Duplin Journal
the BRIEF
this week
Nominations for 2024 Farmer of the Year, 2024 Young Farmer of the Year being accepted
Statewide
Send in your nominations for the 2024 Farmer of the Year and 2024 Young Farmer of the Year. The top three candidates will be honored at the North Carolina Farmers Appreciation Celebration on Nov. 4 in Raleigh. Awards include $5,000 for rst place, $3,000 for 2nd place and $2,000 for 3rd place. NC State Grange will also provide $500, $300 and $200 for respective county applicant sponsors. If you know a farmer deserving of this recognition, visit N.C. Farmers Appreciation Day to nominate them.
Eligible ag workers can receive $600 one-time payment
Duplin County Mt. Calvary Center for Leadership Development in partnership with the Hispanic Federation is distributing a one-time $600 payment to eligible agricultural and meat processing plant workers. To be eligible, the applicant must have worked in the agriculture or food processing industry between Jan. 27, 2020, and May 11, 2023. Applicants will be required to show a photo identi cation and a pay stub or W2 from the eligible period. Call 910-665-1352 for more information.
Large animal veterinarians may apply for $25K grant
Duplin County The NCDA is calling all large animal veterinarians in the state as they are now eligible to apply for up to $25,000 in grants to help support their large animal practice. The deadline is Aug. 16. The funding opportunity is available to veterinarians who spend 30% or more of their patient care involved in large animal veterinary care. Visit ncagr.govfor more details.
Participate on DCPC Bicycle Helmet Giveaway on Aug. 17
Duplin County Duplin County Partnership for Children will host a Bicycle Helmet Giveaway during their Back-To-School Community Day Event on Aug. 17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1333 West Charity Rd. in Rose Hill. Recipients must be present to be tted for their free helmet.
Local families visited the Duplin County Health Department on Thursday, Aug. 1, to participate in the back-to-school vaccination event.
After the children received their immunizations, the families met with area agencies and vendors who provided free school supplies, goodies, and informational resources.
For the story, turn to page 3.
JSCC celebrates innovative partnership
Box-to-Bowl smart farm is North Carolina community colleges’ rst hydroponic container
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
JULY 29 MARKED a special milestone for James Sprunt Community College as approximately 100 guests including local, regional and state leadership gathered at JSCC’s WestPark Campus to celebrate the ribbon-cutting ceremony of North Carolina community colleges’ rst hydroponic smart farm container.
The Box-to-Bowl smart farm is the product of a partnership between Four County EMC, North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, JSCC and Duplin County supported by a grant from the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund.
Thanks to this joint e ort pioneering sustainable agriculture and local food production,
See FARM, page 6
Matthew Neal was arrested on July 31 at his residence in Pink Hill and charged with felony and misdemeanor cruelty to animals.
Viral Facebook video leads to arrest of dog abuser
Matthew Neal of Pink Hill was arrested and charged with animal cruelty
By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal
A PINK HILL man was arrested and faces multiple animal cruelty charges after a video surfaced on social media platform Facebook that appeared to show him beating a dog under his care at East Carolina Retrievers.
Matthew Neal, 32, was arrested by Lenoir County Sheri ’s O ce deputies at 12:30 a.m. on July 31 at his residence on Ash Davis Road in Pink Hill.
Neal was charged with nine counts of felony cruelty to animals in Lenoir County and two misdemeanor counts of cruelty to animals in Duplin County. His bond was set at $47,000.
“We con scated the 11 dogs on the property,” Lenoir County Sheri Jackie Rogers said after the arrest. “They will be housed in a safe location this morning.”
The LCSO was assisted by the Lenoir County Animal Control unit, the Craven County Sheri ’s O ce’s Animal Control unit and Duplin County Animal Control.
“We are truly appreciative of the assistance we received from the other agencies,” Rogers said.
“We would also like to thank the citizens and the incredible residents who have come forward and made statements to make today’s arrest possible.”
East Carolina Retrievers’ Facebook page states that it is a dog training facility, working with hunting retrievers, eld trials, hunting tests and gun dogs. The website is currently down.
A Facebook post from 2019 states, “Our goal is to bring the absolute best out in every dog we are fortunate enough to train. With a proven training program paired with hard work day in and day out, we can help build the gun dog you’ve always wanted.”
The video surfaced on July 30 and garnered more than 100,000 views from all over the country. In the video, Neal appears to repeatedly beat a black dog. Rogers called it “disturbing” and said, “While I am sheri , I can assure the residents of Lenoir County that everyone, regardless of income level, race, social status or any other factor, will be held accountable for their crimes.”
The warrants for Neal’s arrest detail his mistreatment of animals, including beating a puppy 52 times with a PVC heeling stick, misuse of a shock collar on multiple dogs, and choking and beating several di erent dogs.
County Commissioners approved an amendment to increase funding for a water supply well project
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
KENANSVILLE — Duplin
County Emergency Management Services o cials attended the County Commissioners meeting on Aug. 5 to provide a brie ng on Tropical Storm Debby.
“A stall in the system is expected and will cause increased rainfall amounts, resulting in widespread ooding. It’s going to be a prolonged event spanning three to four days,” EMS o cials told the Board of County Commissioners. “Rainfall amounts may exceed 10 inches. Right now, they are calling 8 to 12 inches for the northern part of the county and 12 to 16 inches for the southern part of the county. Again, river ooding chances will increase late into the week.
“With this storm traveling over the water as disorganized as it was in the beginning and then gaining some strength, going over land, then back over water eventually as it comes out of the Savannah area, it is very unpredictable.”
Tropical Storm Debby is expected to bring heavy rain, ash ooding and potential river ooding late into the weekend and early next week, according to EMS o cials. They emphasized that Debby will not be a normal storm.
“It is not going to be over in 24 to 36 hours,” o cials said.
“We’re not going to get 10 to 12 inches of rain in 24 hours.
I like to describe this one as
a sneaky little hurricane because it is only going to give us an inch and a half, two inches of rain every 12 hours. But that cumulative total is eventually going to count and add up to something that could be disastrous.”
The good news for residents who have pets is that they will be able to take them to the Animal Services Care and Adoption Center if evacuation is ever believed necessary.
“Our operating policy now that we have the Animal Services Care and Adoption Center that has backup generator power is that our residents would take their animals and leave them in the care of our animal services department, and then they would proceed to the human shelter wherever we designate — if we do that.” County Manager Bryan Miller thanked the emergency management team, adding that they have done a tremendous job preparing ahead for situations like this.
“They started a month and a half ago having conversations with the health department and DSS on shelter operations and the expectations they had, and these things are playing out today. They have done a tremendous job preparing for this,” said Miller. “I feel very con dent that they’ve got everything in line and a rm grasp on everything that we
See COUNTY, page 12
PHOTO BY ENA SELLERS / DUPLIN JOURNAL
THE DUPLIN COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
PHOTO COURTESY LENOIR COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
PHOTO COURTESY FOUR COUNTY ELECTRIC MEMBERSHIP CORPORATION
From left to right are William Upchurch, Joseph Brannan, Franklin Williams, Anita Powers, Jay Carraway, Don Gatton, Dexter Edwards, Rep. Jimmy Dixon and Sen. Brent Jackson, joined by guests in front of the James Sprunt Community College smart farm at the WestPark Campus in Warsaw as they celebrate the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the state-of-the-art container farm.
THURSDAY 8.8.24
“Join the conversation”
Duplin Journal www.duplinjournal.com
North State Media LLC 303 West Raleigh Street, Siler City, North Carolina 27344 Copyright 2023 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
David Guy, Advertising Manager dguy@northstatejournal.com
CONTACT US
For a vacation hold or to report a delivery problem: 919-663-3232
To place a classi ed or display ad: 919-663-3232; Fax: 919-663-4042
To submit a news tip or correction: 919-663-3232
THURSDAY AUG
Anita Marie Savage, Register Of Deeds Of Duplin County Issued
26 Marriage Licenses For The Month Of July.
• Olvin Joel Hernandez Cerna, Willard, and Betsy Melisza Bautista Lorenzo, Willard;
• Christopher Page Turner, Faison, and Estella Urrutia Foley, Faison;
• Jerry Shane Bass, Jacksonville, and Jennifer Marie Lee, Mount Olive;
• Londell Terrell Cyrus, Teachey, and Pamela Lautisha Rhodes, Fayetteville;
Aug. 10
• Emerge ministries will hold an addiction town hall meeting on Aug. 10 at 6 p.m., at 212 West Main Street, Wallace to address addiction and hindrances to the implementation of proven solutions for family members, those addicted to drugs and local detention center recidivism. No preregistration needed.
• JCO Campground at Lee Baysden Pond in Chinquapin will host a free outdoor movie night featuring the movie ET on Saturday, Aug. 10, 7-309:30 p.m. Hot dogs, snacks, and drinks will be available for purchase.
Aug. 11
• A free Christian Youth Camp for children ages 5 to 12 is available at Rock Fish Meadows Camp in Rose Hill. Camp activities will include boating, swimming, Bible study, crafts, morning and evening worship services, home cooked meals and snacks daily. Call 252-2879203 for more information.
Aug. 13
• Duplin County Faith-based leaders will hold the annual Prayer at the Flagpole on Tuesday, Aug. 13. The event will take place at the Duplin County Schools Board of Education beginning at noon. Everyone is invited to attend as DCS leaders pray for
July 30
• Johnny Winston Vanhook, 55, was arrested by DCSO for misdemeanor larceny.
• Angel Alberta Michelle Cotter, 24, was arrested by DCSO for second-degree trespass, aiding and abetting impaired driving, carrying a concealed gun, expired registration card/tag, simple possession of Schedule VI controlled substance, expired inspection sticker, nancial card theft (multiple counts), possessing methamphetamine, possessing drug paraphernalia, possessing marijuana paraphernalia, and simple possession of Schedule IV controlled substance.
July 31
• Justin Denice Whitley, 33, was arrested by the Beulaville Police Department for assault on a female.
• Jay Jamel Robinson, Kinston, and Courtney Renee Austin, Goldsboro;
• Chanel Ashley Randolph, Warsaw, and Marcus Shonell Parker, Warsaw;
• James Jerome Walker Iii, Maryland, and Ashley Sheri Mathis, Maryland;
• Fernando Perez Lopez, Mt Olive, and James Allen Labra, Garland;
• Eric Lavon Williams, La Grange, and Tanisha Danielle Velez, Connecticut;
• Gerson Anain MorenoOrdonez, Clinton, and Milagro Del Carmen Torres-Cabrera, Clinton;
blessings in the upcoming school year.
Aug. 10-13
• JCO Campground will host a stargazing event in preparation of the Perseids Meteor Shower which is expected to peak Aug. 11-12. The star gazing opportunity is only open to campers only. The meteor shower begins around 10 p.m., and increases after midnight. “Up to 100 meteors per hour can be seen to the naked eye. No telescopes needed but welcome if you would like to bring.” Visit junipercreekout tters.com for more information.
Aug. 17
• Duplin Coalition for Health will host a Back To School Family Fun Day on Aug. 17, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Charity Mission Center, located at 1333 W. Charity Rd. in Rose Hill. The event will feature free school supplies, backpacks, health services, resources, bouncy houses, and more! Child must be present for school supplies.
Aug. 2
• Nyshiem Benghazi Cantey, 25, was arrested by DCSO for possession of a rearm by a felon.
Aug. 3
• Francisco Lizardi Vargas, 49, was arrested by the Kenansville Police Department for soliciting alms/begging for money, intoxicated and disruptive behavior, and second-degree trespass.
• Eccassalte Moore, 34, was arrested by DCSO for child support.
• Jamie Reco Jordan, 37, was arrested by the Sampson County Sheri ’s O ce for indecent exposure, felony larceny, and providing ctitious information to an o cer.
Happening Monthly
• The Duplin County Board of County Commissioners meets the rst and third Monday of each month at 6 p.m., at 224 Seminary St., Kenansville. For information, call 910-296-2100.
• 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
Aug. 4
• Gregory A Cavenaugh, 51, was arrested by DCSO for communicating threats, assault on a government o cial/employee, injury to personal property, and resisting a public o cer.
Aug. 5
• Brandie Nicole Tyndall, 34, was arrested by DCSO for possessing methamphetamine, simple possession of Schedule VI controlled substance, possessing drug paraphernalia, possessing marijuana paraphernalia, and failure to maintain lane control.
• Timothy Wayne Rose, 55, was arrested by DCSO for resisting a public o cer, possessing drug paraphernalia, driving while license revoked, unauthorized use of a motor
WEDNESDAY AUG
• Jesi Nicole Kennedy, Pink Hill, and Justin Drew Dotson, Kenansville;
• Ronda Marie Aguilar, Dudley, and Victor Manuel Rodriguez Rodriguez, Dudley;
• Marybella Borja Baldobino, Magnolia, and Martin Chavez Albarran, Warsaw;
• Luis Alberto Jimenez-Castro, Mt Olive, and Clara Daniela Sanchez-Arriola, Mt Olive;
• Efrain Guadalupe Cuellar Rodriguez, Chinquapin, and Maddison Rose Denison, Chinquapin;
• Casey Marie Atkinson, Mount Olive, and Matthew Quinton Brown, Mount Olive;
• Catherine Long Jones, Pink Hill, and Phillip Lavern Thigpen, Pink Hill;
• Ricky Lewis Cottle Jr, Magnolia, Myriah Jensen, Magnolia;
• Marshal Rudolph PrivetteDunston, Kenansville, and Taijin Alisha Floyd, Kenansville;
• Heinrich Alexander Reichert Jr. Warsaw, and Christine Berrie Cli ord, Warsaw;
• Kimsha Fay Artest, Teachey, and Timothy Terrill Turner, Teachey;
E. Charity Rd. For information, call 910-289-3078.
• 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.
• 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 910-289-3205.
• The Rose Hill town board meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m., at 103 Southeast Railroad St. For more information, call 910-289-3159.
• The Duplin County Health Department is o ering 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 910-372-9178.
• 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.
vehicle, and violating a domestic violence protection order.
• Lareka Reshel Brinson, 43, was arrested by DCSO for habitual impaired driving.
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.
• Maicoll Jamil Archaga Lizardo, Rose Hill, and Paula Gisel Maldonado Nava, Warsaw;
• Brittany Sky Tucker, Wallace, and Dustin Ray Jones, Wallace;
• Haley Nicole Ormond, Mount Olive, and Hunter Ray Jones, Mount Olive.
• Andrew Blake Ellis, Wallace, and Emily Michelle Croft, Wallace;
• Jennifer Danissa Bautista Almendarez, Magnolia, and Dennis Joel Lopez Villalobos, Magnolia.
Health Department event gets kids ready for back-to-school
Children of all ages received school supplies during a vaccination event
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
KENANSVILLE — Near-
ly 200 parents and children gathered at the Duplin County Health Department in Kenansville last Thursday for a backto-school vaccination event.
“The kids need immunizations to go back to school, so we are doing this event to help with that,” said Maury Castillo, a public health educator with the Duplin County Health Department. Castillo explained that kids need to have their immunizations up to date within 30 days after the rst day going back to school.
“We do this twice a year and it has helped out a lot in the community,” Castillo told Duplin Journal, adding that the yearly event is held in the afternoon to make it easier for people in the community to come out after work.
Families patiently lined up at the entrance of the Duplin County Health Department building with their young children as they waited to be registered for the event.
Six clinic rooms were open for the public and sta ed with bilingual personnel for the event.
According to Cindy Zuniga, Duplin County Health Department health educator, 79 children received vaccinations ranging from meningitis and tetanus to HPV and more. Children who had no health insurance or were on Medicaid received free immunizations, and those with private insurance who were not in-network received a 20% discount.
After receiving their vaccines, families took their children to the conference room
where they were greeted by area agencies and vendors who provided free school supplies, goodies and informational resources.
According to Zuniga, 184 children received free bookbags.
“Blue Cross Blue Shield provided the book bags,” said Castillo, adding that they also gave away $10 gift card vouchers for families to shop at the Ripe Re
vival mobile unit parked outside the health department building.
Eli Moore with Ripe Revival explained that the goal of the nonpro t is to ght food insecurity, and they do so through their pay-what-you-can mobile market.
“We have meat, milk, we have eggs, we have a bunch of really good fresh fruit and vegetables — most of it from North Carolina,” Moore told Duplin Journal, explaining that at the paywhat-you-can mobile market, customers can shop for their groceries and decide how much they can pay.
“We’ll tell them what it would cost at a grocery store, they can pay that, they can pay less than that … they can pay nothing — There’s no judgment,” said Moore.
Participants enjoyed cotton candy treats provided by WellCare, received school supplies, COVID test kits and personal hygiene kits from Duplin Christian Outreach Ministries.
Sandra Mendieta and Nicoya Chestnut, both with the WIC program, provided information about the special supplemental nutrition program with the goal of safeguarding the health of low-income pregnant, breastfeeding and nonbreastfeeding postpartum women, infants, and children under the age of 5 who are found to be at nutritional risk. They were also giving away baby onesies for new and expectant mothers who
participated in the event. Event goers also received educational material about safe sex and sexually transmitted diseases and received free con-
doms. The Duplin County Opioid Response Team was also on-site providing information about the dangers of opioids and distributing free Narcan to any families who may need it. For more information about vaccinations, please contact the Duplin County Health Department at 910-296-2130.
PHOTOS BY ENA SELLERS / DUPLIN JOURNAL
A young girl receives a new pink school bag at the back-to-school event held at the Duplin County Health Department on Aug. 1.
A young girl excitedly waits for a cotton candy treat provided by a representative from WellCare during the back-to-school event at the Duplin County Health Department on Aug. 1.
THE CONVERSATION
Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor
COLUMN | JIMMY DIXON
If it is not the truth — it is not knowledge
Their No. 1 tool is to tell lies frequently enough and long enough that just by rote repetition the uninformed become misinformed.
IT IS EVIDENT that governments are necessary for society to properly ensure the wellbeing of the population. After careful study of how man has organized himself over the years, it is also evident that the closer man aligns his government with Divine laws, the more stable that government becomes.
The most basic organization in societies consist of men and women joining together as a family unit. The family is the most elementary organization that rst establishes rules of behavior and order.
Thus a very wise man once said, “No other success can compensate for failure in the home.” (David O. McKay)
Just as successful families institute rules of behavior, governments should attempt to establish rules of order, or laws, which hold men accountable for their actions toward each other. For almost 250 years, America has been the most prosperous and successful government in this world. We have sustained our nation by establishing the principle of equality under the law.
Je erson declared, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” Please note he did not say born equal. It is exactly because we are not all born equal that government is necessary. Our Creator endowed us with life, liberty and the mortal opportunity to
COLUMN | JASON SIMMONS
pursue happiness.
As we ponder the implications of “created equal” verses “born equal,” we are left to conclude that aligning man’s laws with Divine law becomes even more critical. “Love one another as I have loved you” can be or should be the antidote for all of man’s o enses toward each other. But that is way too simple for today’s highly sophisticated governments.
John Adams cautioned future generations to remember that “Liberty cannot be preserved without general knowledge among the people.” That knowledge should rst be made available in the family. Parents have the responsibility to teach their children how to treat each other and how to treat their fellowman. Then other educational sources, K-12 schools, community colleges, universities and, yes, even good books should provide accurate and reliable sources of additional knowledge.
If it is not the truth, it is not knowledge. It is propaganda.
Thomas Je erson observed, “Whenever the people are well informed, they can be trusted with their own government; that whenever things get so far wrong as to attract their notice, they may be relied on to set them right.” Things are so far wrong today and everyone has noticed it! One of the great dangers today that comes with our ever-so-fast ability to send information around the world in just a few moments is
not being uninformed but the possibility of being misinformed.
Today much of the media does not report the news, they produce the news. And they do it 24 hours a day. Mark Twain once said, “A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is still putting on its shoes.”
Even the very best parenting today can be nulli ed by very powerful secular interest set on fundamentally changing America.
Their No. 1 tool is to tell lies frequently enough and long enough that just by rote repetition the uninformed become misinformed. We are currently in the heat of the election cycle to choose the next president of The United States of America. Yes! It is the most important election of our lifetime exactly because it is the next election.
The secular progressive ultra-liberal Socialists that want to fundamentally change America are trying to misinform and rede ne their candidates. They think normal God-fearing Duplin County Patriots can be misinformed by a biased media.
We the people had better wake up and wise up and not let Josh Stein or Kamala Harris get in the governor’s mansion or the White House.
Jimmy Dixon (R-NC04) represents Duplin and Wayne counties in the N.C. House of Representatives.
Kamala Harris is the origin story of Democrats’ radical criminal justice policies
Harris’ willingness to turn a blind eye to terrorists, and drug and human tra cking sends a dangerously unsettling message.
BEFORE GEORGE SOROS and progressive Democrats spent tens of millions of dollars across the country to elect district attorneys, their anti-law enforcement agenda started in California.
In 2003, a young, power-hungry assistant district attorney named Kamala Harris primaried her boss and was elected Oakland County district attorney. Just four months into o ce, as a new DA she would reduce charges of a gang member who shot and killed a police o cer. Time and time again, Harris showed a soft-on-crime approach. California has long held a brand of politics apart from the rest of the country, a place where people accept it as a tradeo for sunshine, movie stardom, or fortunes in Silicon Valley. Yet over the past two decades, this dangerous and radical strain of progressivism has been exported across the country.
In New York, Philadelphia, Minneapolis and even here in North Carolina, radical district attorneys thumb their noses at enforcing the law and instead make excuses for those who willingly commit criminal acts.
One such district attorney, Durham’s Satana Deberry, took on an incumbent Democrat while promising to waive unpaid nes, declining to prosecute drug felonies and ending cash bail policies. She won
— and made good on her pro-criminal campaign promises.
The dangerous movement that started with Kamala Harris has gone national. At what point will voters say prioritize public safety, not criminals?
In Charlotte, the state’s largest city, the homicide rate is at its highest level in 21 years. The rst six months of 2024 have seen 61 people murdered in the Queen City. This also includes the brutal killing of four police o cers in the city in April.
Our cities are unsafe with far-left, radical liberal policies directly attributed to Harris.
As a U.S. senator, Harris went even further, proudly proclaiming that illegal immigration was not a crime.
This is why her work as “Border Czar” has produced a crisis of unprecedented proportions at the Southern border. Harris’ willingness to turn a blind eye to terrorists, and drug and human tra cking sends a dangerously unsettling message — America welcomes criminal behavior.
The past four years have seen a callous administration, led at the top by Kamala Harris, refusing to take responsibility for the hundreds of crimes committed by migrants. Mothers raped and murdered. Shooting sprees. Not even knowing how many individuals on the terror watch list have crossed the open border.
The central question now is whether
North Carolina, and the nation, will stand up to those who champion soft-on-crime, pro-criminal policies.
Even CNN has reported Harris voiced support for “defund the police” in June 2020, shortly before joining Joe Biden as the Democrats’ vice-presidential nominee.
Harris said they “rightly” called out the amount of money spent on police departments going even a step further, saying that more police did not equate to more public safety.
In her own words, she said, “We need to take a look at these budgets and gure out whether it re ects the right priorities.” She then accused cities of “militarizing police” but “defunding public schools.”
She went on to tell one group that as California’s AG, she signi cantly reformed their criminal justice system and became a national model.
“I’m proud of that work,” she said.
That con rms hers is a record — and an origin story — she and Democrats cannot run from.
Kamala Harris cannot be elected president. She is the origin story of radical, out-of-touch, dangerously liberal policies. Nothing less than the safety and security of our country is at stake in November.
Jason Simmons is chairman of the North Carolina GOP.
UMO art alumni paint mural
The project took three artists 225 hours to complete
Submitted
by
Rhonda Jessup University of Mount Olive
LUIS FERNANDO Henriquez, a 2023 University of Mount Olive graphic design and art double major student from Warsaw, and Celeste Aguirre Onate, a 2021 ne art student from Goldsboro, are painting the town - literally. The pair is part of a team of three artists, including Maria Feliciano, an art teacher at Spring Creek High School, contracted to create a mural masterpiece in downtown Goldsboro.
The team’s artistic vision came from photos they took of the county’s main landmarks and tourist attractions. After a failed rst attempt at combining individual concepts, the trio came together and conceptualized their nal design as a cohesive unit. The mural’s top left corner o ers an introductory message, “With love from,” followed by Goldsboro. Inside each letter, the artists created a variety of vignettes in a vintage postcard-style format to showcase the vast opportunities within the city and county.
Prominently displayed are highlights of Wayne County’s economic engines, agriculture and Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. Visual representations of iconic landmarks such as Civil War markers, the Frank K. Borden House, and the City Hall Administrative O ce nod to the city’s rich history, while
scenes such as a golfer, the clock from Paramount Theatre, and the Cli s of the Neuse State Park, showcase Wayne County’s rich cultural and entertainment opportunities.
“It is hard to describe what we felt when we rst approached this project,” said Henriquez.
“Although thrilled to have been chosen, we were also shocked when we realized how much space we had to work with. This was my rst mural, and starting with a project of this size was intimidating. Regardless, with proper planning and execution, we overcame many challenges.”
Onate noted that the entire process took ve months and more than 225 hours to complete. The project was made
Wallace chiefs rescue cat trapped in storm drain
Wallace Fire Chief Taylor Johnson holds a female cat that he and Wallace Police Chief Jimmy Crayton rescued from a storm drain at the Walmart in Wallace last Friday. Both chiefs responded to the call for help quickly devising a plan to get the trapped animal out of the drain. The lucky cat is now safe and has found a new home.
possible by grant funding from The Arts Council of Wayne County through a partnership with the Grassroots Program of the NC Arts Council, which supports revitalization e orts in downtowns across the nation.
Onate said, “Coming together as a team to create this mural demonstrates that anything is possible when a group works towards a common goal. The sheer scale of the mural demanded a strategic approach. We meticulously planned and divided it into sections, working together wherever possible – at home, designated meeting spots, and ultimately, the massive wall itself.”
The pair of UMO alumni agreed that the process
was arduous and demanding but very rewarding. Hernandez said, “Each of us contributed our strengths as artists, but we also recognized that we have our own unique style and ideas. There were moments of disagreement, but the key was that we respected each other as individuals and even more so as artists. We formed an incredible team, and our work speaks for itself.”
The mural is located at 112 N John Street in Goldsboro.
The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with de ning Christian values. The University was founded by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists. For more information, visit umo.edu.
Duplin County’s
unemployment rate jumps to 3.7%
June’s rate is 0.5% higher than May
By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal
DUPLIN COUNTY’S unemployment rate is the highest it’s been over the past year, according to preliminary data released last week from the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Labor & Economic Analysis Division.
The non-seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for Duplin County was 3.7% for June 2024, a mark the county hasn’t reached since July 2023. The rate for May 2024 was 3.2%, while unemployment one year ago was at 3.4%.
The number translates to 986 individuals receiving unemployment bene ts out of the county’s labor force of 26,315.
Though it may seem concerning, Duplin County Economic Development Director Scotty Summerlin said the higher rate is no cause for alarm. “Unemployment remains relatively low and hasn’t changed to a large degree in recent months,” he told Duplin Journal. “This includes Duplin, its surrounding counties, and NC. Employers, large and small, continue to have vacan-
cies needing to be lled. For individuals interested in joining the workforce, Duplin County businesses and industries continue to seek employees.”
Duplin County was far from the only county to see an increase in unemployment rates for the month of June. Unemployment rates increased in 98 of North Carolina’s 100 counties. When compared to the same time period in 2023, unemployment increased in 97 of 100 counties.
For June, Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate at 7.0%, while Buncombe County had the lowest at 3.2%.
Those seeking employment have plenty of options with Duplin County and surrounding areas. “Numerous employers in Duplin County are strong and many are poised for growth,” Summerlin said. “Continuing to successfully recruit and develop productive employees will be a major factor in keeping our economy strong. Businesses and industries are doing some creative things to entice potential employees to re-enter the job market.”
Potential employees should always call NC Works Career Center or James Sprunt Community College if they need assistance in nding a job, he added.
Duplin County EMS partners with ECU Health for training
Kenansville
Duplin County Emergency Medical Services recently partnered with ECU Health and EastCare to provide landing zone education, medical aircraft activation and operations training for EMS personnel, according to a post on Facebook by Duplin County EMS. “Additionally, we appreciate the opportunity to join forces with the Duplin County Sheri ’s O ce for [the] training,” the post reads. “In the rural EMS setting, air ambulances provide essential care measures required to save lives and time,” the post continues.
Chickgirls
Ultrasound and Boutique holds grand opening
Kenansville Chickgirls Ultrasound and Boutique, located at 302 N. Main St., Suite 1 in Kenansville, held a grand opening last week. Chickgirls is a maternity and baby boutique o ering 3D/4D/HD ultrasound. They also o er a selection of gifts and other items. Chickgirls is open Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
JSCC o ers free online seminars for small business owners
Duplin County James Sprunt Community College’s Small Business Center o ers free online seminars every month for small business owners, or those wishing to start a business. These are the online seminars available over the next few weeks: Procrastination Buster, Aug. 8, 7-8:30 p.m.; New Business Owners: Bookkeeping, Negotiating & Forecasting Basics for Start-ups, Aug. 13, 6-8 p.m.; Taxes, Depreciation, Record Keeping Basics & Selling 404 for Start-ups, Aug. 20, 6-8 p.m.; ABCs of Starting a Small Business on a Limited Budget, 2-3 p.m. and 6:307:30 p.m.; DIY Food and Product Photography, Aug. 26, 7-8 p.m.; Finding Your Customer and Creating a Marketing Plan, Aug. 29, 2-3 p.m. and 6:30-7:30 p.m. To register for any of these courses, visit ncsbc. net/Events.aspx choose “At Center” as the location, and then select James Sprunt Community College as the center.
Got local business news? Email abby@ northstatejournal.com and let us know about any grand openings, new businesses, noteworthy achievements, or upcoming events, and we’ll share it with the community. The Duplin Journal reserves the right to edit for content, brevity, and clarity.
PHOTO COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF MOUNT OLIVE
Luis Fernando Henriquez of Warsaw stands in front of a mural he and two other team members painted in Goldsboro.
North Carolina Sheri s’ Association annual Business Conference
Duplin County Sheri Stratton Stokes and Chief Deputy Phil Humphrey attended the North Carolina Sheri s’ Association annual Business Conference held on July 30. Each year, the conference allows sheri s and their personnel to gather for training classes, panel discussions, networking and more. This year, topics included emerging trends in the fentanyl crisis and how the in uence of Mexican drug cartels are a ecting our borders. Founded in 1922, the North Carolina Sheri s’ Association is a statewide not-for-pro t professional and educational organization of the state’s 100 sheri s.
students can learn about agriculture in a 320-square-foot smart farm that brings vertical gardening and hydroponic farming under one roof.
“This innovation is a testament to our commitment to advancing North Carolina’s farming sector and stimulating the minds of agricultural students,” said Don Gatton, Four County EMC CEO.
The climate-controlled environment of the Box-to-Bowl smart farm enables students to get hands-on experience growing local produce with soluble nutrients under the leadership of Katlyn R. Foy, JSCC agricultural instructor, and smart farm manager.
Since the spring, the Boxto-Bowl smart farm has produced lettuce, collards, mustard greens, cabbage, kale, Swiss chard and more. Its self-sustainable tanks recirculate the water throughout the nursery and cultivation walls using an average of ve gallons of water daily and producing crops up to seven times faster than traditional farming methods.
Fund, state Rep. Jimmy Dixon, state Sen. Brent Jackson followed by closing remarks by Renee Sutton, JSCC chief of sta .
For lunch, participants had lettuce harvested from the smart farm, which was used to make turkey and chicken salad wraps.
conducted tours of the smart farm. She shared that guests from various organizations have expressed interest in getting additional tours on the books.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony featured speeches from Duplin County Manager Bryan Miller; JSCC President Jay Carraway, Four County EMC chief executive o cer Don Gatton, Mark Harrell of the N.C. Tobacco Trust
After the ribbon cutting, Foy
“A lot of them were kind of just amazed. They had a lot of questions about the operations — how it works, what we do, what
we can grow, what we do with the harvest,” said Foy. “I feel like there was a little bit of a shock factor there. … They were just like, ‘Wow, this is really cool.’” Foy started her second Hydroponics — Growing Without Soil class for new students this week. Hydroponics part two will be of-
fered Sept. 3-19, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“We’re doing class one and class two almost every month,” Foy told Duplin Journal, adding that the classes feature small groups of ve students each.
For more information about the smart farm, call JSCC at 910-659-6007. FARM from page 1
PHOTOS COURTESY JAMES SPRUNT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Left, event guests had turkey and chicken salad wraps made with lettuce harvested from the smart farm. Right, approximately 100 guests attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony of JSCC’s Box-to-Bowl smart farm on July 29 at the WestPark Campus.
Guests enjoyed cookies commemorating the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Box-to-Bowl smart farm.
PHOTO COURTESY DUPLIN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
DUPLIN SPORTS
Arnette, Harrells Christian Academy part ways
The move was made 15 days before the team’s season opener
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
HARRELLS — The Jason Arnette era at Harrells Christian Academy came to an abrupt halt last Wednesday as the NCISAA school and the gridiron coach “agreed to go their mutual ways.”
The move was made public by school headmaster Andy Wells on Aug. 1 and later con rmed by Arnette to Duplin Journal.
“Coach Arnette is no longer employed by Harrells Christian, and I’m not at liberty to discuss the decision that was made by the administration,” said Clayton Hall, the school’s AD, head basketball coach and o ensive coordinator for the football team since 2015. Hall will take over as head coach but it’s unclear if it will be for the reminder of the season or on a more permanent basis
The Crusaders rst game is Aug. 16 against Covenant Day, making the timing of the split about two weeks from the opening kicko of the season.
“No, it’s not ideal at all,” Hall said. “Sometimes you’ve got to tread water to get back on the right track.
“We’ll see how the season goes. I have a lot of responsibilities at the school. After the season we’ll sit down and look at it with perspective. Right now I’m doing what I feel I need to do.”
Hall said Tracy Thornton, Steve Mallard, Trey Fetterman, Kelly Nelms, Reid Smith and Winfred Johnson will be his assistant coaches.
Arnette, a former Clinton defensive coordinator, went 45-32 in seven seasons with two trips
to the 2A nals. The Crusaders were 5-5 last season and in 2018 and 5-7 in Arnette’s rst season in 2017.
HCA carved out an 8-1 mark in the pre-COVID season of 2020 and then lashed out for 8-1 and 11-3 campaigns in 2021 and 2022 to make the NCISAA 2A nals. But they were denied the school’s 13th state crown both seasons.
Graduation then took a toll as HCA went 3-8 in 2022.
In the middle of July, Arnette was excited about the upcoming season feeling HCA could win 8 to 10 games.“
Bulldogs nally believe they can capture ECC title
Coach Kevin Williams has transformed the WRH volleyball team from pretender to contender
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
TEACHEY — Someone forgot to tell the Wallace-Rose Hill volleyball team it was too young to make a run in the state tournament last season.
After losing a ock of seniors, the Bulldogs were supposed to rebuild and wait until next year.
Instead, coach Kevin Wil-
liams’ squad went 18-5 and nearly slipped into the third round of the 2A playo s. WRH went 17-5 in 2022 and nished third in the ECC 2022. The team nished second in 2023.
Moving up to the top spot is a goal for Williams and company, who return Ms. Volleyball Angelina Cavallaro, Jansley Page, Analeise Rivenbark and Mattie Gavin.
“We had a pretty good season, one I didn’t expect to top the previous season in terms of wins,” said Williams, who is entering his seventh season as WRH’s coach after a few years
as an assistant to Susan Raynor (now at East Duplin).
“I still believe we should have won in the second round against Northwood. Nothing against them but we go up 2-0 and then don’t win. That was a tough one. And although we wouldn’t have been favored against Midway (eventual runner-up) I liked how we matched up against them.”
WRH lost setter Lexi Kennedy (277 assists, 47 digs) and hitter/blocker Ti any Corum (100 kills, 62 blocks) and have just two seniors on its roster — Rivenbark and Chloe Straughn.
“We’re still young and our girls have been busting their tails in practice,” Williams said. “But the one big thing we must work on is our passing. It’s been our weak spot. We can attack.
MICHAEL JAENICKE/ DUPLIN JOURNAL
Jason Arnette (above) guided HCA to a 45-32 mark in seven seasons. Clayton Hall (below) has been the o ensive coordinator since 2015.
GLORIA BRASWELL FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
COURTESY PHOTO
Clayton Hall Football and basketball at HCA
Angelina Cavallaro was the top player in Duplin County last fall.
Youth-driven Panthers spikers seeking return to glory
East Duplin graduated 10 seniors and return a younger lineup for coach Susan Raynor to craft
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
BEULAVILLE — East Duplin might have had one of the fastest-starting volleyball teams in Southeastern North Carolina.
Yet too many losses came after rocketing to rst set wins.
It’s one of the two patterns coach Susan Raynor is dealing with as her Panthers seek to break from a streak of 41-36 over the past three seasons.
“Almost every game we won the rst set and looked like we were going to roll,” Raynor said. “We didn’t know how to nish a game.”
ED has not won more than 11 matches since 2019.
The Panthers went 148-45 from 2011-17 under Liz Turner and 71-11 from 2007-10 under Raynor.
But a lot of victory air has come out of the ED volleyball after a 10-4 campaign in the COVID-19 season of 2020.
The Panthers went 10-10 during Lauren Branch’s lone season in ’21 before the highly respected Raynor returned, but not before guiding Wallace-Rose Hill to a 49-21 mark from 2014 to 2017.
ED went 11-10 in 2022 and 10-12 last fall, and that represented its worst back-to-back seasons in program history and making 2023 the rst sub-.500 season.
“The lack of team chemistry
was something we’ve not had in a while,” said Raynor, whose assistant is former Panther Makayla Byrd. “That’s something that makes all the di erence in winning and losing. We could never get it right.”
ED VOLLEYBALL 2024
Coach: Susan Raynor
Record in 2023: 10-12 overall, 6-6 ECC play
Key Losses: Addyson Jarman, Olivia Pierce, Neyland Tate, Ellie Krieger, Addison Tuck
Key Returnees: Jr. Zoe Cavenaugh, Jr. Zoe Turner, Sr. Emory Raynor
Newcomers: So. Anamarie Rodriguez, So. Kinsey Cave, Fr. Sophie Jones. So. Karsyn Parker, The Skinny: ED has gone 31-32 in the last three seasons and coach Susan Raynor is nearly starting from scratch. Zoe Cavenaugh, Zoe Turner and Kenzie Cave will need to have big games in front of the net. Other players, such as Karsyn Parker, Sophie Jones and setter Emory Raynor, will need to come up big as well.
pact, according to Raynor. Sophomore Kinsey Cave will likewise be a competitive frontliner.
Starting anew with ‘youngsters’ on board
ED lost 10 seniors and will look to the future with younger players than in the past.
“We’ll probably start a freshman and have two sophomores in the rotation,” Raynor said.
Key losses from that squad include: Addyson Jarman (208 kills, 103 blocks, 36 aces), Olivia Pierce (99 kills), Addison Tuck (58 kills, 41 aces, 110 digs), Ellie Krieger (190 digs) and Neyland Tate (74 kills).
“Right now we’re learning offensive and defensive plays and looking at di erent player rotations to gure out who to put on the eld together.
Juniors Zoe Cavenaugh and Zoe Turner, known as Z-squared on the court, give ED solid outside hitting. Cavenaugh had 121 kills and 27 aces last fall. Freshman middle blocker Sophie Jones is going to make an im-
Emory Raynor, a senior, is the setter. She’s backed up by sophomore Anamarie Rodrigues. Sophomore Karsyn Parker will play at libero.
ED plays in the 20-team jamboree at the Wilson Events Center on Saturday and open the season Tuesday with a match against Richlands in Beulaville. Raynor, a veteran, no-nonsense coach, will right the ship, but it could take a month or more of the season for ED to start playing with the intensity of its coach.
‘Scrappy’ Rebels are rebuilding after losing top hitters
JAENICKE/ DUPLIN
ND’s Eva Quintanilla is being counted on heavily, even though she will begin the season with an injury that will keep her sidelined until mid-September.
Gavin collected 113 kills and 233 digs and will move into the setter’s role.
But we have to pass well, especially on service received. And all our players know this.”
That is key because the Bulldogs have big hitters in their lineup.
Rivenbark had 143 kills and 93 digs last season as a o ensive and defensive player.
Cavallaro ripped 244 kills and had 103 digs.
Page ripped 138 kills, had 80 blocks, 386 assists and 31 aces.
“She’s got the best hands on the team,” said Williams, who is moving Page from setter last season and will play her as a middle or outside hitter this season.
“She’s shown up and done a really good job,” Williams said.
“She’s a hustler, a team player.
She’s a natural libero, but this summer looked like a born-toset player. It’s a big role. She reads the defense and spreads the ball around.”
Cavallaro, meanwhile, will continue to be a spark at the net.
“She can hammer it and will play volleyball somewhere in college,” Williams said. “She’s put topspin on it and it looks like its going 70 mph, though its’ probably only 50 mph.”
Sophomore Gabby Debman
Fulghum, Quintanilla and Faison lead ND volleyball after senior departures
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
CALYPSO — The North Duplin volleyball team won’t look much like it did last fall as it will be missing two of the best athletes in Duplin County.
The loss of Reese Outlaw to UNC was compounded when Addy Higginbotham, her longtime sidekick in three sports, decided to forgo her annual fall frolicking into kills, digs and aces to heal a summer injury so she can play basketball and softball her nal season.
Both were all-Duplin County rst-team selections.
Coach Heather Best also got an injury setback as Eva Quintanilla’s toe injury will keep her o the court until mid-September.
ND went 8-11 overall and 4-7 in Carolina Conference play, which has been one of the best 1A volleyball leagues in the state in the past decade.
“I’m excited about the season, and I’m looking forward to seeing them work together,” Best said. “It’s a rebuild year. So there will be some adjustments, especially early on.
“We’ve got a solid core of juniors and sophomore who can play, and we’re nding out where each of them are at and what they can do.”
The Rebels will need Quintanilla, who had 102 kills and 38 digs last season, to replace the output of Outlaw (160 kills, 128 kills, 30 blocks, 24 aces) and
will play opposite Page as more of a blocker than a hitter.
Look for contributions from Sally Martinez and Isabella Parker as back row, defensive specialists. Junior Kaylee Lovette (backup setter), Anna Carter, Bailey Teauge will look for playing time as reserves.
WRH, whose only two ECC losses were to champ North Lenoir, travels to Trask on Tuesday for the season opener for both teams. WRH also plays Midway twice during the nonconference slate and starts league play on Sept. 10 with a road trip to LaGrange to face the defending league champ North Lenoir.
ND VOLLEYBALL 2024
Coach: Heather Best
Record in 2023: 8-11 overall, 4-7 CC play
Key Losses: Reece Outlaw, Addy Higginbotham, Valaja Wallace, Megan Martin, Madison Holmes
Key Returnees: Sr. Eva Quintanilla, Jr. Lilly Fulghum, Sr. Tateyawna Faison, Jr. Addy Spence, So. Abigeal Norris, Fr. Maggie Norris
The Skinny: Outlaw and Higginbotham were allDuplin rst-team players that cannot be replaced. ND will depend on its speed and skills to overcome a lack of height. Two Carolina 1A Conference league foes, Neuse Charter and Rosewood, have strong teams annually. ND opens up on Tuesday at Spring Creek, faces East Duplin two days later and begins CC play on Sept. 10 against Neuse Charter.
Higginbotham (86 kills, 120 digs, 40 aces).
Sophomore Abigeal Norris will be a top front row player for ND, and her freshman sister Maggie Brown will also make an impact.
The return of 6-foot senior Tateyawna Faison will bolster ND’s play at the net. Faison, an all-county basketball center in years past, should use her long arms for spikes, blocks and damage control on the front row.
Fulghum started to come into her own last season and will be the team’s setter, though she’s likely to do much more than push the ball to the net.
She is one of a handful of juniors that ND will count on heavily.
Classmates Ady Spence and Marissa Bernal will likewise have expanded roles as letter-winners from last fall.
Heather Best Kevin Williams
Classmates M’chelle Jaco and Iala Overton are both hustlers with experience.
“We’re not a tall team, but our kids are scrappy,” Best said. “We’ve only been together since summer, but I’m seeing them work together already.
“Since we’ve started there are players who have gotten better and put themselves in the mix. I’ve taught most of these kids from kindergarten up. I want them to have fun, learn this game and improve.”
Best, who says she is “a Greensboro girl who got taken in by a wonderful school and community,” is in her second stint as the Rebels’ volleyball coach. She started her second term in 2021, after being the head coach from before having two children with Dan Best, former ND lineman who played 33 games in three seasons at Western Carolina University.
WRH VOLLEYBALL 2024
Coach: Kevin Williams
Record in 2023: 18-5 overall, 10-2 ECC play
Key Losses: Ti any Corum, Lexi Kennedy.
Key Returnees: Jr. Angelina Cavallaro, Jr. Jansley Page, Sr. Analeise Rivenbark, So. Mattie Gavin
Newcomers: So. Gabby Debman. So. Sally Martinez
The Skinny: WRH is on the rise, having won 13, 17 and 18 games in the last three seasons (2021-23). Every indication is that trend will continue behind the play of Ms. Volleyball Angelina Cavallaro, Jansley Page, Mattie Gavin and Analeise Rivenbark.
THURMAN PARKER FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
Zoe Cavenaugh had 121 kills last fall and will be a leader for the Panthers.
VOLLEYBALL from page 7
MICHAEL
JOURNAL
Tigers look for attack plan to move up volleyball ladder
James Kenan volleyball returns a handful of big hitters
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
WARSAW — History would suggest the James Kenan volleyball team will struggle for wins. But that’s just what’s on paper.
On the court, a handful of Duplin County’s best athletes might have the potion and mojo to write a new story for the Tigers.
Coach Katina Farrior’s club nished 2-15 last season as JK has had just one winning season since 2007 when the 2008 Tigers went 9-8.
Winning has simply not been in the cards of the program’s history.
“You’ll see a big di erence this year,” Farrior said. “We have multiple girls who can play multiple positions. We want every player to know not only their position but also know about other positions.
“They all need to hit, set, block and serve. The girls we have returning are skilled and have positive and winning attitudes.”
The ability of Y’Anna Rivers, Jourdan Joe, Ava Jones, Sienna Pender and Shylah Sloan and how they work together will go a long way in turning close losses into wins.
JK played numerous foes to competitive matches, and the bigger question about last season might have been how can a team come close so many times?
“That was hard, and we have to learn how to win,” said the second-year coach. “We have good players this season and it’s our goal to
JK VOLLEYBALL 2024
Coach: Katina Farrior
Record in 2023: 2-15 overall, 2-10 ECC play
Key Losses: Tytiana Wilson, Lillie Kornegay
Key Returnees: Jr. Jourdan Joe, Jr. Ava Jones, Jr.
Shylah Sloan
Newcomers: So. Y’Anna Rivers, So. Sienna
Pender, Fr.
The Skinny: JK is seeking its rst winning season since 2008. From 2007 to 2023, the Tigers averaged 3.3 wins per year.
win eight matches. But I feel we could get more. We have height, players who can jump and some fast and quick ones, too.”
Rivers, who is 5-foot-10, can do a little of everything on a volleyball — or basketball — court.
The sophomore was a rstteam all-Duplin basketball selection last season.
“People don’t realize how strong she is,” Farrior said. “She’s a strong hitter and server and versatile. She’s a mover, always going up or for the ball.”
She will play as an outside hitter along with Joe, an all-county softball player last spring.
Sloan, also a hot-hitting softball player, will play in front of the net and also in the back.
“Her arm is a cannon,” Farrior said. “When her shot comes you have to be ready.”
Jones is seemingly recovered from an injury that kept her out most of the spring. She will be a middle hitter and blocker.
Senior Alayjah Wright and sophomores Maddison Fields,
Aleyah Wilson and Pender, who can also set and could be the best player in her class.
Freshman Aaliyah Farrior, a defensive specialist and libero, could be the best ninth-grader in the Tigers’ camp.
“We’re getting better with our coverages and working tips and other sneaky plays into what we can do,” Farrior said. “We’re going to be a better team than last year, and we will see how it works out.”
Since 2007, JK has gone winless three times (2009, 2018, 2022), won twice in 2023, 2016, 2017 and 2010, and had three wins in 2021, 2013, 2011 and 2010.
The most wins outside of the Tigers’ only above-.500 season was 2014’s mark of 7-13. So there’s plenty of room for growth, though they are in an uphill battle in the East Central 2A Conference.
North Lenoir is the defending champ and should be a contender, as will runner-up Wallace-Rose Hill and always competitive South Lenoir. East Duplin is rebuilding under Susan Raynor, yet still is a team JK wants to take down.
Rose Hill’s Mobley has spent three-plus decades molding athletes
The coach isn’t active in football but is still a Dixie Youth stronghold
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
ROSE HILL — Longtime recreation director Lois Mobley is a legend in Rose Hill, with four-plus decades of service.
Football and baseball players, though, may remember her son Glenn with just as high accolades.
He got his love of sports from his father, Howard, who died in February 2023 at age 79.
Glenn Mobley has four grandchildren now after marrying his wife, Ro, yet he did not have children of his own.
Neither that nor losing a leg from the knee down has stopped him from a life of service to youth in both football and baseball.
“I had to overcome obstacles as a kid as prosthetics do not allow the movement we have today,” Mobley said. “But I did everything but water or snow ski.”
Mobley, 60, has had a few occupations over the years, from working in a prison for 12 years and being a truck driver to working for the House of Raeford.
But his passion has always been coaching and teaching sports and being involved in the administration and organization of Dixie Youth baseball and the Rose Hill recreation leagues football.
Here’s a ashback: Mobley coached three future coaches on a Dixie Youth team that won the North Carolina State Tournament in 1985.
The players were East Duplin football coach Battle Holley, who won a state title in 2022; James Kenan grid coach Ken Avent Jr., who helped the Tigers go all the way in 2007 and 2013; Tim Jenkins, who coached and has been a principal or vice principal in three Duplin schools; and David Blizzard, the star lefty pitcher on the mound.
Many other talented players came through Rose Hill. Some had good parents. Others got to lean on Mobley, who start-
ed Dixie Youth baseball there in 1984.
He began coaching football in 1990, and his duties included such things as picking up and returning players for a game or practice, and helping out with food or clothing needed for those in need.
His last year of football was 2019. He’s been a district representative of Dixie Youth since 1997, overseeing four counties.
Baseball season ran from March to July and football from August to November.
“I’ve taught the fundamentals of every sport and got ready players that won six state championships (at Wallace-Rose Hill),” said Mobley, who lost his leg at age 8. “Say what you want, but that’s where it’s all at in terms of players developing and progressing to higher levels.
“Me and my brother Greg started Rose Hill football, having enough players for two 10to 12-year-old teams. Football really started to grow. I’m not saying we were the reason, but I am saying we did things right to prepare our players.”
Yet there was something deeper than plays and kicks for Mobley.
He had found his calling.
“A few kids found their way to the wrong side, but we kept most of them on the straight and narrow. We kept on them to stay focused,” Mobley said. “I never had any children, but these kids were like family to me. I do this with the hope that one day they will do it for someone else.
“Kids are not always all the same and you can give them guidance but not always tell them what to do.”
And he’s confronted with former players nearly every time he steps out of his house.
“I see them and think back to the nickname I gave them, and we joke about with me remembering what a knucklehead or whatever a kid was back then,” he said. “I stay with them from middle to high school and beyond. I enjoy the phone calls and conversations we have.”
Rose Hill was the heavyweight champion in Duplin County football for years, whether is was the Rose Hill Red Devils who were 9-10 years old and the Raiders who were ages 11-12. The Raiders had about a 10year lock on the Turkey Bowl before Scott Kennedy and his East Duplin team nally beat Mobley’s club. “They celebrated that year
like it was the Super Bowl because it was a big deal beating the Raiders. We were the talk of the county,” Mobley said.
North Duplin’s 9- to 10-yearold team recently had a pool party, and Mobley was presented with a medal of appreciation.
“It touched me,” Mobley said. “I know why I do this, but when you get those kind of rewards, it just makes me feel warm inside that they, in some way, really appreciate what I have done.” Mobley’s old-school methods, such as playing smash-mouth football, aged well.
“I feel good about being there for all the players over the years. My door’s always been open.
“Sometimes I’m not sure if teaching and coaching players is what I am there for. It feels like it’s more about helping them grow to become men.”
East Duplin, soccer
East Duplin’s hopes of improving on last season’s 11-10-1 mark will depend on the legs and head of Yoskar Canales, who last season scored 19 goals and dished out 11 assists. Canales, a junior striker, will likely get help from junior mid elders Richard Reyes and Marvin Sanchez and fellow frontline Sevin Romero, who had 17 goals and 10 assists. The Panthers open the season with a trip to White Oak on Wednesday.
EDUARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
MICHAEL JAENICKE/ DUPLIN JOURNAL
Glenn Mobley’s calling in life isn’t related to his day job, it’s about teaching and coaching young players.
Katina Farrior
North Duplin valedictorian plans to make sacri ces worthwhile
The Honduras native is grateful for scholarships that will help her pursue her educational aspirations
Submitted by Rhonda Jessup University of Mount Olive
MOUNT OLIVE — For most students, college is a leap into the unknown: new people, new places, and a new way of life. However, for Francis Pineda Alcerro, her college choice is a little closer to home and to heart.
Pineda, who lives only 10 minutes from the University of Mount Olive campus, will be a commuting freshman at UMO this fall. Planning to major in cybersecurity and applied computer science, she found UMO to be the perfect combination of location, education and value.
The North Duplin valedictorian graduated in June with a 4.6 GPA. She also graduated from James Sprunt Community College as the highest honor student, obtaining her associate of arts degree and a schoolage education certi cate while still in high school. Beyond her stellar academic achievements, Pineda’s involvements have included the BETA Club, Science Club, Duplin Health Science Academy, and volunteerism, which earned her a trophy for her many acts of kindness.
TAKE NOTICE
“We started from zero in an unknown country. Looking back at all the di cult times and all of the tears that we shed makes me want to do great things to make all the di cult moments worthwhile.”
Francis Pineda Alcerro
A dedicated student who is always ready to learn and go the additional mile, Pineda is every teacher’s dream student. However, life has not always been a dream for the con dent and caring 19-year-old. Pineda was born in Honduras and lived there until age nine when she and her mother moved to the United States. Pineda spoke no English, and times were hard. “We started from zero in an unknown country,” she said. “Looking back at all the di cult times and all of the tears that we shed makes me want to do great things to make all the di cult moments worthwhile.”
With her aspirations and academics high, Pineda could have chosen any college or university for her educational pursuits. She chose the University of Mount Olive because, as she said, “It is a ordable, close to home, and it felt right. I visited many di erent campuses. However, none made me feel like I t in. When visiting UMO, I felt safe and like I belonged. I
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA
DUPLIN COUNTY
FILE#2024E000263
The undersigned, DEBORAH MIZE, having quali ed on the 1ST DAY of JULY 2024, as EXECUTOR of the Estate of MARILYN PADGETT HECKMAN, deceased, of DUPLIN County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 16TH Day of OCTOBER 2024, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 18th Day of JULY 2024.
DEBORAH MIZE, EXECUTOR 309 PERCYTHE ST. FAISON, NC 28341
Run dates: Jy18,25,A1,8c
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA
DUPLIN COUNTY
FILE#2023E000136
The undersigned, STEPHEN CRAIG MARTIN, having quali ed on the 4TH DAY of APRIL 2023, as EXECUTOR of the Estate of GEORGE BRITT MARTIN, SR aka GEORGE BRITT MARTIN, deceased, of DUPLIN County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 30TH Day of OCTOBER 2024, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 1ST Day of AUGUST 2024.
STEPHEN CRAIG MARTIN, EXECUTOR 513 W. JAMES ST. MOUNT OLIVE, NC 28365
Run dates: A1,8,15,22p
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA
DUPLIN COUNTY
FILE#2024E000277
The undersigned, GREGORY MCKIVER AND/OR LOUELLA SAVAGE MCKIVER, having quali ed on the 10TH DAY of JULY 2024, as CO-ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of JEREMIAH GREGORY MCKIVER, deceased, of DUPLIN County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 6TH Day of NOVEMBER 2024, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 8th Day of AUGUST 2024.
GREGORY MCKIVER, CO-ADMINISTRATOR
2665 S NC 903 HWY MAGNOLIA, NC 28453
LOUELLA SAVAGE MCKIVER, CO-ADMINISTRATOR 506 BOXWOOD LANE, APT.C
GOLDSBORO, NC 27534
Run dates: A8,15,22,29p
also like that UMO is small, and I will be able to make real connections with my peers and professors.”
Scholarship support was another deciding factor for Pineda. She received the Presidential Scholarship, Herring Scholarship, and scholarships from the Duplin County Education Foundation. “Had it not been for these scholarships, I most likely would have taken a gap year to work and save for college,” she said**.**
With a strong desire to learn about the advancements and ongoing technological developments, Pineda is excited to major in cybersecurity and applied computer science. “I have always been interested in computers and how technology works. I nd cybersecurity to be a topic of major importance.” Her goal is to advance to a leadership position within a large tech company and help support her parents, who have supported her.
“In college and life, my goal is always to make my parents
proud and make our sacri ces worthwhile,” she said. In a heartfelt message to her parents, Norma Alcerro and Jose Manuel Carbajal, she said, “Mami y Carbajal los amo con todo mi corazón. Gracias por todos sus sacri cios y esfuerzos. Gracias por ser mis padres.” Translated into English it means “Mommy and Carbajal, I love you with all my heart. Thank you for all your sacri ces and e orts. Thank you for being my parents.”
NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION
State of North Carolina Duplin County
In the General Court of Justice District Court Division File No.: 24-CVD-352
MARTHA ALEASE BRIDGERS
vs. AMANDA LYNN ROBERTS AND SAMUEL JOSHUA ROBERTS.
To: AMANDA LYNN ROBERTS
Take notice that a pleading seeking relief against you has been led May 13, 2024, in the above-entitled action, COMPLAINT FOR CHILD CUSTODY. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows:
Custody of Minor Child Landon
You are required to make defense to such pleading not later than September 18, 2024 and upon your failure to do so the party seeking service against you will apply to the court for the relief sought.
This the 1st day of August, 2024.
MELISSA BLIZZARD STEVENS, P.A.
BY: MELISSA K. BLIZZARD
Attorney for the Plainti P.O. Box 87 Kenansville, NC 28349 (910) 289-7892
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA DUPLIN COUNTY
FILE#2024E000118
The undersigned, YOLANDA BLACKNELL, having quali ed on the 21ST DAY of MARCH 2024, as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of ANNIE RUTH PARKER, deceased, of DUPLIN County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 16TH Day of OCTOBER 2024, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 18th Day of JULY 2024.
YOLANDA BLACKNELL, ADMINISTRATOR 1147 PENNY BRANCH RD. WARSAW, NC 28398
Run dates: Jy18,25,A1,8p
The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with de ning Christian values. The University was founded by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists. For more information, visit www.umo. edu.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA DUPLIN COUNTY
FILE#2023E000206
The undersigned, SONYA TEACHEY, having quali ed on the 15TH DAY of MAY 2023, as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of NANCY GRACE TANTAWY, deceased, of DUPLIN County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 23RD Day of OCTOBER 2024, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 25th Day of JULY 2024.
SONYA TEACHEY, ADMINISTRATOR 132 LILLIAN MOORE LANE ROSE HILL, NC 28458
Run dates: Jy25,A1,8,15p
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA DUPLIN COUNTY
FILE#2024E000314
The undersigned, RANDY M. WILLIAMS AND/OR VICKY WILLIAMS QUINN, having quali ed on the 31ST DAY of JULY 2024, as CO-EXECUTORS of the Estate of DURWOOD MCCOY WILLIAMS, deceased, of DUPLIN County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 6TH Day of NOVEMBER 2024, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 8th Day of AUGUST 2024.
RANDY M. WILLIAMS, CO-EXECUTOR 1801 FOUNTAINTOWN RD. CHINQUAPIN, NC 28521
VICKY WILLIAMS QUINN, CO-EXECUTOR 113 OLIVER FOUNTAIN RD. CHINQUAPIN, NC 28521
Run dates: A8,15,22,29p
RHONDA JESSUP FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
Francis Pineda Alcerro, a North Duplin valedictorian and Honduras native, will be attending UMO this fall. She plans to major in cybersecurity and applied computer science.
obituaries
Margaret Batchelor Weston
June 5, 1937 – July 23, 2024 (age 87)
Margaret Weston, 87 of Richlands passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, July 23, 2024.
She was loved and treasured by her friends and family. She was a founding member of Gospel Chapel First Church of God of Richlands and will be truly missed by all.
Mrs. Weston is preceded in death by her loving husband of 64 years, Richard (Ducy) Weston. She is also preceded in death by her granddaughter, Amanda (Mandi) WestonGarriss; parents, Annie and Albert Batchelor; sister, Sudie Murphy; brothers, James and Albert Batchelor Jr.
She is survived by her daughters, Judy Garriss (Britt), Gail Heath (Robby), and Martha Weston (Robbie); grandchildren, Katelyn Barr (Landon), Tyler Foy, and Bailey Wilson (Blake); sister, Shirley Dail. Funeral service was held on Thursday, July 25, 2024, with visitation one hour prior to the service, at Community Funeral Home, Beulaville.
Graveside service was Friday, July 26, 2024, at Oak Ridge Memorial Park, Pink Hill.
John
Wesley Sanders Jr.
Jan. 2, 1950 – July 26, 2024 (age 74)
John Wesley Sanders Jr. 74, of Magnolia left all earthly cares behind and entered into his eternal rest on July 26, 2024, while at home. His Celebration of Life was held Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, at New First Baptist Church of Kenansville.
John Wesley Sanders Jr., a ectionately known as “Big John,” was born to the late John Wesley Sanders and the late Emma Jane Carlton in Lenoir County on Jan. 2, 1950.
Big John worked for Rose Hill Poultry and Guilford East Mills, where he retired after 28 years of serving in the knitting department as a team member and supervisor. He was a dedicated and longstanding member of the Free and Accepted Freemasons through Beulah Lodge #110 in Kenansville. He served as Worshipful Master of the lodge twice, and it brought him great joy to serve. Big John also served in the community through such e orts as Meals on Wheels, and helping those in need in various ways. He led by example, and showed love and kindness to all he would encounter.
Big John was a hardworking, kind-hearted, intelligent and loving Father, Brother, Uncle and Friend to many. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
In addition to his parents, John was also preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy M. Sanders. John leaves to cherish precious memories: children, Cathfeen James (Willie), Amelia Whitmore ( Michael Jr.), John A. Sanders, Jamie Sanders (Amy), Julius Sanders (Rashaunda); brother, Lorenzo Sanders (Thelma); sister, Ruth Powell (Jesse); 19 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Ricky Don Thornton Jr.
Dec. 19, 1979 – July 26, 2024 (age 44)
Ricky Don Thornton Jr. age 44, of Teachey passed away unexpectedly on July 26, 2024, at his home. Born on December 19, 1979, he is the son of Ricky Don Thornton Sr. and the late Cindy Honeycutt. Also preceding him in death are paternal grandparents, Earl and Ethel Thornton; maternal grandparents, Jessie and Ernie Honeycutt; and father-in-law, Robert Knowles Sr. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Ivy Simmons Thornton; children, Anthony Olney of New York and Jessie Mae Thornton of the home; mother-in-law, Phoebe Knowles of Wallace; father, Ricky Don Thornton Sr. and wife Linda of Teachey; siblings, Joseph Mack Herring and wife Chelsea of Wendell, Randy Neal Williams of Clinton, Ashley Brooke Guerry and husband Joey of South Carolina, and Jessica Gri n and husband Brian of Albertson; brother-inlaw, Michael Simmons and wife Kim of Kemprer (Texas); best friend, Randal Jones and wife Farrah of Wallace; close friend, Eddie Boyette and wife Kim of Rose Hill; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mr. Thornton was a generous and kindhearted man who would “give the shirt o his back” if he knew someone was in need. He was always willing to give a helping hand when it was needed. His passion in his profession was driving a “big rig,” whether it was a long-distance trip across the United States or a shorter trip in the logging woods locally. As an outdoorsman at heart, he enjoyed hunting and shing when he had the opportunity. He loved his friends and always enjoyed spending time with them. He loved his family dearly and his three girls —Ivy, Jessie Mae, and Phoebe — were the “light of his life” and he was proud to tell others about them.
The family received friends at a visitation on Friday Aug. 2, 2024, in the 401 West Main Street chapel of Padgett Funeral Home in Wallace. At other times the family will receive friends at the home of Phoebe Knowles in Wallace.
Eldora Williams Perry
May 22, 1928 – July 24, 2024 (age 96)
MAGNOLIA — Mrs. Eldora Williams Perry, age 96, of Magnolia passed away on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at North Chase Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Wilmington.
A visitation of family and friends will be held on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at New Bethel A.M.E. Church, 4354 Trinity Church Road in Magnolia, followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Little Mission Cemetery, Bonham Road in Magnolia. She leaves to cherish her precious memories a host of nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends that will miss her dearly.
Charles “Chuck” Robert Smiley
May 26, 1937 – July 24, 2024 (age 87)
Chuck Smiley (Charles Robert Smiley) went to his Heavenly Home peacefully on July 24, 2024, from his home in Rose Hill, surrounded by his loving family. He was preceded in death by his precious son, James Smiley of Coarse Gold, California in May of this year.
Chuck left behind his loving wife, Terri Smiley of Rose Hill, son, Jay Suda of Rose Hill; grandchildren, Alex, Curtis, Amber, Aaron, Sylar and Jaden; ve great-grandchildren, Andy, Morgan, Acacia, Malakai and Peter whom he loved dearly; his brothers, George and Deanna Smiley of Santa Cruz, California; Ed and Eduina Smiley of Manteca, California; his in-laws who loved him dearly, Wayne and Sandy Farley of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Wanda and Eddie Akins of Phoenix, Arizona, Pat Farley and Jimmie Sue Price of Wilmington, Faye Fields of Lakeland, Florida. and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends that loved Chuck dearly.
Chuck served proudly in the Naval Reserves for 10 years, He was the Captain of the Gavalan for many years while he served the Sea Scouts in Santa Cruz, California. Chuck loved the ocean and anything to do with boats. He loved his family and adored his wife and she adored him. He was the best husband on the face of the earth; a wonderful Dad and Grandpa and a very kind, gentle soul.
A celebration of Chuck’s life was held on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, at Currie Community Baptist Church, 28396 NC Highway 210, Currie, NC 28435.
Jarvis Carlton Dixon Jr.
Nov. 23, 1947 – July 25, 2024 (age 76)
Jarvis Carlton Dixon Jr. 76, of Rose Hill was quietly summoned into his eternal rest on July 25, 2024, at Southwood Nursing Center of Clinton.
Funeral service was scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, at First Missionary Baptist Church of Rose Hill. Visitation was held one hour prior to the service.
Lester
Thomas McDu e Jr.
Oct. 7, 1946 – July 24, 2024 (age 77)
Lester Thomas McDu e Jr., 77, of Wilmington (formerly of Duplin County) answered the Master’s call July 24, 2024.
Funeral service was scheduled for July 28, 2024, at Hawes Funeral Home Chapel - Warsaw. Visitation was held one hour prior to service. Interment followed at Cobbs Cemetery in Faison.
SPONSORED BY Quinn mcgowen funeral home
David Walton
“D.W.” Sumner
Feb. 25, 1939 – July 22, 2024 (age 85)
David Walton “D.W.” Sumner, 85, passed away on Monday, July 22, 2024. Survivors include: spouse, Geneva Lynn Sumner of Maysville; daughter, Teresa Ellen Sumner of Kinston; son, David Lynn Sumner (Michelle) of Raleigh; stepson, Mitchell Lee Weatherington of Maysville; mother of his children, Mary Ellen Sumner of Kinston; other family, cousin who is more of a brother, Jesse Sumner of Beulaville, cousin who is more of a sister, Julia Baysden (George) of Chadbourn; faithful canine companion, Maggie.
David Walton (DW) Sumner, born Feb. 25, 1939, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2024, at Kitty Askins in Goldsboro. He lived a long and winding life, ourishing in the US Navy, including two tours in Vietnam. A consummate tinkerer and builder, DW earned some local noterietay by felling trees from his uncle Bill’s forest and building a two-story log home in Cabin. He followed up his military service with a 20-plus year career in the civil service working as a licensed water plant operator at Camp LeJeune Marine base in Jacksonville. He also held refrigeration and plumbing licenses. He wore many hats in his life from husband and father, to Cub Scout Cubmaster, ship Senior Enlisted Advisor, physics instructor at Lenoir Community College, small business owner, square dancer, motorcyclist and connoisseur of Sid’s BBQ, banana splits, hot dogs, carrot cake and all things Democrat. Memorial service was held Saturday, July 27, 2024, followed by visitation, at Community Funeral Home of Beulaville.
Garland King
Sept. 27, 1949 – July 28, 2024 (age 74)
Garland King, 74, passed away on Sunday, July 28, 2024, at his home.
He is preceded in death by his parents, W, illie “Buss” and Berta King, a brother, James Lee King, sisters; Edna Dail, Pearl Parish, Kathleen Powell and Mary Frances Whaley.
Funeral service was held Tuesday, July 30, 2024, followed by visitation, at Community Funeral Home in Beulaville. Graveside service was held Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at Je erson Lanier Cemetery, Beulaville.
Survivors include: spouse, Mary Coston King of Chinquapin; son, Anthony King (Brooke) of Beulaville; sisters, Pauline Lanier (Hilton) of Chinquapin, Jo Ann Rochelle (Rodney) of Raleigh; grandchildren, Haleigh Marapese (Chris) and Leslie Thigpen (Donnie); greatgrandchildren, Ryan Thigpen, Mason Thigpen, Brenten Marapese, Blayden Marapese and Aubree Marapese. In lieu of owers, donations may be made to Community Funeral Home, P.O. Box 715, Beulaville, NC 28518.
Jan. 27, 1945 – July 30, 2024 (age 79)
William Henry Vann “Billy” Holland, 79, passed away peacefully at his home July 30, 2024. He was born Jan. 27, 1945 in Duplin County to the late Otha Lee and Hazel Claire Jones Holland.
Billy was a devoted loving husband and father, a proud doting grandfather, a hardworking farmer, and one of the owners of Community Funeral Home of Warsaw Inc.
Billy is survived by his devoted wife, Rachel P. Holland of the home; two beloved children, William V. Holland and wife, Ashley of Kenansville and Courtney L. Holland of Kenansville; and ve grandchildren, Raven Lee Holland, Jaylen and Brayden Tyner, Audrey E. Kirby and children, Arianna and Oliver and Josh Edwards. He is also survived by brother, Edward Lee Holland and wife, Shirley of Hampstead, sister, Patricia H. Haddad of Olney, MD, sisterin-law, Shelva Jean Brock of Kenansville and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brother-in-law, John Haddad. A funeral service was held on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, at Community Funeral Home of Warsaw with visitation following the service. A graveside service was held on Friday, Aug. 2, 2024, in the Holland Family Farm Cemetery, Wards Bridge Road, Kenansville.
In lieu of owers, memorials may be made to Unity Methodist Church, c/o Shirley Byrd, 1229 Bowdens Road, Warsaw, NC 28398.
May 26, 1966 – July 25, 2024 (age 58)
MAGNOLIA — Mr. Felix Alberto Quintero Garcia, age 58, of Magnolia passed away on Thursday, July 25, 2024, at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington.
A funeral service was held on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, at Calvary Church, 1504 US 117 Highway, Wallace, NC. Left to cherish memories: wife, Luci Burgos of Magnolia; two children, Carlos Quintero of Houston, Texas and Fabian Jesus Quintero of Cuba; ve siblings, Francisco and Marison Quintero of Texas; Mayra and Fautino Quintero, of Florida and Carmen Quintero of Cuba; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that will miss him dearly.
William Henry Vann “Billy” Holland
Duplin
Felix Alberto Quintero Garcia
Charlie Watous Wood Jr.
Aug. 18, 1926 – July 14, 2024 (age 97)
TEACHEY — Charlie Watous Wood Jr. of Teachey departed his earthly life on Sunday, July 14, 2024, while a resident of the Gardens of Rose Hill. Born on Aug. 18, 1926, he is the son of the late Charlie W. Wood Sr. and Pheebie Rackley Wood. Also preceding him in death are siblings, Cecil Wood, David Wood, John Wood, Judy Corbin, and Betty Jackson; and son-inlaw, Harrel Hall.
Left to cherish his memory are his children, Sharon W. Hall of Wallace and Susan Allen and
Harry Leon Brown Jr.
March 19, 1954 - July 16, 2024 (age 70)
Harry Leon Brown Jr. age 70, of Greenville and formerly of Wallace, passed from this earthly life to his eternal rest on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, after a lengthly illness.
Leon was born on March 19, 1954 in Wilmington, and was the son of the late Harry Leon Brown Sr. and Margaret Anderson Brown.
Leon was a 1972 graduate of
husband George J. of Peoria, Arizona; grandchildren, Jennifer Norris and husband Greg of Rocky Point, Kristie Ely and husband John Paul of Arapahoe, Jason Allen of Peoria, Arizona, and Kelly Minor and husband Ryan of Cave Creek, Arizona; great grandchildren, Gunner and Gage Norris; and sisters, Mary Taylor of Jacksonville, Florida, Billie Milton of Southport, and Linda Williams of Wilmington. Mr. Wood was born in Duplin County and spent his early childhood there. At the age of 18, he served his country in the United States Army during World War II. He and Mrs. Wood were very well known as the owners and operators of Model Laundry & Cleaners for many years. As a true “people person,” he never met a stranger and was a good friend to many as well as being a good neighbor in his community. Giving to others was always very important to him. He enjoyed being outside whether it was playing golf with friends, shing and spending time with family at Topsail Beach, doing yard work, plowing his wonderful vegetable
Wallace-Rose Hill High School. After graduating, he attended the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. In 1988, Leon earned his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and in 1995 he earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Later, to continue his education, Leon attended Arizona State University in the graduate studies of Cultural Anthropology. He traveled across the world as he practiced Transcultural Nursing in the US Virgin Islands. He taught medical and nursing students in D’jibouti, East Africa and worked with Native American Cultures at Phoenix Indian Medical Center while living in Arizona. Surviving is his sister, Barbara Brown Martin of Wallace; his nieces, Erin Martin and Jill Williams; great niece, Ellianna Bennett; great nephews, Laekan Martin and Liam Williams; his best friend and canine companion, “Sheba”; and numerous friends that love Leon dearly.
garden, or grilling for family and friends. It is noteworthy that he was known to some as a “master griller” when it came to barbecued chicken, which might be partly due to his love for food. He was a member of the Wallace Lions Club for many years and still enjoyed playing golf at the age of 90. For many years, he was a dedicated member of the Wallace Baptist Church, which he dearly loved and where he volunteered for many duties over many years. As a caring husband and father, he considered his love for family to be his most important earthly possession. Rather than owers, please consider a contribution to TOT (Tunnel To Towers), Parkinson’s research (parkinson.org ), or Hamlton’s Helping Hands, 7474 NC Hwy 11, Willard, NC 28478.
A funeral service to celebrate his life was set for Friday, July 19, 2024, in the chapel of Padgett Funeral & Cremation Services of Wallace, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Entombment followed the service in the Riverview Memorial Park Mausoleum.
Leon was a man who love life and was caring, compassionate and kind. He was always passionate about helping others, especially during the most di cult times in their lives. Leon loved people and was loved in return. With his upbeat personality and love for life, he was a blessing to all who knew him. Leon believed in education and enjoyed traveling, camping in the desert, and spending time with family and friends. His personality, education and many cultures a orded Leon a very interesting, exciting and rewarding life. He will surely be missed but treasure memories will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew Leon Brown.
A celebration of Leon’s life was held on Friday, July 19, 2024, at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Wallace Chapel. In lieu of owers, memorial gifts may be sent to Duplin County Pet Friends, PO Box 152, Wallace, NC 28466 in memory of Harry Leon Brown Jr.
COUNTY from page 1
need to do moving forward.”
Another highlight of the meeting was the board’s unanimous approval of a resolution amending the capital project budget ordinance for the water supply well project at WestPark in Warsaw. The total cost of the well project is $2,278,150.
The amendment will increase funds and allow for the construction contracts to be awarded.
In 2022, Duplin County received $999,150 in grant funding from the Golden LEAF Foundation to construct a new water supply well. Last December, the bids received exceeded the budget and the project was broken into two contracts hoping to cut down costs.
One contract involved the construction of the well and the other contract was speci cally for site work. According to Joseph McKemey, an engineer with McDavid Associates, after receiving the new bids for both contracts at the end of May, the project was still substantially over budget.
“Our operating policy now that we have the Animal Services Care and Adoption Center that has backup generator power is that our residents would take their animals and leave them in the care of our animal services department, and then they would proceed to the human shelter wherever we designate — if we do that.”
Duplin County Emergency Management Services
McKemey told the board that after several meetings with the county sta , Duplin County Economic Development Commission agreed to contribute $500,000 for the project. McKemey added that a local contribution of $779,000 is needed to balance the project’s budget and proceed with the construction of the well. He also explained that as the county grows, it will need another well on the eastern side of the county. Both contracts will be awarded to A.C. Schultes of Carolina, Inc., who was the lowest bidder.
ENA SELLERS / DUPLIN JOURNAL
A Duplin County Emergency Management Services o cial provides a copy of his presentation about Tropical Storm Debby to Duplin County Manager Bryan Miller during the County Commissioners meeting on Aug. 5.