Duplin Journal Vol. 9, Issue 46 by North State Journal

Duplin Journal

the BRIEF this week

Mt. Olive Pickles receives $3 million grant award

Mount Olive Mt. Olive Pickles of Duplin County has been awarded

$3 million from the North Carolina Agricultural Manufacturing and Processing Initiative. This award is part of a $6.6 million initiative to increase the state’s agricultural manufacturing and food processing capacity while reducing costs and burdens for area farmers and growers.

Morris Murphy reelected to AgCarolina Farm Credit Compensation Committee

Duplin County AgCarolina Farm Credit recently announced their Director and Nominating Committee election results.

Morris Murphy, a Duplin County row crop farmer from was reelected to serve on the AgCarolina Farm Credit Compensation Committee for region 8, which serves Duplin, Jones and Lenoir counties. He will serve a four-year term. Murphy also serves on the NC Pork Council board and James Sprunt Community College Foundation board.

Eastern Forestry Landowner Summit registration deadline set for Jan. 22

Kenansville

The N.C. Cooperative Extension Duplin County Center will host an Eastern Forestry Landowner Summit on Wednesday, Jan. 29 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 165 Agriculture Drive in Kenansville. The registration deadline is Jan. 22. Participants will have the opportunity to hear from foresters, wildlife biologists, university professors and Extension specialists, as well as visit with various organizations exhibiting their products and services. This all-day event is designed for woodland and forest landowners who desire a deeper understanding of forestry and wildlife management.

Community gathering seeks to engage the public in open discussions

Warsaw Join the Town of Warsaw Community Gathering on Feb. 27 at the Warsaw Park and Rec Center on 309 Memorial Drive at 6 p.m. This is your opportunity to ask questions, share suggestions and meet with local leaders, elected officials, town employees, law enforcement, first responders and community organizations. Enjoy light refreshments and engage in open discussions.

ECU Health Duplin Hospital welcomes first baby born in 2025

Meet the first baby born in 2025 at ECU Health Duplin Hospital, Milaya Anais Underwood. Proud parents

Nansi Garcia and Issac Underwood are overjoyed to introduce their beautiful daughter, who was born at 8:29 a.m., on Jan. 1. Milaya weighed 6 pounds, 12 ounces and measured 19 inches long.

Mount Olive town board continues to work to address issues

“I do hope we have a prosperous year, with real progress.”

Jerome Newton, Mount Olive mayor

The mayor pro tem apologized for a comment to a fellow commissioner

By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal

MOUNT OLIVE — The Mount Olive Board of Commissioners is looking to start fresh in the New Year after a contentious town board meeting in December during which several citizens took the town to task for problems with water quality and transparency of town government. Citizen input was at a minimum at the Jan. 6 meeting, but the meeting was not without its controversies.

To start, Mayor Jerome Newton stated there had been accusations by one town commissioner that he had secretly taped meetings, which he said wasn’t true. The mayor said all meetings are open to the public, and that there have been “no private meetings” except closed sessions as required by law to discuss personnel or attorney-client issues.

“I don’t know about good, but I think we’re getting better,” Newton said later in the

meeting. “I do hope we have a prosperous year with real progress.”

In related business, the commissioners scheduled a closed session for Jan. 15 at 6 p.m. to discuss or consider the qualifications, competence, performance, character, fitness, conditions of appointment or conditions of initial employment of an individual public officer or employee or to hear or investigate a complaint, charge or grievance against a public officer or employee. The scheduling of the meeting passed 4-1, with Commissioner Deltreese Simmons opposed because he will not be available on that day.

There has been some talk amongst commissioners that Town Manager Jammie Royall be replaced. Simmons said earlier in the meeting that he had joked with Mayor Pro Tem Barbara Kornegay that maybe he would apply for the position.

“She said, ‘They’re going to string you up,’” Simmons said.

“To ‘string you up’ in my race means a whole situation. She was joking, but we don’t joke like that. Maybe it’s her area

See BOARD, page A3

County commissioners approve purchase to support Water Department operations

“It will provide drive-thru payment options and capabilities. And this option is far less expensive than erecting a new facility.”

Bryan Miller, county manager

The new building will accommodate administrative functions

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

KENANSVILLE — During their meeting on Monday night, the Board of County Commissioners approved the purchase of a $430,000 parcel located on Limestone Road in Kenansville. The building will support Water Department operations.

diture, noting that the building will house administrative operations. “The field operations will remain in their current location along with the SCADA equipment that we’ve recently updated.”

Also, at the meeting, the board approved a resolution for the expenditure of opioid settlement funds for the period from Jan. 6 to June 30.

Miller reported that the Early Intervention Program has reached approximately 3,700 school-aged children in Duplin County. According to the resolution, the allocations are as follows: $38,037.20 for collaborative strategic planning, $127,889.91 for early intervention, $60,855.92 for Naloxone distribution, and $25,400 for addiction treatment for incarcerated individuals. The total $2.00

“This will facilitate ease of use for residents. It will provide a better working location and conditions for employees. It will provide drive-thru payment options and capabilities. And this option is far less expensive than erecting a new facility,” said County Manager Bryan Miller regarding the planned expen-

Year’s Eve high-speed chase ends in Duplin County

It marks the second time in less than a month that a high-speed pursuit ended within Duplin County lines

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

CHINQUAPIN — Authorities have identified 33-year-old Brandon Kelly of Jacksonville as the suspect who attempted to evade law enforcement during a checkpoint, leading to a high-speed chase on New Year’s Eve. This incident marks the second high-speed pursuit that ended within Duplin County lines in less than a month.

The dramatic chase began on Wilmington Highway in Jacksonville at 11:45 p.m. when police say Kelly fled from a police checkpoint, reaching dangerous speeds of up to 120 mph. This reckless behavior prompted the intervention of the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office and North Carolina State Highway Patrol, both of which began chasing the man. The Duplin County Sheriff’s Office and the Beulaville Police Department also assisted in the pursuit as the motorcycle driver crossed into Duplin County lines.

See CHASE, page A3

THE DUPLIN COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL

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THURSDAY 1.9.25

WEEKLY FORECAST

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One dead after crash on New Year’s Eve

Teachey

Teófilo Sáenz, 37, a resident of Beulaville originally from Nicaragua, was pronounced dead after a traffic accident in Teachey on Dec. 31. Sáenz’s vehicle failed to stop at a stop sign at the intersection of Cornwallis Road and Providence Church Road, resulting in a collision with a commercial motor vehicle traveling south on Cornwallis. The impact caused both vehicles to veer off the road and into a ditch. Sáenz’s remains will be flown back to Nicaragua for burial.

DUPLIN CALENDAR

Happening Monthly

The Duplin County Board of County Commissioners meets the first and third Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at 224 Seminary St. in Kenansville. For information, call 910-296-2100.

• The Beulaville town board meets the first Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at 508 East Main St. in Beulaville. For more information, call 910-298-4647.

• The Town of Calypso meets at the council chambers the first Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at 103 W. Trade St. For information, call 919-658-9221.

• The Faison town board meets the first Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at 110 NE Center St. in Faison. For more information, call 910-267-2721.

The Economic Development Board meets the first Friday of the month at 7 a.m. at the Duplin County Airport Conference Room.

• The Greenevers town board meets the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at 314 E. Charity Road. For information, call 910-289-3078.

The Teachey town board meets the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at 116 East 2nd St. For information, call 910-285-7564.

• The Warsaw town board meets the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at 121 S. Front St. For information, call 910-293-7814.

• The Magnolia town board meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at 108 Taylor St. in Magnolia. For information, call 910-289-3205.

The Rose Hill town board meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at 103 Southeast Railroad St. For more information, call 910-289-3159.

• The Duplin County Health Department is offering Diabetes Self Management Classes from 1-5 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month at 340 Seminary St. in Kenansville. For information, call 910-372-9178.

• The Wallace town council meets the second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at 316 East Murray St. in Wallace. For more information, call 910-285-4136.

• Duplin County Beekeepers meets the second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Duplin Extension Center. Friends of Horticulture meet the third Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Duplin Extension Center.

• The Duplin County Airport Commission Board meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Duplin County Airport.

offense, assault by pointing a gun, and contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile.

Thomas James Evelyn, 35, was arrested by DCSO for felony larceny, larceny of motor vehicle, unauthorized use of motor vehicle, and injury to personal property.

Noah James Edwards, 21, was arrested by DCSO for possession of stolen firearm, felony possession of marijuana, conspiring to sell/deliver marijuana, manufacturing marijuana, and possession with intent to sell/deliver marijuana.

Jan. 4

• Brittani Amanda O’Connell, 27, was arrested by DCSO for possessing methamphetamine, financial card theft, possessing drug paraphernalia, and simple possession of Schedule VI controlled substance.

The towns will receive community development block grants from the N.C. Department of Commerce

By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal

SOME RUN-DOWN homes in Beulaville and Rose Hill will get a facelift, thanks to $950,000 community development block grants for neighborhood revitalization, which the towns have been awarded from the N.C. Department of Commerce. Duplin County also received $950,000 in CDBG-NR funding.

The grants will go toward housing improvements for lowand moderate-income individuals.

“We’ve continued to make major investments in North Carolina communities that need support with affordable housing,” then-Gov. Roy Cooper stated in a press release issued Dec. 31. “These neighborhood revitalization grants will help rural communities improve economic prosperity for all of their residents.”

In October, both town boards unanimously approved their applications for the grant funding.

During a public hearing at the Beulaville Board of Commissioners October meeting, Tammy Daniels with The Adams Company explained that the funding will be used to rehabilitate or completely reconstruct homes owned by low- to

“It’s a win-win for everyone involved.”

Hutch Jones, Beulaville mayor

moderate-income individuals.

Seven homeowners were selected to be part of the town’s application for the grant, with four homeowners chosen and three alternates.

Four homes will be refurbished with the grant. Three alternates are chosen since sometimes, people drop out of the program because their circumstances may have changed or they may have sold the homes in question.

“It’s a win-win for everyone involved,” said Beulaville Mayor Hutch Jones. “The intent of the grant is to help the greater community maintain property value. Its focus is to target distressed properties through an identification, application, interview and engineer-led inspection process. Once properties are vetted through these stringent steps, work is approved by the town and completed by vetted contractors who bid on the necessary construction. At the end, the town participates as a conduit and partner in the program, along with the homeowner and vetted contractors.”

Rose Hill Mayor Davy Buckner said the grant funding will help rebuild four homes within the town. “We had 16 applications, and out of those 16, we have four homes that will be reconstructed,” he explained. “My

understanding is that they will be torn down and rebuilt.”

Both towns’ application process included eligibility requirements and a site visit from a committee.

At the Rose Hill Board of Commissioners October meeting, Kevin Amory with Insight Planning and Development, who’s assisting the town with the process, stated the homes were in such a state of disrepair that reconstruction would be the best option rather than renovation.

“So when we reconstruct the house, we try to give them a similar house, the same size house,” Amory explained to the town board. “If somebody’s got a two-bedroom, we rebuild them a two-bedroom. The only exception is all of our houses have two bathrooms, which is normal. A lot of times, we may be tearing down a house with three bedrooms and one bath; we’re not taking out a bathroom, we’ll build a new bath.”

A portion of the grant funding would also go to help temporarily relocate residents of the homes being demolished and reconstructed, and another portion goes toward administrative costs.

Amory also explained that the program is “a self-forgiving loan” for the homeowners.

“It forgives one-eighth per year, so 12.5%,” he said. “If they sell the house before the full eight-year term is up, then whatever loan amount is there upon sale, that money will revert to the town. At the end of the eight years, the deed of trust is vacated and it’s 100% their house.”

SBI Bomb Squad neutralizes potential explosive device in Duplin

Airport Road in Wallace was temporarily closed on Jan. 1 after the Wallace Police Department visually inspected a potential explosive device found by a magnet fisherman at the Rockfish Creek Bridge. According to law enforcement, the unknown device was very old and thoroughly rusted.

The State Bureau of Investigation’s Bomb Squad performed a controlled demolition of the device after an X-ray yielded inconclusive results. According to authorities, air traffic was also suspended during the demolition, which took place without incident. According to the Wallace Volunteer Fire Department, no one was hurt and there was no threat to the public.

NCDOT crews have started working at the Jackson Store Road and N.C. 41 intersection

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

THE NORTH CAROLINA Department of Transportation announced that five intersections in Duplin County will be converted into all-way stops this month.

NCDOT crews started installing pavement markings and stop signs on N.C. 41 at the intersection with Jackson Store Road in Beulaville on Thursday, Jan. 8.

Converting an intersection into an all-way stop has shown the following:

• 68% reductions in total crashes

• 77% reductions in fatal and injury crashes

75% reductions in frontal-impact crashes

SOURCE: A 2010 NCDOT STUDY OF 53 LOCATIONS

According to the announcement, similar work will be conducted at the intersections of N.C. 50/N.C. 403 with Warren Road and Solomon Street, between Warsaw and Faison, on Monday, Jan. 13. Drivers are advised to remain alert in these areas while crews work to implement the new traffic patterns. NCDOT determined that all-way stops would be the most cost-effective solution to improve safety at both intersections after conducting safety reviews that assessed traffic volumes and crash patterns.

BOARD from page A1

that she lived in. I don’t know. I took it serious. I laughed about it, but then I thought about it.”

Later in the meeting, Kornegay apologized for the statement, saying that she was joking and did not mean any offense.

“He was joking, and I, too, was joking,” she stated. “I used a very poor choice of words and I do apologize.”

One citizen said she was “not upset,” but the comment made her “feel some kind of way” and had to leave the room momentarily.

“I’m glad you apologized,” she said. “I think something should be said. It’s all about unity, and everybody getting along.”

During his monthly report, Royall praised town employees, especially those who worked overtime during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays to repair water and sewer issues.

Commissioner Danny Keel also praised town employees for their work. Iron that was reportedly contaminating the water supply is being removed and taken care of, he said.

Commissioner Vicky Darden announced that a Black History Month parade is planned for Feb. 22, with a rain date of March 1. Participation is free.

“Anyone that wants to join in, please do,” she said. “Anyone can be in the parade. It’s not just for black people. It’s for everybody.”

The mayor also shared infor-

CHASE from page A1

The chase ended when the motorcycle crashed near Chinquapin. The man was thrown from his motorcycle after crashing into a ditch at the intersection of Deep Bottom Road and George Dunn Sholar Road. Kelly was airlifted to

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mation on a Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration on Jan. 19 at 3 p.m. at Holy Ghost Cathedral. In other business at the Jan. 6 meeting, Town Attorney Carroll Turner was scheduled to update the board on a minimum housing code/boarding rooms ordinance. He said he and his team have been working diligently and will get that information to the board before the next meeting.

“We’re attempting to address a serious problem that has been mentioned numerous times, and that’s that residences here that have a large number of people staying under arrangements that they’re basically renting out separate rooms,” Turner said. “We’re working to come up with something that can address that.”

The board also voted unanimously to:

• Adopt a resolution readopting the community development block grant for infrastructure (CDBG-I) policies and guidelines.

• Approve a budget ordinance amendment of $10,000 to fund overtime salaries for public works and water and sewer collections. The money came from the capital reserve fund.

• Approve a budget ordinance for the $24,941.76 in revenue from Wayne County for the airport.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Mount Olive Board of Commissioners will be Feb. 3 at 6 p.m. at Town Hall at 114 E. James St.

Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center for treatment. Kelly faces charges for his actions upon his release from the hospital. As of press time, authorities have not yet confirmed or denied whether they believe alcohol or drugs played a role in this incident.

• We’ll stop by twice a year - once in the heating season, once in the cooling season.

• All maintenance club members receive a 15% parts discount.

• Once in our club, you will receive priority response/service.

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COURTESY WALLACE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

COLUMN | PHILIP GLADDEN

A right to the privilege of education

The school encourages students to embrace their identities and learn from one another’s perspectives.

DID YOU KNOW THE people of North Carolina have “a right to the privilege of education”? In remarks during a recent visit to Claxton Elementary School in Greensboro, Gov. Roy Cooper cited that right, enshrined in the State Constitution. He noted that in the immediate aftermath of the Civil War, state leaders knew education was crucial to the rebuilding and progress of North Carolina. The actual wording of the 1868 Constitution was, “Religion, morality, and knowledge being necessary to good government and happiness of mankind, schools, and the means of education, shall be forever encouraged.”

Our current Constitution preserves that right and privilege of education and notes “it is the duty of the State to guard and maintain that right.” Cooper reminded us that “Strong public schools build strong communities and a strong North Carolina. Our state’s future depends on ensuring every child has the opportunity to receive a high-quality education in our public schools.”

State Superintendent-elect Mo Green, who accompanied the governor, added, “Public education unlocks the doors to the world. I know firsthand that

COLUMN | STEPHEN MOORE

our public schools have the ability to transform the lives of each and every student.”

Our Duplin County public schools are dedicated to making a “right to the privilege of education” a reality for every student. The Duplin County Schools governing principles state, “A system of excellent schools in which every student has an opportunity to receive a sound basic education has as its first priority to provide opportunities for individual students to succeed and overall student performance to improve.” To help our students succeed, our school leadership has identified the objective: “All Pre-K-13 students will graduate as lifelong learners, college and career ready, and destined to be a productive citizen.” Our dedicated teachers, staff and administrators work hard to protect and extend the right to education to all students.

Tumira Middleton, a CTE business teacher at James Kenan High School in Warsaw, is a good example. In her comments on the “Learning, Leading, Succeeding” link on the Duplin Schools website, Middleton exemplifies the commitment of our teachers. She says, “James Kenan High School works

End the weaponization of the IRS

This was never about seeking tax fairness as liberals claimed.

ONE OF THE highest priorities for the incoming Trump administration should be to end the Democrats’ weaponization of powerful government agencies against taxpayers and businesses they don’t like. Nowhere has this mission been more pernicious than the party-line vote to fund the IRS with nearly $80 billion and hire tens of thousands of new tax snoops. By the way, according to the IRS press office, the additional audits have so far raised less than $2 billion, far less than the additional expenditures. So how is this program “paying for itself”?

This was never about seeking tax fairness as liberals claimed. It was about unleashing an aggressive, permanent and unchecked enforcement assault on U.S. taxpayers to rake in more tax dollars to pay for liberals’ political agenda. The American people voted to end such madness, and the IRS should now act accordingly and immediately by ignoring the Biden administration’s 11th-hour efforts to ram through a slew of costly new rules and regulations as they now head toward the exit.

Progressive leaders made wildly erroneous claims that a supersized IRS would raise nearly $1 trillion over 10 years from stepped-up enforcement against higher-income earners and businesses. And they attempted to justify their proposals by broadly portraying entrepreneurs, small businesses, family-owned private enterprises and the wealthy as tax cheats. The entire exercise was designed to harass lawful taxpayers and threaten them as guilty parties until

they could prove themselves innocent. Fortunately, most voters saw their efforts for what they were: a liberal fantasy grab of other peoples’ money and an attempt to assert greater control over their livelihoods. Democrat leaders did not help themselves by immediately oversteering the car. This included efforts to have the IRS spy on personal bank accounts and require income reporting for basic Venmo payments among friends, as well as punitive measures on those whose incomes are derived from tips or numerous other types of transactions.

Another target for IRS harassment has been business partnerships. Such businesses are one of the most common and practical ways to structure private enterprises of all sizes. A simple analogy might be when one party owns an available tractor and another has available land, and they go into business together to farm the land. All told, there are an estimated 4.5 million business partnerships in America. Collectively, these partnerships generate more than $12 trillion in revenue and employ millions of U.S. workers.

Yet the IRS, before President-elect Donald Trump returns to office, is now stealthily attempting to implement new rules that threaten the future viability of such partnerships. These proposed changes to the tax code impact what is known as “basis shifting” — a routine and legal practice that business partners use to adjust the tax basis of their respective assets. In short, the proposed rules would deliberately embed uncertainty

to foster positive relationships while preparing our students for their future in the real world. Our educators know that it is vital to grow young minds while supporting each other, respecting different cultures, and respecting each student and their ideas.

Duplin County Schools prioritizes diversity and inclusion, creating a welcoming and supportive environment for students from all backgrounds. By celebrating cultural differences and fostering a sense of belonging, the school encourages students to embrace their identities and learn from one another’s perspectives. This diversity enriches the learning experience and prepares students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.”

The work to extend, protect and support “a right to the privilege of education” is not left to our teachers alone. As a community, we have the opportunity and obligation to help make the promise of our State Constitution a reality. In return, we will enjoy the fruits of everyone’s labors in our stronger communities.

Philip Gladden writes on behalf of Duplin County Schools.

and subjective IRS interpretations of how taxable assets are treated when one transfers or sells their interest in a business partnership. Basically, the opposite of tax fairness.

Meanwhile, the multibillion-dollar bounty the Biden administration claimed their newly armed IRS would secure through added enforcement and new tax rules has completely failed to materialize. The IRS recently disclosed that just $1 billion had been recovered since their aggressive campaign went into effect two years ago, and there is no way of knowing if that would have occurred with or without it. How ironic and sad is it for taxpayers to learn that the vast amount of the $80 billion Democrats awarded to the IRS to recover or find new “savings” is instead on pace to serve as a massive cost to the U.S. Treasury?

The last thing voters now want is for the IRS to impose any more costly last-minute tax changes that will make problems even worse for taxpayers, workers and employers. Accordingly, the Biden team and the IRS should put down their pencils. And if they persist with these fourth-quarter rule changes, the Trump team should be prepared to immediately repeal them in January. That would bring real joy to America.

Stephen Moore is a visiting fellow at the Heritage Foundation. He is also an economic advisor to the Trump campaign. His new book, coauthored with Arthur Laffer, is “The Trump Economic Miracle.”

Duplin County mayors answer: ‘What are your town’s top priorities in 2025?’

By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal

CONTINUING A tradition started in the year-end edition of 2023, Duplin Journal once again connected with Duplin’s mayors to share the goings-on in each of the county’s municipalities. This year, we posed the question, “What are your town’s top priorities in 2025?”

Below are the responses from the mayors of Faison, Greenevers, Rose Hill and Warsaw. Calypso Mayor Jo Anne Wilson did not respond to requests for comment by press time.

Billy Ward, Faison

My goal for 2025 is much like my goal in 2024. We completed a few big projects and grant projects in 2024, so that is behind us. Our main goal is to provide services and programs for the citizens, primarily water, sewer, after-school program and recreation. Our recreation department, which includes our after-school program, is a large part of what we do in Faison. We want to continue to make the town of Faison a great place to live, visit, work and be active.

planned expenditures for this six-month period amount to $252,183.03.

The resolution includes the addition of two new part-time positions; one full-time position has been eliminated. Miller also noted an increase in Naloxone expenditures due to a reduction in grant-funded supplies from East Pointe and other agencies.

“We currently pay about $16.50 per dose for Naloxone,” said Miller.

In other business:

• The board approved a request to extend the tax listing period until Feb. 14.

• Miller conducted a public hearing on behalf of the county planning director to propose an amendment to the Duplin County Unified Development Ordinance, which has a setback requirement of 20 feet for all property lines. The proposed amendment would change the setback requirements for accessory structures from 20 feet to 5 feet on all sides and rear property lines. However, the commissioners decided not to take any action on this proposal.

• The board approved a motion to name the two new lanes at Cypher Green RV Park: Queen Kate Lane and Cipher Lane.

During the county manager updates portion of the meeting, Miller presented the idea of contracting a legislative liaison, similar to what other counties are doing, and sought the board’s opinion.

Diane Brown, Greenevers

In 2025, Greenevers’ primary priorities will focus on enhancing its water infrastructure and ensuring reliable service. Key initiatives include:

1. Water Line Extension on Hargroves Drive and Pasture Branch Road: Expanding the water distribution network to these areas will improve access to clean water for residents and businesses.

2. Automatic Meter Reading System: The implementation of this system will modernize water usage monitoring, reduce manual reading errors and enable real-time tracking for better billing and resource management.

3. Water System Improvements: Upgrades to the town’s water tower and pump houses will enhance water storage capacity and the efficiency of water distribution, ensuring more reliable service and addressing potential future demand.

4. Generators for Pump Houses: Installing generators at the pump houses will safeguard against power outages, ensuring that the water supply remains operational even during electrical disruptions. These initiatives reflect the town’s commitment to improving its water infrastructure, ensuring

efficiency and securing a reliable water supply for the community.

Davy Buckner, Rose Hill

2024 was a very good year for Rose Hill, and we’re expecting 2025 to be the same. We have a new fire station that’s 99% done. They’re all moved in and operating out of there. The police department has moved into the old fire station. We’re in the final year of our street resurfacing project, and we’re also working on the Golden LEAF grant project that’s going to fix Walnut Street. Rose Hill has two festivals that were a big success and we hope to have them again this year — the North Carolina Poultry Jubilee and Christmas by the Tracks. Our town financially is doing well. Our police and public works departments are fully staffed, and that’s a big thing. We have a new water meter project coming up as well, with new meters being installed in February or March. We’re looking forward to another great year in 2025.

A.J. Connors, Warsaw

Our objective at this point in time is to bring the citizens of Warsaw on the same page and to

ENA SELLERS / DUPLIN JOURNAL

The Board of County Commissioners approved the purchase of a building located on Limestone Road in Kenansville at the Jan. 6 meeting. The building will house Water Department administrative operations.

“With the long session essentially beginning this week for our legislature and considering the recent natural disaster in the western part of the state along with the leadership changes in the legislature, both the deputy county manager and I think it best that we, Duplin County, engage a legislative liaison on a contractual basis,” said Miller, adding that this would ensure that Duplin County does not get overlooked as the legislature’s major focus shifts westward.

“Over 50% of the counties in North Carolina currently contract with some kind of legislative liaison; and without constant representation in this cycle — and this is an in -

credibly important cycle — we may not receive the attention we as a county deserve and need,” said Miller. He added that they have negotiated a fee of $4,000 per month for a liaison for the remainder of the calendar year. He emphasized that having someone involved in every discussion related to Duplin County would be advantageous.

“And when something comes up that affects Duplin County, they can speak to the needs of Duplin County when those arise when that conversation begins,” said Miller. “Many times, what happens in these conversations is the counties with somebody there get the appropriations from

support unity. We’re also hoping that our state representatives in the General Assembly will allot the $44 million we need to increase our wastewater treatment facility. We are steadily moving forward on this. Our recreation center is moving forward as well, and our wellness center is moving forward. When I took office, the wellness center had less than 200 members, but when we took on the management team Dreamworks, there are now almost 900 members. I’m grateful for our law enforcement, and I’m grateful for all the staff members who work for the town. We’re looking for 2025 to be a very productive year. We’re hoping everyone will be patient as we work with the town. Some things that people ask for we have to say no to, because of statutes and ordinances, and I hope people will be understanding of that. Most of our town board members have a positive outlook and want the town to grow. The employers in this town increased from employing about 400 to about 1,000 employees. And our green company, C2 North Carolina, is in the process of investing more than $30 million. We just hope and pray everyone will work with us, and we’ll have a successful year.

the beginning. Then there’s no money left for the smaller counties.”

All the commissioners agreed that it was worth considering, but they wanted to ensure that their legislators were on board. They asked Miller to find out if the legislators would welcome having a liaison or if they felt it was unnecessary.

“What I’ve heard is the board doesn’t have a problem with it if our representatives would take it as something that can help them help us,” said Chairman Dexter Edwards. “If they feel like it’s not needed, then we don’t want the waste of money. … Money spent is money gone.”

Miller also highlighted the necessity of rewriting the personnel policy, which would cost $7,000.

“Our current personnel policy seems to have been constructed by taking different policies from different counties and just putting them into one policy, which has caused us significant issues in the past. Our policies will say conflicting things in different areas,” said Miller explaining that the policy has not been revised in the last decade.

The board expressed no objections, adding that he did not require their approval but had their support for his decision. The revised policy will be presented to the board for approval once it is completed.

Additionally, Duplin County offices will be closed on Jan. 20 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Duplin unemployment rate rises slightly to 3.4%

Duplin County

The unemployment rate for Duplin County increased slightly to 3.4% for the month of November. The 3.4% rate is 0.3% higher than the 3.1% rate for October, and 0.1% higher than the same time period in 2023. Duplin’s 3.4% rate for November translates to 857 individuals receiving unemployment benefits in November, out of the workforce of 25,107. Unemployment rates were on the rise in 85 of North Carolina’s 100 counties for November. The jobless rate decreased in 12 counties and remained unchanged in three. Mitchell County had the highest unemployment rate at 8.9%, while Orange and Currituck counties each had the lowest at 2.9%.

Eight new business names recorded in November

Duplin County

The Duplin County Register of Deeds Office recorded eight assumed business names for the month ending Dec. 31, 2024. The assumed names and real names of the persons engaging in business are: Kimberly Elizabeth Nutrition, Kimberly Walck; Wesways Transport, Wes Trejo; Throne Room Apparels, No Trespass LLC, Dallas T. Turner; Flaco’s Towing, Lenin Meza; El Ranchito Pupuseria Y Taqueria, Eluid Leon-Reyes; TCB-Taking Care of Business, Sylvia Green; Duplin Septic, James B. Sholar; M. Dale Langston Trucking, Marvin Dale Langston.

Free digital skills courses offered Kenansville

Duplin County Cooperative Extension is hosting free sessions to help individuals gain skills that can help boost job prospects, simplify daily tasks, stay connected, access information, ensure online safety and improve healthcare access. The sessions are: Online Safety and Privacy: Jan. 15, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; How to Search and Find Trusted Information Online: Jan. 22, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Using Healthcare Online: Jan. 29, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. All sessions will be at the Duplin County Cooperative Extension Center, 165- C Agriculture Drive in Kenansville. Each participant who completes the pretest and post-test will be entered into a drawing to win a free iPad. Light refreshments will be provided. For more information, call 252-320 -9650.

Got local business news?

Email Features/Business Editor Abby Cavenaugh at abby@northstatejournal. com.

WATER from page A1

Ward Brown

Buckner

Connors

Rose Hill student named NC Teaching Fellow

Tamia Beatty is one of 210 to receive awards in early decision

Duplin Journal Staff

THE NORTH CAROLINA Teaching Fellows Commission has selected 210 individuals to receive North Carolina Teaching Fellows awards for the Class of 2025 during its early-decision window, including Tamia Beatty of Rose Hill.

The Teaching Fellows program is a competitive, merit-based forgivable loan program providing tuition assist ance of up to $10,000 a year for qualified students committed to teaching ele -

mentary education, special education, science, technology, engineering or math in a North Carolina public school. The purpose of the program is to recruit, prepare and support future teachers who attend institutions of higher education in North Carolina.

The award winners may attend any of the program’s 10 partner institutions pending admission: Appalachian State University; East Carolina University; Elon University; Fayetteville State University; North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University; NC State University; Meredith College; University of North Carolina at Charlotte; University of North Carolina at Chap -

el Hill; and University of North Carolina at Pembroke.

In the early-decision window, the NCTF commission received 307 completed and screened applications. The commission considered grade point average, leadership and experience, awards and honors, written essays, educator recommendations, and video submissions to offer the 210 awards. Standardized test scores from SAT/ACT were optional to align with admission standards from participating colleges and universities. Students who did not receive an early-decision award were deferred to the regular application period, which runs until Feb. 28. Any potential teach-

ers in the areas of elementary, STEM or special education are encouraged to apply at ncteachingfellows.org during the regular application window. The comprehensive list of the Class of 2025 Teaching Fellows awardees will be finalized in March 2025.

“Congratulations to these deserving winners chosen during our early-decision process,” said Bennett Jones, director of the North Carolina Teaching Fellows program. “We look forward to their future careers in classrooms around the state. We are heartened by the continued growth of the program, and we are grateful for the support of lawmakers and education leaders as we continue to pro -

District Attorney receives Dogwood Award

crisis

By Ena Sellers

Duplin Journal

KENANSVILLE — District

Attorney Ernie Lee is among four distinguished individuals

honored with the prestigious Attorney General’s Dogwood Award, the announcement was made on Dec. 27 by former attorney general and new governor, Josh Stein.

“The fentanyl crisis in our state is devastating our communities,” said Stein. “District Attorney Lee has been a leader in the state’s efforts to combat

MARRIAGE LICENSES

Anita Marie Savage, Duplin County Register of Deeds issued 29 marriage licenses for the month ending on Dec. 31, 2024.

• Lucki Marili Lorenzo Lopez, Dudley, and Edwin Osvaldo Juarez, Dudley;

• Anthony Eugene Bailey, Pink Hill, and Gayle Louise Howell, Pink Hill;

• David Lee Morrison, West Virginia, and Eliza Evelyn Peterson, Beulaville; William Thomas Corbett, Beulaville, and Ebony Iesha Williams, Beulaville; Humberto Jafet Rivera Benavidez, Rose Hill, and Karol Nicol Jimenez Ordonez, Rose Hill;

• Tony Allen Medlin, La Grange, and Vanessa Gail Heath, La Grange;

• Jon-Eric Kyzer Kirkland, Wallace,

fentanyl by shaping state policy and by holding those who peddle this poison accountable.”

The Dogwood Award celebrates individuals making significant strides toward improving the health, safety and welfare of North Carolinians.

“I am very appreciative to receive the Dogwood Award from Governor-elect Josh Stein

and Alyssa Lauren Hall, Wallace;

• Enil Exequiel Perez Rivera, Rose Hill, and Julissa Maribel Calix Martinez, Rose Hill;

Dreily Yorleni Mendez Zelaya, Calypso, and Juan Carlos Meraz Cruz, Calypso;

• Nicolas Schyler Eller, Richlands, and Madison Layne Craft, Richlands;

• David Dean Rohrer, Goldsboro, and Angela Sharon Benson, Goldsboro;

• Christopher Tyrone Powell, Virginia, and Sophia Loren Bullock, Dudley; Maximo Oronte Arriaza, Warsaw, and Diana Del Socorro Soriano Ocampo, Warsaw;

• Norely Dayanara Henriquez Galeas, Greenville, and Nixon Roberto Mendez Fuentes, Greenville;

but I’m even more appreciative of his strong and unwavering stand as Attorney General in addressing the opioid epidemic facing our state,” said Lee.

“Governor-elect Stein has always been a strong voice with prosecutors in dealing with opioid abuse and addiction. As a career prosecutor, I appreciate this award.”

• Reginald Jaquan Blackmore, Warsaw, and Shaniqua Monique Moore, Warsaw;

Paula Morales Resendiz, Faison, and Jaime Rosas Hernandez; Faison;

• Katlyn Renee Foy, Beulaville, and Tyree Shaheem Montreyon Brinson, Beulaville;

• Cathie Marie Allen, Kenansville, and Surasak Soisoongnern, Kenansville; Crystal Ann Jones, Richlands, and Justin Lee Hunt, Richlands; Tyler Latrell Raynor, Elizabethtown, and Nasir Shiquin Mckoy, Wallace;

• Carlos Alberto Matamoros Guevara, Garland, and Jenny Rosemary Hernandez Martinez, Garland;

• Nathan Carr Jr., La Grange, and

mote the teaching profession.”

The 210 awards in the early-decision window represent a 61% increase in early-action awards from last year’s window. The early-decision awardees feature 134 high school seniors, 60 college transfer students and 16 licensure-only students. The early-award recipients hail from 126 different cities and towns representing 63 counties across the state. The early class of 2025 includes 30% minority recipients. Finally, 136 of the early-decision award winners intend to study elementary education, 45 are pursuing licensure in the areas of STEM education, and 29 are planning to be licensed in special education.

Linda Faye Johnson, La Grange;

• Brandon Antavian Davis, Warsaw, and Dominique Paige Rosemond, Ohio; Shiana Hanibal Beckett, Warsaw, and Tryone Carr, Goldsboro; Kaylyn Lisseth Guzman Vasquez, Seven Springs, and Kevin Jose Vasquez, Wallace;

• Bradley Wayne Taylor, Harrells, and Claudia Fabiola Farina, Harrells;

• Steven Michael Murphy, Beulaville, and Minami Sato, Japan; Antoinette Lakisha Edwards, Jacksonville, and Clayton Levon Smith, Pink Hill;

• Marie Michele Belinda Moncoeur, Warsaw, and Castro Jacques, Warsaw.

On Dec. 24, members of the Duplin County Alumnae Chapter Physical and Health Committee visited dialysis centers in Kenansville, Wallace and Burgaw to deliver 114 blankets to dialysis patients. Recognizing the long hours patients spend at the centers, the blankets aim to enhance their comfort. Pictured from left to right are LeKiesha Russell, Tiffany Smith,

Attorney General praises DA’s commitment to combat fentanyl

Ernie Lee

Duplin County Alumnae Chapter delivers holiday cheer

Tonya Stewart and Sheresa Walker-Brown.

COURTESY PHOTO

DUPLIN SPORTS

Revival of Tigers’ football is talk of Duplin

ED girls’ hoops, ’Dawgs volleyball, and Rebels softball, boys’ hoops and softball also have banner runs as top stories for the 2024 calendar year

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

WARSAW — The top individual stories in 2024 were documented in the Jan. 2 issue of Duplin Journal.

Now, let’s look at another kind of review.

The calendar year in team sports for Duplin Journal-area teams featured revivals, rivalry revenge, awakenings and unexpected turn around as eight teams advanced to at least the third round of the state playoffs.

James Kenan’s push to the fourth round 2A football playoffs was a touchdown ahead of other accomplishments on the top-15 list for 2024, though the list is chock full of worthy winners.

Three female sports — ED basketball, WRH volleyball, ND softball — covered in the next three spots.

Three outstanding soccer seasons and a ECC threeway tie required three spots for WRH, ED and JK.

And speaking of three, WRH’s volleyball, football and soccer teams can all claim to have a share of the ECC trophy.

The All-Duplin football team will be featured in the next two issues. One will showcase the six marquee winners — Mr. Football, Coach of the Year, Mr. Offense, Defensive Player of the Year, Heart of Champion and Two-Way Warrior — with the latter profiling every player on the first and second team.

Now for the brightest and longest-burning candles on the last piece of sports cake from 2024.

1. James Kenan (12-2) football shares ECC title, advances to fourth round of 2A playoffs

A stingy defense led by middle linebacker Hassan Kornegay, who topped the state in tackles, and the two-way line work by Dakota Henderson paced James Kenan to a 12-2 mark, its best record since 2015.

The Tigers beat WRH 1413 in overtime to snap a 12game skid after handling East Duplin and Whiteville early in the season with its smashmouth approach on both sides of the ball.

David Zeleya had 734 yards of all-purpose yards catching and running the ball, with 12 touchdowns and six interceptions.

Newcomer Jeremiah Hall ran for 1,035 yards and 11 scores, and new quarterback Eli Avent ran for nine touchdowns and passed for 11 more.

Kornegay made 203 tackles as the inspiration for other teammates. Zeleya (115), Josh Mitchell (110), Ty Morrisey (134), Cal Avent (93), Dakota Henderson (86), Jaquez Smith (82 and three picks) and Tyquise Wilson (51 and five interceptions) followed his lead.

JK lost to WRH 17-14 to end the regular season yet got revenge a month later in Wallace.

2. East Duplin (24-5) girls’ basketball team advances to third round of 2A playoffs

Mark Lane, the dean of girls’ basketball in Duplin County guided the Panthers to the third round of the 2A playoffs after losing three times during the regular season to ECC rival Southwest.

The Panthers used a balance scoring attack from Kinsey Cave (9.2 points per game), JaMya Pickett (8.6), Makya Kornegay (8.4), Sal-

See TEAMS, page B3

Oats, Tigers hold off fourth quarter surge by Panthers

James Kenan survives comeback against East Duplin with a lead padded by the shooting of TJ Oats

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

WARSAW — Calvin Harper’s shots clanged off the rim all night as the leading scorer in Duplin County last season struggled to find his rhythm.

Meanwhile, TJ Oats was virtually unstoppable.

Harper’s East Duplin mates finally helped him out as the Panthers recovered from a deficit as large as 20 points to push the Tigers into anoth-

er nail-biting rivalry finish.

Oat got the bulk of his game -high 21 points shooting field goals and sank all six of his second-half points from the free-throw line to hold off the Panthers 45-41 last Friday in Warsaw in the first ECC game of the season for both schools.

Down 41-27 with 6:33 to play, the Panthers served notice they were not quitting.

Zachary Ball and Jordan Hall hit hoops, and Harper canned a free throw, nearly cutting the deficit to four points. But his 3-pointer off an inbound pass was waived off for an off-the-ball foul.

Oats canned a pair of charity tosses, but Ball and Jen-

kins scored to trim the lead to 43 -39.

Harper’s bomb with 41.5 seconds left made it 43-29. Oats and Jeremiah Hall each knocked down a free throw as JK improved to 4-3. ED fell to 6-2. The two teams play again on Jan. 24 in Beulaville.

Harper, a deadly shooter who averaged 16.3 points as a first-team all-Duplin player in 2023, went 1 of 9 from the field and 1 of 6 from 3-point range. Point guard Ryan Jenkins and post players Ball and Hall sparked the comeback. Jenkins had 12 markers, Ball nine and

See TIGERS, page B2

EDWARDO PUAC FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

Carell Phillips and Vance Carter ran ND to a 10-1 mark last fall.

EDWARDO PUAC FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

James Kenan’s TJ Oats shoots between East Duplin’s Aaron Hall and Jordan Hall.

Panthers use stingy defense to overwhelm Tigers

Coach Mark Lane’s focus on defense helps East Duplin improve to 10-2 and earn its first ECC win

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

WARSAW — East Duplin looked sluggish most of the night, while James Kenan struggled to take punches.

Defense saved the day for the Panthers during what turned into a 53-17 rout over the Tigers in the first ECC game for both schools.

The Panthers used a balanced scoring attack for their offense and didn’t give JK room to breathe with their man-to -man defense.

In front 9-7 after eight minutes of play, East Duplin went on a 13-2 blitz.

Makya Kornegay canned two charity tosses. Kinsey Cave scored off a baseline drive. Ava Noble had a transition layup and then found Zakoya Farrior for a easy hoop. Farrior banged down a jump shot and it 20-7 with two minutes to play before halftime.

Cave got a layup following a great defensive stance by East Duplin.

A hoop by Aleah Wilson with 15 seconds left in the second was the lone Tigers score of the second quarter. A pair of free throws by Farrior, a 3-pointer by Kornegay and an inside hoop by Jamyah Pickett pushed the scoreboard to 29-9, and ED head coach

Mark Lane began to play his bench. He couldn’t earlier because the starting five wasn’t performing to a peak level. In fact, the Panthers needed court time to work out their concerns with spacing, shooting and moving and passing within the attack.

Rebels’ Faison racing toward

1,000-point milestone

The four-year starter has been key in ND’s 8-3 start

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

CALYPSO — The North Duplin girls basketball team had a player reach the 1,000-point plateau in each of the last two seasons.

Red-hot power forward Tateyawna Faison in on pace to join Reece Outlaw (2022) and Addy Higginbotham (2023).

Faison, a four-year starter, is averaging a double-double through 11 games for the Rebels (8-3), who have won five of their last six games.

The 6-foot senior is averaging a career- and team-high 15.1 points while hauling down 13.5 boards.

She needs 169 points to reach the coveted milestone for prep basketball. North Duplin has 12 regular season tilts remaining and will also pick up a handful of games in the Carolina 1A Conference Tournament and 1A state playoffs.

Faison ripped the nets for 25 points with 12 rebounds and eight steals last Friday during a 48-35 win over Wayne Christian.

Higginbotham, who is averaging 10.1 points, 4.6 assists and 4.2 steals, added nine and Lilly Fulghum five as ND had a season-high three-game winning streak. The Rebels had back-to-back victories two other times this season.

The Rebels walloped Princeton 61-25 a day previous behind 13 from Faison, 12 via Fulghum, eight apiece from Higginbotham and Abby Rose, and six from Maggie Brown.

Faison is getting help on the boards this season, as Brown, Abigeal Norris and Eva Quantanilla have combined for 13.1 rebounds.

The threesome are hitting for 7.7

points. Fulghum is scoring at 8.1 rate.

This week, ND has road trips to Princeton and Bear Grass (8-3) before opening up Carolina 1A Conference play on Tuesday with a venture to Smithfield to face Neuse Charter (12-4).

Bulldogs’ 2025 wish: More points

Wallace-Rose Hill needs to find its shooting touch to overcome a four-game losing streak that stretched into the New Year with a 61-38 loss to defending ECC champ Southwest Onslow, which got 27 markers from Oryianna Galloway and 21 from Khimara Dorsey last Friday night in Jacksonville.

Bulldogs Jansley Page and Savannah Smith netted 12 and 10, respectively.

Smith is hitting for 13.6 points this winter. Page is at 7.4, Analeise Rivenbark 5.7 and Sophia Sloan checks in at 4.0.

WRH (1-6, 0-1) faces two teams heading in opposite directions in South Lenoir (1-6, 0-1) and sister school North Lenoir (4-5).

BOYS’ BASKETBALL

Crusaders keep humming along

Few schools have winning streaks to match Harrell Christian, which is thriving off the play of Antonio McKoy, Dashaun McKoy, Zicareian McNeil and Amir Moore.

HCA has strung together five-, eight- and four-game streaks, which includes last Friday’s 79-61 victory over Northwood Temple Academy (13-6).

The Crusaders are 17-2 and in first place in the NCISAA’s Big East 2A Conference because of a

EDWARDO PUAC FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

Tateyawna Faison needs 169 points to join teammates Addy Higgenbotham and Reece Outlaw as 1,000-point performers at North Duplin.

win over Fayetteville Academy.

Another big win came with a triumph over the Greenfield School (Wilson).

Antonio McKoy pumped in 28 in Fayetteville in the win over the Eagles. Cousin Dashaun had 21 and, McNeill 18 and Amir Moore eight.

HCA’s two other big wins over the holiday came with over Goldsboro (66-55) and Washington (68-67 in overtime).

Antonio McKoy zipped in 34, Dashaun McKoy 15 and Moore 12 and McNeill eight against a Pam Pack team that won 20 games last season.

Rebels top Eagles for first win

Branson Martin scored 17 points, Donavan Armwood 16 and Luke Kelly nine to pace North Duplin to a 59-49 win over Wayne Christian last Friday in Calypso.

Duquan Stephens, Lucas Dail and Holden Williams combined for 15 points.

It was the first triumph for the Rebels in eight tries this season, though ND played four 2A schools to prep for action in the Carolina 1A Conference, which starts Jan. 14 with a home date against Neuse Charter (6-6).

ED (10-2) was coming off a 42-29 loss to 4A New Hanover (8-4). Cave led all scorers with 11, Farrior had 10, Noble and Kornegay six apiece JK sophomore Y’Anna Rivers scored just four points. The first-team all-Duplin player

TIGERS from page B1

Hall eight, and the twosome combined for 16 rebounds.

JK may been working through getting its basketball stamina after a football season that extended into the fourth round of the playoffs caused a late start for the hoops season.

Oats, who didn’t play on the gridiron, looked smooth and able to make his own shots in the half-court set. Jeremiah Hall scored 10 points, Zamarion Smith seven and Chris Hill six off the bench for JK.

Tigers rush to big first-half lead

JK won its third straight after opening the season with three losses in its first four encounters by nearly running its rival out of town.

Oats put on an early show, scoring from close and afar and getting his teammates involved.

He hit a midrange jump shot, 3-pointer and scoring on a drive from the top of the key, as JK went in front 13-2.

The junior had assists on hoops by Stephone Stanley and Zamarion Smith as the lead ballooned to 22-7.

Oats then hit an in-your-face jumper and added an off-balance shot at the buzzer to take JK into halftime with a 26-11 edge.

Smith hit what looked like

from a season ago was visibly frustrated all night.

The win was the first for Lane over Tigers head coach Aaron Smith, a former ED player who was also an assistant on Lane’s staff.

JK (1-3) had a back-to-thedrawing-board feel after the loss, which was more puzzling than barn-burning losses to Southern Wayne (47-43) and Clinton (55-52).

ED’s defense blanketed Rivers, who was also forced to do the bulk of the ball handling for JK.

The Panthers reserves Cierrra Pickett, Carrie Carr, Anamarie Rodriguez, Andrala Scarborough and Madelyn Sawyer each got applause during the fourth quarter.

Pickett made a three-point play, Sawyer a 3-point shot, Carr a hoop in the lane, Rodriguez two layups and an assist and Scarborough a nice drive to the iron for a deuce.

ED didn’t play well, though few would know looking at the final score.

Sometimes teams have to just win. It’s a concept JK isn’t familiar with of late. The Tigers hung with the Panthers for a quarter and then melted like snow in North Carolina.

an improbable shot to start the third quarter and Hall fed Zeleya for a pretty layup to give JK to a 20-point after less than three minutes of play.

ED finally woke up as Jenkins began to take things into his own hands. A Hill 3-pointer and field goal by Ball trimmed to hole to 37-23 after three quarters, though the stretch was an omen of better play to come for the Panthers.

ED (6-2) hosted Kinston (5-2, 1-0) on Tuesday, travel to Rosewood (3-5) the following day and then venture to North Lenoir (2-8, 0-0) on Friday. JK travels to Kinston on that night, following a trip to Deep Run on Tuesday to face South Lenoir (5-3). Midway, Southern Wayne and Clinton are the only non-ECC teams left on its schedule.

JK beat Clinton, fell to Midway and split with SW earlier this season.

While head coach Taylor Jones was upset about his team’s play in the second half, he knows his talent will rise when his players are in “basketball shape.”

Tyquise Wilson, Zeleya, Hall, Hill and Smith played key roles for the football team.

ED head coach Blake Lanier has his club on a different projectile than last season when the Panthers were 2-22.

The loss to the Tigers snapped a five-game winning streak.

EDWARDO PUAC FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

East Duplin’s Carrie Carr and James Kenan’s Labria McGowan battle for a loose ball.

EDWARDO PUAC FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

East Duplin’s Ryan Jenkins slips past James Kenan’s David Zeleya.

lie Hatcher (7.6), Zakoya Farrior (7.4) and Ava Noble (4.4) to go 24-5.

In the state tournament, ED clipped Holmes (49-20) and Eastern Wayne (65-57) before losing a late lead and falling to West Craven 47-45.

3. North Duplin (17-2) softball advances to third round of 1A playoffs

The Rebels softball team went to the 1A finals in 2023 and set a school record for wins by going 23-5-1.

That was a tough act to follow. ND hit .424 with 50 doubles, 17 triples and 22 homers, losing one game during the regular season to take the No. 1 seed into the playoffs.

After romps over Lejeune, Pender and East Columbus came a 12-5 loss to East Region champ Northside-Pinetown in the third round of the 1A playoffs.

Leaders were Reece Outlaw (.627, 10 doubles, 6 triples, 8 HRs, 36 RBIs), Addy Higginbothm (.629, 12 doubles, 3 triples, 3 HRs), Lilly Fulghum (.617, 11 doubles, 5 triples, 8 HRs), Marissa Bernalk (.404, 4 doubles, 2 triples, HR) and Ady Spence (.388, 4 doubles, triple).

4. Wallace-Rose Hill (21-3) volleyball captures ECC crown, advances to third round of 1A playoffs

Angelina Cavallaro, Jansley Page and Analeise Rivenbark combined for 841 kills, 327 digs and 174 service aces, and Mattie Gavin dished out 709 assists and 132 digs as the Wallace-Rose Hill captured the ECC title, its first conference crown in 40 years.

It was the third-straight season WRH won more matches that the previous campaign.

Kevin William’s squads went 13-7 in 2021, 17-5 in 2022, 18-5 in 2023 and 21-3 this fall.

Rivenbark is the lone senior starter.

5. North Duplin (17-10) boys’ basketball wins CC, advances to third round of 1A playoffs

Jeff Byrd was the coach of the Year in Duplin County during his two seasons at James Kenan.

He picked up his third honor early in the spring after guiding the Rebels to a Carolina Conference title and into the third round of the 1A playoffs.

Byrd’s player platoon system helped the Rebels win nine of its final 10 games.

Mr. Basketball Dujuan Armwood (16 points per game) was the top star. But Michael Lesesane (11.0) Donovan Armwood (9.1), Trashawn Ruffin (6.3), Branson Martin (5.1), Tev Collins (4.4) and others wore down the opposition as Byrd substituted in a pair of five-player lineups.

6. North Duplin (10-1, 5-0) captures CC title, advances to third round of the 1A playoffs

North Duplin fell to Lakewood in 2023 to finish second in the Carolina Conference standings despite a nine-win campaign and loss in the second round of the playoffs.

This season, the Rebels beat the Leopards and eight other teams during the regular season.

Then the No. 2 team in the East lost to Lakewood in the third round of the 1A playoffs.

Yet at 10-1 it was a very successful season for the green and gold of head coach Hugh Martin, whose Rebels were 9-3 in 2023.

Duplin’s leading rusher and scorer Carell Philips (2001,913, 31 TDs) led the offense, while the defense was paced by 6-foot-3, 306-pound Texas A&M recruit Trashawn Ruffin, defensive tackle Issac Davis, linebackers Ethan Turnage and Austin Wolfe and defensive backs Garris Warren (six interceptions and Donovan Armwood (four picks).

The junior-heavy team will return as a favorite in the fall of 2025.

7. East Duplin (15-7-1) boys’ soccer team has revival season to earn share of ECC title

Soccer has been rather hohum in Beulaville the previ-

ous four seasons. The Panthers left the land of .500 in the fall via a streak in which they won nine of 10 to finish the regular season.

A pair of wins over James Kenan forged a three-way tie between the ED, JK and WRH atop the ECC standings.

Panther Yoskar Canales’ 27 goals paced the attack, which included 13 of his teammates finding the back of the net.

Defender Richard Reyes and goalie Gabriel Faulkner were tank-strong and plane-fast in front of the net.

ED (15-7-1) beat St. Pauls 6-2 in the first round of the 2A playoff before falling to East Region finalist Greene Central 3-0 in the second round.

8. Wallace-Rose Hill (22-4 -2) boys’ soccer keep share of ECC title, advances to third round

The Bulldogs suffered a pair of losses to James Kenan yet still nabbed a share of its second title in as many years.

It’s the third time in six seasons WRH nabbed at least a share of the ECC crown under head coach Rodrigo Diaz. WRH (22-4-2) advanced to the third round of the 2A playoffs behind all-state striker Alex Zepeda, Chris Mejia, Junior Ayestas and Enil Gomez.

The Bulldogs beat quality programs at Franklin Academy and Greene Central during its tough nonconference slate.

Diaz, who is 10 wins shy of 100, wants his Bulldogs to be sharpened by top-notch foes.

9. East Duplin (17-6-2) girls’ soccer team wins ECC title, advances to third round of 2A playoffs

East Duplin’s biggest rival the past four seasons has been Southwest Onslow.

The Panthers stepped out big-time last spring to not only beat the Stallions twice en route to an ECC title but also when they fought their way into the third round of the 2A playoffs, a place it had never been during its soccer history.

Junior Katelyn Jones and freshman Anamarie Rodrigues combined for 39 goals and defender and team captain Rilee Kisler led the charge.

The bulk of head coach Joey Jones’ club returns this spring.

10. Richlands (9-2) football team has historic season under former JK player Pat Byrd

Pat Byrd took a chance four years ago to take the head coaching position at 3A Richlands, a school with little football tradition.

His Wildcats went 0-8 in the 2020 Covid-19 season and then took off.

Last fall, Richlands was 8-0 before falling to White Oak.

The ’Cats, which had huge wins over ED, rival SWO and Princeton, finished 9-2, as Byrd’s offense centered around quarterback Caleb Simco and defense was superb because of the play of linemen Marcus Branthoover and Semja Thompson, linebackers Julian Theil, Cam Hobbs, Tristan Fogarty and LB/RB Noah LeBlanc.

Richlands had its most wins since 2003 and the fifth-most in school history, which dates to 1959.

Byrd is the son Billy Byrd, the second-winningest coach at James Kenan.

11. With just four returning starters, WRH (9-4, 5-1) football team shares ECC title, advances to third round of 2A playoffs

The school that is “always supposed to be great” showed

it could be a factor despite returning just two starters on both sides of the ball.

The Bulldogs were humbled by 4A power Hoggard and 3A kingpin Havelock and upset by North Lenoir, but they rallied to beat Kinston, East Duplin and JK to tie the Tigers for the ECC crown. JK nipped WRH 14-13 in overtime in the third round of the 2A playoffs.

While falling short of its extremely high expectations from fans, the Bulldogs were once again among the last teams to put up their equipment during a season that had rebuilding written all over it.

12. HCA boys’ basketball has second-straight 20 - win season; Crusaders begin new year 17-2 with two major wins

Harrells Christian Academy won more than 20 games in the previous two seasons.

But triumphs over Fayetteville Academy, which beat the Cru crew four times in 2023 and Wilson powerhouse, the Greenfield School with a huge reputation in basketball, were signature wins for head coach Clayton Hall.

Top scorer Antonio McKoy (25.3 points, 12 rebounds), cousin Dashaun McKoy (12.6, 8.1) returnees Zicareian McNeill (14.0) and J’Kaeshi Brunson (6.3 assists per game) and 6-foot-8 WRH transfer center Amir Moore have as much talent as any team in the NCISAA.

Stay tuned in 2025.

13. ED (15-7) volleyball returns to winning ways

The teachings of head volleyball coach Susan Raynor were evident as the Panthers (15-7) had a five-win improvement from 2023’s 10-12 mark.

Team-ball became the mantra to break a streak of four seasons at or below .500.

14. ED (6-6) football beats St. Pauls in first round of playoff to preserve .500 season

East Duplin was on the verge of finishing below .500 before the Panthers went to St. Pauls and whipped the No. 8 team in the 2A playoffs 33-13.

The win salvaged a rare down season for head coach Battle Holley, as the Panthers wound up 6-6. The 3-4 mark in the pandemic-restricted season is the only time a Holley-coached team has dipped below .500 in 13 seasons in Beulaville, two at Kinston and one at WRH to start his head coaching career.

ED won a 2A title 2022 by going 15-1 and finished 10-2 the following season.

Injuries were a key reason for the Panthers’ woes last fall, as ED suffered ECC losses to the best three schools — JK, WRH and Kinston.

15. Fall harvest: WRH captures share of ECC title in three sports

Rodrigo Diaz guided the WRH soccer team to its fourth chunk of ECC hardware seven years. Kevin Motsinger won his second straight title on the gridiron. Kevin Williams led his volley ’Dogs to ECC diamonds, its first conference title in 40 years. It was an electric kind of ECC feeling at WRH this fall that no other Duplin Journal-area team could match, even though ND (football), JK (football and soccer) and ED (soccer) each grabbed a hunk of conference glory.

WRH’s fall harvest made an overwhelming statement.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK SPONSORED BY BILL CARONE

Bill Carone

North Duplin, boys’ basketball

Donavan Armwood is the leading scorer in Duplin County.

The North Duplin senior guard is averaging 18.2 points and 4.6 rebounds while shooting 40% from the field and 74% from the free-throw line.

Armwood popped for 30 against Princeton and has been in double figures in seven of eight Rebels games, sans the nine he scored against Spring Creek.

EDWARDO PUAC FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

Ady Spence hit .388 for ND, which was the No. 1 seed in the 1A playoffs.

MLB

Hernández re-signs with champion Dodgers, will play right field next season

Los Angeles Teoscar Hernández will be in right field for the Los Angeles Dodgers next season when the World Series champions try to defend their title. The outfielder is rejoining the team on a $66 million, three-year contract. Hernández says he was determined to return after playing on a one-year deal last season, when he won the Home Run Derby and helped the Dodgers beat the New York Yankees in the World Series. He says he had offers from other teams that could have gotten him an extra $5 million or more, but he says money wasn’t his main motivation.

NCAA FOOTBALL

Montana State’s Mellott wins Payton Award as top FCS offensive player Frisco, Texas Montana State quarterback Tommy Mellott won the Walter Payton Award as the Football Championship Subdivision offensive player of the year, two days before the top-ranked Bobcats face North Dakota State in the title game. Called Touchdown Tommy, the speedy Mellott edged North Dakota State quarterback Cam Miller and Southern Utah running back Targhee Lambson in voting announced at the FCS Awards Banquet. Mellott led Montana State to a 15-0 record. The senior from Butte, Montana, topped The AP FCS All-America team and was the Walter Camp FCS Player of the Year. He leads the division in passing efficiency and points responsible for.

NFL

Browns fire OC Dorsey, O-line coach Dickerson after 3-14 season

Berea, Ohio

The Cleveland Browns fired offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey and offensive line coach Andy Dickerson following a 3-14 season. Dorsey and Dickerson were informed of the moves in the aftermath of the team’s 35-10 loss in Baltimore on Saturday. Dorsey and Dickerson were in Cleveland for just one season. Cleveland’s offense struggled under Dorsey, who was fired last season by Buffalo. The Browns scored more than 20 points in only three games, and the unit was plagued by injuries. Dickerson had the tough job of replacing Bill Callahan, the former NFL head coach who left to join his son Brian’s staff with Tennessee.

NBA

Heat begin life without Butler, who is suspended and seeking a trade

Miami For the 119th time since Jimmy Butler joined Miami, the Heat played a game without him. This was different from the others. Butler is gone, banished by the Heat for seven games over what they called conduct detrimental to the team — and he’s probably not going to play for Miami again. His suspension started Saturday when the Heat played the Utah Jazz, and the team says it will agree to his wishes and try to facilitate a trade.

Behind-the-scenes glimpse at Duke’s Mayo Bowl mayonnaise bath

The Charlotte-based bowl has one of the most-watched postgame traditions

By Steve Reed The Associated Press

CHARLOTTE — Imagine having 5 gallons of mayonnaise dumped over your head.

Well, that’s exactly what the winning head coach of the annual Duke’s Mayo Bowl receives as a “reward” for winning the game at Bank of America Stadium, a tradition born in 2021 as Duke’s Mayo looked to carve out its unique niche in the college football bowl world.

Each year, the mayo dump trends on social media — and college football fans just can’t seem to look away, no matter how disgusting the idea is to some observers.

“I think with my bald head the mayo should just slide right off,” joked Minnesota head coach P.J. Fleck, whose team beat Virginia Tech in this year’s bowl game. “I might have to do a little predumping of the mayo just to make sure it does slide off. I have my own strategy just in case, but I can’t let my secret out.”

There’s plenty of preparation that goes into the annual mayo dump.

Staff members begin by pouring five 1-gallon containers of mayonnaise into a large Gatorade-sized cooler around the start of the fourth quarter. Then, they take turns briskly stirring the mayo for more than 25 minutes with a large wooden stick.

“That changes the consistency just a little bit so it’s more pourable,” said Duke’s Mayo brand director Rebecca Lupesco. “Some people think

TAKE NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA DUPLIN COUNTY

PIANIST WANTED

Mt. Gilead Baptist Church 3949 Taylors Bridge Hwy. Clinton, NC 28328

Piano Education & experience required

Contact: Sharryerrn@aol.com

FILE#2024E000530 The undersigned, DAVID SCOTT BROOKS, having qualified on the 27TH Day of DECEMBER, 2024, as EXECUTOR of the Estate of DONALD PARKER BROOKS, deceased, of Duplin County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 2ND Day of APRIL 2025, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 2nd DAY OF JANUARY 2025.

DAVID SCOTT BROOKS, EXECUTOR 605 SE RAILROAD STREET WALLACE, NC 28466 Run dates: J2,9,16,23p

we add water. There’s no water added, it’s just straight mayonnaise. We just stir it up. It can be a workout.”

As tradition has it, the winning coach is seated on a chair on the field after the game and two workers will raise the cooler and pour the mayo over his head.

It’s a process that needed to be refined over time.

In 2021, one of the handles on the cooler shifted, causing South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer to get bopped over the head with the bucket after being doused in mayo. That issue has since been addressed and the handles have been fortified to make them immovable.

“Since that incident, we now pick our mayo dumpers very carefully,” Lupesco said with a smile. “Last year, we did a mayo combine where 10 people were selected to come in and compete. They had to do deadlifts with buckets of mayonnaise and catch footballs with mayo on their hands. We had to make sure these people were strong enough.”

This year’s mayo dumpers were kept a surprise.

But they will be adequately trained first, Lupesco said. She said the two pourers will practice by dumping multiple buckets of mayo over a “dummy coach” earlier in the day, with an emphasis on making sure they lift the cooler high enough above the coach’s head so no one gets hit in the head. Virginia Tech coach Brent Pry said he’s not a big fan of mayonnaise, but he would have gladly accepted the bath if it meant a Hokies win.

“It will be like, ‘C’mon and give it to me! I want that sucker!,’” Pry said. “The players and my family have had a lot of fun watching other coaches get dumped on. So I hope we are that fortunate.”

Former West Virginia coach Neal Brown was last year’s recipient of the mayo dump after his Mountaineers’ 30-10 blowout win over UNC — a moment he’ll almost certainly never forget.

“I feel cold, I feel wet. ... but I feel like a winner,” Brown said while covered in mayonnaise.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS North Carolina Duplin County Notice to Creditors File # 24E505 The undersigned, Ashley Quinn Lovette, having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Beau Gene Lovette, Deceased, hereby notifies all persons, firms, or corporations having claims against the deceased to exhibit same to the said Ashley Quinn Lovette at the address below, on or before March 19, 2025, or

NC 28466

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA DUPLIN COUNTY FILE#2024E 000506 The undersigned, DAKOTA JAMEL HOLMES, JR, having qualified on the 5TH DAY of DECEMBER, 2024, as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of SHARON DENISE REDDISH, deceased, of DUPLIN County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 19TH Day of MARCH 2025, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please

LIST YOUR DUPLIN COUNTY TAXES BY MAIL

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN

All property subject to ad valorem taxes shall be listed as of January 1, unless otherwise provided for in the General Statutes of North Carolina. Listing shall begin on January 2, and continue through January 31, 2025. Personal property such as unlicensed vehicles, campers, mobile homes, boats & motors, jet skis, airplanes, all farm equipment and machinery, rental household personal property and business personal machinery and equipment must be listed EVERY YEAR. If you received a listing form it should be completed and returned to the County Assessor’s Office, PO Box 968, Kenansville, NC 28349 by January 31, 2025.

IMPROVEMENTS OR OTHER CHANGES TO REAL PROPERTY

MUST BE REPORTED BY JANUARY 31, 2025

Duplin County has the permanent listing of REAL PROPERTY; therefore,

JANUARY 2, 2025 THRU JANUARY 31, 2025

real estate can be brought forward; however, improvements (such as additions, new construction, decks, outbuildings, remodeling etc.) or other changes made to your real property MUST BE LISTED. You may be penalized for failure to report such improvements.

PROPERTY TAX RELIEF FOR ELDERLY AND PERMANENTLY DISABLED PERSONS

North Carolina General Statute 105277.1 excludes from property taxes the greater of twenty five thousand dollars ($25,000.00) or fifty percent (50%) of the appraised value of a permanent residence owned and occupied by a qualifying owner. A North Carolina resident age 65 or older (whose income does not exceed $37,900.00) or totally and permanently disabled (whose income does not exceed $37,900.00) is eligible to apply. The exclusion covers real property occupied by the owner

as his or her permanent residence or mobile home used by the owner in connection with his or her permanent residence. Disposable income includes all moneys received other than gifts or inheritances received from a spouse, lineal ancestors, or lineal descendants. Both incomes (husband & wife) must be reported. Application must be received in the Tax Office by June 2, 2025.

FILE FOR THIS EXEMPTION DURING LISTING PERIOD LISTING BY MAIL IS ENCOURAGED LIST EARLY TO AVOID LONG LINES AND/OR LATE POSTMARK IF YOU LIST IN PERSON, BRING YOUR FORM WITH YOU

LISTINGS RETURNED BY MAIL MUST BE POSTMARKED BY THE U.S. POSTAL SERVICE NO LATER THAN JANUARY 31, 2025 TO AVOID THE LATE LISTING PENALTY

Anyone having questions concerning the forms or need help with the

listing should contact the County Assessors’ Office, 117 Beasley Street, Kenansville, NC, between the hours of 8:00am and 5:00pm Monday through Friday from January 2 –January 31, 2025. Telephone number is (910) 296-2110.

COMPLETED LISTING CAN BE PLACED IN THE DROP BOX LOCATED ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE TAX OFFICE BUILDING AT 117 BEASLEY STREET – BOX IS CHECKED TWICE A DAY

TAX OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED MONDAY, JANUARY 20, 2025

Applications for Present Use (Land Use) valuation must be filed with the office of the county assessor during the regular listing period (by January 31, 2025). Applications are available in the county’s assessor’s office.

GARY M. ROSE TAX ADMINISTRATOR DUPLIN COUNTY

CHRIS CARLSON / AP PHOTO

West Virginia head coach Neal Brown is dunked with mayonnaise after the team’s win against UNC in last year’s Duke’s Mayo Bowl

Roselee White Hall

Aug. 19, 1951 – Jan. 1, 2025

Roselee White Hall, 73, resident of the Mount Olive area, passed away Wednesday evening, Jan. 1, 2025 at UNC Health Wayne Hospital in Goldsboro.

A native of Kingsport, Tennessee, it was there that she and her husband lived amongst her family, both employed with Eastman Chemical Company in Kingsport, and later she became a real estate agent. After their retirements, they came to Wayne County to live out the remainder of the years on the farm belonging to the Hall and Parker families.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry Probert Hall Sr.; her parents, Ray White and Irene Crawford White; a sister, Janice McClellan; and a brother, Jesse White.

Loved ones whom she leaves behind include her two sons and their wives, Richard Lynn Duncan and Suzette Duncan, of Kingsport, Tennessee, and Harry Probert Hall Jr. and Crystal Hall of Mount Olive; three grandchildren, John Maxfield, Shayla Maxfield, and Mattie Hall, all of Mount Olive; a sister, Linda McClellan and husband, Bill, of Kingsport; and two brothers, Charles White and wife, Kathy, and Ray White Jr., all of Kingsport. The life of Mrs. Roselee Hall was remembered on Saturday, Jan. 4, by the graveside in the Parker-Hall Family Cemetery, on the family farm near the residence. Presiding was her son, Harry P. Hall Jr.

Barbara Jean Graham

Oct. 1, 1967 – Dec. 29, 2024

Barbara Jean Graham, 57, of Beulaville, peacefully answered the Master’s call Dec. 29, 2024 at ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville. Funeral service was Saturday Jan. 4, 2025 at Hawes Funeral Home Chapel in Warsaw.

Barbara Jean Graham was born Oct. 1, 1967 to Martha Miller Boney and the late Jimmy Lee Graham in Duplin County.

She received her education in the Duplin County Public School System, where she later attended James Sprunt Community College earning an Associate in Applied Science degree and Associate in General Education degree. Barbara was very outspoken and a loving mother, sister, grandmother and friend that always wanted to make sure she helped everyone she could. She was loved by many and will be greatly missed by all.

In addition to her father, Barbara was also preceded in death by one daughter, Kimberly Michelle Graham, and a grandson, Ja’havius McGowenJones. Barbara leaves to cherish her precious memories: two daughters, Terry Shipman and Regina Graham (Johnnie); six grandchildren, Tamia Powell, Cazhmere Lewis, Kyren GrahamLewis, K’den Banks, G’ona Banks and A’niyah Morris; one greatgrandchild, Kay’lani Ford; five siblings, Trelace George, Renee Parks, Kemistry Judge (Vinson), John Moore and Jimmy Moore; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Patricia (Mills) Blanton

Jan. 2, 1936 – Jan. 3, 2025

Patricia Mills Blanton, 89, of Willard passed away peacefully on Friday, Jan. 3, 2025.

She was born on Jan. 2, 1936, in Pender County, the daughter of the late Phillip E. and Elsie Carter Mills. Mrs. Blanton was also preceded in death by her siblings, Durrell Mills, Donnie Mills, Ronnie Mills, Sue Carol Mills and Jack Mills.

Mrs. Blanton was a lifelong member of Antioch Church in Willard, where she served in various capacities throughout the years.

Surviving to cherish her memory is her best friend and husband of 61 years, Reverend Tommy Blanton of the home; daughters, Lisa Wescott of Wilmington, and Maria Brekka and husband Kevin of Oakridge; grandchildren, Joseph, Rachael and husband Chris, Rose, Carter, Jackson, Charlotte and Dylan; great-grandchildren, Apollo and Nina; sisters, Phyllis Pigford and Linda Matthews; brothers, Harris Mills, Amos Mills, and Phil Mills; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends that loved Patricia.

Patricia was a precious wife and loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She enjoyed the simplest things in life, but her greatest joy was family. They meant everything to her. With a God-given talent, Patricia could play the piano and organ with great skill. She loved flowers, and cooking and it’s been said she made the best chocolate pie ever. Most of all, Patricia enjoyed listening to and playing worship music. She was a woman of uncommon character, beauty and grace; and to those who knew her, “an instrument of God’s love on this earth.” She was a great church member, her husband’s biggest supporter during his years in the ministry and a great Christian example to her children and grandchildren. Patricia will surely be missed but treasured memories will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Funeral service was Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Wallace Chapel with her husband and pastor officiating.

The family received friends on Monday evening, Jan. 6, 2025, at the funeral home.

Entombment followed the service on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, at Riverview Memorial Park Mausoleum, Watha.

Casketbearers were Don Rawls, Bart Southerland, Kevin Brekka, Chris Wade, Joseph Wescott and Jackson Brekka.

Thelma Ann Hill

Feb. 16, 1954 – Dec. 27, 2024

Thelma “Valentine” Hill, 70, of Faison, completed her earthly journey and transitioned from labor to reward, Friday, Dec. 27, 2024 at ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville.

The celebration of Life was held on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 at Moses Chapel Church of Christ, 165 David Bright Road, Faison, NC 28341. There was a church viewing prior to the service.

Janice Head Kornegay

Feb. 26, 1951 – Jan. 3, 2025

Janice Head Kornegay, Mount Olive attorney who practiced law as Janice S. Head, P.A., passed away early Friday morning, Jan. 3, 2025, at ECU Medical Center in Greenville.

Having been raised on a horse ranch in the Williams Crossroads area near Mount Olive, she, her husband, and sons were residents of the Scott’s Store area in Duplin.

Her family received friends on Sunday, Jan. 5, at Tyndall Funeral Home in Mount Olive. At other times, they welcomed friends and neighbors to the residence in the Scott’s Store community. Her funeral service was Tuesday, Jan. 7, at Snow Hill Free Will Baptist Church with burial following in the church cemetery. The church is located at 1224 Red Hill Road, Mount Olive. Officiating were Pastor Mark S. Hobbs and Pastor Michael Sykes.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Snow Hill Church, 1224 Red Hill Road, Mount Olive, NC 28365, or online; or Seven Springs Church on the Hill, PO Box 64, Seven Springs, NC 28578.

Janice is survived by her husband, Donnell E. Kornegay Jr.; two sons, John Mitchell Kornegay of Mount Olive, and his friend, Kayla Sholar, of Mount Olive, and Chase Adam Kornegay of Mount Olive, and his fiancee, Rebecca Grady, of Seven Springs; a brother, Ross W. Head Jr. and his wife, Sandra Sutton Head, of Mount Olive; three sisters, Joy Head and companion, Allen Baker, of Seven Springs, Vicky Ann Head Rose of Mount Olive, and Deborah Cora Head Ewald and husband, Ronald Ewald, of Front Royal, Virginia; a brotherin-law and sisters-in-law, Robert B. “Bob” Kornegay and Penny James Kornegay, of Mount Olive, and Kimberly Kornegay and Susan Clifton, of Willow Spring; nieces and nephews, Elliott Kornegay, Chandler Kornegay, Cameron Kornegay, Wilson Head, Amber H. Kelly, Ashley H. Conder, Cora H. Elsworth, Cody Rose, Rhonda A. Grady, Crystal A. Bowne, Wm. Dustin Evans, and Donald Ross Evans, and their families. Janice also leaves behind Becky Kelly, who has been a dear friend and business associate for more than 31 years, who had also seemed more like another sister to Janice than merely a friend. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ross W. Head and Sara Kornegay Head; her fatherin-law and mother-in-law, Donnell E. Kornegay and Edith Byrd Kornegay; and a special uncle who was more like a brother, Woodley Kent Head.

Janice was reared on a horse ranch and graduated from Southern Wayne Senior High School, where she was valedictorian of her class. She then graduated from Wingate College, and graduated with honors from Wake Forest University School of Law. She began practicing law in WinstonSalem, and soon returned to Wayne County, where she was employed with George R. Kornegay Sr. In time, she became a partner with Mr. Kornegay, and later she became a partner with his son, Russ Kornegay. She went into business for herself, establishing Janice S. Head, P.A., which she operated until her death.

Janice grew up attending Seven Springs Methodist Church with her parents. After her marriage to Don Kornegay, she joined in fellowship with his home church, Snow Hill Free Will Baptist, where she willingly and diligently served in many capacities.

Janice will be missed. Her robust personality with her choice of bright colored clothing made her the Janice that we knew and loved.

Charles Stedman Moore

July 25, 1940 – Dec. 31, 2024

Charles Stedman “Ted” Moore, 84, of Harrells went home peacefully on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was born on July 25, 1940 in Duplin County, the son of the late James Stedman and Laura Rivenbark Moore. Mr. Moore was also preceded in death by his daughter, Lori Moore.

Surviving is his devoted wife, Sandra Wells Moore; three sons, Charles David Moore and wife April, Gene “Tommy” Butler and wife Angie and John Wells and wife Toni; three daughters, Wendy Scyphers and husband Mark, Jennifer Carter and husband Mitchell, and Ann Herrmann; 11 grandchildren and 13 greatgrandchildren; brothers, Jimmy Moore and wife Joan of Harrells and Kenny Moore and wife Louanna, of Harrells; sister, Diane Harvell of Harrells; and numerous extended family and friends that loved Charles dearly. Ted proudly served his community as a volunteer fireman before his health declined. He was one who would do anything he could for his fellow man. Charles will surely be missed but treasured memories of him will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Funeral service was held on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025 at QuinnMcGowen Funeral Home Wallace Chapel with Pastor Earl Smith and Pastor Justin Lee.

The family received friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial followed in Harrells Cemetery.

Pallbearers were members of Harrells Volunteer Fire Department. Honorary pallbearers were Brady Moore, Kent Moore and Grae Moore.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or given online at stjudes. org , or you may give to the charity of your choice.

Dexter M. Swinson

Aug. 18, 1960 – Dec. 30, 2024

Dexter Michael Swinson, 64, lifelong resident of the Beautancus community near Mount Olive, died Monday, Dec. 30, 2024, at his home. He was a graduate of North Duplin High School, had worked at A.P. Parts for a number of years, and had assisted area farmers with their farming needs.

Dexter was preceded in death by his parents, William John “Bill” Swinson and Ena Mae Sullivan Swinson; three brothers, William John “Billy” Swinson Jr., Robert Anthony Swinson, and Henry Nelson Swinson; and two brothers-in-law, Haran Nelson Waters and Rufus Barron Harrell. He leaves behind three sisters, Clementine S. Waters, Ramona S. Harrell, and Deloris S. Outlaw, all of the Mount Olive area; a sisterin-law, Sandra G. Swinson of Mount Olive; and several nieces and nephews.

Dexter’s family will remember him in a private gathering to be at the W. J. Swinson Family Cemetery.

Theriliane Bernard

June 30, 1930 – Dec. 25, 2024

Theriliane Bernard, 94, of Mount Olive, transitioned Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024 at her home.

Born in Haiti, she is the daughter of Theis Bernard. Cherished memories will linger in the hearts of her children, Marie Chantal Senat and Nathan Andre Senat, other relatives and friends.

A viewing was held Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, Saturday at Garris Funeral Home, 812 S. Center St., Mount Olive. Funeral service was held Jan. 5, 2025, with interment following at Oakview Cemetery in Mount Olive.

John Williams

Feb. 19, 1966 – Dec. 30, 2024

John Alexander Williams, 58, of Wallace, passed away on Monday, Dec. 30, 2024 at ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 at New Christian Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, 2283 S NC 11 Hwy in Rose Hill.

Left to cherish his precious memories: wife, Jackie Williams; son, John A. Williams; daughter, Johnta’ A. Williams; fatherin-law, Isiah Sanders; four brothers-in-law; six sisters-inlaw; three aunts, Myrtle Avant, Fannie Powers and Christine Powers; one uncle, Cedric Williams; goddaughter, Sade’ Davis; four grandchildren, John Michael Ingram Williams, Jordan Jones, Kobie Pickett and Harmony Carlton; four special grandchildren, Jayden, Ernest, Jacoby and Jarron; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that will miss him dearly.

June 13, 1957 – Dec. 28, 2024

Debra Martin Foy, 67, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, at her home.

She is preceded in death by a brother, Jerry Dale Marin. Memorial service was held Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, followed by visitation at Bethany Baptist Church, 1077 Nine Mile Road, Richlands.

Survivors include: spouse, Dalton Foy of Nine Mile; son, Donald Thomas of Fayetteville; daughter, Ashley Thomas of Asheville; brothers, Jackie Martin (Jill) of Florida and Terry Martin Jr. (Johnnie) of Charlotte; grandchildren, Kelly Foy, Drion Thomas, Jacob Foy and Ethan Foy.

Debra Martin Foy

Joseph Ronald “Ronnie” Owens

Sept. 14, 1941 – Jan. 3, 2025

Joseph Ronald “Ronnie” Owens, 83, passed from this life to his eternal rest on Friday, Jan. 3, 2025.

He was born on Sept. 14, 1941, in Chesterfield County, South Carolina, the son of the late Johnny and Beulah Mills Owens. Mr. Owens was also preceded in death by his siblings, Bill, Betty, Tony and Barry.

Surviving to cherish his memory are: his devoted wife of 60 years, Betty Rouse Owens of the home; daughters, Christy Rawls and husband Don of Penderlea and Cindy Mackdanz and husband David of Adams, Tennessee; grandchildren, Shane Hanchey and wife Jessica, Jake Rawls, Mark Rawls and Anna Mackdanz; sisters, Jean Hathaway of Charlotte and Sue Mangum of Pageland, South Carolina; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends that loved Ronnie dearly.

Ronnie retired from General Electric Company. He was a member of Forest Hills Baptist Church where, he served as deacon and Sunday school teacher, prior to his declining health.

Ronnie was a loving husband and caring father, grandfather and brother. His greatest joy was his grandchildren. He enjoyed watching them play sports, passing along his love of guitar and taking annual vacations together. Ronnie was a quiet man who was loved and respected by those who knew him. He served many in his community and was always willing to help others. Ronnie will surely be missed but treasured memories will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Funeral service was held on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, at QuinnMcGowen Funeral Home Wallace Chapel with his grandson, Pastor Jake Rawls officiating.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Burial followed the service at Riverview Memorial Park.

Bobby Kriger

March 10, 1940 – Jan. 1, 2025

Bobby Kriger, 84, resident of the Beautancus community, Mount Olive, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, at Wayne UNC Hospital.

Mr. Kriger was raised in Warsaw. He had been a mechanic, a store operator, operated heavy equipment, and had served as a foreman with a landscaping company.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Becky Southerland Kriger; his parents, Edmund and Norma Blackburn Kriger; and a brother, Raymond Kriger. He is survived by three sons, Carson Kriger of Mount Olive, Steve Kriger of Wilson, and Brian Kriger of Florida; two daughters, Melanie McKee of Colorado, and Lisa Jones of Mount Olive; several grandchildren to include Emmett Kriger and Phoebe Kriger, and Jordan Jones and Michaela Jones; and a brother, David Kriger of Goldsboro.

Mr. Kriger’s family will remember him in a family gathering.

Annette Ennis Fountain

March 29, 1941 – Jan. 2, 2025

Annette Ennis Fountain of Willard, passed from her earthly life in the early morning of Jan. 2, 2025 while in the care of Lower Cape Fear Life Care Center in Wilmington. Born on March 29, 1941, she is the daughter of the late Colin and Gladys Estelle Blanton. Also preceding her in death are a sister, Brenda Blanton James; and her special aunt, Inez Scearce.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 65 years, Dallas Ray Fountain; children, Teresa Fountain of Wilmington and Kenneth Ray Fountain of Watha; grandchildren, Caroline Fountain Moore and husband Jackson of Surf City and Jameson Paul Fountain of Watha; sister-in-law, Loraine Fountain Stroud; niece, Alicia James Griffin; and special friend, Sandra Kenan.

Mrs. Fountain spent a major part of her work career working in the textile industry for J.P. Stevens, which was later Stevco Knit. She enjoyed reading, going out to eat, cooking, baking (especially desserts), her flowers, and their home away from home in Surf City. She valued family more than anything else on earth. As she liked to say, I don’t care where we are as long as we are all together.

A service to celebrate her life was set for Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in the Willard Baptist Church located at 45 Railroad Street in Willard, NC 28458. Family greeted friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Entombment followed in the Riverview Memorial Park Mausoleum. Reverend David Knowles officiated the services. Floral arrangements are welcome or please consider a gift to Saving Dogs 4 Betty’s Sake, c/o Sandra Kenan, 555 Willard Road, Willard, NC 28478. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the awesome staff of NHRMC, 7th Floor/PCU, for the outstanding care of our mom/Nana during her 16-day stay.

Mary Delphine McLamb

Aug. 19, 1941 – Jan. 2, 2025

Mary Delphine McLamb, 83, put her hand in the Master’s hand Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center, Wilmington. Born in Duplin County, she is the daughter of the late William Henry Beamon and Mary Brunson Beamon and wife of the late Theodore C. McLamb.

Her love and legacy will be forever cherished by her daughters, Denise (Tony) Blue and Renea (Thomas) Lewis; three grandsons, Ricco (Alica) Barden, Taylor Lewis and Jalen Blue; three great-grandchildren, Za’Kiya Barden, Elias Barden and Zariyana Williams; three nieces, three nephews, cousins and friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, she has reunited with her son, Sherwood L. McLamb. Funeral arrangements were incomplete as of press time.

Onzenetta “Net” SandersHardison

Jan. 15, 1955 – Dec. 29, 2024

Onzenetta Sanders-Hardison, 69, of Washington, D.C., formerly of Rose Hill, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024 at Inova Alexandria Hospital in Alexandria, Virginia.

A visitation of family and friends will be held on Friday, Jan. 10, 2024 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Rose Hill Funeral Home in Rose Hill. Funeral services will be held at New Christian Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Rose Hill, on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 at 2 p.m. Burial will follow at Duplin Memorial Gardens in Teachey.

Onzenetta, affectionately known as “Net,” was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Emma Sanders; son, Malik Jamal Hardison; sister, Mary Charlene Bland. Left to cherish her precious memories: husband, Marcus Hardison of Washington, D.C.; son, Paul Young of Ramstein Air Base, Germany; sister, Felicia Shepard of Rose Hill; brother, Michael Crumpler of Brooklyn, New York; stepchildren, Marcus (Crystal) Hardison Jr. and Montreia (Kenneth) Jones; grandchildren, Lorena Gayle Young, Aria Hardison, Marcus Hardison III, Cadence Hardison, Kennedy Jones, Madison Jones, and Kendle Jones; nephew-sons: Alexander Shepard, Jonathan Shepard, Mikal Shepard, Timothy Shepard, Jayceon Shepard; beloved aunts, Regeina Kenan and Essie Mae Williams; a host of godchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that will miss her dearly.