Duplin Journal Vol. 9, Issue 11

Duplin Journal

JOURNAL

the BRIEF this week

Duplin County has 10th lowest unemployment rate in N.C.

Duplin County

Duplin County has ranked among the top 10 lowest unemployment rates in the state, according to numbers released May 1 by the North Carolina Department of Commerce.

Duplin County’s March rate of 3.2% was the same as the seasonally adjusted rate of 3.2% for February, and it also remained unchanged from the same time period last year.

However, the 3.2% rate places the county 10th among the state’s 100 counties. The lowest unemployment rate was found in Greene County with 2.8%, while the highest was Hyde with 7.6% unemployment. Those numbers mean that of the county’s workforce of 27,287, a total of 877 people received unemployment bene ts during the month.

DJS

New I-40 stoplights are now operational

Wallace Motorists traveling NC Highway 41 outside Wallace will need to slow down over the next week. Newly installed stoplights at the westbound ramps onto and o Interstate 40 are now fully operational.

DJS

New Little Free Library comes to Warsaw

Warsaw

Join Duplin County Partnership for Children on May 30, at 6 p.m. as they unveil a Little Free Library at Warsaw Park and Recreation, located at 309 Memorial Dr. in Warsaw.

DJS

Duplin County Young Farmers & Ranchers meeting on May 14

Duplin County Duplin County Young Farmers & Ranchers will host a meeting on May 14 at 6:30 p.m. at 735 Moltonville Rd. in Clinton. RSVP to 919-369-1645 by May 10. Dinner will be provided.

DJS

Tens of thousands pack downtown Wallace for Strawberry Festival

This year’s Carolina Strawberry Festival was one for the books, with more than 30,000 people converging upon downtown Wallace to enjoy rides, food, live music and strawberries! See more photos on Page 6.

Chinquapin native sworn in as new Beulaville Police Chief

An abandoned house dominated conversation at the town board meeting

By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal

BEULAVILLE — Karl Mobley, who was born and raised in Chinquapin, is o cially Beulaville’s new chief of police. Mobley was sworn in during the regular monthly Board of Commissioners meeting on Monday night.

He started the job rst thing

Tuesday morning, taking over for retired Chief Jamie Rogers. Mobley moved to Wilmington in 2005 to begin his law enforcement career at Cape Fear Community College with a criminal justice degree. He served with the Wilmington Police Department and other New Hanover County law enforcement agencies from 20072014, and then got married, had children and moved back home to Chinquapin.

Once back in Duplin County, Mobley joined the Duplin County

See POLICE , page 3

Carolina

Strawberry Festival

is biggest and best yet

The Festival drew 30,000 people for fun, games and, of course, strawberries

By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal

WALLACE — The 2024 Carolina Strawberry Festival was a huge success, bringing record numbers to downtown Wallace for food and crafts vendors, live music, amusement rides, carnival games, pageant queens, and, of course, plenty of fresh strawberries.

“The best we can tell, we had somewhere around 30,000 people come to the Strawberry Festival this year,” 2024 festival chair Keli Wilson told the Duplin Journal. “It is the most attendees we’ve ever had. To increase attendance by 10,000 over one year is remarkable.”

The festival also had more vendors than ever before, with more than 150 artisans, food trucks, nonpro t organizations and more lining the streets of downtown Wallace. This year,

“To

increase attendance by 10,000 over one year is remarkable.”

Keli Wilson, 2024 Carolina Strawberry Festival board chair

organizers also o ered a cooling station inside the building across from the Depot, o ering air-conditioning and restrooms to those who needed a respite.

Wallace Mayor Jason Wells appeared on WECT-TV 6’s news broadcast Friday night as well to tout the festival and talk about the economic boon it brings to the town of Wallace and Duplin County as a whole. He was interviewed by longtime news anchors Frances Weller and Jon Evans for a live segment.

“A lot of people have been working very hard to bring this to fruition,” the mayor said. Friday night saw a record

Wallace man wanted in connection with stabbing

Three suspects have been arrested, one remains at large

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

ADAM MILLIKEN is wanted for his involvement in a stabbing that occurred in a parking lot located at 212 E. Main St., Wallace on April 30, leaving a 21-year-old male in critical condition after getting stabbed in the abdomen.

The stabbing victim was assaulted by multiple subjects and was airlifted to the hospital. He remains in critical but stable condition after undergoing surgery. Thanks to law enforcement’s diligent response, the four suspects were identi ed within 30 minutes of the call. Wesley A. Milliken, 22, Alexander Bo Milliken, 18, and Summer E. Donaldson, 26, were arrested while a warrant was issued for the

fourth individual who remains at large. W. A. Milliken and A.B. Milliken were both charged with robbery with a dangerous weapon, conspiracy robbery with a dangerous weapon, felony conspiracy and assault with a deadly weapon in icting serious injury. Both men are under a $100,000 secured bond. Donaldson was charged with robbery with a dangerous weapon and conspiracy robbery with

a dangerous weapon and driving while license revoked not impaired. Her bond was set at $75,200. All four subjects reside at 116 Raleigh Rd. in Wallace.

According to Wallace Police Chief Jimmy Crayton, there were two victims.

“One was stabbed, the other one wasn’t,” Crayton told Duplin Journal, adding that the second victim, who was robbed, is a juvenile.

Crayton said the perpetrators tried to steal bicycles. Drugs were not a factor in this case; See STABBING , page 5

THE DUPLIN COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE

See STRAWBERRY, page 6

Wesley A. Milliken

A. Bo Milliken Summer Donaldson

ABBY CAVENAUGH / DUPLIN JOURNAL

ABBY CAVENAUGH / DUPLIN JOURNAL

New Beulaville Police Chief Karl Mobley shakes hands with retiring Chief Jamie Rogers after taking o ce at the Beulaville town board meeting on Monday night.

WEDNESDAY 5.8.24

“Join the conversation”

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WEDNESDAY

MAY 1

Bronzie Thomas Sessoms, 49, was booked into the Duplin County Jail on charges of assault on a female, injury to personal property, and false imprisonment.

Derrick Antwan Jones, 38, was booked into the Duplin County Jail for two counts of misdemeanor probation violations.

Alexander Bo Milliken, 18, was booked into the Duplin County Jail on charges of robbery with a dangerous weapon, conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon, felony conspiracy, and assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury.

Summer Elizabeth Donaldson, 24, was booked into the Duplin County Jail on charges of driving while license revoked (not impaired), robbery with a dangerous

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

MAY 11

Chinquapin Volunteer Fire & Rescue is having a BBQ cook off at the Chinquapin Ball Field on May 11. BBQ judging starts at 9 a.m., Fire truck judging at 10 a.m., and plant sale at 11 a.m. BBQ plates are $10.

Cabin Lake County Park will be hosting a Spring Vendor & Craft Fair starting at 9 a.m. on May 11. There will be food, candles, woodworking, tumblers, and more. (Rain date May 18). For more information, call 910-298-3648.

MAY 14

Duplin County Young Farmers & Ranchers will host a meeting on May 14 at 6:30 p.m. at 735 Moltonville Road in Clinton. RSVP to 919-369-1645 by May 10. Dinner will be provided.

MAY 15

Registration for Summer Basketball for ages 3.5-15 in the town of Faison, opens May 15 through June 30. For more information, call 910-267-0115.

MAY 18

Duplin County Culture & Community Health Fair will be on May 18, noon to 3 p.m., at 165 Agriculture Dr., Kenansville. For more information, call 252-3290593.

DUPLIN CALENDAR

BY

SPONSORED

MAY 31

The Beulaville Area Chamber of Commerce 9th annual Scholarship Golf Tournament will be on May 31 at the Bear Trail Golf Club. Maple Hill, NC with Tee times at 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Call 910-262-5272 for more information.

HAPPENING MONTHLY

The Duplin County Board of County Commissioners meets the rst and third Monday of each month at 6 p.m., at 224 Seminary St., Kenansville. For information, call 910-2962100.

The Beulaville town board meets the rst Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m., at 508 East Main St., Beulaville. For more information, call 910298-4647.

The Town of Calypso meets at the council chambers the rst Monday of each month at 6 p.m., at 103 W. Trade Street. For information, call 919-6589221.

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

The Economic Development Board meets the rst 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 Rd. 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 more 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 more information, call 910-293-7814.

The Magnolia town board meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m., at

MARRIAGE LICENSES ISSUED IN DUPLIN COUNTY

Anita Marie Savage, Duplin County Register of Deeds issued 32 marriage licenses for the month ending on April 30.

Adrienne Hancock Nuttle, Wallace, and Luther Coke Smith, Wallace; Abbey Taylor Pate, Faison, and James Alexander O’neal, Mount Olive; Evens Lafortune, Warsaw, and Saintemene Noel, Warsaw; Jenny Marie Quick, Mount Olive, and Matthew David Hardison, Mount Olive; Talosha Aquanda Holley, Rose Hill, and Emily Grace Graham, Rose Hill; Ti any Page Layton, Magnolia, and William Dustin Parker, Magnolia; Amanda Faye Johnson, Rose Hill, and Thomas Carter Pitchford, Rose Hill;

weapon, and conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon.

Wesley Adam Milliken, 22, was booked into the Duplin County Jail on charges of robbery with a dangerous weapon, conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon, felony conspiracy, assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury, and parole violation.

MAY 2

Lamonta Devonta Wallace, 31, was booked into the Duplin County Jail on charges of fleeing/eluding arrest with a motor vehicle, assault on a female, reckless driving, felony probation violation, two counts of misdemeanor probation violations, simple assault, driving while impaired, possession of an open container in the passenger area, resisting a public officer, possession of a firearm by a felon, assault

Yudith Fabiola Pena Herrera, Magnolia, and Narlo Gilberto Betancourt Murillo, Magnolia; Jonathon David Wojcuich, Pink Hill, and Kelsie Rebekah Thomas, Pink Hill; Jacob Nelson Burgess, Rose Hill, and Kaytlin Nichole Wood, Rose Hill; Lakissha Marie Oates, Warsaw, and Tremaine Devon Vann, Warsaw; Jon Allen Williamson, Pink Hill, and Aaron Marshall Leedy, Pink Hill; James Sandlin Blanchard, Kenansville, and Dina Raquel Flores Zambrano; Kenansville; Michael Maurice Whitehead, Warsaw, and Michelle Denise Moore, Beulaville; Haley Brooke Coble, Pink Hill, and Austin Ray Batts, Pink Hill;

with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury, discharging a weapon into an occupied dwelling/moving vehicle, assault with a deadly weapon, two counts of assault by pointing a gun, and driving with a revoked license.

James Victor Sheffield, 62, was booked into the Duplin County Jail on charges of malicious conduct by a prisoner, being intoxicated and disruptive, and damaging property.

Amber Nicole Austin, 26, was booked into the Duplin County Jail on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and probation violation.

MAY 3

Jamie Van Scott, 44, was booked into the Duplin County Jail on a charge of driving while license revoked. Shelia Bostic, 50, was booked into the Duplin County Jail on

108 Taylor St., Magnolia. For information, call 910-2893205.

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 910289-3159.

The Duplin County Health Department is offering Diabetes Self Management Classes from 1-5 p.m., the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month at 340 Seminary St. Kenansville. For more 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., Wallace. For more information, call 910285-4136.

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.

Jennifer Roblero Aguilar, Mount Olive, and Oscar David Velazquez Rodriguez, Mount Olive; John William Dail, Leland, and Danielle Nicole Jenkins, Leland; Bayron Alexander Rodriguez Reyes, Rose Hill, and Maria Fernanda Torres Ordonez, Rose Hill; Belizaire Amilcar, Warsaw, and Romana Diana Harrington, Warsaw; Jose Aurelio Avila Oyuela, Magnolia, and Antonia Mendoza Reyes, Magnolia; Owen He in Rouse Ii, Rose Hill, and Laken Lizbeth Clifton, Wallace; Donald Keith Price, New Jersey, and Teresa Rena King, Goldsboro; Hannah Noelle Powell, Pink Hill, and Joan Miguel Laredo, Texas;

multiple charges including forgery of an instrument, uttering a forged instrument, obtaining property by false pretense, and forgery of an instrument.

Marquis Jaumal Campbell, 35, was booked into the Duplin County Jail on charges of felony possession of schedule I controlled substance, simple possession of schedule VI-controlled substance, possession of marijuana paraphernalia, possession of drug paraphernalia, and speeding.

MAY 4

Christie Alexandria Bell, 42, was booked into the Duplin County Jail on charges of second-degree trespass and resisting a public officer.

Byrone Dean Gaines, 20, was booked into the Duplin County Jail on a charge of attempted first-degree murder. Lamaya Bouldin, 18, was

Oscar Velazquez-Lopez, Mt Olive, and Basilia RobleroMorales, Mt Olive; Chace Weston Thornton Bar eld, Goldsboro, and Jared Logan Smith, Pink Hill; Tina Diane Westbrook, Wade, and Scotty Wayne Street, La Grange; Donnie James English, Wallace, and Angela Kay Strickland, Dunn; Ryan Christopher Flynn, Wallace, and Ashlea Dawn Raynor, Wallace; Antonio Luis Becerril Ortiz, Cullowhee, and Kerlin Danari Castaneda Hernandez, Cullowhee; Steven Eric Whitman, Kenansville, and Shirley Renee Williams, Kenansville; John Christopher Butler, Rose Hill, and Iesha Eileen Combes, Rose Hill; Dylan Ryan Strickland, Beulaville, and Ashley Grace Hall, Pink Hill.

booked into the Duplin County Jail on a charge of attempted first-degree murder.

Omar Respus, 37, was booked into the Duplin County Jail on charges of assault by pointing a gun, resisting a public officer, and disorderly conduct.

MAY 5

Krystal Alphin Price, 51, was booked into the Duplin County Jail on a charge of possession of a firearm by a felon.

Ignacio Flores, 22, was booked into the Duplin County Jail for violating a domestic violence protection order.

MAY 6

Austin Hunter, 25, was booked into the Duplin County Jail on charges of negligent child abuse resulting in serious physical injury (x2), assault on a child under 12, contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile, and communicating threats.

Sheri Stokes shares how to spot a fake post

Things you need to know as online scammers become harder to pin down

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

AN ONLINE SCAM recently started recirculating in Duplin County as a Facebook post in a local group asking people to help identify a woman who was involved in a hit and run.

The scam, aiming at pulling people’s heart strings, showed a photo of a woman in a hospital bed and a caption that read: “We urgently need assistance in identifying a young woman who was involved in a hit and run incident, and left for dead by the side of the road in Duplin. She is currently in a coma, and the deputies are unable to identify her because she is missing her ID. Let’s bump this post so it may reach people who can be able to identify her.”

The post has since been reported and taken down; however, frauds like this are more common than you may know and sometimes get shared hundreds of times, by people who want to help, before they are spotted and reported.

“False information on social media is a menace that has become increasingly prevalent in recent years,” said Duplin County Sheri Stratton Stokes. “False

“It’s important to critically evaluate any information you come across on social media and verify its accuracy before sharing or believing it.”

Duplin County Sheri Stratton Stokes

rumors spread faster and wider than truth, especially on social media platforms.”

With a growing number of online scams, it is important for people to learn how to spot a fake post. Here are a few tips from Sheri Stokes on how to verify if a post on is true:

Check the source

Look for reputable sources and news organizations that have reported on the same information. If the post is from an unknown or unreliable source, it may be less credible.

Fact-checking websites

Use fact-checking websites like Snopes, FactCheck.org, or PolitiFact to search for the claims made in the post. These websites pro-

vide accurate information and debunk false or misleading claims.

Cross-reference information

Look for multiple sources that con rm the information in the post. If other reputable sources are reporting the same information, it is more likely to be true.

Look for inconsistencies

Check for any inconsistencies or red ags in the post. Look for spelling or grammatical errors, sensational language, or the lack of veri able sources.

Reverse image search

If the post includes an image, you can use a reverse image search tool like Google Images to see if the image has been used in other contexts or if it is manipulated.

Consult experts: Reach out to experts or professionals in the eld related to the post’s topic to get their opinion or clari cation on the information shared.

If you see a post you think is a scam, report it on the social media platform so that it does not trick others.

“It’s important to critically evaluate any information you come across on social media and verify its accuracy before sharing or believing it,” said Sheri Stokes.

POLICE from page 1

Sheri ’s O ce, where he worked with narcotics.

“I knew Jamie and worked with him, and when I found out he was retiring, I thought this would be a good place to continue growing my law enforcement career.”

Mobley said he was excited to get started, and especially pleased that he could work about 10 minutes from his hometown.

Before swearing in Mobley at the town board meeting Monday night, Beulaville Mayor Hutch Jones stated, “This is one of the truly special moments we get to do as a town board. I can’t say enough about our local law enforcement.”

Another new police o cer on the town’s force, Juan Stiles, was also sworn in during Monday night’s meeting.

In other business, the commissioners discussed an abandoned property at 406

W. Church St., which has been the source of complaints from area residents. Nanette Outlaw and Shannon Blizzard appeared before the board at Monday night’s meeting and at the April meeting to inquire what can be down to get the house torn down or repaired. After last month’s meeting, Town Manager Lori Williams brought in an engineer to inspect the house.

“The house is pretty much beyond repair,” Williams said. “The amount of damages are more than 50% of the cost it would take to repair the damages.”

The next step, she added, is to contact the property owner and give him 30 days to take action or appeal against the decision. “At that time, the town will have to take action to either grant what they are looking at doing, or the town’s going to take it over and have the house torn

down,” Williams explained.

Commissioner Gene Wickline expressed concerns that the owners may appeal the town’s decision. If they do appeal, Williams said the town would have to grant them time to repair the house. However, she said she doesn’t think the owners will appeal. If they do, the town’s action would be at the board’s discretion, she added.

“There’s a long list of violations that we would have to bring up to code,” Williams said.

The item will likely remain on the agenda for the foreseeable future, Mayor Jones said.

Also at Monday night’s Beulaville town boarding, the commissioners:

• Held a public hearing on the 20242025 budget, which includes a 2-cent property tax increase and may in-

Children enjoy Story time with Wallace re chief

A group of children at the Thelma Dingus Bryant Library in Wallace, enjoy Story Time and listen intently as Wallace Fire Chief Taylor Johnson reads to them on May 2. The library is hosting Story Time every Thursday at 10:30 a.m.

clude a 10% increase for law enforcement. The board has until June 30 to approve the proposed budget.

• Discussed the proposed layout and equipment for the PARTF (Parks and Recreation Trust Foundation) grant.

• Approved a budget amendment for $54,507.32 to repair wind damage to the park concession stand and the Town Hall building.

• Discussed possibly requiring voluntary annexation for businesses outside the town limits to connect to water and sewer lines, per a request from Commissioner Wickline. Williams said she would look into the town of Wallace’s ordinances, and the board will also have Town Attorney Justin Hunter look into the legality of enacting such an ordinance.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THELMA

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

‘Pharmacy benefit managers’ need more legislative oversight

Big PBMs often fail to pass these savings bene ts on to their clients.

AS A PHARMACIST, I have seen rst-hand the impact today’s big pharmacy bene t managers (PBMs) have on patients they claim to serve. Most patients don’t realize that PBMs control the price you pay at the pharmacy counter. While PBMs promote health plan cost savings to businesses for their employees, their records often tell a di erent story. Thankfully, in Raleigh and in Washington, lawmakers are nally waking up to the role PBMs play in drug pricing.

For years, PBMs have operated in the shadows, signing up employers to trust them and utilize their services, while e ectively evading any oversight attempts by state regulators. In 2021, the NC General Assembly passed a ban on the practice of rebate accumulating, which PBMs used to deny patients their due savings from drug discount programs.

How did PBMs escape oversight? The answer is that just a handful of large PBMs control 80% of the U.S. market. The PBMs then lobby Congress and oversight agencies to prevent any questioning of their business practices. This market domination is problematic because with no legal mechanisms in place to ensure accountability, PBMs can hide behind harmful, pro tmotivated pricing practices while employers and patients pay the price.

Traditional PBMs tout their size and scale as factors that secure better deals for clients. It is true that big PBMs can procure drugs in larger quantities at wholesale prices, but they often fail to pass these

Cameras in the courtroom

The one legitimate concern is the jury’s anonymity.

I READ ALL THE UPDATES from the reporters in the court room. But it just isn’t the same as watching it yourself.

I want to actually see it. I want to see how Donald Trump reacts when he hears his former aides testify. I want to hear for myself the testimony of the witnesses against him, and the cross-examination. I want to judge for myself what the judge has to say about Trump’s violation of the gag order.

You can watch pundits talk about the trial 24/7 on cable news, from whatever perspective you choose. But most of them only know what I know, from reading the updates from the limited number of reporters lucky enough to secure access to seats in the courtroom. They aren’t seeing and hearing what is really going on.

There is no reason why we should still be stuck in the past getting our news secondhand rather than seeing it for ourselves. The old fear was that cameras would somehow turn courtrooms into circus tents and undermine the seriousness of what was going on or that lawyers would pay too much attention to the cameras. That makes no sense. What we see instead of the serious goingson in the courtroom is the circus outside, when Trump sounds o to the press. What sense does that make?

The judicial system has been politicized, unfortunately. The answer to restoring con dence is sunshine — to actually let people see and hear what is going on inside, and judge for themselves.

This is a historic event. A former president and one of two men who will be our next president is standing trial. Whether and how the public responds to the trial and its verdict will shape history. Trump has done everything he can to put o any judgment of him, but he found one judge who would have none of

savings bene ts on to their clients.

Recently in Washington, lawmakers asked the CEO of UnitedHealth Group (UHG), a large PBM, to testify before the Senate Finance Committee. UnitedHealth Group’s Optum Rx unit, along with CVS/Aetna’s Caremark and Cigna’s Express Scripts, now control 80% of the PBM market. With $370 billion in revenues last year, UnitedHealth has grown so big that it now employs more than 10% of all physicians in America and even owns an FDIC-insured bank that can advance payments to providers on pending claims!

With this large of a share of the market, the American people deserve some oversight and questions to be answered. I am urging the Senate Finance Committee to keep asking companies like UnitedHealth Group to explain its rapid consolidation of the market, as well as its vertical integration that is limiting consumer choice and hurting patients at the pharmacy counter.

It is past time PBMs are held accountable for their impact on healthcare costs, and leaders in Washington need to pass PBM oversight measures. This legislation and oversight will nally bring accountability and reform to this broken system and put the focus back on patients, where it belongs.

NC Rep. Wayne Sasser (R) is a pharmacist by trade and represents Montgomery and Stanly counties in the NC General Assembly.

it, and insisted that the trial go forward. He is doing everything he can to ensure an orderly process, and by my (secondhand) lights, he is doing a ne job of it. But what do I really know? I’ve not heard any of it directly.

The one legitimate concern is the jury’s anonymity. It would certainly be interesting and illuminating to be able to see how the jury reacts: When I’m involved in trials, I watch the jury the same way I used to watch the reactions of voters in focus groups. But in the interests of protecting their anonymity, the cameras can be positioned so as to shield the jury from public view. That is a compromise worth making. But it hardly justi es blocking our view of the rest of the proceeding.

Because ultimately, in a trial like this one, there are two juries. The other one, and the one that may count the most in the long run, is the public, the voters, the people who will judge not only if Trump is indeed guilty of the enumerated felonies but if he has the character to be the next president of the United States.

The legal pundits can debate all day about whether Alvin Bragg has legitimately turned misdemeanor violations of falsi ed business records — which there seems no question that Trump did — into felonies by alleging that they were done to interfere with the election. Did he do it to win — or avoid losing — women voters, and thus violate election laws, or simply to avoid telling his wife?

Whether or not he was engaged in an unlawful conspiracy or just an ugly cover-up is not only a legal question. For voters, this trial is a measure of character. The judgment voters must make is whether this man has the character to be our next president. To make that judgment based on secondhand reviews is not nearly as fair and e ective as it would be if we could literally see what’s going on.

COLUMN | WAYNE SASSER

COLUMN | SUSAN ESTRICH

The Board of County Commissioners honored 2024 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award recipients: James Preston Brown Jr, Isaac “Leroy” Dewitt and Donna Sessoms Grubbs, and Faison Sea Scout Ship 55, for their outstanding and dedicated service to the county on May 6 in Kenansville. From left to right, front row: Melisa Brown, James Preston Brown Jr., Donna Sessoms Grubbs and Isaac “Leroy” Dewitt. On the back: Commissioners Jesse Dowe, Justin Edwards, Dexter Edwards, Wayne Branch and Elwood Garner. Stay tuned for a special feature in next week’s paper.

Eco-blast raises awareness in honor of Arbor Day

Chi Iota Omega’s Enhance Our Environment Committee joins the cause, advocates for sustainable practices

Duplin Journal

THE COWAN MUSEUM of History and Science in Kenansville recently held Eco-blast, an event to raise awareness about the importance of trees and sustainability in honor of Arbor Day. Local members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated were among the volunteers who came to support the cause promoting environmental stewardship.

Sorority volunteers provided planting tips and tree care information to children and adults alike who eagerly joined the activities.

“Members of Chi Iota Omega’s Enhance Our Environment Committee distributed free trees and seedlings to the public, encouraging individuals and families to plant them in their yards, neighborhoods, and communities. The initiative not only aimed to enhance the local greenery but also to promote a healthier and more sustainable

“By giving away these trees and seedlings, we hope to inspire others to take action and contribute to a greener, more vibrant world.”

Chi Iota Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated

environment for future generations,” stated the sorority’s press release.

“Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc believes in the power of community action and environmental responsibility. By giving away these trees and seedlings, we hope to inspire others to take action and contribute to a greener, more vibrant world.”

According to the sorority, the Arbor Day celebration, served as the perfect occasion for the group to engage with the public and advocate for sustainable practices. “By fostering a culture of environmental awareness and community involvement, the sorority hopes to leave a lasting impact on the local ecosystem and inspire others.”

Celebrate Med Month in May by embracing Mediterranean Diet

The NC Cooperative Extension participates in the Med Instead of Meds program

By Rachel Ezzell N.C. Cooperative Extension Service

READY TO ENJOY a way of eating that is great tasting, satisfying, and good for you? Then the simple and delicious Mediterranean way of eating may be right for you! A Mediterranean-style diet is a plant-based food plan full of delicious and a ordable foods that are low in cholesterol and saturated fats and high inber and omega-3 fatty acids. Join NC Cooperative Extension in celebrating Med Month by using the recipes, life hacks, and more from MedInsteadofMeds.com. Med Instead of Meds is a program and set of resources created by NC State Extension and the NC Division of Public Health to educate and provide tools that assist with eating the Med Way.

Eating like those who live in the Mediterranean region has been shown to promote health. The Mediterranean Diet has been extensively studied and is associated with promoting health and decreasing the risk of many chronic diseases including some forms of cancer, Type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

Steps To Eating the Med Way

• Change your protein. Replace some of the meat in your diet with plant proteins like beans, nuts, and seeds. Incorporate sh and seafood.

• Swap your fats. Replace solid fats like butter with olive oil or canola oil. This recommendation is not based on choosing lower calories but because we want to reduce the amount of saturated fat in our foods. Saturated fat is linked to coronary heart disease and cancer. Butter is 52% saturated fat while only 16% of the fat in olive oil is saturated fat.

NOTICE OF SECOND PRIMARY ELECTION DUPLIN COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA

The statewide second primary will be held on Tuesday, May 14, 2024.

Polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Election Day. Voters must go to their assigned precinct on Election Day.

Voters will be asked to show photo ID when they vote. All voters will be allowed to vote with or without ID. Voters

who lack ID can get one for free from their county board of elections. Find out more at BringItNC.com.

Early voting will be held at the following locations from Thursday, April 25, 2024, to Saturday, May 11, 2024: Duplin County Board of Elections o ce, 160 Mallard Street, Kenansville, NC 28349

“Eating like those who live in the Mediterranean region has been shown to promote health.”

Rachel Ezzell, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent N.C. Cooperative Extension Service

• Eat more vegetables. Get at least three servings of vegetables per day. Choose a variety of colors and eat more dark leafy greens.

• Eat at least two servings of fruits per day. In our house, we have a tiered cart in the kitchen where anyone can grab a banana, apple or clementine. I use the lower levels to store sweet potatoes and onions. Having fruits and vegetables easily accessible can help make the healthy choice the easy choice.

• Snack on nuts and seeds. Avoid candied, honey-roasted, and heavily salted nuts. In the

grocery store, sometimes it’s easier to nd unsalted options in the baking aisle.

• Choose whole grain options. Whole grain options provide more nutrients and ber than enriched options. Words like “Wheat” and “Multigrain” are often used on packaging, but they don’t necessarily indicate if an item is made from whole grains. Look at the ingredient list to tell if the grains are truly “whole.”

• Limit your sugar intake. Added sugars can often be found in drinks but can even be disguised in items like pasta sauce. Check your nutrition facts label to see how much sugar is added to a product. As a reference, 4 grams of sugar is about one teaspoon of sugar. Visit go.ncsu.edu/duplin-fcs or email rachel_ezzell@ncsu. edu for more information.

Rachel Ezzell is a Family and Consumer Sciences Agent with N.C. Cooperative Extension Service’s Duplin County Center.

Wallace garden receives prestigious national certi cation

Wallace The Gardens of Southeastern North Carolina announced its o cial designation as a Proven Winners Signature Garden on Monday, joining a group of 11 high-pro le showcase gardens in the U.S.

ECU Health Duplin Hospital nurses attend summit

Kenansville Representatives from ECU Health Duplin Hospital’s nursing team attended the 11th Annual ECU Health Nursing Summit last week.

“The summit represents a unique opportunity to think di erently, act boldly and establish ECU Health as a national model of excellence, rede ning what it means to be an ECU Health nurse,” a Facebook post from the hospital stated.

JSCC o ers free online seminars for small business owners

Duplin County James Sprunt Community College’s Small Business Center o ers free online seminars every month for small business owners, or those wishing to start their own businesses. Courses throughout the next couple of weeks include: Secrets to Maintaining Positive Cash Flow and Funds, May 8, 6-8 p.m.; Pro t Acceleration Road Map Series — HighPerforming Teams, May 9, 3-5 p.m.; Growing Together: Planning Your Farm’s Future, May 13, 7-8:30 p.m.; Making Money With Your Side Hustle, May 14, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; The Best Small Business to Start Right Now!, May 14, 7-8:30 p.m.; Bookkeeping Basics + Enhancing Forecasting and Negotiating Skills, May 15, 6-8 p.m.; How to Bill and Collect for Your Services, May 16, 2-4 p.m.; Airbnb Glamping 101: A Host Guide to Glamorous Camping, May 16, 6-8 p.m.; register for any of these courses, visit Events/ Workshops and select James Sprunt Community College as the center.

Got local business news? Let us know about any grand openings, new businesses, and noteworthy achievements, and we’ll share it with the community! Email Abby Cavenaugh at abby@ northstatejournal.com. Duplin Journal reserves the right to edit for content, brevity, and clarity.

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however, they have been in the past. The Wallace Police Department is asking for anyone with information of Milliken’s whereabouts to call 910-2852126.

Absentee ballots will be mailed to voters who have requested them as soon as they are available. A voter can ll out an absentee ballot request at votebymail.ncsbe.gov, or by lling out a request form provided by the board of elections. The request must be received through the website or by the Duplin County Board of Elections by 5 p.m. May 7, 2024. All voters who are registered with the political party of the candidates on the ballot are eligible to vote in the second primary. Additionally, voters who are not a liated with any party and who either didn’t vote in the rst primary or voted the ballot of the party for which the second primary is being held are eligible to participate. For example, if a second primary is held for the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor, then all registered Republicans and una liated voters who did not

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHERYL HOOKS

Children learned about tree planting and sustainability during Eco-blast held on April 27 at the Cowan Museum of History and Science in honor of Arbor Day.

ENA SELLERS / DUPLIN JOURNAL

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crowd, with locally known artists North Tower Band and the Band of Oz performing. Some food vendors also set up Friday night, which may have helped bring more people to town a day early, said Wallace Town Manager Rob Taylor.

“We had a Saturday crowd on Friday night,” Taylor told the Duplin Journal. There was also the Miss Strawberry pageant, where 23 contestants vied for three titles. In the end, Anne Michael Johnson was crowned Baby Miss Strawberry, Gisel Salinas was Mini Miss Strawberry and Dylan Dixon was Little Miss Strawberry.

A recipe contest and barbe-

cue cook-o by local re departments took place during the festival as well. For the complete list of winners, see www.facebook.com/CarolinaStrawberryFestival. Wilson said the festival board is always looking for ways to improve, and is posting a survey for attendees on its Facebook page. Now that this year’s festival is in the history books, planning will begin in June for the 2025 Carolina Strawberry Festival, Wilson said. “It’s really a year-round e ort.”

Above, people from all over the region converged on downtown Wallace for the Carolina Strawberry Festival Friday night and Saturday. Far left, Anne Michael Johnson was named Baby Miss Strawberry during the Carolina Strawberry Festival in downtown Wallace on Saturday. Left, two little girls took to the dance oor during the Band of Oz performance at the Carolina Strawberry Festival Friday night. Below left, there were, of course, plenty of strawberries for sale at Wallace’s Carolina Strawberry Festival on Friday and Saturday. Cottle Farms’ fresh strawberries were so popular they sold out before 4 p.m. on Saturday. Below right, Cottle Farms welcomed folks to the Carolina Strawberry Festival on Saturday with two strawberry mascots greeting passersby and posing for photos with kids and adults alike.

PHOTOS BY ABBY CAVENAUGH / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Above, popular beach music act the Band of Oz had people dancing in the street on Friday night at the Carolina Strawberry Festival. Right, Gisel Salinas was named 2024’s Mini Miss Strawberry at the Carolina Strawberry Festival on Saturday.

Wallace Mayor Jason Wells, center, was interviewed for a live segment on Wilmington’s WECT-TV 6 at the Carolina Strawberry Festival by anchors Jon Evans and Frances Weller.

Little Miss Strawberry 2024 Dylan Dixon was crowned at Saturday’s Carolina Strawberry Festival in downtown Wallace.

a water dousing after a big win over South Lenoir last Friday on Senior Night.

DUPLIN SPORTS

Bulldogs shock Blue Devils on Senior Night

Page, James and Carter lead WRH to a perfect ending to its regular season

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

TEACHEY — The wait was nally over for Brevin Carter.

And the Wallace-Rose Hill senior, playing in his rst game since the season opener, was ready.

Carter, who broke his hand against Lakewood on Feb. 26, proved his residency and persistence, by returning to go 1-for-3, driving in a run and scoring to lead the Bulldogs to a 6-2 upset of South Lenoir on Senior Night in Teachey Classmates Reid Strickland and Dallas James and couldn’t have imaged a better.

Juniors Dane Turner and Kaiden Lui were likewise power players as WRH jumped over East Duplin for fourth place in the ECC standings.

Strickland, who is the leader or among the ECC leaders in most offensive categories, laced a single and

two doubles and scored twice.

James was 1-for 3, but also picked up the win by yielding just one hits, one earned run, while striking out 10 and walking four. Lui banged a double and two singles to drive in two.

Turner ripped a hit, walked and scored. Gavin was his usual self, with a pair of WRH’s 10 hits.

SL (14-6, 9-3) beat WRH 12-2 on April 9 in Deep Run.

Carter and company lifted the Bulldogs into the playo s for the rst time since 2016. That season, WRH’s rst-year coach was a senior starter.

The Bulldogs went 15-11, getting it together for a rush that would push them into the third round of the state playo s.

WRH went 40-84 after Kissner graduated, including a 9-29 mark in 2022 and 2023. The Bulldogs are 11-9 and trending the right direction.

WRH has nished above .500 twice since 2013.

No. 26 WRH traveled to Pittsboro on Tuesday to No. 26 WRH trav-

eled to Pittsboro on Tuesday to take on No. 7 Seaforth (20-5), which won the Mid-Carolina 1A/2A Conference title. The survivor plays the winner No. 10 East Carteret and No. 23 West Craven on Friday.

Bulldogs start quickly, keep momentum

Page opened the game with a double and scored.

“In my opinion, he’s the MVP of the league,” said WRH rst-year coach Logan Kissner.

James had the best pitching performance as the No. 2 starter.

“That was the best game he’s ever thrown,” KIssner said. “He started to fall behind hitters and then got it together and got a lot of big strikeouts. He got dialed in.

“But this was also our best team win. So a lot of players contributed to this win.”

With the win, WRH, 8-4 in ECC play, moved up signi cantly in the RPI ratings. The Bulldogs sat at the No. 24 spot, after being a bubble team most of the past two weeks. Thirty-two schools make the East bracket.

Cuts. Credit: Michael Jaenicke

“Senior hugs WRH seniors Reid Page, Brevin Carter and Dallas James are thanked by the Bulldog coaches for turning a new direction and making the state playo s.

East Duplin subdued the Stallions for its second crown in three years

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

JACKSONVILLE — East Duplin’s solid defense held its line in overtime to allow Anamarie Rodrigues a nal chance.

The freshman speedster helped the Panthers all but run

COLUMN | MICHAEL JAENICKE

Travel ball: Training ground or just another nail in the family co n

HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH?

Well, since a little is good, more must be great.

That’s an age-old question humans ask when talking about food, family, fun and even work.

Yet there are no clearcut answers when it comes to unraveling the sports travel ball issue for male and females ages 8 and up.

Is it a tool or necessary evil to improving with hopes of playing at the college level?

Is it a family-friendly activity that forms strong bonds?

Is such a high concentration on one sport healthy for the socialization of its players?

Is it a dividing force, causing nancial harm to parents?

In the day of specialization, is it keeping athletes from playing other sports, creating an imbalance of sorts for their athletic endeavors?

Is such a high concentration on one sport healthy for the socialization of its players?

Everyone has an opinion, but what’s most concerning is that the path has been set, making it di cult or impossible to return to the days in which athletes take breaks to thwart burnout and injury.

It’s not going away and in fact could become worse, which is hard for a lot of people to even imagine given how sports have in ltrated our schools, social scene and society in general.

You’ve heard the stories. They start out pleasant and then turn down roads where players, parents and family members run their lives around weekend tournaments.

In-season events. Year ’round. In cities all over N.C., the South and the nation. Grandma might love it, but also call it overkill, all while Grampa loads up the SUV for a tourney in Florida.

We have “a star” in the making. One that will defy overwhelming odds to get to a

See COLUMN, page 10

o with the ECC champion’s cup with an overtime goal for a 3-2 win.

The winning score was a replay of an ending that happened on April 9 when coach Joey Jones’ club captured a 2-1 OT thriller in Beulaville.

“Same play, really,” Jones said.

“It was another close game. Tit for tat, we’re evenly matched. And it just takes a moment to change the momentum.” Rodrigues notched her

team-leading 17th goal to get ED within a win of its second league title in three seasons.

ED played signi cantly better than it did during a 7-1 loss to Clinton.

“She’s fast and our girls played their hearts out, after not doing so well against Clinton,” Jones said.

Yet it also came with a spoon of revenge sauce.

Last spring, SWO registered an OT score to beat ED (14 -7-2, 9- 0) and give the Stallions the outright ECC title over the Panthers.

The ag would be ying for ED if it beat North Lenoir (4 -12-2, 0 -9) on Wednesday of

See SOCCER, page 9

EDUARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

EDUARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

East Duplin has been the champion or chief contender in the ECC since 2017 under longtime coach Joey Jones.

Former WRH player and current coach Logan Kissner get

Rebels roar past Rosewood for CC Tournament title

North Duplin is the No. 1 seed in the state playo s

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

CALYPSO — Nine years ago

North Duplin stood atop of the 1A softball scene when it won a state title – and the next season lost in the East Region nal to Princeton, which went on to capture the ag.

Those two seasons could be slightly reversed this spring.

The Rebels are the No.1 seed in the playo s and have the power to go all the way after falling to Union Academy last spring at N.C. State’s Dail Softball Stadium in Raleigh.

Key to the 2015 and ’16 teams that compiled a 41-9 mark was the play of sluggers and future collegians Haley Brodgen (.406), Makayla Koch (.333), Riley Pate (.452) and Alyssa Santos (.405) – plus Shailey McCarty (.342), who is on her way to becoming a physicians assistant at ECU this fall.

Pate (14-3, 197 strikeouts, 20 walks, 0.824 ERA) is a leader, with Brogden (6-1, 58 Ks, 0.82 ERA) in the wings.

Yet that Rebel squad would have their hands full with today’s Rebels, who are 14-1.

The road to securing another banner started on Tuesday when ND hosted No. 32 Lejuene (10-12).

ND is loaded and locked with talent, many of whom will play college softball. They include Reece Outlaw (.600, 23 RBIs, 35 runs), Addy Higginbotham (.632, 29 runs, 21 RBIs) and Lilly Fulghum (.562, 33 runs, 24 RBIs).

The rest of the cast is there as well in the form of Ady Spence (.415), Marissa Bernal (.357) and Iala Overton (.298).

Fulghum, a sophomore hurler, has pitched her way to a 10-0 mark, while Spence (4-1) is her backup.

ND’s 23 wins last season set a school record, and a confident current Rebel team has no holes in its lineup and plays stellar defense behind its

ND won its fourth straight ECC Tournament title behind this group. The team includes: M’chelle Jaco (kneeling, from left) Sophia Davis, Ady Spence, Sara Thomas Tucker,Meghan Martin, Iala Overton, Charlotte Nielsen (bat girl), Gabby Zamudio; Standing, assistant coach Steve Kylis, Hannah Gonzales, Kloe DeHoyos, Marissa Bernal, Lilly Fulghum, Addy Higginbotham, manager Ava Bradshaw, Abby Norris; assistant Haley Brogden, head coach Jaime Kylis and manager Adaisha Bernal. Reece Outlaw is not pictured.

pitchers.

If the Rebels win their state opener, they will meet the survivor of No. 16 Pender and No. 17 Hobgood Charter on Friday in Calypso. Another concern down the road will be No. 4 Pamlico County (19-5).

Top seeds in the East bracket are charter schools: No. 2 Vance Charter (13-3) and No. 3 Bear Grass Charter (18-5).

ND went 12-1 in the Covid-19 season of 2021, losing in the rst round to eventual champ Camden County, now a 2A school. The Rebels were 13-6

the following season. Now, let the games that mean something big begin.

ND fans are waiting with bated breath.

Rebels overcome Eagles for fourth consecutive Carolina 1A Tourney title

Outlaw homered, double twice and drove in three runs during an 8-3 triumph over Rosewood (16-4) in the CC Tournament nal last Friday in Calypso.

Higginbotham, Bernal and

M’chelle Jaco and Spence each stroked a pair of his . Spence and Bernal combined to drive in four runs.

Fulghum yielded three hits and two earned runs, whi ng eight and walking four.

ND scored seven runs in the fth and sixth innings to break open a 1-1 a air.

The Rebels trashed Hobbton 20-5 in the semi nals as Outlaw ripped four hits, Higginbotham three and two RBIs. Overton had her best day of the season with four RBIs, while Spence doubled in a run.

Are Rebels a rst-round nightmare in 1A playo s?

North Duplin brings its slugging team to the state tournament

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

CALYPSO — The North Duplin baseball team has been a contender in the playo s the past two seasons.

This spring the Rebels might best be tted as a team no one wants to face in the rst two rounds.

ND (12-8) lost to Rosewood in the Carolina 1A Conference Tournament nal 8-5 last Thursday.

It was the third loss to the Eagles, who had previous triumphs of 3-2 and 6-2 during the regular season.

The Rebels were given the No. 21-seed in the state playo s and traveled to Hertford to face No. 12 Perquimans (175). Rosewood could be the reward as the No. 5 Eagles face No. 28 Vance Charter (9-10). The survivors play in the second round on Friday.

ND’s season ended in the second-round last season to nish 21-4. The previous sea -

ND’s Wesley Holmes gets back to the base against Rosewood.

son the Rebels were 18-4, falling in the third round to Bear Grass Charter. Both seasons were league-title campaigns for head coach Colton Chrisman’s club.

ND was a .500 team from 2016 to before the arrival of Chrisman three years ago.

Panthers’ miscues key losses to SWO, and East Bladen

The Panthers dropped to fth place in the ECC standings after WRH’s upset

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

BEULAVILLE — Baseball is all about numbers. And eight errors are more than enough to lose two baseball games.

Ask East Duplin, which had four miscues each in setbacks last week to Southwest Onslow (8- 0) and East Bladen (5-2) that left the Panthers closer to the playo bubble than they have been in years.

ED (10 -13, 5-7) dropped to fth place in the ECC when Wallace-Rose Hill beat South Lenoir last Friday.

The Panthers bats were also quiet, getting just eight hits in the two games.

ED will have its back against the wall in the 2A playo s on

Tuesday when the No. 30 Panthers travel to Deep Run to play No. 3 North Lenoir for the third time this season.

And an upset would shock anyone in the ECC, where both are members.

The Hawks (18- 4), who won the league title, beat ED 5-1 on March 26 in Deep Run and 2- 0 the following day in Beulaville.

The winner gets the survivor of No. 18 Ayden- Grifton (15-9) and No. 19 Roanoke Rapids (13- 6). Greene Central (21- 0) took the top seed. Whiteville (19 -1) was second and Midway (17-5) fourth.

Panthers drop nal two regular season tilts

The Rebels baseball fortunes were bright (92-46) from 2010 to 2015, but not so hot (454-46) from 206 to 2021.

Bear Grass (19-2) was the top seed. Wilson Prep (182), Northside-Pinetown (165) and East Wake (13-4) followed.

Tough loss as Rebels let go of three-run lead

Rosewood (17-5) won for the 10th consecutive time, and this one hurt more than the previous to ND fans.

The Rebels led 3-1 after 4-1 before the Eagles tied it at 4-4

in the fourth.

ND went up 5-4 the next inning, but Rosewood put three on the board in the home-half of the sixth. The Rebels took the lead in the two previous games.

The Eagles rapped 11 hits off Hunt Pate and Holden Williams, as Jose Vega and Jack Adams both had twoRBI nights. Graham Lassister and Ed Garner drove in a run apiece.

Pate singled, scored twice and knocked in a run. Williams, Wesley Holmes, Austin Duff and Brady Byrd likewise had RBI at-bats.

ND blasts past Leopards in semi nals

Duff and Tanner Kornegay each drove in three runs during a 13-6 semifinal win over Hobbton (12-9).

Pate drove in a run with one of his three hits and Warren Garris and Noa Quintanilla combined for three hits and four runs.

ND led 7-2 and 8-4 before pushing across four runs in the fifth to forge to a 12-5 edge.

ND’s Wesley Holmes gets back to the base against Rosewood.

Halen Watkins and Sawyer Marshburn both went 1-for-3 against the third-place Stallions (11-9, 9 -3). But Jonathan Pittman struck out 11 and yielded one walk. He needed 100 pitches to nish o the Panthers. Carter Dudley and Nicholas Sanders each drove in two runs for SWO, which has four wins in its previous ve outings. SWO lashed eight hits and worked its counts for eight walks. Zach Brown knocked in both ED runs against East Bladen (12-11) as the Panthers took a 2- 0 lead in the second. But the Eagles went in front 3-2 in the fourth and added two

and

and

and

EDUARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

more the following inning. Baines Raynor

JP Murphy combined to yield three hits, two earned runs, ve walks

ve strikeouts. Murphy, Gavin Holmes

EDUARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

EDUARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Baseball and Softball Leaderboard

· Reid Page, WRH: .564, 31 hits, 7 doubles, 3 triples, HR, 11 RBIs

· Baines Raynor, ED: .500, 36 hits, 28 runs, 18 RBIs

· Austin Du , ND: .500, 30 hits, 8 doubles, 2 triples, 30 RBIs

· Kaiden Lui, WRH: .472, 25 hits, 7 doubles, 2 triples, 22 RBIs

· Caden Gavin, WRH: .434, 7 doubles, 2 triples, 7 RBIs

· Hunt Pate, ND: .404, 22 hits, 19 RBIs, 31 runs, 5 doubles, 3 triples

· Holden Williams, ND: .396, 19 hits, 15 RBIs.

· Eli Avent, JK: .394,13 hits in 13 games

· Zach Brown, ED: .357, 24 hits, 29 runs, 5 doubles, triple, HR, 14 RBIs.

· Wesley Holmes. ND: .360, 18 hits, 19 RBI

· Tanner Kornegay, ND: .355, 19 hits, 29 runs, 6 RBIs

· Hansley McGee, JK: .333, 17 hits.

· Mason Grady, JK: .340, 17 hits.

· Noa Quintanilla, ND: .340, 17 hits 16 RBIs.

· Hansley McGee, JK: .333, 17 hits.

· Cal Avent, JK: .318, 3 doubles, 12 RBIs

· Garris Warren, ND: . 310, 18 hits, 18 RBIs

· Dallas James, WRH: .306, 3 doubles

· Gavin Holmes, ED: .302, 19 hits, 18 runs,14 RBIs

· Hunter Whitman, JK: .300, 9 RBIs

· Sawyer Marshburn, ED: .270, 4 doubles, triple, 11 RBI

· Cain Graham, ED: .216, 12 hits, 22 RBIs

this week. The Panthers skunked the Hawks 9-0 on March 26 in LaGrange. NL had lost its last six matches.

Junior forward Katelyn Jones’ 15th goal and Reagan Campbell’s second of the spring put ED in front 2-0.

Yet the Stallions (9-6-2, 8-2) kept pushing, getting scores from Taylor Caper and Oriyannah Galloway to knot it at 2-2. Caper, a senior, punched in her 25th, and Jones became concerned that the Stallions’ leader would take o .

· Lilly Fulghum, ND: .652, 30 hits, 11 doubles, triple, 6 HRs, 24 RBIs

· Addy Higginbotham, ND: .632, 36 hits, 9 doubles, 3 triples, 2 HR, 29 runs 21 RBIs

· Jourdan Joe, JK: .643, 29 hits, 16 doubles, 4 HRs

· Reece Outlaw, ND: .600, 30 hits, 5 doubles, 6 triples, 5 HRs, 23 RBIs

· Ava Noble, ED: .556, 35 hits, 7 doubles, 7 triples, 2 HRs, 16 RBI

· Lexi Kennedy, WRH: .547, 29 hits, 11 doubles, triple, 20 RBIs

· Anna Armstrong, JK: .518, 29 hits, 7 doubles, 7 HRs, 29 RB

· Shylah Sloan, JK: .526, 6 doubles, 3 triples, 2 HRs

· Sabrina Batts, HCA: .508, 23 hits, 3 doubles, 2 triples, HR, 16 RBIs

· Erin Thibault, Richlands: .491, 35 hits, 6 doubles, 3 triples, 7 HRs, 41 RBIs

· LeNayah Jackson, Richlands: .480, 36 hits, 31 RBIs

· Karsyn Parker, ED: .441, 26 hits, 7 doubles, 16 RBIs, HR

· Makenzie Goin, Richlands: .438, 1.17 ERA, 140 Ks, 3 walks

· Mackenzie Jackson, HCA: .418, 23 hits, 18 RBIs

· Ady Spence, ND: .415, 22 hits, 15 RBIs

· Kinsley Bond, ED: .406, 9 doubles, 2 triples, 2 HRs, 33 RBIs

· Morgan Brown, ED: .390, 6 doubles, 12 walks, 13 RBIs

· Reagan Stapleton, Rich: .377, 28 hits, 29 RBIs

· Megan Pittman, Rich: .375, 6 doubles, 3 triples, HR

· Addison Tuck, ED: .370, 6 doubles, 17 RBIs

· Jansley Page, WRH: .367, 2 doubles, 3 HRs, 6 RBIs

· Marissa Bernal, ND: .357

· Carley Grace Jenkins, ED: .356, 4 doubles, 2 HRs, 17 RBIs

· Sophie Sloan, WRH: .354, 12 RBIs

· Megan Pittman, Richlands: .328, 4 doubles, 2 triples

· Iala Overton, ND: .298, 15 RBIs

· Kaylee Powell, WRH: .276, 3 doubles, triple

But ED’s “diamond defense” in front of keeper Isla Miller buckled down with sweeper Savannah Hill, left back Bella Gaby, right back Ellie Krieger and stopper and ringleader Rilee Kisler taking control of the pace and possession.

“Rilee’s been our workhorse for a few years now, and both of our backs, and for that matter Savannah, played strong when we needed it most,” Jones said. “Rilee distributes the ball and is the last line of our defense. Savannah can be a real shutdown defender.”

Even so, the Panthers had to play hard the nal 20 minutes as

SWO took chances and gambled.

Jones said the loss to a Clinton team ED beat early in the season worked to motivate his squad.

The letdown came a day later when ED tied East Bladen 1-1.

“We’ve played hard and played our hearts out when we’ve needed to,” Jones said. “It’s been a fun group that has worked hard.

“We found a way to beat Southwest and overall have played a competitive schedule.”

So much so that the Panthers have the sixth-highest RPI (Ratings Percentage Index) in the 2A East.

First round state playo s

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK SPONSORED BY BILL

CARONE

Erin Thibault

Richlands, softball

Erin Thibault has stuck out once in 86 at-bats and walked just six times. Richland’s senior likes to bash the ball. Last week she had the ultimate experience for a hitter: Belting a grand slam.

But hold on: Thibault, who is hitting .449 with 35 hits and 41 RBIs, hit another baseloaded bomb two days later.

The blasts came against West Carteret and Swansboro as the Wildcats (17-6) won their ninth consecutive game.

Thibault, who catches, has a .991 elding percentage with 214 putouts and two errors.

She hit .486 last season with six doubles, two triples and a homer.

This spring, she’s ripped six doubles, three triples and seven round-trippers.

games are Saturday.

Franklin Academy (17-2) is the top seed, followed by Manteo (13-2), Roanoke Rapids (11-2), Seaforth (17-1-1) and the NC School of Science and Math (11-4).

Clinton (13-8) is ninth, Wallace-Rose Hill 22nd and James Kenan (9-7-1) 24th in the 32-school eld.

Bulldogs top Hawks for fourth straight

Yaslin Melendez set up Astrid Vega for a second-half goal as WRH slipped past North Lenoir last Tuesday.

The victory kept the Bulldogs in third place in the ECC and surpassed the 2015 team that went 9-10-1 as the most successful WRH team.

The Bulldogs won eight times the following season and seven matches three other times between 2011 and last year, when the club sputtered to a 3-14-3 nish.

Head coach Jordan Boser and assistant Shannon Moore got a lot out of a young roster that played hard-nosed in crunch games.

Three of WRH’s last four wins were one-goal victories.

COURTESY PHOTO

EDUARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

JK’s Cal Avent slips into second before WRH’s Hayden Lovette’s tag.

Panthers seek new start with arrival of postseason

WRH and JK face road challenges while Richlands sizzles to its ninth straight win

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

BEULAVILLE — It’s been a spring in which the East Duplin softball team could not maintain momentum while facing a brutal schedule.

Even so, the Panthers, though 12-9 overall and 9-3 in ECC play, closed out the regular season with three wins with the 13th-highest RPI among all 2A schools in the East.

The Panthers drubbed Southwest Onslow 14-4 last Tuesday and pushed past East Bladen 7-3 on Friday.

One-run losses to North Lenoir (14-2, 10-2) and South Lenoir (13-5, 11-1) cost ED a shot at repeating as ECC champion.

That being the case, Panther head coach Greg Jenkins’ squad poses a threat to higher-seeded 2A playo teams.

ED took the No. 15 seed and hosted No. 18 West Craven (118). The survivor takes on the winner between No. 2 Roanoke Rapids (15-3) and No. 31 Louisburg (10-7).

Ten extra-base hits push over Stallions

ED logged 14 hits against SWO, 10 of which went for extra bases. The Panthers scored ve times in the rst, added three in the second and six in the fourth. The 10-run mercy rule was enforced after playing ve frames.

Addison Tuck lashed a pair of doubles as one of three Panthers

to knock in three runs. Classmate Kinsley Bond (double, single, two runs) and junior Morgan Brown (double, single) both drove in three.

Carley Grace Jenkins added a pair of doubles. The Panthers won their season-high fourth in a row on Friday over the Eagles, as Tuck and Jenkins combined for four hits and three RBIs.

Karsyn Parker had a hit, drove in a run and scored one, while Emory Raynor knocked in a pair with a double.

Blue Devils dump ’Dawgs to win ECC regular season

Ashley Sasnett was in full control last Tuesday in leading South Lenoir to an 11-1 win over Wallace-Rose Hill to clinch the

COLUMN from page 7

Division 1 school and then be among the few needles in a 10-story haystack to play professionally or make a U.S. National or Olympic team.

And yet hardly anyone will admit they fell head- rst into a bigger and deeper scam than Y2K.

Done properly, travel sports are the greatest modern invention since the cell phone. Yet don’t some of these 500 million future superstars belong in recreation leagues?

“They do and I think travel ball has ruined rec ball,” said North Duplin High softball coach Jaime Kylis Higginbotham, who was the head softball coach and top recruiter at the University of Mount Olive for 12 years.

“But it’s not for everyone. I mean, I see kids who don’t know how to run the bases playing travel ball and I wonder, ‘What are we doing.’

“Rec ball is great for the majority of players. Some of the greatest memories come from rec ball, and it’s where you learn some of the fundamentals.”

Decades ago, getting a spot on a travel ball team was hard. Today, new teams arise with the summer sun.

And families, some with single parents, dole out money as if they had a printing press in the garage.

It can cost $200 per month to be on a travel ball team, which does not include uniforms, equipment, food, gas, lodging and ticket prices at venues designed to milk any cash cow that wanders near its new complex.

Cites such as Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Cary and Charlotte cater to tournaments. Yet so do smaller towns, such as Wilson, Lumberton and Whiteville.

And if you can sell parents on bigger traveling plans, the USA is open game. They use names such as state, region, national and even world championship and the eyes of parents and players light up.

Chatham Central softball coach John Warf has been involved in his sport for many years at the middle school and high school levels. He’s also got a softballcrazed daughter.

So like Higginbotham, he sees many sides of travel ball, even while coaching a showcase team.

“A problem I see is they won’t pick tournaments based on their level of competition to just play games,” said Warf, whose team went 18-4 this spring and tied Jordan-Matthews for the Mid-Carolina 1A/2A Conference title.

“I coach a showcase team and I make it clear: We’re not going to Colorado to play,” Warf said. “I want our parents to save their money to pay for college. And I guess it’s nice that most of our players want to play college, locally or in-state.” Higginbotham’s daughter is a junior who wants to play, and could play,

ECC title.

Sasnett’s only big mistake came when Mattie Gavin hit a home run to cut the margin to 3-1 in the second inning. SL tacked on single runs in the third and fourth and topped it o with ve in the sixth.

But WRH squeaked into the playo s with the No. 23 seed and was to travel to No. 10 North Johnston (11-6) in the rst round.

North Lenoir slips past Tigers in 29-hit slugfest

James Kenan out-hit North Lenoir 15-14 last Tuesday in LaGrange.

Yet the Hawks escaped with the biggest prize, surviving the upset bid with a 13-12 win.

The setback ended a modest

Division I ball, but she will go to a smaller college as a preference.

Teammate Reese Outlaw is a UNC signee.

“You see kids playing ve, six, seven games over a weekend. So that and two games during the week is a lot. That’s where there should be a limit.”

Higginbotham said most athletes don’t stretch or go to the weight room enough, and that causes injuries, especially when a player is constantly playing.

Wallace-Rose Hill rst-year baseball coach Logan Kissner, who took the Bulldogs to the playo s for the rst time since he was a senior, says travel ball is a two-edged sword.

“Good for extra reps but also can lead to burnout,” he said. “I played with a couple of players in college that could have gone to the next level but were tired of the sport and the yearround, nonstop training.

“So, it’s a good thing but capable of becoming a bad thing.”

Higginbotham said her travel ball teams tend to play ve or six elite tournament a year, often ones that require an invitation.

“It’s about nding the level of competition that will make you better,” she said. “Sure, it cost more because we travel farther. But we get what we need to grow and gain experience.”

Warf, who coaches in the Carolina Elite League, says trips within North Carolina or to South Carolina and Virginia are not too distant destinations.

While travel ball is often sold as a family activity, one spouse can’t always attend tournaments and must stay home to work and feed to pets, which causes separation, not unity on the home front.

Oftentimes, parents with multiple children playing sports run in di erent directions.

Frequently, tournaments are played on holidays, such as Easter, Independence Day, Thanksgiving and Memorial and Labor Days.

That being the case, a sport runs the family calendar, with limited input from its members.

To say travel sports shoot bullets into the family might not always be the case.

Yet it does add to a concern as families are being put under stress.

And an outsider often wonders, is it worth it all?

Parents of athletes need to keep this in mind. Once most kids leave the home, let’s say at 18 years old, his parents will see him/her a total of one year the rest of their lives.

And if making that better means playing rec ball and not travel ball, or vice versa, a lot of parents and players are making decisions with their time they will regret down the road.

Choose wisely: Life speeds faster and with more movement than a 65-mph pitch from 43-feet away that falls in the dirt but is called a strike.

three-game winning streak for JK (8-11, 4-8) and proved once again that ECC wins are hard to come by for the Tigers.

JK rallied from a 10-0 decit with six runs in the fth and four in the sixth to trail 13-10 with three outs left.

The Tigers scored twice in the seventh. Both teams gave away runs with four errors.

JK fell to NL 10-0 on April 9 in Warsaw as part of a six-game skid.

JK’s Jourdan Joe (3-for-4) and Anna Morgan Armstrong each had three hits and three RBIs. Shylah Sloan drove in two with her three hits and Kaylann Leon bashed a two-run double.

James Kenan earned the nal spot in the 32-school playo eld and was to travel to No. 1 Chatham Central (17-2) on Tuesday this week.

Roanoke Rapids (15-3) is the second seed, followed by Midway (15-3) and Martin County (21-2).

‘Grand’ Thibualt slams ’Cats to two wins

Erin Thibault had an incredible feeling after hitting a grand slam last Tuesday during Richlands’ 10-0 win over Swansboro.

That ‘loving feeling’ returned on Friday when the senior catcher/third baseman hit another grand slam as the Wildcats beat West Carteret for their ninth consecutive victory.

Megan Pittman had two RBIs and Tashi Allen and Makenzie Goin combined for three hits and two RBIs against the Pirates.

Goin whi ed 13 and walked one to earn the win, allowing just four hits and two earned runs.

Abigail Huller had two hits and three RBIs against the Patriots. Reagan Stapleton added three hits and two RBIs. Pittman scattered two hits over ve innings, striking out ve and walking one during a

TAKE NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA

DUPLIN COUNTY

FILE#2024E000119

58-pitch performance.

Richlands (17-6, 8-2) has the fth-highest RPI in the 3A East—which, though the Wildcats will nish second to Dixon (19-4, 9-1) in the Coastal standings, has played stronger than average competition. The Bulldogs, for example, are No. 8.

Richlands was awarded the No. 12 seed and hosted No. 21 Harnett Central on Tuesday. The winner plays the survivor of No. 5 South Brunswick (19-4) and No. 28 Lee County (6-10) on Friday.

Scotland County (18-1) was the top seed, followed by Southern Nash (20-0), Southern Alamance (18-4) and South Johnston (19-1).

Crusaders sweep past two “Grace” teams

Harrells Christian beat a “Grace” softball team last Wednesday and a di erent one by the same name the following day. In both games, the magic number was 11.

The Crusaders (8-11) inched to within two games of .500 by smoking GRACE Christian (Greater Raleigh Area Christian Education) 11-1 last Thursday in the capitol city.

Less than 24 hours earlier, HCA dumped Grace Christian (Sanford) 11-7.

Mary Rumbold knocked in four runs and Breeyln Peed and Reagan Connor two apiece as HCA withstood a ve-run GRACE rally in the sixth the following day, as Rumbold, Brianna Carr and Makenzie Jackson combined to drive in six runs. HCA punched 14 hits, a total matched from Wednesday as Rumbold, Brianna Carr and Makenzie Jackson each drove in two runs.

The Crusaders travel to face No. 8 Faith Christian (13-8) on Friday in the rst round of the NCISAA’s Division III state tournament. The winner faces No. 21 Freedom Christian (21-0).

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned ANTHONY RAYMOND BARNETTE, having quali ed on the 21ST day of MARCH, 2024, as EXECUTOR of the Estate of MILTON RAY BARNETTE, deceased, of Duplin County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 9TH Day of JULY, 2024., 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 10TH Day of APRIL, 2024.

ANTHONY RAYMOND BARNETTE, EXECUTOR 803 S. ROXBORO ST #201 DURHAM, NC 27707

Run dates: A10,17,24,M1p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA DUPLIN COUNTY

FILE#2024E000137

The undersigned ROBERT PRESTON HENDRIX, SR., having quali ed on the 12TH day of APRIL, 2024, as EXECUTOR of the Estate of WILLIAM KENNETH HENDRIX, deceased, of Duplin County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 16TH Day of JULY, 2024., 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 17TH Day of APRIL, 2024.

ROBERT PRESTON HENDRIX, SR., EXECUTOR PO BOX 361 BEULAVILLE, NC 28518

Run dates: A17,24,M1,8p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA DUPLIN COUNTY

FILE#2024E000148

The undersigned HENRY T. SMITH, having quali ed on the 15TH day of APRIL, 2024, as EXECUTOR of the Estate of FRANCES HALL SMITH, deceased, of Duplin County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 23RD Day of JULY, 2024, 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 24TH Day of APRIL, 2024.

HENRY T. SMITH, EXECUTOR

438 HALLS POND RD. ROSE HILL, NC 28458

EDUARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Anna Morgan Armstrong, a four-year starter, guided JK to the playo s this spring.

obituaries

Mary Elizabeth McCloud

Dec. 21, 1950 – April 26, 2024 (age 73)

Mary Elizabeth McCloud, 73, of Jacksonville answered the Master’s call April 26, 2024 at her residence.

Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Saturday May 4, 2024 at Hawes Funeral Home Chapel in Warsaw. Visitation will be noon to 1 p.m. May 4, 2024 (one hour prior to service).

July 13, 1942 – April 30, 2024 (age 81)

Haywood Murrell Hatcher, 81, passed away on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, in ECU Health Center, Greenville.

He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Sallie Hatcher, a brother, Tom Hatcher and sisters, Faye Lumley and Sharon Rivenbark.

Funeral service was Friday, May 3, 2024 at Sharon Baptist Church, Chinquapin. Interment was at Sharon Baptist Church Cemetery, Chinquapin. Visitation followed the service.

Survivors include: spouse, Carol Hatcher of Wallace; son, Haywood Hatcher, Jr. (Cyndi) of Wallace; daughters, Barbara Henry (Keith) of Rose Hill, Penny Garris (Carlton) of Arizona; grandchildren, Austin Brown, Jenna Brown, Dustin Hatcher, Hunter Hatcher and Dylan Garris; great-grandchildren, Addyson Brown, Gavin Brown, Hartley Brown, Mary Blue Hatcher and Nealie Hatcher; sister, Ramona Rivenbark (Terry) of Wallace; brothers, Kenneth Hatcher (Carolyn) of Beulaville, Harold Hatcher (Pam) of Chinquapin, Je Hatcher (Susan) of Chinquapin.

Charles Ray Boney

April 21, 1939 – May 2, 2024 (age 85)

CHINQUAPIN — Charles Ray Boney, age 85, of Chinquapin left his earthly life for his eternal rest on Thursday, May 2, 2024.

He was born on April 21, 1939, in Sampson County; the son of the late Charlie and Alma Herring Boney. Charles was also preceded in death by his sons, Terry Heath and Tommy Heath; his sister, Geraldine Shott; sister-in-law, Claudette Pickett and brotherin-law, W.R. Jones.

Charles proudly served his country in the US National

Mary G. Best

July 20, 1933 – April 28, 2024 (age 90)

WARSAW — Ms. Mary G. Best, 90, completed her earthly journey on Sunday, April 28, 2024 at the Poplar Grove Memory Care, Burgaw.

The celebration of her life was held on Monday, May 6, 2024, with a viewing preceding the service, at First Missionary Baptist Church Warsaw, 336 West Hill Street, Warsaw, NC. She was laid to rest at the Wilson Chapel Church Cemetery, New Hope Church Road, Turkey.

She was born on July 20, 1933 in Duplin County to George Washington Best and Margaret Sutton Best.

Tim Hatcher

May 31, 1935 – May 2, 2024 (age 88)

Tim Hatcher, 88, passed away on Thursday, May 2, 2024 at his home.

Funeral service was held Sunday, May 5, 2024, with visitation following, at Community Funeral Home, Beulaville.

Graveside service was Monday, May 6, 2024 at Hatcher Cemetery, 181 Quince Dail Road, Chinquapin.

Survivors include: spouse, Karen Hatcher of Chinquapin; son, Robbie Hatcher of Chinquapin; daughter, Tammy Sholar of Chinquapin; brothers, Guy Hatcher (Lillian) of Chinquapin and Johnny Hatcher of Chinquapin; grandchildren, Jessica Hatcher, Daniel Hatcher (Felisha), Shayne Sholar (Lauarie), and Jared Sholar (Taylor); greatgrandchildren, Kailyn Hatcher, Bray Hatcher, Weylan Hatcher, Easton Sholar, Carr Sholar, Lee Sholar, Reed Sholar, and Dawson Sholar.

Guard and was a member of Mill Swamp Baptist Church. Surviving to cherish his memory is his best friend and wife of 26 years, Doris Jones Boney; his children, Kim Maready and husband Bobby of Chinquapin, Elizabeth Roddenberry and husband Danny of Florida, Michael Boney of Apex, Jonathan Boney of Florida, Timmy Heath and wife Jana of Texas and Johunta Klasson of Cary; grandchildren, Carrie Brown and husband Austin, Justin Lefont, Ethan Boney, Madison Boney, Heather Wells and husband Nick, Hamilton Klasson, Dean Heath and wife Carolyn, Kayla Heath, Hartlea Heath and Lora Moore and husband Greg; great-grandchildren, Addyson Brown, Hartley Brown, Ansley Wells, Kenley Wells, Avalyn Heath, Henley Heath, Tommy Moore, Joey Moore, Josh Moore and Matthew Moore; sisters, Faye Peterson of Willard and Ann Larsen of Kentucky; daughter-in-law, Donna Heath; brother-inlaw, Leon Shott, sister-in-law, Martha Batts; and numerous

Margaret Gri n Wilson

Sept. 9, 1935 – April 28, 2024 (age 88)

Margaret Gri n Wilson, passed away on Sunday, April 28, 2024.

She is preceded in death by her spouse, J.C. Wilson and a grandchild, Tonya Wilson. Memorial service was held on Saturday, May 4, 2024, with visitation taking place after the service, at Beulaville Funeral Home, Beulaville.

Survivors include: son, J.C. Wilson, Jr. (Anita) of South Carolina; daughter, Sue Brinkley of Beulaville; grandchildren, Mike Hansen (Betty) of Beulaville, Josh Wilson (Trish) of South Carolina; Jennell Henderson (Shawn) of Beulaville, David Wilson (Amanda) of South Carolina, Pete Wilson of South Carolina; 22 greatgrandchildren; and four greatgreat-grandchildren.

Nov. 16, 1935 – April 29, 2024 (age 88)

ROSE HILL — Mr. Morrell Chasten, age 88, of Rose Hill (_Greenevers Community),_ passed away on Monday, April 29, 2024 at home.

A visitation will be held on Friday, May 10, 2024 from 3-5 p.m. at Rose Hill Funeral Home, in Rose Hill. Funeral services will be Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 3 p.m. at the Rose Hill Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Carr Family Cemetery, o Charity Road in Rose Hill.

Left to cherish his precious memories: sister-in-law, Annie Chasten; special friend, John Eddy; a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, cousins and friends that will miss him dearly.

nieces, nephews, extended family and friends that loved Charles dearly.

Charles was a devoted husband and a loving daddy, granddaddy, brother and friend. He found great joy in the simplest things, but his greatest joy was his family. Charles loved people and never met a stranger. He enjoyed laughing and making others laugh with him. Charles was madly in love with his wife, Doris and took great care of her while his health permitted. Charles was a Christian man who loved the Lord and his family with all his heart. He will surely be missed but treasured memories of him will remain in our hearts forever.

Memorial service was held on Monday, May 6, 2024, at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Wallace Chapel.

The family received friends at the funeral home following the memorial service.

In lieu of owers, memorial gifts may be given to Mill Swamp Baptist Church, 2237 Fountaintown Road, Chinquapin, NC 28521.

Marco Tulio Vallecillo

Nov. 4, 1960 – April 30, 2024 (age 63)

Marco Tulio Vallecillo, age 63, of Rose Hill left this earthly life for his eternal rest on Tuesday, April 30, 2024. He was born on Nov. 4, 1960 in Honduras to Miguel Puerto and Dora Vallecillo. Surviving to cherish his memory are his devoted wife, Deyci Rosales; his children, Marvin Vallecillo and wife Alexa of Harrells, Marco Vallecillo and wife Saida of Rose Hill and Dora Vallecillo of Wallace; grandchildren, Marcos Vallecillo, Megan Vallecillo, Milie Vallecillo, Yarely Vallecillo, Marvin Vallecillo, Jr., Jowell Lizardo, Jayden Vallecillo and Melanie McCutchen. Marco was also blessed with many siblings; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends that loved him dearly.

Marco was funny caring protective and charismatic. He enjoyed spending time with his friends and family; especially his grandkids. Marco was a happy man who enjoyed making people laugh. He enjoyed gardening, planting fruits, vegetables and owers. He was a soccer fanatic, loved watching the games with his sons and everyone knows how he loved Real Madrid. Being a smart and talented man, he could x anything he set his mind to. He loved shing with his family and friends. He was a great husband, father, grandfather, uncle and brother to all. He will surely be missed.

Funeral service was held on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Wallace Chapel. Burial followed at Duplin Memorial Gardens, Teachey.

William Archie “Art” Smith

May 31, 1953 – May 1, 2024 (age 70)

William Archie “Art” Smith, 70, passed away on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in ECU Health Medical Center, Greenville. He is preceded in death by his parents, William Johnson Smith “Knotty” and Sue Lanier Hallow “Meme” and a brother, Kim Smith. Funeral service was held Monday, May 6, 2024 at Grace Covenant Church, Beulaville. Visitation followed the service. Graveside service was held on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville.

Survivors include: spouse, Cindy Smith of Beulaville; daughters, Nikki Miller of Chinquapin, Brianne Outlaw of Beulaville; brothers, John Hallow III (Kim) of Emerald Isle, Todd Hallow (Tricia) of Greenville; grandchildren, Taylor Allen, Riley Outlaw, Jackson Miller, Brody Outlaw, Emma Outlaw and Logan Outlaw; and nephew, Brett Smith.

Marian Anne (Proctor) Kornegay

April 29, 2024

Marian Anne Proctor Kornegay transitioned from her earthly life to her heavenly home on April 29, 2024, while at home in Teachey. Born in Rocky Mount, she is the daughter of the late O cer Lee and Mary Katherine Stanford Proctor. Also preceding her in death are children, Ronnie Powell and Joe William Powell, Jr.; siblings, Danny Proctor, Donnie Proctor, and Charlotte P. Smith.

Left to cherish her memory are husband, Glenn Kornegay; grandchildren, Kelly P. Carroll of Teachey and Joe William Powell III of Mount Olive; great-grandchildren, Eden and Myles Carroll of Teachey, Tyson Carroll of Washington, N.C., Wyatt Powell of Mount Olive, Levi and Waylin Powell; sister, Mary Lee Carey of Florida.

Anne wanted to be a nurse from a very early age and her lifelong goal was to make a positive di erence in the care of the elderly and in rm in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. She worked in long-term care while getting her nursing degree. In the nursing home environment, she quickly transitioned from oor nurse to director of nursing, then to corporate nurse consultant. In this position she was quite often referred to as a “miracle worker” by company executives and was sometimes in three states in a single day in order to resolve issues more timely.

Later, in her own business, she was vice president of Kornegay Healthcare Inc., GlenCare Assisted Living Inc. and Marian Management, Inc. As a woman of many talents, she was skilled in cooking, planning large events involving food, sewing, home design and renovation, and was an excellent artist.

Mrs. Kornegay was a dedicated member of the Penderlea Assembly of God Church for many years after moving to the Wallace area. Her Christian values inspired many during her work career and she set the example in her Christian walk through life. She was always eager to share the joy she felt in her Lord, which was the major goal of her life.

A service to celebrate her life was held on Sunday, May 5, 2024, in Penderlea Assembly of God Church with visitation one hour prior to the service.

Haywood Murrell Hatcher

Morrell Chasten

Seniors celebrate Older Americans Month

More than 180 seniors came together for the special celebration

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

MAY 1 WAS AN exciting day at the Duplin Events Center as seniors gathered to celebrate Older Americans Month. The event provided participants with an opportunity to enjoy music, dancing, health screenings, food, painting, cornhole games and even a photo booth.

The Duplin Sparklers Senior Line Dance Team delighted the crowds with their performance and had people ready to join them on the dance oor. Seniors also learned about Medicare scams, how to protect themselves and had a chance to win door prizes.

“We had a great time with 183 in attendance at the event,” Melisa S. Brown, Senior Services director told the Duplin Journal.

“We all want to feel connected and there is power when we are connected together.”

Melisa S. Brown, Senior Services director told the Duplin Journal.

Participants also had the chance to shred old documents during the shred-a-thon portion of the event held outside the event center.

“This was our rst year with the addition of a shred-a-thon, and according to ProShred — 1,500 pounds were shredded,” Brown said. Brown shared about the importance of meaningful connections and the tremendous impact that it has on the wellbeing of seniors. She shared that between July 2023 to March 2024, the senior center served 476 seniors in Duplin County, with 58% of participants living at home alone. She added that 57% reported their overall functional status at risk and 54% reported they are at or below the poverty level.

“As these statistics reveal the need for connection is real and

this is a small sample of those, we have made connections [with],” said Brown, she also expressed that the event was a notable example of teamwork in action, serving seniors as it brought many volunteers together working behind the scenes.

“We all want to feel connected and there is power when we are connected together,” said Brown.

Participants were asked to complete a survey providing feedback on what activities they want to see at the new senior center, which is on track for completion by December.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MELISA BROWN / DUPLIN COUNTY SENIOR SERVICES

Above, Rudolph Becton enjoys a day of fellowship at the Duplin Events Center in celebration of Older Americans Month on May 1. Right, January Brown (left) and Annie Weaver dance to the tunes of Wild Hearts D.J.

Above, seniors participate in crafting activities at the Duplin Events Center in Kenansville on May 1. Left, Carolyn Branch was among the 180 seniors who celebrated Older Americans Month. Below, Duplin’s very own senior line dance team, The Duplin Sparklers, delighted the crowds with their performance.