Duplin Journal Vol. 9, Issue 41 by North State Journal

Duplin Journal

the BRIEF

this week

New four-way stops in Faison

Faison

The town of Faison has installed two four-way stops on Solomon Street. One stop is located at the intersection of South Church Street and Solomon Street, while the other is at the intersection of South Sampson Street and Solomon. In an announcement made on Monday, Jimmy Tyndall, the executive town administrator, explained that the town hopes these new four-way stops will enhance neighborhood safety and reduce speeding. He noted that a couple of years ago, the town attempted to lower the speed limit to 25 mph in an effort to curb speeding; however, since that approach was ineffective, the installation of four-way stops became necessary.

Nominate volunteers for Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards

Duplin County It is that time of the year again to nominate and recognize some of the outstanding volunteers in Duplin County. Applications can be picked up at Duplin County Senior Services. The deadline to submit applications in person is Friday, Feb. 7, 2025.

Area locals invited to comment on revised draft permit for Lear Corp.

Kenansville

Based on public input received from the first session, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources revised the proposed draft permit for Lear Corp, an industrial textile facility near Kenansville. The permit regulates pollutants discharged to the Northeast Cape Fear River in the facility’s wastewater. The public comment session will be on Dec. 17 at 6 p.m. at James Sprunt Community College at the Monk Auditorium in the Hoffler Building. Speaker registration opens at 5:30 p.m. on site via signup sheet. Written comments will also be accepted and must be postmarked no later than Dec. 18. They can be mailed to: Attn: Fenton Brown Jr., NPDES Wastewater Permitting, Attn: Lear Corporation Permit, 1617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, N.C., 27699.

Santa ushers in Christmas season

Jolly Old St. Nick rode in on a Kenansville Fire Department truck to round out the Kenansville Christmas Parade on Saturday, Nov. 30. The parade featured floats, fire trucks, pageant queens, clowns and much more. See more photos on B6.

Violations an ongoing issue at Warsaw’s wastewater treatment plant

Between December 2023 and May 2024, Warsaw has paid $45,878 in penalties

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

WARSAW — In the Nov. 21 edition of Duplin Journal, we covered some of the most pressing topics discussed during the town of Warsaw’s monthly meet-

ing. One of the biggest concerns addressed was the ongoing issues at the Warsaw Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), as notices of violation have become a recurrent theme for more than a year.

On Nov. 6, the town of Warsaw was issued a notice of violation and intent to assess civil penalty highlighting fecal coliform readings six times the weekly allowed of 400/100ml and nearly three times the weekly ammonia nitro-

gen limit, with a total of 10 violations incurred from Aug. 3 to Aug. 31, 2024.

“The town manager has the authorization to respond back within 10 days to argue the point in regards to the town being assessed those civil penalties. It is very critical that our town manager does respond back, and I would like to know, has our town manager responded back to any of those notices of viola-

tions in that 10-day timeframe?,” asked Commissioner Ebony Willis-Wells at the November meeting, questioning Town Manager Lea Turner for not including the information about the violations in her report. Willis-Wells noted that the board should receive updates when the town manager meets with DEQ and should not be blindsided, receiving the

Mount Olive residents complain about water quality, transparency

The mayor and commissioners vowed to address issues

By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal

MOUNT OLIVE — Residents of Mount Olive are fed up with water problems and transparency issues plaguing their town, and they took the Board of Commissioners to task for it at the regular monthly meeting on Monday night, Dec. 2. During the public forum portion of the meeting, several citizens spoke up about the water discoloration that town

Wallace man arrested after standoff with law enforcement

Belligerent suspect throws hot grease at officers

Duplin Journal staff

WALLACE — The Duplin County Sheriff’s Office announced last week an arrest following a standoff with the North Carolina Department of Public Safety Probation and patrol officers at Lincoln Street in Wallace on Nov. 19.

Demarcus Carney had become agitated and belligerent, ultimately barricading himself inside his residence when law enforcement tried to arrest him with a probation violation warrant.

$2.00

According to the Sheriff’s Office, at approximately 5:10 p.m., deputies were notified of the situation and made their way to the location, accompanied by officers from the Wallace Police Department and the North Carolina Highway Patrol. Upon arriving at the scene, “officers observed Carney breaking windows and attempting to throw what appeared to be hot grease at them from

inside the residence,” stated the press release. Law enforcement established an outer perimeter to create a safe zone for the evolving situation. Negotiators from the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office began communicating with Carney in an effort to deescalate the situation. After some time, these negotiation efforts were exhausted, prompting the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team to deploy less-lethal munitions to encourage Carney to exit the residence.

Eventually, the Special Response Team was able to enter the residence, conduct a search of the interior and safely take Carney into custody without any injuries. “Duplin County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank Wallace Police Department, North Carolina Highway Patrol, North Carolina Probation and Parole, Duplin County Emergency Services and Wallace Fire Department for their assistance in the incident,” wrote law enforcement.

THE DUPLIN COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL

See WARSAW, page A5

See WATER, page A3

ABBY CAVENAUGH / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Mount Olive Mayor Jerome Newton speaks during a contentious Board of Commissioners meeting on Dec. 2.

ABBY CAVENAUGH / DUPLIN JOURNAL

THURSDAY 12.5.24

WEEKLY FORECAST

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

“Join the conversation”

Duplin Journal www.duplinjournal.com

North State Media LLC

Neal Robbins Publisher publisher@northstatejournal.com

Jim Sills VP of Local Newspapers jim@northstatejournal.com

Ena Sellers News Editor ena@northstatejournal.com

Abby Cavenaugh Features/Business Editor abby@northstatejournal.com

Michael Jaenicke Sports Editor michael@northstatejournal.com

Karen James Advertising Sales Representative karen@duplinjournal.com

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For a vacation hold or to report a delivery problem: 919-663-3232

To place a legal ad: 919-663-3232; Fax: 919-663-4042

To submit a news tip or correction: 919-663-3232

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 43 marriage licenses for the month ending on Nov. 30, 2024.

Dec. 5

• James Sprunt Community College Small Business Center will host a Small Business Expo at the Boyette Building, room 113, on Dec. 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event is open to the public.

Dec. 6

St. John’s Lodge No. 13 in Kenansville, is having a Barbecue Chicken Luncheon on Friday, Dec. 6, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Plates include chicken quarter, green beans, potatoes and roll. The cost is $10 per plate. All monies raised will go to Masonic Charity.

• Warsaw’s annual Christmas tree lighting will be Friday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. at the DreamWorks playground. The event will feature Christmas Caroling, pictures with Santa, cookies, hot chocolate and more.

CRIME LOG

Nov. 25

• Carol Ann Johnson, 42, was arrested by the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office for possessing drug paraphernalia, felony possession of Schedule II controlled substance, and possession of marijuana paraphernalia.

• Justin Blake Register, 34, was arrested by DCSO for operating a vehicle without insurance, driving without motorcycle endorsement, and driving an unregistered vehicle.

• Ivan Danyell Williams, 38, was arrested by DCSO for felony fleeing to elude arrest with two aggravating factors, resisting a public officer, and driving while license revoked.

Guadalupe Rodriquez, 49, was arrested by DCSO for assaulting a government official/employee and misdemeanor domestic violence crime.

Nov. 26

Bailee Thomas, 32, was

• Kaila Marie Pike, Pink Hill, and Austin Lee Boahn, Pink Hill.

Dorothy Elaine Hinton, Clinton, and Ricky Eugene Jones, Clinton.

• Jacob Alvin Lee, Mount Olive, and Kandas Nicole Ashlock, Beulaville.

• Christopher John Strickland, Rose Hill, and Betty Mae Brown, Rose Hill.

• Andrew Christopher Harmon, Texas, and Julia Elizabeth Houston, Texas.

• Abraham Elias Vallejo Flores, Teachey, and Nori Yolani Murcia Rivera, Teachey.

• James Robert Heath, Dudley, and Natalie Till Jensen, Dudley.

• Craig Evan Sanford, Tennessee, and Elyse Moriah Press, Chinquapin.

• Trista Dawn Heath, Pink Hill, and Joshua Cory Paderick, Mount Olive.

• Eulalio Danyeli Perez Zunun, Sneads Ferry, and Evelin Brizeyda Verdugo Ruiz, Sneads Ferry.

DUPLIN CALENDAR

Magnolia hires new town manager

Charles Banks brings substantial financial and business experience

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

MAGNOLIA — Charles

Banks will begin his new role as Magnolia Town Manager on Thursday, Dec. 5. Banks will manage a budget of approximately $1.5 million and be responsible for a staff of 10 employees — seven full-time and three part-time.

Mayor Dawn Ward told Duplin Journal via email that they used the help of David Bone, Eastern Carolina Council executive director, to recruit their new town manager.

“Mr. Bone brought knowledge and counsel to the process that made it much more seamless than it would have otherwise been,” said Ward, explaining that Bone held Zoom calls with each of the 10 candidates during the initial vetting pro -

water customers have been experiencing for several weeks.

Citizen Cindy Bell stated that she was concerned that an alert about the water went out just before the town offices were closed for four days for the Thanksgiving holiday. The alert assured citizens that the water was safe to drink despite some discoloration.

“Do you really think your reassurance, your words, give us confidence that the water is safe?” Bell stated. “Stop and think about the many things we have been told just this past year that would be done, and we’re still waiting for. There’s no confidence and there is no trust.”

Bell added that the town board has known about these problems with the town water and did nothing about it.

“Instead of taking responsibility for your commitment as elected officials to uphold the well-being of this town and its citizens, you choose to do nothing and our town gets further behind,” she said. “It’s a very sad state of affairs.”

Later in the meeting, Mayor Jerome Newton stated he was unaware that the problem with discolored water has been going on for more than a few weeks.

However, Commissioner Deltreese Simmons said, “My cousin said a year ago her water was brown. How come (Town Manager) Jammie (Royall) said this was the first time he’s heard it?

I was told I can still drink it; it’s only rust chips. Think I’m gonna drink it? I have an 11-year-old son. You think I’m gonna let my 11-year-old son drink it?”

The water discoloration is part of a larger problem with the town board and town management,

cess. The next step involved the town board narrowing down the list of candidates for the in-person interviews, after which Banks was selected and offered the position.

“The board was impressed with all of the candidates who were interviewed in person. Each had their own strengths, however, it was Charles’s financial and business background, along with his upbeat, energetic personality, which led the board to decide he was the best fit for Magnolia,” said Ward.

While Magnolia has been making continuous strides toward growth, there are still challenges Banks will have to address as the new town manager.

“Magnolia’s water and sewer rates remained stagnant for 11 years. Coupled with an elderly infrastructure, the town has faced some challenges with its water and sewer fund,” said Ward, explaining that Banks’ financial expertise is just one of the many strengths that will be instrumental in

“Transparency is a thing that’s going to bring about trust in this town.”

Jerome Newton,

Mayor

said Mount Olive resident Gerald Bell, and that’s a lack of transparency. He stated that he had visited Cody, Wyoming, last week, and the county’s newspaper had a detailed reporting of “every penny that had been spent in the county from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15.”

“I have gone from 100% transparency and accountability in Cody, Wyoming, to zero here in Mount Olive,” he said. “I would hope that we could move in the direction of 100%. I think we really need to.”

Not directly related to the water issue, but still a problem for the town’s water and sewer system, Southerland Street resident Amy Herring told the board that a ditch tile had collapsed by her property and created a big hole.

“Several people from the board have been to see it, but we’ve yet to see anybody do anything about it,” Herring said. “This hole is getting larger and larger, and I’m terrified that somebody’s child is going to fall into this hole.”

During his report to the board, the town manager stated he and his team were working on the issues discussed during the public forum. “We have done everything that we could,” he said. “We are on top of it now. We have talked with the state. We will see a noticeable improvement within the next couple of weeks.”

managing the ongoing journey.

“Another strength that impressed the board was Charles’s tremendous business experience,” said Ward, noting that earlier this year, Magnolia received a technical assistance grant, allowing a representative from the International Economic Development Council to visit Magnolia and engage with local leaders and stakeholders about developing a small business incubator.

“The board is viewing this as a possible kickstart for revitalization of Magnolia’s downtown district. The Board believes Charles’s business experience and contacts will be a great asset in furthering this initiative,” she added.

Ward credited the town’s board for the steps they have taken to move the town in a positive direction that ultimately helped them attract strong talent like Banks. She noted one such endeavor was the streaming of town meetings.

“Most of the candidates who

applied for the position commented on having viewed some of the board’s meetings on the town Facebook page. They pointed specifically to the positive interactions of the board and the forward-thinking directions they saw the board wanting to make,” said Ward.

Simmons, however, didn’t seem to believe that statement.

“I wouldn’t drink that water,” Simmons said. “Our town manager said that water is good to drink, somebody bring him a glass of it.”

He also called for the board to have an emergency meeting within the next 10 days and reallocate $100,000 to fix the town’s water problems. No motion or discussion was made to that effect.

However, the other commissioners had plenty to say on the issue.

“I’m just gonna take the gloves off. I’m tired of being Mr. Nice Guy,” said Commissioner Tommy Brown. “Everything y’all got up here and talked about we tried to address. But then, the story is laid out that somebody’s got an ax to grind or it’s a racial thing. There’s nothing further from the

truth. There have been members of this board that want accountability and that want to see things moved in a positive direction. … Some of us are trying, but if it’s not the majority of the board, the ones that are trying, their hands are tied.”

Mayor Pro Tem Barbara Kornegay stressed that the town is working to fix its issues and urged patience.

“Give this team a chance to do their work and come up with the right kinds of solutions,” she said. “They’re not just sitting out there waiting for someone to fix the problem. We need to do a total review of the situation before we decide, let’s just spend money.”

When it came time for the mayor’s monthly report, Newton said he was embarrassed by what had transpired during the meeting.

“Something has to change be-

Magnolia Mayor Dawn Ward

“The applicants expressed that these items played a significant role in their desires to apply for the town manager position.” Banks will be at the Magnolia Tree Lighting on Friday, Dec. 6, at 7 p.m.

cause you elected us to do the will of the people, and as such, there are some things that we thought had been done have not been done,” the mayor said, later adding, “I don’t think we were elected to bicker with each other and to accuse each other, but we were elected to do the job of this city. It comes down to what I said before. We must come together and form a strategic plan that we can follow step by step, that we know what we’re doing. Even if we can’t fix something, you’ll know that we’re working on it because you see it. It has to be in front of you. It has to be transparent. Transparency is a thing that’s going to bring about trust in this town.”

He urged the town residents to continue to let their issues be known and vowed the board will do its best to address the issues facing the town.

In other business, citizen Brenda Davis voiced concerns about single-family dwellings that have become boarding homes.

“When you’ve got lots of people living in single-family housing, you’re overtaxing that water system,” she said. “For many significant reasons, we need to be addressing those problems. We can’t continue to watch the decline.”

Town Attorney Carroll Turner brought before the board a proposed ordinance that would define minimum housing standards by limiting the number of people who can reside in a single-family dwelling. He asked the town board to look over the proposed ordinance and further discuss it at the January meeting.

The board also unanimously approved an easement request from North Carolina Natural Gas to run a gas line to the Evangelical Christian Center on Pollock Street.

COURTESY PHOTO

Charles Banks

WATER from page A1

Mount Olive

ABBY CAVENAUGH / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Brenda Davis was one of several concerned citizens to speak during the public forum portion of the Mount Olive Board of Commissioners meeting on Monday night.

THE CONVERSATION

VISUAL VOICES

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

The water of life

I will never again find a used syringe in my front yard.

MY WIFE AND I just bought a house.

The house we sold is in a city, just a three-minute drive from District Court.

If you beat the murder rap, you can walk to my house in about 20 minutes. There’s a methadone clinic a 10-minute walk away, too. Many clients of the court are also customers at the methadone clinic.

We live in between the two. It’s an itchy feeling sometimes.

We’re moving to a suburb. We’ll park in our own driveway, not on the street, and I will never again find a used syringe in my front yard.

Small stuff. I’m sure the constant bake sales in our new town will be just as annoying as the sound of gunfire where we live now.

Anyway, the new house, she is bought, and we haven’t moved in yet, but we need a new water heater because the one that came with the new house should be called a “water lukewarmer” and not a “water heater.”

So we had a plumber come to the house, and he gave us three options. I’ll list them in order of price.

A world of leverage

It is a jungle, and the laws of the jungle apply.

PRESIDENT-ELECT Donald Trump understands, better than any recent American president, one simple rule when it comes to dealing with the world: Leverage matters and ought to be applied to those who oppose American interests.

Trump believes, for example, that tariffs ought to be used to threaten those who would close their markets to American products or flood America with fentanyl or manipulate the pricing system to their own benefit. He believes that maximum pressure ought to be unleashed on countries who seek to destabilize vital strategic regions to their own ends.

And he is correct.

Trump has often been characterized as a bully, both publicly and privately. But the reality of the world is simple: Someone will be doing the bullying, and someone will be bullied. The only question is which party is which.

It turns out that if America ceases to use leverage against its enemies or to pressure neutral countries to align more solidly with it, our enemies will use their leverage to do what they want. China isn’t shy about its use of power in the world; neither are Russia or Iran.

Xi Jinping has never apologized for his aggressive use of military threats against the Philippines or Taiwan; he has never shied away from the use of economic sticks and carrots against weaker countries. Vladimir Putin is fully willing to invade his neighbors and cut off oil supply to his enemies.

For $4,900, we get the British crown jewels. Hot water and plenty of it. We do not know how it works, but it’s “tankless,” and no one knows where the hot water stays until we shower.

For $2,900, we get a less expensive version of the $4,900 model. They promised us it would wear out fairly quickly and supply us with maybe half the hot water we need. We do not know how it works. It’s more thankless than tankless and doesn’t seem strong enough to do the job

For $1,900, we get a water heater that looks a lot like the one in our last house. It’ll wear out in a few years, but it makes hot water. We do not know how it works. Or we can rent a hot water heater and pay by the month., When it breaks, the people we rent it from will give us a new one at no additional charge. It’s worry-f ree, but it’s a monthly bill, and can a couple really say they’re Americans if they don’t own everything in their suburban home? In the city we’re leaving, a lot of people rent their furniture, which is

one of the ways you can tell they’re poor.

I was once in a rental place that had a rent-to-own deal on engagement rings.

“It’s the greatest thing ever,” a buddy of mine said. “You get engaged, you rent the ring. You break up, you quit making the payments, and they come get the ring back. You don’t have to see her again.”

The last option is to go without hot water, like cave dwellers. I’m saving that option for when the civil war starts and there is no running water because the water plant is in the hands of “rebel fighters” who ain’t strong on engineering. And I guess that makes the decision. If there might be a civil war in the future, I want to take boiling hot showers from now until “The People’s Army” takes over and nothing works anymore. Here’s the $4,900.

Hook up the illusion of forever happiness in America. It’s the only thing I’ve ever owned.

Marc Dion’s latest book, a collection of his best columns, is called “Mean Old Liberal.”

Iran has spread its terror proxies across the Middle East, cudgeling entire governments into doing its will.

So why wouldn’t America pursue similar tactics?

This is, for some odd reason, a mysterious insight to members of the Biden administration, who seem willing to apply leverage only to America’s allies and who seem to think that conciliation and tepidity somehow achieve victory against America’s enemies.

Perhaps they are of the Noam Chomsky-esque view that the world’s only country with actual agency is the United States, and that everything else is “blowback” — a common but foolhardy view rooted in a form of selfcenteredness that ignores the fact that every country has its own interests and pursues those interests with alacrity.

China does not threaten the South China Sea because of America’s naval presence; were America absent, China’s threats would simply be far more successful. Russia did not invade Ukraine because of Western influence in Ukraine; were that influence missing, Russia simply would have treated Ukraine as an outpost like Belarus long ago. Iran does not spread terrorism because of American presence in the region; it spreads terrorism because that is the best way for it to foment control over areas outside its purview.

America has interests in the world. Those interests are worth muscular

defense, particularly in economic terms. And Trump instinctively understands that. Geopolitics is not a place of laws and regulations, enforced by neutral arbiters.

It is a jungle, and the laws of the jungle apply.

The best hope for the world is that the strongest also happen to be the best.

But if the best refuse to be the strongest, someone else will be.

The world will be more stable with Donald Trump at the helm than Joe Biden. That much is obvious.

And in quieter moments, world leaders often acknowledge that reality. But it should be remembered just why that is true: It’s because the unapologetic American, confident in the interests of his country, is the best option for stability and growth in a cruel world. That does not make America the world’s policeman; American interests are not specious “global interests.”

But the pursuit of American interests has generally beneficial externalities. And American refusal to pursue those interests leaves the world in the hands of those who would tear it apart, piece by piece.

Ben Shapiro’s new collection, “Facts and Furious: The Facts About America and Why They Make Leftists Furious,” is available now. Shapiro is a graduate of UCLA and Harvard Law School, host of “The Ben Shapiro Show,” and cofounder of Daily Wire+.

COLUMN | MARC DION

Duplin Agribusiness Fair brings home two State Fair Best in Show

The winners took top awards for youth and adult categories

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

KENANSVILLE — Fred

Benton, 75, from Rose Hill, and Madelyn Sawyer, a 16-year- old from Pink Hill, recently brought home top awards in the youth and adult categories after competing in the NC State Fair’s Best of Show.

Wanda Bell, N.C. Cooperative Extension Duplin County administrative assistant, told Duplin Journal that both artists represented the Duplin Agribusiness Fair at the North Carolina State Fair after winning Best of Fair at the local level in September. Each year, fairs across the state submit their best home exhibits for the State Fair’s Best in Show competition.

Benton and Sawyer’s entries were displayed and judged in October at the N.C. State Fair.

Benton won Best of Show in the adult division, category 1, for his wooden bowl crafted from four types of wood. Sawyer took Best of Show in the youth division for her Edge grain cutting board made from red oak and walnut. Each artist won $600 and a State Fair Best of Show ribbon.

Benton’s bowl features an intricate design made from padauk (redwood), yellow heart (yellowwood), wenge (blackwood), and a small amount of artificially aged maple. It took him approximately 50 to 60 hours to complete.

Each layer of the bowl, known as a ring, consists of 12 segments. These segments are cut to specific lengths and then glued together to form the ring. Once assembled, the

WARSAW from page A1

information after the fact. “As the town of Warsaw, it is our responsibility, because we are the permit holders for any industrial user who pumps into the town’s wastewater system as well as receives services to the town.”

Between December 2023 and May 2024 Warsaw has been fined $45,878 in penalties from formal enforcement actions due to multiple violations of requirements set by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. That is only a fraction of what it could be next as the process from notice of violation to civil penalty assessment can take about three months based on prior enforcement actions.

Timeline of violations

• Jan. 8, 2024: The town paid a civil penalty of $1,970.56 for three violations in September 2023. The WWTP violations exceeded the weekly fecal coliform readings by 42%, weekly ammonia by 314% and monthly ammonia by 219%.

ring is flattened and smoothed.

The segment rings, each varying in diameter, are stacked and glued together to create the rough shape of the bowl. This rough shape is then mounted on a lathe and turned to achieve the finished dimensions.

The feature ring, which is the wide ring displaying the intricate design of various woods, is the most complex element of the bowl. It requires several steps, including cutting pieces of wood to very precise dimensions, gluing them in a specific pattern, and then cutting them into segments to form the feature ring.

After the turning, scraping, and sanding on the lathe, six coats of lacquer are applied. The finish is then sanded down to 1000-grit sandpaper and

Also the summer instream concentration was 92.2% — case LV-2023-00307.

Jan. 28, 2024: A notice of violation highlighted fecal coliform readings eight times the allowed amount, ammonia was almost five times the limit. The WWTP incurred a total of 34 violations in January 2024, and on April 5 the town paid a civil penalty of $21,093.51. Case LV-2024-0088.

• Jan. 30, 2024: A notice of violation and intent to assess civil penalty highlights fecal coliform readings more than three times the allowed amount, ammonia was nearly seven times the limit, exceeded the five-day biochemical oxygen demand by 10 times and received a total of 16 violations in December 2023. Case NOV2024-LV-0095.

• Feb. 28, 2024: A notice of

Unemployment

ticks up in Duplin Duplin County

The unemployment rate for Duplin County for the month of October increased slightly to 3.2%, just 0.1% higher than September’s rate of 3.1%. The rate is 0.1% lower than the same time period last year. Duplin’s 3.2% unemployment rate for October translates to 798 out of the county’s 25,292-person workforce receiving unemployment benefits during the month. Unemployment rates increased in 91 counties in October, decreased in three and remained unchanged in six. Buncombe County had the highest unemployment rate at 8.8%, while Currituck County had the lowest at 2.6%.

Contribute to Lights of Love tree at ECU Health Duplin Hospital

Kenansville

polished using automotive buffing and polishing compounds to achieve the final sheen.

“If you’ve seen the bowl up close, it’s very, very beautiful — It’s segmented wood. I think he said the wood itself cost $120,” said Bell, emphasizing that it takes a lot of skill to craft a project like that.

According to Bell, Benton’s wife played a crucial role in encouraging him to enter his bowl in the competition, as he initially had no plans to do so.

Bell also shared that this was Sawyer’s first time participating in a county fair and she is already looking forward to entering again next year.

“(Madelyn) was so excited,” said Bell. “Even more thrilled about the $600 and has high hopes of doing a new and better craft in next year’s fair.”

violation highlights fecal coliform readings more than 12 times the allowed, ammonia more than three times the limit, exceeded the five-day biochemical oxygen demand by 27 times and received a total of 34 violations incurred in January 2024. Case NOV2024-LV-0163.

• April 1, 2024: The town paid a civil penalty of $10,489 for violations in December 2023. Case NCLV-2024-0056.

• April 4, 2024: A notice of violation and intent to assess civil penalty highlights fecal coliform readings six times the max allowed, ammonia more than five times the limit and exceeded the weekly biochemical oxygen demand by more than 24 times. A total of 14 violations were incurred in February 2024. Case NOV-2024-LV-0304.

• May 22, 2024: The town paid a fine of $12,323.51 for violations in February 2024. Case LV-2024-0135.

• Sept. 17, 2024: A notice of violation highlights fecal coliform readings more than three times the max allowed for a violation incurred in June 2024. Case NOV-2024LV-0810.

• Nov. 6, 2024: A notice of violation and intent to assess civil penalty highlights fecal coliform readings six times the max allowed, ammonia almost three times the limit and exceeded the five-day biochemical oxygen demand almost by eight times. A total of 10 violations were incurred in August 2024. Case NOV-2024-LV-0972.

Duplin Journal has reached out to Turner multiple times for comment, as of press deadline we have not received a response.

Editor’s note: This is part two of an article that ran on Nov. 21.

ECU Health Duplin Hospital is hoping to spread hope and light this holiday season with its Lights of Love tree. Donors can honor or remember a loved one, friend or colleague, and support the purchase of a Mobile Health Coach. “This vital resource will bring essential health screenings and care to our community, especially to those who need it most,” a Facebook post from the hospital reads. “Give a gift of hope today and make a difference in our community!” For more information or to donate, visit give. ecuhealthfoundation.org/ DuplinLightsofLove24.

Technology

Development Grant Funds available for small businesses

Statewide Applications are now being accepted for a new round of grants from the One North Carolina Small Business Program, a key source of funding for small businesses engaged in research and development that lead to commercial products. Applications will be accepted through June 30, 2025 or until funds have been exhausted for the program’s 2024-25 fiscal year funding cycle. Details on how to apply for either the Incentive or Matching grant solicitations, as well as additional program information and application instructions, are posted at bit.ly/3ZAiKv0.

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.

Fred Benton (left) stands next to Tom Hroza who presented him with a check from the NC State Fair for $600 last week. Benton took first place in the NC State Fair Best of Show in the adult category.

Madelyn Sawyer, 16, took first place in N.C. State Fair’s Best of Show in the youth division for her edge grain cutting board made from red oak and walnut and won $600.

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DUPLIN SPORTS TIGERS TOP ’DAWGS IN OT

James Kenan snapped a 12 game skid against Wallace Rose Hill with a 14 1 3 playoff victory

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

WALLACE — Defense w ins championships, and for James Kenan that meant a third-round East Region 2A playoff thriller — in overtime — over Wallace-Rose 14-13.

On the decisive, final play, the Tigers’ Zamarion Smith kept Bulldogs quarterback Matthew Wells short of the end zone on a 2-point conversion sprint around left end that ended the game.

The win broke a 12-game skid against WRH that went back to the third game of the regular sea-

son in 2015 when the two were in separate conferences. JK took that one 33-15 at Bill Taylor Field in Warsaw. Yet it wasn’t the first time the Tigers took down a giant this year with their defense. JK stopped Whiteville on Sept. 6 in Warsaw to prevail 21-20 over the Wolfpack, which has had a great season and is seeded No. 2 team in the East 2A.

No. 12 JK (11-1) suffered its lone loss this season to No. 4-seed WRH (9-4) on Nov. 4 in a game in which the Tigers punched in a pair of second-half scores but fell 17-14.

JK travels to Elizabeth City to face No. 1 Northeastern (13-0) in the East 2A semifinal on Friday. The Tigers have never faced the green and gold-clad Eagles in football, but Wallace-Rose Hill

is 3-0 vsersus them, all in the postseason. The ’Dawgs won by 63-52 in the 2017 third round on the way to the 2A state championship; by 57-22 in the 2021 fourth round (East 2A final) on the way to a 2A state runnerup to Shelby; and by 35 -31 in the 2022 second round.

Friday night, a JK defense led by Hassan Kornegay, Ty Morrisey, Cal Avent, Dakota Henderson, Josh Mitchell, David Zeyela, Tyquise Wilson and Smith limited WRH to 208 yards on the ground, keeping star running backs Irving Brown (25-101) and Jamarae Lambe (19-84) out of the end zone and from breaking away. Each had a long run of 13 yards.

The Tigers offense, particularly late, centered around

See TIGERS, page B4

WRH had three game‑winning field goals overturned by penalties and came up a yard short of winning the thriller

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

WALLACE — Neither team was better nor worse, yet at the end of the night, one advanced to the fourth round of the 2A playoffs when No. 4 Wallace-Rose Hill clashed with No. 12 James Kenan, a longtime archrival having a revival season.

The Tigers won 14-13 in overtime to snap a 12-game losing skid in the series, but they could just as easily be in Warsaw on Friday and not fac-

ing No. 1 Northeastern (13-1). The Bulldogs fired three nails into their coffin by kicking three field goals with 3.9 seconds left in regulation. All three were rejected by the officiating crew, which called two offside penalties on the Tigers and flagged the Bulldogs for an alignment call.

Cesar Perla Fuentes’ fourth boot sailed wide left and the clock expired. WRH’s final swipe at the win came on a 2-point conversion. Trailing 14-13, it came to the surprise of no one that head coach Kevin Motsinger would go for the win. He’s an old-school coach with riverboat gambler edges.

The play seemed perfect as

No. 10 Leopards slip by No. 2 Rebels despite work of RB Phillips

ND never got the final drive it needed in a 26 20 loss to its conference rival

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

CALYPSO — The North Duplin football team was one drive short of advancing to the fourth round of the 1A playoffs.

There might be a better way to look at it following a 26-20 loss to Lakewood last Friday at H.E. Grubbs Field. But this scenario is how the Rebels’ season ended against a familiar foe, which has improved since ND took down the Leopards 43-24 on Nov. 29.

ND’s first loss in 11 games lifted No. 10 Lakewood (10-3) into the East Region semifinals this Friday against No. 3 Wilson Prep. No. 1 Tarboro (11-1) and No. 4 Pender (10-3) clash in the opposite bracket.

“We gave ourselves a chance at the end after what we did to hurt ourselves at the end of the first half and into the third quarter,” said Rebels head coach Hugh Martin. “We made mistakes and penalties we didn’t have the first time we played.

“Their quarterback made throws he needed to make and ran their offense well. Lakewood also did a better job up front.”

Leopards’ freshman signal-

caller Reed Ammons fired touchdown passes to Jaziah Brunson and Dashaun Carr in compiling 144 yards.

Additionally, running backs Calvin Lacey and Nakai Owens both had touchdowns and combined to push Lakewood’s rushing total to 159 yards.

The combination gave the Lakewood 303 yards of offense. ND’s run-only offense generated 301 yards.

The two teams combined for 145 yards in penalties, which is fairly normal when they clash, though it made for some long down-and-distance plays to move the chains.

See ND, page B2

EDWARDO PUAC FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

JK’s Zamarion Smith keeps Wallace-Rose Hill’s Matthew Wells from scoring on a 2-point conversion attempt that decided the game.

EDWARDO PUAC FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

Trashawn Ruffin and Issac Davis have been solid on the defensive line for North Duplin during its 10-win season that included a conference title.

See DAWGS, page B4

Carter celebrates with Carell Phillips after a touchdown. North Duplin lost to Lakewood 26-20 in the third round of the 1A

ND from page B1

One drive to win it:

“Be quick, don’t hurry”

North Duplin led thoroughout the first half before a late Lakewood score trimmed the halftime margin to 14 -12. But the Leopards went in front by the eventual winning score after the Rebels’ defense got a three-and-out with 1:45 to play. That isn’t much time for Martin’s Wing-T-based offense to score, yet it was possible. To complete the mission, ND would have to follow UCLA’s great basketball coach John Wooden’s philosophy of “Be quick, but don’t hurry.”

Carell Phillips had runs of 8, 4, 11 and 5 yards to take the ball from ND’s 23 to the 45 before a short pass on third down fell incomplete and the game clock expired.

The Rebels trimmed the deficit to six points via a 50 -yard sprint by Phillips, which came after a missed field goal by Lakewood.

Phillips ran for 211 yards on 31 carries.

Yet the combination of Lacy and Owens, who both had nagging injuries this season, made a difference, given what Ammons did for the Leopards.

“When No. 24 (Lacewell) was hurt and missed a good part of the season, No. 5 (Owens) stepped up,” Martin said. “With both back, it gave them two really good backs, sometimes playing them together.” Armwood kickoff return was big time play

Phillips scored from the 5 on North Duplin’s second possession of the game, as the Rebels dominated the possession in the opening quarter, limiting Lakewood to three offensive snaps.

Brunson got his first score two minutes into the second quarter from 3 yards out. ND led 7-6 after blocking the PAT. Donovan Armwood then set the stadium on fire with a 69-yard kickoff return. Seven plays later, Phillips hit the endzone from the 1. It was a big-time play for a player who gives ND something on both sides of the ball and on special teams, and who recently lost his mother. Armwood missed the regular season finale against Hobbton right after her death.

His brother Dujuan led ND to a 9-3 mark last season and was Offensive Player

The softball starlet guided ND to a 53 1 3‑1 mark the past three seasons

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

CALYPSO — Addy Higginbotham’s got a plan for her life after graduating from North Duplin in the spring: continue to pursue her goals and dreams with many of the comforts of home.

Picking Wingate University made sense on nearly every front, including softball.

Her parents, Joey and Jaime, had long coaching careers in basketball and softball, respectively, at the University of Mount OIive, and they taught her well to “think the game out” before making a move.

Their daughter, a three - sport athlete and leader the previous three seasons, wanted to play with a school that could win an NCAA title. Wingate, a Division II school 30 miles southwest of Charlotte, became her choice early in the recruiting and choosing process.

Wingate had a school-record 49-11 mark last spring, one more win than it had the previous season.

“The competition is a big thing,” Addy said last Wednesday when signing her letter-of-intent.

“It’s the closest and best school outside my door to win an NCAA title.”

Higginbotham didn’t say “play” in the NCAA. She said “win it.”

of the Year in Duplin County.

Up 14-6, Ammons connected with Carr for a 50-yard score with 21 seconds to play before halftime. Phillips broke up the 2-point conversion pass to keep the ND lead at 14-12.

Lakewood used the momentum to forge its first lead at 19-14 with 5:13 to play in the third when Lacy scored on the ninth play of a 43-yard march.

The Lakewood defense gave the Leopards another chance early in the fourth quarter.

A 43-yard reception by Brunson on a third-and-10 play was key during at eight-play, 76-yard drive that ended with Owens scoring from the 5 to give Lakewood a 26-14 edge.

Next season has plenty of promise

Phillips all but sealed up the rushing and scoring title among six Duplin Journal schools.

He finished his junior season with 1,913 yards and 31 touchdowns. WRH junior Jamarae Lamb (179-1,299) was a distant second in rushing.

ED’s Shawn Davis (169-1,298, 19 TDs) was just as far off Phillips’ scoring pace.

Vance Carter (120-573, 6 TDs) finished just outside the Top 10.

Ethan Turnage led ND in tackles with a 5.7 average. Armwood was at 4.6, Austin Wolfe 4.5, Isaac Davis 4.4, Branson Martin 4.3 and Trashawn Ruffin 3.8. Davis had a team-high 13 tackles that went for lost yardage.

Garris Warren had a team-high six interceptions. Martin, whose team will return five players on offense and five on defense next season, said the loss to a rival hurt but was more concerned about his players. He’s been to the 1A final twice (2007 and 2017).

“You just want it to continue for the kids, who are a special group,” Martin said. “Ten wins and the third round make it a good season. “You’ll see a lot of good teams at that level.”

Martin said assistant coaches Brad Rhodes, Daniel Cates, Wilfredo Puac and Cody Langston were key to building a program that had 58 players on two squads.

“Brad has done an outstanding job and was key with insights and game preparation on both sides of the ball,” Martin said.

“Daniel worked on our lines and Wilfredo with our linebackers and Cody with the running backs and D-backs.”

time teammate Reece Outlaw a year ago when she signed to play softball at UNC.

Two athletic seasons from now she’ll be leaving the Rebels softball team, coached by her mother. Jaime has another star on the rise in 14-year-old daughter Gracie, a left-handed pitcher with “way more attitude than Addy,” according to her parents and nearly everyone who knows the family.

Gracie said she only adds to what she learned from watching Addy.

“She’s my role model, and she prepares me for my future and what I will be doing,” Gracie said. “She is also one of my best friends.

A small crack appeared on the chin of the eighth grader at ND.

“But yes, I’m way meaner, like they said,” referring to her higher-than-Addy aggressive approach to softball.

Addy Higginbotham isn’t sure where her studies will lead her but isn’t overly concerned given her grades and mental abilities, which is one place her mother feels she shines when playing softball.

“She’s got an IQ for the game,” Jaime Higginbotham said. “She’s very mature and has worked hard and stuck to it. This is what she wanted and she went out and got it — a place to get a good education, play and win.

Jaime then listed one more strength of her daughter.

“And she doesn’t let the pressure get to her.”

“We’re a very competitive family and my parents molded me, and I’ve tried to use my God-given talent the best I can on the softball field.”

Wingate fits her spirit as well because it is a stronghold for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes ministry, one Higginbotham was also active in at ND for four years.

Higginbotham lost her long-

Higginbotham played a key part in the revival of basketball at ND and was an all-Duplin volleyball in 2023, while opting to not play that sport this fall.

She likes basketball a lot.

She loves softball.

Since ND lost its final game of the spring, she been whirling about on a travel-team. The fall league ended two weeks ago. Haven Roebuck, a

best-friend teammate on the Nationals and Auburn signee, cherishes her relationship with Higginbotham.

“We met in COVID, 2020 and became best friends. She’s my go-to person in life.”

Tale of the tape – and winning

Follow the bouncing sports balls in three seasons to understand how Higginbotham feels about “winning.”

Higginbotham hit an incredible .629, with 12 doubles, three triples, three homer and 25 RBIs last spring as ND went 18-8 last fall, losing to Northside-Pinetown in the fourth round of the playoffs.

She hit .638 as a sophomore when the Rebels advanced to the 2A final, ending with a school-record 23-5-1 mark. She had eight doubles, three triples and four round-trippers.

ND rebounded from the loss of star hurler Callie Thornton during Higginbotham’s freshman season. But she hit .454 as an opening act during a 13-6 season in which she had to pitch, which is not her chosen position.

All told, the Rebels have gone 53-13-1 with Higginbotham in the lineup.

It’s a wee bit better in basketball — 64-12 — and an even bigger jump considering ND’s struggles the past two decades to win a handful of games annually.

Higginbotham averaged 14.5 points last season in an 18-8 year and passed the 1,000-point mark for her career. Her Rebels were 22-4 in 2022 and 22-2 in 2021.

Higginbotham and Outlaw were backcourt mates the past three seasons and played three sports together since they were puppies, including volleyball, where ND was respectable in a very tough Carolina 1A Conference.

EDWARDO PUAC FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

Vance

playoffs.

MICHAEL JAENICKE / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Addy Higginbotham signed a letter-of-intent to play softball at Wingate in front of her mother and softball coach Jaime, father Joey — a longtime former coach and current AD at UMO — and her sister Gracie.

High-octane offense with senior QB helps Eagles’ receivers thrive

Unbeaten Northeastern storms into the 2A East semifinal against James Kenan seeking a third trip to the 2A final since 2018.

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

ELIZABETH CITY — Antonio Moore wins football games and gets his players into college programs.

Yet the veteran coach of No. 1 Northeastern, which hosts No. 12 James Kenan this Friday, has come up short on the biggest stage three times, as the Eagles lost in the 2A state final in 2018 and 2019 and in 2AA back in 2010.

That’s hardly a knock on a coach. Jack Holley, No. 2 the all-t ime N.C. prep winner, never won a state title until he did so at Harrells Christian Academy near the end of his career.

Moore (218-52), in his 20th season, is fifth among active coaches in North Carolina and 50th all-time.

He’s guided the Eagles (13 - 0) to double-digit wins 16 times.

His offense is pass-happy, but can the Northeastern defense stop the smashmouth running attack of the Tigers?

The Eagles live on a super-highway of speed. They averaged 53 points a night while limiting the opposition to two touchdowns or less in all but a 47-40 win over 3A J.H. Rose (5-8) on Aug. 29.

No. 8 will be ringleader

James Kenan has not seen a passing attack like that of the Eagles.

Quarterback Trevaris Jones, No. 8 on the roster, is Northeastern’s leader and chief in charge of getting the ball to his teammates.

The senior has the Eagles operating with with machine-like efficiency.

He’s hit on 171 of 225 passes for 3,359 yards and 66 touchdowns while rushing for 479 yards and nine touchdowns.

The Tigers will need to put pressure on him and also defend the entire field, especially side screens, and get their hands on the ball. If not, his

receiving corps will take over the game.

Northeastern has five players with more than 402 receiving yards.

JK can’t relax on top mark Tyrell Sanders (46-960, 15 TDs) or other primary targets that include, Khamani Bennett (30-689, 9 TDs), Tyjae Simpson (23-591, 5 TDs), Uzziah Harney (24-446, 6 TDs) or Jakael Brooks (22-402, 4 TDs). Even sophomore backup quarterback Zak Ishman (22 - 35, 330, 3 TDs) is a threat. Sleeping on the run can also be dangerous for the Tigers, as Northeastern has compiled 2,223 yards in rushing, averaging nearly 180-yards per game. Besides Jones, look for Ty’jae Simpson (51-478, 3 TDs), Jaylin Mallory (37-360, 3 TDs) and Da’Mari McNeill (46-394, 5 TDs) to make cuts into Tigers territory. Is the competition the same?

Northeastern may be good at what it does, but are the Eagles facing competition like James Kenan does in the East Central Conference?

Perhaps not. Yet they are athletic and use their speed across the gridiron, forcing teams to defend inside

and outside the hash marks.

James Kenan’s strength as a team might be its defense, which last Friday held two top runners — Irving Brown and Jamarae Lamb — out of the end zone. Both had 13-yard runs as highlights of a 14-13 overtime win for JK, which was saved by a tackle by Zamarion Smith on a game-deciding 2-point conversion attempt. WRH rushed for just 219 yards, an unthinkable figure for the Wing-T attack of offensive coordinator Adam Scronce.

JK (12-1) has a 21-20 overtime win over No. 1 Whiteville (12-1) as another proof of its power. It appears to be a game of contrasting offensive styles, and the Tigers have not seen a passing attack like the Eagles’.

JK mixes in the pass with its between-the-tackles running. The Tigers say, “OK, stop us. We’ll get this first down and then as many as needed to score.”

Northeastern is wide open and can conceivably play according to what the defense gives up, though the opposition must control big plays. Yet miscommunication on blocking or pass coverage assignments can lead to a sack or interception. And JK has a speedy secondary to take it to the house.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK SPONSORED BY BILL

Bill Carone

CARONE

Hassan Kornegy

James Kenan, football

Hassan Kornegay will surpass the 200-tackle mark on Friday when the James Kenan football team takes on No. 1 Northeastern in the fourth round of the 2A playoffs.

Kornegay had 21 tackles during a 14-13 overtime win over Wallace-Rose Hill last Friday to up his season total to 191 with 111 being unassisted takedowns. He has 27.5 tackles for lost yardage and is averaging 10.4 tackles per game during a 12-1 season, the Tigers most wins since 2015.

Kornegay was the ECC’s and Duplin Journal’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2023.

Lamb (W)

8 Shawn Davis (ED)

Brown (WRH)

Hall (JK) 1 13- 932 10 Noah LeBlanc (R) 1 14-878 9

Hall (ED) 1 32-799 9

Josh Mitchell (JK) 70 -586 6

Vance Carter (ND) 1 20-573 6

Jarrod Miller (HCA) 76-529 8

Caleb Simco (R) 87-532 16

Demetrius Jones (HCA) 70-491 9

Keeshon Mckinnie (ED) 52-486 4

Imir Sanders (JK) 4 4-403 2 Jamari Carr (WRH) 57-421 6 Christian Diaz (R) 57-452 8

Imir Sanders (JK) 4 4-403 2 Bryan Zambrano (ND) 6 8-344 2 J’Kaeshi Brunson (HCA) 76-334 4 David Zeyela (JK) 61-355 8

EDWARDO PUAC FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

ELIZABETH CITY DAILY ADVANCE

Antonio Moore (218-56) has guided Northeastern to double- d igit wins 16 times in 20 seasons.

the Bulldogs went away from marked targets — running backs Irving Brown and Jamarae Lamb.

Quarterback Matthew Wells, who scored both touchdowns, rolled to his left, hesitated a bit to look for a receiver and then took off for the end zone near the hash mark.

Tigers defensive back Zamarion Smith made sure Wells came up short of the goal line.

And one play decided which team would advance. It wasn’t as close as a measurement was for WRH when it played East Duplin two years ago in the East Region 2A final, but it was close enough to become a historic highlight reel.

“I told our kids if we scored we were going for two to win it,” Motsinger said. “Our kids felt cheated on the field goal.”

The ruling was that the flags thrown during the kicks created a dead-ball foul.

“The NFL and college games got rid of this a few years ago,” Motsinger said, though not say-

from page B1

Zeleya (22-80), who scored on fourth-and-goal from the 3-yard line in overtime for the lead. They then kicked the decisive extra point. Center Gael Guardado snapped the ball and quarterback Eli Avent caught and placed the ball and for the kick.

In high school overtimes, the ball is placed on an opponent’s 10-yard line and each team takes turns, getting a four-play possession to try to score.

“We were very motivated playing a team like Wallace, who beat us earlier and is tough,” Zeleya said. “I hit the line and my guys were there. I had some great blocking, even though it was hard running.”

Then WRH had its four -play shot.

The win was the first against the Bulldogs for JK’s Grady after three losses. These Tigers also whipped Battle Holley-coached East Duplin this season after four straight losses, including a second-round playoff defeat in 2022.

“Our kids kept grinding,” Grady said. “I think the kids did a good job responding and fighting their butts off. That’s a really good football team right there, very physical football team.

“Coach JB (John Bert Avent, defensive coordinator) worked his butt off planning and scheming for this. Hassan leading the crowd. I couldn’t be more proud of this defense bowing their neck in tough situations.”

John Bert Avent is the father of Tigers junior twin broth-

ing JK players did this knowingly.

“It’s unfortunate, but I told our kicker it wasn’t his fault. We made so many mistakes. We didn’t execute well offensively, and our defensive line was flat. We simply didn’t play to the level we can play.”

And yet there the Bulldogs were with a chance to advance.

This was the same team that started the season with two returning starters on each side of the ball and a completely new offensive line.

And three of the returnees — Brown, Lamb and Jamari Shaw — were never completely healthy.

Another senior, Lonnie Wilson, was never the same after playing two quarters against Havelock early on.

WRH is the standard that both JK, East Duplin and other powers in the East are measured against.

The Bulldogs are third-round regulars, even in rebuilding seasons. JK hadn’t been there in a decade.

Nearly everyone saw the Tigers as the team to beat after they destroyed ED 43-20, and slipped

past the eventual No. 2 seed Whiteville, 21-20 in overtime on Sept. 6.

Well, except Bulldogs fans, who cheered when their team nipped JK 17-14 on the final day of the regular season, giving WRH the fourth seed and dropping the Tigers from No. 1 to No. 12. The two finished tied for the ECC crown.

Motsinger and his staff got a piece of a second-straight ECC title, despite being upset by North Lenoir 18-15 on Oct. 4.

“It’s a testament to our kids who fight to the very end,” he said. “A lot of teams would have quit, especially knowing how bad we were in the first half. It was a night when we had no life and no energy.

“I’m so proud of how far our kids came. I really believe they learned the lesson of loving the ones you love and to listen to those around you. … That’s how you get to the third round and have a shot to move forward.”

It was not to be this time, though WRH once again lived up to its reputation as “the mountain” that teams have to conquer

ers Eli and Cal Avent, brother of Duplin County coaching legends Ken Avent Jr. and son of Ken Avent Sr.

“The kids never thought about stopping,” Grady added. “We got in some bad situations that looked like it was over, and they never quit grinding. A coach couldn’t ask for anything more than that.”

Yet there were so many more battles than the final play between the bitter rivals who have similar physical, smashmouth, block-and tackle, run-the football styles.

JK held a 7-0 halftime lead as both schools’ offenses struggled.

Two passes to Wilson set up a 17-yard run by Jeremiah Hall. WRH rallied with a 14-play, 58-yard score that chewed eight minutes off the clock.

Brown got WRH two first downs running and another via a pass from Wells. Lamb moved the yardsticks and Wells used his legs to solve fourth-and-1 and then scored from the 7 via a rollout sweep. Grady and company then relied almost exclusively on Zeleya to get from their own 23 to the WRH 10. But the Bulldogs defense buckled down and forced a field goal, which was blocked with 7:08 to play.

Three “good” kicks, one miss forces OT

The missed boot by Emerson Gomez left the door open for WRH to drive down the field and score the winning touchdown. Lamb and Brown had backto-back runs of 13 yards to take

to advance in the 2A East.

“There is a scene in the movie ‘300’ in which the queen (Gorgo) comes out and tells soldiers to ‘come back with shield or on it,’” said Motsintger, who is 174-85 during his career, which includes a nine-

the ball top the JK 19 in five plays. WRH pushed it to the 11 on fourth down and called a timeout with 3.8 seconds to play to set up the game-winning kick by Cesar Pera Fuentes.

He kicked it through the uprights three times, but two offside penalties on JK and an illegal formation on WRH — the last on fourth down — caused the officials to wave off the points.

His missed his fourth attempt to the left and the Tigers had a rush of adrenaline as fans on the visitor’s side of Jack Holley Football Complex blasted noise into the air.

Ironically, or perhaps coincidentally, JK lost to WRH two years ago 38-31 in a game that the Bulldogs needed to kick a field goal to force overtime. The kick came on Saturday morning with no fans in the stands after someone shot a gun into the air and everyone ran from the field.

The Bulldogs won with seven points on their first OT possession, and intercepted a pass in the end zone to end the game.

Friday night, one other key play favored the Tigers.

A penalty wiped out a Brown touchdown in the first half, as the senior caught a pass and darted through four JK defenders to the end zone.

Two wide-receiver screen plays from Eli Avent to Wilson set up a 17-yard score by Jeremiah Hall gave the Tigers a lead.

JK stuffed WRH for a trio of three-and-out series in the first half. The other possession ended after six plays.

Zeleya, who had five recep-

year stop at 4A New Hanover.

“Our kids did that. We blocked a field goal and recovered from an awful first half.”

Indeed, WRH won many battles, despite ultimately falling short on the final play of its season.

tions for 95 yards in the loss to WRH, was a spark plug and then some for JK, work-horsing his way to 80 yards on 22 carries. Most of his yards came inside the hash marks as the junior bounced and bobbed through the line.

“He’s an athlete and a dynamic football player,” said WRH coach Kevin Motsinger, who coached at JK from 2003 to 2005, rebuilding the program to a 24-14 mark during that span but losing all three games to coach Jack Holley’s Bulldogs.

Gridiron notebook

JK’s 12 wins are its most since back-to-back 12-2 campaigns in 2014 and 2015. The 2008 club went 12-1. JK went 13-1 in 2012, a year before one of two unbeaten seasons. The Tigers were 15-0 in 2013, 16-0 in 2007, 14-0 in 1960 and 12-0 in 1962, when the state playoffs were cut to two rounds in 1A. Ken Avent Jr. coached all but the 1960 and ’62 teams, which were coached by Bill Taylor, another Duplin County coaching legend.

All that puts Grady and his Tigers in excellent company, leaving them with the sixth-best single-season record since Bill Taylor started the program in 1957.

JK captured state titles in 1A in 1960 and 1AA in 2007 and 2013. Ironically Grady, in his fourth year at his alma mater JK (23-14), is one win from tying Motsinger’s three-year mark with the Tigers (2003-05).

DAWGS

EDWARDO PUAC FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

James Kenan’s Tyquise Wilson slips down the sideline trying to avoid WRH’s Matthew Wells and Jeremiah Baker.

EDWARDO PUAC FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

Wallace-Rose Hill’s Irving Brown, who went for 101 yards to lead all runners in his final game for the Bulldogs, gets away from James Kenan’s Ty Morrisey’s grip.

obituaries

Marvin Murray

Aug. 30, 1954 – Nov. 22, 2024

Marvin Murray, 70, of Warsaw, entered into eternal rest Nov. 22, 2024 at ECU Health Inpatient Hospice, Greenville. He was a United States Army veteran.

Funeral service was held on Nov. 27, 2024 at First Baptist Church of Charity, 133 Carr Town Rd, Rose Hill, NC 28458. Interment was in the Farrior Family Cemetery, John Stanley Bostic Rd, Rose Hill. Visitation was held one hour prior to service at First Baptist Church of Charity.

Joyce White Jones

Jan. 17, 1940 – Nov. 26, 2024

Joyce White Jones, 84, resident of the College Heights subdivision, Mount Olive, passed away Wednesday evening, Nov. 26, 2024, at the home of her granddaughter in Chapel Hill.

Joyce had been employed as an inspector at DuPont Co. in Kinston.

“Granny J,” as she was called by her grandchildren, is survived by granddaughter, Jordan Jones Dempsey and husband, Michael Dempsey, and their little princess, Miller Dempsey, all of Chapel Hill; another granddaughter, Logan Jones of Wallace; special nieces, Glenda Wells and husband, Ronnie, of Rosewood, and their families, Susie Lawhorn and husband, Johnny, of Grantham, and their families; several cousins; and several other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her son, Ricky James Jones; her husband, James Edgar Jones; her parents, Willis and Grace Richardson White; her four siblings, Bobby, Jackie, Rudy, and Nancy; and two nieces, Donna Jean Stafford and Brenda Jones Jordan.

Joyce’s life was remembered in a graveside service on Tuesday, Dec. 3, in Maplewood Cemetery in Mount Olive.

Oct. 28, 1964 – Nov. 23, 2024

Patsy Glaspie McMillan, aka “Tootie Gal,” passed away on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024 at ECU Health Duplin Hospital in Kenansville. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024 at 1 p.m. at Rose Hill Funeral Home, 472 Wells Town Road in Rose Hill. Burial will follow at Moore Glaspie Cemetery in Magnolia.

Left to cherish her precious memories: husband, Allen McMillan of Teachey, three children, Earl McMillan of Durham, Allen Drew McMillan Jr. and Delphine Modlin, both of Kinston; one brother, Council Glaspie (Joyce) of Wallace; one sister, Annette Wilson (Floyd) of Willard; 12 grandchildren; one aunt; and a host of cousins and friends that will miss her dearly.

Barbara Ann Hirshkind

April 4, 1933 – Nov. 24, 2024

Barbara Ann Hirshkind, 91, of Wallace, and formerly of Hampton Bays, New York, passed from this earthly life to her eternal rest on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024.

She was born on April 4, 1933, in Oceanside, New York; the daughter of the late Julius and Mable Schurman Hirshkind.

Barbara is also preceded in death by her brother, Richard J. Hirshkind and niece, Margaret Nunnermacker.

Miss Hirshkind was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Southhampton, where she was active in church activities until her illness.

Surviving to cherish her memory are her nieces and nephews, Richard “R.J.” Hirshkind,Jr. of Tampa, Florida, Kiera Helen Brunnell and husband Tony of Hamberg, Pennsylvania, Katherine Hirshkind of Barnegat, New Jersey and Eileen Hirshkind of Wallace, North Carolina and sister-in-law Rosanna Hirshkind of Wallace, and numerous extended family and friends.

Barbara was a loving sister and aunt who loved her family greatly. She graduated from Baldwin High School in Baldwin, New York. To continue her education, Barbara attended Katherine Gibbs School and later, at the age of 49 she graduated with a BS from Marymount College. She was an avid reader and enjoyed being a part of the book club. With a kind heart and caring spirit, Barbara loved New York and especially her friends in the Hamptons. She also enjoyed traveling, being part of the ski club. Barbara was a gogetter when her health permitted. She will surely be missed but treasured memories will remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Services for Barbara will be held in the spring.

The family would like to especially thank Gentiva Hospice and staff for the excellent care they gave to Barbara and for the support to her family. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to First Presbyterian Church of New York, 2 S. Main Street, Southampton, NY 11968.

Romeo Newton Weston

July 7, 1944 – Nov. 27, 2024

Romeo Newton Weston, 80, died Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024 at home. He is preceded in death by his sisters, Verona Horne, Swannie Taylor and brothers, Ducy Weston, Leo Weston, and Marvin Weston. Mr. Weston is survived by wife Willette Edwards Weston of Beulaville; daughters, Shonna Lynette Smith of Albertson, Wendy Jo Thomas of Emerald Isle; sons, Reggie Newton Weston of Beulaville, Ryan Edward Weston of Kinston; sister Mary Wood of Jacksonville; brother Bobby Weston of Richlands; six grandchildren; and one great grandchild. Funeral service was held Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024 at Serenity Funeral Home, Beulaville, with visitation one hour before service. Interment followed at East Duplin Memorial Gardens, Beulaville.

Betty Quinn Lanier

Feb. 3, 1939 – Nov. 21, 2024

Betty Quinn Lanier, 85, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024.

Memorial service was held on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, followed by visitation, at Community Funeral Home, Beulaville.

Interment was private.

Survivors include: sons, Elwood “Chuck” Lanier (Martha) of Chinquapin, Grant Lanier (Tana) of Chinquapin, Jamie Lanier of Raleigh; sisters, Peggy Quinn of Kansas and Bonita Foster (Joe of Potters Hill; brothers, Gareth Quinn of Pink Hill and Terry Quinn of Pink Hill; five grandchildren; and 13 greatgrandchildren.

Betty Marie (Owens) Brown

Nov. 21, 1948 – Nov. 30, 2024

Betty Marie Owens Brown of Wallace, departed her earthly life on the early morning of November 30, 2024, while in ECU Health Duplin Hospital. Born on Nov. 21, 1948, she is the daughter of the late Virgil Hyatt and Hazel Ennis Owens. She is also preceded in death by her husband, John Dandy Brown.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Jimmy Dwayne Brown and wife Erica of Leland, Johnnie Glenn Brown and wife Mattie of Richlands, and Kristie Brown Maready and husband Lynwood of Harrells; siblings, Catherine F. Watkins of Wallace, Melva A. Rochelle of Sneads Ferry, Madelin R. Miller and husband Roger of Holly Ridge, Virgil F. Owens of Hampstead, and Anthony W. Owens of Hampstead; grandchildren, Ashley Brown of Castle Hayne, Kaylee Brown of Leland, Nicholas D. Adams of Wallace, Rachael L. Adams of Wallace, and Justin L. Adams of Wallace.

Mrs. Betty worked as a machine operator in the local textile plant in Wallace for many years. She was a very seriousminded lady who took a great deal of care and love in the way she raised her three children. They were the love of her life, and she made it obvious to all those around her.

Service arrangements were not available as of press time.

Charlene Wells-Hall

Oct. 2, 1967 – Nov. 25, 2024

Charlene Wells Hall 57, of Wallace, humbly submitted to the will of God and entered into her eternal rest on Monday, Nov. 25, 2024 at Wallace Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center.

Funeral service was held on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 at Hawes Funeral Home Chapel, Warsaw. Visitation was one hour prior to the service. Interment followed in the Hall Cemetery of Beulaville.

Allen Warren Lanier Jr.

Dec. 20, 1953 – Nov. 24, 2024

Allen Warren Lanier Jr., 70, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, at his home. Graveside service was held on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024 at Roe Lanier Cemetery, 1548 Jackson Store Road, Beulaville, NC 28518. Visitation took place at the cemetery. Survivors include: mother, Mabel Brown Lanier of Chinquapin; son, Destry Lanier of Jefferson City, Missouri; brothers, Corey Lanier (Cristy) of Beulaville and Keith Lanier (Connie) of Albertson.

Linon Henderson Elston

Oct. 6, 1930 – Nov. 26, 2024

Linon Henderson Elston, 94, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024. She is preceded in death by her spouse, Albert Elston; son, David Elston; sister, Nolan Casteen; and a brother, Harlon Henderson Funeral service was on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, with visitation an hour prior to the service, at Community Funeral Home, Beulaville. Interment followed at Henderson Cemetery, 5704 S. NC Hwy. 50, Wallace, NC 28466.

Survivors include: daughterin-law, Gina Elston of Pin Hook; sister, Evelyn “Cricket” Wagner of Pin Hook; grandchildren, Brandon Elston (Melissa) of Pin Hook, Jessica Gibbo (Justin) of Pink Hook; great-grandchildren, Ryder Elston, Caselee Elston, Layke Elston, and Timothy Gibbo.

Allen Ray Kennedy

June 26, 1954 – Nov. 30, 2024

Allen Ray Kennedy, 70, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 at his home. He is preceded in death by his parents, Allen and Mildred S. Kennedy; a sister, Cynthia Miller; and brothers, Glenn and Everette Kennedy. Visitation was held on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 at Community Funeral Home, Beulaville. Burial will be held at a later date.

Survivors include: daughters, Brandy Stockett (Paul) of Newport, Renee McGee (Kelby) of Beulaville; sisters, Shelby Foster of Richlands, Ann Robinson of Pink Hill, Verna Brown (Derek) of Maple Hill; brother, Kenneth “Spot” Kennedy of Pink Hill; and grandchildren, Hudson Stockett, Harper Stockett and Braxton McGee.

Carl Johnson Ezzell

Nov. 3, 1938 – Nov. 30, 2024

Carl Johnson Ezzell, 86, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Johnson and Jennie Mae Howard Ezzell.

Carl served in the Army from May 16, 1956 through April 24, 1959. Shortly after his discharge from the military he was living in Melbourne, Florida where he met Carol Hauck. He saw Carol and told one of his friends “See that girl? I’m going to marry her one day.” Carl and Carol were married on Dec. 23, 1963 and they were married for 60 years.

Soon after they were married, Carl and Carol moved to Carol’s hometown of Bedford, Pennsylvania, where three of their children, Carla, Patsy and Darin, were born. In 1972, the family moved to Carl’s hometown of Beulaville, where their youngest son Johnny was born July of 1975. Upon moving to Beulaville, Carl went to work as a sewing machine mechanic with Har-Scott of Pink Hill and later worked for Delmar Garment in Jacksonville, where he worked for more than 25 years until the plant closed in 1997. Carl was employed with other garment manufacturers until he finally retired in 2008.

Carl and his family attended Gum Branch Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church, where they were active members and served for many years. Carl was a wonderful singer. He was a frequent country music artist on the Dugie Potter Show in the Bedford, Pennsylvania area in the late ‘60s. He later joined the gospel group The Rosewood Quartet as their tenor singer. When Carl and Carol moved to NC they formed the Rosewood Trio with family friend Brenda Heath and they traveled all over eastern North Carolina sharing the gospel of Jesus. Years later, Carl and Carol sang with their daughter Patsy as the Ezzell Family and their daughter Carla played piano for the group.

Sharing the gospel through song was one of Carl’s favorite things. Carl was a man of few words but when it came to talking about his faith and his trust in Jesus he was never at a loss for words. He was always quick to share the gospel with anyone who would listen and was willing to pray for anyone at any time. One of his children’s fondest memories are going to the store on payday with their daddy to pick out a drink and a candy bar. Singing in the car going anywhere was a regular occurrence and a cherished memory. After family visits with Carl you could often hear him say “make sure you have your heart right with the Lord.” Carl will be missed by his family and friends but there is no doubt he is safe in the arms of Jesus and there is Peace in the Valley for him today.

Visitation was Wednesday night, Dec. 4, 2024 at Community Funeral Home, Beulaville. Burial will be held at a later date.

Survivors include: spouse, Carol Ezell of Beulaville; children, Carla Dula (Eddie), Patsy Sanders, Darin Ezzell (Sheila), Johnny Ezzell (Jennifer); sister, Eleanor Gurganus (Jerry); grandchildren, Chris, Caleb, Cody, Kristian, Patrick, Morgan, Jacob, Michaela, Jordan, Jeremiah and Jillian; greatgrandchildren, Gracey, CJ, Carlee, Garrett, Chloe, Owen, Odette, Jah’brea and Pheonix; and one great-great-grandchild.

Patsy Glaspie McMillan

LEFT: Aaron Smith, pastor of Kenansville Baptist Church, served as the grand marshal for this year’s Kenansville Christmas Parade. He rode on a Kenansville Fire Department truck with his family. RIGHT: No parade is complete without the mini-cars driven by members of Duplin County’s Sudan Thunderbolts.

PHOTOS BY ABBY CAVENAUGH / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Smokey the Bear was part of the Kenansville Christmas Parade on Saturday, delighting both children and adults along the route.

LEFT: The Kenansville Christmas Parade featured many floats, including this one from Duplin County Partnership for Children. RIGHT: Pageant queens like Wee Miss North Carolina Poultry Jubilee Mary Blue Hatcher took part in the Kenansville Christmas Parade on Nov. 30.