Duplin Journal
inside
Fisher Blanton celebrates nishing a kayak trip down the Northeast Cape Fear River with Boy Scout Troop 35 of Wallace in November 2023. Troop 35 has gone on multiple adventures over the past year. Read more on Page 6.
the BRIEF this week
Annual Prayer at the Flagpole in Kenansville Kenansville
Duplin County faith-based leaders will hold the annual Prayer at the Flagpole on Tuesday, Aug. 13. The event will take place at the Duplin County Schools Board of Education beginning at noon. Everyone is invited to attend as DCS leaders pray for blessings in the upcoming school year.
Free healthy food distribution
Wallace Mt. Calvary Center for Leadership Development in partnership with Tate Farm by the Pond is o ering free locally grown produce from their community garden every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., at their Wallace o ce located at 414 N. Norwood St. in Wallace. Produce is free to the community, while supplies last. Please call 910-665-1352, for more information. Persons needing to request a produce basket for delivery can do so online at mcleadership.org/ community-garden by lling out the form.
Mount Olive man arrested, charged with breaking and entering Faison
The Duplin County Sheri ’s O ce arrested Michael Sauls, 42, of Mount Olive, on July 11 for breaking and entering the storage units at 114 NW Center St. in Faison. He was placed in Duplin County Jail under a $70,000 secured bond. According to the Sheri ’s O ce, law enforcement responded to calls for breaking and entering with larceny on July 3 and July 9 at the storage units. Items taken included hand and yard tools, and assorted kitchen items. After a search of Sauls’ residence, many of the listed items were found and recovered.
Sheetz in Warsaw opens this month
Warsaw
The new Sheetz in Warsaw joined the Warsaw Chamber of Commerce and, according to Warsaw Town Manager Lea Turner, is on schedule for a grand opening this month.
“This will be a complete shopping experience in one store with 24-hour food options, a truck stop, gas and general merchandise,” said Turner, adding that the store is taking applications for employment and will be training at an o -site location. Stay tuned to nd out the date of the grand opening.
All-way stops popping up across Duplin County
A total of 12 new all-way stops are planned
By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal
DURING THE MONTH OF JULY, seven of the planned 12 all-way stops throughout Duplin County were installed by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NC DOT). The most recent all-way stops are at the intersections of N.C. Highway 11 and Bay Road, N.C. Highway 11 at Register’s Crossroads (Register Road and Stocking Head Road), and Charity Road and Bay Road. Earlier in July, all-way stops were put into place at the following intersections: Tram Road at Bethel Church Road, Tram Road at Bennetts Bridge
“After studies were conducted at these intersections, NC DOT determined an all-way stop would be a cost-e ective way to improve safety.”
Lauren Haviland, NC DOT Communications O cer
Road/Scotts Store Road, Tram Road at Red Hill Road, and Bowdens Road at Revelle Road. Those still to be determined include: N.C. Highway 41/N.C. Highway 111 at Jackson Store Road, N.C. Highway 50/N.C. Highway 403 at Warren Road,
Warren Road at Solomon Street, Liddell Road at Drummersville Road, and N.C. Highway 403 at Beautancus Road. Many motorists are wondering why the stops are needed. To answer that, NC DOT Communications O cer Lauren Haviland told Duplin Journal, “After studies were conducted at these intersections, NC DOT determined an all-way stop would be a cost-e ective way to improve safety.”
According to NC DOT’s website, converting intersections into all-way stops has been shown to reduce fatalities and injuries by 77%. “The N.C. Department of Transportation recommends an all-way stop only after a thorough evaluation of the intersection,” the
See ALL-WAY STOPS, page 3
Danny Hilton, president of the Andrew Jackson Chapter of the North Carolina Sons of the American Revolution, presents a wreath at the Battle of Rock sh celebration on July 27.
Duplin’s DAR, SAR honor
Battle of Rock sh patriots
Revolutionary War battle decimated Duplin militia
By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal
WALLACE — Members of the local chapters of Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) and Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) gathered Saturday to remember the patriots who lost their lives at the Battle of Rock sh on Aug. 2, 1781.
After the presentation of arms by SAR members in full period dress, an invocation mentioned the bravery of the men who fought against the British near the site of the Battle of Rock sh monument on Highway 11 outside Wallace.
“Your town can be proud of these patriots that risked their own safety for the greater good.”
Susan Corliss-Bland, Battle of Rock sh DAR
Winifred Jenkins, regent of the Battle of Rock sh DAR, read a written account of the Battle of Rock sh Creek in Duplin County by J.O. Carr. She related that a militia of about 400 were gathered from Duplin under the command of Colonel James Kenan. On June 28, 1871, Gen. Alexander Lillington sent a dispatch from Richlands to warn Duplin that British troops were coming with 800 men. “Col. Kenan had no powder or
ammunition, not one round,” Jenkins read. “They had no ammunition and could get none.”
Nevertheless, Col. Kenan forti ed himself at Rock sh Creek. “He awaited the approach of the British,” Jenkins said. “On the second of August, 1781, without ammunition, there was little hope for success. They used this entire force, but they were defeated, outnumbered and ill equipped as they were. There is now in existence an old cannonball about 3 inches in diameter. It was much superior to anything used by the Duplin militia.”
After Jenkins’ reading, Wallace Planning Director Rod Fritz addressed the audience to share details about a project to refurbish and renovate the memorial.
“It’s not only a place of remembrance; it’s a symbol of our dedication to our national heritage,” Fritz said. “It honors the bravery and sacri ce of those who fought for America’s independence and freedom.”
See PATRIOTS , page 12
Authorities investigate Rose Hill corn silo explosion
Duplin County EMS reported there were no injuries during the incident
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
SEVERAL DUPLIN County emergency crews responded to a corn silo explosion at the Nash Johnson & Sons Farms Rose Hill Feed Mill, located at 3362 S. US 117 Highway on Monday morning. Duplin Emergency Communications Center received the call about an explosion at approximately 11:15 a.m. According to Duplin County Fire and Emergency Management o cials, no one was injured during the incident.
According to Dave Witter, House of Raeford Farms Manager, there was no pre-warning of the explosion, so employees were evacuated immediately after it happened.
“Currently making sure the
See EXPLOSION, page 3
Flood insurance policies can take 30 days to go into e ect
By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal
WITH HURRICANE season in full swing and heavy rains prompting ood watches for Duplin County, now is the perfect time to make sure your home and property is protected. Flood insurance can be expensive, yes, but the cost is worth it if the unthinkable happens.
“The vast majority of people do not have ood insurance, and they need it today,” Wallace Realtor Curt Simpson said. “If there’s a hurricane out there brewing in the ocean and people get nervous and say, ‘Oh, I need ood insurance,’ that’s not a good thing. You’re supposed to have ood insurance all the time. So they are not going to protect you from the hurricane that is ve days away.
COURTESY HENRY L. STEVENS IV
ABBY CAVENAUGH / DUPLIN JOURNAL
8.1.24
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Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in Duplin County:
Aug. 1
• Mt. Calvary Center for Leadership Development in partnership with Tate Farm by the Pond is o ering free locally grown produce from their community garden every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., at 414 N. Norwood Street, Wallace while supplies last. Call 910-665-1352, or visit mcleadership.org/ community-garden for more information.
Aug. 2
• The Summer Reading Program presents Down to Earth Aerials on Friday, Aug. 2 at 11 a.m., at the Ed Emory Auditorium, located at 165 Agriculture Drive, Kenansville.
Aug. 3
• BackStreet Festival will be held on Saturday, Aug. 3 at 208 SW Railroad St., Wallace. Festivities will kick o at 10 a.m. and will feature live music, dance groups, a barbecue cook o , arts and crafts, a bike show and lots of vendors. Visit backstreetfestival. wordpress.com for more information or call 910-616-7173.
Aug. 13
• Duplin County Faithbased leaders will hold the annual Prayer at the Flagpole on Tuesday, Aug. 13. The event will take place at the Duplin County Schools Board of Education beginning at noon. Everyone is invited to attend as DCS leaders pray for blessings in the upcoming school year.
Aug. 17
• Duplin Coalition for Health will host a Back To School Family Fun Day on Aug. 17, 11 a.m. -3 p.m. at Charity Mission Center, located at 1333 W. Charity Rd., in Rose Hill. The event will feature free school supplies, backpacks, health services, resources, bouncy houses, and more! Child must be present for school supplies.
Happening Monthly
• The Duplin County Board of County Commissioners meets the rst and third Monday of each month at 6 p.m., at 224 Seminary St., Kenansville. For information, call 910-296-2100.
• The Beulaville town board meets the rst Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m., at 508 East Main St., Beulaville. For more information, call 910-2984647.
• The Town of Calypso meets at the council chambers the rst Monday of each month at 6 p.m., at 103 W. Trade Street. For information, call 919-658-9221.
• The Faison town board meets the rst Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m., at 110 NE Center St., Faison. For more information, call 910-267-2721.
• The Economic Development Board meets the rst Friday of the month at 7 a.m. at the Duplin County Airport Conference Room.
• The Greenevers town board meets the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m., at 314 E. Charity Rd. For information, call 910-289-3078.
• The Teachey town board meets the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m., at 116 East 2nd St. For information, call 910-285-7564.
July 23
• Quinton Darrell Raynor, 37, was arrested by Duplin County Sheri ’s O ce (DCSO) for communicating threats.
July 24
• Taylor Tray Brigman, 28, was arrested by DCSO for felony possession of Schedule I controlled substance, driving while license revoked impaired revocation, hit and run leaving the scene with property damage, possessing drug paraphernalia, and failure to maintain lane control.
July 25
• Garett Sterling Sutton, 30, was arrested by DCSO for obtaining property by false pretense, driving while license revoked not impaired, driving/allowing a motor vehicle with no registration, and operating a vehicle with no insurance.
July 28
• Juan Mina Barradas, 39, was arrested by the Wallace Police Department for driving while impaired, open container after consuming alcohol, and no operator’s license.
July 29
• Tamarquis Dequwain Parker, 31, was arrested by DCSO for eeing/eluding arrest with a motor vehicle, assault in icting physical injury on a law enforcement o cer, resisting a public o cer, injury to real property, injury to personal property, felony possession of cocaine, possessing drug paraphernalia, possessing marijuana up to 1/2 oz, ctitious/altered title registration card/tag, no liability insurance, reckless driving with wanton disregard, speeding, failure to heed light or siren, failure to stop at stop sign/ ashing red light, and driving left of center.
• The Warsaw town board meets the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m., at 121 S. Front St. For information, call 910-293-7814.
• The Magnolia town board meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m., at 108 Taylor St., Magnolia. For information, call 910-289-3205.
• The Rose Hill town board meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m., at 103 Southeast Railroad St. For more information, call 910-289-3159.
• The Duplin County Health Department is o ering Diabetes Self Management Classes from 1-5 p.m., the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month at 340 Seminary St. Kenansville. For information, call 910-372-9178.
• The Wallace town council meets the second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m., at 316 East Murray St., Wallace. For more information, call 910-285-4136.
• Duplin County Beekeepers meets the second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m., at the Duplin Extension Center.
• Friends of Horticulture meet the third Thursday of each month at 6 p.m., at the Duplin Extension Center.
• The Duplin County Airport Commission Board meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Duplin County Airport.
• Francisco Lizardi Vargas, 49, was arrested by the Kenansville Police Department for misuse of 911 system, second-degree trespass, intoxicated and disruptive behavior, and littering not greater than 15 lbs.
• Jordan Chandler Hansley, 38, was arrested by DCSO for driving while license revoked not impaired, felony possession of Schedule II controlled substance, possessing drug paraphernalia, and felony probation violation.
• Dreama Collins Carter, 55, was arrested by DCSO for felony conspiracy.
• Justin Adam Batchelor, 30, was arrested by DCSO for simple worthless check, obtaining property by false pretense, and larceny of a motor vehicle.
Exploring agricultural pathways for thriving careers
Justin Snider spoke about the need to steer people back into the agriculture industry to meet the growing labor force demands
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
WARSAW — Agricultural roots run deep for Justin Snider, James Sprunt Community College livestock and poultry instructor.
“I grew up on a ranch in western Oklahoma — in a big rodeo family. I rodeoed professionally until I was in my 30s,” said Snider. “I grew up with horses and cattle and all that — It’s all I knew.”
Snider, who moved to North Carolina 12 years ago, has an animal science degree and a business degree from Oklahoma State University. Prior to accepting his role at JSCC in July 2023, he was as a high school ag teacher and worked for a national FFA partner.
The Texas, Oklahoma import told Duplin Journal animal science is where his passion lies.
“I’ve taught in three di erent states. What makes North Carolina unique is that they provide a pathway through the community college systems to your high school juniors and seniors that qualify because of good grades and background,” said Snider, explaining that the state will pay for the students’ coursework through what is called the Career and College Promise Program. Through the CPP program students can graduate high school with a community college degree completely free.
“So, that is a huge advantage that other states don’t have. We see a lot of kids that take advantage of that opportunity,” said Snider. “I tell kids all the time, you know, agriculture is the only industry that 100% of the globe needs… everybody has to eat … have clothing, and shelter in order to survive. Agriculture is the only industry that satis es those needs. So, as a rst world country, as long as we can feed our people, we will remain a global power. The day that we cannot feed our people anymore and we’re dependent on other countries, that’s a threat to our nation and the way that we know it.”
Snider spoke about the importance of steering more people back to the agriculture industry.
“The biggest challenge we’re seeing right now is that we’ve steered everybody toward technology and all these other pieces. We still got to eat, we still have to have food, clothing, and shelter. And we don’t have the workforce,” said Snider. “I have industry partners contact me quite regularly with all kinds of openings. There are more jobs than we have applicants right now.
“There is a huge demand. I have industry partners contact me quite regularly with all kinds of openings. There are more jobs than we have applicants right now. So, if people want a job, there are opportunities in agriculture.”
Justin Snider, James Sprunt Community College Livestock & Poultry Instructor
So, if people want a job, there are opportunities in agriculture. There’s de nitely a labor shortage in our industry.”
Snider told Duplin Journal of the large demand to ll jobs in the agriculture industry.
“We don’t have near the enrollment we need to satisfy the labor shortage that we’re seeing in the area. Duplin County is the number one agricultural county in the state. The jobs are here. But, you know, there is a lack of interest with the current generation coming into agriculture as an industry and I don’t know where that stems from. I think we’re enough generations removed from the farm that people forget where their food comes from,” he said, explaining that agriculture requires more hard work than other industries and that’s not always a draw.
Snider told Duplin Journal that since COVID there has been an increased desire for locally sourced foods.
Justin Snider
James Sprunt Community College livestock and
“I think COVID scared everybody enough. It was the rst time in anybody’s lifetime they walked in a grocery store and the shelves were empty. And it woke people up to the idea that if we don’t protect our supply chain, we could have a prob -
ALL-WAY STOPS from page 1
website goes on to say. “That evaluation includes an analysis of the tra c volumes, crash history, sight distance and a eld investigation.”
There are no public hearings or approvals sought from county commissioners or other local government entities before these projects are scheduled and completed. NC DOT does send out press releases with dates when the all-way stops will be added, but that, along with signs at the a ected intersections, is really the only public communication that NC DOT carries out.
Though county commissioners have no part in bringing the all-way stops to the county, the commissioners discussed the stops at their February meeting, in hopes of informing the public of what was to come.
Commission Chair Dexter Edwards stated at that meeting that he wasn’t sure the all-way stops were necessary. “There may be information that the state has from accidents and such that
EXPLOSION from page 1
original hazard is under control and emergency conditions no longer exist,” Witter told Duplin Journal.
Immediately after the incident, the public was asked to avoid the
lem,” said Snider. “They’re seeing an increase in interest of locally sourced meats, produce, meat handlers licenses, all kinds of things were people may want to own a cow or two and then harvest their own meat and not have to worry about getting it from the grocery store –that’s coming from the state department, that we’re seeing an increase of interest. …I do think COVID opened a lot of people’s eyes that maybe I need to know how to provide a little bit more for myself and not be so dependent upon the supply chain that we’ve become so accustomed to.”
Snider shared that most of their students are enrolled in the agribusiness pathway.
“It’s our largest one because it’s the most diversi ed. You can go do anything within agribusiness, but I would probably say it’s two-thirds are in agribusiness, a third is in animal science, and then we have a few sprinkled in
I’m not aware of,” said Edwards. “I’m old school, but when I’ve rode down a road as many years as I have, all of a sudden I come under a four-way stop on it, I’m aggravated and, like I said, if it is preventing accidents, I’m not trying to argue with the data, but I don’t see the value myself today.”
At that same meeting, Commissioner Wayne Branch stated that he had received many calls when an all-way stop was installed last year at the intersection of Bay Road and US Highway 117. “So, I went out there and actually sat there a little bit and watched a lot of tires sliding as a result of not being aware,” he said. “So, I contacted the DOT just to try to get an understanding as to why you would put a stop sign on a 55-mile-an-hour zone.” In an interview with Duplin Journal, Branch said he learned from that experience that sometimes, all-way stops are necessary, even though it may be an inconvenience or a shock to motorists who are used to sailing
area as responders were on scene conducting cleanup operations. Matthew Barwick, Department of Emergency Management director & Fire Marshal told Duplin Journal the incident is still under investigation and the cause of the explosion has
Students in JSCC’s animal science pathway participated in a demonstration performed by a certi ed horse or farrier on how to shoe a horse. Justin Snider, James Sprunt Community College livestock and poultry instructor, shared that he would like JSCC to o er a hoof care continued education class, as there is a huge shortage of farriers in the area. “I think there’s a career pathway there. You gotta work hard. You gotta have a strong back. But they can make pretty good money.”
the other programs. Those two carry the weight,” said Snider.
According to Snider, starting this school year, JSCC will be able to also service Pender County high school students that want to take advantage of the CCP program.
“We have four pathways that we o er through our associates program, which is animal science, agribusiness technology, ag education, and swine management, which is a program that we’re actually closing out, but we still o er it at this point. So, we will be down to three,” said Snider, explaining that they don’t have much participation, and industry partners have shared that an animal science degree would su ce.
“We already o er that, with the exception of about three additional courses in swine production,” he said, adding that it is more cost e ective and for eciency purposes.
straight through at 55 mph.
“I, from my perspective, especially with the one at Bay Road and 117, I felt that there was a strong e ort by the DOT to make that road safer,” he said. “I reached out to DOT and they told me that a lot of research had gone into that decision and that there had been a lot of wrecks at that intersection.”
He said it was somewhat frustrating that the county commissioners are not part of the decision-making process, but it is their duty to try to make the public aware that the new stop signs are coming. “Especially in rural North Carolina,” he said, “making sure everyone knows it is coming is important. And I feel this time, we have been made more aware of what’s coming.”
As for the necessity of so many all-way stops coming to county roads, Branch said, “I wouldn’t say I agree, but then DOT are the subject matter experts. There have been a lot of questions as to why they’re needed, but again, they are the experts on this and have done the research.”
not yet been determined. According to Witter, it is too early to determine the latitude of the damage.
“Investigation of the cause and extent of the damage may take several more days or weeks,” said Witter.
PHOTOS COURTESY JAMES SPRUNT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
ENA SELLERS / DUPLIN JOURNAL
poultry instructor
THE CONVERSATION
Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor
VISUAL VOICES
COLUMN | PETER DANIEL
Democrat Ag commissioner candidate
Sarah Taber’s farm plans economically unsound
In 2023, ag had an economic impact of $111.1 billion, surpassing the record of $103.2 billion set the year before.
THIS NOVEMBER , North Carolinians will decide again who will lead the Department of Agriculture for the next four years: current Republican Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler, who owns Guilford County’s Troxler Farms, or Democrat Sarah Taber, who has put forward some …unusual views about farming.
North Carolina’s ag sector has boomed during Commissioner Troxler’s tenure. But Taber says she wants transform the entire industry, from the crops we grow to how we grow them (under what legal authority she would do this, we don’t really know).
She launched her campaign with a lengthy opinion piece in the left-wing outlet
The Nation, targeting something she calls “farm radicalization.” Taber apparently believes that rural farmers are a threat to democracy.
Here’s what she wrote: “Farm radicalization isn’t just a local problem. Farm out ts that hire undocumented workers put serious money behind hardright legislators and sheri s who pledge to collaborate with ICE. That means local country politics can get ugly. And those ugly politics don’t stay local. They can undermine democracy for the whole state.”
That’s a wild unsubstantiated accusation.
Having trouble keeping up? So are we.
But that’s not even the most bizarre thing Taber has put forward. On her website, Taber calls for replacing North Carolina staple crops of tobacco, soybeans and corn with alternative crops. While her ideas may look nice to an ivory tower academic sipping tea while reading
Taber’s white paper through bifocals, North Carolina farmers already know that the real world of farming is much more complex and her unproven academic ideas will not work.
First, most farmers cannot obtain crop insurance at a reasonable rate to cover these alternative crops if it exists at all, risking the long-term nancial health of family farms.
Second, it seems apparent that Taber’s preferred policy agenda is replacing corn, soybeans and tobacco with alternative crops. Taber claims that if everything goes perfectly her plan would generate $7 billion over a decade, or about $700 million per year.
The problem is the crops she proposes replacing generate way more revenue than that. According to a 2019 study, tobacco alone contributes $688 million annually, corn contributes $456 million annually and soybeans contribute $608 million annually to North Carolina’s economy. It makes no sense to replace $1.7 billion worth of crops for $700 million worth of crops.
No wonder North Carolina farmers haven’t adopted her approach.
It should also go without saying that the commissioner of Agriculture doesn’t just tell farmers what to produce on their farms. It’s not clear to us that Taber knows this.
Finally, Taber doesn’t seem to have a plan to promote North Carolina pork and poultry. Our state leads the nation in hog farming and chicken production. These sectors power North Carolina agriculture’s tremendous growth. Voters deserve to know how the next commissioner of
Agriculture plans to interact with these family farmers. Meanwhile, under Commissioner Troxler’s leadership for the past 20 years, North Carolina’s agriculture sector has grown from $59 billion to record-breaking amounts seen today. In 2023, ag had an economic impact of $111.1 billion, surpassing the record of $103.2 billion set the year before.
The economic data tells one story: North Carolina agriculture is growing and there is room for everyone to bene t from this growth.
A 2017 study found that agriculture supported over 700,000 jobs across the Tar Heel state, employing people in all 100 counties. We’re the top producer of sweet potatoes and ue-cured tobacco. We’re second in poultry and egg production, not to mention all of the cat sh, burley tobacco, peanuts, blueberries, pumpkins, cotton, apples, tomatoes, and many more fruits and vegetables that Americans nd at the supermarket.
However, this election cycle, instead of championing policies that led to 188% growth in economic activity, Democrat Sarah Taber is pushing out-of-touch policies that risk agriculture’s future.
North Carolina voters face a choice this November. Stay the course with a family farmer in Commissioner Steve Troxler who has helped growth North Carolina’s agriculture sector ourish.
Or select an academic whose policies may lead to economic catastrophe.
Peter Daniel Sr. is chairman of the NC Ag Partnership.
Republicans need a new set of talking points
The question is who will get to
FORMER HOUSE SPEAKER Kevin McCarthy is right. He called two of the most popular talking points Republicans are using right now “dumb” and “stupid.”
This is what he said to NBC News:
“Two attacks I’ve heard Republicans give that are totally stupid and dumb to do is the DEI attack, OK? The other attack that I would not do is saying that the president has to resign. That would be an advantage for Kamala. Air Force One is very powerful when it lands somewhere. And you know what? Something will happen between now and the election. A hurricane or something else. And she’ll be able to present herself as a leader. Or maybe there’s some foreign policy. That is a mistake for any leader to go out and say that on the Republican side. This DEI, that seems like a petty — look, I disagree with DEI, but she is the vice president of the United States. She is the former U.S. senator. These congressmen that are saying it, they’re wrong in their own instincts.”
Mispronouncing her name, which Donald Trump has taken to doing, is equally stupid and dumb, and certainly not a reason to vote against her. So is name calling (a “lunatic”), saying she shouldn’t be “allowed to run” and accusing her of “committing crimes.”
What is striking is that the Trump team, which has had three weeks to prepare for this moment, has come out so at-footed in dealing with it. The attacks so far have only energized the Democratic base and
underscored Trump’s own weaknesses.
And there are more: Attacking the Democrats for being “undemocratic” in replacing the nominee who won the primaries is a dog that won’t hunt, particularly when coming from someone who tried everything — up to and including violating the Constitution and inciting violence — to undermine the results of the last presidential election.
To be explicit, primary voters from each state did not select the nominee; they elected delegates from each state who would do that. Those delegates, under Democratic Party rules in force since the 1980s, have been free to vote their consciences. They are. An overwhelming majority have made clear that they intend to vote for Harris, and there is nothing undemocratic about that. No phony slates of electors in sight, which is more than what Trump tried to put in place of the Electoral College in 2020. Indeed, it is Republicans who are lawyering up even now in what is certain to be a doomed e ort to keep Harris, once she is nominated, o state ballots. So much for democracy.
But the fact that Republicans have yet to get their acts together about how to run against Harris doesn’t mean that they won’t. Most Americans in fact know very little about the next Democratic nominee. Trump they know. He didn’t get a convention bounce from being nice, and he’s made clear that he isn’t about to start,
but he is a known quantity, and the tens of millions of voters who say they plan to vote for him probably will. That still means a close election.
The question — for the next three months and change — is who will get to de ne Harris rst, and who will get together the organization on the ground in swing states that will turn out the lower-propensity voters who will decide this election. No one should expect the Republicans to continue the blunderbuss e orts they have made so far to try to name call their way to success.
Even now, they must be knee-deep in negative research about Harris, and they will use anything and everything they can to try to de ne her before she can de ne herself. And for all the criticism Trump has leveled at absentee ballots and early voting and the other tools of imaginary election fraud that he has conjured up, Democrats should expect the Trump organization to be embracing them in an e ort to turn out their voters.
Convincing President Joe Biden to step aside was the rst step to defeating Trump, but the really hard part starts now, and as James Carville — who has been arguing all along that Biden needs to step aside — said on “Morning Joe,” “We got to be a little careful” about all the enthusiasm now because “it’s tough sledding ahead.”
Susan Estrich is a lawyer, professor, author and political commentator.
COLUMN | SUSAN ESTRICH
de ne Harris rst.
ECU Health Duplin Hospital Foundation awards $86.7K in grants
All projects receiving grants are within Duplin County
ECU Health Duplin Hospital Foundation
THE FOUNDATION of ECU Health Duplin Hospital recently awarded 13 grants totaling $86,700 to not-forpro t organizations serving Duplin County for health-related projects. This year’s awards mark the 17th year of the Foundation’s participation in the Community Bene ts grants program. The program has now distributed well over $1.5 million throughout Duplin County and surrounding areas to fund more than 100 projects.
The funds are provided by ECU Health Duplin Hospital and administered by the Foundation.
Duplin County not-forpro t organizations, as well as non-pro ts in the towns of Pink Hill and Mount Olive, may apply annually to the Foundation for funding to support health-related initiatives. Funded grant activities this
year were related to at least one of four focus areas: Access to Care (Includes Transportation); Chronic Disease Prevention/Management; Behavioral Health; and Substance Misuse. This year the grants will support 13 di erent projects:
• Duplin County Health Department, to assist with a pre-diabetes and diabetes prevention and management program by providing educational classes and materials to help participants make lifestyle changes and improve their health.
• NC MedAssist, for assistance with the provision of needed prescription medications, medication counseling and related services to qualifying low-income or uninsured citizens.
• Duplin County Cooperative Extension, to provide summer “camps” for youth about good nutrition and physical activity, as well as programs for seniors about staying physically t.
• Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, to assist distribution partners in Duplin County in providing healthy food to food insecure citizens, speci cally by the addition of fresh fruits and vegetables.
• 4Brothers Community Outreach, for a summer meals and education enrichment and mentoring program for underserved and potentially at-risk children and teens.
• Mediation Center of Eastern Carolina, for workshops on life skills and nutrition education for troubled or atrisk youth.
• Diversity Nurtures Achievement Community Youth Center, for summer and after-school programs focused on education about the bene ts of healthy eating and regular physical activity.
• Pink Hill Wellness Center, for a focused workshop series teaching how to develop a lifestyle of good nutrition and regular physical activity.
• Wilmington Area Rebuilding Ministry, to provide funding for the renovation or rebuilding of Duplin County homes damaged by recent hurricanes and ooding.
• Snow Hill Church Community Outreach, for the purchase of an enclosed transport trailer for pick-up and delivery of food for their food pantry program.
• Tarheel Human Services, for their GAP program, which assists quali ed mental health patients with insurance gap payments for needed prescription medications.
• Duplin Christian Outreach Ministries, for their Feed Our Hungry Children/Backpack Ministry in the public schools.
• Duplin County Senior Services, for their Cardio Drumming Circles program for seniors.
More information about the Community Bene ts grant program is available at ecuhealth. org.
Wallace Highway 55 closing for renovations
Wallace The Wallace location of Highway 55 has new ownership and is closing temporarily for renovations. The announcement was made via a sign placed in front of the business on Monday. A reopening date has not yet been announced.
James Sprunt o ering free haircuts this month
Kenansville
James Sprunt Community College’s Barber School and Cosmetology programs are o ering free back-to-school haircuts for the month of August. Walk-ins are welcome. The Barber School, located in the Herring Building, is open Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Tuesday through Thursday, 6-8 p.m. Cosmetology, located in the Hall Building, is open Friday and Saturday, 1-4 p.m., and Tuesday, Aug. 20, and Thursday, Aug. 29, 8 a.m. to noon.
East Duplin senior hosts swim camp for kids with autism
Camp was held July 15-19 at Duplin Country Club
By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal
KENANSVILLE — One local teenager took it upon himself to organize and host a free swim camp this summer that was especially tailored for children with autism.
Daniel Jones, a 17-yearold small business owner and senior at East Duplin High School, held the camp July 1519 at Duplin Country Club in Kenansville.
“This initiative, aimed at giving back to his community, was held through his swimming business, re ecting his commitment to inclusivity and support for children with special needs,” said Daniel’s mom, Erica Jones.
Six children took part in the weeklong camp. Daniel partnered with Brandy Moulton from Special Needs Opportunities of Duplin County to spread the word about the camp. “Their collaboration ensured that the camp reached families who could bene t the most from this unique opportunity,” said Erica.
Although Daniel organized and hosted the camp himself, he was not alone in his endeavor. Several local teenagers volunteered their time and energy to assist with the camp — Kyle Kern, Haley Grady, Mazilyn Kennedy, and Lillanna Houston. “Their involvement not only helped in the smooth operation of the camp but also provided the children with a warm and supportive environment,” Erica said.
The children worked hard all week, Daniel said, and
learned swimming techniques, as well as how to have con dence in the water.
“Led by experienced instructors trained in autism awareness, our camp provides personalized attention and tailored activities to meet each child’s unique needs,” the website reads. “From water safety techniques to stroke development, our swimming sessions focus on fostering independence and enjoyment in the water.”
In addition to swimming lessons, the camp also included sensory-friendly activities such as water play, aquatic games, and relaxation exercises to promote sensory integration and relaxation. It also o ered structured group activities designed to enhance social skills, communication, and teamwork.
Camp T-shirts were donated, adding a touch of unity and pride among the participants. “This was one of the most rewarding things I have ever done,” Daniel said. “The kids worked hard and I am very proud of each of them.”
Erica said of her son, “His initiative not only highlights his entrepreneurial spirit but also his compassion and dedication to making a positive di erence in his community.”
“This swimming camp stands as a testament to what young individuals can achieve when driven by passion and a desire to make a meaningful impact,” she continued. “The community looks forward to more such endeavors from the promising young leaders involved in this endeavor.”
Visit Daniel Jones’ website at danieljonesswimming.com for more information about future initiatives.
Top, six kids participated in the free swim camp, which allowed them to learn basic swimming techniques and build con dence in the water.
Pictured (l-r): Kyle Kern, Reed Sanderson, Alexa Quinn, Lillianna Houston, Bethany Benson, Layla Bass, Daniel Jones and Joshua Benson. Not
Pictured: Mazilyn Kennedy, Haley Grady and Owen Davis. Bottom left, Reed Sanderson is shown working with instructor Kyle Kern in a special swim camp for kids with autism, held July 15-19 at Duplin Country Club.
Wallace Boy Scouts go on once-in-a-lifetime adventures
Troop 35 kayaked the NE Cape Fear and visited the New Mexico mountains
By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal
MEMBERS OF BOY SCOUT
Troop 35 out of Wallace have had more than their fair share of adventures over the past year, many of them once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that the boys will no doubt treasure forever.
“With 32 scouts and nine dedicated adult leaders, the troop has had a dynamic year full of adventures, skill-building, and community service,” Scout Henry L. Stevens V told Duplin Journal. “The past scouting year has been packed with monthly camping trips that have provided both excitement and learning opportunities for the scouts.”
It all started o with a local campout in Wallace in Septem-
ber, where the scouts broke out tents and other camping gear to refamiliarize themselves with skills they’d learned the prior year. In October, the troop celebrated the Tuscarora Council’s Centennial anniversary at Camp Tuscarora in Goldsboro.
“The Scouts of Troop 35 were thrilled to observe 100 years of memorabilia and scouting history of Scouts from the Tuscarora Council,” Stevens said. One of the most memorable experiences the scouts had over the past year was kayaking in the Northeast Cape Fear River from Chinquapin to Wayne’s Landing in Wallace on a chilly and rainy day in November. “The Scouts thoroughly enjoyed the scenic trip adventure, especially when two of scouts, Conner Savage and JC Carr, found themselves in the water!” Stevens said. Come December, the most senior members of Wallace Cub
Scout Pack 35 joined the Boy Scouts of Troop 35 for a campout at Cabin Lake Park near Beulaville. “This is how the troop introduces the new scouts that will be joining Troop 35 to scouting on another level,” Stevens explained. “At this camping trip, we had a fun time getting to know the new scouts, shing, exploring, and going on a highly anticipated bird hunt.”
After a return to Camp Tuscarora in January, the scouts visited Morrow Mountain State Park in February. “We had to trek up steep hillsides and narrow ledges, hiking over seven miles,” Stevens said. “The scouts hiked, camped, and completed three hours of conservation community service. We helped the park by working with the Rangers to put up trail signs so nobody would get lost.”
Over the March 15-17 weekend, Troop 35 participated in a special crossover weekend at
Cabin Lake that saw the oldest Webelos of Pack 35 ceremonially transition into Troop 35. Jaxon Prax, Will Philips, Hollis Skidmore, Dylan Farrow, Masey Cassell, Logan Mills, and later Landen Farrow, all made the transition. “Before participating in the troop’s annual bird hunt, the older scouts shared their skill and knowledge with the younger cub scouts in areas such as land navigation, knot tying, camping site set-up and re building,” Stevens said.
In April, the scouts camped out on James Earl Rich’s property outside of Wallace, even cooking their own meals, which Stevens said got “mixed reviews.”
“Our high adventure trip was in May near Bryson City in western North Carolina,” Stevens said. “While on this trip, we had a great time pranking each other and playing football. The whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River was exciting, but not so hard as I had expected.”
In June, eight of the troop’s scouts and three adults attended the high-adventure Camp Philmont near Cimarron, New Mexico. Over the 12-day camp, the scouts and leaders hiked over 140 miles.
River Landing’s lady golfers raise hope — and funds
from page 1
If you get it now, you’ll have it in e ect by the time we get into real hurricane season, which is usually September.”
According to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), just 1 inch of oodwater in your home can cause up to $25,000 in damage. So, if the area were to experience another major ooding event like Hurricane Florence in 2018, the costs could become astronomical. Added to that, there is a higher risk for inland ooding than along the coast, said Carlton Insurance account manager Vonda Norris.
“What most people don’t realize is that everyone is in a designated ood zone,” she said. “It’s just that preferred zones have been deemed to have less of a chance of inundation.” However, just because you’re at
a lower risk for ooding, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pursue ood insurance. According to the NFIP, 40% of all ood claims occur in low or moderate risk areas. And, more staggering, 99% of the nation’s counties have had ooding damage over the past 20 years. Many people are deterred from ood insurance because of the cost. It is a yearly premium, “all paid up front and in full,” Norris said, which can be daunting for those with lower incomes. There’s also the 30-day waiting period before the policy becomes e ective, unless there is a loan closing and the bank requires ood insurance. The waiting period can be waived in these instances.
The NFIP website states that a number of factors help determine your annual ood insurance premium, including ood risk, the type of coverage being purchased, the location of your structure, the
The annual Swing for a Cure event is Oct. 19
By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal
EACH YEAR since 2002, the River Landing Golf Association for Ladies (RL GALS) has put their putters to the green to raise money to help the ght against breast cancer. They’re doing it again this year, with the annual Swing for the Cure event planned for Saturday, Oct. 19 in River Landing.
“Hope is a good thing,” said Kathy Russell, one of the event’s organizers. “Hope fuels people. Hope supplies energy. Hope is a wonderful thing. Hope is what the Swing for the Cure provides to countless women su ering from cancer.”
The rst Swing for the Cure in 2002 yielded $575 in donations, which was given to the Susan G. Komen Organization. As of 2023, the Swing for the Cure events have generated more than $25,000.
“RL GALS and volunteers take great pride in their year-
“If you have seen oodwater from your house, then you need to have ood insurance, because it’s devastating.”
Curt Simpson, Wallace Realtor
design and age of your structure, and whether or not your utilities are elevated.
For those in a preferred ood zone, meaning it’s not likely to be inundated, rates could run $700$800 a year, Norris said, while she said she has seen other premiums in high-risk areas run up to $5,000 a year.
“Most houses around here,” Simpson said, “you can get ood insurance for less than $1,000 a
ly e orts,” Russell said. “They know their hard work contributes to the progress enjoyed by ECU, progress that serves those who su er from cancer.”
Over the years, the recipients of the money raised may have changed, but the RL GALS’ dedication only deepened. Since 2018, the Swing for the Cure has bene ted ECU Health Cancer Care Center in Greenville, a state-of-the-art facility that serves primarily Eastern NC residents. It was important to the RL GALS that the monies raised be used locally, Russell said.
“ECU Health Cancer Care is a premier cancer care system,” she added. “It focuses on increasing clinical trial availability, reducing barriers, increasing awareness of cancer prevention, early screening and detecting, and collaborating with the regional ECU Health hospitals. This Integrated, modern organization provides high-quality care.”
The 2024 Swing for the Cure activities include a golf tournament and a luncheon following. This year, organizers are adding Putting for Pink — a ve-hole putting competition open to res-
year, unless it’s just in a really bad spot.”
Carlton Insurance actually has private ood insurance available, in addition to NFIP policies. “If I’m in a preferred ood zone, I could pay $750 a year for ood insurance,” Norris said. “But with the same amount of coverage, it’s around $400 a year with private insurance.”
However, there is a drawback to that lower premium, she pointed out. The private insurer could decide at any time to discontinue coverage. Then, the homeowner could end up paying higher premiums through the federal program. There are limits to the NFIP as well. Policy holders can only ensure up to $250,000, Norris said, while private insurance can be purchased to cover more valuable properties. Commercial ood insurance for business-
The Scouts that went to Philmont were Star Scout Nathen Hardison, Patrick Hardison, Robert Coombs, and Life Scouts Rowan Murray, Caven “Shaggy” Chambers, Landen Smith, Miller Ludlum and Conner Savage. The scout leaders attending were Chad Savage, Hayes Ludlum, and Ryan Chambers. Robert Coombs said he waited more than two years for the New Mexico trip. “Some of the activities included archery, ri e shooting, panning for gold, branding, and blacksmithing,” he said. “We also got to hike Baldy Mountain and Tooth of Time, which are favorites of everyone who goes to Philmont. Baldy’s elevation is 12,441 feet above sea level and Tooth of Time is 9,003 feet.” Coombs called it “the trip of a lifetime” and said he was grateful to the adult leaders for making it happen.
“Throughout these activities, the scouts of Troop 35 have demonstrated resilience, teamwork, and a commitment to personal growth,” Stevens said. “These experiences not only build outdoor skills but also foster leadership, responsibility, and a strong sense of community.”
idents and guests of any age.
The most popular event during Swing for the Cure is always the helicopter drop, Russell said. “While all the small events generate money, nothing matches the excitement of the Helicopter Ball Drop,” she explained. “It starts with the purchase of a golf ball, a numbered ball. It’s not really a purchase. It’s a rent on a chance to win. Every rented golf ball is loaded into a helicopter.”
The three balls closest to the pin win prizes. “The verandas of the River Landing clubhouse are lled with people in pink,” Russell said. “They cheer when the helicopter roars past. They wait anxiously as the pilot hovers over a single agstick in the middle of the 14th fairway. From their perch, everyone watches as the balls are poured from the chopper. When the helicopter veers away, those people in pink know that the day has been a success.”
After all is said and done, Russell said, the RL GALS feel grateful and humbled. “The generosity of the community which sponsors the events always humbles the RL GALS,” she said. “Every e ort translates into more funds for ECU Health Cancer Care. Every event generates hope … and hope is a very good thing.”
es can be purchased with up to $500,000 in building coverage, which can cost up to $25,000 per year depending on the ood zone.
“There are so many restrictions on what the federal program pays for,” she explained. “It is more interesting than other types of insurance, because sometimes the rules don’t make a lot of common sense. It intrigues me, and I enjoy learning about it so I can educate our customers.”
No matter the rules or the cost, it’s bene cial to have ood insurance if you can possibly a ord it. “If you have seen oodwater from your house, then you need to have ood insurance, because it’s devastating,” Simpson said. To determine whether or not your home is in a high-risk ood zone, visit ood.nc.gov and type your address into the search bar at the top of the page.
COURTESY KATHY RUSSELL
River Landing Golf Association for Ladies members Sue Bartnick, left, and Jan Zoesch worked at the Putting for Pink activity during the 2023 Swing for the Cure event.
COURTESY ROBERT COOMBS
Robert Coombs and his best friend, Rowan Murray, enjoy a view above the clouds at the Tooth of Time in New Mexico as part of a Boy Scout Troop 35 trip in June.
DUPLIN SPORTS
HCA head coach Jason Arnette expects more from some of his veterans players this
Anthony Byrd, an-all USA South Atlantic pick last season, wants to have a breakout season to get looks from professional teams.
Former ’Dawgs grid star Byrd keeps proving size doesn’t matter
WRH alum Anthony Byrd preps for his nal season as the top runner for NC Wesleyan
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
ROSE HILL — Anthony Byrd’s reputation on the football eld often proceeds him. They see the size of former Wallace-Rose Hill RB/DB — 5-foot-6, 155 pounds — and fear his speed.
Opposing coaches nd out quickly it’s Byrd’s intensity and ght, but only after seeing “Ant” destroy a player on the football eld. Big players. Fast players. Big and fast players.
Byrd’s gridiron mentality and methods of winning David vs. Goliath battles have him on a journey to start his senior season at North Carolina Wesleyan.
See BYRD, page 8
HCA’s Arnette: It’s time for veterans to become playmakers
Harrels Christian Academy grid coach Jason Annette calls out his once-young underclassmen to transform from solid players to game breakers
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
HARRELLS — Jason Arnette is entering his eighth season as head football coach at Harrells Christian Academy looking for a big return from freshmen players that came to Crusader land following a massive rebuild after going to the NCISAA 2A nals in 2021 and 2022.
HCA went 8-1 during the Covid season of 2020 and 11-3 the following campaign.
The Cru crew went 3-8 in 2-22 and 5-5 last season.
So expectations are high, and he’s expecting his once young players to breakthrough and become p game-changers.
Yet 2023 could have been better had the Crusaders not su er a rash of injuries to their skill position players.
Three solid players Arnette is expecting to step up are o ensive tackle Hakeem Murphy.
“It’s not so much about getting sacks as it is holding down the left side of the line,” Arnette said.
DB and WR Eli Hardison and left guard and linebacker Coley Sasser were two other players that stood out last season.
“We need more from them,” Arnette said. “More tackles, more sacks, a higher degree of intensity to make plays. They were solid players last season. I don’t think it’s asking much since they’ve been here so long.”
Other players on the step-up senior list include DB/WR Conner Casteen and center Landon Toler.
Yet several juniors might be written in as well since “they’re no longer young and know the system,” Arnette said.
Junior running backs J’Kaeshi Brunson and Chamani Newton, quarterback Reid Strickland and linemen Xander Garcia and Drake Smith are expected to carry bigger loads.
The biggest new face to the varsity is sophomore Jeremiah Davis, who Arnette said was “the best junior varsity player in the conference.”
“He’s probably our best player with college potential,” Ar-
See HCA, page 9
EDUARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
season, including Eli Hardison, who played solid last fall on two sides of the ball.
Post 11 basks in limelight of rst state title with eye on SE Region
Wayne County American Sr. Legion Post 11 won its rst state title in seven tries to advance to Southeast Region championships Aug. 7-11 in Asheboro
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
MOUNT OLIVE — Wayne County American Legion Post 11 has had its share of great players and successful teams in its sto-
ried history. Many players have gone on to have success at the college and professional level.
Yet a state championship has eluded the team that is based out of Mount Olive and gets the bulk of its players from Wayne and surrounding counties.
Post 11 has nished as a bridesmaid seven times in the Senior Legion nals, which is permanently located in Cherryville.
Three of those nale setbacks were to hometown Post 100.
Last week, revenge and redemption were sweet as Post 11
beat Wilmington Post 7-2 for its fth victory in ve tourney games to capture its rst state title on the home diamond of the Cherryville team.
Wayne County (32-7) plays Puerto Rico in its World Series opener in the Southeast Regional on Aug. 7 in Asheboro. The double-elimination tournament ends Aug. 11. Randolph County is the other North Carolina team in the eld.
Con dent Post 11 started the party early by showing up in Savannah Banana-like sleeveless jerseys.
Head coach Adam Pate, who played for Post 11, UNC and was a professional for a few seasons, said the jerseys were in his attic for the past eight years.
Against their objection and on the order from Pate, players cut out the arms of T-shirts under the yellow jerseys and Post 11 showed the biceps that pound its way to 46 runs and allowed foes just 12 during its state tournament run.
And Post 11 was ready from the get-go.
Casey Culbreth and Gabe Adams combined to limit Wilm-
ington to four hits and a pair of scratch runs in the fourth inning.
Post 11 gifted Adams a 5-2 lead when he took to the hill in the fth, allowing one hit, striking out one, whi ng one as the defense played errorless ball behind him during his two-frame stint.
Culbreth cruised through his rst three innings but in the fourth, in front 3-0, he got out of induced a groundout with runners on the corner and two outs.
Wayne made it 5-2 in the bottom half of the frame and never looked back.
Two Duplin County players were contributors to Post 11’s ight: East Duplin out elder Baines Raynor and Erik Rossa currently on the sta at the University of Mount Olive after playing at North Duplin during his prep days.
“I get inspired and a kick out of doing things people think I can’t do,” Byrd said. “It’s a mental approach. I’ve tried to put on size with a program of nutrition and other things, but it just hasn’t worked. I have to outwork and outplay them. And I take that personal.”
Hang on for more about his fall season, little explaining is needed about Byrd’s early days. In the beginning: Eye-popping hits
It’s no coincidence that he’s been both a ’Dawg at “The Pound’ in Wallace and a Battling Bishop in Rocky Mount. Yet sometimes it takes video evidence to earn a badge of respect when a player is Byrd’s size.
WRH head coach Kevin Motsinger said players and coaches became believers in Byrd when they saw him make a bone-crunching tackle or block where Byrd came up rst ready for the next play and his foe arose staggered, confused and often amazed.
“Every game we played there was a big dude he absolutely got up and looked at Ant like, ‘How in the world did that little dude do that?’” Motsinger, o ensive coordinator Adam Scronce and defensive assistant Jordan Boser found a lm clip on Byrd that made the WRH sta have gut-busting football laughter.
“Ant got this big guy, and he picked himself up, shook his head and started looking around like, ‘There’s no way he just did that to me.”
Glenn Mobley, who coached Byrd during his pre-high school years, said, “He’s like a stick of dynamite in a recracker shell. He gives you 120%, everything his little body has in it and then more.”
Motsinger calls WRH players that pass the toughness test
‘Dawgs. Byrd is the upper echelon of players who burn with intensity. “Pound-for-pound the baddest ’Dawg in town,” he said. That statement alone resonates because of WRH’s dominance in the past as a top 1A school that is now a 2A school and can only nd 3A and 4A power schools to play them in early nonconference games.
Under-the-radar sniper plays for the team
But Byrd’s rise in the football skies to the Division 3 level was unconventional.
On a talented WRH team his junior season (2018), his carries at running back were limited because of classmate and running back Cameren Dalrymple (1,677 yards), who went to Navy and is playing this season for NC A&T, and rising star Kanye Roberts (1,382), who set a state rushing record and is expected to be Appalachian State’s top running back this fall.
Byrd had 345 yards and averaged 7.1 yards per carry.
Yet he was bad to the bone on defense or on designated blocking assignments. He was a team player. And not a little defensive back who could be exploited.
He became a sniper if you will.
He could take out the legs of a ball carrier or use his body as a missile that explodes on impact.
The following campaign, Dalrymple (1,283 yards, 16 TDs) and Roberts (1,558, 17 TDs) once again were the show backs, with swing and sweep-running Byrd compiling 469 yards and a litany of new fans who loved his style of play.
Beating the odds at Rocky Mount
The Bishops went 4-6 last season as Byrd rushed for a teamhigh 751 yards with 125 more in receiving, but he was limited to nine games because of injuries.
Yet he was key during a fourgame winning streak in which
he toted the pig for 203 yards against LaGrange, 155 against Greensboro, 114 against Southern Virginia and 142 against Methodist, and he was voted allUSA South during a breakout season.
“I’m looking to upgrade from last year to help make the team better,” said Byrd. “If I can play all 10 games, that 1,000-yard season thing could be possible.
He led the Bishops with 704 yards in 2022.
“If we work as a family, building one another up, it translates to the eld,” Byrd said. “I put a lot of expectations on myself, harder on myself than anyone, because nobody tells me I can’t do something.”
Byrd split his time this summer between his father’s house in Virginia and his mother’s home in Rose Hill, working out and caring for his 2-year-old daughter, Alyla.
“It’s stressful at times with academics, football and life, and I’ve been on this continual road for a while.”
“Small” players can play big in any league
Byrd, a business major with an accounting minor, said he would entertain the idea of professional football if an o er is presented.
“I’d like to take a shot at it should I get a chance,” he said. “If I don’t, someday I’d like to coach a little.
Small players are rare in the NFL.
Mark “Mighty Mouse” McMillian, who is 5-foot-6 and played at just over 150 pounds, was a 10th-round draft pick who played from 1992-99 for the Eagles, Saints, Chiefs, 49ers and then-Washington Redskins. More recently there’s Darren “Lightning Bug” Sproles, a 5-foot-6 juggernaut who played for the Chargers, Saints and Eagles from 2005-19.
He averaged 4.9 yards per carry and ran for 23 TDs while being one of the game’s top receiving running backs. He caught 553 passes for almost 5,000 yards and 32 TDs.
Sproles’ seven punt and two kicko returns touchdowns and his all-purpose yardage put him on a top-10 list with NFL greats such as Jerry Rice, Walter Payton, Emmitt Smith and Frank Gore.
More than anything it shows that size is not always a limitation.
“I always tell people who want to play at the next level to stay patient until it’s your turn and don’t let anyone tell you you can’t be successful,” Byrd said. “Don’t let anybody judge you on what they hear.”
The “Ant Man’s” fth and nal college season is the only target on in his sights right now.
He’s had an awfully big impact at the two levels leading up to the professional ranks and should he end up in coaching and not playing , he will have a wealth of experience and might turn small players into mini-monsters on a football eld.
COURTESY PHOTO
Post 11 will open play in the Southeast Regional in Asheboro on Aug. 11 against Puerto Rico.
NC WESLEYAN ATHLETICS
Last fall, Anthony Byrd ran for a team-high 751 yards and helped NC Wesleyan go on a four-game win streak, its longest run in eight years.
BYRD from page 7
Olympics bring out national and state pride in everyone
I WAS 16 when I rst met Mark Spitz, winner of eight gold medals in the summer of 1974. And I brie y “lived” near him during a monthlong stay in Bloomington, Indiana, with a wrestling buddy.
Yet I have truly never lived in the same city or town as an Olympian.
Later, while attending IU, I brushed against the greatness of Isiah Thomas in classes and passing through the IU campus. I remember seeing Thomas drive a Mercedes after the Hoosiers won an NCAA title.
I also shot free throws with Larry Bird in a dark gym at Indiana State when I was running in the gym to cut weight for a wrestling match.
All three were Olympians, and since then I’ve had more interaction with “stars” than I could ever count.
I moved to North Carolina in 1999 and, despite objections from those who call every northerner a damn Yankee, I have polished my Tar Heel heart here for a quarter of a century.
There are 592 Americans from 46 states in Paris for these summer Olympics.
California leads with 145 Olympians, Florida 47, Texas 45, Illinois 40, Pennsylvania 35, Indiana 25 and 16 from North Carolina.
And while there may not be any from Duplin County, the Olympics are one time during which we show pride in the country and state where we live.
with a bronze medal in her trophy case from Tokyo.
– Bryson City’s Evy Leibfarth competes in canoe competitions. And then there are athletes with state ties, some of which play for another country.
– Duke hoopster RJ Barrett is on the Canadian team.
There are 592 Americans from 46 states in Paris. California leads with 145 Olympians, Florida has 47, Texas 45, Illinois 40, Pennsylvania 35, Indiana 25 and 16 from North Carolina.
Steph Curry (four-time NBA champ), a Tar Heel via Charlotte and Davidson College, and Jason Tatum (NBA champ) who played at Duke, are two of the more wellknown Olympians. So any Olympian from this state will get cheered for wildly.
Here is a list of some of the lesser-known Olympians with ties to North Carolina.
– Miami Heat hoopster Bam Adebayo grew up in Pinetown.
– Ericka Connolly is a two-time swimming medalist who is from Cornelius.
– Beaufort’s Naya Tapper, 18, is on the U.S.’s women’s rugby team and was in the 2020 Tokyo Games at the age of 14.
– Fayetteville native Sammy Sullivan, a captain in the Army, is on the U.S.’s rugby team.
– Huntsville’s Casey Eichfeld is in her fourth Olympics as a kayak and canoe specialist.
– Holly Springs’ Andre Capobianco is competing in his second Olympics in synchronized 3M springboard diving.
– Tennis player Tommy Paul of Greensboro is competing in his second Olympics.
– Providence Day’s grad Anna Cockrell is running in the 400-meter hurdles. She was also in Tokyo.
– Charlotte’s Cierra Burdick is on the 3X3 basketball team. She won an incredible seven gold medals in the new Olympic sport.
– Another Queen City native, Kaylyn Brown, 19, competes in the 400-meter run.
– Asheville’s Lilly Williams is a cyclist for the U.S.,
– Greensboro’s soccer player Gianluca Busio suits up for the Italian team.
– Ex-Blue Devil Quinn (formerly known as Rebecca Quinn) is playing in her third Olympics for Canada’s soccer team. For what it’s worth, she’s the rst openly transgender, non-binary person to win an Olympic gold medal.
– UNC soccer player Ethan Ramos is coaching at rival Duke and a member of the Puerto Rico team.
– Former Blue Devil Daniel Golubovic is in the decathlon for Australia.
– The USA’s eld hockey team is based out of Charlotte and a handful of players are on the squad. They include Cassie Sumfest, Ashley Sessa, Meredith Sholder and Ashley Ho man.
– Duke’s 7-foot-2 center Khaman Maluach plays for South Sudan.
– Crystal Dunn, who played at UNC, will be participating in her third Olympics in soccer.
– UNC’s Emily Fox will be in her rst Olympics in soccer.
– Danielle Williams (Johnson C. Smith University) is a two-time world champ in the 100-meter hurdles. She will represent Jamaica in her rst Olympics.
Opening ceremony was painful to watch TV
As for the opening ceremonies, eh. Olympian boat rides in the rain to the Eifel Tower was nothing short of a mess.
And TV color commentators Peyton Manning and Kelly Clarkson were awful.
Thank the stars above for seasoned mic playby-play pro Mike Tirico, though he could not save Manning or Clarkson for putting their feet in their mouth with silly comments. Clarkson said the rain was amazing twice within 20 seconds.
Hearing singer Celine Dion was a highlight sort of said it all quite well for me.
And then there are those who know nothing about or have never read Greek literature and mythology who described a posed scene on the dock as mocking Christianity and the Last Supper. All they had to hear or see was LGBT and their minds raced.
Believe what you want. None of that has anything to do with the Games and it was splashed around like a bad joke.
And while I agreed with Coco Gau as a ag holder for the U.S., having LeBron James as another holder didn’t embody the Olympic spirit since he’s a 20-year hoop professional the world knows front and back and inside and out. There were participants with better Olympic dream back stories.
At least his son Bronny wasn’t by his side. Enjoy the Games. They end on Aug. 11.
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK SPONSORED BY BILL CARONE
Luke Kelly
North Duplin, football
This fall will be the fourth straight season Luke Kelly has been the starting quarterback at North Duplin. While he plays in a run-orientated o ense, the senior has gone 43 of 103 for 12 touchdowns in his previous three seasons.
He’s grown physically and as a leader for head coach High Martin, who will likely call Kelly’s number to run the ball more this fall. More importantly, he’s the leader of the o ense.
Kelly’s other sport is basketball. He started for the Rebels’ 17-10 team that won the Carolina A Conference’s regular season and postseason tournament. He averaged 3.7 points and 2.6 rebounds. Look for Kelly to blossom on both the basketball court and gridiron his nal season in a Rebels uniform.
“No doubt that’s a big
Arnette said. “We had their number for quite awhile, until they took us the last two seasons. It’s a game we need to win.” Trinity quarterback Eliji-
ah Oehkle has signed to play at Wake Forest, and Ravenscroft’s Tyler Baker-Williams, a 6-foot2, 200-pound WR is heading to NC State. An early key will be when Covenant comes to Harrells for the season opener on Aug. 16.
rival
and Trinity are the
games
of the regular season. HCA should surpass last season’s 5-5 mark and win between seven and 10 games if the Crusaders remain healthy at key positions, which is about anywhere. “We have some really solid players that I need to be di erence makers,” Arnette said.
EDUARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
HCA from page 7
nette said. “But again, that’s if he stays strong and healthy. If he can, I like the things he can bring to the table.”
HCA nished fourth in the Big East last fall with a .500 mark at 3-3, besting the two Wake Academy and GRACE
while falling to league champ and ’24 favorite Trinity Christian (43-14), sec
ond-place Ravenscroft (31-14) and third-place North Raleigh Christian (28-21).
setback to NRC hurt the most since Strickland got hurt and could not play in the second half. That game is the rst
league battle following four nonconference tilts, is Sept. 20 on Johnson-Murphy Stadium in Harrells.
game,”
Longtime
Ravenscroft
nal
PHOTOS: EDUARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Left, Jason Arnette enters his eighth season at HCA with a 45-32 mark. Right, third-year starting quarterback Reid Strickland runs the HCA o ense.
football season opens
Richland coach Pat Byrd has a seasoned team that he’s pushing to get into shape for the Wildcats’ opener on Aug. 23 against South Brusnwick.
ND’s Hugh Martin works on his o ensive line’s push and knowledge of plays.
TAKE NOTICE
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA
DUPLIN COUNTY
FILE#2024E000241
The undersigned, DOROTHY C. BYRD, having quali ed on the 24TH DAY of JUNE 2024, as EXECUTOR of the Estate of BETTY KATEN GAINUS, deceased, of DUPLIN County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 9TH Day of OCTOBER 2024, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 11th Day of JULY 2024.
DOROTHY C. BYRD, EXECUTOR 2875 SUMMERLIN’S CROSSROAD RD. MT. OLIVE, NC 28365
Run dates: Jy11,18,25,A1p
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA
DUPLIN COUNTY
FILE#2024E000118
The undersigned, YOLANDA BLACKNELL, having quali ed on the 21ST DAY of MARCH 2024, as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of ANNIE RUTH PARKER, deceased, of DUPLIN County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 16TH Day of OCTOBER 2024, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 18th Day of JULY 2024.
YOLANDA BLACKNELL, ADMINISTRATOR 1147 PENNY BRANCH RD. WARSAW, NC 28398
Run dates: Jy18,25,A1,8p
NORTH CAROLINA
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
DUPLIN COUNTY
FILE#2024E000263
The undersigned, DEBORAH MIZE, having quali ed on the 1ST DAY of JULY 2024, as EXECUTOR of the Estate of MARILYN PADGETT HECKMAN, deceased, of DUPLIN County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 16TH Day of OCTOBER 2024, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 18th Day of JULY 2024.
DEBORAH MIZE, EXECUTOR 309 PERCYTHE ST. FAISON, NC 28341
Run dates: Jy18,25,A1,8c
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA DUPLIN COUNTY
FILE#2023E000136
The undersigned, STEPHEN CRAIG MARTIN, having quali ed on the 4TH DAY of APRIL 2023, as EXECUTOR of the Estate of GEORGE BRITT MARTIN, SR aka GEORGE BRITT MARTIN, deceased, of DUPLIN County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 30TH Day of OCTOBER 2024, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 1ST Day of AUGUST 2024.
STEPHEN CRAIG MARTIN, EXECUTOR
513 W. JAMES ST. MOUNT OLIVE, NC 28365
Run dates: A1,8,15,22p
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA DUPLIN COUNTY
FILE#2023E000206
The undersigned, SONYA TEACHEY, having quali ed on the 15TH DAY of MAY 2023, as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of NANCY GRACE TANTAWY, deceased, of DUPLIN County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 23RD Day of OCTOBER 2024, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 25th Day of JULY 2024.
SONYA TEACHEY, ADMINISTRATOR 132 LILLIAN MOORE LANE ROSE HILL, NC 28458
Run dates: Jy25,A1,8,15p
PHOTOS BY EDUARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Top, JK’s Hassan Kornegy can rip through a drill and also drive a ball carrier into the the sod. Bottom , ED’s Battle Holley returns the bulk of a team that went 10-2 last season.
obituaries
Wilton Francis “Nort” Townsend
May 14, 1925 –July 24, 2024 (age 99)
Wilton Francis (Nort) Townsend, age 99, of Wallace peacefully passed on from his earthly life on July 24, 2024. Born on May 14, 1925, he was the son of the late D. B. and Mary Hester Townsend. Also preceding him in death was his wife Ellis Henry Williams Townsend and his brother Thomas C. Townsend. Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Kaye Jackson (Andy) of Cary and Carol McGinnis (Steve) of Rocky Point; four grandchildren, Jon Jackson, Nick Jackson, Kelly Hunter (Todd), and Heath Carter (Jessica); two greatgrandsons, Jackson Hunter and Hudson Carter. Born in Wagram, Scotland County, Francis moved with his family to Wallace in 1927. In 1942 after graduating Wallace High School, he attended Mars Hill College until joining the U.S. Marine Corps in 1943. After his honorable discharge on July 2, 1946, Francis returned to Mars Hill College and then attended UNC-Chapel Hill until returning home to work in the family business, Townsend Auto Parts. In 1950, Francis married Ellis Henry Williams, and they celebrated 67 years together.
Francis was well known for his volunteer work in the Boy Scouts of America (the most memorable times participating in the annual camporees) and received the prestigious Silver Beaver Award for his dedicated service. As a faithful member of Wallace Methodist Church, he served as nance treasurer for many years and had a history of public service on various community boards and organizations — Thelma Dingus Bryant Library Board, Wallace ABC Board, and BB&T Board. He was a distinct member of the Wallace Masonic Lodge No. 279 for 75 years. In his younger years, growing roses became his hobby as many people would stop by his yard to admire his colorful rose garden. He was faithful to his family business where he worked serving the community until the age of 92. After an extensive illness and recovery in 2017, Francis returned to his business roots at “the store” and enjoyed sitting in his rocking chair and greeting customers. “Nort,” as many people called him, was devoted to family, business, church, community, and enjoyed trout shing, yard work, and simply relaxing in his recliner at home. He possessed such a positive attitude and outlook on life and overcame later health challenges with inspirational strength and determination.
Francis was grateful for friends at The Gardens of Rose Hill and for the admirable care he received from the sta . The personal care from sta at Pender Memorial Hospital and Lower Cape Fear Lifecare was compassionate and heartfelt.
A memorial service and celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at Wallace Methodist Church in Wallace, NC at 2 p.m. followed by visitation in the church fellowship hall. In lieu of owers, the family requests that memorials be made to Wallace Methodist Church, 301 S College St, Wallace NC 28466 or Lower Cape Fear Lifecare, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401.
Mary Dallas Sutton
June 12, 1931 – July 24, 2024 (age 93)
Mary Dallas Cottle Sutton, 93, longtime Mount Olive resident, found eternal rest Wednesday evening, July 24, 2024, while being cared for at Kitty Askins Hospice Center.
Mrs. Sutton was born in the little Duplin County town of Teachey, and was raised in Faison, where she was the only girl amongst seven brothers. In 1947, she married Harold Lloyd Sutton, and they made Mount Olive their home. Their marriage lasted for over 50 years until his passing in 1999.
Mrs. Sutton was a longtime member of the First Christian Church of Mount Olive, and had been a former member of Mount Olive Garden Club. An astute businesswoman, she had owned and operated Mary’s Dress Shop in downtown Mount Olive until her retirement.
Always well-dressed and xed-up, she enjoyed her back yard garden and gazebo at her home. Referred to as being “the General,” she was a “large and in-charge” lady who would say what she thought and meant what she said.
In years past, she enjoyed being on the golf course with her fellow lady golfers, and she enjoyed a good game of cards amongst her card-playing buddies.
Surviving her are a son and daughter-in-law, Harold Lloyd Sutton Jr. and Susie Sutton of Blu ton, South Carolina; a brother and sister-in-law, Ned and Janet Cottle of Goldsboro; four grandchildren, Dallas Grey Sutton and wife, Carrie, Holly S. Balance and husband, Josh, Jenna S. Elliott and husband, Austin, and Tanner Sutton and wife, Ristine; six great-grandchildren, Ava Sutton, Presleigh Sutton, Sutton Elliott, Reeves Elliott, Palmer Sutton, and Sayer Sutton; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by a son, Henry Dallas Sutton; her husband, Harold Lloyd Sutton; her parents, James Clarence Cottle and Nettie Carroll Cottle; six of her brothers, John, Tommy, Bobby, Lee, Will, and James Cottle; and a sister-in-law, Mary Dell Sutton Rhodes and husband, Bryan.
The life of Mrs. Mary Dallas Sutton was re ected upon at a graveside service on Saturday, July 27, at Wayne Memorial Park. O ciating was Pastor Billy Rose. The celebration of her life continued with fellowship and a reception to follow at her residence. In lieu of owers, it is suggested that memorial gifts be made to Kitty Askins Hospice, 107 Handley Park Court, Goldsboro, NC 27534.
Ernestine Herring Carlton
Aug. 31, 1955 – July 18, 2024 (age 68)
Ernestine Herring Carlton, 68, of Goldsboro, entered into eternal rest at UNC Health Wayne on July 18, 2024. Funeral service was Wednesday, July 24, at Mt. Zion Community Church of Warsaw. Visitation was held one hour prior to service. Interment was in the Mt. Zion Community Church Cemetery.
Ernestine Carlton was born Aug. 31,1955 in Duplin County to the Late Reverend Wilbert and the Late Minister Juanita Herring. Ernestine was reared in Warsaw, attended the Duplin County System, and graduated from James Kenan High School. Some of Ernestine’s past times were playing bingo, cooking, listening to music, and dressing up. She also enjoyed owers and decorating.
Ernestine’s biggest love was for her family! In addition to her parents, Ernestine was preceded in death by grandsons, Kahlil Herring and Frankie Maurice Williams Jr; brothers, Wilbert Lee Herring and Jerry Best; and sister, Gloria Mae Herring. There comes a time when each of us have to leave our earthly home. On Thursday, July 18, 2024 our beloved Ernestine Carlton transitioned to her heavenly home at UNC Wayne Hospital in Goldsboro. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Though her passing has left a lonely place in our hearts, we are consoled by the countless memories of our loved one. She will forever be in our hearts, as we humbly submit to God’s will!
Ernestine leaves to cherish her memories: husband, James Carlton; daughters, Tonia (Bobby) Miller, Kristie Herring, Lolita Hill, and Lillian Carlton; 11 grandchildren; ve greatgrandchildren; sisters, Annie Doris Hobbs and Mary Mitchell; brother, Johnnie (Louise) Herring; special nieces, Melissa Carlton and Felisa Carlton; special cousin, Alberta Boykin; special friend, David Walker; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
In lieu of owers, the family asks for everyone to please donate to Ernestine’s nal arrangements.
Pamela Jean (Seawright)
Nowicki
June 14, 1965 – July 5, 2024 (age 59)
Pamela Jean Seawright
Nowicki of Wallace passed from her earthly life on the morning of Friday, July 5, 2024, while a patient of ECU Healthcare of Duplin, in Kenansville. No services are planned at the present but will be in Ohio at a later date.
Betty Pickett Brant
March 21, 1930 –July 20, 2024 (age 94)
Betty Pickett Brant, 94, passed away on July 20, in ECU Health Duplin Hospital, Kenansville.
She is preceded in death by her spouse, Bill Brant, a daughter, Alecia Brant and sisters, Dora Thomas and Atlee Pickett.
Funeral service was July 25, with visitation one hour prior to the service, at Sharon Baptist Church in Chinquapin. Interment followed at Sharon Baptist Church Cemetery, Chinquapin. Survivors include: son, Larry Brant (Sarah) of Beulaville; grandchild, Brooks Sumner (Sam) of Beulaville; great-grandchildren, Kross Sumner and Brantley Sumner. In lieu of owers, memorial donations may be made to Sharon Baptist Church, Building Fund, P.O. Box 126, Chinquapin, NC 28521.
Sue Henderson Sheppard
Sept. 20, 1945 – July 21, 2024 (age 78)
Sue Henderson Sheppard, 78, passed away on Sunday, July 21, at her home.
Graveside service was July 22, at East Duplin Memorial Gardens in Beulaville. Visitation followed the graveside service.
Survivors include: son, Dwight F. Sheppard Jr. (Paula) of Beulaville; daughter, Melissa Sheppard of Pink Hill; sisters, Peggy Henderson of Beulaville, Betty Jarman (Henry) of Beulaville, Kay Evans of Beulaville, Cindy Henderson of Beulaville; grandchildren, Dwight F. Sheppard, III, Matthew Sheppard and Nate Sheppard.
Jon William Moore
March 4, 1971 – July 19, 2024 (age 53)
Jon William Moore, 53, passed away on July 19. Funeral service was held July 26 at East Duplin Fine Arts Building, Beulaville. Visitation followed the service. He is preceded in death by a sister, Wendy Moore. Survivors include: spouse, Amanda Whaley Moore of Beulaville; parents, William Grady Moore and Sara Moore of Garland; daughters, Alexis Ward (Jordan) of Rose Hill and Anne Hill (Seger) of Beulaville; brother, Patrick Wayne Moore, Sr. of Garland; grandchild, Linkoln Hill.
Esta Lynne Blount
July 11, 1960 – July 21, 2024 (age 64)
Esta Lynne Blount departed her earthly life on July 21, 2024, while a resident of the Gardens of Rose Hill. Born on July 11, 1960, she is the daughter of the late Reverend Larry Gordon and Margaret Elaine Jackson Blount. Left to cherish her memory are her sister, Miriam Blount of Wallace; niece, Jamie Hanchey Staradumsky and husband Andy of Wallace; nephew, Jonathan Worley of Warsaw; uncle, Lynn Jackson and wife Jasie of Fancy Gap, Virginia; and many cousins who loved her dearly.
Early in life, Esta had a yearning to help others who could not help themselves. So, given that she had a heart for special needs, she earned her master’s degree in special needs education. She used this education to help others in the Dixon High School, Jacksonville High School, Rosewood High School, O’Berry Center in Goldsboro, and Skilled Creations— Kenansville. Her aptitude for teaching led her to teach classes in Karate and guitar. With an outgoing personality, she was a strong willed and independent lady who some would refer to as “bull headed.” She was always proud of the fact that she hiked in the Grand Canyon during her travels and looked forward to the beach trips with family every year. Her love for her family was surpassed only by her love for Jesus and she left room for loving animals as well. She loved horseback riding and always had a dog at her side.
A memorial service to celebrate her life was held on Friday, July 26, 2024, in the Teachey Baptist Church. Rather than oral arrangements, please consider a donation to the Charity Mission Center earmarked for the “Night to Shine Event.”
Nelson Patrick Pryor
June 23, 1960 –July 23, 2024 (age 64)
CHINQUAPIN — Mr. Nelson Patrick Pryor, age 64, of Chinquapin passed away on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at UNC Lenoir Health Care in Kinston.
A visitation of family and friends will be held on Saturday, August 3, 2024 from 10-10:45 a.m. at the Rose Hill Funeral Home Chapel in Rose Hill, followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m.
Left to cherish his precious memories: wife, Dora White Pryor of Chinquapin; daughter, Alicia Pryor of Baltimore, Maryland; one sister, Denell Pryor of Baltimore, Maryland; grandson, Shawn Christian; aunt, Candy Hall; two sistersin-law, Katherine Pryor and Rene McKoy, both of Baltimore, Maryland; two brothers-in-law, Terrial White (Linda) and Kevin White, both of Chinquapin; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that will miss him dearly.
PATRIOTS from page 1
Over the years, the landscape around the monument had deteriorated. “We did some research to ensure that the restoration would be respectful,” Fritz said, adding that native plants were planted around the memorial, it was power-washed, and the splitrail fence was replaced; Future plans may include lighting and a agpole at the site.
“This will remain a place for remembrance and legacy for many years to come,” Fritz said.
Susan Corliss-Bland of the Battle of Rock sh Chapter of the DAR then shared some information about the America 250 Project, which is working to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary with local celebrations between 2022 and 2033. “Our mission is to instill public pride in our patriot ancestors,” Corliss-Bland stated, adding that the project also aims to encourage family history research and DAR membership.
“The Battle of Rocksh chose the beautication and restoration of the monument that honors the skirmish that was fought nearby,” she said.
“Although not a signicant battle, local farmers and merchants defended their town, not far from here, against a much larger number of British. Your town can be proud of these patriots that risked their own safety for the greater good. Let us not lose sight of what a small number of people can do when they band together with courage and a sense of justice.”
Wreaths were laid at the monument by the Battle of Rock sh DAR, the Col. Alexander Lillington Chapter of the SAR, the Andrew Jackson Chapter of the SAR, and the Lower Cape Fear Chapter of the SAR.
Duplin Journal
PHOTOS BY ABBY CAVENAUGH / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Top, all the members present from the DAR and SAR posed for a photo after the Battle of Rock sh ceremony last Saturday in Wallace. Left and Top Right, The NC Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard presented and retired the nation’s colors during an observance of the Battle of Rock sh last Saturday in Wallace. Bottom right, Wallace Planning Director Rod Fritz shared plans for the refurbishment of the Battle of Rock sh Memorial during Saturday’s ceremony.