Duplin Journal Vol. 8, Issue 47 by North State Journal

VOLUME 8 ISSUE 47 | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2024

DUPLINJOURNAL.COM

Duplin Journal THE DUPLIN COUNTY EDITION OF THE NORTH STATE JOURNAL

the

BRIEF this week

3-year-old-boy accidentally shoots, kills himself in Lenoir County Pink Hill The Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the shooting death of Clarence Roland Byrd IV. According to Lenoir County authorities, the 3-year-old boy died after accidentally shooting himself with a handgun. The tragic accident took place Sunday, Jan. 14 on Murphy Road in Pink Hill. Lenoir officials said case evidence will be sent to the SBI lab to be analyzed and once the results are determined, the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office will consult with the District Attorney’s office in reference to potential criminal charges. DJS

ENA SELLERS | DUPLIN JOURNAL

Freedom Ride Martin Luther King Day celebrations started a day early in Warsaw as community members gathered at KEMBA for the Freedom Ride which culminated at the First Missionary Baptist Church with a special MLK service featuring Jaki Shelton Green, Poet Laureate of North Carolina as the key note speaker. See page 12 for more photos.

Jimmy Lee Road closed due to sinkhole

NCRB proposes 71.3% homeowners insurance hike for Duplin County

Pink Hill The Department of Transportation has closed Jimmy Lee Road near the Duplin-Lenoir county line due to a sinkhole caused by a deteriorating drainage pipe. Thew road is estimated to reopen March 11. DJS

Kilpatrick named ASWC state president Statewide Billy Kilpatrick, Duplin Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor, was sworn in as state president of the Association of Soil and Water Conservation on Jan. 9, in Durham, N.C.

DJS

UMO receives $2.4M from Lilly Endowment to fund ministry initiatives Mount Olive The University of Mount Olive received two grants from Lilly Endowment Inc., totaling $2.4M. The grants will be used to establish cohort-based and site-training models to equip parents, caregivers, children, and their congregational leaders in how faith develops across adolescence.

DJS

ABBY CAVENAUGH | DUPLIN JOURNAL

Wallace’s newest police officer, Noah Locklear, was sworn in with his girlfriend, Madison Mozingo, by his side at the Jan. 11 meeting of the Wallace Town Council.

Citizens speak out on proposed Wallace annexation New WPD officer sworn in By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal WALLACE –Numerous residents of a community near the Pender County line packed Wallace’s town hall on Thursday night, Jan. 11, to participate in a public hearing on the proposed voluntary annexation of 150 acres along US Hwy. 117. Ann Autry spoke first during the public hearing, saying she wanted to get more information on the rezoning and annexation.

“How can Wallace take from Pender County?” she asked. “I don’t understand how all this works.” Planning director Rod Fritz explained that the N.C. general statute allows for land to be annexed within three miles of the town limits, and added that the town doesn’t yet know what the 150 acres will be used for, or what type of rezoning applicants Keith Spalding-Robbins and Tony Davis will request. See WALLACE, page 5

Duplin and Lenoir counties are among those with the two highest proposed increases By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey announced in a recent press release that the North Carolina Rate Bureau is asking for an average statewide increase in homeowners’ insurance rates of 42.2%. For Duplin County the proposed rate increase is a whooping 71.3%. If approved, this hike would become effective Aug. 1. “It seems like it goes up a little bit every year,” said Curt Simpson of Simpson Real Estate Group. “I’ve seen it before where they made a big request and then it gets knocked back down … and it’s not nearly as bad as we thought, but most of everything is going up.” In 2020, the NCRB requested an overall average rate increase of 24.5%, later settling

“We have had some pretty hefty increases in the value of homes in the last few years, and that’s probably part of the reason for the increase…” Curt Simpson, Simpson Real Estate Group for an overall ARI of 7.9%. Factors that play a role in increased rates are inf lation, risks, value, rebuild cost, and the number of claims. “We have had some pretty hefty increases in the value of homes in the last few years, and that’s probably part of the reason for the increase… because a loss of a $300,000 home is going to affect the insurance company more than the loss of a $200,000 home. So, they are probably making up for some of that as well, in See HOMEOWNERS, page 2

Road concerns bring residents to Warsaw’s town hall Board asked for more transparency By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal WARSAW - Five residents signed up for public comment at the Town of Warsaw monthly town hall meeting. The first person to address the board was Teri Brinegar, she expressed concerns with vehicles speeding on Hill Street near the intersection with U.S. Highway 117. “It is just a fairly dangerous strip of road right there… I hear them going down the street at an elevated speed,” said Brinegar, explaining that she can hear loud mufflers well into 2-3

in the morning. “Maybe it needs a noise ordinance… I don’t know what to do about that other than bring it up as a topic of concern.” Brinegar shared that the night prior to the meeting, a boy crossing Center Street and Hill Street almost got hit by a car. “He had to stop and back up for the car that was coming fast down the street. He stepped toward the intersection again and the next car came up behind, and it turned in front of him and his dogs… The dogs could be the ones to take the hit. It could be a child. That is my concern,” said Brinegar. “I understand that it is a state road. I did not know if anything had been done as a change of jurisdiction since last year.”

She also shared that despite signs at both ends of the street that say no through trucks, she sees all types of farm equipment and Duplin County trucks on that road. “My understanding is they are illegal because it is a state road and —it says no through trucks. The trucks that I’ve been seeing out there are Duplin County trucks. The speed up and down that road, I can hear them at the stoplight... I can hear them revving their engines. They come flying across there and fly down the street all the way to the end. It happens almost every day.” Elizabeth Myer was next to address the board. She asked about reimbursement owed for

repairs done to a sewer line in October 2023. She also asked for updates about stormwater repairs for East Plank Road. “I wanted to get an update on if you are working on stormwater, the progress of that, because it is still flooding just as bad as it See WARSAW, page 6

$2.00

Duplin Journal for Wednesday, January 17, 2024

2 WEDNESDAY

WEEKLY FORECAST

01.17.24 #7

WEDNESDAY

JAN. 17

HI LO PRECIP

44° 23° 1%

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

JAN. 18

HI LO PRECIP

55° 37° 3%

SATURDAY

JAN. 19 HI LO PRECIP

“Join the conversation”

JAN. 20

53° 23° 21%

HI LO PRECIP

37° 17° 0%

SUNDAY

MONDAY

JAN. 21

HI LO PRECIP

37° 18° 0%

JAN. 22

HI LO PRECIP

46° 26° 1%

TUESDAY

JAN. 23

HI LO PRECIP

58° 41° 6%

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 ena@northstatejournal.com

Abby Cavenaugh, Features/Business Editor abby@northstatejournal.com

Michael Jaenicke, Sports Editor michael@northstatejournal.com

David Guy, Advertising Manager

Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in Duplin County: . JAN. 18 x A Red Cross Blood Drive will be held at Murphy Family Ventures, 5752 Highway 117 S. in Wallace from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Walk-ins welcome. x The Duplin County Board of Education regular business meeting has been rescheduled to Jan. 18 at 6 p.m. in the O.P. Johnson Education Building. x Kids can enjoy story time at Thelma Dingus Bryant Library in Wallace. The event kicks off at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 18, featuring a reading of Bundle Up. x The Planning Board will meet at 6 p.m., on Jan 18 at the Board of County Commissioners Meeting Room located at 224 Seminary Street in Kenansville.

information, call 910-441-9715. JAN. 21 x Duplin County Animal

Services will be giving out free Parvo shots to any dogs over the age of 6 weeks on Sunday, Jan. 21, at 1 p.m. while supplies last. The event will be held at Plantation Drive in Magnolia, off Beasley Mill Road. Parvo is a highly contagious disease that can be prevented with a vaccine. For more information, call DCAS at 910-296-2159 ext. 1, or email dcanimals@ duplincountync.com.

JAN. 25 x Kids can enjoy story time at Thelma Dingus Bryant Library in Wallace. The event kicks off at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 25, featuring a reading of Penguins and Polar Bears.

dguy@northstatejournal.com

CONTACT US For a vacation hold or to report a delivery problem: 919-663-3232 To place a classified or display ad: 919-663-3232; Fax: 919-663-4042

JAN. 20

JAN. 27

x The 23rd annual Robert Burns Supper & Scottish Celebration will be held on Jan. 20 at 5:30 p.m., at the Country Squire Restaurant, Inn, & Winery. $55 per person, call 910-296-1727 ext. 155 for information and reservations.

x Thigpen Well Drilling presents A Southern Smoke Night on Jan. 27, from 6 – 11:30 p.m., at Tara Creek located at 136 Robert Hobbs Rd., Faison. Enjoy dinner, dancing, and drinks and musical entertainment by The Band of Oz. For ticket

JAN. 29 x Registration for the NC Farm Bureau Women’s Communications Boot Camp class closes Jan. 29. The intensive training is open to all female members interested in building communication skills related to agriculture. The class will be April 1-4. 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. FEB. 9 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. 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. FEB. 29 x New moms are welcomed to join the WIC breastfeeding class on Feb. 29 from 2-3 p.m. at the Duplin County Health Department, located at 340 Seminary St., Kenansville.

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

Get in touch

www duplinjournal.com

CRIME LOG JAN. 9

x Michael Jerome Butler, 28, was arrested by the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office on charges including possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana (up to one-half ounce), possession of marijuana paraphernalia, providing false information to an officer, and possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond is set at $502,000. JAN. 10

Duplin Journal

x Kellie Jo Coffee, 36, was arrested by the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office on charges including possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver heroin, possession of heroin, manufacturing Schedule I controlled substance, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug

paraphernalia, and various other drug-related charges. Her bond is set at $100,000.

controlled substance. His bond is set at $4,000. JAN. 12

x Juan Manuel Gallegos, 37, was arrested by the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office on the charge of possession of a firearm by a felon. He is currently held without bond.

x Lisa Anne Pierce, 50, was arrested by the Kenansville Police Department for driving while license revoked, not impaired revocation. Her bond is set at $500.

x Tamara D. Knowles, 29, was arrested by the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office on charges including assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury, first-degree burglary, driving while impaired (DWI) level 5, and a violation of unsupervised probation. Her bond is set at $85,000.

x Angel Alberta Michelle Cotter, 23, was arrested by the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office on charges of driving while license revoked (not impaired revocation), resisting a public officer, and driving while impaired. Her bond has been denied. JAN. 13

x Isaac Lee Herring, 39, was arrested by the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office for charges of simple possession of MDPV and possession of Schedule II

x Nelson Funez Kelly, 43, was arrested by the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office on charges of indecent liberties with a child and statutory sexual offense with a child by an adult. His bond has been denied.

“Material costs, labor costs, it’s all expensive now,” said Simpson. “We’re having a lot of growth in the housing industry here. We are paying the price, somewhat, for being in a desirable area now. Increased demand brings increased cost.” The proposed increase rates vary from one county to another, with Duplin and Lenoir counties being among the highest proposed increases, right after the 99.4% proposed

for beach areas in Brunswick, Carteret, New Hanover, Onslow, and Pender counties. The public can comment on the proposed rate increase by attending the public comment forum on Jan. 22 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the Jim Long Hearing Room in the Albemarle Building, located at 325 N. Salisbury St., Raleigh, which will also be available online at https://ncgov.webex. com/ncgov/j.php?MTID=mb3fe10c8f69bbedd2aae-

JAN. 11

x Daniel Okeith Miller, 61, was arrested by the Kenansville Police Department on charges of driving while impaired and reckless driving to endanger. No bond has been set in this case.

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.

HOMEOWNERS from page 1 addition to all the claims that we have had due to the natural disasters that we have had,” said Simpson. If approved, the rate increase would mean larger premiums for homeowners and expensive mortgages for those seeking to buy a home. “From my perspective, anything that increases the cost of owning a house is going to affect the affordability of all homes,” said Simpson. “So, someone who may have been

able to afford, say, a $300,000 house, if they have to throw in all these extra, whether it is taxes or insurance or whatever it is, then they may be looking at only $275,000 or $250,000 or something like that. It is going to affect how much they can afford. Their monthly payment is going to go up quite a bit if they escrow in their insurance costs, and most mortgage companies and lenders do that. It is going to affect what they can buy.”

ce485915db7e Public comments can be emailed to 2024Homeowners@ncdoi.gov by Feb. 2 or mailed to Kimberly W. Pearce, and addressed to 1201 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, N.C. 27699-1201 by Feb. 2. If Department of Insurance officials do not agree with the proposed rate increases, the rates will either be denied or negotiated with the North Carolina Rate Bureau.

Duplin Journal for Wednesday, January 17, 2024

Beulaville town board honors retiring police chief Land purchase request declined; public hearing set on road closure By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal BEULAVILLE – Beulaville Police Chief Jamie Rogers took a rare step into the limelight at the town board meeting on Jan. 8. Rogers is set to retire Feb. 29, or as Town Manager Lori Williams puts it, be “reclassified” and remain with the town of Beulaville, in a more limited capacity. “Although he is retiring, as I’ve told a lot of folks, he’s just being reclassified,” Williams said during the meeting. “We’re not letting him go anywhere too far. He may have to share an office with me, but he’s going to stay around.” Williams asked the Board of Commissioners for a recess during the regular monthly meeting last Monday, saying she had to make a presentation. She left the meeting room for a few minutes, returning with Rogers’ family members and all of the Beulaville Police ABBY CAVENAUGH | DUPLIN JOURNAL Department employees. “His employees wanted All employees of the Beulaville Police Department gathered at the Jan. 8 town board meeting to honor retiring Police Chief Jamie to take this opportunity in Rogers, far left, standing. public to just recognize his achievements, what he’s been meeting: able to do over the past 31 you all. You make all of us in Jones said. “I had asked at the town look really, really that point in time, which I’m years,” Williams said. A public hearing was Rogers was presented with good. I’m proud to know that going to continue to reiterate scheduled for the February a framed collage of his badges you all are on the streets day tonight, knowing Mr. Clark’s “[Police Chief Jamie meeting to discuss the closure track record, I would like the Rogers’] employees wanted and handcuffs. “He kind of in and day out.” of Kennedy Road; Earlier in the meeting, board to consider declining started this little project,” The board approved a Williams explained. “The guys Williams gave an update on the current offer and create to take this opportunity in proposal from the Eastern picked it up and kind of ran the search for a new police a timeline on when we’ll hear public to just recognize his Carolina Council for grant with it, collecting his badges, chief, saying that interviews any other offers from Mr. administration for the Parks achievements, what he’s start to finish, from when of the seven applicants started Clark.” and Recreation Trust Fund “It’s going to continue, been able to do over the past he was a deputy to a jailer to on Tuesday, Jan. 16, and that Grant, and park design and when he got his badge as chief she hoped there would be a whether or not we put construction, to be performed decision by the end of January. a timeline on it,” Town 31 years.” of police.” by Colliers Engineering and Justin Hunter One of the other major Attorney Stunned, Rogers said with Design; items of business at the said. “I personally would not Lori Williams, Beulaville Town a laugh, “Y’all finally got me.” A budget workshop meeting Of his badges and January meeting of the recommend putting a timeline. was scheduled for Jan. 22, at handcuffs, Rogers said, “Just Beulaville town board was a I would simply say your offers Manager 5:30 p.m. Jones explained so y’all know, I started this request from Douglas Clark to are rejected. At such time we to new Commissioner Tracy as my daddy’s badges. These purchase a portion of town- become interested in selling write the letter.” Thomas that the board has Commissioner Gene three to four meetings each are the same handcuffs that owned property on Lyman this property, we will contact he wore, that I started with Road. After his initial request you and any other interested Wickline made a motion year prior to budget time for Hunter to write and in order to start the budget also when I was a deputy at was denied at last month’s buyers, period.” Hunter volunteered to write send the letter, and after process and then tweak it over the Sheriff ’s Office. This has meeting, he proposed two always been my dream to get other options for the town to a letter to Clark to that effect. some discussion to clarify the next few months. “This is a waste of this board’s the board’s intent, it was consider. this done.” The Beulaville Board of “As I had indicated at the time,” he added. “We’re not unanimously approved. To Rogers and the officers Commissioners meets the first In other business at the Jan. Monday of the month at 6:30 present, Mayor Hutch Jones last board meeting, we’re not interested in selling the said, “I can’t say enough about interested in selling,” Mayor property and I’m happy to 8 Board of Commissioners p.m. at Town Hall.

Primary elections are March 5. During the primary, voters will choose which candidates should be their political party nominees, the winners will be on the general election ballot in November. To become a party nominee, the candidate must have at least 30% of the votes, plus one.

PRESIDENTIAL PREF (REP) • Ron DeSantis

• Mike Ross

NC COMMISSIONER OF

• Shannon W. Bray

AGRICULTURE (REP)

• Nikki Haley • Asa Hutchinson

NC LT GOVERNOR (REP)

• Vivek Ramaswamy

• Rivera Douthit

• Donald J. Trump

• Jeffrey Elmore

• Ryan Binkley

• Marlenis Hernandez

• Chris Christie

Novoa

• Maurice Green

Hammonds

• Kenon Crumble

• Steve Troxler NC TREASURER (REP) NC COMMISSIONER OF

• A. J. Daoud

INSURANCE (DEM)

• Rachel Johnson

• Natasha Marcus

PRESIDENTIAL PREF

• Jim O’Neill

• David Wheeler

(DEM)

• Sam Page

PRESIDENTIAL PREF (LIB)

• C.R. Katie Eddings

• Colby (Bear)

• Allen Mashburn

• Joseph R. Biden Jr.

(DEM)

• Brad Briner NC TREASURER (DEM)

• Ernest T. Reeves

NC COMMISSIONER OF

• Gabe Esparza

• Hal Weatherman

INSURANCE (REP)

• Wesley Harris

• Seth Woodall

• Andrew Marcus

• David Dunlap

• Deanna Ballard

• C. Robert Brawley

NC SUPREME COURT

• Jacob Hornberger

• Peter Boykin

• Mike Causey

ASSOCIATE JUSTICE

• Beau Lindsey • Lars Mapstead

SEAT 06 (DEM) NC LT GOVERNOR (DEM)

• Chase Oliver

• Rachel Hunt

• Michael Rectenwald

• Mark Harrison

NC COMMISSIONER OF

• Allison Riggs

LABOR (REP)

• Lora Christine

• Luke Farley

Cubbage

• Joshua Smith

Robinson

• Jon Hardister

• Mike ter Maat

• Ben Clark

• Chuck Stanley

NC COURT OF APPEALS

• Travis J. Wilson

JUDGE SEAT 15 (REP)

• Toad Anderson • Charles Ballay

NC ATTORNEY GENERAL (DEM)

NC GOVERNOR (REP)

• Satana Deberry

• Hunter Murphy

(REP)

• Tim Dunn

• Jesse Thomas

DUPLIN COUNTY BOARD

• Bill Graham

• Jeff Jackson

• Christine E. Villaverde

OF COMMISSIONERS

• Chad Brown

DISTRICT 01 (REP)

NC AUDITOR (REP) NC GOVERNOR (DEM)

• Elwood Garner

• Charles Dingee

NC SUPERINTENDENT

• Gary Foxx

• Jim Kee

OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION

• Michael R. Morgan

• Anthony Wayne

(REP)

• Josh Stein

• Cindy Lee Sallis DUPLIN COUNTY BOARD

Street

• Michele Morrow

OF COMMISSIONERS

• Marcus W. Williams

• Jeff Tarte

• Catherine Truitt

DISTRICT 04 (DEM)

• Chrelle Booker

• Dave Boliek • Jack Clark

NC GOVERNOR (LIB)

Deadlines Voter registration deadline Feb. 9 by 5 p.m. In-person early voting begins Feb. 15 Absentee ballot request deadline is Feb. 27 In-person early voting ends March 2 at 3 p.m. Primary Election Day March 5 Absentee ballot return deadline March 5 at 7:30 p.m.

• Chris Freeman NC SECRETARY OF STATE

• Dale R. Folwell • Mark Robinson

AT A GLANCE

• Jesse Dowe NC SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION

• Mary L. WilliamsBoykin

One-stop voting available at: Lois G. Britt Building 165 Agriculture Dr Kenansville, NC American Legion 529 E Southerland St. Wallace, NC

Duplin Journal for Wednesday, January 17, 2024

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

COLUMN | PHILIP GLADDEN

Be the peace builders, cherish diversity and inclusion

“Make us peace builders, Lord Jesus, prince of peace. Stir us up, show us how.” In other words, as Dr. King wrote, show us how to do what is morally right, not just what is legally required.

ON APRIL 16, 1963, DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. sat in a jail cell, arrested for leading a non-violent demonstration. The peaceful protestors were met with firehoses and police dogs. Dr. King wrote his “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” to the local religious leaders who called his activities “unwise and untimely.” He hoped the white religious leaders would “see the justice of our cause and with deep moral concern, would serve as the channel through which our just grievances could reach the power structure.” Dr. King voiced his disappointment because “I have heard numerous southern religious leaders admonish their worshipers to comply with a desegregation order because it is the law, but I have longed to hear white ministers declare: ‘Follow this decree because integration is morally right and because the Negro is your brother.’” Dr. King’s letter echoes one of Jesus’s parables. A lawyer asked what he must do to inherit eternal life. When Jesus asked what he had read, the lawyer said, “Love the Lord your God and your neighbor.” Although commended for his answer,

the lawyer asked, “Who is my neighbor?” He wanted to know what the law required. Instead of giving a legal answer, Jesus told a story about a Samaritan helping his enemy (religious, cultural, racial) and then said, “Go and do likewise.” The idea for this article came to me as my wife and I ate lunch in a local Mexican restaurant. As I looked around the crowded dining room, I wondered how many people who enjoy eating at Mexican restaurants also complain about “all those Mexicans” (even if they’re not all from Mexico) in our community. The same might also be said about the Chinese restaurant in Wallace. As the parent of two Korean children, I witnessed firsthand the bullying and prejudice that came from our children simply looking different from the majority. In the first months of the COVID pandemic, our son came home from New York City for 10 weeks because of the anti-Asian sentiment and threats. I recently participated in an online Bible study about the creation story in Genesis 2. We focused on the question, “Where do you come from?” — something we often ask in the

South. The creation story tells us we all come from God, no matter our differences. When asked one way, the question can shut down possibilities of strengthening community (“You’re not from around here, are you?”). Asked another way, the question can help us discover what we have in common as human beings and enrich our community. On Christmas Eve, my wife and I worshiped at a church in Wilmington. The worship leader prayed, “Lord Jesus, we have been waiting for you all along. We rejoice in the light that still shines in the darkness. Make us peace builders, Lord Jesus, prince of peace. Stir us up, show us how.” In other words, as Dr. King wrote, show us how to do what is morally right, not just what is legally required.

Philip Gladden is a retired Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) minister who lives in Wallace, NC. He can be reached at gladdenphilip620@gmail. com.

COLUMN | BEN SHAPIRO

Biden’s scare-the-hell-out-of-you re-election campaign anytime Biden finishes a speech, he transforms into a Roomba.

JOE BIDEN IS FACING AN UPHILL RE-ELECTION BATTLE. He is desperate, and he should be. The world is an uglier and an uglier place under Biden. Nearly no one believes the country is moving in the right direction. Americans are deeply dissatisfied with the economy; America is experiencing an unprecedented illegal immigration crisis; and the world seems to be on fire, from the Middle East to Ukraine. Meanwhile, Biden himself is clearly ailing; as comedian Shane Gillis recently said, “My favorite thing about Biden is anytime Biden finishes a speech, he transforms into a Roomba.” This is clearly true. In fact, after Biden’s recent diatribe against Donald Trump at Valley Forge, Dr. Jill Biden — the greatest physician in all the land — charged up on the stage like a shepherd attempting to pen in a wandering sheep, corralling the president toward the back of the stage. So, what can Biden do? He can pull out all the scare

tactics he knows. And that’s precisely what he’s doing, fully 10 months from the 2024 election. His campaign is predicated on two main issues: Trump, and also Trump. First, Biden argues, Donald Trump is apparently a threat to democracy. Biden stated at Valley Forge, “Donald Trump’s campaign is obsessed with the past, not the future. He’s willing to sacrifice our democracy, put himself in power.” He said this in the middle of a speech about the evils of Jan. 6 — while labeling Trump an insurrectionist, which presumably would disqualify Trump from the ballot. Biden’s own Department of Justice has hit Trump with two separate federal criminal cases, one in Florida, the other in Washington, D.C. It is, in other words, a tough case to make that Trump is the true threat to democracy, while Biden is democracy’s defender. Second, Biden argues, Donald Trump is a white supremacist. Biden stated at Emanuel AME

Church in Charleston, South Carolina — the site of a white supremacist mass shooting in 2015 — that Trump’s election denial represented a “second lost cause,” somehow comparable to the Southern Lost Cause narrative that portrayed the loss of the Civil War as the death of a grand and glorious way of life at the hands of perfidious Yankees. Yes, Biden suggested, Trump was akin to the Confederates. And he, Joe Biden, would stand in their way. Biden has made this case before. Against — yes, really — Mitt Romney. Back in 2012, Biden argued that Romney would put Black Americans “back in chains.” Suffice it to say that Biden has little credibility trying to breathe new life into that political corpse. Joe Biden requires Donald Trump. He needs him. But he’s still unlikely to beat him. That’s why Biden is steering so strongly to his left rather than toward the middle. At his speech in Charleston, pro-Hamas protesters began

chanting for a ceasefire in Gaza, which would leave Hamas in power after the Oct. 7 massacre. Biden sheepishly replied, “I understand their passion, and I’ve been quietly working with the Israeli government to get them to reduce and significantly get out of Gaza.” Biden can’t leave any stone, no matter how radical, unturned. And that tactic will, in turn, drive away many moderate voters who are sick of the chaos the Biden era has ushered in. In short, Biden is re-running his 2020 campaign. There’s one big difference this time: This time, Joe Biden is the president. And we all know it. Ben Shapiro, 39, is a graduate of UCLA and Harvard Law School, host of “The Ben Shapiro Show,” and co-founder of Daily Wire+. He is a three-time New York Times bestselling author; his latest book is “The Authoritarian Moment: How The Left Weaponized America’s Institutions Against Dissent.”

Duplin Journal for Wednesday, January 17, 2024

Tara Creek: from turkey farm to premier rodeo venue ‘From brides to broncs,’ Graham family hosts it all in Faison By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal FAISON – Just a few years ago, Lee and Amanda Graham owned and operated a turkey farm just outside Faison. Now, they’ve transformed the old farmstead into a premier venue that hosts everything from barrel racing and rodeos to weddings and quinceañeras. The barns and arena that make up Tara Creek were originally turkey houses, and then transitioned into a shop for tractors and farm vehicles. Until one fateful day, one of the Grahams’ employees asked to use the space for a wedding. “We had been farming out here for a few years,” Lee recalls. “One of our employees wanted to get married in here, and that sort of kicked off the wedding venue. We had no plans, no clue it could be something that people would want.” “After that, people started calling so we didn’t put the tractors back in,” Amanda explains, “because we were going to have one more thing. And then it was one more thing after that.” Lee adds with a laugh, “Now the tractors are just for decoration.” The first event at Tara Creek was held on Oct. 31, 2020. In just a little more than three years, the venue has turned into a hot spot for weddings and other parties, and draws in thousands per night for its rodeo events. In fact, Lee says the annual two-night rodeo, held this year April 19-20, will draw as many as 3,000-4,000 people each night. The Grahams built the horse arena for their 14-year-old daughter, Scarlett, to practice showing horses. Then, one day, someone called and asked if they had ever considered using the arena for events like barrel racing. “That led to a friendship, and that’s how we

5 Country Squire hosts 23rd annual Robert Burns Supper Warsaw The Country Squire restaurant in Warsaw will hosts the 23rd Annual Robert Burns Supper & Scottish Celebration on Saturday, January 20. The event features a dose of Scottish culture, a celebration of Scotland’s favorite poet Robert Burns, and a traditional Scottish feast, including haggis! A social and cash bar will start at 5:30 p.m. with dinner served at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $55 per person, and is non-refundable. For reservations, call 910296-1727, ext. 155.

James Sprunt’s Small Business Center offers free training seminars Warsaw

PHOTO COURTESY OF TARA CREEK

The Southern Rodeo Association’s annual rodeo at Tara Creek, to be held April 19-20 this year, is expected to draw a crowd of 4,000 to the Faison venue. got into the barrel racing and the rodeo,” Amanda says. “We have a monthly barrel racing competition with associations like the National Barrel Horse Association,” Lee says. “They’ll come here and they’ll bring groups from North and South Carolina and Virginia. Once a year, the Southern Rodeo Association has a full rodeo here. People come here from northern New York all the way to the southern tip of Florida to compete.” Although some people may confuse barrel racing for a rodeo, it’s actually its own separate event that can be part of a larger rodeo. “The rodeo is eight events for two nights in a row,” Lee explains. “They’ll have bareback, saddle bronc, they’ll have steer wrestling, three different tying events, they’ll have team roping, tiedown roping and then cowgirl roping. And there’ll be barrel racing and bull riding so eight full events at our rodeos.” “So, barrel racing is the horse and rider are running against the clock,” he continues.

“Honestly, I tell people all the time, honest to goodness, the Lord had a plan for us, because we had no plan to do it.” Lee Graham

“They’re running against their competition in a timed event, and they come out, circle three barrels in a cloverleaf pattern, and the fastest horse wins.” Tara Creek will host a series sponsored by Bojangle’s, starting Feb. 16, and there will be a few barrel racing events in March, followed by the rodeo April 19-20. Tickets for the events will be on sale on the Tara Creek website, taracreek. com. Lee and Amanda Graham may not have ever dreamed of owning a successful rodeo and events venue, but they believe someone else had a plan.

“Honestly, I tell people all the time, honest to goodness, the Lord had a plan for us, because we had no plan to do it,” Lee says. “We’re very fortunate that it’s worked out, because we didn’t have income out here anymore. You can tell some of these places that don’t get used they just seem to fall apart. It was headed in that direction, but we were very fortunate that some things came together to change that.” “The community has embraced us, totally,” he adds. “We’ve really had a good response from the local community, sponsorships have been a blessing. We want to be somewhere people can go without breaking the bank.” As for what’s up next for Tara Creek, it’s definitely not etched in stone or planned out strategically, the Grahams say. “People say, ‘what are you gonna do next?’” Amanda says. “We don’t have any plans; we just kind of trust and see what falls in our laps. We believe in blessings and right timing. We just kind of take it as it comes.”

The James Sprunt Community College Small Business Center is offering free training seminars to small business owners or potential small business owners throughout the month of January. The online seminar, “Easy Online Web Design and Marketing,” is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 18, 3-5 p.m. Two more seminars will be offered on Saturday, Jan. 20 — “How to Start a Small Business” from 8-10 a.m., and “How to Write a Business Plan,” from 10 a.m. to noon, both in Spanish, in the Seminars & Workshop Classroom in the Hoffler Building. Another online seminar, “Creating Landing Pages to Drive Business,” is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 23, 6-8 p.m. For more information, contact Joy Lynne, director of the Small Business Center, at 910-659-6008 or jwynne@ jamessprunt.edu. Visit James Sprunt CC Small Business Center for a full list of upcoming seminars and to register.

Wallace Police Department calendars now available Wallace Wallace Police Department’s annual 2024 calendars have arrived at the police station. They can be picked up at the office Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The calendars are free and are available while supplies last.

Kenansville’s Master Blend Farms wins MLK entrepreneur award Kenansville

PHOTO COURTESY OF PHOTO COURTESY OF TARA CREEK

Ronald and Laurita Simmons’ Master Blend Farms in Kenansville was the recipient of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Legacy Award from the Power Packed Leadership Organization. The award was presented at this year’s Dr Martin Luther King Jr Banquet hosted by Antron McCray Hayes, founder of Power Packed Leadership Organization, at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.

Tara Creek owners Lee and Amanda Graham are shown with their 6-year-old son, Worth, and 14-year-old daughter, Scarlett, at Tara Creek in Faison.

WALLACE from page 1 “It’s an opportunity for economic development for the town of Wallace,” Fritz said. “I’m sure it’s going to be, if history is anything to go by, a mix of housing and retail, but as far as what zoning will be or how many houses, we can’t discuss that. However, it will be discussed in public hearings in the next couple of months.” Those who spoke during the public hearing were not in favor of the annexation, it’s safe to say. “I moved out there because of basically, the scenery,” said resident Lawrence Sawyer. “I walk out now, all I hear is the birds, the crickets, a few cars every now and then. I’m not against change. I just want y’all to realize you’re affecting … how we live right now. I just don’t want it to be turned into a suburban area. That’s not what it should be.” Marcella Davis agreed.

“We’ve got a peaceful little community,” she said. “[With] retail and houses, it won’t be peaceful anymore. I’m not against development, but be considerate of the people that live there.” After the public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve the annexation ordinance. “This vote is only to consider annexation of the land,” Mayor Jason Wells pointed out. “As Rod stated earlier, when we get past the annexation, we can get into the details when we have other public hearings on what the project could look like. I think it’s also important to note that this project could potentially happen, whether it’s part of the town of Wallace or not.” In other business at the Jan. 11 Wallace Town Council meeting: • Mayor Wells swore in a new police officer, Noah Locklear,

who was born and raised in Pembroke. After earning his BLET certificate from Sandhills Community College, Locklear began working with the Fayetteville Police Department, before relocating to Duplin County. • Duplin County Economic Development director Scotty Summerlin made a presentation to the council, sharing details on a strategic plan for economic development that he said he’ll be sharing with county commissioners in February. • ABC board chairperson Chad Wilson presented the board with a check, and explained that the new store “is knocking down its debt” and should be paid for within 10 years. • The council unanimously approved a Jake brake ordinance, prohibiting the use of “unmuffled engine braking” within town limits. Signs will

be posted at the town limits to ensure that tractor trailer drivers are aware of the new ordinance. The police department will enforce the new ordinance and will issue citations to violators. • A public hearing was scheduled for the annexation of 33 acres at 4027 S. NC 11 Highway. The hearing will be held at the Feb. 8 meeting of the town council. • The Wallace Depot Commission’s lease of the depot property was renewed for one more year, ending in January 2025. • A public hearing was scheduled for Feb. 8 to consider the rezoning of .4 acres of property on Old Highway 41, behind the Walgreen’s. The requested rezoning is from R6-MH to HB, highly business. Fritz said the applicant plans to put a drive-thru restaurant on the property. • A third public hearing for the

Feb. 8 meeting was scheduled, this one to consider a rezoning request for 8 acres on Highway 11 to be rezoned from residential to highway business. • Council members Frank Brinkley and Penny Thorne were appointed to serve on the town’s budget committee. • The council created a capital project ordinance for $5 million that the airport recently received in state funding, per Town Manager Rob Taylor. The $5 million is part of a total $10 million that will go toward construction of a new terminal and other improvements. • Councilman Jason Davis proposed that the town consider moving its meetings to the Wallace Women’s Club, where the December meeting was held. • The council agreed to continue the meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 25 at town hall.

Duplin Journal for Wednesday, January 17, 2024

accolades

B.F. Grady Elementary School announces Principal’s List, Honor Roll

Retired Deputy State Superintendent of NC Public Education to Speak at UMO By Rhonda Jessup University of Mount Olive

B.F. Grady 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: Dustin Brown, Abner Garcia, Melanie Juarez, Gwendalyn Kolacz, Dilan Candelario Lopez, Nalani Oates, Dorly Palacios Roblero. Fourth Grade: Marisol Sabillon Benitez, Jathan Gunter, Ian Lattimore, Zuly Gonzalez Vazquez. Fifth Grade: Elijah Baye, Logan Dupree, Ezra Ward. Sixth Grade: Jorge Borja, Abigale Mejia Cantillo, McKenzi Chasten, Alyzabeth Sullivan, Alex Mendez Vail, Sofia Verdin, Thomas West, Emmah Wilkins. Seventh Grade: Isabelle Batchelor, Owen Campbell, Jennifer Bararhona Chandia, Atziry Cueller, Whitney Dupree, Tinsley Fife, Halee Forster, Ryley Herring, Eva Lattimore, Brianna Paz-Melgar, Jacob Pineda, Marleny Segundo-Lopez, Joshua Smith, Ashlyn Stroud, Emma Wallace, Natalie Zaldivar. Eighth Grade: Bailey Rouse, Marilyn Vasquez-Mazariegos, Alexander Ortiz, Lus Ramirez, Diego Velasquez Salas, Iker Ramirez Solis, Sharla Stroud.

Honor Roll List Third Grade: Amy Bahena-

WARSAW from page 1 did before they started working on those lines in front of our house. I did not know if that was what they were working on. We did not have any notification of what they were doing out there, and the road is worse,” said Myer, adding that there are potholes at the corner of Plank and Center streets. “There are two dips in front of my house. It just sinks every now and then, the pavement goes away and now the corner’s torn up as well from that dip,” Myer explained. Town Manager Lea Turner explained that they were putting a line there for an extension, but they are still doing work in that area. The next person to address the board was Mrs. Marcus, among the items she brought to the board’s attention was the trash pick-up service. Marcus explained that the service providers do not pick up the trash bags if they are not inside the trash containers and the trash gets piled up. Marcus shared that the problem is worse during the holidays when trash is not picked up. “What are we supposed to do when we’ve got more trash that we should in the yard?” Marcus asked the board. Currently the contract between the Town of Warsaw and the service company is for containerized trash. Turner explained that the contract they have with the company is for the contractor to pick up the trash that is in the trash containers, adding that it was up to the drivers if they pick up a trash bag that is on the ground. “Occasionally they do pick up a bag here and there if it’s on the ground,” said Turner. “It is not in the contract for them to pick up anything outside of that can.” Commissioner Ebony WillsWells proposed asking for a

Velazquez, Leroy Barton, Paisley Beddingfield, Geovany Mejia Castro, Yonatan Moreno Cervantes, Jocelyn Chay, Luke Cruz, Victor Dail, Salavdor Guevara Diaz, Ivanna Flores, Kaisy Guity, Logan Hatcher, Adrien Hutchins, Brycen JonesSmith, Dyland Juarez-Quintana, Alona Kennedy, Ellisyn Kornegay, Nathaly Lara, Yael Lopez Lopez, Oliver Mendoza, Sofia Nestor Mendoza, Soyanyi Pagoado Meraz, Anthony Oates, Camila Garcia Vasquez, Kairy Berduo Velasquez, Robert Luke Tyndall, Estrella Tzoc Velasquez, Will Wallace, Laney Waters, Rhett Wilkins. Fourth Grade: Scarlette Brown, David Mason Cline, Henley Forester, Tyler Kate Kennedy, Patriot Kilpatrick, Zuley Perez Lopez, Angel Ramirez Monroy, Monica Verdin, Charles West, Mason Wilson. Fifth Grade: Bibiana Gamboa Burciaga, Carlos Velasquez Cervantes, Emily Chavez, Juan Diaz, Violet Garcia Flores, Makayla Britt Hatcher, Harper Kennedy, Jose Lopez, Yahir Mazariegos, Ronaldo Montalva, Gabriela Morales, Tate Murphy, Edgar Esparza Ramos, Avery Reaves, Seth Stroud, Beckham Tyndall, Lola Vick, Jose Cruz Zelaya. Sixth Grade: Langston Bland,

contract amendment to solve the problem. “The citizens should not be penalized if it’s my trash company and I decide not to come out to pick up trash because it’s the holidays,” said Commissioner Wills-Wells. “As citizens, we should not be penalized for the trash. I think the contract should be amended. We should not have to incur additional costs if they choose to not come out because it is a holiday.” Marcus asked the board to consider these nuisances the next time a contractor is selected for trash services. The next person who signed up for public comment was Marcella Mars. She asked the board for transparency explaining Warsaw residents would like to learn how they are servicing the town. “If a citizen speaks about something we would like answers to, could the town manager come back with some kind of report, giving us information on these that are out there regarding what is going on in the town? Or could we consider getting committees together and let us, the citizens of Warsaw, be a solution to our problems that we have?” asked Mars. “We all know there’s a lot of things that go on in this town that need a lot of attention.” Mars asked for committees to be formed so Warsaw residents could become aware of what is going on with the town and be able to get involved and help resolve issues. “All of our commissioners have full-time jobs or other things that they’re doing, and we have the brightest citizens that could help on the committees,” said Mars. She also addressed her concerns about the company that is contracted to provide trash services. Mars has been waiting for eight months for a re-

Daniela Salazar Gabriel, Yosef Garay, Peyton Jenkins, Palmer Kennedy, Leonardo Hidalgo Lopez, Adrian Roblero Lopez, Kaylee Mendez Mateo, Julianna Mojica, Wyley Osik, Waylon Powell, Ava Rivenbark, Joselyn Palacios Roblero, Kristopher Smith, Benson Stroud, Zyekeim Wooten-Cromartie, Ana Cruz Zelaya. Seventh Grade: Joselyn Garcia Acevedo, Elizabet Mata Aguilar, Allisson Urribiera Agurcia, Ashley Guzman Barrera, Kolton Carroway, Hunter Chavis, Alan Diaz-Lopez, Jesse Sandoval Fierros, Keyla Hernandez Gallardo, Debora Matul Godinez, Jennifer Gomez, Ari Ramirez Gonzalez, Lusiano Lopez Juarez, Samuel Mojica, Rony Morente, Bentley Murphy, Aaliyah Oates, Eliana Gonzalez Peralta, Justin Ramirez, Madison Smith, Joselyn Trevino, Emily Uhlir, Cristiano Garcia Vasquez, Carlos Hernandez Zunun. Eighth Grade: Dylan Brown, Galilea Roblero Diaz, Leylani Garcia-Cardenas, Yarithza Garcia-Cardenas, Eric Gonzalez Gonzalez, William Diaz Gutierrez, Soraya Villegrez Hernandez, Kendra Alviar Jaimes, Kaitlyn Lee, Alicia Rivera Matul, Lisette Ramirez Monroy, Yeison Mendez Perez, Miley Vazquez, Alexis Vega, Marely Velazquez-Roblero, Eva Zepeda.

cyclable bin. “You all voted to extend TOT’s contract,” said Mars. “Last April my name had to be put on a list because I was told that they did not have any. TOT has been a thorn on the citizens of Warsaw’s side ever since you hired them. They could not even pick up the trash when you hired them. They had to get the money from the town to buy trash cans, and they have not supplied the citizens with recyclable trash cans because they are not available. They do not have any. I think that you need to reconsider the contract, terminate it, and go back to waste management, because everybody cannot afford to drive to the county to take the trash that they do not take. If a bag sits beside a trash can, we need a trash company that can pick it up and during the holidays and on weekends, all the trash should be removed.” Another resident expressed concerns about a camper on Pine Street that has been in the owner’s front yard for over a year. The town manager responded that the homeowner is doing remodels. According to the ordinance, residents can have a camper on their property if it is not for living purposes. There was some discussion as to whether someone was living in it or not and concerns about safety. After public comment closed the board approved a budget amendment for repairs on Well #6, and a budget meeting was scheduled for Jan. 29 at 6 p.m. Turner provided the manager’s update next. “This month, I have done two sign permits, four zoning permits, and one zoning compliance letter. We are currently working on a paving project and patching project. There will be more to come on that. As we make repairs, we

“If a citizen speaks about something we would like answers to, could the town manager come back with some kind of report, giving us information on these that are out there regarding what is going on in the town? Or could we consider getting committees together and let us, the citizens of Warsaw, be a solution to our problems that we have?” Marcella Mars will try to let everybody know what is coming so you can be aware of the streets that may be impassable or where you will have some delays,” said Turner. She also shared that she is working with Eastern Carolina Council to put together a Part F grant application. “Due to the application being due in May, we have discussed our options, and we feel like it is best to go for a 2025 application. When I was first talking to them about 2024, I was informed we needed a new master plan because we are coming up on our 10-year mark with the master plan we currently have. Plus, we have made some changes to the original plan. So that is why we are asking to push that off to 2025,” said Turner. “That’ll also give us time to make sure that we have all of our meetings together and we have our community involvement.” Commissioner Jack Hawes shared that he received a letter from Representative Greg Murphy offering his support. Hawes

MOUNT OLIVE – The University of Mount Olive will host the annual Braswell Lecture on Thursday, Feb. 22, at 7 p.m. in Southern Bank Auditorium. The guest speaker for the event is recently retired Deputy State Superintendent of North Carolina Public Education Dr. Jerry Oates. Oates has served as an educator for over 28 years. A native of Faison, N.C., he is a 1991 graduate of North Duplin High School. Oates attended the University of North Carolina at Wilmington as a North Carolina Teaching Fellow and upon graduation, he returned to Duplin County and taught history at James Kenan High School. Oates has served as a high school and middle school principal in New Hanover County Schools and was recognized as the 2016 Principal of the Year. That same year, he accepted a position as the Chief Human Resources Officer for Brunswick County Schools and became the Associate superintendent 18 months later. In November of 2018, Oates was named the Superintendent of Brunswick County Schools where he successfully led the district through the pandemic and was named the NC Southeast Regional Superintendent of the Year. In February of 2023, Oates was appointed by the Honorable State Superintendent Catherine Truitt, as the Deputy State Superintendent of North Carolina Public Schools. The event is FREE and the public is invited to attend. The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University was founded by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists.

added that he was planning to talk to him about Warsaw’s water and sewer. Mayor A.J. Connors thanked the fire department for their attendance and expressed his appreciation for the department and the volunteers. “You don’t get a salary, but we do appreciate the work you do,” said Mayor Connors. “I was with a House representative this morning and he talked about hoping to help the fire department get more funding for what they are doing. Hopefully in the near days to come.” The mayor also clarified that the recycling bins are available upon request. “I have seen some of these recycling bins out in the middle of someone’s field, or people end up moving and leaving and those recycling bins sit there, and they deteriorate, or they leave them out their side of the street and end up getting run over at times.” Mayor Connors shared that last year Public Works completed 6,465 stops for picking up limbs and debris on the side of the streets, completed 1,784 work orders fixing water leaks and other issues, and took care of 1,340-feet of drainage issues. He added that the Warsaw Police Department responded to 486 calls with issues ranging from arrests to traffic citations. “I know that you want certain things to happen faster, but there is some reality to certain things and how things were done in the 60s and 70s,” said Mayor Connors. “So many things are different from what they were 25 or 30 years ago.” Mayor Connors concluded the meeting thanking residents for their patience and understanding. The next town hall meeting will be on Monday, Feb. 12.

SPORTS James Kenan on a roll Tigers riding four-game win streak By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal WARSAW – James Kenan head coach Taylor Jones doesn’t look as closely to scores and records as he once did. He trusts his instincts and mental vision. “We’ve been playing pretty well my I believe what my eyes tell me,” said Jones, whose Tigers won their fourth straight by socking East Duplin 87-53 last Thursday in a game that was moved up a day because of storms nationwide. Anyone with semi-clear vision noticed the flashing speed of JK, which improved to 7-3 overall and 2-1 in ECC play. Stephone Stanley, TJ Oats and Tyquise Wilson combined for 58 points, and post player Kel Artis adding 11 and 13 rebounds. The Tigers dominated the boards and controlled the tempo from the outstart as ED (1-9, 0-3) lacked the firepower to stay with JK, which also seemed to get to most of the loose balls. Stanley hit a jump shot and then fed Wilson for a bucket as JK set the tone up 15-3. The Panthers responded by scoring five of the next six points, but still trailed 16-8 entering the second quarter. Two long outlet passes led to hoops by Wilson and Stanley. A nifty reverse layup by big man Artis and hoops by Oats laid the second foundation as JK went on a tear to go in front 2912. Also in the mix was a Stanley 3-pointer. Two other key moments in the first half for the Tigers came when Wilson drilled a 3-pointer to up the lead to 43-20, and when Ja’Maury Coe hit an off-balanced shot using good up-

DUPLIN JOURNAL

JK’s Stephon Stanley’s 22 points led scorers when the Tigers dusted ED 87-53.

DUPLIN JOURNAL

JKs TJ Oats scores over ED’s Garrett Johnson for two of his 20 points. per-body technique. JK continued to pour it on in the third as a 14-4 rush led ED coach Blake Lanier to remove his starters. The second unit held their own, all things considered. Tiger fans saw Wilson feed Oats for an alley-oop and then Stanley work in for a jam. A 3-point play made it 58-26 and

ED went to its reserves. Down 68-31, the starters shuffled back to the court during a fourth quarter that lacked drama. “We played fast. We played together and we did a lot of things really well,” Jones said. “We can hit shots from three levels, play defense and our

guards rebound well.” Jones also said JK’s rotation is both working and developing players. Darius Howard, Shykown Williams Naszir Williams, and Hassan Kornegay made contributions to the team win. “I’m not sure we can continue going 10 deep, but I feel our versatility is a strength, and I don’t want to take it for granted,” Jones said. “I feel we are progressing. I’m proud of the way we’ve been playing.” Hoops Notebook JK swept ED last season. The two school play again Jan. 26 in Beulaville. Stanley hit for 22, Oats 20, while Wilson netted 13 with sev-

en assists and five steals. The Tigers whipped Spring Creek 68-44 earlier in the week, while ED fell 37-24 to Clinton, a setting a season low in points. The Panthers host Duplin County rival Wallace-Rose Hill on Friday. ED lost to WRH twice (65-59 and 60-56) last season before turning the tables on the Bulldogs (58-44) in the ECC Tournament. The Tigers travel to Southwest Onslow (9-5, 2-1) the same day. They were slated to host North Lenoir (5-9, 1-2) and Clinton (62) earlier this week. JK went 0-4 against WRH and ED last season and was 1-12 in ECC play. Pay back might be in-order for the Tigers in the next six weeks.

Panthers steamroll Tigers for ninth-straight win ED’s depth too much for in key ECC affair By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

EDUARDO PUAC FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

ED’s JaMyah Pickett was a power player on the inside.

WARSAW – The East Duplin girls basketball team sent a strong message to future foes about its skills and depth. James Kenan heard it loud and clear last Friday during the Panther’s 55-22 domination. “It was tough on us after losing Lillie (Kornegay for two games via an ejection the previous gam) and because East Duplin is one of the hottest teams in the East.” The sizzling Panthers (11-1, 3-0) won their ninth straight game as fans eye an ECC showdown with unbeaten Southwest Onslow (11-0, 3-0) on Jan. 23 on Jerry Houston Court in Beulaville. Fundamentally solid, deep ro-

tation While JK was without one of its stars, that likely wouldn’t have been enough against ED, who have seven or eight players with above average skills, and who hustle, move without the ball and play stellar defense for coach Mark Lane. Here’s what the Panther put on the big screen in a beat-down of the Tigers (6-5, 2-1). Zakoya Farrior dominated the paint, scoring a career-high 18 points. Farrior played exceptionally well with Makya Kornegay. Kornegay played far better than her eight points would suggest. She even led the Panthers’ reserves in the fourth quarter, taking charge of a younger and inexperienced foursome. Point guard Kinsey Cave can distribute, shoot, rebound and start the break. The freshman had 13. Classmate Ava Noble is

likewise skilled with savvy beyond her years. Ja’Myah Pickett might be the toughest Panther. She netted eight points and hauled down seven boards. Sallie Hatcher, a returning first-team all-county player, did not score. But she had four assists. Carrie Carr bring energy off the bench. She can be a sparkplug on both ends of the court. Defense from beginning to end East Duplin’s defense forced 19 turnovers. It was the seventh straight time the Panthers held their foes under 30 points. Four other teams have also been to less than 30. “That was the difference, and I was happy with our effort,” Lane said. “We’re playing well now, doing a lot of things right and playing with effort and according to our gameplan.” See ED GIRLS’, page 8

Our team has 50 years of combined experience focusing on Duplin County real estate. How can we help you? 910-290-2194

facebook.com/SimpsonRE

Curt Simpson, Broker in Charge

9 consecutive wins by East Duplin girls basketball

Duplin Journal for Wednesday, January 3, 2024

Bulldogs face critical part of basketball season Five-game stretch to determine WRH’s postseason status By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal TEACHEY – It’s been an up-and-down season for Wallace-Rose Hill, which came back strong from an 0-3 start and after losing back-to-back games to end 2022 and start the new year. WRH got the ball rolling downhill with a pair of conference wins and Saturday’s 70-57 matinee victory over Pender. The three-game winning streak is the longest of the season and pushes the Bulldogs to 5-5 for the campaign. The next five games are pivotal in terms of the postseason and ECC play. Taking it to ‘North’ and ‘South’ While there was bad blood between the teams following the game, WRH used a 20-6 third-quarter push to beat North Lenoir last Friday on Steve Robinson Court. Freshman Amari Moore scored a season-high 18 points, which included seven markers during the third. The Hawks (5-9, 1-2) led 2617 at halftime but were behind 37-32 entering the fourth. Devon Sloan added nine, Jamarae Lamb eight and KaShawn Scarborough five. An altercation after the game is being looked into, with and as many as three NL players and one from WRH being looked over for possible suspensions. Though they feel confident, the administration at WRH has reported the incident to the NCHSAA. The ruckus ruined an otherwise stellar night of hoops for the Bulldogs. A bucket by Sloan and a charity toss by Moore were all WRH could muster in the first eight minutes in falling behind 8-3. A 3-pointer from Sloan and two baskets and two free throws from Moore warmed up the Bulldogs in the second quarter. Scarborough chipped in four of his five markers in the third, while Lamb had six of his eight in fourth. It was WRH’s second home win in five days as the Bulldogs toasted South Lenoir 77-60 behind 16 points each from Lamb

and Scarborough. Sloan and Moore combined for 15. WRH will visit both Lenoir schools to start its second rotation against ECC schools. But first the Bulldogs first must face league favorite Kinston (11-3, 4-0) early this week and East Duplin on Friday in Teachey. The following week are key matchup against James Kenan (7-3, 2-1) and Southwest Onslow (9-5, 2-1). The lone non-league game during this stretch is a rematch with Burgaw against Pender on Jan. Lamb, Brown lead charge vs. Pats Lamb scored 17 and Brown 13 on Saturday in the win over the Patriots. Marlo Harris added 10, Moore and Matthew Wells nine apiece. Wells drained a pair of 3-pointers in the second quarter. WRH raced away with a 25-8 run in the final eight minutes as Lamb pushed in seven and Moore six. The rush broke up a close game as WRH went to the locker room in front 3124. Jordan Hamsley and Cyrus Page each fired in 16 for Pender, keeping the Patriots within striking distance through three quarters. Bulldog Bites The 2A title-winning team from 1998 will have a reunion following the Jan. 2 game against SWO. Lamb, a sophomore, leads the team in scoring at 12.1 ppg., followed by Brown (9.8), Scarborough (8.8), Moore (5.4) and Wells (5.1). Scarborough and Ja’Corey Brown (3.2) are the lone seniors. WRH lost it first three games against higher-classification schools—Jacksonville, New Bern, West Craven, and to Tuscarora, an 11-1 team from Leesburg, Va., coached by former WRH hoopster Michael Newkirk. The Bulldogs also played Goldsboro (12-2) well before falling 75-69. They’ve beaten teams they “should beat,” so now the mission is clearly sinking James Kenan and Southwest Onlow. These four league games could make or break the season for WRH, who are at home for its final three regular season tilts against Kinston, ED and JK.

EDUARDO PUAC FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

WRH junior Irving Brown goes a little bit of everything for WRH, including score (9.8 mpg) and play defense.

ED GIRLS’ from page 7 Cave, Farrior and Pickett asserted themselves early. Cave hit a pull-up jumper in the lane, Farrior knocked down a 3-pointer and Pickett scored from low in the box for a 9-0 start. Cave found Kornegay in transition, and then scored by changing the tempo of her drive. Farrior hit another bomb before the first quarter ended as ED roared to take control at 17-2. The Panthers’ showtime continued in the second as Cave banged in a jumper and Pickett scored when ED made three perfect passes. A Pickett 3 off the break and a bomb by Cave put the margin at 33-6 at halftime. JK made a little ground by cutting the deficit to 43-11. But Kornegay and Farrior worked the break for two buckets and Carr scored in the post to shred any thought of a comeback by JK.

Hoops Notebook JK’s Y’Anna Rivers, who lead JK in scoring at 10.6 per game, was held to three points. Gabriel netted a team-high five. Kornegay leads ED in scoring at 10.0 per game, followed by Cave (9.4), Pickett (8.7), Hatcher (8.3), Farrior (6.3) and Noble (4.5) and Carr (2.9). Pickett (7.9) and Carr (5.2) are the top rebounders. Cave is averaging 4.6 assists and Carr 1.2 blocks. Kornegay has a team-high 45 steals. The two schools collide again Jan. 26 in Beulaville. JK’s Kornegay (7.8 ppg, 11.3 rebounds) will miss Tuesday’s game against NL, but should return by Friday to face ECC foe North Lenoir in Warsaw. ED head coach Mark Lane is 267-115 in 15 seasons at ED, which includes seven season in in which the Panthers won 20 or more games.

PHOTOS BY EDUARDO PUAC FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

Left, ED’ Zakoya Farrior is lifted to her feet following a basket and foul by teammates Kinsey Cave and JaMyah Pickett. Right, Mark Lane is 267-115 in 15 seasons at ED, which includes seven season in in which the Panthers won 20 or more games.

Duplin Journal for Wednesday, January 3, 2024

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK SPONSORED BY BILL CARONE

%LOO &DURQH 7+$1. $

)$50(5 7,0(6 $ '$<

:DOODFH 1 &

Zakoya Farrior Rebels reboot in search of third CC crown ND puts losing streak in rearview mirror By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal CALYPSO – Call it reboot ’24. It’s not a new app, rather a mode the North Duplin girls basketball team wants to work out of after five losses in six games against 2A schools. It’s been enough to make head coach John Oliver question the schedule upgrade after the Rebels won 46 games in two seasons with basically the same roster. “Everyone said it would help, but I don’t know,” Oliver said. “They should know they can be better. What concerns me is our mental focus. “But if you’re going to win a state championship, you’ll have

games like we’ve had, games where we didn’t play our best. That’s how you win trophies.” ND’s quest to return to the road paved with earned victories with two wins over Spring Creek – 51-32 and 53-25 – five days apart following the losing streak. The Rebels (7-5) turns its attention to capturing its thirdstraight Carolina 1A Conference crown. ND may find its mojo early. The Rebels faced Neuse Charter early this week. The Cougars are 9-7, but have a number of wins over weak teams – Southside-Chicowinity (1-10), Franklin Academy (7-6) and Wilson Prep (1-9). Friday could also be a good for ND travels to Roseboro to take on Lakewood, which is 3-5 but has won it past two against Lejeune and Wallace-Rose Hill. The pace quickens on next

Tuesday when Ariyona Spearman and Union roll into Calypso. Spearman is averaging 20.4 points for the Leopards, which have wins over 2A schools Midway and Clinton. She’s a 1,000-point scorer during her career. While ND’s losses will hurt the Rebels when the state playoffs are determined, it has a chance to unify a team that has the talent to make a deep run. ND was eliminated in the fourth round last season and in the third round in 2022. ND used its familiar formula of getting heavy point production from Reece Outlaw and Addy Higginbotham to stump the Gators. It was 11-0 before the Gators responded on Jan. 5 in Calypso, and in the end it was only Trinity Daniels’ 19 points that kept the Gators from completely crumbling. ND’s two other CC foes, Rosewood (3-11) and Hobbton (0-7) are not likely to offer much resistance during their four games. The Rebels have lost just one game in league play the previous two seasons. Look for Outlaw, Higginbotham and post player Tateyawna Faison to be the face of the all-star team for the CC.

FILE PHOTO

East Duplin, girls’ basketball Zakoya Farrior scored a careerhigh 18 points when East Duplin beat James Kenan 55-22. The sophomore guard is averaging 6.3 points and 4.8 rebounds on an ED team that deep and balanced – and 11-1 entering this week’s action. Farrior played in 13 games as a freshman and averaged 9.2 points and 4.8 boards. ED scrambled at the end of the season to grab a spot in the 2A playoff field. The Patnthers missed missed the playoff the previous season, a rarity in coach Mark Lane’s career.

PHOTOS BY EDUARDO PUAC FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

Top, ND’s Tateyawna Faison provides rebounding and key scoring in the paint. Bottom, Lilly Fulghum and the Rebels are seeking a third-straight Carolina 1A Conference title.

Duplin Journal for Wednesday, January 3, 2024

PREP ROUNDUP

Rebels shooting woes lead to loss to Gators Conference play begins for ND, ED, JK, HCA By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal CALYPSO – North Duplin boys coach Jeff Byrd must feel like his Rebels have a shot at winning the Carolina 1A Conference title. Really? As good as any of the other four schools as Lakewood (3-5), Neuse Charter (4-14), Union (011) and Rosewood (6-7) are all struggling. So have the Rebels (4-8), though they’ve played five 2A schools. ND has lost four of its past five games, with the win coming Jan. 5 via a forfeit over Spring Creek (in a game they has a huge lead, but ended when the Gators objected to the officiating and stopped playing). The two school met last Friday for a rematch in Seven Springs, and the Gators eked out a 64-61 win. Dujuan Armwood tossed in 28 points, Trashawn Ruffin nine and Micah Lesesane and Dylan Tyndall six apiece as ND shot just 25 percent from the field. Armwood hit 12 of his 31 shots for a 39 percent accuracy rate, the highest on his team. Lesesane and Ruffin combined for 14 rebounds. ND was ever worse from long distance, going 2 of 21 from behind the 3-point line. The Gators (5-6) led 28-25 at halftime in a contest that was close from start to finish. ND had a road trip to Smithfield to face Neuse Charter early this week. The Rebels travel to Lakewood on Friday. Crusaders play four time in five days Harrells Christian Academy (12-8, 4-1) plays four games in five days this week, opening with a Monday tilt in the MKL Classic against E.E. Smith. Three key Coastal Independent 2A Conference games follow, the toughest of which is a second confrontation with Fayetteville Academy (18-4, 6-0) the following day in Harrells. FA beat HCA 76-52 on Dec. 12. Today (Thursday) HCA travels to Shalotte to face Southeastern Christian Academy. The Cru crew whipped the Warriors 6148 in Harrells on Dec. 7. HCA ends its week with a Friday trip to Roanoke Rapids to face Halifax, which they stumped 86-32 in Harrells on Dec. 8. The Crusaders will have gone 10 days without a game before meeting E.E. Smith (4-6), which plays in the NCHSA’s All-Ameri-

can 3A/4A split conference. HCA is a member of the NCISCA, which next season will have 17 schools in 4A, 21 in, 3A, 32 in 2A and 18 in 1A in six conferences. HCA has six games left in the regular season after this week’s flurry of games. GIRLS’ BASKETBALL Tigers roll past Blue Devils Y’Anna Rivers pumped in 16 points, Ron’Nyia Joyner 11 and Aleyahg Wilson seven last Wednesday when James Kenan blew past South Lenoir 45-28 in Deep Run. Lillie Kornegay was ejected two minutes into the second half and will be out of the lineup until Friday’s tussle with Clinton. “She was responding after being tackled to the floor after a rebound,” JK coach Kenny Williams said. “We have to get through North Lenoir (4-9, 0-3) without her. JK (6-5, 2-1) lost to East Duplin last Thursday. (See the story on page 7.) “I believe East Duplin is playing as good as a group since I’ve been here, and that’s saying a lot,” Williams said. “We couldn’t get anything to fall and they were clicking on all cylinders.” JK ends its week with a Friday matchup against Southwest Onslow (13-0, 3-0) in Jacksonville. Panthers finish sweep of Wildcats Richlands has caused East Duplin problems in the past. Not this season as the Panthers ripped the Wildcats 55-26 last Wednesday to complete a sweep of the two-game set. ED won the first confrontation 57-19 on Dec. 12 in Richlands. Kenzie Cave led ED with 16 points and seven rebounds. Makya Kornegay added 12 points, five rebounds and five steals, Ja’Myah Pickett seven markers and 11 boards, and Zakoya Farrior and Zoe Cavanaugh each chipped in five. Frosh Ava Noble logged three points and three assists. ED (11-1, 3-0) will host Wallace-Rose Hill (2-7, 1-1) on Friday. The Panthers played Swansboro (4-6) on MLK Day and South Lenoir (5-8, 1-3) the following day. Richlands (8-5) got eight points from both Mia Wells and Raegan Stapleton in the loss to ED. The Wildcats, paced by senior Tashi Alllen (11.4 ppg.) and sophomores Wells (7.5 ppg, 9.2 rebounds) and Jayla Bonney (6.3 in points and rebounds), get into the wave of Coastal 3A Conference play this week after whipping Swansboro 44-32 last Friday in their first league affair.

PHOTOS BY EDUARDO PUAC FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

JK’s Tytiana Wilson, left, and Kaelan Williams squeeze ED’s Kinsey Cave. HCA looks to turn the corner Harrells Christian Academy (7-6, 2-2) didn’t play last week, but hosted Fayetteville Academy (4-7, 1-4) this past Tuesday. The schedule features league affairs on the road against Southeastern Christian Academy (3-6,

0-3) today (Thursday) and Halifax (6-7, 5-1) on Friday. HCA is having one of its best seasons in recent history after stepping up with a 10-10 mark in 2023. The Crusaders play at least eight more games in the regular season, six of which are Coastal Independent 2A Conference affairs.

5 number of 2A opponents the North Duplin boys have faced

PHOTOS BY EDUARDO PUAC FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

Left, Dashaun McKoy, right, is HCA’s third-leading scorer. Right, Former WRH player Sabrina Batts is a key reason why HCA has a winning record.

Duplin Journal for Wednesday, January 17, 2024

obituaries Betty Jean Scott Stocker

Valorie Chesson McCoy

March 15, 1937 - Dec. 22, 2023

Feb. 14, 1951 - Jan. 1, 2024

Betty Jean Scott Stocker, 86, of Kenansville passed away peacefully at home in the care of her family on December 22, 2023, the eve of her wedding anniversary (December 23, 1959). We are sure there was a joyous welcoming celebration as Betty was reunited with her husband James in heaven! Betty was born on March 15, 1937 in Coalmont, Tenn., to Alfred and Margie Scott. She was the fifth child, the exact middle, of their nine children. She grew up on Signal Mountain, Tenn., where most of her family still reside. She met her husband of 60 years, James Stocker, while attending Sequatchie County High School in Dunlap, Tenn. After completing high school in 1955, she became the first of her family to attend college. She worked as a waitress while studying, and in 1957, she received an associate’s degree from Montreat College in Black Mountain. After graduation, she worked as a secretary in an insurance agency in Chattanooga, Tenn., until her first son Michael was born in 1962. Her husband worked for Central Soya Master Mix and was transferred to Orangeburg, S.C., where her daughter Myra was born in 1963. They then transferred to Charlotte, where Jim managed the feed account for Wendell Murphy. The family settled in Duplin County in 1973 when he accepted an employment opportunity with Murphy Farms. Betty and James welcomed their youngest son Miles in 1976. She will always be remembered as a kind, generous, loyal, supportive, patient, and loving daughter, sister, aunt, wife, sister-inlaw, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and friend. Betty was preceded in death by her father, Alfred Lee Scott, mother, Margie Rust Scott, sisters, Ethelene and husband Ralph White, Thelma (Tiny) and husband Clyde Garner, Freda and husband William (Bill) Williams, and Shirley Scott Pulliam, brothers, Winfred (Buddy) Scott and Donald Scott, her brotherin-law Lonnie Dishmon, her husband, James Earl Stocker, and her son, Miles Edwin Stocker. She is survived by her sister, Linda Scott Young Dishmon, brother James Leonard and wife Judy Scott, sister-in law Jean Scott, all of Signal Mountain, Tenn., son Michael Edward Stocker and wife Pamela Askew Stocker of Kenansville, daughter Myra Ellene Stocker Rappl and husband John Paul Rappl, grandchildren Samuel James Rappl and Sara Ellene Rappl of Raleigh, daughter-in-law Lora Davis Stocker of Clayton, and many nieces, nephews, greatnieces, and great-nephews. Our family would like to especially thank Interim Healthcare of Wallace, NC and our wonderful aides Barbara, Cortina, Dawn, Deborah, Katressa, and Michelle. We would also like to thank the Gentiva Hospice nurses Deborah, Jessica, and Taylor. We could not have kept Betty comfortably at home without them. A visitation will be on Thursday, January 11 from 6-8 p.m. at Community Funeral Home in Warsaw. A private funeral will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the UNC Health Foundation, 123 West Franklin Street, Suite 510, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, unchealthfoundation.org.

(age 72) Ms. Valorie C. McCoy of Pink Hill departed her earthly life on Monday, January 1, 2024. Born on February 14, 1951, she is the daughter of the late Florence Davis Capps. Left to cherish her memory are her uncle, Kenneth K Davis and wife Mary of Clarksville (Va.), first cousins, Karla Casteen, Deborah Price, Carl Thomas Uzzell Jr., Dr. Suzanne Byrd, Kelly Cook, Kelly Uribe, and Duane Davis; uncle, Dan McLaughlin, and Brandi Capps White, sister. Ms. McCoy was born in Portsmouth, Va., and raised in Hamlet. She graduated from Wingate Collage and began her choral music teaching career in Duplin County in the James Kenan High School district. After a short hiatus to study at NC State, Ms. McCoy came home to the East Duplin and North Duplin districts to teach chorus and general music. As a Duplin County music educator for over 30 years, Ms. McCoy’s impact and influence will continue long into the future. Her love for the East Duplin Choruses and Swing Choirs and the Beulaville Presbyterian Church choir and church family will continue to be heard in the musical gifts from the choir loft every week. Valorie’s second love was for dogs of any kind but especially for chihuahuas. Over the years she owned and fostered as many as nine dogs at a time. To love Val was to love her puppies. In lieu of flowers, Ms. McCoy would smile greatly upon contributions to the East Duplin Choral Music Department. She might even refrain from throwing any shoes from heaven! Memorial service was held on Sunday, January 7, 2024, followed by visitation at Beulaville Presbyterian Church, Beulaville.

Joyce Wallace Tyndall May 8, 1939 - January 7, 2024 (age 84) Joyce Wallace Tyndall, 84, died on Sunday, January 7, 2024, at her home. Funeral service was held on Thursday, January 11, 2024, followed by visitation, at Community Funeral Home, Beulaville. Graveside service was Friday, January 12, 2024 at East Duplin Memorial Gardens, Beulaville. Survivors include: spouse, Prentice Tyndall of Pink Hill; sons, Billy Williams of Florida and Prentice Tyndall, Jr. (Mary Beth) of Pink Hill; daughters, Brenda Weaver (Roger) of Hope Mills and Natalie Guffey (Chad); grandchildren, Jamie Summerlin, Amanda Trogdon, Allison Trogdon, Allyse Rabe, Aaron Tyndall, Noah Tyndall, Landon Duffey, Zana Guffey, Rachel Weaver and Geoff Weaver; and great-grandchildren, Asher Summerlin, Charlie Summerlin, Daisy Tyndall and Stella Tyndall.