North State Journal Vol. 10, Issue 52

Thank you for your service

Rev. Jesse Jackson dead at 84

Chicago

The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, a protege of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and two -time presidential candidate who led the Civil Rights Movement for decades after the revered leader’s assassination, died Tuesday. He was 84. Santita Jackson con rmed her father, who had a rare neurological disorder, died at home in Chicago, surrounded by family. Jackson led a lifetime of crusades in the United States and abroad, advocating for the poor, voting rights, job opportunities, education and health care. Through his Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, he channeled cries for black pride and self-determination into corporate boardrooms, pressuring executives to make America a more open and equitable society.

3 dead, 3 wounded in R.I. youth hockey game shooting Pawtucket, R.I.

A shooting during a Rhode Island youth hockey game left three people dead, including the shooter, and three more hospitalized Monday night in critical condition, authorities said. Pawtucket Police said someone helped bring a swift end to the violent scene Monday afternoon by intervening and trying to subdue the shooter, who was at an arena to watch a family member’s hockey game. The shooter died from an apparent self-in icted gun wound. Goncalves identi ed the shooter as Robert Dorgan, who she said also went by the name Roberta Esposito and was born in 1969. The other two victims were only identi ed as adults.

Hall looks back on Year 1 as NC House speaker the BRIEF this week

Issues raised with property leased by Town of Plymouth

The new mayor is at the center of a controversy tied to a nonpro t

Sta er ‘no longer’ at NCSU after undercover video

Jae Edwards boasted about “getting around” the DEI ban

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — An NC State sta er is no longer with the school following an undercover video by Accuracy In Media in which the employee boasted about getting around

See NCSU, page A2

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — Citizens in Plymouth have raised concerns about con icts of interest and self-dealing by town council members related to the lease of a town property to a nonpro t called Quality of Life ENC. Quality of Life ENC (QOL ENC) describes itself as an organization seeking to help individuals with addiction, mental health and other related issues.

Plymouth is located in Washington County and has around 3,160 residents.

In the past year, citizens in Plymouth have raised concerns regarding QOL ENC tied to allegations of con icts of interest and ethical violations by town council mem-

bers, as well as procedural violations and selective enforcement in Plymouth’s town governance.

Plymouth has had some transparency issues in the past, speci cally a 2021 state audit that found the town had failed to maintain town council meeting minutes. North State Journal also found some meeting minutes missing, as well as links to video of town council meetings.

The current Plymouth Town Council members include Mayor Crystal Davis, Donsenia Teel (mayor pro tempore, Ward I), Micah Weathersbee (Ward I), Jerry Rhodes (Ward II), Danny Wobbleton (Ward II) and Kim Williams (Ward III). Ward III Councilman Steven Brown abruptly resigned during the council’s Jan. 12 meeting.

Other individuals present during town council meetings when QOL ENC

The Republican is eyeing property taxes in 2026

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

This is Part 1 of a two-part interview.

RALEIGH — North State Journal sat down with North Carolina House Speaker Destin Hall (R-Granite Falls) to talk about his rst year as speaker, as well as priorities for the upcoming short session. Hall, 38, is the rst millennial to have held a top leadership role as House Rules chair before making history again as the rst of his generation to be

sworn in as House speaker last year — when he also welcomed his rst child; his son Henry was born during session in April.

“My speakership is only slightly older than Henry, our son. He was born during session on April 15, on tax day,” said Hall, calling being a father the “best thing” he’s ever done and “everybody should do it.”

“We need more kids in this country — (it) gives you a better perspective on life,” said Hall.

Hall said there were “no real surprises” in his rst year as Speaker, citing his experience as preparing him for the role.

“The good thing was I was

“When you spend enough time around this place, very little surprises you anymore.”

N.C. House Speaker Destin Hall (R-Granite Falls)

the word | Perspective with divine inspiration

“Be joyful always!” 1 Thessalonians 5:16

“In all our a iction, I am over owing with joy!” 2 Corinthians 7:4

Four towns in Anson County designated as “distressed” by the Local Government Commission

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — The Local Government Commission approved Raleigh’s requests to issue $221 million in bonds for a 17-story City Hall and public safety buildings during its monthly meeting on Feb. 4.

The Local Government Commission (LGC) voted to approve $120 million in limited obligation bond anticipation notes for Raleigh’s City Hall as well as re, public safety and administrative building improvements.

A second approval authorized $101 million in limited obligation bonds to re nance a 2024 installment nancing agreement for the East Civ-

Thankfulness or unthankfulness is largely a matter of the attitude of our heart. Two men look at the same scene. One sees the defects and the imperfections and the other sees the beauty and the brightness.

If you cannot nd things to be thankful for today, and every day — the fault is in yourself, and you ought to pray for a changed heart — a heart to see God’s goodness and to praise Him.

A joyful heart trans gures all the world around us. It nds something to be thankful for in the barest circumstances, even in the dark night of the soul. Let us train ourselves to see the beauty and the goodness in God’s world, and in our own circumstances — and then we shall stop grumbling, and be content and thankful in all situations.

What men and women nd in the life — depends on what they are themselves. We hear some people talk of the coldness of the world. They nd no love anywhere, no gratitude, no appreciation, no sympathy, no tenderness. Others, living in like circumstances and conditions — nd only brightness, beauty, gladness, and tenderness wherever they go. The same skies are dull and dreary to one — and glorious with their deep, wonderful blue to another. The same elds are dreary and desolate to one eye — and lled with splendid beauty to another.

Each person’s heart — casts its own hue and tinge upon all other lives.

Two people listen to the same voice: and while one hears what seems to him to be terrifying thunder, the other hears the entrancing strains of angels’ songs.

“Two men looked out from their prison bars — One saw the mud, the other saw the stars!”

This same di erence is seen in the way life’s experiences appear to di erent people. To one pessimistic class, everything seems discouraging. They

ic Tower project and other municipal projects, replacing a variable rate loan with a xed rate. Another $18.5 million in limited obligation bonds was also approved to refund a 2016 bond series used for a re station and performing arts center improvements.

The City Hall project will consolidate most of the capital city’s downtown workforce into a 370,000-square-foot building. According to the City of Raleigh’s website, the 17-story tower project is 55% complete.

Other approvals included Carolina Beach’s request for $35 million in revenue bonds

was discussed were Town Manager Joanne Floyd and the town’s attorney, Arnita Dula of the Teague Campbell Law Firm, which has o ces in Raleigh and Asheville.

According to publicly available documents at the North Carolina Secretary of State, QOL ENC is a nonpro t organization founded by Crystal Davis, Marcus Williams and Cedric Wilkins on June 5, 2024. A little over a year later, on July 5, 2024, records show Brown and Williams were removed from

see only the troubles, the di culties, the hindrances, the disheartenments. They talk always in sad tone of their burdens, tasks, duties, disappointments, and trials. There is no blue sky in their picture, and no stars shine down upon them.

Then there are others who always look upon life optimistically. They are never discouraged. They are not disturbed by the perplexing things which they meet. They expect to have struggles; since with only easy life — there can be no progress, no victories, no struggling upward, and they grow only the braver and more resolute in battle. They meet obstacles and hindrances; but they are not disheartened by them, and turn them into stepping stones for upward striving. They su er defeats and reverses; but they are not dismayed, only learning from their failures how to keep from being defeated again.

for water, sewer and stormwater facilities, with rate increases planned for scal years 2027-30.

Additionally, the N.C. Housing Finance Agency’s request for $25 million in multifamily housing revenue bonds was given the green light. That funding is associated with 100 rental units at Westgreen Apartments in Kannapolis.

The LGC designated the Anson County towns of Bridgeton, Red Springs, Stedman and Walnut Cove as “distressed” related to drinking water or wastewater services, making them eligible for grant money under the Viable Utility Reserve statute. Those areas had already been designated as distressed by the State Water Infrastructure Authority last December.

The LGC oversees the scal health of more than 1,100 municipalities in the state and is chaired by State Treasurer Brad Briner.

the QOL ENC board. The removal came three days ahead of a town council meeting where a QOL ENC partnership and property lease were discussed and approved.

Davis participated in and voted on multiple town council decisions bene ting the organization, including a partnership exploration in July 2024, a $1-per-year lease for the Allied Building, and town-funded bathroom and kitchen renovations in June 2025. Davis advocated for QOL ENC despite her founding role in the organization, which meeting vid-

diversity, equity and inclusion prohibitions put in place by the UNC System.

In May 2024, the UNC System Board of Governors repealed its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies and replaced them with a nondiscrimination and institutional neutrality policy.

The sta er caught on video, Jae Edwards, was the assistant director of the LGBTQ Pride Center at the school.

“We’re still able to do the

things that we want to do, have these events and programs. We have to be a little more careful,” Edwards said in the video. “As a marginalized group, we’re used to these things. And we’re used to going around them and nding ways around.”

Accuracy In Media’s blog post about the video encourages readers to “Go to SaveNCSchools.com and easily send a message to the Board of Governors to tell them how you feel about NC State blatantly ignoring the policy to continue DEI education.”

In a statement, NC State said it was “made aware of the video on Thursday, Feb. 5.”

Everywhere they go they hear music, and everywhere they nd something beautiful and good.

All will admit that the man with the optimistic spirit — gets far more out of life, and makes far more of life, than his pessimistic neighbor. It is a great deal better to see blue sky and stars — than only dull, dreary clouds. It is a more noble thing to hear angel music — than thunders in the voices that break on our ears.

Happiness or unhappiness is, therefore, not so much a matter of external conditions — as of heart attitude. We gather in life — what our habit of heart has tted us for gathering.

J. R. Miller was a pastor and former editorial superintendent of the Presbyterian Board of Publication from 1880 to 1911. His works are now in the public domain.

eos show she did not disclose.

According to the documents and emails obtained by NSJ, the lease for the Allied Building (106 W. Water St.) was reported as “lost” by the town and was not properly executed. The town reexecuted the lease several months later, in September 2025. The space also was approved with partial insurance for a di erent address used by Wilkins.

The issues appear to parallel the council’s strict enforcement of lease compliance against other entities like the controversy surrounding the Plym-

“The individual seen in the video had no role in policy or compliance decisions and was not authorized to speak on behalf of the university,” NC State’s statement said. “The sta member no longer works at the university. NC State complies with both the spirit and letter of all applicable federal and state laws and UNC System policies, and any violation is taken very seriously.”

NCSU indicated Edwards was separated from the school on Feb. 6.

outh Food Pantry eviction, a process that began in late 2025 at Davis’ initiative, further raising questions of disparate treatment.

NSJ has learned that the N.C. State Auditor’s O ce received a tip about the QOL ENC issue, and a spokesperson indicated an investigation may happen following an initial probe of the matter.

NSJ sent inquiries to Davis but has not received a response.

For a more detailed version of this story, go to tinyurl.com/ NSJ-Plymouth.

The video of Edwards is just one of several that Accuracy In Media has published in the past year. The rst video involved a now-former UNC Charlotte sta er describing how DEI was still being used at the school. Two other videos of UNC System school employees boasting about continued use of DEI followed: UNC Asheville’s Dean of Students Megan Pugh and Karen Price, the director of assessments at Western Carolina.

Foxx sued by suspended Columbia student

The North Carolina congresswoman is accused of pressuring the school

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — North Carolina Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (R-Banner Elk) is being sued by a suspended Columbia University student who claims Foxx abused her o cial position, resulting in his being blocked from reenrolling at the school.

Khymani James led his lawsuit against Foxx on Feb. 5 in the New York Southern District Court.

The complaint alleges Foxx violated his First Amendment rights by abusing her position as chair of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce to in uence Columbia University to expel him for alleged antisemitic comments, such as stating Zionists “don’t deserve to live.”

“The speech, for which Columbia claimed to determine that James was an antisemite and Foxx and the Committee also accused them of hating Jewish people, involved a number of references to Zionists and Zionism on James’ personal social media,” the lawsuit states.

In April 2024, James made national headlines after a January 2024 video surfaced of him appearing in a livestreamed Columbia University meeting, during which he called for the death of Zionists.

The Daily Wire broke the story and compiled clips of Khymani’s remarks during the meeting in which he stated, “Zionists don’t deserve to live.”

“The same way we are very comfortable accepting Nazis don’t deserve to live, fascists don’t deserve to live, racists don’t deserve to live, Zionists, they shouldn’t live in this world,” James said in the video.

James also said, “I feel very comfortable — very comfortable — calling for those people to die,” and “Be glad, be grateful that I’m not just going out and murdering Zionists.”

Days after James’ past remarks went viral, it was initially reported he was banned from the Columbia campus, but a lawsuit brought by James against the university indicated he was suspended for one year.

James’ suit claims that Foxx’s pressure on Columbia caused his one-year suspension and subsequent denial of readmission for the Fall 2025 semester, which his complaint characterized as a “de facto expulsion.” It also claims Foxx “deliberately and ofcially con ated anti-Zionism with antisemitism.”

The lawsuit points to a Sept. 12, 2025, X post by Foxx when she was chair of the committee.

“When I was Chair of the @EdWorkforceCmte, the leadership at @Columbia made a direct statement to me that Khymani James would be expelled for his antisemitic rhetoric — my committee sta at the time were present as well when the statement was made,” Foxx wrote. “He was not expelled. Nothing was done. @Columbia, you have failed again, again, and again.”

Foxx’s post, also included in James’ lawsuit against Colum-

bia, was a reaction to another user’s post containing screenshots of James’ social media activity praising the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk.

“This lawsuit’s lack of credibility and factual basis speaks for itself,” responded Foxx in a post on X. “I stand behind the Committee’s antisemitism investigation and won’t be deterred from my ght to protect Jewish students from discrimination on campuses across the nation.”

The lawsuit against Foxx is not dissimilar to that of a Wake Forest University former trainer’s recently dropped complaint against Foxx’s colleague, Rep. Pat Harrigan (R-Hickory).

James’ complaint is complicated by his own past activities.

When the video of his remarks resurfaced, James was actively involved in anti-Israel protests, the Boycott, Sanction and Divestment of Israel movement, and the pro-Palestine solidarity encampment erected on the Columbia campus in April 2024.

During the 2024 anti-Israel protests that spread across college campuses, James was a leader of the group Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD), an anti-Zionist organization. Columbia University disavowed the group and has continued to not recognize it as an o cial student group.

Following James’ suspension, CUAD issued an apology, calling it a misstatement in the heat of the moment. CUAD withdrew that apology in October 2024 with James publicly claiming CUAD stood by his original statements.

On Aug. 7, 2024, Columbia issued a noti cation letter to James summarizing a student conduct hearing held April 20 and 21, 2024. The letter stated, “Due to the nature of the violation(s) and given that you were on Disciplinary Probation at the time of the violation(s), you are suspended from Columbia College e ective immediately and eligible to return for the Fall 2025 semester,

beginning September 2, 2025.” James appealed the suspension, but the appeal was denied, with an o cial for the school stating, “The University retains the right to review your request to return and delay or deny your reentry to the institution.”

In his appeal attempt, James wrote a four-page letter that began by blaming the university for “taking orders from the fascist Trump administration” and also stated, “I knew that you all had no intention of allowing me to reenroll.”

James sued the school in October 2025 after Columbia refused his application to reenroll after he applied for the Fall 2025 semester on Aug. 15, 2025. Columbia’s refusal cited James’ “insu cient ‘re ection’” on his remarks but also over concerns about his continued behavior during his oneyear suspension. In his ling against Columbia, James alleged he was unfairly targeted because he’s black and pro-Palestine. The complaint accuses the school

“This lawsuit’s lack of credibility and factual basis speaks for itself.”

Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-Banner Elk)

of “breach of contract” for not following its own rules and handbook. Columbia has so far declined to comment on any of the pending litigation.

The university also saw blowback from federal agencies.

In June 2024, the U.S. Department of Education formally noti ed Columbia’s accreditor, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, that the school was in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, concluding the school showed “deliberate indi erence” toward harassment of Jewish students.

By March 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Joint Task

Force to Combat Anti-Semitism canceled contracts and grants to Columbia worth more than $400 million “due to the school’s continued inaction in the face of persistent harassment of Jewish students.”

The same month, the U.S. Department of Education also issued letters to 60 higher schools about their obligations to protect Jewish students; the UNC System received one of those letters. The prior January, UNC Chapel Hill had a Title IV complaint lodged against it that claimed unlawful discrimination against Jewish students.

In July 2025, Columbia reached a resolution agreement with the federal government that included a $200 million settlement over three years as well as promises to enact enhanced campus safety measures, disciplinary changes, and use of the IHRA de nition of antisemitism in its policies. A year earlier, the North Carolina legislature had enacted the SHALOM Act, which adopted the IHRA de nition of antisemitism.

Rules chair for about ve years before becoming speaker,” said Hall. “And so I had a good idea of what the job was coming in. And I can’t say that there was much that surprises me — when you spend enough time around this place, very little surprises you anymore.

“But you know, it’s somewhat di erent than being the Rules chair in that you’re not dealing as much in committees and with your own bills as you are trying to help other members.”

For the upcoming short session, said a ordability will be a focus for the legislature.

“I think, broadly, our caucus is going to do all we can to lower costs for folks,” Hall said. “In North Carolina, we saw, under Joe Biden, in ation go through the roof. Thankfully, with Pres-

ident (Donald) Trump, that’s cooled down now and in ation is not as bad, but we’re trying to do what we can from a state level.”

Hall referenced Republicans implementing tax cuts over the

years and continuing to do that work, though he said they are now exploring a new area: property taxes.

“We’re looking right now at property taxes at the county and

municipality level,” said Hall.

“It’s a hot-button issue for folks because property values are going up, in ation is going up, and there are a lot of local governments who budget conservatively, but there are some who we’ve identi ed, and we’re learning more about that are probably spending more money than they should.

“And so what we want to do is make sure that property tax system is fair; their folks aren’t being overburdened. And it seems very clearly in some parts of the state, at least right now, that people are being overly burdened with property tax.”

Hall said the select committee he formed last December to look at solutions to property tax burdens will examine the issue with an eye toward providing “property tax relief to taxpayers while balancing potential

impacts on local government revenues.”

“Ultimately, what we want to see out of that is some legislation that’s going to result in folks keeping more of their hard-earned money, lowering those property taxes,” said Hall.

“The property taxes a ect a lot of di erent things, including mortgage payments because the money goes into escrow with your mortgage company, and people have seen their monthly payment jump by hundreds of dollars. And that a ects their bottom line — their monthly budgets — and so we want to do all we can to lower that property tax burden and help out with those monthly expenses for folks.”

In part two, Hall’s property tax initiative ties into broader economic concerns both in North Carolina and nationally.

THE CONVERSATION

Trip Ho end, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

EDITORIAL | FRANK HILL

East Potomac Golf Course at Hains Point and Trump

Part of me recoiled at the thought of a presidential controversy over a small municipal golf course that can help us solve many of the problems we face today.

NEWS BROKE over the weekend that a lawsuit had been led to prevent the Trump administration from taking over East Potomac Golf Links on Hains Point, which lies under the 14th Street Bridge which crosses the Potomac River from Northern Virginia into the District of Columbia.

I have crossed that bridge hundreds of times, if not thousands. Each time, I would crane my neck to the right to take a look at the golf course to see how busy it was, and then the other way to see the majestic Je erson Memorial in either the soft colors of the morning or against the blazing sunset of a hot summer day.

Part of me recoiled at the thought of a presidential controversy over a small municipal golf course that can help us solve many of the problems we face today.

What really caught my attention was the report that debris from the construction of a new grand ballroom at the White House is being dumped on Hains Point — something that made the hair on the back of my former chief of sta neck stand at attention and wonder, “Couldn’t they have found some other place to dump all that sheetrock and broken marble and bricks, especially during an election year?”

After all, the Hains Point golf course has long been associated with civil rights progress of African American citizens in the District of Columbia. East Potomac Golf Links is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its role in fostering civil rights in our nation’s capital.

Today’s 18-hole rate of $25 per round sounds positively outrageous compared to the $5-$10 weekday rates it cost to play in the late 1980s. There is fear and trepidation that the entire tiny peninsula will be redeveloped as a high-end championship golf resort. The current course was built when hickory-shafted drivers were in vogue, which makes it di cult to see how it will be large enough to accommodate modern space-age technology in golf equipment. One podcaster speculated that plans were to charge $1,000 per round on the new course so players could have spectacular views of the Washington and Je erson monuments as they teed o .

Here’s the real problem with abolishing the East Potomac Golf Course and replacing it with some new 21st-century golf resort: The essence, the logos, if you will, of having a ordable municipal golf courses in the rst place is to allow people of all races, faiths and socio-income brackets to have the opportunity to get exercise in the fresh air, learn to play golf with people they may not know — but most importantly — learn to play a game that teaches and absolutely commands compliance with rules, honor, integrity and sportsmanship. Wiping out access to any municipal golf course anywhere in the country is cutting o an important outlet where children can learn how to play a game and win with dignity and lose without crying.

Golf is the only game that encourages honesty, such as when a player commits a violation of the rules and calls a penalty

on himself. Young golfers learn quickly not to cough or shout during an opponent’s backswing or putting stroke. They also learn quickly not to walk in the line of an opponent’s next putt. They learn to shake hands after any match and to treat everyone with respect and dignity. Removing any municipal golf course for any reason just drives another nail in the co n of the proper development and maturation of young people in terms of civility and being a good citizen. There are still great municipal courses around the nation — RGA in Raleigh comes to mind, as well as Hillandale Golf Club in Durham. Hillandale is the home of the innovative SwingPals program, which has been used with great success to build con dence in young students in Durham.

Once East Potomac Golf Links goes, will others follow as well?

What is more important to us as a nation: another $1,000-per-round golf resort or a generation of responsible young people who will be able to keep this nation together based on commonly held values, beliefs and integrity?

The game of golf may not save the Great American Experiment in Democratic Republicanism all by itself — but it sure would be easier to help train up new generations of Americans if low-cost, accessible courses such as the one on Hains Point remain open to the entire public. Perhaps we should be building more muni courses and running every school-aged child through a golf program such as SwingPals.

EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS

Mecklenburg County could learn from Minnesota ICE drawdown

McFadden rst told him the branch he served under was “Mecklenburg County” and then “the Constitution.”

SOME OF THE MOST intense scenes and confrontations since the Trump administration began its immigration enforcement operations last year have happened in blue cities and states where there is little to no cooperation allowed between local law enforcement and ICE when it comes to nding and arresting criminal illegal immigrants.

Last June in Los Angeles, for example, saw protests and riots break out, with some Los Angeles city streets and highways looking like war zones due to res being set and boulders being dropped from overpasses to try to target law enforcement in an e ort to prevent them from keeping the peace as immigration enforcement agents did their jobs.

Similar scenes played out in Minneapolis as well, with anti-ICE agitators being emboldened by incendiary rhetoric from Gov. Tim Walz (D), who called ICE President Donald Trump’s “modern-day Gestapo,” and Mayor Jacob Frey (D), who has characterized ICE as an “occupying force” in his city for the apparent crime of carrying out the laws passed by Congress.

The heightened rhetoric and tensions led to two incidents where shots were red by agents who felt their lives and those of their colleagues were in danger. As a result, two anti-ICE protesters were killed.

After the second such incident, two critical things happened: The Trump administration handed over the leadership role for the

Minneapolis operation to his border czar, Tom Homan. Walz also reached out to Trump directly, and a discussion ensued that appears to have involved a concession from Walz on cooperation between law enforcement in the state and ICE, where detainers will be honored.

The result has been remarkable. In early February, Homan announced that “e ective immediately, we will draw down 700 people e ective today. Seven hundred law enforcement personnel.” The reason for that, Homan stated, was the “unprecedented cooperation” between state and local law enforcement and ICE.

“The surge was structured to force compliance on speci c criminal enforcement priorities and accelerate ongoing fraud investigations,” independent journalist Julio Rosas, a veteran of reporting on illegal immigration as well as enforcement operations, explained.

“Once cooperation was secured and operational goals were met, federal authorities transitioned away from surge-level sta ng while maintaining investigative personnel.”

Operation Charlotte’s Web went on here in the Queen City for several weeks, something brought about thanks in part to Mecklenburg County Sheri Garry McFadden (D).

McFadden’s continued refusal to honor ICE detainers has resulted in dangerous criminal illegal immigrant o enders being released

back on city streets to further victimize the community and led the North Carolina General Assembly to pass laws that seek to rectify the lack of cooperation.

In a House Select Committee on Oversight and Reform hearing in Raleigh last Monday, McFadden utterly embarrassed himself by, among other things, insinuating that the criticism of him by state lawmakers was in part because he was black. He was also unable to answer under which branch of government he served in a moment during the hearing that has since gone viral nationally.

“Um, are you aware of how many branches of government there are?” state Rep. Allen Chesser asked him in exasperation after McFadden rst told him the branch he served under was “Mecklenburg County” and then

“the Constitution” after being asked again.

“No,” the sheri replied in response to the question about what the three branches of government were.

There are many things the Mecklenburg County Sheri ’s O ce can learn from what happened once Minnesota began cooperating with ICE. But rst, McFadden should brush up on the legislative, executive and judicial branches to get himself up to speed.

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.

Immigration is shaking up political parties in Britain, Europe and the US

AS BRITISH PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer faces calls to resign for his appointment of Epstein-tied Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the United States, one is struck by the sudden instability of British governments. In the 28 years between 1979 and 2007, Britain had only three prime ministers, while in the 19 years since 2007, it has had seven and may soon have eight. Only one of those, David Cameron, carried his party to a reelection victory, and he resigned a year after being beaten in the Brexit referendum.

It’s not just leaders who have stumbled. Even historically long-lasting parties have. Britain’s Conservatives — who, since the party’s founding in 1846, 180 years ago, have been the most electorally successful party anywhere — are polling at 19% today. So is the Labour Party, founded in 1900 and Britain’s second party since 1923, 103 years ago.

Similarly, elsewhere in Europe, France’s historic socialist, communist and Gaullist parties have more or less disappeared, and the National Rally, dismissed as unthinkable, to the point that the judicial establishment disquali ed it from the ballot, still leads the polls under its 30-year-old successor.

Germany’s Social Democrats, founded in the 1880s, were swept in and promptly swept out of o ce, while the Christian Democrats, the descendants of the anti-Nazi Catholic Center party, have barely been holding their own against the oft-denounced AfD.

Italy’s dominant asymmetric duo, for two generations after World War II, the Christian Democrats and the Communists, fell on bad times in the 1990s, with the fading of belief in their founding faiths, Catholicism and communism. Dominant since then have been media millionaire Silvio Berlusconi, the Five Star Movement party, founded by a comedian, and the current prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, whose party’s roots were once dismissed as neo-fascist.

The two American political parties, the oldest and third oldest in the world, have shown more stability. In the rst half of the 20th century, Democrats survived the landslide rejection of Woodrow Wilson in 1920, and Republicans survived the landslide rejection of Herbert Hoover in 1932.

The two parties’ resilience prevented Americans from succumbing, as many feared they would, to the totalitarian temptations that swept much of continental Europe in the 1920s and 1930s.

In the volatile years after what was then called the Great War, communists took over Russia in 1917 through 1920, fascists took over Italy in 1922 through 1924, and Nazis took over Germany in 1933 through 1934. No one could be sure that a similar upheaval would not succeed in France, Britain or America.

Before that war, American presidents opposed restrictions on immigration, con dent that assimilation e orts, such as big-city public schools and Henry Ford’s English-language classes, would Americanize the Ellis Island generation of 1892-1914. Fears of revolution and the wartime capacity to control people’s movements led to bipartisan majorities for the 1924 law that cut o immigration from eastern and southern Europe.

Now a century later, immigration is the problem that, more than anything else, is threatening the hold of longstanding political parties. Old parties’ leaders in Britain and Europe, nervous that below-replacement birth rates would halt economic growth and endanger their welfare states, encouraged massive immigration of Muslims from North Africa, the Middle East and Pakistan. Prime example: former German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s unilateral decision, without consultation internally or with European Union partners, in 2015 to admit 1 million mostly male Muslims to Germany.

Police authorities and established journalists suppressed

COLUMN | VICTOR JOECKS

evidence that many migrants lived o welfare rather than productive labor, and that many such men felt justi ed in raping headscarf-less young women and beating up gay men. It has come to the point that British authorities are arresting and prosecuting citizens who send private emails that are thought to be unwelcoming to some immigrants.

Authorities seemed to regard any qualms about immigrants with unfamiliar customs as equivalent to the bigotry that fed the Holocaust and ignored the obvious moral di erence between excluding people from your country and murdering your fellow citizens.

Whether Starmer survives politically is unclear, but it is clear that the Labour Party, like the Conservatives before it, is in perhaps terminal trouble. Conservatives won 44% of the popular vote in 2019 and 365 seats (out of 650) in the House of Commons in December 2019; Labour, with only 33% of the popular vote, won 411 seats in July 2024.

Despite some campaign rhetoric, neither party staunched the ow of immigrants, and neither has visibly changed government bureaucracies’ bias against those who protest it. Unsurprisingly, both are now polling below 20%, well behind Nigel Farage’s Reform UK, founded in 2018.

The situation in America, and concerning its parties, is less drastic. The nation has a much stronger tradition of assimilation of immigrants, although many American liberals regard that as something like persecution. And our great immigration surge between 1982 and 2007 came primarily from Latin America and Asia. The Christian and European cultures of Latins, and the test-driven literacy and numeracy of Asians, have made them more assimilable than the Muslims thronging Britain and Europe.

Nonetheless, immigration has a ected our politics, and the Clinton Democrats’ and Bush Republicans’ implicit acquiescence in the 1982-2007 surge are things of the past. Even though immigration was reduced sharply by the 2007-08 nancial crisis and the illegal immigrant population plateaued thereafter, President Donald Trump’s border-strengthening e orts in his rst and second terms have made the Republicans a skeptical-of-immigration party.

Trump has demonstrated that under current legislation, border enforcement, which most Americans support, can work, and his second-term use of Immigration and Customs Enforcement has shown that hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants can be deported, and that even more may be incentivized to self-deport. But the harsh footage and the two protesters’ deaths in Minnesota suggest that the immigration problem could become a liability for Trump and his party.

Democrats have also changed in response to Trump. Former Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama proclaimed that they were enforcing immigration laws. Former President Joe Biden scarcely bothered, even as his appointees put in place an open-borders policy. Today, most Democratic o ceholders are intent on obstructing and, in the tradition of Democrats John C. Calhoun and George C. Wallace, nullifying federal law enforcement. Few Democratic voters seem to mind, but that could become a political liability too.

On both sides of the Atlantic, we are seeing in the 2020s something like reenactments of the 1920s — the overthrowing of political establishments in Britain and Europe, and the sometimes awkward and painful reshaping, but not overthrowing, of the political parties of the U.S.

Michael Barone is a senior political analyst for the Washington Examiner and longtime co-author of “The Almanac of American Politics.” (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

Democrats face a demographic doom spiral

PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP isn’t just deporting illegal immigrants. He’s deporting the people Democrats need to o set their demographic challenges.

The Census Bureau recently released updated population gures through June 2025. The country grew slightly, but that growth wasn’t equally distributed. Many red states, like South Carolina, Idaho and Texas, grew signi cantly. In just one year, each of those states saw their population increase by more than 1%.

Blue states aren’t keeping up. California, Illinois and New York now have fewer people than in 2020. In contrast, Florida’s population is up around 9%.

There’s an obvious and important takeaway here. Blue states implemented leftist ideas. They have high taxes and regulations that strangle construction. They have failing schools that teach students to hate America. They force female athletes to compete against boys.

The results have been so intolerable that millions of people have moved out. It’s yet another example of people eeing socialism.

There’s a less obvious but just as important takeaway. After the decennial census, states gain or lose congressional seats based on population. Those adjustments change the Electoral College. States receive electoral votes based on how many House and Senate members they have.

The forecast from the American Redistricting Project shows Democrats losing nine seats in reliable blue states. Two swing states, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, would each lose a seat. Those 11 seats would go to states that Trump won in 2024. A di erent projection from Jonathan Cervas at Carnegie Mellon University has solid red and lean red states gaining 13 seats.

If these projections hold, the Republican presidential candidate in 2032 could lose Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin and Nevada and win the presidency. The Democratic candidate would have to win those swing states and either Arizona or Georgia.

Liberals could help mitigate this by having more babies. Blue states can’t make adults stay, but newborns don’t have a choice. That’s unlikely to happen. The Institute

for Family Studies found that in 2023 the 10 states with the highest fertility rates were deep red states. The 10 states with the lowest fertility rates were deep blue states. Further, conservative women have more kids.

This trend is unlikely to reverse. Just 25% of women who voted for Kamala Harris said they wanted children, a recent New York Times poll found. Among Trump voters, it was 43%. Both numbers skew low because the response group includes adults 45 and older.

You can see the left’s dilemma. People are eeing the misery caused by its terrible policies, while its adherents reproduce at low levels.

Democrats could try better governance. Building more homes, a ordable energy and safe streets don’t have to be Republican positions.

Instead, the left is relying on immigrants, both legal and illegal, to prop up their population numbers. The decennial census currently counts illegal immigrants within a state’s borders. No, that doesn’t make sense.

It may not continue. Missouri recently led a lawsuit to stop this. Its legal brief contends that “Missouri and other States will be collectively robbed of eleven congressional seats and electoral votes” if illegal aliens are counted in the 2030 census. If the census stops counting illegals, it’d mostly be blue states losing House members. Texas would drop a couple of seats.

Regardless, deported illegal immigrants de nitely won’t count in the census. Democrats won’t be able to o er them amnesty in the future either.

There isn’t a simple way out of this for the left. As residents ee, these blue states will likely become more heavily Democratic. That will lead to more aggressive leftist policies, which will cause more residents to leave and further reduce birth rates. These factors will move blue states even further to the left and so on.

The Democrats have entered a demographic doom spiral.

Victor Joecks is a columnist for the Las Vegas Review- Journal and host of the “Sharpening Arrows” podcast. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

THERE IS A GROWING SENSE of frustration coursing through American politics, and it is no longer con ned to one party or ideology.

That frustration has real roots. Major institutions badly damaged their credibility during the COVID-19 pandemic, the excesses of the Black Lives Matter movement and years of breathless coverage of Russiagate. At the same time, arti cial intelligence looms over the labor market with few clear answers about what comes next. Add to that a political class that often appears shamelessly corrupt, and the result is a public that feels misled, ignored and exposed.

But frustration does not remain static. In the United States today, it is mutating into something darker: nihilism.

This nihilism is built on an enormous lie. It tells people that America’s problems are unsolvable, that their personal struggles are not the result of bad decisions, bad luck or even xable structural aws but of an all-encompassing evil system. In this story, shadowy elites control everything, success is impossible without “piercing the matrix,” and anyone who talks about personal responsibility or moral restraint must be part of the conspiracy itself.

This mindset does not produce solutions. It prevents them. It short-circuits thought, discourages e ort, and ultimately leads to personal and national self-destruction. Its political consequences are already visible: incoherence, radicalization and a growing number of young Americans searching for meaning at the edges of society — sometimes with violent results.

Last Monday, Washington Post reporter Peter Whoriskey described a troubling pattern behind a series of recent attacks:

“Amid a wave of high-pro le killings and political violence in the United States, investigators have been confounded regularly by the absence of a recognizable agenda. … They were not Democrat or Republican, or Islamist militant, or antifa or white supremacist.

“They were something new. In their manifestos, these attackers declared their contempt for humanity and a desire to see the collapse of civilization. Law enforcement o cers and federal prosecutors have begun to describe these attacks as a contemporary strain of nihilism, an online revival of the philosophical stance that arose in the 19th century to deny the existence of moral truths and meaning in the universe.”

History o ers a warning here. Periods of upheaval have long been fertile ground for nihilistic violence. Fyodor Dostoyevsky captured this phenomenon in “Notes from the Underground” in 1864, describing the human impulse to reject reason, order and even self-interest simply to assert independence. Strip people of the belief that they have meaningful choices, Dostoyevsky warned, and they will lash out — not despite the destruction that follows but because of it.

This insight remains painfully relevant. When people are convinced that nothing they do matters, destruction begins to look like agency.

The modern version of this thinking often takes the form of what philosopher Karl Popper famously called the “conspiracy theory of society.” Writing in the mid-20th century, Popper argued that as belief in divine forces faded, people replaced gods with sinister elites — imagined groups blamed for every social ill, from economic hardship to personal failure. There are, of course, real conspiracies. They involve identi able people, speci c actions and evidence. What dominates American discourse today is something far more corrosive: the belief that everything is rigged, nothing is within individual control, and violence or pseudo-revolution is the only path forward.

That belief is spreading quickly — and not by accident.

This wave of nihilism is being actively cultivated by in uencers and politicians who practice ideological arson and then market themselves as re ghters. They pro t by persuading audiences that their lives are un xable unless they surrender attention, money and power to the very gures stoking the despair.

Nihilism is lucrative. In uencers monetize it. Politicians harness it — at least until it turns on them.

The message being sold is simple: Society is rigged, the system is evil, and only by following the right personality, the right movement or the right “truth-teller” can you break free. It is a con dressed up as enlightenment.

And it is one of the most dangerous cons of our time.

America is living through an era thick with grift, cynicism and manufactured despair. The real threat is not frustration itself but the lie that nothing can be done — and that burning everything down is the only remaining choice.

Ben Shapiro is a graduate of UCLA and Harvard Law School, host of “The Ben Shapiro Show,” and co-founder of Daily Wire+. He is a three-time New York Times bestselling author. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

Murphy to Manteo Jones & Blount

Carolina in Cortina

North Carolina has meaningful ties to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, highlighted by athletes and organizations connected to the state. One of the most notable representatives is Eunice Lee, a Duke University student competing in short-track speed skating for Team USA. Balancing elite training with a demanding academic schedule, Lee re ects the growing presence of North Carolina–based collegiate athletes on the global winter sports stage. Another key connection is Mystique Ro, a Queens University of Charlotte alum who transitioned from collegiate track and eld to skeleton racing. Her rapid rise in international competition leading up to 2026 has drawn attention to North Carolina’s expanding footprint in winter athletics. The state’s hockey ties are also signi cant through the Carolina Hurricanes. Several Hurricanes players are competing in Olympic men’s hockey for their respective countries, strengthening North Carolina’s link to the Games through the NHL’s presence in Raleigh. Together, these athletes and a liations highlight how North Carolina is represented across multiple winter sports disciplines in 2026.

PIEDMONT

Crash into hotel causes gas leak, evacuation

By A.P.

EAST

Home garage re sets o ammunition rounds

County The

Thomas Dambo Trolls spent their nal days at the

Arboretum in Asheville, which had to temporarily close its gates over the weekend due to the overwhelmingly large crowd of visitors. A Facebook post by the N.C. Arboretum stated that “due to uncommonly heavy tra c and for the safety of our guests and those waiting, we have made the di cult decision to close the entrance to the Arboretum until further notice.” By Saturday evening, the arboretum provided an update, saying that hours would be back to normal the following day but encouraged visitors to carpool if possible. N.C. Arboretum Marketing and Public Relations Manager Brian Postelle said the trolls have been “an absolute record breaker” for the arboretum. The exhibit, called “Trolls: A Field Study,” debuted this winter, featuring 12 installations spread across the arboretum grounds, and was open through Monday and Tuesday this week.

NSJ

Davidson County A vehicle reportedly crashed into a hotel in Thomasville and caused a gas leak Saturday night. Fire crews responded to the Stay Lodge on Randolph Street due to a report of a crash involving a gas gauge. After an evacuation to ventilate the space, guests were able to return to their rooms. “Thankful this was mitigated quickly and there were no injuries to residents or the driver,” Thomasville Fire Chief Jason Myers said.

WGHP

Annual music festival revived, rebranded after 2025 cancellation

Burlington celebrates 133rd birthday with public vow renewal

Alamance County Burlington held an annual dual celebration last week. The city, chartered Feb. 14, 1893, marked its 133rd birthday Friday with a public vow renewal ceremony at the Historic Depot Amphitheater. After the ceremony, participants checked in at the depot for the Downtown Burlington Wine and Chocolate Walk, presented by the Burlington Downtown Corporation, to sample wine and chocolate at participating businesses. Organizers say participants were encouraged to not only recommit themselves to each other but also to the city.

NSJ

Guilford County A beloved classical music festival in Greensboro has emerged as the new-and-improved Eastern Festival of Music after taking one year o to correct issues. The 2025 Eastern Music Festival didn’t go on as planned due to labor con icts with the former festival leadership over work conditions for 61 faculty members. The festival is a classical music summer intensive for aspiring musicians aged 14-23. In its nearly 60-year history, the program was only cancelled twice — once during the COVID-19 pandemic and in 2025. The organization, EMF, dissolved o cially in November 2025, and the Eastern Festival of Music was born shortly after. Performances from faculty and their students will take place at Dana Auditorium on the Guilford College campus. Faculty concerts are held twice weekly, with student ensemble recitals performed throughout the festival’s duration. This year’s applications are still available through Feb. 20, and the festival runs from June 27 to Aug. 1.

Johnston County

A re Saturday in a garage at a home just outside the town of Clayton saw rounds of ammunition popping o because of the heat. Cleveland Fire Chief Chris Ellington reported that on the way to the scene of the re, crews received reports of the rounds of ammunition ring o due to the heat from the ames. He said when crews arrived, the ammunition had nished discharging. Crews were able to quickly put out the re, keeping it contained to just the garage, Ellington said.

WNCN

Richlands hog farm re claims more than 1K animals

Onslow County

A large re tore through a hog facility in Richlands early Sunday morning, killing around 1,400 pigs and leaving the building a total loss. Emergency crews were dispatched just after 7 a.m. on Sunday to the facility located o Kinston Highway. When re ghters arrived, they found the structure already fully engulfed in ames.

O cials say the re destroyed a building measuring more than 6,000 square feet. While the loss of livestock is signi cant, no human injuries were reported.

WITN

Group aims to bring awareness to shark strandings on N.C. beaches

Dare County The North Carolina Shark Stranding Network is launching a statewide initiative bringing scientists, volunteers and coastal communities together to study and document sharks that are stranded on the coast of North Carolina. “There’s not a ton of documentation just in terms of sharks that are washed up on the beach,” Taylor Evans, CEO of N.C. Shark Conservancy, said. “And so this is a really unique opportunity. There’s plenty of shark species around here, and a good number of them are ones that can be di cult to nd.” Residents become alarmed when sharks wash up on the beach, and the North Carolina Shark Conservancy wants to deepen understanding about what factors might be contributing to these events.

“It’s very similar to what you would see for like marine mammal stranding or for the sea turtle projects,” said Evans. NSJ

of Merriweather

on

as the city’s “serious homicide backlog” but also the need for more prosecutorial help, handling o enders with mental health issues, as well as dealing with violent and recidivist juveniles.

Merriweather praised Iryna’s Law, named after Zarutska, as having “good improvements” in it related to pretrial proceedings.

After various lawmakers questioned Merriweather, the committee then turned to McFadden, with Jones characterizing it as dealing with “the elephant in the room.”

Jones asked McFadden about part of a petition to remove him from o ce led in January, which was dismissed by a judge in mid-January but can be re led and Merriweather can act on it pending the SBI’s determinations.

“Did you ever order, approve or have knowledge of … deputies transporting individuals to bars and strip clubs? Yes or no?” Jones asked.

McFadden responded, “I cannot answer certain questions to this petition.” He went on to note Rep. Carla Cunningham (D-Mecklenburg), who was among those who led the petition, was a member of the committee.

McFadden also claimed House Bill 10, which closed loopholes McFadden had been accused of exploiting when it came to cooperating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), was awed.

McFadden reasoned House Bill 10 had to be awed because a second bill, House Bill 318, had been led. House Bill 318 became law last year

after the General Assembly overrode Gov. Josh Stein’s veto.

“I’ll be blunt. I sponsored HB 318 because Sheri McFadden repeatedly refused to cooperate with ICE and turned Charlotte into a sanctuary for illegal aliens,” House Speaker Destin Hall (R-Granite Falls) wrote in a post on X that contained a related clip from the hearing. “Someone tell him it’s his job to enforce the law, not interpret it.” McFadden was questioned on his alleged failure to cooperate with federal immigration authorities on issues like detainers placed on illegal aliens. An exchange from the hearing included Rep. Allen Chesser (R-Nash) asking McFadden what branch of government his o ce fell under, and McFadden incorrectly said his home county.

“Are you aware of how many branches of government there are?” Chesser said in a follow-up, to which McFadden responded with, “No.”

The Mecklenburg Republican Party called on McFadden to resign after the exchange with Chesser went viral. During her questioning, Patterson was asked what she needed to ll vacancies and also addressed violent crime in Charlotte.

“I think that people think Charlotte is an unsafe city, although our numbers show otherwise,” Patterson said. The most recent crime statistics released by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department show a 9% drop in overall crime in 2025, with violent crime down by 21% and property crime decreased

Tillis open to compromise on Fed chair nominee

President Donald Trump wants Kevin Warsh to succeed Jerome Powell

By Christopher Rugaber and Stephen Groves The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Republican Sen. Thom Tillis from North Carolina suggested last week he could support a compromise that would allow the Senate Banking Committee to start hearings on Kevin Warsh, President Donald Trump’s nominee to chair the Federal Reserve.

“What I heard being oated could be an o -ramp,” Tillis told reporters last Thursday after a meeting of Senate Republicans. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has suggested that the banking committee, rather than the Justice Department, investigate cost overruns on the Fed’s $2.5 billion renovation of two Washington, D.C., o ce buildings, according to other senators at the meeting.

Tillis said last month that he would block any consideration of Warsh or any other Trump nominees to the Fed until the Justice Department drops a criminal investigation of Fed Chair Jerome Powell over his testimony last summer about the renovation. Tillis reiterated that view in comments

on the Senate oor last week.

The investigation was revealed last month by Powell in an unusually blunt video statement in which he said it was part of an e ort by the Trump administration to force the Fed to lower its key interest rate. The Justice Department has subpoenaed Powell over comments he made about the building renovation during testimony before the banking committee last June.

“I will not allow any board member for the Federal Reserve to go through the banking committee, for chair or re -

placement of expired terms, until this matter is settled,” Tillis said.

“I have no problem with us having an investigation,” he added, “like we should with so many other areas of government. I’d like to have oversight for the East Wing construction to make sure that stays on target and doesn’t go over budget.”

The Trump administration last year tore down the East Wing of the White House to add a large ballroom.

Tillis also said on the Senate oor that “vindictive prosecution is wrong, period” and

“If we’re going to accuse someone of criminal behavior because of a project overrun in federal government, we better start budgeting a lot more for prisons.”

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.)

added that the investigation threatened the Fed’s longtime independence from day-to-day politics.

“If we’re going to accuse someone of criminal behavior because of a project overrun in federal government, we better start budgeting a lot more for prisons,” Tillis said.

At the Senate Republicans’ private retreat, Bessent’s idea of having the Senate Banking Committee take on the Powell investigation was discussed, said Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.).

Kennedy described it as more of a “trial balloon” than a plan.

“All I heard was the Treasury secretary thinking out loud; he raised the issue,” Kennedy said. “He didn’t recommend it; he just raised it.”

Tillis told reporters last Thursday that he supports Trump’s nomination of Warsh, who he said “is a great nominee.”

Tillis also said on the Senate oor that he had a list of seven GOP senators on the banking committee who did not think Powell committed a crime during his “two minutes of testimony” about the renovation project.

Trump says Board of Peace will unveil $5B in Gaza reconstruction pledges NATION & WORLD

The new body will hold its inaugural meeting Thursday

By Aamer Madhani The Associated Press

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.

— President Donald Trump said Sunday that members of his newly created Board of Peace have pledged $5 billion toward rebuilding war-ravaged Gaza and will commit thousands of personnel to international stabilization and police forces for the territory.

The pledges will be formally announced when board members gather in Washington, D.C., on Thursday for their rst meeting, he said.

“The Board of Peace will prove to be the most consequential International Body in History, and it is my honor to serve as its Chairman,” Trump

said in a social media posting announcing the pledges.

He did not detail which member nations were making the pledges for reconstruction or would contribute personnel to the stabilization force.

But Indonesia’s military said Sunday that up to 8,000 of its troops are expected to be ready by the end of June for a potential deployment to Gaza as part of a humanitarian and peace mission. It’s the rst rm commitment that the Republican president has received.

Rebuilding the Palestinian territory will be a daunting endeavor. The United Nations, World Bank and European Union estimate that reconstruction of the territory will cost $70 billion. Few places in the Gaza Strip were left unscathed by more than two years of Israeli bombardment.

The cease re deal calls for an armed international stabi-

lization force to keep security and ensure the disarming of the militant Hamas group, a key demand of Israel. Thus far, few countries have expressed interest in taking part in the proposed force.

The Oct. 10 U.S.-brokered cease re deal attempted to halt a more than two-year war between Israel and Hamas. While the heaviest ghting has subsided, Israeli forces have carried out repeated airstrikes and frequently re on Palestinians near military-held zones.

It is not clear how many of the more than 20 members of the Board of Peace will attend the rst meeting. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who held White House talks with Trump last week, is not expected to be there.

Trump’s new board was rst seen as a mechanism focused on ending the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. But it has tak-

en shape with his ambition for a far broader mandate of resolving global crises and appears to be the latest U.S. e ort to sidestep the United Nations as Trump aims to reset the post-World War II international order.

Many of America’s top allies in Europe and elsewhere have declined to join what they suspect may be an attempt to rival the Security Council.

Trump also con rmed that Thursday’s meeting will take place at the U.S. Institute of Peace, which the State Department announced in December it was renaming the Donald J. Trump U.S. Institute of Peace.

The building is the subject of litigation brought by former employees and executives of the nonpro t think tank after the Republican administration seized the facility last year and red almost all the institute’s sta .

US kills 3 in latest Caribbean boat strike Washington, D.C.

The U.S. military said it carried out another deadly strike on a vessel accused of tra cking drugs in the Caribbean Sea. U.S. Southern Command said last Friday the strike killed three people. The attack raises the death toll from the Trump administration’s strikes on alleged drug boats to 133 people in at least 38 attacks carried out since early September in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Paci c Ocean. President Donald Trump has said the U.S. is in “armed con ict” with cartels in Latin America and has justi ed the attacks as a necessary escalation to stem the ow of drugs.

Mistrial declared in Stanford student protests

San Francisco

A judge declared a mistrial last Friday in the case of ve current and former Stanford University students charged after pro-Palestinian protests in 2024, when they barricaded themselves inside the university president and provost executive o ces. The jury voted 9 to 3 to convict on a felony charge of vandalism and 8 to 4 to convict on a felony charge of conspiracy to trespass. After deliberating for ve days, jurors said they could not reach a verdict.

O -trail avalanche kills 2 skiers in Italy Courmayeur, Italy

An o -trail avalanche killed two skiers and injured another Sunday on the Italian side of the Mont Blanc massif near the border between France and Switzerland, o cials said. At least three skiers were caught up in Sunday morning’s avalanche in the Couloir Vesses, a well-known freeride route in Courmayeur, in the upper Val Veny, according to Italy’s Alpine Rescue. One of the victims was taken to a hospital in serious condition but later died, the agency said. Fifteen rescuers, three canine units and two helicopters took part in the search-and-rescue e orts. Courmayeur, a town with about 2,900 inhabitants, is just over 120 miles northwest of Milan, one of the venues hosting the Winter Olympics.

U.S.

troops

arrive to help train Nigerian military Abuja, Nigeria

About 100 U.S. troops plus equipment have arrived in Nigeria to help train soldiers in the West African country as the government ghts against Islamic militants and other armed groups, the Nigerian military announced Monday. The arrival followed a request by the Nigerian government to the U.S. government for help with training, technical support and intelligence sharing, the military said in a statement. Nigeria is facing a protracted ght with dozens of local armed groups increasingly battling for turf, including Islamic sects. Several thousand people in Nigeria have been killed, according to data from the United Nations.

Powered by women, ‘Wuthering

digs up $34.8M at box o

“Dracula” dipped to $3 million

By Lindsey Bahr The Associated Press

EMERALD FENNELL’S bold reimagining of “Wuthering Heights” brought crowds of women to movie theaters this weekend. The Warner Bros. release topped the box o ce charts and nabbed the title for the year’s biggest opening with $34.8 million in ticket sales in its rst three days in North American theaters, according to studio estimates Sunday. According to PostTrak polling, an estimated 76% of those ticket buyers were women. By the end of Monday’s Presidents Day holiday, the total could rise to $40 million from its 3,682 locations.

The romantic drama starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi as the star-crossed Catherine and Heathcli won out over the weekend’s other newcomers, including the animated “GOAT” and the heist thriller “Crime 101.” Its biggest day was Saturday’s Valentine’s Day holiday, when it earned $14 million. “Wuthering Heights” is also performing even better internationally, where it’s expecting to rake in an additional $42 million from 76 territories.

The Warner Bros./MRC production cost a reported $80 million to produce, not accounting for the millions spent on marketing and promotion. If the four-day totals match the estimates, that makes for a strong $82 million global debut. And the lm still has several big openings on the horizon, in Japan and Vietnam on Feb. 27, and in China on March 13.

The success comes while the future of Warner Bros. hangs in the balance, as Paramount continues to sweeten its hostile takeover bid in hopes of winning out over Net ix. “Wuthering Heights” is the studio’s ninth No. 1 opening in a row.

Fennell’s version of “Wuthering Heights,” which takes many liberties with Emily Brontë’s novel, largely divided critics. It’s currently sitting at a mixed 63% on Rotten Tomatoes. While that didn’t dissuade audiences from buying tickets, only 51% of the opening weekend audience said that they would “denitely recommend” the lm to friends. Moviegoers also gave it a less-than-stellar B CinemaScore.

The mid-February weekend has hosted big superhero movies on occasion, including “Black Panther” and “Deadpool,” but a more relevant comparison is “Fifty Shades of Grey” and its two sequels. The rst movie opened to more than $85 million, the third to $38.6 million.

“This was a solid if not record-breaking Presidents Day/ Valentines weekend,” said Paul

“This was a solid if not record-breaking Presidents Day/ Valentines weekend.”

Paul Dergarabedian, Comscore

Dergarabedian, who heads marketplace trends for Comscore. “But that was to be expected without an MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) lm.” “GOAT,” an animated Sony release produced by basketball star Stephen Curry, landed in second place with an estimated $26 million from 3,863 locations. It was projected to bring in another $6 million on Monday, which would bring its four- day total to $32 million — the biggest animated debut

since “Elemental” in 2023. It also pulled in $15.6 million internationally, bringing its global total to $47.6 million.

The family-friendly lm was the only new opener of the weekend to get an A CinemaScore. Sony Pictures Animation was also behind “KPop Demon Hunters.”

In third place, “Crime 101” made an estimated $15.1 million in its rst three days. Amazon MGM Studios opened the Chris Hemsworth and Mark Ru alo-led Los Angeles-set thriller in 3,161 theaters. It was expected to pull in about $17.8 million by the end of Monday, but the movie has a long way to go to even hit its production budget, which reportedly exceeded $90 million. Audiences, who were 56% men, also gave “Crime 101” a B CinemaScore.

“Send Help” and “Solo Mio”

rounded out the top ve with $9 million and $6.4 million, respectively. Further down the charts, at No. 7, was Briarcli Entertainment’s sci- comedy “Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die,” starring Sam Rockwell and Haley Lu Richardson. It made an estimated $3.6 million from 1,610 locations.

The Walt Disney Studios also celebrated a milestone this weekend, becoming the rst studio to cross $1 billion at the global box o ce in 2026, driven almost entirely by “Avatar: Fire and Ash” but also helped by the continued success of “Zootopia 2,” which remains in the top 10 after 12 weekends in theaters.

The weekend is down signicantly from the same weekend last year, when “Captain America: Brave New World” opened, but the pace is starting to pick up, and theaters have “Scream 7” and “Project Hail Mary” on the horizon.

“It’s been a rather slow rst quarter,” Dergarabedian said. “But this could ignite a spark at the box o ce.”

Top 10 movies by domestic box o ce

This list factors in the estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore:

1. “Wuthering Heights,” $34.8 million

2. “GOAT,” $26 million

3. “Crime 101,” $15.1 million

4. “Send Help,” $9 million

5. “Solo Mio,” $6.4 million

6. “Zootopia 2,” $3.8 million

7. “Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die,” $3.6 million

8. “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” $3.3 million

9. “Iron Lung,” $3.1 million

10. “Dracula,” $3 million

‘Wuthering Heights’ fails with over-sexualized romance, poorly drawn characters

The movie version fails to capture the magic of Emily Brontë’s classic

By Bob Garver The Sun

“WUTHERING Heights” is based on a classic novel by Emily Brontë. I’ve never read the novel, which is probably for the best. Reports of the movie differing from the novel are actually quite relieving to me. They’re relieving in the sense that I do not have to lose respect for people who like the novel, which I would do if this movie were any indication of its quality. I’m ne with not judging a book by its movie, especially when the movie is this terrible.

Young Catherine Earnshaw (Charlotte Mellington) grows up in the Wuthering Heights estate in 18th-century England, under the care of her rich, cruel, drunken father (Martin Clunes). Servants include same-aged companion Nelly (Vy Nguyen) and rescued street urchin Heathcli (Owen Cooper). Cathy initially sees Heathcli as her “toy,” but eventually comes to call him a friend. As the two get older and Cathy turns into Margot Robbie and Heathcli turns into Jacob Elordi, they both begin to think that they might become more than friends. It’s hard for me to buy Robbie, who played Leonardo DiCaprio’s wife in “The Wolf of Wall Street” back in 2013, as someone who is just now going through a sexual awakening, but sure — Cathy and Heathcli are in love, but neither of them will admit it or make the rst move.

Margot Robbie plays the grown-up Catherine Earnshaw in the lm adaption of Emily Brontë’s novel “Wuthering Heights.”

The problem with such a relationship would be the nancial aspect. Cathy’s father has gambled away the family’s fortune, leaving them both “near-poverty,” and Heathcli , as a servant, has practically nothing. Cathy con des in Nelly (now played by Hong Chau), with Heathcli overhearing, that she needs to marry someone with money, like wealthy neighbor Edgar (Shazad Latif). She goes on to admit that she’d rather marry the broke Heathcli , but he misses that part. Heathcli

abandons Wuthering Heights the next day and Cathy goes on to marry Edgar. At rst, Cathy loves all the material trappings of her marriage (this portion of the lm does some impressive things with the “wealth porn” element, with ne foods and owers everywhere), but she just can’t bring herself to reciprocate Edgar’s love. A pregnancy makes

her feel even more trapped. Soon after, Heathcli returns, a wealthy man. He and Cathy could be together if it weren’t for that pesky lifetime commitment she made. Their workaround is to have an a air. When Cathy wants to cut things o (due to her pregnancy, not delity), Heathcli gets revenge by marrying Edgar’s naïve ward Isabella (Alison Oliver) and treating

her horribly. This is supposed to entice Cathy to come back to him … somehow.

Can Cathy and Heathcli ’s game of sexual chess end well for either of them? That’s the question I think we’re supposed to be asking. I was much more concerned about how things would end for well-meaning pawns Edgar and Isabella. Cathy and Heathcli turn each other into monsters by the end, and not in a tragic, understandable way — more like they’re locked in a contest to see who can be the bigger spoiled brat. Cathy grew up a spoiled brat, but Heathcli watched her and learned from the best. Speaking of “brat,” I liked the snippets of Charli XCX songs that played throughout the lm, usually in scenes of heavy fog that seemed to match the singer’s breathy voice. Maybe she should have played Cathy.

“Wuthering Heights” is a movie about two people who deserve each other. At rst, this can be said with positive connotations that slowly turn to negative. Because there are so many erotic scenes with the main characters in fancy costumes, this movie is supposedly “romantic.” I’m worried about what young romantics will take away from this movie, considering how many of them came out of last year’s “Nosferatu” with a crush on Count Orlok. I walked away from this lm wanting both main characters to fall from a height — Wuthering or otherwise.

Grade: C-

“Wuthering Heights” is rated R for sexual content, some violent content and language. Its running time is 136 minutes.

CUMBERLAND

NOTICE

The undersigened having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Franklin Delano Adkins, deceased,late of Cumberland County, hereby noti es all persons.

Firms,and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 19th day of May, 2026, (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notive) or this notice will be pleased in bar of heir recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment to the undersgned. This the 19th day of February, 2026. Administrator/Executor – Tabitha Kiger Address- 3608 Lismore Ln, Hope Mills, NC 28348 Administrator of the Estate of Franklin Delano Adkins

Executor’s Notice

The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Elbert Anderson, Jr., 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 29th day of April, 2026, (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 29th day of January, 2026. Amanda Carrasquillo Pemberley – Executor 2280 Center Court North, Apt. 5 Grand Island, NY 14072 Of the Estate of Elbert Anderson, Jr., Deceased

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF Michael David Barbour FILE NO. 26E000087-250

THE UNDERSIGNED having qualied as Administrator for the estate of Michael David Barbour, Deceased, in the O ce of the Clerk of Superior Court of Cumberland County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the said Decedent to present the same to the undersigned on or before May 4, 2026, said date being at least three months from the date of the rst publication or posting of this Notice as indicated below, or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment. This Notice is given pursuant to the provisions of G.S. 28A-14-1. This the 29th day of January 2026. Name and Address of Administrator Ellen Jaye Barbour, Administrator 612 Country Club Dr. Fayetteville, NC 28301 North State Journal January 29, February 5, 12, 19, 2026

NOTICE

In the General Court of Justice Superior Court Division Estate File #25E001229-250 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND ADMINISTRATOR NOTICE Having quali ed as the Administrator of the Estate of Georgia Mae Barnes, 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 at 6602 Gristmill Road, Fayetteville, NC 28314 on or before May 13th, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms, and corporations indebted to the Estate are requested to make immediate payment. Dated this 9th day of February, 2026. Monique Rogers Williams, Administrator of the Estate of Georgia Mae Barnes 6602 Grist Mill Road Fayetteville, NC 28314 910.420.4982

NOTICE

In the General Court of Justice Superior Court Division Before the Clerk State of North Carolina Cumberland County Administrator Notice The Undersigned having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Wadell Brown, 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 29th day of April, 2026, which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. All persons indebted to make estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned this the 26th, day of January 2026. Paula Brown 1234 Hunters Trail Hope Mills, North Carolina 28348 Administrator of the estate of Wadell Brown.

Notice to Creditors

Revonder McMillan, having quali ed as Administrator of the estate of Annie Bullock, deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby noti es all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to Revonder McMillan on or before the 5th day of May, 2026 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to Revonder McMillan. This 5th day of February, 2026 Revonder McMillan: Administrator/Executor 833 Varsity Dr Fayetteville, NC. 28301 Of the estate Annie L Bullock, Deceased

Estate Notice

The undersigned, having quali ed as administrators/ executors of the Estate of Geraldine Ivey Crumpler, 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 5th day of May, 2026, (which is 3 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 5th day of February, 2026 Administrator/ Executor Ann Crumpler Tew 425 Karen Street Fayetteville NC 28312 Administrator/Executor Jimmy Linwood Crumpler, Jr 6765 Faircloth Bridge Rd Stedman NC 28391 Of the Estate of Geraldine Ivey Crumpler, Deceased

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF THOMAS PATRICK FEENEY

CUMBERLAND County

Estate File No. 23E000718-250

All persons, rms and corporations having claims against Thomas Patrick Feeney 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 6th day of May, 2026 (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 30th day of January, 2026. Davis W. Puryear Administrator of the Estate of Thomas Patrick Feeney Davis W. Puryear Hutchens Law Firm Attorneys for the Estate 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311 Run dates: February 5, February 12 and February 19 and February 26, 2026

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF Margaret Johnson Gregory FILE NO. 26E000174-250

All persons, rms and corporations having claims against Margaret Johnson Gregory deceased, of Cumberland County, North Carolina are noti ed to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before May 19, 2026 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment.

Barry D. Gregory 3356 Sids Mill Rd. Fayetteville, NC 28312 Executor

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF GEORGE THOMAS HILL, JR.

CUMBERLAND County Estate File No. 26E000121-250

All persons, rms and corporations having claims against George Thomas Hill, Jr., deceased, of Cumberland County, North Carolina, are noti ed to present their claims to Timothy Hill, Administrator, at 6607 Winthrop Dr., Fayetteville, NC 28311, on or before the 30th day of April, 2026 (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 23rd day of January, 2026. Davis W. Puryear Administrator of the Estate of George Thomas Hill, Jr. Davis W. Puryear Hutchens Law Firm Attorneys for the Estate 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311 Run dates: January 29, February 5, February 12 and February 19, 2026

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 26E000049-250

Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Joyce Shipman Howard, deceased, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the Estate of said Joyce Shipman Howard to present them to the undersigned on or before the 29 day of April, 2026 (this date being 3 months from the rst publication date of this notice) or same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 21 day of January, 2026. Reuben Carnell Jones Jr. 4759 Woodline Drive Fayetteville, NC 28314 Executor of the Estate of Joyce Shipman Howard January 29, February 5,12, 19 2026

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

In The General Court Of Justice COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND Superior Court Division Estate File # 25E001857-250 Administrator’s/Executer’s Notice

The undersigned, having quali ed as executor of the estate of Ted Elliot Lepper, deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby noti es all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present this claim to the undersigned on or before the 12th day of the May, 2026, ( 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 intermediate payment to the undersigned. This February day of February 12th , 2026. George Vossler Lepper P.O. Box 484 Asheboro NC 27205 Of the estate of Ted Elliot Lepper

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION ESTATE FILE NO. 26E000078-250 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Juan Alberto Martinez, 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 May 19, 2026, 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 19th day of February, 2026. Sharon Ann Martinez, Executor of the Estate of Juan Alberto Martinez 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

In The General Court of the Justice Superior Court Division Before the Clerk Estate File #: 26E000095-250. STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR NOTICE

The undersigned having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Lillie F. McDu e McKoy, 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 April 29, 2026, (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of the notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of the recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. The 22nd day of January, 2026. Sonyas Renee Willis - Administrator 1113 Penselwood Drive Raleigh, NC 27604

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Dorothy Mae McNeill, Deceased Cumberland County, North Carolina Probate Court Case No. 26E000052-250

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned has been appointed as the personal representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the estate are required to present them, along with proper supporting documentation, to the undersigned at 1713 Royal Gorge Rd. Fayetteville, NC 28304, within 90 days after the date of rst publication of this notice, April 29th 2026 or such claims will be forever barred.

Date of rst publication: January 29th 2026 - April 29th 2026

Administrator for the Estate: Tonya L. McNeill 1713 Royal Gorge Rd Fayetteville, NC 28304

Phone: (910) 835-8256

NOTICE

Estate File# 26e000155–250

“Notice is hereby given that Hanna Brittany Valen Hallbauer has been appointed as the Executor of the Estate of Gloria Deck Mullinax, deceased, late of Cumberland County Court. The decedent, Gloria Deck Mullinax, died on November 26, 2024. All persons having claims against the estate are required to present their claims, with proper vouchers, to the undersigned on or before the 5th day of May, 2026 or such claims will be forever barred. All Debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned.

Dated: This 5th day of February, 2026

Hanna Brittany Valen Hallbauer Executor 615 Tobacco Farm Way, Chapel Hill, NC 27516 Of the Estate of Gloria Deck Mullinax, Deceased.

Administrator Notice

In the General Court of Justice Superior Court Division Before the Clerk Estate File# 26E000063-250

State of North Carolina Cumberland County Administrator Notice The undersigned having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of, Malenna May Donley Orndorf, 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 29 of April, 2026 (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 the day of January,2026.

Amy Mathes 2903 Lois Circle Eastover NC 28312

NOTICE

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION ESTATE FILE # 26E000210-250 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND

Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Winifred Newton Rush, 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 142 Rack Court, Willow Spring, NC 27592, on or before May 19, 2026, 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 19th day of February, 2026. Laura Rush Beasley, Executor of the Estate of Winifred Newton Rush

NOTICE

Estate File#25E001639-250 Administrator’s/Executor’s Notice

The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the estate of Angela Marie Saxon 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 29th day April of, 2026, (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 29th day of January, 2026.

James R. Saxon, Executor 205 Crystal Sand Lane Dunn, North Carolina 28334 Of the Estate of Angela Marie Saxon, Deceased.

NOTICE

In The General Court Of Justice, Superior Court Division before the clerk, estate le number 26E 000122–250. STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR NOTICE

The undersigned having been quali ed as executor of the Estate of PATTIE TATUM PUGH, 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 5th day of May, 2026 (Which date is three months after the date 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 the 30th day of January, 2026. Administrator of the Estate of PATTIE TATUM PUGH. JANE GRAHAM LYON, Executor 3078 KAMERIN STREET RANDLEMAN NC 27317

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Mary Lou Turlington a/k/a Mary Lou Westbrook Turlington a/k/a Mary Westbrook Turlington Cumberland County Estate File No. 26E000145-250

All persons, rms and corporations having claims against Mary Lou Turlington a/k/a Mary Lou Westbrook Turlington a/k/a Mary Westbrook Turlington, Deceased, of Cumberland County, North Carolina, are noti ed to present their claims to one or both of the following: (1) John McRae Turlington, Executor of the Estate of Mary Lou Turlington a/k/a Mary Lou Westbrook Turlington a/k/a Mary Westbrook Turlington, 215 N. Church Street, Winterville, GA 30683, or (2) Rob Williford McCauley, Resident Process Agent for the Estate of Mary Lou Turlington a/k/a Mary Lou Westbrook Turlington a/k/a Mary Westbrook Turlington, P.O. Box 53606, Fayetteville, North Carolina 28305, on or before the 15th day of May, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. Debtors of Mary Lou Turlington a/k/a Mary Lou Westbrook Turlington a/k/a Mary Westbrook Turlington are requested to make immediate payment to the Executor or Resident Process Agent named above. This the 12th day of February, 2026. John McRae Turlington, Executor of the Estate of Mary Lou Turlington a/k/a Mary Lou Westbrook Turlington a/k/a Mary Westbrook Turlington Williford McCauley - Attorney for the Estate of Mary Lou Turlington a/k/a Mary Lou Westbrook Turlington a/k/a Mary Westbrook Turlington Mailing address: P. O. Box 53606 Fayetteville, NC 28305 Physical address: 235 Green Street Fayetteville, NC 28301

as Administrator of the Estate of Russell James Cook (26E000121-640), deceased, does hereby notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said Estate that they must present them to the undersigned at DAVID E. ANDERSON, PLLC, 9111 Market Street, Suite A, Wilmington, North Carolina, 28411, on or before the 11th day of May, 2026, or the claims will be forever barred thereafter, and this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. All persons, rms, and corporations indebted to said Estate will please make prompt payment to the undersigned at the above address. This 5th day of February 2026. Courtney Nicole Langley Administrator ESTATE OF RUSSELL JAMES COOK David Anderson Attorney at Law 9111 Market St, Ste A Wilmington, NC 28411 Publish: February 5, 2026 February 12, 2026 February 19, 2026 February 26, 2026

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA NEW HANOVER COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS THE UNDERSIGNED, Robin B. Wright, having quali ed on the 11th day of February 2026, as Executor of the Estate of Marie Sandyck Ely (25E002572-640), deceased, does hereby notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said Estate that they must present them to the undersigned at DAVID E. ANDERSON, PLLC, 9111 Market Street, Suite A, Wilmington, North Carolina, 28411, on or before the 25th day of May, 2026, or the claims will be forever barred thereafter, and this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. All persons, rms, and corporations indebted to said Estate will please make prompt payment to the undersigned at the above address. This 19th day of February 2026. Robin B. Wright

Executor ESTATE OF MARIE SANDYCK ELY David Anderson Attorney at Law 9111 Market St, Ste A Wilmington, NC 28411

Publish: February 19, 2026 February 26, 2026 March 5, 2026 March 12, 2026

sudoku

SOLUTIONS FROM LAST WEEK

Chris Paul announces retirement, B3

the Thursday SIDELINE REPORT

NCAA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Seniors Jackson, Mair lead No. 11 Duke women to narrow win over No. 21 UNC

Durham Ashlon Jackson and Taina Mair scored 14 points each on their senior day and No. 11 Duke edged No. 21 UNC 7268 for the Blue Devils’ 16th consecutive win Sunday. Duke led 41-33 at halftime and never trailed in the second half. Delaney Thomas’ layup made it a six-point game with 30 seconds remaining. Nyla Brooks hit a 3 for UNC with 15 seconds left.

NHL Hurricanes sign goalie Bussi to 3-year extension

Raleigh The Carolina Hurricanes locked up a key — and surprising — part of their success by signing goaltender Brandon Bussi to a three-year contract extension that will average $1.9 million annually. The 27-year-old Bussi, claimed o waivers from Florida before the start of the regular season, has had a record-breaking start to his NHL career, going 23-3-1 to help lead Carolina to the top of the Metropolitan Division.

NFL Trump pardons 5 former NFL players for crimes

Washington, D.C.

President Donald Trump pardoned ve former NFL players for crimes that include perjury, counterfeiting and drug tra cking. White House pardon adviser Alice Marie Johnson announced the pardons on X last Thursday night. She said Trump supports second chances. The White House did not return a request for comment on the reasons for the pardons. The players include Joe Klecko, Nate Newton, Jamal Lewis, Travis Henry and the late Billy Cannon.

Jordan’s Daytona 500 ring: Reddick wins NASCAR’s biggest event

Chase Elliott’s crash paved the way for the win

By Jenna Fryer The Associated Press

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. —

Tyler Reddick won the Daytona 500 in a car co-owned by Michael Jordan when Chase Elliott crashed as he and Reddick were battling for the win in the Cup Series’ season opener.

Reddick, in a Toyota for 23XI Racing, led only one lap Sunday: the one to the checkered ag for the team owned by the NBA Hall of Famer and three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin.

“Just incredible how it all played out. Just true Daytona madness,” said Reddick, the 25th di erent driver to lead a lap for a new Daytona 500 record. “I’ve already lost my voice from screaming. Never thought

I’d be Daytona 500 champion.”

Neither did Jordan, who met Reddick in Victory Lane for a bear hug before they jointly

hoisted the Harley J. Earl trophy. Jordan, who turned 63 on Tuesday, will get a Daytona 500 ring for his birthday and

Ro misses podium in rst Olympics

Three Hurricanes earned byes into the men’s hockey quarter nals

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

THE 2026 Winter Olympics are well underway, and already we’re starting to see the results and medals pile up. Through Sunday, the U.S. had accumulated ve golds and 17 total medals, the third most at the Olympics, with still a week of competitions still to go. Here’s how some of the athletes with local connections have done.

In women’s individual skeleton, Queens College of Charlotte graduate Mystique Ro placed 15th with a nal combined time of 3:52.48 across her four heats. She was the second-highest-placing American woman, as two-time Olympian Kelly Curtis nished 12th.

Ro’s nal time was just 3.46 seconds slower than eventual gold medal winner, Austria’s Janine Flock, show-

United States’ Mystique Ro arrives at the nish during a women’s skeleton run at the 2026

ing just how tight the sport is.

The track in Milan is 1,730 meters long with 16 curves built in, and athletes can reach speeds in excess of 75 mph as they travel down it.

The Virginia native had a tough start to the individual competition, nishing with the 17th- and 16th-fastest times in the rst two heats, but she

picked it up in Day 2 with the 10th- and 15th-best times.

Ro was one of the fastest starters in the women’s competition, with good reaction time and initial sprinting ability thanks to her track and eld background.

She again competed in mixed team skeleton, the rst time it’s been featured at the

made it known in Victory Lane he wears a size 13.

“It feels like I won a championship, but until I get my ring, I won’t even know,” Jordan said. Reddick, a 30-year-old from Corning, California, won for the ninth time in the Cup Series and rst time since late in the 2024 season. Winless last year, Reddick was primarily focused on his infant son, who was found to have a tumor in his chest that a ected his heart. Reddick opened last year with a runner-up nish in the Daytona 500. He snapped the 38-race losing streak by nishing one place higher Sunday and winning to start a celebration that included multiple stars of NASCAR. Reddick is teammates with Bubba Wallace, who went to Victory Lane in tears after leading a race-high

See NASCAR, page B3

Winter Olympics, and was on the highest placing American team, nishing in seventh place alongside Austin Florian with a combined time of 2:00.39.

The way the scoring works is that each athlete completes their own run and then the two times are combined for the nal result.

Ro crossed the nish line in 1:01.08 and Florian in 59.31, which in the end was 1.03 seconds slower than the combined gold medal time set by the Great Britain team.

The American duo set the track record following their run — they were the seventh team to go — so, at least for a short time, they were the team to beat. After her run, Ro brandished the American ag proudly, draping it across her back.

However, that jubilation was short lived when two teams later, the pair was overtaken and then saw their placement fall lower and lower away from the podium.

It was a bit of a disappointing nish for Ro, who entered the games having nished second in the women’s division and rst in mixed team coming out

THURSDAY

2.19.26

TRENDING

Darrell Bevell:

The former passing game coordinator for the Dolphins has been hired by the Carolina Panthers as their new associate head coach and o ensive specialist. Panthers head coach Dave Canales will continue to call plays. Bevell and Canales worked together for seven seasons in Seattle under Pete Carroll, with Bevell serving as the o ensive coordinator.

Kyle Larson:

The two-time and defending NASCAR Cup Series champion signed a ve-year extension with Hendrick Motorsports, putting the 33-year-old driver under contract through 2031. Hendrick also announced a multiyear deal with Larson’s crew chief, Cli Daniels. Since being paired in the No. 5 Chevrolet in 2021, Daniels and Larson have won two championships (2021, 2025) and led the Cup Series in nearly every major statistical category.

Zac Gallen:

The former UNC right-hander has agreed to a $22.025 million, one-year contract to return to the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The 2023 All-Star was hunting for a multiyear contract. Gallen had his worst season in the big leagues in 2025, nishing with 13-15 record with a 4.83 ERA and an 8.2 strikeout rate per nine innings, the lowest of his career.

Beyond the box score

POTENT QUOTABLES

“You need to let him sleep. … He ain’t waking up for midnight feedings.”

Ole Miss coach Joe Judge testifying on his advice to players and their girlfriends who have babies during the season.

“I blew it.”

U.S. gure skater

PRIME NUMBER

761,719

The increase in water usage in New York City, converted into number of toilets ushing, in the 15 minutes after Bad Bunny’s halftime show ended at the Super Bowl.

NCAA BASKETBALL

North Carolina A&T edged Hampton 71-70 in the HBCU Classic after Trent Middleton Jr., left, scored and hit a free throw with 4.5 seconds left. It was A&T’s rst lead since scoring the game’s rst basket. Middleton also fueled the comeback on defense. He grabbed two late steals that turned into quick Aggies buckets. The matchup took place at the Kia Forum as part of NBA All-Star weekend.

Charlotte Hornets’ rookie Kon Knueppel scored 17 points in the nals of the NBA All-Star 3-point contest to nish third. He then teamed up with fellow Duke one-and-dones Jalen Johnson and Corey Maggette to nish second in the Shooting Stars competition.

Akshay Bhatia led the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am after 54 holes by two shots, but the Wake Forest resident made only two birdies over his last 29 holes. He fell out of the lead after four holes, closing with a 72 to nish fourth, three shots behind winner Collin Morikawa.

Detroit center Isaiah Stewart was suspended seven games for a ght against the Hornets. Hornets forwards Miles Bridges and Moussa Diabaté were each suspended four games and Pistons center Jalen Duren two for ghting and escalating the altercation. The heaviest penalty went to Stewart for leaving the bench area, aggressively entering the altercation and ghting.

Kuechly, Brees, Fitzgerald headline Hall of Fame class missing Belichick

The Panthers linebacker was elected in his second year of eligibility

By Josh Dubow

The Associated Press

SAN FRANCISCO — Luke

Kuechly, Drew Brees and Larry Fitzgerald headlined the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class featuring ve players but not six-time Super Bowl winning head coach Bill Belichick.

Brees and Fitzgerald both made it in their rst year of eligibility in results announced at NFL Honors earlier this month after proli c careers. Luke Kuechly and Adam Vinatieri made it in their second seasons of eligibility, while Roger Craig was the lone pick among seniors, coaches and contributors.

“One of the coolest moments was getting up on that stage with all the other Hall of Famers,” Fitzgerald said. “That moment kind of crystallized it for me.”

But the class is also noteworthy for Belichick’s absence as at least 11 of the 50 voters opted against giving him a vote despite a career with 333 wins in the regular season and playo s and the most Super Bowl titles of any head coach. A report last week that Belichick fell short in his rst year of eligibility was met with widespread criticism of both the voters and the process for choosing Hall of Famers.

“His stats speak for themselves,” said Vinatieri, who played six years for Belichick.

“His stats speak for themselves.”

New Hall of Famer Adam Vinatieri on Bill Belichick

This is the second straight year with a smaller class after only four people made it last year as rule changes have made it harder to get into the Hall. There had been at least seven people inducted in the previous 12 classes before last year. That contributed to the snub for Belichick and Kraft, who were grouped with Craig and two other players — Ken Anderson and L.C. Greenwood — who have been retired for at least 25 seasons. The voters picked three

of the ve candidates with the highest vote-getter and anyone else above 80% getting the honor.

Craig, who was in his 28th year of eligibility, was the only one of those ve to make it.

Craig was the rst player ever to have 1,000 yards rushing and 1,000 yards receiving in the same season, which happened in 1985, and he led the NFL with 2,036 yards from scrimmage in 1988 when he helped San Francisco win the Super Bowl.

The four modern-era candidates all overlapped for several years, waging many battles against each other.

“Very early on you realized there was something special and unique about these guys,” Brees said.

Vinatieri was one of the most clutch kickers in NFL history,

Carolina Panthers middle linebacker

Luke Kuechly, pictured in 2019, was elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

and Indianapolis. He also leads all players with 56 eld goals and 238 points in the postseason.

Brees is second all time to Tom Brady with 80,358 yards passing and 571 touchdown passes. He spent the rst ve seasons of his career with the San Diego Chargers before signing as a free agent with the Saints in 2006, where he delivered New Orleans its rst Super Bowl title following the 2009 season, when he won MVP of the game after beating Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts. Brees made the Pro Bowl 13 times in his career, won AP O ensive Player of the Year in 2008 and 2011, was an All-Pro in 2006 and was a second-team All-Pro four times.

Fitzgerald spent his entire career with the Arizona Cardinals after being drafted third overall in 2004. His 1,432 catches and 17,492 yards receiving in 17 seasons rank second all time to Jerry Rice.

making the game-winning eld goals in the rst two Super Bowl victories during New England’s dynasty with Belichick and Kraft in charge. He joined Jan Stenerud and Morten Andersen as the only players in the Hall who were primarily kickers in their careers.

Vinatieri helped launch the run with one of the game’s greatest kicks — a 45-yarder in the snow to force overtime in the “Tuck Rule” game against the Raiders in the 2001 divisional round. He made the game-winning kick in OT to win that game and then hit a 48-yarder on the nal play of a 20-17 win in the Super Bowl against the Rams.

Vinatieri is the NFL’s career leader in points (2,673) and made eld goals (599) over a 24year career with New England

Fitzgerald topped 1,000 yards receiving nine times — tied for the fourth-most ever — and helped the Cardinals reach their only Super Bowl following the 2008 season. Fitzgerald set single-season records that postseason with 546 yards receiving and seven TD catches.

Kuechly’s career was brief but impactful. The rst-round pick by Carolina in 2012 was an All-Pro ve times, with seven Pro Bowl nods and a Defensive Rookie of the Year award. Over his eight-year career, Kuechly led all linebackers in the NFL in tackles (1,090), takeaways (26), interceptions (18) and passes defensed (66).

O ensive linemen Willie Anderson and Marshal Yanda, and edge rusher Terrell Suggs made it to the nal seven in the modern-era category and will automatically be nalists again next year.

NC’s Paul announces retirement after 21 NBA seasons

The Winston-Salem native is ranked second all time in assists and steals

By Jesse Deal North State Journal

CHARLOTTE — Future

NBA Hall of Famer Chris Paul revealed last week that he has decided to step away from basketball after a 21-season career that helped de ne the modern point guard.

A 12-time All-Star who ranks second in league history in assists and steals, Paul announced his decision in a social media post during All-Star weekend in Inglewood, California, at the home arena of the Los Angeles Clippers, where he authored some of his most de ning years.

“This is it! After over 21 years I’m stepping away from basketball,” Paul wrote. “As I write this, it’s hard to really know what to feel, but for once — most people would be surprised — I don’t have the answer lol! But, mostly I’m lled with so much joy and gratitude! While this chapter of being an ‘NBA player’ is done, the game of basketball will forever be engrained in the DNA of my life.”

The 40-year-old Winston-Salem native had previously indicated this season would be his last, citing the toll that years away from home had taken on his family.

“This game always gave me a

NASCAR from page B1

40 laps before nishing 10th.

Jordan wrapped his arms around Wallace from behind and spoke closely into Wallace’s ear in a brief speech of encouragement.

“I don’t want my emotions to take away from the monumental day they just accomplished. Happy birthday, MJ. That’s a massive birthday present,” Wallace said. “I thought this was our week, the best 500 I’ve ever had, and come up short, sucks.

“Led a lot of laps, lap leader, I believe. It was a good day for us, but damn. Try again next year.”

Hamlin also was in Victory Lane after nishing 31st and falling short in his bid to be-

Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul, who announced he is retiring, stands on the court during a road game against the Hornets on Nov. 22, 2025.

reason to show up,” Paul wrote. “So now with all the gratitude that I could possibly have, it’s time for me to show up for others and in other ways. This last season, I knew I couldn’t do it unless I was at home with my family. Those six years away were a sacri ce for all of us, and I knew that had to come to an end. And now I know wholeheartedly the best teammate I can be is to Jada, Chris II and Cam.” Paul’s nal season was disjointed, as he averaged career lows of 2.9 points and 3.3 as-

come the third four-time Daytona 500 winner. Hamlin, who drives for Joe Gibbs Racing, was involved in the nal caution when he and teammate Christopher Bell collided with nine laps remaining.

It set up the nal push to the nish over the nal four laps.

Elliott had control on thenal lap after leader Carson Hocevar was spun o the track, and it appeared the son of NASCAR Hall of Famer Bill Elliott would nally win his rst Daytona 500. Instead, Reddick made a huge surge with an assist from teammate Riley Herbst. He hit Elliott and sailed past to give Jordan a victory in NASCAR’s biggest event of the year.

sists in 14.2 minutes per game and did not play in ve straight games in mid-November.

After he returned as a free agent last July, the Clippers parted ways with him in early December as his nal NBA appearance came Dec. 1. He was traded to Toronto at the deadline, but the Raptors waived him Friday and never expected him to report, leaving open the possibility he might pursue his rst NBA championship elsewhere. Instead, Paul chose to hang it up.

Jordan was the face of the December federal antitrust lawsuit that NASCAR settled on the ninth day of trial. The settlement changed the revenue-sharing model in the United States’ top motorsports series.

Jordan watched the win from a suite overlooking the superspeedway built by the France family — NASCAR founders and private owners — he just beat in federal court. NASCAR chairman Jim France, who was personally a defendant in the suit, went to Victory Lane to congratulate the winners.

“I can’t even believe it. It was so gratifying,” Jordan said of the victory. “You never know how these races are going to end. You just try to survive. We hung in

“This game always gave me a reason to show up.”

Chris Paul

In 2005, he entered the league as the New Orleans Hornets’ fourth overall pick, quickly establishing himself as an elite oor general. He went on to play for New Orleans, Houston, Oklahoma City, Phoenix, Golden State, San Antonio and the Clippers, spending the last four seasons with four di erent teams. Over his career, he accumulated 12,552 assists and 2,728 steals, trailing only John Stockton in both categories. He was the rst player to surpass 20,000 points and 10,000 assists, a milestone later reached by LeBron James and Russell Westbrook.

Paul earned 11 All-NBA selections, nine All-Defensive team honors, four All-NBA First Team nods and the 2006 Rookie of the Year award, in addition to two Olympic gold medals and a place on the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team.

He is also one of six players in league history to surpass $400 million in career earnings and one of seven to play at least 21 seasons. The 2008 U.S. Olympic “Redeem Team,” of which he was a member, was enshrined in the

there all day. Great strategy by the team, and we gave ourselves a chance at the end. Look, I’m ecstatic.” The victory marked a Daytona sweep for three team owners heavily involved in the trial. Bob Jenkins, who joined 23XI in suing NASCAR, opened the weekend with a victory when Chandler Smith won the Truck Series opener on Friday night for Front Row Motorsports. Richard Childress, who testi ed on behalf of 23XI and Front Row and was the subject of disparaging text messages by since-departed NASCAR chairman Steve Phelps, was the winning team owner Saturday when Austin Hill won. Then came “The Great Amer-

Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the 2025 class.

His tenure with the Clippers from 2011 to 2017 stands as the most successful stretch in franchise history. Paul led Los Angeles to six consecutive winning seasons, the team’s rst two Paci c Division titles and three playo series victories, helping transform the Clippers into a perennial contender.

In a statement, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver praised Paul’s impact on and o the court.

“After 21 remarkable seasons, Chris Paul retires as one of the greatest point guards in NBA history and a true steward of our sport,” Silver said. “From the moment he entered the league, Chris distinguished himself with his savvy playmaking skills, elite competitiveness and intense work ethic. He also poured enormous time and energy into his role as president of the Players Association — offering thoughtful and principled perspectives to strengthen our game and our business.” Before his professional career, Paul starred at Wake Forest from 2003 to 2005 under coach Skip Prosser. He was the ACC Rookie of the Year in 2004 and the ACC Player of the Year and a consensus rst-team All-American in 2005, leading the Demon Deacons to the ACC regular-season title and a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

ican Race,” and Jordan and Hamlin, the two front-facing litigants, got their rst Daytona 500 victory together.

Former race winners Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Joey Logano nished second and third as Toyota, Chevrolet and Ford each placed a driver on the podium. Elliott wound up fourth and sat dejected and in disbelief on the outside wall of the track after climbing from his car.

“We ended up kind of getting gifted the lead ... and then at that point in time, you’re just on defense. Man, that’s a really, really tough place to be, truthfully,” Elliott said. “Obviously looking back, you can run it through your mind 1,000 times, do you do something di erent?”

The 2026 NC ACC Baseball Preview

UNC, Duke and NC State earn preseason top 25 honors

By Asheebo Rojas North State Journal

THE RACE to Omaha starts now.

The college baseball season began last Friday with all four local ACC teams taking the eld on opening day.

No. 11 UNC and Duke, both coming o Super Regional appearances, opened their 2026 seasons at home. The Tar Heels swept a three-game series against Indiana, while the Blue Devils won three of four against Maine.

No. 17 NC State and No. 21 Wake Forest began the year in Puerto Rico. The Demon Deacons lost their opener to Houston before rebounding with wins over Washington and Indiana State. NC State opened with wins over both of Wake’s victims.

Here’s a quick preview of each squad.

UNC

Last year: UNC followed a 2024 College World Series appearance with a 46-15 record and an ACC Tournament title. The Tar Heels fell short of another World Series bid, though, losing to Arizona in disappointing fashion in its own Super Regional.

What’s new: UNC is welcoming 16 new faces, including seven transfers and nine freshmen. Former Duke catcher Macon Winslow, former North

WADE PAYNE / AP PHOTO

Wake Forest pitcher Blake Morningstar throws a pitch during last season’s NCAA Tournament.

Dakota State in elder Jake Scha ner, former George Mason out elder Owen Hull and former Stony Brook rst baseman Erik Paulsen were named amongst D1Baseball’s top 50 transfer hitters.

Biggest losses: The Tar Heels took huge losses including pitcher Jake Knapp, catcher Luke Stevenson, rst baseman Hunter Stokely, second baseman Jackson Van De Brake and shortstop Alex Madera.

Top returners: Gavin Gallaher, who started at third base last year and recorded team highs in hits and RBIs, is a key returnee for a new-look roster.

NC State

Last year: NC State nished last spring 35-21 with an exit in the NCAA Auburn Regional. The Wolfpack were in the mix

2

local ACC teams reached the Super Regional in 2025

for the regular season ACC title after going 17-11 in league play.

What’s new: The Wolfpack are bringing in 18 newcomers, including nine transfers with intriguing experience and accolades. Dalton Bargo, a utility player, is coming in from Tennessee after hitting 14 home runs with 40 RBIs in 2025. Inelder Sherman Johnson, a transfer from McLennan CC, appeared in the JUCO World Series and was named the event’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player. Johnson hit .319 with

nine home runs and 51 RBIs last year. NC State is also welcoming former three-year James Madison starter Wyatt Peifer and a small contributor from LSU’s 2025 national championship team in Mikey Ryan.

Biggest losses: NC State will be without Josh Hogue, who nished second on the team in hits (71) and tied with Brayden Fraasman with the most home runs (11). Andrew Sha ner, who posted an ERA of 3.13 and a WHIP of 1.07, is a huge hit to the pitching corps.

Top returners: Returning Chris McHugh, who was arguably NC State’s most reliable hitter last year, and Fraasman, especially if he can improve his batting average, could be huge for the Wolfpack’s o ense this season.

Wake Forest

Last year: Wake Forest went 39-22 and met its end in the Knoxville regional after a loss to Tennessee. What’s new: Wake Forest brought in ve transfers, highlighted by former VMI hitter Boston Torres and former UNCW pitcher Cam Bagwell, who achieved a 9-2 record with 62 strikeouts and a 3.07 ERA as a freshman. Most of the new additions are freshmen, including JD Stein, the No. 1 shortstop prospect in Indiana, and Marcelo Harsch, the top pitching prospect from New Jersey.

Biggest losses: The Demon Deacons lost shortstop and hits leader Marek Houston to the MLB Draft. Out elder Ethan Conrad was drafted right after

Houston in the rst round, and pitcher Joe Ariola, who struck out 40 batters in 242⁄3 innings last year, also moved on to the pros.

Top returners: Pitcher Blake Morningstar will be a key piece to the Wake Forest bullpen after posting an ERA of 3.87 and a 6-2 record last year. Kade Lewis will also return after performing as the team’s second-best hitter last spring.

Duke

Last year: Duke got to host a Super Regional and was two runs away from a College World Series berth after falling to Murray State 5-4. The Blue Devils ended the season 41-21 record, winning 40 games for the second consecutive year.

What’s new: Former Wake Forest assistant Corey Muscara is taking over as the Blue Devils’ new head coach with his new sta . With that change came a new-look roster. Duke added more than a dozen transfers, with the most coming after Muscara’s arrival. The big hitters included Michael DiMartini from Dayton (.403 batting average and 14 home runs in 2025) and Cider Canon from Davidson (.371 batting average and 17 home runs last year).

Biggest losses: In addition to Winslow, the Blue Devils took big hits with former coach Chris Pollard taking the Virginia job. Duke lost two-way player Kyle Johnson, out elder AJ Gracia and power hitter Sam Harris to the Cavaliers. Ben Miller, last year’s hits leader, also graduated out of the program.

Top returners: Tyler Albright, who nished third in hits and recorded 10 home runs last season, could be an important keep for the Blue Devils.

Albernaz brings optimism, patience to Orioles

The former Durham Bull will focus on getting Baltimore’s prospects back on track

By Shawn Krest North State Journal

FOR THE LAST FEW seasons, the Baltimore Orioles have been the envy of MLB scouting departments. A steady parade of some of the top prospects in the minor leagues have been working their way through the Orioles farm system. That was the prize for a stretch of unabashed tanking that tried Baltimore fans’ patience. In the ve years from 2017 to 2021, the O’s nished last four times and lost 100 games three times. And that stretch included the COVID season that reduced the schedule to 60 games, or things could have been even worse.

Now, the prospects have reached the major leagues, and the team held onto almost all of them rather than trading some for veteran stars to try to make a deep postseason run. However, Orioles fans are beginning to lose patience again. The team won the division in 2023 and made the playo s in back-to-back years. Just when it seemed like the years of su ering were about to pay o , Baltimore took a huge step back last year, nishing last and losing 87 games.

All-Stars Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschmann, the rst two Orioles prospects to make it to Baltimore, seemed to regress last season, and fans are wondering if the team needs to move on from what looked like a generational crop of young players.

Fortunately, the new Balti-

OLYMPICS from page B1

of the most recent World Championships in 2025.

But being that this was the rst Olympics for the 31-year-old, there’s nothing to be sorry about as she still proved to be one of the best in the world.

In men’s ice hockey, the round-robin portion of the tournament concluded this past weekend, setting up the seeding for the elimination rounds.

“Development’s messy, right? It’s not a linear track development.”

Craig Albernaz

more manager knows the value of patience. Craig Albernaz played nine minor league seasons for 16 di erent minor league teams. He’s one of only two Durham Bulls players to spend ve di erent years with the team and never make the majors. (Brooks Badeaux is the other.)

All that time. All those bus rides. All those cities, and what does Albernaz have to show for it? Three-hundred eighty minor league games and 1,063 at-bats. That’s an average of

Seth Jarvis and Team Canada nished as the top team in their group with a 3-0-0 record and secured the top overall seed and a bye into the quarter nals.

The Carolina Hurricanes’ star winger appeared in two out of the three round-robin games for the Canadians, averaging just under 10 minutes per game in a fourth-line role. He still generated a few good scoring opportunities in his minutes.

Canada will on Wednesda play Czechia, which beat Den-

43 games and 118 at bats a year.

By way of comparison, in the last two years with Baltimore, Henderson has played 313 games and gotten 1,207 at bats.

Albernaz was a backup catcher and a wildly popular one with both fans and teammates due to an upbeat attitude and a thick New England accent that’s always ready with a joke or taunt. On the rst day of Orioles spring training, he declared that his goal was to “try to touch all the players and kind of see what’s going on.”

After nine years of a lot of sitting the bench and watching, Albernaz had become a manager-in-waiting with a deep knowledge of the game and the personalities of the guys who play it. He got his rst minor league managing job in 2017, three years after hanging it up as a

mark on Tuesday to advance to the quarter nal round.

Jaccob Slavin and Team USA also nished with a 3-0-0 record in their group and will be the second seed overall, as they had a lower goal di erential than the Canadians. The Americans have outscored their opponents 16-5, and Slavin has only been on the ice for a single goal against, which came in just the rst period of Team USA’s rst game.

Team USA will face the win-

Craig Albernaz, manager of the Baltimore Orioles, speaks during the MLB winter meetings in December.

player. In 2018, he was Manager of the Year in the Double-A Midwest League. In 2020, he got his rst call to the big leagues, serving as a coach on the San Francisco Giants sta before moving to Cleveland, where he spent the last two years as bench coach and associate manager under manager Stephen Vogt, a former teammate with the Bulls.

If anyone has paid his dues, it’s Albernaz.

“He seems like he’s done this before,” said Orioles GM Mike Elias. “I don’t sense any nervousness or apprehension about this being his rst camp with him as a manager. I think he’s fully ready and prepared. He’s been really thoughtful about it. I think that he and the players are going to click really well. They already have. I think he’s gonna be great. I think it’s

ner of Sweden and Latvia’s play-o quali cation match.

Sebastian Aho and Team Finland nished with a 2-1-0 record but managed to secure the fourth and nal bye into the quarter nals thanks to a blowout win over the Italians. Aho has two goals and three points for Team Finland so far in the tournament and has been one of their most deployed players, as he’s being used in all situations. The Finns on Wednesday will

just about learning the players, learning the roster, seeing what happens here in camp. I think he’s going to be a really positive factor for us.”

If anyone can get the wayward prospects back on track for the stardom that seemed predestined for them not long ago, it may be the guy that knows nothing in the game is guaranteed.

“We always talk about development and, you know, it’s very process oriented,” Albernaz said. “You know, development’s messy, right? It’s not a linear track development, but I think it’s everything in this game is predicated on results. It is what it is, and especially for players, right? Players really gravitate to the results, because that’s what they’ve known their whole life. … Every player is di erent. They learn at di erent rates. And so for us, you have to be able to nd those avenues for our guys.”

Albernaz plans to lean heavily on what he learned in the Rays organization, which helped him win two International League titles in his ve years in Durham, and another when he returned to the team as a coach in 2017.

“It was everything,” he said of his years with the Rays organization. “It’s in my foundation, in my upbringing. It’s something I talk about all the time: just how the organization took time — when I was a player there, for sure — but as a sta member, how they helped develop me to even be the position and be in this seat. And I’m just a byproduct of everyone who I’ve come across and who has impacted me. So look across the game. There’s a lot of Rays personnel dispersed everywhere, and I was just very fortunate to be in the organization and learning from a lot of great people.”

face Switzerland, which defeated Italy 3-0 Tuesday to advance to the quarter nals.

Finally, Nikolaj Ehlers and Frederik Andersen helped to secure Denmark’s lone win of the round-robin on Sunday, as Andersen stopped 33 shots against Latvia and Ehlers netted the game-winning goal. Denmark nished with a 1-2- 0 record in group play but were eliminated in the start of the knockout round Tuesday after a 3-2 loss to Czechia.

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned, EDWARD GLEN EXLEY, having quali ed as the Executor of the Estate of GEORGIA ELIZABETH POOLE, Deceased, hereby noti es all persons, rms or corporations having claims against the Decedent to exhibit same to the said EDWARD GLEN EXLEY, at the address set out below, on or before May 25, 2026, 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 13h day of

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

OF

CREDITORS

of the

HANOVER

EDWARD GLEN EXLEY, having quali ed as the

of JAMES IRVIN POOLE, Deceased, hereby

rms or corporations having claims against the Decedent to exhibit same to the said EDWARD GLEN EXLEY, at the address set out below, on or before May 25, 2026, 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 13h day of February.

EDWARD GLEN EXLEY

Executor OF ESTATE OF JAMES IRVIN POOLE

c/o ROBERT H. HOCHULI, JR.

219 RACINE DR., SUITE #A6 Wilmington, NC 28405

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE FILE NUMBER: 25SP000402-120

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a Deed of Trust executed by BENJAMIN T. DUPREE AND BILLYE S. DUPREE dated January 30, 2006 in the amount of $115,900.00 and recorded in Book 6530, Page 131 of the Cabarrus County Public Registry by ANTHONY MASELLI OR GENEVIEVE JOHNSON, EITHER OF WHOM MAY ACT, Substitute Trustee, default having been made in the terms of agreement set forth by the loan agreement secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, ANTHONY MASELLI OR GENEVIEVE JOHNSON, EITHER OF WHOM MAY ACT, having been substituted as Successor Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O cial Records of Cabarrus County, North Carolina, in Book 17458, Page 344, 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 Cabarrus County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, on February 24, 2026 at 1:00 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the County of Cabarrus, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows:

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

25SP000440-120

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by David A. Somerville and Sharon M. Somerville (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Sharon M. Somerville) to Tina Sorum, Trustee(s), dated November 15, 2022, and recorded in Book No. 16281, at Page 0107 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 March 3, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real

AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 23SP000171-120

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Samuel Wayne Misenheimer (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Samuel Wayne Misenheimer) to TRSTE, Inc., Trustee(s), dated March 5, 2003, and recorded in Book No. 4389, at Page 27 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 February 23, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real

WAKE

Notice to Creditors

Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of CYNTHIA ELIZABETH

PRINCE, late of Wake County, North Carolina (26E000060-910), 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 8th day of May 2026 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 5th day of February 2026.

Melissa Bentley Executor of the Estate of Cynthia Elizabeth Prince

c/o Lisa M. Schreiner

Attorney at Law

P.O. Box 446

114 Raleigh Street Fuquay Varina, NC 27526

(For publication: 02/05, 02/12, 02/19, 02/26/2026)

Notice to Creditors

Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of REBECCA GRISWOLD PRINCE, aka MARTHA REBECCA GRISWOLD PRINCE late of Wake County, North Carolina (26E000064-910), 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 8th day of May 2026 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 5th day of February 2026.

Thomas Harold Prince

Executor of the Estate of Rebecca Griswold Prince, Aka Martha Rebecca Griswold Prince

c/o Lisa M. Schreiner

Attorney at Law

P.O. Box 446

114 Raleigh Street

Fuquay Varina, NC 27526

(For publication: 02/05, 02/12, 02/19, 02/26/2026)

PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER(S): 5623 48 0499 0000 ADDRESS: 144 BEAUMONT AVENUE KANNAPOLIS, NC 28083 PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): MARSALIS FORD THE LAND DESCRIBED HEREIN IS SITUATED IN THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, COUNTY OF CABARRUS, AND IS DESCRIBED IN DEED BOOK 6530, PAGE 131, AS FOLLOWS: ALL THAT CERTAIN LOT OR PARCEL OF LAND SITUATED IN THE CITY OF KANNAPOLIS, NUMBER FOUR TOWNSHIP, CABARRUS COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA AND MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: LYING IN NUMBER FOUR TOWNSHIP, CABARRUS COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, ON THE EAST SIDE OF BEAUMONT AVENUE, ADJOINING THE PROPERTY OF VOIDEL STEEPLETON, SAID FOLLOWING DESCRIPTION BEING TAKEN FROM A SURVEY PREPARED BY A.C. BROWN, SURVEYOR, MAY 24, 1997, AND BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT AN IRON STAKE IN THE EASTERN EDGE OF BEAUMONT AVENUE, A CORNER OF VOIDEL STEEPLETON, AND RUNS THENCE WITH THE EASTERN EDGE OF BEAUMONT AVENUE, NORTH 10-36 WEST FOR A DISTANCE OF 100 FEET TO AN IRON STAKE, A NEW CORNER; THENCE A NEW LINE, SOUTH 77-33 EAST FOR A DISTANCE OF 170 FEET TO AN IRON STAKE, A NEW CORNER; THENCE A NEW LINE, SOUTH 10-36 EAST FOR A DISTANCE

estate situated in Concord in the County of Cabarrus, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Property Address: 153 Cottontail Lane Southeast, Concord, NC 28025 PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: Lying and being in the City of Concord, Number Eleven (11) Township, Cabarrus County, North Carolina, on the east side of Cottontail Lane and being all of Lot Number FORTY-SIX (46) of HUNTER’S POINTE, Phase I, Map 1, a map of said property being on le in Map Book 22, pages 10 and 11, Cabarrus County Registry, and as Revised in Map Book 22, Pages 65 and 66, Cabarrus County Registry, to which reference is hereby made for a complete description thereof as to metes and bounds. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 153 Cottontail Lane Southeast, Concord, North Carolina. Tax ID 5539-99-3080.0000

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

estate situated in Concord in the County of Cabarrus, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Lying and being in the City of Concord No. 2 Township, Cabarrus County, North Carolina on the North side of Nolen Avenue, NW on the south side of Village Drive, NW and on the West side of McCurdy Street, NW qand being Lot No. 200 of AFTON VILLAGE , PHASE 4C, along with the common area surrounding said lot and being shown in Map Book 38, Page 89, Cabarrus County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 5607 Village Drive Northwest, Concord, North Carolina.

Parcel ID Number: 2-29B-200

Which currently has the address of 5607 Village Drive, Concord, North Carolina, 28027

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

OF 100 FEET TO A STAKE, A NEW CORNER OF VOIDEL STEEPLETON; THENCE WITH STEEPLETON’S LINE, NORTH 77-33 WEST FOR A DISTANCE OF 170 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING; SUBJECT HOWEVER, TO THE RIGHT-OF-WAY OF THE NORTH CAROLINA STATE HIGHWAY COMMISSION ALONG BEAUMONT AVENUE, AND THE RIGHT-OF-WAY ON THE NORTH SIDE OF SAID PROPERTY KNOWN AS STEEPLETON DRIVE AND AS SHOWN ON MAP BOOK 11, PAGE 72, IN THE CABARRUS COUNTY REGISTRY. Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). The property to be 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

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.

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.

Notice to Creditors

Having quali ed as Co-Executors of the Estate of BRENDA TERRY WARD, late of Wake County, North Carolina (26E000145-910), 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 8th day of May 2026 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 5th day of February 2026. Matthew Waldon Ward, Co-Executor Michael Terry Ward, Co-Executor Estate of Brenda Terry Ward c/o Lisa M. Schreiner

Attorney at Law P.O. Box 446 114 Raleigh Street Fuquay Varina, NC 27526

(For publication: 02/05, 02/12, 02/19, 02/26/2026)

Notice to Creditors

Having quali ed as Co-Executors of the Estate of WALDON WATTS WARD, late of Wake County, North Carolina (26E000146-910), 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 15th day of May 2026 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 12th day of February 2026. Matthew Waldon Ward, Co-Executor Michael Terry Ward, Co-Executor Estate of Waldon Watts Ward c/o Lisa M. Schreiner

Attorney at Law P.O. Box 446 114 Raleigh Street Fuquay Varina, NC 27526

(For publication: 02/12, 02/19, 02/26, 3/5/2026)

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 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 in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing

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 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

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 not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the e ective date of the termination. THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM

DISCHARGED AS A

RUPTCY PROCEEDING,

OR

OF

IS GIVEN TO YOU PURSUANT TO

REQUIREMENT AND FOR

PURPOSES AND IS

AS

ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT OR AS AN ACT TO COLLECT, ASSESS, OR RECOVER ALL OR ANY PORTION OF THE DEBT FROM YOU PERSONALLY. Sarah A. Waldron or Terrass Scott Misher, Esq ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Attorneys for the Substitute Trustee 13010 Morris Rd., Suite 450 Alpharetta, GA 30004 Telephone: (470) 321-7112

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 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

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

24SP000343-120

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Lyndia D. Little (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Lyndia D. Little) to PRLAP, Inc., Trustee(s), dated April 27, 2007, and recorded in Book No. 7535, at Page 215 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 February 23, 2026 and

to Neuse, Incorporated, Trustee(s), which was dated January 31, 2019 and recorded on February 1, 2019 in Book 10441 at Page 581, 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

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 25SP001064-250 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND

IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY STEPHEN D. LOVE DATED FEBRUARY 10, 2005 RECORDED IN BOOK NO. 6794, AT PAGE 220 IN THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA

NOTICE OF SALE

Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the abovereferenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned

John McCain South 87 East 150.0 feet to the Beginning. Survey by Walter L. Furr, Jr., July 6th 1951.

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 February 25, 2026 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 71, in a subdivision known as Lake Rim North, Section Two Revised, and the same being duly recorded in Plat Book 100, Page 25, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina.

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

Said property is commonly known as 9515 Deep Swamp Lane, Fayetteville, NC 28314.

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

will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Cumberland County courthouse at 1:30 PM on March 4, 2026, 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 Stephen D. Love, dated February 10, 2005 to secure the original principal amount of $57,000.00, and recorded in book no. 6794, at page 220 of the Cumberland 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: 3104 Joye Circle, Spring Lake, NC 28390 Tax Parcel ID: 0513-41-8954

Page 0573 in Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the 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 February 23, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Fayetteville in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot 1, property of Johnny O’Dell Burns, as shown in Map Book 97, Page 195, Cumberland County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 8501 Cedar Creek Road, Fayetteville, 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 Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. 7A-308(a)(1). The property to be o ered

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

25SP001554-280

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Amanda Leigh Bailey

(PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Amanda Leigh Bailey) to Laurel A. Meyer, Trustee(s), dated October 7, 2015, and recorded in Book No. 2198, at Page 390 in Davidson County Registry, North Carolina. The Deed of Trust was modi ed by the following: A Loan Modi cation recorded on September 3, 2019, in Book No. 2372, at Page 1006 A Loan Modi cation recorded on March 9, 2022, in Book No. 2535, at Page 546 , 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 Davidson

County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door in Lexington, Davidson County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 11:30 AM on February 25, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Lexington in the County of Davidson, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lots 27, 28,29 and 30, on the map of Leonard Acres, as recorded in Plat Book 10, Page 6A, in the O ce of the Register of Deeds for Davidson County, North Carolina, to which reference is hereby made for a more particular description. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 1899 Bethesda Road, Lexington, North Carolina.

Parcel ID Number: 11313A0000027

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.

AM on February 27, 2026, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Davidson County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Lafayette A. Wilson; Delories H. Wilson, dated February 22, 1999 to secure the original principal amount of $102,500.00, and recorded in Book No. 1123, at Page 191 of the Davidson 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: 266 Widaustin Dr, Winston Salem, NC 27127 Tax Parcel ID: 03003F0000011

Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 161 Waco Avenue, Kannapolis, 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 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,

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 John M. Bannach, a.k.a John Marshall Bannach.

Present Record Owners: Stephen D. Love

The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Stephen D. Love.

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

pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance

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 dollars ($750.00),

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

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

“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 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

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.

The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Latasha D Wilson and Estate of Deloris Marie Wilson c/o Latasha D Wilson, administrator. 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

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 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

TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days written notice to the landlord. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the e ective date of the termination. The date of this Notice is 28th day of January, 2026.

Grady I. Ingle, Attorney for Substitute Trustee Ingle Law Firm, PA 13801 Reese

Suite 160 Huntersville, NC 28078 (980) 771-0717 Ingle Case Number: 39013-66978

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 ($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. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any

NOTICE OF DEFAULT AND FORECLOSURE SALE

WHEREAS, on March 29, 2013, a certain Deed of Trust was executed by Priscilla S. Burdi, “Mortgagor(s)” in favor of One Reverse Mortgage, LLC, “Mortgagee” and was recorded on April 3, 2013, in Book 3115, Page 970 in the O cial Land Records of Forsyth County, North Carolina; and WHEREAS, the Deed of Trust was insured by the United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (the Secretary) pursuant to the National Housing Act for the purpose of providing single family housing; and WHEREAS, the Mortgage is now owned by the Secretary, pursuant to an assignment dated September 13, 2019 and recorded on October 15, 2019, in Book 3487, Page 2804 in the O cial Records of Forsyth County, North Carolina; and WHEREAS, a default has been made in the covenants and conditions of the Mortgage in that the Borrower has died and the Property is not the principal residence of at least one surviving borrower, and the outstanding balance remains wholly unpaid as of the date of this notice, and no payment has been made su cient to restore the loan to currency; and WHEREAS, the entire amount delinquent as of January 21, 2026 is $278,932.03; and

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 25SP001535-480 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Audie R. Jonas and Kathy S. Jonas (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Audie Jonas and Kathy Jonas) to Wilford West, Trustee(s), dated March 14, 2008, and recorded in Book No. 1925, at Page 491 in Iredell 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 Iredell County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute

25SP000432-480

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

NORTH CAROLINA, IREDELL COUNTY

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Penny L Clark and Michael Todd Clark to Josh Costner, Trustee(s), which was dated August 18, 2022 and recorded on August 18, 2022 in Book 2940 at Page 1674, Iredell 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 March 5, 2026 at 10:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Iredell

WHEREAS, by virtue of this default, the Secretary has declared the entire amount of the indebtedness secured by the Mortgage to be immediately due and payable; NOW THEREFORE, pursuant to powers vested in me by the Single Family Mortgage Foreclosure Act of 1994, 12 U.S.C. 3751 et seq., by 24 CFR part 27, subpart B, and by the Secretary’s designation of me as Foreclosure Commissioner, recorded on August 30, 2022 in Book 3715, Page 1644, notice is hereby given that on March 12, 2026 at 2:00 PM local time, all real and personal property at or used in connection with the following described premises (“Property”) will be sold at public auction to the highest bidder: Being all of Lot No. 20 as shown on the plat entitled “Village Club, Section 1” as developed by the New Fortis Corporation, said plat being recorded in Plat Book 37, Page 147, in the O ce of the Register of Deeds for Forsyth County, North Carolina, reference to which is hereby made for a more particular description. Commonly known as 350 Craver Pointe Drive, Clemmons, NC 27012 Parcel ID#: 5883-87-9350

The sale will be held at the FORSYTH County Courthouse, 175 N. Chestnut Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, at the location designated by the Clerk of Court for public auctions.

The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development will bid $284,873.97.

There will be no proration of taxes, rents or other income or liabilities, except that the

Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door in Statesville, Iredell County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 11:00 AM on February 26, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Statesville in the County of Iredell, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot 13, BROADMEADOWS PHASE III, as same is platted, planned and recorded in Plat Book 32, Page 38, Iredell County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 114 Cripple Creek Lane, Statesville, 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 Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1).

County, North Carolina, to wit:

BEING ALL OF LOT NO. THIRTEEN (13) OF FLINT RIDGE, SECTION THREE, as the same is platted, planned and recorded at Plat Book 29, Pages 93 and 94, Iredell County Registry. For back title see Deed Book 1086, Page 934 and Deed Book 895, Page 181, Iredell County Registry.

The above property is conveyed SUBJECT TO those certain restrictive covenants for Flint Ridge, Section Three dated November 14, 1997 and recorded in Book 1057, Page 449, Iredell County Registry.

Being the identical property conveyed to Billy R. Watson and wife, Brenda B. Watson by deed from A Home America, Inc., dated November 4, 1998 and recorded in Book 1106, Page 1047, Iredell County Registry.

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

Said property is commonly known as 121 Spearpoint Ln, Statesville, NC 28625.

A Certi ed Check ONLY (no personal

purchaser will pay, at or before closing, his prorata share of any real estate taxes that have been paid by the Secretary to the date of the foreclosure sale. When making their bids, all bidders except the Secretary must submit a deposit totaling $28,487.40(10% of the Secretary’s bid), in the form of a certi ed check or cashier’s check made out to the Secretary of HUD. A deposit need not accompany each oral bid. If the successful bid is oral, a deposit of $28,487.40 must be presented before the bidding is closed. The deposit is nonrefundable. The remainder of the purchase price must be delivered within 30 days of the sale or at such other time as the Secretary may determine for good cause shown, time being of the essence. This amount, like the bid deposits, must be delivered in the form of a certi ed or cashier’s check. If the Secretary is the highest bidder, he need not pay the bid amount in cash. The successful bidder will pay all conveying fees, all real estate and other taxes that are due on or after the delivery date of the remainder of the payment and all other costs associated with the transfer of title. At the conclusion of the sale, the deposits of the unsuccessful bidders will be returned to them. The Secretary may grant an extension of time within which to deliver the remainder of the payment. All extensions will be for 15day increments for a fee of $500.00, paid in advance. The extension fee shall be in the form of

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 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.

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 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

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, IREDELL COUNTY 25 SP 414 Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by 225 E Glen Eagles, LLC, Mortgagor(s), in the original amount of $317,300.00, to Navigator Private Capital, LLC, Mortgagee, dated August 23rd, 2024 and recorded on August 26th, 2024 in Book 3081, Page 1925, Iredell County Registry. Default having been made in the payment of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Anchor Trustee Services, LLC having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O ce of the Register of Deeds of Iredell 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 or other usual place of sale in Iredell County, North Carolina, at 2:00 PM on February 24th, 2026, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property, to wit: BEING all of Lot No. ONE HUNDRED AND NINETEEN (119) of ``SHANNON ACRES`` subdivision, as platted, planned and recorded in Plat Book 6, Page 43 and 43A, Iredell County Registry. Together with improvements located hereon; said property being located at 225 E Glen Eagles Road, Statesville, NC 28625 Tax ID: 4765-12-7229.000 Third party purchasers must pay the recording costs of the trustee’s deed, any land transfer taxes, the excise tax, pursuant North Carolina General Statutes §105228.30, in the amount of One Dollar ($1.00) per each Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or fractional part thereof, and the Clerk of Courts fee, pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §7A-308, in the amount of Forty- ve Cents (0.45) per each One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) or fractional part thereof with a maximum amount of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00). A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the bid or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts will be immediately due and owing. 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. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, special assessments, land transfer taxes, if any, and encumbrances of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are 225 E Glen Eagles, LLC. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: An order for

AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE FILE NUMBER: 25SP001469-480 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a Deed of Trust executed by CHARLES B ENGLAND dated June 2, 2015 in the amount of $67,969.00 and recorded in Book 2360, Page 2094 of the Iredell County Public Registry by ANTHONY MASELLI OR GENEVIEVE JOHNSON, EITHER OF WHOM MAY ACT, Substitute Trustee, default having been made in the terms of agreement set forth by the loan agreement secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, ANTHONY MASELLI OR GENEVIEVE JOHNSON, EITHER OF WHOM MAY ACT, having been substituted as Successor Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O cial Records of Iredell County, North Carolina, in Book 3168, Page 110, 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 Iredell County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, on March 3, 2026 at 11:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the County of Iredell, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER(S): 4724-35-4777.000 ADDRESS: 706 WINTERFIELD RD STATESVILLE, NC 28677 PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): CHARLES B ENGLAND THE LAND DESCRIBED HEREIN IS SITUATED IN THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, COUNTY OF IREDELL, AND IS DESCRIBED IN DEED BOOK 2360, PAGE 2094, AS FOLLOWS: THE PROPERTY ORDERED SOLD BY THE COURT IS MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEING ALL OF LOT NO. THIRTY-FOUR (34) OF THE REAVIS-TSUMAS ADDITION TO WESTOVER, AS THE SAME IS PLATTED AND PLANNED ON THE GENERAL MAP OF SAID ADDITION, AS PREPARED BY L. B. GRIER, REGISTERED SURVEYOR, AND RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 7, PAGE 32, IREDELL COUNTY REGISTRY. BEING THE SAME PROPERTY CONVEYED TO CHARLES B. ENGLAND BY DEED FROM CAROLYN H. GREENE ACTING AS ADMINISTRATRIX OF THE ESTATE OF TONY MARVIN GREENE RECORDED 05/25/2006 IN DEED BOOK 1750 PAGE 1941, IN THE REGISTER OF DEEDS OFFICE OF IREDELL COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA.

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). The property to be 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 dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form

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

owner(s) of the property is/are Michael Todd Clark and wife, Penny L. Clark.

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 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,

possession of the property may be issued pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the Clerk of Superior Court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be 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 (North Carolina General Statutes §45-

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 in possession by the clerk of superior court

25SP001383-910

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

NORTH CAROLINA, WAKE COUNTY

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Valentina Galindo Valdez to Jackson law, PC, Trustee(s), which

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

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE FILE NUMBER: 25SP000164-910

courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on February 25, 2026 at 10:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Wake County, North Carolina, to wit: Being all of Lot 818, Olde Towne, as shown in Book of Maps 2024, Pages 63-72 and previously recorded in Book of Maps 2022, Pages 1489-1498, Wake County Registry.

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

Said property is commonly known as 5031 Microcline Trail, Raleigh, NC 27610.

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

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a Deed of Trust executed by MATHEW DON BURTON AKA MATTHEW DON BURTON dated August 4, 2022 in the amount of $579,200.00 and recorded in Book 19113, Page 1103 of the Wake County Public Registry by ANTHONY MASELLI OR GENEVIEVE JOHNSON, EITHER OF WHOM MAY ACT, Substitute Trustee, default having been made in the terms of agreement set forth by the loan agreement secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, ANTHONY MASELLI OR GENEVIEVE JOHNSON, EITHER OF WHOM MAY ACT, having been substituted as Successor Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O cial Records of Wake County, North Carolina, in Book 19801, Page 2282, 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 Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, on February 24, 2026 at 1:00 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER(S): 0743861422 ADDRESS: 102 LANGDALE PL CARY, NC 27513 PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): MATHEW DON BURTON AKA MATTHEW DON BURTON THE LAND DESCRIBED HEREIN IS SITUATED IN THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, COUNTY OF WAKE, AND IS DESCRIBED IN DEED BOOK 19113, PAGE 1103, AS FOLLOWS: BEING ALL OF LOT 2, SECTION SF-4 OF MACARTHUR PARK P.U.D., AS SHOWN BY MAP AND SURVEY RECORDED IN BOOK OF MAPS, 1990, PAGE 878, WAKE COUNTY REGISTRY Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for

16-084240 IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION WAKE COUNTY 16SP002399-910 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY WILLIAM F. HARDWICK, III AND ANGELA DAVIS HARDWICK DATED OCTOBER 4, 2006 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 12205 AT PAGE 212 AND MODIFIED BY AGREEMENT RECORDED ON JULY 2, 2014 AT BOOK 15709, PAGE 911 IN THE WAKE COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA

NOTICE OF SALE

Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements contained therein

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 24SP000647-910 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF WAKE IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY MELISSA KAY BOTKIN DATED MARCH 16, 2022 RECORDED IN BOOK NO. 18960, AT PAGE 1216 IN THE WAKE COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE

and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Wake County courthouse at 11:00AM on February 26, 2026, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Wake County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed William F. Hardwick, III and Angela Davis Hardwick, dated October 4, 2006 to secure the original principal amount of $359,176.00, and recorded in Book 12205 at Page 212 of the Wake 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: 399 Virginia Water Drive, Rolesville, NC 27571 Tax Parcel ID: 0332406 Present Record Owners:

Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Wake County courthouse at 10:00 AM on February 25, 2026, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Wake County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Melissa Kay Botkin, dated March 16, 2022 to secure the original principal amount of $296,000.00, and recorded in Book No. 18960, at Page 1216 of the Wake 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: 1314 Still Monument Way, Raleigh, NC 27603 Tax Parcel ID:

FORECLOSURE SALE 25SP001242-910

by virtue of the

of

in a certain Deed of Trust made by HD Homes & Properties LLC, a North Carolina Limited Liability Company (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): HD Homes & Properties LLC, a North Carolina Limited Liability Company) to Currie Tee Howell, Trustee(s), dated August 14, 2023, and recorded in Book No. 019409, at Page 01913 in Wake County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O ce of the Register of Deeds Wake County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the Wake County Courthouse door, the Salisbury

AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 24SP001009-910

Street entrance in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on March 2, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Garner in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 3, containing .52 acre, according to that plat entitled “Recombination of the Property of Lot 3 & 4, Alpine Estates” and recorded in Book of Maps 2006, Page 272, Wake County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 4729 G Street, Garner, 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 Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1).

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 Valentina Galindo Valdez, an unmarried person. 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

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 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

William Hardwick, III and Angela Davis Hardwick

The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are William Hardwick, III and Angela Davis Hardwick. 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

0354247

The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Melissa Kay Botkin.

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

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 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.

of ve percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fty dollars ($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 manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any resale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing. SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be

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

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

advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days written notice to the landlord. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the e ective date of the termination. The date of this Notice is 2nd day of January, 2026.

Grady I. Ingle, Attorney for Substitute Trustee Ingle Law Firm, PA 13801 Reese Blvd West Suite 160 Huntersville, NC 28078 (980) 771-0717 Ingle Case Number: 25049-40596

No. 013236, at Page 01870 in Wake County Registry, North Carolina. The Deed of Trust was modi ed by the following: A Loan Modi cation recorded on November 22, 2010, in Book No. 014166, at Page 00553 , 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 Wake County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the Wake County Courthouse door, the Salisbury Street entrance in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on March 2, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Raleigh in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot 18, Block B, Greenwood Farms Subdivision, Section Two, Part Three, as shown by map of Greenwood Farms Subdivision, Section Two, Part Three, by Lovett and Bunn, Inc. Engineers, dated June 8, 1967, and recorded in Book of Maps 1967, Page 116, Wake County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 3612 Wheaton Place, Raleigh, North Carolina.

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

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

“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 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

Nothing but Nets

Brooklyn Nets rookie Drake Powell speaks to the crowd during his number retirement ceremony before Northwood 20-point win over Uwharrie Charter in Pittsboro last Thursday.

Commissioners approve data center development freeze through 2027

New subpoenas issued in inquiry on response to 2016 Russian election interference

The Justice Department has issued new subpoenas in an investigation into perceived adversaries of President Donald Trump and the U.S. government response to Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, according to multiple people familiar with the matter. An initial wave of subpoenas in November asked recipients for documents related to the preparation of a U.S. intelligence community assessment that detailed a sweeping, multiprong e ort by Moscow to help Trump defeat Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.

Rousey, Carano will end MMA retirements, ght each other in May

Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano will end their lengthy retirements from mixed martial arts to ght each other May 16 at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The bout will be staged by Most Valuable Promotions, the combat sports promotion established by in uencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul. The 39-year-old Rousey hasn’t fought since 2016, while the 43-year-old Carano’s eight-bout MMA career ended in 2009. They’ll ght at 145 pounds for ve ve-minute rounds. Despite their lengthy absences, Rousey and Carano remain two of the most iconic ghters in MMA history after two trailblazing careers. They are the two most famous women to participate in MMA.

The moratorium will be in e ect until Feb. 11, 2027

By Ryan Henkel Chatham News & Record

PITTSBORO — The Chatham County Board of Commissioners has enacted a temporary moratorium on the development of data centers within the county.

The president endorsed Michael Whatley in his Senate run

By Will Weissert and Allen G. Breed The Associated Press

FORT BRAGG — President Donald Trump celebrat-

The board held a special called meeting Feb. 11 at 4 p.m. to hold a public hearing on the matter, which is required by law before a moratorium can be enacted.

A moratorium, which is a temporary, legal suspension to pause development approvals while updating plans and regulations, is allowed per North Carolina General Statute 160D-107.

ed the special forces members who ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, saying last month’s audacious raid means “the entire world saw what the full military might” of the U.S. can do and ensured “we are feared” by potential enemies around the world.

Addressing soldiers and their families at Fort Bragg, one of

Per the statute, the county must provide four statements of fact to implement a moratorium: a statement of necessity, a statement of applicability and scope, a statement pertaining to the length of the moratorium, and a statement laying out the plan for what the county intends to do during the moratorium in order to address the perceived issue.

the world’s largest military bases, Trump declared, “Your commander in chief supports you totally.” Then, drawing on one of his own campaign slogans, he implored them, “When needed, you’re going to ght, ght, ght. You’re going to win, win, win.”

The president and rst lady Melania Trump also met privately with military families.

Judge sentences teen to life without parole for fatally shooting 5 in Raleigh rampage

“In the blink of an eye, everything changed for those people and for the people that they left behind.”

Patrick Latour, Wake County assistant prosecutor

Austin Thompson killed his brother in a 2022 attack

By Gary D. Robertson The Associated Press

RALEIGH — A judge sentenced an 18-year-old who acknowledged killing ve people in a Raleigh mass shooting to life in prison without parole last Friday, rejecting arguments that he deserved the chance for release decades from now.

Austin David Thompson was 15 during the Oct. 13, 2022, attack that began at his Raleigh home when he shot

and repeatedly stabbed his 16-year-old brother, James. Equipped with rearms and wearing camou age, Thompson then fatally shot four others — including an o -duty city police o cer — in his neighborhood and along a greenway. He was arrested in a shed after a self-in icted gunshot wound to his head.

Thompson pleaded guilty last month to ve counts of rst-degree murder and ve other counts less than two weeks before his scheduled trial.

Thompson, who did not speak in court, was led away

The county argues that the moratorium was necessary due to the amount of water and energy usage that these centers require, adverse environment impacts and noise concerns.

But the visit felt more like a political rally than an o cial visit to celebrate the U.S. armed forces. Trump’s lauding of the raid that toppled Maduro came only after he called to the stage Michael Whatley, a former Republican National Committee chair who has the president’s

Feb. 9

THURSDAY 2.19.26

MARK STOCKWELL / AP PHOTO

Police and ATF agents stand near the Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, R.I., after a shooting at the ice rink on Monday.

Police credit good Samaritan for ending a deadly shooting at Rhode Island ice rink

It appears to be a family dispute following a contentious divorce

By Kimberlee Kruesi

The Associated Press

A SHOOTER unleashed a urry of bullets during a Rhode Island youth hockey game, killing two people and injuring three others, in an attack that was cut short when a spectator stepped in to help stop the tragedy, authorities said. Investigators had spoken to nearly 100 witnesses as of Monday evening as they attempt to piece together what happened early Monday afternoon inside the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, a few miles outside Providence. Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves said Monday that the shooter died from an apparent self-in icted gun wound, though authorities are still investigating.

• Isaiah Xavier Liggett, 27, was arrested for assault on a female and misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

Feb. 10

• Eder De Los Santos Rosales, 28, was arrested for driving without an operator’s license, driving while impaired, speeding, open container alcohol violation and failure to maintain lane control.

Feb. 11

• Kelly Rachelle Potts, 43, was arrested for attempted larceny.

• Luis Fernando Oyanedel-Valenzuela, 25, was arrested for second-degree burglary, conspiracy to commit felony larceny, larceny after breaking and entering, possession of stolen goods, injury to real property, injury to personal property and felony conspiracy.

• Brian Edwin Elkins, 52, was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia, driving on a revoked license, expired registration, operating a vehicle with no insurance, failure to reduce speed and expired or no inspection.

Feb. 12

• Melodye Dawn Hudson, 54, was arrested for larceny of a motor vehicle and obtaining property by false pretenses.

Feb. 13

• Cramer Eugene Davey, 39, was arrested for driving while impaired.

• Pamela Myers Bagdis, 71, was arrested for felony larceny, exploiting a disabled or elder adult and obtaining property by false pretenses.

• Chase Michael Riddle, 24, was arrested for simple assault.

• Michael Ferrone Gould II, 19, was arrested for communicating threats.

Feb. 14

• Katherine Julia Koehler, 58, was arrested for simple assault and injury to personal property.

Feb. 15

• Charlotte Reece Cobia, 21, was arrested for driving while impaired.

• Jose Manuel Briones Mortera, 27, was arrested for driving while impaired.

• Shawn Patrick Collins, 53, was arrested for assault by pointing a gun, assault with a deadly weapon, communicating threats and simple assault.

SHOOTING from page A1

in handcu s after the sentencing. Family members of the shooting victims cried as the sentence was handed down. Thompson’s attorneys announced plans to appeal the sentence.

Superior Court Judge Paul Ridgeway had the option to sentence him to life in prison with the chance for parole after at least 25 years, but Thompson did not face the death penalty given his age at the time of the crimes.

“It’s hard to conceive of a greater display of malice than what I just described,” Ridgeway said, adding that months of planning and fantasizing by Thompson to carry out the rampage also con rmed that Thompson is the rare juvenile o ender “whose crimes re ect irreparable corruption.”

During the sentencing hearing, prosecutors revealed the previously con dential contents of a handwritten note with Thompson’s name and the shooting date found at his family’s house in the Hedingham subdivision.

The note said the “reason I did this is because I hate humans they are destroying the planet/earth,” adding that he killed James Thompson ”because he would get in my way.”

Thompson “cannot tell you why he wrote that note the way that he did,” defense lawyer Deonte’ Thomas said, noting that he had no history of ecological-based anger. “And he cannot tell you why he ran down the streets of Hedingham terrorizing people that day.”

But “he is not unredeemable, he is not incorrigible,” Thomas added in asking Ridgeway to give him the opportunity one day to tell parole commissioners he could “still be a productive person in society.”

Thomas argued that the rampage happened during a behavioral episode caused by medicine he regularly took

“It appears that this was a targeted event, that it may be a family dispute.”

Tina Goncalves, Pawtucket police chief

Goncalves credited an unnamed “good Samaritan” who intervened, bringing the attack “to a swift end.” She did not provide details.

It is not entirely clear what precipitated the shooting, who was targeted or why. Unveried video circulating on social media shows players on the ice as popping sounds are heard. Chaos quickly unfolds as players on benches dive for cover, those on the ice frantically skate toward exits and fans ee their seats.

“It appears that this was a targeted event, that it may be a family dispute,” she said. Au-

thorities said both people who died were adults but have not released the identities of the victims.

Goncalves identi ed the shooter as Robert Dorgan, who she said also went by the name Roberta Esposito, who was born in 1969.

Monday’s shooting came nearly two months after Rhode Island was rocked by a shooting at Brown University that left two students dead and wounded nine others, as well as a Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor. Authorities later found Claudio Neves Valente, 48, dead from a self-in icted gunshot wound at a New Hampshire storage facility.

“Our state is grieving again,” Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee said in a statement. “As governor, a parent, and a former coach, my heart breaks for the victims, families, students, and everyone impacted by the devastating shooting at Lynch Arena in Pawtucket.”

for acne which dissociated the youth from reality. A psychiatrist who interviewed Thompson and a geneticist testi ed to bolster the explanation.

Ridgeway decided the evidence did not support the conclusion that Thompson’s acts happened while he entered an altered mental state induced by the medication and a genetic abnormality.

Prosecutors dismissed the medication argument as weak and highlighted Thompson’s internet search history on his phone and computer leading up to the attack. They said it included school shootings and were related to guns, assaults and bomb-making materials.

Nicole Connors, 52; Raleigh police O cer Gabriel Torres, 29; Mary Marshall, 34; and Susan Karnatz, 49, also were killed in the rampage. Two other people were wounded, including another police ocer involved in the search for Thompson.

“In the blink of an eye, everything changed for those people and for the people that they left behind,” Wake County assistant prosecutor Patrick Latour said last Thursday while urging a sentence with no potential parole. “And the thing that made it change was not some acne medication. It

CHATHAM happening

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

Feb. 19-26

Virtual Film Screening: “From Sea to Shining Sea”

The Chatham Community Library will present this lm virtually all day on Feb. 19 as part of its America 250 celebrations. The 2025 lm tells the story of Katharine Lee Bates, the woman who penned the poem upon which the song “America the Beautiful” is based. The link to log in to the movie will be available beginning Feb. 19 at Vimeo PRO . A password is required to view; contact social.library@ chathamlibraries.org to request one.

Feb. 21

The History Between the Lines Book Club 9:30 a.m.

Delve into Thomas Healy’s 2021 book, “Soul City: Race, Equality, and the Lost Dream of an American Utopia,” in honor of Black History Month. Participation is free.

Chatham County Historical Museum 9 Hillsboro St. Pittsboro

Feb. 25

Paint & Sip Gathering for Chatham Young Professionals

5-7 p.m.

This guided painting experience is sponsored by the Chatham Chamber and is a networking opportunity for professionals 40 and under. For more information, contact Cheryl Littleton, at 984-265-9172.

Inspire Briar Chapel 152 Market Chapel Road Pittsboro

Feb. 26

Bynum Bite Night at BFP

6-8 p.m.

was the defendant’s knowing, researched, well thought out, planned, decisive actions.”

The judge heard from people like Jasmin Torres, the widow of Gabriel Torres and the mother of their 5-year-old daughter. She asked Ridgeway to sentence Thompson to life without parole, calling him a “monster.”

“Not one of us surviving victims, our families, our friends, our community should ever have to worry about a future where his barbaric self is set free,” Torres said last week.

Thompson’s parents testied they couldn’t explain why their son committed the violence, calling him a normal, happy kid who did well in school and showed no signs of destruction.

Thompson’s father pleaded guilty to improperly storing his handgun that authorities said was found when his son was arrested. He received a suspended sentence and probation.

“We both lost our children, one at the hand of the other. We never saw this coming and still cannot make sense of it,” mother Elise Thompson said last week while telling the families of shooting victims she will “forever be sorry for the pain that this has caused you.”

If you are an area teen with an inner geek — embrace it with kids who have similar interests at this bimonthly event at BFP. There is a virtual reality (VR) headset on-site so you can go beyond this world for a short time. Bring your projects and games and be ready to discuss your personal passion of the moment! Questions? Call Helbragga (John G.) at 919-593-3559.

Front Porch, Bynum General Store 950 Bynum Road Bynum

Feb. 28

Bluegrass Jam Circle

10 a.m. to noon

This free acoustic jam session is open to musicians and singers of all ages and skill levels. There is no admission fee, and the public is welcome to attend.

Front Porch, Bynum General Store 950 Bynum Road Bynum

Colbert says CBS’s network lawyers pulled Talarico interview from ‘Late Show’ over FCC equal time fears

By Meg Kinnard

The Associated Press

LATE-NIGHT host Stephen Colbert said his interview with Democratic Texas Senate candidate James Talarico was pulled from Monday night’s broadcast over network fears it would violate regulatory guidance from the Trump administration on giving equal time to political candidates.

“He was supposed to be here, but we were told in no uncertain terms by our network’s lawyers, who called us directly, that we could not have him on the broadcast,” Colbert said on his program, ”The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.”

“Then I was told, in some uncertain terms, that not only could I not have him on, I could not mention me not having him on. And because my network clearly doesn’t want us to talk about this, let’s talk about this.”

The situation, which came just hours before early voting began in Texas’ primary elections, comes as media institutions navigate around changing broadcast guidance, issued under the Trump administration, governing how they interview political candidates.

Talarico posted part of the interview on social media, call-

ing it “the interview Donald Trump didn’t want you to see.” Broadcast networks have been required to give equal time to political candidates, but that rule hasn’t traditionally been applied to talk shows.

In January, the Federal Communications Commission issued new guidance warning late-night and daytime hosts that they need to give political candidates equal time, with FCC Chairman Brendan Carr questioning the talk show exemption and positing that hosts were “motivated by partisan purposes.”

“The FCC has not been presented with any evidence that the interview portion of any late night or daytime television talk show program on air presently would qualify for the bona de news exemption,” according to the public notice.

In his comments, Colbert noted that the equal time provision applies to broadcast but not streaming platforms. Subsequently, his nearly 15-minute interview with Talarico was posted to the YouTube page for Colbert’s show, with the host noting speci cally that the segment was only appearing online and not on broadcast.

Talarico posted a nearly minute-long clip of the sit-down on X, adding that, “This is the interview Donald Trump didn’t want you to see. His FCC refused to air my interview with

Central Electric awards two Cooperative All-Stars Sports Camp Scholarships annually to local students in Chatham, Harnett, Lee, or Moore counties. A young man will be selected to attend the Carolina Basketball School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a young woman will be selected to attend the Wolfpack Women’s Basketball Camp at N.C. State University in Raleigh.

Stephen Colbert. Trump is worried we’re about to ip Texas.”

Neither CBS nor the FCC immediately responded to messages seeking comment Tuesday, Early voting began Tuesday in Texas, where Talarico and Rep. Jasmine Crockett are among the Democrats seeking election to the U.S. Senate seat currently held by four-term Republican Sen. John Cornyn. The primary election is March 3. Carr, appointed by Trump to lead the agency last year, has often criticized network talk shows, suggesting last year that probing ABC’s “The View” — whose hosts have frequently been critical of Trump — over the exemption might be “worthwhile.”

Colbert’s days in his host chair are limited, following CBS’ announcement last year that it was canceling his show this May for nancial reasons, shuttering a decades-old TV institution in a changing media landscape.

But the timing of that announcement — three days after Colbert criticized the settlement between Trump and Paramount Global, parent company of CBS, over a “60 Minutes” story — led two U.S. senators to publicly question the motives behind the move, which served to remove from air one of Trump’s most prominent and persistent late-night critics.

Church News

OAKLEY BAPTIST CHURCH

As Oakley Baptist Church (2300 Siler CityGlendon Road, Siler City) seeks to begin its next chapter, we are enjoying hearing a word from the Lord from various old and new friends. Our service begins at 10:30 a.m., but we also have Sunday School classes for every member of the family at 9:30 a.m. We would be blessed if you joined us for any and all of these speakers in the coming weeks.

On Feb. 22, we’ll hear from Stephanie Moody Sha er, manager of Chaplaincy and Faith Relations for Baptist Retirement Homes (thrivemorenc.org). This is a faith-based, not-for-pro t organization committed to providing quality care and a meaningful way of life for older adults through senior living communities across North Carolina and is linked to the Southern Baptist Convention. And nally, Spencer Andrews will return on March 1 to speak. Andrews is the former youth pastor at Oakley and is currently ministering at Grace Hill Church in Pittsboro (gracehillchatham. com), a church he helped plant.

We look forward to meeting you at any of these services and in the future, and invite you to pray with us as we seek a new pastor. To learn more, go to oakleybaptist.org or email us at oakleybaptistchurch@gmail.com.

BOARD from page A1

Speci cally, the moratorium is intended to address data centers, data processing facilities, cryptocurrency mining and any uses associated with data processing facilities (other examples the county provided included AI computing and modeling, web services and hosting, as well as genome sequencing).

Currently, the county’s UDO does not have any speci c language to address data centers as they exist toda,y and with their constant evolution, time is needed to properly develop ordinances to address them.

“The server capacity changes every six months in these data centers, and what you can put in 10,000 square feet today is going to increase in a couple of years,” said Planner Hunter Glenn. “So we have been researching the language that we would be allowed to put in our ordinances that’s legal, but also would allow us to expand our regulations in the future to kind of cover what we think might happen. We need to be ready to regulate what’s happening now and in the future.”

Following an hour of public discussion with comments both for and against the mor-

To be eligible to apply, the student must be in the sixth or seventh grade during the upcoming school year, have permission from a parent or guardian to attend the overnight camp and must provide their own transportation if selected to attend.

Scan the QR code or visit CEMCPower.com for more information or to apply. e deadline for applications to both camps is March 31.

atorium, the commissioners unanimously approved the moratorium without further deliberation or discussion.

The temporary moratorium will be in e ect from Feb. 11, 2026, the date of its adoption, until Feb. 11, 2027.

“We had originally started with a di erent timeline that was a little shorter than this, but then we heard from some other jurisdictions that a year was sort of the standard and would allow us to do everything we needed to do,” said Planner Hunter Glenn.

During that time, county sta intend to spend time studying the impacts of data centers, developing land use regulations to mitigate the negative impacts associated with those speci c uses and undergo the legislative processes required for UDO text amendments.

The board could vote to end the moratorium early should it feel it addressed all the items earlier than the full year.

“If we are able to get the language and get this done sooner than a year, without sacri cing quality, of course,” said Commissioner Karen Howard.

The Chatham County Board of Commissioners will next meet March 16.

Share with your community!

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

Weekly deadline is Monday at noon.

THE CONVERSATION

Trip Ho end, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

Our unfinished work

The document was “dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.”

I WRITE ON Presidents

Day.

Originally designated to recognize George Washington’s birthday, Presidents Day is also a time when Americans remember Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, who was also born in February.

I have spent the morning re ecting upon Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. In November 1863, less than ve months after the Battle of Gettysburg, one of the deadliest days of the Civil War, Lincoln delivered his famous remarks at the ceremony dedicating a national cemetery for the battle’s fallen Union soldiers. This address is an extraordinary piece of writing; in less than 300 words, he honored the dead and called Americans to the cause of rebuilding democracy — the “un nished work” of his time.

Lincoln speci cally referenced the Declaration of Independence, emphasizing that the document was “dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.”

Note his use of the word “proposition.” The original Constitution legalized slavery and

COLUMN | BOB WACHS

de ned slaves as less than fully human. It also gave unequal status to women. Lincoln recognized that the Civil War was “testing” the true nature of America’s claims for freedom and justice for all.

After honoring the sacri ce of the soldiers, Lincoln called the living to the “great task” with “increased devotion to that cause.” The words of Hebrews 12:1 match these themes of honoring those who have gone before us in “the great cloud of witnesses,” while still “running the race with perseverance” or remaining dedicated to the holy tasks of today.

The former president’s humility also inspires me. He wrote, “The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here,” but added that our country “can never forget what (the soldiers) did here.” I believe that, because Lincoln refrained from self-aggrandizement, his words have had a lasting impact. True humility uses opportunities to point to the contributions of others.

In our time, we have many voices seeking to bene t, even pro t, from controversies,

Did Alexander Graham Bell really have all this in mind?

Some have touted technology as a timesaving device. Finally, at this tender age in life, I have come to know you can’t really “save” time.

WHEN AT&T or Verizon or another techno out t introduces the latest “must-have” communications gadget, I’m amazed at 8,000 folks sleeping out for a week or at least overnight in 15-degree weather to be rst in line to get one.

I’m also amazed how much they’ll pay for them, especially since some other technogadget will be introduced within the next 15 minutes, rendering their new toy obsolete.

That fascination with technology is overwhelming to me. I admit to having a cell phone. Let me say that up front. And it can do things other than make and receive calls, which is all I really want. That way I won’t miss hearing from one of the two 50-somethings who used to be teenagers who lived at my house calling to tell me how much they appreciate all the wisdom I’m sharing and have shared with them. Or I won’t miss hearing from Shirley that she’s cut and split and stacked that tractor-trailer load of rewood for the rest of winter.

The phone/gizmo I have does take pictures, but I don’t know how to make that happen. I know for a fact it does have a camera somewhere because occasionally I’ll pull it out of my pocket, ip the top to make a call and see my feet or pants legs on the screen as I wave the phone wildly to make it stop.

In addition, there’s a calendar, which is something that used to be only on your wristwatch or kitchen cabinet. And it has an alarm clock. That way I can sleep not

only through my bedside alarm but also the one on the phone, if I could gure out how to set it and hadn’t lost the directions that came with it.

There’s also a world time clock. That’s very helpful. For instance, did you know that at this very moment it is 9:05 in Caracas and 5:06 in Baku – wherever that is. There’s also a calculator, a stop watch to see how long the chocolate cake stays on the table, a converter in case I want to see what U.S. dollars are worth in Baku (wherever that is) and a tip calculator in case I want to leave more than a dime.

The reality here, at least for me, is that all I want is some way to be like E.T. and phone home if necessary. By this time, no doubt, you might be thinking I am a grumpy old man, which may not be far from the truth except that I’m not particularly old. Lest you think di erently, I do know and understand we’re not all alike, and what I may adore could be disgusting to someone else. I’m OK with that. It’s just that, to me, all this dependency and love a air with technology and more instant information has downsides.

One is what bloggers call “TMI” — too much information. What, for instance, do I need to know about what time it is in Baku (wherever that is)? TMI leads to overload, which soon leads to blowout, as in our heads blow out with too much information in them.

Some have touted technology as a

including tragic ones. Social media has created so-called “con ict entrepreneurs” or “con ict pro teers” who attract a large following because of their hot takes on issues. These people often use their platform to denigrate others, thereby hoping to elevate themselves and increase their following. In contrast, Lincoln recognized the unifying power of a public ritual of mourning. He understood that shared rituals can represent the best of a society and its vision for itself as a community. In grief, we can dig deeper than the super cial and ephemeral di erences and speak to a shared nobility of purpose and belonging. That shared nobility is what makes America great and remains “un nished work” for all who love their country and, more importantly, their neighbors.

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.

time-saving device. Finally, at this tender age in life, I have come to know you can’t really “save” time. You can only spend it. The electric can opener that used to sit on our kitchen counter was going to save time. It nally became apparent it took longer to get the can to stay up there and then wipe o the gadget when the string bean juice spilled than it did to use the old hand crank model. I think that electric can opener is now resting comfortably at the bottom of a land ll.

What I’m really whining about, of course, is the fast pace of today’s society where demand for something in China has made our currency worth less, making it necessary for me to do more to scrape up enough dollars to pay for a gallon of diesel so I can put out hay to the cows to make enough money to pay Uncle Sam at the end of the year so he can pay $40,000 for an Air Force One toilet seat.

I can see why some folks simply throw up their hands and say, “What the heck.”

As soon as I can, I’m going to make a note — with paper and pen — to look into that. I make lots of notes, then usually lose them. Maybe a good thing would be to use the memo pad part of my cell phone to list where the notes are, if I could only nd the thing.

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

Bargain basement peace building (or is it grace?)

Why am I so embarrassed about crying? For one thing, I’m unused to sharing my tears with those I don’t know, and even with those I do know.

THIS IS JUST so embarrassing. So, so embarrassing. I’m on my iPad, watching the many, many miles of journeying Fort Worth Buddhist monks, nally reaching the Washington, D.C., National Cathedral. Metal barriers are holding back thousands of people who’ve chosen to witness this event, the end of a singular 2,300-mile walk. And I’m crying. How embarrassing is that? I’m not a Buddhist but inhabit a hybrid category, Jewish Quaker. A little bit of everything, I suppose. And I’m still crying. Why am I so embarrassed about crying? For one thing, I’m unused to sharing my tears with those I don’t know, and even with those I do know. (Texans don’t cry?) And, lo and behold, here I am sharing my tears with all of you who choose to read this. Going granular. I’ve been watching the monks’ journey for almost two months now. These strangely garbed, sa ron-robed, sandal-wearing (occasionally barefoot) monks traipsing up and down Southern hills and valleys, pushing through a harsh winter, accompanied by Aloka, their peace dog. I mean, does this sound absolutely weird or what? A pilot for a new TV show and we’re the test audience?

Oh, who am I kidding? In a country struggling with our humanity, across all our vast and painful divides, many of us have been visited by spontaneous tears and gentle bowing, courtesy of the rag-tag monks’ journey of peace. A gift.

COLUMN | DAVID HARSANYI

Shut up and ski

“U.S. athletes shouldn’t be stooges for foreigners.”

DOES ANYONE REALLY believe the international media cares what Olympic snowboarders and curlers think about President Donald Trump’s ICE raids or whatever panic de jour is on the menu this week? Of course not. They want U.S. athletes to bash the American government on the world stage.

Nothing stops athletes from speaking their mind about political issues whenever or wherever they like. Doing it at the Olympics is, at best, in poor form and, at worst, unpatriotic.

Skier Hunter Hess took the bait in Milan, or more likely, couldn’t wait to preen for the foreign press, noting that he had “mixed emotions” representing his country. “It’s a little hard,” he said. “There’s obviously a lot going on that I’m not the biggest fan of, and I think a lot of people aren’t.” And just because he’s wearing the ag, Hess went on, “doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the U.S.”

Who’s happy with everything that goes on in their country? Not a single thinking person, that’s who. Olympic athletes go to the Games to transcend these di erences and represent national ideals and aspirations, not whine about political parties that happen to be in charge. U.S. athletes shouldn’t be stooges for foreigners. Go o on politics when you get home.

Of course, not one American in Beijing in 2022 was asked what they thought about the Biden administration’s online censorship. Not that we should have wanted to hear about that, either. And not one French, Swedish, Danish or German athlete will ever be asked if they feel qualms about representing countries that deport illegal immigrants.

The subtext of the queries in Milan, and Hess’ answer, rests on an assumption that something especially nefarious is going on in the United States, which deserves rebuke; something worse, apparently, than goes on in any other country participating in the games.

This outlook, as anyone who understands anything about the world knows, is lunacy. China, incidentally, sent a delegation of 286 people to the Winter Olympics in Milan. One of them is freestyle skier Eileen Gu, who, Google’s AI — apparently translating text from the original Chicom propaganda — tells me “is competing in the 2026 Winter

BE IN TOUCH

Nonetheless, as di cult as it is to admit, the phrase bargain-basement peace building keeps sidling through my head. No monk insult intended, but to make sure, I googled the meaning of bargain basement. “A part of a store where goods are sold cheaply, typically because they are old or imperfect.”

That would be me, at least the portion about being older and imperfect. And I bet those wonderful journeying monks would be the rst to admit that they too are imperfect humans. Yet look at what they accomplished, garbed as strangely as they were, among the often staid culture of our South.

Truth. My feet are much too tender to go barefoot, and I would freeze in a sa ron robe. But a bargain-basement peace builder I could be. Imperfect as all get out. As loving as any particular moment can try to summon from within me. Which means, not always. That too is truth (and oh-so human.)

Might you consider joining a newly burgeoning network of bargain basement peace builders? No membership fee required

“Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a eld. I’ll meet you there” — Ha z

(Come on, gang!)

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

COLUMN

Je ries and Schumer denounce Trump’s ‘Racist’ video — but who are they to complain?

ON PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP’S social media platform, someone in the administration — the White House o ered di erent versions of how this happened — posted a 62-second cartoon video set to the song “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.”

This was posted on a Thursday night and, following cries of “racism,” was removed by noon the following day. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt called the reaction “fake outrage.” Trump said: “I guess during the end of it, there was some kind of picture people don’t like. I wouldn’t like it either, but I didn’t see it. I just, I looked at the rst part, and it was really about voter fraud.”

Asked by a reporter, if he condemns the racist part of the video, Trump said, “Of course I do.”

Olympics in Milan-Cortina, aiming to inspire a new generation of Chinese skiers, speci cally girls, while balancing her Chinese heritage and American upbringing.”

The only notable “heritage” of the one-party communist state, which doesn’t represent the will of the Chinese people, is that it’s in contention for being the most murderous regime in history. Yet the media’s e usive coverage of Gu’s performance, poise and overall decency is something to behold. Reuters ran a three-person bylined piece of Gu discussing her “rediscovering joy in skiing, navigating rising competition and reframing her relationship with fear.” Gu, in an interview with the o cial Olympic site, “talks pressure, the haters, and inspiring young girls after a life-changing Beijing 2022.”

The Chinese government also reportedly spent around $6.64 million on Gu and fellow U.S.-born athlete Zhu Yi. So that’s a perk, for sure.

Couldn’t Gu, worth somewhere north of $23 million, inspire Chinese girls in the United States rather than under the ag of a tyranny? Or how about representing Taiwan? Americans with dual citizenship who are unable to make the United States squads will occasionally compete for other nations. Even then, they rarely join tyrannies and geopolitical foes. It’s one thing to buy cheap stu from communist China and quite another to wear its ag.

Anyway, Gu is in no position to lecture anyone about decency.

As others have pointed out, reporters, deeply concerned about the ability of Americans to represent their awed nation, have yet to ask Gu about the plight of Hong Kong democracy activist Jimmy Lai, recently sentenced to 20 years for exercising his right to free expression. There has been nothing on the 50 or so journalists being held in prison. Gu has criticized Trump but o ers nothing but praise for a regime that throws women into concentration camps where they are systemically raped and used as forced labor?

Maybe Hess can think about that the next time he’s ripping the United States abroad.

David Harsanyi is a senior writer at the Washington Examiner and author of ve books. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

The video shows Trump’s head attached to a lion con dently strolling through the jungle. Other animals dance as the Trump lion saunters through. On the heads of the other animals are well-known Democrats, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, former President Joe Biden, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, former Vice President Kamala Harris, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, House Minority Leader Hakeem Je ries and others. Near the end for about one second, the video showed the heads of former President Barack Obama and former rst lady Michelle Obama on the heads of monkeys. A screenshot of the Barack and Michelle heads on apes went viral. That Biden’s face was on that of a banana- eating orangutan did not seem to disturb anyone. The outrage was predictable. “Racist” Donald Trump strikes again! Those crying out included Je ries and Schumer. Je ries said, “He de nitively needs to apologize. It was a disgusting video ... even a handful of Republicans ... nally showed some backbone in pushing back against the president’s malignant, bottom-feeder-like behavior.”

But Je ries has his own record of “malignant, bottom-feeder-like behavior.”

As a college student, Je ries praised two of the country’s most prominent antisemites: his uncle and City College of New York professor Leonard Je ries — who compared Jews to “dogs” and “skunks,” and claimed “rich Jews nanced the slave trade — and Nation of Islam’s Louis Farrakhan, who has a decades-long record of antisemitism. Hakeem Je ries has long insisted he only “vaguely remembers” defending them. But in 2023, CNN reported the Binghamton University Black Student Union, of which he was a leader, invited Uncle Leonard to speak. When Jewish students protested, Hakeem Je ries “led a press conference” to defend his uncle, despite later saying that “he did not recall any press coverage” of the controversy.

CNN said Hakeem Je ries’ 1992 op- ed undermines claims he wasn’t aware of uncle’s antisemitic controversy. He wrote that his uncle challenges the “existing white supremacist educational system and long-standing distortion of history. His reward has been a media lynching complete with character assassinations and in ammatory, erroneous accusations.”

In a research paper called “Dr. Je ries and the Anti-Semitic Branch of the Afrocentrism Movement,” Kenneth Stern with the American Jewish Committee wrote, “Leonard Je ries was already known for his teaching that blacks are racially superior to whites because blacks, whom he calls ‘sun people,’ have more melanin in their skin than whites, whom he calls ‘ice people.’” But Hakeem Je ries defended his uncle.

After this CNN report, the Republican Jewish Coalition said, “Minority Leader Hakeem Je ries owes the Jewish community an explanation as to why he lied and attempted to cover up his defense of these revolting antisemites.”

At the time, Hakeem Je ries also described black conservatives as “token,” “opportunists” and “house negroes.” He wrote, “Clarence Thomas was appointed by George Bush to the highest court in the nation. Colin Powell was appointed by George Bush to lead the military establishment ‘policemen of the Wall Street Bankers.’”

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

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As for Schumer, he called the video “racist. Vile. Abhorrent.” Yet, in 1974, the then-freshman New York assemblyman proposed a blatantly racist scheme to appease whites by ridding blacks from their New York neighborhood. Read the 2006 “American Spectator” article “Race to the Top” by a writer who was present when Schumer outlined his plan.

Democrats and the media, who lick their chops to pounce on “racist” Trump, are silent about Je ries’ record of antisemitism and indi erent about the allegations of Schumer’s anti-black racism.

Larry Elder is a bestselling author and nationally syndicated radio talk-show host. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

obituaries

IN MEMORY

KAYDEN KALE MOORE FEBRUARY 14, 2026

On February 14th, a piece of our hearts went to Heaven. Kayden Kale Moore, 19, of Robbins, North Carolina, passed away unexpectedly. Kayden was a deeply loved handsome, athletic young man with a tender heart. As the second of six children, he was very protective of his brothers and little sister. He cherished his family and greatly valued his friends as well.

He was preceded in death by his Maternal Grandparents: Daniel Rodriguez Olivares and Maria Concepcion Merlos, and Paternal Grandparents: James Roger Moore and Velma Ritter Moore.

Left to cherish his memory are his parents: Jodie Kale Moore and Maria Guadalupe Rodriguez Moore; his siblings: Alex, Cruz, Andrew, Ezekiel, and Evelyn Moore, all of the home; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.

Kayden found his passion for sports as a young boy. His love for football blossomed when he played for the Mustangs at North Moore High School, where he graduated in 2024.

He formerly worked at Richland Creek Zipline Canopy Tours in Asheboro, NC, and at Coach’s Restaurant in Biscoe, NC. Kayden received his lineman certi cate from Richmond Community College in May 2025. He was employed at Lee Electric as a lineman and had just returned from an assignment.

Kayden, you have made an everlasting impact on our lives and in our hearts. Though we grieve deeply, we hold onto God’s promise that death is not the end. You will always be with us, and your life will live on in the love we carry and in eternity with Christ.

Romans 8:18 states: “For I reckon that the su erings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

James Van Der Beek, ‘Dawson’s Creek’ star, dead at 48

In 2024, he said he was being treated for colorectal cancer

The Associated Press

NEW YORK — James Van Der Beek, a heartthrob who starred in coming-of-age dramas at the dawn of the new millennium, shooting to fame playing the titular character in “Dawson’s Creek” and in later years mocking his own hunky persona, has died. He was 48. “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his nal days with courage, faith, and grace. There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come,” the statement read.

“For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”

Van Der Beek revealed in 2024 that he was being treated for colorectal cancer.

Van Der Beek made a surprise video appearance in September at a “Dawson’s Creek” reunion charity event in New York City after previously dropping out due to illness.

He appeared projected onstage at the Richard Rodgers Theatre during a live reading of the show’s pilot episode to bene t F Cancer and Van Der Beek. Lin-Manuel Miranda subbed for him on stage.

“Thank you to every single person here,” Van Der Beek said.

Forever tied to ‘Dawson’s Creek’

A one-time theater kid, Van Der Beek would star in the movie “Varsity Blues” and on TV in “CSI: Cyber” as FBI Special Agent Elijah Mundo, but was forever connected to “Dawson’s Creek,” which ran from 1998 to 2003 on The WB.

The series followed a high school group of friends as they learned about falling in love, creating real friendships and nding their footing in life.

Van Der Beek, than 20, played 15-year-old Dawson Leery, who aspired to be a director of Steven Spielberg quality.

“Dawson’s Creek,” with the moody theme song Paula Cole’s “I Don’t Want To Wait,” helped de ne The WB as a haven for teens and young adults who related to its hyper-articulate dialogue and frank talk about sexuality. And it made household names of Van Der Beek, Joshua Jackson, Katie

James Van Der Beek attends the premiere of “The Words” in Los Angeles on Sept. 4, 2012.

Holmes and Michelle Williams.

The show caused a stir when one of the teens embarked on a racy a air with a teacher 20 years his senior and when Holmes’ character climbs through Dawson’s bedroom window and they curl up together. Racier shows like “Euphoria” and “Sex Education” owe a debt to “Dawson’s Creek.”

Van Der Beek sometimes struggled to get out from under the shadow of the show but eventually leaned into lampooning himself, like on Funny Or Die videos and on Kesha’s “Blow” music video, which included his laser gun battle with the pop star in a nightclub and dead unicorns.

“It’s tough to compete with something that was the cultural phenomenon that ‘Dawson’s Creek’ was,” he told Vulture in 2013. “It ran for so long. That’s a lot of hours playing one character in front of people. So it’s natural that they associate you with that.”

A popular GIF and ‘Varsity Blues’

More than a decade after the show went o the air, a scene at the end of the show’s third season became a GIF. Dawson was watching as his soul mate embarks on a love a air with his best friend and burst into tears.

“It wasn’t scripted that I was supposed to cry; it was just one of those things where it’s a magical moment and it just happens in the scene,” he told Vanity Fair. He seemed exasperated when he told the Los Angeles Times: “All of a sudden, six years of work was boiled down to one seven-second clip on loop.” (Van Der Beek himself recreated the GIF in 2011 for Funny or Die and gave it a second life.)

He is survived by his wife, Kimberly, and six children, Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn and Jeremiah.

Oscar-winning actor Robert Duvall, ‘Godfather’ mainstay, dead at 95

The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — Robert Duvall, the Oscar-winning actor of matchless versatility and dedication whose classic roles included the intrepid consigliere of the rst two “Godfather” movies and the over-the-hill country music singer in “Tender Mercies,” has died at age 95.

Duvall died “peacefully” at his home Sunday in Middleburg, Virginia, according to an announcement from his publicist and from a statement posted on his Facebook page by his wife, Luciana Duvall.

“To the world, he was an Academy Award-winning actor, a director, a storyteller. To me, he was simply everything,” Luciana Duvall wrote. “His passion for his craft was matched only by his deep love for characters, a great meal, and holding court. For each of his many roles, Bob gave everything to his characters and to the truth of the human spirit they represented.”

The bald, wiry Duvall didn’t have leading man looks, but few “character actors” enjoyed such a long, rewarding and unpredictable career, in leading and supporting roles, from an itinerant preacher to Josef Stalin. Beginning with his 1962 lm debut as Boo Radley, the reclusive neighbor in “To Kill a Mockingbird,” Duvall created a gallery of unforgettable portrayals. They earned him seven Academy Award nominations and the best actor prize for “Tender Mercies,” which came out in 1983. He also won four Golden Globes, including one for playing the philosophical cattle-drive boss in the 1989 miniseries “Lonesome Dove,” a role he often cited as his favorite.

In 2005, Duvall was awarded a National Medal of Arts.

He had been acting for some 20 years when “The Godfather,” released in 1972, established him as one of the most in-demand performers of Hollywood. He had made a previous lm, “The Rain People,” with Francis Coppola, and the director chose him to play Tom Hagen in the ma a epic that featured Al Pacino and Marlon Brando among others. Duvall was a master of subtlety as an Irishman among Italians, rarely at the center of a scene, but often listening and advising in the background, an irreplaceable thread through the saga of the Corleone crime family.

“Stars and Italians alike depend on his e ciency, his tidying up around their grand gestures, his being the perfect shortstop on a team of personality sluggers,” wrote the critic David Thomson. “Was there ever a role better designed for its actor than that of Tom Hagen in both parts of ‘The Godfather?’”

In another Coppola lm, “Apocalypse Now,” Duvall was wildly out front, the embodiment of deranged masculinity as Lieutenant Colonel Bill Kilgore, who with equal vigor enjoyed sur ng and bombing raids on the Viet Cong. Duvall required few takes for one of the most famous passages in movie history, barked out on the battle eld by a bare-chested, cavalry-hatted Kilgore: “I love the smell of napalm in the morning. You know, one time we had a hill bombed, for 12 hours. When it was all over, I walked up. We didn’t nd one of ‘em, not one stinkin’ dink body.

“The smell, you know that gasoline smell, the whole hill. Smelled like — victory.”

Coppola once commented about Duvall: “Actors click into character at di erent times — the rst week, third week. Bobby’s hot after one or two takes.” Honored, but still hungry

He was Oscar-nominated as supporting actor for “The God-

father” and “Apocalypse Now,” but a dispute over money led him to turn down the third Godfather epic, a loss deeply felt by critics, fans and “Godfather” colleagues. Duvall would complain publicly about being o ered less than his co-stars.

Fellow actors marveled at Duvall’s studious research and planning, and his coiled energy. Michael Caine, who co-starred with him in the 2003 “Secondhand Lions,” once told The Associated Press: “Before a big scene, Bobby just sits there, absolutely quiet; you know when not to talk to him.” Anyone who disturbed him would suffer the well-known Duvall temper, famously on display during the lming of the John Wayne Western “True Grit,” when Duvall seethed at director Henry Hathaway’s advice to “tense up” before a scene.

Duvall was awarded an Oscar in 1984 for his leading role as the troubled singer and songwriter Mac Sledge in “Tender Mercies,” a prize he accepted while clad in a cowboy tuxedo with Western tie. In 1998, he was nominated for best actor in “The Apostle,” a drama about a wayward Southern evangelist which he wrote, directed, starred in, produced and largely nanced. With customary thoroughness, he visited dozens of country churches and spent 12 years writing the script and trying to get it made.

Among other notable roles: the outlaw gang leader who gets ambushed by John Wayne in “True Grit”; Jesse James in “The Great North eld Minnesota Raid”; the pious and beleaguered Frank Burns in “M-A-S-H”; the TV hatchet man in “Network”; Dr. Watson in “The Seven-Per- Cent Solution”; and the sadistic father in “The Great Santini.”

“When I was doing ‘Colors’ in 1988 with Sean Penn, someone asked me how I do it all these years, keep it fresh. Well, if you don’t overwork, have some hobbies, you can do it and stay hungry even if you’re not really hungry,” Duvall told The Associated Press in 1990.

In his mid-80s, he received a supporting Oscar nomination as the title character of the 2014 release “The Judge,” in which he is accused of causing a death in a hit-and-run accident. More recent lms included “Widows” and “12 Mighty Orphans.”

Ungifted in school, gifted on stage

Robert Selden Duvall grew up in the Navy towns of Annapolis and the San Diego area, where he was born in 1931. He spent time in other cities as his father, who rose to be an admiral, was assigned to various duties. The boy’s experience helped in his adult profession as he learned the nuances of regional speech and observed the psyche of military men, which he would portray in several lms.

Duvall reportedly used his Navy o cer father as the basis for his portrayal of the explosive militarist in “The Great Santini,” based on the Pat Conroy novel. He commented in 2003: “My dad was a gentleman but a seether, a stern, blustery guy, and away a lot of the time.” Bobby took after his mother, an amateur actress, in playing a guitar and performing. He was a wrestler like his father and enjoyed besting kids older than himself. He lacked the concentration for schoolwork and nearly unked out of Principia College in Elsah, Illinois. His despairing parents decided he needed something to keep him in college so he wouldn’t be drafted for the Korean War. “They recommended acting as an expedient thing to get through,” he recalled. “I’m glad they did.” He ourished in drama classes.

“Way back when I was in college,” Duvall told the AP in 1990, “there was a wonderful man named Frank Parker, who had been a dancer in World War I. We did a full-length mime play and I played a Harlequin clown. I really liked that.

“Then, I played an older guy in ‘All My Sons,’ and at one point I had this emotional moment, where this emotion was pouring out. Parker said at that moment he didn’t think acting can be carried any further than that. And this guy was a very critical guy. So I thought, at that moment at least, this is what I wanted to do.”

After two years in the Army, he used the G.I. Bill to nance his studies at the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York, hanging out with such other young hopefuls as Robert Morse, Gene Hackman and Dustin Homan. After a one-night performance in “A View From the Bridge,” Duvall began getting o ers for work in TV series, among them “The Naked City” and “The Defenders.”

Between his high-paying jobs in major productions, Duvall devoted himself to directing personal projects: a documentary about a prairie family, “We’re Not the Jet Set”; a lm about gypsies, “Angelo, My Love”; and “Assassination Tango,” in which he also starred. Duvall had been a tango dancer since seeing the musical “Tango Argentina” in the 1980s and visited in Argentina dozens of times to study the dance and the culture. The result was the 2003 release about a hit man with a passion for tango.

His co-star was Luciana Pedraza, 42 years his junior, whom he married in 2005. Duvall’s three previous marriages — to Barbara Benjamin, Gail Youngs and Sharon Brophy — ended in divorce.

Former Associated Press Hollywood correspondent Bob Thomas, who died in 2014, was the primary writer of this obituary.

Rev. Jesse Jackson, who carried on Civil Rights Movement for decades after King, dead at 84

The dramatic speaker had an unparallelled impact on generations of Americans

The Associated Press

CHICAGO — The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, a protege of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and two-time presidential candidate who led the Civil Rights Movement for decades after the revered leader’s assassination, has died. He was 84.

His daughter, Santita Jackson, con rmed that Jackson died at home, surrounded by family.

As a young organizer in Chicago, Jackson was called to meet with King at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis shortly before King was killed and he publicly positioned himself thereafter as King’s successor. Jackson led a lifetime of crusades in the United States and abroad, advocating for the poor and underrepresented on issues from voting rights and job opportunities to education and health care. He scored diplomatic victories with world leaders, and through his Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, he channeled cries for black pride and self-determination into corporate boardrooms, pressuring executives to make America a more open and equitable society.

And when he declared, “I am Somebody,” in a poem he often repeated, he sought to reach people of all colors. “I may be poor, but I am Somebody; I may be young; but I am Somebody; I may be on welfare, but I am Somebody,” Jackson intoned.

It was a message he took literally and personally, having risen from obscurity in the segregated South to become America’s best-known civil rights activist since King.

Despite profound health challenges in his nal years including a rare brain disorder that a ected his ability to move and speak, Jackson continued protesting against racial injustice into the era of Black Lives Matter. In 2024, he appeared at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago and at a City Council meeting to show support for a resolution backing a cease re in the Israel-Hamas war.

“Even if we win,” he told marchers in Minneapolis before the o cer whose knee kept George Floyd from breathing was convicted of murder, “it’s relief, not victory. They’re still killing our people. Stop the violence, save the children. Keep hope alive.”

Calls to action, delivered in a memorable voice

Jackson’s voice, infused with the stirring cadences and powerful insistence of the black church, demanded attention. On the campaign trail and elsewhere, he used rhyming and slogans such as: “Hope not dope” and “If my mind can conceive it and my heart can believe it then I can achieve it,″ to deliver his messages.

Jackson had his share of critics, both within and outside of the black community. Some considered him a grandstander, too eager to seek out the spotlight. Looking back on his life and legacy, Jackson told The Associated Press in 2011 that he felt blessed to be able to continue the service of other leaders before him and to lay a foundation for those to come.

“A part of our life’s work was to tear down walls and build bridges, and in a half century of work, we’ve basically torn down walls,” Jackson said. “Sometimes when you tear down walls, you’re scarred by falling debris, but your mission is to open up holes so others behind you can run through.”

In his nal months, as he received 24-hour care, he lost his ability to speak, communicating with family and visitors by holding their hands and squeezing.

“I get very emotional knowing that these speeches belong to the ages now,” his son, Jesse Jackson Jr., told the AP in October.

A student athlete drawn to the Civil Rights Movement

Jesse Louis Jackson was born on Oct. 8, 1941, in Greenville, South Carolina, the son of high school student Helen Burns and Noah Louis Robinson, a married man who lived next door. Jackson was later adopted by Charles Henry Jackson, who married his mother.

Jackson was a star quarterback on the football team at Sterling High School in Greenville, and accepted a football scholarship from the University of Illinois. But after he reportedly was told black people couldn’t play quarterback, he transferred to North Carolina A&T in Greensboro, where he became the rst-string quarterback, an honor student in sociology and economics, and student body president.

Arriving on the historically black campus in 1960 just months after students there launched sit-ins at a whites-only diner, Jackson immersed himself in the blossoming Civil Rights Movement. By 1965, he joined the voting rights march King led from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. King dispatched him to Chicago to launch Operation Breadbasket, a Southern Christian Leadership Conference e ort to pressure companies to hire black workers.

Jackson called his time with King “a phenomenal four years of work.”

Jackson was with King on April 4, 1968, when the civil rights leader was slain at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. Jackson’s account of the assassination was that King died in his arms.

With his air for the dramatic, Jackson wore a turtleneck he said was soaked with King’s blood for two days, including at a King memorial service held by the Chicago City Council, where he said: “I come here with a heavy heart because on my chest is the stain

“I

may be poor, but I am Somebody; I may be young; but I am Somebody; I may be on welfare, but I am Somebody.”

Rev Jesse L. Jackson

of blood from Dr. King’s head.”

However, several King aides, including speechwriter Alfred Duckett, questioned whether Jackson could have gotten King’s blood on his clothing. There are no images of Jackson in pictures taken shortly after the assassination.

In 1971, Jackson broke with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference to form Operation PUSH, originally named People United to Save Humanity. The organization based on Chicago’s South Side declared a sweeping mission, from diversifying workforces to registering voters in communities of color nationwide. Using lawsuits and threats of boycotts, Jackson pressured top corporations to spend millions and publicly commit to diversifying their workforces.

The constant campaigns often left his wife, Jacqueline Lavinia Brown, the college sweetheart he married in 1963, taking the lead in raising their ve children: Santita Jackson, Yusef DuBois Jackson, Jacqueline Lavinia Jackson Jr., and two future members of Congress, U.S. Rep. Jonathan Luther Jackson and Jesse L. Jackson Jr., who resigned in 2012 but is seeking reelection in the 2026 midterms.

The elder Jackson, who was ordained as a Baptist minister in 1968 and earned his master’s degree in Divinity in 2000, also acknowledged fathering a child, Ashley Jackson, with one of his employees at Rainbow/PUSH, Karen L. Stanford. He said he understood what it means

to be born out of wedlock and supported her emotionally and nancially.

Presidential aspirations fall short but help “keep hope alive’

Despite once telling a black audience he would not run for president “because white people are incapable of appreciating me,” Jackson ran twice and did better than any black politician had before President Barack Obama, winning 13 primaries and caucuses for the Democratic nomination in 1988, four years after his rst failed attempt. His successes left supporters chanting another Jackson slogan, “Keep Hope Alive.”

“I was able to run for the presidency twice and rede ne what was possible; it raised the lid for women and other people of color,” he told the AP. “Part of my job was to sow seeds of the possibilities.”

U.S. Rep. John Lewis said during a 1988 C-SPAN interview that Jackson’s two runs for the Democratic nomination “opened some doors that some minority person will be able to walk through and become president.” Jackson also pushed for cultural change, joining calls by NAACP members and other movement leaders in the late 1980s to identify black people in the United States as African Americans.

“To be called African Americans has cultural integrity — it puts us in our proper historical context,” Jackson said at the time. “Every ethnic group in this country has a reference to some base, some historical cultural base. African Americans have hit that level of cultural maturity.”

Jackson’s words sometimes got him in trouble.

In 1984, he apologized for what he thought were private comments to a reporter, calling New York City “Hymietown,”

a derogatory reference to its large Jewish population. And in 2008, he made headlines when he complained that Obama was “talking down to black people” in comments captured by a microphone he didn’t know was on during a break in a television taping.

Still, when Jackson joined the jubilant crowd in Chicago’s Grant Park to greet Obama that election night, he had tears streaming down his face.

“I wish for a moment that Dr. King or (slain civil rights leader) Medgar Evers ... could’ve just been there for 30 seconds to see the fruits of their labor,” he told the AP years later. “I became overwhelmed. It was the joy and the journey.”

Exerting in uence on events at home and abroad

Jackson also had in uence abroad, meeting world leaders and scoring diplomatic victories, including the release of Navy Lt. Robert Goodman from Syria in 1984, as well as the 1990 release of more than 700 foreign women and children held after Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait. In 1999, he won the freedom of three Americans imprisoned by Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic.

In 2000, President Bill Clinton awarded Jackson the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civilian honor.

“Citizens have the right to do something or do nothing,” Jackson said, before heading to Syria. “We choose to do something.” In 2021, Jackson joined the parents of Ahmaud Arbery inside the Georgia courtroom where three white men were convicted of killing the young black jogger. In 2022, he hand-delivered a letter to the U.S. Attorney’s O ce in Chicago, calling for federal charges against former Chicago Police O cer Jason Van Dyke in the 2014 killing of black teenager Laquan McDonald.

Jackson, who stepped down as president of Rainbow/PUSH in July 2023, disclosed in 2017 that he had sought treatment for Parkinson’s, but he continued to make public appearances even as the disease made it more di cult for listeners to understand him. Earlier this year, doctors con rmed a diagnosis of progressive supranuclear palsy, a life-threatening neurological disorder. He was admitted to a hospital in November.

During the coronavirus pandemic, he and his wife survived being hospitalized with COVID-19. Jackson was vaccinated early, urging black people in particular to get protected, given their higher risks for bad outcomes.

“It’s America’s un nished business — we’re free, but not equal,” Jackson told the AP. “There’s a reality check that has been brought by the

that exposes the

and the opportunity.”

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HELP WANTED

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4, 2026, at 2:00 PM, in person, at the address listed below. Interested parties are encouraged to contact the o ce of Carol Little, Executive Director Federal Programs and School Improvement, at Chatham County Board of Education, P.O. Box 128, 468 Renaissance Dr, Pittsboro, N.C.

Spanish Version below: Aviso público

Los proyectos federales de las Escuelas del Condado Chatham bajo la Ley Cada

Estudiante Triunfa (ESSA) de 2015 están en proceso de plani cación. Los proyectos incluidos son:

Título I (Ayuda a los niños desfavorecidos a alcanzar altos estándares)

Título II (Maestros y directores de alta calidad)

Título III (Adquisición del Lenguaje)

Título IV A (Apoyo al Estudiante y Enriquecimiento Académico)

Programa de Educación para Familias Migrantes (MEP, por sus siglas en Inglés)

Carreras y Educación Técnica (CTE, por sus siglas en Inglés)

Los estudiantes de preparatoria pueden inscribirse, sin costo, en clases de créditos

universitarios a través del programa Career and College Promise. Esto incluye vías de estudio de Educación Técnica y Profesional.

IDEA (Estudiantes con Discapacidades)

Actualmente se encuentra en proceso de modi cación el Proyecto de Ley de Educación para Personas con Discapacidad (IDEA-Parte B, Ley Pública 108.446). El Proyecto describe los programas de educación especial que las Escuelas del Condado Chatham proponen para nanciamiento federal para el año escolar 2026-2027. Se anima a las personas interesadas a revisar las enmiendas al Proyecto y hacer comentarios sobre la implementación de la educación especial bajo este Programa Federal. Todos los comentarios serán considerados antes de la presentación del Proyecto modi cado al Departamento de Instrucción Pública de Carolina del Norte en Raleigh, Carolina del Norte. Estos proyectos describen los programas que las Escuelas del Condado Chatham proponen para nanciamiento federal para el año escolar 2026-2027. Se anima a las escuelas privadas sin nes de lucro y a las personas interesadas a revisar estas pautas federales para los proyectos enumerados anteriormente e indicar su interés en participar en los proyectos si cali can. Estos proyectos se están desarrollando durante abril y mayo y deben entregarse al Departamento de Instrucción Pública de Carolina del Norte el 30 de junio del 2026. La reunión inicial de Servicios Equitativos para Escuelas Privadas se llevará a cabo el 4 de marzo del 2026 a las 2:00 PM, en persona en la dirección listada abajo. Se anima a las partes interesadas a comunicarse con la o cina de Carol Little, Directora Ejecutiva de Programas Federales y Mejoramiento Escolar, en la Junta de Educación del Condado de Chatham, P. O. Box 128, 468 Renaissance Dr, Pittsboro, N.C.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#26E000081-180 The undersigned RHONDA BOONE POE, having quali ed on the 11TH Day of FEBRUARY 2026 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of BARBARA HOLT BOONE, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 19TH Day OF MAY 2026, 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 19TH DAY OF FEBRUARY 2026.

RHONDA BOONE POE, EXECUTOR 4577 PINEY GROVE CHURCH RD SILER CITY, NC 27344 Run dates: F19,26,M5,12p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

All persons, rms and corporations having claims against Dorothy Mae Foxx Shamburger aka Dorothy Shamburger Clemmons, deceased of Chatham County, North Carolina, are hereby noti ed to present them to Robert A. Shamburger, Administrator of the Estate of Dorothy Mae Foxx Shamburger aka Dorothy Shamburger Clemmons, Estate File Number

26E000045-180, on or before May 4, 2026, in care of the undersigned attorney at her address, or this notice will be pleaded in a bar of recovery. All persons, rms and corporations indebted to Dorothy Mae Foxx Shamburger aka Dorothy Shamburger Clemmons, please make immediate payment to the Estate of Dorothy Mae Foxx Shamburger aka Dorothy Shamburger Clemmons.

This is the 29th day of January, 2026.

Pamela E. Whitaker Attorney at Law

4145 Randolph Church Road Liberty, NC 27298 (336) 622-3553 telephone (336) 622-3240 facsimile pwhitakerlaw@gmail.com

PUBLICATION DATES: January 29, 2026, February 5, 12, 19, 2026

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ALL PERSONS, rms and corporations having claims against Christopher J Luscri, deceased, of Chatham County, N.C., are noti ed to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before (April 30, 2026), or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This January 29, 2026. Donna-Jean Keim 402 Ramsey Hill Dr Cary, North Carolina 27519

NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS OF ANNETTE ANN MORDUS

All persons, rms, and corporations having claims against Annette Ann Mordus, now deceased, are noti ed to exhibit them to Sandrah Pederson, Executor of the decedent’s estate, on or before the 5th day of May, 2026, at Post O ce Box 2290, Burlington, North Carolina 27216, or be barred from their recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment to the above-named Executor. Sandrah Pederson Executor of the Estate of Annette Ann Mordus

(25E000646-180) Nathan R. Adams Pittman & Steele, PLLC Post O ce Box 2290 Burlington, NC 27216

336-270-4440

The Chatham News & Record

February 5, 12, 19 and 26, 2026

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

26E000060-180 NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

The undersigned, Linda Sue Eubanks, having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Susan D. Eubanks, deceased, late of Chatham County, this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the day of May 6, 2026 or this notice will be plead in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 5th day of February 2026. Linda Sue Eubanks Administrator Marie H. Hopper Attorney for the Estate Hopper Cummings, PLLC Post O ce Box 1455 Pittsboro, NC 27312

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Sandra G. Funk aka Sandra Gail Funk, 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 19th day of May, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment. This 19th day of February, 2026. SARAH ELIZABETH TILLMAN, EXECUTOR ESTATE OF SANDRA G. FUNK AKA SANDRA GAIL FUNK

NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF THE ESTATE OF CAROL ELAINE HARTMAN HALL All persons, rms, and corporations having claims against Carol Elaine Hartman Hall, deceased, of Chatham County, N.C., are noti ed to exhibit the same to William Leslie Hall, Executor, at 300 Kildaire Woods Drive, Apt 129, Cary, NC 27511, on or before May 4th, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the deceased are asked to make immediate payment. This the 29th day of January, 2026.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS:

Chatham County, North Carolina

RE: THE ESTATE OF JOHN THOMAS NASH –

25E000476-180

Having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of John Thomas Nash, deceased, Chatham County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 20th day of May, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. This the 19th day of February, 2026. Leigh Goodwin, Executrix DSR Legal, PLLC PO Box 51596 Durham, NC 27717

NOTICE TO CREDITORS:

26E000050-180 The undersigned, having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Gilbert Thomas Berg late of CHATHAM County, NC, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned at the address below on or before the 30th day of April, 2026, 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 29th day of January, 2026. Margaret B. Mullinix, Administrator of the Estate of Gilbert Thomas Berg, c/o The Law O ce of Anne Page Watson, PLLC, 3400 Croasdaile Drive, Suite 205, Durham, NC 27705.

Notice to Creditors

ALL PERSONS, rms and corporations having claims against Susan Trivitt Dotson, deceased, of Chatham County, NC, are noti ed to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before May 8, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This the 5th day of February, 2026. William Claude Cornette III, Executor, c/o Bagwell Holt Smith P.A., 111 Cloister Court, STE 200, Chapel Hill, NC 27514

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Executor/Administrator of the Estate of Donald G. Cheek, deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against the estate to present them to the undersigned on or before May 19, 2026 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 the 19 day of February, 2026.

Danis A. Smith

Executor/Administrator of the Estate of Donald G Cheek Jr 3630 Lyle Creek Ave NE Conover, NC 28613

Dates of Publication: February 19, 2026 February 26, 2026 March 5, 2026 March 12, 2026

Notice to Creditors

Having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Antje W. Bruschke aka Ann Bruschke, late of Chatham County, North Carolina (26E000052-180), 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 4th day of May, 2026 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 is the 29th day of January 2026. Michael A. Bruschke Administrator Estate of Antje W. Bruschke 344 Chestnut Way Chapel Hill, NC 27516 (For publication: on January 29, February 5, February 12, February 19, 2026)

Notice to Creditors

ALL PERSONS, rms and corporations having claims against Virginia Dare Taylor, deceased, of Chatham County, NC, are noti ed to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before May 22, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment.

This the 19th day of February, 2026. Sherra Chedaille, Executor, c/o Bagwell Holt Smith P.A., 111 Cloister Court, STE 200, Chapel Hill, NC 27514

Notice to Creditors

ALL PERSONS, rms and corporations having claims against Suzanne Duvall Steward, deceased, of Chatham County, NC, are noti ed to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before May 15, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This the 12th day of February, 2026. Laura Strickler, Executor, c/o Bagwell Holt Smith P.A., 111 Cloister Court, STE 200, Chapel Hill, NC 27514

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

26E000026-180

ALL persons having claims against Reggie Kenneth Lane, deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, are noti ed to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before Apr 29 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment.

This the 29th day of January, 2026. Travis Anthony Harris, Administrator C/O Kenneth M. Johnson, P.A. 817 Quailcove Court Greensboro, North Carolina 27406 J29, 5, 12 and 19

NOTICE

ALL PERSONS, rms, and corporations having claims against Frederick R Stagg, Jr., deceased, of Chatham County, N.C., are noti ed to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before May 19th, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This the 19th of February, 2026 Ryan Frederick Pamplin Executor of the Estate of Frederick R Stagg, Jr., c/o Jessica Mantekas, Attorney, 1255 Crescent Green, Suite 200, Cary, NC 27518.

PUBLIC NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA ENVIRONMENTAL

MANAGEMENT COMMISSION INTENT TO ISSUE

NPDES STORMWATER DISCHARGE PERMITS

The North Carolina Environmental Management Commission proposes to issue NPDES stormwater discharge permit(s) to the person(s) listed below. Public comment or objection to the draft permits is invited. Written comments regarding the proposed permit will be accepted until 30 days after the publish date of this notice and considered in the nal determination regarding permit issuance and permit provisions. The Director of the NC Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources (DEMLR) may hold a public hearing should there be a signi cant degree of public interest. Please mail comments and/or information requests to DEMLR at 1612 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1612. General Timber, Inc. [625 Farmville Coal Road, Sanford, NC 27330] has requested renewal of permit NCS000122 for the General Timber, Inc. facility [625 Farmville Coal Road, Sanford, NC] in Chatham County. This facility discharges stormwater to an unnamed tributary to Georges Creek in the Cape Fear River Basin. Interested persons may visit DEMLR at 512 N. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27604 to review information on le. Additional information on NPDES permits and this notice may be found on our website: https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/ energy-mineral-and-land-resources/stormwater/ stormwater-program/stormwater-public-notices, or by contacting Brianna Young at brianna.young@deq. nc.gov or 919-707-3647. F19

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

25E000671-180

ALL persons having claims against June A. Keefe, deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, are noti ed to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before May 05 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This the 5th day of February, 2026.

KEVIN KEEFE, Co-Executor

JOSEPH KEEFE, Co-Executor C/O Howard Stallings Law Firm PO Box 12347 Raleigh, NC 27605 F5, 12, 19 and 26

NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS OF Mary Jane C. McKenney All persons, rms and corporations having claims against Mary Jane C. McKenney, late of Chatham, North Carolina, are noti ed to exhibit them to William P. McKenney, Esq. as Executor of the decedent’s estate on or before May 15, 2026, c/o Janet B. Witchger, Attorney at Law, 1414 Raleigh Rd., Ste. 203, Chapel Hill, NC 27517, or be barred from their recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment to the above-named Executor. This the 12th day of February 2026. William P. McKenney, Esq., Executor c/o Janet B. Witchger, Atty. TrustCounsel 1414 Raleigh Rd., Ste. 203 Chapel Hill, NC 27517

NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS OF Frederick Oscar Bowman, Jr.

All persons, rms and corporations having claims against Frederick Oscar Bowman, Jr., late of Chatham, North Carolina, are noti ed to exhibit them to Frederick O. Bowman, III or John S. Bowman as Co-Executors of the decedent’s estate on or before May 23, 2026, c/o Janet B. Witchger, Attorney at Law, 1414 Raleigh Rd., Ste. 203, Chapel Hill, NC 27517, or be barred from their recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment to the above-named Executor.

This the 19th day of February 2026. Frederick O. Bowman, III, Co-Executor John S. Bowman, Co-Executor c/o Janet B. Witchger, Atty. TrustCounsel 1414 Raleigh Rd., Ste. 203 Chapel Hill, NC 27517

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA

CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#26E000007-180

The undersigned EILEEN S. COWEL, having quali ed on the 7TH Day of JANUARY, 2026 as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of ALLAN S. COWEL, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 29TH Day OF APRIL 2026, 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 29TH DAY OF JANUARY 2026. EILEEN S. COWEL, ADMINISTRATOR 4108 WALLINGFORD PLACE DURHAM, NC 27707 Run dates: J29,F5,12,19p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA

CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#25E000655-180

The undersigned JAMES B. LEACH, having quali ed on the 23RD Day of DECEMBER 2025 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of BARBARA JEAN PERRY, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 29TH Day OF APRIL 2026, 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 29TH DAY OF JANUARY 2026. JAMES B. LEACH, EXECUTOR 123 PAINTED TURTLE LANE CARY, NC 27519 Run dates: J29,F5,12,19p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#26E000027-180

The undersigned STACIA DARK, having quali ed on the 12TH Day of JANUARY, 2026 as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of GEORGE DARK, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 29TH Day OF APRIL 2026, 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 29TH DAY OF JANUARY 2026. STACIA DARK, ADMINISTRATOR 621 WOMBLE STREET SILER CITY, NC 27344 Run dates: J29,F5,12,19p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#26E000051-180 The undersigned DANNY M. WATSON, having quali ed on the 22ND Day of JANUARY 2026 as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of JEFFREY FLOYD HAWK, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 29TH Day OF APRIL 2026, 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 29TH DAY OF JANUARY 2026. DANNY M. WATSON, ADMINISTRATOR 436 GLENDALE AVE. THOMASVILLE, NC 27360 Run dates: J29,F5,12,19p

to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before the 20th day of May, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms and corporations indebted to the estate should make immediate payment. This is the 10th day of February 2026. W.

& 12th 2026.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#26E000033-180 The undersigned KENNETH WARREN STURDIVANT, having quali ed on the 10TH Day of FEBRUARY 2026 as EXECUTOR

their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This, the 19TH DAY OF FEBRUARY 2026. KENNETH WARREN STURDIVANT, EXECUTOR 714 MT. PISGAH CHURCH RD. APEX, NC 27523 Run dates: F19,26,M5,12p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#25E000660-180 The undersigned ANN PATRICIA RILEY, having quali ed on the 14TH Day of JANUARY 2026 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of MARY RILEY SEGAL, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 12TH Day OF MAY 2026, 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 12TH DAY OF FEBRUARY 2026. ANN PATRICIA RILEY, EXECUTOR 19 CHEMIN LEFEBVRE LA MINERVE QC J0T 150 CANADA MAIL TO: MICHAEL RILEY 154 HICKORY HILL RD. MOORESVILLE, NC 28117 EMAIL TO: annpriley@hotmail.com Run dates: F12,19,26,M5p

CREDITOR’S NOTICE Having quali ed on the 3rd day of February 2026, as Administrator of the Estate of Mary Frances Sutton , deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the decedent to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before the 19th day of May, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms and corporations indebted to the estate should make immediate payment. This is the 16th day of February 2026. W. Woods Doster,

The ‘6-7’ craze is going strong at both NBA, college basketball games

LaMelo Ball’s stature sparks the viral phenomenon as fans track speci c scores

By Cli Brunt

The Associated Press

NORMAN, Okla. — LaMelo Ball has never been more popular, and it’s not because Charlotte’s 6-foot-7 star has the Hornets ghting for a playo spot.

They hype is largely about his height. And Charlotte is trying to take advantage.

Dictionary.com named the term “6-7” its word of the year for 2025, and the global “6-7” craze is still going strong at pro and college basketball games. Young fans, players and coaches eagerly track when teams near 67 points, and pandemonium ensues when their team hits the mark.

The Hornets and New Orleans Pelicans are among NBA teams that feature “6-7” cams during timeouts at some games. Seth Bennett, the Hornets’ chief marketing o cer, said Charlotte’s marketing and game presentation teams started discussing a possible “6-7” cam to capitalize on the trend and Ball’s involvement in it.

“For us as a franchise, we always want to listen to our fans, and sometimes you listen to observing what they’re into, their trends and likes, and it’s a way for us to connect to that and hopefully have them connect to us in a fun way when they’re experiencing it here,” Bennett said.

The Hornets’ cam is mostly limited to kids days and weekend games so it doesn’t get old. Michael Robinson, who attended a game between the Hornets and 76ers with his 6-year- old son, Abel, said it’s nonstop at home. Abel said he learned about it from his friends and on YouTube.

“It’s just cool,” Abel said. “It’s fun.”

The “6-7” originator can’t believe reach

The origins of the “6-7” boom are Skrilla’s 2024 song “Doot Doot (6-7).” Skrilla leaked the song without much expectation, but it exploded on TikTok last year with basketball players, including Ball and prep standout Taylen Kinney, driving its popularity.

No one is quite sure what 6-7 means, and Skrilla kept it that way when asked for a de nition.

“Everybody created their own meaning,” he told The Associated Press. “The teachers created their own meaning. The football teams created their own, the basketball (players). ‘6-7’ is global. It’s bigger

TRUMP from page A1

endorsement as he now runs for Senate in North Carolina.

Whatley thanked Trump and suggested that the president “is giving me an opportunity to represent you” — even though the election isn’t until November.

Later, Trump said of the raid on Jan. 3 that whisked away Maduro to face U.S. drug smuggling charges, “It was a matter of minutes before he was on a helicopter being taken out.” He called the forces involved “some of our greatest soldiers to ever live, frankly” while dismissing Maduro as an “outlaw dictator.”

“That night, the entire world saw what the full military might (of) the U.S. military is capable” of, the president said. “It was so precise, so incredible.”

Trump also vowed, “As long as I’m president, we will be the best led, the best trained, the best equipped, the most disciplined and the most elite ghting force the world has ever seen” and noted of would-be U.S. adversaries, “Everybody knows it.”

“They know exactly what they would be up against. Hopefully, we’ll never have to test them

than me now. So ‘6-7.’ Shout out to ‘6-7.’”

The nonsensical meme has its own hand gesture, too — ip your palms up, and alternate lifting your arms. Charlotte forward Miles Bridges made the gesture several weeks ago after hitting a 3-pointer against the Indiana Pacers.

Bridges also is 6-foot-7.

“I think that’s the team’s way of having a little fun with LaMelo anytime that they can kind of incorporate that in just to tease him a little bit, and he’s a great sport about it as well,” Bennett said.

“6-7” big on basketball courts everywhere

Fans have been on 67-point watch at games across the country. It seemed to bubble up rst

“The teachers created their own meaning. The football teams created their own, the basketball (players).

‘6-7’ is global. It’s bigger than me now. So ‘6-7.’ Shout out to ‘6-7.’”

at women’s college games, including at Oklahoma. Now fans there hold up signs handed out by the school.

On Dec. 22, the Sooners led North Carolina Central 64-29 in the closing seconds of the rst half. When Aaliyah Chavez drained a 3-pointer at the buzzer, fans went wild.

Oklahoma center Raegan Beers said the team enjoyed giving the fans that moment.

“That’s why I love this game (with the kids),” she said. “I know a lot of us love this game here, just to have that energy in the building, and obviously lean into what’s trending at the moment, which is 6-7, whatever that means. And so it was so much fun to have that moment and just let the kids enjoy it.”

Daniel Durbin, director of Southern California’s Annenberg Institute of Sports, Media and Society, attended USC’s women’s basketball game against Rutgers on Feb. 1 and witnessed the phenomenon rst hand. He noted that the DJ even announced the possibility. The Trojans missed two free throws at 66, building the anticipation. When Yakiya Milton made a free throw that pushed the score to 67, the crowd erupted into what Durbin called the loudest cheer of the game. Durbin said it falls under the long history of arbitrary sports

traditions fans have created to feel more connected to the action.

“Think of all the superstitions fans have during games, rituals that they enact to ‘help’ the team win,” he said. “As fans walk across the street to USC football games, most of them kick the base of a certain lamppost. Why? It makes them part of the game. They are enacting a meaningless ritual many USC fans perform for ‘luck.’”

Adults doing it too

Even the coaches are in on it. On Maryland’s annual Field Trip Day game, Terrapins coach Brenda Frese wore a jersey with the number 67 on it before tipo . LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey did the hand gesture while on the big screen during a win over Morgan State, drawing an eruption from the home crowd and laughter from her players.

Mulkey said her grandson got upset with her after a game because LSU skipped 67 points and went straight to 68.

TCU’s women beat Baylor 83-67 on Feb. 12, and Olivia Miles scored 40 points and Marta Suarez scored 27 — a combined 67. With the two at his side in the postgame media session, Horned Frogs coach Mark Campbell got sucked in.

“For a duo, I’ve never been a part of a duo that scored 67 points in one game,” he said.

As Miles did the hand gesture and Suarez laughed, Campbell pointed at Miles and said, “That’s crazy. ‘6-7,’” as he added the hand gesture.

The trend has impacted the game on the court at times too. After Maryland took a 64-18 lead against Central Connecticut State in December, the Terps attempted ve straight 3-pointers before Yarden Garzon nally made one to give Maryland exactly 67 points. The craze is perplexing to parents, but Bennett said the Hornets have embraced it to bring joy to young people.

“Overall, it’s been positive,” he said. “No way to make a negative out of something that’s just really nothing attached to it, just fun.”

and, because of our strength, and because of what we do, we probably won’t have to be tested,” Trump said. Even still, the president mentioned sending a second aircraft carrier group to the Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran and said, “America’s respected again. And, perhaps most importantly, we are feared by the enemies all over the globe.”

“I don’t like to say fear,” he said. “But, sometimes, you have to have fear because that’s the only thing that really will

get the situation taken care of.”

Trump lately has traveled more frequently to states that could play key roles in November’s midterm congressional elections, including a stop before Christmas in Rocky Mount. The White House has been trying to promote Trump’s economic policies, including attempts to bring down the cost of living at a time when many people are growing frustrated with his e orts to improve a ordability. The president didn’t

spend a lot of time on his economic policies last Friday, though he did mention how a White House -backed tax and spending package is increasing funding for military housing.

As he left the White House to make the trip, meanwhile, Trump cheered data released last Friday showing that in ation fell to nearly a ve-year low last month.

“The numbers were surprising, except to me they weren’t surprising,” Trump said. “We have very modest in ation,

which is what you want to have.”

The president also spoke at Fort Bragg in June at an event meant to recognize the 250th anniversary of the Army. But that celebration was overshadowed by his partisan remarks describing protesters in Los Angeles as “animals” and his defense of deploying the military there.

This time, Trump evoked the fatal stabbing of a Ukrainian refugee on a Charlotte commuter train and called the man accused of committing it a “monster.”

Trump also praised Maduro’s replacement, acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez. Rather than push for elections in Venezuela, Trump says his administration is inviting top oil companies there to rebuild its energy industry. U.S. ocials also have seized tankers as part of their broad oversight of the country’s oil industry.

“The relationship is strong, the oil is coming out,” Trump told reporters before ying to North Carolina. He added: “We have our big oil companies going in, they’re going to be pumping out the oil and selling the oil for a lot of money.”

CHATHAM SPORTS

Northwood retires Powell’s number

UNC’s coaching sta joined the NBA star in attending the ceremony

Chatham News & Record sta

HUBERT DAVIS had to gure out how to get his team to bounce back from a loss to Miami two days earlier, as well as replace a star player who was injured in the game. That didn’t stop the UNC coach from making a trip to Pittsboro on Thursday night, and bringing much of his Tar Heels sta with him. Sean May, Brad Frederick and Eric Hoots joined Davis in attending Northwood’s 69-49 win over Uwharrie Charter.

Injuries to UNC stars put the former Seaforth standout into the spotlight

By Shawn Krest Chatham News & Record

WHEN JARIN STEVENSON decided to return to the area in the o season, UNC coach Hubert Davis was happy to add him to the Tar Heels roster.

Davis recruited the Chapel Hill native and Seaforth star, but Stevenson opted to head to Alabama, where he played two years. Then he decided to transfer and join Davis in his back yard. Prior to the season, Davis discussed all the di erent things the 6 -foot-11 wing could do on o ense and defense. Then he laughed and concluded it is “very hard to nd that in your town.”

This week, Davis found it all again, in his huddle, as Stevenson stepped up when the team needed him most. Not much went well for the Heels in the rst six days after the dramatic win over Duke. UNC traveled to Miami on last Tuesday and never led, getting rolled by the Hurricanes. Making matters worse, 6 -foot-10 freshman Caleb Wilson, who leads UNC in scoring, rebounding, steals and blocks, su ered a

hand injury in the game and is out inde nitely.

While the Heels scrambled to make up for the loss of Wilson, 7-footer Henri Veesaar — second on the team in scoring, rebounding and blocks, as well as the Tar Heels’ most accurate 3-point scorer — went down with an injury later in the week.

UNC hosted Pitt looking to make up for 36.2 points and 18.4 rebounds worth of production that were on the bench in street clothes. They needed someone to step up, and Stevenson was ready for the spotlight.

It’s not like the junior had been ignored all season. He’s started 17 of UNC’s 25 games, and his minutes, scoring and rebounding are all up over last season’s career bests at Alabama. He’s also shooting nearly 50 points higher from the eld. However, he was the third option in the post and the fth-leading scorer on the team overall.

It’s not the rst time Stevenson has needed to step up. As a freshman at Alabama, he scored a then- career-best 19 points against Clemson to send the Crimson Tide to the Final Four.

“I don’t think he’s afraid of the moment at all,” coach Nate Oats said.

He also showed no fear as one of UNC’s top scoring options

Normally, it would take a top recruit playing to attract that many members of the UNC sta to a high school game. However, this recruit had already committed, signed and played for the Tar Heels.

The group was in attendance, along with plenty of Northwood fans, to watch former Charger and Tar Heel Drake Powell be -

come the rst boys’ basketball player in school history to have his number retired.

“I just wanted to thank you all for coming out,” Drake said to his former UNC coaches and the rest of the Northwood crowd. “You make Pittsboro what it is. My journey wasn’t easy, but to play in front of you guys meant a lot to me.”

Powell tallied more than 1,700 points, 700 rebounds and 400 assists in his four years at Northwood, winning a pair of Mid- Carolina Conference Player of the Year awards, two All- State honors and getting named to the McDonald’s High School All-American, Jordan Brand Classic and Iverson Classic all- star games in his senior year. He led the Chargers to the state championship game twice

against Pitt. He hit a 3-pointer in the rst two minutes of the game, then added a jump shot to give Carolina an early 12-5 lead. His next shot was a 3 that pushed the lead to 10 points. When the dust cleared, he’d matched the second-best scoring output of his career with 19 points. He hit six of the seven shots he took, including three from 3-point range, just o a career high.

“Those are big shoes to ll, Caleb and Henri,” he said. “But again, just goes back to my work, I feel like it creates a sense of pride just putting work in late

at night. Just having the opportunity to play and make di erent plays like that.”

The extra practice time has been polishing his fundamentals, so that he’d be ready when the time came.

“Just working on di erent footwork and stu like that,” he said. “I feel like just emphasizing running the oor, creating opportunities that way, whether it’s posting up or just drawing two defenders against somebody else to open up. Working on my post game too, post hooks, post jump shots and stu like that, just doing di erent

things that I do in the game and just trying to help the team.”

It was just the way Davis had wanted it.

“A clear example of what Carolina is about,” Davis said. “Where we had two teammates out, for them to react and respond this way.”

“Coach always talks about, you may not know when your number will be called, but it’s going to be called at this point of the season,” Seth Trimble said. “I mean, Jarin was incredible. … Everybody was really, really good. It was very much well-rounded basketball.”

Torris Price

Chatham Charter, boys’ track

Torris Price is a senior on the Chatham Charter boys’ track team. He also plays baseball and runs cross-country for the Knights.

Price is also the rst state champion in school history after bringing home two titles from the NCHSAA Class 1A/2A indoor championships in Winston-Salem. Price won the 1.000-meter dash and the 1,600. He had just missed getting the milestone with a state runner-up at the cross-country championships.

Price also was a member of the fourth-place 4x800 relay team.

Northwood nishes runner-up at state indoor track championships

Chatham Charter earned a sixth-place nish

Chatham News & Record sta NORTHWOOD’S boys’ track team nished runner-up in the NCHSAA Class 3A indoor state championships, scoring 57 points to nish seven behind rst-place Union Academy.

Senior Ezra Roebuck won the 300 with a time of 34.42, getting a 1.12-second margin of victory. Roebuck was also a member of the state champion 4x400 relay team. Additionally, he won the class 3A championship meet sportsmanship award.

Junior Ben Altenburg won the 55 hurdles in 7.77, a .10 -second margin of victory. He also won the state pole vault title with a 16 -foot jump, topping the next-best competitor by 5 feet.

Junior Juan Sanchez Sandoval was a member of the state champion 4x400 relay team and placed fth in the 500.

Junior Sammy Bache was a member of the state champion 4x400 relay team and placed seventh in the 1,600.

Junior Tequone Moore was a member of the state champion 4x400 relay team.

Freshman Drew Yell nished eighth in the 1,600 and also took seventh in the 3,200.

Junior Kaleb Powell placed 12th in the long jump.

Northwood’s relay teams also took fourth in the 4x200 and sixth in the 4x800.

The girls’ team placed 16th overall, with 11.5 points.

Freshman Ruby Parks placed fourth in the 55 hurdles and seventh in the 300.

Senior Chloe Waldstein tied for fourth in the pole vault.

Chatham Charter placed sixth in the NCHSAA Class 1A/2A boys’ indoor championships, scoring 29 points.

Junior Torris Price won the state title in the 1,000 with a time of 2:39.77, getting a 0.62-second margin of victory. He also won the 1,600 with a time of 4:26.62, beating the next closest competitor by 1.53 seconds.

Junior Eli Coleman placed fth in the 1000. Chatham Charter’s relay team of Price, Coleman, junior Andrew Bednar and senior Adam Reese also placed fourth in the 4x800 relay. The team of Coleman, Reese, junior Tyler Lazarek and freshman Josh Hayes placed 10th in the 4x400. In class 4A, Jordan-Matthews’ boys’ team nished tied for 30th with four points. Senior Kamarie Hadley supplied them with a fth-place nish in long jump. He also competed in triple jump.

Send your birth, death, marriage, graduation and other announcements to community@chathamnewsrecord.com. Weekly deadline is Monday at noon.

Seaforth has third-, fourth-place nishes at state swimming championships

Woods Charter, Chatham Central and Northwood also earned points at the championship meet

Chatham News & Record sta

SEAFORTH PLACED third in the NCHSAA Class 5A girls’ swimming championship with 155 points.

Sydney Burleigh took a state title in the 200 IM with a time of 2:05.74, a 1.98-second margin of victory. She also was crowned state champion in the 200 butter y in 56.15, beating the competition by 3.58 seconds.

Freshman Olivia Hewes took third in one-meter diving.

The team of senior Sydney Haire, sophomore Gillian Eriksen, Burleigh and freshman Natalie Hinde took fourth in the 200 medley relay and the 400 free relay.

Haire also took third in the 100 backstroke, ninth in the 500 free and 14th in the 200 free. Ericksen took 14th in the 100 free.

Freshman Sophie Jacobs took 15th in the 200 butter y and the 100 backstroke.

Jacobs, junior Eva Wahieb, sophomore Juliette Haire and junior Piper Bailey took 15th in the 200 free relay.

The Seaforth boys took fourth with 154 points.

Senior Colton Roberts won the state title in the 500 free with a time of 4:44.27, giving him a 6.60 -second margin of victory. Roberts also took second in the 200 free.

Junior Stuart Vaughn took 11th in the 500 free and 15th in the 200 free.

Freshman Charles Mitler took second in the 200 IM and the 100 backstroke.

The team of Mitler, sophomore Isaac Lindren, Roberts and freshman Quinn Hepburn took fourth in the 200 medley relay.

Mitler, Roberts, Hepburn and senior Aden George took

POWELL from page B1

and the nal eight of the state tournament in his other two seasons. Northwood did not lose a conference game thenal three years of his high school career.

“Drake walked into this gym

fourth in the 200 free relay. Lindgren took 11th in the 100 breast.

Hepburn took 14th in the 100 breast and 15th in the 100 free.

Woods Charter placed 13th in the Class 1A/2A/3A boys’ championships with 63 points.

Senior Derek White was second in the 50 free. He also took second in the 100 free.

Junior Drew White took fth in the 200 free. He also took fourth in the 500 free.

as a young man with talent, yes,” Northwood coach Matt Brown told the crowd before Powell’s No. 32 was hoisted to the rafters. “But more importantly with humility, work ethic and a hunger to get better every single day.” A ve - star recruit, Pow-

Individual state titles won by swimmers from Chatham County schools

Lindgren, Vaughn, George and freshman Gri n Galloway took 15th in the 400 free relay.

ell chose UNC, where his father, Dedric, played baseball. He spent one year playing for Davis, averaging 7.4 points for the 2024 -25 Tar Heels. He then left for the NBA, where he was drafted in the rst round. Powell is averaging 6.2 points as a rookie for the

The Woods girls nished 16th with 54 points. Junior Daisy Collins took rst in the 200 free. Her time of 1:50.42 was 91⁄2 seconds faster than the second-place swimmer. She also won the 500 free in 4:51.10, more than a 14 -second margin of victory.

Freshman Ella Delgross was sixth in the 200 IM.

The Chatham Central boys nished 18th in Class 1A/2A/3A with 40 points.

Brooklyn Nets. The ceremony was held during the NBA’s All-Star Break, allowing Powell to attend.

“He raised the standard of what it means to be a Northwood basketball player,” Brown said. “Not just in points or wins, but in how you treat people.”

Jesse Eskelund supplied all the points by winning state titles in the 50 free and 100 free. His time of 47.40 in the 100 was 0.38 seconds faster than Woods Charter’s White. His 50 time of 21.69 beat White by 0.17. Northwood nished 25th in boys’ Class 1A/2A/3A with 27 points. Freshman Elijah Su took fth in the 500 free. He also took ninth in the 100 breast.

“He raised the standard of what it means to be a Northwood basketball player.”

Matt Brown, Northwood coach

SIDELINE REPORT

NCAA BASKETBALL

Fight breaks out

between St. John’s, Providence; 7 players ejected

Providence, R.I. Seven players were ejected from Saturday’s game between No. 17 St. John’s and Providence after a fracas resulting from a hard foul by Friars forward Duncan Powell on Bryce Hopkins sent the Red Storm star crashing to the ground. St. John’s coach Rick Pitino was in the middle of it, trying to hold back his players, but several entered the fray as it drifted toward the Red Storm bench. The game was delayed by nearly 20 minutes. Four St. John’s players were booted and two from Providence.

MLB

Bad Bunny o ered to pay for Puerto Rican star Correa’s WBC insurance

West Palm Beach, Fla. Bad Bunny really wanted to see Carlos Correa play for Puerto Rico at home in the World Baseball Classic. Correa, the in elder for the Houston Astros, was left o the WBC roster over insurance coverage. He told reporters that the music superstar and fellow native of Puerto Rico o ered to pay for a policy. Correa has a $200 million contract through 2028. Correa says the insurer provider proposed by Bad Bunny wasn’t approved by Major League Baseball, the Astros or Correa’s agent, Scott Boras. Puerto Rico is hosting pool play games in the WBC next month.

OLYMPICS

Norwegian biathlete wins another bronze 3 days after confessing in delity Anterselva, Italy

Norwegian biathlete Strula Holm Laegreid won his second bronze medal of the Milan Cortina Olympics — three days after making an unexpected personal confession during a postrace interview. Laegreid was third in the sprint. He also won bronze in the 20 -kilometer individual race but tearfully revealed during a live broadcast that he had been unfaithful to his girlfriend. Quentin Fillon Maillet of France won the sprint race for his second gold medal of the Games.

MLB All-Star reliever Face, who saved 3 games for Pirates in 1960 World Series, dead at 97 Pittsburgh Elroy Face, an All- Star reliever for the Pittsburgh Pirates who saved three games in the 1960 World Series to help them upset the New York Yankees, died at 97. The former pitcher died Thursday at an independent senior living facility in North Versailles, Pennsylvania. No cause of death was provided. Selected to six All- Star teams, Face went 104 -95 with a 3.48 ERA in 16 major league seasons with Pittsburgh, Detroit and Montreal. He compiled 191 career saves — although saves didn’t become an o cial statistic until 1969.

Could addition of trade deadline enliven Cup Series season?

Plenty of moving parts work against driver swaps

By Dan Gelston The Associated Press

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. —

Imagine a scenario in the NASCAR world — say, around the Brickyard 400 in July — when the hot topic isn’t just which driver might kiss the bricks.

Try, which driver could kiss his current ride goodbye.

What if NASCAR took a cue from stick-and-ball sports and had a trade deadline?

Forget trading paint. How about trading a star driver for a pair of minor-league prospects? Maybe a couple of veterans who wore out their welcome on one team get a fresh start with another?

Baseball players are traded. NFL and NHL stars get swapped, and the NBA has cornered the market on building in-season buzz with a trade deadline where the action among front o ces sparks more headlines than any action on the court.

Go ahead, NASCAR. Set a date and let fans turn on those NASCAR social media post noti cations to stay abreast of all the latest rumors and deals. Sounds fun, right?

Sure. Only it’s about as doable as successfully driving a stock car with three at tires.

“You can’t pull that o with the current league structure because we’re all independent contractors,” 2012 NASCAR champion Brad Keselowski said.

“But,” Keselowski added, “that would be something compelling.”

Trades came around in NASCAR about as frequently as a race without a caution ag.

There are only 15 teams with at least one car in Cup, and only Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing eld the maximum four cars. Organizations that didn’t already have four cars before the 2025 season are capped at three full-time teams. That automatically shrinks the trading pool.

Trades are not unprecedented; notably Spire Motorsports sent Corey LaJoie to Rick Ware Racing for Justin Haley in September 2024. There was a catch with that deal: Haley had already agreed to join Spire for the 2025 season and simply got a headstart with his new crew. LaJoie raced just four times for RWR in 2025.

So why can’t teams trade drivers?

There are no rules that prevent teams from swapping drivers.

In some cases, trades seem easier on the drivers than in the NFL or NBA where players are often forced to uproot their families on short notice. Most drivers live near their race shops in the North Carolina area and wouldn’t have to pack up the U-Haul and start over halfway across the country. The schedule is the same for every team, every driver, every week.

NASCAR can get tangled up in wheels and deals because of contracts with sponsors that prop up teams with needed cash that are not necessarily easily moveable. Big Cereal Brand A may only want to sign with an elite team where more

eyeballs — and open wallets — are on the product and not have to deal with the e ects of getting dumped to a noncontender. There can be con icts with the manufacturers as well. Teams have deals with one brand — Chevrolet and Hendrick Motorsports or Toyota and Joe Gibbs Racing, for example — and squeezing in another manufacturer could spark all sorts of headaches.

There are essentially way more parties involved to make a trade feasible in NASCAR than just the negotiations between a pair of general managers. Why not try a trade deadline?

But it can be idealistic to imagine a NASCAR world where fans can re up the trade machine and propose swaps of drivers and players to be named and cash considerations and all the mechanisms that make up blockbuster trades in sports such as baseball.

Most drivers don’t see a path where trades become as ingrained as silly season.

“I think it’s probably a stretch,” seven-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson said. “There’s a lot of layers to go. We have a soft cap now in

my opinion, with a standardized car. There have been discussions around a cost cap. If more of those things happen over time, I guess we get closer to do it.”

Three-time Daytona 500 champion Denny Hamlin has another possible idea to warm up the hot stove season.

“If you want content, driver free agency would de nitely cause it,” Hamlin said.

His idea, a portal much like in college athletics where drivers could declare they’re out with their old teams and sign with the highest bidder each o season.

“It’d be quite interesting if everyone just went into free agency every single year,” Hamlin said. “My guess is, I don’t know that anyone would compete with Hendrick or Penske on what they could pay.”

For now, it’s just fun to dream of trading Bubba Wallace for Ross Chastain. Or proven champion Chase Elliott for the rights down the road to future developmental drivers. Trades are out. True free agency seems a long shot.

What’s left?

“I do like the draft,” Keselowski said with a laugh.

Philly special: Edgecombe leads Team Vince to victory at NBA All-Star weekend’s Rising Stars

Cooper Flagg missed the rookie showcase due to injury

By Greg Beacham The Associated Press

INGLEWOOD, Calif. —

V.J. Edgecombe seems quietly con dent he’ll be at an NBA All- Star weekend quite soon to play in the main event.

Until that day arrives, the Philadelphia rookie celebrated his rst trip to this midseason showcase with two game- ending scores and an MVP trophy in the Rising Stars event.

Edgecombe led Team Vince to victory in the kicko event for the NBA All- Star weekend Friday night, scoring 17 points in the semi nal before hitting two free throws to ice the nal.

“We all wanted to compete, and I wanted to win,” Edgecombe said. “I really hate losing, and we had a chance to win it all, so why not go out there and win?”

The NBA’s rookies, sophomores and G League prospects opened the All- Star weekend at the Los Angeles Clippers’ Intuit Dome with this four-team tournament of three games played to a set point total.

While Edgecombe was the most impactful player, he didn’t have the most memorable bucket: San Antonio guard Dylan Harper ended the rst semi nal by scoring the game-winner over Ron Harper Jr., his older brother.

Dylan Harper then scored eight more points in the nal

for Team Melo while teaming up with his Spurs teammate, Stephon Castle, last season’s Rookie of the Year and Rising Stars MVP.

Castle made a putback dunk o Jeremiah Fears’ miss to pull Team Melo within one point of victory, but Edgecombe drew a foul from Donovan Clingan and coolly hit both free throws to end it at 25-24.

Edgecombe was motivated by the presence of his 76ers backcourt mate, All- Star Tyrese Maxey, who watched from courtside.

“He (said) he ain’t coming to watch if I ain’t going to play hard,” Edgecombe said. “I was like, ‘Man, I’m going to play hard so at least it’s not a waste of his time.’”

Indeed, the lackadaisical efforts that have plagued the

All-Star Game in recent years wasn’t nearly as prevalent in this Rising Stars showcase, and Edgecombe said that’s largely because of the motivational e orts of the four NBA veterans who led the teams: Vince Carter, Carmelo Anthony, Tracy McGrady and Austin Rivers. When the vets were picking their teams two weeks ago, Edgecombe told Carter to choose him if he wanted to win.

“(Carter) was telling us, ‘Just go! Just go! Keep playing hard!’” Edgecombe said. “And we feed o of that. We just started rolling.”

Edgecombe scored nearly half of his team’s 41 points — including the last 10 in a row — while winning the second semi nal. Edgecombe didn’t have to carry his team in the -

nal, but the No. 3 overall pick in last year’s draft still scored its nal four points.

Family feud

Dylan Harper called game in the rst semi nal with a succession of moves that could have been learned on the driveway at home, bullying Ron Jr. into the paint before hitting a step -back jumper.

Dylan stuck out his tongue in gleeful celebration of only his second basket in the seminal, and their famous father laughed heartily at courtside. Ron Jr., a Celtics prospect with 21 games of NBA experience, is six years older than Dylan, the No. 2 pick in last summer’s draft — but the kid brother knew he could do it.

“You think I’ve never beat him one- on- one (before)?” Dylan asked with mock exasperation.

Flagg down

The Rising Stars game wasn’t a full showcase of the NBA’s top young talent because No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg dropped out of the game due to injury, as did Washington’s Alex Sarr and Memphis’ Cedric Coward.

Edgecombe hit three 3-pointers during his scoring barrage in the rst semi nal to win his duel with Charlotte’s Kon Knueppel, who scored just four points. The two rookies are the only serious contenders with Flagg for the Rookie of the Year award.

Pots, mop buckets, even babies: Anything can be a curling stone if you get creative

One of the cult favorite Olympic sports is back

By Julia Frankel and Steve Douglas

The Associated Press

CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy — Dig out your squidgy mop, a few pots and pans — or a robotic vacuum if you have one — and a pair of slippers.

It’s curling time!

Social media has been ablaze with people deploying common household wares to mimic what the world’s top curlers are doing at the Winter Olympics.

“Every four years, it blows up,” American curler Tara Peterson said. “Everyone’s like, ‘We want to do it,’ and then, yes, they get creative with things, so it’s awesome.”

Creative is perhaps an understatement. In one video, two jacketed adults push a baby in a car seat across the ice, chest-bumping in glee. In another, popular Swedish comedian Mans Moller dons a wig

a la Isabella Wrana, the Swedish mixed doubles champion, and slides pans into other pans, screaming “CUUUURL!” (Bonus points: He’s outside, like the olden days of curling.)

Then there are the Italian nonnas in the country’s southern Puglia region pushing a silver pot along a stony courtyard, sweeping with broomsticks. Or the hair salon in the Swedish city of Sundsvall, where a stylist hurls hair products toward her colleague. She screams “Curl!” and looks frustrated when the colleague approaches with a — wait for it — curling iron.

Despite such valiant attempts by the public, curlers say you really do need some specialized equipment to do the sport properly (along with a sheet of pebbled ice).

Put on your curling shoes

You can’t use your normal sneakers to go curling. You’ll just slip a lot on the ice. Instead, you’ll need specialist

curling shoes that have grips either built into the soles or those that can be strapped on. Costs vary, but Swedish curler Johanna Heldin said you can pay up to around $700 for them. Styles vary, too. While most curlers at the Olympics are wearing plain black curling shoes, some have a more casual look — like Taylor Anderson-Heide of the United States, who has donned white, sneaker-style shoes in Cortina. Sweeping left, sweeping right

Despite sharing the same name, curling brooms and cleaning brooms are very di erent. Curling brooms swap carbon ber for the wooden or plastic rods typical of household brooms. Nylon pads replace straw bristles. Olympic-level models will set you back around $200 -$250, Peterson said.

Broom lightness directly correlates to a curler’s control over a

“Every four years, it blows up.” American curler Tara Peterson

stone’s speed and trajectory. The lighter the broom, the quicker the sweep and the faster the melting of ice pebbles that make up a curling sheet.

In fact, sweeping technology has actually grown so advanced that certain models have been banned from competition. That’s what led to the “Broomgate” scandal, which rocked the curling world beginning in 2015. Curlers began debuting high-tech brooms that gave sweepers so much control over the stone that the skill of the thrower failed to matter. Those kinds of brooms were then barred from competition by World Curling, which now maintains strict parameters on what kinds of brooms are allowed.

Robots coming to assist major league umpires; even so, human touch still matters

An automated ball-strike system will be used in the big leagues this year

By David Brandt The Associated Press

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — For those worried robots are about to take over Major League Baseball, Colorado Rockies manager Warren Schae er has some experience with the Automated Ball/Strike system that’s coming to stadiums this summer.

Yes, the machines have a lot of power. But the human touch still matters.

“I’ve seen challenges lost in the rst inning,” Schae er said. “That’s not good. Emotion is a big key to this.”

The ABS system made a cameo last year in big league spring training and was greeted with a mix of curiousity, excitement, disdain and uncertainty. Now that it’s here for regular-season games in 2026, the novelty is quickly giving way to strategy.

MLB gave a presentation on the ABS process last Thursday at Cactus League Media Day in Arizona. Joe Martinez, the sport’s vice president of on- eld strategy, said a survey taken by the league found 52% of fans said ABS had a “very posi-

tive” impact on last year’s spring training games, 20% called it “slightly positive,” and 18% said it was no factor. Only 10% of fans rated ABS as having a “slightly negative” or “very negative” e ect on the game. As a refresher, here’s how the system works. Stadiums are out tted with cameras that track each pitch and judge whether it crossed home plate within the strike zone.

Human umpires call every pitch, but each team has the ability to challenge two calls per game. Teams that burn their

challenges get one additional challenge in each extra inning.

A team retains its challenge if successful, similar to the regulations for video reviews, which were rst used for home run calls in August 2008 and then widely expanded to many calls for the 2014 season. Only a batter, pitcher or catcher may challenge a call, signaling by tapping one hand on a helmet or cap, and assistance from the dugout is not allowed. A challenge must be made within two seconds, and the graphic of the pitch and strike zone is shown on the scoreboard and broadcast feed.

The umpire then announces the updated count.

Schae er, who was managing at Albuquerque when ABS debuted in Triple -A in 2022, said it’s important that teams develop a coherent strategy on how to deploy challenges. He added that “15 guys will have 15 di erent opinions” on how to use it, but the most important aspect is everyone is on the same page.

“We still have to have a lot of conversations behind closed doors so that we’re putting our players in the best position to succeed,” the manager added.

Multiple MLB managers and GMs said that catchers will probably have the most leeway to challenge because they’ve got the best view of the baseball.

“You want to have one late in the game, just in case,” Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said. “The top of the rst inning on a 0 - 0 fastball ... I don’t want to challenge and lose. We’ll most likely rely on catchers rst — pitchers at times get a little emotional. Hitters can be that way sometimes, too. I think we’re going to rely on the catchers and start there.

“But I want to have one in pocket, when I can, when it’s in a critical part of the game.”

The ABS system could be particularly bene cial to players like New York Yankees slugger Aar-

Rock ’n’ roll

The homegrown curling seen on social media makes one thing clear: To the public, anything can be a curling stone.

Even if pots, pans, hair products — and even babies — can do the trick in a pinch, they’re nothing like the curling stones on the ice in Cortina.

If you want Olympic-level material, you’ll have to look to the uninhabited isle of Ailsa Cragi, located 10 miles o the coast of Scotland.

All the stones at these Games are made of the super-dense granite from that isle, manufactured by Kays Curling.

The company has a history with the Olympics dating back to the rst winter edition in 1924 in Chamonix, France. The curling competition then was long thought to have been an exhibition event but eventually was con rmed as o cial. The company has continued to make stones for the Games since curling returned as a medal sport in Nagano 1998.

on Judge, who have a good eye for the strike zone. Judge walked an American League-high 124 times last season.

“Our guys who are really good at controlling the zone should bene t, and Aaron is certainly one of those guys who controls it real well, knows it real well,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said.

ABS was tested in 13 spring training ballparks last year, and teams won 52.2% of 1,182 challenges, which averaged 13.8 seconds. Strike zones vary depending on a player’s height — starting at 53.5% of a batter’s height for the top and 27% of a batter’s height for the bottom.

Each player will be measured for his strike zone starting at 10 a.m. to noon on a rolling basis during spring training — the time of day to maintain uniformity — and the data will be veri ed by the Southwest Research Institute.

There appears to be widespread agreement across MLB that the ABS system is a positive.

Texas Rangers president of baseball operations Chris Young used to work closely with MLB’s umpires when he was employed by the commissioner’s o ce and said they were long overdue for some help.

“They do a phenomenal job, but the stu in today’s game is better than ever,” Young said. “Umpiring is harder than ever. If there’s the ability to use technology to add a level of consistency, that’s great for everybody.”

this week in history

John Glenn rst to orbit Earth, Iwo Jima captured, Alamo under siege

FEB. 19

1473: Astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus was born in Torun, Poland.

1878: Inventor Thomas Edison received a patent for the phonograph.

1942: During World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, authorizing the internment of about 125,000 people of Japanese ancestry, including U.S.born citizens.

1945: Operation Detachment began as U.S. Marines landed on Iwo Jima, launching a monthlong battle to wrest control of the island from Japanese forces.

FEB. 20

1792: President George Washington signed legislation establishing the United States Post O ce Department, predecessor to today’s U.S. Postal Service.

1907: President Theodore Roosevelt signed an immigration law barring the entry of individuals deemed mentally unt, including those labeled at the time as “idiots,” “imbeciles,” “feeble-minded persons,” “epileptics” and “insane persons.”

1962: Astronaut John Glenn became the rst American to orbit the Earth, circling the globe three times aboard Project Mercury’s Friendship 7 spacecraft in a ight lasting 4 hours and 55 minutes before splashing down safely in the Atlantic Ocean.

FEB. 21

1848: Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels published “The Communist Manifesto” in London.

1885: President Chester A.

gan the siege of the Alamo in San Antonio. Nearly all of the roughly 200 Texas defenders, including Davy Crockett, were killed in the 13-day battle.

1903: President Theodore Roosevelt signed an agreement leasing land at Guantanamo Bay to the United States. The naval base remains in operation, along with a high-security detention facility.

1945: During World War II, U.S. Marines on Iwo Jima captured Mount Suribachi and raised two American ags.

FEB. 24

Arthur dedicated the Washington Monument.

1916: The Battle of Verdun, the longest engagement of World War I, began in northeastern France.

1965: Civil rights leader Malcolm X, 39, was assassinated at Harlem’s Audubon Ballroom in New York. Three Nation of Islam members were convicted; two were exonerated in 2021 after new evidence emerged.

FEB. 22

1732: George Washington, the rst president of the United States, was born in Westmoreland County in the Virginia Colony.

1784: The merchant ship Empress of China departed New York on the rst American trade voyage to China.

1980: The “Miracle on Ice” unfolded at the Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York, as the U.S. hockey team stunned the Soviet Union 4-3. The Americans went on to win the gold medal two days later with a 4-2 victory over Finland.

FEB. 23

1836: Mexican troops be-

1803: In Marbury v. Madison, the U.S. Supreme Court established the principle of judicial review, a rming its authority to determine the constitutionality of laws.

1942: The SS Struma, carrying nearly 800 Jewish refugees from Romania to British-mandated Palestine, was torpedoed by a Soviet submarine in the Black Sea; all but one aboard were killed.

1988: The Supreme Court unanimously overturned a $200,000 award won by the Rev. Jerry Falwell against Hustler magazine and publisher Larry Flynt, expanding First Amendment protections for parody and satire.

FEB. 25

1913: The 16th Amendment, authorizing Congress to levy and collect income taxes, was declared in e ect by Secretary of State Philander Chase Knox.

1956: Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev delivered a lengthy speech denouncing the brutality and “cult of personality” of his predecessor, Josef Stalin at a Communist Party congress.

1964: Muhammad Ali, then known as Cassius Clay, won his rst world heavyweight title, defeating Sonny Liston in Miami Beach.

‘Adolescence,’ ‘Train Dreams’ win top prizes at Film Independent Spirit Awards

“The Perfect Neighbor” won best documentary

By Lindsey Bahr The Associated Press

CLINT BENTLEY’S lyr-

ical Denis Johnson adapta-

tion “Train Dreams “ won the top lm award at the Film Independent Spirit Awards on Sunday in Los Angeles, while “Adolescence” dominated the television categories. Both were released on Net ix.

Bentley also won best director for the lm starring Joel Edgerton, whom he thanked profusely for “being the heartbeat of our lm.”

“We’re so grateful to Netix,” Bentley said. “It’s very, very hard these days to lm in the United States, but it’s worth it and we’re proud to be able to pull it o .”

Edgerton missed out on the top acting prize, however, which went to Rose Byrne for “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You.”

The organization switched to gender-neutral acting categories in 2022. Byrne was one of the few ac-

CHRIS PIZZELLO / AP

Erin Doherty accepts the award for best supporting performance in a new scripted series for “Adolescence” during the Film Independent Spirit Awards on Sunday in Los Angeles.

tors nominated for both a Spirit Award and an Oscar, for her performance as a mother on the edge.

“I share this with Mary Bronstein, my writer-director who fought for eight years to get this movie made,” Byrne said.

She added that this was a lm that could have only been made independently. Her character, she said, is “ erce and ferocious and a middle-aged woman.”

“Adolescence” won new scripted series, best actor for Stephen Graham, best supporting actor for Erin Doherty, and the breakthrough prize for Owen Cooper.

The show, which serves as a fundraiser for Film Independent’s year-round programs, was held at the Hollywood Palladium for the rst time since 1994 as its longtime beachside perch in Santa Monica undergoes renovations. Comedian and “Saturday Night Live” veteran Ego Nwodim hostedthe celebration of independent lm and television, which was livestreamed on YouTube.

“In the spirit of independent lmmaking, we don’t have a permit,” Nwodim said in her opening. “If I shout, ‘cameras down,’ you know what to do.”

“The Secret Agent” won the international feature prize. The lm is also nominated for best picture and best international lm at the Oscars.

“I really believe that programming lms in the cinemas is more and more a political act,” said director Kleber Mendonça Filho.

Christian Siriano invites New York Fashion Week guests into surrealist dream

The bold 2026

By Beatrice Dupuy The Associated Press

NEW YORK — Christian Siriano barely had 48 hours to design his nale gown for his New York Fashion Week show. The iridescent green liquid fabric Siriano had ordered from Italy was stuck in customs for weeks before it nally arrived shortly before Thursday’s runway show.

The designer of “Project Runway” fame may have been accustomed to executing his designs on a tight deadline, but with months to design his other looks, he told The Associated Press, that the last-minute design brought a fresh wave of excitement ahead of his show.

“The best dresses come at the end because I’m really, really in it,” he said.

Unlike his previous shows, where Siriano decorated his venues in sync with this theme, this time around the designer pared down the atmospheric drama allowing his clothes to speak for themselves. For his latest collection, the designer

experimented with texture and a variety of colors to create his surrealist dream.

“It was more of an idea of this fantasy dream, maybe like

a Dali painting that can never be explained,” he said. “It really is this dreamlike world that hopefully everybody feels really beautiful in.”

Siriano’s fashionable crew of celebrity friends and loyal customers sat front row, including actors Leslie Jones, Uzo Adu-

He dedicated the award to the late actor Udo Kier, who was part of the ensemble of “The Secret Agent.” “The Perfect Neighbor,” about a deadly shooting incident in Florida constructed primarily from police bodycam footage, won best documentary. Filmmaker and producer Geeta Gandbhir thanked Netix for “giving us a global platform.” It’s also up for the best documentary Oscar.

Eva Victor won the screenplay prize for “Sorry, Baby.” Naomi Ackie also won the supporting award for Victor’s lm over fellow nominees like Zoey Deutch (“Nouvelle Vague”), Kirsten Dunst (“Roofman”), Nina Hoss (“Hedda”) and Archie Madekwe (“Lurker”).

The awards sometimes overlap signi cantly with major Oscar contenders and winners, as it did with “Anora,” and “Everything Everywhere All At Once,” and sometimes not. Organizers limit eligibility to productions with budgets less than $30 million, meaning more expensive lms like “One Battle After Another” are not in the running.

Whoopi Goldberg and rock singer Taylor Momsen.

The show opened with black and white structured looks before models emerged dipped in a sea of colors. They stopped along the runway to pose with their hair transformed into a surrealist swoop style, crisscrossed around their necks.

Siriano’s collection reimagined red-carpet silhouettes, including eye-catching gowns with dramatic asymmetric necklines and exaggerated tulle sleeves or peplums. Even his black and white designs featured shimmering fringe, alluring cut outs, feathers or delicate beading.

Siriano’s looks are not for the wall ower. The designer fashioned several revealing sheer looks.

In typical Siriano fashion, the runway was lled with models of all sizes and genders.

“We need to escape and be somewhere else … in a dream world,” he said.

Siriano’s standout looks of the night featured pops of color including a chartreuse lace cropped jacket and maxi skirt, and the bright green ombre bubble gown that arrived shortly before his show.

Siriano’s supermodel muse Coco Rocha closed the show in the ombre bubble gown. As Rocha theatrically posed down the runway, she locked eyes with guests. Celebrity guest Jones cheered on the model, yelling “drama” as she passed by.

famous birthdays this week

Smokey Robinson is 86, Cindy Crawford turns 60, David Ge en hits 83, Drew Barrymore is 51

The Associated Press

THESE CELEBRITIES have birthdays this week.

FEB. 19

Singer Smokey Robinson is 86. Rock musician Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath) is 78. Author Amy Tan is 74. Actor Je Daniels is 71. Actor Ray Winstone is 69. Singer Seal is 63. Actor Benicio Del Toro is 59.

FEB. 20

Racing Hall of Famer Roger Penske is 89. Hockey Hall of Famer Phil Esposito is 84. Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) is 84. Film director Mike Leigh is 83. Actor Sandy Duncan is 80. Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley is 63. Model Cindy Crawford is 60.

FEB. 21

Film and music executive David Ge en is 83. Actor Tyne Daly is 80. Actor Anthony Daniels is 80. Actor William Petersen is 73. Actor Kelsey Grammer is 71. Country musician Mary Chapin Carpenter is 68.

FEB. 22

Actor Paul Dooley is 98. Actor James Hong is 97. Actor Julie Walters is 76. Basketball Hall of Famer Julius Erving is 76. Actor Kyle MacLachlan is 67. Golf Hall of Famer Vijay Singh is 63. Actor Drew Barrymore is 51.

FEB. 23

Football Hall of Famer Fred Biletniko is 83. Actor Patricia Richardson is 75. Singer Howard Jones is 71. Japanese Emperor Naruhito is 66. Actor Kristin Davis is 61. Business executive Michael Dell is 61.

FEB. 24

FEB. 25

Former talk show host Sally Jessy Raphael is 91. Actor Tom Courtenay is 89. Film director Neil Jordan is 76. Rock musician-actor John Doe (punk band X) is 73. Comedian Carrot Top is 61. Actor Tea Leoni is 60. Actor Sean Astin is 55. Actor Rashida Jones is 50.

Actor Dominic Chianese is 95. Nike co-founder Phil Knight is 88. Actor Barry Bostwick is 81. Actor Edward James Olmos is 79. Musician George Thorogood is 76. Boxing Hall of Famer Floyd Mayweather Jr. is 49.

Emma Thompson, Jennifer Garner,

‘The

Night Agent,’

Hilary Du drops “luck… or something”

The Associated Press

THE EMMA Thompson-led thriller “Dead of Winter” and Hilary Du ’s rst full-length album in 11 years are some of the new television, lms, music and games headed to a device near you. Also, among the streaming o erings worth your time this week: A new season of “The Night Agent” lands on Net ix, Dove Cameron and Avan Jogia star in the new series “56 Days” for Prime Video, and Harris Dickinson’s brilliant directorial debut, “Urchin,” lands on Hulu.

MOVIES TO STREAM

Dickinson might be best known for his acting in lms like “Babygirl,” but last year he proved himself to be a lmmaker to watch as well. His brilliant directorial debut, “Urchin,” streaming now on Hulu, follows in the social realist tradition of Ken Loach in chronicling the ups and downs of an unhoused addict (Frank Dillane) in London.

HBO Max has the Thompson-led thriller “Dead of Winter” arriving on Friday. Thompson plays a grieving loner who gets lost near a Minnesota lake during a blizzard and stumbles on a cabin where a young woman is being held by an armed couple. And if Emerald Fennell’s “Wuthering Heights” leaves you wanting more (or moor) Cathy and Heathcli , there are plenty of other versions streaming on various platforms. There is of course William Wyler’s lush but much condensed 1939 lm, with Laurence Olivier and Merle Oberon (on HBO Max and Criterion Channel). The 1992 version (free on Kanopy) starring Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche is one of the most faithful to Brontë’s text for actually including the second generation of Lintons and Earnshaws. Andrea Arnold’s underseen lm, released in 2011, (free on Tubi) notably features a multiracial actor, James Howson,

Dove Cameron

Du releases “Luck… or Something,” her rst album since 2015’s “Breathe In. Breathe Out.”

“It’s a long, long way, way down, down to Cloud 9.”

as Heathcli , opposite Kaya Scodelario’s Catherine. There’s also the British television miniseries from 2009 with Charlotte Riley and Tom Hardy that’s available on BritBox.

MUSIC TO STREAM

The millennial queen hath returned. Du will release her rst full-length since 2015’s “Breathe In. Breathe Out.” on Friday. Titled “luck… or something,” the album is a 11-track collection of nostalgic pop, the ideal listening experience for those still devastated by the tabled, adult “Lizzie McGuire” reboot. Of course, this time around, Du has won out, and the themes are, as one song title puts it, “Mature.” It is not too late to hop aboard

the Megan Moroney train, but the rest of us are pulling out of the station — and following her to greener pastures. The country singer-songwriter emerged as a fully realized talent with the release of her platinum-selling single “Tennessee Orange” a few years back; her 2024 sophomore album “Am I Okay?” only strengthened her charms. Now she’s preparing to release “Cloud 9,” out Friday to win over even more hearts. There’s a reason “6 Months Later” has been inescapable on country music. Isn’t it time you found out why?

SERIES TO STREAM

Cameron and Jogia star in a new series “56 Days” for Prime Video as Ciara and Oliver, who meet by chance at a grocery store, embark on a whirlwind, passionate romance. Fifty-six days later, homicide detectives nd a decomposed body in a bathtub which could be Ciara or Oliver, leaving the question, who killed who? It’s based on a best-seller by Catherine Ryan

Howard. Cameron and Jogia, who started out on Disney and Nickelodeon, respectively, show they’re not kids anymore in this sexy thriller. A new season of Net ix’s “The Night Agent” arrives Thursday. It stars Gabriel Basso as Peter Sutherland, a secret operative working in counterintelligence for the FBI. In Season 3, he’s on a mission to nd a treasury secretary who has ed to Istanbul after committing murder, that leads to the discovery of a dark money network. Information may be power, but it can also be deadly and Peter’s in trouble.

Jennifer Garner’s “The Last Thing He Told Me” returns Friday on Apple TV. It’s based on novels by Laura Dave. Garner plays Hannah Hall, a new wife and stepmom whose world is rocked in Season 1 when her new husband, Owen, (played by Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) disappears, leaving a note to protect his teen daughter, Bailee (played by Angourie Rice). Season 2 picks up ve years later when (spoiler alert, but

it’s in the trailer) Owen shows back up. Now the three are in danger. Garner, who mastered ght scenes for her breakout role in the TV show “Alias” and as Marvel assassin Elektra, gets to show her kicks and punches.

VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

Stealth games like Thief, Dishonored and Splinter Cell have seen better days, but at least one developer — France’s Cyanide — is trying to carry the genre forward. In Styx: Blades of Greed, you are a goblin who isn’t particularly well-equipped to ght toe-to-toe against orcs and other bullies. But if you take the sneaky approach, you can ll your pockets with quartz, the most valuable and volatile substance in this fantasy world. Magic powers like invisibility and mind control make it a little easier to avoid brawling, but if things get out of hand, you can whip out a glider and y away. The heist begins Thursday on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S and PC.

Duplin Journal

Duplin County Hall of Fame calls for nominations

Duplin County

The Duplin County Hall of Fame has extended its nomination deadline to Feb. 26. Nomination forms are available at the Duplin County Public Library and Cooperative Extension Service in Kenansville, the Duplin Times in Kenansville and Duplin Journal in Wallace. For questions, call 910-296-3676. The Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made signi cant contributions to Duplin County.

Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group

Kenansville

Duplin County Senior Services will host an Alzheimer’s caregiver support group on March 3 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. The group provides support and resources for caregivers. Call 910-296-2140 for details.

Tri-County EMC scholarships

Duplin County

High school seniors in Duplin County have the chance to earn scholarships ranging from $250 to $750 to support their college or vocational education through Tri-County EMC. Awards are available for students attending four-year colleges, community colleges, technical schools, or non-traditional students. Applicants must be graduating seniors who are members of Tri-County EMC, children of members or live in a home served by the cooperative. Eligible high schools include North Duplin, East Duplin, Duplin Early College and James Kenan. Applications are due March 31.

Scholarships applications available

Duplin County

Cypress Creek Renewables is awarding $2,500 Energizing Tomorrow’s Leaders scholarships to graduating seniors interested in STEM or energy careers. Funds can be used for tuition, housing or books at accredited U.S. colleges, universities or certi cate programs. Applications are open through April 10. More information is available at ccrenew.com/scholarships.

Flea market and bake sale

Mt. Zion Church in Beulaville will host a ea market and bake sale on March 7 and March 14, from 7 a.m. to noon, with ham biscuits, homemade desserts, and a wide selection of clothing and items. The market will also be open March 5, 6, 12 and 13 from 3-6 p.m. The church is located at 367 Cedar Fork Road. For more information, call 910-324-1905.

$2.00

Night to shine

Guests enjoy the annual Night to Shine prom at the Charity Mission Center in Rose Hill, hosted by volunteers from Poston Baptist Church in Wallace. The Tim Tebow Foundation event provided a formal prom night experience for people with special needs age 14 and older. For more, turn to page A6.

Teachey man charged with threatening to kill sheri , judge

Matthew Tart faces two felonies and possible additional charges

By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal

A TEACHEY MAN has been arrested by the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation for threatening on Facebook to kill a Superior Court judge and the Duplin County sheri . Matthew Tart was taken into custody Feb. 11 on two felony charges of threatening an executive, legislative, court or local elected o cial. The charges stem from threats Tart made against Sheri Stratton Stokes and Superi-

or Court Judge Henry Stevens. Tart, who according to his Facebook page turns 37 on Feb. 25, will likely spend his birthday in the Duplin County Detention Center.

Tart also threatened Tony James, one of two candidates challenging Stokes in the Republican primary for Duplin County sheri , which resulted in a misdemeanor charge since James does not currently hold o ce. He also threatened all judges and magistrates in the county on his Facebook page but did not speci cally name them. Stokes said more charges could follow after the case is presented to a grand jury.

Developer proposes new 170-acre community behind Wallace Walmart

The Bryant Farm development would be on River Road

By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal

THE WALLACE TOWN Council voted at its Feb. 12 meeting to schedule a public

The board also held public hearings and voted to annex three properties into town limits: the wastewater treatment plant, a water tower site along N.C. Highway 117 and Farrior Park.

Duplin has about $5 million in economic development funding that must be spent by June 30

By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal

BEULAVILLE — Town lead-

ers are looking to tap into millions in unspent state economic development dollars to help build out East Park Industrial Park on Lyman Road. Scotty Summerlin, executive director of the Duplin County Economic Development Commission, told the board at its Monday night meeting that the county received $12 million

hearing for March 12 on a proposed 170-acre development known as Bryant Farm on River Road behind Walmart.

Plans call for a mix of single-family homes and townhouses along with two recreational facilities with pools and amenities.

Town Manager Rob Taylor said the planning board has already approved the plans.

from a statewide funding pool in 2023 and has about $5 million left to spend. The money must be used by June 30 or the county risks losing it, though Summerlin said an application for an extension has been led. So far, the funding has paid for industrial buildings at Air Park in Kenansville and in Wallace — large shell structures of 50,000 to 100,000 square feet with utilities in place. Commissioner Gene Wickline questioned whether buildings that size made sense, noting that spaces of 3,000 to 10,000 square feet are renting quickly in Wilmington.

After the public hearing, the council will need to approve a zoning change to “planned unit development” before construction can begin. The property is within the town’s extraterritorial jurisdiction, but the developer has already requested annexation after zoning approval.

“The county is here to help any way possible.”

Scotty Summerlin, Duplin County Economic Development Commission

Parks and Recreation Director David Bizzell told the board participation in town sports programs has grown 12%. He outlined plans to build tennis and soccer complexes at Farrior Park and a splash pad at another park.

To pursue grants for the complexes, the board approved

Loretta Carey

O ce Phone: 910 463-1240

To place a legal ad: 919 663-3232; Fax: 919 663-4042

Kenansville navigates new software rollout

The town manager cited compatibility issues, learning curves and rising costs with the new program

By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal

WHEN KENANSVILLE

Town Manager Anna West

rst heard the pitch for new software from the League of Municipalities, it sounded like a good t. The League is a well-respected resource for towns and cities across North Carolina. The software was o ered free for the rst three years, which West said made it appealing.

The new software, from a company called Black Mountain Software, has presented implementation challenges in Kenansville. According to West, a major issue is that the town’s old software, called “FMS,” is not compatible with Black Mountain for transferring data. West said this has been especially challenging for Town Clerk Madison

from page A1

creating a parks and recreation reserve fund to pay grant writer John Wood for preparing the application. The board also approved Taylor’s request to appropriate $23,000 for the grant preparation, with those funds to be repaid from the sale of the Rose House.

Council member Glenn Price questioned Taylor and Public Services Director Brent Dean about emergency repairs to the town’s recently completed sewer and lift station project, built to serve the growing area between Tin City and River Landing. A joint failure in the new line caused a sewage leak.

“My understanding is there was a joint that blew out, and it blew out because the bolts were not torqued,” Price said.

The issue was reported to the state, as required, but the state has yet to respond.

Taylor said the town relied on Stroud Engineering for oversight, adding, “We worked with Stroud Engineering, who had people on site, but we weren’t on site.”

Dean said the site had been cleaned up but that some sewage had entered a nearby pond before the repair.

“It’s disturbing that what is probably the critical junction coming o the pump, highest pressure, and no one torques the bolts to the right spec,” Price said. “It’s a brand-new project, and we’re sitting here holding the bag. I understand they came and xed it, but we extended man-hours and time for something that shouldn’t have happened because of improper oversight. I’m not happy about it.”

“I’ll let Stroud know,” Taylor said.

Mayor Pro Tem Francisco Rivas-Diaz, presiding in the absence of Mayor Jason Wells, opened the meeting by presenting a proclamation to Tasha Herring in honor of her late mother, Lillie Martin. Martin was the rst African American businesswoman in Duplin County and was recognized for her contributions to the community.

The council’s budget retreat is scheduled for March 5-6.

Feb. 11

• Raymond Lamont Batts, 58, was arrested by DCSO for driving while impaired.

• Lameisha Shanee Bryant, 33, was arrested by DCSO for shoplifting concealment of goods, misdemeanor larceny, driving while license revoked and handicapped parking violation.

• Jose Elvin Dominguez Enmorado, 39, was arrested by NC Highway Patrol for driving while impaired, reckless driving and no operator’s license.

• Brook Alissa Kennedy, 25, was arrested by DCSO for possession of drug paraphernalia and carrying a concealed gun.

• Evelio Mendoza, 33, was arrested by DCSO for misuse of 911 system and resisting a public o cer.

• Alfredo Torres, 40, was arrested by DCSO for driving while impaired.

Feb. 12

• Mcgwire Lon Record, 26, was arrested by DCSO for driving while license revoked and communicating threats.

• Luis Enrique Tezen Lopez, 25, was arrested by DCSO for driving while impaired, no operator’s license and reckless driving to endanger.

“Finally you become unconsciously competent. It’s sort of like riding a bicycle.”

Anna West, Kenansville town manager

Jones in creating utility bills.

“The layout is di erent and the printing is di erent,” West said. “(The old software) would print using the customers’ names in alphabetical order. Now it’s by account number, and the account numbers are di erent from the old account numbers.”

West said it complicated the change to the new software when the League of Municipalities insisted they place the new software in service by the end of December, during the already busy Christmas season.

“They shoved us into December with payroll,” West said.

Utility bills, payroll and

Feb. 13

• Jaylin Hudson, 23, was arrested by DCSO for assault on a female, communicating threats and injury to personal property.

Feb. 14

Brandi Faith Best, 27, was arrested by DCSO for identity theft, obtaining property by false pretense and felony conspiracy.

• Cody Glenn Best, 26, was arrested by DCSO for obtaining property by false pretense, identity theft, forgery of instrument and felony conspiracy.

• Douglas Donnell Bradshaw, 47, was arrested by Beulaville PD for felony possession of Schedule II controlled substance, selling Schedule II controlled substance, manufacturing Schedule II controlled substance, delivering Schedule II controlled substance and possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver Schedule II controlled substance.

• Carmen Larelle Hobbs, 36, was arrested by DCSO for possession of methamphetamine, maintaining a vehicle or dwelling place for controlled substances, nancial card fraud and possession of controlled substance on prison or jail premises.

• Christopher Jaden Mcneil, 26, was arrested by DCSO for simple possession of Schedule VI controlled

other town business items are handled through the software. West said other communities have experienced similar issues. Two contractors who work with multiple local governments recently told her that three municipalities that switched to Black Mountain were dissatis ed.

West has tried to maintain a sense of humor while navigating the software integration process.

“When I was at First Citizens, somebody shared with me the learning curve,” she said. “First you’re subconsciously incompetent. Then you become consciously incompetent. Then you become consciously competent, and nally you become unconsciously competent. It’s sort of like riding a bicycle.”

Another issue with the software is cost. While the rst three years are free, West said the company did not provide complete information about costs beyond that period. She has since said she discovered the new software will cost twice as much as the previous program.

Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in

Feb. 20-21

2026 James Sprunt Fire Expo

James Sprunt Community College will host the 2026 Fire Expo, bringing together re ghters, instructors and industry partners from across the region. The expo will highlight the latest tools, equipment and resources for re service professionals. Saturday activities include lunch, vendors, and door prizes. Registration is $30. For more information, call 910-275-6254.

James Sprunt Community College campus, Kenansville

substance and possession of marijuana paraphernalia.

Feb. 15

• Dalton Ray Cavenaugh, 31, was arrested by DCSO for operating a vehicle with no insurance, ctitious or altered title, registration, card or tag, driving or allowing motor vehicle with no registration, driving while license revoked and speeding.

• Charles Alexander Martin, 47, was arrested by DCSO for possession of rearm by felon, carrying a concealed gun, communicating threats, simple assault and unauthorized use of motor vehicle.

• Damien Drew Smith, 34, was arrested by DCSO for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

• Matthew Lane Tart, 37, was arrested by DCSO for threatening a public o cial and simple assault.

Feb. 16

• Tyler Edward English, 33, was arrested by DCSO for violating domestic violence protection order, eeing or eluding arrest with a motor vehicle, reckless driving and driving while license revoked.

• Keith Alvin Hannah, 55, was arrested by DCSO for larceny of motor vehicle and breaking and entering a motor vehicle.

Feb. 21

Cake auction

4:30 p.m.

The Duplin County Democratic Party will host its annual cake auction. Attendees can enjoy food, fun and fellowship while raising funds at the Country Squire Restaurant.

748 N.C. Highway 24B/50, Warsaw

Feb. 21-22

Monster Truck Wars Monster Truck Wars features multiple shows with high-energy performances. Saturday shows are at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m.

Duplin County Events Center, Kenansville

Feb. 21

Black History Month observance

3:30 p.m.

The Charity School Alumni Association will observe Black History Month with a community program at the Charity Missions Center. The public is invited to attend the program, fellowship with alumni and community members, and enjoy a soul food meal. The keynote speaker will be Monte Thorne, former chair of the Duplin County Democratic Party. Thorne served 21 years in the U.S. Army and currently serves as chair of the Duplin County Board of Adjustment.

1333 W. Charity Road, Rose Hill

Teachey water bills to increase

A rate hike approved in 2022 was never applied due to software changeover

By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal

RESIDENTS IN THE town of Teachey will notice an increase in their town water bills soon, which is actually an action approved by the town’s board of commissioners in 2022.

During the town board meeting Feb. 9, Teachey town administrator Morgan Jacobs advised the commissioners that the increase had not been applied to the bills since it was approved several years ago. Jacobs said the town was converting to new software during the rate change and adding the change had fallen through the cracks.

The town cannot legally apply the rate increase retroactively, so the new rate will likely show up in the March bill. Town Attorney Joseph Ezzell advised the board they could not apply the increased rate unless the current town budget re ects the increase voted on in 2022.

Also on the topic of water, Teachey public works director James Parker reported the recent freezing temperatures had taken a toll on some water pipes in the town.

“We’re still nding customers with broken water lines going to their houses.”

James Parker, Teachey public works director

“We’re still nding customers with broken water lines going to their houses,” Parker told the board. “I got a call this afternoon before the meeting and had to shut someone’s water o because they had a busted water line under the driveway.”

Those who were victims of busted pipes because of the freeze could face water bills even higher than the 5% increase approved in 2022 because of the leaks after the pipes began to thaw.

The town itself was the victim of an emergency water leak at the corner of Northwest First and Boney streets, across from the town park near the edge of State Street. Parker said if the leak had been another 3 or 4 feet, they would have had to contact the state and shut down the road.

The leak was caused when a joint had pulled apart. The board approved an expenditure of $10,595 to A.C. Schultes of Carolina for emergency repairs to stop the leak.

The busted pipes in town will not only a ect town citizens’ bills, if they were the victim of a busted pipe, but the town itself will likely be hit with a hefty bill as well. According to Parker, the town normally uses about 50,000 gallons of water a day. Because of busted pipes and the joint damage near the park, the town’s water usage increased to 180,000 gallons a day for a few days following the snowstorm.

In other business, local developers Chad Lambert and Robert Stevens of Bert Properties appeared before the board asking if there had been any progress on drafting speci c rules for the town regarding the construction of townhomes for sale.

Lambert and Stevens revealed plans at last month’s board of commissioners meeting to build a new development in Teachey that would feature single-family homes, as well as townhomes, near the intersection of N.C. Highway 117 and Hunter Street. While the development meets zoning requirements, the rules do not address the speci cs for constructing townhomes that would be built for sale rather than rent.

The board had agreed to discuss the issue at a town board workshop held on Jan. 30. Lambert and Stevens asked if the workshop had resulted in any progress on drafting townhome rules.

“At this point, we’re still trying to develop what the townhome ordinance speci cally would be,” Mayor Bobby Jones responded. “I think we still need more time to really dive into that more speci cally.”

Stevens said the delay in drafting townhome rules is a ecting their company nancially.

“I guess the point being is we’re stuck,” Stevens said. “We as developers or business guys, our business is halted until this gets gured out. I would just hope we understand we’re losing money every day . . . because of the hole in your ordinance.”

After a lengthy discussion, the board agreed to hold another workshop to discuss the issue further on Feb. 27 at noon. They also requested Jacobs reach out to the League of Municipalities

to see if they had someone who could attend the workshop to offer guidance on creating an ordinance a ecting townhomes for sale.

During announcements at the end of the meeting, Jones said the town would be serving as host for the next few meetings of the Duplin County Mayor’s Association, with their rst hosting duties on Feb. 19 at 6 p.m. at the Rose Hill Restaurant. They agreed the next meeting of the mayor’s group would be held at the Teachey Fire Department.

It was also announced that the Teachey Spring Fling will be held on March 28 at the town park. The event will feature an Easter egg hunt and free food, in addition to various churches and ministries participation.

Rose Hill meeting rescheduled due to 3 absent commissioners

The town attorney weighed in on remote participation rules for board members

By Mark Grady Duplin Journal

THE ROSE HILL Board of Commissioners found itself in an unusual situation when it came time for their Feb. 10 meeting — they did not have a quorum. Three of the ve commissioners were absent.

Mayor Davy Buckner said two of the commissioners were out of town and would not arrive back in time, while the third had been detained at work. The two commissioners in attendance agreed to reschedule the meeting for Feb. 24 at 6 p.m.

Duplin Journal asked Rose Hill Town Attorney Ken Thompson if it was possible for board members to appear remotely in situations like this one.

“That’s a good question,” Thompson said. “I do know rules regarding board members par-

ticipating remotely were relaxed during COVID, but I believe that may not be the case now.”

Thompson said the concern is that board members appearing remotely may be in uenced in decisions by someone unseen on camera. He also said AI technology has added to the complexity of allowing online participation during town government meetings.

After the failed meeting, Rose Hill Town Administrator Angela Smith sent Duplin Journal a policy approved by the town

board in August 2022 that includes board members attending a meeting via teleconference. The policy allows them to hear and be heard during the meeting, but appearing remotely does not count toward a quorum and limits their participation.

A portion of the policy states, “Per legal opinions, board members who participate remotely can only participate in discussion but cannot vote. Therefore, a ‘remote board member’ cannot serve to achieve a valid quorum number.”

TEACHEY from page A1

In an interview with the Duplin Journal, Stokes said the SBI reacted quickly after being informed of the threats.

“We were concerned just for the fact you had a Superior Court judge being threatened, as well as a candidate for sheri and myself,” Stokes said. “If you go to his Facebook page, apparently he has made some statements in the past, but nothing as explicit as he did Tuesday night (Feb. 10).”

Stokes added that in today’s environment, threats like these cannot be discounted.

“The biggest fear I had, when we were made aware he was making threats, that if something did happen and we had done nothing, it would have been a failure on our part,” he said. “We have to take it seriously.”

Chad Flowers, public information director for the N.C. SBI, said agents were made aware of Tart’s threats from two sources.

Buckner said it was important for the board to meet soon considering some important items on the agenda, including the appropriation of $31,229 for repairs to a gravity sewer line on Charity Road and approval of reconstruction of the sidewalk on the northern side of East Church Street in downtown to improve access to businesses and bring that section into Americans with Disabilities Act compliance. The rescheduled meeting is set for Feb. 24 at 6 p.m.

“Our agents were already looking into it,” Flowers said. “The N.C. information sharing system (NCISSAC) monitors social media chatter. So we became aware these threats were being made. That’s an area we have original jurisdiction over. We immediately sprang into action. We made the arrest within 24 hours of the information getting to us.”

In addition to the noti cation from NCISSAC, Stokes’ department had also reached out to the SBI once it learned of the threats.

A review of Tart’s Facebook page showed a collection of posts and references to himself. He listed his job as “the Messiah” and posted several photos of himself. He has at least four other Facebook pages and shares his posts on all the pages.

Flowers said he had also examined Tart’s Facebook account and concluded, “There’s clearly some type of cognitive issues there.”

THE CONVERSATION

Trip

Ho end, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

Food for thought

In an unexpected way, the monks’ walk may have created community in the places they visited.

IN LARGE CITIES and small towns and at points in between, the Buddhist monks who walked from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C., from late October through mid-February were met with curious crowds, respect and gratitude. According to their leader, the walk was intended to help them nd peace and to spread peace, loving-kindness and compassion across the United States. While onlookers along the monks’ route had many di erent reasons for going out to see them, one woman in North Carolina’s Chatham County may have expressed one commonality. She said, “I think it’s what our nation needs, the one thing right now that people can come together about. Everyone’s so divided. We don’t need to be.”

In an unexpected way, the monks’ walk may have created community in the places they visited. Actually, the monks’ message may have resonated with people hungry for community in these di cult times. Let’s hope the feelings stirred by the walk for peace will result in a renewed commitment to community

COLUMN | LARRY ELDER

in North Carolina and across the nation.

The purpose of these monthly columns is to re ect on the importance of community from a faith perspective. One way I foster my faith and commitment to making my community stronger is to listen to other voices, especially those which challenge my way of seeing and doing things. For many years I have kept a quote journal in which I jot down sayings from a variety of sources. As I read through the journal from time to time, I am struck by how many of the entries concern the importance of working together to build stronger communities. I’d like to share a few of the notations.

“God does not need your good works, but your neighbor does.” — Martin Luther, 16th- century German theologian

“Our job is to love others without stopping to inquire whether or not they are worthy.” — Thomas Merton, American Trappist monk

“We will never have true civilization until we have learned to recognize the rights of others.” — Will Rogers, American social commentator

“Every time I take a step in the direction of generosity, I know I am moving from fear to love.” — Henri Nouwen, Dutch Catholic priest and theologian

“Before you assume, learn the facts. Before you judge, understand why. Before you hurt someone, feel. Before you speak, think.” — Unattributed

“This country will not be a good place for any of us to live in unless we make it a good place for all of us to live in.” — President Theodore Roosevelt

“If you feel pain, you are alive. If you feel other people’s pain, you are a human being.” — Leo Tolstoy, Russian writer

“Ethics is the di erence between what you have a right to do and what is right to do.” — Potter Stewart, Associate Justice, U.S. Supreme Court 1958-1981)

“Just because someone carries it well doesn’t mean it isn’t heavy.” — Unattributed

This is food for thought as you consider your role in making your community better for everyone.

Philip Gladden is a retired Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) minister who lives in Wallace, NC. He can be reached at gladdenphilip620@gmail.com.

Je ries and Schumer denounce Trump’s ‘Racist’ video — but who are they to complain?

But Je ries has his own record of “malignant, bottomfeeder-like behavior.”

ON PRESIDENT Donald Trump’s social media platform, someone in the administration — the White House o ered di erent versions of how this happened — posted a 62-second cartoon video set to the song “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.”

This was posted on a Thursday night and, following cries of “racism,” was removed by noon the following day. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt called the reaction “fake outrage.” Trump said: “I guess during the end of it, there was some kind of picture people don’t like. I wouldn’t like it either, but I didn’t see it. I just, I looked at the rst part, and it was really about voter fraud.”

Asked by a reporter, if he condemns the racist part of the video, Trump said, “Of course I do.”

The video shows Trump’s head attached to a lion con dently strolling through the jungle. Other animals dance as the Trump lion saunters through. On the heads of the other animals are well-known Democrats, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, former President Joe Biden, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, former Vice President Kamala Harris, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, New York Rep. Alexandria OcasioCortez, House Minority Leader Hakeem Je ries and others.

Near the end for about one second, the video showed the heads of former President Barack Obama and former rst lady Michelle Obama on the heads of monkeys. A screenshot of the Barack and Michelle heads on apes went viral. That Biden’s face was on that of a banana-eating orangutan did not seem to disturb anyone.

The outrage was predictable. “Racist”

Donald Trump strikes again! Those crying out included Je ries and Schumer. Je ries said, “He de nitively needs to apologize. It was a disgusting video ... even a handful of Republicans ... nally showed some backbone in pushing back against the president’s malignant, bottom-feeder-like behavior.”

But Je ries has his own record of “malignant, bottom-feeder-like behavior.” As a college student, Je ries praised two of the country’s most prominent antisemites: his uncle and City College of New York professor Leonard Je ries — who compared Jews to “dogs” and “skunks,” and claimed “rich Jews nanced the slave trade — and Nation of Islam’s Louis Farrakhan, who has a decadeslong record of antisemitism.

Hakeem Je ries has long insisted he only “vaguely remembers” defending them. But in 2023, CNN reported the Binghamton University Black Student Union, of which he was a leader, invited Uncle Leonard to speak. When Jewish students protested, Hakeem Je ries “led a press conference” to defend his uncle, despite later saying that “he did not recall any press coverage” of the controversy. CNN said Hakeem Je ries’ 1992 op-ed undermines claims he wasn’t aware of uncle’s antisemitic controversy. He wrote that his uncle challenges the “existing white supremacist educational system and long-standing distortion of history. His reward has been a media lynching complete with character assassinations and in ammatory, erroneous accusations.”

In a research paper called “Dr. Je ries and the Anti-Semitic Branch of the Afrocentrism Movement,” Kenneth Stern

with the American Jewish Committee wrote, “Leonard Je ries was already known for his teaching that blacks are racially superior to whites because blacks, whom he calls ‘sun people,’ have more melanin in their skin than whites, whom he calls ‘ice people.’” But Hakeem Je ries defended his uncle.

After this CNN report, the Republican Jewish Coalition said, “Minority Leader Hakeem Je ries owes the Jewish community an explanation as to why he lied and attempted to cover up his defense of these revolting antisemites.”

At the time, Hakeem Je ries also described black conservatives as “token,” “opportunists” and “house negroes.” He wrote, “Clarence Thomas was appointed by George Bush to the highest court in the nation. Colin Powell was appointed by George Bush to lead the military establishment ‘policemen of the Wall Street Bankers.’” As for Schumer, he called the video “racist. Vile. Abhorrent.” Yet, in 1974, the then-freshman New York assemblyman proposed a blatantly racist scheme to appease whites by ridding blacks from their New York neighborhood. Read the 2006 “American Spectator” article “Race to the Top” by a writer who was present when Schumer outlined his plan.

Democrats and the media, who lick their chops to pounce on “racist” Trump, are silent about Je ries’ record of antisemitism and indi erent about the allegations of Schumer’s anti-black racism.

Larry Elder is a bestselling author and nationally syndicated radio talk-show host. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

Faison Board backs after-school program with bus purchases

Transportation changes aim to save money and expand services

By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal

FAISON — Much-needed changes are coming for Faison’s Park and Recreation following decisions made by the town board at their February meeting.

Exterior access doors were damaged, and the town board approved $3,654.66 to replace them with new doors accessed through a key fob access system. This new system will make it possible to allow access without hired sta — a move that is expected to save the town money. An $84 annual cost for the service operating the doors was also approved.

The after-school program at Faison’s Park and Recreation has been in jeopardy due to a change in available transportation. The school bus system had been transporting enrolled children directly to the program from school, but it can no longer do that. As a result, two town employees have been making trips back and forth in smaller vehicles to transport the children. The town board discussed purchasing retired school buses to solve the problem.

“We have to learn to take care of ourselves. This is our responsibility, and we have to nd a way,” Executive Administrator Jimmy Tyndall said. “The after-school program is very needed. We started with 12 kids, and we can continue to grow. I believe the bus system will increase our visibility and help it grow organically.”

Town Clerk Sharon Lee shared data concerning the net pro t that the program is making for the town.

“The after-school program is really the only revenue that has exceeded the same time last year; it is making money,” Lee said.

With a net pro t of $50,000 from the program, the board

approved the purchase of two retired buses estimated at $7,000 and a $5,000 annual increase to the town’s insurance.

A citizen and former bus driver, B.J.Braswell, was approved to bus kids to the program using the town’s vehicles until the end of the school year. Meanwhile, the town will be purchasing and getting their own buses operational and ready for use by the start of the 2026-27 school year. Both buses will operate on a rotating schedule.

Sheridan Talton, a citizen with a CDL, o ered to help be a driver as needed while town employees work to get proper bus endorsements and/or secure a permanent bus driver. The board approved a budget amendment to move funds to make the bus purchase possible.

In other business, salary ranges were adjusted for all new town employees. The new approved rates range from $12 to $27 per hour based on position and experience.

The board also approved sending a letter to the state responding to a nancial performance indicators audit. Certicates of deposit due for renewal at United Bank earned $33,000

in interest. The board agreed to renew the CDs with the interest added to the principals to keep the accounts growing.

The board went into closed session to discuss personnel matters. Upon returning to open session, members approved appointing Kelly Parks of Seven Springs as town clerk.

“We have had several people apply for this position, and we feel like we have found one that we think ts what we need,” Commissioner Sandy McCarty said. Parks will start at $24 an hour. She is lling the position held by Lee, who is set to retire at the end of March. Lee will help mentor and train Parks in the role.

Lastly, McCarty shared that the re department responded to 40 calls in January, including 21 medical calls and four structure res. The board also discussed committee activity and said the Cemetery Committee needs additional members. Residents were invited to participate in an upcoming F.I.G. meeting to assist with future planning. The next major event for Faison is the Farmers Parade scheduled for March 14.

street system. Construction could begin within a few months pending agency approvals.

“I think you will have more potential users with smaller buildings,” Wickline said.

Summerlin said research early in the projects pointed to 30,000 square feet as the “sweet spot of need” for most businesses.

Mayor Hutch Jones and the commissioners said they want East Park included in any remaining spending. Summerlin was receptive but said there is a complication: The town owns the East Park land, and all of the industrial projects funded so far have been on county-owned property. That could a ect whether the site quali es for the same dollars.

Still, Summerlin said the county could help in other ways, such as building signage and marketing the property.

“The county is here to help any way possible,” he said.

A ordable housing approved

In a separate public hearing, the board approved a rezoning of ve acres along East Park Drive for a new multifamily housing community called Meadow Villas.

Chris Whaley, a representative of Tidewater Association, said the development would include one-, two- and three-bedroom units along with community buildings, playgrounds and picnic shelters. Rent would range from $540 for a one-bedroom to $886 for a three-bedroom, based on the area’s median income.

“Providing additional a ordable housing other than single-family homes helps the long-term goal of industry growth for the town,” Whaley said.

No one spoke against the proposal, and the board approved the rezoning unanimously. The board also formally adopted East Park Drive into the town’s

Other business

The board awarded a contract to East Coast Environmental, the lowest bidder, for asbestos services tied to the Community Development Block Grant – Neighborhood Revitalization housing restoration project. It also approved a request to allow Colliers Engineering to help administer the town’s Urban Tree Grant.

New appointments were approved to the Tree Advisory Board — Commissioners Wickline and Russ Lanier, along with Rebecca Brown, Saundra Miller and Marcia Jones — and Gwen Mercer was appointed to the Zoning Board.

The board passed resolutions approving the 2024 Local Water Supply Plan and the Sampson Duplin Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan.

Public Works reported 2.8 inches of rain in January and average daily water usage of 152,000 gallons. The town has begun accepting bids on engineering upgrades at its wastewater plant.

Police Chief Karl Mobley reported fewer calls in January and said the department has lled its last full-time vacancy.

Town Manager Lori Williams announced the chamber banquet will be held Feb. 19 at 6 p.m. A drive-thru public shredding event is set for 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 28, and the next bulk trash pickup is March 25.

Williams said the town’s Facebook page views have increased more than 358% since July 2025, crediting contractor Tracy Sanderson. The town is also interviewing for a part-time position and hopes to make a hire by March.

The board went into closed session to discuss economic development.

under

of a

Rose Hill hosts Night to Shine prom for guests with special needs

Tim Tebow Foundation and hosted locally by volunteers from Poston Baptist Church in Wallace, featured a full evening of dinner, games, karaoke, a red carpet crowning ceremony and a re truck parade through town.

By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal

ROSE HILL — The Charity Mission Center was transformed into a prom venue Friday night for the annual Night to Shine, a formal event for people with special needs age 14 and older.

The event, organized by the

Guests began checking in at 4:30 p.m. to get their hair and makeup done, shoes shined and ties tied. Each guest received a lanyard with their name and information about their interests, and was paired with a buddy to help navigate the evening. A dinner of chicken tenders and sides was served around

5 p.m., with game and karaoke rooms open throughout the night. Guests played bingo and giant Connect Four, and took turns singing karaoke.

The red carpet began around 6 p.m., when every guest was crowned king or queen in a ceremony meant to honor “the way God sees them each and every day,” according to the Tim Tebow Foundation’s website. Guests were then introduced based on the information on their lanyards and given their moment to walk the carpet.

Some struck theatrical poses to loud cheers, while others of-

“There is one person whose love for them outshines all the glitz of Night to Shine — the Godof the

Tim Tebow

fered quiet waves. Organizers announced each guest’s sensory needs so the audience could respond appropriately. After the ceremony, some

guests hit the dance oor while others boarded party buses for a police-escorted parade through town. Fourteen re departments lined up behind the re station near the World’s Largest Frying Pan, forming a tunnel of ashing lights as the buses passed through.

The evening wound down with a recorded message from Tim Tebow and his wife, Demi, who welcomed guests and expressed their love for the attendees.

“There is one person whose love for them outshines all the glitz of Night to Shine — the God of the universe,” Tebow said in the recorded message. He also extended a Gospel invitation, followed by a prayer from a local pastor. The night ended with a few more songs on the dance oor and gifts for guests on their way out.

WRH all but shut down

JK’s Kentrell Morrisey, who fouled out, to split the regular season series with its longtime rival.

DUPLIN SPORTS Tigers tamed by Goldsboro, thwart Bulldogs

’Dawgs defend their pound

“It was a tremendous win and a great basketball game.”

Dustin Squibb, WRH head coach

WRH rallied from a double-digit de cit to beat JK and nab the No. 2 seed in Swine Valley Conference Tournament

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

TEACHEY — Senior point guard Jamari Carr was having one of the best games of his career on Feb. 13 against archrival James Kenan.

That is until he was ejected for an altercation with Tiger forward Kentrell Morrisey. Carr’s classmates picked up the slack on Senior Night, and so did freshman Kayden

Keith and sophomore Raquan McCrimmon.

And in a way all seven Wallace-Rose players who scored made signi cant contributions that led to a 66-64 come-frombehind win on Steve Robinson Court that took the No. 2 seed in the Swine Valley Conference from James Kenan (15-4, 9-3).

“It was a tremendous win and a great basketball game,” said WRH rst-year head coach Dustin Squibb of his team’s rst signi cant win during a season in which wins often came without the Bulldogs (17-4, 9-3) playing at the top of their game.

“I didn’t say it, but someone pointed out that this was one of the best wins for our program

in a number of years. And we responded in a great way to adversity.”

It was indeed a classic as WRH rallied from a 12-point second-quarter de cit.

Darrius McCrimmon hit a 3-pointer with 49 seconds remaining, and Matthew Wells and Keith combined for three free throws in the nal 36 seconds, though it still took two defensive stands in the nal 26 to secure the win.

McCrimmon hit a bomb to tie it at 63-63, and Wells added two charity tosses after CJ Hill missed a one-and-one.

JK’s Jeremiah Hall, who had ice in his veins after JK lost its

See WRH-JK, page B2

JK might have a rematch with both Goldsboro and WRH in the Swine Valley Conference Tournament

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

TEACHEY — The top three teams in the Swine Valley Conference are in di erent “leagues.”

That fact came to the surface last week when champion Goldsboro (21-2, 12-0) made humbled pie out of JK in Warsaw, 45-24, and a day later when the second-place Tigers (16-3, 10-2) put a 40-22 whipping on third-place Wallace-Rose Hill (15-9, 8-4).

Goldsboro swept the series against JK, and the Tigers did the same to WRH. None of the threesome lost to Midway, Princeton, Rosewood or Spring Creek, who have a combined record of 16 - 66. It creates growing pains for JK, which doesn’t appear to be on Goldsboro’s level, and for WRH, which is vastly improved but not on the same step as the Tigers.

Scarlett heading to NC A&T; Brown, Baker pick Barton

PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Christian Scarlett (NC A&T), sitting from left, Aspen Brown and Jeremiah Baker (Barton) sign to play football in college while anked by Kayla Boney, standing from left, WRH football coach Kevin Motsinger, Nikita and Lowinelyn McGee, and Danielle Baker and Lydell Nixon.

WRH’s Christian Scarlett, Aspen Brown and Jeremiah Baker will stay in-state to play college football

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

TEACHEY — Opportunities to play college football are rare, and according to the NCAA, only 7% of all prep players make it to college. Less than 2% put on Division I gear, while 2% reach the Division II level.

Wallace-Rose Hill’s Christian Scarlett, Aspen Brown and Jeremiah Baker are among the cho-

sen ones from the graduating class of 2026.

Scarlett will suit up for NC A&T, a DI school in Greensboro, while Brown and Baker will migrate together to Barton, a DII school where former Bulldogs running back Corbin Kerr is attending. They bring the number of college signees for WRH to four. Late last season, Duplin County’s Mr. Football, Jamarae Lamb, turned down a handful of DI offers to play at DII Lenoir-Rhyne and enrolled in its spring classes.

“Nick Saban says it takes what it takes, and all three of these guys made the right decisions and worked to do what it took to sit at this table,” said WRH

head coach Kevin Motsinger, who guided a handful of running backs into the DI ranks since taking over in 2017. “And you three had people in your lives that loved and cared for you.”

All three had di erent paths to their signing day.

Scarlett, a 6-foot-4, 350-pound o ensive lineman, is perhaps the most well known of the threesome.

“He was a teddy bear when he rst arrived, having never played the game and completely uncoached,” Motsinger said. “He got in the weight room and invested in himself. He changed his mindset as the

See SCARLETT, page B3

OF THE WEEK

ATHLETE

SPONSORED BY BILL CARONE

Matthew Wells

Wallace-Rose

Hill, boys’ basketball

Matthew Wells is nishing o his prep career on a high note.

Wells, who is averaging 15 points and 7.8 rebounds, has shifted into high gear for the tail end of his senior season.

He’s averaged 1.7 points and 9.4 rebounds in his last six games, which included a key 66-64 win over James Kenan on Senior Night in Teachey when he scored 15 and connected on two game-winning free throws with 36 seconds to play.

He’s hit double gures in the past 14 games and 18 times in 21 outings.

Wells paced the Bulldogs in scoring last season at 11.6 and was third in that category as a sophomore with 7.4 markers.

He played his freshman season (3.2 points per game) with his brother Luke (8.5), who graduated in 2023.

Two weeks ago, Wells signed to play basketball at the University of Mount Olive.

Panthers, Rebels on revenge tours in conference tournaments

ED is looking to avenge two losses to unbeaten Clinton, while ND seeks wins in rematches against the Leopards and Gators

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

CALYPSO — One big knock against conference tournaments is when teams play for the third time and it’s often the same predictable result.

Regular season records are meaningless during the postseason, as the Panthers (17-6, 8-2) and Rebels (16-6) seek revenge against their league foes in the East Central Conference and Carolina Conference tournaments, respectively.

Both schools lost late loop games that prevented them from claiming regular season titles.

ED fell to unbeaten and No. 1 Clinton, while ND lost to Lakewood and also had pair of setbacks to East Columbus, the CC’s top tournament seed.

Yet both played well enough over the course of the season to feel it wouldn’t be a big upset to capture tourney titles on Friday.

Both enter as defending conference tournament champions.

Panthers look to shore up defense

ED had impressive early wins against four larger schools — Jacksonville, Ashley, C.B. Aycock and Croatan (twice) — to give the Panthers an RPI boost.

They gave Clinton everything it wanted during a 51-47 loss in Beulaville on Jan. 20 in a game in which Ms. Basketball Kinsey Cave was sidelined with an ankle injury.

ED fell to the Dark Horses 48-37 on Feb. 6 in Clinton with Cave. The game came after students returned to campus following a snowstorm that canceled in-school teaching for four days.

Clinton (22-0) has steamrolled its way to the top seed, though not having as competitive a schedule as the Panthers.

The Dark Horses await the winner of No. 4 South Lenoir (2-15) and No. 5 Southwest Onslow, while No. 2 ED are in line for a date against the survivor of No. 3 Trask and No. 6 Pender.

The nal is Friday, and nearly everyone is expecting to see the Dark Horses and Panthers play for a third time.

Rubi Davilla (13.3 points per

from page B1

top scorers to fouls — Zamarion Smith and Morrisey — missed a close shot with 26.5 seconds to play and then two free throws with 10.1 seconds remaining.

WRH surrounded him in the paint to gain possession of the ball. Keith canned one of his two free throws with 7.7 seconds to play. CJ Hill, who scored 24 points, missed a long 3-pointer at the buzzer.

The game was intense from start to nish, yet especially in the fourth quarter as the two schools entered the nal eight minutes of play knotted at 48-all.

Zamarion Smith canned two free throws and Wells and JK’s Jeremy Hall traded 3-pointers on consecutive possessions.

Five seconds later, Zamarion Smith is on the bench with ve fouls. Hill followed with a trey of his own to give JK a 56-51 lead, but Aspen Brown and Keith each came up with baskets that tied it up. Another charity toss and hoop by CJ Hill gave JK its nal lead at 61-58.

Morrisey, who did not score a point in the second half, was forced to the bench with ve fouls after Wells cut the margin to 61-60, Hall’s two free throws o his drive into the lane gave JK a three-point edge and seemingly put them in the driver’s seat

game), Phoenix Everett (11.2), Ciara Stuart (10.0) and Jianna Pickett (8.2) have been the ammunition that has Clinton averaging 60.5 points.

ED’s 47.3-point o ense is led by Cave (14.9) and Zoe Cavanaugh (7.4), with Zakoya Farrior (6.1), Bennett Holley (6.2), Lorena Rodriguez (6.1) and Andraia Scarborough (6.0). combining for more than 24 markers.

Simply put, ED will have to rely on its defense, a trademark of teams coached by Mark Lane.

The Panthers stormed past Trask (57-17), Pender (57-20) and South Lenoir (62-20) last week following its heartbreaking loss to Clinton in a game that was close until the end.

Cave netted one less point (17) than Trask, while Cavanaugh had 14 and Holley 12. ED scored the rst 27 points.

A day later, Cave tossed in 20 and had six rebounds, three assists and three steals against the Patriots. Holley added 12, Farrior eight and six steals, and Scarborough six markers and 10 rebounds.

A 20-6 run helped the Panthers separate quickly from the Blue Devils. Cave and Farrior combined for 32, while Scarborough had seven and 11 boards.

Limiting scoring of McKoy key for Rebels

No. 3 ND will have a fresh memory of its possible seminal opponent Lakewood after the Leopards won a 51-42 contest last Friday.

ND plays No. 6 West Columbus (2-16) in the rst round, while No. 2 Lakewood (15-7) faces No. 7 Hobbton (0-12). The winners square o two days later.

No. 1 East Columbus (15-5) waits in the other semi nal for

to its second win over WRH this season.

“We didn’t give up and played it to the end,” Squibb said. “Our young guys — Raquan and Kayden — gave us a lift, and our seniors never gave in. We did a lot of scrambling in the fourth quarter.”

Wells and Keith each tallied 15 points, while Jamari Carr had 10, Darrius McCrimmon eight and his sophomore brother Raquan nine, which included a pair of 3-pointers. Hall scored 16, Zamarion Smith 11 and Morrisey nine for JK.

WRH won for the fth consecutive time and passed JK in the RPI for 3A to earn the second seed in the Swine Valley tournament.

Morrisey scored all but three of his points in the rst quarter when it looked like WRH would not have an answer for his inside quickness. But the Bulldogs hung in there and used a Keith trey to tie it at 1515 entering the second quarter.

Baskets by Smith, Morrisey and a conventional 3-point play by Hill gave JK a 30-20 lead before two baskets by Raquan McCrimmon and a free throw by Jawon Carr made it 33-25 at halftime.

WRH and JK will likely play again in the Swine Valley seminals in Goldsboro. Expect the No. 1 Cougars to be there as well — and in all probability, in the nals on Feb. 20.

Andraia Scarborough is averaging 8.4 rebounds for ED, which will likely play unbeaten Clinton for a third time on Friday in the ECC Tournament nals.

the winner between No. 4 East Bladen (17-6) and No. 5 Union (10-12).

ND split two games against the Gators and Eagles and swept the Spartans.

The nals are Friday at Union High School.

ND lost the second seed to Lakewood as Leopard Areona McKoy took over when Lilly Fulghum, the Rebels’ point guard and second-leading scorer, fouled out at the 6:40 mark of the fourth quarter.

McKoy scored 15 of her game-high 24 points in the second half.

Fulghum held McKoy to seven points Jan. 20 when ND nipped Lakewood 45-42 in Roseboro.

Abbey Rose ripped the nets for 19, with Fulghum and Brown notching 10 apiece. Trinity Bell’s 13 were also a key for the Leopards.

Down 35-20 when ND’s lone senior was forced to the bench, the Rebels held serve as long as they could.

Brown and Norris nailed jumpers, and Rose had two layups and a runner in the lane as ND trailed 44-42 with 1:48 to play.

But Lakewood scored thenal seven points of the game, all via free throws.

Fulghum nal bucket gave ND a 30-24 edge with about four minutes to play in the third quarter. When she went to the bench after her fourth foul, Areona scored seven points during a 9-0 run that gave Lakewood a 33-30 lead it would never relinquish.

Rose and Fulghum combined for all but four of ND’s points by halftime as the two schools were tied at 16-16, which came right after Fulghum’s reverse layup.

One night earlier, Goldsboro beat JK 58-46 as Seven Pounds scored 19 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.

JK was having a hard time covering the Cougars three big men in the paint and used an 18-5 blitz in the second quarter to go in front 35-20

The lead was 41-21 before JK hustled its way to a 19-2 run to trail 43-40 following a Hall layup.

But JK post David Zeleya fouled out 32 seconds later as the Tigers lost a key defensive starter who is undersized but not usually outworked in the paint.

Morrisey had three key baskets during the streak after being largely absent in the rst half as the Cougars controlled action in front of the basket. Goldsboro scored 10 of the game’s next 12 points.

JK whipped Princeton 5646 to start the week as Hill tossed in 15, Smith 14, Zeleya 10 and Eli Avent seven, which included a pair of 3-pointers. WRH had wins over Rosewood and Midway.

Wells scored 19, Keith 13, Jamari Carr nine and Darrius McCrimmon and Dawon Carr seven markers apiece during a 61-47 triumph over Rosewood in Goldsboro.

Wells tallied his second-highest output of the season (26) when WRH dropkicked the Raiders 73-54. Keith zoomed in 13 and Darrius McCrimmon 11.

Crusaders avenge 2 losses during run to Coastal Plain Tournament title

Harrells Christian knocked o No. 1 Green eld and No. 2 Wayne Country Day to win the Coastal Plain 2A/3A Conference ag

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

HARRELLS — When the 3-pointers began to fall, so did Green eld School.

It was an aspect of Harrells Christian Academy’s o ense that wasn’t present in two previous losses to the Wilson-based school that is the No. 1 seed in the NSICAA’s 2A bracket.

Dashaun McKoy scored 29 points and cousin Antonio McKoy 20, and both had 10 rebounds during the Crusaders’ 76-67 semi nal win over the Spartans.

Senior Josiah Crumpler swished a pair of treys, and classmate Collin Cole added a bomb as HCA got somewhat unexpected outside production to support the work of the McKoys and center Amir Moore, who tossed in 13 points and had seven boards.

The McKoys were a combined 17 of 31 from the eld and 14 of 20 from the free-throw line.

“Players stepped up to make shots, and Green eld had to respect that,” said HCA head coach Clayton Hall. “That really opened up the oor and made it hard for them to guard us.”

HCA roared to a 16-5 lead, was in front 29-14 at halftime and led by as much as 20 points in the third quarter.

J’Kaeshi Brunson had ve points and four assists but more importantly held Kobe Edwards to ve points. Edwards is being courted by several Division I colleges (Illinois, Elon, LSU, Mississippi). He entered the night averaging 23.2 points.

“Just incredible defense by J’Kaeshi,” Hall said. “And a great team e ort.”

Harrells Christian Academy has won more than 20 games in each of the past four seasons and last week captured the Coastal Plain 2A/3A Conference Tournament.

Green eld beat HCA 71-63 on Jan. 9 and 64-47 on Jan. 30. No. 3 HCA (26-7) then gunned down Wayne Country Day 68-41 with even more long-range shooting, hitting 7 of 12 (58%) from beyond the arc.

Cole hit four bombs, while reserve Demetrius Jones and the McKoys each added a 3-pointer. HCA connected on 58% of its other shots from the eld.

The Crusaders held the Chargers (24-10) to less than 10 points in each of the rst three quarters, bumping their way to 21-9, 25-15 and 44-22 leads.

HCA fell to Wayne Country 68-46 on Feb. 5 in Goldsboro.

“It was nice redemption,” Hall said. “They made open shots the rst time. It was denitely a tough way to win it all, as we lost the toss for the No. 2 seed as a little incentive.”

Western Carolina signee Antonio McKoy pumped in 32 points, his 13th game with 30 or more this season. He’s averaging 27.8 points and 1.4 rebounds this winter.

Dashaun McKoy added 13.

Both were on point when HCA throttled Parrott 77-47

in the rst round as Dashaun McKoy netted 28 and Antonio McKoy 26. Moore and Jeremiah Davis each had seven markers and combined for 16 boards.

HCA nabbed the sixth seed in the 2A playo s and will open up in Harrells against Epiphany (7-13) early this week. The survivor plays the winner of Liberty Christian (7-13) and Freedom Christian (16-16).

Then things get interesting as No. 3 Burlington would likely be HCA’s third-round foe. Burlington eliminated HCA 53-48 in the 2A semi nals last winter before falling to Caldwell Academy, who is the second seed this season.

The finals are Feb. 21 in Burlington.

“I like where we are sitting,” Hall said. “We’re in a good position and con dent after winning the conference title.”

Panthers look for third encounter with Blue Devils

A win wasn’t far from the ngertips of East Duplin last Friday in Beulaville.

Yet even a 43-37 loss to ECC-winning South Lenoir

SCARLETT from page B1

work changed him as a player.”

The Aggies are in a rebuilding mode. They have gone 17-39 the past ve seasons from after the COVID-19 pandemic, yet were 49-11 from 2015-19 as one of the most highly ranked HBCUs in the nation. They won the HBCU national championships in 2015 and are often referred to as an HBCU “blue blood.”

Pro Football Hall of Famer Elvin Bethea (1968-77), an eight-time Pro Bowl defensive end is the school’s most accomplished player. He played for the Houston Oilers from 1968-82.

“Playing against our defense and Miami (all-Duplin defensive end Adrian Allen) made me a better,” Scarlett said. “Coach Mot and our coaches always got me through tough times. It was an honor to be a Bulldog. Once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog.” Brown, a 6-2, 216-pounder, is a two-sport player at WRH and second on the

(15 -7, 9-1) gives the No. 2 Panthers reason to believe they can take down the Blue Devils on Friday in the league’s tournament nal.

ED (9-11, 6-4) and other league teams have seemingly closed the gap on South Lenoir, who won its rst league title in 20 years.

Dominick Hall scored 19 points, DJ Davis eight and Zack Ball six. An increased condence level might come knowing the Blue Devils have won a lot of games, but most of them were competitive contests.

ED has won ve of its last eight, and while that may not sound impressive, the streak comes after three consecutive losses to Duplin County foes. The Panthers also started slowly, dropping its rst ve games to start the season.

The Panthers face the winner of No. 3 Trask (14-8, 6-4) and No. 6 Pender (0-10, 0-18) in the semi nals Feb. 18 to reach South Lenoir, which will have to conquer the winner of No. 4 Southwest Onslow (10-13, 6-4 and No. 5 Clinton (10-11, 3-7), in the Feb. 20 nal.

Junior Nick Hall had 11

“It was an honor to be a Bulldog. Once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog.”

Christian Scarlett, WRH senior

17-4 Bulldogs basketball team in rebounds.

“His body started to change between his sophomore and junior year and junior and senior season, and that’s when he had gains” Motsinger said. “He put in the work.”

Baker, though, is heading to Barton after a knee injury forced him to forfeit his senior season. It was a huge loss when he went down in WRH’s second scrimmage. The Bulldogs had an emerging and powerful D-line and needed Baker as an inside linebacker.

“I felt a pop,” said Baker, who moved to WRH from Tex-

points, Ball eight, and DJ Davis and Dominick Hall seven apiece as ED crushed Trask 59 -39 last week. Ball and Dominic Hall combined for 23 in the road win over Pender.

Rebels drop another heartbreaker to Vikings Heartbreak on the basketball court might be de ned as losing on a last-second, game-winning shot.

West Columbus’ Garry Brown’s layup with 2.2 seconds left sent his team past North Duplin 50-49 early last week in a key Carolina Conference affair in Calypso.

Jae’lyn Ingram’s basket with 12 seconds remaining gave the Rebels (12-9, 8-4) a 49-48 lead.

The win allowed WC (11-11, 9-3) to share the league title with East Columbus (11-9, 9-3). Ingram, a sophomore, nished with 18, while classmate Messiah Cooper added 13.

ND rallied from a 35-24 decit late in the third quarter behind its sophomores and assistance from senior Carell Phillips and Quan Stevens.

An Ingram hoop tied it and Cooper’s layup gave ND a lead at the 44-42 lead after a 14-1 run.

Ingram gave the Rebels another lead at 45-42 following a pair of charity tosses.

Carell fouled out of the game with about ve minutes to play to put a dent in ND’s defense.

The irony of the loss couldn’t have been any clearer as ND lost to the Vikings by the same score on Jan. 16 in Cerra Gordo.

ND rebounded to bounce Lakewood 59-53 after opening the week with a 70-59 triumph over Hobbton as Ingram scored a season-high 33 points. The No. 3 Rebels face the No. 6 Leopards in the rst round of the Carolina Conference Tournament.

Yet ND will likely get a third shot at West Columbus in the league semi nals should the No. 2 Vikings beat No. 7 Union (4-17, 2-10). Should ND make it to thenal, it will likely face No. 1 East Columbus. The two schools split a pair of games during the regular season.

as when he was in the sixth grade. “I was a coach’s helper all year and coached my backup (Azaryon Clibbon) the entire season.”

Motsinger said the unusual opportunity for Baker isn’t something that happens regularly.

“Life and opportunities in it are precious. This kid didn’t play a down last season and would have made a di erence for us, and (he) still nds his way to Barton.”

Baker said he plans to make the most of his chances in Rocky Mount.

Barton is 22-35 since bringing back the sport in 2021 after a 71-year hiatus. East Duplin’s Kade Kennedy (2022 grad from the 2A-winning title team) played on last year’s squad, as did former James Kenan o ensive lineman Maki Merriman and Richlands’ wide receiver Lenny Halfter-Hunter. Kerr was redshirted because of an injury.

Curling stones are prepared ahead of a men’s curling round robin session at the

Pots,

mop buckets, even

babies:

Anything can be a curling stone if you get

creative

By Julia Frankel and Steve Douglas

The Associated Press

CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy — Dig out your squidgy mop, a few pots and pans — or a robotic vacuum if you have one — and a pair of slippers.

It’s curling time!

Social media has been ablaze with people deploying common household wares to mimic what the world’s top curlers are doing at the Winter Olympics.

“Every four years, it blows up,” American curler Tara Peterson said. “Everyone’s like, ‘We want to do it,’ and then, yes, they get creative with things, so it’s awesome.”

Creative is perhaps an understatement. In one video, two jacketed adults push a baby in a car seat across the ice, chest-bumping in glee. In another, popular Swedish comedian Mans Moller dons a wig a la Isabella Wrana, the Swedish mixed doubles champion, and slides pans into other pans, screaming “CUUUURL!” (Bonus points: He’s outside, like the olden days of curling.)

Then there are the Italian nonnas in the country’s southern Puglia region pushing a silver pot along a stony courtyard, sweeping with broomsticks. Or the hair salon in the Swedish city of Sundsvall, where a stylist hurls hair products toward her colleague. She screams “Curl!” and looks frustrated when the colleague approaches with a — wait for it — curling iron.

Despite such valiant attempts by the public, curlers say you really do need some specialized equipment to do the sport properly (along with a sheet of pebbled ice).

Put on your curling shoes

You can’t use your normal sneakers to go curling. You’ll just slip a lot on the ice. Instead, you’ll need specialist curling shoes that have grips either built into the soles or those that can be strapped on.

Costs vary, but Swedish curler Johanna Heldin said you can pay up to around $700 for them.

“Every four years, it blows up.”

American curler Tara Peterson

Styles vary, too. While most curlers at the Olympics are wearing plain black curling shoes, some have a more casual look — like Taylor Anderson-Heide of the United States, who has donned white, sneaker-style shoes in Cortina.

Sweeping left, sweeping right

Despite sharing the same name, curling brooms and cleaning brooms are very di erent.

Curling brooms swap carbon ber for the wooden or plastic rods typical of household brooms. Nylon pads replace straw bristles. Olympic-level models will set you back around $200-$250, Peterson said.

Broom lightness directly correlates to a curler’s control over a stone’s speed and trajectory. The lighter the broom, the quicker the sweep and the faster the melting of ice pebbles that make up a curling sheet.

In fact, sweeping technology has actually grown so advanced that certain models have been banned from competition. That’s what led to the “Broomgate” scandal, which rocked the curling world beginning in 2015.

Curlers began debuting high-tech brooms that gave sweepers so much control over the stone that the skill of the thrower failed to matter. Those kinds of brooms were then barred from competition by World Curling, which now maintains strict parameters on what kinds of brooms are allowed.

Rock ’n’ roll

The homegrown curling seen on social media makes one thing clear: To the public, anything can be a curling stone.

Even if pots, pans, hair products — and even babies — can do the trick in a pinch, they’re nothing like the curling stones on the ice in Cortina.

If you want Olympic-level material, you’ll have to look to the uninhabited isle of Ailsa Cragi, located 10 miles o the coast of Scotland.

All the stones at these Games are made of the super-dense granite from that isle, manufactured by Kays Curling.

The company has a history with the Olympics dating back to the rst winter edition in 1924 in Chamonix, France. The curling competition then was long thought to have been an exhibition event but eventually was con rmed as ocial. The company has continued to make stones for the Games since curling returned as a medal sport in Nagano 1998.

The Town of Beulaville is seeking funding from USDA and the Viable Utilities Unit of DWI for the following projects:

• Potential WWTP upgrades to include improvements to lagoons, bar screens, telemetry system and electrical system.

• Design and construction of new Public Works facility to include fueling station.

• Stormwater repairs and upgrades.

The Town of Beulaville is soliciting requests for quali cations for professional engineering services to assist the Town of Beulaville in the completion of grant/loan applications as well as engineering/administrative services for the completion of the

Duplin County’s two entries will likely play one another for the third time in the league’s conference tournament this week, and one will advance to face the Cougars, a perennial powerful basketball program. JK and WRH are newcomers to the top levels of the 3A classi cation. Yet the gap to the top schools is closer for the Tigers. East Surry (19 -1) has the highest RPI in 3A, followed by Kinston (19-1), Goldsboro (21-2) and JK (16 -3). WRH is 17th and still in the running for a rst-round in the postseason, given to the top eight schools in both the East and West Regions. WRH can rise in the RPI charts with wins in the seminal and nal. JK can do the same with a triumph over Goldsboro. Neither scenario will come easy based on outcomes this winter.

Cougars’ Boyer makes statement for MVP of Swine Valley

The Cougars broke away early behind the play of Aziyah Boyer, a 5-foot-11 post who proved she can dominate the paint and consistently bang jump shots and free throws. The senior scored 17 points, hauled down 18 rebounds and looked every bit like the MVP of the league.

JK’s counter was the play of Y’Anna Rivers, who had 14 points and eight boards, though she got little help from his teammates, as only three other players hit the scoring column.

Aleyah Wilson netted seven and just three rebounds as the Cougars held a 45-15 advantage on the glass.

Second-leading scorer Gabi Outlaw (10.8 points) was held scoreless for the rst time this season.

A 3-pointer by Nieirah Smith (eight points) and pivot move by Boyer put Goldsboro in front early; midway through the rst quarter, it was 15-0. Rivers responded with a pair of baskets, but Foyer answered with two of her own as the Cougars were on automatic drive with a 19-4 lead.

A putback by LaBria McGowan, a trey by Zaniya Brown and two scoring drives by Rivers midway through the third quarter made things a bit interesting at 24-17. But Goldsboro rallied before Boyer’s putback and buzzer-beater.

Down by 11 entering the fourth, it got ugly quick for JK as Goldsboro went on a 7-2 run before Wilson hit a short jumper to trim it to 37-21. Goldsboro scored nine of the nal 12 points to snap the Tigers’ eight-game winning streak.

The Cougars whipped JK 60-49 on Jan. 9 in Goldsboro. Pesky Bulldogs can’t keep pace with Tigers

Tied at 14-14 after a Savannah Smith layup, Rivers and Outlaw were the driving forces when JK took control against WRH midway through the third quarter. Rivers had back-to-back buckets and two charity tosses to give the Tigers a 22-15 lead. Outlaw hit a 3-pointer and two charity tosses and then two fourth quarter bombs as JK went in front 35-15 early in the fourth

It would only get worse for the Bulldogs as Kendia Smith swished a trey to increase the bulge to 43-15 as the Bulldogs tallied a mere seven in thenal quarter.

The ght was real in the opening half, despite JK rushing to a 7-3 rst-quarter edge. The two teams scrambled for shots the rest of the half after Smith nailed another bomb to start the second quarter. It was 9-9 at the extended break.

Emotions ared when WRH’s Jansley Page and JK’s Smith exchanged pushes and looks as the o cials called double-technical fouls.

The Bulldogs season-best four-game winning streak ended. Smith’s 17 were a season high for WRH.

She tossed in 16 a day earlier when the Bulldogs bumped Rosewood 58-15. QuoRyiona Vines added 11 and post Marion Francis seven.

WRH is having its best season since 2015-16 (17-9), while JK is charting its best face since 2012-13 (21-5).

The Town of Beulaville invites submittal of responses to this Request for Quali cations (RFQ) from rms quali ed in the State of North Carolina to perform engineering services to Lori T. Williams, Beulaville Town Manager at 910-298-4647 or lwilliams@ townofbeulaville.com. The above information must be received no later than 4:00 p.m. on March 27, 2026 at the Town of Beulaville, 508 East Main Street, Beulaville, NC 28518.

The Town of Beulaville is an Equal Opportunity Employer and invites the submission of proposals from minority and women-owned rms.

Doyle Vernon Taylor

March 30, 1959 – Feb. 9, 2026

Warsaw-Doyle Vernon Taylor, 66, of Warsaw, passed away suddenly on Monday, February 9, 2026, at his home. Doyle was born in Wayne County on March 30, 1959, to Charlotte Taylor Henderson and the late John Vernon Taylor.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026, at Community Funeral Home of Warsaw. Burial will follow in the Devotional Gardens. A visitation will be held on Thursday night from 7-9 p.m. at Community Funeral Home.

Left to cherish his memory are his mother, Charlotte Taylor Henderson of Jacksonville, daughter, Amanda Jo Taylor of Mt. Olive; son, Matthew Hardison of Smith eld; brother, Johnny Taylor and wife, Karen of Warsaw; sisters, Karen Taylor Nichols and Nick of Warsaw and Dawn Taylor of Warsaw; grandson, Daniel Hardison.

Mr. Taylor was preceded in death by his father, John Vernon Taylor.

Edgar Lee Hardy

Feb. 25, 1959 – Feb. 13, 2026

Goldsboro- Mr. Edgar Lee Hardy, age 66, entered a world of eternal peace, free from pain, on Friday, February 13, 2026, at Wilson Medical Center in Wilson, North Carolina. The arrangements are incomplete at this time. The Sta at JB Rhodes Funeral Home & Cremation extends our deepest condolences to the family. Please continue to keep the family in your prayers.

Rhonda Durham

Jan. 8, 1961 – Feb. 8, 2026

Goldsboro- Mrs. Rhonda Durham, age 65, transitioned from this life to life everlasting on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at her residence, surrounded by her loving husband. The arrangements are incomplete at this time. We extend our deepest condolences to the family. Please keep the family in your prayers during their time of bereavement.

Joan McDu e Aycock

Oct. 7, 1966 – Feb. 4, 2026

Joan McDu e Aycock, 59, of Faison, NC, entered into eternal rest on February 4, 2026. Funeral service will be 2 p.m. on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Burning Bush Holy Church in Faison, NC. Visitation will be 1-1:50 p.m. (one hour prior to the service). Interment will be in the Cobbs Cemetery, Faison, NC.

Evis Jovany Galvan-Giron

Sept. 21, 1982 – Feb. 15, 2026

Mr. Evis Jovany Galvan-Giron, age 43, of Wallace, NC, passed away on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at home.

A visitation with family and friends will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026, from 6-8 p.m. at Rose Hill Funeral Home Chapel, 472 Wells Town Road, Rose Hill, NC. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 3-7 p.m. at Rose Hill Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at a later date at Cementerio Municipal Sonaguera in Sonaguera, Colón, Honduras.

Donna Kaye Johnson Ellis

Nov. 11, 1955 – Feb. 11, 2026

Warsaw-Donna Kaye Johnson Ellis, 70, of Warsaw, passed away Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at her home after an extended illness. Donna was born on November 11, 1955, to the late Edward Daniel Johnson and Doris Rackley Johnson.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026, at Devotional Gardens of Warsaw. The family will receive friends and family at the Ellis home after the graveside service, 1039 Carlton Chapel Church Road, Warsaw, NC.

Donna is survived by Signi cant Other Jimmy Quinn of Pink Hill; son, Christopher Shaun Ellis, daughter, Heather Nicole Melton both of Warsaw; brother, Edward Forest Johnson and Deborah of Magnolia; sister, Beth J. Bathcelor and Danny of Teachey; grandchildren, George Floyd Melton, III, and Haley Dawn Colee; great grandchildren, Bailey Kaye Colee, Gabriel Colee, Lilth Colee, Khole Melton, Levi Holmes, Beau Melton, Harlyn Holmes and Lori Holmes.

In addition to her parents, Donna was preceded in death by her brother, Fred William Johnson.

Shirley Lee Findlay

Oct. 8, 1937 – Feb. 6, 2026

Mrs. Shirley Lee Findlay, age 88, of Magnolia, NC, passed away on Friday, February 6, 2026, at home.

A visitation of family and friends will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2026, from 6-7 p.m. at Rose Hill Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026, at 2 p.m. at the Rose Hill Funeral Home Chapel in Rose Hill, NC. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Funeral Home Cemetery in Magnolia, NC.

Left to cherish her precious memories are her children: Thomas G. Lee (Nora) of Coats, NC and Patsy Ann Lee of Magnolia, NC; sister, Mavis Bowers of Bronx, NY; four grandchildren, three greatgrandchildren; brother-in-law, George Findlay; a host of other relatives and friends that will miss her dearly.

Larry Donnell McMillan

July 11, 1950 – Feb. 9, 2026

Mr. Larry Donnell McMillan, age 75, of Teachey, NC, passed away on Monday, February 9, 2026, at Brian Center Health and Rehabilitation of Wallace.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the Rose Hill Funeral Home Chapel in Rose Hill, NC. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Funeral Home Cemetery in Magnolia, NC.

Left to cherish his precious memories are his wife, Emma McMillan of the home; two sons: Kenneth Merritt and Miles Bell, both of Teachey, NC; two step children: Beverly Spearman of Teachey, NC and Angela Clibbons of Burgaw, NC; two brothers: Roy D. McMillan (Therea) of Clayton, NC and Allen D. McMillan of Teachey, NC; sister-in-law, Annie Faye Murphy of Teachey, NC; seven grandchildren; aunt Viann Pigford and uncle Glen Pigford; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends that will miss him dearly.

Nathan Lamont Battle Jr.

April 10, 2006 – Feb. 12, 2026

Goldsboro- Mr. Nathan Lamont Battle Jr., 19, completed his earthly journey and transitioned from labor to reward, Thursday, February 12, 2026, at home surrounded by his loved ones. The arrangements are currently incomplete. Please join us in remembering his family in prayer during their time of bereavement.

William Fred Heath

July 3, 1947 – Feb. 10, 2026

William Fred Heath, better known as Fred or “Mullet”, a lifelong resident of Willard, peacefully retired from this earthly life on February 10, 2026, and was welcomed home by the Lord. He was reunited with his parents, Roy T. Heath and Catherine S. Heath (“Mama Cat”); his sisters Jesn Cunnungham, Barbara Matthews, Laura Cumer, and June Godwin; his brother R.T. Heath; and his nephews Harold Register and Mike Cunningham. Fred is survived by his siblings, Virginia Register of Petersburg, VA; Joe Heath and wife Lisa of Rose Hill; his baby sister, Joy Brown, and husband Ray of Goldsboro. Though Fred never married or had children of his own, he was blessed with 17 nieces and nephews and a large extended family that loved him dearly.

A very special place in his heart belongs to his niece, Jamie Leary, her husband, Daniel, and her sons, James Hardison and Noah Leary. To them, Fred was more than an uncle—he was a steady presence, and a loving father gure whose support and guidance meant the world.

Fred was a proud veteran of the United States Navy. After his military service, he worked at J.P. Stevens before settling into a career as a CDL driver. He later ended his career with Diversi ed Energy of Wallace. Fred also appeared in the 1986 movie “Maximum Overdrive”, though he never made a big deal about it. He never met a stranger and seemed to know everyone in town and the surrounding areas. Fred enjoyed family BBQs, a good cup of grape juice and watching Judge Judy. He brought joy to all who knew him and his absence will be felt beyond measure.

Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026, at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home, Wallace Chapel.

The family will receive friends from 1-2 p.m., one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Theodore Roosevelt Bullock Jr.

Aug. 23, 1946 – Feb. 4, 2026

Theodore Roosevelt Bullock Jr., 79, of Browns Summit, NC, passed away February 4, 2026, at the State Veterans Home in Kernersville, NC. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, February 13, 2026, at Greater Six Runs Missionary Baptist Church in Turkey, NC. Public viewing will be 10-10:50 a.m. (one hour prior to the service).

Mr. Bullock will be laid to rest at Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Goldsboro, NC, on Monday, February 16, 2026.

Kim Bordeaux Sr.

March 1, 1959 – Feb. 11, 2026

Kim Bordeaux Sr., 66, of Ivanhoe, NC, passed away February 11, 2026, at his residence. Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Snow Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Ivanhoe. Viewing will be from noon to 1 p.m. (one hour prior to the service). Interment following the service at Jumping Run Cemetery in Ivanhoe, NC.

Roy Lee Shivar

Aug. 13, 1950 – Feb. 7, 2026

Roy Lee Shivar, 75, passed away on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at his home.

Roy Lee Shivar: A True Original

How can you sum up the 75 years of life that Roy Lee Shivar lived in an obituary?

The answer is: you can’t. But we will try our best. Roy spent many years as the owner and operator of a tractortrailer in addition to working with heavy equipment. He loved working in his garden, listening to Bluegrass, watching old Westerns, and riding his two Harley Davidson motorcycles.

His talents were many, including carpentry, singing, and playing his guitar. He was a lifelong learner, and added new talents and skills throughout his life, including technology. He was so proud of that fact, he dubbed himself “The Google King”. What a character! He was an especially talented storyteller, and his grandchildren loved hearing about his adventures (and mis-adventures) from his decades on the road. His laughter was infectious and will always be in our hearts.

Roy is preceded in death by his parents, E.W. Shivar and Thelma Turner Shivar, brothers Carl W. Shivar, Donald Ray Shivar, and sister Nettie Mae Shivar Wehrhahn.

He is survived by his wife, Kim ‘’Kimbo” Shivar, his daughter, Tonya Shivar Braswell, and his ve grandchildren, D.J. (Jesse), Cameron, Rachel and Emma.

He was so dearly loved and will be terribly missed.

Roy’s generous nature, grit, and adventurous spirit will be a legacy his daughter and grandchildren will gladly carry on. In lieu of owers, please consider quitting smoking in his honor instead or donating to the North Carolina Alliance for Health.

Quitline NC: 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) quitlinenc.dph.ncdhhs.gov NC Alliance for Health Donations: ncallianceforhealth.org/donate/

More obituaries on page B6

Robert Kent “Slim” Taylor

June 24, 1964 – Feb. 7, 2026

Beulaville - Robert Kent “Slim” Taylor, 61, passed away Saturday, February 7, 2026, at his home. Mr. Taylor was born June 24, 1964, in Wayne County, NC, to Robert Taylor and Myra Phipps Taylor. Kent, also a ectionately known as “Slim”, was a die-hard Tar Heels fan.

A funeral service will be held at 6 p.m., Monday, February 16, 2026, in the Community Funeral Home Chapel, with visitation to follow the service.

Mr. Taylor is survived by his

Sandra Taylor

Aug. 13, 1946 – Feb. 12, 2026

A kind and Christian, gentle soul, a gracious and loving lady, Sandra Martin Taylor, entered the presence of her Heavenly Father on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at the age of 79. She was born August 13, 1946, in Mecklenburg County, the daughter of Arlo Gaither Martin and Dorothy Cashion Martin. In addition to her parents, Sandra was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Knox Taylor, and sister, Judith Martin Culbreth.

Sandra is survived by her daughter, Anne Taylor Cagwin and her husband, Tim; son, Knox Taylor and his wife, Mollie; grandchildren, Claire Cagwin, Joe Cagwin, Wade Cagwin, Jake Taylor, and Zac Taylor; and many friends.

Sandra was a faithful and active member of Grace Community Church of Topsail, where Sandra requested that memorial donations be given toward the construction of their new church.

Sandra grew up in Newton, North Carolina, and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Later, she received a master’s degree from North Carolina A&T. She was an educator and spent most of her career working in the Pender County school system. She taught computer programming and coordinated the career counseling centers at Pender High School and Topsail

loving and devoted wife, Charity C. Taylor of the home; sons, Nicholas Locklear and wife, Celeste, Matthew Hall, Jaron Hall and Harrison Bennett all of Beulaville. daughters, Carrie Taylor of Beulaville, Rachel Pender and husband, Kalvin of Kenansville, Hailey Locklear of Beulaville, Bella Hall of Beulaville; grandchildren, Sara Baines, Maddie Baines, Gabreial Hernandez, Andrew Pender, Sienna Pender, Kai Pender, Jasper Caron-Locklear, Liam Caron- Wilson. Mr. Taylor is also survived by parents, Robert Taylor and Myra Phipps Taylor; brothers, Phillip Taylor of Clinton and Eddie Taylor and wife, Karon of Warsaw; and numerous nieces and nephews. Mr. Taylor was preceded in death by daughters, Brandi Taylor and Samantha Taylor and brothers, Rodney Taylor and “John Boy” Taylor. The family is welcoming donations towards funeral expenses. Donations can be made in person at Community Funeral Home of Warsaw or by mail to Community Funeral Home of Warsaw, P. O. Box 336, Warsaw, NC 28398.

High School. She also served as the Director of Career and Technical Education for the entire district, retiring after twenty- ve years. In retirement, Sandra turned her attention to international Christian missions. She loved to travel and minister to people around the world. She visited ten countries as a short-term missionary with the International Messengers organization, participating in evangelistic English language camps, discipleship programs, and ministry training programs. When she was no longer able to travel, she continued a strong teaching and prayer ministry online, encouraging many of the people she had met on her travels. She was an active member of Grace Community Church of Topsail as well.

Sandra also devoted herself to her family, traveling to visit and care for her children and grandchildren, whether near or far. She loved the Lord with all her heart and left her family and friends with a legacy of love, service and vibrant faith.

The Celebration of Life will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Hampstead Baptist Church with Pastor Steve Marshall conducting the service. A reception and time of sharing will follow in the church fellowship hall. Sandra’s family is grateful to Hampstead Baptist Church for sharing their facility for Sandra’s service.

The burial and family graveside service will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Burgaw Cemetery, where Sandra will be interred beside her husband, Joseph Knox Taylor.

Flowers are welcome, and anyone desiring to make a memorial gift in Sandra’s honor and memory may do so to Grace Community Church of Topsail, P.O. Box 835, Hampstead, NC 28443, or to International Messenger, 110 Orchard Court, Clear Lake, IA 50428.

The ‘6-7’ craze still going strong at both NBA, college basketball games

LaMelo Ball’s stature sparks the viral phenomenon as fans track speci c scores

By Cli Brunt The Associated Press

NORMAN, Okla. — LaMelo Ball has never been more popular, and it’s not because Charlotte’s 6-foot-7 star has the Hornets ghting for a playo spot.

They hype is largely about his height. And Charlotte is trying to take advantage.

Dictionary.com named the term “6-7” its word of the year for 2025, and the global “6-7” craze is still going strong at pro and college basketball games. Young fans, players and coaches eagerly track when teams near 67 points, and pandemonium ensues when their team hits the mark.

The Hornets and New Orleans Pelicans are among NBA teams that feature “6-7” cams during timeouts at some games. Seth Bennett, the Hornets’ chief marketing o cer, said Charlotte’s marketing and game presentation teams started discussing a possible “6-7” cam to capitalize on the trend and Ball’s involvement in it.

“For us as a franchise, we always want to listen to our fans, and sometimes you listen to observing what they’re into, their trends and likes, and it’s a way for us to connect to that and hopefully have them connect to us in a fun way when they’re experiencing it here,” Bennett said.

The Hornets’ cam is mostly limited to kids days and weekend games so it doesn’t get old.

Michael Robinson, who attended a game between the Hornets and 76ers with his 6-year- old son, Abel, said it’s nonstop at home.

Abel said he learned about it from his friends and on YouTube.

“It’s just cool,” Abel said. “It’s fun.”

The “6-7” originator can’t believe reach

The origins of the “6-7” boom are Skrilla’s 2024 song “Doot Doot (6-7).” Skrilla leaked the song without much expectation, but it exploded on TikTok last year with basketball players, including Ball and prep standout Taylen Kinney, driving its popularity.

No one is quite sure what 6-7 means, and Skrilla kept it that way when asked for a denition.

“Everybody created their own meaning,” he told The Associated Press. “The teachers created their own meaning. The football teams created their own, the basketball (players). ‘6-7’ is global. It’s bigger than me now. So ‘6-7.’ Shout out to ‘6-7.’”

The nonsensical meme has its own hand gesture, too — ip your palms up, and alternate lifting your arms. Charlotte forward Miles Bridges made the gesture several weeks ago after hitting a 3-pointer against the Indiana Pacers.

Bridges also is 6-foot-7.

“I think that’s the team’s way of having a little fun with LaMelo anytime that they can kind of incorporate that in just to tease him a little bit, and he’s a great sport about it as well,” Bennett said.

“6-7” big on basketball courts everywhere

Fans have been on 67-point watch at games across the country. It seemed to bubble up rst at women’s college games, including at Oklahoma. Now fans there hold up signs handed out by the school. On Dec. 22, the Sooners led North Carolina Central 6429 in the closing seconds of the rst half. When Aaliyah Chavez drained a 3-pointer at the buzzer, fans went wild.

Oklahoma center Raegan Beers said the team enjoyed giving the fans that moment.

“That’s why I love this game (with the kids),” she said. “I know a lot of us love this game here, just to have that energy in the building, and obviously lean into what’s trending at the moment, which is 6-7, whatever that means. And so it was so much fun to have that moment and just let the kids enjoy it.”

Daniel Durbin, director of Southern California’s Annenberg Institute of Sports, Media and Society, attended USC’s women’s basketball game against Rutgers on Feb. 1 and witnessed the phenomenon rst hand. He noted that the DJ even announced the possibility. The Trojans missed two free throws at 66, building the anticipation. When Yakiya Milton made a free throw that pushed the score to 67, the crowd erupted into what Durbin called the loudest cheer of the game.

“Think of all the superstitions fans have during games, rituals that they enact to ‘help’ the team win,” he said. “As fans walk across the street to USC football games, most of them kick the base of a certain lamppost. Why? It makes them part of the game. They are enacting a meaningless ritual many USC fans perform for ‘luck.’”

Adults doing it too

Even the coaches are in on it. On Maryland’s annual Field Trip Day game, Terrapins coach Brenda Frese wore a jersey with the number 67 on it before tipo . LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey did the hand gesture while on the big screen during a win over Morgan State, drawing an eruption from the home crowd and laughter from her players. Mulkey said her grandson got upset with her after a game because LSU skipped 67 points and went straight to 68.

TCU’s women beat Baylor 83-67 on Feb. 12, and Olivia Miles scored 40 points and Marta Suarez scored 27 — a combined 67. With the two at his side in the postgame media session, Horned Frogs coach Mark Campbell got sucked in.

“For a duo, I’ve never been a part of a duo that scored 67 points in one game,” he said.

As Miles did the hand gesture and Suarez laughed, Campbell pointed at Miles and said, “That’s crazy. ‘6-7,’” as he added the hand gesture.

The trend has impacted the game on the court at times too.

After Maryland took a 64-18 lead against Central Connecticut State in December, the Terps attempted ve straight 3-pointers before Yarden Garzon nally made one to give Maryland exactly 67 points.

The craze is perplexing to parents, but Bennett said the Hornets have embraced it to bring joy to young people.

“Overall, it’s been positive,” he said. “No way to make a negative out of something that’s just really nothing attached to it, just fun.”

Durbin said it falls under the long history of arbitrary sports traditions fans have created to feel more connected to the action.

DUPLIN COUNTY TAX FORECLOSURE SALE

Friday, February 20, 2026 at 10am • Duplin County Courthouse • Outside steps by agpole

Parcel 07-3896

Opening

Parcel 11-1559

Opening

Parcel 13-886

Opening

Parcel

Parcel

Opening

Parcel 11-131 Opening

Parcel 09-4238 Opening

Parcel

Parcel 11-1228

Opening Bid $ 4,587.30

Number 24cvd000150-300

Lots 7, 8, & 9 Of Block 26 In The Town Of Rose Hill Located On W South Street

Parcel 08-2435

Opening Bid $ 4,961.33

File Number 25cv001230-300

Approximately 0.29 Of An Acre Located At 377 S NC 111 Hwy

Parcel 11-1863

Opening Bid $ 7,192.74 File Number 24cvd000151-300 Lot 10 Located At 326 Wellstown Road

Stanly NewS Journal

THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL

WHAT’S HAPPENING

New subpoenas issued in inquiry on response to 2016 Russian election interference

The Justice Department has issued new subpoenas in an investigation into perceived adversaries of President Donald Trump and the U.S. government response to Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, according to multiple people familiar with the matter. An initial wave of subpoenas in November asked recipients for documents related to the preparation of a U.S. intelligence community assessment that detailed a sweeping, multiprong e ort by Moscow to help Trump defeat Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.

Rousey, Carano will end MMA retirements, ght each other in May

Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano will end their lengthy retirements from mixed martial arts to ght each other May 16 at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The bout will be staged by Most Valuable Promotions, the combat sports promotion established by in uencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul. The 39-year-old Rousey hasn’t fought since 2016, while the 43-year-old Carano’s eight-bout MMA career ended in 2009. They’ll ght at 145 pounds for ve ve-minute rounds. Despite their lengthy absences, Rousey and Carano remain two of the most iconic ghters in MMA history after two trailblazing careers. They are the two most famous women to participate in MMA.

Federal judge rules

Abrego Garcia can’t be redetained by immigration authorities

A federal judge has ruled that Immigration and Customs Enforcement cannot redetain Kilmar Abrego Garcia because a 90-day detention period has expired and the government has no viable plan for deporting him. The Salvadoran national’s case has become a focal point in the immigration debate after he was mistakenly deported to his home country last year. Since his return, he has been ghting a second deportation to a series of African countries proposed by DHS o cials. Abrego Garcia, who has an American wife and child, has lived in Maryland for years but immigrated to the U.S. illegally as a teenager.

Stanly commissioners reappoint 3 to Senior Services Advisory Board

The commissioners voting process was unanimous

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — Three members of the Stanly County Senior Services Advisory Board have been reappointed to new three-year terms following a unanimous vote by the Stanly County Board of Commissioners. On Monday night, commissioners voted 7-0 to reappoint Debbie Bennett, James Moss and Audrey Rigsbee to second terms that will begin March 1

and run through Feb. 28, 2029. Their previous terms expired Feb. 6.

Senior Services Director Pamela Sullivan presented the

agenda item, telling commissioners that all three members wished to continue serving on the board.

“All three of those mem-

Albemarle receives clean audit report for 2024-25

An accounting rm issued the city an unmodi ed report

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — The city of Albemarle has been given a clean audit for scal year 2024-25, with an independent accounting rm issuing the highest level of assurance on the city’s nancial statements. During Monday night’s Albemarle City Council meeting, councilmembers heard an audit presentation from Jill Vang of Martin Starnes and Associates, a Hickory-based accounting rm.

The audit reviewed the city’s

governmental activities and each major fund for the scal year.

“We issued an unmodi ed opinion, which is the best opinion you can get,” Vang said. “It means that the nancial statements are fairly presented in all material respect, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.”

Vang highlighted several key nancial metrics, including a general fund balance of $13.91 million. That total includes $3.93 million in restricted funds, $36,261 in nonspendable funds, $630,482 in assigned funds and $9.31 million in unassigned funds.

From 2024 to 2025, the

bers have expressed interest in continuing their service and have applied for a second term,” Sullivan said. “Each of these members have demonstrated consistent attendance, active participation and commitment to the mission of our department.”

Becky Broadway and Saundra Huneycutt also applied for the open seats. Bennett will continue serving as chair of the advisory board, alongside Moss and Rigsbee in their new terms. Vice Chairman Bill Lawhon serves as the commissioners’ representative on the board.

Feb. 20

NeedleBugs

Feb. 24

Great Scots!

It appears to be a family dispute following a contentious divorce

By Kimberlee Kruesi The Associated Press

A SHOOTER unleashed a urry of bullets during a Rhode Island youth hockey game, killing two people and injuring three others, in an attack that was cut short when a spectator stepped in to help stop the tragedy, authorities said. Investigators had spoken to nearly 100 witnesses as of Monday evening as they attempt to piece together what happened early Monday afternoon inside the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, a few miles outside Providence.

Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves said Monday that the shooter died from an apparent self-in icted gun wound, though authorities are still investigating.

happening “It

thorities said both people who died were adults but have not released the identities of the victims.

Tina Goncalves, Pawtucket police chief

Goncalves credited an unnamed “good Samaritan” who intervened, bringing the attack “to a swift end.” She did not provide details.

It is not entirely clear what precipitated the shooting, who was targeted or why. Unveried video circulating on social media shows players on the ice as popping sounds are heard. Chaos quickly unfolds as players on benches dive for cover, those on the ice frantically skate toward exits and fans ee their seats.

“It appears that this was a targeted event, that it may be a family dispute,” she said. Au-

Goncalves identi ed the shooter as Robert Dorgan, who she said also went by the name Roberta Esposito, who was born in 1969.

Monday’s shooting came nearly two months after Rhode Island was rocked by a shooting at Brown University that left two students dead and wounded nine others, as well as a Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor.

Authorities later found Claudio Neves Valente, 48, dead from a self-in icted gunshot wound at a New Hampshire storage facility.

“Our state is grieving again,” Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee said in a statement. “As governor, a parent, and a former coach, my heart breaks for the victims, families, students, and everyone impacted by the devastating shooting at Lynch Arena in Pawtucket.”

Feb. 27 Believe

Competition

3-10 p.m.

The 2026 Regional Tour of the annual dance competition will be in Albemarle for one day only. For more information, call 844-737-3737 or email info@ believetalent.com.

Stanly County Agri-Civic Center 26032 Newt Road Albemarle

THE CONVERSATION

Trip Ho end, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

Shut up and ski

“U.S. athletes shouldn’t be stooges for foreigners.”

DOES ANYONE REALLY believe the international media cares what Olympic snowboarders and curlers think about President Donald Trump’s ICE raids or whatever panic de jour is on the menu this week? Of course not. They want U.S. athletes to bash the American government on the world stage.

Nothing stops athletes from speaking their mind about political issues whenever or wherever they like. Doing it at the Olympics is, at best, in poor form and, at worst, unpatriotic.

Skier Hunter Hess took the bait in Milan, or more likely, couldn’t wait to preen for the foreign press, noting that he had “mixed emotions” representing his country. “It’s a little hard,” he said. “There’s obviously a lot going on that I’m not the biggest fan of, and I think a lot of people aren’t.” And just because he’s wearing the ag, Hess went on, “doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the U.S.”

Who’s happy with everything that goes on in their country? Not a single thinking person, that’s who. Olympic athletes go to the Games to transcend these di erences and represent national ideals and aspirations, not whine about political parties that happen to be in charge. U.S. athletes shouldn’t be stooges for foreigners. Go o on politics when you get home.

Of course, not one American in Beijing in 2022 was asked what they thought about the Biden administration’s online censorship. Not that we should have wanted to hear about that,

COLUMN | LARRY ELDER

either. And not one French, Swedish, Danish or German athlete will ever be asked if they feel qualms about representing countries that deport illegal immigrants.

The subtext of the queries in Milan, and Hess’ answer, rests on an assumption that something especially nefarious is going on in the United States, which deserves rebuke; something worse, apparently, than goes on in any other country participating in the games.

This outlook, as anyone who understands anything about the world knows, is lunacy. China, incidentally, sent a delegation of 286 people to the Winter Olympics in Milan. One of them is freestyle skier Eileen Gu, who, Google’s AI — apparently translating text from the original Chicom propaganda — tells me “is competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, aiming to inspire a new generation of Chinese skiers, speci cally girls, while balancing her Chinese heritage and American upbringing.”

The only notable “heritage” of the one-party communist state, which doesn’t represent the will of the Chinese people, is that it’s in contention for being the most murderous regime in history. Yet the media’s e usive coverage of Gu’s performance, poise and overall decency is something to behold. Reuters ran a three-person bylined piece of Gu discussing her “rediscovering joy in skiing, navigating rising competition and reframing her relationship with fear.” Gu, in an interview with the o cial Olympic site, “talks pressure, the haters, and inspiring young girls after a life-changing Beijing 2022.”

The Chinese government also reportedly spent around $6.64 million on Gu and fellow U.S.-born athlete Zhu Yi. So that’s a perk, for sure. Couldn’t Gu, worth somewhere north of $23 million, inspire Chinese girls in the United States rather than under the ag of a tyranny? Or how about representing Taiwan? Americans with dual citizenship who are unable to make the United States squads will occasionally compete for other nations. Even then, they rarely join tyrannies and geopolitical foes. It’s one thing to buy cheap stu from communist China and quite another to wear its ag.

Anyway, Gu is in no position to lecture anyone about decency.

As others have pointed out, reporters, deeply concerned about the ability of Americans to represent their awed nation, have yet to ask Gu about the plight of Hong Kong democracy activist Jimmy Lai, recently sentenced to 20 years for exercising his right to free expression. There has been nothing on the 50 or so journalists being held in prison. Gu has criticized Trump but o ers nothing but praise for a regime that throws women into concentration camps where they are systemically raped and used as forced labor?

Maybe Hess can think about that the next time he’s ripping the United States abroad.

David Harsanyi is a senior writer at the Washington Examiner and author of ve books. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

Je ries and Schumer denounce Trump’s ‘Racist’ video — but who are they to complain?

But Je ries has his own record of “malignant, bottomfeeder-like behavior.”

ON PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP’S social media platform, someone in the administration — the White House o ered di erent versions of how this happened — posted a 62-second cartoon video set to the song “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.”

This was posted on a Thursday night and, following cries of “racism,” was removed by noon the following day. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt called the reaction “fake outrage.” Trump said: “I guess during the end of it, there was some kind of picture people don’t like. I wouldn’t like it either, but I didn’t see it. I just, I looked at the rst part, and it was really about voter fraud.”

Asked by a reporter, if he condemns the racist part of the video, Trump said, “Of course I do.”

The video shows Trump’s head attached to a lion con dently strolling through the jungle. Other animals dance as the Trump lion saunters through. On the heads of the other animals are well-known Democrats, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, former President Joe Biden, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, former Vice President Kamala Harris, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, House Minority Leader Hakeem Je ries and others.

Near the end for about one second, the video showed the heads of former President Barack Obama and former rst lady Michelle Obama on the heads of monkeys. A screenshot of the Barack and Michelle heads on apes went viral. That Biden’s face was on that of a banana-eating orangutan did not seem to disturb anyone.

The outrage was predictable. “Racist” Donald Trump strikes again! Those

crying out included Je ries and Schumer. Je ries said, “He de nitively needs to apologize. It was a disgusting video ... even a handful of Republicans ... nally showed some backbone in pushing back against the president’s malignant, bottom-feeder-like behavior.”

But Je ries has his own record of “malignant, bottom-feeder-like behavior.” As a college student, Je ries praised two of the country’s most prominent antisemites: his uncle and City College of New York professor Leonard Je ries — who compared Jews to “dogs” and “skunks,” and claimed “rich Jews nanced the slave trade — and Nation of Islam’s Louis Farrakhan, who has a decades-long record of antisemitism.

Hakeem Je ries has long insisted he only “vaguely remembers” defending them. But in 2023, CNN reported the Binghamton University Black Student Union, of which he was a leader, invited Uncle Leonard to speak. When Jewish students protested, Hakeem Je ries “led a press conference” to defend his uncle, despite later saying that “he did not recall any press coverage” of the controversy.

CNN said Hakeem Je ries’ 1992 op- ed undermines claims he wasn’t aware of uncle’s antisemitic controversy. He wrote that his uncle challenges the “existing white supremacist educational system and long-standing distortion of history. His reward has been a media lynching complete with character assassinations and in ammatory, erroneous accusations.”

In a research paper called “Dr. Je ries and the Anti-Semitic Branch of the Afrocentrism Movement,” Kenneth Stern with the American Jewish Committee wrote, “Leonard Je ries was

already known for his teaching that blacks are racially superior to whites because blacks, whom he calls ‘sun people,’ have more melanin in their skin than whites, whom he calls ‘ice people.’” But Hakeem Je ries defended his uncle.

After this CNN report, the Republican Jewish Coalition said, “Minority Leader Hakeem Je ries owes the Jewish community an explanation as to why he lied and attempted to cover up his defense of these revolting antisemites.”

At the time, Hakeem Je ries also described black conservatives as “token,” “opportunists” and “house negroes.” He wrote, “Clarence Thomas was appointed by George Bush to the highest court in the nation. Colin Powell was appointed by George Bush to lead the military establishment ‘policemen of the Wall Street Bankers.’”

As for Schumer, he called the video “racist. Vile. Abhorrent.” Yet, in 1974, the then-freshman New York assemblyman proposed a blatantly racist scheme to appease whites by ridding blacks from their New York neighborhood. Read the 2006 “American Spectator” article “Race to the Top” by a writer who was present when Schumer outlined his plan.

Democrats and the media, who lick their chops to pounce on “racist” Trump, are silent about Je ries’ record of antisemitism and indi erent about the allegations of Schumer’s anti-black racism.

Larry Elder is a bestselling author and nationally syndicated radio talk-show host. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

At Fort Bragg, Trump says Maduro raid showed ‘full military might’ of US, means ‘we are feared’

By Will Weissert and Allen G. Breed The Associated Press

FORT BRAGG — President

Donald Trump celebrated the special forces members who ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, saying last month’s audacious raid means “the entire world saw what the full military might” of the U.S. can do and ensured “we are feared” by potential enemies around the world.

Addressing soldiers and their families at Fort Bragg, one of the world’s largest military bases, Trump declared, “Your commander in chief supports you totally.” Then, drawing on one of his own campaign slogans, he implored them, “When needed, you’re going to ght, ght, ght. You’re going to win, win, win.”

The president and rst lady Melania Trump also met privately with military families. But the visit felt more like a political rally than an o cial visit to celebrate the U.S. armed forces. Trump’s lauding of the raid that toppled Maduro came only after he called to the stage Michael Whatley, a former Republican National Committee chair who has the president’s endorsement as he now runs for Senate in North Carolina.

The advisory board includes several members with terms expiring later this year. Nadine Bowers, Jan Goetz and Josh Morton-Cockerham have terms set to end Oct. 30. The terms of Teresa Wagoner, Dawn Melton, Antwain Hamilton and Isabelle Howard will expire Oct. 30, 2027, while rst terms for Polly Martin, Ava Plott and Roland Thomas run through Dec. 31, 2028.

The Senior Services Advisory Board supports programs for older adults in Stanly County, working with the county’s Senior Services Department to enhance quality of life for residents age 60 and older through services, programs and community opportunities.

Board members are appointed by county commissioners to three-year terms and meet quarterly on the second Thursday of the rst month

Whatley thanked Trump and suggested that the president “is giving me an opportunity to represent you” — even though the election isn’t until November.

Later, Trump said of the raid on Jan. 3 that whisked away Maduro to face U.S. drug smuggling charges, “It was a matter of minutes before he was on a helicopter being taken out.” He called the forces involved “some of our greatest soldiers to ever live, frankly” while dismissing Maduro as an “outlaw dictator.”

“That night, the entire world saw what the full military might (of) the U.S. military is capable” of, the president said. “It was so precise, so incredible.”

Trump also vowed, “As long as I’m president, we will be the best led, the best trained, the

of each quarter — January, April, July and October — at 11:30 a.m. at the Stanly County Senior Center. In line with its mission of bene ting the older adults in the local area, the Senior Services Department o ers arts and craft activities, coordinated games, educational and social programs, tness and health programs, day and overnight trips, and the Uwharrie Senior Games and Silver Arts,

best equipped, the most disciplined and the most elite ghting force the world has ever seen” and noted of would-be U.S. adversaries, “Everybody knows it.”

“They know exactly what they would be up against. Hopefully, we’ll never have to test them and, because of our strength, and because of what we do, we probably won’t have to be tested,” Trump said.

Even still, the president mentioned sending a second aircraft carrier group to the Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran and said, “America’s respected again. And, perhaps most importantly, we are feared by the enemies all over the globe.”

“I don’t like to say fear,” he said. “But, sometimes, you have to have fear because that’s the only thing that really will get the situation taken care of.”

Trump lately has traveled more frequently to states that could play key roles in November’s midterm congressional elections, including a stop before Christmas in Rocky Mount. The White House has been trying to promote Trump’s economic policies, including attempts to bring down the cost of living at a time when many people are growing frustrated with his e orts to improve a ordability.

The president didn’t spend a lot of time on his economic policies last Friday, though he did mention how a White House-backed tax and spending package is increasing funding for military housing.

which are co-sponsored by Albemarle Parks and Recreation and Troy-Montgomery Senior Center. Additional department information and event calendars can be found online at stanlycountync.gov. The Stanly County Board of Commissioners will hold its next regular meeting on March 2 at 6 p.m. in the Gene McIntyre Meeting Room at Stanly County Commons.

As he left the White House to make the trip, meanwhile, Trump cheered data released last Friday showing that in ation fell to nearly a ve-year low last month.

“The numbers were surprising, except to me they weren’t surprising,” Trump said. “We have very modest in ation, which is what you want to have.”

The president also spoke at Fort Bragg in June at an event meant to recognize the 250th anniversary of the Army. But that celebration was overshadowed by his partisan remarks describing protesters in Los Angeles as “animals” and his defense of deploying the military there.

This time, Trump evoked the fatal stabbing of a Ukrainian refugee on a Charlotte commuter train and called the man accused of committing it a “monster.”

Trump also praised Maduro’s replacement, acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez. Rather than push for elections in Venezuela, Trump says his administration is inviting top oil companies there to rebuild its energy industry. U.S. o cials also have seized tankers as part of their broad oversight of the country’s oil industry.

“The relationship is strong, the oil is coming out,” Trump told reporters before ying to North Carolina. He added: “We have our big oil companies going in, they’re going to be pumping out the oil and selling the oil for a lot of money.”

“All three of those members have expressed interest in continuing their service and have applied for a second term.”

The ‘6-7’ craze is going strong at both NBA, college basketball games

LaMelo Ball’s stature sparks the viral phenomenon as fans track speci c scores

By Cli Brunt

The Associated Press

NORMAN, Okla. — LaMelo Ball has never been more popular, and it’s not because Charlotte’s 6-foot-7 star has the Hornets ghting for a playo spot.

They hype is largely about his height. And Charlotte is trying to take advantage.

Dictionary.com named the term “6-7” its word of the year for 2025, and the global “6-7” craze is still going strong at pro and college basketball games. Young fans, players and coaches eagerly track when teams near 67 points, and pandemonium ensues when their team hits the mark.

The Hornets and New Orleans Pelicans are among NBA teams that feature “6-7” cams during timeouts at some games.

Seth Bennett, the Hornets’ chief marketing o cer, said Charlotte’s marketing and game presentation teams started discussing a possible “6-7” cam to capitalize on the trend and Ball’s involvement in it.

“For us as a franchise, we always want to listen to our fans, and sometimes you listen to observing what they’re into, their trends and likes, and it’s a way for us to connect to that and hopefully have them connect to us in a fun way when they’re experiencing it here,” Bennett said.

The Hornets’ cam is mostly limited to kids days and weekend games so it doesn’t get old. Michael Robinson, who attended a game between the Hornets and 76ers with his 6-year- old son, Abel, said it’s nonstop at home. Abel said he learned about it from his friends and on YouTube.

“It’s just cool,” Abel said. “It’s fun.”

The “6-7” originator can’t believe reach

The origins of the “6-7” boom are Skrilla’s 2024 song “Doot Doot (6-7).” Skrilla leaked the song without much expectation, but it exploded on TikTok last year with basketball players, including Ball and prep standout Taylen Kinney, driving its popularity.

No one is quite sure what 6-7 means, and Skrilla kept it that way when asked for a de nition.

“Everybody created their own meaning,” he told The Associated Press. “The teachers created their own meaning. The football teams created their own, the basketball (players). ‘6-7’ is global. It’s bigger

from page A1

city’s general fund balance decreased by $1.2 million, or about 8.3%. Vang said the decline was largely tied to changes in revenue structure and increased expenditures.

“There was a decrease in total revenues of $2.7 million, or 10.5%, and this is mainly due to the decrease in sales and service revenues related to the refuse collection fees that are now in the new enterprise fund, the solid waste collection fund,” Vang said. “Expenditures increased $1.5 million, or about 6.4%, and that’s mainly due to more transfers out this year to the health insurance internal service fund in the general capital project fund.” Expenditures were led by public safety, which accounted for 52% of spending. Public works, general government and other expenditures each represented 16% of the total.

Albemarle’s enterprise funds showed notable growth

than me now. So ‘6-7.’ Shout out to ‘6-7.’”

The nonsensical meme has its own hand gesture, too — ip your palms up, and alternate lifting your arms. Charlotte forward Miles Bridges made the gesture several weeks ago after hitting a 3-pointer against the Indiana Pacers.

Bridges also is 6-foot-7.

“I think that’s the team’s way of having a little fun with LaMelo anytime that they can kind of incorporate that in just to tease him a little bit, and he’s a great sport about it as well,” Bennett said.

“6-7” big on basketball courts everywhere

Fans have been on 67-point watch at games across the country. It seemed to bubble up rst

“The teachers created their own meaning. The football teams created their own, the basketball (players). ‘6-7’ is global. It’s bigger than me now. So ‘6-7.’ Shout out to ‘6-7.’”

Skrilla

at women’s college games, including at Oklahoma. Now fans there hold up signs handed out by the school.

On Dec. 22, the Sooners led North Carolina Central 64-29 in the closing seconds of the rst half. When Aaliyah Chavez drained a 3-pointer at the buzzer, fans went wild.

Oklahoma center Raegan Beers said the team enjoyed giving the fans that moment.

“That’s why I love this game (with the kids),” she said. “I know a lot of us love this game here, just to have that energy in the building, and obviously lean into what’s trending at the moment, which is 6-7, whatever that means. And so it was so much fun to have that moment and just let the kids enjoy it.”

Daniel Durbin, director of Southern California’s Annenberg Institute of Sports, Media and Society, attended USC’s women’s basketball game against Rutgers on Feb. 1 and witnessed the phenomenon rst hand. He noted that the DJ even announced the possibility. The Trojans missed two free throws at 66, building the anticipation. When Yakiya Milton made a free throw that pushed the score to 67, the crowd erupted into what Durbin called the loudest cheer of the game.

Durbin said it falls under the long history of arbitrary sports

traditions fans have created to feel more connected to the action.

“Think of all the superstitions fans have during games, rituals that they enact to ‘help’ the team win,” he said. “As fans walk across the street to USC football games, most of them kick the base of a certain lamppost. Why? It makes them part of the game. They are enacting a meaningless ritual many USC fans perform for ‘luck.’”

Adults doing it too

Even the coaches are in on it. On Maryland’s annual Field Trip Day game, Terrapins coach Brenda Frese wore a jersey with the number 67 on it before tipo . LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey did the hand gesture while on the big screen during a win over Morgan State, drawing an eruption from the home crowd and laughter from her players.

Mulkey said her grandson got upset with her after a game because LSU skipped 67 points and went straight to 68.

TCU’s women beat Baylor 83-67 on Feb. 12, and Olivia Miles scored 40 points and Marta Suarez scored 27 — a combined 67. With the two at his side in the postgame media session, Horned Frogs coach Mark Campbell got sucked in.

“For a duo, I’ve never been a part of a duo that scored 67 points in one game,” he said.

As Miles did the hand gesture and Suarez laughed, Campbell pointed at Miles and said, “That’s crazy. ‘6-7,’” as he added the hand gesture.

The trend has impacted the game on the court at times too. After Maryland took a 64-18 lead against Central Connecticut State in December, the Terps attempted ve straight 3-pointers before Yarden Garzon nally made one to give Maryland exactly 67 points.

The craze is perplexing to parents, but Bennett said the Hornets have embraced it to bring joy to young people.

“Overall, it’s been positive,” he said. “No way to make a negative out of something that’s just really nothing attached to it, just fun.”

in the city’s most recent audit, with unrestricted net position increasing from $22.25 million in 2024 to $32.20 million in 2025. Cash ow from operations also rose, climbing from $4.71 million to $6.77 million, while the change in net position under generally accepted accounting principles more than doubled, growing from $3.91 million to $8.70 million.

The gains re ect strengthened nancial performance across the city’s self-supporting services. After Vang’s presentation, councilmembers unanimously voted to accept the city’s audit report as presented. The Albemarle City Council will hold its next regular meeting March 2 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.

BENJAMIN HEYWARD SR. JULY 12, 1947 – FEB. 5, 2026

Benjamin Heyward Sr., born July 12, 1947, peacefully transitioned to paradise on February 5, 2026. He was the son of the late Seal and Rebecca Bradley Heyward. No matter what their position in life, Benjamin had a unique and extraordinary ability to connect with people. He was compassionate and had a heart full of love, tenderness, humbleness, and kindness. He epitomized these qualities through his actions and through living a life of service. His belief was that if his fellowman needed help, then help him. This is what he believed, and this is how he lived.

Benjamin was educated in the Charleston County Public Schools. He was employed with the United States Postal Service and the Department of Transportation for many years.

A man of faith, Benjamin was a former member of the Southern Baptist Church, Manhattan, New York, where he was a former Deacon. His current church membership was held with First Missionary Baptist Church, Concord, North Carolina, where he often drove the church van and volunteered in the Bread Basket Ministry. In his leisure time, he enjoyed cheering for the Carolina Panthers football team, landscaping, and listening to music, especially his favorite artist, James Brown. He never met a stranger that he could not talk to, and he possessed a clever and disarming sense of humor that endeared him to those he met. He often left others with a smile or a laugh after they went their separate ways.

Benjamin married Elizabeth Hinson Heyward. They were a devoted couple and celebrated 42 years of marital bliss.

Those left to remember and cherish loving memories are his wife, Elizabeth Heyward; son, Benjamin (Xinying Serena Oh) Heyward Jr.; daughters: Zina Spicer, Sonya (Donald) Harris, Uraina Heyward, and Kim J. (Maurice) Smith; ve grandchildren; three brothers: Seal Heyward Jr. Secel (Evelyn) Heyward and Blease D. (Thelma) Heyward; sisters: Mary (John Lee) Green, Pastor Anna (Apostle Benjamin) Anthony, Janie Jackson, Arizon (Rudolph) Moses, Minister Martha Grant, Minister Rosetta Hawkins and Alaina C. (Shawn) Gayle; uncle, James Johnson; aunts: Ethel Johnson and Desiline Johnson; brothers-in-law: Joseph King and Major King; sister in laws, Martha (Robert) Cowan, Brenda King and Joann (Ronald) Dasent; special nieces: Barbara Ford-Grampus and Ti ney (Curt) Nelson; nephew: Rodney Kewkirk; special friends: Robert (Delores) Cash, Kenneth (Vanessa) Chambers; a host of other nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Benjamin’s life journey was blessed with many friends, neighbors, church members, and coworkers. He will forever live in the hearts of those who knew him and will be remembered for his kindness and generosity.

JAYANTA “JAYANT” HALDAR

FEB. 2, 1937 – FEB. 12, 2026

Jayanta (Jayant) Haldar, 89, of Albemarle, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Atrium Health Stanly.

A Celebration of Life is planned to be held at Main Street United Methodist Church, 1100 West Main Street, Albemarle, NC 28001, on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at 2 p.m. in the sanctuary, with Pastor Katie Lineberger and Pastor Fred Carpenter o ciating. There will be a gathering time of Jayant’s friends in the Family Life Center, following the service.

Born on February 2, 1937, in Burma, he was the son of the late Jatindra Haldar and Provabati Choudhary. Jayant lived a long and remarkable life marked by curiosity, generosity, and deep connection with others.

In 1984, he came to the United States and began working with Premiere Fibers LLC in Ansonville, where he served as marketing manager. Through diligence and integrity, he earned the respect of his colleagues and built lasting friendships. He became a citizen of the United States in 1999.

Jayant was exceptionally well-read and possessed a deep knowledge of the world’s religions. He could quote from the Bhagavad Gita, Quaran, the Bible and many other holy books with ease, engaging others in thoughtful and meaningful conversations about faith and life.

In January 2000, while hospitalized, Jayant experienced a profound vision of Jesus that led him to convert to Christianity. He was baptized by the Reverend David Rorie of Main St. United Methodist Church and soon became an active member of the congregation, embracing his new faith with dedication and joy until his move to Trinity Place.

One of Jayant’s most memorable traits was his genuine interest in people. Upon meeting someone, he would often ask their birth date and, from that, share insights into their personality and what he believed they were suited for in life. Whether one agreed or not, it was always o ered with warmth, kindness, and a desire to connect. He truly never met a stranger.

He delighted in giving owers and small gifts, always nding joy in brightening someone’s day. Everywhere he went, he made friends – from the Stanly County Senior Center, where he was an integral part of the Bunco group, to Trinity Place, where he resided in his later years, as well as Food Lion and his other regular gathering spots. He was a connoisseur of hot dogs as he had experienced and tasted them from all corners of the state. His enthusiasm for trying new avors and sharing recommendations became a delightful topic among friends, always sparking lively conversation. Though generous and friendly, he was also steadfast in his ways, a trait that made him uniquely and unmistakably Jayanta.

He loved music and movies and had a large collection of CDs and DVDs that he loved sharing with others. Jayant is survived by numerous friends and extended family members in India. He was surrounded by a community that cared deeply for him. Special gratitude is extended to Mr. N.S. Jaganathan (Jaggi), Meera, Gautam, and family, and Deepa, who brought him to this country and welcomed him into their lives and home. John and Merlin Amirtharaj and Vijay and family became his family here in Albemarle. He cherished his colleagues at Premiere Fibers, his bunco friends at the Stanly County Senior Center, and his friends at Main St. United Methodist Church and several other friends with whom he maintained connections to the end. Jayant truly loved his time at Trinity Place, and the family o ers heartfelt thanks to the sta for their compassionate care and for making him feel so much at home.

His life was a testament to kindness, learning, faith and the simple but profound act of reaching out to others. He leaves behind a legacy of friendship and goodwill that will not soon be forgotten.

In lieu of owers, a request has been made that contributions be made to Main Street United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1255, Albemarle, NC 28001.

JUDGE WOODROW MORGAN JR.

AUG. 8, 1942 – FEB. 12, 2026

Judge Woodrow Morgan Jr., 83, passed away peacefully at home on February 12, 2026.

Born on August 8, 1942, he was the son of Judge Woodrow Morgan Sr., and Menty Elvie Little Morgan. A devoted Christian, he lived a life de ned by faith, hard work, and a deep commitment to his family and community.

Judge Morgan was a proud graduate of Wingate Junior College and Appalachian State Teachers College. He later earned a Master of Divinity degree from Southeastern Theological Seminary. He devoted 30 years to teaching high school mathematics, including 27 years at South Stanly High School. Throughout his career, he in uenced countless students with his steady guidance, patience, and dedication to their success.

Outside the classroom, he found great joy in farming and especially enjoyed raising and caring for his cows. He valued honest work and took pride in tending the land. Whether in the pasture or with his family, he appreciated the simple blessings of life.

Judge Morgan will be remembered for his steadfast faith, his dedication as an educator, his love of farming, and his unwavering devotion to his family. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Joanna Morris Morgan; his daughter, Donna M. Moore and her husband, Larry C. Moore; his son, Judge Woodrow Morgan, III and his wife, Karen H. Morgan; his sister, Darlene Morgan Stamey; and his grandchildren, Emily Moore Irving and her husband Alex Irving, John Davis Moore, and Lauren Michelle Morgan.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, O. Kemp Morgan, Ray J. Morgan, Tom A. Morgan, and D. Dan Morgan.

Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Edwards Funeral Home with Dr. Rick Walker and Rev. Larry Coley o ciating. Burial will follow at Oakboro Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 3-3:45 p.m. prior to the service.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to their many friends for their love and support, and to Tillary Compassionate Care for their kindness, compassion, and dedicated care during this time.

In lieu of owers, memorials may be made to Samaritan’s Purse or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

LARRY BRUCE MCCROSKEY

FEB. 24, 1943 – FEB. 13, 2026

Larry Bruce McCroskey, 82, of Albemarle, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, February 13, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at Palestine Community Church, o ciated by Rev. Carol Flack and Rev. Keith Walters. Burial will follow in the Palestine Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2-3 p.m., prior to the service at the church.

Born February 24, 1943, in Stanly County, Larry was the son of the late Audry and Mary Lee McCroskey.

Larry is lovingly survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Elaine McCroskey. He also leaves behind his daughters, Michelle Haywood (Ray) of Mt. Gilead and Heather Blalock (Bret) of Mt. Gilead; his cherished grandchildren, Olivia Grace Haywood (Paris), Marylee Haywood (Justin), Bret Blalock Jr. (Leanna), and Taylor Kime (Jake); and his treasured great-grandchildren, Leah, Bo, Reed, Eli, Evan, Kaeson, Lyndon, and Geneva. He is also survived by his brother, Herman Tarlton; his sisters, Shirley Stitt and Beverly Story; along with many nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Audry Burdette McCroskey Jr., Grady Lee McCroskey, Wayne Tarlton, and Richard Tarlton; and his sister, Ardyth Lanier McCroskey.

Larry lived a life de ned by service and dedication. For 52 years, he faithfully served with Stanly Rescue, mentoring countless young rescue technicians and leaving a lasting impact on emergency services in the community. He also served as a re ghter and rst responder with local re departments, retiring from the Badin Fire Department. Larry was deeply proud of his time in the 263rd Communication Squadron of the North Carolina Air National Guard at Badin.

Outside of his service, Larry embraced life with enthusiasm. He was an avid water skier who loved boating and spending time on the water. He never met a stranger and was always ready to lend a helping hand. Above all, he loved his family and his community, and his legacy of kindness, leadership and dedication will live on through those who knew and loved him.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the sta of Gentiva Hospice, Dr. Poor, and the many friends who provided care, compassion, and support during Larry’s declining health.

In lieu of owers, memorials may be made to Stanly Rescue (P.O. Box 994, Albemarle, NC 28002)

LEE ROY HATHCOCK

DEC. 18, 1943 – FEB. 13, 2026

Lee Roy Hathcock, 82, of Norwood, died Friday Afternoon, February 13, 2026, at his home.

Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Cottonville Baptist Church. Rev. J.R. Muir and Rev. Alex Willoughby will o ciate, and interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. on Monday evening at Edwards Funeral Home of Norwood.

Lee Roy was born December 18, 1943, in Stanly County to the late Raymond and Rosa Morton Hathcock. He was a graduate of South Stanly High School’s rst graduating class and was a retired electrician. He was a veteran of the United States Army during the Vietnam War and a member of Cottonville Baptist Church and the American Legion, serving as Sergeant at Arms.

He enjoyed spending time caring for all his farm animals at home and with his friends at the American Legion, especially working the concession stand at the Small Animal Auctions on Thursday at the Stanly County Fairgrounds.

He is survived by his wife, Judy Kimrey Hathcock, of the home. daughter, Evelyn Hathcock Treece of Oakboro, grandsons, Ethan Helms and Brandon Treece (Cassidy). brothers, Arlie Hathcock and Grady Hathcock (Debbie) and sister, Jane Chastain (Robbie).

He was preceded in death by his siblings, Carl and Billy Hathcock and Lucille Presley. When not at the funeral home, the family will gather at the residence.

ESTON GARRY WEST SR.

MAY 2, 1939 – FEB. 13, 2026

Eston Garry West Sr., 86, of Albemarle, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 13, 2026, at Trinity Place.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, February 16, at First Baptist Church in Albemarle with Rev. Dr. Kendell Cameron o ciating. The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall immediately following the service.

Born May 2, 1939, in Jenkinsburg, Georgia, Eston was lovingly raised by his parents, Leenola and Joe Dugger. He often spoke fondly of his childhood in the mill village, describing it as wonderful and full of adventure.

Eston was a proud graduate of the University of Georgia, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in business and where his lifelong love for Georgia football began. When he wasn’t watching Georgia Bulldogs football or Carolina Tarheels basketball, he was often casting a shing line somewhere. Whether at his pond or with his long-term friends at the Outer Banks, Eston was always happiest with a shing rod in his hand.

While he spent his work life in a number of business endeavors, Eston ultimately landed in real estate as the owner/broker-in-charge of Four Seasons Realty in Albemarle.

A devoted and faithful member of First Baptist Church, Eston served in many capacities, including chairman of the deacons, member of the choir, Sunday school teacher, and on various committees.

Eston and his family moved to Albemarle in 1973, thinking it would be short-term. They quickly fell in love with the area, and over the years, Eston became involved in many community organizations and activities. He served as President of the Chamber of Commerce, was very active in the Albemarle Rotary Club, and was on the Board of Stanly Community Christian Ministry.

Above all, Eston was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Jackie Smith West; his children, Kecia West Smith (David) of Albemarle and Eston Garry West Jr. (Terri) of Albemarle; his grandchildren, Drayton Smith (Lauren) of Charlotte, Sheldon Smith of Albemarle, Savannah Smith of Durham, Caroline West of Albemarle, and Eston Garry West III of Albemarle; sister-in-law, Phyllis Meservey; brother-in- law, David Dutton; niece, Kelly Poplin and nephew, Chad Meservey.

Eston’s life was marked by faith, a joyful spirit, a kind heart, and a deep love for his family. He will be dearly missed and forever remembered by all who were blessed to know him.

The family requests that memorials be made to Tillery Compassionate Care, tillerycompassionatecare.org or to First Baptist Church of Albemarle, fbc-albemarle.org/ giving.

TED BURRIS

APRIL 5, 1936 – FEB. 15, 2026

Ted Burris, age 89, of Albemarle, NC, peacefully entered eternal rest on 02/15/2026. Born on 04/05/1936 in Albemarle, NC, to Sam Burris and Alma Lowder Burris. Ted spent his life with dirt under his ngernails and love in his heart.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Helen Cardwell Burris, his chosen sons, Donnie Thompson (Sylvia) and Allon Thompson, his parents, and his siblings, Haskel, Joe, Ann, LuDean and TJ.

Ted joined the Army when he was 18 years old and enjoyed sharing with his family his experiences in Austria. He worked for Charlotte Pipe, the railroads, Wiscasset Mills Dye House and spent his years until retirement working proudly for the State on the road crews in North Carolina.

A farmer by heart and by soul, Ted understood the “secret reasons” of the seasons. He spent decades tending to the land on Sam Road, where he believed that honest sweat and hard work were the building blocks of character.

Above all his harvests, his greatest pride was his family. Ted was a man of immense devotion who spent 40 years doting on his beloved wife, Helen Louise Cardwell Burris. Their partnership was the foundation of their home, built on a love that “reigned supreme”.

Ted had a special relationship with his son-in-law, David Hinson. In the years before he needed 24-hour care, he and David shared many interests, including shing, hunting, gardening, and many other things. When Ted went into assisted care, David took the role of personal care for the remaining years of Ted’s life. David was a son by heart to Ted.

His legacy of perseverance and kindness lives on through his chosen daughter, Margaret Hinson (David), his grandchildren Anna Brown (Jason), Todd Thompson (Amanda), Tonya Guyton-Thompson (Gigi), Tammy Corvey (Ted), Deidra Thompson, Ti any Thompson, Tawny Stephens (Ace), his great-grandchildren Elijah, Bailey, Avery, Alex, Erin (Ben), Brooklyn, Taylor, Lexie, Mia, Ryan, and his great-great grandchildren, Rosalie Jane and Valentino.

A celebration of his life will be held at Hartsell Funeral Home on February 19, 2026, at 11 a.m. In lieu of owers, the family suggests donations to Tillery Hospice Care for their loving care of Ted in his nal days.

Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in Stanly News Journal at: obits@ stanlynewsjournal.com

STANLY SPORTS

North Stanly boys, girls capture Yadkin Valley Conference titles

The two teams have combined for a 41-5 record

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

NEW LONDON — With 41 combined wins against just ve losses, North Stanly’s boys’ and girls’ basketball teams have turned dominant regular seasons into Yadkin Valley Conference championships.

Both Comets squads secured league titles last week, capping

standout 2025-26 campaigns as they now shift their focus to postseason play.

The North Stanly boys (22-2, 9-1 YVC) nished as conference co-champions alongside North Rowan, while the Comets girls (19-3, 10-0 YVC) claimed the league crown outright, nishing four games ahead of second-place Albemarle.

Both teams received byes into the YVC Tournament and will open play Thursday at Pfei er University’s Merner Gym.

The boys’ team showed steady growth throughout the season, improving on last year’s 22-7 overall record and third-place 8-3 conference nish. North Stanly won all but one league game, with its lone loss a narrow 51-49 defeat at North Rowan on Feb. 6.

The Comets rebounded from that setback with purpose, closing the regular season with double-digit victories over South Stanly, Albemarle and Union Academy to carry momentum into tournament play. The late

surge underscored a team that has grown more consistent on both ends of the oor as the season progressed. The girls’ team’s improvement has been even more pronounced.

After nishing 13-13 overall and 5-6 in conference play last season, North Stanly surged to a perfect 10-0 league record and now enters the postseason riding an 11-game winning streak. The Comets have not lost since Jan. 9, with their only defeats coming in early nonconference matchups

against GCAA, Uwharrie Charter Academy and Maiden. Beyond the conference tournament, both teams aim to make deeper runs in the NCHSAA state playo s.

Last season, the Comets boys earned a No. 16 seed in the 2A bracket, defeating No. 17 Walkertown at home in the rst round before falling to No. 1 Reidsville on the road. The girls, seeded No. 29 in 2A, were eliminated in the opening round by No. 4 T.W. Andrews.

With NCHSAA reclassication placing both programs in the 3A brackets this postseason, North Stanly will face stronger competition. Despite that change, the strides made by both teams suggest the Comets are positioned to contend beyond the conference stage.

Falcons extend streak, stay atop USA South standings

The Falcons are 10-0 since Jan. 9

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

MISENHEIMER — Now at 10 consecutive victories, the Pfei er men’s basketball team remains alone at the top of the USA South Athletic Conference standings entering thenal week of the regular season.

The Falcons (14-8, 10-2 USA South), undefeated since Jan. 9, downed rival Greensboro 82- 64 on Saturday afternoon in Misenheimer, controlling the game from start to nish to keep their winning streak intact.

Pfei er built a 37-29 halftime lead and never allowed the Pride (9-14, 5-7 USA South) to take claw back into the game, outscoring Greensboro by 10 points in the second half to secure the 18-point victory.

Although the Falcons never trailed, coach Pete Schoch said it took time for his team to fully seize control.

“We couldn’t really get over the top and really try to put them in a position that we wanted them in, which was really controlling the game,” Schoch said. “We got there in the second half, but you wish it was sooner. But all in all, it’s a great group of kids who work really hard. I don’t think they ever lose condence in themselves.”

Former North Stanly standout and Pfei er senior Doug

Smith anchored the Falcons with 18 points on 9-of-11 shooting and added 10 rebounds for a double-double. Pfei er held a 48-38 rebounding advantage. Senior guard Sean Sucarichi notched 16 points and ve rebounds, while sophomore guard Drake Stewart provided a spark o the bench with 14 points and seven rebounds. Senior forwards Justin Gaten and Zach Sloan each nished with nine points.

Greensboro was led by Will Gray with 17 points. The victory keeps Pfei er one game ahead of second-place N.C. Wesleyan and two games clear of third-place Southern Virginia in the conference standings. After dropping its rst two games of the season and stumbling to a 4-8 start, Pfei er has surged to the top of the league, continuing the momentum

Pfei er’s Sean Sucarichi goes up for a layup in front of the Falcons’ home crowd.

from last season’s 18-8 (12-2 USA South) campaign in which the Falcons captured both the regular-season and conference tournament titles. Pfei er hosted William Peace on Tuesday in its nal regular-season home game.

“In this next game against William Peace, should we come out on top we will have guaranteed ourselves at least a share of the conference title,” Schoch said. “That hasn’t been done here in back-to-back years since 1995, so there’s a lot of motivation for the kids. I think if they need any more than that, then you have to check for a pulse.”

The Falcons will travel to Staunton, Virginia, on Saturday to face Mary Baldwin. The USA South Tournament begins Feb. 24, with the championship scheduled for Feb. 28.

NCAA BASKETBALL

Fight breaks out between St. John’s, Providence; 7 players ejected Providence, R.I. Seven players were ejected from Saturday’s game between No. 17 St. John’s and Providence after a fracas resulting from a hard foul by Friars forward Duncan Powell on Bryce Hopkins sent the Red Storm star crashing to the ground. St. John’s coach Rick Pitino was in the middle of it, trying to hold back his players, but several entered the fray as it drifted toward the Red Storm bench. The game was delayed by nearly 20 minutes. Four St. John’s players were booted and two from Providence.

MLB

Bad Bunny o ered to pay for Puerto Rican star Correa’s WBC insurance

West Palm Beach, Fla.

Bad Bunny really wanted to see Carlos Correa play for Puerto Rico at home in the World Baseball Classic. Correa, the in elder for the Houston Astros, was left o the WBC roster over insurance coverage. He told reporters that the music superstar and fellow native of Puerto Rico o ered to pay for a policy. Correa has a $200 million contract through 2028. Correa says the insurer provider proposed by Bad Bunny wasn’t approved by Major League Baseball, the Astros or Correa’s agent, Scott Boras. Puerto Rico is hosting pool play games in the WBC next month.

OLYMPICS

Norwegian biathlete wins another bronze 3 days after confessing in delity Anterselva, Italy Norwegian biathlete Strula Holm Laegreid won his second bronze medal of the Milan Cortina Olympics — three days after making an unexpected personal confession during a postrace interview. Laegreid was third in the sprint. He also won bronze in the 20-kilometer individual race but tearfully revealed during a live broadcast that he had been unfaithful to his girlfriend. Quentin Fillon Maillet of France won the sprint race for his second gold medal of the Games.

MLB

All-Star reliever Face, who saved 3 games for Pirates in 1960 World Series, dead at 97 Pittsburgh Elroy Face, an All-Star reliever for the Pittsburgh Pirates who saved three games in the 1960 World Series to help them upset the New York Yankees, died at 97. The former pitcher died Thursday at an independent senior living facility in North Versailles, Pennsylvania. No cause of death was provided. Selected to six All-Star teams, Face went 104-95 with a 3.48 ERA in 16 major league seasons with Pittsburgh, Detroit and Montreal. He compiled 191 career saves — although saves didn’t become an o cial statistic until 1969.

NBA

Tankers beware: Jazz ned $500,000, Pacers $100,000 by NBA for player participation policy breach

The NBA ned the Utah Jazz $500,000 for sitting healthy stars late in close games. The league announced the decision on Thursday. The Jazz kept key players out of recent fourth quarters, even though games were tight. The NBA said the players could have kept playing. Utah has also faced past nes tied to resting Lauri Markkanen. The Pacers were ned $100,000 for holding out Pascal Siakam and other starters. The policy targets teams that chase better draft odds by losing on purpose.

SOUTH STANLY BOYS’ BASKETBALL

8-15, 2-8 in Yadkin Valley 2A/3A

Last week’s scores:

• Won 47-40 at Gray Stone Day

• Lost 68-42 vs. North Rowan

This week’s schedule:

• Feb. 17 at Union Academy

SOUTH STANLY GIRLS’ BASKETBALL

7-13, 3-7 in Yadkin Valley 2A/3A

Last week’s scores:

• Won 43-30 at Gray Stone Day

• Lost 46-34 vs. North Rowan

This week’s schedule:

• Feb. 17 at Union Academy

WEST STANLY BOYS’ BASKETBALL 7-16, 2-10 in Rocky River 4A/5A

Last week’s scores:

• Lost 74-42 vs. Parkwood

This week’s schedule:

• TBD due to postseason

NORTH STANLY GIRLS’ BASKETBALL

19-3, 10-0 in Yadkin Valley

Last week’s scores:

• Won 47-37 vs. Albemarle

• Won 46-35 at Union Academy

This week’s schedule:

• TBD due to postseason

ALBEMARLE BOYS’ BASKETBALL 9-13, 6-4 in Yadkin Valley

Last week’s scores:

• Lost 64-41 at North Stanly

This week’s schedule:

• Feb. 17 vs. Gray Stone Day

ALBEMARLE GIRLS’ BASKETBALL

12-11, 6-4 in Yadkin Valley

Last week’s scores:

• Lost 47-37 at North Stanly

This week’s schedule:

• TBD due to postseason

Cooper Flagg missed the rookie showcase due to injury

By Greg Beacham

The Associated Press

INGLEWOOD, Calif. —

V.J. Edgecombe seems quietly con dent he’ll be at an NBA All-Star weekend quite soon to play in the main event.

Until that day arrives, the Philadelphia rookie celebrated his rst trip to this midseason showcase with two game-ending scores and an MVP trophy in the Rising Stars event.

Edgecombe led Team Vince to victory in the kicko event for the NBA All-Star weekend Friday night, scoring 17 points in the semi nal before hitting two free throws to ice the nal.

“We all wanted to compete, and I wanted to win,” Edgecombe said. “I really hate losing, and we had a chance to win it all, so why not go out there and win?”

The NBA’s rookies, sophomores and G League prospects opened the All-Star weekend at the Los Angeles Clippers’ Intuit Dome with this four-team tournament of three games played to a set point total.

While Edgecombe was the most impactful player, he didn’t have the most memorable bucket: San Antonio guard Dylan Harper ended the rst seminal by scoring the game-winner over Ron Harper Jr., his older brother.

Dylan Harper then scored eight more points in the nal

for Team Melo while teaming up with his Spurs teammate, Stephon Castle, last season’s Rookie of the Year and Rising Stars MVP.

Castle made a putback dunk o Jeremiah Fears’ miss to pull Team Melo within one point of victory, but Edgecombe drew a foul from Donovan Clingan and coolly hit both free throws to end it at 25-24.

Edgecombe was motivated by the presence of his 76ers backcourt mate, All-Star Tyrese Maxey, who watched from courtside.

“He (said) he ain’t coming to watch if I ain’t going to play hard,” Edgecombe said. “I was like, ‘Man, I’m going to play hard so at least it’s not a waste of his time.’”

Indeed, the lackadaisical efforts that have plagued the All-Star Game in recent years wasn’t nearly as prevalent in this Rising Stars showcase, and Edgecombe said that’s largely because of the motivational e orts of the four NBA veterans who led the teams: Vince Carter, Carmelo Anthony, Tracy McGrady and Austin Rivers.

When the vets were picking their teams two weeks ago, Edgecombe told Carter to choose him if he wanted to win.

“(Carter) was telling us, ‘Just go! Just go! Keep playing hard!’” Edgecombe said. “And we feed o of that. We just started rolling.”

Edgecombe scored nearly half of his team’s 41 points — including the last 10 in a row — while winning the second seminal. Edgecombe didn’t have to

carry his team in the nal, but the No. 3 overall pick in last year’s draft still scored its nal four points.

Family feud

Dylan Harper called game in the rst semi nal with a succession of moves that could have been learned on the driveway at home, bullying Ron Jr. into the paint before hitting a step-back jumper.

Dylan stuck out his tongue in gleeful celebration of only his second basket in the seminal, and their famous father laughed heartily at courtside.

Ron Jr., a Celtics prospect with 21 games of NBA experience, is six years older than Dylan, the No. 2 pick in last summer’s draft — but the kid brother knew he could do it.

“You think I’ve never beat him one-on-one (before)?” Dylan asked with mock exasperation.

Flagg down

The Rising Stars game wasn’t a full showcase of the NBA’s top young talent because No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg dropped out of the game due to injury, as did Washington’s Alex Sarr and Memphis’ Cedric Coward.

Edgecombe hit three 3-pointers during his scoring barrage in the rst semi nal to win his duel with Charlotte’s Kon Knueppel, who scored just four points. The two rookies are the only serious contenders with Flagg for the Rookie of the Year award.

• Lost 66-59 vs. Mount Pleasant

This week’s schedule:

• Feb. 17 at Mount Pleasant

WEST STANLY GIRLS’ BASKETBALL 12-11, 7-5 in Rocky River 4A/5A

Last week’s scores:

• Lost 65-32 at Forest Hills

• Won 66-42 vs. Parkwood

• Won 49-28 vs. Mount Pleasant

This week’s schedule:

• TBD due to postseason

NORTH STANLY BOYS’ BASKETBALL 22-2, 9-1 in Yadkin Valley

Last week’s scores:

• Won 64-41 vs. Albemarle

• Won 42-22 at Union Academy

GRAY STONE DAY BOYS’ BASKETBALL

1-23, 0-10 in Yadkin Valley

Last week’s scores:

• Lost 47-40 vs. South Stanly

• Lost 71-28 at North Rowan

This week’s schedule:

• Feb. 17 at Albemarle

GRAY STONE DAY GIRLS’ BASKETBALL

2-17, 0-10 in Yadkin Valley

Last week’s scores:

• Lost 43-30 vs. South Stanly

• Lost 55-50 at North Rowan

This week’s schedule:

• TBD due to postseason

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In the General Court of Justice Superior Court Clerk Before the Clerk 26E000053-830

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MARK T. LOWDER PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF DONNIE LEON THOMAS MARK T. LOWDER ATTORNEY AT LAW P.O. Box 1284

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF STANLY 24 E 001540 - 830

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NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY

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The Town Council of the Town of Norwood has received an o

Emma Thompson, Jennifer Garner,

‘The

Night Agent,’

Hilary Du drops “luck… or something”

The Associated Press

THE EMMA Thompson-led thriller “Dead of Winter” and Hilary Du ’s rst full-length album in 11 years are some of the new television, lms, music and games headed to a device near you. Also, among the streaming o erings worth your time this week: A new season of “The Night Agent” lands on Net ix, Dove Cameron and Avan Jogia star in the new series “56 Days” for Prime Video, and Harris Dickinson’s brilliant directorial debut, “Urchin,” lands on Hulu.

MOVIES TO STREAM

Dickinson might be best known for his acting in lms like “Babygirl,” but last year he proved himself to be a lmmaker to watch as well. His brilliant directorial debut, “Urchin,” streaming now on Hulu, follows in the social realist tradition of Ken Loach in chronicling the ups and downs of an unhoused addict (Frank Dillane) in London.

HBO Max has the Thompson-led thriller “Dead of Winter” arriving on Friday. Thompson plays a grieving loner who gets lost near a Minnesota lake during a blizzard and stumbles on a cabin where a young woman is being held by an armed couple. And if Emerald Fennell’s “Wuthering Heights” leaves you wanting more (or moor) Cathy and Heathcli , there are plenty of other versions streaming on various platforms. There is of course William Wyler’s lush but much condensed 1939 lm, with Laurence Olivier and Merle Oberon (on HBO Max and Criterion Channel). The 1992 version (free on Kanopy) starring Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche is one of the most faithful to Brontë’s text for actually including the second generation of Lintons and Earnshaws. Andrea Arnold’s underseen lm, released in 2011, (free on Tubi) notably features a multiracial actor, James Howson,

Dove Cameron

“It’s a long, long way, way down, down to Cloud 9.”

as Heathcli , opposite Kaya Scodelario’s Catherine. There’s also the British television miniseries from 2009 with Charlotte Riley and Tom Hardy that’s available on BritBox.

MUSIC TO STREAM

The millennial queen hath returned. Du will release her rst full-length since 2015’s “Breathe In. Breathe Out.” on Friday. Titled “luck… or something,” the album is a 11-track collection of nostalgic pop, the ideal listening experience for those still devastated by the tabled, adult “Lizzie McGuire” reboot. Of course, this time around, Du has won out, and the themes are, as one song title puts it, “Mature.” It is not too late to hop aboard

the Megan Moroney train, but the rest of us are pulling out of the station — and following her to greener pastures. The country singer-songwriter emerged as a fully realized talent with the release of her platinum-selling single “Tennessee Orange” a few years back; her 2024 sophomore album “Am I Okay?” only strengthened her charms. Now she’s preparing to release “Cloud 9,” out Friday to win over even more hearts. There’s a reason “6 Months Later” has been inescapable on country music. Isn’t it time you found out why?

SERIES TO STREAM

Cameron and Jogia star in a new series “56 Days” for Prime Video as Ciara and Oliver, who meet by chance at a grocery store, embark on a whirlwind, passionate romance. Fifty-six days later, homicide detectives nd a decomposed body in a bathtub which could be Ciara or Oliver, leaving the question, who killed who? It’s based on a best-seller by Catherine Ryan

Howard. Cameron and Jogia, who started out on Disney and Nickelodeon, respectively, show they’re not kids anymore in this sexy thriller. A new season of Net ix’s “The Night Agent” arrives Thursday. It stars Gabriel Basso as Peter Sutherland, a secret operative working in counterintelligence for the FBI. In Season 3, he’s on a mission to nd a treasury secretary who has ed to Istanbul after committing murder, that leads to the discovery of a dark money network. Information may be power, but it can also be deadly and Peter’s in trouble.

Jennifer Garner’s “The Last Thing He Told Me” returns Friday on Apple TV. It’s based on novels by Laura Dave. Garner plays Hannah Hall, a new wife and stepmom whose world is rocked in Season 1 when her new husband, Owen, (played by Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) disappears, leaving a note to protect his teen daughter, Bailee (played by Angourie Rice). Season 2 picks up ve years later when (spoiler alert, but

it’s in the trailer) Owen shows back up. Now the three are in danger. Garner, who mastered ght scenes for her breakout role in the TV show “Alias” and as Marvel assassin Elektra, gets to show her kicks and punches.

VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

Stealth games like Thief, Dishonored and Splinter Cell have seen better days, but at least one developer — France’s Cyanide — is trying to carry the genre forward. In Styx: Blades of Greed, you are a goblin who isn’t particularly well-equipped to ght toe-to-toe against orcs and other bullies. But if you take the sneaky approach, you can ll your pockets with quartz, the most valuable and volatile substance in this fantasy world. Magic powers like invisibility and mind control make it a little easier to avoid brawling, but if things get out of hand, you can whip out a glider and y away. The heist begins Thursday on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S and PC.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

New subpoenas issued in inquiry on response to 2016 Russian election interference

The Justice Department has issued new subpoenas in an investigation into perceived adversaries of President Donald Trump and the U.S. government response to Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, according to multiple people familiar with the matter. An initial wave of subpoenas in November asked recipients for documents related to the preparation of a U.S. intelligence community assessment that detailed a sweeping, multiprong e ort by Moscow to help Trump defeat Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.

Rousey, Carano will end MMA retirements, ght each other in May

Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano will end their lengthy retirements from mixed martial arts to ght each other May 16 at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The bout will be staged by Most Valuable Promotions, the combat sports promotion established by in uencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul. The 39-year-old Rousey hasn’t fought since 2016, while the 43-year-old Carano’s eight-bout MMA career ended in 2009. They’ll ght at 145 pounds for ve ve-minute rounds. Despite their lengthy absences, Rousey and Carano remain two of the most iconic ghters in MMA history after two trailblazing careers. They are the two most famous women to participate in MMA.

$2.00

At Fort Bragg, Trump says Maduro raid showed ‘full military might’ of US, means ‘we are feared’

The president endorsed Michael Whatley in his Senate run

By Will Weissert and Allen G. Breed The Associated Press

FORT BRAGG — President Donald Trump celebrated the special forces members who ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, saying last month’s audacious raid means “the entire world saw what the full military might” of the U.S. can do and ensured “we are feared” by potential enemies around the world.

Addressing soldiers and their families at Fort Bragg, one of the world’s largest military bases, Trump declared, “Your commander in chief supports you

totally.” Then, drawing on one of his own campaign slogans, he implored them, “When needed, you’re going to ght, ght, ght. You’re going to win, win, win.”

The president and rst lady Melania Trump also met privately with military families. But the visit felt more like a political rally than an o cial visit to celebrate the U.S. armed forces. Trump’s lauding of the raid that toppled Maduro came only after he called to the stage Michael Whatley, a former Republican National Committee chair who has the president’s endorsement as he now runs for Senate in North Carolina.

Whatley thanked Trump and suggested that the president “is giving me an opportunity to

See TRUMP, page A2

County approves contracts for medical services, tech upgrades

The board also accepted a land donation adjoining C.G. Hill Memorial Park

By Ryan Henkel Twin City Herald

WINSTON-SALEM — The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners met Feb. 12 for its regular business meeting.

The board approved four contractual items, including an agreement with Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center to provide mammography screening, chest X-rays and diagnostic services for low-income women. The agreement is for an amount not to exceed $65,000, with $36,000 funded by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and $29,000 funded by the county’s public health department.

The second item was a contract with Dell Marketing Limited Partnership to provide Microsoft subscriptions and software services across the county and its departments.

The contract is for three years at an annual cost not to exceed around $1.113 million.

The third item was an agreement with Level Solutions Group for the purchase of replacement computing technology for the Forsyth County Department of Social Services.

The purchase, which is for around $326,000, covers the normal replacement cycle of 168 laptops, 80 computer cases, 168 keyboards and mice, and 128 monitors. Finally, the board awarded two contracts for vehicle purchases.

The rst was around $127,000 with Modern Chevrolet for the purchase of ve

$4.15M

Approximate value of the contracts the commissioners approved

Chevrolet Equinox EVs for the county’s motor pool, and the second was around $300,000 with Nashville Automotive for the purchase of 11 vehicles — ve Chevrolet Trax and ve Chevrolet Trailblazers for the motor pool, and one Chevrolet 3500 HD crew cab for the parks and recreation department. In addition, the board approved an amendment to the FY 2025-26 budget ordinance to reconcile the medication-assisted treatment grant in the sheri ’s o ce budget.

“This item appropriates unearned revenue as other state reimbursements to reconcile this grant to the scal year ’26 budget,” Robinson said. “The item also transfers the remaining grant budget from the general fund to the public safety projects ordinance to allow for more e cient spending of this grant across more scal years.”

The board also accepted a donation of 0.11 acres of real property located at 0 Balsom Road.

“This property directly adjoins other county-owned property, which is operated as C.G. Hill Memorial Park,” said County Manager Shontell Robinson. “Parks and Recreation sta have inspected the property, and we’re certainly thankful to the owners for this generous donation.”

The property is a remnant parcel that was previously associated with the Timber eld Development Company, and the county was rst approached by the owners of the property back in November.

The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners will next meet March 5.

2.19.26

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Judge sentences teen to life without parole for fatally shooting 5 in Raleigh rampage

Austin Thompson killed his brother in the 2022 attack

By Gary D. Robertson The Associated Press

RALEIGH — A judge sentenced an 18-year-old who acknowledged killing ve people in a Raleigh mass shooting to life in prison without parole last Friday, rejecting arguments that he deserved the chance for release decades from now.

Austin David Thompson was 15 during the Oct. 13, 2022, attack that began at his Raleigh home when he shot and repeatedly stabbed his 16-year-old brother, James.

Equipped with rearms and wearing camou age, Thompson then fatally shot four others — including an o -duty city police o cer — in his neighborhood and along a greenway. He was arrested in a shed after a self-in icted gunshot wound to his head.

Thompson pleaded guilty last month to ve counts of rst-degree murder and ve other counts less than two weeks before his scheduled trial.

Thompson, who did not speak in court, was led away in handcu s after the sentencing.

Family members of the shooting victims cried as the sentence was handed down. Thompson’s attorneys announced plans to appeal the sentence.

Superior Court Judge Paul Ridgeway had the option to sentence him to life in prison with the chance for parole after at least 25 years, but Thompson did not face the death penalty given his age at the time of the crimes.

“It’s hard to conceive of a

represent you” — even though the election isn’t until November.

Later, Trump said of the raid on Jan. 3 that whisked away Maduro to face U.S. drug smuggling charges, “It was a matter of minutes before he was on a helicopter being taken out.” He called the forces involved “some of our greatest soldiers to ever live, frankly” while dismissing Maduro as an “outlaw dictator.”

“That night, the entire world saw what the full military might (of) the U.S. military is capable” of, the president said. “It was so precise, so incredible.”

Trump also vowed, “As long as I’m president, we will be the best led, the best trained, the best equipped, the most disciplined and the most elite ghting force the world has ever seen” and noted of would-be U.S. adversaries, “Everybody knows it.”

“They know exactly what they would be up against. Hopefully, we’ll never have to test them and, because of our strength, and because of what we do, we probably won’t have to be tested,” Trump said.

Even still, the president mentioned sending a second aircraft carrier group to the Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran and said, “America’s respected again. And, perhaps most importantly, we are feared by the enemies all over the globe.”

“I don’t like to say fear,” he said. “But, sometimes, you have to have fear because that’s the only thing that really will get the situation taken care of.”

greater display of malice than what I just described,” Ridgeway said, adding that months of planning and fantasizing by Thompson to carry out the rampage also con rmed that Thompson is the rare juvenile o ender “whose crimes re ect irreparable corruption.”

During the sentencing hearing, prosecutors revealed the previously con dential contents of a handwritten note with Thompson’s name and the shooting date found at his family’s house in the Hedingham subdivision.

The note said the “reason I did this is because I hate humans they are destroying the planet/earth,” adding that he killed James Thompson ”because he would get in my way.”

Thompson “cannot tell you why he wrote that note the way that he did,” defense lawyer Deonte’ Thomas said, noting that he had no history of ecological-based anger. “And he cannot tell you why he ran down the streets of Hedingham terrorizing people that day.”

But “he is not unredeemable,

he is not incorrigible,” Thomas added in asking Ridgeway to give him the opportunity one day to tell parole commissioners he could “still be a productive person in society.”

Thomas argued that the rampage happened during a behavioral episode caused by medicine he regularly took for acne which dissociated the youth from reality. A psychiatrist who interviewed Thompson and a geneticist testi ed to bolster the explanation. Ridgeway decided the evidence did not support the conclusion that Thompson’s acts happened while he entered an altered mental state induced by the medication and a genetic abnormality.

Prosecutors dismissed the medication argument as weak and highlighted Thompson’s internet search history on his phone and computer leading up to the attack. They said it included school shootings and were related to guns, assaults and bomb-making materials.

Nicole Connors, 52; Raleigh police O cer Gabriel Torres,

29; Mary Marshall, 34; and Susan Karnatz, 49, also were killed in the rampage. Two other people were wounded, including another police ocer involved in the search for Thompson.

“In the blink of an eye, everything changed for those people and for the people that they left behind,” Wake County assistant prosecutor Patrick Latour said last Thursday while urging a sentence with no potential parole. “And the thing that made it change was not some acne medication. It was the defendant’s knowing, researched, well thought out, planned, decisive actions.”

The judge heard from people like Jasmin Torres, the widow of Gabriel Torres and the mother of their 5-year-old daughter. She asked Ridgeway to sentence Thompson to life without parole, calling him a “monster.”

“Not one of us surviving victims, our families, our friends, our community should ever have to worry about a future where his barbaric self is set free,” Torres said last week.

Thompson’s parents testi ed they couldn’t explain why their son committed the violence, calling him a normal, happy kid who did well in school and showed no signs of destruction.

Thompson’s father pleaded guilty to improperly storing his handgun that authorities said was found when his son was arrested. He received a suspended sentence and probation.

“We both lost our children, one at the hand of the other. We never saw this coming and still cannot make sense of it,” mother Elise Thompson said last week while telling the families of shooting victims she will “forever be sorry for the pain that this has caused you.”

Trump lately has traveled more frequently to states that could play key roles in November’s midterm congressional elections, including a stop before Christmas in Rocky Mount. The White House has been trying to promote Trump’s economic policies, including attempts to bring down the cost of living at a time when many people are growing frustrated with his e orts to improve affordability.

The president didn’t spend a lot of time on his economic policies last Friday, though he did mention how a White House-backed tax and spending package is increasing funding for military housing.

As he left the White House to make the trip, meanwhile,

Trump cheered data released last Friday showing that in ation fell to nearly a ve-year low last month.

“The numbers were surprising, except to me they weren’t surprising,” Trump said. “We have very modest in ation, which is what you want to have.”

The president also spoke at Fort Bragg in June at an event meant to recognize the 250th anniversary of the Army. But that celebration was overshadowed by his partisan remarks describing protesters in Los Angeles as “animals” and his defense of deploying the military there.

This time, Trump evoked the fatal stabbing of a Ukrainian refugee on a Charlotte com-

muter train and called the man accused of committing it a “monster.”

Trump also praised Maduro’s replacement, acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez. Rather than push for elections in Venezuela, Trump says his administration is inviting top oil companies there to rebuild its energy industry. U.S. o cials also have seized tankers as part of their broad oversight of the country’s oil industry.

“The relationship is strong, the oil is coming out,” Trump told reporters before ying to North Carolina. He added: “We have our big oil companies going in, they’re going to be pumping out the oil and selling the oil for a lot of money.”

THE CONVERSATION

Trip Ho end, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

Shut up and ski

“U.S. athletes shouldn’t be stooges for foreigners.”

DOES ANYONE REALLY believe the international media cares what Olympic snowboarders and curlers think about President Donald Trump’s ICE raids or whatever panic de jour is on the menu this week? Of course not. They want U.S. athletes to bash the American government on the world stage.

Nothing stops athletes from speaking their mind about political issues whenever or wherever they like. Doing it at the Olympics is, at best, in poor form and, at worst, unpatriotic.

Skier Hunter Hess took the bait in Milan, or more likely, couldn’t wait to preen for the foreign press, noting that he had “mixed emotions” representing his country. “It’s a little hard,” he said. “There’s obviously a lot going on that I’m not the biggest fan of, and I think a lot of people aren’t.” And just because he’s wearing the ag, Hess went on, “doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the U.S.”

Who’s happy with everything that goes on in their country? Not a single thinking person, that’s who. Olympic athletes go to the Games to transcend these di erences and represent national ideals and aspirations, not whine about political parties that happen to be in charge. U.S. athletes shouldn’t be stooges for foreigners. Go o on politics when you get home.

Of course, not one American in Beijing in 2022 was asked what they thought about the Biden administration’s online censorship. Not that we should have wanted to hear about that,

COLUMN | LARRY ELDER

Je

But Je ries has his own record of “malignant, bottomfeeder-like behavior.” VISUAL VOICES

either. And not one French, Swedish, Danish or German athlete will ever be asked if they feel qualms about representing countries that deport illegal immigrants.

The subtext of the queries in Milan, and Hess’ answer, rests on an assumption that something especially nefarious is going on in the United States, which deserves rebuke; something worse, apparently, than goes on in any other country participating in the games.

This outlook, as anyone who understands anything about the world knows, is lunacy. China, incidentally, sent a delegation of 286 people to the Winter Olympics in Milan. One of them is freestyle skier Eileen Gu, who, Google’s AI — apparently translating text from the original Chicom propaganda — tells me “is competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, aiming to inspire a new generation of Chinese skiers, speci cally girls, while balancing her Chinese heritage and American upbringing.”

The only notable “heritage” of the one-party communist state, which doesn’t represent the will of the Chinese people, is that it’s in contention for being the most murderous regime in history. Yet the media’s e usive coverage of Gu’s performance, poise and overall decency is something to behold. Reuters ran a three-person bylined piece of Gu discussing her “rediscovering joy in skiing, navigating rising competition and reframing her relationship with fear.” Gu, in an interview with the o cial Olympic site, “talks pressure, the haters, and inspiring young girls after a life-changing Beijing 2022.”

The Chinese government also reportedly spent around $6.64 million on Gu and fellow U.S.-born athlete Zhu Yi. So that’s a perk, for sure.

Couldn’t Gu, worth somewhere north of $23 million, inspire Chinese girls in the United States rather than under the ag of a tyranny? Or how about representing Taiwan? Americans with dual citizenship who are unable to make the United States squads will occasionally compete for other nations. Even then, they rarely join tyrannies and geopolitical foes. It’s one thing to buy cheap stu from communist China and quite another to wear its ag. Anyway, Gu is in no position to lecture anyone about decency.

As others have pointed out, reporters, deeply concerned about the ability of Americans to represent their awed nation, have yet to ask Gu about the plight of Hong Kong democracy activist Jimmy Lai, recently sentenced to 20 years for exercising his right to free expression. There has been nothing on the 50 or so journalists being held in prison. Gu has criticized Trump but o ers nothing but praise for a regime that throws women into concentration camps where they are systemically raped and used as forced labor?

Maybe Hess can think about that the next time he’s ripping the United States abroad.

David Harsanyi is a senior writer at the Washington Examiner and author of ve books.

(Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

ries and Schumer denounce Trump’s ‘Racist’ video — but who are they to complain?

ON PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP’S social media platform, someone in the administration — the White House o ered di erent versions of how this happened — posted a 62-second cartoon video set to the song “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.”

This was posted on a Thursday night and, following cries of “racism,” was removed by noon the following day. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt called the reaction “fake outrage.” Trump said: “I guess during the end of it, there was some kind of picture people don’t like. I wouldn’t like it either, but I didn’t see it. I just, I looked at the rst part, and it was really about voter fraud.”

Asked by a reporter, if he condemns the racist part of the video, Trump said, “Of course I do.”

The video shows Trump’s head attached to a lion con dently strolling through the jungle. Other animals dance as the Trump lion saunters through. On the heads of the other animals are well-known Democrats, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, former President Joe Biden, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, former Vice President Kamala Harris, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, House Minority Leader Hakeem Je ries and others.

Near the end for about one second, the video showed the heads of former President Barack Obama and former rst lady Michelle Obama on the heads of monkeys. A screenshot of the Barack and Michelle heads on apes went viral. That Biden’s face was on that of a banana-eating orangutan did not seem to disturb anyone.

The outrage was predictable. “Racist” Donald Trump strikes again! Those

crying out included Je ries and Schumer. Je ries said, “He de nitively needs to apologize. It was a disgusting video ... even a handful of Republicans ... nally showed some backbone in pushing back against the president’s malignant, bottom-feeder-like behavior.”

But Je ries has his own record of “malignant, bottom-feeder-like behavior.” As a college student, Je ries praised two of the country’s most prominent antisemites: his uncle and City College of New York professor Leonard Je ries — who compared Jews to “dogs” and “skunks,” and claimed “rich Jews nanced the slave trade — and Nation of Islam’s Louis Farrakhan, who has a decades-long record of antisemitism.

Hakeem Je ries has long insisted he only “vaguely remembers” defending them. But in 2023, CNN reported the Binghamton University Black Student Union, of which he was a leader, invited Uncle Leonard to speak. When Jewish students protested, Hakeem Je ries “led a press conference” to defend his uncle, despite later saying that “he did not recall any press coverage” of the controversy.

CNN said Hakeem Je ries’ 1992 op- ed undermines claims he wasn’t aware of uncle’s antisemitic controversy. He wrote that his uncle challenges the “existing white supremacist educational system and long-standing distortion of history. His reward has been a media lynching complete with character assassinations and in ammatory, erroneous accusations.”

In a research paper called “Dr. Je ries and the Anti-Semitic Branch of the Afrocentrism Movement,” Kenneth Stern with the American Jewish Committee wrote, “Leonard Je ries was

already known for his teaching that blacks are racially superior to whites because blacks, whom he calls ‘sun people,’ have more melanin in their skin than whites, whom he calls ‘ice people.’” But Hakeem Je ries defended his uncle.

After this CNN report, the Republican Jewish Coalition said, “Minority Leader Hakeem Je ries owes the Jewish community an explanation as to why he lied and attempted to cover up his defense of these revolting antisemites.”

At the time, Hakeem Je ries also described black conservatives as “token,” “opportunists” and “house negroes.” He wrote, “Clarence Thomas was appointed by George Bush to the highest court in the nation. Colin Powell was appointed by George Bush to lead the military establishment ‘policemen of the Wall Street Bankers.’”

As for Schumer, he called the video “racist. Vile. Abhorrent.” Yet, in 1974, the then-freshman New York assemblyman proposed a blatantly racist scheme to appease whites by ridding blacks from their New York neighborhood. Read the 2006 “American Spectator” article “Race to the Top” by a writer who was present when Schumer outlined his plan.

Democrats and the media, who lick their chops to pounce on “racist” Trump, are silent about Je ries’ record of antisemitism and indi erent about the allegations of Schumer’s anti-black racism.

Larry Elder is a bestselling author and nationally syndicated radio talk-show host. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

Lunar New Year prayers, robots, festivities usher in the Year of the Horse

Celebratory festivals took place in countries around the world

By Ken Moritsugu

The Associated Press

BEIJING — Traditional prayers, reworks and fairs marked the Lunar New Year on Tuesday — alongside 21st-century humanoid robots.

The activities ushered in the Year of the Horse, one of 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac, succeeding the Year of the Snake.

Thousands of people in Beijing jammed into the former Temple of Earth to buy snacks, toys and trinkets from stalls.

Sun Jing, who brought her parents to the capital for the holiday, said the atmosphere was as lively as in her childhood.

“I haven’t felt such a strong sense of Lunar New Year festivity in a very, very long time,” she said.

Crowds descended on popular temples to burn incense and pray for happiness and success in the coming year. The Lunar New Year is the most important annual holiday in China and some other East Asian nations and is celebrated outside the region, too.

Robots take stage of annual TV show in China

As every year, China cele-

brated the Lunar New Year with a TV show and once again the humanoid robots were a central part of the performance Monday night.

One of the highlights of the CCTV Spring Festival gala was a martial arts performance by children and robots. For several minutes, humanoids from Unitree Robotics showed different sequences and even brandished swords.

The performance showed China’s push to develop more advanced robots powered by improved AI capabilities.

Viewers applauded the ro -

bots, with one saying they give good guidance and direction for young people. One man, though, said that while China’s advances in robotics are great, they detracted from his experience.

“It lacks a bit of the New Year atmosphere,” Li Bo said. “It’s not as enjoyable as when I was little watching the gala.”

Temple crowds at midnight in Hong Kong

Incense smoke wafted into the air at a temple in Hong Kong where people line up ev-

Visitors pose beside decorative horse sculptures at a temple fair during the rst day of Lunar New Year at Lama Temple in Beijing, China, on Tuesday.

es and skyscrapers as the reworks went o and crowds clapped in rhythm to live pop music performances.

Chinese street fairs in Moscow

People sampled Chinese cuisine from stalls and strolled along snowy streets decorated with red lanterns and dragons as two weeks of events got underway Monday at various venues in the Russian capital.

The third annual Lunar New Year celebration comes at time of warming relations between China and Russia — ties that have frustrated many European governments because of the war in Ukraine.

A temple bell rings 108 times in Taiwan

The solemn peal of a temple bell rang out 108 times — an auspicious number — as people ocked to the Baoan Temple in Taipei on Tuesday morning.

ery year to make wishes for the new year at midnight.

Holding up a cluster of incense sticks, many bowed their heads several times before planting the sticks in containers placed in front of a temple hall.

Fireworks light up skies in Vietnam

Entertainers in Vietnam sang at an outdoor countdown event before multiple reworks shows at several cities in the Southeast Asian nation, where the festival is called Tet. Light shows lit up bridg-

They lit incense sticks, bowed their heads and left offerings of colorful ower bouquets on outdoor tables on the temple grounds in Taiwan’s capital city.

Argentines join celebrations in Buenos Aires

Thousands of Argentines gathered in Buenos Aires’ Chinatown to celebrate the Lunar New Year and enjoyed dragon and lion dances on the main stage, alongside martial arts demonstrations.

The Chinese immigrant community is among Argentina’s most dynamic, accounting for more than 180,000 people in the South American country.

Colbert says CBS’s network lawyers pulled Talarico interview from ‘Late Show’ over FCC equal time

The interview was posted on YouTube and elsewhere

By Meg Kinnard The Associated Press

LATE-NIGHT host Stephen Colbert said his interview with Democratic Texas Senate candidate James Talarico was pulled from Monday night’s broadcast over network fears it would violate regulatory guidance from the Trump administration on giving equal time to political candidates.

“He was supposed to be here, but we were told in no uncertain terms by our network’s lawyers, who called us directly, that we could not have him on the broadcast,” Colbert said on his program, ”The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.”

“Then I was told, in some uncertain terms, that not only could I not have him on, I could not mention me not having him on. And because my network clearly doesn’t want us to talk about this, let’s talk about this.”

talk show exemption and positing that hosts were “motivated by partisan purposes.”

“The FCC has not been presented with any evidence that the interview portion of any late night or daytime television talk show program on air presently would qualify for the bona de news exemption,” according to the public notice.

In his comments, Colbert noted that the equal time provision applies to broadcast but not streaming platforms. Subsequently, his nearly 15-minute interview with Talarico was posted to the YouTube page for Colbert’s show, with the host noting speci cally that the segment was only appearing online and not on broadcast.

and Rep. Jasmine Crockett are among the Democrats seeking election to the U.S. Senate seat currently held by four-term Republican Sen. John Cornyn. The primary election is March 3. Carr, appointed by Trump to lead the agency last year, has often criticized network talk shows, suggesting last year that probing ABC’s “The View” — whose hosts have frequently been critical of Trump — over the exemption might be “worthwhile.”

Colbert’s days in his host chair are limited, following CBS’ announcement last year that it was canceling his show this May for nancial reasons, shuttering a decades-old TV institution in a changing media landscape.

The situation, which came just hours before early voting began in Texas’ primary elections, comes as media institutions navigate around changing broadcast guidance, issued under the Trump administration, governing how they interview political candidates.

Talarico posted part of the interview on social media, calling it “the interview Donald Trump didn’t want you to see.” Broadcast networks have

James Van Der Beek,

In 2024, he said he was being treated for colorectal cancer

The Associated Press

NEW YORK — James Van Der Beek, a heartthrob who starred in coming-of-age dramas at the dawn of the new millennium, shooting to fame playing the titular character in “Dawson’s Creek” and in later years mocking his own hunky persona, has died. He was 48.

“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met hisnal days with courage, faith, and grace. There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come,” the statement read. “For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband,

father, son, brother, and friend.”

Van Der Beek revealed in 2024 that he was being treated for colorectal cancer.

Van Der Beek made a surprise video appearance in September at a “Dawson’s Creek” reunion charity event in New York City after previously dropping out due to illness.

He appeared projected onstage at the Richard Rodgers Theatre during a live reading of the show’s pilot episode to benet F Cancer and Van Der Beek. Lin-Manuel Miranda subbed for him on stage. “Thank you to every single person here,” Van Der Beek said.

Forever tied to “Dawson’s Creek”

A one-time theater kid, Van Der Beek would star in the movie “Varsity Blues” and on TV in “CSI: Cyber” as FBI Spe -

been required to give equal time to political candidates, but that rule hasn’t traditionally been applied to talk shows. In January, the Federal Communications Commission issued new guidance warning late-night and daytime hosts that they need to give political candidates equal time, with FCC Chairman Brendan Carr questioning the

‘Dawson’s

Talarico posted a nearly minute-long clip of the sit-down on X, adding that, “This is the interview Donald Trump didn’t want you to see. His FCC refused to air my interview with Stephen Colbert. Trump is worried we’re about to ip Texas.”

Neither CBS nor the FCC immediately responded to messages seeking comment Tuesday, Early voting began Tuesday in Texas, where Talarico

But the timing of that announcement — three days after Colbert criticized the settlement between Trump and Paramount Global, parent company of CBS, over a “60 Minutes” story — led two U.S. senators to publicly question the motives behind the move, which served to remove from air one of Trump’s most prominent and persistent late-night critics.

Creek’ star, dead at 48

cial Agent Elijah Mundo, but was forever connected to “Dawson’s Creek,” which ran from 1998 to 2003 on The WB.

The series followed a high school group of friends as they learned about falling in love, creating real friendships and nding their footing in life. Van Der Beek, than 20, played 15-year-old Dawson Leery, who aspired to be a director of Steven Spielberg quality.

“Dawson’s Creek,” with the moody theme song Paula Cole’s “I Don’t Want To Wait,” helped de ne The WB as a haven for teens and young adults who related to its hyper-articulate dialogue and frank talk about sexuality. And it made household names of Van Der Beek, Joshua Jackson, Katie Holmes and Michelle Williams.

The show caused a stir when one of the teens embarked on

a racy a air with a teacher 20 years his senior and when Holmes’ character climbs through Dawson’s bedroom window and they curl up together. Racier shows like “Euphoria” and “Sex Education” owe a debt to “Dawson’s Creek.”

Van Der Beek sometimes struggled to get out from under the shadow of the show but eventually leaned into lampooning himself, like on Funny Or Die videos and on Kesha’s “Blow” music video, which included his laser gun battle with the pop star in a nightclub and dead unicorns.

“It’s tough to compete with something that was the cultural phenomenon that ‘Dawson’s Creek’ was,” he told Vulture in 2013. “It ran for so long. That’s a lot of hours playing one character in front of people. So it’s natural that they associate you with that.”

A popular GIF and “Varsity Blues”

More than a decade after the show went o the air, a scene at the end of the show’s third season became a GIF. Dawson was watching as his soul mate embarks on a love a air with his best friend and burst into tears.

“It wasn’t scripted that I was supposed to cry; it was just one of those things where it’s a magical moment and it just happens in the scene,” he told Vanity Fair. He seemed exasperated when he told the Los Angeles Times: “All of a sudden, six years of work was boiled down to one seven-second clip on loop.” (Van Der Beek himself recreated the GIF in 2011 for Funny or Die and gave it a second life.)

He is survived by his wife, Kimberly, and six children, Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn and Jeremiah.

Forsyth SPORTS

Philly special: Edgecombe leads Team Vince to victory at NBA All-Star weekend’s Rising Stars

Cooper Flagg missed the rookie showcase due to injury

By Greg Beacham

The Associated Press

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — V.J.

Edgecombe seems quietly condent he’ll be at an NBA All-Star weekend quite soon to play in the main event.

Until that day arrives, the Philadelphia rookie celebrated his rst trip to this midseason showcase with two game-ending scores and an MVP trophy in the Rising Stars event.

Edgecombe led Team Vince to victory in the kicko event for the NBA All-Star weekend Friday night, scoring 17 points in the semi nal before hitting two free throws to ice the nal.

“We all wanted to compete, and I wanted to win,” Edgecombe said. “I really hate losing, and we had a chance to win it all, so why not go out there and win?”

The NBA’s rookies, sophomores and G League prospects opened the All-Star weekend at the Los Angeles Clippers’ Intuit Dome with this four-team tournament of three games played to a set point total.

While Edgecombe was the most impactful player, he didn’t have the most memorable bucket: San Antonio guard Dylan Harper ended the rst seminal by scoring the game-winner over Ron Harper Jr., his older brother.

Dylan Harper then scored eight more points in the nal for Team Melo while teaming up with his Spurs teammate, Stephon Castle, last season’s Rook-

“We all wanted to compete, and I wanted to win.”

V.J. Edgecombe

ie of the Year and Rising Stars MVP.

Castle made a putback dunk o Jeremiah Fears’ miss to pull Team Melo within one point of victory, but Edgecombe drew a foul from Donovan Clingan and coolly hit both free throws to end it at 25-24.

Edgecombe was motivated by the presence of his 76ers backcourt mate, All-Star Tyrese Maxey, who watched from courtside.

“He (said) he ain’t coming to watch if I ain’t going to play hard,” Edgecombe said. “I was like, ‘Man, I’m going to play hard so at least it’s not a waste of his time.’”

Indeed, the lackadaisical efforts that have plagued the All-Star Game in recent years wasn’t nearly as prevalent in this Rising Stars showcase, and Edgecombe said that’s largely because of the motivational e orts of the four NBA veterans who led the teams: Vince Carter, Carmelo Anthony, Tracy McGrady and Austin Rivers.

When the vets were picking their teams two weeks ago, Edgecombe told Carter to choose him if he wanted to win.

“(Carter) was telling us, ‘Just go! Just go! Keep playing hard!’” Edgecombe said. “And we feed o of that. We just started rolling.”

Edgecombe scored nearly

half of his team’s 41 points — including the last 10 in a row — while winning the second seminal. Edgecombe didn’t have to carry his team in the nal, but the No. 3 overall pick in last year’s draft still scored its nal four points.

Family feud

Dylan Harper called game in the rst semi nal with a succession of moves that could have been learned on the driveway at home, bullying Ron Jr. into the paint before hitting a step-back jumper.

Dylan stuck out his tongue in gleeful celebration of only his second basket in the semi nal, and their famous father laughed heartily at courtside.

Ron Jr., a Celtics prospect with 21 games of NBA experience, is six years older than Dylan, the No. 2 pick in last summer’s draft — but the kid brother knew he could do it.

“You think I’ve never beat him one-on-one (before)?” Dylan asked with mock exasperation. Flagg down

The Rising Stars game wasn’t a full showcase of the NBA’s top young talent because No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg dropped out of the game due to injury, as did Washington’s Alex Sarr and Memphis’ Cedric Coward.

Edgecombe hit three 3-pointers during his scoring barrage in the rst semi nal to win his duel with Charlotte’s Kon Knueppel, who scored just four points. The two rookies are the only serious contenders with Flagg for the Rookie of the Year award.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Kenneth Walker III

Former Wake Forest Demon Deacon

Kenneth Walker III, left, is a former Wake Forest Demon Deacons running back. After ranking second on the team in rushing yards in 2019 and 2020, he transferred to Michigan State and then was drafted in the second round after one season.

Walker has had a big February. He moved into the starting role with the Seahawks in the playo s and led Seattle to a win in Super Bowl LX. He rushed for 135 yards and caught two passes for 26 yards. Walker won Super Bowl MVP honors. He’s the rst running back since Terrell Davis in 1998 to win the award, the rst former ACC player since Dexter Jackson in 2003 and the rst Deac ever to win MVP.

Walker now may be able to cash in as a free agent. Seattle could give him a franchise tag to keep him, but the team has indicated it will let him test the market and cash in on his success.

Pots, mop buckets, even babies: Anything can be a curling stone if you get creative

By Julia Frankel and Steve Douglas The Associated Press

CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy — Dig out your squidgy mop, a few pots and pans — or a robotic vacuum if you have one — and a pair of slippers.

It’s curling time! Social media has been ablaze with people deploying common household wares to mimic what the world’s top curlers are doing at the Winter Olympics.

“Every four years, it blows up,” American curler Tara Peterson said. “Everyone’s like, ‘We want to do it,’ and then, yes, they get creative with things, so it’s awesome.” Creative is perhaps an understatement. In one video, two jacketed adults push a baby in a car seat across the ice, chest-bumping in glee. In another, popular Swedish comedian Mans Moller dons a wig a la Isabella Wrana, the Swedish mixed doubles champion, and slides pans into other pans, screaming “CUUUURL!” (Bonus points: He’s outside, like the olden days of curling.)

Then there are the Italian nonnas in the country’s southern Puglia region pushing a silver pot along a stony courtyard, sweeping with broomsticks. Or the hair salon in the Swedish city of Sundsvall, where a stylist hurls hair products toward her colleague. She screams “Curl!” and looks frustrated when the colleague approaches with a — wait for it — curling iron.

Despite such valiant attempts by the public, curlers say you really do need some specialized equipment to do the sport

properly (along with a sheet of pebbled ice).

Put on your curling shoes

You can’t use your normal sneakers to go curling. You’ll just slip a lot on the ice. Instead, you’ll need specialist curling shoes that have grips either built into the soles or those that can be strapped on.

Costs vary, but Swedish curler Johanna Heldin said you can pay up to around $700 for them.

Styles vary, too. While most curlers at the Olympics are wearing plain black curling shoes, some have a more casual look — like Taylor Anderson-Heide of the United States, who has donned white, sneaker-style shoes in Cortina.

Sweeping left, sweeping right

Despite sharing the same name, curling brooms and cleaning brooms are very di erent. Curling brooms swap carbon ber for the wooden or plastic rods typical of household brooms. Nylon pads replace straw bristles. Olympic-level models will set you back around $200-$250, Peterson said.

Broom lightness directly correlates to a curler’s control over a stone’s speed and trajectory. The lighter the broom, the quicker the sweep and the faster the melting of ice pebbles that make up a curling sheet.

In fact, sweeping technology has actually grown so advanced that certain models have been banned from com-

petition. That’s what led to the “Broomgate” scandal, which rocked the curling world beginning in 2015.

Curlers began debuting high-tech brooms that gave sweepers so much control over the stone that the skill of the thrower failed to matter. Those kinds of brooms were then barred from competition by World Curling, which now maintains strict parameters on what kinds of brooms are allowed.

Rock ’n’ roll

The homegrown curling seen on social media makes one thing clear: To the public, anything can be a curling stone. Even if pots, pans, hair products — and even babies — can do

Curling stones are prepared ahead of a men’s curling round robin session at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

the trick in a pinch, they’re nothing like the curling stones on the ice in Cortina. If you want Olympic-level material, you’ll have to look to the uninhabited isle of Ailsa Cragi, located 10 miles o the coast of Scotland.

All the stones at these Games are made of the super-dense granite from that isle, manufactured by Kays Curling.

The company has a history with the Olympics dating back to the rst winter edition in 1924 in Chamonix, France. The curling competition then was long thought to have been an exhibition event but eventually was con rmed as o cial. The company has continued to make stones for the Games since curling returned as a medal sport in Nagano 1998.

SIDELINE REPORT

NCAA BASKETBALL

Fight breaks out between St. John’s, Providence; 7 players ejected

Providence, R.I. Seven players were ejected from Saturday’s game between No. 17 St. John’s and Providence after a fracas resulting from a hard foul by Friars forward Duncan Powell on Bryce Hopkins sent the Red Storm star crashing to the ground. St. John’s coach Rick Pitino was in the middle of it, trying to hold back his players, but several entered the fray as it drifted toward the Red Storm bench. The game was delayed by nearly 20 minutes. Four St. John’s players were booted and two from Providence.

MLB

Bad Bunny o ered to pay for Puerto Rican star Correa’s WBC insurance

West Palm Beach, Fla.

Bad Bunny really wanted to see Carlos Correa play for Puerto Rico at home in the World Baseball Classic. Correa, the in elder for the Houston Astros, was left o the WBC roster over insurance coverage. He told reporters that the music superstar and fellow native of Puerto Rico o ered to pay for a policy. Correa has a $200 million contract through 2028. Correa says the insurer provider proposed by Bad Bunny wasn’t approved by Major League Baseball, the Astros or Correa’s agent, Scott Boras. Puerto Rico is hosting pool play games in the WBC next month.

OLYMPICS

Norwegian biathlete wins another bronze 3 days after confessing in delity

Anterselva, Italy

Norwegian biathlete Strula Holm Laegreid won his second bronze medal of the Milan Cortina Olympics — three days after making an unexpected personal confession during a postrace interview. Laegreid was third in the sprint. He also won bronze in the 20-kilometer individual race but tearfully revealed during a live broadcast that he had been unfaithful to his girlfriend. Quentin Fillon Maillet of France won the sprint race for his second gold medal of the Games.

MLB

All-Star reliever Face, who saved 3 games for Pirates in 1960 World Series, dead at 97 Pittsburgh Elroy Face, an All-Star reliever for the Pittsburgh Pirates who saved three games in the 1960 World Series to help them upset the New York Yankees, died at 97. The former pitcher died Thursday at an independent senior living facility in North Versailles, Pennsylvania. No cause of death was provided. Selected to six All-Star teams, Face went 104-95 with a 3.48 ERA in 16 major league seasons with Pittsburgh, Detroit and Montreal. He compiled 191 career saves — although saves didn’t become an o cial statistic until 1969.

Could addition of trade deadline enliven Cup Series season?

Plenty of moving parts work against driver swaps

By Dan Gelston The Associated Press

DAYTONA

BEACH, Fla. —

Imagine a scenario in the NASCAR world — say, around the Brickyard 400 in July — when the hot topic isn’t just which driver might kiss the bricks.

Try, which driver could kiss his current ride goodbye.

What if NASCAR took a cue from stick-and-ball sports and had a trade deadline?

Forget trading paint. How about trading a star driver for a pair of minor-league prospects? Maybe a couple of veterans who wore out their welcome on one team get a fresh start with another?

Baseball players are traded. NFL and NHL stars get swapped, and the NBA has cornered the market on building in-season buzz with a trade deadline where the action among front o ces sparks more headlines than any action on the court.

Go ahead, NASCAR. Set a date and let fans turn on those NASCAR social media post noti cations to stay abreast of all the latest rumors and deals.

Sounds fun, right?

Sure. Only it’s about as doable as successfully driving a stock car with three at tires.

“You can’t pull that o with the current league structure because we’re all independent contractors,” 2012 NASCAR champion Brad Keselowski said.

“But,” Keselowski added, “that would be something compelling.”

Trades came around in NASCAR about as frequently as a race without a caution ag. There are only 15 teams with at least one car in Cup, and only Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing eld the maximum four cars. Organizations

that didn’t already have four cars before the 2025 season are capped at three full-time teams. That automatically shrinks the trading pool.

Trades are not unprecedented; notably Spire Motorsports sent Corey LaJoie to Rick Ware Racing for Justin Haley in September 2024. There was a catch with that deal: Haley had already agreed to join Spire for the 2025 season and simply got a headstart with his new crew. LaJoie raced just four times for RWR in 2025.

So why can’t teams trade drivers?

There are no rules that prevent teams from swapping drivers.

In some cases, trades seem easier on the drivers than in the NFL or NBA where players are often forced to uproot their families on short notice. Most drivers live near their race shops in the North Carolina area and wouldn’t have to pack up the U-Haul and start over halfway across the country. The schedule is the same for every team, every driver, every week.

NASCAR can get tangled up in wheels and deals because of contracts with sponsors that prop up teams with needed cash that are not necessari-

ly easily moveable. Big Cereal Brand A may only want to sign with an elite team where more eyeballs — and open wallets — are on the product and not have to deal with the e ects of getting dumped to a noncontender.

There can be con icts with the manufacturers as well. Teams have deals with one brand — Chevrolet and Hendrick Motorsports or Toyota and Joe Gibbs Racing, for example — and squeezing in another manufacturer could spark all sorts of headaches.

There are essentially way more parties involved to make a trade feasible in NASCAR than just the negotiations between a pair of general managers. Why not try a trade deadline?

But it can be idealistic to imagine a NASCAR world where fans can re up the trade machine and propose swaps of drivers and players to be named and cash considerations and all the mechanisms that make up blockbuster trades in sports such as baseball.

Most drivers don’t see a path where trades become as ingrained as silly season.

“I think it’s probably a stretch,” seven-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson said. “There’s a lot of layers to

go. We have a soft cap now in my opinion, with a standardized car. There have been discussions around a cost cap. If more of those things happen over time, I guess we get closer to do it.”

Three-time Daytona 500 champion Denny Hamlin has another possible idea to warm up the hot stove season.

“If you want content, driver free agency would de nitely cause it,” Hamlin said.

His idea, a portal much like in college athletics where drivers could declare they’re out with their old teams and sign with the highest bidder each o season.

“It’d be quite interesting if everyone just went into free agency every single year,” Hamlin said. “My guess is, I don’t know that anyone would compete with Hendrick or Penske on what they could pay.”

For now, it’s just fun to dream of trading Bubba Wallace for Ross Chastain. Or proven champion Chase Elliott for the rights down the road to future developmental drivers. Trades are out. True free agency seems a long shot. What’s left?

“I do like the draft,” Keselowski said with a laugh.

Robots coming to assist major league umpires; even so, human touch still matters

An automated ball-strike system will be used in the big leagues this year

By David Brandt The Associated Press

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — For those worried robots are about to take over Major League Baseball, Colorado Rockies manager Warren Schae er has some experience with the Automated Ball/Strike system that’s coming to stadiums this summer.

Yes, the machines have a lot of power. But the human touch still matters.

“I’ve seen challenges lost in the rst inning,” Schae er said. “That’s not good. Emotion is a big key to this.”

The ABS system made a cameo last year in big league spring training and was greeted with a mix of curiousity, excitement, disdain and uncertainty. Now that it’s here for regular-season games in 2026, the novelty is quickly giving way to strategy.

MLB gave a presentation on the ABS process last Thursday at Cactus League Media Day in Arizona. Joe Martinez, the sport’s vice president of on- eld strategy, said a survey taken by the league found 52% of fans said ABS had a “very positive” impact on last year’s spring training games, 20% called it “slightly positive,” and 18% said it was no factor.

Only 10% of fans rated ABS as having a “slightly negative” or “very negative” e ect on the game.

As a refresher, here’s how the system works.

Stadiums are out tted with cameras that track each pitch

and judge whether it crossed home plate within the strike zone.

Human umpires call every pitch, but each team has the ability to challenge two calls per game. Teams that burn their challenges get one additional challenge in each extra inning. A team retains its challenge if successful, similar to the regulations for video reviews, which were rst used for home run calls in August 2008 and then widely expanded to many calls for the 2014 season.

Only a batter, pitcher or catcher may challenge a call, signaling by tapping one hand on a helmet or cap, and assistance from the dugout is not allowed. A challenge must be made within two seconds, and the graphic of the pitch and strike zone is shown on the scoreboard and broadcast feed. The umpire then announces the updated count. Schae er, who was managing at Albuquerque when ABS debuted in Triple-A in 2022,

said it’s important that teams develop a coherent strategy on how to deploy challenges. He added that “15 guys will have 15 di erent opinions” on how to use it, but the most important aspect is everyone is on the same page.

“We still have to have a lot of conversations behind closed doors so that we’re putting our players in the best position to succeed,” the manager added. Multiple MLB managers and GMs said that catchers will probably have the most leeway to challenge because they’ve got the best view of the baseball.

“You want to have one late in the game, just in case,” Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said. “The top of the rst inning on a 0-0 fastball ... I don’t want to challenge and lose. We’ll most likely rely on catchers rst — pitchers at times get a little emotional. Hitters can be that way sometimes, too. I think we’re going to rely on the catchers and start there.

“But I want to have one in

pocket, when I can, when it’s in a critical part of the game.”

The ABS system could be particularly bene cial to players like New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge, who have a good eye for the strike zone. Judge walked an American League-high 124 times last season.

“Our guys who are really good at controlling the zone should bene t, and Aaron is certainly one of those guys who controls it real well, knows it real well,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said.

ABS was tested in 13 spring training ballparks last year, and teams won 52.2% of 1,182 challenges, which averaged 13.8 seconds. Strike zones vary depending on a player’s height — starting at 53.5% of a batter’s height for the top and 27% of a batter’s height for the bottom. Each player will be measured for his strike zone starting at 10 a.m. to noon on a rolling basis during spring training — the time of day to maintain uniformity — and the data will be veri ed by the Southwest Research Institute.

There appears to be widespread agreement across MLB that the ABS system is a positive.

Texas Rangers president of baseball operations Chris Young used to work closely with MLB’s umpires when he was employed by the commissioner’s o ce and said they were long overdue for some help.

“They do a phenomenal job, but the stu in today’s game is better than ever,” Young said. “Umpiring is harder than ever. If there’s the ability to use technology to add a level of consistency, that’s great for everybody.”

Emma Thompson, Jennifer Garner,

‘The

Night Agent,’

Hilary Du drops “luck… or something”

The Associated Press

THE EMMA Thompson-led thriller “Dead of Winter” and Hilary Du ’s rst full-length album in 11 years are some of the new television, lms, music and games headed to a device near you. Also, among the streaming o erings worth your time this week: A new season of “The Night Agent” lands on Net ix, Dove Cameron and Avan Jogia star in the new series “56 Days” for Prime Video, and Harris Dickinson’s brilliant directorial debut, “Urchin,” lands on Hulu.

MOVIES TO STREAM

Dickinson might be best known for his acting in lms like “Babygirl,” but last year he proved himself to be a lmmaker to watch as well. His brilliant directorial debut, “Urchin,” streaming now on Hulu, follows in the social realist tradition of Ken Loach in chronicling the ups and downs of an unhoused addict (Frank Dillane) in London.

HBO Max has the Thompson-led thriller “Dead of Winter” arriving on Friday. Thompson plays a grieving loner who gets lost near a Minnesota lake during a blizzard and stumbles on a cabin where a young woman is being held by an armed couple. And if Emerald Fennell’s “Wuthering Heights” leaves you wanting more (or moor) Cathy and Heathcli , there are plenty of other versions streaming on various platforms. There is of course William Wyler’s lush but much condensed 1939 lm, with Laurence Olivier and Merle Oberon (on HBO Max and Criterion Channel). The 1992 version (free on Kanopy) starring Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche is one of the most faithful to Brontë’s text for actually including the second generation of Lintons and Earnshaws. Andrea Arnold’s underseen lm, released in 2011, (free on Tubi) notably features a multiracial actor, James Howson,

Dove Cameron

Du releases “Luck… or Something,” her rst album since 2015’s “Breathe In. Breathe Out.”

“It’s a long, long way, way down, down to Cloud 9.”

as Heathcli , opposite Kaya Scodelario’s Catherine. There’s also the British television miniseries from 2009 with Charlotte Riley and Tom Hardy that’s available on BritBox.

MUSIC TO STREAM

The millennial queen hath returned. Du will release her rst full-length since 2015’s “Breathe In. Breathe Out.” on Friday. Titled “luck… or something,” the album is a 11-track collection of nostalgic pop, the ideal listening experience for those still devastated by the tabled, adult “Lizzie McGuire” reboot. Of course, this time around, Du has won out, and the themes are, as one song title puts it, “Mature.”

It is not too late to hop aboard

the Megan Moroney train, but the rest of us are pulling out of the station — and following her to greener pastures. The country singer-songwriter emerged as a fully realized talent with the release of her platinum-selling single “Tennessee Orange” a few years back; her 2024 sophomore album “Am I Okay?” only strengthened her charms. Now she’s preparing to release “Cloud 9,” out Friday to win over even more hearts. There’s a reason “6 Months Later” has been inescapable on country music. Isn’t it time you found out why?

SERIES TO STREAM

Cameron and Jogia star in a new series “56 Days” for Prime Video as Ciara and Oliver, who meet by chance at a grocery store, embark on a whirlwind, passionate romance. Fifty-six days later, homicide detectives nd a decomposed body in a bathtub which could be Ciara or Oliver, leaving the question, who killed who? It’s based on a best-seller by Catherine Ryan

Howard. Cameron and Jogia, who started out on Disney and Nickelodeon, respectively, show they’re not kids anymore in this sexy thriller. A new season of Net ix’s “The Night Agent” arrives Thursday. It stars Gabriel Basso as Peter Sutherland, a secret operative working in counterintelligence for the FBI. In Season 3, he’s on a mission to nd a treasury secretary who has ed to Istanbul after committing murder, that leads to the discovery of a dark money network. Information may be power, but it can also be deadly and Peter’s in trouble.

Jennifer Garner’s “The Last Thing He Told Me” returns Friday on Apple TV. It’s based on novels by Laura Dave. Garner plays Hannah Hall, a new wife and stepmom whose world is rocked in Season 1 when her new husband, Owen, (played by Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) disappears, leaving a note to protect his teen daughter, Bailee (played by Angourie Rice). Season 2 picks up ve years later when (spoiler alert, but

it’s in the trailer) Owen shows back up. Now the three are in danger. Garner, who mastered ght scenes for her breakout role in the TV show “Alias” and as Marvel assassin Elektra, gets to show her kicks and punches.

VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

Stealth games like Thief, Dishonored and Splinter Cell have seen better days, but at least one developer — France’s Cyanide — is trying to carry the genre forward. In Styx: Blades of Greed, you are a goblin who isn’t particularly well-equipped to ght toe-to-toe against orcs and other bullies. But if you take the sneaky approach, you can ll your pockets with quartz, the most valuable and volatile substance in this fantasy world. Magic powers like invisibility and mind control make it a little easier to avoid brawling, but if things get out of hand, you can whip out a glider and y away. The heist begins Thursday on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S and PC.

STATE & NATION

Police credit good Samaritan for ending a deadly shooting at Rhode Island ice rink

It appears to be a family dispute following a contentious divorce

By Kimberlee Kruesi The Associated Press

A SHOOTER unleashed a urry of bullets during a Rhode Island youth hockey game, killing two people and injuring three others, in an attack that was cut short when a spectator stepped in to help stop the tragedy, authorities said. Investigators had spoken to nearly 100 witnesses as of Monday evening as they attempt to piece together what happened early Monday afternoon inside the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket,

a few miles outside Providence. Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves said Monday that the shooter died from an apparent self-in icted gun wound, though authorities are still investigating. Goncalves credited an unnamed “good Samaritan” who intervened, bringing the attack “to a swift end.” She did not provide details. It is not entirely clear what precipitated the shooting, who was targeted or why. Unveri ed video circulating on social media shows players on the ice as popping sounds are heard. Chaos quickly unfolds as players on benches dive for cover, those on the ice frantically skate toward exits and fans ee their seats.

The ‘6-7’ craze still going strong at both NBA, college basketball games

LaMelo Ball’s stature sparks the viral phenomenon as fans track speci c scores

By Cli Brunt

The Associated Press

NORMAN, Okla. — LaMelo Ball has never been more popular, and it’s not because Charlotte’s 6-foot-7 star has the Hornets ghting for a playo spot. They hype is largely about his height. And Charlotte is trying to take advantage.

Dictionary.com named the term “6-7” its word of the year for 2025, and the global “6-7” craze is still going strong at pro and college basketball games. Young fans, players and coaches eagerly track when teams near 67 points, and pandemonium ensues when their team hits the mark.

The Hornets and New Orleans Pelicans are among NBA teams that feature “6-7” cams during timeouts at some games.

Seth Bennett, the Hornets’ chief marketing o cer, said Charlotte’s marketing and game presentation teams started discussing a possible “6-7” cam to capitalize on the trend and Ball’s involvement in it.

“For us as a franchise, we always want to listen to our fans, and sometimes you listen to observing what they’re into, their trends and likes, and it’s a way for us to connect to that and hopefully have them connect to us in a fun way when they’re experiencing it here,” Bennett said.

The Hornets’ cam is mostly limited to kids days and weekend games so it doesn’t get old. Michael Robinson, who attended a game between the Hornets and 76ers with his 6-year- old

son, Abel, said it’s nonstop at home.

Abel said he learned about it from his friends and on YouTube.

“It’s just cool,” Abel said. “It’s fun.”

The “6-7” originator can’t believe reach

The origins of the “6-7” boom are Skrilla’s 2024 song “Doot Doot (6-7).” Skrilla leaked the song without much expectation, but it exploded on TikTok last year with basketball players, including Ball and prep standout Taylen Kinney, driving its popularity.

No one is quite sure what 6-7 means, and Skrilla kept it that way when asked for a de nition.

“Everybody created their own meaning,” he told The Associated Press. “The teachers created their own meaning. The football teams created their own, the basketball (players). ‘6-7’ is global. It’s bigger than me now. So ‘6-7.’ Shout out to ‘6-7.’”

The nonsensical meme has its own hand gesture, too — ip your palms up, and alternate lifting your arms. Charlotte forward Miles Bridges made the gesture several weeks ago after hitting a 3-pointer against the Indiana Pacers.

Bridges also is 6-foot-7.

“I think that’s the team’s way of having a little fun with LaMelo anytime that they can kind of incorporate that in just to tease him a little bit, and he’s a great sport about it as well,” Bennett said.

“6-7” big on basketball courts everywhere

Fans have been on 67-point watch at games across the country. It seemed to bubble up rst

at women’s college games, including at Oklahoma. Now fans there hold up signs handed out by the school.

On Dec. 22, the Sooners led North Carolina Central 64 -29 in the closing seconds of the rst half. When Aaliyah Chavez drained a 3-pointer at the buzzer, fans went wild.

Oklahoma center Raegan Beers said the team enjoyed giving the fans that moment.

“That’s why I love this game (with the kids),” she said. “I know a lot of us love this game here, just to have that energy in the building, and obviously lean into what’s trending at the moment, which is 6-7, whatever that means. And so it was so much fun to have that moment

and just let the kids enjoy it.”

Daniel Durbin, director of Southern California’s Annenberg Institute of Sports, Media and Society, attended USC’s women’s basketball game against Rutgers on Feb. 1 and witnessed the phenomenon rst hand. He noted that the DJ even announced the possibility. The Trojans missed two free throws at 66, building the anticipation. When Yakiya Milton made a free throw that pushed the score to 67, the crowd erupted into what Durbin called the loudest cheer of the game.

Durbin said it falls under the long history of arbitrary sports traditions fans have created to feel more connected to the action.

“It appears that this was a targeted event, that it may be a family dispute,” she said. Authorities said both people who died were adults but have not released the identities of the victims. Goncalves identi ed the shooter as Robert Dorgan, who she said also went by the name Roberta Esposito, who was born in 1969.

Monday’s shooting came nearly two months after Rhode Island was rocked by a shooting at Brown University that left two students dead and wounded nine others, as well as a Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor. Authorities later found Claudio Neves Valente, 48, dead from a self-in icted gunshot wound at a New Hampshire storage facility.

“Our state is grieving again,” Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee said in a statement. “As governor, a parent, and a former coach, my heart breaks for the victims, families, students, and everyone impacted by the devastating shooting at Lynch Arena in Pawtucket.”

“Think of all the superstitions fans have during games, rituals that they enact to ‘help’ the team win,” he said. “As fans walk across the street to USC football games, most of them kick the base of a certain lamppost. Why? It makes them part of the game. They are enacting a meaningless ritual many USC fans perform for ‘luck.’”

Adults doing it too

Even the coaches are in on it. On Maryland’s annual Field Trip Day game, Terrapins coach Brenda Frese wore a jersey with the number 67 on it before tipo . LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey did the hand gesture while on the big screen during a win over Morgan State, drawing an eruption from the home crowd and laughter from her players.

Mulkey said her grandson got upset with her after a game because LSU skipped 67 points and went straight to 68.

TCU’s women beat Baylor 83-67 on Feb. 12, and Olivia Miles scored 40 points and Marta Suarez scored 27 — a combined 67. With the two at his side in the postgame media session, Horned Frogs coach Mark Campbell got sucked in.

“For a duo, I’ve never been a part of a duo that scored 67 points in one game,” he said.

As Miles did the hand gesture and Suarez laughed, Campbell pointed at Miles and said, “That’s crazy. ‘6-7,’” as he added the hand gesture.

The trend has impacted the game on the court at times too. After Maryland took a 64-18 lead against Central Connecticut State in December, the Terps attempted ve straight 3-pointers before Yarden Garzon nally made one to give Maryland exactly 67 points. The craze is perplexing to parents, but Bennett said the Hornets have embraced it to bring joy to young people.

“Overall, it’s been positive,” he said. “No way to make a negative out of something that’s just really nothing attached to it, just fun.”

Randolph record

Tricks and bids

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Trinity, UCA wrestlers claim state duals titles

Construction work on the bridge on the N.C 49 overpass at U.S. 64 in Asheboro continued last week. The work is part of a project that began last year to widen about a mile of U.S. 64 Business between the Asheboro bypass and the I-73/74 interchange and make various road realignments and improvements. “A business without a sign is a sign of no business.”

Wrestling teams from Trinity and Uwharrie Charter Academy won dual team state championships Tuesday night, each winning three times in the revamped regionals and states. In Class 3A at Wheatmore, Trinity topped West Lincoln for the championship after eliminating Ayden-Grifton and Wheatmore in the East Region. Wheatmore ousted Eastern Randolph in the regional semi nal. In Class 4A at UCA, the host Eagles defeated Pisgah in the nal after winning the East Region semi nals against North Pitt and the regional nal against Central Davidson. For more on these results, see randolphrecord.com and next week’s edition.

Rousey, Carano will end MMA retirements, ght each other in May

Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano will end their lengthy retirements from mixed martial arts to ght each other May 16 at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The bout will be staged by Most Valuable Promotions, the combat sports promotion established by in uencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul. The 39-year-old Rousey hasn’t fought since 2016, while the 43-year-old Carano’s eight-bout MMA career ended in 2009. They’ll ght at 145 pounds for ve ve-minute rounds. Despite their lengthy absences, Rousey and Carano remain two of the most iconic ghters in MMA history after two trailblazing careers. They are the two most famous women to participate in MMA.

County commissioners ponder relaxing billboard regulations

Randolph County’s original sign ordinance was written in 1987

By Ryan Henkel Randolph Record

ASHEBORO — The Randolph County Board of Commissioners is considering a change to its sign regulations.

At the board’s Feb. 9 meeting, the commissioners were approached about potential changes to the county’s uni ed development ordinance (UDO) in order to relax some of the re-

strictions surrounding signage.

“The initial sign ordinance was written in 1987 and progressive development in the county has led to signage requests that are not allowable under our current restrictions, which has led us to begin the research for the proposed changes,” said Planning Director Kim Heinzer.

The changes would allow for some of the larger businesses within the county to have more leniency with the signage and to “allow for more proportional ts related to projects, while balancing the promotion and

barn re in Seagrove resulted in the death of three dozen horses Sunday afternoon.

Three dozen horses die in blaze

The barn burned in Seagrove as several re departments responded

Randolph Record sta

SEAGROVE — Thirty-six horses died in a barn re Sunday afternoon, according to Randolph County Emergency Services.

The barn, which was used to board horses, was part of Callicutt Stables in the Seagrove community.

It was declared a total loss.

Reports say there were 43 horses being boarded at the location. The 15,000-square -foot barn was located at U.S. 220 South.

Multiple departments responded to assist with the two-alarm re. About 20,000 gallons of water were used to contain the blaze.

Some re crews remained on the scene for up to ve hours.

The Randolph County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating.

protection of the communities at large.”

“This is an important part of our ordinances,” said Chairman Darrell Frye. “A business without a sign is a sign of no business. They are important for getting a variety of messages out.”

Some of the biggest changes proposed by the planning board include the allowance of up to two billboards, one on each side, within a single 2,500-foot segment of roadway, and a restriction on billboards requiring them to be at least 300 feet away from any from residen-

tially zoned properties.

“We don’t have a lot of billboards in Randolph, and we have considerable areas that are not going to have billboards,” Frye said. “The terrain, woods, property, business, whatever, it’s just not going to be conducive.”

Early voting opens for primary

The busiest site in the county was in Asheboro for the rst two days

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

EARLY VOTING began last Thursday leading to the March 3 primary. Races on ballots for the primary include the U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, North Carolina Senate, North Carolina House of Representatives, various judgeships and court of appeals, a Randolph County Board of Commissioners District 3 seat on the Republican side, and Randolph County sheri ’s race. There are four early voting locations in Randolph County. They are:

• Randolph County Board of Elections in Asheboro.

• Randleman Civic Center

• Franklinville United Methodist Church

• Randolph Community College’s Archdale campus.

The Archdale site is a rst-time location for early voting.

On the opening day of early voting, 580 voters made their ways to the polls in the county. Of those, 284 were at the Board of Elections site in Asheboro. The next day, 571 ballots were cast, with 320 in Asheboro. However, the other three sites in the county had lower turnouts on the second day than on the rst day. The weekday voting times are 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. There’s no weekend early voting for the primary in the county except for the last day, with the polls open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 28. So in total, there will be 13 days of early voting.

On March 3, voters must cast ballots at their designated precincts. Polls are open from 6:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.

Trip

Victory Junction o ers Med Camp 101

The one-day program is intended to provide information in several areas related to specialized youth health and child care

Randolph Record sta

LEVEL CROSS — Med Camp 101 is designed for medical professionals, social workers and child life professionals Tuesday at Victory Junction Camp.

CRIME LOG

Feb. 9

• Dakota Mastin Aldridge, 35, of Asheboro, was arrested by RCSO for violation of a domestic violence protective order and communicating threats.

David

• Julian Glenn Cross, 32, of Sophia, was arrested by RCSO for possession of drug paraphernalia, felony possession of a controlled substance, larceny from a construction site and possession or receiving of stolen property from a construction site.

• Kristen Amber Lester, 32, of Trinity, was arrested by RCSO for second-degree trespass and simple possession of a controlled substance.

• Edilsar Gusmaro Lopez Samayoa, 35, of Asheboro, was arrested by Asheboro PD for driving while impaired and reckless driving with wanton disregard.

Feb. 10

• Justin Diamonte Belk, 27, of Greensboro, was arrested by RCSO for misdemeanor larceny.

• Gilbert Seth Hyatt, 31, of Randleman, was arrested by RCSO for second-degree trespass.

THURSDAY FEB. 19

FRIDAY FEB. 20

SATURDAY FEB. 21

SUNDAY FEB. 22

• Aaron Dean Passmore, 33, of Randleman, was arrested by RCSO for violation of a domestic violence protective order.

• Mario Sanchez Perez, 38, of Asheboro, was arrested by Asheboro PD for open container after consuming alcohol, driving while impaired, driving on a revoked license, failure to maintain lane control and unsafe movement.

• Jourden Jayce Puckett, 18, of Franklinville, was arrested by RCSO for possession with intent to sell or deliver marijuana, felony possession of marijuana and possession of marijuana paraphernalia.

• Dominique Jamaal Watkins, 46, of Reidsville, was arrested by RCSO for tra cking in marijuana and resisting or obstructing a public o cer.

• Jem Galen Williams, 31, of Raleigh, was arrested by NCHP for driving while impaired and driving on a revoked license.

• Bobby Ray Wood, 42, of Asheboro, was arrested by Asheboro PD for possession of methamphetamine, reckless driving with wanton disregard, driving on a revoked license and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Feb. 11

MONDAY FEB. 23

TUESDAY FEB. 24

WEDNESDAY FEB. 25

The are continuing education sessions open to anyone interested in learning more about child care. Continuing education credits are available for the one-day free program. Attendees will learn about Victory Junction Camp and related opportunities. There will be information about Victory Junction Camp’s leadership in medical camping along with how participants can help open the Victory Junction Camp experience to more children and families among

methamphetamine, resisting a public o cer and possession of drug paraphernalia.

• Elizabeth Nicole Philemon, 27, of Archdale, was arrested by RCSO for obtaining property by false pretenses, identity theft and nancial card theft.

• Khalil Naseem Williams, 22, of Asheboro, was arrested by Asheboro PD for assault on a female and assault by pointing a gun.

Feb. 12

• Kirstin Laurel Jones, 29, of Archdale, was arrested by RCSO for felony breaking and entering and rst-degree burglary.

• Cletus Jones Frye, 87, of Archdale, was arrested by RCSO for simple assault, breaking and entering to terrorize or injure and injury to real property.

• Montana Lane Lopossay, 28, of Siler City, was arrested by Asheboro PD for felony possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, rst-degree burglary, second-degree kidnapping, larceny of a rearm and assault by pointing a gun.

• Erica Lea Welch, 37, of Staley, was arrested by RCSO for obtaining property by false pretenses.

• Taylor Marie Williard, 27, of Asheboro, was arrested by Asheboro PD for possession of fentanyl and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Feb. 13

• Strader Allen Briles, 66, of Asheboro, was arrested by Asheboro PD for felony possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

• Rudolph Brown, 67, of Asheboro, was arrested by Asheboro PD for assault on a female and misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

• Sheena Hu man Delahoussaye, 44, of Trinity, was arrested by Asheboro PD for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, giving, lending or borrowing a license plate, ctitious or altered title, registration card or tag, expired registration, no registration, no liability insurance, driving on a revoked license, expired or no inspection, possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a controlled substance and maintaining a vehicle, dwelling or place for a controlled substance.

diverse diagnostic groups.

Participants will be asked to identify three to ve diagnosis groups served at Camp to recruit their patient population to camp.

The program runs from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and will involve interactive sessions and networking. A boxed lunch and snacks will be provided. Registration is required through victoryjunction.org/MedCamp.

The keynote speaker will be Dr. Mike Kent, whose career focuses on transplantation and transformative therapies for sickle cell anemia. Kent’s background includes Albany (N.Y.) Medical College, a residency in Boston, a fellowship in Aurora, Colorado, and additional training at the University of Minnesota.

Randolph Guide

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

Feb. 20

Friday Night Bluegrass 7 p.m.

An evening of live Bluegrass music and a performance by award-winning singer Caroline Owens. General admission is $10.

Sunset Theatre 234 Sunset Ave. Asheboro

• Jaswinder Taya, 51, of Asheboro, was arrested by NC ALE for failure to disperse.

• Gary Michael Zielenski, 21, of Asheboro, was arrested by Asheboro PD for domestic criminal trespass.

Feb. 14

• Ronnie Maurice Little, 59, of Asheboro, was arrested by NCHP for driving while impaired, driving on a revoked license, driving left of center and possession of an open container or consuming alcohol in a passenger area.

• Tyler Andre Mills, 19, of Jamestown, was arrested by Randleman PD for eeing or eluding arrest with a motor vehicle, resisting a public o cer, reckless driving with wanton disregard, ctitious or altered title, registration card or tag, operating a vehicle with no insurance, no registration, speeding, failure to yield at a stop sign or ashing red light, driving left of center and improper passing on the right.

• Laketta Malourica Hussain, 47, of Seagrove, was arrested by RCSO for assault on a government o cial and resisting or obstructing a public o cer.

• Brian Damon Turner, 37, was arrested by Asheboro PD for sexual battery and rst-degree trespass.

Feb. 15

• Haley Lynne Dunn, 43, of Randleman, was arrested by Randleman PD for assault in icting serious bodily injury and misdemeanor child abuse.

• Salazar Delgado Geovani, 24, of Siler City, was arrested by NCHP for speeding, driving without an operator’s license and driving while impaired.

• Jimmy Lee Hyatt, 38, of Randleman, was arrested by Asheboro PD for possession of methamphetamine, felony possession of a controlled substance, driving while impaired, driving on a revoked license, possession of drug paraphernalia and failure to stop at a steady red light.

• Isaac Mazariegos Ramos, 22, of Summer eld, was arrested by Asheboro PD for driving while impaired, carrying a concealed gun, driving without an operator’s license, reckless driving to endanger persons or property, reckless driving with wanton disregard, possession of an open container or consuming alcohol in a passenger area and failure to maintain lane control.

Feb. 21

Trial by Fire

7-10 p.m.

This North Carolina-based Journey tribute band has been going strong for 17 years. The concert includes renditions of classic Journey songs, including “Don’t Stop Believin’” and “Faithfully.” Tickets range from $24-$49.

The Liberty Showcase Theater 101 S. Fayetteville St. Liberty

Feb. 25

Books and Banter (YA Club)

4:30-5:30 p.m.

Teens ages 13-16 meet each Thursday to talk about books and more. Every fourth Thursday, the group discusses the same book, which can be picked up in advance at the library.

Seagrove Public Library 530 Old Plank Road

Feb. 27

Southern Fried Funeral 7 p.m.

The RSVP Community Theatre presents a play about a close-knit Southern family in Mississippi that must face the unexpected death of the patriarch and the comedic chaos that ensues as funeral plans are made. Tickets are $17 for adults; $12 for students/seniors and veterans.

Sunset Theatre 234 Sunset Ave. Asheboro

March 2

• Jonathan Michael Dolinish, 36, of Lexington, was arrested by RCSO for possession of

• RJ Odell Pennington, 42, of Asheboro, was arrested by Asheboro PD for assault on a female and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Randolph County Commissioners’ Meeting 6-9 p.m.

Open to the public, and members of the community are encouraged to attend.

145 C. Worth St. Asheboro

THE CONVERSATION

Trip Ho end, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

Shut up and ski

“U.S. athletes shouldn’t be stooges for foreigners.”

DOES ANYONE REALLY believe the international media cares what Olympic snowboarders and curlers think about President Donald Trump’s ICE raids or whatever panic de jour is on the menu this week? Of course not. They want U.S. athletes to bash the American government on the world stage.

Nothing stops athletes from speaking their mind about political issues whenever or wherever they like. Doing it at the Olympics is, at best, in poor form and, at worst, unpatriotic.

Skier Hunter Hess took the bait in Milan, or more likely, couldn’t wait to preen for the foreign press, noting that he had “mixed emotions” representing his country. “It’s a little hard,” he said. “There’s obviously a lot going on that I’m not the biggest fan of, and I think a lot of people aren’t.” And just because he’s wearing the ag, Hess went on, “doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the U.S.”

Who’s happy with everything that goes on in their country? Not a single thinking person, that’s who. Olympic athletes go to the Games to transcend these di erences and represent national ideals and aspirations, not whine about political parties that happen to be in charge. U.S. athletes shouldn’t be stooges for foreigners. Go o on politics when you get home.

Of course, not one American in Beijing in 2022 was asked what they thought about the Biden administration’s online censorship. Not that we should have wanted to hear about that,

COLUMN | LARRY ELDER

either. And not one French, Swedish, Danish or German athlete will ever be asked if they feel qualms about representing countries that deport illegal immigrants.

The subtext of the queries in Milan, and Hess’ answer, rests on an assumption that something especially nefarious is going on in the United States, which deserves rebuke; something worse, apparently, than goes on in any other country participating in the games.

This outlook, as anyone who understands anything about the world knows, is lunacy. China, incidentally, sent a delegation of 286 people to the Winter Olympics in Milan. One of them is freestyle skier Eileen Gu, who, Google’s AI — apparently translating text from the original Chicom propaganda — tells me “is competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, aiming to inspire a new generation of Chinese skiers, speci cally girls, while balancing her Chinese heritage and American upbringing.”

The only notable “heritage” of the one-party communist state, which doesn’t represent the will of the Chinese people, is that it’s in contention for being the most murderous regime in history. Yet the media’s e usive coverage of Gu’s performance, poise and overall decency is something to behold. Reuters ran a three-person bylined piece of Gu discussing her “rediscovering joy in skiing, navigating rising competition and reframing her relationship with fear.” Gu, in an interview with the o cial Olympic site, “talks pressure, the haters, and inspiring young girls after a life-changing Beijing 2022.”

The Chinese government also reportedly spent around $6.64 million on Gu and fellow U.S.-born athlete Zhu Yi. So that’s a perk, for sure. Couldn’t Gu, worth somewhere north of $23 million, inspire Chinese girls in the United States rather than under the ag of a tyranny? Or how about representing Taiwan? Americans with dual citizenship who are unable to make the United States squads will occasionally compete for other nations. Even then, they rarely join tyrannies and geopolitical foes. It’s one thing to buy cheap stu from communist China and quite another to wear its ag.

Anyway, Gu is in no position to lecture anyone about decency.

As others have pointed out, reporters, deeply concerned about the ability of Americans to represent their awed nation, have yet to ask Gu about the plight of Hong Kong democracy activist Jimmy Lai, recently sentenced to 20 years for exercising his right to free expression. There has been nothing on the 50 or so journalists being held in prison. Gu has criticized Trump but o ers nothing but praise for a regime that throws women into concentration camps where they are systemically raped and used as forced labor?

Maybe Hess can think about that the next time he’s ripping the United States abroad.

David Harsanyi is a senior writer at the Washington Examiner and author of ve books.

(Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

Je ries and Schumer denounce Trump’s ‘Racist’ video — but who are they to complain?

But Je ries has his own record of “malignant, bottomfeeder-like behavior.”

ON PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP’S social media platform, someone in the administration — the White House o ered di erent versions of how this happened — posted a 62-second cartoon video set to the song “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.”

This was posted on a Thursday night and, following cries of “racism,” was removed by noon the following day. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt called the reaction “fake outrage.” Trump said: “I guess during the end of it, there was some kind of picture people don’t like. I wouldn’t like it either, but I didn’t see it. I just, I looked at the rst part, and it was really about voter fraud.”

Asked by a reporter, if he condemns the racist part of the video, Trump said, “Of course I do.”

The video shows Trump’s head attached to a lion con dently strolling through the jungle. Other animals dance as the Trump lion saunters through. On the heads of the other animals are well-known Democrats, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, former President Joe Biden, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, former Vice President Kamala Harris, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, House Minority Leader Hakeem Je ries and others.

Near the end for about one second, the video showed the heads of former President Barack Obama and former rst lady Michelle Obama on the heads of monkeys. A screenshot of the Barack and Michelle heads on apes went viral. That Biden’s face was on that of a banana-eating orangutan did not seem to disturb anyone.

The outrage was predictable. “Racist” Donald Trump strikes again! Those

crying out included Je ries and Schumer. Je ries said, “He de nitively needs to apologize. It was a disgusting video ... even a handful of Republicans ... nally showed some backbone in pushing back against the president’s malignant, bottom-feeder-like behavior.”

But Je ries has his own record of “malignant, bottom-feeder-like behavior.” As a college student, Je ries praised two of the country’s most prominent antisemites: his uncle and City College of New York professor Leonard Je ries — who compared Jews to “dogs” and “skunks,” and claimed “rich Jews nanced the slave trade — and Nation of Islam’s Louis Farrakhan, who has a decades-long record of antisemitism.

Hakeem Je ries has long insisted he only “vaguely remembers” defending them. But in 2023, CNN reported the Binghamton University Black Student Union, of which he was a leader, invited Uncle Leonard to speak. When Jewish students protested, Hakeem Je ries “led a press conference” to defend his uncle, despite later saying that “he did not recall any press coverage” of the controversy.

CNN said Hakeem Je ries’ 1992 op- ed undermines claims he wasn’t aware of uncle’s antisemitic controversy. He wrote that his uncle challenges the “existing white supremacist educational system and long-standing distortion of history. His reward has been a media lynching complete with character assassinations and in ammatory, erroneous accusations.”

In a research paper called “Dr. Je ries and the Anti-Semitic Branch of the Afrocentrism Movement,” Kenneth Stern with the American Jewish Committee wrote, “Leonard Je ries was

already known for his teaching that blacks are racially superior to whites because blacks, whom he calls ‘sun people,’ have more melanin in their skin than whites, whom he calls ‘ice people.’” But Hakeem Je ries defended his uncle.

After this CNN report, the Republican Jewish Coalition said, “Minority Leader Hakeem Je ries owes the Jewish community an explanation as to why he lied and attempted to cover up his defense of these revolting antisemites.”

At the time, Hakeem Je ries also described black conservatives as “token,” “opportunists” and “house negroes.” He wrote, “Clarence Thomas was appointed by George Bush to the highest court in the nation. Colin Powell was appointed by George Bush to lead the military establishment ‘policemen of the Wall Street Bankers.’”

As for Schumer, he called the video “racist. Vile. Abhorrent.” Yet, in 1974, the then-freshman New York assemblyman proposed a blatantly racist scheme to appease whites by ridding blacks from their New York neighborhood. Read the 2006 “American Spectator” article “Race to the Top” by a writer who was present when Schumer outlined his plan.

Democrats and the media, who lick their chops to pounce on “racist” Trump, are silent about Je ries’ record of antisemitism and indi erent about the allegations of Schumer’s anti-black racism.

Larry Elder is a bestselling author and nationally syndicated radio talk-show host. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

Gregory Roy Craven

Aug. 14, 1954 – Feb. 11, 2026

Gregory Roy Craven, a man who danced through life with a smile and a tool belt, has gone to the great beyond on February 11, 2026, at the age of 71. Born on August 14, 1954, in the heart of Asheboro, North Carolina, Greg lived his life just as he had started it, surrounded by the people and places he loved.

In his time on Earth, Greg was an electrician by trade, a wizard with wires who could bring light into any room, both literally and guratively. He had a knack for making connections, whether it be in a circuit box or with those around him. If ever there was a sibling in need of electrical work or home repairs, Greg would roll up his sleeves and set to work, no questions asked. His generosity

Matthew Ryan Shumaker

June 30, 1992 – Feb. 11, 2026

Matthew Ryan Shumaker, age 33, of Dayton, Tennessee, and formerly of Asheboro, NC, passed away February 11, 2026, at his home. He was born June 30, 1992, in Charles County, Maryland, the son of Paul Matthew Shumaker and Malynda Colona Shumaker.

Matthew’s life was a tapestry of love, laughter and cherished memories. He attended Eastern Randolph High School in Asheboro. He carried with him a passion for football, especially for college teams. Upon his move to Tennessee, he wholeheartedly embraced the University of Tennessee’s college team. His love for the outdoors found expression in his love of shing, where the calm waters mirrored his appreciation serene embrace of nature. A talented cook, he delighted those around him with his culinary skills, always eager to share a meal and a story. Matthew’s humor and radiant smile were ever-present, brightening the lives of all who had the pleasure of knowing him. In his professional life, he was an employee at Suburban Manufacturing, where he skillfully operated a forklift. Yet, it was his family who remained at the heart of his world, and he treasured every moment spent in their company. Matthew’s legacy is one of warmth, love, and an enduring sense of joy that continues to inspire those who hold his memory dear.

Left to cherish his memory are his ancé, Kelsey Everett; four children, Bentley Hayes, Mason Shumaker, Novaleigh Windsor and Layla Shumaker; parents, Paul Shumaker and Malynda Shumaker; sister, Deanna Brown and husband Jacob; nephews, Luke Brown and Weston Brown; paternal grandparents, Raymond and Myrtle Shumaker; maternal grandmother, Patricia Colona; and numerous other beloved friends and family.

Matthew is preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Thomas “Pops” H. Colona Jr.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Spoons Chapel Church, 1880 Spoons Chapel Church Road, Asheboro, NC, with Pastor Isaac Fetterho and Elder John Avelino o ciating. A reception will follow the service at the church in the fellowship hall.

obituaries

knew no bounds, and his family could always count on him to lend a helping hand.

Greg had a zest for life that revved like the engines of his beloved cars and motorcycles. He found his peace out on the open road and the quiet banks of a shing hole. His interests were simple but ful lling: the roar of an engine, the thrill of the ride, and the tranquility of casting a line into still waters. A fun-loving jokester, Greg could turn any gathering into a celebration. His laughter was contagious, and his quick wit could brighten the dullest of days. He lived by the motto that life’s too short not to laugh and share joy wherever possible.

He is preceded in death by his father, Roy Franklin Craven, and leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter. Surviving him are his mother, Grace Cooper Craven; his wife, Kaaren Craven; his brother, Todd Craven; and his sister, Joy Walker. Greg also leaves behind a host of children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews who will carry his memory with them like their favorite punchline.

Though no services are planned at this time, those who knew Greg are invited to honor him in their own way, even perhaps with a joyride down a country lane or a day spent reeling in memories by the water’s edge. His spirit continues to light up our hearts.

Linda Redding

Dec. 30, 1941 – Feb. 8, 2026

Katherine Linda Lewallen Redding, 84, of Asheboro, entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior on Sunday, February 8, 2026. Born on December 30, 1941, to the late George “Bud” Lewallen and Katherine “Kate” Lewallen. She retired from the Randolph County Department of Social Services, where she was an accountant. She attended Spoons Chapel Christian Church in Asheboro, NC. She will be remembered for her warm heart, quiet strength and calming presence. With an unwavering faith in Jesus Christ, she never missed a day interceding for her family in prayer. They felt the comfort of those prayers in both joyful and di cult times. She was a loving wife and mother, but the title she cherished most was “Mammaw”. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the center of her world, and she never hesitated to make it known that they were her greatest joy. Though they often playfully debated who was her favorite, what could never be disputed was the abundance of her unconditional love for each of them.

In addition to her parents, Linda is preceded in death by her brother Wayne Lewallen. Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 30 years, Milton Redding, of Asheboro; her daughter, Katherine Craven Vestal (Jack), of Coleridge, NC; her step-daughter, Elizabeth Redding, of Nashville, TN; her grandchildren, Jack Barnes Vestal III “Trey” of Coleridge, NC, and Tristan David Vestal (Taylor) of Sophia, NC; her stepgrandchildren, Rosalie Hinke and Aria Webber of Nashville, TN; and her great-grandchildren, Mason, Micah, Everlee and Matilda Vestal. Her brother, Horace P. Lewallen, of Asheboro, sister-in-law, Becky Lewallen, of Southport, NC, and nephews Randall and Keith Lewallen. Services will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Pugh Funeral Home. Visitation will take place at 10 am. Service to follow with Pastor Issac Fetterho o ciating at 11 am.

Faye Hunt McElreath

Nov. 3, 1937 – Feb. 9, 2026

Faye Hunt McElreath, age 88, of Asheboro, passed away on Monday, February 9, 2026, at her home.

Mrs. McElreath was born in Asheboro, NC, on November 3, 1937, to Sulon Clayton Hunt and Kathleen Swing Hunt. She was a member of First E&R United Church of Christ. Faye was a homemaker and enjoyed serving as the secretary for the Sunday school and Vacation Bible School at her church for many years. She also enjoyed cutting the grass on her John Deere, gardening, and gathering persimmons from her yard. She took a lot of pride in making and sharing her mom’s persimmon pudding recipe. In addition to her parents, Faye was preceded in death by her husband, Louie McElreath.

She is survived by her sons, Dean McElreath, Dale McElreath, and wife Janet, daughter Dana Yates and husband Barry, and granddaughters Morgan Yates, Madison Yates and Meredith Yates.

The family will receive friends on Friday, February 13, 2026, from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at Pugh Funeral Home, 437 Sunset Avenue in Asheboro. A graveside service will follow on Friday at 2 p.m. at Randolph Memorial Park, 4538 US Hwy 220 Business North in Asheboro, with Pastor Mark Wilburn o ciating. In lieu of owers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Randolph.

George David Hart

July 23, 1950 – Feb. 10, 2026

George David Hart, born on July 23, 1950, in Siler City, North Carolina, decided to take his nal shing trip on February 10, 2026, from Pinehurst, North Carolina, at the ripe age of 75. While he didn’t exactly leave behind a trail of Nobel Prizes, George mastered the ne art of living life on his own terms, which included wielding a chainsaw as a logger and perfecting his casting technique on every shing pond in the county.

George had a love for all things decidedly American: sun-kissed afternoons by the water, cans of Vienna sausages, and the roar of muscle cars on a drag strip. He lived by his favorite sayings, like “Well I might,” “How you do,” and the self-deprecating “5’3 and just getting bigger around,” which captured his simple, downto-earth charm. He was a laidback country boy at heart, with a knack for making people laugh and a talent for being a jokester that kept everyone smiling. Preceded in death by his beloved parents, Mr. and Mrs. Hart, George leaves behind a world slightly less colorful but lled with cherished memories. He is survived by his brother Herman Hart, his daughters Miranda Butler and her husband Andy, and Crystal Hart who will surely carry on his legacy of humor, love for the outdoors, and an a nity for horsepower. In true George fashion, no formal services will be held. Instead, we invite you to crack open a can of Vienna sausages, reminisce about those good ol’ days by the creek, and perhaps take a moment to ponder the wisdom of a man who once declared, “Well I might.” Rest easy, George, heaven’s sh just got a lot warier.

Libby Gri n

May 1, 1942 – Feb. 8, 2026

A fervent follower of Christ. She walked this earth with love, dignity, compassion, courage, humility, and grace. Her genuine kindness and sweet warmth blessed everyone and anyone. She had a heart of gold, from which she served the entirety of her life. Fortunately for many, she served some of her goodness on a plate, known for some of the best food one could experience.

Elizabeth “Libby” Gri n, 83, of Asheboro, passed away surrounded by her loving family on February 8, 2026. Libby was born on May 1, 1942, in Wake Forest, North Carolina, to Gurney Lee and Stattie Crowder Wall. Libby was a loving mother, sister, grandmother and friend. She was a devoted leader at Sunset Avenue Church of God for over 60 years. She had several careers, AVS Catering for 20 years, Libby Faye’s Sunday Company, Randolph Bank, and Advisors Financial Center for over 20 years. Libby Gri n gave all.

She is survived by her loving husband of 64 years Cornelius “Neal” Gri n Jr. of the home, son: Cornelius “Neal” Gri n III (Jennifer) of Asheboro, daughter: Elizabeth Deanna Clement (Matt) of Asheboro, brother: Charles Wall of Wake Forest, grandchildren: Christian O’Briant of Concord, Elizabeth O’Briant of Cameron, Lucy Gri n of Charlotte, Jessie Gri n of Charlotte, Harrison Clement of Raleigh. She had many nieces and nephews whom she adored. Libby was predeceased by her parents, son, Marty Gri n, son, Chris Gri n (widow Stacy Gri n of Charlotte), brothers, LT and Gary Wall, and sisters, Joyce and Clarie Wall. Libby’s family thanks her personal caregivers and the caring sta at Clapp’s Convalescent Nursing Home. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Sunset Avenue Church of God with the Rev. Boyd Byerly and Pastor Randy Lee presiding. The family will receive friends from noon until 1:45 p.m. prior to the service at the church. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery. Memorials can be made to the Libby Gri n Charitable Fund, 928 Sunset Avenue, Asheboro, NC 27203.

Emily Snider Lay

Feb. 19, 1953 – Feb. 11, 2026

Emily Snider Lay, age 72, of Kernersville, passed away February 11, 2026. She was born February 19, 1953, in Randolph County, North Carolina. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. A private burial will be held.

Jearldeen Kivett

Oct. 20, 1935 – Feb. 10, 2026

Jearldeen Baxter Smith

Kivett, a beloved wife, mother, sister, and cherished member of the Pleasant Grove Christian Church community, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2026, at Ramseur Rehabilitation & Health. Born on October 20, 1935, in Chatham County, NC, she lived a life devoted to her family and faith, reaching the age of 90.

Raised in a close-knit family, Jearldeen was one of twelve siblings. She dedicated many years to working in the textile industry before choosing to retire to raise her children, demonstrating her profound commitment to her family. Her happiest moments were spent surrounded by her loved ones, gardening, quilting with her mother and sisters, tending their poultry house or picking blackberries. Another love she shared was that of cooking, where her talents were widely knownshe was famous for her delicious persimmon pudding.

Her unwavering faith was a cornerstone of her life, re ected in her active membership at Pleasant Grove Christian Church, where she worshiped faithfully and found comfort among her fellow congregants. She and her twin sister were saved and baptized in 1951.

Jearldeen is preceded in death by her rst husband, Junior Smith; sisters Juanita Baxter Cox and husband Carl, Christine Williamson and husband J.E., Dorothy Brown and husband C.W.; brothers Charlie Herbert Baxter Jr. and wife Colon, James Baxter and wife Mildred, Donald Baxter, and Lynn Rachel. She also mourned the loss of brothers-inlaw Olan Wright, Charlie Routh, Billy Joe Leonard, Lissa Smith and wife Martha, Willie Smith and wife Shirley, Bill Kivett and wife Helen, Jerry Kivett; sisters-in-law Dorothy Allen and husband Curtis, Libby Wilborn and husband Bill, Katherine Brinkley and husband Howard, Beatrice English and husband Eugene; as well as her parents-in-law Willie Thomas and Lucy Newcomb Smith, James W. and Gertrude Riggs Kivett.

She leaves behind a legacy of love through her surviving family: her devoted husband of 63 years, Richard Kivett of the home; daughter Diane Perry and husband Chip of Silk Hope; sons John Douglas Smith and wife Shannon, Ricky Kivett and wife Donna, all of Staley; grandchildren, Jamie Allred, Casey Roach, Clyde Reid “Chip” Perry III, Bryson Kivett and Candice Ferguson; greatgrandchildren Colton Perry, Jack Roach, Charlie Roach and Mattilyn Ingram.

She is also survived by her twin sister, Myrldeen Wright of Ramseur; sisters Eva Brown and husband Raymond of Ramseur, Rosina Routh of Farmer, Jeannette Williamson of Asheboro; brother Harold Baxter and wife Ruby of Asheboro. Sisters-in-law Judy White Kivett of Staley, Glenda Leonard of Bennett, Edna Woods and Linda Pierce of Asheboro; brothersin-law Jerry Smith of Pittsboro, Ray Smith and wife Audrey of Asheboro, remain to cherish her memory.

Family and friends will gather for a visitation on Monday, February 16, 2026, from 1-1:45 p.m. at Pleasant Grove Christian Church in Bennett. A funeral service to celebrate her life will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday at the church, o ciated by Rev. Don Edwards, Rev. Jimmy Hill and Rev. Willie Pickard. Burial will follow at Chatham Memorial Park, where she will be laid to rest.

The family requests that donations be made to Pleasant Grove Christian Church building fund or youth program in Jearldeen’s honor. Her gracious spirit and unyielding faith continue to live on in the memories of all who knew and loved her.

Narcia Marie Collins Lamb

Sept. 10, 1957 – Feb. 11, 2026

Narcia Marie Collins Lamb (Rodriguez), beloved daughter, sister, mother, grandmother and friend, peacefully passed away on February 11, 2026, at High Point Hospital. Born on September 10, 1957, in Randolph County, Narcia was the youngest daughter of seven children, shining brightly with her generous spirit and unwavering faith throughout her life.

Narcia’s deep commitment to family was evident in everything she did. She wore her role as a mother and grandmother with great pride. She is survived by her loving son, Je erson Reitzel Collins, and cherished daughter, Patricia Carol Hancock (Ken Delk). Narcia was a proud grandmother to three grandkids – Dallas Colton Baker, Christopher Forrest Parrish, and Kaylie Michelle Freeman (Taylor) – who brought immense joy into her life.

Chay Chi

June 23, 1950 – Feb. 13, 2026

With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we announce the passing of Chay Chi, who left this world on February 13, 2026, at the age of 75.

Born on June 23, 1950, in Haiphong, Vietnam, Chay lived through the Vietnam War and nally immigrated to the United States in 1980. He faced the challenges of building a new life with resilience, grace and hard work. Learning a new language, adapting to unfamiliar customs, and working tirelessly - often at more than one job - never lost sight of the dream that brought him, his wife and young son here: to create stability, opportunity, and hope for those they loved. He lived in Asheboro for 46 years and spent most of his career at Klaussner Furniture and ultimately retired from there in 2016.

Above all, Chay was a devoted parent. He taught by example the values of hard work, integrity,

Kayden Kale Moore

July 5, 2006 – Feb. 14, 2026

On February 14, a piece of our hearts went to Heaven. Kayden Kale Moore, 19, of Robbins, North Carolina, passed away unexpectedly.

Kayden was a deeply loved, handsome, athletic young man with a tender heart. As the second of six children, he was very protective of his brothers and little sister. He cherished his family and greatly valued his friends as well.

He was preceded in death by his Maternal Grandparents, Daniel Rodriguez Olivares and Maria Concepcion Merlos, and Paternal Grandparents, James Roger Moore and Velma Ritter Moore.

Left to cherish his memory are his parents: Jodie Kale Moore and Maria Guadalupe Rodriguez Moore; his siblings: Alex, Cruz, Andrew, Ezekiel and Evelyn

While Narcia’s legacy is intertwined with her devotion to family, it was her warm-hearted nature that endeared her to all who knew her. She never met a stranger; her kindness knew no bounds, as she approached every interaction with openness and love. A true homebody, Narcia found comfort and contentment in the company of her family and the companions of her beloved Chau-Chau’s.

Her strength and resilience were evident in her selfsu ciency and loyalty. Her siblings, Delbert Steve Collins Coby, William Earl “Bill” Collins, Patricia Ann Henderson, and her sister-in-law Angela Fenner will dearly miss her presence. Narcia was also preceded in death by her husband, Dwight Lacy Lamb, along with her parents, George Grady Collins Sr. and Edna Marie Hughes Collins. The passing of her siblings, George Grady Collins Jr., Georgia Ruth Collins, and Frances Louise Carrick has left a profound void in the hearts of those she has left behind.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Narcia’s life during visitation on February 15, 2026, from 4-6 p.m. at Pugh Funeral Home - Asheboro, located at 437 Sunset Ave., Asheboro, NC. The funeral service will take place the following day, February 16, 2026, starting at 11 a.m. at the same location.

Narcia’s light will continue to shine through the lives of her loved ones, and though she may be gone, her spirit will remain forever in our hearts.

and perseverance. Through quiet sacri ce and unconditional love, Chay consistently showed that strength is not loud, and that courage often looks like showing up every single day for your family.

Chay found joy in shing, UNC basketball, card games and spicy foods. During his years after retirement, he enjoyed his daily walks and traveling to spend time with his six grandchildren.

Chay is survived by his wife, Van Chi, his children – son Long Chi and wife Sarah Chi, daughter Lynn Chi Valdes and husband Michael Valdes and son Billy Chi and wife Isabelle Tan. He will be greatly missed by his six grandchildren Jack Valdes, Noah Chi, Maya Chi, Charlie Valdes, Nathan Chi and Vincent Chi. He also has siblings and many extended family members and friends across the United States, China and Vietnam.

While we mourn the loss of a beloved parent, grandparent and friend, we also celebrate a life de ned by bravery, sacri ce and unwavering love. The opportunities we enjoy today are a testament to his courage. His story lives on in the lives he shaped and the values he instilled.

We honor Chay not only for where he came from, but for what he built, what he endured and what he gave. He will be deeply missed.

The family will receive guests at a visitation at Pugh Funeral Home in Asheboro, NC, on Friday, February 20, 2026, from 6-8 p.m.

Moore, all of the home; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends.

Kayden found his passion for sports as a young boy. His love for football blossomed when he played for the Mustangs at North Moore High School, where he graduated in 2024.

He formerly worked at Richland Creek Zipline Canopy Tours in Asheboro, NC, and at Coach’s Restaurant in Biscoe, NC. Kayden received his lineman certi cate from Richmond Community College in May 2025. He was employed at Lee Electric as a lineman and had just returned from an assignment.

Kayden, you have made an everlasting impact on our lives and in our hearts. Though we grieve deeply, we hold onto God’s promise that death is not the end. You will always be with us, and your life will live on in the love we carry and in eternity with Christ.

Romans 8:18 states: “For I reckon that the su erings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at Joyce-Brady Chapel.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Our Lady of the Americas Catholic Church, 298 Farmers Market Road, Biscoe, NC 27209, with Father Ricardo Sanchez presiding. Burial will follow at Pine Rest Cemetery, Plank Road, Robbins, NC.

Cecil Williams

Feb. 28, 1941 – Feb. 14, 2026

Cecil Marcellous Williams, 84, of Climax, passed away on February 14, 2026, at Authoracare Hospice Home of Burlington.

Cecil was born on February 28, 1941, in Los Angeles, Texas, to parents Alva Wade and Rachel Waldrum Williams. He was a

Doris Pierce

March 5, 1951 – Feb. 13, 2026

Doris Marie Talbert Pierce, 74, of Asheboro, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 13, 2026, at Moses Cone Hospital.

Doris was born on March 5, 1951, in Asheboro, North Carolina, to Frances and James Talbert. A proud graduate of Asheboro High School, Class of 1969, she went on to dedicate 40+ faithful years of service as a “ oor lady”/shift leader at AcmeMcCrary. After retirement, she found her greatest joy at home, caring for and pouring her love into her beautiful grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she adored beyond measure.

Doris was a devoted mother, grandmother, greatgrandmother and loyal friend. She was dependable, dedicated and ercely protective of those she loved.

Doris was also hilarious and unapologetically herself. She had no lter, so buckle up, because she was going to tell you exactly what she thought. Yet behind her bold honesty was a heart that loved big. She would give you the shirt right o her back, food from her plate, and money she needed more herself, without hesitation. She loved watching her favorite television programs, nding a good deal at the thrift store, feeding her family, and loved the Lord with all her heart. Her faith was strong, steady and central to her life.

She is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Harkey, and husband Paul Harkey; granddaughter Lyndsey Parker and husband Harley Parker; grandson Dalton Julian and ancée Brittany Allred; granddaughter Cameron Coy and husband Dawson Coy; Weston and Hudson Harkey; and her treasured greatgrandchildren, Payton, Jace, Noah, Rylan, Jesse, Skylar, Reyna and Adler. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Frances and James Talbert; her brothers, Clinton James “CJ” Talbert and Donald Ray Talbert; and her beloved daughter, Dena Michelle Pierce.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Pugh Funeral Home in Asheboro. In lieu of owers, memorial donations may be made to Freedom Life Church in Asheboro, NC.

Doris will be deeply missed but forever remembered for her incredible laughter, her ability to make others laugh, her bold spirit, and the tremendous love she gave so freely.

graduate of Southwest Texas State University and went on to serve faithfully in the US Air Force. Cecil retired after many years of service with the Criminal Investigation Division with the IRS and was a dedicated member of Pleasant Garden Baptist Church where he had served as a deacon as well as was a member of various committees. Cecil loved farming and working with his cows. He called them all by name and enjoyed petting them. He also enjoyed spending time with his family. In addition to his parents, Cecil was preceded in death by his siblings, Kenneth Williams, Manuel Williams and Nelta Benson Mr. Williams is survived by his wife of 58 years, Carol Jean Kime Williams; Children, Lexie Wright and husband Craig of Climax, Trevor Williams and wife of Autumn of Knightdale; grandchildren, Logan Wright,

Maria Davila

May 7, 1942 – Feb. 13, 2026

Maria Clotilde Davila, amada madre, abuela, hermana y amiga, falleció tranquilamente el 13 de Febrero de 2026 en Randolph Hospice House. Nacida el 7 de Mayo de 1942 en Guanajuato, México, “Mary” fue la mayor de siete hermanos. Su fe devota y su alegría contagiosa irradiaban e infectaban a todos los que la rodeaban.

A Mary le encantaba cuidar de su familia. Era conocida por su amor por contar historias, su humor y el amor que vertía en cada comida que cocinaba y servía. Mary asumió con orgullo el papel de “mamá” no solo con sus hijos Juan Davila (Yesy), Jesus Davila (Darlin), Maria Alvarado Davila (Victor) y Antonio “Tony” Davila, sino también de tantos a su alrededor. Ella era la de nición del amor. Será recordada por su gran corazón, su fortaleza y su fe inquebrantable en Jesucristo; nunca dejó de orar por todos sus seres queridos. Mary seguirá viva en el recuerdo de sus hijos y nietos, con quienes compartió un amor y un vínculo incondicional. El servicio fúnebre se llevará a cabo el Martes 17 de Febrero de 2026 en Pugh Funeral Home, 437 Sunset Avenue, Asheboro. El velorio será a las 11 a.m. A continuación, el entierro se realizará en New Hope Memorial Gardens.

Anna Trogdon

Nov. 9, 1953 – Feb. 13, 2026

Mrs. Anna Louis Millikan Trogdon, 72 of Franklinville, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family, after a period of declining health. A teacher’s aide in the Randolph County School System for 22 years, Mrs. Trogdon enjoyed being around and helping children. Married 55 years to the love of her life, Steve, where together they had one daughter, Charity. She enjoyed being with and looking after her “Grandbabies”. Mrs. Trogdon enjoyed cooking and was well known for her baking and sharing with family and friends.

Mrs. Trogdon is survived by her husband Steve of the home, one daughter, Charity of Archdale, two grandchildren, Thomas and Ally Bunting, one sister, Elaine Foust (Eddie), and four brothers: Chris York (Amanda), Gene Millikan, Greg Millikan and JD Millikan (Lois). A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Sunset Ave Church of God by the Rev. Boyd Byerly. Visitation for Mrs. Trogdon will be prior to the service from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at the church. In lieu of owers, the family is requesting donations be made in memory of Mrs. Trogdon to Hospice of Asheboro or to a charity of your choice.

Morgan Wright, Salem Wright, Levi Williams, Judah Williams, and Rebekah Williams; sister, Peggy Davis of Texas; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at Pleasant Garden Baptist Church with Rev. Mike Barrett o ciating. Burial will follow at Gilmore Memorial Park with military honors provided by the Randolph County Honor Guard. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 2-2:45 p.m. at the church prior to the service.

In lieu of owers, memorials may be made to Pleasant Garden Baptist Church, P.O. Box 157, Pleasant Garden, NC 27313; Authora Care Hospice, 918 Chapel Hill Road, Burlington, NC 27215; or to the Dementia Alliance of North Carolina, 9131 Anson Way, Suite 206, Raleigh, NC 27615.

Mary Hammond

June 28, 1938 – Feb. 14, 2026

Mary Alice (Rowlette) Hammond died February 14, 2026, at her home in Asheboro. She was 87 years old. Alice was born June 28, 1938, and grew up on a farm in Shelby County, KY. She graduated from Stephens College in Columbia, MO, with an Associate of Arts degree in 1958, and from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with an AB in Journalism in 1960. At Carolina, she wrote for The Daily Tarheel, where she met her husband, Rusty. They were married for 65 years. Alice served as the Director of Community Relations and the Assistant Administrator for Public A airs and Planning for Randolph Hospital from 1981-1993. Prior to working at the hospital, she founded and operated her own public relations rm, Imagination, Inc. Her clients included the Stedman Corporation and the City of Asheboro. As such, Alice served as Executive for the Randolph County Bicentennial Committee. She also wrote a regular humor column for The Randolph Guide, “Across the Ironing Board.” The column later ran in The Greensboro Record under the name “Of All Things.”

Alice’s numerous volunteer activities included: Chair of the Board of Trustees at Central United Methodist Church, Board of Ushers at Central and First United Methodist Church, Tarheel Triad Council Girl Scouts Board of Directors, President of the Sorosis Club, President of Randolph Community College Foundation, Asheboro Junior Women’s Club President, Randolph County Democratic Women President, Randolph Rotary Club, Randolph Arts Guild, NC Emergency Medical Services Regional Advisory Council, Piedmont Health Systems Agency Board of Directors, United Appeal of Greater Asheboro Board of Directors, Randolph-Asheboro YMCA Board of Directors, and the Randolph Public Library Foundation. She was the Randolph County Democratic Woman of the Year in 1973. Alice is survived by her daughters, Nancy Hammond of Hyattsville, MD, and Mary “Callie” Hammond of Asheboro; her granddaughters ZiZi Hammond and Isabell Hammond; her nephews Larry Cooper and Jim Cooper; her sonin-law Ken Hawes; her brother and sister-in-law Robert and Martha (Hammond) Harvey, and her brother-in-law Daniel Cooper. She was preceded in death by her husband, L. T. “Rusty” Hammond, Jr., her mother, Nancy (Godbey) Rowlette, her father, Henry Rowlette, and her brother, William Rowlette. A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church in Asheboro on March 21 at 11 a.m. In lieu of owers, donations in Alice’s memory may be made to Hospice of Randolph or to any of the charitable, religious, and civic organizations to which she contributed so much of her time and energy.

STATE & NATION

Police credit good Samaritan for ending a deadly shooting at Rhode Island ice rink

It appears to be a family dispute following a contentious divorce

By Kimberlee Kruesi The Associated Press

A SHOOTER unleashed a urry of bullets during a Rhode Island youth hockey game, killing two people and injuring three others, in an attack that was cut short when a spectator stepped in to help stop the tragedy, authorities said. Investigators had spoken to nearly 100 witnesses as of Monday evening as they attempt to piece together what happened early Monday afternoon inside the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, a

few miles outside Providence. Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves said Monday that the shooter died from an apparent self-in icted gun wound, though authorities are still investigating. Goncalves credited an unnamed “good Samaritan” who intervened, bringing the attack “to a swift end.” She did not provide details. It is not entirely clear what precipitated the shooting, who was targeted or why. Unveri ed video circulating on social media shows players on the ice as popping sounds are heard. Chaos quickly unfolds as players on benches dive for cover, those on the ice frantically skate toward exits and fans ee their seats.

“It appears that this was a tar-

The ‘6-7’ craze still going strong at both NBA, college basketball games

LaMelo Ball’s stature sparks the viral phenomenon as fans track speci c scores

By Cli Brunt

The Associated Press

NORMAN, Okla. — LaMelo Ball has never been more popular, and it’s not because Charlotte’s 6-foot-7 star has the Hornets ghting for a playo spot. They hype is largely about his height. And Charlotte is trying to take advantage.

Dictionary.com named the term “6-7” its word of the year for 2025, and the global “6-7” craze is still going strong at pro and college basketball games. Young fans, players and coaches eagerly track when teams near 67 points, and pandemonium ensues when their team hits the mark.

The Hornets and New Orleans Pelicans are among NBA teams that feature “6-7” cams during timeouts at some games.

Seth Bennett, the Hornets’ chief marketing o cer, said Charlotte’s marketing and game presentation teams started discussing a possible “6-7” cam to capitalize on the trend and Ball’s involvement in it.

“For us as a franchise, we always want to listen to our fans, and sometimes you listen to observing what they’re into, their trends and likes, and it’s a way for us to connect to that and hopefully have them connect to us in a fun way when they’re experiencing it here,” Bennett said.

The Hornets’ cam is mostly limited to kids days and weekend games so it doesn’t get old. Michael Robinson, who attended a game between the Hornets and 76ers with his 6-year- old

son, Abel, said it’s nonstop at home.

Abel said he learned about it from his friends and on YouTube.

“It’s just cool,” Abel said. “It’s fun.”

The “6-7” originator can’t believe reach

The origins of the “6-7” boom are Skrilla’s 2024 song “Doot Doot (6-7).” Skrilla leaked the song without much expectation, but it exploded on TikTok last year with basketball players, including Ball and prep standout Taylen Kinney, driving its popularity.

No one is quite sure what 6-7 means, and Skrilla kept it that way when asked for a de nition.

“Everybody created their own meaning,” he told The Associated Press. “The teachers created their own meaning. The football teams created their own, the basketball (players). ‘6-7’ is global. It’s bigger than me now. So ‘67.’ Shout out to ‘6-7.’” The nonsensical meme has its own hand gesture, too — ip your palms up, and alternate lifting your arms. Charlotte forward Miles Bridges made the gesture several weeks ago after hitting a 3-pointer against the Indiana Pacers.

Bridges also is 6-foot-7.

“I think that’s the team’s way of having a little fun with LaMelo anytime that they can kind of incorporate that in just to tease him a little bit, and he’s a great sport about it as well,” Bennett said.

“6-7” big on basketball courts everywhere

Fans have been on 67-point watch at games across the country. It seemed to bubble up rst

at women’s college games, including at Oklahoma. Now fans there hold up signs handed out by the school.

On Dec. 22, the Sooners led North Carolina Central 6429 in the closing seconds of the rst half. When Aaliyah Chavez drained a 3-pointer at the buzzer, fans went wild.

Oklahoma center Raegan Beers said the team enjoyed giving the fans that moment.

“That’s why I love this game (with the kids),” she said. “I know a lot of us love this game here, just to have that energy in the building, and obviously lean into what’s trending at the moment, which is 6-7, whatever that means. And so it was so much fun to have that moment

and just let the kids enjoy it.”

Daniel Durbin, director of Southern California’s Annenberg Institute of Sports, Media and Society, attended USC’s women’s basketball game against Rutgers on Feb. 1 and witnessed the phenomenon rst hand. He noted that the DJ even announced the possibility. The Trojans missed two free throws at 66, building the anticipation. When Yakiya Milton made a free throw that pushed the score to 67, the crowd erupted into what Durbin called the loudest cheer of the game.

Durbin said it falls under the long history of arbitrary sports traditions fans have created to feel more connected to the action.

geted event, that it may be a family dispute,” she said. Authorities said both people who died were adults but have not released the identities of the victims. Goncalves identi ed the shooter as Robert Dorgan, who she said also went by the name Roberta Esposito, who was born in 1969.

Monday’s shooting came nearly two months after Rhode Island was rocked by a shooting at Brown University that left two students dead and wounded nine others, as well as a Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor. Authorities later found Claudio Neves Valente, 48, dead from a self-in icted gunshot wound at a New Hampshire storage facility.

“Our state is grieving again,” Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee said in a statement. “As governor, a parent, and a former coach, my heart breaks for the victims, families, students, and everyone impacted by the devastating shooting at Lynch Arena in Pawtucket.”

“Think of all the superstitions fans have during games, rituals that they enact to ‘help’ the team win,” he said. “As fans walk across the street to USC football games, most of them kick the base of a certain lamppost. Why? It makes them part of the game. They are enacting a meaningless ritual many USC fans perform for ‘luck.’”

Adults doing it too

Even the coaches are in on it. On Maryland’s annual Field Trip Day game, Terrapins coach Brenda Frese wore a jersey with the number 67 on it before tipo . LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey did the hand gesture while on the big screen during a win over Morgan State, drawing an eruption from the home crowd and laughter from her players.

Mulkey said her grandson got upset with her after a game because LSU skipped 67 points and went straight to 68.

TCU’s women beat Baylor 8367 on Feb. 12, and Olivia Miles scored 40 points and Marta Suarez scored 27 — a combined 67. With the two at his side in the postgame media session, Horned Frogs coach Mark Campbell got sucked in.

“For a duo, I’ve never been a part of a duo that scored 67 points in one game,” he said.

As Miles did the hand gesture and Suarez laughed, Campbell pointed at Miles and said, “That’s crazy. ‘6-7,’” as he added the hand gesture.

The trend has impacted the game on the court at times too. After Maryland took a 64-18 lead against Central Connecticut State in December, the Terps attempted ve straight 3-pointers before Yarden Garzon nally made one to give Maryland exactly 67 points. The craze is perplexing to parents, but Bennett said the Hornets have embraced it to bring joy to young people.

“Overall, it’s been positive,” he said. “No way to make a negative out of something that’s just really nothing attached to it, just fun.”

RandolpH SPORTS

Asheboro’s Tyson vaults to state title

The Blue Comets came close to securing a boys’ team championship

Randolph Record sta

WINSTON-SALEM — Boosted by Aaron Tyson’s performance, Asheboro was the team runner-up in the Class 6A boys’ indoor track and eld state championships last Thursday at JDL Fast Track.

Tyson won the pole vault and had three other strong nishes on the way to being named the meet’s Most Valuable Participant.

Mount Tabor topped the eld with 53½ points, with

Asheboro at 51. Tyson collected 29 of the Blue Comets’ points.

Eastern Randolph’s Corea wins states by large margin

The senior thrower has won multiple championships at the state level

Randolph Record sta

WINSTON-SALEM — Eastern Randolph senior Mirianna Corea won the shot put in last week’s Class 1A-3A state championship for girls’ indoor track and eld at JDL Fast Track.

Corea had a throw of 38 feet, 1½ inches for a sizable margin on runner-up Mariclaire Smith (30-9½) of Madison.

Corea is a past outdoor state champion in shot put and discus. Trinity’s Kayla Franklin placed second in the triple jump in 33 feet, 33½ inches — 7 inches shy of the mark from champion Amoni Saunders of Northeastern.

Wheatmore’s Kylyn Surratt ended up sixth in the pole vault (7 feet), while teammates Paisley Boone (shot put, 26-1, seventh) and Kahmarii McNeill (55-meter hurdles, 10.90 seconds, eighth).

Patriots claim title with narrow victories

Some teams will be involved in conference tournament play this week

Randolph Record sta

PROVIDENCE GROVE’S boys’ basketball team won a pair of tight games to win the regular-season championship in the Central Carolina 3-A Conference last week. Friday night’s game came with Andrew Thomas sinking a winning 3-pointer in a 55-54 escape at second-place Thomasville. Will Dabbs had 18

points, Gabe McKoy scored 17 and Thomas nished with 15.

Earlier in the week, Providence Grove edged host West Davidson 65-56 in overtime with Thomas scoring 18 points and Dabbs and McKoy each scoring 16. West Davidson didn’t score in overtime.

Also, Dabbs poured in 26 points in a 69-43 home romp past second-place Wheatmore.

After completing the regular season earlier this week, teams in the conference were set for a revamped league tournament Thursday and Friday. • Wheatmore nished the week with a 52-38 home vic-

tory against Trinity as Collin Dodd posted 15 points. Nate Sams had 20 points for Trinity.

• Trinity’s Josh Polanco tallied 14 points in a 46-38 home victory against East Davidson. Polanco’s 12 points weren’t enough in a 59-41 home loss to West Davidson. • Thomasville took down visiting Wheatmore 65-54.

• In the Triad Area Athletic Conference, Ryan Headen had 16 points and Nirey White supplied 14 points when Asheboro nipped visiting

See PATRIOTS, page B2

Wheatmore uses busy week to seal league title

There were several area teams collecting multiple victories as the season winds down

Randolph Record sta

WHEATMORE collected the girls’ basketball regular-season title in the Central Carolina 3-A Conference by topping visiting Trinity 50-32 on Friday. It came as part of a busy week for the Warriors.

Wheatmore edged host host Providence Grove 48-46 as Kaelyn Whitehart had 23 points, o setting Adi Johnson’s 24 points for the Patriots.

Wheatmore also stomped visiting Thomasville 55-13 with Whitehart posting 21 points.

Elsewhere in the conference, Providence Grove edged host West Davidson 49-48 with Bailee Mitchell scoring 21 points.

The Patriots also won at Thomasville, with Adi John-

son’s 14 points helping in the 53-17 blowout.

Madison Hill scored 20 points but Trintiy lost 48-27 to visiting East Davidson. West Davidson beat the host Bulldogs 63-32.

• In the Triad Area Athletic Conference, Laneane Scherer’s 15 points helped Asheboro defeat host Southern Guilford 61-31.

Asheboro also topped visiting Northeast Guilford 35-18 with Adalynn Scherer providing 13 points. The Blue Comets fell 50-40 to visiting Southeast Guilford despite Adalynn Scherer’s 15 points. Adalynn Scherer scored 18 points when Asheboro beat visiting Southern Guilford 66 -29.

• In the Four Rivers Conference, Uwharrie Charter Academy’s 56-39 loss to rst-place Northwood came despite Lainey Thomas’s 12 points in the rst of two meetings during the week. UCA then fell on the road to the Chargers by 59-31.

In between, the Eagles were on the winning side by trouncing Jordan-Matthews 68-16 as Teely Harris had 12 points.

• Southwestern Randolph beat visiting Jordan-Matthews 57-25 as Maddie Strider had 15 points and Jordin George scored 14 points. The Cougars rolled in a 77-29 road romp past North Moore with Strider picking up 21 points.

• Eastern Randolph won when Reagan Beaver had 14 points in a 36-31 victory at Jordan-Matthews. The Wildcats then took down visiting North Moore 63-39 behind Callie Craven’s 20 points.

In the rematch, Eastern Randolph picked up a 42-37 home victory with Beaver scoring 17 points.

Beaver’s 14 points, Craven’s 13 points and Katelyn Brown’s 13 points helped in a 59-31 home victory vs. North Moore.

• In the Piedmont Athletic Conference, Randleman followed a 62-38 road loss to Ledford by defeating visiting Lexington 54-44.

Spencer Moore

Wheatmore, wrestling

The senior broke through with a regional championship in his nal season on the high school mats.

Moore won the East Region title at 150 pounds last week with a dominating performance. He notched four rst-period pins to secure the title, capped by attening Northeastern’s Jeremy Barcli in 1:58 of the nal.

Area wrestlers carry success from regionals to state tourney

Schools from Randolph County will be well-represented at the individual state tournament

Randolph Record sta

Moore will be in the state tournament Friday and Saturday in Greensboro. He won two matches in last year’s state tournament but didn’t place.

Moore has signed to continue his wrestling career at Division II Belmont Abbey.

UCA’s Becker swims to state title

The Uwharrie Charter Academy entrant had strong nishes in two events

Randolph Record sta

CARY — Megan Becker of Uwharrie Charter Academy won the 100-yard breaststroke in the Class 4A state championships last Thursday at Triangle Aquatic Center.

TYSON from page B1

Tyson’s pole vault of 13 feet was the winning mark by 6 inches on Asheville Roberson’s Wyatt Peele.

Tyson was the runner-up in the long jump (21-8), third in the high jump (6-2) and fourth in the triple jump (43-1½).

The Blue Comets also had third-place nishes from Caden Kutschenko (long jump, 21-6½) and Jamayion Balfour (shot put, 47-6½).

Also for Asheboro, Michael Mark was fourth in the 55-meter hurdles (7.88 seconds), and Boone Hinesley (sixth, 46-1½) and Juan Palbo Munoz (sev-

Becker completed the race in 52.45 seconds, edging Brevard’s Julia Sherrill (52.74). This was her rst state title in four state meets.

Becker, who committed to UNC Wilmington, also had a third-place nish in the 50-yard freestyle in 24.37 seconds.

Randleman’s Kendall Forston was fth in the 100 butter y (1:05.03) and ninth in the 200 individual medley (2:33.30).

enth, 46-1) had scoring marks in the shot put.

Kutschenko, who nished 10th in the triple jump, received the meet’s Sportsmanship Award.

CLASS 6A GIRLS

Asheboro’s Jalaya Showers placed third in the 55 dash (7.19 seconds) and took fourth in the long jump (16-7¼).

CLASS 4A BOYS

Randleman’s Izaiah Troxler was fth in the shot put (46-3¾), and Matthew Bowman claimed sixth in the pole vault (10-0).

A SLEW of high school wrestlers from Randolph County will head to the state tournament this week at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro.

Several of them will aim for repeat championships, including Uwharrie Charter Academy’s Lorenzo Alston seeking his fourth title.

Based on regional results, the top four nishes go to the state tournament. Girls’ competition will be held Thursday and Friday, while boys compete Friday and Saturday.

CLASS 3A EAST REGION

Randolph County schools — and Trinity in particular — dominated in the two-day regional at Ayden-Grifton. Trinity was the team champion, with Wheatmore the runner-up, Eastern Randolph in fourth place and Providence Grove placing fth.

Trinity’s champions were Jeven Palmeri (106 pounds), Aiden Burkholder (113), Stephen Cross (120), Omega Edge (132), Hezekyah Matson (138), Simeon Hammett (144), Haris Idrees (165), Anees Khan (175) and Joseph Trahan (285). Burkholder will bid for his second state title.

2025 state champions Ayden Sumners (126) and Dominic Hittepole (190) of Wheatmore won in the regional along with teammate Spencer Moore (150).

Trinity’s other state qualiers were Addam Bernal (157,

second), Grayson Carroll (190, third) and Edgar Vasquez (126, fourth).

Wheatmore will also send Nolan Hammonds (138, second), Terry Gillespie (113, third), Dylan Harris (106, fourth), Brodie Bates (165, fourth) and Peyton Russo (285, fourth) to states.

David Lambright (126) and Maddox Carson (285), a pair of Eastern Randolph state champions from last year, were regional runners-up. Following an 8-5 sudden-victory decision against Vasquez in the seminals, Lambright dropped a 7-2 decision to Sumners in thenal. Sumners earlier had two rst-minute pins and a second-period pin. Carson fell to Trahan in the regional nal by 4-0, with Trahan’s points coming on a second-period reversal and a pair of stalling points. Trahan had two rst-period pins and a technical fall to reach the nal. Carson pinned Russo in the second period of the semi nal.

Eastern Randolph’s other state quali ers are Lucas Kennedy (120, second), Jamie Crabtree (144, third) and James Combs (215, fourth).

Providence Grove’s state quali ers are Ayden Terwilliger (132, second), Malachi Combo (175, second) and Jeremiah Payne (120, third).

In other regional nals between two county wrestlers, Cross won by a third-period technical fall against Kennedy, Edge notched a second-period pin against Terwilliger, Matson won with a third-period technical fall against Hammonds and Khan posted a 16-6 decision against Combo.

Trinity’s team point total was 294½, with Wheatmore at 173½, McMichael at 152, East-

ern Randolph at 126 and Providence Grove at 86½ among 23 scoring teams.

CLASS 4A

UCA was the team champion with four individual champions at Eden Morehead.

Aside from Alston, who won the 175 division, UCA’s regional champions were Ayven Virasone Chitavong (106), Andrew White (120) and Paxton Kearns (126).

UCA’s Caleb Saldana (138), Ric Riccardella (150) and Rylan Alvarez (190) were runners-up, while Huntley Adcock (132) and Travis Nobles (157) placed third and Chase Wooley (113) and Brennan Worrell (114) were fourth.

Randleman’s Alex Raymundo (106) advanced to states with a third-place nish.

UCA’s 235 points were enough to top runner-up Eden Morehead, which had 199.

CLASS 6A WEST REGION

Asheboro’s Oscar Zelaya went 4-0 to win the 126 division at Kernersville Recreation and Event Center.

GIRLS’ REGIONALS

Asheboro’s Alaina Scherer won the 235-pound division of the Class 6A West Regional at Charlotte Olympic. She’ll be joined at states by teammates Andrea Thornton (second at 126), Briana Munoz (third at 114).

In Class 1A/2A/3A/4A at south Davidson, UCA’s Riley White was the East Region champion at 132 pounds. UCA’s Avriana Whit eld was fourth at 138.

Wheatmore, UCA picked as hosts for revamped duals

The wrestling team competition was rescheduled to be completed this week

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

WHEATMORE and Uwharrie Charter Academy were to be host sites for dual team wrestling state nals Tuesday.

The recon gured tournament shifted the format for the regional semi nals and nals and the state nals, putting them all at one site in each classi cation on the same day.

Eight teams were to converge on most sites, with two teams at each location competing in three duals that culminated with the state nals.

In Class 3A at Wheatmore, Trinity was to face Ayden-Grifton while Eastern Randolph will take on Wheatmore in the East Region semi nals, with winners meeting next.

Lincolnton, West Lincoln, Polk County and Mount Airy were to arrive from the West Region.

In Class 4A at UCA, the host Eagles were set to match up against North Pitt while Cen-

NortheastGuilford 62-61.

Asheboro fell 67-58 to visiting Southeast Guilford despite Eli Johnson’s 15 points.

The Blue Comets came up short by 50-40 in a home loss to Southeast Guilford.

Asheboro’s 84-76 home victory against Southern Guilford capped the week.

• In the Four Rivers Conference, even with Jaxon Mabe and Corey Cole each scoring 15 points, UCA fell 70-51 to rst-place Northwood.

In the rematch later in the week, Justyce Lawson had 17

tral Davidson and Eden Morehead were scheduled to clash in the East Region semi nals. The West Region’s teams were Pisgah, Bandys, Maiden and Rutherfordton-Spindale Central.

Other sites for Tuesday were Northwest Guilford (Class 8A), Athens Drive (Class 7A, hosted by Cardinal Gibbons), Union Pines (Class 6A), Cedar Ridge (Class 5A), East Wilkes (Class 2A) and South Davidson (Class 1A). The Class 1A and Class 8A sites will involve only regional nals and state nals.

The dates and format were adjusted after wintry weather resulted in school closings across much of a two-week period in late January and early February.

In recent years, state nals were held on the same day in Greensboro in early February.

HOW THEY ADVANCED

Teams advanced by winning rst and second round duals last week. Here’s a look at how teams from Randolph County advanced (and some teams that didn’t).

CLASS 3A

Host Trinity handled No. 16

points and Mabe notched 15 points in a 69-49 road loss.

UCA used Mabe’s 21 points and Lawson’s 16 points in a 6251 road victory against Jordan-Matthews.

• Northwood pounded visiting Southwestern in Randolph 81-31.

Southwestern Randolph lost 58-49 at home to Jordan-Matthews despite Colton McKee’s 19 points. The Cougars then won at North Moore by 79-35, aided by Drake Beason’s 23 points.

• Tyler Gee’s 41 points for Eastern Randolph weren’t enough in a 71-60

seed Farmville Central 77-0 and ninth-seeded Heide Trash 74-6. Wheatmore, also a host, bounced No. 15 seed Bartlett Yancey and then turned back seventh-seeded East Davidson 59-20.

Eastern Randolph won in the rst two rounds at home by defeating No. 14 seed Pender 48-36 and No. 11 seed Spring Creek 52-30.

Providence Grove won 45-32 against North Moore in the rst round at McMichael. Then the Patriots fell 39-29 to No. 13 seed Ayden-Grifton.

CLASS 4A

UCA posted a 59-24 victory against No. 16 seed Salisbury and beat ninth-seeded Bunn 50-30.

Southwestern Randolph fell 54-24 to host and third-seeded Central Davidson. Randleman lost to host and second-seeded Eden Morehead 61-12.

CLASS 6A No. 13 seed Asheboro fell to fourth-seeded and host Piedmont by 64-18 in the rst round.

road loss to Jordan-Matthews. Gee scored 34 at home in the rematch, which was won 93-67 by the Wildcats.

Eastern Randolph topped North Moore twice, winning 84-74 on the road and 79-25 at home. AJ McDonald scored 20 points and Gee had 17 points in the home game.

• In the Piedmont Athletic Conference, Randleman returned to action last week with a 63-61 loss at Ledford and a 71-36 home victory against Lexington.

The conference tournament has been nixed in order to play make-up games this week.

pen & paper pursuits

this week in history

John Glenn rst to orbit Earth, Iwo Jima captured, Alamo under siege

FEB. 19

1473: Astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus was born in Torun, Poland.

1878: Inventor Thomas Edison received a patent for the phonograph.

1942: During World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, authorizing the internment of about 125,000 people of Japanese ancestry, including U.S.-born citizens.

1945: Operation Detachment began as U.S. Marines landed on Iwo Jima, launching a monthlong battle to wrest control of the island from Japanese forces.

FEB. 20

1792: President George Washington signed legislation establishing the United States Post O ce Department, predecessor to today’s U.S. Postal Service.

1907: President Theodore Roosevelt signed an immigration law barring the entry of individuals deemed mentally unt, including those labeled at the time as “idiots,” “imbeciles,” “feeble-minded persons,” “epileptics” and “insane persons.”

1962: Astronaut John Glenn became the rst American to orbit the Earth, circling the globe three times aboard Project Mercury’s Friendship 7 spacecraft in a ight lasting 4 hours and 55 minutes before splashing down safely in the Atlantic Ocean.

FEB. 21

1848: Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels published “The Communist Manifesto” in London.

1885: President Chester A.

Arthur dedicated the Washington Monument.

1916: The Battle of Verdun, the longest engagement of World War I, began in northeastern France.

1965: Civil rights leader Malcolm X, 39, was assassinated at Harlem’s Audubon Ballroom in New York. Three Nation of Islam members were convicted; two were exonerated in 2021 after new evidence emerged.

FEB. 22

1732: George Washington, the rst president of the United States, was born in Westmoreland County in the Virginia Colony.

1784: The merchant ship Empress of China departed New York on the rst American trade voyage to China.

1980: The “Miracle on Ice” unfolded at the Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York, as the U.S. hockey team stunned the Soviet Union 4-3. The Americans went on to win the gold medal two days later with a 4-2 victory over Finland.

FEB. 23

1836: Mexican troops be-

gan the siege of the Alamo in San Antonio. Nearly all of the roughly 200 Texas defenders, including Davy Crockett, were killed in the 13-day battle.

1903: President Theodore Roosevelt signed an agreement leasing land at Guantanamo Bay to the United States. The naval base remains in operation, along with a high-security detention facility.

1945: During World War II, U.S. Marines on Iwo Jima captured Mount Suribachi and raised two American ags.

FEB. 24

1803: In Marbury v. Madison, the U.S. Supreme Court established the principle of judicial review, a rming its authority to determine the constitutionality of laws.

1942: The SS Struma, carrying nearly 800 Jewish refugees from Romania to British-mandated Palestine, was torpedoed by a Soviet submarine in the Black Sea; all but one aboard were killed.

1988: The Supreme Court unanimously overturned a $200,000 award won by the Rev. Jerry Falwell against Hustler magazine and publisher Larry Flynt, expanding First Amendment protections for parody and satire.

FEB. 25

1913: The 16th Amendment, authorizing Congress to levy and collect income taxes, was declared in e ect by Secretary of State Philander Chase Knox.

1956: Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev delivered a lengthy speech denouncing the brutality and “cult of personality” of his predecessor, Josef Stalin at a Communist Party congress.

1964: Muhammad Ali, then known as Cassius Clay, won his rst world heavyweight title, defeating Sonny Liston in Miami Beach.

A post-‘Brat’ Charli xcx broods on ‘Wuthering Heights’ soundtrack

For fans of “True Romance,” yearning in the internet sense, and vinyl clothing

By Maria Sherman The Associated Press

CHARLI XCX’S soundtrack for Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of Emily Brontë’s “Wuthering Heights” is a brooding collection approximating some image of gothic romanticism.

Its enjoyable if not revelatory 12 tracks are a collaboration with songwriters and producers Finn Keane and Justin Raisen, and her rst full-length album since the zeitgeist-shaping “Brat.”

It is not the role of every lm soundtrack to function as a standalone album, though Charli has said that was her ambition here. In the midst of her “Brat” summer two years ago, she worked on “Wuthering Heights,” delighted to detour into di erent territory.

But how di erent is it in ethos? There’s a shared spirit of deep devotion and infatuation, surely, in both “Brat” and Brontë’s “Wuthering Heights,” and a shared sexuality in Charli and Fennell’s art — people wear corsets to nightclubs these days. Instrumentation might be the biggest distinction; here, Charli uses strings arrangements for the rst time, often for propulsion, like on the anxious “Seeing Things.”

The rave work might have been put to the side, but Charli’s signatures remain throughout:

auto-tuned vocals, unexpected production, shackled and resonant pop hooks. They are everywhere on “Wuthering Heights,” from the previously released singles like “Wall of Sound” — no Phil Spector here — and the spacey ballad “Chains of Love,” with its echoes of Taylor Swift, to the electro-pop “My Reminder” and an underutilized Sky Ferreira on “Eyes of the World.” The last is their rst collaboration since 2019’s “Cross You Out” and samples English rock band Wolf Alice’s “Don’t Delete the Kisses.”

It’s likely that Charli has a great industrial record in her, evidenced by the rst song released for the soundtrack and its undisputed best: “House,” featuring the great experimentalist John Cale. (It’s no wonder it works so well: Charli is an undisputed Velvet Under-

Musical artist Charli xcx created the soundtrack for the lm version of Emily Brontë’s classic novel “Wuthering Heights.”

ground superfan. The band’s high art, pop fame is a central theme in her vision, as is their ability to combine the “elegant and brutal” — a favorite quote of hers that is actually a quote of his.) Cale recites a poem in his weathered Welsh tone atop cello and metallic sounds, building into its booming nal minute. “I think I’m gonna die in this house,” he and Charli harmonize. It builds in distortion from there, the album’s only true moment of gothic seduction, before Cale brings it to a spoken word coda. “In every room,” he says, “I hear silence.” In whole, “Wuthering Heights” does function as an album as much as it does a soundtrack — but that’s mostly the bene t of having a single artist realize their single vision, a privilege rarely a orded. Charli xcx does not waste it here.

‘Adolescence,’ ‘Train Dreams’ win top prizes at

Film Independent Spirit Awards

“The Perfect Neighbor” won best documentary

By Lindsey Bahr

The Associated Press

CLINT BENTLEY’S lyrical Denis Johnson adaptation “Train Dreams “ won the top lm award at the Film Independent Spirit Awards on Sunday in Los Angeles, while “Adolescence” dominated the television categories. Both were released on Net ix.

Bentley also won best director for the lm starring Joel Edgerton, whom he thanked profusely for “being the heartbeat of our lm.”

“We’re so grateful to Netix,” Bentley said. “It’s very, very hard these days to lm in the United States, but it’s worth it and we’re proud to be able to pull it o .”

Edgerton missed out on the top acting prize, however, which went to Rose Byrne for “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You.”

The organization switched to gender-neutral acting categories in 2022.

Byrne was one of the few actors nominated for both a Spirit Award and an Oscar, for her performance as a mother on the edge.

“I share this with Mary Bronstein, my writer-director who fought for eight years to get this movie made,” Byrne said.

She added that this was a lm that could have only been made independently. Her character, she said, is “ erce and ferocious and a middle-aged woman.”

“Adolescence” won new scripted series, best actor for Stephen Graham, best supporting actor for Erin Doherty, and the breakthrough prize for Owen Cooper.

The show, which serves as a fundraiser for Film Inde-

PIZZELLO / AP PHOTO

CHRIS

Erin Doherty accepts the award for best supporting performance in a new scripted series for “Adolescence” during the Film Independent Spirit Awards on Sunday in Los Angeles.

pendent’s year-round programs, was held at the Hollywood Palladium for the rst time since 1994 as its longtime beachside perch in Santa Monica undergoes renovations. Comedian and “Saturday Night Live” veteran Ego Nwodim hostedthe celebration of independent lm and television, which was livestreamed on YouTube.

“In the spirit of independent lmmaking, we don’t have a permit,” Nwodim said in her opening. “If I shout, ‘cameras down,’ you know what to do.”

“The Secret Agent” won the international feature prize. The lm is also nominated for best picture and best international lm at the Oscars.

“I really believe that programming lms in the cinemas is more and more a political act,” said director Kleber Mendonça Filho.

He dedicated the award to the late actor Udo Kier, who was part of the ensemble of “The Secret Agent.”

“The Perfect Neighbor,” about a deadly shooting incident in Florida constructed primarily from police bodycam footage, won best documentary. Filmmaker and producer Geeta Gandbhir thanked Netix for “giving us a global platform.” It’s also up for the best documentary Oscar.

Eva Victor won the screenplay prize for “Sorry, Baby.” Naomi Ackie also won the supporting award for Victor’s lm over fellow nominees like Zoey Deutch (“Nouvelle Vague”), Kirsten Dunst (“Roofman”), Nina Hoss (“Hedda”) and Archie Madekwe (“Lurker”).

The awards sometimes overlap signi cantly with major Oscar contenders and winners, as it did with “Anora,” and “Everything Everywhere All At Once,” and sometimes not. Organizers limit eligibility to productions with budgets less than $30 million, meaning more expensive lms like “One Battle After Another” are not in the running.

famous birthdays this week

Smokey Robinson is 86, Cindy Crawford turns 60, David Ge en hits 83, Drew Barrymore is 51

The Associated Press THESE CELEBRITIES have birthdays this week.

FEB. 19

Singer Smokey Robinson is 86. Rock musician Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath) is 78. Author Amy Tan is 74. Actor Je Daniels is 71. Actor Ray Winstone is 69. Singer Seal is 63. Actor Benicio Del Toro is 59.

FEB. 20

Racing Hall of Famer Roger Penske is 89. Hockey Hall of Famer Phil Esposito is 84. Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) is 84. Film director Mike Leigh is 83. Actor Sandy Duncan is 80. Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley is 63. Model Cindy Crawford is 60.

FEB. 21

Film and music executive David Ge en is 83. Actor Tyne Daly is 80. Actor Anthony Daniels is 80. Actor William Petersen is 73. Actor Kelsey Grammer is 71. Country musician Mary Chapin Carpenter is 68.

FEB. 22

Actor Paul Dooley is 98. Actor James Hong is 97. Actor Julie Walters is 76. Basketball Hall of Famer Julius Erving is 76. Actor Kyle MacLachlan is 67. Golf Hall of Famer Vijay Singh is 63. Actor Drew Barrymore is 51.

FEB. 23

Football Hall of Famer Fred Biletniko is 83. Actor Patricia Richardson is 75. Singer Howard Jones is 71. Japanese Emperor Naruhito is 66. Actor Kristin Davis is 61. Business executive Michael Dell is 61.

FEB. 24

Actor Dominic Chianese is 95. Nike co-founder Phil Knight

FEB. 25

Former talk show host

the stream

Emma Thompson, Jennifer Garner,

‘The

Night

Hilary Du drops “luck… or something”

The Associated Press

THE EMMA Thompson-led thriller “Dead of Winter” and Hilary Du ’s rst full-length album in 11 years are some of the new television, lms, music and games headed to a device near you. Also, among the streaming o erings worth your time this week: A new season of “The Night Agent” lands on Net ix, Dove Cameron and Avan Jogia star in the new series “56 Days” for Prime Video, and Harris Dickinson’s brilliant directorial debut, “Urchin,” lands on Hulu.

MOVIES TO STREAM

Dickinson might be best known for his acting in lms like “Babygirl,” but last year he proved himself to be a lmmaker to watch as well. His brilliant directorial debut, “Urchin,” streaming now on Hulu, follows in the social realist tradition of Ken Loach in chronicling the ups and downs of an unhoused addict (Frank Dillane) in London.

HBO Max has the Thompson-led thriller “Dead of Winter” arriving on Friday. Thompson plays a grieving loner who gets lost near a Minnesota lake during a blizzard and stumbles on a cabin where a young woman is being held by an armed couple. And if Emerald Fennell’s “Wuthering Heights” leaves you wanting more (or moor) Cathy and Heathcli , there are plenty of other versions streaming on various platforms. There is of course William Wyler’s lush but much condensed 1939 lm, with Laurence Olivier and Merle Oberon (on HBO Max and Criterion Channel). The 1992 version (free on Kanopy) starring Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche is one of the most faithful to Brontë’s text for actually including the second generation of Lintons and Earnshaws. Andrea Arnold’s underseen lm, released in 2011, (free on Tubi) notably features a multiracial actor, James Howson,

Agent,’ Dove Cameron

“It’s a long, long way, way down, down to Cloud 9.”

Megan Moroney

as Heathcli , opposite Kaya Scodelario’s Catherine. There’s also the British television miniseries from 2009 with Charlotte Riley and Tom Hardy that’s available on BritBox.

MUSIC TO STREAM

The millennial queen hath returned. Du will release her rst full-length since 2015’s “Breathe In. Breathe Out.” on Friday. Titled “luck… or something,” the album is a 11-track collection of nostalgic pop, the ideal listening experience for those still devastated by the tabled, adult “Lizzie McGuire” reboot. Of course, this time around, Du has won out, and the themes are, as one song title puts it, “Mature.”

It is not too late to hop aboard

the Megan Moroney train, but the rest of us are pulling out of the station — and following her to greener pastures. The country singer-songwriter emerged as a fully realized talent with the release of her platinum-selling single “Tennessee Orange” a few years back; her 2024 sophomore album “Am I Okay?” only strengthened her charms. Now she’s preparing to release “Cloud 9,” out Friday to win over even more hearts. There’s a reason “6 Months Later” has been inescapable on country music. Isn’t it time you found out why?

SERIES TO STREAM

Cameron and Jogia star in a new series “56 Days” for Prime Video as Ciara and Oliver, who meet by chance at a grocery store, embark on a whirlwind, passionate romance. Fifty-six days later, homicide detectives nd a decomposed body in a bathtub which could be Ciara or Oliver, leaving the question, who killed who? It’s based on a best-seller by Catherine Ryan

Howard. Cameron and Jogia, who started out on Disney and Nickelodeon, respectively, show they’re not kids anymore in this sexy thriller.

A new season of Net ix’s “The Night Agent” arrives Thursday. It stars Gabriel Basso as Peter Sutherland, a secret operative working in counterintelligence for the FBI. In Season 3, he’s on a mission to nd a treasury secretary who has ed to Istanbul after committing murder, that leads to the discovery of a dark money network. Information may be power, but it can also be deadly and Peter’s in trouble.

Jennifer Garner’s “The Last Thing He Told Me” returns Friday on Apple TV. It’s based on novels by Laura Dave. Garner plays Hannah Hall, a new wife and stepmom whose world is rocked in Season 1 when her new husband, Owen, (played by Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) disappears, leaving a note to protect his teen daughter, Bailee (played by Angourie Rice). Season 2 picks up ve years later when (spoiler alert, but

it’s in the trailer) Owen shows back up. Now the three are in danger. Garner, who mastered ght scenes for her breakout role in the TV show “Alias” and as Marvel assassin Elektra, gets to show her kicks and punches.

VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

Stealth games like Thief, Dishonored and Splinter Cell have seen better days, but at least one developer — France’s Cyanide — is trying to carry the genre forward. In Styx: Blades of Greed, you are a goblin who isn’t particularly well-equipped to ght toe-to-toe against orcs and other bullies. But if you take the sneaky approach, you can ll your pockets with quartz, the most valuable and volatile substance in this fantasy world. Magic powers like invisibility and mind control make it a little easier to avoid brawling, but if things get out of hand, you can whip out a glider and y away. The heist begins Thursday on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S and PC.

HOKE COUNTY

WHAT’S HAPPENING

New subpoenas issued in inquiry on response to 2016 Russian election interference

The Justice Department has issued new subpoenas in an investigation into perceived adversaries of President Donald Trump and the U.S. government response to Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, according to multiple people familiar with the matter. An initial wave of subpoenas in November asked recipients for documents related to the preparation of a U.S. intelligence community assessment that detailed a sweeping, multiprong e ort by Moscow to help Trump defeat Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.

Rousey, Carano will end MMA retirements, ght each other in May

At Fort

Bragg, Trump says Maduro raid showed ‘full military might’ of US, means ‘we are feared’

The president endorsed Michael Whatley in his Senate run

By Will Weissert and Allen G. Breed The Associated Press

FORT BRAGG — President Donald Trump celebrated the special forces members who ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, saying last month’s audacious raid means “the entire world saw what the full military might” of the U.S. can do and ensured “we are feared” by potential enemies around the world. Addressing soldiers and their families at Fort Bragg, one of the world’s largest military bas-

es, Trump declared, “Your commander in chief supports you totally.” Then, drawing on one of his own campaign slogans, he implored them, “When needed, you’re going to ght, ght, ght. You’re going to win, win, win.”

The president and rst lady Melania Trump also met privately with military families. But the visit felt more like a political rally than an o cial visit to celebrate the U.S. armed forces. Trump’s lauding of the raid that toppled Maduro came only after he called to the stage Michael Whatley, a former Republican National Committee chair who has the president’s endorsement as he now runs for Senate in North Carolina.

Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano will end their lengthy retirements from mixed martial arts to ght each other May 16 at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The bout will be staged by Most Valuable Promotions, the combat sports promotion established by in uencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul. The 39-year-old Rousey hasn’t fought since 2016, while the 43-year-old Carano’s eight-bout MMA career ended in 2009. They’ll ght at 145 pounds for ve ve-minute rounds. Despite their lengthy absences, Rousey and Carano remain two of the most iconic ghters in MMA history after two trailblazing careers. They are the two most famous women to participate in MMA. See TRUMP, page A2

Judge sentences teen to life without parole for fatally shooting 5 in Raleigh rampage

Austin Thompson killed his brother in the 2022 attack

By Gary D. Robertson

The Associated Press

RALEIGH — A judge sentenced an 18-year-old who acknowledged killing ve people in a Raleigh mass shooting to life in prison without parole last Friday, rejecting arguments that he deserved the chance for release decades from now.

Austin David Thompson was 15 during the Oct. 13, 2022, attack that began at his Raleigh home when he shot and repeatedly stabbed his 16-year-old brother, James.

Equipped with rearms and wearing camou age, Thompson then fatally shot four oth-

ers — including an o -duty city police o cer — in his neighborhood and along a greenway. He was arrested in a shed after a self-in icted gunshot wound to his head.

Thompson pleaded guilty last month to ve counts of rst-degree murder and ve other counts less than two weeks before his scheduled trial.

Thompson, who did not speak in court, was led away in handcu s after the sentencing. Family members of the shooting victims cried as the sentence was handed down. Thompson’s attorneys announced plans to appeal the sentence.

“In the blink of an eye, everything changed for those people and for the people that they left behind.”

ect irreparable corruption.”

During the sentencing hearing, prosecutors revealed the previously con dential contents of a handwritten note with Thompson’s name and the shooting date found at his family’s house in the Hedingham subdivision.

Superior Court Judge Paul Ridgeway had the option to sentence him to life in prison with the chance for parole after at least 25 years, but Thompson did not face the death penalty given his age at the time of the crimes.

“It’s hard to conceive of a greater display of malice than what I just described,” Ridgeway said, adding that months of planning and fantasizing by Thompson to carry out the rampage also con rmed that Thompson is the rare juvenile o ender “whose crimes re-

The note said the “reason I did this is because I hate humans they are destroying the planet/earth,” adding that he killed James Thompson ”because he would get in my way.” Thompson “cannot tell you why he wrote that note the way that he did,” defense lawyer Deonte’ Thomas said, noting that he had no history of ecological-based anger. “And he cannot tell you why he ran down the streets of Hedingham terrorizing people that day.”

But “he is not unredeemable, he is not incorrigible,” Thomas added in asking Ridgeway to give him the opportunity one day to tell parole commissioners he could “still be a productive person in society.”

Thomas argued that the rampage happened during a behavioral episode caused by medicine he regularly took for acne which dissociated the youth from reality. A psychiatrist who interviewed Thompson and a geneticist testi ed to bolster the explanation.

Ridgeway decided the evidence did not support the conclusion that Thompson’s acts happened while he entered an altered mental state induced by the medication and a genetic abnormality.

Prosecutors dismissed the medication argument as weak and highlighted Thompson’s internet search history on his phone and computer leading up to the attack. They said it included school shootings and were related to guns, assaults and bomb-making materials.

Nicole Connors, 52; Raleigh police O cer Gabriel Torres, 29; Mary Marshall, 34; and Susan Karnatz, 49, also were killed in the rampage. Two other people were wounded, including another police ocer involved in the search for Thompson.

“In the blink of an eye, everything changed for those people

THURSDAY

Whatley thanked Trump and suggested that the president “is giving me an opportunity to represent you” — even though the election isn’t until November.

Later, Trump said of the raid on Jan. 3 that whisked away Maduro to face U.S. drug smuggling charges, “It was a matter of minutes before he was on a helicopter being taken out.” He called the forces involved “some of our greatest soldiers to ever live, frankly” while dismissing Maduro as an “outlaw dictator.”

“That night, the entire world saw what the full military might (of) the U.S. military is capable” of, the president said. “It was so precise, so incredible.”

Trump also vowed, “As long as I’m president, we will be the best led, the best trained, the best equipped, the most disciplined and the most elite ghting force the world has ever seen” and noted of would-be U.S. adversaries, “Everybody knows it.”

“They know exactly what they would be up against. Hopefully, we’ll never have to test them and, because of our strength, and because of what we do, we probably won’t have to be tested,” Trump said.

Even still, the president mentioned sending a second aircraft carrier group to the Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran and said, “America’s respected again. And, perhaps most im-

and for the people that they left behind,” Wake County assistant prosecutor Patrick Latour said last Thursday while urging a sentence with no potential parole. “And the thing that made it change was not some acne medication. It was the defendant’s knowing, researched, well thought out, planned, decisive actions.”

The judge heard from people like Jasmin Torres, the widow of Gabriel Torres and the mother of their 5-year-old daughter. She asked Ridgeway to sentence Thompson to life without parole, calling him a “monster.”

“Not one of us surviving victims, our families, our friends, our community should ever have to worry about a future where his barbaric self is set free,” Torres said last week.

Thompson’s parents testi ed they couldn’t explain why their son committed the violence, calling him a normal, happy kid who did well in school and showed no signs of destruction.

Thompson’s father pleaded guilty to improperly storing his handgun that authorities said was found when his son was arrested. He received a suspended sentence and probation.

“We both lost our children, one at the hand of the other. We never saw this coming and still cannot make sense of it,” mother Elise Thompson said last week while telling the families of shooting victims she will “forever be sorry for the pain that this has caused you.”

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portantly, we are feared by the enemies all over the globe.”

“I don’t like to say fear,” he said. “But, sometimes, you have to have fear because that’s the only thing that really will get the situation taken care of.”

Trump lately has traveled more frequently to states that could play key roles in November’s midterm congressional elections, including a stop before Christmas in Rocky Mount. The White House has been trying to promote Trump’s economic policies, including attempts to bring down the cost of living at a time when many people are growing frustrat-

“Your commander in chief supports you totally.”

President Donald Trump

ed with his e orts to improve a ordability.

The president didn’t spend a lot of time on his economic policies last Friday, though he did mention how a White House-backed tax and spending package is increasing funding for military housing. As he left the White House

to make the trip, meanwhile, Trump cheered data released last Friday showing that in ation fell to nearly a ve-year low last month.

“The numbers were surprising, except to me they weren’t surprising,” Trump said. “We have very modest in ation, which is what you want to have.”

The president also spoke at Fort Bragg in June at an event meant to recognize the 250th anniversary of the Army. But that celebration was overshadowed by his partisan remarks describing protesters in Los Angeles as “animals” and his defense of deploying the military there.

This time, Trump evoked the fatal stabbing of a Ukrainian refugee on a Charlotte commuter train and called the man accused of committing it a “monster.”

Trump also praised Maduro’s replacement, acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez. Rather than push for elections in Venezuela, Trump says his administration is inviting top oil companies there to rebuild its energy industry. U.S. o cials also have seized tankers as part of their broad oversight of the country’s oil industry.

“The relationship is strong, the oil is coming out,” Trump told reporters before ying to North Carolina. He added: “We have our big oil companies going in, they’re going to be pumping out the oil and selling the oil for a lot of money.”

THE CONVERSATION

Trip Ho end, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

Shut up and ski

“U.S. athletes shouldn’t be stooges for foreigners.”

DOES ANYONE REALLY believe the international media cares what Olympic snowboarders and curlers think about President Donald Trump’s ICE raids or whatever panic de jour is on the menu this week? Of course not. They want U.S. athletes to bash the American government on the world stage.

Nothing stops athletes from speaking their mind about political issues whenever or wherever they like. Doing it at the Olympics is, at best, in poor form and, at worst, unpatriotic.

Skier Hunter Hess took the bait in Milan, or more likely, couldn’t wait to preen for the foreign press, noting that he had “mixed emotions” representing his country. “It’s a little hard,” he said. “There’s obviously a lot going on that I’m not the biggest fan of, and I think a lot of people aren’t.” And just because he’s wearing the ag, Hess went on, “doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the U.S.”

Who’s happy with everything that goes on in their country? Not a single thinking person, that’s who. Olympic athletes go to the Games to transcend these di erences and represent national ideals and aspirations, not whine about political parties that happen to be in charge. U.S. athletes shouldn’t be stooges for foreigners. Go o on politics when you get home.

Of course, not one American in Beijing in 2022 was asked what they thought about the Biden administration’s online censorship. Not that we should have wanted to hear about that,

COLUMN | LARRY ELDER

either. And not one French, Swedish, Danish or German athlete will ever be asked if they feel qualms about representing countries that deport illegal immigrants.

The subtext of the queries in Milan, and Hess’ answer, rests on an assumption that something especially nefarious is going on in the United States, which deserves rebuke; something worse, apparently, than goes on in any other country participating in the games.

This outlook, as anyone who understands anything about the world knows, is lunacy. China, incidentally, sent a delegation of 286 people to the Winter Olympics in Milan. One of them is freestyle skier Eileen Gu, who, Google’s AI — apparently translating text from the original Chicom propaganda — tells me “is competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, aiming to inspire a new generation of Chinese skiers, speci cally girls, while balancing her Chinese heritage and American upbringing.”

The only notable “heritage” of the one-party communist state, which doesn’t represent the will of the Chinese people, is that it’s in contention for being the most murderous regime in history. Yet the media’s e usive coverage of Gu’s performance, poise and overall decency is something to behold. Reuters ran a three-person bylined piece of Gu discussing her “rediscovering joy in skiing, navigating rising competition and reframing her relationship with fear.” Gu, in an interview with the o cial Olympic site, “talks pressure, the haters, and inspiring young girls after a life-changing Beijing 2022.”

The Chinese government also reportedly spent around $6.64 million on Gu and fellow U.S.-born athlete Zhu Yi. So that’s a perk, for sure. Couldn’t Gu, worth somewhere north of $23 million, inspire Chinese girls in the United States rather than under the ag of a tyranny? Or how about representing Taiwan? Americans with dual citizenship who are unable to make the United States squads will occasionally compete for other nations. Even then, they rarely join tyrannies and geopolitical foes. It’s one thing to buy cheap stu from communist China and quite another to wear its ag.

Anyway, Gu is in no position to lecture anyone about decency.

As others have pointed out, reporters, deeply concerned about the ability of Americans to represent their awed nation, have yet to ask Gu about the plight of Hong Kong democracy activist Jimmy Lai, recently sentenced to 20 years for exercising his right to free expression. There has been nothing on the 50 or so journalists being held in prison. Gu has criticized Trump but o ers nothing but praise for a regime that throws women into concentration camps where they are systemically raped and used as forced labor?

Maybe Hess can think about that the next time he’s ripping the United States abroad.

David Harsanyi is a senior writer at the Washington Examiner and author of ve books.

(Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

Je ries and Schumer denounce Trump’s

‘Racist’ video — but who are they to complain?

But Je ries has his own record of “malignant, bottomfeeder-like behavior.”

ON PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP’S social media platform, someone in the administration — the White House o ered di erent versions of how this happened — posted a 62-second cartoon video set to the song “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.”

This was posted on a Thursday night and, following cries of “racism,” was removed by noon the following day. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt called the reaction “fake outrage.” Trump said: “I guess during the end of it, there was some kind of picture people don’t like. I wouldn’t like it either, but I didn’t see it. I just, I looked at the rst part, and it was really about voter fraud.”

Asked by a reporter, if he condemns the racist part of the video, Trump said, “Of course I do.”

The video shows Trump’s head attached to a lion con dently strolling through the jungle. Other animals dance as the Trump lion saunters through. On the heads of the other animals are well-known Democrats, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, former President Joe Biden, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, former Vice President Kamala Harris, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, House Minority Leader Hakeem Je ries and others.

Near the end for about one second, the video showed the heads of former President Barack Obama and former rst lady Michelle Obama on the heads of monkeys. A screenshot of the Barack and Michelle heads on apes went viral. That Biden’s face was on that of a banana-eating orangutan did not seem to disturb anyone.

The outrage was predictable. “Racist” Donald Trump strikes again! Those

crying out included Je ries and Schumer. Je ries said, “He de nitively needs to apologize. It was a disgusting video ... even a handful of Republicans ... nally showed some backbone in pushing back against the president’s malignant, bottom-feeder-like behavior.”

But Je ries has his own record of “malignant, bottom-feeder-like behavior.” As a college student, Je ries praised two of the country’s most prominent antisemites: his uncle and City College of New York professor Leonard Je ries — who compared Jews to “dogs” and “skunks,” and claimed “rich Jews nanced the slave trade — and Nation of Islam’s Louis Farrakhan, who has a decades-long record of antisemitism.

Hakeem Je ries has long insisted he only “vaguely remembers” defending them. But in 2023, CNN reported the Binghamton University Black Student Union, of which he was a leader, invited Uncle Leonard to speak. When Jewish students protested, Hakeem Je ries “led a press conference” to defend his uncle, despite later saying that “he did not recall any press coverage” of the controversy.

CNN said Hakeem Je ries’ 1992 op- ed undermines claims he wasn’t aware of uncle’s antisemitic controversy. He wrote that his uncle challenges the “existing white supremacist educational system and long-standing distortion of history. His reward has been a media lynching complete with character assassinations and in ammatory, erroneous accusations.”

In a research paper called “Dr. Je ries and the Anti-Semitic Branch of the Afrocentrism Movement,” Kenneth Stern with the American Jewish Committee wrote, “Leonard Je ries was

already known for his teaching that blacks are racially superior to whites because blacks, whom he calls ‘sun people,’ have more melanin in their skin than whites, whom he calls ‘ice people.’” But Hakeem Je ries defended his uncle.

After this CNN report, the Republican Jewish Coalition said, “Minority Leader Hakeem Je ries owes the Jewish community an explanation as to why he lied and attempted to cover up his defense of these revolting antisemites.”

At the time, Hakeem Je ries also described black conservatives as “token,” “opportunists” and “house negroes.” He wrote, “Clarence Thomas was appointed by George Bush to the highest court in the nation. Colin Powell was appointed by George Bush to lead the military establishment ‘policemen of the Wall Street Bankers.’”

As for Schumer, he called the video “racist. Vile. Abhorrent.” Yet, in 1974, the then-freshman New York assemblyman proposed a blatantly racist scheme to appease whites by ridding blacks from their New York neighborhood. Read the 2006 “American Spectator” article “Race to the Top” by a writer who was present when Schumer outlined his plan.

Democrats and the media, who lick their chops to pounce on “racist” Trump, are silent about Je ries’ record of antisemitism and indi erent about the allegations of Schumer’s anti-black racism.

Larry Elder is a bestselling author and nationally syndicated radio talk-show host. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

Lunar New Year prayers, robots, festivities usher in the Year of the Horse

Celebratory festivals took place in countries around the world

By Ken Moritsugu

The Associated Press

BEIJING — Tradition-

al prayers, reworks and fairs marked the Lunar New Year on Tuesday — alongside 21st-century humanoid robots.

The activities ushered in the Year of the Horse, one of 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac, succeeding the Year of the Snake.

Thousands of people in Beijing jammed into the former Temple of Earth to buy snacks, toys and trinkets from stalls.

Sun Jing, who brought her parents to the capital for the holiday, said the atmosphere was as lively as in her childhood.

“I haven’t felt such a strong sense of Lunar New Year festivity in a very, very long time,” she said.

Crowds descended on popular temples to burn incense and pray for happiness and success in the coming year. The Lunar New Year is the most important annual holiday in China and some other East Asian nations and is celebrated outside the region, too.

Robots take stage of annual TV show in China

As every year, China cele-

brated the Lunar New Year with a TV show and once again the humanoid robots were a central part of the performance Monday night.

One of the highlights of the CCTV Spring Festival gala was a martial arts performance by children and robots. For several minutes, humanoids from Unitree Robotics showed different sequences and even brandished swords.

The performance showed China’s push to develop more advanced robots powered by improved AI capabilities.

Viewers applauded the ro -

bots, with one saying they give good guidance and direction for young people. One man, though, said that while China’s advances in robotics are great, they detracted from his experience.

“It lacks a bit of the New Year atmosphere,” Li Bo said. “It’s not as enjoyable as when I was little watching the gala.”

Temple crowds at midnight in Hong Kong

Incense smoke wafted into the air at a temple in Hong Kong where people line up ev-

Visitors pose beside decorative horse sculptures at a temple fair during the rst day of Lunar New Year at Lama Temple in Beijing, China, on Tuesday.

es and skyscrapers as the reworks went o and crowds clapped in rhythm to live pop music performances.

Chinese street fairs in Moscow

People sampled Chinese cuisine from stalls and strolled along snowy streets decorated with red lanterns and dragons as two weeks of events got underway Monday at various venues in the Russian capital.

The third annual Lunar New Year celebration comes at time of warming relations between China and Russia — ties that have frustrated many European governments because of the war in Ukraine.

A temple bell rings 108 times in Taiwan

ery year to make wishes for the new year at midnight.

Holding up a cluster of incense sticks, many bowed their heads several times before planting the sticks in containers placed in front of a temple hall.

Fireworks light up skies in Vietnam

Entertainers in Vietnam sang at an outdoor countdown event before multiple reworks shows at several cities in the Southeast Asian nation, where the festival is called Tet.

Light shows lit up bridg-

The solemn peal of a temple bell rang out 108 times — an auspicious number — as people ocked to the Baoan Temple in Taipei on Tuesday morning. They lit incense sticks, bowed their heads and left offerings of colorful ower bouquets on outdoor tables on the temple grounds in Taiwan’s capital city.

Argentines join celebrations in Buenos Aires

Thousands of Argentines gathered in Buenos Aires’ Chinatown to celebrate the Lunar New Year and enjoyed dragon and lion dances on the main stage, alongside martial arts demonstrations.

The Chinese immigrant community is among Argentina’s most dynamic, accounting for more than 180,000 people in the South American country.

Colbert says CBS’s network lawyers pulled Talarico interview from ‘Late Show’ over FCC equal time

The interview was posted on YouTube and elsewhere

By Meg Kinnard

The Associated Press

LATE-NIGHT host Stephen Colbert said his interview with Democratic Texas Senate candidate James Talarico was pulled from Monday night’s broadcast over network fears it would violate regulatory guidance from the Trump administration on giving equal time to political candidates.

“He was supposed to be here, but we were told in no uncertain terms by our network’s lawyers, who called us directly, that we could not have him on the broadcast,” Colbert said on his program, ”The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.”

“Then I was told, in some uncertain terms, that not only could I not have him on, I could not mention me not having him on. And because my network clearly doesn’t want us to talk about this, let’s talk about this.”

The situation, which came

Integrity

just hours before early voting began in Texas’ primary elections, comes as media institutions navigate around changing broadcast guidance, issued under the Trump administration, governing how they interview political candidates.

Talarico posted part of the interview on social media, calling it “the interview Donald Trump didn’t want you to see.”

Broadcast networks have been required to give equal time to political candidates, but that rule hasn’t traditionally been applied to talk shows.

In January, the Federal Communications Commission issued new guidance warning late-night and daytime hosts that they need to give political candidates equal time, with FCC Chairman Brendan Carr questioning the talk show exemption and positing that hosts were “motivated by partisan purposes.”

“The FCC has not been presented with any evidence that the interview portion of any late night or daytime television talk show program on air presently

“The interview Donald Trump didn’t want you to see.”

James Talarico, Senate candidate

ute interview with Talarico was posted to the YouTube page for Colbert’s show, with the host noting speci cally that the segment was only appearing online and not on broadcast.

Talarico posted a nearly minute-long clip of the sit-down on X, adding that, “This is the interview Donald Trump didn’t want you to see. His FCC refused to air my interview with Stephen Colbert. Trump is worried we’re about to ip Texas.”

would qualify for the bona de news exemption,” according to the public notice.

In his comments, Colbert noted that the equal time provision applies to broadcast but not streaming platforms. Subsequently, his nearly 15-min-

Arms Residents of the Month

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.

Celeste Bullard

Celeste Bullard is our amazing CPA worker who truly loves the residents and goes above and beyond! In her free time, she enjoys family and cooking. Integrity Open Arms truly appreciates her dedication and all that she does.

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.

Neither CBS nor the FCC immediately responded to messages seeking comment Tuesday, Early voting began Tuesday in Texas, where Talarico and Rep. Jasmine Crockett are among the Democrats seeking election to the U.S. Senate seat

currently held by four-term Republican Sen. John Cornyn. The primary election is March 3. Carr, appointed by Trump to lead the agency last year, has often criticized network talk shows, suggesting last year that probing ABC’s “The View” — whose hosts have frequently been critical of Trump — over the exemption might be “worthwhile.” Colbert’s days in his host chair are limited, following CBS’ announcement last year that it was canceling his show this May for nancial reasons, shuttering a decades-old TV institution in a changing media landscape.

But the timing of that announcement — three days after Colbert criticized the settlement between Trump and Paramount Global, parent company of CBS, over a “60 Minutes” story — led two U.S. senators to publicly question the motives behind the move, which served to remove from air one of Trump’s most prominent and persistent late-night critics.

HOKE SPORTS

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Hoke County bowling team

The Hoke County High School bowling team consists of junior Amir Simmons, sophomore Landon Hollingsworth, senior Jayden Hollingsworth, senior Adrian Arroyo Arce, junior Ja’Vaughn Peterson, sophomore Brandon Walters, sophomore Naeem Taylor, Chancy Locklear, junior Dontrell Mims and Jazharion Peterson.

A week after winning the Mid-South Conference championship, the Bucks bowlers nished second in the states.

Philly special: Edgecombe leads Team Vince to victory at NBA All-Star weekend’s

Cooper Flagg missed the rookie showcase due to injury

By Greg Beacham The Associated Press

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — V.J.

Edgecombe seems quietly condent he’ll be at an NBA All-Star weekend quite soon to play in the main event.

Until that day arrives, the Philadelphia rookie celebrated his rst trip to this midseason showcase with two game-ending scores and an MVP trophy in the Rising Stars event.

Edgecombe led Team Vince to victory in the kicko event for the NBA All-Star weekend Friday night, scoring 17 points in the semi nal before hitting two free throws to ice the nal.

“We all wanted to compete, and I wanted to win,” Edgecombe said. “I really hate losing, and we had a chance to win it all, so why not go out there and win?”

The NBA’s rookies, sophomores and G League prospects opened the All-Star weekend at the Los Angeles Clippers’ Intuit Dome with this four-team tournament of three games played to a set point total.

While Edgecombe was the most impactful player, he didn’t have the most memorable bucket: San Antonio guard Dylan Harper ended the rst seminal by scoring the game-winner over Ron Harper Jr., his older brother.

Dylan Harper then scored

Rising Stars

eight more points in the nal for Team Melo while teaming up with his Spurs teammate, Stephon Castle, last season’s Rookie of the Year and Rising Stars MVP.

Castle made a putback dunk o Jeremiah Fears’ miss to pull Team Melo within one point of victory, but Edgecombe drew a foul from Donovan Clingan and coolly hit both free throws to end it at 25-24.

Edgecombe was motivated by the presence of his 76ers backcourt mate, All-Star Tyrese Maxey, who watched from courtside.

“He (said) he ain’t coming to watch if I ain’t going to play hard,” Edgecombe said. “I was like, ‘Man, I’m going to play hard so at least it’s not a waste of his time.’”

Indeed, the lackadaisical efforts that have plagued the AllStar Game in recent years wasn’t nearly as prevalent in this Rising Stars showcase, and Edgecombe said that’s largely because of the motivational e orts of the four NBA veterans who led the teams: Vince Carter, Carmelo Anthony, Tracy McGrady and Austin Rivers.

When the vets were picking their teams two weeks ago, Edgecombe told Carter to choose him if he wanted to win.

“(Carter) was telling us, ‘Just go! Just go! Keep playing hard!’” Edgecombe said. “And we feed o of that. We just started rolling.”

Edgecombe scored nearly half of his team’s 41 points — including the last 10 in a row — while winning the second semi nal.

Edgecombe didn’t have to carry his team in the nal, but the No. 3 overall pick in last year’s draft still scored its nal four points.

Family feud

Dylan Harper called game in the rst semi nal with a succession of moves that could have been learned on the driveway at home, bullying Ron Jr. into the paint before hitting a step-back jumper.

Dylan stuck out his tongue in gleeful celebration of only his second basket in the semi nal, and their famous father laughed heartily at courtside.

Ron Jr., a Celtics prospect with 21 games of NBA experience, is six years older than Dylan, the No. 2 pick in last summer’s draft — but the kid brother knew he could do it.

“You think I’ve never beat him one-on-one (before)?” Dylan asked with mock exasperation. Flagg down

The Rising Stars game wasn’t a full showcase of the NBA’s top young talent because No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg dropped out of the game due to injury, as did Washington’s Alex Sarr and Memphis’ Cedric Coward.

Edgecombe hit three 3-pointers during his scoring barrage in the rst semi nal to win his duel with Charlotte’s Kon Knueppel, who scored just four points. The two rookies are the only serious contenders with Flagg for the Rookie of the Year award.

McLaurin hired to be next Hoke County football coach

The

By Hal Nunn For North State Journal

Hoke County has found its new head football coach from right down the road: Duran

McLaurin. The longtime Raeford Road Rivalry will now feature a head coach who has been on both sides.

Hoke County High School announced the hiring of McLaurin, who was at Seventy-First, where his 160-37 record, 11 state playo s appearances in 13 seasons and back-to-back state championship appearances in 2023 and 2024 are something the Bucks want him to replicate at his new school.

Before that, he was at E.E. Smith for four years, leading the school to three winning seasons, multiple state playo appearances and the 2012 conference championship while being named Coach of the Year.

McLaurin also had ve undefeated regular seasons and amassed a 33-game conference winning streak with the Falcons.

“McLaurin’s emphasis on player development, strategic planning and building a culture prioritizing academics, character and teamwork contributed to his selection,” Hoke High Athletic Director Antonio Covington said. “We are excited to welcome Coach McLaurin to our varsity football program.

“Coach McLaurin brings a proven track record of leadership and a passion for developing young men both on and o the eld. His commitment

to excellence aligns with our vision of building a competitive program where player development goes hand-in-hand with academic success.”

McLaurin said in a telephone interview last week, “It’s about resources and a single high school county with three feeder schools that helped lead me to consider Hoke County.”

In Cumberland County, the talent level is divided among several schools. In Hoke County, depth will be the key to winning. He sees no reason Hoke County cannot level up like Richmond County, Scotland County and even Tarboro and Reidsville schools.

The details of McLaurin’s hiring and timeline for his start date at Hoke High have not been con rmed yet, but he expects all that to be ironed out by the end of February and said he will plan a parent meet and greet as one of the rst things near beginning of March 2026.

SIDELINE REPORT

NCAA BASKETBALL

Fight breaks out

between St. John’s, Providence; 7 players ejected

Providence, R.I. Seven players were ejected from Saturday’s game between No. 17 St. John’s and Providence after a fracas resulting from a hard foul by Friars forward Duncan Powell on Bryce Hopkins sent the Red Storm star crashing to the ground. St. John’s coach Rick Pitino was in the middle of it, trying to hold back his players, but several entered the fray as it drifted toward the Red Storm bench. The game was delayed by nearly 20 minutes. Four St. John’s players were booted and two from Providence.

MLB

Bad Bunny o ered to pay for Puerto Rican star Correa’s WBC insurance

West Palm Beach, Fla.

Bad Bunny really wanted to see Carlos Correa play for Puerto Rico at home in the World Baseball Classic. Correa, the in elder for the Houston Astros, was left o the WBC roster over insurance coverage. He told reporters that the music superstar and fellow native of Puerto Rico o ered to pay for a policy. Correa has a $200 million contract through 2028. Correa says the insurer provider proposed by Bad Bunny wasn’t approved by Major League Baseball, the Astros or Correa’s agent, Scott Boras. Puerto Rico is hosting pool play games in the WBC next month.

OLYMPICS

Norwegian biathlete wins another bronze 3 days after confessing in delity

Anterselva, Italy

Norwegian biathlete Strula Holm Laegreid won his second bronze medal of the Milan Cortina Olympics — three days after making an unexpected personal confession during a postrace interview. Laegreid was third in the sprint. He also won bronze in the 20-kilometer individual race but tearfully revealed during a live broadcast that he had been unfaithful to his girlfriend.

Quentin Fillon Maillet of France won the sprint race for his second gold medal of the Games.

Could addition of trade deadline enliven Cup Series season?

Plenty of moving parts work against driver swaps

By Dan Gelston The Associated Press

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. —

Imagine a scenario in the NASCAR world — say, around the Brickyard 400 in July — when the hot topic isn’t just which driver might kiss the bricks.

Try, which driver could kiss his current ride goodbye.

What if NASCAR took a cue from stick-and-ball sports and had a trade deadline?

Forget trading paint. How about trading a star driver for a pair of minor-league prospects? Maybe a couple of veterans who wore out their welcome on one team get a fresh start with another?

Baseball players are traded. NFL and NHL stars get swapped, and the NBA has cornered the market on building in-season buzz with a trade deadline where the action among front o ces sparks more headlines than any action on the court.

Go ahead, NASCAR. Set a date and let fans turn on those NASCAR social media post noti cations to stay abreast of all the latest rumors and deals.

Sounds fun, right?

Sure. Only it’s about as doable as successfully driving a stock car with three at tires.

“You can’t pull that o with

the current league structure because we’re all independent contractors,” 2012 NASCAR champion Brad Keselowski said.

“But,” Keselowski added, “that would be something compelling.”

Trades came around in NASCAR about as frequently as a race without a caution ag.

There are only 15 teams with at least one car in Cup, and only Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing eld the maximum four cars. Organizations that didn’t already have four cars before the 2025 season are capped at three full-time teams. That automatically shrinks the trading pool.

Trades are not unprecedented; notably Spire Motorsports sent Corey LaJoie to Rick Ware Racing for Justin Haley in September 2024. There was a catch with that deal: Haley had already agreed to join Spire for the 2025 season and simply got a headstart with his new crew.

LaJoie raced just four times for RWR in 2025.

So why can’t teams trade drivers?

There are no rules that prevent teams from swapping drivers.

In some cases, trades seem easier on the drivers than in the NFL or NBA where players are often forced to uproot their families on short notice. Most drivers live near their race shops in the North Caro -

lina area and wouldn’t have to pack up the U-Haul and start over halfway across the country. The schedule is the same for every team, every driver, every week. NASCAR can get tangled up in wheels and deals because of contracts with sponsors that prop up teams with needed cash that are not necessarily easily moveable. Big Cereal Brand A may only want to sign with an elite team where more eyeballs — and open wallets — are on the product and not have to deal with the e ects of getting dumped to a noncontender. There can be con icts with the manufacturers as well. Teams have deals with one brand — Chevrolet and Hendrick Motorsports or Toyota and Joe Gibbs Racing, for example — and squeezing in another manufacturer could spark all sorts of headaches. There are essentially way more parties involved to make a trade feasible in NASCAR than just the negotiations between a pair of general managers. Why not try a trade deadline?

But it can be idealistic to imagine a NASCAR world where fans can re up the trade machine and propose swaps of drivers and players to be named and cash considerations and all the mechanisms that make up blockbuster trades in sports such as baseball.

Most drivers don’t see a path

where trades become as ingrained as silly season.

“I think it’s probably a stretch,” seven-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson said. “There’s a lot of layers to go. We have a soft cap now in my opinion, with a standardized car. There have been discussions around a cost cap. If more of those things happen over time, I guess we get closer to do it.”

Three-time Daytona 500 champion Denny Hamlin has another possible idea to warm up the hot stove season.

“If you want content, driver free agency would de nitely cause it,” Hamlin said. His idea, a portal much like in college athletics where drivers could declare they’re out with their old teams and sign with the highest bidder each o season.

“It’d be quite interesting if everyone just went into free agency every single year,” Hamlin said. “My guess is, I don’t know that anyone would compete with Hendrick or Penske on what they could pay.”

For now, it’s just fun to dream of trading Bubba Wallace for Ross Chastain. Or proven champion Chase Elliott for the rights down the road to future developmental drivers. Trades are out. True free agency seems a long shot.

What’s left?

“I do like the draft,” Keselowski said with a laugh.

Aqis Starks

May 24, 2022 – Feb. 7, 2026

Aqis Jet Starks, age 3, went home to be with his Heavenly Father on Saturday, February 7, 2026.

The Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 1 p.m. at the Celebration of Praise Church of God. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Aqis will be greatly missed.

Sarah Elizabeth Chappell

March 2, 1938 – Feb. 16, 2026

Sarah Elizabeth Chappell, born on March 2, 1938, passed away on February 16, 2026, at the age of 87.

Visitation will be held at Galatia Presbyterian Church, located at 8800 Galatia Church Road, Fayetteville, NC 28304, on February 20, 2026, from 2-3 p.m.

The funeral service will follow at the same location on February 20, 2026, starting at 3 pm.

Burial will take place at Galatia Presbyterian Church Cemetery, 8800 Galatia Church Road, Fayetteville, NC 28304, on February 20, 2026.

obituaries

Eric Emanuel Woods

March 5, 1993 – Feb. 9, 2026

Mr. Eric Woods, age 32, of Shannon, North Carolina, was born on March 5, 1993, to the late Mr. Eric Emanuel Holmes and Mrs. Felicia Woods Duncan in Wayne County. He departed this life into eternity on Monday, February 9, 2026, at UNC Health Southeastern Medical Center. Along with his father, he is preceded in death by one uncle, Clint Woods. He leaves to cherish his memories, his mother Felicia Duncan and stepfather, Bradley, ve brothers, Jodarian Woods, Ronald Woods, Kailan Woods, Tamekeh Willams, Stephan Woods. One sister, Jamesia Hendry. Grandmother, Lillian Murphy, god sister, Shakeira, Aunts: Lisa Oxendine (Charlie), Marlene Woods, Gloria Calhoun (Rodney), Dawn Locklear, Rose Jacobs, Julia Jacobs, Bridgett Adams. Special friends, Jasmine Williams Hill, Raven Suggs, Jasmine Harris, Tikeyah Gilmore, Kenyan Harris, nieces, Nina,, Alexianna, Margaret, nephew, Kash and a host of other relatives and friends.

Mary Catherine Lambert Tyler

Feb. 8, 1946 – Feb. 9, 2026

Mrs. Mary Catherine Lambert Tyler of Maxton, NC, was born on February 8, 1946, and entered her heavenly home on February 9, 2026, completing her journey of 80 years. She was born to the late Mr. & Mrs. Willie and Bessie Lowery Lambert of Maxton, NC. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her late husband, Mr. Joseph Tyler and a son, John Robert West.

Mrs. Mary Catherine leaves to cherish her memories, two daughters: Mary (Chris) Locklear of Maxton, NC and Amy Lambert of the home, and one son: Harry T. West, Jr. of the home; three brothers: Willie Ray Lambert of Fayetteville, NC, Harvey Lee (Annette) Lambert and David Earl Lambert; both of Maxton, NC; three sisters: Dorothy (A.C.) Woods, Betty Lynn (Stoney) Clark; both of Maxton, NC and Fannie Jane Lockhart of Burlington, NC; twelve grandchildren: Taylor E. Locklear, Christopher M. Locklear, Jr., Hunter C. Locklear, Dianna K. Locklear, Isabella D. Locklear, Amiaya M. Locklear and Ava G. Locklear, and Tristan Q. West; all of Maxton, NC, Lori C. Locklear (Charles), Autumn M. Locklear (Chief), Destiny D. Locklear and Jon-Louis Locklear; all of Raeford, NC; and six greatgrandchildren: Ava, Liam, Alliana, Jelany, Nyl, and Jerahmy, all of Raeford, NC, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Lester Monroe

Jan. 25, 1935 – Feb. 8, 2026

“I have fought the good ght, I have nished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7 It is with heartfelt sympathy that we announce the passing of Mr. Lester Monroe, who departed this life on February 8, 2026, at Autumn Care of Raeford. The sta of the funeral home extends our deepest condolences to the Monroe family during this di cult time. Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 15, 2026, from 1-5 p.m. at Doby Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held on Monday, February 16, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Center Grove Missionary Baptist Church.

Raymond M. Taylor

May 29, 1938 – Feb. 10, 2026

Raymond M Taylor, born on May 29, 1938, passed away on February 10, 2026, at the age of 87. No services are planned at this time.

Robert Duvall, Oscar-winning actor, ‘Godfather’ mainstay, dead at 95

The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — Robert Duvall, the Oscar-winning actor of matchless versatility and dedication whose classic roles included the intrepid consigliere of the rst two “Godfather” movies and the over-the-hill country music singer in “Tender Mercies,” has died at age 95. Duvall died “peacefully” at his home Sunday in Middleburg, Virginia, according to an announcement from his publicist and from a statement posted on his Facebook page by his wife, Luciana Duvall.

“To the world, he was an Academy Award-winning actor, a director, a storyteller. To me, he was simply everything,” Luciana Duvall wrote. “His passion for his craft was matched only by his deep love for characters, a great meal, and holding court. For each of his many roles, Bob gave everything to his characters and to the truth of the human spirit they represented.”

The bald, wiry Duvall didn’t have leading man looks, but few “character actors” enjoyed such a long, rewarding and unpredictable career, in leading and supporting roles, from an itinerant preacher to Josef Stalin. Beginning with his 1962 lm debut as Boo Radley, the reclusive neighbor in “To Kill a Mockingbird,” Duvall created a gallery of unforgettable portrayals. They earned him seven Academy Award nominations and the best actor prize for “Tender Mercies,” which came out in 1983. He also won four Golden Globes, including one for playing the philosophical cattle-drive boss in the 1989 miniseries “Lonesome Dove,” a role he often cited as his favorite.

LIONEL CIRONNEAU / AP PHOTO

Actor Robert Duvall arrives for the screening of the lm “We Own the Night” at the 60th International lm festival in Cannes, France, on May 25, 2007.

In 2005, Duvall was awarded a National Medal of Arts.

He had been acting for some 20 years when “The Godfather,” released in 1972, established him as one of the most in-demand performers of Hollywood. He had made a previous lm, “The Rain People,” with Francis Coppola, and the director chose him to play Tom Hagen in the ma a epic that featured Al Pacino and Marlon Brando among others. Duvall was a master of subtlety as an Irishman among Italians, rarely at the center of a scene, but often listening and advising in the background, an irreplaceable thread through the saga of the Corleone crime family. “Stars and Italians alike depend on his e ciency, his tidying up around their grand gestures, his being the perfect shortstop on a team of personality sluggers,” wrote the critic David Thomson. “Was there ever a role better designed

for its actor than that of Tom Hagen in both parts of ‘The Godfather?’”

In another Coppola lm, “Apocalypse Now,” Duvall was wildly out front, the embodiment of deranged masculinity as Lieutenant Colonel Bill Kilgore, who with equal vigor enjoyed sur ng and bombing raids on the Viet Cong. Duvall required few takes for one of the most famous passages in movie history, barked out on the battle eld by a bare-chested, cavalry-hatted Kilgore: “I love the smell of napalm in the morning. You know, one time we had a hill bombed, for 12 hours. When it was all over, I walked up. We didn’t nd one of ‘em, not one stinkin’ dink body.

“The smell, you know that gasoline smell, the whole hill. Smelled like — victory.”

Coppola once commented about Duvall: “Actors click into character at di erent times — the rst week, third week. Bobby’s hot after one or two takes.”

Honored, but still hungry

He was Oscar-nominated as supporting actor for “The Godfather” and “Apocalypse Now,” but a dispute over money led him to turn down the third Godfather epic, a loss deeply felt by critics, fans and “Godfather” colleagues. Duvall would complain publicly about being o ered less than his co-stars.

Fellow actors marveled at Duvall’s studious research and planning, and his coiled energy. Michael Caine, who co-starred with him in the 2003 “Secondhand Lions,” once told The Associated Press: “Before a big scene, Bobby just sits there, absolutely quiet; you know when

Keith “Pete” Townsend

Feb. 2, 1955 – Feb. 11, 2026

Mr. Keith “Pete” Townsend, age 71 of Pembroke, North Carolina, was born on February 2, 1955, to the late Willie Townsend and the late Julia Lowery Bullard in Robeson County, North Carolina. He departed this life on February 11, 2026, at his residence. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Mildred Townsend and Karen Dial, a brother, Bobby Townsend, and a life-long partner, Becky Rodriguez.

Mr. Keith leaves to cherish his memories three sons: Jonathan Locklear (Tina), Christopher Locklear (Nikie), Harley Townsend, one daughter: Angela Locklear, four brothers: Gary Townsend, Larry Townsend, Dale Townsend, Leslie Bullard, one sister: Jeannie Locklear, ten grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, along with a host of other relatives and friends.

not to talk to him.” Anyone who disturbed him would suffer the well-known Duvall temper, famously on display during the lming of the John Wayne Western “True Grit,” when Duvall seethed at director Henry Hathaway’s advice to “tense up” before a scene.

Duvall was awarded an Oscar in 1984 for his leading role as the troubled singer and songwriter Mac Sledge in “Tender Mercies,” a prize he accepted while clad in a cowboy tuxedo with Western tie. In 1998, he was nominated for best actor in “The Apostle,” a drama about a wayward Southern evangelist which he wrote, directed, starred in, produced and largely nanced. With customary thoroughness, he visited dozens of country churches and spent 12 years writing the script and trying to get it made.

Among other notable roles: the outlaw gang leader who gets ambushed by John Wayne in “True Grit”; Jesse James in “The Great North eld Minnesota Raid”; the pious and beleaguered Frank Burns in “M-A-S-H”; the TV hatchet man in “Network”; Dr. Watson in “The Seven-Per- Cent Solution”; and the sadistic father in “The Great Santini.”

“When I was doing ‘Colors’ in 1988 with Sean Penn, someone asked me how I do it all these years, keep it fresh. Well, if you don’t overwork, have some hobbies, you can do it and stay hungry even if you’re not really hungry,” Duvall told The Associated Press in 1990. In his mid-80s, he received a supporting Oscar nomination as the title character of the 2014 release “The Judge,” in which he is accused of causing a death in a hit-and-run accident. More re-

cent lms included “Widows” and “12 Mighty Orphans.”

Ungifted in school, gifted on stage

Robert Selden Duvall grew up in the Navy towns of Annapolis and the San Diego area, where he was born in 1931. He spent time in other cities as his father, who rose to be an admiral, was assigned to various duties.

The boy’s experience helped in his adult profession as he learned the nuances of regional speech and observed the psyche of military men, which he would portray in several lms.

Duvall reportedly used his Navy o cer father as the basis for his portrayal of the explosive militarist in “The Great Santini,” based on the Pat Conroy novel. He commented in 2003: “My dad was a gentleman but a seether, a stern, blustery guy, and away a lot of the time.” Bobby took after his mother, an amateur actress, in playing a guitar and performing. He was a wrestler like his father and enjoyed besting kids older than himself.

He lacked the concentration for schoolwork and nearly unked out of Principia College in Elsah, Illinois. His despairing parents decided he needed something to keep him in college so he wouldn’t be drafted for the Korean War. “They recommended acting as an expedient thing to get through,” he recalled. “I’m glad they did.” He ourished in drama classes.

“Way back when I was in college,” Duvall told the AP in 1990, “there was a wonderful man named Frank Parker, who had been a dancer in World War I. We did a full-length mime play and I played a Harlequin clown. I really liked that.

“Then, I played an older guy in ‘All My Sons,’ and at one point I had this emotional moment, where this emotion was pouring out. Parker said at that moment he didn’t think acting

STATE & NATION

Police credit good Samaritan for ending a deadly shooting at Rhode Island ice rink

It appears to be a family dispute following a contentious divorce

By Kimberlee Kruesi The Associated Press

A SHOOTER unleashed a urry of bullets during a Rhode Island youth hockey game, killing two people and injuring three others, in an attack that was cut short when a spectator stepped in to help stop the tragedy, authorities said. Investigators had spoken to nearly 100 witnesses as of Monday evening as they attempt to piece together what happened early Monday afternoon inside the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, a

few miles outside Providence.

Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves said Monday that the shooter died from an apparent self-in icted gun wound, though authorities are still investigating.

Goncalves credited an unnamed “good Samaritan” who intervened, bringing the attack

“to a swift end.” She did not provide details.

It is not entirely clear what precipitated the shooting, who was targeted or why. Unveri ed video circulating on social media shows players on the ice as popping sounds are heard. Chaos quickly unfolds as players on benches dive for cover, those on the ice frantically skate toward exits and fans ee their seats.

“It appears that this was a tar-

The ‘6-7’ craze still going strong at both NBA, college basketball games

LaMelo Ball’s stature sparks the viral phenomenon as fans track speci c scores

By Cli Brunt The Associated Press

NORMAN, Okla. — LaMelo Ball has never been more popular, and it’s not because Charlotte’s 6-foot-7 star has the Hornets ghting for a playo spot. They hype is largely about his height. And Charlotte is trying to take advantage. Dictionary.com named the term “6-7” its word of the year for 2025, and the global “6-7” craze is still going strong at pro and college basketball games. Young fans, players and coaches eagerly track when teams near 67 points, and pandemonium ensues when their team hits the mark.

The Hornets and New Orleans Pelicans are among NBA teams that feature “6-7” cams during timeouts at some games.

Seth Bennett, the Hornets’ chief marketing o cer, said Charlotte’s marketing and game presentation teams started discussing a possible “6-7” cam to capitalize on the trend and Ball’s involvement in it.

“For us as a franchise, we always want to listen to our fans, and sometimes you listen to observing what they’re into, their trends and likes, and it’s a way for us to connect to that and hopefully have them connect to us in a fun way when they’re experiencing it here,” Bennett said.

The Hornets’ cam is mostly limited to kids days and weekend games so it doesn’t get old. Michael Robinson, who attended a game between the Hornets and 76ers with his 6-year- old

son, Abel, said it’s nonstop at home. Abel said he learned about it from his friends and on YouTube.

“It’s just cool,” Abel said. “It’s fun.”

The “6 -7” originator can’t believe reach

The origins of the “6-7” boom are Skrilla’s 2024 song “Doot Doot (6-7).” Skrilla leaked the song without much expectation, but it exploded on TikTok last year with basketball players, including Ball and prep standout Taylen Kinney, driving its popularity.

No one is quite sure what 6-7 means, and Skrilla kept it that way when asked for a de nition.

“Everybody created their own meaning,” he told The Associated Press. “The teachers created their own meaning. The football teams created their own, the basketball (players). ‘6-7’ is global. It’s bigger than me now. So ‘67.’ Shout out to ‘6-7.’”

The nonsensical meme has its own hand gesture, too — ip your palms up, and alternate lifting your arms. Charlotte forward Miles Bridges made the gesture several weeks ago after hitting a 3-pointer against the Indiana Pacers.

Bridges also is 6-foot-7.

“I think that’s the team’s way of having a little fun with LaMelo anytime that they can kind of incorporate that in just to tease him a little bit, and he’s a great sport about it as well,” Bennett said.

“6 -7” big on basketball courts everywhere

Fans have been on 67-point watch at games across the country. It seemed to bubble up rst

at women’s college games, including at Oklahoma. Now fans there hold up signs handed out by the school.

On Dec. 22, the Sooners led North Carolina Central 6429 in the closing seconds of the rst half. When Aaliyah Chavez drained a 3-pointer at the buzzer, fans went wild.

Oklahoma center Raegan Beers said the team enjoyed giving the fans that moment.

“That’s why I love this game (with the kids),” she said. “I know a lot of us love this game here, just to have that energy in the building, and obviously lean into what’s trending at the moment, which is 6-7, whatever that means. And so it was so much fun to have that moment

and just let the kids enjoy it.”

Daniel Durbin, director of Southern California’s Annenberg Institute of Sports, Media and Society, attended USC’s women’s basketball game against Rutgers on Feb. 1 and witnessed the phenomenon rst hand. He noted that the DJ even announced the possibility. The Trojans missed two free throws at 66, building the anticipation. When Yakiya Milton made a free throw that pushed the score to 67, the crowd erupted into what Durbin called the loudest cheer of the game.

Durbin said it falls under the long history of arbitrary sports traditions fans have created to feel more connected to the action.

geted event, that it may be a family dispute,” she said. Authorities said both people who died were adults but have not released the identities of the victims. Goncalves identi ed the shooter as Robert Dorgan, who she said also went by the name Roberta Esposito, who was born in 1969.

Monday’s shooting came nearly two months after Rhode Island was rocked by a shooting at Brown University that left two students dead and wounded nine others, as well as a Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor. Authorities later found Claudio Neves Valente, 48, dead from a self-in icted gunshot wound at a New Hampshire storage facility.

“Our state is grieving again,” Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee said in a statement. “As governor, a parent, and a former coach, my heart breaks for the victims, families, students, and everyone impacted by the devastating shooting at Lynch Arena in Pawtucket.”

“Think of all the superstitions fans have during games, rituals that they enact to ‘help’ the team win,” he said. “As fans walk across the street to USC football games, most of them kick the base of a certain lamppost. Why? It makes them part of the game. They are enacting a meaningless ritual many USC fans perform for ‘luck.’”

Adults doing it too

Even the coaches are in on it. On Maryland’s annual Field Trip Day game, Terrapins coach Brenda Frese wore a jersey with the number 67 on it before tipo . LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey did the hand gesture while on the big screen during a win over Morgan State, drawing an eruption from the home crowd and laughter from her players.

Mulkey said her grandson got upset with her after a game because LSU skipped 67 points and went straight to 68.

TCU’s women beat Baylor 8367 on Feb. 12, and Olivia Miles scored 40 points and Marta Suarez scored 27 — a combined 67. With the two at his side in the postgame media session, Horned Frogs coach Mark Campbell got sucked in.

“For a duo, I’ve never been a part of a duo that scored 67 points in one game,” he said.

As Miles did the hand gesture and Suarez laughed, Campbell pointed at Miles and said, “That’s crazy. ‘6-7,’” as he added the hand gesture.

The trend has impacted the game on the court at times too. After Maryland took a 64-18 lead against Central Connecticut State in December, the Terps attempted ve straight 3-pointers before Yarden Garzon nally made one to give Maryland exactly 67 points. The craze is perplexing to parents, but Bennett said the Hornets have embraced it to bring joy to young people.

“Overall, it’s been positive,” he said. “No way to make a negative out of something that’s just really nothing attached to it, just fun.”

MOORE COUNTY

Ballers

Members of the Pinecrest girls’ bowling team chat during the state bowling championship

Aberdeen. The Lady Patriots nished sixth in the tournament.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

New subpoenas issued in inquiry on response to 2016 Russian election interference

The Justice Department has issued new subpoenas in an investigation into perceived adversaries of President Donald Trump and the U.S. government response to Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, according to multiple people familiar with the matter. An initial wave of subpoenas in November asked recipients for documents related to the preparation of a U.S. intelligence community assessment that detailed a sweeping, multiprong e ort by Moscow to help Trump defeat Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.

Rousey, Carano will end MMA retirements, ght each other in May

Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano will end their lengthy retirements from mixed martial arts to ght each other May 16 at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The bout will be staged by Most Valuable Promotions, the combat sports promotion established by in uencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul. The 39-year-old Rousey hasn’t fought since 2016, while the 43-year-old Carano’s eight-bout MMA career ended in 2009. They’ll ght at 145 pounds for ve ve-minute rounds. Despite their lengthy absences, Rousey and Carano remain two of the most iconic ghters in MMA history after two trailblazing careers. They are the two most famous women to participate in MMA.

last

MCS to increase mechanic pay

The district is hoping to address retention issues related to transportation employees

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

CARTHAGE — Moore

County Schools will be increasing the pay of its mechanics starting next month.

The Moore County Schools Board of Education was presented with the request at its Feb. 9 meeting and approved adjustments to the salary scale to increase the pay of both transportation mechanics and supervisors e ective March 1.

“There is a need to really take action now,” said Superintendent Tim Locklair. “That is why this is being brought up outside of where we’ve made other surgical adjustments to the salary scale within the budget process.”

Currently, the district is given a budget from the state that

would allow for up to seven mechanics, however, they only have one certi ed mechanic and two apprentice-level mechanics under employment.

“In the last ve years, we’ve had 25 resignations in the mechanic department of transportation,” said Assistant Superintendent Jenny Purvis. “When we go through and talk with folks and on their exit surveys about their resignations, they cite pay as the reason.”

After studying some of the local competitors that Moore County Schools is losing mechanics to, the recommendation was to move the pay scale up around $2 to $6 more per hour for mechanics and $8,000 to $11,000 more for technician supervisors.

“We need to make sure we have mechanics who are in that garage, can take care of the buses and do as we need done each day,” Purvis said. “We’re having to contract out at a rate of $160 per mechanic per hour.”

According to district sta ,

the pay increases will be funded through state transportation funds and will have no local impact.

The board also approved the awarding of a contract to FieldTurf for design services for synthetic turf at Union Pines High School and an approximately $120,000 contract renewal with Anderson, Smith and Wike PLLC for audit services covering the FY26 and FY27 cycles.

In addition, the board approved a set of out-of-state eld trips and the 2026-27 high school course guide.

“I’m happy to see all these eld trips,” Hensley said.

“Whether it’s an after-school club that has done well and they’re furthering in a competition or it’s just a class going to do some hands-on discovery learning, I think we need more eld trips, not fewer.”

The only new courses being added in the coming year are through the Connect Academy and include Leadership Devel-

opment, Workforce Ready, Visual Arts Intermediate, Visual Arts Specialization (Digital Photography I, II, Art of Game Design and Art of Fashion Design), Forensic Science Honors and Oceanography Honors.

The district has also made a survey available through Feb. 26 seeking community feedback related to its search for a new superintendent, as Tim Locklair is retiring at the end of the month.

“Our goal is to have it available on our website, have a QR code for easy access,” said Board Chair Robin Calcutt. “We’ll also have stakeholder meetings in February, our advisory councils, and on March 9, we plan to present the stakeholder feedback and the survey results in a report.”

The district’s deadline for receiving superintendent applications is April 1, with a decision anticipated to closely follow.

The Moore County Schools Board of Education will next meet March 9.

At Fort Bragg, Trump says Maduro raid showed ‘full military might’ of US, means ‘we are feared’

The president endorsed Michael Whatley in his Senate run

By Will Weissert and Allen G. Breed The Associated Press

FORT BRAGG — President Donald Trump celebrated the special forces members who ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, saying last month’s audacious raid means “the entire world saw what the full military might” of the U.S. can do and ensured “we are feared” by potential enemies around the world.

Addressing soldiers and their families at Fort Bragg, one of the world’s largest military bases, Trump declared, “Your commander in chief supports

you totally.” Then, drawing on one of his own campaign slogans, he implored them, “When needed, you’re going to ght, ght, ght. You’re going to win, win, win.”

The president and rst lady Melania Trump also met privately with military families. But the visit felt more like a political rally than an ocial visit to celebrate the U.S. armed forces.

Trump’s lauding of the raid that toppled Maduro came only after he called to the stage Michael Whatley, a former Republican National Committee chair who has the president’s endorsement as he now runs for Senate in North Carolina.

Whatley thanked Trump and suggested that the president

2.19.26

THURSDAY FEB.

“Join the conversation”

North State Journal

(USPS 20451) (ISSN 2471-1365)

Trip Ho end, Publisher

Jim Sills, VP of Local Newspapers

Cory Lavalette, Senior Editor

Jordan Golson, Local News Editor

Shawn Krest, Sports Editor

Dan Reeves, Features Editor

Ryan Henkel, Reporter PJ Ward-Brown, Photographer

BUSINESS

David Guy, Advertising Manager

Published

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Feb. 11

• Ricardo Alvarado, 38, of Vass, was arrested by MCSO for driving on a revoked license.

• Loren Alan McNeill, 20, of Aberdeen, was arrested by Southern Pines PD for larceny from a merchant by removing, destroying or deactivating a component and felony conspiracy.

Feb. 12

• Elvis Quinzel Elliott, 60, of Cameron, was arrested by NCHP for driving while impaired, driving on a revoked license, reckless driving with wanton disregard, failure to stop at a stop sign or ashing red light and nonsupport of a child.

• Monica Lynn Boyd, 50, of Candor, was arrested by MCSO for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

• Heather Lee Locklear, 65, of Eagle Springs, was arrested by MCSO for possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance, maintaining a vehicle, dwelling or place for a controlled substance, simple possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

• Antone Marquis Morrison, 46, of Aberdeen, was arrested by MCSO for felony larceny, possession of stolen goods, obtaining property by false pretenses, larceny of motor vehicle parts and possession of a catalytic converter.

• John Andrew Newman, 36, of Asheboro, was arrested by MCSO for possession of drug paraphernalia.

• Reno Carl Ramchand, 45, of Eagle Springs, was arrested by MCSO for possession of drug paraphernalia.

• Destiny Marie Ritter, 23, of Biscoe, was arrested by MCSO for possession of a controlled substance, possession of methamphetamine, simple possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana paraphernalia.

Feb. 13

• Jennifer Elizabeth Eldridge, 41, of West End, was arrested by MCSO for domestic criminal trespass, misdemeanor stalking and harassing phone call.

• Erick Alexander Wilkins, 56, of Raeford, was arrested by Aberdeen PD for indecent exposure and disorderly conduct.

Feb. 14

• Ashley Kay Garner, 33, of Robbins, was arrested by MCSO for resisting a public o cer.

• Elijah Diagwon Martin, 22, of Eagle Springs, was arrested by MCSO for misdemeanor crime of domestic violence and assault on a female.

• Christopher Aaron Moore, 21, of Southern Pines, was arrested by Southern Pines PD for possession with intent to sell or deliver cocaine, possession of a rearm by a felon, felony possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

FRIDAY FEB. 20

FEB. 23

Judge sentences teen to life without parole for fatally shooting 5 in Raleigh rampage

Austin Thompson killed his brother in the 2022 attack

By Gary D. Robertson The Associated Press

RALEIGH — A judge sentenced an 18-year-old who acknowledged killing ve people in a Raleigh mass shooting to life in prison without parole last Friday, rejecting arguments that he deserved the chance for release decades from now.

Austin David Thompson was 15 during the Oct. 13, 2022, attack that began at his Raleigh home when he shot and repeatedly stabbed his 16-year-old brother, James.

Equipped with rearms and wearing camou age, Thompson then fatally shot four others — including an o -duty city police o cer — in his neighborhood and along a greenway. He was arrested in a shed after a self-in icted gunshot wound to his head.

Thompson pleaded guilty last month to ve counts of rst-degree murder and ve other counts less than two weeks before his scheduled trial.

Thompson, who did not speak in court, was led away in handcu s after the sentencing. Family members of the shooting victims cried as the sentence was handed down. Thompson’s attorneys announced plans to appeal the sentence.

Superior Court Judge Paul Ridgeway had the option to sentence him to life in prison with the chance for parole after at least 25 years, but Thompson did not face the death penalty given his age at the time of the crimes.

“It’s hard to conceive of a greater display of malice than what I just described,” Ridgeway said, adding that months of planning and fantasizing

TRUMP from page A1

“is giving me an opportunity to represent you” — even though the election isn’t until November.

Later, Trump said of the raid on Jan. 3 that whisked away Maduro to face U.S. drug smuggling charges, “It was a matter of minutes before he was on a helicopter being taken out.” He called the forces involved “some of our greatest soldiers to ever live, frankly” while dismissing Maduro as an “outlaw dictator.”

“That night, the entire world saw what the full military might (of) the U.S. military is capable” of, the president said. “It was so precise, so incredible.”

Trump also vowed, “As long as I’m president, we will be the best led, the best trained, the best equipped, the most disciplined and the most elite ghting force the world has ever seen” and noted of would-be U.S. adversaries, “Everybody knows it.”

“They know exactly what they would be up against. Hopefully, we’ll never have to test them and, because of our strength, and because of what we do, we probably won’t have to be tested,” Trump said.

Even still, the president mentioned sending a sec-

by Thompson to carry out the rampage also con rmed that Thompson is the rare juvenile o ender “whose crimes re ect irreparable corruption.”

During the sentencing hearing, prosecutors revealed the previously con dential contents of a handwritten note with Thompson’s name and the shooting date found at his family’s house in the Hedingham subdivision.

The note said the “reason I did this is because I hate humans they are destroying the planet/earth,” adding that he killed James Thompson ”because he would get in my way.”

Thompson “cannot tell you why he wrote that note the way that he did,” defense lawyer Deonte’ Thomas said, noting that he had no history of ecological-based anger. “And he cannot tell you why he ran down the streets of Hedingham terrorizing people that day.”

But “he is not unredeemable, he is not incorrigible,” Thomas added in asking Ridgeway to give him the opportunity one day to tell parole commissioners he could “still be a productive person in society.”

Thomas argued that the rampage happened during a behavioral episode caused by medicine he regularly took for acne which dissociated the youth from reality. A psychiatrist who interviewed Thompson and a geneticist testi ed to bolster the explanation.

Ridgeway decided the evidence did not support the conclusion that Thompson’s acts happened while he entered an altered mental state induced by the medication and a genetic abnormality. Prosecutors dismissed the medication argument as weak and highlighted Thompson’s internet search history on his phone and computer leading up to the attack. They said it included school shootings and were related to guns, assaults

ond aircraft carrier group to the Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran and said, “America’s respected again. And, perhaps most importantly, we are feared by the enemies all over the globe.”

“I don’t like to say fear,” he said. “But, sometimes, you have to have fear because that’s the only thing that really will get the situation taken care of.”

Trump lately has traveled more frequently to states that could play key roles in November’s midterm congressional elections, including a stop before Christmas in Rocky Mount. The White House has been trying to promote Trump’s economic policies, including attempts to bring down the cost of living at a time when many people are growing frustrated with his efforts to improve a ordability.

The president didn’t spend a lot of time on his economic policies last Friday, though he did mention how a White House-backed tax and spending package is increasing funding for military housing.

As he left the White House to make the trip, meanwhile, Trump cheered data released last Friday showing that ination fell to nearly a ve-year low last month.

“The numbers were surprising, except to me they weren’t

and bomb-making materials. Nicole Connors, 52; Raleigh police O cer Gabriel Torres, 29; Mary Marshall, 34; and Susan Karnatz, 49, also were killed in the rampage. Two other people were wounded, including another police ocer involved in the search for Thompson.

“In the blink of an eye, everything changed for those people and for the people that they left behind,” Wake County assistant prosecutor Patrick Latour said last Thursday while urging a sentence with no potential parole. “And the thing that made it change was not some acne medication. It was the defendant’s knowing, researched, well thought out, planned, decisive actions.”

The judge heard from people like Jasmin Torres, the widow of Gabriel Torres and the mother of their 5-year-old daughter. She asked Ridgeway to sentence Thompson to life without parole, calling him a “monster.”

“Not one of us surviving victims, our families, our friends, our community should ever have to worry about a future where his barbaric self is set free,” Torres said last week. Thompson’s parents testied they couldn’t explain why their son committed the violence, calling him a normal, happy kid who did well in school and showed no signs of destruction.

Thompson’s father pleaded guilty to improperly storing his handgun that authorities said was found when his son was arrested. He received a suspended sentence and probation.

“We both lost our children, one at the hand of the other. We never saw this coming and still cannot make sense of it,” mother Elise Thompson said last week while telling the families of shooting victims she will “forever be sorry for the pain that this has caused you.”

surprising,” Trump said. “We have very modest in ation, which is what you want to have.”

The president also spoke at Fort Bragg in June at an event meant to recognize the 250th anniversary of the Army. But that celebration was overshadowed by his partisan remarks describing protesters in Los Angeles as “animals” and his defense of deploying the military there. This time, Trump evoked the fatal stabbing of a Ukrainian refugee on a Charlotte commuter train and called the man accused of committing it a “monster.”

Trump also praised Maduro’s replacement, acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez. Rather than push for elections in Venezuela, Trump says his administration is inviting top oil companies there to rebuild its energy industry. U.S. o cials also have seized tankers as part of their broad oversight of the country’s oil industry.

“The relationship is strong, the oil is coming out,” Trump told reporters before ying to North Carolina. He added: “We have our big oil companies going in, they’re going to be pumping out the oil and selling the oil for a lot of money.”

moore happening

Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in and around Moore County:

Feb. 19

Movie: “Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die” 3 p.m.

A mysterious man from the future must assemble a collection of disgruntled diner patrons to help him as he attempts to save the world from the threat of arti cial intelligence gone awry. The clock is ticking as he has one night to save the Earth. Tickets are $12.50 each.

Sunrise Theater 250 NW Broad St. Southern Pines

Feb.

19-21

Moore County Historical Association: Shaw House and Property Tours

1-4 p.m.

The Moore County Historical Association’s 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

Feb. 25

Dementia Caregiver Support Group 1 p.m.

Caregivers receive education and support along with strategies for caring for family members and other loved ones su ering from dementia. The group is led by Pat Soler and Dale Krech, certi ed facilitators through the Dementia Alliance of NC. Contact Kelly Pritchard at 910-715-4224 for more information.

Shadowlawn Room Clara McLean House 20 First Village Drive

March 13

Friday Night Jazz at the Sunrise: Part 3: Songs, Stories and Soul 7-9 p.m.

This presentation by the Moore County Arts Council introduces audiences to songs from the ’60s and ’70s that had a profound e ect on generations. Tickets are $34.

Sunrise Theater 250 NW Broad St. Southern Pines Pinehurst

THE CONVERSATION

Trip Ho end, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

Shut up and ski

“U.S. athletes shouldn’t be stooges for foreigners.”

DOES ANYONE REALLY believe the international media cares what Olympic snowboarders and curlers think about President Donald Trump’s ICE raids or whatever panic de jour is on the menu this week? Of course not. They want U.S. athletes to bash the American government on the world stage.

Nothing stops athletes from speaking their mind about political issues whenever or wherever they like. Doing it at the Olympics is, at best, in poor form and, at worst, unpatriotic.

Skier Hunter Hess took the bait in Milan, or more likely, couldn’t wait to preen for the foreign press, noting that he had “mixed emotions” representing his country. “It’s a little hard,” he said. “There’s obviously a lot going on that I’m not the biggest fan of, and I think a lot of people aren’t.” And just because he’s wearing the ag, Hess went on, “doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the U.S.”

Who’s happy with everything that goes on in their country? Not a single thinking person, that’s who. Olympic athletes go to the Games to transcend these di erences and represent national ideals and aspirations, not whine about political parties that happen to be in charge. U.S. athletes shouldn’t be stooges for foreigners. Go o on politics when you get home.

Of course, not one American in Beijing in 2022 was asked what they thought about the Biden administration’s online censorship. Not that we should have wanted to hear about that,

COLUMN | LARRY ELDER

either. And not one French, Swedish, Danish or German athlete will ever be asked if they feel qualms about representing countries that deport illegal immigrants.

The subtext of the queries in Milan, and Hess’ answer, rests on an assumption that something especially nefarious is going on in the United States, which deserves rebuke; something worse, apparently, than goes on in any other country participating in the games.

This outlook, as anyone who understands anything about the world knows, is lunacy. China, incidentally, sent a delegation of 286 people to the Winter Olympics in Milan. One of them is freestyle skier Eileen Gu, who, Google’s AI — apparently translating text from the original Chicom propaganda — tells me “is competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, aiming to inspire a new generation of Chinese skiers, speci cally girls, while balancing her Chinese heritage and American upbringing.”

The only notable “heritage” of the one-party communist state, which doesn’t represent the will of the Chinese people, is that it’s in contention for being the most murderous regime in history. Yet the media’s e usive coverage of Gu’s performance, poise and overall decency is something to behold. Reuters ran a three-person bylined piece of Gu discussing her “rediscovering joy in skiing, navigating rising competition and reframing her relationship with fear.” Gu, in an interview with the o cial Olympic site, “talks pressure, the haters, and inspiring young girls after a life-changing Beijing 2022.”

The Chinese government also reportedly spent around $6.64 million on Gu and fellow U.S.-born athlete Zhu Yi. So that’s a perk, for sure. Couldn’t Gu, worth somewhere north of $23 million, inspire Chinese girls in the United States rather than under the ag of a tyranny? Or how about representing Taiwan? Americans with dual citizenship who are unable to make the United States squads will occasionally compete for other nations. Even then, they rarely join tyrannies and geopolitical foes. It’s one thing to buy cheap stu from communist China and quite another to wear its ag.

Anyway, Gu is in no position to lecture anyone about decency.

As others have pointed out, reporters, deeply concerned about the ability of Americans to represent their awed nation, have yet to ask Gu about the plight of Hong Kong democracy activist Jimmy Lai, recently sentenced to 20 years for exercising his right to free expression. There has been nothing on the 50 or so journalists being held in prison. Gu has criticized Trump but o ers nothing but praise for a regime that throws women into concentration camps where they are systemically raped and used as forced labor?

Maybe Hess can think about that the next time he’s ripping the United States abroad.

David Harsanyi is a senior writer at the Washington Examiner and author of ve books.

(Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

Je ries and Schumer denounce Trump’s

‘Racist’ video — but who are they to complain?

But Je ries has his own record of “malignant, bottomfeeder-like behavior.”

ON PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP’S social media platform, someone in the administration — the White House o ered di erent versions of how this happened — posted a 62-second cartoon video set to the song “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.”

This was posted on a Thursday night and, following cries of “racism,” was removed by noon the following day. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt called the reaction “fake outrage.” Trump said: “I guess during the end of it, there was some kind of picture people don’t like. I wouldn’t like it either, but I didn’t see it. I just, I looked at the rst part, and it was really about voter fraud.”

Asked by a reporter, if he condemns the racist part of the video, Trump said, “Of course I do.”

The video shows Trump’s head attached to a lion con dently strolling through the jungle. Other animals dance as the Trump lion saunters through. On the heads of the other animals are well-known Democrats, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, former President Joe Biden, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, former Vice President Kamala Harris, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, House Minority Leader Hakeem Je ries and others.

Near the end for about one second, the video showed the heads of former President Barack Obama and former rst lady Michelle Obama on the heads of monkeys. A screenshot of the Barack and Michelle heads on apes went viral. That Biden’s face was on that of a banana-eating orangutan did not seem to disturb anyone.

The outrage was predictable. “Racist” Donald Trump strikes again! Those

crying out included Je ries and Schumer. Je ries said, “He de nitively needs to apologize. It was a disgusting video ... even a handful of Republicans ... nally showed some backbone in pushing back against the president’s malignant, bottom-feeder-like behavior.”

But Je ries has his own record of “malignant, bottom-feeder-like behavior.” As a college student, Je ries praised two of the country’s most prominent antisemites: his uncle and City College of New York professor Leonard Je ries — who compared Jews to “dogs” and “skunks,” and claimed “rich Jews nanced the slave trade — and Nation of Islam’s Louis Farrakhan, who has a decades-long record of antisemitism.

Hakeem Je ries has long insisted he only “vaguely remembers” defending them. But in 2023, CNN reported the Binghamton University Black Student Union, of which he was a leader, invited Uncle Leonard to speak. When Jewish students protested, Hakeem Je ries “led a press conference” to defend his uncle, despite later saying that “he did not recall any press coverage” of the controversy.

CNN said Hakeem Je ries’ 1992 op- ed undermines claims he wasn’t aware of uncle’s antisemitic controversy. He wrote that his uncle challenges the “existing white supremacist educational system and long-standing distortion of history. His reward has been a media lynching complete with character assassinations and in ammatory, erroneous accusations.”

In a research paper called “Dr. Je ries and the Anti-Semitic Branch of the Afrocentrism Movement,” Kenneth Stern with the American Jewish Committee wrote, “Leonard Je ries was

already known for his teaching that blacks are racially superior to whites because blacks, whom he calls ‘sun people,’ have more melanin in their skin than whites, whom he calls ‘ice people.’” But Hakeem Je ries defended his uncle.

After this CNN report, the Republican Jewish Coalition said, “Minority Leader Hakeem Je ries owes the Jewish community an explanation as to why he lied and attempted to cover up his defense of these revolting antisemites.”

At the time, Hakeem Je ries also described black conservatives as “token,” “opportunists” and “house negroes.” He wrote, “Clarence Thomas was appointed by George Bush to the highest court in the nation. Colin Powell was appointed by George Bush to lead the military establishment ‘policemen of the Wall Street Bankers.’”

As for Schumer, he called the video “racist. Vile. Abhorrent.” Yet, in 1974, the then-freshman New York assemblyman proposed a blatantly racist scheme to appease whites by ridding blacks from their New York neighborhood. Read the 2006 “American Spectator” article “Race to the Top” by a writer who was present when Schumer outlined his plan.

Democrats and the media, who lick their chops to pounce on “racist” Trump, are silent about Je ries’ record of antisemitism and indi erent about the allegations of Schumer’s anti-black racism.

Larry Elder is a bestselling author and nationally syndicated radio talk-show host. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

Lunar New Year prayers, robots, festivities usher in the Year of the Horse

Celebratory festivals took place in countries around the world

By Ken Moritsugu

The Associated Press

BEIJING — Traditional prayers, reworks and fairs marked the Lunar New Year on Tuesday — alongside 21st-century humanoid robots.

The activities ushered in the Year of the Horse, one of 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac, succeeding the Year of the Snake.

Thousands of people in Beijing jammed into the former Temple of Earth to buy snacks, toys and trinkets from stalls. Sun Jing, who brought her parents to the capital for the holiday, said the atmosphere was as lively as in her childhood.

“I haven’t felt such a strong sense of Lunar New Year festivity in a very, very long time,” she said.

Crowds descended on popular temples to burn incense and pray for happiness and success in the coming year. The Lunar New Year is the most important annual holiday in China and some other East Asian nations and is celebrated outside the region, too.

Robots take stage of annual TV show in China

As every year, China cele-

brated the Lunar New Year with a TV show and once again the humanoid robots were a central part of the performance Monday night.

One of the highlights of the CCTV Spring Festival gala was a martial arts performance by children and robots. For several minutes, humanoids from Unitree Robotics showed different sequences and even brandished swords.

The performance showed China’s push to develop more advanced robots powered by improved AI capabilities.

Viewers applauded the ro -

bots, with one saying they give good guidance and direction for young people. One man, though, said that while China’s advances in robotics are great, they detracted from his experience.

“It lacks a bit of the New Year atmosphere,” Li Bo said. “It’s not as enjoyable as when I was little watching the gala.”

Temple crowds at midnight in Hong Kong

Incense smoke wafted into the air at a temple in Hong Kong where people line up ev-

Visitors pose beside decorative horse sculptures at a temple fair during the rst day of Lunar New Year at Lama Temple in Beijing, China, on Tuesday.

es and skyscrapers as the reworks went o and crowds clapped in rhythm to live pop music performances.

Chinese street fairs in Moscow

People sampled Chinese cuisine from stalls and strolled along snowy streets decorated with red lanterns and dragons as two weeks of events got underway Monday at various venues in the Russian capital.

The third annual Lunar New Year celebration comes at time of warming relations between China and Russia — ties that have frustrated many European governments because of the war in Ukraine.

A temple bell rings 108 times in Taiwan

The solemn peal of a temple bell rang out 108 times — an auspicious number — as people ocked to the Baoan Temple in Taipei on Tuesday morning.

ery year to make wishes for the new year at midnight.

Holding up a cluster of incense sticks, many bowed their heads several times before planting the sticks in containers placed in front of a temple hall.

Fireworks light up skies in Vietnam

Entertainers in Vietnam sang at an outdoor countdown event before multiple reworks shows at several cities in the Southeast Asian nation, where the festival is called Tet. Light shows lit up bridg-

They lit incense sticks, bowed their heads and left offerings of colorful ower bouquets on outdoor tables on the temple grounds in Taiwan’s capital city.

Argentines join celebrations in Buenos Aires

Thousands of Argentines gathered in Buenos Aires’ Chinatown to celebrate the Lunar New Year and enjoyed dragon and lion dances on the main stage, alongside martial arts demonstrations.

The Chinese immigrant community is among Argentina’s most dynamic, accounting for more than 180,000 people in the South American country.

Colbert says CBS’s network lawyers pulled Talarico interview from ‘Late Show’ over FCC equal time

The interview was posted on YouTube and elsewhere

By Meg Kinnard

The Associated Press

LATE-NIGHT host Stephen Colbert said his interview with Democratic Texas Senate candidate James Talarico was pulled from Monday night’s broadcast over network fears it would violate regulatory guidance from the Trump administration on giving equal time to political candidates.

“He was supposed to be here, but we were told in no uncertain terms by our network’s lawyers, who called us directly, that we could not have him on the broadcast,” Colbert said on his program, ”The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.”

“Then I was told, in some uncertain terms, that not only could I not have him on, I could

not mention me not having him on. And because my network clearly doesn’t want us to talk about this, let’s talk about this.”

The situation, which came just hours before early voting began in Texas’ primary elections, comes as media institutions navigate around changing broadcast guidance, issued under the Trump administration, governing how they interview political candidates.

Talarico posted part of the interview on social media, calling it “the interview Donald Trump didn’t want you to see.”

Broadcast networks have been required to give equal time to political candidates, but that rule hasn’t traditionally been applied to talk shows.

In January, the Federal Communications Commission issued new guidance warning late-night and daytime hosts that they need to give political candidates equal time, with

“The interview Donald Trump didn’t want you to see.”

James Talarico, Senate candidate

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr questioning the talk show exemption and positing that hosts were “motivated by partisan purposes.”

“The FCC has not been presented with any evidence that the interview portion of any late night or daytime television talk show program on air presently would qualify for the bona de news exemption,” according to the public notice.

In his comments, Colbert noted that the equal time provision applies to broadcast but not streaming platforms. Sub -

sequently, his nearly 15-minute interview with Talarico was posted to the YouTube page for Colbert’s show, with the host noting speci cally that the segment was only appearing online and not on broadcast.

Talarico posted a nearly minute-long clip of the sit-down on X, adding that, “This is the interview Donald Trump didn’t want you to see. His FCC refused to air my interview with Stephen Colbert. Trump is worried we’re about to ip Texas.”

Neither CBS nor the FCC immediately responded to messages seeking comment Tuesday,

Early voting began Tuesday in Texas, where Talarico and Rep. Jasmine Crockett are among the Democrats seeking election to the U.S. Senate seat currently held by four-term Republican Sen. John Cornyn. The primary election is March 3.

Carr, appointed by Trump to lead the agency last year,

has often criticized network talk shows, suggesting last year that probing ABC’s “The View” — whose hosts have frequently been critical of Trump — over the exemption might be “worthwhile.”

Colbert’s days in his host chair are limited, following CBS’ announcement last year that it was canceling his show this May for nancial reasons, shuttering a decades-old TV institution in a changing media landscape.

But the timing of that announcement — three days after Colbert criticized the settlement between Trump and Paramount Global, parent company of CBS, over a “60 Minutes” story — led two U.S. senators to publicly question the motives behind the move, which served to remove from air one of Trump’s most prominent and persistent late-night critics.

MOORE SPORTS

County teams perform well at states

Union Pines competed in indoor track and swimming, while Pinecrest scored in swimming

North State Journal sta

THE UNION PINES boys’ track team nished in eighth place at the NCHSAA Class 6A indoor championships, scoring 29 points.

Seniors Corbin Weeks and Monte Hay nished second and third, respectively, in the 500 meters. Weeks was 0.33 seconds away from a state title, and Hay was another 0.12 seconds back.

Senior Roger Patterson placed fth in the 55-meter dash.

Junior Maddoxx Mari took sixth in the high jump.

Senior Robert Johnson placed 10th in the 500.

Junior Jonah Thienel was 10th in the long jump.

Junior Jackson Erle tied

for 10th in the pole vault.

Union Pines also placed third in the 4x400 relay and seventh in the 4x800.

The girls scored 11.5 to place 18th overall.

Senior Mylee Scruggs took third in the pole vault.

Senior Caroline Carver took sixth in the long jump.

Junior Riley Bauer was seventh in the pole vault.

Sophomore Sydney Scruggs tied for 10th in the high jump.

The relay team placed eighth in the 4x800

The Union Pines boys’ swim team placed 13th in the NCHSAA Class 6A championship meet with 65 points.

The relay team of seniors Andrew Davis, Klay Blue, Ian Hicks and freshman Liam Hicks placed eighth in the 200 free relay.

The team of Blue, Ian and Liam Hicks and senior Cullen Cox placed 11th in the 200 medley relay.

The team of sophomores Caleb Dieguez and Riley Bishop

and seniors Alex Thomason and Nick Phillips took 16th in the 400 free relay.

Ian Hicks placed sixth in the 100 breast and 14th in the 200 IM.

Liam Hicks placed 12th in the 100 free and 15th in the 200 free.

Davis placed 14th in the 50 free.

Cox was 14th in the 500 free.

The Union Pines girls nished 18th with 22 points.

The relay team of junior Uxia Abad, senior Riley Elwell, sophomore Rebecca Kangas and sophomore Nyah Tranel placed 11th in the 200 medley.

The team of Elwell, Tranel, senior Molly Conway and sophomore Abigail Weld nished 14th in the 400 free relay.

Elwell placed 14th in the 200 IM.

Kangas took 15th in the 100 butter y.

In Class 8A, the Pinecrest boys nished 19th with 32.5 points.

Grant Larsen tied for fourth in the 50 free. He added a fth in the 100 free.

Junior Cody Martin nished 13th in the 100 backstroke.

The Pinecrest girls took 23rd with one point. Freshman Bethany Risseeuw supplied it with a 16th-place nish in the 100 free.

DAVID SINCLAIR FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL

The Pinecrest boys’ swim team found success at the state championships.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Sam Creed

Pinecrest, football

Sam Creed is a senior lineman and long snapper for the Pinecrest football team.

Praised by the Patriots coaches as one of the hardest workers on the squad, Creed will now snap at the next level. On signing day last week, he signed a letter of intent to play football for Elon starting next season, joining ve other Patriots athletes in making it o cial on signing day: lacrosse players Hayden Michael, Columbia College; Will Cox, Coke College; Anthony Monaco, Emory and Henry; soccer player Jadyn Lamielle, Marywood; and golfer Jacob Graham, Washington and Lee.

Pots, mop buckets, even babies: Anything can be a curling stone if you get creative

One of the cult favorite Olympic sports is back

By Julia Frankel and Steve Douglas

The Associated Press

CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy — Dig out your squidgy mop, a few pots and pans — or a robotic vacuum if you have one — and a pair of slippers.

It’s curling time!

Social media has been ablaze with people deploying common household wares to mimic what the world’s top curlers are doing at the Winter Olympics.

“Every four years, it blows up,” American curler Tara Peterson said. “Everyone’s like, ‘We want to do it,’ and then, yes, they get creative with things, so it’s awesome.” Creative is perhaps an understatement. In one video, two jacketed adults push a baby in a car seat across the ice, chest-bumping in glee. In another, popular Swedish comedian Mans Moller dons a wig a la Isabella Wrana, the Swedish mixed doubles champion, and slides pans into other pans, screaming “CUUUURL!” (Bonus points: He’s outside, like the olden days of curling.)

Then there are the Italian nonnas in the country’s southern Puglia region pushing a silver pot along a stony courtyard, sweeping with broomsticks. Or the hair salon in the Swedish city of Sundsvall, where a stylist hurls hair products toward her colleague. She screams “Curl!” and looks frustrated when the colleague approaches with a — wait for it — curling iron.

Despite such valiant attempts by the public, curlers say you really do need some specialized equipment to do the sport

properly (along with a sheet of pebbled ice).

Put on your curling shoes

You can’t use your normal sneakers to go curling. You’ll just slip a lot on the ice. Instead, you’ll need specialist curling shoes that have grips either built into the soles or those that can be strapped on.

Costs vary, but Swedish curler Johanna Heldin said you can pay up to around $700 for them.

Styles vary, too. While most curlers at the Olympics are wearing plain black curling shoes, some have a more casual look — like Taylor Anderson-Heide of the United States, who has donned white, sneaker-style shoes in Cortina.

Sweeping left, sweeping right

Despite sharing the same name, curling brooms and cleaning brooms are very di erent. Curling brooms swap carbon ber for the wooden or plastic rods typical of household brooms. Nylon pads replace straw bristles. Olympic-level models will set you back around $200-$250, Peterson said.

Broom lightness directly correlates to a curler’s control over a stone’s speed and trajectory. The lighter the broom, the quicker the sweep and the faster the melting of ice pebbles that make up a curling sheet. In fact, sweeping technology has actually grown so advanced that certain models

have been banned from competition. That’s what led to the “Broomgate” scandal, which rocked the curling world beginning in 2015. Curlers began debuting high-tech brooms that gave sweepers so much control over the stone that the skill of the thrower failed to matter. Those kinds of brooms were then barred from competition by World Curling, which now maintains strict parameters on what kinds of brooms are allowed.

Rock ’n’ roll

The homegrown curling seen on social media makes one thing clear: To the public, anything can be a curling stone.

Even if pots, pans, hair products — and even babies — can do

Curling stones are prepared ahead of a men’s curling round robin session at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

the trick in a pinch, they’re nothing like the curling stones on the ice in Cortina. If you want Olympic-level material, you’ll have to look to the uninhabited isle of Ailsa Cragi, located 10 miles o the coast of Scotland.

All the stones at these Games are made of the super-dense granite from that isle, manufactured by Kays Curling.

The company has a history with the Olympics dating back to the rst winter edition in 1924 in Chamonix, France. The curling competition then was long thought to have been an exhibition event but eventually was con rmed as o cial. The company has continued to make stones for the Games since curling returned as a medal sport in Nagano 1998.

John R. Ho mann

Oct. 20, 1938 – Feb. 8, 2026

John R. Ho mann, 87, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 8, 2026.

John is survived by his wife Margaret, his sons John D. Ho mann (Natalie) and Kenneth A. Ho mann (Silvia) and two grandchildren, Emily and Eric.

The care of Mr. Ho mann has been entrusted to Boles Funeral Home.

Joe Edward Baker

July 3, 1942 – Feb. 10, 2026

Joe Edward Baker, age 83, of Sanford, passed away on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Sanford Health & Rehab.

Joe was born in Sanford, North Carolina, on July 3, 1942, to the late James Ferbie Baker and Virgie Johnston Baker. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Cora Marie Sloan, his brothers, Robert, Arthur and Charles Ray.

He is survived by his sister, Gail Wiggins of Alabama, brother, James R. Baker of Florida, and daughter, Ida Jean Baker of Sanford.

No services are planned.

Georgianna Lane

April 1, 1938 – Feb. 13, 2026

Georgianna Lane, 87, departed this life on February 13, 2026. A funeral service will be held at noon on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at Jones Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. Interment will follow in the Hillside Memorial Park. A viewing and visitation will be held from 1-5 p.m. on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Purcell Funeral Home.

obituaries

Ruby Ann Duncan Ring

Feb. 21, 1948 – Feb. 13, 2026

Ruby Ann Duncan Ring, 77, of Aberdeen, passed away suddenly at her home on Friday, February 13, 2026.

Born in Chadbourn, Feb. 21, 1948, she was the daughter of the late Burris and Connie Soles Duncan. Ann was the mother of McKenzie “Mac” Ortiz (Wendy), Anita Woodard, Christopher Ring and Elizabeth Ortiz. She is survived by her grandchildren: Ti any Johnson (Kenny), Nicholas Luck (Katie), Sisley Galvan (Pedro) and Colby Luck (Autumn). She was the great–grandmother of Payten, Graylen, Alec, Dawson, Malon, Junior, Denise, Corina and Damon. Ann was a quiet and private lady. She enjoyed tending to her ower beds and growing some of the most beautiful owers around.

A private ceremony will be held for her at a later date.

Danny Pardue

March 26, 1962 –Feb. 10, 2026

Danny Harvey Pardue, age 63, of Carthage, passed away on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at FirstHealth Hospice House in Pinehurst with family by his side.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Cox Memorial Funeral Home in Vass with Marty Garner and Rev. Mamie Alley o ciating. A time of visitation will be held immediately following the service.

Danny was born on March 26, 1962, in Lee County, NC, to Jerry and Myrtle Sue Willett Tillman. He was preceded in death by his wife, Cynthia Douglas Pardue and his brother, Donnie Pardue.

In addition to his parents, Danny is survived by his sons, Dustin Pardue, Daniel Pardue and Austin Pardue of Carthage; sisters, Mamie Alley and Phoebe Eberhardt; brother, John Oldham; grandchildren, Tristin Pardue, Aiden Pardue, Zayn Pardue, Hailey Pardue and Leah Pardue; brother-in-law, Phillip Douglas and his wife, Brigitte; sister-in-law, Leslie Robbins and her husband, Je ; nieces and nephews, Bailey, Cameron, Ashley, Dustin, Noah, Connor and Madison.

Joseph Wesley “J.W.” Kiser

Nov. 10, 1946 – Feb. 16, 2026

Joseph Wesley (J.W.) Kiser, age 79 of the Greens at Pinehurst and formerly of Carolina Lake in Carthage, died Monday, February 16, 2026, after a brief illness.

Born on November 10, 1946, in Southern Pines, he was the oldest child of James Irvin Kiser and Anabel Henning Kiser. He was a fourth-generation Kiser of Moore County; his birth was documented in the November 15, 1946, edition of the Pilot. J.W. was in the rst graduating class of Union Pines High School, and he served in the US Air Force. At Ellington Air Force Base, he was part of a team that serviced the Mobile Quarantine Facility for the Apollo mission. After an Honorable Discharge, he attended UC-Irvine. He worked for KTLA, Paci c Architects, and later, the Japanese Village Plaza of Los Angeles. It was in Los Angeles that he met his wife, Sue. After starting a family, he returned home to Moore County to live on a lake and raise his two children near Carthage.

J.W. retired after 25 years at Central Carolina Community College in Sanford. He enjoyed his retirement playing Mahjongg and spending time with his family. When his health allowed, he took trips with Sue to the beach or mountains and once visited his grandchildren during their rst PCS assignment to South America. J.W. had a quick wit and was known for his strong character. He championed a frugal but honest lifestyle.

J.W. was a good father and a good man to everybody he came across, and he outlived everybody who ever did him wrong.

In addition to his wife of 44 years, he is survived by his son, Joseph D. Kiser (wife Kelly) of the US Foreign Service, currently serving in Beijing, China; grandchildren Diana Rose, Wesley Earl, and Anders Henning Kiser. He also leaves behind many children from his extended family who a ectionately called him “Grandpa Kiser” and who visited him in his later days. J.W. is also survived by two sisters, Ann Maness and Darlene Kiser, both of Carthage. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Jennifer Diana Kiser, and his younger brother, Barry Nelson Kiser. Friends and family will hold a private memorial service at a later date.

Jane Bull Kinney

April 19, 1929 – Feb. 11, 2026

Jane Bull Kinney, 96, of Southern Pines, North Carolina, passed away on February 11, 2026. Alice Jane Bull was born in Metropolis, Illinois, on April 19, 1929, the second child of Sally and Gilbert Bull. Jane had an older sister, Elaine. In the Metropolis Community Schools, she played saxophone in the band, was a cheerleader, a Girl Scout, and the salutatorian of her senior class. Jane then attended Monticello College in Alton, Illinois, and the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Education and Home Economics. During her college years, Jane and her good friend Jean Decker (Fortney) would ride the trains to Manitou Springs, Colorado and work as waitresses at the famous Cli House at the base of Pikes Peak. (To this day, a large, framed antique photograph of the entire hotel sta decorates the wall of the main lobby – and both Jean and Jane are in that photo). For two summers, they worked and met lots of young people from around the country, including a young man from Pittsburgh who worked as a tour guide at Cave Of The Winds – David Kinney.

Upon graduation, Jane Kinney taught home economics at Benton Consolidated High School in Benton, Illinois for one tough year. The low pay required her to room with three other teachers and eat meals with the families of her students. Jane and David stayed in touch through letters.

In July of 1952, Alice Jane Bull and David Eynon Kinney were married in Metropolis, Illinois and moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where David, a graduate of Carnegie Tech, started as a chemical engineer with General Electric’s lighting business. Those 26 years were the most transformative time of their

lives – saving pennies, raising three children, buying their rst car and rst home, playing bridge, and enjoying many strong relationships with good friends, many as neighbors on Merrymound Road and Ashwood Drive, others from Forest Hills Presbyterian Church.

In 1978, David was promoted to GE’s Corporate Headquarters, so they moved with daughter Lisa to a new home and new life in Trumbull, Connecticut. For the rest of David’s working career, Jane and David enjoyed many wonderful friends and neighbors and being a special part of Lisa’s nearby family.

In 1990, when David retired, they moved to Seven Lakes, North Carolina, where they enjoyed playing golf, playing bridge, traveling the world and gathering with friends at the Seven Lakes Country Club. They both served as stewards at both the U.S. Open and U.S. Kids Open golf tournaments in Pinehurst. Throughout their later years, David and Jane traveled the world extensively to experience the cultures and natural beauty of every continent and more than 50 countries.

In 2009, David and Jane moved down the road to the Belle Meade Retirement Community in Southern Pines, North Carolina, where they thoroughly enjoyed wonderful and caring friends until David sadly passed in 2018. Jane leaves behind her wonderful family: Eric Bull Kinney (Cynthia Fritsch Kinney) of Prosperity, South Carolina; Bruce Alan Kinney (Karen Peper Kinney) of Hudson, Ohio; and Lisa Kinney Peters (Kenneth Peters) of Stratford, Connecticut. Jane also has ve grandchildren: Nina, Sarah Jayne, Kyle, Avery and Erica; and two greatgrandchildren: Molly Jane and Whitney, and another one on the way! Memorial contributions, if desired, should be made to the Belle Meade Employees Education Fund at 100 Waters Drive, Southern Pines, NC 28387, or a charity of your choice. Jane speci cally wanted to thank all those who helped care for her and kept her smiling during her years at The Coventry. At Jane’s request, there will be no memorial service. She was extremely proud of her family, loved all her friends and was grateful to have known so many wonderful and interesting people over her 96 years. “What more could a little girl from Metropolis possibly dream of – I don’t know.”

Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in North State Journal at obits@northstatejournal.com

Sallie Fisher Blecharczyk

Dec. 5, 1934 – Feb. 8, 2026

Sallie Fisher Blecharczyk passed away peacefully on the morning of Sunday, February 8, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. A life well lived found its eternal rest, and Heaven gained a gracious, gentle soul.

Sallie was born on December 5, 1934. She grew up in Chicago Heights, Illinois, and graduated from Bloom High School, where the roots of her lifelong warmth and steady work ethic rst took shape.

She spent many years working as a bank teller and later with Kodak as a customer service representative, building friendships wherever she went. Sallie had a natural gift for conversation and connection, making everyone feel welcome and valued.

On January 9, 1982, she married the love of her life, Stephen Blecharczyk. They connected through their love of golf by way of Parents Without Partners in the Chicago suburbs and formed a wonderful relationship almost immediately. Together they built a life grounded in laughter, loyalty and a shared sense of adventure.

In retirement, Sallie and Stephen settled in Pinehurst, where they embraced the Pinewild golf and tennis community for over 30 years. Their shared passion for golf took them traveling across the South to experience its many golf courses and tournaments. Sallie loved playing bunko and bridge with her friends in the Pinewild community and cherished the friendships formed there, as well as the vibrant life she and Stephen built in that special place.

Sallie’s generous spirit was evident in the way she gave her time so freely. She volunteered faithfully with Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity, and FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital. She was always eager to help and serve others, and her quiet acts of kindness left lasting impressions on many. Her beloved dogs, Mandy and Trixie, brought her endless joy with their spirited antics, and she cared for them with unwavering devotion.

She is preceded in death by her parents, William and Ilo Fisher; her beloved sister, Ilo “Honey” (Edward) McEldowney; and her brother, Jimmy Fisher.

She is survived by her loving husband, Stephen Blecharczyk; her son, Bill, and daughterin-law Sandra Moss; her daughter, Kelly, and son-in-law Dean Dudzinski; her stepson, Je rey, and daughter-in-law Lesley Blecharczyk; and her stepdaughter, Jennifer, and sonin-law Tracy Roberts.

Sallie was a proud grandmother to Katharine (Michael) Rice, Sarah (Jacob) Appolloni, Emily (Tyler) Raymaker, Christopher (Hayley) Dudzinski, Samantha (Kevin) Bobor, Alyx Blecharczyk, Christie (Drew) Landry, and Allie (Mark) Verill. She was also blessed with great-grandchildren, Ellie, TJ and Jack Rice; Annie and Zoe Appolloni; Fisher and Quinn Bobor; and Sophie and Henry Landry, who brought her tremendous joy.

She is also survived by her sister in-law Margarita Fisher; beloved nieces: Kerry (Mike) Nevill, Mary Kay (John) Larocca, Alexandra (Andy) Wallace, and Jamie Fisher.

Sallie will be remembered for her kindness, her devotion to family, her desire to serve, her unmistakable sense of fun and the steady love she o ered so freely. Her legacy lives on in the family she nurtured, the friendships she treasured and the countless lives she touched through her compassion.

The family will share plans for a service and celebration of life once they are determined.

In lieu of owers, memorial donations in Sallie’s name may be made to Meals on Wheels, P.O. Box 2083, Southern Pines, NC 28388 or Moore Humane Society, 5355 NC-22, Carthage, NC 28327 (moorehumane.org).

Robert Louis Cain Sr.

Jan. 3, 1941 – Feb. 10, 2026

Mr. Robert Louis Cain Sr., 85, of Sanford, North Carolina, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at his residence.

Deacon Robert Louis Cain Sr., age 85, a ectionately called “Bobby” by many and “Big Daddy Cain” by others, was born on January 3, 1941. He was the rstborn child of the union of the late Charlie Otis Cain and the late Latha Lee Murchison Cain. He was born to his proud and adoring parents in a humble home in the Benhaven area. Robert peacefully transitioned into eternal rest on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at his home.

Robert graduated from Johnsonville High School in 1959. He attended what is now Central Carolina Community College, studying Automotive Mechanic courses. Robert’s military career in the United States Army Corps spanned from 1963 to 1965, with a terminal date of reserve obligation ending in December 1969. He served in Korea during a tour of duty. Robert returned home with an Honorable Discharge. His honors included: Basic Marksmanship Quali cation Badge; Expert (carbine); and Marksman (ri e). Before retirement, Robert was employed with Coty for 34 years. He worked for the County of Lee Transit System (COLTS) for a period of time until health issues prompted his departure.

Robert met the love of his life, Martha Jane Williams, and the couple married on November 24, 1966 (a union of 59 years). He was a long-time dedicated member of Pilgrims’ Rest Church, Incorporated. Over the years, he served on the Deacon Board, as President of the Usher Board, and as Sunday School Superintendent.

Robert had a passionate love for the Bible and was delighted to share the Good News with others. His hobbies and pastimes included working on cars, baking cakes, and hanging out with the “Hardee Boys”. The group met weekly on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for breakfast at one of the three Hardee’s locations.

Robert had a warm, pleasant nature. It was not unusual to hear him say, “Be careful out there,” or “Nothing will happen to me unless God says so”. His favorite color was maroon, and he was a sharp dresser. His favorite songs were “Count Your Blessings” and “Let it Rain” by Bishop Paul S. Morton.

Robert was preceded in death by his daughter, the late Crystal Lynn Cain-Thorne; both late mother- and father-in-law, Eva M. Williams and Eddie B. Williams Sr.; brothers-in-law, Eddie B. Williams Jr. and Elijah Williams; and sisters-in-law, Evelyn “Sis” McAuley and Marzella W. Hairston. Robert leaves to cherish many fond memories, his beautiful wife, Martha Jane Cain; son, Robert Louis Cain Jr.; daughter, Lynn Yvonne Cain; four grandchildren, Sterlin Cain, Krista Cain, Vanessa Hawkins and Addaria Cain; one greatgrandson, Kylo Elix; brothers, Johnny Cain (Marcella), Larry Cain (Gloria), Gary Cain (Sandra), and one sister, Joyce Edith Cain; brothers-in-law, Earnest Williams, Albert Williams, Jimmy Williams, Archie Spruiell, William “Fat” McAuley, and John Wayne McAuley; other sisters-inlaw, Linnie Mae Williams, Alice Spruiell, Mary Williams, Mary McAuley and Edith McAuley, along with a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and friends.

Please keep the family and friends of Mr. Robert Louis Cain Sr in your thoughts and prayers.

Doris Janet Wilson

March 18, 1938 –Feb. 10, 2026

Doris Janet Wilson, 87, of Aberdeen, North Carolina, passed away on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Peak Resources in Carthage.

Dot is a native of Moore County, born on March 18, 1938, to the late T.A. Lewis and Grace Wilson Lewis.

Dot was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She is remembered for her love of doing word searches and reading her Bible. She enjoyed watching and keeping up with all things Duke, especially basketball, NASCAR driver Rusty Wallace, and gardening in her yard. She worked for Belk as a sales associate, earning Sales Associate of the Year fteen times over those years.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Bobby R. Wilson; daughter, Terry Baker; son, Larry Ross Wilson; and granddaughter, Rebecca Baker. Dot is survived by her sons, Jerry (Sharon) Wilson and Alvin (Megan) Wilson, both of Aberdeen; grandchildren, Bobby (Lauren) Baker of Texas, Nicole Wilson, Courtney (Eduardo) Lechuga, Madison Wilson and Gracelynn Wilson of Aberdeen; great-grandchildren, J.R., Tatham, Essie, Hydie, Emmy and Michael.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 2 p.m., with visitation starting at 1 p.m. The service will take place at Deep Creek Baptist Church: 1995 Linden Road, Aberdeen, NC. The committal will follow at Bethesda Cemetery in Aberdeen, NC. Her son, Pastor Jerry Wilson, will be o ciating. In lieu of owers, Dot requested that donations be made in her name to the Order of Eastern Star, Magnolia Chapter in Southern Pines: 230 NW Broad Street, Southern Pines, NC.

Cathie Hoover

July 30, 1955 – Feb. 15, 2026

Cathie Anne Kemp Hoover, 70, passed away on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the FirstHealth Hospice House in West End, NC.

She was a native of Moore County, born July 30, 1955, to the late Leon Lawrence and Anne Je eries Lineberry of Cameron, North Carolina.

After graduating from East Bladen High School in 1973, she continued her education at Bladen Community College and the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, earning degrees in medical records and business administration. She worked for Carolina Eye for over 20 years and moved from a secretarial position to that of administrator of the facility’s teaching center. When she retired, she was the executive administrator of Carolina Eye’s teaching center.

Cathie is remembered for being a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved sitting on the beach and lying in the sun all day long. She loved taking cruises and traveling with family. She had a deep faith and went on mission trips to Africa and Honduras.

Cathie is preceded in death by her parents and rst husband, Horace Ray Kemp, of 29 years.

She survived by her husband of 19 years, John Hoover; son, Johnathan; and wife, Brooke Kemp of Cameron, NC; brother, Larry Lineberry and wife, Pam of Harrells, NC; aunt, Belva Collins of Cameron; and her two grandchildren, Anna Rae and Adam Kemp of Cameron, NC.

A time of fellowship with Cathie’s family will be held on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, from 5-7 p.m., at Fry & Prickett Funeral Home, 402 Saunders St., Carthage, NC.

Patsy Chriscoe

June 22, 1956 – Feb. 10, 2026

Patsy Garner Chriscoe, 69, went Home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Clapps in Asheboro, surrounded by her family.

Patsy’s life was a testimony of her faith in the Lord.

She was born June 22, 1956, to Paul and Betty Garner in Moore County. She was a 1974 graduate of North Moore High School and worked for Goodyear until her health prevented it.

Patsy loved the Lord, and through all her adversities, her faith remained constant. She was an inspiration to those around her. Her prayer was for all to trust in Jesus.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Michael Chriscoe; her father, Paul Garner; her granddaughter, Torie Sco eld; and her grandson, Riley Gardner. She is survived by her son Zachary Duke (Ashley); grandchildren: Keegan, Christopher and Madison: mother: Betty Garner; sister: Paula Linebery (Carl); brothers: Keith Garner (Robin), Mark Garner and Nathan Garner: many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and friends. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026, at Bethel Church of God with Pastor Larry May o ciating. Burial will follow in Asbury Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends prior to the service, beginning at 12:30 p.m. at the church and at other times at the home of her mother, Betty Garner. Memorials may be made to Bethel Church of God, 1183 Chrisco Road West, Seagrove, NC 27341.

Robert Duvall, Oscar-winning actor, ‘Godfather’ mainstay, dead at 95

The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — Robert Duvall, the Oscar-winning actor of matchless versatility and dedication whose classic roles included the intrepid consigliere of the rst two “Godfather” movies and the over-the-hill country music singer in “Tender Mercies,” has died at age 95.

Duvall died “peacefully” at his home Sunday in Middleburg, Virginia, according to an announcement from his publicist and from a statement posted on his Facebook page by his wife, Luciana Duvall.

“To the world, he was an Academy Award-winning actor, a director, a storyteller. To me, he was simply everything,” Luciana Duvall wrote. “His passion for his craft was matched only by his deep love for characters, a great meal, and holding court. For each of his many roles, Bob gave everything to his characters and to the truth of the human spirit they represented.”

The bald, wiry Duvall didn’t have leading man looks, but few “character actors” enjoyed such a long, rewarding and unpredictable career, in leading and supporting roles, from an itinerant preacher to Josef Stalin. Beginning with his 1962 lm debut as Boo Radley, the reclusive neighbor in “To Kill a Mockingbird,” Duvall created a gallery of unforgettable portrayals. They earned him seven Academy Award nominations and the best actor prize for “Tender Mercies,” which came out in 1983. He also won four Golden Globes, including one for playing the philosophical cattle-drive boss in

the 1989 miniseries “Lonesome Dove,” a role he often cited as his favorite. In 2005, Duvall was awarded a National Medal of Arts. He had been acting for some 20 years when “The Godfather,” released in 1972, established him as one of the most in-demand performers of Hollywood. He had made a previous lm, “The Rain People,” with Francis Coppola, and the director chose him to play Tom Hagen in the ma a epic that featured Al Pacino and Marlon Brando among others. Duvall was a master of subtlety as an Irishman among Italians, rarely at the center of a scene, but often listening and advising in the background, an irreplaceable thread through the saga of the Corleone crime family.

“Stars and Italians alike depend on his e ciency, his tidying up around their grand gestures, his being the perfect shortstop on a team of personality sluggers,” wrote the critic David Thomson. “Was there ever a role better designed for its actor than that of Tom Hagen in both parts of ‘The Godfather?’”

Actor Robert Duvall arrives for the screening of the lm “We Own the Night” at the 60th International lm festival in Cannes, France, on May 25, 2007.

In another Coppola lm, “Apocalypse Now,” Duvall was wildly out front, the embodiment of deranged masculinity as Lieutenant Colonel Bill Kilgore, who with equal vigor enjoyed sur ng and bombing raids on the Viet Cong. Duvall required few takes for one of the most famous passages in movie history, barked out on the battle eld by a bare-chested, cavalry-hatted Kilgore: “I love the smell of napalm in the morning. You know, one time we had a hill bombed, for 12 hours. When it was all over, I walked up. We didn’t nd one of ‘em, not one stinkin’ dink body.

“The smell, you know that gasoline smell, the whole hill. Smelled like — victory.”

Coppola once commented about Duvall: “Actors click into character at di erent times — the rst week, third week. Bobby’s hot after one or two takes.”

Former Associated Press Hollywood correspondent Bob Thomas, who died in 2014, was the primary writer of this obituary.

STATE & NATION

Police credit good Samaritan for ending a deadly shooting at Rhode Island ice rink

It appears to be a family dispute following a contentious divorce

By Kimberlee Kruesi The Associated Press

A SHOOTER unleashed a urry of bullets during a Rhode Island youth hockey game, killing two people and injuring three others, in an attack that was cut short when a spectator stepped in to help stop the tragedy, authorities said. Investigators had spoken to nearly 100 witnesses as of Monday evening as they attempt to piece together what happened early Monday afternoon inside the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, a

few miles outside Providence.

Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves said Monday that the shooter died from an apparent self-in icted gun wound, though authorities are still investigating.

Goncalves credited an unnamed “good Samaritan” who intervened, bringing the attack

“to a swift end.” She did not provide details.

It is not entirely clear what precipitated the shooting, who was targeted or why. Unveri ed video circulating on social media shows players on the ice as popping sounds are heard. Chaos quickly unfolds as players on benches dive for cover, those on the ice frantically skate toward exits and fans ee their seats.

“It appears that this was a tar-

The ‘6-7’ craze still going strong at both NBA, college basketball games

LaMelo Ball’s stature sparks the viral phenomenon as fans track speci c scores

By Cli Brunt The Associated Press

NORMAN, Okla. — LaMelo Ball has never been more popular, and it’s not because Charlotte’s 6-foot-7 star has the Hornets ghting for a playo spot. They hype is largely about his height. And Charlotte is trying to take advantage. Dictionary.com named the term “6-7” its word of the year for 2025, and the global “6-7” craze is still going strong at pro and college basketball games. Young fans, players and coaches eagerly track when teams near 67 points, and pandemonium ensues when their team hits the mark.

The Hornets and New Orleans Pelicans are among NBA teams that feature “6-7” cams during timeouts at some games.

Seth Bennett, the Hornets’ chief marketing o cer, said Charlotte’s marketing and game presentation teams started discussing a possible “6-7” cam to capitalize on the trend and Ball’s involvement in it.

“For us as a franchise, we always want to listen to our fans, and sometimes you listen to observing what they’re into, their trends and likes, and it’s a way for us to connect to that and hopefully have them connect to us in a fun way when they’re experiencing it here,” Bennett said.

The Hornets’ cam is mostly limited to kids days and weekend games so it doesn’t get old. Michael Robinson, who attended a game between the Hornets and 76ers with his 6-year- old

son, Abel, said it’s nonstop at home. Abel said he learned about it from his friends and on YouTube.

“It’s just cool,” Abel said. “It’s fun.”

The “6-7” originator can’t believe reach

The origins of the “6-7” boom are Skrilla’s 2024 song “Doot Doot (6-7).” Skrilla leaked the song without much expectation, but it exploded on TikTok last year with basketball players, including Ball and prep standout Taylen Kinney, driving its popularity.

No one is quite sure what 6-7 means, and Skrilla kept it that way when asked for a de nition.

“Everybody created their own meaning,” he told The Associated Press. “The teachers created their own meaning. The football teams created their own, the basketball (players). ‘6-7’ is global. It’s bigger than me now. So ‘6-7.’ Shout out to ‘6-7.’”

The nonsensical meme has its own hand gesture, too — ip your palms up, and alternate lifting your arms. Charlotte forward Miles Bridges made the gesture several weeks ago after hitting a 3-pointer against the Indiana Pacers.

Bridges also is 6-foot-7.

“I think that’s the team’s way of having a little fun with LaMelo anytime that they can kind of incorporate that in just to tease him a little bit, and he’s a great sport about it as well,” Bennett said.

“6-7” big on basketball courts everywhere

Fans have been on 67-point watch at games across the country. It seemed to bubble up rst

at women’s college games, including at Oklahoma. Now fans there hold up signs handed out by the school.

On Dec. 22, the Sooners led North Carolina Central 64 -29 in the closing seconds of the rst half. When Aaliyah Chavez drained a 3-pointer at the buzzer, fans went wild.

Oklahoma center Raegan Beers said the team enjoyed giving the fans that moment.

“That’s why I love this game (with the kids),” she said. “I know a lot of us love this game here, just to have that energy in the building, and obviously lean into what’s trending at the moment, which is 6-7, whatever that means. And so it was so much fun to have that moment

and just let the kids enjoy it.”

Daniel Durbin, director of Southern California’s Annenberg Institute of Sports, Media and Society, attended USC’s women’s basketball game against Rutgers on Feb. 1 and witnessed the phenomenon rst hand. He noted that the DJ even announced the possibility. The Trojans missed two free throws at 66, building the anticipation. When Yakiya Milton made a free throw that pushed the score to 67, the crowd erupted into what Durbin called the loudest cheer of the game.

Durbin said it falls under the long history of arbitrary sports traditions fans have created to feel more connected to the action.

geted event, that it may be a family dispute,” she said. Authorities said both people who died were adults but have not released the identities of the victims. Goncalves identi ed the shooter as Robert Dorgan, who she said also went by the name Roberta Esposito, who was born in 1969.

Monday’s shooting came nearly two months after Rhode Island was rocked by a shooting at Brown University that left two students dead and wounded nine others, as well as a Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor. Authorities later found Claudio Neves Valente, 48, dead from a self-in icted gunshot wound at a New Hampshire storage facility.

“Our state is grieving again,” Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee said in a statement. “As governor, a parent, and a former coach, my heart breaks for the victims, families, students, and everyone impacted by the devastating shooting at Lynch Arena in Pawtucket.”

“Think of all the superstitions fans have during games, rituals that they enact to ‘help’ the team win,” he said. “As fans walk across the street to USC football games, most of them kick the base of a certain lamppost. Why? It makes them part of the game. They are enacting a meaningless ritual many USC fans perform for ‘luck.’”

Adults doing it too

Even the coaches are in on it. On Maryland’s annual Field Trip Day game, Terrapins coach Brenda Frese wore a jersey with the number 67 on it before tipo . LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey did the hand gesture while on the big screen during a win over Morgan State, drawing an eruption from the home crowd and laughter from her players.

Mulkey said her grandson got upset with her after a game because LSU skipped 67 points and went straight to 68.

TCU’s women beat Baylor 83-67 on Feb. 12, and Olivia Miles scored 40 points and Marta Suarez scored 27 — a combined 67. With the two at his side in the postgame media session, Horned Frogs coach Mark Campbell got sucked in.

“For a duo, I’ve never been a part of a duo that scored 67 points in one game,” he said.

As Miles did the hand gesture and Suarez laughed, Campbell pointed at Miles and said, “That’s crazy. ‘6-7,’” as he added the hand gesture.

The trend has impacted the game on the court at times too. After Maryland took a 64-18 lead against Central Connecticut State in December, the Terps attempted ve straight 3-pointers before Yarden Garzon nally made one to give Maryland exactly 67 points. The craze is perplexing to parents, but Bennett said the Hornets have embraced it to bring joy to young people.

“Overall, it’s been positive,” he said. “No way to make a negative out of something that’s just really nothing attached to it, just fun.”