Duplin Journal Vol. 10, Issue 13 by North State Journal

Duplin Journal

the BRIEF

this week

Duplin County Memorial Day Observance Set for May 26

Kenansville

The Duplin County Historical Society will hold its third annual Memorial Day Observance on Monday, May 26 at 11 a.m. in Kenansville. The event will take place at the monuments honoring Duplin County’s War Dead, which are located at the southeast corner of the courthouse grounds. This year, the ceremony will pay tribute to longtime Warsaw patriot Jerry Carter, who died recently. The observance will include reading the names of all 165 war dead and laying wreaths. The ceremony is expected to last no longer than one hour. Participants are encouraged to bring their chairs. No seating will be provided.

New K-9 teams hit the streets

Duplin County

The Duplin County Sheri ’s O ce recently welcomed two new K-9 handlers: Corp. Darrin Sherrick and Corp. Cody Brown. According to the announcement, both corporals, along with K-9 Cortez and K-9 Gery, graduated from Ventosa K9 Kennel Academy on May 16. Sherrick and Cortez will serve in the Special Operations Division, while Brown and Gery will join the Uniform Patrol Division.

Community Resource Day rescheduled to June 21

Magnolia Magnolia’s Community Resource Day has been rescheduled to June 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Magnolia Park on Highway 117. This free event aims to connect local residents with a variety of services and support available throughout Duplin County. Food trucks will be onsite, and food distribution will also be provided. Organizers are still welcoming additional vendors. Everyone is encouraged to attend and take advantage of the many helpful resources being showcased. For more information, call 910-289-3205.

JSCC celebrates record-breaking milestone

The air was lled with joy, pride and anticipation as more than 280 proud James Sprunt Community College graduates stepped boldly into the next chapter of their lives. The graduation marked a record-breaking moment, showcasing the largest graduating class in the institution’s history. Turn to page A6 for the story.

Rose Hill appoints new town commissioner Warsaw, Tetra Tech team up on wastewater

“Keep the citizens of this town in mind at all cost.”

Davy “Fuzzy” Buckner, mayor of Rose Hill

Tasha Mathis will ll Ross Powell’s unexpired term

By K.D. Beard Duplin Journal

ROSE HILL — Tasha

Mathis was appointed to the Rose Hill Board of Commissioners at the town’s regular meeting last Tuesday, lling Ross Powell’s unexpired term following his resignation in April. The meeting also included public hearings on the proposed 2025-26 budget and the closure of Avalon Drive in addition to various other business.

“I wanted to be a part of seeing our community move forward, serving with this town and being a part of that comradery,” said Mathis, a 12-year resident of Rose Hill. Two individuals had expressed interest in lling the seat left by Powell, who resigned following a move out of the city. Though Mathis was the only interested party present for Tuesday’s meeting, Commissioner Adam Quinn

expressed his appreciation to both residents for their willingness to serve.

“When that seat comes back open and there’s a time to run again in November, I hope to see that same willingness to serve then,” said Quinn. “It’s good to be in a town where there’s people that want to serve the town.”

A motion was brought to appoint Mathis to ll Powell’s unexpired term and was unanimously approved by the board. Keren Parker, town clerk, administered the oath of o ce, after which Mathis took her seat at the council’s table. Though the term expires in November, she will continue to serve until a new commissioner is sworn-in next January.

The town held a public hearing regarding the proposed budget for the 2025-26 scal year as well as a public hearing on the permanent street closure of Avalon Drive, neither of which saw comment.

“Avalon Drive has never

“It will capture the existing conditions and be able to provide somewhat of a dashboard to trigger di erent scenarios of impact.”

Lea Turner, town manager

The company’s environmental modeling will guide WWTP expansion to meet increasing demand and environmental standards

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

WARSAW — The Town of Warsaw is beginning a project to expand its wastewater treatment plant, which will require an updated NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) permit. To secure this permit, the town is collaborating with Tetra Tech, an environmental consulting rm, to monitor and model the stream where treated wastewater is discharged.

$2.00

Magnolia shares proposed budget for scal year 2025-26

“We are trying to invest in our Recreation Department and doing things for our parks and our community.”

Charles Banks, town manager

Garbage collection fee set to increase by $2 in Magnolia’s new budget

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

MAGNOLIA — Last week, Town Manager Charles Banks presented the proposed Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget for the town of Magnolia. He shared that the Water and Sewer Fund is balanced at $665,000, with no changes to water or sewer rates. The only increase is a $2 monthly rise in the in-town garbage collection fee, rising from $23 to $25 per month. This increase helps cover the rising costs of trash collection services, which jumped from $72,000 to an estimated $90,000.

Water and sewer hook-up fees will remain at $1,250,

See ROSE HILL, page A5 See MAGNOLIA, page A3

with no increases in actual usage rates. Nevertheless, penalties such as the $50 late fee and $40 reconnection fee will still apply.

“We’ve heard a lot of comments from citizens, from the county, and from other counties about reevaluations going on in the town. So we have tried to be fair, trying to still do what we need to do for the town itself, but also keeping ultimately our citizens and our customers in our thoughts,” said Banks. “I know that the valuation has stunned a lot of people; it’s hit a lot of people hard. And hopefully it will not come to that in the town again.”

Banks shared that county leadership is considering moving to 4-year valuation cycles instead of eight, as this would provide a more gradual

THE DUPLIN COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL

COURTESY JAMES SPRUNT COMMUNITY COLLEGE

THURSDAY 5.22.25 #75

“Join the conversation”

Duplin Journal www.duplinjournal.com

Neal Robbins Publisher

Jim Sills VP of Local Newspapers

Ena Sellers News Editor

K.D. Beard Reporter

Michael Jaenicke Sports Editor

Loretta Carey O ce Manager

O ce Phone: 910 463-1240

To place a legal ad: 919 663-3232; Fax: 919 663-4042

Last week, at the town board monthly meeting, Town Manager Lea Turner addressed questions about Tetra Tech’s modeling plan and requested board approval for Phase 2 of the project.

“The modeling plan that they have presented does give multiple sites of testing,” explained Turner. “It is a huge scope of work. However, it is exible. … They will be working very closely with the state to make sure that we don’t do any extra work than what we absolutely have to have.”

Turner explained the plan’s scope, noting it involves 12 water monitoring sites, although the number may be reduced based on initial ndings. According to Turner, the model being developed will o er a detailed picture of current stream conditions and simulate how projected increases in water ow from the expanded plant could impact the environment.

“It will capture the existing conditions and be able to provide somewhat of a dashboard to trigger di erent scenarios of impact, to show the impact of proposed ow and what that expansion could look like,” said Turner, noting that they want to make sure

FRIDAY

Happening monthly

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

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

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

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

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

• The Duplin County NAACP holds its monthly meetings on the rst Sunday of each month at 4 p.m. at First Missionary Baptist Church at 336 West Hill St. in Warsaw.

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

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

• The Warsaw town board meets the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at 121 S. Front St. For information, call 910-293-7814.

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

• The Rose Hill town board meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at 103 Southeast Railroad St. For more information, call 910-289-3159.

The Duplin County Health Department is o ering Diabetes Self Management Classes from 1-5 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesday of every month at 340 Seminary St. in Kenansville. For information, call 910-372-9178.

and agreed to reimburse it.

“When C2 came on and did a conditional use permit with the town, they promised to pay back capacity because we held capacity for them for such a time,” explained Turner. “And so that would be what would be used to fund this. Their payback and other grant opportunities.”

The board approved the Phase 2 scope of work, allowing Tetra Tech to move forward. The expansion of the town’s wastewater capacity will support future growth and development.

In other business:

The town o cially recognized June 1 as Stand for our Children Day. The resolution highlighted child welfare issues, violence statistics and education disparities.

• DreamWorks reported steady growth in its tness facility. Community engagement increased through programs like the “Power Challenge,” won by Malik Sharp when he pulled a total of 1,370 pounds.

Security and safety were also brie y discussed. A question was raised about the limited camera coverage at the back

of the DreamWorks building, particularly facing Yancey Street. The town manager and tness center leadership acknowledged the concern and agreed to evaluate whether more cameras should be added.

The Parks and Recreation Department also shared updates, noting a successful April highlighted by the annual Easter Egg Hunt, which attracted about 250 participants. Preparations for summer events are underway, and interest is already growing, as seen through early calls and sign-ups. The department also attended a chronic disease prevention meeting focused on making recreational spaces tobaccofree. However, concerns were voiced about applying this rule to adult sports leagues, as Warsaw’s programs di er from school-based youth leagues, where such policies may be easier to enforce.

• Lastly, recent camera installations around the ball elds and North Street have improved visibility and safety at recreational areas.

Beulaville family turns loss into legacy

The Byrds honor Miley’s life with a new hospital playroom and research initiative

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

BEULAVILLE — May marked the rst year since Miley Byrd, a 19-month-old from Beulaville, lost her battle with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome — a condition where the left side of the heart doesn’t form properly. Miley spent much of her life in Duke Children’s Hospital, undergoing two open-heart surgeries and awaiting a heart transplant.

Today the Beulaville community continues to remember the brave little girl whose ght touched so many hearts. Since Miley’s diagnosis, her family — parents Chelsea and Ryan Byrd, along with her siblings, Hudson and Emerson — leaned on their faith and the outpouring of community support. Chelsea, a teacher at Beulaville Elementary, and Ryan, a home health nurse, have transformed their deep personal loss into a mission of hope, support and legacy for others.

“Learning that Miley was growing in my womb with half a heart was devastating,” said Chelsea. “The journey has been one that has depleted our emotions at times and tested our faith certainly. During the time that Miley was alive, we really chose to place our trust in God that He would sustain her and keep her.”

In the face of adversity, the community became a beacon of hope, where friends, family and even strangers rallied together, organizing fundraisers, donating leave, cooking meals and sharing words of encouragement. This generosity became a lifeline during long hospital stays.

“Our community really pulled together to support us during the time that we were waiting for Miley’s arrival, and especially during the last hospitalization where we both were out of work, caring for Miley at Duke,” said Chelsea. “It was overwhelming and humbling to see how much our community cared.”

Miley’s story resonated deeply, not only inspiring others but also bringing the community closer.

The Byrds expressed tremendous gratitude for all the support

adjustment to ease future burden.

“We tried to keep everything atlined and as close to what we did this year to not have any increases, other than the valuation and the tax revenue and the $2 garbage can for in-town. That is the only changes that will be made between the 2024-25 and the 2025-26 scal year budget,” Banks explained.

The town’s nances are in solid shape, with over $88,000 in reserves and more than $500,000 in a Capital Management Trust. The town is allocating $391,835 for general government operations, $272,343 for Public Works and the Police Department, $94,275 for streets and $34,800 for the contract with the re department. Banks shared that small amounts will be set aside for community events like the Christmas celebration, upkeep

A portrait of Miley Byrd is displayed in the playroom of the Pediatric Cardiology ICU at Duke Children’s Hospital. The room was dedicated in memory of Miley and it reads: “This playroom was made possible by a generous gift from family and friends of Miley Byrd. In Miley’s honor, let this room remind us to live like Miley — with joy, strength and courage.”

and for genuinely believing in a miracle for Miley. Ryan shared that many people told him that their faith had been reinforced because Miley.

As both parents grief the loss of their youngest child, they hold tightly to the cherished memories she left behind. For Chelsea, it was the awe-inspiring resilience she demonstrated and the little miracles.

“The moments that she de ed odds,” said Chelsea. “Watching her learn to eat by mouth after relying on a feeding tube and being weak from open heart surgeries, learning to crawl and walk and talk and do all these things sooner than doctor’s thought she would.”

For Ryan, the sweetest memories are wrapped in the sound of laughter as Miley played with her older brothers.

“Miley adored her older brothers so much. Watching her climb all over them and go for ‘blanket rides’ will be memories that I will cherish forever,” Ryan explained, adding that even when her little body was weary, “she kept a smile on her face and loved to be silly.”

Dave Witter, an associate pastor at Beulaville’s Grace Cove-

of the Heritage Garden and improvements to the community center and the park.

“We are trying to invest in our Recreation Department and doing things for our parks and our community,” Banks explained.

Mayor Dawn Ward thanked Banks and the board for their hard work.

“We’ve tried to put something together that we feel is, as I shared with my mayor’s advisory council last night, physically responsible for the town,” she said. “While we weren’t able to add as much as we would have liked to, the pie is only so big, we did try to add some new dollar amounts for recreation, the gym, and the park.”

In other business:

The board accepted a resolution recognizing May 11-17 as Police Week, honoring the Magnolia Police Department’s role in maintaining public safety and

nant Church, witnessed rsthand how the Byrd family spent countless hours navigating Miley’s care and grappled with the depths of their grief following her death. Their journey, though marked by profound sorrow, has also been lled with an unwavering commitment to honoring Miley’s memory in powerful and meaningful ways.

In honoring Miley, the Byrd family took a signi cant step by focusing on a project that would leave a lasting impact on other children facing similar struggles. This initiative involved funding and establishing a playroom in the pediatric cardiology ICU at Duke Children’s Hospital, where Miley spent much time. Ryan told Duplin Journal that the idea came about during Miley’s last hospital stay.

“She was feeling well enough to get out of her hospital room for a little while. The nurses got her out of bed and ready to go visit a playroom that was on another oor,” said Ryan, explaining that as Miley was being wheeled down the hallway, one of her doctors came running down to stop them, expressing con-

fostering community welfare. It was also resolved that May 15, Peace O cers Memorial Day, would be a special day of remembrance in Magnolia.

Police Chief J.T. Wood presented the family of late ocer Mark Mobley with a special plaque to commemorate Mobley’s service with the Magnolia PD.

“Mark was not only a valued member of the Magnolia Police Department, but to me, he was a valued friend. I’ve known him all my life,” said Wood. “He would go out of his way to help. That’s the type of person he was, and he was a great man.”

Mayor Dawn Ward recognized Elier Marquez, a Wallace-Rose Hill High School senior from Magnolia, for his remarkable accomplishments and presented him with a certi cate of recognition for his outstanding success.

“Every day that Miley lived was a miracle. God’s hand was on her life until her very last breath.”

Ryan Byrd

cern about her leaving the unit.

“From that moment on, we knew it was our mission to see a playroom built on the third oor in the PCICU. With the support of our community, family, and friends, the playroom was able to be completely funded. To see that dream come to fruition has been amazing.”

The room, now a tribute to Miley, was completed and opened in February, with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony led by her brothers.

“This was a very special moment for Hudson and Emerson. One of their favorite things to do when they visited Miley in the hospital was to play with her. Whether it was in her hospital bed or on the oor of her hospital room, they would make the best of what they could. To see a playroom now in that same unit that she was in and for them to be a part of making it happen is such a perfect way to honor their little sister. The ribbon-cutting, dedication service and just getting to the playroom rsthand was just the icing on the cake,” said Ryan.

In addition to creating a playroom, the Byrds established the Miracle Miley Research Fund to support research into single ventricle defects. Their goal is to raise $100,000 to help fund advancements that may one day provide more options for families facing similar challenges.

“We saw a problem and knew that we could help (create) a solution,” said Chelsea, expressing that frustration with the lack of research funding for single ventricle defects led to the fund’s creation.

“We had a very generous and big-hearted donor approach us about the Miracle Miley Research Fund and their desire to see it reach its full potential,” said Ryan. “With their contribution, up to $25,000 of donated funds will be matched and will go directly to single ventricle heart research.”

The board scheduled a public hearing for chapter 160D zoning ordinance updates for the next regular board meeting on June 10. The updates are intended to bring Magnolia into baseline compliance with North Carolina state law.

A motion to accept $92,500 in funding for a Lead Service Line Inventory was approved unanimously. Inventory will focus on properties built before 1987.

The project is part of a larger effort tied to previously won infrastructure grants to comply with federal and state mandates to identify possible health hazards by locating any lead pipes in the town’s water system.

Wood provided departmental updates and shared that there has been a spike in break-ins, including business burglaries and larceny from vehicles.

“These activities that have been happening are not some-

So far, the initiative has garnered signi cant support, largely thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor who is o ering to match donations. This effort has already raised more than $15,000 in just a few days.

Witter spoke about the family’s commitment to the research fund, emphasizing their understanding of the limitations they experienced due to Miley’s medical condition after their doctors reached the end of their treatment options.

“And for a parent, you can imagine what that’s like to hear those words,” Witter told Duplin Journal, adding that despite the grief they are experiencing, they are doing everything they can to make a di erence.

The Byrds told Duplin Journal that their goal with the research fund is to help those born with single ventricle hearts live longer, fuller lives. The family explained that Miley’s anatomy made it challenging for doctors to manage her life support systems, which included ECMO, VAD, a ventilator and dialysis.

“Many complications arose due to her ‘Glenn Anatomy.’ We know that currently, research is being done in speci c areas of single ventricle heart defects,” the family shared. “We hope that ground-breaking discoveries are made that directly improve lives and increase the lifespan of those living with SV hearts.”

Honoring Miley’s life has brought a newfound purpose for the Byrd family as her story continues to make a di erence, transforming grief into hope and a legacy that supports medical advancements that may change the future for other families.

“Miley meant so much to so many people. To see her life and memory continuing to make such an impact on people’s lives is incredible,” said Ryan, adding that God is using her life to make a di erence in ways that they could have only imagined.

“Never stop believing for a miracle, even when it doesn’t come in the way you had hoped for or expected,” said Ryan. “Every day that Miley lived was a miracle. God’s hand was on her life until her very last breath. Now Miley is healed and whole and in Heaven, and in the words of my son Emerson, ‘she’s in the best place ever.’”

thing that Magnolia is used to,” said Wood.

He explained that some homeless people outside of town have wandered into Magnolia in recent months, but authorities are working on relocating them. Also, some break-ins are linked to cases in Warsaw and Wallace. Wood said a suspect has been identi ed across multiple jurisdictions and charges are pending.

“I would like to encourage citizens to remove items from your vehicle, anything that might be of value. … A lot of times, they look for open vehicles or buildings because those are easy targets. ... If you’ve got cash registers, we ask that you remove cash from them, and leave them open,” said Wood, explaining that this would deter thieves if they see that the cash register is empty.

Wood urged residents to stay vigilant.

COURTESY CHELSEY BYRD

MAGNOLIA from page A1

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

Thank you, teachers!

When our teachers give our youth and our communities the great gift of their dedication, it is only right that we appreciate them.

ONE DAY, WHEN our son was in the fourth grade at Wallace Elementary School, he nished an assignment early. Instead of requiring her students to sit quietly at their desks with nothing to do, the teacher provided activities to engage their interests. Recognizing his curiosity about design, she handed our son a book about the architecture of the Biltmore mansion. He came home talking about being an architect. Eventually, we visited the Biltmore and paid extra for a behind-the-scenes tour about the architecture. Upon graduating from Wallace-Rose High School, our son attended design school and is a furniture designer in New York City. To this day, when I see that teacher, I express my appreciation and thank her for recognizing and encouraging his interests at such a young age.

Both of our children had many excellent and dedicated teachers at Wallace Elementary, Charity Middle, and Wallace -Rose Hill High. They were knowledgeable in their elds, challenged their students to do their best and, perhaps most importantly, showed concern for them as individuals. Even now, they ask about our son and daughter, although it has been as long as 25 years since some had our children in their classrooms. I appreciate their continued care and support.

Teacher Appreciation Week was May 5-9 this year. In 1953, former rst lady Eleanor Roosevelt lobbied the U.S. Congress to designate a particular day to honor teachers. However, it wasn’t until 1980 that such a day was o cially declared. Originally celebrated in March, Teacher Appreciation Day was moved to May and expanded to the entire rst week. According to an article about its history, “Teacher Appreciation Day is described by the National Education Association as ‘a day for honoring teachers and recognizing the lasting contribution they make to our lives.’”

In a Harvard Gazette article about what makes a good teacher, these key characteristics are listed: “They establish strong, caring teacher-student relationships; challenge students to think, reason, and communicate their ideas; convey subject matter accurately and clearly; and have strong knowledge of their students as individuals — how they think and think about themselves as learners — as well as of their students’ culture and community.” We are blessed in Duplin County to have

so many excellent teachers who exhibit these characteristics. Cicero, the great Roman statesman and scholar (106-43 B.C.) said, “What greater or better gift can we o er the republic than to teach and instruct our youth?” When someone gives you a gift, it’s only right to say “Thank you!” When our teachers give our youth and our communities the great gift of their dedication, it is only right that we appreciate them.

American writer Max Leon Forman said, “Teachers are people who start things they never see nished, and for which they never get thanks until it is too late.”

Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 has come and gone, but it is never too late to thank our Duplin County teachers for their hard work, dedication to their craft, and the lasting contribution they make to all of our lives.

Philip Gladden lives in Wallace and writes on behalf of Duplin County Schools.

Don’t let a tax hike undermine North Carolina’s early sports betting success

The state has collected more than $94 million in tax revenue from sports betting.

JUST ONE YEAR after North Carolina launched its legal sports betting market, a proposal in the state Senate budget threatens to upend one of the most successful rollouts in the country.

Buried in the budget is a provision that would double the sports betting tax rate — from 18% to 36%. This sudden and severe increase sends the wrong message at the wrong time, putting the stability of a promising new industry at risk before it has had a real chance to mature.

North Carolina only went live with mobile sports betting in March 2024. Since then, the results have been remarkable.

According to the North Carolina Lottery, in just Fiscal Year 2025, the state has already collected more than $94 million in tax revenue from sports betting — far outpacing early projections. In April alone, the industry delivered nearly $8.5 million to the state’s bottom line.

This kind of performance should be seen as a clear indicator: The current system is working. Players are migrating to the legal market, state co ers are bene ting, and

licensed operators are forging partnerships with local teams and venues creating new investments in communities statewide. Why jeopardize that progress now?

As the leading trade association for the legal online gaming industry, iDEA represents a broad cross-section of companies — including operators, compliance specialists, payment processors and other suppliers — many of whom are licensed and active right here in North Carolina. These companies made signi cant investments in the state based on the bipartisan legislation passed just two years ago, which clearly outlined an 18% tax rate and a ve-year licensing structure.

Doubling the tax rate so soon after launch undermines the credibility of that agreement. It introduces unnecessary instability into a nascent market, discourages further investment and risks reducing the competitive o erings that make the legal market attractive to consumers. Higher taxes don’t just impact operators — they impact players, too.

Bettors may see fewer promotions, worse odds and diminished engagement, all of which make illegal o shore sites more appealing.

If lawmakers want to responsibly grow gaming revenue, there are better options than a punitive tax hike. Eventually considering the legalization of online casino gaming — also known as iGaming — could generate signi cant new tax revenue without compromising the structure that’s already proving e ective.

North Carolina has built a reputation as a forward-looking state — welcoming to innovation, supportive of business and committed to long-term economic growth. Let’s not allow a shortsighted tax proposal to derail that progress.

Doubling the tax rate now would be a step backward. Lawmakers should protect what’s working and reject the Senate’s proposed tax increase on sports wagering.

John A. Pappas is state advocacy director for the iDevelopment and Economic Association.

COLUMN | PHILIP GLADDEN

COLUMN | JOHN A. PAPPAS

PUBLIC DOMAIN IMAGE VIA VECTEEZY

Role-playing exercise illustrates challenges of reintegration

The event provided a hands-on look at the barriers faced by those recently released from incarceration

By K.D. Beard Duplin Journal

KENANSVILLE — Trillium’s Support Transition and Reentry (T-STAR) team held a reentry simulation at the Ed Emory Auditorium in Kenansville last Monday that illustrated the many barriers and challenges individuals must overcome following their release from incarceration through a role-playing exercise.

Participants ranging from public defenders, parole ocers and peer support specialists were assigned new identities, circumstances and histories before being tasked with overcoming challenges and obstacles that mirrored those faced by individuals recently released from correctional facilities, such as obtaining government identication, securing transportation, paying rent or child support and meeting parole or probation mandated check-ins.

Ernie Lee, district attorney for Duplin, Jones, Onslow and Sampson counties, spoke to participants following a welcome from Sarah Willhite, Trillium Health Resources’ training development director.

“No matter what someone has done, they’re still people,” said Lee, expressing that many who nd themselves incarcerated often su er substance abuse and behavioral issues and struggle to access housing and employment as well as medical and mental health treatment. “I want them to become citizens who make a positive di erence to society.”

The simulation consisted of four 15-minute sections each, representing a one-week period (the latter three reduced to 10 minutes for Monday’s session), during which participants were required to complete as many tasks as possible before the timer ran out. Those not in their seats at the end of each section were sent to an isolated seating area on the Ed Amory Auditorium’s stage — a real-life parallel

Participants of the T-STAR’s Reentry Simulation step into the shoes of the recently released struggling to complete assigned tasks within the provided time frame in eye-opening activity at the Ed Emory Auditorium on May 12.

“No matter what someone has done, they’re still people.”

Ernie Lee, district attorney

for what those recently released from incarceration face should they fail to adhere to curfew. Participants were assigned an identity and provided a history for the individual they’d be portraying in the exercise along with transportation tickets that allowed movement to one of the various stations set up around the room representing essential services and resources, such as food banks, plasma donation centers, probation and parole o ces, pawn shops and more.

Though some pro les included forms of state and federal identi cation, many did not — making social services a popular des-

House of Raeford awards $82K in scholarships

The House of Raeford celebrated 12 years of educational support with record awards

Duplin Journal Sta

ROSE HILL — Last week, House of Raeford Farms announced the recipients of its annual scholarship program, totalling $82,500 in college scholarships supporting the education of students connected to its workforce.

“Youth development is one of the pillars that upholds the mission of House of Raeford Farms FLOCK, the nonpro t organization that helps oversee this scholarship program,” said Bob Johnson, House of Raeford Farms CEO.

This year marks a milestone, with 33 students receiving scholarships — the highest number in the program’s history. Each student received a $2,500 scholarship. According to the announcement, the recipients were selected based on academic excellence, leadership qualities, honors, involvement in school and community, and personal goals and aspirations.

According to Johnson, encouraging education among the next generation helps shape the future and honors the hard work of their team members. Through its growing scholarship program, the company aims to encourage personal success in the communities it serves. Over the last 12 years, the program has awarded $537,500 to 215 students in six states. Applications for the

next round of scholarships will open in January 2026. In Duplin County, the following students received scholarships:

Alden Chasten is the son of Kasharka Carr-Hardison of the Rose Hill Division

Alivia Chasten is the daughter of Kasharka Carr-Hardison of the Rose Hill Division

• Avery Jennette is the daughter of Brian Jennette of the Rose Hill Division

Izabel Bradshaw is the daughter of Kathy Bradshaw of the Rose Hill Division

• Kianna Simmons is the daughter of Bruce Wynn of the Rose Hill Division

• Ivan Santibanez Lopez is the son of Carlota Lopez Santibanez of the Johnson Breeders Division

Jennifer Borja Hernandez is the daughter of Teresa Borja Hernandez of the Johnson Breeders Division

• Linsey Peterson is the daughter of Greg Peterson of the Johnson Breeders Division

Drake Segars is the son of Debra Segars of the Corporate division.

• Zoe Powell is the daughter of Jason Powell of the Corporate Division.

Visit houseofraeford.com for the complete list of scholar-

tination for participants looking to complete their tasks as assigned before the timer ran out. Volunteers at each booth further complicated the process, with system issues and lunch breaks impacting the ability of participants to complete their required activities in the time provided. The end of the rst 15-minute week found a majority of participants in jail, unable to complete their tasks or return to their seats before the time expired. As a penalty, they spent two minutes of the next 10-minute week incarcerated, unable to complete vital assignments like sub-

HILL from page A1

been opened,” said Mayor Davy “Fuzzy” Buckner. “It was a proposed street many, many years ago — back in the ’50s, I believe — and it was never opened.” Following the public hearing, the town moved forward with the permanent closure of the undedicated Avalon Drive. Approval of the 2025-26 budget will take place at the board’s June meeting.

In other business, the town approved an amendment to its contract with Tons of Trash and extended its contract with the company through June 2028. Town Administrator Angela Smith o ered an explanation of the proposed amendment to the board.

“Basically, the town currently purchases about 50 carts per year, and it usually runs anywhere from $3,500 to $4,000 per year. Tons of Trash has agreed to accept responsibili-

stance abuse counseling or probation and parole requirements. Later in the exercise, a counterfeit transportation ticket scandal saw another swathe of participants incarcerated.

Following the exercise, participants discussed their experience and o ered insight into the challenges those recently released from incarceration face. Those in attendance agreed that access to transportation was essential for anyone attempting reentry. Jones County Probation and Parole Ofcer Steven Thompson indicated that in his county, some walk miles to ensure they don’t miss their appointments. “If they’re willing to do that, I’ll give them a ride home.”

According to Willhite, part of the goal for the simulation was to connect resources in an e ort to address the challenges those undergoing reintegration into society may face.

Duplin County requests proposals for disaster debris services

Duplin County Duplin County is seeking proposals for Disaster Debris Removal Services and Disaster Debris Monitoring and Management Services to support the county’s response and recovery e orts following natural disasters such as hurricanes or tropical storms. Both the physical removal of debris as well as the oversight, documentation and management of all debris operations fall within the services’ scope of work. Deadline for proposal submission is June 4 at 5 p.m.

Local re departments awarded over 50K in grants

Duplin County Two Duplin County re and rescue squads were awarded grants through the 2025 Volunteer Fire Grant Fund. State Fire Marshall Brian Taylor announced that both the Chinquapin Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad (CVFRS) and Faison Fire and Rescue Inc. (FFR) will receive funding to purchase needed equipment, adding that each department “will use this money to serve their community even better.” CVFRS will receive $27,588.69, while FFR will receive $22,575.50. The Volunteer Fire Grant Fund was established in 1988 to help volunteer units raise money for equipment and supplies and has distributed more than $190 million to volunteer re departments across the state since its inception.

trucks. “Currently, they’re insured through VFIS under the town, but because they’re incorporated, come July 1 they can’t do that,” said Smith, who advised the board that the town had the option to either lease or transfer ownership of the trucks to the Rose Hill Fire Department (RHFD), which currently maintains the vehicles in addition to those owned by the re department. After some deliberation, the town voted to lease the ve town-owned trucks to RHFD for $1 a year, for a total of $5 annually.

ty, purchase the cans and place them when needed at a cost of $0.29 per cart, per month. That’s going to save the town about $2,000 a year,” explained Smith. “I highly recommend it.” A discussion was also held regarding town-owned re

The meeting came to a close following a comment from Buckner thanking those in attendance for their participation as well as the various town departments for all they do for Rose Hill.

“I’d like to welcome Mrs. Tasha. From the mayor to you, we appreciate you,” said Buckner. “One thing we ask: just keep the citizens of this town in mind at all cost.”

K.D. BEARD / DUPLIN JOURNAL

ROSE

K.D. BEARD / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Town Clerk Keren Parker administered the oath of o ce to Tasha Mathis at Rose Hill’s May 18 board meeting.

JSCC celebrates graduates at 63rd annual Commencement Ceremony

This year’s ceremony marked the school’s largest graduating class to date

By K.D. Beard Duplin Journal

KENANSVILLE — More than 280 curriculum graduates turned their tassels on Thursday, May 8 at James Sprunt Community College’s 63rd annual Commencement Ceremony, representing the college’s largest graduating class to date. The college also celebrated over 150 graduates across 26 programs for their academic achievements at the school’s annual Workforce Development and Continuing Education Graduation Ceremony.

Vanessa Watkins, president of the JSCC Student Government Association, thanked families, friends and instructors on behalf of the Class of 2025 before addressing her fellow graduates in a welcome speech preceding the commencement ceremony.

“As we step into this next chapter of our lives, let’s carry with us lessons we’ve learned not just from textbooks, but from our experiences, our failures and our triumphs,” Watkins said. “Go forward with con dence, with courage and pride because we are James Sprunt, and we are the graduating class of 2025. Congratulations, everyone — we did it.”

JSCC President Jay Carraway acknowledged the size of the crowd for the college’s largest-ever graduating class.

“I’ve never seen it like this before — graduates, you’ve got a lot of folks that are supporting you,” commented Carraway prior to introducing Lawrence Rouse, JSCC president emeritus, as the 63rd annual Commencement Ceremony’s guest speaker. Rouse has more than 40 years of experience in the community college and is the longest-serving JSCC president at 13 years, recognized as the North Carolina Community College System President of the Year in 2016. “He’s highly thought of, but beyond all of his accolades and all his accomplishments, I consider his character, his integrity and his faith to be his biggest gifts. He is a good person.”

In his speech, Rouse re ected on the community college’s legacy of service to Duplin County and the surrounding areas, empowering generations of students to improve their lives and build stronger communities since its founding in 1964.

“James Sprunt serves as a powerful bridge to success for students and for the region they serve — and today, that bridge has brought us here to this ceremony, to this celebration, to this very moment,” said Rouse, advising graduates to go forward with con dence. “There are challenges ahead, but don’t let them dene you — let them re ne you. Congratulations, graduates. The world is waiting on you. Thank you.”

Ed Emory, vice chair of the JSCC Board of Trustees, welcomed graduates and their families to the annual Workforce Development and Continuing Education Graduation.

Anita Marie Savage, Duplin County Register of Deeds issued 30 marriage licenses for the month ending on April 30, 2025: Ricardo Romero Cristobal, Warsaw, and Nancy Becerra Antiono, Warsaw;

• Linnus Konah Allette, Beulaville, and Cameron Nicole Dawkins, Beulaville; Austin Levi Landers, Rose Hill; and Alaina Danielle Sholar, Rose Hill;

• Jason Carl Dixon, Rose Hill, and Christina Marie Clatterbuck, Rose Hill;

• Allyson Kassandra EspinoHernandez, Beulaville, and Lexy Leonel Herrera Jr,

“Congratulations, graduates — the world is waiting on you.” Lawrence Rouse

“Today is a day of celebration — we’re celebrating you who are achieving what you set out to do through your educational journey, and we are celebrating your family and friends who are here to support you,” began Emory, imploring graduates to remain lifelong learners. “Continue to be curious, continue to learn, and always remember — you’re a part of our family.”

Carraway further emphasized the importance of family in ensuring the graduates’ academic success.

“Very few things happen in life when you do it by yourself.

You’ve got to have supporters; you’ve got to have folks behind you helping you,” he said, adding that instructors were also a critical part of the process and praising them for their capability. “We are very blessed to have the caliber of instructors that we have teaching in our programs.”

Beulaville; Benjamin George, Faison, and Dorothy Rose Faison, Faison;

• Owen Lem Brown Ii, Chinquapin, and Darian Corina Pate, Richlands;

• Cassandra Danielle Boney, Rose Hill, and Sharod Jerel Leak, Teachey; Madissen Dianna Cannady, Clinton, and Nathan Brooks Piercy, Clinton;

• Yelsin Javier Boniya Contreras, Clinton, and Casta Nurithe Espinoza Cruz, Clinton; Kevin Gabriel Rodriguez Izaguirre, Wallace, and Josshira Jomaly Galindo Escoto, Wallace;

• Maddison Joey Jones, Teachey, and Tyreck Je rey Mcfadden, Teachey; Stephanie Parker Shannon, Clinton, and William Steven Fulton, Clinton;

• Crystal Nicole Norris, Magnolia, and George Michael Cavenaugh, Wallace; Marlita Anyeli Bernardo Mendez, Dudley, and Angel Jacinto Manuel, Dudley; Cameron Scott Bates, Garner, and Paige Louise Sauer, Morrisville;

• Santos Alexi Guillen Escobar, Garland, and Jocabed Perez Velaquez. Garland; Brittany Nicole Stokes, Pink Hill, and Gregory Dy’rell

Herring, Pink Hill; Juilo Wilfredo Orozco, Warsaw, and Mariela Victoria Mejia Osorio, Warsaw;

• Diana Marie Garza, Texas, and Damian Librado Diaz, Seven Springs;

• Erick Santiago Ortiz Mayorquin, Teachey and Belkin Carolina Ayala Calix

Jerry Edward Mcintosh, Wallace, and Peggy Price Miles, Virginia;

• John-Von Larvar Antwan Hicks, Teachey, and Coretta Shantoria Beatty, Teachey; Khalil Xzavier Horton-Glaspie, Warsaw, and Asha Leilani Mims, Warsaw;

• Jennifer Nichole Quinn, Beulaville, and Kevin Hall, Beulaville;

Katerin Mabel Mejia Argueta, Wilmington, and Miguel Angel Baltazar Gutierrez, Wilmington;

• Christy Linee Smith, Wallace, and Michael Stewart Sanders Jr, Wallace; Saira Belsai Cabrera Vindel, Willard, and Daniel Arreola Ortiz, Willard;

• Sherri Creel King, Albertson, and James Thomas Hart, Albertson;

• Kelly Marie Whaley, Chinquapin, and Eugene Robert Peck Jr, Chinquapin.

PHOTOS COURTESY JAMES SPRUNT COMMUNITY COLLEGE

DUPLIN SPORTS

Pickett powers to double bronze in throwing events

Anastan Holley, Zy’ashi Newton and Aubry Hall, who were third at the region meet, hit the tape in 4 minutes, 19 seconds for seventh place.

Bear attack: Rebels shocked by Martin County charter school

North Duplin had no answers for Bear Grass Charter as Addy Higginbotham ends four-year career

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

WILLIAMSTON — North Duplin softball coach Jaime Kylis Higginbotham was aware that there were eight teams in the East capable of advancing to the East Region nals.

The Rebels ran head rst into the hottest pepper in the patch, a third-seeded Bear Grass Charter team that rode momentum to beat No. 6 North Duplin 12-1 and then got popped 5-1 at No. 2 Roxboro Charter (20-5)

The Bulldogs await the outcome of No. 1 Perquimans (25-2) and No. 13 Rosewood, the last Cinderella left in the eld.

Many second and third round games were rescheduled or resumed as a rain created havoc across most of the state.

Higginbotham must have thought the Rebels left something at home because following an 85-mile bus ride, her team lacked its usual punch. Bear Grass went in front

6-1 after one inning and were in front 8-1 in the third when the o ciating crew stopped the action with lighting on the horizon.

The Rebels returned to Williamston on Thursday, and the damage that was done remained. So did North Duplin’s drive in a game that the Bears won 12-1.

Bear Grass whacked a pair of rst-inning homers and two run-scoring hits but also took advantage of two walks and bloops that found a spot the grassy out eld as if they had a sonar device on their bats. Each blow was a painful punch in the stomach of North Duplin (14-4).

Chloe Clifton tied it up with a blast leading o the rst. Hannah Lilley made it 3-1 with a single to left after Lane Gregory singled in the in eld and Calle Perry walked. No. 8 hitter Faith Wisniewski

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

GREENSBORO — Ja’Myah

Pickett is excited about going into the Air Force.

She will make the walk for a diploma next week, leaving as one of the best female athletes at East Duplin.

She left her last piece of evidence at the Marcus Johnson Track and Field Complex during last Saturday’s NCHSAA 2A championships.

Pickett placed third in both the shot put and discus and just to show o her talents landed ninth in the long jump.

“I was pretty happy with that since I was going against girls who do it as their main event,” said the Panthers senior who owns school records in

the long jump and high jump.

It’s all track and eld play for Pickett, the only Panther athlete — male or female — to capture three gold medals at the regional meet.

East Duplin, which won the school’s rst East Region title in Kinston, could not come close to repeating that kind of success when the four regions with 16 quali ers in each event gathered at North Carolina A&T University.

Cummings won its third-consecutive girls title, and the Panthers tallied 14 points for 19th place. from Pickett, who was also Duplin County’s biggest star at the nals. Seaforth landed rst-place showings to capture the boys’ crown.

The Panthers’ 1,600-meter relay team of Tabor Holley,

Wallace-Rose Hill’s best performer was junior Adrian Glover, who was 10th in the long jump (19-8.75) North Duplin’s Tatewatyna Faison, Marcus Hill and Trashawn Ru n had top -six or better nishes at the 1A meet on Friday.

Pickett is a decorated Panther

Pickett, who has quali ed for the state’s spring and winter track and eld championships six times, came in third in the shot put (36-11) and fourth in the discus (113-7) and pushed those limits to go 36 -7.5 with the iron ball and heave her dish to 116-11.

Trojans end career of ’Cats’ Goin

Region nalist South Johnston scored ve times in the eighth inning for a 5-0 win over Richlands

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

CALYPSO — Makenzie Goin and Ava Strickland knew they had to limit baserunners to win a third-round 3A softball game. Over the course of seven innings — and two days — they threw darts and retired hitters as if they were the late Fast Eddie Feigner and His Court. No. 4 Richlands and No. 5

Johnston County were scoreless last Wednesday when thunder roared and rains poured from the skies and stopped the scoreless game in the bottom of the third inning.

The following night the pitching duel continued to the Trojan eighth.

Then it rained guratively on the season of Goin and the ’Cats, who gave up all ve runs in the frame.

Strickland won the matchup and two days later tagged No. 1 Southern Nash (23-1) with its rst defeat, winning another 5-0 contest.

The Trojans will play a

best- of-three series with No. 2 Scotland County (27-1) for the East Region title.

Who would inch rst?

Goin had 13 strikeouts and one walk entering the eighth and had two outs when the trouble started with a walk to No. 9 hitter Emma Wiliford.

Next came what both teams had searched for in vain: a hit with a runner on second base.

Hannah Price’s left stroke pushed a ball to left eld to drive in Wiliford.

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Ja’Myah Pickett placed in two events at the 2A state track and eld championships, has two school records and is the lone Panthers athlete to win three gold medals at a regional meet.

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Jailah Wilson, sliding, had one of three hits Richlands got o South Johnston pitcher Ava Strickland.

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL ND head coach Jaimie Higginbotham talks strategy during a second-round 5-0 win over Vance Charter.

ED’s Ja’Myah Pickett grabbed bronze medals in the shot put and discus at the 2A championships while also showing o her jumping ability

Road-dog Panthers plow through two higher seeds

No. 19 East Duplin kicked their way past No. 16 Bruins and No. 3 Bulldogs for its second straight trip to the third round

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

PRINCETON — Anyone betting that the East Duplin soccer team would make it to the third round of the 2A playo s hit the jackpot.

Yet the No. 19 Panthers broke more than one bracket last week as Miranda Roblero and Candance Drinkwater had senior highlights during impressive road wins over No. 14 Camden County last Monday and No. 3 Princeton on Thursday.

East Duplin won for the seventh time in eight matches by getting strong contributions from goalie Isla Miller, Katelyn Jones, Bella Gaby, Kayleigh Chase and Tabor and Anastan Holley.

The Panthers, who looked like they were going nowhere fast on March 3 (0-4-2) and on March 19 (5-7-2) made make a repeat trip to the third round to play No. 6 Washington (15-2-1).

The best thing about the turnaround may have been that it came when Anamarie Rodriguez, the team’s leading scorer the past two seasons, had a knee injury that requires ACL surgery.

Yet at that point most soccer fans had written o the Panthers.

Gone were memories of 2024’s ECC title and eventual 17-6-2 mark.

Last week turned a mediocre to sub-par season into a playo memory book.

Drinkwater provides victory liquid

Drinkwater had a pair of goals in the 3-2 win on the Bulldogs’ astroturf pitch.

Head coach Joey Jones put the senior on the forward line with classmate Katlin Jones.

She responded with a goal 30 seconds into the match and made it 2-0 with her fourth score of the season.

Drinkwater’s other two scores this season came in an 8-1 win over James Kenan, and her seven goals as a junior all

EDWARDO

ED’s Anastan Holley held Princeton’s Makenna Ho man scoreless as a key to the Panthers’ defense during at 2-1 win in the second round of the 2A playo s.

came during four-goal-or-more victories.

“She’s been hot and cold, and we’ve had her everywhere,” Jones said. “She earned the right to be up there with Katelin and gave us what we needed.”

Roblero, a mid elder, added a score with a long-range rocket as East Duplin led 3-1 midway through the second half.

And while Princeton’s Marcie Allison scored twice, the Panthers defense held the rest of the Bulldogs in check. Allison notched 36 goals this season for the Neuse River 2A champs, who su ered their third loss of the spring.

Jones said Chase ran around pursing Allison all night and got support on the other side of the eld from Tabor Holley.

“Kayleigh played very well against a good scoring threat,” he said. “We had to have that kind of defense to give us scor-

ing chances. Tabor also held it down, and Isla was solid in the net. She’s not had a great statistical season but has been a steady force for us.”

Chase is the third stopper this season. The Panthers lost Savannah Hill early in the season to an injury and Zoe Cavangaugh became sidelined after the rst-round win over Camden County.

Gaby, a defender who can make noise in other spots of the eld, had her cartwheel-kick “throw-in” cartwheel kick turned into the second score. The goal came o a rebound in the box.

“She should have gotten an assist,” said Jones. “She’s had a number of puts where we should have scored. It’s a strategic play that helps on restarts. She’s done it a lot, and many teams don’t know what to expect.”

Jones said his team adjusted to the eld surface.

“We did and whether or not practicing in the gym the previous two days helped, I couldn’t say,” he said.

“We played a very competitive schedule, and I felt we got a good draw in which we could compete with teams in front of us, regardless of their record or seed.”

Rah-rah for Roblero

Roblero, meanwhile, pulled the trigger on the Panthers’ 1-0 triumph over Camden County (16-6-1), in the third overtime session, though it took nearly 104 minutes.

The senior stepped up big time in the last half of the season for the biggest goal of her career.

She had 10 goals and 10 assists this spring. It was her

13th game scoring or having an assist.

“She’s been outstanding,” Jones said. “It was a tough game, and we found a way to win.”

The Bruins’ defense has allowed just 31 goals this season and had shutout 11 foes.

East Duplin held striker Kaelyn Windham (21 goals) in check to blank a team that is averaging nearly three scores a game.

It was the only time this season Windham did not score or provide an assist.

Pam Pack-ing a scoring punch

Washington, the Eastern Plains 2A champ, entered Monday’s match 10-0-1 in its last 11 encounters.

The Pam Pack (15-2-1) have outscoring the opposition 87-20 and have four players with double-digit goal resumes — Elizabeth Meza (18), Jamie Perez (15), Santi Small (13) and Naomi Huss (12).

The lone common foe between the schools is Richlands, who beat Washington 5-0 and East Duplin 4-1.

So, the Panthers could have a chance of playing in the fourth round as the winner takes on the survivor or No. 2 Roanoke Rapids (19-1) and ECC champ and No. 7 Southwest Onslow (15-3-3).

Longtime rival and No. 9 Clinton (12-8-3), who will be in East Duplin’s conference next fall, faces No. 1 Franklin Academy (21-0) in another thirdround match of interest. That winner hooks up against the winner of No. 4 Seaforth (19 -2-1) and No. 5 Manteo (16 - 6).

Bulldogs, Tigers bow out in rst round

Wallace-Rose Hill and James Kenan su ered rst-round losses.

The Bulldogs (9-0) lost 2-1 to Trask, while the Tigers (9 - 6) were dunked 8-0 by No. 13 North Carolina School of Science and Math (11-6-1).

Angela Rosales set up Bayleen Flores for her 17th goal for WRH.

The Titans (15-4-2) beat the Bulldogs by the same score on opening night.

The Tigers’ loss ended a four-match winning streak.

ND’s Faison to continue basketball career at Fayetteville Tech

Few players have scored 1,000 points and grabbed 1,000 rebounds like Tateyawna Faison, who leaves a winning legacy

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

CALYPSO — Tateyawna Faison put her imprint on a scorebox for the past four seasons. And the 6-foot center was a starter and player during North Duplin’s 88-17 run during that span.

The senior will take her game an hour west next fall to play basketball for Fayetteville Technical Community College. She signed a letter of intent two weeks ago in the ND Media Center.

Faison, who was an all-Duplin volleyball player and who

nished sixth in the 100 hurdles at the NSHSAA’s 1A track championships last Friday, averaged 16 points, 13 rebounds

and t3.3 blocks last winter when the Rebels went 24-5 and advanced to the fourth round of the playo s.

The Trojans were 12-13 last winter, playing community colleges in North Carolina, Virginia and South Carolina.

FCC’s head coach Peace Shepard played for Kay Yow when NCSU made a visit to the Final Four and won more than 100 games in seven years coaching at Holly Springs. She played professionally for three seasons.

Faison, who was a second-team player on the NC Coaches Association’s District 2 team, scored 1,131 points during her career.

She was the inside force to augment the play of point guard and classmate Addy Higginbotham, and shooting guard Reece Outlaw, who graduated in 2024 and plays softball for UNC.

The threesome was dynamic and this season, Abby Rose. Lilly Fulghum and Maggie

Brown added contributions around the work of Faison and Higginbotham, both of which were all-Carolina Conference picks.

North Duplin won the CC’s Tournament for the fourth straight time and were regular season champs three of the past four seasons.

The Rebels went 22-2, 24-2 and 18-8 the previous three seasons under longtime coach John Oliver. Former Rebels hoopster and Kenansville physician Jon Kornegay took over in 2024.

Last fall, in volleyball, Faison had a team-high 127 kills, as she returned to the court after missing her junior season. Rebels volleyball coach Heather Best lured her back and her presence helped North Duplin nish 12-9 in a season that could have gone much worse without Faison.

NOTICE OF AUCTION FOR NONPAYMENT

The storage units contents will be sold for nonpayment of storage rental fees. Bid amounts start at the price owed on the units. All payments must be remitted by cash or money order prior to June 13, 2025.

#5 and #30 – Christina Ashley #46 – Elizabeth Burney #60 – Deborah White #7 – Nathan Cochrane

Auction Date: June 13, 2025 10 a.m. at Johnson Storage | 5786 S US 117 Hwy Wallace, NC 28466 Robert Johnson, Owner - 910.285.9111

PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Tatewayna Faison recently signed a letter of intent to play basketball at Fayetteville Technical Community College.

That should have been enough, but it was more painful for the Coastal Conference champs.

Olivia Crumpler followed with a RBI single, Penny Reese with a two-run double to right center and Strickland a two-run blast to dead center.

Richlands’ defense got Goin out of a jam in the eight after Reese reached third with one out.

Goin induced a weak ground to herself and caught Reese in a rundown between third and home, where La’Naya Jackson and catcher Piper Turner forced a tag that completed the double play.

Richlands also used a twin-killing to end the Trojans sixth when Addi Andrews, Jackson and Turner erased any thought of a rally.

Turner helped out in the fourth by gunning down Crumpler attempting to steal second base.

Otherwise, the Trojans were taken hostage by Goin, who struck out the side in the rst and third and who whi ed eight of her rst nine hitters.

Yet one loss didn’t dimmish Goin’s career or reputation.

She went 15-4 with 282 walks and 17 walks and had an ERA of 1.25 and had four saves as Richlands (20-6) had one of its greatest seasons ever.

She wound up third in the state in strikeouts.

Goin nished with a 43-17 four-year record, whi ng 853, walking 47 and posting a 1.05 ERA in 460 innings.

She also whi ed 30 during a 15-inning game against East Carteret in 2022 to become the eighth pitcher in state history to strike out at least 30 in one game.

Jackson, Cameron Cubas and Jailah Wilson rapped the only hits Richlands got o Strickland, who logged her ninth shutout of the season against Scotland County. She fanned eight and yielded a walk to Jackson as the only other base runner for Richlands.

Richlands’ biggest weakness — hitting — nally cost the Wildcats in a big game.

followed with a no-doubt about it three-run rocket.

Three Bear walks to start the second were an omen for more pain for the Rebels.

Perry hit a sacri ce y to score a run and passed ball made it 8-1.

North Duplin’s visit to the third round could be characterized by one play in the second inning when the Rebels were their worst enemy.

It started with a single by Candance Locklear to open the inning. She was picked o but Melany Sanchez and M’chelle Jaco followed though the top of the order could not produce., as the No. 2 though No. 4 hitters went down in order facing Lilley in the next frame.

The Rebels, who blanked River Mill (15-0) and Vance Charter (5-0) in the rst two rounds, had no answers on the diamond in Williamston.

The loss ends the career of shortstop/second baseman Addy Higginbotham, a four-year starter going to play softball at Wingate University, and Jaco.

North Duplin returns a team built around rising seniors Lil-

The Wildcats hit a mere .229 as a team. South Johnston’s team average is .384 and league rival West Carteret was at .283.

Mercy rule win over Fighting Red Wolves

Yet Richlands had plenty of o ense during a 10-0 win over Cedar Ridge that ended in the fth after the Wildcats pushed across ve runs to force a mercy-rule nish. Goin had three hits and drove in a run. Jackson had two hits and three RBIs. Jordan Meece knocked two and Dakota Davis and Wilson also has run-scoring hits.

ly Fulghum, Ady Spence and Marissa Bernal and rising juniors Abby Norris and Gabby Zamudio.

Fulghum and Spence are both right-handed pitchers.

Gracie Higginbotham will come as a southpaw freshman hurler.

Norris showed great improvement behind the plate and Fulghum, Spence and Bernal become the Rebels’ Big 3 in the batter’s box, though Spence and Bernal will have to big producers with runners on base.

There’s simply no replacement for what Addy Higginbotham did for the Rebels — hitting, base running, defensively.

North Duplin su ered the same problem when Reese Outlaw graduated in 2024 and went on to play for UNC. It’s going to be a while before the opposition see big cracks in the Rebels’ victory bell.

The program is on stable ground, and in this case, the chant “four more years” is apropos.

Head coach Higginbotham, who coached more than a decade at the University of Mount Olive, is just digging in to work on scheduling improvement.

Goin had 14 strikeouts and limited Cedar Grove to two hits during a 76-pitch outing. She threw a season-high 126 against South Johnston.

Jackson nished the season with a .414 mark, while also leading the ’Cats RBIs (18), extra-base hits (13) and tied Cubas (.271) in runs (16). Goin (.312), Andrews (.277) and Wilson (.264) were second, third and fourth in hits.

Goin, Jackson, Meece, Andrews, Turner, Wilson and Davis graduate in June, leaving head coach Matt Lovely with a rebuilding project. Leado hitter Cubas will be the lone returning starter.

The Rebels didn’t get the competition needed for a topight program facing mediocre or worse teams in the Carolina Conference.

Next season the league drops Rosewood, its best softball team aside for North Duplin, and replaces the Eagles with East Columbus, East Bladen and West Columbus, while keeping Lakewood, Union and Hobbton. East Columbus is the lone 1A. The other six are 2A schools.

The NCHSAA goes from four to eight classi cations in the fall. The conference update is done every four years and based a number of students in grades 9 to 12.

Look for Higginbotham to battle Fulghum for Ms. Baseball when Duplin Journal announces its postseason awards.

Both played basketball and will be in the running for Female Athlete of the Year, along with East Duplin’s Ja’Myah Pickett (basketball, track) and Kinsey Cave (basketball, softball, volleyball).

Rest assured, the little school that plays big-time softball and has avid fan-support, isn’t going away anytime soon.

Lilly Fulghum

North Duplin, softball

Lilly Fulghum is an all-county player softball and volleyball while making the second team in basketball.

Fulghum hit .620 this spring with eight doubles, three triples, seven homers, 11 walks and 18 RBIs, and she carved out an on-base-percentage of .732.

The junior went 5-2 in the circle with 63 strikeouts, 29 walks and an ERA of 1.20.

She played third base when sharing the pitching duties with junior Ady Spence.

Fulghum averaged 6.9 points in basketball as a starter on a 25-5 team, and in less than three seasons made more than 1,000 digs for the volleyball team.

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Head coach Matt Lovely had his best season, leading Richlands to 20 wins.

ND from page B1

SIDELINE REPORT

AUTO RACING

Indianapolis 500 on pace for 1st sellout since 2016; local TV blackout to be lifted

Indianapolis The Indianapolis 500 is expected to be sold out and the local blackout will be lifted so fans in the area unable to attend can watch it live. It will be the rst grandstand sell-out since 2016. If the grandstands don’t reach capacity, Indianapolis Motor Speedway implements a local television blackout in which the race can only be watched inside the city later that day on replay. The race is expected to draw 350,000. The Indiana Pacers will also host an NBA playo game that evening.

MLB Ohtani throws 50-pitch bullpen session; Kershaw makes return Los Angeles Los Angeles Dodgers slugger Shohei Ohtani threw a 50-pitch bullpen session Saturday, another step in his throwing program in his return from elbow surgery. Ohtani advanced from the 35 pitches he tossed in his previous bullpen session on the same day that the Dodgers activated left-handed pitcher Clayton Kershaw, who made his season debut against the Los Angeles Angels. To make room on the roster for Kershaw, right-hander Ryan Loutos was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Also, left-hander Blake Snell (shoulder) was transferred to the 60-day injured list.

NFL Brown detained after gunshots outside Ross’ boxing event

Miami Ex-NFL star Antonio Brown says he was brie y detained by police following an altercation in which gunshots were red outside Adin Ross’ celebrity boxing event in Miami. Miami police con rmed o cers responded to the area at about 3 a.m. after receiving an alert from the gunshot-detection system. Police questioned several people but made no arrests. Brown posted on social media that he had been “jumped by multiple individuals who tried to steal my jewelry and cause physical harm to me” at the popular streamer Ross’ event.

‘Celebrity gure’ coach Belichick touted as ‘great thing’ for ACC

UNC’s head coach attracted plenty of media attention at the ACC spring meetings

By Mark Long The Associated Press

AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. —

Bill Belichick arrived fashionably late to the Atlantic Coast Conference’s spring meetings, his rst one as UNC’s head coach.

Still wheeling luggage around the beachside resort in Amelia Island, Belichick banged his carry-on into the door frame as he joined league athletic directors, faculty representatives and football and basketball coaches.

It was a mildly awkward entrance for the ACC’s newest and brightest star. But if the former New England Patriots coach and six-time Super Bowl champion caused a distraction, no one seemed to care.

The ACC, at least publicly, welcomed Belichick, baggage and all.

“I thought I was done being tortured by him,” joked Stanford interim coach Frank Reich, who went 6-7 against Belichick, including a win in Super Bowl 52, during 18 seasons on NFL sidelines.

Belichick, with a new public relations communications person by his side, declined most interview requests at the Ritz-Carlton. He did two football-only interviews with UNC reporters, sat alongside Clem-

TRACK from page B1

“I’ve been in the weight room a lot in the last year and while I’ve added muscle, I’ve also lost weight,” Pickett said. “In the shot you have to have a big push. The discus involves more leg action.”

She might have the most powerful legs in the East Region. Her leaping ability was on display in basketball as the top power forward on a Panthers team that went 24-5 and advanced to the fourth round of the 2A playo s.

East Duplin was 24-5 the previous campaign and lost in the third round in the postseason. Pickett was an all-Duplin rst-team player both seasons.

“I’m hoping to leave (for the Air Force) by the end of the year,” she said. “I’m going to miss track a lot, a lot, a lot. It’s di erent because I can go out and train by myself and not get caught up in distractions. It’s all about my personal performance.

Pickett said she, “had a great time in basketball,” and was helped by the additional instruction she got from Jay Southerland, possibly the best player to come from James Kenan.

“I like to compete and getting to the fourth round in basketball and winning the conference were a thrill and a big thing,” she said. “We almost took it to the end. But near the track is where I’m most comfortable.”

Hill, Faison wind up banner track careers

Hill, who won the 110 hur-

son coach Dabo Swinney for an ESPN feature and did a brief segment on ESPN’s “SportsCenter,” whose appearance at the meetings surely had more to do with the former NFL coach than anything the conference had going on during its threeday event.

ESPN already had made UNC’s home opener against TCU a prime-time event, with Labor Day night becoming a showcase for Belichick’s college coaching debut. It could be a launching point for the league, which trails the Big Ten and the Southeastern conferences in brand recognition, television ratings and — most importantly — revenue.

“I think they ran to us be-

fore we could even run to them, our partners at Disney,” ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips said. “Listen, it’s a great thing for the league. It’s a great thing for North Carolina. And we’re all following just the massive coverage that Coach Belichick draws.

“I don’t know that he’s got a private moment to himself at all from what I can see and read and what I follow. But I think it’s good. I think it’s good for our league. It’s good for certainly North Carolina. It’s good for college football people; it draws more interest. And it was enjoyable to have him here this week with our joint group in those meetings.”

Belichick, Reich and Bos-

ton College coach Bill O’Brien give the league three former NFL coaches, though none come with the titles and headaches — Spygate, De ategate and more — of Belichick. Their experience and insight were widely regarded, not surprising considering many top programs are adapting NFL models as they navigate a changing landscape on the doorstep of paying players for use of their name, image and likeness.

With no TV cameras chasing his every move, the 73-year- old Belichick was somewhat removed from the spotlight during the ACC event.

It may have been a welcome respite after the past few weeks, when he defended 24-year-old girlfriend Jordon Hudson for shutting down questions about their relationship, which has drawn outsized attention given their age gap.

“I don’t know that I concern myself with some of those things,” Phillips said. “I think about the elements that a ect the ACC. Some of those other things, I really don’t even pay that much attention to.”

“Bill’s been great to work with,” UNC athletic director Bubba Cunningham said. “He’s a celebrity gure, and he’s doing a great job for us.”

Added Clemson coach Dabo Swinney: “He’s an amazing football coach. You don’t get lucky and do what he did, especially in the NFL where the margin is so, so small. He’s going to be great for our league.”

dles at the Mideast Region, placed second in the 300 hurdles and triple jump and was fourth in the long jump, nished up his career by showing out for was fth in the shorter hurdle race with a 15.28 clocking.

He nished two places lower in that event last season.

Hill moved up a spot after

landing sixth in his preliminary race in 15.32.

The senior won both hurdle races and was second in the long jump at the Carolina 1A Conference championships nearly a month ago.

Faison, also a senior, was sixth in the 100 hurdles in 16.90, while also moving up a place from

her 17.34 nish in the prelims.

She nished sixth last spring in the same event. She was 11th in her “new” event, the 200 (27.31).

Ru n’s 48-foot push in the shot put left the junior him in seventh. The UNC football recruit’s 48-10 throw in the 2024 nals was good enough for third.

CHRIS SEWARD / AP PHOTO UNC coach Bill Belichick takes part in a March press conference.

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

put at the 1A state meet.

obituaries

Barbara Woodru Miller

June 11, 1934 – May 12, 2025

Barbara Woodru Miller, age 90, passed away on Monday, May 12.

Born in Greensville County, Virginia on June 11, 1934, she was the daughter of the late John Russell Woodru Sr. and Mary Tudor Woodru . She was also preceded in death by her husband, Milton Smith Miller; daughter Jennifer Miller Green; sisters, Betty Israel, Mary Purcell; and brothers, John R. Woodru Jr. and Wesley N. Woodru .

Barbara was most proud of her time as wife, homemaker and mother. She followed her Army husband to various locations including Columbia, Atlanta, Germany and nally settling in Hampton, Virginia. She enjoyed serving the PTA at her girls’ school holding several o ces on the board including President. She was awarded the lifetime PTA award. After the girls left middle school, she held various retail and o ce positions. Unfortunately, she became a single mother with the death of her husband in 1977. She moved to Beulaville to be with the Miller family. During that time, she worked at Theresa’s and Duplin General Hospital and attended Hallsville Presbyterian Church. In 1981, she moved to Roanoke Rapids to be with her sisters and brothers. In Roanoke Rapids, she was a member of Rosemary United Methodist Church where she enjoyed participating in their Women’s ministry of making chicken salad for their annual salad luncheon. She took great joy in her three grandchildren, often spending time in Raleigh or Rocky Mount to babysit. Barbara moved to Raleigh to be closer to her daughters in 2014 and then moved to Fort Mill, South Carolina in 2020 to be with Cheryl and the great-grandchildren.

Barbara is survived by her daughter, Cheryl Piner and her husband J.E.(Jim) of South Carolina; son-in-law, Mark LaMantia of Raleigh; granddaughter, Shannon Cox and her husband Jeremy of South Carolina;her grandsons, Brandon Piner and his wife Lauren of Texas and Cameron Green and his wife Zainab Alidina of Raleigh; great-grandchildren, Owen, Oliver, Amelia and Annelise Cox and Cecilia, Ellis, Webb and Holt Piner; sisters-in-law, Theresa Hussey and Geraldean Murray of Beulaville; and numerous nieces and nephews. Special thanks to Cindy Purcell, John Crutchlow and Beth Blackwell who treated her as a surrogate mother.

A Funeral Service to celebrate Barbara’s life will be held on Thursday, May 15 at Community Funeral Home, Beulaville with Lay Minister Mark Houston o ciating. Burial followed the service at East Duplin Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends and relatives in the hour preceding service at Community Funeral Home.

Larry A. Hill

Sept 17, 1950 – May 14, 2025

Larry A. Hill, 74, of Florence, South Carolina passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 14 at his residence. A private graveside service will be held in Mt. Hope Cemetery. Cain Calcutt Funeral Home is honored to serve the Hill family.

Brenda DeLois Williams Bannnerman

March 11, 1948 – May 9, 2025

Brenda DeLois Williams Bannerman, age 77, of Fayetteville formerly of Duplin County, passed away on Friday, May 9 at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center in Fayetteville.

A viewing was held Saturday, May 17 in the hour prior to funeral service at Rock sh A.M.E. Church in Teachey. Burial will follow at Rock sh Church Cemetery in Teachey.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories: husband, McA ee Bannerman Jr.; four sons: Antonio T. Bannerman (Maria) of Hope Mills, Michael D. Bannerman and Alvin M. Bannerman of Raleigh. and Larry J. Bannerman of Fayetteville; two sisters: Arlatha Batts (Ogden) of Wallace and Janice Johnson (Melvin) of Hampstead; sister/ cousin, Shirley L. Pickett of Wallace; ve grandchildren; one aunt, Florence Love of Wallace; niece raised in the home, Miranda Bannerman; grandchild raised in the home, Ayden M. Bannerman of Fayetteville; four sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law; a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends who will miss her dearly.

Delilah Taylor Gomes

Jan. 30, 1934 – May 7, 2025

Delilah Taylor Gomes, 91, of Warsaw departed this life Wednesday, May 7 at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia.

Visitation was Thursday, May 15, 2025 at Hawes Funeral Home chapel in Warsaw.

Funeral service was held May 16 at New Christian Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Rose Hill. The Duplin County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. conducted a ritualistic ceremony open to the public following service. The Celebration of Life Service will begin at 11:00 am. Funeral service was livestreamed on the Hawes Funeral Home, Warsaw, NC Facebook site. Interment followed the service at Devotional Gardens in Warsaw.

Born on Jan. 30, 1934 in Warsaw to the late Ernest and Argie (Bryant) Taylor, Delilah dedicated her life to education and community service. She retired in 1994 as Principal of West Haven Washington Science Tech Magnet School, after serving in multiple roles within the West Haven and New Haven public school systems for 30 years. After retirement, Delilah returned to Duplin County and reestablished her commitment to education and community service in Warsaw. Delilah was a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for more than 70 years, with recent membership in the Duplin County Alumnae Chapter. She provided vision and leadership to many civic and community organizations. Delilah received the NC Governor’s Long Leaf Pine award for volunteer service and was inducted in the Duplin County Hall of Fame in 2019.

Delilah leaves behind her daughter, Paula (Nathan) Gomes McCall; son, Michael (Annette Freeman) Gomes; many nieces, nephews, step-grandchildren, and an extensive network of family, friends and neighbors. She was preceded in death by her husband of more than 50 years, Paul R. Gomes.

Carl Delmas Sloan

Aug. 31, 1931 – May 12, 2025

Carl Delmas Sloan, 93, passed away on Monday, May 12 in Kempton of Jacksonville, Jacksonville. He is preced in death by his wife, Anita Sloan; and a son, David Carl Sloan. Funeral service was held Friday, May 16 at Community Funeral Home, Beulaville with visitation in the hour prior to service. Interment followed at Hosea Fountain Cemetery in Chinquapin. Surviving are his daugher, Anna Sloan Albertson (Timmy); grandchildren, Matthew Albertson and Kayla Albertson Gallagher (Braden).

Erlene Buckholts Gavin

July 12, 1950 – May 7, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Erlene, a cherished wife, devoted mother, treasured mammy, and faithful servant of the Lord, who went home to be with Jesus on May 7, at the age of 74.

Erlene was the heart and soul of her family, always full of love, laughter, and grace. A woman of deep faith, she loved Jesus with all her heart and lived her life as a shining example of His love and kindness. Her commitment to serving others was evident in all she did, especially through her work at Rose Hill Baptist Church, where she joyfully gave her time, talents, and heart to ministries that blessed so many.

She was a passionate golfer who found great joy in the game, not just for the sport itself, but for the fellowship and fun it brought into her life. Her greatest joys, however, were found at homecooking up delicious meals in the kitchen, sharing stories and laughter around the table, and creating lifelong memories with her beloved children and grandchildren. She had a special gift for spoiling her grandkids, who lovingly called her “Mammy” and knew that a visit with her meant love, sweets, and plenty of hugs.

Alongside her devotion to family and faith, Erlene was also a sharp and determined businesswoman. She proudly ran and operated Coastal Exterminating, where she was known for her strong work ethic, integrity, and dedication to excellence. Her leadership left a lasting legacy in the community she served with pride.

Erlene united with her loving late husband, Lewis Gavin; her beloved children, Amanda Gavin, and Lee Gavin (Shannon Gavin); her adored grandchildren, Kaylee Gavin (Matt), Michael Peay (Makayla), Caden Gavin, and Mattie Gavin; and a host of extended family and friends who were all touched by her warmth, generosity, and unwavering faith.

Though we mourn her loss deeply, we rejoice in knowing that she is now at peace in the presence of her Savior. Her life was a beautiful testimony of love, service, and strength, and her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Visitation was held Saturday, May 17 followed by the funeral service at Rose Hill Baptist Church.

Carolyn Benton Davis

Jan. 8, 1961 – May 11, 2025

Carolyn Benton Davis, age 64, of Benson and formally of Wallace, passed from this life to her eternal rest on Sunday, May 11. She was born on January 8, 1961 in Wilmington, daughter of the late Donald Ray Benton and Louise Hope Benton. Left to cherish her memory is her sister, Kaye Maynor and husband Earl of Benson; her nieces, Jessica Johnson and Katelin Benton; her nephew, Brian Benton and wife Christin; great nieces and nephews, extended family and friends who loved Carolyn dearly. Carolyn was a special lady who enjoyed the simplest things of life, but her greatest joy was her family. She was a caring and sweet lady who would do anything she could for anyone in need. She was a people’s person who loved to always be around others. Carolyn enjoyed singing in her church choir, shopping, spending time with family and especially eating out. With a great big heart, she always enjoyed volunteering in the community and recreation department. Carolyn always had a contagious smile whenever you saw her. Although she was disabled, Carolyn never let that stop her. She was very active and was an ‘on the go’ person. Carolyn will surely be missed, but treasured memories of her will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Graveside service was held on Thursday, May 15 at Riverview Memorial Park with Reverend Raeford Carter o ciating.

Lena Joyce Swinson

Nov. 6, 1937 – May 15, 2025

Lena Joyce Jordan Swinson, age 87, of Wallace passed from this life to her eternal rest on Thursday, May 15. She was born on Nov. 6, 1937, in Sampson County, daughter of the late Bernice and Viola Jordan. She was also preceded in death by her husband Livie Tommie Swinson; her son Livie Austin Swinson and brothers, Graham Jordan, Marion Jordan and K.D. Jordan. Swinson was a dedicated member of Wallace Church of God where she served wherever she was needed.

Left to cherish her memory is her daughter Elaine Swinson Colonna of Wallace; grandchildren Damon Willets and wife Xena, Jacob Swinson and Joshua Swinson; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends that loved Joyce dearly.

Joyce was a caring mother and grandmother who loved her family with all her heart. Being a diligent homemaker and great cook, she lled her home with love and welcomed all who entered. Joyce was also a hard worker whether she was taking care of others or using her talents as an expert seamstress. She was a woman of uncommon character, beauty and grace; and to those who knew her, “an instrument of God’s love on this earth.” Joyce will surely be missed but treasured memories of her will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Funeral service was held on Monday, May 19 at QuinnMcGowen Funeral Home Wallace Chapel with the Reverend Todd Narron o ciating, followed by a private burial.

Dennis Lee Ezzell

June 26, 1948 – May 14, 2025

Dennis Lee Ezzell, 76, passed away Wednesday, May 14 at Novant New Hanover Regional Medical Center. Dennis was born June 26, 1948 in Duplin County to the late Norman Ezzell and Mattie Hare Ezzell.

Visitation preceded the service on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at Community Funeral Home of Warsaw. A funeral service was held in the funeral home chapel, with burial concluding the service in Devotional Gardens.

Dennis is survived by his loving wife, Maybelle Darden Ezzell of the home; daughters, Pam E. Futrell and husband Herman of Warsaw, and Lisa E. Humphrey and husband Dwayne of Warsaw; grandchildren, Ashley Atchley and husband Seth of Alabama, Madison Humphrey and Jackson Humphrey, both of Warsaw; and great-granddaughter, Caroline Atchley. Dennis is also survived by brothers, Norbert “Pa” Ezzell of Albertson and Dwight Ezzell of Warsaw; and sisters, Doris Southerland of Bayboro and Angie Blake and Tommy Kornegay of Jacksonville; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Dennis was preceded in death by brothers, Tommy Ezzell, Burgus Ezzell, and Steven Ezzell and sister, Becky Ward.

Maggie Smith Thompson

Sept. 18, 1931 – May 11, 2025

Maggie Smith Thompson, 93, of Warsaw passed away peacefully on May 11 at ECU Health Duplin Hospital in Kenansville. Funeral service was held May 19, 2025 at Greater Six Runs Missionary Baptist Church in Turkey. Public viewing was held one hour prior to the service.

Maggie was the cherished daughter of the late Dave Smith and the late Bertha Armwood Smith. Maggie was preceded in death by her husband, Luther Thomas Thompson; son, David Thompson; daughters, Patricia Oates and Delora Thompson Ford; grandson, Shawn Kenan; brothers, Fulton Smith, John Armwood, Samuel Armwood and Wiley Jackson; sisters, Bessie Smith, Roselle Smith and Evelyn Chestnut.

Maggie is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Peggy Teachey (Raymond); sisters, Doris Smith and Mamie Langston; grandchildren, David Thompson (Gina), Tabitha Ragland (Christopher), Juno Kenan, Luther Thompson (Letitia), Shareeka Hooks (Michael), Morrell Carroll (Jo), and Mia Carroll. Her legacy continues through twelve greatgrandchildren and four greatgreat-grandchildren. She held a special place in her heart for her niece, Mary Herring and nephew, James Smith. In addition to her immediate family, Maggie is fondly remembered by numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends whose lives she touched.

A life marked by love and devotion, Maggie’s memory will be treasured by all who knew her. May her legacy bring comfort and strength to those she leaves behind.

Michael “Mike” David Pate

June 7, 1959 – May 16, 2025

Michael “Mike” David Pate, 65, of Kenansville passed away quietly Friday, May 16 at the ECU Health, Home Health and Hospice - The Service League of Greenville. Michael a ectionately known as “Mike” was born June 7, 1959 at Ellsworth AFB in Rapid City, South Dakota to the late Paul G. Pate and Eva Rosenlind Pate.

Left to cherish his memory are wife: Esther Rogers Pate of the home; daughter, Kaye Gri n and husband Shane Gri n of Faison; grandchildren, Caden, Cheyenne, and Joanna Gri n; siblings, Paul D. Pate and wife Kimberly Pate of Nevada and their children; nephew, Aaron Pate and wife Lindsay and their kids Emma and Luke Pate; nephew, Benjamin Pate and wife Lacey and their kids Marius and Alethea; Lisa Pate Woodward and husband Steven of Florida and their kids Kelsey and Alexis. Mike cherished all of his family. Aunts, Uncles, and many cousins. He held each of them near and dear to his heart and wanted you to know it when he saw you!

For many years Mike dedicated

his skills as an auto mechanic, becoming a familiar face at Frank Steed’s Tire Service. His favorite part of the job was being able to run the wrecker service. Frank was someone he looked up to and cherished and called him friend. Through that friendship, he proudly volunteered with the Warsaw Fire Department and EMS for a few years, demonstrating a desire to serve his community. He enjoyed being around people and never met a stranger. He loved going shing and always found time to go when he could with his friends. He enjoyed working with his Son in Law, Shane, with lawn care and landscaping. He found pride in it because as he often said “Shane is the son I never had and I love him”. Mike often reminisced about his childhood, particularly his time in New Mexico and at his late grandparents, Clarence and Sudie Pate’s home where he had fond memories of cousins, aunt, uncles and friends. Becoming deaf as an infant led to a strong sense of belonging within the Deaf Community where he encompassed meaningful bonds to friends at Eastern NC School for the Deaf of Wilson NC and NC School for the Deaf in Morganton. He met his wife, Esther of 41 years there. He continued after school as a known supportive friend and always o ered assistance to many before his health declined. He possessed a notable sense of humor and often aimed to bring laughter to those around him. Most importantly, Mike was a sinner saved by grace. We nd comfort knowing that in Heaven, in the presence of Jesus, his spirit now joins the choir of praise-singing with sound. Isaiah 35: 5-6

Share with your community! Send us your births, deaths, marriages, graduations and other announcements: community@duplinjournal.com Weekly deadline is Monday at Noon

Annette (Hood) Robinson

Sept. 9, 1929 – May 10, 2025

Marjorie Annette Hood Robinson of Rose Hill passed from her earthly life on May 10 while at The Gardens of Rose Hill in Rose Hill. Born on September 9, 1929, she is the daughter of the late Harvey Leon and Eunice Edgerton Hood. Also preceding her in death are her husband, Joseph Edward Robinson Sr.; son, Joseph Edward

Frankie Hairr Andrews

Nov. 3, 1936 – May 16, 2025

Frankie Mae Hairr Andrews, 88, of Calypso, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday evening, surrounded by her loving family. Frankie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose life was de ned by faith, family, and a deep sense of care for those around her. A longtime member of Faison Baptist Church, she made it her mission to ensure her family was always present

Robinson Jr.; and siblings, Thomas Allen Hood, Harvey Leon Hood Jr., Edna Earle Simmons, Joe Carlton Hood, Floyd Edgerton Hood, James Robert Hood and Thelma Hood Gavin Williams.

Left to cherish her memory are her son, Stephen Earl Robinson and wife Mary Jo of Wallace; daughter-in-law, Emma Jean Robinson of Rose Hill; grandchildren, Danielle Strickland and husband Phillip of Salemburg, Mary Katherine Robinson of Wallace, and Joseph Edward Robinson III of Rose Hill; great-grandchildren: Harper Ann Strickland, Claire Reid Strickland, Pearce Kennedy Strickland, all of Salemburg; Connor Stephen Southerland, Benjamin Joseph Robinson, James Winston Robinson, all of Wallace; and siblings, Eunice Carter Baldwin and husband Kelly of Bladenboro, Julian B. Hood of South Carolina, and Roy Lee Hood of Toronto, Canada.

Annette was a very special lady to everyone who made her

and involved. Her home was a gathering place, lled with warmth, delicious home-cooked meals, and enough love (and food) to go around. She is survived by her children and their spouses; Vickie Sutton and husband Gary of Mount Olive, Martha Sutton and husband Billy of Mount Olive, Janet Hollingsworth and husband David of Faison, Lori Jones and husband Jimmy of Calypso, Brian Andrews and ancée Natalie Webb of Nashville, NC. She was also blessed with many grandchildren; Kellie Witherington and husband Gary, Lee Sutton and wife Julie, Ashley Pate and husband Jim, Amanda Buckner and husband Stephen, Lindsay Gregory and husband Jake, Andrew Hollingsworth and ancée Renee Price, Ryan Tillman and wife Heather, April Goodson and husband Josh, Nicholas Andrews, Trevor Andrews, and Shanna Lawrence and husband Eric. Her legacy continues in her 18 beloved great-grandchildren. Frankie is also survived by her siblings; Paulette Carter and husband Oliver of Lake

acquaintance. With a son who was a high school coach, she developed a love in attending ballgames and enjoyed sports of all kinds. For more than thirty years, she worked with Leder Brothers department store in Clinton. As an awesome cook, her biggest enjoyment was in making sweet goods for the Christmas season to give to others. As an active member of her Mt. Zion Presbyterian Church in Rose Hill, she served in many capacities and was an elder of the church. The family is very thankful to all of her caregivers these past few years— the Gardens of Rose Hill, Gentiva Hospice, and in-home caregivers Pam Cole and Kathy Strickland. She cherished her family more than anything else on earth and always looked forward to

family also wishes to express their gratitude to Frankie’s special friends and caretakers; Nikki Wolfe, Dot Gray, and Bean and Carolyn Cottle. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lowell Conway Andrews; her parents, Allen Gilbert and Rose Bass Hairr; and her siblings, Charles Hairr, Shirley Banks, Homer Hairr, Arnold Hairr, and Stanley Hairr. Frankie took great pride in her yard and cherished time spent cooking for her family. Her legacy is one of generosity, devotion, and quiet strength.

A Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 20, at 11:00 a.m. at Faison Baptist Church, with Rev. Paul Rose and Andy Beard o ciating. Burial will follow in the Calypso Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Monday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home, and at other times at the home.

Waccamaw, Julie Medlin and husband Scott of Benson, Ellen Parker and husband Kenneth of Salemburg, and Joseph Hairr and wife Susan of Kinston.The

Duplin Journal Vol. 10, Issue 13

Duplin Journal

the BRIEF

this week

JSCC celebrates record-breaking milestone

Rose Hill appoints new town commissioner Warsaw, Tetra Tech team up on wastewater

Magnolia shares proposed budget for scal year 2025-26

SPONSORED BY DUPLIN CALENDAR

Happening monthly

Beulaville family turns loss into legacy

THE CONVERSATION

Thank you, teachers!

Don’t let a tax hike undermine North Carolina’s early sports betting success

Role-playing exercise illustrates challenges of reintegration

House of Raeford awards $82K in scholarships

JSCC celebrates graduates at 63rd annual Commencement Ceremony

DUPLIN SPORTS

Pickett powers to double bronze in throwing events

Bear attack: Rebels shocked by Martin County charter school

Trojans end career of ’Cats’ Goin

Road-dog Panthers plow through two higher seeds

ND’s Faison to continue basketball career at Fayetteville Tech

NOTICE OF AUCTION FOR NONPAYMENT

Lilly Fulghum

North Duplin, softball

SIDELINE REPORT

AUTO RACING

‘Celebrity gure’ coach Belichick touted as ‘great thing’ for ACC

obituaries

Barbara Woodru Miller

Brenda DeLois Williams Bannnerman

Delilah Taylor Gomes

Carl Delmas Sloan

Erlene Buckholts Gavin

Carolyn Benton Davis

Lena Joyce Swinson

Dennis Lee Ezzell

Maggie Smith Thompson

Michael “Mike” David Pate

Annette (Hood) Robinson

Frankie Hairr Andrews