the BRIEF this week
EV charging station coming to Warsaw
Warsaw
The Pilot Travel Center in Warsaw is one of the first of nine locations along North Carolina interstates and major highways that will install and operate electric vehicle DC fast-charging stations.
The N.C. Department of Transportation awarded Pilot Travel Centers LLC a contract for $333,414 for the initial EV charging station buildout from North Carolina’s share of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program funds. According to the announcement, the initial nine locations represent the first of about 50 locations needed to fully build out the state’s alternative fuel corridors as required by the NEVI program.
Board of Education, Sheriff’s Office release statement about school threats
Duplin County Last week, Duplin County Schools and the Sheriff’s Office released a statement regarding social media posts containing threats to schools in Duplin and surrounding counties. The statement emphasized that while there is no specific threat to Duplin County Schools at the moment, officials are collaborating with law enforcement to investigate these posts further. School and law enforcement officials urge anyone with information that may threaten the schools to contact the school administration or law enforcement.
Hog Wild BBQ
Cook-Off rescheduled for April 4-5
Beulaville
Beulaville’s annual Hog Wild BBQ Cook-Off, usually held in October, has been rescheduled to April 4-5, 2025. The change will allow the event to kick off on a Friday night and continue through Saturday, as opposed to just one day. Further details will be announced as they become available.
Fun times at the Duplin Agribusiness Fair!
One of the big draws at the annual Duplin County Fair is always the amusement rides. The fair ran for three days last week at the Duplin Events Center, featuring exhibits, rides, lots of food and a rodeo. See more on Page B6.
Two Speedy Mart employees arrested for stealing lottery tickets
The pair face multiple charges, including larceny and embezzlement
By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal
BEULAVILLE — Two convenience store employees have been arrested and face multiple charges after allegedly stealing lottery tickets and cashing them in.
The two employees were reported by Speedy Mart management to the Beulaville Police Department on Aug. 28.
An investigation found that Shameka Jones and Maryann Howard had stolen approximately 104 lottery tickets from the Speedy Mart between Aug. 21 and Aug. 27.
According to a press release from the Beulaville Police Department, the combined value of the stolen lottery tickets was approximately $3,450. The employees also cashed in winning lottery tickets, totaling approximately $1,910 combined.
On Sept. 6, Jones was ar-
rested and charged with the following: five counts of larceny by employee, five counts of embezzlement, five counts of obtaining property by false pretense, and five counts of conspiracy to commit a felony. Jones was taken to the Duplin County Magistrate’s Office, where she was served and released under a $20,000 unsecured bond.
Howard was arrested and charged with the following: one count of larceny by employee, one count of embezzlement, one count of obtaining property by false pretense, and five counts of conspiracy to commit a felony. Howard was taken to the Duplin County Magistrate’s Office, where she was served and released under a $10,000 unsecured bond.
Royal Farms rezoning public hearing delayed
Ground broken on Maple Creek sewer extension project
By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal
WALLACE — A public hearing on a rezoning request for a Royal Farms gas station in Wallace has been postponed for the second time. The hearing was supposed to be held at the Wallace Town Council’s Sept. 12 meeting, but was rescheduled at the request of Royal Farms’ parent company, Two Farms, Inc.
The request is to rezone the 6.08 acres that remain on Two Farms’ property at the corner of Highways 11 and 41 in the Tin City area from RA-20 to HB-Highway Business. The rezoning would allow the gas station to be able to expand into what is now a field that sits between the former Tin City Express gas station and residential neighborhood Plantation Acres. The hearing was original-
$44M in funds needed for Warsaw water treatment plant
“It takes a little time to get things done, and progress is not something that happens overnight all the time.”
Warsaw Mayor A.J. Connors
Town discusses progress
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
WARSAW — One of the main topics of conversation during the September meeting at the Warsaw town hall was the need for $44 million to update the water treatment plant.
“I’m aware that we do not have enough money for the update of the water treatment plant at this time. I am not aware of (whether) McDavid and Associates will be doing the work. However, they monopolize the whole county in obtaining contract work … they are always locating grants for the county, so my question is, why not
Warsaw?” Angela Mainor asked the board, pointing out that neighboring towns have received funding for other projects.
The sentiment was echoed by other residents who spoke about the subject, questioning transparency in relaying what goes on in the town and wanting to stay updated on what is happening.
Commissioner Jack Hawes thanked Mainor for bringing up the topic of grants.
“We need $44 million, ain’t no ifs, ands, or buts about it. … Everything shouldn’t be going around us when we’re knocking on [legislators] doors, and I ask you to do the same. Knock on their doors because we need it. We need that $44 million.”
“Seven years ago, McDa-
See WARSAW, page A5
ly planned for the council’s August meeting, but was rescheduled then due to Tropical Storm Debby. This time, Two Farms asked for more time, Town Manager Rob Taylor said.
The council voted unanimously to reschedule the public hearing for the next town council meeting, Oct. 10, after 6 p.m. The meeting will be moved to the Wallace Woman’s Club in order to better accommodate the public.
Prior to the meeting Thursday night, council members participated in a brief groundbreaking ceremony for the Maple Creek sewer extension project, which Taylor refers to as the 830 Project. “We’re connecting the back side of River Landing, going out to Highway 11 and then to the wastewater treatment plant,” Taylor explained. “It will take a lot of pressure off our sewer system.”
The project has been in the works for eight years, he added,
vid and Associates told us we got 10 years on our water and sewer. Well, ladies and gentlemen, seven years have gone by. … Back then it was $20-some million. Now it’s $44 million. We’ve got to do something, and we’ve got to do it quick because if we don’t do it, our growth is stunted. We can’t do nothing. We can’t hold the capacity. We can’t push the water out, plain and simple,” said $2.00
THE DUPLIN COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
Howard Jones
WEEKLY FORECAST
THURSDAY 9.19.24
#40
Duplin Journal www.duplinjournal.com
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CRIME LOG
Sept. 1
• Woodrow Schlock Wilson was arrested for felony fleeing to elude in Magnolia.
Sept. 5
• Jimmy Ray Register was arrested for simple assault in Wallace.
Sept. 8
• Keli Wilson was arrested for misdemeanor crime of domestic violence in Wallace.
• Cheyenne Hunter Strickland was arrested for simple assault in Warsaw.
Sept. 9
• Alexander James Boney was arrested for misdemeanor larceny in Rose Hill.
Sept. 10
• Sherry Lee Duncan was arrested for resisting a public officer in Kenansville.
Sept. 12
• Thomas Kelly Lea was arrested for misdemeanor crime of domestic violence in Wallace.
Sept. 13
• Ceaser Mendoza was arrested for assault on a female in Chinquapin.
Sept. 14
• Rathel Dixson was arrested for simple assault in Kenansville.
FRIDAY
THURSDAY
Sept. 21
• The Cops and Bobbers Youth Fishing Tournament hosted by Wallace Police Department will be on Saturday, Sept. 21 at Farrior Park in Wallace. The event is free and starts at 8 a.m. but participants can register at wprd.recdesk.com for different time slots. Spots are limited.
Sept. 26
The Duplin County Health Department will host a vaccination clinic for schoolaged children on Thursday, Sept. 26, 4-7 p.m. at 340 Seminary St., Kenansville. For more information, call 910-296-2130.
Sept. 28
Explore a diverse selection of wines and meads at the NC Muscadine Festival on Sept. 28 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Duplin Events Center, located at 195 Fairgrounds Dr., Kenansville.
Woofstock at the Farm will be on Saturday, Sept. 28, 1-6 p.m. at 150 Wagon Ford Road, Beulaville. The event will feature food trucks, vendors, a pet costume contest, goat feeding, an online auction and more! The event will benefit Wagon Tails Farm Rescue.
Oct. 5
Hawes Funeral Home will host a community appreciation day at the Warsaw Recreation Center from 12 to 4 p.m. on Oct. 5. The public is invited to attend and enjoy free food and a day of fellowship. Enjoy a day of fun in downtown Wallace on Oct. 5, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice. The event will feature free gifts or discounts at participating stores, gift tote bags, a seashell dish, $5 coupon
to use at the food truck or ice cream cart. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the following locations: This Little Pig, A Cook’s Cupboard and Traveling Gypsy.
Oct. 12
The Cultural Latino Festival will be on Saturday, Oct. 12, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Clement Park in Wallace. Enjoy folk dances, a DJ, singers, soccer, dancing and singing contests, food trucks, games for children, a piñata and more! For information, email festivalculturallatinodc@ gmail.com.
Join the Duplin Events Center located at 195 Fairgrounds Dr., Kenansville, for an indoor movie night on Oct. 12, at 6:30 p.m. Showing the movie Coco. The event is free and open to the public. Concessions will be sold.
Oct. 16
James Sprunt Community College will host a Blood Drive on Oct. 16 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the WestPark Campus, located at 946 Penny Branch Rd., Warsaw.
Oct. 21
• The Town of Rose Hill is seeking the public’s engagement to help the town develop Rose Hill’s comprehensive plan to prepare for future growth. The meeting will take place on Oct. 21 at 109 S. Sycamore St., Rose Hill. The first 50 participants will receive a free meal. Visit planrosehill.com to
participate in the Citizen Survey.
Oct. 26
• Join the Kenansville Fire Department on Saturday, Oct. 26, 6-10 p.m. for their annual Fireman’s Day on Front Street, Kenansville. There will be food trucks, bounce houses, a DJ, trunkor-treating and more! If you would like to host a trunk for the Trunk-or-Treat, contact 910-650-6311.
Oct. 31
• Come dressed in your favorite costumes to the Warsaw Trunk-or-Treat and enjoy a spooky good time! Take your little ghouls, ghosts, and goblins for a night of safe, familyfriendly fun to Front Street, Warsaw on Oct. 31, 6-7.30 p.m. For more information, call the Warsaw Chamber of Commerce at 910-2937804.
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., 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., 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
Street. 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., 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 910-2893078.
• The Teachey town board meets the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m., at 116 East 2nd St. For information, call 910-285-7564.
The Warsaw town board meets the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m., at 121 S. Front St. For information, call 910-293-7814.
The Magnolia town board meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m., at 108 Taylor St., Magnolia. For information, call 910-2893205.
The Rose Hill town board meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m., at 103 Southeast Railroad St. For more information, call 910-289-3159.
The Duplin County Health Department is offering Diabetes Self Management Classes from 1-5 p.m., the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month at 340 Seminary St. Kenansville. For information, call 910372-9178.
• The Wallace town council meets the second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m., at 316 East Murray St., Wallace. For more information, call 910-285-4136.
Magnolia moves forward with tax foreclosures
15 people owe approximately $20,000 in property taxes
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
MAGNOLIA — The Town of Magnolia approved a resolution to publish the names of 15 people who owe taxes at its Sept. 10 town hall meeting.
Town Manager Charles “Twig” Rollins shared that the town has tried to contact them but has not had any luck. He also asked the Board to approve a motion to start conversations with a law firm to handle the tax foreclosure proceedings.
Currently, the town is owed about $20,000 by the people on the list. Rollins shared that they had about 70 people last year.
“It’s getting real serious here. I’d hate for somebody to lose their piece of property over $181 in taxes,” Rollins said. “In most cases, it doesn’t cost us a dime,” Rollins explained.
“If we have to sign a contract, certainly the board would have to approve that, but they take care of everything and even get
their lawyer’s fees back.”
Rollins encourages people who owe taxes to go to the town hall and settle the debt to avoid foreclosure.
“The property owner can stop the foreclosure, but to stop the foreclosure, they’ll have to pay their back taxes,” said Rollins. “The sooner they pay, the sooner they stop that proceeding, the less money it costs.”
The Board approved resolutions to apply for funding for the following projects:
• Automatic meter infrastructure;
• Newberry Pump Station replacement;
2024 sewer rope rehabilitation replacement;
• A water supply well replacement and
• The wastewater treatment plant improvement
Joe McKemey, a project engineer with McDavid Associates, explained that the applications were to reapply for funding and keep the treat-
ment plant compliant.
“The applications are automatically considered in the next funding round, but you’ve recently raised your water and sewer rates, and that’s going to increase your points,” McKemey said. “This funding is always very competitive. Sometimes, two points can make a difference between being and not being funded.”
The town manager also provided updates on the 64-yearold well that is undergoing repairs. Rollins explained that the well has a six-inch pipe that goes down 360 feet, which, over time, rusted.
“Sand got in the pipe, and we started pumping sand. That’s when we knew we had a problem,” he explained. “We’re going to try to pull that six-inch out and re-sleeve; if they are successful, they will go back and pump in our same amount of gallons per minute. However, if they’re not, they’re going to put a smaller pipe in, which will bea four-inch pipe, which will decrease our gallons per minute.”
Rollins also shared that they plan to meet with legislators
soon to discuss the possibility of getting some earmarked money if they cannot secure a grant. He also mentioned the need for matching funds for the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) grant so they can apply next year to renovate the gym. He mentioned raising taxes as a possible way to get the money needed for the match.
Marco Barrientos, a Lead for North Carolina fellow from the School of Government serving in Magnolia, presented a proposed draft of the land use survey, and shared that he will be creating a Spanish version for the town’s Spanish-speaking residents.
Rollins recommended that the Board reactivate the planning board. “If not, then y’all are going to become the planning board, and that can become very politically contentious,” said Rollins. “Y’all still have the ultimate authority to overturn a planning board’s decision, but it’s best practice to have a planning board. If it’s your pleasure, bring a name next month of somebody who’s willing to serve.”
Shining a light on Duplin’s Latinos
Q&A with Fabian Vega, James Sprunt Community College Workforce Development Coordinator
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
As part of Duplin Journal’s Q&A, which shines a light on Latinos whose service and dedication make a difference in our community, we invited Fabian Vega to join us and share a bit about his roots.
Vega serves as a Workforce Development Coordinator and Continuing Education instructor at James Sprunt Community College. His programs include Spanish and English electrical, medical interpreter, and plumbing.
Can you share a bit about your own cultural identity?
I was born and raised in Mexico, so I try to go back at least once a year to visit my family and friends who are still there. Even though I’ve lived here more than half my life, I still follow many Mexican traditions here to teach my children and keep our culture alive.
What does National Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you personally?
While attending school in Mexico up to fifth grade, we learned a lot about our history and what it took for us to gain our independence; considering what my people went through, it’s something to be proud of, especially because a lot of the events that led up to that freedom happened in the state where I come from.
What is your driving force?
Primarily my family and seeing the number of Hispanics who attend James Sprunt Community College trying to better themselves, even when there may be a language barrier.
What has your experience been like growing up within the Hispanic community?
It has been a learning experience with different cultural identities. It’s amazing to see the differences in the various cultures and beliefs.
What has been the biggest change/challenge that you had to overcome as a Latino?
My biggest challenge to overcome, besides the language barrier, was having to prove myself to people because I am Mexican.
What is something you wish people would understand more about Latinos?
That our roots are sacred to us and that we are very family-oriented. What traditions do you still practice that are connected to your heritage?
There are several that I still follow. Where I am from, the Day of the Dead is vastly celebrated, so I try to keep that tradition going.
Rose Hill commissioners discuss board vacancy
The town received $18,000 for a new storm drain by Elm Street and Charity Road
By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal
ROSE HILL — The Rose Hill Board of Commissioners held its first meeting since the resignation of former Commissioner Gary Boney on Tuesday, Sept. 10. The acceptance of Boney’s resignation was approved by a unanimous vote as part of the consent agenda.
However, later in the meeting, Commissioner Ross Powell brought up the subject of the vacancy left by Boney’s resignation.
Town Attorney Kenn Thompson stated that the board can appoint an individual to serve out Boney’s term, which expires in November 2025.
“If they would like to run for that position,” he added, “they can file like anybody else.”
Thompson said the commissioners can come to a consensus on who they’d like to appoint to fill the vacancy. “Formally, you just have to … do a motion, get a second, and approve the person,” Thompson said.
Since Town Administrator Angela Smith was on vacation at the time of the meeting, the commissioners said they would wait for her return to name any candidates for the appointment.
The item will be added to the October meeting agenda.
The board also accepted a funding offer from the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA & CS) of Soil and Water Conservation in the form of a Streamflow Assistance Program (StRAP) grant.
The $18,000 grant will allow for a storm drain to fix the area by Elm Street and Charity Road. Public Works Director Blake Parker explained that the project is to put in a catch basin. “What the contractor will
do, there’s three pipes coming in,” he explained. “That great big hole to the right-hand side that you see as you’re going toward Charity, that area will be filled in. There’ll be 40 [feet] of pipe extended out to Dogwood. It won’t be a lateral filling on the whole ditch, but at least that hole there will be safer.”
The board unanimously accepted the offer.
In other business at the Sept. 10 meeting, the board:
• Approved a resolution awarding property at 204 Fifth St. to Kevin Hernandez, after an upset bid process brought in no other bids. Hernandez purchased the property for $10,000.
• Approved an agreement for professional administrative engineering services with Stroud Engineering. Most of the work will be done in-house, but Stroud will be used on an as-needed basis.
• Got an update on a project to repair drainage on Walnut Street. Parker said that the project, funded by a Golden LEAF grant, may start sometime in October.
• Heard an update on new threeway and four-way stops being installed throughout the town. Feedback has been both positive and negative, but the majority understood why the stops were needed, Town Administrator Angela Smith reported.
• Learned about a sinkhole due to a sewer cave-in on East Main Street between Bay and Elm that was repaired by an outside contractor. Because the sinkhole was 9 feet in depth, Smith reported that the town had to have a contractor do the repairs since the town could go no deeper than 4 feet. The asphalt will have to be replaced, and will be done by Legion Asphalt as part of the paving project.
• Heard an update on the new fire department from Commissioner Billy Wilson, who reported that the department is in its new building and operating well. An open house will be planned sometime in the near future.
Fabian Vega
THE CONVERSATION
Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor
COLUMN | PHILIP GLADDEN
Truth vs. Truthiness
Don’t believe everything you think.
IN AN EPISODE of the sitcom “Seinfeld” (February 1995), Jerry and George are sitting in a booth at Monk’s Cafe. Jerry asks George for advice about how to beat a lie detector test. Very seriously, George says, “Jerry, remember. It’s not a lie if you believe it.”
Ten years later, in the first episode of his political satire program, “The Colbert Report,” Stephen Colbert introduced the term “truthiness” to describe the political conversations of the time. Truthiness sounds a lot like George’s advice to Jerry.
Merriam-Webster chose “truthiness” as the 2005 Word of the Year. The word is defined as “the belief in what you feel to be true rather than what the facts will support.”
A more detailed definition is “the belief or assertion that a particular statement is true based on the intuition or perceptions of some individual or individuals, without regard to evidence, logic, intellectual examination, or facts.”
Truthiness reminds me of two notes in my quote journal, the first of which I saw on a
Kamalot
“THE CROWN has made it clear. The climate must be perfect all the year.” – Oscar Hammerstein
Under the Biden-Harris administration, the hourly wage is rapidly decreasing.
Like the fictional Camelot, home of King Arthur and his mighty knights, Kamala Harris’s Democratic presidential campaign has a gauzy, fairy tale aura about it.
After Harris’ nearly four years of service under the Biden administration, a magic wand has created a new set of clothes. Harris has repeatedly stated that her values have not changed, there is no daylight between President Joe Biden’s policies and her own. A champion of the Green New Deal, Harris believes this policy is the way forward.
The Green New Deal, a reference to President Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal during the Great Depression, was first discussed by Thomas Friedman in 2007, suggesting a departure from “dirty coal and oil energy” into renewables. U.S. House Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) proposed a resolution to create a Green New Deal in 2019. It failed an initial procedural vote. Even the late Sen. Diane Feinstein (D-Calif.) expressed skepticism about this idea. Consider how the Green New Deal would be realized in our communities.
First on the list of 10 tenets is “guaranteeing a job with a familysustaining wage … family and medical leave, vacations and retirement security to all people of the United States.” Fantastic. Unfortunately, under the BidenHarris administration, the hourly wage is rapidly decreasing due to the influx of undocumented immigrants flooding the labor force. They are willing to work for anything, they are paid in cash and they
bumper sticker: “Don’t believe everything you think” and “To ignore the facts doesn’t change the facts.”
Almost 30 years after George gave Jerry advice and almost 20 years after Stephen Colbert introduced us to truthiness, once again we need to be vigilant and discerning about the difference between truth and truthiness. With our dependence on the internet and the increasing influence of artificial intelligence, it is especially important to examine the evidence and facts as we make important decisions in the upcoming election cycle, as we help to shape public policy, in our family lives and in our community.
Two thousand years ago, when Jesus was on trial, he responded to Pontius Pilate’s question about his kingship by saying, “For this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” Pilate then asked Jesus this important question, “What is truth?” (John 18:37-38) In my Presbyterian tradition, one of the foundations of how we govern ourselves is “that truth is in order to goodness.”
In other words, the pursuit of truth must lead to beneficial actions. The reason is “that no opinion can either be more pernicious or more absurd than that which brings truth and falsehood upon a level, and represents it as of no consequence what a man’s opinions are.
“On the contrary, we are persuaded that there is an inseparable connection between faith and action, truth and duty.” Or, as Jesus said in his Sermon on the Mount, “Thus you will know them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:20)
The Four-Way Test of Rotary International is a good guideline for distinguishing between truth and truthiness, especially as evidenced by one’s actions.
The test is: (1) Is it the truth? (2) Is if fair to all concerned? (3) Will it build goodwill and better friendships? and (4) Will it be beneficial to all concerned? In our ongoing efforts to build better communities, we need to seek the truth and beware of and be rid of “truthiness.”
Philip Gladden lives in Wallace. He can be reached at gladdenphilip620@gmail.com.
avoid taxes. This displaces the entry-level job seeker who must report his earnings and pay taxes. Additionally, this person is denied the benefit of early, on-the-job experience.
McDonald’s cites many successful people, including Harris, as members of the 12.5% of Americans who got their start slinging burgers. Considering the tax-free status of the undocumented worker, one must acknowledge that his “retirement security” is funded by your Social Security contribution.
Second on the Green New Deal list is “high quality health care … affordable, safe and adequate housing … access to clean water, clean air ... healthy and affordable food.” Too good to be true?
The Biden-Harris Health and Human Services Department squandered Americans’ trust trying to manage the COVID-19 pandemic. Each bad decision fostered by the Fauci fraternity — mask up, lock down — was countered by a stimulus check, obscuring the damage caused by those reckless measures. The receipts are in and generations will pay for the damage to our culture.
“Affordable, safe and adequate housing” is touted as the American Dream. Harris has suggested giving a $25,000 subsidy to certain first-time home buyers to get on board the Polar Express. The real American dream would provide housing and services to our veterans, our sick and disabled. On a single night in January 2023, the Department of Housing and Urban Development reported more than 650,000 men, women and children on the street, homeless and hopeless. This is an American disgrace.
Third on the list of 10 principles of the Green New Deal is “providing resources, training and high-quality education … to all people of the United States.” This is fantasy.
We are experiencing a massive shortage of teachers, day care providers and staff employees. Public schools are captured by
the Department of Education and hostage to the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association. In a controlled burn, this trifecta has managed to achieve the following results: 50% of adults in this country cannot read above eighth grade level, 3 of 4 people on welfare cannot read at all and 50% of unemployed people aged 16-21 are functionally illiterate.
Bolstering these averages is the charter school concept, which bypasses the union control and foregoes some regulatory requirements. The success of the charter model has been rewarded by having their budget reduced by millions in the Biden-Harris 2025 proposal.
Teachers are at the mercy of burdensome regulations, low pay and students socially unprepared for the rigors of institutional learning. Working parents, challenged with financial obligations and inflationary expenses, cannot find or afford quality day care. Some have waited two years to enroll a child in a facility, allowing the parent to return to employment. The real new deal would prioritize our child development initiatives and education beginning at infancy. We must implement a culture where children are valued, educated, socialized and incentivized to take on the challenges of America’s future.
The remaining seven tenets of the Green New Deal aspire to sweep the Earth clean of pollutants, cleanse the cattle and power up the electrical grid. All very aspirational. The price to accomplish these magnificent seven is estimated at $8.1 trillion by the American Action Forum. Sustaining these goals is inestimable.
The script for the Harris-Walz campaign production for the presidency requires you to suspend reality and close the curtain on the disastrous Biden-Harris administration. The cost of the ticket to watch this play is unaffordable.
Connie Lovell lives in Southern Pines.
COLUMN | CONNIE LOVELL
Cowan Museum presents Smithsonian exhibit encouraging social change dialogue
The museum is undergoing renovations
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
KENANSVILLE — The Cowan Museum of History and Science is making preparations to welcome a Smithsonian poster exhibition on Sept. 27 with a free, public opening catered reception from 5-7:30 p.m.
The event will allow community members to give their input on how the museum is doing, what programs and events they would like to see, enjoy dinner, and register to vote.
The exhibit, Choosing to Participate, is part of a national initiative designed to encourage dialogue on positive social change and will be on display at the museum through November.
“I thought it would be nice to tie it in with inviting the community to participate with the museum,” said Robin Grotke, Cowan Museum of History and Science director, explaining that Choosing to Participate is a Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service poster exhibit that deals with participating in one’s community, democracy, dialogue, how we choose to react to certain situations, etc.
Hawes. “The time has passed [for] talking about it. We’ve got to do something about it. We’ve got to do something about it — quick.
Mayor A.J. Connors also addressed the subject.
“I have seen Senator (Brent) Jackson. I’ve seen House Representative (Jimmy) Dixon. I’ve seen our county commissioners, and I’ve expressed to them as well as others that if Warsaw does not get a waste treatment plant increase, then West Park will come to a standstill because they need sewer at West Park,” said Connors, explaining that because Warsaw is the closest one, in order to supply West Park with sewer it needs to increase its capacity.
“That means that if they are trying to sell any property out there, that will have come to a standstill because we cannot supply them with the sewer. So we’re dealing with that. We’re not just the only ones hurt by it. The county will be hurt by that as well. The county did give a letter of endorsement that was sent to our state leaders as well as our federal state leaders, and these were sent out. I know because the town manager prepared it, sent the package out to them, making the request. We’ll be meeting with Congressman Murphy’s assistant to discuss this even more. And the reality is that Warsaw is growing, but we are having to be very careful,” said Connors.
The Mayor added that people want to live in Warsaw.
“Those new homes that are being built over there on Wade are being sold as swiftly as they can get them completed, as well as the ones over here off of Victoria. I think the majority of all those have been sold at this point in time, and there are more houses that are in line to be built here off of West Bay as well as off of Plank
“To tie in with the exhibit panels, I’m putting things on display that will compliment the subjects — and some artifacts have never been put on display yet.”
Robin Grotke, Cowan Museum
of History and Science
“We have a very small staff, and we make the decisions about the exhibits, but I’d like the community to participate,” said Grotke, adding that the museum will have a voting booth at the reception where visitors can vote on what they would like to see at the museum and cast it into a suggestion box.
Grotke told Duplin Journal she would also like to develop the museum’s oral history collection highlighting local people and how their stories have molded the fabric of Duplin County.
Grotke and her staff welcome input on better representing the people shaping the community.
“We really want stories from the public and to build our col-
lection with possible oral histories to go in with our exhibit panels and artifacts,” said Grotke. “I want a wide representation of the African-American community, our Spanish-speaking community, everybody.”
The museum has been diligently working on upgrades, which are part of a more extensive renovation and are on target for opening day.
“The last time we had an exhibit where this new one will go was in 2016,” said Grotke, explaining that they temporarily stored some oversized items that used to be part of the music exhibit. They are also painting it a new color.
“To tie in with the exhibit panels, I’m putting things on display that will compliment the subjects — and some artifacts have never been put on display yet,” Grotke told Duplin Journal. “We got this major transfer of property from the Duplin County Manager’s Office, which includes scrapbooks and a lot of photographs from the 1970s, like the Liberty Cart, the outdoor theater we used to have, and the Kenansville Amphitheater. We have material from two of the outdoor plays. We have things from the home demonstration groups and the Arts Council.”
The museum director shared
that they included some extras, like the home demonstration groups and the Stanford School, hoping locals who visit the exhibit may recognize some of the photos and share their knowledge.
“We’re inviting the community to give their input and maybe share some memories or identify people in the photographs. … I think it’ll be fun for people to look at the pictures, because some of them are recent, like from the year 2000. Others are from the ‘70s, ‘50s. And then we have material related to Dovey Penny, the first woman commissioner in Duplin County — we have her scrapbooks,” she added.
Grotke said she is looking forward to the exhibit and hopes they get a lot of participation.
“The poster exhibit developed by the Smithsonian and Facing History and Ourselves are heavy subjects,” said Grotke. “As a history museum, it’s really important to us to accurately portray history, even if some of it’s painful, but that’s the way we grow and become a better society.” The Cowan Museum is located at 411 S. Main Street in Kenansville. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and admission is free.
Street,” said Connors, adding that more homes are in line to be built and improvements are taking place. “Things are happening here… The growth with jobs. Jobs are here, and they’re being filled as people come in and are willing to apply for those jobs.”
Connors asked the public to be patient as the town grows and improves.
“It may not be going as fast as you want, but it is moving forward. Cleaning up old buildings and using spaces for inward growth. There’s some property on Front Street that cannot be bought because the person who owns it has a price tag on it so high that no one can afford to buy it ... And there’s some on Front Street that need to be repaired … So, yes, things are happening, and there are some things that are not happening that we would love to see happen.”
He spoke about how repairing Front Street took a while, and people complained, but to remember that if there’s going to be improvement, there will be
problems while things are getting done.
“We have to be patient,” said Connors. “It takes a little time to get things done, and progress is not something that happens overnight all the time. There were complaints about Sheetz being out there,” he said, adding that the tax value that Warsaw will receive off of Sheetz is likely more than what 10 homes would bring to the area.
“And the other part of it is, thank God Sheetz did come because it brought the prices of gas down in Warsaw. You can be upset about it all you want, but it brought the prices down, and it’s staying down for right now,” said Connors.
In other business:
• The board carried a motion to move the Nov. 11 meeting to Nov. 12.
• Town Manager Lea Turner provided an update about a survey the town and Eastern Carolina Council have been
working on as they gear up for the 2025 grant period.
“We are asking everybody’s participation in this survey,” said Turner, pointing out how citizens can address specific requests to be considered in the survey.
“Please help us spread the word. … We even have some downstairs in the town hall,” said Turner, adding that they need them back by Oct. 22. “I’ve also put the links on our website for these surveys. If you would, we would like your input.”
Hawes shared that Hawes Funeral Home will host a community appreciation day at the Warsaw Recreation Center from 12 to 4 p.m. on Oct. 5. The public is invited to attend and enjoy free food and a day of fellowship.
Health Department hosts vaccination clinic for students Kenansville
The Duplin County Health Department will host a vaccination clinic for school-aged children on Thursday, Sept. 26, from 4-7 p.m. Vaccinations for meningitis, tetanus (TDap), HPV and more will be available. The Health Department accepts noninsured, Medicaid and some private insurance. For more information, call 910-296-2130. The Health Department is located at 340 Seminary St. in Kenansville.
Teens volunteer for summer at ECU Health Duplin Hospital
Kenansville
Over the summer, 20 students participated in ECU Health Duplin Hospital’s VolunTEEN program. “Collectively, they dedicated a remarkable 861 hours of their time, energy and passion across various hospital departments,” reads a Facebook post from the hospital. “Their commitment and hard work made a positive impact on our hospital and the community we serve. From assisting patients to supporting our team members, their contributions have been invaluable.”
Wagon Tails Farm’s Woofstock on Sept. 28
Beulaville
Woofstock at the Farm, benefitting Wagon Tails Farm Rescue, will be held next Saturday, Sept. 28, 1-6 p.m. at the rescue farm, 150 Wagon Ford Road, Beulaville. The event will include food trucks, local vendors, a pet costume contest, goat feeding, an online auction and a licking booth.
JSCC’s WestPark Campus to host blood drive Oct. 16 Warsaw James Sprunt Community College’s WestPark Campus, 946 Penny Branch Road in Warsaw, will be hosting a Blood Drive on Oct. 16 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. To register online, visit donate. thebloodconnection.org.
• Turner also provided updates about the Trunk-or-treat event planned for Oct. 31, 6-7.30 p.m. on Front Street.
2024 Fall Community Meetings
G ot 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.
WARSAW from page A1
ENA SELLERS / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Members of the Warsaw town board discuss the need for $44 million to update the town’s water treatment plant.
Commissioners apply for South Beulaville sewer project grant funds
The town board also discussed a neighborhood revitalization grant
By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal
BEULAVILLE — The Beulaville Board of Commissioners voted unanimously at its Sept. 9 meeting to approve a resolution to apply for a Community Development Block Grant for infrastructure. If approved, the grant, from the NC Department of Environmental Quality, will fund a sewer rehabilitation project in the southern part of town.
“The proposed project would rehabilitate old sewer lines and aging lift stations to make them more efficient and reduce inflow and infiltration,” explained Josh Outlaw with The Adams Company. “The purpose of the CDBG-I grant program is to improve the quality of life for low- to moderate-income people, and to provide a safe and clean environment and clean drinking water.”
The town of Beulaville is proposing to rehabilitate one lift station and rehabilitate approximately 5,200 linear feet of sewer piping, 28 manholes and 88 service laterals, Outlaw said. The proposed proj-
WALLACE from page A1
and will take about 300 days to complete. Work started last week and workers have already laid a lot of pipe, Taylor said. At last month’s meeting, the council accepted a loan from the NC Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) in the amount of $1,884,318.
In other business at the Sept. 12 meeting:
• The council voted to
ect area includes Mercer Court Apartments Lane, South Jackson Street, West Robertson Street, East and West Chasten Street, East and West Brinson Street, East and West Parker Street, Lanier Street, Cottle Street, Evans Street, Suggs Street and Turner Road in South Beulaville. No residents in the area should be displaced by the project, if approved, Outlaw said.
A public hearing was held on the CDBG-I grant application, but no comments from the public were received.
After the hearing, the board voted unanimously to approve the resolution to move forward with the application for the CDBG-I funding. The deadline for applications is Sept. 30. Outlaw also spoke during a separate public hearing to receive input on a proposed CDBG-Neighborhood Revitalization project that would be funded by the NC Department of Commerce with funds received from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
This grant would focus on housing, but can also include infrastructure related to housing such as utility services, streets, floodplain improvements, sidewalks or pedestrian ways, and public facilities
schedule a public hearing at the Oct. 10 meeting for a rezoning request from Wilmer Cruz of Maple Street. Cruz’s property is currently zoned Highway Business and he wishes to rezone a portion of his property to R-6 so that he can increase the size of his home, Planning Director Rod Fritz said.
• The council also adopted a resolution authorizing Town Clerk Jackie Nicholson to
such as shelters and community and recreation centers.
All CDBG projects must benefit low- to moderate-income residents.
“Any homes included in the project must be owner-occupied by low to moderate income people,” Outlaw said, adding that he has received a list of possible candidates from town staff. A second public hearing will be held at the October meeting to narrow down the applications.
In other business at the September meeting of the town board, Police Chief Karl Mobley gave an update on recent traffic incidents near Beulaville Elementary School.
“There were several concerns about school traffic in the mornings and afternoons, road rage incidents, things of that nature,” Mobley said. “We put out guidelines to try to get ahead of it, let families read and go over it. This morning, I was (at the school), and sat, along with one of the other officers, and everything was going smoothly. We might have had to make a couple of stops to address some issues, but we’re going to continue to be obviously in the area to make some stops, address some safety issues.”
Also at the Sept. 9 meeting:
investigate the sufficiency of a petition for annexation. The petition is from AveryDavis Investments, LLC of Knightdale to add the south side of their property that is in Pender County along US Highway 117 to their existing 150-acre annexed property.
• Public Services Director Brent Dean gave an update on various public services projects, including the 830 Project. He said he will do a
COURTESY THE ADAMS COMPANY
This graphic, provided to the Beulaville town board by The Adams Company, shows the areas that would benefit from a sewer rehabilitation project if a CDBG-I grant is approved by the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality.
• Interim Town Manager Lori Williams reported that the wastewater treatment plant had processed an average of 254,000 gallons per day in the previous month.
• Mayor Hutch Jones gave an update on a property on Deer Run Lane, which several residents voiced concerns over at last month’s meeting.
The property is in violation of a town ordinance, and Jones said utilities had been disconnected until a camper on the lot is removed.
presentation on the town’s dyke project at the South Carolina Environmental Conference in March 2025. Mayor Jason Wells also told Dean about a sinkhole that has opened on East Boney Street.
• Taylor reported that Former Finance Director Joseph Trollinger had submitted his resignation, so there were no tax reports or financial reports. Taylor said the town has experienced
• The board unanimously approved a budget amendment to budget insurance money received for damage to the town’s Durango, at $3,011.50.
• The board rescheduled a special meeting/budget workshop for Sept. 30 at 5:30 p.m.
• Williams also updated the board on several upcoming events, including bulk trash pickup on Sept. 30. Residents should call Town Hall at 910298-4647 to have bulk items picked up on that day.
about 3.8% growth so far over the past fiscal year.
• During his report to the council, Taylor stated that plans for a new public safety center were entering the final stages, and he should have an update on that project at the next meeting.
The next Wallace Town Council meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 10, at the Wallace Woman’s Club.
DUPLIN SPORTS
Panthers rebound, blow out Croatan
East Duplin, minus two key starters, broke its first two-game skid since 2020; an ECC encounter with James Kenan on Friday in Beulaville is up next
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
NEWPORT — Panthers football fans shook their collective heads during losses to West Craven and Richlands.
As it turns out both the Eagles and Wildcats were legitimate contenders.
Battle Holley and company just went back to work on the practice field.
They were rewarded for a heads-down, work hard approach with a 40-17 win over Croatan last Friday to snap its first two-game losing streak since 2020.
And the Panthers did it without the services of fullback and leading rusher Shawn Davis and quarterback and linebacker/strong safety Landen Bond.
“We hope to have them back this week,” said Holley as his 2-2 club hosts 4-0 James Kenan in the first ECC encounter of the fall.
“And I hope we have the right plan,” he said following a Sunday film session with his coaching staff that includes veteran coach Brian Aldridge and defensive coordinator Seth Sandlin.
“They’re the best defensive team we will have played. Our blocking has to improve, and that includes with our backs. They come after you defensively, so we have to stay on our blocks.” Panthers hand Cougars first loss in four games
The Panthers defense held Croatan to 167 yards on the ground and 62 via its passing game to hand the Cougars their first loss in four games.
Meanwhile, Keeshon Mckinnie (12-168), Allen Stukes (8-27) each ran for a pair of touchdowns and third-string quarterback Gavin Jarman fired scoring passes to Mckinnie and Zachary Ball.
Branson Norris, ED’s original starting signal caller in preseason camp broke his collar bone in the final scrimmage of the fall. He was 3 for 3 and made four of his five PATs kicks.
The Panthers jumped in front 12-0 in the opening quarter and led 20-10 at halftime via 44- and 47-yard TD receptions by Ball and Mckinnie and a 3-yard plunge by Calvin Harper.
Mckinnie had scoring sprints of 77- and 29-yards in the third quarter as ED stretched its advantage to 33-10. The sophomore speedster carried the ball 12 times for a career-high 168 yards.
Stukes (8-27) scored from the 1 early in the fourth. Backfield mate Aaron Hall added 88 yards on 17 toes as the Panthers rolled to 318
See PANTHERS, page B4
Tigers shake down Eagles as prep for tussle with Panthers
James Kenan remained unbeaten by dominating every aspect of the game last Friday during a beat down of East Bladen
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
WARSAW — Bring on the Panthers.
That was the battle call following James Kenan’s 34-14 win over East Bladen last Friday at Bill Taylor Field.
The confident Tigers, 4-0 for the first time since 2015, will look for their first win over the East Duplin since 2018 on Friday in Beulaville.
“We told our kids this season was about making history,” said JK coach Tim Grady, now in his fourth season at the helm. “We’re where we want to be and feel good after a good night and a hot defense.
“We know what to expect and I have a lot of respect for Battle (Holley) and that coaching staff. I felt really good about how we worked out of gun packages against East Bladen. Against East Duplin it won’t matter who is up or who is down.”
ED has won the last five and six of eight and lead the alltime series 33-29, according to Bill Rollins, a longtime writer for the Duplin County sports writer.
“We can’t make mistakes against team like that because they will make you pay for them,” Grady said. “We have to play aggressively and finish off drives.”
The Panthers (2-2) have experienced a rash of injuries, the biggest of which came to their two quarterbacks — Branson Norris and Landen Bond — and fullback Shawn Davis, who is not up to his production from last season due to a problem with an ankle.
ED (2-2) played two very physical foes back-to-back when facing West Craven and Richlands. The beat Dixon
See EAGLES, page B3
THURMAN PARKER FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
Aaron Hall, Jordan Hall and ED dominated Pender to break the Panthers’ two-game skid.
EDWARDO PUAC FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
The James Kenan defense has given up 44 points in four wins this season.
Bulldogs overcome mistakes for historic win
Wallace-Rose Hill captures its 600th win, moving into 13th place in the victories on the state’s all-time list
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
WALLACE — An extremely young Wallace-Rose Hill football team sealed its place in history on a night normally designated for junior varsity clashes.
The Bulldogs overcame early mistakes behind the running of Jamari Carr, Jamarae Lamb and the all-around play of Irving Brown to beat Pender 27-12 last Friday to improve to 2-2 before the start of ECC play this Friday.
That was somewhat secondary to the fact that WRH won its 600th career game.
“I’ve always said I was the gatekeeper here,” said head coach Kevin Motsinger, who is 37-16 in seven-plus seasons, with a 2A title in 2017, runner-up finish in 2021 and an ECC title last fall.
“You have to credit guys like Thell Overman (278-73-6) who started it all, coach (Jack) Holley (75-29) who kept it going and set the bar, the success of coach (Joey) Price (107-15 with five state titles) speaks for itself.
It’s all about keeping Wallace-Rose Hill football about the kids and doing things the Wallace-Rose Hill way.”
It hasn’t been easy, though, as football numbers have decreased and WRH has to schedule brutal nonconference games against higher classification schools. The Bulldog reputation steers away 1A and 2A schools.
In comparison, WRH is more than 100 wins better than its Duplin County competitors, as pointed out by longtime Du-
plin sports writer Bill Rollins.
ED is 393-329-4 over the same stretch, though records go from 1962 and not 1956 like WRH. James Kenan is 483-267-5 since 1957 and North Duplin 454 -317-5 since 1955.
The Bulldogs, who were designated as the 15th best program by MaxPreps in the past decade, also stand tall in victory totals statewide.
WRH moves into 13th place in NC in all-time wins in a heavyweight division that includes the top four buzzsaws: Shelby (86-325-50), Reidsville (819-32338) Mount Airy (786-329) and Asheville (698-400-38).
Some of these figures vary depending on the source.
Back to the gridiron at Thell Overman Field in the Jack Holley Football Complex
WRH’s home field is in Wallace and not Teachey where the
school is located. It was renamed after the death of Holley in 2013.
The mystique inside what was once Legion Field has continued as game-changing plays happen for the Bulldogs.
Last Thursday’s came when Brown cut in front of a pattern for an interception he took to the house from 48 yards out.
It was the lone score in a first half in which the Bulldogs made fumbles and were assessed with penalty-killing scoring drives.
“There were three windows their kid was going to pass into and I told our kids whoever is there will get the pick,” said Motsinger, who is also the defensive coordinator.”
Brown, who will play for Division 1 and Mid-Major Ohio next season, gave the Bulldogs a 7-0 lead and momentum, which was punctuated by a three-andout by WRH’s defense to start the third quarter. Eight plays later Matthew Wells found Carr for
a 33-yard touchdown. Brown’s 11-yard scamper in which he shredded through two defenders set up the score on fourth-and-6.
WRH forced the Pats to turn the ball over on downs at the Bulldog 26 in part because of tackles on separate plays by defensive back Jamari Shaw and OL/LB Adrian Allen both of which had five-star defensive games.
But Pender played well, especially fullback Jeremiah Johnson (28-211), who was the Pats’ best and only real offensive weapon since the WRH secondary held quarterback Mark Rawls to one completion and five yards in seven throws.
He scored from the 14 one play after a WRH punt hit the back of a Bulldog.
WRH responded immediately when Adrian Glover returned the kickoff 85 yards to make it 21-6 following Cesar Perla-Fuentes’ PAT on the second whistle of the fourth quarter.
An Allen sack on fourthand-11 stopped Pender on fourth down near midfield.
Carr swept 17 yards down the right sideline three plays later. Reserve quarterback Austin Deal ran a bootleg for 10 yards and a touchdown at the 6:03 mark.
Brown returned the Pender kickoff for a score that was called back after a penalty flag no one saw coming or believed.
It didn’t matter, though, as WRH had its historic win all but in the books.
Pender (2-1), a 1A school, though, might have played as well as upcoming ECC foes North Lenoir, South Lenoir, Kinston and Southwest Onslow, yet not like East Duplin or James Kenan, who play Friday in Beulaville. And unless things change drastically, a Duplin team will yet again take the conference title.
WRH travels to SWO (1-3) on Friday and then goes against the three Lenoir County schools, which have a combined record of 3-11.
Gridiron notebook
Brown (12-85), Carr (11-70) and Lamb (13-73) had the bulk of WRH’s 248 rushing yards. Will Brooks and Kam Thomas were also defensive stalwarts. Brown’s first score put a band aid on his two fumbles and so many more first-half miscues. Brown’s best run might have been a 15-yarder in which he reversed his field from right to left. His interception came with 5.2 seconds left in the first half. WRH defenders had their hands on at least four passes and were unable to hold on to them. Wells recovered a fumble in the fourth, one play after a WRH interception.
Unbeaten Wildcats ready for physical challenge at Princeton
Richlands works over South Lenoir for its third shutout in four games
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
DEEP RUN — When a football team reaches a certain level it welcomes the arrival of respected opponent, knowing only the best team will emerge with a victory.
That confidence and voice of the inner competitor is alive at Richlands as the unbeaten Wildcats travel to Princeton (2-2) to take on Travis Gaster and his old-school run-you-over single wing attack.
The Johnson County school was the lone team to beat East Duplin during its run to a 2A title. In 2022.
Oh, and for those who feel the Bulldogs have fallen from the ranks of the powerful. Princeton made it to the third round of the playoffs last season.
Richlands (4-0) enters with three shutouts and a defensive front line that says, “You’re not knocking us over.”
The Wildcats actually broke through last fall after a 27-20 triumph over Princeton.
“Buckle up the chin straps,” said Richlands coach Pat Byrd. “Coach (Travis) Gaster does a great job and is a branch off the
tree of his dad (Jack Gaster, who three state titles and 14 conference titles at Albemarle before dying in 2008 from a stroke at the age of 59). And does what his dad did in running a weight room the right way.” So does Byrd and the fruits started showing up the previous two seasons.
“Our kids can go toe-to-toe with anyone and its one of the two games on our schedule the kids circle,” Byrd said. “They look forward to the challenge.” Yet make no mistake, it won’t be as easy as the last Friday’s
57-0 blowout of South Lenoir., nor a 25-0 whitewash of rival Southwest Onlsow (for the third straight time after three decades of losses) or a 19-0 dumping of East Duplin (the Wildcats’ first win in 14 years).
“It’s going to be a good old fashion street fight,” Byrd said. “They play a good brand of football that not dirty and we are somewhat similar though a with a little New Age in how we spread it out.”
Richlands went 0-8 in Byrd’s first season (the COVID-19 campaign of 2020, played in the spring of 2021.
The Wildcat then went 6-5 and 7-4, tying for the Coastal 3A Conference the latter season.
This year’s push improved their coach’s four-year mark in Richlands to 20-19.
“We’re going to have some adversity against Princeton, and I’ll have to say our win last season catapulted our program.,” Byrd said.
Make the next play your best play’
That’s the mantra Byrd has been preaching to his players.
The intensity of the Wildcats was in full force near the end of the second quarter with Richland in control 42-0 and threatening to score deep in Blue Devil territory.
“I forgot to tell our holder that if anything happens just fall on the ball,” Byrd said of a bobbled that ended up as a 2-point conversion and infuriated the SL coaching staff, who thought Richlands was running up the score.
“I told the starters if they score again they wouldn’t play in the second half. Our guys said, “OK.” They wanted that touchdown and new the consequences for the next half. We used a lot of eight-quarter JV players and as usual we played well up front.”
The Wildcats’ skill players took it from there, rocking and rolling to the end zone like un-
SHARE YOUR IDEAS ON THE TOWN’S PARKS AND RECREATION
Residents are invited to complete a Recreational Needs Survey to share needs and opinions related to the Town’s parks and recreation services. The Town is preparing a Parks and Recreation Plan with assistance from the Eastern Carolina Council of Governments and Colliers Engineering & Design. The Town of Warsaw has surveys available at the Town Hall and Warsaw Parks & Recreation. We will also be supplying surveys for Warsaw Elementary School K-8. We ask that students return surveys to the school and the public can return them to either Town Hall or Parks & Recreation. All surveys need to be completed no later than October 11, 2024. “It is very important that all of our families, residents,
and youth engage in this process and help us plan our Town’s future. I hope everyone takes advantage of this opportunity to shape the future of our park and recreation system and ensure it meets the needs of Warsaw,” said A. J. Connors, Warsaw Mayor. Your input is desired to assist in our planning for a grant application submittal to the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF). The anticipated project proposed for funding is the construction or renovation of recreational facilities at Memorial Park. The current planning is building on the Town’s Master Parks & Recreation Plan 2025 and the Memorial Park Master Plan completed approximately a decade ago when the Town was
tamed prey in the wild after food. Quarterback Caleb Simco scored from the 14 for one of his two touchdown runs.
Running back Noah LeBlanc and Tyler Clouatre broke the plane of the end zone.
Simco connected with Clouatre and the rout had more than started at 28-0. Christian Diaz, LeBlanc and Simco then added scores for a 50-0 halftime lead.
Cale Wilges scored the lone second-half points for Richlands as the Wildcat derense continued to suffocate the Blue Devils.
“We cleaned up a few things, such as our extra points and kick coverage, which has still got to be better,” Byrd said. “For us its all about making our kids make the next play your best play.”
Richlands will be tested, no doubt playing against a hostile crowd, on an artificial field and in a place where officiating calls might not go its way.
The Wildcats appear ready to face both the Bulldogs, who beat rival Rosewood 48-7 last Friday, and jungle where they are uncaged.
Gaster is 81-33 overall and 40-7 in conference play at Princeton since taking over a struggling program in 2015, though last season had the lowest point production and points allowed during his tenure (476 scored vs. 361 allowed).
awarded PARTF grant funds for improvements to Memorial Park. The Warsaw Parks and Recreational Advisory Board looks forward to receiving the feedback from residents and community partners. The comments received from everyone regarding preferences and needs for the Town-owned parks will be incorporated into the community plan. Residents will have other means to actively participate in developing the Parks and Recreation Plan through meetings and public hearings that will occur through early 2025. Residents may complete the Recreational Needs Survey electronically by going to Town of Warsaw’s website, www.townofwarsawnc.com.
PHOTO COURTESY JULIE DAVIS
Wallace-Rose Hill won its 600th career football game, ranking it 13th in the state.
AIDEN TOKONITZ FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
Christian Diaz scores against South Lenoir as Richlands preps for a key game again Princeton on Friday in Johnston County.
HCA wins third straight, faces Eagles in key Big East test
Harrells Christian Academy pushed past Mount Zion via scoring from Dashaun McKoy
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
H ARRELLS — Most nights last winter, Dashaun McKoy was the second-best scorer and top rebounder for the Harrells Christian basketball team that went 22-12, with four losses to Fayetteville Academy.
The junior led the Crusaders in rebounding, but often got lost in the shuffle because of his cousin, Antonio McKoy, who will likely be a Division 1 player in college.
Last Friday on Murphy-Johnson Field he was the most valuable player of HCA’s 14-6 win over Mount Zion Christian Academy.
McKoy scored both Crusader touchdown and also had a 2-point conversion in a game the Mighty Warriors had nearly twice the total offensive yards as HCA (320-180).
He ran for a short-yardage score and had a pick 6 to lead the Crusaders to their third consecutive win after falling to Covenant Day in the season opener.
HCA’s defense gave a bit of ground, but got tough when it counted.
The Crusaders led 6-0 at halftime and broke a tie in the fourth quarter after a Julius Rooks score knotted the game in the third quarter with an 80-yard explosion, one of the cracks in the HCA defense.
The Crusaders also worked
40 -17 and will have to deal with the defensive exploits of Hassan Kornegay, Ty Morrisey, Dakota Henderson, Josh Mitchell, David Zeleya and Tyquise Wilson.
“Our defense has been great,” said Grady, whose team has given up one TD against both Swansboro and Midway and held strong during a 21-20 overtime win over Whiteville.
JK will have its bye week following the game against ED, returning Oct. 4 against ECC rivals South Lenoir (0-3), Kinston (2-2), North Lenoir (0-3) and Southwest Onslow (1-3).
The regular season finale is a Nov. 1 date with Wallace-Rose Hill, the league’s defending champ.
Offense paves way to 20-0 halftime lead
JK led East Bladen 13-0 in the opening quarter and 20-0 by halftime. The lone score of the third cut it to 20-7, but JK scored twice in the final quarter in a game that was never in doubt.
Jeremiah Hall ran the ball 15 times for a career-best 112 yards and scored a touchdown.
Imir Sanders (4-34) and Wilson (2-9) added running scores and Zeyela (6-27) hit paydirt twice from short distances.
Quarterback Eli Avent (4-8 for 103 yards) fired a TD bullet
their way around quarterback Ge’arey Johnson, who was 7 of 17 for 160 yards, though 60 came on one pass to Keegan Carroll.
Huge encounter with NRC on Friday
The game was a prep for Friday’s clash with North Raleigh Christian (2-2) as both teams enter Big East Conference play.
NRC beat HCA 28-21 last fall in a game that went a long way in keeping the Crusaders out of the NCISAA 2A playoffs, even with a 5-5 record.
After that encounter, three of HCA’s final five games are on the road.
The Knights have thrown the ball 97 times and ran it 105 times for their version of a balanced offensive attack.
It’s the air assault that concerns Crusader head coach Clayton Hall.
Joshua Brown and Nate Earnest have combined to hit on 59 of 97 passes for 758 yards and nine touchdowns.
Running back Davan McCoy, who rushed for 1,544 yards and 12 TDs a year ago, has averaged 96 yards per game this season.
NCR beat Bunn (36-15) and Wake Prep (42-21), while falling to Metrola Christian (27-7) and High Point Christian (45 -20).
The matchup is key to the conference standings as Ravenscroft (1-4), Wake Christian (1-3) and GRACE Christian (2 -20, while struggling and league favorite Trinity (2-1) is getting through a brutal part of its schedule.
Crusader notebook
Freshman Jarrod Miller (8- 61) led HCA in running. Chamani Newton (7-43) and Demetrius Jones (6-27) had to work for the yards they produced.
Quarterback Reid Strickland was 4 of 9 for 21 yards, which included one connection to Newton for 14 yards.
Jamari Peterson’s seven tackles paced the defensive effort. Coley Sasserr had five takedowns and blocked a punt. Newton made four tackles, including one for lost yardage.
Jesse Smith and Jeremiah Davis each logged a sack.
HCA gave up 19 points in its last three wins and 28 in a loss to Covenant Day. Even so, the Crusaders defense had to and did come up bigger against Mount Zion.
Tyquise Wilson score a touchdown for JK and also played a key
to CJ Hill as part of the duos’ 99 yards. East Bladen fell to 1-3.
More JK-ED series chatter
L ogic might suggest that James Kenan due for a win against East Duplin?
The Panthers took last season’s game 28-7. Panther coach Battle Holley is 11-2 against the Tigers since taking over in 2011.
Former coach, Brian Aldridge, was 9-13 vs. JK, which
won nine of 10 from 1976 to 1981.
ED went 9-2 from 1995 to 2005. Aldridge won his final two against JK in 2009 and 2010.
The Covid-19 pandemic cancelled the 2020 game for the first time in 59 seasons as the ECC divided into two “divisions” to ensure two schools would make the 2A playoffs during a season that included only conference games.
East Duplin was known as Beulaville High when it won the first five games of the series.
Bill Carone
Angelina Cavallaro
Wallace-Rose Hill, volleyball
Angelina Cavallaro is becoming the spike queen of the volleyball court.
The Wallace-Rose Hill junior, who was Ms. Volleyball in Duplin County last fall, is turning up the intensity.
Cavallaro has banged home an area-high 187 kills while adding 48 aces and 37 digs.
Her effort has been key in leading the Bulldogs to a 9-1 overall mark and a 3-0 record in East Central Conference play.
In the lone loss this season to Midway, Cavallaro drilled 20 kills.
She on a pace to have more than 400 kills.
And if her kill production remains stable, it’s quite likely the Bulldogs will have its second 20-win campaign in school history.
The 2016 team went 22-4. Stay tuned.
GLORIA BRASWELL FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
EAGLES
COURTESY PHOTO
Dashaun McKoy scored both TDs and a 2-point conversion in HCA’s 14-6 win.
EDWARDO PUAC FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
role in the secondary.
Rebels take care of business against Devilpups
North Duplin crushed Lejeune 62-14 following a “bye week” as Carell Phillips dazzled
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
JACKSONVILLE — The Devilpups needed an invasion from the Marines to compete with the Rebels last Thursday in Jacksonville.
North Duplin beat Lejeune 63-14 following its ‘bye week’ behind its running game, defense and special teams play.
The Rebels took flight in all three phases as Carell Phillips ran for two scores and returned a kickoff 85 yards for another touchdown.
Quarterback Conner Shay was the lone bright spot for the Devilpups, as he hit on 14 of 29 for 204 yards, with a pair of TD passes, the first gave Lejeuene its first and only lead.
Down 6-0 following a pass from Shay to Andrew Finnity, North Duplin scored four times before the Devilpup duo connected for another TD to make it 27-14.
MICHAEL JAENICKE / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Carell Phillips ran for 162 yards and two touchdowns and returned a kickoff 85 yards for another score as ND crushed Lejeune 62-14 to stay unbeaten after three games.
Phillips then set off a roar from the crowd with his kickoff response to the Devilpups, who all but went away the rest of the game after falling behind 49-14 at halftime.
ND improved to 3-0 after big wins over Northside-Pinetown and Southside-Chicowinity in
the first two weeks of the season.
The Rebels had just enough time to score twice in the second half, the first score invoking a continuously running clock the bulk of the final two quarters.
Garris Warren had two interceptions following a pick he got against Northside in Week 2.
Lejeune (0-3) is 4-42 since
2020, which includes 0-11 seasons in 2021 and 2022.
Phillips sprinted for 162 yards on 11 carries. Fullback Bryan Zambrano (10-76) and running backs Vance Carter (9-47), Noa Quintanilla (4-69) also made contributions as the Rebels ran for 459 yards.
Rebels seek revenge against Dixon
ND hosts Dixon, which beat the Rebels 21-12 last season in Holly Ridge, will host the Bulldogs on Friday at H.E. Grubbs Stadium.
Dixon (1-34) has losses to East Duplin (49-23), 3A Topsail (59-10) and a tough 36-35 overtime setback last Friday to Trask (4-0). The Bulldogs beat to 0-3 South Lenoir 40-12.
Junior running back JJ Gulat (64-509) is the top runner and has nearly half of his Dixon’s total rushing yards. Matthew Roberts and Shondel Parker have combined for 360 yards.
Head coach Kelly Davis, who saw his team improve to 4-7 last fall, rarely throws the ball.
Dixon, a 3A school, beat just
one school in its classification last season Swansboro (0-10). Its other two triumphs came against Trask (6-5) and South Lenoir (1-9).
The Holly Ridge gang have three times as many students as ND.
ND hosts Allegahny (1-2) and Bear Grass (3-0) before opening up Carolina 1A Conference play against Lakewood on Oct. 11 Gridiron notebook
Luke Kelly found split end Branson Martin for a 17-yard reception, the lone thrown by the senior quarterback. Kelly also had a run of 24 yards, trailing pushes of 32 and 56 yards, respectively by Zambrano and Phillips. Junior linebacker Austin Wolfe paced the tackle list with six. Holden Williams added five and Victor Mata four. Marcus Hill had the lone sack. Lineman Rahmear Gates recovered a fumble. Warren had 61 yards in returns from his two interceptions. Rimi Villalo split the upright on six of his seven PATs. Phillips leads ND in rushing and scoring with 463 yards and nine TDs.
Bulldogs fall to Raiders for first loss, face ED on Thursday
Wallace-Rose Hill fell in four sets to Midway but faces East Duplin in a critical ECC match on Thursday in Beulaville
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
TEACHEY — Wallace-Rose Hill coach Kevin Wiliams wanted a chance to play Midway last fall in the 2A playoffs.
But his Bulldogs lost a hardfought 3-2 match against Northwood in second round and missed a chance to see the Raiders in the third round.
Midway advanced to the East Region final to finish 24-5.
So, Williams scheduled Midway for a pair of matches.
Kadynm Moran had 21 kills and Cailyn Hewlett 12 as Midway beat WRH 3-2 in five close sets to tag the Bulldogs with their first loss in 10 matches.
The Bulldogs won the second and fourth at 25-22 and 25-14 set before falling 15-3 in the tie-breaker.
Angelina Cavallaro had 20 kills, Jansely Page 13 and Analiese Rivenbark nine.
WRH travels to Midway (6-3) on Sept. 30 for a rematch.
Yet before that match WRH will tangle with East Duplin (8-2 2-1) on Thursday in Beulaville.
The Panthers had their fourgame winning streak snaped last Thursday with a 3-1 (25-19, 25-18, 24-26, 25-18) setback at
yards on the ground and 105 from passing.
Jacauri Hill, Jordan Hall and Harper were too much for the Cougar offense.
Hill made eight tackels, including two for lost yardage and a sack. Hall had seven takedown, while Harper had four tackles, a sack and two other plays he stranded a Cougar behind the line of scrimmage.
the hands of North Lenoir (6-2, 2-1), despite a combined 23 kills from Zoe Cavanaugh and Zoe Turner, who also combined for 16 digs.
WRH is 3-0 in league beat
South Lenoir 3-2 (19-25, 25-18, 19-25, 25-21, 16-14) a day before falling to Midway in an equally tight match
Cavallaro banged home 28 kills, Page 17 and Rivenbark, while Mattie Gavin contributed 40 assists.
North Duplin (6-4, 1-1), which as won five of its last six matches split a pair of Carolina 1A Conference matches, falling to Neuse Charter 3-0 (25-15, 25-22, 25-20) last Tuesday, but rallied two days later to upend Lakewood 3-2 (18-25, 25-20, 17-25, 25-22, 16-6) in Calypso.
Abigail Norris-Brown crafted up seven kills and Tateyawna Faison and Eva Quintanilla five apiece against the Leopards.
Quintanilla added eight aces, Marissa Bernal 30 digs and Lilly Fulghum 18 assists.
James Kenan (6-5, 1-2) chalked up a pair of 3-0 wins over Union and Kinston last week and also fell to South Lenoir 3-2.
The Tigers six wins are the most in Warsaw since the 2014 team went 7-13.
Three more victories will give JK its best record since they put up the nets in Warsaw.
Ava Jones led the way against the Vikings with six kills as the
Luke Hughes normal outing produced six tackles.
More rivalry chatter in a closely contested series
A nd while no one was surprised by ED’s bound-back win, it was a positive sign heading into a confrontation with its cross-county rival.
“East Duplin and James Kenan is always a good football game,” said Holley, who
Tigers won sets at 25-15, 25-11 and 25-15.
Y’Anna Rivers, Alayiah Wright, Maddison Fields and Jourdan Joe combined for 16 aces.
SOCCER
Gators frustrate Bulldogs into a scoreless match
Spring Creek might be 2-6-1, but used its speed and hustle to frustrated Wallace-Rose Hill (8-0-1) in a scoreless deadlock last Wednesday in Seven Springs.
The tie came after the Bulldogs slipped past Franklin Academy 1-0 two days earlier.
The Gators controlled possession of the ball the majority of the first half, with both teams having opportunities to score in the final 40 minutes.
WRH goes on its longest road trip of the season with matches against South Lenoir and Croatan this week and North Lenoir and Clinton the third week in September.
James Kenan fell to 3A Charles B. Aycock 1-0 to end its week, while getting upended 3-1 by Clinton on Monday.
JK (4-2) will face WRH and East Duplin two days apart in the first week of October.
The Panthers (3-3-1, 0-0) have not played since beating Midway 2-1 on Sept.3. Their ECC opener, which will be dependent on weather is Wednesday in Kinston.
has guided his team to seven wins over the Tigers in the past eight seasons, including five straight. “We’ve dealt with a lot of adversity, and we’ve got to stick together. We’re beat up and broken but have to find some glue to keep us together. We can’t play like we did against Dixon, West Craven or Richlands.”
ED whipped JK twice in 20022 and 28-7 last season and leads the series 33-29. JK’s
last win came in 2018 under former Scotland County and Shelby coach Will Clark (13-19 at JK in three seasons).
Current Tiger coach Tim Grady is 0-4 in three years and has a chip on his shoulder and hunger for a win against a Duplin County. 2A school. JK has lost 13 straight to Wallace-Rose Hill.
Holley has many concerns about the Tigers.
“They have a strong running
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game and a quarterback who can throw the ball well and can provide a deep threat,” Holley said.
The game is the first of three Duplin County rivalries. JK faces WRH on Nov. 1 in Wallace, a week after the Panthers and Bulldog clash in Beulaville.
And this season, the prospect of having the ECC’s “Big Three” with one loss each when the playoff seeds are announced might be a reality.
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GLORIA BRASWELL FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL WRH’s Mattie Gavin will be setting volleyballs near the net in Beulaville on Thursday when the Bulldogs face East Duplin in a key ECC match.
Ronald Lane Jones
July 8, 1945 – Sept. 8, 2024
Ronald Lane Jones of Willard passed away on Sept. 8, 2024, at his home. Born on July 8, 1945, he is the son of the late Horace and Emma Grey Page Jones. Also preceding him in death are siblings, Mickey Jones and Archie Allen Jones.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Jane Jones of Elizabethtown; children, Rodney Liam Jones of Georgia and Robin J. Smith and husband Marty of Faison; sister, Sharon Brinkley of Willard; grandchildren, Brie Jones of Georgia, Tyler Royal of Durham, Kyle Smith of Faison, Liam Jones and Lleyton Jones of Georgia; several greatgrandchildren; special friend and caregiver, Linda Lanier; and special friends, Tommy Bradshaw and Alan Baker, Earl Holloman and the late Joe Dykes.
Mr. Jones was born in Pender County and spent the greater part of his life there, except for an enlistment in the United States Army during the mid-’60s. For much of his work career, he was employed by General Electric, where he became a production control manager in the nuclear energy manufacturing facility. He enjoyed the outdoors and spent a great deal of time hunting and fishing. While inside, he enjoyed “Westerns” on TV. He loved family more than anything on earth and took pride in attending sports events of his children and grandchildren.
Family greeted friends at a visitation on Tuesday, Sept. 10, in the chapel of Padgett Funeral Home in Wallace. A graveside service to celebrate his life was set for Wednesday, Sept. 11, in the Rockfish Memorial Cemetery of Wallace. In lieu of floral arrangements, please consider a contribution in Mr. Jones’ memory to “All The Kings Children,” P.O. Box 614, Mt. Olive, NC 28365 or allthekingschildren. org.
Duland Thomas Jenkins
Oct. 29, 1945 – Sept. 14, 2024
Duland Thomas Jenkins, 78, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, at his home.
He is preceded in death by a sister, Hazel Lanier and a brother, Dillion Jenkins. Funeral service was Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024, followed by visitation, at Community Funeral Home, Beulaville. Graveside service was Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024 at East Duplin Memorial Gardens, Beulaville.
Survivors include: spouse, Karen Sholar Jenkins of Beulaville; sons, Robert Thomas Jenkins (Jackie) of Chinquapin, Ronnie Dean Jenkins (Pamela) of Richlands, Ebbie Batchelor of Chinquapin, Jeff Batchelor (Jessica) of Wallace; daughter, Crystal Wright (Johnny) of Beulaville; sisters, Ada Marie Marshburn (Gene) of Shallotte, Betty Lou Thompson of Richlands; brother, Doug Jenkins (Anette) of Richlands; seven grandchildren; and nine greatgrandchildren.
Ruthell McGee Sloan
June 1, 1933 – Sept. 7, 2024
Mrs. Ruthell McGee Sloan, 91, of Teachey passed away on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024 at Wallace Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Wallace.
A visitation of family and friends was held on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 at Rose Hill Funeral Home, 472 Wells Town Road in Rose Hill, immediately followed by the funeral service. Burial followed at McGowan Cemetery in Kenansville. She leaves to cherish her precious memories: daughter, Janet Delois Sloan of New York, New York; granddaughter, Ashea Goldson (Donavan) of Atlanta, Georgia; two great-grandchildren, seven great-great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that will miss her dearly.
Ruth H. Turner
June 22, 1932 – Sept.10, 2024
Mrs. Loccie Ruth Holmes Turner, a Mount Olive resident, passed away early morning on Tuesday, Sept.10, 2024. She was 92.
Born and raised in Duplin County, she had been employed as a seamstress at Burlington Industries, and later was employed in the cafeteria at Carver School in Mount Olive. Mrs. Turner had also been a child care provider for after school children.
Mrs. Turner is survived by three daughters and a son-inlaw, Susie T. and Bill Cox, Phyllis T. Evans, and Ann T. Cashwell, all of Mount Olive; grandchildren, Lynwood “Junior” Cox, whose late wife was Kim, Kelly Price and wife, Katie, Elizabeth Martin and husband, Hunter, Bethany Cashwell, Brandon Cashwell, Brooke Cashwell, and Brittani Cashwell; great-grandchildren, Taylor Cox, Jenny Cox, Asher Boone Price, Landon Martin, and Kimber Martin; great-greatgrandchildren, Kaelyn Warren, Aubrey Cox, Adelyn Cox, and Allison Cox; a former son-inlaw, Kenneth Cashwell, of Mount Olive; and a sister, Audrey Cheek of Greenville, South Carolina. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews who were very dear to her heart, including Susie Sasser and Grace Nottenham. She was preceded in death by her husband, Maurice Turner; a grandson, Ben Cashwell; her parents, Major and Betty Owens Holmes; eight siblings, Winnie H. Kennedy, Minnie H. Brown, Laura Mae H. Foss, Drifty Holmes, Dan Holmes, Clayton Holmes, Leroy Holmes, and Betty Jean H. Foss; and a niece, Patricia H. Bowden, who had been very attentive to her.
On Thursday, Sept. 12, a graveside service was held in Maplewood Cemetery in Mount Olive, to honor the life of Mrs. Ruth Turner. Pastor Terry Heath officiated. Immediately following the service, the family remained at the cemetery to greet friends and relatives.
Sidney Alexis Pender
March 11, 2002 –Sept. 8, 2024
Ms. Sydney Alexis Pender, 22, of Carrboro (formerly of Duplin County) passed away on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 at her home.
A visitation of family and friends was held on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024 at Rose Hill Funeral Home, 472 Wells Town Road in Rose Hill. The funeral service was held on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024 at the Rose Hill Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed at Duplin Memorial Gardens, Highway 117 in Teachey. She leaves to cherish her precious memories: parents, Pamela Pender and Rodney Becton of Kinston; two brothers, Kalvin Pender (Rachel) of Kenansville and Rodney Becton of Magnolia; two sisters, Sherita Rogers (Andrew) of Greenville and Robin Becton of Kenansville; maternal grandmother, Juanita Pender of Kinston; three nieces, six nephews; a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends that will miss her dearly.
Christopher Tavarus Benson
Jan. 22, 2000 – Sept. 7, 2024
Christopher Benson, 24, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024.
He is preceded in death by a child and his father, Tony Graham, grandmother, Karen Benson and an uncle, Jim Graham.
Memorial service was held on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, followed by visitation, at the East Duplin Fine Arts Building in Beulaville.
The burial was private.
Survivors include: mother, Amanda Benson Lamb; stepfather, Johnathan Lamb; brothers, T.J. Graham, Bryson Graham and Damond Mumford; sisters, Shykira Graham and Tonyah Moore; grandparents, Tony Benson, Margaret Whaley, Frankie Graham, Sharon Graham and Shirley Kenan; and special uncle, Uncle Ray Ray. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Community Funeral Home, P.O. Box 715, Beulaville, NC 28518.
Timothy Edward Wood
Jan. 8, 1959 – Sept. 9, 2024
Timothy Edward Wood, 65, passed away on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024 in ECU Health Medical Center, Greenville.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Shelby Wood, and brothers, Joe and Marty Wood. All services are private. Survivors include: spouse, Myra Jo Wood of Kenansville; sisters, Beverly Jones (Paul) of Willard and Anita Wood of Teachey.
Faye (Murray) Blanton
Oct. 19, 1941 – Sept. 9, 2024
Faye Murray Blanton, 82, of Wallace left this earthly life for her eternal life with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. She was born Oct. 19, 1941, in Pender County; the daughter of the late Odell and Lucille Clark Murray. Faye was also preceded in death by her best friend and husband of 39 years, Charles Dewey Blanton; their daughter, Melba Jean Wheeler; their son, John Timothy Blanton; granddaughter, Amberly Jackson; grandson, Brandon Houston; sister, Melba JoAnn “Tot” Shivar; brother, David “Bud“ Murray and special sisterin-law, Faye Foy Powell. Mrs. Faye was a long-time member of Peniel PFWB Church, where she served as long as her health permitted.
Surviving to cherish her memory is her son, Charles Blanton Jr. and wife Melinda of Wallace; her daughter, Nancy Blanton Jackson and husband James of Wallace; grandchildren, Carl Wheeler and wife Melissa, Sandra Jackson, Jennifer Jackson, Brandy Wheeler, Amanda Poindexter and husband Steven, Bradley Blanton and wife Rebecca, Aaron Blanton and wife Ashley and Blake Jackson and wife Abigail; great-grandchildren, MacKenzie, Kaylee, Braylon, Ethan, Mason, Nicholas, Addison, Ashlyn, Chloe and Easton; brother, Ronnie Murray and wife Lola; daughter-in-law, Kay Blanton; stepgrandchildren, Sabrina Register and Todd Derby; stepgreat-grandchildren Caleb Parker and Dakota Register; special friend, James Dowtin; Faye’s precious baby and canine companion “Gracie”; numerous extended family and friends that loved her dearly. Faye was a loving mother, grandmother, and sister who was loved by everyone that knew her. She enjoyed the simplest things in life, but her greatest joy was family. Being a diligent homemaker and great cook, Faye filled her home with love and welcomed all who entered. Faye was “Mama” not only to her children but to many children throughout the years. With a heart full of love, she was always putting others before herself. Faye was a woman of uncommon character and to those who knew her, “an instrument of God’s love on this earth.” She was a great caregiver and had a heart full of compassion. Faye’s love for Jesus was a wonderful example to her children and to all who knew her. She touched many lives throughout her life. She will surely be missed but treasured memories will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
The funeral service was held on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Wallace Chapel with Pastor Joseph Tew and James Jackson officiating.
The family received friends at the funeral home prior to the service on Friday. Burial followed the service at Peniel Cemetery, Willard.
Jan Wilson Shulse
March 30, 1957 –Sept. 7, 2024
Jan Wilson Shulse, 67, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2027 at his home.
All services are private.
Survivors include: spouse, Paula Shulse of Beulaville; son, Matthew W. Shulse of St. Augustine, Florida; daughters, Megan Shulse of Hillsborough, Hannah Shulse of Clarksville, Maryland, Samantha Shulse of Beulaville; sister, Laura ShulseSmith of Burke, Virginia; and grandchild, Henry Shulse.
Carrie Mae (Whaley) Hedgpeth
April 13, 1943 – Sept. 9, 2024
Carrie Mae Whaley Hedgpeth passed from her earthly life on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, while a resident of the Lower Cape Fear Life Care Center in Wilmington. Born on April 13, 1943, she is the daughter of the late James Edward Whaley Sr. and Tiffine Hardison Whaley. She is also preceded in death by her husband, Robert Lee Hedgpeth Jr. and brother, James Edward Whaley Jr.
Left to cherish her memory are her children, Rebecca Lynn Hedgpeth Frederick of Jacksonville, David Bryan Hedgpeth and wife Amy of Magnolia, and Mark Stephen Hedgpeth and wife Stephanie of Watha; grandchildren, Mitchell David Frederick and Tiffine Amber Frederick of Jacksonville, Evan Cole Hedgpeth of Germany, Brittany Hedgpeth of Charlotte, Devlin Stanton and wife Kylie of Burgaw, Opal Hedgpeth and Regan Hedgpeth of Watha; greatgrandchildren, Jaxson, Savanah, Liam, Waylon, and Kade; siblings, Mary Bond of Watha, Joanne Nichols of Kinston, Betty Powers of Fayetteville, and Vincent Whaley of Watha.
Mrs. Carrie went to beauty school and worked as a beautician in Carolina Beach for about 10 years in her early life. After that she decided to be a stay-at-home mother to her three children. Her family was the most important of her loves on earth.
A service to celebrate her life was held on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024 in the chapel of Padgett Funeral Home in Wallace. Family greeted friends at a visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment followed the service in the Riverview Memorial Park of Watha. Flowers are welcome or please consider a contribution to the Alzheimer’s Society.
Gloria D. Raynor
April 6, 1946 – Sept. 11, 2024
Gloria D. Raynor, 78, died Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024 in ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville.
Mrs. Raynor is survived by her daughter, Shari Sprouse and husband Mark of Beulaville; son, Derek Raynor of Goldsboro; sisters, Flora Gwynn of Richlands, Marjorie Sherline Walden of Warsaw, Roberta Coogan of Jacksonville; three grandchildren, Stephen Sprouse, Daniel Sprouse, Morgan Raynor; and four great-grandchildren, Riley Sprouse, Oliver Sprouse, Arlo Sprouse, Harlan Sprouse.
Funeral service was held on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 at Serenity Funeral Home, Beulaville, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment followed at East Duplin Memorial Gardens, Beulaville.
Winfred Perry Wright
Feb. 25, 1949 – Sept. 9, 2024
Mr. Winfred Perry Wright, 75, of Wallace passed away on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024 at ECU Health Duplin Hospital in Kenansville.
A visitation of family and friends was held on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 at Rose Hill Funeral Home, 472 Wells Town Road in Rose Hill. The funeral service was held on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024 at the Rose Hill Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed at Duplin Memorial Gardens, Hwy. 117 in Teachey. He leaves to cherish his precious memories eight children; two sisters; numerous grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that will miss him dearly.
Pets have their day in the park
Scenes from the Duplin Agribusiness Fair
The Duplin Agribusiness Fair took place over three days last week in Kenansville. Clockwise from left: Pompeyo’s Dog Show had puppies performing amazing feats of balance and training; The Pompeyo Family who have appeared on “America’s Got Talent,”delighted the audience with dog tricks; the WOW! Factor Science Show featured fun science experiments like creating elephant toothpaste; Ana Jack Nunn of Faison had a great time riding the train and ringing the bell on the locomotive.
Pet Friends of Duplin County hosted its annual Pet Day in the Park on Saturday at Wallace’s Clement Park. Left: Kids were delighted to visit with and have their photo taken with the cartoon stars from Paw Patrol. Below left: Malley, dressed as Snow White, was awarded first place in the pet costume contest. Below right: Olaf was dressed in his Sunday best, donning a smart suit.
ABBY CAVENAUGH / DUPLIN JOURNAL
ABBY CAVENAUGH / DUPLIN JOURNAL