Duplin Journal Vol. 8, Issue 38 by North State Journal

VOLUME 8 ISSUE 38 | WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2023

DUPLINJOURNAL.COM

Duplin Journal THE DUPLIN COUNTY EDITION OF THE NORTH STATE JOURNAL

the

BRIEF this week

Mount Olive’s Pickles, Pigs, and Swigs brightens a rainy day It may have been chilly and rainy on Saturday, Nov. 11, but Mount Olive still hosted its annual Pickles, Pigs, and Swigs event, drawing folks from around the region for Mount Olive’s famous pickles, some North Carolina barbecue, and craft beer from R&R Brewing. The event, sponsored by Smithfield Foods, kicked off with a barbecue cook-off on Friday night, followed by the festival on Saturday. There were also a number of food vendors on hand, agricultural displays, arts and crafts for sale, and live entertainment. The winners of the barbecue cook-off were: first place — Kevin Peterson of Showtime’s Legit BBQ, second place — Dana Peterson of Showtime’s Legit BBQ, and third place — Timmy Turner of Kountry BoyZ Grilling Team. For more on this annual event, check out http://www. picklespigsswigs.com

ENA SELLERS | DUPLIN JOURNAL

Veterans Day Parade honors America’s heroes U.S. Marine Corps service members and the color guard detail from Camp Lejeune, joined the 103rd Warsaw Veterans Day Parade on Saturday, Nov. 4. Turn to page 10 for more photos.

Duplin’s sustainable agriculture takes a leap forward

Town of Magnolia honors local veterans One Duplin County town is making efforts to honor those in the community who have served in the Armed Forces. At a recent meeting, Magnolia town commissioners approved a proclamation to honor veterans for the entire month of November. The flags will be posted along US Highway 117 in town and will honor a veteran for patriotic holidays like Veterans Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. The flags will fly along the main corridor in town for one week around each holiday, Town Manager Charles “Twig” Rollins said. The first batch of flags went up Nov. 11 in honor of Veterans Day. Although Veterans Day has passed, the flags will still be available for purchase so that they can fly on other holidays, Rollins said. “If the veteran is still living,” he explained, “we will send a certificate to them, saying ‘so and so donated a flag in your honor.’” The town will have flags available for $28. To order a flag in honor of your special veteran, visit the Magnolia Town Hall during regular business hours or call 910289-3205.

ENA SELLERS | DUPLIN JOURNAL

Retired Major Harvey Knowles, 93, plays the harmonica at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Veteran Services and Senior Center building at the Duplin Commons on Thursday, Nov. 9.

Veteran Services and Senior Center breaks ground By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal KENANSVILLE — More than 100 people along with community leaders and dignitaries came together to celebrate a groundbreaking ceremony for the Veteran Services and Senior Center at the Duplin Commons on Thursday, Nov. 9. The 12,363-square-foot facility will house the Duplin County Senior Services and the Veterans office. The new building will enable both departments to provide more comprehensive services, foster social connection and community engagement. Larger spaces will facilitate service for more people, provide adequate parking, and ample space to host events and

“To celebrate an occasion like this where we can celebrate our seniors, celebrate our veterans, and give them a place to congregate, to form relationships it just means everything to the community.” County Manager Bryan Miller classes. “To celebrate an occasion like this where we can celebrate our seniors, celebrate our See CENTER, page 6

ENA SELLERS | DUPLIN JOURNAL

Local dignitaries and county leadership break ground at the Duplin Commons construction site for the new Veteran Services and Senior Center building on Thursday, Nov. 9.

Four County EMC to bring first hydroponic smart farm By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal WARSAW — Four County Electric Membership Corporation will soon complete the purchase of a smart farm container with grant funding from the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission, bringing the

first of its kind to Duplin County. “We are thrilled to announce our latest initiative in sustainable agriculture through the introduction of a state-of-the-art hydroponic smart farm container,” said Greg Sager, Four County EMC vice president. “Together with the Tobacco Trust Fund Commission, North Carolina See SMART FARM, page 2

Beulaville gets $9.7 million for affordable housing project Funding will help build new apartment/duplex units By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal BEULAVILLE — The North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resiliency (NCORR) recently announced that Beulaville is one of five local and tribal governments to receive funding from the Affordable Housing Development Fund (AHDF). These funds are earmarked specifically to increase the availability of safe and affordable housing in areas that experienced major damage from Hurricanes Matthew and Florence. This was the first time Duplin County has received this type of funding, said NCORR Public Information Officer Janet Kelly-Scholle. Municipalities in Bladen, Jones, Pamlico, Pender, and Scotland were also granted funding. This is the third round of funding from

the AHDF, with this round prioritizing areas that had not yet received affordable housing funding from NCORR. The town of Beulaville received $9,706,000 from the AHDF, one of the largest awards in this cycle. The town is working with Carolina Statewide Development, LLC, to build 40 multifamily rental units in an area where few rental options currently exist. “Beulaville is an old town,” said Mayor Hutch Jones. “We have a lot of rental properties, but not a lot of apartments. Plus, a lot of the properties here date back to the 1940s and ‘50s. We’ve been seeing a See BEULAVILLE , page 4

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Duplin Journal for Wednesday, November 15, 2023

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Rose Hill Volunteer Fire Department nearing completion By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

“Join the conversation” Duplin Journal

www.duplinjournal.com North State Media LLC 303 West Raleigh Street, Siler City, North Carolina 27344 Copyright 2023 North State Media LLC Neal Robbins, Publisher publisher@northstatejournal.com 336283-6305 NEWSROOM Matt Mercer, Editor-in-Chief matt@northstatejournal.com Frank Hill, Senior Opinion Editor frank@northstatejournal.com Cory Lavalette, Sports/Managing Editor cory@northstatejournal.com Griffin Daughtry, Features Editor griffin@northstatejournal.com Emily Roberson, Murphy to Manteo Editor emily@northstatemedia.com Lauren Rose, Design Editor lauren@nsjonline.com Jim Sills, VP of Local Newspapers jim@northstatejournal.com

ROSE HILL -- Construction of the Rose Hill Volunteer Fire Department is nearly completed. According to Commissioner Gary Boney, who also serves as fire chief, there is still some work to be done inside. “We got to put some ceiling tiles in and get the kitchen appliances put in,” Boney told the Duplin Journal. “It just takes time when you got several contractors working, if one contractor falls behind it puts everybody else behind too. But we are coming along. We look forward to it being done this year anyway.” The 14,000-square-foot firehouse, funded with a USDA-Rural Development loan of approximately $3.1 million, features five drive-through double bays for emergency service vehicles, an administration section, a training room, bunk quarters, office space and a better kitchen. Boney, who has been the town’s fire chief for the last eight years and a firefighter for 45, shared that they are looking forward to using the new facility.

We’re very excited about it because we’ve got room to store our equipment and do our training in a much better atmosphere.” Fire Chief Gary Boney “Our old firehouse was near the railroad tracks on the east side of town and the guys had to cross (Highway) 117, which is a busy thoroughfare there to get to it,” said Boney, adding that the new facility is more centrally located, and it will be easier to get to. “There’s better parking and better training facilities.” The new building is not only more accessible but provides a vast upgrade from the old fire station, which has three bays that are not big enough to accommodate the firetrucks. “We have equipment that is kept off site from our station because there is no room for it,” Boney said. “We have room for all of our equipment in the new station.” According to the fire chief

the space is so tight at the old firehouse that they cannot even walk between some of the trucks, and they are looking forward to moving into the new facility when it is completed. “We’re very excited about it because we’ve got room to store our equipment and do our training in a much better atmosphere,” said Boney. “What we have up here is all ours. The land, the building, everything is ours,” said Boney. Unlike other fire departments which are funded by their town, the non-profit volunteer organization has a tax district outside the city limits and will use that revenue to pay for their building and equipment. In addition to that, they are contracted by the Town of Rose Hill to provide fire services. Currently, there is discussion about the potential uses for the old fire department space. According to a report from the town’s manager, town officials are considering various possibilities from converting it into a community center, using it as a rental facility for small functions, or as extra storage space for administration and additional office space.

Jordan Golson, Local News Editor jlgolson@northstatejournal.com Shawn Krest, Local Sports Editor shawn@northstatejournal.com Ena Sellers, News Editor ena@northstatejournal.com Abby Cavenaugh, Business/Features Editor abby@northstatejournal.com Michael Jaenicke, Sports Editor michael@northstatejournal.com ADVERTISING David Guy, Advertising Sales Manager dguy@northstatejournal.com CONTACT US For a vacation hold or to report a delivery problem: 919-663-3232 To place a classified or display ad: 919-663-3232; Fax: 919-663-4042 To submit a news tip or correction: 919-663-3232

WEEKLY FORECAST

WEDNESDAY NOV. 15 HI 63 LOW 47 PRECIP 4%

THURSDAY NOV. 16 HI 72 LOW 55 PRECIP 8%

FRIDAY NOV. 17 HI 72 LOW 54 PRECIP 48%

CRIME LOG x Christopher Raymond Leffler, 40, was arrested on an existing warrant. His bond was set at $4,500.00.

x Norwood Pernell Pearsall, 42, was arrested for multiple existing warrants. His bond was set at $146,000.00.

x Felipe Garza, 33, was arrested on an existing warrant. His bond was set at $500.00.

x Armin Cruz Lobo, 18, was arrested on an existing warrant. His bond was set at $15,000.00.

x Nathan David Bonneville, 30, was arrested for assault on a female and a number of motor vehicle violations.

x Marcus Keon Keith, 40, was arrested for assault on a female. His bond was set at $1,000.00.

SMART FARM from page 1

farming in order to attract our younger workers to this evolving industry. Hydroponic farm programs and research will allow us to provide ways to get our youth interested in food production.” Built in a 320-square-foot freight container, the smart farm provides an equivalent land yield of 2 to 4 acres annually using an average of 5 gallons of water daily. The specialized system controls the flow of water, light and air needed to provide the necessary nutrients and optimal climate for the crops and it can grow more than 500 crop varieties using advanced vertical farming. “It opens up a lot of opportunities,” said Shields. “It will provide hands-on real-life experience. It is also a new upscale

EMC, James Sprunt Community College, and Duplin County, we are cultivating innovation, opportunity, and progress for a brighter future, one hydroponic smart farm container at a time.” This initiative will bring cutting age technology to Duplin County allowing operators to grow hyper-local organic produce in a climate-controlled environment. “With advancement in technology and internet-based industries, our younger generation has grown away from typical agriculture practices,” said Carrie Shields, Duplin County assistant manager. “Food production is a necessity in life. We must find ways to reinvent

x Joseph Aaron Powell, 33, was arrested on

an existing warrant. His bond was set at $3,000.00. x Joshua Deshawn Lofton, 31, was arrested for simple assault, assault on a female, and assault on a government official. x Reginald Byron Jones, 62, was arrested for simple assault, assault on a female, and assault on a government official. His bond was set at $10,000.00.

technology. It is really exciting.” Shields explained that the Hydroponic Smart Farm will be strategically housed beside the James Sprunt Community College commercial incubator kitchen at West Park Industrial Park in Warsaw, “to provide food entrepreneurs the opportunity to use the ‘the greenest, cleanest produce’ that is locally grown, bring a farm to table concept.” According to Sager, the smart farm project will create community-centered programs targeting health and wellness, job skills, mental health, and education. Shields shared that their goal is to partner with JSCC to educate, train, and maintain the crops growing in the hydroponic smart farm.

HI 69 LOW 35 PRECIP 19%

HI 62 LOW 45 PRECIP 17%

TUESDAY NOV. 21 HI 65 LOW 52 PRECIP 58%

Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in Duplin County: NOV. 18 x Christmas at Twilight is set for Saturday, Nov. 18 from 4 to 9 p.m. in Historic Downtown Wallace. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive at 5:45 p.m. Participants can take a ride on the Polar Express and watch the movie on a 26-foot screen, a tree lighting ceremony, food vendors, carolers, crafts and more. For more information, visit wallacechamber.org. NOV. 20 x The Duplin County Board of County Commissioners meets the first and third Monday of each month at 6 p.m., at 224 Seminary St., Kenansville. For more information, call 910293-7814. NOV. 25 x The Kenansville-Duplin Christmas Parade will be held Nov. 25 at 11 a.m. The parade will begin at the Duplin Events Center and end at Kenansville Elementary School. A holiday festival will follow the parade. For more information, call the Kenansville-Duplin Chamber of Commerce at 910-275-6470. DEC. 4 x The Duplin County Board of County Commissioners meets the first and third Monday of each month at 6 p.m., at 224 Seminary St., Kenansville. For more information, call 910293-7814. x The Beulaville town board meets the first Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m., at 508 East Main St., Beulaville. For more information, call 910-298-4647. x The Calypso town board meets the first Monday of each month at 7 p.m., at 103 West Trade St., Calypso. For more information, call 919-658-9221. x The Kenansville town board meets the first Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m., at 141 Routledge Rd., Kenansville. For more information, call 910296-0369. DEC. 6

DEC. 8

SUNDAY NOV. 19

MONDAY NOV. 20

SPONSORED BY

x The Faison town boards meets the first Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m., at 110 Northeast Center St., Faison. For more information, call 910285-7564.

SATURDAY NOV. 18

HI 60 LOW 34 PRECIP 2%

DUPLIN CALENDAR

Share with your community! Send us your births, deaths, marriages, graduations and other announcements: community@chathamnr.com Weekly deadline is Monday at Noon

x A Grinchful Christmas Movie in Du-Ville is set for Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. at the Duplin Events Center. The event is free. x The Masonic Lodge is having a Barbecue Chicken fundraiser on Dec. 8 at 11 a.m. For more information, call 910-284-3411.

Duplin Journal for Wednesday, November 15, 2023

OPINION

DAR

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor VISUAL VOICES

COLUMN | JIM SILLS

Esse Quam Videri in Duplin County A substantial, robust news source is what you will have. All this is not something newspaper readers are accustomed to seeing these days… but Duplin County has it now.

WELCOME TO DUPLIN JOURNAL! I am pleased that you are reading this very first issue. I hope you like it and I hope you come back for more. Let me say right off the bat, that the goal of those of us that have put this publication together is simple. We want to be the best, most complete, fiercely local news source in our community. That is what the good folks in Duplin County deserve and that is what we intend to be. Duplin Journal is a local edition of North State Journal, North Carolina’s only statewide newspaper, dedicated to covering the great state we call home and that we love. In a sea of media messages that twist, turn, perplex and come at you from all sides, North State Journal’s aim is to “elevate the conversation,” to report news in a straightforward manner and to inform. That is what good newspapers (and all media) should be doing and that’s what we will do in Duplin too. What all this means to you, the reader is that each week Duplin Journal will give you stories about all things Duplin – government, schools, churches, prep and youth-league sports. We’ll write about the people here and the things that drive our county - local businesses, and agriculture. None of this should come as a surprise. Community newspapers should be covering all these things. What may surprise you, however is that in addition to receiving thorough local coverage, you will also get complete state news – from Murphy to Manteo. News and features about state government and industry, college and professional sports all will be part of the package. A substantial, robust

news source is what you will have. All this is not something newspaper readers are accustomed to seeing these days… but Duplin County has it now. I have told you what Duplin Journal will be. Now, let me now say what it will not be. In our newspaper and its operation, you will not find a top-down corporate structure that sees only profit, de-emphasizes the local market, cuts resources and ultimately diminishes the product that readers pay increasingly more for. This characterizes too much of the chain-owned media landscape nowadays and Duplin Journal will not be part of it. Don’t get me wrong, we need to make money, certainly, but a quality local newspaper must be at the forefront. If providing this to our community is not the priority, frankly, we might as well find something else to do. I am a native North Carolinian. I’ve never lived anywhere else and never wanted to. My entire newspaper career has been in North Carolina. I truly love this state. I have lived in Duplin County for 23 years. My wife has deep roots here and it’s the place we chose to raise our children. It’s our home. I am honored to be part of an effort to provide a superior news outlet that takes seriously the need to serve our local community and indeed our state. It’s a privilege for me and for the Duplin Journal team. You may know that the North Carolina state motto is Esse Quam Videri – To be rather than to seem. These are profound words that perhaps we all should embrace in our personal and professional lives. Our North State Journal team takes the motto

to heart - to BE the best, most reliable news source in local markets across the state. We now aspire to BE that in Duplin County, as we not only cover what goes on here but as we become part of the community. But just like any local business startup, we need your support. If you are interested and engaged in what goes on in our county, please read Duplin Journal, in print and/or digitally. If you are a business owner, please advertise with us. Our goal is to be easy to work with. Let us help you get the word out and grow, just as you help us. And let us hear from you… everyone. Call us or drop by our office in Wallace. Write a letter to the editor about whatever may be on your mind. We’ll be on social media, so interact with us there. Give us your feedback and tell us what you like and what we can do better. You may have heard the voices out there decrying newspapers and other traditional media saying that nobody is reading, blah, blah, blah. While it is true that media has changed, as have many businesses in our society, it is also true that the need for quality local news coverage has never been higher. Community newspapers are vital. Without them places like Duplin County are left with quick posts, sound bites, gossip and worst of all, “news deserts,” where there is no real coverage of local happenings. Strong newspapers help build strong communities. I hope you’ll join us as we do just that right here at home. Once again, welcome to Duplin Journal… your newspaper. Jim Sills is vice president of local newspapers for North State Media.

COLUMN | JIMMY DIXON

A commitment to farmers This year, several farmers in Duplin County have reported one of the best corn crops in years.

AS THIS YEAR’S LEGISLATIVE SESSION HAS DRAWN TO A CLOSE, I am filled with pride and optimism as I reflect on the recent legislative commitment to bolster our agriculture economy and support our farmers. The passage of the Farm Act and the substantial agricultural provisions in the state budget represent a milestone in our commitment to supporting and enhancing the agricultural community, which is the lifeblood of Duplin County and the cornerstone of our state’s economy. This year, several farmers in Duplin County have reported one of the best corn crops in years. A bumper crop is not just about favorable weather conditions; it’s a result of dedication, innovation, and a deep connection to the land that our farmers possess. The recent legislative measures are a recognition of their efforts and a commitment to ensuring their continued prosperity. The state budget, with over $363 million allocated for agriculture and natural

resource priorities, sets our area and the entire state up for future growth. These funds will go a long way in addressing various needs, from farmland preservation to agribusiness development, ensuring that our farmers have the resources and support they need to thrive. The Farm Act, a comprehensive piece of legislation, brings much-needed updates and refinements to agricultural laws. It expands the definition of agriculture to include additional activities like the production of trees and timber and pine needles. The measure also addresses agritourism, which is increasingly becoming a significant part of our rural economy. The bill also encourages continued sustainable farming practices by clarifying local zoning rules related to turkey litter recycling and exempting the sale of compost material from sales tax. These changes are not just technical changes but tools that will empower our farmers, enhance agricultural practices and open new opportunities for growth

and innovation. As a representative of Duplin County, I have always believed that our farmers are not just cultivators of the land; they are custodians of our heritage and key drivers of our economy. The results of this year’s legislative session reflect our collective will to support them. It’s a message to our farmers that their toil is valued, their voices are heard and their contributions are crucial to the fabric of our state. The Farm Act and state budget are more than just political victories; they are a beacon of hope and a promise of a brighter future for agriculture in Duplin County and across North Carolina. As we move forward, let us continue to work together, support our farming community, and ensure the farms and fields of Duplin County and our statte continue to flourish for generations to come. Jimmy Dixon (R-NC04) represents Duplin and Wayne counties in the N.C. House of Representatives.

Duplin Journal for Wednesday, November 15, 2023

NC Jail Administrators Association names first Duplin County vice president By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal KENANSVILLE – Denise Mitchell, Duplin County Sheriff’s Office Jail Administrator was recently elected to serve as the North Carolina Jail Administrators Association vice president. She is the first Duplin County official to serve in the distinguished role. “It’s an honor to represent the state of North Carolina,” said Mitchell, who has been serving with the Sheriff’s Office Detention Center Division for the last 25 years. “She has worked tirelessly to serve the citizens of Duplin County at the Detention Center. I am proud of her many accomplishments over the years,” said Sheriff Stratton Stokes. “She is a role model that our youth and adults alike can look up to and I feel honored to work with her.” Mitchell handles the planning, directing and supervising of the jail’s personnel, daily activities, and administrative functions. Despite the massive undertaking, Mitchell remains humble and is looking forward to seeing the new jail project come to fruition. While construction of the jail has been approved, it is still unknown if the new construction will feature a 236-bed facility or a smaller one with a capacity of 156 beds. “I know it takes time, but we’ve been needing it for the last 15 years or more,” said Mitchell, explaining that the jail is in constant need of repairs, and they lack space to accommodate a growing population of inmates. Another challenge they are faced with is recruiting qualified workers. “For the last, maybe, two years we’ve been working shifts trying to keep up our day-to-day jobs,” said Mitchell. It is no secret that overpopulation is a growing challenge at the local jail. The constant overflow of inmates, many with mental health issues, is more than the small, outdated facility can ac-

Animal Shelter reopened Monday. All affected dogs were rescued or adopted By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal

ENA SELLERS | DUPLIN JOURNAL

Denise Mitchell, jail administrator with the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office, stands outside the local jail. Mitchell is the first Duplin County jail administrator elected North Carolina Jail Administrators Association vice president. commodate. But space is not the only concern at the jail. According to Mitchell, the number of inmates coming in with mental health problems continues to increase. This means those individuals must be kept isolated until evaluated, a task done for everyone’s safety as some can become combative. “When (you have) a small jail, you got only a few single cells and mostly what is in a single cell is mental health,” said Mitchell. “… by the time you get those sent out, we have more coming in. It’s a struggle day-to-day trying to place people for their safety.” “It’s been tough… for the last 10 years,” said Mitchell, who hopes to see mental health return to normalcy, “not just in Duplin but all jails in general. We got people sitting here that need mental health (assistance).” The Duplin detention facility is one of several other jails across the state affected by backlogs in the mental health system.

“We have a person who has been out of jail, probably waiting for about a year to go to Cherry Hospital,” said Mitchell. Cherry Hospital is a correctional facility hospital located in Goldsboro, serving Duplin among 37 other counties. Currently, the hospital has a waitlist for inmates who go in the order in which each county sent the request. Duplin County is number 100 on the list. “They are limited on how many they can take at a time… We had another person who has been waiting for a year, so he had to go in front of the judge because he had served his time, so the judge looked at his case and let him out... Now we got another one waiting,” she explained. “So many counties have the same problems, so they have to put people on a waiting list.” “This is the longest I’ve seen a person wait,” said Mitchell, explaining that in the past the wait time was about a month or less. “But now, it’s been like this for the last 4 or 5 years.”

The big problem with this situation, she explains, is that mental health cases must be isolated and because of the limited space, it holds a bed space that can be used to house someone who should not be out on the streets. “They have to stay at the jail until they are accepted at Cherry Hospital, or their case is reviewed by a judge,” Mitchell explained. Currently, they have two people waiting to go to Cherry and five others who have not been to court yet. The Wallace-Rose Hill High School graduate was appointed jail administrator in 2007 and has been a board member of the NC JAA since 2016. Mitchell holds an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from James Sprunt Community College. She is a life member of the Criminal Justice Society and a member of the American Jail Association. Mitchell also volunteers to help troubled teens and women who suffer from addiction and homelessness.

Number of children living in hunger decreased, NC Child data says Duplin’s children saw mixed results on key data points By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal NC Child, a nonprofit organization that advocates for children and families, has released its annual County Data Cards, which measure a number of factors that contribute to maternal and infant health, educational attainment, economic security, safety, and health and wellness. The statewide data shows that the median household income in North Carolina increased by almost $4,000 between 2020 and 2021, rising to $60,516, while

BEULAVILLE from page 1 lot of expansion from the Onslow County side, so we really need housing to keep up with that.” Since National Spinning closed in 2017, the town hasn’t had a large employer to keep people living and working in the community, however. “We need something like that again,” Jones said. “We want people to live and work in Beulaville. Right now, it’s kind of a bedroom community for places like Jacksonville, Wilmington, Kinston, and Goldsboro; we want it to be a place where people both live and work.” The housing funding is something the town board has been working on for the past five to six years, he told the Duplin Journal. “We’ve really been paying attention to bringing housing to Beulaville, so people who want to live in Beulaville can do that. We want Beulaville to be available to people from all walks of life.” The housing units will like-

Parvo outbreak temporarily shuts down dog intakes

the number of children living in food-insecure homes dropped by almost 3 percentage points during that same period, down to 15.4 percent. There was also a small decline in the percentage of children living in poor or low-income homes. At the county level, numerous counties also saw the same data trajectory, with incomes increasing and the number of food-insecure children declining. In Duplin County, the median income is well below the state average, at $45,744. However, Duplin’s median income is up from $43,422 in 2020. At the same time, the number of children living in food-insecure homes dropped from 23.5%

in 2019 to 19.8% in 2021. The number of children living in low-income homes also dropped by 0.5%, from 63% in 2019 to 62.5% in 2021. While the economic numbers may be improving for Duplin County, other indicators of children’s well-being, like abuse and neglect investigations and health insurance coverage took slight hits in 2021. In 2020 for instance, 10.9% of Duplin’s children were without health insurance, but that increased to 11.6% in 2021. The number of children assessed for abuse or neglect was at 47.6 per 1,000 in 2020, but that number rose to 57.6 per 1,000 in 2021. Education in Duplin County saw a slight downturn, with

the high school graduation rate dropping from 86.1% in the 2020-21 school year to 85% in 2021-22. Meanwhile, third grade reading proficiency rates also dipped, from 27.1% in 2020-21 to 27% in 2021-22. As for prenatal care, Duplin’s numbers improved over the past few years. In 2020, 66.1% of expectant mothers received prenatal care, while in 2021, 70.3% did. However, low birth weight percentages dropped from 12.6% in 2020 to 8.7% in 2021. Of the 725 live births in the county, just 10% were pre-term, compared to 12.4% in 2020. County Data Cards for all 100 N.C. counties are available on NC Child’s website, 2023 County Data Dashboard.

ly be a combination of apartments and duplexes, Jones explained. “I haven’t seen the final product yet,” he added. “It’s a matter of, we had this grant opportunity come up, and we’re now in the stages of planning. But the goal is for it to be a place for professionals or semi-professionals working in the community to have a place to live in the community as well.” The town is also not sure of the exact location of the development. There are three sites in the running, but the board hasn’t made a final decision on one of those yet. The AHDF funding is only the latest grant that the town has received. A few months ago, the town received a $250,000 matching grant from the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Fund to expand the park that’s currently located behind Town Hall and Beulaville Elementary School. Jones said they hope to break ground on that project in spring or summer of 2024. “It’s all about having that

quality of life,” he added. “We want people to come to Beulaville, but also to stay here, work here, and live here. If you’re living and working in a community, your tax dollars will stay in that community.” For the NCORR/AHDF funding, local and tribal governments were encouraged to apply for financing for single-family homeownership development, multifamily housing rehabilitation, or new construction outside of the 100-year floodplain, according to a press release from NCORR. “This third round of affordable housing funding is particularly exciting because five local and tribal governments are first-time recipients of the long-term disaster recovery housing grant program,” said Michele Wiggins, NCORR housing opportunities manager. “The funds will play a critical role in replenishing single and multifamily units damaged and destroyed by past storms.”

The other projects that received funding include: · The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina received $7,425,000 to build 30 single-family homes in a tribal territory and service area that is comprised of four adjoining counties: Robeson, Scotland, Hoke and Cumberland. · Scotland County will use the $9,656,244 it received to finance the I. Ellis Johnson Multifamily Housing site, which will create 55 rental units. · The town of Maysville in Jones County plans to use its $9,725,000 in award funding to build White Oak Landing Apartments. Like Beulaville, the town is partnering with Carolina Statewide Development, LLC, to build 40 units of affordable multifamily housing. · Pamlico County will receive $6,688,212 to develop Pamlico Grove Apartments, a 56-unit development, 29 of which will be funded by the AHDF grant.

KENANSVILLE – Two confirmed cases of parvo forced the Duplin County Animal Shelter to close its doors to dog intakes and adoptions for three weeks. On October 23, Duplin County Animal Services announced the situation on its Facebook page. “Due to two positive cases of parvo, the shelter will be closed to visitors and intakes for dogs for 21 days,” the post reads. Both of the dogs were already quarantined for bites, Duplin County Animal Services Supervisor Joe Newburn told the Duplin Journal. “But as a precaution, we shut the shelter down — just the dog areas,” he added. “Parvo doesn’t affect cats.” Parvo is a highly contagious virus among dogs that can be spread by direct contact with an infected dog or indirect contact with a contaminated object, like a food or water bowl, collar, leash, or even the hands and clothing of people who have handled infected dogs, according to the American Kennel Club. “Parvo is really, really contagious,” Newburn said. “It’s transmitted by feces. That means you can be outside, step in it, and then go inside your house and transmit it to your dogs if they aren’t vaccinated.” That’s why Duplin County Animal Services staff acted quickly to clean and fully disinfect the shelter, and quarantine the dogs that were in the shelter at the time of the contamination. The quarantine ended on Monday, Nov. 6, and on Nov. 7, all dogs were required to leave the shelter. “All of the [dogs] must leave the shelter, either by being adopted, rescued, or euthanized,” Newburn said, “because the shelter has to be dog-free for at least a week.” Luckily, all six of the dogs were either rescued or adopted, Newburn said. The shelter remained closed for seven more days after all the dogs had left, with intakes resuming on Monday, Nov. 13. In the meantime, shelter staff were “disinfecting every day, three or four times a day,” Newburn said. Parvo is completely preventable, with updated vaccinations. “It’s so important to get your dogs vaccinated,” Newburn said. “Very soon, we will be going around the county, giving out parvo shots like we do with rabies.” Details on the parvo clinics will be announced as soon as they are available. In the meantime, Newburn reminds dog owners that parvo is a very real danger. “If you take a dog to a dog park or anywhere it’s around other dogs, it can be very dangerous if they’re not vaccinated,” he said. Certain dogs are at especially high risk for parvo infection, including puppies who are 6 weeks to 6 months old, unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated dogs, and the following breeds: rottweilers, Doberman pinschers, American pit bull terriers, English springer spaniels, and German shepherds. “I can’t stress enough how important it is to get your animals vaccinated,” Newburn added. Vaccinations are available at your veterinarian’s office, or at some stores like Tractor Supply Company. “If you’re not sure if your animal is up to date on vaccinations, please check with your vet,” Newburn urged.

Duplin Journal for Wednesday, November 15, 2023

5 BUSINESS BRIEFS Duplin County’s unemployment rate ranked 50th out of North Carolina’s 100 counties, according to a report from the N.C. Department of Commerce. Duplin’s non-seasonally adjusted rate of 3.2% for September 2023 was down 0.3% from August, and decreased by 0.2% from the same month last year. That translates to 796 individuals receiving unemployment benefits out of the county’s workforce of 24,628. It’s important to note that employment estimates are subject to large seasonal patterns; therefore, it is advisable to focus on overthe-year changes, rather than month-to-month changes. Duplin was one of 98 counties to see a decrease in not-seasonally-adjusted unemployment rates from August to September. Scotland County had the highest rate, at 5.6%, while Swain and Buncombe counties had the lowest unemployment in the state, at 2.5%.

KENANSVILLE ABBY CAVENAUGH | DUPLIN JOURNAL

Tokyo Sunrise owner Donna Broach worked the cash register and phones for the restaurant for the entire decade it was in business in Kenansville.

The sun sets on Kenansville’s Tokyo Sunrise Hibachi restaurant closed on Friday, Nov. 10 By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal When a restaurant is in business for more than 10 years, it becomes a fixture in the community. Its owner gets to know the customers so well that when they see a certain number on the caller ID, they can answer with that customer’s order. That was the case for Donna Broach and Tokyo Sunrise, which operated on Front Street in Kenansville for the past decade and closed for good on Friday, Nov. 10. Broach said her favorite aspect of the restaurant was getting to know her customers. “Some of them, I don’t know their name, but I know what they eat. I can answer the phone and when I see a certain number, say ‘steak hibachi, no vegetables.’” Closing the restaurant

was “bittersweet,” she added. “There’s the stress of owning a restaurant in this day and age. It’s hard, because I know I’m going to miss my customers. At the same time, I won’t miss the sleepless nights. When it’s yours, you think about it 24 hours a day.” Those sleepless nights are part of the reason she decided to close the restaurant. Another deciding factor was the current economy. “With the economy the way it is right now, it’s hard for restaurants,” Broach said. “People want to shop local, but then when it comes down to it, they don’t that much.” Finding reliable help has also been a struggle, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. “Really, since 2020, the labor force has been different. A lot of people don’t seem to want to work anymore.” That said, she has had reliable employees and one family that worked with her from beginning to end.

Back when Tokyo Sunrise first opened, Broach said she was told that the sidewalks rolled up in town at 5 p.m. She found that her dinner business was actually just as good as the lunchtime business, which relied on customers who work in Kenansville at Department of Social Services, the Board of Education, the hospital, and the courthouse right next door. On the last day, Broach said business was better than she expected. “We actually had a lot of people come in for lunch today,” she said. “My grandkids came in and brought me flowers that were bigger than they are, so that was nice.” Doc Brinson, who owns the building, was one of those who stopped in on Tokyo Sunrise’s final day in business. “It’s been a great business,” he said. “It’s been very good for us for the past 10 years.” Broach’s restaurant was unlike any other in the area, serving hibachi and sushi, among other Japanese delicacies and some American ones. “With hibachi, there’s very little waste,” she explained. “That’s what I love about it. You have five meats, five vegetables, and you don’t waste anything.” Because she loves hibachi so much, Broach said she will likely open a Tokyo Sunrise food truck in about a year or so. “The food truck won’t be as labor-intense,” she said. “Since there are no employees, Mark and I can do it ourselves.” As for the building itself, it

“Small businesses are going out everywhere. I remember growing up, it was all small businesses, except for Sears and Montgomery Ward. And now, it’s all chains. We need to get back to truly local businesses, and I hope we do.” Donna Broach

will be converted into a new Mexican restaurant, to be called El Sombrero Loco. The new restaurant will serve traditional Mexican and American breakfast, lunch and dinner, Broach said. “I hope everybody supports [the new owner].” Broach added that she decided to share her story in hopes that people will realize that small businesses are struggling, and will truly shop local. “Just because you own a restaurant, you’re not rich,” she said. “Small businesses are going out everywhere. I remember growing up, it was all small businesses, except for Sears and Montgomery Ward. And now, it’s all chains. We need to get back to truly local businesses, and I hope we do.”

Tokyo Sunrise has closed its doors after 10 years in business. A new Mexican restaurant, called El Sombrero Loco, is scheduled to take its place in the coming weeks.

WALLACE Redefined Home Décor Gifts & More will hold a grand opening on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will include a ribbon cutting ceremony, vendors, food trucks, a raff le basket, and a dog’s ugly Christmas sweater contest. Santa Claus will be on hand, too! The store is located in the old Walmart shopping center, 733 N. Norwood St. in Wallace. For more information, call 910-6651035.

Share with your community! Send us your births, deaths, marriages, graduations and other announcements: community@duplinjournal.com

Weekly deadline is Monday at Noon

Duplin Hospital

Call for Grant Letters of Intent The Foundation of ECU Health Duplin Hospital is accepting Letters of Intent to apply for grants for funding to support projects within the following focus areas: Access to Care (Includes Transportation) Chronic Disease Prevention/Management Substance Misuse Behavioral Health The grants will be awarded as part of the 2024 – 2025 Community Benefits Grants Program. Grant Funding for 2024 – 2025 is restricted to Duplin County but includes the towns of Mount Olive

and Pink Hill. Grants will not be awarded for medical research. Only government entities or non-profit organizations with 501(c)(3) status will be eligible for funding. The grant period is for July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025. We are now accepting Letters of Intent through an electronic process only. To access this process, go to https://www.ecuhealth.org/community/grant-programs/. There will be a description of the program and a link to the letter of intent process. Please ensure that you are linking to the correct hospital’s grants program for which you are applying (ECU Health Duplin Hospital). Letters of intent must be submitted by November 30, 2023. Funding for the Community Benefits Grants Program is provided by ECU Health Duplin Hospital. The program is administered through the Foundation in partnership with a committee of local community members. For additional questions, please contact Tom Fife at Tom.Fife@ecuhealth.org.

Duplin Journal for Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Duplin school board gets positive audit report By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal The Duplin County Board of Education received a positive report on the school system’s annual audit from CPA firm Anderson, Smith, and Wike at the regular monthly meeting on Thursday, Nov. 2. The CPA firm’s Adam Shapiro presented the annual independent audit report to the board, explaining that the board enters into a third-party contract with the firm and the Local Government Commission to conduct the audit and present the results to the board each fiscal year. This report focused on the 2022-23 fiscal year, and overall, Shapiro gave a glowing report. Shapiro started off his presentation by explaining that the firm found no disagreements with the school system’s finances. “In our opinion, these financial statements accurately reflect the net position and the fund balance of the school system as of June 30, 2023,” he said. “This was considered a clean, unmodified opinion letter. Again, we had no disagreements on disclosing your financial status … We noted no questions on costs or federal or

state compliance violations.” Duplin County Schools’ general fund had a total fund balance of $6,375,000, which is an increase of $1 million from last year. The special revenue fund, which is made up mostly of local funds, with a few state and federal dollars included, had a $4,698,000 fund balance, an increase of $2.7 million from last year. “That is because of mostly indirect costs that you are allowed to charge to federal programs,” Shapiro explained. “The biggest federal program you have now is the COVID dollars, the CARES Act, … all in all, they make up what is called the education stabilization funds. This year, you spent $16 million of federal COVID dollars, and again, you’re able to collect a small fortune of indirect costs as essentially overhead costs to manage those funds. Those dollars have helped add to the fund balance of the special revenue fund.” The $16 million in COVID funds, he added, are temporary. “They’re set to expire in the next six to 18 months,” Shapiro said. “There has never been a school system that had $16 million that when those go away, it doesn’t somehow cost you, because there are programs that those funds pay

CENTER from page 1

veterans, and give them a place to congregate, to form relationships it just means everything to the community,” County Manager Bryan Miller told to the Duplin Journal. “It makes us stronger as a county. I’m incredibly excited.” County Commissioner Dexter Edwards welcomed the crowd, sharing he was pleased all of the county commissioners were in attendance. “I think that in itself shows the support that is behind this. I would like to say that it’s the state’s support that really got us here because they have given us $5 million for this project,” said Commissioner Edwards as the crowds cheered. Commissioner Edwards spoke about Melisa Brown’s key role in taking a dream that started more than 25 years ago and making it a reality. “She don’t give up,” said Commissioner Edwards about the Senior Services director. Y’all know how hard she works and how dedicated she is, and you know without question if it was not for her, this wouldn’t happen either.” After Commissioner Wayne Branch gave an invocation, Miller took to the podium and thanked everyone who had a hand at making the project come to fruition. “This momentous occasion marks the beginning of a project

“I have been known to say that we serve a forgotten generation. Today, that is not the case, the seniors nor the veterans have been forgotten.” Melisa Brown, Senior Services director that will not only provide a dedicated space for our beloved seniors to come together, but also honor and support our brave veterans who have selflessly served our nation,” said Miller. “We look forward to the positive impact that this center will have on the lives of our cherished seniors and veterans.” Brown was next to take the floor, in a touching speech, she shared that the dream of a larger Senior Center dated back to 1998, when the late Walter Brown Sr. was the director. “Unfortunately, Mr. Brown passed away in 2007, but his dream has remained in our hearts all these years,” said Brown, adding that when Steven Moore came onboard, he too shared the desire to secure a larger facility. “Both Mr. Brown and Mr. Moore allowed me the

for that you may want to continue. A lot of those funds are being spent on air quality, windows, one-time expenditures, but there are also extensive dollars in those COVID dollars that are program-related, that are operational-related, that are going to be recurring expenditures in the future, but you’ll no longer have those COVID dollars.” As a result, many districts statewide have been building up their fund balance, knowing that these federal funds will expire. “I think you’re in a very healthy position, probably the best fund balance you’ve had in six, seven, eight years,” Shapiro said. “I think you had more fund balance years ago before you did your consolidations and had to spend some of that money on construction and consolidating schools, but as soon as three or four years ago, your fund balance numbers were pretty low.” Duplin Schools has set aside $5.2 million in reserves for the future, which Shapiro praised. “You’re in a prime financial position to do that,” he said. Shapiro also praised the school board’s work on its Child Nutrition Fund. In 2022, the school system added $2.5 million, while in 2023, that number shrank to $1.1 million. “Still a

opportunity to learn and grow in a leadership role, and my passion for (serving) seniors has not wavered.” Brown also credited Woody Brinson, NC Senior Tar Heel Legislature Deputy Speaker Pro Tempore, for his advocacy efforts in Raleigh and the Duplin County Senior Center Foundation nonprofit. “Mr. Brinson continues to advocate and search for avenues to assist with funding efforts for the Senior Center,” said Brown. “I have been known to say that we serve a forgotten generation. Today, that is not the case, the seniors nor the veterans have been forgotten.” Laura Drakeford, Veteran Services director was next echoing the sentiment of gratitude. She then introduced retired Major Harvey Knowles who played the harmonica. “Our longest serving soldier at 93 years young,” said Drakeford, explaining that the World War II veteran is “always on duty.“ She shared about Knowles’ time in the Korean War and Vietnam and how to this date he can be seen at “every cemetery in Duplin County... every Memorial Day, every Veterans Day and even at funerals paying tribute and honoring our soldiers, our veterans in their service to our country.” After the groundbreaking, guests mingled and posed for

very profitable Child Nutrition Fund,” Shapiro said, adding that it helps that the school system participates in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program, a meal service option for schools and school districts in low-income areas. “Statewide, kids have been eating for free the previous two years. Child Nutrition Funds across the state were able to add cash. You’ve always been profitable here because of that CEP program.” After Shapiro’s presentation, board chairman Brent Davis stated that he wanted to explain the school system’s increased fund balance. “We added the fund balance, which we attribute all that to the hard work and the good work of the finance department,” he explained. “Currently, we have around $6.3 million in fund balance, but just to put it in perspective, what we’re currently funding out of these COVID funds that he mentioned, that’s about two years’ worth. We’re not stacking money back in the fund balance with no use intended. It has got a real use, and it’s going to be depleted very quickly if some of the funding models don’t change, so I just wanted to point that out.”

ENA SELLERS | DUPLIN JOURNAL

Laura Drakeford, Commissioner Dexter Edwards and Melisa Brown stand infront of the construction site for the new Veteran Services and Senior Center at the Duplin Commons on Nov. 9. photos across from the construction site. The atmosphere was one of joy. “We are very pleased,” said Commissioner Edwards to the Duplin Journal. “We are so thankful for our state representatives. This could not have happened if our state representatives hadn’t got behind it financially and this is something that our county needs. Our people in the county have dedicated a lot of service throughout the world and we are now getting the chance to recognize our veterans, recognize our aged, and we are so pleased.”

TOWN OF BEULAVILLE COMMISSIONER (3 seats) Russell J. Lanier III

35.88%

Byron Thomas

34.35%

Tracy Lewis Thomas

25.19%

Write-In (Misc.)

4.58%

Joanne Wilson

78.57%

Write-In (Misc)

21.43%

MUNICIPAL ELECTION R E S U LT S

TOWN OF CALYPSO COMMISSIONER(5 seats) Marty Taylor

21.67%

Troy E. Jernigan, Jr.

20.00%

Larry Cashwell

18.33%

Lisa Tyndall

18.33%

TOWN OF KENANSVILLE MAYOR (UNEXPIRED)

Rubylene Lambert

13.33%

Stephen M. Williamson, Jr.

97.73%

Write-In (Misc)

8.33%

Write-In (Misc.)

2.27%

William M. (Billy) Ward II

95.60%

Write-In (Misc)

4.40%

FAISON COMMISSIONERS (2 seats) Lee Kennedy

33.71%

Ken Avent, Jr.

32.00%

Christy Allen

21.71%

Juan Carlos Quintanilla

12.00%

Write-In (Misc.)

0.57%

TOWN OF GREENEVERS MAYOR Diane Brown

59.43%

Jackial Swinson (Write-In)

40.57%

Write-In (Misc.)

0.00%

TOWN OF GREENEVERS COMMISSIONER (2 seats)

The target date for completion of the $6.2 million facility is December 2024. “It’s been a long time coming,” said Drakeford, who is excited for the new space, as they are currently operating in a 642-squarefoot building. “We will still provide the same services with the addition of maybe a veteran’s council, where my different organizations– American Legion, Disabled American Veterans and Veterans of Foreign Wars will all be able to come together and collaborate on improved or more services for the veterans.”

TOWN OF ROSE HILL COMMISSIONER (3 seats)

TOWN OF CALYPSO MAYOR

TOWN OF FAISON MAYOR

In other business at the Nov. 2 meeting: · The 2023-2024 School Improvement Plans were approved. · Superintendent Dr. Austin Obasohan praised Warsaw Elementary School for its recent successful Career Fair. · Dr. Obasohan also reported that James Kenan High School JROTC teacher Master Sgt. James Graves has been nominated for the 2023 NCCAT Beginning Teacher of the Year award. · The board approved a lengthy consent agenda, which included the renewal of the School Resource Officer (SRO) contract with the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office, the 2023-24 Memorandum of Understanding between the Duplin County Board of Education and James Sprunt Community College concerning Career and College Promise and Duplin Early College High School, and accepted a $1,895,700 bid for Quadrant Construction to perform HVAC, ceiling, and lighting construction at North Duplin Elementary. The Duplin County Board of Education meets on the first Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. in the O.P. Johnson Education Building in Kenansville.

DUPLIN COUNTY

Gary Boney

35.63%

Calvin J. Miller

32.18%

William (Billy) Wilson

31.03%

Write-In (Misc.)

1.15%

Bobby Jones

34.65%

Anthony Rosso

33.66%

Danny Sutton

24.75%

Leonard D. Fillyaw

6.93%

Write-In (Misc.)

0.00%

TOWN OF TEACHEY MAYOR

TOWN OF TEACHEY COMMISSIONER (3 seats)

TOWN OF KENANSVILLE COMMISSIONER (3 seats) Nelson Baker

Ronnie Page

36.07%

Wanda Henderson

31.51%

James (Jamie) Moore

30.59%

Write-In (Misc.)

1.83%

TOWN OF WALLACE COUNCILMAN (3 seats)

28.89%

Francisco Rivas Diaz

227

30.35%

186

24.87%

Crystal Strickland

25.33%

Frank Brinkley

Milta King

24.44%

Penny F. Thorne

181

24.20%

150

20.05%

0.53%

Eddie Hobbs

20.44%

William Jeffrey Carter

Write-In (Misc.)

0.89%

Write-In (Misc.)

TOWN OF MAGNOLIA MAYOR Dawn Ward

71.43%

Michael G. Chestnutt

28.57%

Write-In (Misc.)

0.00%

TOWN OF MAGNOLIA COMMISSIONER (2 seats) Elevenia R. Wilson

39.86%

Eric Graham

21.01%

Reginald James (Write-In)

33.54%

Joshua Linares-Fuentes

20.29%

Venessa Chasten Farrior

32.91%

Patsy Chestnutt

10.14%

Joseph Bivens

31.65%

Ticia Terrell

6.52%

Write-In (Misc.)

1.90%

Write-In (Misc.)

2.17%

TOWN OF WALLACE COUNCILMAN (UNEXPIRED) (1 seat) Tasha Herring Redd Write-In (Misc.)

229 14

94.24%

5.76%

TOWN OF WARSAW COMMISSIONER (3 seats) Jack A. Hawes

170

24.82%

Tomey Jones

124

18.10%

Scotty Levon Smith

118

17.23%

Owen Martin, Jr.

117

17.08%

Sheree Shepard

12.55%

Donald Herring

10.22%

Write-In (Misc.)

0.00%

SPORTS Clock runs out on Rebels’ season North Duplin stifled on final drive by SE Halifax

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal CALYPSO – The clock ran out — literally and figuratively — on North Duplin’s season last Friday at H.E. Grubbs Field. The Rebels were driving the ball to the end zone during a 2621 second-round playoff loss to No. 9 Southeast Halifax when the final seconds ticked off. ND made it to the 23-yard line and a sack backed it on the 30 and the Rebels were out of timeouts. “There were a couple of penalties mixed in there and those hurt,” said ND head coach Hugh Martin. “That made it harder. Another minute up there and maybe we can keep doing what we were doing and score. We lost ourselves a chance.” The Trojans (10-2) will travel to No. 1 Tarboro on Friday. ND (9-3) ends its best season since 2017 when Martin led to Rebels to the 1A final. They were there in 2007 as well. ND fell by a touchdown each time. Senior RB Dujuan Armwood scored all three of his team’s TDs and nearly had another on the final drive when he caught a pass from Luke Kelly in the open field and slipped hurdling a defender. “He’s probably gone if he keeps his balance,” said Martin.

The Trojans beat ND 4222 in the first round last season and were clobbered 48-0 by Tarboro, which lost 20-7 to Mount Airy in the 1A final. Having Armwood back on the roster, and a Rebel team seasoned over the off-season, made all the difference in making it a second-round battle. “I felt like we put in the work and focused on ourselves and that doesn’t always give you what you deserve or want,” Martin said. “I feel bad for our seniors, who prepared so hard and put everything into it, as well as some juniors and some of our younger ones.” Close game throughout ND rallied from 8-0 and 14-6 deficits tie it near the end of the second quarter. A 10-play, 65-yard march chewed up most of the clock late in the first half as ND slowly pushed its way to a 5-yard score by Armwood. Kelly hit Carell Phillps for the 2-point conversion to knot it at 14-all at halftime. The Rebels burned 6:01 off the third quarter by going 53 yards in nine plays to open the second half. But SEH needed five snaps to score to push to within 2120 when Trayvese Silver found Rodney Johnson for a 41-yard score on third-and-19. An ND fumble set up the Trojans’ winning score a minute into the fourth quarter, as

When an ending becomes a new, familiar beginning

Armwood finished with 135 yards on 22 carries and Carell

Every ending is a new beginning. I can relate to senior football players at three schools who ended their gridiron prep careers. Yet I’m a bit more like a coach, like Kevin Motsinger, Battle Holley or Hugh Martin – whose schools ended their season in the second round of the playoffs last Friday, but returned on Monday to start on 2024. But like the graduates, I’ve found a new home. And yet I’ve went absolutely nowhere. I spent the past nine years covering Duplin County athletics and that continues without interruption this week with a salute to three programs that exited the playoffs too soon. In 2017, I saw all three play in the state finals, and football season generally runs 15 to 16 weeks. But my game-watching has

See REBELS, page 8

See ENDING, page 8

EDUARDO PUAC FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

Ethan Turnage and Trashawn Ruffin were key to the North Duplin defense this season. Both return next season. Silver ran for 17 yards on thirdand-12. ND’s offense was off the field in seven plays, and nine plays later Holmes had an interception. On the final drive, Kelly hit Armwood with a 27-yard pass, Phillips had a 20-yard first down run and Armwood two runs of eight yards. A Kelly interception was the

COLUMN MICHAEL JAENICKE

final straw. “Matchups in the playoffs are key,” Martin said. Rebel Lines SE Halifax had 16 penalties for 120 yards, ND four for 55.

Bear’s speed trap Bears grab early lead, keep Scoring-fest going to topple ’Dawgs By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal WALLACE – Coach Kevin Motsinger warned his team about slow starts the entire second half of the season. It cost Wallace-Rose Hill big time during a 58-44 loss to Hertford County in the second round of the 2A playoffs Friday night. Things couldn’t have been any better for the Bears or worse for the Bulldogs early-on as Hertford built a 28-0 lead. WRH (8-4) fought back in the second half to cut it to 12 points twice. Yet the Bulldogs couldn’t get stops and the two schools traded scores. The Bulldogs trailed by 20 points last season at Northeastern, but rallied to win 35-31 in the same round. This time the comeback by the East Central 2A Conference champions would be thwarted by Rimirez Williams and Keveon Rodgers. Williams had three TD catches, a scoop and score and a kickoff return. QB Rodgers ran, scrambled, maneuvered and passed his way into one of the better games by any signal caller in the state. WRH couldn’t put pressure on him in the pocket, keep him from

MICHAEL JAENICKE | DUPLIN JOURNAL

Nate Jones and Luke Hughes played key roles in ED’s defense, which limited opponents to 12 points per game. EDUARDO PUAC FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

Javyn Fredrick and Josh Contrares put the whammy on a runner. scrambling for time nor stop him on designed runs. The Bears (10-2) play No. 4 Nash Central (10-2) on Friday in the second round. “The ray of sunshine was how we fought in the second half,” said Motsinger, whose team trailed 38-8 at halftime. “The kickoff return was the straw that broke our back. “Their QB, WRs and RBs have all played since they were sophomores, and they would have beaten Northeastern (43-42 loss to the No. 2 seed early in the season)

if not for turning the ball over four times. They’re a track team “We haven’t started well all year, which I’ve constantly warned this team about. We didn’t play well against Kinston, East Duplin, James Kenan or Greene Central, though no one sees it because of the scores.” WRH just didn’t get enough defensive stops, especially in the second half when they mounted a comeback. “We started with a five-man See SPEED TRAP, page 8

‘Rebuilding’ campaign proves Panthers program is solid By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal WHITEVILLE – The defending 2A state football titlist played like champions until the end. “It went quick,” said East Duplin head coach Battle

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Holley, whose Panthers won the school’s first state football championship in 2022. “We had a great season and you and everyone else never expected us to be 9-1 coming into the playoffs or to finish See REBUILDING, page 9

Duplin Journal for Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Diaz’s WRH booters a force in 2A Captures second ECC crown in five years By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal WALLACE – Rodrigo Diaz admits being a bit too much of a know-it-all his first season as coach of the Wallace-Rose Hill soccer program that had won three 1A state championship. He also recognized resistance from parents following that success, though he had to win in the 2A classification. Five seasons into the job, Diaz has the program on solid footing. Not because the Bulldogs (17-5-2) won the ECC title this fall by overcoming three-time champ James Kenan. But because barring a hiccup during the Covid-marred 2020 season (3-8-1 with many one-goal losses), WRH has been consistently competitive. And there’s no indication that Diaz’s program will not continue to prosper. The Bulldogs’ current season ended last week with a thirdround 1-0 loss to perennial power Jordan-Matthews (16-22). WRH went 20-5 in Diaz’ first season, then 14-5-1 and 14-7-2 in 2021 and 2022, respectively. And just as importantly, the culture was reset with the Bulldogs. Diaz started at the bottom and worked upward. ENDING from 7

been a constant for the past 30-plus years. You might have a job that pays more, but you can’t touch me on the ‘fun meter.” I have worked in the print business in New Jersey, at the Robesonian in Lumberton for 15 years and in Wayne County for five years. As a life-long scribe, I found my perfect place in the heart of Duplin County. It took a while for y’all to understand my ways, since I’m more of an acquired taste. But I’m 100 percent old school. I’m super excited to be at the North State Journal, where I get a new start on familiar fields and gymnasiums. I have great respect for the job our prep coaches do in fostering boys and girls into adulthood. Duplin coaches are some of the best anywhere. I look forward to keeping this area informed on athletics. Not just football, because those players out there are someone’s son or grandson, daughter or

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Coach Rodrigo Diaz guided WRH to its second ECC title in five season. “It’s important to get players eligible and hopefully playing other sports,” he said. “They grow their mindsets and develop by experiencing different aspects of competing.” Next came hooking players on the game and what it takes to be successful. “Getting them to take pride in hard work and scheduling great competition outside of our conference, against 3A and 4A teams, is key,” Diaz said. “Our kids have pride in our program and have shown the mental toughness to want it to continue to be one of the best.” Diaz’s next steps were to

fund-raising that fostered new lights, a PA system and camera. Those things enhanced the soccer experience for players, coaches and fans, who swarm to the pitch to support the Bulldogs. “We had a magical year,” said Diaz, whose club tied JK 6-6 and then stormed to the ECC title with a 3-0 win over the Tigers in the regular season finale. Diaz added to the WRH soccer family by adding Brianna Casto this season. She coached the junior varsity squad. “She’s hungry and wants to do well for our student-athletes,” Diaz said. “She deals with

granddaughter. That being said, expect great things from these pages. While I’ve been around for what feels like two lifetimes, I am open to suggestions and questions. Like the coaches, I have a calling. And I take it as serious as a fourthand-goal from the 1 in the playoffs. What the athletes of Duplin do on and off the fields of play is sacred ground for me. I care unconditionally about the power of athletics, even through changes that are nothing like I experiened growing up. Here’s a little ditty that I thought about two weeks ago when East Duplin sophomore RB Shawn Davis broke his collarbone. Many moons ago I was wrestling in a summer tournament and ahead of a grappler who placed third in the state. All I had to do was stall my way through the final 30 seconds on bottom and the win was mine. But I was taken to the mat and my collarbone was broken. That provided the best inspiration in the world for a rising sophomore. Three state final appearances

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Brando Romero used his head a lot this season for WRH.

a lot of adversity.” Many of WRH’s losses came from schools with players who play travel soccer at a high level. WRH does not have that luxury. Nor does it “import” players. “I like what we have going on here,” said Diaz, whose success and direction has won over the naysayers.

later, I discovered that life is about nothing more than how one reacts to a problem. No one is immune to having bad things happen. And I truly believe we are nothing more nor less than how we recover. I have been sober for 35 years, breaking a very long chain of alcoholism in my family. I had a moment of clarity and I was blessed with a gift. Because life is also about what we do with the many gifts we are given. How we care for each determines the road we travel. Some things have changed since I graduate high school in 1977. Some things – hard work, teamwork, hustle, compassion, determination and dedication -have not. Stay tuned and buckled up, my sportscar ride isn’t over. In fact, it got rebooted and supercharged. The news made by a younger generation is still paramount. Hey, where else than in athletics do boys and men hug each other and celebrate? Here’s to hoping that continues, and I’m there to document it.

“I’m fortunate the players play hard and listen and believe what I say,” Diaz commented “After we beat East Duplin, I told them, ‘I’m tired of finishing second (in the ECC)’ and they responded. That’s when they really believed in themselves and our team. “I knew we belonged. They learned we did.”

REBELS from 7

(10-43) and fullback Bryan Zambrano (10-48) helped ND go for 226 yards on the ground. SEH had 244 rushing and 70 through the air. Armwood had both the first TD and the 2-point conversion. He finished the campaign with 1,725 yards and 27 TDs by averaging 11.0 per carry. Phillips had 687 yards and eight scores. “Matchups in the playoffs are key,” said Martin. Sometimes they’re good, sometimes they are not. “We come back with a strong sophomore class. We did things right and there’s a lot to be said for that. “We made strength gains in the weight room, football improvement on the field and these kids did everything right off the field. These young men have been outstanding.” Holmes had a team-high eight tackles. Ethan Turnage and Isaac Davis seven apiece, Austin Wolfe six, Phillips and Rahmeal Gates five each. Turnage, a sophomore, was the top takedown artist this season (8.1 per game), followed by Holmes and Wolfe (6.0), Oscar Romero (4.8), Trashawn Ruffin (4.7), Davis (4.5), Armwood (4.0), Khamari Leak (3.7). According to correspondent Bill Rollins’ research, Martin’s record at his alma mater is 121-99 (.550), this year passing the late Richard Kaleel to move into second place all-time in ND football victories. Kaleel’s mark was 113-79-5 (.586) from 1956-74. Martin also leads all Rebel coaches in football playoff victories with a mark of 17-18. Second is Ken Avent Sr., at 13-15. Avent Sr. is ND’s career wins leader at 172105 (.621) over 25 years (1975-99).

SPEED TRAP from 7

EDUARDO PUAC FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

Kevin Motsinger captured the first conference title of his career when WRH won the ECC.

line,” Motsigner said. “We had to stop No. 3 (RB Elijah Outlaw) who no one has stopped all year. We just didn’t have the speed to match up against them. “They made a couple of long third downs and we failed to score when we got really close twice. It all added up.” The Bears needed nine plays to make it 7-0, WRH then drove to the 6 before a fumble, scoop and score from 76 yards made it 14-0. HC forced a three-and-out and nine snaps later was in front 20-0. WRH drove to the 5 and was again turned away. Two plays later it was 28-0 with 8:19 to play in the first half. Irving Brown (26-287) hit pay dirt from the 41 and Corbin Kerr added the 2-point conversion. A pooch kick was then returned to the WRH 14 and Hertford County’s QB scored from the 1 two plays later. A bad-snap fumble recovery ended WRH’s drive at the 5 with 5:15 to play in the second quarter. WRH also failed to convert on fourth-and-2 from the 2 near the end of the half. Scoring-fest second half Javyn Frederick set up the Bulldogs’ first score early in the third period with a 33 yard run. Brown ran for 12 and nine yards, with Kerr (23-221) scoring from the 9 to make it 34-16 It was 42-16 after the kickoff return and 42-22 after Brown scored two snaps later. WRH got a three-and-out and eight plays later Brown fired a

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Junior RB Irving Brown ran for 287 yards in a loss to Herford County. He had 1,696 yards and 23 TDs this fall, and 1,628 and 28 TDs as a sophomore. TD pass to cut it to 42-30 after Kerr added the 2-point run. WRH was playing without starting QB Reid Page, who was hurt early in the game. HC scored early in the fourth to up the ante to 50-30. A Brown score trimmed it to 12 again five snaps later. Hertford’s next drive put the nail in the coffin for WRH. They chewed up clock with 12 plays and went on top by 14 with 3:33 to play, making WRH’s final score by Kerr irrelevant. ’Dawg Bites Kerr finished with a Duplin County season-high 2,252 yards rushing and 26 TDs. He had 12 games of 100-plus yards and 4,864 for his three-year career.

Brown finished with 1,696 yards, which was 74 more than last season in fewer games. He hit the end zone 23 and 28 times in the past two seasons. WRH graduates 19 seniors. “My heart breaks for them,” Motsigner said of his players. “For their talent, their potential and just the kind of kids they are. “These kids were freshmen during Covid and didn’t get to lift in the weight room for two years. Everyone had that going on, but we need that and were behind because of it and pressing to make up for it the past two years. “That’s how we got to the East Region final last year and did as well as we did this season.”

Duplin Journal for Wednesday, November 15, 2023

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With leading rusher Shawn Davis injured, ED got offense from the arm of QB Zack Brown. REBUILDING from 7

10-2. I couldn’t be more proud after having just four starters back (from last year).” Holley’s words came less than 24 hours after No. 6 Whiteville beat No. 11 ED 28-7 in the second round of the playoffs on the Wolfpack’s home field. The Panthers played the game without leading rusher Shawn Davis (1,144 yards, 18 TDs), who broke his collarbone in the first-round 41-18 win over Eastern Wayne. “Everyone has injuries, but we were at a point where we thought he was coming back— and he gets hurt again,” Holley said. “That’s a part of football. “Our kids did a great job. We cut it to 14 and had a chance to get closer.” Yet the Panther rushing attack was stifled by the Wolfpack defense. ED had just 102 yards rushing, and 109 through the air. The Panthers were four of 13 on third down. Stopping coach JP Price’s club wasn’t any easier. Nallegem Powell ran for 103 Amari Best 74 and had in pick 6 and Cameron McKevian (7-53) and QB Luke Odham (10-55) helped amass 363 running-yards for Whiteville (102), which plays No. 3 Southwest Edgecombe (10-2) in the third round on Friday. No.2 Northeastern hosts No. 7 Princeton in the other matchup in the bottom half of the bracket. No. 1 Clinton looms in the top. The Wolfpack drove for a TD on its first possession and then Best picked off Zack Brown’s pass and scored from the 15. Odham connected with Will Fisher for a 29-yard score in the second quarter. Down 21-0 after a pair of three-and-outs and a drive that never got into Whiteville territory, the Panthers showed spunk in the third quarter. Brown completed a pair of passes to Keeshon Mckinnie and Nate Jones, and had a 13-yard scamper, and Jordan Judge’s 12-yard escape moved the chains in the third. Brown scored from the 3 to cut the lead to a pair of scores. ED could get no closer and failed on fourth down twice in the fourth quarter. The Pack’s Best ran for 19 yards and Powell had sprints of 13 and 19, the last of which produced the game’s final TD. The Panthers lost only to Princeton in 2022 en route to its second straight ECC title and a 2A win over Reidsville in the final game. ED would extend its win streak to 22 before losing to Wallace-Rose Hill 20-14 on Oct. 20. “I can be just as proud of these guys as the bunch last year,” Holley said. “I can honestly say this group was one of the better ones I’ve worked with. They rushed to practice after school and we never had any hiccups all year. “They represented our school and community well. The players bought in and our coaches did an outstanding job in preparing them each week.” ED will return key players

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Wallace-Rose Hill, Football Wallace-Rose Hill head coach Kevin Motsinger says Shoe is a vital scout team player. “He gives everything he has every day and the success of this football team is important to him. “He epitomizes what high school sports is all about, working as hard as anyone in the weight room and on the scout team.” MICHAEL JAENICKE | DUPLIN JOURNAL

Keeshon Mckinnie ran and had receptions for more than 100 yards in a 28-7 loss to Whiteville. Better days are ahead for the upstart freshman.

“I can be just as proud of these guys as the bunch last year,” Holley said. “I can honestly say this group was one of the better ones I’ve worked with. They rushed to practice after school and we never had any hiccups all year. Battle Holley next fall. “We’ve got a good mix coming back, some good ones coming up from the JV and middle schoolers moving up as well who can help us,” Holley said. “What I like (here) is I know what I’m getting every day. “We had a great season.” Gridiron Notebook Judge, who scored three times in the win over Eastern Wayne, was limited to 54 yards on 12 carries. Brown had 43 on nine totes and was 13 of 23 for 105 yards through the air. He hit Mckinnie five times for 50 yards and Chase Whaley and Judge three times apiece for a combined total of 38 yards as Holley went to the

air far more than normal. Offensive coordinator Holley was up to his usual tricks, making fourth-down conversions three of four times. Still, it’s hard to remember a time when the Panthers passed for more yards than they had rushing with their Wing T attack. ED has gone 36-5 in the past three seasons, making 2020’s 3-4 mark during the Covid-19 pandemic fade. Those five losses came against Princeton and WRH (twice each and once against both in games that were extended to overtime) plus the Wolfpack. ED and WRH are both 1-1 against the Wolfpack since the Covid days. ED outscored the opposition 450-182 this season. Ten Panthers will graduate in June. The Panthers beat Whiteville last year 49-6 in the fourth round (East semifinal) in Beulaville, but the Wolfpack has now topped all three of Duplin County’s 2A teams in recent playoffs. It ripped Wallace-Rose Hill 41-7 in 2019’s first round, James Kenan 56-0 in 2022’s second round, and now East Duplin. Whiteville head coach Jarret Price was offensive coordinator at WRH from 2009-16 for his father Joey Price.

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The Bulldogs won the East Central 2A Conference title this season and finished 8-3.

Duplin Journal for Wednesday, November 15, 2023

COMMUNITY SCENES

Warsaw celebrates 103rd Veterans Day Parade

PHOTOS BY ENA SELLERS | DUPLIN JOURNAL

Large crowds sporting America’s red, white, and blue lined up the streets of downtown Warsaw, to celebrate the 103rd Veterans Day Parade on Saturday, Nov. 4. The annual celebration is the oldest running Veterans Day observance in the country and the state’s official Veterans Day Parade. Among the special guests were Senator Ted Budd, Representative Jimmy Dixon and this year’s parade Grand Marshall Sgt. Mayor LaMar Smith, a Warsaw native, serving with the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Cavazos, Texas. To read the story, visit duplinjournal.com

Duplin Journal for Wednesday, November 15, 2023

obituaries

Debra Ann Taylor March 17, 1960 - Nov. 1, 2023 (age 63)

Born March 17, 1960 in Onslow County, North Carolina, Debbie was the daughter of the late Isaac Frank Taylor and was also predeceased by her stepdad, Frank Register. Debbie was a lady who was known for her love and devotion to her family, as well as a huge beach goer. She considered the beach her happy place. During her free time, she enjoyed watching Hallmark movies all year long. Debbie enjoyed spending time with her Poston Baptist Church family, as well as her Murphy Family Ventures family, where she spent the past 18 years employed within the Human Resources department. Debbie was survived by her loving mama, Eloise Register; three children, Amy Price and husband, Justin, Brandon Murray and wife, Nancy, and Brendle Murray and wife, Sarah. Debbie had eight grandchildren, MaKayla Parker and husband, Ellis, MacKenzie Price and N JOURNAL boyfriend, Kobe Vann, Hayes Price, Tyler Willis and wife, white, Heather, Kayla Thompson and wn husband, Jeremiah, Quinton ns Murray, Emily Croft, and nnual Madison Progue; six greatans grandchildren; sister, Kathy state’s Canipe and husband, Nick; special cousin, Helena Taylor Ted and husband, Charles, special d this sister, Deleane Duff and yor husband Terry; special friends, g with Dianne Mosback and husband, s, Texas. Bobby and Beth Knowles; om nephew, Jamie Quinn and wife, Hannah; four nieces, Nicki Martinez, April Jones and husband, Brian, Brittany Lane, Tiffany Oxendine and husband, Matt. A funeral service to celebrate the life of Debbie was held on Sunday, November 5, 2023 at Poston Baptist Church with the Rev. Chris Jarman and Rev. Buster Price officiating. Burial followed the service in Brice Family Cemetery.

Marshall Nelson Williams, Sr.

Wanda LaMonn Goodwin Tyson, 82, died on Friday, November 10, 2023 in the Lower Cape Fear Life Center, Wilmington, NC. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at 6 p.m. at Community Funeral Home, Beulaville. Visitation will follow. A graveside service is scheduled for Thursday, November 16, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Sand Hills Cemetery, 1054 NC 41 Hwy., Pink Hill. Survivors include sons, Mark A. Ballard, Beulaville, Kelley Ballard, Hampstead, Scott Ballard (Debbie), Pink Hill; grandchildren, Ashton Shivar (Matthew), Alex Ballard, Lauren Ballard and Gavin Ballard; great-grandchild, Everett Shivar.

QUINN MCGOWEN FUNERAL HOME

Stacy Lee Huffman

William Franklin “Billy” Stephens William Franklin “Billy” Stephens, 96, of Kenansville passed away Saturday, November 4, 2023 at his home. Mr. Billy was born December 4, 1926 in Duplin County to the late Charles Edwin Stephens and Nancy Jane Davis Stephens. Mr. Billy proudly served his country in the Merchant Marines and the Army. He was a charter member of the Kenansville Fire Department and served it faithfully. He had lots of fire stories to share from days gone by when things were a lot different than today. Mr. Billy and his brother, Paul carried on a family tradition by operating the local hardware store. A visitation was held Monday, November 6, 2023 at Grove Presbyterian Church in Kenansville. A graveside service followed at Golden Grove Cemetery. Mr. Billy is survived by nephews, Johnny Hollingsworth (Claudia) of Warsaw, Steve McBride (Nancy) of Maxton, Thomas Wayne Brown (Kathy) of Goldsboro, Mike Brown (Katie) of Clinton; nieces, Jane Kennedy of Wallace, Nancy Hopkins (Gordon) of Raleigh, Kay McArthur (Doug) of Maxton, Jan Williamson (DeCarol) of Rocky Point and Becky Mann of Ocean Isle; and numerous great nieces and great nephews. In addition to his parents, Mr. Billy was preceded in death by his wife, Jean Cotton Stephens, brothers, Charles and Paul Stephens; sisters, Esther McBride, Dorothy Rivenbark, Nannie Gray Brown and Ruth Hollingsworth.

March 8, 1927 - Nov. 3, 2023 (age 96)

April 1, 1955 - Nov. 9, 2023 (age 68)

Marshall Nelson Williams, Sr. of Wallace, NC passed away Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 7, at ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville, NC with his family by his side. He was 64 years old. Born July 19, 1959, in Burgaw, he was the son of the late J.C. and Linda Bell Williams. A beloved follower of Jesus Christ, Marshall spent much of his time reading the Bible and praying for his family and friends. His self-professed greatest treasures in life were his children and grandchildren who he filled with laughter and love almost nonstop. A lifelong hobby and temporary career, Marshall was an avid golfer from a young age and competed professionally throughout the state and region. Effortlessly funny and full of spontaneity, Marshall could never sit still and instead embraced everything life had to offer through scenic drives, talks with friends and trips to the mountains and beach. He will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him. In addition to his parents, Marshall was preceded in death by his brother, Charlie. He is survived by his son, Marshall Jr. and wife, Sara Hope, of Hoschton, GA; his daughter, Anna Williams Biggs and husband, Daniel, of Las Vegas, NV; his grandson, Wyatt and granddaughter, Clara Mae, of Hoschton, GA; brother, Mike, of Wallace, NC; and niece, Layla Daughhetee and husband, Seth, of Loveland, CO. A memorial service was held Friday afternoon at Padgett Funeral and Cremation Services in Wallace, NC.

Frances Horvat Minshew of Wilmington, NC, peacefully departed her earthly life on the early morning of Friday, November 3, 2023 while at home. Born on March 8, 1927, she is the daughter of the late Joseph and Mary Dusek Horvat. Also preceding her in death are her husband, William R. “Snag” Minshew; son, Michael J. Minshew; twins, Roak and Ann Minshew; and granddaughter, Catherine M. Brock. Left to cherish her memory are her son, Mark Minshew and wife Victoria and sons Roaky and Joey; daughter, Toni Bowden and daughter Chelsea; daughterin-law, Diane Minshew and daughters Jamie and Jackie; and sister--Ann Horvat SCN. Mrs. Minshew was born in Edenborn (PA). Her career led her to serve others as a nurse anesthetist for many years in the Duplin General Hospital of Kenansville, NC. She loved all her family and friends very dearly but her grandchildren were the light of her life. A service to celebrate her life was held on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023 in the chapel of Padgett Funeral & Cremation Services. Family greeted friends during a visitation prior to the service. Interment followed in Riverview Memorial Park after the service. Floral arrangements are welcome or please consider a contribution to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Center, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401.

Stacy Lee Huffman, 68, of Richlands, North Carolina, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on November 9th, 2023. His battle with serious health issues and chronic pain in recent years showed his courage in facing life’s challenges with a smile. Despite the struggles, Stacy stayed strong in his faith until the end, finally earning his Mansion on the Hilltop. Stacy was born to Timothy Harold and Helen Marie Huffman on April 1, 1955, in Jacksonville, North Carolina. He spent his early years farming, before establishing Huffman Drywall. There, he found his love and passion for all things drywall and woodworking, becoming one of the best in the trade. Over the next 30 years, he could be found building and remodeling the homes and businesses of several friends who became known as family. If you needed something done, he was the man for the job. Most of all, Stacy loved his family and instilled his strong work ethic and values in all of them. Left to cherish his memories are his loving wife of 49 years, Lynn; sons, Brian, Timmy (Angela), Eric (Heather); and special nephew, Sam Turner (Ariana); grandchildren, Cortney Butler (Aaron), Ashley Toops (Colton), Brooke Schoenwalder, Sydney Ward, Taylor Huffman, Lachlyn Huffman, Walker Huffman, Madison Scarberry, Liddie Huffman, Carson Jones, Lacey Huffman, Meredith Keating, Katelyn Keating, Payton Keating, Brenlee Huffman, Danielle Keating; great-grandchildren, Adley Sparks, Rohan Schoenwalder, Tobias Toops, Atticus Toops, Lillian Guthrie, Brooks Stinnett; brothers, Pete, Kenny (Karen), Dickie (Sandra), and Leslie, along with several other nieces, nephews, and cousins. Stacy was preceded in death by his parents. Visitation was held Sunday, November 12, 2023, at Community Funeral Home in Beulaville, NC. A funeral service was held Monday, November 13th, 2023, at Richlands First Free Will Baptist Church with Kenneth Huffman and Danny Padgett officiating. Burial followed at the Turner Family Cemetery. The family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers during this time.

Edward King Graham

June 24, 1943 - Nov. 7, 2023 (age 80)

Dec. 14, 1940 - Nov. 10, 2023 (age 82)