Duplin Journal Vol. 9, Issue 16

Duplin Journal

inside

Since its inception in 2018, Wagon Tails Farm Pet Rescue has saved nearly 500 dogs, cats, goats, ducks and even reptiles through its foster program. Here, Geri Romain snuggles with Rocky, a former foster who’s staying with the family while his owner, a Marine, is deployed. Read all about Geri and Steve Romain’s passion for pets on Page 12.

the BRIEF this week

Community Health Fair to o er free resources, citizenship assistance on June 15

Mount Olive NC Field will host Camino al Bienestar, a community event on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Mary of the Angels Catholic Church, located at 3262 U.S. Highway 117 Bypass in Mount Olive. The event will have resources to help participants with applications in English and Spanish for SNAP and Medicaid, free haircuts, groceries, free headphones for students, Zumba classes, Medicaid workshops for small businesses, help with applications for the $600 onetime payment for agricultural workers, free citizenship workshop and more! To make appointments for the free citizenship workshop, call 980 -202 - 4246.

DJS

ECU Health Duplin Hospital welcomes new nurse graduates

Kenansville

ECU Health Duplin Hospital recently welcomed Summer 2024 new nurse graduates with a signing day luncheon. “We’re grateful these gifted professionals have chosen to begin their nursing journey with our team and we’re looking forward to seeing them achieve great things as we work together to improve the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina,” a Facebook post from the hospital reads. New nurses include: Lindsay Mosier, Emergency Department; Sarah Apthorp, Intensive Care Unit; Myranda Vogan, Women’s Center; Amanda Marshall, Emergency Department; Bailey Smith, Intensive Care Unit; Kashavia Pickett, Medical Surgical Unit; America Santibanez, Medical Surgical Unit; Serena Parsons, Emergency Department; Jenna Harrell, Emergency Department; Sydney Byrd, Emergency Department; Sydney Lanier, Medical Surgical Unit; and Grace McGee, Intensive Care Unit.

DJS

Marzella Morrisey, a Warsaw resident, expresses concerns about the proposed FY 2024-25 budget.

Warsaw residents express frustration with proposed budget allocations

The town board will convene on June 18 for a budget workshop to revisit the proposal

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

WARSAW — There was a full house at the Warsaw Board of Commissioners held on June 10 as Town Manager Lea Turner presented the proposed FY 2024 -25 budget.

Among the highlights of the proposed budget is a 5% cost of living adjustment for all fulltime employees, a 10% increase in water/sewer user rates, and increases in the recreation fee schedule.

“There are no outstanding loans at this time. Our taxes remain at $0.57 per $100 valuation. We have an estimated taxation of $226,441,939. This is an anticipated collection rate of 97%. The only changes to the fee schedule were a 10% increase to water and sewer funds for sewer revenue due to in ation costs,” said Turner, explaining that they need to continue making their debt service payment and also need to begin a capital improve-

“I say that 5% increase is not necessary when you’ve got to increase things for citizens of Warsaw who can hardly a ord to eat.”

Marzella Morrisey, Warsaw resident

ment fund for capital expenses. Residents expressed their dissatisfaction with the increase in water/sewer rates adding that the services they are receiving are below standard.

Angela B. Mainor expressed her dissatisfaction with the proposed recreation fee schedule, adding that charging $120 per hour to rent a place, and $350 to rent the kitchen was outrageous.

“You won’t have nobody to rent the place anymore.”

Mayor A.J. Connors explained that these funds are to help whenever repairs are needed. Residents also disagreed with the proposed 5% salary increase.

See WARSAW, page 6

Duplin reveals proposed FY 2024-25 budget

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

KENANSVILLE — County Manager Bryan Miller presented the $103,261,283 proposed FY 2024 -25 budget at last week’s Board of County Commissioners meeting for the board’s review and consideration.

The total proposed budget increased by 4.5% from last year. The general fund of $69,128,323 re ects an increase of $1.6 million in recommended expenditures with a fund balance appropriation of $3,305,554 and estimated revenues of $65,822,769.

The general fund highlights a mandatory increase in retirement contributions to 13.66% for all non-sworn law enforcement o cers, and 20.04% for sworn law enforcement ocers, with 5% of that being a 401(k) contribution. There was a 3% increase to budgeted insurance costs per employee. Miller explained that instead of passing those expenses on to employees, the county absorbed the increase.

Property tax revenues are estimated to increase about 2.45%. The budget also includes a cost- of-living adjustment, along with recruitment and retention increases for public safety departments, Capital requests of $796,428 and 5% increase to Duplin County Schools’ contributions in the amount of $500,008.

The contributions from the general fund to Duplin schools have increased by half a million dollars each year for the last three years; school capital requests have also increased by half a million since last scal year.

“The combined contribu-

Teachey approves budget, puts bite into its

Morgan Jacobs, the new town clerk, was sworn in

By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal

TEACHEY — The Teachey Board of Commissioners approved its budget for the 2024-25 scal year at its regular monthly meeting Monday night and also continued a discussion from the previous month’s meeting regarding the town’s animal ordinance. The proposed budget included an increase in water rates of 10% this year, 5% next year and 3% in 2026 for a total increase of 18% over the next three years.

Rates haven’t been increased since 2021, Mayor Bobby Jones said, and the increase is need-

“I think the citizens are going to be pleased to know that we moved on this pretty quickly.”

Bobby Jones, Teachey mayor

ed to keep up with the cost of living.

“The town of Wallace is going up, and we’re trying to keep it the same for our residents,” said public works director James Parker. “By next year, we should be pretty much even.”

The budget also includes a new town position, public works assistant, which will be open as of July 1. At last month’s meeting, numerous Teachey residents were

on hand to ask for the town’s pet ordinance to be updated, perhaps adding a monetary ne for ordinance violations.

Commissioner Patrick Williams had proposed a $50 ne for violations at the last meeting, and the mayor followed up with County Commissioner Wayne Branch and County Manager Bryan Miller on how the ordinance might be enforced.

“They said in order to amend their ordinance, they would not move the needle on service for our town unless there was a fee for service or a monthly contract that we would pay for that service,” Jones reported, adding that the town would need to amend the county’s ordinance so that livestock such as cows, chicken or pigs would be prohibited inside the town limits.

“The combined contributions have increased close to $1 million. I think that speaks a lot to the commissioners’ dedication to our children’s education.”

County Manager Bryan Miller

tions have increased close to $1 million,” said Miller. “I think that speaks a lot to the commissioners’ dedication to our children’s education.”

The biggest changes in general fund revenues are in sales tax revenues, which decreased 5.97% and a significant decrease of 56.57% in the restricted departmental revenues — this is the revenue brought in by building inspections.

There was a 38.18% increase in the other revenue category. This category includes interest earned, rebate received by PCART program, interdepartmental sales and labor charged monthly to the departments. Departmental revenue increased 18.58% and a 2.51% increase in ad valorem.

Among the highlights in the general fund expenditures is an increase of 22.48% in the debt service category, which includes the commons USDA payment of $578,270 and the animal services red leg loan payment of $130,000, said Miller.

In contributions and transfers there is an increase of 13.51%, this includes the county contributions to the airport fund, capital reserve fund,

Commissioner Wanda Henderson asked if the county is set up to handle enforcing the ordinance for the town. The mayor responded that there are two new county employees that could possibly help respond to issues within Teachey, if the town decides to go that route.

“In the meantime, I think we still need to adopt a ne for each complaint, while that process is being handled with the $2.00

School contributions call for half a million increase

ENA SELLERS / DUPLIN JOURNAL

ABBY CAVENAUGH / DUPLIN JOURNAL

THURSDAY

“Join the conversation”

Duplin Journal www.duplinjournal.com

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

JUNE 13

Everyone is invited to Commencement service on June 13, come out and be a part of what God is doing. Enjoy fun and fellowship in the Lord at 237 Pasture Branch Rd., Rose Hill. For more details, call 910284-0745.

JUNE 15

Pet Friends is calling all dog lovers in Mount Olive and nearby areas to join its free group dog training classes in Wallace on June 15, and 22, from 10- 11 a.m. at the Wallace Dog Park,inside Boney Mill Pond. No need to RSVP – simply leash up your pup and head to the park! Dog trainers will lead you through a series of interactive exercises designed to enhance obedience and strengthen the bond between you and your dog. Remember to bring some tasty treats to reward your pups for their efforts.

Join NC Field for a special community event on Saturday, June 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy a day full of resources, delicious food, and lots of fun! There will be something for everyone, so bring your friends and family.

JUNE 15

There will be a community health fair at St. Mary of the Angels Catholic Church

in Mount Olive on June 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. What do you need? Pantries? Haircut? Medical services? You can find all that and more completely free at the health fair. The event will also feature Zumba, music, free food, and activities for children.

JUNE 22

Join the Duplin County Food Truck & Vendor Fest at the Duplin Events Center on June 22, from noon to 7:30 p.m. Enjoy food trucks, vendors, live music & more. The British Invaders Band, a sensational Beatles and ‘60s Tribute Band, will take the stage at noon, followed by the soulful sounds of Mamer’s own Dalton Davis at 2 p.m. Heart Breaker will take the stage at 4 p.m. and Rivermist will close the night with performances kicking off at 6 p.m. Gates Open at 11:30 a.m. Admission is $5 at the door.

Join First Baptist Church of Teachey for the Juneteenth Teachey Parade and Festival on June 22 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. The event starts at the church and ends at Teachey Park. Juneteenth will feature a parade, entertainment, music and dance, food and fun games.

HAPPENING MONTHLY

The Duplin County Board of County

MARRIAGE LICENSES ISSUED IN DUPLIN COUNTY

Anita Marie Savage, Register of Deeds issued 30 marriage licenses in May. They are as follows: Erica Walker Bostic, Pink Hill, and Edward Danial Johnson, Pink Hill; Napoleon Eduardo Santiago Hernandez, Atkinson, and Yuridia Mora Reyes, Atkinson; Alejandro Ciriaco Santos, Mount Olive, and Argelia Matul Tecum, Mount Olive; Ethan Smith Johnson, Ayden, and Jamie Christine Region, Ayden; Windy Leigh Parker, Wallace, and Michael Douglas Wood, Rose Hill;

Mayerlin Karina Mendoza Lopez, Willard, and Jose Alfredo Cornavaca Martinez, Willard; Krysta Noelle Scritchfield, Mount Olive, and Mitchell Blake Thigpen, Mount Olive; Kever Evelio Uribe Arroyo, South Carolina, and Keila Cristina Lopez Bossa, South Carolina; Stanley Earl Baker, Magnolia, and Maria Jesus Pineda, Magnolia; Sara Ramirez Alvarado, Mount Olive, and Octavio Velasquez Perez, Mount Olive; Gabriel Humberto Alvarado Hernandez, Wallace, and Ceydi Idania Amaya Morales, Wallace;

Haley Hawthorne Bowles, Warsaw, and Phillip andrew Ashlock, Warsaw; Antulio Baldomero Ramirez Mendez, Seven Springs, and Elvira Lorenzo Cabrera, Seven Springs; Emilsen Nayeli Chavez Guzman, Wallace, and Jeyson Himanol Villanueva Pineda, Wallace; Jenessa Deanna White, Chinquapin, and Donnie Ray Sholar, Beulaville; Areli Jose Trinidad, Warsaw, and Christian Lynn Ely Reed, Warsaw; Amie Carol Bostic, Texas, and Robin Alan Choudhury, Texas; Tanner Dwaine Mobley, Wallace, and Lauren Michelle Norris, Beulaville;

Commissioners meets the rst and third Monday of each month at 6 p.m., at 224 Seminary St., Kenansville. For information, call 910296-2100.

The Beulaville town board meets the rst Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m., at 508 East Main St., Beulaville. For more information, call 910-298-4647.

The Town of Calypso meets at the council chambers the rst Monday of each month at 6 p.m., at 103 W. Trade Street. For information, call 919-658-9221.

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

The Economic Development Board meets the rst Friday of the month at 7 a.m. at the Duplin County Airport Conference Room.

The Greenevers town board meets the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m., at 314 E. Charity Rd. For information, call 910289-3078.

The Teachey town board meets the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m., at 116 East 2nd St. For information, call 910-285-7564.

Katherine Marie Livesay, Wallace, and Wendell Holmes Murphy Iii, Wallace; Ashley Elaine Church Green, Beulaville, and Michael Colby Lee Odle, Beulaville; Ashley Nicole Price, Kenansville, and Emiliano Mora Siordia, Mount Olive; Hivis Ivan Orellana Duron, Rose Hill, and Noemy Fabiola Rodriguez Paz, Rose Hill; Daishia Sharell Carr, Princeton, and John Elias Shepard, Jacksonville; David Adam Albert Vinson, Mount Olive, and Ronnae Logan Page, Warsaw;

The Warsaw town board meets the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m., at 121 S. Front St. For information, call 910-293-7814.

The Magnolia town board meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m., at 108 Taylor St., Magnolia. For information, call 910289-3205.

The Rose Hill town board meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m., at 103 Southeast Railroad St. For more information, call 910-289-3159.

The Duplin County Health Department is offering Diabetes Self Management Classes from 1-5 p.m., the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month at 340 Seminary St. Kenansville. For information, call 910372-9178.

The Wallace town council meets the second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m., at 316 East Murray St., Wallace. For more information, call 910-285-4136.

Duplin County Beekeepers meets the second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m., at the Duplin Extension Center. Friends of Horticulture meet the third Thursday of each month at 6 p.m., at the Duplin Extension Center.

The Duplin County Airport Commission Board meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Duplin County Airport.

Sandra Felicita Pineda, Teachey, and Marco Antonio Canales Sandoval, Teachey; Jameson Daniel Blackman, Goldsboro, and Jessica Logan Bill, Mount Olive; Maria Guadalupe Garcia Espino, Rocky Point, and Marco Antonio Lazaro Delgado, Wisconsin; Wade Mcneill Farrior, Wallace, and Nancy Grace Pate, Wallace; Logan Elizabeth Smith, Beulaville, and Mason Brent Albertson, Beulaville; Paul Henry Dail, Kenansville, and Stephanie Anne Mcdaniel, Kenansville.

SPONSORED BY

DUPLIN CALENDAR

WEDNESDAY JUNE 19

EMS responders recognized for life-saving actions

Prompt administration of CPR increases the chance of a patient’s survival after a sudden cardiac arrest

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

KENANSVILLE — Last week Duplin County celebrated a proud moment as eight members of Duplin County Emergency Medical Services were recognized for their life-saving actions.

Abby Cannon, Neal Mobley, David Tollefson, Canaan Weston, Christopher Jackson, Justin Chapman, Ryan Schallock and Luis Arellano were honored with the prestigious Life Saver Award for their prompt actions resuscitating three victims of sudden cardiac arrest, providing life-saving care and transportation.

“Survival of sudden cardiac arrest is dependent upon the promptness of CPR administration and early or rapid defibrillation,” said Dustin Swinson, EMS training officer to the County Commissioners at the June 3 meeting, explaining that immediate CPR has proven to double or triple the chance of a patient’s survival after a sudden cardiac arrest.

“There is no doubt that without the professional and prompt care delivered by all these teams, that the outcomes of the aforementioned patients would not have been the same,” said Swinson, who along with Brandon McMahon, EMS director, and Jon Kornegay, EMS medical director, presented the awards.

Swinson spoke briefly about each incident. He shared that last year in December, Medic 7 truck out of Rose Hill staffed by EMT Chapman and paramedic Schallock, was dispatched to the town of Magnolia for an unresponsive person.

“When they arrived, they

found CPR in progress by the first responders, who were actively delivering the shock with their automated external defibrillator, CPR continued shortly with paramedic and advanced life-support interventions being performed in transport. They were also joined by Capt. Luis Arellano and the patient developed recurrent spontaneous circulation (ROS) during medical care. The patient had positive signs of life when they arrived at the emergency department. So, we are very proud of these individuals.”

In March, Medic 2 out of Wallace, staffed by Weston and Jackson responded to a CPR in progress call at a local business.

“Wallace Police Department

“We’re proud of all of you. Thank you for everything you do to make Duplin County a safer place to live and visit.”

Dustin Swinson, Emergency Medical Services training o cer

arrived on the scene about the same time as Medic 2 did. This was only three minutes after the time of dispatch. The automated external defibrillator was applied, and shock delivered. Return to spontaneous circulation was achieved briefly,” said Swinson, adding that Jackson quickly realized

during transport that the patient had no pulse and immediately delivered advanced life-support interventions.

“By the time that unit arrived at the hospital with the patient on board, there were positive signs of life,” said Swinson. “And just to elaborate, this patient who was breathing spontaneously, following commands, speaking with the crew on the way to the hospital was pronounced clinically dead just a few moments before Medic 2 arrived. It was pretty impressive; it doesn’t happen very often.”

In April, Medic 6 out of the Pleasant Grove Firehouse responded to a heart problem call.

“They arrived and found the patient conscious and alert,

complaining of some problems with their heart,” said Swinson. He explained that during transport, Mobley recognized the cardiac arrhythmia had become lethal and joined by Tollefson and Cannon, rapidly administered CPR, and the appropriate care to control the patient’s cardiac arrhythmia. “The patient had purposeful movements and spontaneous respirations upon arrival at the ER.”

Swinson concluded by asserting that the patients are now home with their families because of the efforts of these eight EMS members.

“Team we’re proud of all of you. Thank you for everything you do to make Duplin County a safer place to live and visit,” Swinson said.

ENA SELLERS / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Dustin Swinson, EMS training o cer, presents the Life Saver Award to Abby Cannon, Neal Mobley, Ryan Schallock, Justin Chapman, Luis Arellano and Canaan Weston at the County Commissioners meeting on June 3.

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

COLUMN | JIMMY DIXON

To be properly informed – key to better preparation

They try to erase gender and allow transgender males to compete against biological women.

BELIEVING THAT GRATITUDE is never out of style, please accept my thanks for the kind comments I occasionally get regarding this article. May I also re-express my thanks to former editor, Gary Scott, for taking a chance on me almost 25 years ago. Expressing my opinions under the byline, We, the people, has been an interesting and productive experience for me.

I am thankful for the opportunity to do the same for the Duplin Journal. I hope we all understand the importance, indeed the crucial necessity, of having quality print media available in our local communities. As this world gets faster and faster there is the portent of losing access to reliable print media presenting objective debate on current issues.

We all are subject to being uninformed on a variety issues. Being uninformed can be remedied with honest information presented in an objective unbiased manner. However, persons being misinformed in a fast-paced world is of greater concern.

Laurence J. Peter, author of “The Peter Principle,” has reminded us that, “Against logic there is no armor like ignorance.” Both logic and The Good Book teach us that, “If you are prepared you shall not fear.”

To be properly informed is to be better prepared.

By processing information we can move from ignorance to knowledge. If we are uninformed we are more susceptible to the evil designs of those who would miss-inform us. Anyone remember, “If you like your health insurance plan, you can keep your health insurance plan, period.” Need I say more?

Well, yes I think I should say more because we are now reaping the harvest of the deceitful seeds planted almost 16 years ago with the promise to “fundamentally change America.” But, we have been warned, “My people perish for lack of knowledge.” Hosea 4:6. And we have been given the antidote, “But through knowledge the righteous will be delivered.”

Proverbs 9:11

For a multitude of reasons there is a vast body of uninformed citizens who have been cleverly targeted and exploited by those with evil designs. They become the misinformed group that

For the Common Good

The country pulled together as individuals committed themselves to causes much greater than themselves.

WHILE THE RECENT 80TH ANNIVERSARY of the invasion of Normandy on D-Day honored the thousands of Allied troops who died on the beaches of France, many more thousands of U.S. citizens at home contributed to the war effort.

I grew up hearing my parents tell stories about what it was like to grow up during The Great Depression and to be young adults during World War II.

A consistent theme of their stories was shared sacrifices during the economic troubles of the 1930s and community efforts such as Victory Gardens and ration coupons during the war.

It would be naive to think there were no differences of opinions, politics and agendas in the years spanning 192945. On the other hand, the country pulled together as individuals committed themselves to causes much greater than themselves.

In more recent memory, the tragedy of the 9/11 terrorist attacks had the same galvanizing effect on our country. Think about the overwhelming feeling of national unity we experienced in the immediate aftermath of that event. Perhaps because 9/11, though it had long-lasting effects, was a singular event rather than a yearslong struggle such as The Depression or WWII, that unique unity seemed to evaporate relatively quickly. Almost a quarter-century later, bumper stickers, lapel pins and T-shirts still proclaim “Never Forget!” And yet, while we remember the event, we tend to forget how to pull together in times of crisis.

The COVID pandemic was a good example. In the face of an unprecedented and difficult time, partisanship deeply

may have enough voting power to elect those who are callous enough to use ignorance to replace that which is good with that which is evil.

Unbiased media is helpful but education can and should replace ignorance with knowledge. Parents have the primary responsibility of preparing their children to receive a free public education which can provide them with the necessary knowledge to function as productive citizens.

When parents fail to do their part, principals and classroom teachers are hard pressed to make up for that de ciency. Disrupt delivering a quality education to the next generation and you have uniformed youngsters who will likely become misinformed voters.

There are those within the Departments of Public Instruction across our nation who have woke administrators. They peddle the most egregious misinformation. They try to erase gender and allow transgender males to compete against biological women.

They introduce young minds to forms of what they call the new morality which is actually no morality.

It appears to me that the Godless elements of the secular socialist are now trying to put the nal touches on the promise to fundamentally change America by gorging the populace with boatloads of misinformation. They are now characterizing the exercise of good judgment as discrimination.

To speak against anyone for anything is now classi ed as discrimination. This “anything goes” style of the so-called new morality has one goal: weaken the positive e ects of the family unit on American culture. Men and women in positions of authority should promote and demand good, old-fashioned truth from all forms of media.

We, the people, especially mothers and fathers, must diligently train up our children so that ignorance and misinformation will not be the armor that defeats logic.

Jimmy Dixon (R-NC04) represents Duplin and Wayne counties in the N.C. House of Representatives.

divided us in our communities and in the country as a whole. At at time when we certainly needed to pull together despite our differences, our differences pulled us apart. Hurricane season has begun with a forecast of an 85% chance of an above-normal season. We are familiar with having to come together as a community in the aftermath of a devastating storm, and you often hear people say, “It’s too bad it takes a tragedy to get us all working together.”

On June 8, the Disaster Recovery Group of Duplin County (DRGDC) hosted the annual Disaster Preparedness Expo at the Charity Mission Center in Rose Hill. Close to 20 aid agencies provided much needed resources to help people prepare in case a hurricane hits Duplin County.

The mission of the DRGDC includes trying to foster a network of organizations during the “blue sky days” so we will be better prepared to help our neighbors in a disaster. That is a challenge, as we seem to operate on the “out of sight, out of mind” principle.

But the DRGDC continues its work because it is inevitable that another storm will hit. In the meantime, during the “blue sky days,” our community is made stronger by the cooperation and relationships developed. It strikes me that is a good model for all of us to follow if we want our communities to be strong, not just during and after a disaster, but all of the time.

Philip Gladden is a retired Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) minister who lives in Wallace. He can be reached at gladdenphilip620@gmail.com.

COLUMN | PHILIP GLADDEN

House of Raeford’s FLOCK raises over $69K for kids to attend camp

Duplin Journal Sta

ROSE HILL — House of Raeford Farms FLOCK is pleased to announce a new high for the FLOCK and Camp Corral fundraising challenge.

The April through May campaign raised a total of $39,156 to provide children of fallen, wounded, and ill military heroes with a life-transforming summer camp experience. FLOCK met the challenge and doubled the rst $30,000 contributed, bringing the total to $69,156. This e ort will send more than 55 kids to camp this summer.

This year alone, Camp Corral will serve nearly 3,000 military-connected children from across the country. These unique camp programs are tailored to address the most common needs and concerns of these kids, including discovering peer relationships, creating support systems and learning coping skills. Along with fun traditional camp experiences, Camp Corral offers family camp retreats and a unique leadership program for youth ages 16-17.

FLOCK rst collaborated with Camp Corral in 2020, establishing this extraordinary nonpro t as a two-time benefactor of the FLOCK-sponsored Carolinas Classic All-Star Basketball Games, contributing

BUDGET from page 1

employee insurance fund, forestry service, local mental health and local re departments.

In the cultural and recreational category there is an increase of 24.23%. This includes the library, parks and rec, event center and the museum.

There is an increase of 7.2% in public safety expenditures from. These expenditures include sheri ’s o ce, jail, EMS, communications, animal services, re marshal and emergency management.

$50,000. In addition, the 2022 and 2023 fundraising challenges totaled $90,982 in contributions and matching dollars for the kids. Over the past four years, FLOCK has directed

Government expenditures increased 7.55% and that includes all other departments. Other funds increased in the following areas:

Emergency Telephone

$435,376 increased by $202,401

• Capital Reserve-Education

$5,261,944 increased by

$2,105,672

• Enhancement/Preserva-

tion $25,000 increased by

$4,400

• Property Revaluation

$478,597 increased by

$170,982 in donations to the organization.

“FLOCK’s partnership with Camp Corral is ful lling our mission of helping those who are called to do good, do more,”

$6,730

• Fire Districts

$4,270,773 increased by $446,022

Transportation

$1,633,767 increased by $238,510

• Airport $1,557,449 increased by $94,168

• Water Funds

$3,782,125 increased by $526,623

And decreased as follows:

• Debt Service

$4,706,589 decreased by $2,126

• Water Fund - Debt Service $977,063 decreased by $5,656

• Solid Waste

$4,536,277 decreased by $104,420

• Insurance Fund $6,467,000 decreased by $694,150

“Capital requests in the enterprise funds include four vans for transportation, a zero-term board for the airport, and various equipment for solid waste.

Northeast re district rate decreased in 2019 when the revaluation happened. After the ood, a lot of river landings valuations went down. So, Northeast requested to change that rate back then from $0.07 to $0.09 per $100 valuation so the re

said Dave Witter, a member of FLOCK’s board of directors.

“Through the FLOCK/Camp Corral Challenge, contributors make it possible for these incredible kids to test their limits,

department would not lose revenue. Now that the revaluation is about to happen again, there’s a lot of structures that have been rebuilt so the valuations are going to rise. This decrease in the rate will level revenue back to a reasonable amount,” said Miller.

“This budget preserves our services and recognizes employees as our greatest asset and begins setting the foundation for long-term nancial sustainability,” said Miller. “The Board of Commissioners’ commitment to resilience, scal improvements and long-term sustainability will be the stabilizing factor in our ability to maintain and improve our nancial position and weather future storms.

“The last four years have been plagued by uncertainty and instability caused by the pandemic, in ation, supply chain delays and labor shortages. Navigating these on-going crises has been a team e ort and our employees have preserved, through personal sacri ce and dedication, to the citizens of the county, many of which are here tonight, and I just want to say thank you.

“FLOCK’s partnership with Camp Corral is ful lling our mission of helping those who are called to do good, do more.”

Dave Witter, FLOCK Board of Directors

challenge their fears, celebrate their accomplishments and make life-a rming friendships that assure them they are not alone.”

“Camp Corral is in awe of the unwavering support from House of Raeford Farms FLOCK and everyone committed to their mission,” shared Sheri Oberhelman, vice president of development and outreach at Camp Corral. “Your dedication to our nation’s youngest heroes will give them so much more than just a week at summer camp. They will have a chance to build friendships, strengthen their self-con dence, and recognize their resilience. From the entire Camp Corral team and the children we honorably serve, thank you for changing so many lives.” Camp Corral Summer Camp 2024 will comprise 20 sites across the country, where these special children meet other young people who understand, enjoy thrilling experiences, and love the chance just to be kids.

“Thanks to all those who helped FLOCK and our friends at Camp Corral make a di erence in these youths’ lives!” added Witter.

I cannot thank our employees enough for their hard work and willingness to serve our great county.

“They are truly our greatest asset. Thank you to all the county department heads and leaders and to our nance department for your assistance and dedication in developing this budget under continued pressures and unprecedented circumstances.”

A second public hearing took place after Miller presented the $1.28 million economic development budget. Chair Dexter Edwards thanked Miller and the sta for their contributions to putting the budget together.

“Y’all have done a fantastic job on this budget,” Edwards said. “We reviewed a lot of di erent items, and your department heads, I think, have worked with you very well. ... When you look at all the things that we have happening in the county with growth and expansion, and we are able to present a budget and reward our employees with a little bit of an increase and not raise taxes, that is outstanding.”

County Manager Bryan Miller presents the proposed FY 2024-25 Budget during the County Commissioners Board meeting on June 3.

LEGAL NOTICE – NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION

TOWN

REF: 406 WEST CHURCH STREET, BEULAVILLE NC 28518

TO: The Estate of Debra Brown Kornegay.

TAKE NOTICE that is the nal attempt to make contact with you regarding the property located at 406 West Church Street, Beulaville, NC 28518. The property in question is in violation of the Housing Code for the Town of Beulaville. The house is in an advanced state of dilapidation. Due to these conditions, the house is found to be in an unsafe condition and is dangerous or prejudicial to the public health and constitutes a public

nuisance. You are hereby requested to contact the Beulaville Town Hall within ve (5) days of this publication with your intentions to repair or improve the above-stated property. Failure to contact the Town within ve (5) days will result in further action in having the house torn down and the property cleaned up by the Town. Any and all costs will then become a lien against the property and estate.

Lori T. Williams Town

Manager/Code

Enforcement 508 East Main Street Beulaville, NC 28518

(910)298-4647

PHOTO COURTESY HOUSE OF RAEFORD

Thanks in part to House of Raeford’s FLOCK fundraising, 55 kids will be able to attend Camp Corral this summer.

ENA SELLERS / DUPLIN JOURNAL

accolades

Warsaw Elementary School

President’s Awards

Warsaw Elementary School recently released the names of students in grades K-8 who received the President’s Award for Academic Excellence. The President’s Education Award is awarded on behalf of the president of the United States and the United States secretary of Education. The purpose is to recognize students in elementary, middle and high school for their educational achievements.

Warsaw Elementary’s recipients were as follows:

Kindergarten: Mateo Avila Gutierrez, Sariyah Barden, SirMalachi Burgess, Adry Carcamo Aviles, Selena Flores De La Torre, Kali Hall, Leia Holland, Javion Hooper, Sephora Jeanty, Nathalie Jimenez Trochez, Jacob Lanier, Shura Lopez Perez, Nikolai Matkins, Kymoni Player, Valeria Rivera Santiago, Cesar Rodriguez Alvarado, Aiden Sales, Jaelah Stroud, J’Ceion Wilson.

First Grade: Dunya Alkanshaly, Aydan Brown, Cali Caldwell, Layla Castro Isaac, Jacob Frederick, Leidy Jaimes Sosa, Addisyn Legette, Yonier Lizardo Lizama, Ricardo Lopez, Jeremy Lopez Orozco, Christian B. Morrisey, Hadassah Nunez Duarte, Alexis Ortez Osorio, Camden Patterson, Graison Rodriguez.

Second Grade: Alexander Aguilar Vasquez, Cassidy Burgess, Aariyah Gaines, Diana Gonzalez Cruz, Alany Hernandez, Nicolas Hernandez Guardado, Marcus Hollingsworth, Callie-Jane Holloman, Gentry Jiang, Amy Juarez Mejia, Jaxon Lanier, Christian Legette, Romero Lopez, Zamyra Newkirk-Murphy, Rodrigo Nunez Bonilla, Kenleigh Parker, Zahara Robinson, Shaun

Marzella Morrisey voiced concerns that the budget allocated for Dream Works ($268,850), which is contracted by the town, was higher than the budget allocated for the town’s Parks and Recreation Department.

“We’re overlooking the things necessary for the people of Warsaw,” said Morrisey, questioning how a contracted service is allocated more funding than the Parks and Recreation Department, emphasizing that the department needs funding to repair a park that has been in terrible conditions for a while. She also questioned the proposed raise.

“On this oor last year, without even looking at your budget, you gave everybody a $5,000

Rodriguez, Nolan Stevens, Malaysiah Vann, Amy Vasquez Sanchez.

Third Grade: Samuel Allen, Lamiya Boone, Giselle Capistran Flores, Jaden Gomez Escalante, Sakari Herring, De’Onca Hicks, Micah James, Legend Jones, Kimberly Maldonado Hernandez, Haley Midence Diaz, Neev Patel, Jafet Ruiz Zuniga, Jonathan Sales Ventura, Javion Smith, Luna Torres Flores, Joshua Wilson, Josiah Wilson, Santiago Zavala Ramos.

Fourth Grade: Steven Andino Ostorga, Adilynn Chavira, Kinsley Jones, Yuliana Leyva Flores, Kenya Morrisey, Tanner Mouton, Sherlyn Santiago Cruz, Angel Velasquez.

Fifth Grade: Amy Arriaga Gomez, Iker Bahena Lopez, Shamerial Bell, X’Niyah Bryant, Giovani Capistran, Arianna Drake, Khrisbeli Figuero Martinez, Isabella Foss, Mia Garcia, Christopher Gonzalez Alarcon, Sebastian Guzman Rivera, Khyla Herring, Ralina Isaac, Christopher Jean Paul, Ahnesty Joyner, Levi Lassiter, Susana Mendieta Velazquez, Isaiah Merriman, Ethan Miranda Lopez, Ihan Ocampo, Jayden Quiroz, Izamar Reyes, Azariah Robinson, Emmanuel Roldan

increase across the board... Now this year, Duke Energy increased my light bill and every citizen’s in Warsaw, and that was the kind of message that was delivered to us – that all of these increases are happening, and so, everybody needs a 5% increase… The town budget that our manager has proposed to us is not for the people of Warsaw.

The population in Warsaw is at least 74% seniors on a xed income, and we don’t make that kind of money to pay for all the increases that you all are asking for,” said Morrisey.

“The employees of this town work diligently to do what we ask them to do, whether it’s to clean up a dead animal o the side of the road … or whether it’s to be at a scene where somebody has been shot … the reality is these individuals that work for

Padilla, Karla Salmeron Ostorga, Reece Sutton, Aeson Trinidad, Alfonso White, Amiya Williams.

Sixth and Seventh Grades: Samantha Arevalo, Keyma Artis, Mercedes Batts, Camille Bradshaw, Averee Brown, Ezequiel Capistran Flores, Jan Castaneda Mojica, Fred Charmant, Aiden Chavira, Valeria Chavero, Aaliyah Farrior, Dayra Garay Rodriguez, Kyah Germain, John Guzman Rivera, Je rey Gonzalez Alarcon, Shira Jiang, Iker Lizardo Lizama, William Martin, Keona Martin-Chasten, Kaylee Martinez Aleman, Aniya Mason, Jordan Miller, Jordan Newkirk, Jerrisa Neal, Sarai Ortez, Ruth Paez, Kassandra Rivera Cruz, Kemani Rivers, John Romeus, Ayliah Smith, Jackson Taylor, Angel Trinidad, Oscar Vazquez, Anita Ward, Hezekiah Williams, London Wright.

Eighth Grade: Trinity Cohen, Zanihya Farrior, Valerie Estrada Garcia, Sophia Garcia, Ashley Gutierrez Roldan, Kelly Hernandez, Abbagail Hobbs, Isaiah Kornegay, Kyle McCray, Uziel Morales Quintero, Analia Ortez Osorio, Diego Ruiz Zuniga, Daniel Sanchez Roldan, Kira Sherrod, Jaylon Smith, Shakirah Thompson, Jeremy Vazquez Sanchez, Zavion Woodard.

this town work hard. I’ve seen it, I’ve been there, they’ve been out in the snow, they’re out in the rain, whether it’s lightning, thunder, they’re out there doing the job that many of us know we would not want to do. So when they’re only getting a 5% raise this year that’s not a terrible thing,” said Mayor Connors in response to the complaints.

Morrisey insisted that she felt the citizens’ needs were not taken into consideration when the proposed budget was put together.

“I would not come before you guys if you all were serving the citizens of Warsaw to the best of your ability. But I’ve been here a long time and I’ve been coming to all the town’s meetings over a period of almost 20 years.

I have notes, minutes, all the minutes, and I’ve seen minutes

change from month to month and all kinds of issues… I don’t see you going in the right direction, because you’re not really serving the citizens,” said Morrisey. “I say that 5% increase is not necessary when you’ve got to increase things for citizens of Warsaw who can hardly a ord to eat. It’s not. It’s not the young folk that own food stamps that are going to those food banks.”

Commissioner Ebony WillsWells recommended that the board revisit the budget. After some discussion, the board scheduled a meeting for another budget workshop to be held June 18 at 6 p.m.

In other business:

• Mike Barnette with McDavid Associates conducted a public hearing to share information about the Com-

county,” Jones said. “Because at least we’d be doing something proactive to try to mitigate the issue while this whole red tape process is happening.”

Commissioner Jamie Moore, Jr. stated that he felt any complaints should come before the board so that the ne “has some teeth to it.”

Ezzell advised the board that there has to be validation to any complaints about pets that come in, so that the town won’t be going on hearsay when issuing nes.

Parker said that currently there is no form for a complainant to sign; instead, he issues work orders for each complaint. Ezzell stated that the person in violation of the ordinance should be noti ed by a town representative in order for the ne to be valid.

The commissioners nally decided that the town should send a warning before a $50 ne is issued, and ensure that a town representative has validated the complaint. The motion was approved unanimously.

“I think the citizens are going to be pleased to know that we moved on this pretty quickly,” Jones said.

New town clerk/ nance ofcer Morgan Jacobs was also sworn in during the June meeting.

In other business at the June meeting, the board:

• Voted unanimously to extend the contract for sewer services with the town of Wallace for another 10 years, making it valid through September 2034.

• Decided against purchasing solar-powered speed limit signs and agreed to install speed bumps in problem areas of town instead. Mayor Jones said that he felt speed bumps would neutralize the situation more than the ashing speed limit signs. Town Attorney Joseph Ezzell advised the board to notify everyone on the streets in which speed bumps will be going in, to ensure that all a ected citizens are aware.

• Approved a resolution directing the town clerk to investigate a petition for annexation for the Mill Creek project. A public hearing will be held at the next meeting, on July 8.

• Learned about a Juneteenth festival and parade, scheduled for June 22, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

munity Development Block Grant-Infrastructure contract to repair Well No. 3. The $3 million grant will enable the town to renovate the well located on North Gum Street, and will put it back in operation. It will add a lter train to the existing water treatment plant, which is at 144 Pumphouse Lane, and it will construct approximately 7,400 linear feet of raw water line to connect that well to the treatment plant according to Barnette.

• The board appointed Al Searles to ll in the seat left by the late Commissioner Russell Eason. He will be sworn in at the next board meeting and will serve until the municipal elections in July 2025.

DUPLIN SPORTS

niors, four juniors, two sophomores and a freshman.

See other pages of the newspaper for stories about the marquee award winners. Here’s a capsule look at the rst team.

WRH’s resurgence, ND and ED’s slippage and great individual performances were the highlights of the prep season

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

TEACHEY — Three of four Duplin County baseball teams had worse records than the previous season, due largely to pitching woes.

The exception was Wallace-Rose Hill, which logged its rst winning campaign since

2016 and leapfrogged East Duplin and James Kenan in the ECC standings via two league upsets.

North Duplin, which was the best team in Duplin in 2023, fell o its pace, though it had a respectable 12-9 season.

Yet baseball is down in the county. Duplin teams combined to go 38-46 last spring after going 51-37 in 2023 and 54-39 in 2022.

The worst in 2023 — WRH — zoomed into rst in the county rankings, behind rst-year coach and former Bulldog player Loan Kissner, who is the Duplin Journal’s Coach of the Year.

He takes the crown from ND’s Colton Chrisman, who broke ED’s Brandon Thigpen’s string of ve straight seasons as the top diamond coach.

While county schools had fewer victories, it was hardly an indication of a lack of talent.

Five players hit over .400 and had their name and statistics for the Journal’s marquee individual awards.

WRH’s Kaiden Lui nipped ED’s Baines Raynor for Mr. Baseball, though the Panthers sophomore was the O ensive Player of the Year. Lui beat out Raynor because of his contributions on the mound

and in the batter’s box. ND’s Richard Noble won it last season because of his arm and bat.

ND’s Austin Du and WRH’s Reid Page had impressive campaigns and were in the discussion for both categories. They were co-recipients of the Heart of a Champion award.

ED’s Zach Brown and ND’s Hunt Pate once again came through with seasons as spark plug players for their respective teams. The Rebels had four players on the rst team followed by three from the Panthers and Bulldogs, and one for the Tigers. The 11-player squad has four se -

Mr. Baseball Kaiden Lui, WRH, Jr. Hit .482 and was 5-2 on the hill.

O ensive Player of the Year Baines Raynor, ED, So. Hit .480 with a county-high 36 hits.

Heart of a Champion Co-Recipients

Reid Page, WRH, Sr. Austin Du , ND, Jr. Page hit a Duplin County-high .534 and provided senior leadership. Du bust in at .476 playing one of the toughest positions -catcher.

WRH alum Logan Kissner engineered two upsets to take the top coach award from ’23 winner Colton Chrisman and ve-time winner Brandon Thigpen

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

TEACHEY — Logan Kissner was a breath of fresh air for

Wallace-Rose Hill and the perfect head coach given ties to the players growing up in “little” leagues.

Being a member of the last Bulldog baseball team to make the state playo s in 2016, Kissner jumped at the opportunity to take over, his rst head coaching position at the prep level.

More swings each day than there were in playgrounds across the state.

Rapid re ground balls that felt as if one was catching bul-

Kissner played for former WRH coach Cal Parker and was also in uenced by his father, Michael. The Kissners were the family that set up drill stations. Baseball was fun but also a game that must be practiced.

Big bangs, clutch pitching made Lui the best

The two-way WRH star Kaiden Lui overcame ED’s Baines Raynor and Zack Brown, teammate Reid Page and ND’s Austin Du and Hunt Pate to be the county’s top player

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

TEACHEY — Kaiden Lui knew.

So did Wallace-Rose Hill coach Logan Kissner.

The rest of Duplin County found out by midseason.

When Lui is hitting his spots, he dominates hitters.

When Lui swings, he places the ball in the out eld gaps.

Indeed, he put everyone on alert by ripping a home run in his rst at-bat this spring.

Lui overcame great seasons by ve other worthy players — Baines Raynor, Zack Brown, Reid Page, Austin Du and Hunt Pate — to capture Duplin Journal’s Mr. Baseball award.

This season’s competition for bragging rights and the unofcial title was closer than any campaign. The other four candidates certainly made di cult decisions regarding this season’s marquee individual awards.

To say he won in a wide-screen photo nish might best describe the race.

Lui is WRH’s rst winner since Gavin Herring in 2016. He now will has a chance to match ED’s Stancil Bowles (2019, 2020) as a two-time winner.

Last year’s winner, ND’s Richard Noble, broke a streak of ve years in which a Panthers player won the award.

Lui was second in the county in average at .482 (to Page’s .534), tops in RBIs among the contenders (22), while pounding seven doubles, two triples, a get-started ‘round-tripper and 12 stolen bases for the second straight season.

He went 5-2 with two saves for the Hills gang with 86 strikeouts and 36 walks and an ERA of 4.29.

While the walks and ERA appear high, it proved to be a trend among schools in the 2A East.

MR. BASEBALL

2016: Gavin Herring, WRH

2017: Jackson Murray, ED

2018: Stancil Bowles, ED

2019: Stancil Bowles, ED

2020: COVID, no season

2021: Logan Brown, ED

2022: Nick Cavanaugh, ED

2023: Richard Noble, ND

2024: Kaiden Lui, WRH

In a 3-2 rst-round playo loss, Lui had two hits in three plate appearances.

“He works hard and stays coachable and has a chance to play at the next level,” Kissner said. “What we did wouldn’t be possible without him. Anytime he’s on the mound, we’ve got a chance to win.

“He’s a competitor and hates to be (taken out), which shows me his competitiveness. When he’s on, I like our chances.”

Lui’s biggest concern was his seven errors, something WRH got through because of the junior right-hander and his bat, which swatted away for 27 hits in 21 games.

He was key in the 5-4 victory over longtime power ED. Lui had two hits and allowed just three while whi ng seven Panthers.

He went 3-for-3 and had two RBIs when ED beat SL 6-2 in the regular-season nale.

Lui’s ability to keep moving forward when struggling proved to help propel WRH, which beat ED and South Lenoir in the last month of the season to wind up in fourth place in the ECC. Lui had two or more hits in 10 games.

Hit-king Raynor follows legacy of past Panthers

East Duplin’s Baines

Raynor’s sizzling stick bring back memories of Murray, Bowles, Brown and Cavanaugh

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

BEULAVILLE

— Baines

Raynor is one of the best sophomore baseball players in the state.

Raynor, who had an area-high 36 hits, is the Duplin Journal’s O ensive Player of the Year.

Raynor opened the season with a nine-game hitting streak and then reached base in 10 of ED’s next 12 games.

His only slump came when Raynor went 0-for-10 in hisnal three games of 2024.

Yet that could hardly ruin a season during which he hit the ball with the exit velocity of former Panthers Jackson Murray, Stancil Bowles, Logan Brown, Chase Pierce and Nick Cavanaugh. Pierce was the O ensive Player of the Year, while the other four were Mr. Baseball.

Raynor had 22 RBIs, which includes driving in at least a run in 11 games.

He hit .480 with 10 doubles, a triple, 10 walks, 28 runs and had a .547 on-base percentage.

Raynor was Mr. Consistent this spring for an ED team that needed his production and example. He was 5-of-13 during wins that followed over Wallace-Rose Hill, James Kenan and Princeton.

He whacked out four hits and three RBIs during an 11-9 loss to North Lenoir. The setback proved to be an omen for the season the Panthers had this spring. They would lose several close games and play every school tough, even in defeat.

Yet unlike in past seasons, ED’s depth in terms of quality players, diminished.

Even so, no one really had a player with his toolbox of skills.

While his bat is ready-forprime-time, his pitching is on a lower level.

Raynor went 2-7 with a 3.82 ERA in 47.2 innings of work and more than double the number of strikeouts (61) per walks (29) in 42.2 frames.

He was a part of seven double plays, made 10 errors, 29 assists, 18 putouts and had a elding percentage of .825.

His 21 stolen bases were also tops among all Panthers and signi cantly lower than second-place Gavin Holmes (13) and third-place Zack Brown (12).

Baines can at out hit, and ED had only Brown (.356) and Holmes (.311) as players with averages above .258.

ED hit .266 as a team for a big drop from .289 in 2023 and .312 the previous season when the Panthers were 24-1.

Raynor, of course, more than held up his stat line in box scores.

There wasn’t much more he could have done with his bat as the sophomore had one of the best seasons in Panthers’ lore.

“Reid was our MVP, though Raynor and North Duplin had quality seasons,” said Kissner, who had only one vote for the marquee awards. “I might have to agree with Lui in that spot given his output as a pitcher and hitter.

Some fans think Raynor, a super sophomore, will become the best player as the clock continues

to tick. Yet the jury is still out for the ve best players in Duplin, even as Page and Brown exit. Pate and Du had banner seasons despite ND’s pitching decline, as graduation losses of hurlers Noble and Erik Rosas the previous two seasons took its toll on the sta .

ND could not overcome Rosewood and ended its two-year reign on the Carolina 1A Conference.

Lui gave WRH what many schools do not possess: an ace pitcher. And his bat would be welcome in any lineup in the state.

percentage of .547.

PHOTO

FILE PHOTO Lui is WRH’s rst winner since Gavin Herring in 2016. He has a chance to match ED’s Stancil Bowles (2019, 2020) as a two-time winner.

Baines Raynor hit .480 with 10 doubles, a triple, 10 walks, 28 run. 22 RBIs and an on-base

Kaiden Lui hit .482 with seven doubles, two triples, and a home run while going 5-2 on the mound with a pair of saves. He also swiped 12 bases.

Standouts Du , Page class acts on, o diamond

Kaiden Lui .482 seven doubles, two triples, and home run going on the mound with of He also swiped 12 bases.

North Duplin’s Austin Du and Wallace-Rose Hill’s Reid Page lay it on the line

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

CALYPSO — Austin Du and Reid Page are di erent types of players with one commonality: They both play baseball with unabandoned energy and have a can-do spirit.

Page, who was an ECC champion in football, maxed out in baseball by being a stat and onand-o -the- eld leader.

Du , who was a chief part of two Carolina 1A Conference titles, gives it his all every play and never get cheated in the batter’s box. He’s going to nd the ball and put it in the out eld.

overcome Rosetwo-year 1A Conferwhat many possess: an ace welcome state.

Both players are the Duplin Journal’s Heart of a Champion winners because of their play, leadership and the positive vibes both radiate to their respective teammates.

Helping the Bulldogs turn the ‘Page’ Page, who was injured during football season, returned to the diamond as a player on a mission.

He hit a Duplin County-best

.534 with seven doubles, three triples, a home run, 10 walks and 11 RBIs.

Page made waves last season (.410, two doubles, seven RBIs), but not like this spring when he just two errors this season en route to hitting safely in 15 of 21 games and had an on-base percentage of .627. He made two errors while being put in multiple positions for coach Logan Kissner.

“He led the ECC in a number of o ensive categories, and to me was a player who went out and did his job every day to the best of his ability,” Kissner said.

“He didn’t make excuses and was hard on himself and such a leader and example to his teammates.”

WRH rebounded last season for six wins, which equaled the number of victories in the two previous seasons.

Yet Page helped the Bulldogs write a new chapter in returning to the state playo s and logging a winning record for the rst time since 2016.

Du was Rebel tough near the plate

Du , meanwhile, was a defensive-minded catcher who was also a hit-maker.

He hit .476 with eight doubles,

two triples, 17 walks and nine RBIs.

It’s his third visit to Duplin County’s rst team and rst time in the circle of individual winners.

The Rebels catcher was second on his team in on-base percentage (.575) and elding percentage (.982) while being tops in slugging percentage (.666) and hits (30).

He’s a .386 career hitter with 73 hits, 85 RBIs and 18 extra-base knocks.

He hit safely in 11 of his rst 12 games this spring, was held without a hit only ve times and had two or more hits 10 times.

ND went 12-9 with three losses coming to Carolina 1A Conference rival Rosewood (18-6).

It’s hard to imagine the lefty-swinging Du having a better season next spring.

But the rising senior has always found a way to exceed expectations.

And that is among the qualities that made him an ideal selection for the Heart of a Champion award.

Du went 1-for-6 in the nal two games of the season.

You can bet he’s itching to get back in the box for the Rebels, while playing this summer for Wayne County’s American Legion Post 11.

Austin Du had just three

KISSNER from page 7

lets from a machine gun.

Speed and agility drills.

Weight-room development to increase strength.

By the time Kissner got his Bulldogs to buy into the program, WRH stopped being a doormat.

The teams that won 11 games in three seasons and 24 in ve years were but pages in history.

While WRH went 11-10 overall and 6-6 in ECC play, the regular season was a success after upset wins over East Duplin and South Lenoir.

Kissner was groomed for the WRH job, having coached many of the players in their younger years. Those players

were freshmen and sophomores last spring. “I kind of try to mimic all the coaches I played for, and Cal set the tone by making baseball important at Wallace-Rose Hill,” Kissner said. “The community support here has been unbelievable. Bubba (James) did such a great job with the JV team. That was important for our younger players. And Willis James has been a big help all over the eld.

“And my dad, whose always been a xture in my life, who rst taught me the game. Yet I learned so much coaching four or ve years of little league (Dixie Youth).”

Kissner unseats North Duplin’s Colton Chrisman, who

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

SPONSORED BY BILL CARONE

Hunt Pate

North Duplin, baseball

While there were hitters in Duplin County with better averages and power numbers, few touched as many statistical categories as Hunt Pate.

The North Duplin junior, who is a threetime all-Duplin performer, hit .382 with ve doubles, three triples, 12 walks and 19 RBIs. He scored 36 runs and had a .575 on-base percentage.

The Rebels have gone 51-17 with Pate in the lineup the past two seasons.

Hunt is a baseball-only athlete and wants to pursue the game at the college level.

won it in a landslide in 2023. And to get to the playo s, Kissner’s club bested ED, coached by Brandon Thigpen, a vetime winner of the Coach of the Year award.

The last Bulldog to don the top skipper cap in Duplin County was JP Price, eight seasons ago. “Going in I knew we would be better than the previous season,” Kissner said. “So, I was on a mission to challenge our players, in the weight room and with drills in an attempt to get them to hustle. That makes a di erence when you’re not hitting or the defense breaks down.”

WRH got o to a 3-5 start, which wasn’t good but still matched the win total the Bull-

dogs had in both 2022 and 2021. They then captured ve victories in a row to improve to 8-5.

On April 12, WRH got its rst win over ED in a decade and then pushed past South Lenoir (15-7, 9-3) with a 6-3 conquest on Senior Night in Teachey. The momentum carried over into the rst round of the playo s, though WRH lost 3-2 to Seaforth (22-6).

The Bulldogs return Mr. Baseball Kaiden Lui, rst-team player Caden Gavin (.411) and a host of letter-winners next season. With Kissner on board, WRH is back in the diamond business, using the weight room as a showroom for its eld of dreams.

COACH OF THE YEAR

2016: JP Price, WRH

2017: Brandon Thigpen, ED

2018: Brandon Thigpen, ED

2019: Brandon Thigpen, ED

2020: Covid 19, no season

2021: Brandon Thigpen, ED

2022: Brandon Thigpen, ED

2023: Colton Chrisman, ND

2024: Logan Kissner, WRH

PHOTOS BY EDUARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

EDUARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Reid Page won the Duplin County batting title with a .534 average. He had seven doubles, three triples, a home run, 10 walks and 11 RBIs while captaining WRH.

EDUARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

errors behind the plate and he also hit .476 with eight doubles, two triples, 17 walks and nine RBIs.

Zach Brown, ED, Sr., SS Brown concluded an outstanding four-year stint by hitting .356, with 29 runs, ve doubles, a triple, a home run and 15 RBIs. He hit .377 for his career, which included being a key part of ED’s 2022 team that went a school-best 24-1.

Brown scored a TD from his QB spot in the 2A nals during the Panthers’ state title in football earlier in his junior season.

Hunt Pate, ND, Jr., SS

Pate is a season behind Brown but does all the things he does as the Rebels’ junior shortstop to make the rst team for the third time. He was twice given the nod as a second basemen with speed and a quick bat.

Pate hit .382 with ve doubles, three triples, 12 walks, 12 stolen bases, 19 RBIs and 31 runs.

In three seasons, he drove in 49 runs, ripped 72 hits and scored 102 runs.

Tanner Kornegay, North Duplin, Sr., OF Kornegay, a slick- elding center elder, made it his business to hit (.349), get on base (17 walks, .523 OBP) and score (32 runs).

The senior is likewise a repeat performer on the rst team. He hit .455 in 2023. ND will have a void to ll next spring when it tries to replace his bounce in the out eld and feet running around the bases.

Caden Gavin, WRH, Jr., 1B Gavin is a gamer. A player who leaves it all on the eld.

The result was a .411 mark with seven doubles and seven triples. He joined Lui and Page as the trio that helped WRH break a long playo drought.

Gavin led WRH in runs (20) and stolen bases (30), and he ranked second in walks (18) and third in hits (23).

He played in just 18 games in his freshman and sophomore seasons before bursting onto the scene as a star performer this spring.

Holden Williams, ND, So., 3B Williams’ .389 is the sixth-highest average in the county. The sophomore laced 18 singles, ve doubles and drove in 16 runs. He also pitched the second-highest number of innings (24.1) for the Rebels.

Gavin Holmes, ED, Fr., OF Holmes had some special moments as a freshman while leaning into a future that is as brightly lit in Panther blue.

The freshman hit .308, scored 18 runs, swiped 13 bases and drove in 14 runs. It was a solid beginning for a player who many believe has more to prove on the diamond.

Mason Grady, JK, Sr., OF Grady, the most consistent Tigers hitter, got better as the season progressed, raising his average to .340. He hit safely in 15 of JK’s 18 games, tying Hansley McGee for the team lead in hits (17).

Second Team

James Kenan’s youth showed up with four second-team picks. ND had three and ED and WRH each produced a pair on the list

Hansley McGee, JK, Fr., P/SS McGee will be a key player in the future for James Kenan. He hit .333, showing ashes of the player he will likely become.

Dallas James, WRH, Sr., P/OF James improved as the season progressed, particularly on the mound where he was 3-3 with two saves, including a one-inning shutdown of the Panthers to preserve a win. He hit .288 with eight RBIs.

Hunter Whitman, JK, Jr., OF Whitman hit .300, had nine RBIs, a team-high 12 walks and was third in runs (10).

Garris Warren, ND, So., OF Warren hit .317 and drove in 19 runs and was third on the Rebels in runs with 21.

Sawyer Marshburn, ED, So. Marshburn hit .258 and drove in 11 runs for the Panthers, who

fell below .500 for the rst time since 2014. The ED sophomore showed signs of being a top-shelf player.

Dane Turner, WRH, Jr. Turner hit .283 with ve doubles and 10 RBIs.

Eli Avent, JK, So., C Eli Avent missed several games due to an injury but hit .394 in 13 games. He and his twin brother, Cal, are a big part of JK’s foundation for the future.

Wesley Holmes, ND, Jr., OF/P Holmes hit .360 and had 19 RBIs and was the Rebels’ third-leading scorer with 21 runs.

Cain Graham, ED, So., P/IF Graham drove in 22 runs, in large part due to his extra-base power. He had three doubles and four home runs. He also pitched for the Panthers, going 2-1 in 12 appearances, which matched the

All-Duplin Co. Baseball 2024

Coach of the Year

Logan Kissner, WRH

Mr. Baseball

Kaiden Lui, WRH, Jr.

O ensive Player of Year

Baines Raynor, ED, Soph.

Champion’s Heart

Reid Page, WRH, Sr. Austin Du , ND, Jr.

First Team

Zach Brown, ED, Sr. Tanner Kornegay, ND, Sr. Caden Gavin, WRH, Jr. Holden Williams, ND, So. Gavin Holmes, ED, Fr. Mason Grady, JK, Sr. Hunt Pate, ND, Jr.

Second Team

Hansley McGee, JK, Fr. Dallas James, WRH, Sr. Hunter Whitman, JK, Jr. Garris Warren, ND, So. Sawyer Marshburn, ED, So. Dane Turner, WRH, Jr. Cal Avent, JK, So. Wesley Holmes, ND, Jr. Cain Graham, ED, So. Eli Avent, JK, So. Noa Quantanilla, ND, Fr.

total frames produced by both Baines Raynor and Kyle Kern. Cal Avent, JK, So., IF Cal Avent hit .318 and tied McGee for the lead in runs with 17 as youthful JK struggled to a 5-13 mark with just one senior on its roster.

Noa Quantanilla, ND, 1B, Fr. Quantanilla saw his average raise near the end of the season to peak at .333. He laced ve doubles, a triple, a home run and had 16 RBIs.

Larson celebrates NASCAR playo waiver with another win

Victory puts Larson in the Cup Series points lead

By Jenna Fryer The Associated Press

SONOMA, Calif. — Kyle Larson celebrated NASCAR approving his participation in the playo s with his third Cup victory of the season — a Sunday win at his home track. The victory for Larson, who grew up 80 miles away from Sonoma Raceway in Elk Grove, was his second on the rolling road course in picturesque wine country. It is the fth win on a road course for NASCAR’s 2021 Cup champion and moved him to the top of the current series standings.

It was a welcome reward after a grueling month of May in which Larson became the fth driver to attempt to run the Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. Rain at both events made his attempt at “The Double” a bust and put him in danger of not being granted a waiver to remain eligible for the NASCAR playo s. It took until Tuesday of this week for NASCAR to grant Larson the waiver. Then he took his rst two consecutive days o in months to lay by the pool in the California sun, do some wine tasting in familiar territory, and then win at Sonoma.

“My life is so hectic that I never feel like I get a normal week for myself. It gets a little bit more hectic now that I am just NASCAR racing and sprint car racing,” Larson said. “It was really nice for me to get to come here this week and just get to do nothing for one day, and then go be a normal tourist on Thursday. It’s just a very relaxing week.”

It took NASCAR a week of internal debate to decide if one of its biggest stars would be given the pass required to remain eligible for playo participation. Larson said he never stressed about the looming decision. “Are we still talking about waivers?” he asked after the race. “Literally, my mind never wavered. It was always focused on executing and winning the regular season points title.” His win at Sonoma only

showed how foolish NASCAR would have looked had it ruled against the Hendrick Motorsports driver.

Je Gordon, the vice chairman of Hendrick Motorsports, said Larson and the No. 5 team were never rattled during the wait for a waiver.

“I didn’t see it a ecting the majority of the team,” said Gordon, who added Larson and crew chief Cli Daniels allowed the Hendrick executives to han-

dle communications with NASCAR. “As far as how it trickled down the team, I didn’t see where they were really (bothered). They seem to be business as usual. I think the best medicine in any of those situations is getting back to the racetrack.

“Especially when they got here, home track for Kyle, a track they enjoy racing at, I think that put a lot of that to rest.” Larson led 19 of the 110 laps

and passed defending race winner Martin Truex Jr. with eight laps remaining to uphold the win in his No. 5 Chevrolet. It is his 20th win since joining Hendrick in 2021 which ranks third in the organization behind Gordon and Jimmie Johnson. Second went to Michael McDowell in a Ford for Front Row Motorsports. Chris Buescher was third in a Ford for RFK Racing and Chase Elliott of Hendrick was fourth.

ED’s Zach Brown, a four-year starter, had a career average of .377.

GODOFREDO A. VÁSQUEZ / AP PHOTO

Kyle Larson celebrates his NASCAR Cup Series win at Sonoma Raceway on Sunday with a red wine shower.

obituaries

Mary

Elizabeth (Dail) Pierce

June 22, 1942 – May 31, 2024 (age 81)

Mary Elizabeth Pierce, 81, of Pin Hook left her earthly home to be with Jesus on Friday, May 31, 2024. Elizabeth was born on June 22,1942 to the late Leslie and Mary Lee Dail. She was preceded in death by her husband, Garland Pierce as well as three sisters and two brothers. She is survived by her only child, Retha Parker (Travis), grandchildren, Melinda Bond (Hank) and Josh Parker (Melissa) as well as great grandchildren, Dylan Bond (Jenna Davis), Landen Bond and Gracyn Parker. Oak Grove Free Will Baptist Holiness Church was her home church which she loved every member. Elizabeth enjoyed attending Sunday and Wednesday night services. She could be found singing in rest homes or visiting local shutins. Her special friends include Helen Henderson, Maxine Padgett and Portia Raynor. One of her favorite things to do was to eat lunch at Shan’s Place where she could talk with those who came in.

Visitation was held Monday, June 3, 2024, with funeral service following, in the Oak Grove Free Will Baptist Holiness Church, with burial following at the Dail Cemetery.

Ida Marie Lanier

Guy

June 11, 1960 – June 3, 2024 (age 63)

MAGNOLIA — Ida Marie Lanier Guy, 63, passed away June 3, 2024 at ECU Duplin Hospital in Kenansville. Mrs. Guy was born June 11, 1960 in Fairbanks, Alaska to the late James Henry Lanier and Mary Edna Foster Lanier.

A visitation was held June 5, 2024 at Faith Independent Church in Magnolia. A memorial service afterward. Mrs. Guy is survived by husband, Ronald Guy of Magnolia; sons, Kalep Guy of Salem, Massachusetts, and Camron Guy of Magnolia; daughter, Jeanie Bland of Kenansville; grandchildren, Braxton Bland and wife, McKayla, Skyler Bland, Rainor Mae Bland, Britton Guy and great-granddaughter, Everleigh Jade Bland. She is also survived by step-granddaughter, Karena David, and brothers, John Lanier of Magnolia and David Lanier of Hampstead.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Guy was preceded in death by brother, Jerry Lanier and sister, Barbara Gail Drew.

In lieu of owers, memorials may be made toward funeral expense.

Jack Edward Bradshaw

June 4, 1945 – June 1, 2024 (age 78)

Jack Edward Bradshaw, age 78, of Wallace left this earthly life for his heavenly home on Saturday, June 1, 2024 from Novant New Hanover Regional Medical Center.

He was born on June 4, 1945 in Duplin County; the son of the late Benjamin Hugh and Nora Stokes Bradshaw. Mr. Bradshaw was also preceded in death by his brothers, James Bradshaw, Harry Bradshaw and Homer Bradshaw.

Mr. Bradshaw’s welding career began at an early age and lasted over 55 years. He was employed at Dupont with Daniels Construction Company for over 20 years and was owner and operator of Bradshaw Welding and Fabrication for many years. He also taught Welding at James Sprunt Community College for a few years.

Surviving to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 51 years, Ellen Simpson Bradshaw of the home; his son, Richard “Ricky” Hugh Bradshaw and wife Unsong of St. Johns, Florida and daughter, Anne Giddings and husband Joe of Wilmington; grandchildren, Paytan Granda and her husband Jacob and Sidney Giddings; sister, Betty Creech and husband Bishop of Rocky Point; brothers, Horace Bradshaw and wife Kathy from Wallace, David Bradshaw and wife Betty Mae of Wallace and Larry Bradshaw and wife Barbara of Rocky Point; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Edward was a devoted husband and caring father, grandfather, brother and friend. He was a plain and simple man who worked diligently and hard all his life. He enjoyed life and loved his family deeply, especially his grandchildren. Edward was a perfectionist and made sure that his welding was perfect. Welding was not just a job for Edward, it was his passion. He was very political and an avid Trump fan. He was very proud to attend the Trump rally not long ago. With a witty personality and love for people, Edward was respected and loved by all. He was a legend in his own time. Edward was tough on the outside but humble on the inside. Edward will surely be missed but treasured memories will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Funeral service was held on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Wallace Chapel with Pastor Andy Ottaway and Reverend Buster Price o ciating.

The family received friends on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 at the funeral home, one hour prior to the service.

Burial followed the service at Little Creek Cemetery.

You may send memorial gifts to the charity of your choice in memory of Edward Bradshaw.

Share with your community!

Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in Duplin Journal at abby@northstatejournal.com Weekly deadline is Monday at noon

Eileen Oates

March 28, 1930 – June 1, 2024 (age 94)

Eileen Callista Oates peacefully passed away at the age of 94 on June 1, 2024. Eileen’s life was marked by her unwavering love and support for her family.

Born March 28, 1930, in the Bronx to Robert and Madeline Collins, Eileen was one of ve children. She is survived by her brother Richard Collins (Eileen) and was pre-deceased by brother Robert Collins and sisters Rosemary Collins and Madeline Lovgren.

Eileen was a proud military veteran, having served as a phlebotomist in the US Army. Her time in the military was marked by dedication and a strong sense of duty, traits that she carried into her life after her service ended. When her career in the Army concluded, Eileen shifted her focus to supporting her husband during his military career, ensuring he had the strength and encouragement he needed. Alongside this, she dedicated herself to raising their ve children, providing them with a loving and stable home. Her experiences and values from the Army instilled a deep sense of resilience and commitment within her family, shaping their lives with her steadfast support and care.

In her younger years, Eileen played on a woman’s semiprofessional softball team in New York, showcasing her athletic talent and competitive spirit. Later, she channeled this passion into developing and coaching a girls’ softball team in her then hometown of Tuckerton, N.J. Her initiative provided these young athletes with the opportunity to hone their athletic skills, build teamwork, and foster a sense of camaraderie. Through her dedication and leadership, Eileen not only promoted physical tness but also empowered girls with con dence and a strong sense of community.

Eileen loved baseball and was a huge fan of the Philadelphia Phillies, never missing an opportunity to cheer for her favorite team. She was also an avid bowler, often spending evenings at the lanes perfecting her game. A good game of bingo brought her joy, as did the occasional trip to Atlantic City.

Eileen was pre-deceased by the love of her life, her husband Joe on May 5, 2024, a loss that she simply could not recover from. She was also predeceased by their granddaughter, Amy Paul (Sept. 12, 1993).

Eileen is survived by children, Callista Yacullo, Kathleen Neu, Joseph (Sheila), Mark (Karin), and Rosemarie Mobley (Glenn). She is also survived by grandchildren: Bob Paul (Alecia), Harry Artemisio, Patrick Artemisio, Holly Page (Kyle), Daniel Oates (Jay), Kevin Oates, and Rebecca Oates, as well as great-grandchildren, Erin (Trey), Kayla, Caroline, Joseph, Kylie, HallieRose, Harry, and Candace, and greatgreat-grandchildren, Truman and Emme.

Funeral service was held on Friday, June 7, at Trans guration Catholic Church, 510 E Main St, Wallace, NC 28466.

The family received friends on Friday morning at the church.

Interment with military honors was held at noon on Friday June 7, 2024, at Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville. Memorial gifts can be sent to the charity of your choice in memory of Eileen C. Oates.

Carol Smith Fennell

Dec. 4, 1939 – June 3, 2024 (age 84)

Carol Smith Fennell, 84, passed away on Monday, June 3, 2024, at ECU Duplin Hospital, Kenansville. Memorial service was held on Friday, June 7, 2024, with visitation preceding, at Community Funeral Home, Beulaville. Burial was private.

Survivors include: spouse, George Fennell of Beulaville; sons, Johnny Fennell of Beulaville, Walter Fennell of Rose Hill; daughters, Paula Fennell of Richlands, Bronya Fennell of Pink Hill; brother, Larry Smith of Wallace; seven grandchildren; ve greatgrandchildren; three greatgreat-grandchildren; and special pets, Peewee and Sparky.

Augustine Marie Glasgow Monk Carr

March 13, 1945 – June 4, 2024 (age 79)

MAGNOLIA — Mrs. Augustine Marie Glasgow Monk Carr, age 79, of Magnolia passed away on Tuesday, June 4, 2024 at ECU Health Duplin Hospital in Kenansville. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 15, 2024 at 11 a.m. at the Rose Hill Funeral Home Chapel, 472 Wells Town Road in Rose Hill. Left to cherish her precious memories; two sons, William McKinley Monk, II of Winston Salem and Chancey Carr, Jr. (Christina) of Greensboro; three daughters, Jeanette Mathis of Magnolia, Loretta Hall (Van Dyke) of Warsaw, and Clutilda Monk of Magnolia; 10 grandchildren, 21 greatgrandchildren; a host of cousins and friends that will miss her dearly.

Emma Moore Glaspie

Nov. 11, 1942 – June 7, 2024 (age 81)

Emma Dora Moore Glaspie, 81, of Warsaw answered the Master’s call June 7, 2024 at her residence. Funeral service was held Wednesday June 12, 2024 at Rainbow Missionary Baptist Church in Warsaw.

Lillian Lois Teachey

April 16, 1942 – June 6, 2024 (age 82)

Lillian Lois Teachey, 82, of Rose Hill departed this life June 6, 2024 at ECU Health Duplin Hospital in Kenansville. Funeral service was held on Tuesday June 11, 2024 at New Christian Chapel MBC in Rose Hill. Visitation was held one hour prior to service. Interment followed in the New Christian Chapel church cemetery.

Anthony Joseph

Boney

Sept. 17, 1947 – June 7, 2024 (age 76)

Anthony Joseph Boney, 76, of Rose Hill passed away June 7, 2024 at ECU Health Duplin Hospital in Kenansville. Graveside service will be at noon Thursday June 13, 2024 at the Boney-Graham Family Cemetery located in Rose Hill. Viewing one hour prior to service at the cemetery.

Tammy Denise Knowles

March 6, 1967 – June 7, 2024 (age 57)

Tammy Denise Knowles, 57, passed away on Friday, June 7, 2024 in Novant New Hanover Regional Hospital, Wilmington. She is preceded in death by a son, Chad Randall English. Memorial service was held on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at Beulaville Free Will Baptist Church in Beulaville.

Survivors include: daughter, Brandy Payne (Jon) of Hampstead; brother, Tommy Knowles of Beulaville; and three grandchildren.

Annette Ray

Aug. 20, 1960 – June 8, 2024 (age 63)

WARSAW — Ms. Annette Ray, 63, completed her earthly journey and transitioned from labor to reward, Saturday, June 8, 2024 at Warsaw Health And Rehabilitation, Warsaw. There will be no formal services.

Annette was born Aug. 20, 1960 in Burlington to Mr. Arlie Beckom and Mrs. Barbara Manly Beckom.

Duplin County’s only animal rescue has a passion for pets

Wagon Tails Farm Rescue has helped nearly 500 animals nd forever homes since 2018

By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal

WAGON TAILS Farm Rescue

may be based on a farm outside Beulaville, but the organization’s reach is felt by dogs, cats, goats, ducks and even reptiles from all over North Carolina, and even as far as West Virginia, Maryland and New York.

“People de nitely think we’re a shelter a lot of times,” said executive director and founder Geri Romain. “We are foster-based, so every animal in our rescue is in somebody’s home. We do not have a brick-and-mortar (building), so to say. There are no kennels.”

The animals that come to Wagon Tails mostly come from shelters in eastern North Carolina, but there are also some that come from other states that Romain and her husband, Steve, nd through connections they’ve made over the years. The animals will stay in a foster home until they can nd their forever home.

“Really and truly, the rescue runs o of volunteers who are willing to take in animals,” Geri Romain said. “They get to know them and train them, and learn all they can about them before we put them into a forever home.”

The animals come from shelters, although sometimes they are strays that are taken in locally. However, Romain pointed out, “Legally, the shelter is who needs to be noti ed. Because when you nd a stray animal, it’s not just take it in and nd it a home. You need to call the shelter and do the due diligence and nd the owner, but if you can’t, then that’s when we step in and do what we can to nd them a home.”

The Romains are originally from Ohio and started the rescue soon after they moved to the

area in 2018. They started out serving as fosters for the Australian Cattle Dog Rescue Association, but then it grew to include all kinds of dogs and other animals. “We started to open our eyes to what was going on down here,” she said. “Just how bad overpopulation is, and all the loose dogs and cats.”

When Covid hit, Romain said they thought they were through with the rescue business. However, the pandemic had the opposite e ect of what they expected.

“We had an in ux of foster homes that wanted to help while they had the time, and we were able to take in a bunch of animals,” she said. “It kind of gave us a boilerplate to start with, and that’s when we were able to add people from out of state.”

The rst year, Wagon Tails took in ve animals. Last year, they took in 200 and found homes for 180 of them. Since 2018, they’ve helped nearly 500 animals nd their forever families.

“It’s been unexpected but great,” Steve Romain said, adding that their personal home has become “a land of mis t toys” since they’ve taken in some animals that could not nd homes, for whatever reason.

“We can never have enough (foster families),” Geri Romain said. “The more fosters we have, the more animals we can save and place.”

Most individuals who want to foster an animal already have pets, but there are those who might be thinking of adopting a dog, for example, but aren’t sure they’re ready for it. By fostering a dog, they can help the dog and also help themselves decide if a dog is right for them, Steve Romain said.

When it comes to nding fosters, Geri Romain said the criteria is actually pretty simple.

“We’re really looking for somebody who wants to do good and knows that they’re going to be able to give that animal expo -

Geri

sure to di erent things,” she said. “Like, people or other animals or going out in public for other dogs. Somebody who’s passionate about it. Not somebody who’s going to be like, ‘Oh, I work 14 hours a day, so I might let it out for an hour or two.’ Anybody who’s dedicated. Somebody who wants to help make a di erence.

“It really doesn’t matter where you are or where you’re from; everybody can make a di erence.” Those interested in applying to be a foster can visit their website, wagontails.org.

Wagon Tails will be hosting its inaugural Woof Stock at the Farm on Sept. 28, with food and beverage vendors, and a chance for the public to meet some of the animals that are part of the rescue. Further details will be announced as the event draws closer.

Duplin Journal

PHOTOS BY ABBY CAVENAUGH / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Steve and

Romain of Beulaville have run Wagon Tails Farm Rescue since 2018, helping to nd forever homes for nearly 500 dogs, cats, goats and reptiles.

Steve and Geri Romain’s Wagon Tails Farm Rescue includes not only dogs and cats but also goats who have made themselves at home in the pasture on the farm.