Duplin Journal Vol. 8 Issue 41

VOLUME 8 ISSUE 41 | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2023

DUPLINJOURNAL.COM

Duplin Journal THE DUPLIN COUNTY EDITION OF THE NORTH STATE JOURNAL

the

BRIEF this week

Send your letters to Santa Kenansville From now until Dec. 16, letters to Santa can be dropped off at Santa’s personal mailbox in front of the ticket booth at the Duplin Events Center and the best part is he will respond to each letter personally. Letters to Santa can also be mailed to 195 Fairgrounds Dr., Kenansville, NC 28349.

For more details, visit the Duplin Events Center social media.

DJS

Duplin County arrests from Nov. 29 through Dec. 3 Duplin County On Nov. 29, Nadeen Mousa Helou was arrested and charged with communicating threats driving with a suspended license due to an impaired revocation, failure to carry a valid driver’s license, and felony possession of a schedule II controlled substance.

She received a $17,800.00 bond. Francisco Lizardi Vargas was arrested on Nov. 30, on two charges with two counts of misuse of 911 system, two counts of intoxicated and disruptive, and second-degree trespass. He received a $2,500.00 bond. Christian Elijah Kajuan Faison was arrested on Dec. 1 and booked into the Duplin County Detention Center on attempted first degree murder, assault with deadly weapon with intent to kill or inflicting serious injury, possession of firearm by felon, and misdemeanor and felony probation violations. Gregory Scott Taylor was arrested on Dec. 2, for breaking and entering a motor vehicle with theft and misdemeanor larceny.

James Donnell Lewis was arrested on Dec. 3, and charged with resisting a public officer, communicating threats, possession of stolen goods property, and two violations of child support. He received a $5,281.85 bond.

ENA SELLERS | DUPLIN JOURNAL

First responders honored for saving a woman’s life Eleanor Whitfield (orange shirt) embraces first responder Charlie Parrish after presenting Parrish and Tiffany Vansell (left) with Lifesaver Awards on Monday, Dec. 4, in Kenansville. Parrish and Vansell were honored at the December County Commissioners meeting for their actions which saved Whitfield’s life. Turn to page 6 to read the story.

Lt. Gov. Robinson visits Duplin County Vietnam veteran honored at Duplin Veterans First Christmas banquet

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal BEULAVILLE — More than 100 people gathered at East Duplin High School to celebrate the annual Christmas Banquet for Duplin Veterans First, Friday night in Beulaville.

The event, honoring veterans of all branches, featured guest

speakers Hal Weatherman and Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson. The banquet kicked off with a welcome message from Adrain Arnett, founder of Duplin Veterans First. After the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation by Reverend Ray Kennedy, guests lined up to fill their plates and mingle.

Lt. Gov. Robinson, a veteran himself, has been known to visit Duplin County. When asked what draws him to the area, he See ROBINSON, page 3

ABBY CAVENAUGH | DUPLIN JOURNAL

Mayor Hutch Jones, left, and Town Manager Lori Williams, center, helped to swear in new Beulaville Commissioner Tracy Thomas at the board’s meeting on Dec. 4.

Beulaville’s newest commissioner gets straight to work Town increases water/ sewer connection fees

By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal

DJS ENA SELLERS | DUPLIN JOURNAL

From left to right are Veteran Earl Rouse, Representative Jimmy Dixon and Lt. Governor Mark Robinson at the Duplin Veterans First Christmas banquet on Friday, Dec. 1, in Beulaville.

BEULAVILLE - The Beulaville Board of Commissioners bid farewell to longtime Commissioner Kenny Whaley at the regular monthly meeting Dec. 4, and welcomed in new Commissioner Tracy Thomas.

Mayor Hutch Jones presented a plaque of appreciation to Whaley at the start of the meeting, saying, “A plaque does not do you justice, what you’ve done for the town. … At the end of the day,

All aboard! Proposed passenger line could bring two train stations to Duplin Wallace Rail Symposium provides valuable insight

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal WALLACE — The historic Community Center on Wallace’s Railroad Street saw a full house on Nov. 28 as people gathered to learn more about the proposed passenger line between Wilmington and Raleigh.

The event featured a presentation by Eddie McFalls, a consultant with the NC Department of Transportation Rail Division.

Gene Merritt and Steve Unger, both well-known business entrepreneurs, are leading the effort to create public awareness through Eastern Carolina Rail,

a non-profit organization, to promote the return of passenger rail between Raleigh and Wilmington.

The goal according to Unger is to bring at least one passenger train station to every county connecting Wilmington to Raleigh.

“In Duplin we would like to have two. We would like to have one in Wallace, and we would like to have one in Warsaw,” Unger told the Duplin Journal.

And while there is no train station in Warsaw, the town is very suitable because it’s centrally located. A station in Warsaw would service Clinton, Faison, and Kenansville according to Unger.

Among the improvements that would be part of the gener-

al route is restoring the section without tracks from Wallace to Castle Hayne, which is owned by the DOT. The business entrepreneur explained that “a bill that went to the General Assembly, enabled DOT to purchase the right of way from Wallace all the way down to Wilmington for $1 and it preserved the route for future use.”

According to Unger, the bipartisan effort has received support from both Republicans and Democrats. Recently the non-profit received a resolution from Pender County pledging their support.

“Now we are waiting with bated breath on the notification of See PASSENGER, page 6

you always had the town’s best interest [at heart]. It was never about Kenny, in my five and a half years on the board. At no time have I felt like you were in it for yourself.”

“We’ve done a lot of good,” Whaley said, before giving some advice to newcomer Thomas: “My daddy always said, ‘leave stuff in better shape than you found it.’ … To my replacement, I wish you the best, and always remember, it’s not your money; it’s somebody else’s.”

After Thomas and fellow See BEULAVILLE, page 2

“If you think about what it means, not just from a transportation standpoint, but an economic impact, whether that’s passenger rail or freight, I do think that it is just going to add to the growth that we already see coming to our area.”

Wallace Mayor Jason Wells

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Duplin Journal for Wednesday, December 6, 2023

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www.duplinjournal.com North State Media LLC 303 West Raleigh Street, Siler City, North Carolina 27344 Copyright 2023 North State Media LLC

Neal Robbins, Publisher publisher@northstatejournal.com

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Ena Sellers, News Editor ena@northstatejournal.com

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

Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in Duplin County: DEC. 6 x The Faison town board meets the first Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m., at 110 Northeast Center St., Faison.

For more information, call 910285-7564.

DEC. 8 x A Grinchful Christmas free movie night is set for Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. at the Duplin Events Center featuring “The Santa Clause” movie and goodie bags for the children. The event is free. x The Masonic Lodge is having a Barbecue Chicken fundraiser on Dec. 8 at 11 a.m. For more information, call 910-284-3411.

DEC. 9 x Join the Wallace Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade on Dec. 9 at 10 a.m. The parade will begin at the intersection of Lanier and Highway 117 and Norwood Street. x Wallace Parks and Recreation presents Christmas at Clement, Saturday, Dec. 9 at 513 SE Railroad Street in Wallace from 2-6 p.m.

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

BEULAVILLE from page 1

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Duplin Journal

Commissioners Russ Lanier and Byron Thomas were sworn in, the board elected Commissioner Gene Wickline to serve as mayor pro tem, and got down to business.

Several reports from the Public Works Department took up a majority of the meeting, with the commissioners discussing director Ricky Raynor’s equipment needs and the need for a new warehouse, since the current one has become infested with black mold.

“The roof, we had to repair about three months ago,” Raynor explained. “We were hoping that would fix a couple of big holes we had up there. That did not fix it, and it started to leak bad enough inside that it’s getting underneath the tiles and behind the sheetrock, and now I have black mold growing everywhere.”

Raynor has moved to the town

x Downtown Wallace Santa House will open Dec. 9, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Dec. 15, 4-6 p.m., Dec. 16, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., and Dec. 22, 4-6 p.m. x The Carolina Strawberry Festival presents Paint, Eat, and Be Merry on Dec. 9, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. x Batts Family Farm presents Christmas with the Grinch, PJs, and movie night on Dec. 9, 4-6 p.m. For information, call 910284-5280. x The Beulaville Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Christmas Parade will be on Dec. 9 at 2 pm. For information, call 910298-4647. x The North Duplin FFA will host a Chili Cook off on Dec. 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at North Duplin Jr/Sr High School located at 1388 W. NC 403 Highway in Mount Olive. There will be prizes for the top three and people’s choice winners. For more information, call 910-2602285. x Richlands Illuminated Christmas Parade at Richlands High School will be on Dec. 9 at 3:30 p.m.

DEC. 10 x Albertson Christmas Parade will be on Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. Parade route will start at Piney Grove Road.

hall in the meantime, and after much discussion, the board decided to have Raynor and Town Manager Lori Williams gather quotes and more information so that the building can have a permanent fix.

Williams also presented the board with a proposed water and sewer tap schedule. Currently, the town only charges a $300 connection fee, which Williams said barely covers the cost of the meter, let alone the other things required to connect to the town’s water and sewer. She and Raynor proposed that the fee be increased to $1,000 for water and $1,000 for sewer, stressing that this would only affect new customers who want to connect to the town’s system. The town only averages three or four a year, she added.

“This would only affect anyone coming to town and requesting permission to tie in to the town’s water and sewer,” Williams said.

The cost is cheaper when com-

DEC. 11 x The Greenevers town board meets the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m., at 314 E. Charity Rd. For more information, call 910-289-3078. x The Teachey town board meets the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m., at 137 E. 2nd St. For more information, call 910-285-7564. x The Warsaw town board meets the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m., at 121 S. Front St. For more information, call 910-289-3078.

DEC. 12 x The Magnolia town board meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m., at 110 E. Carroll St. For more information, call 910-289-3205. x The Rose Hill town board meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m., at 103 Southeast Railroad St. For more information, call 910-2893159.

DEC. 13 x The Senior Scam Jam and Christmas celebration will be at the Duplin Events Center on Dec. 13 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The event will feature health screenings, music, a crafting station and more. For more

information, call 910-296-2140.

DEC. 14 x The Wallace town council meets the second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m., in the council chambers at 316 East Murray St., Wallace. For more information, call 910-296-0369.

DEC. 15 x Wallace Parks and Recreation presents Kids Night Out on Dec. 15 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at 513 SE Railroad Street in Wallace. Ages 5 to 12. $20 per child, $12 per sibling.

There will be pizza, games, and crafts. This event requires preregistration. For information, call 910-285-2905.

DEC. 17 x Island Creek Baptist Church in Rose Hill will host a Candlelight Service on Dec. 17.

For information, call 910-4638448.

DEC. 16 x A movie night featuring “The Grinch” will take place on the swim beach area at Cabin Lake.

Free hot coco and popcorn will be served starting at 5 p.m.

Showtime is at 6 p.m. For more information, call 910-298-3648.

pared to comparable towns, and had not been increased in “many moons,” she added.

“My daddy always said, The commissioners unani‘leave stuff in better mously approved the increase.

In other business, Police Chief shape than you found it.’

Jamie Rogers followed up on two traffic complaints that had … To my replacement, I been received at last month’s wish you the best, and meeting, one at Kennedy Road always remember, it’s and the other at Kennedy Street.

Upon Rogers’ recommendation, not your money; it’s the commissioners voted unani- somebody else’s.” mously to close Kennedy Road to vehicular traffic. The closure will require a public hearing, which Kenny Whaley should be held next month, Williams said. He will continue to In closing, the mayor pointed study the Kennedy Street issue, out a table he and his wife Kendand work with property owners at ra donated to the town. The table the adjacent Jackson’s IGA, Rog- was made entirely from a pecan ers said. tree that used to sit on the town The commissioners also ap- hall property, and took four or five pointed Lanier to continue to years. serve on the Eastern Carolina “I hope it stays here,” Jones Council, and rescheduled the said. “Everything that’s there is January regular meeting for Jan. from that pecan tree. It turned 8, due to the New Year’s holiday. out great.”

MARRIAGE LICENSES ISSUED IN DUPLIN COUNTY Anita Marie Savage, Register Of Deeds Issued 33 Marriage Licenses In November. They Are As Follows:

x Tina Marie Cope, Mount Olive, and James Edward Alexander, Mount Olive;

x Julia Darby Allen, Winston Salem, and Braxton Reid Bradshaw, Newton Grove;

x Justin Ellis Holland, Warsaw, and Haily Gonzalez-Benitez, Warsaw;

x Terence Bertrand Sykes, Warsaw, and Shannon Marie Brinson, Warsaw; x Francisco Javier Diaz Trujillo, Warsaw and Sonia Sanchez Olvera, Warsaw; x Jimmie Carl Lockamy, Clinton, and Sandra Small Lockamy, Clinton; x Veronica Luna, Mount Olive, and Alexis Aguilera-Huervo, Mount Olive;

x Gilberto Otero, Wallace, and Cynthia Marie Berntson Heinly, Wallace; x Jason Scott Futrell, Beulaville, and Jessica Rosanna Grant Bostic, Beulaville;

x Hannah Gray Price, Mount Olive, and Zackary Lee Heath, Pink Hill; x Justin Ray Daniels, Albertson, and Gina Leigh Pickett, Beulaville; x Sir Dartanon Oshay Wiley, Colorado, and Olha Lytvynenko, Florida; x George Braxton Price, Jr., Wallace, and Elizabeth Ashley Hammonds, Wallace;

x Sophia Jane Furlow, Wallace, and John Walter Newkirk, Wallace;

x Kayla Marie Mintz, Delco, and Jesus Antonio Carreon Reyes, Delco;

x Rixcy Magali Rubio, Beulaville, and Joshua Ray-Rosendo Ybarra, Beulaville;

x Maynard Leroy Tingley, Warsaw, and Terry Joseph Caron Tingley, Warsaw;

x Johnny Ray Edwards, Beulaville, and Amanda Wood Brooks, Chinquapin;

x Hugo Daniel Sanchez Ramirez, Goldsboro, and Jojana Lizeth Munguia Ponce, Goldsboro;

x Osvin Mejia Velazquez, Goldsboro, and Claudia Sofia Diaz Gonzalez, Goldsboro;

x Stephanie Elizabeth Howell, Virginia, and Jonathan Edwin Finley, Virginia;

x Sarah Joy Lee, Wallace, and Graham Dean Johnson, Wallace;

x Logan Jean Campbell, Wallace, and Robert Lee Brown Iii, Wallace;

x Jessica Brook Moore, Kenansville, and Byron Chase Tyndall, Kenansville;

x Joshua Lewis Byrd, Teachey, and Stacy Strunk Corcoran, Teachey;

x Holly Michelle Eubanks, Albertson, and Francisco Bryce Gomez, Albertson; x Abihu Mibsar Mejia Velazquez, Goldsboro, and Sharon Brenda Hernandez Romero; x Abigail Isabelle Fyfe, Chinquapin, and Ryan Joseph Bergeron, Chinquapin;

x Selena Diandra Herring, Rose Hill, and Timothy Tishun andrew Turner, Teachey; x Ella Kate Smith, Chinquapin, and Brendan Payne Bryan, Chinquapin; x Mollie Kate Cavenaugh, Magnolia, and Jake Thomas Register, Magnolia; x Yesica Flores-Garcia, Magnolia, and Alejandro Mendoza Bautista, Magnolia.

Duplin Journal for Wednesday, December 6, 2023

3

Duplin County’s diagnosis: medically underserved There’s a shortage of primary care providers in Duplin County.

So what’s the answer to the problem?

By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal KENANSVILLE - You need only try to make a doctor’s appointment in Duplin County to know that it’s a community that’s underserved when it comes to healthcare. Whether it’s for a runny nose or the f lu or COVID, it can take days and sometimes weeks to be seen by a healthcare provider.

But there are people within the county’s healthcare system who are working to change that.

Cheryl Hooks, for example, was born and bred in Rose Hill, and recently graduated from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill as a certified nurse practitioner.

Unlike many of her contemporaries, Hooks never wanted to live and work anywhere other than Duplin County. She and Dr. Michael Ward are now seeing primary care patients at ECU Health’s Multispecialty Clinic in Kenansville.

A cosmetologist for 20 years, Hooks longed to become a nurse, and finally took that chance. “I always wanted to go back to school to be a nurse practitioner, and be able to serve in that capacity in my community,” she said. “That was always my ultimate goal.”

Though she worked in the emergency room at ECU Health Duplin Hospital for eight years, Hooks’ heart was always in primary care. It will take more people like Hooks for Duplin County to overcome its primary care provider shortage.

“I always wanted to go back to school to be a nurse practitioner, and be able to serve in that capacity in my community.”

Cheryl Hooks, Nurse Practitioner “We see a lot of primary care patients in the emergency room, because we have a shortage of primary care providers,” said Laura Maready, director of marketing and development for ECU Health Duplin Hospital.

“A lot of people, even if they have a primary care provider, because of the fact that there are so few in our county, they get inundated with patients,” Hooks added. “So when they have an acute care need, it’s very hard to get in. A lot of people come into the emergency department with a lot of things that really aren’t emergency care. And you also have a lot of people in the county with no insurance, and they go to the emergency room for that reason.”

Many people also seek primary care at the emergency room, because they’re required to be seen, whether they can pay or not, Maready pointed out, whereas most primary care providers ask for payment up front.

That fills up emergency rooms — and primary care doctor’s offices, as well. With only a handful of primary care doctors in the county, it creates a perfect storm that’s difficult to navigate.

The answer is to be able to successfully recruit more pri-

ABBY CAVENAUGH | DUPLIN JOURNAL

Nurse practitioner Cheryl Hooks speaks with a patient at the ECU Health Multispecialty Clinic in Kenansville. Hooks and Dr. Michael Ward are now seeing primary care patients at the clinic. mary care providers. Though she never wanted to practice anywhere else, Hooks admitted, “It’s just very hard to recruit providers of any kind to rural areas.”

In fact, the multispecialty clinic’s practice manager, Kimberly Villanueva, said it took six years to finally get primary care in place there.

“We’ve been open since 2017,” she said, “and I think we had two applicants, prior to hiring Dr. Ward and Cheryl.”

Hand in hand with the need for more providers is the need for more education of the public.

Hooks said it was important for kids to start learning about healthcare careers in school.

Especially those who are cur-

rently in Duplin County. “I feel like people who are from the area are more likely to stay, as opposed to somebody who’s from somewhere else,” she said.

ECU Health and Duplin County Schools have partnered together to provide the Duplin County Health Sciences Academy, which works to get students familiarized with healthcare, Maready explained.

ECU Health has also started sending various teams into the elementary schools, starting at an even earlier age. Maready said, “I think there needs to be more of that, really. Not only trying to recruit those kids, but to educate them, too, so that they are more aware and

start to think at an early age about how to live a healthy lifestyle.”

Whatever the symptoms of being underserved, the cure is, in effect, education. “I think it’s important for kids … not only educating them, but putting healthcare workers and healthcare providers in front of them,” Hooks said.

“We want to know that there’s someone out there that did it, that came from a similar background that I come from.”

Maready agreed. “In order to increase the number of primary care providers we have, we’ve got to encourage and inspire and make these kids dream that they can do these great jobs, and like Cheryl, want to serve the community.”

ROBINSON from page 1 told the Duplin Journal that he feels Duplin is “going to be part of the epicenter of new growth in the state.

“North Carolina has a fantastic opportunity right now to start growing this economy, from what I like to say from Murphy to Manteo. Duplin County we feel is going to be a big part of that,” said Lt. Gov. Robinson. “There’s a lot of talent here. There are a lot of places here that have room to grow, and we are going to try to make some investments in places like Duplin County to help this state continue to grow and flourish.

We feel like it is a great opportunity to have an epicenter of growth, right here in Duplin County.”

Lt. Gov. Robinson shared that for him responsibility drives success, and his message for the young people of Duplin is to take responsibility for their life, because that is where progress lays. “In the United States it is not about where you start, it’s about where you finish.”

The atmosphere was festive, as busy volunteers peppered throughout the school cafeteria worked diligently to serve the guests. Weatherman was the first speaker to take the floor.

“I want to thank you for what you have done for our country. I want to thank your spouses as well because of the sacrifice that you both made throughout your service,” said Weatherman, as he addressed the crowd.

In his speed he addressed several safety concerns on topics involving state, national and international issues.

After a brief introduction, Lt. Gov. Robinson took to the floor; he was warmly welcomed by a lively crowd.

“We are facing tough times.

But here is the good news, we have faced tough times before.

We stared them down and we beat them back and we won at every turn and the reason we have is because we have had faith in each other. We have had faith in our abilities and above all, we have had faith in God Almighty,” said Lt. Gov. Robinson. “...A lot of people say this is not a Christian nation, that is a bunch of hooey. You cannot start out with God and drop him off halfway and expect to

“This gentleman has given his entire life to service, service to his nation and to his community. He spent time in combat in Vietnam. God blessed him to survive combat in Vietnam and he came home and put his life on the line for his community again as a police officer for 30 years. That is service and that is what we need.”

Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson

ENA SELLERS | DUPLIN JOURNAL

Vietnam Veteran Jerry Autry, was recognized by Lt. Governor Mark Robinson during the Duplin Veterans First Christmas banquet on Friday, Dec. 1, in Beulaville. Autry served two combat tours of duty in Vietnam with the U.S. Army, and spent more than 30 years in law enforcement. reach your destination... The United States of America needs God the same way a Corvette needs 93 Supreme Unleaded gasoline, you cannot run that Corvette on water. You cannot run the United States of America and expect her to keep going without God.” The lieutenant governor encouraged people to speak their truth and to be unafraid.

“A gentleman asked me why I want to be the Governor of North Carolina… Since that time, I thought about it, and I came to the realization that I don’t want to be the governor…

I will go out on a limb and say Hal Weatherman doesn’t want to be the lieutenant governor …

Hal doesn’t want to go to Raleigh and be attacked by the press, have his name dragged through the mud by people who despise him because he is trying to do what is right. Neither do I,” he said, explaining what he believes is wrong with some politicians -- “they want to be politicians… and call them-

ENA SELLERS | DUPLIN JOURNAL

Guests mingle at the Duplin Veterans First Christmas banquet in Beulaville, on Friday, Dec. 1. selves big shots… That is not what we need out of our elected officials. I want to show you what we need out of our elected

officials,” said Robinson as he turned to a table where Vietnam Veteran Jerry Autry, 77, sat and asked him to please stand.

“I just met this gentleman right here. This gentleman has given his entire life to service, service to his nation and to his community. He spent time in combat in Vietnam. God blessed him to survive combat in Vietnam and he came home and put his life on the line for his community again as a police officer for 30 years. That is service and that is what we need,” said Robinson, as the crowd stood up and erupted in applause.

Autry, who served two combat tours of duty in Vietnam with the U.S. Army, spent more than 30 years in law enforcement, first serving with the police departments in Surf City, Burgaw and then with the Pender County Sheriff’s Department.

Robinson concluded his speech, sharing that seeing the strength, resiliency, and determination of ordinary folks is what drives him.

“We work hard in Raleigh to do what we do, but the car does not move if you don’t... You are the engine that drives everything. So, if we work hard in Raleigh, you can rest assured we are doing it for you, because you are the secret to success here in North Carolina.”

The event concluded with an auction and raffle prizes.

Rev. Kennedy said he was proud of his dad, Autry. “It was great to see him given some due honor.”

Duplin Journal for Wednesday, December 6, 2023

4

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

COLUMN | MICHELE WOODHOUSE

NC: Don’t follow socialist Bernie Sanders on pharmacy benefit goose chase PBMs deliver substantial value to the covered employees, saving nearly $800 million in negotiations in North Carolina.

THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THE POLITICS OF EXTREME Left politicians like Bernie Sanders and the North Carolina General Assembly may seem vast, but on one crucial issue, they have come far too close for comfort. Addressing the escalating cost of prescription drugs is a pressing concern for families across the nation, prompting elected officials to show they are working on a solution.

Socialist politicians like Senator Senators have led a campaign using Americans’ anxiety around prescription drug prices to expand the role of government in health care, on the road to Medicare-for-All style total control, by undermining competition, freedom, and choice in the pharmacy benefit market.

This is not a path any conservative in the North Carolina General Assembly should follow, or frankly entertain.

It is essential for our North Carolina lawmakers to grasp the significance of what impeding the market-based role of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) would mean for Tarheel state employers, including small businesses, and for prescription drug costs in our state.

PBMs exist because employers find value in hiring them to leverage scale and market forces to deliver prescription drug savings — savings that help businesses provide quality health care coverage for their workers and drive down their own costs. These vital actors empower employers to craft plans tailored to the unique needs of their employees, serving as indispensable tools in navigating the increasingly expensive health care market. If PBMs weren’t playing a valuable role in the

free market, businesses wouldn’t hire them, period.

Yet politicians like Senator Sanders believe the government knows better than the market and wants to weaken the freedoms PBMs offer employers. North Carolina cannot fall for this sort of big government, anti-market goose chase that promises lower prescription drug costs but would deliver just the opposite.

Going forward, legislators should reject proposals like HB 246, which was introduced in North Carolina earlier this year, that would use government mandates to weaken the competitive pharmacy benefit market. HB 246 plays into the hands of socialists like Senator Sanders and special interests, to the detriment of North Carolina businesses and consumers.

HB 246 represents government overreach at its worst and could have dire consequences for the thousands of North Carolinians who rely on PBMs to afford life-saving prescription drugs. By granting employers and plan sponsors the flexibility to customize their plans, PBMs deliver substantial value to the covered employees, saving nearly $800 million in negotiations in North Carolina alone, according to a recent report.

Contrary to safeguarding these savings, HB 246 proposes an additional $10.24 fee on many prescriptions in support of special interest pharmacies. This legislation’s supporters seem more inclined to invite government intervention into the pharmaceutical market at the expense of patients, rather than fostering natural price reductions through healthy competition.

The principles behind HB 246, involving

government mandates, price-fixing, and selective market interference, align more with far-left radicals like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, than the values held by North Carolinians. Calls to target PBMs and support legislation like HB 246 often emanate from Washington, disregarding pro-business and free-market principles that fuel growth and stability in economies like ours. This raises the pressing question on my mind: why would North Carolina legislators even consider HB 246?

Claims that undermining PBMs will substantially and positively impact the pharmaceutical marketplace lack substance.

A white paper by economist Alex Brill, founder and CEO of Matrix Global Advisors, reveals policies targeting PBMs “do nothing to address drug prices and may raise pharmaceutical spending overall.”

It is imperative that we safeguard tools like PBMs, which save North Carolinians money, rather than subjecting them to misguided scrutiny.

I urge our legislators in Raleigh to delve deeper into the root causes of rising prescription drug costs and support free market policies that effectively address those issues, rather than attacking entities in the market that secure savings for North Carolina patients and businesses.

And I certainly hope they move far away from proposals that mirror the left’s agenda to force our country towards a nationalized, socialist health care system.

Michele Woodhouse is a conservative activist and the former NC11 GOP District Chair.

COLUMN | DENNIS PRAGER

American Jews who worked for a secular America made a fatal error SINCE WORLD WAR II, most American Jews have believed that the more secular American society is, the more secure their status. This has been, as I have argued all of my life, a colossal error. Indeed, it may turn out to be a fatal error.

With the outburst of unprecedented levels of antisemitism, American Jews are living the famous warning: “Beware what you wish for; you just may get it.”

The primary reason American Jews have lived in the most Jew-friendly, even Jew-honoring, country in history is that most Americans have been Christian. But we must make a key distinction here. American Christians have been not just Christian, as Europe was, but JudeoChristian. Nearly all the American Founders were either traditional Christians (i.e., believers in the Christian Trinity) or believers in God but not in the Christian Trinity. Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin fall into this latter category. But almost to a man the Founders were Judeophiles. Indeed, Jefferson and Franklin wanted the seal of the new United States to depict the Jews leaving Egypt.

In an 1808 letter, John Adams wrote about the Jews: “They are the most glorious nation that ever inhabited this Earth. The Romans and their Empire were but a Bauble in comparison of the Jews. They have given religion to three quarters of the Globe and have influenced the affairs of Mankind more, and more happily, than any other Nation ancient or modern.

“I will insist the Hebrews have (contributed) more to civilize men than any other nation. If I were an atheist and believed in blind eternal fate, I should still believe that fate had ordained the Jews

to be the most essential instrument for civilizing the nations...”

It wasn’t just the Founders who appreciated the Jews’ contribution to the formation of the great concepts of Western civilization.

Mark Twain who, though not a religious man, was raised in a religious Protestant home, wrote in 1899, in an essay in Harper’s magazine, “Concerning the Jews:” “The Egyptian, the Babylonian, and the Persian rose, filled the planet with sound and splendor, then faded to dream-stuff and passed away; the Greek and the Roman followed; and made a vast noise, and they are gone; other people have sprung up and held their torch high for a time, but it burned out, and they sit in twilight now, or have vanished. The Jew saw them all, beat them all, and is now what he always was, exhibiting no decadence, no infirmities of age, no weakening of his parts, no slowing of his energies, no dulling of his alert and aggressive mind. All things are mortal but the Jew; all other forces pass, but he remains.

What is the secret of his immortality?”

The only inscription on the Liberty Bell is from the Hebrew Bible, specifically the Book of Leviticus, the third book of the Torah: “Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants thereof.”

Until 1800, you could not graduate from Harvard University without knowing Hebrew. The insignia of Yale University is in Hebrew, depicting the breastplate of the Jewish High Priest.

In a famous study published in the American Political Science Review, Donald Lutz, a professor of political science at the University of Houston,

surveyed the political literature of the American founding. He found that the Bible was cited more frequently than any other work or any other author.

The Bible accounted for approximately one-third of the Founder’s citations. The single most frequently cited work was Deuteronomy, the fifth of the five books of the Torah.

The late great Catholic theologian Michael Novak wrote that the roots of the doctrine that “all men are created equal lie in Judaism, carried around the world by Christians.”

As American society and Americans individually become less religious, i.e., less Christian, the Jews become less significant.

Yet, many, perhaps most, American Jews, have bought — and promulgated — the idea that Jewish security in America lies in secularizing, i.e., deChristianizing, America.

As noted above, I have warned against this dangerous foolishness all of my life. As I said to John Anderson, the former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, on his podcast: “I say this as a Jew... I don’t romanticize Christianity when I say its death is the death of the West. I am rooting for Christianity’s survival as much as you, the Christian, are.”

Look around, my fellow Jews. Are you happy with the results of the secularization of America?

Do you feel more secure? Or less?

I ask you: Is it not obvious that when more Americans attended church every Sunday, America’s Jews were far more secure?

Dennis Prager is a nationally syndicated radio talkshow host and columnist.

Duplin Journal for Wednesday, December 6, 2023

5

PERSON ON THE STREET: SMALL BUSINESS

Local business owners talk about day-to-day challenges James Sprunt Community College hosts Small Business Expo

By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal KENANSVILLE -- James Sprunt Community College’s Small Business Expo on Nov. 30 presented the perfect opportunity for local business owners to reflect on the highs and lows of operating a passion project in Duplin County. The expo brought together local vendors to showcase their products and services to the community at large. The Small Business Expo was sponsored by JSCC’s Small Business Center, which offers free services like counseling and business courses, as well as opportunities to network with fellow small business owners.

At the Small Business Expo, the Duplin Journal asked some local business owners about the challenges they face day to day.

JOY WYNNE

TRACEY SIMMONSKORNEGAY

ANDY DOWLESS

MARANDA HEATH

SONIA FAISON

SALLY HARDISON

ing to see more small businesses go to an online basis, because it cuts down on costs like utilities, rent, employees.”

employees, the better off you are.”

Access responded:

Maranda Heath, Handmade

by Maranda responded:

Andy Dowless, Dowless Peach Orchard responded:

“[The biggest challenge is] probably space. For a small business like us, there’s not a brickand-mortar space. We don’t have a farmer’s market like they have in Kinston and other cities. I work out of my house, because I’m a full-time mom with three kids, so that works for me. But having more places to sell products would be great.”

“[My daughter Ayliah] has got to get her business out there more. I think that’s a challenge.

She’s part of a team called Build a Boss, where they help young business owners promote themselves. It’s an awesome program she’s in.”

Joy Wynne, director of JSCC’s Small Business Center responded: “Duplin County is geographically large, with several pockets of communities and towns, so I would say small businesses have challenges connecting with other small businesses. We rely heavily on social media and it’s not the be-all, end-all of running a business. I would really like to see a Duplin County small business network, because that would be a mindset where small businesses can be a part of their community, get known, and be promoted for their services or products.

They could learn together how to attract customers not only from Duplin County, but from across the region.”

Tracey Simmons-Kornegay, whose daughter Madison runs 596 Designs by Madison, responded: “[The biggest challenge is] the economy. That’s why you’re start-

“It’s different for farmers, I think. Right now, our major limitation is labor, finding folks who want to do farm work. I am 50 years old, and I have two employees. One is 43 and one is 62, so we’re not exactly young. I’ve started offering retention raises every year, to help keep employees on board. And I also think the more training you have for

Sonia Faison, whose daughter Ayliah runs Ayliah’s

Sally Hardison, Sally’s Sweets, responded: “Funding is the biggest challenge. I work out of my house, but I also have a full-time job. I advertise on social media, but that’s about all I can do.”

Duplin’s unemployment rate increases slightly in October Raleigh Duplin County’s nonseasonally adjusted unemployment rate was up 0.2% from the previous month, but down 0.3% from the same time period last year.

For October, Duplin’s not seasonally adjusted rate was 3.4%, compared to 3.2% for September 2023, and 3.7% in October 2022.

That translates to 835 individuals receiving unemployment benefits in October, out of a labor force of 24,727.

The N.C. Department of Commerce released the latest county statistics on Thursday, Nov. 30. Unemployment rates increased in most of North Carolina’s counties, 84 total.

Scotland County had the state’s highest unemployment rate, 5.9%, while Swain County had the lowest at 2.6%. Duplin’s 3.4% rate places the county 52nd, right in the middle of North Carolina’s 100 counties.

“It is important to note that employment estimates are subject to large seasonal patterns,” the N.C. Department of Commerce stated.

“Therefore, it is advisable to focus on over-the-year changes in the not seasonally adjusted estimates.”

The next unemployment update is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 22, when the statewide unemployment rate for November 2023 will be released.

Got local business news? Let us know about any grand openings, new businesses, noteworthy achievements, or upcoming events, and we’ll share it with the community here. Email Features/Business Editor Abby Cavenaugh at abby@northstatejournal.com.

The Duplin Journal reserves the right to edit for content, brevity, and clarity.

ABBY CAVENAUGH | DUPLIN JOURNAL

Warsaw community joins Front Street merchants for a little Christmas Cheer Warsaw Mayor A.J. Connors welcomed Santa Claus to town on Saturday night, Dec. 2, at Dream Works Fitness Center. Following a greeting from Santa, the mayor and Santa led a countdown to light the town’s Christmas tree, a towering magnolia. Santa’s arrival topped off a day of festivities in Warsaw, which also included arts and crafts for the kids, food trucks, and various Front Street shops offering deals.

TOWN OF WALLACE | RE-ADVERTISEMENT

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS: CLEMENT PARK COMMUNITY CENTER RENOVATIONS Notice is hereby given that the Town of Wallace is requesting bids for renovations to the Clement Park Community Center. Sealed bids will be received at Town Hall, 316 East Murray Street Wallace, NC 28466

until 2:00PM on December 6, 2023.

Bid specifications and requirements are available online at www.wallacenc.gov/bids-and-rfps The Town reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

6

Duplin Journal for Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Two local first responders honored with Lifesaver Awards

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal KENANSVILLE — Monday, Dec. 4 was a joyful night at the County Commissioners meeting in Kenansville, as two emergency responders were recognized for their actions which saved the life of a woman who was having a heart attack.

“One of the main reasons we get into EMS is to ultimately save a life,” said Mark Casey, Duplin County EMS training officer, as he addressed the crowd. Casey shared that in his six years with the organization this was the third time he had the honor to present a survivor of cardiac arrest to the Board of County Commissioners.

“In late September, we responded to a mutual aid call in Onslow County for an individual experiencing chest pain,” said Casey, explaining the crew arrived and identified that the patient was having a heart attack. “While the crew was loading the patient into the ambulance, the patient went into cardiac arrest…”

First responders, Tiffany Van-

PASSENGER from page 1

sell and Charlie Parrish’s timely action working the cardiac arrest and transporting the patient to the hospital ultimately saved her life.

“I am so blessed and just tickled to death that this lady is here with us tonight to present our crew with their Lifesaving Award,” said Casey, as he introduced Eleanor Whitfield of Richlands. “(She) survived not only a heart attack, but also a cardiac arrest…”

County Commissioner Dexter Edwards thanked Vansell and Parrish for their actions.

“I personally want to thank both of y’all from the bottom of my heart. We very seldom get the chance to let you know how much we really appreciate what you do,” said Edwards. “I see this young lady standing over there in orange and I see the smile on her face, I see the concern and care from her family. We are all so grateful. Thank you and we thank God for his blessings and thank this God that allowed these two ladies to be trained, be there and be prepared and for helping you through the process because he is not done, you got something left

Thank you and we thank God for his blessings and thank this God that allowed these two ladies to be trained, be there and be prepared and for helping you through the process because he is not done, you got something left here on this earth and we thank him for you ...”

ENA SELLERS | DUPLIN JOURNAL

County Commissioner Dexter Edwards

Eleanor Whitfield (center) is pictured between first responders Tiffany Vansell and Charlie Parrish after presenting them with their Lifesaver Awards on Monday, Dec. 4 in Kenansville. They are pictured alongside Whitfield’s family, members of EMS and the Board of County Commissioners.

here on this earth and we thank him for you for this opportunity.”

Whitfield told the Duplin Journal that she was incredibly grateful for Vansell and Parrish.

“I’ve had about five spells before and I thought it was indigestion and someone had mentioned to me that it might be my heart and it came to my mind and that’s

why I called my daughter and she called EMS,” said Whitfield.

“Thank God those two came.

They did it.”

Parrish, who has been with the county EMS for a bit over two years, said this doesn’t happen very often. “So, when it does happen, we try to celebrate the good things that happen,” said Parrish.

“It’s an awesome feeling because normally it’s a different outcome,” said Vansell.

Parrish and Vansell said that timely CPR and everyone staying calm through everything was key.

“It not only helps us as a crew when people around are calm, to do our jobs, it helps the family too and the patient.”

outlet for freight traffic. CSX was going to pull up the tracks here the $500,000 initial grants. We and they said, well, if you can should have a major announce- guarantee it’s getting used once ment on that as soon as it comes a month, we will leave the tracks down,” said Unger, adding he in. Well, there is a lot of train hopes to find out about the fund- traffic right now and a lot of it is worked out very well with the ing before the end of the year.

“For years and years, we heard growth of agricultural interests. the rail might be coming back,” So, the line won’t be exclusivesaid Wallace Mayor Jason Wells, ly for passenger rail. It will also who remembers as a kid hearing serve the business interests of the train approaching and run- the entire area.”

The event kicked off with Unning down the street to see it. “I think this is the closest we have ger thanking the Town of Walbeen to making that a reality. If lace for hosting them. He spoke you think about what it means, about the organization and what not just from a transportation their goals are.

“In Duplin County we are standpoint, but an economic impact, whether that’s passenger advocating for two, since Walrail or freight, I do think that it’s lace sits on the border of Pender just going to add to the growth County, preliminarily Warsaw that we already see coming to would be a centrally located train stop, because you have got our area.”

The 134-mile route from the county seat Kenansville on Wilmington to Raleigh is a the other side. You’re not that 7-to-12-year project that would far from Clinton,” he added, include stations in Wallace, explaining that further north, ENA SELLERS | DUPLIN JOURNAL Warsaw, Goldsboro, Selma, and Goldsboro has a train station Clayton. The last train that car- and an intermodal bus station Eddie McFalls, a consultant with the NC Department of Transportation Rail Division made an ried passengers between Wilm- that could be used in the mean- informational presentation about the plans for a passenger rail between Raleigh and Wilmington. ington and Raleigh was in 1968. time. “Selma has a refurbished “The next set of money, 10% historic Amtrak station with alreally, we are trying to generate make it happen.” has to come from a source other ready some Amtrak trains going a whole network for people to be McFalls answered questions than the federal government and through.” able to get beyond just Wilming- from the public and explained “The actual completion of Merritt, a Rose Hill native finally, the construction costs are ton. We submitted all these cor- that the communities are going based on 80/20, that’s certainly who led the organization that the Raleigh and Wilmington ridors into the program, and we to have the primary input. doable, especially if we have po- spearheaded the Benson-Wilm- Railroad would be the are waiting to hear back. This is “Conceptual functional enlitical support from both par- ington extension of I-40 was supposed to be a program that gineering is going to have a lot next to address the audience. He greatest thing that ever ties,” said Unger. is going to develop a pipeline of of coordination with the towns, The train would take less than spoke about his roots and how happened to the North projects.” and rural planning organizathree hours to go from Raleigh this movement reminded him of He explained that the pro- tions,” said McFalls. “All that to Wilmington, traveling be- pushing for the I-40 extension Carolina State Ports gram would provide up to half stuff would feed into what the tween 70 and 80 miles an hour. “we came to Burgaw and Wal- Authority to give them a a million per quarter of Federal public benefits are versus what They are looking at three trains lace, had all the places more or money to scope what the ser- the costs are, and the operating decent route which they a day –morning, afternoon, and less along the route and made vice should be. “What endpoints costs. evening. “The only big part of speeches about how we needed don’t have at this time.” should connect, what general He explained that the service the project, other than laying the highway,” he said excitedcorridors we need to evaluate, development plan is the first down tracks, is that we will have ly as he reminisced about the how fast it needs to go to make deliverable that’s going to give to build a new rail bridge over past and contemplated the pos- Gene Merritt, it marketable and things of that them a good sense of all the dethe Northeast Cape Fear River,” sibilities of the future with the Eastern Carolina Rail nature,” he added. tails like “where we are stopping, Unger told the Duplin Journal. growth of passenger rail service McFalls explained that after a what communities are connect“That bridge was built in 1914 on the upswing. Merritt encour- opment folks. scope is defined, a service devel- ing, how much infrastructure is “I think the Raleigh to Wilm- opment plan that is 90% federal- it going to take? “What kind of and while it’s functional, it’s cer- aged participants to embrace the ington service has tremendous ly funded would ensure there is equipment do we need to make tainly not functional for 75-mile cause.

“The actual completion of the potential from passengers, with enough infrastructure. He spoke a facility,” etc. Then the environper hour trains.”

Unger explained that with Raleigh and Wilmington Rail- freight benefits too,” said Robin- about each stage of the process. mental document in accordance no airplane flights connecting road would be the greatest thing son. “I think it could be as suc“Until you have the environ- with the National EnvironmenWilmington and Raleigh, this that ever happened to the North cessful as the current Piedmont mental documentation, you real- tal Policy Act would determine Carolina State Ports Authori- train service… between Raleigh ly don’t have a final decision on environmental impacts, human fills a need.

“The last one was back when ty to give them a decent route and Charlotte. But again, based the corridor. We can talk about impacts, natural impacts and Piedmont was flying propellers, which they don’t have at this on that experience, you really the recommended route… but see what those impacts are. so you can go from Wilmington time,” Merritt said, adding that need to involve a lot of business- until you have gone through that The group stated that resumto Charlotte, Chicago or Wash- it is his belief it would be great people, economic development full process and identified all the ing passenger trains on this corington, DC, but you can’t fly to for the Town of Wallace and the bureaus and all those folks that historic district issues… all the ridor could be done within the have a different perspective of community issues and all the next decade. state of North Carolina.

Raleigh,” said Unger.

Doctor David Robinson with what this can mean to the com- preferences and things like that, “Part of it is this will also open For many locals, the train “is up Duplin County and Wayne the Carolina Association of Pas- munity.” you don’t have a final decision,” a reminder of better days and McFalls opened his presenta- McFalls said.

County freight to Wilmington senger Transportation was next childhood memories.” and give the safe port another on the line up. He emphasized tion talking about the projects Unger added that the reason “I think, at least for some of way to get stuff out of town. So, the importance of involving trav- developed to have a positive im- we have rails in Duplin County us, that’s reason enough to get this will also serve as the second el, tourism and economic devel- pact on the economy. right now is because there is suf- excited,” said Mayor Wells. “But “That’s important as we’re try- ficient usage by freight custom- at the same time, Southeastern ing to develop in this case a pas- ers.

North Carolina is growing a lot sive rail network that also can “It kept those rails from being and that’s just going to add to have some freight benefits,” said pulled up and so we are thank- that, as more and more folks McFalls. ful, and we know that this could look to move to the southeast.”

“We’re trying to connect be of usage… We are also talking Currently Wallace is looking Wilmington, Goldsboro, Wal- about it being a green form of at about 1200 homes that are lace, you know towns like Clay- transportation.” coming. “Obviously, there’s inton, Raleigh… we’re trying to According to Unger there is creased traffic and things like connect those centers together.” economic benefit to all the towns that. You also have to think McFalls explained that train on the route. about Emergency Management ridership in the state is grow“It’d be an economic generator Services with Fire and Rescue ing. “That’s why it’s a good time for Wallace. Anywhere the trains and police, they mentioned earfor some of these other federal come and go, it helps redevelop- lier tonight the potential that a programs to come online and ment, helps real estate develop- train may come and may stop for to take advantage of them,” Mc- ment, and helps the quality of 4 to 5 minutes, but we are early Falls said, explaining that they life in those towns. Most of the enough in the planning stages. submitted 12 corridors for con- towns identified along this route If we get the funding, we can sideration for the Porter Identi- wouldn’t even exist if there had take all those things into confication Development program. not been a railroad. So, this is sideration, as long as we’re all ENA SELLERS | DUPLIN JOURNAL “Some are multi-step cor- like a second shot in the arm to communicating and working toridors like Charlotte, DC and the economy for this area and it’s gether with the local community.

Steve Unger with Eastern Carolina Rail, a non-profit North Carolina. I can go to our job to help promote it and to I think we will be fine.” organization, takes about a proposed passenger line between Charlotte or transfer trains and see that it’s done in a timely fashWilmington and Raleigh, on Tuesday, Nov. 28 at the historic To learn more, visit https:// Community Center in Wallace. maybe go out of the northeast, so ion and that we’re there to help www.easterncarolinarail.com/

SPORTS Byrd’s Rebels want to fly up and down the court New additions, returnees give ND coach more depth and options

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

MICHAEL JAENICKE | DUPLIN JOURNAL

Veteran coach Taylor Jones should have the Tigers competitive in the East Central 2A Conference, which includes favorite Kinston.

Tigers back on the prowl Growth and unity keys to progress for James Kenan

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal WARSAW — James Kenan basketball coach Taylor Jones said his team was poised during the preseason, a confidence that doesn’t normally come after a 6-17 campaign.

The veteran coach watched patiently in 2022 when one bad event, often an injury, led to an-

other loss.

Yet Jones liked both the process and the potential of his sophomore-heavy team. He knew the cream would come to the top, even a few days into JK’s official practice this fall.

“These guys are playing confident, as if they know they’re good enough to compete with anyone on our schedule,” he said.

It took one game to prove that to the prep world as JK recovered from a 21-point deficit last Tuesday to beat Southern Wayne 6460 in its opener in Dudley.

“Last year we relied on a lot of guys that had never done what we were asking them to do,” Jones said. “We were young, inexperienced and at one point starting four sophomores and a freshman. And we got to the point where were on our fourth point guard.”

The win over the 3A Saints could be the tip of the iceberg for the Tigers, who return a ton of speed, more seasoned players and depth, since Jones often platooned five-player groups.

And while the Tigers’ record

was horribly bad, their games were almost always competitive.

“We had 15 practices to focus on just us, work on getting into a groove, which is hard for teenagers without playing games,” Jones said. “I love our energy.

“We’re going with an eight-tonine man rotation. I think part of our confidence comes from experience. These guys played in some tough games.”

Wilson leads the show Point guard Tyquise Wilson starts the show for JK, which has a handful of guards and forwards who can shoot, drive to the iron, See JK HOOPS, page 9

Bulldogs seek identity after loss of James “They’re a good group to coach.”

Coach Ervin Murray

Bulldogs reload behind Brown, Lamb, Boney, Scarborough

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal TEACHEY – When one of the best players in a school’s recent history graduates, moving forward can be difficult.

Wallace-Rose Hill’s rebuild following the loss of Jalen James – two-time Player of the Year in Duplin County – is without a doubt a challenge. The ’Dawgs also graduated Josh Love, also a firstteam player on Duplin’s Elite all-county team.

But head coach Ervin Mur-

ray, who guided WRH to a 2A state title in 1998, is enthusiastically working with the latest talent pool to build a team.

“They’re a good group to coach and we should be decent, but right now there are a lot of unknowns, and we are finding our personality,” said Murray, who has captured Duplin’s top coach award the previous two seasons and shared it another time.

“I don’t know how the new kids will show up in a game setting.”

Brown, Lamb bring speed Two returnees — Irving Brown and Jamarae Lamb — from last season’s 12-10 club are somewhat known See WRH HOOPS, page 8

New blood stirs the pot ND had a strange 2022 campaign, which started with four straight wins and spiraled downhill to a 9-15 ending. Most games were out of reach early as the Rebels never got on track.

Two transfers – Micah Lesesane and Dylan Tyndall -- add significantly to the lineup.

Lesesane is a 6-foot-3 junior to clog up the paint, while Tyndall is a versatile 6-0 senior.

“They make us long and lengthy,” Byrd said, “especially with the other guys we have.”

The frontcourt is sturdy on one side with 6-3 sophomore Trashawn Ruffin, who played plenty last season, plus 6-foot junior Branson Martin.

And Thomas Morrisey, a 6-1 forward, brings experience and another wide body in the paint.

Armwood ready for round four

MICHAEL JAENICKE | DUPLIN JOURNAL

Ja’Corey Boney and Irving Brown play key roles for WRH.

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

910-290-2194

CALPYSO — Two new ready-for-prime-time arrivals.

A four-year returning starter who can scorch the net from near and afar.

A solid shooting guard who emerged last winter.

While North Duplin coach Jeff Byrd’s squad has hoops abilities, the Rebel’s schedule is filled with strong 1A and 2A foes.

“It will get us prepared for conference play,” said Byrd, whose team faces 2A James Kenan and East Duplin (twice each), plus Wayne Christian, and will play in the University of Mount Olive Winter Classic that features 2A and above schools.

“It’s a pretty decent schedule,” Byrd said. “It’s going to help us.”

North Duplin’s 1989 1A state championship player added, “We have more depth this year and we’ll play a little more up-tempo.”

facebook.com/SimpsonRE

Curt Simpson, Broker in Charge

Yet getting Dujuan Armwood back is also key to the Rebels’ fortunes. Armwood See ND HOOPS, page 9

8

Duplin Journal for Wednesday, December 6, 2023

McKoy-led Crusaders prime for banner season Harrells Christian has talent to contend for league title

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal HARRELLS – Harrells Christian Academy plays elite basketball teams in the North Carolina Independent School Athletic Association.

The Crusaders more than held their own last season in going 20-6, even while charting a 2-4 mark in Big East conference play.

The league has changed, but coach Clayton Hall’s club will still be a factor this winter.

HCA is off to a 5-3 beginning.

The Crusaders return every valuable piece of their puzzle, sans point guard Ethan Spell.

“We’re young and we have to improve,” Hall said. “The biggest problems are 3-point shooting and defensive rebounding. We can overcome those, but they are points of emphasis.

“I’m not over the moon about our play right now, but I’m also not down in the dumps.”

There’s plenty of room for optimism in the Cru’s house.

It starts with 6-foot-2 Antonio McKoy, who averaged 17.4 points and 6.5 rebounds last season, but has upped his production to 22.4 through seven games.

“He’s a special player,” Hall said of his shooting guard/small forward. “Offensively, I’ve never had such a talented player. He’s got Division 1 offers and is probably going to explode a little this season. He plays at CP3’s (NBA great Chris Paul’s) camp and that in itself says a lot.”

Look for the offers to pile up for McKoy as he’s only a sophomore.

His cousin, Dashaun McKoy, might be HCA’s second-best scoring threat. And the 6-4 sophomore can rebound, too.

He averaged 13.7 points and

8.5 boards last season.

“He’s an incredible athlete,” Hall said. “Sometimes I just want to see him play instinctually and just play hard, which he does. He can really get after it.”

Another returnee is Zicareian McNeil, who has raised his average from 10.0 points to 14.3 this season. Yet the junior is a bull on the defensive end.

“He’s probably our best onball defender,” Hall said. “He’s got a good motor and helps on offense.”

Seniors B.J. Bennett and Samir Gibbs bring more experience to the court.

“Samir understands the game better than anyone on our team,” Hall said. “He can be a special player and make a big difference if he shoots the ball well.

“B.J. is a role player that means so much to us. He fills a void being our fourth or fifth scorer.”

HCA is waiting for forward J’Kaeshi Brunson to return to form after an ACL injury in football. When healthy the sophomore provides additional muscle.

Other key contributors include forwards Jonathan Fillyaw and Hakeem Murphy and guards Coley Sasser and Collin Cole.

“We had some tough early games,” Hall said.

Indeed, HCA’s losses were against quality foes, and close -- Trinity 56-53, New Life Chrisitan, a 44-42 and Greenfield 69-66. Only in its opener did the Crusaders not fight hard and to their potential, a 91-63 setback to Cape Fear Christian on Nov. 14.

Look for HCA to show its fire power when league play begins.

The rest of the conference includes Faith Christian (Fayetteville), Rocky Mount Academy, Oakwood (Greenville), Halifax (Roanoke Rapids), powerhouse Fayetteville Academy, and KerrVance Academy (Henderson).

HCA’s Antonio McKoy has been getting offers to play Division 1 basketball.

MICHAEL JAENICKE | DUPLIN JOURNAL

Experience-short Panthers bond early during rebuild ED roster has one senior, core of upstarts

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal BEULAVILLE – East Duplin’s unexpected second-round bounce from the 2A football playoffs gave boys basketball coach Blake Lanier more practice time than normal.

Lanier – the former point guard on ED’s 2009 2A East Regional finalist and also a player at Methodist University – needs the time since the roster has just one returning player with experience.

And that player – Jeremiah Judge – was on the floor “only a good one-third of the time,” said his coach.

“Believe it or not, we’re a little more together because of football,” said Lanier, who was Duplin’s Elite Coach of the Year in his first season on the bench. We have some guys really excited to be here.”

Judge will play point guard but also swing to the two-slot in the backcourt at times.

“He has knowledge and experience and can be a leader,” Lanier said. “ He’s really quick and can bring it on the defensive end. He’s gotten a lot better and matured in the offseason and is making good decisions.”

His backcourt mate will often be Zack Ball, a 6-foot-2 sophomore.

WRH HOOPS from page 7 quantities, though both may be more famous as running backs.

While both were honorable mention selections the combined athletic talent and maturity of both is invaluable to WRH this season.

Brown rarely made a mistake and did a little bit of everything – score, rebound, play defense.

“He’s a heck of an athlete,” said Murray of the junior who has rushed for more than 3,200 yards in two seasons. “He slashes and runs the floor and is strong and fast. We need his intangi-

Jeremiah Judge is the lone Panther with varsity experience.

“He was very consistent over the summer,“ Lanier said. “He had a great camp at N.C. State.

But like Jeremiah, he has to remain aggressive.”

Calvin Harper, a stud on ED’s football D-line, likewise has a role in the guard rotation.

Post players Jordan Hall and Garrett Johnson, and swingman Jacorey Davis will be counted on heavily.

Luke Hughes, Sedrick Lawson and Brandon Scarborough will vie for minutes. Shawn Davis, who broke his collarbone in football as the Panthers’ top running back, could help later in the season.

Lanier expects Kinston to rule the ECC, with Southwest Onslow returning most of its 2022 roster and in the mix.

“The key for us is being disciplined and executing, having everyone know and do his job, not having our guys try to do things that look good,” Lanier said. “A lot of basketball players don’t know a lot about basketball and teamwork.

“I think the (extra) time we had has made our chemistry better than last year (when ED had a mid-December ending to its football season). We’re inexperienced, but we’re putting forth the kind of energy we need early on.”

ED went 8-13 overall and 6-7 in ECC play last season. Its best win came by beating Wallace-Rose Hill to avenge two previous setbacks to the Bulldogs.

bles and scoring in transition.”

Lamb’s freshman season put a twinkle in the eyes of his coach, who played four seasons at Wake Forest and started on the Deacons’ NIT finalist as a junior.

“No doubt he had a good football season and he had a great freshman season,” Murray said.

“He’s an athlete who has worked on his shooting and has a better understanding of how fast and hard you have to play to win.

But, yes, he can fly.”

Boney, Scarborough provide leadership Seniors Ja’Corey Boney and

MICHAEL JAENICKE | DUPLIN JOURNAL

Ka’Shawn Scarborough will be counted on big-time.

“Ja’Corey had a good pre-season, and is an active and a much-improved shooter,” Murray said. “We need his defense and leadership.

“Scarborough is pretty healthy and versatile. He rebounds well and can step out and shoot a 3 and knock down mid-range shots. We need his fire, and also his leadership.”

Sophomore Matthew Wells got a fair share of playing time last season, and will play a bigger role, especially when he’s called on to hit a long-range

bomb.

“He’s gotten stronger and should know what to expect now,” Murray said. “He’s been shooting the ball very well.”

Devon Sloan, a sophomore coming off a solid football season, will be asked to step up.

“We need him to take stuff from practice to the game,” Murray said. “He finished the year off pretty well last season.”

Junior Jerard, who Murray calls, “a hustler and a willing worker,” also has an iron in the firepower of WRH. Classmates Jamari Shaw, Dexter Moses, Khalil Mathis and Marlo Harris

hope to make contributions.

WRH won’t have a tall team, so rebounding is an issue again this season” said the coach. “But the athletes are on the roster who can use talent and technique on the glass and defensively.

“We can be as good as we want to be,” Murray said. “A level of commitment has must be there. Basketball is a skill sport, so that has to be worked on. And it’s also a team sport.

“We gave a lot of players game-time experience last year, which can be hard when you’re trying to win.”

Duplin Journal for Wednesday, December 6, 2023

FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW

Top teams look to wrap up titles in final

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Top teams look to wrap up titles in final

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal CLINTON – Amaris Williams’ future in college football is as a defensive player.

But last Friday it was the senior’s offense that paced Clinton past Northeastern 36-22 in the East Region final.

The Florida University recruit ran for four touchdowns as a “fill-in” for RB Josiah McLaurin (1,170 yards, 27 TDs), who has been out of the lineup due to an injury since the second round.

Clinton (14-0) plays West champ Reidsville (14-1 ) at 7 p.m. at NC State’s Carter-Finley Stadium for the 2A title.

Williams ran for two of Clinton’s first three scores to push the lead to 22-9 at halftime.

“I like to run the ball and our h-back and fullback were blocking great for me,” Williams said.

“We’ve got three dogs on that D-line so I knew we’d be OK,” Williams said. “Our guys stepped up and we do what it takes.”

The 6-foot- 3, 265 pounder’s 12-yard score in the third quarter all but put the game away.

Clinton is seeking its sixth state crown, having won it all in. 1990, 1996, 1997, 2001 and 2005.

The Dark Horses are 5-4 in title games, going 1-3 in the subdivision era and 4-2 after it.

They lost to Shelby in. 2014 and Cummings in 2006.

Reidsville is seeking its 20th state flag. The Rams lost 2421 to East Duplin in the 2022 final and to Wallace-Rose Hill in 2017. But Reidsville is 9-3 in the finals since 2022.

The Rams thumped Mountain Heritage 35-6 in the West final.

Hoggard mows down former champ It was all about defense when No. 3 Hoggard shutdown

No. 5 Cardinal Gibbons 41-20 in the 4A. final in Wilmington.

The Vikings (14-1) limited the Crusaders to one first-half score to go in front 31-7 at halftime, and then gave up.

Cardinal Gibbons captured the 4A title two years ago.

Tamear Webb (16-60, 3.

TDs) and M’Kel Bellamy (22-6 7, TD) provided the scoring for.

Hoggard, which, plays West champ Weddington at 3 p.m. at Carter-Finley on Saturday.

Hoggard’s only state title came in 2007 when it rolled over Mount Tabor 28-0.

Weddington (13-2) won its only title by beating Northern Guilford 14-7 in 2014. The Matthews-based school lost in the finals in 2016, 2018 and 2019.

A pair of unbeaten No. 2 seeds vie for the crown in 3A, as Fayetteville’s Seventy-First knocks heads against Hickory in the nightcap game at UNC’s Kenan Stadium.

No. 1 Tarboro (13-0) and Mount Airy square off in the noon kickoff in Chapel Hill.

Francisco Roldan

FILE PHOTO

James Kenan, soccer

MICHAEL JAENICKE | DUPLIN JOURNAL

University of Florida recruit Amaris Williams ran for 4 TDs. Clinton faces Reidsville in the 2A final on Saturday.

ND HOOPS from page 7 was at Southern Wayne The senior, who led ND’s gridiron team to nine wins has been a starter for four seasons, though at another school for the previous two.

He is quick, speedy, can drive it to the rim or pull up and hit a jump shot.

“He’s a big factor and for many reasons,” Byrd said. “First off, he’s a competitor and a guy you have to prepare to face.”

Meanwhile, Byrd’s son Brady emerged as perhaps the best shooter in Duplin County.

Junior Luke Kelly and sophomore Anthony Kornegay, and Tev Collins – the point guard for ND’s junior varsity team that won 15 games – should provide backup, as will senior post player Seniors Joey Parrish and Xander Mele could also be in the mix during a long season.

“We’re more athletic,” Byrd said.

“I’ve never been able to play man-toman defense here until this year.”

Start with win over Panthers Armwood fired in 15 and Martin 11, Tyndall nine, Ruffin eight and Lesesane six last Friday during a 6753 win over East Duplin in Calypso. Tyndall and Ruffin each hauled down seven rebounds and ND had 21 assists.

It was the first win over a county rival, all three of which are 2A schools, in a number of years.

ND led 27-21 at halftime and put it in the bank with a 23-17 push in the final eight minutes.

MICHAEL JAENICKE | DUPLIN JOURNAL Eleven Rebels scored and they were 5 of 12 from beyond the 3-point line.

ND’s Dylan Tyndall is one of three new players.

Roldan scored eight goals and had 15 assists for the Tigers, whose only East Central 2A Conference loss was to champ Wallace-Rose Hill.

Roldan was an undersized midfielder, who ran around the pitch with intensity and purpose, and used his soccer skills, hustle and knowledge of the game to be involved in the Tigers’ offense and defense.

Teammates on the field followed the lead of Roldan, as James Kenan finished 12-6-3 after losing a flock of players from a squad that went to the fourth round of the playoffs in 2022, and captured its third consecutive ECC title.

JK HOOPS from page 7 and Jones hopes, swish the nets.

“He’s a smart kid who is athletic and a good decision-maker,” said Jones, whose first choice to replace him is Jeremiah Hall.

Off guards Nazier Williams (5-foot-10, senior), Stephone Stanley (6-0, junior) and TJ Oats (5-10, junior) and Duplin’s Elite all-county first-team selection Ja’maury Coe, give Jones options in the backcourt. Coe is slick enough to score anywhere on the floor and is perhaps the best outside shooter in the mix.

“I’ve always tried to develop our guys and I feel everyone is important,” Jones said. “We’ve got some skilled players and we’re hoping they’ll continue to develop.”

Darius Howard (6-1, junior), Shywkon Williams (5-11, senior), Hasaan Kornegay (6-3, junior)

and Kel Artis (6-2, senior) will work in the frontcourt. Al Smith (6-2, senior) could also see time in the paint area.

“Kel and Hasaan are great screeners, athletic and have great feet and great hands,” Jones said.

“Both can handle the ball and move well without it. Shywkon plays much bigger than he is.”

“I like where we are and I’m hoping we can avoid injuries, even though I like our depth.

“Williams is a great basketball player and a likeable player since he’s always the first one picked when they choose sides,” Jones said. “He’s quick and makes things happen you can’t teach. So quick.”

JK was scheduled to host the Saints on Tuesday, its only game this week. A scheduled matchup against Clinton has to be moved as the Dark Horses play in the 2A football final on Saturday.

Duplin Journal for Wednesday, December 6, 2023

10 NATIONAL SPORTS

SIDELINE REPORT NFL

49ers linebacker Greenlaw, Eagles security chief ejected Philadelphia San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw was ejected from Sunday’s against Philadelphia for putting his hand in the face of the Eagles’ security chief. Dom DiSandro, a constant presence on the Eagles’ sideline and whenever players are out in public, pulled Greenlaw off Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith after a reception. Greenlaw popped up and reached over two officials to touch DiSandro’s face with a closed fist. Greenlaw was ejected.

DiSandro also was told to leave and walked to the locker room with a roaring ovation from Eagles fans.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Bronny James joins USC for warmups Last Vegas Two days after it was announced Bronny James had been cleared by doctors for a full return to basketball, the Southern California freshman took the floor for warmups Saturday before the Trojans’ 89-76 loss to No. 11 Gonzaga in the Las Vegas Invitational. The son of NBA career scoring leader LeBron James was upbeat and jovial as he knocked down seven consecutive 3-pointers at one point during warmups. Bronny suffered a cardiac arrest four months ago. He was found to have a congenital heart defect that was treatable. He’s expected to be evaluated again next week and could play in a game soon after.

NHL

Devils’ Hamilton, Nosek out indefinitely after surgeries Newark, N.J. The New Jersey Devils said defenseman Dougie Hamilton and forward Tomas Nosek are both out indefinitely after having surgeries this week. Hamilton had an operation Friday to repair his torn left pectoral muscle. Nosek had surgery Wednesday to fix a right foot problem that led him to miss 10 games earlier this year. The team recalled defenseman Simon Nemec from Utica of the AHL. The team said they would provide timelines on both players’ recoveries when available. Hamilton played three seasons for the Hurricanes from 2018-21 before signing a seven-year, $63 million contract with the Devils.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Boise State removes interim tag, names Danielson coach Boise, Idaho Boise State promoted interim head coach Spencer Danielson to the fulltime job Sunday after the Broncos won the final two games of the regular season and the Mountain West championship with him in charge. Danielson took over on an interim basis after Andy Avalos was fired on Nov. 12, just 36 games into his tenure in Boise and with the Broncos sitting at 5-5. The team responded with wins over Utah State and Air Force and qualified for the Mountain West championship game. The Broncos beat UNLV in the championship game Saturday and a day later athletic director Jeremiah Dickey promoted Danielson.

AP PHOTO

Panthers quarterback Bryce Young is chased by Buccaneers defensive end William Gholston during the Carolina’s 21-18 loss Sunday in Tampa, Florida.

Panthers drop first game under Tabor, 21-18 at Buccaneers Carolina quarterback Bryce Young threw an interception with just over two minutes left The Associated Press TAMPA, Fla. — Mike Evans sprinted between two defenders into the open, snagged a pass approaching midfield, and took off for the end zone.

Tampa Bay’s career receiving leader scored on a 75-yard pass play and later joined Hall of Famer Jerry Rice as the only players in NFL history to string together 10 consecutive seasons with 1,000-plus yards receiving while helping the Buccaneers beat the struggling Carolina Panthers 21-18 on Sunday.

“I don’t know how much more you can say. He’s been like this for 10 years now — 60 catches 10 years in a row, 1,000 yards 10 years in a row,” Bucs coach Todd Bowles said.

Evans finished with seven receptions for 162 yards, increasing his season totals to 61 catches for 1,012 yards and 10

touchdowns. Rice set the league record of 11 straight seasons with more than 1,000 yards receiving from 1986 through 1996.

The Bucs (5-7) won for only the second time in the past eight games, climbing into a tie for second place in the weak NFC South. Carolina (1-11) scored late to pull within a field goal, but No. 1 overall draft pick Bryce Young threw an interception with just over two minutes remaining, ending any chance of coming from behind to win the Panthers’ debut under interim coach Chris Tabor.

“I love those guys. ... I feel for them,” Tabor said. “Losing stinks and it’s hard and it’s frustrating. But at the same time, you can handle things two ways, and that’s what we talked about.

You can either handle it with character or you can handle it with compromise. So which is it going to be? I like our guys.

We’ll just keep working.”

Rachaad White scored an early touchdown and receiver Chris Godwin scored on a 19-yard run early in the fourth quarter, expanding Tampa Bay’s lead to 21-

“I can’t lie and say it’s not frustrating.”

Bryce Young, Panthers quarterback 10. Chuba Hubbard rushed 104 yards and two TDs for Carolina, and Young’s 2-point conversion run trimmed Tampa Bay’s lead to 21-18 with 5:02 left.

Despite losing six of seven games following a 3-1 start, the Bucs began the day trailing Atlanta and New Orleans by one game in the NFC South. The Falcons (6-6) beat the New York Jets to remain on top of the division, while the Saints (5-7) lost to the Detroit Lions to fall into a tie for second place with the Bucs.

The Panthers fired Frank Reich last Monday, 11 games into the coach’s first season leading the Panthers. Tabor was promoted to interim coach and said he encouraged players to “play

The Snub Bowl: Florida State, Georgia to meet in Orange Bowl The Seminoles and Bulldogs were left out of the College Football Playoff The Associated Press MIAMI LAKES, Fla. — Florida State won every game this season. Georgia won 29 in a row, including back-to-back national championships, then lost by a field goal. And neither was deemed good enough by the College Football Playoff committee.

Two very angry teams will get a trip to the Orange Bowl instead.

No. 4 Florida State (13-0 ACC, No. 5 CFP) will play No. 6 Georgia (12-1 SEC, No. 6 CFP) on Dec. 30 in the Orange Bowl after both programs felt like they deserved a chance to play for the national title. The CFP committee decided that the Seminoles were doomed by quarterback Jordan Travis’ broken leg and dropped Georgia five spots after its loss to Alabama in the SEC title game.

“I’m hurting for our players who have displayed a tremendous amount of resilience and response this season,” Florida State coach Mike Norvell said Sunday. “What happened today goes

AP PHOTO

Florida State coach Mike Norvell lifts the trophy after the Seminoles’ win Saturday over Louisville in the ACC championship game in Charlotte. against everything that is true and right in college football. A team that overcame tremendous adversity and found a way to win doing whatever it took on the field was cheated today. It’s a sad day for college football.”

Six teams had realistic arguments to make the four-team CFP field: Michigan, Washington, Texas, Alabama, Florida State and Georgia. The first four of those teams made the playoff,

and the Seminoles’ fate — undefeated, ACC champions and snubbed anyway — even had other schools who made the playoff shaking their head.

“You go undefeated and miss it by one spot, makes me feel sympathy for those guys,” Texas linebacker Jaylan Ford said. “Just like us, they put in the same amount of work in the offseason. They fought just as hard throughout the season. They’re still players.

loose, not reckless” and have fun moving forward.

It was the second time in a little more than a year that Carolina faced Tampa Bay shortly after the in-season firing of a coach. Matt Rhule was dismissed in October 2022, two weeks before the Panthers knocked off Tom Brady and the visiting Bucs 21-3.

Young completed 15 of 31 passes for 178 yards and an interception, Antoine Winfield Jr.’s pick that ended the comeback bid. The rookie was sacked four times.

“Of course, no one’s happy with how things have gone.

We’re all competitors, but ultimately we play for each other,” Young said.

“Each game is huge for us. We are of that mindset,” Young added. “So, I can’t lie and say it’s not frustrating. But ultimately what permeates the locker room is the desire to want to be better, desire to want to grow and play for each other.”

The Panthers travel to New Orleans to face the Saints next Sunday.

They’ve still got a program. It’s just a tough situation to be in.”

Washington coach Kalen DeBoer — the CFP’s No. 2 seed — was asked if he could imagine going 13-0 and not making the field.

“In all honesty, no,” DeBoer said.

Georgia and Ohio State were the only two teams ranked No. 1 during the regular season by the CFP committee. Neither wound up in the playoff. Since this format was introduced in 2014, there had never been a season where every team ranked No. 1 in the regular season failed to get picked for the playoff field; the only others to go from No. 1 at any point to completely out at the end were Tennessee (one week in 2022) and Mississippi State (three weeks in 2014).

Georgia and Florida State had one big difference. Georgia lost a game. The Seminoles only lost a quarterback.

Travis’ college-career-ending broken leg in what should have been a largely meaningless game against North Alabama last month might decide the national championship. At minimum, it helped decide who plays for it.

“Florida State is a different team without Jordan Travis,” CFP selection committee chair Boo Corrigan, NC State’s athletic director, said. “One of the things we do consider is player availability, and our job is to rank the best teams, and in the final decision looking at that, it was Alabama at 4 and Florida State at 5.”

Duplin Journal for Wednesday, December 6, 2023

11

obituaries

Thomas Lynn Hatcher Aug. 29, 1953 - Nov. 30, 2023 (age 70) Thomas Lynn Hatcher, age 70, of Chinquapin passed from this earthly life to his eternal life on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023, at Warsaw Health and Rehab.

He was born on Aug. 29, 1953, in Duplin County, the son of the late William Wright and Sallie Davis Hatcher.

Thomas was also preceded in death by his sisters, Faye Lumly and Sharon Rivenbark.

Surviving to cherish his memory are his son, Justin Hatcher of Beulaville; granddaughter, Regan Ann Hatcher; brothers, Haywood Hatcher, Sr. and wife Carol of Wallace, Kenneth Hatcher and Carolyn of Beulaville, Harold Hatcher and wife Pam of Chinquapin, Remona “Monie” Rivenbark and husband, Terry of Wallace and William Jeffery Hatcher and wife Susan of Chinquapin; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends that loved Thomas dearly.

Thomas was a simple man who enjoyed the simple things in life, including fishing and spending time with his family.

By trade, he was a carpenter who worked hard and took great pride in his work.

Thomas loved his family and was loved in return. He will surely be missed but his family is comforted in knowing that he has moved on from this life to a much fuller one he now has with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for eternity.

Funeral service was held on Monday Dec. 4, 2023, at Sharon Baptist Church in Chinquapin with Pastor Mitch Smith officiating.

Thomas will be buried in the church cemetery but there will be no graveside service following the funeral.

Memorial gifts may be given in memory of Thomas Hatcher to Sharon Baptist Church, Building Fund, PO Box 126, Chinquapin, NC 28521.

Betty Jo (Burke) Rouse Sept. 5, 1928 - Nov. 23, 2023 (age 95) Homemaker, college graduate at 55, then a business manager, and always a woman of the faith; her heart never far from the sea. Long-time Rose Hill and Topsail Island resident, she made friends everywhere.

Born Sept. 5, 1928, in Catlettsburg, KY, and passed peacefully at age 95 on Nov. 23, 2023. Twice widowed. In 1946 at Stetson College, she met and married Bolyn McClung. They lived for many years and in many places in Florida before settling in North Carolina. In 1979, she married widower Lacy Earl Rouse, and they had a lovely second marriage.

The daughter of the late Dr. Estill Nelson Burke and late Vida Criswell Burke she is survived by son Bolyn McClung, Jr., former daughterin-law Donna McClung; beloved stepdaughter Jan Fair and stepson Dudley Rouse; son-in-law Barry Owens; grandchildren Joel (wife Diane), Angela and Mack Owens; great-children Ryan and Colin McClung. She was predeceased by sister Barbara Jean Rankin and daughters, Kay Owens and Susan McClung.

Her burial was held Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023, at Rockfish Cemetery in Wallace, NC. Memorial service to be announced in late December.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Children’s Hope Alliance (formerly Barium Springs Home for Children).

Kelly Shavon Rouse Sept. 14, 1983 - Nov. 28, 2023 (age 40)

Cecil Rhodes, II Oct. 23, 1956 - Nov. 27, 2023 (age 67) Cecil Rhodes, II, age 67, died Monday, Nov. 27, 2023, at his home.

A funeral service was held on Sunday, Dec.3, 2023, with a visitation preceding the service, at Community Funeral Home in Beulaville. Interment followed at Gresham Family Cemetery in Beulaville.

Survivors include spouse, Susan Bostic Rhodes of Clayton; daughter, Elizabeth Rhodes (John Cochran) of Raleigh; sister, Edith Mobley (Chris) of Beulaville; brother, Bill Rhodes (Angela) of Beulaville.

Kelly Shavon Rouse, age 40, died Tuesday, Nov.28, 2023, at ECU Health Duplin in Kenansville.

Graveside service was Friday, Dec. 1, 2023, at East Duplin Memorial Gardens in Beulaville.

Survivors include parents, Rufus Rouse of Rose Hill, and Terry Gardner of Beulaville; sister, Krista Scott of Kenansville; grandparents: Robert and Hannah Rhodes of Beulaville; and uncle, Grant Rhodes of Beulaville.

Donald Wayne Coley Aug. 7, 1961 - Nov. 24, 2023 (age 62) Donald Wayne Coley of Wallace, NC, passed from his earthly life on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, while at home. He was born on Aug. 7, 1961, in Fairfax, Va. He is the son of the late Ernest and Beulah Ruth Melton Coley.

Left to cherish his memory are his children—Donnie Wayne Coley II of Wallace and Michelle Lynn Coley of Liberty, NC. Mr. Coley owned and operated a drywall construction business in the Fairfax County area of Virginia for a greater portion of his work career. In later life he moved to North Carolina and worked in sheetrock construction for other companies.

Charles E. Davis April 6, 1957 - Nov. 24, 2023 (age 66) Charles Edward Davis, 66, died Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, at his home. He is preceded in death by his parents, Roger and Elizabeth Grace Davis.

Memorial service was Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023, at Gospel Chapel Church, 223 AI Taylor Road, Richlands, NC 28574. Visitation followed the service. The Interment was private.

Survivors include: spouse, Pat Davis, Richlands; sons, Brandon Davis, Kinston and Casey Cintron (Kim), Richlands; daughter, Candie Cintron, Richlands; sister, Deborah Davis, Deep Run; brothers, Roger Keith Davis (Wanda), Pink Hill, Dennis Davis (Lisa), Pink Hill, Michael Freddie Davis (Hope), Pink Hill; grandchildren, Rachel and Ethan Kidd; nephews, Justin and Micah Davis; and nieces, Bailey and Alyssa Davis and Harley Herring.

Norman Ray Bland March 6, 1958 - Dec. 1, 2023 (age 65)

Gerald D. Brinson 1984 - Nov. 22, 2023 (age 39) Mr. Gerald Donté Brinson, age 39, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023.

The funeral service was held on Saturday, Dec.2, 2023, at Rose Hill Funeral Home Chapel in Rose Hill, NC. A burial will follow at Sloan Family Cemetery, Raeford Carr Lane in Magnolia, NC.

ROSE HILL — Norman Ray Bland, 65, passed away Friday, Dec. 1, 2023, at his home. Mr. Bland was born March 6, 1958, to the late Jimmy Norman Bland and Eva Ellen Dail Bland.

Visitation was held Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023, at the Bland Cemetery on Doc Brown Road in Rose Hill. A graveside service followed.

Mr. Bland is survived brothers, Edward Bland and wife, Nancy of Rose Hill, and Danny Bland of Wallace; nieces, Mandy Bland and Allison Lambert of Beulaville; and a special four-legged companion, Lil Man. In addition to his parents, Mr. Bland was preceded in death by wife, Ellen Goldbold Bland.

SPONSORED BY QUINN MCGOWEN FUNERAL HOME

Lillian M. Wood May 24, 1931 - Nov. 29, 2023 (age 92) Mrs. Lillian Matthews Wood of Teachey, NC, passed from her earthly life on Nov. 29, 2023, while at ECU Healthcare in Kenansville. Born on May 24, 1931, she is the daughter of the late Algie and Lillie Williams Matthews of Bladen County, NC. She was also preceded in death by siblings, Dorothy Moore, William Matthews, Waylon Matthews, Susan Scronce, Sarah Fahrney, Maomi Jones, and Robert Matthews; and son-inlaw, Harrell Hall.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Charlie W Wood, Jr.; children, Sharon W. Hall of Wallace and Susan Allen and husband George of Peoria (AZ); grandchildren, Jennifer Norris and husband Greg, Kristie Walker Ely and husband John Paul, Jason Allen, and Kelly Minor and husband Ryan; great grandchildren, Gunnar and Gage Norris; sister, Reba Tiller of Merritt (NC); and many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly, as she loved them.

Mrs. Wood was very talented in many areas of her life. She and Mr. Wood owned and operated Model Cleaners, where she worked for 40-plus years. She enjoyed reading, cooking, and was an excellent housekeeper.

With her devoted husband of more than 74 years, she enjoyed traveling to many places. She always looked forward to her “Friday hair day” with Miss Donna. An outgoing and friendly southern lady, she cared for all those around her and was always particular about her appearance, especially her nails.

As a member of the First Baptist Church of Wallace for more than 70 years, she loved her church, her Sunday School class, and her circle. Most of all she loved her family, especially her greatgrandchildren who she always referred to as “her little boys.”

Flowers are welcomed or please consider a contribution, in her memory, to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Thelma Dingus Bryant Library in Wallace.

A service to celebrate her life was held on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023, in the chapel of Padgett Funeral & Cremation Services, with visitation one hour prior.

Entombment followed at Riverview Memorial Park in Watha.

Forrest Wilson Sept. 25, 1952 ~ Dec. 1, 2023 (age 71) William Forrest Wilson, 71, of Magnolia passed away after a lengthy illness on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023. He was born on Sept. 25, 1952, in Duplin County; the son of the late Kenneth Eugene and Lessie Catherine Merritt Wilson.

He was also predeceased by his brother, Wayne.

Forrest was a graduate of East Carolina University. In his later years, he worked at State University College.

He is survived by his niece Catherine Brown and husband Chuck; special cousins and caretakers in his later years, Vickie Dixon and Brenda Scronce; numerous extended family and friends that loved him dearly.

No services planned at this time.

Freddie Edward Newkirk March 6, 1939 — Nov. 27, 2023 (age 84) WALLACE — Mr. Freddie Edward Newkirk, age 84, of Wallace, NC passed away on Monday, Nov. 27, 2023, at Lower Cape Fear Life Care in Wilmington, NC. Funeral services were held on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, at Rose Hill Funeral Home Chapel in Rose Hill, NC. The burial will be at Murray Cemetery, located at Jack Dale Road in Wallace, NC. Left to cherish his precious memories are three daughters: Sharon E. Johnson (Ronnie) of Wallace, NC, Joy Toombs of Hinesville, GA and Regenia Rogers (Bob) of Warsaw, NC; six grandchildren: Michael Newkirk, Jahronn Johnson, Kisha Rogers, Rashid McMillan, Vernell Johnson and Deja Toombs; six greatgrandchildren; a host of nieces and nephews; numerous cousins and friends that will miss him dearly.

Archie D. Benson Jr. Sept. 15, 1947 - Nov. 28, 2023 (age 76) Archie David Benson Jr., 76, best known to his family and friends as A.D., passed away peacefully on Nov. 28, 2023, after a long battle with cancer.

He was predeceased in death by his father A.D. Benson, his mother Evelyn Benson and brother Denny M. Benson.

He is survived by his sister, Kempie Benson Riley, her husband Dennis, nieces Reecia S. Phillips (Alan) and Tiffany B. Taylor (Billy), several great nieces and nephews, plus several great-great nieces and nephews.

A.D. was a patriot to his country having served two combat tours in Vietnam as a Navy Seabee. He was an active member of the Disabled American Veterans.

He graduated from James Kenan High School in 1965 and continued his education at Campbell University with a degree in Business Administration.

A.D. loved family reunions and family history. He was extremely knowledgeable of his family ancestry and relished telling stories about his family.

A quiet man in public life, but until retirement operated an insurance business where his customers came first.

A graveside service with military honors was held Monday, Dec. 4 at Devotional Gardens Cemetery, located on NC Highway 24 in Warsaw, NC.

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Duplin Journal for Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Rose Hill starts a new Christmas tradition The first-ever Christmas by the Tracks was held in Rose Hill over the weekend, drawing crowds for food trucks, live entertainment, and arts and crafts vendors.

Despite the threat of rain that loomed all day, event organizer Ronda Rivenbark called the day a success, citing Saturday as “the best day ever” in a Facebook post.

“To my little town of Rose Hill, thank you to the citizens that love and support our ‘quaint’ little town,” she wrote.

“Until next year… my wheels are already turning.”

Saturday’s Christmas by the Tracks culminated with a parade at dusk, followed by several local entertainers.

Scenes from the parade can be found here, and on the Duplin Journal’s Facebook page.

PHOTOS BY ABBY CAVENAUGH | DUPLIN JOURNAL

Fire trucks from Rose Hill’s own volunteer fire department kicked off the town’s Christmas parade, held Saturday night, Dec. 2, in conjunction with the first-ever Christmas by the Tracks event. Turn to page 12 for more photos. (Left) This float by Cottle Organics was one of several lighted entries in Rose Hill’s Christmas parade Saturday night, which was held in conjunction with the inaugural Christmas by the Tracks event.

The House of Raeford f loat at the Rose Hill Christmas Parade Saturday night ended the procession with a bang – and snow!

Rose Hill-Magnolia cheerleaders were all smiles during the Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 2.