Duplin Journal Vol. 9, Issue3

Duplin Journal

the BRIEF this week

Kubota Hometown

Proud grant program

Duplin County

The Kubota Hometown

Proud grant program is accepting applications until April 12 to help communities in their 10 operating districts grow, build and revitalize their local community. The program will award 20 grants to support local nonprofit projects. The community project with the highest number of votes in each district will be presented with a $50,000 grant, and each district runnerup will receive a $10,000 grant. Visit KubotaHometownProud. com for more information. DJS

Health Department offers free classes on how to control diabetes

Duplin County

The Duplin County Health Department is now offering Diabetes Self Management Classes from 1-5 p.m., the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month at 340 Seminary St. Kenansville. For more information, call 910-3729178. DJS

St. Patrick’s Day

Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving

North Carolina St. Patrick’s Day is one of the deadliest days on our nation’s roads. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is conducting their St. Patrick’s Day Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving campaign March 11-17 and encourages people to not get behind the wheel after drinking and to plan for a safe, sober ride home. DJS

JSCC & NC Works to host Job Fair

Duplin County

Join JSCC and NC Works for their annual Duplin County Job Fair on Thursday, April 18, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the JSCC campus and meet with employers. Be sure to dress to impress and bring copies of your resume.

For more information, email kblanton@ jamessprunt.edu. DJS

Westbound ramps at Exit 385 will have stoplights come April

The groundwork has been laid for new

for the westbound ramps onto I-40 on NC Highway 41 in Wallace. The stoplights are expected to be operational sometime in April. See story on page 3. ABBY CAVENAUGH/DUPLIN JOURNAL

Williams-Boykin leads Commissioner race by 2 votes over incumbent Dowe

Garner takes District 1 lead with 67% of votes

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

After voting concluded on March 5, the uno cial results for Duplin County primary elections show Democratic Candidate Mary L. Williams-Boykin, taking the lead for the County Commissioner District 4 seat with 302 votes, only two more than incumbent Jesse Dowe who received 300 votes in the contested race.

Incumbent Elwood Garner

“I’ve got to rst thank the voters of District 1 for their support in the election. It was pretty humbling to get roughly 67% of the votes.”

Commissioner Elwood Garner

took the lead in the Republican race for District 1 County Commissioner with 66.91% of all votes against Republican candidate Cindy Lee Sallis who received 33.09% of the votes.

Commissioner Garner will be on the General Election ballot in November, as of press time he will be running unopposed to retain his seat as District 1 County Commissioner and says he is looking forward to serving the citizens of Duplin County for another four-year term.

“I’ve got to rst thank the voters of District 1 for their support in the election. It was pretty humbling to get roughly 67% of the votes. And thank my wife and family for their continued support, because while I was trying to campaign, I left my wife doing a lot of other stu at

Duplin County School Board extends superintendent’s contract through 2028

Dr. Austin Obasohan is in his 14th year as Duplin County Schools Superintendent

By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal

Dr. Austin Obasohan will remain Duplin County Schools Superintendent through at least June 30, 2028, the Board of Education decided at its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, March 5.

The extension of Dr. Obasohan’s contract by one more year to 2028 is the maximum amount of time that can be given to a superintendent’s contract, School Board Chairman Brent Davis explained.

The decision was made after

the school board completed Dr. Obasohan’s annual evaluation. After a closed executive session during the March 5 meeting, School Board Member Pam Edwards motioned to approve the 12th addendum to the contract, and the vote was approved unanimously. The previous 11 addendums all added time to the contract, which began in 2012. Dr. Obasohan has served as the DCS superintendent since 2010.

“I’m very grateful for your loyal support,” Dr. Obasohan told the board after the vote. “Thank you very much.”

Later, after time to re ect, he told the Duplin Journal, “I am thankful for the Board of Education’s leadership, support and vote of con dence. It is an honor to serve in Duplin County, where the school community rallies around our children and one another. My family and I are grateful to the Board for this four-year contract, and we are especially grateful to continue to call Duplin our home!”

Davis lauded Dr. Obasohan for the work he has done as superintendent, saying that the board

Warsaw residents ask for transparency

Board discusses EMS temporary operational changes due to shortages

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

WARSAW — Wesley L. Boykin was one of the two residents who signed up for

“Several times, a number of us have mentioned a Citizens Advisory Committee. Yet, we have received no response.”

Wesley Boykin, Warsaw resident

said Boykin. “I realize that the budget hasn’t yet been developed, but this is the time to speak out.”

Boykin also

home,” said Commissioner Garner. According to Jasmine Gadsden, Duplin County Board of Elections director, as of last Friday they had 6 ballots that came in on Election Day left to process along with Provisionals.

“Election Day totals were 5,129 in-person voters,” said Gadsden, adding that they had 1,882 early voters and “ended with a total of 39 [absentee-by-mail votes] that we have already processed.”

Faison on-site congregate nutrition service comes to an end

Homebound meal routes will not be a ected

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

FAISON — For the last three decades Duplin County Senior Services has been serving Faison seniors through their congregate nutrition service program and the delivery of homebound meals. However, over the years they have seen a signi cant decrease in participation to the point that they can no longer operate and the congregate nutrition service on site in Faison will end e ective Friday, March 15.

See CONTRACT, page 6 See

According to Melisa S. Brown, Duplin County Senior Services director, the department is providing an option to transport seniors to Kenansville so they can continue to participate in the meal service.

“We met with the seniors attending the Faison site last month and shared the available resources at the Kenansville location to include transportation if they choose to participate. It is bittersweet;

, page 5

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919-663-4042

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

CRIME LOG

MARCH 4

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

MARCH 14

Pi Day Bake Off will be held at the Thelma Dingus Bryant Library, located at 409 W Main St in Wallace. Bring pies by 5 p.m., judging will begin at 6 p.m. Register at the library or by calling 910-285-3796.

Persons interested in starting a business can now participate in free entrepreneurship workshops that will be offered on March 14, April 11, May 2 and May 30 at University of Mount Olive.

MARCH 15

Registration for Kindergarten and applications for Pre-K will be accepted at all elementary schools and Pre-K sites on Friday, March 15, 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Visit www.duplinschools. net for more information. Join the Duplin County Shrine Club Fish Fry March 15 at 11 a.m. at 116 West Lanier Street in Wallace. Plates will be $10 each. Pick-up will be available in the Wallace Food Lion parking lot. For more info call 910-6175726.

Duplin County Partnership for Children is hosting Conscious Discipline Training, a free conference for Duplin County early educators on March 23, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Deadline to register is March 15. For more information call 910-2962000.

MARCH 16

Join the Wallace Parks and Recreation Department on March 16 for Easter In The Park.

Shyla Nicole Ames, 27, was booked into the Duplin County Jail on March 4, charged with misdemeanor probation violation. Bond was set at $5,000.

Edwin Rakeem Jackson, 35, was booked into the Duplin County Jail on March 4, on charges including felony possession of marijuana, felony possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance, and manufacturing marijuana. His bond was set at $120,000.

MARCH 6

Douglas Elwood Taylor, 53, was booked into the Duplin County Jail on March 6, facing charges of driving while impaired, driving while license revoked, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bond was set at $4,000.

Michael Earl Johnson, 61, was booked into the Duplin County Jail on March 6, facing charges of shoplifting concealment of goods, possession of stolen property, felony probation violation, parole violation, habitual larceny, and possession of stolen property. His bond was set at $72,000.

Gregory Charles Brock, 50, was booked into the Duplin County Jail on March 6, for second-degree trespass and two counts of assault on a female, and communicating threats. His bond was set at $6,000.

Jermaine Lenard Faulk, 34, was booked into the Duplin County Jail on March 6, on charges of first-degree burglary, aiding and abetting armed robbery, two counts of felony conspiracy, and accessory after the fact. His bond was set at $100,000.

Michael Earl Johnson, 61, was booked into the Duplin County Jail on March

The event will feature vendors, food trucks, pictures with the Easter bunny, and an egg hunt. Duplin County Partnership for Children will be hosting ‘Hop Hop Hooray Spring Fling’, a free event at Warsaw Park & Recreation on March 16, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. There will be bouncy houses, games, pictures with the bunny, food and an egg hunt starting at 1:30 p.m. (Rain Date March 30) For information, call 910-2962000.

The Corinth Baptist Church in Rose Hill will be holding a Garage Sale and Pancake Breakfast as a fundraiser to support youth camp foundation and a new church building. Pancake breakfast will be from 7:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. with plates costing $8 (kids under 5 $1). Garage sale will be from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.

MARCH 20

Join the Town of Wallace on March 20 at the Wallace Woman’s Club to view plans for Clement Park. The town is requesting the public’s input on this project. Meeting will be from 6-8 p.m.

MARCH 23

Farmers’ Day Parade will be on on March 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Main Street in Faison.

The Beulaville Free Will Baptist Church will have a drive-thru Easter Drama on Saturday, March 23, from 5:30-7 p.m. at 141 Lyman Rd. Beulaville. For

information, call 910-298-3520.

The rain date is March 30.

MARCH 30

The Faison Easter Egg Hunt will be on March 30 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 184 Park Cr., in Faison. The free event will feature an egg hunt, train rides, a visit from the Easter Bunny and more!

HAPPENING MONTHLY

The Duplin County Board of County Commissioners meets the rst and third Monday of each month at 6 p.m., at 224 Seminary St., Kenansville. For information, call 910-296-2100.

The Beulaville town board meets the rst Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m., at 508 East Main St., Beulaville. For more information, call 910-298-4647.

The Town of Calypso meets at the council chambers the rst Monday of each month at 6 p.m., at 103 W. Trade Street. For information, call 919-658-9221.

The Faison town board meets the rst Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m., at 110 NE Center St., Faison. For more information, call 910-267-2721.

The Economic Development Board meets the rst Friday of the month at 7 a.m. at the Duplin County Airport Conference Room.

The Greenevers town board meets the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m., at 314 E. Charity Rd. For information, call 910-289-3078.

6, 2024, facing charges of shoplifting concealment of goods, possession of stolen property, felony probation violation, parole violation, habitual larceny, and possession of stolen property. His bond was set at $72,000.

MARCH 7

Antwan Gregory Carr, 40, was booked into the Duplin County Jail on March 7, charged with domestic criminal trespass and breaking or entering. Bond was set at $20,000.

Brittany Eden Hooks, 32, was booked into the Duplin County Jail on March 7, charged with possession of methamphetamine. Bond was set at $15,000.

Kiera L. Kennedy, 28, was booked into the Duplin County Jail on March 7, facing charges of forgery of instruments, forgery of endorsement, uttering forged instruments, identity theft, and obtaining property by false pretense.

Thomas Roger Scott, 40, was booked into the Duplin County Jail on March 7, charged with felony possession of a Schedule II controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bond was set at $5,000.

MARCH 9

Romeo Tyrek Martin, 21, was booked into the Duplin County Jail on March 9, facing charges of incest with a child less than 13, statutory rape of a child by an adult, carrying a concealed gun, resisting a public officer, and assaulting a government official employee. His bond was set at $57,500.

John Gallagher, 47, was booked into the Duplin County Jail on March 9, facing charges of possession of a firearm by

The Teachey town board meets the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m., at 116 East 2nd St. For more information, call 910-285-7564.

The Warsaw 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.

The Magnolia town board meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m., at 108 Taylor St., Magnolia. For information, call 910-289-3205.

The Rose Hill town board meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m., at 103 Southeast Railroad St. For more information, call 910-2893159.

The Duplin County Health Department is offering Diabetes Self Management Classes from 1-5 p.m., the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month at 340 Seminary St. Kenansville. For more information, call 910-372-9178.

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

Duplin County Beekeepers meets the second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m., at the Duplin Extension Center.

Friends of Horticulture meet the third Thursday of each month at 6 p.m., at the Duplin Extension Center.

The Duplin County Airport Commission Board meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Duplin County Airport.

a felon, possession of a stolen firearm, driving while impaired, larceny of a firearm, and possession of stolen property. His bond was set at $7,500. Brandon Co Mantie, 25, was booked into the Duplin County Jail on March 9, charged with giving a mountain dew to, driving while impaired, reckless driving with wanton disregard, driving while license revoked, possession of an open container of alcohol, failing to maintain lane control, and failing to wear a seatbelt as a driver. Bond was set at $1,000.

MARCH 10

Gregory Scott Taylor, 43, was booked into the Duplin County Jail on March 10, charged with being intoxicated and disruptive and second-degree trespass. Bond was denied.

Dominique Bryant, 31, was booked into the Duplin County Jail on March 10, on charges including simple possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance, possession of marijuana paraphernalia, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of a stolen motor vehicle. Bond was set at $50,000.

Wallace I-40/NC Highway 41 interchange to get stoplights

Westbound ramps at Exit 385 will have stoplights come April

By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal

Later this spring, a busy Duplin County intersection will be getting a new stoplight in hopes of easing tra c concerns.

Work began last week to install tra c signal lights on NC Highway 41 at the westbound ramps entering and exiting I-40 just outside the town of Wallace.

The new stoplights are the result of a request from the Duplin County Manager to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), said Lauren Haviland, NCDOT Communications O cer for Divisions 2 and 3.

NCDOT was asked “to review for a tra c signal,” she said. “A study was completed and found that the intersection met signal warrants and had a history of several documented crash patterns.”

While the county manager’s o ce had originally asked for the eastbound ramps to also have tra c lights installed, NCDOT determined that only the westbound ramps met signal warrants, Haviland said. “Just the westbound ramp intersection is getting a signal, which means drivers coming o I-40 coming from Wilmington to turn onto NC 41 toward Wallace or toward Beulaville/River Landing,” she explained.

Duplin County Manager Bryan Miller said the request was made before his time in the position, but he has had several meetings with the NC -

DOT since becoming county manager.

“Wallace is expanding rapidly,” Miller said. “They’re doing a lot of great things in Wallace, and I certainly understand the need for a stoplight there.”

The project is expected to be completed and operational sometime in April, Haviland said.

Miller added that his most recent meetings with NCDOT focused on adding fourway stops throughout Duplin County. The Board of Commissioners discussed the new all-way stops at their February meeting. The stops will be added at: Tram Road at Bethel Church Road, Tram Road at Bennetts Bridge Road/Scotts Store Road, Tram Road at Red Hill Road, Bowdens Road at Revelle Road, NC 41/NC 11 at Jackson Store Road, NC 50/

“They’re doing a lot of great things in Wallace, and I certainly understand the need for a stoplight there.”

Duplin County Manager Bryan Miller

NC 403 at Warren Road, Warren Road at Solomon Street, Charity Road at Bay Road, NC 11 at Charity Road, NC 11 at Register Road/Stockinghead Road, Liddell Road at Drummersville Road and NC 403 at Beautancus Road. There is no set schedule for the four-way stops to be installed, according to NCDOT.

UMO students bene t from Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholarships

By Rhonda Jessup University of Mount Olive

Since the 2018-19 academic year, the University of Mount Olive (UMO) has been receiving support from the Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation to fund scholarships for Christian women. Over 60 UMO female students have bene ted from the fund since its inception, and there are currently 25 UMO Lettie Pate Whitehead scholars for this academic year. The University receives approximately $90,000 annually to assist these young women with their scholastic endeavors. The students hail from North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida. They represent a variety of majors including education, agribusiness, recreation and leisure studies, veterinary bioscience, psychology, and nursing.

“We saw a need to help revitalize this shopping center. We want to remind people that there are a lot of small businesses out on 117.”

Brandi Johnson, co-organizer of Wallace Blossom Festival

cided to host the festival the Saturday after spring started, and thus came the name Blossom Festival. “When a ower blooms, it signi es change,” Johnson said. “We want to show that change and new growth can be a good thing.”

The festival will feature more than 30 vendors, including four food trucks. Wallace Police Department will have K-9 o cers on hand, Wallace Fire Department will have a re truck, and Kix-FM radio station will be present as well.

“All the vendors will have homemade items,” Johnson said. “We do have a few other vendors, selling Scentsy or other brand names, but the majority hand-make their items. All of these individuals are small businesses and deserve to be recognized.”

Johnson Nursery will also be on hand, o ering workshops at 10:30 a.m., noon and 2 p.m.

There will be a chance to win $500. The drawing will be held at 1 p.m. and the person whose name is drawn must be present to win. “We don’t want it to seem like we’re overstepping the Carolina Strawberry Festival at all,” Johnson said, adding that she and Barror are both well aware of the Strawberry Festival’s importance to the town of Wallace. They’re just hoping to bring another spring festival to town that will help raise awareness of the businesses along Highway 117/ Norwood Street. “There’s more to Wallace than just downtown,” Johnson added.

Wallace is a small town, but Johnson said she believes it’s big enough that all its areas can be celebrated, from downtown to Tin City to 117. “We need people to pour money into our county instead of going to Wilmington to shop,” she said.

During a recent reception to celebrate the scholarship recipients, Senior Program O cer Carrie Davis Conway and Trustee Lyons Gray spoke about the history of the fund. Two scholarship recipients also spoke about what the funding has meant to them.

Brief History of the Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholarship Program

Born in 1872 Lettie Pate was no stranger to adversity and tragedy. When she was just 13 years old, her father died unexpectedly creating a situation where Pate and her siblings had to be “farmed out” and raised by local relatives. At the age of 22, Pate married Joseph Brown Whitehead, a young attorney from Mississippi. They settled in Chattanooga, TN and had two sons, Joseph Brown Whitehead Jr. and Conkey Pate

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

COLUMN | MICHAEL BARONE

Are voters recoiling against disorder?

Modest-income folks in border counties know that ows of illegal immigrants result in disorder, disease and crime.

THE HEADLINES COMING OUT of the Super Tuesday primaries have got it right. Barring cataclysmic changes, Donald Trump and Joe Biden will be the Republican and Democratic nominees for president in 2024.

With Nikki Haley’s withdrawal, there will be no more signi cantly contested primaries or caucuses ― the earliest both parties’ races have been over since something like the current primary-dominated system was put in place in 1972.

The primary results have spotlighted some of both nominees’ weaknesses.

Donald Trump lost highincome, high-educated constituencies, including the entire metro area — aka the Swamp. Many but by no means all Haley votes there were cast by Biden Democrats. Trump can’t a ord to lose too many of the others in target states like Pennsylvania and Michigan.

Majorities and large minorities of voters in overwhelmingly Latino counties in Texas’s Rio Grande Valley and some in Houston voted against Joe Biden, and even more against Senate nominee Rep. Colin Allred (D-Texas).

Returns from Hispanic precincts in New Hampshire and Massachusetts show the same thing. Biden can’t a ord to lose too many Latino votes in target states like Arizona and Georgia.

When Trump rode down that escalator in 2015, commentators assumed he’d repel Latinos. Instead, Latino voters nationally, and especially the

COLUMN | SUSAN ESTRICH

closest eyewitnesses of Biden’s open-border policy, have been trending heavily Republican.

High-income liberal Democrats may sport lawn signs proclaiming, “In this house, we believe ... no human is illegal.” The logical consequence of that belief is an open border. But modest-income folks in border counties know that ows of illegal immigrants result in disorder, disease and crime.

There is plenty of impatience with increased disorder in election returns below the presidential level. Consider Los Angeles County, America’s largest county, with nearly 10 million people, more people than 40 of the 50 states. It voted 71% for Biden in 2020.

Current returns show county District Attorney George Gascon winning only 21% of the vote in the nonpartisan primary. He’ll apparently face Republican Nathan Hochman, a critic of his liberal policies, in November.

Gascon, elected after the May 2020 death of counterfeitpassing suspect George Floyd in Minneapolis, is one of many county prosecutors supported by billionaire George Soros. His policies include not charging juveniles as adults, not seeking higher penalties for gang membership or use of rearms and bringing fewer misdemeanor cases.

The predictable result has been increased car thefts, burglaries and personal robberies. Some 120 assistant district attorneys have left the o ce, and there’s a backlog of 10,000 unprosecuted cases.

More than a dozen other

The State of the Union

Does he still have it in him to do this for four more years?

The Republicans should be morti ed. In fact, by all accounts, they are.

Rolling Stone featured an entire article quoting their reactions to Alabama Sen. Katie Britt’s embarrassing response to the president’s State of the Union speech. Describing the speech as “feeling more like a rejected audition tape for a supporting role on ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’” delivered from a kitchen in Alabama, the magazine recounted being “inundated, sometimes completely unprompted, with messages from longtime GOP operatives, right-leaning pollsters, conservative Capitol Hill sta , MAGA lawyers, and even some senior members of Trump’s own 2024 campaign

absolutely torching Britt’s absurdly overdramatic rebuttal.”

As Charlie Kirk tweeted, “Joe Biden just declared war on the American right and Katie Britt is talking like she’s hosting a cooking show whispering about how Democrats ‘don’t get it.’”

In fact, it was Republicans who didn’t get it. They remained glued to their chairs as the president called on his audience to stand up for a procedure that allows American women to choose life — to stand up for reproductive freedom and IVF, in response to the justices from Katie Britt’s home state. It was Joe Biden who looked straight at the justices from the United States Supreme Court and warned them of the political power that women will exercise

Soros-backed and similarly liberal prosecutors have faced strong opposition or have left o ce.

St. Louis prosecutor Kim Gardner resigned last May amid lawsuits seeking her removal, Milwaukee’s John Chisholm retired in January, and Baltimore’s Marilyn Mosby was defeated in July 2022 and convicted of perjury in September 2023. Last November, Loudoun County, Virginia, voters (62% Biden) ousted liberal Buta Biberaj, who declined to prosecute a transgender student for assault, and in June 2022 voters in San Francisco (85% Biden) recalled famed radical Chesa Boudin.

Similarly, this Tuesday, voters in San Francisco passed ballot measures strengthening police powers and requiring treatment of drug-addicted welfare recipients.

In retrospect, it appears the Floyd video, appearing after three months of COVID-19 con nement, sparked a frenzied, even crazed reaction, especially among the highly educated and articulate. One fatal incident was seen as proof that America’s “systemic racism” was worse than ever and that police forces should be defunded and perhaps abolished.

2020 was “the year America went crazy,” I wrote in January 2021, a year in which police funding was actually cut by Democrats in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle and Denver. A year in which young New York Times sta ers claimed they were endangered by the publication of Sen.

Tom Cotton’s (R-Ark.) opinion article advocating calling in military forces if necessary to stop rioting, as had been done in Detroit in 1967 and Los Angeles in 1992. A craven Times publisher even red the editorial page editor for running the article.

Evidence of visible and tangible discontent with increasing violence and its consequences — barren and locked shelves in Manhattan chain drugstores, skyrocketing carjackings in Washington, D.C. — is as unmistakable in polls and election results as it is in daily life in large metropolitan areas. Maybe 2024 will turn out to be the year even liberal America stopped acting crazy.

The disorder in America’s metropolitan centers and wreaked by illegal and undeported immigrants on the border and as far a eld as Athens, Georgia, seems to be politically overshadowing the sickening disorder wreaked by Trump supporters and tolerated if not encouraged by Trump himself.

Chaos and disorder work against incumbents, as they did in 1968 when Democrats saw their party’s popular vote fall from 61% to 43%. It’s unfortunate there’s not a more tting political bene ciary of any such recoil than Trump.

Michael Barone is a senior political analyst for the Washington Examiner, resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and longtime co-author of The Almanac of American Politics.

in the next election. “With all due respect, justices, women are not without electoral and political power,” he said. “You’re about to nd out just how much they have.”

Indeed, the IVF decision has shifted the debate about Roe v. Wade and made clear how hypocritical the right is, boxing them in as being against those who are, often desperately, prolife. This isn’t about abortion, after all, but about reproductive freedom, which Republicans are stubbornly against.

Even Republicans were forced to acknowledge that Joe Biden was at his best. “I’ll give Biden this — he at least gave a better speech than Katie Britt,” a national Republican consultant told Rolling Stone.

I’ll give him more than that. He answered the question that even Democrats have been asking. Does he still have it in him to do this for four more years? Does he have the vigor?

The man on the podium on Thursday night does. For an hour, he commanded the audience and the nation. No stumbling. No shaking. He was forceful and articulate, very much the leader in control and the commander in chief.

When was the last time you saw Donald Trump in that role?

The general election campaign began last night. Up to now, to be sure, Biden and Trump have both been in the position of winning every

The Town of Faison gets ready for Spring with a Clean Sweep March 18-22

Town of Faison receives 15K in donations for soccer eld upgrades

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

FAISON — As we move into the Easter season the Town of Faison is gearing up for Spring and town officials are asking residents to remove non-seasonal items from the cemetery.

Jimmy Tyndall, Faison Executive administrator, announced during the March 6 monthly meeting that the Public Works Department will be conducting a Clean Sweep March 18-22.

“We have ordered some yard signs to put out… to let folks know to remove everything that’s outdated or non-seasonal,” said Tyndall, adding that they are getting ready for Easter and mowing the cemetery lawn.

“We’ve got stu down there that’s way out of date and out of respect, we didn’t mess with it for a little while. But it’s time for it to go. So, we’re going to be taking out everything from Christmas trees to Mountain Dew cans,” said Tyndall.

“We’ve asked the street sweepers to come in that week also in preparation for the [Farmers Day] Parade.”

The town is inviting the public to come out on March 23 for the parade, which starts at 11 o’clock.

In other business:

• The board approved a request to have ag football and basketball programs over the summer, in addition to the summer camps.

• The Faison Parks and Rec Department is working on upgrades for the soccer eld and con-

NUTRITION from page 1

however, we cannot continue to operate with only a few in attendance,” said Brown. “The homebound meal routes will continue in place with volunteers delivering the meals each Monday.”

Brown shared that although the congregate nutrition site participation has uctuated over time, the in-home services have increased.

“Prior to the pandemic and

UNION from page 4

Tuesday, but Biden has been running against no one. That doesn’t really count. Trump had real opponents, which turned him into a real winner. That gave him momentum, the appearance of being on a roll, of triumph in a MAGA-esque sea of believers. The sea changes now. That contest is over. This month, the winner

The Town of Faison held its monthly meeting on March 6 at the Faison Town Hall building, discussed preparations for Farmers Day Parade and Easter Egg Hunt. The next meeting will be on Wednesday, April 3 at 7 p.m. ENA SELLERS/DUPLIN JOURNAL

cession stand thanks to generous donations from Tri – County Electric in the amount of $10,000 and with services to do installations and a donation from Enviva Pellet Plant in the amount of $5,000.

Tyndall shared that the soccer eld lights have been ordered, and they are preparing to add wiring in the bathroom at the soccer eld.

“We exceeded what we thought we needed, and that’s pretty cool when that happens,” said Tyndall.

Mayor Billy Ward shared that they have also ordered water heaters to run hot water at the concession stand and the bathroom. Tyndall provided an update on the status of the gym demolition, which started last week.

He shared that a miscalculation of square footage in

afterwards, the participation at all locations has decreased. Outreach e orts in providing groceries, and drive thru pick up meals, were implemented at one point in an e ort to introduce the programs and encourage more participation,” Brown told the Duplin Journal, adding that the congregate nutrition sites are an extension of the main location in Kenansville.

“Each outside location is unique and has the opportu-

becomes the defendant. The defendant in chief must take on the commander in chief; the man in the Oval O ce goes up against the man sitting at the defense table every day addressing hush money payo s to his mistress.

During the primaries, Trump managed to use his courtroom appearances as he chose: coming when it suited him, lambasting his opponents, raising money from his base. The rules

the original inspection report provided to the town resulted in a price increase of about $5,000. “But we were covered,” said Tyndall, adding that the plan is to have the demolition completed this month.

• The Board approved three after-school substitute teachers, one of them being retired mayor Carolyn Kenyon who volunteered to help the town. The board also approved one part-time person who will be helping at the Recreation Department.

“Our guys have really been helping us out a lot. Jimmy had to be a school teacher. Matthew had to be a school teacher and some of our other employees at the Rec Department had to be a school teacher because we don’t have enough substitutes,” said Mayor Ward.

nity for a nutritious meal and socialization, however, many seniors are searching for more activities and opportunities,” said Brown. “The new senior center facility will be able to a ord the opportunity to go beyond the vital services provided and o er additional activities. We will continue to evaluate the viability of the congregate locations while still putting forth every e ort to encourage

change in criminal trials. He must appear every day. He is facing nancial troubles. He will lose the fundraising competition. The MAGA base can’t compete with what Biden has been raising or will continue to raise. The steps of a courthouse compare poorly to the photo opportunities a president can command. The appeal of a whining victim anked by a changing cast of lawyers is largely limited to the faithful. And with

“We’ve got stu down there that’s way out of date and out of respect, we didn’t mess with it for a little while. But it’s time for it to go. So, we’re going to be taking out everything from Christmas trees to Mountain Dew cans.”

Jimmy Tyndall, Faison Executive Administrator

• The board approved the new amended Grant Project Ordinance. After the commissioner reports the meeting adjourned. The next meeting will be on April 3.

growth and participation.”

Brown said she hopes Faison seniors will consider joining them at the Kenansville facility and taking advantage of the opportunities to socialize with other seniors, share a meal together, and participate in the wellness classes o ered at the center.

Seniors in Faison interested in participating at the Kenansville location, can call the senior center at 910-296-2140 to inquire about transportation or meals.

issues like hush money and posting bonds and paying E. Jean Carroll, not to mention surrogates like Katie Britt, Trump’s ability to control the agenda is drastically limited. Joe Biden needs more opportunities like Thursday night to show that he has the right stu . But the State of the Union was an important step in reassuring Democrats and giving Republicans cause for worry about just what comes next.

JSCC’s Small Business Center o ers free classes

Kenansville

The Small Business Center at James Sprunt Community College o ers a variety of nocost classes to help get your business o the ground and grow. The following classes are being o ered this month: Home-Based Business Success, March 13, noon to 1 p.m., online; Financing Your Business (in Spanish), March 16, 8-10 a.m., Ho er Building, Monk Auditorium, JSCC Main Campus, Kenansville; Legal Considerations for Small Businesses in N.C. (in Spanish), March 16, 10 a.m. to noon, Ho er Building, Monk Auditorium, JSCC Main Campus, Kenansville; 8 Essential Principles to Small Business Success, March 19, 6-8 p.m., James Sprunt Small Business Center, West Park Business and Technology Center, Warsaw; SBA Financing for Your Small Business, March 21, 7-8:30 p.m., online; Building a Brand Lunch & Learn, March 27, noon to 1 p.m., online; Money for Fun, March 28, 6-8 p.m., online. For more information on any of these classes, contact Joy Wynne at 910-6596008 or email jwynne@ jamessprunt.edu.

House of Raeford visits Wallace Elementary for Agriculture Awareness Day

Wallace A team from House of Raeford Farms visited Wallace Elementary School for Agriculture Awareness Day. This event is part of Duplin County Schools’ e ort to highlight the role of agriculture in our community.

Sta from the Rose Hill and Wallace Processing operations, along with corporate o ce sta , talked with over 100 students from Grades 3-6 about careers in agriculture, covering both processing and live production. Employees who joined in the event were: Melvin Spivey (QA Supervisor, Rose Hill), Kelly Smith (Debone Supervisor, Rose Hill), and Dellanee Bruce (QA Technician, Wallace).

UNOFFICIAL from page 1

The Duplin County Board of Election will conduct their canvass meeting on March 15, certifying all votes have been tabulated and counted. In North Carolina after the results have been certi ed, a candidate can call for a recount if the di erence between the votes is no more than 1% of the total. It is unknown whether Commissioner Dowe will request a recount, the Duplin Journal was unable to reach him for comment.

The o cial election results will be announced after the state board of elections does their canvass on March 26.

I want to thank every single person that voted for me, those that reached out and encouraged me throughout the campaign, helped in various ways, and especially those that prayed for me. I felt the prayers many times. This race has been such a blessing to me as it has increased my appreciation for our county, its residents, community servants and protectors, all the more.

I am especially grateful for the amazing community builders I have gotten to know better both in the more rural areas and municipalities the last few months in District 1. Amazing people with visions born out of love for their communities. I look forward to seeing how God uses them in those positions as they continue their great work.

I look forward to what God has in store for the future. His will is perfect. Have a blessed week!

WITH DUPLIN COUNTY MOVERS AND SHAKERS

Getting to know Dr. Christina Phillips

By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal

You may not know the name

Christina Phillips, Ph.D., but the Wallace native is one of the driving forces behind Smitheld, the powerhouse corporation that helped put Duplin County on the pork industry map. She also spent the past year as president of the North Carolina Pork Council, a statewide advocacy group, and now serves as past president. March is Women’s History Month, as well as National Agriculture Month, so it’s the perfect time to get to know one of the leading ladies in our area’s agriculture community.

Can you give us a brief overview of your background info?

I grew up in Wallace, and graduated high school from Wallace-Rose Hill. I attended North Carolina State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science (funded by scholarships from Murphy Family Farms, Duplin County Farm Bureau and North Carolina Farm Bureau), followed by a master’s degree in Swine Nutrition. I then went on to complete a Ph.D. in Swine Management and Welfare from the University of Minnesota. Following graduation, I was hired by Smith eld, where I am the Director of Production Research. I have been employed by Smith eld for 13 years.

I met my husband, Casey, while we were both students at N.C. State University. This month we will celebrate our 17th wedding anniversary. We live in Wallace with our two sons, Will (age 11) and Walt (age 9) and our energetic and mischievous German short haired pointer, Goose!

What made you want to work with Smith eld Foods?

In high school, I was actively involved in the Future Farmers of America (FFA) Organization and with the guidance of my agriculture teacher and FFA advisor, Mr. Mark Stampe, I served as president of my high school chapter and was a regional o cer my senior year. This involvement in FFA led me to seek out summer

When asked about the job Dr. Obasohan does as superinten-

“He

across our entire school system. He has an amazing work ethic and he truly cares about our students and our sta . He is always accessible and his door is always open to students, sta , parents, and community members. This is why he is working on his 14th year as DCS superintendent.”

“We are very fortunate to have such a dedicated leader,” he continued. “He is a man led by faith, who truly has a calling to serve the kids of Duplin County.”

internships in the agriculture eld. During the summers while attending high school and college I interned for Murphy Family Farms (which was purchased by Smith eld in 2000). I worked on a sow farm one summer, and another summer I worked with the quality assurance and research teams. These experiences helped to create my love for working with pigs and for researching ways to improve and get better. I’m ecstatic to be back working at the place where it all began for me.

How would you explain your job with Smith eld?

My job is to research ways to improve e ciency and performance of pigs. I manage a research program to scienti cally evaluate opportunities in multiple disciplines (nutrition, health, management, meat quality) across all phases of production (sow, nursery, nishing, and wean-tonish). I am responsible for the design and execution of research protocols to answer important questions to improve business outcomes.

Smith eld has research farms that have specialized equipment to collect research data: scales to weigh pigs and feed systems to weigh feed. In addition, because we are a vertically integrated company, we want to make sure that any changes made to the pig’s feed for example, will not have a negative impact on the consumer’s perception of that product. So, we also collect data at the packing plant to measure meat quality.

One example of a project conducted in this area was to determine what amount of upcycled bakery product could be included in the pig’s diet for optimal performance. Because NC is a corn de cient state, and corn is the main source of energy used in pig diets, we import corn from other states to be able to feed our pigs. Therefore, we have to be innovative on how to remain pro table and sustainable — using upcycled bakery products

Whitehead. In 1899, Joseph purchased exclusive rights to bottle and sell Coca-Cola to most of the United States. Once again, tragedy struck and Joseph died of pneumonia at the age of 42 leaving Lettie to raise their sons who were ages 11 and 8 at the time. Mrs. Whitehead took over her husband’s business ventures. She established the Whitehead Holding Company and the Whitehead Reality Company to manage the family’s assets. She became the rst women in US history to sit on the board of a major corporation – Coca-Cola Company. Both of the Whitehead sons died in their early 40s. In his will, the youngest son, Conkey, provided for the creation of the Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation in his mother’s

in pig diets is an example of that! We can use a portion of upcycled bakery products to replace corn in the diet, lowering the cost of feed.

This is a win, win — for Smith eld and the environment by reducing waste.

What’s one thing you wish more people understood about the pork industry?

Agriculture is North Carolina’s number one industry, employing about one- fth of the state’s workforce.

Pig farming is a big part of that! What I want consumers to know about pork is that it is a safe, nutritious protein raised by farmers who care about animal welfare, the environment, public health and our communities. Food labels can be confusing, and because of that can be potentially misleading. What you should know is that: 1) no added hormones are used in pork production, and 2) every piece of pork you eat is antibiotic free. Can pork producers use antibiotics to treat, control, and prevent disease in pigs?

YES! However, we follow instructions on the use of those products to make sure enough time has passed for that product to leave the pig’s body for it enters the food chain.

Can you brie y explain what the N.C. Pork Council does?

The North Carolina Pork Council provides leadership for the state’s pork industry through public policy and advocacy e orts, as well as consumer information programs and services.

For example, the NCPC conducted public opinion polls over the last couple of years and found that the vast majority of people in Eastern North Carolina have a positive view of the pork industry and appreciate our contributions to the local

honor.

Having lost her father, husband, and sons, Mrs. Whitehead understood adversity. “She was known as someone who had a real heart for people,” said Conway. “She had empathy for people who had su ered misfortune, or just needed a helping hand. She became a really serious philanthropist and was very passionate about education and its power to transform lives.”

According to Conway there are currently 194 schools located in the southern US who receive support from the Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholarship program with over 12,000 females bene tting each year.

Words of Appreciation from the Scholars

“I’m truly grateful for such a blessing of this scholarship that is helping to provide a way for me to obtain a degree in biomedical science and make

economy. We then take this information and share it with our legislators in Raleigh and Washington, D.C.

On a more personal note, what do you do in your spare time?

In my spare time I enjoy shing, spending time on the beach, attending NCSU sporting events, and traveling with my family.

What’s the last book you read?

The Wizard and the Prophet by Charles C. Mann.

What’s your favorite eatery in Duplin County?

I don’t have a favorite restaurant per se. I do have favorite dishes at many local restaurants: Carnitas Verde at Camino Real, BLT at Mik’s, and no one can come close to preparing a better pork chop at 145 F than the Mad Boar; just to name a few. Obviously, there is a common theme here!

What, in your opinion, is the best thing about Duplin County?

The best thing about Duplin County is the people and rural environment. Duplin County is the number one pig producing county in the U.S. Being a short drive to the beach doesn’t hurt either!

a di erence in the healthcare eld,” said Celine Fleurilus of Pt Charlotte, FL. Kaitlyn Kenan, a rst generation college student, from Chinquapin, NC, said she left high school during her junior year to give birth to her daughter. A young mother, who wanted more for herself and her family, Kenan had a desire to return to school, but lacked the funds to do so.

“This scholarship fund played a huge role in my decision to return to school,” she said. “As a rst generation college student, I am hopeful that this scholarship will pave the way to a better life not only for me, but also for my daughter and the multiple generations that will hopefully follow.” Ward is on track to earn her degree in healthcare management.

Closing Comments from UMO President H. Edward

Croom:

“Every one of us has had a bump in the road at some point in our lives, but we should never let that stop us from working hard to achieve our dreams,” said UMO President Dr. H. Edward Croom. “The Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholarship Fund is a mechanism that is providing the opportunity for each of you to follow your dreams. I am proud of you and very appreciative of the Foundation for their support of the University of Mount Olive and our students.”

The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with de ning Christian values. The University was founded by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists. For more information, visit www.umo.edu.

Dr. Christina Phillips. PHOTO COURTESY

SCHOLARSHIP from page 3

No. 1 Wilson Prep stops Rebels’ run for glory

Snaps

North Duplin’s 13-game winning streak despite solid game from Armwood

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

WILSON – Dujuan Armwood may be the best two-sport athlete in Duplin County as a running back on the gridiron and as a hard-driving basketball guard.

Both sports allow him to use his speed and quickness.

Wilson Prep found out about his hoop prowess last Tuesday in the third round of the 1A playo s., Armwood led all scorers with 21 points, but the No. 1 Tigers didn’t let the rest of the Rebels cause damage in a 92-47 win over No. 8 North Duplin.

The loss ended the Rebels’ 13game winning streak.

Brandon Anderson tossed in 20 markers, Ben Ferguson 19, Keontae 16 and Josh Hicks nine as the Eagles hit 12 3-pointers.

Micah Lesesane and Brady Byrd each red in six apiece, while Tev Collins added ve for the Rebels (19-10).

Wilson Prep (25-5) beat No. 4 Southern Wake 54-52 on Friday to advance to the East Region nal at Joel Coliseum in Winston-Salem opposite No. 11 Bertie (26-4).

The Eagles played on another level by zipping to a 52-29 halftime lead and continuing to pour it on as the clock ran continuously from the 3:22 mark of the third quarter as per the 42-point mercy rule.

Armwood, who leads his team in scoring (16.0) – while not playing as much as most starters since head coach Je Byrd uses a two-unit platoon system – has still been in double gures in all 27 games, sans three times he scored nine markers.

Armwood, Byrd, Dylan Tyndall and Thomas Morrisey played the nal games of their career in for the green and gold.

But they leave with a legacy, having won the Carolina 1A Conference regular season and tournament championships, the rst such achievement in 22 years for North Duplin.

ND whipped Tarboro and East Bladen in the rst two rounds of the state playo s.

The Rebels were 4-7 after a 64-47 loss to Neuse Charter on Jan. 16. They won their next 11 games against league foes. And besides a 54-51 triumph over Hobbton in the season nale, dominated CC schools.

Lesesane, Collins, Branson Martin, Donavan Armwood, Anthony Kornegay, Luke Kelly and Trashawn Ru n return next season. All seven played signi cantly this season, and were key to the team’s success.

ND’s Dujuan

Panthers drop heartbreaker to conclude 23-win season

Fall 47-45 in nal seconds of third-round bout with Eagles

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

VANCEBORO — The East Duplin girls’ basketball team came up one play short in the third round of its 2A state playo game against West Carteret on Tuesday last week.

Even after relinquishing a 10-point cushion, the Panthers had two chances to win during a thrilling 47-45 loss.

“I feel like we should still be playing,” said ED head coach Mark Lane, whose team nished with a 24-5 mark. “We got a lead and couldn’t hold it, and that’s my fault.”

Well, not exactly, as the Panthers su ered their third loss this season in which they had sizable leads.

Alissa Yates’ shot between two Panther defenders with 21 seconds to play was the di erence.

Ava Noble rang in a couple of mid-range jumper shots to bolster the ED o ense against the Eagles.

WRH’s Taylor-made D-tackle to play college football

gridiron

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

TEACHEY – Four years ago

Deashawn Taylor was a freshman at Wallace-Rose Hill who “plays basketball.”

WRH football coach Kevin Motsinger laughed at his rst interaction with Taylor, a 6-foot, 305-pound defensive tackle.

Last Wednesday, he took the rst step to playing college football by signing a letter-of-intent to North Carolina Wesleyan University in Rocky Mount.

Bulldog strongman goes from basketball to

EDUARDO PUAC FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

Armwood provided the bulk of the o ense during a lopsided loss to Wilson Prep in the third round of the playo s.

EDUARDO PUAC FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

Deashawn Taylor (pictured with his mother Demikia, brothers Keyshawn and Ahmir, and WRH football coach Kevin Motsinger) signs a letter-of-intent to play for NC Wesleyan.

EDUARDO PUAC FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

Six returnees steer direction of Panthers’ softball campaign

Defending ECC 2A softball champs have won 37 games in past two seasons

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

BEULAVILLE – East Duplin softball coach Greg Jenkins knows it’s not how a team starts, it’s the nish that matters the most.

On the heels of three losses to quality programs, the Panthers will nonetheless be a favorite to win the ECC this spring.

“We’re a little younger than people think,” said Jenkins, who graduated second baseman Chandler Mobley (.400) and catcher Ashlyn Stokes (.437) from last season’s 19-5 club, but return six starters.

“We have four seniors (Addison Tuck, Neyland Tate, Kinsley Bond and Carley Grace Jenkins), two juniors (Morgan Brown and Emory Raynor) and a handful of sophomores and a good group of freshman,” said veteran Panther coach Greg Jenkins.

ED beat Wallace-Rose Hill on Friday to up its mark to 2-3, following a pair of nonconference losses to Midway and Richlands.

“We played the No. 1 team in 3A (Richlands) and a Midway

ED GIRLS from page 7

ED had a chance to tie it or take the lead before committing a turnover with 7.6 seconds left.

Kenzie Cave hit a pair of 3-pointers to knot the game at 45-45.

Torveyana Biggie scored nine of her 18 points in the second half, including six during the stretch that got West Carteret (23-4) the momentum. The post player has scored more than 1,000 points during her career.

team that returns the bulk of its team from a state championship appearance,” Jenkins said. “We play teams that will help us later down the line.”

Jenkins had a more challenging rebuild in 2021 in which the Panthers went 19-6 and advanced to the third round of the 2A playo s.

Southpaw Brown returns as sta ace Brown returns as the Panthers’ top hurler.

She had a 15-5 record with a 2.12 ERA last season, striking out 126 and walking only 22 in 144 innings.

“She was up for the challenge against Wallace,” Jenkins said. “She had some arm soreness In the winter and we’re working through that and some mechanical things. She was ne in the preseason and will be solid.”

Tuck, also a lefty hurler, will also see time with the ball. She was 3-0 last season, working 23.2 frames.

Sophomore Zoe Turner will likewise be in the circle.

Classmate Rebecca Beach and freshman Callie Newborn are vying for time behind the plate.

Solid around the horn

The in eld is lled with returnees and upstart underclass-

beat ED three times this season, lost in the second round to No. 15 St. Pauls.

“We obviously had a great season,” said Lane, whose club won 20 games for the eighth time in his 16 years.

“Perhaps we should have had a few more close games.”

“We played hard, played tough, and together.”

ED coach Mark Lane

But Alissa Yates, a senior guard, and Shalawn Yates, a sophomore guard, came through with huge hoops in the fourth quarter.

Shalawn Yates scored o a turnover and Alissa Yates had a bucket and two free throws, and nailed a bomb that equalized the game at 39-39. The scores were part of a 10-0 run.

A rebound basket by Alissa Yates and a score from Shalawn Yates seemed to put West Carteret in the driver’s seat with a 43-39 lead.

“The last three games, we have caught a spirit,” said Eagles coach Kaila Ballard. “When we get down, we do what it takes to battle back, we play hard, we are hungry.”

East Duplin never stopped attacking.

“We played hard, played tough and together,” said Lane, whose club lost two games to Southwest Onslow following Stallion comebacks. “So are we going to learn from what we could have done? Are we growing together? I think we will, and are doing that.

“Everyone said we were a young team. But what we are is a team with two freshmen, a bunch of juniors and a few sophomores. But we’ll take care of the ball better and play better in the last two minutes.”

No. 12 West Carteret lost to No. 1 North Pitt(27-3) in the fourth round for the fourth time this season. North Pitt takes on No. 3 Seaforth for the East Region title, while the West crown will be decided when No. 12 Lincoln Charter (25-5) faces No. 3 East Burke (30-0).

That’s how close ED was to the Final Four in Winston-Salem.

“Maybe we wouldn’t have been able to beat North Pitt, I don’t know,” Lane said. “But I told the kids we had the perfect bracket.”

Indeed, No. 2 SWO, which

men.

Bond, who hit .462 with 17 RBI, will hold down rst base.

Jenkins’ daughter Carley Grace will be at the other corner of the in eld. She hit .340 and drove in 14 runs in 2023.

Tate (.375) will play shortstop with freshmen newcomers Ava Noble, Karsyn Parker, Bella Kornegay and Kinsey Cave looking for time at second base, shortstop or in the out eld. Noble and Cave played on ED’s basketball team that advanced into the third round of the playo s last week.

Sophomore Jenna Batchelor looks to see innings at rst base.

“They’ll all be involved,” Jenkins said. “Our lineup will change day to day for a while. We have 15 girls and all of them can and will play. Having so many good players is a blessing, even though its hard on a coach to nd opportunities for all of them.”

Tuck anchors the out eld.

ED will depend on the speed, range and judgment of Tuck in center eld.

She hit .317 to led ED last season and had an .980 elding percentage. Raynor (.283, 13 RBI) has been the starter in left eld, with Turner in right.

EDUARDO PUAC FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

ED’s Addison Tuck covers a lot of ground in center eld and makes contact in the batter’s box.

Sophomore Olivia Di endorfer will also vie for time in the grasslands.

Can defending ECC champs repeat?

East Duplin is in ne shape to defend its ECC crown, with South Lenoir and North Lenoir looking to be the Panthers’ chief threat.

“We put the ball in play, run the bases well and play good defense,” Jenkins said. “We’ll have to hit across the board, because we lack a powerhouse hitter in our lineup.

“But hitting-wise, I think we’re good one through nine. When we see average pitching, we’re going to hit it. We’ve seen some pretty good pitching early this season.

“I don’t know if we’ll win 17 or 18 games, but I think we’ll be ready for conference play and then for the playo s.

East Duplin, which returns the bulk of an East Region title team, and perennial powerhouse Princeton are also non-league foes that will test the Panthers mettle.

Armstrong, Joe pack powerful softball punches for Tigers

Zakoya Farrior, Sallie Hatcher and Cave canned jumpers early as ED went in front 12-7, and 1210 after a 3-pointer by Shalawn Yates at the buzzer to end the opening quarter .

A bomb by Farrior and 12foot jumper from Makaya Kornegay helped as ED trailed 22-19 at halftime.

Hatcher tied it on the rst possession of the third with a trifecta. And then a step-up jumper in the lane put ED in front 25-23 about two minutes later.

Another Hatcher rocket, a layup by Ava Noble and a putback by Ja’Myah Pickett ballooned the advantage to 34-27.

A 3-pointer by Cave upped the bulge to 10 points with 1:09 to play in the third quarter.

Cave nished with 13 and Farrior 10.

Hoops Notebook

Cave and North Duplin junior Addy Higginbotham were second-team selections on the North Carolina Basketball Association’s Region 2 all-star team. Rebel Reece Outlaw was a third-team pick. SWO’s Yamorie Hardison as on the rst squad.

Stallion coach Chris Williams was Coach of the Year in the region. Cave was the lone freshman in the top 15. She led ED in points, assists and was second in steals to Kornegay and second to Pickett in rebounds. She was third in 3-pointers to Farrior and Hatcher.

ED went 11-14 in 2023, just the third time Lane’s club was under .500. Lane (288-120) is 12 wins shy of 300 career victories in Beulaville.

Hatcher is ED’s lone senior. Kornegay, Pickett and Carrie Carr are juniors, second-leading rebounder Farrior and sharp-shooting Zoe Cavanaugh are junior reserves who played signi cant minutes. Cave and Noble are frosh who played like veterans beyond some normal rst-year varsity moments.

Indeed, the Panthers will be balanced and tough to beat next season.

Meredith-bound senior hurler, new star

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

WARSAW – Anna Morgan

Armstrong was the unquestioned leader of the James Kenan softball team last season.

Armstrong will play at Meredith University in Raleigh next year, after a senior season in which she will receive more support than 2023, when the Tigers went 4-14. JK has crossed over that bridge by winning three of its rst four games, according to head coach Craig Morgan, whose daughter is the top hitter and top pitcher.

“The biggest thing is getting our girls to play a little more aggressively,” said the coach. “We’re still a little timid. We need a little re.

“Last year we lost to West Brunswick 11-0 and we beat them, a 3A school, 4-3. And we beat a Union team 11-0 that beat us last year (7-1).”

Armstrong also believes his

club will fare better in the East Central 2A Conference. JK went 2-10 in the league a season ago. The worst news in the early going comes with the loss of Ava Jones to a knee injury. The sophomore hit .295 and can pitch and play in the in eld and out eld.

Armstrong will take a majority of starts for JK and hit in a power position in the lineup. She made 17 pitching appearances and worked 84 innings last season, while hitting .350 with eight doubles, a pair of home runs and 13 RBI. Jourdan Joe will catch Armstrong, though she’s also returning to third base since Kaylann Williams back on the eld.

Joe hit .468 with eight doubles and three homers in 2023.

“Anna and Jourdan play on the same travel team so they work well together,” said JK’s head coach. “Those two and Shy (Shylah Sloan) are the mules on our team that carry big loads.” Sloan hit .327 and led JK in runs last season. She will play shortstop with senior Lacie Bledsoe to her left at second base and freshman Kenaldi Giddons at the hot corner. Esmerald

Garcia, a sophomore, will be at rst base.

Senior Gernyla Miller will be in left eld, with Scarlet Deluca or Kierra Williams in right and Brenda Serrano in center. Serrano, a junior, is hitting .333 entering this week’s action.

“We play East Duplin and Wallace-Rose Hill (on Friday in Teachey) this week, and I think we’ll be competitive in the conference,” Armstrong said. “East Duplin is the league favorite so that will be a challenge. But I think we’re right with Wallace and the other teams in the league.”

ED is the defending champ, and the Panthers beat WRH 10-0 last Friday.

“I’m a little excited to see how we play against the better teams,” Armstrong said. “We’re better than I anticipated. We’re hitting the ball well, getting good pitching and playing defense pretty well.”

JK (3-2) will have another key league game on March 19 when it hosts Southwest Onslow, one of the ECC schools the Tigers hope to catch up with this spring.

Senior Anna Morgan Armstrong has been a strong starter for the past four seasons for James Kenan.

Sutton returns to diamond, orchestrates Tigers’ rebuild

Former JK player takes over program with talented but young roster

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

WARSAW — Lee Sutton feels at home as the manager of the James Kenan baseball team.

Sutton, the former Tiger graduated from Campbell University last May and immediately joined head coach Tim Grady’s football sta .

Sutton’s brother Will graduated last June. His father Chuck is in the school’s Hall of Fame as a three-sport standout.

Lee Sutton played baseball at James Kenan until just before he graduated in 2019.

He was a baseball assistant for Cam Pridgen last spring.

“I had my eyes on James Kenan and coaching when I left for college,” Sutton said. “Right now we’re in a full overhaul and putting a process in place.

“We lost six seniors and 80 percent of my team is freshmen and sophomores. It’s good to be here working on this program.”

Young arms on pitching sta

JK went 10-10 overall and 6-6 in ECC play last season,

First-year head coach Lee Sutton, a 2019 JK grad, will have his hands full after inheriting a team that graduates six players who were longtime starters.

but lost its pitching sta , which included Will Sutton (4-0), Hayden McGee (4-3) and Mason Brown (1-5).

The Tigers counter this spring with three underclass arms – sophomores Wyatt Barbour and Brady Batchelor and Hayden McGee’s younger brother Hansley, a freshman.

“Barbour is a strikeout pitcher with good stu and a good hitter,” said coach Sutton. “Hansley has a good, hard fastball and breaking stu . Brody doesn’t bring as much heat but can really hit his spots.

“This year is not so much about wins and losses, but about setting the table for future seasons. Our pitching will develop.

“Our goals are to make the playo s and lay a foundation for our program,” Sutton said. ” Avent twins to spice things up

The threesome will work with sophomore catcher Eli Avent, with Bachelor giving him a break as the backstop, according to Sutton.

“Eli’s a super-coachable player who is respectful,” Sutton said. “He’s a gritty kid who wants to win.”

Twin brother Cal Avent is at the hot corner. He could also take a turn on the hill.

“He gives us power at the plate,” Sutton said. “He’s played at rst base before, but we need him at the other corner. He’ll likely be our fourth guy on the mound.”

The Avents follow a tradition left by brother John Thomas and cousin Ken III. Ken Avent Jr. and his father were football coaching legends at JK and North Duplin respectively.

John and Ken Avent III were hitting stars for the Tigers, with the latter now on the JK football sta .

McGee, who is 6-foot-5, will be JK’s shortstop for the next four years.

“He’s so far ahead of most freshman,” said coach Sutton, “and despite his size is a smooth elder with good hands and an accurate arm.”

Batchelor is at second base and Hunter Whitman at rst.

“Brody makes tough plays look easy and is reliable,” Sutton said. “He’s learned about hitting from the No. 8 hole in the lineup.

“Hunter’s also a big kid, 6-3, 200 pounds and is going to be a big-time athlete here. He’s a good hitter and getting better on the y.”

Frosh Payton Smith starts in left eld, Mason Grady in center and either Jeremiah Hall, Logan Lane or Shane Braswell in right.

“Our coaches saw potential and believed in me, “ said the son of Demikia Taylor.

“I wanted to live up to it in the weight room for Coach Mot and on the eld.

Coach (Cory) Lovelace, coach (Jordan) Boser, coach (Will) Jeffers and coach (Johnnie) Carr showed me the way through hard work and tough love. But they always had my back, when I needed something.

“Football is not just a game here. It’s real life.”

Motsinger said Taylor put the wheels in motion to play college

football.

“He made choices that got him to this point,” Motsinger said. “He came in at the peak of Covid and I’m so proud of the work and choices he made. He has an opportunity to use football.

“Plus, he understands it takes what I takes. It doesn’t matter how you come in, it’s about what kind of person you are when you leave this place. He’s walking out with a chance to play college football because of the choices he made in the classroom, on the eld and in the weight room.”

Carr, a former lineman at WRH, said it’s good to see a player in the trenches move on to the next level. WRH has had three RBs go to Division 1 schools since 2017.

“He’s a rare kid and a pleasure to coach,” Carr said. “A real smart kid and a good example for others to follow.”

NC Wesleyan is a Division 3 college that went 4-6 last season.

“They wanted me to play football for them and that meant a lot to me,” said Taylor. “I wouldn’t trade anything for the last four years.

WRH o ensive lineman

Daniel Galvin, who signed to play with Division 2 Barton, said Taylor was a quick study, despite getting a late start in football.

“He learned quickly that if he didn’t knock someone down, they’d knock him down,” Galvin said. “He’s a strong hitter who wants to knock your lights out.”

Kinsey Cave

East Duplin, freshman guard

Kinsey Cave was the glue that put together East Duplin’s 24-5 season. The freshman point guard did a little bit of everything for the Panthers, averaging 9.2 points, 4.6 assists, 5.8 rebounds, 2.6 steals and hitting 31 3-pointers. and was ED’s best ball handler, fastbreak leader and press-beater.

“Look at a really good player, and even though she’s a freshman, makes everyone better,” said ED coach Mark Lane. “I think that’s the mark of a really good player. And she led by example – every day in practice. That makes a great player, too.

“Her ability to make long passes and her court vision helped us tremendously. I’m looking it up, but she’s not far o our single-season assist record.

Cave was selected tor the North Carolina Basketball Coaches Association’s third team in District 2. No freshmen were among the top 15.

“Sure, she. needs to work on her shot, free-throw percentage and turnovers, but she’s aware of all that and will work on it. Between her, Zakoya (Farrior) and Sallie (Hatcher) we passed the ball so well.”

EDUARDO

EDUARDO

Panther diamond teams trip ’Dawgs in rivalry games

Tiger girls win two of rst three, two coaches capture rst career victories

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

BEULAVILLE — Wallace-Rose Hill scored four times in the fourth inning to take a 6-3 lead over East Duplin last Friday.

While short lived, the lead was unexpected and encouraging to Bulldog fans, even after the Panthers rallied for three runs in the home-half of the fth frame en route to a 9-6 win.

Zack Brown drove in ve runs with a double and two singles and Baines Raynor and Eli Thigpen added RBI hits.

It looked like a typical EDWRH game early at the Panther posted ve runs in the second inning and led 5-2 going into the fourth.

ED tagged Kaiden Lui for seven earned runs by lacing ve hits and walking six times in three innings.

They racked up three more hits and an unearned run against Hayden Lovette over the course of two innings.

Raynor scattered ve hits over six innings for the win, getting one-hit relief from Cain Graham over the nal two frames as ED improved to 2-3.

Earlier in the week, WRH (2-2) nipped Union 2-1, while ED fell twice to powerhouse and rival Midway.

Raynor (8 for 18) and Brown (6 for 17) have been the top Panther hitters early.

Raynor, Halen Watkins, Shawn Marshburn. Accounted for all six ED hits on Tuesday when ED lost to the Raiders 13-3.

On Thursday, Raynor had two hits, Brown a pair of runs and Graham a run-scoring single in am 8-3 loss to Midway (3-1). But 10 strikeouts didn’t bode well for head coach Brandon Thigpen’s club, the best in Duplin County for eight years running.

This week, weather permitting, the Panthers faced James Kenan, Princeton this week before colliding with ECC foe South Lenoir (3-0) on Friday in

Deep Branch. The Blue Devils have beaten Richalands twice and loop foe Southwest Onslow (1-3).

WRH, which played SWO on Tuesday in Teachey, hosts

James Kenan (3-1) on Friday.

Reid Page drove in a run and Devon Sloan and Khalil Mathsis scored in the bottom of the sixth last Monday during the conquest of the Leopards.

Dallas James went six innings, yielding no hits, while striking out 13 and issuing eight walks.

Lui hurled a scoreless frame and Davis Barnette yielded the lone Lakewood run in the seventh.

Tigers nab rst win in Sutton era

James Kenan (1-3) picked up its rst win in the second week of the season by dashing past Lakewood 11-0 last Thursday.

Cal Avent, Paxton Smith and Brody Batchelor each punched a pair of hits as the Tigers scored three times in the rst and added eight more in the second.

Batchelor limited the Spartans to one hit of three innings, whi ng eight and walking one.

It was the rst victory for rst-year head coach Lee Smith, a former Tiger.

Quiet Wildcat bats

Eighteen hits and 33 strikeouts during a four-game stretch isn’t a recipe for victory. The net result of the low numbers is an 0-4 start for Richlands.

The bright spot is Hayden Turner. The sophomore junior has lashed eight hits in 12 atbats for a .667 average. He hit .260 last season in 18 games. No other Wildcat has more than two hits.

Kissner making the calls for Bulldogs’ baseball program

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

TEACHEY — A former player who turned to coaching just before graduating from East Carolina University is the new Wallace-Rose Hill baseball coach.

Logan Kissner coached 9-10 year olds for three years and was a Bulldog assistant for the past three seasons.

He’s engaged to Tabor City native Makenzie Williams, but long ago had his heart stolen by baseball.

Kissner, 25, is one of the youngest head coaches in the state, but brings high energy and ambitions to the program.

“It needs to return to how competitive we were when I played the game here,” Kissner said. “We’ve already got our players in the weight room and the progress is showing.

Wilis James is his top assistant. “Bubba” coaches the junior varsity squad.

“We’re 2-2 and could be 3-1 or 4-0,” Kissner said. “The goal here is to get our kids to hustle and compete at a high level. We’re getting them to buy in to what we’re saying.”

Kissner re-joined the WRH family after then-head coach Trevor Shock plucked him back to the diamond.

He was one of the last players to play on Duplin County’s American Legion team, which

was run by Tom Teachey for years before it all but moved to East Duplin and under the control of Brandon Thigpen. That team stopped playing in the summer circuit two seasons ago.

Kaiden Lui and Reid Page stand out as key returning starters on a team that went 6-14 last season.

Lui and Page were second-team all-county selections a season ago and Kissner expects more from his top leaders

Lui, a junior, hit .314 with 17 runs and 11 RBI, while Page, a senior, hit .401, scored 26 runs and drove in nine.

WRH graduated its top player, rst-team out elder Xzavier Pearsall (.462).

Lui, who homered in WRH’s opening game, will pitch and play at either shortstop of third base when he’s not on the hill.

“He’s gotten a lot stronger and we’re expecting big things out of him,” Kissner said.

“Our defense runs through Reid. He’s a kid with a lot of potential and just a great individual to work with.”

Junior Caden Gavin will be the everyday shortstop. He hit .194 last season, but has hit safely four times in 10 plate appearances this spring.

“He’s a great kid, the kind who wants to take ground balls after practice,” Kissner said.

Senior Dallas James will also get his turn on the mound for WRH.

Sophomore Hayden Lovette is o to a fast start with ve hits in his rst 12 at-bats.

Yet Kissner stresses WRH baseball has to be sel ess.

“We have ‘unity’ on our jerseys for a reason,” he said. “Yes, we’re a football school. But we can be good at baseball, too. It’s about hustling and being competitive every time we step on the eld.

“Keys to that are throwing strikes, not striking out a lot and playing sound defense. We have to put the ball in play and eld it.”

WRH fell to East Duplin 8-6 on Friday in a game in which Kissner saw his Bulldogs play competitively.

“For me, this job is about building relationships,” said Kissner, who teaches business at the high school, “and getting them to know the expectations. There were a lot of little things we had to tweek and some where we had to make big changes.

“We want to open eyes this season to say, ‘We’re not the same Wallace-Rose Hill as in the past.’”

ble each knocked in a pair and Carley Grace Jenkins was 1 for 3 with an RBI. Noble, who tripled, and likewise scored three times.

Addison Tuck had four of ED’s eight hits in the 10-7 setback to Midway. Noble tripled and scored. Brown added a double and a pair of RBI.

Parker doubled and drove in the lone Panther run in the 4-1 verdict.

Brown gave up four hits, three walks and whi ed six in taking the mound setback. Midway struck for single tallies in the second and fourth to go in front 2-1. The Raiders added two insurance runs in the sixth.

North Duplin shook o its rust from playing basketball to whip James Kenan 16-6 last Friday.

Rebels bump o Tigers in opener

Rebels rst game since playing in the 1A nals last spring.

ND, which returns all but two starters, has a in ux of freshman talent to add to its core.

The Rebels faced 2A South Lenoir and Wayne Christian Academy early this week. They travel to Goldsboro on Friday for a rematch with the Eagles.

Richlands has losses to ECC 2A powers East Duplin, South Lenoir (twice) and unbeaten Clinton (4-0). There could be a dramatic shift this week when the Wildcats take on a pair of winless Pamlico County and Kinston (1-3)

SOFTBALL Panthers drill Bulldogs

Morgan Brown limited Wallace-Rose Hill to one hit on Friday when East Duplin snapped the Bulldogs’ three-game winning streak with a 10-0 knockout punch in Beulaville. The win was the second in ve games for the Panthers, who lost to Midway twice (4-1, 10-7) last week.

Karsyn Parker had two hits, two RBI and scored three times.

Kinsley Bond and Ava No -

JK (3-2) topped Union 6-3 three days earlier behind three hits from Jourdan Joe, an RBI double by Anna Morgan Armstrong and key singles by Shylah Sloan and Lacie Bledsoe.

JK didn’t win its third game until March 23 last season and nished 4-14.

The Tigers tangle with Wallace-Rose Hill on Friday in Teachey.

Crusaders scorch Pats for rst win

Sabrina Batts, Mackenzie Jackson and Izzy Bradshaw each laced a pair of hits as Harrells Christian Academy dumped Parrott 11-0 for its rst win of the season.

Reagan Cannon and Riley Cannon each had a pair of RBI Batts, a formers player at WRH, limited the Patriots to one hit and two walks, while striking out seven during her ve-inning stint in the circle.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA

DUPLIN COUNTY

The undersigned DEBORAH C. BAKER, having quali ed on the

1ST day of MARCH, 2024, as

CO-EXECUTOR of the Estate of WILLIAM REX CARLTON, deceased, of Duplin County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 11TH Day of JUNE, 2024., or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 13TH Day of MARCH, 2024.

DEBORAH C. BAKER, CO-EXECUTOR

718 JOHNSON CH. RD.

WARSAW, NC 28398

Run dates: M13,20,27,A3p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA

DUPLIN COUNTY

The undersigned BRENDA SUE S. CRANFORD, having quali ed on the 8TH day of MARCH, 2024, as CO-EXECUTOR of the Estate of JOHN ALFRED STALLINGS, JR. aka JOHN A. STALLINGS, JR., deceased, of Duplin County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 11TH Day of

EDUARDO PUAC FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

ED catcher Rebecca Beach preserves a shutout for hurler Morgan Brown by punching out WHR’s Maggie Boone.

Former WRH player has worked with players of many levels

EDUARDO PUAC FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

Logan Kissner knows where he wants to take WRH baseball and that the project is more than a one-year job.

Leonard Jerome

Tate

Dec. 22, 1939 — March 3, 2024 (age 84)

ROSE HILL — Mr. Leonard Jerome Tate, age 84, of Rose Hill passed away on Sunday, March 3, 2024 at Poplar Grove Assisted Living in Burgaw.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at the Rose Hill Funeral Home Chapel, 472 Wells Town Road in Rose Hill.

Left to cherish his precious memories: one brother, Albert T. Harris (Lois) of Rose Hill; a host of nieces, nephews and friends that will miss him dearly.

George Chris Noble

March 3, 1951 - March 6, 2024 (age 73)

George Chris Nobles, age 73, of Wallace passed from this life to his eternal rest on Wednesday, March 6, 2024.

Chris was born on March 3, 1951, in New Hanover County and was the son of the late George Ralf and Mary Reves Noble. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Denise Knowles.

Chris attended The Church at Pin Hook when his health permitted.

Surviving is his sister Shana Knowles of Wilmington; two nephews, Jamie Knowles of Rocky Point and Chad Knowles of Vermont. Chris had numerous cousins and friends that loved him dearly, as well as his loving Pen-Du Rest Home family.

Chris was a resident of Pen-Du Rest Home for over 37 years. He loved Christian music, meeting new people and being the center of attention at every event he attended. With just four years of education, Chris was blessed with a great memory. He never forgot anyone’s name and could quote many scriptures from the Bible. Chris was a big part of the PenDu family and will surely be missed.

Funeral services were held on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at The Church at Pin Hook with Pastor David Walker and Reverend Durwood Maready o ciating.

The family had a time of fellowship in honor of Chris prior to the service at the church.

Burial followed the service at Nobles Family Cemetery, 3380 NC Hwy 50, Wallace, NC 28466.

In lieu of owers, please send memorial gifts to The Church of Pin Hook, 1650 Deep Bottom Road, Wallace, NC 28466, Oak Grove Church, 5704 S North Carolina 50 Hwy, Wallace, NC 28466, or Maple Hill Presbyterian Church, 4860 NC Hwy 50, Maple Hill, NC 28454.

Ernie Ray James

Oct. 31, 1954 - March 2, 2024 (age 69)

Ernie Ray James, 69, died on Saturday, March 2, 2024. Graveside service was on Friday, March 8, 2024 at James Family Cemetery, Wallace. Visitation followed the service at the graveside.

Survivors include: son, Ernie James, Jr. of Wallace; daughter, Michelle Bell of Washington, N.C.; sister, Ann Tripp of Gri n; grandchildren, Bradley Daniels, Mason Bell, Bentley Bell and Brady James; special friend, Pat Mobley of Chinquapin; and little buddy, Joseph Wheeler.

Thomas Benton

McNeil

April 6, 1942 - March 4, 2024 (age 81)

Thomas Benton McNeil of Wallace departed his earthly life on Monday, March 4, 2024, while at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare in Wilmington. Born on April 6, 1942, he is the son of the late James Burnice and Eunice Virginia Giddeons McNeil. Also preceding him in death are siblings, Betsy Ann Watson of Bowling Green, Kentucky, Virginia Pernell Pate of Willard, and Penny Brinson of Wallace. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 55 years, Ruth Blanton McNeil of the home; children, Thomas Benton McNeil, Jr. of Katy, Texas, and Suzanne Agee and husband Terry of Martinsville, Virginia; siblings, Greg McNeil of Wallace and Cora Mae Foy of Nine-Mile.

Mr. McNeil was a man known for his smile who enjoyed laughing and joking most all of the time. He loved to work, learn, and read and had a vast wealth of knowledge in many areas, according to family and friends. Using his many talents, he had a passion for woodworking and accomplished a great deal in this arena. He loved helping everyone and would do anything he could to help them. Most of all, love for family was paramount in his life. A service to celebrate is life was set for Friday, March 8, 2024, in the chapel of Padgett Funeral & Cremation Services in Wallace. Family greeted friends at a visitation one hour prior to the service at the funeral home, with interment following the service at Peniel PFWB Church Cemetery in Willard.

Floral arrangements are welcome or please consider a contribution, in his memory, to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare in Wilmington.

Hava Jordan

McRoy

June 29, 1950 - March 2, 2024 (age 73)

Hava Jordan McRoy, 73, died on Saturday, March 2, 2024 in Novant New Hanover Regional Medical Center, Wilmington.

Services are private.

Survivors include: spouse, Charlie McRoy of Beulaville; sons, Andy Hildreth (Chery) of Beulaville, Phillip Hildreth (Jackie) of Richlands, Je rey Campbell (Sarah) of Reidsville; daughters, Gina Canter (Larry) of Winston Salem, Bu y Jester, (Gwen) of Winston Salem; special life long friend, Margaret Burgess; many grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.

Lila Belle (Wells) Cashwell

Aug. 31, 1931 - March 5, 2024 (age 92)

Lila Belle Wells Cashwell of Magnolia, and formerly of Willard, departed her earthly life for her heavenly home on March 5, 2024, while at ECU Healthcare in Greenville. Born on August 31, 1931, she is the daughter of the late Ranford Glendon and Margie Jane Mobley Wells. Also preceding her in death are her husband, James T. Cashwell; daughter, Cynthia (Jamie) Lanier; greatgranddaughter, Krista Ellen Smith; brother, Ranford Wells Jr.; sisters, Ruby Norris, Letha Forrest, and Lillian Posey.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Barbara Smith and husband Oliver and Stephen Cashwell and wife Roxann; grandchildren, Wayne Smith and wife Angela, Stephanie Phillips and husband Donald, Teresa Outlaw and husband Johnny, Alisa Godlock and husband Gene, and Aaron Cashwell; great-grandchildren, Noel Southerland and husband Dillon, Allison Smith, Jamison Outlaw, Leslie Outlaw, Landon Cashwell, Lila Grace Cashwell, and Katelynn Phillips; greatgreat-grandchildren, Krislyn Southerland and Anniston Southerland and special sisterin-law Bessie Wells.

Mrs. Cashwell was a bubbly, spunky, and sweet lady who thought her family was the most wonderful thing on earth. She amazed the younger children in her singing of tunes they had never heard before. She enjoyed reading, sewing, baking, and watching her beloved “Westerns.” There was a special place in her heart for her dogs and cats as well.

A service to celebrate her life was set for Sunday, March 10, 2024, in the Wallace Assembly of God Church, o ciated by Pastor Leo Bracken. Family greeted friends at a visitation in the church prior to the service. Interment followed the service in the Rock sh Memorial Cemetery in Wallace.

In lieu of owers, family requests that contributions, in her memory, be considered to the Wallace Assembly of God Church.

Gregory Chris

Mobley

Sept. 19, 1951 - March 3, 2024 (age 72)

Gregory Chris Mobley, 72, died on Sunday, March 3, 2024.

Services are planned for a later date.

Survivors include: son, Greg Allen Mobley (Tara) of Mt. Olive; daughter, Christy Mobley of Chinquapin; sister, Sherry Norris (Adrian) of Chinquapin.

Margrette Teachey

Kenan

June 2, 1945 - March 5, 2024 (age 78)

Margrette Elizabeth Teachey Kenan, 78, of Teachey peacefully transitioned to eternal rest Tuesday March 5, 2024 at her residence.

Funeral service was Sunday March 10, 2024 at First Baptist Church of Teachey. Visitation was held on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at Hawes Funeral Home Chapel in Warsaw. Interment was at Duplin Memorial Gardens in Teachey.

Jean Allen Judge

Aug. 15, 1940 - March 7, 2024 (age 83)

Jean Allen Judge, 83, of Beulaville laid down the burdens of this world for eternal rest Thursday March 7, 2024 at her residence. Funeral service will be 1:00pm Thursday, March 14, 2024 at Daisy Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Beulaville. Visitation will be at noon to 1 p.m. (one hour prior to service). Interment will be at Daisy Chapel Missionary Baptist Church cemetery.

Gail Marie Cates

Jan. 18, 1966 - March 8, 2024 (age 58)

Gail Marie Cates, 58, of Kenansville answered the Master’s call Friday March 8, 2024 at ECU Health Duplin Hospital in Kenansville. Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Friday, March 15, 2024 at Hawes Funeral Home Chapel in Warsaw. Visitation is noon to 1 p.m. (one hour prior to service). Interment at Middleton Cemetery in Kenansville.

Denise Lynne

Souza

Aug. 3, 1957 - March 4, 2024 (age 66)

Denise Lynne Souza, 66, died on Monday, March 4, 2024 at her home.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Jean Souza and a sister, Roseann Pross Memorial service was held on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at the Historic Assembly Building, 720 Channel Blvd., Topsail Beach. Visitation was held one hour prior to the service.

Survivors include: the love of her life, Ken Hathaway of Atkinson; sons, Isaac J. Sandlin, III of Oregon, Sherman Sandlin of Beulaville; daughter, Amanda Taylor of Atkinson; sisters, Leslie Aguirre of Arizona, Kellie Whitlow of Virginia, Cynthia Souza of Burgaw, Whitney Bradley of Virginia, Ashley Russell of Virginia; brother, Mark Souza of Virginia; and many loving grandchildren.

Todd Harold Barwick

July 10, 1963 - March 6, 2024 (age 60)

Todd Harold Barwick, 60, lifelong resident of the Mount Olive area, passed away Wednesday afternoon, March 6, 2024, after a brief illness.

Most of Todd’s life had been spent on the farm, as he assisted his father and other area farmers, in growing, harvesting, and the hauling of produce and other crops.

Funeral services were held Sunday, March 10, by the graveside in the WellsSoutherland Cemetery in the Rones Chapel community. O ciating was the Rev. Frank Harrison. The family greeted friends at the cemetery after the service, and at other times, they welcomed guests to the home of his mother.

Todd is survived by his mother, Sue Jones, of the Rones Chapel community, Mount Olive; a sister and brother-inlaw, Karen. B. and James Ray Cox of Grantham; another brother-in-law, Nelson Parks, of the Seven Springs area; two nieces, a nephew, and their spouses, and children, Skyler P. and Blake Kearney, Parks Kearney, and Caison Kearney, of the Mount Olive area, Morgan P. and Dex Jackson, and Eliza Jackson and Ever Jackson, of the Mount Olive area, and Ashton and Brittany Cox of Goldsboro. Todd is also survived by his step-mother, Faye B. Barwick, of Mount Olive, along with her children and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Delmas Harold Barwick; and a sister, Jill B. Parks.

Flowers are welcome, or memorial gifts may be directed to Rones Chapel Church, 138 Garner’s Chapel Road, Mount Olive, NC 28365.

WARSAW from page 1

around this town, including the murder that happened a few weeks ago. We can get citizens more involved in understanding what the policing procedures are,” Boykin said.

He emphasized that Warsaw citizens are interested in seeing more citizen input in decision-making for matters of the town.

“Several times, a number of us have mentioned a Citizens Advisory Committee. Yet, we have received no response as to whether or not that’s feasible or whether or not they’re actually being heard other than just talking at this public address,” said Boykin. “We feel that with citizens’ input, that will also help the department and the manager. We can help support their requests for increases in budget for other services.”

Boykin asked for more transparency.

“They all say they don’t have enough money; they want more but if we understand it more as citizens and taxpayers, we can support it. But without knowledge, we can’t.”

He added that if the town was to implement regular performance reports from each service delivery department “on the measures they deem important in their budget,” it would help Warsaw residents understand.

Lori Smith, a local business owner was next to address the board asking them to pass the Duplin County Animal Ordinance for cats and dogs.

“Recently, I contacted the Warsaw Police Department regarding a dog that was tied to a tree with no shelter. Unfortunately, nothing has been done,” said Smith, explaining that the Warsaw ordinance does not include shelter as opposed to the county ordinance which requires food, water, and shelter.

“There is also the issue where stray animals in city limits are not being picked up by the town or the county... this leaves the animals vulnerable ... it puts our community at risk... We pay town and county taxes, and it

is only fair that this service be provided to the citizens in city limits. Please accept the Duplin County Animal Ordinance for cats and dogs because it is the right thing to do, and it protects our animals, and it protects our community.”

After public comment closed, Austin Brinkley with Insight Planning and Development spoke about the Board of Adjustment responsibilities, its composition and made a recommendation for a text amendment to the current ordinance. The amendment would allow for the Board of Commissioners to serve as the Board of Adjustment, removing the planning board from the process, making it more streamlined and reducing the possibility of error.

“The statutes allow for the board to be a separate board of its own composition. It also allows your planning board to serve as the Board of Adjustment. It allows your governing board to serve as the Board of Adjustment. So, your quasi-judicial procedure, the statutes, are really clear about how that procedure has to take place with your advertised notices and the factors that you have to have evidence whenever you vote on it to make those determinations,” said Brinkley.

He explained that while the statutes allow the planning board to be involved in the quasi-judicial process, they cannot use any recommendation from the planning board in their decision.

“They can review it, but you still have to make your decision based on factual evidence,” said Brinkley. “The board making quasi-judicial decisions needs to be the board opening the hearing, having the hearing, and making the decision.”

The board approved the amendment, which Brinkley will present on April 8.

The next item discussed was a seat on the planning board for which they received two applications. Warsaw residents, Terry Brinegar and Richmond Dugger III, sent their resumes to be considered for the threeyear seat.

Mayor A.J. Connor read the recommendation, which was to select Dugger, who served previously as a mayor and with an airport commission. Commissioner Ebony Wills-Wells advocated for Brinegar who was at the meeting.

“She’s very actively involved. She is at a lot of our meetings. I think she should be considered.

I know he is not able to be here for personal reasons, but we don’t have much besides what you have here, as well as not seeing or knowing him,” said Wills-Wells.

The board made a motion to table the discussion until both candidates can be present to speak.

The next item discussed was a motion to adopt the Duplin County animal control ordinance.

Town Manager Lea Turner shared that there will be a forthcoming memorandum of agreement and requested approval so that the county can help them with animal control.

“The agreement just states that we are accepting their ordinance, and we allow the county to come into our town. It’s kind of like the interagency agreement that the police department has such that they are mutual aid to other departments. It will be written very similar to that. It just allows the county to come into our town limits to o er services,” said Turner. “What we’re asking for tonight is just for you to repeal our ordinance, adopt

“This has happened because Duplin County is shorthanded in EMS, and Warsaw happened to be the closest to Kenansville. If something happens, they need more medical aid, the supervisor of the EMS will respond to Warsaw because it’s the closest township to their area.”

Mayor A.J. Connors

their ordinance, and then at the next meeting when I have the memorandum of agreement, we will have that in place…They’ve stated there’s going to be no charges to the town.”

After much discussion, the board decided to table it until they can see what is in the agreement and make a more informed decision.

Lastly, Mayor Connors spoke about Duplin County Emergency Medical Services’ temporary operational changes to ensure paramedics coverage. He explained that this was due to shortages.

“This has happened because Duplin County is shorthanded in EMS, and Warsaw happened to be the closest to Kenansville. If something happens, they need more medical aid, the supervisor of the EMS will respond to Warsaw because it’s the closest township to their area… so that’s the reason we will end up with one individual who is fully trained, and the other one does not have the same certi cation, but he is quali ed to help and do,” said Connors. “A while back there was a rumor that Warsaw would lose EMS and would be shorthanded. That is not the case... We just will not have both individuals who are sitting here waiting to go out on a call have the same medical training.”

For questions about the temporary operational changes, you may call 910-296-2160.

Wesley Boykin speaks to the Warsaw Town Board about citizen policing on March 11 at the Warsaw town hall building.

ENA SELLERS/DUPLIN JOURNAL