Nick Wicker of Strickland Hardee, PLLC, presented the audit report summary for fiscal year 2024-25. He declared it a clean audit, which means a business’s financial statements accurately represent its financial position and comply with accounting standards. Since the previous audit,
the Town’s Governmental Fund Balance increased $1,436,401 over fiscal year 2023-2024. Other governmental funds also increased, leading to a total of $1,751,585. The Fund Balance increased $1,751,585 to $8,145,905. Of that amount, by North Carolina law 40 percent must be kept in reserve, leaving $5,304,365 available to be used. Governmental expendi-
COMPILed By CaROL BROOKs
GOLF COURSE
The front 9 of the Jamestown Park Golf Course and Driving Range have reopened after the recent ice and snowstorms.
LEAVES
Loose leaf pickup ends Feb. 20.
EARLY VOTING
Early voting for the 2026 Primary Election is open through Feb. 28 in the Civic Center at Jamestown Town Hall, 301 E. Main St. Most locations are open 8 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday hours differ.
NOTICE OF INFORMAL GATHERING
Members of the Jamestown Town Council will be attending training on Essentials of Municipal Government hosted by the UNC School of Government Feb. 19-20 at the Colonnade at Revolution Mill in Greensboro.
BLOOD DRIVE
Winter weather has affected blood donations and more blood is needed.
The American Red Cross will hold a Blood Drive March 4 from 2-6 p.m. at the Ragsdale Family YMCA, 900 Bonner Dr., Jamestown. For an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Have an event that you think needs to be included in About Town? Email Norma B. Dennis at ndworddesign@gmail.com or Carol Brooks at cab1hp@gmail.com
tures were $9,100,114.
The General Fund increased $1,436,401.
The Water-Sewer fund increased $1,887,374 to $28,686,020. Expenses showed an increase of $743,614 over the previous fiscal year.
“I think we should really celebrate the hard effort that Faith [Wilson, financial officer] and her team are doing here,” Wicker said. “Going through an audit is not fun.”
“I believe Faith worked Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve to ensure we had a clean [audit], said Councilmember Pam Burgess. “I wanted to say thank you.” Wilson received applause from the entire Council.
Councilmember Jim Westmoreland noted one of the handouts received, the Annual Comprehensive Financial report, contains items that apply to
the upcoming budget discussions.
“I was interested in the top 10 property taxpayers in the community from 2025 versus 2016 and see how things have changed,” he said. “I can see the developments out there and what’s taking place.”
Sheriff’s Report
Deputy Rogers reported the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office received 177
calls for service in Jamestown in January. Of those calls, 96 were self-initiated, 25 were traffic stops with an average response time of just under six minutes. Three thefts – two at the Shell station, one at Second Chance Closet – one assault, three frauds, two controlled substance violations and seven non-criminal cases, including an
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men arrive at JeS to celebrate and encourage students
By nORMa B. dennIs FreeLANCe WrIter ndworddesign@gmail.com
On the morning of Feb. 8, 2024, 100 men walked through the doors of Jamestown Elementary School and received assignments of where to go to greet students as they arrived. Whether arriving by car, bus or walking all students were greeted with enthusiasm.
The men included parents, businessmen, a librarian, athletes, college students, deputies and firefighters.
The special occasion was in honor of the 100th day of school and had been coordinated by Rhonda Sepulveda, a member of office support at the school.
“I saw this online at a school in Georgia and brought the idea up to our principal (Christa DiBonaventure),” Sepulveda said. “We felt this was a good way to celebrate the 100th day of school and promote positive male presence within the school community.”
With only a week to plan, two parents helped contact participants and sponsors, and the event proved to be a huge success. So much so, that the school has named it Men on a Mission and continued the tradition each year since.
Going above and beyond to help resident
By CaROL BROOKs
FreeLANCe WrIter
cab1hp@gmail.com
“A lot of us feel like sometimes we want to do something when we see something going on,” said Councilmember Jim Gibson. “We don’t always do that extra step to actually do it. Sometimes maybe the situation is very difficult. We come across things and are not really sure if we want to be a part of that even though we know we need to.
“One of our town employees took that step forward to reach out and help somebody. They went above and beyond that.
“Casey Martin works in code enforcement for the Town and was patrolling. He came across an individual that was not in very good shape — an unhoused person who had a difficult encounter with people. A lot of us would see that and think not to get involved.”
Martin called 911 and took the time to stay with the individual
and talked with him. The man was having some very difficult times in life and he shared some personal and concerning things with Martin. Martin stayed with him until the ambulance came and took him to the hospital. “I just want to say, on behalf of the Town, I appreciate you, Casey, taking the time to do that,” Gibson said. “A lot of us would like to think we would [help] but you did it. I thank you for that.”
Gibson presented Martin with a certificate of recognition of “going above and beyond the
duties of code enforcement officer by ensuring the safety and wellbeing of a community member through prompt action, compassion and professionalism.” Martin, an employee of Alliance Code Enforcement, has been working with the Town on code enforcement since July 2025. His duties include noting violations ranging from junked vehicles, tall grass, minimum housing violations and everything in between.
The Town of Jamestown has contracted with Alliance for code enforcement and Martin is not employed by the Town.
The school’s mission statement about Men on a Mission is long, but details exactly why the event is much more that just a celebration of 100 days of school.
“The purpose is to promote positive school-community engagement by inviting 100 men from diverse career backgrounds to our elementary
Fire Department offers annual report
By CaROL BROOKs FreeLANCe WrIter cab1hp@gmail.com
The Pinecroft Sedgefield Fire District covers several locations in Guilford County. Jamestown’s Fire Station No. 46 is just one of five stations in the district, which includes Mackay Road (23), Bishop Road (24), Coltrane Mill (25) and Vickrey Chapel (22). The local station, No. 46, is staffed by one captain, two firefighters and several resident firefighters who are cadets at GTCC’s training class.
Fire Chief Derek Carson noted that PSFD is still ISO Class 2 and has been so for several years. The Insurance Services Office evaluates four major areas: fire department effectiveness, emergency communications systems, water supply, and community risk reduction. It is meant to evaluate a fire department's ability to protect the community.
To make the column work, you need to participate. email ndworddesign@gmail.com with your observations of a person or group being helpful to others. norma dennis will print them on the fourth Wednesday of each month.
From the time Station 46 receives the call to the time the engine pulls out, an average of 1:44 minutes elapsed last year. That is 0:12 seconds faster than the average in 2024.
“Most times it’s a lot less than that,” Carson said. “The benchmark is 2 minutes. Travel time to the incident was 3:50 minutes, 0:06 seconds faster than 2024. Quick response time is important
3
(at left) Ready for a snack. (Center) drawings were held to present participants with prizes. (at right) greeting students was only part of the fun.
Photos submitted
Rhonda sepulveda, center, wearing 100 days of school shirt, is surrounded by many of the men who participated in the Men on Mission to celebrate students at Jamestown elementary school.
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Photo by Carol Brooks
Left to right, Councilmembers Jim Westmoreland and Jim gibson, Casey Martin, Councilmember Pam Burgess and Mayor susan dickenson.
Photo by Carol Brooks Jamestown station 46 engine.
From The Front
Public comments from town council meeting feb. 10
COMPIL ed By Ca ROL B ROOK s
Stan Calvarese again stated his objection to the rezoning request for property along West Main Street.
“I’ve lived in the area for 20 years and seen the traffic pattern increase and decrease. If you go ahead with the proposed zoning it will hurt the traffic in that area and make it really busy. I can see the land from my house. Right now there’s a little traffic jam at [Jamestown Elementary School in the mornings and afternoon]. The other day I counted 50 cars going past my house on Forestdale from the school. If we don’t reject the proposed rezoning it will cause really bad traffic. The bypass eliminated a lot of traffic but if we add 132 units, there’s going to be kids going to that school and a lot more traffic. It’s going to impact Jamestown adversely. I like to see the environment stay the way it is. The people that [will] live there, I don’t know how they could live there and hear trains every four hours. I’ve heard them in the middle of the night just like it’s right outside my front window. It’s real loud. And I hear a lot of ambulances go by. The people who [will] live there won’t have peace and quiet. I’m for the Planning Board and they rejected the rezoning.
John Spillman praised the Town for clearing the snow from the streets.
“Our neighborhood in Whittington Hall got all the snow removed and scraped at least a day before my office building off a main thoroughfare in Greensboro. I was so grateful for the work the Public Works people here do that I felt compelled to be here. I look back at all the services we get as a Jamestown resident … I pay more taxes in Greensboro for my building than I do here and I get less service [there].
Spillman also praised
Town Manager Matthew Johnson.
“I am grateful for the leadership you have done in hiring Matt Johnson. I’ve got to witness Matt firsthand in Rotary as he served as club president, as he’s run one of the most important projects in our district conference and other projects. I’ve seen in him the great integrity, creativity and problem solving he’s had. I appreciate all you guys do and keep up the good work.”
Dr. Ray Pifer also praised the Town.
“I’ve lived here 30 years and I say, ‘Let Jamestown be Jamestown.’ This is a vibrant community. It’s a destination spot for the whole Triad. We’ve had the best restaurants. The reason why it is what it is is because there has been a continuance of excellence in management of the town. We’re the first community in the area that had brick sidewalks. An expense, but it’s something that sets us apart. We’re the only town in the area that has Lydia’s Tunnel, which is kind of suspenseful but it’s a showplace-type thing. We just have so many neat things. I think the leadership we’ve had, councilmembers and mayor — you’re running a top-notch community. ‘Let Jamestown be Jamestown’ — let’s have the same continued progress that we’ve seen over the past 30 years that I’ve lived here. Thank you workers, all the retired workers and the people who are no longer councilmembers or mayors who have overseen this fantastic community.”
Carol Brooks for Charles Womack, publisher of the Jamestown News
“I’d like to read a statement from Charles Womack, who couldn’t be here, in reference to the upcoming discussion tonight regarding the publication of legal notices for the Town.”
Mr. Womack writes, “Thank you for the opportunity to speak tonight about an issue that goes to the heart of transparent government, civic engagement, and the legal integrity of your public process — the publication of public hearing notices in our local weekly newspaper, the Jamestown News
“Public notices are not
just a statutory requirement — they are a covenant between local government and the citizens you serve. They ensure that every resident, taxpayer, business owner, and property holder has fair warning when decisions are being considered that may affect their property, taxes, zoning, schools, infrastructure, or quality of life.
"Publishing those notices in the Jamestown News is critically important for several reasons.
“First, reach and accessibility. While digital platforms are valuable tools, they are not universal.
“A significant portion of Jamestown’s population — particularly longtime residents — still rely on print newspapers as their primary and most trusted source of local information.
“According to U.S. Census demographic data, the median age in Jamestown is approximately in the lowto-mid 40s, notably higher than the national median. Newspaper readership studies consistently show the strongest engagement among adults 45 and older — the very residents most likely to vote in municipal elections, attend hearings, and own property impacted by council decisions.
“Second, legal defensibility. Courts across the country have repeatedly upheld print newspaper publication as the gold standard for public notice because it provides a fixed, archived, third-party record. Social media posts, websites, and email blasts can be edited, deleted, or missed entirely. A newspaper notice creates an independent, timestamped record that protects the town from legal challenges claiming inadequate notification.”
Womack’s statement was cut short due the three-minute time limit for speakers. The remainder is printed below. The Town Council received the entire statement.
“Third, equity and inclusion. Not every resident has reliable broadband access, uses social media, or regularly visits municipal websites. Seniors, lower-income households, and some rural residents can be unintentionally excluded from digital-only notice strategies. The weekly
newspaper remains one of the most equitable ways to ensure broad, nondiscriminatory dissemination of public information.
“Fourth, local economic sustainability. The Jamestown News is not just a publication — it is a civic institution. Public notice revenue helps sustain local journalism that covers your meetings, reports on town projects, highlights local businesses, and preserves the historical record of this community. When municipalities keep notices local, they reinvest public dollars back into the local information ecosystem.
““Fifth, engagement quality. Print notices often drive deeper civic participation. Residents who see a notice in the context of other local reporting – stories about development, schools, or transportation — gain fuller understanding and are more likely to engage constructively rather than react after decisions are made.
“In short, publishing public hearing notices in the Jamestown News ensures:
• Maximum community awareness
• Legal protection for the town
• Equal access to information
• Support for local journalism
• Stronger civic participation
“Transparent government is not just about making information available — it is about making it visible, accessible, and permanent.
“I urge the Council to continue — and prioritize — the use of the Jamestown News as the official vehicle for public hearing notices. Doing so honors both the letter of public notice law and the spirit of open, accountable local government.
“Thank you for your time and for your service to the citizens of Jamestown.
Cookie Billings, former finance officer, assistant manager and town manager, offered a history of the positive growth and development in Jamestown.
“I’m qualified to address the growth and our community and the why and how.
“Jamestown was incorporated in 1947 to foster
growth for the future — a sense of the future potential of Jamestown.
“I served Jamestown for 24 years, I own a home and lived in Jamestown for 28 years. I’ve read all the first Council minute books.
“I interviewed the first mayor, Tom Ragsdale Sr., and the first town manager, Charlie Turner, about the whys and hows of the incorporation of the town.
“1905-1921, my grandmother grew up in Jamestown and when I began to work for Jamestown, she began to tell me all kinds of stories. She talked about seeing the school finished. She talked about catching the train at the depot.
“Jump to the 1940s. Jamestown consisted of a large cotton mill, farm and hunting preserve. A beautiful school serving all grades and scattered houses, mainly living off Main Street, which people referred to as the High Point Road, missing the fact that Jamestown was the center, not just the trail to High Point.
“Leaders like Tom Ragsdale Sr. and Bow Stafford saw World War II soldiers coming back to the States to start baby booming and observed a sense of the future potential for this area. These gentlemen and other residents owned land to develop and saw great potential to build the small community. They could incorporate, become eligible to tax property, incur bonded debt for the town and apply for federal and state grants. Accomplishing these steps, they began to lay water and sewer lines that enabled these leaders to develop the first neighborhoods in Jamestown with all of the community benefiting from growth, services and eventually great things like a very profitable ABC store, which funded the Town Hall, streets, curb and guttering, paid off bonded debt and gave the town the ability to grow a better community with greater services.
“Through the wisdom of past leaders, our ETJ held on to valuable land that was destined to be developed. I met often with the landowners Bill and Ted Johnson as they planned positive growth.”
n.C. Senate Michael Garrett - District 27 Email: Michael.Garrett@ncleg.gov Phone: (919) 733-5856
GUilford Co. Alan Perdue - District 2 Email: aperdue@guilfordcountync.gov Phone: (336)
The 18th Annual Hamil Kerr Challenge Bike/Run/ Walk will be held April 11 at High Point City Lake Park, 602 W. Main Street, Jamestown. Registration includes lunch and choice of 55- 40and 25-mile bike rides, a 5K run and family/friends walk. Check in time is 9 a.m. and riders leave at 10 a.m. Activities will conclude with a cookout for participants. The Hamil family donates all the burgers and hot dogs and supports the event financially. The Kerr family volunteers and serves on the board. Proceeds benefit those with Parkinson’s, Progressive Supra-Nuclear Palsy
and Multiple System Atrophy. The goal this year is $60,000.
A rain date of April 18 will be held at Jamestown Presbyterian Church, 1804 Guilford College Road.
Preregistration fee by March 31 is $40. After March 31 registration is $45. To participate or sponsor, go to www. hamilkerrchallenge.com
From THe FronT
Reddick wins 500 with late race charge
By R U sse LL sCHMI dT rACIN' WI th rUSS
This year’s 68th edition of the Daytona 500 saw Tyler Reddick wheel his Toyota with a very late race zip (last lap) to the lead and win over Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Joey Logano.
A sold out crowd watched the early laps with much anticipation to root their favorites on to victory. NASCAR officials were smart enough to keep a close eye on the weather, changing the start time to an hour earlier for the annual Great American Race.
The big race started on a bright sunny day as pole sitter Kyle Busch and John Hunter Nemechek swapped the lead for nearly 20 laps.
Zane Smith nailed down his first stage win of the season enjoying a good day for a change. Through the many lead changes on the day (66 among 26 drivers) were numerous laps led by Bubba Wallace including winning the second stage.
The bulk of the rest of the laps in this one were slowed up by a 20-car incident on lap 125. Many of the cars were bent up, but not out of the race. Among the 20 drivers involved were big names like Kyle Larson, Stenhouse and Denny Hamlin just to name a few.
Wallace, Christopher Bell and Chris Buescher were all top runners for the final laps until Reddick popped up with a healthy push from teammate Riley Herbst to claim his ninth Cup victory. Others in the top five included Chase Elliott and the
recovering Brad Keselowski.
Pole sitter Busch, while among the leaders for much of the race, fell back into mid-pack to finish the day in 15th. Other popular drivers with disappointing outings included Alex Bowman (40th), Justin Allgaier (38th), Austin Dillon (37th), Chase Briscoe (36th), Bell (35th), Austin Cindric, Conner Zilisch and Hamlin among several others with a bad day.
Hill wins O’Reilly Auto Parts Daytona race
For the third consecutive year, the No. 21 Chevy driven by Austin Hill drove away with the checkers in dominating fashion. He led 78 out of 120 laps, including winning both stages.
The United Rentals 300 started with Hill out front for a bit before the first caution flag flew for a five-car incident involving Anthony Alfredo and Mason Maggio among others.
Back to action where Hill and teammate
Jesse Love led the pack, yet Hill won the stage.
On to the second stage right after a big mess on lap 93 saw the eight-car event create a red flag for 13 minutes during clean-up.
Green flag flew and no sooner did the next wreck occur, the biggest of the race.
An 11-car mess in turn 3 involved Corey Day, Jeb Burton and William Sawalich among several others.
After repairs, the green flag waved with Love leading, but Hill was not done taking
down his teammate from the point. Hill led the final six laps by less than a second over Justin Allgaier, Ryan Sieg, Jordan Anderson and Sammy Smith.
Smith tops Daytona trucker
Chandler Smith won the Fresh From Florida 250 over the weekend with Gio Ruggiero and Christian Eckes next in line across the stripe.
The Friday night race started under clear skies and pleasant temps as Michael McDowell and Carson Hocevar traded the top spot often. Cleetus McFarland was the race’s first incident on lap 6. The popular driver was disappointed with his performance and looked forward to returning.
Hocevar drove with his usual aggressive style, winning the first stage over Tanner Gray and Eckes. Chandler Smith took over for a while before Gray, McDowell and Kaden Honeycutt took turns.
In the final laps, Hocevar crashed out leaving the door open for winner Smith.
Mini’s Corner
I’m going to start to leave space to follow the path of NASCAR’s newest young star and winner of the reality show, “Ram: Race for the Seat,” Mini Tyrrell (21 years old).
I met this young driver when he was racing a late model at Shenandoah Speedway while a track announcer. He competed at the track on a regular basis, winning several late model races, often in convincing style.
Support local girls in entrepreneurship and win a year’s supply of Girl Scout Cookies
Four lucky community members across western and central North Carolina can win a year’s supply of Girl Scout Cookies by participating in the “Buy 5” program through the local Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont (GSCP2P) council through March 1.
Any customer who purchases five packages of Girl Scout Cookies in a single transaction can have their name entered in a drawing to win a year’s supply of their favorite Girl Scout Cookies, a total of 52 packages.
“Our council is excited to bring back the ‘Buy 5’ incentive for the 2026 Girl Scout Cookie Program,” said Alexis Braca, Director of Product Program at GSCP2P. “These tools are helping local girls learn entrepreneurial skills and unbox the future
by achieving their goals, and it’s an exciting way that we get to engage with our communities.”
Multiple entries are accepted, and a customer will receive one entry for every five packages purchased.
The drawings will be held in March, and winners will be contacted by the council to arrange for pick up.
Customers who place orders online are automatically entered into the “Buy 5” drawing. Customers who purchase in person should ask the Girl Scout to be entered into the drawing digitally or through paper entry.
GSCP2P will have one drawing at each of its four service centers in Asheville, Hickory, Gastonia and Greensboro. Winners are responsible for picking up their cookies from their nearest service center. All 52 packages will be awarded at once,
and the winner can choose the cookie varieties.
Joining this year’s lineup are the Exploremores, a rocky road ice cream-inspired sandwich cookie. Filled with delicious flavors of chocolate, marshmallow and toasted almond–flavored crème, Exploremores reflect the spirit of exploration at the heart of every Girl Scout.
The Girl Scout Cookie Program teaches five skills including goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills and business ethics. It also helps these local entrepreneurs to fund their next ambition throughout the year like local field trips, summer camp, community service projects and even international travel.
In 2025, GSCP2P Girl Scouts sold over 1.3 million packages of Girl Scout Cookies through Walk-About
Rev I e W
Co N t INU e D F ro M F ro N t
Week, cookie booth sales and their e-commerce websites. All the net revenue raised through the Girl Scout Cookie Program stays with the local council and troops.
Community members can support local Girl Scouts by locating a cookie booth in their area by ZIP code or digitally through their e-commerce website: https://www.girlscoutsp2p.org/en/cookies.html.
Life’s more fun when you explore more! All girls in grades K-12 and adult volunteers can unbox the future with Girl Scouts by joining the world’s largest girl-led organization at www.BeAGirlScout.org/join. All girls in rising grades 2-12 are also invited to Explore More Summer Camp with GSCP2P at bit.ly/ gscp2psummercamp.
injured deer and vandalism.
“Compared to other districts, Jamestown is on the lower end of call volume,” Rogers said. “Sedgefield is the second highest, behind Pleasant Garden.
“Fraud cases continue to rise. We’ve seen a spike in recent years. We always recommend to be wary of random text messages. Don’t click on unknown links. Real companies will not ask you to pay with Bitcoin or ATMS at a gas station.”
Flag Retirement Drop Box
Lacy Skelton has asked if she could construct a Flag Retirement Drop Box to earn her silver award from the Girl Scouts. According to www.girlscouts.org, “Cadettes earn the Silver Award by researching an issue, making a plan to address it, and then taking action to improve their communities.”
“The Silver Award is the highest achievement for Girl Scout Cadettes and requires girls to work as a team to identify a community need and create a sustainable solution,” said Scott Coakley, Parks & Recreation Director. “Each Scout contributes a minimum of 50 hours planning, leading and completing a project that makes a lasting impact. It emphasizes leadership, teamwork and community involvement with the Girl Scout taking the primary responsibility for organizing and carrying out her project.”
The Flag Retirement Drop Box would be located in Wrenn Miller Park, probably near the veterans memorial. Worn and damaged American flags are accepted. They then go to the Boy Scouts for proper retirement. The U.S. Flag Code states, “When a flag is so
tattered that it can no longer serve as a symbol of the United States, it should be destroyed in a dignified manner, preferably by burning.”
The Town of Jamestown will construct a concrete pad for the drop box.
Council received Skelton’s proposal and design and unanimously approved the project. Councilmember Sarah Glanville was absent.
Manager’s Report
Town Manager Matthew Johnson noted the recent ice and snowstorms delayed bulk pickup. He thanked the crews that cleaned the roads. The Town has nine plows available for snow removal.
The Council’s Feb. 13 special meeting was rescheduled to March 12 at 6 p.m. It is a legislative agenda featuring the Town’s lobbyist. Council will also hear an update on the D.R. Horton development.
Legal Notice Publication
For many years, when the Town needs to publish requests for public hearings, budget proposals, zoning meetings, etc., a notice was placed in the Jamestown News and sometimes the High Point Enterprise. These are called legal notices.
In his quest to lower costs for the town, Councilmember Westmoreland learned that there were three options for the notices, not all in newspapers.
“State law requires that certain issues be advertised in a newspaper of general circulation in our jurisdiction,” said Town Manager Johnson. “Historically the Town has utilized Jamestown News for those notices. We like to support our local businesses.”
Town Clerk Katie McBride noticed
a large difference in the cost of a recent ad in both papers.
“Mr. [Charles] Womack, publisher of the Jamestown News was contacted and [said he had] the ability to bring those costs down,” Johnson said. “We appreciate that approach.”
There are several options for legal ad publication, he said. “The 2017 General Assembly allows legal notices to be published on websites. Session Law 2017-219 authorizes Guilford County and municipalities that are wholly or partially within the county to publish required legal notices electronically rather than relying solely on newspaper publication.”
Johnson noted the Town does not have a webmaster to do this but the Town could contract with Guilford County to post the Town’s legal notices on their website.
He also said there is a requirement that the Town must run a paid advertisement monthly for one year in the newspaper for readers to go to the new online website to find the ads.
The second option Johnson proposed was to continue the current process of using the Jamestown News
The third option is a hybrid, using both print and online advertising.
After discussion, the Council unanimously voted to continue advertising in the Jamestown News
(See Womack’s comments in the public comments article in this newspaper.)
The Town Council meetings may be viewed live at www.youtube.com/c/ TownofJamestownNC. Click on “live.” They are also available after the meetings.
So, he wins the recent reality show shown on TV across the globe giving him among other things a full-time Craftsman Truck ride for the current season. The truck race was Friday where Tyrrell took an impressive 19th finishing spot, despite issues along the way.
If that doesn’t spin your head around, ARCA team standout Cook Racing hired Tyrrell to campaign their ARCA car, starting now. He had a rough outing at Daytona with the ARCA car, but is looking forward to rebounding this week at Atlanta.
QUIK BITS...
Well, I knew I’d write this someday. It appears seven-time NASCAR Cup Champion Jimmie Johnson just announced the 2027 Daytona 500 will be the California drivers final Cup competition. That leaves the door open for a myriad of other racing opportunities, but for now, the 50- year-old champ will cruise into retirement. I’d say, he’s had a very good run! From Rumorville It sounds as if Ty Dillon has been tapped to drive the Ram truck at the next venue in Atlanta. He claims, “It will be a tough act to follow,” referring to replacing Tony Stewart in the last race.
That’s it for this week. Full NASCAR news from Atlanta next week and other racing concerns from around the globe.
If you have questions or comments, contact Russ at racinwithruss@gmail.com
school campus. Our goal is to provide visible encouragement, positive role modeling and support for students while commemorating the 100th day of school.
“This initiative aligns with district goals fostering inclusive partnerships, student wellbeing and a supportive learning environment.”
Winter weather that kept schools closed for days meant the 2026 100 Day celebration had to be rescheduled three times. Many men who had planned to come were not able to attend due to the scheduling delay.
“We thought about canceling it but our principal decided to just go with how many men showed up,” Sepulveda said.
Sepulveda noted that the first year the school held the event she saw one parent in tears at the sight of all the men who came to participate.
“This year we only had about 50 men, but another parent told me this might have been the best celebration yet because so many men had to rearrange their schedules and still showed up in great numbers,” Sepulveda said. “Some were a little late, but came anyway.”
After students went to their classrooms, the men were treated to a light breakfast. There were also raffle drawings and prizes given to the participants.
“We appreciate all the men who took time to come make this a special day for our students,” Sepulveda said. “We also want to thank the many individuals, groups and organizations who supported this endeavor by providing food and gifts.”
As for the students, it is hoped that the encouragement shown by so many men will propel them into a strong finish to the 2026 school year.
in fire situations. Of the 3,905 total calls for service in the district, 636 were in the Jamestown area, 126 fewer than in 2024. Of those calls, 358 were medical incidents, 28 were fire incidents, 77 were fire alarms, 32 were motor vehicle accidents, and 141 were service/good intent/false alarms.
Property value exposed to fire totaled $2,577,500 but only $58,500 was lost to fire, meaning $2,519,000 in property value was saved.
“That’s 98 percent saved,” Carson said.
At the annual awards banquet, crews from Station 46 in Jamestown received a Medical Life Saves award for 2025. The award is presented to department members directly responsible for the use of any authorized medical act that results in the saving of a life. The patient must have been pulseless with no respirations as the department arrived but released to a hospital emergency department with a pulse and breathing.
But firefighting is only one of the activities at the station.
In 2025 firefighters presented 27 fire prevention and public education programs to 7,373 adults and children and installed 32 smoke alarms or batteries.
District-wide, 1,009 classes were offered with 14,331 total staff training hours at the five stations. Carson was grateful to the fire training program at GTCC.
“The more GTCC puts into training, the less we have to do,” he said.
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE
FILE NUMBER: 25SP001669-400
Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a Deed of Trust executed by ANDREW SCOTT HALBERT AND BROGAN HALBERT dated July 28, 2020 in the amount of $237,500.00 and recorded in Book R 8310, Page 590 of the Guilford 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 Official Records of Guilford County, North Carolina, in Book R 8983, Page 2204, and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door in Guilford 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 Guilford, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER(S): 134320 ADDRESS: 1803 WHITELEY PL GREENSBORO, NC 27406 PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): ANDREW SCOTT HALBERT AND BROGAN HALBERT THE LAND DESCRIBED HEREIN IS SITUATED IN THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, COUNTY OF GUILFORD, AND IS DESCRIBED IN DEED BOOK R 8310, PAGE 590, AS FOLLOWS: ALL THAT CERTAIN LOT OR PARCEL OF LAND SITUATED IN GUILFORD COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA AND MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEING ALL OF LOTS 104 AND 105, SECTION 3 OF THE SUBDIVISION KNOWN AS LYNWOOD LAKES, A PLAT OF WHICH IS RECORDED IN THE OFFICE OF THE REGISTER OF DEEDS OF GUILFORD COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA IN PLAT BOOK 28 AT PAGE 92. SUBJECT TO DEED RESTRICTIONS, CONTAINED IN BOOK 1901 PAGE 670 GUILFORD REGISTRY. THE SUBJECT PROPERTY IS THE SAME AS THAT PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN DEED BOOK 3814, PAGE 121, GUILFORD COUNTY REGISTRY AND IS FURTHER DESIGNATED AS TAX PARCEL IDENTIFIER NUMBER 0134320 ON THE GUILFORD COUNTY TAX MAPS.
Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1).
The property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale.
If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.
Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including SingleFamily Residential Real Property: An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.
Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.
THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT
COLLECTOR. THE PURPOSE OF THIS COMMUNICATION IS TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE, except as stated below in the instance of bankruptcy
protection. IF YOU ARE UNDER THE PROTECTION OF THE BANKRUPTCY COURT OR HAVE BEEN DISCHARGED AS A RESULT OF A BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDING, THIS NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU PURSUANT TO STATUTORY REQUIREMENT AND FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND IS NOT INTENDED AS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT OR AS AN ACT TO COLLECT, ASSESS, OR RECOVER ALL OR ANY PORTION OF THE DEBT FROM YOU PERSONALLY.
Attorneys for the Substitute Trustee 13010 Morris Rd., Suite 450 Alpharetta, GA 30004
Telephone: (470) 321-7112
Feb. 11, 18, 2026
BCNS RAS C/O Better Choice Notice Solutions, Inc. 9035 Wadsworth Pkwy Suite 2720 Westminster, CO 80021
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION GUILFORD COUNTY BEFORE THE CLERK 25SP001584-400
IN RE:
FORECLOSURE OF A CLAIM OF LIEN HELD BY REEDY FORK RANCH OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. FOR PAST DUE ASSESSMENTS ON 4427 REEDY FORK PARKWAY, GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA 27405
WHICH PROPERTY IS TITLED TO WILLIAM H. SPANGENBERG, JR.
Under and by virtue of the power of sale and authority contained in that certain Declaration for Reedy Fork Ranch Owners Association, Inc. and recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Guilford County, North Carolina in Book 5580, Page 0518, and because of default in the payment of the indebtedness thereby secured and pursuant to the demand of the owner and holder of the indebtedness secured by Claim of Lien 25M001526-400 and pursuant to an Order entered by the Clerk of the Superior Court for Guilford County, North Carolina, entered in this foreclosure proceeding, the undersigned Trustee will expose for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash at the usual place of sale in the Courthouse of Guilford County, in the City of Greensboro, North Carolina at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2026, all that certain lot or parcel of real estate, including all improvements and fixtures located thereon, situated, lying and being known as 4427 REEDY FORK PARKWAY, GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA 27405, more particularly described on Exhibit “A” attached hereto.
EXHIBIT A
BEING KNOWN AND DESIGNATED AS LOT I-14, AS SHOWN ON THE PLAT OF SOUTH VILLAGE PLACE AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 164, PAGE 90, IN THE OFFICE OF THE REGISTER OF DEEDS OF GUILFORD COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, TO WHICH REFERENCE IS HEREBY MADE FOR A MORE PARTICULAR DESCRIPTION. (4427 REEDY
The present record owner of the property is William H. Spangenberg, Jr.
The terms of the sale are that the property will be sold for cash to the highest bidder and a cash deposit not to exceed the greater of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid, or Seven Hundred and Fifty Dollars ($750.00) may be required at the time of the sale. The property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “As Is, Where Is”. Neither the Trustee nor the owner and holder of the indebtedness make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such conditions are expressly disclaimed. The property will be sold subject to restriction and easements of record, any unpaid taxes, prior liens and special assessments, any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure, and any tax required to be paid by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). The sale will be held open for ten days for upset bids as required by law.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of 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 on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days’ written notice to the landlord. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.
Issued the 22nd day of January, 2026.
Higgins Benjamin PLLC
William P. Benjamin, Esq., NC Bar #12614
Scott H. Dunnagan, Esq., NC Bar #38137
Trustees of the Foreclosure
301 N. Elm Street, Suite 800 Greensboro, NC 27401
Tel: (336) 273-1600
Feb. 11, 18, 2026 (1395)
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION GUILFORD COUNTY BEFORE THE CLERK 25SP001425-400
Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Ron A. Meade and Kathy Meade (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Ron Meade and Kathy Meade) to Milestone Settlement, LLC, Trustee(s), dated April 26, 2023, and recorded in Book No. R 8723, at Page 2329 in Guilford County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds Guilford County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse, West Door U-G
Level in Greensboro, Guilford County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 10:00 AM on March 3, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Greensboro in the County of Guilford, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows:
Being all of Lot 21, Phase V, Stonegate Acres, as shown on plat recorded in Plat Book 115, page 53, Guilford County Register of Deeds. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 3605 Country Ridge Road, Greensboro, North Carolina. Parcel ID: 7876-75-9926
Commonly known as: 3605 Country Ridge Road, Greensboro, NC 27405
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 offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws.
A deposit of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale.
If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit.
Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.
Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property
An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.
Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.
NOTICE OF SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE FORECLOSURE SALE OF REAL PROPERTY
UNDER AND BY VIRTUE of the power and authority contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed and delivered by Nan H. Ganim and John K. Ganim dated February 23, 2007 and recorded on February 28, 2007, in Book R 6683 Page 2533, in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Guilford County, North Carolina; and because of default in the payment of the indebtedness secured thereby and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the Note secured by said Deed of Trust, the undersigned Goddard & Peterson, PLLC (Substitute Trustee) will offer for sale at the courthouse door in the City of Greensboro, Guilford County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, on March 5, 2026 at 2:00 PM and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the County of Guilford, North Carolina and being more particularly described in the above referenced Deed of Trust, together with all improvements located thereon:
Address of Property: 33 Kemp Road E, Greensboro, NC 27410 Tax Parcel ID: 55085
Present Record Owner: Ramona L. Ganim and Lana J. Ganim
Trustee may, in the Trustee sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. 45-21.23. Said property is sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certified funds at the time of the sale.
The real property described above is being offered for sale AS IS, WHERE IS and will be sold subject to all superior liens, unpaid taxes, and special assessments and any liens or encumbrances that would not be extinguished by non-judicial foreclosure. Neither the Substitute Trustee nor the holder of the Note secured by the Deed of Trust being foreclosed, nor the officers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representatives of either the Substitute Trustee or the holder of the Note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being offered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed.
The sale will be held open for ten (10) days for upset bids as required by law. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, and any Land Transfer Tax as required by N.C.G.S. 7A-308(a)(1). Third party, must pay the full bid amount, less any deposit that has been paid to the Substitute Trustee, immediately upon demand after the conclusion of the final upset bid period. Failure of the bidder to comply with the bid shall result in the resale of the property, with the defaulting bidder remaining liable upon their bid under the provisions of N.C.G.S. 4521-30. If the Trustee or Substitute 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 title include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the sale and reinstatement of the loan without knowledge of the Substitute Trustee(s). If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the Substitute Trustee(s), in its/their sole discretion, if it/they believe(s) the challenge to have merit, may declare the sale to be void and return the deposit.
The purchaser will have no further remedy.
Additional Notice where the Real Property is Residential with less than 15 Rental Units: An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the Clerk of Superior Court of the County in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or/after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the Notice that is at least ten (10) days, but no more than ninety (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.
Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of such termination. This is a communication from a debt collector. The purpose of this Communication is to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose, except as stated below in the instance of bankruptcy protection. If you are under the protection of the bankruptcy court or have been discharged as a result of a bankruptcy proceeding, this notice is given to you pursuant to statutory requirement and for informational purposes and is not intended as an attempt to collect a debt or as an act to collect, assess, or recover all or any portion of the debt from you personally. FN# 3016.19925 60751 Feb. 18, 25, 2026
STOX Posting
Virginia’s clownish redistricting scheme
By RICH LOWRy the r IC h Lo W ry Co LUMN
Virginia is the new Illinois. The practice of drawing partisan districts is named after Elbridge Gerry, the 19th-century Massachusetts governor. Even he might blush at the extreme gerrymander that Democrats in the commonwealth are pushing.
They want to go from a congressional delegation with 6 Democrats and 5 Republicans — broadly representing the partisan makeup of the state — to a 10-1 Democratic advantage.
In other words, purplish Virginia would have a congressional delegation that, in percentage terms, would be more Democratic than that of Illinois; Virginia’s delegation would be 90% Democratic, the Land of Lincoln’s a mere 82%.
Another way to look at it is that Virginia would be almost as purely Democratic as Mas-
sachusetts, which has a 9-0 split. Virginia is reliably Democratic in presidential elections (Kamala Harris won 51% of the vote), but it isn’t Vermont (where Harris won nearly 64%) or California (58.5%).
Prior to this year and the inauguration of new statewide officials, Virginia had a Republican governor, a Republican lieutenant governor and a Republican attorney general. The GOP held a majority in the state House as of 2023, and today is only a step behind Democrats in the state Senate, 21-19.
Yet, the substantial portion of the statewide electorate — sometimes a majority — that votes Republican will be almost completely shut out of congressional seats. And, of course, this is being done in the name of “democracy.”
Virginia’s move, which still needs to clear hurdles, is a salvo in the mid-decade redistricting wars set off by President Trump
and the GOP, beginning in Texas. It was foolhardy of the GOP to go down this road, but now Democrats in a relatively moderate state are creating a new standard for audacity.
Buoyed by their election victory last year — led at the top of the ticket by Gov. Abigail Spanberger, who is supposed to be a centrist — Democrats have tortured the map to produce the 10 presumptively Democratic seats.
One of their methods is to tap into populous, deep blue Northern Virginia to scoop up heavily Democratic voters, and then draw districts extending into less populated, Republican areas. The idea is that the Northern Virginia contingent will overwhelm the more rural voters, ensuring that they have little chance of electing a member of Congress who reflects their priorities.
In this sense, the map is not just a partisan power play, but a means of giving Northern Virgin-
ia hugely disproportionate sway over the state’s congressional delegation.
One district will reach from the inner suburb of Arlington, Virginia, all the way down to York County in the Tidewater area of Virginia, a roughly three-hour drive. For all that these areas have in common, the district might as well stretch all the way to Erie, Pennsylvania. To try to force through their map, Virginia Democrats need to maneuver around a constitutional amendment passed by voters in 2020 to create a nonpartisan districting commission, exactly to avoid the kind of outrage Democrats are now proposing. The amendment passed with 66% of the vote, a strong message from the public that it didn’t want gerrymandered districts.
TITLE: None of this is worthy of a state with one of the finest political traditions in America. Virginia Democrats tell themselves they are just responding to Texas, but Democratic states like Illinois and California were already heavily gerrymandered prior to the Lone Star state redrawing its map, and Virginia is going above and beyond in its rank partisan grubbiness.
Democratic state senator Louise Lucas crowed after Democrats produced their maps, “We said 10-1, and we meant it.” Yes, indeed, they are determined to protect democracy — Virginia voters be damned.
Democrats have now blown past procedural requirements for re-amending the Constitution to allow for their plan, and may yet get blocked by the state’s Supreme Court. The measure also has to pass in a referendum, and there’s a chance voters will reject it, although Democrats have scheduled the vote for April, when turnout is low.
rate increase for Veteran Directed Care
By FR eddy g ROves veter ANS P o S t
Veterans with very serious and complex medical conditions will see a hefty increase in the amount of money paid for their home care.
Specifically, those veterans will now have their community and home care costs covered at a rate that is 100% of what would be charged at a VA Community Living Center — a nursing home.
The benefit here is that veterans will then be able to stay home and take advantage of adult day care, skilled home health, a home health aide and Veteran Directed Care (VDC). This last is the most valuable for veterans as it targets veterans who need help with daily tasks (eating, bathing, grocery shopping, anything for daily living) and keeps them out of nursing homes.
Instead of being given staff and helpers by the VA, veterans and their families can choose who they want as care providers, including family members or friends chosen by the veteran (and respite services for the primary care provider), even
By sa M M azOTTa PAW 'S Cor N er
DEAR PAW’S CORNER: You often write about feral cat control programs like TNR (trap, neuter, return) and advocate for spaying and neutering. But, do these programs actually work? Because I still see feral cats near my neighborhood every day.
— Janine in Spring Hill, Florida
DEAR JANINE: Thank you for spotlighting feral cat programs! Yes, TNR and TNVR (trap, neuter, vaccinate, return) programs have been going on long enough that the organizations running them have collected plenty of data showing that “community cat” populations have declined and stabilized. In fact, there’s an organization in your area, Paw Warriors Inc. (pawwarriorsinc.com), that supports these efforts and maintains a no-kill shelter for abandoned cats and feral cats who can no longer fend for themselves outside.
For decades, the University of Florida and the University of Central Florida have had TNR/TNVR programs. Both reported a significant reduction in feral cat popula-
interviewing and selecting the desired staff. And those helpers are paid. Eligibility for VDC status requires that the veteran be enrolled for health care with the VA, have a VA primary care provider, meet eligibility criteria and need nursing home level services. Eligibility is not determined by specific medical conditions, but rather by the actual help and services that a veteran requires.
Veterans, if you’re in danger of needing placement in a nursing home and would rather stay home, your first step is to talk to your primary care provider at the VA. You should be directed to the Veteran Directed Care Coordinator, who will act as liaison to assist with analyzing goals and developing a plan, working out a budget, hiring helpers and monitoring the situation.
tions after the first one to two years — over 66%. Kittens were put up for adoption, and the remaining adult cats were returned to their colonies. The feral cat population remained small but stable afterward. In Washington, D.C., Alley Cat Allies, an advocacy organization formed in 1990, started a TNR program with a feral cat colony. Within seven years, the colony dropped from 54 to just six adult cats; these remaining cats lived longer, healthier lives with the last cat passing away at age 17!
The studies found that TNR/TNVR programs were highly effective even if just over half of a colony was treated. Fewer kittens were born, fewer diseases were transmitted between cats, and fewer fights took place.
When you next see a feral cat near your neighborhood, look closely to see if they have a “tipped” ear (a chunk cut out of the top). This shows that the cat was trapped and neutered or spayed, and that the colony is being monitored.
Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down and each small 9-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine.
“56 Days” (TV-MA) — Between the thrills and the steaminess that this new series brings, binge-watchers might not be able to resist it! An adaptation of Catherine Ryan Howard’s 2021 novel of the same name, “56 Days” stars two actors who got their start on Disney and Nickelodeon, respectively — Dove Cameron (“Liv and Maddie”) and Avan Jogia (“Victorious”). The steamy duo play couple Oliver and Ciara, who commenced their passionate love affair after a chance meeting at a supermarket. (What a dream!) Fifty-six days after the chance meeting, a body is found in Oliver’s apartment, which leads detectives to probe deeper
into Oliver’s life and his relationship with Ciara. All eight episodes premiere on Feb. 18. (Amazon Prime Video)
“The ‘Burbs” (TVMA) — You might remember a 1989 film called “The ‘Burbs” starring Tom Hanks, Bruce Dern and Carrie Fisher. Well, this new television series is a reimagining of that very film, with Keke Palmer (“Nope”) and Jack Whitehall (“Malice”) as the main stars. Palmer plays Samira, who takes a chance on moving to a quiet cul-de-sac that used to be her husband Rob’s (Whitehall) childhood neighborhood. As the couple settles into suburban life, Samira notices oddities surrounding an old home, which lead her to think that it’s haunt-
Salome’s Stars
WEEK OF FEB. 22, 2026
ARIES (March 21 to April 19) There could be some negative reaction to your tough stance when making a recent decision. But overall, your efforts result in well-earned recognition and all that can follow from this.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Your financial situation seems confusing, even for the fiscally savvy Bovine. Maybe it’s the conflicting advice that you’re getting. Check it out before things get too tangled to unknot.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20)
A relaxed attitude goes a long way in helping you deal with any of life’s irritants that might be popping up this week. You’re also a reassuring role model for others in the same situation.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Your aspect favors creativity, which should persuade you to work on your artistic projects. If time is a problem, prioritize your commitments so that your work isn’t compromised.
LEO (July 23 to August 22) Scrutinize all the job offers that
interest you. Most are honest and worth considering, but a few might not be completely forthcoming about what the job is and what the salary and benefits are.
VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) An unexpected snafu could delay the completion of a project that you’re eager to finish. Find out what’s causing it, fix it, and if you need help, don’t be shy about asking for it.
Good luck!
LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) An idea that could be helpful to you comes from an unlikely source. Listen to it. Discuss it. If necessary, adjust it. If it looks as if it might work out quite well, go ahead and use it.
SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Be careful about allowing someone to share a very personal secret with you. This could cause problems down the line with others who are involved in this person’s private life.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) A cooling down of a relationship could be the result of neglect — unin-
Couch Theatre
ed. With the help of bored neighbors who have nothing else to do, Samira decides to probe deeper into the old house, but she might not like where the road takes her. All eight episodes are out now to stream. (Peacock)
Strange But True
By LUCIe WInBORne
• Ever wonder where the term “jaywalker” originated? Back in the day, “jay” was slang for a foolish person. So when pedestrians ignored street signs, to their own peril, they were labeled jaywalkers. Relative to their body size, barnacles have the largest sex organs in the animal kingdom.
• During World War II, Charles Richard Drew, a Black physician, developed blood banks for military personnel. However, when he discovered that the military was separating blood donations according to race, he quit working for the Red Cross.
• Some beaches in the Maldives glow in the dark.
• If you have a daily routine, some scientists believe that your dog can tell when you’re coming home by the amount of your scent that’s left in the house.
• As astronauts spend months traveling to Mars, their eyeballs may change shape. Some scientists believe this is due to pressure from fluids that won’t drain from their
heads, thanks to low gravity.
• Ackwards is an old English dialect word for a creature lying on its back that can’t get up.
In the popular Roadrunner/Wile E. Coyote cartoons, the latter character shouldn’t have been outwitted by his desperately hunted prey, since coyotes typically outpace roadrunners by a good 23 mph.
• According to a poll of 11,000 Americans, 84% of vegetarians and vegans return to eating meat.
• When Angelfire launched in the mid-1990s, it offered medical transcription services as well as web-building tools.
Thought for the Day: “I do not know what I may appear to the world, but to myself I seem to have been only like a boy playing on the seashore, and diverting myself in now and then finding a smoother pebble or a prettier shell than ordinary, whilst the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me.” — Isaac Newton
“Urchin” (R) — Harris Dickinson (“Babygirl”), who will be playing John Lennon in the 2028 biopic film about the Beatles, decided to make his directorial debut before donning Lennon’s signature glasses. This drama
tended or not. To save it from icing over, you need to warm it up with a large dose of hot SAG-
ITTARIUS passion!
CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) This is a good time to get involved with a number of family matters that deal with money or other issues that might jeopardize the closeness between and among family members.
AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Cheer up! A difficult person who appears to be deliberately stalling your project might just need to be reassured of the value that they bring to it.
PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Good news! Expect to feel reenergized now that you’ve gone through a stressful energy-depleting period that involved a lot of changes. Now, go out there and show them what you can do!
BORN THIS WEEK: You have a warm, giving nature that inspires many to follow your example. You show all of us what it’s like to lead with love.
film premiered at the most recent Cannes Film Festival and stars Frank Dillane (“Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince”) as a homeless young man named Mike. Struggling with addiction and poverty, Mike attempts to get off the streets and find a reliable way to make a living. But with life continuing to put obstacles in the road, the immense pressure that Mike feels is enough to make even an urchin like him lose his mind. Premieres Feb. 17. (Hulu)
“Can You Keep a Secret?” (TV-14) — This sitcom features a handful of movie and television stars from across the pond, including Dawn French (“French and Saunders”),
Mark Heap (“Piglets”), and Craig Roberts (“22 Jump Street”). Loosely based on the real-life disappearance of John Darwin, the six-episode series follows retired couple Debbie (French) and William (Heap), who capitalize on an opportunity to claim life insurance after William is mistakenly pronounced dead. Although their son, Harry (Roberts), tries to persuade them to give the money back because this is, indeed, a criminal activity, he somehow gets sucked into the charade as well. The first episode is out now, with subsequent episodes premiering every Thursday. (Paramount+)
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Photo courtesy of movieStillsDB
dove Cameron, left, and avan Jogia star in “56 days.”
cheap meals start in the pantry
By PaTTI dIaMOnd DIvAS oN A DIMe
When grocery prices rise, and we begin to search for savings, many people assume the solution must be found at the store. New sales. New substitutions. New strategies. But the truth is far less difficult and far more comforting.
Cheap meals don’t start at the grocery store. They start at home, with what you already have.
Most households are sitting on the framework of dozens of meals without realizing it. Rice, beans, pasta, canned tomatoes, frozen vegetables, onions. These aren’t odds and ends. They’re infrastructure, and they’re probably in your pantry.
The pantry is where inexpensive cooking becomes possible.
Before planning the week’s meals, open the pantry and freezer and take inventory with curiosity. Ask one simple question: What meals are already halfway made?
When you cook from the pantry first, the grocery store becomes a supporting character instead of the star of the show. You stop shopping for meals and start shopping to finish meals. That shift alone can dramatically reduce your grocery bill.
Pantry-based meals rely on shelf stable ingredients that stretch easily, welcome substitutions and adapt to whatever you have on hand.
A well-used pantry reduces waste, one of the most expensive habits in any kitchen. Food thrown away is money thrown away, and pantry cooking gives forgotten ingredients and small leftovers a second chance.
This isn’t about deprivation. It’s about competence.
This meal-prep-friendly curried chickpea salad is a good example of what pantry competence looks like. Made primarily from shelf-stable ingredients, it can stand on its own or shift roles depending on the meal. Spoon it over greens, tuck it into a pita or
CURRIED CHICKPEA
Yield: 4 servings
the green onions, and roughly chop the cilantro or parsley.
Drain and rinse the chickpeas well. For a creamier, more scoopable salad, lightly mash about a quarter of the chickpeas with a fork. Leave the rest whole for texture.
SALAD
Total Time: 30 minutes
1/2 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon curry powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup celery, minced
1/4 cup red onion, minced
1/4 cup green onion, thinly sliced
2 (15-ounce) cans low or no sodium garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained
1/2 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped and loosely packed
1/4 teaspoon salt, optional
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, curry, cumin, turmeric, lemon juice, vinegar, sugar and black pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust as needed. Set aside. Mince the celery and onion, thinly slice
Add the chickpeas, celery, both onions and herbs to the bowl with the dressing. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
Taste and add salt if needed. Chill for 20-30 minutes to let the flavors settle or serve right away if you’re hangry.
Why add black pepper? Turmeric’s active compound, curcumin, is hard for the body to absorb on its own. Black pepper boosts absorption by up to 2,000%, making this a smart pairing, not just a flavorful one.
Once you know how to turn pantry staples into real meals, you gain flexibility. You’re less vulnerable to price swings, less tempted by takeout on tired nights and more confident you can feed yourself well even when things get tight. Cheap meals come from building skills, learned in the pantry.
Lifestyle expert Patti Diamond is the penny-pinching, party-planning, recipe developer and content creator of the website Divas
• “I purchased a roll of reflective tape to mark our basement stairs. It reflects the light from the open doorway at the top of the stairs, and I can turn the downstairs lights off before heading up. I had some leftover, so I put a strip on my dog’s collar. When I let him out at night, I can shine a flashlight and spot him instantly, since the tape is more visible in the night.” — V.R. in Pennsylvania
• Tongs lost their clip? Use the rubber band from a bunch of broccoli to hold the ends together in storage.
• “I am an avid craft sewer. One trick I have used that was passed down from my mother is to save the bar soap when it gets to a sliver. Then I use it to trace patterns on cloth. I like it better than chalk. It makes a clear mark that ‘sticks.’ But it will wash right out when you are done.” — I.W. in Kansas
• Use an old vegetable peeler in the shop to sharpen pencils.
• “Diaper rash hurts. The best medicine, in my opinion, is a little diaperfree time for baby. But there are times when it’s not practical to let the little one go about pants-free. When you just can’t air-dry an angry baby bottom, you can help dry the skin up with a couple minutes of warm air from a hair dryer.” — P.M.
• Wrap the metal end of your paintbrush with masking tape before painting. Then you can peel it off and there’s no stuck-on paint.
• Store plastic wrap in the refrigerator or even freezer to keep it from sticking to itself.
wrap, pile it onto toast or serve it alongside a sandwich or bowl of rice. It’s flexible and adapts to whatever the day requires.
Photo courtesy of www.JasonCoblentz.com
Pantry cooking turns everyday staples into meals that are affordable, adaptable and delicious.
