Duplin Journal Vol. 8, Issue 50 by North State Journal

VOLUME 8 ISSUE 50 | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2024

DUPLINJOURNAL.COM

Duplin Journal THE DUPLIN COUNTY EDITION OF THE NORTH STATE JOURNAL

the

BRIEF this week

Two murder suspects arrested near Beulaville Duplin County On Feb. 2, members of the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the Beulaville Police Department arrested Thad Tiee Adams and Kerrie Leigh Norris at a residence located on NC Highway 111 outside of Beulaville. The two individuals are suspects wanted in connection to the Jan. 29 murder of Brandon Giles in Dunn, N.C. According to the announcement, the apprehension and arrest are part of collaborative efforts to assist the NCSBI Criminal Apprehension Team and Dunn Police Department. DJS

Man found guilty on 25-year old murder case of a Beulaville native Beulaville

Jonathan Lynn Jenkins, 51, was recently found guilty for the murder of Elton Whitfield of Beulaville, by a jury, according to a press release from the Johnston County District Attorney. Whitfield’s body was found decomposed in a wooded area off of Lake Myra Road in Wake County. DJS

Free entrepreneurship workshops Duplin County Persons interested in starting a business can now participate in free entrepreneurship workshops that will be offered on Feb. 8, March 14, April 11, May 2 and May 30 at University of Mount Olive. According to the announcement, the workshops will focus on rural and agricultural businesses.

DJS

ECU Health Duplin Hospital receives CAP lab accreditation Duplin County ECU Health Duplin Hospital announced its most recent accreditation from the College of American Pathologists. The CAP accreditation is recognized as the global leader in laboratory practices.

ENA SELLERS | DUPLIN JOURNAL

Representative Jimmy Dixon presents a ceremonial check for $80.2 million to the Board of County Commissioners on Monday, Feb. 5. The check represents the funding that has been awarded to Duplin County in the past two General Assembly budgets. Pictured from left to right are Sheriff Stratton Stokes, Commissioner Justin Edwards, Commissioner Jesse Dowe, Chair Dexter Edwards, Rep. Dixon, Commissioner Elwood Garner and Commissioner Wayne Branch.

County Commissioners move forward with $44.1M new detention center project The three-pod facility will provide safe housing for up to 236 inmates By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal KENANSVILLE – The atmosphere was joyful as approximately 30 people gathered at the County Office for the Board of County Commissioners’ monthly meeting on Feb. 5. One of the highlights of the evening was the board’s unanimous vote to approve the construction of the new detention center. Representative Jimmy Dixon made a ceremonial check presentation in the amount of $80,206,000 representing the cumulative total of the funding secured for Duplin County over the last two General Assembly budgets.

Scam targets Wallace’s Carolina Strawberry Festival

DJS

Wallace PD urges individuals to report scams to local authorities By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal WALLACE -- In recent weeks, scammers have targeted potential sponsors of the Carolina Strawberry Festival, the yearly festival held in Wallace the first weekend in May. “We’ve been made aware of a concerning situation where individuals are using the town police department’s phone number to solicit funds for sponsorships purportedly on behalf of the Carolina Strawberry Festival,” festival organizers shared in a statement on the event’s website. “Please be informed that

“For many years, we were at the lower end of the feed trough and not very much consideration,” said Dixon, explaining that Senator Brent Jackson, himself, and other colleagues in non-urban leadership positions have been able to secure funding for Duplin County. “Every penny of this money that we have gotten for Duplin County could have gone through the competitive bid process and there’s billions of dollars that do go through competitive bids,” said Dixon, explaining that they get dibs on where to allocate about 15% of the funds available. “We think that 170 people know better where the needs are, than career bureaucrats sitting in these places where you send your project request… so we have been able to convince leadership to let us spend some of the money. This is not new money. It is money that was going out… local representatives get sig-

“If you encounter any suspicious activity, please report it immediately to the appropriate authorities.” Statement from Carolina Strawberry Festival neither the town nor its police department is engaged in such solicitations. Under no circumstances should you provide credit card information over the phone to these callers.” Organizers added that sponsorship requests for the festival are typically conducted in person. “Any deviation from this should raise red flags,” the statement continued. The Wallace Police Department encourages anyone who receives suspicious phone calls like these to contact their local law enforcement agency. “Exercise caution and refrain from engaging with such callers,” the statement reads. “If you encounter any suspicious activity, please report it immediately to the appropriate authorities. Let’s ensure the safety and security of our community businesses.” This year’s Strawberry Festival is planned for May 3-4 in downtown Wallace. Those interested in supporting the Carolina Strawberry Festival can visit the website, www.carolinastrawberryfestival.com/become-a-sponsor/.

“I worked in the jail as a jailer for roughly 12 months, so I know what it is like to work there... I think this new facility will allow things to happen much more efficiently and a whole lot safer.” Commissioner Elwood Garner nificant input on where that money goes,” said Dixon. “It has been a long time since we have had a Governor sign one of our budgets. The current Governor … didn’t sign this one. But we do have a supermajority, and we were able to get around his veto.” Dixon spoke about the many

projects the county has been able to fund with the money secured and how Senator Jackson and himself coordinate to distribute the funds. “The big jewel is that, cumulatively, we’ve gotten a little over $32 million for the jail,” said Dixon. “I was greatly influenced over the years by the need that we have had for a long time… I hope that is enough impetus to get the board in a position to where we can build the jail with the three pods on it and take care of our needs for some period of time… it’s been a great honor and a pleasure for me to be able to secure these funds to help you guys out.” “The reason I can support these kinds of projects is because every bit of this is going to be put into something hard, something that has to be bought, and it is going to See JAIL, page 12

Duplin County celebrates Black History Month Events include a monthlong celebration By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal February is of course Black History Month, and there are numerous ways to observe the celebration of African-American culture and history right here in Duplin County. All month long, First Missionary Baptist Church of Magnolia will hold Black History Month programs every Sunday, said former Duplin County NAACP president Robert O. Moore. The NAACP will also celebrate its anniversary at First Missionary Baptist Church in Warsaw on Sunday, Feb. 11, at 4 p.m. Guest speaker will be Chandra Taylor-Sawyer, an attorney with the Southern Environmental Law Center. The NAACP was founded in 1909 with the aim to secure rights that were guaranteed in the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments to the United States Constitution, which ended slavery and gave all men the right to vote. “Accordingly, the NAACP’s mission is to ensure the political, educational, equality of minority group citizens of States and eliminate race prejudice,”

“There are so many things to celebrate during Black History Month. Things that have a positive impact on society as a whole.” James W. Smith, Jr., Duplin County NAACP President the NAACP’s website explains. “The NAACP works to remove all barriers of racial discrimination through democratic processes.” As the current president of the Duplin County NAACP, James W. Smith Jr., said he will be giving Black History Month speeches all month long at various churches and organizations throughout the county. “I think because of our history in the U.S., coming from slavery, See HISTORY, page 5

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Duplin Journal for Wednesday, February 7, 2024

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DUPLIN CALENDAR SPONSORED BY

Duplin Journal

Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in Duplin County: FEB. 7

Neal Robbins, Publisher

x The Faison town board meets

publisher@northstatejournal.com

Jim Sills, VP of Local Newspapers

the first Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m., at 110 NE Center St., Faison. For more information, call 910-2672721.

jim@northstatejournal.com FEB. 8

Ena Sellers, News Editor

x The Wallace town council

ena@northstatejournal.com

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

Michael Jaenicke, Sports Editor michael@northstatejournal.com

David Guy, Advertising Manager 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

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

meets the second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m., at 316 East Murray St., Wallace. For more information, call 910-285-4136.

FEB. 9 x Saddle up for the best rodeo action on dirt on Friday, Feb. 9 and Saturday, Feb. 10, at 7 p.m., at the Duplin Events Center. Concessions will be available for purchase at the arena. x Get ready for a night full of love, laughter, and dancing at the Sweetheart Ball on Friday, Feb. 9, at 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at 216 North East Railroad Street in Wallace. The cost is $12.50. For more details, contact The Friends of the Wallace Parks. x Night to Shine, a prom night

experience sponsored by Tim Tebow Foundation, will be on Friday, Feb. 9, at the Charity Mission Center.

FEB. 10 x Plant lovers bring your garden gloves and join the NCSU Extension Seed Starting Workshop for hands-on learning on how to successfully start seeds indoors for spring planting. Takes place at 801 S Walker St in Burgaw. Attendance limited to 16. To register call 910-259-1411. FEB. 12 x The Greenevers town board meets the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m., at 314 E. Charity Rd. For more information, call 910-2893078. x The Teachey town board meets the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m., at 116 East 2nd St. For more information, call 910-285-7564. x The Warsaw town board meets the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m., at 121 S. Front St. For more information, call 910-293-7814. FEB. 13 x Duplin County Partnership for Children invites the public to craft night on Feb. 13, 5:30 - 8 p.m., at Kenansville Baptist Church, located at 114 Routledge Road. Crafts will

be available for children ages 3-5. Please RSVP by Feb. 9 to Karen Pacheco at 910-2962000. Each child will receive a friendship-themed book. Space is limited. x The Magnolia town board meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m., at 108 Taylor St., Magnolia. For more information, call 910-2893205. x The Rose Hill town board meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m., at 103 Southeast Railroad St. For more information, call 910289-3159.

the brand-new Shark Attack, the ferocious debut of T-Rex, and from Tombstone, AZ, and Sheriff at the Duplin Events Center. 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. FEB. 23

x The February County Planning Board Meeting will be held at Board of County Commissioners Meeting Room, located at 224 Seminary Street in Kenansville on Feb. 13 at 6 p.m.

x James Sprunt Community College Foundation is hosting its third annual Casino Night on Friday, Feb. 23, at the Duplin Country Club. The night will include craps, poker, roulette, and blackjack tables. Admission is by ticket only, and tickets are available for $55 per person. For more information, call the Foundation Office at 910-275-6135.

FEB. 14

FEB. 29

x Skate City, located at 605 N College St., Wallace will host a Valentine’s Skate. Admission $7, call 910-285-3479 for more information.

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.

FEB. 17

x Calling Duplin, Jones, Sampson and Onslow County to be part of the Teen Court Ambassador Workshop. Email teencourt@ mceconline.org for more information.

x America’s Wildest Monster Truck Show is coming to Kenansville on Feb. 17, featuring National TV Monster Trucks including world-famous Outlaw,

CRIME LOG JAN. 31

We stand corrected To report an error or a suspected error, please email: corrections@nsjonline.com with “Correction request” in the subject line.

CORRECTION: Last week the story “Beulaville rises from ashes to capture middle school title” on page 9 had Beulaville misspelled. Last week an editorial titled “Honoring a student-centered Board of Education” on page 4 had the name Claudius Morrisey misspelled.

FEB. 2

x Ronda Layton Holloman, 38, was booked into the Duplin County Detention Center on charges of Felonious Restraint. Bond was set at $50,000. FEB. 1

x Brittanie Laurel Dunn, 40, was booked into the Duplin County Detention Center on charges of driving while impaired (DWI), carrying a concealed weapon, driving with a revoked license, failure to notify the DMV of address change, and five charges of misdemeanor probation violation. Total bond was set at $20,000.

x Veronica Hicks, 29, was booked into the Duplin County Detention Center on charges of driving while impaired, child abuse, fail maintain lane control, and speeding. Total bond was set at $3,000. x Rogelio Hernanez Vitervo, 41, was booked into the Duplin County Detention Center on charges of driving while impaired and failure to maintain lane control. Total bond was set at $2,000. FEB. 3

x Billy Wayne Matthis, 53, was booked into the Duplin County Detention Center on charges of possession

of meth, possessing drug paraphernalia, two counts of driving with a revoked license (impaired revocation), and failure to reduce speed. Total bond was set at $6,213. x Stephen Craig Blanton, 63, was booked into the Duplin County Detention Center on charges of second-degree trespassing with a bond of $500. x Jose Miguel Lopez, 41, was booked into the Duplin County Detention Center on charges of assault on a female and was denied bond.

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.

MARRIAGE LICENSES ISSUED IN DUPLIN COUNTY Anita Marie Savage, Register of Deeds issued 28 Marriage Licenses in the month of January. They are as follows: x Morgan Rae Civils, Beulaville, and Logan Brett Blizzard, Beulaville; x Roberto Castaneda Borja, Warsaw, and Hilda Pineda Gonzalez, Warsaw; x Sergio Ivan Flores Acosta, Rose Hill, and Ana Julia Garcia Bardales, Rose Hill; x Karla Viviana Perla Bardales, Wallace, and Marlon Omar Matute Rivera, Wallace; x Neptaly Eleazar Lopez Lopez, Kinston, and Elvira Vail Gomez, Kinston; x Joseph Anthony Schaefer, Wallace and Salihah Patrice Stewart, Wallace;

x Erica Wendy Sholar, Wallace, and Tyler Carroll Hudson, Faison; x Henry James Reed, Jacksonville, and Tina Marie Mason Rice, Wisconsin; x Mynor Orlando Morales Mendez, Michigan, and Alisha Marie Humphrey, Florida; x Arnold Funez Santos, Teachey, and Jeidy Johana Reyes Duran, Teachey; x John Seger Hill, Beulaville, and Anna Rae Mobley, Beulaville;

x Suany Sarai Alvarenga Carcamo, Roseboro, and Carlos Mauricio Hernandez Robles, Roseboro; x Matthew Kyle Simpson, Mount Olive, and Kristen Brooke Newsome Futrelle, Mount Olive; x Alejandro Resendiz Arteaga, Pink Hill, and Patricia Coral Utrera Mora, Pink Hill; x Joel Juarez Rodas, Seven Springs, and Josefa Maria Morales Alvarado, Seven Springs;

x Mason Dale Page, Wallace, and Lori Faye Parker, Burgaw;

x Faith Ann Pearson Ashley, Dudley, and Tyler James Munson, Dudley;

x Dexter Gene Arnette, Mount Olive, and Nicole Raelyn Johns, Mount Olive;

x Leocadia Ascencio, Warsaw, and David Enrique Manzano Oritz, Warsaw;

x Branden Lonnie Kennedy, Richlands, and Ananda Alexis Tatyana Farland, Richlands;

x Charles Dwain Quinn, Pink Hill, and Polly Draughon Parker, Beulaville;

x Christopher James Lance, Beulaville, and Christine Eacho Lance, Beulaville; x Tammie Silvonia Watkins, Pink Hill, and Brandon Robert Santiago, Pink Hill; x Michael D Downing, Beulaville, and Lindsay Rogers Williams, Beulaville ; x Hope Elizabeth Brock, Warsaw, and Justin Curtis Stephenson, Winterville; x Brittany Elaine Terry, Albertson, and Tyler Allen Moore, Goldsboro; x Santiago Lucas Mendez, Kinston, and Lucinda Etelvina Vail Mendez, Kinston; x Arturo Ubence Mejia Acosta, Rose Hill, and Maydin Anelly Argueta Doblado, Rose Hill.

Duplin Journal for Wednesday, February 7, 2024

RE-ELECT

ELWOOD GARNER COUNTY COMMISSIONER

Local farmer who understands the importance of agriculture to our community

Lifelong Duplin Resident Proven Conservative Leadership PAID FOR BY THE COMMITTEE TO ELECT ELWOOD GARNER

Duplin Journal for Wednesday, February 7, 2024

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

COLUMN | JIMMY DIXON

Photo ID, and exercising your right to vote To engage in the world wide supermarket of commerce today, folks want to know that you are who you say you are. Most of us do not mind providing that evidence.

WHO EVER SAID “OVERNIGHT SUCCESS USUALLY TAKES ABOUT 20 YEARS” hit the nail on the head. A good case in point; the Republican Majority in the North Carolina General Assembly has tried for 13 years to require a photo ID to vote. Well, miracle of miracles, when you go to the polls to vote in this year’s Primary elections you will, thank the Lord, have to produce a photo ID to vote. There are, however, several exceptions for a legitimate voter to cast a provisional vote without a photo ID; if they have a qualifying reason. It is unbelievable how many ways and excuses Governor Roy Cooper and the Democrat leadership used to defeat all attempts to require a photo ID to vote. One of the most egregious accusations was that Republicans wanted to suppress voter turnout. Another accusation was that requiring a photo ID to vote would be discrimination against people of color. Well, well! Let’s just see how suppressed the voter turnout will be in this year’s elections. Also, let’s see if the number of people of color who vote is suppressed. To buy alcohol and cigarettes requires photo ID and I certainly have observed folks of all colors involved in those transactions. If you drive, you are required to have a driver’s license with your photo on it. Go to the hospital, get a prescription filled, buy an airplane ticket, or take your child to the Duplin County library; better have your photo ID. Wow! How many different transactions are all of us required to produce a photo ID in order to complete those transactions? It is necessary to produce a photo ID in order to receive the entitlements like food stamps that many of our citizens rely on to sustain themselves and their families? Oh yes, and they claimed that some people didn’t have a photo ID and could not afford to get one. So the Republican sponsored

legislation required our government to provide one free of charge. But the Democrats keep singing their discrimination and voter suppression chants. Then Eric Holder and other national benefactors put up huge amounts of money to take the Republicans to court. They also knew that many of the biased Democratic judges would ignore the rule of law and our constitutions and makeup laws that would not support requiring photo ID to vote. It used to be that most folks would get embarrassed if they made claims that were totally void of any truth. But Democrat leaders know their main stream media puppets will not call them out. Here is the bottom line in our technology driven society today: a person’s word is no longer his bond. Dishonesty abounds today. Thieves thrive on stealing names and identities. An entirely new industry has arisen in the last few years to help prevent someone from stealing a person’s identity. Here is the reality today; you have to have evidence that you are who you say you are! To engage in the world wide supermarket of commerce today, folks want to know that you are who you say you are. Most of us do not mind providing that evidence. The right to vote is precious and should be defended at all cost. Fair elections that produce honest results are necessary to sustain our Constitutional Republic. To the extent possible, each of us should be assured that the person casting a vote is eligible and is properly identified. We, the people should be pleased to identify ourselves with a photo ID and exercise the sacred right to cast our vote one time; but only one time. Jimmy Dixon (R-NC04) represents Duplin and Wayne counties in the N.C. House of Representatives.

COLUMN | NEWT GINGRICH

Intimidating Iran The United States is at a crossroads in the Middle East. We either must be prepared to withdraw from the region to avoid continued efforts to kill American service members, or take decisive actions to intimidate Iran and convince theocratic dictatorship it can’t afford to continue its current proxy war. The Biden administration seems incapable of understanding this clear and simple choice. President Joe Biden and his team have done little beyond hand-wringing and whining. As NBC News reported: “Even after two Navy Seals were killed last week and three more Americans were killed… In brief remarks Tuesday, Biden said he had decided on a response to the attacks, without giving details. The president said he held Iran responsible for the strike because it provided weapons to the militants, but he reiterated that he was not looking for a wider war.” The United States is under attack across the Middle East from Iranian proxies. Americans are being fired upon in Iraq, Syria, and in the Red Sea. Young Americans are bleeding and dying in defense of their country. What does Biden think a “wider

war” would look like? After three Americans were killed and another 40 were wounded, Department of Defense Spokeswoman Sabrina Singh asserted, “We don’t want to see a widening of this conflict.” The next day, Time Magazine reported: “Meanwhile, attacks by the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels continue in the Red Sea, most recently targeting a U.S. warship. The missile launched Tuesday night targeted the USS Gravely, an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, the U.S. military’s Central Command said in a statement.” So, the Biden administration talks, and the Iranian proxies attack. This cycle has been repeating since the first attack on Oct. 18. In fact, there have been more than 165 attacks in this threeand-a-half-month period. The Iranians have already warned that any serious American response would lead to severe counterattacks. The New York Post reported, Irani U.N. Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani told Irani journalists the Iranian dictatorship would make a “strong response” if it or any of its proxies were attacked by American forces.

Other leaders in the Iranian military have reinforced this threat of a strong Iranian reaction to any American attacks. The Biden administration must remember that the Iranian parliament routinely chants “death to America; death to Israel.” Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini has clarified that this is a policy — not a slogan. When a government says it wants the death of your country — and it funds, trains, and equips proxies to attack you — it is imperative that you take them seriously. The Biden administration should consider Leon Trotsky’s warning that “You may not be interested in war, but war is interested in you.” It is clear that President Biden and his National Security team simply can’t bring themselves to confront reality. On Jan. 15, President Biden said, “I already delivered the message to Iran. They know not to do anything… Iran does not want a war with us.” This statement came after three months of attacks on Americans. What does President Biden think war looks like? Sen. Mitch McConnell captured the current reality when he said Biden has been resorting to, “hesitation and half-measures” in response to the recent growing spate of attacks.

McConnell went on to say in a statement released Jan. 28: “The entire world now watches for signs that the president is finally prepared to exercise American strength to compel Iran to change its behavior. Our enemies are emboldened. And they will remain so until the United States imposes serious, crippling costs — not only on front-line terrorist proxies, but on their Iranian sponsors who wear American blood as a badge of honor.” Retired Admiral John Miller, former commander of the U.S. Fifth Fleet in the Persian Gulf had a similar view: “We’ve allowed ourselves to come to a point where now, direct strikes on Iran are what is required to quell this activity. In true Iranian fashion, they’re going to push and push and push, until they sense that they’ve come to a red line. They do that themselves. They do it through their proxies. Well, they crossed the red line. They need to be held to account for that.” Despite Biden’s comments, we have accepted a long running Iranian war against America. It has been an indirect war using proxies and terrorism. Both Presidents Barack Obama and Biden have refused to take this war seriously. Both have thought

they could appease Iran and somehow convince the theocratic dictatorship to be an ally. It is hard to understand how Obama and Biden heard “death to America” and concluded they should give billions of dollars to the people chanting it. Furthermore, Biden lifting the oil sanctions only produced hundreds of billions of dollars of new revenue for Iran to fund its nuclear weapons program and the terrorism war. The simplest and most abhorrent fact is American money has gone to Iranian proxies who kill Americans. It is possible the continuing violence and the death of young Americans will finally force President Biden to face reality. The only long-term solution is to apply sufficient military and economic power, degrade Iran’s capacity to fund terrorism, and intimidate the regime from further belligerence. Iran is going to intimidate Biden and force the U.S. out of the region — or we are going to intimidate the theocratic dictatorship (or ultimately help the Iranian people replace it) and develop a much more peaceful Middle East. If President Biden can’t intimidate Iran by Jan. 20, 2025, I suspect President Trump will.

Duplin Journal for Wednesday, February 7, 2024

New scholarship fund empowers women seeking careers in Agriculture Three business owners from Grifton give back to the community Duplin Journal MOUNT OLIVE --The University of Mount Olive recently announced that starting in the spring of 2024, one UMO student will be awarded a Women in Agriculture scholarship sponsored by Gap Ready! Farm Services. According to UMO’s press release, business owners Paula Manning, Leigh Page, and Grayson Shreves established the fund to share their good fortune and passion for agriculture as they assist growers. “The premise of this scholarship is to help young women, like myself, who have a passion for agriculture and want to make an impact in the predominately male-dominated field,” said Page, who graduated from UMO in 2010.

Duplin County’s unemployment rate drops for December Duplin County The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for Duplin County dropped 0.3 percentage points to 3.1% for December, according to statistics released Jan. 31 by the N.C. Department of Commerce. The county’s unemployment rate was at 3.4% for November and October 2023. However, 3.1% was the county’s rate one year ago, in December 2022. That number means that of the 24,285 workforce in the county, a total of 758 people received unemployment benefits for the month of December.

“We are humbled to be in the position to offer this scholarship opportunity to young women, who are seeking to make an impact on the future of agriculture.” Leigh Page, GAP Ready! Farm Services “We are humbled to be in the position to offer this scholarship opportunity to young women, who are seeking to make an impact on the future of agriculture,” said Page. “And I know from my own experience that there is no better place to start than at the University of Mount Olive. According to UMO officials, scholarship applications will be accepted through April 1. The scholarship can be award-

PHOTO COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY OF MOUNT OLIVE

Vice President of Institutional Advancement Dr. Twyla Wells, Owners of GAP Ready! Farm Services, Inc. Leigh Page and Paula Manning, and UMO Special Projects Coordinator Dr. Sandy Maddox. ed consecutively for up to four years. The recipient must demonstrate financial need and maintain a 3.0 GPA. “We want our success to trans-

JSCC’s Small Business Center offers free online seminars

late to academic success for future UMO females in ag,” said Manning. For information, email nbalsamello@umo.edu.

Duplin County If you own a small business or are thinking of starting one, the Small Business Center at James Sprunt Community College offers a variety of classes to help you. This month, there are a variety of online classes, all held 6-8 p.m. They include: “Growing Your Sales With Shopify” on Feb. 8, “Selling Products on Amazon and Etsy” on Feb. 15, “Profit Acceleration” on Feb. 22, and “Content That Convinces” on Feb. 27. For more information on any of these seminars or on the Small Business Center, contact Joy Wynne at 910-659-6008 or email jwynne@jamessprunt. edu.

People with special needs get ‘Night to Shine’ Poston Baptist Church of Wallace is hosting special needs prom Feb. 9

“We want to show every single person the inclusion and the love of Jesus.”

By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal Everyone deserves their own night to feel honored, appreciated and loved. That’s the idea behind a special needs prom, hosted by Poston Baptist Church and sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, that will be held Friday night at the Charity Mission Center. “We’re so excited,” said event organizer Sonya Sholar. “This is the first time it’s been in Duplin County.” Night to Shine is an international event created by the Tim Tebow Foundation, and is designed to give individuals with special needs a prom-like experience. “Night to Shine is hosted by churches all around the globe who desire to share the love of Christ with their community of people with special needs,” the Tim Tebow Foundation website states. “What it will include is that anyone ages 14 and above will have the opportunity to attend prom,” Sholar explained. “Each honored guest will have a buddy.” In fact, about 150 volunteers have opted to be buddies for the special needs individuals attending Duplin County’s Night

Sonya Sholar, Night to Shine organizer

PHOTO COURTESY OF SONYA SHOLAR

Duplin County native Ryan Griffin is shown at a Night to Shine event last year. Ryan and about 50 other individuals with special needs will be honored with a prom-like experience at Duplin County’s Night to Shine event at the Charity Mission Center on Friday night, Feb. 9. to Shine. The buddies will guide the honored guests around the Charity Mission Center and keep them company throughout the night. They’ve each undergone training in the months leading up to Night to Shine. So far, 51 special needs individuals have signed up to attend the event. Limousine rides will be provided, and each honored guest will get to walk the red carpet, complete with cheering supporters and “paparazzi.” If they like, the attendees can bring a caregiver, and there will be a special Respite Room for them, where they can recharge and relax, and enjoy them-

selves, Sholar said. There will also be hair, makeup and shoe shine stations to ensure that each guest looks and feels their best for the event. Each guest will have their name announced, and a meal will be provided for them and their parent/guardian and/or buddy. “Once they’re finished with their meal, they can even go and cheer for their friends on the red carpet,” Sholar said. Once the red carpet portion of the evening is finished, she said, “We’ll roll up that red carpet and make it into a dance floor.” There will be photos, a game room and even a quiet room

There’s also Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, who performed the first open-heart surgery, and Barack Obama, the first African-American United States president. “There are so many things to celebrate during Black History Month,” Smith said, “things that

have a positive impact on society as a whole.” To learn more about the impacts of African-Americans on our culture, visit www.blackhistorymonth.gov. Another event celebrating Black History Month in Duplin County will be the second annu-

for those who may feel overwhelmed with all the glitz and glamour of the evening. “At about 8 o’clock, all of our honored guests will be crowned queen or king of the prom,” Sholar said. After that, a video message from Tim Tebow will be shown on a video screen, and the honored guests and their caregivers will receive a gift. “We want to show every single person the inclusion and the love of Jesus,” Sholar said. The mother of twins with special needs, Sholar said she’d seen the event online and thought it was a great idea for Duplin County. “I feel like there’s a big need for something like this in Duplin County,” she said. “We looked into it and said let’s do it.” Each Night to Shine event must be sponsored by a church and Poston Baptist’s board approved it, while Charity Mission Center agreed to be the venue. Sholar said the goal behind the evening is simple. “We just want to make everyone with special needs feel so honored.”

Nominations sought for business scholarship Duplin County The North Carolina Cooperative Extension Administrative Professionals Association is seeking nominations for its $750 scholarship through March 20. The scholarship is available to North Carolina residents pursuing a college degree or a diploma program that results in a college degree in business or a business-related field of study. Applicants must be enrolled to attend classes at a college during the 2024-2025 school year. For more information, call NC Cooperative Extension, Duplin County center, at 910296-2143.

HISTORY from page 1 some of our history had to be wiped away in order to have slavery,” he said. “So I think it’s important to have a clear understanding of the contributions of African-Americans, from the stoplight invented by Garrett Morgan to Dr. Charles R. Drew, who pioneered the blood banks we have today.”

al Black History Month Musical Celebration on Saturday, Feb. 24, at Wallace-Rose Hill High School in Teachey. The gospel concert will feature national recording artist Patrick Love, Desi L. Campbell and Friends, and the 100 Voice Youth Mass Choir. Youth are currently being

recruited for the choir, with a rehearsal planned for Saturday, Feb. 17, at 1 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Teachey, located at 307 Log Cabin Road. For more information, contact Desi L. Campbell at 910882-3851.

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Duplin Journal for Wednesday, February 7, 2024

accolades Duplin County Early College High School announces Principal’s List, Honor Roll Duplin County Early College High 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

12th Grade: Odalis ArguijoEspinal, Jackson Brown, Brandon Figueroa, Joanna Guo, Saige Jones, Robert Orellana Figueroa, Carlos RamosMontoya, Trustine Vu, Teakwon Wright.

Ninth Grade: Nicol Bautista Rodriguez, Haylie Brown, Louis Carr, Katherine Serrano Cataneda, Madalee Gelbhaar, Maradith Gelbhaar, John Guillen Mendoza, LaKirah Hooks, Lily Hughes, Malayah Leak, Alexander Lemus Morales, Zulenny Olivos Martinez, Lani Vaca Hernandez, Scarlett Zelaya Andino.

13th Grade: Jaylynne Lee, Taylor Wilson.

A/B Honor Roll List

10th Grade: Zuri Balderas Garcia, Jennesi Castro Cruz, Jenli Chilel Gonzalez, Nallely Hernandez, Khalia Mathis, Sherlyn Monroy, Elsy OleaRamirez, Maya Smith.

Ninth Grade: Josadac Alvarado, Yeyson Antunez, Deyner Berduo Juarez, Marianeli Cardona Salgado, Dyamond Elliot, Isaac Garcia Flores, Gabrielle Johnson, Fabrian Juarez Diaz, Emily Martinez, Aileen Mojica Galvan, Diana Padron, Patrick Parker, Nestor Peralta, Mariangel Soliz Corea, Sandra Tilihuit Sauceda,

11th Grade: Monica deLeon Hernandez, Cristina Diaz-Alcala, Emily Knowles, Jared Lee, Tegan Madsen, Nathan Worsley.

Alondra Vasquez, Dazmine Whitfield, Kaydence Wright. 10th Grade: Asia Carlton, Melisa Castro-Castro, Kaiah Cooper, Kathrine Davis, Henry Duarte Sanchez, Carson Farmer, MaKayla Johnson, Ravyn Kennedy, Shaila Mejac Rosales, Eric Morales-Flores, Gabriel Price, Daisy RamirezMunos, Ximena Rodriguez Sanchez, Alyssa Rodriguez, Kristen Sherrod, Shamira Silas Matthews. 11th Grade: Dylan Anderson, Kayla Baltazar, Esau Borja, Aileen Burger, Annie Chirinos Diaz, Aubrey Cooper, Sintique Godinez Martinez, Kelsey Handy, Jordan Hooper, Rayanna Houston, Aaliyah Johnson, Jocelyn Jones, Nicanor Lopez, Yoeli Mejia Munoz, Keren Milla

Diaz, Leslie Real Renteria, Briseida Rivera, Lean Saavedra Lopez, Kalia Sullivan, Monika Tyler. 12th Grade: Heath Butts, Josephine Diaz Southgate, Dezire Dixon, Brittney Funez Hernandez, Genesis GalanGalindo, Maribel GutierrezGomez, Angelica Hernandez, Ivy Jiang, Andriy Juan-Antunez, Lilianna Phelps, Landon Sanderson, Leslie Silva Serrato, Johan Trejo Mendita, Bryan Velazquez-Ramirez. 13th Grade: Gerica Cabrea Hernandez, Brooklyn Mclean, Myranda George, Rashawn Hill, Alan Ortiz-Velasquez, Maria Rodriguez Izara, Daniel Velasco Lopez.

Local fire departments, EMS honor first responders bravery and dedication Each year, fire departments across Duplin County honor the exemplary service and dedication of first responders who day after day, selflessly serve the citizens of Duplin County. The following are the 2023 awardees whose names were provided by Duplin County Fire News.

Albertson Volunteer Fire Department • Firefighter of the Year: Justin Daniels • Junior Firefighter of the Year: Mauricio Lopez • Fire Chief’s Award: Ryan Rhodes Beulaville Volunteer Fire Department • Firefighter of the Year: Matthew (Spam) Maready • Most calls responded: Asst. Chief Ronnie Bostic • Years of Service: Greg Brown, 30 years; Zackary Brown, 10 years Chinquapin Volunteer Fire Department • Firefighter of the Year: David Thigpen • EMT of the Year: Morgan Brock • Junior Firefighter Recognition Award: Harry Chronis, Tyler Lanier, William Kennedy • Unit Commendation Structure Fire: David Thigpen, William Edwards, William Kennedy, Tyler Lanier • Unit Commendation Vehicle Extrication: Lt. Justin Bell, William Edwards, William Powell Sr., William Kennedy, Tyler Lanier Duplin County Emergency Medical Services • Hervy Kornegay Sr. MD Award for Excellence in EMS: Angel Tyndall • A Shift MVP: Bryan Warren

• Officer of the Year: Alex Norris

Kennedy • CA “Pug” Precythe Officer of the Year: Robert McCarty

Northeast Volunteer Fire Department

• Aspiring Leader Award: Andy Cameron

• Firefighter of the Year: Ellis Parker

• Years of Service: Robbie Kennedy, 50 years; Joseph Kelly, 5 years • Over 100 Hours Training Award: Alex Chilel, Victor Chilel, Timmy Henderson, Lee Kennedy, Chase King, Robert McCarty, Davis Powell, Luis Serna • Code Save: Alex Chilel, Sprunt Hall, Timmy Henderson, Lee Kennedy, Robert McCarty, Luis Olivos • Unit Citation for Vehicle Accident: Alex Chilel, Sprunt Hall, Timmy Henderson, Cathy Johnson, Lee Kennedy, Madison Kennedy, Robbie Kennedy, Allison Lambert, Owen Murray, Luis Olivos, Davis Powell, Brian Reaves, James Sauls, Josh Taylor Greenevers Volunteer Fire Department • Horace Kenan Award: Donnell Lisane • Years of Service: Captain Marvin Murray, 35 years; Chief Greg Carr, 30 years; Linwood Kea, 25 years; Assistant Chief Fred Bryant, 10 years; Jeffrey Escobar, 5 years; Wesley Escobar, 5 years. Lyman Volunteer Fire Department • Firefighter of the Year: George Barr Magnolia Volunteer Fire Department

• B Shift MVP: Dave Tollefson

• Rookie of the Year: Cody Brown, Adrian Pena

• C Shift MVP: Matt Armour

• Firefighter of the Year: Richard Barden

• D Shift MVP: Angel Tyndall Faison Volunteer Fire & Rescue • Firefighter of the Year: Luis Serna • First Responder of the Year: Madison

Nine Mile Volunteer Fire Department

Pink Hill Volunteer Fire & Rescue • Chief Service award: JR Byrd • Firefighter of the year: Justin Penuel • Officer of the year: Christian Uribe • Junior Firefighter of the year: Aaron Smith • Top 5 Call Responders: Justin Penuel, Denny Burd, Christian Uribe, Aaron Byrd, Levi Thompson Potters Hill Volunteer Fire Department • Firefighter of the Year: Amy Rhodes • Junior Firefighter of the Year: Grayson Whaley, Ethan Osbourne Sarecta Volunteer Fire Department • Firefighter of the Year: Christopher Ballowe • Officer of the Year: Desi Antonio • Special Gift for Dedicated Service: Alfred Mercer Teachey Volunteer Fire Department • Rookie of the Year: Brayden Huffman • Firefighters of the Year: Reid Page, Bryan Padilla • Officer of the Year: Ronnie Page Wallace Volunteer Fire Department • Firefighter of the Year: Jimmy Crayton Warsaw Volunteer Fire Department

• Firefighter of the Year: Cameron Lanier

• Firefighter of the Year: Alan Jones

• First Responder of the Year: Brice Scheffert

• Rookie of the Year: Brandon Young

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

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

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

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

SPORTS Revived Rebels rout Cougars for fifth straight win Climb into driver’s seat in Carolina Conference race By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal CALYPSO – North Duplin has morphed into a basketball team that schools won’t want to face in the 1A playoffs – deep, confident, athletic and on a roll. Neuse Charter found that out early into the game on Friday as the Rebels ran their Carolina Conference foe out of the gym 6548 in Calypso. North Duplin upped its overall record this season to 9-9. One more win and the Rebel boys team will have its most victories in at least 18 years. “We’re playing well the past four or five games,” said ND coach Jeff Byrd, whose club entered the week in first place in the CC with a 5-1 mark. “We’ve turned it up defensively and gotten a little more comfortable playing with one another.” Byrd’s two “platoons” wore out the Cougars (7-17, 3-3) in the third quarter. “One group is bigger and the other presses well,” he said. “Both groups are fairly equal, and we play 11 every game. Not many

Thomas Morrisey and the ND defense didn’t let Neuse Charter score much in the paint area.

teams do that. “So everyone plays a big role and nobody’s playing more than 16 mintues (one half) a game. Everyone makes a contribution and we’re much fresher at the end.” ND won its fifth straight, which came on the heels of a three-game skid that ended after Neuse beat the Rebels 64-47 on Jan. 16 in Smithfield. Byrd’s club is in the catbird seat in the CC, a game in front of Rosewood (10-9, 4-2) and two in front of Lakewood, Neuse and Hobbton, all 3-3 in loop play. “Winning at Lakewood and Rosewood was big,” said Byrd, who then spoke about parity in the league. “It’s going to be fun during the tournament because anyone can win it. Rebels follow lead of 1,000-point Armwood Dujuan Armwood was honored before the game for scoring the 1,000th point of his career, yet the play of his team was front and center the rest of the evening. The senior put on his usual show with 16 points, which included several trips to the iron where he split defenders to hit a See ND BOYS’, page 10

EDUARDO PUAC FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

Panther girls prep for season-ending push, tournaments Sallie Hatcher has hit 33 3-pointers this season for ED.

On verge of eighth 20-win season in 15 years By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

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BEULAVILLE – The East Duplin girls’ basketball team is unbeaten this season when scoring 43 or more points. The Panthers, who are averaging 52.6 points per outing, had no problem blowing past Kinston and Trask last week, hitting for 53 markers to improve to 17-2. ED needs three wins in its next four regular-season outings to become the eighth team of coach Mark Lane to win 20 games. The Panthers hit the coveted and hard-to-reach milestone in 2012 (25-4), 2013 (21-7), 2015 (23-4) and four consecutive seasons from 2017-20, going 21-8, 25-3, 26-2 and 20-5 from start to finish. Lane is nearing another milestone as he is 281-117 in 15 seasons. While this year’s squad has a chance become his winningest team, the longtime coach will have to wait until next fall – returning all but one player from

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the current roster – to capture his 300th. His lone losing seasons were his first season (2010) and in 2022 when his Panthers went 11-12 and 3-18, respectively. The Panthers found their way into extra points by hitting six 3-pointers. Hatcher and Farrior each had a pair and reserves Zoe Cavanaugh and Ra’ziaha Hall swishing a bomb into the nets. For all intents and purposes, the Vikings (11-10, 3-6) stayed in the game until the final quarter, yet were down 20-11 at halftime and 34-23 entering the last eight minutes. Guard Makya Kornegay had a tough night, missing all 11 of her shots, but ED’s across-the-board depth was too much for Kinston. Defense turns turnovers to points The Panthers won both contests via Lane’s trademark defense. ED turned over both schools and got fastbreak opportunities. The Panthers’ defense is giving up just 25.4 points per game this season. Last Tuesday, ED ran away from Kinston in the second (134) and fourth (19-6) quarters to See ED GIRLS’, page 10

Duplin Journal for Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Former Panther Hall has Stallions atop ECC SWO is 9-0 vs. Duplin, 29-16 overall in two years By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Breon Hall, a three-sport graduate in 2012, says he follows the commitment level he learned from ED coaches Robert Ross, Battle Holley and Brian Aldridge

JACKSONVILLE – There are three former Duplin County basketball players coaching in the ECC. One is tied for first place. It’s not James Kenan’s Taylor Jones, a 3-point shooting ace in his playing days at North Duplin, nor Wallace-Rose Hill’s Ervin Murray, who guided the Bulldogs to a state title in 1998. Give up? It’s Southwest Onslow coach Breon Hall, a 2012 graduate of East Duplin, whose Stallions (145, 8-1) beat Kinston (15-5, 8-1) last Friday in Jacksonville to tie the Vikings for the top spot in the league. Hall is in his second season as the Stallions’ head coach, guiding them to 15-11, 11-2 marks in 2023. Kinston, a perennial state power, won the first encounter against SWO. “It is huge for us, but I didn’t expect anything less,” Hall said.

“We put in the work and our guys go out and compete. Kinston has a great history. We love each other on and off the court, have a lot of straight-A kids, and have relationships that show in the gym and in games.” Team play is a key element to the success. “I trust all 13 of my guys and the standard does not go down when I substitute,” Hall said. Hall, who teaches math, found his way to coaching after going to NC A&T, being in the military and working as a police officer in Raleigh. He played football for Brian Aldridge and Battle Holley and basketball under former ED coach Robert Ross. He also ran track. Hall, who will turn 29 this month, played running back and safety in football and guard in basketball, being named to all-county teams for both sports. “Coach Ross and I came to East Duplin the same time (from Chinquapin Middle),” Hall said. “He is the first one to show me what commitment is about, and I also saw that in coach Aldridge and coach Holley. “Coach Ross was my mentor.

We clicked immediately, even though I was a quiet kind of player.” Ironically, two of Hall’s top players are also quiet leaders in the backcourt -- Rue Chapman (13.6 ppg., 6.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 5.7 steals, 2.2 blocks) and Quaydon Holder (9.7 ppg., 6.7 rebounds). “Yes, both do not say much but are leading and learning to talk more,” Hall said. “Rue is such an unselfish player, too much at times. He love to pass the ball. “Quaydon is fast, smart, athletic and gives teams trouble with his rebounding and defense.” Malekhi Hutchinson, a 6-foot-4 forward, had 11 points and 13 boards against Kinston. He’s averaging 10.6 points. Yet it is SWO’s depth that puts the Stallions in a position to win the ECC and make a deep run in the state playoffs. Four other players average at least 5.0 point per game. Hall, meanwhile, is 9-0 against Duplin County schools the previous two seasons, with dates against Wallace-Rose Hill, East Duplin James Kenan as SWO’s final three regular-season tilts.

McKoy notches his 1000th-point, HCA wins seventh in a row Crusaders to give Hall third 20-win season By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal HARRELLS – Crusader Antonio McKoy became a member of 1,000-point club, punching his ticket last week in just his second season. He is the first Harrells Christian Academy player to reach the milestone since Quate Mckenzie scored 1,148 points from 2014-16. McKoy is averaging 22.1 points and 9.5 rebounds this season. McKoy and Mckenzie share something else, as both were members of teams that won 20 games under coach Clayton Hall. HÇA went 20-4 during Mckenzie’s junior campaign in 2015, while the Crusaders were 20-6 last season when McKoy averaged a team-high 17.4 points. But McKoy and company are about to hit 20 wins again, likely before the regular season concludes this week with an encounter against 0-18 Oakwood Academy. HCA entered the week 1910 overall and 10-2 in the NCISAA’s Coastal Independent 2A Conference. The Crusaders’ lone league losses came to Fayetteville Academy (24-4, 12-0). The CC Tournament is this Friday and Saturday in Fay-

etteville. The NCISAA 2A playoffs start Feb. 13. The state tourney promises to have a wealth of talent and quality teams that will include HCA and FA, and also quite likely Greenfield (25-6), Burlington (20-11), Davidson Day (17-6), Wayne Country Day (23-9), Trinity Academy (21-5) and Caldwell Academy (20-8). Sets mark as Crusaders crush Spartans McKoy, who is shooting 58 percent from the field and 70 percent from the free-throw line, zipped in 24 and had 13 boards last Friday during a 68-27 romp over Kerr-Vance Academy (Henderson) as HCA improved to 9-2 on its home floor. Needless to say, he wasn’t alone in his assault as Zicareian McNeil added 17, Samir Gibbs 11 and Dashaun McKoy eight plus 14 boards, as HCA extended its winning streak to seven games. McNeil is averaging 14 points, Dashaun 13.4, Gibbs 6.8 and BJ Bennett 4. Gibbs and Bennett are the lone seniors on HCA’s roster. The Crusaders rolled through Oakwood 76-12 last Monday in Greenville behind Antonio McKoy (14), Bennett (12), Dashaun McKoy and McNeil (10 each) and Gibbs (nine). HCA, which hit 50 percent from the field, didn’t allow a point in the second and fourth quarters and just a deuce in the opening period.

Darius Howard has been coach Taylor Jones’ go-to sixth man this season.

EDUARDO PUAC FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

Tigers, Bulldogs boys enter crunch time of season JK seeks to hold unto third place, WRH make upward move By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

EDUARDO PUAC FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

Sophomore Antonio McKoy has been unstoppable this season. He is the first 1,000-point scorer at HCA since Quate Mckenzie in 2016.

WARSAW -- It’s crunch time for James Kean and Wallace-Rose Hill. While the two schools play one another in the regular season finale on Feb. 16, both also will face Kinston and Southwest Onslow, currently tied atop the ECC standings. The Tigers are fighting for playoff positioning and WRH for a ticket to the big dance. JK (12-5, 6-2) has a shot of catching the Stallions (14-5, 8-1) and Vikings (15-5, 8-1), but would likely need to whip both for that to happen. That’s possible and maybe not far-fetched since both games will be on the Tigers’ court. WRH (8-9, 5-3) will need a strong push to land in third place, which would improve its playoff fortunes and seed in the tournament. But that will no doubt take a win over JK and either Kinston on Thursday or SWO on Friday. Dark Horses slip past

cold-shooting Tigers Clinton beat JK 59-51 last week in a non-conference tilt that was about pride. “We’re actually played well,” said JK coach Taylor Jones. “ We just couldn’t throw the ball in the ocean. We made good passes, got good looks and worked hard on the defensive end. We just didn’t shoot the ball well whatsoever. “Clinton is improved and probably played its best game of the year. We were playing good basketball. The ball was not dropping.” Ja’Maury Coe scored 14 and nabbed six rebounds, TJ Oats 12 and seven boards and Tyquise Wilson 12 markers and four assists. JK beat Clinton 54-29 on Jan. 17, though the Dark Horses (8-9) got off to a slow start because their football team went to the 2A final. The Tigers recovered last Friday by beating South Lenoir as Oats and Naszir Williams each zipped in 18. Coe had 14 and six boards and Wilson 12 and six assists. JK hosted Kinston this week and travels to face North Lenoir (6-13, 2-6) on Friday. Rollercoaster ride continues

for Bulldogs It’s been a season of ups and downs for WRH as testified by the following streak as the Bulldogs: Lost their first two. Won two straight. Lost two in a row. Won three consecutive. Lost four of five. Won two straight. The last two victories came at the expense of South Lenior (5422) and North Lenior (65-55). Both were road wins to sweep the respective season series. Jamarae Lamb and Amir Moore each tossed in 11 in the conquest of the Blue Devils. Matthew Wells added eight and Marlo Harris and Devon Sloan seven apiece. WRH prepped for contests against SWO and Kinston with a road trip to Clinton on Monday. Lamb (13.2) has been the most consistent scorer, though Irving Brown (9 .1), KaShawn Scarborough (7.6) and Harris (6.6) have contributed. WRH is averaging 48 points per game, while giving up a shade over 49. WRH finished fourth in the ECC standings last season and was runnerup to Kinston the previous two seasons.

Duplin Journal for Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Rebels win fourth in a row, eye third straight CC title

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By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal CALYPSO – Addy Higginbotham was making tough drives in the paint and jump shots from all over the floor look routine. Reece Outlaw was patrolling the passing lanes like an NC Trooper to intercept passes and start a fastbreak. Tateyawna Faison was yanking down rebounds on both ends, blocking shots and frequently starting the offense with outlet passes. Lilly Fulghum was finding her range from the field and playing with more focus and intention. The North Duplin girls hoopsters has its mojo back and it showed up during a fourgame winning streak, including a 60-36 Carolina 1A Conference win over Neuse Charter last Friday night on the Rebels’ home court. ND (12-6, 5-1), which has lost just two league games in three years, had a rematch with the Leopards (7-9, 4-2) on Tuesday after being beaten by Lakewood 46-44 earlier this season. Union (13-4, 5–1) edged Lakewood last Friday to set up ND’s two crucial games this week. Lakewood’s setback plays into the hands of the Rebels, who must also pay close attention to Union this Friday at the Spartans den, even though the Rebels hammered Union 59-34 two weeks ago. Therein lies the path to ND’s third consecutive league regular-season title, both of which also included accompanying conference postseason tournament crowns. And while there are avenues to the league flag that could include a league loss, winning out – as ND has done in the past three seasons by holding a 30-2 edge over loop schools, is the expected direction for John Oliver’s club. Anything less would rate as an upset, though Lakewood and Union are clearly better than in previous seasons. The Rebels have appeared to overcome a stretch in which

Dujuan Armwood EDUARDO PUAC FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

Meghan Martin’s defense and recent scoring has helped ND spread out its offensive attack. they went 3-5 against 2A schools.

Hoops Notebook

Befuddle Cougars

ND pummeled Hobbton 5915 in its other game last week, a win that came on the heels of a 37-8 scorching of Rosewood. The Rebels are 6-2 in 2024 after going 6-4 to end ’23. Oliver remains optimistic as the season winds down. “We came together as a team, like we did last year,” Oliver said. “We’re confident in each other and what we’re doing. “Addy, Reece and Tateyawn are alright. Lillie is coming around and Meghan (Martin) is playing as well as she ever has. “If we keep playing like that we can do something (in the playoffs).” Indeed. While ND doesn’t have the overall record it possessed the past two season, the players on the court are good and experienced enough to go on a postseason roll. And if it wins the CC, the Rebels could earn two home games to start the playoffs. These same Rebels lost in the fourth round 2023 and exited in the third round the previous season. Yet the work must be put in as was evident last season when ND was pushed by Voyager (5951) and Perquimans (62-54) in the first two rounds in during games that were far closer than the final score indicated.

From the outset, Neuse Charter (10-12, 1-5) had a tough time keeping up with North Duplin. Yet the Cougars stayed only a few steps behind at 34-25 midway the third quarter. Then ND’s heat might as well have forced the bus to Smithfield to warm up as an 8-1 spurt featured dazzling basketball both individually and as a team. Higginbotham hit a jumper in the lane and then fed Fulghum for a chippie. Faison blocked a shot into Sampson County to ignite the home crowd. Higginbotham connected with Outlaw and then canned another tough shot. Faison rejected another Cougar offering at the buzzer of the third quarter as ND rolled to a 44-29 lead. Outlaw, whose shooting took a back seat to Higginbotham, started the fourth with a 3-pointer. It only got better from that point as ND had exorcised the ambition and wherewithal from Neuse. Fulghum and Higgginbotham sank jumpers in the middle of an 8-2 run that ended with a pair of charity tosses by Faison.

FILE PHOTO

North Duplin, boys’ basketball Dujuan Armwood has had a sensational athletic career at North Duplin, reaching two monumental milestones. The North Duplin senior scored his 1,000th career point recently after a sensational football season in which he ran for 1,785 yards and 27 touchdowns. Duplin County’s Offensive Player of the Year helped carry the Rebels to a 9-3 mark before exiting in the second round, ND’s deepest run since 2017. Armwood leads the team in scoring with a 16.5 average. ND is atop the Carolina 1A Conference with a 5-1 mark, after five straight wins heading into the home stretch of the basketball season.

Tiger, Bulldog boys, two others fight for playoff spot

JK sophomore Jansley Page, left, and WRH freshman Aleyah Wilson and their respective teams play Feb. 16 in Teachey. The two schools have split their season series the past four seasons.

Kinston, NL, SL also in the mix for third place in ECC By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

EDUARDO PUAC FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

WARSAW – Five teams are playing for third place in the East Central 2A Conference girls basketball standings. Three schools – James Kenan and North Lenoir – are 3-5 in league play, South Lenoir and Kinston are 3-6 and Wallace-Rose Hill is 2-6. None will catch current runner-up East Duplin (7-1) or leader Southwest Onslow (8-0). JK (9-9) broke a three-game skid last week with a pair of wins, one of

which was a non-conference affair with Clinton. The Tigers used a 14-6 push in the fourth quarter to down the Blue Devils 34-25 in Warsaw. Y’Anna Rivers had 12 points, six rebounds and two blocks. Gabriel Outlaw tossed in eight markers, Labria McGowan six points and seven boards and Lillie Kornegay hauled down nine rebounds. JK trailed 15-14 at halftime and led 20-19 heading into the final quarter. Aleyah Wilson had a season-high 16 during a 38-37 squeaker over the Dark Horses (11-6) on their home court in John P. Harmon Gym. JK beat Clinton 46-21 on Jan. 17 in Clinton.

JK was to pay Kinston on Tuesday this week and travels to North Lenoir on Friday. The Tigers, who are seeking to return to the state playoff after a year’s hiatus, finish the regular season with games against SWO and WRH. WRH (3-13) has lost three straight -- 55-30 to SWO, 41-30 to SL and 6245 to NL – since rallying to beat JK 50-47 on Jan. 23. The two Duplin County rivals meet the final day of the regular season – Feb. 16 in Teachey. They split regular-season meetings from 2020 to 2023. WRH won both encounters in 2019. The Bulldogs’ path upward in the standings will be tough since they face both SWO and ED.

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Duplin Journal for Wednesday, February 7, 2024

NATIONAL SPORTS

Wilks’ season as the 49ers’ DC ends at Super Bowl The former Panthers coordinator and interim coach ran one of the NFL’s best defenses this season

By Josh Dubrow The Associated Press SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Steve Wilks has had a roller coaster ride in his first season as defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers. Faced with a tricky task of taking over a successful defense that still had the same position coaches and system of his predecessor DeMeco Ryans, Wilks tried to add his own twists without ruining what had worked so well in the past. There were good moments such as a dominating five-game start to the season and bad ones such as a three-game losing streak in October that led to Wilks moving from the coaching booth to the sideline. But the season will end with Wilks calling plays in the Super Bowl with the task of slowing down Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. Despite reaching the Super Bowl stage, Wilks’ unit is still under fire after two lackluster performances in the playoffs, including allowing 182 yards rushing in the NFC title game win against Detroit that featured a handful of plays, including a 15-yard run by Jahmyr Gibbs, where some players were seen giving less than maximum effort. “I can tell you as a defense it’s unacceptable,” Wilks said. “We’ve got to make sure that we play every down as if it’s going to be the difference in the ballgame. You could see on those particular plays, it wasn’t to our standard. Those guys understand and know

TONY AVELAR | AP PHOTO

San Francisco defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, center, will coach in his third Super Bowl when the 49ers play the Chiefs on Sunday in Las Vegas. that and quite honestly it was embarrassing.” Those thoughts were echoed all week by coach Kyle Shanahan, general manager John Lynch and defensive players such as 2022 AP Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa and All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner. “Not good enough. Not good enough at all,” Warner said. “The standard has been what it has been for as long as I’ve been here. We rely heavily on winning games heavily on defense, holding teams to minimal points, suf-

focating teams, dictating how the game’s going to go based off how we go. That hasn’t been the case last few games.” The Niners led the NFL in points allowed (16.3 per game), yards allowed (300.6 per game) and were tied for second in takeaways (30) last season under Ryans, going all the way to the NFC title game for the second straight season. The numbers this season dropped off only marginally with the 49ers allowing 1.2 more points per game, 3.3 more yards

per game and generating two fewer takeaways. A win in the Super Bowl would be a measure of validation for Wilks, who was passed over a little more than a year ago for the head coaching job in Carolina despite a 6-6 run as interim coach. Wilks then joined the Niners staff, while the Panthers had a 2-15 season and fired coach Frank Reich after 11 games. Wilks is now headed to his third Super Bowl as an assistant coach, having lost previous trips in the 2006 season with Chicago

and the 2015 season with Carolina when he was a defensive backs coach. While Wilks is focused on the task at hand, he did take time to send out a message on social media after the Niners won the NFC title game. “As I look back on my life, I realize that every time I thought I was being REJECTED from something good, I was actually being re-directed to something better,” Wilks wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

Two-time NBA champ, former Hornets player Cureton dies at 66 “The Twirl” played two years under Dick Vitale at Detroit Mercy before a 12year career that included 91 games with Charlotte

ing father, devoted to his family, and I was honored to be his friend. He was a champion as

a player and an important ambassador in our community. We are heartbroken over his loss.”

The 6-foot-9 Cureton began his collegiate career with Robert Morris before transferring to Detroit Mercy for his final two seasons under then-coach Dick Vitale. The Detroit native was selected by Philadelphia in the third round of the 1979 NBA Draft. Cureton averaged 5.4 points and 4.7 rebounds in 674 NBA games. He played for Philly, Detroit, Chicago, the Los Angeles Clippers, Charlotte, Houston and Toronto. He was part of championship teams with the 1982-83 76ers and 1993-94 Rockets. He also coached in the NBA, United States Basketball League and Continental Basketball Association after his playing career. “He was a tremendous teammate, tough competitor, a champion and a great human being,” former Pistons guard Isiah Thomas said in the team’s

Kornegay, who is averaging a team-high 9.5 points, shook off her ghosts the following night to toss in 12 in a 53-20 win over Trask. Hatcher canned three 3-pointers as part of her 13 points. Farrior and Ava Noble each contributed eight. Six of Farrior’s tallies came because of a

pair of bombs. Hatcher has drilled in 33 3-pointers this season. Farrior has 20 and Cave 11. ED led 31-15 at halftime and the Panther defense held the Titans to 18 second-half points. Save the date: Feb. 16 in Jacksonville The Panthers face North Lenoir and South Lenoir this week,

two schools they routed earlier this season. A Feb. 3 date at Wallace-Rose Hill also fits in to that category. Three days later, ED gets a chance for revenge by traveling to Jacksonville to face Southwest Onslow (18-0, 8-0), which rallied to beat the Panthers 3931 on Jan. 23 on Jerry Hunter Court. The late coach Hunter

led ED to a 2A state title in 1998. Lane took over after he left a decade later. The ECC Tournament follows, with the first round of the state playofsf slated for Feb. 27. The seeding of teams is three days earlier. Meanwhile, ED and SWO tangle for the top seed from the ECC.

had four assists and played solid defense. Cougar Jayvin Bradley, who scored 19, while Neuse connected on six 3-pointers as their chief form of scoring since ND clogged up the inside. “We had three players guard him,” said Byrd, who watched Bradley scorch ND for 34 in the meeting in the Cougars’ gymnasium. But ND ruled in the paint on both ends of the court. Third-quarter run gasses Cougars Lesesane and Donavan Armwood keyed an 11-4 run that all

but put Neuse away at 45-29 midway through the third quarter. The stretch was filled with steals, fastbreaks, good passes and layups. Donavan Armwood then picked Neuse’s pocket for a pair of steals and layups and ND led 51-37 following a Dujuan Armwood 3-pointer near the end of the quarter. Lesesane, Dujuan Armwood and Martin worked together during a 10-5 push that stretched the lead to 61-44. The two schools played a fairly even opening quarter before Dujuan Armwood scored seven

points and Tyndall four in the last four minutes of the second quarter to give ND a 34-25 edge at halftime.

fense, and we’ll have to hit outside shots.” ND’s final two regular-season games are at home against Rosewood next Tuesday (Feb. 13) and on the road against Hobbton three days later. Dujuan Armwood (16.3) is the top-scoring Rebel, though there is balance as Lesesane (11.1), Donavan Armwood (9.7 in seven games), Martin (5.3), Tyndall (6.7) and Ruffin (7.1 points, 5.6 boards) have provided answers offensively. The CC Tournament semifinals and finals for the boys and girls are in the Rebels’ gym.

By Steve Bradley The Associated Press DETROIT — Earl “The Twirl” Cureton, who won two NBA championships in 12 seasons in the league, has died. He was 66. Cureton, who served as a community ambassador for the Detroit Pistons for the last 10 years, passed away “unexpectedly” on Sunday morning, according to a release from the Pistons. No other information was provided by the team. “Earl was one of the most generous, positive and caring people I knew,” Pistons owner Tom Gores said. “He was a lov-

ED GIRLS’ from page 7 win the ECC contest 53-29. Point guard Kenzie Cave had 11 points, seven assists and six rebounds, while Sallie Hatcher and Zakoya Farrior netted 10 apiece during the home win. Carrie Carr added six and Ja’Myia Pickett six points and a team-high seven boards.

ND BOYS’ from page 7 shot. His teammates followed his lead. Micah Lesesane had 15 points and 10 boards, while second-unit players Donavan Armwood and Branson Martin (10 markers apiece). Dylan Tyndall notched eight. Other Rebels added to the victory without scoring a lot of points as Luke Kelly (two points) and Trashawn Ruffin (four) combined for 13 rebounds as ND had a 40-29 edge on the glass. Brady Byrd did not score but

HANS PENNINK | AP PHOTO

Earl Cureton, who played 91 games of his 12-season NBA career with the Hornets, died Sunday at age 66.

Hoops Notebook This week, ND was to face Lakewood on Tuesday and tip off Friday at Union against the 0-19 Spartans. “Lakewood has a couple of big guys the size of Trashawn (6-foot3, 285 pounds) who can really play,” Byrd said. “As well as we’ve played, our offense wasn’t great the past two games. So I suspect teams will show us a zone de-

release. “Earl always held the Detroit community close to his heart and worked tirelessly to make a difference for the city he loved. He will be greatly missed.” Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups took the news of his former teammate’s death hard. “He was just a beautiful dude,” Billups said before the Trail Blazers’ game in Denver on Sunday night. “I spent a lot of time with him in Detroit, obviously. Just a big teddy bear. Always so fun. He had one of those infectious laughs where whenever he laughed, he made everybody laugh. Never had a bad day, ever. I marvel at guys like that, people like that. The world can be really rough and tough, and they never see it that way, you know? And I loved that about him. Every time I’d go to Detroit, I’d give him a big hug. So, that was tough news today.”

Duplin Journal for Wednesday, February 7, 2024

obituaries Emory Simpson Aycock

Doris Bernice Blackburn Johnson

Dec. 25, 1944 - Jan. 18, 2024 (age 79)

Feb. 29, 1932 - Jan. 18, 2024 (age 91)

Emory Simpson Aycock, 79, died Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024 in CarolinaEast Medical Center, New Bern. Emory is preceded in death by his parents, Wilton and Virginia Aycock, a brother, Linwood Aycock and a grandson, Nolan Diard. Funeral service was held on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024, followed by visitation, at Community Funeral Home, Beulaville. Graveside service was held Monday, Jan. 22, 2024 at Amos Lanier Cemetery, Chinquapin. Survivors include: spouse, Faye Heath Aycock of Chinquapin; son, Kelly Aycock (Janet) of Marietta, S.C.; daughters, Ginger Hart (Brent) of New Bern, Lesley Diard (Matthew), Mobile, Ala., sister, Becky Smith (Jimmy) of Deep Run; and grandchildren, Mason Aycock, Mattox Diard, Caroline Diard and Presley Diard.

TEACHEY — Doris Bernice Blackburn Johnson, 91, passed away Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024 at Lenoir Assisted Living in Pink Hill. Mrs. Johnson was born Feb. 29, 1932 to the late Mosley Blackburn and Ruth Dunn Blackburn. Visitation was held on Monday, Jan. 22, 2024 at Community Funeral Home of Warsaw. A funeral service followed on Monday in the funeral home chapel and burial in Devotional Gardens concluded the service. Mrs. Johnson is survived by son, Edward F. Johnson and wife, Deborah of Magnolia; daughters, Beth Batchelor and husband, Danny of Teachey and Donna Ellis of Warsaw; grandchildren, Fred W. Johnson, Jr. wife, Lynette, Edward D. Johnson and fiancee, Erica, Ranae Autry and husband, Jeff, Karen Murray and husband, Chris, Danielle Lui, Heather Melton, Shaun Ellis; great grandchildren, Kaitlyn Johnson, Hannah Autry, Bo Autry, MaKenna Johnson, Emma Johnson, Haley Colee, Chandler Guy and wife, Katlyn, MyKeala Whaley and husband, Adam, Kaiden Lui, BJ Melton and wife, Alana; great-great grandchildren, Bailey Kay Colee, Gabriel Colee, Lilly Colee, Khloe Melton, Grayson Guy and Beau Melton. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Johnson was preceded in death by husband, Edward Johnson; son, Fred Johnson; sisters, Edith Summerlin, Jean Parker, Rose Davis, Joyce Iszabell.

Robert Fonzo Raines Jr. Sept. 3, 1966 - Jan. 23, 2024 (age 57) Robert Fonzo Raines Jr, 57, of Washington D.C., closed the curtains of this life and entered into eternal rest on Jan. 23, 2024 at MedStar Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C. Funeral service was conducted Feb. 6, 2024 at Byrds Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, Rose Hill. Visitation was held one hour prior to the service. Interment was in the Huffin Family Cemetery of Rose Hill.

Donald Gary Melton May 24, 1954 - Jan. 26, 2024 (age 69)

William Frank Lee

Donald Gary Melton, 69, died Friday, Jan. 26, 2024, in ECU Duplin Hospital, Kenansville. All services are private. Survivors include sons, Adam Melton and Jeremy Melton (Shelly).

Alice Ray (Mills) Murray

Michael Lee Lanier March 10, 1954 - Jan.26, 2024 (age 69) Michael Lee Lanier, 69, died Friday, January 26, 2024. Graveside service was held on Friday, February 2, 2024 at East Duplin Memorial Gardens, Beulaville. Visitation took place at the cemetery. Survivors include: son, Kyle Lanier (Brett) of Florida; daughter, Morgan Johnson of Beulaville; sister, Sandra Hall of Wilmington; brothers, Freddie Lanier (Kay) of Jacksonville and Tony Lanier of Pink Hill; grandchildren, Micah Lanier, Makenna Johnson, Elliana Lanier, Giana Lanier and EmmaGrey Johnson.

QUINN MCGOWEN FUNERAL HOME

Grace Sholar Albertson

Robert Lee Hedgpeth

Dec. 31, 1937 - Jan. 17, 2024 (age 86)

April 7, 1934 - Jan. 21, 2024 (age 89)

Jan. 29, 1941 - Jan. 28, 2024 (age 82)

Alice Ray Mills Murray of Wallace passed peacefully on Jan. 17, 2024, while at ECU Health Duplin Hospital. Born on Dec. 31, 1937, she is the daughter of the late Joseph Zachariah and Viola Narcissus English Mills. She was affectionately known as “Doe” to family and friends. She is also preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Major Everette Murray; siblings, Mavis English, Elwood Mills, Hazel Giddeons, Mary Blackburn, Bonnie Teachey, Bobby Z. Mills, Merrill Tiderman, and Josephine Mills; and son-in-law, William Watts. Left to cherish her memory are her children, Shelley M. Strickland and husband Dwight of Willard, Forrest Wray Murray of Wallace, and Shannon M. Watts of Wallace; sister, Armour Mills Moore of Rose Hill; brothersin-law, Henry Teachey and Eugene “Punk” Fussell, both of Rose Hill; sister-in-law, Laurie Lefler of Surf City; grandchildren, Bret Allen Strickland, Blair Nicole Strickland, Taylor Bryce Murray, and Trenton Ryan Watts; great grandchildren, Banks Allen Strickland, Wylie Watts, and Ethan Ramirez; and many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. Mrs. Murray was a lady who worked tirelessly and relentlessly on everything she set her mind to doing. Her work career was in the payroll department of J.P. Stevens in Wallace for 36 years, where she spent a number of years as a payroll clerk. In this position she met and befriended many employees who became cherished friends during her life. She was a lifelong charter member of the Mills Memorial Christian Church in Willard, where she fulfilled many duties and responsibilities in her many roles. Her greatest love on earth was for her family, especially the grandchildren who were the light of her life. A service to celebrate her life was held on Sunday, January 21, 2024 in the chapel of Padgett Funeral and Cremation Services of Wallace. Family greeted friends prior to the service. Interment followed in the Riverview Memorial Park of Watha. Floral arrangements are welcomed or please consider a contribution in her memory to the ECU Hospice.

Grace Sholar Albertson of Beulaville passed away Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024 at her home, surrounded by family. Funeral service was on Jan. 24, with visitation preceding the service, at Beulaville Presbyterian Church. Interment followed at Sholar-Williams Cemetery in Beulaville. On April 7, 1934 Grace was born to Kermit Lee and Martha Williams Sholar. Grace attended Beulaville schools, graduating in 1952. She married Charles W. Albertson. She and Charles raised their two children, Randy and Pam, on their farm. In addition to being a stayat-home mother, Grace worked on the farm. She served as an assistant librarian at East Duplin High School for 12 years, leaving to take care of her mother who was ill. She organized bus tours and volunteered as an election poll worker. Grace was a lifelong Presbyterian, attending Bethel, and later, Beulaville Presbyterian Church. She kept an immaculate home. She was an excellent organizer, planner and record keeper. A new chapter began for Grace when her husband was elected to the N.C. General Assembly in 1989 and they lived part-time in Raleigh. She became a member of and volunteer for the Sir Walter Cabinet for legislative spouses. Over two decades, Grace used her talents planning and organizing countless fundraisers, election-night parties, maintaining correspondence and meticulous campaign finance records. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her brother, Kermit Lee Sholar, Jr and wife, Yvonne; and her sister Joyce Faye Mobley and husband, Winfred “Wink.” When Grace married Charles, she became a part of the big, loving Albertson family, many of whom have passed away. They include Jim and Lizzie Albertson, John Edward and Virginia Albertson, Jeanette and Jacob Williams, Lillian and WJ “Red” Miller, Jack and Evelyn Albertson, Preston and Martha Albertson, Hallie Albertson, Arliss and Elousie Albertson, and Edna and Thelton Brown. Predeceasing her are nieces and nephews Randall Albertson, Dale Albertson, Craig Albertson, Charlene Bishop and Mickey Sholar. She is survived by her husband of almost 71 years, Charles “Charlie” W Albertson of Beulaville, her son Randy (Karen) Albertson of Beulaville, her daughter, Pam (Mike) Darnell of Jacksonville; her grandchildren, Jordan (Liz) Albertson of Hampstead, Amanda (Dan) Heath of Durham and Karla (Josh) Houston of Raleigh; her greatgrandchilden, Mattie and Sophie Albertson of Hampstead, Josephine and Julia Heath of Durham, and James and Hannah Houston of Raleigh; her sister-in-law, Jane Albertson of Beulaville; and numerous nieces and nephews and their spouses. The family is grateful for Grace’s wonderful caregivers who enabled her to remain at home. They included Joan Huffman, Wilma Thomas, Maria Bernardez, Lendora Farland, Janet Brice, April Wade and Mercedes Stewart. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Beulaville Presbyterian Church, designated to the Friendship Fund (helps local needy), 205 East Main, Beulaville, NC. 28518. Other charities she supported were Habitat for Humanity and American Red Cross.

Mr. Robert Lee “Robbie” Hedgpeth, Jr. of Penderlea, departed his earthly life on Jan. 28, .while at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Center in Wilmington. Born on Jan. 29, 1941, he is the son of the late Robert Lee Hedgpeth, Sr. and Mattie Lou Pardon Hedgpeth. Also preceding him in death are siblings, JoAnn Carr and William “Bill” Hedgpeth. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 65 years, Carrie Mae Whaley Hedgpeth; children, Rebecca Frederick of Jacksonville, David Bryan Hedgpeth and wife Amy of Magnolia, and Mark Stephen Hedgpeth and wife Stephanie of Watha; grandchildren, Mitchell David Frederick, Tiffany Amber Frederick, Brittany Tyler Hedgpeth, Opal Rayne Hedgpeth, Reagan Mark Hedgpeth, Evan Cole Hedgpeth, and Devlin Anthony Stanton and wife Kylie; great-grandchildren, Jackson David Warden, Savannah Lynn Frederick, Liam Mark Earl, Waylin Bryan Earl, and Kade Patrick Stanton; and his best friend canine, “Cosmo.” Robert exemplifies all the qualities of a genuinely good man who enjoyed being happy and wanted everyone around him to be happy as well. His work career involved working with CSX Railways, where he served in many different capacities from conductor to engineer. Some of his favorite pastimes were watching Seinfeld or Andy Griffith while imbibing in a delicious Pepsi Cola. In later years, his day was made complete and wonderful by sharing a meal with family and friends. Of all things on earth, he loved his family the most. A service to celebrate his life was held on Feb. 1, in the chapel of Padgett Funeral & Cremation Services, with visitation immediately prior to the service. Interment followed the service in Riverview Memorial Park of Watha. It is the request of the family that, rather than flowers, one consider a contribution to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Center of Wilmington or to the American Cancer Society.

Aug. 8, 1954 — Jan. 28, 2024 (age 69) WILLARD — Mr. William Frank Lee, age 69 of Willard passed away on Jan. 28, 2024 at home. A visitation of family and friends was held on Feb. 2, 2024 at the Rose Hill Funeral Home Chapel in Rose Hill. Funeral services were on Saturday, Feb. 3, at the Rose Hill Funeral Home Chapel in Rose Hill. Burial followed at Royal Chapel Church Cemetery in Ivanhoe. Left to cherish his memories: four sons, William Franklin Lee, Jr. of Fayetteville, Michael J. Lee and Carlos T. Lee, both of Wallace, and Kelvin Lee of Willard; special son, David Hargrave of Jacksonville; one uncle, Dr. Zebedee Herring (Rev. Dr. Shari Herring) of Autryville; Mother-in-law, Mary Catherine Vann; two sisters-in-law, one brother-in-law; 10 grandchildren, one great-grandchild; two special grandsons, Michael Lee, Jr. and Jadon Lee; nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends that will miss him dearly.