Duplin Journal Vol. 9, Issue 13 by North State Journal

Duplin Journal

Warsaw man raises concerns about town’s record keeping

“I don’t know what kind of shenanigans is going on in the township of Warsaw, but how long has it been going on like this?”

Cecil Lennon

the BRIEF this week

A $900 bill for an existing tap brings light to administrative ine ciencies

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

WARSAW — A $900 bill for an existing water tap brought light to some ine ciencies in the Town of Warsaw’s record keeping during the town board’s regular monthly meeting, last week. Cecil Lennon appeared in front of the town board on May 13 to address issues with a bill to install a new tap at an old property he purchased that already had a tap. This is not the rst time Lennon was

Mexican Consulate comes to JSCC in June, o ers services to Mexican nationals

Kenansville

The Mexican Consulate will be present at James Sprunt Community College June 3 through June 7. They will o er passport services, consular registration, birth certi cate certi ed copies and voting credential processing for Mexican nationals. Appointments are required. Interested parties can call or send a message via WhatsApp to 424 -309 - 0009 or visit citas.sre.gob.mx to schedule an appointment.

DJS

FOCUS Broadband issues email phishing alert, warns customers

Regional

FOCUS Broadband issued a consumer alert about a phishing email going around telling customers that old ATMC mailboxes will be closing, and prompting them to click on a link to continue to use the same password. FOCUS Broadband is asking customers to delete the email, do not click on any links or attachments and to not respond to the email.

DJS

USDA releases data from 2022 Ag Census

Statewide

Data released last week from the report on the 2022 Census of Agriculture conducted every ve years by USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, shows North Carolina as the eighth-largest state for agricultural sales, accounting for $18.7 billion, and the third state for top commodities leading the poultry and egg industry at $76.5 billion. According to the report, farm numbers continue to trend down from loss of agricultural land. Also according to the report, the value of agricultural production in the U.S. continues to rise — making more ag products with less land. Lastly, high commodity prices in 2022 helped farms boost incomes and asset values, improving their debt ratios.

asked to pay for a new tap in property he purchased to renovate, nor the rst time he had to appear in front of the town board to get solutions.

Lennon explained if there was water going to the property at some point in the past, there was an existing tap there and he should not have to pay for a new tap.

“If there is a tap that is already set and it is there, why do I have to pay for a new tap of $900? This is the second time it has happened. Where does the $900 accumulate from and why?” Lennon asked the board.

See WARSAW, page 12

Duplin leaders pivotal in getting NC youth outdoors

Rep. Jimmy Dixon earns award; Dell Murphy chairs outdoors commission

By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal

WALLACE — Nine years ago, Jimmy Dixon, who represents Duplin County in the N.C. House of Representatives, was determined to get more kids o of computer and phone screens and into the great outdoors. Last Tuesday night, May 14, he was awarded for his e orts by the North Carolina Youth Outdoors Engagement Commission.

Dixon received the Founding Legislator Award from the commission, which held its rst-ever NC Youth Outdoors Engagement Invitational at the River Landing Clubhouse in Wallace.

In 2015, Dixon sponsored House Bill 640, the North Carolina Outdoor Heritage Act, which created what is now known as the North Carolina Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission.

“By 2015, it had become evident that kids were spending less time outdoors and more time indoors on screens,” said Justin Burr, executive direc -

Magnolia to relocate sewer plant’s electrical service

A $135K hazard mitigation grant will fund the move

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

THE TOWN OF MAGNOLIA was recently awarded a hazard mitigation grant of $135,000 to help with disaster prevention. According to Town Manager Charles “Twig” Rollins, the funding will enable them to move the town’s sewer plant electrical service to higher ground — away from the current area which is prone to ash ooding.

“The old electrical service was put there, like, 30 years ago and it’s in the ood-prone area,” Rollins told Duplin Journal, adding that when they have heavy rains

and ash ooding, that area oods and if it gets bad it could cause the power to go o at the wastewater treatment plant.

“So, this will get it out of that ash- ood area into higher ground,” he explained. The next step for the town is to put it out for bid, and once it goes through the process, the town will schedule it with Duke Energy and make the transition.

“I anticipate it’d probably be by the end of summer before the project would be complete, to early fall,” said Rollins, adding that it will be an easy transition. He doesn’t expect power outages, but they have a generator in case of any eventuality.

“We’ll inform the public if the power goes out. If we do, it will be very momentarily, would be my suspicion, but that’s going to

tor of the NC Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission. “Lawmakers knew that that couldn’t go unchecked. Studies are frequently being published that demonstrate the negative e ects of excessive screen time on the mental and physical health and overall well-being of youth and adults. Our commission is working to reverse those trends for students across the state. Since being established, the commission has taken seriously the task of encouraging less screen time, and more green time in North Carolina.”

See

, page 6

be left up to the electrical people,” said Rollins.

In other news, at the May 14 regular meeting, the Magnolia town board accepted an o er from Blackburn Development to buy 32 acres of land that the town owns.

“Based on the zoning, it could possibly mean up to 100 new houses,” said Rollins about the o er, which is currently in the upset bid process.

“And when that’s all said and done, the only thing that can be done on that piece of property is residential based on its current zoning.”

Rollins shared that this could be a game

for

“The potential is a nice subdivision with a signi cant increase in the population of Magnolia, with all the bene ts that come with new growth, and hopefully it will attract more service businesses to our area,” he said.

Rollins added that it could potentially increase the town’s population by 25% or more.

The winning ticket was purchased in Warsaw

Duplin Journal Sta

BERNARD PHELPS of Magnolia stopped for gas Tuesday morning and couldn’t believe his eyes when a $50 scratch-o purchase delivered him a $100,000 prize.

“I thought I was seeing things,” he laughed.

Phelps bought his lucky $10 Million Spectacular ticket from Tiger Mart on N.C. 24 in Warsaw.

“That was just the rst ticket I looked at,” Phelps recalled. He arrived at lottery headquarters in Raleigh on Thursday to claim his prize and, after required federal and state tax withholdings, took home $71,514.

Phelps said he didn’t have plans yet for his winnings but said he would “make sure it gets spent wisely.”

The $10 Million Spectacular game debuted in December with ve top prizes of $10 million, 20 prizes of $1 million and 20 prizes of $100,000. Three $10 million prizes, 13 $1 million prizes and 10 $100,000 prizes remain to be claimed. For details on how $4.5 million raised by the lottery made a di erence for education programs in Duplin County last year, visit nclottery.com and click on the “Impact” section.

$2.00

changer the town of Magnolia. Rep. Jimmy Dixon, left, received the Founding Legislator Award from the N.C. Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission during the commission’s rst invitational event on May 14 at River Landing in Wallace. He was presented the award by Murphy Family Ventures CEO and chairman of the commission Wendell “Dell” Murphy Jr., right. Turn to page 6 for more photos. ABBY CAVENAUGH / DUPLIN JOURNAL

THE DUPLIN COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL VOLUME 9 ISSUE 13 | THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2024 DUPLINJOURNAL.COM

in NC lottery

Duplin man wins $100K

OUTDOORS

THURSDAY 5.23.24 “Join the conversation”

Duplin Journal

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

MAY 23

James Sprunt Community College’s Small Business Center offers free online seminars every month for small business owners, or those wishing to start their own businesses. On May 23, JSCC will conduct Optimizing Team Leader Effectiveness from 6 to 8 p.m. To register for any of these courses, visit ncsbc.net/Events.aspx and select James Sprunt Community College as the location.

MAY 24

The Town of Wallace will hold a rededication of the Veterans Memorial Fountain at Town Hall, 316 Murray Street on May 24 at 10 a.m.

MAY 27

A Memorial Day Observance will take place at the monuments on the Courthouse Square in Kenansville on May 27 at 11 a.m. Please bring your own chairs.

The Town of Warsaw and the Warsaw Chamber of Commerce will host a Memorial Day Service on May 27 at 9 a.m. at Warsaw Parks and Recreation, located at 309 Memorial Drive. The service will honor all the patriots who gave everything answering to the call of duty to fight for our freedoms.

MAY 31

The Beulaville Area Chamber of Commerce 9th annual Scholarship Golf Tournament will be on May 31 at the Bear Trail Golf Club in Maple Hill, N.C., with Tee times at 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Call 910-2625272 for more information.

JUNE 3-7

MAY 15

Susan Bell, 44, was booked into the Duplin County Jail on charges of misdemeanor assault (habitual), possession of drug paraphernalia, assault on a government employee, communicating threats, and violating a domestic violence protective order. Bond was set at $40,000.

Christian Botello-Salina, 23, was booked into the Duplin County Jail for reckless driving, injury to personal property, misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, and assault on a female. A secure bond of $7,030 was set.

DUPLIN CALENDAR

USDA now accepting applications for organic certi cation funding

Payments will be issued as applications are approved

Duplin Journal Sta

The USDA recently announced they will be accepting applications to help cover the cost of Organic Certi cations through the Organic Certi cation Cost Share Program.

According to the announcement, USDA’s Farm Service Agency will cover up to 75% of organic certi cation costs at a

maximum of $750 per certication category. FSA will issue payments as applications are received and approved. Applications from organic producers and handlers will be accepted through Oct. 31, for eligible expenses incurred from Oct. 1, 2023 through Sept. 30, 2024. Eligible applicants must have paid the organic certi cation fee to a USDA-accredited certifying agent. Cost-sharing assistance covers expenses including application fees, inspection costs, fees related to

the equivalency agreement and arrangement requirements, inspector travel expenses, user fees, sales evaluations, and shipping costs.

“Costs associated with obtaining organic certi cation can be a barrier for North Carolina producers wanting to get certi ed,” said Bob Etheridge, FSA State Executive Director in North Carolina.

“Through OCCSP assistance, FSA helps North Carolina organic producers obtain certi cation and leverage related bene ts like premium prices

for commodities and access to broader markets and additional technical assistance.”

To apply, contact FSA at your local USDA service center and be prepared to provide organic certi cation documentation and eligible expenses. Applications can also be submitted through the departments of agriculture. For more information, visit fsa.usda.gov/ programs-and-services/occsp/ index. Visit Farmers.gov/organic for more information on organic farming.

“Costs associated with obtaining organic certi cation can be a barrier for North Carolina producers wanting to get certi ed.”

Bob Etheridge, FSA state executive director in North Carolina

2 Duplin Journal for Thursday, May 23, 2024

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FORECAST THURSDAY

Two longtime employees retire from Duplin County Schools

The Employee of the Quarter was also honored at the May school board meeting

By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal

TWO EMPLOYEES who have been with Duplin County Schools (DCS) for decades both formally announced their retirement at the May 14 meeting of the Duplin County Board of Education. Christy Johnson, executive director of public relations and beginning teacher licensure support, and Sharnelle Dixon, assistant principal of James Kenan High School, are both set to retire after a combined 50-plus years with the school system.

Johnson began her career in DCS as a teacher at Wallace Elementary in 2001. In 2014, she transitioned into the role of employee relations and recruitment service coordinator. In 2017, she began as beginning teaching coordinator, and in 2019, she assumed the role of public relations and recently, signed on to help beginning teachers with licensure. “She has been invaluable to our district in every role that she’s served, and her dedication to student success is commendable,” said Board of Education Chair Brent Davis. Johnson called her time with DCS “an incredible ride.”

“The only reason I’m standing up here tonight is because of God,” she said. “He has blessed me with this opportunity to be able to take on this new season in my life and keep

my granddaughter, and I just can’t fathom what that’s going to be like, but I’m just so excited for the opportunity.”

She thanked all of the board members and students she has taught, as well as Superintendent Dr. Austin Obasohan and his assistant, Carol Wimmer, whom she called “the truest picture of loyalty in this district, and integrity.”

“I’m just thankful for all that you’ve instilled in me, not only professionally, but personally and most importantly, spiritually,” she added. “You will always hold a special place in my heart. And you will always hold a special place in our district. Our district is so much better because of you.”

Sharnelle Dixon began her work with DCS in the summer of 1993, when she accepted a clerical position in the area of student support services.

From there, she advanced to parent facilitator and social worker and guidance counselor, then to assistant principal.

“In each of these roles,” Davis said, “Ms. Dixon provided herself with a strong advocacy for parents, children, and the overall success of her school. She has an infectious enthusiasm for working with children, and strong leadership skills that she always aligned with the district’s goals.”

When it was her turn to share a few words, Dixon stated, “I just want to thank God, rst of all, for this opportunity to be standing here in front of you. For 30 years, DCS has been good to me. … It has been a blessing. I tell people all the time, DCS has been good to me. I also tell them I will al-

ways be a prayer warrior for DCS.”

Also at the May 14 meeting, Kevin Smith was named Employee of the Quarter. Smith, Assistant Superintendent for Educational Innovation and Accountability, has been with DCS for 21 years.

In 2003, Smith accepted the role as interim math teacher at Wallace-Rose Hill High School. From there, he served in various positions, including assistant principal, principal, director, and special advisor before landing his current role.

“Mr. Smith currently leads the educational innovation and accountability department and plays a key role in crisis management and prevention,” Davis said. “Over the years, Mr. Smith has faithfully served the students and sta of the district, and continues to be an invaluable member of our Duplin County Schools family. He genuinely supports district vision and DCS mission.”

Smith thanked the board for the opportunity to work with DCS sta and students.

“Thank you so much for the opportunity to serve our students every day and work with some tremendous leaders across the district every day that are doing some wonderful things for our students,” he said. “It’s a pleasure to serve with them.”

North Duplin Elementary’s custodial sta received the Clean School Award. North Duplin Elementary’s custodial team members are Eric Best, Mary Davis, and Tracy Mullis.

Duplin Journal for Thursday, May 23, 2024 3 anonymously, Stoppers Tip 910-372-9202 or you information cc.southernsoftware. through Citizens

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DUPLIN COUNTY SCHOOLS Top, Christy Johnson, left, executive director of public relations and beginning teacher licensure support, received a retirement plaque from Duplin County Board of Education Chairman Brent Davis at the school board meeting on May 14. Bottom, James Kenan High School Assistant Principal Sharnelle Dixon, left, was presented with a plaque by Duplin County Board of Education Chairman Brent Davis in honor of her retirement at the board’s May 14 meeting.

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

The world’s — and the Paciﬁc Rim’s — disastrous population implosion

Even as Japan, South Korea and China boomed economically, their fertility rates fell below replacement — Japan in the 1970s, Korea in the 1980s, China in the 1990s.

WILL THE WORLD be better o with fewer people?

For years that has been a hypothetical question posed to suggest an a rmative answer. Fewer people, it was claimed, would mean less depredation of natural resources, less urban overcrowding, more room for other species to stretch their (actual or metaphorical) legs. Mankind was a parasite, a blight, and overpopulation a disease. Fewer people would mean a better Earth.

Not everyone has agreed. More people, argued the late economist Julian Simon, means more inventors, more innovators, more creators. Benjamin Franklin was the 15th of his father’s 17 children. Would America, and the world, have been better o if his father had stopped at 14?

More people also means more consumers and taxpayers. More consumers to pay for the goods and services of private-sector workers. More taxpayers to pay for, among other things, bene ts for the elderly and in rm.

Whatever you think, whether the world would be better o with fewer people is no longer a hypothetical or rhetorical question. It is, it seems, a question squarely presented, or just about to be presented, by reality.

“Sometime soon, the global fertility rate will drop below the point needed to keep population constant,” Greg Ip and Janet Adamy write in The Wall Street Journal. “It may have already happened.”

The global replacement rate, they point out, is 2.2 children per woman, with the 0.2 representing the children who do not grow into adulthood and the excess of boys over girls in countries where many parents abort female babies. Demographers have long noticed the world is heading toward 2.2 but expected it to take longer to get there. The United Nations pegged it at 2.5 in 2017. It fell to 2.3 in 2021, and incoming data suggest it’s declined signi cantly since then.

Previous traumatic events have produced higher birthrates, like America’s and eventually Europe’s post-World War II baby boom. But the COVID-19 pandemic, after an initial spike in births resembling ones occurring nine months after electricity blackouts, has produced even fewer births than pessimistic experts predicted.

Total world population won’t start falling immediately. One estimate is that world population, now about 8.1 billion, will peak at 9.6 billion in 2061. The fears that overpopulation would lead to mass starvation have proved unfounded, and population control e orts by the likes of the Rockefeller Foundation and Warren Bu ett have petered out.

As technology historian Vaclav Smil points out, the discovery in 1908 of the Haber-Bosch process for producing synthetic ammonia has led to food production that can feed the world’s current billions and many more.

Thomas Malthus, who in 1798 wrote that any population increase would result in famine and disease, is dead.

Today the negative e ects of subreplacement population growth are already being felt. Government pensions and elderly medical care are proving di cult to sustain in the United States and western Europe.

Economic growth seldom rises to pre-2000 levels because the labor force is growing little, or even shrinking.

More striking e ects are seen in East Asia, as set out by American Enterprise Institute scholar Nicholas Eberstadt for Foreign A airs.

Even as Japan, South Korea and China boomed economically, their fertility rates fell below replacement — Japan in the 1970s, Korea in the 1980s, China in the 1990s.

Decades later, the result is that East Asia’s working-age cohort is now shrinking. By 2050, it will have more people over 80 than children under 15.

These countries, Eberstadt writes, “will nd it harder to generate economic growth, accumulate investments, and build wealth; to fund their safety nets; and to mobilize their armed forces.” China may not be able to amass huge armies to overcome the U.S. and its allies as it did in Korea in 1950. But Japan and South Korea will not be able to raise troops in numbers they once did. And will China attack Taiwan before its cohort of military-age men shrinks further?

“The long-heralded ‘Asian century’ may never truly arrive,” Eberstadt writes.

And on the other side of the Paci c Rim, between 2020 and 2023, California’s population fell by 538,000, or 1.4%. This is a reversal of more than 150 years of above-U.S.average growth and despite the state’s physical climate and beautiful scenery.

This astonishing trend owes much to dreadful public policies that have incentivized modest-income people with families, including immigrants, to move out, even though California still attracts highly skilled college graduates from “back East.” But how many children will they produce? Will a declining-in-fertility America produce enough o spring to replenish Silicon Valley and Hollywood?

Absent a horri c military clash, the Paci c Rim that has produced so much innovation seems about to settle into an increasingly uncomfortable, hardscrabble and uncreative old age, with no gaggles of nephews, nieces, grandchildren and cousins who give hope that things will keep improving.

Not the paradise the population control people promised.

Michael Barone is a senior political analyst for the Washington Examiner, resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and longtime co-author of “The Almanac of American Politics.”

The prosecution has made its case

The big question is not whether the prosecution has made its case or whether the jury will accept it but whether it all will matter.

DID DONALD TRUMP falsify business records to cover up his payment of hush money to Stormy Daniels? Did he do it to hold onto women voters in the days leading up to the 2016 election?

Reading the daily press accounts of the New York trial leaves little doubt that the prosecution made its case.

Michael Cohen is a liar, convicted as one, but his testimony addressed and answered the key questions in the case. Daniels at one point denied having an a air with the former president, but she did not waver at the trial.

Her account of her interaction with the former president was searing. The records were clear. Hush money is not a legal expense. Cohen did what he was told. Trump was fully on board. What more could you expect from the prosecution?

With closing arguments expected to come as soon as next week, the defense has yet to introduce an alternative narrative of what happened here. There is no alternative narrative. They may claim it was all to protect his family, to shield Melania from embarrassment, but Hope Hicks made clear there was a political imperative. And who would believe that it was all for Melania? It was for Trump. Even the most cynical of the talking heads acknowledged that over the course of the trial, the chances of a conviction increased. The question, and it has always been the question, is to what end? Will the jury convict?

Juries like judges, and this one, by all reports, should command the greatest respect of the jurors. He has controlled the courtroom, been even-tempered and even-handed. The judge will read the instructions, inform the jury of the elements of the crime and ask them to apply the law to the facts they nd. It should not be di cult.

This is not a complex fact situation. It was a straightforward payo for an obvious purpose — and it worked, until it didn’t. If the jury does what the judge instructs them to, and there is no reason at this point

to think they will not, it should not be di cult for them to reach a verdict. Will they be swayed by the fact that they are convicting a former president?

It could happen, of course, but they have been sitting in a courtroom with him for over a month. He has, in all likelihood, been reduced to human size.

They’ve watched him squirm and smirk and struggle to stay awake. Whatever kismet he brought to the room when they rst confronted him should have worn o by now. He is human-sized. Their job is straightforward, for all the historical footnotes.

No, the big question is not whether the prosecution has made its case — it has — or whether the jury will accept it — they should — but whether it all will matter. Signi cant numbers of voters have told pollsters that a criminal conviction will make them less likely to vote for Trump, but will it really?

Will they simply accept this, as they did the E. Jean Carroll verdict, as yet another example of Trump being Trump? So he paid hush money to a woman with whom he had an exploitive sexual relationship. So he did it to try to protect himself in the presidential election. So he falsi ed it as legal expenses. So what? At what point is enough enough?

At what point will people with morals and values be unwilling to compromise on a leader who is de cient on both scores? The parade of Republicans who have shown up at the courthouse to support Trump during this trial is a testament to the moral bankruptcy of the GOP. They should be ashamed of themselves.

Only half in jest, they were willing to risk control of the House oor to get in line for the cameras and kiss the ring. Someday, hopefully, we will look back on all of this and wonder how so many people who should know better took temporary leave of their senses to stand by a man who does not deserve their support. But between now and then, the jurors and then the voters must decide.

4 Duplin Journal for Thursday, May 23, 2024

VISUAL VOICES

COLUMN | MICHAEL BARONE COLUMN | SUSAN ESTRICH

14 local volunteer re departments receive more than $300K in grants

The Fire Grant helps local departments with funding to purchase equipment

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

The North Carolina O ce of State Fire Marshal announced the recipients of the 2024 Volunteer Fire Department Fund, also known as Fire Grant, on May 15. A combined total of $302,076.16 will help 14 volunteer re departments purchase equipment using matching funds.

“Fire and rescue organizations protect our communities large and small across North Carolina, but sometimes their budgets don’t grow with their responsibilities.”

State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor

$40,000.

• Calypso Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. was awarded

$33,087.50

• Chinquapin Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad, Inc. was awarded $9,314.02

• Faison Fire and Rescue, Inc. was awarded $24,185.

• Fountaintown Fire Department was awarded

$19,400.50

• Greenevers Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. was awarded $23,155.50

• Pleasant Grove Volunteer Fire & EMS Department was awarded $9,106.50

• Sarecta Fire Department was awarded $16,203.43

Learn about Agri-Tourism at free one-day workshop

The letters notifying each re department of the grant award and thanking them for their hard work and dedication were sent last week.

The 2024 Fire Grant recipients in Duplin County are as follows: Albertson Volunteer Fire Department was awarded

“Fire and rescue organizations protect our communities large and small across North Carolina, but sometimes their budgets don’t grow with their responsibilities,” stated Brian Taylor, State Fire Marshal in the announcement. “Our emergency service personnel should be supported with the best equipment and supplies needed to do their jobs correctly and safely.”

• Kenansville Fire Department was awarded $27,762.50 Lyman Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. was awarded

$8,620.67

Magnolia Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. was awarded $4,693.04

Oak Wolfe Fire Department was awarded $11,150. Pin Hook Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. was awarded $35,422.50

Teachey Volunteer Fire Dept., Inc. was awarded $39,975. According to the OSFM these funds must be matched dollar-for-dollar for up to $40,000, unless the re department receives less than $50,000 per year from municipal and county funding, in which case the volunteer re department will need to match $1 for each $3 of grant funds. The grant award is administered through the NC Department of Insurance. The Volunteer Fire Department Fund was created in 1988 by the General Assembly to help volunteer units raise funds for their re ghting equipment and supplies.

House of Raeford awards $80,000 in scholarships

Duplin students were among the 32 recipients

Duplin Journal Sta

HOUSE OF RAEFORD Farms has announced the awarding of $80,000 in college scholarships to 32 outstanding students through its 11th annual House of Raeford Farms Scholarship Program. This year sets a new record for the number of scholarship recipients, re ecting the company’s deep commitment to supporting the educational aspirations of its extended family.

For the rst time, scholarships were available to not only the dependent children and grandchildren of House of Raeford employees, but also to the families of the company’s farmers.

“Our company recognizes the importance of providing career development opportunities for our youth so they become responsible citizens in the community,” said House of Raeford Farms CEO and Owner Bob Johnson. “This educational assistance program for children of our hard-working and dedicated employees and farmers

is an investment in their future success.”

Each $2,500 scholarship award re ects a selection process that considers academic excellence, leadership qualities, involvement in school and community activities, honors, work experience, and personal statements of goals and aspirations.

House of Raeford proudly congratulates the following 2024 scholarship recipients from the Duplin County area and celebrates their future academic journeys: Robert Stutts, son of David Stutts of the Johnson Breeders division attending the University of North Carolina – Pembroke.

• Myranda George, daughter of Tommy George of the Johnson Breeders division attending N. C. State University.

• Elizabeth Thornton, daughter of Allan Thornton, House of Raeford Farmer –Johnson Breeders division attending the University of Tennessee, College of Law. Callie Thornton, daughter of Allan Thornton, House of Raeford Farmer – Johnson Breeders division attending the University of North Car-

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

Weekly deadline is Monday at Noon

“Our company recognizes the importance of providing career development opportunities for our youth so they become responsible citizens in the community.”

House of Raeford Farms

CEO

and owner Bob Johnson

olina – Chapel Hill.

Brian Gutierrez, son of Carlos Gutierrez Posadas of the Johnson Breeders division attending the University of North Carolina – Charlotte. Brandy George, daughter of Donnie George of the Johnson Breeders division attending Sampson Community College.

• Tatiana Martinez, daughter of Jovito Martinez Santiago of the Johnson Breeders division attending the University of Mount Olive.

• George Garner, son of George Garner III, House of Raeford Farmer – Johnson

Breeders division attending N. C. State University.

• Edward Hernandez-Zavala, son of Lorena Zavala Cruz of the Rose Hill division attending James Sprunt Community College.

• Zaniya Simmons, daughter of James Simmons of the Rose Hill division attending the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill.

• Danny Ortez Lagos, son of Nerida Lagos Reyes of the Wallace division attending the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill.

Over the past 11 years, the House of Raeford Farms Scholarship fund has awarded a total of $455,000 to 182 students across six states. House of Raeford is grateful to be able to o er this bene t to the dependents of associates and farmers. It is rewarding to see the impact the program is having on the lives of young people and their families.

House of Raeford employees, farmers, and their families are encouraged to visit the Scholarship Page on House of Raeford’s website for more information on next year’s scholarships, which will open in January 2025.

Warsaw James Sprunt Community College’s Small Business Center is o ering a free one-day inperson workshop for those who may wish to get in to the agritourism business. The workshop will teach potential agri-tourism business owners how to thrive during their rst two years, while operating a successful Homestead, Hobby Farm or Small Ag-Biz. The workshop will be presented by Roxanne Reed of Farm School on Wheels, who is currently living her dream as an agri-tourism professional. The workshop will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the WestPark campus of James Sprunt Community College, and will include four sessions.

Limited spaces are available, so if you reserve a seat, please plan to attend. Register online through North Carolina Community College SBC. For more information, contact Joy Wynne at jwynne@ jamessprunt.edu or 910-6596008.

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. Here are the online seminars available over the next few weeks: Dynamite Marketing on a Firecracker Budget, May 28, 7-8:30 p.m.; Content Marketing: What’s Working Now, June 4, 6-8 p.m.; Beyond the Business Plan, June 5, 1-8:30 p.m.; Launching your Airbnb Biz: A Beginner Masterclass - Part 1, June 6, 6-8 p.m. To register for any of these courses, visit Events/Workshops and select James Sprunt Community College as the location.

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.

Town of Magnolia, NC is Accepting Upset Bids

For A 34.5 acre +/- vacant tract of land (Zoned as R-8000) and described in the Duplin County register of Deeds in Book 1509 Page 597. Further being described as Duplin County Tax Parcel ID 12-E060. LESS a portion of the tract that contains a cemetery that will be excluded from the above tract by the seller. This portion identi ed as approximately two (2) acres. The purchase price for the Property is two-hundred seventy-three thousand one hundred eighty-eight dollars and 50/100 ($273,188.50). Any interested bidders who wish to place an upset bid for the above describe property my do so within 10 days of the date of this advertisement

by raising the bid by not less than ten percent (10%) of the rst one thousand dollars ($1,000) and ve percent (5%) of the remainder. When a bid is raised, the bidder shall deposit with the Town clerk ve percent (5%) of the increased bid, and the clerk shall readvertise the o er at the increased bid. This procedure shall be repeated until no further qualifying upset bids are received, at which time the council may accept the o er and sell the property to the highest bidder. The council may at any time reject any and all o ers. For more information: Contact Charles “Twig” Rollins, Town Manager 910-289-3205

Duplin Journal for Thursday, May 23, 2024 5

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Rose Hill budget up for adoption at June meeting

The land use plan process moves forward

By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal

THE TOWN OF ROSE HILL

is close to adopting its proposed scal year 2024-25 budget. A public hearing was held during the town board’s regular monthly meeting on May 14, and there were no comments made during the hearing.

The proposed budget for the next scal year totals $2,734,955, including a 3% increase in the general fund over last year, due to an expected increase in sales tax revenue. The total for the general fund is $1,243,664, with $1,253,191 in the water/sewer fund, $185,100 in the solid waste fund, and $53,000 in the Powell Bill.

“There are no fund balances (non-recurring savings) to be

OUTDOORS from page 1

The commission does this through o ering NC Go Outside grants to schools and nonpro t organizations to take students on outdoors eld trips. “We also provide grants to fund construction of on-campus outdoor education-based structures,” Burr said. “So eld trips take students kayaking or hiking at a local state park, to the zoo, or to an outdoor shooting range to learn gun skills and shooting safety. We have provided schools the opportunity to construct everything from an outdoor classroom or a greenhouse to an archery range.”

There’s also the newest program, the Trailblazers Club. “It was established in 2023 as an after-school club with a goal of giving students outdoor experiences that may not be accessible to them otherwise,” Burr explained.

A patch program also allows youth to earn patches for accomplishing individual challenges like catching their rst sh, shooting their rst squirrel or demonstrating pro ciency in archery. There were a total of 2,755 patches awarded in 2023.

All of these programs combined have reached more than 280,000 youth throughout the state in 98 counties since the commission began in 2019.

More than $9.1 million in grants have been awarded to schools and nonpro t organizations by the commission.

“Without this guy right here, this wouldn’t have happened,” said Wendell “Dell” Murphy, Jr., chairman of the NC Youth Outdoors Engagement Commission, before handing the Founding Legislator Award to Jimmy Dixon. “Rep. Dixon

applied to any FY24-25 budget to pay for recurring expenses,” said Town Administrator Angela Smith. “This is a major achievement in any scal year. This is the fourth year we were able to achieve this objective.”

The proposed budget includes a 7% salary increase for town employees in order to make salaries more competitive with towns across the state, Smith said.

Fiscal year 24-25 will be the fth year of the town’s ve-year street resurfacing plan, and the next set of streets to be resurfaced have been identi ed and prioritized, Smith said. In addition, the town will start planning for how the downtown re station space will be used, once the re department moves to its new location.

The budget is set to be adopted at the town board’s next meeting, on Tuesday, June 11, at 6 p.m.

“This is a major achievement in any scal year. This is the fourth year we were able to achieve this objective.”

Angela Smith, Rose Hill town administrator

In other business at the May 14 meeting, the town board:

• Moved forward with the creation of a Land Use Plan for the town, by approving Land Use Plan Stakeholder Survey questions and a Land Use Plan Citizen Survey.

Heard from Carla Obiol with the North Carolina League of Municipalities that Rose Hill has been elected to participate in the League’s Accounting, Instruction and

Mentorship (AIM) program. The board tabled the item until the June meeting. Approved a contract with Insight Planning and Development, LLC for services related to planning and zoning. The contract is on an as-needed basis. The board tabled discussion of another contract with Insight for the CDBG Neighborhood Revitalization Grant program.

• Approved two budget amendments, one for $51,000 for a vehicle for the police department, and one for $7,000 for the recreation department, which will be hosting a district tournament on June 7-9.

• Approved a capital project ordinance related to the Rose Hill Stormwater Project. The project had received a Golden Leaf Grant, of which $30,000 was included as administrative costs, an ineli-

gible expense. Therefore, the $30,000 had to be moved to the contingency fund, requiring a budget ordinance. Tabled the adoption of an ordinance amendment regarding parking schedules.

• Approved an amendment to the town’s contract with Tons of Trash, increasing garbage collection 2.5% for FY24-25, and 2.5% in FY2526 for a total increase of 5%.

• Rejected a request from property owner Georgette Ward to sell her property to the town for $20,000. The property is currently in litigation, said Smith, with a judgment against Ward. Learned that the town’s lead service line replacement project has been approved by the Division of Water Infrastructure for $200,000, with 60% of the loan being forgiven and the rest repayable at 0% interest.

said I’m going to take this on, I’m going to put something on that’s going to be lasting in North Carolina, and it’s gonna be this organization that you are all here representing tonight.”

After receiving the award, Dixon said, “This is a great honor. As Speaker Moore said, we were delighted to be able to work with a lot of people and there are two of them here that remain behind the scenes, but I’m going to recognize them

here: Nelson Freeman and Cameron Boltes. They work hard.”

“Ladies and gentlemen,” he continued. “America is going to need saving again. And if we don’t ful ll our responsibilities to the next generation, we will not be honoring the heritage that we have of great men and women who have gone before us so that we have the magnicent privilege of prosperity.”

Also at the May 14 event, Legislators Sen. Brent Jackson

(Bladen, Duplin, Jones, Pender and Sampson Counties), Sen. Jim Perry (Beaufort, Craven and Lenoir Counties), Rep. John Bell (Wayne County), and Rep. Jason Saine (Lincoln County) were awarded Legislator of the Year honors for their work in helping the commission to come about and be successful.

Speaker of the House Tim Moore, who represents Cleveland and Rutherford counties, was also honored during the

event for his work with the commission.

And nally, three statewide leaders — Bob Barnhill, Richard Childress and Eddie Smith, Jr. —were the rst inductees into the NC Outdoors Hall of Fame. To read more about the event, see page A1 of this week’s North State Journal. Visit gooutside. nc.gov for more on the commission.

6 Duplin Journal for Thursday, May 23, 2024

Eddie Smith, owner of Grady-White Boats, left, was inducted into the North Carolina Outdoors Hall of Fame on May 14. His employee Cameron Boltes, right, presented him with the award. NASCAR legend Richard Childress, left, was inducted into the North Carolina Outdoors Hall of Fame during an event hosted by the N.C. Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission. N.C. House Speaker Tim Moore, right, presented the award. PHOTOS BY ABBY CAVENAUGH / DUPLIN JOURNAL The N.C. Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission honored four state legislators at a banquet held in Wallace on May 14. From left, Sens. Brent Jackson (9th District, Bladen, Duplin, Jones, Pender and Sampson) and Jim Perry (2nd District, Beaufort, Craven and Lenoir), and Reps. John Bell (10th District, Wayne) and Jason Saine (97th District, Lincoln). Before the start of the N.C. Youth Outdoors Engagement Invitational, held in River Landing on May 14, Rep. Jimmy Dixon, left, and Dell Murphy spent some time catching up.

DUPLIN SPORTS

Panthers’ Pickett makes mark at 2A track championships

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

GREENSBORO — It’s been an academic year of growth for Ja’myah Pickett, whose second semester of her junior season elevated her into elite status. Pickett was an all-ECC basketball player on an East Duplin team that advanced to the third round of the state 2A playo s.

Shortly thereafter, Pickett began training for track and eld, having nished fth in the shot put (34-5.5) and 16th in the triple jump (31-11.5) at last season’s NCHSAA 2A outdoor nals.

Pickett raised her personal bars on North Carolina A&T’s sports complex on Saturday by placing third in the shot (36-11.25) and fourth in the discus (113-7).

A week pervious, Pickett captured rstplace in the shot put and high jump at the 2A Regional championships in Kinston, where she also went second in the discus and fth in the triple jump. Longtime power Cummings won is second

See ND TRACK, page 8

15 winning streak for North Duplin snapped in the season-ending playo loss.

The UNC-bound star had a banner day in her prep nale in the fourth round of the 1A playo s

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

CALYPSO — The Reece Outlaw era at North Duplin ended last Friday when the Rebels fell 12-5 to No. 12 Northside-Pinetown in the fourth round of the 2A playo s.

But the senior — who is heading to UNC to play softball — left everyone with one nal memory in the form of three showcase at-bats. Outlaw ripped a three-run homer to the opposite eld in the fth inning, and she also had a double down the third base line after opening with

an in eld single in the rst. No. 1 North Duplin (17-2) saw its 15-game winning streak end. The loss also snapped a run of 12 consecutive victories at home, which dated back to last season when the Rebels advanced to the 2A state nals. ND fell to Union Academy in the nal round, and this season was a win away from defending its East Region crown. That came because of the athletic and skilled Panthers (19-4), who this week face Monday’s winner between No. 2 Vance Charter and No. 11 Roxbury Community, in a best-of-three series for the East ag. The West Region features a matchup between No. 2 East Wilkes and No. 4 Robbinsville. Addy Higginbotham had

a pair of hits and was robbed of another when Panthers left elder Kenam Woodard made a sensational diving catch. She made a rare in eld double in the fth when her line drive to rst base dazed Samantha Braddy so much that the ball rolled toward the ND dugout.

Marissa Bernal also had a season highlight with her rst home run in a season during which she blossomed into a .404 hitter.

Higginbotham likewise had eye-popping numbers — .427 average, 37 runs, 25 RBIs, 12 doubles, three triples and an area-high 55 hits.

The twosome is among a ock of players who will return next season. Yet one of the main architects of the Rebel’s recent dy-

No. 4 Seaforth dunks No. 5 East Duplin in the third round of 2A playo s

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

PITTSBORO — No. 5 East Duplin had nothing left in its tanks Monday during a 7-0 loss to No. 4 Seaforth.

The Hawks, however had their energy bank lled, outplaying the Panthers, who nished the season 17-6-2. Seaforth (22-1-1) used its airtight defense to thwart any o ensive plays and one-on-one moves East Duplin made.

The Hawks have given up just ve goals this season, including a shutout streak that reached 15 consecutive matches. They face the winner of No. 1 Franklin Academy (22-2) in the fourth round. No. 10 Clinton (16-10) upset No. 2 Manteo and plays No. 3 Roanoke Rapids (16-2-1) as the only other teams alive in the 32-school East bracket. Seaforth scored twice in the rst 20 minutes and led 4-0 at the halfway mark.

See HAWKS, page 9

Duplin Journal for Thursday, May 23, 2024 7

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ND despite Outlaw’s outburst

Northside-Pinetown stumps

EDUARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Reece Outlaw hit a three-run homer, singled and doubled in her nal game in a ND uniform. WARD-BROWN/NORTH STATE JOURNAL

High-scoring, defensive-minded Hawks soar past ba ed Panthers See PANTHERS, page 8

East Duplin goalie Isla Miller lays on the ground after giving up a goal to Seaforth’s So a Viana in the rst half at Seaforth High school in Pittsboro, on May 20, 2024. ED junior Ja’Myah Pickett won bronze in discus and was fourth in shootout COURTESY PHOTO Ja’Myah Pickett lead a contingent of Panthers to the season-ending NCHSAA championships at North Carolina A&T’s Marcus T. Johnson Track and Field on Friday.

top ve nishes at state meet for East Duolin’s Ja’myah Pickett

straight girls’ state championship and its 18th all-time. The T.W. Andrews boys likewise repeated for the school’s 10th team title.

East Duplin, which came within a point of winning a region title, had two other events in which the Panthers were close to capturing gold medals.

Anamarie Rodrigues, Anastan Holley, Tabor Holley and Kate Miller clocked in at 2:30.27 to earn a bronze medal in the 3,200-meter relay.

The same girls ran 4:19.63 to claim fth in the 1,600.

Rodrigues, the youngest on an underclassmen squad, was among the leaders in the 800 before falling to sixth place with a clocking of 2:30.27.

Teammate Kate Miller was about seven seconds behind in 14th place.

Quali ers Alaina Delarosa (800) and Josh Welborn (boys 3,200) were 15th and 14h, respectively.

The Panther boys’ were 11th in the 3,200 relay and 16th in the 1,500 relay.

The 1A and 4A classi cations were rained out on Saturday and were to be at Marcus T. Johnson Track and Field on Monday.

Panthers ride high at ECC meet

The Panthers were big winners at the East Central 2A Conference championships on May 1 in Kinston, paced by four-event winner Pickett, who was rst in the high jump, triple jump, discus and shot put. Rodrigues won the 1,600 and was second in the 800.

Delarosa (3,200) and Bella Gaby (100 hurdles) also dominated their respective events.

Jordan Hall paced the Panther boys with second-place nishes in the 200 and long jump and a fourth in the 400.

Chase Whitley was a runner-up in the 110 hurdles and third in the 400.

James Kenan’s Tristan Diaz (shot put) and Coarey Smith (triple jump) came away with gold medals.

Wallace-Rose Hill’s Deashawn Taylor was second in the discus and third in the shot put.

PANTHERS from page 7

nasty will not.

Outlaw was key in setting the foundation as a superstar who never acted like anything but a team player. She originally committed to ECU before a change of heart. It became a matter of who wouldn’t want her on their college diamond.

Ms. Softball in 2023 has been on a course to a Division I program for a few years.

ND won a school-record 23 games last season despite falling in two games to Union Academy in the nals.

The Rebels had won their rst state softball title in 2015 and prepped for a return to glory with 2022’s 13-8 mark.

But ND needed pitching help.

And it came last season when freshman hurler Lilly Fulghum stepped into the pitcher’s circle to become an immediate ace. Her hitting skills (.526) were almost a bonus. This season she upped her mark to .617 with eight homers and 26 RBIs.

But last Friday will go down in her record book as a frustrating game both in the eld and in the batter’s box.

She hit into a double play in the rst and had a pair of pop y outs.

The sophomore right-hander struggled with her control, got toasted for seven hits and nine earned runs in 3.1 innings. Reliever Ady Spence fared no better, giving up three earned runs in 3.2 innings. And the Panthers bene tted greatly from the timing of their big hits.

Jayden Clark hit a two-run single in the second to make it 2-0. The uprising started with a bloop single by Braddy and then a oneout double to center by Jorden Clark put two runners in scoring position. A elder’s choice ground ball by Taylor Willard upped it to 3-0. Yet ND really felt the pressure after going down 7-0 in the third, as Jorden Clark hit a grand slam.

A single, walk and hit batter led to the advance trouble for Fulghum, who has thrown well all

Baseball/Softball Leaderboard

BASEBALL

· Reid Page, WRH: .534, 31 hits, 7 doubles, 3 triples, HR, 11 RBIs

· Kaiden Lui, WRH: .482, 27 hits, 7 doubles, 2 triples, HR, 22 RBIs

· Baines Raynor, ED: .480, 36 hits, 28 runs, 10 doubles, triple, 21 SB, 18 RBIs

· Austin Du , ND: .476, 30 hits, 8 doubles, 2 triples, 17 walks, 9 RBIs

· Caden Gavin, WRH: .411, 7 doubles, 2 triples, 7 RBIs

· Holden Williams, ND: .389, 21 hits, 16 RBIs.

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

· Hunt Pate, ND: .382, 21 hits, 14 walks,19 RBIs, 31 runs, 5 doubles, 3 triples

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

· Zach Brown, ED: .356, 26 hits, 29 runs, 5 doubles, triple, HR, 15 RBIs.

· Tanner Kornegay, ND: .349, 22 hits, 32 runs, 17 walks, 16 SB, 6 RBIs

· Mason Grady, JK: .340, 17 hits.

· Hansley McGee, JK: .333, 17 hits.

· Noa Quintanilla, ND: .333, 5 doubles, triple, HR, 16 RBIs.

· Hansley McGee, JK: .333, 17 hits.

· Will Brooks, WRH: .333

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

· Garris Warren, ND: .317, 19 hits, 19 RBIs

· Gavin Holmes, ED: .308, 19 hits, 18 runs,14 RBIs, 13 SB

· Hunter Whitman, JK: .300, 9 RBIs

· Dallas James, WRH: .288, 3 doubles

· Hayden Lovette, WRH: .277, 8 RBIs

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

· Cain Graham, ED: .206, 3 doubles, 3 HRs, 22 RBIs

SOFTBALL

· Addy Higginbotham, ND: .629, 44 hits, 12 doubles, 3 triples, 3 HR, 37 runs 25 RBIs

· Reece Outlaw, ND: .627, 42 hits, 42 runs, 10 doubles, 6 triples, 8 HRs, 36 RBIs

· Jourdan Joe, JK: .627, 37 hits, 16 doubles, 4 HRs, 24 RBIs

· Lilly Fulghum, ND: .617, 37 hits, 38 runs, 11 doubles, 5 triples, 8 HRs, 31 RBIs

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

· Shylah Sloan, JK: .532 32 hits, 6 doubles, 3 triples, 2 HRs

· Ava Noble, ED: .538, 35 hits, 34 runs, 7 doubles, 7 triples, 2 HRs, 16 RBI

· Anna Armstrong, JK: .508, 30 hits, 8 doubles, 7 HRs, 29 RBIs

· Sabrina Batts, HCA: .507, 37 hits, 29 runs, 3 doubles, 2 triples, HR, 22 RBIs

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

· Erin Thibault, Richlands: .451, 37 hits 29 runs, 6 doubles, 3 triples, 7 HRs, 42 RBIs

· Makenzie Goin, Richlands: .448, 1.17 ERA, 153 Ks, 3 walks

· Karsyn Parker, ED: .435, 27 hits, 7 doubles, 16 RBIs, HR

· Mackenzie Jackson, HCA: .426, 26 hits, 20 runs, 19 RBIs

· Marissa Bernal, ND: .404, 4 doubles, triple, HR

· Kinsley Bond, ED: 391, 9 doubles, 2 triples, 2 HRs, 33 RBIs

Morgan Brown, ED: .390, 6 doubles, 13 walks, 19 runs, 13 RBIs

Ady Spence, ND: 388, 26 hits, 4 doubles, triple, HR, 18 RBIs

· Reagan Stapleton, Rich: .375, 30 hits 30 runs, 8 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

· Kenadi Giddons, JK; .367

· Megan Pittman, Richlands: .365, 27 hits, 27 runs, 4 doubles, 2 triples

· M’Chelle Jaco, ND: .361, 2 doubles

· Brianna Carr, HCA: . 359, 22 RBIs

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

· Sophie Sloan, WRH: . 354, 12 RBIs

Iala Overton, ND: . 328, 19 RBIs

Kaylann Leon, JK: .319

· Tashi Allen, Rich: .319, 14 RBIs

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

season and handled the pressure with runners on base. But not this time as Northside-Pinetown lit her up for a .439 average. It will no doubt be a lesson learned from her prep career as she’s also bound for a college diamond.

A two-run shot by Bella Boykin in the fourth led ND coach Jaime Kylis-Higginbotham to pull Fulghum.

Spence got through the fth and sixth unscathed, but Willard got two RBIs with a single and a double over the head of Outlaw in center eld that led to another run via a elder’s choice. It was ironic, though, when Outlaw was struck out as thenal out in the seventh.

ND had cut the margin to 9-2 in the fourth with Bernal’s blast and 9-5 after Outlaw went yard for the eighth time this season. She set single-season school records for runs (60), hits (61), RBIs (50) and HRs (14) as a junior during an all-state season, while hitting .635.

The multisport Outlaw was an all-county basketball and volleyball player the past three seasons.

In those years, ND was 59-13 on the diamond with Outlaw in the lineup and 64-12 with her on the basketball court. The one thing she didn’t accomplish was winning a state title. ND’s lone title came in 2015, though she helped the Rebels capture ve of six regular Carolina Conference crowns in two

sports in three seasons. ND went to the third round of the state tourney in basketball in 2023 and second round last season and in 2022. Before that the Rebels struggled to compete with any school in basketball, winning 20 and losing 197 games in 12 seasons (2009-20).

Dugout chatter

Though it sounds like sour grapes, it would be nice to see the tournament move to a double-elimination format, especially when the bracket is reduced to eight teams as it is in the fourth round.

ND lost Game 1 to East Columbus in the East Region series

Addy

Higginbotham holds her base as her mother and head coach Jaime Kylis Higginbotham directs a runner at second base.

last season and won two in a row to win the series. Despite being hammered by the Panthers, Fulghum wound up 12-1 with a 2.81 ERA, striking out 84 and walking 38 in 74.2 innings. Fulghum, Higginbotham and Outlaw were the top three Rebels in most o ensive categories, including runs, hits, extra-base hits, average and onbase plus slugging percentages. This spring was a coming-out party for Bernal, Spence (.388, 18 RBIs) and M’chelle Jaco (.361), and to some extent freshman Gabby Zamudio (.429 in 12 games) plus classmate and catcher Abigail Norris-Brown (.200, one error all season), while a continuation for leado hitter Iala Overton (.328, 31 runs).

8 Duplin Journal for Thursday, May 23, 2024

EDUARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

ND TRACK from page 7

Hill, Ru n, Faison push to front at 1A track championships

Trashawn Ru n earned bronze in the shot put, and Marcus Hill was fourth in the 400 hurdles

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

GREENSBORO — Trashawn Ru n was motivated to challenge for a gold medal in the shotput.

Marcus Hill put his energy into multiple events and came close to winning a medal in two hurdle races.

Tateyawna Faison’s concentration was the hurdle events and came in just out of the money, though still making her presence known in the nals in both events.

All three chalked up points for North Duplin at Monday’s NSHSAA 1A track and eld championships at North Carolina A&T’s Marcus T. Johnson Track on Monday. The event was moved from Saturday because of rain and wind.

Hill’s best nish came when he hit the tape at 41.58 seconds

HAWKS from page 7

The Hawks o ense clicked once again. Seaforth has scored 169 goals this spring with sophomore Sotia Viana netted a whopping 65 and junior Caitlin Erman knocking in 47.

Sophomores Luisa Olmos and Regan Willauer had 15 and 14, respectively.

Seaforth didn’t allow East Duplin to penetrate into the box, much less take shots. And the Hawks often turned intercepted passes into o ense, choosing to methodically move the ball down eld with three or four pinpoint passes.

The Hawks had possession of the ball the majority of the time, and had several near misses.

East Duplin’s best shot at a

in the 200 hurdles for a bronze medal performance.

The junior went seventh in the 110 hurdles with a 15.42 clocking and was 14th in the triple jump (38.5) and 15thin the long jump (17-6).

“Marcus is a phenomenal runner and coming in as a freshman learned the hurdles,” said ND coach Fred Kennedy. “He made a little noise last year in the 300 hurdles and he’s worked hard with the goal of making it to the next level in college. He’s the one who always says, ‘one more, one more’ after a practice.

ND’s top performance went to Ru n, who heaved his shot put 48-1. for a bronze medal.

Swain County’s Nse U ort set a meet record with a toss of 61-9 to walk o with the event.

Hayesville’s Taylor McClure (5001) was second.

Yet Ru n, a sophomore, has plenty of room to move forward in the future, especially given his work ethic and technique. His e ort earned him the school record.

“He made a goal to throw it 45 feet and got it the second

goal came with six mintues left in the rst half. Seaforth nearly made it 4-0 a minute later when a shot hit the top bar of the goal and fooled ED keeper Isla Miller, who was pressured throughout the match.

The Panthers made its rare third-round appearance by beating Jordan-Matthews and Southwest Onslow by a combined total of 10-2. (See page 8 for a story on the SWO match.)

The rattling East Duplin took does not move the meter dramatically on a season of success that ranks among the best in Panther history.

And while coach Joey Jones loses seniors Rilee Kisler, Elleanna Rogers, Yuliana Chavarria and Ellie Krieger, the cupboard is lled with talent.

meet of the year,” Kennedy said. “Now his goal is 50 feet. He was at the state meet as a freshman, so what he’s done has been pretty impressive.”

Faison, a junior, was sixth in the girls’ 100 hurdles (16.5) and seventh in the 400 hurdles (49.0).

The ND boys tied Pender for the Mid-East Region title, but wound up 25th in the team standings. Swain County (81) edged Mountain Island Charter (75) for the team trophy.

Senior Dujuan Armwood was 13th in the 100 (11.75), Khamari Leak 16th in the long jump (170) and Saniah McNeill 15th in the 300 hurdles (54.4) girls’ race.

ND had two boys’ relay teams qualify. Leak, Armwood, Anthony Kornegay and Kyree Hill were 14th in the 400 relay (45.79) and 13th in the 800 relay (1:37). Both were key when the Rebels were won the 800 and were second in the 400 and at the region meet.

“We didn’t have the kind of depth in all the events to compete for a team title at this level, but all of our kids ran well all the way around,” Kennedy said.

Direct kicks

The Panthers bested records from 2018 (13-9-1) and 2019 (14-9) and 2022 (14-9-1) and every other team since the early 2000s. Freshman Anamarie Rodrigues led the club in goals with 20 and had six assists. Junior Katelyn Jones added 19 scores and three assists. Rogers had 11 goals and eight assists, Kaydance Drinkwater seven scores and four assists. Miranda Roblero (nine goals, seven assists) and Chavarria ( ve goals, seven assists) helped East Duplin tally 3.8 goals and 2.3 assists per game. Twelve other players scored at least a goal for the Panthers.

The future looks bright, even after a lopsided loss to Seaforth, which won its last 15 matches.

Anamarie Rodrigues

East Duplin, girls’ soccer

Anamarie Rodrigues deserves the middle name “Big Goal.”

The freshman scored the winning goal in overtime twice to seal East Duplin’s second ECC title in three seasons.

The triumphs came over Southwest Onslow, and heading into the Panthers’ third-round match with Seaforth she led ED in scoring with 20 goals and six assists.

Last weekend she competed in the 2A track and eld championships in Greensboro and was sixth in the 800-meter race and ran a leg on the Panthers’ bronze-medal-winning 3,200 relay squad.

During the week, she scored a goal and had two assists as ED beat SWO 5-1 in the second round. She also had a cage ringer in a 5-2 rst-round win over JordanMatthews.

ED’s 15-5-2 mark is one of the best in school history. ATHLETE

Duplin Journal for Thursday, May 23, 2024 9

THE WEEK SPONSORED

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EDUARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL EDUARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL Left, Trashawn Ru n set the school record in the shot put in the second meet this spring. He

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was third in the event. Right, ND junior Marcus Hill is new to track but has devoted himself to becoming an athlete who can run and jump into college track and eld.

Four Tiger seniors sign letters of intent to play in college

Armstrong is headed to Meredith College, Kornegay to Brunswick CC, and Arits and Hernandez to NC Wesleyan

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

WARSAW — Anna Morgan Armstrong is excited about heading to the state capital for softball.

Lillie Kornegay is going to stay near the coast for basketball.

And D’Marion Artis and Luis Hernandez will be together when they put on pads and a helmet as Battling Bishops in Rocky Mount.

All four signed letters of intent to continue their sports and academic pursuits last Tuesday in the James Kenan Media Room.

While their respective journeys are di erent, the foursome have commonalities.

“Great students, hard workers and leaders by example,” said Athletics Director Tim Grady, who is also the school’s head football coach. “This is a special day for special students who have opportunities to play a sport while continuing their education.”

Morgan is moving on to play softball at Meredith College.

Kornegay will be shooting and rebounding for Brunswick Community College.

Artis and Hernandez will be huddle-mates for the North Carolina Wesleyan football team.

Each of the soon-to-be grads were lauded, as classmates, family and former coaches and players attended the press conference.

Morgan’s year-round work pays o big

Morgan has been a starter since she was a freshman, yet has played more softball for her trav-

el teams than she did for the Tigers, turning summers into three more “seasons.”

“Four years ago, I saw her and wanted to put her in front of as many colleges coaches,” said Sterling Holmes, assistant coach at Wake Tech, who is also a longtime travel coach for Cross re Premier in Benson.

“She’s an incredible student-athlete, making high grades and practicing about every weekend.”

Armstrong’s path includes the presence of her father, who coached her throughout the youth leagues, and who coached JK for the past two seasons.

“They’ve worked very hard,” Holmes said. “Anna’s going to a good place for softball.

Meredith College, a Division III school in Raleigh, went 19-23 this spring and 61-58 the past three seasons. It has a roster lled with N.C. players, including two from East Central 2A Conference schools and another from Clinton.

Morgan wants to study early childhood education.

“It’s been a very welcoming community,” she said. “I loved what’s going on with softball there and the campus, too.”

Tiger fans have watched Morgan blossom into the face of the program after Rachel Blanchard (Methodist University starter) left two seasons ago.

Morgan went 8-9 in the circle in her nal season, hitting .508 with eight doubles, seven homers and 29 RBIs.

She hit .350 as a junior with 13 RBIs as a junior, .525 with 24 RBIs as a sophomore and .295 her freshman season.

Injuries don’t deter Kornegay

Kornegay said her eyes were opened when she saw Brunswick Community and its athletic facilities.

JK head coach Kenny Williams says she could make her next coaching sta smile with her potential.

“Her best years are de nitely still to come,” Williams said. “She’s only played for three years. We’ve not seen her best.”

Kornegay threw down for 8.3 points, 11.6 rebounds and 2.3 blocks last winter to lead JK to a berth in the 2A playo s all while working through a couple of injuries.

As a junior, she averaged a double-double 13.1 points, 14.2 rebounds. She also guarded the hoop with 2.1 blocks per game.

Yet her being injured hurt JK, especially since she couldn’t play as much with rising star Y’Anna Rivers, a freshman and rstteam all-county player.

Artis was a quiet giant

Artis, known as D’marion in football and Kel in basketball, was a powerful force on both surfaces.

While an all-ECC player in hoops, Artis was a warrior on both lines for the football team.

Yet the 6-foot, 235 pounder played with injuries, too.

“He’s a warrior,” coach Grady said. “He started the season with a knee injury, had his shoulder dislocated, yet was out there doing his job and not complaining.”

Grady said Artis was a force eld that reacted to physical action with increased intensity.

“I have nothing but respect for him,” Grady said. “He kept up his grades, stayed away from the wrong crowd, and the quiet-

Second-round madness: Panthers explode to throttle ECC rival SWO

East Duplin scored ve unasweared goals to plow over Stallions for the third time

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

BEULAVILLE — Anything can happen when playing a rival match. Especially when revenge is a motive. All of it gives meaning to a rematch, such as the one last Thursday when the East Duplin girls soccer team hosted Southwest Onslow in the second round of the 2A playo s.

Some may have gured the match to be a setup, since the Panthers (17-5-2) had slipped past the Stallions twice in overtime to win the ECC regular-season title.

The logic was that No. 12 SWO (10 -7-3) wouldn’t lose three times in a season to a rival. The pendulum would turn in favor of the Stallions, who plowed Edenton Holmes 5- 0 in the rst round.

East Duplin destroyed that narrative with a pair of quick goals to dump-kick SWO 5-1.

Katelyn Jones scored twice and Anamarie Rodrigues had a goal and two assists, while Elleanna Rogers and Kaydance Drinkwater added scores.

It was perhaps the best match of the season for coach Joey Jones’ squad, positioned into a third-round confrontation with No. 4 Seaforth (21-1) on Monday of this week. (See page 7 for the game story.)

Fast start for aggressive Panthers

East Duplin dominated from the opening touch, scoring two goals in less than four minutes. The Panthers made it 4 - 0 by getting scores 17 and nine minutes before halftime as ED held a 10 -2 edge on shots and nearly 100 percent of the momentum.

The Panthers won more 50 -50 balls and had the ball in Stallion ter-

ritory and near the goal most of the time.

This game drew little comparison to the previous two encounters, as ED seemed to play the exception from beginning to end.

Rodrigues raced down the left side and slid a crossing pass to Jones for a goal 1:30 into the match.

Less than three minutes later, Rogers broke her scoring drought with a long boot near the spot where Rodrigues made her pass.

The Stallions were in shock and played as if they were unplugged. They would be classi ed as critical condition just before halftime.

ED kept executing its o ense and controlling the ball, getting at least ve other solid scoring chances before both teams regrouped.

The hustle of Rogers and Bella Gaby were evident and contagious.

Rogers pushed the ball so hard that SWO defenders knocked it out of bounds rather than be run over by the progress of the play.

Gaby made some great throw-ins, a classic ip throw that nearly went in the goal, and showed toughness on the outside. She started plays for her team and ended SWO threats.

Savannah Hill and Zoey Cavanaugh were likewise non-scoring stars.

While Taylor Carper got her 29th goal, ED confused her with its coverag-

Senior Elleanna Rogers scored her 11th goal of the season last week to go with her eight assists. She also provided key play in the mid eld for East Duplin.

“We tweaked our defense to be a diamond and one,”said ED head coach Joey Jones.

Drinkwater turned a rebound into the third goal, stopping to gather the ball and then ripping it to the right corner of the cage.

Rodrigues invaded a passing lane for a steal that lead to a breakaway goal 8:52 before the halftime horn.

Nine minutes into the second half, the Panther freshman set up junior Jones for the fth goal.

By the time Carper scored, SWO was playing for respect and not to advance in the tournament.

East Duplin’s defense in front of goalkeeper Isla Miller was superb, but when she was tested the junior was up to task. All things considered, it couldn’t have been a better performance for the Panthers.

“We got good minutes from all the girls,” said the veteran ED coach. “I have strong rec roots in playing everyone and in this case there wasn’t much of a letdown in terms of our play.

“We’ve had a few that got hurt, so we’ve also moved players around.

“I’d say it was our most complete match. We got a great start, did a lot of things right and played well together.”

er he gets the more powerful and quicker he plays.”

Artis was a “watch me, follow me” leader for the Tigers, who went 15-8 in Artis’ nal two seasons.

Long Islander Hernandez nds football

Hernandez had a less direct route to play college football.

He moved from Long Island, NY, in August of 2021, but turned down Grady’s rst request to get into a football uniform.

Teammate Tristan Diaz convinced him to give it a shot.

“It’s been fun and I’ve learned under some great mentors here,” said Hernandez, who played tight end in JK’s single wing attack that features and expects blocking from that position on every play.

Grady said, “Hernandez followed instructions well and played football even though he had a job.

“Never missed a practice, kept his grades up all while ipping burgers.

“He set a very high standard. I’ve never heard him make an excuse. He just went out and did what he had to do on all fronts. He picked up on the game quickly and was a phenomenal player for us.”

The Battling Bishops, who play NCAA Division 3 football, were 4 -6 last fall after going 7-13 the previous two seasons.

TAKE NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA DUPLIN COUNTY

FILE#2024E000193

The undersigned GAIL D. PADRICK, having quali ed on the 13TH day of MAY, 2024, as EXECUTOR of the Estate of ROSE LEE DAVIS aka ROSE BROWN DAVIS aka ROSE LEE BROWN DAVIS, 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 13TH Day of AUGUST, 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 15TH Day of MAY, 2024.

GAIL D. PADRICK, EXECTOR 290 ARTHUR SLOAN RD. CHINQUAPIN, NC 28521

Run dates: M16,23,30,J6p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA DUPLIN COUNTY

FILE#2024E000154

The undersigned SANDRA G. SWINSON, having quali ed on the 30TH day of APRIL, 2024, as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of ROBERT ANTHONY SWINSON, 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 6TH Day of AUGUST, 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 8TH Day of MAY, 2024.

SANDRA G. SWINSON, ADMINISTRATOR 881 NORWOOD EZZELL RD. MT. OLIVE, NC 28365

10 Duplin Journal for Thursday, May 23, 2024

es.

MICHAEL JAENICKE / DUPLIN JOURNAL Left, head coach Kenny Williams says Lillie Kornegay’s best days on a basketball court will be at Brunswick Community College. a junior college in Bolivia. Center, Four-year JK starter Anna Morgan Armstrong will play softball at Division 3 Meredith College in Raleigh. Right, Luis Hernandez, left, and D’Marion “Kel” Artis will play football at North Carolina Wesleyan. MICHAEL JAENICKE / DUPLIN JOURNAL Luis Hernandez, left, and D’Marion “Kel” Artis will play football at North Carolina Wesleyan. PHOTO COURTESY THURMAN PARKER

obituaries

Tia Lachey Chavis

Sept. 7, 1984 – May 10, 2024 (age 39)

MAGNOLIA — Ms. Tia Lachey Chavis, age 39, of Magnolia passed away on Friday, May 10, 2024 at home.

A viewing was held on Friday, May 17, 2024 at Empact Ministry in Wallace, followed by the funeral service.

Left to cherish her precious memories: one son, Kaden Chasten of Rose Hill; two daughters, Ariah Smith (Xavier) of Charlotte, and Kylie Chasten of Rose Hill; mother, Cynthia Murphy of Teachey; grandmother, Eunice Thomas of Wallace; two brothers, William Murphy, Jr. of Teachey, and Joshua Chavis of Fayetteville; one sister, Jennifer Murphy (Anton) of Magnolia; six aunts, two uncles, ve great-aunts, two great-uncles; numerous cousins and friends that will miss her dearly.

Ernestine Pridgen

March 14, 1950 – May 14, 2024 (age 74)

Ernestine Pridgen, 74, of Ivanhoe, placed her hand in the Master’s hand and entered into her eternal rest early before dawn on May 14, 2024 at home.

Funeral service was Saturday May 18, 2024 at Hawes Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation was held one hour prior to the service. Interment followed in the Jumping Run Cemetery of Ivanhoe.

Nancy Summerlin Goodson

Dec. 11, 1931 – May 11, 2024 (age 92)

Nancy Carol Summerlin Goodson passed away on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at UNC-Lenoir Hospital in Kinston, following an extended illness.

Born in Duplin County on Dec. 11, 1931, she was the daughter of the late Robert Lee Summerlin and Cornelia Kilpatrick Summerlin Jernigan. The youngest of nine children, she grew up in the Summerlin’s Crossroads community and attended B.F. Grady School.

On Sept.11, 1948, she married the love of her life, Archibald Bernard Goodson. They reared their four children in Greenville and Kinston. Through the years, she steadfastly worked behind the scenes, volunteering her time and talents to the well-being and interests of

Nancy A. Haney

Aug. 7, 1959 – May 16, 2024 (age 64)

Nancy Alphin Haney of the Alum Springs Church area near Mount Olive, passed away Thursday morning, May 16, 2024, at her home. She was 64.

Nancy had attended B.F. Grady School and graduated from East Duplin HIgh School. She obtained an associate degree in early childhood education from James Sprunt Community College. She was a well-liked and much-loved teacher’s assistant at B. F. Grady School where she taught and loved hundreds of children during her 33 years of service. Nancy was a member of the Alum Springs Missionary Baptist Church.

She leaves behind her son, Michael Haney, and his wife, Samantha, of Mount Olive; a sister-in-law, Candy Alphin of Pink Hill; step-grandchildren, Daisy Outlaw with companion, R. J. Williams of Beulaville, and Braxton Outlaw of Mount Olive; a step-great-grandson, Hunter Williams of Beulaville; and several cousins, and other loved ones, along with many friends.

Nancy joins in death, her parents, Ben Frank “Dick” Alphin and Louise Potter Alphin; her biological father, Grover R. Williams; and her three brothers, W.T. Gu ord, James Glenn Gu ord, and Joseph Franklin Alphin. Visitation was held Sunday, May 19, at Tyndall Funeral Home in Mount Olive, with funeral services following in the funeral home chapel.

O ciating was the Rev. Ashley Summerlin. Her burial followed the service at the Potter Cemetery at Albertson. Flowers are welcome.

her immediate and extended family. She was especially devoted to supporting her children’s activities.

As a longtime member of Spilman Memorial Baptist Church, since the early 1960s, she served there in a number of ways. She was also a loving caregiver to her husband in his nal 13 years of illness and declining health.

An avid reader, she enjoyed keeping current with the times. Her sharp and inquiring mind, remained so, all her days, even as she endured years of failing physical health. She never missed an opportunity to recognize goodness in others and express her appreciation of all the help and good deeds she received from those she considered to be “angels among us.”

Nancy was a woman of faith, full of unconditional love and devotion to family and friends. She was a model of that faith, perseverance, honesty, and kindness to all she encountered. Her generous, loving ways, and her warm sense of humor and fun will be missed by all who were blessed to have had her in their lives. She loved and was loved beyond measure.

She was predeceased by her husband of 47 years, her parents and her siblings. She is survived by her children: son, Paul Bernard Goodson (Martha) of Morrisville, her daughter,

Marilyn P. Heckman

Oct. 20, 1934 – May 16, 2024 (age 89)

Marilyn Padgett Heckman, longtime Faison resident, passed away Thursday morning, May 16, 2024, at her home.

She had been employed as laboratory supervisor at Chas. F. Cates & Son Pickle Company in Faison. In later years, she assisted in the o ce at the town hall for the Town of Faison. She was a member of Faison Presbyterian Church.

Mrs. Heckman is survived by a son, J. W. Vinson and wife, Susan, of Faison; a daughter, Deborah Mize of Faison, along with a special friend, Travis Williams of Salemburg; grandchildren, Aaron Sessoms, Kennedy Grace Vinson, Justin Arnette and wife, Liz, Sarah Boberg and husband, Bradley, and Jamie Miller and husband, Ryan; six greatgrandchildren; stepchildren, Leslie Heckman and wife, Gail, Bobby Heckman, and Andrea Heckman; a halfbrother, Spencer Padgett of Fayetteville; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Alvin Heckman; parents, Frank Padgett and Lizzy Mae Andrews Padgett; a brother, Douglas Padgett; halfsister, Sandra Padgett; and a granddaughter, Marianne Faith Vinson.

Mrs. Heckman’s life was remembered at a graveside service held Sunday, May 19, in the Faison Cemetery. O ciating were Bradley and Dr. Sarah Boberg. The family greeted friends at the cemetery at the conclusion of the service.

James Randall “Randy” Brinson

July 20, 1957 – May 17, 2024 (age 66)

James Randall “Randy” Brinson, age 66, of Wallace passed from this life to his eternal rest on Friday, May 17, 2024 at ECU Health Duplin Hospital.

He was born on July 20, 1957, in Duplin County; the son of the late James D. and Penny McNeil Brinson.

Surviving to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 48 years, Susan Jarman Brinson; daughter, Shannon Sykes and husband Terrance of Warsaw; grandchildren, Tyler Brinson and ancé Aliyah, Zach Brinson and Jaydn Stanley; brother, Tracy Brinson of Wallace; sister, Debbie B. Carter of Wallace; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends that loved Randy dearly.

Randy was a devoted husband and caring father, grandfather, and brother. He was a simple man who enjoyed simple things, but his greatest joy was his family, especially his grandchildren. Randy was not just a mechanic, he was the “best master technician” and could x almost anything. He was employed for over 40 years as an auto technician at the Ford dealerships in Wallace. In his spare time, Randy enjoyed any kind of drag racing. With a big heart Randy would give the shirt o his back to anyone in need. He loved to joke and make others laugh. Most of all, Randy had a personal relationship with the Lord and today is in the presence of Jesus. He will be missed but never forgotten.

Graveside funeral service was held on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at Riverview Memorial Park, Watha with the Reverend Charles Corbett o ciating.

The family received friends on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home in Wallace.

Barbara Goodson Turcotte (Bill) of Greenville, her son, Dennis Gregory Goodson (Donna) of Wendell, and her daughter, Brenda Goodson Hudson (Brian) of Raleigh. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Elizabeth Goodson, Kathryn Goodson Wright (Dave), Billy Turcotte, Nancy Turcotte Dover (Miles), Robert Turcotte (Ginny), Josh Goodson (Kelley), Greg Goodson (Morgan), Rachel Hudson Morrison (David), Ryan Hudson; and her greatgrandchildren, Elizabeth Turcotte, Blake Dover, Chase Dover, Madison Goodson, Mason Goodson, Worth Goodson, James Morrison and Catherine Morrison; and her beloved sister-in-law, Isabelle Goodson Mallory of Mount Olive, and many special nieces, nephews and other extended family members.

The Goodson family had visitation at Tyndall Funeral Home on Saturday, May 18, with a service following in the chapel. O ciating was Dr. Powell Dew. Burial followed in Maplewood Cemetery in Mount Olive.

In lieu of owers, the family has suggested that memorials be made to Spilman Memorial Baptist Church, 601 Madiison Ave., Kinston, NC 28501, or to the charity of one’s choice.

Aug. 5, 1955 – May 11, 2024 (age 68)

Earl Lorenzo McIver, 68, of Warsaw, answered the Master’s call on May 11, 2024 in Pender County. Funeral Service was Friday, May 17, 2024 at Kenansville Eastern Missionary Baptist Association (KEMBA) of Warsaw. Visitation was held one hour prior to the service. Interment was Tuesday May 21, 2024 at the Eastern Carolina State Veteran’s Cemetery of Goldsboro. In lieu of owers, the family requests donations be made to help toward funeral expenses.

Ray Alton Rivenbark

Aug. 8, 1938 – May 11, 2024 (age 85)

Ray Alton Rivenbark, age 85, of Willard left this world on Saturday, May 11, 2024, to be forever with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ forevermore. As he transferred residence, he was surrounded by his loving family.

Born on Aug. 8, 1938, in Pender County, Ray was the son of the late Robert and Bessie Shepard Rivenbark. He was also preceded in death by his son, Randy Ray Rivenbark; his brothers, Henry Rivenbark and Acie Rivenbark; and sister, Minnie Jean Rackley. Ray was a dedicated member of The Church of Pentecostal Gathering where he served as Deacon.

Surviving to cherish his memories is his best friend and devoted wife of 66 years, Mary James Rivenbark; his loving daughter, Barbara Ann Outlaw and husband, Steve; six grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; his beloved canine companion, Bella; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends that loved Ray dearly. Ray was a good husband and caring father, grandfather and brother. He was a simple man who enjoyed simple things, but his greatest joy was family. Ray worked at J.P. Stevens for over 43 years before retiring. During his employment, he met many people and acquired many lasting relationships. Ray loved people and enjoyed family gatherings as well as church dinners and gatherings. He especially enjoyed sitting around his table with friends and family enjoying Mary’s delicious home-cooked meals. Many discussions of the Lord, life and the world have taken place around his table and many relationships have developed. Ray loved his church and was faithful to it. He was a hard worker, always looking out for the best interests of the church. With a humble spirit, a big heart and a sweet smile Ray was loved by all. Most of all, Ray loved Jesus and gave his life to him many years ago. Now in Heaven, he has seen Jesus and is happier than ever before. He ran the race, and he kept the faith. We will miss Ray’s wit, smile and laughs, but we rejoice that he is at peace with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ forevermore.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at The Church of Pentecostal Gathering, Wallace, with Pastor Rodney Bonham o ciating.

July 15, 1962 – May 16, 2024 (age 61)

WARSAW — Ms. Carrie J. Williams, 61, completed her earthly journey on Thursday, May 16, 2024 at ECU Duplin Hospital, Kenansville. Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

11 Duplin Journal for Thursday, May 23, 2024

Vennie Brock

Oct. 2, 1956 – May 11, 2024 (age 67)

Vincent Dean Brock, better known as Vennie Brock, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at his home in Middlesex.

A native of Faison, he had been a Middlesex resident for many years. It was here that he served the town and its people as police o cer, then police sergeant, and then was named chief of police. Vennie’s career in law enforcement began in Rose Hill and then Warsaw, before relocating to Middlesex.

He is survived by two brothers and a sister-in-law, Danny A. and Sheila Brock of Faison, and Michael W. Brock of Faison; a sister (in-law), Barbara “Bobbie” Brock of Faison; nephews and nieces, Chris Brock, Dawn Brock Bishop, Monty Brock, Doane Brock, Benjy Brock, Brandi Campbell, Michael Brock, and Briana Brock, and their families. Vennie is also survived by a dear friend of many years, Joanne Price of Middlesex, along with the Price family.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Gertrude B. Brock; his father, William Albert Brock; two brothers, Randy Gene Brock and Gary Mark Brock; a sister, Jennifer Michelle B. Turner; and three infant sibling, Phillip Doane Brock, Wanda June Brock, and Sheila Annette Brock.

His family will have a private service at which they will remember Vennie’s life.

The property located on Prospect Street used to be the home of Jay McCoy, according to Commissioner Tommy Jones, who worked in the Public Works Department over two decades ago and knew the family.

“We’re supposed to have (records) so we can go back and pull records up at any time. There should be some records of Jay McCoy paying water and sewer. … He worked for me, for the town, for 10 years,” said Jones. “I know that property had a water and sewer tap because we made that water and sewer tap.”

Commissioner Jones shared with the board that in the past when a person moved out of a home, the policy was for the town to take the meter and put a lock on it and when the next person would move in, they would restore the service.

Lea Turner, Warsaw’s Town Manager said the tap was not a viable line, explaining that after Public Works investigated, they reported the line did not have water.

“A new tap has to be connected so that you have water to the address,” Turner told Lennon.

Craig Armstrong, the Public Works supervisor told the board that upon inspection, “there was a three-quarter inch line sticking straight up. No valve, no nothing.”

He explained that the line to the main is across the road and to nd out what is going on, and nd where the tap is at, they would need to dig up a whole section of the road that has asphalt and cement. Armstrong explained that when they run across a viable tap, they let the town manager know so the town can issue a refund.

“When he talked to me about it, we went over there and the only thing that was there was a three-quarter inch line sticking up out of the meter box. So that tells me right here that the service has not been viable for years,” said Armstrong.

Duplin Journal

When Lennon questioned Public Works about the shuto valve, Armstrong responded that his technician put a cap on the line.

“At rst when I inquired about it, they were telling me there was no service there,” said Lennon. “There was no record of service there. So, I took a shovel, and I dug down to that shut-o valve. Buddy went over, cut o the shuto valve and put a cap on it. Now he is sitting there telling me there was no shut-o valve there. I don’t think that is fair.” Lennon proceeded to share the photographs he took of the shut-o valve. After some discussion, the technician asked the mayor to correct himself.

“I believe it might have been a valve there. Maybe I cut the valve o . In order to make sure there was no water on that line. … When I cut the line, I capped it, but there is no water on the line.”

Mayor A.J. Connors called for a pause, so the board could address other agenda items and go back to Lennon’s issue at the end.

Upon returning to the discussion about Lennon’s tap, Armstrong requested to speak and provided a recap of the actions taken by his department, then explained that because they don’t know the location of the tap, he would not recommend digging for it due to the cost involved.

“In a situation like that, it’s a whole lot easier just to leave that tap abandoned and install a new tap,” said Armstrong.

After much discussion, the board approved a motion to absorb the cost of the meter for Lennon’s water line. He will be charged a restoration fee. While the Board agreed that record keeping was key, the concern is having enough manpower.

“Something needs to be done in this town, on the way things are handled,” Lennon told Duplin Journal, pointing out the lack of accountability and the hurdles needed to get

some type of resolution.

“They told me there was no water there — because it was buried — so I physically went out, dug it up, took a picture of it. That is when they called [public Works] for an investigation. Instead of him [technician] reporting back and taking pictures he went, cut the cuto valve, and put a cap on it and said it was just a pipe on the ground,” said Lennon.

“I don’t know how long the Town of Warsaw has been doing this to people, but I just happened to be one of the ones who actually spoke out on it.”

“No one has records of James McCoy paying the water bill. Where is the record at? They didn’t have records of the people on West College Street living there paying the water bill. ... The water meter is still there. … “They don’t have records. It doesn’t make sense… The guy lived there and raised his family in that building. I just happened to purchase the property and started renovating the building.”

“If you got no records, you can’t show credibility,” said Lennon.

“And when this situation came out the town manager wanted to take my $900 from [the property on West College Street/Highway 24] and apply it to this and asked me to pay another $900 for the sewer tap,” said Lennon.

“When I got involved, they told me there was no water there. … I took a picture of that meter and the other two boxes. And then they tell me it is disconnected, you gotta pay for a tap,” Lennon told Duplin Journal, adding that he paid for it and later went in front of the board like he did this time.

“They kept my money for three months before they returned it to me and I was unaware until one of the managers asked me if I got my refund,” said Lennon.

“I don’t know what kind of shenanigans is going on in the township of Warsaw, but how long has it been going on like this?” he said.

12 Duplin Journal for Thursday, May 23, 2024 Join the conversation SUBSCRIBE TO DUPLIN JOURNAL TODAY 919-663-3232 | duplinjournal.com

WARSAW from page 1

Duplin Journal Vol. 9, Issue 13

Duplin Journal

Warsaw man raises concerns about town’s record keeping

the BRIEF this week

Duplin leaders pivotal in getting NC youth outdoors

Magnolia to relocate sewer plant’s electrical service

DUPLIN CALENDAR

SPONSORED BY

USDA now accepting applications for organic certi cation funding

Two longtime employees retire from Duplin County Schools

THE CONVERSATION

The world’s — and the Paciﬁc Rim’s — disastrous population implosion

The prosecution has made its case

14 local volunteer re departments receive more than $300K in grants

House of Raeford awards $80,000 in scholarships

Town of Magnolia, NC is Accepting Upset Bids

Rose Hill budget up for adoption at June meeting

The land use plan process moves forward

DUPLIN SPORTS

Panthers’ Pickett makes mark at 2A track championships

Baseball/Softball Leaderboard

BASEBALL

SOFTBALL

Hill, Ru n, Faison push to front at 1A track championships

Direct kicks

Anamarie Rodrigues

East Duplin, girls’ soccer

Four Tiger seniors sign letters of intent to play in college

Second-round madness: Panthers explode to throttle ECC rival SWO

obituaries

Tia Lachey Chavis

Nancy A. Haney

Marilyn P. Heckman

James Randall “Randy” Brinson

Ray Alton Rivenbark

Vennie Brock

Duplin Journal