#i want it back truist…

[nerdyerror]

Banks: exist as for profit institutions.

Me: fjjfifjfjfidjjdhhdgggdggddgyeujpppp what????????

[annaphoenix1994]

Ch.123 - Calling Your Bluff

Previous Chapter - Masterlist 1; Masterlist 2 - Next Chapter

Kiera succeeds in making another jab at Jenkins; Jenkins then tries to compose a plan of his own.

“I only see one legitimate bank on this proposal sheet.” Kiera said, looking at the PDF files she had downloaded onto her laptop while bouncing Evie on her right knee as Natalie sat the glass of iced coffee she had made for them next to her before taking the seat close by.”

“Chase and Mountain Trust won’t go near him,” Natalie snickered, removing her jacket and splaying it across the back of her chair. “He had a bankruptcy in ’05.”

“What a fuckin’ hack,” She scoffed lowly, mentally scolding herself for breaking her own ‘no cursing’ rule. “Who’s Truist Capital?”

“AC firm out of Las Vegas.”

“Ah huh, so that’s how he does it. Dumb money out in Las Vegas, which is an endless supply.”

“Evidently not,” Natalie shook her head. “Look at his credit on the next file.”

“He has two mortagesag on his house?” Kiera arched her brow. “Natalie, this guy has leveraged everything. Every penny is tied up into this development. Moving the river really hurt him.”

“Look at file four.”

“He’s trading on the OTCC? I am not that lucky,” She hummed mischievously. “It’s at three dollars a share. I’m going to be on his board by Friday.”

“Aren’t you glad I brought the work to you?” Natalie chuckled.

“Ecstatic,” Kiera scoffed. “Now I just need to worry about this,” She continued, passing the file she had received from the courthouse towards Natalie. “He’s trying to file a lawsuit against me for moving my own river.”

“I’ll see what I can do about this.” She nodded, glancing over the papers.

“In the meantime, we should get down to the office. I have some things I need to pick up in town anyway,” Kiera explained, standing to her feet. “I’ll be right back. I’m going to go change her diaper.”

“I’ll be right here,” She smiled, nearly jumping out of her skin when she felt her phone vibrating against her thigh. “I’m going to step outside real fast. I’m getting a call.”

“Alright.”

“Mountain man,” She giggled, answering the phone once she stepped outside onto the porch. “Missing the desert yet?”

“I need your help.”

“Must’ve stirred up quite the fight.”

“When can you be here?”

“I’m working right now—”

“About what we discussed yesterday?”

“Yes. We’ll be in the office later.”

“Find a way to get out of her reach for a while. I have a meeting at four o’clock and need you sitting in on it.”

“Send Harmon to fill in—”

“No, I’ll send Harmon to take over your spot with her. I need you here. Big things need to be discussed and I’m not going to have that man filling in for you. I’m paying for the best of the best and he’s nowhere near on my radar.”

“I understand, so this is a “holy shit, drop everything” request?” She giggled.

“I’m talking the Armageddon rate.”

“Okay, well we’re going to run into town. Have Harmon waiting on me at the office. She’ll believe it.”

“She will, because I’ve been paying him to tend to her hand and foot when she’s there,” He replied sternly. “This is all going to plan. When you can, get me copies of the papers that were served on her. I need every ounce of information I can get.”

“I’ll gladly help you with that. I’m at her house now – need anything while I’m here?”

“Everything I can find.”

“Well, what I can tell you is that her husband served in the British S.A.S, two kids of their own, one adopted—”

“S.A.S? Military?”

“Certified badass if you need it simplified,” She breathed. “I can make him a target of my own if you know what I mean?”

“I can see a cheating scandal in his future,” He chuckled. “It’ll weaken her. That’s what I want. The ranch is in both their names. Weaken them and it’ll make this easier—”

“I have to go. I’ll fill you in later, okay?”

“See you soon.”

“Likewise, Phil.”

What Natalie didn’t know, Kiera had heard the entire conversation from the other side of the door, taking this as not only the perfect opportunity to derail the thundering train, but turn the tables on Jenkins himself by ruining his plan to weaken her family to its roots. With quiet steps, she made her way back towards the nursery to make it look like she had just finished up changing the infant who was growing closer to the toddler stage every day. “We ready to hit the road?”

“Yes, ma’am,” Natalie nodded, her poker face beaming boldly, completely unaware that Kiera saw through her as if she were glass. “We’ll take my car.”

“Aren't company cars just great?” Kiera smiled. I fucking can’t wait to take you and your boss down.

After the quick errand was over, Kiera and Natalie made it to the office in town where she could continue composing a plan with additional resources she would need. Knowing the information she overheard, she had another idea up her sleeve to hit to grab the bull by the horns. “Kiera?” Natalie chimed from Kiera’s office door.

“Come in,” She nodded. “Any luck?”

“Not yet, but I’m working on it,” Natalie replied with yet another fake smile that Kiera could see through. “My chief executive is hosting a meeting at four o’clock.”

“I didn’t have a meeting scheduled for today at four?” She scoffed, purposely sounding unaware of the situation.

“Not your chief executive, Mrs. Riley,” She giggled. “Mine.”

“Hm, didn’t think assistants had a chief executive…” Kiera replied with an arch of her brow. I’m so good at calling your bluff, please keep feeding me bullshit.

She watched as Natalie gulped out of nervousness, “I-I lied, I’m sorry. My dad is in town and wanted to have dinner—”

“You know how important honesty is to me, Natalie,” She arched her brow. “But I understand. You can go ahead and go.”

“Thank you.”

“I’ll have Simon come and pick me up after I’m done working—”

“I have Harmon on standby just in case you need to get somewhere during your shift.”

“Actually, that’ll be perfect,” She smiled. “I might need him. Keep him closeby.”

“Will do,” Natalie nodded. “Thank you. I’ll let you know what I find out.”

“I’m sure you will.”

Kiera watched with a grin before leaning back in her chair to look over at Evie who was in the highchair Kiera had delivered to the office, smiling at her daughter before saying, “Today is going to be so much fun, sweetheart.”

The baby looked at her with her mouth agape, a steady strand of drool leaving the crook of her bottom lip before babbling.

“Ma-Ma,” Kiera encouraged, seeing that Evie was trying to enhance her communication with her mother. “There you go. Say Ma-Ma!”

“Mmm-uh—”

Kiera gasped with excitement before removing her phone from her purse, aiming the camera towards Evie before repeating the same encouragement, “Evie, say Ma-Ma again! Your daddy is going to hear your first word with me!” She encouraged, seeing a black screen on the top right corner of hers, seeing that Simon was still showing his hate for FaceTime. “Simon, look at me.” She giggled.

“You know I hate FaceTime,” He breathed a chuckle. “I can still see you, though.”

“Fine, I guess I’ll just send you a video of your daughter saying her first word instead of hearing it as it happens—”

“No fucking way!” He replied, instantly adjusting the camera on his desk so that Kiera could see him. “She didn’t just say her first word, did she?”

“See for yourself,” She replied, aiming the camera to where Simon could only see Evie’s adorable and chubby face. “Sweetheart, say exactly what you just said to mommy. Ma-Ma.”

Evie’s eyes widened at the sound of her father’s voice, “Mm-dhgth—”

“There you go, sweetheart!” Kiera encouraged. “Say Ma-Ma!”

“Egth…Mmah—”

“She’s just babbling, love.” Simon teased, delusional at the fact that he knew Evie was about to say Ma-Ma instead of Da-Da like he wished.

“Did you not clean out your ears?” She teased. “Delusional, babe.”

“Maeh-Da.”

Kiera looked at the screen after hearing Simon’s chair squeak from readjusting himself, propping his forearm on his desk as he peered closer, carefully watching his daughter’s lips form into shapes as she was trying to speak, his gaze sharp as he was determined to hear her first words being Da-Da. Go on, say it, little lass! He encouraged mentally.

“What was that?” Kiera continued to encourage to her daughter.

“Ddth-da—”

Kiera nearly jumped out of her skin at the sound of Simon’s laugh from the other side of the phone. “I wish I would’ve put money on what word she’d say first!”

“She didn’t say it.” Kiera shook her head.

“I heard it as clear as day, love. Now who’s being delusional?” He poked.

Evie smiled when she continuously heard Simon’s voice, “Da…d-da.”

Simon was so excited, having quickly figuring out how to screen record before Evie said it again, ensuring he backed up his phone to reassure himself that the video would stay in his storage forever. “That made my day!”

He smirked when he saw the look of disappointment on his wife’s face, “I swear she almost said Ma-Ma first.”

“Uh huh, don’t be jealous that our daughter’s first word was addressing me.”

“I’m not.”

“You must think I don’t know my own wife, love. You’re pouting. Need me to come and get her so you can pout in peace?” He teased.

“No, mom is going to come and have lunch with me and she’s been begging me to let her take Evie to her weekly brunch with Suzanne.”

“You mean weekly gossip session?” Simon arched his brow.

“Pretty much. How’s Jacob?”

“The lad is scaring me. He’s been quiet all morning then suddenly had a temper tantrum before I went to lunch. I get him calmed down and offered him a bottle and he took to it like he hadn’t had one since the day he was born.” He chuckled.

“He’ll grow out of that.”

“I hope so. I think he had a bad dream or something. It was just that sudden – he woke up out of a dead sleep and started crying.”

“Sounds like it.”

Their conversation was soon interrupted by the sound of Simon’s radio going off, “Lieutenant Riley?” His Chief announced.

“I need you in the briefing room.”

“Yes, sir.”

“It’s just a meeting, don’t worry.” His Chief snickered, sensing the tone of dread in Simon’s voice.

“Love, I gotta go. I’ll talk to you soon, yeah?”

“Okay, babe.”

“I love you.”

“I love you too.”

*

“Harmon? Bring the car around, please.” Kiera hummed with a warm smile from the table she and her mother shared at the café.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“You have a driver now?” Eva arched her brow, resting her cheek lovingly against the top of Evie’s head.

“It’s quite nice. Not having to use my behemoth of a vehicle to get around is easy to get used to. Not using my own money for gas and just snapping my fingers and telling them a location to take me to.”

“Ultimate princess treatment, sweetheart.” She giggled.

“Far from that, momma. I’ve got some big plans and this is just helping me along with the process.”

“I know that look. I’d prefer to not know.”

“That’s a good choice, momma.”

Eva smiled as she shook her head, “Your father definitely raised you to get your hands dirty.”

“That he did. It’s how I’m going to protect our ranch.”

“I don’t doubt it, sweetheart. Although we don’t have a worry about anything, right?”

Kiera forced an assuring smile, “Right. My job is to make sure.”

“I trust you’ll make the right decision. You always do.”

“I will. Well, I better get back to work. I’m aiming to be home before dusk.”

“Please do. I’m making dinner tonight and I’d love for you and Simon to join me. The house is getting to be too big for just little old me.” She encouraged, pulling Kiera in for a warm hug before kissing her cheek.

“I’ll see you at dinner, momma.”

“I love you, sweetheart. I’ll be sure to spoil the heck out of her for you.” She giggled, referring to her granddaughter.

“Oh, I don’t doubt it.”

When Kiera watched her mother leave with Evie, she stood on the sidewalk for a few moments before seeing a familiar face: Phillip Jenkins’ wife. “Mrs. Riley, I’m ready.” Harmon announced, twining his fingers nervously in front of him.

“Just a second,” She replied, holding up her index finger. “Hey, stranger!”

The woman gasped, “Kiera! So nice to see you!”

“Nice to see you, too! I love your outfit!”

“Oh, thanks! You were the inspiration!”

Kiera scoffed, “That’s a first.”

“Who’s this striping young man?” She grinned at Harmon, sensing his nervousness to the new conversation.

“My secondary assistant, but I’m willing to rent him out.” She answered, knowing damn well Harmon didn’t sign up for this. Instead, he worked for Jenkins directly as his own personal spy in hopes to tear Kiera and her family down in order for him to take her ranch.

“Well, if that’s the case, let me buy you a drink?”

“I’m not drinking unless I’m looking for trouble, but Harmon here is,” She snickered, playfully – and roughly – grasping his elbow and shaking. “Twenty-nine and has never drank in public. Pretty sure he’s still a virgin.”

“I can definitely solve that problem,” She smiled. “I gotta have a few drinks first.”

“You’ll get plenty of ‘em! I’ll be your designated driver.”

“Great! Let’s get this party started.” She smiled, willingly reaching towards Harmon’s arm and forcing him to walk alongside her, leaving Kiera to walk behind them. Too fucking easy.

Later that evening, the clock was pushing five o’clock by the time she checked her watch, hearing the jazz music’s tone intensify, she knew her plan was working by her terms.

And she couldn’t wait for Phillip to take the bait. Actually worked out better than I expected, she mused.

She originally was planning to get Phillip’s wife drunk enough to tell her what all she knew about Phillip’s plans, but Kiera ended up driving his wife and Harmon to Phillip’s house, continuing the drunken private party within his living room. Refusing to have a drop of alcohol herself, Kiera knew she had to do something to help ease her raging nerves of adrenaline while she waited for Phillip to fall into her trap when he finally decided to come home for the evening.

Instead, she resorted to a pack of herbal cigarettes to help her adrenaline.

Toying on her phone while the cigarette was pressed between her lips, the sound of a car pulling into the driveway caught her attention. About time.

“Why are you at my house?” He snarled. “Why are you here?”

“Some way to thank me for getting your wife home from her drunken stupor,” She replied. “Besides, I wasn’t going to smoke in your living room. As much as you won’t believe it, I do have boundaries.”

“I’m not listening to this nonsense.” He grumbled, storming through the front door and immediately getting a headache at the loud music and prude smell of lingering alcohol. How long has she been drinking?!

He nearly stumbled on his own two feet when he saw his wife straddling a younger man on their couch, a whiskey bottle in her hand while it looked like she was giving him a dance to the beat of the music. Once he got closer, he then saw that it was Harmon himself, instantly realizing that Kiera had gotten wind of his internal spy’s plan, knowing she had figured out a way to turn it on himself.

Instead of reacting, he simply turned around to face the doorway, seeing a smug smirk on Kiera’s face from the outside chair, tapping the air with her foot as that same leg was crossed over the other. He was numb once he realized that going after his own plans were not going to be an easy task.

But he wasn’t about to give up, either.

He was damned if he would surrender to a woman.

“I took you for a cuckold. Guess I was wrong,” She snickered. “Remember what I said, Phil.”

“I’m going to ruin you. I hope you know that. You, and your entire fucked-up family.”

“Awe, is Phillip mad?” She mocked. “Besides, this isn’t hurting you, this is just… fun,” She shrugged, taking another drag from the cigarette. “What will hurt you is when I purchase every share you’ve put up for trade tomorrow morning. I’m only telling you this now because I know there’s nothing you can do to stop it. I recommend begging your friends in Las Vegas for more money. They’d be stupid enough to do so because let’s face it, this has been way too fucking easy.”

“Fuck you.”

“How many times did you practice that?”

“Plenty.”

“You should practice some more because that didn’t intimidate me one bit,” She breathed a laugh. “Can you tell me the definition of power, Phil?”

“Something I’ve mastered, sweetheart.”

“It’s the ability to direct or influence another’s behavior or course of events,” She explained, boldly tapping on his chest with the backs of her fingers. “That’s what I have. I’ll buy up all of your shares and be on your board by Friday, or I can have Truist Capital suspend their agreement with you to be on the list with Chase and Mountain Trust in not doing business with you – both of these things can and will alter the effect on your life. That’s power and my friend,” She scoffed. “And you don’t have any.”

“You think that’s going to stop me from ruining you?” He huffed, avoiding eye contact with her.

“You’re exactly where I wanted you. It only gets worse from here,” She smirked, tucking the cigarette between her lips and removing the keys for the car Harmon had been driving and twirled them around her finger. “Tell Harmon and Natalie they’re fired.”

“They never worked for you.”

“Yes, they did,” She arched her brow. “This whole fucking time. Every bit of information Natalie has given me has been nothing but a wedge for my mallet. I know they’ve been passing information back and forth to you. Why do you think I told them exactly what they’d want to hear? Because otherwise, it wouldn’t have gotten me right here on your doorstep. Maybe you should try hiring an actual spy and then you’ll realize who you’re up against.”

She smirked as she watched him gulp at second thoughts. Who really is this woman?

“I’ll see you around. Unless you want to wave your white flag now?” She taunted.

“You’ll definitely be seeing me around. You’ll regret you ever met me.”

She couldn’t help but laugh, knowing just how humiliated she made Jenkins feel, “You should keep practicing that line."

"Maybe I will." 

"Keep remembering what I said, Phil. Generations."

[darienmcdaniel]

Having Made History

My last day at Truist Financial Corp. was today. Here's the email that I sent to the company, looking back at the last 4 years and the company's whole history.

*************************************************************

1,242 days ago, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission announced that SunTrust Banks Inc. had merged with and into BB&T Corporation, with BB&T surviving the merger as the surviving corporation, and pursuant to their agreement, at closing, BB&T had changed its name to Truist. 49 days later, I was personally recruited by the firm as a BB&T banker. Today, I stand proud of the story we've been able to tell since then. While this journey certainly has been a long road traveled, it marks the end of an era for me – it’s an emotional time for all of us. Given the current opportunity I have been presented with, I’ll be leaving the company. However, I want all of you to know that I’m brimming with nostalgia, gratitude, and optimism.

It’s been my great honor and privilege to be a part of this firm for the last 3 years. I’m also thankful for the lessons, in good times and bad, that I have learned as part of the Strawbridge office, working under the mentorship of Vice President Laura Finn. When Laura recruited me to Strawbridge, from the Pembroke office, she did so with the goal in mind of taking the Strawbridge team to new heights - a feat not easily done during a company's merger integration process. And together, we have rebuilt, reinvented, and strengthened our processes, having made history with our office's production in the process.

From a macroeconomic perspective, we're in a very transformative period in the banking industry, and we have quite a bit of a way to go before we get to the end of the tunnel. As we look ahead at a medium-to-hard landing in this elevated rate environment, factors like deposit flight, credit crunches, a hard market correction, and an overexposure to commercial real estate will all continue to add to the volatility that the regional banks are experiencing now. But looking back on my time at Truist, we have confronted seemingly insurmountable business challenges, along with many surprise twists and turns. I’ve seen our teams navigate these hurdles and mountains in ways that have not only made Truist teammates stronger, but all the more ready to face what's ahead. During these past 3 years, I’ve delivered solutions that cared for our clients, focused on our clients’ financial well-being and their businesses' growth, driven substantial value for our shareholders, and endeavored to help make Truist the absolute best place to bank. I want to take a moment to remind you of some of my many achievements, aided by my teammates. They are remarkable, and we should all be very proud. 

I became the biggest referring officer in my area within my first six months of employment, breaking a record and earning a promotion before the 12 month promotion window opened up. 

Upon my arrival at Pembroke, within my first few weeks, I secured Pembroke’s first qualified Premier and Asset Management referral in months which ignited a resurgence of production in the branch and spurred a strong run of qualified IRM referrals by not only me, but also my colleagues. 

Within my first 30 days at Pembroke, I took the branch’s Voice of the Client survey scores from 36% to 91%, a record-breaking jump. 

At Pembroke, even before attaining a leadership role, I had the privilege of mentoring other bankers, like Andrea Taylor, Daniela Tavares, and longtime friend Marci Ruffin, all who are still flourishing in the company today. 

I cross-sold products, across different divisions of the bank, making my partners' deal-closings easy and quick, earning me yet another promotion 6 months later. 

At the Strawbridge office, within my first 12 months as a lender, I became the third highest credit lending producer in the entire area, earning a corporate offsite trip to meet the board of directors. 

In Q3 of 2022, I produced an entire quarter’s worth of credit card production in just 30 days, another area record. 

In the last six months of 2022, I single-handedly wrote over 1.3 million dollars in loans with almost a million of it being produced in the last three months, outperforming many branch managers while only being a branch banker. 

I put up huge numbers again in Q1 of 2023, being responsible for 41% of our office’s 44 qualified IRM referrals, the highest share of our office's total production. It was this quarter that the Strawbridge office hit over 150% of our quarter's goal, with over 100% of it being in by the quarter's halfway mark - something Laura Finn told me had never been done in the history of our branch. I was recruited to Strawbridge to make the team better and to give us a "championship win"… I have accomplished what I was brought here to do. 

As I look back on these achievements, I want to sincerely thank specific Truist Financial Corporation employees, past and present, for your contributions to my time here both large and small. To Darius Hudgins, from the beginning, for bringing me into the company and for being the model as my district manager - one of the youngest VPs to ever do it. You have guided me, been there for me, and provided me with the motivation to put up that one million in lending that I delivered in a single quarter. To my aunt, Stephanie Paige, who has been a support system, a voice of wisdom, and a constant champion in my corner. My parents are thankful to you for always watching over me. To Katie Bagay - my partner in crime and my first deal-closer - in whom I've gained a lifelong friend, a confidant, and mentor; for standing by me in turbulent times, and always, always, always having my back. I appreciate you. To Katy Elliot - Katherine Scarlett -  we’ve been there to lean on each other these past few years, and I appreciate you greatly. To Susie Waugh, one of the GOATs and a true BB&T legend, who has served as a mentor for me over the past few years, willing to answer my calls on a whim, and giving me sound leadership advice when I've needed someone to talk things over with - always willing to be the coach. You told me I would contribute greatly to Strawbridge, but that I wouldn’t be here long - you’ve always seen my potential. You also told me I was cut from the Susie Waugh cloth, and I promise you that I will always “find a way to say yes”. To Cheryl Poarch, who knew my father before I was thought of and ended up looking out for his son like I was your own. I don’t have words to adequately describe what your friendship means to me, and I will miss working alongside you more than you know. You single-handedly revamped the operations at Strawbridge and our successful, passed bank audit - the first in a long time - is credited to your leadership. To Lori Ann Tamayo, the best wealth advisor I have personally ever worked with, I am eternally grateful for the hours of counseling and training you have given me. For, perhaps, some of the most impactful career advice I have been given thus far, for the late night phone calls about deals we’ve worked on, and for being my sponsor, I thank you. To Brant Standridge and Daryl Bible, for both their leadership and their commitment to our success. Thank you. To Kelly King, who taught me that a butterfly’s wing flaps can spur a hurricane halfway across the world, emphasizing the ability for one person to make a huge difference. To Laura Finn, arguably, the greatest lender this company has. You have taught me more in our time together than most vice presidents can ever teach a protégé. And for that, I thank you. You hand-picked me, pulled me out of the office I was dominating in, and helped mold me into the biggest producing lender Strawbridge has ever had on a banker’s desk. You and I did everything we said we would do. Thank you. 

Finally, I want to thank our founders, Alphaeus Branch and Thomas Jefferson Hadley - Branch and Hadley Bankers created a ripple effect that started in North Carolina and was felt around the world. Every entrepreneur’s wildest dream is to change the world with their ideas, and you’ve done just that. From day one, your vision and tenacity helped create one of the most special companies of all time – one that is currently employing more than 50,000 people, has generated billions in revenue, and has funded, protected the assets of, and banked a large portion of humanity. As I step into this new role in the wealth management segment of the banking industry, at one of the nation’s Big Four banks, I will take with me all of the lessons learned. Alphaeus and Thomas, I will forever be in awe of you and I will forever be your biggest fan. 

Building better lives and communities together, 

Darien II 

May 1, 2023

[mystlnewsonline]

William Jeffrey Lowder, Jr. Pleaded Guilty - Attempted Bank Robbery

William Jeffrey Lowder, Jr. Pleaded Guilty to Attempted Bank Robbery MACON, GA (STL.News) A Macon resident recently released from federal prison for robbing a local bank in 2013 pleaded guilty this week to attempting to rob a bank at the same location, calling his probation officer to report his own crime. William Jeffrey Lowder, Jr., 41, pleaded guilty to attempted bank robbery before U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal on May 23.  Lowder faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine.  Sentencing has not been scheduled.  There is no parole in the federal system. “The defendant’s choice to attempt to rob a community bank located near a busy university campus caused unnecessary panic in a peaceful place of business,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary.  “As Mr. Lowder well knows, individuals who threaten the peace will face consequences.  I want to thank the U.S. Probation Office, the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, and the FBI for their quick response.” “Lowder’s prior prison time was apparently not enough of a teaching moment for him because he returned to his bank robbing ways while he was still on supervised release for the last bank robbery he committed,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta.  “Thanks to the assistance of our partners with the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, he’ll have up to 20 years in federal prison to think about what he’ll do the next time he is released from prison.” According to facts presented in court, Lowder walked into the Truist Bank on Mercer University Drive in Macon at approximately 11:00 a.m. on Jan. 27.  He approached a teller and handed over a note that read, “Money out the register, no dye packs, Sorry!”  Lowder reached behind his back, which the clerk believed meant that he had a firearm; Lowder did not have a weapon.  When he was told that the clerk did not have a register, Lowder left the bank. Lowder was recently released from federal prison for robbing a bank at the same location in 2013 and was serving a term of supervised release.  An hour after leaving the bank, Lowder called his U.S. Probation officer to report his crime and his location.  The defendant was quickly taken into custody in Macon.  The bank robbery was captured on surveillance cameras. The case was investigated by the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Probation Office, and the FBI. Deputy Criminal Chief Will Keyes is prosecuting the case for the government. SOURCE: U.S. Department of Justice Read the full article

[driftings]

i went on a walk alone thru the battery. seeing it so still and quiet was surreal. ambient pop music played around me, a faint reminder of reality in the neon haze.

i wish i had time, energy, motivation to go out and do things like this on my own more. every photo here was a matter of luck. i went shopping for myself, more specifically for clothes i would never wear on camera to events i wouldn't go to. when i got out of the mall, i decided i didn't want to go home. just wanted to drive. anywhere.

this inclination was supported more when i saw the weather. it was my favorite: cloudy, foggy, hazy, gray, night. i wanted to take pictures of it, a pastime i had all but abandoned before i found myself hastily driving from cumberland mall to truist park. then it all came back to me. i missed the thrill of finding the perfect angle, of applying the perfect filter and white balance, and making my pictures as vivid and pretty as i liked.

i feel good now. feel a burst of serotonin i didn't have before.

[oshunblue]

Over 6 years ago I transferred to a position in Lumberton. I made that decision to better my career and I did just that. My 1st day …..anxious, nervous, scared and wanted to fit in. I think I came and I conquered so to say. I learned so much and worked with some pretty awesome teammates. I’ve made lifelong friends that I will definitely keep in touch with. I recently accepted a new position and it is allowing me to come back home to Whiteville. Although I’m new to the position I know a lot more faces in the building so I’m not feeling anxious just hopeful. I’m hopeful that I fit in, hopeful that I can share my knowledge while learning from my new teammates, hopeful that my fellow teammates know how long and how hard I’ve worked for this day, hopeful that my journey is a testament to my loyalty to not only my job but my career! I always say if you’re a good person good things will come to you and today is my proof. A journey I knew deep in my heart would come to fruition! My daughter tells me manifest it Mom and it will happen and she was right! I’m home in more ways than one! #makeithappen #reachforthestars #truist #careergrowth (at Whiteville, North Carolina) https://www.instagram.com/p/CbXVlBFOFMM/?utm_medium=tumblr

[skateofministry]

Kannapolis receives gift of two public art sculptures

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. (WBTV) – Cheryl and Eric Dearmon have talented 2 public art sculptures, “Smiley” and “Discover” to the City of Kannapolis. Both sculptures are currently found in the City and were on loan from the artist, Tom Risser. With their purchase, the Dearmons have actually made sure the sculptures will stay in the City as irreversible pieces of public art.

“The gift of these two pieces of public art is a continuance of the precedence set by Dr. Harold Cook and his family and by Lynne & Wally Safrit, who have previously donated sculptures to the City. It is our desire that these gifts bring to light the wonderful revitalization that is occurring in Kannapolis. We hope that all citizens are taking advantage of the parks, greenways, art, concerts, events, etc. that our city is providing,” commented Cheryl Dearmon.

“We are very fortunate to have outstanding leadership from our city staff & elected officials as we continue to grow. It is the citizens who benefit most from our growing city and hopefully they will continue to support this growth and become more involved with the city as volunteers for boards, commissions, and events,” continued Eric Dearmon. “It is our hope that these gifts will lead others to donate to the City’s Public Art Program.

“Art is a vital part of any community. It spurs conversation, creativity, and pride in our community. We are very appreciative of this significant gift from Cheryl and Eric as well as the many other ways they contribute to our City. Their involvement in numerous non-profits throughout the City and County has been invaluable over the years,” commented Kannapolis Mayor Darrell Hinnant.

Cheryl and Eric Dearmon are locals of Kannapolis. Cheryl is presently a Vice-President, Branch Manager for Uwharrie Bank. She has actually remained in banking for 35 years. Eric is a Senior Vice President, Private Financial Advisor for Truist Investment Services. He has actually been a monetary consultant for 39 years. Both are extremely active in the neighborhood. Their participation consists of board of director positions at the United Way, Big Brothers & Big Sisters, CMC Northeast Hospital Foundation, Crime Stoppers, Kannapolis Education Foundation & Downtown Kannapolis Inc. among others.

“Smiley” lies on West Avenue and is currently among the most popular sculptures in Kannapolis. His inviting face welcomes everybody with its whimsical expression and functions. Children and grownups enjoy to hug and take selfies with him.

The 2nd sculpture lies in Village Park near the water fountain and embodies the City’s brand name, “Discover a Healthy Life.” This piece is likewise 10 feet high. It includes signs of peace, love and health.

North Carolina artist Tom Risser developed both pieces utilizing stainless-steel. Risser developed the “Discover” piece after going to the City and appreciating the work done to renew the downtown. “It is incredible to see how vibrant the City’s downtown has become in such a short period of time. Everywhere you look you see people enjoying a walk, a run or cycling. New businesses are opening. The energy here is an inspiration to me and I wanted to capture that with the sculpture,” Risser stated.

An engineer by day Tom is President of U.S. Bottlers Machinery Company in Charlotte. He is a graduate of Guilford College with a degree in mathematics and engineering and an electrical engineering degree from North Carolina State University.

Twenty years back, he started taking remaining products from his business’s items and formed them into sculptures. As a self -taught artist he has actually explore various kinds of medium consisting of merged glass, polycarbonate, stone, paintings, shotcrete and photography.

Now an acclaimed carver you can discover his operate in lots of cities, galleries, personal collections, and companies throughout the United States.

In 2016 he had a cardiovascular disease and consequently heart coronary bypass. Since then he has actually integrated hearts into lots of pieces of his work. The hearts are in some cases extremely noticeable and at other times they are concealed.

He is likewise understood for his other pastime, skateboarding. He is the developer of lots of regional skateboard centers consisting of WXW Sk8, The Blair Witch Ramp, Whip Snake Park and Tom’s Bowl. He has actually been included on HGTV, Offbeat America, ESPN: Tony Hawk’s Giant Skatepark Tour and Carolina Traveler. He and his spouse, Daisy, have a child, Sam, and a child, Carson.

For more info on all of the City’s public art see

//www.kannapolisnc.gov/Community/Public-Art

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[newsfact]

The play that broke up Braves’ combined no-hitter vs. Astros in World Series Game 3, explained

Braves manager Brian Snitker was sitting back in the dugout — a result of the cold and rainy Atlanta weather Friday night — instead of sitting up front when the Astros sent Aledmys Diaz to the plate to pinch hit Friday night.

To that point in the game, leading off the eighth inning, the Braves had kept Houston out of the hit column, with five innings from starter Ian Anderson, an inning from A.J. Minter and an inning from Luke Jackson.

Diaz hit a shallow fly on a 2-1 count against Braves left-hander Tyler Matzek. Everyone in Atlanta’s Truist Park stared straight up as the ball soared high into the air toward left field. As left fielder Eddie Rosario raced in and shortstop Dansby Swanson pedaled back, it became less clear whether the ball would be caught. As it turned out, the ball hit the ground untouched, breaking up the combined no-hitter and ending Atlanta’s shot at history in the World Series.

MORE: Braves vs. Astros Game 3 final score, results

While the Braves still won Game 3 2-0, and the coaches and players might say after the game the win is all that mattered, many fans wanted to be able to watch a bit of baseball history. There has been only one nine-inning no-hitter in World Series history. It came in 1956 when Don Larsen pitched a perfect game for the Yankees against the Dodgers in Game 5.

MORE: World Series schedule 2021

What happened on the Astros’ first hit?

The play might have seemed routine, and in many cases, it would have been.

According to Baseball America’s Carlos Collazo, the fly ball had an 85 percent catch probability. 

In a situation like that, the left fielder normally takes control and calls off the shortstop, who would then step out of the way to allow the play to be made. However, as Braves manager Brian Snitker explained, that level of communication is easier said than done in a World Series game in a team’s home ballpark.

“It is so loud and it’s hard to hear,” Snitker said. “That’s one of those plays where you practice, if you got somebody that can work the pitching machine really good, do that play when we do popup priorities in spring training. That’s a big play that we do so we don’t have wrecks and guys take command of that. But in these circumstances, anything can happen because guys can’t hear each other.”

MORE: Why did the Braves pull Ian Anderson?

Rosario was charging in and it appeared he had a read on the fly ball, but as he looked down and realized that he and Swanson were on a collision course, he backed off.

“I started charging it hard right away, and I noticed Dansby was charging hard as well. He had his back to the ball so obviously we’re both trying to make a play on the ball,” Rosario said through a translator. “When I knew I had a bead on it, I was trying to say, ‘I got it. I got it.’ But obviously, I knew Dansby couldn’t hear me so at the last minute, knowing that we couldn’t communicate, I just wanted to make sure I avoided any collision between the two of us. So I just kind of eased up on it right there.”

It was likely for the best that he did. Had the two collided, center fielder Adam Duvall still looked to be quite a bit away from where the two were, and it likely would have allowed Diaz to reach second base, putting a runner in scoring position with no one out. By sacrificing the hit, Rosario was able to keep Diaz at first. Diaz was later lifted for a pinch runner, Jose Siri, who took off for second on a stolen base attempt with two outs. He was able to advance to third on an errant throw by catcher Travis d’Arnaud. Michael Brantley then popped out to leave Siri stranded there.

The Braves would allow one more hit Friday. Alex Bregman led off the top of the ninth with a ground-ball single to right field against the shift. Given how the defense was aligned, Atlanta’s infielders had no chance to retire Bregman.

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[doubleeord]

ATLANTA -- For the first time since 1999, the Braves are going back to the World Series.

Eddie Rosario continued a torrid postseason with a three-run homer just inside the foul pole in the fourth inning, breaking a 1-1 deadlock and propelling Atlanta to a 4-2 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday. One season after the Braves lost to the Dodgers in a seven-game National League Championship Series, Atlanta knocked off the defending champions in six.

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The Dodgers got the tying runs on base with no one out in the seventh, but lefty reliever Tyler Matzek came on and struck out three straight to electrify a thundering Truist Park gathering. The last of the three was former MVP Mookie Betts.

Rosario, who was named NLCS MVP, went 2-for-4 with a walk and finished the NLCS with a .560 average, 1.040 slugging percentage, three homers and nine RBIs in six games.

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"It's truly a great moment, not just in my career, but in my life as well, but I want more," Rosario said. "I want to win the World Series."

The loss ends the title defense of the Dodgers, who won the World Series after last year's pandemic-shortened season. It was an abrupt end for Los Angeles, which won 106 games during the regular season and beat the 107-win San Francisco Giants in the NL Division Series.