The Duplin County Education Foundation and Duplin County Schools came together to honor outstanding teachers and support sta across the county at a formal banquet held at the River Landing Clubhouse on Aug. 21. From left to right: Olivia Tate, Amanda
Patrick Williams, Melsheena Wilson, Katrina Whitehead, Lindsay
Karen
Beth
Laterri Underwood, Lamanda Flowers and Melanie Powell hold their plaques. Turn to A3 for the story and more photos.
the BRIEF this week
Board of County Commissioners to meet next Monday
Kenansville
Due to the Labor Day holiday, the Board of County Commissioners will meet on Tuesday, Sept. 2 at 6 p.m. at the Administrative Building located at 224 Seminary St. in Kenansville. For information, call 910-296-2100.
Duplin County Cattlemen’s Association resumes monthly meetings
Kenansville
The Duplin County Cattlemen’s Association meetings will resume on Sept. 4 at 6:30 p.m.
Membership includes access to the association’s portable corral, guest speakers, food and fellowship with others in the local cattle industry. The group meets the rst Thursday of each month at 165-C Agriculture Drive in Kenansville.
Area Small Grains meeting
9 a.m. Don’t miss the Area Small Grains meeting at the N.C. Cooperative Extension –Duplin County Center on Thursday, Sept. 18 at 9 a.m. at 165 Agriculture Drive in Kenansville. Register by calling 910-296-2143.
$2.00
Building boom reshapes property values, taxes across Duplin County
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
KENANSVILLE — A rainy
Monday morning brought more than just bad weather for Duplin County residents; it also delivered higher-than-ex-
pected property tax bills following a county-wide revaluation. This revaluation has resulted in dramatic increases in assessed property values, with some values more than doubling. Despite months of assur-
ance from county o cials that the revaluation wouldn’t necessarily mean tax increases, and even dropping its tax rate to $0.58 per $100 of assessed value — a 15.5-cent decrease citizens are reporting tax increases ranging from $500 to $3,000. Many are grappling with in ated home valuations and inaccurate property data.
Some residents have appealed their assessments, calling for accountability, and others are concerned about the abilty to a ord their homes.
“I paid $280,000 and now $410,000,” shared Leroy Chasten from Magnolia in a survey conducted by Duplin Journal
Magnolia PD addresses stray dog concerns
Chief Jerry Wood set the record straight in a message to residents
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
MAGNOLIA — In a recent public statement, Magnolia Police Department Chief Jerry Wood addressed a negative comment made on social media regarding the town’s handling of stray dogs.
The comment, shared by a third party on a repost of a department update about a recently found dog, claimed the town “never does anything” about dogs running at large. To provide clarity and transparency about the town’s e orts, Wood decided to issue an o cial state-
The e ort follows a federal push to bring all voter records into compliance with longstanding law
By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal
KENANSVILLE — When the Duplin County Board of Elections met on Aug. 19, they took care of important business necessary for the upcoming Nov. 4 municipal elections. The meeting was originally scheduled for Aug. 7 but was moved.
North Carolina statutes require a chief judge and two additional judges be select -
ment explaining the situation. Wood highlighted that the Town of Magnolia, through coordination between the police department and public works, actively enforces laws concerning loose dogs. That includes issuing warnings or nes to dog owners who fail to control their pets and setting humane traps on public land or with the permission of private property owners. He pointed out that the individual who made the complaint had previously been o ered a trap but declined the o er, later expressing concerns that the trap might catch his own dog. Wood explained that all dogs, regardless of ownership, are subject to the same laws.
ed for each precinct. Duplin County completed that task at the meeting. Most citizens are familiar with the term “poll workers,” yet many are unaware of the importance of the judge positions.
Specifically, the state statute requiring the positions reads, “The chief judges and judges of election shall conduct the primaries and elections within their respective precincts fairly and impartially, and they shall enforce peace and good order in and about the place of registration and voting.”
In an interview with Duplin
THE DUPLIN COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
Jenkins,
McLamb,
Rouse,
Rose, Kari Roberts, Hannah Bell,
Ena
Michael Jaenicke
Loretta Carey
O ce Manager CONTACT US
O ce Phone: 910 463-1240
To place a legal ad: 919 663-3232; Fax: 919 663-4042
THURSDAY
Share with your community!
Send your birth, death, marriage, graduation and other announcements to community@ duplinjournal.com
Weekly deadline is Monday at noon.
Sheri shares back-to-school safety tips
From code words to cell phone location, Stratton Stokes highlights awareness at every level
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
KENANSVILLE — As Duplin County students return to school, Duplin County Sheri Stratton Stokes is urging families to make student safety a priority. In a recent statement, Stokes outlined several important tips parents should discuss with their children to ensure a safe school year.
“Teaching children in our community about the potential dangers they may face will empower them with the knowledge they need to keep themselves and their peers safe,” said Stokes. His o ce encourages parents to talk to their children about how to avoid strangers, the importance of walking in groups, and what to do in case of an emergency. Stokes also suggested families establish a “code word” to help children verify if an adult they don’t know can be trusted.
“If a stranger claims to know your family but does not know the code word, do not go with them,” Stokes said.
“Strangers may use a variety
ELECTIONS from page A1
County Board of Elections Director Carrie Sullivan, she emphasized the role the judges play in all elections.
“The chief judges are the ones that maintain order at the precincts, along with the judges,” she said. “All three of them make sure that they sign off and verify everything from their precinct and return everything to our office on election night.”
Judges are selected from both major political parties to ensure fairness.
“For chief judges, we have nine Republicans and eight Democrats,” Sullivan said. That fills the roles required at all of Duplin County’s 17 precincts.
Duplin County Board of Elections Board Chairman Ann Henderson said she was pleased with how smoothly the selection of judges went.
“I think it went great,” Henderson told Duplin Jour -
“Sharing certain information, especially their location, may put them and their classmates at risk.”
Sheri Stratton Stokes
of tricky tactics to get you to come with them.”
In addition to physical safety, Stokes highlighted the importance of digital safety. He advised parents to review the location-sharing settings on their children’s devices and to remind students not to share personal information, especially their location, on social media platforms.
“It is important to teach young people that sharing certain information, especially their location, may put them and their classmates at risk,” he said.
Stokes also expressed gratitude for the ongoing collaboration between the Duplin County Sheri ’s O ce and Duplin County Schools.
nal. “We had a lot more participation from people who wanted to voluntarily work at the polls, whether as chief judge, a judge position or just as poll workers. I see a lot more interest, and that’s a good thing. We’ve needed that for a long time.”
Another task the Board of Elections has completed in preparation for the upcoming election is attempting to verify the voter registrations of 900 voters in the county.
In response to a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Justice, North Carolina began seeking out voters whose registrations lacked either their driver’s license number or the last four digits of their Social Security number. This information has been required by federal and state law since 2004, but a large number of voter registration forms in North Carolina lacked the information.
The Duplin County Board of Elections has attempt -
SAFETY TIPS
Don’t talk to strangers. A stranger is anyone you or your parents don’t know well. If approached, tell a trusted adult right away.
Walk with a buddy. It’s safer to walk to and from school with a friend, and it’s easier to get help in an emergency.
Know what to do if you feel unsafe. Yell for help and run to the nearest school, business, crossing guard or law enforcement officer.
Set a family code word. If someone claims to know your family, make sure they know the code word. If they don’t, don’t go with them.
Watch out for tricks. Strangers may try to:
Ask you to help find a lost pet or person • Offer to show you something
Say a family member is hurt and they were sent to help. Don’t go with them — even if they seem friendly.
Never accept candy or medicine from someone you don’t know. It could be harmful.
Stay alert. Avoid wearing headphones or earbuds while walking; you need to be aware of your surroundings and be able to hear if someone is approaching you.
ed to contact as many voters as possible who did not have the required information on their voter registration form. The ones the county failed to reach should have received a letter from the state requesting the missing information.
“We have completed our portion,” Sullivan said. She said the state sent letters on Aug. 15 to everyone who is still affected.
“They now have the chance to respond to the letter to provide us with the information or fill out a new voter registration,” said Sullivan, adding that if voters don’t have it done by the time the elections come, they will have to vote on a provisional ballot.
Duplin County successfully reached 258 voters with missing information on their voter registration, leaving 642 who will receive letters from the state requesting the information.
Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in
Aug. 29
Bill Lord Memorial Knights of Columbus Charity Golf
Tee up for a great cause at the 17th Annual Bill Lord Memorial Knights of Columbus Charity Golf Tournament. The four-person scramble welcomes men and women of all skill levels, with unlimited range balls, golf carts, refreshments, prizes and a luncheon on the terrace. Proceeds support Duplin County Schools’ Exceptional Children’s Program, funding grants that make a real di erence in students’ lives. Hosted by the L.A.M.B. Foundation, which has raised over $23 million for special needs children. For more information, call Mike Vandiver 910-271-4444.
River Landing, Wallace
Aug. 30
The Black Male Expo 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Black Male Expo 2025 will be at the KEMBA Center. The one-day event is designed for men ages 16-25, o ering tools for personal growth, career readiness and community leadership. Hear from keynote speaker Girard Newkirk, CEO of Genesis Block, and engage in roundtable talks, breakout sessions on fatherhood and leadership, mental health resources, networking, music, food and more.
124 Water Tank Road, Warsaw
Notice of Public Hearing to Solicit Input for the Town Of Wallace
Community Development Block Grant Neighborhood Revitalization Program Application
Notice is hereby given that The Town of Wallace will hold a Public Hearing on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 6:00 pm at 216 NE Railroad Street, Wallace, NC.
The hearing will be held before the Wallace Town Council in order to solicit citizen input in the development of a 2025 Community Development Block Grant Neighborhood Revitalization Program (CDBG-NR) application.
CDBG-NR funds can be used for a variety of di erent activities in support of the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Rural Economic Development Division’s three livability principles: (1) to promote equitable, a ordable housing; (2) support existing communities; and (3) value communities and neighborhoods. Eligible activities must meet at least one of the three CDBG national objectives to be eligible: (1) bene t low-and-moderate income (LMI) persons; (2) prevent or eliminate slums or blight; or (3) meeting other community development needs that are deemed to be urgent because of existing conditions that pose a serious and immediate threat to the health and welfare of the community, and other nancial resources are not available to meet the need. Eligible activities include Community Revitalization, Housing Rehabilitation, Clearance, Scattered-Site Housing, Public Facilities, Housing Development, and Water and Sewer Connections to Existing Housing.
The maximum CDBG-NR award amount is $950,000 and there is no minimum award amount. A separate 2nd public hearing will be held to discuss and approve the application prior to submittal to the North Carolina Department of Commerce.
If you are unable to provide public comment during the September 11, 2025 meeting, you may: direct written comments to the Planning and Community Development Department at 316 E. Murray Street, Wallace, NC or telephone the Planning and Community Development Department directly at (910) 285-4136; or email at rfritz@wallacenc.gov.
Special requests for accommodation should be submitted by individuals at least 48 hours before the scheduled meeting time. Contact Jacqueline Nicholson, Town Clerk at (910) 285-4136 for additional information.
This information is available in Spanish or any other language upon request. Please contact Jacqueline Nicholson, Town Clerk at (910) 285-4136 regarding accommodation for this request.
Esta información está disponible en español o en cualquier otro idioma a pedido. Comuníquese con Jacqueline Nicholson, Town Clerk al (910) 285-4136 para obtener los arreglos necesarios para esta solicitud.
Duplin County.
Duplin ’s best educators receive top honors
Beth Rose and Laura Thornton were among the
By Rebecca J. Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal
WALLACE — Educators from all over the county were honored Aug. 21 at a banquet at the River Landing Clubhouse Ballroom. The Duplin County Education Foundation and Duplin County Schools combined to honor teachers and support sta with plaques and monetary gifts.
Each school year, teachers from every school in the district nominate their own Teachers of the Year. Individual schools also do this for Support Sta of the Year. The winners are honored at their local schools but also go on to present before a panel of judges for the overall countywide Teacher of the Year and Support Sta of the Year awards from the Duplin County Education Foundation.
“This is the third year I have been a part of the interviews and the judging, and it has always been a very rewarding experience,” said Wayne Casteen, Duplin County Education Foundation president.
The Duplin County Education Foundation has been supporting education since its founding in 1983 under the vision of Austin Carter. In addition to banquets and awards to educators, they also give scholarships to students.
“This past year, the foundation funded over $79,000 in scholarships for our senior graduates,” Casteen said.
An invocation by Pastor Aaron Smith of Kenansville Baptist Church preceded a bu et dinner. Two Kenansville Elementary School sixth graders, Chasen McLamb and Rainor Bland, then sang “A Million Dreams” from the musical “The Greatest Showman.”
Following the entertainment, Interim Superintendent for Duplin County Schools Daren Tyndall presented the awards for Assistant Principal of the Year and Principal of the Year.
Thomas Nichols of Wallace-Rose Hill High School won Principal of the Year, and Beverly Sholar of East Duplin High School was named Assistant Principal of the Year. Both recipients were given engraved plaques and monetary awards of $1,000.
Kendra Jones, vice president of the Duplin County Education Foundation, then presented engraved plaques and monetary awards of $500 to each of the school and department representatives.
Support Sta candidates were:
The chief acknowledged the di culties associated with
• Laura Thornton, digital learning and media coordinator
Teri Jo Davis, school social worker
• Emelie Anderson, school nurse
• Tracy Cruse, school counselor
Teacher candidates were:
• Kari Roberts, Beulaville Elementary
• Karen Rouse, B.F. Grady Elementary
• Je ery Hall, Center of Opportunity
are pretty smart,” he explained. He also emphasized that the problem is not unique to Magnolia. Discussions with neigh-
• Olivia Tate, Chinquapin Elementary
• Patrick Williams, Duplin Early College High
• Amanda Jenkins, East Duplin High
• Hannah Bell, James Kenan High
• Linsey McLamb, Kenansville Elementary
• Melanie Powell, North Duplin Elementary
• Beth Rose, North Duplin Jr./Sr.
• Melsheena Wilson, Rose Hill-Magnolia Elementary
would open the door to unrestricted animal farming and hoarding, which Magnolia aims to prevent.
• Katrina Whitehead, Wallace Elementary
• Laterri Underwood, Wallace-Rose Hill High
• Lamanda Flowers, Warsaw Elementary Laura Thornton won the 2025-26 Support Sta of the Year Award. In her letter of recommendation, Thornton’s principal said, “Mrs. Thornton brings unmatched passion, creativity, and leadership to everything she does. She quite literally puts the ‘rock’ in rockstar.” Thornton was awarded a plaque and a monetary award of $2,500. Daylan Wise of North Du-
“The town could create its own animal control unit. The cost of the required shelter would be around $3 million to $4 million, vehicles, and up t required by law would add another quarter million,” Wood explained while addressing the impracticality of creating a full- edged municipal animal control department. He noted that such an endeavor would likely triple the town’s tax rate unless it is privately funded. As a more realistic alternative, the town has allocated limited funds to hire a licensed trapper when situations escalate beyond what current town resources can manage.
plin Elementary won the 2025 -26 Beginning Teacher of the Year with a plaque and a monetary award of $1,000.
Beth Rose won the 2025 -26 Teacher of the Year Award. The North Duplin Jr./Sr. High School teacher was awarded a plaque and a monetary award of $5,000.
“Mrs. Rose is everything we hope for in a teacher,” said NDJS principal Tony Jones.
“She promotes excellence in education, uplifts those around her, and makes a lasting di erence in the lives of her students.”
Rose and Nichols will go on to represent the county in state-level Teacher of the Year and Principal of the Year competitions.
“While there’s no magic x, we feel that we’ve taken the most feasible actions allowed by law to curb the issue as much as possible,” he said. “I invite anyone who has an issue the police department can help resolve to discuss it with me. Your mayor and town manager are quite happy to help nd resolutions to other town-related concerns as well.”
honorees at the education awards
MAGNOLIA from page A1
Top left, 2025-26 Support Sta of the Year gather for pictures after the banquet. From left to right: TeriJo Davis, Laura Thornton, Emelie Andersson and Tracy Cruse. Top right, 202526 Principal of the Year Thomas Nichols poses with 2025-26 Assistant Principal of the Year Beverly Sholar for a photo at the River Landing Clubhouse on Aug. 21. Left, North Duplin Jr./Sr. High Principal
Tony Jones poses with Beth Rose, Tracy Cruse and Laura Thornton at last week’s awards dinner.
REBECCA J. WHITMAN COOKE FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
THE CONVERSATION
Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor
VISUAL VOICES
LETTERS
While not above criticism, Cooper is a steward to North Carolina
Dear Editor,
IN THE AUG. 14 edition of this paper, Rep. Jimmy Dixon’s column bore the headline “Liberal machine backs Roy Cooper’s bid to ‘Californicate’ North Carolina.” I do not know if Dixon wrote that headline or if it was supplied for him. Either way, the headline is hardly worthy of publication and appeals to the baser instincts of your readers and Duplin County voters.
The term “Californication” rst appeared in Time magazine in 1966 and later in the 1970s to describe the widespread development of land and the increasing in uence of California culture nationwide. Nevertheless, the combination of the words California and fornication is not a subtle or innocent description.
Cooper has faithfully served North Carolina for several decades. It is one thing to disagree with your opponent and o er constructive alternative policies. It is quite another thing to disparage that person’s character and motives, even with a casual reference to “Californication.” While the headline supposedly lays blame on the “liberal machine,” it also directly attributes a vulgar intent to Cooper.
Cooper is a man of faith and a ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) who has dedicated his life to serving the people of North Carolina. Disagree with him if you must, but do not stoop so low as the article’s headline blatantly does.
Philip and Nancy Gladden Wallace
COLUMN | REP. JIMMY DIXON
What time teaches us about truth
We have lived to see the day when “men call good evil and call evil good.”
SOMEONE HAS SAID that “life” is what happens while we are making other plans. Said another way, our history began one second ago. Thus, every generation learns that time really does “ y.”
There is also another universal phenomenon associated with the aging process, which includes some form of the expression, “I declare the older I get, the busier I get.” Ol’ man time at some point will say to you, “You’re not busier, you’re slower.” Then we might repeat that often-used phrase, “If I had known then what I know now, I would have …”
Those of a younger generation may, at this point, begin to discount the value of this article in their daily lives. Those of the older generations will smile, chuckle and maybe think, “Oh, how right those thoughts are.” The aging process has the tendency to move us from thoughts and actions that are temporal in nature to thoughts and actions which are spiritual in nature.
The aging process also engenders deeper thoughts about the purpose of life and a greater desire for peace in this life.
It seems to me that the best hope for peace in this life has its foundation resting on the Judeo-Christian belief that God lives and loves us as His children. Christian theology teaches that our brother, Jesus Christ, condescended to come to this Earth and teach us, by example, the di erence between good and evil.
His message to us, His brothers and His sisters, is profoundly simple, “Come follow me.” He instructs us, who may be “heavily laden,” to come unto Him and He will give us rest. He promises us peace, even in all the Monday morning storms of life.
Additionally, Christian theology teaches that Lucifer rebelled against our Father and our brother and has been cast out of Heaven to this Earth and is here to tempt
us to follow him and do that which is evil. He is the father of all lies and wants us to be miserable both in this life and everlastingly miserable in the next life.
Further, we are taught that Jesus, who has atoned for our sins and su ered for our pains, a ictions and in rmities in Gethsemane and again on the cross, gives us the agency to do good or to do evil. He will not force us to do good and He will not force us to not do evil.
We are free to choose.
Lucifer, on the other hand, will bind us with the heavy “chains of iniquity” and force us to follow him. So, reduced to the simplest facts, good and evil do exist. In reality, we have lived to see the day when “men call good evil and call evil good.”
What will we do and what will we teach our children to do? Will we one day say, “If I had known then what I know now, I would have …”
First, we must realize that, “We wrestle not against esh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Eph. 6:12
Lucifer is the master of deception and he is boldly working overtime to convince men and women “in high places” to challenge the most basic tenets of human existence. There is nothing more basic than gender. There is no more basic human institution than marriage. There is no more basic human organization than the family. All these are fundamental elements of Christian doctrine and they are under attack.
We the people should teach each other and our children to “come follow Him.”
Rep. Jimmy Dixon represents Duplin and Wayne counties in the North Carolina General Assembly.
Is socialism as popular as the media think?
“DEMOCRATIC SOCIALISTS” have been getting the teenage-idol treatment from giddy reporters and editors at legacy media outlets for years.
Their newest crush, as New Yorkers already know, is jihadi-apologist and Marxist New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani.
In a 4,500-word cover story headlined “The Meaning of Zohran Mamdani,” Time magazine paints a caricature of a well-meaning, authentic and not-reallyso-radical go-getter. An “ideologue interested in creative solutions” is how Time puts it.
Sure, Mamdani might support genocidal rhetoric, but the Jewish community will be pleased to learn that he “often talked about the problem of antisemitism and the need for anti-hate-crime funding.”
Is Mamdani, as many would have it, a generational talent whose campaign should be mimicked nationally by Democrats?
Yes, the resentful young have convinced themselves they’re living in the worst era ever to have befallen man. “People our age have never experienced American prosperity in our adult lives — which is why so many millennials are embracing democratic socialism,” Harvard-educated writer Charlotte Alter once put it in a Time cover piece on a previous darling, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.).
But George Will recently argued that a Mamdani win would be bene cial in reminding the nation of “socialism’s many harms.” Collectivist ideas always fail, yet they never die.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) championed Hugo Chavez in the 2000s — and even after Venezuelans predictably began foraging for food, Sanders, one of the most popular politicians in the country, was still championing the same system. So it’s not as if we don’t have the
lessons already.
Indeed, we’ve been having the same debates in perpetuity. The zero-sum fallacy that capitalism is inherently evil and rigged has been hammered into our conscience for centuries. We’ve convinced millions of Americans that a gaggle of rich people can trigger economic havoc for pro t, control the economy to undermine the working class and push commodity prices higher to reap the pro ts.
It is a tragedy that Democrats continue to stagger leftward on all fronts to mollify and placate their activist class. And it’s not merely economics. The modern “democratic” socialist comes with a slew of positions that not only undermine quality of life but clash with the moral outlook of normies: the pro-terrorist, proidentitarian rhetoric; the championing of criminality and illegal immigration; the anti-modernity climate hysteria; and the deranged social science quackery on gender — just for starters.
So I wonder how popular socialism really is.
Right now, there is no real evidence that a socialist outlook plays in most places. It barely plays in cities. If NYC’s Democrats didn’t split the vote between Mayor Eric Adams and former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, and perhaps found themselves a candidate who hadn’t already tarnished themselves with scandal, Mamdani would likely lose.
In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, former Chicago mayor and would-be 2028 presidential hopeful Rahm Emanuel pushed back on hard-left ideas, contending Democrats should run on centrist slogans, such as “build, baby, build.”
How Democrats plan on doing this without rolling back the climate hysteria that undermines growth and squanders billions on half-baked energy plans is going
to be interesting. But he has a point. Centrist Democrats are poised to win entire purple states like Virginia, showing far wider appeal than Mamdani — but they can barely get any attention.
One of the most popular governors in the country right now is Kentucky’s Andy Beshear, a Democrat in a state with a Republican-controlled legislature that President Donald Trump won by more than a 30-point margin. Why isn’t he the way forward for Democrats?
Other governors in the top 10 have similar dispositions, including North Carolina’s Josh Stein and Pennsylvania’s Josh Shapiro, both in states Trump won. All of them take moderated left-of-center positions without a fullthroated embrace of anti-market, anti-Western, racialist positions that are in vogue in cities.
No GQ covers for them.
The Democrats have become a party of the rich and the dependent poor — because the rich can a ord socialism and the poor marginally bene t.
Since the market-fueled gentri cation of the ’90s, cities have become increasingly progressive and correspondingly more expensive and poorly run.
California, Illinois, Massachusetts and New York have seen signi cant net outward migration since then, while market-driven states with lower regulations and taxes like Florida, Nevada, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas have seen signi cant increases in newcomers. This is before New York City installed a socialist mayor.
How popular is socialism? Far too popular. But not as popular as Democrats and the media would have us believe. At least, not yet.
David Harsanyi is a senior writer at the Washington Examiner.
COLUMN | DAVID HARSANYI
Warsaw sees growth, surge in housing development
Longtime locals
may bear the cost if infrastructure doesn’t keep up
By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal
WARSAW — Much of the news on the growth in Duplin County has been focused on the Wallace area due to the large number of new homes and businesses coming to town. However, Wallace is not alone. Warsaw is seeing its own wave of growth, according to Richmond Dugger, the town’s new zoning and code enforcement director.
Dugger, who assumed the role three weeks ago, told Duplin Journal he’s had plenty to do since assuming his new role.
“We are busy with new housing in particular, along with some potential businesses seeking zoning approval,” Dugger said.
Business development is in its early stages, with housing growth happening faster, according to Dugger.
“Most of what I’m seeing is individual homeowners building,” he said. “We have a fair number of them. We have 60-something
zoning permits out for houses spread out all through the town.”
What is bringing people to Warsaw? Dugger has insight into that due to his opportunity to speak to people seeking zoning and building permits in town.
“We’re getting a lot of folks
from the larger cities, Wilmington in particular,” he said. “They’re moving here because of insurance and storms in the coastal area. They are close enough to enjoy the beach when they want to, but it’s not in their face when a hurricane hits.”
The tra c, congestion and overdevelopment in Wilmington are also factors.
“That’s the second thing I’ve heard,” Dugger added. “(Warsaw’s) not built up nearly as much as the towns closer to Wilmington. We’re kind of the next one out. Whatever the reason they are moving to Warsaw, we’ll welcome them to town.”
With Dugger’s newness in the position, he has some personal insights as to what may be missing.
“Nobody in these small towns seems to be requiring or looking at the people moving into the area to o er pro ers for schools or medical (services),” Dugger said. “That’s a big deal in the big cities. They’ve been doing it for years. It hasn’t gotten to the small towns yet.”
With more people arriving, Dugger said there’s a need to think beyond housing.
Dugger fears that if towns don’t consider what growth means to everything from schools to infrastructure, it could place the burden on longtime residents of a small town.
“If we are going to grow, we’re going to have to have the infra-
We have 60-something zoning permits out for houses spread out all through the town.”
Richmond Dugger
structure to support it,” he said, adding that without any pro er or contributions from new people moving into the area, the local people could be left holding the bag.
“It’s going to have to come from the local people who are pretty much taxed out, in my opinion,” he added. On the commercial side, one notable project is already underway. A former bank building at the corner of West Hill Street and Highway 117 is being converted into an upscale billiards venue.
“They are going to have team-type billiard championships,” Dugger said. While Warsaw’s growth may be on a smaller scale compared to Wallace, town o cials believe this is just the beginning.
Duplin County survey shows widespread assessment disputes
More than 138 survey responses provide insight on revaluations
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
IN DUPLIN COUNTY, residents are expressing widespread concerns that the county’s new property assessments do not accurately re ect their homes’ true market values. Last week, Duplin Journal conducted a survey to better understand these community concerns. In more than 100 responses, homeowners cited no major improvements, aging structures, rural locations and in some cases storm-damaged or ood-prone land, yet many saw their values double or even triple. Mobile and manufactured home owners were particularly vocal, stating their properties do
REVALUATION from page A1
for this story.
“My appraisal says $109,000. They now tax it at $203,600. I sure couldn’t sell it for that,” Wolfscrape resident Linda Williamson wrote.
The nancial strain is echoed by many. “How are people a ording these tax bills when the average income is under $40,000?” said Zack Fussell, emphasizing how the burden falls on working families.
“Most of the citizens are struggling as it is,” said Williamson, who is about to retire. “It’s sad that you work all your life and at the end you are taxed out of your home.”
Gary Rose, County Tax Administration Department head, attributes the steep increases to real estate appreciation since the last revaluation in 2017.
“Duplin County has experienced a lot of appreciation in
not appreciate in value like traditional homes but are taxed as though they do. Several respondents noted that their homes are in disrepair or unlivable yet received signi cantly in ated valuations. A common frustration was the lack of physical inspections, leaving residents confused about the justi cation for the increased assessments. While a few acknowledged the housing market has risen in recent years, they still questioned whether tax assessments should re ect inated market trends. For most, the revaluation process appears arbitrary, inequitable and out of touch with reality.
Geographic analysis
Among the respondents, the majority are concentrated in a few key towns, with Beulaville leading at 32 responses — roughly 23% of the total.
the real estate market since that time,” Rose told Duplin Journal. “The largest increases percentage-wise are coming in the residential properties. The lower-priced to medium-priced homes and doublewide mobile homes saw the highest rates of increase. That directly correlates to what is happening in the real estate markets.”
A signi cant driver is the surge in new development projects across Duplin County, which raises comparable sales prices and pushes older properties’ values upward even without physical improvements. Development of upscale or modern homes tends to elevate the perceived value of neighborhoods, creating a halo e ect that drives up the values of surrounding older homes.
In towns like Wallace, Beulaville, Warsaw and Teachey, new homes, subdivisions and multifamily projects are emerging quickly. Wallace is planning
Warsaw and Kenansville follow closely, with 16 and 14 responses, and Wallace came in next with 13.
The four towns accounted for more than half (56.8%) of all responses, signaling strong engagement in areas more a ected or more vocal about the tax revaluation.
Smaller communities like Rose Hill, Magnolia, Chinquapin, Mount Olive, Potters Hill, Teachey, Sarecta and Faison also had notable participation, while several smaller areas had one or two responses, highlighting how the tax concerns reach even the county’s most remote corners. Forty-six percent have lived at their current home for more than 10 years.
Property value changes
More than 95% of
more than 900 residential lots across two large projects, and Warsaw has more than 60 zoning permits out for new homes.
Data from the Federal Reserve Bank indicates that 134 building permits were approved for new private housing structures in Duplin County last year.
Wallace, Beulaville and Teachey rank among the top 30 towns statewide with signicant investor activity driving up prices. Wallace is ranked 15th for the “Investor Feeding Frenzy Factor,” with home values rising nearly 28% above their 10-year average. Beulaville is 20th, showing a 20.8% increase in home prices compared to historical trends, while Teachey ranks 25th due to increased investor interest, based on data from Zillow Home Values Index and HomeStratosphere.
Additional information from Stacker shows that Magnolia experienced a 20.2% increase,
respondents said their property values increased
• Most value increases ranged from $30,000 to $150,000
Some increases were more than $200,000
Several properties more than doubled or tripled in value
Tax bill impacts
Multiple people reported yearly tax increases of $400 to $3,000 or more
• One or two responses indicated their property value decreased
• A few said their value stayed the same
One said “It went down a few thousand dollars”
Teachey saw a 14.4% rise and Warsaw’s home values grew by 15.7%.
While these trends can indicate economic growth, they also re ect the challenges faced by residents during this transition.
Understanding the factors behind the revaluation may help residents facing signi cant tax increases build stronger cases for appealing what they perceive as excessive assessments based on inaccurate comparables.
“Any valid and quali ed sale in the county was included as comparables,” Rose said.
He also noted that some residents are seeing larger tax bill increases due to town taxes.
“Some of the towns did not reduce their tax rates and others only reduced a small amount,” Rose said.
When asked about the property inspection process, Rose said the county tried to conduct in-person reviews on all im-
Concerns and hardship
• About 75.5% of respondents expressed concern about their ability to a ord staying in their homes long term
Twenty- ve percent of respondents are senior citizens, and 46% are on xed incomes
• Many fear being forced to sell family land, going into debt or being taxed out of their homes.
• The majority of survey responses disagree with the new valuations, with several respondents arguing that the reassessed values far exceed their property’s actual market value, citing surrounding property conditions and professional appraisals that contradict assessments.
proved parcels, but rural areas posed challenges.
“Aside from the 10 small towns and the River Landing area, most of Duplin County is rural. We tried to do in-person inspections on all the improved parcels,” said Rose. “Now the poultry and swine farms are di erent. With the concerns of spreading diseases and such, we relied on looking at farms from the road and using the 2024 aerial photographs.”
Rose said they did the best they could with properties with fences and “no trespassing” signs.
“Vacant farmland and woodland we tried to verify if there were any improvements or changes,” he said.
Rose noted that approximately 1,500 appeals were led, with around 30% resulting in value adjustments.
For more information, call the County Tax Administration Department at 910-296-2110.
MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
A former bank building at the corner of Hill Street and Highway 117 in downtown Warsaw is slated to become an upscale billiards venue.
Rose Hill remembers iconic book that stirred town
A New York Times assignment turned into a book that residents say misrepresented their lives
By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal
ROSE HILL — In the early 1970s, a young freelance writer named Reed Wolcott arrived in Rose Hill. A graduate of a small college in Vermont and originally from upstate New York, she had secured an assignment with The New York Times to write a story about a small Southern town during a time when the country was experiencing significant turmoil, including race riots and the Vietnam War. Unbeknownst to the townspeople, her visit would lead to a book that would be talked about in Rose Hill for years to come — though not with fondness.
In typical small-town fashion, word spread quickly that a writer was in town to write a story about Rose Hill. That created some excitement among the residents.
“I was a young fellow whenever she came to town,” Rose Hill Mayor Davy Buckner said in an interview with Duplin Journal.
“Everybody knew (she was in town), and they were waiting for her to interview them. She made her rounds.”
Buckner said she frequently ate in his restaurant.
Wolcott ended up staying in Rose Hill for about two years, at rst checking into the Rose Hill Motel before moving into a home with a rough reputation in town.
“She stayed in an old house across the street (from the current town hall),” Rose Hill native Bobby Ward told Duplin Journal.
Buckner acknowledged the household’s reputation at the time, saying locals considered it one of the more troubled homes in town.
Ward said Wolcott interviewed both him and his father, Robert Ward. While parts of his
“We
Davy Buckner, Rose Hill mayor
father’s interview appear in the book, his interview with her did not because he would not sign a release after the interview.
Expecting a story in The New York Times about Rose Hill, the town was surprised when word made its way through the area that a book had been released in 1976 by G.P. Putnam’s Sons, a New York publishing house. There was no doubt what, or who, the book was about. The title was Rose Hill.
“I do know everybody around here got a copy,” Buckner said. In the book, Wolcott used the names of real people in some cases and used ctitious names in other interviews. Buckner said it was the ctitious names that attracted attention locally.
“We read it to see if we could gure out who the chapter was about,” he said.
Buckner admitted some of the stories appearing in the book are “kind of funny,” and there were some moving stories about some of the young men who went to serve in Vietnam. However, with a few exceptions, most Rose Hill residents were disgusted with the overall tone of the book that bore their town’s name.
“It was very negative because it put a black eye on Rose Hill,” Ward said. “She came to a small Southern town to degrade it. She did it to sell a book.”
Buckner said he was equally unimpressed.
“In my opinion, it was basically somebody coming to write a book about the trash in Rose Hill, about a little Peyton Place, who was ‘doing who’ and that sort of thing,” Buckner said.
Buckner said he recalled one particular interview in the book with a lady in which Wolcott used her real name.
“She was known for always
criticizing the area,” Buckner said. “She always talked bad about our schools. She even talked about how the schools didn’t have enough money to put (feminine products) in the girls’ bathroom.”
“She wanted to look at the bad,” Ward said of Wolcott. “She didn’t want to look at the good.”
Not all memories of Wolcott’s time in Rose Hill are void of any humor. Former mayor Sue Lynn
Bowden, whose parents opened the Rose Hill Motel, recalled a time she walked into the motel o ce to nd her mother at the switchboard with the headset to her ear.
“I tried to talk to Mom and she held up her hand for me to hush, to be quiet,” Bowden said.
“Later, she told me she was listening in on a call Reed was making.”
After the release of the book,
Wolcott was never seen in Rose Hill again. A few people in town said it was likely in her best interest not to come back to town.
While the book never became a bestseller, it was reviewed by several nationally recognized newspapers, including The New York Times. Nearly 50 years later, copies of the book are hard to nd, but the wounds it left behind are still apparent.
MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
DUPLIN SPORTS
Three-TD explosion ignites Panthers past Bulldogs
“Our guys played disciplined defense with high e ort and extreme intensity,”
Seth Sandlin, ED defensive coordinator
ED whipped WRH to ring the River Classic Bell for rst landslide rivalry win in 10 games
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
WALLACE — Keeshon
Mckinnie had the breakout game Panthers fans have waited for since he was a freshman. Heralded fullback Shawn Davis was a terror on defense.
Running backs Aaron Hall and Allen Stukes showed up strong and faster, and quarterback Branson Norris chipped in with 102 yards for the Wing-T o ense.
Yet the other critical part of the equation was a Panthers defense that kept Wallace-Rose Hill out of the end zone at the Jack Holley Football Complex last Friday in a 21-0 win.
Mckinnie, who played on two bad knees in 2024 as a junior, scored a touchdown, intercepted a pass, made eight tackles and had a sack.
“Finally,” said Mckinnie. “This (moment) is what we’ve been waiting for and all week in practice. It was the focus.”
Hall (12-69) and Stukes also had touchdown runs in the rst half when all the game’s points were scored.
“Every day in the o season was about this,” said Hall, who
ran for 799 yards in his debut campaign. “This means a lot to me and my team. To come out of this always-tough game with a win is a great way to start the season.”
Indeed.
In a game that was equal after halftime, the Panthers claimed the rst victory in 10 rivalry games that was not decided eight points or fewer.
ED snapped WRH’s two -game winning streak in the series, which this season was celebrated with a River Classic Bell that will reside at the school of the winner.
WRH still leads the all-time
See EAST DUPLIN, page B2
No time to sulk as Bulldogs visit pass-happy Vikings
WRH looks to rebound after getting shut down by ED in its season opener
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
WALLACE — Don’t write the obituary for the Wallace-Rose Hill football team after one game.
Head coach Kevin Motsinger still believes his young Bulldogs will be ne despite a 21-0 loss to rival East Duplin last Friday night.
“This is going to be a very special group, and not one of our kids got ugly with any of our guys and in fact lifted one another up the entire game,” said Motsinger, who has won the previous two rivalry matchups.
“We lined up wrong defensively in the rst half and got caught on outside runs on a big stage since it’s East Duplin.”
WRH yielded three rst-half scores but held ED to ve yards of rushing in the second half.
“They got two of their touchdowns on great calls by Battle (Holley),” Motsinger said. “Kudos to Tyler (Pugh), (Jordan) Boser and (Logan) Kissner for coaching up the defense. We had 11 kids that played o ense for the rst time, and it showed. We started pressing, trying to make things happen individually, and that’s never a good thing.”
It was the rst time WRH had been shut out since 2008, though Motsinger said his ’Dawgs are far from dead.
“Anyone who wants to get us better get us now, both JV and varsity,” he warned opponents. “I can’t wait until everyone sees what I’ve
See WRH, page B4
Rebels sink ’Hawks in preparation for ‘early’ battle with Eagles
Hugh Martin and his ND football team travel to Goldsboro on Thursday to face longtime rival Rosewood, which hasn’t whipped the Rebels since 2022.
North Duplin shut out Southside-Chocowinity in advance of its grudge match with Rosewood
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
CHOCOWINITY — The goal for the North Duplin football team following a 72-mile drive last Friday was to leave Southside High with a victory — and healthy bodies.
Contributions from Carell Phillips, Vance Carter, Noa Quintanilla, Ethan Turnage and Garris Warren were too much as North Duplin clubbed the Seahawks 27-0 on opening night. And aside from the usual
bumps and bruises, the Rebels exited their opener with no serious injuries.
“We did a lot of good things o ensively and recovered defensively after giving up a couple long runs when we were out of position,” said ND head coach Hugh Martin. “Penalties and turnover hurt us o ensively. We ran the ball well, played very hard and with lots of enthusiasm. It was a great team e ort. It was the second consecutive win over the Beaufort County school, which beat ND in ’21 (32-0) and ’19 (41-32). ND captured the game last fall (50-8) as part of a repayment from being dunked in ’21. The
See REBELS, page B4
“We ran to the ball well on defense and had some good pressure up front that forced a lot of things.” Hugh Martin, ND head coach
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Shawn Davis leads the way as Keeshon Mckinnie heads to the end zone. ED beat archrival Wallace-Rose Hill 21-0 last Friday at the Jack Holley Football Complex in Wallace.
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL Devon Sloan, Aspen Brown and a host of Bulldogs bring down ED’s Shawn Davis. WRH’s defense was strong despite a lopsided loss.
Cal Avent
James Kenan, football
Cal Avent is by far the biggest member of the Avent family, and he’s making contributions twin brother Eli, older sibling JT Avent and cousin Ken Avent III never made.
He is a fullback and defensive end. The other four zoned in as quarterbacks.
The senior made a team-high seven tackles against Southern Wayne during a 56-3 win and also scored a touchdown.
JK went 12-2 last season, and the return of Avent provides the Tigers coaching sta with options.
“He’s our adjustable wrench,” said head coach Tim Grady.
Crusaders’ su ocating defense puts hurting on Lions
added seven, including three for lost yardage, while Noah Tanner and Newton each had four takedowns.
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
HARRELLS — Shut down, shut out and left to dry rot in the slightly moist gridiron sod of Murphy-Johnson Field.
That’s a fairly accurate summation of how South Wake must have felt after Harrells Christian Academy rolled to a 38-0 win last Friday.
“Our defense was really good,” said head coach Clayton Hall. “Amir (Moore, a defensive end) created a lot of havoc, and Davis Bradshaw was making tackles all over the eld. It gave our o ense good starting position all night and gave us short elds and good eld position.
Hall said the defense was an extension of the o ense.
“Our special teams were exceptional as well, whether it was returning kicks and making picks or just giving us an advantage,” he said.
The Crusaders’ defense cre -
rivalry 43-23-2, though the teams have split 32 games since 1996.
According to longtime sportswriter Bill Rollins, the Bulldogs su ered their rst shutout since 2008 when they were whitewashed by Hobbton (12 - 0) and James Kenan (37-0 in rst round of the playo s).
WRH has only been shut out in an opener three times since consolidation in 1956. Southern Wayne had the other two shutouts (1976, 1979).
“We played great in the rst half,” said ED head coach Battle Holley. “We were sloppy in the second half. But we have things that can be cleaned up.”
Defensive coordinator Seth Sandlin crew ran to the ball to limit WRH to 85 yards rushing and 148 yards of total o ense. The Bulldogs were 3 of 13 on third down and 1 of 8 on fourth down.
And while WRH kept Davis (13-70) under control offensively, he had eight tackles as a linebacker, which were matched by teammates Jacuari Hill and Bryson Brown.
“Our guys played disciplined defense with high effort and extreme intensity,” Sandlin said. “It more about putting our guys in places to make plays and not so much about a scheme. (Dwayne Davis) was also a big key with all the motion they run. And we’re asking a lot of Shawn (Davis), who will be good on both sides of the ball this year.”
ED’s o ense had 267 yards, including Norris’ (6 of 8) passing as he targeted Zachary Ball (2-47), Hall (1-27) and McKinnie (2-21) for big plays.
Throws to Hall and Mckinnie set up Stukes’ score to make it 7-0.
A 26-yard pass from Mat-
ated short elds for the HCA
o ense as more than a handful of skill-position players earned stars for their helmets.
Senior quarterback Reid Strickland (5-9 for 60 yards) tossed short touchdown passes to Jeremiah Davis and Riley Falatovich, with his longest completion coming after Davis Bradshaw went for a rst down following his 28-yard catch and run.
HCA’s running attack was on track as well.
Jarrod Miller (7-89) and Dashaun McKoy (3-15) each hit pay dirt for a score, while Demetrius Jones had 64 yards on 11 totes, and Chamani Newton and Davis combined for 56 yards on eight carries.
Davis added an 89-yard kicko return, and McKoy had 89 yards in punt returns, one of which he took to the 1-yard line.
Bradshaw’s nine tackles paced the HCA defense. Moore
Jesse Smith backed up the Lions 12 yards with a sack, and Luke Weeks turned the ball over to HCA with an interception.
Hall’s club had two shutouts in 2024 and three games in which the defense surrendered seven points or less. The Crusaders led 24-0 at halftime and e ciently dismantled the Lions.
Friday’s contest against the Eagles is the second of four consecutive games in Harrells. HCA popped Wayne Christian 23-7 last season to go to 2-0. Meanwhile, the Eagles recovered from an opening night loss to go 7-3. The Crusaders won 36-16 in 2023.
And while the Eagles lost 19-12 to Bear Grass last Friday, Hall is concerned about quarterback DJ Deal, who hit on 9 of 13 for 107 yards and two scores and rushed for 90 yards in the loss to the Bears.
thew Wells to Adrian Glover got WRH to the ED 24 early in the second quarter as the senior made a catch while on the ground and covered by two Panthers. WRH fumbled the ball away two plays later to set up ED at the Bulldogs 45. Three plays later, Ball caught a 37-yard pass at the 11 and Mckinnie went untouched into the end zone on the next play.
ED was up 15-0 at the 6:20 mark, and four plays later, JP Murphy picked o a Wells pass to give the Panthers possession at the WRH 28. Davis scored from the 7 at
the 2:22 mark for the nal scoreboard dent following a PAT by Gavin Jarman. Defense ruled the second half. ED had a pair of three -and-outs in the third quarter and WRH one. The Bulldogs had two drives that consumed a lot game clock but were fruitless because of multiple presnap penalties. Davis’ only lengthy run came late in the game when he went for 12 yards. Four plays later, the clock expired. ED hosts Princeton (1-0) on Friday. WRH is at Kinston (0-1).
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
ED’s Zachary Ball catches a pass from Branson Norris over the WRH’s Adrian Glover during the rst half of the Panthers’ 21-0 win. Both schools have won 16 times since 1996, though WRH has a 43-23-2 edge in the all-time series.
EAST DUPLIN from page B1
ALICIA SUTTON FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
HCA fullback Jarrod Miller’s blocking helps Chamani Newton, who takes a hando from senior quarterback Reid Strickland in a 38-0 win over South Wake last Friday in Harrells.
Harrells Christian Academy dominated all phases of the game to shut down South Wake 38-0
Betton’s 4 FGs, Mills’ pick-6 send Wildcats past Stallions
Richlands beats rival SWO 18-6 for its fourth straight win following a 32-game losing skid
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
JACKSONVILLE — Isaiah
Betton booted four eld goals of at least 30 yards and Beau Mills returned an interception for a score late in the fourth quarter as Richland beat Southwest Onslow 18-6 in the season opener for both schools.
The past is now a ghost to Southwest Onslow after the Stallions’ fourth straight loss in the rivalry series. SWO won the previous 32 games.
Furthermore, it was the rst win for rst-year head coach Bill Good, who took over in June after losing more than 20 seniors from a 9-2 team.
“It’s a huge boost of condence,” Good said. “The Daily News picked us to win three games and Southwest to win many more than that. But it’s what we’ve seen recently. We’re always going to be out-numbered, undersized and overlooked.
“This is a great morale booster, and I’m proud of how we played in all facets of the game. We have full con dence in Isiah and he’s just as good on a
football eld as he is the soccer eld.”
Yet plenty of praise goes to the Wildcats defense, which has limited SWO to 23 points in four straight victories.
“We’ve got something to prove,” Good said. “I’ve been to a lot of clinics and coaching meetings where coaches say they have 75, 80, 85 players. We’ve got 66 with big hearts. We made some mistakes, but we continued to ght and kept ghting back.”
In fact, the defense bailed out Richlands twice in the third quarter after the o ense fumbled the ball away at its own 23and 24-yard line.
“They played their butts o and found ways to stop them,”
Good said.
Betton hit a pair of 30-yard shots and two from 35 yards out.
His rst two kicks gave Richlands a 6-0 lead. SWO tied it at 6-6 early in the third quarter via a passing score from Davion Cephus to Ton Bolden.
Pressure by defensive linemen Nicholas Herrin, Trea’vaun Flanagan and Joel Roberts helped out the rest of the Wildcat defense, and linebackers Mills, JT Bratcher and Matthew Stein, which reinforced both the line and the play of defensive backs Rocco Welsh, Gabriel Mentor and Matthew Storjohann.
Richlands allowed less than
50 yards of total o ense and two rst downs via e orts from SWO, which had the yardsticks moved from Wildcats penalties.
An old foe with loads of weapons
Richlands travels to White Oak on Friday to face a Vikings team that tagged the Wildcats with a 34-14 loss in what was a title game in the Coastal 3A Conference last season. Both are in the Coastal 5A/6A, with Swansboro as the lone 5A school.
White Oak lost 35-16 last Friday to Northside-Jacksonville.
But Richlands knows Vikings quarterback Joshua Smith is dangerous on two fronts — passing (47-91 for 726 yards, 9 TDs) and running (106-1,304 yards, 11 TDs).
“We don’t have any easy games,” said Good, whose club will face 4A power East Duplin the following week and then powerhouse Havelock on Sept. 19. In between is South Brunswick, which has beaten Richlands three of the past four games.
“There were a lot of plays in which one or two little things — holding a block a second longer or getting the ball out a little quicker — stopped us from having a big play,” Good said. “But were aware that every game is going to be a ght.”
Seven Tigers score in rout of struggling Southern Wayne
The Tigers took no prisoners and left a trail of destruction after their 56-3 win over the Saints
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
DUDLEY — While the possibility of an upset always lurks, con dent teams don’t overlook foes and take care of gridiron business — quickly and e ciently.
The James Kenan football team did that and much more last Friday before leaving Southern Wayne with a 56-3 triumph.
The overwhelming favorites took the steps necessary to both force the mercy ruling at the start of the second half and before boarding the bus to Warsaw nearly every Tiger had a tale of production.
“I was pleased with the way we executed,” said head coach Tim Grady. “The kids understand Southern Wayne is rebuilding, and all the coach-talk in the world won’t let them forget that. So I was impressed how we handled things quickly from start to nish.”
JK is coming o a 12-2 campaign with a cast of o ensive skill players back on the eld.
“We’ve got some fast kids,” Grady said. “Five or six that can y. And this was a game in which our backup quarterback and backup center played. A lot of kids got reps. I was impressed how we handled this situation.
yards to score in the lone time he carried the football
• Christopher Hill had two catches for 32 yards but did not score.
Tigers return to practice eld
JK has a bye week Friday and won’t play until it travels to Southern Nash on Sept. 5. The following week, the Tigers host Duplin County rival East Duplin, which dunked Wallace-Rose Hill 21-0 last Friday.
“We came out of Southern Wayne healthy, and we have long-term goals,” Grady said. “A Week 2 bye is early, but it will allow us to catch up from summer, camps and all the hard work. We’re looking at it as be ready to lock it in and ride when we return.”
Defensive coordinator John Bert Avent said the next two games will be de ning moments.
Multiple Tigers cleared for takeo
“Southern Wayne has always been a tough place to play, and it ended little Ken’s (Ken Avent III) career. So we prayed nothing bad would happen.”
JK scored three times in both the rst and second quarter to go in front 42-0 at halftime as the Tigers’ defensive line of Cal Avent, Alex Vazquez and Jaylon
Smith were steel curtain-tough on the Saints.
The lone score by Southern Wayne came after a eld goal in the third quarter.
O ensive highlights were abundant for the Tigers as the following six players scored touchdowns:
• Senior running back David Zelaya (2-29) caught a pass from Eli Avent (4-4 for 60 yards)
• Newcomer Taulil Pearsall ran the ball ve times for 87 yards
• Senior running back Jeremiah Hall toted the pig eight times for 97 yards
• Classmate and split end/ running back ZaMarion Smith ran twice for 27 yards
• Junior Keyshaun Murray touched the ball once and turned it into a 41-yard score
• Cal Avent just needed four
“While we feel good about what happened defensively, the next two will tell us how good we are,” he said. “Southern Nash will come right at us and has been very good at what they do over the last few years.”
But Avent said mistakes against higher-level competition are often unforgiveable.
“Our front three are good and in the scheme, and linebackers have to make plays,” he said. “We got in trouble with that a few times, and the speed of our secondary helped out. We can’t do that and get away with it against Southern Nash and East Duplin.”
AIDEN TOKONITZ FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
Camden Good and the Richlands football team have four straight wins over archrival Southwest Onslow.
EDWARDO PUAC
Bulldogs bulldoze 5 foes in buildup to clash with Midway
East Duplin and North Duplin sport 3-1 record as conference play approaches
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
TEACHEY — Angelina Cavallaro and Jansley Page are point producers on the volleyball court.
Wallace-Rose Hill’s dynamic hitters have combined for 187 of the team’s 219 kills, leading the Bulldogs to a 5-0 mark.
After going 21-3 a season ago, head coach Kevin William’s team has lost only three sets and whipped rival East Duplin in the rst full week of the season.
Yet the Bulldogs are winning close matches as teams are playing them tough.
Last week, both Clinton and Pender nabbed opening-set wins only to see WRH rally to take the next three sets.
Cavallaro and Page combined for 55 kills against the Patriots and 36 against the Dark Horses. It was the second win of the season over Clinton.
WRH (5-0) meets Princeton this week and will travel to Midway early next week fora battle with powerhouse Midway.
Panthers recover to take two wins
The Raiders whipped Princeton 3-1 last week in a key Swine Conference matchup.
East Duplin knocked o North Duplin and Richlands after falling to the Bulldogs.
Kinsey Cave rattled in 14 kills in the 26-24, 25-17, 25-13 triumph over the Wildcats.
Zoe Turner and Zoe Cavanaugh combined for 10 kills and 16 digs and Bennett Holley had 11 assists.
ED (3-1) has a pair of 3-0 victories over both Richlands and took down North Duplin by the same score. In fact, the Panthers have lost just three sets — all of which came at the hands of WRH.
Coach Susan Raynor’s club faces 5A Jacksonville twice in the next two weeks.
Turner and Sophia Jones lead the team in aces with 11 apiece. Karsyn Parker’s 38 assists are a team high.
Rebels continue dominance over Tigers
North Duplin (3-1) enters Carolina 1A/2A Conference play this week after sweeping a two-game series against James Kenan, which is coached this season by Hannah Blaylock. The Rebels ruined her debut with a 3-1 opening match win and need just three sets last week to dust o the Tigers 25-14, 25-20 and 25-15.
Melany Sanchez had seven kills, Abby Norris two kills and three blocks, and Lilly Fulghum 13 assists. Maggie Brown netted 12 kills in the rst win for ND, which plays league foes East Columbus and Union this week.
JK (3-3, 1-0) has two wins over the Spartans and a triumph over conference opponent Spring Creek. All three victories came via 3-0 scores.
SOCCER
Tigers-Bulldogs clash if weather cooperates
Soccer is o to a slow start because of rainy condi-
tions the previous two weeks.
But both Wallace-Rose Hill (0-1-1) and East Duplin (0 -2) played matches over the weekend at the Soccer Kicko Classic at WakeMed Park in Cary.
The Bulldogs lost 3-0 to powerhouse Franklin Academy, a team that beat them 1-0 in 2024.
WRH opened up with a 1-1 tie with Topsail 15 days earlier as Bulldog Wilmer Flores netted a second half goal that was matched by Ryan Dollaman. First-year coach Aaron Murray’s club squares o against the Panthers this week.
ED got scores from Osiris Mendoza and a penalty kick goal from Yoskar in the Panther’s 6-2 loss to Newton-Conover (4-1), a school that has won 58 matches in the past three seasons.
WRH and ED clash this week, but not before James Kenan and ED lock horns.
JK (0-0-2) played South Brunswick to a scoreless draw and tied 5A Fike 2-2.
North Duplin (0-1), which is coached by Luis Villalon, lost 4-0 to Spring Creek.
WRH from page B1
seen from in this group. They were embarrassed but stuck together because they know that’s not who we are. This was a playo -mentality game out of the gate, and it’s Week 1.”
Up Friday is a trip to Kinston to face quarterback Tyler Jones, who threw for more than 2,000 yards and 32 touchdowns in 2024, and NC State-bound wide receiver Tyreek Cooper (71-1,391 yards, 16 TDs) and a cast of other receivers that led the Vikings to the fourth round of the 2A playo s despite nishing third in the ECC.
“A lot of people feel they are the best 3A team in the East,” Motsinger said. “You stop them twice or more and then one play goes 100 yards. They have speed, length and size everywhere.
WRH nipped Kinston 14-13 last season as part of its three late-season wins that included triumphs over ED and James Kenan. Run-ins with Clinton and
REBELS from page B1
two schools did not play in 2020.
Phillips ran for a score, new quarterback Keiz Brock had a pair of touchdown plunges, Quintanilla a pick-six and Warren a punt return to set up a score. Carter also had an interception and 78 yards in rushing.
“We ran to the ball well on defense and had some good pressure up front that forced a lot of things, including the interceptions,” Martin said. “We moved the ball well in spite of our mistakes.”
ND is rebuilding both of its lines, though returned key players at nearly every other position.
Senior running back Quan Stevens tallied 86 yards on 14 totes as another highlight of the Rebels’ skill position players. Garris, who had six interceptions a season ago, returned a punt 29 yards to the 2 to foreshadow a 13-0 lead in the rst quarter.
Phillips hit pay dirt from the 38 after a ve-play, 51-yard march.
Quintanilla’s dash to the endzone following his interception came from 49 yards out.
Thursday football before Labor Day
ND traditionally schedules a game the Thursday before Labor Day, and this fall that means a confrontation with Rosewood, which this fall moved from the Carolina Conference and into the Swine Valley Conference.
The two schools have locked horns more than 50 times.
“It’s odd to play this early given that game always meant a key conference matchup,” Martin said. “It’s a great measuring
Zoe Cavanaugh and her ED teammates had a hard time nding holes in the WRH defense during a 3-0 win for the Bulldogs.
Pender follow before WRH opens Swine Valley Conference play on Sept. 26 as the nonconference schedule for the Bulldogs remains harder than loop play until a Halloween showdown with James Kenan.
“Even though we had kids out, it was a blessing for so many of our kids to get reps,” Motsigner said of shu ing around players on the o ensive line. “It’s going to pay o by the end of this year, into next season and two years from now.
“Jacoby (Dixon) was moved to center where he never wanted to play and made the rst mistake, but the guys rallied around him. They know the story of what’s going on and don’t listen to all the noise that always surrounds us.”
If Motsinger is correct, a devastating loss to ED will look more like a terrible bump in the road, though in this rivalry, that win remains huge in Panther land. Both are in di erent conferences and classi cations and won’t play again until 2026.
stick as to where we are, how much and what areas we need to improve and to how we handle the pressure.”
Yet the short week leading up to a trip to the Eagles’ gridiron isn’t something Martin likes.
“It’s more about the recovery rate of the kids’ bodies,” he said. “They will be really, really sore on Monday (and mostly unable to practice full throttle). I also don’t like less preparation time.”
The Eagles, who lost to 5A C.B. Aycock last Friday, went 7-6 last season and return quarterback Giovannia Pineda (7147 for 1,249 yards, 20 TDs; 303 rushing yards and 5 TDs).
The Rebels won last fall’s matchup 27-7 and by a 39-32 tally in 2023.
ND then faces a pair of cupcakes — Spring Creek and Jones Senior — before hiking to Lakewood for its annual blood war with the Leopards on Sept. 19.
NOTICE
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Assistant coach Wilfredo Puac is one of several former Rebels to coach on Hugh Martin’s football sta .
PHOTOS BY EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
ND’s Yesenia Gomez-Maldonaldo tries to slip the ball past JK’s Journal Joe in a match won by the Rebels.
Brinkley Dean Scott
April 3, 1945 – Aug. 17, 2025
Brinkley “Bill” Dean Scott departed his earthly life on Sunday afternoon, August 17, 2025, while at home in Teachey, NC. Born on April 3, 1945, he is the son of the late Brinkley Cohen and Magnolia Dempsey Scott. Also preceading him in death are siblings—Marilyn Roberts, Donald Scott, and Jim Scott.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife—Malinda Marie Keithley Scott; son—Tim Scott and wife Lori of Middleburg (FL); stepdaughter— Melissa Anding and husband Rome of Rochester (MN); grandchildren— Brandon Scott and wife Christy of Middleburg (FL), Nathan Keithley of Rochester (MN), Anthony Anding of Rochester (MN), Daciavonn Anding of Rochester (MN); great grandchildren—Beckett Scott of Middleburg (FL) and Julian Keithley of Miami (FL).
Bill was born in eastern North Carolina in the town of Columbia. In the service of his country, he spent three years in the US Army as a paratrooper and ri eman. A signi cant part of his career involved working as a cable provider lineman. Early in life, he developed a passion for antique automobiles and enjoyed working on all cars. In this delight, he learned how to rebuild auto engines and restore cars as well. He also cherished shing or a day of gol ng with his friends. With a great love of animals, he made sure that he had his dog Jake with him when not at work. His family was the most important thing on earth to him, and his love for them was endless.
The family will greet friends at a visitation set for 2 p.m. on Thursday, August 28, 2025, in the chapel of Padgett Funeral Home of Wallace, NC, with military honors. Padgett Funeral Home is proudly serving the Scott family.
Bobby Dare Lanier
Nov. 23, 1936 – Aug. 21, 2025
Bobby Dare Lanier passed away at ECU Health Duplin Hospital on August 21, 2025, at the age of 88.
He was born in Duplin County. He is survived by his wife, Faye Paderick Lanier, and their daughter, Jennifer Mobley (Joe), and grandsons Matthew and Miles Mobley.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Helen James (William).
Bobby joined the Air Force after graduating from Beulaville High School in 1955. He was stationed in Abilene, Texas, for four years. Afterwards, he began a long and successful career with DuPont in Kinston, North Carolina.
He was an avid East Duplin Panthers fan and supported the players and coaching sta for many years. He enjoyed his day lily garden and made many friends throughout the state as his garden grew. Bobby attended Cabin Original Free Will Baptist Church in Beulaville.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 6 p.m. at Community Funeral Home in Beulaville, on Sunday, August 24, at 2 p.m. at East Duplin Memorial Gardens.
In remembrance of Bobby’s life, the family requests memorials be made to Cabin Original Free Will Baptist Church at 2167 Sarecta Road, Beulaville, NC.
Alice Mae Turner Devane
July 28, 1932 – Aug. 18, 2025
Alice Mae Turner Williams DeVane passed away peacefully from her earthly life on August 18, 2025, with her family by her side. A private family burial will be held on August 21, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. at the Devotional Gardens in Warsaw, NC.
Alice was the widow of Lloyd Hampton Williams (1982) and Thomas Jonathan DeVane Jr. (2017). Alice is survived by her daughter, Connie Williams Taylor (Fred), grandchildren Karen Taylor Herring (Will) and William Taylor, and great-grandchildren Taylor Herring and Mattie Herring. Alice is also survived by step-daughter, Patsy Van Ouwerkerk (John), stepsons, Steve DeVane (Brenda), Gene DeVane (Mary Graham), Andy DeVane (Norma), and Kevin DeVane (Gayle), brothers, Wayne D. Turner (Kate) and Steve H. Turner (Mary), brother-in-law, J.D. Williams (Sandy), sister-in-
Edward “Tootsie” Davenport
Aug. 9, 1935 – Aug. 19, 2025
Edward “Tootsie” Davenport, 90, passed away on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, in ECU Health Duplin Hospital, Kenansville, NC.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Thurman and Arlene Davenport, his son, Ronald “Ronnie” Davenport, and his brothers, Kenneth Davenport and Tex Davenport.
The memorial service is Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 2 p.m. with visitation at 1 p.m. at Community Funeral Home in Beulaville.
He is survived by his wife, Geraldine Brinkley Davenport of Kenansville, daughter Teresa D. Marriott (Terence) of Beulaville sisters-in-law Ina Davenport of Charlotte and Linda Davenport of Millersville, MD., and grandchildren Jamie Davenport and Destiny Marriott. Community Funeral Home of Beulaville is honored to serve the Davenport family.
law, Josephine Kelly (John), and sister-in-law, Toby Williams; seven step-grandchildren; 10 step-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Alice was born on July 28, 1932, in Teachey (also known as Wells Town) to the late Otto and Clara Alice Kelhum Turner. She is also preceded in death by her sweet sister, Lucy Jane Turner.
Alice was a farm girl at heart. Growing up, she worked in the elds with her Daddy. As a young girl, she enjoyed hunting and riding her horse, Charlie. She had a love for all animals and always had a pet dog. Alice enjoyed the outdoors, especially as an adult working in her yard. She had a knack for “rooting new owers” from existing yard clippings.
Alice became a member of Concord Baptist Church in 1952 and remained a faithful member until her death. Alice volunteered in many church roles and especially enjoyed WMU, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and all social church events. She also enjoyed time spent at the Baptist Association in Warsaw and sitting with elderly and Hospice patients. She was a devoted wife, mother, stepmother, grandmother, sister and aunt.
The family would like to thank the entire sta at The Gardens of Rose Hill and Gentiva Hospice of Clinton, NC, especially Deborah and Jessica.
In lieu of owers, please consider donating to Harrells Christian Academy, Box 88, Harrells, NC 28444 (attention: Eva Thornton).
Julaine Bennerman
Aug. 20, 1942 – Aug. 20, 2025
Julaine Bennerman, 83, of Rose Hill, NC, answered the Master’s call at her residence on August 20, 2025. Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, August 25, 2025, at New Christian Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, Rose Hill, NC. Visitation will be from noon to 1 p.m. (one hour prior to the service)—interment following the service at Duplin Memorial Gardens in Teachey, NC.
Jacqueline Regina Garner
Dec 19, 1964 – Aug. 19, 2025
Warsaw - Ms. Jacqueline Regina Garner, 60, was called from labor to reward on Tuesday, August 19, 2025. God, in His in nite way, has plucked another beautiful ower. Please join us in prayer with this family as they make arrangements to lay their loved one to rest. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
John Oakley Thornhill
July 19, 1943 – Aug. 18, 2025
John Oakley Thornhill of Rose Hill, NC, passed from his life on earth to his heavenly resting place in the afternoon of Monday, August 18, 2025, while in the care of Wallace Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Wallace. Born on July 19, 1943, he is the son of the late Frederick Homer and Marjorie Nichols Thornhill.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of sixty years— Jo Thornhill; children— Stephanie Gonzales of Wallace and Paul Thornhill of Pikeville; grandchildren—Lauren Thornhill Godwin and husband Ebe III of Burgaw, Benjamin Gonzales of Wallace, Makayla Thornhill of Raleigh, and Jonathan Gonzales of Wallace; greatgranddaughter—Claire Elizabeth Godwin of Burgaw.
Mr. Thornhill was born in Kansas City, Missouri, and lived in St. Louis during his early childhood. While in his early twenties, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps for a tour of duty that lasted ve years. Not long after enlistment, he met and married the love of his life, “Jo”, and they eventually found their way to Rose Hill, NC. John was known at his beloved Wallace Methodist Church as a “ xer” and a “do-er” and was an in uential leader in many areas of the church while he served on many committees. He had a tremendous love for God and a servant’s heart. It has been said about him that “to know him is to love him”. According to the family, he was a determined ‘one of a kind’ individual with a gold heart. He had an unusual sense of humor and was a man of his word, dependable and loyal. An avid reader, he was something of an expert in the elds of Bible reading, gardening, and genealogy.
Family will greet friends at 6-8 p.m. visitation on Friday, August 22, 2025, in the chapel of Padgett Funeral Home. A memorial service is set for 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 23, in the Wallace Methodist Church. Interment is set for noon on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, in the East Carolina Veterans Cemetery, 164 Longs Plant Farm Road, Goldsboro, NC 27534. The family requests that, rather than oral gifts, consideration be given to contributions to the
Hazel Belle Lawson
Jan. 31, 1950 – Aug. 20, 2025
Kinston- It is with deepest sympathy that we announces the passing of Ms. Hazel Belle Lawson age,75 who completed her earthly journey and entered into eternal peace on August 20, 2025 at UNC Lenoir Hospital in Kinston, North Carolina. The arrangements are incomplete at this time. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and please keep the family lifted in your prayers during their time of bereavement.
Ted William Norris
Nov. 3, 1959 – Aug. 18, 2025
Ted William Norris, age 65, of Willard, passed from this life to his eternal home in Heaven on Monday, August 18, 2025.
He was born on November 3, 1959, in Pender County, the son of John Norris of Wallace and the late Mollie Parker Norris. He was also preceded in death by his son, Jonathan Norris, and two brothers, Richard Norris and David Norris.
Mr. Norris is survived, in addition to his father, by his loving and devoted wife of thirteen years Julia Lanier Norris of the home; children Christopher Norris and wife Kelsey of Rose Hill, Angel Norris of Willard and Kyle Norris of Willard; sisters Betty Sherrill and husband Bob of Willard and Darlene Norris of Burgaw; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends who loved Ted dearly. Ted was a wonderful husband, great father, and brother. He was a simple man who enjoyed simple things, but his greatest joy was his family. Ted was a hard worker and a good provider for his wife and children. He had a heart that was full of love and grace. He was always upbeat and never allowed anything to bring him down. Ted enjoyed playing golf, and being an avid animal lover, he enjoyed taking care of animals. First and foremost, Ted’s main desire in life was to glorify God and live the Word. He had a deeply rooted relationship with Jesus and always put him rst. Ted will surely be missed but treasured memories will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Potts Memorial Presbyterian Church in Willard, NC. Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Wallace.
Aug. 18, 2025
Selma- Mr. Obadiah Montel Speight, 33, completed his earthly journey and transitioned from labor to reward, Monday, August 18, 2025, at home. The arrangements are currently incomplete.
Joseph “Joe” Cavenaugh
Aug. 20, 1939 – Aug. 18, 2025
Joseph J. Cavenaugh, 85, of Wallace, North Carolina, passed from his earthly life to his eternal rest on Monday, August 18, 2025.
He was born on August 20, 1939, in Duplin County, the son of the late Paul M. and Ethel English Cavenaugh. He was also preceded in death by his greatgranddaughter Ava Powell, brother Billy Holmes Cavenaugh, and sonin-law Ricky Kelley.
Surviving to cherish his memory is his best friend and wife of 64 years Judy McCoy Cavenaugh; their children Regina Ann Drew and husband Murphy of Magnolia, Karen Faye Powell and husband Charles of Harrells and Teresa Joe Kelley of Wallace; grandchildren Chancey Drew (Brittany), Carlie Drew (Justin), Kayla Tyndall (Clifton), Anthony Powell (Samantha), Brandon Kelley (Sarah) and Courtney Hollingsworth (Justin), great grandchildren Caroline Drew, Isla Drew, Hunter Pierce, Payton Tyndall, Jayleigh Tyndall, Wyatt Powell, Isaac Kelley, Lydia Kelley and Everleigh Hollingsworth; sister Annie Elizabeth Lanier of Richmond, Virginia; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family
and friends that loved Joe dearly. Joe was a devoted husband and loving father, grandfather and brother. He was a hard worker who always got the job done. Being an avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed deer hunting, shing, riding his air boat, but he especially enjoyed being on his backhoe at the river. Joe’s life was dedicated to God and providing for his family. He also knew the importance of prayer as he would pray with his girls every night before going to bed. Joe’s greatest joy was spreading the gospel by sharing his cards with others. He loved to see the smiles that came on people’s faces when they read the words. Joe loved his entire family, but his grandchildren were the apples of his eye. They could always put a smile on his face and make his day brighter. Joe was known as a “friend” to many, and without a doubt, he was a true gift from God. All who knew him were truly blessed. Joe will surely be missed but never forgotten.
Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Wallace Chapel with Reverend Brandon Kelley and Reverend Richie Padrick o ciating.
The family will receive friends from 10-11 a.m., one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Burial will follow at Cavenaugh Cemetery, NC Hwy. 41, Wallace, NC.
Casket bearers will be Chancey Drew, Justin Pierce, Anthony Powell, Clifton Tyndall, Justin Hollingsworth and Chris Padrick.
The family would like to give special thanks to caregivers Beverly Bailey and Angela Lee, nurses Deanne and Shanda, and the sta of ECU Hospice for all the love and great care you gave to Joe during his illness.
Wallace Methodist Church in John’s memory.
Joao Barboza Filho’s journey from Brazil to a prestigious internship shows the power of perseverance
Duplin Journal sta
JOAO BARBOZA Filho’s story is one of transformation — both personal and professional. Arriving in the U.S. from Brazil at age 16, Barboza faced the daunting challenge of learning a new language and culture. Despite these hurdles, he not only became uent in English but also found his passion in accounting.
Now a senior at the University of Mount Olive, he is excelling as an accounting major, with a prestigious internship at top accounting rm RSM under his belt. His journey re ects how grit, family in uence and the right environment can turn potential into progress.
“Learning English was one of my biggest wins,” said Barboza. “And as someone who’s introverted, I’ve had to push myself to grow socially, too.”
While many students discover their career paths through classes, Barboza’s interest in
Joao Barboza Filho
accounting started around the dinner table, sparked by a conversation with his aunt. That curiosity deepened with research, guidance from his accountant sister and, eventually, real-world experience.
“The more I learned, the more I liked it,” he said.
His choice of UMO wasn’t just about academics — it was also about balance. The university o ered him the ability to play soccer and stay close to family.
“I’ve built great friendships, enjoyed my classes, and had professors who make the journey special and meaningful.
I admire the way (professor Waylon Woodall) teaches and the kind of person he is,” Barboza said. “He’s always willing to help students grow and prepare for the real world.”
The internship at RSM has served as a proving ground for Barboza, testing his classroom
knowledge in a fast-paced, real-world environment. Far from being just a resume-booster, the role has given him a deeper appreciation for the profession’s demands and rewards. He’s embraced early mornings, technical challenges and professional development activities like the “Bottom Line” exercise, where he got to step into a partner’s shoes and analyze client scenarios. Through it all, he’s learned that technical expertise is only part of the equation — communication, adaptability and a willingness to learn are just as vital.
“Everyone is incredibly supportive and willing to help,” he said. “I thought it would be very formal, but people actually take the time to teach you.”
With graduation in sight in 2026, he’s already planning to earn a master’s degree and complete the CPA exam before entering the workforce full time. His goal isn’t just to land a job — it’s to build a career he’s proud of in a specialization like international tax or nancial services.
His advice to others pursuing a similar path is grounded in his own experience: ask questions, stay curious and lean into real-world learning.
COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF MOUNT OLIVE
University of Mount Olive senior Joao Barboza Filho is completing an internship this summer at RSM,
