“If they’re not completely transparent about the ood risk, the buyers do not know what they’re getting.”
Curt Simpson, Wallace realtor
The NC Real Estate Commission rule is e ective as of July 1
By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal
A NEW RULE from the North Carolina Real Estate Commission requires home sellers to disclose information about ooding damage to potential buyers. The rule went into e ect on Monday, July 1.
The addition of ood-related questions to the Resi-
Operation Dry Water
observed July 4-6
Statewide
In an e ort to heighten enforcement and awareness about the dangers of boating while impaired, Wildlife law enforcement o cers will be increasing water patrols and enforcing state laws July 4-6, as they join Operation Dry Water. O cials remind the public of the importance of boating safety practices. Last year there were 19 boating fatalities in the state, 17 of those were not wearing a life jacket.
DJS Applications for expanded emergency livestock assistance for dairy producers now available
Statewide
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is accepting nancial assistance applications to help dairy producers o set nancial losses due to Highly Pathogenic Avian In uenza, also known as H5N1 infection. A positive H5N1 test result must be con rmed through the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, National Veterinary Services Laboratories. For more information on how to apply, contact the Kenansville Farm Service Agency at 910-2962193 Ext 2.
DJS
Public comment sought for not opening recreational ounder harvest season
Statewide
The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries is seeking public comment about an amendment that would close the 2024 ounder harvest season due to the 2023 ounder harvest exceeding the allotment. The public comment period closes July 5. Comments can be submitted to regulations@ncwildlife. org and must include name, county, and state of residence. Visit ncwildlife.org to submit comments online.
DJS
July 12 deadline for Natural Disaster Preparedness grants
Statewide
Nonpro ts and government entities in the Duke Energy service area can now apply for a $25,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation program to support local disaster preparedness. Applications are being accepted until July 12. Visit duke-energy.com for eligibility and more information.
DJS
dential Property and Owners’ Association Disclosure Statement came about in December 2022, after the Southern Environmental Law Center led a petition on behalf of the Natural Resources Defense Council, North Carolina Justice Center, MDC Inc., North Carolina Disaster Recovery and Resiliency School, Robeson County Church and Community Center, and NC Field.
“Without proper ood disclosure, a home buyer is left in the dark about the risk and potential lifetime cost associated
ood information
with the home,” said Brooks Rainey Pearson, senior attorney with Southern Environmental Law Center.
The rule comes into play when sellers ll out the required disclosure statement, which asks questions about the home that’s potentially being sold, such as when the house was built, are there roof or pest problems, whether it’s in violation of any codes or ordinances, and so on.
Homeowners lling out the
See RULE , page 3
Warsaw farmers plant seeds for better future
The father and son duo recently joined organic produce distributor HappyDirt
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
WARSAW — Located in the small town of Warsaw, a stone’s throw away from Interstate 40, is the Moore Family Farm, where owners Robert and Dakota Moore are building their dreams one seed at a time, planting the seeds they hope will reignite their family farm.
After graduating from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University last May, Dakota returned home with a degree in agriculture and environmental science and a decision to bring back the thriving business his
“They were pushing building a culture that their children would go to college or go to the military, you know, get professional jobs, and it really worked well, but everybody left the farm.”
Robert Moore, owner
ancestors once enjoyed in the very same land they stand today. The father and son duo recently joined the HappyDirt family and they are excited for what the future has in store. HappyDirt, formerly known as Eastern Carolina Organics, is
an organic produce distributor, broker and marketer based in North Carolina championing farmer-owners and farmers from NC with 67% of the produce they purchase being from the state.
Dakota learned about them through an assistant professor at NC State University while doing an internship through the Center for Environmental Farming Systems.
“She knew that my father and I were trying to farm. I was roughly a sophomore in college trying to gure out what direction I wanted to go into, and I met HappyDirt. They were helping farmers,” said Dakota.
HappyDirt understands challenges such as an aging farmer population and the need for young farmers like
See FARMERS , page 6
Wallace council sets new system development fees
The SRO contract with Duplin County Schools was also approved during the continued meeting
By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal
THE WALLACE Town Council updated its system development fees at a continued meeting on Tuesday night, June 25, reducing water fees, while increasing sewer fees for new developments coming in to town.
The fees are charged for any new connection to the system, and are required to be updated every ve years, Town Manager Rob Taylor explained.
The prior water fee started at $1,462 for a three-quarterinch line, and increased as the line sizes increased. The newly adopted fee will be $553 for a
“We have a lot of projects getting ready to start that will require a lot of capital, and these system development fees are made to help us cover some of that infrastructure that we have to put in.”
Rob Taylor, Wallace Town Manager
three-quarter-inch line, a reduction of $909. A one-inch line will now cost $923, while a two-inch line is $2,946, four-inch is $11,607, six-inch is $23,949, and an eight-inch line is $51,584. As for sewer rates, the base
fee for a three-quarter-inch line increased by $20 to $2,069. The sewer rates also increase as the line gets bigger, with the following costs for connection to sewer: one-inch line, $3,454; two-inch line, $11,025; four-inch line, $43,439; sixinch line, $89,629; and eightinch line, $193,054.
“You can see how those rates really start to increase for sewer as the line gets bigger,” Taylor told the council. “We’ve just got way more cost in our sewer system plant than we do with water. … We have a lot of projects getting ready to start that will require a lot of capital, and these system development fees are made to help us cover some of that infrastructure that we have to put in.”
Man arrested near Calypso charged with drug tra cking
Law enforcement conducting the arrest found the man was carrying a concealed weapon
Duplin Journal sta
PHILLIP Marshall Thompson, of Goldsboro, was arrested by the Duplin County Sheri ’s O ce Special Operations Division last week during a tra c stop on U.S. Highway 117 near Calypso.
According to the Sheri ’s O ce, on June 25, deputies conducting the tra c stop located a 9mm handgun, approximately 17 dosage units of ecstasy pills, multiple bags containing marijuana, and a large digital scale in the vehicle Thompson was driving. Thompson was charged with felony possession of a concealed weapon, possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a schedule II controlled substance, possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a schedule VI controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of marijuana paraphernalia. Thompson received a $20,000 secured bond and is in the Duplin County Detention Center. He is scheduled to appear in court on July 12.
Convicted felon arrested for gun possession
The man was found using marijuana and in possession of a loaded gun
Duplin Journal sta
A MOUNT OLIVE man who is on probation was arrested on June 20 for illegal possession of a gun and using controlled substances. He was placed in the Duplin County Detention Center under a $42,500 secured bond.
According to the Duplin County Sheri ’s O ce, while they were assisting probation o cers conduct a search at 1289 Bennetts Bridge Rd., Cesar Jacob Fernandez-Chigin, was found in possession of a loaded .38 caliber revolver. He was charged with possession of a rearm by a convicted felon; simple possession of a schedule VI-controlled substance, possession of marijuana paraphernalia; and probation violations.
Mayor Jason Wells questioned how many customers use $2.00
ENA SELLERS / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Dakota Moore (left) and Robert Moore (right) show one of the seven watermelon varieties they are currently growing at their farm in Warsaw, on June 26.
THURSDAY
“Join the conversation”
Duplin Journal www.duplinjournal.com
North State Media LLC
303 West Raleigh Street, Siler City, North Carolina 27344 Copyright 2023 North State Media LLC
Michael Jaenicke, Sports Editor michael@northstatejournal.com
David Guy, Advertising Manager dguy@northstatejournal.com
US
CONTACT
For a vacation hold or to report a delivery problem: 919-663-3232
To place a classi ed or display ad: 919-663-3232; Fax: 919-663-4042
To submit a news tip or correction: 919-663-3232 ena@northstatejournal.com
Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in Duplin County:
JULY 9
The Duplin County Republican Party will host an ice cream sundae social on July 9 at 6:30 p.m. with guest speaker Michele Morrow candidate for NC Superintendent of Public Instruction. There will be free ice cream treats. The event will be at the Faith Independent Baptist Church in Magnolia.
JULY 12
Visit the Thelma Dingus Bryant Library located at 409 W. Main St., in Wallace on July 12, at 10 a.m., and enjoy a visit from the Ft. Fisher Aquarium. For more information, call 910285-3796.
The Beulaville Center located at 601 E. Main Street presents Mad Science on July 12, at 3 p.m.
JULY 17
The Thelma Dingus Bryant Library located at 409 W. Main St., in Wallace will have a visit from Paw Patrol on July 17, at 10 a.m. For more information, call 910285-3796.
JULY 19
Visit the Charity Rebuild Center located at 1333 W. Charity Rd. in Rose Hill on July 19 at 11 a.m. for a visit from the Luau Company.
JULY 25
Visit the Thelma Dingus Bryant Library located at 409 W. Main St., in Wallace on July 25, at
JUNE 21
Emmanuel J. Franklin, 35, was arrested by the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office on 24 charges related to drug trafficking.
Cameron D’Shon Hall, 25, was arrested by the Sheriff’s Office for first-degree burglary, trespassing, resisting an officer, and other charges.
Phillip W. Hildreth, 31, was arrested by the Sheriff’s Office for possessing a stolen vehicle, expired registration, failing to maintain lane control, and other charges.
Laura L. Lucas, 45, was arrested by the Sheriff’s Office for credit card theft, obtaining property by false pretense, violating felony probation, and other charges.
Nathan H. McDuffie, 40, was arrested by the Kenansville Police Department for felony theft.
Antonio K. Santes, 25, was arrested by the Sheriff’s Office for involuntary manslaughter and selling Schedule II controlled substances.
Ashley D. Stallings, 32, was arrested by the Sheriff’s Office for breaking and entering and resisting an officer.
Ka Shawn L. Thaxton, 18, was arrested by the Sheriff’s Office for breaking into a vehicle and stealing a firearm.
Tony A. Walters, 39, was arrested by the Sheriff’s Office on 20 charges related to trafficking methamphetamine.
JUNE 23
Ricky L. Cottle, 30, was arrested by the Sheriff’s Office for possessing a stolen vehicle and violating probation.
Anrico D. Stevenson, 25, was arrested by the Sheriff’s Office for breaking and entering, property damage, credit card fraud, and other charges.
SPONSORED BY DUPLIN CALENDAR
10 a.m., and join them for a visit from Fresh Start Rescue. For more information, call 910285-3796.
JULY 26
Tracy Byrd is coming to Duplin Events Center on Friday, July 26 at 6:30 p.m., with special guests Eli Winders and Paige King Johnson. Call Duplin Events Center at 910-275-0009 for more information.
The Summer Reading Program presents Scottish Society on Friday, July 26 at 11 a.m., at the Ed Emory Auditorium, located at 165 Agriculture Drive, Kenansville.
JULY 31
Enjoy a visit from Minnie Mouse at the Thelma Dingus Bryant Library located at 409 W. Main St., in Wallace on July 31, at 10 a.m. For more information, call 910285-3796.
AUG. 2
The Summer Reading Program presents Down to Earth Aerials on Friday, Aug. 2 at 11 a.m., at the Ed Emory Auditorium, located at 165 Agriculture Drive, Kenansville.
AUG. 3
BackStreet Festival will be held on Saturday, Aug. 3 at 208 SW Railroad St., Wallace. Festivities will kick off at 10 a.m. and will feature live music, dance groups, a barbecue cook off, arts and crafts, a bike show and lots of vendors. Visit backstreetfestival. wordpress.com for more information or call 910616-7173.
JUNE 25
Timothy G. Jones, 50, was arrested by the Sheriff’s Office for DWI.
Oshonia S. Miller, 38, was arrested by the Sheriff’s Office for theft, stealing a firearm, writing bad checks, and other charges.
Antiley D. Williams, 47, was arrested by the Beulaville Police Department for fictitious registration, driving while license revoked due to impairment, not wearing a seatbelt, and other charges.
Keon D. Wilson, 36, was arrested by the Sheriff’s Office on 8 drug charges.
JUNE 26
Evelyn S. Britt, 36, was arrested by the Sheriff’s Office for breaking and entering, and larceny.
JUNE 27
James J. Carr, 42, was arrested by the Wallace
HAPPENING MONTHLY
The Duplin County Board of County Commissioners meets the rst and third Monday of each month at 6 p.m., at 224 Seminary St., Kenansville. For information, call 910296-2100.
The Beulaville town board meets the rst Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m., at 508 East Main St., Beulaville. For more information, call 910-298-4647.
The Town of Calypso meets at the council chambers the rst Monday of each month at 6 p.m., at 103 W. Trade Street. For information, call 919-658-9221.
The Faison town board meets the rst Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m., at 110 NE Center St., Faison. For more information, call 910-267-2721.
The Economic Development Board meets the rst Friday of the month at 7 a.m. at the Duplin County Airport Conference Room.
The Greenevers town board meets the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m., at 314 E. Charity Rd. For information, call 910289-3078.
The Teachey town board meets the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m., at 116 East 2nd St. For information, call 910-285-7564.
The Warsaw town board
Police Department for assault inflicting serious injury and violating felony probation.
Mickie Graham, 45, was arrested by the Sheriff’s Office for breaking and entering, larceny, and identity theft.
Eldebarge Monroe, 36, was arrested by the Sheriff’s Office for driving with license revoked, operating a vehicle with no insurance, improper registration, and other charges.
JUNE 29
David Hines, 38, was arrested by the Wallace Police Department for habitual impaired driving, DWI, reckless driving, and other charges.
Alaa Omar Hmeidan, 40, was arrested by the Sheriff’s Office for violating misdemeanor probation, violating a court order, and interfering with an electronic monitoring device.
Robert E. Moss, 42, was arrested by the Sheriff’s
meets the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m., at 121 S. Front St. For information, call 910-293-7814.
The Magnolia town board meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m., at 108 Taylor St., Magnolia. For information, call 910289-3205.
The Rose Hill town board meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m., at 103 Southeast Railroad St. For more information, call 910-289-3159.
The Duplin County Health Department is offering Diabetes Self Management Classes from 1-5 p.m., the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month at 340 Seminary St. Kenansville. For information, call 910372-9178.
The Wallace town council meets the second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m., at 316 East Murray St., Wallace. For more information, call 910-285-4136.
Duplin County Beekeepers meets the second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m., at the Duplin Extension Center. Friends of Horticulture meet the third Thursday of each month at 6 p.m., at the Duplin Extension Center.
The Duplin County Airport Commission Board meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Duplin County Airport.
Office for possessing methamphetamine, possessing drug paraphernalia, and felony possession of a Schedule I controlled substance.
JUNE 30
Franchesca Dominique Fennell, 26, was arrested by the Sheriff’s Office for misdemeanor domestic violence.
JULY 1
Kristie L. Adams, 49, was arrested by the Beulaville Police Department for seconddegree trespassing and resisting an officer.
Brittany E. Hooks, 33, was arrested by the Sheriff’s Office for possessing methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
David B. White, 43, was arrested by the Sheriff’s Office for damaging personal property.
CRIME LOG
form can check yes, no or no representation, meaning basically that the homeowner can choose not to answer.
The new rule has brought somewhat mixed reactions from area real estate agents.
“I’m thrilled that this has happened,” said Realtor Curt Simpson of Simpson Real Estate in Wallace. “In real estate, the more you disclose, the better o everybody is.”
Realtor Courtenay Thompson of White House Real Estate said she’s pleased with the new rule as well, but she’s also wary of sellers potentially exploiting “gray areas” that have to do with what realtors call “material facts.”
“If a home is located in a ood zone, that’s a material fact,” she explained. “I have sold real estate in River Landing for most of my career, and I have always disclosed if there’s been ooding on a property. I always bring it up and it has de nitely cost me some deals, but at the same time, sellers can always check no representation on the form if they choose not to answer. That’s a gray area with the new rule.”
With the new rule in place, the four-page form has become six pages, with new questions asking speci cally about ooding and past ood damage. Previously, the only question that the form asked about ooding was: “Is the property subject to a ood hazard or is the property located in a federally-designated ood hazard area?”
“‘Is it subject to a ood hazard’ is a very loose way of asking the question, and most people would say no,” Simpson said. “And if a seller or an agent didn’t want to be very forthcoming, they could answer that question no, and avoid a lot of questions about what happened in 2018 when we had Florence ood in lots
of areas that were not federally-designated ood areas.”
The rst question regarding ooding is the same, but then the next question delves deeper: “Has the property experienced damage due to ooding, water seepage or pooled water attributable to a natural event such as heavy rainfall, coastal storm surge, tidal inundation or river over ow?”
Other questions ask about insurance claims for ood damage, assistance from federal agencies for ood damage and if the property has been elevated due to ooding concerns.
“I’m not saying this is going to x every problem, but it’s going to make it a whole lot more di cult for them to say, no, there’s no problem,” Simpson said.
However, as Thompson pointed out, “They can still check no representation. Some people just check no representation all the way down the form and it’s perfectly legal to do that.”
One might think the rule mostly a ects the River Landing community, but Simpson said that’s not necessarily so.
“It’s not just River Landing,” he said. “It’s pretty much everything from Chinquapin to Northeast. All of Highway 41, lots of property on Highway 50 ooded as well. There were houses in Beulaville that had ooded, houses in the Hallsville area that were ooded, and people came in and bought them after they had ooded out, renovated them, and with the rising real estate market, they have sold them, at a pretty good pro t. If they’re not completely transparent about the ood risk, the buyers do not know what they’re getting.”
However, River Landing may bear the brunt of the new rule, in Thompson’s opinion. “It sucks for River Landing and Wallace in general because it scares people o when they nd out a property has been ooded,” she said. “It is hard for sellers, too, because once you disclose that, it jades your property. But I do believe it should’ve been part of the form a long time ago.”
Homeowners and potential buyers can always visit fris. nc.gov and type in a speci c address to nd out if a home is prone to ooding.
Sutton receives Honorary State FFA Degree for outstanding contributions
Madeline Chandler (right) presents Renee Sutton, James Sprunt Community College chief of sta , with the Honorary State FFA Degree on June 25 at the State FFA Convention in Raleigh. Sutton was recognized for her dedication to the FFA Association and contributing to the growth of local agricultural programs. “I was just very honored to be nominated and given that award,” said Sutton, who has volunteered with the FFA since 1987. “I think that I got adopted into the FFA when my husband was teaching agriculture... When he retired, two of our children started teaching agriculture in public schools in North Carolina. So it’s been an organization that our whole family has poured into as far as volunteering and trying to help students realize their leadership development opportunities in agriculture.”
UMO food hub to connect producers, wholesalers
The commodity building aims to bene t the farming community and consumers
By Edward Olive Lois G. Britt Agribusiness Center
THE NC TOBACCO Trust Fund Commission Agricultural Commodity Building at the University of Mount Olive student farm is transforming into a vital food hub. This 5,000-squarefoot facility is equipped to pack, store, and process fresh produce grown on the Student Farm. It boasts two walk-in coolers, a commercial freezer, and ample space for grading, packing, and storing products.
Food hubs are essential in local food systems, bridging the gap between farmers and local or regional markets. They provide a centralized location where farmers can deliver their products for wholesale buyers to pick up and distribute to restaurants, grocery stores, and other outlets. UMO’s Food Hub aims to enhance these connections, bene ting the farming community and consumers.
The concept for the Food Hub originated from the UMO Ag-
Now through December, UMO will have a weekly Community Supported Agriculture program, delivering produce boxes in partnership with a statewide nonpro
riculture Department’s goal to supply the campus community and dining services with produce from the Kornegay Student Farm. This objective necessitated adhering to food safety certi cations and standards, such as Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). As UMO navigated the GAP certi cation process, it became evident that local farmers could also leverage this fa-
cility to access new markets. By collaborating with neighboring farms, UMO is poised to o er diverse fresh produce, amplifying the bene ts for farmers and the community. Starting in June, UMO will introduce a weekly CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program, delivering produce boxes initially in partnership with a statewide non-
pro t through December 2024. Come 2025, this program will be available to the public, o ering weekly fresh produce boxes and expanding to serve food service and retail markets. The Food Hub will distribute produce from the Kornegay Student Farm and purchase fresh produce, meat, and eggs from local farmers, enhancing the variety and quantity of products in the CSA boxes.
In addition to CSA boxes, the Mount Olive Regional Food Hub and the Kornegay Student Farm will provide produce on UMO’s main campus, at the student farm, and via a mobile market stand. This initiative ensures fresh, locally-grown food is accessible to a broader audience.
UMO students play a crucial role in this endeavor, participating alongside faculty and sta in the growing, harvesting, and packing of produce. This handson experience bridges their academic learning with real-world applications. Summer student workers undergo comprehensive training in food safety and harvest procedures and are actively involved in marketing the products, gaining invaluable practical skills.
Erin Martin, a local multi-gen-
WALLACE from page 1
the eight-inch lines, which are the most expensive. Taylor said that there were no current customers using that size water or sewer line.
“When you get up to that size, you’re working with municipalities like Teachey, Greenevers, and we already have interlocal agreements with those folks, but this would be for some huge industry using a lot of water,” Taylor explained.
The new fees were available on the town’s website for public comment for 45 days, which is why the item was not ready for action at the council’s regular meeting on June 13. No public feedback was received, Taylor said.
The council voted unanimously to approve the new system development fees.
Also at the continued meeting last Tuesday night, the council
eration farmer, has been appointed to lead the Food Hub. With years of experience working with her family’s farming operation, Martin is well-prepared to elevate the Food Hub to new heights and drive its success.
To stay updated on the latest developments at the Food Hub, follow the University of Mount Olive Agriculture on social media. Farmers interested in participating or individuals seeking updates on produce availability and CSA subscription information can contact Erin Martin at EMartin@umo.edu.
The Mount Olive region is home to a variety of produce farms of di erent sizes and specialties. Establishing the Food Hub at UMO’s Kornegay Student Farm marks a signi cant step in supporting these farms, promoting sustainable agriculture, and ensuring the community has access to fresh, locally produced food. This initiative embodies UMO’s commitment to agricultural education, community engagement, and regional development.
The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with de ning Christian values. The University was founded by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists. For more information, visit www.umo.edu.
unanimously approved a contract with Duplin County Schools to provide SROs (school resource ofcers) in the coming school year. Police Chief Jimmy Crayton was not present at the meeting, but Taylor reported that both Crayton and Town Attorney Anna Herring had reviewed the contract and recommended approval.
In one more item of business, the council had approved the sale of a piece of property at the corner of North Norwood Street and East Murphy Street at its April meeting. The property was advertised on GovDeals.com, with Mount Calvary Leadership Development Corporation bidding $25,000 to purchase the property.
The council voted unanimously to authorize the sale, and then the meeting adjourned.
The Wallace Town Council will next meet on Thursday, July 11, at 6 p.m. at Town Hall.
Kornegay
COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF MOUNT OLIVE
t. (L-R): Emily Broshious, Nick Teague, Erin Martin and Brian Diaz.
COURTESY NCGOLF.ORG
A River Landing home is shown underwater after ooding from Hurricane Florence in 2018.
COURTESY JAMES SPRUNT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
THE CONVERSATION
Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor
VISUAL VOICES
Paid family leave: A key to success in post-Dobbs world
We can create a culture of life in North Carolina that truly supports families.
MOST OF US REMEMBER WHERE we were when the ruling on Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization was announced in June 2022.
Roe v. Wade was no more, and after the initial urry of news reports, much of America wondered: “What’s next?” The historic ruling is now seen as one that has further divided a nation that was already split on abortion and many other issues.
While emotions and opinions run high — for good reason — this “post-Dobbs” world provides incredible opportunities to work together to ensure that all women and families have the support they need to welcome precious children into this world.
Paid family leave is one such opportunity. It’s an issue that has common ground for conservatives and liberals alike, as there are good people on both sides of the aisle who want to see women and families succeed.
Did you know that a staggering 23% of all mothers go back to work within two weeks of giving birth? Think about
COLUMN | SUSAN ESTRICH
that statistic for a moment. Almost onefourth of American women don’t even have two weeks to bond with their baby at home, and they return to work without having physically, emotionally or mentally recovered from birth. This goes against not only medical advice but, in my opinion, basic pro-family values.
Paid family leave bene ts both parents and babies. Studies show that early bonding is crucial for the long-term mental health and resilience of children, and women with at least 12 weeks of paid leave report fewer depressive symptoms and better overall mental health.
Can we have a strong federal paid leave policy and be nancially responsible? Yes! The two are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they complement one another, as parents with paid leave stay connected to the workforce and have reduced reliance on public assistance. It’s a “win-win” for not only families but society as a whole.
North Carolina has taken some
Is this really the best we can do?
His voice was weak and hoarse. A cold. If that were all, it would not have been so bad. That was the least of it. It wasn’t just a stutter.
IT WAS PAINFUL TO WATCH. Two men vying for the most important job in the world. And neither of them making the cut. Trump was Trump — just as expected, bragging and blustering, lying and threatening, refusing to say he would accept the results of the election, defending the Jan. 6 rioters. It is no exaggeration to say he is a threat to our democracy as we know it. Even in the face of a dramatically diminished opponent, he could not nd his way to grace, to the high road, to optimism, to a message larger than spitefully attacking immigrants and the “me me me” we have come to expect.
A younger and more vigorous Joe Biden could have eaten him for lunch. This time, he was lunch. His voice was weak and hoarse. A cold. If that were all, it would not have been so bad. That was the least of it. It wasn’t just a stutter. He visibly lost his train of thought in the rst minutes of the debate. He choked on questions he should have hit out of the park. How could he get bogged down trying to explain Roe v. Wade? Why didn’t he just say that killing live born babies is homicide in all 50 states? Why let Trump get away with that? Who cares that he was once — a very long time ago — the youngest one in the room when he is now, so very painfully, the oldest? How could he not be prepared for that most obvious question? How could he not have a clear and direct answer ready for black voters? Biden, by all reports, spent days and days preparing for this debate. He was working with a very experienced sta . This was not a sta ng problem. I am sure his debate book was stu ed with clear and concise answers. There was not a single question, I am certain, that they did not anticipate; there
were no trick questions or hidden agendas. He should have been surprised by nothing. Instead, he struggled with everything. Even on the questions where he won on points — where he did have better answers than his ducking and de ecting opponent — his performance was halting and tentative.
Being president is a hard and demanding job. Biden came across as much diminished from the candidate he was four years ago. This Biden showed his age and the scars of four years in the hottest seat on the planet. It was hard to imagine that this Biden could have defeated strong opponents, as he did four years ago to win the nomination. If this were a primary debate, he would have lost the primary. The reason no credible Democrat ran against him this time is because of the conventional wisdom that he or she would have lost but would have mortally wounded the incumbent in the process. Sometimes conventional wisdom is wrong. Will someone tell him? Of course they will. Plenty of someones. The post-debate headlines say it all. “President Biden Struggles as Trump Blusters.” Democratic leaders were reportedly talking about replacing Biden at the top of the ticket before the debate had even ended. The question is whether Biden, who is known for his stubborn belief in his own resilience, will listen. Every delegate to the convention is pledged to support Joe Biden. They were all approved by Joe Biden. Will he o cially release them? What or who can convince him to do that? It would be the ultimate act of presidential leadership.
Susan Estrich is a lawyer, professor, author and political commentator.
important steps in the past year to support families. Thanks to the robust e orts of SB20 to support mothers both during pregnancy and after birth, state employees now have paid family leave along with other robust policies to support mothers, babies and families.
On the federal level, I’m grateful for the leadership of Sen. Thom Tillis in spearheading a bipartisan working group on paid family leave and also for Sen. Ted Budd and his steadfast support for profamily policies on Capitol Hill.
Parenting brings unique joys and challenges, especially in today’s uncertain nancial climate. Together, we can create a culture of life in North Carolina that truly supports families as they welcome the next generation — one baby at a time — and create a brighter future for all.
Julie Scott Emmons is the southeast regional director of government a airs for Human Coalition.
Wallace needs a barbecue restaurant
I believe we should have a Smith elds Barbecue in Wallace, NC. The rst reason I think we should add the restaurant is that the food is extremely good. I also believe that it would t perfectly right beside Wendy’s. The third reason it would be perfect for Wallace is that it would help people with employment. The last reason we should add Smith elds to Wallace is that it has a greater variety. For example Smith elds has fried shrimp.
JC Carr, Wallace Boy Scout Troop 35
Letters addressed to the editor may be sent to ena@northstatejournal.com
Letters must be signed; include the writer’s phone number, city and state; and be no longer than 300 words. Letters may be edited for style, length or clarity when necessary.
COLUMN | JULIE EMMONS
Getting to know County Manager Bryan Miller DUPLIN COUNTY’S MOVERS & SHAKERS
By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal
KENANSVILLE — Bryan Miller has been Duplin County manager for eight months, making him a relative newcomer to the county. Miller grew up in Wilkes County, and previously worked in a warehouse operation in Virginia, working his way up from entry level to vice president. From there, he segued into county government, working as Caswell County manager for 10 years. He splits his time between Duplin County and Caswell County, where his daughter Emerie is still in school, and his wife Kim works as a school nurse. Miller sat down with Duplin Journal to talk about his career, the importance of quality local government, and the things he loves most about his new home in Duplin County.
Q. What made you want to pursue a career in county government?
A. I’d always taken an interest in politics and administration. I’ll tell you, what really got me interested in it is in Chester eld County, where I lived, they had an ordinance that said if you had a boat, you had to park your boat behind the back corner of your house. For the lot that I owned, it wasn’t feasible to do that, because the lot sloped so much that I really couldn’t park a boat behind the back corner of my house. So I had to apply for a variance. And applying for the variance and going through that whole process and really understanding how that worked, and speaking to the elected o cial in that jurisdiction is probably what got me most interested. My neighbor at the time was also in county government, so we had a lot of conversations about county government and how it worked, what we thought was right and what we thought wasn’t.
I’ve always been the type of person that wanted to help people, regardless of what it was. So with my personal experience dealing with county government, the folks that I knew who were in county government, and my heart and passion really for helping people, serving people, led me
Bryan Miller has been the Duplin County Manager for the past eight months, previously serving as Caswell County manager for 10 years.
to want to go into county government.
Q. You’ve been in Duplin County for eight months. As a newcomer, what are your impressions of the area?
A. I love Duplin County. Even though I still have a home in Caswell County, I refer to Duplin County as home. I could not be happier with the sta here in the county government. They’re well-trained, knowledgeable, they know their jobs, they care about the people in the county, and the Board of Commissioners is a very high functioning board. The board takes great pride in the county’s nancial position, and making very deliberate decisions on how the county operates. Overall, I’m incredibly pleased to be here.
Q. What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the county right now, especially in terms of growth and agriculture?
A. Connectivity. We’ve got to do something to improve the connectivity, whether it be internet or cell phone coverage. Doing those kind of things will enhance business prospects. If you have a business and you’re riding
down the road and your cell phone drops, that’s preemptive from having businesses relocate to Duplin. Everybody in any space needs internet to just perform the basic functions of their business, like payroll and HR. There are places in Duplin where the internet is not enough that you could run a business. We’ve got to do better with the connectivity.
Q. What are some of the goals you have in mind for the county?
A. The commissioners set goals for the county. I follow through on their directives. I think that what the Board of Commissioners wants and expects for the county is for us to have a vibrant county, where both the needs of agriculture are met, as well as the needs of our residents that do not work in agriculture.
Q. On a more personal note, what do you do in your spare time?
A. I love to play golf. I love to sh. I love to spend time with my family, and of course my buddy, my dog, Winston.
Q. What’s the last book you read?
A. Forged in Crisis. It’s about di erent leaders throughout history and the way that their time and circumstances that they were dealing with shaped them as a leader. It’s really good.
Q. What’s your favorite eatery in Duplin County?
A. You can nd me at Highway 55, the Country Squire, Duplin Winery. I really like the Filling Station. To pick a favorite, I couldn’t do that. They’re all great. The county attorney and I went to the Pizza Village in Beulaville the other day, and I would probably add that to my list.
Q. What, in your opinion, is the best thing about Duplin County?
A. The people. The residents here are wonderful. I have been met with open arms, open minds, and a willingness to help. There is no doubt in my mind that the people are Duplin County’s biggest strength. The people are truly what makes Duplin County the greatest county in North Carolina, as Commissioner Jesse Dowe often points out.
Scoops Ice Cream now open in Wallace
Wallace Ice cream parlor Scoops is now open inside Isaak’s International in Wallace. Scoops is open from noon to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Scoops Ice Cream of Wallace o ers a variety of unique avors, from classic vanilla and chocolate to lemon sorbet and banana pudding. There are toppings available, and ice cream can be served in a cone or a cup, in a sundae or in a banana split. The address is 308 E. Southerland St., and the contact number is 910665-1464.
Animal Services to be open for adoptions only one Saturday a month
Kenansville
Duplin County Animal Services will be open one Saturday each month for adoptions only, starting on July 20. The shelter, located at 287 Fair Grounds Drive in Kenansville, will be open from noon to 5 p.m. July 20, Aug. 17, Sept. 21, Oct. 19, Nov. 23 and Dec. 14. For more information, contact the shelter at 910296-2159.
JSCC o ers free online seminars for small business owners
Duplin County James Sprunt Community College’s Small Business Center o ers free online seminars every month for small business owners, or those wishing to start their own businesses. Here are the online seminars available over the next few weeks: How to Start a New Business/Side Hustle, July 9, 6-8 p.m.; Be a Smooth Operator: Tips for Streamlining Your Airbnb Business, July 11, 6-8 p.m.; Start-Up Business Planning and Budgeting 101 — For Pro t and NonPro ts, July 16, 6-8 p.m.; Start-Up Loans: How to Start the Process, July 17, 7-8:30 p.m.; Business Finance for Small Business Owners, 6-7:30 p.m. To register for any of these courses, visit https://www. ncsbc.net/Events.aspx, choose “At Center” as the location, and then select James Sprunt Community College as the center.
Got local business news?
Let us know about any grand openings, new businesses, and noteworthy achievements, and we’ll share it with the community! Email Abby Cavenaugh at abby@northstatejournal. com. The Duplin Journal reserves the right to edit for content, brevity, and clarity.
Visit richsheatandairnc.com
ABBY CAVENAUGH / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Robert Moore and his son Dakota use their 1957 Farmall truck to farm their 15 acres of land. While the tools they currently have are not the most modern or compatible, the Moores are making do with what they have as they continue to grow.
Moore Family Farms carries seven di erent varieties of watermelons, which vary in size, color and sweetness. According to Dakota, some of their sugar babies watermelons peaked at 12-14% in the Brinx meter last year.
FARMERS from page 1
Dakota who can transition from the current generation to the new generation of farmers.
“Our family has been farming for hundreds and hundreds of years. My great-grandfather began this same farm in around 1830 and his sons farmed, and my granddaddy farmed, and all the brothers farmed. They had a thriving business in the 1970s, that carried on until approximately the 1990s,” said Robert. “This farm has been able to produce doctors, lawyers, businesspeople, professionals, military, educators, all that kind of stu , but didn’t produce any more farmers.”
“My ancestors were heavy into education,” Robert told Duplin Journal. “They were pushing building a culture that their children would go to college or go to the military, you know, get professional jobs, and it really worked well, but everybody left the farm.”
According to Robert, his family began to lease out their land to industrial farmers in the ‘90s, but after he retired and Dakota returned from college, they decided to use their resources and farm their land.
Growing up Dakota remembers noticing that many of his friends’ parents who were doing well, were farmers.
“They’re eating nice and they’re buying boats, and houses at the beach,” said Dakota. “I was like well we have land — my family lived for generations farming — why can’t we do this? I just never realized nobody in the family went to school for agriculture.”
It was then when Dakota’s initial interest in agriculture was born.
He wanted to learn and decided to start growing watermelons in a small area behind his barn.
“We used a hoe to clean the land. No heavy machinery, nothing,” said Dakota, adding they wanted to see if they could grow anything.
Later on, he decided to pursue a career in agriculture and fell in love with it while working at the university’s farm. Currently Dakota is building their second greenhouse.
Today, the Moores are farming 15 acres of land with their 1957 Farmall and with equipment they rent. Robert shared that while the Farmall does not run 100% of the time, it has been a tremendous help. “It has enabled us to grow because you can do but only so much with the garden hoe.”
When asked what the top item on their wish list would be, the Moores said a Kubota tractor, because with a modern hitch they might be able to nd someone who could loan them a disc.
“All of our equipment now is single hitch,” said Dakota. “So, nobody’s equipment would even align with anything that we have.”
Despite the challenge of not having modern equipment to help alleviate some of the most labor-intensive tasks at the farm, the Moores are excited about the possibilities for the future. Now with a promising partnership that would put
their produce on the market.
“This year we’re trying to make a really big step — to sell at the grocery stores,” said Robert, adding that now the next step for them is to get GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) certi ed and also obtain their organic certi cation.
“To be GAP certi ed you have to have inspectors come and [watch] while we’re harvesting to see how we’re harvesting and that we’re following the food safety procedures — $1,500. Then organic has to follow the same path, another $1,500 and everything has to be logged and recorded. You have to keep extensive records,” said Robert, explaining that everything is documented so that it can be traced back to where it came from and when it was harvested.
“If we pick a watermelon from row one, of plot one. We have to document what day we picked it,” said Robert.
Dakota explained that with organic farming they work with nature, and they use cover crops to add nutrients back to the soil. He emphasized the importance of soil testing and adding nutrients back to the soil, so it doesn’t completely deplete the nutrients over time.
“A cover crop is really a crop that you grow to add amendments to the soil, which is nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus — those are the main nutrients in your soil when you’re growing things,” said Dakota. “A cover crop changes your whole soil quality… You can grow di erent things just to add those nutrients back to it. … We started with a cover crop mix and that mix actually changed our whole soil microorganisms.”
Robert shared that in addition to farming, they are doing community outreach. They teach their interns about organic farming and environmental stewardship. Robert told Duplin Journal they are hoping to spread the word about the di erent career opportunities in the agriculture eld.
“We’re not the only black people who were farmers back in the day that have now leased out their land, there are a lot of those around,” said Robert.
“That’s why we are trying to get younger people into farming. Because a lot of these younger people’s grandfathers are farming… And the ones who are not farming still have the land, they are just leasing it out.”
He explained that families who lease land are getting paid just enough to pay the land’s taxes when they could be farming it and making a living from it.
Dakota echoed his dad’s sentiment, comparing how much a person could earn working their land versus working in a processing plant for example. “In three months, you could make your yearly salary. Every season, you can make your salary. That is the difference — That puts you in a di erent mindset,” said Dakota.
The father and son team are looking forward to this next chapter for Moore Family Farms and their new tie up with HappyDirt.
ENA SELLERS / DUPLIN JOURNAL
ENA SELLERS / DUPLIN JOURNAL
DUPLIN SPORTS
Coastal FCA: A lighthouse of hope for young athletes
The Fellowship of Christian Athletes’ student-led chapter covering Duplin, Onslow, Jones and Sampson counties has grown into a life-changing organization for many athletes
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
CALYPSO — Growth is everything to a nonpro t organization.
One group in Eastern Carolina has made monumental progress, though its work and outreach might come as a surprise to the secular world.
The Coastal NC Fellowship of Christian Athletes is perhaps
Blanchard, Thornton, Roberts making the right moves
Former Duplin County football and softball players have turned on their game faces at the college level
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
WALLACE — Rachel
Blanchard can still hit, Callie Thornton pitch, Ashlyn Stokes catch and Kanye Roberts hit a hole and break into daylight. These former Duplin Coun-
ty prep stars are among the athletes who played collegiately in their respective sports during the 2023-24 school year.
Blanchard still bashing balls into gaps
Blanchard, you’ll recall was a lefty-swinging Tiger who was co-Ms. Softball in 2022 with East Duplin’s Chandler Mobley. That’s when James Kenan went 12-9 as Blanchard bashed at a 4.84 rate, with six doubles, four triples, 10 HRs,
35 runs, 25 stolen bases and 36 RBIs. She’s matured on the eld the past two seasons.
Blanchard, a sophomore at Methodist University, hit a team-high .431 this spring as the Monarchs went 19-21 overall and 9-9 in Sun Belt Conference play. She lashed 13 doubles, eight triples, three HRs and knocked in 27 runs.
She hit safely in 35 of 40 games and made just one elding error as an out elder.
See COLLEGE, page 10
the fastest growing nonpro t in the past two decades.
The organization nished its annual summer football camps a week ago after reporting a record number of volunteers, players and coaches.
This summer, the camps were moved from the University of Mount Olive to NC Wesleyan in Rocky Mount.
More than 1,900 players and coaches from 48 schools were in
attendance, including East Duplin, Wallace-Rose Hill, North Duplin and Richlands from the Duplin Journal’s coverage area.
The rst camp in 2005 had ve schools for its three-day session.
Yet Coastal FCA has become a staple for athletes beyond its camps, serving school in Duplin, Onslow, Jones. and Sampson counties.
FCA, which is largely a student-led organization with adult leaders overseeing their activities and meetings, has grown despite a continual decrease in
See FCA, page 9
MICHAEL JAENICKE / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Athletes take lead roles in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
COURTESY PHOTO
Expect WRH graduate Kanye Roberts to exceed his rushing totals (696 yards) from last season this fall at Appalachian State University.
ND’s Higginbotham named 1A Player of the Year
Rebels junior second baseman leads parade of 11 Duplin County Players on North Carolina Softball Coaches’ all-state team
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
CALYPSO — North Duplin’s Addy Higginbotham picked up another big award.
And 11 of the Duplin Journal’s 13 rst-team picks became allstate selection after the release of the NC Softball Coaches Associations’ annual picks.
Higginbotham, who was the District 2 Player of the Year, now owns the 1A Player of the Year cap.
She joins teammates Reece Outlaw, Lilly Fulghum and Ady Spence on the 1A team.
Duplin County had seven 2A all-state selections in East Duplin’s Morgan Brown, Ava Noble, Kinsley Bond and Karsyn Parker, James Kenan’s Anna Morgan Armstrong and Jourdan Joe and Wallace-Rose Hill’s Lexi Kennedy.
Richlands’ pitcher Makenzie Going, catcher Erin Thibault and third baseman LeNayah Jackson were members of the 3A squad. No one bigger than ‘Higgie’
That might not have been a chant by Rebel fans, but it stood as a truism.
On a team with a handful of stars, the junior did the most important things in the game: Get on base, drive in teammates, score and be a leader in the ineld with her glove, arm and softball IQ.
She made it look easy.
Higginbotham lead Duplin in hitting at .629 and could hit for power as well as she could slap the ball to all parts of the diamond with her left-handed stroke.
She laced 44 hits, which included 12 doubles, three triples, three HRs, 37 runs and 25 RBIs
Higginbotham
and a .662 on-base percentage. If she had a weakness, it never showed as she was patient but aggressive at the plate. In the eld she was hard to rattle and usually the cool head during a jam.
New basketball rule seeks to clamp down on fake fouls
The national organizing body for high school sports approved 12 rule changes
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
INDIANAPOLIS — The National Federation of High Schools is taking away the right for basketball players to have Academy Award-winning ops by increasing the penalties.
This is perhaps the biggest of several changes agreed to by the organizing body for high school sports in the U.S.
The previous guidelines, referees could call for a warning if they believed a player was faking a foul. If the act continued, the referee could issue a technical foul to the player.
A new rule changes the penalty for faking being fouled from a player technical to a warning for the rst violation and a team technical for any subsequent o ense.
The board approved 12 total rule changes. Here are a few of the new rules for basketball that came from the NFHS’s summer board meeting.
Rule 1-19 clari es that the use of electronic devices during the game must be limited to recording and tracking stats, reviewing plays or similar contest-related functions. The use of electronic devices for voice or video recording is prohibited.
Rule 2-11-11 notes that if multiple scorers are at the scorer’s bench, the scorer(s) that is not o cial is responsible for comparing records with the o cial scorer, who then would notify a referee immediately of a discrepancy.
This allows the o cial scorer to remain focused on game play and places the re -
sponsibility of comparing scoring information on auxiliary scorers.
Rule 3-3-6 states that if bench personnel are beckoned to attend to an injured player, whether they enter the court or not, the player is subject to removal from the game unless the coach requests a time-out. If a player is bleeding or has blood on the uniform, Rule 3-3-7 now allows the player to remain in the game if the issue can be resolved in 20 seconds.
A new exception to Rule 4-6-1 involving basket interference allows for the net to be contacted and play continue if the o cial determines the contact to not a ect the try for a goal.
A collection of changes to rules 4-47-5, 10-2-1g and 104-5 allows o cials to issue a team warning for delay of game when a ball is not immediately passed to an o cial when a whistle sounds.
Any subsequent violations now result in a team technical instead of a player technical.
Rule 7-1-1 establishes that a player cannot be assisted by a team member or bench personnel outside the boundary line to remain inbounds.
Pregame violations were addressed in a series of changes in Rule 10.
If both teams violate provisions listed in Rules 10-11, 10-1-2 and 10-2-7 in equal numbers, the penalties o set, and no free throws are awarded. Additionally, the head coach would not lose the privilege of the coaching box. Similarly, the penalty for dunking or attempting to dunk a dead ball in Rule 10-27 no longer requires the coach to lose coaching box privileges and no personal foul is assessed as it is now a team technical and not a bench technical.
ND sophomore Lilly Fulghum was named to the all-state 1A team because of her pitching and hitting. She was the area’s best hurler and in the top ve in many o ensive categories.
And as in other all-star polls this spring, Higginbotham’s place at the top was not sealed until the season ended and a thorough comparison was done of the competition, which included outstanding seasons by
Outlaw (.627, 42 hits, 19 doubles, six triples, eight HRs), an all-state selection from a season ago and Fulghum, a pitcher and feared hitter (.617, 37 hits, 11 doubles, ve triples, eight HRs) and 1A Pitcher of the Year in 2023.
Kennedy, Noble and Armstrong all had averages of .500 or better.
Spence, Bonds, Brown, Tuck, Goin, Parker and Jackson were close to or over .400.
Snapshots of all of these players were written in the Duplin Journal when all-district and all-Duplin County squads were announced.
Emma Brandon of Roxboro Community School was the 1A Pitcher of the Year in the East.
East Wilkes’ Jayden Hutchinson and Cloe Andrews were 1A Picher and Player of the Year, respectively in the West. South Columbus’ Carmen
Buck is 2A Player of the Year in the East, with Washington’s Emma Orr and Eastern Wayne’s Mallory Reed the Co-Pitcher of the Year.
Logan Gunter of Jordan-Matthews and Madison Fletcher of West Wilkes were Co-Player of the Year in the West. McMichael’s Dakota Redman and North Stanly’s Sophia Crist were Co-Pitchers of the Year.
All-state beef:
Too many players
Forty-eight players were allstate in 1A and more than 100 in 2A.
That’s just too many players getting all-state paperwork.
“What we get every year is talk from coaches about who we left o and how could we have left them o ,” said ED coach Greg Jenkins, who is the district president of District 2.
“They all say, we need so-andso o and to take o so-and-so.
“The other argument we hear is that it’s watered down. Well, rst o , it’s all about the kids. And some coaches don’t make nominations. In the end, we have a lot of players with good stats and we gure it out from there, using coaching criteria that takes into consideration the competition levels and many other factors.”
ND coach Jaime Higginbotham agreed that the number of players on the all-state team was too large and suggested it be divided into rst, second and third teams.
The established programs seem to do better overall.
Here’s how the number of players might be in ated.
Robbinsville had six all-state players, East Wilkes ve, Perquimans and High Point Christian four and ND and 12 other schools have three selections.
Perhaps there is no real foul here, though that’s 150 all-state certi cates for two classi cations.
EDUARDO PUAC FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
EDUARDO PUAC FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
Addy
led the county in hits, was in the top ve in most o ensive categories and a leader for North Duplin.
MICHAEL JAENICKE / DUPLIN JOURNAL
James Kenan’s TJ Oats, right, East Duplin’s Garrett Johnson and every other returning prep player will be told o cials are making fake fouls a point of emphasis.
acquired with Duck Stamp funds help purify water, aid in ood control, reduce soil erosion and sedimentation, and enhance outdoor
Hunting, shing permit costs going up July 1
The in ation-indexed increase will see prices rise by almost 20% Duplin Journal sta
THE COST of North Carolina hunting and shing permits are going up this year, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) announced this week.
The license fees, which make up about a quarter of the agency’s revenue, are rising around 20%, with the costs indexed to the rise in in ation since the last fee increase in January 2020. The revenue will go toward the NCWRC’s own rising costs, which have also been a ected by in ation.
The price adjustments are based on the Consumer Price
FCA from page 7 the people in the pews of churches on Sunday mornings.
Coastal Director Ken Lovell, his wife Angi, Duplin Representative Sue House and other members of the 7-person sta seem to never take a season o , sans a few weeks in the summer before football teams o cially start practicing on July 31.
But the pigskin season is just one sport. FCA has interactions with players on baseball and softball diamonds, basketball and volleyball courts, soccer pitches, tracks and wrestling mats to help council with students, set up weekly “huddle” meetings.
Schools often hold these Biblical meetings of faith before or after a competition or as a weekly endeavor.
While the organization has Pentecostal beginning its primary mission is to promote the gospel by focusing on serving, equipping, empowering and encouraging people to make a difference for Christ through the inuence of coaches and athletes.
“We don’t just share the gospel or share of ourselves,” Lovell said. “We have relationships with coaches and athletes. We earn their respect and trust.”
Lovell, retired from the U.S. Marine Corps after 21 years, left his current position for 18 months to take another job with FCA. When he returned, the organization three years ago, its student members grew to 185 across four counties.
FCA introduced travel volleyball with his wife as the leader. They elded ve teams of various ages last year and expect to have seven teams this year. Angi Lovell and Rachel Albaugh spearheaded growth in this direction as its club director and administrative assistant, respectively.
Peer leaders promote growth
FCA’s recent growth can be seen at many schools, but perhaps none bigger than North Duplin.
Index (CPI-U) changes, with all licenses, permits, stamps and certi cations rising by 18.75% rounded up to the nearest whole dollar.
The agency says its costs of employee salaries and bene ts alone have risen by around $5.6 million per year (or 6.28%) since 2020.
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK SPONSORED BY BILL CARONE
Ava Noble
East Duplin
Does Ava Noble spend more time this summer on a basketball court or softball diamond?
While only teammates and close friends know for sure, rest assured the rising East Duplin sophomore is getting in reps and drills for both.
Noble is a competitor and proved that in the winter and spring by playing to an elite level in two sports, performing more like a seasoned veteran than an upstart frosh.
She played a pivotal role on ED’s 24-5 basketball team that captured an ECC title and advanced to the third round of the 2A playo s.
She was the sixth man some games and started others. She could shoot, dribble, pass, rebound and played solid defense all over the court.
Noble showed the same polish in softball and was more impactful.
She led the Panthers in hitting at .538, whacking seven doubles, seven triples and two home runs, while scoring 34 runs and driving in 16.
With debut seasons like Noble had, it’s almost impossible to not project how big of a star she can be in either sport in her next three seasons.
Fans in the Panther nation bleachers are excited about the future.
June graduate Reece Outlaw
started her journey in FCA by rst watching her brother Gage, a 2020 Rebel graduate and former three-sport athlete, attend a FCA summer leadership camp.
“I was in eighth grade when he went to Black Mountain and saw what it did for him and knew I wanted to go,” said Outlaw, who went on to become a keynote student speaker at FCA groups and huddles. “So, it went from one small group to everyone.”
“Not many students were going to our school meetings then. Now almost our entire school goes and there are active groups at East Duplin, Wallace and James Kenan. So it that short amount of time.”
Outlaw was recruited to play softball at UNC and uses her faith to quiet her mind of all the noises.
“It’s de nitely brought peace
to me,” she said, “especially with the weight and pressure of going to and playing at ‘Carolina. It’s helped me get away from the distractions and what everyone is saying. So, I don’t listen or play for anyone but Him (Jesus).”
For some student-athletes FCA is the only source to be told about the Bible and the teachings of Jesus. FCA focuses on serving local communities by equipping, empowering and encouraging people to make a di erence for Christ; to see the world impacted for Jesus Christ through the in uence of coaches and athletes.
Changing lives with a new direction
Coaches love FCA for many reasons as they seek to slow-
walk teenagers into the adult world.
“We’re all enamored with Friday Night Lights, but I’m more concerned about my athletes when they get to be 30- to 35-years old,” said Richlands football coach Pat Byrd. “The last three years we went to FCA football camp we had something like 50 kids who were saved and about 20 who were baptized. So, we saw results.
“Ken and FCA do a tremendous job, and the kids who pass it along are what it’s all about.
Wallace-Rose Hill football coach Kevin Motsinger said the football camp brings a unity teams. “The big thing is does is get our kids to bond together,” he said. “They get an opportunity to listen to people other than our sta . You can’t fool the kids. They know when you are not be-
ing honest or straight up with them, and that goes for religion, work or any other aspect of their lives.”
Byrd said FCA and students can do and say things coaches cannot do because of legalities (i.e., the separation of church and state).
“They’re an invaluable resource and a way to have a little faith-based action and talk going on,” Byrd said. “Unfortunately, we’re all sinners and are going to stumble because we are not perfect. I’m not a preacher and having kids deliver the message to one another is something that can happen more than at a Friday morning meeting.”
If not else, FCA’s way provides a path for student-athletes. Some feel the acronym GOD stands for good orderly direction, though FCA stands rmly on Biblical principles.
The vast majority won’t be playing their sport of choice after graduating from high school.
So the “skills” that stick with them won’t be the mechanics of a free throw or a blocking technique.
The lifelong attributes could be more along the lines of knowing right from wrong and steering clear of trouble, taking the right action in a situation, totally understanding the concepts of teamwork, dedication and individual responsibility.
Lovell and his followers believe they have a place to turn in seemingly hopeless situations or simply when encountering problematic events or situations in everyday life.
“We all have tests, trials and a ictions and understanding and we’ve found someone who can help us through the worst situations,” Lovell said. “We’ve been blessed by our growth.”
Part of that growth is how through Jesus Christ, athletes can have a profound e ect on their teammates.”
FCA also allows its good word to be spread to athletes’ homes. The organization, giving out more than 200,000 Bibles annually and 2.5 million Bibles throughout the world in the last 15 years.
NC WILDLIFE RESOURCES COMMISSION
Wetlands
recreation opportunities.
COURTESY PHOTO
Coastal FCA Director Ken Lovell leads the ND softball team in prayer before a state tournament game.
Top, WRH graduate Anthony Byrd nished strong to lead NCA&T in rushing.
Center, ND graduate Callie Thornton went 17-4 in the circle this spring for the University of Mount Olive.
Bottom, JK graduate Rachel Blanchard hit .431 this spring for Methodist College during her sophomore campaign.
NFL ordered to pay nearly $4.8B by jury in ‘Sunday Ticket’ case for violating antitrust laws
The NFL plans to appeal a decision that would cost each team $449.6 million
By Joe Reedy The Associated Press
LOS ANGELES — A jury in U.S. District Court ordered the NFL to pay nearly $4.8 billion in damages after ruling that the league violated antitrust laws in distributing out-of-market Sunday afternoon games on a premium subscription service.
The jury awarded $4.7 billion in damages to the residential class and $96 million in damages to the commercial class. Since damages can be tripled under federal antitrust laws, the NFL could end up being liable for $14.39 billion.
The lawsuit covered 2.4 million residential subscribers and 48,000 businesses in the United States who paid for the package of out-of-market games from the 2011 through 2022 seasons on DirecTV. The lawsuit claimed the league broke antitrust laws by selling its package of Sunday games at an in ated price. The subscribers also say the league restricted competition by o ering “Sunday Ticket” only on a satellite provider.
The NFL said it would appeal the verdict. That appeal would go to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and then possibly the Supreme Court.
Should the NFL end up paying damages, it could cost each of the 32 teams approximately $449.6 million.
“We are disappointed with the jury’s verdict today in the NFL Sunday Ticket class action lawsuit,” the league said in a statement. “We continue to believe that our media distribution strategy, which features all NFL games broadcast on free over-
DAMIAN DOVARGANES / AP PHOTO
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell arrives at federal court in Los Angeles. Goodell testi ed in the class-action lawsuit led by “Sunday Ticket” subscribers.
the-air television in the markets of the participating teams and national distribution of our most popular games, supplemented by many additional choices including RedZone, Sunday Ticket and NFL+, is by far the most fan friendly distribution model in all of sports and entertainment.
“We will certainly contest this decision as we believe that the class action claims in this case are baseless and without merit.”
The trial lasted three weeks and featured testimony from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.
“Justice was done. The verdict upholds protection for the consumers in our class. It was a great day for consumers,” plainti s attorney Bill Carmody said.
During his closing remarks, Carmody showed an April, 2017, NFL memo that showed the league was exploring a world without “Sunday Ticket” in 2017, where cable channels would air Sunday afternoon out-of-market games not shown on Fox or CBS.
The jury of ve men and three
COLLEGE from page 7
Thornton on the rise at UMO
Another former Ms. Softball is making her tracks at the University of Mount Olive.
Callie Thorton, who led North Duplin to a 12-1 mark in the post-Covid season of 2021 has returned to Duplin County after a season at Coker University. That spring schools could only play conference games during the regular season, and the playo brackets were drawn from a hat. ND lost a close game to Camden County in the rst round, and the Bears went on to win the 1A title.
The daughter of Allan and Laura Thornton was the lone starting senior on the roster. She hit .644 and had 123 strikeouts, 16 walks and an ERA of 0.79.
Thornton adjusted to college softball at Coker by going 11-13, while being named an scgikar student-athlete in the South Atlantic Conference.
Thornton transferred to UMO for her sophomore campaign and waited for her chance to compete.
This spring she was the ace of the Trojans’ sta , going 17-4 with 98 whi s, 44 walks, two saves and a 3.68 ERA.
Catchers Stokes, Jones push through East Duplin’s Ashlyn Stokes and North Duplin’s Kasey Jones share a common position and the fact that both had learning rst-seasons on the diamond.
The two catchers posted modest numbers, while becoming comfortable behind the plate and beside it.
Stokes hit .437 in 2023 to lead the Panthers to a 19-5 mark and ECC title. She cooled to .224 in 48 at-bats for Salem College, which went 6-30 this spring.
She is the granddaughter of Joey Jones, longtime soccer coach at ED.
Rebel Jones (.471, ve doubles, four triples, two HRs, 25 RBIs) was a member of a ND squad that set a school record with 23 wins in 2023. ND fell to Union Academy in the 1A nals.
She hit .224 in 49 at-bats for 27-24 Barton College.
Have ex-’Dawgs Roberts and Byrd turned the college gridiron corner?
Two Wallace-Rose Hill football players became headline-makers last fall.
The rst was rather obvious to well-versed fans of Duplin County sports.
RB Kayne Roberts, whose 3,5011 yards in 2021 was the second-most during a season in state history (T.A. McLendon is rst), busted out of a RB pack at Appalachian State to lead the team in rushing last season.
With him in the lineup, the Mountaineers won three of their nal four games
TAKE NOTICE
NORTH CAROLINA
DUPLIN COUNTY
women deliberated for nearly ve hours before reaching its decision.
Judge Philip S. Gutierrez is scheduled to hear post-trial motions on July 31, including the NFL’s request to have him rule in favor of the league because the judge determined the plainti s did not prove their case.
Payment of damages, any changes to the “Sunday Ticket” package and/or the ways the NFL carries its Sunday afternoon games would be stayed until all appeals have been concluded.
The league maintained it had the right to sell “Sunday Ticket” under its antitrust exemption for broadcasting. The plainti s said that only covers over-the-air broadcasts and not pay TV.
The lawsuit was originally led in 2015 by the Mucky Duck sports bar in San Francisco but was dismissed in 2017. Two years later, the 9th Circuit, which has jurisdiction over California and eight other states, reinstated the case. Gutierrez ruled last year the case could proceed as a class action.
The sophomore’s 61-yard
TD with 6:37 to play helped App State beat Southern Miss 48-38, a victory that led to ve straight triumphs.
He had six more TD runs and averaged 5.7 yards per carry and hit 696 yards for the season. Roberts caught 14 passes for 113 yards.
The Mountaineer coaching sta and loyal fans are expecting him to follow in a long line of back eld stars, though Appalachian State has thrown the ball as much as any school in the nation the past few seasons. And the Mountaineers have an o er in on Bulldog senior Irving Brown, who this season will be running behind a completely new line.
The case Byrd for making positive traction at N.C. Wesleyan is perhaps more interesting in that few people outside of the WRH camp knew of his talent.
And in fact, he carried the ball a limited number of times as a senior (51-496, 9.2 yards per carry, ve TDs in 2019) because of Roberts (200-1,558, 17 TDs) and Cameren Dalrymple (148-1,283, 16 TDs). Yet there was no hiding his grit as a blocking back or on defense. In practices, he gave Dalrymple ts with his quickness.
Byrd ran for 731 yards last season as a junior, chalking up 5.3 yards-per carry when the Division 3 Bishops went 4-6. Pound for pound, few players quicker -- and tougher -than the 5-8, 155-pound Byrd. Teachey, Pridgen, Walters push to make a di erence
• WRH kicker Lon Teachey returns to Mars Hill after a season in which he connected on 31-of-33 of his PAT attempts and a 6-of-12 eldgoal accuracy.
Mars Hill went 8-2 last season, losing its nal game to Tusculum (27-27) on a touchdown as the game clock expired.
• And nally, Richlands DT Zarion Walters is slated to return to N.C. Central. It will be the second season for the 6-foot-2, 250-pounder, who helped the Wildcats beat Southwest Onslow for the rst time in three decades and also claim a share of the Coastal 3A Conference title in 2022.
Central’s schedule this fall includes a Sept. 14 home encounter against UNC.
• Also look for former James Kenan pitcher Clay Pridgen is exing his baseball muscles. He made the roster for Methodist University after being on the developmental team the previous season. A 2022 graduate and all-Duplin and all-ECC selection and son of Tracey and John Pridge, he went 6-3 with 100 strikeouts in his nal campaign.
He was a missing piece that helped the Tigers return to the postseason.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
FILE#2024E000261
The undersigned, SANDRA WORSLEY TOWNSEND, AND ESTHER MURPHY, having quali ed on the 1ST DAY of JULY 2024, as CO-ADMINISTRATORS of the Estate of ROBERT CHARLES BALLARD, deceased, of DUPLIN County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 2nd Day of OCTOBER 2024, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 4th Day of JULY 2024.
SANDRA WORSLEY TOWNSEND, CO-ADMINISTRATOR
308 N COLLEGE ST
WALLACE, NC 28466
ESTHER MURPHY, CO-ADMINISTRATOR
7235 DARDEN RD, APT.127
WILMINGTON, NC 28411
Run dates: Jy4,11,18,25c
COURTESY PHOTO
COURTESY PHOTO
COURTESY PHOTO
obituaries
Paul Aaron Pittman
July 21, 1935 – June 22, 2024 (age 88)
Paul Aaron Pittman, 88, of Teachey departed his earthly life for his heavenly home on the evening of June 22, 2024, while at Lower Cape Fear Life Care Center in Wilmington. Born on July 21, 1935, he is the son of the late Riley Webster and Lula Jane Turner Pittman. He is also preceded in death by his rst wife, Elenora C. Pittman; his second wife, Betty Louise Chilcote Pittman; siblings, Laura Jones, Lloyd Sanderson, Larry Sanderson, Leon Sanderson, Horace Pittman, and Dorothy Taylor.
Left to cherish his memory are his children, Silas Pittman of Teachey, Daniel Pittman and wife JoAnn of Clinton, Samuel Pittman of Seattle, Washington, Joseph Pittman and wife Juanita of Pink Hill, and Jacob Pittman and husband Richard Yeager of Garner; sister, Carolyn Hatcher and husband Kenneth of Beulaville; and ve grandchildren.
Mr. Pittman was a quiet, soft-spoken man who had great wisdom. He taught his sons the meaning of hard work and respect for others. He attended school in the Potters Hill School and loved his alma mater dearly. During the early 1950s he served his country in the United States Army and was involved in the Korean Con ict. A majority of his work career was spent with Nichols Foods, with many years serving as a supervisor in the freezer department.
The family greeted friends at a visitation on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, followed by a service in the chapel of Padgett Funeral & Cremation Services. O ciating was Reverend Jack Malvin. Interment followed in the Rock sh Memorial Cemetery, with military honors. Flowers are welcome or please consider a contribution in honor of Mr. Pittman to Lower Cape Fear Life Care Center in Wilmington.
Sarah Kelly McLean
March 23, 1959 –June 22, 2024 (age 65)
Sarah Kelly McLean, 65, passed away on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at her home.
All arrangements are private. Survivors include: sons, Shane Gower of Smith eld, Dustin Gower of Florida; brothers, Daniel Hilton Kelly, II of Raleigh, Daryl Hugh Kelly of Kinston; and ve grandchildren.
Willis Foy Futrell
Aug. 8, 1942 – June 20, 2024 (age 81)
Willis Foy Futrell, 81, passed away on Thursday, June 20, 2024 at his home.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Futrell and a son, Jimmy Futrell Funeral service was held on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at Community Funeral Home in Beulaville, with visitation held one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at a later date.
Survivors include: sons, William Foy Futrell (Evelyn) of Richlands and Anthony Leon Futrell (Kristi) of Apex; sisters, Ella Vee Lumley (Willard) of Richlands and Cristy Marshburn (Keith) of Richlands; brother, Ronnie O’Neil Futrell of Richlands.
Marlene Joyce Miles
Dec. 5, 1962 – June 20, 2024 (age 61)
KENANSVILLE — Ms. Marlene Joyce Miles, 61, completed her earthly journey and transitioned from labor to reward, Thursday, June 20, 2024 at ECU Health Duplin Hospital. There will be no formal services. She was born Dec. 5, 1962 in Manchester, Connecticut, to Mr. Merrill Miles and Ms. Joyce Hipple.
Michael Jerome Hicks
April 29, 1971 – June 22, 2024 (age 53)
Michael Jerome Hicks, 53, of Warsaw, by the command of the Almighty, closed his eyes and entered into his eternal rest on the evening of June 22, 2024 at ECU Health Medical Center of Greenville.
Funeral service was scheduled for Saturday, June 29, 2024 at St. Peter AME Church of Warsaw. Visitation was held Friday June 28, 2024 at Hawes Funeral Home Chapel, Warsaw. Interment was in the Martin Cemetery of Warsaw.
Judith Williams Sadowski
May 2, 1944 – June 23, 2024 (age 80)
Judith Williams Sadowski, 80, passed away on Sunday, June 23, 2024 at her home. Graveside service was held on Thursday, June 27, 2024 at East Duplin Memorial Gardens in Beulaville.
Survivors include: sons, Stephen Sadowski of Beulaville, Joe Sadowski (Jennifer) of Raleigh, Jon Sadowski of Beulaville; daughter, Jamie Grimes (Dee) of Charleston, South Carolina; sisters, Sue Ward (Bobby) of Rose Hill, Ann Simo (Micky) of Washington; grandchildren, Hunter Grimes, Olivia Sadowski and Stella Sadowski.
Sarah Jane Hamilton
July 9, 1964 – June 24, 2024 (age 59)
Sarah Jane Hamilton of Wallace departed her earthly life during the early morning of Monday, June 24, 2024, while in the ECU Health Duplin Hospital in Kenansville. She had been a resident of Day Spring in Wallace for a short period of time and enjoyed her stay there very much.
Born on July 9, 1964, she is the daughter of the late Thomas Floyd and Nora Estelle Hubbard Baxley Hamilton. Also preceding her in death is a sister, Nora Michelle Hamilton.
Left to cherish her memory are her son, Douglas Brinson Jones of Warsaw; sisters, Glenda Kenan of Holly Ridge, Deborah Murphy and husband Je of Rose Hill; nephews, Joshua Pittman of Rose Hill and Justin Murphy.
Mrs. Hamilton received her licensed practical nurse certi cation while a student at Carteret Community College. After her move to Duplin County, she pursued a degree as a registered nurse in James Sprunt Institute, which later became James Sprunt Community College. The large majority of her work career was spent in the Intensive Care Unit of Duplin General Hospital (later ECU Health Duplin Hospital), where she worked as a registered nurse for 27 years. During this time, she gained many friendships which she dearly treasured and cherished.
Service arrangements will be posted when complete.
David Holmes Godwin
Oct. 24, 1929 – June 26, 2024 (age 94)
Mr. David H. Godwin of Wallace passed away Wednesday, June 26, 2024. Born on Oct. 24, 1929, he is the son of the late John William Godwin, Sr. and Ethel Holmes Godwin. He is also preceded in death by his wife and soul mate of 68 years, Evelyn Dudney Godwin; siblings, Billy Godwin, J.B. Council, Irene Warren, Thelma Guyton, and Lois Tidd; granddaughter, Suzanne M. Kornegay; and son-in-law, Jimmy Smith. Left to cherish his memory are his children, Nancy G. Smith of Wallace, Vickie G. Baker (Tony) of Teachey, and Tommy Godwin (Audrey) of Rose Hill; grandchildren, David McMillan (Jenni) of Clayton, Eve B. Jones (Chris) of Sneads Ferry, April B. Fussell (Ryan) of Teachey, Adam Baker (Rena) of Teachey, Anne G. Spain (Patrick) of Pleasent Garden, and Eric Godwin (Ashley) of Wendell; 12 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; brotherin-law, Tom Dudney; and sisterin-law, Katherine Godwin.
Mr. Godwin was a determined, tough, strong, driven but still gentle man. He was good at building business at di erent strategy approaches and wasn’t scared to take a risk. Started three di erent grocery businesses over 70-plus years with the last one in Rose Hill — Godwin’s IGA, 50 years ago. He loved to work — loved people and loved to teach others good work ethic. One thing he was very passionate about was fresh corn for the produce department. Over the years, he tried to teach many of us how to properly trim corn for the produce department. Nobody could do it as well as he could-so that was “his” job up until he broke the rst hip in September 2023. Yes, he was still driving and living by himself at 93 years of age. Special thanks to his wonderful caregivers, Delphine Tillman, Geraldine Vines, Patrina Ann Hankins, Sandy Murphy, Lisha McMillan, Lower Cape Fear Life Care Hospice, and special nurses Sonia and Kevon.
The Godwin family greeted friends at a visitation on Sunday, June 30, 2024 with service following in the chapel of Padgett Funeral & Cremation Services of Wallace. Interment followed the service in Riverview Memorial Park of Watha. Family greeted at the residence at other times. Floral arrangements are welcome or please consider a contribution to the Masonic Children’s Home of Oxford.
May 7, 1968 – June 22, 2024 (age 56)
Rodney Earl Wilson, 56, of Warsaw, left all his earthly burdens behind when he heard the Master call him for his eternal rest on June 22, 2024 at ECU Health Duplin Hospital, Kenansville. Funeral service was Sunday, June 30, 2024, at Hawes Funeral Home Chapel, Warsaw. Visitation was held one hour prior to the service. Interment followed in the Middleton Cemetery of Kenansville.
Reba Sanderson Quinn
June 27, 2024
WARSAW — Mrs. Reba Sanderson Quinn died June 27, 2024 at Arbor Landing in Hampstead. Reba was born at home in Cabin, and was a lifelong resident of Warsaw. She was the daughter of the late Lloyd and Maggie Sanderson and the widow of Milford Quinn. She was also predeceased by son Craig, granddaughter Mary and sister Jessie. Reba graduated from ECTC (East Carolina Teachers College) and taught school for a short time. Raising her four boys was her life’s work. She and Milford were married for 68 years. We have all heard the many accolades of Milford, but many know that Reba was the backbone and the glue to this family.
She was a devoted daughter for her mother and father’s well-being. Her four sons, Terry (Betty) of Wilmington, Craig-deceased (Susan) of Warsaw, Robin of Kenansville and Kim (Michelle) of Topsail Beach. Grandchildren include Townsend (Emily), Cameron (Hollie), Ramsay (Catherine) and Holden; greatgrandchildren, Sallie Grace, Charlotte and Maverick. Heartfelt gratitude for the comfortable lifestyle care given by her New Estuary Home Care team. The memorial service to celebrate her life was held on Saturday, June 29, 2024 in Devotional Gardens, 1260 NC 24 & 50 in Warsaw. Family greeted friends following the service.
Memorial gifts may be made to Warsaw Baptist Church, 209 E. College Street, Warsaw, NC 28398 or Duplin County Community Foundation, Attn: Beth Boney Jenkins, 3737 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 460, Raleigh, NC 27612.
Rodney Earl Wilson
Dinah Kennedy Ransom
May 5, 1934 – June 26, 2024 (age 90)
Dinah Kennedy Ransom, 90, passed away on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at her home.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Rena Cole, husbands, Gordon Kennedy and Carl Ransom, a son, Doug Kennedy and a grandchild, Raven Kennedy.
Funeral service was held Sunday, June 30, 2024, with visitation preceding the service at Community Funeral Home of Beulaville.
Interment was at East Duplin Memorial Gardens, Beulaville.
Survivors include: sons, Clifton Kennedy of Beulaville, Padrick Kennedy (Nancy) of Chinquapin; daughters, Debra Kennedy of Chinquapin, Lorrine Sanders of Pennsylvania, Phyllis Batchelor (Rusty) of Beulaville, Joyce Jackson (Sherwood) of Pink Hill; sister, Peggy Cole Howard of Beulaville; 13 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and three great-greatgrandchildren.
Andy Earl Pickett
Sept. 24, 1953 – June 23, 2024 (age 70)
WALLACE — Mr. Andy
Earl Pickett, age 70, of Wallace, passed away on Sunday, June 23, 2024 at ECU Health Duplin Hospital in Kenansville.
A viewing was held on Saturday, June 29, 2024 at the Rose Hill Funeral Home Chapel in Rose Hill, followed by the funeral service. Burial followed at St. Lewis Church Cemetery in Chinquapin.
Left to cherish his precious memories; four children, James Thomson, Andrea Thomson, Ladinnia Desandies and Janaya Davis, all of Atlanta, Georgia; one brother, Michael Pickett (Elaine) of Ft. Collins, Colorado; one aunt, Connie Bell Ward of Brooklyn, New York; special friend, Deborah Levine of Wallace; 15 grandchildren, four greatgrandchildren, six nieces, ve nephews; numerous cousins and friends that will miss him dearly.
Kathryn Eileen Simmons
Sept. 23, 1944 – June 22, 2024 (age 79)
COMFORT — Kathryn
Eileen Simmons, age 79, died at her home in Comfort on Saturday, June 22, 2024. Mrs. Simmons is survived by her daughter, Susan Wright and husband Milton of Comfort; son, Mike Simmons and wife Steph of West Virginia; sisters, Sue Hardwick of Wilmington, Carol Peters of West Virginia; brother, Ray Peters of West Virginia; six grandchildren; and 12 great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at a later date in West Virginia.
Exie Delores Lane Martin
April 25, 1940 – June 25, 2024 (age 84)
MAGNOLIA — Mrs. Exie Delores Lane Martin, age 84, of Magnolia passed away on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at her home.
A viewing will be held on Friday, July 5, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the Rose Hill Funeral Home Chapel in Rose Hill, followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Lane Family Cemetery, Blue Newkirk Road in Magnolia. Left to cherish her precious memories: two daughters, Mary Susan Melvin of Magnolia and Vanessa Martin of Detroit, Michigan; nine grandchildren, Mia Martin Hardrick, Patrice Martin, Vanessa Baker, Larry Baker, Delores Baker Harris, Jasmine Serintez, Lois Serintez, Marketta Martin Edwards and Keith Martin; 19 greatgrandchildren; two greatgreat-grandchildren; sisterin-law, Cleopatra Lane of Magnolia; a host of nieces and nephews; numerous cousins and friends that will miss her dearly.
Annette Chestnutt Gurley
March 8, 1939 – June 26, 2024 (age 85)
DUDLEY — Annette Chestnutt Gurley, 85, formerly of Warsaw passed away Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at ECU Medical Center in Greenville. Mrs. Gurley was born March 8, 1939 in Duplin County to the late C. O. “Jack” Chestnutt and Macy Blizzard Chestnutt.
Visitation was held Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at Community Funeral Home of Warsaw, with the funeral following in the funeral home chapel. Burial concluded the service in Wayne Memorial Park, Dudley.
Mrs. Gurley is survived by two sons, Jerry Casteen of Goldsboro, Richard Casteen and wife, Lisa of Dover; two daughters, Julie Cox and husband, Delmus of Dudley and Wanda Lomas of Melborne, Florida; six grandchildren, 10 greatgrandchildren; one greatgreat-grandchild. Annette is also survived brother, Keith Chestnutt and wife, Phyllis and sister, Frances Gurley of Goldsboro and sister-in-law, Pat Chestnutt.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Annette was preceded in death by husband, Henry Gurley; brothers, William “Buck” Chestnutt, and James “Pete” Chestnutt and sisters, Gearldine Henderson and Patsy Anderson.
