Duplin Journal Vol 9 Issue 42 by North State Journal

Duplin Journal

the BRIEF this week

Free over-the-counter medicine

Warsaw Free over-the-counter medicine will be available for low-income families at the Mobile Free Pharmacy on Dec. 14 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kenansville Eastern Missionary Baptist Association, located at 124 Water Tank Road in Warsaw. Participants may receive medicine for pain relief, cold and cough, allergies, digestion and vitamins. Medicine for children will also be available.

UMO to hold graduation on Dec. 13

Mount Olive

Approximately 285 students will graduate Friday at 10 a.m. at the University of Mount Olive in the George and Annie Dail Kornegay Arena.

Wallace High School holds 69th reunion

Wallace The Wallace High School Class of 1955 recently celebrated their 69th annual reunion at the Rose Hill Restaurant. There were seven classmates in attendance along with five guests, including two spouses. The attending class members were Celia N. Barnes, Robert Salmon, Carol M. Prevo, Mildred P. Gurganus, Betty Lois F. Lanier, George A. Hanchey and Paula O. Williams. Guests included spouses Mirilyn Salmon and Franklin Williams, as well as Carol’s daughter Debbie Wilson, Celia’s sister Arenas Weeks, and Janice Kramer Fox. The classmates graduated on May 12, 1955.

Duplin to host employee appreciation lunch on Dec. 20

Kenansville

The Duplin County employee appreciation lunch will be on Dec. 20 at the Duplin Event Center at 1 p.m.

Christmas at Clement

Wallace

Celebrate the holidays, enjoy photos with Santa, train rides, food trucks, vendors and much more at the annual Christmas at Clement on Dec. 21 from 2-6 p.m. at 513 South East Railroad St. in Wallace. The event is sponsored by the Wallace Parks and Recreation Department.

Duplin County Airport Commission Board meeting canceled

Kenansville The Duplin County Airport Commission Board will not meet on Dec. 24. The board will resume it regular meeting schedule on the fourth Tuesday of January at 7 p.m. at the Duplin County Airport.

$2.00

Christmastime is here

A youngster dressed as Buddy the Elf was part of Saturday evening’s Rose Hill Christmas Parade, the culmination of the daylong Christmas by the Tracks celebration, featuring arts and crafts, food vendors, live entertainment, and the annual town Christmas parade at sunset. See more photos on Page B6.

Cabinet maker bringing $6.7M investment, 42 jobs to Wallace

NexGen will establish a manufacturing facility in a former textile plant

By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal

WALLACE — An international corporation announced plans last week to locate its East Coast assembly and manufacturing facility in Wallace, bringing an in-

vestment of $6.7 million and initially 42 new jobs to town. Local officials say the potential is there for up to 500 jobs in the future. Gov. Roy Cooper made the announcement Dec. 5.

“As the year comes to a close, I am excited to announce another great win for rural North Carolina,” Cooper said in a press release. “Our resilient workforce, affordability and quality of life are among the top reasons man-

ufacturers are locating to this region of the state and we’re glad NexGen made the decision to locate Duplin County.” NexGen Cabinets is a division of Honsoar International, a manufacturer of kitchen and bathroom furniture with a global production footprint in Malaysia, Vietnam and Cambodia. NexGen will manufacture kitchen and bathroom cabinets for multifamily residential wholesale markets in

Duplin Board discusses merging Health Department and DSS

The proposal encountered heavy opposition from the local health community

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

KENANSVILLE — The Board of County Commissioners held a public hearing Dec. 2 during its scheduled bimonthly meeting to gather public comments about the proposed consolidation of the Duplin

County Health Department and the Department of Social Services into a single entity.

County Manager Bryan Miller recommended the consolidation, emphasizing that it presents an opportunity to create a more comprehensive care model and streamline processes, which could ultimately enhance services for residents.

The new department will be named the Department of Health and Human Services. Miller explained that the con-

solidation would ensure the continuity of services. If approved, the Board of County Commissioners would take on the responsibilities and functions of both the Department of Social Services Board and the Board of Health, and employees from both departments would transition to the county’s personnel policy.

“Four of the six counties bordering Duplin County have chosen the same method and approach recommended tonight,”

North, Central and South America. The location in Duplin County will be the first manufacturing site in the southeastern United States with a 150,000-squarefoot space for assembly, production and distribution operations. The project has been in the works for just shy of a year, said Economic Development Director Scotty Summerlin.

See NEXGEN, page A3

“While it may save money, it risks lives by putting barriers between people and the help they need.”

Yesenia Cuello, executive director of NC FIELD

said Miller, adding that out of 33 counties that have consolidated, 15 counties have chosen to have the board of commissioners assume those powers and duties. Miller clarified that the initiative is not aimed at cutting positions and assured that the

See HEALTH, page A6

“The success of the AgPrime program lies in the innovative and replicable ideas that empower farmers to expand and diversify their operations as they navigate the ongoing transition of tobacco production.”

Edward Olive, Lois G. Britt Agribusiness Center director

Agribusinesses and Farmers can apply for funding until Dec. 16

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal staff

MOUNT OLIVE — The deadline for the 2025 AgPrime Cost-Share Grant Opportunity, an initiative between the University of Mount Olive and the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission, is Dec. 16 at 5 p.m. AgPrime offers an opportunity for farmers and agribusiness owners with innovative ideas to obtain grant funding for proposals of up to $10,000.

“The program is designed to strengthen

farms and communities that have been impacted by changes in the tobacco economy,” said Edward Olive, Lois G. Britt Agribusiness Center director, in a news release announcing the program now available in Duplin County. “The creativity and innovation that exists within the 33 North Carolina counties included in the AgPrime program is inspiring and we are excited to be part of helping those farms and agribusinesses attain capital to reach the next level within their business plan.” According to the announcement, funding proposals will be considered

See AGPRIME, page A2

DUPLIN

ABBY CAVENAUGH / DUPLIN JOURNAL

“Join the conversation”

Duplin Journal www.duplinjournal.com

North State Media LLC

Neal Robbins Publisher publisher@northstatejournal.com

Jim Sills VP of Local Newspapers jim@northstatejournal.com

Ena Sellers News Editor ena@northstatejournal.com

Abby Cavenaugh Features/Business Editor abby@northstatejournal.com

Michael Jaenicke Sports Editor michael@northstatejournal.com

Karen James Advertising Sales Representative karen@duplinjournal.com

Loretta Carey Office Manager loretta@northstatejournal.com

For a vacation hold or to report a delivery problem: 910-663-3232

To place a legal ad: 910-663-3232; Fax: 919-663-4042

To submit a news tip or correction: 910-663-3232

To report crime anonymously, call the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 910-372-9202 or you may also submit information at cc.southernsoftware.com/ tipsubmission/ through the Duplin County Citizens Connect website.

We stand corrected

To report an error or a suspected error, please email: corrections@ nsjonline.com with “Correction request” in the subject line.

THURSDAY

Dec. 13

• The Duplin Events Center is hosting a free movie night showing Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas on Friday, Dec. 13 at 6 30 p.m.

Dec. 14

The Beulaville Area Chamber of Commerce Christmas parade is set for Saturday, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. For more information, call 910-298-4647.

Celebrate Christmas in Calypso on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 11 a.m., a Wreaths Across America ceremony will take place at the cemetery followed by a flag retirement ceremony. The Calypso Christmas Parade will kick off at 3 p.m. starting on East Albritton Street toward the railroad tracks, and will be followed by Christmas in the Park at Albritton Park. The event will feature a visit from Santa, local entertainment, a tree lighting ceremony, activities for kids and letters to Santa.

• Cabin Lake is hosting a movie night showing “Home Alone” on Dec.14 at 6 p.m.

• Free over-the-counter medicine will be available for low-income families at the Mobile Free Pharmacy on Dec. 14 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kenansville Eastern Missionary Baptist Association, located at 124 Water Tank Road. Participants may receive medicine for pain relief, cold and cough, allergies, digestion, and vitamins. Medicine for children will also be available.

Dec. 16

• Help the Warsaw Police Department make the holidays brighter for children ages 3 to 12. Drop off a new, unwrapped toy donation now through Dec. 16 at the Warsaw Police Department Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or at the Town Hall from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and support local children. For more information, call 910-293-7816.

DUPLIN CALENDAR

Dec. 21

• Celebrate the holidays, enjoy photos with Santa, train rides, food trucks, vendors and much more at the annual Christmas at Clement on Dec. 21, 2-6 p.m. at 513 South East Railroad St. in Wallace. The event is sponsored by the Wallace Parks and Recreation Department.

Dec. 31

The New Year’s Eve Pickle Drop returns for its 25th edition Tuesday, Dec. 31. Everything gets underway at 5 p.m., and the pickle descends at 7 p.m. sharp followed by a fireworks display. The evening will feature live music by ThrowBack Collaboration Band, free pickles, food trucks and a chance to win door prizes for those who contribute to the annual canned food drive for Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC. Visit mtolivepickles.com for more details.

Happening Monthly

The Duplin County Board of County Commissioners meets the first and third Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at 224 Seminary St. in Kenansville. For information, call 910-296-2100.

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

• The Town of Calypso meets at the council chambers the first Monday of each

month at 6 p.m. at 103 W. Trade St. For information, call 919-658-9221.

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

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

The Greenevers town board meets the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at 314 E. Charity 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. in Magnolia. For information, call 910-289-3205.

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

• The Duplin County Health Department is offering Diabetes Self Management Classes from 1-5 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month at 340 Seminary St. in Kenansville. For information, call 910-372-9178.

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

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

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

DEC. 3

Jason Devon McKinny, 35, was arrested by the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) for felony possession of Schedule II controlled substance, simple possession of Schedule VI controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

• Jose Angel Padilla, 31, was arrested by DCSO for driving while impaired.

• Max Julius Lamb, 44, was arrested by DCSO for larceny of motor vehicle, possessing a stolen motor vehicle, and misdemeanor probation violation out of county.

• Marcelino Sprauve, 46, was arrested by the Wallace Police Department for resisting a public officer.

AGPRIME from page A1

for persons who are agriculturally dependent and have new viable ideas for innovative agricultural projects. Applicants who earn at least 50% of their personal income from their farm operation or agribusiness will be prioritized, as will current and former tobacco farmers or former quota holders.

“The success of the AgPrime program lies in the in-

DEC. 5

Guytavius Khiry Smith, 34, was arrested by DCSO for resisting a public officer.

• Ronnie Lee Jones, 68, was arrested by DCSO for manufacturing methamphetamine, possessing methamphetamine, and possession with intent to manufacture/sell/ deliver Schedule II controlled substance.

• Luis Farmamdo Cano-Zuniga, 33, was arrested by the Beulaville Police Department for first-degree statutory rape and first-degree statutory sex offense.

DEC. 8

• Heather Tenille Rice, 39, was arrested by DCSO for obtaining property by false pretense.

novative and replicable ideas that empower farmers to expand and diversify their operations as they navigate the ongoing transition of tobacco production,” said Olive. “We are thrilled to continue our collaboration with the NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission to deliver this vital program to our agricultural communities.”

Administered by UMO’s Lois G. Britt Agribusiness Center, the AgPrime program

DEC. 9

Chance Keandre Hall, 27, was arrested by DCSO for reckless driving with wanton disregard, hit and run leaving scene with property damage, and failure to report accident.

Beth Lovette Ashcraft, 35, was arrested by the Kenansville Police Department for shoplifting concealment of goods and misdemeanor larceny.

Stephen Craig Blanton, 64, was arrested by DCSO for seconddegree trespass and intoxicated and disruptive behavior.

aims to increase farm profitability. Grant winners are required to provide a 10% cash match of the total grant award and must complete their projects by Oct. 1, 2025. Persons interested in the AgPrime program are encouraged to contact the program coordinators to discuss their application by calling 910 -290-1002 or 252-526-1587.

Proposals will be scored by a review panel, which will evaluate the project’s strength.

AgPrime grants are available to farmers and agribusiness owners in the following counties: Duplin, Beaufort, Bertie, Bladen, Brunswick, Camden, Carteret, Chowan, Columbus, Craven, Cumberland, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Hertford, Hoke, Hyde, Jones, Lee, Lenoir, Montgomery, Moore, New Hanover, Pamlico, Pasquotank, Pender, Perquimans, Onslow, Richmond, Robeson, Scotland, Tyrrell and Washington counties.

Reelected school board members sworn in

Brent Davis was reappointed chair and Reginald Kenan is vice chairman

By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal

KENANSVILLE — The Duplin County Board of Education swore in reelected members Brent Davis, Reginald Kenan and Claude Morrisey at its regular monthly meeting on Dec. 3. Crystal Strickland, assistant clerk of superior court, administered the oath of office to Davis, Kenan and Morrisey, who were all reelected to the school board in the general election in November. Fellow board members Pam Edwards and David Jones also remain on the school board. After the reelected members were sworn in, Superintendent Austin Obasohan took over presiding over the meeting for the election of officers. Kenan nominated Davis to remain as chair

COURTESY DUPLIN COUNTY SCHOOLS

The newly reelected members of the Duplin County Board of Education were sworn in at the board’s regular monthly meeting on Dec. 3. Pictured (l-r): Brent Davis, Claude Morrisey and Reginald Kenan, with Crystal Strickland, assistant clerk of superior court, who administered the oath of office.

of the board, which was approved unanimously. Pam Edwards nominated Kenan for vice chair, and that vote also passed unanimously.

“First, I’m going to congratu-

late Mr. Kenan on another year,” said Davis after the vote. “I’m looking forward to working with him as vice chair, as well as Mr. Jones, Mr. Morrisey and Ms. Edwards. I do want to thank each

of them for continuing to put up with me as chair. It’s a special group up here, and I can’t say enough about how well we work together. We just look forward to another good school year. I really thank each and every one of you.”

In other business at the Dec. 3 meeting, the board unanimously approved a lengthy consent agenda, which included approval of a budget amendment, the capital outlay budget for 2024 -25, an affiliation agreement with East Carolina University, a memorandum of understanding with UNC Pembroke, fundraiser and field trip requests from various schools, and contracts with Cheryl Fuller for professional development services, Kasey Penney and Lauren Willaford to provide clinical workshops for the Duplin Health Sciences Academy, Jose Rivera for the 2024-25 All-County Arts Festival, Senora Lynch to provide an artist residency, and Gerald Barlowe for CTE Shop

Safety Inspections. The consent agenda also included approval of DCS local requirements and approved activities for the N.C. Arts Proficiency Diploma Endorsement and approval of bids for food services providers. The following purchases were approved as part of the consent agenda as well: 780 Chromebooks from CDWG for $200,226; 480 iPads from Apple for $194,115.12; and 145 MacBook Airs from Apple for $171,906.20.

The next school board meeting is scheduled for Jan. 14, 2025, at 6 p.m.

Before the meeting adjourned, Davis stated, “I want to thank everyone who works in this school system for the tremendous job you do every day. I tell you, it’s just so challenging. I wish everyone in the public realized just how challenging it really is. Y’all do it with grace, and what these kids get shown in this school system is just amazing. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

County approves schedule of values for 2025 revaluation

The 2025 tax rate will be set by the commissioners in June

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

KENANSVILLE — The Board of County Commissioners approved the schedule of values for the 2025 Duplin County revaluation during the Dec. 2 meeting. North Carolina law mandates a revaluation at least once every eight years to ensure that property assessments are aligned with their fair market value and is based on recent sales data, to ensure that property owners don’t bear a disproportionate share of the tax burden.

Gary Rose, the tax administrator, informed the board that

from page A1

“They will be moving into an existing facility that’s been empty for a while,” he told Duplin Journal. “It’s 150,000 square feet that was previously unoccupied.”

The facility is the former home of JP Stevens, later known as SteveCo Knit, a longstanding textile manufacturer and major business in the town of Wallace from the 1950s through the 1990s. The plant is now known as the Duplin County Industrial Center, which totals 700,000 square feet, said Frank Efird of SVN Commercial Real Estate, one of the key players in bringing NexGen to Wallace.

There are a few other businesses in the former textile plant, including a metal roof manufacturer and a company that upfits public safety vehicles.

“I represent the owners of the Duplin County Industrial Center,” Efird explained. “We market to international companies as part of a global real estate franchise. NexGen was looking at multiple states, and we were able to introduce them

homeowners are likely to experience the most impact from the revaluation.

“That’s where we’ve seen the largest increase in sales. Bear in mind that you try to tell people even though your value is going up, the tax rate will come down some,” Rose explained. “We just set the value. But probably homeowners will take the brunt of the increase.”

The 2025 tax rate will be set by the commissioners in June when the budget is adopted.

Rose told Duplin Journal that while he does not know what the new rate might be, “it will be lower than what it is currently.”

Rose also noted that “the commercial value increases do appear to be slightly less than the residential increases, but we have not completed the re -

to Wallace and Duplin County.”

Wallace Mayor Jason Wells and Wallace Town Manager Rob Taylor said the announcement came as a surprise to town officials, but they’re very excited.

“It’s great news,” Taylor said. “It’s great to see something go into the old SteveCo Knit building.”

While NexGen will only operate in 150,000 of the total 700,000 square feet, the company locating its East Coast operations in Wallace is a huge get for the community.

“It’s a win-win for us,” Wells said. “For somebody to invest that kind of money in our community and to bring their business to the old SteveCo Knit building, it fulfills our vision of bringing that building back to life.”

Plus, Wallace is one of the few towns that has the infrastructure in place to support a manufacturing facility of that size, Wells said.

“Wallace is one of the places that can absorb that kind of growth,” he explained. “We’ve got plenty of water, we’ve got a sewer plant that can handle that kind of growth. We’re fortunate enough that we’ve got room to grow here.”

valuation as of this time. Once everything has been completed, we will have a better picture of the real estate market and what segments performed better than others.”

In other business:

• The board also adopted the amended Solid Waste Management Ordinance, which addressed article four, solid waste disposal under the operational policies; this provides protection and enforcement remedies for solid waste staff from unruly or demeaning conduct while on county property. Article five clarified the exemption for an annual availability

The building will have to undergo some changes to accommodate NexGen.

“We will be redeveloping the building from the top down,” Efird said, adding that the renovations will include new insulation, dock doors, LED lighting and more upgrades.

“It’s a team of people that are able to put together a grant like this,” Efird said. “There is so much competition.”

NexGen will receive a $125,000 performance-based grant from the One North Carolina Fund.

“The OneNC Fund provides financial assistance to local governments to help attract economic investment and to create jobs,” explained the press release from the governor’s office. “Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment. All OneNC grants require a matching participation from local governments and any award is contingent upon that condition being met.”

Efird said NexGen’s assembly line will likely be complete in the first quarter of 2025 and that the

fee: “Property that has been occupied within the reference 12-month period, even where such occupancy is temporary in nature, is not eligible for the exemption set forth year-end.”

Also, in article five, for the exemption of annual household and business disposal fees. “We had received some comments from residents about this issue, and this is to address resident concerns and allow for easier exemption for those contracting with haulers for disposal. This allows haulers to provide a list to the tax department,

“For somebody to invest that kind of money in our community and to bring their business to the old SteveCo Knit building, it fulfills our vision of bringing that building back to life.”

Jason Wells, Wallace mayor

company can start manufacturing shortly after that.

That means the dozens of new jobs will be available early next year. Salaries will vary by position, but the average annual wage will be $50,462, above the county’s average salary of $45,722. According to the press release, the new jobs could potentially create an annual payroll impact of more than $2.1 million for the region.

In the future, Summerlin said, the company could potentially add 500 more jobs as it establishes itself and grows.

which they will use to issue a release or exemption from the annual disposal fee,” said Miller, after thanking Rose, Tim Wilson and Daryl Whaley for working on the amendments.

Commissioners Elwood Garner, Jesse Dowe and Wayne Branch were sworn in.

• The Board elected Dexter Edwards as chairman and Garner as vice-chairman.

Miller introduced Jessica Helms, the newly appointed deputy finance director. The next meeting will be on Dec. 16 at 6 p.m.

“Working with our partners in state, county and local government has given our company the ability to bring jobs and opportunity to the area,” said NexGen COO Tom Boyda. “We look forward to long-term growth as we become part of the community.”

Efird credited Summerlin and Assistant County Manager Carrie Shields with being instrumental in bringing the project to Duplin County.

“Scotty Summerlin has been able to work with companies like ours and get projects like this to Duplin County,” he said. “Scotty was instrumental in getting approval and support for this project. He and Carrie have done a super job.”

Summerlin said he and the county commissioners are “very excited” about the project coming to fruition and bringing a much-needed economic boon to the town of Wallace. “We expect more to come,” he added.

“Hopefully,” Wells said, “this kind of motivates other businesses to do the same. Hopefully, they’ll see the interest and say ‘why not Wallace?’”

NEXGEN

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Protecting our water, our families and our future

Dear Editor,

AS RFK JR. WISELY stated, “When we destroy nature, we diminish our capacity to sense the divine.”

I’ve experienced this firsthand while enjoying the peace and beauty of the Northeast Cape Fear River, creating cherished memories with my children. But those moments have been overshadowed by the pollution caused by Lear — a multimillion-dollar corporation, indifferent politicians and regulatory agencies failing to protect our water.

For months, myself and many others have worked to bring attention to this crisis, sending countless emails and pleading with agencies and elected officials to act — not just for my family but for thousands of others from Kenansville to Wilmington. Despite these efforts, the response has been minimal and disheartening. Clean water should be a basic right, but instead, we are met with bureaucracy, delays and indifference.

The lack of accountability is glaring, particularly from District 4 Rep. Jimmy Dixon, who chairs the Environmental Review Commission and is a member of the Environment Committee. Despite his knowledge of PFAS contamination in our state and his 2017 promise in an ERC meeting to address it, he has done little to fulfill his commitments. His

dismissal of EPA safety standards as “unachievable,” accusations that environmentalists are exaggerating data, and blaming Democrats are not only unhelpful but insulting to those suffering the consequences of inaction.

I am not an environmentalist — I am a mother whose children have unknowingly played in a contaminated river. His inaction, compounded by campaign donations tied to corporate interests, speaks volumes about misplaced priorities.

This issue extends beyond one representative. The Southern Environmental Law Center recently petitioned the EPA, highlighting systemic failures within North Carolina’s legislature, which has weakened the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) through underfunding, political interference and laws favoring polluters. The legislature’s actions prioritize corporate profits over public health, leaving our communities vulnerable and our environment compromised.

The Northeast Cape Fear River isn’t just a body of water — it is a lifeline for our community. Families depend on it for fishing, recreation and their livelihood. Yet the toxic contamination caused by corporations and enabled by legislative inaction has turned this lifeline into a health hazard. This is not just about environmental harm; it is a livelihood

The great space breakout

This innovation lowered the cost of putting a satellite in space by 90%.

PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP’S appointment of Jared Isaacman to lead NASA was a wonderful moment for those of us who believe in space. I began reading about space in 1957. I was in eighth grade when “Missiles and Rockets” was a lively magazine and exciting things were happening.

Four years later, like most Americans, I was thrilled by President John F. Kennedy’s challenge to go to the Moon, and I still remember the night we first landed there on July 20, 1969.

Then everything seemed to slow down. We pulled back from longdistance projects and focused on the near-Earth International Space Station and space shuttle programs.

In my second term in Congress, I tried to jump-start a more dynamic, risk-taking and aggressive venture into space. On July 28, 1981, I introduced HR 4286 to establish a national space and aeronautics policy.

The 15-page bill had a comprehensive plan for a more dynamic American pursuit of space. In a manner that anticipated Elon Musk a generation later, sections 401 to 403 cited the founding fathers and especially the Northwest Ordnance of 1787. I proposed extending constitutional protections to everyone living in American facilities in space. Further, I proposed that when a space community reached 20,000 inhabitants, Congress would authorize it to establish selfgovernment. When colonies reached the same population as the smallest U.S. state, their citizens could apply for statehood.

This seeming fantasy began to become possible when Musk invented the reusable rocket at SpaceX. This innovation lowered the cost of putting a satellite in space by 90%. Musk is now creating the Starship. Its 39 Raptor engines make it the most powerful spaceship ever built. With Starship’s ability to lift 100 passengers or 150 tons into orbit, the entire world of space activities will be revolutionized.

Multiple Starships could launch every day. Then the revolution will accelerate dramatically.

Other entrepreneurial companies are also developing a series of capabilities in different aspects of space. Axion Space is developing the first commercial international space station. Blue Origins is developing a broad space tourism capability. In this dynamic environment led by successful entrepreneurs, the nomination of Jared Isaacman is a perfect step toward a more entrepreneurial, dynamic and useful government space program.

As the leader of NASA, Isaacman will change the slow, cautious, bureaucratic culture that has grown up since Apollo into a dynamic, risk-taking, entrepreneurial system. NASA will accelerate rather than hinder the growth of a whole new generation of diverse American space activities. These include occupying the Moon and colonizing Mars —

public health crisis affecting thousands of people. We must demand transparency, accountability and action from those in power. It is time to end political pollution and restore trust in our institutions. We cannot allow corporations and complicit lawmakers to continue prioritizing profit over the well-being of our families and our future.

Make no mistake, the decisions made now will set a precedent for every waterway in our state! Will we allow toxic contamination to define our rivers and streams, or will we take a stand to protect them? The time has come to repair this broken system, restore public trust, and guarantee that the safety of our water and communities is never compromised again.

I urge you, and anyone else concerned about our water, health and environment, to join us at the public comment session on Dec. 17, 2024, at 6 p.m. in the Monk Auditorium at James Sprunt Community College. Even if you do not plan to speak, your presence sends a powerful message that we will not stand idly by while our health and environment are jeopardized. Together, we can advocate for the safety and well-being of our families, our communities and our future.

Sincerely, Jessica Thomas Sarecta

as well as developing space tourism and manufacturing in weightless environments.

Author Walter Isaacson wrote about Isaacman in his biography of Musk. The author explained that Isaacman had dropped out of high school to ultimately start what became a $200 billion-per-year payment system company. He then became a pilot and set the world record for circumnavigating the globe in a light jet. He became so skilled, he started a company that trained military pilots.

“Instead, for SpaceX’s first civilian flight, he chose a low-key tech entrepreneur and jet pilot named Jared Isaacman, who displayed the quiet humility of a square-jawed adventurer who had proven himself in so many fields that he didn’t need to be brash. … Isaacman bought from SpaceX the right to command a three-day flight named inspiration4 that would become history’s first private orbital mission. His purpose was to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, and he invited a 29-year-old bone cancer survivor, Hayley Arceneaux, to join the crew, along with two other civilians.”

Isaacman wanted to go to a higher orbit than the International Space Station. Even after he was told that higher orbits held dangerous space debris that could destroy his spacecraft, he said he accepted the risk.

As Isaacson wrote:

“Later, when I asked why he had not opted for the lower altitude, Isaacman said, ‘If we’re going to go to the moon again, and we’re going to go to Mars, we’ve got to get a little outside our comfort zone.’”

Isaacman was so thrilled that he offered $500 million for three future flights, which would aim at going to an even higher orbit and doing a spacewalk in a new suit designed by SpaceX. He also asked for the right to be the first private customer when it was ready.

The Isaacman-Musk team fits perfectly into the visionary path Trump outlined in his first term.

On Dec. 11, 2017, Trump signed Space Policy Directive 1, which called on the federal space program to cooperate with the private sector to return humans to the moon and explore Mars and other areas in our solar system.

As the president said at the time, “The directive I am signing today will refocus America’s space program on human exploration and discovery. It marks a first step in returning American astronauts to the Moon for the first time since 1972, for long-term exploration and use. This time, we will not only plant our flag and leave our footprints — we will establish a foundation for an eventual mission to Mars, and perhaps someday, to many worlds beyond.”

Trump, Musk and Isaacman are three visionary pioneers who will collectively make America the leader of the golden age of space.

Newt Gingrich is former speaker of the U.S. House.

Duplin moves out of distressed Tier 1 ranking next year

Tier designations help allocate funding for economic development in the state’s most distressed areas

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

DUPLIN COUNTY IS SET to move to a less distressed economic tier ranking in 2025, as announced last week by the North Carolina Department of Commerce. The county is shifting from Tier 1 to Tier 2, with its economic distress ranking improving from No. 29 in 2024 to No. 41.

The rankings are based on an assessment of each county’s unemployment rate, median household income, population growth and assessed proper-

ty value per capita, as mandated by state law. The tier designation influences eligibility for various programs, including grant programs such as the One North Carolina Fund, building reuse initiatives, and water and sewer infrastructure grants. Additionally, tier designations help allocate funds into the Industrial Development Fund — Utility Account, which supports infrastructure improvements in the state’s most distressed areas.

According to the 2025 County Development Tier Rankings, Duplin’s adjusted property tax base per capita for FY 24-25 value is $118,740, which shows a significant increase of $15,717 compared to the previous year.

The percentage of population growth, based on data from the N.C. Office of State Budget and

Management for July 2020 to July 2023, indicates a 1.26% increase. This represents a significant change, as prior years reflected a population decrease of 1.57%. Consequently, Duplin’s position improved from No. 23 to No. 42.

Data from the U.S. Census Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates show that the median household income is $51,270, reflecting an increase of $6,121 compared to last year’s data, however the ranking remains unchanged.

The average unemployment rate for the 12-month period from November 2023 to October 2024 is 3.34%, showing a slight decrease of 0.08% compared to the previous year, but the ranking improved by 18 positions.

Overall, Duplin County’s to-

tal economic distress rank is No. 41, representing a 12-position improvement from last year.

At a recent meeting, County Manager Bryan Miller told the Board of County Commissioners that he was going to delve deeper to gain a clearer understanding of the calculations and the improvements made by the county.

“It is showing signs that, at least on the surface, that Duplin County has improved their ranking within the state, which is always possible,” said Miller. “But we need to understand things a little bit better.”

Assistant County Manager Carrie Shields told Duplin Journal they are pushing back on the tier designation and gathering more information before making further comments.

Each year, counties are assigned a tier designation ranking from one to three. There are 40 counties designated as Tier 1, which are considered the most economically distressed.

An additional 40 counties are designated as Tier 2, and 20 counties are classified as Tier 3, which are the least economically distressed.

Harrells Christian Academy recognized its Terrific Kids for the second nine weeks of school on Dec. 5. Students were nominated by their teachers for consistently exhibiting three of the Terrific Kid traits: inquisitive, energetic and eager to learn. Although all of the HCA Lower School students ask lots of interesting questions, provide energy in the classroom and are eager to be a part of all the fun activities provided in the classroom, these 12 students stood out to their teachers during the second nine weeks of school. Congratulations to the following: (Bottom Row) Bryce Thornton, Bodhi Fussell, Reynolds King, Jeb Blackmore, Griffin Retherford and Shelby Sinnott, (Top Row) Evie Simmons, Tucker Brantley, Gunner Arce, Thalia Robbins, Isla Blanton and Carter Strickland.

Seven new business names recorded in November

Duplin County

The Duplin County Register of Deeds Office recorded seven assumed business names for the month ending Nov. 30. The assumed names and real names of the persons engaging in business are: Air Benders, Christopher E. Barbour; Charla’s Sheds, Charla Weeks Jones; Catherine Creations, Catherine L. Martin; Sol Beauty & Spa, Juana Maria Avila Flores; Futrell Transport, Marty Futrell; Sip N Silhouette/ Linen Emporium, LLC, Senikka Bennett Caldwell; Cipher Coastal RV & Boat Storage/Cipher Coastal Inland Storage, LLC, Vivian B. Brown.

JSCC to host FAFSA Carnival

Kenansville

James Sprunt Community College will host a fun and informative event dedicated to helping students receive financial aid from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14. Potential college students can get one-on-one FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) assistance, learn about grants, scholarships and loans, and enjoy carnivalstyle fun. Submitting your FAFSA early increases your chances for limited state and school-based funds.

Public comments on proposed hurricane mitigation plans open through Dec. 14

Statewide

The N.C. Office of Recovery and Resiliency is accepting public comments through Dec. 14 on a proposed amendment to the plan for administering HUD Community Development Block Grant-Mitigation funds received after hurricanes Matthew and Florence. The draft action plan amendment is intended to address homeowner mitigation needs for rehabilitation, reconstruction or replacement of properties located in a floodplain or at risk of future flooding through structural elevations and related activities. The public comment period opened on Nov. 15 and will close at 5 p.m. on Dec. 14. The current action plan is available online at bit.ly/3ZHZADs. The public is encouraged to submit comments by email to ncorr.publiccomments@ ncdps.gov.

Got local business news? Let us know about any grand openings, new businesses, noteworthy achievements, or upcoming events, and we’ll share it with the community here! Note: editor reserves the right to edit for content, brevity, and clarity. Email Features/Business Editor Abby Cavenaugh at abby@ northstatejournal.com.

alerts when they are on the

DUPLIN JOURNAL

COURTESY HARRELLS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

Employee Health Clinic will remain open.

“No one is losing their jobs. Any reduction enforced will be through attrition, retirement, resignation,” said Miller. “This is not an attempt to gain the authority to terminate the employment of either the health director or the DSS director, and let me be clear about this — no other programs or areas within these departments are subject to termination due to the consolidation.”

The county manager also emphasized that it was an opportunity to gain better data and align policy through both departments to address the social determinants of health.

“This is also an opportunity to bring all employees under one personnel policy and an opportunity to gain better financial internal controls over the organization as a whole,” said Miller. “It all comes down to those that we serve and how we can do that in a manner that aligns with policy, is fiscally responsible and most importantly promotes positive outcomes.”

The comments poured in as soon as Chairman Dexter Edwards opened the floor for discussion.

Local physicians, nurses, members of the Board of Health, advocates and personnel from the Health Department each expressed their concerns. In total, 10 individuals spoke out against the proposal for consolidation.

Alleen Carr-Greer, Duplin County Board of Health chair, voiced concerns regarding the lack of analyses to support claims of enhanced efficiency. She highlighted the board’s critical need to carefully select a new director for the merged agency, stressing the importance of finding a leader capable of managing both agencies effectively, each with its unique regulatory framework, and adding that their decision will significantly impact the future of the county’s health services.

Carr-Greer asked the board to consider the impact of consolidating the agencies; she expressed particular concern about

potential disruptions and noted that managing the responsibilities of a Board of Health was time-sensitive, particularly during an outbreak of infectious illness.

“Efforts to mitigate the spread of infectious disease can quickly become polarizing,” said CarrGreer, adding that other pressing matters — such as sewage spills, lead contamination and restaurant sanitation — demand immediate attention.

She raised concerns about whether the board of county commissioners will be able to address all these additional tasks alongside their existing duties, and she concluded by asserting that the public health mission is best accomplished with a standalone health department.

Beth Ricci, the health department’s accreditation coordinator, expressed concern about maintaining state accreditation if the board of county commissioners assumed the powers of the Board of Health or appointed a consolidated advisory committee.

“The governing board will be responsible to meet all the rules and laws, including the accreditation requirements assigned to the Board of Health regardless of the type of governing board,” said Ricci. “Not meeting accreditation standards could potentially risk the loss of state and federal funds the health department needs to provide the essential services to the county’s communities.”

Ila Davis, former health director, pointed out that the missions of these agencies are very different and shared that she has observed that consolidations are more complex than they appear on paper. She noted that although some clients may overlap, the services provided differ significantly. Davis urged the board to carefully consider their decision before making a change.

Regina Lanier, who worked as a nurse for 30 years, encouraged discussion.

“There also exists a larger opportunity for regional or district consolidation if we’re talking about this in an overarching manner. The state allows for us to create a district health ser-

vice,” said Lanier, asking if there has been a conversation about Region 8.

“Will the consolidated agency have a prospective advantage of increased accountability to the elected officials? Will the increased accountability be traded for a deviation from or diminished level of the currently offered public services? If not already completed, would it be reasonable to outsource a firm to help assess the current status of the agencies?” asked Lanier.

Dr. Andrew Justice, medical director of the Health Department, shared that preventing disease and promoting health in Duplin County is very different than in metropolitan areas.

“We have agricultural issues here that you won’t find in many other places with a lot of resources. We have a lot of immigrant issues here as well,” said Justice, adding that they are providing more services than they ever have before.

“We are providing preventative medications for HIV; we are providing hepatitis C treatment, from workup with labs to full treatment courses of $40,000 — all free to patients. We are also providing opiate replacement care,” said Justice. “We’re seeing immigrants and a lot (more) diseases in people than we’ve ever seen.

“The decisions for the health of the population rests on you, and there will be many more voices, so your efficiency also is going to slow down. Public health, in a nutshell, offers an incredible insight into our society, how we’re doing things, and how healthy we are in general. When I think about public health, what I always want to know is do our political choices create gaps in health outcomes or do they narrow them? And that’s one of the big things to think about with this decision. Are we going to leave people behind or are we going to uplift the overall health standards of our county? I hope you guys think about all of these things because this is a big decision, and the health of a lot of people could be affected by it.”

Yesenia Cuello, executive director of NC FIELD and mem-

ber of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Hispanic and Latino Affairs, shared that a consolidated system risks creating more barriers for the nearly 25% of the county’s residents who are Hispanic.

“Consolidating health and social services creates more red tape, making it harder for the elderly, uninsured and non-English speakers to get help. It delays care, adds confusion, and hurts the county’s most vulnerable,” said Cuello. “While it may save money, it risks lives by putting barriers between people and the help they need.

“She added that agriculture workers in Duplin depend on health care services that are culturally and linguistically accessible to maintain their health and productivity and if those services become less accessible, it could negatively affect both the workers and the overall economic stability of the county.

“Duplin County Health Department’s model understands this better than any other county office. Although this benefits the county, it doesn’t necessarily benefit the community. We’ve been able to look, and we’ve done our research, and it shows that these findings suggest that while consolidation aims to streamline services, it can inadvertently create more barriers to effective public health interventions, especially for the most vulnerable community members.”

Craig Westerby, a member of the Health Board, urged the board to consider whether this change truly benefits the citizens, noting that no amount of efficiency can compensate for citizens’ needs not being met.

Lisa Meredith, a nurse practitioner at the Health Department, highlighted that services in health departments that have been consolidated are often diminished. She also praised how effectively the department operated to support the community during the pandemic and noted the current efficiency under the director’s leadership.

Chad Kornegay, chief of the medical staff at ECU Health Duplin, told the board that he expected the county to have someone with a background in public health that could substantiate the proposed change.

“You’ve heard from the current medical director of the health department. You’ve heard the opinion of the Board of Health and although there may be advantages to this, we do not believe at this time this is the way to go for Duplin County,” said Kornegay. “We think that the mission of the Board of Health is very essential to what we do every day and we think that the way things are set up now meets that mission the best.”

Gabby Murphy, a local nurse who works with tuberculosis and communicable diseases, emphasized the importance of having an effective leader, like the current health director, to efficiently coordinate a rapid response when dealing with communicable diseases. She mentioned that the influx of immigrants has led to a significant rise in tuberculosis cases, and they recently identified a handful of cases.

Murphy also highlighted a recent incident involving a man from another county, which necessitated testing about 70 people for tuberculosis in November. Murphy said this testing was completed in just one day, adding that it’s crucial to act quickly to control this type of situation.

Edwards thanked everyone and acknowledged the huge role the health department played during the pandemic. He also noted that they will consider the concerns and vote at the Dec. 16 meeting.

“Thank you for your care and concern, and time tonight,” he said. “I will tell you we’re not going to vote tonight. I didn’t feel that we could do the justice we needed to do, to not take time to go through and think about the things that y’all brought to the table before we had a vote on this, positive or negative.”

“When COVID hit our county, there was a lot of organization behind the scenes that our public health people worked day and night,” said Meredith. “We didn’t get to go hide. We were out there taking care of patients and trying to save lives, and I think it was a well-oiled machine.”

DUPLIN SPORTS

Eagles use run to fly past Tigers

Unbeaten Northeastern used its running game to beat James Kenan in the fourth round of the 2A playoffs

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

ELIZABETH CITY — James

Kenan’s breakout season came to a halt last Friday when No. 1 East Region 2A seed Northeastern re covered a pair of onside kickoffs and used its running game — not its showcase passing attack — to beat the No. 12‑seed Ti gers 46‑28 in the East semifinal (fourth round) of the 2A playoffs.

The Eagles (13 0), who host No. 2 Whiteville (12 1) on Fri day, are making their third ap pearance in the East Region 2A final since 2019. James Kenan was in the fourth round for the first time since 2015. Running back Ty’jae Simp son (13 145) and Tyrell Saunders (7 73) combined for five touch downs to overshadow 162 yards passing from quarterback Tre varis Jones (11 13) and Unique Blount.

The latter’s halfback throw for 72 yards allowed Khamani Bennett to score immediately after JK got its only lead of the game at 28 25 with 8:02 left in the third quarter.

Jones also had a touch

down strike to Saunders.

But Simpson picked apart the middle of the Tigers defense as the Eagles’ spread attack limit ed the active field of battle with three and four receivers on the flanks or in slot positions.

“We knew he was shifty from film, but we definitely didn’t expect that kind of play,” said fourth year Tigers coach and alumnus Tim Grady. “The kick offs hurt us, as did being down early. But we kept to our game plan of running the ball and chewing up the clock.

“They exploited us with the running because they had us spread out. So, yes, I was

Crusaders take down Fayetteville Academy, Greenfield School

The Harrells Christian Academy boys’ basketball team earned high marks for knocking off the Eagles

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

HARRELLS — The Har

rells Christian Academy bas ketball team won more than 20 games each of the past two seasons.

Yet Big East Conference foe Fayetteville Academy was a roadblock in league play and the in the NCISAA playoffs.

Clayton Hall’s upstart Cru saders had a four star perfor mance last Friday night during

a 64 6 1 win over the Eagles in Harrells. FA beat HCA three times during the Crusader’s 22‑12 campaign last winter. The same thing happened the pre vious season when went HCA 20 6

Antonio McKoy pumped in 31 points, Dashaun McKoy 12 and new arrival Amir Moore nine as HCA won for the ninth time in 10 games. It was the second significant victory for HCA this season. A 74 7 1 conquest of the Green field School on Nov. 26 opened eyebrows statewide and in creased the Crusaders’ stock in getting a high seed for the play offs, though that won’t happen

until the first week of February.

It’s been a start to remem ber for Hall’s club, which re turns the bulk of the team from a season ago, and added Moore, a 6 foot 8, 240 pound sophomore transfer from Wal lace Rose Hill.

Antonio McKoy, HCA’s top scorer from a season ago (21.8), is the Crusader’s top gun at 25.5 points and best glass cleaner with 12.1 rebounds.

“He’s a different type of play er who is going to score on any body,” said Hall, who touted the defense of the junior against Greenfield. “He guarded the No. 23 junior in the nation in

See HOOPS, page B2

EDWARDO PUAC FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

HCA’s Zicareian McNeil is one of many returnees from last season.

PHOTOS BY EDWARDO PUAC FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

Cal Avent has been a force on both lines for James Kenan this season.

Josh Mitchell and the James Kenan defense were busy tracking down ball carriers against Northeastern.

Smith goes from Panther to Tiger as JK girls’ hoop coach

Former Panther Aaron Smith takes over after spending bench time at North Duplin, East Duplin, Harrells Christian and Liberty Christian

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

WARSAW — Aaron Smith certainly paid his dues to become a 2A girls’ basketball coach.

This winter, the former East Duplin player and assistant at four other schools is leading the James Kenan girls’ program, re placing Kenny Williams.

The 2010 graduate of East Duplin played with current boys’ coach Blake Lanier on the 2009 Panthers team that went 23 7 and advanced to the East Region final.

Smith’s hoop calling took him on a two year stint under Ricky Edwards at North Duplin, three seasons under current Panthers girls’ coach Mark Lane and two campaigns with Harrells Chris tian under boys’ coach Clayton Hall.

He was also the head coach at Richlands’ Liberty Christian for one season.

In 2020, an even higher call ing made the 33 year old as the lead pastor of Kenansville Bap tist Church.

“I’m hoping to get these girls to compete and see the potential I see in each of them and us as a team,” Smith said. “I love coach ing, and this is a good group to be involved with.

“I know we haven’t had suc cess as we might have liked, but the potential is there to do things that haven’t been done here in a while.

“We want to make a run in the conference and in the play offs.”

The fire starter for that kind of push could only come from a player such as Y’Anna Rivers, a 6 foot all Duplin first team guard from a season ago.

She averaged 10.1 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.7 steals and 1.9 blocks during her freshman de but when James Kean went 10‑14 and lost to Goldsboro in the first round of the 2A playoffs.

“She’s obviously the standout with her length, ability to han dle the ball and score well on the block, and that she loves to play defense,” Smith said. “She’ll also be handling the ball a bit at the point.”

Sophomore Aleyah Wilson

averaged 3.8 points and 3.9 re bounds in 18 games last winter and should be able to add some punch in the paint after the Ti gers lost Lilly Kornegay (7.6 points, 11.3 boards).

“She got some good minutes last year and can be a force de fensively,” Smith said. “She play ing really hard.”

Junior Alayiay Wright and senior Kierra Williams will likewise be counted on in the corners and around the rim.

Janay Peterson, a sophomore forward, will also get playing time.

Junior Gabriel Outlaw (5 points per game) will be the starting point guard, with class mate and guard Labria Mc Gowan also in the backcourt.

“Labria is a good shooter and gets to the basket, rebounds and is a steady player,” Smith said. “Outlaw handles the ball well and can also shot. She hit a cou ple of 3s in our last scrimmage.”

Junior Shamya Johson will push for time at the point.

Za’Nyia Brown, a lefty shooting backcourt player who can put pressure on the ball defensively, has been a surprise of the Tiger’s preseason camp.

Higginbotham, Faison counted on heavily by Rebels

North Duplin basketball coach Jon Kornegay says the season will be determined by how the players mix

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

CALPYSO — First year head coach Jon Kornegay is no strang er to the North Duplin basketball scene.

The 42 year old Duplin County physician and his three brothers — Chad and Todd, who are also doctors, and Paul, a math professor at ECU — played basketball for the Rebels. Kornegay and another Rebel and close friend, James Wolfe, take over the reins in succeed ing longtime coach John Oliver and assistant Sandy McCarty.

ND returns three players with a connect to the past, which in cludes a three year, 64‑12 run with point guard Addy Higgin botham and center Tateyawna Faison, who are both seniors.

Junior Lilly Fulghum got into the flow of the Rebels last sea son and will add experience.

But for the first winter in three years, the Rebels will be without shooting guard/for ward Reece Outlaw.

“Addy has a wealth of experi

HOOPS from page B1

the fourth quarter, and that was a huge factor in our win.”

Cousin Dashaun McKoy, an other valuable returnee, is at 12.6 points and 8.1 rebounds this season, yet capable of more production on a given night.

“He makes incredible plays and is shooting the ball better,” Hall said. “He’s got a motor.”

So is guard Zicareian Mc

ence at the most important po sition on the court,” Kornegay said. “But we have a good mix of veterans who had individual and team success and will be import ant to our success this season.

“She’s talented and has a high basketball IQ.”

Neil, who is putting up 14 points per game, which is about where he was last winter (14.9).

“Z is shooting the ball very well, and all the work he’s done is showing up,” Hall said. “

Yet HCA has a healthy point guard, J’Kaeshi Brunson, who is averaging 6.3 assists so far.

“He runs the offense and gets us where we need to go,” Hall said. “In four of our games he had plus 10 in assists.”

Higginbotham averaged 13.6 points last season when ND went 18 8. She was a first team selection for the Duplin Jour nal following a season in which she averaged 13.6 points as ND went 18 8 The Rebels finished second

Moore is helping out at a 6.1 rate rebounding the ball.

“He’s got a really good touch with big hands, though he’s still learning how to play the post position,” Hall said. “He’s a good shooter and a heck of a good one at the free t hrow line, even though he doesn’t know a lot of post moves.”

Guards Collin Cole, Colten Harrell and Josiah Crumpler give Hall other shooting op

to Union in the Carolina 1A Conference’s regular season af ter taking the title the previous two seasons. ND captured the CC’s postseason tournament by smoking both Union and Lake wood as part of a late push that ended with a loss to East Co lumbus in the second round of the state playoffs. The Gators advanced to the 1A finals before falling to Cherokee.

Faison, a 6 foot pivot, av eraged 9.5 points and was the Rebels’ top rebounder.

“She’s very engaged as a lead er on the team,” Kornegay said. “She’s very productive for us of fensively and rebounding. She’s athletic, and I’d like to see her run the floor more.”

Fulghum, who plays volley ball and literally nonstop, av eraged 5.6 points last season, though her value was great than could be measured in marker.

“She’s a great competitor and has a high sports IQ in gener al,” Kornegay said. “She’s always going to compete, and there are nights where that alone can make a big difference.

Kornegay also expects sopho more Abigeal Norris (3.3 points per game) and senior Eva Quin tanilla (2.4) to help Faison in the paint.

“Both can help defensive ly and rebounding and add

tions off the bench, with Coley Sasser, Landon Coats and Ha keem Murphy adding power as forwards. Jamari Peterson and Deme trius Jones are also starting to produce after successful foot ball seasons.

HCA (9 1) fell to Wake For est’s Quality Education Acade my 56 52 on Nov. 29 in a game Hall said the Crusader “should have won.”

Jeffers has Bulldogs shooting to climb ranks of East Central

Wallace-Rose Hill returns five players in hopes of finishing ‘at least in third place’ in ECC standings

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

TEACHEY — While short on troops, a lifetime National Guardsman knows how to bring in reinforcements.

Wallace Rose Hill’s Will Jef fers, a longtime patriot of the re serves and veteran basketball coach, brings back five experi enced players, yet he will have to dip into the reserves on the junior varsity team during most battles this winter.

“We don’t have a large roster, probably seven to eight, so I’m planning on eight quartering two or three from the JV on game night,” said Jeffers, who coached football with the late Jack Hol ley and has been a staple leading the WRH girls’ team the past 15 years, sans a couple seasons.

“I like the players we bring back because they know what to expect and have been there before.”

Five players who put in sig nificant minutes in 16 or more games is the foundation.

Leading rebounder Ana leise Rivenbark, a 6 foot center and top scorer Nevaeh Dobson, a shooting forward with guard skills, will be forces in the paint.

“Analeise is a really good de fender and plays well in multiple defenses,” Jeffers said.

Dobson averaged 9.1 points playing in 16 games of 22 games last winter.

She played for WRH as a freshman and James Kenan her next season before returning to the Bulldogs’ camp last season.

Ironically, her play was key

in a pair of wins over the Tigers.

“She’s grown up and has a bet ter shot,” Jeffers said. “She a re bounder and slasher. She has a consistent jump shot and will probably handle the ball a little more.”

So will the backcourt tandem of Savannah Smith, who hit for 8.6 points last winter, and Sophia Soan, who averaged 3.8 points.

“Sophia has the heart of a lion, though the smallest player on the court most nights,” Jeffers said.

“She can play defense and shoot and bring toughness to our team.

“I’m expecting Savannah to pick up her scoring, knowing she

already understands her role and how we play.”

WRH has more size in the form of junior Jansley Page, a 6 1 center. Page and Rivenbark are coming off a 21 w in volleyball season.

“Jansley can run and jump and will fight and scratch out there,” Jeffers said. “That effort is important. We need that every night from not only her but our entire squad. We play some tal ented teams, and sometimes hus tle, desire and being competitive is the difference between win ning and losing.”

Other players seeking play ing time include guards Alys sa Faison, Tania Smith, Zymira Carr and Mahgonie Judge, 5 10 sophomore forward Azee Monk and 6 3 sophomore center Kiara Murphy.

WRH struggled to a 5 17 mark last winter but showed its potential by beating the league’s third‑best team in North Lenoir and James Kenan led Y’Anna Rivers twice.

Yet it had a tough time against the ECC’s best — East Duplin and Southwest Onslow.

“Our goal is to finish at least third, and I think that’s reason able and obtainable,” Jeffers said. “It’s a pretty good conference, and I think we would be doing well to get to at least get third.”

WRH, which always gets a late start due to the football team’s success in the playoffs (Jeffers is a key assistant coach), opened up against 4A Laney last Monday. Laney is coached by for mer WRH coach Cherry Wood bury, who guided the Bulldogs to a 58‑28 mark in three seasons.

The Bulldogs will play a limit ed schedule before the Christmas break and open up ECC play on Jan. 3 with a road trip to Jack sonville to face SWO.

NCHSAA shifts to eight classes

Conference realignment brings a bag of chaos for schools during the spring

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

ALYPSO — The NCHSAA has average daily membership (ADM) numbers to move from four to eight classifications for sports in the fall of 2025.

But how will the confer ences be put together?

That has every coach and avid fans sweating on and off the court. School adminis trators also have moist hands over concerns about expenses, which include traveling.

Will Duplin County’s three 2A schools be in the same conference?

Will Richlands play the close in proximity coastal schools it has the past four eight years?

And will the powers that be find a way to put more than five schools in a conference?

Let’s not forget this one: How many split c lassifica tions will there be?

And if “my” school is in that mix up, will it have positive or negative effects on teams en tering the state playoffs?

For example, 3As Southern Wayne, CB Aycock and East ern Wayne were in a 4A/3A mix conference, and each sea son two of the three made it into the playoffs despite each having dreadful records.

These wars will be fought in the next five months before the NCHSAA, the governing body for sports for more than 440 schools in North Caroli na, decides.

But first a few words on the process.

The NCHSAA realigns con ferences every four years based on the ADM of its schools. Those figures were released a week ago.

There are currently four classifications 1A to 4A. But the NCHSAA is moving to eight classifications in the fall.

There were eight 15 years ago before the questionable downgrade to four, and this is how many, coaches feel. The switch gave the state four

state champions in football, half the amount with eight classifications.

Or to better explain it, 80 players from eight teams hav ing a state championship ex perience is better than 40 players from four teams bask ing in glory that shines for a lifetime in their hearts.

So here’s a quick look at the eight classifications the NCH SAA will look at when making conferences for the state. All ADM numbers are for grades 9 12.

1A Classification

ADM numbers: 22 to 383

The Skinny: There are not local schools in this classifi cation, which is stuffed with charter, prep and private schools.

Notable schools: North s ide P inetown, Falls Lake Academy, Washington Coun ty, North Stokes, Chatham Central, East Columbus.

2A Classification

ADM numbers: 386 to 582

The Skinny: North Duplin (400) will likely be one of the biggest in this class after fall ing a few families (17 students) short of being in 1A. Yet there are plenty of rivals of the Reb els in 2A.

Notable schools: Tarboro, Rosewood, Lakewood, Union, Hobbton, Southside C hoco winity, Camden County, East Carteret, East Bladen.

3A Classification

ADM numbers: 585 to 793.

The Skinny: James Kenan (745) and Wallace R ose Hill (727) will stay together, while East Duplin and Clinton slide to 4A. This still might not mean the Duplin trio won’t be in the same conference. If not, most rivalries will continue as nonconference affairs, which bring in much needed ticket sales.

Notable schools: Kin ston, Goldsboro, Mid way, Whiteville, Princeton, Ayden G rifton, Trask, South Columbus, Reidsville, Shelby, Northeastern.

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4A Classification

ADM numbers: 795 to 854

The Skinny: East Duplin (854) and Clinton (809) have been playing in 4A, but will the Panthers be in a confer ence with strictly 4A schools or a split c lassification league? Richland’s ADM bumps the Wildcats up a class.

Notable schools: South west Onslow, North Johnston, Bunn, Washington, Springs.

5A Classification

ADM numbers: 956 to 1,205

The Skinny: Richlands (1,021) could be taking the big gest sports jump. It is a 3A in the four classifications system that is currently being used.

Notable schools: Croatan, Southern Wayne, Fike, Have lock, Crest, CB Aycock.

6A Classification

ADM numbers: 1,209 to 1,616

The Skinny: No local schools are in this classification, though Jacksonville (1,428) isn’t a big road journey for many schools in the East.

Notable schools: Sea forth, North Lenoir, Hunt, Harnett Central, Scotland County, Terry Sanford, South Johnston, North Durham, EE Smith, Southern Alamance.

7A Classification

ADM numbers: 1,617 to 2,151

The Skinny: No local schools in this classification.

Notable schools: New Bern, Topsail, Cleveland, Lumberton, Richmond Se nior, Purnell Swett, Indepen dence, Jack Britt, Riverside (Durham).

8A Classification

ADM numbers: 2,205 to 3,317

The Skinny: No local schools in this classification.

Notable schools: Pine c rest, Panther Creek, Hoke County, Rollesville, Myers Park, West Forsythe.

East Duplin, girls’ basketball

Never let Zakoya Farrior get comfortable. Ask Jacksonville.

Farrior, a junior guard, hit a trio of 3-pointers when East Duplin beat the 3A Stallions 58-53 in a game the Panthers trailed by 10 points in the second half. She had 11 markers and nine rebounds for East Duplin, which started the week with a 5-1 mark. Farrior is averaging 9.1 points after going for 7.4 last season when the Panthers went 24-5 and advanced to the third round of the 2A playoffs. East Duplin bring back its entire roster, sans guard Sallie Hatcher.

EDWARDO PUAC FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

Guard Savannah Smith was a starter last season for Wallace-Rose Hill.

F1 RACING

Hamilton leaves Mercedes after 6 titles, 246 F1 races

Abu Dhabi Lewis Hamilton left Mercedes with one last overtake and a heartfelt message to the team where he won the Formula 1 title six times. “We dreamed alone but together, we believed,” he told race engineer Peter Bonnington and team principal Toto Wolff over the radio. Hamilton is moving to Ferrari for 2025 after 12 years at Mercedes, where he won all but one of his seven drivers’ titles. It was the most successful partnership between a team and driver in F1 history.

NHL Blackhawks fire coach Richardson in 3rd season after league-worst start

Chicago

The Chicago Blackhawks fired coach Luke Richardson, signaling their frustration with the state of the franchise’s rebuilding project. Chicago had dropped four in a row to fall to an NHL worst 8 16 2 on the season. It was outscored 41 27 while going 3 9 1 in its last 13 games. Anders Sorensen was elevated to interim coach. Sorensen had been coaching the team’s top minor league affiliate in Rockford.

SKIING

Vonn encouraged by competitive preparedness in ski racing return at age 40 Copper Mountain, Colo. Lindsey Vonn is encouraged by how close she is to being competitive again in her ski racing return at 40 years old. Vonn is still getting her ski equipment dialed in and getting used to going full speed again on her new titanium knee. That’s why all that she’s reading into being more than two seconds behind in a pair of lower level super G races is that she’s right there after nearly six years away from ski racing. She was 2.19 seconds behind in the first race and 2.06 in the second. Both were won by her American teammate Lauren Macuga.

NCAA FOOTBALL

Frost returning to coach UCF two years after unsuccessful run at Nebraska Orlando, Fla. Scott Frost is heading back to UCF to take over the program he coached to its greatest season. UCF gave Frost his first head coaching job in 2016 and the next season the Knights went 13 0 w ith a Peach Bowl win over Auburn and No. 6 final ranking. He accepted Nebraska’s offer to return to his alma mater and lead the team he quarterbacked to a 1997 co‑national championship. He was fired three games into the 2022 season, leaving with a 16 31 record. He has been working on the Los Angeles Rams staff this season.

TAKE NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA DUPLIN COUNTY

FILE#2024E-000463

The undersigned, JAMES MICHAEL HONEYCUTT, having qualified on the 31ST DAY of OCTOBER, 2024, as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of JAMES HOWARD COTTLE, JR., deceased, of DUPLIN County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 26TH Day of FEBRUARY, 2025, 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 28TH Day of NOVEMBER, 2024. JAMES MICHAEL HONEYCUTT, ADMINISTRATOR 1116 SHORELINE DR. STANLEY, NC 28164 Run dates: N28,D5,12,19p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF DUPLIN NOTICE TO CREDITORS The undersigned, CAROL TOWNSEND MCGINNIS, having qualified as the EXECUTOR of the Estate of W. FRANCIS TOWNSEND aka WILTON FRANCIS TOWNSEND, Deceased, hereby notifies all persons, firms or corporations having claims against the Decedent to exhibit same to the said CAROL TOWNSEND MCGINNIS, at the address set out below, on or before February 23, 2025 or this notice may be pleaded in bar of any payment or recovery of same. All persons indebted to said Decedent will please make immediate payment to the undersigned at the address set out below. This the 24h day of June, 2024. CAROL TOWNSEND MCGINNIS EXECUTOR OF THE ESTATE OF W. FRANCIS TOWNSEND aka WILTON FRANCIS TOWNSEND c/o ROBERT H. HOCHULI, JR. 219 RACINE DR., SUITE #A6 Wilmington, NC 28405

surprised they did that and didn’t move it more by passing.”

Northeastern scored on sev en of its first eight possessions. The Eagles got into the end zone three straight possessions in the third quarter to go in front 39 28.

James Kenan ran out of juice after rallying from a 19 7 deficit to take that 28 25 lead in the third quarter.

Three plays later, Northeast ern used its razzle dazzle dou ble pass to make it 32 28.

The Eagles recovered the kickoff at midfield. Three plays later Jones hit pay dirt from the 7 to give his team an 11 point advantage.

Northeastern then got its first legitimate stop on the JK offense, bunching up David Zeleya on fourth and 1 from the 50 at the 3:32 mark of the third.

Middle linebacker Hassan Kornegy gave JK one more shot when he stopped Jones af ter the Eagle caught a flip pass on fourth and 1 from the Ti gers 34.

Needing a few quick scores was too much the Tigers of fense, which turned it over on downs at the 3:58 mark. On the next play, Simpson scored from the 31.

Northeastern averaged 9.5 yards running the ball and 19.5 passing it.

Tigers battle back to take the lead

Northeastern scored eight plays after taking the opening kickoff — and again on the first play after recovering the sec ond kickoff.

JK used 17 plays to cut the deficit to 13 7 v ia a fourth and goal smash by David Zeleya from the 1.

The Tigers were blow ing away the Eagles as Zeleya (9‑110), Jeremiah Hall (8‑107), Cal Avent (6 38) and Josh Mitchell (8 24) were warming up.

Down 19 7, Mitchell scored from the 13 after venturing for a 32 yard run on third and 3

Trailing 25 14 following an option pitch score from Jones, a long run by Hall got JK inside the Northeastern 10.

Hall scampered in for the score to trim the margin to 25 21, which held into half time because of an intercep tion from Zeleya with 48 sec onds left on the clock.

JK took possession first after halftime and got new life.

Mitchell and Tyquise Wilson had first down runs, and Ze leya rumbled 23 yards to take it to the home team’s 23. Then quarterback Eli Avent scored to give JK its first and last lead.

“The outcome of this game was not about a lack of effort,” Grady said. “Northeastern’s of fense is phenomenal, they have great athletes, and they execut

NOTICE

ed. Sometimes you have to tip your hat to the other guy for how well they played. “Our offensive line and run ning backs did an outstanding job.”

The Tigers (12 2) finished their “return to glory” campaign after going 6 5 the previous sea son. That was a disappointment because the Tigers were 9 3 in 2022 and feeling they had risen from the ashes of a drought that went back to 2016.

“I knew we could be real ly good last year, but we had some discipline matters, and I did what I had to do to correct them,” Grady said.

“We were at a crossroads in June, and I’m extra proud of our leaders and our seniors, who dug in and worked togeth er and left a legacy.”

JK has 12 wins or more for the ninth time in the histo ry of its program, which start ed 67 years ago (1957). It’s the most victories since Ken Avent Jr.’s team of 2015 went 12 2 for the second straight year after winning the school’s third state championship and Avent’s sec ond in 2013 at 15 0. His 2007 title team was 16 0. JK cap tured its first state title in 1960 under late, great coach Bill Taylor.

Grady said the Tigers will return “about half of the de fense and more than half of the offense” next season.

“I thought, people keep say ing I’m we’re losing all those seniors.” Grady said, “and I say, ‘Yes, sir some very important ones; you can’t replace the ex perience those senior helped our underclassmen get.’”

Grady paused as his mind raced to the past.

“We all wanted to see James Kenan get great again. I’ve been here since Will (Clark) was here trying to get it done. We didn’t then, despite giving it our best. I was there. I know the struggle.

Grady is 33 14 in four sea

sons as head coach at James Kenan. He cut his coaching teeth helping great players de velop when he was coach at Charity Middle School teach ing great players who went on to become stars at WRH.

From this year’s squad, he loses Kornegay, the best de fensive player in Duplin Coun ty and an all state candi date in 2A; tough defenders Ty Morrisey, Wilson, Jeremi ah Medlin, Denairo Bailey and Dakota Henderson.

But returning are running backs and defenders Hall and Zeleya, quarterback Eli Avent, FB/DL Cal Avent, TE/WR CJ Hill, speedy defensive back Zamarion Smith, and sopho more upstarts Jaquez Smith, Alex Vasquez and Keeshon Murray.

“We were overlooked this year, and we might be over looked again next year,” Grady said. “I don’t think our kids are done yet.”

Fourth-round fact checking

According to longtime Du plin County sportswriter Bill Rollins, the Tigers are 4 5 in fourth round affairs.

Their first was actually a state 1A final in 1960 when JK nipped the N.C. School of the Deaf 13 12 on the near f rozen tundra in Morganton.

JK’s next fourth rounder was 30 years later in a 39 7 loss to Clinton in a 2A East final.

The Tigers won back‑to‑back fourth round games (East 1AA finals) in 2006 (17 14 over East Bladen) and 2007 (7 0 over Pender).

Then they were in the four‑round dance four consec utive seasons: falling to South west Onslow 35 13 in 2012 in 1AA, beating WRH 28 14 in 2013 and losing to the Bull dogs in 2014 (34 31) and 2015 (29‑13).

The Tigers picked up state titles in 1960, 2007 and 2013.

On December 2, 2024 the Duplin County Board of Commissioners adopted the schedules, standards and rules to be used in the reappraisal of real property in Duplin County effective January 1, 2025 and are open to examination in the assessor’s office. Any Duplin County property owner who asserts that the schedules, standards and rules are invalid may except to the order and appeal therefrom to the Property Tax Commission within 30 days of the date when the notice of the order adopting the schedules, standards and rules was first published, that date being December 12, 2024.

ESTATE TAG SALE AND AUCTION

LOCATION 119 Sunset Road Wallace NC 28466

Deceased (name withheld) • Selling contents of house

DATES

December 13, 9 a.m. til 5 p.m. • December 14, 9 a.m. til 1 p.m.* *Auction of remaining contents begins at 1:30 p.m.

Furniture, Glassware, kitchen items, Patio furniture, Shotgun, House is full. Check Auction zip or web page for pictures, list of items and terms of sale. See AuctionZip.com. or brownandthigpenauctions.com. 910-290-9955 NCAL#7363

EDWARDO PUAC FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

Alex Vasquez, left, celebrates following a Jeremiah Hall touchdown.

obituaries

John Charles Keffer

Sept. 27, 1946 – Dec. 5, 2024

John Charles Keffer passed away peacefully in his home on Thursday evening, Dec. 5, 2024. John is preceded in death by his mother, Dolores Keffer (née Garner), his father, John William Keffer, his brother, William “Kay” Keffer, his wife, Carol Keffer (née Atkinson), and his grandson, John Noble Keffer. He is survived by his sister, Loretta Heckman, his brother, Robert Keffer, his sons, John Corey Keffer (Ashley) and William Dean Keffer (Chrystal), his grandson, Garrett Keffer, his granddaughter, Brynn Keffer, his great-granddaughter, Cassidy Keffer, his greatgrandson, Otto Keffer, and many nieces and nephews.

John Keffer was born on Sept. 27, 1946 and grew up in Amity, Pennsylvania, playing baseball and wrestling. He was the oldest of four siblings and enjoyed a lifetime of being a loving and protective older brother. At 17, he joined the United States Air Force and served two and half tours as a flight crew chief in Thailand during the Vietnam Conflict. After being honorably discharged in 1973, John joined the United States Postal Service as a letter carrier in Jacksonville. He retired in 2003. John met his wife, Carol, while stationed at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, and they settled down in Beulaville, where they raised their son, Corey. John was a founding member of Maranatha Church and served as a Sunday School teacher for 30 years.

John has spent his retirement years fishing with his son, Corey, and his best friend, RC Kinsey. He most enjoyed spending time with his beloved granddaughter, Brynn, who he taught to throw a ball and listen to the Eagles, and she taught him how to win at music quizzes.

John Keffer’s funeral will be held at Community Funeral Home in Beulaville, NC, on Thursday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m. with a visitation directly following the service. The burial will be held at East Duplin Memorial Gardens on Friday, Dec. 13, at 11 a.m.

Susan Brown Forcum

Nov. 29, 2024

Susan Brown Forcum passed away on Nov. 29, 2024 Funeral service was held Friday, Dec. 6, 2024 at Community Funeral Home, Beulaville.

Burial followed at East Duplin Memorial Gardens, Beulaville.

Survivors include: spouse, Jim Forcum of Raleigh; sons, Marshall Forcum (Kelsey) of Smithfield, Christopher Forum (Kimi) of Charlotte; daughter, Lura Forcum of Pendleton, South Carolina; brother, Butch Brown (Melanie) of Chinquapin; and grandchildren, Keane de los santos, Lorelei de los Santos, Teague de los Santos, Lucas Forcum, Nathan Forcum, Hannah Forcm and Aubrey Forcum.

Bradley “Hoss” Allen Carr

March 21, 1987 – Dec. 3, 2024

Bradley “Hoss” Allen Carr, returned to his Heavenly Father in the afternoon of Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 at the age of 37 surrounded by family. He was a man of many talents, skills, and titles. Of those titles, the one he loved most was “Daddy” and loving husband. He was also honored and proud to be called Reverend. He was born with a naturally funny and kind soul, a heart of gold, a big smile for everyone he met and always had a knack for telling the most adventurous stories.

Bradley received his LCM NCIPHC Ministry license in the summer of 2024. He enjoyed helping others, spending time with his family, friends, as well as fishing, playing guitar, making music, and contributing his time and efforts at his family church and choir. His love for God was abundant and he was passionate about sharing the love of our Lord with others.

Bradley is survived by his wife, Courtney Carr, their three children, Jaylen, Natalie, and Waylon Carr of Seven Springs; his parents, Gregory Allen and Zina Grady Carr of Seven Springs; two brothers, Gregory Brian Carr and wife, Kacey, Albert Benjamin Carr; his niece, Isabella Carr of Mount Olive; and several uncles, aunts, and cousins. A combined memorial service will be held for Bradley and his father, Gregory A. Carr, who has since passed away, will be held on Thursday evening, Dec. 12, at 6 p.m. in the chapel at Tyndall Funeral Home. Pastor Greg Kincaid will officiate the service followed by a time of visitation with the family.

Sybil Whaley Maready

Dec. 13, 1935 – Dec. 3, 2024

Sybil Whaley Maready joined her husband, William Gerald Maready, in heaven on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. She is preceded in death by her parents, Isaac and Dora Whaley, and by six sisters and three brothers. All arrangements are private.

Survivors include: daughters, Deborah Maready Jackson, Diane Maready Oxendine (Danny) And Lisa Maready Farrior (Bill); three grandchildren who she loved more than anything in this world, Erika Farrior Kennedy (Donnie), Jay Jackson, and David Jackson (Kirsten); stepgrandchildren, JR Oxindine (Brandy), and Iris Parslow; greatgrandchildren, Meredith Gray, Mason Gray, Mallorie Kennedy, Maverick Kennedy, Jonathan Jackson and Atheria Jackson; step-great-grandchildren, Dyan, Haley, Sierra, Beck, Emerson and Haisley.

Jacob “Jake” Leamon Rivenbark

Jan. 5, 1992 – Dec. 1, 2024

Jacob “Jake” Leamon Rivenbark, 32, of Wallace left this life way too early on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, from Novant New Hanover Regional Hospital.

He was born on Jan. 5, 1992, in Duplin County, the son of Terry Leamon Rivenbark and June Darden Casteen, both of Wallace. Jake was also preceded in death by his paternal grandfather Joseph Rivenbark, maternal grandparents Edward and Jean Darden and his canine companion “Moose.”

Surviving, in addition to his parents, is his son, Kaiden Rivenbark of Wallace; fiancée, Tessa Casteen of Wallace; sister, Tammy Jo Zwettler and husband Al of Illinois; brothers, Joseph Todd Rivenbark and wife Michelle of Potters Hill, and Jeffrey Eslie Rivenbark and wife Michelle of Cabin; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and friends that loved Jake dearly.

Jake was a loving son and a super daddy to Kaiden. He enjoyed simple things, but his greatest joy was his family. With an easygoing personality, Jake loved everyone and enjoyed helping others. He loved hunting, fishing and spending time with Kaiden and Tessa. Jake will surely be missed but treasured memories will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Graveside funeral service was held on Thursday, Dec.5, 2024, at Rose Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate any donations made to Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home to help with the funeral expenses for Jake.

April 3, 1958 – Nov. 27, 2024

George Nelson Tripp, resident of the Seven Springs area, passed away Wednesday morning, Nov. 27, 2024, at his home. He was 66 years of age.

After years of experience, he became a licensed contractor and started Nelson Tripp Construction. Later in life, he became long distance truck driver.

He is survived by a son, George Michael Tripp and wife, Megan, of Dudley; his mother and stepfather, Alice Faye Price Allen and Clarence Allen of Seven Springs; his stepmother, Faye Tripp of Dunn; a sister, Renne Tripp Hill and husband, Keith, of Seven Springs; four grandchildren, Jonathan Tripp, Rebecca Sauls and husband, Eric, Cheyene Mote, and Remmie Smith. He is also survived by his beloved canine companion, Shady.

Nelson was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Ashley Nicole Tripp; his father, George Washington Tripp; a sister, Beth Tripp; and two brothers, Daniel Tripp and Benjamin Tripp.

Reba Lael (Woodlief) Stone

Jan. 5, 1933 – Dec. 2, 2024

Reba Lael Woodlief Stone, 91, of Wallace passed from this earthly life to her eternal rest on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024. She was born on Jan. 5, 1933, in Bladen County, the daughter of the late Lee Roy Woodlief and Elaine Smith Woodlief.

Reba was also preceded in death by her devoted husband of 45 years, Leon “Stoney” Whitney Stone; daughter, Jackie Stone; son, David Stone; greatgranddaughter, Elayden Boyette; and siblings, Jeanette Patterson and Leroy Woodlief.

Reba was a long-time dedicated member of the First Baptist Church of Wallace, where she served as Deacon, Sunday School teacher and sang in the Sonshine Choir.

Surviving to cherish her memory are her children, Michael J. Stone of Rose Hill, Robin E. Stone and Lisa S. Buie and husband Dennis, all of Wallace; grandchildren, Jason Stone, Amanda Stone, Dale Stone, Kelly Stone, Whitney Boyette and Alex Boyette; great-grandchildren, Ethan Stone, Mason Stone, Caleb Salinas, Jordan Boyette, Kate Foley, and Lilith Boyette; sister, Linda Hadden of Alabama; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends that loved Reba dearly. Reba was a loving mother and caring grandmother, sister and friend. She enjoyed the simplest things in life, but her greatest joy was her family. Reba loved flowers, crafts and walking when her health permitted. Being a people person, she never met a stranger. Reba was a woman of great integrity, beauty and grace; “an instrument of God’s love on this earth.” She was a friend to all, a strong yet gentle loving presence to those who were blessed to know her. Reba will surely be missed but treasured memories of her will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Memorial service was held on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, at First Baptist Church of Wallace. The family received friends following the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be sent to First Baptist Church of Wallace.

Edna Grace Wilson

Oct. 23, 1947 – Dec. 1, 2024

Edna Grace Wilson, 77, of Turkey, answered the Master’s call on Dec. 1, 2024 and entered into eternal rest while at home. Funeral service was scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024 at Wilson Chapel Missionary Baptist Church of Turkey. Visitation was held one hour prior to the service. Interment immediately followed in the Wilson Chapel Church Cemetery.

William J. Whitfield

Jan. 4, 1970 – Nov. 29, 2024

William Jackson Whitfield, resident of the Pricetown community, Mount Olive, passed away Friday afternoon, Nov. 29, 2024, after a sudden onset of a fatal illness. He was 54.

William had been a painter, had sold produce, and used his skills as a taxidermist. He enjoyed karaoke performances with Willamena being his stage name. Hunting and fishing were also favorite hobbies.

He was preceded in death by his father, Harold W. Whitfield; and an infant grandson, Zachary Tucker.

William leaves behind his wife, Wendy Sullivan Whitfield; his mother, Muriel Williamson Whitfield of Mount Olive; six children, Amber Denise McCloud of Dudley, William J. Whitfield Jr. of Dudley, Jamie Lynn Tucker and husband, Anthony Joseph “A.J.” Tucker, of Dudley, Kristian Leigh “Cricket” Whitfield of Mount Olive, Jessica Mabel Whitfield of Dudley, and Dylan James Whitfield of Mount Olive; grandchildren, Jonathan Bartlett, Alllison McCloud, Jocelyn McCloud, Blake McCloud, Daisy Whitfield, Noah Whitfield, Nathan Whitfield, Melody Whitfield, Gracie Tucker, Hunter Tucker, Caleb Tucker, and Connor Tucker; his siblings, Peggy Dean Hines and husband, James, of Mount Olive, Harold Gregory “Greg” Whitfield and wife, of the Philippines, Gary Woodard Whitfield and wife, Betty, of Beulaville, Owen Whitfield of New York, and Joyce W. Barnes and husband, Tim, of Mount Airy; many nieces and nephews. Funeral services were conducted Wednesday, Dec. 4, at Tyndall Funeral Home in Mount Olive. Officiating was the Rev. Mrs. Dolores Summerlin. Burial followed in the Williams Family Cemetery at Grant’s Chapel Church. The family received friends on Wednesday at the funeral home during the hour before the funeral. At other times, they welcomed friends to the home of Amber McCloud, 107 Cave’s Cove Place, Dudley. William would always announce his entrance with his favorite phrase, “Willamena is in the house.”

Flowers are welcome, or memorials may be directed to Jones’ Grove First Pentecostal Holiness Church, Mount Olive. More

A funeral service was held Thursday, Dec. 5, by the graveside at the Barwick Cemetery on Billy Price Road, Seven Springs. Officiating was Pastor Gerald Fowler.

Angela Fay Williams

Dec. 14, 1964 – Nov. 29, 2024

Angela Fay Williams, 59, of Warsaw, released all of her cares to the will of God and entered into her eternal rest on Nov. 29, 2024 while at home. Funeral service was scheduled for Friday, Dec. 6, 2024 at Big Zion AME Zion Church of Kenansville. Visitation was held one hour prior to the service. Interment followed in the Williams Cemetery of Kenansville.

George Nelson Tripp

Mitchell “Mickey” Duwayne Rivenbark

May 17, 1944 – Dec. 3, 2024

Mitchell “Mickey” Duwaye Rivenbark, 80, of Wallace passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on May 17, 1944, in Pender County, the son of the late Eugene and Daisy Bowen Rivenbark. Mickey was also preceded in death by his sister, Eloise Wood; and brothers, Harrison Rivenbark, Alfred Lee Rivenbark, Warren G. Rivenbark and Gene Rivenbark; and motherin-law, Doris Teachey.

Mickey proudly served his country in the United States Army and attended United Christian Fellowship Church.

Surviving to cherish his memory is his best friend and devoted wife of 58 years, Tama Teachey Rivenbark; his son, Bruce Rivenbark and wife Jennifer of Jacksonville; his grandchildren and the apples of his eye, Jacob Rivenbark, Brody Rivenbark and Emma Rivenbark; brother, Jack Rivenbark and wife Lois of Wallace; sister, Marshalean R. Blanton and husband James of Wallace; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends that loved Mickey dearly.

Mickey was a great husband and caring father, grandfather and brother. He was a family man whose main priority was to take good care of Tama. Being a proud father and grandfather, Mickey cherished the times he spent with Bruce, Jennifer and the children. Mickey loved vehicles and was an avid auto repairman. Along with his obsession with having an immaculate clean car, he was an expert in repairing vehicles. Mickey was employed with Minchew Motors as service manager for many years. He later taught auto mechanics for 12 years at East Columbus High School, Pender County High School and Wallace-Rose Hill High School and was owner/ operator of Mickey’s Alignment for many years. Mickey loved the mountains and especially enjoyed the yearly trips with his siblings. Mickey was a people’s person and never met a stranger. To know him was to love him. Mickey will surely be missed and treasured memories of him will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Funeral service was held on Saturday, Dec.7, 2024, at QuinnMcGowen Funeral Home Wallace Chapel with the Reverend Edward “Buddy” Dowd officiating.

The family received friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Burial followed the service at Riverview Memorial Park, Watha.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you give donations to the charity of your choice in memory of Mickey.

Annie Dail Lanier

Nov. 9, 1930 – Dec. 4, 2024

Anne Dail Lanier, 94, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, at her home. She is preceded in death by her husband, Leon N. Lanier, and a son, James Daniel “JD” Lanier.

Funeral service was held on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, with visitation one hour prior to the service, at Community Funeral Home, Beulaville.

Burial was at Dail Cemetery, Quince Dail Road, Chinquapin.

Survivors include: daughters, Sue Lanier (Gerald) of Chinquapin, Kay Andrews (Johnny) of Palmer, Alaska; grandchildren, Richard Lanier (Heather), David Lanier (Angie), Melissa Andrews and Marisol Hamilton (Kent); greatgrandchildren, Rylie Lanier, Tyler Lanier, Noah Lanier, Kassandra Hamilton and Sydney Carter (Paul).

Linda Clifton Batts

July 18, 1947 – Dec. 5, 2024

Linda Clifton Batts, 77, of Warsaw passed away Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024 at Select Specialty Hospital of Durham Regional Hospital. Linda was born in Wayne County July 18, 1947 to the late Wilbur Clifton and Inez Andrews Clifton.

Funeral services were held Monday, Dec. 9, 2024 at the Warsaw Baptist Church. A visitation was held one hour prior to the service at the church. Entombment followed the services at Devotional Gardens.

Linda leaves to cherish her memory, son, Derek Batts and wife Ashley of Apex; grandchildren, Caitlin Edwards, Colby Trantham and Lexi Trantham; brother, Wilbur Clifton and wife Elaine of Pennsylvania. In addition to her parents, Linda was preceded in death by husband, Bobby Batts, and daughter, Daryn Batts Edwards. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Warsaw Baptist Church, 209 East College St., Warsaw, NC 28398.

Four County EMC’s Community Solar Project officially opens

Brent Davis reappointed chair, and Reginald Kenan is vice chairman

Duplin Journal Staff

GARLAND — Four County Electric Membership Corporation held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its Community Solar Project Dec. 6 in Garland. Kenneth Thornton, vice president of Four County’s board of directors, delivered remarks at the ribbon-cutting. Other members of the board of directors on hand included Carlton Raynor, East Duplin District; Mary McGill Rose, East Sampson District; and director at large, Clayton Hollingsworth.

“We recognized a need among our members for a solar option — one that could serve those who are unable to install solar on their own roofs due to shading, property ownership limitations,

or other circumstances,” Thornton stated at the event. “With the support of the North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation (NCEMC), Cape Fear Solar Systems of Wilmington, and the USDA Rural Development team through their REAP Grant, our community solar garden became a reality. Today, we are proud to offer a solar solution that meets the diverse needs of our community while reinforcing our commitment to innovation and sustainability.”

The Community Solar Project offers businesses and residents the opportunity to subscribe to solar energy shares, allowing access to clean energy without requiring onsite solar infrastructure.

The ceremony also included remarks from Jim Musilek, vice president of innovation and business development at North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation (NCEMC); Rob-

ert Parker, chief operating officer of Cape Fear Solar Systems; and Robert E. Kerns, public information officer at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

“The investment made by North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation will pay dividends almost immediately,” said Kerns. “The objective of the USDA Rural Develop-

ment REAP Program is to provide guaranteed loan and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements.”

With programs like the Community Solar Garden, Four County EMC continues its mission to deliver safe, reliable and affordable energy solutions while improving the quality of life for its members.

“We were thrilled to unveil this innovative Community Solar Garden and mark a significant milestone in advancing clean energy for our community,” said Don Gatton, chief executive officer of Four County EMC. “This initiative showcases our dedication to energy innovation and sustainability.”

For more information about the Community Solar Project, visit fourcty.org/energy-efficiency/community-solar.

The Rose Hill Christmas Parade took a multicultural turn with this float featuring folks in traditional Latin American attire.

Above: Anne Michael Johnson, Baby Miss Carolina Strawberry 2024, rode in the Rose Hill Christmas Parade Saturday evening. Right: Cub Scouts from Troop 32 kicked off the 2024 Rose Hill Christmas Parade Saturday night, presenting the nation’s colors and handing out candy to spectators.

PHOTOS BY ABBY CAVENAUGH / DUPLIN JOURNAL

No Rose Hill event is complete without the North Carolina Poultry Jubilee queens, and the Christmas by the Tracks event on Dec. 7 was no different. The queens rode in a float during the parade at sunset.

COURTESY FOUR COUNTY EMC

A ribbon-cutting ceremony for Four County Electric Membership Corporation’s Community Solar Project was held on Friday in Garland. Left to right: Robert E. Kerns, Jim Musilek, Robert Parker, Don Gatton, Kenneth Thornton, Clayton Hollingsworth, Carlton Raynor and Mary McGill Rose.