Duplin Journal Vol. 9, Issue 9

Duplin Journal

the BRIEF this week

Duplin County bridge replacement project begins

Calypso

On April 29, NC DOT contract crews will close the northbound lanes of U.S. 117 North Bypass, near SE Center Street in Calypso / Mile Marker 32 heading north to replace the bridge over the railroad tracks as part of a large N.C. Department of Transportation project in Duplin County. Drivers will be detoured onto West Main Street, N.C. 50 and U.S. 117 Connector. The southbound lanes will remain open.

According to the NC DOT announcement, when the new, northbound lanes reopen, the southbound lanes will close for improvements.

The project is scheduled to be completed in the spring of 2026. DJS

NC Medicaid now covering more people

Statewide

Medicaid is now covering people ages 19-64 with higher incomes announced the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. A single adult earning $1,732 or less per month is now eligible. A family of two earning $2,351 or less per month and families of three earning $2,351 or less also qualify. Some non-U.S. citizens also qualify. Visit medicaid. ncdhhs.gov, for more details.

DJS Passenger rail study recommends proposed Wilmington to Raleigh train service take Goldsboro route

Wallace

A recent draft of the Southeastern North Carolina Passenger Rail Feasibility Study produced by WGI Inc, recommends the Goldsboro route due to lower construction and maintenance costs, as well as less travel time between Wilmington and Raleigh.

The cost for the project, including rebuilding tracks from Castle Hayne to Wallace, is estimated to come in at $810 million. This is a $170 million cost savings.

According to the release, the report calls for passenger stops in Raleigh, Clayton, Selma, Goldsboro, and Wilmington with two other additional sites to be chosen. DJS

Farrior Park at Boney Mill o cially opens with a ribbon cutting

The 200-acre park features a playground, walking trails, a pond, dog park and more

By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal

WALLACE — The town of Wallace now has a new place for kids, adults and even dogs to run, walk, play and escape to nature, as the ribbon was cut to o cially open Farrior Park at Boney Mill Pond on Thursday, April 18.

“This is an exciting day for the town of Wallace,” Wallace Mayor Jason Wells said. “This has been a long time coming, and a dream and a vision that is nally coming to reality.” The ribbon cutting signaled the dedication of Phase 3 of 200-acre Farrior Park, which was formerly known as the Boney Mill Pond Project, Parks and Recreation Director David Bizzell said.

See FARRIOR , page 12

Pinwheels event highlights child abuse, neglect prevention

Child advocates work together to prevent abuse and neglect

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

In recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, Duplin County Partnership for Children, Duplin County DSS and Guardian ad Litem of Duplin County held their 2024 Pinwheels for Prevention Ceremony at the Ed Emory Auditorium in Kenansville, on April 12. “We stand together today in solidarity and commitment with a heartfelt belief that all children deserve to be loved, to be safe, to be nurtured, and to be heard,” said Christy Je ers, Duplin Judicial District 5, Guardian ad Litem Supervisor, as she welcomed guests.

According to data from Child Welfare in North Carolina, between July 2022 to June 2023, 799 cases were investigated in Duplin County for abuse and neglect, and it is an increase of 59 more cases when compared to the previous scal year.

Christy Jones, Duplin County Partnership for Children director, told the Duplin Journal that the three agencies partnered to raise awareness. “We really wanted to focus on bringing awareness to child abuse and neglect, and just making everyone aware that it is not just those three agencies problem — it is a community responsibility. … Everybody has to work together to address it,” said Jones. At the event, Jones spoke about the symbolism of pinwheels and the importance of communities working together. “It is a positive emblem of the e ect we can have when we work

“Welfare workers have to talk about rearm safety in every single home they go into, many people do not know that, but child welfare workers are mandated to do that in the state of North Carolina, and to help keep the community safer in Duplin County we provided (Duplin County Department of Social Services) with a free supply of gun locks that they can distribute.”

Sean Kenny, head of DSS engagement for Trillium Health Resources

together to prevent child abuse. Pinwheels are used to help educate communities about the importance of supporting children and families. Shining in the sun, the pinwheel is re ective of the bright future all children deserve and our belief that getting it right early is less costly than trying to x it later,” said Jones.

Serita Southerland, Duplin County DSS Social Work supervisor, spoke about the people involved in the process once a case of abuse or neglect is reported and the e ort needed from the community to make that child, whose life has been torn into pieces, whole again.

“Along with DSS, GAL, and

“(Wallace Mayor)

Jason (Wells) said it’s a diamond in the rough; I think it’s a diamond in Wallace’s crown.”

Charley Farrior

Duplin receives funding for wastewater projects

The county welcomed a new employee

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

KENANSVILLE — The Board of County Commissioners held a brief meeting on April 15, with a bulk of items approved in the consent agenda.

Miller also shared with the board that the circus at the Events Center turned out a $7,000 pro t.

He also spoke about upcoming agendas in which the Board will need to make decisions on an RFQ for the detention center, and another for an asset inventory and assessment for drinking water systems.

“The assessment for drinking water systems is about $2,184,000, and the detention center is for the commissioning, the MEPS system commissioning mechanical engineering and plumbing systems,” said Miller. He also provided updates on a fuel spill at the bulk storage tank. Assistant County Manager Carrie Shields introduced a new employee, Jasmine Savage. “You’ll see her a lot with me and working and learning the ins and outs of Duplin County. ... She is from this area and a part of this community, gives back to this community, and we’re happy to say that she’s now an employee of Duplin County,” said Shields.

The next meeting will be on May 6 at 224 Seminary St. in Kenansville at 6 p.m.

Under road concerns, Commissioner Jessie Dowe spoke about an area on Cherry Road, right o NC 11, at the entrance to Greenevers that over ows when it rains. “It over ows on the side of the road. There’s a beaver dam that’s blocking the water, and it’s backing up, and then when it rains, it backs up over the roadway,” said Dowe, adding that the NC Department of Transportation is aware and will take care of it. Next in the regular agenda was County Manager Bryan Miller who provided several updates. The county has received USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) funding for a USDA Rural Development Search Grant Program for Log Cabin Road and Calico Bay Preliminary Engineering Report and Environmental Assessment. “We received $120,624 for Calico Bay and $106,889 for East Log Cabin Road.” He added that the next step in the process is to perform the Preliminary Engineering Report and Environmental Assessment. The information collected will be used by the state to secure grants to install the equipment. “This process does not obligate the county [to move] forward to any type of additional appropriations. It does not guarantee the residents of East Log Cabin Road or Calico Bay Road of wastewater services in the future. ... It does not entitle the residents of East Log Cabin Road or Calico Bay Road to wastewater services or suggest that there will be free or reduced services associated with the installation of or services provided in the future,” Miller said. “There will be additional community meetings, and at those meetings we will make it perfectly clear what the expectations of the residents should be.”

ABBY CAVENAUGH / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Wallace Mayor Jason Wells and former Mayor Charley Farrior cut the ribbon on the new Farrior Park at Boney Mill Pond last Thursday surrounded by members of the Farrior family and Parks and Recreation Director David Bizzell.

APRIL 17

Rickey McMillian, 64, was booked into the Duplin County Jail on a charge of assault on a female. Bond was set at $5,000.

Yadir Arturo Espinoza, 28, was booked into the Duplin County Jail on a charge of simple assault. No bond was set.

James Edward Bryant, 31, was booked into the Duplin County Jail on charges of larceny of chose in action, obtaining property by false pretense, and forgery of endorsement. Bond was set at $10,000.

Gabrielle Larica Rhodes, 34, was booked into the Duplin County Jail on a charge of driving while impaired with a total bond amount of $8,500.

The NC Pickle Festival kicks o Friday, April 26 from 5-10 p.m., with the main day on Saturday, April 27 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in downtown Mount Olive. The festival will feature Cuke Patch 5K, Tour de Pickle, a pickle eating contest, recipe contest, live music, a car show, a pickleball tournament, beer and wine garden, special guests and a pickle princess pageant.

The Carolina Strawberry Festival Garden Gala will be on Saturday, April 27, 1-6 p.m. at the Gardens at Johnson Nursery and will feature food, drinks, music, and an opportunity to explore the beautiful Gardens.

Entertainment will be provided by The Catalinas. VIP tickets are $75, and general admission tickets are $35.

The Cowan Museum of History and Science is hosting ecoBLAST on Saturday, April 27, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., as part of the 2024 North Carolina Science Festival. ecoBLAST is a free, public event. This will be a fun, educational, familyfriendly celebration of our planet. Exhibits, food trucks, live animals, educational activities, and demonstrations are planned for everyone to enjoy. For more information, visit www.cowanmuseum.org or contact Robin Grotke at 910-296-2149.

Join the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office Cadet Unit 1090 Spring Fest 2024 bon April 27 from noon to 5 p.m. at 112 Hill St. in Kenansville. $5 entry donation. The event will feature a bounce house, yard games, face painting, corn hole and free bike helmets! Meet McGruff the Crime Dog and register to win in the half and half drawing. For more information, call 910-2962150.

The Wallace Moose Lodge is hosting Touch a Truck community event on April 27, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 175 Skydive Ln. near the Wallace Airport. Kids will be able to explore vehicles like a police car, fire engine, dump trucks, live haul trailer, and tractors! The event is rain or shine. Proceeds will benefit the Moose Heart Children’s Home. Power Lifting Competition

Joseph Ross Duncan, 34, was booked into the Duplin County Jail on a charge of misdemeanor larceny. Bond was set at $1,500.

APRIL 18

Robert Sterling Hartley, 58, was booked into the Duplin County Jail on charges of breaking and entering, communicating threats (three counts), and simple assault. Bond was set at $2,000.

Derian Ant MartinezAguilera, 26, was booked into the Duplin County Jail on charges of hit and run (failing to stop for property damage), operating a vehicle with no insurance, fictitious/altered title registration card/ tag, canceled/revoked/ suspended certificate/tag, driving a vehicle without registration, driving while

on April 27, at 11 a.m., at 138 Town and Country Shopping Center in Wallace. Weigh-in is at 10 a.m. Become part of the Men’s 1,000lb Club & Women’s 600lb Club.

Pet Friends of Duplin County will host a free/low cost rabies clinic on April 27, 8 -10 a.m. at 408 W. Main Street in Wallace. Rabies shots are free for your first five dogs, cats or ferrets (Duplin County residents/ owners) additional pets are $5 each. Dogs must be on a leash at all times; cats or ferrets must be in crate/cage. Duane Blanton, DMV will be administering vaccinations for more information, call 910271-4709.

Join the Greenevers Fire Department for the annual Firemen’s Day Parade and post parade activities on April 27 at 10 a.m. The parade starts at Hartgrove Drive. Enjoy BBQ, grilled chicken with trimmings, and delicious desserts.

APRIL 28

The Carolina Strawberry Festival invites you to enter their recipe contest at The Wallace Depot. Drop-off April 28 at 3 p.m. and pick-up is at 5 p.m. Youth and adult entries in the following categories are welcomed: Savory, Bread, and Dessert. There will be awards for youth and adults in all categories, as well as a BEST IN SHOW award! Preregistration is not required but can be completed online to save time. Visit carolinastrawberryfestival. com/recipe-contest/ to read the rules, pre-register, and find out more.

MAY 1

Shred A Thon will be on Wednesday, May 1, 10 a.m.—1 p.m. at the Duplin Events Center, located at 195 Fairgrounds Drive in Kenansville in celebration of Older Americans Month. Protect yourself against Identity Theft! Shred old tax records, employment records, bank statements!

license revoked (not impaired rev), and failing to stop at a stop sign/flashing red light. Bond was set at $1,000.

Victor Antonio BenitezAleman, 38, was booked into the Duplin County Jail on charges of larceny of a motor vehicle and possession of a stolen automobile. Bond was set at $20,000.

APRIL 19

David Edward Hollingswort, 28, was booked into the Duplin County Jail on a charge of second-degree forced sexual offense. Bond was denied.

APRIL 20

Derrick Antonio Kenan, 41, was booked into the Duplin County Jail on two counts of assault on a female. Bond was denied.

Reduce clutter in your home For more information call the Duplin County Senior Services at 910296-2140.

MAY 3-4

The Carolina Strawberry Festival will be on May 3-4. Friday night will include live music from North Tower and the Band of Oz, while Saturday night’s entertainment will be provided by Rivermist and The Tams. Both Friday and Saturday will include amusement rides, and the dinosaur show. The annual pageant will be held on Saturday morning at the main stage. Parking is street side and the festival can be accessed from Norword Street (Highway 41) from the east and west or From Cliff Street, Boney Street or Souherland Street. The event is free and open to the public.

MAY 15

Registration for Summer Basketball for ages 3.5-15 in the town of Faison, opens May 15 through June 30. For more information, call 910-2670115.

MAY 31

The Beulaville Area Chamber of Commerce 9th annual Scholarship Golf Tournament will be on May 31 at the Bear Trail Golf Club. Maple Hill, NC with Tee times at 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Contact: John Weston 910-262-5272 or Johnweston8@gmail.com for more information.

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 910-2962100.

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 910298-4647.

Vincent Albert Joyner, 50, was booked into the Duplin County Jail on a charge of assault on a female. Bond was denied.

APRIL 21

Lakesa Tyeka Kelly, 32, was booked into the Duplin County Jail on charges of driving while license revoked (impaired rev) (two counts), expired registration card/ tag (two counts), speeding, and a warrant from Wake County on charges of breaking or entering, driving while impaired, and reckless driving with wanton disregard. Bond was set at $3,000.

Tekenya Diachelle WootenWebb, 28, was booked into the Duplin County Jail on a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia. Bond was set at $1,000.

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 919-6589221.

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 more information, call 910-285-7564.

The Warsaw

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 910289-3159.

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 more 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.

Dmarco Torquez Lewis, 28, was booked into the Duplin County Jail on charges of possession of a firearm by a felon, carrying a concealed gun, possession of marijuana up to 1/2 oz, and possession of marijuana paraphernalia. A total bond of $110,000 was set.

First graders learn safety, dangers of electricity

Tri-County EMC visits

North Duplin Elementary

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

Approximately 100 rst-grade students at North Duplin Elementary enjoyed an exciting afternoon on April 12 as Lineman Lance Wise and Line Superintendent Ron Miller, both with Tri-County Electric Membership Corporation, visited the school to provide a safety demonstration.

Miller spoke about the dangers of electricity; covering things like not to get on pad mounts and spoke about what to do and what not to do in the event of a car accident if a pole was to fall on their car, said Deidra Grantham, Tri-County EMC Manager of Marketing and Communications.

After the live-line table talk demonstration, students were able to see rst-hand what it’s like to be a lineman and watched Wise in awe as he climbed a pole. Blue skies and warm temperatures set the perfect backdrop for the interactive demonstration, as the inquisitive rst graders asked questions, watched Wise operate a bucket truck and tried on the lineman’s protective equipment.

(Above left) Lance Wise, a lineman with Tri-County Electric Membership Corporation, speaks about safety at North Duplin Elementary. (Above right) Children watch Lance Wise as he demonstrates how linemen climb a pole at North Duplin Elementary on April 12. PHOTOS COURTESY OF TRI-COUNTY ELECTRIC MEMBERSHIP CORPORATION

(Left) First grade students learn about what it takes to operate a bucket truck with Lineman Lance Wise during a Tri-County EMC visit to North Duplin Elementary. (Right) Lance Wise (left) and Ron Miller, both with Tri-County EMC, answer children’s questions during a visit to North Duplin Elementary on April 12.

THE CONVERSATION

COLUMN

Teachers make a di erence

By providing teachers the compensation, resources and respect they are entitled to as professionals, we give them the tools needed to build up each child.

WHAT WAS the name of your rst grade teacher?

You may have seen a quiz on Facebook with this seemingly innocent question. However, experts warn that hackers can use your answers to access your accounts and wreak havoc. Since I don’t use that question, I can tell you my rst grade teacher’s name was Mrs. Houston. I don’t remember anything in particular that she taught me, but I remember that we shared a birthday, she cared about us, and she made learning fun.

My children, who are in their thirties, had excellent teachers in Duplin County schools who inspired, encouraged, cared about them, and challenged them in ways that have helped them thrive as young adults.

A Chinese proverb says, “If you are planning for a year, sow rice. If you are planning for a decade, plant trees. If you are planning for a lifetime, educate people.”

Our public school teachers play a crucial role, not only in the education of our students but also in the shaping of the communities in which we live.

Mary Ann Wolf, President and Executive Director of the

COLUMN |

Public School Forum of North Carolina, says, “Teachers need our support because students needs theirs. It is truly that simple.

If North Carolina intends to continue to thrive as a state, we must prepare our children to do so. By providing teachers the compensation, resources and respect they are entitled to as professionals, we give them the tools needed to build up each child.”

A recent article in the Raleigh News and Observer summarized this year’s report from the State Board of Education to the North Carolina General Assembly, which indicated an increase of 47% in the teacher attrition rate over the previous year. Teachers also often express they are underappreciated.

Unfortunately, there is a dangerous and false narrative in our culture that seeks to undermine public education and support of our teachers. However, I would remind us all that our teachers are our neighbors, family members, friends, fellow church members, and professionals who deserve and need our support as they do the critical and demanding

Communists everyone

The most obvious example is the support of major feminist organizations for men who say they are women participating in women’s sports.

THE COMMUNIST PARTY of the Soviet Union — like most communist parties — came to power as the great defender of workers.

In reality, the Soviet Communist Party didn’t give a hoot about Russian workers. The party was nothing more than a totalitarian organization that used workers to gain power — and then suppressed the proletariat, just as it suppressed every other group. One of the rst things the Communist Party did after attaining power was disband independent labor unions and prohibit workers’ strikes. Yes, the “workers’ party” banned strikes.

The one major exception was the Chinese Communist Party, which came to power as the great defender of peasants. And the CCP slaughtered about 60 million of them.

This has been the modus operandi of every left-wing group everywhere: Claim concern for some group, and use that group to fool people — speci cally, naive liberals, who share few values with the Left but have frequently served as useful idiots for the Left. Liberals do so to this day.

Teachers unions are nothing more than left-wing groups that use alleged concern for students to attain and retain power. The reality, however, is while they care about teachers, they harm students far more than they help them.

One example is teachers unions’ opposition to school choice. Those who

work of educating our children. It has been said that teaching is the one profession that creates all other professions.

In a Peanuts cartoon, Peppermint Patty says to Charlie Brown, “I wonder what teachers make,” to which he replies, “A di erence, Peppermint Patty, they make a di erence!” How can you make a di erence for our teachers? Most important, don’t buy into the teacher bashing and disrespect that is so prevalent today. Instead, consider being a volunteer at a local school, supporting teachers personally with encouragement and needed supplies, being an advocate for our Duplin County Schools and teachers, and, if you can’t become a teacher yourself, encouraging young people who have the gifts and potential to be excellent teachers.

The bumper sticker says, “If you can read this, thank a teacher.” That’s good advice because, as Charlie Brown says, “Teachers make a di erence!”

Philip Gladden is an advocate for Duplin County Schools. He can be reached at gladdenphilip620@gmail.com.

actually care about students support the right of parents to choose their children’s schools — just as many teachers do when they send their own children to schools of their choice.

A second example is teachers unions’ making it nearly impossible to re incompetent teachers.

A third example was teachers unions’ demands that schools lock down for nearly two years during the COVID-19 era. The unions did so despite there being no scienti c evidence in support of school lockdowns and despite ample warnings that many children would su er intellectually, scholastically, emotionally and psychologically.

The last point brings us to a fourth example: Teachers rob young students of their sexual innocence with premature talk of, and books that deal with, overt sexual activity, and the infamous use of drag queens to perform in front of children as young as 6 years old.

Just how left-wing teachers organizations are was made clear by the sympathetic leftwing magazine The Nation in January: “A rank-and- le campaign inside the National Education Association is demanding the president stop ‘sending military funding, equipment, and intelligence to Israel.’ ... But the rankand- le campaign goes beyond (that).

... Members want the NEA (National

LETTERS

Tribute to Joyce Kilmer

Do something for yourself and others too

The more you plant the better you do

I’m talking about trees that clean the air

They make for better health here and everywhere

So plant a tree or two to show you care

The shade they provide from the sun is free

There is nothing more beautiful than a owering tree

Joyce Kilmer had it right in words he wrote for us to read

“I think that I shall never see a poem lovely as a tree”

It’s a way to keep on giving long after you’re gone

So plant a tree or two

my friend where birds can sing a song.

Charlie Albertson, Beulaville

Education Association) to revoke its endorsement of Joe Biden for the 2024 presidential race until the president ... stops ‘sending military funding, equipment, and intelligence to Israel.’”

That was only two months after Oct. 7.

Most civil rights organizations are also essentially left-wing groups. They use alleged concern for blacks to attain and retain power, but they harm blacks considerably more than they help them.

A glaring example is the near-universal opposition of civil rights groups to school choice despite the fact that black Americans overwhelmingly support it.

According to a 2023 RealClear Opinion Research poll, 73% of blacks support school choice — two points more than whites. They do so because large majorities of black students in public schools perform far below grade-level standards.

The reason the largest civil rights organization, the NAACP, opposes school choice has nothing to do with concern for blacks. It is that the left-wing position — again, the NAACP is a left-wing organization — on school choice is dictated by teachers unions.

Feminist organizations are additional examples of essentially left-wing organizations. The group they use to attain and retain power is women. Just as other

DENNIS PRAGER

| PHILIP GLADDEN

Beulaville teen named world champion at coonhound dog show

By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal

LEAH PENNY, 13, of Beulaville has made a name for herself on the coonhound dog show circuit, recently winning the youth senior division world championship at the American Coon Hound Association (ACHA) dog show in Patrick, South Carolina.

“Leah has been showing coonhounds for around three years now,” her dad, Brent Penny, told the Duplin Journal. “She has grown up around hunting dogs her entire life and has deer hunted and coon hunted with me since she was very young.”

Leah began to take an interest in showing dogs after she attended a competition coon hunt with him, and there was a dog show before the competition. “Leah watched the dog show and became very interested,” Brent Penny said. “She started showing some of my coonhounds and done pretty good with them.”

“She has worked very hard with her dogs and trained a few of them herself with no help from anyone.”

Brent Penny

Town of Magnolia honoring veterans for Memorial Day

Magnolia

Last fall, the Magnolia town board approved a program to honor veterans by ying ags along the town’s streets on patriotic holidays, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day and Veterans Day. The cost of the ags are $28 each.

After showing her father’s dogs for a while, Leah decided to get her own show-quality dogs, since Brent’s dogs were bred for hunting. “She has worked very hard with her dogs and trained a few of them herself with no help from anyone, using pointers that she has asked seasoned experts,” Brent said. “Most every day after her schooling she will be found outside working with her dogs.”

COMMUNISTS from page 4

In addition to her most recent win at the ACHA show, Leah has won at the Southeastern Treeing Walker Days, Southern English Days, Virginia state championship, North Carolina state championship, South Carolina state championship, Bluetick Breeders of America, and the UKC Winter Classic, among others. She is homeschooled and lives in Beulaville with her family.

left-wing interest groups, they harm the group on whose behalf they allegedly ght — in this case, women — far more than they help them.

The most obvious example is the support of major feminist organizations for men who say they are women participating in women’s sports.

From the website of the National Women’s Law Center: “The National Women’s Law Center (NWLC) unequivocally supports the inclusion of trans women in women’s sports. And if you call yourself a feminist, you should too.”

From the website of The Women’s Sports Foundation (WSF):

“The Women’s Sports Foundation supports the right of all athletes, including transgender athletes, to participate in athletic competition. ...”

In 2022, the WSF wrote a letter to the NCAA protesting any diminution of the right of biological males who say they are females to participate in women’s athletics. The letter was cosigned, as expected, by LGBTQIA+ organizations but also by two major feminist organizations in addition to the Women’s Sports Federation: the National Organization for Women and the National Women’s Political Caucus.

Damaging women has been the primary legacy of organized feminism for the last half-

Those wishing to honor a veteran by ying the ag in their honor or memory may come by the Town Hall and ll out a ag application by May 9. The honored veteran or their family will receive a personal letter of your donation from the Town Manager recognizing their service to our country.

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.

century. That there are more depressed women, especially young women, today than at any other time in modern American history is directly attributable to left-wing in uence generally (no religion, no country, no future) and to feminist doctrines speci cally: Career is more important than marriage and family, and women can do just ne without a man to love and be loved by. Perhaps the ultimate example of left-wing contempt for the groups they claim to represent is “Queers for Palestine.” Palestinian queers have no rights; they face persecution and even death if they expose themselves to their society. Israeli queers are by far the safest, happiest and freest in the Middle East. But hating Israel is the leftwing position. At any cost.

Friday, April 26 5 pm-10 pm

Pay one price carnival rides, $15, 5-9 pm, concessions available; Live outdoor concert in front of Ribeyes Steakhouse featuring Steel County Express, 7-10 pm; Cuke Patch 5K Glow Run, 7:30-9 pm. Note:FridayNightisalimited festivalexperience.

www.ncpicklefest.org

Saturday, April 27 9 am-6 pm

Classic Car Show, Pickle Eating Contest , noon, Live Entertainment, Beer & Wine Garden, Mascot Race, 3 pm

Tour de Pickle Bike Ride, 9 am, Helicopter Rides, Food, Vendors, Petting Zoo, Carnival Rides, Kazoobie Kazoo shows, Knockerball, roaming entertainers, Poetry Fox, Pickle Train Rides, free pickles, and so much more!

FreePark&RideShuttlesfromUniversityofMountOlive,Walmart,Roses,&BobbyDenning

Leah Penny has been showing coonhounds for three years

PHOTO COURTESY OF BRENT PENNY

Leah Penny of Beulaville was recently crowned the world champion at the American Coon Hound Association Youth World Show in Patrick, South Carolina. She has been showing coonhounds for three years now.

Duplin County Senior Services honors its volunteers

The annual volunteer celebration was held on April 16

By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal

KENANSVILLE — More than half of Duplin County Senior Services’ 155 volunteers turned out for an appreciation event at the Ed Emory Auditorium on Tuesday, April 16.

“Every April, we take the extra e ort to say thank you to the many volunteers that continue to support seniors in Duplin County,” said Senior Services Director Melisa Brown.

This year’s event included a meal catered by Carl Wayne’s Catering and a game of Family Feud, which provided “some great teamwork and laughter,” Brown said.

“Volunteers are vital to any organization and crucial in all communities,” she added. “Duplin County Senior Services has 155 active volunteers that have contributed 3,870 hours of volunteer service.”

If the value of a volunteer’s time is calculated at $25.43 per hour, Duplin County’s volunteers have saved the budget and taxpayers $98,414.10, Brown said.

Greenevers Fireman’s Day Parade set for Saturday

The yearly event celebrates the county’s rst responders

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

Fire Departments and emergency vehicles from across Duplin County will gather at Hargrove Road in Greenevers on Saturday, April 27, for the Greenevers Fireman’s Day Parade in honor of the brave men and women who serve Duplin County.

The annual celebration will kick o at 10 a.m., and will conclude at 3 p.m., with a drawing at the Greenevers Community Center, located at 494 Clinic Circle Drive, Rose Hill. Greenevers Fire Chief Greg Carr, shared that after the parade they will have a program with several types of entertainment, vendors, food and rides for the children.

“We couldn’t

Touch-a-Truck brings entertainment, educational opportunities to Wallace

The Wallace Moose Lodge is hosting a free educational event

By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal

Children of all ages can get up close and personal with very real trucks of all kinds at the Touch-aTruck event this Saturday, April 27, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The rst 30 minutes will be horn- and light-free, organizers said.

“This free educational community event will provide children with a hands-on opportunity to see and touch trucks and heavy machinery as well as meet the people who farm, build, protect and serve the Wallace community,” said Dr. Christina Phillips, who’s helping to organize the event. “You can expect a re truck, police car, cement mixer, dump truck, ambulance, feed truck, log truck, live haul truck, tow truck, boat and more.”

The list of participants in-

“This free educational community event will provide children with a hands-on opportunity to see and touch trucks and heavy machinery as well as meet the people who farm, build, protect and serve the Wallace community.”

Dr. Christina Phillips

cludes: Wallace Police, Wallace Fire Department, Teachey Fire Department, Duplin County Sheri ’s O ce, NC Highway Patrol, NC Wildlife Resources Commission, NC Forest Service, James Sprunt Community College CDL Program, Smith eld Foods, F. W. Jones Surveying, David Bradshaw Clearing & Grading, Bill Carone Cars, Legion As-

phalt, Murray’s Exterminating, S&W Ready Mix, Four County, U.S. Postal Service, Miracle Movers, Sampson Regional Medical Center, Southerland Trucking, Nash Johnson & Sons Farms, Duke Energy, Wright McKinley Forestry, Johnny’s Towing & Recovery, Rich’s Heating & Air, Plan B Trucking Co., Charles Alignment, and others.

“This event is being planned by members of the Wallace Moose Lodge, led by Sirena Wallace in memory of her late father, Dwayne Wallace, who always helped those in need whenever possible,” Phillips said.

Donations will be accepted to bene t the Mooseheart Orphange. Smith eld Foods is assisting in sponsoring the event.

Food will be available for purchase on site, including co ee and treats from MoJoe’s Co ee & Cupcakes, as well as hot dogs, chips and drinks for lunch. There will also be a 50/50 ra e. Music will be played for all to enjoy by DJ Jody Patram.

“There will be some dancers, some singers and some cheerleaders doing cheerleaders’ skits.”

Greenevers Fire Chief

Greg Carr

“There will be some dancers, some singers and some cheerleaders doing cheerleaders’ skits,” said Chief Carr, adding that they will also have a comedian as the emcee. The Town of Greenevers, known for its Fireman’s Day Parade, invites the public to join them in this special celebration to support their rst department and enjoy their delicious barbecue, grilled chicken with trimmings, and desserts. People interested in participating in the ra e can buy a ticket for $10. The grand prize winner will receive $1,000 cash, the 2nd prize winner will receive $500, the 3rd prize winner will get $250, the 4th prize will get $200 and the 5th prize winner gets $50. You don’t have to be present to win.

from page 1

Partnership for Children, there are countless foster parents, medical professionals, mental health professionals, and judicial partners who will have a responsibility to help put this beautiful puzzle back together again,” said Southerland.

Sean Kenny, head of DSS engagement for Trillium Health Resources, was the guest speaker. He shared about the daily challenges that social workers face.

“Often workers are faced with secondary trauma that goes unrecognized or diagnosed and they need support,” said Kenny. He also spoke about support and things Trillium Health Resources was doing to help support social workers prevent tragedies like accidental shootings and attempted suicides.

“Welfare workers have to talk about rearm safety in every single home they go into, many people do not know that, but child welfare workers are mandated to do that in the state of North Carolina, and to help keep the community safer in Duplin County we provided [Duplin County Department of Social Services] with a free supply of gun locks that they

Visit facebook.com/greenevers re, for more details about the parade.

can distribute,” said Kenny, explaining that if a social worker comes across a home with an unsecured rearm, they can provide that family with a 15-inch cable gun lock free of charge.

“We just want to help make Duplin County and every county in North Carolina safer,” said Kenny.

According to Kenny, in North Carolina:

• There are more than 12,000 kids in foster care

• One in four youths experience some sort of abuse or neglect.

• Annually there are over 21,000 victims of abuse or neglect.

1,588 people die annually at the hands of a rearm, with 54% deaths caused by suicide, 41% by homicide and the rest are either unintentional or undetermined. Many are wounded in a suicide attempt. “So, they didn’t succeed in killing themselves, but they have some lifelong e ects unfortunately,” said Kenny. “And is one of the leading causes of deaths in kids and teens.” Visit preventchildabusenc.org to learn more about recognizing and reporting child abuse.

ABBY CAVENAUGH / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Volunteers for Duplin County Senior Services were treated to a catered meal at the annual volunteer appreciation luncheon on April 16 in Kenansville.

DUPLIN SPORTS

’Dawgs rally to slip past Tigers in 8 innings

worry? The Bulldogs had just three outs to get it done.

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

WARSAW — It was an inspiring victory and a devasting loss.

And all things considered, a typical rivalry game between Wallace-Rose Hill and James Kenan.

The Bulldogs rallied for four runs in the seventh to tie it and then won it in the extra inning 7-5.

“I’m proud of the way we fought,” said rst-year Bulldog coach Logan Kissner. “We treated it like a playo game.”

It became eld-rocked to start the seventh as WRH’s bench had no doubts it could recover from a 5-1 de cit. Why

“There’s a lot of unsel sh ones on our bench,” Kissner said. “It gave us a little spark, brought us energy.”

Ironically, WRH’s best hitter, Reid Page, was hitless, though he drew two walks.

Yet the backdrop of the story begins with the departure of Tiger right-hander Wyatt Barbour, who handcu ed WRH all evening with his curveball. But Barbour ran out of pitches and had to be removed.

WRH made freshman Hansley McGee throw strikes, and when he did, they attacked. Caden Gavin walked and Kaiden Lui singled to drive him home.

Pinch-runner Devon Sloan stole third base and advanced to home on a JK miscue to make it 5-3.

Will Brooks doubled to deep left eld to knot it at 5-5. WRH had runners at rst and second when McGee struck out Brayden Hu man.

Once it became deadlocked, WRH used the momentum of its o ense with the pitching of Gavin, who pitched the nal three innings for the win. But in reality, he deserved both a save and a hold.

“He was the player of the game,” Kissner said. “He came to me and said, ‘I want the ball.” He did a job, and was also big for us o ensively, starting the big inning.”

Lui reached on an error with two away in the eighth, scoring on a James single. A bobble at shortstop gave WRH a two-run edge.

WRH got its second double play of the game in the sixth to end a threat that had runners at rst and second with no outs. The Bulldogs also had a twin-killing in the second as Page made a nifty pivot and throw at second base to complete the 6-4-3 play.

Page, Kennedy lift Bulldogs past Tigers

WRH swept the series in a key ECC tilt that also hurt JK’s playo chances

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

WARSAW — Wallace-Rose Hill’s Jansley Page nds ways to get on base. Scoring runs often follows for the sophomore leado hitter, who started both uprisings last Thursday during a 6-5 win over James Kenan. Page walked in the rst inning and scored as part of a 3-run surge and singled in the fourth as the igniter of another three-run charge. Lexi Kennedy followed each time with a single. Payton Tyndall singled and scored in the opening inning, with Mattie Gavin punching a run-scoring double in the fourth.

The win helped WRH complete a season sweep of JK. The Bulldogs rallied for a 6-5 win in Teachey on March 15.

WRH (12-5, 6-4) stayed within striking distance of third place East Duplin (9-9, 7-3) in the ECC, with games against leaders, North Lenoir (11-1, 7-1) and South Lenoir (10-5, 7-1) left in its regular season. JK, Southwest Onslow and Kinston likely will not be in the postseason.

In reality, catching the Panthers, who face Kinston and SWO, might be improbable if not impossible. But a ticket to the postseason, though possibly not garnering a high seed in the 32-team bracket, is within reach.

JK likewise had two scoring frames.

Singles by Kendai Giddons and Shylah Sloan plat-

See WRH SOFTBALL, page 10

Boykin leaves Ragsdale to return to Clinton corral

The former Horse LB replaces Cory Johnson as head grid coach

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

CLINTON — Johnny Boykin was there when Clinton won its rst of ve state titles.

Now the former Dark Horse linebacker, who helped give Clinton recognition statewide,

is the school’s new coach. He replaces Cory Johnson, who went 61-12, including a 15-1 mark last season and a 28-18 loss in the 2A nal to Reidsville.

Johnson left town with a bunch of his coaching buddies to take up shop at Marlboro County in South Carolina.

Boykin’s return to Clinton comes after stops at a number of schools besides Jamestown Ragsdale, where he was 29-44 for the 4A school with one of the toughest schedules in the state.

Our team has 50 years of combined experience focusing on Duplin County real estate. How can we help you?

Those Tigers made the playo s his rst three seasons, but were 14-26 his nal ve campaigns.

Ragsdale went 2-8 in 2022 and 2023 and 1-9 in 2021.

“Coach Boykin was a good player at CHS and that means a lot to the program and the community,” said Harrells Christian Academy head coach Jason Arnette, a former player and coach for the Dark Horses.

“He is an experienced coach and a good guy. I think it was a great hire and I wish him success.”

Boykin has coached as an assistant at Ragsdale, High Point Andrews, Southwest Randolph,

See BOYKIN, page 10

WRH erased a 5-1 de cit in the seventh for its 10th win

EDUARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Khalil Mathis, Devon Sloan, Jerad Smith and WRH had reason to celebrate a come-from-behind road win over rival JK.

COURTESY PHOTO

Johnny Boykin went 29-44 at Jamestown Ragsdale, a 4A school with one of the toughest schedules in the state.

EDUARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Lexi Kennedy leads WRH in nearly every o ensive category and is the ace of the pitching sta .

Panthers see both sides of mercy rule on diamond

East Duplin got blasted by Red Devils; impound Tigers

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

BEULAVILLE — Anyone who plays or coaches baseball long enough will find out about the 10-run mercy rule.

And it’s easier applied than accepted.

East Duplin felt both sides of the rule last week by whacking James Kenan 16-1 before falling to South Lenoir 13-3. ED also fell 5-4 to Wallace-Rose Hill on Monday.

The two ECC losses ended any chance the Panthers had at making a run at the league title.

Baines Raynor had ED’s only two hits against the Blue Devils (11-5, 7-2). He scored

twice, and Zach Brown was hit-by-a-pitch and scored.

But ED (9-10, 4-6) trailed 8-0 by the second inning and 10-2 through four frames.

Three Panther pitchers allowed nine hits, five walks, six earned runs, while their defense made two costly errors.

But it was the Panthers who high-fived early and often on Tuesday.

Up 4-0, ED tacked on nine runs in the second inning and three in the third and held JK to a .111 average. ED feasted off JK’s mound offerings, stringing together its eight hits and five walks to produce 10 RBIs by five players.

Raynor went 3-for-4 and drove in a pair. Eli Thigpen and Gavin Holmes had two RBIs apiece. Brown had a hit, two walks and three runs.

Mason Grady, the lone Tiger senior, doubled and scored. Eli Avent had the only other JK hit as ED’s Gabe Faulkner and Cain Graham combined to strikeout seven.

The Panthers need to win two of their final three regular season games to finish above .500, facing winless Kinston, Southwest Onslow (8-6, 6-3) and East Bladen (10-8).

Raynor continues to knock the cover off any baseball that is in his coverage area. He’s hitting .524, with 24 singles, nine doubles, 15 RBIs and a team-high 19 stolen bases.

Brown has 18 hits, five doubles, 10 stolen bases, 19 RBIs and a team-high 27 runs. Graham (.211) has three homers, three doubles and is tops in RBIs with 22. Holmes (.288) and catcher Shawn Mashburn (.281) have combined to knock in 22.

Rebels brace for crucial stretch run of season

Barbour whi s, controls Bulldogs

Barbour whi ed 10 in six innings as he worked with men on base as well as he did when the bases were empty. He struck out two in the rst and fourth frames and fanned the side in the fourth. He sent Page to the bench with Ks three times. A little of the tone was set ear-

ly when Barbour got out of a bases-loaded jam in the rst, while WRH starter James gave up three runs.

Hunter Whitman knocked in a run and Barbour brought in two.

Brooks reached via an error in the second, stole second, took third on a wild pitch and scored to cut the margin to 3-1. A Cal Avent walk in the fourth gave JK a 4-1 lead.

McGee singled in Eli Avent to push it to 5-1.

ND is playo -bound, but how high can the Rebels y?

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

CALYPSO — How good is the North Duplin baseball team?

That answer might come sometime in the rst two rounds of the state playo s.

Explaining the rationale isn’t elementary and not scienti c.

ND entered the week 11-6 overall and 7-1 in Carolina 1A Conference play.

The Rebels lost large chunks of coach Colton Chrisman’s clubs last year and in 2021 that went 39-8, but minus any of the stud pitchers on those squads.

Let’s examine rst what might be considered good losses. And there are at least ve. They include:

Falling to 3A Hunt (11-6).

Losing to 2A South Lenoior (11-5).

Falling to Green eld School (11-4).

Losing twice to 2A East Duplin (9-11 in rare down year).

Falling to Wayne Christian (5-4, but winning the rematch 9-1).

Meanwhile, when the Rebels win, it’s generally been a landslide. ND has six 10-run mercy-rule wins, and three other wins

James picked o a runner

Yet WRH did little to help itself until late in the game.

“We had no earned runs and left nine guys on base,” Kissner said. “Still, it’s a rivalry game,

by seven, eight and nine runs. Close games have not been on the main viewing screen for Rebel fans other than losses to Wayne Christian (4-2) and Rosewood (3-1) and a win over CC foe Hobbton (6-5).

So to say ND has not been evenly matched to its opponents is a somewhat valid point. The “how good are they” question appears to even puzzle Chrisman, a baseball man with love for the game and how it’s played.

“We don’t know either,” Chrisman said. “We’ve not reached our potential yet, but it’s the last week of the season before the (CC) tournament and we’ve got a chance to repeat.

“I hate to say it, but we’ve either played really bad or OK. We’ll know a lot about our team over the next four games.”

Chrisman said ND often plays younger players more often and depends on them to produce, as well as getting quality play and leadership from seniors and longtime starters. “We’re not a team that can solely rely on juniors and seniors because we’re a small school,” he said. “We have to play young players and expect them to step in contribute right away.”

Even so, for argument’s sake, it might not matter how ND does against Rosewood and any of the other CC clubs, which are a notch below the Rebels program.

Chrisman and the rest of their baseball domain will know how good the Rebels are in the playo s. And while there’s no telling what kind of draw ND will get; this team has enough talent to play

and you never know because you always feel anything can happen.

“We felt we had to work Barbour hard to get to the bullpen, so we took a lot of pitches. He threw the ball well and had us o balance, though.”

The Bulldogs beat McGee and JK 6-2 on March 15 in Teachey.

WRH (10-7, 5-5) moved in front of ED (9-11, 4-6) for third place in the ECC. The Bulldogs started the week by beating ED for the rst time in eight years.

“Our goals were to beat our ri-

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A copy of the proposed budget ordinance will be available for public inspection prior to the hearing.

well enough to get into the second round. ND was to host Rosewood on Tuesday this week in its biggest game to date. A win would let the Rebels share the title.

Rebels blast through Spartans, Leopards ND scored 32 runs last week in blowout wins over Lakewood and Union. Union surrendered 28-6 on Friday in Union Township. ND tripped Lakewood 8-1 on Tuesday. The Rebels rolled up a whopping 19 runs in the third inning of a game that went just four frames against the Spartans.

Wesley Holmes (2-for-4) had four RBIs. Austin Du , Eric Santos-Clark and Kiez Brock each knocked in two, while Holden Williams homered.

Du , Pate and Holmes each had two RBIs against the Spartans. Tanner Kornegay added a hit, two walks and scored three times.

Dugout chatter

Du is hitting .509 and has 28 RBIs, which puts him in the top10 among all classi cations statewide. Pate is at .404 with 17 RBIs. Williams, who has risen to .432, has driven in 15. Holmes (.340) and Garris Warren (.333) have combined for 36 RBIs.

In keeping with the youngplayers-must-be-ready-to-produce idea, Chrisman has seen much growth in sophomore rst baseman Noa Quintanilla (.326, 14 RBIs) and freshman pitcher Hayden Miller (six appearances, 11.2 innings).

“We have a bunch of guys with 11 to 15 innings, so it’s been a pitching sta by committee,” Chrisman said. “Hayden’s done well and Noa is going to be a special player.”

vals, get 10 wins and make the playo s,” Kissner said. “We’ve got two of three.” WRH already has its most wins since 2018 (8-11) and will have its rst winning season since the 2016 squad went 15-11. The Bulldogs were 9-29 in 2022 and 2023.

They still face the two ECC leaders — North Lenoir (16-3, 9-0) and South Lenior (11-5, 7-2) — and former rival Trask (4-10) in the nal two weeks of the regular season.

Please contact the Town Hall at 910-298-4647 for further information.

All interested persons are urged to attend the public hearing.

Lori T. Williams Town Clerk/Finance O cer

EDUARDO PUAC /

EDUARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Holden Williams is one of ve pitchers who have been on the mound for ND this spring. While not sporting an ace, ND remains a state-playo contender.

at second to thwart more damage in the fth, while Gavin threw magical pitches for three innings. JK seemed to get the wrong side of three closer calls on the bases, as Tiger runners were twice sent to the bench at second base and once at third.

WRH BASEBALL from page 7

Maradiaga, Debman lift Bulldogs past Tigers in 2-0 victory

WRH split its series with rival JK to move to the .500 mark

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

WARSAW — Walllace-Rose Hill’s Jordan Boser is a key assistant defensive coach for the Bulldogs’ football team.

Yet in that position, he knows he will not be making some of the on-theeld calls.

Boser, who is head coach of the girls’ soccer team, turned to his assistant coach during a critical moment in the second half last Thursday at James Kenan, playing on the Tigers’ football eld, which doubles as their soccer pitch.

With WRH in front 1-0, the o cials agged JK with a penalty kick.

“We’ve really struggled with PKs,” Boser said later. “So, I asked my assistant what she thought, and we went with that.”

Assistant Shannon Moore wanted

Melanie Maradiaga on the line.

The junior co-captain zipped her shot into the back of the net and WRH cruised to a 2-0 win.

“She stepped up with con dence and buried it,” Boser said. “Big shot. Big decision.”

WRH leveled its overall record at 7-7 and is 3-5 in ECC play. JK fell to 8-5 and 2-5 after having beaten WRH 2-1 in Teachey on March 15. Both are playing for a spot in the 1A state playo s.

Boser said WRH has shown growth since the start of the spring.

It showed when Gabby Debman rebounded her own shot to score the rst goal of the game in the rst half.

“We’ve been preaching to follow your shot, and Gabby wasn’t doing that well early,” Boser said. “It’s the kind of play you need to do all the time, even though you may have that kind of opportunity once a game.”

It was Debman’s 10th cage ringer of the season.

The win ended a ve-game tailspin for WRH, which includes an overtime setback to South Lenoir and a closer-than-normal 2-0 loss to East Duplin. WRH sports just two seniors on its roster. The Bulldogs were to play another key ECC match early this week against North Lenoir (4-8-2, 0-6) and then against NL’s sister school South Lenoir (6-8, 2-5) for its nal regular-season and league match.

WRH, JK and SL (6-8, 2-5) are battling for third place in the standings. The Bulldogs’ triumph over JK put them a full game in front of both JK and SL. East Duplin (12-4-1, 8-0) and Southwest Onslow (8-5, 7-1) are untouchable to ECC foes and have already earned state playo invites. “What we’ve tried to do is have our young kids handle their business and not get involved in high stress,” said Boser, whose club fell 4-0 to SWO to open play last week. “We’ve gotten better and it’s been a lot of fun to watch us grow.”

JK and head coach Kenny Williams do not have an easy road to the playo s. The Tigers have tangles with NL, SL, SWO and Trask (10-5-1) as either a prep for entry into the postseason or as big challenges.

Yet like the ’Dawgs, JK is youthful. Only senior goalkeeper Tytianna Wilson will be the lone June graduate.

Panthers win third straight as a prep for SWO East Duplin’s big goal-producers were silent last Friday during a 4-0 win over South Lenoir on the Panthers’ home turf.

But fans were not wondering too much about that after a scoreless rst half as Anna Hernandez, Joselin Mata Aguilar, Melanny Jasmin Garcia and Aniston Holley scored goals.

“We had opportunities to score in the rst half and just didn’t put them in,” said ED coach Joey Jones. “We had an easier time this week after a really tough week. We were missing Anamarie (Rodrigues) and have other players nursing injuries.”

ED has won three straight for the third time this spring.

The last streak ended after loss to 3A Dixon, which was before a key 2-1 victory over SWO.

The Panthers and Stallions collide April 30 in Beulaville for the ECC title. An ED win or a tie gives the title to the Panthers, and with it at least one, and possibly two home playo matches.

Katelyn Jones ran her goal total to 14 early last week as ED beat JK 4-0.

The junior netted two scores. Miranda Roblero and Yuliana Chavarria added scores and Rodrigues had a pair of assists.

Pate

North Duplin, baseball

To the surprise of no one, Hunt Pate is performing like an all-state player.

The junior is hitting .405 with two doubles, three triples, 16 walks, 30 runs and 17 RBIs.

He is a two-time all-Duplin County performer, the previous two seasons.

ND coach Colton Christian moved him from the leado spot to where the Rebels can take advantage of his bat, putting Tanner Kornegay (.365) in his spot.

Playing in college is on Pate’s agenda. ND has won 39 games the past two years with him in the starting lineup.

Panthers o ense sputters; Rebels, Wildcats go full throttle

East Duplin loses a 2-1 heartbreaker, while ND and Richlands continue to roll

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

CALYPSO — North Duplin continues to trend upward.

East Duplin’s course has been somewhat neutral, beating the schools with weaker programs and struggling against keen competition.

Last Friday, the Panthers suffered heartbreak it has rarely seen in the two-decades-plus tenure of head coach Greg Jenkins.

The 2-1 loss to South Lenoir has seemingly put ED in third place in the ECC with little chance of catching leaders, the Blue Devils (11-5, 9-0) and its longtime rival North Lenoir (16-3, 9-0).

And yet the di erence between ED and the Lenoir schools is nearly invisible.

“We just did not hit,” Jenkins said. “We had three hits by our top two hitters.

And yet SL outhit ED by the slimmest of margins, 4-3, as Panther hurler Zoe Cavanaugh threw a complete game, one that could have gone the other way at any moment.

“She threw well, and we played clean defensively,” Jenkins said. “We just couldn’t get our bats going.”

Credit ED (9-9, 7-3) with playing a super competitive nonconference schedule, as the Panthers return a number of players from teams that won 19 games last year and in 2022. Jenkins is 338-162 since taking over in 2002.

During that span, ED’s worse record came with 11-win campaigns in 2006 and 2007.

A case could also be made for the improvement of North Lenoir. SL has long been a factor in softball.

Yet ED hasn’t let Duplin County schools in the ECC get under its skin, repelling the slightest push from Wallace-Rose Hill, despite a few setbacks to Haven Williams a few seasons ago. The Panthers have dominated James Kenan, even though it has two losses to 1A North Duplin, one of the best teams in the state, regardless of classi cation.

Freshman Ava Noble had a pair of hits against the Blue Dev-

WRH SOFTBALL from page 7

ed two runs in the third inning. A two-run homer by Jourdan Joe scored Anna Morgan Armstrong, who had doubled, in the fth.

The Tigers (5-9, 1-6) are a longshot to continue their season, though they play ve more league games, including two against winless Kinston (0-10, 0-7).

That’s a w because of the fouryear contributions from Armstrong (.405, 16 RBIs) and because rising star Joe (.600, eight doubles, two homers) won’t get a

BOYKIN from page 7

Union Pines and R.B. Stall (Charleston, S.C.). He went to Ragsdale initially as a defensive coordinator in 2007. He was named head coach in 2017. His best seasons were 2018 and 2019 when the Tigers nished with 7-5 marks.

Clinton caught the attention of the football world before the start of the 2023 season by importing experienced players from other schools, even calling itself the “911 All-Stars.” Amaris Williams (Florida) and Josh McClarin (Maryland) were among the Dark Horses who signed a letter-of-intent to play college football.

The Dark Horses’ other state titles came in 1996, 1997, 2001 and 2005. The are 6-5 in state championship games.

Clinton beat Wallace-Rose Hill 58-22 last season in its lone game against Duplin County schools. That clash is an annual game near the beginning

ils. Karsyn Parker had the other Panther hit o junior pitcher Callie Tyndall. Carley Boone and MaKenzie Herring had RBI hits in the rst and sixth innings. ED countered in the home half of the opening frame with a run. It stayed that way until late, even as SL played through four errors.

Tyndall wasn’t overpowering, as she struck out just two. But ED was unable to capitalize on its ve walks.

Noble lashed a two singles and a triple and had a pair of RBIs during Tuesday’s 9-5 triumph over JK. Kinsley Boinde added a pair of hits and Parker a two-run single.

Kaylann Leon and Kendai Giddons combined for two hits for the Tigers (5-9, 1-6).

Morgan Brown scattered eight hits over seven innings, striking out seven and walking two during a 93-pitch performance. The junior also lashed two hits, as did Bond, a senior. Parker and Noble each drove in a pair of runs.

ED scored four times in the fourth to take an 8-4 lead.

The Panthers face winless Kinston, Southwest Onslow (313, 1-8) and East Bladen (3-8) to close out the regular season. That should be su cient to ensure the Panthers of a winning record entering the state playo s.

Rebels racing to 1A playo s

North Duplin scored 36 runs last week in wins over Carolina Conference foes Lakewood and Union.

Both games ended early because of the 10-rule mercy rule.

The Rebels (11-1, 6-0) logged their ninth mercy-rule win of the season, including six over CC schools and two against JK and WRH.

As expected, top hitters Addy Higginbotham (.689, 19 RBIs), Lilly Fulghum (.610, 11 doubles, 5 HRs, 20 RBIs) and Reece Outlaw (.538, two doubles, six triples, two HRs) are the leaders.

Yet the Rebels are hitting .409 as a team as they seek to return to the 1A nals. Last season they fell in the nals to Union Academy.

And they seem to have what it takes to get to that level as Ady Spence (.429), M’chelle Jaco (.301) and Marissa Bernal (.353) make contributions.

ND nished its week with an 18-0 bashing of the Spartans on

chance to shine in the postseason.

Kennedy, Powell help topple Devils

Call it Senior Night in Jacksonville.

Lexi Kennedy and Kaylee Powell combined for three doubles and a single to drive in three runs on Tuesday when WRH beat SWO 4-1.

Kennedy lashed a pair of two-baggers, drove in two, and on the mound limited the Stallions to four hits. She whi ed nine and walked four.

of each season when they’re not in the same conference, as they were recently from 2013-16 (Four County) and 2017-20 in the East Central.

In an oddity, against Clinton, WRH has a better road record (13-14) than at home (10-17). The Bulldogs trail the overall series 23-31.

Clinton is 30-15 vs. East Duplin (but 4-6 vs. Coach Battle Holley) and 31-10 against James Kenan. It has never met North Duplin.

Clinton, though larger in size, might end up in a classi cation higher than the Bulldogs with realignment in 2025. That’s when the state moves from four to eight full classes, with no subdivision (1A/1AA, etc.) as was used from 2001-2020.

WRH beat the Dark Horses 35-18 in 2022, when East Duplin also dumped Clinton 2827 in the second round of the 2A playo s en route to the Panthers’ rst state football title. The Dark Horses lose 18 se -

Thursday in Union Township.

Up, 2-0, the Rebels scored 12 times in the fourth and nished o Union with four more.

Outlaw ripped a single and homer, Fulghum scored three times and Spence knocked in a pair of runs.

Two days earlier, Higginbotham had four hits, including a yard shot. Fulghum also banged a homer and Outlaw had a triple, RBI and scored three times. Tucker Thomas crossed home plate twice. First-year catcher Abigail Brown (two runs, RBI) and reserve Gabby Zamudio likewise made contributions.

Expect that ND cruised past Rosewood and Hobbton to end the regular season. The Rebels whipped the pair earlier by a combined score of 25-2. There will be little change in the CC Tournament, slated the last week of April, rst week of May. The rst round of the state playo begins May 7. For Rebel fans, that’s when an added layer of excitement is added.

It might take two rounds, but ND is going to run into a contender.

Wildcats roll to fth straight win

Richlands is hitting its stride.

In a season of playing quality nonconference teams, the Wildcats ripped apart two Coastal 3A Conference foes last week by bashing 31 hits and allowing just ve.

Two hurlers and a cast of hitters stepped forward to tomahawk West Carteret 17-0 and Swansboro 12-1.

Erin Thibault went 3-for-5 and drove in four runs against the Patriots. Abigail Huller had three RBIs and Tashi Allen and Addi Andrews two apiece. Megan Pittman was 2-for-3 and knocked in a teammate.

Ace hurler Makenzie Goin yielded a hit while striking out 11 and not allowing a walk.

Pittman silenced the Pirates on four hits, striking out six with no free passes and getting charged for one earned run.

Richlands (13-6, 4-2) has rematches with Croatan (9-7, 4-2) and White Oak (4-12, 1-5) this week. The ’Cats slipped past the Cougars 4-2 on April 9 in Newport and 15-0 versus the Vikings on April 12.

Dixon (14-3, 6-0) leads the conference race via two wins over Richlands.

Powell doubled, singled, and scored. Gavin doubled in a run and scored, while Sophia Sloan walked, reached on an error and scored twice.

The game was scoreless until WRH struck for three runs in the fth. Kennedy (11-5) has 116 strikeouts, 35 walks and an ERA of 1.83 in 88 innings. She’s hitting .561 with 10 doubles and 16 RBIs.

Page (.356) leads WRH in runs (23) and walks (12), and is second to Kennedy in OBP (.491). Kennedy leads nearly every other o ensive category for her team.

niors to graduation in June, yet could still be the favorite to win the Southeastern 2A Conference, which includes St. Pauls, Red Springs, Midway, Fairmont and West Bladen. The league is weaker than the ECC, where Clinton resided in from 201821 and won the championship three times. Three Southeastern Conference titles have followed. Johnson, previously an assistant at Laurinburg Scotland High, took with him to Marlboro former Clinton assistant coaches Amir McNeill, Karfa Kaba, Dennis McFatten, Hasan Tyson and Ryan Hunt.

The group takes over a team that was 3-7 last season. |It’s been a decade since the school played for a lower-state title (eastern region). Seven coaches will go to Bennettsville from the Tar Heel state.

Boykin is well respected in the greater-Greensboro area for his knowledge of football and the way he handles players.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA DUPLIN COUNTY

FILE#2024E000119

The undersigned ANTHONY RAYMOND BARNETTE, having quali ed on the 21ST

obituaries

Terry McLean Gri n

Aug. 31, 1955 – April 10, 2024 (age 68)

Terry McLean Gri n, 68, passed away on April 10, 2024, at his home.

Graveside service was Sunday, April 14, 2024 at Oak Ridge Memorial Park, Pink Hill. Survivors include: son, Kenneth Thompson (Tania) of Goldsboro; daughters, Melissa Gri n Stroud, (Roger) of Deep Run, Dina Gri n Deering, (Phillip) of Beulaville; sister, Juanita Maready, (Ricky) of Beulaville; grandchildren, Cody Gri n, (Samantha), Jenna Deering, Christopher Thompson, and Lauren Thompson; greatgrandchildren, Cali Gri n, Kynlee Gri n, and Evie Gri n.

Donald Ray Kornegay

Oct. 15, 1951 – April 16, 2024 (age 72)

MOUNT OLIVE — Elder Donald R. Kornegay, 72, completed his earthly assignment on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at Kitty Askins Hospice Center, Goldsboro. The celebration of his life was held on Monday, April 22, 2024. with a viewing preceding, at Bear Creek Missionary Baptist Association Headquarters, 1800 S. Slocumb Street, Goldsboro, NC.

He was laid to rest with full military honors at the Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery, 164 Longs Plant Farm Road, Goldsboro, NC.

He was born on Oct. 15, 1951 in Wayne County to David Paul Kornegay and Inez Blackman Kornegay. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Jewel Jones Kornegay; his children and other loving relatives and friends.

Mark Thomas Lane

Oct. 9, 1961 – April 7, 2024 (age 62)

Mark Thomas Lane, 62, passed away on Sunday, April 7, 2024, at his home.

Visitation was Saturday, April 13, 2024.

Survivors include: mother, Jackie Mills of Raleigh; son, Mark Lane, Jr. (Katherine) of Garner; daughter, Danielle Lane (Laken) of Chinquapin; grandchildren, Liam Hall, Abel Hall, Raegan Lane and Maverick Lane.

Robin S. Sutton

April 6, 1965 – April 9, 2024 (age 59)

Robin Susan Sutton, resident of the Brock’s Chapel section near Mount Olive, passed away Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at her home. Just three days prior, she had celebrated her 59th birthday.

Robin had been employed as a reservations specialist/ booking agent with American Airlines before becoming a school teacher at Warsaw Middle School. Her career culminated with employment with Walmart in Mount Olive, where she was a departmental manager.

She now joins in death, her parents, Oscar Milton Sutton and Nyoka “Jackie” Strickland Sutton; and her brother, Richard Alan Sutton.

She leaves behind a nephew, Matthew Alan Sutton of Mount Olive, with soon-tobe wife, Jody, and her son, Jase Rouse; a sister-in-law, Ellen Thomas of Raleigh; other nephews, Cli ord Jones and William Jones, both of Raleigh; a great-nephew, Campbell Jones of Raleigh; an aunt and several cousins and their families.

Robin’s life was remembered on Tuesday, April 16, at a graveside service at Montlawn Memorial Park in Raleigh, where, afterwards, she was laid to rest with her parents and brother.

Floyd Michael Braxton

Sept. 17, 1947 – April 8, 2024 (age 76)

Floyd Michael Braxton, 76, passed away on Monday, April 8, 2024 at his home. He is preceded in death by a granddaughter, Donna Shellman and and a greatgranddaughter, Diamond Graham.

Visitation was held on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at his home, 123 Trott Road, Lot 10, Richlands. Survivors include: spouse, Patricia Braxton of Richlands; sons, Michael Braxton of Kinston, Walter Braxton of Kinston, Christopher Braxton of Richlands, Kevin Braxton (Lena) of Richlands; daughters, Crystal Pickett (Jerry) of Richlands, Canary Albritton of Kinston; sisters, Rena Cauley of Kinston, Sadie Potter of Fuquay Varina, Judy Jones of Ayden; 19 grandchildren; and 30 greatgrandchildren.

Norwood Henry King Jr.

July 1, 1943 – April 14, 2024 (age 80)

WALLACE — Mr. Norwood Henry King, Jr., age 80, of Wallace passed away on Sunday, April 14, 2024 at home.

Funeral services were held on Friday, April 19, 2024 at the Byrd’s Chapel Church in Rose Hill. Burial will follow at Duplin Memorial Gardens in Teachey.

Left to cherish his memories: wife, Margaret Hayes King of Wallace; son, Fritz King of Wallace; two daughters, Regina Judge of Beulaville and Nortean Little of Clayton; sister, Bertha King of Rose Hill; step-brother, Jimmy Rhodie of Wallace; nine grandchildren, 11 greatgrandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that will miss him dearly.

Kenneth Ray Dunn

Jan. 30, 1958 – April 8, 2024 (age 66)

FAYETTEVILLE — Mr. Kenneth Ray Dunn, age 66, of Fayetteville, formerly of Duplin County, passed away on Monday, April 8, 2024 at home.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at the Rose Hill Funeral Home Chapel in Rose Hill. Burial followed at Rose Hill Funeral Home Cemetery in Magnolia. Left to cherish his memories: wife, Brenda Phillips Dunn of Fayetteville; son, Kenderick Ray of Fayetteville; brother-inlaw, Willie Edward Phillips; three sisters-in-law: Carolyn Robinson, Betty Boykins and Deborah Miller; one grandchild, Bella Miracle Cohen; special niece, Barbara Batts; one aunt, Clara Carver (Charlie), two uncles: Robert Dunn and Leon Dunn; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that will miss him dearly.

Corey Ray Sloan

June 2, 1968 – April 14, 2024 (age 55)

Corey Ray Sloan, 55, passed away on Sunday, April 14, 2024, in ECU Heath Center, Greenville.

Funeral service was held Thursday, April 18, 2024, followed by visitation, at Community Funeral Home, Beulaville.

Graveside service was Friday, April 19, 2024 at Henry P. Sloan Cemetery, 1737 NC 111 Hwy. Chinquapin.

Survivors include: mother, Deedie Sloan of Chinquapin; brothers, Eric Sloan of Chinquapin, Troy Sloan (Wanda) of Chinquapin, Mark Sloan of Willard; nephews, Johnson Sloan (Jessi), Walter Sloan; and great-nephew, Isiah Sloan. In lieu of owers, donations may be made to Community Funeral Home, P.O. Box 715, Beulaville, NC 28518 or Cedar Fork Baptist Church, 668 Cedar Fork Church Road, Beulaville, NC 28518.

David Ray Raynor

Sept.18, 1951 – April 18, 2024 (age 72)

David Ray Raynor, 72, Thursday, April 18, 2024 at his home.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Freeman & Genevieve Raynor and a brother, Brian Raynor. Funeral service was held Tuesday, April 23, 2024, followed by visitation, at Community Funeral Home of Beulaville. Graveside service will be Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 11 a.m. at East Duplin Memorial Gardens, Beulaville.

Survivors include: spouse, Gail Mobley Raynor of Garner; daughters, Lori R. Grady of Beulaville, Krystal Gail R. O’Mara (Jim) of Clayton; brothers, Jerry Raynor (Pat) of Beulaville; grandchildren, Diana Rackley (Chris), Avery O’Mara, Abby O’Mara and Alex O’Mara; an loving dog, Bella.

Cristopher Reddish Jr.

April 29, 1984 – April 13, 2024 (age 39)

MAGNOLIA — Mr. Cristopher Reddish, Jr., age 39, of Magnolia passed away on Saturday, April 13, 2024 in Raleigh.

Funeral services were held on Monday, April 22, 2024 at Rose Hill Funeral Home in Rose Hill.

Left to cherish his memories: children, Elijah and Kaiya; mother, Mireda Reddish; brother, Trovonne Reddish (Hallee), sisters: Mireda Reddish-Lewis (Jerrod), Cadedra Reddish, Lakinya Reddish-Harris (David) and Sharon Reddish; special aunt, Annette Smith (Jacob); four nieces: Shyann, Olivia, Makayla and Angel; six nephews: Deshawn, Terrance, Dakota, Malcolm, Jasper and Michael; a host of other aunts and uncles, cousins and friends that will miss him dearly.

Lisa Head Carter

May 28, 1968 – April 16, 2024 (age 55)

Lisa Head Carter, 55. passed on Tuesday, April 16, 2024.

Memorial service was Sunday, April 21, 2024, with visitation to follow, at Community Funeral Home, Beulaville.

Survivors include: spouse, Charlie Carter of Richlands; son, Ory Batchelor of Richlands; sister, Joni Whitley of Snow Hill; brother, Tony Head of Snow Hill; grandchildren, Paisley and Prestley Batchelor; nieces, Kelsey Harrison, Shaelyn Head and Kalee Head.

Dennistein Marks Bryant

March 31, 1943 – April 7, 2024 (age 81)

ROSE HILL — Ms. Dennistein Marks Bryant, age 81, of Rose Hill passed away on Sunday, April 7, 2024 at home. Funeral services were held on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at the Rose Hill Funeral Home Chapel in Rose Hill.

Left to cherish her precious memories: one son, Joseph Bynum (Latonya) of Bronx, New York; two daughters, Lidia Bryant of Rose Hill and Nekia Cromity (Johnathan) of Fayetteville; one stepdaughter; Angela Williamson of Clinton; two brothers, one sister, six grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that will miss her dearly.

Helen Ann Hooks Farrior

April 8, 1936 – April 8, 2024 (age 88)

MAGNOLIA — Mrs. Helen

Ann Hooks Farrior, age 88, of Magnolia passed away on Monday, April 8, 2024 at Wallace Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Wallace.

Funeral services were held on Monday, April 15, 2024 at First Baptist Church Rose Hill in Rose Hill. Burial followed at Middleton Cemetery in Kenansville.

Left to cherish her precious memories: three sisters-inlaw; a host of nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, cousins and friends that will miss her dearly.

Erwin Schultz Jr.

Nov. 27, 1944 – April 15, 2024

(age 79)

Erwin Schultz, Jr. passed away on Monday, April 15, 2024.

All services are private.

Survivors include: spouse, Huguette Schultz of Pink Hill; daughters, Alicia Elizabeth Schultz of Waterbury, Connecticut, Johanna Marie Schultz of Garland, Texas; sisters, Sandra O’Rielly of Bristol, Connecticut, Sally Witick of Plymouth, Connecticut; and brother, Edward Schultz of California.

FARRIOR from page 1

“A little over 10 years ago, the Parks and Recreation Department approached the town council of Wallace and said, ‘Hey, we need some more space. We want to do some more things, and we’re growing.’ Thankfully, the town council agreed with us and 10 years later, here we are.”

Phase 3 includes a new playground, picnic shelters, bathrooms, a walking trail around the smaller pond, dog park, corn hole and horseshoe area, and a kayak launch at Boney Mill Pond.

The park was named for former Mayor Charley Farrior, who was instrumental in making the park a reality. “First and foremost, we want to thank former Mayor Charley Farrior and the former town council, as well as the current town council for their support along the way on this project,” Wells said.

“There have been a lot of folks who helped this come to fruition,” he added, naming Brittany Shipp with Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF), Sarah Zambon with the North Carolina Department of Justice, North Carolina Wildlife, Todd McDu ee with Carolina Parks and Play, Rob Moul with Davey Resource Group, David Bradshaw, DPH Construction, the Wallace Rotary Club (which made a $25,000 donation), Friends of the Wallace Parks, various private donors, and the town of Wallace sta . “It’s not just about a place to come and play; it’s about growing with your community,” the mayor said. “It’s about being the heartbeat of our town. Kids today are so tied up with cell phones and games and social media. This is a place for those youth and kids and adults alike to reconnect with nature and escape the daily stresses.” Many people don’t know the park even exists, Wells said. They may drive by the

Boney Mill on East Southerland Street and not know there’s an entire park down the gravel road of Rose Avenue. “This is what I like to call Duplin County’s little diamond in the rough,” he said.

“If you think about Wallace, the rst thing that comes to my mind is the mill pond, but if you take a chance to come back here and explore and see what we have to o er, it truly is a diamond in the rough.”

When it was Farrior’s turn to speak, he stated, “Jason said it’s a diamond in the rough; I think it’s a diamond in Wallace’s crown.” Farrior shared that the town had purchased the property in July of 2014. “The price of the property was $940,000,” Farrior said. “So, the rst thing to do was try to gure out, how are we going to get the money?”

There were a couple of other properties the town had in mind for a new park, but it turned out that the Boney Mill Pond area won out in terms of its sheer size and beauty. In order to pay for the property, the town was awarded a PARTF grant, which paid about half the amount. The town was also awarded a Clean Water Grant, which accounted for another $250,000. “So we ended up borrowing about $220,000 to buy this property,” Farrior explained. “I’ll make that trade any day. We had it paid o in three years.”

Now that Phase 3 is complete, the town hopes to add in soccer and baseball elds, as well as revamp the old Boney Mill itself.

“My dream and hope is that someday, we can get the mill house working again,” Farrior said. He also talked about the tobacco barns and pack house that are at the rear of the property. “There’s a lot of history here,” he said. “It’s just a special place in my heart, a special place in Wallace.”