Duplin Journal Vol. 9, Issue 20 by North State Journal

Duplin Journal

‘The Singing Senator’ documentary coming to PBS

“I hope people will say, ‘Wow, here’s a person who’s still trying to create a positive in uence on the world, even at 92 years of age.’”

Denver Hollingsworth, lmmaker

Free screening/ Q&A with Charlie Albertson set for July 17 at EDHS

By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal

PROLIFIC DUPLIN County singer/songwriter/senator

Charlie Albertson is the subject of a new documentary short lm that will premiere July 25 on PBS North Carolina.

Denver Hollingsworth, who lives in Wilmington but grew

the BRIEF this week

Rural Family Medicine Residency Program graduates rst cohort, brings physicians to Duplin

Duplin County

ECU Health and Brody School of Medicine recently announced the rst graduates of their Rural Family Medicine Residency Program. The special milestone highlights graduates who trained speci cally to provide family medicine care in rural communities. Among the graduates is Dr. Jim Jaralene Porquez, who will start a new family medicine outpatient practice at the ECU Health Multispecialty Clinic in Kenansville. Porquez will provide hospitalist coverage at ECU Health Duplin Hospital.

The new Rural Family Medicine Residency Program class will bring three new resident physicians who will train in Duplin County. They are Dr. Andrew ManchenoRubio, Dr. Shelley Matthews and Dr. Jaya Purathur.

DJS

Cabin Lake rate increases are now e ective

Pink Hill

Cabin Lake announced rate increases went into e ect July 1. Previous reservations will not be a ected by the rate changes. Cabin Lake o cials remind the public that July 13 is customers appreciation day and admission will be free for all customers.

DJS Free app helps consumers detect PFAS

Countrywide

Two nonpro ts have released a free app/browser extension to help consumers identify PFAS and other toxic ingredients in everyday products. The app, named Clearya, is available in Apple and Google Play stores and allows consumers to make informed decisions. Consumers can analyze labels by taking a photo of the product’s ingredients. The app displays information and warnings about substances that may pose a health risk based on publicly available chemical hazard lists and databases.

DJS

Summer Feeding Program

Duplin County Duplin County Schools announced the start of its Summer Feeding Program at all Duplin County School sites excluding Warsaw Elementary, North Duplin Elementary and Chinquapin Elementary.

DJS

up in the Pin Hook community, has been friends with the former state senator for a number of years, and decided Albertson would be a fascinating subject for a documentary lm.

“I’ve been doing lmmaking o and on for most of my life,” Hollingsworth told Duplin Journal. “About two years ago, I came up with the idea of a documentary about Charlie Albertson and his life.”

There’s a 60-year age difference between Albertson and Hollingsworth, but the

two meet for lunch at least once a week, Hollingsworth said. “He’s always telling me stories, and they’re always so interesting,” he added.

Albertson is a Beulaville native who has been a country music singer and songwriter, once performing at the Grand Ole Opry, a U.S. serviceman, and a state senator, serving Duplin, Harnett and Sampson counties from 1993-2010. He’s played music with country legends Loretta Lynn and

See DOCUMENTARY, page 3

School board updates graduation requirements

The three-year accelerated graduate program is open to rising freshmen

By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal

KENANSVILLE — Two policy updates were approved at the July 2 meeting of the Duplin County Board of Education that change graduation and promotion requirements for high school students and eighth graders.

Erica Jones, director of CTE/9-13 curriculum, made a presentation to the board, lling them in on all the changes for upcoming school years.

“The rst thing we’re going to be looking at are the new promotion requirements that are tied to our career devel-

“(House Bill 259) also required that we develop a sequence of courses and outline a process that we must make students aware of, where we allow them to graduate in a three-year period of time if they desire to.”

Erica Jones, DCS director of CTE/9-13 curriculum

opment plan,” she explained. “Senate Bill 193, which passed in March, requires that all middle and high school students have to have a career development plan within 90 days in order to be promoted

from eighth grade to ninth grade. And then we have to revise that plan to be promoted from 10th grade to 11th grade.”

She added that this wasn’t a huge change for Duplin County Schools, since most students already have career development plans in the eighth grade. The school system will use a software system that parents will have access to, she added.

House Bill 259, another recently passed piece of legislation, states that local boards cannot require any additional credits beyond those mandated by the state Board of Education for high school graduation. “It also required that we develop a sequence of courses and outline a process that we

See REQUIREMENTS, page 5

Man sentenced to 32 years in prison for 2020 Beulaville shooting murder

The homicide took place in Beulaville, however none of the parties were from Duplin County

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

ACCORDING TO the o ce of District Attorney Ernie Lee, last week Antonio Murphy, 29, pled guilty to the murder of 21-yearold Michael Deangelo Bryant Jr., along with various charges stemming from the events that transpired in Beulaville the night of Feb. 6, 2020. The Beulaville Police Department responded to a shooting at approximately 8:30 p.m. at the parking lot of a McDonald’s located on West Main Street in

“This was an e ort made by all those involved to help remove this violent o ender from our community and seek justice for the victim’s family.”

District Attorney Ernie Lee

Beulaville and called the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation for help with the homicide. According to the DA, the SBI investigation revealed that Murphy, Bryant and 19-year-old Randy Anthony Rolla Jr., none of

whom were from Duplin or knew each other, agreed to meet in Beulaville for a transaction.

When Bryant and Rolla arrived, Murphy and another individual got in the back seat of the car where the two victims were sitting and attempted to rob them at gunpoint. When Bryant reached for his gun, the two individuals in the back seat opened re, striking Bryant and Rolla.

According to the DA, the assailants ran to a separate vehicle driven by a third person and ed from the scene.

Bryant and Rolla were transported by EMS to the hospital in Kenansville, where Bryant was treated for a gunshot wound to the back which fractured his shoulder blade. Rolla su ered a gunshot wound to the head and a second to the tor-

Duplin under moderate drought

Department of Emergency Management o cials advise residents to be cautious and monitor weather conditions

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

T HE NORTH Carolina

Drought Management Advisory Council last week issued a drought advisory showing Duplin County as one of 69 counties under moderate drought conditions.

According to Matthew Barwick, Department of Emergency Management director, despite the recent rainfall it is important for people to monitor the weather and remain vigilant when conducting outdoor activities.

“Residents should be aware constantly of hazardous conditions that can contribute to re spread, but especially during times of drought,” said Barwick, adding that while open burning is a particularly useful tool for natural debris clearing and soil conditioning, it can be dangerous and should not be taken lightly.

“Conditions such as low relative humidity, high or gusting winds, and high ambient temperatures alone create a recipe for disaster,” Barwick said. “When these types of conditions intermingle with drought, we have the potential for seemingly harmless and controlled res that can quickly become uncontrolled peril, causing damage to property and endangering lives.”

Barwick recommends people

See DROUGHT, page 3

so. Due to the extent of his injuries, he was transported to ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville (formerly known as Vidant Hospital), where he was pronounced dead.

“The NC SBI worked diligently during the investigation to determine the identity of the suspects. Evidence obtained tied the defendant to the homicide. This evidence included forensic evidence, video surveillance footage, phone records, social media records and internet browser records. The FBI Cellular Analysis Survey Team assisted the investigation and prosecution,” wrote the DA in a news release, highlighting FBI Special Agent Harrison Putman for obtaining Mur-

See MURDER , page 3

ABBY CAVENAUGH / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Erica Jones, Duplin County Schools director of CTE/9-13 curriculum, updates the Board of Education on new graduation requirements during the monthly meeting on July 2.

THURSDAY

7.11.24 WEEKLY FORECAST

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Duplin Journal www.duplinjournal.com

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Neal Robbins, Publisher publisher@northstatejournal.com

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

JULY 12

Visit the Thelma Dingus Bryant Library located at 409 W. Main St., in Wallace on July 12, at 10 a.m., and enjoy a visit from the Ft. Fisher Aquarium. For more information, call 910285-3796.

The Duplin County Library presents Mad Science Dinosaur Excavation at 601 E. Main St., Beulaville on July 12, at 3 and 4 p.m. Only 25 spots per excavation experience.

JULY 17

The Thelma Dingus Bryant Library located at 409 W. Main St., in Wallace will have a visit from Paw Patrol on July 17, at 10 a.m. For more information, call 910-285-3796.

JULY 19

Visit the Charity Rebuild Center located at 1333 W. Charity Rd. in Rose Hill on July 19 at 11 a.m. for a visit from the Luau Company.

JULY 25

Mt. Calvary Center for

JULY 2

William Duoronza Artis, 51, was arrested by Duplin County Sheriff’s Office for misdemeanor larceny, possessing drug paraphernalia, and financial card fraud. He is on a $23,333 bond.

Adam Stamper Jones, 35, was arrested by DCSO for possessing a stolen motor vehicle and obtaining property by false pretense. He is on a $20,000 bond.

Brennen Josiah Guerrier, 27, was arrested by the DCSO for statutory rape of a child by an adult and statutory sex offense with a child by an adult. He is on a $2 million bond.

JULY 3

Journal

Veronica Monique Moss, 39, was arrested by DCSO for driving while impaired and

MARRIAGE LICENSES ISSUED IN

Anita Marie Savage, Register of Deeds issued 26 marriage licenses in June. They are as follows:

Paul Henry Dail, Kenansville, and Stephanie Anne Mcdaniel, Kenansville;

Tanya Nicole Radford, Pink Hill, and Daniel Josiah Benton, Trenton; Logan Brey Kissner, Teachey, and Makenzie Jade Williams, Teachey; Nathan Joseph Casteen, Rose Hill, and Sydney Marie Wheeless, Rose Hill; Jennifer Kelley Finch, Wilmington, and Anne

DUPLIN CALENDAR

SPONSORED BY

Leadership Development and Novant Health will host a six-week intensive program to help participants learn how to get control of their diabetes. The program will meet every Thursday at 6 p.m. from July 25 through Aug. 29 at MCCLD Wallace Center414 N. Norwood St., in Wallace. The program will be facilitated by Lisa Robinson and Diane Brown. The event is free. Visit mcleadership.org to register online or call 910-665-1352.

Visit the Thelma Dingus Bryant Library located at 409 W. Main St., in Wallace on July 25, at 10 a.m., and join them for a visit from Fresh Start Rescue. For more information, call 910285-3796.

JULY 26

Tracy Byrd is coming to Duplin Events Center on Friday, July 26 at 6:30 p.m., with special

reckless driving with wanton disregard, speeding and other related charges. She is on a $28,000 bond.

David Bradley White, 43, was arrested by DCSO for injury to personal property. He is on a $750 bond.

Nicholas Austin Garner, 28, was arrested by DCSO for felony possession of Schedule II controlled substance, possessing drug paraphernalia, and felony probation violation. He is on a $42,000 bond.

Ceclia Osik, 32, was arrested by DCSO for resisting a public officer and misuse of the 911 system and resisting a public officer. She is on a $638 bond.

JULY 5

Tremaine Donte Washington, 25, was arrested by DCSO for negligent child abuse

DUPLIN COUNTY

Britton Gentry, Garland; Juan Carols Funes Martinez, Teachey, and Agustina Marisela Pagoada Ruiz, Teachey; Katelyn Alana Gray, Kinston, and Samuel Aaron Meeks, Kinston; Sharonna Van Robinson, Wallace, and Norman Fairey Hall Jr, Wallace; Nathan Ashley Horne, Richlands, and Laken Elizabeth Jones, Kinston; Jonathan Adam Lopez, Warsaw, and Karnise Caree Middlebrooks Collins, Warsaw;

Iris Senayda Oliva Hernandez, Magnolia, and German Antonio Leiva, Magnolia; Mario Juvini Gomez Medina, Wallace, and Sandra Ivette Vasquez Matamoros, Wallace; Joseph Allen Culp, Beulaville, and Regina Ann Strader Welty, Beulaville; Wanda Sue Heath Vela, Pink Hill, and Alfredo Vela, Pink Hill; David Orlando Garcia, Wallace, and Laura Elizabeth Arteaga, Wallace; Luis Castillo Baez, Mount

guests Eli Winders and Paige King Johnson. Call Duplin Events Center at 910-275-0009 for more information.

The Summer Reading Program presents Scottish Society on Friday, July 26 at 11 a.m., at the Ed Emory Auditorium, located at 165 Agriculture Drive, Kenansville.

JULY 31

Enjoy a visit from Minnie Mouse at the Thelma Dingus Bryant Library located at 409 W. Main St., in Wallace on July 31, at 10 a.m. For more information, call 910-285-3796.

AUG. 2

The Summer Reading Program presents Down to Earth Aerials on Friday, Aug. 2 at 11 a.m., at the Ed Emory Auditorium, located at 165 Agriculture Drive, Kenansville.

AUG. 3

BackStreet Festival will be held on Saturday, Aug. 3 at 208 SW Railroad St., Wallace. Festivities will kick off at 10 a.m. and will feature live music, dance groups, a barbecue cook off, arts and crafts, a bike show and lots of vendors. Visit backstreetfestival. wordpress.com for more information or call 910-616-7173.

HAPPENING MONTHLY

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

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

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

with serious bodily injury and felony possession of Schedule II controlled substance and possessing drug paraphernalia. He is on a $70,000 bond.

JULY 7

Tyler L. Medcalf, 28, was arrested by DCSO for making a harassing phone call and second-degree trespass. He is on a $1,500 bond.

JULY 8

Jorge Maravilla Alfaro, 22, was arrested by DCSO for felony probation violation, felony probation violation out of county, felony possession of Schedule II controlled substance and possessing drug paraphernalia. He is on a $75,000 bond.

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.

Olive, and Maria Mercedes Flores Reyes, Mount Olive; Betsy Lee Lloyd, Faison, and William James Knowles Jr, Kenansville; Karla Paola Mendosa Martinez, Magnolia, and Brian Armando Marquez, Warsaw; Stephanie Ann Clarke, La Grange, and Martin Lyndell Houston, La Grange; Danelle Paula Moore Smith, Pink Hill, and Steven James Turner, PINK HILL; Ignacio Bautista, Beulaville, Silvia Perez Vargas, Beulaville;

Roberto Perez Vasquez, Faison, and Lucy Maribel Perez Perez, Faison; Junette Odessa Lewis, Beulaville, and Jerry Norman Jr, Angier; Stanley Joe Ennis, Pink Hill, and Pamela Smith Grady, Pink Hill; Waldir Bladimir Portillo Martinez, Albertson, and Tirza Rebeca Hernandez Hernandez, Albertson; Huberday Verdugo Ortiz, Dudley, and Cleysi Yuliana Jimenez Enrique, Dudley.

CRIME LOG

WEDNESDAY JULY 17

Charlie Pride, and was one of the longest-serving members of the North Carolina Senate.

“We were sitting down one day and I just told him, ‘Wow, these are amazing stories. You should tell people these stories,’” Hollingsworth said, adding that Albertson’s life “covers an incredible span of history.”

“He was born in 1932 and had several brothers pass away in World War II,” he said. “Then in the Senate, he became part of politics at an interesting time. There was the hog farm moratorium, legalizing the lottery, all of that happened during his time in the Senate. It’s interesting to hear his perspective on those events.”

Albertson, despite all of his amazing experiences, remains humble about all the attention. “It was something I wasn’t expecting,” he said of the documentary. “I had no idea they’d want anything to do with my stories.”

“He’s very humble,” Hollingsworth said. “When I brought up the documentary idea, he said, ‘I don’t think anyone will be interested in that.’ He’s been pleasantly surprised that PBS picked it up, and they’ve done a lot of marketing for it.”

Albertson admitted he’s had a lot of experiences.”

“I think during my time in the service and touring, seeing the rest of the world, and people with di erent customs, it really opened my eyes,” he said. “Serving in politics was also a great honor.”

Hollingsworth said he feels the documentary is a validation for all Albertson has experienced during his 92 years.

“One of the most fascinating things to me is that he is still writing and recording songs,” Hollingsworth said. “He’s still doing music videos. A lot of people at 92 years old may want to close the book and relax a little, but not Charlie Albertson.”

The documentary is 30 minutes long and covers key aspects of Albertson’s life while also following him as he writes and records a new song.

“I speci cally kept it short so it would be good for PBS,” Hollingsworth said.

Following the July 25 premiere of “The Singing Senator,” viewers nationwide can stream the lm online at video.pbsnc. org or on the PBS App. The PBS App is free and available on iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, Samsung Smart TV, Roku and more.

Hollingsworth will also host a free screening and Q&A with Albertson at the East Duplin High School Fine Arts Building on Wednesday, July 17 at 7 p.m.

MURDER from page 1

phy’s cell phone records, which placed him in Beulaville around the time of the homicide. “This was a challenging prosecution requiring a signi cant amount of time to prepare, meet with witnesses, review lab reports and social media records.”

The DA thanked everyone who collaborated on the case, from investigation to prosecution, and he acknowledged the arduous work and countless hours that are involved in preparing a case for a successful prosecution.

“This was an e ort made by

Top, Charlie Albertson of Beulaville might be best known for his time in the N.C. Senate, but he also built a country music career, performing at the Grand Ole Opry and with big names in the 1970s like Loretta Lynn and Charlie Pride. Albertson served in the state Senate from 1993-2010, representing Duplin County, as well as Sampson and Harnett counties. Above, “The Singing Senator,” a documentary about the life of Charlie Albertson, will air on PBS on July 25.

A preview for the documentary can be viewed at video.pbsnc. org/video/preview-the-singing-senator-3rcdmb/. When asked what he hopes people get out of the documen-

all those involved to help remove this violent o ender from our community and seek justice for the victim’s family,” wrote the DA, concluding that his ofce hopes the guilty plea will provide some degree of closure to the victim’s family.

Murphy pled guilty to second-degree murder, attempted armed robbery, possession of a rearm by a felon and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill in icting serious injury on June 27 in Duplin County Superior Court. He was sentenced to a minimum of 25 and a maximum of 32 years in prison.

tary, the ever humble Albertson said, “I don’t really know, quite frankly.”

Hollingsworth, on the other hand, stated, “I’m most hoping people will get his persever-

DROUGHT from page 1

to monitor current weather conditions and local laws in place before initiating any burning activities.

“Ground fuels can exist anywhere but more speci cally this describes fuels that we cannot see that can contribute to re spread days later. These fuels can include peet, du , and tree roots near wooded areas,” said Barwick.

“Though we have received some measurable rainfall, that does not always mean fuels underneath the top layer have received any of this moisture.

ance, his ambition and his hope for change. I hope people will say, ‘Wow, here’s a person who’s still trying to create a positive in uence on the world, even at 92 years of age.’”

Even if you have received measurable rainfall in the previous days before you intend to burn, complacency can be dangerous. When managing re, vigilance is key.” Barwick shared that heat-related emergencies have increased since the beginning of this year.

“Most of the patients that our EMS system is activated for, are related to this extreme heat,” said Barwick, explaining that most of the calls have been related to overexertion and people being outdoors for extended periods of time without hydrating properly.

The NC DMV is also now charging processing fees for all credit and debit card transactions

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

R ATE INCREASES announced by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicle went into e ect last week, with the most signi cant increases in the cost of regular and commercial driver licenses, driver improvement clinic and restoration fees.

The cost of a regular driver license is now $32.50 for a ve-year license and $52 for an eight-year license. Learner’s permits and provisional licenses increased $4, now costing $25.50. Duplicate licenses can be obtained now for $16. Fees also increased for commercial driver licenses. The cost of an application for a CDL increased $8.25, now costing $51.50. A class A, B or C CDL, which is valid for ve years, now costs $127. The annual CDL endorsements went up between $2.50 to $3.75. Other fees such as driver improvement clinics and DL restoration went up as well with driver improvement clinics going from $70 to $83.50. The fee for a non-alcohol related DL restoration is $83.50 and $167.25 for alcohol-related restorations.

The annual fee for regular private passenger vehicle registrations is now $46.25. A title application now costs $66.75. Registrations for commercial vehicles, motorcycles, for hire vehicles, house trailers, lowspeed vehicles and electric vehicle fees are among others that saw an increase. Additionally, as of the beginning of this month the NC DMV is charging a processing fee on all transactions paid for with a credit or debit card. The fee for in-person transactions is 1.22%, online transactions are 1.85% and self-service kiosk transactions are 2%. According to the NC DMV, the new fees are part of an adjustment required by law every four years. The adjustment is based on the percentage change in the annual Consumer Price Index. Visit ncdot.gov for a complete list of fee changes.

“During this part of summer even with e cient hydration, our extreme heat and humidity is just too much. If you must be outdoors during times of extreme heat, do so in short periods with rest breaks. Outdoor chores are best in the early mornings and late evenings. Lastly, hydration is key — if you feel thirsty, you’re already dehydrated.”

More information about local burning laws can be found on the Duplin County Emergency Management website at duplincountync.com/ re-emergencymanagement.

Wallace, NC 28466

PHOTOS COURTESY CHARLIE ALBERTSON AND DENVER HOLLINGSWORTH

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

A tale of two debates

One possible result of the Biden debate debacle could be 12 years of Republican popular vote victories and presidencies.

THE DEBATE FEATURED “an extraordinarily aggressive, top-to-bottom attack,” Politico wrote. “Over and over,” one candidate’s “tactic of choice was a gut-level punch.” An “alpha-male display,” Britain’s left-wing Guardian headlined. The dominant candidate’s style, CNN agreed, was “put your head down, charge forward, and don’t stop.”

No, those were not comments about the earliest-in-history presidential debate. They were analyses made nearly 12 years ago after the Oct. 2012 vice presidential debate between Paul Ryan and his much more aggressive opponent, Joe Biden.

Biden was then the incumbent vice president, determined to o set former President Barack Obama’s indolent performance against Mitt Romney in the campaign’s rst presidential debate eight days before. His forceful, often mocking approach obscured his frequent misstatements and factual errors, but he reversed the Democratic ticket’s downward plunge in the polls.

The contrast between Biden’s 2012 and 2024 performances is glaring and a reminder of the ravages of age. But the two debates may also turn out to represent a turning point in the politics of, and the balance between, the two parties.

Going into the 2012 debate, Ryan at age 42 looked to me like the future of Republican politics.

As House budget chairman, he had gotten his colleagues to back his package of tax cuts and entitlement reforms while looking favorably on free trade and legalization of worthy illegal immigrants.

But the bombast and ridicule Biden in icted on Ryan in the 2012 debate was a foretaste of the bombast and ridicule former President Donald Trump in icted on multiple rivals in presidential primary

COLUMN | SUSAN ESTRICH

Blind loyalty

Are rank-andle Democrats — we who feel powerless — the only ones to see that?

CALIFORNIA GOV. GAVIN NEWSOM says he has President Joe Biden’s back. It’s almost enough for me to take him o my list of possible successors to the incumbent president.

Having Biden’s back is not a matter of loyalty.

Biden has been a ne president. He inherited a country in crisis, roiled by the pandemic, and righted the ship of state. The economy recovered. We beat back the pandemic. Important bipartisan bills were passed, including the infrastructure bill and major legislation on climate change. We would have passed immigration reform, with bipartisan support, if Donald Trump hadn’t scuttled the e ort by calling on his Republican friends to abandon the bill to save him an issue to campaign on. He led the Democratic Party to a surprisingly successful midterm election. He would go down in history as a very successful president if he doesn’t go down, as seems increasingly likely, as a sel sh leader who stayed too long and endangered our democracy as much as the man he is running against. We’ve been to that movie. Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The Trump court. Make no mistake, if he doesn’t step aside, that will be his legacy.

The polls say that as many as 78% of the American people don’t want him to run

debates in 2015 and ‘16 — and which he in icted on the (to many voters) surprisingly inert Biden last week.

As speaker of the House for 38 months from Oct. 2015, Ryan helped shape and pass Trump’s 2017 tax cuts. But from the time he came down the Trump Tower escalator, Trump repudiated Ryan’s stands on entitlements, trade and immigration. By now, almost all Republican o ceholders have followed his lead.

Meanwhile, under Biden, Democrats moved sharply left on key issues, with an open borders policy, vast spending increases (on top of Trump’s) sparking rst-time-infour-decades in ation, and ninth-month abortions. Trump hit Biden hard on such leftward lunges last week.

Will the 2024 debate in which Biden got shellshocked have a politics-altering e ect like that of the 2012 debate in which he administered the shellshocking?

Of course we don’t yet know the fallout of this year’s debate. Thoughtful liberals like polling analyst Nate Silver, issues advocate Ezra Klein, and the gifted reporter Joe Klein are pleading that Biden withdraw and Democrats nominate someone stronger than his handpicked vice president, Kamala Harris.

But Democratic politicians have, as the younger Klein writes, a “collective action” problem: Retribution awaits the rst dissenters from the public Biden-shouldstay consensus. And as shown in Biden’s 36 years of commuting from the Senate home to Delaware and his nearly 300 days there as president (according to CBS’s Mark Knoller), he’s never been close to Washington insiders. He has relied instead largely on family members, all of whom are reportedly strongly against withdrawal.

It’s still possible he could win. Silver gives

again. They aren’t kidding. And I’m not kidding when I wonder if those who do are only looking for a candidate so thoroughly discredited that he’s the only one Trump could beat.

We all know what we saw on television. It was not just an o night. It was a man who had no business being on that stage.

Dear Gavin: Who are you being loyal to?

How about being loyal to the future of our democracy? Biden himself has recognized that’s what is at stake in this election. It is. And Biden is the one who is threatening to take it down because of his stubborn determination to hold onto power past his time. He has clearly emerged as the Democrat least likely to defeat Trump.

Are rank-andle Democrats — we who feel powerless — the only ones to see that? It can’t be. Where is Biden’s inner circle? Where are the so-called leaders of the Democratic Party? Are they telling him what he needs to hear or what he wants to hear?

The New York Times has reported that Biden met with his family to seek their advice. The family, it is reported, urged him to stay in the race. Hunter was particularly strong. How terrifying. The Biden with the demonstrably worst judgment in the family, a convicted felon and an object of ridicule — is this who Biden is listening to?

Or are we only being told this by an insider who is afraid to speak out publicly about why Biden should step aside so they are telling us who he is listening to instead? It hardly helps Biden. It makes him look weaker, not stronger.

I understand blind public loyalty. I’ve

that a 31% likelihood, just above the 29% he gave Trump of winning going into the 2016 election. Things that likely tend to happen about one-third of the time.

But two-thirds of the time they don’t. Trump was ahead going into the debate, initial polling suggests his lead has grown since, and he seems to have signi cant leads in states (including Nevada, Arizona and Georgia, which he lost in 2020) with 268 electoral votes, two short of a majority. Add Pennsylvania or Michigan or Wisconsin or Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District and he’s president again. And probably with a Republican House and Republican Senate. Democrats looking back on the last three decades brag that they’ve won ve of the last eight presidential elections and have carried the popular vote in seven. A Trump presidency, if it were as successful with voters as the pre-COVID rst Trump term was, could be followed by a second and possibly two-term Republican presidency.

Possible Trump VP nominees Sens. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) or Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), or Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.), whom he shoved aside this year, look to me at least as gifted at politics and policy as any Democrat I’ve seen mentioned as national nominees.

So one possible result of the Biden debate debacle could be 12 years of Republican popular vote victories and presidencies, something achieved only once since 1952, in Ronald Reagan’s 1980s. That would represent success for the Republican politics of Trump and would surely, sooner or later, prompt a rethink of the Democratic politics of Biden.

Is that too much to extrapolate from a single debate? Probably. But it would be poetic justice if the devastation Biden in icted on Ryan’s ideas were in icted in turn by Trump on Biden’s.

Michael Barone is a senior political analyst for the Washington Examiner, resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and longtime co-author of The Almanac of American Politics.

been there and done that. It is misplaced. Politics is too important for personal loyalty at the expense of country. The reason the party rallied around Biden in the rst place — when some of those who knew him best must have seen up close what had happened to him over the course of four years, must have seen the decline we all witnessed in Atlanta — was clearly because of the conventional wisdom that challenging an incumbent president would only weaken him in the general election. That was, on the face of things, the lesson of the 1980 election, when Ted Kennedy challenged Jimmy Carter, who used the power of the presidency adroitly to defeat him and then lost to Ronald Reagan. But that’s just plain wrong. I was there, too. The reason Kennedy ran in the rst place was because he was convinced, rightly, that Carter could not defeat Reagan. Could Kennedy have done better? He could not have done worse. It would have been better if someone had taken on Biden. We would have seen him on a debate stage earlier than we did. Every delegate to the convention would not have been pledged to Biden. We would have a stronger candidate right now. But it is not too late. Rank-andle Democrats may not be able to do much, but Democratic leaders and donors can make their voices heard. This is a cause that demands courage. Biden needs not only to hear it privately but to hear it publicly. It is not too late for him to avoid more public humiliation — and for us to preserve our democracy.

COLUMN | MICHAEL BARONE

Beulaville town board moves forward with demolition of abandoned house

Two CDBG grants were completed for the town

By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal

BEULAVILLE — The Beulaville Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to move forward with the demolition of an abandoned house at 406 W. Church St. during the regular monthly meeting on July 2.

The board has been discussing the house for several months, with Beulaville citizen Nanette Outlaw appearing at each meeting to inquire about progress on the house.

Town Manager Lori Williams reported the family that owns the property refused a certi ed letter, and there was also no response to an ad regarding the property that ran for two weeks in the newspaper.

“We’ve exhausted all means of contacting the family by telephone calls, letters, notices in the paper,” Williams said.

“We’ve not had any response. At this point, the town has done all we can do.”

At last month’s meeting, Williams reported the town would move forward with getting quotes on the demolition and clean-up of the property.

Public Works Director Ricky Raynor received one estimate for $10,750 from East Coast Emergency Response Service, and another for $6,500 from Rivenbark Construction.

“I don’t see any point in kicking the can down the road,” Commissioner Gene Wickline stated before motioning that the town move forward on the $6,500 quote.

The motion was approved unanimously, with Williams stating that she would follow up with Rivenbark Construction and determine an estimated timeline for the demolition and cleanup.

In other business at the July 2 meeting, the board held two closeout public hearings on CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) funding that the town received in 2020.

Josh Outlaw with Floyd Adams Co. made the presentations to the board, reporting rst on

“Senate Bill 193, which passed in March, requires that all middle and high school students have to have a career development plan within 90 days in order to be promoted from eighth grade to ninth grade. And then we have to revise that plan to be promoted from 10th grade to 11th grade.”

Erica Jones, DCS director of CTE/9-13 curriculum

ABBY CAVENAUGH / DUPLIN JOURNAL

This abandoned house at 406 W. Church St. in Beulaville has been an ongoing issue discussed at the town’s Board of Commissioners meetings over the past few months. The commissioners voted at the July 1 meeting to have the house demolished.

the completed CDBG-NR project for neighborhood revitalization.

“The town was originally funded $750,000 in CDBG-NR for neighborhood revitalization funds,” Outlaw stated.

“An additional $65,000 was requested and received, totaling $815,000 in total grant money. The proposed project was to rehabilitate four homes.

After bidding and awarding all four homes, unfortunately one home requested to opt out so we ended up only working on three homes.”

The final total was $661,127 in CDBG funds that were expended, with $153,873 de-obligated due to the one house dropping out at the last minute.

“The closeout documents will be submitted to the Department of Commerce after you’ve adopted the meeting minutes,” Outlaw explained, adding that if more homes qualify for CDBG funding, another round of funding will be coming up in the fall.

A second closeout public hearing was held on the 2020 CDBG-CV grant, which was COVID funding, Outlaw said.

“The town was originally funded $900,000. The project included $600,000 in a rehabilitation public budget line item to renovate the sec -

“We’ve not had any response. At this point, the town has done all we can do.”

Lori Williams, Beulaville Town Manager

ond story of town hall for use by a local food bank, along with $210,000 in public services money to provide rental and utility assistance for low-income residents and to purchase a vehicle for the food bank, along with $90,000 in grant administration budget,” he explained. “The final project included $740,000 in neighborhood facilities, $69,991.07 in public services for rental and utility assistance, $87,000 in administration. Total grant funds expended was $896,991.07.” In other business at the July 2 meeting:

• Cole Williams with McDavid Associates gave an update on a water line the rm is working on. “We’re going to rebid that project on the 23rd,” he said. “We only had two bidders this time around. We need three to

REQUIREMENTS from page 1

must make students aware of, where we allow them to graduate in a three-year period of time if they desire to,” Jones said.

“The minimum requirements listed for the state have not changed,” she added, “except for the arts elective for 2025-26 and the computer science credit for the 2026-27 freshman classes. The change really is that in the past, as a board, we were allowed to require six additional electives to include a STEAMA pathway beyond the state minimum of 22. Now we’re not able to require that; we can only recommend it as a district. We can recommend that students complete at least 28 credits to include a STEAMA pathway.”

operate.” He added that the town has been approved for $602,500, which includes cleaning the line, CCTV and smoke testing. “In this case, they’re combining those grants. This will be enough to do the entire sewer system,” he said.

• The board approved the funding o er, approved the resolution to accept the o er and perform the project, and approved the professional engineering services procurement.

• Gwen Mercer, who appeared before the board last month to discuss a road closure, stated that she wanted to see the board take some action on the closure. Mayor Hutch Jones told her the board had not understood that she wanted them to take action at last month’s meeting and she would need to get on the agenda for the next meeting.

• The town board approved an agreement for engineering services with Stroud Engineering.

• The commissioners also approved a Golden LEAF grant acknowledgment and agreement.

• A three-year mowing contract for $2,900 a month with Atlantic Coast Land, LLC was approved.

• Police Chief Karl Mobley reported that the police department is at full sta now and has had a couple of larceny investigations over the past month.

• Jones told the board he’d like for them to discuss hurricane preparedness in the near future, stating that Hurricane Florence in 2018 “was an eye opener for all of us.” He asked that the department heads let the board know of any immediate emergency needs.

The Beulaville town board will next meet on Aug. 5 at 6:30 p.m. in Town Hall.

Moving forward, Duplin County high school students will have three di erent paths to graduation, Jones explained.

“The rst is your traditional four-year graduate, which is no di erent than we’ve always done,” she said. “So they have the opportunity to take 32plus credits. The second one is a mid-year graduate, which is still no di erent. We already had mid-year graduates, they take 28 credits and go for 31⁄2 years. The third one, this is the new one required by HB 259, that’s your three-year accelerated graduate. They complete high school in three years and they would have the opportunity to take up to 24 credits. They must apply for this path prior to entering the ninth grade.”

Students must make the decision on which graduation path to pursue prior to entering the ninth grade. Jones noted that students attending Duplin County Early College are not eligible for the three-year path due to the nature of the early college. In addition to House Bill 259, there was also Session Law 23-132, which requires the 2026-27 freshman class to have a passing grade in a high school computer science course.

“This course requirement can be met by taking a high school computer science course in middle school,” Jones explained. “Due to the fact that our computer science course o erings in the high schools do not have the capacity to handle every student taking computer

Duplin County unemployment rate increases

Duplin County

The unemployment rate for May 2024 increased slightly over the previous month’s rate. The not seasonally adjusted rate of 3.3% was up from the county’s 2.9% rate in April. However, when compared to the unemployment rate one year ago, Duplin’s rate was down by 0.1%. The 3.2% rate for May translates to 855 people receiving unemployment bene ts out of the county’s workforce of 26,645. Unemployment rates increased in 95 of North Carolina’s counties in May 2024, decreased in four, and remained unchanged in one. Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate at 6.0%, while Buncombe and Currituck Counties each had the lowest, at 2.8%.

JSCC o ers free online seminars for small business owners

Duplin County James Sprunt Community College’s Small Business Center o ers free online seminars every month for small business owners, or those wishing to start their own businesses. Here are the online seminars available over the next few weeks: Be a Smooth Operator: Tips for Streamlining Your Airbnb Business, July 11, 6-8 p.m.; Start-Up Business Planning and Budgeting 101 — For Pro t and Non-Pro ts, July 16, 6-8 p.m.; StartUp Loans: How to Start the Process, July 17, 7-8:30 p.m.; Business Finance for Small Business Owners, 6-7:30 p.m. To register for any of these courses, visit https://www. ncsbc.net/Events.aspx, choose “At Center” as the location, and then select James Sprunt Community College as the center.

science in high school, we’ve come up with a plan for our middle grade CTE business teachers to teach computer science discoveries to our sixthand seventh graders. And then to our eighth graders, they will teach an introduction to computer science course, which will be for a high school credit.”

Students who cannot complete the computer science course in middle school will have other options open to them when they enter high school, Jones said, but the new requirement should cover the majority of students.

The updated policies, Student Promotion and Accountability and Graduation Requirements, were approved as part of the consent agenda, with no discussion from the school board members.

Warsaw welcomes new town commissioner

Albert G. Searles was sworn in as Warsaw town commissioner on July 8, during the regular town hall meeting. Searles was appointed by the board last June to ll in the seat left vacant by the late Commissioner Russell Eason until the 2025 municipal elections. Warsaw Mayor A.J. Connors (right) swears reads the oath of o ce to Searles, who was accompanied by his wife, Jan.

DCS District earns Cognia Accreditation

Cognia Performance Standards are recognized as a mark of quality across the nation

Duplin Journal Sta

DUPLIN COUNTY Schools announced last Monday that the Duplin County School District has earned accreditation from the Cognia Global Accreditation Commission.

Cognia, a nonpro t organization formerly known as AdvancED, provides educational quality assurance and recognizes districts that meet rigorous standards across the nation. These standards are focused on productive learning environments, equitable resource allocation that meets students needs, and e ective leadership.

Earning Cognia Accreditation means the school district is recognized as a district that meets Cognia Performance Standards and maintains a commitment to continuous improvement.

“Duplin County Schools accreditation, as conferred by the Cognia Global Accreditation Commission, provides Duplin County Schools a nationally recognized mark of quality for our schools. It demonstrates to our strong community and stakeholder support for education,

our commitment to excellence, our openness to external review and feedback, and our desire to be the best we can be on behalf of the students we serve,” said Austin Obasohan, Duplin County Schools superintendent. According to the announcement, to earn Cognia accreditation, a school district also must implement a continuous process of improvement and submit to internal and external review. Schools in good standing can maintain their accreditation for a six-year term. “Cognia Accreditation is a rigorous process that focuses the entire school and its community on the primary goal of preparing lifelong learners in engaging environments where all students can ourish. Duplin County School District is to be commended for demonstrating that it has met high standards and is making progress on key indicators that impact student learning,” said Mark A. Elgart, president and CEO of Cognia Cognia is the parent organization of the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement, Northwest Accreditation Commission and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement. Visit cognia.org to learn more about Cognia Accreditation.

Despite growing up in Mount Olive, Katelyn Gregory had never visited the

until her college search began.

Golden LEAF Foundation Scholarship recipient turns dream into reality

UMO student spotlight on Katelyn Gregory

A submission from The University of Mount Olive UNIVERSITY OF Mount Olive Christian Studies major Katelyn Gregory, had always felt a deep connection to her faith, which guided her college selection process. “Although my parents begged me to apply to many more schools, I applied to only two: Liberty University and the University of Mount Olive,” Gregory recalls. “My relationship with Christ has always played a huge role in my decisions, and I knew that both of these schools exemplied my values and the core of who I am.”

Despite growing up in Mount Olive, Gregory had never visited the UMO campus until her college search began. “After a campus tour, I knew that UMO would be where I would pursue my education,” she shared. “I learned very quickly that I was not a number at UMO. The faculty and sta care about my needs, education, and future.”

Financial concerns initially overshadowed Gregory’s collegiate aspirations, but the Golden LEAF Foundation Scholarship turned that dream into reality. “I am so thankful for the generosity of the Golden LEAF Foundation,” Gregory expressed. “This scholarship is allowing me to pursue the path that God has in store for me, and for that, I am forever grateful.”

Gregory began her studies in the nursing program but soon switched to Christian Studies to become a counselor. “I had decided that no matter where I worked, I wanted to serve oth-

ers,” she said. Gregory’s journey took another turn when she felt a calling to become a Christian Studies professor. “I want to teach religion,” she said. So many UMO professors have played a huge role in my life, and I decided that I want to be that person to other students in the future.

In the summer of 2023, Gregory completed an internship through the Golden LEAF Foundation at her home church, Bethel. “This was one of the most rewarding experiences,” she said. “It allowed me to seek direction about where God was calling me. The sta and pastors at my church allowed me to see every area of ministry from every angle.” This experience solidi ed her desire to teach.

At UMO, Gregory is actively involved as a ministry leader, worship leader, and small group leader. This summer, she is completing an internship with University Ministries through the Uni ed Pathway Project. “During my time at UMO, my heart to teach has grown even more, and my pas-

Gregory told UMO that after one tour of the campus she knew UMO would be where she would pursue her education.

sion for learning more about The Lord has increased. I have been able to pursue my degree and obtain my education while still serving in ministry, gaining leadership experience, and building some of the greatest friendships and mentors I’ve ever had.”

Looking to the future, Gregory aspires to continue her education and potentially return to UMO as a professor in the Religion Department. “I would love to pour into students like my professors have poured into me,” she said. “I want to continue growing in the knowledge and passion for the Lord in hopes of inspiring other students who have the same love for studying the Word of God and getting to know Him more and more every day.”

The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with de ning Christian values. The University was founded by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists. For more information, visit www.umo.edu.

COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF MOUNT OLIVE

UMO campus

ENA SELLERS / DUPLIN JOURNAL

COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF MOUNT OLIVE

Katelyn

DUPLIN SPORTS

Javonte Williams will be on prime-time television Sept. 8 and Oct. 17. The 24-year-old is in the nal year of his four-year contract with Denver.

Javonte Williams was drafted at No. 35 in the 2021 NFL Draft after leading UNC to a bowl game and WRH to four consecutive state titles.

Former ’Dawg RB Williams primed for productive season in Denver?

Javonte Williams should be a key part of the Broncos’ o ense after fully recovering from a knee injury

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

DENVER — Running backs in the NFL seem to age in dog years. That makes Javonte Williams’ fourth season — and second since his 2022 campaign that

Tigers veer away from single wing attack to open up the eld

Head coach Tim Grady will take control of o ensive coordinator duties for James Kenan, while John Burt Avent returns to the steer defense

By Michael Jaenicke

Duplin Journal

WARSAW — James Kenan

made strides toward a return to its glory days under coach

Tim Grady using a single-wing attack.

by Wallace-Rose Hill, which won six titles in nine seasons.

JK went 13-19 in three seasons under Will Clark, a former Scotland County player who coached Shelby Crest to a 3A title in 2015.

featured multiple ligament injuries and ACL surgery — a key moment in his career.

The former Wallace-Rose Hill star who led the Bulldogs to four straight state titles will be ghting for his running life in Denver as the Broncos’ running attack seeks to improve from their middle-of-the-pack nish (17th) at 106.5-rushing yards per game.

Also on the agenda is getting quarterback and top draft pick Bo Nix up to NFL speed. That job will primarily fall on the shoulders of second-year coach Sean Payton, who also

drafted Notre Dame running back Audric Estime and added free agent runner Blake Watson to shore up the running game that will also include returnees Jaleel McLaughlin and Samaje Perine.

Fullback Michael Burton is expected to be on the nal roster because of his extensive special teams duties.

Williams, who Denver picked at No. 35 out of UNC as a second-team All-American, must rst prove he is healthy enough

See WILLIAMS, page 10

The most recent glory years for the Tigers was 2006 to 2015 when JK went 116-18 under Ken Avent Jr., winning state titles in 2007 and 2013. JK went dropped to 4-7 in 2016 in what was supposed to be Avent’snal season.

Enter Grady, a longtime middle school coach who actually prepared many WRH athletes.

That’s when the bottom fell out on a storied program that was a team schools had to conquer to get to the region of state nals, being blocked late in the postseason several times

Grady, who is also JK’s athletics director, hired former coach Randy Pugh and his son Tyler, a player on the Tigers’ title team in 2013. Tyler ran the

See TIGERS, page 9

COURTESY DENVER BRONCOS

MICHAEL JAENICKE / DUPLIN JOURNAL

David Zeleya returns as a seasoned runner for James Kenan.

COURTESY DENVER BRONCOS

CALL IT A SIGN of the times.

Or maybe it’s an electronic machine that calls balls, strikes and who can have professional baseball.

Kinston’s second swing at minor league baseball lasted about as long three fastballs over the middle of the plate.

The city will soon be without its “beloved Rangers,” as a drop in attendance last season and decisions by MLB’s parents club in Texas, which just so happen to capture its rst World Series title last October, have forced the Wood Ducks to another pond.

Founded in 2021, Diamond Baseball Holdings currently owns 16 other Minor League Baseball teams, including the Salem Red Sox, Iowa Cubs. Mississippi Braves, Augusta Green Jackets and Gwinnett Stripers.

Yet many fans in the Queen City are moan-screaming: “Not again. We hardly knew you.”

The Woodies are moving to Spartanburg, South Carolina, a city that is building a 3,500-seat stadium as part of a $250 million downtown renovation.

It seems that no one wants to play in a historic setting like Grainger Stadium. It’s owned by the city of Kinston and underwent a series of upgrades to the turf, parking, lighting and seating when the Rangers arrived in 2017. The Cleveland Indians housed a team in Kinston from 1978 to 2011 and professional baseball has been in the city, on and o , since as early as 1908.

The Wood Ducks and the team’s High-A franchise, the Hickory Crawdads, are both being sold to Diamond Baseball Holdings, a subsidiary of Endeavor which now owns more than 20 minor league teams across the country, including the Iowa Cubs, Memphis Redbirds, Oklahoma City Dodgers and Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre RailRiders.

The Down East Wood Ducks keep their name and hope to attract a new team

to play in Grainger Stadium, possibly a spot in the Coastal Plains League like Greenville did recently. The Coastal Plains is a wood-batting league for college players during the summer months.

Any way it’s looked at, it’s a loss for Kinston, a city that might not deserve or want baseball. It needs an identity.

There are about 20,000 people in the Lenoir County seat that celebrated its 75th year of baseball in Grainger this spring.

Hickory is going to have a team. Sadly, Kinston is on the outside looking in.

While it’s “won” two All-American City awards in the past two decades, it’s hard a getaway tourist attraction.

In fact, more people might know about its basketball prowess, as Kinston High has captured 11 state titles in boys’ basketball and a ock of studs (Brandon Ingram, Jerry Stackhouse, Charles Shackelford, Reggie Bullock, Cedrick “Cornbread” Maxwell, Tony Dawson, Dontrez Styles) that played in the NBA.

Once known as the smallest city in the nation to house a Class A team, Kinston is more of a passing point to the Crystal Coast beaches.

With a median income for a single person of $31,000, about 12.60% of families and 16.6% of the population are below the poverty line in the county.

And there seem to be enough minor league teams, with Triple-A clubs in Durham and Charlotte, Double-A clubs in Winston-Salem (White Sox), Asheville (Astros), Greensboro (Pirates) and Hickory (Rangers), and Single-A teams in Kannapolis (White Sox), Fayetteville (Astros) and Zebulon/Wilson (the Brewers’ Mudcats are moving east next season to Wilson).

And yet there are some diehard diamond fans and politicians in Kinston that desperately want baseball on its map, though business support in the area looks weak.

Yet they will have to watch baseball on TV most nights. An a ordable option is no longer available.

No more brewskies and hot dogs at the park, jersey and bobblehead doll giveaways, reworks, chance to stab a foul ball or opportunity to see a future MLB all-star.

Among the players to come through Kinston included Hall of Famers Jim Thome and Fred McGri and all-stars Manny Ramirez, Albert Belle, Charles Nagy, CC Sabathia and Cy Young winner Ron Guidry.

I can relate to the long-lost fans.

This summer I returned to my hometown in Kokomo, Indiana, to learn that Highland Park, a stadium where the Kokomo Dodgers and American Legion games were once played, is being torn down.

Most of the damage was done recently when the city removed iconic hangout bleachers and a lot of the wood structures in the out eld as the city is building numerous astro turf elds for baseball and softball.

Looking out over the stadium, I was ooded with memories.

In the oddest of ways, baseball, as many of us once knew it, is being canceled.

It’s happened as wrecking balls push over baseball monuments and minor league teams y to another town like a launched ball o the bat of Aaron Judge.

And it kind of feels like we are trading our baseball cards for things such as the WWE Smackdowns, full-contact Roman Coliseum warfare, pickleball, games on cell phones and escape rooms.

It’s no wonder ocks of folks are meditating in the privacy of their own left eld.

So much for the ump being “blind” and Casey playing like “a bum.”

There are more important people in this world to yell at — or ignore one day when it’s out of the swing of fashion.

The Wild Turkey Harvest Summary report shows that hunters harvested a recorded number of 24,074 birds, including 2,372 birds taken during the youth season.

Duplin is double-winner in NC spring turkey harvesting

Hunters harvested the most turkeys and most turkeys per-square mile during season that produced second-most birds

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

KENANSVILLE — Turkey hunters in Duplin County went wild this spring.

The top ve counties in North Carolina for the number of turkeys harvested were Duplin (872), Pender (694), Halifax (612), Columbus (598) and Brunswick (589). Four other counties had more than 500 turkeys harvested.

When considering the size of the counties, the top ve counties for the number of turkeys harvested per-square mile were Duplin, Franklin, Northampton, Halifax and Chowan.

Results from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission’s (NCWRC) 2024 Wild Turkey Harvest Summary report show that hunters harvested a recorded number of 24,074 birds, including 2,372 birds

TIGERS from page 7

o ense and Randy the defense.

Both left Warsaw, but the Tigers pulled in former players Lee Sutton and Ken Avent III as assistants.

JK also has coaches Don Smith, a longtime recreation and middle school coach, and Wu Hooper, the Defensive MVP of the Tigers 2013 title club.

Grady puts on the o ensive coordinator headset this fall with longtime coach John Avent as his defensive counterpart.

Things got better in season three, as JK went 21-13, peaking at 9-3 in 2022 and having a disappointing 6-6 campaign last fall, which included a somewhat surprising 18-16 rst-round playo loss to Bedding eld.

The Tigers didn’t play with togetherness toward the end of last season.

Time for a change in strategy

As well as JK played at times, the Tigers could still not master East Duplin or WRH.

So Grady made a change in the o ense approach.

JK didn’t really need a quarterback to throw the ball in the single wing but does in its more open o ense, which Grady says still stresses power running. JK threw the ball 23 times last season.

Junior Eli Avent steps up to take snaps and throw passes within the o ense.

He comes with family quarterback bloodline.

He’s the son of John Avent, whose youngest son J.T. Avent was a three-year starter during the Clark years.

John Bert Avent, of course is the brother of Ken Avent Jr., whose son Ken Avent III played at JK and, like his father, was a quarterback at Catawba University.

John and Ken Jr.’s father is Ken Avent Sr., who coached at North Duplin (172-105) from 1975 to 1999, and was the longest-tenured coach in the

taken during the youth season.

Hunters harvested 15 fewer turkeys than last year’s record total, making the 2024 spring turkey season the second-highest year on record.

Both the mountain and coastal ecoregions reported increases in harvest numbers compared to the 2023 season, particularly in the coastal region.

“Turkey hunting continues to be very popular in North Carolina, with this year’s total harvest statewide being 8 percent higher than the average of the previous three years,” stated Hannah Plumpton, NCWRC’s upland game bird biologist.

To put this year’s wild turkey harvest in perspective, Plumpton compared this year’s harvest to the average harvest of the last three years. Each season was ve weeks, including one week for youth hunters under the age of 18.

The results concluded:

• harvest during the weeklong youth season increased by 11%

• harvest in the coastal region increased by 13%

• harvest in the mountains increased 8%

• harvest in the Piedmont increased by 2%

• harvest on game lands increased by 5%

• harvest of adult gobblers increased 10%

• harvest of jakes increased 1% jakes (jakes are 10% of harvest)

NCWRC posts annual harvest summaries on its website for all game species, as well as live harvest reports that are available throughout the hunting season.

Duplin lands o er a terri c habitat with great brood range and grain elds, and only moderate hunting pressure.

Game and Fish Magazine says Duplin is one of four hotspots in the South.

“North Carolina has a whopping 2 million acres of public land open to hunting, and state o cials estimate the gobbler population to be 270,000 to 280,000 strong, with 20,000 to 25,000 birds bagged each year,” the magazine reports.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK SPONSORED BY BILL CARONE

Alex Zepeda

WRH, boys’ soccer

Wallace-Rose Hill won the ECC last fall by dropkicking James Kenan, the three-time defending champ.

During the run to the third round of the 1A playo s, junior Alex Zepeda scored a team-high 45 goals. With that in mind, soccer fans are excitedly wondering what both Zepeda and the Bulldogs will do as an encore to the 2023 season.

Fear not. WRH coach Rodrigo Diaz is promising this season’s team will play aggressively against a very competitive schedule of larger schools in higher classi cations.

All the hype comes after the graduation of defender Brando Romero, who is playing at Peace College now, and forward Robin Pacheco, who scored 25 goals.

WRH nished 17-5-2 overall and 11-0-1 in ECC play.

Duplin County history.

So, Eli Avent is the third Avent to quarterback the Tigers. Ken Jr. (QB) and John Avent both graduated from and coached at ND in their younger years.

‘K3’ works with cousin, two other QBs

Ken Avent Avent III or K3 for simplicity, seems like a perfect quarterback coach for his cousin Eli, whose twin Cal is a lineman for the Tigers.

“I’ve tried to use or implement some of the things little Avent (Kent III) used since moving away from here,” Grady said. “It works well with my offensive gameplan.

“We’re playing power smashmouth football, and the kids love it, though we will get the ball to our skill people on the outside (swing passes routes).

We’ll go straight at people and have the ball in the hands of our

athletes on the perimeter.”

Yet JK isn’t going all out with its passing attack as is the current trend statewide.

“We’re turning up and tuning up our passing game,” Grady said.

Eli Avent isn’t the only JK quarterback as Ken Avent III is also working with signal callers Jeremiah Hall and Keyshawn Murray.

“He’s developing our quarterbacks so that when Eli might be out it’s not a devastating situation for the other two to step in,” Grady said.

Tiger RBs, linemen ready for the task

And if the Tigers have anything whatsoever they have running backs ready to hit a gap.

Josh Mitchell, Zamarion Smith, David Zeleya and Tyquise Wilson all return with experience.

“It’s a matter of getting ev-

eryone to play strong and fast,” Grady said. “We may not scare you o the bus, but if we’re strong and fast everyone will notice. It will show.”

Grady got linemen Dakota Henderson, Dennaric Bailey, Jeremiah Medlin, Miguel Osorio and Hunter Whitman to buy into heavy workloads in the trenches. He said the four of the ve players “can squat 400 to 500 pounds.

Another familiar voice coaches the defense

Defensive coordinator John Bert Avent is well quali ed. He was a head coach at ND for three seasons and was a longtime Tigers assistant, from his days with his brother Ken III through the Clark era and now into Grady’s reign.

“It’s a smooth transition because the kids love him,” Grady said. “He’s got a lot of elite level

state championship experience.” His job will be easier with linebacker Hassan Kornegay, the Defensive MVP of the East Central 2A Conference who also was the Journal’s top defender for the all-Duplin all-star team.

The bigger job John Bert Avent has is getting JK’s fast athletes who don’t carry the ball to play like warriors.

That’s what WRH and ED both do, and it pays o for the team and the players in both the long- and short-term form.

While there is an emphasis put on competing and beating its 2A Duplin rivals, JK must also take care of Southwest Onslow, which has fallen from its banner years under Phil Padgett. The Stallions won last year’s game 34-24 after owning SWO the two previous encounters under Grady (43-21 in 2022 and 54-6 in 2021).

Focus on one play at a time until the clock expires

Ken Avent Jr. came out of retirement to coach the Tigers to a 3-4 mark in the COVID pandemic season of 2020 when regular season conference play was all that was allowed before the playo s.

But it’s been Grady’s baby the bulk of this decade.

He and ED head coach Battle Holley are the only head football coach/athletics directors in Duplin County.

Other must-win games are affairs with the three Lenoir County schools: North Lenoir, South Lenoir and, especially Kinston. In a sense, that’s prep work for ED and WRH that cannot be ignore or slu ed through.

It’s been awhile since the Vikings beat a Duplin school, though every coach says they have great talent. Knocking o the Blue Devils and Hawks won’t be as di cult. Grady sees those games as a test to being consistent, gameto-game and series-to-series and play-to-play, as the devil brews upsets with sometimes-seemingly unimportant details.

EDUARDO PUAC FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

COURTESY NC WILDLIFE RESOURCES COMMISSION

MICHAEL JAENICKE / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Tim Grady, a former lineman and 2000 JK graduate, is expecting new things from his o ense this season.

Bowman wraps up a spot in the Cup Series playo s

The Hendrick Motorsports driver’s eighth career win and rst since March 2022 came on the Chicago street course

By Jay Cohen

The Associated Press

CHICAGO — At long last, Alex Bowman got a win. And a spot in the NASCAR Cup Series playo s.

So yeah, he was ready to party.

“We’re going to drink so much damn bourbon tonight, it’s going to be a bad deal,” a jubilant Bowman said. “I’m probably going to wake up naked on

Javonte Williams came back from major knee surgery after 10 months but had to stop playing for the Broncos with two games left in the season last year.

the bathroom oor again. That’s just part of this deal sometimes.” Bowman held o Tyler Reddick on a rainy street course in downtown Chicago on Sunday, stopping an 80-race winless drought.

It was his rst victory since Las Vegas in March 2022 and No. 8 for his career. He is the 12th Cup Series driver to win this year, leaving four remaining spots in the playo s with six races left in the regular season.

After his Vegas victory two years ago, Bowman, 31, was sidelined by a concussion. He injured his back in a short-track accident in April 2023.

“You start to second-guess if you’re ever going to get a chance to win a race again,” he said. Not anymore. The Cup Series’ second street race in Chicago was stopped for more than 100 minutes because of rain, and NASCAR set a cuto time of 8:20 p.m. CDT because of the fading sunlight. When Bowman crossed the start- nish line after that time, the white ag came out, followed by the checkered.

Tyler Reddick made a late charge, but he got into a wall while trying to run down Bowman. Ty Gibbs was third, followed by Joey Hand and Michael McDowell.

to carry the load. ACL injuries take more than a year for a full recovery, and Williams returned last season after just 10 months on the sidelines.

“I think historically speaking, when you talk to the experts, they say that the complete heal nishes at two years,” Payton said, via ESPN. “Obviously you begin playing before then. I know that he’s looking forward to this season.

“The challenge last year was really when you think about it, even in training camp, it was still early enough in the process where it was hard for him to go full speed with con dence. And yet we were building and getting him where we all felt comfortable he could play.”

He signed a four-year $8,865,753 contract with Denver in 2021. It runs through this season and has an average annual value of $2.2M. It also came with a $3.8 signing bonus and $4.8 of the deal guaranteed. Williams, 25, rushed for a team-best 774 yards but scored only three touchdowns and av-

eraged 3.2 yards per carry over his nal 10 games. It is why Payton believes there will be competition for the starting job in training camp. Experts think his vision as a runner has never been good, but his strength and burst allowed him to run like the linebacker that he used to be. Estime won’t be ready for the start of training camp. While the development of Nix will be key or the play of QBs Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson, the running game needs to produce more. Denver is one of only seven NFL teams without a 1,000-yard rusher or a 1,000yard receiver. Just two of those seven made the playo s — the Chiefs and Ravens. Yet having Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes and running, gunning quartetback Lamar Jackson allows for a little leeway. The Heisman nalist Nix has been often-compared to former Saints signal caller Drew Brees. Nix led Oregon to a 12-2 record in his nal season as he completed 77.4% of his passes and threw for 4,508 yards, 45 touchdowns and tossed just

three interceptions. He also had six rushing TDs. He spent his rst three collegiate seasons of at Auburn. Denver started 1-5 last season before winning ve straight to nish at 7-9. Russell Wilson was benched with two games left in the season.

Yet the AFL West has been Kansas City’s for some time now. Las Vegas has a new quarterback in Gardner Minshew. San Diego has new coach Jim Harbaugh set to get quarterback Justin Herbert in line to meet his potential.

The Broncos play in two prime-time games this season — Payton’s return to New Orleans, where he won a Super Bowl, on Oct. 17 for “Thursday Night Football,” and a “Monday Night Football” showdown with the Browns at home in Week 1 on Sept. 8. Denver is picked to nish 9-8 in many polls. Sporting News says that’s good, considering the Broncos have the second-worst roster in the league.

It’s a big year for Denver, Nix and especially Williams, who has repeatedly said he feels healthy and ready to play.

“I got the opportunity to run him down,” Reddick said. “Just obviously couldn’t get the job done. A clean lap was all I had to do and couldn’t even do that.” Bowman closed it out on wet weather tires in his Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet after pole-sitter Kyle Larson and Shane van Gisbergen were knocked out.

During the cool-down lap, Bowman was bumped into the wall by Bubba Wallace. Bowman spun out Wallace early in the race.

“I have to apologize again to the 23 guys,” Bowman said. “Just messed up, trying to get my windshield wiper on, missed a corner and ruined their day. I hate that. I’m still embarrassed about it.”

Larson slammed into the tire barrier in Turn 6 on Lap 34, bringing out a caution. He was trying for his fourth win of the season in his 350th career Cup Series start.

“As soon as I hit the brakes, I knew I was in trouble,” said Larson, who has an 11-point lead over Chase Elliott in the driver standings. Van Gisbergen was clipped by Chase Briscoe going into Turn 6 on Lap 25. Briscoe slid into a tire barrier, but van Gisbergen crashed into the temporary wall — causing heavy damage to the right side of his Kaulig Racing Chevrolet. “I just sort of turned in. It looked pretty good and then just got smacked by someone,” van Gisbergen said. “It’s gutting.” Shortly after the wreck, the race was stopped to give NASCAR time to clear standing water from the makeshift track. The drivers returned to their cars about an hour later, but the delay continued when another cell passed over the course. Gibbs was in front when the race resumed, followed by Christopher Bell and Larson.

TAKE NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA DUPLIN COUNTY

FILE#2024E000241

The undersigned, DOROTHY C. BYRD, having quali ed on the 24TH DAY of JUNE 2024, as EXECUTOR of the Estate of BETTY KATEN GAINUS, deceased, of DUPLIN County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 9TH Day of OCTOBER 2024, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This is the 11th Day of JULY 2024.

DOROTHY C. BYRD, EXECUTOR 2875 SUMMERLIN’S CROSSROAD RD. MT. OLIVE, NC 28365

Run dates: Jy11,18,25,A1p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA DUPLIN COUNTY

FILE#2024E000261

The undersigned, SANDRA WORSLEY TOWNSEND, AND ESTHER MURPHY, having quali ed on the 1ST DAY of JULY 2024, as CO-ADMINISTRATORS of the Estate of ROBERT CHARLES BALLARD, deceased, of DUPLIN County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 2nd Day of OCTOBER 2024, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 4th Day of JULY 2024.

SANDRA WORSLEY TOWNSEND, CO-ADMINISTRATOR 308 N COLLEGE ST WALLACE, NC 28466

ESTHER MURPHY, CO-ADMINISTRATOR 7235 DARDEN RD, APT.127 WILMINGTON, NC 28411

Run dates: Jy4,11,18,25c

WILLIAMS from page 7

COURTESY DENVER BRONCOS

ERIN HOOLEY / AP PHOTO

Alex Bowman stands with his team and his trophy after winning Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race in Chicago.

obituaries

Leroy Rhodie

Nov. 25, 1947 – June 25, 2024 (age 76)

Leroy Rhodie, 76, of Wallace peacefully answered the Master’s call June 25, 2024 at Wallace Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center.

Funeral service was held on Tuesday July 2, 2024 at Hawes Funeral Home in Warsaw. Visitation was held July 1, 2024 at Hawes Funeral Home Chapel. Interment followed at the Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Goldsboro July 8, 2024.

Leroy Rhodie was born Nov. 25, 1947 to the late King Solomon and the late Myrtle Simpson Rhodie in Bladen County. He was the fth out of 10 children.

Leroy received his education at Teachey Elementary and Charity High School. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed by all.

In addition to his parents, Leroy was also preceded in death by two sisters, Sarah Pollock and Magaline Rhodie, as well as four brothers, King David Rhodie, Michael Rhodie, Dannie Rhodie, and Adolph Rhodie.

Leroy leaves to cherish his memories, two sisters, Alice Underwood and Diane Lamb (Thomas); one brother, Joe Nathan Rhodie; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Shirley Thigpen

Mercer

Feb. 24, 1935 – July 4, 2024 (age 89)

BEULAVILLE — Shirley Thigpen Mercer, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and lifelong resident of Beulaville, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, July 4, 2024. Born Feb. 24, 1935, she was the daughter of Clarence Gibson Sr. and Rowena Lanier Thigpen. Shirley was predeceased by her husband, Reuben Earl Mercer, and was the last of her siblings to pass.

Shirley is survived by her sons, Earl Trent Mercer (wife Barbara) and William Frederick Mercer; six grandchildren, Candice, Wendy, Will, Kaylin, Emily, and Robert; greatgrandchildren, Grace, Rylee, Lucas, Liam, and Emryn; and numerous nieces and nephews. Shirley enjoyed traveling, gardening, cooking, reading, sewing, and painting. She was active in her church and community organizations in her younger years. Shirley will be remembered for her loving gentle spirit, grace, and kindness.

In lieu of owers, the family requests donations to Cedar Fork Mennonite Church (for the Youth Group) ,1353 Cedar Fork Road, Beulaville, NC 28518.

Zennie Jones

July 13, 1936 – July 2, 2024 (age 87)

Zennie Jones, 87, of Clinton passed away July 2, 2024 at The Magnolia Assisted Living in Clinton.

Funeral service was held on Saturday July 6, 2024 at New Elders Chapel AME Zion Church in Magnolia. Visitation was held one hour prior to service. Interment followed in Maxwell Cemetery in Rose Hill.

Elizabeth Gri n Vogel

Nov. 22, 1943 – July 4, 2024 (age 80)

Elizabeth Gri n Vogel, 80, passed away on Thursday, July 4, 2024, at her home.

Memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 13, 2024, with visitation to follow, at Community Funeral Home, Beulaville.

Survivors include: spouse, Sam Vogel of Beulaville; daughters, Lori Seidenschwarz (Tim) of Beulaville, Anita Ezzell of Turkey, Darlene Prohaska (Wayne) of Kenansville; sister, Ruth Smith (Thomas) of Beulaville; grandchild, Nadine Prohaska.

Sue Karen (Blackburn) Marshburn

Aug. 25, 1939 – July 6, 2024 (age 84)

Sue Karen Blackburn Marshburn, 84, of Wallace left this earth for her heavenly home on July 6, 2024. Born on Aug. 25, 1939, in Sampson County, she was the daughter of the late Clarence I. Blackburn and Eloise Carter Blackburn of Ingold. She was also predeceased by her husband of 55 years, James Monroe Marshburn; sister, Willa Dean Hansford and brothers Gene M. Blackburn and Ronald T. Blackburn.

Until Mrs. Marshburn’s health began to decline, she was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church of Wallace where she served as a deaconess, a member of the WMU, Keen Agers and the Sonshine choir. With a servant’s heart, she took care of many babies and toddlers in the nursery over the years. As a seamstress, Mrs. Marshburn used her God-given talents to make hundreds of stockings

for the Christmas ministries and to make dresses to send to foreign countries. Mrs. Marshburn was also an auxiliary member of the Duplin Camp of Gideons International. She was the owner of Montgomery Ward in Wallace for 17 years and JC Penney catalog store for seven years. She loved spending time with her family and friends but especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She also enjoyed making Hershey Bar cakes to share with others, coloring and watching Hallmark. Known lovingly as “Mema,” Mrs. Marshburn was a loving and caring wife, mother, Mema, aunt and friend. She was loved and well respected by many and will be missed by all who knew her. Left to cherish her memory are her three daughters, Karen M. Knowles and husband Jimmy of Teachey; Alesia Faye M. Gurganus and husband Cecil of Norwood; Lori M. Bryant and husband Darrell of Southport; six grandchildren, Graham Knowles (Melissa), Rena K. Baker (Adam), Kayla B. Sears (Josh), Dustin Gurganus (Dallace), Carly Bryant and Donovan Gurganus (Shelby); 12 great-grandchildren, Skyler Parker, Talyn Parker, Isabella Parker, Madelynn Knowles, Ellis Baker, Easton Sears, Reed Baker, Gri n Knowles, Lana Baker, Jensen Sears, Janie Mae Knowles, and Shepard Gurganus; one sister, Louise Oakes of Raleigh; two brothers, Charles Blackburn (Barbara) of Southport and

Larry Blackburn (Susie) of Greensboro; sister-in-law, Imogene King; brother-in-law, Robert Hansford; sister-inlaw, Betsy Carter (Norwood); special aunt, Roslyn Keith and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends that lover her dearly.

The family received friends on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home, Wallace.

Funeral service was held on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Wallace Chapel with the Reverend Jacob Capps o ciating.

Burial followed the service in Rock sh Memorial Park, Wallace.

Casket-bearers were Graham Knowles, Dustin Gurganus, Donovan Gurganus, Adam Baker, Josh Sears, Lex Marshburn and Carries Marshburn. In lieu of owers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 408 W. Main Street, Wallace, NC 28466; Gideons International Duplin Camp, PO Box 572, Wallace, NC 28466; or ECU Home Health and Hospice – Kenansville, 401 N. Main Street, Kenansville, NC 28349.

The family would like to give a special thanks to ECU Home Health and Hospice and Wallace Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center for the wonderful care they gave to Mrs. Marshburn.

Ruby Ann (Coberly) LaRue

July 6, 2024 (age 60)

Ruby Ann LaRue (born Ruby Ann Coberly), spent her life dedicated to her best friend and loving husband of 41 years, Richard, while raising and homeschooling her their two children Stephanie and Rich, serving the Lord, serving the community with her Poston Baptist Church family, and helping anyone in need. She was truly “an instrument of God’s love on this earth.”

In recent years, she enjoyed spending time with her beloved grandchildren and working on her farm with all her many animals. Ruby loved to share her farm and animals with everyone and truly enjoyed spreading joy through her animals. She had a passion for creating and could often be found in her workshop building or painting one of her many projects. Ruby loved her friends as family. She was always there to support them and always enjoyed spending time with them, even if it was just a ride to McDonalds for a Diet Coke or to have lunch at Pizza Corner/Mik’s. She was loved by many and made a signi cant impacted in the lives of many. Ruby will be greatly missed by her cherished family and friends. Ruby gained her wings on Saturday, July 6, 2024 after battling cancer for almost two years at the age of 60. She is survived by her beloved husband Richard LaRue, her daughter Stephanie Rodgers and husband Jeremi and their children Alaina, Miah, and Veronica; her son, Richard LaRue II and wife Kelly and their son Wyatt and numerous extended family and friends that loved her dearly. Ruby is preceded in death by her sisters, Rodneyann Peyatt, Barbara Peddycord, Rodna Coberly, and her parents Rodney and Joan Coberly.

In lieu of owers, please send a donation to one of Ruby’s favored charity/ organizations in her honor, such as The Baptist Children’s Home, PO Box 338, Thomasville , NC 27361 or St. Jude’s Cancer Research, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Funeral service was held on Monday, July 8, 2024 at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Wallace Chapel with Pastor Chris Jarman o ciating. The family received friends immediately following the service on Monday at the funeral home.

Feb. 10, 1932 – July 2, 2024 (age 92)

KNIGHTDALE — Mayor

Alfonzo King, a ectionately known as “Al,” was 92 years old when he transitioned from home to be with his Lord and Savior. He departed on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at 8:09 p.m. in the home he shared with his wife, Juanita Brock King, and daughter, Alison, in Knightdale.

Mayor King was born in Duplin County on Feb. 10, 1932, to Jessie Odell King Royal and Tommy Kornegay. He started his education in the Duplin County Schools and subsequently transferred to Carver School in Mount Olive, where he excelled in athletics and academics graduating in 1952. He attended North Carolina A&T State University — graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. While at A&T he excelled in Air Force ROTC, was editor of the Aggie Yearbook, and was inducted into Who’s Who. He entered the U.S. Air Force as a 2nd Lt., retiring after 20 years as a Major.

Upon retirement, he began a brief tenure of employment with Wayne County before becoming the Director of Personnel and Safety for the city of Goldsboro. After a 21year stint, he retired again. He was called out of retirement to replace Mayor Hal Plonk who had passed away. Thus began his third career—the Mayor of Goldsboro. Having served 14 years, he retired for the third time. Over his lifetime, he has had many awards and recognitions.

Mayor King was preceded in death by his mother, father, sister, Andrea Artis, and niece Barbara Jean Artis. He was also preceded in death by his uncles and aunt.

He was survived by his wife of 61 years, Juanita, his children Stanley Seay, Alison King, and Kevin King (Cecille); grandchildren, Morgan Burge (Brandon), Matthew King, and Kristian King; step-grandchildren, Julie Chantiri, Daniel Chantiri, and Leila Chantiri; great-grandchildren, Serena Burge and Naomi Burge; nephew, Gather Artis (Karen), brothers-in-law, Robert Brock (Leora), Jimmy Brock (Cheryl), sister-in-law, Rosalind Abernathy; nieces and nephew, a host of cousins, his special co ee buddies, and Porter Street neighbors.

Alfonzo King

Kent Kornegay

Carlton

Dec. 15, 1961 – June 24, 2024 (age 62)

Mr. Kent Kornegay Carlton, 62, of 325 Cornwallis Road, Turkey, passed way Monday, June 24, 2024 at his home. Mr. Carlton was born Dec. 15, 1961 to Bruce and Dixie Carlton. He was a 1981 graduate of Harrells Christian Academy and a graduate of Atlantic Christian College now Barton College. He worked as a farmer for many years and then as a truck driver for a while. In high school he excelled in football and basketball. He enjoyed golf and was at least better than his older brother. In his later years, he enjoyed riding his moped around West Warsaw, Turkey and the back roads. He was seen and known by many.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Bruce Carlton and Dixie Kornegay Carlton of Carrolls Road, Warsaw. He is survived by three brothers, William Bruce Carlton of North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Robert W. Carlton of Charlotte, and Willard L Carlton of Waxha. He is also survived by cousins, Rosemary Blackburn Peterson of Bethesda, Maryland, Bill Kornegay of Warsaw, Scottie Bartley of Kansas City, Kansas, and Lane Prather of St Louis, Missouri.

A brief memorial service was held at the family home at 292 Carrolls Road, Warsaw, on Saturday, July 6, 2024, followed by burial at Devotional Gardens.

Ann Smith Jones

Jan. 18, 1952 – July 3, 2024 (age 72)

LELAND — Ann Smith Jones, age 72, died Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare in Wilmington. She is preceded in death by her daughter, Vallerie Ann Jones. Ann is survived by her husband, Ronnie Harold Jones, Sr. of Leland; sons, Ronnie “Ron” Harold Jones, Jr. of Leland, Roddie Gerald Jones of Leland, Rustie Lane Jones of Texas; sister, Lisa So eld of Wilmington; brother, Avery Smith of Chinquapin, ve grandchildren, and ve great grandchildren.

Graveside service was held on Sunday, July 7, 2024 at Craft Cemetery, Chinquapin. Cemetery is located about 1 mile past 638 Norwood Blanchard Road.

Jamie (Brown) Bradshaw

March 19, 1965 –June 28, 2024 (age 59)

Jamie Bradshaw, age 59, of Magnolia left her earthly life on Friday, June 28, 2024 to spend eternity with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Jamie was born on March 19, 1965 in Burlington County, New Jersey to Liston Brown and Elizabeth Robins Brown Grimm. Jamie was also preceded in death by her stepfather, Jacob Grimm.

Jamie was a dedicated member of The Church of Pentecostal Gathering where

Dale Worth Watkins

April 28, 1944 – July 4, 2024 (age 80)

Dale Worth Watkins, age 80, passed gently from his earthly life Thursday, July 4, 2024 at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare in Wilmington. He was born April 28,

she loved her church family and was faithful in serving her Lord. Surviving to cherish her memory is her best friend and husband of 36 years, Horace “Bud” Bradshaw; daughter, Robin Bradshaw of Magnolia; son, C.J. Bradshaw and wife Brianna of Richlands, stepdaughter, Alyssa Bowden and husband James of Clinton; grandchildren, Amelia Bradshaw, Luke Bradshaw, Brennan Bowden and Ethea Bowden; sisters, Lisa Brown and Lori Brown, both of Pennsylvania; parents-in-law, Horace and Cathy Bradshaw of Wallace; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends that loved Jamie dearly.

Jamie was a loving wife and caring mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She was a simple lady who enjoyed simple things but her greatest joy was family. With a humble spirit and unwavering faith in God, Jamie was very sincere in her walk with the Lord. She was also a woman of uncommon character, beauty and grace; and to those who knew her, “an instrument of

1944 in Wilmington, one of ve children born to Andrew Jackson Watkins, Sr. and Rosalee Leonard Watkins. In addition to his parents, Dale was preceded in death by his brother, Andrew Jackson Watkins, Jr. His love and memories will remain in the hearts of his wife of 55 years, Karen Russ Watkins; daughter, Kimberly Watkins Garver and husband, Doug; son, Je rey Watkins and wife, Kendra; granddaughter, Sydney Garver (called “My Little Sweetheart” by Dale); sister, June Brown; brothers, Wayne Watkins (Helen) and Tex Watkins (Brenda); a real best friend, Bob Herring; other relatives and friends.

Dale retired after working many dedicated years as a

God’s love on this earth.” Jamie was an avid fan of Dallas Cowboys; whether they won or lost she was one of their greatest fans. Some of Jamie pastimes were shopping, going to the beach, listening to and attending gospel music concerts and especially working in her yard. She has now moved on to a much bigger and greater life and waiting for all her family and friends to join her. Heaven is sweeter today because Jamie has arrived and attained her goal. She will surely be missed on this earth but treasured memories of her will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Memorial service was held on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at The Church of Pentecostal Gathering with Pastor Rodney Bonham o ciating.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of owers, memorial gifts may be sent in memory of Jamie to The Church of Pentecostal Gathering, 1342 N. Norwood Street, Wallace, NC 28466.

supervising engineer with Mobile Oil Company. Also, Dale served several years in the US Army reserves. After his retirement, Dale turned himself into an excellent builder. Along with brother, Wayne, he built the family home in Wallace. He did not stop there and built a cabin on their mountain cattle farm in Virginia, a place he loved to visit. FAMILY was of the utmost importance to Dale as he was a dedicated, loving husband, daddy, and Grand Pa. Dale was loved and will be missed by family and friends.

There will be a private family funeral service.