the BRIEF this week
Free English as a Second Language classes
Faison
Beginning Sept. 16, Faison Methodist Church will offer English classes for adults. Classes will be Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dinner will be provided at each class. The classes will help students become proficient in English. Contact info@faisonchurch. org or visit faisonchurch.org/ ESL for more information.
September is National Senior Center Month
Duplin County
This month shines a light on the labor of 171 senior centers across 96 counties in N.C. that provide access to information, meal and wellness programs, socialization, and more to older adults and their caregivers. For information about what Duplin Senior Services has to offer in your town or municipality, call 910-296-2140.
RDS Parent Night for graduating seniors set for Sept. 17
Kenansville
The five high schools in Duplin County have partnered to host an RDS Parent Night for all graduating seniors at JSCC on Tuesday, Sept. 17. Establishing N.C. residency is required to apply to any college or university in the state. N.C. residency is separate from U.S. citizenship. Residency Determination Service (RDS) allows the use of one residency determination for admissions applications to multiple N.C. colleges and universities and to demonstrate residency eligibility for state grant purposes.
Honoring 9/11 heroes
The Fountaintown Volunteer Fire Department hosted its annual 9/11 Memorial Walk on Saturday. They were joined by members of the Back Swamp Volunteer Fire Department and the community as “a tribute to the bravery, sacrifice, and resilience that will never be forgotten,” a Facebook post read. “Together, we remember, reflect, and show that we will always stand united.”
18 residents at local assisted living facility look forward to visiting polls
Early voting starts Oct. 17
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
WITH ELECTIONS around the corner, many citizens in Duplin County are looking forward to making their votes count.
Carrie Sullivan, Duplin County Board of Elections director, shared with Duplin Journal the efforts of an assist-
ed living facility that is going above and beyond to help their residents be able to vote in the upcoming election.
Duplin no longer low-performing school district
“Megan (Freeman) has worked with her team to get any resident that wants to vote registered and has partnered with us to get the free voter ID cards,” said Sullivan, explaining that Freeman, who is the administrator of Wallace Rehabilitation and Healthcare Duplin County Schools received mixed performance grades
See VOTING, page A6
Carrie Sullivan (left) sits next to Annette Henderson (seated) and her daughter Marian Vann at Wallace Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center as residents celebrated getting their voter IDs.
Duplin Board of Education adopts antibullying resolution
“Every child bullied must know that there is someone that is standing with them, and that they will be protected and not violated, whether in person or on social media.”
The Rev. Michael McDougald Sr., KEMBA
DCS also shows support for board member Reginald Kenan
By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal
KENANSVILLE — The Duplin County Board of Education adopted an antibullying resolution proposed by the Kenansville Eastern Missionary Baptist Association as part of its consent agenda during the regular monthly meeting on Sept. 3. The Revs. Michael McDougald Sr. and James Faison III appeared on behalf of KEMBA to formally present the resolution to the school board.
“We, the members of the Kenansville Eastern Missionary Baptist Association, which serves this county,
along with four of the surrounding counties, and 46 constituent churches, have seen the need for a stance against the common recurrence of bullying occurring in our school system,” McDougald stated. “Our children are an invaluable gift to us, and we must nurture and protect, especially the area of education, where they should be able to attend our educational institutions without fear of intimidation from others who may be void of care and decency, or either compassion as it relates to differences in social circumstances and economics or race or religion or even gender identity in the age in which we live now,” he continued. “Every child bullied must know that
See BOARD, page A3
By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal
WHEN THE North Carolina Department of Public Instruction released its annual accountability results Sept. 4, Duplin County Schools were no longer designated a low-performing district.
“Moving the district out of low-performing status is a significant milestone, and it’s a testament to the dedication of our amazing staff,” said DCS Superintendent Austin Obasohan. “I truly believe our principals, teachers, and staff are among the best in the nation, and I have full confidence that we will keep building on this progress.”
However, Duplin schools earned mixed grades, with one school, Duplin Early College High School, scoring a B, while
The Revs. James Faison III, left, and Michael McDougald Sr. spoke to the Duplin County Board of Education about a resolution against bullying at the Sept. 3 meeting.
six earned C’s, three earned D’s and three were graded F. State and federal accountability model results include school performance grades, growth outcomes, graduation rates, ACT, ACT WorkKeys and the progress of English learners. “Schools are held to expectations of meeting interim measures of progress leading to 10-year, long-term goals for career and college readiness,” a press release from Duplin County Schools stated.
The grades are broken down by school as follows:
• Duplin Early College High School: B
• Chinquapin Elementary: C
• East Duplin High School: C
• James Kenan High School: C
• North Duplin Elementary: C
• North Duplin Jr./Sr. High: C
THE DUPLIN COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
See SCHOOLS, page A6
ABBY CAVENAUGH / DUPLIN JOURNAL
COURTESY MEGAN FREEMAN
COURTESY FOUNTAINTOWN VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
THURSDAY 9.12.24
WEEKLY FORECAST
THURSDAY
“Join the conversation”
Duplin Journal
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To report crime anonymously, call the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 910-372-9202 or you may also submit information at cc.southernsoftware.com/ tipsubmission/ through the Duplin County Citizens Connect website.
MARRIAGE LICENSES
Anita Marie Savage, Duplin County Register of Deeds issued 28 marriage licenses for the month ending on Aug. 31.
• Sonya Gail Giovengo, Chinquapin, and Marc Anthony Ramsey, Chinquapin; Amy Leigh Amburgey, Wallace, and Daryl Wayne Keyser, Wallace;
• Darryl Patrick Shipman, South Carolina, and Mafalda Seferina Bonilla Galvez, Rose Hill; Maria Isabel Arreaga Roblero, Seven Springs, and Marino Ricardo Morales Bravo, Seven Springs;
Sept. 12-14
• Get ready for a fun-filled weekend at the 2024 Duplin Agribusiness Fair on Sept. 12-14. The event will feature agricultural exhibits, thrilling carnival rides, and all your favorite fair food delights at the Duplin Events Center on Sept. 12, 5-10 p.m., Sept. 13, 5-10 p.m., and Sept. 14, noon-10 p.m. Visit duplinfair.com to learn more.
Sept. 13
• On Sept. 13-15 Charity School Alumni Association will celebrate their 35th anniversary weekend. The public is invited to participate in the weekend celebration, which kicks off with game night at the Charity Missions Center on Sept, 13, followed by dinner and dancing at the Mad Boar Restaurant on Sept. 14 at 6 p.m. and concluding with a day of worship at the New Christian Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, located at 2283 NC-11 in Rose Hill, at 10 a.m. on Sept. 15. Call 910-284-0365 for more information.
Sept. 14
• Pet Day in the Park, sponsored by Pet Friends of Duplin County will take place Sept. 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Clement Street Park in Wallace. The event will feature a doggie kissing booth, petting zoo, food trucks and more!
• Visit Tara Creek for a fun day of barrel racing. Gates open at 9 a.m. with exhibitions beginning at 10 a.m. Pee Wee begins at 1:45 p.m. Youth and Open to
Leo Dan Lopez Velazquez, Rocky Point, and Deyvi Yuliana Hernandez Chun, Rocky Point;
• Angel Aldair Gonzalez, Seven Springs, and Esmeralda Venegas, Seven Springs; Kensi Marilyn Cruz Guevara, Rose Hill, and Manuel Adolfo Perdomo, Rose Hill;
• Julia Gray Smith, Teachey, and Marco Antonio Lainez Rivera, Teachey;
• Wener Osbeli Navarro Orozco, Warsaw, and Mayra Mercedes Monge, Warsaw; Brayan Geovany Hernandez Arriaga, Magnolia, and Londy Yuyu Natareno Izaguirre, Magnolia;
DUPLIN CALENDAR
follow. Tara Creek is located at 136 Robert Hobbs Rd., Faison.
Sept. 21
• The Cops and Bobbers Youth Fishing Tournament hosted by Wallace Police Department will be on Saturday, Sept. 21 at Farrior Park in Wallace. The event is free and starts at 8 a.m. but participants can register at wprd.recdesk.com for different time slots. Spots are limited.
Sept. 28
• Explore a diverse selection of wines and meads at the NC Muscadine Festival on Sept. 28 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Duplin Events Center, located at 195 Fairgrounds Drive in Kenansville
Oct. 5
• Enjoy a day of fun in downtown Wallace on Oct. 5, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice. The event will feature free gifts or discounts at participating stores, gift tote bags, a seashell dish, $5 coupon to use at the food truck or ice cream cart. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the following locations: This Little Pig, A Cook’s Cupboard and Traveling Gypsy.
Lee Roy Washington Jr, Beulaville, and Kameesha Mone Leak, Beulaville;
• Jarrett Michael Bryant, Warsaw, and Denneen Late Dixon, Warsaw;
• Marvin Alonso Rivera Alvarado, Rose Hill, and Ana Mariela Lanza Cruz, Rose Hill;
• Casey Junior Tebo, Rose Hill, and Natalie Marie Bachman, Rose Hill;
• Judy Carolyn Kornegay, Beulaville, and George William Pickett, Chinquapin; Rumaldo Chilel Romero, Faison, and Norma Nohemy Gonzalez, Faison;
Happening Monthly
• The Duplin County Board of County Commissioners meets the first and third Monday of each month at 6 p.m., at 224 Seminary St. in Kenansville. For information, call 910-296-2100.
• The Beulaville town board meets the first Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at 508 East Main St. in Beulaville. For more information, call 910-298-4647.
• The Town of Calypso meets at the council chambers the first Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at 103 W. Trade Street. For information, call 919-658-9221.
• The Faison town board meets the first Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m., at 110 NE Center St. in Faison. For more information, call 910-267-2721.
• The Economic Development Board meets the first Friday of the month at 7 a.m. at the Duplin County Airport Conference Room.
• The Greenevers town board meets the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at 314 E. Charity Road. For information, call 910-289-3078.
• The Teachey town board meets the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at 116 East
Christopher Keith Stiles, Mt Olive, and Erin Bethany Lambert, Mt Olive;
• James Edward Smith Jr, Kenansville, and Luchelle Annette Brinson, Kenansville;
• Calvin Wayne Barham, Warsaw, and Susan Lynn Frederick, Warsaw;
• Destiny Hope Rabon, Beulaville, and Waylon Glenn Sholar, Wallace;
• Alysia Renee West, Albertson, and Ryan Henry Parker, Albertson; Elizabeth Mae Hunt, Teachey, and Zaccarhia James Scrip, Burgaw;
2nd St. For information, call 910-285-7564.
• The Warsaw town board meets the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at 121 S. Front St. For information, call 910-293-7814.
• The Magnolia town board meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at 108 Taylor St. in Magnolia. For information, call 910-289-3205.
• The Rose Hill town board meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m., at 103 Southeast Railroad St. For more information, call 910-289-3159.
• The Duplin County Health Department is offering Diabetes Self Management Classes from 1-5 p.m., the second and fourth Wednesday of every month at 340 Seminary St. in Kenansville. For information, call 910-372-9178.
• The Wallace town council meets the second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at 316 East Murray St. in Wallace. For more information, call 910-285-4136.
• Duplin County Beekeepers meets the second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Duplin Extension Center.
• Friends of Horticulture meet the third Thursday of each month at 6 p.m., at the Duplin Extension Center.
• The Duplin County Airport Commission Board meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Duplin County Airport.
Leslee Michelle Sanmiguel, Clinton, and Adolfo Encarnacion Hernandez, Rose Hill;
• Ethelvina Gonzalez Perez, Mount Olive, and Hugo Jimenez Vasquez, Mount Olive;
Alejandro Garcia-Ramirez, Illinois, and Anayeli Ramirez Sanchez, Mount Olive;
• Alvaro Hernandez Shilon Jr., Mt. Olive, and Yorleni Maribel Vasquez Vasquez, Mount Olive; Ethan Aaron Lanier, Pink Hill, and Casey Ree Strickland, Pink Hill;
• Kaitlyn Elizabeth Dail, Rose Hill, and Jordan Kyle Henderson, Rose Hill.
Monthlong celebration commemorates National Hispanic Heritage Sept. 15 to Oct. 15
Q&A with Cindy Zuniga Nolasco, a Duplin County Health Department public health educator
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
A MONTHLONG celebration that runs from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 celebrates the positive impacts of Latinos and Hispanic Americans whose ancestors came from Central and South America, Mexico, Spain and the Caribbean.
National Hispanic Heritage Month coincides with national independence days in various Latin American countries and dates back to 1968. Originally a weeklong celebration, it was expanded to a month in 1988 and passed into law by President Ronald Reagan.
Duplin Journal will be shining a light on Latinos — who make up 23.2% of the county’s population —whose service and dedication make a difference in our community.
This week, Duplin Journal in-
vited Cindy Zuniga Nolasco, Duplin County Health Department public health educator, to join us and share a bit about her roots.
She is 22 years old and was born and raised in Duplin County, She is the oldest child in a family of six.
Can you share a bit about your own cultural identity?
My cultural identity is being
JSCC receives national recognition
James Sprunt ranks No. 11 among community colleges in the nation
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
LAST WEEK, James Sprunt Community College announced a special milestone as it was recently ranked the No. 11 Best Community College in the U.S. in a national assessment by SmartAsset. James Sprunt Community College was among the 616 schools who were included in the assessment. Nine out of the top 15 schools on the list are located in North Carolina.
“This recognition is based on our strong performance in key areas such as full-time retention rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and in-state tuition and fees,” stated the JSCC announcement. “We are proud of
BOARD from page A1
there is someone that is standing with them, and that they will be protected and not violated, whether in person or on social media. We thank you for allowing us to present this resolution to this board tonight, to stand firm with children on a unified approach to academic excellence in our county schools.”
Faison, who drafted the resolution, is a district court judge serving New Hanover and Pender counties, and he also pastors Byrd’s Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, which is a member of KEMBA.
“School is a place where stu-
this accomplishment and the momentum it will surely provide for the future.”
JSCC has a 75% retention rate, which is only 6% less than the top ranked school with a retention rate of 81%.
“JSCC is running in the pack and is part of an outstanding Community College System,” stated the announcement.
Among the initiatives the college has taken to help students this year are child care aid, scholarships for curriculum and continuing education, and tutoring support.
“At JSCC, we are truly honored to receive this recognition. We take pride in providing students with a quality education that will prepare them for their next step, whether it’s working on continuing their education or entering the workforce,” wrote Shakeena White, associate vice president of Student Services.
dents and parents should be able to look forward to for their children, not having fear of it as a war zone but as a place to learn,” Faison said. “[School is] a place to develop new relationships, explore new horizons and meet new people, and a place to bolster and flourish their ideas and pursue their dreams. Oftentimes, they’re met with this menace, this negative force of bullying, which should not be tolerated.”
Though there are already a number of policies in place to combat bullying in Duplin County Schools, the KEMBA resolution is another step toward mitigating the problem.
able to speak two languages, English and Spanish. Although I was born in the United States, I have family roots in Honduras. We love to have family gatherings with food and music.
What does National Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
National Hispanic Heritage Month means to me celebrating freedom. It means embracing our culture with our music, food and natural drinks traditions. It is celebrating our beautiful Hispanic culture with pride.
What is your driving force?
My driving force is my family. My sisters, Keidy, Sophia and Ally, force me to be a better person because they look up to me. But most importantly my parents, Argelia Nolasco and Fredin Zuniga. My parents came to the United States to provide me with a better future. I owe them for that because now I can do the things they dreamed of doing when they were younger.
What has your experience been like growing up within the Hispanic community?
My experience growing up within the Hispanic community has been impressive. I see a lot of the Hispanic children that I grew up with that are breaking barriers that hinder our parents from doing things in their own country. Our community is growing and glowing. We are making our culture proud.
What has been the biggest change/challenge that you had to overcome as a Latino/a?
The biggest challenge I have had to overcome as a Latina first-generation student was having to learn how to navigate college on my own. I had to learn through it myself. My parents did not have that privilege, but I made it happen and I wasn’t going to let anything stop me from accomplishing my dreams and making them proud.
What is something you wish people would understand more about Latinos?
Something I wish people would understand about Latinos is that we are here to succeed for our families. If you go to their countries, you will understand the situations that happen there.
What traditions do you still practice that are connected to your heritage?
The traditions that I still practice that make me feel connected to my heritage are celebrating the day of Independence on Sept. 15, Semana Santa (Good Friday), Navidad (Christmas), and Año Nuevo (New Year). I love enjoying food such as Baleadas (homemade flour tortilla with beans, Central American cream, and cheese), and pollo frito con tajadas (fried banana plantains, cabbage, tomato sauce, shredded cheese, and fried chicken). Can’t forget the tradition of eating tamales at Christmas.
“We know you already have polices and things in place to address this issue and to encourage reporting, and to encourage adults to intervene,” Faison said. “Also, to let our children know they have a safe place to turn because there are adults around them who will listen and lend an ear, and they will not be prejudged. Tonight, we thank you for accepting this resolution and taking this stance, so our children in Duplin County will know they have support, and they’ll be able to pursue their dreams without fear of negative encounters.”
In other business at the Sept. 3 meeting, Board Member
Reginald Kenan expressed his thanks to his fellow members of the board and DCS staff for the care they’ve shown to him after the passing of his mother.
“When people do things for you, you should always say thank you,” he said. “And tonight, I say thank you all for all the love.”
During his report, Superintendent Austin Obasohan also spoke about the passing.
“On behalf of DCS, Mr. Kenan, we love you and continue to pray for you,” he said. “We know how much you love your mom. It’s a loving family, and this is not something that goes away in one day. We will contin-
ue to pray for your comfort.” Also in his report, Obasohan thanked Lindsay Skidmore, Erica Jones and Lindsay Ginn for their work in taking on extra duties after the retirement of Christy Johnson, who was the executive director of public relations and beginning teacher licensure support. “These three wonderful professionals have handled the extra responsibilities with class,” he said.
Obasohan also reported that the first day of school had gone very smoothly. “We are happy to return,” he said.
The Board of Education will next meet at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 1.
A
Cindy Zuniga Nolasco
COURTESY JAMES SPRUNT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
James Sprunt Community College, located in Kenansville, was recently ranked among the top 11 best community colleges in the nation.
THE CONVERSATION
Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor
| JIMMY DIXON
Nov. 5 — the most important election of our lifetime
They knew our rights come from God, not government.
WE ARE ABOUT TWO MONTHS away from the Nov. 5 general election, and you are hearing political pundits say, “This is the most important election in our lifetime.” One of the objectives of this article is to persuade you that, indeed, the elections on Nov. 5, 2024, are the most important elections of our lifetime.
In 1776, George Mason cautioned future generations, saying, “No free government, or the blessings of liberty can be preserved to any people, but by frequent recurrence to fundamental principles.” Should we not also understand that a frequent recurrence to fundamental principles is also necessary for the security of individual rights?
Each generation must be reminded about the reasons our founders established a constitutional republic and of the principles by which it was established. John Adams is credited with saying, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”
Four years ago in 2020, many folks said and heard from others that the elections of that year were the most important of our lifetime. That is the year Roy Cooper was reelected to his second term and Dan Forest lost the election for governor. My goodness! What a difference there
COLUMN | DAVID HARSANYI
has been as a result of that election. As of today, Cooper has vetoed 101 bills, many of which passed with bipartisan support in the General Assembly.
One needs only to consider some of his vetoes to gauge Cooper’s founding principles. He vetoed Photo ID, Limiting abortion after 12 weeks, N.C. Farm Act (S582), Parents Bill of Rights (S49), Fairness in Women’s Sports (H574), Gender Transition for Minors (H808) and Election Law Changes (747). So Cooper and the Democrat Party says we don’t need photo ID to vote even though a Constitutional amendment was overwhelmingly passed requiring a photo ID to vote. Cooper and the Democrat Party favor abortion until the moment of birth. Cooper and the Democrat Party give only lip service to our hard-working farm families. Cooper and the Democrat Party want the government, not the parents, to control the actions of minor children. Cooper and the Democrat Party want to allow biological men to be able to play sports against your daughters and granddaughters. Cooper and the Democrat Party want a minor to have access to gender changing drugs and have sex transitioning changes without parental approval. Cooper and the Democrat Party want non-U.S. citizens to
be able to vote. Cooper and the Democrat Party favor open borders. Fortunately, the people of North Carolina have elected supermajorities in both the House and Senate (one Democrat switched to Republican after the election in the House). The House has 72 Republicans and the Senate has 30 Republicans. These are the exact numbers that are needed for supermajorities in both chambers. Thus, thank the Lord, the General Assembly has been able to override Cooper’s vetoes.
The Democrat Party has nominated Josh Stein for governor and other hardcore ultraliberals for Council of State offices. They march to and fully support the same secular political bosses that have controlled Cooper, Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. Wisdom and experience dictate strong consideration of Republican candidates over Democrat candidates from the top to the bottom of the ballot.
Our founders were men of experience, and they had vigorous debates and disagreements. But they valued the wisdom of the moral and religious Christian leaders who preceded them. They knew our rights come from God, not government. I think they would expect no less from us.
We, the people need to think not only about the people we elect but also the political party to which they belong.
Rep. Jimmy Dixon represents Duplin and Wayne counties in the 4th District of the North Carolina House of Representatives.
Kamala Harris’ banana republic on free speech
Mark Zuckerberg recently admitted that senior Biden administration officials “repeatedly pressured” Facebook to “censor” COVID-19 content.
IN 2019, Vice President Kamala Harris told CNN’s Jake Tapper that social media companies “are directly speaking to millions and millions of people without any level of oversight or regulation and it has to stop.” Does it?
Every two-bit authoritarian in history has justified censoring its citizens as a way of protecting them from the menace of disinformation.
But social media sites, contra the reliably illiberal Harris, aren’t “directly speaking” to anyone. Millions of individuals are interacting and speaking to millions of other individuals. Really, that’s what grinds the modern left’s gears: unsupervised conversations.
Take the Brazilian Supreme Court panel that unanimously upheld the decision by one of its justices to shut down Elon Musk’s X over alleged “misinformation” fears.
We must assume that the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee, who once promised to ban guns via an executive order, agrees with Justice Alexandre de Moraes’s decision to shut down a social media platform for refusing to bend to the state’s demands of censorship.
The Associated Press reports that the Brazilian high court’s decision “undermines the effort by Musk and his supporters to cast Justice Alexandre de Moraes as an authoritarian renegade who is intent on censoring political speech in Brazil.” Really? Because it seems to me that the state shuttering one of the popular social media sites unmistakably qualifies as a ban on political speech, whether one person is responsible or an entire government.
And make no mistake, it is politically motivated. “Just because the guy has a lot of money doesn’t mean he can disrespect this (country),” Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva argued. Well, the South American nation’s constitution, like ours, apparently protects free expression — making no distinction between the poor and rich: “Any and all censorship of a political, ideological, and artistic nature is prohibited.” You can tell Brazil is super serious about the matter because the bullet point appears in Chapter V, Article 220, or page 148 in my translated copy.
Let’s concede, however, that de Moraes isn’t any kind of renegade, merely a conventional Brazilian autocrat. In the same way, Musk isn’t merely another billionaire but a
tech CEO who generally views free expression as a neutral principle.
I suppose the best evidence for this claim is the fact that even as Brazil bans Musk’s site, he allows the far-left Lula to have an account on X with 9 million followers.
In Europe, free expression is also ostensibly protected by the constitution. Well, the right is contingent on “national security,” “territorial disorder,” “crime,” “health” and other highly malleable issues that ultimately allow police officers in the United Kingdom and Germany to show up at your door and throw you in prison for offensive posts.
As the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia once pointed out, “Every Banana Republic has a Bill of Rights.” The question is: How close are we to being one?
Uncomfortably close is the answer.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently admitted that senior Biden administration officials “repeatedly pressured” Facebook to “censor” COVID-19 content, including “humor and satire,” during the pandemic. Zuckerberg vowed that he would never let his company be pushed around again. I’m sorry if we don’t take him at his word.
Tech companies enjoy unencumbered free association rights and are free to keep or kick off anyone they desire from their platform, as they should. Before Musk’s purchase of Twitter, now known as X, contemporary left-wingers celebrated the independence of social media platforms. “If you don’t like it, build your own Twitter,” they would say.
OK. But when corporations, who often spend tens of millions each year in Washington rent-seeking and lobbying for favorable regulations, take marching orders from state officials and giant federal bureaucracies on the contours of permissible speech, we have a big problem.
If presidential candidates truly cared about “democracy,” they’d be advocating anti-cronyism laws and forbidding government officials from interfering with or pressuring private entities on speech.
But, these days, many Americans no longer view free expression as a neutral, liberal virtue worth defending. Foremost among them, apparently, is the Democratic presidential ticket.
David Harsanyi is a senior editor at The Federalist.
COLUMN
River Landing GALS gear up for Swing for the Cure event
Putting
for Pink will be Oct. 9 and Oct. 12
By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal
WALLACE — River Land-
ing’s Golf Association for Ladies has hosted the Swing for the Cure event to raise funds for breast cancer research since 2002. Over the years, the event has grown to stretch over multiple days and includes more than just a golf tournament.
While the Swing for the Cure golf tournament and luncheon will be on Oct. 19, the “Putting for Pink” event will be held the week before, on Wednesday, Oct. 9, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 12, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Putting for Pink is a five-hole putting challenge on the front range. There will be different challenges each day with an opportunity to win cash prizes, according to Kathy Russell, cochair of the Swing for the Cure event, with 50% of the proceeds donated to ECU Health Cancer Care.
Putting for Pink is open to residents and guests of any age, including children, she added.
Cost is $10 per game for adults and $2 per game for children.
The most popular event during Swing for the Cure is always the helicopter drop, Russell said.
“While all the small events generate money, nothing matches the excitement of the Helicopter Ball Drop,” Russell said. “It starts with the purchase of a golf ball, a numbered ball. It’s not really a purchase. It’s a rent on a chance to win. Every rented golf ball is loaded into a helicopter.”
The three balls closest to the pin win prizes. Tickets for the ball drop are now available and will be sold until noon on
Oct. 12. Three balls can be purchased for $20, 10 balls for $50 and 20 balls for $100.
To purchase tickets for the ball drop, contact Elaine Frater at efrater@aol.com, Diane Brostowin at dianebrostowin@ gmail.com, Linda Stecklein at lolajunior@yahoo.com, Carol Mann at mann-clan@hotmail.com or Terrie Fritz at momof3wv@gmail.com. Cash or checks made payable to RLGALS will be accepted.
The ball drop will be at 4 p.m. on Oct. 19, after the Swing for the Cure golf tournament at 9:30 a.m. and luncheon at 2 p.m. To participate in the golf tournament, individuals must register by Oct. 12. Cost is $140 per person plus applicable cart fees for members of RLGALS and includes a $100 donation to ECU Health, golf, drinks, snacks, lunch and prizes. The nonmember fee is $160
per person and also includes a $100 donation to ECU Health, golf, drinks, snacks, lunch, and prizes.
To register, visit bit.ly/3Xeaqi5.
“RLGALS and volunteers take great pride in their yearly efforts,” said Swing for the Cure co-chair Kathy Russell. “They know their hard work contributes to the progress enjoyed by ECU Health, progress that serves those who suffer from cancer.”
Seven new business names recorded by Register of Deeds Duplin County Seven new business names were recorded by the Duplin County Register of Deeds Office for the month ending Aug. 31, 2024. The assumed business names and real names of the person or entity engaging in business are: Ronnie Auto Repair, Ronnie Membrane; Golf Plaques USA, Paul Dillen; M&A Masonry, Sandra Lorena Martinez de Berrios; Tienda Guatemalteca Lopez, Ismael Valencia; Padgett Funeral Home, Debnam Services, Incorporated, Christopher W. Debnam; L&G Woodworking, Lisa Johnson Whaley; Welby Medical & Wellness, Welby Family, LLC, Christina P. Welborn.
Oak Wolfe Farms opens for fall season
Mount Olive Oak Wolfe Farm near Mount Olive will be open beginning on Saturday, Sept. 14, and will remain open through early November. Hours are Saturdays from 1-7 p.m. and Sundays from 3-7 p.m. The corn maze will be open, along with mums, straw bales and pumpkins for sale. Corn stalk bundles will be available later in the season. Cash, checks and cards are accepted. Oak Wolfe Farms is located at 808 Bethel Church Road in Mount Olive.
Got local business news? Let us know about any grand openings, new businesses, noteworthy achievements, or upcoming events, and we’ll share it with the community here! Note: editor reserves the right to edit for content, brevity, and clarity. Email Features/Business Editor Abby Cavenaugh at abby@ northstatejournal.com.
Share with your community! Send us your births, deaths, marriages, graduations and other announcements: community@ duplinjournal. com
Weekly deadline is Monday at Noon
PHOTO COURTESY KATHY RUSSELL
Putting for Pink, a fun, five-hole putting challenge, will be held at River Landing on Oct. 9 and Oct. 12, while the Swing for the Cure golf tournament, luncheon and helicopter ball drop will be held on Oct. 19.
Smithfield Foods supports area teachers
A donation of classroom supplies alleviates the burden often placed on teachers
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
AS HUNDREDS of Duplin County students headed back to the classrooms, organizations like Smithfield Foods rallied to help area teachers
with classroom supplies.
Thanks to a $10,000 donation from Smithfield Foods, children in 13 Duplin County Schools are better prepared and teachers don’t have to stress about additional expenses.
“Teachers typically purchase these classroom items out-ofpocket but don’t have to this year,” wrote Smithfield Foods in an email to the Duplin Journal.
Local Smithfield team members volunteered to sort and
“Smithfield Foods is proud to support Duplin County teachers and schools by reducing the burden of paying out-of-pocket for essential supplies that many students rely on.”
Rhonda Campbell, Smithfield Foods
pack the items that were later distributed to Duplin County Schools teachers.
“Teaching the next generation of leaders is a noble calling,” said Rhonda Campbell,
senior community development manager for Smithfield Foods. “Smithfield Foods is proud to support Duplin County teachers and schools by reducing the burden of paying out-of-pocket for essential supplies that many students rely on.”
The donated classroom supplies included dry erase markers, notebook paper, highlighters, pens, pencils, glue sticks and more.
Center, reached out to the Duplin County Board of Elections to find out what she needed to do to make it possible for her residents to be able to go into a polling site and vote during the upcoming election.
“I think it is a great thing for a facility to care so much about their people that they want to make it possible for them to vote in person again — which many have not done in years,” said Sullivan, adding that the multipartisan assistance team will be visiting the facility to aid with absentee ballots for anyone who is not able to go in person.
“We have issued voter IDs to 18 residents at Wallace Rehabilitation and Health and will be going back to issue, I believe, three more that have requested them since our last visit,” said Sullivan.
“The joy that the residents have about being able to go
vote at a polling location instead of only through an absentee ballot is truly inspiring. Megan and her team have not only ensured that all residents that want to vote are registered, but they have followed up with staff as well. A few of her team members live in other counties and were not registered, so they filled out registrations and we imported them and transferred them to their correct county BOE office for them.”
Freeman told Duplin Journal her staff helped by finding out which residents wanted to register, and they coordinated with the BOE to get the ball rolling.
She also coordinated arrangements for the facility to transport the residents to the polls.
“Our transport driver has cleared his schedule so that once early voting is open, he can transport residents to the polls to vote,” said Freeman. “Our goal is to get as many residents to the polls as possible. We be-
lieve every individual has a right to vote, and we are proud to be able to provide our residents this opportunity.”
The Duplin County BOE will be holding a registration drive at the Muscadine Festival on Sept 28.
In-person voting will begin Oct. 17 and run until Saturday, Nov. 2, at the Ed Emory Auditorium, located at 165 Agriculture Dr. in Kenansville and at the American Legion Post No. 156, located at 529 E. Southerland St. in Wallace. Curbside voting is available at both sites and will be available at all 19 precincts on Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Individuals who are not registered to vote in Duplin County can register during early voting. Visit ncsbe.gov to see your voter status, request an absentee by mail ballot and locate your place to vote. For questions, call the Duplin County BOE office at 910-296-2170.
SCHOOLS from page A1
• Wallace-Rose Hill High: C
• B.F. Grady Elementary: D
• Beulaville Elementary: D
• Kenansville Elementary: D
• Rose Hill-Magnolia Elementary: F
• Wallace Elementary: F
• Warsaw Elementary: F
In addition to receiving low grades for performance, five schools were designated as low-performing schools: Beulaville Elementary, Warsaw Elementary, Kenansville Elementary, Rose Hill-Magnolia Elementary and Wallace Elementary. This is an improvement over last year’s results, however, when nine schools were labeled low-performing.
Three schools improved overall grade level proficiency when compared to last year — North Duplin Elementary, James Kenan High and Wallace-Rose Hill High.
In other good news for the school district, the four-year cohort graduation rate increased to 85.9%, up from 81.9% in the 2022-23 school year. This also included an increase in all student subgroups, which include race and socioeconomic factors.
“This improvement is attributed to the hard work and
dedication of our schools, teachers, students, and families,” the press release read. “Even as we recognize these achievements, we acknowledge that our journey toward excellence is ongoing. Together, we are committed to continuous improvement.”
Overall grade-level proficiency results dropped slightly from 37.7% to 36.3%, but career and college readiness remained the same level as last year.
At the high school level, there were notable proficiency percentage point increases in NC Math 1 (up 6.5 points), Biology (up 3 points) and English II (plus 3.7 points). In addition, student subgroups improved in career and college readiness proficiency, and math course rigor remained higher than 95%. Grade 11 ACT performance also improved by 3.8 percentage points.
Overall, school growth outcomes showed three schools exceeding growth: B.F. Grady Elementary, Chinquapin Elementary and Duplin Early College High School. Six schools met growth, including East Duplin High School, North Duplin Elementary and North Duplin Jr./ Sr., Rose Hill-Magnolia Elementary, Wallace Elementary and Wallace-Rose Hill High School. Four schools did not meet growth outcomes: Beulaville Elementary, Warsaw Elementary, Kenansville Elementary and James Kenan High School.
“I am incredibly proud of what our entire school family has continued to achieve, especially as we move past the challenges our district has faced in recent years,” Obasohan said. “While the current state accountability results show small improvements, we recognize there’s still work to be done.
“Our commitment to student excellence remains unwavering, and with the outstanding leadership and vision of our Board of Education, we are positioned to reach even greater success in the future. Our district’s focus on STEAMA (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math, and Agriculture) continues to be the cornerstone of providing a personalized education for all students. This approach empowers our students to discover and maximize their talents and interests, paving the way for their future success. With the continued support of our Board, families, faith-based community, and partners, we will keep pressing forward. We refuse to be defined by a single letter grade. Instead, we remain steadfast in our commitment to doing what is right for every child, striving to ensure that 100% of our students graduate ready for career and college success.”
For the detailed report, visit dpi.nc.gov, and click on “Data & Reports.”
VOTING from page A1
PHOTOS COURTESY SMITHFIELD FOODS
Left: Monique Roberts (left) and Suzanne Houston (center) help a local teacher load classroom supplies into the car. Right: Houston, Roberts and Rhonda Campbell sort and pack classroom essentials for Duplin County schools.
COURTESY MEGAN FREEMAN Bernice Edwards holds a future voter registration pin as he, along with other residents, celebrated getting their voter IDs.
DUPLIN SPORTS
WILDCATS PULL OFF STUNNER
Richlands shocks East Duplin for its first series win in 14 years
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
BEULAVILLE — Sometimes ya just have to wonder who is really watching us. Perhaps there’s a wing in football heaven where legendary coaches peer down at games.
That was my thought Friday night while leaving with a crowd of 4,000 following Richlands’ 19-0 upset of East Duplin, breaking a streak of 14 consecu-
tive wins by the 2A powerhouse coached by Battle Holley, son of legendary coach Jack Holley. Surely, he remembers games like this against his Wallace-Rose Hill team, even though his pop went 412-96 -9, second in the NCHSAA all-time.
Yet he’s more likely to ponder a big win, such as the one Richlands coach Pat Byrd had last Friday night. Byrd also has a gridiron family pedigree. He’s the son of former James Kenan legend Billy Byrd, whose Tigers went 119-68 from 1978-94.
Another commonality between the two Duplin football
families is that both fathers have died yet are still remembered and revered by many fans.
Battle Holley (150-55) has led the Panthers to many monster-sized wins — and the school’s first state gridiron title in 2022.
Yet Byrd was rewarded with his first dominating upset with Richlands, and one that comes after recovering from a winless first season there in 2020. That was in the shortened COVID-19 pandemic season that was postponed to Spring 2021.
“I believed we could beat East Duplin, knowing they had injuries and all, but to go in there
and win like that just makes me proud of our kids and the coaching staff,” said Byrd, whose Wildcats are 3-0 for the first time since 2003. They play at South Lenoir on Friday.
The day after his biggest win, Byrd did what any football coach’s kid would do: He returned to the memory vault of his youth.
“Daddy used to have this filing cabinet in his office,” Byrd said. “It was filled with notes on how to beat teams — Wallace-Rose Hill, North Duplin, Clinton. I had to keep that. In fact, I used it when we started playing Princeton (which
runs the old-school single-wing attack).”
Wildcats win the battle in the trenches
The Wildcats took Holley to task by controlling all aspects of the game.
Though leading by just 6-0 at halftime after two quarters that belonged to Richlands, the visitors crushed any hopes of the Panthers, limiting them to 168 yards of offense. Stars fell from the Wildcat skies from the defensive exploits
Tigers’ defense stands tall in OT win over Wolfpack
James Kenan logged a significant win over Whiteville with defense and special teams play
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
WARSAW — The James Kenan football team turned pregame fireworks in the air into inspiration on the turf of Bill Taylor Field last Friday during its 21-20 overtime win against Whiteville.
It was the 3-0 Tigers’ home opener after road wins over Swansboro and Midway.
Defense and special teams paved the way for a new offense
that featured big-play passes to set up scores.
Eli Avent hit on 10-of-18 passes for 122 yards and a touchdown. JK’s strength the past five seasons has been its run game, though the Tigers ran for just 77 yards in this one. The defense was stellar against Wolfpack coach JP Price’s offense. Each time the Wolfpack hit paydirt, they were unable to convert additional points via PATs or designed 2-point conversions. In overtime that mattered most, though the trend was set earlier as the Tigers twice denied Whiteville points inside the JK 10-yard line. It was fourth-year coach
Grady’s most significant win as JK beat a perennial power. Those kind of wins have been rare since Ken Avent Jr. left after the 2016 season having won a pair of state titles (2007 and 2013) and appearing in the East Region finals four consecutive seasons (2012-15).
Grady’s first three seasons produced winning marks, though no wins over Duplin rivals East Duplin and Wallace-Rose Hill. Plus, since all three are in the East Central 2A Conference, that’s a hard pill to swallow in the football-centric county.
He’s got the Tigers off to a
See TIGERS, page B3
THURMAN PARKER FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
Richlands quarterback Caleb Simco torched East Duplin for 166 yards and a touchdown and ran for a score on third-and-goal from the 2.
MICHAEL JAENICKE / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Eli Avent hit on 10 of 18 for 122 yards and had two running touchdowns from close range during a 21-20 overtime win against Whiteville.
Outmanned Bulldogs fall to 4A powerhouse Vikings
Hoggard, poised for a long 4A playoffs run, tunes up with a win over 2A WRH
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
WILMINGTON — It was a mismatch.
Yet each season the Wallace-Rose Hill football team faces nearly impossible challenges, such as playing 3A and 4A superpowers as lower classifications fear their programs’ winning traditions and do not schedule the Bulldogs.
The confrontations are used as learning tools by WRH head coach and defensive coordinator Kevin Motsinger and offensive coordinator Adam Scronce, a wing-T disciple of the late Jack Holley.
The Bulldogs, which return only four starters and are replacing the entire offensive line of a running team, were popped 48-14. The Vikings, who were 4A state finalists last fall, still have the talent to make a deep run.
Motsinger said the ’Dawgs were far from a pushover, though admitting the Vikings have all the program structure for success.
“We were out-matched and out-coached,” said Motsinger, a former coach at New Hanover of the school with more than 2,000 students compared to about 800 in the Teachey school.
“They had 92 freshmen who tried out and had to cut kids. Two of my former players are running rec programs with
WRH’s Jamarae Lamb ran for 90 yards against a physical and
more than 300 in each one.”
Even so, Motsinger, who has a career mark of 166-83, said he saw bark and bite from his Bulldogs, who fell to 3A Havelock 51-14 on opening night but rebounded to crush Clinton 59-0.
“Our kids fought while making a lot of mistakes,” he said.
“We got beat by the best 3A and best 4A team in the East, yet each week we’ve gotten better, and we can’t lose sight of that.
We started 0-3 last year and let that hang over us, even though we’re beat up.”
“Mot” goes for WRH’s 600th win on Friday when Pender visits Legion Stadium for a 7 p.m. kickoff at Jack Holley Football Complex.
Winning will likely be the most-spoken word late Friday nights the rest of the regular season as WRH returns to face schools its size, though few with its speed, power, tradition and reputation.
“It’s apples to apples now,” said Motsinger, whose team won last year’s game 56-14 over the Patriots after pushing Havelock (28-27) and Hog-
gard (27-18) in close affairs.
“We have to play extremely well to beat Pender. No. 5 (Jeremiah Johnson) and No. 10 (Jassiah Hall) are both big and can run, and (the Patriots) are huge up front on the offensive line.”
Running backs Irving Brown (13-23) and Jamarae Lamb (13 - 90) each scored a touchdown. Jamari Shaw (4-33) and Jamari Carr (5-25) found success. Lamb and Carr added 28and 21-yard receptions. Brown scored from the 3 in the second quarter to make it
14-7. Carr hit pay dirt late in the fourth.
WRH was unable to stop the passing of Matthew Boring. He had three touchdown strikes by halftime as the Vikings, who won for the 10th straight time on their home field, led 28-7.
Hoggard scored two unanswered touchdowns in the third to take full control.
“Irving and ‘Bubba’ (Lamb) proved they could play with anyone, and (Matthew) Wells and Adrian (Glover) did some good things at quarterback, with a growing offensive line,” Motsinger said.
“But we’re not going to let negativity of those around our players or our players themselves be negative because we’ve just started this thing.
“We’ve gotten better. We’ll get better.”
A visit from the Patriots will likely go a long way for WRH (1-2), which will be the favorite over all but East Duplin among its remaining regular-season games. WRH beat Pender last fall 56-14 and leads the series.
WRH-East Duplin is a classic toss-up.
According to research by Bill Rollins on post-World War II Duplin County football, these two rivals’ past 10 games have been decided by 10 or fewer points, and the past nine by eight or less. The Panthers lead 6-4 in those games. The Bulldogs lead the all-time ED series 41-21-2, but since 1996, it’s tied 15-15.
While the Pats are 2-0, their wins came against powder-puff 1As Lejeune (74-7) and Union (67-0).
Jones, Newton help Crusaders run down two wins
Harrells Christian Academy rallied from an opening-night loss with wins over Wake Prep and Wayne Christian
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
HARRELLS — Demetrius Jones and Chamani Newton never got untracked when Harrells Christian Academy lost its opener to Covenant Day School. But the two Crusaders’ running backs made big plays the following two weeks, including last Friday’s 49-6 romp over Wake Prep at Murphy-Johnson Field.
Jones ran for 39 yards and two touchdowns and Newton 75 yards and a score as HCA led 28-0 at halftime and never looked back.
Jerrod Miller (7-59) and
J’Kaeshi Brunson (2-52) each added a touchdown, and wide receiver Dashaun McKoy, who missed the first two games, caught touchdown passes of 18 and 19 yards from senior quarterback Reid Strickland.
Coley Sasser, Eli Hardison, Jesse Smith, Jamari Peterson and Jarrod Miller had five tackles apiece to pace HCA’s defense, which lost its shutout in the third quarter. The win came four days before a 23-7 Labor Day win over Wayne Christian in a game moved to Monday because of heavy rain and lightning storms throughout eastern North Carolina.
Jones and Newton were torch-runners for the Crusaders.
Jones toted the ball seven times for 144 yards and two end-zone dances, while Newton had six carries for 89 yards and a score.
Sophomore kicker Sam McKeithan added a field goal in the second quarter to make it 10-7 at halftime in Goldsboro.
HCA added a touchdown in the third and fourth quarters as Smith had a team-high seven tackles, including a sack. Sasser had six takedowns, including three for lost yardage. Zander Garcia had five tackles.
The Eagles mustered just 132 yards of total offense and had nine plays that lost yardage, though averaging 44 yards on punts from Drake Lane.
HCA went in overdrive for 332 yards of offense.
HCA (2-1) has a small challenge on Friday against Mt. Zion Christian Academy (2 -1) before opening up Big East Conference play on Sept. 20 by hosting North Raleigh Christian (2-2).
The Mighty Warriors from Durham were minimized by HCA 52-8 last fall.
Cool-headed Panthers spikers trending in the right direction
The East Duplin volleyball team has won seven of its first eight matches
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
BEULAVILLE — The East Duplin volleyball team’s secret to success this season has been keeping its cool, not pointing fingers, forgetting about lost points and a team concept that allows players to showcase their talent in different ways.
The not-so-complicated formula has the Panthers at 7-1, which is already just four wins shy of topping their best season since 2019.
“These girls don’t stress out and we don’t quit,” said coach Susan Raynor. “Nobody gets mad when someone messes up, they just keep playing. We have no superstars, which is good.
“We rely on defense. We have a lot of girls who can hit and can pass, so a multitude of girls can be the (stat) leader on a given day.”
The spark against Dixon came from reserve setter Anamarie Rodriguez, who was inserted with ED down 18-10 in
MICHAEL JAENICKE / DUPLIN JOURNAL
the opening set of what would be a 3-0 win.
“She served up 12 points and one of the different pieces of a young team,” said Raynor, whose team is 2-0 in the ECC and will host last season’s champ, North Lenoir, Thursday in a key league match.
“Our conference is pretty strong with Wallace-Rose Hill and North Lenoir, and Clinton added in as three top-10 teams in the 2A East,” Raynor said.
ED is already ahead of its schedule after underachieving 10-win campaigns in 2020, 2021 and last season and an 11-10 mark in 2022. The Pan-
Setter Karsyn Parker, center, and her
Panthers teammates are off to a hot start as ECC play begins this week.
thers’ past ledger is laced with better grades. ED averaged 15.5 wins from 2007 to 2019.
The Panthers nabbed their first league win early last week with a 3-0 (25-18, 25-9, 25-23) win over James Kenan.
Zoe Cavanaugh had eight kills and Kinsey Cave four.
Karsyn Parker added nine digs and Zoe Turner and Sophia Jones had three aces apiece.
JK (4-4) was paced by Ava Jones’ five kills. Rodriguez and Emory Raynor combined for 15 assists.
An easier 3-0 (25-14, 25-7, 25-11) win came three days later against Kinston.
ED’s lone loss came to Clinton
(8-1) on Aug. 26 following four straight wins.
Cavanaugh, a junior, leads the team in kills with 60 and is second in both digs and aces. Turner has 34 slams and 16 aces, while Cave checks in with 46 kills.
Parker’s 26 aces are tops and Raynor is the assists leader with 83.
Sept. 19 is a save-the-date match as ED travels to face unbeaten Wallace-Rose Hill.
The two rivals meet again on Oct. 15 on Jerry Hunter Court.
Set-winning Bulldogs cruising along
Winning a set against Wallace-Rose Hill (8-0, 2-0) has become a challenge. South Lenoir grabbed the opening one 25-23 last Thursday, marking just the fourth time a foe has won a set this season.
The Bulldogs returned to overdrive to capture sets at 25-14, 25-11 and 25-17 to drop the Blue Devils (5-3, 1-1).
Angelina Cavallaro punched home 22 kills and Jansley Page 15 and six blocks. The duo combined for five aces. Mattie Gavin notched 38 assists and Analeise Rivenbark five kills and 17 digs.
WRH has 13 regular season matches remaining in its stillyoung campaign. After getting 17 and 18 wins in the previous two seasons, the sky and an all-time school record are within reach.
WRH’s best mark came when Raynor led the Bulldogs to a 22-4 mark in 2016.
Rebels catch fire to win fourth straight
North Duplin found its groove after three losses to a pair of 2A schools in Duplin County.
The Rebels rebounded from setbacks to JK and ED (two) with a four-match winning streak, which included last Thursday’s 3-0 (25-18, 25-16, 25-8) triumph over Spring Creek in Calypso.
Tateyawna Faison collected 10 kills, Lilly Fulghum added eight aces, 12 assists and 16 digs and Marissa Bernal 24 assists. Eva Quintanilla contributed five aces.
The Rebels also have a pair of wins over Lejeune (3-4) and a victory over JK (4-4) during the streak. They begin Carolina 1A Conference play this week with matches against Neuse Charter (7-4) and Lakewood (1-7), which is today (Thursday) in Roseboro.
JJ SMITH / CARTERET COUNTY NEWS-TIMES
quick Hoggard defense.
MICHAEL JAENICKE / DUPLIN JOURNAL Dashaun McKoy caught two touchdown passes last Friday in HCA’s 48-6 triumph over Wake Prep to improve the Crusaders’ record to 2-1.
Zepeda goal lifts No. 6 ’Dawgs past No. 3 Franklin Academy
The battle of unbeatens saw WRH topple the Pats and the Dark Horses ride past No. 8 James Kenan
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
WARSAW — Alex Zepeda did what he always seems to do on a soccer pitch: Find a way to put the ball in the back of a net.
The 18th score of the season was the difference when Wallace-Rose Hill, the No. 6 team in 2A in the East in the MaxPreps’ 2A East poll, beat No. 3 Franklin Academy 1-0 on Monday night in Teachey.
Zepeda notched the game-winner about 20 minutes into the match off a pass from Eliel Estrada.
“It was a solid pass and a very crafty goal,” said Bulldog coach Rodrigo Diaz.
“I don’t think Franklin Academy took Alex as serious as they should have, or at least didn’t expect what he did. It was a backand-forth game, and they probably dominated possession in the second half.”
WRH up its mark to 8-0 with its fifth shutout of the season, while Franklin Academy fell to 6-1-2.
The Bulldogs’ defense, which is shored up by underclassmen Junior Ayestas, Cristian Calderon, Cergio Mendoza, Dorlin Bonilla, Brayan Sanchez and senior Andrew Pineda have given up just five goals this fall, with talented but inexperienced sophomore Angel Sevilla in the cage. Three of those scores came during a 4-3 triumph over White Oak.
So lights out has been the
3-0 beginning and is 24-12 since taking over in 2021 after a long stint in developing players for both JK and WRH at Charity Middle School. He also was a Tigers assistant for the five years previous.
This definitely changes the tone and volume of a Sept. 20 matchup against East Duplin (1-2), which lost to Richlands 25-0 on Friday. Whiteville crushed JK 41-6 last season in the Wolfpack’s house.
JK hosts East Bladen (1-2) this Friday, though the Eagles, unlike Whiteville and East Duplin, are not a recent superpower. Still, last season the Eagles made it to the fourth round of the 1A playoffs before falling 20-16 to Tarboro, which is a traditional kingpin in the East. JK beat East Bladen, 42-14, last season in Elizabethtown.
Showtime in overtime for Tigers’ defense
Tigers fans went crazy when
mode of operation for the WRH defense.
“They were a big part of this tonight and this season,” Diaz said. “They work well together and always play hard.
“We got a solid win, but it’s back to work to get ready for Spring Creek (two days later). We don’t take anyone lightly. There are a lot of good teams out there champing at the bit to play us.”
Griffin Williams scored his ninth goal of the season, Chris Zelaya his second and Oskar Adasiak his seventh for Clinton, a soccer power that both JK and WRH have played competitive matches for nearly 15 years.
Dark Horse rally to topple Tigers
Peter Omega put James Kenan (4-1) on top early in Clinton, but the Dark Horses (8-0) rallied for two goals in the first half and added an insurance score in the second half for a 3-1 win.
“We didn’t play bad for the first 20 to 30 minutes,” said JK coach Mitchell Quinn, whose team won the ECC title three straight seasons before WRH captured the title last fall. “They play big and move the ball well.
“(Brad Spell) also subs 10 to 12 times during a half with the depth he has. I’m like doing it when I have to. It definitely gave them fresh legs and they’re a great team.
JK faces 3A Charles B. Aycock this week and travels to East Duplin on Tuesday in the ECC opener for both schools.
Panthers sink Raiders for third win in four matches
Yoskar Canales scored his sixth goal of the season and assisted on Brayan Mendez’s score as East Duplin beat Midway 2-1 last Tuesday in Spivey’s Corner.
MICHAEL JAENICKE / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Tyquise Wilson, a presence on defense for JK with an interception against Whiteville, is also an offensive weapon running or catching the ball.
the defense won the game by stopping the Wolfpack’s 2-point conversion.
“Our kids stuffed it and it was the epitome of the way we played defense all night,” Grady said.
“Coach John Bert (defensive coordinator Avent) has so many moving parts and they played relentlessly.
“Ty (Morrisey), Hassan (Kor-
in the first ECC game for both schools.
The win was the Panthers’ third in four matches, following a 0-2-1 start. It was ED’s thirdstraight one-goal match and fourth of the season.
Senior goalie Gabriel Faulkner had seven saves for ED (3 -3 -1), whose record is marred by a loss to Clinton (8-2) and two to Richlands (6-1). ED tied White Oak to open its season. Tuesday’s matchup against the Tigers will be the biggest of the fall for both Duplin schools. The Tigers swept the series last season and in 2022.
ED’s last win was a 3-2 conquest on Oct. 6, 2021, which avenged a 2-1 setback a month earlier.
First-kick is set for 6 p.m. on Brian Aldridge Field.
negay), Dakota (Henderson) and a couple other guys are a lot for an offense to deal with. Even Tyquise (Wilson), who was great at cornerback with probably 10 knockdowns (and an interception).”
Grady said he compared his Tigers to the Wolfpack as a way of getting his players to understand the matchup.
“I said I thought they were one of the best teams in the East and we are, too, so we might as well start seeing ourselves in that regard, especially since we could end up seeing them again (in the playoffs),” Grady said.
Tigers set momentum of match in first half
Buoyed by fireworks arranged by Grady’s brother Barney and father Tommy — a former speedy Kenan halfback in the mid-’60s — JK raced to a 14-0 lead with a score in each of the first two quarters.
“I felt it shocked Whiteville’s players, judging by the looks on their faces,” Grady said. “I think it made our kids feel like they were playing in the Super Bowl,
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK SPONSORED BY BILL CARONE Bill Carone
James Kenan, football
David Zeyela has been made an impact for the James Kenan football team on offense, defense and special teams.
He caught five balls for 93 yards and had an 8-yard push on his lone carry last Friday during a 21-20 win over Whiteville.
The junior leads the Tigers with four interceptions and five touchdowns and is fifth on the team in tackles with 15, trailing Hassan Kornegay (27), Ty Morrisey (23) and Josh Mitchell and Dakota Henderson (16 each).
JK is off to a 3-0 start and will travel to East Duplin for a key ECC opener on Sept. 20. This Friday, the Tigers host East Bladen.
then we get a big reaction on our PAT.
Whiteville logged a safety in the third quarter and two touchdowns to tie it at 14-all to force the extra session.
“We took advantage of some open stuff early,” said Grady, who credited assistants Tyler Pugh and Ken Avent III for their roles in the game plan. “Whiteville countered and our kids didn’t quit.
In another development, JK is also playing the game with many two-way players.
“We understand fatigue was an issue, and told guys, ‘Don’t look to the sideline because there may not be a replacement.’ We played physical and had the defensive response I haven’t seen this team show, though I see the back work that is the foundation of it.”
David Zeleya earned four stars for his five receptions that covered 93 yards. Nabs by Wilson (1-18), CJ Hill (1-7) and Morrisey (1-8) also sparked the offense.
Avent scored the first two JK touchdowns on short runs and Zeyela had the game-winner.
Avent is a junior and a first-year starter at quarterback, and he and twin brother Cal, a lineman, are the sons of assistant John Bert Avent.
The win for JK was the first against Price in three tries. Price was offensive coordinator for WRH from 2009-16 under his father Joey as WRH won five 1A/1AA titles.
He’s never had more than three losses in six seasons in Whiteville. So, credit Grady with the respect he earned with the win.
“We stuck together. I go back to Ronald Reagan to say that much can be accomplished if no one cares about taking the credit,” Grady said.
James Kenan also started 3-0 in 2022, stretched it to 8-1 and finished 9-3 after falling in the second round of the 2A playoffs. That 31-17 loss was their second of the season to East Duplin (21-14 earlier), and their other defeat was to Wallace-Rose Hill in overtime (38-31).
The Tigers are 4-2 all-time against the Wolfpack, and avenged blowout losses in 2021 (56-0) and 2023 (42-7).
THURMAN PARKER FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
ED’s Jeffrey Velazquez clears the ball during a recent match. His Panthers host James Kenan on Tuesday
MICHAEL JAENICKE / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Rodrigo Diaz, WRH coach
of linebackers Julian Theil and Tristan Fogarty, linemen Marcus Branthoover, Semaj Thompson, and defensive backs Nate Mummert and Jon’Nathan Kenan.
Richlands held ED to three third-down conversions in 11 tries. The Panthers were 0-for-7 on fourth-down attempts.
“The foundation of this thing was built by kids from 2020 forward who set this up with their work in the weight room,” said Byrd.
Holley, whose Panthers fell to 1-2 with their second straight loss, didn’t deny the obvious.
“They’ve got a very good football team,” Holley said. “They executed on offense and defense, and we didn’t. They’ve got experienced kids.”
And the offensive leader of the Wildcats had the best performance during his three years as the starting quarterback.
Caleb Simco hit 8 of 14 passes for 166 yards and a touchdown and ran for a score. He also knew the exact moment to make an option pitch to Noah LeBlanc (11-93), or to Christian Diaz and Tyler Clouatre, who combined for six carries and 26 yards.
“I felt like East Duplin didn’t have answers to what we were doing, and that’s a huge compliment since I think Battle, Brian (Aldridge, who turned ED into a power and is now an assistant coach) and that staff do as good a job as anyone in the state,” Byrd said. “They absolutely get the most out of each class.
“Our coaches had a great game plan, taught it well and the players, who are kind of loving to watch film, followed it perfectly.
And holding Holley, the offensive guru of the wing-T, without points was a bonus for Byrd. Simco is the fire-starter for Wildcats offense
Richlands showed it was a threat by scoring on the fifth snap of the game.
Simco found Tanner Brinson and Clouratre for catches of 38 and 20 yards, respectively, while LeBlac hit a run for 6 yards before Diaz punched it home with a 3-yard dive.
The Wildcats used a Panther method to help them control the pace: chew up the clock with long, chain-moving drives to keep opponents’ offenses off the gridiron.
Richlands drained the final 7:39 of the second-quarter clock on a march that ended with a fourth-and-goal pass from the 16 with a pass from Simco falling from the fingertips of a Wildcat in the end zone.
Byrd’s team stumped ED in its first offense series, forcing a fourth-and-11 after three plays.
A Simco pass for 26 yards to Beau Mills and LeBlanc’s sweep of 11 yards got it inside the 4. Simco willed his way over from the 2 and Richlands had a 12-0 lead.
ED’s best march of the night came next, though Richlands found ways to stop its progress after huge hits from a charging-bull Theil and crunches by Brinson and Fogarty. The latter two sacked quarterback Landen Bond on fourth-and-6 on the 11th play of the series.
From that point forward it became apparent that the Panthers were not going to put points on the board against the Wildcat defense.
Richlands scored five plays later on a quick-hit pass from
Simco to Nathanial Elbinger from 35 yards out. ED had a three-and-out in its next series and never got the ball across midfield in its final possession.
Gridiron notebook
Panthers fullback and top rusher Shawn Davis, still hobbled by an ankle injury, had five carries for 25 yards. Allen Stukes and Keeshon Mckinnie combined for 119 yards on 21
carries. Mckinnie had the lone pass reception for 10 yards.
The scrambling of Simco helped make possible a few catches for Clouatre (2 - 51), Lenny Halfter-Hunter (2 - 48), Elbinger (2-43) and Mills (1-26).
Richlands had its second straight shutout following a 23-0 win over Southwest Onslow, its first three-game winning streak against its Onslow County rival. Bryd and company broke a 32-game losing
string to the Stallions in 2021.
The victory will help tremendously later in the season when Richlands is being considered for a spot in the playoffs. There’s a scenario that says even if the Wildcats finish second in the Coastal 3A Conference, a home playoff game could be in the works.
A nonconference win on Sept. 20 over Princeton, which they beat last season, would add more Ratings Percentage Index (RPI) points. RPI fac -
Fritz’s loss to Sinner extends Slam drought for US men
No American man has won a title since 2003
By Howard Fendrich The Associated Press
NEW YORK — Taylor Fritz was eager before the U.S. Open final, entertaining thoughts of winning his first Grand Slam title — and the first for any American man since Andy Roddick earned the 2003 trophy at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Didn’t happen for Fritz or his country, and the drought con-
tinues. Top-ranked Jannik Sinner, a 23-year-old from Italy, left New York with the championship thanks to a 6-3, 6-4, 7-5 victory. “Just kind of walking on the court, and just hearing the crowd go crazy, and just kind of soaking in the moment of, ‘I’m walking out to play my match on Ashe in the U.S. Open finals,’ is what I dreamed about my whole life,” said Fritz, a 26-year-old Californian. “It almost got me emotional, but I was just really happy and ready to enjoy the moment.”
Participating in a major title match for the first time is often difficult for tennis players to process, but Fritz said he wasn’t “overly nervous” and “really expected to come out and play better from the start.”
Instead, he got broken in the very first game, badly missing a smash set up by a short return from Sinner off a 127-mph serve. Fritz regrouped to break back and lead 3-2 — before Sinner took its last four games.
Then, from 4-all in the second, Fritz lost the set’s last two games.
And in the third, after breaking for a 4-3 edge, then holding for 5-3, Fritz lost the match’s last four games.
Fritz was the first man from the United States to get to a Grand Slam singles final since Roddick lost to Roger Federer at Wimbledon in 2009 and first at the U.S. Open since Roddick lost to Federer in 2006. Roddick won the event 21 years ago.
“I know how much work he puts in,” Sinner said of Fritz during the trophy ceremony. “You are doing an amazing job. Congrats to you, Taylor.”
tors into the NCHSAA seeding process.
ED hosts Croatan (3-0) this Friday and then James Kenan (3-0) on Sept. 20 in the first ECC encounter for both schools.
JK beat Whiteville 21-20 in overtime last Friday. (See the story on page B1).
The Tigers had been the most recent school to blank East Duplin, by 28-0 in 2015. The Panthers had scored in 115 straight games since then.
TAKE NOTICE
NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA DUPLIN COUNTY FILE#2024E000154
The undersigned SANDRA G. SWINSON,
PHOTOS BY THURMAN PARKER FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
Top, ED’s Zachary Ball, left, and JP Murphy, right, stop Richland senior running back Christian Diaz after crossed the yard sticks for a first down. Bottom, Wildcats sophomore Noah LeBlanc ran for 91 yards on nine carries.
Travis Earl Chestnutt
Oct. 6, 1956 – Sept. 2, 2024
Travis Earl Chestnutt, 67, of Rose Hill passed away peacefully on Monday, Sept. 2, 2024, at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center.
He was born on Oct. 6, 1956, in Duplin County; the son of the late Edward and Eloise Register Chestnutt.
Travis attended Rose Hill Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church.
Surviving is the love of his life and wife of 48 years, Faye Walker Chestnutt of the home; his son and daughter-in-law, Brandon and Jennifer Chestnutt of Rose Hill; his grandbabies, Emma Marie Chestnutt and Bryleigh Kate Chestnutt; mother-in-law, Mary Walker of Penderlea; sisters-inlaw, Annette Walker of Penderlea and Betty Walker Sullivan and husband Virgil of Leland; his only niece, Dawn McCumbee and her son Matthew of Wilmington; numerous extended family and friends that loved Travis dearly.
Travis was a devoted husband and caring father and grandfather. He was a simple man who enjoyed the simplest things in life, but his greatest joy was his family, especially his grandbabies, Emma Marie and Bryleigh Kate, whom he worshipped. Being a hard worker, Travis was a great provider for his family; always making sure they had what they needed. Travis loved everyone he met. He loved his community, Rose Hill Volunteer Fire Department and his church family. Travis was a fighter. Throughout his life he suffered much but he never let the pain overtake him. Travis will surely be missed but treasured memories will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Funeral service was held on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, at Rose Hill Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church with Pastors Jack Melvin and Tim Grady officiating.
The family received friends on Thursday, one hour prior to the funeral service at the church.
Burial followed the service at Devotional Gardens in Warsaw.
In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial gifts be given to Rose Hill Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 478, Rose Hill, NC 28458 in memory of Travis.
Donald Douglas O’Connell
Dec. 8, 1944 – Sept. 2, 2024
Donald Douglas O’Connell, 79, of Wallace passed from this life to his eternal rest on Monday, Sept. 2, 2024.
He was born on Dec. 8, 1944 and grew up in Baltimore, Maryland; the son of the late George Chester and Ethel May Metz O’Connell. Donald was also preceded in death by his sister, Martha Stein.
Surviving to cherish his memory is his best friend and wife of 54 years, Janice Darlene Curry O’Connell; his sons, Justin O’Connell and wife Sarah and Ryan O’Connell; granddaughters, Clare O’Connell, Annabelle O’Connell, and Lyla O’Connell; brother, Chuck O’Connell and wife Sandy; sisters, Cathryn Lowe and husband Roger, Susan O’Connell, and Anne Knoch and husband Carl; and numerous extended family and friends.
Donald was a loving husband and caring father, grandfather and brother who loved his family dearly. Donald attended St Paul’s School for Boys in Baltimore, Maryland. After high school he attended Denison University in Granville, Ohio, where he excelled in Varsity Lacrosse and was a member of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity.
Donald honorably served our country as a Navy Pilot for 20 years, including three tours in Vietnam serving in HAL-3 helicopter squadron. Residing in Northern Virginia, Donald and his family were active members of Pohick Episcopal Church for 30 years where he served faithfully on the Vestry and as a member of Brotherhood of St Andrew.
Donald will surely be missed and treasured memories of him will remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Memorial service will be held on Sept. 13 at 10 a.m. at St Mary’s Episcopal Church in Burgaw.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that any donations be given to World Vision.
Annette Rose Casteen
Aug. 19, 1940 – Sept. 1, 2024
WALLACE — Annette Rose Casteen, 84, passed away Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024 at Wallace Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center. Mrs. Casteen was born Aug. 19, 1940 in New Hanover County to the late James Robert Rose and Sarah Annette Heater Rose.
A graveside service was held on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024 in Rockfish Presbyterian Church Cemetery.
In addition to her parents, Annette was preceded in death by husband, William “Bill” Casteen. She is survived by two cousins, Susan Carter and K T Jackson.
Beulah Marie Farland Pickett
May 29, 1941 – Aug. 31, 2024
CHINQUAPIN — Mrs. Beulah Marie Farland Pickett, 83, of Chinquapin passed away on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024 at ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville.
A viewing was held on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024 at Rose Hill Funeral Home, 472 Wells Town Road in Rose Hill, followed by the funeral service. Burial was at St. Lewis Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, 168 Pickett Bay Road in Chinquapin.
She leaves to cherish her precious memories: one son, James Antonia Farland of Greensboro; two daughters, Winifred R. Lisane (Shelton) of Greensboro and Lisa Farland of Chinquapin; three sisters, Ann Linen and Doris Glaspie, both of Beulaville, and Arletha Dobson (Maxie) of Fayetteville; one sisterin-law, Georgia Mae Farland of Beulaville; eight grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that will miss her dearly.
Angela H. Sawyer
April 25, 1983 – Sept. 5, 2024
Angela Hines Sawyer, 41, known to most as Angel Sawyer, passed away Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024. She was a native of the Mount Olive area and was a resident of Wilmington at the time of her passing.
Angel is survived by two daughters, Savannah Sawyer and Saylor Sawyer, both of the home; her partner, Marty Coleman, of Wilmington; her aunt, Dawn Hines Seagroves of Mount Olive; her grandmother, Kathryn Alphin Hines of Mount Olive; cousins, Samantha Ellison of Faison, Rebecca Sisney of Knightdale, Sarah Jennette of Goldsboro, and Storm Oates of Faison, along with their families. Angel is also survived by her step-father, Hilbert Swinson of Mount Olive; a step-sister, Tiffany Swinson of Mount Olive; and other members of the Swinson family. She was preceded in death by her mother, Pamela Hines Swinson; her grandfather, Harley Hines; and an uncle, Jay Hines.
Angel’s life was remembered at a service on Tuesday, Sept. 10, at 6 p.m. at Tyndall Funeral Home in Mount Olive, followed by visitation. At other times, family and friends may call at the home of her grandmother.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, National Headquarters, 6520 N. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309; or to Bethel Church, c/o Meredith McClenny, 240 Jones/Turner Road, Mount Olive NC 28365.
Clifton Merritt
Jan. 15, 1943 – Aug. 27, 2024
Clifton Merritt, 81, of Rose Hill answered the Master’s call Aug. 27, 2024 at ECU Health Duplin Hospital in Kenansville.
Funeral service was held Thursday Sept. 5, 2024 at First Missionary Baptist Church of Magnolia. Viewing was one hour prior to service.
Robert Amos Blanton
March 31, 1940 – Sept. 3, 2024
BURGAW — Robert Amos Blanton, 84, passed away at his home Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024. Robert was born March 31, 1940 in Duplin County to the late Percy G. Blanton and Annie Mae Brinson Blanton.
Visitation was held Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024 at Community Funeral Home in Rose Hill. A funeral service was held on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024 at Community Funeral Home Chapel in Rose Hill. Mr. Blanton is survived by daughter, Ann Howard; granddaughter, Madison Howard; brother, Graham Blanton; and loyal friend, Jamie Taylor and wife, Lisa and their children, Jessica Taylor Byrd, Tiffany Taylor Hernandez, and Jennifer Taylor. In addition to his parents, Mr. Blanton was preceded in death by sister, Ann Blanton Lawson.
Roselle Smith
Nov. 25, 1938 – Sept. 2, 2024
Roselle Smith, 85, of Warsaw, humbly submitted to the will of the Almighty on the evening of Sept. 2, 2024 at ECU Health Duplin Hospital.
Funeral service was scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 at Kenansville Eastern Missionary Baptist Association (KEMBA), Warsaw. Visitation was one hour prior to the service. Interment followed in Devotional Gardens of Warsaw.
Arthur Lee
Williams
Oct. 24, 1939 – Sept. 1, 2024
Arthur Lee Williams, 84, of Faison completed his earthly journey and entered into his eternal rest on Sept.1, 2024 at Kenansville Health and Rehabilitation. The funeral service was scheduled for noon Monday, Sept. 9, 2024 at Hawes Funeral Home Chapel, Warsaw. Visitation was one hour prior to the service.
James Howard Cottle Jr.
June 19, 1938 – Sept. 2, 2024
James Howard Cottle Jr. of Rose Hill died on Sept. 2, 2024. James Howard Jr. (Buddy) was born on June 19, 1938 in Duplin County to the late James Howard Cottle and Lerleane Wallace Cottle. James was a veteran and a graduate of Atlantic Christian College and post-graduate work at NC State.
James is survived by one sister, Kathryn Cottle Honeycutt of Fayetteville, and his nephew James Michael Honeycutt (Martha) of Stanley. A memorial service was held Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024 at Rose Hill Baptist Church, Rose Hill, with burial following in Rose Hill Cemetery. Visitation was held one hour prior.
Memorials may be made to Rose Hill Baptist Church, P. O. Box 459, Rose Hill, NC 28458. The family would like to express our sincere thanks for all acts of kindness shown during this difficult time. Continue to remember us in prayer.
Nov. 5, 1943 – Sept. 2, 2024
Craig Maxwell Fish, 80, passed away on Monday, Sept. 2, 2024. He is preceded in death by a sister, Sheila Villas. Arrangements were incomplete as of press time.
Survivors include: daughters, Tara Hatcher (Craig) of Chinquapin and Sheily Fish (Mark) of Beulaville; sister, Cathy Elliot of Statesville; grandchild, Zoe Hatcher.
Craig Maxwell Fish
Prestage Farms internship helps student gain deeper understanding of production agriculture
Peterson gets hands-on experience while applying classroom knowledge
Submitted by Rhonda Jessup University of Mount Olive
CLINTON — Kylie Peterson, a dedicated University of Mount Olive (UMO) student is building her resume and her agricultural experience through an internship with Prestage Farms. A junior veterinary bioscience major and agribusiness minor, she is set to graduate in December 2025.
Raised in the small town of Turkey, Peterson has always had a strong passion for agriculture, particularly the animal side of the industry. As the daughter of Wendy and Chet Peterson, she grew up in an environment closely tied to agriculture, with her father having worked with Butterball turkeys for many years.
Peterson’s educational journey began at Union High School, where she graduated in December 2022. She enrolled at UMO in August 2022, drawn to the University’s family and community-oriented environment. “I didn’t want to be just a number,” she said, “Mount Olive provided the personal and homey feeling I needed.”
At UMO, Peterson has been actively involved in research projects that have shaped her collegiate experience, includ-
ing a study on broilers, layers, and turkeys at Kornegay Student Farm. This project ignited her interest in production agriculture and motivated her to seek further opportunities, such as the internship with Prestage Farms.
During the 10-week internship, Peterson’s responsibilities have included ensuring the health and well-being of sows and their piglets, performing housekeeping tasks, and assisting with various farm operations. “A typical day would start bright and early, either at 3:45 a.m. or 5:45 a.m., checking on all the pigs and performing tasks to ensure their health,” Peterson said.
The hands-on experience at Prestage Farms has allowed Peterson to apply her classroom knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of production agriculture. “The primary takeaway from my experience with Prestage would be my respect for the industry,” she said. “It takes a special person and a village to succeed in this field. I have a newfound respect for those in the production world.”
Looking ahead, Peterson plans to apply to veterinary school after graduation. Her long-term goal is to become a large animal veterinarian or work in an agricultural setting. “I would definitely enjoy being in the production world,” she said.
“It takes a special person and a village to succeed in this field. I have a newfound respect for those in the production world.”
Rhonda Jessup, University of Mount Olive
In her spare time, Peterson enjoys spending time with her Labrador, Bailey, going to the beach, and being with friends and family. She credits her parents for their unwavering support and inspiration, particularly her mother’s strength in facing health challenges and her father’s ability to provide guidance and laughter.
Peterson’s story is a testament to her determination, passion, and commitment to creating a better future for herself and her community. Her journey at UMO and her internship with Prestage Farms have paved the way for a promising career in the agricultural industry.
The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University was founded by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists.
National Night Out brings police, community together for a day of fun
The Warsaw Police Department held National Night Out 2024 on Saturday, Sept. 7 at the Warsaw Recreation Center. The event was a great success and brought members of the Warsaw Police Department and the community together for an afternoon of fun and fellowship. National Night Out featured a drunk driving simulator, waterslides, emergency vehicles, a bouncy house and face painting. Participants enjoyed food vendors, giveaways and a DJ who kept the crowds entertained with interactive games and dancing.
COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF MOUNT OLIVE
Kylie Peterson is a junior veterinary bioscience major at the University of Mount Olive. She is building her agricultural experience through an internship with Prestage Farms.
COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF MOUNT OLIVE