Wallace man charged with sexual exploitation of minor, jailed under $1M bond
Wallace Shawn Keith Green, 53, was arrested on June 18 and charged with 10 counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and 10 counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor after a joint operation between the Duplin County Sheri ’s O ce and the U.S. Secret Service was conducted leading to his arrest for receiving and possessing child pornography. Green was taken before a magistrate and received a $1 million secured bond. He is currently in the Duplin County Detention Center.
DJS
Quali ed families with school-aged children can receive $120 in grocery bene ts
Statewide SUN Bucks, a new food assistance program, will be providing a onetime payment of $120 in grocery bene ts throughout the summer to quali ed families with school-aged children. Applications must be submitted by Aug. 31. Children automatically qualify for the SUN Bucks program if they have been approved for free or reduced-price meal bene ts during the school year. Visit the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services website at ncdhhs.gov for more information.
DJS
June is National Homeownership Month
Statewide
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is highlighting resources to help potential homebuyers as part of National Homeownership Month. Visit eligibility. sc.egov.usda.gov to learn about eligibility requirements through the USDA’s Single Family Housing Self-Assessment website.
DJS
Organic Certi cation Cost Share applications available
Statewide Organic producers and handlers may apply for the Organic Certi cation Cost Share Program now through Oct. 3. The program covers up to 75% of their organic certi cation costs at a maximum of $750 per certi cation category. For information, visit fsa.usda.gov or call 910-296-2193.
DJS
inside
The town of Teachey celebrated Juneteenth on Saturday, June 22, at the town park. First Baptist Church of Teachey Pastor Danielle Glaze emceed the event and recognized Little Miss Strawberry Dylan Dixon, left, and 7-year-old entrepreneur T’yonna Evans at the start of the event. See more on Page 12.
DCBOE welcomes new director 5 months before presidential election
Duplin sees an in ux of voter registrations
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
WARSAW — The Duplin County Board of Elections recently welcomed its new director, Carrie Sullivan, who took over the role left by former director Jasmine Gadsden. Sullivan was sworn in June 6.
While Sullivan is new to the role, she is not new to the Board of Elections or the electoral process.
The Wallace resident started her journey with the Duplin County Board of Elections in 2020 working her way up to deputy director. Sullivan was named interim director in April when Gadsden announced her resignation to pursue other interests.
“I came into the position of deputy director about 21⁄2 years ago and then, after Jasmine left, I stepped into this role,” Sullivan said.
When asked how she felt about elevating into the director role only ve months away from the presidential election, Sullivan said she felt con dent.
“I worked in a precinct on Election Day for the last presidential. So I have been out there and experienced that portion of it,” Sullivan said. “There are a few other duties that were not part of my wheelhouse before I had this position. But being that I have worked in the elections now for a couple of years, I feel con dent.
“I have a great relationship with all our precinct o cials because I was the one that was over all the training, the correspondence with them. ... I am con dent that we are going to
get through it, nervous just because it is a big presidential election to really have my name on for the rst time. But I am condent.”
Sullivan shared that they are seeing an abundance of voter registrations.
“There are a lot of people out doing registration drives, so we are seeing an in ux of them,” Sullivan told Duplin Journal, adding that the state is also seeing a huge amount to the point that they are sorting them every day.
She also shared that they are having a lot of correspondence with voters and answering questions.
Inmate dies at Duplin County Detention Center
The SBI is investigating the death of a female inmate who was found unresponsive
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
A 42-YEAR-OLD INMATE at the Duplin County Detention Center in Kenansville was found unresponsive on Tuesday, June 11, at approximately 2 a.m. and was pronounced dead shortly after.
Sheri Stratton Stokes said jailers administered CPR on Christie Alexandria Bell until EMS arrived, but she was pronounced dead approximately 30 minutes later.
Sheri Stokes said they called the State Bureau of Investigation, following standard protocol, and are awaiting the autopsy results to determine the cause of death. The sheri told Duplin Journal there was no indication of any type of trauma. Bell, who was arrested on June 9 on second-degree trespassing charges, was in the main holding cell where all the females are housed when she was found unresponsive. SBI o cials said the investigation remains ongoing, and no additional information is available at this time.
“We’re in a very big presidential year, so we all remember how the last one went — there was a lot of confusion. What we want to do is make sure that we don’t allow that confusion in Duplin County. We want to make sure that we are open and available for them.”
There are many processes that go on behind the scenes as o cials prepare for Election Day. Among them is ensuring that anytime new streets are added in the county, that they are entered into the system so those voters are placed in the correct precinct that way when the ballots are made, each one is assigned to the correct voter.
Another important weekly process is list maintenance, for which they monitor new felonies and deaths.
“We remove the felons o the list,” Sullivan said. “If there are any deaths, we have to process that and remove them o just so that we are making sure that we have the most active registration so that there is nothing that anybody can worry about. Nobody can vote on anything that is not their own.” She added that the monitoring used to be a monthly task, but the state requires it now to be done weekly so everything is maintained and up to date.
See ELECTIONS, page 6
The lack of signi cant rainfall means smaller harvests for Duplin farms
By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal
IT’S BEEN ABOUT a month since Duplin County saw signi cant rainfall — and area farmers are starting to feel their hopes for a successful yield dry up like the corn stalks in their elds.
“Basically, we are a bit on the dry side and it is starting to a ect crops,” said Della King, eld crops agent for Duplin County Cooperative Extension. “With the lack of rain and the heat, especially from a corn standpoint, you don’t get pollination of the ears that you need.”
Since the beginning of June, the county has totaled just 0.26 inches in rainfall, and on top of that, temperatures are inch-
ing into the low to mid-90s most days. The U.S. Drought Monitor shows all of eastern North Carolina as abnormally dry. (Up-to-date maps can be viewed at Drought.gov.)
“A lot of crops are burning up in the eld,” King said. “When that happens, the corn is not going to make. The plants will just shut down.” And even though the area saw a spattering of rain on Friday and scattered storms on Monday, it may be too little too late. “When crops get to a certain point, they will not $2.00
ABBY CAVENAUGH / DUPLIN JOURNAL
ENA SELLERS / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Carrie Sullivan, Duplin County Board of Elections director, sat with Duplin Journal last week to talk about her new role and the DCBOE preparations as elections approach.
“Join the conversation”
Duplin Journal www.duplinjournal.com
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Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in Duplin County:
JUNE 26
The Thelma Dingus Bryant Library Summer Program is in full swing! Visit the library located at 409 W. Main St., in Wallace, at 10 a.m. on June 26 to enjoy a visit from Spiderman. For more information, call 910-285-3796.
JUNE 28
Duplin County Partnership for Children is hosting their 3rd annual Golf Tournament fundraiser on June 28 at the Duplin County Club. For more information, call 910-296-2000.
JUNE 29
Join Union Rescue Squad Independence Day celebration on Saturday, June 29, at 4 p.m., with a car show featuring a fireworks grand finale between 8:30 and 9 p.m. There will be food, games, a water tent and music. The event will be at 8628 NC-11, Willard, NC.
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.
SPONSORED BY DUPLIN
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.
JULY 17
The Thelma Dingus Bryant Library located at 409 W. Main St., in Wallace will have a visit from Paw Patrol on July 17, at 10 a.m. For more information, call 910-285-3796.
JULY 25
Visit the Thelma Dingus Bryant Library located at 409 W. Main St., in Wallace on July 25, at 10 a.m., and join them for a visit from Fresh Start Rescue. For more information, call 910285-3796.
JULY 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.
HAPPENING MONTHLY
The Duplin County Board of County Commissioners meets the rst and third Monday of each month at 6 p.m., at 224 Seminary St., Kenansville. For information, call 910-296-2100.
The Beulaville town
board meets the rst Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m., at 508 East Main St., Beulaville. For more information, call 910-298-4647.
The Town of Calypso meets at the council chambers the rst Monday of each month at 6 p.m., at 103 W. Trade Street. For information, call 919-658-9221.
The Faison town board meets the rst Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m., at 110 NE Center St., Faison. For more information, call 910-267-2721.
The Economic Development Board meets the rst Friday of the month at 7 a.m. at the Duplin County Airport Conference Room.
The Greenevers town board meets the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m., at 314 E. Charity Rd. For information, call 910-289-3078.
The Teachey town board meets the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m., at 116 East 2nd St. For information, call 910-285-7564.
The Warsaw town board meets the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m., at 121 S. Front St. For information, call 910-293-7814.
The Magnolia town board meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m., at 108 Taylor St., Magnolia. For information, call 910-289-3205.
The Rose Hill town board meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m., at 103 Southeast Railroad St. For more information, call 910-289-3159.
The Duplin County Health Department is 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 910-372-9178.
The Wallace town council meets the second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m., at 316 East Murray St., Wallace. For more information, call 910-285-4136.
Duplin County Beekeepers meets the second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m., at the Duplin Extension Center. 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.
JUNE 11
• Johnathan Wade Burke, 39, was arrested by the Kenansville Police Department and charged with possession of controlled substance on jail premises.
• Tyesha Lynette Parker, 29, was arrested and charged with misdemeanor larceny by the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office.
JUNE 15
• Ethan Clark Grimmer, 34, was arrested and charged with assault serious bodily injury by the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office.
• Brittany Eden Hooks, 33, was arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine by the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office.
• Johnathan Irizarry, 39, was arrested and charged with non LV-D nonsupport of child by the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office.
• Tiffany A. Miranda, 35, was arrested and charged with resisting public officer by the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office.
• Mary Cruz Vargas, 39, was arrested and charged with injury to personal property by the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office.
JUNE 16
• Hector Alejandro Romero, Jose Angel Andara, 53, was arrested and charged with misdemeanor domestic violence by the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office.
• Claudia Carolina Cruz Morales, 34, was arrested and charged with misdemeanor domestic violence by the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office.
• Robert Samuel Yopp, 31, was arrested and charged with communicating threats by the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office.
CALENDAR
CRIME LOG
Town of Magnolia o ers free food throughout summer months for those ages 18 and under
Starting this week and throughout the summer, local children can take advantage of the Summer Food Program
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
STARTING THIS WEEK and throughout the summer months, the Town of Magnolia in partnership with the Duplin County Schools Summer Food Program will be providing free hot meals for children and youth up to 18 years old.
Meals can be picked-up at 12:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday at the Magnolia Town Hall located at 110 Carroll St. Every Thursday participants will be able to pick up frozen meals for the weekend.
“We’re asking people who want to participate to either call town hall at 910-289 -3205
or they can just stop by to sign up,” said Magnolia Mayor Dawn Ward, adding that she does not believe there is a set number of meals that can be provided.
“I don’t think there is a limit, per se. It is more that we need to know how many meals to ask for in advance to ensure we can accommodate those who show up each day,” said Ward. “That is why it is really important people call or stop by town hall to sign up so we can provide an accurate count to Duplin County Schools for the numbers of meals we need.”
According to Ward, the idea came about as several people put their heads together to address food scarcity when school is out.
“It actually started with one particular young man and his courage,” Ward said. “And I don’t want to go beyond that to protect his privacy, but he spoke with Jess Melton, who
Wallace man named Deacon of the Year
Mike Vandiver was selected among 95 deacons in the Diocese of Raleigh
By Julia Callahan
Trans guration of Jesus Catholic Church
WALLACE — Mike Vandiver, a deacon at Trans guration of Jesus Catholic Church in Wallace, was recently named Deacon of the Year by the State Chaplin of the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic men’s organization whose mission is promoting faith, charity and service. Vandiver was selected out of 95 deacons in the Diocese of Raleigh. He was selected for his active involvement in supporting Faith in Action programs as demonstrated by his service to the community and his church.
Ordained a deacon in 2014, Vandiver was asked to coordinate the Diocese’s prison min-
istry by then-Bishop Michael Burbidge. Since then, Vandiver has been instrumental in starting church services in 15 prisons and a mental hospital, traveling more than 1,000 miles monthly.
Vandiver is working to have services in all the prisons. His work personi es “Bring Jesus to the people and places that need Him most,” a goal of the North Carolina Knights. Sixteen years ago, Vandiver, helped establish the Bill Lord Memorial Golf Tournament, which is played annually at the River Landing golf community. Through the years, the tournament has raised more than $100,000 to fund projects supporting exceptional school children in Duplin County.
Vandiver and his wife, Tish, moved to Wallace after he retired from the Gillette Company. It was then, he says, that he nally had the time to complete the six-year program required to be ordained.
CORRECTION NOTICE
Correct prices for Piggly Wiggly's single-sheet insert in this week's Duplin Journal are as follows:
Fresh Fryer Wings
20lb box - $54.00 per box
Lewis Hot Dog or Hamburger Buns
$2.24 per pk.
is a local resident and owner of Magnolia Dreams Inn here in town. And after he spoke with her, she reached out to me and it just kind of went from there.”
She explained that while Duplin County Schools offers the food program, part of the issue was the kids in Magnolia being able to get to the food when school is out. And while plans are underway to turn the former library building into a food pantry, the immediate concern was nding a way to address the situation right away and bring food to the children.
“And so, you know, several passionate people put their heads together, did some research, made some phone calls, etc. And God just worked out the details better than we could have hoped,” said Ward. “The fact that we can actually get those meals delivered here to Magnolia, so that we can then in turn hand them out to hun-
“I feel humbled and privileged to be a part of what God is doing here in Magnolia, from the board to the sta , to the residents. We are coming together to make a di erence, beginning with our children this summer.”
Magnolia Mayor Dawn Ward
gry children is a huge blessing.”
Ward told Duplin Journal that the town is also planning to have a blessing box stocked with nonperishable items set up in front of the former library building by the end of the week. She also shared that this was a notable example of what they had in mind when they rebranded Magnolia with their
new town seal and the slogan: People, Passion, Purpose.
“Passionate people coming together for the purpose of ensuring our children in Magnolia, who need food this summer have access to it,” said Ward. “Jesus came to serve and cause his followers to be servants. And the purpose of government is to serve the people. I feel humbled and privileged to be a part of what God is doing here in Magnolia, from the board to the sta to the residents. We are coming together to make a di erence, beginning with our children this summer. And it just warms the heart. … I can’t think of a greater service that we can provide than making sure that kids have food.”
To sign up for the free meals at the Magnolia Town Hall, call 910-289-3205. For questions about the Duplin County Schools Nutrition Program call 910-296-8786.
Christopher
Warsaw sizzles with summer fun
Kids of all ages turned out for Warsaw Police Department’s Summer Fun Day last Friday, featuring a waterslide, games, music from a DJ and lots more.
“Everyone had a blast at the Summer fun day last Friday,” Warsaw PD posted on its Facebook page.
PHOTO COURTESY WILL VERTOLLI / TRANSFIGURATION OF JESUS CATHOLIC CHURCH
Mike Vandiver, second from left, is presented the Deacon of the Year award by N.C. State Chaplain of the Knights of Columbus, William Lesak. Also pictured are Tish Vandiver and
Losack.
PHOTO COURTESY WARSAW POLICE DEPARTMENT
THE CONVERSATION
Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor
VISUAL VOICES
Reflecting on tried, tested wisdom
Never in our history have political opponents been targeted to the extent that the Biden administration is targeting former President Trump.
ON SEPT. 16, 1787, the Constitutional Convention held in Independence Hall recessed for the nal time. As 81-year-old Benjamin Franklin exited the building, Elizabeth Willing Powel asked him, “Well, Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?” He answered, “A republic...”
Because he had been intimately involved in the di cult and sometimes very contentious four-month-long convention, he added, “if you can keep it.” Wow! How inspired we now know the “if you can keep it” phrase has turned out to be. Legion (See Mark 5:9 KJV) have been those who have attempted to destroy the divinely inspired work of those noble founders.
Generation after generation has responded successfully to the “if you can keep it” phrase; often even to the shedding of their precious blood. One horrible Civil War and two terrible World Wars have soaked the ground and lled the oceans with the blood of patriots; trying to keep it. However, our republic may now be facing, maybe for the last time, two of its most formidable challenges; extreme prosperity and accelerating moral decay.
John Calvin observed, “Men are undoubtedly more in danger from prosperity than from adversity. For when matters go smoothly, they atter themselves, and are intoxicated by their success.”
“Our Constitution was made for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other,” said John Adams.
We should not ignore their tried and tested wisdom! In 1838, Abraham Lincoln observed, “America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our
freedoms, it will be because we destroy ourselves.”
By casual observation we are left to conclude that never have we been so prosperous in terms of worldly things. Certainly we see that the new morality is really no morality at all and that decline is accelerating.
As president of the convention, George Washington sat in a chair with a half sun carved into the backrest. Franklin said, “I have often, in the course of this session, and the vicissitudes of my hopes and fears as to its issue, looked at that behind the president, without being able to tell whether it was rising or setting: but now at length, I have the happiness to know, that it is a rising and not a setting sun.”
Think of that! It was the symbolism of a rising sun that greeted the proposition of forming a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.
We often hear folks refer to saving our
The Year of Public Schools: 2024
This summer, let us renew our appreciation for and support of public schools with the hope that the children and youth we educate today will be responsible citizens and good leaders in our communities in the years to come.
DO YOU REMEMBER WRITING an essay in response to the writing prompt, “What I did this summer”? One month into summer vacation, Duplin County students are already making memories to write about.
Although parents will not have to write anything in the fall, they are enjoying time with their children and thinking about the transition to a new grade, a new teacher or a new school.
Teachers are bene ting from a much-deserved break but also planning for the new school year. Administrators are evaluating the past year, anticipating the coming year and working to have everything ready come Aug. 26.
What about us in the general public? We can use the summer to think about the value of public schools. On Jan. 23, Gov. Roy Cooper visited Nashville Elementary School and signed a proclamation, “The Year of Public Schools 2024,” which begins with these two statements: “Whereas, North Carolina’s public schools are essential to our state’s prosperity and are the foundation of our communities, providing opportunities for all children, and ensuring that our state has a strong, well-educated workforce and well-informed people; and Whereas, public schools welcome every child — celebrating students of di ering ability, race, ethnicity, gender, religion, wealth, language, country of origin or needs — and help cultivate a passion for learning, inspire curiosity and imagination and unlock the potential of millions of young people each year.”
Gov. Cooper’s proclamation is rmly rooted in the establishment of public schools in our country.
President John Adams wrote, “The whole people must take upon themselves the education of the whole people and be willing
democracy. Thank goodness we don’t have a democracy. We have a constitutional republic with built in checks and balances. Only Divine tutorship could have drawn out of such a diverse group of imperfect men such a concept.
One of the bedrock provisions our founders established and embedded carefully into our Constitution is equality under the law. There is currently ominous forebodings signaling serious deviations from equality under the law. Never in our history have political opponents been targeted to the extent that the Biden administration is targeting former President Trump.
When rogue states’ attorneys general stretch, to a ridiculous limit, criminal statutes and join with openly biased judges, then we may know for certain our founding documents are under open attack.
Additionally, when a predominately corrupt media distorts, misinforms and shields the corrupt activities of certain elected o cials, then we may know our republic is in serious trouble.
God be thanked for the grand e orts of our founders to craft a document that would symbolize the sun rising on their e orts to establish a government that would have the potential to secure the freedom and liberty for future generations.
We, the people must understand that the “if you can keep it” question must be answered next November or we may never be able to keep it again!
Jimmy Dixon (R-NC04) represents Duplin and Wayne counties in the N.C. House of Representatives.
to bear the expenses of it. There should not be a district of one mile square, without a school in it, not founded by a charitable individual, but maintained at the public expense of the people themselves.” Horace Mann, called “The Father of American Education,” is credited with developing the public education system still in use today. His principles included: The public should not be ignorant; education should be paid for and sustained by the public; schools should welcome children from a variety of backgrounds; the schools must operate within the ideas of a free society; and education should be provided by well-trained teachers.
My Presbyterian faith tradition has always valued public education, beginning with John Calvin in the 16th century. He founded public schools so people could not only read and interpret the Bible but also be prepared for whatever vocation they felt called to. In 1987, my denomination called on Presbyterians “to join with others in their communities to provide schools that will secure for all children an education that develops their capacities to serve as creative and responsible persons in the common life and to mobilize the resources available in each community — home, church, community organizations (both public and private) — that will support public schools and share in achieving the necessary education of children and youth.”
This summer let us renew our appreciation for and support of public schools with the hope that the children and youth we educate today will be responsible citizens and good leaders in our communities in the years to come.
Philip Gladden lives in Wallace. He can be reached at gladdenphilip620@gmail.com.
COLUMN | JIMMY DIXON
COLUMN | PHILIP GLADDEN
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE PHOTO
The image above depicts the Rising Sun Armchair that George Washington sat on as president of the Constitutional Convention.
233
Duplin County farms grow corn for grain
43,727
Total acreage of corn farms in Duplin
5.45M
Bushels produced in Duplin County
949
Number of Duplin County farms
254,164
Total Duplin County farm acreage
Source: USDA Census of
CORN from page 1
recover even if we do get rain,”
King said. Frank Williams, who farms corn and soybeans in southwestern Duplin County, said it’s been a frustrating corn season so far. “It’s dry,” he said.
“You get a rain prediction and it zzles out before it gets to you. Right now, it’s been about three or four weeks since we had a rain that really mattered.”
“It’s not good,” farmer and county commissioner Justin Edwards said of the 2024 corn crop so far. “The majority of my crop has less than two inches of rain on it. The dry weather and heat are killing us.”
Unless farmers have irrigation systems, the lack of rain can be devastating for crops, Williams said. However, some farmers simply can’t a ord irrigation systems, which can run $1,000 to $4,000 per acre. And then, there are many small elds in Duplin County in which irrigation systems just aren’t possible.
Edwards said some of his
elds have irrigation systems, but it’s a very small percentage of his overall acreage.
“The most important time for rainfall and moisture in the soil is when the corn pollinates — that’s when you can see the tassel,” Williams explained. “You’ve got only a short period of time where the corn needs to kernel.”
Anyone driving around the county has probably noticed the crops are beginning to dry up and the corn is tasseling, meaning now is the time for a good, soaking rain. “We’re talking about an inch or even two,” Williams said. “We don’t really want a storm, but it’s almost to the point where we need one.”
And then there’s the heat. When the temperature gets above 95 degrees, the corn’s pollen is no longer viable. “That diminishes your yield in a hurry,” Williams said. “You’ll end up with a cob with little nubbins of kernels.”
Some of Williams’ corn hasn’t gotten to the tasseling stage yet, which means there
may be hope for it if the area does get the needed rain in a timely fashion. “I’m hoping it may get 75% of its potential,” he said. “Hopefully, if we get a little rain, some crops might be OK.”
Edwards said some of his late-planted corn might make it, but that’s only if the weather pattern changes — and quickly. “Soybeans should be ne, cotton should be ne, but the corn is really bearing the brunt of it right now.”
Of course, farmers know going into it that they’re at the mercy of Mother Nature. “The bottom line is,” Williams said, “agriculture is very dependent on the weather. You just have to do the things you can control and just hope Mother Nature and the good Lord will provide the rest.”
Edwards agreed with that statement. “This profession is not for the faint of heart,” he said. “All you can do is put your seed in the ground in the spring and the man upstairs will have His way, whether we like what He does with it or not.”
Duplin’s Sylveonna Holmes appointed to LGFCU’s Coastal Plain Advisory Council
Corn elds around Duplin County are seeing stalks dry up due to the combination of a lack of rain and the ongoing heat. Local farmers say if they get some signi cant rainfall soon, some of their crops might make it, but so far, it’s not a successful year for corn crops.
Raleigh Local Government Federal Credit Union (LGFCU) has announced the addition of Sylveonna Holmes, Duplin County Employee Relations Admin, to its Coastal Plain Advisory Council, which includes Sampson, Duplin, and Onslow counties. Holmes will be an integral part of LGFCU’s volunteer-driven initiative to educate people on the bene ts of Credit Union membership and relay feedback to the Board of Directors regarding available/potentially available products and services, delivery of service and member needs. Advisory Council members, who represent the philosophical character of the Credit Union and contribute their time without compensation, function as LGFCU’s eyes and ears throughout the state, serving as liaisons between Credit Union members and non-members and LGFCU management. Visit lgfcu.org for more information on Local Government Federal Credit Union.
JSCC earns 100% approval score for new esthetics program
Kenansville
James Sprunt Community College recently received a 100% approval score from the North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners for its new esthetics program. This is one of many new programs JSCC is unveiling, aiming to provide innovative courses that meet the public’s needs and interests. Esthetics has been a growing area of interest for quite some time, and it is an accomplishment for all faculty and sta to see the classroom completed and receive a perfect approval score. “We are incredibly proud to o er this new program to our community,” stated Director Flor JuarezDiaz. “The esthetics program is designed to help aspiring estheticians gain the skills and knowledge they need for a successful career in the beauty industry. This program re ects our ongoing commitment to providing valuable educational opportunities that meet the needs of our students and the demands of the job market.” Esthetics classes began this week, with Blanca Salgado Herrera, the current esthetics instructor, teaching Monday through Thursday. JSCC is currently seeking additional instructors to teach during the evenings and weekends, aiming to expand the program and make it more convenient for students who want to return to school without leaving their jobs during the day. Scholarships will be available for qualifying students. For more information regarding the esthetics program at JSCC, please call 910-275-6407.
JSCC o ers free online seminars for small business owners
NOTICE OF AUCTION FOR NONPAYMENT
The storage units contents will be sold for nonpayment of storage rental fees. Bid amounts start at the price owed on the units.
2 Units Units # 35- Andrea Hill Unit #7- Nathan Cochrane
Auction Date: June 28th 10 a.m. at Johnson Storage 5786 S Us 117 Hwy Wallace, NC 28466
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: StartUp Loans: How to Start the Process, June 27, 7-8:30 p.m.; Business Photography for NonPhotographers, July 2, 7-8 p.m.; 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. To register for any of these courses, visit ncsbc.net/Events. aspx , choose “At Center” as the location, and then select James Sprunt Community College as the center.
Got local business news? Let us know 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.
ABBY CAVENAUGH / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Duplin school board honors nationally certi ed teachers
An interim budget resolution was approved as part of the consent agenda
By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal
KENANSVILLE — The Duplin County Board of Education honored two newly national board certi ed teachers at the regular monthly meeting on June 18.
“National board certi cation is o ered by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards,” explained Daren Tyndall, assistant superintendent for human resources. “It’s a way to recognize the accomplished teaching that is occurring in North Carolina classrooms. The certi cation process is based on high and rigorous standards that evaluate teaching practice through performance-based assessments.”
The ultimate goal of having national board certi ed teachers is to improve the performance and achievement for students, Tyndall added.
The two newly national board certi ed teachers are Kristen Kane, STEAMA beginning teacher coordinator, and Nicole Lane, family and consumer sciences teacher at East Duplin High School.
“It’s an honor well deserved,” Tyndall said.
The board also approved an interim budget resolution for the 2024-25 scal year as part of its consent agenda.
“The interim budget resolution, which was approved in the consent agenda, is an interim appropriation of an amount equal to the prior year’s budget,” explained Christy Johnson, executive director of pub -
lic relations for Duplin County Schools. “This is necessary until the state approves a budget to allow us to continue operating.”
During a joint meeting with the county commissioners and school board in May, Duplin County Schools Chief Finance
O cer Dawn George reported the school system has requested a 10.66% increase in its budget this year, to $11.066 million.
“What that represents is the increases to our recurring costs, which includes the state-mandated increase in salaries of about 3%,” George explained.
“Retirement will go up approximately 1% and health insurance will go up about 7%.”
“The information shared at the joint meeting was planning information that will be used to build our budget, which will be based on how much we will actually receive from state and local entities,” Johnson said.
“(National board certi cation is) a way to recognize the accomplished teaching that is occurring in North Carolina classrooms.”
Daren Tyndall, assistant superintendent for human resources
Since it was part of the consent agenda, the budget resolution was approved with no public discussion. Also at the June 18 meeting, the school board approved service contracts for the upcoming school year. Most of the contracts were approved as part of the consent agenda, save for the
contract with Edwards and Associates Physical Therapy, Inc. for a maximum of $80,000. This contract was voted on separately so that Board Member Pam Edwards could recuse herself from the vote, since her family members run Edwards and Associates Physical Therapy.
The other contracts that were approved included:
• Compass Speech, PLLC (maximum of $155,000);
• Invision Services (maximum value of $125,900); Jennifer Carter (maximum value $95,000); ProCare — interpreter (maximum of $116,500);
• ProCare — teacher of deaf/ hard of hearing (maximum $45,000);
• John E. Sexton & Associates (maximum $35,000);
• Psychological and School Services of Eastern Carolina (maximum $150,000);
• IntelliChoice Home Care (maximum $90,000);
• Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (maximum $14,628). There were also several memorandums of understanding approved as part of the consent agenda, including the MATCH Wellness program, the Duplin County Health Department, Communities in Schools of North Carolina Services Group, LLC, the Jobs for North Carolina Graduates program at Wallace-Rose Hill High School, and James Sprunt Community College for the continuation of the Duplin Agribusiness Academy.
After an executive session, the board voted to approve Superintendent Austin Obasohan’s personnel recommendations, with the exception of Chairman Brent Davis, who recused himself from the vote.
During his report to the board, Obasohan thanked all of the sta and students who helped the county’s Pre-K students graduate. “To go send them out into their new world prepared is key, so kudos to all the sta who work with these kids and will continue to work with them,” he said.
Another task they are focusing on is getting precinct o cials ready. Sullivan shared that they have a strong group of people who have been coming back year after year to work at the precincts.
“It is a big year for them too. They only see us once a year,” said Sullivan. “Our big thing right now is working through our training process and identifying anything we may have missed last time so that we can adjust it this time and make sure that we are really hitting on the things that they need to know so that they can get through it and have a successful day.”
Among the training precinct o cials receive to get ready for Election Day are things like understanding what types of IDs can be accepted and how to deal with certain eventualities, like an expired ID.
“So even if you just forgot to renew it this year, you can still go to the voting polls and use that as identi cation because all we are looking at is to make sure that the person you say you are matches the face we’re looking at,” said Sullivan. “So that is really important for them to know. But also, if something is wrong with your ID, we are not going to turn you away at the polls.”
She explained that people could still vote on a provisional ballot and either bring their ID later or ll out an ID exception form at the polls and still be able to vote. College students can use their James Sprunt Community College ID.
“So, our whole thing is to make sure that everybody knows if you go, you’re going to get the opportunity to vote.”
Visit the state website at ncsbe.gov for more information about the Nov. 5 presidential election.
Chinquapin High Class of 1957
The 1957 graduating class of Chinquapin High School along with spouses and guests celebrated their 67th year reunion at Rose Hill restaurant on June 8.
Left to right, front row: Judy Sanderson, Judy Sholar, Anita Swinson Pickett, Emily Batchelor Bar eld, Eloise Sholar Register, Mary Sue Gurganus Sanderson, Berena Sholar Austin and Marie Whaley. Back row: Leon Sanderson, Jimmy Sholar, Billy Pickett, Jimmie Bostic, Bobby Ray Lanier, Johnny Pickett and Terry Whaley.
ABBY CAVENAUGH / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Duplin County’s newest national board certi ed teachers (from left) Nicole Lane and Kristen Kane were recognized by Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Daren Tyndall at the Board of Education meeting on June 18.
PHOTO COURTESY EMILY BARFIELD
DUPLIN SPORTS
Grid playbook: Scheduling
Area football teams seek a balance in nding foes that will push them to provide growth opportunities for younger players yet not overwhelm them
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
WALLACE—- Schools are out and summer’s 90-plus-degree sweltering days are routine.
And in Duplin County, that translates into arranging a schedule around football.
With that as a backdrop, let’s examine the rst order of business when students return in August: opening night on the gridiron and the competition when the light turns green.
But rst one might consider a few signi cant road signs in between. Teams can start practicing July 31 and have a scrimmage on Aug. 10.
The regular season runs from Aug. 23 to Nov. 1. Firstround playo games kick o Nov. 8, and anyone practicing on Thanksgiving (Nov. 28) will be doing so for a fourth-round a air.
Schools in four classi ca-
tions will crown a champion Dec. 13-14.
So it’s a rather long season that started this week as area teams plan workouts, camps and other postseason routines.
If you are the timekeeper, you’ll notice football is a sixmonth — or more — sport.
That’s especially true in Duplin County but also at the Journal’s two other coverage schools, Richlands and Harrells Christian Academy in Onslow and Sampson counties, respectively.
Let’s leave all the hard work to the coaches and players
EAST DUPLIN
Coach: Battle Holley
2023 record: 10-2, second in ECC 2A
Aug. 23 at Dixon
Aug. 30 at West Craven
Sept. 6 Richlands
Sept. 13 Croatan
Sept. 20 James Kenan
Sept. 27 at Kinston
Oct. 4 OPEN
Oct. 11 North Lenoir
Oct. 18 at South Lenoir
Oct. 25 Wallace-RH
Nov. 1 at Southwest Onslow
NORTH DUPLIN
Coach: Hugh Martin
2023 Record: 9-3, tie for rst in Carolina 1A
Aug. 23 Southside
Aug. 29 Northside
Sept. 13 at Lejeune
Sept. 20 Dixon
Sept. 27 Alleghany
Oct. 4 Bear Grass
Oct. 11 Lakewood
Oct. 18 at Union
Oct. 25 Rosewood
Nov. 1 at Hobbton
JAMES KENAN
Coach: Tim Grady
2023 Record: 6-5, fth in ECC 2A
Aug. 23 at Swansboro
Aug. 30 at Midway
Sept. 6 Whiteville
Sept. 13 East Bladen
Sept. 20 at East Duplin
Sept. 27 OPEN
Oct. 4 South Lenoir
Oct. 11 Kinston
Oct. 18 at North Lenoir
Oct. 25 Southwest Onslow
Nov. 1 at Wallace-RH
WALLACE-RH
Coach: Kevin Motsinger
2023 Record: 8-4, ECC 2A champ
Aug. 23 at Havelock
Aug. 30 Clinton
Sept. 6 Hoggard
Sept. 13 Pender
Sept. 20 Southwest Onslow
Sept. 27 South Lenoir
Oct. 4. North Lenoir
Oct. 11 OPEN
Oct. 18 Kinston
Oct. 25 at East Duplin
Nov. 1 James Kenan
RICHLANDS
Coach: Pat Byrd
2023 Record: 7-4, second in Coastal 3A
Aug. 23 at S. Brunswick
Aug. 30 Southwest Onslow
Sept. 6 at East Duplin
Sept. 13 South Lenoir
Sept. 20 at Princeton
Sept. 27 OPEN
Oct. 4 at Swansboro
Oct. 11 Croatan
Oct. 18 at West Carteret
Oct. 25 White Oak
Nov. 1 Dixon
HARRELLS CHRISTIAN
Coach: Jason Arnette
2023 Record: 5-5, fourth in Big East 2A
Aug. 16 Covenant Day
Aug. 23 OPEN
Aug. 30 at Wayne Christian
Sept. 6 Wake Prep
Sept. 13 at Mt Zion Chris.
Sept. 20 N. Raleigh Chris.
Sept. 27 High Point Chris.
Oct. 4 Wake Chris.
Oct. 11 GRACE Christ.
Oct. 18 at Ravenscroft
Oct. 25 Trinity Christian
ND second baseman
Addison Higginbotham and JK pitcher
Anna Morgan Armstrong pushed their way past a deep pool of talent to capture District 2 Player of the Year honors
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
CALYPSO — One might say Addy Higginbotham was thrown out at home plate in a
call so close o cials needed a video replay to make a conclusive decision.
This one involved the North Duplin second baseman, who fell short of teammate Reece Outlaw for Ms. Softball in Duplin County, as the statistics for both were o the charts.
The wheels were reversed when the North Carolina Softball Coaches Association’s All-District last Thursday released their selections, with Higginbotham named 1A Player of the Year in District 2. Outlaw and teammates Lilly
Fulghum and Ady Spence were rst-team picks.
East Duplin had four selections, while James Kenan three and Wallace-Rose Hill one on the all-star squad. Duplin County had 14 of 26 picks in the district.
Richlands etched in four players on the 3A team in District 2.
Higginbotham hit a county-high .629, scored 37 times and drove in 25 runs. She had 12 doubles, three triples, three
MICHAEL JAENICKE / DUPLIN JOURNAL
East Duplin and James Kenan square o on Sept. 30 in Beulaville.
MICHAEL JAENICKE / DUPLIN JOURNAL
ND’s Addy Higginbotham hit a county-high .629, scored 37 times and drove in 25 runs. She had 12 doubles, three triples, three home runs and 44 total hits.
FOOTBALL from page 7
and instead preview foes area schools will face on Friday nights this fall. Most teams have only slightly altered their schedule from 2023.
And there may be no better place to start than with Wallace-Rose Hill, which has the toughest schedule, hands down. Rebounding Bulldogs get no early breaks
WRH head coach Kevin Motsinger guided the Bulldogs to an ECC title but lost his entire o ensive line and Corbin Kerr, Duplin’s Mr. Football. He does get back running back Irving Brown, a hot recruiting prospect for mid-major to Power Five conferences.
That’s the good news. The bad news is the only way teams are going to schedule WRH is for the Bulldogs to have a couple of losing seasons.
The fear factor of being embarrassed makes 2A schools turn o their cell phones when the school calls about an open date.
That being the case, WRH is once again “stuck” with a brutal beginning that features a tussle with 3A power Havelock on its opening night.
The heat continues a week later when WRH entertains Clinton, which advanced to the 2A nals last season.
The following week the Bulldogs face 4A nalist Hoggard.
WRH fell to the Rams 2827, Dark Horses 58-22 and Vikings 27-18 for an 0-3 beginning last season but won eight consecutive games before dropping a 55-44 game to Hertford County in the second round of the playo s.
The road past the “Big Three” was far easier as WRH pounded away at 2A before slipping by East Duplin 20-14 in overtime to clinch the ECC.
WRH got a horrible draw in the playo s. And while that didn’t matter many seasons, it caught up with the ’Dawgs, who are Warriors on the road.
Getting at least one win in its rst three games would be a moral victory given WRH’s tough nonconference slate.
The ’Dawgs have dominated James Kenan and played ED to tough games in each of the past ve seasons.
Motsinger has a career record of 163-82, going 68-24 at WRH with a 2A title. He was also 71-43 at New Hanover (2006-14) and 24-14 at James Kenan (2003-05).
Panthers back in the favorite seat?
East Duplin had its rebuilding season in 2023, a year removed from the school’s rst state title.
Rebuild in this case meant going 10-2 and falling 28-7 to Whiteville in the second round of the playo s.
The Panthers will have the same schedule as last season, and it’s a step down from WRH’s nonconference slate.
ED is fortunate many schools local and statewide don’t understand the legacy Battle Holley has built in Beulaville.
This allows Holley and his sta to ease players into their respective positions and allow them to grow at a slower pace.
Let’s be honest, Dixon (4-7 last season), West Craven (8-4)
SOFTBALL from page 7
home runs and 44 total hits.
She can lay down a bunt to reach base, bash one into the out eld gaps and lace it down either line.
The junior plays second base but could move to shortstop when Outlaw leaves next fall to play at UNC.
Higginbotham was also an all-county performer in basketball and volleyball.
The numbers tell a story of how close Higginbotham was to her teammate Outlaw (.627, 10 doubles, six triples, eight HRs, 36 RBIs) and Fulghum (.617, 11 doubles, ve triples, eight HRs, 31 RBIs).
The threesome, plus Ady Spence (.388) and 11 players from JK, WRH and ED were all rst-team All-Duplin selections.
Pamlico County’s Layla Prescott was Pitcher of the Year in District 2. Ava Noble (.538), Morgan Brown (.390), Kinsley Bond
JAENICKE / DUPLIN JOURNAL
WRH and ED will renew their rivalry on Oct. 25 in Belleville. The Bulldogs won last season’s game in overtime in Teachey, giving WRH the ECC title.
and Richlands (7-4) are by no means on the level of Havelock, Clinton and Hoggard, last season or any season.
Throw in a game against Croatan (5-6) and it’s easy to see ED go 3-0 before hosting JK on Sept. 20.
Duplin County’s Game of the Year is Oct. 25 when the Panthers and ’Dawgs collide.
Holley will likely deny ED is the ECC favorite all the way until that day.
So be it.
It’s worked so well in the past.
Holley’s career record is 149-53. He was 22-8 at Kinston from 2008-09 and 9-4 at WRH, his rst head coaching assignment in 2007.
Tigers look to turn corner
James Kean’s football team survived a bad run that started in 2016 but didn’t make it back to the limelight yet to seriously challenge ED and WRH.
(.391, 33 RBIs), Karsyn Parker (.435) and Carly Grace Jenkins (.356) put ED on the list ve times.
JK’s Anna Morgan Armstrong, a co-Champion’s Heart winner with Higginbotham, was the Player of the Year in 3A. Anna Morgan Armstrong, who will play at Meredith College, hit .508 with eight doubles and seven home runs while winning nine games in the circle for the Tigers.
Teammates Jourdan Joe (.627) and Shylah Sloan (.532) join WRH’s Lexi Kennedy (.547, 11 doubles, 20 RBIs), Sophie Sloan (.354) and Jansley Page (.367) as rst-team players. Eastern Wayne hurler Mallory Reed was Pitcher of the Year for the district.
Richlands was represented on the 3A list by pitcher Makenzie Goin (.488, 7-4, 166 strikeouts, four walks in 94.1 innings), catcher Erin Thibault (.451, 42 RBIs), third baseman LeNayah Jackson (.480), P/SS Megan Pit-
The Tigers have played well against the ’Dawgs but not so well against the Panthers.
Kudos to head coach Tim Grady for keeping Whiteville as a nonconference foe.
The Wolfpack whipped JK 42-7 in its third game last fall after beating Swansboro (4419) and Midway (80-58, in a history-making night for points). Both will be foes this fall.
Former Lakewood coach Barrett Sloan is the Raiders’ new coach. Former WRH assistant coach JP Price coaches a Whiteville team that annually competes for titles.
JK’s single-wing o ense will score points. The Tigers have the running backs, and the JK sta does a good job of getting the players to play old-style, smash-mouth football.
Like many schools, JK’s defense gives up too many points, even while scoring enough to win most games.
JK was third in the ECC in 2022 but lost to Southwest On-
tman (.375, 27 runs) and outelder Reagan Stapleton (.375). Dixon’s Emily Beckett was 3A Player of the Year. South Brunswick’s Kina Davis was Pitcher of the Year.
Twelve of 13 players listed as rst-team selections in last week’s Duplin Journal were also tabbed by District 2 coaches.
The N.C. Coaches Association will release its all-state teams for each classi cation before the end of June.
Four Rebels, Panthers’ Brown lauded by baseball coaches
The North Carolina Baseball Coaches Association noted ve Duplin County players for its District 3 list: Rebels Austin Du (.476, 30 hits), Hunt Pate (.382), Wesley Holmes (.360), Brady Byrd (.192) and East Duplin’s Zach Brown (.356). Greene Central and Rosewood each had three players on the squad.
last fall, not the Trojans from Jones County, which had a hard time competing with any school.
That’s the only schedule change as Martin prepares to follow up the Rebels’ 9-3 campaign in 2023, which ended with a 26-21 loss to Southeast Halifax in the second round of the playo s.
ND will once again play key early games against Southside-Chicowinity and Northside-Pinetown.
ND beat both schools last season before falling to Lakewood, which put both teams atop the Carolina 1A Conference. The Leopards took the league’s top seed in the state tournament.
Martin lost running back Dujuan Armwood but has a solid core of returning players in most positions.
The Rebel alum is 130-122 overall, 112-99 at North Duplin and 18-23 at East Duplin.
Can Wildcats continue winning ways?
Winning and establishing a long-term culture that breeds success isn’t easy.
Richland coach Pat Byrd got the Wildcats on that road that past two seasons, so this fall will be key.
slow to go 3-3 in the league and 6-5 overall.
The Stallions looked to be behind JK in terms of returning their program to its glory years.
SWO went 5-6 last season, which is an improvement over consecutive 2-8 campaigns in ’21 and ’22 and a 4-2 mark during the ’20 pandemic season during which teams could only play in conference games in the regular season.
Things fell apart for the Tigers late last fall as the season ended with losses to the SWO 37-27, WRH 36-15 and, lastly, Bedding eld 18-16 in the rst round of the 2A playo s.
“The” game in Duplin used to be WRH-JK when the Bulldogs were winning six titles in nine years and having to whip the Tigers to advance to bigger state playo games, such as the region or state nal.
The Tigers have struggled since Ken Avent Jr. left in 2016 after leading JK to state titles in 2016 and 2013. They were 1319 in three seasons under Will Clark. Things progressed forward under Tim Grady, who has a 21-12 record in three seasons.
Rebels add long-distance foe Alleghany
When Jones Senior decided to move to play 8-man football, it created a problem for 1A schools, including North Duplin.
The Rebels will host Alleghany on Sept. 27, but the Trojans might be in Calypso the night before or staying nearby after the game.
The school is located in Sparta, 37 miles from Mount Airy. More importantly, it’s nearly four hours from Calypso (238 miles).
Head coach Hugh Martin, who was an assistant at the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas last year, searched everywhere to nd a foe and had to settle for the Trojans, who were 4-7
After an 0-8 mark in 2021, the Wildcats went 6-5 and tied for the Coastal 3A Conference title in 2022 and were 7-4 last season. Both campaigns featured an appearance in the playo s. The schedule remains as it was in 2023, which includes rivalry games against SWO and East Duplin. Richland has beaten the Stallions the previous two seasons after decades of losses.
South Lenoir is also on the docket, as is Princeton, which Richlands beat last season as a focal point of its season. Matchups against West Carteret and Croatan will be telling in terms of conference play. Yet those games are the rst two weeks of October.
Byrd is the son of legendary James Kenan coach Billy Byrd, who has the school’s second-most wins as a coach behind Avent.
Crusaders have path to success
Harrells Christian, which plays in the NCISAA, kicks o the season in the middle of August with a game against Covenant Day on the 16th at Murphy-Johnson Stadium. Its rst Big East Conference matchup is Oct. 4 in Raleigh against Wake Christian. Its only other league road a air is a trip to Ravenscroft on Oct. 15.
The Crusaders close out the regular season against Trinity Christian (Fayetteville) on Oct. 25.
HCA went 5-5 last season after falling to 3-8 following a twoyear run of 19-4 that ended up with season-ending losses in the 2A nals.
Key games for the Crusaders are showdowns against North Raleigh Christian, Ravenscroft and Trinity, which all beat HCA last season.
HCA played NRC tough to the end before falling 28-21.
Encounters with Trinity (4314) and Ravenscroft (31-14) were not as close.
Expect a better-than .500 season for the Cru crew.
Jk’s Anna Morgan Armstrong, who will play at Meredith College, hit .508 with eight doubles and seven home runs while winning nine games in the circle for the Tigers.
MICHAEL JAENICKE / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Running back Stephon Stanley and JK will travel to WRH in the regular season nale on Nov. 1.
MICHAEL
MICHAEL JAENICKE / DUPLIN JOURNAL
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK SPONSORED BY BILL CARONE
Understanding the process of selecting all-star teams
“In the past decade I’ve found area coaches are honest and forthright, even while trying to lobby for their players. When presented with the facts or statistics in a conversation, they understand the rationale for the nal selections.”
WALLACE — The past three weeks we’ve presented all-county all-star teams in soccer, baseball and softball.
The same was done for basketball, boys’ soccer, volleyball and football.
Now for a few words on the selection process.
Our all-star teams are heavily in uenced by area coaches. I’m also involved but quite often have no more than one vote on any particular selection of issue.
It’s simply not about me nor the coaches, sans the top coach honor given in each sport.
As with many things, sometimes it’s hard to see the work done in the background.
Baseball and softball for instance. Statistics bring forward facts. That a player had 15 walks is big. Unless he also struck out 25 times. The total number of hits is signi cant. Getting 20-plus hits in a season means the hitter had a solid campaign. Thirty base knocks are tremendous. And if one-quarter of those are extra-base hits, another bell rings.
Another factor is noticing the competition.
If a player whacks three doubles, two triples and a home run during a two-game series with, say, a winless Jones Senior team, these numbers put arti cial in ation into the statistics.
Also, Duplin County has three 2A schools and one 1A school, which throws a monkey wrench into some selections since the basis of anything is comparing apples to apples.
In this case, one apple is a small and green Granny Smith (North Duplin) while the other three — James Kenan, East Duplin and Wallace-Rose Hill — are the bigger Red Delicious variety. So often ND has to be judged against the 1A schools it faces. The other three are in the ECC 2A Conference. The Rebels and the 2As don’t always and on the whole don’t face their Duplin 2A counterparts.
A quick FYI: Having more students to pick from frequently means a bigger
school has the advantage of a smaller one. Not always but often enough to make it a general rule of note.
In the past decade I’ve found area coaches are honest and forthright, even while trying to lobby for their players. When presented with the facts or statistics in a conversation, they understand the rationale for the nal selections.
Here’s the deal: They know a heck of a lot more than me even though I’ve been at this for three-plus decades. So I use their knowledge.
But I also use my ndings and give situations the human eye test.
For example, this past year, the Journal’s male and female athletes of the year, Dujuan Armwood and Reece Outlaw, were from North Duplin. But they were players who would star on any team in the county.
So could Rebels softballer Addy Higginbotham.
Here’s a tip when questioning a selection: First, talk to your child’s head coach. If she/he wasn’t the fourth-best basketball player on her team or fth-best on the volleyball team, chances are she’s not an allcounty rst-team pick.
Another red ag is completely believing all-conference teams, which are voted on by coaches.
It’s in these meetings where biases show, but it’s also not a good way to make selections since the rst-place team automatically gets the most all-conference picks, second team less and so forth.
While that sounds good in theory, its aws show nearly every time the results are released.
So for better and not worse, the Journal’s picks come after doing the hard work — listening, watching, analyzing and dissecting stats, gathering information and respected opinions.
I frequently wish the process were easier and faster.
Finding the truth isn’t always that simple.
Zach Brown
Zach Brown has been a staple at East Duplin for the past three seasons. On the gridiron, he played quarterback and defensive back. On the baseball eld, he was a shortstop and leado hitter. Brown scored a touchdown against Reidsville his junior season as the Panthers beat Reidsville for their rst state title in 2023. He was one of four returnees the following season when ED went 10-2. Brown is a four-year starter in baseball. He hit .356 with ve doubles, a triple, a home run and 15 RBIs with 29 runs.
Step down from elite college football, o cials pitch model for new sports landscape
UNC Asheville’s AD presented a new way to organize athletics at an online panel
By John Zenor The Associated Press
FACING UPHEAVAL on the way in college athletics, a handful of administrators and athletes from smaller schools have been working on a new model of governance.
The hope of members of the Football Championship Subdivision and Division I-AAA (programs without football) is to give their athletes more of a say and essentially treat them more like students than employees.
It was a way to be proactive — and potentially head o future lawsuits — amid seismic changes across college sports.
Janet Cone, the president of I-AAA athletic directors and the AD at UNC Asheville, joined colleagues to present their proposed model earlier this month at the annual convention of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics and to others during an online panel organized by the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics.
“Our goal was to create a sustainable model that was philosophically and legally defensible and would keep our subdivisions competing in Division I,” Cone told the group.
There are 128 FCS programs that o er football, from Abilene Christian to Youngstown State. There are another approximately 90 I-AAA schools without football that include basketball-focused athletic programs such as Gonzaga, Creighton and St. John’s.
Organizers say their plan would keep their schools at the D-I level while giving athletes more control over governance without resorting to legal action and perhaps provide them with a chance to earn credits toward a degree for athletics.
“I think that the response has been very positive,” said Tom Michael, athletic director at FCS school Eastern Illinois. “I think people believe that we’re down the right path. We understand we’re not at the nish line. Nobody has suggested that this is the nal version of this model.
“I think that there’s an understanding that we need to be proactive on this and we can’t sit and wait for somebody else to try to point us in the direction or create the pathway for us.”
The group enlisted the Pictor Group as consultants last November. The plan has the stated mission of treating athletes more like other students and outlines a di erent role for coaches: Potential no-nos could include removing a player from a team as punishment or pressuring them to move into certain majors. Other proposals cover unreasonable
time commitments, rules for appearance o the eld and testing for recreational drugs.
“Obviously there’s got to be some kind of control to compete at a high level but not exerting control of everything they do,” Cone said of coaches. “Those pieces are really critical to our model where the student-athletes are going to be very involved.”
Former Abilene Christian football player Anthony Egbo Jr. and Radford volleyball player Meredith Page are among the athletes involved. They surveyed peers on what coaches expect-
ed of them and got some 100 responses to help formulate the model.
Egbo told the Knight Commission audience that the increased professionalizing of college sports has created more desire for athletes to have more say “in the development of policies that impact our experience.”
“The question that we’ve been asking is: What if there’s a better way for student-athletes to have in uence over their experience that didn’t have to go through judicial and third-party systems?” Egbo said.
East Duplin, baseball
EDUARDO PUAC FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
UNC ASHEVILLE ATHLETICS
UNC Asheville athletic director Janet Cone is taking on a leadership role as smaller schools try to nd a place in the new college athletics landscape
SIDELINE REPORT
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
NCAA eyes expanding March Madness from current 68 teams
The NCAA has presented a plan to Division I conference commissioners that would expand the lucrative men’s and women’s basketball tournaments by four or eight teams alongside an option to leave each eld at 68 teams. If approved, the NCAA would keep its 64 -team bracket but would add play-in games involving the 10 through 12 seeds. The earliest the NCAA Tournament could expand would be the 2025-26 season and more meetings are scheduled. The men’s tournament last expanded in 2011 when it went from 64 to 68 teams. The women’s tournament matched that in 2022.
OLYMPICS
Athletics to move to 1st week of 2028 Olympics, swimming to 2nd Los Angeles The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics announced changes it says will create an estimated $156 million in savings and revenue increases. Swimming will be held at 38,000-seat SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, basketball at Intuit Dome in Inglewood and gymnastics at Crypto.com Arena. To accommodate the opening and closing ceremonies at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and SoFi Stadium, the traditional schedules for athletics and swimming will be adjusted. Athletics will move to the rst week of the games, while swimming will be held the second week. The Los Angeles Olympics will be held from July 14-30, 2028.
MLB Yankees’ Stanton goes on injured list for 8th time in 6 seasons
New York New York Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton went on the injured list for the eighth time in six seasons, a day after straining his left hamstring. A 34-year-old former MVP, Stanton left Saturday night’s 8-3 win over the Atlanta Braves and was set to undergo imaging Sunday. Stanton doubled o the center- eld wall in the fourth inning and winced when he rounded third base on Gleyber Torres’ double. Trent Grisham pinch hit for Stanton leading o the sixth. Stanton had missed 266 of 708 games in the past ve seasons.
SOCCER
Pelé’s mother dies at age 101 in Brazil
Sao Paulo Celeste Arantes, the mother of late soccer great Pelé, died on Friday at age 101. Arantes spent the past ve years in a vegetative state and was not informed about her famous son’s death in 2022. The Brazilian Football Confederation says Arantes was hospitalized for the past eight days. The Pelé Foundation says on its social media channels that the mother of the only threetime World Cup-winning player was a role model. Pelé was one of Arantes’ three children. She was initially against her son becoming a professional footballer but gradually changed her views as her son became more successful.
Bell takes checkered ag in rainy New Hampshire
The race is the rst in Cup Series history to end with cars running on rain tires
By Dan Gelston The Associated Press
LOUDON, N.H. — Christopher Bell raised a broom over his head and clutched a 24-pound lobster in Victory Lane all because he earned his third Cup win of the season in an outcome that would have been impossible before this NASCAR season.
Heck, it still looked pretty grim for most of Sunday at a rainy track.
Once the skies cleared, NASCAR busted out its latest creation it had saved for a rainy day — wet weather Goodyear tires that allowed the race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway to continue all the way to a thrilling end.
Bell mastered the Cup Series’ rst race that ended with cars running on rain tires and
pulled away after a 2-hour, 15-minute weather delay to beat darkness and the eld and win Sunday at New Hampshire.
He also swept the weekend at New Hampshire following Saturday’s win in the X nity Series.
“Hopefully that was entertaining because it was something di erent, something new, and nobody knew what to expect and what to do,” Bell said. “The guys that gured it out the quickest were the most successful.”
With darkness falling, Bell cruised past Josh Berry and Chase Briscoe and remained the driver to beat at New Hampshire. He has four wins in the X nity Series at Loudon and won a Cup race at the track for a second time.
This time, he won with 86 laps raced on the new tires.
“It was dark. It was very, very dark. That was creeping up in a hurry to being too dark to race,” Bell said. “Certainly there were
“It was something di erent, something new, and nobody knew what to expect and what to do. The guys that gured it out the quickest were the most successful.”
Christopher Bell
dry parts on the track, but there were still a lot of wet parts on the track, too. I can’t tell you how far away it was, but in my opinion, I didn’t think it was ready for the dry tires yet.” Briscoe was second and Berry third. Kyle Larson and Chris Buescher completed the top ve.
“I think we could have probably started with the track a little bit wetter,” Briscoe said.
“The beginning was pretty fun.
We were all over the place. Five wide at times and slipping and sliding around.”
Even with the start of the race bumped up a half-hour, New Hampshire was a mess from the moment the green ag was dropped. The race was marred by wrecks that wiped some of NASCAR’s biggest stars out of contention — all while the rest of the eld tried to remain in contention and beat the looming rain that hovered over the entire weekend.
Tyler Reddick, who won at Talladega this season, held the lead when the race was redagged because of rain with 82 laps left in the scheduled 301lap race.
New Hampshire and NASCAR waited out a tornado watch, nearby lightning strikes and a severe thunderstorm warning before it could resume the race after a delay of more than two hours.
NASCAR let teams use wet-weather tires for the only second time in a points race this season. Teams had a maximum of four sets of wet-weather tires to race on the damp oval track. Teams had to take rain tires during pit stops and their position could not be a ected. They also had no choice of tire.
Lakers hire Redick as new head coach
The former Duke star and NBA veteran has no coaching experience
By Greg Beacham The Associated Press
LOS ANGELES — JJ Redick has been hired as the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, according to reports.
The 39-year-old Redick is an extraordinary choice by the Lakers, who hired a 15-year veteran with absolutely no coaching experience to lead a franchise with 17 NBA titles, one of the biggest brand names in world sports — and LeBron James, the top scorer in league history.
Redick was a pro cient outside shooter for six teams before his retirement in September 2021, when he moved into a career in broadcasting and podcasting. He joined ESPN’s lead commentary team earlier this year.
ESPN rst reported the decision. Before Redick nished broadcasting the NBA nals, he met with the Lakers last weekend and apparently did well enough to end the franchise’s lengthy coaching search. Less than two weeks after UConn coach Danny Hurley turned down the Lakers’ ardent advances, Redick accepted the job in a remarkable three-year journey from the court to the broadcast booth to the Lakers’ bench.
Redick replaces Darvin Ham, who was red May 3 despite leading the Lakers to two playo berths and a Western Conference nals appearance in 2023.
Redick began recording a regular podcast with James two months ago, and their “Mind the Game” collaboration is already wildly popular, with listeners often emerging impressed by the duo’s basketball acumen and high-level discussion of tactics and motivation.
Now these two minds will be working together for the Lakers, with Redick leading a roster headlined by James, who is six months younger than Redick. Everything is contingent on James deciding to return to play with Anthony Davis and the Lakers, of course. James, who will enter his 22nd NBA season this fall, could decline his $51.4 million contract option this month to become a free agent. But hiring Redick seems to be
another calculated move by the Lakers to maximize their chances of keeping the 20-time AllStar and the driving force behind their 2020 championship team.
Redick’s coaching experience is limited to his children’s youth teams, but he has been around the game his entire life. He is the leading scorer in the history of Duke, where he played four seasons under Mike Krzyzewski.
Redick’s arrival ends another unusual o season coaching search for owner Jeanie Buss, general manager Rob Pelinka and the Lakers, who are hiring their eighth head coach since Phil Jackson’s nal departure in 2011, and their fourth since James arrived as a free agent in 2018.
Los Angeles needed six weeks to settle on Ham in the summer of 2022, but the longtime assistant coach was dismissed after the Lakers lost to defending champion Denver in the rst round of the Western Conference playo s.
Ham led the Lakers to two winning seasons and a victory in the inaugural In-Season Tournament last year, but many fans and observers — and, clearly, the Lakers’ front o ce — were not impressed by his leadership or preparation.
Davis memorably said during the playo s that the Lakers “have stretches where we don’t know what we’re doing on both ends of the oor.”
STEVEN SENNE / AP PHOTO
Christopher Bell, front left, holds up a lobster while standing with his wife Morgan, front right, as they celebrate his win in
Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
PHELAN M. EBENHACK / AP PHOTO
Former Orlando Magic guard JJ Redick leaves the court after being honored by the team earlier this season. The Lakers have hired Redick for his rst coaching job.
obituaries
Ciria A. (Arroyo) De Heckroth
Nov. 13, 1930 – June 14, 2024 (age 93)
Ciria A. de Heckroth, age 93, of Wallace passed away peacefully on Friday, June 14, 2024.
She was born on Nov. 13, 1930 in Mexico; the daughter of the late Heleodoro Arroyo and Maria De La Luz Martinez. Ciria was preceded in death by her husband, William Heckroth and her 11 siblings.
Surviving to cherish her memory is her daughter, Gloria A De Moreno and husband Edwardo of Beulaville; stepson, Raymond Heckroth of Bay City, Michigan; grandchildren, Tiferet M. Bradshaw and husband Caleb and Ciria Lanier and husband Rob, Thomas Heckroth, Matthew Heckroth, Melissa Heckroth and Christina Heckroth; four greatgrandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends that loved Ciria dearly.
Ciria was a loving mother and caring grandmother. She was a classy lady who took great pride in her appearance. No matter where Ciria went or what she was doing, she was always dressed “prim and proper.” Everything had to be in place, whether it was her hair, makeup or her clothing. Ciria loved people and was loved in return. She loved her native country, Mexico and always dreamed of going back there to visit her family and friends. More than anything, Ciria loved her family and would do anything she could for them as long as her health permitted. Ciria will surely be missed but treasured memories will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
Memorial service was held on Monday, June 17, 2024 at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Wallace Chapel.
Barbara Ann Mathis Clark
March 15, 1940 – June 16, 2024 (age 84)
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA
— Ms. Barbara Ann Mathis Clark, age 84, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, formerly of Duplin County, passed away on Sunday, June 16, 2024 at home.
A visitation of family and friends was held on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at the Rose Hill Funeral Home Chapel in Rose Hill. Burial followed at Rose Hill Funeral Home Cemetery in Magnolia.
Left to cherish her precious memories;: one brother, Larry Mathis of Virginia Beach, Virginia; three nieces, two nephews; a host of cousins and friends that will miss her dearly.
Buren Brinkley Jr.
July 2, 1945 – June 16, 2024 (age 78)
Buren Uriah Brinkley, Jr. of Watha departed his earthly life on the early morning of Sunday, June 16, 2024 while in Novant New Hanover Regional Medical Center. Born on July 2, 1945, he is the son of the late Buren Uriah Brinkley, Sr. and Early Eileen Carter Brinkley. Also preceding him in death are sisters, Faye and Peggy. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 55 years, Sharon Grey Jones Brinkley; children, Je rey Wayne Brinkley of Watha and Heather Brinkley Britt and husband Malcolm of Hampstead; grandchildren, Olivia Grey, Rhett Malcolm, and Eli Brinkley; siblings, Lynda and Kay; special cousin and friend, Earl Brinkley; and many nieces, nephews, special work friends, and community friends.
Mr. Buren is a man with humble beginnings who genuinely appreciated and loved everyone he came to know. Joining the United States Army at the age of 18 made him learn and appreciate life in general. His career path led him to General Electric in Castle Hayne, where he spent 34 years in a multitude of positions ending in the nuclear division as a chemical supervisor. Being the good natured and goodhumored conversationalist that he was made it easy for him to be a good and loyal friend to all. He always enjoyed the simple life and wanted to be on the “outside”, taking time to pursue nature’s wonderful gifts, which kept him in awe. Family and friends view him as creative, organized, a great provider, and protector. He appreciated anything and everything that was done for him by others during his lifetime. His love of John Deere, along with his “jack of all trades” abilities allowed him to make “jewels from junk” in rebuilding John Deere tractors. He loved his wife and family more than anything on earth and saw his main role in life as being “Papa” and “Pops” to his family.
A graveside service to celebrate his life was set for Thursday, June 20, 2024, in the Riverview Memorial Park of Watha. Family greeted friends during a visitation at Padgett Funeral & Cremation Services on Wednesday, June 19.
Mei Ling Roldan-Rodriguez
Sept. 4, 1960 – June 13, 2024 (age 63)
Mei Ling Roldan-Rodriguez, 63, of Magnolia, placed her hand in the Master’s hand and entered into her eternal rest on June 13, 2024 at ECU Health Duplin Hospital of Kenansville.
A celebration of her life was held on June 22, 2024 at the First Missionary Baptist Church of Magnolia. Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers.
Curtis J. Murphy
April 15, 1968 – June 17, 2024 (age 56)
ROSE HILL — Mr. Curtis J. Murphy, age 56, of Rose Hill passed away on Monday, June 17, 2024 at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington.
A viewing was held on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at the Rose Hill Funeral Home Chapel in Rose Hill, followed by the funeral service. Burial followed at Maxwell Cemetery, Hwy 11 in Rose Hill.
Left to cherish his precious memories: children, Lillian Murphy of Georgia, Christopher and Tyler Murphy of Magnolia; six brothers, Connie Watkins of Florida, Larry Watkins of Hendersonville, James Murphy (Karin) of Fuquay-Varina, George Murphy of Kenansville, Je rey Murphy of Fayetteville and Benjamin Murphy of Georgia; two sisters; Katrina Pickett of Willard and Brenda Bohannan of Goldsboro; goddaughter, Carmella Love of Rose Hill; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that will miss him dearly.
Wynette Thompson Sauls
Nov. 1, 1970 – June 15, 2024 (age 53)
Wynette Thompson Sauls, 53, passed away on Saturday, June 15, 2024 in ECU Health Medical Center, Greenville. Arrangements are pending Survivors include: parents, Kenneth Ray “Gabby” and Bonnie Thompson of Beulaville; sons, Chris Sauls of Florida, Corey Sauls of Florida, Rodney Palmer of Potters Hill; sisters, Susan Basden (Paul) of Beulaville, Denise “Niecy” Stokes (Stephen) of Beulaville; brother, Kenneth R. Thompson, Jr. (Rin) of Beulaville; and four grandchildren.
Kathleen King Torres
Sept. 21, 1933 – June 14, 2024 (age 90)
Kathleen King Torres, Mount Olive resident, passed away Friday evening, June 14, 2024, in Walterboro, South Carolina at the home of a grandson. She was 90.
“Kathleen,” as she was fondly called, was well known for her association of over 29 years at Lewis Drug Store in downtown Mount Olive, where she assisted Hooty and Bersha Lewis as store clerk and pharmacist assistant. There is absolutely no count of how many orange-ades and lemon-ades she made, as well as scoops of ice cream she dipped! She was a long time member of Mount Olive Lion’s Club, and enjoyed keeping her yard perfectly manicured for just as long as her health permitted. She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Minnie Smith King; four brothers, Charlie, William, Percy, and Henry Lee King; four sisters, Thelma K. Parrish, Margaret K. Price, Virginia K. Bailey, and Jacqueline King; as well as her husbands.
Surviving her are a daughter, Joan B. Nunn of Faison; three grandchildren and their families; two sisters, Ruth K. Bennett of Mount Olive, and Barbara K. “Dink” Paige of Warsaw; and several nieces, nephews, and their families. In lieu of owers, the family asks that memorial gifts be made to Gentiva Hospice, or to Walterboro Hospice.
Funeral services were on Thursday, June 20, by the graveside at Wayne Memorial Park. A brief visitation followed the service.
Timothy Jermaine Woodard
May 19, 1980 – June 11, 2024 (age 43)
BALTIMORE, MD — Mr. Timothy Jermaine Woodard, age 43, of Baltimore, Maryland, formerly of Duplin County, passed away on June 11, 2024 in Maryland. A funeral service was held on Friday, June 21, 2024 at the Rose Hill Funeral Home Chapel in Rose Hill.
Left to cherish his precious memories: parents, Abigail Woodard of Fayetteville and Henry Moses of Mt. Olive; two brothers, Tiarra Woodard of Warsaw and Tyrone Parker, Jr. of Beulaville; two sisters, Lisa Miller of Beulaville and Junika Parker of Fayetteville; two stepchildren, McKayla Newkirk and Jalin Newkirk: a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends that will miss him dearly.
Family received friends at the home of his brother, Tiarra Woodard at 303 Perry Rivenbark Road in Warsaw.
Lucy Turner Baker
Feb. 10, 1953 – June 19, 2024 (age 71)
Lucy Turner Baker, 71, passed away on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at her home. Graveside service was held on Sunday, June 23, 2024 at East Duplin Memorial Gardens, Beulaville. Visitation took place at the cemetery.
Survivors include: spouse, Freddy Earl Baker of Beulaville; daughters, Lisa Faye Smith of Beulaville, Lola Marie Jarman (James) of Pink Hill; brother, Raymond Turner, Jr. (Maxine) of Albertson; grandchild, James Luke Jarman.
A special thanks to Gentiva Hospice Medical team with a special mention to Chilly and Melinda. In lieu of owers, donations may be made to SECU Family House at UNC Hospitals, 123 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27517.
Sherman Lane Matthews
July 17, 1954 – June 18, 2024 (age 69)
Sherman Lane Matthews, 69, of Warsaw, completed his earthly journey and humbly submitted to the will of God on the morning of June 18, 2024 at home. Funeral service was Saturday, June 22, 2024 at St. James AME Church of Kenansville. Visitation was held one hour prior to the service. Interment followed in Devotional Gardens of Warsaw.
Shirley
Battle Flowers
Nov. 29, 1938 – June 17, 2024 (age 85)
Mother Shirley B. Flowers, 85, completed her earthly duties and received her reward on Monday, June 17, 2024 at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center, Wilmington. Her Celebration of Life will be Monday, June 24,2024 at Mt. Zion Community Church 250 Lane eld Rd. Warsaw, NC at 11:00 AM. There will be a Chapel viewing ( J. Bernardo Memorial Chapel) 195 Kenansville Hwy, Warsaw, NC , Sunday, June 23, 2024 from 4:00 -6:00 PM. She will be laid to rest at Devotional Gardens 1260 NC Hwy 24 & 50, Warsaw, NC 28398
She was born on November 29, 1938 in Wayne County, NC to Frank Battle and Irene Trouble eld Battle.
Teachey honors Juneteenth’s history, legacy
The Saturday celebration in the park marks African American independence
By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal
TEACHEY — Residents of Teachey and surrounding areas braved the blazing heat on last Saturday to celebrate Juneteenth and commemorate the freedom of African Americans nationwide.
Mayor Pro Tem Ethlyen Powell, who happens to be the rst female African American mayor pro tem in the town, gave a brief history on the holiday and what it means to black people nationwide.
“On June 19, 1865, enslaved African Americans were told they were free,” Powell said. “A century and a half later, people across the United States continue to celebrate the day, which is now a federal holiday. Juneteenth is the oldest known holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S., being celebrated by African Americans since the late 1800s.”
Juneteenth became a federal holiday on June 17, 2021, when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act.
First Baptist Church of Teachey Pastor Danielle Glaze served as the emcee for Saturday’s event, recognizing the vendors who were set up in the park, all of whom were small African American businesses, and many of which are run by young entrepreneurs.
There was Sweet T’s Cafe, led by 7-year-old T’yonna Evans, who sells bottled teas, iced teas and boba teas of all avors. And
“It comes from the endurance, the perseverance of our ancestors, who had to take what they were given and make it work. That’s why we do what we do.”
Pastor Danielle Glaze, First Baptist Church of Teachey
also A Sip of Heaven, 8-year-old Heaven Hill’s business, which sells nine di erent avors of lemonade.
“This is why we do what we do,” Glaze said. “We have it built in to our DNA. Not only our physical DNA but our spiritual DNA. It comes from the endurance, the perseverance of our ancestors, who had to take what they were given and make it work. That’s why we do what we do. That’s why we can come out here and set up businesses we made with our own hands and our own imagination. That’s why we come out here and we support each other and encourage each other because if we don’t stick together, what do we have?”
Also present at the event were 94-year-old Sadie Lee Murray and 89-year-old Grace Murray, both of whom have lived in Teachey their entire lives. Pastor Danielle Glaze called them the “queen elders” of her church.
“It’s wonderful — especially being this age,” Sadie Murray said. “I give God the glory for everything. He has done so much for us. We can do what we want and eat what we want and it’s wonderful, such a blessing.”
PHOTOS BY ABBY CAVENAUGH / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Sadie Lee Murray and Grace Murray celebrated Juneteenth in style, in back of a red truck
underneath the shady pines at Teachey park on June 22. The two are the oldest living members of First Baptist Church of Teachey, which hosted the event.
Above, A crowd of locals braved the heat on June 22 for a Juneteenth celebration in the Teachey park.
First Baptist Church of Teachey Pastor Danielle Glaze, right, emceed the event.
Left, Teachey Mayor Pro Tem Ethlyen Powell gave a brief history on Juneteenth during a celebration Saturday in the town park.
