Knox’s di culty adjusting to regular life after she returns to the States. The eight-episode series is streaming now. Cena stars as a awed superhero in Season 2 of “The Peacemaker” arriving on HBO Max on Thursday. It’s the rst release of a DC Comics story after “Superman “ ew into theaters earlier this summer. James Gunn, who is co-chairman and CEO of DC Studios, directed “Super-

man” and is the showrunner of “The Peacemaker.” A new Prime Video docuseries called “The Home Team: NY Jets” followed six Jets players and their partners for the 2024-2025 NFL season. We see the home life of these pros

“I’m always trying to rebrand and recreate.”

as they also juggle the demands of the sport. The lmmakers also made the documentary “Kelce” about former Philadelphia Eagles player Jason Kelce in his 2022 season. It debuts Thursday.

An adaptation of Grisham’s “The Rainmaker” hits Peacock on Friday. The legal thriller is airing on the USA Network, and the streamer drops each episode a week later. Milo Callaghan plays Rudy Baylor, who is fresh out of law school and about to start working at the largest law rm in the state. On his rst day, Baylor gets red so he takes a job at a small ambulance-chasing rm that works out of a former taco joint. Rudy’s rst big case

pits him against the big, fancy law rm that let him go — and his girlfriend who still works there.

VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

You don’t see many surfboards in video games — most virtual riders would rather pick up a skateboard or snowboard. The “hoversword” at the heart of Sword of the Sea pushes back at that bias by combining all three. It throws in the ability to surf on sand, which is helpful given that your world is essentially one big desert. Your character, the Wraith, is exploring ancient ruins in search of longlost artifacts. Master the right techniques and you get to surf on actual water. Publisher Giant Squid is led by Matt Nava, who was the art director on the 2012 indie classic Journey, and Sword of the Sea shares that game’s meditative vibe. Hang

or

on

HOKE COUNTY

Bash to school

Hoke football WR/RB Machai Brown helps some

Saturday. The second-annual

food and

WHAT’S HAPPENING

First domino in national redistricting ght likely to fall with Texas GOP poised for vote on maps Texas’ Republican-led legislature is expected to approve new congressional maps that add ve new House seats that the GOP could win. The extraordinary move expected Wednesday comes at President Donald Trump’s urging. Trump wants to stave o Republicans losing control of the House of Representatives in next year’s midterms. Texas Democratic state lawmakers delayed the vote by eeing the state, but enough returned this week for the body to reconvene. The GOP House speaker assigned around-the- clock police monitors to Democrats to make sure they don’t ee again. One state representative spent Monday night and Tuesday in the Texas House rather than agree to a monitor and was joined by other Democrats in protest.

Gabbard revokes security clearances of 37 current, former government o cials

The Trump administration says it’s revoking the security clearances of 37 current and former national security o cials. A memo posted Tuesday by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard accused the targeted o cials of having engaged in the “politicization or weaponization of intelligence” to advance partisan goals. It also accuses them of failing to safeguard classi ed information.

test

Hoke County on verge of amending alcohol ordinance

Commissioners will hold a second vote on changing the allowed time for the sale of alcohol

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

RAEFORD — Hoke County may soon allow for the sale of alcohol starting at 10 a.m. on Sundays.

At the Hoke County Board of Commissioners’ Aug. 18 meeting, the board held a vote for the adoption of an ordinance to allow for the expansion of the sale of malt beverages, unforti ed wine, forti ed wine and mixed beverages beginning at 10 a.m. on Sundays in the unincorporated areas of the county.

“I had a few restaurants come to me and talk to me about this issue, and the state, through a general statute, allows counties to adjust the

time of sale for alcohol on Sundays,” said Commissioner Tony Hunt. “Our surrounding counties have all done this for their businesses, for them to open up and have brunch and things like that.”

North Carolina state law used to prohibit the sale of alcohol before noon on Sundays, but in 2017, the General Assembly passed the “Brunch Bill,” which allowed local governments to pass ordinances for sales to begin at 10 a.m. on Sundays.

Currently, Moore County as well as parts of Cumberland County (Fayetteville, Hope Mills) allow for the sale of alcohol on Sundays starting at 10 a.m.

“A couple of our restaurants were trying to open up at that time, and when they were opening up at that time, quite a few people would come in,” Hunt said. “But when they found out that alcohol sales

“This is totally about economics and business.”

Commissioner Tony Hunt

would have to be after 12, they would leave and go to other restaurants right over in Cumberland County. This is totally about economics and business. We love to recruit businesses to Hoke County, and if we’re going to recruit businesses to Hoke County, we need to be competitive with what other counties are doing.”

The board voted 3-2 in favor of the ordinance, with Chairman James Leach and Commissioner Mary Blue McCollum voting against the change.

“You can’t legislate morality,” Hunt said. “If someone is wanting to go take a drink on

NC updates more than 20,000 voter records, seeks more ID numbers

Some voters have been asked to help complete their records

By Gary D. Robertson The Associated Press

RALEIGH — Voter registration records for more than 20,000 people in North Carolina have been successfully amended thus far in an effort by election o cials to add missing identi cation numbers. In mid-July, the State Board of Elections began formally an e ort that seeks to resolve a lawsuit led by President Donald Trump’s Justice Department that focused on voter registration records that lacked either a voter’s driver’s

license number or the last four digits of their Social Security number. Federal and state laws have directed that election ofcials must request this ID information since 2004 of new registrants, but for about a decade the state’s registration form failed to make clear that voters were supposed to provide it if they had it.

A “Registration Repair Project” supported by the now Republican-controlled state board — ipped from a Democratic majority in the spring — created a public online database with the names of 103,270 registrants the lacking the numerical identi ers. They were asked to provide an ID number through the Division of Motor Vehicles website or by visiting their county election board of-

20,730

Voters who have successfully updated their records

ces. County election o cials also have conducted research to update records. As of Monday, the registrants on the list had fallen 20% to 82,540, an election board news release said. As planned, the board is now sending letters to those who haven’t already acted and o ered a numerical ID, or have yet to indicate that they have neither a driver’s license nor a Social Security number. The

Sunday morning, they’re going to go wherever they want to go to do it.”

Since the vote for a new ordinance wasn’t unanimous, a second vote will have to be held at the board’s next meeting, Sept. 1, for it to pass.

The second vote can pass the ordinance even if it is not unanimous.

In addition, Hoke County Public Utilities was recognized by the North Carolina Rural Water Association (NCRWA) and presented with an award for their work on the Hoke County Regional Water Wellhead Protection Program.

“This spring, I had the pleasure of working with Hoke County Public Utilities,” said NCRWA Water System protection specialist Jordan Jackson. “We worked on a wellhead protection plan. These plans are not required by the state, but it’s a wonderful thing that systems have in place to protect our water systems.”

“It’s good to know that we have good water from outside, independent organizations,” said Leach.

The Hoke County Board of Commissioners will next meet Sept. 1.

letter recipients are being told they can mail in their ID number with postage-paid return envelopes provided, in addition to the DMV and in-person options.

“It’s quick. It’s easy. It’s free,” board Executive Director Sam Hayes said, adding that taking action now will “avoid any issues the next time they show up to vote.”

People on the list who don’t provide the information will have to vote provisionally the next time they cast a ballot — meaning their ballots may not count in some state and local races without correct ID information. Municipal elections will be held starting next month. The board release said that paper and electronic voter rolls will ag these voters so they vote with a provisional ballot and provide missing information for their ballot to count.

The missing numerical IDs led to other complaints and

THURSDAY

8.21.25

WEEKLY FORECAST

FRIDAY

THURSDAY AUG 21

RECORDS from page A1

litigation leading to the 2024 elections and played a prominent part in a state Supreme Court race. U.S. attorneys have contended that accurate registration rolls help ensure fair and reliable election results. Many Democrats said these voters are already being scrutinized because they already have to show a photo ID to vote like everyone else.

North Carolina has 7.57 million registered voters and is

The original name was a reference to Microsoft’s MSN network

By David Bauder The Associated Press

CHANGING its mind about keeping its name, the MSNBC news network said Monday it will become My Source News Opinion World, or MS NOW for short, as part of its corporate divorce from NBC.

The TV network, which appeals to liberal audiences with a stable of personalities including Rachel Maddow, Ari Melber and Nicole Wallace, has been building its own separate news division from NBC News. It will also remove NBC’s peacock symbol from its logo as part of the change, which will take effect later this year.

The name change was ordered by NBC Universal, which last November spun o cable networks USA, CNBC, MSNBC, E! Entertainment, Oxygen and the Golf Channel into its own company, called Versant. None of the other networks are changing their name.

MSNBC got its name upon its formation in 1996, as a part-

considered a perpetual battleground state. Close elections could be a ected if registrants cast ballots that ultimately aren’t counted.

Another mailing will go out at a later date to close to 100,000 additional voters whose records also lack the identi ers but will be allowed to continue casting regular ballots because there’s evidence, for example, that they supplied a number or an alternate ID as allowed under the law.

nership then between Microsoft and NBC. Even back then, it was a puzzling moniker to many. But it stuck, even after the NBC partnership with Microsoft that produced it ended, and Versant CEO Mark Lazarus said in the initial days of the spino that it would stay, making Monday’s announcement an unexpected about-face.

Name changes always carry an inherent risk, and MSNBC President Rebecca Kutler said that for employees, it is hard to imagine the network under a di erent name.

“This was not a decision that was made quickly or without signi cant debate,” she said in a memo to sta . During this time of transition, NBC Universal decided that our brand requires

a new, separate identity. This decision now allows us to set our own course and assert our independence as we continue to build our own modern newsgathering organization.”

Kutler said the network’s editorial direction will remain the same.

“While our name will be changing, who we are and what we do will not,” she said. Still, it’s noteworthy that the business channel CNBC is leaving “NBC” in its name. MSNBC argues that CNBC has always maintained a greater separation and, with its business focus, is less likely to cover many of the same topics. The a liation between a news division that stresses objectivity and one that doesn’t

hide its liberal bent has long caused tension. President Donald Trump refers to the cable network as “MSDNC,” for Democratic National Committee. Even before the corporate change, NBC News has been reducing the use of its personalities on MSNBC.

Some NBC News personalities, like Jacob Soboro , Vaughn Hillyard, Brandy Zadrozny and Antonia Hylton, have joined MSNBC. The network has also hired Carol Leoning, Catherine Rampell and Jackie Alemany from The Washington Post, and Eugene Daniels from Politico.

Maddow, in a recent episode of Pivot, noted that MSNBC will no longer have to compete with NBC News programs for reporting product from out in the eld — meaning it will no longer get the “leftovers.”

“In this case, we can apply our own instincts, our own queries, our own priorities, to getting stu that we need from reporters and correspondents,” Maddow said. “And so it’s gonna be better.”

MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough revealed he network’s new logo on his show Monday morning. “It looks very sporty,” he said.

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

Trump’s biggest immigration win yet

For decades, many Democrats and some Republicans have presented amnesty as the only way to solve the country’s broken immigration system.

SOLVING AMERICA’S illegal immigration crisis didn’t require amnesty — just better leadership.

Last week, the Center for Immigration Studies released a study showing America’s foreign-born population dropped by 2.2 million from January to July. While the number of naturalized U.S. citizens increased, there was a staggering 1.6 million-person drop among illegal immigrants. CIS estimated that this represented a 10% decline in the country’s illegal immigrant population.

While determining the number of illegal immigrants always requires estimation, this drop is supported by anecdotal evidence.

“Nurse in US for 40 years self-deports,” a recent Newsweek headline reads.

“Lansing man self deporting to Kenya after 16 years in America,” WILX, a Michigan TV station, recently reported. In April, the LA Times wrote, “More immigrants opt to self-deport rather than risk being marched out like criminals.”

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said some foreign leaders have also told her this is happening.

“Over and over again, I’m hearing that hundreds of thousands of their citizens are coming home, voluntarily,” she said.

For decades, many Democrats and some Republicans have presented amnesty as the only way to solve the country’s broken immigration

system. The Trump administration has taken a lot of ak for trying a di erent approach. It’s o ering $1,000 to illegal immigrants who leave voluntarily. It’s ning illegal immigrants who stay, ramping up arrests and sending some illegals to third countries or Alligator Alcatraz. Like everyone else, illegal immigrants respond to incentives. This mix of carrots and sticks is working. The Trump administration has also closed the southern border.

A decrease in illegal immigration is great news for most Americans. It will increase wages for low-skill Americans. It will put downward pressure on housing prices. It will reduce crime. It will lower the amount of money Americans spend supporting illegal immigrants.

But it’s terrible news for the Democratic Party — especially if this drop continues. If the country didn’t have any illegal immigrants, Democrats would have less political power.

That’s not a claim about illegal immigrants voting in elections, although that does happen. It’s about the census. Every 10 years, the federal government counts how many people are living in the country. Congressional seats are divvied out to states based on those population numbers, which includes both legal and illegal immigrants.

In other words, states with large numbers of illegal immigrants receive extra Congressional seats — and Electoral College votes. That list includes blue states like California and New York, but also red states like Florida and Texas.

Evidence suggests blue states bene t more from this than red states.

Another advantage comes in the making of congressional and legislative districts, which are supposed to have a similar number of people. Note: That’s a similar number of residents, not citizens. Illegal immigrants tend to congregate in blue cities. This allows the creation of more districts in deep blue areas. This is one reason that Republican districts in Nevada tend to have more registered voters.

It’s unlikely that President Donald Trump’s new census excluding illegals will happen anytime soon, but if it did, Democrats would be in signi cant trouble.

Democrats’ desperate ght against Trump’s deportation e orts has a downside. The New York Times recently interviewed swing voters, including Desmond Smith, a young black man from Mississippi. He backed former President Joe Biden in 2020 and Trump in 2024. Asked how Democrats could appeal to him, he said, “Fight for Americans instead of ghting for everybody else.”

That should be a no-brainer, but for the reasons described above, it’s a tough option for Democrats.

Trump keeps winning on immigration policy and immigration politics.

Victor Joecks is a columnist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Why I support returning to traditional elections

Rankedchoice voting was pitched as a reform to solve a problem that, frankly, didn’t exist in Alaska.

IN RECENT YEARS, we’ve seen several changes to our state’s election system, including the adoption of ranked-choice voting (RCV) following the passage of Ballot Measure 2 in 2020. I want to speak plainly with you today about where I stand on this issue and why I believe Alaska should return to the traditional method of voting that served our state well for decades.

Let me start by acknowledging a simple fact: I have been elected governor under both systems. I won under the traditional voting method in 2018 and again under ranked-choice voting in 2022. So my position on this issue is not about political gain or loss. It is about trust, clarity and con dence in our electoral process.

Ranked-choice voting was pitched as a reform to solve a problem that, frankly, didn’t exist in Alaska. We were told it would reduce partisanship, promote consensus candidates and make elections more fair. In reality, what we got was a system that confused voters, made outcomes less transparent, and created deep concerns about how votes are tabulated and who ultimately decides an election.

When I talk with Alaskans, whether in urban Anchorage, on the Kenai or in rural communities from Bethel to Kotzebue, the message I hear time and again is the same: Ranked-choice voting is complicated, and many people don’t trust it. That’s not just a perception problem; it’s a legitimacy problem. For any election system to work, voters must understand how it functions and believe in its fairness. RCV fails on both counts.

Here’s how. Under the traditional method, you vote for the candidate you support. The candidate with the most votes wins. It’s simple, straightforward and easy to understand. But under ranked-choice voting, you’re asked to rank candidates in order of preference: rst, second, third and so on. If no candidate gets a majority of rst-choice votes, a computerized process kicks in, redistributing ballots according to preferences until someone gets over 50%. While this may sound neat in theory, in practice, it’s left many Alaskans scratching their heads.

In some cases, the candidate who receives the most rst-choice votes doesn’t win. That undermines a basic sense of fairness. In other cases, ballots are “exhausted” because voters didn’t rank every candidate. That means those votes are discarded in later rounds of counting, e ectively silencing the voter. And because the nal tally depends on a computer-run algorithm, we lose the immediacy and transparency of watching precincts report on election night.

To be clear, the concern here is not about technology itself; it’s about trust. People want to see the vote counted in a way they can understand. They want to be able to explain the result to their friends and neighbors without needing a owchart or a computer science degree. That’s the kind of clarity that strengthens democracy. Ranked-choice voting moves us in the opposite direction.

We are one of only two states, along with Maine, that currently use ranked-choice voting in statewide elections. If this were such an e ective and bene cial reform, why haven’t other states adopted it? Why haven’t we

Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks at Joint Base ElmendorfRichardson, Sept. 11, 2023, in Anchorage, Alaska.

seen a groundswell of support from legislatures or voters elsewhere?

The opposite has happened: 17 states have banned it. The truth is, most Americans — and most Alaskans — prefer a system they can understand and trust.

We should never make our elections more complicated than they need to be. Let’s remember what elections are fundamentally about: expressing the will of the people. That requires clarity, con dence and transparency. The traditional voting system delivered that for decades in Alaska. Ranked-choice voting has not.

It is time to bring back a system that puts the voter rst. One person, one vote. The candidate with the most votes wins. That’s how our democracy was designed to work. That’s how Alaskans expect it to work. And that’s the system I will support going forward.

I trust the good judgment of the people of Alaska. I believe when given the chance, we will return to a system that is fair, understandable and grounded in trust. Let’s put the power of elections back where it belongs: in your hands, not in the hands of a computer algorithm.

Mike Dunleavy is governor of Alaska and writes in his personal capacity. This article was originally published by Daily Caller News Foundation.

States rethink long-held practice of setting speed limits based on how fast drivers travel

Limits have traditionally been the 85th percentile of vehicle speeds

By Je McMurray

The Associated Press

ROSE HAMMOND pushed authorities for years to lower the 55 mph speed limit on a two-lane road that passes her assisted living community, a church, two schools and a busy park that hosts numerous youth sports leagues.

“What are you waiting for, somebody to get killed?” the 85-year-old chided o cials in northwest Ohio, complaining that nothing was being done about the motorcycles that race by almost daily.

Amid growing public pressure, Sylvania Township asked county engineers in March to analyze whether Mitchaw Road’s posted speed is too high. The surprising answer: Technically, it’s 5 mph too low.

The reason dates back to studies on rural roads from the 1930s and 1940s that still play an outsized role in the way speed limits are set across the U.S. — even in urban areas.

Born from that research was a widely accepted concept known as the 85% rule, which suggests a road’s posted speed should be tied to the 15th-fastest vehicle out of every 100 traveling it in free- owing tra c, rounded to the nearest 5 mph increment.

But after decades of closely following the rule, some states — with a nudge from the federal government — are seeking to modify if not replace it when setting guidelines for how local engineers should decide what speed limit to post.

Drivers set the speed

The concept assumes that a road’s safest speed is the one most vehicles travel — neither too high nor too low. If drivers think the speed limit should be raised, they can simply step on the gas and “vote with their feet,” as an old brochure from the Institute of Transportation Engineers once put it.

“The problem with this approach is it creates this feedback loop,” said Jenny O’Connell, director of member programs for the National Association of City Transportation O cials. “People speed, and then the speed limits will be ratcheted up to match that speed.”

The association developed an alternative to the 85% rule known as “City Limits,” which aims to minimize the risk of injuries for all road users by setting the speed limit based on a formula that factors in a street’s activity level and the likelihood of con icts, such as collisions.

The report points out the 85% rule is based on dated research and that “these historic roads are a far cry from the vibrant streets and arterials that typify city streets today.”

Amid a recent spike in road deaths across the country, the Federal Highway Administration sent a subtle but important message to states that the 85% rule isn’t actually a rule at all and was carrying too much weight in determining local speed limits. In its rst update since 2009 to a manual that establishes national guidelines for tra c signs, the agency clari ed that communities should also consider such things as how the road is used, the risk to pedestrians, and the frequency of crashes.

Leah Shahum, who directs the Vision Zero Network, a nonpro t advocating for street safety, said she wishes the manual had gone further in downplaying the 85% rule but acknowledges the change has already impacted the way some states set speed limits. Others, however, are still clinging to the simplicity and familiarity of the longstanding approach, she said.

“The 85th percentile should not be the Holy Grail or the Bible, and yet over and over again it is accepted as that,” Shahum said.

Rethinking the need for speed

Under its “20 is Plenty” campaign, the Wisconsin capital of Madison has been changing signs across the city this summer, lowering the speed limit from 25 mph to 20 mph on local residential streets.

When Seattle took a similar step in a pilot program seven years ago, not only did it see a noticeable decline in serious injury crashes but also a 7% drop in the 85th percentile speed, according to the Vision Zero Network.

“The problem with this approach is it creates this feedback loop. People speed, and then the speed limits will be ratcheted up to match that speed.”

Jenny O’Connell, National Association of City Transportation O cials

California embraces the 85% rule even more than most states as its basis for setting speed limits. But legislators have loosened the restrictions on local governments a bit in recent years, allowing them to depart from the guidelines if they can cite a proven safety need. Advocates for pedestrians and bicyclists say the change helps, but is not enough.

“We still have a long way to go in California in terms of putting value on all road users,” said Kendra Ramsey, executive director of the California Bicycle Coalition. “There’s still a very heavy mindset that automobiles are the primary method of travel and they should be given priority and reverence.”

But Jay Beeber, executive director for policy at the National Motorists Association, an advocacy organization for drivers, said following the 85% rule is usually the safest way to minimize the variation in speed between drivers who abide by the posted limit and those who far exceed it.

“It doesn’t really matter what number you put on a sign,” Beeber said. “The average driver drives the nature of the road-

way. It would be patently unfair for a government to build a road to encourage people to drive 45 mph, put a 30 mph speed limit on it, and then ticket everyone for doing what they built the road to do.”

80 is the new 55

Fears about oil prices prompted Congress in the 1970s to set a 55 mph national maximum speed limit, which it later relaxed to 65 mph before repealing the law in 1995 and handing the authority to states. Since then, speed limits have kept climbing, with North Dakota this summer becoming the ninth state to allow drivers to go 80 mph on some stretches of highway. There’s even a 40-mile segment in Texas between Austin and San Antonio where 85 mph is allowed.

Although high-speed freeways outside major population centers aren’t the focus of most e orts to ease the 85% rule, a 2019 study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety — a research arm funded by auto insurers — illustrates the risks. Every 5 mph increase to a state’s maximum speed limit increases the chance of fatalities by 8.5% on interstate highways and 2.8% on other roads, the study found.

“Maybe back when you were driving a Model T you had a real feel for how fast you were going, but in modern vehicles you don’t have a sense of what 80 mph is. You’re in a cocoon,” said Chuck Farmer, the institute’s vice president for research, who conducted the study.

A town’s attempt at change

If elected o cials in Sylvania Township, Ohio, got their way,

Mitchaw Road’s posted speed limit would be cut dramatically — from 55 mph to 40 mph or lower. The county’s nding that the 85% rule actually calls for raising it to 60 mph surprised the town’s leaders, but not the engineers who ran the study.

“If we don’t make decisions based on data, it’s very dicult to make good decisions,” Lucas County Engineer Mike Pniewski said.

For now, the speed limit will remain as it is. That’s because Ohio law sets maximum speeds for 15 di erent types of roadways, regardless of what the 85% rule suggests.

And Ohio’s guidelines are evolving. The state now gives more consideration to roadway context and allows cities to reduce speed limits based on the lower standard of the 50th percentile speed when there’s a large presence of pedestrians and bicyclists. Authorities there recently hired a consultant to consider additional modi cations based on what other states are doing.

“States have very slowly started to move away from the 85th percentile as being kind of the gold standard for decision-making,” said Michelle May, who manages Ohio’s highway safety program. “People are traveling and living differently than they did 40 years ago, and we want to put safety more at the focus.”

It’s unclear whether any of these changes will ultimately impact the posted speed on Mitchaw Road. After years of futile calls and emails to state, county and township o cials, Hammond says she isn’t holding her breath.

“I just get so discouraged,” she said.

Integrity

Open

Arms

Integrity Open Arms Employee of the Month

Residents of the Month

Gwenda Sealy

Robert General has been a resident at Open Arms since August 2021. He was born in South Carolina, relocated to Richmond Virginia and later moved to North Carolina. Robert enjoys BINGO, church and knitting. He is a joy to have here at Open Arms Retirement Center.

Gwenda is a Medical Tech that has been with us for a short period of time that residents have come to love. Since May 2025, Mrs. Gwenda has been one of our Head Medical Techs and Supervisor. During her time off she enjoys being with her family and being a beautician.

Mrs. Florence Herbert has been a resident here since May 2021. She moved to North Carolina from Pennsylvania to escape the bad weather. Florence enjoys word searches, BINGO, watching TV and spending time with her friends on the Special Care Unit at Integrity Open Arms.

Mrs. Betty Purcell is from Raeford, North Carolina. She moved into our assisted living this past June. Besides being the mother of two, she worked for many years at Burlington Mills. Betty enjoys church, watching youtube and doing word searches.

We want to say a BIG THANK YOU to her for a job well done!

happy to discuss your needs or

We are happy to discuss your needs or questions. W here to help!

HOKE SPORTS

Hoke County opens 2025 fall sports season

Football plays the state champs on Friday

North State Journal sta

HOKE COUNTY got the 2025-26 high school sports year started last week. Soccer and volleyball opened play, with football ready to join them this Friday.

Football

The Bucks open the season with a nonconference game against Monroe. The home opener will kick o at 7:30 p.m. on Friday.

The Redhawks won their second North Carolina High School Athletic Association State championship last season, turning in a perfect 15-0 record to take the class 2A crown. With the NCHSAA reclassi cations, Monroe will compete in class 5A this year, three classes below Hoke.

The Bucks will be looking to improve on a 2-8 record last season.

Volleyball

The girls’ volleyball team dropped its home opener then ran o a pair of road wins to nish the rst week with a 2-1

record. Hoke fell to Lumberton 3-1, swept South View 3-0 and earned a 3-2 win at Scotland.

The Bucks return home to face E.E. Smith to start this week, then travel to Lumberton. Home games against Seventy-First and Scotland are sandwiched around a trip to Purnell Swett. Hoke had a breakthrough season last year, going 16-7, and the Bucks will try to build on that.

Soccer

The boys’ soccer team had one match last week, settling for a tie at home against East Bladen. Carson Hewitt, Urijah Jones and Joas Hernandez scored goals for the Bucks.

Hoke now plays ve straight road games, including three this week — at E.E. Smith, Southwest Guilford and South View.

Judge tosses convictions in 2002 killing of NBA star Paul’s grandfather

State attorneys are considering an appeal

The Associated Press

WINSTON-SALEM — A

North Carolina trial judge has thrown out the convictions of four men in the 2002 death of basketball star Chris Paul’s grandfather. Now state attorneys are considering their next moves, including an appeal.

Superior Court Judge Robert Broadie vacated and dismissed their convictions late last week following a January hearing in Forsyth County.

Nathaniel Arnold Cauthen, Rayshawn Denard Banner, Christopher Levon Bryant and Jermal Matthew Tolliver had been found guilty in trials in 2004 or 2005 for the killing of Nathaniel Jones. The four were all 14 or 15 years old when they and another teen were arrested.

Jones, 61, died from a heart attack outside his Winston-Salem home after being tied up, beaten and robbed.

A three-judge panel previously had denied the defendants’ innocence claims after testimony in a 2022 hearing.

But Broadie’s order, led last Friday, cited recanted testimony from a key witness, poor le-

gal representation and questionable actions by police. DNA pro les also “further serve to corroborate Defendants’ assertions that their confessions were false” and that the defendants “were not present at the scene of the crime,” the judge wrote.

Paul, Jones’ grandson, was a standout high school basketball player at the time of the assault and had committed to play at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem. Paul, now 40, is a 12-time NBA All-Star who now plays for the Los Angeles Clippers.

Attorney General Je Jackson’s o ce, whose lawyers defend criminal cases on appeal, asked the state Court of Appeals on Monday to halt enforcement of Broadie’s order “while we review it and consider next steps,” spokesperson Nazneen Ahmed said.

Cauthen and his brother, Banner, were convicted of rst-degree murder and are serving life sentences. Bryant, Tolliver and Dorrell Brayboy were convicted of second-degree murder and were released after serving prison time. Brayboy was fatally stabbed outside a Winston-Salem supermarket in 2019.

Monday’s petition to the ap-

peals court by a state attorney said that, without action, Cauthen and Banner “will be released back into the community without this Court having an opportunity to hear and determine the State’s issues on appeal.”

Forsyth County District Attorney Jim O’Neill criticized Broadie’s ruling, in particular his dismissals of the cases “with prejudice,” which could make them harder to appeal.

“I have never seen that happen before in a court of law,” O’Neill said in a statement to the newspaper. “Most judges welcome scrutiny and appellate review of their decisions.” Christine Mumma, the lawyer for Banner and Cauthen, pushed back on criticism of the judge’s ruling.

“If the General Assembly didn’t want judges to have the authority to dismiss with prejudice, they wouldn’t have given judges that authority,” Mumma wrote in an email. “They also wouldn’t have passed statutes recognizing if charges are dismissed with prejudice, there’s no right of appeal.” Mumma is the executive director of the North Carolina Center on Actual Innocence, a nonpro t that helps investigate and litigate claims of innocence.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Joas Hernandez

Hoke County, boys’ soccer

Joas Hernandez is a junior on the Hoke County boys’ soccer team.

The Bucks opened the season with a 3-3 tie against East Bladen last week, and Hernandez played a role in two of the three goals, scoring one and picking up an assist on another. He nished the game with three shots on goal.

SIDELINE REPORT

NCAA FOOTBALL

Harbaugh refuses to comment after NCAA levies heavy penalties on Michigan

Los Angeles Jim Harbaugh is refusing to comment on the NCAA’s decision to ne the University of Michigan tens of millions of dollars and to suspend head coach Sherrone Moore for a third game due to the sign-stealing scandal that occurred during Harbaugh’s tenure at his alma mater. Harbaugh stayed mum on the Wolverines following his Los Angeles Chargers’ 23-22 preseason loss to the Rams for his rst interaction with the media since the NCAA’s rulings were announced. The NCAA sharply criticized Harbaugh’s stewardship when it announced the sanctions.

NFL

“End Racism,”

“Choose Love” returning to NFL end zones

The NFL is continuing its on- eld social justice messaging for a sixth straight season. The Associated Press learned that all 32 teams will feature an end zone message at each home game throughout the season. They will select from four options, including “End Racism,” “Stop Hate,” “Choose Love” or “Inspire Change.” Once again, “It Takes All of Us” will be stenciled in the opposite end zone for all games. The only change from 2024 is that “Inspire Change” replaces “Vote.”

NBA Lakers to honor Hall of Fame coach Riley with statue unveiling against Celtics

Los Angeles

The Los Angeles Lakers will unveil a statue of former coach Pat Riley on Feb. 22. Riley joins Lakers greats like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant in bronze outside their home arena. The Lakers will honor Riley during a game against their longtime rival, the Boston Celtics. Riley coached the Lakers from 1981 to 1990, leading them to four NBA championships. He had a .733 winning percentage in the regular season and a 102-47 mark in the playo s.

MLB Phillies ace Wheeler diagnosed with blood clot in right arm, placed on 15-day IL

Washington The Philadelphia Phillies have placed ace Zack Wheeler on the 15-day injured list with a blood clot in his right arm. Phillies

executive Dave Dombrowski says Wheeler has been diagnosed with a “right, upper extremity blood clot.” Wheeler pitched last Friday against Washington and was limited to ve innings for the second consecutive start. The right-hander allowed two runs and four hits. The 35-year-old Wheeler is 10-5 this season with a 2.71 ERA.

FBS doesn’t have lock on talent

Bryce Lance and WCU’s Taron Dickens head list on non-FBS

stars

By Steve Megargee The Associated Press

BRYCE LANCE COULD have cited plenty of reasons had he chosen to leave North Dakota State for a Bowl Subdivision program for his senior season. Lance decided he had more a compelling case to stick around.

After helping North Dakota State win a national title while catching 17 touchdown passes to lead all Championship Subdivision players, Lance believed he still had more to o er at the FCS level. He heads our list of players to watch from outside the FBS programs.

“Honestly, the thing that kept me here was my teammates,” said Lance, the younger brother of Los Angeles Chargers quarterback and former North Dakota State star Trey Lance. “I always say you’ve got your whole life to make money. There’s no amount of money that would make me not want to nish my senior year with my brothers. That was the big thing — my teammates.”

Lance redshirted in 2021 and totaled one catch from 2022-23 before breaking out in a big way last year. The 6-foot-3 wideout caught 75 passes for 1,071 yards. His 17 touchdown receptions tied a Missouri Valley Conference record, and seven of them came in four playo games. He caught six passes for 125 yards and three touchdowns in a 28-21 semi nal victory over South Dakota State. He followed that up by compiling nine receptions for 107 yards and a touchdown as North Dakota State beat Montana State 3532 in the nal, giving the Bison their 10th title in 14 years.

Western Carolina QB Taron Dickens Dickens only started four games as a redshirt freshman last season after taking over for the injured Cole Gonzales,

but his performance during that stretch makes it enticing to wonder what’s next. He nished the season having completed 73.8% of his passes for 1,428 yards with 12 touchdowns and three interceptions. He threw for more than 400 yards in two of his four starts — a 38-34 victory over Chattanooga and a 47-42 triumph at Samford.

Southern DE Ckelby Givens

Givens had an FCS-leading 27½ tackles for loss last season to go along with 12 sacks and three forced fumbles. He tied for sixth place in voting for the Buck Buchanan Award given to the top FCS defensive player. Givens had 21 tackles for loss, seven sacks and four forced fumbles in 2023.

William & Mary CB Jalen Jones

This 6-foot defensive back had 22 passes defended, 1.8

2

400-yard passing games in four starts by Western Carolina’s Taron Dickens

passes defended per game and 20 pass breakups last year to lead the FCS in all three categories. He was an Associated Press All-America rst-team selection.

Rhode Island LB A.J. Pena Pena had 82 overall tackles, 22½ tackles for loss and 12½ sacks last season to earn AP All-America rst-team honors. Pena nished 13th in the voting for the Buck Buchanan Award. He has totaled 44 ½ tackles for loss and 27 sacks over his three-year career.

Monmouth QB Derek Robertson

Robertson led FCS players in total yards passing (3,937) and yards passing per game (328.1) last season. He nished sixth in the voting for the Walter Payton Award, given annually to the top FCS o ensive player. Robertson completed 65% of his attempts and threw 31 touchdown passes with only six interceptions. He had thrown for 2,897 yards and 25 touchdowns with Maine in 2023.

Incarnate Word WR Jalen Walthall

Walthall caught 85 passes for 1,290 yards and 14 touchdowns last season as an AP All-America rst-team selection. He ranked third among all FCS players in yards receiving. The 6-2 receiver was at Hawaii from 2021-23 before transferring to Incarnate Word.

Breaking down some top- ight players on college football teams likely to be bad

Two ACC players make the list of diamonds in the rough

By Steve Megargee The Associated Press

ISAAC SMITH KNOWS what drew him to Mississippi State and why he has remained there.

“There’s no distractions in Starkville,” the junior safety told reporters during Southeastern Conference media days. “Small town. Real pretty community. The people are awesome. I fell in love with it, and I’m still in love with it and will forever always be in love with it.”

Smith’s 127 tackles last season led the Southeastern Conference and tied him for seventh place among all Football Bowl Subdivision players, production that hasn’t translated to team success. Mississippi State has gone 7-17 overall and 1-15 in SEC competition during Smith’s two seasons.

That makes Smith a natural candidate to head our list of good players on teams that gure to struggle this season, even though he believes Mississippi State has what it takes to turn things around. He considers Mississippi State a blue-collar program that values hard work.

“I love the fact that’s Mississippi State’s been all about that, just working hard and going to prove something that maybe people don’t think you can do,” Smith said. Mississippi State’s chances of being more competitive this season depend on whether Smith can help upgrade a defense that allowed 34.1 points per game last season. Texas Tech, Oklahoma State and Purdue were the only Power Four

teams to give up more points per game.

Wake Forest RB

Demond Claiborne

Claiborne rushed for 1,049 yards and 11 touchdowns last year for a Wake Forest team that nished 4-8 for a second straight season. He rushed for at least 113 yards against North Carolina A&T, NC State, Stanford and Cal. Claiborne also had 23 catches for 254 yards and two more scores. The ACC preseason media poll forecasts Wake Forest to nish 16th out of 17 teams, ahead of only Stanford.

New Mexico RB Scottre Humphrey

After helping Montana State reach the Football Championship Subdivision title game last year, Humphrey makes the move to the FBS ranks while trying to help New Mexico produce its rst winning season since 2016.

1,049

Rushing yards last year for Wake Forest’s Demond Claiborne

Purdue RB Devin Mockobee

The small-town, home-stater started at Purdue as a walk-on but earned a scholarship by helping Purdue win the 2022 Big Ten West Division crown. Purdue has struggled since — going 4-8 in 2023 and 1-11 in 2024 — but Mockobee has remained productive. His 2,466 yards rushing rank him seventh on Purdue’s all-time list.

Southern Mississippi CB Josh Moten Moten transferred to Southern Miss after intercepting ve passes for Mar-

shall last season to tie for fourth place among all Bowl Subdivision players. Southern Miss went 1-11 last year and has won more than three games just once over the past ve seasons.

Northwestern OT Caleb Tiernan

Northwestern went 4-8 in 2024 for its third losing season in the last four years, but the Wildcats have a quality left tackle in Tiernan. He has started 30 games over the last three seasons.

Cal LB Cade Uluave

After being named the Pac-12’s freshman defensive player of the year by the league’s coaches in 2023, Uluave collected 71 tackles while playing nine games for the Golden Bears last season. Cal went 5-7 last year for its fth straight losing season, and it’s picked to nish 15th in the ACC this year.

Julius Davis Jr.

Dec. 25, 1941 – Aug. 10, 2025

Mr. Julius Davis Jr., age 83, went home to rest with his Heavenly Father on August 10, 2025. The Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 16, at 1 p.m. at the Highway Holiness Church. Julius will be greatly missed.

obituaries

Joshua June Oxendine

Oct. 27, 1982 – Aug. 13, 2025

Joshua June Oxendine, age 42, of Orrum, North Carolina, was born on October 27, 1982, to the late June Taylor and the late Patricia Oxendine in Robeson County, North Carolina. He departed this life on August 13, 2025, at UNC Health Southeastern, Lumberton, North Carolina.

Joshua loved spending time with his family.

Joshua leaves to cherish his memories his wife, Kelly Oxendine of the home, two sons: Jakobe Oxendine of Red Springs, North Carolina, Nakema Oxendine of the home, two grandchildren: Legacie Oxendine, Isla Grace Oxendine, along with a host of other relatives and friends.

Terence Stamp,

British actor who portrayed General Zod in early Superman lms, dead at 87

His career spanned decades and countless lms

By Pan Pylas

The Associated Press

LONDON — Terence Stamp, the British actor who often played the role of a complex villain, including that of General Zod in the early Superman lms, has died. He was 87.

His death on Sunday was disclosed in a death notice published online, prompting a wave of tributes from and an array of fans and those close to him within the industry, including the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, or BAFTA.

The London-born Stamp started his lm career with 1962’s seafaring “Billy Budd,” for which he earned Oscar and BAFTA award nominations.

His six decades in the business were peppered with highlights, including his touching portrayal of the transsexual Bernadette in 1994’s “The Adventure of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,” the second of his two BAFTA nominations.

But it will be his portrayal of the bearded Zod in 1978’s “Superman” and its sequel “Superman II” two years later that most people associate with Stamp. As the Kryptonian arch enemy to Christopher Reeve’s Man of Steel, Stamp introduced a darker, charming and vulnerable — more human — element to the franchise, one that’s been replicated in countless superhero movies ever since.

Edgar Wright, who directed Stamp in his nal feature lm, 2021’s “Last Night in Soho,” remembered the actor in an Instagram post as “kind, funny, and endlessly fascinating.”

“The closer the camera moved, the more hypnotic his presence became. In close-up, his unblinking gaze locked in so powerfully that the e ect was extraordinary. Terence was

MATT SAYLES / AP PHOTO

Terence Stamp arrives at the premiere of “Valkyrie” in 2008.

a true movie star: the camera loved him, and he loved it right back,” Wright said. Bill Duke, who starred with Stamp in director Steven Soderbergh’s 1999 crime drama “The Limey,” said he was “deeply saddened” to hear of his death.

“He brought a rare intensity to the screen, but o -screen he carried himself with warmth, grace, and generosity,” he said on Facebook.

Stamp started his acting career on stage in the late 1950s, where he acted in repertory theatre and met Michael Caine, who was ve years older. The pair lived together in a at in central London while looking for their big break.

He got it with “Billy Budd” and Stamp embarked on a career that would see him in the early 1960s be part of the “angry young men” movement that was introducing an element of social realism into British moviemaking.

That was perhaps most notable in the 1965 adaptation of John Fowles’ creepy debut novel “The Collector,” where he played the awkward and lonely Freddie Clegg, who kidnapped Samantha Eggar’s Miranda Grey in a warped attempt to win her love. It was a performance that would earn the young Stamp, fresh o his Oscar nomination, the best actor award at that year’s Cannes Film Festival.

While part of that 1960s British movement, Stamp learned from some of the most seasoned actors from the classical era, including Laurence Olivier.

“I worked with Olivier briefly on my second movie (1962’s “Term of Trial”),” Stamp recalled in an interview with the AP in 2013. “And he said to me, ‘You should always study your voice.’” Stamp then segued into a spot-on Olivier impersonation, continuing, “‘Because, as you get older, your looks go, but your voice will become empowered.’”

His career took a bit of a hiatus from the late 1960s after he missed out on the role of James Bond to replace Sean Connery, that included a yearslong stint in India which saw him embrace a more holistic approach to his self.

It was the unexpected role of General Zod that brought him back to the limelight. He played John Tunstall in 1988’s “Young Guns,” the Galactic Republic leader in 1999’s “Star Wars” prequel “The Phantom Menace,” appeared in the comedies “Yes Man” and “Get Smart” in 2008, and delivered voice performances in the video games “Halo 3” and “The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.”

Born in London’s East End on July 22, 1938, Stamp lived a colorful life, particularly during the 1960s when he had a string of romances, including with actress Julie Christie and model Jean Shrimpton. He married 29-year-old Elizabeth O’Rourke in 2002 at the age of 64 but the couple divorced six years later. Stamp did not have any children.

Stamp retained his looks as the years ticked by, his natural handsomeness hardened by a more grizzled look.

He generally sought to keep his standards high — to a point.

“I don’t do crappy movies, unless I haven’t got the rent,” he said.

Mike Castle, who championed 50 State Quarters Program while in Congress, dead at 86

The rst State Quarter was his home state of Delaware

By Mingson Lau The Associated Press

WILMINGTON, Del. —

Former Delaware Gov. Mike Castle, a Republican moderate who championed creating the popular 50 State Quarters Program of commemorative coins while he served in Congress, has died. He was 86.

The Delaware Republican Party announced that Castle died last Thursday in Greenville but shared no other details.

Castle was among Delaware’s most successful politicians, never losing a race until his stunning upset in a 2010 primary for the U.S. Senate seat Democrat Joe Biden held before becoming vice president.

“Mike was de ned by his integrity, and for that reason, you couldn’t nd another member of Congress who would say a bad word about him,” said Biden. “All of us in Delaware owe Mike a debt of gratitude.”

During his 18 years in Congress, Castle became a leader of centrist Republicans, earning a reputation as a scal conservative and social moderate

not afraid to challenge the party line on issues ranging from government spending to environmental protection and abortion.

As Delaware’s lone representative in the U.S. House from 1993 to 2011, he supported a pay-as-you-go policy for both spending and tax cuts. Castle played roles in improving child nutrition programs and establishing the No Child Left Behind education reform program. His signature issue in Congress was the commemorative quarters program that featured coins honoring each state, starting with Delaware.

He was dubbed by the coin grading service Numismatic Guaranty Company as “The Coinage Congressman.”

The quarters boosted federal revenues as they were taken out of circulation. He also helped establish a similar program honoring U.S. presidents with dollar coins, beginning in 2007, and an “America the Beautiful” quarter program honoring national parks, monuments and nature areas starting in 2010.

“The Honorable Michael Castle embodied the best of public service — moderation, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to all Delawareans,” Delaware GOP Chairman Gene Truono said in a statement Thursday.

Castle had been a state lawmaker and lieutenant governor before becoming governor in 1985.

Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer ordered ags own at halfsta for the next week in Castle’s honor.

“During his time as governor, Mike Castle visited every single school in our state, including mine, where he spoke to my high school class with the same warmth, humility, and commitment to public service that dened his career,” said Meyer, a Democrat.

STATE & NATION

Democrats look to new crop of candidates to win back US House

In Trump country, the party is recruiting locals who are less “academic”

By Joey Cappellitti

The Associated Press

FAIRVIEW — Jamie Ager has spent much of the past year rebuilding his farm in the foothills of western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene tore through the region, cutting power, destroying fences and scattering livestock.

Then earlier this year, Ager lost his beef contract with local schools, a casualty of billions of dollars in cuts to the U.S. Department of Agriculture under the Trump administration.

Now the fth-generation farmer is running for Congress — part of a new crop of Democratic candidates the party is turning to as it tries to compete in the tough, often rural districts it may need to ip to retake the U.S. House in 2026.

Democrats say these new recruits are uniquely suited to break through in districts where President Donald Trump’s popularity dominates. Many, like Ager, are already a well-known presence in their communities. And in parts of North Carolina, Kentucky, Michigan and elsewhere, the party is betting local credibility can cut through skepticism where the Democratic brand has fallen.

Ager said he sees national Democrats as out of touch with rural life: too “academic” and “politically correct and scripted.”

“That’s just not what people are interested in,” he said. “The ideas of helping poor people, being neighborly, the ideal of doing those things, I think, are worthy, good ideas that are actually popular. But the execu-

tion of a lot of those ideas has been gummed up, you know, not well executed.”

A shifting House map

Heading into next year’s midterms, Democrats believe momentum is on their side. Historically, the president’s party loses ground in the midterms. In 2018, during Trump’s rst term, Democrats ipped 41 seats to take control of the House. Republicans currently control the House by such a slim margin that Democrats need to pick up only a few seats to break the GOP’s hold on Washington.

The Republican-led tax break and spending cut bill has added to Democrats’ optimism. About two-thirds of U.S. adults expect the new law will help the rich, according to a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public A airs Research. About half say it’ll do more harm than good for middle-class people and people like them.

Still, Republicans remain con dent. They point to having fewer vulnerable seats than Democrats have this cycle. Only three Republicans hold House districts Democrat Kamala Harris won last year, while 13 Democrats represent districts Trump won.

They also note Democrats’ low opinion of their own party after last year’s losses. In a July AP-NORC poll, Democrats were likelier to describe their own party negatively than Republicans, with many Democrats calling it weak or ine ective.

In places where local dynamics may give Democrats a shot, it means nding the right candidates is especially important, party leaders say.

“Recruitment matters in these years when the environment is going to be competitive,” Democratic pollster John Anzalone said.

Democrats hope a farmer in western North Carolina can regain trust

With power, water and telecommunications down due to last year’s hurricane, Ager’s Hickory Nut Gap farm became a hub for the community — hosting cookouts and using propane to grill food for neighbors.

Statewide, the storm caused nearly $60 billion in damage and killed more than 100 people. Little federal aid has reached the hardest-hit parts of western North Carolina.

“Helene hitting de nitely put an exclamation point on, like, ‘Whoa, we need help and support,’” Ager said.

Democrats see Ager as a high-risk, high-reward candidate who could be successful in a district where Democrats have struggled.

No Democrat has won North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District since it was redrawn by the Republican-controlled legislature in 2011. A court-ordered redistricting ahead of the 2020 election made it slightly more favorable to Democrats, encompassing Asheville and much of western North Carolina. Republican Rep. Chuck Edwards still won by nearly 14 percentage points last year and is expected to seek reelection.

Grayson Barnette, a Democratic strategist who helped recruit Ager, said in some districts it’s a risk to run a candidate who hasn’t held elected o ce before.

“But I would argue that’s a good thing, especially when the Democrats just took the big hit

we did,” Barnette said. “We have to look in the mirror and say, ‘Let’s try something new.’”

In a district where nearly 62% of residents live in very low-density areas, Barnette believes Ager’s identity — as a business owner, coach and father with deep local roots — could cut through. His unpolished, direct style, he says, may resonate more than a polished political résumé.

In the video launching his campaign, Ager shows ooding on the farm and is seen on the porch of his home, feeding chickens, driving a tractor and spending time with his wife and three sons.

“I’m not ashy, but I’m honest,” he says in the video.

Ager doesn’t call himself a Democrat in the roughly two-minute video and rarely used the word during a three-hour interview. Still, his ties to the party run deep: His brother serves in the state House, following in the footsteps of their father. His grandfather served six years in the U.S. House.

Asked whether that might be a liability in the district, Ager shrugged: “Then don’t vote for me.”

Trump’s big bill could reshape a conservative district in Michigan

In western Michigan, state Sen. Sean McCann is a di erent kind of candidate from Ager. He’s buttoned-up and soft-spoken, with a long resume in elected o ce and deep roots in Kalamazoo, having served for a decade on the city commission before winning a seat in the state House in 2010.

In a district anchored by conservative and religious values, Democrats see McCann as the

kind of steady, experienced gure who can make inroads — especially as backlash builds to Trump’s tax bill, which includes deep spending cuts.

At a recent meeting at Kalamazoo’s Family Health Center, where nearly 65% of patients rely on Medicaid, the center’s president warned the proposed Medicaid cuts would be devastating.

“It’s about being home in the community and listening to our community’s values — and carrying those to Washington,” McCann said.

The district is represented by Republican Rep. Bill Huizenga, who won reelection by nearly 12 percentage points in 2022. But Huizenga hasn’t said whether he’ll seek another term, and Trump carried the district by only 5.5 percentage points in 2024.

Democrats hope strong ties help elsewhere

Across the country, Democrats are watching similar races in places like Iowa and Kentucky, where local candidates with strong community ties are running. In Iowa’s 2nd District, state Rep. Lindsay James — a fourth-term lawmaker and Presbyterian pastor — is weighing a run in the northeast part of the state. In Kentucky’s 6th, which includes Lexington and Richmond, former federal prosecutor Zach Dembo is running his rst campaign, describing himself as a political outsider. It’s a mix of pro les: Ager, the farmer-turned-candidate feeding neighbors after a hurricane. McCann, the public servant meeting with health workers in his hometown. And others like them trying to reconnect a skeptical electorate.

“Yes, the Democratic Party has some taint to it,” Ager said. “But when I go talk to Republicans who are friends that I’ve known forever, there’s genuine admiration and mutual respect for each other. And that comes from being in this community forever.”

Jamie Ager is a Democratic candidate for North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District.

MOORE COUNTY

School is in session

Moore County Schools kicked o New Teacher Induction last week at Southern Pines Elementary, welcoming more than 100 new employees to the school system.

WHAT’S HAPPENING Commissioners vote to alter meeting times

amendment to the UDO to clarify a discrepancy regarding group care facility zoning.

Trump administration vying to own big stake in Intel after SoftBank’s $2B bet on company

U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Tuesday con rmed the U.S. government is vying for a 10% stake in Silicon Valley pioneer Intel in an unusual deal that would deepen the Trump administration’s nancial ties with major computer chip manufacturers and punctuate a dramatic about-face from the president’s recent push to oust the company’s CEO. The ambitions that Lutnick con rmed in a televised interview with CNBC came the day after various news outlets reported on the negotiations between the Trump administration and Intel. The talks come on the heels of a $2 billion investment that Japanese technology giant SoftBank Group announced Monday.

Okla. to require N.Y., Calif. teachers to pass ideology test Oklahoma will require applicants for teaching jobs from California and New York to pass an exam that the state’s top education o cial says is designed to safeguard against “radical leftist ideology.” Opponents decry the exam as a “MAGA loyalty test.” Ryan Walters, the state public schools superintendent, said Monday that any teacher coming from the two blue states will be required to pass Oklahoma’s PragerU assessment test before getting a certi cation. PragerU is short for Prager University and promotes itself as a leading conservative nonpro t. State education o cials say the 50-question test is nalized and will be rolling out “very soon.”

$2.00

The start time will change from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in October

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

CARTHAGE — The Moore County Board of Commissioners will be moving to a uniform start time for their two monthly regular business meetings.

At the Aug. 19 meeting, the board also approved a resolution to amend its meeting schedule to change the rst monthly commissioners meeting from a 10:30 a.m. start time to a 5:30 p.m. start time.

Currently, the board holds meetings on the rst and third

Tuesday of the month, with the rst meeting starting at 10:30 a.m. and the second starting at 5:30 p.m. Now both meetings will begin in the evening.

“A lot of our folks work during the day and can’t come to those early meetings,” said Vice Chair Nick Picerno. “I just think it makes it much more consistent if we do it at the same time in the evening so folks can come out and express their pleasure or displeasure with the items that are on the board.”

The new schedule will begin with the board’s October meeting.

The board also held two public hearings related to group care facilities.

The rst hearing was for a text

“Current language in this section of chapter eight refers to these facilities as requiring a special use permit, however the table of uses requires conditional rezoning in the RA zoning district, a special use permit in B1 and is permitted by right in B2,” said Planning Director Ruth Pedersen. “So the text does not match the current table of uses.”

The board then held a hearing for a rezoning request to take approximately 31 acres of property located at 444 Farm Life School Road from Rural Agricultural to Rural Agricultural – Conditional Zoning to move a group care facility into zoning conformity.

“This request is being made by Sandhills Adult and Teen Challenge,” Pedersen said. “They’ve been operating at this site since 1987 in Moore County and that was prior to county-wide zoning coming into play in 1999. They’re not requesting to make any changes to their business model or to their site, they’re just simply trying to obtain state licensure which would allow them to get some additional fund-

“A lot of our folks work during the day and can’t come to those early meetings.

Nick Picerno, vice chair

ing to support their mission.” In order for Sandhills Adult and Teen Challenge to obtain state licensure, they need to be in compliance with local zoning regulations.

“Teen Challenge has been out there in that area for as long as I can remember,” Picerno said. “As a matter of fact, I can remember going out there and actually helping them build a couple of their buildings. Since it’s been there, I think this is probably the right call. I am very hesitant though about adding new zoning and changes to our UDO until we nish our land use plan and recon gure our map and identify our future water and sewer resources.”

Following the hearings, the

month. The board release said that paper and electronic voter rolls will ag these voters so they vote with a provisional ballot and provide missing information for their ballot to count.

Some voters have been asked to help complete their records

By Gary D. Robertson

The Associated Press

RALEIGH — Voter registration records for more than 20,000 people in North Carolina have been successfully amended thus far in an effort by election o cials to add missing identi cation numbers.

In mid-July, the State Board of Elections began formally an e ort that seeks to resolve a lawsuit led by President Donald Trump’s Justice Department that focused on voter registration records that lacked either a voter’s driver’s license number or the last four digits of their Social Security number. Federal and state laws have directed that election ofcials must request this ID information since 2004 of new registrants, but for about a de -

cade the state’s registration form failed to make clear that voters were supposed to provide it if they had it.

A “Registration Repair Project” supported by the now Republican-controlled state board — ipped from a Democratic majority in the spring — created a public online database with the names of 103,270 registrants the lacking the numerical identi ers. They were asked to provide an ID number through the Division of Motor Vehicles website or by visiting their county election board ofces. County election o cials also have conducted research to update records. As of Monday, the registrants on the list had fallen 20% to 82,540, an election board news release said.

As planned, the board is now sending letters to those who haven’t already acted and o ered a numerical ID, or have yet to indicate that they have neither a driver’s license nor a Social Security number. The

20,730

Voters who have successfully updated their records

letter recipients are being told they can mail in their ID number with postage-paid return envelopes provided, in addition to the DMV and in-person options. “It’s quick. It’s easy. It’s free,” board Executive Director Sam Hayes said, adding that taking action now will “avoid any issues the next time they show up to vote.”

People on the list who don’t provide the information will have to vote provisionally the next time they cast a ballot — meaning their ballots may not count in some state and local races without correct ID information. Municipal elections will be held starting next

The missing numerical IDs led to other complaints and litigation leading to the 2024 elections and played a prominent part in a state Supreme Court race. U.S. attorneys have contended that accurate registration rolls help ensure fair and reliable election results. Many Democrats said these voters are already being scrutinized because they already have to show a photo ID to vote like everyone else.

North Carolina has 7.57 million registered voters and is considered a perpetual battleground state. Close elections could be a ected if registrants cast ballots that ultimately aren’t counted.

Another mailing will go out at a later date to close to 100,000 additional voters whose records also lack the identi ers but will be allowed to continue casting regular ballots because there’s evidence, for example, that they supplied a number or an alternate ID as allowed under the law.

8.21.25

WEEKLY

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CRIME LOG

August 12

• Lisa Brady Russell, 62, was arrested by MCSO for possession of methamphetamine.

• Craig Richard May, 47, was arrested by MCSO for third degree sexual exploitation of a minor.

• Misty Dawn Kidd, 43, was arrested by MCSO for possession of methamphetamine.

• Stephen Cole Boyd, 61, was arrested by MCSO for indecent exposure in public presence of minor.

August 13

• Taylor Damon Curtis, 26, was arrested by MCSO for possession of rearm by felon.

August 14

• Dianna Lynn McAlexander, 63, was arrested by MCSO for obtaining property by false pretense.

• Jonathon Ramek-Syent Alston, 39, was arrested by Southern Pines PD for misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

August 15

• Dustin Jacob Brady, 39, was arrested by MCSO for possession of rearm by felon.

August 16

• Brandon Le’Trell McCain, 32, was arrested by Southern Pines PD for breaking and entering.

• Christopher Dillon Dixon, 28, was arrested by MCSO for possession of methamphetamine.

August 17

• Tyler Scott Thompson, 37, was arrested by Southern Pines PD for intoxicated and disruptive.

Cable’s MSNBC will change name later this year as part of corporate divorce from NBC

The original name was a reference to Microsoft’s MSN network

By David Bauder The Associated Press

CHANGING its mind about keeping its name, the MSNBC news network said Monday it will become My Source News Opinion World, or MS NOW for short, as part of its corporate divorce from NBC.

The TV network, which appeals to liberal audiences with a stable of personalities including Rachel Maddow, Ari Melber and Nicole Wallace, has been building its own separate news division from NBC News. It will also remove NBC’s peacock symbol from its logo as part of the change, which will take e ect later this year.

The name change was ordered by NBC Universal, which last November spun o cable networks USA, CNBC, MSNBC, E! Entertainment, Oxygen and the Golf Channel into its own company, called Versant. None of the other networks are changing their name.

MSNBC got its name upon its formation in 1996, as a partnership then between Microsoft and NBC. Even back then, it was a puzzling moniker to many. But it stuck, even

after the NBC partnership with Microsoft that produced it ended, and Versant CEO

Mark Lazarus said in the initial days of the spino that it would stay, making Monday’s announcement an unexpected about-face.

Name changes always carry an inherent risk, and MSNBC President Rebecca Kutler said that for employees, it is hard to imagine the network under a di erent name.

“This was not a decision that was made quickly or without signi cant debate,” she said in a memo to sta . During this time of transition, NBC Universal decided that our brand requires a new, separate identity. This decision now allows us to set our own course and assert our independence as we continue to build our own modern newsgathering organization.”

Kutler said the network’s editorial direction will remain the same.

“While our name will be changing, who we are and what we do will not,” she said.

Still, it’s noteworthy that the business channel CNBC is leaving “NBC” in its name. MSNBC argues that CNBC has always maintained a greater separation and, with its business focus, is less likely to cover many of the same topics.

The a liation between a news division that stresses objectivity and one that doesn’t hide its liberal bent has long caused tension. President Donald Trump refers to the cable network as “MSDNC,” for Democratic National Committee. Even before the corporate change, NBC News has been reducing the use of its personalities on MSNBC.

Some NBC News personalities, like Jacob Soboro , Vaughn Hillyard, Brandy Zadrozny and Antonia Hylton, have joined MSNBC. The network has also hired Carol Leoning, Catherine Rampell and Jackie Alemany from The Washington Post, and Eugene Daniels from Politico. Maddow, in a recent episode of Pivot, noted that MSNBC will no longer have to compete with NBC News programs for reporting product from out in the eld — meaning it will no longer get the “leftovers.”

“In this case, we can apply our own instincts, our own queries, our own priorities, to getting stu that we need from reporters and correspondents,” Maddow said. “And so it’s gonna be better.”

MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough revealed he network’s new logo on his show Monday morning. “It looks very sporty,” he said.

MEETING from page A1

board approved both items. The board approved an amendment to the contract with Fred Smith Company to appropriate an additional $124,000 for the Agriculture and Health Department parking lot repairs.

“There were unexpected repairs needed after the top layer of asphalt was milled o and the subgrade surface was exposed during the paving process,” said Property Management Director Gene Boles.

The additional cost brings the total contract amount

up to just under $521,000.

The board also approved an amendment to the contract with Garrett & Moore to appropriate an additional $9,000 to account for additional professional engineering services needed to complete the design phase of the new land ll scales and scale house project.

The board then approved a three-year contract for purchase and service with SHI and the Microsoft Volume License Form for the Microsoft Enterprise Agreement.

“Through the Microsoft EA we are able to purchase Microsoft licenses, products and ser-

vices in a single contract,” said IT Director Kay Ingram. “This provides us with special pricing as well as software assurance bene ts, providing access to the latest supported versions. Additionally, the EA agreement provides us with essential application access such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, as well as supports end-user account assignment, employee email and security.”

The total cost for the agreement is $690,000 over the three-year span.

The Moore County Board of Commissioners will next meet Sept. 2.

moore happening

Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in and around Moore County:

Aug. 21, 22 & 23

Moore County Historical Association: Shaw House & Property Tours

1-4 p.m.

The Moore County Historical Association’s Shaw House grounds and properties are open for tours on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday afternoons. Tours are free and open to all ages. Enjoy learning about the impressive history of Moore County.

Shaw House

110 Morganton Road Southern Pines

Aug. 22 & Aug. 23

Cosmic Bowling 6-11:55 p.m.

Sandhills Bowling Center presents an evening of Cosmic Bowling every Friday and Saturday night. Enjoy two hours of bowling for between $5.50 and $17.00 per person based on age. Free shoe rental.

Sandhills Bowling Center 1680 NC Highway 5 Aberdeen

Aug. 23

Moore County Farmers Market

8 a.m. to noon

A vast and varied selection of fresh produce, canned goods, including honey and fruit preserves and baked goods has earned this producers-only farmer’s market a reputation as one of the best in the region. Visitors are treated to musical performances and complimentary appetizers prepared by local chefs from fresh regional ingredients every Saturday in the summer.

156 SE Broad Street Southern Pines

U Pick Lavender at Lazy Fox Lavender Farm

11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Spend the day in the country exploring the farm and enjoy seeing chickens and sheep. Visitors enjoy the beauty and scent of fresh lavender, which can be cut and purchased by the bundle. A gift shop and an ice cream truck are also on the grounds. Admission is $5 each for adults and kids 2+. (Children under the age of two are admitted for free.)

272 Edgewood Road Cameron

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

Trump’s biggest immigration win yet

For decades, many Democrats and some Republicans have presented amnesty as the only way to solve the country’s broken immigration system.

SOLVING AMERICA’S illegal immigration crisis didn’t require amnesty — just better leadership.

Last week, the Center for Immigration Studies released a study showing America’s foreign-born population dropped by 2.2 million from January to July. While the number of naturalized U.S. citizens increased, there was a staggering 1.6 million-person drop among illegal immigrants. CIS estimated that this represented a 10% decline in the country’s illegal immigrant population.

While determining the number of illegal immigrants always requires estimation, this drop is supported by anecdotal evidence.

“Nurse in US for 40 years self-deports,” a recent Newsweek headline reads.

“Lansing man self deporting to Kenya after 16 years in America,” WILX, a Michigan TV station, recently reported. In April, the LA Times wrote, “More immigrants opt to self-deport rather than risk being marched out like criminals.”

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said some foreign leaders have also told her this is happening.

“Over and over again, I’m hearing that hundreds of thousands of their citizens are coming home, voluntarily,” she said.

For decades, many Democrats and some Republicans have presented amnesty as the only way to solve the country’s broken immigration

system. The Trump administration has taken a lot of ak for trying a di erent approach. It’s o ering $1,000 to illegal immigrants who leave voluntarily. It’s ning illegal immigrants who stay, ramping up arrests and sending some illegals to third countries or Alligator Alcatraz. Like everyone else, illegal immigrants respond to incentives. This mix of carrots and sticks is working. The Trump administration has also closed the southern border.

A decrease in illegal immigration is great news for most Americans. It will increase wages for low-skill Americans. It will put downward pressure on housing prices. It will reduce crime. It will lower the amount of money Americans spend supporting illegal immigrants.

But it’s terrible news for the Democratic Party — especially if this drop continues. If the country didn’t have any illegal immigrants, Democrats would have less political power.

That’s not a claim about illegal immigrants voting in elections, although that does happen. It’s about the census. Every 10 years, the federal government counts how many people are living in the country. Congressional seats are divvied out to states based on those population numbers, which includes both legal and illegal immigrants.

In other words, states with large numbers of illegal immigrants receive extra Congressional seats — and Electoral College votes. That list includes blue states like California and New York, but also red states like Florida and Texas.

Evidence suggests blue states bene t more from this than red states.

Another advantage comes in the making of congressional and legislative districts, which are supposed to have a similar number of people. Note: That’s a similar number of residents, not citizens. Illegal immigrants tend to congregate in blue cities. This allows the creation of more districts in deep blue areas. This is one reason that Republican districts in Nevada tend to have more registered voters.

It’s unlikely that President Donald Trump’s new census excluding illegals will happen anytime soon, but if it did, Democrats would be in signi cant trouble.

Democrats’ desperate ght against Trump’s deportation e orts has a downside. The New York Times recently interviewed swing voters, including Desmond Smith, a young black man from Mississippi. He backed former President Joe Biden in 2020 and Trump in 2024. Asked how Democrats could appeal to him, he said, “Fight for Americans instead of ghting for everybody else.”

That should be a no-brainer, but for the reasons described above, it’s a tough option for Democrats.

Trump keeps winning on immigration policy and immigration politics.

Victor Joecks is a columnist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Why I support returning to traditional elections

Rankedchoice voting was pitched as a reform to solve a problem that, frankly, didn’t exist in Alaska.

IN RECENT YEARS, we’ve seen several changes to our state’s election system, including the adoption of ranked-choice voting (RCV) following the passage of Ballot Measure 2 in 2020. I want to speak plainly with you today about where I stand on this issue and why I believe Alaska should return to the traditional method of voting that served our state well for decades.

Let me start by acknowledging a simple fact: I have been elected governor under both systems. I won under the traditional voting method in 2018 and again under ranked-choice voting in 2022. So my position on this issue is not about political gain or loss. It is about trust, clarity and con dence in our electoral process.

Ranked-choice voting was pitched as a reform to solve a problem that, frankly, didn’t exist in Alaska. We were told it would reduce partisanship, promote consensus candidates and make elections more fair. In reality, what we got was a system that confused voters, made outcomes less transparent, and created deep concerns about how votes are tabulated and who ultimately decides an election.

When I talk with Alaskans, whether in urban Anchorage, on the Kenai or in rural communities from Bethel to Kotzebue, the message I hear time and again is the same: Ranked-choice voting is complicated, and many people don’t trust it. That’s not just a perception problem; it’s a legitimacy problem. For any election system to work, voters must understand how it functions and believe in its fairness. RCV fails on both counts.

Here’s how. Under the traditional method, you vote for the candidate you support. The candidate with the most votes wins. It’s simple, straightforward and easy to understand. But under ranked-choice voting, you’re asked to rank candidates in order of preference: rst, second, third and so on. If no candidate gets a majority of rst-choice votes, a computerized process kicks in, redistributing ballots according to preferences until someone gets over 50%. While this may sound neat in theory, in practice, it’s left many Alaskans scratching their heads.

In some cases, the candidate who receives the most rst-choice votes doesn’t win. That undermines a basic sense of fairness. In other cases, ballots are “exhausted” because voters didn’t rank every candidate. That means those votes are discarded in later rounds of counting, e ectively silencing the voter. And because the nal tally depends on a computer-run algorithm, we lose the immediacy and transparency of watching precincts report on election night.

To be clear, the concern here is not about technology itself; it’s about trust. People want to see the vote counted in a way they can understand. They want to be able to explain the result to their friends and neighbors without needing a owchart or a computer science degree. That’s the kind of clarity that strengthens democracy. Ranked-choice voting moves us in the opposite direction.

We are one of only two states, along with Maine, that currently use ranked-choice voting in statewide elections. If this were such an e ective and bene cial reform, why haven’t other states adopted it? Why haven’t we

Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks at Joint Base ElmendorfRichardson, Sept. 11, 2023, in Anchorage, Alaska.

seen a groundswell of support from legislatures or voters elsewhere?

The opposite has happened: 17 states have banned it. The truth is, most Americans — and most Alaskans — prefer a system they can understand and trust.

We should never make our elections more complicated than they need to be. Let’s remember what elections are fundamentally about: expressing the will of the people. That requires clarity, con dence and transparency. The traditional voting system delivered that for decades in Alaska. Ranked-choice voting has not.

It is time to bring back a system that puts the voter rst. One person, one vote. The candidate with the most votes wins. That’s how our democracy was designed to work. That’s how Alaskans expect it to work. And that’s the system I will support going forward.

I trust the good judgment of the people of Alaska. I believe when given the chance, we will return to a system that is fair, understandable and grounded in trust. Let’s put the power of elections back where it belongs: in your hands, not in the hands of a computer algorithm.

Mike Dunleavy is governor of Alaska and writes in his personal capacity. This article was originally published by Daily Caller News Foundation.

Limits have traditionally been the 85th percentile of vehicle speeds

By Je McMurray

The Associated Press

ROSE HAMMOND pushed authorities for years to lower the 55 mph speed limit on a two-lane road that passes her assisted living community, a church, two schools and a busy park that hosts numerous youth sports leagues.

“What are you waiting for, somebody to get killed?” the 85-year-old chided o cials in northwest Ohio, complaining that nothing was being done about the motorcycles that race by almost daily.

Amid growing public pressure, Sylvania Township asked county engineers in March to analyze whether Mitchaw Road’s posted speed is too high.The surprising answer: Technically, it’s 5 mph too low.

The reason dates back to studies on rural roads from the 1930s and 1940s that still play an outsized role in the way speed limits are set across the U.S. — even in urban areas.

Born from that research was a widely accepted concept known as the 85% rule, which suggests a road’s posted speed should be tied to the 15th-fastest vehicle out of every 100 traveling it in free- owing tra c, rounded to the nearest 5 mph increment.

But after decades of closely following the rule, some states — with a nudge from the federal government — are seeking to modify if not replace it when setting guidelines for how local engineers should decide what speed limit to post.

Drivers set the speed

The concept assumes that a road’s safest speed is the one most vehicles travel — neither too high nor too low. If drivers think the speed limit should be raised, they can simply step on the gas and “vote with their feet,” as an old brochure from the Institute of Transportation Engineers once put it.

“The problem with this approach is it creates this feedback loop,” said Jenny O’Connell, director of member programs for the National Association of City Transportation O cials. “People speed, and then the speed limits will be ratcheted up to match that speed.”

The association developed an alternative to the 85% rule known as “City Limits,” which aims to minimize the risk of injuries for all road users by setting the speed limit based on a formula that factors in a street’s activity level and the likelihood of conicts, such as collisions.

The report points out the 85% rule is based on dated research

and that “these historic roads are a far cry from the vibrant streets and arterials that typify city streets today.”

Amid a recent spike in road deaths across the country, the Federal Highway Administration sent a subtle but important message to states that the 85% rule isn’t actually a rule at all and was carrying too much weight in determining local speed limits. In its rst update since 2009 to a manual that establishes national guidelines for tra c signs, the agency clari ed that communities should also consider such things as how the road is used, the risk to pedestrians, and the frequency of crashes.

Leah Shahum, who directs the Vision Zero Network, a nonpro t advocating for street safety, said she wishes the manual had gone further in downplaying the 85% rule but acknowledges the change has already impacted the way some states set speed limits. Others, however, are still clinging to the simplicity and familiarity of the longstanding approach, she said.

“The 85th percentile should not be the Holy Grail or the Bible, and yet over and over again it is accepted as that,” Shahum said.

Rethinking the need for speed

Under its “20 is Plenty” campaign, the Wisconsin capital of Madison has been changing signs across the city this summer, lowering the speed limit from 25 mph to 20 mph on local residential streets.

When Seattle took a similar

step in a pilot program seven years ago, not only did it see a noticeable decline in serious injury crashes but also a 7% drop in the 85th percentile speed, according to the Vision Zero Network.

California embraces the 85% rule even more than most states as its basis for setting speed limits. But legislators have loosened the restrictions on local governments a bit in recent years, allowing them to depart from the guidelines if they can cite a proven safety need. Advocates for pedestrians and bicyclists say the change helps, but is not enough.

“We still have a long way to go in California in terms of putting value on all road users,” said Kendra Ramsey, executive director of the California Bicycle Coalition. “There’s still a very heavy mindset that automobiles are the primary method of travel and they should be given priority and reverence.”

But Jay Beeber, executive director for policy at the National Motorists Association, an advocacy organization for drivers, said following the 85% rule is usually the safest way to minimize the variation in speed between drivers who abide by the posted limit and those who far exceed it.

“It doesn’t really matter what number you put on a sign,” Beeber said. “The average driver drives the nature of the roadway. It would be patently unfair for a government to build a road to encourage people to drive 45 mph, put a 30 mph speed limit on it, and then ticket everyone for doing what they built the road to do.”

80 is the new 55

Fears about oil prices prompted Congress in the 1970s to set a 55 mph national maximum speed limit, which it later relaxed to 65 mph before repealing the law in 1995 and handing the authority to states. Since then, speed limits have kept climbing, with North Dakota this summer becoming the ninth state to allow drivers to go 80 mph on some stretches of highway. There’s even a 40-mile segment in Texas between Austin and San Antonio where 85 mph is allowed.

Although high-speed freeways outside major population centers aren’t the focus of most efforts to ease the 85% rule, a 2019 study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety — a research arm funded by auto insurers — illustrates the risks. Every 5 mph increase to a state’s maximum speed limit increases the chance of fatalities by 8.5% on interstate highways and 2.8% on other roads, the study found.

“Maybe back when you were driving a Model T you had a real feel for how fast you were going, but in modern vehicles you don’t have a sense of what 80 mph is. You’re in a cocoon,” said Chuck Farmer, the institute’s vice president for research, who conducted the study.

A town’s attempt at change

If elected o cials in Sylvania Township, Ohio, got their way, Mitchaw Road’s posted speed limit would be cut dramatically — from 55 mph to 40 mph or lower. The county’s nding that

the 85% rule actually calls for raising it to 60 mph surprised the town’s leaders, but not the engineers who ran the study.

“If we don’t make decisions based on data, it’s very di cult to make good decisions,” Lucas County Engineer Mike Pniewski said.

For now, the speed limit will remain as it is. That’s because Ohio law sets maximum speeds for 15 di erent types of roadways, regardless of what the 85% rule suggests.

And Ohio’s guidelines are evolving. The state now gives more consideration to roadway context and allows cities to reduce speed limits based on the lower standard of the 50th percentile speed when there’s a large presence of pedestrians and bicyclists. Authorities there recently hired a consultant to consider additional modi cations based on what other states are doing.

“States have very slowly started to move away from the 85th percentile as being kind of the gold standard for decision-making,” said Michelle May, who manages Ohio’s highway safety program. “People are traveling and living di erently than they did 40 years ago, and we want to put safety more at the focus.”

It’s unclear whether any of these changes will ultimately impact the posted speed on Mitchaw Road. After years of futile calls and emails to state, county and township o cials, Hammond says she isn’t holding her breath.

“I just get so discouraged,” she said.

MOORE SPORTS

High school football season set to open on Friday

Soccer and volleyball seasons are already underway in Moore County

North State Journal sta

THE MOORE County high school sports season began last week, with several of the fall teams beginning action.

Boys’ soccer

The three county schools are still seeking their rst win on the pitch this season.

Union Pines dropped a 3-0 game to Fike in the Vikings’ home opener. Pinecrest took a road loss, falling 5-1 to Laney. North Moore had the most success, earning a 2-2 tie with Faith Christian.

This week, Union Pines travels to Pine Forest, then has back-to-back home games against Cape Fear and Southwest Guilford. Pinecrest has its home opener against Cardinal Gibbons. North Moore has

a pair of road games, against Montgomery Central and Ascend Leadership.

Volleyball

All three county teams have tasted victory on the volleyball court. North Moore jumped out to a 3-0 record to start the season, winning a trio of road games at Chatham Charter (3-1), Faith Christian (3-0) and Western Harnett (3-1). It matches last year’s 3-0 start as the fastest for North Moore volleyball in more than 15 years. This week, the Mustangs open the home schedule with Chatham Charter before heading to Trinity.

Pinecrest opened the season by splitting a pair of road contests. The Patriots swept Western Harnett 3-0 then lost at Chapel Hill by the same score. This week, Pinecrest faces Union Pines in the home opener, then travels to Purnell Swett.

Union Pines also opened the season on a positive note, go -

ing 3-1 in the rst week. The Vikings beat Northwood 3-0 in their home opener, then won on the road 3-2 at Purnell Swett. After a 3-1 home loss to Gray’s Creek, they bounced back with a 3-0 win at Pine Forest.

This week, Union Pines hosts Uwharrie Charter Academy, then travels to Pinecrest and West Johnston.

Football

All three county teams open the season with nonconference games on Friday night.

Moore County Week One High School Schedule:

Friday Aug. 22, 7:30 p.m., Pinecrest Patriots (10-2 in 2024) home vs. Cleveland Rams (13-1 in 2024)

Friday Aug. 22, 7 p.m., North Moore Mustangs (7-6 in 2024) at Fike Golden Demons (5-6 in 2024)

Friday Aug. 22, 7 p.m., Union Pines Vikings (6-5 in 2024) at Westover Wolverines (7-4 in 2024)

The Pinecrest’s volleyball team has split its rst two games of the season

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Katie Burley

Union Pines, volleyball

Katie Burley is a senior libero and defensive specialist on the Union Pines volleyball team. The Vikings opened the season with a 3-1 record. Burley is o to a fast start as well. She leads the team with 62 digs and 106 receptions. She’s second on the squad in serving aces and third in assists. She also leads the Carolina Pines conference in digs.

Dillon makes NASCAR Cup playo s with redemptive victory

The Richard Childress Racing driver overcame a broken rib to end his 37-race winless streak

The Associated Press

RICHMOND, Va. — Austin Dillon was hurting mentally and physically when he arrived at Richmond Raceway. He found the cure for what ailed him in Victory Lane.

Racing with a broken rib and some wounded pride, Dillon locked into the Cup Series playo s with a clean run to his second consecutive victory on the 0.75-mile oval.

It was a redemptive triumph for the Richard Childress Racing driver, whose championship eligibility was revoked by NASCAR last year after he wrecked Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin on the nal lap to win at Richmond.

After missing the playo s and enduring criticism from Logano, Hamlin and others who accused him of racing dirty, he went through a 37-race winless stretch before breaking through at Richmond with his rst top ve of the season.

“Man, that feels good,” said Dillon, whose previous best nish had been a seventh at Texas Motor Speedway in May. “I really wanted that one. Last year hurt really bad just going through the whole process of it, but this one feels so sweet. Man, I love Richmond.”

He revealed after his sixth career victory that he also had raced with the rib injury the past three weeks since falling o a ladder before the Aug. 3 race at Iowa Speedway.

“I was thrown down a lot this week and didn’t feel great,” he said. He shrugged o the pain to outduel Ryan Blaney over the nal 100 laps, seizing control with a shrewd strategy call to pit his No. 3 Chevrolet four

laps earlier than the Team Penske driver’s No. 12 Ford. Dillon, who led 107 of 400 laps, won by 2.471 seconds over Alex Bowman. Blaney faded to third, followed by Joey Logano and Austin Cindric. Dillon became the 14th race winner to lock into the 16-driver eld for the Cup playo s, which are contested over thenal 10 races of the season. The regular season will conclude next Saturday night at Daytona, where the nal two playo drivers will be con rmed — and at least one will qualify through the points standings.

“Man, that feels good. I really wanted that one.”

Austin Dillon

Tyler Reddick and Bowman are in the nal two provisional spots on points, but either could be eliminated if another new winner emerges at Daytona (which has happened twice in the last three years).

“Really stressful on a lot of fronts,” Bowman said. “I think with the way that race normal-

ly goes, it’s about a must-win at that point because I think you’re most likely going to have a new winner. Just need to go execute and try to win the race. That’s all we can really do.”

Streak over

After a consistent start to his season, Chase Elliott is in a slump heading into the playo s. The 2020 Cup champion nished last at Richmond and failed to nish for the rst time since last October at Las Vegas Motor Speedway 27 races ago. Elliott nearly had cleared the

pileup on the 198th lap when he was tagged in the right rear by Kyle Busch.

“I think Kyle just didn’t know that we were trying to squeeze by the wreck on the bottom,” Elliott said. “We had a good start to the night, and it just slowly unraveled until it nally fell apart. Hopefully, we get on a better stretch starting next week.”

Since brie y taking the points lead after his June 28 win at Atlanta, the seven-time Most Popular Driver has nished outside the top 10 in ve of seven races.

SIDELINE REPORT

NCAA FOOTBALL

Harbaugh refuses to comment after NCAA levies heavy penalties on Michigan

Los Angeles Jim Harbaugh is refusing to comment on the NCAA’s decision to ne the University of Michigan tens of millions of dollars and to suspend head coach Sherrone Moore for a third game due to the sign-stealing scandal that occurred during Harbaugh’s tenure at his alma mater. Harbaugh stayed mum on the Wolverines following his Los Angeles Chargers’ 23-22 preseason loss to the Rams for his rst interaction with the media since the NCAA’s rulings were announced. The NCAA sharply criticized Harbaugh’s stewardship when it announced the sanctions.

NFL

“End Racism,”

“Choose Love” returning to NFL end zones

The NFL is continuing its on- eld social justice messaging for a sixth straight season. The Associated Press learned that all 32 teams will feature an end zone message at each home game throughout the season. They will select from four options, including “End Racism,” “Stop Hate,” “Choose Love” or “Inspire Change.” Once again, “It Takes All of Us” will be stenciled in the opposite end zone for all games. The only change from 2024 is that “Inspire Change” replaces “Vote.”

NBA Lakers to honor Hall of Fame coach Riley with statue unveiling against Celtics

Los Angeles

The Los Angeles Lakers will unveil a statue of former coach Pat Riley on Feb. 22. Riley joins Lakers greats like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant in bronze outside their home arena. The Lakers will honor Riley during a game against their longtime rival, the Boston Celtics. Riley coached the Lakers from 1981 to 1990, leading them to four NBA championships. He had a .733 winning percentage in the regular season and a 102-47 mark in the playo s.

MLB Phillies ace Wheeler diagnosed with blood clot in right arm, placed on 15 - day IL

Washington The Philadelphia Phillies have placed ace Zack Wheeler on the 15-day injured list with a blood clot in his right arm. Phillies executive Dave Dombrowski says Wheeler has been diagnosed with a “right, upper extremity blood clot.” Wheeler pitched last Friday against Washington and was limited to ve innings for the second consecutive start. The right-hander allowed two runs and four hits. The 35-year-old Wheeler is 10-5 this season with a 2.71 ERA.

FBS doesn’t have lock on talent

Bryce Lance and WCU’s Taron Dickens head list on non-FBS

stars

By Steve Megargee The Associated Press

BRYCE LANCE COULD have cited plenty of reasons had he chosen to leave North Dakota State for a Bowl Subdivision program for his senior season. Lance decided he had more a compelling case to stick around.

After helping North Dakota State win a national title while catching 17 touchdown passes to lead all Championship Subdivision players, Lance believed he still had more to o er at the FCS level. He heads our list of players to watch from outside the FBS programs.

“Honestly, the thing that kept me here was my teammates,” said Lance, the younger brother of Los Angeles Chargers quarterback and former North Dakota State star Trey Lance. “I always say you’ve got your whole life to make money. There’s no amount of money that would make me not want to nish my senior year with my brothers. That was the big thing — my teammates.”

Lance redshirted in 2021 and totaled one catch from 2022-23 before breaking out in a big way last year. The 6-foot-3 wideout caught 75 passes for 1,071 yards. His 17 touchdown receptions tied a Missouri Valley Conference record, and seven of them came in four playo games. He caught six passes for 125 yards and three touchdowns in a 28-21 semi nal victory over South Dakota State. He followed that up by compiling nine receptions for 107 yards and a touchdown as North Dakota State beat Montana State 3532 in the nal, giving the Bison their 10th title in 14 years.

Western Carolina QB Taron Dickens Dickens only started four games as a redshirt freshman last season after taking over for the injured Cole Gonzales,

but his performance during that stretch makes it enticing to wonder what’s next. He nished the season having completed 73.8% of his passes for 1,428 yards with 12 touchdowns and three interceptions. He threw for more than 400 yards in two of his four starts — a 38-34 victory over Chattanooga and a 47-42 triumph at Samford.

Southern DE Ckelby Givens

Givens had an FCS-leading 27½ tackles for loss last season to go along with 12 sacks and three forced fumbles. He tied for sixth place in voting for the Buck Buchanan Award given to the top FCS defensive player. Givens had 21 tackles for loss, seven sacks and four forced fumbles in 2023.

William & Mary CB Jalen Jones

This 6-foot defensive back had 22 passes defended, 1.8

2

400-yard passing games in four starts by Western Carolina’s Taron Dickens

passes defended per game and 20 pass breakups last year to lead the FCS in all three categories. He was an Associated Press All-America rst-team selection.

Rhode Island LB A.J. Pena Pena had 82 overall tackles, 22½ tackles for loss and 12½ sacks last season to earn AP All-America rst-team honors. Pena nished 13th in the voting for the Buck Buchanan Award. He has totaled 44 ½ tackles for loss and 27 sacks over his three-year career.

Monmouth QB Derek Robertson

Robertson led FCS players in total yards passing (3,937) and yards passing per game (328.1) last season. He nished sixth in the voting for the Walter Payton Award, given annually to the top FCS o ensive player. Robertson completed 65% of his attempts and threw 31 touchdown passes with only six interceptions. He had thrown for 2,897 yards and 25 touchdowns with Maine in 2023.

Incarnate Word WR Jalen Walthall

Walthall caught 85 passes for 1,290 yards and 14 touchdowns last season as an AP All-America rst-team selection. He ranked third among all FCS players in yards receiving. The 6-2 receiver was at Hawaii from 2021-23 before transferring to Incarnate Word.

Breaking down some top- ight players on college football teams likely to be bad

Two ACC players make the list of diamonds in the rough

By Steve Megargee The Associated Press

ISAAC SMITH KNOWS what drew him to Mississippi State and why he has remained there.

“There’s no distractions in Starkville,” the junior safety told reporters during Southeastern Conference media days. “Small town. Real pretty community. The people are awesome. I fell in love with it, and I’m still in love with it and will forever always be in love with it.”

Smith’s 127 tackles last season led the Southeastern Conference and tied him for seventh place among all Football Bowl Subdivision players, production that hasn’t translated to team success. Mississippi State has gone 7-17 overall and 1-15 in SEC competition during Smith’s two seasons.

That makes Smith a natural candidate to head our list of good players on teams that gure to struggle this season, even though he believes Mississippi State has what it takes to turn things around. He considers Mississippi State a blue-collar program that values hard work.

“I love the fact that’s Mississippi State’s been all about that, just working hard and going to prove something that maybe people don’t think you can do,” Smith said. Mississippi State’s chances of being more competitive this season depend on whether Smith can help upgrade a defense that allowed 34.1 points per game last season. Texas Tech, Oklahoma State and Purdue were the only Power Four

teams to give up more points per game.

Wake Forest RB

Demond Claiborne

Claiborne rushed for 1,049 yards and 11 touchdowns last year for a Wake Forest team that nished 4-8 for a second straight season. He rushed for at least 113 yards against North Carolina A&T, NC State, Stanford and Cal. Claiborne also had 23 catches for 254 yards and two more scores. The ACC preseason media poll forecasts Wake Forest to nish 16th out of 17 teams, ahead of only Stanford.

New Mexico RB Scottre Humphrey

After helping Montana State reach the Football Championship Subdivision title game last year, Humphrey makes the move to the FBS ranks while trying to help New Mexico produce its rst winning season since 2016.

1,049

Rushing yards last year for Wake Forest’s Demond Claiborne

Purdue RB Devin Mockobee

The small-town, home-stater started at Purdue as a walk-on but earned a scholarship by helping Purdue win the 2022 Big Ten West Division crown. Purdue has struggled since — going 4-8 in 2023 and 1-11 in 2024 — but Mockobee has remained productive. His 2,466 yards rushing rank him seventh on Purdue’s all-time list.

Southern Mississippi CB Josh Moten Moten transferred to Southern Miss after intercepting ve passes for Mar-

shall last season to tie for fourth place among all Bowl Subdivision players. Southern Miss went 1-11 last year and has won more than three games just once over the past ve seasons.

Northwestern OT Caleb Tiernan

Northwestern went 4-8 in 2024 for its third losing season in the last four years, but the Wildcats have a quality left tackle in Tiernan. He has started 30 games over the last three seasons.

Cal LB Cade Uluave

After being named the Pac-12’s freshman defensive player of the year by the league’s coaches in 2023, Uluave collected 71 tackles while playing nine games for the Golden Bears last season. Cal went 5-7 last year for its fth straight losing season, and it’s picked to nish 15th in the ACC this year.

John Francis McMahon

July 15, 1936 – Aug. 10, 2025

John Francis McMahon, 89, of Pinehurst, North Carolina, peacefully passed away on August 10, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on July 15, 1936, John was the son of John and Ruth McMahon. He grew up in Mount Lebanon, Pennsylvania, where he learned the values of hard work and resilience early in life, following the passing of his father when John was just 14 years old.

A proud and enthusiastic graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Class of 1958, John’s education laid the foundation for a distinguished career in journalism and public relations. He served his country when drafted into the Army in 1961 during the Berlin Wall Crisis. Following his military service, John began his professional journey with the Associated Press in Pittsburgh before embarking on a successful 35year career with Alcoa in Public Relations.

He was asked by the bishop to work for the Catholic Diocese in Pittsburgh as the Head of Communications, publishing their newspaper. Later in his career, he worked for Weirton Steel as well as taking over a furniture business in Augusta, GA, before eventually retiring to the peaceful community of

Ira Patterson

April 20, 1951 – Aug.12, 2025

Ira Patterson, 74, departed this life on August 12, 2025.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at The Kenneth M. Purcell Memorial Chapel. Services are entrusted to Purcell Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Pinehurst, North Carolina.

John married Mary Louise Ginder in 1958, and together they raised three children: John, Beth, and Matt, born between 1968 and 1978. After their divorce, John found love again and married Pat in 1994, welcoming her three children—Michael, Bryan, and Ann—into his heart and family. A loving husband, John cherished his role as a devoted family man.

A man of deep faith, John was very active at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in his retirement years, where he found community and purpose in service to others.

His commitment to his faith was a cornerstone of his life and a source of comfort to his family.

In retirement, John embraced his love for golf, spending countless hours both playing and watching the sport he was passionate about.

John is survived by his six children: John, Beth, Matt, Michael, Bryan, and Ann; his brother Michael McMahon of San Francisco, CA; and many beloved grandchildren and extended family members who will cherish his memory forever.

John will be remembered for his dedication to family, his professional integrity, his service to the church, and of course his passion for watching Notre Dame football on a Saturday afternoon. His legacy of kindness, faith, and perseverance will continue to inspire all who knew him.

A visitation will be held on Monday, August 18, from 6-8 p.m. at Boles Funeral Home in Southern Pines. A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, August 19, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Southern Pines, NC. In lieu of owers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church or Father Vincent Capodanno High School, 4364 US 1 Highway, Vass, NC 28394. Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.

Charles Eugene Cameron Sr.

Sept. 7 1952 – Aug. 16, 2025

Mr. Charles Eugene Cameron Sr., 72, of Cameron, North Carolina, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at FirstHealth Hospice and Palliative Care in West End, North Carolina. Please keep the family and friends of Mr. Charles Eugene Cameron Sr. in your thoughts and prayers. Arrangements are entrusted to McLeod Funeral Home of Sanford, North Carolina.

Dianne Epps Mingin

Feb. 22, 1955 – Aug. 14, 2025

Dianne Epps Mingin, 70, of West End, went home to her Lord on Thursday, August 14, 2025. Born in Wilson County, February 22, 1955, she was the daughter of the late E.T. and Selma Blizzard Epps. Dianne graduated from Green Central

Clariece Caviness Cheek

Aug. 23, 1939 – Aug. 14, 2025

Clariece Caviness Cheek, 85, passed away Thursday, August 14, 2025, at Pinelake Rehabilitation Center.

Clariece was a loving daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother. She enjoyed time spent with her family. She worked at Fidelity Bank and for over 40 years at Carolina Lace. Clariece was a member of Beulah Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School and sang in the choir for over 40 years. She loved the farm and farming with her husband, Lester. She enjoyed hay baling time and caring for the cows. The family remembers her beautiful ower garden, home cooking, especially German chocolate cake, and homemade biscuits. Clariece was a daughter of the late James Lexie and Myrtle Williams Caviness, and was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Lester; granddaughter, Kylie Cheek.

Clariece is survived by son: Kevin Cheek and wife Kristy; granddaughter: Kaci Jones and husband Avery; great grandchildren: Ada, Annie; sister: Catherine Brown; many nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral service will be at 3 p.m., Sunday, August 17, 2025, at Beulah Baptist Church, with Dr. Neal Jackson o ciating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service, beginning at 1:30 p.m.

In lieu of owers, memorials may be made to: Beulah Baptist Church Building Fund, 8454 Howards Mill Road, Bennett, NC 27208.

The family would like to thank the nurses and sta at Peak Resources at Pinelake for the care and compassion shown to Clariece.

Kennedy Funeral Home is assisting the Cheek Family.

High School, class of 1973. She started working for Smith eld Packing plant in Kinston, where she met Bill Mingin. The couple married on September 14, 1983. They started Mingin Enterprises in Willow Springs before relocating to West End in 1995. Dianne had been a member of Derby Baptist Church. She was a good natured and warm hearted lady who got along with just about anyone. In addition to her parents, Dianne was preceded in death by her son, Stephen Whitley, and her brother, Johnny Epps. She was the wife of Bill Mingin. She was the mother of Rev. Thomas Mingin, wife Holly. She was the grandmother of Cody, Susan, Cloie, Taylor and T.J. Dianne was the sister of Henry Epps, David Epps, Lynn Dixon and Debbie Joyner. She is also survived by her niece Denise Joyner. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

Barbara Todd Vann O’Linda

Feb. 3, 1952 – Aug. 12, 2025

Barbara Todd Van O’Linda, age 73, died peacefully on Tuesday, August 12, 2025. Barbara was born on February 3, 1952, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to the late John B. and Emily Todd. She was a graduate of Douglas S. Freeman High School in Richmond, VA, in 1970, and received her Bachelor of Arts from Roanoke College in Salem, VA, in 1974. Barbara married her college sweetheart, Bill, in 1974. She was known for her quiet presence, laughter, and everpresent care of those around her.

Barbara was predeceased by her husband of 50 years, William M. Van O’Linda Sr. She is survived by her three children, Christine Hu man (Nathan), William Van O’Linda Jr. (Katie), and Matthew Van O’Linda (Cassandra); sisters, Carol Todd and Jean Dierkes; brother, John B. Todd Jr. (Kim); sisterin-law Lois Glott (Frank); six grandchildren, Cora, Billy, Ada, John, Calvin and Ember; and nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family is grateful for the love and care the sta at Caritas, St. Joseph of the Pines provided for Barbara during her nal years.

A visitation will be held at 1 p.m. with a memorial service to follow at 2 p.m. at Epiphany Lutheran Church in Richmond, VA, on Saturday, August 23, 2025. Inurnment will follow at Riverview Cemetery in Richmond, VA.

In lieu of owers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association- PO Box 96011, Washington, D.C. 200906011.

Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.

Jan. 13. 1962 – Aug. 15, 2025

Maida Teresa Dunlap, 63, passed away on August 15, 2025, at the FirstHealth Hospice House, Pinehurst, NC.

Teresa grew up in Robbins, NC, and settled nearby in Seagrove, NC. She loved her family with all her heart and would do anything for her two boys. Teresa was extremely kind and never met a stranger. She had the gift of comforting those around her and always made it a point to let everyone know that she loved them.

Teresa enjoyed going to New York City in the summers, family cookouts, all of her pets, and playing pranks on family and friends. Teresa worked for over 27 years in the school system, with the majority of those years spent at Westmoore Elementary as a teacher’s assistant. She loved all the kids there and built lifelong friends that she deeply cherished. She was a devoted Christian and attended Elise Presbyterian Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James B. McDermott II and LeVanne Burns McDermott, as well as her brother, James B. McDermott III, and nephew, Jeremiah McDermott.

Teresa, a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, is survived by her husband, Ricky Dunlap; her sons, Myles Dunlap (wife Laura and their son Ezra) and Trevor Dunlap. She is also survived by her nephew, James B. McDermott IV (wife Connie, daughters June and Alya), and her nieces, Jodi Parsons (husband Isaac, children Reid, Lance, and Vanna) and Megan Adams.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at Kennedy Funeral Home, Robbins. In lieu of owers, we ask that donations be made to FirstHealth Hospice House, the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, or Elise Presbyterian Church.

STATE & NATION

Democrats look to new crop of candidates to win back US House

In Trump country, the party is recruiting locals who are less “academic”

By Joey Cappellitti

The Associated Press

FAIRVIEW — Jamie Ager has spent much of the past year rebuilding his farm in the foothills of western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene tore through the region, cutting power, destroying fences and scattering livestock.

Then earlier this year, Ager lost his beef contract with local schools, a casualty of billions of dollars in cuts to the U.S. Department of Agriculture under the Trump administration.

Now the fth-generation farmer is running for Congress — part of a new crop of Democratic candidates the party is turning to as it tries to compete in the tough, often rural districts it may need to ip to retake the U.S. House in 2026.

Democrats say these new recruits are uniquely suited to break through in districts where President Donald Trump’s popularity dominates. Many, like Ager, are already a well-known presence in their communities. And in parts of North Carolina, Kentucky, Michigan and elsewhere, the party is betting local credibility can cut through skepticism where the Democratic brand has fallen.

Ager said he sees national Democrats as out of touch with rural life: too “academic” and “politically correct and scripted.”

“That’s just not what people are interested in,” he said. “The ideas of helping poor people, being neighborly, the ideal of doing those things, I think, are worthy, good ideas that are actually popular. But the execu-

tion of a lot of those ideas has been gummed up, you know, not well executed.”

A shifting House map

Heading into next year’s midterms, Democrats believe momentum is on their side. Historically, the president’s party loses ground in the midterms. In 2018, during Trump’s rst term, Democrats ipped 41 seats to take control of the House. Republicans currently control the House by such a slim margin that Democrats need to pick up only a few seats to break the GOP’s hold on Washington.

The Republican-led tax break and spending cut bill has added to Democrats’ optimism.

About two-thirds of U.S. adults expect the new law will help the rich, according to a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public A airs Research. About half say it’ll do more harm than good for middle-class people and people like them.

Still, Republicans remain con dent. They point to having fewer vulnerable seats than Democrats have this cycle. Only three Republicans hold House districts Democrat Kamala Harris won last year, while 13 Democrats represent districts Trump won.

They also note Democrats’ low opinion of their own party after last year’s losses. In a July AP-NORC poll, Democrats were likelier to describe their own party negatively than Republicans, with many Democrats calling it weak or ine ective.

In places where local dynamics may give Democrats a shot, it means nding the right candidates is especially important, party leaders say.

“Recruitment matters in these years when the environment is going to be competitive,” Democratic pollster John Anzalone said.

Democrats hope a farmer in western North Carolina can regain trust

With power, water and telecommunications down due to last year’s hurricane, Ager’s Hickory Nut Gap farm became a hub for the community — hosting cookouts and using propane to grill food for neighbors.

Statewide, the storm caused nearly $60 billion in damage and killed more than 100 people. Little federal aid has reached the hardest-hit parts of western North Carolina.

“Helene hitting de nitely put an exclamation point on, like, ‘Whoa, we need help and support,’” Ager said.

Democrats see Ager as a high-risk, high-reward candidate who could be successful in a district where Democrats have struggled.

No Democrat has won North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District since it was redrawn by the Republican-controlled legislature in 2011. A court-ordered redistricting ahead of the 2020 election made it slightly more favorable to Democrats, encompassing Asheville and much of western North Carolina. Republican Rep. Chuck Edwards still won by nearly 14 percentage points last year and is expected to seek reelection.

Grayson Barnette, a Democratic strategist who helped recruit Ager, said in some districts it’s a risk to run a candidate who hasn’t held elected o ce before.

“But I would argue that’s a good thing, especially when the Democrats just took the big hit

we did,” Barnette said. “We have to look in the mirror and say, ‘Let’s try something new.’” In a district where nearly 62% of residents live in very low-density areas, Barnette believes Ager’s identity — as a business owner, coach and father with deep local roots — could cut through. His unpolished, direct style, he says, may resonate more than a polished political résumé.

In the video launching his campaign, Ager shows ooding on the farm and is seen on the porch of his home, feeding chickens, driving a tractor and spending time with his wife and three sons.

“I’m not ashy, but I’m honest,” he says in the video.

Ager doesn’t call himself a Democrat in the roughly two-minute video and rarely used the word during a three-hour interview. Still, his ties to the party run deep: His brother serves in the state House, following in the footsteps of their father. His grandfather served six years in the U.S. House.

Asked whether that might be a liability in the district, Ager shrugged: “Then don’t vote for me.”

Trump’s big bill could reshape a conservative district in Michigan

In western Michigan, state Sen. Sean McCann is a di erent kind of candidate from Ager. He’s buttoned-up and soft-spoken, with a long resume in elected o ce and deep roots in Kalamazoo, having served for a decade on the city commission before winning a seat in the state House in 2010.

In a district anchored by conservative and religious values, Democrats see McCann as the

kind of steady, experienced gure who can make inroads — especially as backlash builds to Trump’s tax bill, which includes deep spending cuts.

At a recent meeting at Kalamazoo’s Family Health Center, where nearly 65% of patients rely on Medicaid, the center’s president warned the proposed Medicaid cuts would be devastating.

“It’s about being home in the community and listening to our community’s values — and carrying those to Washington,” McCann said.

The district is represented by Republican Rep. Bill Huizenga, who won reelection by nearly 12 percentage points in 2022. But Huizenga hasn’t said whether he’ll seek another term, and Trump carried the district by only 5.5 percentage points in 2024.

Democrats hope strong ties help elsewhere

Across the country, Democrats are watching similar races in places like Iowa and Kentucky, where local candidates with strong community ties are running. In Iowa’s 2nd District, state Rep. Lindsay James — a fourth-term lawmaker and Presbyterian pastor — is weighing a run in the northeast part of the state. In Kentucky’s 6th, which includes Lexington and Richmond, former federal prosecutor Zach Dembo is running his rst campaign, describing himself as a political outsider. It’s a mix of pro les: Ager, the farmer-turned-candidate feeding neighbors after a hurricane. McCann, the public servant meeting with health workers in his hometown. And others like them trying to reconnect a skeptical electorate.

“Yes, the Democratic Party has some taint to it,” Ager said. “But when I go talk to Republicans who are friends that I’ve known forever, there’s genuine admiration and mutual respect for each other. And that comes from being in this community forever.”

Jamie Ager is a Democratic candidate for North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District.