Duplin Journal Vol. 8, Issue 49 by North State Journal

VOLUME 8 ISSUE 49 | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2024

DUPLINJOURNAL.COM

Duplin Journal THE DUPLIN COUNTY EDITION OF THE NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Springtime in January!

the

BRIEF

Duplin County experienced some warm temperatures and (mostly) sunny skies over the weekend, prompting Jairo Martinez Jr. and his family to head to Clement Park in Wallace for a casual game of soccer on Sunday afternoon, Jan. 28. Many more folks were out enjoying the springlike weather by playing basketball, going for walks, or letting their children play on the playground. Temperatures are expected to cool off this week. See the full weather forecast on Page 2.

this week

Juvenile arrested for murder Kenansville A 17-year-old juvenile was arrested and charged with murder last week, for the Dec. 15, 2023 murder of Anthony Murray. The juvenile was arrested by the Wallace Police Department and is being held by the Dept of Juvenile Justice.

DJS

Conscious Discipline Training for Duplin County early educators Duplin County Partnership for Children is hosting Conscious Discipline Training, a free conference for Duplin County early educators on March 23, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Light breakfast, lunch and snacks will be served. Deadline to register is March 15. For more information call 910-296-2000.

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COVID-19 leading cause of hospital admissions in the last month Kenansville The Duplin County Health Department reported that COVID-19 has been a leading cause of emergency visits and hospital admissions in the past month. Officials recommend getting the vaccine to reduce severe symptoms. The COVID vaccine is offered at the Duplin County Health Department daily from 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m., no appointment is necessary. For information, call 910-2962130.

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Magnolia cracks down on junk vehicles Magnolia Vehicles in violation of the town code need to be brought in compliance. As a courtesy to the public the town has started placing an orange sticker on nonoperable and unregistered vehicles. These stickers are notices to make residents aware that the vehicle is in violation and a process has begun. If you have a junked vehicle just sitting on your property, consider reaching out to a salvage yard and put a little extra money in your pocket. If you need assistance bringing your property into lawful compliance, call 910289-9900.

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ABBY CAVENAUGH | DUPLIN JOURNAL

Focus Broadband continues to expand rural broadband infrastructure in Duplin Wallace Family Lane, parts of Hargroves Drive and Pasture Branch Road in Greenevers, and parts of East Sampson Street and Blind Bridge Road in Magnolia and near James Barnette Lane. For the past 65 years the By Ena Sellers company has been focused on Duplin Journal building access to broadband KENANSVILLE – FOCUS in areas identified by the state Broadband to begin high-speed as under-served, Heustess told Internet fiber optic infrastruc- the Duplin Journal. Adding that most of the funding ture construction came from the Grownear Chinquapin, ing Rural Economies Maready, Cypress through Access to Creek, Jackson CrossTechnology (NCroads, Quinns Store, “I hope by GREAT). and Pin Hook in the the end of “In 2020, Focus spring. Broadband built 59 According to Jody the year, miles of high-speed Heustess, Focus we’ve gotten Internet fiber optic Broadband VP of infrastructure to pass marketing & custom- most of that 423 addresses, coner care, by the end of knocked out.” tributing more than 2024, Focus Broad$1.2 million to that band is expected to Jody Heustess, project. In 2021, we have built a total of won a second grant to 190 miles of high- Focus build 58 more miles speed Internet fiber Broadband VP of fiber – that was a optic infrastructure of marketing & $2 million project, we across Duplin County. customer care put in $600,000, and Broadband Interthe grant covered $1.4 net is now available for some addresses in the Old million, roughly, and that was to NC Highway 903 and South cover 600 more addresses… In NC Highway 11-903 area be- 2022, we won a third grant, that tween Magnolia and Kenans- was to put in 73 miles of fiber, ville. Near Carr Town Drive and South NC Highway 50 between Minnie Farrior Lane and See BROADBAND, page 5

Public encouraged to take survey to determine if their areas have received funding for broadband

ABBY CAVENAUGH | DUPLIN JOURNAL

This plot of land in the town of Wallace, abutting Town Hall at the corner of Southerland and Graham streets, is the proposed site for a new 20,000-square-foot public safety facility, which the town council discussed at a meeting on Jan. 25.

Wallace council approves builder, architect for new public safety center New building would house fire, police under one roof By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal WALLACE -- The Wallace Town Council has moved one step closer to a new public safety facility, which would house the town’s police and fire departments. During a continued meeting on Thursday night, Jan. 25, the council voted unanimously to hire Jackson Builders and design firm Stewart-Cooper-Newell to build and design the proposed 20,000-square-

Magnolia’s officials discuss future small business incubator Board approves new recreation master plan By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal MAGNOLIA- Gears are churning in the quaint Town of Magnolia, as local officials move forward with plans to develop a small business incubator. According to Mayor Dawn Ward, a representative from the International Economic Development Council visited the Town of Magnolia on Jan. 22

and met with town and county leadership as well as James Sprunt Community College officials to help facilitate a plan to apply for grants. Mayor Ward explained that the IEDC representative has been working with Town Manager Charles “Twig” Rollins on the next steps needed to move forward with this initiative. Last year the town was awarded a grant to perform an environmental assessment on the building that will be re-purposed. The town has been work-

ing on bringing new businesses to Magnolia with the goal of restoring it to its thriving days. “We’re trying to get it started and help revitalize our downtown,” said Mayor Ward. ”We’re really excited about it. Had some good meetings over the last couple of days.” The mayor shared that another highlight for the month of January is that the Magnolia Board of Commissioners passed See INCUBATOR, page 2

foot facility. A building committee consisting of Mayor Jason Wells, Council Member Frank Brinkley, Police Chief Jimmy Crayton and Fire Chief Taylor Johnson narrowed down six proposals to two, and then ultimately chose Jackson Builders, with Stewart-Cooper-Newell to perform the design work. Mayor Wells spoke first, reminding the council that several years ago, Stewart-Cooper-Newell had performed a needs assessment for the town. “They knew a lot about our town See PUBLIC SAFETY, page 5

“We’re excited because it is really going to build up the community, and it is right there on 117. It is really going to increase the quality of life.” Charles “Twig” Rollins

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Duplin Journal for Wednesday, January 31, 2024

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DUPLIN CALENDAR SPONSORED BY

Duplin Journal

Neal Robbins, Publisher publisher@northstatejournal.com

Jim Sills, VP of Local Newspapers jim@northstatejournal.com

Ena Sellers, News Editor

Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in Duplin County: JAN. 31 x The Thelma Dingus Bryant Library in Wallace is hosting a pet food drive to benefit Duplin County Animal Services now through Jan. 31. Please drop off bags or cans of pet food, towels and blankets at the library, located at 409 W. Main St., Wallace.

ena@northstatejournal.com

FEB. 1

Abby Cavenaugh, Features/Business Editor

x The Board of Elections will hold a board meeting at the at 160 Mallard Street in Kenansville. For more information contact 910-296-2170.

abby@northstatejournal.com

Michael Jaenicke, Sports Editor michael@northstatejournal.com

David Guy, Advertising Manager dguy@northstatejournal.com

FEB. 2 x Night to Shine, sponsored by

Tim Tebow Foundation on Friday, Feb. 9. Night to Shine is a prom night experience, centered on God’s love, for people with special needs, ages 14 and older. Poston Baptist Church in Wallace part of this growing worldwide movement where thousands of people with special needs will be celebrated and reminded of God’s love for them

x Book reading, crafts, snacks, and activities for ages 3-7, at the Campbell Center, located at 513 SE Railroad St in Wallace. For more information, call 910-285-2905. FEB. 3 x More than 500 prom dresses, shoes, and jewelry to choose from for free will be available at First Baptist Church of Wallace on Feb. 3. The giveaway is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., to young women attending Wallace-Rose Hill High School, Pender High School, and Pender Christian Academy, and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., to those attending James Kenan High School, East Duplin High School, Duplin Early College and Pender Early College. Prom Glitz will be at 408 W. Main St. Enter through the front of the Sanctuary doors to register. No children allowed. Only one person may accompany the student.

Get in touch

www duplinjournal.com

INCUBATOR from page 1 the recreation master plan, which will be implemented in stages starting with the gym, for which they have already secured the money. The rest of the plan would be done in stages as they secure additional grant funding. “We’re moving forward with that,” said Mayor Ward, explaining that the next step is to apply for a North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) grant next month to go along with the grant the town won for the gym renovation. “We’re excited about that,” said Mayor Ward. Rollins explained that the

x Saddle up for the best rodeo action on dirt featuring the best rodeo athletes on the east coast on Friday, Feb. 9 and Saturday, Feb. 10, starting at 7 p.m., at the Duplin Events Center. Advance tickets are $15 for adults. Tickets for 6–12-year-olds are $10 and 5 and under are free. At the door adult tickets are $20, Tickets for 6–12-year-olds are $15. Concessions will be available at the arena. No dogs or coolers are allowed. x Get ready for a night full of love, laughter, and dancing at the Sweetheart Ball on Friday, Feb. 9, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at 216 North East Railroad Street in Wallace. The cost is $12.50. For more

and possession of drug paraphernalia. The bond was set at $80,000.

methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. The bond was set at $20,000.

x Vane Hubert Rodgerson II, 39, faced charges of two counts of trafficking in methamphetamine, felony possession of Schedule II controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver methamphetamine. The bond was set at $15,000.

x Nathan Hales McDuffie, 40, faced a charge of felony larceny, and the bond was set at $10,000.00.

details, contact The Friends of the Wallace Parks. FEB. 13 x Duplin County Partnership for Children invites the public to craft night on Feb. 13, 5:30 - 8 p.m., at Kenansville Baptist Church, located at 114 Routledge Road. Crafts will be available for children ages 3-5. Please RSVP by Feb. 9 to Karen Pacheco at 910-2962000. Each child will receive a friendship themed book. Limited space. FEB. 17 x America’s Wildest Monster Truck Show is coming to Kenansville on Feb. 17, featuring National TV Monster Trucks including world-famous Outlaw, the brand-new Shark Attack, the ferocious debut of T-Rex, and from Tombstone, AZ, Sheriff. See these superstars as they compete in earth-shaking, ground-pounding, high-flying excitement and get a chance to ride on Backdraft. Post show drivers’ autographs will be available at the Duplin Events Center.

CRIME LOG JAN. 25

x Thomas Joseph Robinson, 51, was booked on multiple charges, including three counts of trafficking methamphetamine, possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver methamphetamine, felony possession of Schedule II controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and maintaining a vehicle, dwelling, or place for a controlled substance. The bond is set at $150,000. x Teresa Renay Clark, 51, was booked into the Duplin County Jail on a charge of simple assault. The bond is set at $500.00.

Duplin Journal

FEB. 9

x The Duplin County Democratic Cake Auction will be on Feb. 3, at the Country Squire Restaurant, Warsaw, N.C. The event begins at 4:30 p.m.

To place a classified or display ad: 919-663-3232; Fax: 919-663-4042

To submit a news tip or correction: 919-663-3232

Prior to dinner, voters will have an opportunity to talk with candidates. The cake auction starts at 6:30 p.m., when more than 16 primary candidates present their finest baked treasures for the Duplin County Democratic Cake Auction. The public is invited, by ticket, to attend the fundraising cake auction to support candidates of their choice. For more information, call 910-284-0602.

x Jeffrey Alan Gurganus, 56, faced charges of two counts of trafficking in methamphetamine, felony possession of Schedule II controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver methamphetamine. The bond was set at $25,000.00.

x Shannon Barbee, 53, was booked into the Duplin County Jail on charges of two counts of trafficking in methamphetamine, possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver methamphetamine, felony possession of Schedule II controlled substance,

x Ashley Marie Edwards, 33, was booked into the Duplin County Jail on charges of possessing

town has four acres of land where the old auditorium was located, and the recommendation was to build a multipurpose facility. He added that the town board chose BENESH Consulting to do their park and recreation master plan. Among the recommendations for the current gym structure are to refurbish the roof, put in a new ceiling, replace all doors, put in air conditioning and heating, LED lighting, and add Wi-Fi technology. Rollins added that they plan to reconfigure the area where they have the bleachers, so they would go on the long side, and re-stripe the floors for pickleball, shuffleboard, and other

indoor games that folks and senior citizens could use,” said Rollins adding that they will also have technology so they can show movies or make presentations. “So that’s kind of what the plan is. We are waiting on the final rendition.” Rollins told the Duplin Journal that they will be applying for grants and plan to work on phases as they secure funding to start implementing the master plan. The new master plan has regulation soccer and football fields, a basketball court, a volleyball court, four recreational areas, a playground, bathroom, pickleball and horseshoes areas, and even an area to host

x Jonathan Paul Wells, 45, faced multiple charges, including obtaining property by false pretense, felony probation violation, attempting to obtain property by false pretense, uttering a forged instrument, larceny after breaking and entering, breaking and entering, possession of stolen goods, and he is also being held on a child support cash bond of $2,500. The total bond was set at $102,500.

assault on a female, two counts of possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver Schedule II controlled substance, two counts of selling Schedule II controlled substance, two counts of delivering Schedule II controlled substance, and two counts of possessing drug paraphernalia. The bond was set at $58,000.

JAN. 27

x Timothy Charles Wiggins, 41, was booked into the Duplin County Jail on a charge of simple assault. The bond was set at $1,000. x Jonathan Mario Morrisey, 33, faced charges of

To report crime anonymously, call the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 910-372-9202 or you may also submit information at cc.southernsoftware. com/tipsubmission/ through the Duplin County Citizens Connect website.

outdoor concerts. Rollins also spoke about a walking track that will go around the facility and a future dog park across Peterson Street. “It’s a little area right now that just has swing sets, the recommendation of the recreation committee was to put a dog park there so people could walk their dogs and socialize,” said Rollins, adding that they have started the process of getting cost estimates for the features outside of the gym project. Rollins shared they are excited about the master plan and the planned upgrades to the old gym. “It gives our young people something to do. The gymna-

sium gives a place for our senior citizens to come, where they can do chair yoga, and they can do pickleball, which is the fastest growing sport in America. They can do shuffleboard and do all the things they enjoy... and they will have a heated, and air-conditioned space. We consulted with the Department of Aging here in the county about what they thought and those were the recommendations they came up with. “We’ll have something a little bit for everybody,” said Rollins. “We’re excited because it is really going to build up the community, and it is right there on 117. It is really going to increase the quality of life.”

Duplin Journal for Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Duplin County Elections DUPLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONER The Primary election is March 5. Candidates for Duplin County Commissioner were invited to participate in the Duplin Journal’s Q&A. Below are the candidates responses received as of press time. Incumbent Elwood Garner (Rep) is being challenged by Cindy Sallis (Rep) in the County Commissioner

District 01 race. Incumbent Wayne Branch (Dem) is running uncontested in the general election to keep the County Commissioner District 05 seat. Incumbent Jesse Dowe (Dem) is being challenged by Mary L. Williams-Boykin (Dem) in the County Commissioner District 04 race. During the primary voters will

commissioners have funded and approved the following capital projects: • Animal Care and Control Facility at a cost of $3.9 million • Public Transportation Facility at a cost of $4.2 million • Senior and Veteran Services Facility at a cost of $5 million

ELWOOD GARNER

Why have you decided to run for re-election? As a lifelong resident of Duplin County, a current business owner in the county and a former county employee, county government has always been and will remain an area near and dear to my heart. I also value the tax paying citizens of the county and I have and will continue to make the best decisions with them in mind.

As most citizens have heard, the county is in the process of building a new detention center for the Duplin Sheriff’s Office. This facility could potentially be under contract during the month of February 2024. All of the above projects have been funded to date with no tax increase. Employee retention and recruiting have been a challenge in Duplin County, what solutions would you recommend if elected?

The Board of Commissioners must work with the county administrative team to promote employee efficiency and operating cost saving measures to keep expenses as low as possible.

In 2021, the Board of Commissioners were informed by the former county manager and his management team there was a need to perform a county wide pay study for employees. The Board of Commissioners voted to fund the pay study. The completed study was presented with three different options to address the employee compensation issues. The commissioners voted to fully fund the proposed pay study effective July 1, 2022, at a cost of approximately $5 million in additional compensation across all county government. However, this has not fixed the retention and recruitment issues across county government, as the commissioners were lead to believe. Commissioners are working with the current management team to view different options available to the commissioners.

What do you see as the most pressing need for Capital projects in the county?

How long have you lived in Duplin? Where is your hometown?

Recently, the board of

47 years. Kenansville.

What are the two biggest challenges facing the Duplin County Board of Commissioners? How would you approach those challenges? The two biggest challenges to the Duplin County Board of Commissioners are: a. Continuing to provide the current level of county services in the most efficient and effective ways possible. b. Maintaining a level of taxation that tax paying citizens can afford.

CINDY SALLIS

Why have you decided to run for County Commissioner? As a constitutional Republic, our elected officials are to selflessly serve the needs of their community as a whole and not special interests. Building and strengthening our county for all our families and the future of our children and grandchildren is my priority, increasing opportunities for our young adults and supporting our farm families so they can thrive. What are the two biggest challenges facing the Duplin County Board of Commissioners? How would you approach those challenges? The biggest challenge is possibly that the capacity of our county jail is far too small. Hopefully the county finds a way to move ahead with a 236 bed facility somehow. That said, interest rates are sky high so unfortunately since some of the cost likely may need to be financed, it would likely be most prudent to wait until those rates lower. Fortunately, many financial experts have predicted interest rates should start falling to some degree as soon as this summer. Interest rates and fluctuating building costs are essential considerations regarding timing. The second biggest challenge is creating opportunities in Duplin for our young adults while preserving and protecting our character as an agricultural community so our farm families can thrive. As farmers cope with new regulations, a new

choose which candidates should be their party of preference nominee, the winners will be on the general election ballot in November along with the candidates who are running unopposed. To become a party nominee, the candidate should get at least 30% of the votes, plus one. If you have not registered to vote, the deadline to register is Feb. 9 by 5 p.m.

marketing landscape, and so many expenses, I would love to see opportunities developed to enable and train young adults to support them even in less traditional ways. This can include as grant writers, handling their social media presence, and even flying drones. I would love to see James Sprunt offer specialized training for these things. Our county has vacant and available spaces, so brainstorming ways to bring in business that complements the character of our community, including adaptive reuse for older buildings, is important. So many community leaders came together and helped with the vision and bringing in the funding for the Duplin County Airpark. This should ultimately attract business and serve many Duplin farm families well. What do you see as the most pressing need for Capital projects in the county? One bridge needs to be replaced and one repaired on the US 117 and work should begin this year. Our county jail is inadequately small. The Department of Health is also outgrowing their space. Chinquapin Elementary School does not yet have an auxiliary gym and this is essential for the children. We are blessed that so many came together with a vision and have found the funding for several industrial parks that will surely bring more opportunities/employment to our community. The Duplin County AirPark will certainly be a game changer logistically for our local farmers. Employee retention and recruiting have been a challenge in Duplin County, what solutions would you recommend if elected? Our county employees are facing rising costs just like the rest of us yet they do not have cost of living increases. Incentives need to be looked at hard. The true value of the full county employee package needs to be well explained and understood. It is excellent that county employees

See SALLIS, page 12

WAYNE BRANCH

Why have you decided to run for re-election? After much prayer and meditation and after consulting with constituents in my district as well as other Duplin County citizens, I have decided to run for re-election to the Duplin County Board of County Commissioners. I ran for office to help make a difference in the lives of everyone living in Duplin County. I genuinely care about people and believe that citizens need someone who is committed to speaking intelligently about issues and willing to work diligently and collaboratively with others to find answers to resolve issues. I believe I have been effective in serving the people in my district as well as others throughout Duplin County. I have grown in the areas of courage, desire, knowledge and understanding. I believe these characteristics will aid me to be a more effective commissioner in a second term. I will remain committed to doing what is right for everyone, without reservation, every day. What are the two biggest challenges facing the Duplin County Board of Commissioners? How would you approach those challenges? Two concerning challenges facing the Duplin County Board of Commissioners is Recruitment and Retention of County Employees & Water and Sewer Capacity for County. Regarding Recruitment and

See BRANCH, page 12

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Duplin Journal for Wednesday, January 31, 2024

OPINION Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor VISUAL VOICES

COLUMN | AUSTIN OBASOHAN

Honoring a student-centered Board of Education Duplin County Schools is grateful for our board members and their families for all they sacrifice to ensure our students have the best education possible.

MEMBERS OF THE DUPLIN COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION were recently honored as we celebrated School Board Appreciation month in January. As we honor the commitment of our board members all year long, January tends to be a little more special as we get an opportunity to share with our board members what they truly mean to our school system and community. On January 18, 2024, members of our faith-based, parent, and student advisory groups took the time to express sincere gratitude to our Board of Education who works tirelessly to ensure every one of our children has the opportunities to make their dreams come true. Our Board Chairman, Mr. Brent Davis, Vice-Chairman, Mr. Reginald Kenan, Mrs. Pam Edwards, Mr. David Jones and Mr. Cladius Morissey are not only dedicated to the tremendous job of governing our district, but they work hard to ensure that all children are at the center of every decision made. The Board of Education is involved in many roles and responsibilities that ultimately contribute to the success of the district such as, school system planning and growth, policy adoption, conduct meetings, fiscal management oversight, student achievement, personnel,

community relations and so much more. We are grateful for the time and energy they invest in our school community. The countless hours they spend away from their families, in meetings, visiting schools, attending seminars, school events, and talking with community members is extraordinary, but it is done through a passion to serve our precious children. Duplin County Schools is grateful for our board members and their families for all they sacrifice to ensure our students have the best education possible. We are blessed by their continued dedication to come together as one to ensure our students can discover their interests, dream their biggest dreams, and create pathways to help those dreams come true. Our school system and community are blessed to have the stability, commitment and consistent student-centered leadership of our board. Their combined service to education is hard to beat. Dr. Austin Obasohan is the Duplin County Schools Superintendent.

COLUMN | BEN SHAPIRO

Notes From Auschwitz According to a recent Harvard/ Harris poll, 67% of people aged 18-24 in the United States say that the Jews “as a class are oppressors and should be treated as oppressors.”

LAST WEEK, I VISITED AUSCHWITZ. I had never before visited any of the death camps. The experience is absolutely chilling. Auschwitz, of course, was a complex of camps, the three largest of which were Auschwitz I, the camp most famous for the terrifyingly Orwellian German slogan welded onto its entrance, “ARBEIT MACHT FREI” ― ”WORK SETS YOU FREE”. Auschwitz II, also known as Birkenau, the massive death factory at which the Germans operated four large gas chambers, each of which could be used to murder 2,000 people at a time; and Auschwitz III, a large labor camp. Visiting in January, with the ice covering the ground, is a reminder of the cruelties that are possible when human beings commit to the perverse disease of Jew-hatred. Auschwitz was liberated some 79 years ago this month. But that perverse disease is alive and well. As survivor Marian Turski says, “Auschwitz did not fall suddenly from the skies, it was all tiny steps approaching until what happened here behind me did happen.” That gradualism masked the greatest evil in world history. As we descended into Krakow for the visit, I read the diaries of Victor Klemperer, a secular, intermarried Jew who had converted to Protestantism and who lived in Dresden during the period of Hitler’s rule. Klemperer details the slow but steady changes that turned Jews into outcasts, no matter their ideology or even religious practice. Klemperer, for his part, considered himself a good German and the Nazis the outliers; even in 1942, Klemperer wrote, “I am fighting the most difficult of battles for my Germanness now. I must hold on to it: I am German, the others are unGerman.” His protestations meant nothing. Why? Because Jew-hatred is and was a conspiracy theory rooted in the supposed power of the Jew. And there is nothing new about that theory; it is seductive and easy and ancient. In Egypt, Pharaoh spoke thus: “Look, the children of Israel are too numerous and large for us. Let us deal shrewdly with them, so that they may not increase.” In Persia, Haman told Ahasuerus, “There is a certain people, scattered and dispersed among the other peoples in all the provinces of your realm, whose laws are different from those of

any other people and who do not obey the king’s laws.” In Poland, Bogdan Chmielnicki told the Poles that they had been sold by the Polish nobility “into the hands of the accursed Jews.” In Russia, the bestselling “Protocols of the Elders of Zion” alleged a Jewish conspiracy to exploit and control the gentile world. In Germany, Hitler wrote that the Jews sought to make the gentile world “ripe for the slave’s lot of permanent subjugation.” Today, across the Muslim world, the toxic proposition that the Jews control the world is a popular notion and provides justification for murderous terrorist attacks on Jewish civilians: according to a recent poll from the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies, only 5% of all Middle Eastern and North African Arabs condemned Oct. 7 as an “illegitimate operation.” Across time and place, such ideas sprang from religion, from ethnic polarization, from nationalistic excess. Today, at least in the West, such ideas spring from an ideology that suggests a hierarchy of oppression that dominates Western societies, in which disproportionately successful groups are victimizers and disproportionately unsuccessful groups the victimized. It is no coincidence that LGBTQ+ and BLM activists, who propagate that victim/victimizer narrative, side with the genocidal Jew-hating terror group Hamas. According to a recent Harvard/Harris poll, some 67% of people aged 18-24 in the United States say that the Jews “as a class are oppressors and should be treated as oppressors.” Visiting Auschwitz, one can see the apex results of such perverse ideas. Another Holocaust may not be right around the corner; geopolitical conditions are not what they were in 1940, and no serious power has the means and capacity to accomplish anything like the Holocaust today (though Iran armed with a nuclear bomb would be a different story). But certainly the slogan “Never Again” cannot be used by those who currently hand-wave the atrocities of Oct. 7 in the name of fighting supposed “Jewish power.” The only way to stop Jew-hatred is to stop conspiratorial thinking — particularly the conspiratorial thinking of those in the West who despise meritocracy itself and instead see the mirage of the “powerful Jew” hiding behind every problem. Ben Shapiro, 39, is a graduate of UCLA and Harvard Law School, host of “The Ben Shapiro Show,” and co-founder of Daily Wire+.

Duplin Journal for Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Authorities seize gun, ammo from WRH student’s car The incident is under investigation By Duplin Journal ROSE HILL – Duplin County Schools issued the following statement on Feb. 24 in response to a gun found inside a Wallace-Rose Hill High School student’s vehicle.

“At approximately 8:20 AM, on Tuesday, January 24, the School Resource Officer at Wallace-Rose Hill High School was notified that a student was in possession of a firearm on school property. The School Resource Officer quickly investigated and found the student in the vehicle along with a loaded firearm and ammunition in the back

seat. The School Resource Officer confiscated the firearm from the vehicle without incident. Both Duplin County Schools and the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office take these types of incidents very seriously and are issuing consequences that strictly follow NC law and board policy. We encourage anyone with information that may pose a threat

to our school family to contact school administration or law enforcement immediately. Please be assured student and staff safety is a top priority for Wallace-Rose Hill and Duplin County Schools. Following the incident, the school was secure and students and staff were safe. There is an ongoing investigation by law enforcement.”

ects since 1997. “I [told them], do your homework. And they did,” Peterson said. “I felt the connection with the town of Wallace and Jackson Builders. To me, communication is the key to a smooth project, and getting what we want.” Although the town approved contracting with Jackson Builders and Stewart-Cooper-Newell, a new public safety facility is still a ways down the road, the mayor pointed out. “In the shortterm, get a plan together with some sort of idea of what the cost may be, with the intention of going back to the legislature to try to figure out how to fund the rest,” he stated. “Whether it comes from the legislature or somewhere else, we’re going to figure out how to get this done and how to pay for it.” Before the vote was taken, Brinkley expressed some concern about fitting a new 20,000-square-foot facility on the proposed lot, which is adjacent to town hall and faces Southerland Street. “It just bothers me that there doesn’t seem to be enough

room, that we’re going to try to squeeze a huge ass building on that lot,” he said Wells conceded that it might be a tight squeeze, but he pointed out that Jackson Builders and Stewart-Cooper-Newell will give the town “multiple options.” “When we know what the options are, we’ll know if that lot is going to work or not,” he said. “What I don’t want to happen is for you guys to compromise just to have something and put it there,” Brinkley said. Crayton said he had some of the same concerns. “When we did this needs assessment, they told us in x number of years, you’re going to need this many square feet. And that number was 35,000 square feet,” he explained. “So when this opportunity came around and we got this money from the legislature, they said, ‘all right boys. Start cutting.’ So we started cutting down to what we knew it was going to cost to build per square foot. We knew what we thought we could afford, and that meant we had to cut 15,000 square

feet off that building. What I’m afraid of is that both of us have cut to where we’re building a building that we’re already maxed out at.” After some discussion, Mayor Wells said, “I think the step forward is to go with these guys who know what they’re doing. We need to make sure that we’re looking down the road, and we need to make sure that we’re not short-sighted just to fill an immediate need. At the same time, on the flip side, I don’t want us to be sitting here in the next five to 10 years trying to figure out a dream station.” The council then unanimously approved moving forward with Jackson Builders. In other business at the Jan. 25 meeting, the council: • Approved a request for to serve alcohol at the Wallace Depot Gala on March 23 and the Carolina Strawberry Festival May 3-4. • Adopted a resolution opposing a 71% increase in homeowners insurance rates within Duplin County.

“The School Resource Officer quickly investigated and found the student in the vehicle along with a loaded firearm and ammunition in the back seat.” Duplin County Schools

PUBLIC SAFETY from page 1 and changes we have coming, and tried to anticipate not only our current needs, but our future needs,” he said. Chief Jimmy Crayton also praised Jackson Builders and Stewart-Cooper-Newell. “Yes, Stewart-Cooper-Newell did our needs assessment, but before they even submitted their proposal for our needs assessment two years ago, they came over and they spent quite a bit of time with me, and quite a bit of time with [then-Fire Chief] Chuck [Farrior], and with [then-Town Manager] Larry [Bergman] before they even submitted their bid. We had seven proposals back then and they were the only ones who showed up.” When compared to other builders vying for the project, Fire Chief Johnson said he “just got the feeling that Jackson was more down home,” and that the communication between the town and Jackson would flow better. Local contractor and volunteer firefighter Dwayne Peterson also gave his feedback on Jackson, whom he said he was worked with on various proj-

BROADBAND from page 1 that is almost a $4.6 million dollar project,” said Heustess, adding that the grant covers $3.9 million. Focus Broadband covered $535,000 and the county covered $150,000 to make high-speed Internet available to 972 addresses. According to Heustess, they hope to finish building the last portion by the end of the year. “That’s what we’re starting to work on now, and I hope by the end of the year, we’ve gotten most of that knocked out,” said Heustess. Heustess added that the first customers would likely be “around the Maple Hill area, we are going to connect our network from Pender County up into Duplin there, and those will be the first ones to come up. We are still having some design work in the areas that are further north around Beulaville, but once that design work is finished, we would also go ahead and try to put some separate crews working up there, so we would attack it from the south to the north, and the north to the south.” When asked how they are serving farmers, Heustess shared that their service can be used to monitor chicken and hog houses. “Farmers have very specific

needs... but there is a lot of stuff that can be done using an Internet connection to help monitor those houses. Having the Internet there allows them to put cameras in, so that they can look in on it remotely at any point. You can monitor temperature, you can monitor humidity, any of the monitoring technologies that they would have that they would be able to use if they had the Internet. Our Internet access makes those things possible, and we have seen a lot of that happen after we put the Internet to a place where people want to connect grow houses,” said Heustess. “In terms of a farmer and a tractor out in a field, that’s sort of a different animal because the Internet that we provide is to a point, but it is not ubiquitous Wi-Fi. Tractors use a different kind of Internet from satellites or cellular to do field mapping,” he explained. We’ve made the Internet available to farmers’ homes, to where they can get crop reports, check weather, and do all kinds of things, maybe, download software for a tractor… because a lot of tractors use software and plug in to the Internet and do it that way.” Heustess explained if there is a structure at an address point,

they can provide broadband to it. “Let’s say that you had a big greenhouse... We can provide Internet to the structure for that greenhouse to have Internet access inside of it… What ours does not necessarily do, is if you have a field that is surrounded by nothing.” Heustess explained that they do not serve the entire county. ”There are still unserved areas in Duplin County that remain. There’s fewer now than there used to be,” said Heustess, adding that the state is rolling out additional grant programs like the Completing Access to Broadband program that are available this year. “There are other programs coming that will be funded by federal dollars,” said Heustess. “We’ll continue to look at those funding opportunities and to see if there are additional places in Duplin County that conceivably need service and try to put together applications to serve them.” Heustess added that there are places in the county that may still be unserved and may not have had any grant money awarded because they were not part of an application. The public can access information that shows where broadband grants have been awarded

through the North Carolina Department of Information Technology at https://www.nconemap.gov/ The site has a NC broadband funding map, a CAB planning tool, and a broadband survey, that people can use to look up their address and find out if funding has been made available for their area and if it is marked for development. Heustess recommends for those who are unserved to take the survey to let folks know their area is unserved. “And that way it hits the map and providers are able to see, and the county is able to see it,” said Heustess, explaining that the Federal Communications Commission defines a connection faster than 25/3 megabits per second as broadband Internet, therefore an area with less than that, it would show as unserved “and that address becomes eligible for funding.” In Duplin, an estimated 637, or 2.4% of households have taken the broadband survey, 78% have less than 25 Mbps/3 Mbps and 60% have less than 10 Mbps/1 Mbps, 298 have no wired Internet and 13 have no Internet at all. Visit FasterDuplin.com to view FOCUS Broadband service map in Duplin County.

Duplin Spay/Neuter Initiative Duplin Pet Friends of Duplin County, a small all-volunteer group committed to helping companion animals in Duplin County, spayed/neutered 98 dogs and 90 cats in FY 2023. Pet Friends is currently seeking donations for its 2024 Spay/ Neuter Program. With support from the community, PFDC hopes to save animal lives, help the shelter, ease rescue efforts, and improve the community as they try to curb the overpopulation and related suffering of unwanted animals in the area. Donations are tax deductible and may be mailed to PFDC Spay/Neuter, P.O. Box 152, Wallace, NC 28466. No donation is too small. Visit petfriendsonline.org/spay-neuter to apply for spay/neuter financial assistance.

National Wear Red Day is Friday, Feb. 2 Kenansville On Friday, Feb. 2, ECU Health Duplin Hospital and many other organizations will participate in National Wear Red Day for National Heart Month. Those who wish to participate are encouraged to post a photo of themselves and tag ECU Health’s Facebook or Instagram @ecuhealthnc. Use the hashtags #ECUHealthHeart and #LoveYourHeart.

Paint your own “Starry Night” Chinquapin Blame the Moon Jewelry and Crafts is hosting a paint party at Wendy’s Restaurant in Chinquapin on Feb. 3, from noon to 3 p.m. Blank canvas, paint, and brushes will be provided. Cost is $35 per painter, and pre-registration is recommended. Call 910-2891405 for more information. Got local business news? Let us know about any grand openings, new businesses, noteworthy achievements, or upcoming events, and we’ll share it with the community here. Email Features/Business Editor Abby Cavenaugh at abby@ northstatejournal.com. The Duplin Journal reserves the right to edit for content, brevity, and clarity.

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accolades Warsaw Elementary School announces Principal’s List, Honor Roll Warsaw Elementary School has released the Principal’s List and Honor Roll for the second nine weeks of the 2023-24 academic year. In order to qualify for the Principal’s List, students must maintain an A average for the nine weeks grading period, while Honor Roll students maintain an A/B average.

Principal’s List Third Grade: Alexsander DeLeon Diaz, Evelin Diaz Palos, Anari Faison, Legend Jones, Brittany Lizardo Ramos, Jaylen Morales Lopez, Neev Patel, Jafet Ruiz Zuniga, Ahmad Smith, Javion Smith, Haleigh Wallace, Joshua Wilson, Josiah Wilson, Santiago Zavala Ramos. Fourth Grade: Kenya Morrisey, Tanner Mouton. Fifth Grade: Emmanuel Roldan Padilla. Sixth Grade: Endara Alkanshaly, Valeria Chavero, Shira Jiang, Malani Murphy. Seventh Grade: Aiden Chavira, Dayra Garay Rodriguez, Iker Lizardo Lizama, Javion Peterson. Eighth Grade: Dekota Davis, Osmel Garcia, Sophia Garcia, Analia Ortez Osorio, Lizeth Paz Lizardo, Diego Ruiz-Zuniga, Daniel Sanchez Roldan, Kira Sherrod, Jaylon Smith, Shakirah Thompson.

Honor Roll List Third Grade: Samuel Allen, Blanki Avendano-Perez, Lamiya

Boone, Giovanny Cajuste, Giselle Capistran Flores, Aaliyah Davis, Iyana Dawson, Ky’Meir Faison, Braxton Frederick, Jaden Gomez Escalante, Danny Gonzalez Lopez, Zinique Graham, Braelyn Gray, Carlos Hernandez, Walter Hernandez, Sa’Kari Herring, De’Onca Hicks, Markell Jackson, Micah James, Jay’Cion Jordan, Kaylie Laguna, Kimberly Maldonado Hernandez, Kimberly Martinez Ocampo, Haley Midence Diaz, Kyrie Moore, Jamie Morado Ramirez, Hector Morales, Jennifer Rubio Rodriguez, Jonathan Sales Ventura, Zendaya Sellers, Ty’Shon Whitfield, Madison Williams. Fourth Grade: Steven AndinoOstorga, Egypt Caldwell, Adilynn Chavira, Nayeli Constanza Villanueva, Esteban Hernandez Guardado, Kinsley Jones, Yuliana Leyva Flores, Dairyn Lorenzo Escalante, Aubree McGowan, Jayce Newkirk, Sherlyn Santiago Cruz, Jaiden Stevens, Chance Troublefield, Angel Velasquez, Skylar Washington. Fifth Grade: Amy ArriazaGomez, Jakyra Batts, Shamerial Bell, X’Niyah Bryant, Arianna Drake, Khrisbell Figueroa Martinez, Jediah Glaspie,

Christopher Gonzalez Alarcon, Mia Gonzalez-Garcia, Khyla Herring, Ralina Isaac, Marcellus Jackson, Christopher Jean Paul, Levi Lassetter, Susana Mendieta Velazquez, Isaiah Merriman, Ethan Miranda-Lopez, Ken’Dreya Morrisey, Malik Nicolas, Ihan Ocampo Mejia, Claire Pagoada Flores, Jayden Quiroz, Izamar Reyes, Azariah Robinson, Karla SalmeronOstorga, Reece Sutton, Alfonso White, Amiya Williams.

Artis, Mercedes Batts, Sahara Bronson, Ezequiel Capistran Flores, Jose Carbajal Garcia, Uriel Castaneda Reynoso, Jamiya Faison, Aaliyah Farrior, Alissa Fryar, Kyah Germain, Jeffrey Gonzalez Alarcon, William Martin, Jordan Miller, Arias Moore, Maritzel Perez Aguirre, Jan Perez Sanchez, Tiana Philyaw, Selena Quiroz, Kassandra Rivera Cruz, Angel Trinidad, Oscar Vazquez, Anita Ward, London Wright.

Sixth Grade: Luisa Acosta, Yvena Alcine, Joan AvilaGutierrez, Camille Bradshaw, Courtland Bradshaw, Mariah Bright, Eneydi Carmona Carbajal, Fred Charmant, Jueff Chery, Matthew Davis, Camila Flores,Kayleigh Franco, Litzy Gonzalez Lopez, Denisha Lasme, Omar Leyva Flores, Derrick McNeill, Keona MartinChasten, Kaylee Martinez Aleman, Aniya Mason, Isabella Mendoza, David MoralesQuintero, Sarai Ortez, Derwin Pearsall, Jefferson Perdomo, Kemani Rivers, Ailin Romano Posadas, Anthony Thompson, Carma Troublefield, Niccarria Vann, Adelyn Velasquez Morales, Carlos Wallace, Jalen Wells, Messiah Woodard.

Eighth Grade: Anareli AvilaGutierrez,Skyi Brinson, Trinity Cohen, Dennis Dixon, Valerie Estrada-Garcia, Zanihya Farrior, Fernando Gonzales Jaimes, Ashley Gutierrez Roldan, Kelly Hernandez, Abbagail Hobbs, Maliah James, MaKyla LaSalle, Kyle McCray, Kevinn Mondragon, Uriel Morales Quintero, Stephanie OteroCruz, Tymeiah Outlaw, Jaden Player, Kendric Smith, KeShawn Spruill, Safetephanie St. Pierre, Jeremy Vasquez-Sanchez, Jennifer Velasquez, Jeremiah R. Williams, Sakura Wilson, Zavion Woodard.

Seventh Grade: Keymya

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SPORTS James Kenan speeds past Wallace Rose Hill Tigers control pace, race to victory By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

JK Stephone Stanley had two hot streaks against WRH.

down on third place in the ECC, behind Southwest Onslow (125, 6-1) and Kinston (14-4, 7-0), yet with a comfortable edge of fourth place WRH (6-9, 3-3), which has three schools – NL, SL, ED -- below it in the standings.

WARSAW -- Tyquise Wilson had a Full speed ahead fair share of second mode carries glances during James Tigers Kenan’s 75-64 win over Wallace-Rose Marlo Harris, Hill. Moore and Lamb Teammates Stepushed in buckets to phone Stanley, TJ date of the start the third quarOats and Jamaurematch ter that gave WRH its ry Coe likewise had between James first and only lead at show-stopping mo34-33. ments as the Tigers’ Kenan and Stanley stepped quickness drove the Wallace-Rose forward, first turning pace of the second Hill, in Teachy a nice pass from Kel half. Artis into a layup, WRH just didn’t then scoring on his have the footstep, and own on the break JK frequently blew by and finally, nailing a defenders to get into 3-pointer. the paint. Three-pointers by Wilson,a Jamarae Lamb and Irving Brown kept WRH in the game traditional 3 by Coe and an enduntil midway through the third to-end basket by Oats and the quarter when Stanley was the lead ballooned to 49-37 with hot hand. Wilson, Coe and Oats two minutes left in the quarter. Brown tried to stop the bleedalso had wings on their sneakers. The outcome was as signifi- ing with a hoop, but Coe and cant for both schools. JK (11-4, 5-2) put an anchor See JK-WRH BOYS’, page 9

Feb. 16

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Panthers freeze late in setback to Stallions 13-0 SWO takes lead in ECC as Hardison zips in 29 By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal BEULAVILLE – For everything the East Duplin girls’ basketball team did right during a tough 39-31 loss to Southwest Onlsow in a key conference game last week, one fact could not be denied – Yamorie Hardison can be a one-player wrecking crew. She was a 3-point play away from beating the Panthers straight up in scoring 29 points. And the most productive player on ECC courts this winter got just enough help from Oriyanna Galloway and MaKenzie Kemp (a combined 10 points) to secure sole possession of first-place over a balanced Panther roster. East Duplin’s inability to score in the fourth quarter is perhaps the second factor in the loss. Not putting a ball in the nets in the fourth was likewise significant warning. SWO had a 13-0 roll in the final eight minutes. EDUARDO PUAC FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

Zoe Cavanaugh has been a consistent player off the bench for ED.

Call it a lesson The loss ended a 12-game streak that started after a 53-29

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Head coach Mark Lane will prepare his Panthers for a rematch against Southwest Onslow on Feb. 16 in Jacksonville. setback to North Duplin on Dec. 1. ED avenged the loss on Jan. 3 with a 60-298 win. It is a lesson in the right direction for ED, with selfless players who want to play defense and run the ball up and down the court. The Panthers (15-2, 5-1) like to compete. They are disciplined.

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They have fundamental skills and a strong collective basketball IQ. ED’s second overall loss is now a part of the learning curve – as a team and individually. Every player can look back and say, “umm, if I had only done that …” So if coach Mark Lanes’ club “blew a big lead” it was a step in direction of growing. And for goodness sake, let’s at least tip our hats to the fastest Stallion -- Hardison – as ED will now make day-to-day plans to unite for the regular season finale, which by the way is on Southwest Onslow’s home court. Before the Feb. 16 encounter, the Panthers play four ECC teams -- Kinston, NL, SL, WRH – they rolled previously, and a Trask team at is 3-14. So barring a huge upset, ED still has a chance to grab a share of the league crown by controlling Hardison, the head of the 16-0 Onslow monster. Hardison scored but also had 15 rebounds, seven steals, four assists and a block. SWO is a complete team, aside from its star as Khimara Dorsey (8.8 ppg.) did the unsung work of hauling down 11

See ED GIRLS’, page 10

fourth quarter run by Southwest Onslow, covering the final eight minutes of the game

Duplin Journal for Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Rally: ’Dawgs dominate second half, slip by Tigers Soph. Savannah Smith keys uprising By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal WARSAW – Senior guard Ron’ Nyia Joyner was lighting it up from long distance. Freshman swing player Y’Anna Rivers was smooth as silk, driving to the rim, slipping and cutting through defender as if she were hot butter knife. James Kenan was rolling and a win over rival Wallace-Rose Hill seemed imminent. But things turned from smooth to chaos when coach Will Jeffers flipped the script to order his Bulldogs to play in a 2-3 zone defense. “Our players did everything I warned them about,” said JK coach Kenny Williams. Savannah Smith, Nevaeh Dobson, Analeise Rivenbark and Jansley Page came up with key plays in the second half as WRH rallied for a 50 -47 win last Tuesday in Warsaw. Dobson, a former Tiger, gave WRH a 48-46 lead with 58 seconds to play and then set up Rivenbark for a top of the key jumper 27 seconds later. Joyner’s desperation 3 at the buzzer was off target and WRH (3-11, 2-4) picked up its biggest win of the season. Smith scored 11 points in the final eight minutes and looked as slick and comfortable as Rivers was in the first half. WRH trailed at halftime 28-15 and looked out of sync in most matters. Smith and Angelina Cavallaro set up Page for scores as the Bulldogs cut the margin to 32-24 after a Smith layup with 1:56 left in the third. Dobson canned a shot with 22 tick left as JK’s lead, which was as much as 17 points, dwindled to six – 34-28 and the gymnasium was electric with noise and intensity. Dobson and Smith got WRH ignited early in the fourth. Then Page hit a 3-point bomb. And Smith hit a tough jumper in the lane to give the Bulldogs their first lead at 40-39. WRH was playing with forward momentum. JK was sinking, but trying to hold on.

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Nevaeh Dobson played for JK in the past but was a Tiger-killer in the Bulldogs’ win last Tuesday.

Bulldogs rally complete in final minute The teams shared the lead for five of the final six minutes.

Gabriel Outlaw put JK on top 4241. Smith answered. Joyner hit two charity tosses. Smith countered. And she sank several free throws late with the crowd screaming. In the second half, she was the difference maker. JK was playing without the services of post player Lillie Kornegay, and foul trouble also plagued the Bulldogs. WRH appeared to wear down JK, which seemed to be on a major role in the first half. Joyner opened with a pair of bombs and Rivers an end-to-end layup and a hoop between two Bulldogs as the Tigers led 12-4. Joyner’s third trifecta at the 3:42 mark of the second made it 23-11 and WRH looks a step behind every JK move. It seemed like JK’s night when Rivers hit a near-impossible fade away jumper and Joyner dished to Mar’Keshia Strong for a basket to stretch the lead to 13 at halftime. Rivenbark almost single-handily kept WRH in the game in the first 16 minutes with eight points. JK (7-9 2-5) lost to East Duplin 5728 on Friday. Southwest Onslow took down WRH 55-30 the same day. SWO beat ED last Tuesday for first-place in the ECC. WRH and JK play again on Feb. 16 in Teachey, the regular season finale for both schools. Rebels burn Spartans, stay in first Addy Higginsbotham outplayed one of the top players in the East, and Megan Martin had a career night as North Duplin pounded Ariyona Spearman and Union 59-34. Spearman, who has averaged more than 20 points for the past four seasons, tossed in 17, while Higginbotham had 20. Martin, averaging 3.2 points per game, netted 15. Tateyawna Faison nine and Reece Outlaw six, in a game that was. never close. The win put ND, Lakewood and Union into a tie atop the Carolina 1A Conference. Higginbotham (13) and Outlaw (13) were the deadly backcourt combination on Friday during a 37-8 crushing of Rosewood. ND (10-6, 3-1) faces Hobbton (013, 0-4) and Neuse Charter (10-10, 1-3) this week. The later game is Friday at 6 p.m. in Calypso.

North Duplin win streak hits three New player, improved defense trigger success By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal CALYPSO – Three games is a modest winning streak, but the hint that more will followed is a the foundation and re-entry point for the North Duplin boys basketball team. Health bodies, such as Trashawn Ruffin on the floor, the addition of Donovan Armwood solid defense and a revived rotation were factors in the Rebels’ 46-35 conquest of Rosewood on Friday in Goldsboro to lift ND to 7-9 overall and 3-1 in Carolina 1A Conference play. The winning streak comes after ND had lost six of its previous seven games. ND coach Jeff Byrd used two five-player platoon units, which clamped down defensively on the Eagles. ND led 21-17 at halftime and used a 16-4 push in the third quarter to ich to within two wins of a .500 mark on a schedule that included a handful of 2A schools. Donovan Armwood scored 10 points in his fourth game as a Rebel. He’s averaged 10.1 points in four contests since returning from Southern Wayne. He played there two seasons after suiting up as a Rebel his freshman season (9.3 ppg.) He’s the younger brother of Dujuan Armwood, a senior who is leading ND in scoring, and was the RB who paced the

football team to nine wins. Dujuan Armwood added nine, Micah Lesesane eight and Ruffin six. ND shot the ball well both from the field (48 percent) and foul line (22 of 31 for 71 percent) on Tuesday during an 83-38 bombing for Union. Dujuan Armwood banked in 12, Lesesane and Donovan Armwood 11 apiece and Branson Martin and Ruffin both tossed in eight. The Rebels raced to a 30-9 edge in the opening quarter and never looked back, using a 29-12 streak in the third to settle the contest early. Defense was the call of the night when ND started its string with a 71-48 win over Lakewood on Jan. 19 as the Rebels allowed a mere 13 points in the second half. Ten players scored and seven had six or more markers. The Armwoods combined for 25. Brady Byrd has a season-high 11, Dylan Tyndall and Anthony Kornegay seven each and Martin and Lesesane six apiece. The Rebels hosted Hobbton (3-12, 2-1) on Tuesday and host Neuse Charter (6-16, 2-2) on Friday hoping to exact revenge after a 66-47 loss on Jan. 16 in Smithville. Games against Lakewood, Union and Rosewood and Hobbton bring the regular season to a conclusion by Feb. 15. The CC Tournament follows as a prelude to the state tournament. Seeding is Feb. 24 with first-round encounters tipping off three days later at the home of the higher seed.

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Trashawn Ruffin, center, is healthy again and rebounding, scoring and playing defense for North Duplin.

Duplin Journal for Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Belleville rises from ashes to capture Middle School title No. 5 team shocks No. 1 Chinquapin, No. 2 ND for title

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By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal BEULAVILLE – March Madness at the Middle School? Folks in the eastern part of Duplin County caught a bit of the hoop hysterics two weeks ago when No. 5-seed Beulaville captured a county championship. Coach Landen Kennedy’s boys had won the middle school football title in the fall, and had a turn-around in the tourney that allowed Beulaville to capture football and basketball titles for the first time since 2004. “We opened up (the regular season) against the three best teams and were 1-3 entering conference play,” said Kennedy, who also coached the football team and was an ED athlete and graduate in 2020. Things didn’t turn around quickly as Beulaville was a .500 team entering the tournament, even though Kennedy kept the faith in his team’s potential to rise. “We were mediocre,” he said. “We didn’t live up to our standard. We felt untouchable after winning in football. But this group was determined.” In the tournament, Beulaville whipped the three teams -- Chinquapin, North Duplin, Warsaw -- it lost to during the regular season. Beulaville trailed Warsaw at halftime, but rallied for a 36-34 win in the first round. Bealaville then disposed of No. 1 seed Chinquapin, which had beaten them twice this winter.

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Belleville Middle won Duplin County Middle School championships in basketball and football. Team members include: D.J. Davis, Dominic Hall, Dylan Johnson, Payten Mobley, Jymir Smith, Easton Sholar, Liam Greene, Gage Kildow, Derrick Pemberton, Brayden Jones, Jayden Smith, Gabe Ross and Jahlil Nickelson. Head coach is Landen Kennedy. His assistant is Kirk Kildow. In the finals, North Duplin became Beulaville’s third victim in as many days in a game filled with emotions on both sides of the court. “We stuck to our motto of, “Why not us,” Kennedy said. “We were hyped up and playing in a game we weren’t supposed to be in. We had what it takes and were willing to do the work to get it done. ” ND shots that hit nothing but net in first half didn’t fall in the

second half as Kennedy took Beulaville out of its 2-3 zone defense and into a man-to-man mode. “They weren’t expecting it,” Kennedy said. “Our kids made our school and community proud. We went from under-achieving to believing, and I think it says a lot about our character.” And few were expecting Cinderella’s shoe to fit the No. 5 seed.

McKoy, Crusaders turning the corner on milestones Twenty wins with reach as Antonio McKoy goes for 1,000th point

BJ Bennett is giving HCA about 24 minutes of quality every night — 4.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.7 steals.

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal HARRELLS – Antonio McKoy and Harrells Christian Academy are approaching two milestones, the first of which plays a direct role in the second. The 6-foot-4, 183-pound Crusader needs six points to reach the 1,000-point plateau of his career. Yet the scope of it is that the sophomore will topple the coveted number in less than two seasons. And he’s carried a heavy load while seeking to lead HCA to back-to-back 20-win seasons. HCA went 20-4 in his first campaign. He is also the Duplin Journal’s Athlete of the Week. (See page 9.) McKoy is averaging 22.4 points and eight rebounds this season as HCA (17-10, 8-2) has fought through a difficult schedule, turning the corner with its fifth-straight win last Friday, an 81-50 triumph over Faith Christian Academy to all but secure second place in the NCISAA’s Coastal Independent 2A Conference. The victory was the second against the Eagles(11-7, 6-4), as HCA pulled away 88-62 four days earlier. A 69-58 win against Rocky Mount Academy (12-5, 6-4) in between gave HCA a cushion over the league field, sans top gun Fayetteville Academy (214, 9-0), which has tagged the Crusaders for their lone loop losses – 68-64 on Jan. 19 in Harrells and 76-52 on Dec. 5 in Fayetteville. HCA has three regular season games remaining. They played winless Oakwood (0-19) on Monday, travel for a rematch with Fayetteville

EDUARDO PUAC FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

Christian on Wednesday and close out with a trip to Henderson on Friday to face KerrVance Academy (4-15, 3-7). HCA needs two wins to clinch second place outright and the Crusaders already have lopsided wins against KerrVance (90-39) and Oakwood (76-13). McKoys, McNeil hit for 20+ during win over Patriots McKoy tossed in 26 on Friday against Fayetteville Christian and hauled down 10 boards. Cousin Dashaun McKoy, also a sophomore, likewise hit for a double-double, notching 22 markers and cleaning the glass for a team-high 12 times. Zicareian McNeil zipped in 22 and BJ Bennett six. The duo combined for 13 boards. HCA led 36-25 at halftime and rode a 27-14 streak in the third to lead comfortably at 6349 entering the fourth quarter.

Bennie Griffin and Michael Grant paced the Eagles with 17 and 10, respectively. Coach Clayton Hall’s gang shot 52 percent from the twopoint range (30-60), though connecting for just 23 percent (3-12) from behind the arc. McNeil was 2 of 4 and Samir Gibbs 1 of 2. Two days earlier, Antonio McKoy ripped the nets for 32 and had 1 7 rebounds as HCA pushed by Rocky Mount 69-58, hitting on 14 of 24 (58 percent) from the field. McNeil added 17 and Bennett eight. Dashaun McKoy (30 points) was the deadly shooter in the Crusaders’ first win over Faith. Antonio McKoy chipped in 24 and McNeil 16. HCA plays its final two regular season games – Thursday against Faith Christian and Friday against Kerr-Vance – on its home floor where Crusaders are 8-2 this season. They are 6-3 on the road and 3-5 at neutral games.

FILE PHOTO

Harrells Christian Academy, boys’ basketball By the time you read this, Antonio McCoy will have scored his 1,000th points as a member of the Harrells Christian Academy boys basketball team. He needed just six points entering Monday night’s game against Oakwood Academy to reach the coveted plateau. McKoy is averaging 22.4 points this season and was HCA’s top scorer a season ago when he put up 17.4 ppg. The Crusaders have gone 37-16 with McCoy in the lineup.

JK-WRH BOYS’ from page 7 Darius Howard responded and JK led 51-39. Brown missed a pair of charity tosses to start the fourth and the Tigers had momentum and quicker moves and too many weapons. By contrast, Coe, Wilson, Stanley and Oats were sinking the majority of their charity tosses, as both teams were into the bonus in the third quarter. Up 67-53, Lamb made a pair of 3-point plays and hit a free throw to trim the deficit to 69-

62, with 50 seconds to play. Oats then nailed three free throws and took dropped in a layup after a long pass from Artis to drive the JK advantage back to 12 points. Wilson finished with 19 points, Oats 15, Stanley 12 and Coe 10. Lamb, who led all scorers with 22, made several basketball plays during the night that mirrored the Tigers. Brown added 12. The two schools play in Teachy on Feb. 16.

Duplin Journal for Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Penske wins first Rolex 24 at Daytona since 1969 Indy 500 winner Josef Newgarden was among the drivers who ended the 54year drought

By Jenna Fryer The Associated Press DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Roger Penske snapped a 54-year losing streak at the Rolex 24 at Daytona on Sunday when Felipe Nasr held off two-time defending race winner Tom Blomqvist in the final 45 minutes of the most prestigious endurance race in the United States. The win for Team Penske at Daytona International Speedway was its first since “The Captain” restarted his sports car program in 2018, first with Acura and then last season as a twocar Porsche factory team. Penske’s only other overall win at the Rolex came in 1969 with a lineup of Mark Donohue and Chuck JOHN RAOUX | AP PHOTO Parsons, who was flown in the day before the race because reg- Porsche Penske Motorsport team owner Roger Penske, front left, and driver Felipe Nasr, front right, ular driver Ronnie Bucknum celebrate in Victory Lane after winning the Rolex 24 at Daytona on Sunday. fractured his finger in a motorcycle accident. Team Penske also won the GT goes down as one of the biggest Nasr’s margin of victory was ness, a win by (eight-) tenths of a second, that’s unbelievable. .0861 seconds. class in 1966, but he has chased wins we’ve had.” “When we won in 1969 with a That’s what I’ll say.” He lauded the crowd — the the overall Rolex victory since The winning lineup consistlargest in recent history for the Lola, it was a lot different in those ’69. “To come back here and have Rolex — and praised IMSA for days,” Penske said. “But to think ed of Nasr, Dane Cameron, Matt both cars run for 24 hours, and staging such a competitive race. about today, the biggest crowd Campbell and Indianapolis 500 then win the race, it’s hard for Five of the 10 cars in the top GTP they’ve had here for a sports car winner Josef Newgarden, who me to believe,” Penske said. “This class finished on the lead lap and race, just to see the competitive- would like to believe his win at

Helton, Mauer rare breed of Cooperstown members who played for 1 team Just 58 single-team players are among the 273 in the Baseball Hall of Fame

Hall to make about the caps on the plaques of Helton, who spent 17 seasons with the Rockies, and Mauer, who played 15 seasons for the Minnesota Twins. The Hall will have to decide what to do for

Beltré after a career that included eight years with the Texas Rangers, seven with the Los Angeles Dodgers, five with the Seattle Mariners and one with the Boston Red Sox.

The Hall has made the cap decisions since ahead of the 2002 induction. Just 58 of 273 players elected to the Hall spent their entire career with one team. The only prior single-team duos inducted together were Mickey Mantle and Whitey Ford (1974), Johnny Bench and Carl Yastrzemski (1989), George Brett and Robin Yount (1999), Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken Jr. (2007), and Mariano Rivera and Edgar Martinez (2019). Helton was nearly traded to the Red Sox in 2007, the same year he helped Colorado reach the World Series against Boston. “From my understanding, it was a done deal and Keli McGregor, who was our team president at the time, vetoed it at the last second,” Helton said. “And I am glad he did. Going to the World Series with Colorado meant more than winning it with somebody else.” Mauer grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota, and was drafted first overall by his hometown team in 2001.

ECC’s Player of the Year last season, and has been Onslow’s best player her final two seasons. ED’s Makya Kornegay, who played on the Stallions during last season’s 23-2 run, scored eight points to pace the Panthers. Ava Noble had six and 10 boards, Sallie Hatcher five

markers and Ja’Myah Pickett four. Freshman point guard Kendall Cave was limited to a field goal, three steals, two assists and nine turnovers before fouling out as she faced the traps and pressure of an exceptional 2A team.

Hatcher is the lone senior so expect more lively SWO-ED battles into and through next year. Three days later, Cave notched 12, Pickett nine and had 12 rebounds Hatcher seven and Kornegay combined for 13 as ED smacked JK 57-28. The Blue Crew had a 53-33 edge in

By Steve Bradley The Associated Press COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. — Todd Helton and Joe Mauer will become just the sixth pair of players inducted together into the Hall of Fame after spending their big league careers with one organization. “A lot of things had to go right,” Helton said Thursday during a news conference in the Hall’s plaque gallery alongside Mauer and fellow electee Adrián Beltré. “Obviously contract and money plays into all of that. … You bite your tongue a little bit and you go out and you play hard every day. You try to make the team better and you lead, and if they want you there, great. … I am so happy that I got to play my whole career in Colorado, where I love the town and I love the people.” There are no decisions for the

ED GIRLS’ from page 7 rebound, while Galloway (15.3) dragged down seven boards and ma manufactured seven steals and four assists. Hardison, a junior, is playing to the level of former teammate Armani Reid, who was the

HANS PENNINK | AP PHOTO

Todd Helton poses for a photograph after signing his name to the backer board of his plaque during a news conference last week in Cooperstown, New York.

Indy last May is what earned him a seat in the No. 7 Porsche 963. Newgarden is the 16th driver in history to win both the Indy 500 and the Rolex. “I just showed up, that’s all I did. Porsche and Team Penske delivered the result,” Newgarden said. “I was just happy to be here. You gotta talk to RP, though, I think he was crying up there on the pit stand.” The second Penske Porsche finished fourth. The win capped a remarkable 246-day stretch for Penske, the most decorated team owner in motorsports history. In the last eight months, his Mooresville-based team won a record-extending 19th Indy 500 with Newgarden’s victory, claimed back-to-back NASCAR Cup titles when Ryan Blaney won in November and celebrated the achievements at industry events in early December and this week. He and Newgarden were feted at the Henry Ford Museum in Michigan on Tuesday when they were presented with their own replica Indy 500 trophies. Cadillac dominated most of the race, but the Ganassi car was eliminated with an engine failure during the overnight stints, and Penske took the lead with just under six hours remaining. Nasr passed Jack Aitken on track to take the lead and built a lead of more than four seconds.

“I always felt that we had a chance to win there,” said Mauer, the 2009 AL MVP and a threetime AL batting champion. “Every day I would go in, along with my teammates and try to do that, to be the best version of myself. ... It’s a special place, a special community and I am happy to be a part of it.” Mauer stood behind the dais holding 5-year-old son Chip and admiring tributes to the initial Hall class of Ty Cobb, Walter Johnson, Christy Mathewson, Honus Wagner and Babe Ruth. “One of his favorite movies right now is ‘Sandlot’ and they talk about The Great Bambino,” Mauer said. “I am excited for myself to learn even more history about the game, but to also have him learn more about the great players before me and it starts with that first class right there, so it’s pretty special.” Beltré (95.1%) and Mauer (76.1%) were elected Tuesday by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America in their initial ballot appearances, and Helton (79.7%) was voted in on the sixth try, receiving four more votes than needed for the 75% threshold. They will be inducted July 21 along with former major league manager Jim Leyland, who was elected last month by the contemporary baseball era committee.

rebounds and 13 assists. MaxPreps marks the Panthers as the No. 8 school in the 2A East. SWO is third, Goldsboro, another unbeaten is fourth. North Pitt (Bethel) is the top school and Seaforth (Pittsboro) is second. Eastern Wayne (15-2) is 10th.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The Beulaville Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Monday, February 5, 2024 at approximately 7:00 p.m. at the Beulaville Town Hall, 508 East Main St.

The purpose of the public hearing will be to receive public comments on a non-conforming use for use of an existing building on property located at 431 N. Lee Avenue.

A description of the non-conforming use request will be available for public inspection at the Town Hall during normal business hours.

All interested persons are urged to attend the public hearing. Lori T. Williams Interim Town Manager

RESOLUTION OF INTENT TO CONSIDER PERMANENTLY CLOSING A PORTION OF NORTH KENNEDY ROAD WHEREAS, N. C. Gen. Stat § 160A-299 authorizes the Board of Commissioners of the Town of Beulaville to permanently close streets and public alleys; and WHEREAS, N. C. Gen. Stat § 160A-299 applies to any street or public alley within a city or its extraterritorial jurisdiction that has been irrevocably dedicated to the public, without regard to whether it has actually been opened, and also to unopened streets or public alleys that are shown on plats but that have not been accepted or maintained by the city; and WHEREAS, N. C. Gen. Stat § 160A-299 requires the Board of Commissioners of the Town of Beulaville to hold a public hearing prior to the

closing of any street or alley for the purpose of giving due consideration to the question of whether or not the closing of a street or alley would be detrimental to the public interest or the property rights of any individual; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE TOWN OF BEULAVILLE THAT: 1. The Board intends to consider permanently closing a portion of North Kennedy Road pursuant to the provisions of N. C. Gen. Stat § 160A-299. The portion of said road the Board is considering permanently closing is the portion of

North Kennedy Road between East Quinn Street and Wickline Road. 2. A public hearing will be held at 7:00 p.m. on the 4th day of March, 2024 in the Beulaville Town Hall, 508 East Main Street, Beulaville, North Carolina to consider the question of whether or not to close the above-described portion of North Kennedy Road. 3. The Town Clerk is hereby directed to publish this Resolution of Intent once a week for four successive weeks prior to the hearing in the manner prescribed by N. C. Gen. Stat § 160A-299. 4. The Town Clerk is further directed to transmit a copy of this Resolution of Intent by

registered or certified mail to all owners of property adjoining said portion of North Kennedy Road as shown on the county tax records. 5. The Town Clerk is further directed to cause adequate notices of this Resolution of Intent and the scheduled public hearing to be posted as required by N. C. Gen. Stat § 160A-299. Upon Motion duly made and seconded, the above Resolution of Intent was unanimously adopted by the Board of Commissioners at their regularly scheduled meeting held on the 8th day of January, 2024. Adopted this the 8th day of January, 2024. MICHAEL B. JONES, Mayor

Duplin Journal for Wednesday, January 31, 2024

obituaries Glover Lisane

Robert G. Hall

Jan. 19, 1958 - Jan. 20, 2024 (age 66)

July 27, 1960 - Jan. 23, 2024 (age 63)

ROSE HILL — Mr. Glover Lisane, age 66, of Rose Hill passed away on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at home. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024 at 11 a.m. at the Rose Hill Funeral Home Chapel in Rose Hill. Burial will follow at Lisane Family Cemetery in Rose Hill. Left to cherish his memories: two children, Glendell “Shawn” Lisane (Mercy) of the Phillippines and Courtney Lisane-Sterling (Troy) of Upper Marlboro, Md.; three brothers, Jessie Lisane, Jr. (Jackie) and Willie Hayes Lisane (Carolyn), both of Rose Hill, and Palmer Lee Lisane of Garner; one grandchild, Tristan Sterling; four aunts; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends that will miss him dearly.

WILSON — Robert G. Hall, 63, formerly of Wallace, died peacefully at ECU Health in Greenville, January 23, 2024. Born in Greensboro to Grant Hall, Jr. And Mildred Lineberry Hall on July 27, 1960. Left to cherish Robert’s memory is his sister, Jean Hall Freeman and husband Eddie also of Wilson. Robert worked as a senior technician for Hannaford Foods, Alex -Lee, and Lowe’s Foods. He was a loving, caring person who gave of himself to help others, even in death by being an organ and tissue donor. A graveside service will be held for family and friends at a later date.

James Earl Whaley

Charlotte Kinney Farley

Oct. 10, 1952 - Jan. 27, 2024 (age 71)

Oct. 31, 1952 - Jan. 24, 2024 (age 71)

RICHLANDS — James Earl Whaley, age 71, died Saturday, January 27, 2024 at ECU Health Duplin Hospital in Kenansville. He was preceded in death by his son, David Whaley. James is survived by his wife, Sherry H. Whaley of Richlands; son, Chad Whaley and wife Kim of Richlands; and four grandchildren, Chloe Whaley, Colten Whaley, Dustin Wilkinson, and Shyann Watkins. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, February 1, 2024 at Serenity Funeral Home, Beulaville, with visitation one hour before the service. Interment will be at Frazelle-Whaley Cemetery, Richlands.

Charlotte Kinney Farley, 71, died on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 in ECU Duplin Hospital, Kenansville. All services are private. Survivors include: daughters, Tina Byrd (Kirby) of Chinquapin and Jodi Gaskey (Aaron) of Oregon; sister, Kym Kinney of California; brothers, Mike Kinney (Chris) of California and Andy Kinney of California; 12 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Ralph Teachey Oct. 20, 1962 — Jan. 6, 2024 (age 61)

Luther Dean Maready May 26, 1957 - Jan. 8, 2024 (age 66) Luther Dean Maready, 66, died Monday, January 8, 2024 in ECU Duplin Hospital, Kenansville. He is preceded in death by his parents, L.D. and Lucille Maready. Memorial service was held on Friday, January 12, 2024 at Community Funeral Home, Beulaville. Survivors include: daughter, Mary Elizabeth Williams of Hampstead; sisters, Diane Conway (Mike) of Wallace, Debbie Rhodes (Ken) of Beulaville, Cynthia Sanderson of Wallace, Lisa Turner of Wallace; brother, Rex Maready (Donna) of Chinquapin; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Funeral Home, P..O. Box 715, Beulaville, NC 28518.

WALLACE — Mr. Ralph Teachey, age 61, of Wallace passed away on Saturday, January 6, 2024 in Wallace. Funeral services were held on Monday, January 15, 2024 at the Rose Hill Funeral Home Chapel, 472 Wells Town Road in Rose Hill. Left to cherish his precious memories; five brothers, William E. Teachey (Diane) of Suffolk, Va., Ray Teachey (Patricia) of Goldsboro, Robert Teachey of Clinton, Floyd Teachey (Katrina) of Dudley, and Russell Teachey (Teresa) of Wallace; special cousin, Anthony Morris (Sarah) of Warsaw; sister-in-law, Rachel Teachey; a host of nieces and nephews; numerous family and friends that will miss him dearly.