Duplin Journal Vol. 10, Issue 14 by North State Journal

Duplin Journal

inside

Turn the page for our salute to Duplin’s graduating seniors

the BRIEF this week

Locklin, Rock sh precincts to close Duplin County Starting this election cycle, Duplin County will reduce its precincts from 19 to 17 with the closure of the Locklin and Rock sh precincts. This decision, made by the Duplin County Board of Elections and approved by the State Board of Elections, was driven by nancial considerations due to low turnout and proximity to Wallace precinct. Rock sh is located just a mile from the Wallace precinct, and Locklin is only two miles away, making it ine cient to continue funding separate polling sites with such low turnout and proximity. Voters from Locklin and Rock sh will now vote in Wallace. Every a ected voter will receive two mailed notices.

Beulaville man arrested on multiple drug charges

Beulaville

John Wesley Taylor was arrested in Beulaville on May 14 after o cers, aware of his outstanding warrant, spotted him riding a bicycle near Main and Jackson streets. According to Beulaville Police, a search revealed 6 grams of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, leading to multiple drug charges.

2 convicted felons arrested on drug tra cking charges

Beulaville

Michael Raynor and Harvey Sholar, both convicted felons, were arrested in Beulaville on May 17 following a tra c stop that resulted in the discovery of methamphetamine, a suspected cocaine/fentanyl mixture, a handgun and more than $1,000 in cash. They face multiple felony charges, including drug tra cking and possession of a rearm by a felon. Raynor is being held without bond due to prior charges, while Sholar has been granted a secured bond of $35,000.

HCA senior celebrated for sportsmanship, leadership

Harrells

Ella Campbell, a standout senior at Harrells Christian Academy, was recently honored with the Will Johnson Living Will Award during the 2025 Varsity and JV Athletic Awards program. This accolade is awarded to an exceptional student athlete who embodies the values of sportsmanship, motivation, hard work, dedication and Christian leadership.

$2.00

CONGRATULATIONS

CLASS 2025

Inclement weather cancels Memorial Day event, but tribute endures in Kenansville

Wreaths honoring those who died in the Vietnam, Korean and both World Wars were placed at monuments outside of the Kenansville Court House by the Duplin County Historical Society as part of its annual Memorial Day Observance. Although the organization had to cancel the event due to inclement weather, the spirit of remembrance remained strong. In a quiet display of respect, several community members, including Sheri Stratton Stokes and Commissioners Wayne Branch and Jesse Dowe, gathered outside the Kenansville Courthouse to pay their respects.

Economic development plan unveils vision for Wallace’s future vitality Commissioners consider nancial safeguards for solar farms developers

The plan outlines goals the town hopes to achieve by 2030

By K.D. Beard Duplin Journal

WALLACE — An economic development strategic plan was presented to the Wallace Town Council last Thursday, outlining the town’s chief objectives over the next ve years and strategies to achieve them. The plan focuses on the revitalization of downtown Wallace, improving community engagement and connection, and creating a strong network of local businesses in addition to other objectives aimed at ensuring the small town retains its characteristic charm as it continues to grow.

“The greatest asset you all have in Wallace is your people.”

Samantha Darlington

It’s been nine months since the town council formally approved a resolution requesting the assistance of the North Carolina Main Street and Rural Planning Center in the preparation of an economic development strategic plan meant to foster prosperity in the town of Wallace, and a little over 10 since Samantha Darlington, a community economic development planner with the North Carolina Department of

See WALLACE, page A7

The county manager addressed key safety measures surrounding solar development

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

KENANSVILLE — Last week, County Manager Bryan Miller and the Board of County Commissioners revisited the county’s solar farms ordinance during their regular meeting. They focused on important regulatory aspects and potential updates, particularly site planning and decommissioning. Miller provided an overview

Harrells Christian Academy breaks ground on new ag building

“This facility will provide students with critical hands-on training that... prepares them for high-demand careers.”

Scott Hamilton, Golden LEAF Foundation president

The new education facility will train future generations in trades and agriculture

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

HARRELLS Christian Academy recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new 7,000-square-foot agricultural education building. The new facility will feature spaces for animal science education and a hands-on ag workshop, with training in welding, woodworking, and small engine mechanics.

“We believe the new HCA Agricultural Education Building and pathway will not only be bene cial to HCA but to the entire southeast region of North Carolina and its ag partners,” said Andy

Wells, HCA head of school.

Planning for the building began in scal year 2021 to meet the growing demands as HCA continues to expand. The school is currently seeing record enrollment numbers, with more than 480 students — the largest in the last 10 years, according to the school’s announcement. This growth is also re ected in the popularity of its Future Farmers of America program, which now serves more than 100 students.

The education building project received a substantial boost earlier this year with a $350,000 grant from the Golden LEAF Foundation. This funding, along with other designated and memorial gifts, will help equip the building with the tools and resources needed to prepare students

See HCA, page A2

“If the developer just walks away, then the county is on the hook for removing the panels and for decommissioning the site.”

Bryan Miller

of the county’s current solar ordinance, which mandates that any new solar facility or signi cant expansion requires a new site plan.

See SOLAR, page A7

THE DUPLIN COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL

K.D. BEARD / DUPLIN JOURNAL

“Join the conversation” THURSDAY

Duplin Journal

www.duplinjournal.com

North State Media LLC

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

THURSDAY

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

DUPLIN CALENDAR

CLASS OF 2025

Meet Amelia Kenan from Wallace-Rose Hill High School. She has demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment to her education by earning an associate’s degree prior to her high school graduation. Kenan has a strong drive to understand human behavior and is motivated by a desire to assist others and create a positive impact in her community. Kenan is one of ve outstanding seniors selected by Duplin County Schools to participate in

father-daughter duos are welcome to join in on an evening of elegance, laughter, and love — no age limit.

• Chinquapin Volunteer Fire and Rescue will host a Touch-a-Truck Day and BBQ plate sale on June 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. BBQ plates will be available for $10. Come explore the department’s impressive equipment, look inside the trucks, tour the facility and meet the dedicated volunteers from our community.

June 13

• Goshen Medical Center will be hosting a health event at the Kingdom Partnership Christian Center in Beulaville on June 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Goshen’s mobile medical unit will be providing primary care and preventative health services, including Pap smears, vaccinations, injury triage and acute care for minor injuries, weight loss, diabetes, health education and more. The event aims to reduce barriers to care and support healthier communities through accessible and a ordable health care solutions. To preregister or request more information, call 910-935-1404.

• Join the Kenansville Pro Rodeo, featuring the best rodeo action on dirt on June 13-14 starting at 8 p.m. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. Come see the nest rodeo athletes from the East Coast compete in bull riding, bronc riding and barrel racing. No dogs or coolers are allowed. Advance tickets are $15, and children aged 5 and under can attend for free. Concessions will be available at the arena. For more information, call 540-521-3959.

June 20

• Celebrate Juneteenth at the Duplin Events Center at 7 p.m. on June 20. The event will feature special guest 803 Fresh with “Boots on the Ground.

June 21

A Community Day celebration will take place on June 21 at the Thell B. Overman Football Field in Wallace. The event will feature emcee Syara Kornegay and Javonte Williams of the Dallas Cowboys. The event is free and open to the public. Activities will include face painting, bouncy houses, balloon animals and more in addition to local vendors and community resources. For more information, call 910-271-2193.

• The town of Magnolia will host a Community Day on June 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Magnolia Park on Highway 117. The event will feature community resources, food distribution, food trucks and more. For more information, call 910-289-3205.

• Visit the Albertson Community Building on June 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to join a small business event, which will include food, vendors and crafts.

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., 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.

Harrells Christian Academy recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for its agricultural education facility on May 14 in

Duplin Journal’s Student Spotlight. Tell us a bit about yourself. Share something that not many people know about you.

I’m passionate about forensic psychology and love studying what drives human behavior. Most people don’t know that I enjoy spending my free time reading case studies and true crime to gain a deeper understanding of people.

Twenty years from now, as you re ect on your high school years, how do you think your friends and teachers will remember you?

They’ll remember me as hardworking, kind and determined. Someone who always

had a goal and gave their best, no matter what.

What will you miss the most about school?

The people, friendships and connections that I’ve made these last four years. What is your biggest academic accomplishment?

Earning my associate’s degree before graduating from high school. It took a lot of focus and dedication, and I’m proud of that.

What drives you? Who inspires you?

Helping others and making a di erence

drives me. I’m inspired by strong, smart women in psychology and my family, who keep me focused.

What are your plans for the future? Have you decided on a career path?

If you plan to go away for college, do you intend to come back to Duplin? Why or why not?

I plan to study forensic psychology and work in criminal justice. I may leave Duplin for college, but it’ll always be home — and I’d love to give back one day.

COURTESY HARRELLS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

Harrells. Left to right: Mark Stampe, Harrison DeVane, Brayden Frederick, Linsey Peterson, Brantley Frederick, Christina Barnhill, Bradley Robinson, Jase Blanchard, Grant Swanson, Joesen Pope, Gracie Barnes, Magdalene Parker, Lily Powell, Olivia Matthews, Marleigh Whaley, Lindsay Matthews, Andy Wells, Patsy Barnhill and John Prestage.

Amelia Kenan

Wallace-Rose Hill High School

Congrats Class of 2025!

Ernesto De Jesus Acosta Pina

Justin Lee Adams

Lauren Nicole Alvarado

Midence

• Amy Daniela Amaya Orellana

• Josseline Simona Argueta

Suriano

• Angie Julissa Arias

• William Alexis Arroyo-Sanchez

• Jonathan Davis Barnette

• Jose Mario Barrera Lara

• Otilia Bernardo Morales

Avonni LeAnna Berrett

Avery Phillip Blanchard

Jyneria Tyesha

Boney-Burgess

Jair Antonio Bonilla

• Irving Alexzander Brown

• Katerin Abigail Buezo Guifarro

• Shaniya Kareen Burton

• Jefrey Oliver Canales Garcia

• Julie Rebecca Carcamo

• Akhia Jasmaine Renay Carr

• Eden Riley Carroll

• Arianna Breanne Carter

• Katerin Oneyda Castro Ramos

• Aiden Terrell Chasten

• Alivia Grace Chasten

• Brandon Chavarria Trochez

• Jonathan Joel

Chirinos Guzman

Johana Cruz Arevalo

Oneyda Jazmin Cruz Morales

Janiah Leeann Dean

• Juan Diego Diaz Jacome

• Mia Diaz Zelaya

• Mason Daniel Diers

• Justin Alex Dings

• Nevaeh Michelle Dobson

• Zehyler Josue Duenas-Garcia

• Brodie Kade Du

• Ja’Khi Damond Edwards

• Angelyque Abigail

Espinoza Velasquez

Gabriel Jose

Espinoza Velasquez

Eliel Estrada-Peralta

Sayuri Zuleyka Funez Mejia

• Adam Yahir Galvan

• Jorge Alberto Garcia Flores

• Stephania Garcia Rangel

• Katerin Yuritza Garcia Zelaya

• Nila Jada Mariah Gause

• Caden Lane Gavin

• Ariana Lanay Gilchrist

• Akeelah QuayShaunna Glaspie

• Enil Yobany Gomez Zelaya

• Christopher Daniel

Gomez-Hernandez

Angie Irany Gomez Lazo

Chelsey Arleth Gonzalez Perez

Elijah Keiton Gore

Sha-Niya Monae Graham

• Ashley Samantha Guevara

• Caren Ivette Guzman

• Bryan Enrique Guzman-Ramos

• Zyion Ladarius Hall

• Preston Earl Hanchey

• Jay’mond Ali Eugene Hargrave

• Marlo Ellis Harris

• Diego Ander Hernandez

• Reina Isabel

Hernandez Arevalao

Cecilia Hernandez-Rodriguez

Geovana Belen

Herrera-Bejarano

• Destiny Deanna Hicks

• Christopher Landon Hill

• Kristopher Blake Houston

• Emily Yamile Idrobo Duenas

• Genesis Mileydi

Inestroza Carrasco

• Moises Iraheta Martinez

Cherley Marianne

Irias Sanchez

Abigail Jaimes Leon

Emmanuel Jaimes-Ramos

• Tyrese Kadeem Je ers

• Isaac Bernard Johnson

• Raymond Berry Johnson

• Gennalee Nicole Jones-Futrell

• Jacqueline Juan-Catalan

• Amelia Marie Kenan

• Jayanna Da’Shae Kenan

• Jayvion Antwon Kenion

• Emily Nicole Lagos-Diaz

• Daniel Nasir Lanier

• Yenahaleiny

Laracuente Midence

Zaniya Ray Lawson-Harrison

Chloe Elizabeth Ledford

Azyria Chanyl Lee

Hazel Simone Lewis

Joel Eugene Lewis

• Kaiden Reese Liu

• Aniya Yamile Long

• Gisell Janeth Lopez Aguirre

• Darwin Eduardo

Lopez Orellana

• Mario Jose Lozano Hernandez

• Melanie Nicole Maradiaga

• Elier Amaury Marquez Chavez

• Brian Anthony Martinez

• Rosy Stephanie

Martinez Inestroza

Christopher Matthew

Martinez Joya

• Kyle Becton Matthews

• Felipe Jareth Matute Martinez

• Ce’Maya Ra’Shae McBride

• Nyanah Emprea McKoy

• Dre’Vian Malik McLendon

• Jonathan Alexander Medina Nunez

• Chris Mejia Castellanos

• Sherlly Mejia-Hernandez

Calvin Dean Melvin

Carolina Mendoza Ortiz

Milana Merendino

Kelsie Denise Meza

Shania Dean’Yale Miller

Tory Antonio Miller

Orlin Manuel Montalvan Alfaro

• Elvin Javier Montoya Hernandez

• Kobe Keshawn Moore

• Jahkhirra Takharra Morisseau

• Ammaryah Palis Morrison

• Dexter Demont Moses

• Aniya Shanae Murphy

• Shaniya Lanae Murphy

• Avery Wayne Murray

• Aiden Lee Murvin

Braxtyn Moriah Newkirk

Melida Andrea Olea Carbajal

Yeri Adonay Oliva Veliz

Diana So a Ortiz Meraz

Talyn Colt Parker

Brianna Meshall Partida

Cesar Eduardo Perla Fuentes

Sara Faith Peterson

• Samia Joleth Pineda Lainez

• Alessandra Jarely

Pineda Maldonado

• Justin Santiago

Pineda Morales

• Andrew Daniel Pineda-Barralaga

Ta’niya Sharontay Powell

Rodrigo Abinadi

Ramirez Rodriguez

• Perla Suzette

Ramirez-Rodriguez

• Ricardo Matai Ramsey

• Tyrell Demetrius Redd

• Mason Arthur Renna

• Analeise Rae Rivenbark

• Cristian Joseth

Rivera Marquez

Ethan James Robinson

Ashley Nicole Rodriguez

Antony Yair Romero Pineda

• Genesis Dayana

Rosales Patino

Christopher Rosales-Gomez

Dayana Nicole Ruiz Jimenez

Kimberlin Mileydi

Salinas Carrasco

• Chris Edgardo

Salmeron Sanchez

• Ashley Judith Sanchez

• Brianna Michelle

Sanchez Ramirez

Hermalinda LaVonne Santiago

Marilyn Nicole Santos Carranza

• Zamora Yvette Selby

• Genesis Valeria Sevilla

• Jamari Quindale Shaw

• Austin Lee Shoe

• Jeremiah Isaac Shuck

• Andrea Niharia Simmons

• Josephine Nicole Lynn Skelton

• Harley Rae Smith

• Taneya Lachea Smith

• Karla Alejandra Solis Peraza

• Bridgett Jireth Sosa Medina

• Olivia Grace Stidd

Chloe LeAnne Straughn

Shawn Lewis Strickland

Amari Zhane’ Sutton

Idasja Amani Swinson

Jennings Lex Teachey

Kameron Jeremiah Thomas

Jesse Arinel Tomas Bernardo

• Dane Woods Turner

• LaMya Underwood

• Zion Maurice Makai Underwood

• Oscar Lenin Urbina Duarte

• Jackson Lee Usher

• Jeferson Yafet Varela Chirinos

• Marcia Michelle

Vasquez Izaguirre

• Jossel Aldair Vega Claro

Josue’ Joel Vega Moncada

Luis Fidel Velazquez Montejo

Jordi Jhair Velazquez Perez

Franklin Villalobos Guzman

Judhria Chyelle Walls

Shareef Benjamin White

Freeman Isaac Whitted

Tyvaun Naquez Williams

• Jaclyn Amber Williams-Briggs

• Jerard Traquon

Williams-Smith

• Khalil Symian Willis-Mathis

• Lonnie Wilson

• Kyndaeh Jamiele Woodard

• Alex Edgardo Zepeda Ramos

• Eric Saul Zuniga Torres

COURTESY DUPLIN COUNTY SCHOOLS

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

| DAVID HARSANYI

Welcome to the intifada, America

Any editor or reporter who repeated such a preposterous claim is either too gullible or too dishonest to be in a newsroom.

NOW WE KNOW what “globalize the intifada” means.

After a pro-Palestinian Marxist was arrested after shooting and killing Yaron Lischinsky, a German-born evangelical Christian, and his American girlfriend, Sarah Milgrim, in front of the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., he chanted, “Free, free Palestine.”

The murderer, who reportedly traveled from Chicago to kill two innocent 20-somethings, surely knew the embassy workers were Jewish. His justi cation, as far as we know, was a blood libel that is a millennium old. The slander has simply been repackaged for the modern audience.

Indeed, the “genocide” libel is spread by Qatari-bought pseudo-intellectuals on elite U.S. campuses, New York Times and Washington Post editorialists, liberal activists, right-wing paleo “in uencers,” European powers, Democratic House members, big media and many others.

“Palestine,” something most intifada protesters know virtually nothing about, has replaced Black Lives Matter as the cause of the morally vacuous and dangerously illiterate activist class. An entire generation of young people has been brainwashed. It’s only a matter of time before it gets worse.

Only a few days ago, media outlets, including NBC News, reported, without a hint of skepticism, a United Nations warning that 14,000 babies were going to die from starvation in Gaza within 48 hours.

Two days? Fourteen thousand babies?

Any editor or reporter who repeated such a preposterous claim is either too gullible or too dishonest to be in a newsroom. However, at this

COLUMN | MICHAEL BARONE

point, the establishment media will amplify any unsubstantiated and unhinged accusation if the target is right.

As it turns out, the U.N. retracted the claim. What the report actually said was that 14,100 cases of malnutrition could occur among children, not babies, if aid did not reach them over the next year.

Then again, as with most U.N. reports, even that number is likely a concoction. The Hamas-run “Gaza Health Ministry,” which is less reliable than the U.N. and doesn’t distinguish between civilians and armed terrorists, lies about death tolls and puts on low-budget Pallywood productions for credulous Western audiences.

The U.N. has issued more condemnations of Israel than all other nations combined. Not long ago, UNESCO passed a resolution denying Jews any historical connection to the Temple Mount and Western Wall, which came as a surprise to anyone who’s read a book.

Then, of course, we know that 12 of UNRWA’s employees took part in the Hamas massacre of Jews on Oct. 7, not merely o ering logistical help or coordination, but participating in the actual kidnapping and murdering of civilians.

If the U.N. were a country, Israel would be compelled to declare war on it.

No, Israel is not wantonly murdering children in Gaza. It has temporarily blocked “aid” because Hamas steals it, sells it and uses food to control civilians.

How many of the “protesters” who “occupy” college libraries know that Gaza, which was given autonomy all the way back in 2006, is provided food, clean water and electricity by Israel? How many know that the Israeli government forcibly removed thousands of Jews

Democrats are discredited and o -kilter

Most of what used to be called the mainstream media has also been discredited, long since distrusted by perhaps half of Americans, and now shown to have been incompetent or partisanshiply complicit.

HOW DOES a political party with overwhelming advantages, including increasing support from the growing bloc of highly educated and a uent voters, almost monopoly support from the press and broadcast media, and with burgeoning nancial and high-tech sectors of the economy, manage to lose just about everything across the board?

The Biden administration has been repudiated by voters over the in ation that resulted from its heedless spending and open border policy on immigration, and it has been discredited by recent disclosures of former President Joe Biden’s incapacity and by Democrats in and outside the White House who concealed and lied about his condition.

Most of what used to be called the mainstream media has also been discredited, long since distrusted by perhaps half of Americans, and now shown to have been incompetent or partisanshiply complicit. The Democratic Party’s hopes that President Donald Trump’s job approval rating would zoom down toward zero have been temporarily frustrated, as it has risen slightly in May and is higher than at any point in his rst term.

To illustrate the pickle Democrats are in, it’s helpful to provide a little historical perspective, at least as far back as a dozen years, on the very di erent political climate following the 2012 election. That saw the third consecutive reelection of an incumbent president, something not seen since 1820.

The respected Democratic pollster Stanley Greenberg argued that Democrats’ increased support from college graduates, plus huge margins from blacks, Hispanics and young people, would form a “coalition of the ascendant” dominant for years to come. Greenberg was right about trends up to that point. However, he failed to account for the

Newtonian law that says for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. His coalition spurred a coalition of the nonascendant. White non-college-educated people living outside million-dollar-plus metropolitan areas spurned Democrats and elected Trump over Hillary Clinton. A similar coalition in Britain produced the unexpected victory for Brexit ve months before.

By 2024, after one term each from Trump and Biden, that movement continued, including among non-college-educated Hispanics, Asians and blacks. Figures compiled by the Democratic rm Catalist and spotlighted by Republican pollster Patrick Ru ni showed Republicans gaining 36 points among Latinos aged 18 to 29, 33 points among black men, and 30 points among non-college-educated Asians between 2012 and 2024.

In the process, the Democratic Party has become increasingly dominated by white college-educated people who reliably turn out to vote, contribute lots of money and have poor judgment about what matters will appeal to majorities of the entire electorate. As the nancial adviser Dave Ramsey put it, “The hardest people to convince to use common sense are the smart people.”

High-education voters, repelled by Trump’s crudeness, provided the enthusiasm behind the Russia collusion hoax and the various lawfare prosecutions and attempts to remove Trump from o ce somehow. They provided the impetus behind the awed “science” to extend school closings and other undue COVID-19 restrictions.

After George Floyd’s death in May 2020, they gave support or silent acquiescence to radical calls for defunding the police, to reparations for descendants of slaves, and to continued racial quotas and preferences — all positions opposed by large majorities of voters. Biden, having secured

from Gaza because Palestinians can only live Judenfrei?

American Jews even purchased 3,000 greenhouses that stood over 1,000 acres for $14 million and gave them to the Palestinian Authority so they could become self-su cient, gratis. Palestinians destroyed them. There was no peace. Because peace was never the point. Israel doesn’t target civilians, either. It is constantly sending warnings to the population about its operations, often putting its own soldiers in additional danger. Israel is ghting a war against Hamas, which unleashed a 9/11 on it and then cowered behind civilians, purposely churning out martyrs.

There is real su ering in Gaza. It was brought on by one side. All of it could end tomorrow if Hamas returned the remaining hostages and surrendered.

Let’s be honest, though, reality doesn’t matter to the “Free Palestine” crowd. There is a reason Western intifada targets Jewish businesses, Holocaust museums, Hillels, synagogues and innocent people on the streets of D.C. It has nothing to do with “cease res” or aid. The tragedy at the Capital Jewish Museum, where Lischinsky and Milgrim were killed, was not pro-Israel. It wasn’t sponsored by Mossad, but by the American Jewish Congress.

Recall that the rst “protests” against Israel broke out in Times Square and college campuses hours after the Oct. 7 massacre, before the bodies of the dead were identi ed or any retaliation occurred.

“Anti-Zionism” is now the most signi cant form of antisemitism in the world. It has long been the predominant justi cation for violence and hatred against Jews in Europe and the Middle East for a long time. And now it’s here.

David Harsanyi is a senior writer at the Washington Examiner.

the nomination after winning the majority-black South Carolina primary, felt obliged to name a black woman for vice president, although the party nominated a black presidential candidate twice in the previous three contests.

That didn’t happen when “the (mostly) safe middle” was typi ed by Richard Scammon and Ben Wattenberg’s non-college-educated housewife from Dayton married to a machinist. However, it has happened now that the voter looks like the college-educated professional woman married to a lawyer in the a uent suburbs of Philadelphia.

In contrast, transgender activists impinge on others. They insist that inevitably more muscular biological men must compete in female sports, and they pummel the rare Democrat, such as Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), when they question that. As transgender demands have become better known, they have lost support, as Pew Research reported.

Most voters are motivated by concrete concerns — direct economic interests and ethnic or racial concerns. College-educated voters tend to have more theoretical concerns. Sometimes they may alert others to injustice and persuade them to address it, such as supporters of equal rights for blacks. The danger is that their high regard for their own views leads them to take impolitic stands, such as former Vice President Kamala Harris’ support of government-paid transgender surgeries for prisoners and illegal immigrants.

Every political party must strike some balance between the demands of its core constituencies and the beliefs of voters. That’s hard for a party dominated by college-educated activists with theoretical rather than practical concerns. The Democratic Party today, with its discredited leadership and its college-educated core, seems badly o kilter.

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

COLUMN

Duplin Early College High School

Congrats Class of 2025!

• Scarle Alvarado-Vasquez

Kayla Baltazar

• Yosellyn Barajas Mendez

• Esau Borja

Jackson Brown

• Kensley Bryant

Aileen Burger

• Heath Butts

Natasha Cody

Aubrey Cooper

• Monica de Leon Hernandez

Cristina Diaz Alcala

• Christopher Dukes

Kelsey Handy

• Gabrieionna Herring

• Callista Holmes

Jordan Hooper

• Rayanna Houston

Aaliyah Johnson

• Saige Jones

Andriy Juan-Antunez

Emily Knowles

• Beyonce Lopez

Vicente Lopez Flores

• Nicanor Lopez Toribio

Yoeli Mejia Munoz

• Juanita Newman

Ely Osorto Padilla

• Giovanni Perez Aguirre

Lilianna Phelps

• Daica Philoxene

Yaneli Pineda

CLASS OF 2025

Leslie Real Renteria

• Briseida Rivera Lopez

Stephanie Rodriguez-Banegas

• Gisselle Romano-Posadas

Lean Saavedra Lopez

• Landon Sanderson

Sarah Sta ord

Student Spotlight

DUPLIN EARLY COLLEGE: SCARLE

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

Meet Scarle Alverado-Vasquez,

a standout senior at Duplin Early College High School. Known for her determination and outgoing personality, Alverado-Vasquez has demonstrated resilience throughout her academic journey, overcoming a language barrier in eighth grade; she turned challenges into opportunities, ultimately earning her the Student of Excellence. AlveradoVasquez is one of ve outstanding seniors selected by Duplin County Schools to participate in Duplin Journal’s Student Spotlight, a special feature saluting the Class of 2025.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

Share something that not many people know about you.

I think a lot of people would be surprised to know how much I actually crave alone time. Everyone assumes I always want to be around people because I’m outgoing and energized in social settings, but there are times when I really just need space to think, recharge or even feel my emotions privately. The quiet time is where all my great ideas come from!

Twenty years from now, as you re ect on your high school years, how do you think your friends and teachers will remember you?

I think my friends would remember me as someone who always wanted to be involved and would say “yes” to anything, encouraging people before big events and somehow knowing a little bit about everyone. I love making people laugh and bringing di erent groups together.

The teachers would probably say I was talkative (sometimes too talkative) but engaged. I asked a lot of questions and ended up learning way more than just what was in the lesson — stu that applies outside the classroom too. I wasn’t perfect, de nitely got a few “less talking, more working” comments, but I think they saw that I genuinely cared and brought positivity to the classroom.

What will you miss the most about school?

Leaving high school is hard, not because I’m going to miss homework and waking up early, but because I grew into the person that I am today. These four years at the Early College connected me with the people I love the most and taught me new things. I developed new hobbies and in general, it shaped my persona.

I’m going to miss my friends, my school family, all the laughs we shared, the secrets, the “OMG, guess what?” I’m going to miss everything.

What is your biggest academic

accomplishment?

My biggest academic accomplishment was earning Student of Excellence in eighth grade, my rst year in the U.S., despite not knowing English. It was tough. Every class felt like a new world, and I struggled to keep up with lessons, assignments and even basic conversations. Still, I worked hard to understand the material by spending extra time studying and practicing the language. Even though I often heard comments about my “language barrier,” it never stopped me from pushing forward. Those A’s and B’s weren’t just grades; they were proof that even with that challenge, I could succeed. It was a

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Monika Tyler

Trinity Wallace

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Nathan Worsley

reminder of how determination can help overcome even the toughest obstacles. What drives you? Who inspires you? What really drives me is the feeling of constant growth, whether it’s in learning, relationships, or personal challenges. I love pushing myself to do better, especially when faced with things that seem tough at rst. Knowing that I can overcome obstacles keeps me motivated to keep moving forward. As for inspiration, I draw a lot from people who’ve had to work hard for what they’ve achieved, especially those who’ve overcome adversity. Honestly, the people around me — friends, family, even teachers — are also a huge source of inspiration. Their stories of resilience, creativity and perseverance keep me grounded and remind me that anything is possible if you’re willing to put in the e ort.

What are your plans for the future?

Have you decided on a career path? If you plan to go away for college, do you intend to come back to Duplin? Why or why not?

I plan on completing my bachelor’s degree in marketing or nance at Fayetteville State University. My goal is to become an entrepreneur, managing di erent businesses around the world.

Scarle Alvarado-Vasquez

PHOTO COURTESY DUPLIN EARLY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL

North Duplin Jr./Sr. High School Congrats Class of 2025!

Dayana Aguirre Cortez

Jasmeen Amador

Donavan Armwood

Luis Avilez Gonzalez

Sumer Barksdale

Leon Bonetsky

William Buckner

• Benjamin Bullard

Andrew Byrd

• Samuel Carr

Isaac Davis

• Daniel Escobar Cortez

TaTeyawna Faison

• Lillyanna Fonseca

Rahmear Gates

• Julio Gomez Ordonez

Allison Gonzales Castro

Michael Gonzalez

Dominguez

• Kylie Grady

Nathan Grantham

• Carlos Hernandez-Matul

Daniel Herring

Sarahi Hidalgo Manjarrez

Addison Higginbotham

Marcus Hill

Marquise Hinnant

Randy Holloman

Wesley Holmes

M’Chelle Jaco

• Jisel Jimenez-Hernandez

Jose Juarez Barrios

• Lucas Kelly

Anthony Kornegay

• Emma Lambert

Madison Lee

Ziesha Lewis Zikera Lewis

Osmar Lopez Martinez

Henry Lopez Ramirez

Yuridia Lopez-Hernandez

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• Gavin McClenny

Saniah McNeill

• Rosidalia Mendez-Bartolo

Kaleb Miller

• Matthew Montoya

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Eliezer Morales

Jackson Oates

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Iala Overton

Genaro Pacheco

Robert Pate

Wendy Perez Perez

CLASS OF 2025

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

Lily Stringer is a dedicated student with a strong interest in science. She has participated in programs such as Governor’s School, Summer Ventures and the North Carolina School of Science and Math, where she explored advanced topics like agricultural biotechnology and nuclear energy. Motivated by the in uence of her family, teachers and coaches, Stringer plans to major in biology at UNC Chapel Hill. Stringer’s dream is to become a doctor and one day return to Duplin County to serve the community that shaped her. Stringer is one of ve outstanding seniors selected by Duplin County Schools to participate in Duplin Journal’s Student Spotlight, a special feature saluting the Class of 2025.

Tell us a bit about yourself. Share something that not many people know about you.

I love learning, especially about science. I enjoy science because it organizes the chaos of our world. I hope that by attending college to pursue a biology degree, I will be able to understand more and put more order into the chaos. Along with this, a lesser-known goal of mine is to give a TED Talk. Hopefully, after many years of schooling and education, I will learn enough to spread my knowledge to others through the short, engaging, and easily accessible platform.

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Student Spotlight

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Baker Sumner

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NORTH DUPLIN JR./SR. HIGH: LILY STRINGER

Twenty years from now, as you re ect on your high school years, how do you think your friends and teachers will remember you?

I hope they will remember me as someone hardworking, compassionate and reliable. I also hope they remember me as someone they could reach out to with questions and know I would do my best to help them. Although I was quiet throughout high school, I hope others know I was always paying attention and listening to my peers.

What will you miss the most about school?

The atmosphere and excitement of Friday night football games. I will also dearly miss our athletic director, Coach Edwards. When there is a job to be done, he is all in, and that inspires me. He has helped me in numerous ways throughout my middle and high school careers. He has a great attitude, is always willing to help, and is one of the most sincere people I know. His daughter, Ms. Taylor (ND’s athletic trainer is the same way, and I will always be grateful for the opportunity to assist her during football season).

What is your biggest academic accomplishment?

My biggest academic accomplishment is performing well enough to give myself extra opportunities such as Governor’s School, Summer Ventures and the North Carolina School of Science and Math

online program. These opportunities have helped me to explore my academic interests and gain unique opportunities such as performing research, taking an agricultural biotechnology class and presenting on the bene ts of nuclear energy to peers.

What drives you? Who inspires you?

I am driven by the enjoyment of learning and curiosity. I always want to learn more. This pushes me to perform my best and explore all options available to me.

I am inspired by my family. I have seen how they have made a positive impact on those around them. I am also inspired by my teachers and coaches at school. Those who show up for students and put their heart into teaching. The ones who understand the impact they have on young, impressionable teens and choose to go above and beyond to help students.

What are your plans for the future? Have you decided on a career path? If you plan to go away for college, do you intend to come back to Duplin? Why or why not?

I will be attending UNC Chapel Hill to major in biology on the premed track. After attending medical school, I plan to move back to Duplin County. I could not have made it to where I am today without my community at North Duplin, and I think coming back to my community is a great way to serve and improve it. My parents and grandmother also graduated from North

Duplin, so it is special to my family and has always held a special place in my heart. My parents moved away after college but decided to move back to Duplin County so I could attend North Duplin, as they did. I am super grateful for this because it provided me with friends and a community that supported and encouraged me to always do my best. I couldn’t picture myself anywhere else, and I love the idea of living and giving back to the community that has given me so much. I have always loved my community and hope to encourage future generations of Rebels, similar to how Rebel alumni have encouraged me. Lastly, it’s nice to understand how North Duplin is the center of our community and unites us through our Rebel Pride!

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

Lily Stringer

Harrells Christian Academy

Congrats Class of 2025!

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Commerce, presented the department’s Main Street Initiative and Rural Planning Program to the council in July of 2024.

“You all decided that you did want to create an economic development strategic plan, and we have been working on that ever since,” said Darlington, advising the board that over 40 stockholder interviews and more than 300 community survey responses representing nearly 10% of the town’s total population helped inform the plan’s creation.

“I’ve done a lot of interviews with communities, and I’ve been in a lot of communities.

At least one time during interviews, I interview someone who has a negative perception of a town or doesn’t really think anything’s going to change, or that it’s not willing to change. I didn’t have that experience here,” she explained.

“The number one thing that we learned when we did these interviews and these surveys was that the greatest asset you all have in Wallace is your people.”

Darlington then thanked the members of the Strategic Planning Workgroup and asked those present to stand in recognition of their contributions to the project. “They were really vital to creating this plan.”

Composed of Wallace community members, current and former town o cials, and Duplin County’s planning and economic development directors, the workgroup was responsible

from page A1

“New solar facilities or modi cations increasing their existing footprint by more than 10% will require a new site plan approval by our planning board and will have to conform to our current regulations,” explained Miller.

The county manager explained that speci c regulations govern site layout, including required setbacks from roads, residences, and other structures, as well as stipulations for access easements and bu ers.

He also discussed additional regulatory requirements, such as safety provisions, underground power lines, battery storage permits, and the necessity of securing proper property agreements.

“There are some airport regulations that they have to comply with the Duplin County Airport Ordinance if they’re within the vicinity of the airport,” said Mill-

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for mapping assets, identifying economic drivers, and performing an analysis of the project’s strengths, weaknesses, objectives and threats in addition to developing a statement to illustrate their vision for the town.

Charley Farrior, workgroup member and former mayor of Wallace, asked the council to close their eyes and think about the town as he read the statement.

“Known for its iconic Carolina Strawberry Festival, Wallace is a thriving town at the crossroads of eastern North Carolina, where a tradition of agriculture, athletics, transportation and community come together. With robust arts and culture, a historic downtown full of local businesses, a variety of shopping and dining, and an abundance of outdoor recreation, Wallace is a safe and vi-

er, adding that all solar farms must be fully fenced, have safety signage and undergo planning board review and building inspections.

“There are technical details that we require that must be approved along with the site plan,” said Miller.

“We do have a decommissioning plan. ... For example, lease expiration — 12 months of inactivity indicates that the site needs to be decommissioned. This ensures the removal of the solar panels, structures, fencing, roads, and foundations. So basically, they’re looking to restore the land to the pre-developed condition.”

Miller addressed the potential nancial and logistical burden on the county in cases where solar developers default or declare bankruptcy. While current regulations require land restoration, they lack a nancial safeguard — speci cally, a bond —

brant place to call home. Proud of its past and committed to its future, Wallace fosters connection, community spirit and purposeful growth.

“We think that is a great representation of Wallace today, but it’s also a lofty goal to build on these assets and even add additional assets in the future,” added Farrior.

The strategies and broad goals set within the plan were developed from the workgroup’s vision statement and provide an overview of what the town plans to achieve by 2030. Each goal contains speci c objectives detailing actions or projects that contribute to its completion.

“Goal one, as you can see here, is: ‘Downtown is full of a variety of thriving local businesses.’ It’s not today — that is the goal,” began Curt Simpson, member of the Strategic Plan-

that ensures the county isn’t left responsible for cleanup and land restoration if a solar developer goes bankrupt or abandons the project.

The county may ultimately exercise discretion over whether this restoration occurs — especially if funding becomes the county’s responsibility due to a developer’s failure to comply.

“If the developer just walks away, then the county is on the hook for removing the panels and for decommissioning the site. We do have to go through a legal process to be able to sue, which can be hard if the company has gone out of business,” said Miller. He added that introducing a bond would provide crucial protection and help avoid legal and nancial burdens on the county in such situations.

Some commissioners expressed a preference for requiring bonds in future developments as a protective measure.

ning Workgroup. “We have an objective that I’m here to talk about, and that objective is that 80% of the buildings downtown are occupied and utilized by 2030.”

Simpson explained that this can be achieved by creating an inventory for downtown properties and cultivating strong relationships with downtown property owners.

“That obviously is key — if this is coming just from town hall that ‘you must do this, you must do that’, it’s not going to work.” said Simpson. “You’ve got to have incentives for these property owners to do something else.” The town intends to attract and recruit three new types of business downtown within the next ve years — including one new restaurant by the end of 2025 and one family-centered

Any ordinance change would require public hearings and formal amendment procedures. Miller shared that existing solar facilities cannot be retroactively required to comply with new bond requirements due to “permit choice” laws. Miller explained that these laws allow solar developers to adhere to the regulations in place when their permit was issued unless a facility expands its footprint beyond a certain threshold. This means that even if the county updates its solar ordinance, including potentially adding bond requirements, existing permit holders may not be obligated to comply with those changes. Chairman Dexter Edwards thanked Miller for providing the update. No action was taken.

In other business:

• Angela B. Mainor, Duplin

entertainment venue by the end of 2026 — by listing available properties on the town’s website and promoting them on social media.

Workgroup member Matthew Walker spoke to the plan’s objective of strengthening downtown’s sense of place and culture with three public space improvements within the next ve years, including the installation of a new public art piece downtown, meeting with the Department of Transportation to discuss infrastructure and the rerouting of large trucks, and creating funding to bury power lines downtown as Elizabeth City has done. “If that small town can do it, Wallace can do it,” stated Walker.

Other items the plan hopes to achieve by 2030 include creating resources for small businesses, addressing underutilized and blighted buildings downtown, improving the town’s walkability score, promoting Wallace as a parks and recreation destination, and more.

Darlington encouraged the council to view the plan as a living document with goals that can be changed to accommodate shifting priorities within the town and advised them that its value lies within their ability to set realistic goals and implement innovative strategies.

Mayor Jason Wells thanked Darlington and the workgroup for spearheading the project. “You’ve got a very talented group assisting you… We need partnerships like this to make great things happen, and I think we got the right folks in the room to do it.”

County Board of Elections chair, announced that Duplin County will reduce its precincts from 19 to 17. The closure of Locklin and Rock sh precincts was approved by the state board about two weeks ago, Mainor explained. “It’s a waste of money for us to keep those. Locklin has a low turnout. Doesn’t have many people in that area,” said Maynor. “We’ve been thinking about doing it for a long time. So, we just decided to just bring it in front of the State Board, and they agreed to it.”

• Mainor shared that every a ected voter will receive two mailed notices to ensure a smooth transition.

The meeting adjourned until June 2 at 6 p.m. at the Ed Emory Auditorium.

SOLAR

K.D. BEARD / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Rod Fritz, planning director, and other members of the Strategic Planning Workgroup addressed the Wallace Town Council during a presentation of the 2025-2030 Economic Development Strategic Plan on May 22.

WALLACE from page A1

PHOTO COURTESY HARRELLS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

CONGRATULATIONS Class of 2025!

On behalf of the Duplin County Board of Education, congratulations to the Graduating Class of 2025! You have reached an incredible milestone, and we are so proud of your hard work, dedication, and perseverance.

Austin Obasohan, Superintendent

DUPLIN SPORTS

Panthers’ underdog playo run ended by Yellow Jackets

Casey Neal, who leads the state in scoring, logged a hat trick to lead No. 1 Roanoke Rapids to a 5-0 win over No. 19 East Duplin

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

ROANOKE RAPIDS — Casey Neal looked like a freight train as she took a ball in mid eld storming to the East Duplin goal.

The Roanoke Rapids senior striker thrust her body in one direction and after contact spun the opposite direction. Four long and fast-forward-looking dribbles followed before Neal ripped in her third goal of the Yellow Jackets 5-0 win over the Panthers last Thursday in the fourth round of the 2A playo s.

No. 2 Roanoke Rapids (21-01) plays No. 1 Franklin Academy for the East Region title, while the Cinderella run of the Panthers after beating three higher-rated teams on the road.

East Duplin (13-9-2), which won eight of its nal 10 matches, made its playo push without striker Ana-

marie Rodriguez and defenders Zoe Cavanaugh and Savannah Hill, who were sidelined with injuries.

The Yellow Jackets and Neal, who leads all public schools with 63 goals, didn’t score until two minutes before

halftime. But another score came shortly thereafter, and the Panthers were down by a pair that quickly.

“She’s a beast of a player who is

See SOCCER, page B3

COLUMN MICHAEL JAENICKE

Panther booters defy the odds, roll into fourth round of 2A playo s

IT ALWAYS sounds simplistic when a coach wails repetitive cliches, such as “one game at a time” or “we play the regular season to prepare for the playo .”

Yet forgetting wins and losses and playing to become a better team isn’t the way most soccer teams operate. In the spring, teams that lose never seem to be able to get it together, perhaps because they have already given up hopes of being a contender.

Most soccer fans of the Panthers retreated as the team entered the postseason 10-82. East Duplin’s seniors still had something to prove.

They instead have their thoughts on a prom, graduation or a summer vacation. Not East Duplin.

The Panthers have had a number of reasons to give up and didn’t fall for the temptation of letting go.

And there were big bumps in its progress to be the No. 19 seed in the 2A playo s.

Injuries changed the makeup of the team.

Leading scorer Anamarie Rodriguez and defenders Zoe Cavanaugh and Savannah Hill had season-ending injuries and In fact, the season was a big struggle until the playo s.

It started badly early on and got worse.

The Panther were winless (0-4-2) after six matches before pounding James Kenan 5-1 on March 12. Prior to that, East Duplin had scored just four goals.

A mercy-rule win over South Lenoir followed and even though the Panthers fell 3-2 to West Carteret, Rodriguez and Katelyn Jones scored. The tandem were there the previous season when East Duplin went 17-6-2 overall and unbeaten in the ECC to claim the regular season ag.

A ve-goal game against 3A Charles B. Aycock by Rodriguez only put more logs on the re, which turned out to be a false positive. The rise of coach Joey Jones’ team was still to come.

See JAENICKE, page B4

Byrd resigns after ve seasons at head football coach at Richlands

The Duplin County native was the fourth-winningest coach at the Onslow County school

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

RICHLANDS — Pat Byrd’s time on the football eld will continue, but this fall he won’t be the head coach at Richlands.

The James Kenan graduate resigned after ve seasons and a 25-21 mark, which is the fourth most wins in the program’s history.

“This was the most di cult decision I’ve ever made,” Byrd said. “It’s been fun, and the kids have been awesome. This is something that’s been on my mind for the past 18 months. It was

time. This was done in a large part because of my family, who have always supported me, but asked it I would step it back a little over concerns for my physical and mental well-being.”

Ten days after accepting the position, the Covid-19 pandemic forced an end to spring sports, delaying the 2020 season into the spring of 2021, with the ’21 season starting three months later.

And the Wildcats hit rock bottom, though the school has never had great success or been known as a contender.

Richlands went 3-2 in the 2020 season in which only conference games were contested.

Byrd regrouped with underclassmen and the Wildcats went 0-8 in the post-Covid season.

The Wildcats showed steady prog-

ress in each of the next three seasons.

They bounced back with a 6-5 mark in ’22 went 7-4 the following season, beating longtime rival Southwest Onslow for the rst time in more than two decades and tying White Oak for the Coastal 3A Conference title.

More great moments came last fall as the Wildcats whipped longtime rivals East Duplin and SWO, Princeton for the second straight season and South Brunswick, which had tagged Richlands with three consecutive losses on opening night.

The Wildcats were 8-0 before falling 34-14 to league champ White Oak.

They whipped Dixon to go 4-1 in the league and fell on the road in the playo s to No. 15 Rocky Mount 24-7.

See BYRD, page B2

and

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Sophomore Anastan Holley looks to push the ball and defender to the left of goalie Isla Miller.

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Pat Byrd led Richlands from an 0-8 mark in his second seasons to winning eight straight last fall

nishing 9-2, with wins over East Duplin, Southwest Onslow and Princeton. He was 25-21 in ve seasons at Richlands.

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Isla Miller and East Duplin allowed just three goals in the 10 games leading up to a 5-0 loss to Roanoke Rapids in the fourth round of the 2A playo s.

Coaching currents: Murray, Diaz, Walker leave WRH

Basketball coach Ervin Murray, soccer coach Rodrigo Diaz and assistant football coach Graham Walker won’t be wearing black and orange in 2025-26

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

TEACHEY — Three familiar coaches won’t be on the sidelines next season at Wallace-Rose Hill, as the school said goodbye to xtures in three sports.

Two of the coaches are familiar names. — Ervin Murray and Rodrigo Diaz. The third is a valuable young assistant coach – Graham Walker — en route to a head coach, though slated for at least one more stop before running a high school football program.

Murray, who led the Bulldog basketball team to a 31-0 mark and 2A state in 1998, has resigned after six seasons and a 7650 record.

While he was never under .500, wins didn’t come easy for a few obvious reasons.

Football generally takes a starter or two when the players become a senior and there have been several player transfers –Kendell Cave (Fayetteville Academy, UNCW) and Amir Moore (Harrells Christian Academy) for example – that are simply tough for a small school to lose.

It’s already tough enough as the coach gets the bulk of his players after the Bulldogs nish what is normally a long run in the playo s.

Players hit the court with limited practice time and the head coach is behind when the calendar turns to January.

Murray saw and felt all of this rsthand.

Many fans feel he could coach at another school and are slightly surprised he hasn’t played that hand, though he lives in Duplin County.

But loyalty to being a Bulldogs has its limits and running into a dead end in terms of being

BYRD from page B1

Yet that hardly tells the story of how Byrd got Richlands to think outside the box.

He taught a spread o ense and ran the weight room, and his players responded.

The Wildcats believed in themselves and Byrd’s system, a large part in which came from his days at Jacksonville. Byrd was there when the Cardinals were 3A runner up in 2018.

Byrd is the son of the late Billy Byrd, who is James Kenan’s second all-time winningest coach with a 119-68 mark in 17 seasons (1978 to 1994).

“My dad never got to a chance to meet my grandchildren,” said Byrd, who also got aboard a coaching wagon that eats away

a contender is frustrating for any coach.

It must have been hard for Murray, who averaged 19.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists, which included a then-state nal record 13 assists in thenals, to get players to commit to basketball.

WRH won the 1A title in 2006, its second under Steve Robinson, who Murray replaced in 2020. He won more than 400 games at WRH and almost 600 during his career.

0The Bulldogs went 11-3 in the Covid-shortened 2021 campaign and shared the ECC title with James Kenan.

The ’Dawgs were 17-6 the next season, with its only league losses to powerhouse Kinston. And just when Murray and company appeared to have a foundation it crumbled underneath them.

Murray, who played in the ACC for four years at Wake Forest, does have an ace up his sleeve, as his 9-year-old son is a budding hoops star.

Diaz made Bulldogs competitive in 2A

WRH’s soccer season will kick o this fall without head coach Rodrigo Diaz. Diaz did not have his contract to coach renewed as Wallace-Rose Hill is moving in another direction on the boys’ soccer pitch.

His arrival came as WRH moved from the 1A to 2A classi cation in 2018.

Former coach Michael Graybar left his post and a legacy of three 1A titles, but he had a steady diet of 1A schools.

Graybar, a headstrong and controversial coach, saw WRH’s

at family time because of such chores as mowing the eld, lining the eld, washing uniforms and other tasks. “Once you have grandkids, it changes your perspective a little.

“A head coach will spend about 30 percent of his time coaching and the rest on everything else and it’s consuming.”

Richlands also doesn’t have the number of coaches that most 3A schools and many 2A schools have on their sta s.

Byrd said that unless the game plan changes he will be an assistant coach.

He’s likely had to answer a number of phone calls.

“I met with my players, and I spoke to them about sacri ce and commitment, two things I’ve preached to them since

Left, Rodrigo Diaz crafted a 90-34-8 mark in six seasons, which included two outright ECC titles and a share of the 2024 ag. Right, Ervin

led WRH to a state title in 1998 and was 76-50 in ves seasons as the

record dip to 12-8-3 in 2018, as a 2A school, following ve-consecutive 20-plus win seasons.

Diaz’s went 20-5 in his rst year, yet had a lean season in the Covid-19 season of (3-8-1).

The program has been among the best in 2A since then.

The Bulldogs won the ECC twice and have gone 67-21-7 the last four seasons (2021-2024).

Along the way, the Bulldogs had three players who were selected to play in the NC Coaches Associations’ East-West all-star game in July in Greensboro.

Alex Zepeda, an all-state 2A selection, will play in this summer’s classic.

While Graybar had to contend with powerhouse Clinton, Diaz’s teams have had to face the Dark Horses and super soccer teams at James Kenan, which included a pair of allstate players Peter Omega and Maken Augustin, each of whom had a talented supporting cast.

The Bulldogs stopped the Tigers’ string of three-straight ECC titles in 2023.

Wallace-Rose Hill, James Kenan and East Duplin tied for the ECC regular season title last fall.

Day 1,” Byrd. “They had victories and winning seasons, and they reminded me of telling them how what they learned here carries on in the rest of their lives.

“Leaving my players was hard, the toughest football decision I’ve ever made and right up for things in my life.”

Most of Richlands’ success on the gridiron has come when it was a 2A school, and, in the past, the Wildcats had more of 1A or 2A mentality. Football is much more competitive in 3A, and Byrd preached the school should focus on the reality of its classi cation.

First round games in the 3A playo s are brutal. Winning a second-round a air is a notable accomplishment for a school.

And while he never won a

Zepeda, Marlon Marquez, Brandon Romero and Hector Reyes-Zavala were all-state players under Diaz, who led the Bulldogs to a 90-34-8 mark. He was 22-4-2 last fall and advanced to the third round of the playo before falling to Southeast Alamance.

WRH also existed that round in 2023 during a 17-5-2 campaign.

Additionally, Diaz has raised money for the equipment and facility improvements through indoor tournaments and fundraising.

And perhaps the most important aspect of his time in Teachey was the rapport he developed with his players.

Walker shifts into enemy territory

WRH’s football team has also lost a valuable young coach in Graham Walker, the man upstairs helping o ensive coordinator Adam Scronce.

Walker, who watches video tape of football like a network camera, has left to coach at for East Duplin head coach Battle Holley.

playo game, Byrd created an environment for a football program by getting his players to engage.

The workload simply became overwhelming, and even as much as he loved football, he could not continue at a non-stop pace that can run a head coach into the ground.

Look for Byrd to y to another school and become an o ensive coordinator.

He said his football coaching window is about four years, noting that his peers tend to have shorter lives because of the work and pressure.

“I’ve noticed that aside from Bob Lewis (Clinton) it’s hard to nd a coach in his 80s,” Byrd said.

And the reality of football is

On the surface this looks like it wouldn’t hurt the Bulldogs much, but that’s far from the truth.

Walker is a young coach with an appetite to learn and knows the Wing-T o ense that both schools run, which has deep roots to Holley’s father, the late Jack Holley, the state’s second all-time leader in wins (412-96-9).

Scronce, who is also a candidate to become a head coach in the future, worked under the elder Holley while at Harrells Christian Academy.

The crosswinds of summer have likewise blown in Richlands, where Pat Byrd has resigned after ve seasons as the top gridiron man.

Look for the wheels of change to continue throughout the summer.

Coaching isn’t easy and critics and pressure seem to be rampant and constant, especially in football.

Stay tuned for updates. The rst scrimmage for most schools is seven Fridays away (Aug. 8), though teams can start practice on July 30.

Kicko 2025 is Aug. 22 as Graham and the Panthers collide with the Bulldogs.

that a head coach does a tremendous amount of work with great programs having longtime assistants who are given tasks and not micro-managed.

It takes a village of men to lead teenagers through their entry gates of manhood.

Winning comes along the way and there is not a better example of that than the former Tiger, who, in all likelihood, wasn’t given the resources he needed to turn a short-term gain into longterm success at the 3A level.

The school has yet to name a timeline for his replacement.

Several names surface as possibilities, including Wildcats’ defensive coordinator Bill Good. Yet there are also several other younger coaches in the region looking to nd a new home.

ESTATE AUCTION: R EVERTON (DECEASED)

AUCTION DATE

May 31, 2025 – 9 a.m. 856 Jackson Store Rd | Beulaville, NC 28518 Contact: 910-289-0532

Partial List:

Contents of house and buildings: John Deere Gator, Kubota riding mower, Pig Cooker, Homak large rolling tool chest, Air compressor, Homelite generator, Lots of tools, 6’ wood old store bin, Outside patio sets, Several pieces of furniture, Pyrex, Corningware, Cookware, Lots of smalls. See auctionzip.com or wwwbrownandthigpenauctions. com for pictures, list and terms of sale. NCAL#7363

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the Duplin County Board of Equalization and Review will hold its last meeting on Thursday, May 29, 2025 at 2:00 pm in the Commissioner’s Room, Duplin County Administrative Building, 224 Seminary Street, Kenansville, NC. This meeting is held for the purpose of review and hearing appeals of listings and valuations.

The Board expects to adjourn on May 29, 2025. In the event of earlier or later adjournment, notice to that e ect will be published in this newspaper.

Gary M. Rose Clerk to the Board of E&R

PHOTOS BY EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Murray

Bulldogs’ head coach.

Two ’Dawgs to play at Guilford College

Jamari Shaw, seated left, and Jerard Smith, right, signed letters-of-intent to play football at Guilford College with Shameka Shaw, standing from left, WRH football coach Kevin Motsinger and Veronica Smith at the press conference last week in Teachey. The Division III school plays schools in North Carolina and Virginia in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference.

Bulldogs’ Dobson headed to Montreat

Nevaeh Dobson, third from right, signed a letter-of-intent to play basketball at Montreat College last week. Dobson averaged 9.1 points and 8.8 rebounds for WRH coach Will Je ers, right. Also pictured is David Plummer and Rochael Dobson. Montreat is a NAIA Division 2 school that is located between Asheville and Hickory.

SOCCER from page B1

also fast,” said Panther coach Joey Jones. “She’s a tremendous player who can beat you by herself. She’s got 63 goals and as a team we have 65. We did what we could on her, and she was simply too much. She’s a very strong player.”

Neal, the sixth Roanoke Rapids player to receive an invitation to play in the N.C. Coaches Association’s All-Star game in July, has 191 career goals.

Kara Baird and Avery Qualis added scores for Roanoke Rapids on a Panther defense that has allowed 32 goals scores in its previous 23 matches.

“It wasn’t about Isla (goalie Miller), whose been solid this season,” Jones said.

“We got beat on the eld and many times it was because of the way (Neal) was able to penetrate.

the rst 40 minutes of play.

Senior Miranda Roblero scored a pair and classmate Katelyn Jones added her 10th goal of the spring.

Roblero scored four goals in the playo s and has 12 for the season to tie Rodriguez for the team lead, though the latter played in just nine games. Roblero’s nine assists are the most by a Panther.

East Duplin lost twice to Southwest Onslow to nish second in the ECC. The No. 7 Stallions (15-4-3, 10-0) fell 1-0 to the Yellow Jackets.

Rachel Blanchard

James Kenan alum, softball

James Kenan grad and 2022 co-Ms. Softball was named to the rst team of the USA South Conference this spring for Methodist University.

The out elder hit .431 with 13 doubles, eight triples, three home runs and drove in 27 runs while scoring in 18 games.

The Monarchs went 14-26 overall and 7-11 in conference play.

She is the daughter of Robert and Janet Blanchard and was class salutatorian and Female Athlete of the Year her nal year at James Kenan, where she also played volleyball and softball for four years, basketball as a senior and participated in track and eld for two seasons.

Roblero, Jones carry burden in third round

East Duplin, which beat No. 14 Camden County and No. 5 Princeton in the rst week of the playo s, slipped past No. 6 Washington (15-3-1) by scoring twice in the second half following a 1-1 deadlock in

No. 5 Clinton, another Panther rival, lost to No. 1 Franklin Academy (23-0) n the fourth round to set up a match in the East nals against second-seeded Roanoke Rapids.

The encounter features a shootout between Neal and Patriots’ Kayla Rice (35 goals), Olivia Olarte (28) and Lydia Rogers (27).

TOWN OF TEACHEY

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The Public Hearing for the 2025-2026 Budget for the Town of Teachey will be 6/9/25 @ 6:00 pm at the Teachey Town Hall Teachey NC 28464. Any questions or concerns can call 910-285-7564.

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Katelyn Jones had 10 goals this season and like the Panthers came on strong at the end of the season.

East Duplin beat every ECC club but SWO, but the margins of victory were not as big as in the past.

Most soccer fans of the Panthers retreated as the team entered the postseason 10-8-2.

East Duplin’s seniors still had something to prove.

Jones, Miranda Roblero, Caydance Drinkwater, Claire Beth-Bradshaw, Bella Gaby and goalie Isla Miller played as if they were the top seed.

Sophomore twins Tabor and Anastan Holley played more like veterans than newcomers, while junior Kayleigh Chase was also trending upward.

East Duplin’s defense, which allowed just six goals in its last eight matches, was primed for the playo s.

The Panthers shut out No. 14 Camden County and got a

goal by Roblero in the third overtime after riding in a bus for three hours.

Drinkwater connected twice and Roblero once three days later during a 3-2 conquest of No. 3 Princeton in Goldsboro.

Roblero pushed in two and Jones one when East Duplin popped No. 5 Washington 3-1 in the third round.

The Panters fell behind 2-0 late in the rst half in its fourth-round 5-0 setback to No. 2 Roanoke Rapids.

East Duplin will be in a rebuilding mode next season, especially if Rodriguez has ACL surgery. Yet this season’s message to returning players is clear: Defense and unity are key to a long run in the playo s. No matter how many matches a team wins during the regular season.

College Football Playo shifts to straight seeding model

The change should allow the best teams to play each other later in the playo

By Eddie Pells The Associated Press

THE COLLEGE Football Playo will go to a more straightforward way of lling the bracket next season, announcing it will place teams strictly on where they are ranked instead of moving pieces around to reward conference champions.

Ten conference commissioners and Notre Dame’s athletic director came to the unanimous agreement they needed to shift the model that drew complaints last season.

The new format will no longer guarantee an opening bye week for the four highest-ranked league champions, reserving that bene t for the four top-ranked teams in general. The change was widely expected after last season’s jumbled bracket gave byes to Big 12 champion Arizona State and Mountain West champion Boise State, even though they were ranked 12th and ninth, respectively, by the playo selection committee.

That system made the rankings and the seedings in the tournament two di erent

The College Football Playo National Championship Trophy.

things and resulted in some matchups — for instance, the quarter nal between topranked Oregon and eventual national champion Ohio State — that came earlier than they otherwise might have.

“After evaluating the rst year of the 12-team Playo , the CFP Management Committee felt it was in the best interest of the game to make this adjustment,” said Rich Clark, executive director of the CFP.

The ve highest-ranked conference champions will still be guaranteed spots in the playo , meaning it’s possible there could be a repeat of a di erent sort of shu ing seen last season when CFP No. 16 Clemson was seeded 12th in the brack-

et after winning the Atlantic Coast Conference. That ended up costing 11th-ranked Alabama a spot in the playo .

Under the new arrangement, the four top-ranked conference champions will still receive $8 million for their leagues — representing the $4 million they earn for making the playo and $4 million for advancing to the quarter nals.

“That was the commissioners’ way of — at least for this year — holding to the commitment that they have made nancially to those teams, those conference champions in particular, that would have been paid those amounts under the former system that we used last year,” Clark told ESPN.

Southeastern Conference commissioner Greg Sankey was among those who pushed for the change in the upcoming second year of the 12-team playo , though he remained cautious about it being approved because of the unanimous vote needed.

Smaller conferences had a chance to use the seeding issue as leverage for the next set of negotiations, which will come after this season and could include an expansion to 14 teams and more guaranteed bids for certain leagues. The SEC and Big Ten will have the biggest say in those decisions.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLICIT BIDS - REBID

Duplin County Airport Commission will receive Bids for its Fuel Farm project at the Duplin County Airport Terminal Building located at 260 Airport Road, Kenansville, NC 28349, until Friday, June 6, 2025, at 11:00 AM, at which time and place all Bids received will be opened. Bids received after 11:00 AM on Friday, June 6, 2025, will not be considered.

The work may be generally described as, but not limited to, the removal of existing fueling systems and construction of a new fuel farm as described in the plans and speci cations.

Bid Security equal to 5% of the Base Bid is required in the form of a cash deposit or a Bid Bond. Contract Security in the form of 100% Performance and Payment Bonds will be required.

No Bid may be withdrawn after closing time for the receipt of Bids for a period of one hundred twenty (120) consecutive calendar days.

To receive a copy of the Notice to Bidders, please contact the o ce of the Engineer at:

The Town of Beulaville has received a Community Development Block Grant-Infrastructure (CDBG-I) award in the amount of $2,748,320 by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) for the rehabilitation of one lift station (250 gpm Lift Station #2) including piping, pumps/motors, controls, wiring, and associated appurtenances, provide permanent bypass pump (or generator) at Lift Station #2, and rehabilitate (by remove and replace or lining in place) approximately 5,200 LF of 8” gravity sewer piping, 28 manholes, 88 service laterals and associated appurtenances. All work will be like-for-like replacement with no increase in capacity. The proposed project will be in the areas of Mercer Court Apts Ln, S Jackson St, W Robertson St, E and W Chasten St, E and W Brinson St, E and W Parker St, Lanier St, Cottle St, Evans St, Suggs St, Turner Rd, and along an outfall from Lanier St to a manhole approximately 600 feet northwest. The project has a timeframe of 3 years.

The Town of Beulaville is soliciting proposals for grant administration services to assist the Town in the administration of the grant and quali cations for

O ce of the Engineer: PARRISH AND PARTNERS OF NC, PLLC 6701 Carmel Road, Suite 210 Charlotte, North Carolina 28226 336-944-6880 ATTN: Cindy Pearce cpearce@parrishandpartners.com

Duplin County Airport Commission and Parrish and Partners of North Carolina are not responsible for bid documents obtained from other sources. Questions related to the Contract Documents must be submitted in writing to the Engineer no later than 4:00 PM on Tuesday, May 20, 2025.

professional engineering services to assist the town in developing a nal engineering report and subsequent engineering design and bid package services and construction inspection services once release of fund is received. All work for this project will be conducted to ensure compliance with all applicable federal requirements and regulations under the CDBG-I program. The fee for grant administration services will be paid with CDBG funds. Engineering payment terms will be negotiated with the selected rm. The fee for professional engineering services will be paid with CDBG funds.

Copies of the detailed request for proposals (RFP) and/ or request for quali cations (RFQ), including a description of the services to be provided by respondents, the minimum content of responses, and the factors to be used to evaluate the responses, can be obtained by contacting Lori Williams at 910-298-4647 or by visiting Town Hall located at 508 E Main St, Beulaville, NC 28518.

The above information should be submitted no later than July 1, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. to Lori Williams, Town of Beulaville, 508 E Main St or PO Box 130, Beulaville, NC 28518. For

more information, contact Lori Williams at 910-298-4647.

The Town of Beulaville is an Equal Opportunity Employer and invites the submission of proposals from small and minority and women-owned rms, veteran owned, historically underutilized businesses, and certi ed/ registered Section 3 businesses concerns.

This information is available in Spanish or any other language upon request. Please contact Lori Williams at 910-298-4647 or at 508 E Main St, Beulaville, NC 28518 for accommodations for this request.

Esta información está disponible en español o en cualquier otro idioma bajo petición. Por favor, póngase en contacto con Lori Williams al 910-298-4647 o en 508 E Main St, Beulaville, NC 28518 de alojamiento para esta solicitud. Hutch Jones, Mayor Date: May 23, 2025

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

ED lost defensive specialist Zoey Cavanaugh after 11 games.

James Kenan High School Congrats Class of 2025!

• Keylin Andrea

Aceituno Zelaya

• Tyler Reed Allen

• Devon Tyler Anderson

Freddy Arellano-Pineda

• Jesus Avila-Avitia

Angel David Baca Peralta

Denarrio Elmonte

Shawn Bailey

Sebastian Alexander Banda

Walter Yojane

Barralaga Lopez

Charlotte Dare Batts

• Alexander Bautista

• Jennifer Borja

Hernandez

• Chloe Savannah Bostic

Alexis Boykin

• Kyah Navey Brown

Yesenia Catalan Velazquez

Katherine Tatiana

Chirinos Enamorado

Genesis Darisa

Corea Hernandez

Christian Delcid Caseres

• Quentin Ramon Dobson

• Jade Maria Emanuel

Alexander

Sorcia Escobar

Alexis Sorcia Escobar

• Marisol Escorcia Salazar

• Isaias Escorsia Ruiz

Yareli Estrada Garcia

• Brandon Jerrell Faison

Genesis Nevaeh Faison

• Ana Favela Gonzalez

• Elizabeth Suceli Fuentes

Luis Mario Funes

• Daniella Michelle Garcia Diaz

• Daniel Garcia Reyes

Diego Jasso Garcia

• Ethan Ray Garcia

• Mikyah Nyirah Garner

• Jordy Abraham Gomez De Paz

• Aylin Gomez-Escalante

• Duvan Alexandre

Gonzalez Alarcon

• Dayanara Gonzalez-Cruz

• Bryan Robert Gonzalez-Morales

• Daniel Thomas Grady

Ian Luke Grady

• Gael Guardado-Corona

Yarexy Alexandra Guifarro Ordones

Dakota Wayne Henderson

Aniyah Jorde Henson

• Aniyus Dreshawn Henson

• Brandon Hernandez Duarte

• Daejon Maleek Herring

• Jersie Honeycutt

Darius LeSean Howard

• Jesus Huerta

Andrew Daniel Iraheta

• Rumualdo

Jaimes Patino

• Siana Kamille James

• Shania Monique Jones

Vanessa Heavenly Juarez

Jerrick Michael Kellam

• Tristanie Alizabeth

Kennedy

• Hasaan Boheem

Kornegay

• Matthew Logan Lane

Shaddaih Langston

• Andres Leon Cabrera

• Caia Noelle Lewis

• Daniela Lopez-Orozco

• Dayana Lopez-Orozco

Emerson Jeremiah Luna Beliz

Daniel Maldonado

• Rachel Marquez Rivera

Danilo Edgardo

Martinez Mejia

Jeremiah Eugene Medlin

• Samuel Mejia

CLASS OF 2025

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

Meet Daniel Grady, a senior at James Kenan High School. Actively involved in leadership roles, Grady is a well-rounded student with a strong passion for agriculture. Grady has shown commitment both in and out of the classroom while also earning the highest ACT score in his class. He actively participates in running a small farm with his father and grandfather, drawing inspiration from their dedication to hard work. He plans to pursue a degree in agricultural science at NC State. Although he has aspirations of traveling, he holds a strong connection to Duplin County, where he ultimately hopes to return and contribute to the community. Grady is one of ve outstanding seniors selected by Duplin County Schools to participate in Duplin Journal’s Student Spotlight, a special feature saluting the Class of 2025.

Tell us a bit about yourself. Share something that not many people know about you.

• Daniel Mendez-Plascencia

• Angelli Carolina Meza Romero

• Karla Yamith Milla Diaz

• Keren Yamith Milla Diaz

Diana Rosemary Miranda

Joshua Daivon Mitchell

• Julio Cesar Mondragon

Alyssa Montilus

• Joselyn Moran Gonzalez

• Ty Jameir Morrisey

Ayleen Jamilah Murillo Morales

Tyrone Jaeshaun Oates

• Lilian Ariel Ocampo-Ayala

• Richard Oliva Padilla

Peter Omega

• Lucia Esmeralda Pavon Perez

• Miguel Pineda-Torres

• Alyssa Evelyn Powell

• Destiny Paige Rackley

• Maritza Rafael Jose

Jacqueline Reyes Gonzalez

Francisco Padilla Roldan Padilla

Janay Rouse

• Jonathan Rozalez Cardenas

Student Spotlight

JAMES KENAN HIGH: DANIEL GRADY

My name is Daniel Grady; my parents are Barney and Vonda Grady. I’m a member of Kenansville Baptist Church. I was elected president of FFA and held that title for the remainder of high school. I also served as Beta vice president during my junior year. I was a member of the baseball team for all four years and played golf for the nal three. Some interesting things about me would be that I have a small farm with pasture-raised heritage hogs with my dad and PaPa Grady. I have shown both hogs and sheep while in 4-H.

Music is something I enjoy, and I love going to concerts. Lastly, I’m a big fan of comic books, which I picked up from my PaPa Jones.

Twenty years from now, as you re ect on your high school years, how do you think your friends and teachers will remember you?

I want people to remember me for my outgoing personality and for always loving to make people laugh.

What will you miss the most about school?

The connections I’ve made during my time at James Kenan — the teachers, sta , and friends I’ve made — have all had a huge impact on shaping me into the person I am today.

What is your biggest academic accomplishment?

My biggest academic accomplishment would be making the highest ACT score in my class.

• Sasha Marie Rumney

• Imir Nijay Sanders

Ivan Santibanez Lopez

• Angie Santibanez

Carlos Diego Santibanez-Albarran

Yordan David Santivanez

Nataly Aimara

Santos-Martinez

Elmer Saucedo Sanchez

• Brenda Serrano

• Shelton Quintez Smith

Khamyri D’vion Soule

• Stephone Ja’Von Stanley

• Joshua Maurice Tann

Alison Jimena

Trejo Mendieta

Shakira Cordelia Usorio Rivera

Evelyn Gabriela Valencia

• Elmita Velasquez Sales

• Keren Lynn Velazquez Galvez

• Ha’Kiem Mu’Saude D’Monfasha Du’Quahn Washington

• Ieshia Raychelle Williams

• Kierra Renea Williams

• Tyquise Nakiem Wilson Angie Yirely Zavaleta-Ramirez

What drives you? Who inspires you?

My parents have always driven me. They see my potential and push me to take advantage of any opportunity presented. Their wish was to expose me to many things and prepare me for my future, which I feel they have done. My biggest inspirations have been my Papa Grady and my Papa Jones. They’re both di erent in so many ways but still so similar. Both of them have given me examples of what it means to be successful, and I hope to be just as great a man as they are.

What are your plans for the future? Have you decided on a career path? If you plan to go away for college, do you intend to come back to Duplin? Why or why not?

I plan on attending NC State University and pursuing a degree in agricultural science. I don’t have a speci c career plan yet, but I’d like a job that allows me to travel. However, Duplin County will always be home, and I can’t see myself settling down anywhere else.

COURTESY DUPLIN COUNTY SCHOOLS

Daniel Grady

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

CLASS OF 2025

Student Spotlight

EAST DUPLIN HIGH SCHOOL: EMILY VENEGAS

Meet Emily Venegas, a senior at East Duplin High School. She is actively involved in organizations such as Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), the Student Government Association (SGA) and Latinos Unidos, contributing to her school and community. Venegas’ journey has not been without obstacles. However, her passion for making a di erence has transformed her challenges into sources of strength. Venegas strives to be a thoughtful and impactful leader, using her experiences to uplift her peers and contribute positively to her community. Venegas is one of ve exceptional seniors chosen by Duplin County Schools to participate in Duplin Journal’s Student Spotlight, a special feature celebrating the Class of 2025.

Tell us a bit about yourself. Share something that not many people know about you.

I’m someone who’s always been proud of where I come from and the journey that’s shaped me. I’m involved in many school clubs like HOSA, SGA and Latinos Unidos, and I try to lead by example, not just in

NORTH CAROLINA DUPLIN COUNTY

FILE#25E001169-300

the classroom but also in my community.

Something not many people know about me is that I’ve faced personal challenges, whether it’s balancing responsibilities or pushing through moments of self-doubt, but I’ve learned to use those experiences to fuel my growth. They’ve made me more resilient and given me a deeper understanding of the kind of worker and leader I want to become.

Twenty years from now, as you re ect on your high school years, how do you think your friends and teachers will remember you?

I think they’ll remember me as someone who never gave up and always showed up for my academics, team, and community. Hopefully, they’ll say I was someone who stayed true to myself, treated others with kindness, and was always willing to help. I hope my teachers remember me as the student who asked the deeper questions and wanted to learn not just for the grade, but to make a real impact one day.

What will you miss the most about school?

I’ll miss the little moments, the ones you don’t realize are special until they’ve passed. Laughing in the hallways with friends, connecting with teachers who

The undersigned, HENRY JARMAN, having quali ed on the 7TH DAY of MAY, 2025, as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of DAVID LEE COLE, deceased, of DUPLIN County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 15TH Day of AUGUST 2025, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 15th Day of MAY 2025 HENRY JARMAN, ADMINISTRATOR 3900 E NC 24 BEULAVILLE, NC 28518 Run dates: M15,22,29,J5p

believed in me and feeling that sense of unity during school events. I’ll also miss being part of something bigger than myself, like the clubs and organizations that gave me a voice and a purpose. What is your biggest academic accomplishment?

My biggest academic accomplishment is not just having an A average, but earning it while staying committed to so many activities and responsibilities. I’m proud of how I’ve balanced my academics with leadership roles, volunteer work and preparing for a future in health care. Every test I studied for and project I poured my

Executor’s Notice The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Helen Miller Kissner,

the undersigned. This the 29th day of May, 2025. JAMES W KISSNER 325 EARL DAVIS RD ROSE HILL, NC 28458 EXECUTOR of the Estate of Helen Miller Kissner

TOWN OF WARSAW

heart into taught me discipline and drive.

What drives you?

Who inspires you?

What drives me is the dream of becoming a nurse, intending to go into medical school and be there for people when they’re at their most vulnerable. My family inspires me the most, especially my parents, who’ve worked so hard and sacri ced so much so I could have opportunities they didn’t. Their strength and love remind me every day why I keep pushing forward.

What are your plans for the future? Have you decided on a career path? If you plan to go away for college, do you intend to come back to Duplin? Why or why not?

I plan to become a registered nurse and eventually go into medical school. Working in the medical eld is more than a job to me; it’s a calling. I do plan to go away for college to experience something new and grow as a person, but I will always carry Duplin with me. Whether I come back to live or serve through healthcare outreach, I want to give back to the community that raised me. Duplin has made me who I am, and I’ll never forget that.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The public will take notice that the Board of Commissioners of the Town of Warsaw has called a public hearing at 6pm on Monday, June 9, 2025 on the question of annexing the following described territory, requested by petition led pursuant to G.S. 160A-31:

BEGINNING at a survey spike in the centerline of N.C.S.R. 1900 (Lane eld Road) near it’s intersection with Old Maxwell Road, said survey spike having having N.C. grid coordinates of North = 454,166.30 and East = 2,276,743.44; thence from the above described point of beginning, and along chords of the centerline of N.C.S.R. 1900, north 07 degrees 27 minutes 55 seconds west

feet to an existing mag nail; thence north 02 degrees 11

TOWN OF WARSAW

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The FY 2025-26 Budget Proposal has been submitted to the Warsaw Board of Commissioners. The Proposal is available for public inspection in the o ce of the town clerk, until the Budget Ordinance is adopted. A public hearing is scheduled for Monday, June 9th, 2025 @ 6 PM. The hearing will take place at the Warsaw Town Hall, 121 S. Front St. The public is encouraged to attend.

Emily Venegas

obituaries

Jean Scott Rivenbark

Dec. 14, 1938 – May 13, 2025

Jean Scott Rivenbark, formerly of Rose Hill, passed from her earthly life on May 13, 2025, with daughter Jennifer close by her side. She was a resident of Viewpoint Assisted Living of Colorado Springs (CO) for eighteen months. For about a year prior to that she had lived in Colorado to be near her daughter Jennifer due to health reasons. Born on Dec. 14, 1938, she is the daughter of the late Lucian Osborne and Hazel Adeline Fussell Scott. Also preceding her in death are her husband, Jerry Rivenbark; brother, Harry Scott.

Left to cherish her memory are her sister, Susie Herring; children, Allyson Giordano and husband Greg, Jennifer Carlson and husband Jon, Ann Moore and husband Bill, and John Rivenbark and wife Krysten; stepson, Bob Rivenbark; grandchildren, Kate Drews, Josh Martin, Alex Martin, Ava Rivenbark, Liesl Rivenbark, Samantha Rivenbark, Ana King, Bert Rivenbark, and Aiden Rivenbark; and eight greatgrandchildren.

Jean was a homemaker during her early to middle life. This gave her the opportunity and time to raise her children to be the people they are today, with high standards and a good work ethic. The Rose Hill Baptist Church was a very important part of her life and the lives of her children in their early years. She loved her Lord and her family was the most important thing on earth to her.

A memorial service will be held later in the year in Rose Hill.

Yolanda Carol Farrior Carney

May 30, 1970 – May 23, 2025

Yolanda Carol Farrior Carney, age 54, of Johnston County, formerly of Duplin County, passed away at Transitions LifeCare in Raleigh.

Funeral services will be on Friday, May 30, 2025 at 2:00 pm at New Christian Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Rose Hill. Burial will be at the church cemetery.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories two sons: Jerel Carney of Rose Hill and Zion Suber of Clayton; mother, Carolyn Farrior of Rose Hill; three brothers: Tony Farrior (Kecia) of Rose Hill, David Boney of Fayetteville and Eddie Kellem of Wilmington; three sisters: Deatrice Williams of Fayetteville, Emmy Holmes of Jacksonville, and Schemicka Miller; two grandchildren: Ayden and Marleigh Carney; two aunts: Joyce Miller and Dottie Carr; two uncles: Leon Carr and Edro Farrior Jr. (Vanessa); great-aunt, Jacqueline Kenan; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will miss her dearly.

Monica Renee Mathis

Dec. 9, 1970 – May 17, 2025

Monica Renee Mathis, age 54, of Duplin County, passed away on Saturday, May 17 at UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill. A viewing was held Sunday, May 25 at the Rose Hill Funeral Home Chapel in Rose Hill. The funeral service was held on Monday, May 26 at First Assembly of God Church, Wallace. Burial will follow at Duplin Memorial Gardens in Teachey. Left to cherish her precious memories: her children, Darius Fennell (Asia) and Deleya DeGree; mother, Geraldine Mason (Erskine); brothers, Thurman Matthews and Gary St. Julien; six grandchildren, nine aunts, six uncles; great-aunt, Florence Love and great-uncle Leroy Williams; a host of cousins, other relatives and friends who will miss her dearly.

Essie Mae Lamb Williams

March 11, 1933 – May 19, 2025

Essie Mae Lamb Williams, age 92, of Rose Hill passed away on Monday, May 19 at Mary Gran Nursing Center in Clinton. Funeral services will be on Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 3:00 pm at Byrd’s Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Rose Hill. Burial will be at Duplin Memorial Gardens in Teachey.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories her children: Lewis Edward Williams (Celestine) of Goldsboro, Wilma Vann (Donald) of Maryland. and Wanda D. Williams of Maryland; one sister of Mary Alice Ingram of California; sister-in-law, Regina Kenan of Rose Hill; eight grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who will miss her dearly.

Edna “Bunny” Cottle

Dec. 5, 1943 – May 19, 2025

Edna “Bunny” Cottle, 81, passed away on Monday, May 19 at her home. She is preceded in death by her spouse, Kenneth Cottle and a great-grandson, Jacob Paradiso Jr.

Survivng are her sons, John Cottle (Katherine) of Wilmington and Ronny Cottle (Joan) of Washington, NC; daughter, Kim Kennedy (Eddie), Beulaville; sister, Betty Jo Horne of Richlands; brother, Jerry Brown (Wanda) of Beulaville; special friend, Jim Turner of Pink Hill; grandchildren, Victoria Paradiso (Jacob), Kalen Kennedy, Kolby Kennedy and Ethan Cottle; and great-grandchildren, Elijah and Carter Paradiso.

Family received friends on Thursday, May 22 at Community Funeral Home, Beulaville. Burial will be private.

Teddy Ray Melvin Jr.

Dec. 27, 1988 – May 19, 2025

Teddy Ray Melvin, Jr., age 36, of Rose Hill passed away on Monday, May 19 at Rex Hospital in Raleigh.

Funeral services will be on Sunday, June 1 at 1:00 pm at the Rose Hill Funeral Home Chapel in Rose Hill. Burial will be at Duplin Memorial Gardens in Teachey. He leaves to cherish his precious memories three sons, Tyshawn Woods and Chase Darden of Raleigh, and Josiah Melvin of Smith eld; one daughter, Janiyah Melvin of Raleigh; parents, Hattie E. Sutton of Rose Hill and Teddy R. Melvin Sr. of Garland; two sisters, Angjel Sutton-Melvin of Rose Hill and Gretchen Williams of Raleigh; other Siblings known: Santana Chestnutt, Alycia Melvin, David Melvin, Sedrick Jordan, Preston Autry and Antonio Melvin; special friend, Teara Hinton of Smith eld; godfather/uncle, Oliver Sutton and godmother, Brenda Robinson; numerous aunts, uncles, great aunts, great uncles, cousins and friends who will miss him dearly.

Richard Aubrey Fry

July 28, 1936 – May 23, 2025

Richard Aubrey (Dick) Fry passed away on Friday, May 23 at ECU Health Duplin Hospital in Kenansville at the age of 88, the oldest male (to date) in the Revelle family line.

His parents, Helen and Eddie Smoot, and grandparents Carrie and Thomas Revelle preceded him in death.

Left to honor his memory and retell the family stories are his loving wife, Joyce Ann; sisters, Anne (Mike), Janie (Steve), Donna (Bill), and Chris (Ray); children, Georgianna (Tracy), Daryl, Selena, and Richard (Susan); grandchildren, Kylie, Nick (Sarah), Carson (Reagan), Christine (Jake), Chandler (Samantha) and Rick (Katie; and great-grandchildren, Luke, Zach, and Connor.

Dick enjoyed farming, shing, and football. He loved to tell stories about his ancestry which his family will continue to cherish. He was an instructor at James Sprunt Community College where he taught automotive mechanics and was supervisor for adult education classes before retiring. He obtained his masters degree from N.C. State while working full-time. He enjoyed watching the Wolfpack play football on Saturday afternoons. He was a true Washington Redskins fan, which meant most Sundays, during football season, he could be found in his recliner watching football games. His love of shing made for some interesting tales and friendships that he cherished. He kept a garden as long as he was physically able and grew some of the best sweet corn in the county, according to his family.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses of ECU Health Duplin Hospital and Goshen Medical - Beulaville for their competence, care, and compassion.

Funeral Service was held Tuesday, May 27 with visitation in the hour prior to service at Beulaville Presbyterian Church in Beualaville. Burial followed at East Memorial Gardens.

Samuel Robert & Reba “Penny” User Tucker

March 2, 1953 – May 21, 2025

July 31, 1955 – May 21, 2025

Samuel Robert Tucker (72) and Reba Joyce “Penny” Usher Tucker (69) of Magnolia passed away suddenly from an auto accident on Wednesday, May 21.

Robert was born on March 2, 1953 in Duplin County. He was the son of the late Samuel L and Nettie Brown Tucker. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, James L. Tucker and Roy Tucker. Penny was born on July 31, 1955 in Duplin County and was the daughter of the late Marvin and Emma Brown Usher.

They are survived by their son, Robert “Jake” Tucker and wife April of Rose Hill; daughter, Samantha Tucker of Magnolia; grandchildren, Austin Tucker, Madison Tucker and Zack Tucker; Samuel’s sisters, Esther Whitman and husband Stanley of Zebulon

Eddie Ray Hodges

June 26, 1951 – May 17, 2025

Eddie Ray Hodges, 73, of Warsaw took the Master’s hand to eternal rest May 17 at his residence. A public viewing was held Friday, May 23, 2025 at Rainbow Missionary Baptist Church in Warsaw.

Funeral service was Saturday, May 24 at Kenansville Eastern Missionary Baptist Association (KEMBA) in Warsaw. Interment followed the service.

Moses Moore

March 11, 1953 – May 17, 2025

Moses Moore, aka “Bo Pete”, age 72, of Teachey passed away on Saturday, May 17 at ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville.

A viewing was held Friday, May 23 at the Rose Hill Funeral Home Chapel followed by the funeral. Burial followed at Duplin Memorial Gardens in Teachey. He leaves to cherish his precious memories two sons, Je rey Moore (Tracie) of Teachey and Gregory Moore (Nickee) of Wallace; two brothers, Jimmy Moore (Josephine) of Wallace and Robert Moore Jr. (Miriam) of Harrells; two sisters, Lucy Merritt and Judy Moore, both of Wallace; three nieces raised in the home, Tashianna Chester and Brittany Moore, both of Beulaville, and Courtney Moore of Rose Hill; twelve grandchildren, Je rey, Harleigh, Shamiyah, Janiya, Nakiyah, Kobe, Amir, Justice, Alijah, Maverick, Kaiden and Kaleb; one great-grandchild, Zarah; special niece, Carol Newkirk; two special friends, Everett Newkirk and Jim Williams; a host of other relatives and friends who will miss him dearly.

and Evelynn McKinnon of Rose Hill; Penny’s sister, Mary Ann Albertson of Clayton; brothers, Je Usher of Louisiana, Tim Usher and wife Lynn of California; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and friends that loved both Samuel and Penny dearly.

Robert and Penney were happily married for 51 years. They were hard workers and great providers for their family. The two of them enjoyed traveling to the mountains together, going to yard sales and collecting antiques. They were good parents who loved their children and grandchildren with all their hearts. Penny enjoyed cooking and was a great cook. Robert enjoyed being outside and tending to his goats. They enjoyed joking around, ‘picking on each other’ and spending time with their family. Robert and Penny will surely be missed but they will never be forgotten. There will be a gathering with family and friends on Friday, May 30, 2025 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 p.m. at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home in Wallace.

Henrietta Outen Whaley

Feb. 24, 1948 – May 21, 2025

Henrietta Outen Whaley, 77, originally of Garland passed away May 21 in Kenansville.

“Rhetta” was born in Gastonia to the late Raymond Franklin and Rachel Craig Outen. She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Whaley.

A Celebration of Life was held in Asheboro prior to Rhetta’s death. Friends and family surrounded her with love and laughter, letting her know she was important to them and would be greatly missed.

Survivors include her daughter, Rachel Byrd and husband Tim; son, Frank Pronger and signi cant other Tammy; sister, Rachel Goodrum and husband Carl; brother, Pete Outen and wife Amy; and granddaughter, Jordana Pronger. A private burial will be held at a future date.

Dec. 21, 1936 – May 15, 2025

Primmie Lee Sloan Brinson, age 89, of Hampstead, formerly of Duplin County, passed away on Thursday, May 15 at UFH Hospital North in Jacksonville, Florida. Funeral services will be on Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 11:00 am at Rose Hill Funeral Home Chapel in Rose Hill. Burial will be at Sloan Family Cemetery in Magnolia. She leaves to cherish her precious memories her children: Daniel Brinson (Carletha) of Florida and Alicia Brinson of Hampstead; sister, Reba Smith of Durham; two grandchildren, one great-grandchild; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who will miss her dearly.

Primmie Lee Sloan Brinson

East Duplin High School Congrats Class of 2025!

Santiago Acuapa Cisneros

Ethan Wesley Albertson

Logan Raye Aldridge

Briana Lillian

Almonte- Gonzalez

• Andrea Amador Olvera

• Alora Rayne Anderson

• Benjamin Luke Bailey

• Gabriela Alena Baker

• Gavin Scott Ballard

• Christian Jose Balleza Roman

• Amirah Le’Asia Bandy

• Misael Barahona Chandia

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Juan Manuel Basa-Leon

Austin Gage Bell

Karen Joana Benitez Saguilan

Landen Will Bond

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Claire Elizabeth Bradshaw

Maggie Ray Bradshaw

Connor Glen Brinson

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Erik Cruz-Reyes

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Barrera

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Garcia Cordova

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Green-Wynn

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Guerrero Madrid

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Mendez-Mateo

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Moreno- Cervantes

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• Georgia Hope Sumner

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Hunter Ryan Whaley

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Elizabeth Marie Wilkins

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• Jaydin Raymond Wilson

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Arizmendi

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• Miguel Angel Zepeda-Montes

COURTESY DUPLIN COUNTY SCHOOLS

Duplin Journal Vol. 10, Issue 14

Duplin Journal

the BRIEF this week

CONGRATULATIONS

CLASS 2025

Economic development plan unveils vision for Wallace’s future vitality Commissioners consider nancial safeguards for solar farms developers

Harrells Christian Academy breaks ground on new ag building

DUPLIN CALENDAR

SPONSORED BY

CLASS OF 2025

Happening Monthly

Wallace-Rose Hill High School

Congrats Class of 2025!

THE CONVERSATION

VISUAL VOICES

Welcome to the intifada, America

Democrats are discredited and o -kilter

Duplin Early College High School

Congrats Class of 2025!

CLASS OF 2025

Student Spotlight

DUPLIN EARLY COLLEGE: SCARLE

North Duplin Jr./Sr. High School Congrats Class of 2025!

CLASS OF 2025

Student Spotlight

NORTH DUPLIN JR./SR. HIGH: LILY STRINGER

NOTICE OF AUCTION FOR NONPAYMENT

Harrells Christian Academy

Congrats Class of 2025!

CONGRATULATIONS Class of 2025!

DUPLIN SPORTS

Panthers’ underdog playo run ended by Yellow Jackets

Byrd resigns after ve seasons at head football coach at Richlands

Coaching currents: Murray, Diaz, Walker leave WRH

ESTATE AUCTION: R EVERTON (DECEASED)

AUCTION DATE

NOTICE

Two ’Dawgs to play at Guilford College

Bulldogs’ Dobson headed to Montreat

Rachel Blanchard

James Kenan alum, softball

TOWN OF TEACHEY

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

College Football Playo shifts to straight seeding model

NOTICE OF INTENT TO SOLICIT BIDS - REBID

James Kenan High School Congrats Class of 2025!

CLASS OF 2025

Student Spotlight

JAMES KENAN HIGH: DANIEL GRADY

CLASS OF 2025

Student Spotlight

EAST DUPLIN HIGH SCHOOL: EMILY VENEGAS

TOWN OF WARSAW

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

TOWN OF WARSAW

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

obituaries

Jean Scott Rivenbark

Yolanda Carol Farrior Carney

Monica Renee Mathis

Essie Mae Lamb Williams

Edna “Bunny” Cottle

Teddy Ray Melvin Jr.

Richard Aubrey Fry

Samuel Robert & Reba “Penny” User Tucker

Eddie Ray Hodges

Moses Moore

Henrietta Outen Whaley

East Duplin High School Congrats Class of 2025!