the BRIEF
this week
Mount Olive dismisses town manager
The Mount Olive town board held a closed session meeting on Monday night after which they voted 3-2 to dismiss Town Manager Jammie Royall. Glenn Holland, the town’s superintendent of utilities, was named interim town manager. See the full story on duplinjournal.com and in next week’s edition.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day observance
Duplin County Duplin County offices will be closed Jan. 20 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Town of Magnolia reopens land use community survey
Magnolia
The Town of Magnolia has announced that they will reopen their Land Use Plan Community Survey through the first week of February to give Magnolia residents another opportunity to share their thoughts on the town’s growth and development. More than 40 Magnolia residents have already shared their perspectives. Don’t miss your chance to make your voice heard. This 18-question survey takes just a few minutes to complete.
Public invited to participate in dinner theater fundraiser
Pink Hill
Sandy Plain Church will host a Hee Haw Dinner Theater fundraiser for Lesser Ministries in the church gym on Feb. 8 at 6 p.m. The church is located at 945 N.C. 241 in Pink Hill. There is no entrance fee, but donations will be accepted. Dinner starts at 6 p.m., and the show begins at 6:45 p.m. Registration is required. There will be a sign-up sheet at the church foyer.
Community gathering seeks to engage public in open discussions
Warsaw Join the Town of Warsaw Community Gathering on Feb. 27 at the Warsaw Park and Rec Center on 309 Memorial Drive at 6 p.m. This is your opportunity to ask questions, share suggestions and meet with local leaders, elected officials, town employees, law enforcement, first responders and community organizations. Enjoy light refreshments and engage in open discussions.
Melissa Stevens sworn in as district court judge
Melissa Stevens, who has practiced law in Duplin County for more than 30 years, was sworn in as the newest district court judge on Friday. Her husband Henry L. Stevens IV, a superior court judge, administered the oath during a ceremony at the courthouse in Kenansville. See the full story on Page A3.
Warsaw fined $19.7K for wastewater violations
In the last 13 months, the WWTP has been fined more than $65,000
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
WARSAW — On Jan. 8, the town of Warsaw was issued two notices of violation and assessment of civil penalties totalling $19,712.02 in fines for infractions at the Warsaw Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) .
The first notice outlines a fine of $12,113.51 for 10 violations incurred last year from Aug. 17-31. During this period, the facility exceeded the weekly biochemical oxygen demand by 73% and the monthly average BOD by 13.8%. The WWTP recorded excessive levels of fecal coliform, exceeding three weekly thresholds by 505%, 505% and 441%, and the monthly geometric mean for fecal coliform by 620%.
The notice also indicated violations of two weekly ammonia nitrogen standards by 42% and 198%, with the monthly average ammonia nitrogen exceeding limits by 205%. Furthermore, the facil-
ity exceeded the monthly flow limit by 3%.
The second notice details four violations incurred last year from Sept. 7-30 totalling $7,598.51. This document indicates that the facility exceeded the monthly average BOD by 5%, three weekly fecal coliform thresholds by 18%, 103%, and 505%, the monthly geometric mean for fecal coliform by 20%, and the monthly average ammonia nitrogen by 21%.
According to the National Library of Medicine, high levels of fecal coliform in wastewater effluents indicate the potential presence of disease-causing pathogens. Poor-quality effluents can expose downstream users to waterborne diseases, which may enter the body through the mouth, nose, ears or cuts in the skin and increase the risk of illnesses such as hepatitis, gastroenteritis, typhoid fever, dysentery and ear infections.
The documents noted that while the extent of harm has not been quantified, the summer Instream Waste Concentration was estimated at 92.2%. This metric is used
See VIOLATIONS, page A6
Northeast Cape Fear River cleanout begins
The 40-mile project is targeted to cost roughly $750,000
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
KENANSVILLE — Cleanup of the Northeast Cape Fear River and its tributaries began last week at the Duplin/Pender County line and will cover approximately 40 miles.
The cleanup project was approved last year after Tropical Storm Debby reignited flooding concerns. The Board of County Commissioners appropriated $1.25 million to Soil and Water for storm debris removal in sections one through six of the river as a protective measure, declaring the debris and siltation in the river a public emergency.
Man charged with 4 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor
The 21-year-old is currently being held at Duplin County Jail on a $250,000 secured bond
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
$2.00
WARSAW — Darwin Solorzano Donaire, 21, was arrested on Jan. 7 following a search warrant in connection with an Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) investigation executed by the Warsaw Police Department with assistance from Homeland Security investigators. The investigation began after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a cyber tip via Instagram and obtained a search warrant. According to authorities,
during the search, detectives found that Donaire had been viewing, screen recording and sharing child sexual abuse material through Instagram Messenger. Multiple electronic devices were confiscated for further forensic analysis.
Donaire has been charged with two felony counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and two felony counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. He is currently being held at Duplin County Jail on a $250,000 secured bond.
This investigation marks the Warsaw Police Department’s first operation as part of the ICAC Task Force and underscores the department’s commitment to protecting the community’s most vulnerable members.
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THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
Jan. 16
• Nutrition Education: Med instead of Meds, a six-session series will start on Jan. 16 at 5:30 p.m. at the Cooperative Extension office in Duplin. Cost is $20 for the series. For more information, visit ncsu.edu/ duplin space is limited.
Jan. 19
• Join the First Missionary Baptist Church of Warsaw on Jan. 19 at 10 a.m. for a worship service to honor the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. The keynote speaker will be Leatrice Martin, public health educator at N.C. Central University.
A Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration will be held at Holy Ghost Cathedral in Mount Olive on Jan. 19 at 3 p.m.
Jan. 20
• Cardio Drumming for Seniors will be held on Jan. 20, Feb. 7 and Feb. 14, from 11-11:30 a.m. at 156 Duplin Commons Drive in Kenansville. Call Jennifer Moore at 910-296-2140 to register.
The Duplin County NAACP will host a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. event on Monday, Jan. 20, at 11 a.m. in Ed Emory Auditorium at 165 Agriculture Drive in Kenansville. Lunch will be provided. The guest speaker is Marcus Bass, deputy director of the North Carolina Black Alliance.
Jan. 22
• Duplin County Cooperative Extension is hosting a free How to Search and Find Trusted Information Online session on Jan. 22 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 165-C Agriculture Drive in Kenansville. Participants who complete the test will be entered into a drawing to win a free iPad. For more information, call 252-320-9650. The registration deadline for the Eastern Forestry Landowner Summit is Jan. 22. The summit will be on Wednesday, Jan. 29, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 165 Agriculture Drive in Kenansville. This event is designed for woodland and forest landowners who desire a deeper understanding of forestry and wildlife management.
Jan. 23
Magnolia Dreams Inn presents Snowed Inn: A Murder Mystery on Jan. 23, at 7 p.m. Visit magnoliadreamsnc.com/ for more details.
Jan. 29
• Duplin County Cooperative Extension is hosting a free Using Healthcare Online session on Jan. 29 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 165-C Agriculture Drive in Kenansville. Participants who complete the test will be entered into a drawing to win a free iPad. For more information, call 252-320-9650.
Feb. 4, 11, 18, 24
• Duplin County Senior Services is offering digital information sessions for seniors on Feb. 4, 11, 18 and 24 from 10 a.m. to noon at 156 Duplin Commons Drive in Kenansville. Each participant that completes the pretest and posttest will be entered in a drawing to win a free iPad. Light refreshments will be provided. Call Jennifer Moore at 910-296-2140 to register.
Feb. 7
outstanding volunteers in Duplin County in person is Friday, Feb. 7. Applications can be picked up at Duplin County Senior Services.
Feb. 14
Join the Bulls, Barrels and Broncs event on Feb. 14 and 15 for some of the best rodeo action on dirt starting at 7 p.m. both nights. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Enjoy bull riding, bronc riding and barrel racing at the Duplin Events Center heated indoor arena. Advance tickets are $15, at the door tickets are $25. Kids 5 and under are free.
Feb. 18
The application period for Pitch It Duplin!, a competition for business entrepreneurs, is now open. The deadline to submit an application video, professional resume and proof of residency is Feb. 18 by 5 p.m. Pitch It Duplin! gives entrepreneurs the chance to win money by pitching a new business idea to a panel of three industry experts. Selected applicants will be notified Feb. 20-21. Visit marinefederalhb. org for more details. The first-place winner will receive $3,000, the second place will get $2,000, and the third-place winner will take home $1,000.
Feb. 22
The annual Mount Olive Black History Month parade is planned for Feb. 22 on Talton Avenue, with a rain date of March 1. Parade entries are available at Mount Olive town hall.
Feb. 27
Join the Town of Warsaw Community Gathering on Feb. 27 at the Warsaw Park and Rec Center on 309 Memorial Drive at 6 p.m. This is your opportunity to ask questions, share suggestions and meet with local leaders, elected officials, town employees, law enforcement, first responders and community organizations. Enjoy light refreshments and engage in open discussions.
RIVER from page A1 THURSDAY
To report crime anonymously, call the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 910-3729202 or you may also submit information at cc.southernsoftware.com/ tipsubmission/ through the Duplin County Citizens Connect website.
CRIME REPORT
Jan. 7
Donaire Solorzano Darwin Mauricio, 22, was arrested by the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office for third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and seconddegree exploitation of a minor.
Jan. 8
• Cameron D’Shon Hall, 25, was arrested by DCSO for selling Schedule II controlled substance, delivering Schedule II controlled substance, possession with intent to manufacture/ sell/deliver Schedule II controlled substance, first-degree burglary, second-degree trespass, resisting a public officer, and injury to real property.
• Michael Earl Smith, 58, was arrested by DCSO for manufacturing Schedule II controlled substance, selling Schedule II controlled substance, delivering Schedule II controlled substance, possession with intent to manufacture/ sell/deliver Schedule II controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
• The deadline to submit applications to nominate and recognize some of the
• Randy Joseph Pope, 42, was arrested by DCSO for selling Schedule II controlled substance, delivering Schedule II controlled substance, possession with intent to manufacture/sell/deliver Schedule II controlled substance, manufacturing Schedule II controlled substance, driving while license revoked, failure to yield, and failure to wear seatbelt.
Jan. 9
• James Melvin Pride, 57, was arrested by DCSO for driving while impaired, possessing methamphetamine, and possessing drug paraphernalia.
Jan. 10
• Gary Wayne Locklear, 55, was arrested by DCSO for possessing methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
Guytavius Khiry Smith, 34, was arrested by DCSO for shoplifting concealment of goods, misdemeanor larceny, resisting a public officer, and intoxicated and disruptive behavior.
Jan. 11
Braxton Scott Blackmon, 38, was arrested by DCSO for domestic violence protective order violation.
Jan. 12
• Azay Larry Twitty, 30, was arrested by DCSO for assault on a female, assault with a deadly weapon, communicating threats, driving while license revoked, expired registration, and driving without two headlamps.
Jan. 13
• Allen Michael McCullen, 28, was arrested by DCSO for larceny of motor vehicle and felony larceny.
Myshia Shanice Miller, 28, was arrested by DCSO for voluntary manslaughter.
Christhian Eduardo Varela Cruz, 22, was arrested by the Beulaville Police Department for domestic violence protective order violation, possessing marijuana up to 1/2 oz, possessing marijuana paraphernalia, resisting a public officer, and driving while license revoked.
Billy Ivey, Duplin County Soil & Water Conservation director, told Duplin Journal the cleanup will extend all the way to Highway 111 and Highway 903. Cleanup began on section one at Rockfish Creek and will continue on section two from Deep Bottom Road to Chinquapin Bridge on Highway 41. Section three will proceed from Chinquapin Bridge to Hallsville Bridge; section four from Hallsville Bridge to Highway 24 between Beulaville and Kenansville; section five from Highway 24 to the Sarecta Bridges; and section six will finish from the Sarecta Bridges to Highways 111 and 903 near B.F. Grady School.
As part of the project, cleanup crews will remove debris from the river and place it at least 30 feet from the riverbank, securing the piles with environmentally friendly, high-tensile strength rope to prevent the debris from floating back into the river. The crews will also clean feeder creeks as they progress through the area. Ivey explained that while there is no guarantee the debris won’t end up back in the river, the proposed method has been effective in reducing the amount of debris washed back in.
He also told Duplin Journal that while this will not prevent flooding during major storm events, it will take longer for flooding to occur because the
river will have fewer obstructions to the flow of water.
“What we have seen over the years in doing creek cleanout is that the water will flow out quicker instead of all those blockages, which makes it way slower in a flood event for the water to recede,” said Ivey.
He noted that they allow contractors ample time to complete the project since much of it depends on weather conditions.
“I don’t have an exact estimate at the time. It depends on weather, depends on the level of the river,” Ivey said. “The river has to be a certain level on the gage and have the conditions for them to work for safety reasons and to make sure they’re able to get and see all the debris.”
The total cost of the project is $757,275.50. Ivey reported that contracts for Muddy Creek, Island Creek and section six of the river were awarded to Snatch-It Clearing. Halls Tree Service received contracts for sections one through five of the river, while Hall-American Property Pros LLC was awarded the Rockfish Creek job.
Funding for this project is sourced from grants provided by the Department of Public Safety and the state’s Streamflow Rehabilitative Assistance Program (StRAP). The last river cleanout took place in 2020-21, extending from the Wayne County-Duplin County line to the Pender-Duplin line. According to the Na-
tional Association of Conservation Districts, Duplin County has secured more StRAP funds than any other district in the state to assist in mitigating future flood damage.
“We’ve been very fortunate as a county,” Ivey said. “We’ve been able to put a lot of dollars on the ground with stream debris removal.
“The first round of StRAP, which was 2020, roughly in those years, we were able to get $1.9 million. This new round of StRAP funding for 2024 was $300,000. But we spent well over a million just on the river the first time, and that’s not even counting Florence, Matthew, Dorian, all those funds that we had spent on creek cleanout and all that.”
Melissa Stevens is Duplin’s newest district court judge
The longtime attorney was sworn in during a ceremony on Jan. 10
By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal
KENANSVILLE — Attor -
neys, judges, local elected officials, law enforcement and numerous family and friends filled the Duplin County Courthouse on Friday, Jan. 10, as the county’s newest district court judge for the 5th Judicial District, Melissa Stevens, was sworn into office by her husband, Superior Court Judge Henry L. Stevens IV. Stevens has practiced law in Duplin County for more than 30 years. She was elected district court judge in November and presided over her first case earlier this month.
During the ceremony, local attorneys Justin Hunter, Reginald Kenan and Frederick Hall shared memories of practicing law throughout the past 30 years, while attorney Charle Ingram gave a history of the district court in Duplin County.
The Stevens’ good friend, attorney Hayes Ludlum, introduced Stevens before she was sworn in.
“She’s a mother of five, grandmother of three, married to Judge Henry Stevens IV,” Ludlum said, adding that he wanted to share the qualities about Stevens that he thinks will make her a great district court judge. “The first quality that comes to mind is that she’s a very forgiving and
caring person. I know this firsthand because about 15 years ago, my favorite Chesapeake retriever bit her on the butt. She didn’t sue me, and we’re still friends.”
On a more serious note, he said she’s very committed to her conservative beliefs.
“She has a very calm demeanor,” he said. “But I tell you, she can be stern when the situation calls for it. A few years ago, our families went to Glacier National Park in Montana. We had a 15-passenger van that we rode around in with no electronics. Six children in a van after a while got rambunctious. Finally, she
had enough. I won’t repeat the words she said, but when I tell you she put the fear of God in those children, she put the fear of God in all of us adults. You could’ve heard a mouse sneeze in that van.”
Ludlum said the quality he admires most in Stevens is how she cares for the less fortunate.
“I can tell hundreds of stories having known her, but most recently, the work she did with the people of western North Carolina,” he said. “As you all know, Hurricane Helene did a lot of damage to the western part of the state. She’s made countless trips out to the mountains, raised money,
took generators, donated over 1,000 coats.”
After she was sworn in, Stevens thanked everyone for celebrating with her and her family.
“God has blessed me so much in my life,” she said. “I have been so blessed with this family, with these people, with all of you in my life. It is just amazing to me.”
She shared that when she first came into the courtroom over 30 years ago, she knew how to apply the law but the district court helped teach her about people.
“Every attorney in here, that has been in my life, taught me
that,” she said. “Each and every one of the people in my life have shaped me in some way. They have raised me from a baby lawyer. There’s not one time when I have appeared in front of these folks and they haven’t taught me something.”
Ultimately, she said, being a judge is about serving the public.
“If you’re going to court on Monday morning, the most important day of your life is Monday morning,” she said. “I want to be that judge who listens. I want to be the judge that understands that that person in front of me is having the most important day of their lives.”
ABBY CAVENAUGH / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Melissa Stevens puts on her judge’s robe after being sworn in as district court judge. She is surrounded by her family and husband, Judge Henry L. Stevens IV.
PHOTOS BY ABBY CAVENAUGH / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Left, After being sworn in as Duplin County’s newest district court judge, Melissa Stevens shared a few words of thanks. Right, newly sworn-in District Court Judge Melissa Stevens stands with her husband, Superior Court Judge Henry L. Stevens IV.
THE CONVERSATION
Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor
COLUMN | PHILIP GLADDEN
A world beyond my own concerns
You will never look into the eyes of someone that God doesn’t deeply love.
MY WIFE AND I ARRIVED at John F. Kennedy International Airport on Christmas Day. We spent Christmas week in New York City visiting with our children. We watched the Rockettes high-kick their way through a fabulous show at Radio City Music Hall. We saw the movie “Wicked” at a theater in Times Square. We enjoyed afternoon tea at The Russian Tea Room in Midtown Manhattan.
On the day after Christmas, we took in the holiday displays in the windows of department stores such as Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue. As I stood outside Bergdorf Goodman at the corner of 5th Avenue and 58th Street, I was struck by the enormous diversity of the human race. I lost track of the number of languages I heard spoken by passersby, all of whom were going about the business of being human beings.
I was reminded of Thomas Merton’s experience on a street corner in Louisville, Kentucky, which he described so eloquently in his book, “Conjectures of a Guilty Bystander.”
(Disclaimer: I do not claim to have Merton’s spiritual insight, but my experience was a much needed reminder of the great world beyond my own concerns and experiences.)
Merton, an American Trappist monk and theologian, wrote: “In Louisville, at the corner of Fourth and Walnut, in the center of the shopping district, I was suddenly overwhelmed with the realization that I loved all these people, that they were mine and I theirs, that we could not be alien to one another even though we were total
There is a lot of free-flowing anger out here looking for a place to land.
WHAT WAS DONALD TRUMP’S reaction to the deadly and devastating wildfires literally burning down a county that didn’t vote for him?
This is what he wrote on Truth Social.
“Governor Gavin Newscum refused to sign the water restoration declaration put before him that would have allowed millions of gallons of water, from excess rain and snow melt from the North, to flow daily into many parts of California, including the areas that are currently burning in a virtually apocalyptic way.”
Count on Trump to turn sour a moment that should remind us that what really matters is not a partisan issue, that a president, and a president-elect, works for all Americans, not just the ones who voted for him. Ronald Reagan would have been great at a moment like this.
Not the Don.
At a press conference on Thursday, LA officials repeatedly thanked President Joe Biden for his support and commitments for disaster relief as Los Angeles faces an apocalyptic crisis. The elephant in the room was Trump. Would the new president continue to provide the resources and support that California desperately needs? Biden says that he prays he will. That is not exactly reassuring. There is no such thing as a “water restoration declaration.” There is no spigot that Newsom could have turned on that would have filled the hydrants in the Palisades or Altadena, that would have saved lives and homes in this disaster.
What Trump is referring to is a fight he had years ago with Newsom about whether California was doing too much to protect fish — including the “smelt” that you may have heard about — at the expense of California farmers. It had nothing whatsoever to do with how much water was available this week.
The extreme weather conditions that produced this disaster — an extreme drought the likes of which we haven’t seen and extreme wind the likes of which we haven’t felt — overwhelmed the system. Yes, we knew it was coming, and it would have been better if the mayor
strangers. It was like waking from a dream of separateness, of spurious self-isolation in a special world. ... This sense of liberation from an illusory difference was such a relief and such a joy to me that I almost laughed out loud. ... I have the immense joy of being man, a member of a race in which God Himself became incarnate. As if the sorrows and stupidities of the human condition could overwhelm me, now that I realize what we all are. And if only everybody could realize this! But it cannot be explained. There is no way of telling people that they are all walking around shining like the sun. Then it was as if I suddenly saw the secret beauty of their hearts, the depths of their hearts where neither sin nor desire nor self-knowledge can reach, the core of their reality, the person that each one is in God’s eyes. If only they could all see themselves as they really are. If only we could see each other that way all the time. There would be no more war, no more hatred, no more cruelty, no more greed. ... But this cannot be seen, only believed and ‘understood’ by a peculiar gift.”
I sometimes see a bumper sticker that says, “You will never look into the eyes of someone that God doesn’t deeply love.”
This expresses both Merton’s and my experiences in large cities. But the same is just as true in our small towns in Duplin County. To quote Merton again, “If only we could see each other that way all the time.”
Philip Gladden is a retired minister who lives in Wallace.
hadn’t gone to Ghana for the week, but it wouldn’t have made a difference.
To be sure, Trump wasn’t the only one trying to make political hay out of this disaster. My friend Rick Caruso, the billionaire developer from Pacific Palisades who ran against (and lost to) Karen Bass for mayor, called into a local station and complained that the mayor should not have been out of town for such extreme weather and that something had obviously gone wrong leaving firefighters without enough water to fight these blazes. The interview went viral, with the help of Elon Musk, who kept pumping out criticism of the mayor and the governor at a time when people were desperate for reassurance that the Trump administration would be there to support us.
Will they be?
There is, without a doubt, a lot of free-flowing anger out here, looking for a place to land. People want to know how something this terrible could have happened and what can be done to make sure it will never happen again.
Who can we blame for this? Some of the loudmouths on the right are blaming the Los Angeles Fire Department, which is ably led by a lesbian chief who implemented a much-needed DEI initiative a few years ago, with Megyn Kelly — amplified by who else but Musk — irresponsibly suggesting that the chief “has made not filling the fire hydrants top priority, but diversity.”
There is absolutely no evidence that diversity has impaired the fire department’s ability to fight these fires; it’s an attack that is unfair to the men and women who are risking their lives to save ours. Not to mention the fact that it’s the Department of Water and Power that is responsible for filling the hydrants, not the firefighters.
Someone should ask Trump what he plans to do about the extreme weather that causes devastation, not to mention what he plans to do about the disaster we face. Can he say anything to comfort us? Will he be a president for all Americans?
Killing the smelts is not an answer.
Susan Estrich is a lawyer, professor, author and political commentator.
COLUMN | SUSAN ESTRICH
Wallace town council discusses new fire station
Council members decided against moving the new station to Farrior Park
By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal
WALLACE — The main topic of discussion during the Wallace Town Council’s Jan. 9 meeting centered around the construction of a new fire station, namely whether or not to move the station a few blocks from its current location to Farrior Park.
Town Manager Rob Taylor explained that the proposed site for the new station, which fronts the current fire department on Southerland Street, is “a tight lot,” and the town recently discovered the state would require a stormwater retention system at a price tag of about $300,000.
“So with that, a few of us just wanted to look at some options and think about some things and see if we could put the facility at a different town property and asked the contractor to put some numbers together to see what kind of savings we could be looking at,” Taylor said. “When you talk about taxpayers’ money, we want to make sure we’re making the right call.”
Adding the retention pond would slow the project down by at least three months, Taylor said, but moving it to the site in front of Farrior Park down the street would split public safe-
ty services from being in a combined location. Also, it would mean that some citizens who are currently in the fire district would no longer be covered by the department.
Fire Chief Taylor Johnson voiced opposition to relocating the station, citing longer response times.
“Moving it toward Tin City would increase our response time,” he said. “Currently, our response time is about three or four minutes. Moving it that far would increase it to seven or eight minutes. To me, that’s unacceptable.”
He also said the fire department asked citizens to approve fire tax a few years ago for a new station and now some of those folks wouldn’t be covered.
“I realize it’s our responsibility as a board to save the community money when we can,” Mayor Jason Wells said. “But there’s a lot of factors also going into decisions we make. In the end, I think there are going to be some cost savings if we were to move it, but I also think there’s going to be some hidden costs that we’re not even currently aware of. So I question, when it’s all said and done, are we really going to save any money by moving the station?”
He added that a lot of folks worked long and hard to make Farrior Park a reality.
“To me, if you want to have a conversation about moving the station, it shouldn’t be to the park,” Wells said.
“It isn’t my first choice, but we’re still going to have the best-looking station in the county.”
Jason Wells, Wallace mayor
Police Chief Jimmy Crayton agreed.
“That park is named after a man who gave just about his entire life to this town. We wouldn’t be having this conversation about the park right now if it wasn’t for Charley Farrior,” he said. “We wouldn’t have the land to build this fire station at all if it wasn’t for Charley Farrior. To put a building in front of the park that you all just voted to name after that man, I think takes away from everything that park is supposed to be and what that man means to the town. You won’t even know that park is back there if you put a giant building in front of it.”
Councilman Frank Brinkley stated he wasn’t in favor of moving the station or building the new station in the current location.
“I think you’re gonna have more problems where it’s at. You’re already running into problems,” he said. “You’re cramming a beautiful building into a small lot, and you’re accepting where it’s at and you’re already starting to give up things that you need because of the constraints you
have where it’s at. Now we’re up against a timeline for the funding. We don’t have the luxury right now of trying to go find another spot because we’re up against a deadline. So now you’re pretty well stuck.”
Brinkley said he was “disappointed” the new fire station couldn’t be as grand as originally envisioned.
Councilwoman Penny Thorne had some concerns about traffic, but Johnson said traffic isn’t a problem now and wouldn’t expect it to be in the future.
Councilwoman Tasha Herring said she understood everyone’s point of view, but the town should just move forward with what’s already planned and be thankful for the opportunity to build a new station at all.
“Let’s just get what we can get for right now,” she said. “Don’t let this pass us by. I would love to have seen a two-story public safety building sitting out there, but at the end of the day, especially when you’re working in municipal government, you have to make some tough decisions and do without some things. It isn’t my first choice, but we’re still going to have the best-looking station in the county, and we’re going to have 1,000 times better station than we’re operating out of now.”
The council didn’t vote on the issue but came to a consensus to move forward with constructing the station on the planned lot. Taylor said once everything is approved by the state, shovels will hopefully be in the ground ready to start building in April or May.
In other business at the Jan. 9 meeting, the council approved a rezoning request for Hatcher Builders for a property at Carter and Old Wilmington Road. The property was rezoned industrial.
Snappy Lube in Wallace now open
Wallace Snappy Lube in Wallace is now open for basic service like oil changes and inspections. For the entire month of January, Snappy Lube is offering $20 off the first oil change and $20 off the next oil change. Snappy Lube is located at 5636 S. N.C. 41 Hwy. in Wallace. Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
JSCC offers paramedic courses
Kenansville
James Sprunt Community College is offering two upcoming courses for those wishing to become paramedics. The paramedic initial course starts Jan. 22 at the main campus in Kenansville. You can register online at jamessprunt.edu/ short-term-courses/ paramedic-initial-didactic. An EMT to paramedic bridge course starts Feb. 3, also at the main campus in Kenansville. You can register online at jamessprunt.edu/shortterm-courses/aemt-toparamedic-bridge. For more information, call 910-275-6190.
WHS Class of 1955 celebrates 70 years
The Wallace High School Class of 1955 recently celebrated their 70th annual reunion at the Rose Hill Restaurant. There were seven classmates in attendance along with five guests, including two spouses. The attending class members were Celia N. Barnes, Robert Salmon, Carol M. Prevo, Mildred P. Gurganus, Betty Lois F. Lanier, George A. Hanchey and Paula O. Williams. Guests included spouses Mirilyn Salmon and Franklin Williams, as well as Prevo’s daughter Debbie Wilson, Barnes’ sister Arenas Weeks and Janice Kramer Fox. The classmates graduated on May 12, 1955.
Officer Tyler Greenwood was sworn in by Mayor Jason Wells as the newest member of the Wallace Police Department at the town council meeting on Jan. 9. Police Chief Jimmy Crayton said he met Greenwood in 2023 and encouraged him to join the Wallace PD. Greenwood graduated from Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) as No. 1 in his class. He has been working with the police department since Dec. 31.
to assess the potential environmental impact of wastewater discharge — a higher IWC reflects a greater proportion of wastewater present in the receiving waters.
According to Town Manager Lea Turner, an industrial pretreatment program is in place
to monitor and regulate compliance. She said the town is “working with local industries to ensure they are reporting and being held accountable for noncompliance.”
In an email to Duplin Journal, Turner said the town has been upgrading the WWTP for a number of years and is currently exploring grant opportu-
nities for additional funding.
“We have recently added clarifiers and filters to the system,” Turner said. “We are currently looking into adding diffusers into the system to add air to the waste for better sludge management and treatment.”
Turner also announced that a request to change the terminology from “expansion” to “wa-
JSCC sees record-breaking registrations for spring semester
Enrollment increased by more than 10% despite a town-wide power outage
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
KENANSVILLE — James Sprunt Community College announced record-breaking enrollment for the spring semester compared to last year, despite a town-wide power outage on the final day of walk-in registration.
According to the announcement, JSCC faculty and staff swiftly adapted to ensure students had continuous access to enrollment support. As a result, the college extended the registration period by three days, providing teams on-site to assist students throughout the process.
Enrollment increased by more than 10%. JSCC officials credit this success to the college’s innovative efforts aimed at simplifying the registration and financial aid processes. These initiatives included offering various scholarships, hosting pop-up recruitment events throughout the community, and conducting walk-in registration sessions at the Strickland Student Center on the Kenansville campus.
ter and sewer improvements” in a $7.5 million grant received by the town was approved.
“The earmark was originally for sewer capacity expansion, but expansion requires extra permitting which takes longer than the time allotted to allocate funding,” said Turner. “These funds will be used to repair/replace equipment and sewer lines to more efficiently handle the current flows and to decrease infiltration into the system. Our engineers are working on plans to move forward with needed repairs/upgrades.”
Since December 2023, Warsaw has incurred fines totaling $65,590.02 from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality.
ABBY CAVENAUGH / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Wallace PD swears in new officer
DUPLIN SPORTS
Tackle King:
Kornegay’s style, influence key to JK’s title push
Hassan Kornegay led the state in tackles and the smash-mouth style of play that helped James Kenan become a feared team in the East
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
WARSAW — Hassan Kor negay was the Defensive Player of the Year in the ECC and Du plin County in 2023. The James Kenan mid
dle linebacker pushed him self and the Tigers to a high er realm his final season in the gold‑and‑black. Kornegay, who led the state in tackles, is Duplin Journal’s
See KORNEGAY, page B2
Marquee Individual Awards
Coach of the Year: Tim Grady, James Kenan
Mr. Football: Hassan Kornegay, James Kenan
Defensive Player of the Year: Trashawn Ruffin, North Duplin
Offensive Player of the Year: Carell Phillips, North Duplin Heart of a Champion: Irving Brown, Wallace-Rose Hill
Two-Way Warrior: David Zeleya, James Kenan
*The first- and secondteams will be published Jan. 23.
Grady spearheads new game plan, direction for Tigers’ gridiron program
Tim Grady made changes on and off the field to steer James Kenan to its best season since 2015
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
WARSAW — Tim Grady didn’t let the past haunt his football team, and his newly im printed JK team went out and achieved his battle call: “Let’s make history.”
It was a long time coming for Tigers football fans, who saw a smaller roster with some new coaches return to glory with a share of the East Central 2A Conference title and victo ries over East Duplin and Wal lace Rose Hill.
The wins over their Duplin County rivals broke long losing streaks — 12 games against the Bulldogs and five straight and seven of eight versus the Panthers.
Both were major respect wins for Grady, who had not beaten either school in his first three seasons.
Yet Grady, who coached for more than a decade at Charity Middle, which prepared players for both JK and WRH, changed directions to lead the Tigers to a 12 2 mark, closing its season with a fourth round playoff loss to No. 1 Northeastern.
JK went into a tailspin a sea son before after Ken Avent Jr. (with state titles in 2007 and 2013) left to become athlet ics director for Duplin County Schools.
The Tigers were 17 20 from 2016 to 2020 before Grady built a foundation 2021 with a 6 4 finish.
JK was 9 3 the following sea son before slipping backward in 2023, going 6 6 overall and 3 3 in the ECC.
Panthers, Rebels girls charge into key conference challenges
ED’s Ava Noble, left, and ND’s Tateyawna Faison have key games in the next two weeks as conference action heats up in girls’ basketball.
ND, with one loss in 1A, faces Lakewood, while 12-2 ED waits to battle Southwest Onslow
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
CALYPSO — Wallace Rose Hill had one of its biggest weeks in years, though the Bulldogs’ girls’ basketball team was over shadowed by East Duplin and North Duplin. WRH won back to back games for the first time in three seasons, and ED won games on three consecutive days to im
prove to 13 2, with a key win over previously unbeaten Kinston. The Bulldogs will still be a heavy underdog on Thursday when they host the Panthers on Friday in Wallace.
A bigger challenge for East Duplin will come on Wednes day when the Panthers travel to Southwest Onslow and battle the Stallions for early suprema cy atop the ECC standings.
ND (10 3) captured its fifth straight to up its mark to 10 3, with all three setbacks coming to 2A schools (ED twice, Kin ston), and hosts unbeaten Lake wood (8 0) on Friday. But the Rebels were also slated to meet
Neuse Charter (10 3) on Tues day of this week as action in the Carolina 1A Conference kicks into high gear among the top three contenders.
Higginbotham, Faison lead charge against Leopards
ND guard Addy Higginboth am and forward Tatewayna Faison combined for 44 points when the Rebels shot down Bear Grass 66 42 last Wednesday. Higginbotham had 24 mark ers, while Faison collected 20 and hauled down 25 rebounds.
See HOOPS, page B4
THURMAN PARKER
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Tim Grady, right, is 33-14 through four seasons after leading James Kenan to a 12-2 mark and share of the ECC title.
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Hassan Kornegay averaged 14.5 tackles per game and led the state in takedowns with 203.
Trench warrior: Ruffin puts fear into opposition
North Duplin’s two-way lineman is a tone-setter on the gridiron and around the locker room
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
CALYPSO — Trashawn Ruf
fin shows off his “star” status to radiate teammates and the North Duplin coaching staff.
Ruffin, a 6 foot 3, 305 pound recruit who signed in the fall to play at Texas A&M, played on both sides of the ball for the Rebels, who were 10 1 and out right Carolina 1A Conference champs.
The junior is the Duplin Jour nal’s Defensive Player of the Year. James Kenan MLB/TE Hassan Kornegay, who stepped up on both sides of the ball, was the top defender in 2023.
“He’s the best linemen I’ve coached because of his out standing technique, move ment and hand placement,” said 19‑year ND head coach Hugh Martin. “He’s strength is obvi ous, but he reacts really well to the blocks he sees.”
Ruffin faced double and tri ple teams, giving teammates a better chance of making a play.
Yet his significance on the gridiron and the ND cam
pus is far greater than can be explained.
“His value, work ethic and presence sets the tone for every one,” Martin said. “He’s a great teammate.
“Every day before practice he high fives or shakes the hands of our coaches, and he also con nects with his teammates. He
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
brings so much positivity and joy to a locker room and the school. You don’t always see that from your best players.”
Ruffin is an all Duplin first‑team selection as both a de fensive tackle and tight end.
The Rebels defense limit ed foes to less than two touch downs and 155 yards rushing per
game while averaging 40 points and 327 yards running the ball in Martin’s Wing T attack.
Offers came from UNC, NC State, Florida, Ohio State, Texas, Georgia, Michigan, Ala bama, Florida and other colleges.
Ruffin played basketball last winter on a Rebels team that won the conference title for the
Texas A&M signee Trashawn Ruffin led a Rebels defense that limited foes to less than two touchdowns and 155 yards rushing per game.
first time in more than two de cades, and in the spring he placed third at the 1A track and field state championships in the shot put, where footwork is also a key. His efforts in the weight events helped ND tie Pender for the Mid East Re gion title, following a runaway CC title.
Phillips’ running helps Rebels continue as 1A East power
PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Carell Phillips ran for 1,913 yards and 34 touchdowns, averaging 9.4 yards per carry and 174 per game.
Mr. Football, becoming just the second defensive player to win the award. East Duplin’s Amaru Herring took honor in 2018.
He is also the second JK play er on the top podium. Marce lias Sutton ruled in 2012 and 2013, the latter of which was JK’s third state title and second un der head coach Ken Avent Jr., whose defensive coordinator was Avent’s brother John Bert, who had that position this fall un der fourth‑year head coach Tim Grady.
Kornegay, a 6 foot 2, 210 pound senior, put his im
print on the JK defense, helping the Tigers to a 12 2 mark, that in cluded wins over rivals East Du plin in the conference season and Wallace Rose Hill in the third round of the 2A playoffs.
He averaged 14.5 tackles per game and came up with his big gest hauls against the best teams on the JK schedule.
He made a season high 21 when JK nipped WRH 14 13 in the third round of the playoffs to snap a 12 game skid against the Bulldogs.
He had 18 in an early season win over Whiteville (which fin ished 13 2 and earned the No. 2 seed in the postseason).
The North Duplin junior running back made it look easy filling the void left from the departure of Dujuan Armwood
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
CALYPSO — Dujuan Arm
wood was among the top run ning backs in the East last season.
So much so that it left im posing footprints for the next North Duplin appren tice in training.
Carell Phillips, the Offen sive Player of the Year, became the 2.0 version of Armwood, leading the Rebels to a Caro lina Conference title and 10 1 mark.
Phillips’ cred sheet rose above WRH’s Irving Brown (1,227
Kornegay got the Tigers past its second big regular season hurdle with 18 tackles during a rousing win over ED to start ECC play.
He had double digit numbers in solo tackles four times and 28.5 takedowns for lost yardage.
No one was better individual ly, and few teams played defense to the level of the Tigers.
“He’s physical and smart and takes on blockers with a force such that no opening is created,” said defensive coordinator John Bert Avent. “Teams design their blocking around No. 4 (Kor negay) and I don’t blame them.”
His enthusiasm and style of
yards and 14 touchdowns) and Jamarae Lamb (1,227 yards and 14 touchdowns), East Duplin’s Shawn Davis (1,468 yards and 19 touchdowns).
While each of these elite run ners had great games, no one had more production than Phil lips, who ran for 1,913 yards and 34 scores, leaving former teammate Armwood (1,785, 27 touchdowns) in the dust.
The junior ran for more than 100 yards in all 11 games, going over 200 four times and scor ing more than two touchdowns in all but one game.
He scored twice two times, had three scores five times and added four score and five‑score games while averaging nearly a first down (9.6 yards) every time he toted the pig.
He had a receiving score, two kickoff returns and an in terception in a third round loss to Lakewood.
play inspired and influenced Ti gers such as Josh Mitchell (110 tackles), David Zeleya (115 and six interceptions), Ty Morrisey (134), Cal Avent (93), Dakota Henderson (86), Jaquez Smith (82 and three picks) and Tyquise Wilson (51 and five picks).
JK became a team molded in the image of its defensive lead er, whose brother John Brooks is in the Hall of Fame at the school.
He died two years ago.
Even so, the road hasn’t been without bumps.
“He’s a great kid who has worked through a lot of things, including the death of his broth er,” said JK head coach Tim
He averaged 174 yards per game, and with four 2 point conversion runs, compiled a whopping 214 points.
“He had an outstanding year for us and has grown as a run ner, leader and student,” said ND head coach Hugh Martin. “His accomplishments are also credit to the work done by play ers around him.” Phillips came into the sea son with 914 yards and 11 scores, with 687 yards and eight touchdowns coming his sophomore campaign as a sec ond option to Armwood.
He enters his final season with 2,827 career yards and 48 total scores.
ND, which has gone 19 4 with Phillips in the lineup, re turns the bulk of its team in 2025.
Expect another banner year for Phillips and the Rebels next season.
Grady. “I’m so proud of the prog ress he made.
“He’s a kid that plays his heart out on Friday night and then shows up to work at 6 a.m. (at Wendy’s in Warsaw). He learned offensive line skills because he wants to win. When we called a play on his side, he often said, ‘touchdown.’”
Both Grady and top assis tant Avent said Kornegay was ir replaceable, though lamenting about a bright future as a proud prep football program returns to the spotlight on Friday nights with players who understand the preparation, toughness and exe cution it takes to win in the ECC.
EDWARDO
Brown leaves legacy in record books as talented, humble leader of ’Dawgs
Irving Brown’s talent on a football field is undeniable, and so too is his legacy as a teammate
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
WALLACE — An often re
peated cliché that “He’s a great football player and an even bet ter person” might be the best de scription of Wallace Rose Hill running back Irving Brown.
Brown became the third Bull dogs back under the tutelage of head coach Kevin Motsinger and offensive coordinator Adam Scronce to receive an NCAA Di vision I scholarship since 2017.
The senior ran for 1,227 yards and 14 touchdowns to lead WRH to a 9 4 mark and a share of the East Central 2A Conference title before falling to James Kenan in the third round of the 2A playoffs.
Brown, a three year starter, had to step up big this fall since he was one of just four return ing starters, only two on offense, which included a completely new offensive line.
He played hurt.
He played both sides of the ball.
He earned his yards the hard way. He never complained.
Sometimes that’s just the way it goes on the gridiron — and in life.
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Irving Brown ran from more than 4,500 yards in three seasons and picked up 83 yards and a touchdown to help North Carolina beat South Carolina at the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas for the first time in 12 years.
so‑called critics talk. Was he the best running back in the county?
Probably.
Yet he was the one play er WRH needed to continue its “we always win big" legacy.
past 43 years, and at least nine wins in seven others.
Brown is also on the Duplin County first team defensive squad because the Bulldogs’ qui et spiritual leader needed him on the field to make plays and for his athleticism, experience and savvy.
Brown isn’t a basketball play er, per se, but last winter played himself onto the Duplin first team.
The 5 foot 11, 200 pound Brown, who crafted a lofty 3.84 GPA before graduating in De cember, ran for 1,696 yards and 23 touchdowns as a junior and 1,622 and 28 scores as a sopho more, and has a lofty career aver age of 7.8 yards per carry.
Brown augmented his resume with a 44 yard touchdown and several other big runs to help North Carolina beat South Car olina 49 24 at the 88th annu al Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas in December. He finished with 83 yards on 10 carries as the Tar Heel seniors won for the first time in 12 years.
WRH nabbed an outright ECC title during his junior cam paign and went to the East Re gion 2A final in 2022, falling 28‑26 to eventual 2A state champ East Duplin.
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK SPONSORED BY BILL
Bill Carone
CARONE
TJ Oats
Brown is grounded and ma ture enough to work hard, take responsibility and let the
Brown joins Javonte Williams (UNC, NFL’s Denver Broncos), Kanye Roberts (Appalachian State) and Cameron Dalrymple (Navy) as ’Dawgs to get full‑ride scholarships to a Division I school. HEART
To prove that, according to research by long time Duplin County sportswriter Bill Rollins, it's a reality that has produced seven state championships and at least 10 to 15 victories in 24 of the
‘Cito’s’ burst of energy electrified Tigers on both sides of the ball
James Kenan’s David ‘Cito’ Zeleya was a spark plug as a running back, receiver and defensive back
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
WARSAW — There was nothing “little” about the grid game of David “Cito” Zeleya as the meaning of his middle name in Spanish suggests when commonly used as a suffix.
James Kenan football fans prefer the Latin form of Cito, which means quickly, speedy or without trouble as an adverb.
Zeleya needed no modifi ers this season more than cer tification as Duplin Journal’s Two‑Way Warrior.
His selection keeps the award in the hands of a Tiger. Team mate Tristan Diaz and East Du plin’s Elam Moore shared the honor in 2023.
The Tigers’ do everything junior made contributions in all phases of the game and used his personality to keep the locker room in stitches with commentary.
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
David Zeleya, right, ranked among the leaders in the state with six interceptions while running and catching the ball offensively, coming up key as a running back and receiver. TWO-WAY WARRIOR
“He’s a resilient player who is tough as nails and an endless supply of energy, and he keeps us loose while also being fo cused,” said JK head coach Tim Grady, who watched Zeleya look fresher in the fourth quar ter than anyone on the field. “He was so good and clutch for us in big games.” Such as the 21 20 overtime win over Whiteville when Ze leya scored the winning touch down and had 17 tackles. Or how his running broke down a Wallace Rose Hill defense during a 14 13 win in the third round of the 2A playoffs.
“We put him all over the place,” Grady said. “He’s a play er you want on the field even though he does so much. He’s tough. He’s a smart football player.”
JK went 12 2 with Zeleya as a running back, receiver and de fensive back, and he also played on special teams.
He supplied 734 yards of all purpose yards offensively and scored in 10 games.
He ran the ball 87 times for 483 yards (5.6 per carry) with 10 scores and caught 14 passes from quarterback Eli Avent for 251 yards (17.9 per catch) and three trips to the end zone.
Zeleya averaged 8.8 tackles per game in the secondary and his 115 total was second on the team behind middle lineback er Hassan Kornegay, who is Mr. Football in Duplin County.
And the Tigers sideline yelled, “Cito” other times as well. Such as when he inter cepted six passes, which put him in the top 25 among state leaders in all classifications of N.C.’s more than 400 schools.
His play made it hard for De fensive Coordinator John Bert Avent to give play making Ze leya a break.
“He had a tremendous year for us,” Avent said. “He’s a skilled player and a great kid on and off the field.”
James Kenan, boys’ basketball
James Kenan trailed Kinston by four points with four minutes to play because of the production of TJ Oats. Though his 18 points were not enough in a 56-44 loss, Oats has more than established himself among the best scorers in the ECC this season.
The senior, who was an all-Duplin first-team selection in 2023, has been unstoppable against most teams, including South Lenoir, which he scorched for 21 last Tuesday during a Tigers win.
Oats has been in double figures in every game for James Kenan, which will face Wallace-Rose Hill and East Duplin on Jan. 22 and Jan. 23, respectively, after playing defending ECC champ Southwest Onslow on Friday.
All three encounters are key for the Tigers’ playoff hopes.
The 5-foot-11, long-armed, lefty-shooting Oats will create problems for all three schools in key games in terms of the Tigers’ postseason plans.
from page B1
Grady knew the talent was greater than the production and cleaned house of bad in fluencing players, platooning about 22 to change the flow. He took control of the play calling, brought back John Bert Avent as defensive coordinator and put former Tiger players of the past de cade or so in more prominent staff positions. That included putting Lee Sutton in charge of special teams, Tyler Pugh into a game time view atop the press box and Ken Avent III as a quarterbacks and run ning backs coach. Suddenly, accountability was everything, and JK’s players re sponded to play smash mouth football.
“Our players had that look in their eyes after the coach es clinic, and we went from finding ways to lose games to finding ways to win,” Grady
said. “They saw how our lack of discipline caused us to lose some games in ’23, and they bought into what we wanted them to do.”
Grady improved to 33 14 in four seasons, and his alma mater (Class of 2000) returns enough players to be optimis tic that the Tigers won’t fade away even though the NCH SAA is turning four classifi cations into eight at least for the school years from 2025 26 through 2028 29.
“This season was definitely a fun journey,” said Grady, who along with his wife, DeEllen, are raising five children. “It’s one that every coach wants to be involved with.
“I want to thank my wife and kids for all the nights Daddy was away from them.
And, as I’ve said all year long, I can’t say enough about my staff … John Bert, Lee, little Ken (Avent III), Tyler, who were in valuable in our success.”
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
GRADY
SIDELINE REPORT
MLB
Yankees fans who interfered banned from all MLB games
New York Major League Baseball has banned two fans who interfered with Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts during a World Series game at Yankee Stadium from attending any games at big league ballparks. MLB sent a letter to Austin Capobianco and John P. Hansen this week informing them of the decision. The letter say “based on your conduct, Major League Baseball is banning you indefinitely from all MLB stadiums, offices, and other facilities.” It adds: ”You are also hereby banned indefinitely from attending any events sponsored by or associated with MLB.”
NCAA FOOTBALL
McCartney, who coached Colorado football, dies Boulder, Colo.
Bill McCartney, who coached Colorado to its only football national championship in 1990, has died. He was 84. McCartney died “after a courageous journey with dementia,” according to a family statement. His family announced in 2016 that he had been diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer’s. McCartney remains the winningest coach in Colorado history, with a record of 93 55 5. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2013. McCartney led Colorado to its best season in 1990, when the team finished 11 1 1 and beat Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl to clinch the national title.
SKIING
Macuga wins World Cup super-G race
St. Anton, Austria On a stellar day for the United States ski team, Lauren Macuga got her first World Cup win in a super G and Lindsey Vonn impressed again in fourth place at St. Anton, Austria. Macuga’s victory was no surprise to ski watchers who saw the 22 year old American’s fast‑improving results. Still, she was skiing with a question mark image on her helmet where a sponsor’s brand could be. Macuga won by 0.68 seconds margin ahead of Stephanie Venier of Austria. Federica Brignone was 0.92 back in third. Vonn was 1.24 back yet fastest on the steep middle section.
CBS’s Nantz broadcasts milestone 500th NFL game
He became the second play-by-play announcer to reach the mark all at one network
By Joe Reedy The Associated Press
JIM NANTZ has called many signature events during his nearly 40 years at CBS Sports. He reached a milestone on Sunday that only a few NFL announcers have accomplished.
Nantz called his 500th NFL game when the Buffalo Bills beat the Denver Broncos in an AFC wild card round game.
Nantz is the first person in CBS history to work 500 games as a play by play announcer.
Pat Summerall did more than 500 games at CBS but started as an analyst before moving to play‑by play.
“That’s a lot of games. It’s just staggering,” Nantz said.
“To think I have been given the blessing of calling more NFL
HOOPS from page B1
Lilly Fulghum added nine points. Maggie Brown, Abigeal Norris and Eva Quintanilla combined for 10 boards as ND went in front 31 14 by halftime.
Two days earlier, Faison ruled the paint with 18 points and nine boards in a 48 26 tri umph over Princeton, ND’s sixth win over a 2A school.
Higginbotham added sev en markers, six assists and sev en steals and Fulghum seven points, four rebounds and three assists.
ND will have to control the scoring of Lakewood freshman Areona McKoy (24.9 points per game) and seniors Alexis Rose (10.1) and A’miya Smith (8.2), who have worked together to beat six 2A schools. Tip off is 6 p.m. on Friday.
Panthers click in second quarter to dash past Vikings
Kinsey Cave hit for 17 points, Mayka Kornegay 14 and Zakoya Farrior 12 as East Duplin used a 21 9 second quarter rush to knock down Kinston 56 45. It was the first loss in 13 games for the Vikings.
Cave added eight rebounds and four assists, while Ja’My ia Pickett chipped in with seven
games play by play than any one in the network’s history, it’s meaningful and something that resonates for me.”
Nantz is the eighth NFL TV play by play announcer to reach 500 games but only the second with all of his games at one network.
Kenny Albert, who has done games since Fox got the NFL in 1994, reached the milestone on Oct. 13.
Al Michaels, Dick Stockton, Don Criqui, Summerall, Kevin Harlan and Charlie Jones, are also part of The 500 Club. Joe Buck is at 495.
Sunday was Nantz’s 69th playoff game, including sev en Super Bowls and 20 AFC championship games.
Nantz’s first NFL game for CBS was on Oct. 16, 1988, when he called the Indianapo lis Colts’ 35 31 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with Pat Haden. He called seven games between 1988 and ’90 before being added to the reg
points and 10 boards. She got help in the paint as Ava Noble and Cierra Picket had 11 and 10 rebounds, respectively.
ED followed up with routs over Rosewood (51 10) and North Lenoir (59 14). Farrior had 12 against the Eagles and 11 other players scored.
The Panthers lost three times to SWO last season to finish second to the Stallions in the ECC. SWO has won the previous nine games since the two schools were in the same conference.
Yet that might end soon since the Stallions lost to the Vikings 51 37 last Wednesday.
Panthers coach Mark Lane has concerns about Stallions Oriyanna Galloway (22.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, 7.5 assists), Khi mara Dorsey (10.3 points, 17.2 rebounds) and Jade Dollar (4.8 points, 8.9 rebounds).
Bulldogs burn past Blue Devils, Hawks
Savannah Smith connect ed for 20 points, Sophie Sloan 13 and Nevaeh Dobson netted seven and had 13 rebounds on Wednesday as WRH throttled North Lenoir 51 16 in Wallace.
A day earlier, Smith and sophomore Zymica Carr each contributed 10 markers as the Bulldogs (3 6, 2 1) dust
ular rotation of announcers in 1991. In 1993, he was part of the network’s No. 2 crew call ing games with Randy Cross and worked the NFC divisional round game between the Dal las Cowboys and Green Bay Packers in 1994. That would be the last NFL game Nantz would call for a while, though, as CBS lost the NFL rights to Fox. CBS regained the rights to the league in 1998, but Nantz would not return to the booth until 2004, after hosting “The NFL Today” for six seasons. In 1997, he considered an of fer to host ABC’s “Good Morn ing America,” but CBS Sports president Sean McManus got him to stay. with a persuasive pitch that ended up becoming reality.
“My contract was up, and Sean said, ‘You’re not going to do that. You’re staying right here. We’re going to get the NFL back.’” Nantz said.
This is his 21st season as
ed South Lenoir 39 14. It was WRH’s first back to back wins since topping ED on Feb. 8, 2022, and JK two days later.
The schedule makers didn’t do coach Will Jeffers’ club any favors as WRH faces the two best teams in the ECC — SWO on Tuesday and ED on Friday — before traveling to James Ke nan next Wednesday in a rival ry match.
The Tigers (2 4, 1 2) whipped South Lenoir 51 29 last week behind 31 points from sopho more Y’Anna Rivers and fell to Kinston 50 38, with classmate Za’Niya Brown’s eight markers as the Tigers’ top scorer.
BOYS' BASKETBALL
Panthers, ’Dawgs, Tigers renew rivalry affairs
East Duplin (7 4, 0 3) trav els to WHR (5 2, 2 1) today (Thursday) for a key league af fair that is the first of three Du plin County clashes in the next seven days.
The Bulldogs, which con vincingly beat North Le noir (77 53) and South Lenoir (61‑48) last week on Steve Rob inson Court, travel to Warsaw on Wednesday to tangle with James Kenan. The Tigers ven ture to Jerry Hunter Court in Beulaville two days later.
CBS’s lead announcer. The first 13 were with Phil Simms before Tony Romo became the lead an alyst in 2017.
Nantz’s other regular part ners were Haden, Cross, Ken Stabler, Tim Brant, Hank Stram and Dan Fouts. Bill Cowher and Boomer Esiason each had one‑game stints.
Nantz has plenty of memo ries. He called Bill Belichick’s first NFL game as a head coach in 1991. He also has worked three games that ended on Hail Mary passes, most recent ly Jayden Daniels’ 52 yard heave earlier this season.
Nantz has seen memorable matchups between Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, Troy Aik man and Brett Favre, and now Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes and Buffalo’s Josh Allen. Nantz and Romo have called seven of the eight matchups between the two.
Nantz, who turns 66 on May 17, shows no sign of slowing.
“I’ve never enjoyed it more. I’m having more fun now than I ever have in my career,” he said. “I’ve got a lot more work to do, but this is one of those weeks where you pause and think about the journey, how you got here and how fortu nate you are.”
Rebels capture cliffhanger over Princeton
Donavan Armwood scored 16 points, Holden Williams 12, Branson Martin nine and An thony Kornegay seven when North Duplin beat Princeton 61 60.
The Rebels won for the sec ond time this season after re covering from a 30 25 deficit at halftime.
Two days, later, ND lost 68‑65 contest with Bear Grass Char ter. Armwood had 18 and hand ed out 10 assists. Duquan Ste vens added 12, Martin eight and Luke Kelly six and seven boards. Cru crew blitz to lead in Big East Conference
Antonio McKoy zipped in 31 points, grabbed 18 rebounds and had five assists to lead Harrells Christian Academy (18 2) to an 86 56 win over Faith Christian Academy.
Zicareian McNeill and Amir Moore added 12 points apiece and Dashaun McKoy 10 as the Crusaders stayed atop of the NCISAA’s Big East 2A Confer ence standings. HCA, which has won 11 of its last 12 games, trav eled to Erwin this past Monday for a key game against league foe Cape Fear Christian Acade my (13 5).
MORRY GASH / AP PHOTO
Tony Romo, left, and Jim Nantz work in the CBS broadcast booth before a game between the Green Bay Packers and Cincinnati Bengals.
Debbie (Bryant) Krause
March 30, 1957 – Dec. 19, 2024
Deborah “Debbie” Bryant Krause, 67, of Magnolia passed from this earthly life to her eternal rest on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024. She was born on March 30, 1957, in New Hanover County and was the daughter of Robert Bryant of Burgaw and the late Martha Kay Shepherd Beacham.
She was a member of Riley’s Creek Baptist Church.
Surviving to cherish her memory is her best friend and husband of 48 years, Dean Krause of the home; sons, Brian Krause and wife Ali of Wilmington and Justin Krause and wife Amber of Rocky Point; grandchildren, Riley Krause, Rory Krause, Reagan Krause, Dezmond Krause and Haylie Krause; sister, Beverly McKeithan and husband Michael of Leland; numerous extended family and friends that loved Debbie dearly. Debbie was a devoted wife and loving mother, grandmother and sister. She enjoyed the simple things in life, but her greatest joy was her family. With a love for nature and the outdoors, Debbie enjoyed living on the farm and tending to her many animals. She was an avid animal lover and being with them was her “happy place.” Debbie always had signs and the words “Believe” around her home and farm. She was a firm believer in God and lived her life as an example to others. Debbie will surely be missed but she will never be forgotten. Memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025 at Riley’s Creek Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday, one hour prior to the service at Riley’s Creek Baptist Church.
Paula Hudson Parks
Aug. 7, 1955 – Jan. 6, 2025
Paula Hudson King Parks, lifelong resident of the Pleasant Grove community near Mount Olive, passed away Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. She was 69 years old.
Paula was a graduate of East Duplin High School. For most of her life, she assisted her mother in the operation of Outlaw’s Grill. After her mother’s retirement, she was employed at Guilford East for a number of years. She was a member of the Snow Hill Original Free Will Baptist Church, Mount Olive.
Paula’s life was remembered in a graveside service to be held Thursday, Jan. 9, at the Snow Hill Church Cemetery, 1224 Red Hill Road, Mount Olive. Officiating was Pastor Mark S. Hobbs. The family received friends immediately following the service.
Paula is survived by her daughter, Misty King Hardy and husband, Porky, and her son, Warren King, all of the Pleasant Grove community; a sister, Donna H. Morris and husband, Johnny, also of Pleasant Grove; five grandchildren, Alex King, Ivy King, Hailey King, Channa Guy, and Jayla Guy, along with their families; an aunt; and several cousins and families.
She was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Terri Gail King; her husband, Gary Neal King; her mother, Ernestine Outlaw
“Tootsie” Hudson; her brother, Oscar Frederick “Freddie” Hudson Jr.; and a good friend, Nathan W. “Tommy” Scott.
Brayden
Andrew Gerner
Dec. 31, 2024 – Jan. 8, 2025
Brayden Andrew was born Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024 at 4:13 a.m. He weighed 1 pound 5.9 ounces and was 12 inches long. Such a beautiful baby boy for his short time on earth, Brayden touched so many lives and was loved by so many more. So many people came together to pray for our boy. To see him and love him was something magical.
On Wednesday, Jan. 8 at 7 p.m., surrounded by love and family in his Mother’s arms with his Daddy by her side, Brayden left us for his eternal resting place in heaven.
Brayden is survived by his parents, Katlynn Ramsey and David Edmund Gerner lll; his maternal grandmother, Christina Ramsey; his paternal grandmother, Billie Morgan Gerner; paternal grandfather, David Edmund Gerner J.; Aunt Kristin Gerner; Uncle Brice Gerner; godparents, Kaley Jarman and Parker Ovanek,; great-grandparents, Kenneth Ray Morgan and Leona Marie Rapski, Reba Mae Decker, John Waters and Carolyn Marshburn, Mary “Tillie” Ramsey, William and Robbie Brewer; and many more aunts, uncles and cousins.
Brayden was proceeded in his death by his grandfather, John Andrew Ramsey and greatgrandfathers William “Grumpy” Marshburn, Harold Ramsey and David Edmund Gerner Sr. Services will be held on Thursday, Jan. 16, with visitation beginning at noon, and the funeral following at 1 p.m., at Community Funeral Home, 840 West Main Street, Beulaville NC 28518.
Graveside service will be at 3 p.m. at Onslow Memorial Park 3280 Richlands Hwy., Jacksonville, NC 28540. The parents would like everyone to wear shades of blue and dress casual. All flowers can be sent to Community Funeral Home of Beulaville.
Nathan Brown Barnes
May 10, 1934 – Jan. 11, 2025
Nathan Brown Barnes of 207 North Orange Street in Wallace, died on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, while at ECU Health Duplin Hospital. He was born on May 10, 1934 in Robeson County, son of Lewis Wiley Barnes and Burdeen Brown Barnes. He was preceded in death by his sons, Lewis Wiley Barnes Jr. and Richard Roderick Barnes.
Mr. Barnes graduated from Statesville High and attended the University of North Carolina. He spent three years in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict and held the rank of sergeant. He also taught flying at Bladen Tech, Sampson Tech, and Clinton Flying Services.
Surviving are his wife, Rosaline Rouse Barnes; son, Robert Lewis Barnes and wife Holly; grandchildren, Richard Lewis Barnes, Chelsey and husband Matt, and Chasity and husband Ben; and great grandson, Holden.
John Lee Artis
Nov. 17, 1946 – Jan. 3, 2025
John Lee Artis, 78, of Rose Hill, formerly of Baltimore, Maryland, passed away on Friday, Jan. 3, 2025 at home.
Funeral services were held on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025 at Rose Hill
Funeral Home in Rose Hill. Burial followed at Friendship Church Cemetery in Rose Hill.
Left to cherish his precious memories: children, Valencia Davis of Rose Hill, and Loleta Artis of Baltimore, Maryland; aunt, Oleta Laurie Crumpler of Baltimore, Maryland; stepchildren, Sean Davis and Erycia Davis; four grandchildren, Eric Smith, Calvin Jones, Ashley Jones and Dawuan McKall; two great-grandchildren; one greatgreat-grandchild; special cousin, Shauna Twitty; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that will miss him dearly.
Effie Houston Avery
Nov. 9, 1933 – Jan. 6, 2025
Effie Houston Avery went to be with Jesus on Monday, Jan 6, 2025. She was predeceased by her father, Ingram Houston, mother, Laura Lee Houston, sister, Myrtle Marie Houston, and brother, Martin Houston.
She is survived by brother, Stacy Houston and wife Judy of Stedman; son, Mike Avery of Potters Hill; daughter, Wenonah Bexell and husband Kevin of Jacksonville; grandchildren, Michael Avery and wife Donna of Potters Hill, Serena Smith of Potters Hill, Zachary Bexell and wife Jeseca of Jacksonville; Laura Rhoades and husband Ethan of Jacksonville; great-grandchildren, Dylan Smith, Luke Smith, Connor Rhoades; many special nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly; and her dear friend whom she called her other daughter, Doris Smith.
Effie worked as a telephone operator rising to management at Carolina Telephone in Jacksonville for 30 years. After retiring from the telephone company Effie worked as a switchboard operator at Onslow Memorial Hospital for 24 years before finally retiring for good.
Effie’s greatest joy in life was her family. She loved nothing more than cooking for and feeding her friends and family. Her hobbies were collecting recipes and gardening.
Effie instilled the values of hard work in her family and an unwavering faith in God. When times were tough, she looked to Jesus and her famous line of “We have to make do, young’uns.”
The family would like to thank her caregivers over the years, Angie Miller, Jewel Miller, Jenna Miller, Tauna Epperson, Sara, Sonya Ramsey, Loretta Boykin, and Brittany Christine, Onslow County Senior Services Daycare, Woodbury Wellness and Rehab, Lower Cape Fear Lifecare Hospice Center.
Funeral service was Thursday night, January 9, 2025, followed by visitation, at Community Funeral Home, Beulaville.
Graveside service was Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 at Oak Ridge Memorial Park in Pink Hill.
Patrick Jason Stephens
Nov. 7, 1969 – Jan. 2, 2025
Patrick Jason Stephens, 55, of Warsaw, passed away Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 at his home. Mr. Stephens was born Nov. 7, 1969 in Sampson County, to Jack Stephens and Jean Cavenaugh Stephens.
A visitation was held on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 at Community Funeral Home of Warsaw, Inc. Jason is survived by sons, Patrick Jason Stephens II and wife, Brooklyn of Gaffney, South Carolina, and Jason Mitchell Stephens of Rosewood; daughter, Kayla Marie Jacobs and husband, Erin of Council; grandchildren, Jaelyn, Kinley, Lincoln, Bryson, Braylon, and Braverleigh; sister, Beth Cashwell and husband, Glen of Warsaw; nieces and nephew, Gina, Haley, and Nelson.
Jason was preceded in death by granddaughter, Leigha Marie Jacobs, grandparents, Earl and Georgie Stephens and Wilber and Annie Mae Cavenaugh; and aunt, Ruth Brown.
Graham Lee Kennedy
Aug. 22, 1945 – Jan. 6, 2025
Graham Lee Kennedy, 79, passed away on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025 at his home.
He is preceded in death by a sister, Libby Likens. Funeral service was Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, with visitation one hour prior to the service, at Community Funeral Home, Beulaville. Interment followed at East Duplin Memorial Gardens, Beulaville.
Survivors include: spouse, Gayle Kennedy of Chinquapin; son, Shane Kennedy (Megan) of Chinquapin; sister, Judith Kennedy of Pink Hill; brother, Rod Kennedy (Susie) of Wilmington; and. grandchildren, Jackson Kennedy, Ross Kennedy and Wesley Kennedy.
April 28, 1958 – Jan. 6, 2025
Jessie Mae Brinson, 66, of Rose Hill, passed away Jan. 6, 2025 at her residence.
Funeral service is scheduled for noon Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025 at New Christian Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Rose Hill. Visitation will be one hour prior to service from 11 a.m. to noon.
David Earl Blanton
Oct. 29, 1954 – Jan. 9, 2025
David Earl Blanton, 70, of Willard, left this earthly life on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, for his heavenly home to be forever with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Born on Oct. 29, 1954, in Pender County, David was the son of the late Willie and Martha Leary Blanton. He was also preceded in death by three brothers and one sister.
David was a member of Peniel PFWB Church and a longtime member of Willardlea Ruritans. He was a former member of Penderlea Volunteer Fire Department. David worked for one company until his retirement. His employment began with E&B Gas Company who later became Collier-Rose Gas Company, then became Diversified Energy and now Sharp Energy.
Surviving to cherish his memory is his devoted wife of 45 years, Stephanie Wells Blanton; his daughters, Julie Carter (Bobby) of Clinton and Lyn Blanton (Don) of Willard; the apple of his eye and granddaughter, Jordan Carter; brothers, Michael Blanton (Carol) of Loris, South Carolina, and sisters Diane Jones (Jimmy) of Harrells and Betty Ann Carroll (Robert) of Lillington; sister of his heart, Annette McEachin of Willard; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and many, many friends who loved David dearly.
David was a loving husband and caring father, grandfather, brother and friend. He was a simple man who enjoyed the simplest things in life, but his greatest joy was family and friends. David was an avid tractor fan. He enjoyed bringing home tractors no matter what shape they were. David was also into auctions. He enjoyed going to auctions whether he bought anything or not. Mostly he enjoyed the fellowship of people. David never met a stranger and was a people’s person. He loved everyone and was loved by everyone who knew him. With a heart of gold, David would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. Since David’s retirement, he probably repaired and serviced more heaters than he did when employed. No matter when he was called, you could depend on him to show up and fix the problem. David was a great Christian man who did not have to tell people he was a Christian. Just being in his presence you would know he was by the way he talked and carried himself. David will surely be missed, but he will never be forgotten.
“The strength of a simple man is the way of the Lord.” Memorial service was held on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, at Peniel Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church with Pastor Joe Foster and Mr. J.L. Giddeons officiating. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial gifts be sent in memory of David to Willardlea Ruritans, 104 N. Cowan Street, Burgaw, NC 28425 or to Peniel PFWB Church, 2415 Willard Road, Willard, NC 28478.
Jessie Mae Brinson
Jennette Bevans
Sept. 5, 1940 – Jan. 9, 2025
Jennette Bevans, 84, of Faison, completed her earthly assignment, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. The arrangements were incomplete as of press time.
Ernestine McDuffie
Sept. 17, 1939 – Jan. 10, 2025
Ernestine McDuffie, 85, peacefully answered the Master’s call on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 at Warsaw Health and Rehabilitation Center in Warsaw. The arrangements were incomplete as of press time.
Irene Williams King
May 2, 1939 – Jan. 7, 2025
Irene Williams King, 85, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025 in ECU Roanoke-Chowan Hospital, Ahoskie.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Arnold Williams, Oleta and Jerome Garner; husband, Arnold King; daughter, Debra King (Sherry Keen); sister, Bonnie Jacox and a brother, Rodney Williams.
Funeral service was held on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025, with visitation one hour prior to the service, at Community Funeral Home, Beulaville.
Interment followed at East Duplin Memorial Gardens in Beulaville.
Survivors include: daughter, Donna King Sanderson (David) of Beulaville; brother, Quinton Williams (Ann) of Newport; grandchildren, Jared Sanderson (Brittney), Ivey Baker (Cale), Noah Keen and Grayson Keen; and great-grandchildren, Emberly Sanderson, Blakely Sanderson, Jensen Sanderson and Banx Garner.
Edward Earl “Pete” Padgett
March 23, 1946 – Jan. 6, 2025
Edward Earl “Pete” Padgett of Willard went home to be with his Lord on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, with his wife by his side at Lower Cape Fear Life Care Center in Wilmington. Born on March 23, 1946, he is the son of the late Earl Matrue and Gertrude Maready Padgett. Also preceding him in death are sisters, Norma
Judith Blake Wallace
Jan. 14, 1940 – Jan. 9, 2025
Judith Blake Wallace went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ during the early morning hours of Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, just five days shy of her 85th birthday. She passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family.
Judy was born Jan. 14, 1940, the eldest child of Thomas Posey and Clydia Callihan Blake in
Gurganus and Peggy English. Left to cherish his memory are his best friend and devoted wife, Pamela Teresa Padgett; children, Mike Boyette and wife Amy of High Point and Eric Sholar and wife Carol of Willard; grandchildren, Tyler Parker of High Point, Blake Boyette of High Point, and Isabella Sholar of Willard; sister, Carolyn P. Brooks of Wallace; sisters-inlaw, Wanda Mercer of Willard and Felicia Bradshaw and husband Harry of Teachey; special friends, Dale Dixon of Wallace and Michael Wells of Willard; numerous nieces and nephews who loved him very much; and canine companion, Dylan. Pete married his love at midlife but that did not inhibit the bond between he and his special family. He had a tremendous love for them and they have tremendous love for him as well, like no other. Pete had been a dedicated member of the Church of Pentecostal Gathering for many years. His Lord was truly at the center of his life and he enjoyed
Amherstdale, West Virginia. She was preceded in death by her parents and her two brothers, Jerry Rupert Blake and Thomas David Blake. Judy is survived by the love of her life and husband of 62 years, Joe Wallace Jr.; her beloved children, Lynn Alexander (Matt), Blake Wallace (Leah) and Dave Wallace (Kendra). Also surviving her are her precious grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who she adored, Winston Barger (Matt), Morgan Benningfield (Drew), Wells Wallace, Joe Wallace III, Kaylie Robinson, Camden Wallace, Lawson Benningfield, Tate Benningfield, Beau Barger and Bennett Barger. Following her love of her Lord, her family was everything to her and Judy loved them all dearly and unconditionally. Judy was a friend to so many and an exceptional example of a humble Christian servant. She served the First Baptist Church in Sanford for many years as deacon, Sunday school teacher and leader of the Senior Citizens Group,
sharing his belief with others. He worked for many years in his own insurance agency, which gave him a great many new and valued friends. He also had a passion for farming and various other ventures. Pete volunteered for many years in the Wallace Fire Department and was a charter member of the Wallace Rescue Squad. He also had a great love for the Union Rescue Squad. A service to celebrate his life was set for Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, in the Church of Pentecostal Gathering in Wallace. The family greeted friends at the church one hour prior to the service Officiating was the Reverend Rodney Bonham. Floral gifts are welcome or please consider a contribution to the Church of Pentecostal Gathering, 1342 North Norwood Street, Wallace, NC 28466. Family would like to give a special thank you to all their friends who have called and visited and to the wonderful staff of Lower Cape Fear Life Care Center.
Triple L. When she and Joe Jr. returned full-time to his hometown of Wallace, they joined Wallace Presbyterian Church, where she enjoyed worshipping while her health permitted. For many years Judy ministered to hundreds of people daily through her text messages of Biblical scriptures and prayers.
Judy lived a remarkable life, and she often commented how blessed she and her family had been by the Good Lord. Always the optimist, she faced adversity and life’s challenges with a prayer on her lips and a smile on her face — never complaining and always inspiring.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation or the building fund of the Wallace Presbyterian Church.
The family would like to express our sincere appreciation for all the prayers, calls, texts and cards during the last month. Further, the family is truly grateful to the ECU Health and Hospice team that served Judy well.
