the BRIEF this week
Wallace Police seek public’s help in hit-and-run investigation
Wallace The Wallace Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating a two-toned pickup truck involved in a hit-and-run that occurred at the Village Store on Sept. 6. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information about the vehicle or driver is urged to contact the Wallace Police Department at 910 -285-2126.
Operation Guardian nets felony arrest in Duplin County Duplin County Two deputies from the Duplin County Sheri ’s O ce participated in a major law enforcement e ort along Interstate 40 on Aug. 27, resulting in 16 tra c stops, four citations, two written warnings, and one felony arrest for possession of a weapon with a defaced serial number. The operation, known as Operation Guardian, was a coordinated, multiagency initiative led by the North Carolina Highway Patrol, spanning the entire I-40 corridor. The mission focused on identifying and addressing human tra cking, criminal activity and tra c violations.
Duplin Senior Services faces $30K grant reduction
Kenansville
The Duplin County Senior Services Department is experiencing a $30,000 reduction in funding from the Home and Community Care Block Grant, which is allocated by the Eastern Carolina Council. This reduction was highlighted by County Manager Bryan Miller during the September County Commissioners meeting. Miller expressed concerns about the potential impact the loss of funding could have on services for local seniors. Melissa Brown, the director of the department, has temporarily reallocated internal funds to address this shortfall, but additional funding may be necessary to maintain current programs and services. According to Miller, the Eastern Carolina Council’s Area Agency on Aging team is contesting both the funding reduction and the methodology used to determine funding levels. They are currently discussing these issues with state o cials to seek a resolution. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.
$3M state-funded shell building breaks ground near Wallace
The new facility marks a major step in Duplin County’s strategy to attract industry and jobs
By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal
WALLACE — Local dignitaries, including town and county representatives, gathered in SouthPark Industrial Center near Wallace on Sept. 3 for a groundbreaking ceremony where a new 50,000-square-foot shell building is being constructed. The shell building is the rst one in SouthPark that is being built through the Duplin County Economic Development Commission with funding from North Carolina Legislature.
“In my opinion, a shell building is one of the biggest items in the economic development toolbox,” Duplin County Economic Development Board Chairman Charley Farrior said during remarks at the event. “Having a shell building available is the rst step in getting a client
into the county. It makes a major statement about your county’s commitment to economic development.”
Farrior said the new SouthPark shell building will be the fth shell building constructed in the Wallace area since 1978. The previous ones were built by the Wallace 100 Committee,
which Farrior added is “unfortunately no longer active.”
All four of the previously constructed shell buildings are occupied by active industries.
“They have become very important to Duplin County and provide many jobs,” Farrior said. “These buildings contribute to the tax base of Du-
Duplin County eyes major bond savings at meeting
I would like to note that as of today, we have approximately 24 that we’re going to be in review for this next round of applications. I received 18 about 30 minutes ago.”
Chris Hatcher, county planner
Bond re nancing, grain storage expansion and housing rehab grants de ned the September meeting
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
KENANSVILLE — A proposal to re nance Duplin County’s 2016 Limited Obligation Bonds topped the agenda at the September county commissioners meeting, with ofcials approving the rst step in a process that could save the county approximately $1.4 million over the remaining life of the bonds.
In a unanimous decision, commissioners authorized Davenport & Company to explore re nancing options for the bonds. If interest rates remain favorable, re nancing could lead to signi cant savings over the remaining 10-year term.
Ty Welford, economic adviser with Davenport, explained that the bonds, originally is-
sued for school projects, can now be re nanced at a lower interest rate. This approval allows the county’s nancial adviser to seek better interest rates either in the bank market or through a public bond sale.
Welford emphasized there is no nancial risk to the county because Davenport will not be compensated if the re nancing does not proceed or does not result in favorable terms.
“It checks all the boxes that you would typically want to see as it relates to a potential re nancing,” Welford explained. “We think if we can get an attractive bank rate and a bank bid, it’s going to be a lot more cost-e ective and quick for the county to be able to do that and lock in those savings.”
The process is expected to progress swiftly, with results set to be presented to the board in November, including concrete proposals and savings calculations.
NC Forest Service
headquarters construction to begin by year’s end
“We’ve had some slowdowns, but I feel we’re getting back on track.”
Scotty Summerlin
The $6 million industrial buildout and Forest Service HQ face setbacks, but construction teams remain optimistic
By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal
KENANSVILLE — Mem-
a new facility that will signicantly increase the Forest Service’s footprint at the airport. The Forest Service already occupies two large hangars at the airport that are home to reghting and observation airplanes and helicopters.
According to Scotty Summerlin, executive director of the Duplin County Economic Development Commission, the N.C. Forest Service is relocating their Region One Headquarters from the Global Transpark in Kinston to the Duplin County Airport. The new facility will occupy space on a 12-acre tract in the Airpark. In addition to o ces, the $2.00
bers of the Duplin County Economic Development Board received an update at their regular meeting last Friday on the N.C. Forest Service’s expansion at the Duplin County Airport and Airpark. Construction is expected to begin by the end of the year on
plin County, and that’s very important.”
Speaking of the tax base, Farrior referenced the controversial recent property revaluations in the county and said he wanted to assure local taxpayers that funding for the new SouthPark
Jay Carraway will step down from his leadership role in February 2026
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
KENANSVILLE — After more than four decades in education, James Sprunt Community College President Jay Carraway has announced his retirement after six years at the school, e ective February 2026.
In his announcement earlier this week, Carraway underscored his commitment to continue serving the college until the end of his tenure.
“Serving as President of JSCC has been the most meaningful and rewarding period of my 43-year career in education,” said Carraway.
Carraway
“We have accomplished so much together.”
Jay Carraway, James Sprunt Community College president
THE DUPLIN COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
O cials from Duplin County, the Town of Wallace, the Economic Development Commission, and Daniels and Daniels Construction gathered Sept. 3 to break ground on a new 50,000-square-foot shell building in the SouthPark Industrial Center near Wallace.
COURTESY
Allison Batts Advertising Representative
Carey
O ce Phone: 910 463-1240
To place a legal ad: 919 663-3232; Fax: 919 663-4042
Water Department drive -thru now fully operational
Kenansville Duplin o cials have announced that the Water Department's drive-thru window on Limestone Road in Kenansville is now open. Access through the Food Lion parking lot has been resolved, and the payment options at the drive-thru are operational.
CARRAWAY from page A1
“We have accomplished so much together.”
Since taking o ce in April 2019, Carraway has guided JSCC through signi cant changes and challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his leadership, the college has strengthened workforce development programs, increased access for underserved communities, and enhanced collaboration with local industry.
Carraway is regarded as a leader whose vision and dedication have signi cantly in uenced JSCC, contributing to a legacy of growth, innovation and community spirit. His retirement represents a notable transition in leadership for the college.
According to the college’s announcement, the Board of Trustees will initiate the search for Carraway’s successor in the near future.
THURSDAY SEPT. 11
FRIDAY SEPT. 12
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Send your birth, death, marriage, graduation and other announcements to community@ duplinjournal.com
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SATURDAY
13
SUNDAY SEPT. 14
MONDAY SEPT. 15
Warsaw Wastewater Plant restarts after major spill into Stewarts Creek
More than 9 million gallons of partially treated wastewater were released during 10-day breakdown
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
WARSAW — The Warsaw Wastewater Treatment Plant is back online after a major failure that resulted in millions of gallons of partially treated wastewater owing into Stewarts Creek from Aug. 22-28
This incident is part of an ongoing series of environmental and regulatory challenges linked to chronic industrial overloading.
“During the period of repairs from Aug. 18-28, the treatment plant upset led to approximately 9.6 million gallons of partially treated waste reaching Stewarts Creek,” a spokesperson with the North
from page A1
shell building, as well as another one being built in the Airpark, did not come from property taxes. “We were able to construct both of these buildings through a special appropriation from the North Carolina General Assembly,” Farrior said.
In an interview with Duplin Journal, Duplin County Economic Development Commission Executive Director Scotty Summerlin said the $3 million cost of the new SouthPark shell building came from a total of $80 million appropriated by the state to help spur economic growth in rural areas of North Carolina. Duplin County was awarded $12 million from that special allocation.
In Farrior’s remarks, he referenced the success of a shell building constructed in nearby Wayne County as an example of an economic windfall that can come from investing in industrial properties.
BOND from page A1
In other business
• Stella Simpson, who retired after nearly 30 years with the Duplin County Department of Social Services, was honored with a county retiree plaque and the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, one of North Carolina’s highest civilian honors. She was recognized for her decades of dedicated service to the community.
• The board has approved a revision to the performance -based economic development incentive for Project Pair, which involves a $2.3 million expansion of a grain storage facility in Rose Hill. This facility belongs to a long-standing agricultural business and a key employer in Duplin County whose name was withheld for privacy.
The expansion aims to enhance e ciency during the harvest season. The revision re ects an increase in local investment from $30 million to $41 million, which prompted a change in the original incentive terms that had been previously approved. The county will reimburse a portion of the property taxes on the new improvements over a 10-year period: 80% reimbursement for the rst ve years and 50% for the fol-
Carolina Division of Water Resources (DWR) told Duplin Journal.
The DWR con rmed the treatment plan was back online as of Aug. 29. The DWR spokesperson shared that the facility is once again treating wastewater, but e orts are still underway to bring the plant into full compliance with its discharge permit limits.
This discharge incident highlights a long-standing issue with regulatory noncompliance, primarily due to industrial overloading from two major users: Villari Foods Group and C2NC.
Even before the recent failure, the plant had been facing operational challenges, including excessive levels of ammonia, nitrogen, and Biochemical Oxygen Demand, which often far exceeded the limits set under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System.
In the last couple of years, the town’s wastewater penalties have signi cantly increased, re ecting ongoing compliance issues. In 2023, total nes reached nearly $12,500, with violations occurring in September and December. In 2024, penalties surged to more than $70,000 — more than ve times the previous year’s total. By the rst quarter of 2025, nes escalated to over $115,000, with a ne of more than $54,000 recorded in March, marking the highest monthly penalty to date.
“DWR has assessed civil penalties to the town in response to violations of the treatment plant’s permit conditions, including violations of permit limits for parameters including fecal coliform, ammonia and total suspended solids in its treated wastewater e uent. The total paid in 2025 is $144,234.57,” DWR told Duplin Journal.
“In May of this year, Wayne County Development Alliance sold two shell buildings, one 50,000 square feet, one 30,000 square feet, to one industry, Pelsan Tekstil,” Farrior said. “This company plans to create 216 new jobs and invest $82.6 million in new capital.”
During closing comments at the groundbreaking ceremony, Summerlin gave the statistics on the new building, mentioning that the
lowing ve years, contingent upon the investment of at least $41 million and the creation of ve new jobs. On average, this amounts to an annual incentive of approximately $154,600, while the county will still net around $83,200 in new annual tax revenue during the incentive period.
According to Scotty Summerlin, economic development director, the project will add critical grain storage capacity, accelerate harvest operations and reduce costs for farmers in at least seven counties, thereby enhancing agricultural e ciency throughout the region. After the 10-year incentive period, the county will collect full tax revenue, and the agreement includes performance-based clawbacks to safeguard public investment.
• County Planner Chris Hatcher presented plans for the county to apply for Community Development Block Grant – Neighborhood Revitalization (CDBG-NR) funds. This program focuses on housing rehabilitation for low- and moderate-income residents.
“We would request a list of potential candidates from the county, but I would like to note that as of today, we have approximate -
TUESDAY SEPT. 16
50,000-square-foot facility will have a 30-foot-ceiling, giving it a great deal of room for a large number of potential industries. He called the recent investments by the Economic Development Commission “generational change.” Immediately after the ceremony, crews from Daniels and Daniels Construction, the Goldsboro-based company awarded the contract, began work at the site.
ly 24 that we’re going to be in review for this next round of applications. I received 18 about 30 minutes ago,” Hatcher explained, thanking Commissioner Wayne Branch for his role in building the applicant pool, having proactively reached out last year and again before the meeting to provide a detailed list of prospective applicants.
Commissioners also approved a required second public hearing, scheduled for Oct. 6, to advance the application process.
“This is reimbursed, so the county does put that money up front, but we are reimbursed 100% of this,” said Hatcher. “We are currently under two grants, two (CDBG-NR)’s right now. Both of those equaling approximately $950,000 a piece. We have $1.9 million in grant funds, which is amazing, I will say. We are helping a lot of people.”
The board also held a series of public hearings to address road naming requests. After receiving no public opposition, the board approved names for the following new lanes: Walker Estates Drive, Brothers Diaz Boulevard, Oakwood Drive, Maready Farm Lane and Brenda Gail Lane.
Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in Duplin County:
Sept.
11
Pig Show
6 p.m.
Celebrate Ag Appreciation Week with a Pig Show at the Duplin Livestock Facility in Kenansville. The event is part of the Eastern Carolina Showmanship Circuit, highlighting local youth and agriculture. For more information, visit duplin.ces. ncsu.edu.
275 Fairgrounds Drive, Kenansville
Sept.
12
Goat Show
6 p.m.
Continue the Ag Appreciation Week festivities with a Goat Show at the Duplin Livestock Facility. As part of the Eastern Carolina Showmanship Circuit, this event highlights the dedication and skills of local youth in agriculture. For more information, visit duplin. ces.ncsu.edu.
275 Fairgrounds Drive, Kenansville
Sept.
13
Pet Day in the Park
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Join Pet Friends of Duplin County for Pet Day in the Park at Clement Park. Enjoy food trucks, kids’ activities, a dog costume contest, a visit from the Wallace re truck, the Fresh Start Rescue event trailer and more.
209 E Clement St, Wallace
Rose Hill Grape Stomp Festival
1 to 5 p.m.
Don’t miss the annual Rose Hill Grape Stomp Festival at Duplin Winery. Celebrate nearly 50 years of vineyard hospitality with live music, delicious wine and food and nonstop fun. Join the crowd for the iconic Grape Stomp, where dancing, stomping and laughter take center stage.
505 N. Sycamore St, Rose Hill
Lamb & Heifer Shows
10 a.m.
Wrap up Ag Appreciation Week with Lamb and Heifer Shows at the Duplin Livestock Facility. The Lamb Show is followed by the Heifer Show at 1 p.m. or immediately after the Lamb Show concludes. For more information, visit duplin. ces.ncsu.edu.
275 Fairgrounds Dr., Kenansville
CEREMONY
MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
Charley Farrior, chairman of the Duplin County Economic Development Board, addresses attendees at a groundbreaking ceremony for the new shell building at SouthPark Industrial Center along N.C. Highway 11 near Wallace.
Beulaville sees residential boom as new developments take shape
The town prepares for growth with water and sewer upgrades
By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal
BEULAVILLE — Like other towns in Duplin County, Beulaville is experiencing residential growth, according to Interim Town Manager Lori Williams.
“We’ve actually got a couple of new residential developments that are going through the process for zoning, and for water and sewer,” Williams told Duplin Journal in an interview. “We also have a 40-unit apartment complex that has been released for construction.”
The apartment complex is expected to be completed in 2026.
One of the new housing developments is slated to have 122 homes, while the other will have 25, Williams said.
To prepare for growth, Beulaville has several water and sewer projects under construction, including line replacement and new tap installations.
With the in ux of new residents coming to town to occupy the new homes and apartments, Williams said Beulaville is also expanding its recreational opportunities for residents by relocating and expanding a park to be co-located with the existing recreational facility on Broad Street, where the town’s softball and baseball elds are located.
“We’ll be doing construction on a walking trail, a basketball court and a volleyball court in this phase,” Williams said. As far as new businesses
coming to town, Williams said, “We don’t have any new businesses I can report on, but all of our businesses here seem to be doing well.”
One positive business aspect that Beulaville can claim that not many other towns can report is they currently have no vacant business buildings.
Williams believes part of the success of businesses in town is due to their location.
“We’ve seen our busiest season through the summer. We are a high-tra c area on (Highways) 24 and 41. We’ve seen increased tra c over the last several months.”
While Williams has no new businesses to report, she predicts the housing growth will eventually lead to new commercial establishments choosing the town.
With two new housing developments and an apartment complex coming to town, Beulaville is expanding its recreational opportunities.
“In time, with the residential growth and an increase in population, it will inspire more businesses to come. If you can get
them in the residential areas, in time, you’ll see the growth on that side of the spectrum,” she said.
‘Where did the money go?’ Frustration boils over in Mount Olive
As residents demand answers, town o cials promise to investigate and report back
By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal
MOUNT OLIVE — The ongoing problems regarding the state-imposed sewer moratorium on the town and the recent release of a scathing audit by the N.C. Auditor’s O ce, which discovered numerous mismanagement issues within town government, were front and center during the public comment period at the Mount Olive Board of Commissioners on Monday evening.
Mount Olive citizen Dan McPhail told the board there had been a $5 million allocation toward the sewer problems in 2020, followed by an additional $15 million allocation two years later, to which the state contributed an additional $10 million.
“That’s $30 million, and we’re still under a sewer moratorium, which is increasing our taxes, and which is making new businesses not come to Mount Olive because they can’t attach to the sewer system,” McPhail said.
“It’s creating a slack or de ciency in our growth.”
McPhail asked if the original engineering company contracted to repair the issues was under a performance bond to guarantee their work.
“If it was, why wasn’t the work completed and guaranteed?” he asked. Mayor Jerome Newton responded to McPhail’s question, adding that they will nd more information, “and we’ll get back to you.”
Another town resident, Billy Wilkins, turned to the audience during his comment period and said, “I want to address you all.” Wilkins added to the list of funds previously allocated toward the sewer issues.
“Back in the early 2000s, the town borrowed $13 million to build a tree farm,” Wilkins said. “A few years back, the tree farm
was incinerated because it didn’t work. All the trees died.”
The tree farm was to be used to spray some of the sewage from the plant to utilize natural absorption.
According to Wilkins, the town signed an $8 million contract in December 2022, which was intended to address in ltration and in ow issues identi ed as the most signi cant problems at the troubled sewer plant.
Like McPhail, Wilkins questioned the town’s handling of such large appropriations.
Still addressing the audience, Wilkins concluded his remarks by saying, “I implore you to look at your next board that you have to vote for. These people are making million-dollar decisions up here.”
The recent report from the state auditor on the town was also addressed during the public comment period by resident Cindy Bell. She expressed frustration that the town had not
“They were asked not to approve the airport budget until they understood the expenditures and what was happening there. They turned a blind eye to it and it was approved.”
Cindy Bell
addressed the airport nances in the report before now.
“In May and June of 2024, more than a year ago, during the budget process, it was pointed out to this board, not a previous board, inconsistencies in the airport budget,” Bell said. “They were asked (by the citizens) not to approve the airport budget until they understood the expenditures and what was happening there. They turned a blind
eye to it, and it was approved.”
Newton acknowledged that all the residents’ concerns are valid and promised that the sta would investigate each one.
Later in the meeting, the board approved a resolution requested by interim town manager Glenn Holland authorizing TRC to prepare a funding application for water treatment system renovations. Holland told the board the new rm had already advised him of potential new funding sources the town could seek help from in tackling the ongoing sewage treatment plant challenges.
Mayor Pro-Tem Barbara Kornegay thanked Holland for his work in attempting to nd a reasonable and e ective solution to the sewage moratorium.
Gary Whaley, who operates a ight school at the airport in association with the University of Mount Olive, addressed the board and asked that everyone consider the good things hap-
pening at the airport and encouraged board members to visit the ight school to see its success. After the meeting, Whaley told Newton he was concerned the negative news about the airport could a ect recruitment for the ight school.
In other business
• The board approved a contract with CPA Beverly Stroud to reconcile the town’s bank statements and bring the nancial records from July 2024 through June 2025 current.
The town issued a proclamation honoring Greg Wiggins for his years of service to the town.
• The board also agreed to move the November board of commissioners meeting from Nov. 3 to Nov. 10 due to the elections.
MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
Mount Olive resident Dan McPhail, left, addresses the Board of Commissioners at their Sept. 8 meeting about his concerns over the large amounts of funds allocated toward the troubled town sewage treatment plant that have not resulted in any resolution to the state sewage moratorium on the town.
THE CONVERSATION
Trip Ho end, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor
VISUAL VOICES
Roy Cooper’s vetoes speak louder than his speeches after 38-year ride
on taxpayer dime
Cooper and his handlers have a huge problem to overcome — his political record.
THE CONTEST FOR the North Carolina U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Tom Tillis, who is not seeking reelection, has already garnered great interest across the nation. Political pundits, especially those who lean left, are already setting the table for former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper. As most people know, Cooper served 14 years in the North Carolina General Assembly, four years in the House and 10 years in the Senate. Then he was elected to four terms as attorney general and two terms as governor of North Carolina.
Seems to be very impressive, doesn’t it?
So for 38 of his 68 years, he has been employed by the taxpayers of North Carolina; for 24 of those years, he was a full-time employee of the state of North Carolina. Put another way, he has spent 56% of his entire life employed by the taxpayers of North Carolina. That certainly sounds like a “career politician,” doesn’t it?
He and his supporters hope that his well-crafted public image will remain upfront and kept center stage in his bid for the U.S. Senate. But we should remind him that the motto of North Carolina is Esse Quam Videri, “to be rather than to seem.”
Cooper and his handlers have a huge problem to overcome — his political record. That “record” tells the true tale. His record proves that he supports some ultra-left-wing issues. Consider just a few examples from his time as governor.
During his time as governor, he vetoed 129 House or Senate bills, many of which had good bipartisan support. The Republican majority overrode 67 of his vetoes. He vetoed all the two-year budgets even when they had bipartisan support.
In April 2019, he showed his true ultra-liberal stance by vetoing S.B. 359, the Born-Alive Survivors Protection Act. That bill simply said, “If a child survives an attempted abortion and is outside
the womb, give the child medical attention.” Cooper, with his veto, said no by not requiring that the surviving child be given medical attention. In essence, he said, just let the child who is now surviving outside the womb, die without medical attention. He vetoed e orts to require photo ID to vote. He vetoed the e orts to require political party a liation to be listed on the ballot for all judges. He vetoed all but one of the annual Farm Acts, which were dedicated to improving our hard-working farmers’ ability to produce the food and ber necessary for us to remain a free nation. He vetoed S.B. 582, the 2023 Farm Act, which included establishment of the North Carolina Farmers Appreciation Day, even though nine Democrats voted for the bill and also voted to override his veto.
Those vetoes, especially those against our farmers, were egregious enough, but let’s consider a few others that were even more egregious. He vetoed H.B. 574, which barred biological men from playing on girls’ sports teams. That means he supports transgender men in women’s sports and in women’s locker rooms. He vetoed S.B. 49, the Parents’ Bill of Rights, which gives parents the right to make decisions for their minor children. That means he believes the government, not parents, knows what is best for their children. He vetoed S.B. 20, which improved the rights of unborn children by banning late-term abortions from 20 weeks to 12 weeks.
We the people, before we vote for Cooper, should remember what he said during the 2024 presidential election: “I want to make sure Vice President Harris wins and we stop Trump.”
Rep. Jimmy Dixon represents Duplin and Wayne counties in the N.C. House of Representatives.
In defense of praying after tragedy
Leftists obsess over microaggressions, but they have no issue with their leaders mocking Christians.
THOSE WHO DENIGRATE prayer after mass shootings reveal their own ignorance.
Last month, a man red more than 100 rounds into a Catholic church in Minneapolis. He was targeting students attending a back-to-school Mass. Tragically, he killed two children and injured 18 others. He then killed himself.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey rushed to the scene and promptly criticized Christians.
“Don’t just say this is about thoughts and prayers right now,” he said. “These kids were literally praying. It was the rst week of school. They were in a church.”
“Enough with the thoughts and prayers,” Jen Psaki, former White House press secretary, wrote on X.
In response to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defending those “who believe in the power of prayer,” California Gov. Gavin Newsom wrote on X, “These children were literally praying as they got shot at.”
Leftists obsess over microaggressions, but they have no issue with their leaders mocking Christians after Christian children were murdered for being in a Christian church.
Despite the condescension, this is an objection worth addressing.
One reason Christians pray is that there isn’t anything physically we can do in many tragic situations. But we can appeal
to the God of the universe. He can protect responding o cers. He can heal the wounded and guide the doctors caring for them. He can comfort the broken-hearted. He can supernaturally intervene in ways we can’t. And of course, a police o cer on the scene shouldn’t only respond in prayer.
If you don’t believe in God, that may seem silly. Fine. But you should understand why Christians pray.
There’s another contention in these statements, too: Prayer failed and, by extension, so did God. The shooter even wrote, “Where is your God” on one of the magazines for his ri e.
Anyone drawing this conclusion is unaware of the Bible and church history.
Jesus, God’s only begotten Son, lived a perfect life yet died on a cross while facing similar taunts: “He saved others, but he can’t save himself.”
Yet those mockers didn’t see what was happening right in front of them. On the cross, Jesus paid the penalty that you and I deserve for our sin. On the third day, God raised him from the dead. Jesus’ sacri ce o ers salvation to those who confess him as Lord and believe God raised him from the dead.
What looked to human eyes like the ultimate failure was God’s plan to save mankind — and o er a hope that pain and death can’t diminish.
“I consider that our present su erings are not worth comparing with the glory
that will be revealed in us,” Paul wrote in Romans 8.
Those families in Minneapolis weren’t the rst Christians to su er greatly. Most of the apostles were martyred for their faith. In the Roman Empire, Christians were cruci ed, burned, thrown to the lions and otherwise tortured. Since 2009, Islamists have killed more than 50,000 Christians in Nigeria.
What’s remarkable are the many stories of Christians facing their deaths with calmness, joy or even song.
In 202 or 203 A.D., a group of Christians was arrested for their faith. After being sentenced to a gruesome death, Perpetua, a young mother, wrote in her diary, “We returned to prison in high spirits.”
A narrator continued the tale. The day before their deaths, they spoke to the mob, “stressing the joy they would have in their su ering.” As she and the other martyrs died, she urged others to “stand fast in the faith and love one another.”
Nonbelievers may assume that the earthly su ering of God’s followers diminishes Him. It doesn’t, and it hasn’t for 2,000 years. Even though I often fail to live this truth out well, our hope isn’t in this world.
And when tragedy makes that hard to remember, it’s time to pray.
Victor Joecks is a columnist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
COLUMN | REP. JIMMY DIXON
COLUMN | VICTOR JOECKS
Duplin corn crop thrives, but market prices lag
An extension agent reported a strong harvest despite the market challenges
By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal
KENANSVILLE — With fall knocking at the seasonal door, Duplin farmers are in the elds reaping what they have sown. According to Della King, eld crops agent with the North Carolina Extension Service in Kenansville, this year’s corn yield appears to be good.
“As a county, overall, we’ve got a good, decent corn crop this year, de nitely compared to last year,” King said in an interview with Duplin Journal.
One of King’s duties is yield certi cation for growers. She said the corn yields vary some
between dry land and irrigated elds.
“Dry land is averaging around 180 to 200 (bushels per acre),” King said. “We don’t have the county-wide assessments yet because growers are still picking.”
While the corn yields appear to be good this year, unfortunately for the growers, prices are down. Based on King’s assessment, corn growers are facing their own version of the proverbial Murphy’s Law when it comes to prices.
“They’ve been pretty low compared to previous years,” she said. “Some of it’s the way the cycle goes. When you’re going to have a bumper crop, the prices go down.”
Fortunately for corn growers, the back-to-back downpours over the summer didn’t do much to hamper the growth, except in a few isolated areas. King says the same can not be
said for Duplin soybean growers. Online, corn prices were averaging $3.97 per bushel this week.
“I know from a soybean standpoint, some folks had trouble getting beans planted, as far as double-crop beans that are planted behind wheat,” King said. “There were some that had to replant a couple of times because they got planted and got a downpour of rain and they just did not come up. They had to replant.”
Soybeans were planted around the mid-July time period when the area was experiencing some signi cant rainfall. King said some places got timely rain while other areas got heavy rain.
Just how much the rain affected soybeans also depends on the individual elds.
“Soil types can a ect that as well, from a drainage standpoint.”
Corn stalks are all that remain on a
corn was recently picked.
Navigating property tax appeals, relief
The revaluation appeals deadline has passed, but options remain
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
HUNDREDS OF Duplin County property owners are reeling from sharp increases in their 2025 property tax bills following a countywide revaluation. And while the o cial appeal deadline has passed, many still have options to challenge errors.
The local deadline to appeal assessed values with the Board of Equalization and Review (BoER) has expired, but taxpayers can still appeal under certain circumstances. These include instances where the assessed value is substantially higher than the market value, if the assessed value is inequitable compared to similar properties, or if there are issues related to situs or taxability. Additionally, appeals can be made if the assessed value was calculated incorrectly due to clerical errors. Taxpayers are encouraged to start by contacting the local tax o ce to seek a resolution.
“There are over 40,000 parcels in Duplin County and there are going to be errors made in mass appraisal,” said Tax Administrator Gary Rose. “Also, we were converting from an old tax system from the mid-’80s to a new tax system, and this caused some of the errors. We tried to catch all of the errors, but some did slip by. As we nd the errors or are made aware of errors, they are being corrected.”
According to the North Carolina Department of Revenue, in a revaluation year, state law mandates that the BoER adjourn by Dec. 1, the nal date for accepting new property tax appeals for that cycle. This does not impact appeals led on time, even if hearings occur after adjournment.
“Ours adjourned this year on June 26 since over three
“There are over 40,000 parcels in Duplin County and there are going to be errors made in mass appraisal.”
Gary Rose, tax administrator
meetings there were less than 10 appeals,” Rose told Duplin Journal via email. “Also, once they have adjourned from hearing new appeals, they can still work on appeals that had already been heard. Most times, this is for additional information. Duplin County rarely has more than a handful of appeals go to the board.” If the taxpayer is not satised with the decision of the local BoER, they can appeal to the State BoER, also known as the Property Tax Commission. Taxpayers must provide evidence that the county’s assessed value exceeds fair market value on the appraisal date. This evidence may include comparable sales, independent appraisals, repair estimates, photographs and records of the property’s condition or income/expenses for income-generating properties. There are several tax relief programs that taxpayers can consider for the next cycle:
• Elderly or Disabled Exclusion can reduce the taxable value of a qualifying homeowner’s residence by either $25,000 or 50% of its assessed value, whichever is greater. To qualify, applicants must be at least 65 years old or permanently disabled and have a household income of $38,800 or less for 2025.
The Disabled Veteran Exclusion o ers up to $45,000 in tax relief on a veteran’s or surviving spouse’s primary residence, with a 100% service-connected disability or specially adapted housing bene ts. There are no income limits for this exemption. Another relief option is
The Duplin County Economic Development Commission board hears updates on projects at the Duplin County Airport and Airpark. Delays have plagued the project of creating new infrastructure within the Airpark, but it appears a mid- October completion date may be possible.
FOREST from page A1
building will also house a training facility.
The N.C. Forest Service is a division of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture. The agency is divided into three regions in the state. Region One is divided into four divisions that serve 27 counties in eastern North Carolina.
In addition to the update on progress for the Forest Service project, Summerlin, along with three contractors appearing at the meeting remotely, gave the board the latest on the overall construction project at the Airpark that will result in the construction of two 50,000-square-foot industrial shell buildings as well as several short-stay rental units.
The shell buildings are being constructed at a total cost of $6 million.
The challenge in completing the Airpark expansion project has been the result of delays blamed on several days of heavy rain and a series of change orders requested by the contractors that have increased the cost and the time to complete the project. The discovery of bad soil at some construction sites on the airport property also contributed to slowdowns.
the Circuit Breaker Tax Deferment program. Instead of the standard exclusion, elderly or disabled seniors may cap their tax liability at 4% for an income of $37,900 or at 5% for an income up to $56,850. The home must be the owner’s permanent residence, and all owners must have lived in and owned the property for at least ve years. Any taxes above the cap are deferred and accrue as a lien on the property. The last three years of deferred taxes become due upon a “disqualifying event” such as selling the property, transferring ownership, death or ceasing to use the property as a permanent residence.
One of the most impactful tax relief programs in Duplin County is the Present-Use Value (PUV) program. It allows qualifying farmland, forestland or horticultural land to be taxed based on its current use rather than market value, potentially deferring up to 85% of the taxes.
“The Present-Use Value program is a program that was designed to protect farmland from development,” explained Rose. “The state sets a value per acre for the land, and as long as it meets certain requirements, it will be taxed at the lower value.”
However, if the property is sold, developed, or ceases to meet eligibility criteria, deferred taxes from the current year and the previous three years become due. To be eligible, the landowner must have owned the property for at least four years. For agriculture, the landowner must have at least 10 acres in production; for horticulture, a minimum of 5 acres; and for forestry, at least 20 acres must be in production. Additionally, for agriculture and horticulture, the land must have generated an average gross income of at least $1,000 over the past three years.
To explore available options that could reduce a property tax bill, contact the tax o ce at 910 -296 -2110.
The board was presented two new change orders at the meeting, including one requesting additional time to complete the last 300 feet of water line installation and another to relocate a drainage ditch.
Matthew Ferguson, a contractor on the project, told the board, “Chatham Construction is asking for an additional 14 days to be added to the contract due to water line cut sheets at West Bend Road and the delays associated with that.”’
According to the contractors, the delays were caused both by waiting for survey work on the project and coordinating with the gas company, which has a 50-foot easement on the property.
A last-minute change order
that had to be added to the agenda involves relocating of a ditch to avoid a manhole cover and the associated concrete housing. The board was told if the ditch is not moved, they could expect “severe erosive issues” at some point after the Airpark project is completed. The board approved both change orders. As a result of the delays, the originally planned completion date of July 7 has been pushed back to mid-October.
Despite the delays on the Airpark infrastructure improvements, Summerlin told the board that the contractor for the shell buildings, Daniels and Daniels Construction, is already at work.
“We’ve had some slowdowns, but I feel we’re getting back on track,” Summerlin said.
In other business, the board voted to award a $5,200 contract to Johnny Williams Land Surveying for work needed to prepare the site for seven short-stay rental units, which will include a mix of two- and three-bedroom designs, with room for additional units in the future.
MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
eld just outside Wallace on N.C. Highway 11 after the
PHOTOS BY MARK GRADY FOR STANLY NEWS JOURNAL
The North Carolina Forest Service will soon begin construction of the new Region One headquarters at the Airpark. The new headquarters, moving from Kinston, will be built on a 12 -acre tract.
School board approves key partnerships, funding
From academic partnerships to sta ex days, the board tackled a 26 -point consent agenda
By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal
KENANSVILLE — The Duplin County Board of Education approved a broad range of initiatives aimed at strengthening academic partnerships, supporting sta , and improving school facilities at its Sept. 2 meeting.
The board started its agenda bt reviewing an extensive 26-point consent agenda.
Included in the consent agenda were the following approvals:
• Memorandums of Understanding between James Kenan High School and Advise NC at NC State, Duplin County Schools and UNC Greensboro, Duplin County Schools and Wayne
Community College, Duplin County Schools and National Equity Lab for the Collegein-High School program and Voices Together.
• Independent contracts for Sylvia Draughn and Christa Bass.
• Contracts with Lauren Williford, Cheryl Fuller, Joell Parker and Sheri Leavens to provide workshops for the Duplin Health Science Academy.
• A budget amendment for the 2024-25 scal year for child nutrition.
An $829 annual service agreement with Brewer Company for maintaining the check folder/sealer.
Fundraising requests from Kenansville Elementary, Wallace Elementary, Warsaw Elementary and North Duplin Junior/Senior High School.
• Service contracts for the 2025-26 school year between Duplin County Schools and APE in a Box, Jennifer Carter (Educational Interpreter) and Soliant (Teacher of the Deaf/ Hard of Hearing for ESY).
Contracts with Sandcastles Childcare, Lynda’s Funtime Junction and Louanna’s Childcare to provide NC PreK classrooms.
• The $60,000 purchase of Imagine Learning remediation software.
Submission of a supplemental application to the O ce of Head Start for nutrition education resources.
Additionally, the board approved an application to request more than $29,000 to remove water from ooding sidewalks at Beulaville Elementary. This project is applying for funding through the Public School Building Capital Fund via the North Carolina
Education Lottery. Furthermore, the board approved the continuation of ex days for certi ed and noncerti ed employees. The policy allows for six additional ex days during the 2025-26 school year, which can be used on optional teacher workdays or days when students are not in school. These days are in addition to the two ex days already provided, and they do not carry over into the next school year if unused.
Following the extensive approvals, the board went into a closed executive session for an hour. Upon returning to open session, the board approved recommendations made during the closed session.
Brent Davis, chair of the Board of Education, then requested an additional agenda item to seek approval for signing and submitting an application for the Needs-Based Public School Capital Funds Grant on behalf of the county. The board approved this request due to the application deadline being on
Duplin schools designated low-performing district
Reading and math pro ciency improved across subgroups, but seven schools’ low performance led to the district-wide designation
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
KENANSVILLE — Duplin
County Schools has been designated a low-performing district for the 2024–25 school year, according to new state accountability results released by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. The designation comes as more than 50% of the district’s schools received a performance grade of D and did
not meet expected growth. Seven schools were identied as low-performing, contributing to the district-wide classi cation.
Despite the overall designation, the district reported academic gains in several key areas. District-wide, pro ciency improved in reading and math for students in third through eighth grade, and all major student subgroups showed increased overall pro ciency.
“I’m proud of our students
and educators who have worked hard to improve these metrics,” State Superintendent of Public Instruction Mo Green said. “I am eager to see this data continue to improve as we work to implement our strategic plan.”
At the high school level, all four schools showed pro ciency gains in NC Math 1 and NC Math 3. However, pro ciency in English II declined. Science performance in fifth and eighth grade, along with biology, decreased this year, mainly due to the implementation of the new North Carolina Standard Course of Study and updated assessments. The State Board of
Education noted that these changes make comparisons to previous years’ results inequitable.
Positive trends were also noted in college and career readiness indicators. ACT and ACT WorkKeys performance improved, and progress for English Learners (ELs) increased. The gains coincided with statewide changes, including the lowering of the ACT benchmark score from 19 to 17 and a new EL exit composite score of 4.5, down from 4.8.
According to the report, growth data showed that four schools exceeded their expected growth, three met their
Oct. 3, which is before the next scheduled board meeting. Lastly, the board acknowledged donations made for speci c purposes to speci c schools. Highlights include:
A donation of $300 for co ee supplies for teachers at Wallace Elementary from New River Holiness Church and David Houston.
• A donation of $4,500 for a batting cage at Wallace Elementary from Hayes Skidmore.
A donation of $1,695 for the football team at Rose Hill Magnolia Elementary from Dave Fussell.
• A $1,000 donation from Anderson Smith & Wike LLC to be used as a one-time scholarship in memory of Austin Obasohan to assist a promising DCS student planning to study accounting.
“I’m proud of our students and educators who have worked hard to improve these metrics ... I am eager to see this data continue to improve as we work to implement our strategic plan.”
Mo Green, State Superintendent of Public Instruction
growth targets and six did not meet their growth targets. Performance grades for schools in the district included one B, three C’s, seven D’s and two F’s.
UMO celebrates largest nursing cohort at White Coat Ceremony
Forty students formally entered the clinical phase of the program
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
MOUNT OLIVE — In a historic milestone for the University of Mount Olive, 40 nursing students — the largest cohort in the school’s history — were formally welcomed into the clinical phase of the school’s nursing program during the annual White Coat Ceremony. The event marked a significant transition for the juniors as they began hands-on clinical practice.
Hosted by the university’s Division of Nursing, the ceremony celebrated the students’ entry into the next phase of their nursing education. As each student was called to the stage and received their white coat, they also recited the “Nursing Student’s Pledge of Dedication,” committing to ethical standards, compassion-
ate care and lifelong learning.
Kristin Mozingo, division chair of nursing and director of the simulation lab, praised the milestone moment, welcoming the new graduates as a rec-
ognized member of the UMO nursing community during her closing remarks.
“Next week, you will begin a rigorous but rewarding journey. Take this time to
rest and re ect, you are stepping into something extraordinary,” said Mozingo in her closing remarks. Mozingo expressed pride in the students’ accomplish-
ments and a deep sense of honor in supporting them on this journey.
“We believe in you. And we are honored to walk beside you.”
COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF MOUNT OLIVE
Forty University of Mount Olive nursing students were formally welcomed into the nursing program during the University’s annual White Coat Ceremony.
DUPLIN SPORTS Lamb-led Bulldogs rally in second half to clip Dark Horses
A late score helped Southern Nash nip James Kenan 44-42 in a game decided by a few plays
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
BAILEY — Jayden Harts eld scored his fourth touchdown with 1:11 to play to send Southern Nash to a 44-42 win over James Kenan last Friday.
The Tigers last-gasp e ort in the nal 1:03 pushed the ball to the Firebirds 19 before a hurry-up eld goal from 26 yards was too low and not long enough.
It was a game of big hits, runs between the hash marks and 2-point conversions, and a clash that neither team deserved to lose.
Tigers fall to 5A Firebirds in wild, physical slugfest Davis’
Southern Nash (1-1), a 5A school, had reinforcements and substitutions for 22 positions, though it never wore down the platooning 3A Tigers (1-1).
The Firebirds rst-half fumble was perhaps the biggest mistake in a cleanly played game that had many stoppages for injuries following football warfare.
JK led until Harts eld (26 -143) tied it at 28-28 with 8:34 to play.
“Going in I knew it would be really di cult to hold them, so I was thrilled when we jumped out early,” said JK coach Tim Grady. “I felt we’d move the ball against them, and that was tough because we had to go against one of the best defensive ends in the state (Luke Faulkner), who is also trouble as a fullback.”
“I felt we’d move the ball against them and that was tough because we had to go against one of the best defensive ends in the state.”
JK head coach Tim Grady
But JK had breakout performances from a number of players. Jeremiah Hall ran for a career-high 202 yards.
Newcomer Taulil Pearsall checked in with 59 yards on 11 carries.
CJ Hill and David Zeleya
ED topped Richlands 14-7 as the defenses gave ts to runners and passers
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
RICHLANDS — It’s hard to nd defensive battles in football games played on Saturdays and Sundays.
When it absolutely mattered the most, East Duplin got a rst down against Richlands, and the Panthers defense held its ground for a 14-7 win.
Shawn Davis burst into the endzone on the third snap of overtime, and the Panthers defense stopped the Wildcats on third and fourth
Wallace-Rose Hill scored the nal 16 points in a 22-18 win over Clinton
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
CLINTON — Jamar-
ae Lamb and Matthew Wells made up for two early mistakes as Wallace-Rose Hill rallied from an 18-6 de cit to beat Clinton 22-18 last Friday at Robinson-Lewis Field.
The win was the rst of the season for the Bulldogs and the second over their Sampson County rival, which both have state-championship trophies in their respective schools.
WRH has seven and Clinton ve. The Dark Horses (1-2) picked o a Wells pass after driving to the Clinton 17 on WRH’s rst possession. Lamb ran for 13 yards on the Bulldogs’ third possession and nearly had another rst
down before dropping the pigskin on the turf.
“The turnovers gave them life and kind of sucked the air out of us, but this was a ballgame I don’t think we don’t win the last three years,” WRH coach Kevin Motsigner said. “We handled the bad things that happened early, and our defense started laying down wood.”
Motsinger said Clinton has o ensive weapons and quality players despite a downturn in the program. The Dark Horses were 2-8 in ’24, a season after head coach Cory Johnson led them to the 2A title game and 15-1 record the previous season before leaving with illegal transfers for Marlboro County (Marlboro, SC).
“Their quarterback can at-out throw the ball, they have two backs that can y, and they still got more talent on that team than just about
downs, a yard shy of scoring.
The win avenged a 19-0 loss last season.
“Richlands played us pretty doggone good, especially defensively,” said ED coach Battle Holley, whose team travels to James Kenan on Friday for the 64th matchup between the Duplin County rivals.
“We had a couple of chances to put some distance between us and them and just couldn’t. They really run to the football. They play us hard every year, and we couldn’t get into our rhythm o ensively. And they had something to do with it.”
ED went in front 7-0 three plays into the fourth quarter via a 10-yard rumble by Davis (18-109) and Gavin Jar-
man’s PAT. Dewayne Davis had rst-down runs of 21 and 10 yards during the 8-play, 52-yard drive.
The Panthers got all but two of 242 yards on the ground, though going 6 of 15 on third down and 1-4 on fourth down. Conversely, Richland had 98 yards passing, but just 43 rushing.
The Wildcats responded on their next drive to tie it at 7-7. New quarterback DJ DiBenedetto (10-17) ran the ball three times to move the yardsticks and then found Cale Wilges for a 36-yard score to tie the game after Isaiah Betton kick split the uprights.
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
JK’s Jeremiah Hall ran for a career-high 202 and scored three touchdowns against Southern Nash.
THURMAN PARKER FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
ED’s Amir Lamont, left, and Juan Benitez, right, take down Richland wideout Cale Wilkes, who scored the lone Wildcats touchdown in a 14-7 overtime win for the Panthers.
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Linebacker Will Brooks, left, is a key to stopping the run and also defending in pass coverage for WRH.
Rebels deck Gators; Crusaders crush Saints
Starters built a lead and the reserves poured it on as North Duplin routed Spring Creek and HCA ripped North Wake
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
CALYPSO — North Duplin and Harrells Christian play a similar brand of football in different leagues, yet the results from the rst three weeks have been comparable.
Both are 3-0 playing and left the gridiron last Friday night with 48-0 victories.
The Rebels have outscored their nonconference foes 119-19, while the Crusaders have a 110 -14 advantage playing three independent schools.
ND is heavily favored this Friday against Jones Senior, while HCA plays its rst of three games against established NCISAA programs.
While the Rebels start Carolina 1A Conference play on Sept. 19 against rival Lakewood, HCA won’t begin its Big East Conference slate until Oct. 3 with a trip to North Raleigh Christian.
The common theme for both the Rebels and Crusaders was crushing inferior foes, playing
nearly every player and leaving as injury-free as possible.
Rebels score four rst-quarter TDs
Carell Phillips (7-129) scored three times, Vance Carter (5-25) twice, and Quan Stephens (4-18) and Cole Grady (3-15) also broke into the end zone in the Rebels’ home opener at H.E. Grubbs Field.
Garris Warren added his second interception of the season and ran for a 2-point conversion.
ND bene tted from excellent eld position for short scores, which came after turnovers or bad special team e orts by Spring Creek (0-3).
The Gators’ 27 plays were good for negative 21 yards of offense as ND logged its second shutout of the fall.
ND scored four times in the rst 12 minutes to go in front 27-0 and added a score in each of the next three quarters.
The Rebels drove 60 yards in eight plays to go in front 7-0. Carter scored from the 2 after Phillips went on a 13-yard jaunt.
A Gator punt from their own 9 went horribly bad when ND gained possession at the 1. Stevens scored 1:05 after Phillips.
Spring Creek fumbled the ball away on its next snap as Noah
Bennett cradled the pigskin at the Gators 24. Phillips ran for a rst down and then went 15 for the score.
The tally went to 28-0 after Warrens’ pick and a 30-yard scamper by Phillips.
A 35-yard push by Carter moved the count to 35-0.
Spring Creek fumbled the second-half kicko and two plays later Phillips scored from the 33.
The Gators dropped the ball at their own 14 in the fourth and Grady, who also had an interception, found the end zone with 1:40 to play.
Up next is a Friday trip to Jones Senior (0-3), which has been outscored 155-12 this fall.
Crusaders 3-0 for second time in three seasons
HCA scored all of its points in the rst half — 27 in the rst quarter and 21 in the second.
Demetrius Jones (4-41) and Chamani Newton (3-26) each had a pair of touchdowns.
Reid Strickland hit Dashaun Mckoy for a 30-yard score, and Mckoy also blocked a punt later in the game.
Riley Falatovich logged a pick-six, and Noah Tanner blocked a punt and tied sophomore Trey Owens in tackles with seven.
Creek.
Lathen Cashwell’s eight takedowns paced the defense. Luke Weeks added ve tackles and Davis Bradshaw, Jesse Smith, Owens and Tanner had four apiece. Amir Moore and Cashwell each had 1.5 sacks.
HCA fell to High Point Christian 45-7 in the Crusaders’ nal game in 2024.
ED beat WRH for the rst time since 2023, while the Bulldogs broke the 16-match streak of 2024 champ Clinton
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
BEULAVILLE — The East Duplin and Wallace-Rose Hill soccer teams each had huge rivalry wins last week.
The Panthers started o rivalry week by breaking through to beat the Bulldogs to snap a winless streak that extended to 2022.
That match setup WRH’s win over Clinton, which snapped the Dark Horses’ 16-match winning streak.
Both victories could be mile-markers in terms condence and playing the kind of soccer that will help WRH and ED be factors in the East this fall.
Panthers roar from behind to clip Bulldogs
A goal by Felix Funez scored o an assist from Junior Ayestas and an Ayestas score via Gabriel Cubas put WRH in control early in the rst half in Beulaville last Tuesday.
But the Panthers were not buried and got scores from Yoskar Canales and Osiris Mendoza before halftime to tie it at the break.
Canales nailed a penalty kick to give ED the win and snap a ve-match losing streak to the Bulldogs.
The two schools are in di er-
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
JK’s Kelbert David pushes the ball past ED’s Hayes Rogers and Brayan Mendez during the Panthers’ 2-1 win last week.
ent conferences and classi cations this season as the NCHSAA went from four to eight classi cations.
“It still matters,” said ED coach Blake Lanier on facing a rival that is in the Swine Valley 3A Conference after leaving the ECC, which has been home for the Panthers for nearly two decades years. “It will always be big to our kids, especially since we hadn’t won in a
while. We checked the ball, and that helped us with possession.”
ED (3-3) lost 4-0 to WRH ve days earlier in Teachey.
“We’re never going to play as well over there as we do on our eld because our eld is so much wider and allows for us to spread the eld better,” Lanier said.
The Panthers’ schedule will continue with tough matches slated against Richlands
The Cougars are led by running back Jaylen Moore, who has 535 yards this season after going for 1,717 and 31 touchdowns last fall. His team stumped Big East member North Raleigh Christian 51-14 last Friday.
(5 - 0 -1), Dixon (4-2), White Oak (3-2) and Jacksonville (2-1-2) on tap in the next two weeks.
Play in the ECC 3A/4A starts Sept. 29.
The next day, the Panthers had a Duplin County sweep week with a 2-1 triumph over James Kenan (2-2-2) as Yobani Gomez and Dany Mendez found the back of the net in the half. The goal came after Tiger Kevin Jimenez scored in the 27th minute.
ED played without starters Oscar Ramirez, Luis Ramirez and Canales. But Lanier said Alex Ortiz, Alex Vasquez and Mendez stepped in and produced in their place.
“We gained con dence and are using this four-day break to rest and regroup,” Lanier said.
Murray changes script against Dark Horses
WRH (2-2-1) snapped a 16-match winning streak by 2024 2A champ Clinton (5-1).
The loss avenged a 5-1 setback last season when the Bulldogs went 22-4-2 and is the biggest win in ve matches for rst-year head coach Murray.
Funes punched two goals, the second of which came the second half and broke a 1-1 tie.
“He’s starting to nd the back of the net like I thought he could,” Murray said. “Junior (Ayestas) is also calming down and controlling the game. We’ve also had some sophomores and freshman giving us (quality) minutes, and we’ve seen a bunch of kids tak on the responsibility of making this team good.”
The Crusaders’ last NCISAA playo appearance was in 2023. Returning to the big show could require at least a pair of wins against Big East trifecta that includes Ravenscroft, NRC and Trinity Christian.
Clinton leads the series 10-6 since 2015. The Dark Horses were also state champs in 2018.
“Our guys have looked up to them, thinking we have to play perfect to beat them,” Murray said. “We changed that around and got our guys to understand we’re here to compete and they’re here to compete. We’re going to put our foot on the gas pedal and not stop, and I rmly believe our defense can stop anyone.”
Murray said the mental adjustment and the WRH defense were the deciding factors in the win.
“We played 11 people on offense and 11 on defense, and I think that surprised them a little,” said the former WRH player. “This is step 1 and we need 100 more steps for people to take us as serious as we want to be taken.
“The bad from East Duplin pushed us to where we needed to be. It was the best scenario after getting humbled. Our focus was realigned.”
Tigers trying to nd tread
Meanwhile JK (2-2-2) has struggled and does not have a signi cant win as the Tigers gear up for a match against Clinton this week.
And while JK can be a slow starter, it’s time for the Tigers to turn on the afterburners after a pair of letter-winners failed were ruled academically ineligible.
There’s still enough talent to be competitive. JK is 100-24-7 since 2019.
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
ND’s Vance Carter scored twice in a blowout win over Spring
Panthers’ Raynor developing all-around volleyball players
ED has won six of seven matches this season as several players make contributions in more than one area
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
BEULAVILLE — Scouting
the East Duplin volleyball team can’t be done by looking at statistics, such as kills, aces, digs and block. Those metrics can be misleading, especially when a handful of Panthers have similar numbers.
Head coach Susan Raynor likes well-rounded players, and the young and seasoned Panthers are merging into a dangerous foe.
Perhaps the Panthers don’t have kill-monsters, but they have a player-forming process that had led to ve wins in their rst six matches.
The lone slip was a three-set loss (25-16, 25-21, 25-22) loss to nonconference rival Wallace-Rose Hill.
The other ve matches have ended in 3-0 scores.
While the schedule will be tougher moving forward, Raynor is hoping the tone has been set. ECC play starts on this week.
“We’re working well together, and we don’t have a superstar and that helps us,” she said. “What we have are players who can play every position and backups too. We have three di erent setters, three di erent middle hitters and a defense that is really good.
Athena Teel and Lakota Flatt each had 10 kills, but Jacksonville two more than ED, but the Panthers emerged with a three set (25-23, 25-22, 25-21) win last Tuesday.
TIGERS from page B1 VOLLEYBALL ROUNDUP
returned kicko s for scores. They combined to catch three passes for 43 yards. Cameron Lyons (13-152, TD) was also a huge problem for the Tigers.
Tigers take control in rst half
Here’s how it went down in the house that Juluis Peppers built.
The red-up Tigers threw the rst of two rst-half punches by forcing a three-and-out on South Nash’s rst possession as Jacquez Smith, Jaden Garner and Hill came up big on rst and second down, and Zeleya made a key takedown on third-and-5 for force a punt.
JK then drove 65 yards in nine plays to go in front 7-0 after a 13-yard push by Hall. Pearsall had a 12-yard run up the middle to start the drive, and Hall got 15 more on a counter play and then 10 on the fth carry to get the ball to the 9. Hall scored following a false start penalty on JK. Southern Nash used 14 plays to trail 7-6 just ve plays into the second quarter as Faulkner (11-60) found the end zone from a yard away.
Hill then struck like a lightning bolt in returning the kicko 78 yards to put JK in front 14-6 at halftime.
The Firebirds’ big miscue came near the end of the half. On the 11th play of a 69-yard drive,
from page B1
anyone,” Motsiger said. “They’re good at what they do. And Clinton and James Kenan always have athletes.”
The Dark Horses skill showed when quarterback Miles McCallop (16-20 for 209 yards, two TDs) found Jonah Boone (8-73) for a 53-yard opening score.
Lamb tied it with a 9-yard run to tie it at 6-6.
Key plays in the 14 -play, 80-yard march were a third-down conversion by Wells, a fourth-and-5 jaunt by Darrius McCrimmon in which Lamb made a key block, and a 9-yard catch by Jamari Carr.
The two teams exchanged three-and-out series before McCallop was instrumental in giving the Dark Horses a 12-6 lead after Lamb’s fumble.
Yet the worst was yet to come as WRH’s defense made two
“Jacksonville is dang good and hit as hard as the Wallace girls,” Raynor said. Teel and Flatt had all but 11 kills for the Cardinals, while seven Panthers shared 29.
Senior Zoe Turner, junior Kinsey Cave and freshman Bennett Holley have been the Panthers’ best multiuse players.
“Kinsey covers all aspect of the game,” Raynor said. “Zoe’s been on re this year and has really turned it up as one of our better all-around players. And Bennett has been a help in a number of places.”
The Panthers have also gotten consistent play for Karsyn Parker and Zoe Cavanaugh.
They held a 14-3 edge in aces, four of which came from Turner, who had a team-high eight kills and 10 digs.
Cave added seven kills, three aces, seven digs and eight assists
Holley went for four kills, three aces, six digs and had a block.
Cavanaugh and Parker each delivered 14 digs.
“We have three very tough weeks coming up with three matches per week,” Raynor said. “We look much better now, but that’s when we’ll see how far we’ve come.”
Bulldogs fall to Midway in key Swine Valley matchup
Wallace-Rose Hill is on its way to winning more matches than last fall when it went 21-3.
The Bulldogs got halfway to that standard this week, though
PUAC
The all-around game of Zoe Turner has impressed Panthers head coach Susan Rayner.
losing a key Swine Valley Conference matchup to Midway. It was the rst loss of the season for head coach Kevin Williams’ squad. Kaedyn Moran had 21 kills
xand Gracyn Hall 12 as Midway (6-2) won the nal two sets at 25-23 and 25-16.
But Jansley Page (20 kills, two aces, three blocks), Angelina Cavallaro (117 kills, six digs)
Jayden Harts eld last Friday during the Firebirds’ 44-42 win.
Hall pounced on a fumble at the Tigers 6, spoiling a golden scoring opportunity for Southern Nash.
Firebirds awaken in third quarter
The Tigers upped the margin to 20-6 when Hall ran to the left side of the Firebirds defense and scored to 30 yards on a drive that was all about him af-
great plays, but on the next down McCallop hit Zaire Strickland for a 76-yard touchdown and WRH was in a 12-point hole.
Lamb takes over, ’Dawgs defense rises
Lamb was the not-so-secret square in the middle of the eld the rest of the way. If good things didn’t happen because of him, it happened for WRH because of the attention the senior garnered.
The 5-foot-11, 174-pound back ran for a career-high 278 yards and leads Duplin County in rushing with 506 yards.
“What a night for Jamarae,” Motsinger said. “We were a little at in pregame and at early, but he brought up his level a notch. At the end of the day, it’s all a battle in your head and about moving explosively.”
Lamb reversed his eld from
ter Pearsall got 20 yards in two carries to start the third quarter. Zeleya set the eld position with a 36-yard kicko return to the JK 48.
But then the silent giant woke up, and the game turned into a slugfest.
Lyons scored ve snaps later on fourth-and-3 from the 37, and the 2-point conversion made it 20-11.
Six plays later, Hall answered
left to right for an electrifying 20-yard burst, ran for a rst downs with two more carries, and then scored from the 23 when he went up the gut of the Dark Horse defense. His 2-point conversion trimmed the WRH de cit to 18-14.
The Bulldogs defense, which hassled McCallop all night even when he had success, played inspired in the nal three minutes of the third quarter and throughout the fourth.
It stopped Clinton and forced a punt on the second play of the fourth.
Lamb then started taking direct snaps, and that was a bonanza for the Bulldogs as he picked out his blocks and zoomed through openings.
Clinton knew he was coming and couldn’t stop him.
He had gains of 19 and 18 yards, and Carr picked up 15 to take the ball to the 6. Lamb
and Mattie Gavin (eight digs, 31 assists) tied it at 1-1 with a 2520 second-set win. The Raiders slipped past WRH 25-22 in the rst set in Dunn.
The two teams play in Teachy on Sept. 25.
The next day, WRH (11-1) won a 3-1 match against Trask as Cavallaro and Page combined for 35 kills. Sally Martinez had 15 digs as WRH lost the third set against its conference foe. Later in the week, the Bulldogs rattled Spring Creek (0-9). They face James Kenan, Rosewood and Jacksonville this week.
Rebels drop heartbreaker to Wildcats
Maggie Brown and Kloe DeHoyas combined for 14 kills, but North Duplin was unable to hold a 2-1 lead in a 3-2 (20-25, 25-18, 25-23, 15-25, 15-17) loss to Hobbton in a Carolina 1A/2A Conference loss that snapped the Rebels’ ve-game winning streak.
ND (7-2, 3-1) cruised to 3-0 wins over East Bladen (1-8, 1-2) and Spring Creek (0-9).
Brown had eight kills, Marissa Beran 10 digs and Lilly Fulghum 15 assists in the triumph over the Eagles.
Tigers break ve-match skid
James Kenan beat Lakewood 3-0 last week to break its ve -match losing streak. No further details were reported. JK (5-7, 1-3) plays Swine Conference contenders WRH and Princeton on back-to-back nights this week.
the 13 gave JK a 34-28 edge, which lasted all of two snaps.
A touchdown and conversion by gave Southern Nash its rst lead at 35-34.
Zeleya followed with a kicko return, and Pearsall added the conversion for a 42-36 JK lead with 5:09 to play.
The most pivotal drive came when the Firebirds went 57 yards for a nal score, milking the clock down with 12 running plays.
Tigers have no fear, prepared to protect home turf
On Friday, JK hosts county rival East Duplin. Last fall, Grady beat the Panthers 4320 for his rst win in three games. It broke a ve-game slump against ED. JK leads the all-time series 34-19.
“It’s no mercy time; we’re coming after them at our house,” he said. “These kids want to own Duplin County battles (Wallace-Rose Hill visits Warsaw on Halloween night) and then make modern history.”
with a 46-yard score, and Pearsall added the conversion to up the tally to 28-14 with 5:19 left in the third.
The Firebirds converted on fourth-and-8, and Harts eld scored on the 12th play of the march that covered 80 yards. Down 28-22, Southern Nash stumped ED’s o ense in three plays and Harts eld went 26 yards to tie it at 28-28.
Pearsall’s jet sweep score from
scored two plays later, and the Bulldogs had their rst lead at the 6:01 mark.
Three plays later, Devon Sloan recovered a Clinton fumble.
McCrimmon had a 17-yard sprint as WRH ran down the clock and took two knees for the win.
Gridiron notebook
McCrimmon, Sloan and Azaryon Clibbons each had seven tackles for the Bulldogs.
Punter Adrian Glover had two punts go for touchbacks and averaged 61 yards per punt.
Steven Acosta also made a key touchback from a kicko to give Clinton a long eld.
WRH travels to Pender (2- 0) on Friday and will stay on the road three of the next four games starting Sept. 26
“They are big and athletic, and I feel their quarterback
The matchup against Southern Nash was a perfect physical and mental preparation for both ED and WRH, though Grady said his players will be sore early this week.
“We’re 99% healthy, and we’re going to take it easy on our players’ bodies,” he said. “I think we’ve proven we can play physical enough football. Now it’s about executing in everything we do.”
was better than the starter last year,” Motsinger said.
WRH beat the Patriots 27-12 last fall, but Pender went on to nish 10-4 and lost to 1A champ Tarboro in the fourth round of the playo s. They ran for 910 yards in wins over Red Springs and West Bladen.
Motsinger said his defense has yet to put together a full game in which it dominates.
“We were great (in the secondary) against Kinston and horrific on the front end,” he said. “We were a lot better up front against Clinton with the back end having too many busts and mistakes.
“We’re young and getting there, but we’re still everyone’s Super Bowl.”
That goes with the territory in the land of ’Dawgs, who always seem to emerge as heavyweight ghters in October and November.
EDWARDO
/ DUPLIN JOURNAL
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Zamarion Hall, from left, Steadman McIver, Hunter Whitman and Jaylon Smith tackle Southern Nash’s
WRH
STATS, STANDINGS AND SCHEDULES
Jamarae Lamb
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
WRF, football
Jamarae Lamb ran for a career-high 287 yards, scored three touchdowns and converted a 2-point conversion in Wallace-Rose Hill’s 22-18 win at Clinton.
Lamb, a highly recruiting running back, leads Duplin County in rushing (502 yards) and touchdowns (seven). He’s averaging 6.7 yards per carry.
The 5-foot-11, 174-pound senior ran for 1,361 and eight touchdowns last fall.
NOTICES
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA DUPLIN COUNTY FILE#25E001250-300 The undersigned, DEBORAH PATE HORRELL, having quali ed on the 25TH DAY of JUNE, 2025, as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of BILLY RAY PATE, 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 4TH Day of DECEMBER 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 4TH Day of SEPTEMBER 2025. DEBORAH PATE HORRELL, ADMINISTRATOR 134 SUMMER RIDGE DR. WALLACE, NC 28466
Run dates: S4,11,18,25p
NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA DUPLIN COUNTY FILE#25E001323-300 The undersigned, GERRI SMITH DEBOSE, having quali ed on the 19TH DAY of AUGUST, 2025, as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of AUDREY WILLIAM SMITH, 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 28TH Day of NOVEMEBER 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 28TH Day of AUGUST 2025. GERRI SMITH DEBOSE, ADMINISTRATOR 168 COTTLE LANE ROSE HILL, NC 28458
Run dates: A28th,S4,11,18p
RECEIVING
ED from page B1
The series was set up by a fumble by ED running back Aaron Hall (18-94) at the Richlands’ 8-yard line.
Both schools had another possession in regulation. Richlands forced a three-and- out, while ED forced a punt on fourth-and-7 from the Wildcats 41. The boot went just three yards and Hall made a 17-yard run before the gameclock expired.
“We won, and it’s hard to win football games,” Holley said. “We’ve played three pretty good teams now, and we kept our composure and kept ghting in this one.
“Keeshon (Mckinnie) had a big interception around the goal line like the pick he had here as a freshman. That was good because they have a good kicker and were within eld goal range.”
The interception came after DiBenedetto connected with Carson Littreal twice to move the ball inside the ED 10.
A false start backed it up ve yards, and Mckinnie squeezed DiBenedetto’s pass and ran it to the 39.
The next major move by either team came when Richlands recovered a fumble on fourth-and-10 from the ED 24. Three plays later, Betton missed a 48-yard eld goal attempt.
ED did the same thing on fourth down on its next series on the second-to-last play of the second quarter. But this time the Wildcats were 68 yards from a score.
The Panthers defense was almost perfect in the clutch, stopping Richlands 13 of 14 times on third down and all eight times on fourth down. Standing ovation for defensive stars
Shawn Davis’ eight tackles at middle linebacker paced
the defense. Esiah Bannerman had eight, Bryson Brown seven and Dewayne Davis six as ED chased DiBeneddeto around all night while also stopping the Wildcats’ running game.
Peyton Hughes totaled 13 tackles for Richlands. Tre’vaun Flanagan made 12 and Beau Mills, Rocco Welsh and Joel Roberts each had eight for Richlands (1-2).
The two teams combined for just 20 rst downs, and both schools punted four times. Jarman put both of his kicko s into the end zone.
More bone-crunching hits against JK
It was the third victory against a team that had previously beaten ED in 2024.
The Panthers now look for revenge win No. 4 by traveling
to James Kenan. The Tigers snapped ED’s ve-game winning streak in the series with a 43-20 decision last season in Beulaville.
“They were good last year and got a lot of those guys back,” Holley said of the Tigers, who went 12-2 and advanced to the fourth round of the playo s. “Their kids will play hard, and their backs are tough to tackle.”
JK fell 44-42 last Friday to Southern Nash, a team that plays a similar style to both ED and Wallace-Rose Hill. JK leads the all-time series 34-20 since 1962. Holley is 8-6 against the Tigers since arriving in Beulaville in 2011. Last fall, Tigers head coach Tim Grady got his rst win over ED in three tries.
Richlands hosts South Brunswick on the same night.
THURMAN PARKER FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
Shawn Davis who scored both of ED’s touchdowns, pressures Richlands quarterback CJ DiBenedetto during the Panthers’ 14-7 overtime win.
obituaries
Linda Taylor Jones
Nov. 17, 1944 – Aug. 23, 2025
Linda Taylor Jones, 80, of Summerlin’s Crossroads community, Mount Olive, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 23, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.
She is survived by her daughter, Lisa Bennett and husband Kenneth of Mount Olive; her two sons, Timothy “Hambone” Jones and his girlfriend Sylvia Stanley of Mount Olive, and Mike Jones and his wife Nancy of Kentucky. She leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, who were the apple of her eye: Duane Jones, Beth Brinson and husband Justin, Wesley Jones, Riley Pickett and wife Hillary, Michael Jones and wife Cassandra, Gina Daniels and husband Justin, and Jenna Jones and husband Karan; and ten great-grandchildren.
She is also survived by her sisters, Marie Jones and husband Henry of Albertson, and Deloris Hardy of Kinston; and sister-in-law, Kaye Taylor of Albertson.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Leland and Lucy Alphin Taylor; her sister, Ann Mercer; her brother, Morris Taylor; and her son, Jimmy Jones.
Born and raised in the Beautancus community, Linda worked hard all her life. She began her career as a seamstress before later working at Summerlin’s Crossroads Store, where she enjoyed keeping up with the locals and serving her well-loved hot dogs. She found peace and joy in tending to her roses, but nothing brought her greater happiness than spending time with her family— especially her grandchildren, who were the center of her world.
Linda will be remembered for her strength, her love of family, and the joy she brought to those around her. A Graveside Service was held Tuesday, August 26, in the Pineview Cemetery, Seven Springs, at 10 a.m. O ciating was the Rev. Ashley Summerlin.
Emmett G. Hall
March 13, 1941 – Sept. 2, 2025
Mr. Emmett G. Hall, age 84, of Beulaville, NC, passed away on Thursday, September 2, 2025, at Kenansville Health & Rehabilitation Center in Kenansville, NC.
A graveside service will be held on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Hall Family Cemetery in Beulaville, NC.
Left to cherish his precious memories are his wife, Carolyn Graham Hall of Beulaville, NC; one son, Corey Hall of Wilmington, NC; four daughters: Mary Young of Raleigh, NC, Veronica Judge (Travis) of Wilmington, NC, Kimberly Hall of Beulaville, NC and Colleta Coleman (Johnathan) of Portal, GA; two sisters: Shirlynn Blow and Victoria Chasten (Jesse), both of Beulaville; nine grandchildren, two greatgrandchildren; two sisters-in-law, two brothers-in-law; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that will miss him dearly.
Gregory Steven Taylor
Oct. 10, 1960 – Aug. 28, 2025
Gregory Steven Taylor, known to all as simply Stevie Taylor, a lifelong resident of the Pleasant Grove community near Mount Olive, passed away early Thursday morning, August 28, 2025, at ECU Health Duplin General Hospital, just days after the discovery of a terminal illness.
Stevie was a happy-go-lucky kind of guy. Nothing fancy or pretentious, he was happiest trotting barefoot in the woods as he hunted in every woods, and shed in every body of water that was within the perimeters of Wayne and Duplin counties. He also assisted his family with farming and with landscaping duties at Taylor’s Nursery and Plant Farm.
Stevie is survived by his devoted companion, Rebecca Davis; his sons, Gregory Scott Taylor and Steven Daniel Hanchey, both of the Pleasant Grove area; a step-daughter, April Renee Wiggs of Albertson; a brother and sister-in-law, Shelton and Elizabeth “Tennie” Taylor of Cameron; a niece, Lecinda J. Waters; three nephews, Jamey Hinson, Jesse Lee “J.L.” Taylor, and Tim Taylor, and their families. Also surviving are grandchildren, Skyler Keith King, Jesse Adam Taylor, Eli Hanchey, Taylor Hanchey, Lucas Hanchey, Justin Allen Pearson, Clarissa Pearson, and Zachary Beaslely; and a great-grandson, Waylon King. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ashford Taylor, Annie Mae Summerlin Taylor, and Marvin Taylor; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Sylvia and Bobby Jordan, and Cynthia “Cindy” Taylor; a grandson, Evan Hanchey; and a nephew, Bobby Jordan, Jr.
Stevie’s life was re ected upon at a graveside service held Saturday, August 30, at 6 p.m. at the Will Taylor Family Cemetery on the family farm. Immediately after the service, the family received friends and relatives at the cemetery.
Homer Carroll Casteen
Sept. 2, 1942 – Sept. 2, 2025
Homer Carroll Casteen, 82, passed away on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, in ECU Health Duplin Hospital, Kenansville, NC.
The funeral service is Friday, September 5, 2025, at 7 p.m. followed by visitation at Community Funeral Home in Beulaville. The graveside service is Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 9 a.m. at Oak Ridge Memorial Park in Pink Hill.
He is survived by his wife, Jeanette Casteen of Pink Hill; his son, Homer Whaley (Sandy) of Beulaville; his daughter, Angela Miller (Bobby) of Pink Hill; grandchildren Ryan Miller, Kylie Whaley, Hanna Whaley, Emily Houston and Athena Houston. Community Funeral Home of Beulaville is honored to serve the Casteen family.
Rev. Millard Fillmore Bounds
Jan. 7, 1933 – Aug. 29, 2025
The Rev. Millard Fillmore Bounds passed away peacefully at his home in Faison on Friday, August 29, 2025.
A service of love and remembrance was held on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Tyndall Funeral Home. The family received friends one hour prior to the service, beginning at 10 a.m. Rev. Bounds was laid to rest following a committal service on Wednesday afternoon at 3 p.m. at Onslow Memorial Park, Jacksonville, NC.
Millard F. Bounds was born in the community of Carnes, Mississippi, on January 7, 1933, to parents Ida Isabelle Anderson and Benjamin Franklin Bounds.
Eight siblings, in order, included: Gus, Nancy, Penny, Cleo, Millard, Bill, Henry and Ira. All have preceded him to heaven. The four little brothers each won Golden Gloves Boxing Championships.
At age 14 Millard su ered a ruptured appendix sustained at football practice, but was saved by prayers and penicillin, among the rst patients to receive the drug in the deep South.
Millard graduated from Brooklyn High School and brie y attended and played basketball at William Carey College in Hattiesburg before he joined the Marine Corps to ght in the Korean Con ict, from which he was spared by Armistice. After his tour at Camp Lejeune, he married Arland Virginia Wilkins in Jacksonville. They returned to Mississippi where Millard enrolled as a ministerial student in Southeastern Baptist College in Laurel. As he launched his career as a preacher, Arland started producing babies, Lynn, Denese and Greg. Grand children ultimately followed, including: the Thornburg kids, Ben, Rebekah, Anna; the Ehrenfried kids: Ti any Bryan, Phillip, Paige, and the Bounds kids: Matthew, Joseph, Daniel, Andrew, Noah and Naomi. Great-grandsons include Jaxin and Eli. Millard worked as a school teacher and coach of various junior high sports at Dixon and Chinquapin in the 60s and 70s. He pastored numerous Baptist churches, including, in order: Calvary in Warsaw, Dobson Chapel near Kenansville, West eld in Surry County, Bear Marsh in Beautancus, Arbor Springs near Northport, AL, Island Creek in Greenevers. In semi-retirement, he served as interim pastor at Mt. Vernon, Emmaus, and Peace. Millard preached innumerable revivals throughout our region, winning souls for Jesus in 8 decades of preaching.
Constance Druicila Jennings
Feb. 20, 1942 – Aug. 31, 2025
Kinston- Ms. Constance Druicila Jennings, 83, completed her earthly journey and transitioned from labor to reward on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at UNC Lenoir Health Care. The Graveside Service will be held on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at Pinelawn Memorial Park, 4488 US Hwy 70 East, Kinston, NC. Please keep the family lifted in prayer during their time of bereavement.
Benjamin “Benjy” Jones
Nov. 11, 1974 – Aug. 31, 2025
Benjamin “Benjy” Jones, age 50, of Wallace, passed away after a long illness on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at Signature Rehab Center in Kinston. He was born on November 11, 1974, in Pender County; the son of the late Lloyd Dean “L.D.” Jones Sr. and Joyce Hensley Jones. He was also preceded in death by his brothers Thomas Jones and Lloyd “Red Top” Jones.
Surviving to cherish his memory is his sister Angela Jones of Wallace; several nieces, nephews and extended family that loved Benjy dearly. Benjy was a good brother and uncle who loved his family. He was a jack-of-all trades and could do almost anything he put his mind to. Benjy loved to work with his hands and was a great handyman, ready to help anyone in need. He will surely be missed but never forgotten. At Benjy’s request, there will be no services.
Thurman Lee Plummer
June 2, 1960 – Sept. 1, 2025
Mr. Thurman Lee Plummer, age 65, of Wallace, NC, passed away on Monday, September 1, 2025, at ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville, NC.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at noon at the Rose Hill Funeral Home Chapel in Rose Hill, NC.
Left to cherish his precious memories are two sons: Thurman Plummer, II and George Aaron Plummer; one daughter, Maria Plummer; one brother, Robert Plummer (Mary); two sisters: Elizabeth Hall and Sylvia Ann Pickett; one sister-in-law, Marie Plummer and one brother-in-law, Melvin Dixon; special nephew, Samuel Dixon (Salina); best friend, Gwen Barden; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that will miss him dearly.
Endie “Robin” Ohern
May 18, 1962 – Sept. 3, 2025
Endie “Robin” Ohern, 63, passed away on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at her home. She is preceded in death by her mother, Avie Taylor, and her brothers, Arlynn and Titus Taylor. Arrangements are incomplete at this time. She is survived by her husband, Jared Ohern, of Rose Hill; and sister, Pam Miller of Beulaville. Community Funeral Home of Beulaville is honored to serve the Ohern family.
Ivey Thomas Whaley Jr.
Feb. 1, 1950 – Aug. 30, 2025
Ivey Thomas Whaley Jr. passed away peacefully at Wallace Health and Rehab Center.
He was a member of Potters Hill Advent Christian Church.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Minnie Jones Whaley, son Jason Thomas Whaley (Kris), and sister Elizabeth Whaley Pearl. He is also survived by his three very special grandsons, Gavin Michael Brinkley, Gabriel Paul Price and Barrett Thomas Whaley, and numerous special nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Ivey (Tom) Thomas Whaley; his mother, Rosa Thigpen Whaley; his daughter, Shannon Whaley Knowles; his sister, Minnie Pearl Price; and his special sister, Susan Jarman Crawford.
A memorial service will be held at a date and location to be determined.
The family appreciates the care and comfort he received from ECU Home Health and Hospice and from all those who have aided and supported him in his last years of life.
In lieu of owers, his family requests memorial donations to be sent to Potters Hill Advent Church, 984 Church Road, Pink Hill, NC 28572.
David Wyatt Mitchell Sr.
Jan. 10, 1965 – Sept. 5, 2025
David Wyatt Mitchell Sr., age 60, passed from this life to his eternal rest on Friday, September 5, 2025.
He was born on January 10, 1965, in Lynchburg, VA, to Arthur Wyatt and Joyce Ann Thacker Mitchell. David was also preceded in death by his daughter, Jennifer Marie Mitchell. Surviving to cherish his memory is his best friend and wife of 34 years Sharon Pierce Mitchell; children Michael Knight of Rustburg, Va, David Wyatt Mitchell, Jr. and wife Emma of Rustburg, Va and Jessie Mitchell Lee of Wallace; grandchildren, Michael, Cameron, Ryan, Bryson, Avery, Londyn and Miranda; sister Teresa Hogan and husband Wayne of Lynchburg, Va, numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends that loved David dearly.
David was a devoted husband and caring father, grandfather and brother. He was a hard worker who enjoyed working and providing for his family. With his witty personality, David enjoyed laughing and making others laugh with him. He was a ‘homebody’ and was happiest when he was sitting on his porch with Sharon enjoying the beautiful outdoors. Being from Virginia, David loved the mountains and loved taking Sharon there to visit. He was de nitely a family man who loved his family with all his heart. David will surely be missed, but the treasured memories of him will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Wallace Chapel with visitation following the service.
Louis Milford Pate Jr.
Sept. 22, 1936 –Aug. 29, 2025
Former long-time North Carolina Senator Louis Milford Pate, Jr., age 88, passed away peacefully at home in Mount Olive on Friday, August 29, 2025.
He was preceded in death by a brother, George Pate of Hopewell, Virginia, and a sister, Linda Santmier of Richmond, Virginia.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Joyce Garner Pate; three children, Lisa Rosen and husband, Lee, Louis “Chip” Pate III and wife, Catherine, and Frances Hill and husband, James. He is also survived by nine grandchildren: Toby Rosen, Lane Rosen, Aubrey Hill, Brynn Pate, Quint Hill, Emilia Pate, Sabine Pate, Wesley Hill, and Norah Pate, and by a sister, Beth Pate Perkinson of Richmond, Virginia.
Senator Pate was born on September 22, 1936, in Duplin County, North Carolina, to Louis Milford Pate, Sr. and Mary Best Pate. He grew up in Hopewell, Virginia, and graduated from Hopewell High School before attending Virginia Tech. In 1962, he joined the United States Air Force and was stationed at Seymour
David Warren Hepler
July 8, 1951 – Sept. 3, 2025
Mr. David Warren Hepler, age 74, of Wallace, NC, passed away on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at home.
David Warren Hepler was born in Mt. Olive, North Carolina, on July 8, 1951. He was the son of Claude L. Hepler and Elizabeth Warren Hepler of Wallace, North Carolina.
Known as Warren to his friends, he was a product of the Duplin County School system graduating from Wallace - Rose Hill High School in 1969. He continued his education at East Carolina University a received a BA in Political Science in 1976.
In the spring of 1976, Warren joined the congressional campaign of Charles 0. Whitley. Whitley was victorious in his campaign and
Greg “Mike” Vorderburg
Nov. 20, 1946 – Sept. 6, 2025
Greg “Mike” Vorderburg, 78, of Burgaw, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2025. Mike was a kind and generous soul whose warmth, compassion, and unwavering faith touched the lives of everyone around him.
Born on November 20, 1946, in Toledo, Ohio, Mike lived a life de ned by love, service, and devotion to his family and community. He was an active and cherished member of Cora’s
Johnson Air Force Base when he met Joyce Garner. He proudly served his country during the Vietnam War as a B-57 navigator. Over the course of a 20-year military career, he also navigated in B-52 and F-111 aircraft, and he was stationed in diverse locations, including Florida, Nevada, and the United Kingdom. During his time in the Air Force, he earned his bachelor’s degree and MBA while raising his family.
Upon retirement from the Air Force, he joined his fatherin-law at Garner Brothers, Inc., a family-owned building supply business in Mount Olive, where his daily interactions with the community inspired him to a career in politics Senator Pate always considered it an honor to serve others. A longtime public servant, he worked for the betterment of the town and state he loved in many capacities. He served as a member of the Mount Olive Board of Commissioners and served as Mayor of Mount Olive for four terms. He also served as a member of the North Carolina House of Representatives, and as a State Senator. During his time in the Senate, he served as Deputy President Pro Tempore.
As a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Mount Olive, Louis served in many capacities; he was also a member of the Rotary Club. His deep love of music inspired his dedication to his church choir, Wayne Oratorio Society, and Third Century Singers for many years.
The Pate family held visitation at First Baptist Church Christian Life Center on Thursday, September 4, 2025, beginning at 4 p.m. A service to celebrate and honor the Senator’s life followed in the church sanctuary at 5 p.m. Interment was private.
asked Warren to join his o ce sta as a Research Assistant. Warren served in that capacity from 1977 until 1987. In 1987, Congressman Whitley retired. H. Martin Lancaster of Goldsboro, N., asked Warren to operate his North Carolina o ce of constituent services in Goldsboro as District Administrative Assistant. He served with Mr. Lancaster from 1987 until 1995. In October 1995, Warren began service with the United States Department of Agriculture as District Director for the Farm Service Agency. Warren served as District Director from 1995 until 2011.
In addition to his federal service, Warren was active in local municipal service, where he served on several town committees, including the Airport Board, the Depot Commission, the Planning Board, and the Wallace ABC Board. He was elected to the Wallace Town Council in 1995 and served for 24 consecutive years until 2019.
Mr. Hepler was married to Helen Johnson, and they shared twentynine years of love and happiness. In lieu of owers, please make memorial donations to the Masonic Home for Children, 600 College Street, Oxford, NC 27565; Wallace Depot Commission, 206 S.W. Railroad Street, Wallace, NC 28466; Pet Friends of Duplin County, Post O ce Box 152, Wallace, NC 28466.
A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.
Grove Church, where he faithfully participated in the men’s ministry, sharing his heart and wisdom with others. His generosity and gentle spirit made him a beacon of light to all who knew him.
Mike leaves behind his beloved wife, Jean Vorderburg, with whom he shared close to 50 years of love and memories. He is also survived by his two sons, Brian and Devon, and their wives, Yohana and Jessika. Mike was a proud and loving grandfather to his two granddaughters, So a and Olivia, who were the light of his life. He is also survived by his brother, Larry, and his cherished nieces and nephews, who will always carry his love in their hearts.
Mike will be remembered for his kind heart, his deep faith, and his sel ess generosity. His legacy of love and service will live on through his family, friends, and the Cora’s Grove Church community.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of owers, the family requests donations be made to Cora’s Grove Church Building Fund, 4875 Penderlea Hwy, Willard, NC 28478.
Janice Jenkins Horrell
March 24, 1943 –Sept. 3, 2025
With great love and gratitude, the family of Janice Jenkins Horrell, 82, announces her passing on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, with her loving family by her side as she entered her heavenly home.
Born on March 24, 1943, to the late Reverend Emmett and Flora Jenkins, Janice grew up surrounded by a strong foundation of faith, music, and family values that would shape the course of her life. She lived each of her 82 years with grace, kindness, and a steadfast devotion to the Lord.
Janice was preceded in death by her beloved parents; her sister, Joyce Morton; and her brother, Gerald Jenkins. She is survived by her loving siblings, Carol Bean, Eddie Jenkins, and Faye Lunsford, who will carry forward her memory with deep love and respect.
She was the devoted wife of her beloved husband of 65 years, Wade Horrell, Jr., with whom she shared a lifetime of love, laughter, and memories. Together, they built
Jackie “Jack” Turlington
Sept. 21, 1942 – Sept. 6, 2025
Jackie “Jack” V. Turlington, age 82, moved from his earthly home to his heavenly home on September 6, 2025, having lived a full and interesting life. Born in Erwin, NC, on September 21, 1942, he grew up in Harnett County working at a variety of jobs since he was a young boy – everything from selling jars and bottles he picked up on the roadside to the local ‘moonshiners’ to working in contract farm work with his father. Always curious, he loved learning about everything from catching turtles and shing with his grandfather to quilting and gardening with his mother.
Jack was married and had three young boys to provide for by the age of 23, so he took a job with the NC Dept. of Corrections, where he worked until his retirement in 1998. In his career, he worked at Central Prison, Harnett Prison, Forsyth Prison, as well as in the Area O ce in Greensboro and Graham, NC, holding the positions of Correctional O cer, Sergeant, and Special Assistant to the Area Administrator during a time of changes in
Wayne Jackson Watkins Sr.
Feb. 28, 1943 – Sept. 3, 2025
Our hearts are heavy as we share the passing of Wayne Jackson Watkins Sr., on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at the age of 82. To know him was to know strength, resilience and love that endured through every hardship life placed before him. Wayne was born February 28, 1943, in Wilmington, the son of
a family grounded in faith and unity. She is survived by her daughter, Felecia James; her son, Richard Horrell, and his wife, Deborah; her grandchildren, Brandon Hall, Christopher Hall, and Joshua Horrell; her step-grandchildren, Dewayne Parker, Braxton Parker, and Curtis Parker; and her many great-grandchildren who brought joy to her days. She also had many nieces and nephews that she loved deeply.
Janice’s family extended far beyond traditional bonds, for she was a mother, grandmother, and friend to many. She leaves behind her nephew and adopted son, Mike Brown, and his wife, Stella; her South American daughter, Pam Ocampo; her South American sons, Sergio Escobar and Daniel Ocampo; and her adopted granddaughter, Ashley Budd. She also cherished the deep friendships she held with her best friends— Cheryl Houston, Susie Shirley, Teresa Somers, Rene Hoxie, and Diane Kissner—relationships that spanned years and stood as a true example of loyalty and sisterhood.
For 55 years, Janice faithfully lifted her voice in song, using her gift of music to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. She ministered through countless church services, concerts, and revivals, touching lives near and far. Many recognized her extraordinary talent and dedication, as she received numerous awards throughout the years, including several at the State Annual Singing Convention in Benson, North Carolina. She was also recognized as a Living Legend in Southern Gospel Music in Eastern North Carolina. Yet, her greatest reward was knowing that
how prisons were operated. He returned to Forsyth Prison as Superintendent then transferred to Pender Correctional Center as Superintendent. While at Pender, he oversaw the expansion of the facility from a 150-inmate facility with 75 sta to a 750-inmate Institution and 350 sta . He was promoted to Correctional Administrator during this expansion. He retired from DOC in 1998. Upon retirement, he received The Order of the Long Leaf Pine award from Gov. James B. Hunt.
Jack had an early and lifelong love of shing and gardening. He taught himself to cook and made delicious BBQ, which he loved sharing at church dinners. He loved building and built two homes in Pender County and a beautiful fence to help him pass the time while waiting for his liver transplant. He loved the dogs he and his wife Linda had over the years, Morgan, LaKot and Dixie. He was a member and Past Master of King Solomon Lodge #138 AF & AM, Burgaw, and Sudan Shriners. He loved his Lord and church, having served as an Elder at PikeRocky Point Presbyterian Church (Rocky Point), a Men’s Fellowship Leader at Friendly Community Baptist Church (Burgaw) and Sparta Presbyterian Church (Sparta, NC). He always believed God was working in his life because of the miracle of his transplant, and the gift of life from his donor, as well as all the events leading to and after his transplant. He was currently a member of Poston Baptist Church, Wallace, NC.
Jack married his best friend and love of his life, Linda, in 1998, and they shared the joy of traveling and camping all across the country, including a three-
the late Andrew Jackson Watkins and Rosa Lee Leonard Watkins.
For the last 20 years, Wayne was unable to speak or use his right arm due to a stroke and having a prosthetic leg due to a snake bite. He lived with many limitations that would have broken most people. Through his pain, he never stopped smiling when he saw us. That smile was his way of telling us everything words could not. It carried strength, love and courage.
Prior to his illness, Wayne was a devoted outdoorsman. He loved the woods (Old Place) and was an avid deer hunter, nding peace, joy and purpose in nature. He loved teaching the young ones about hunting. He was the toughest man we knew, his resilience and unshakable spirit were unmatched. Though his body was con ned his love for his family was boundless.
Wayne leaves behind his wife, Helen Richardson Watkins of
her songs brought people closer to the Lord.
Her ministry and legacy were celebrated in March of this year at a special concert, where her grandson, Joshua, presented her with a Legacy Award in honor of her decades of service to gospel music. That moment was a culmination of her life’s calling—a tribute to her faith, perseverance, and the countless lives she in uenced through her music.
Janice was a devoted member of Wallace Church of God, where she faithfully attended and served for many years. Her church family knew her not only as a singer, but also as a prayer warrior, encourager, and friend. Her voice lled the sanctuary, but it was her heart for worship and her unwavering love for people that left the greatest mark.
Though Janice’s earthly journey has come to an end, her in uence lives on in every life she touched. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, music, and love that will continue to inspire generations. Her family and friends nd comfort in knowing that she is now reunited with her parents, Reverend Emmett and Flora Jenkins, her sister Joyce, and her brother Gerald—and is joyfully singing in heaven’s choir, free from all pain and su ering, praising the Savior she adored.
Family and friends are invited to join us in honoring and celebrating her life on Saturday, September 13, at 3 p.m. at Christian Fellowship Church, 4017 S NC Hwy 11, Wallace, NC. Your love, prayers, and presence mean so much to our family. Her melody continues in the hearts of those who knew her, and her song will never fade.
month trip to the West Coast and back. These travels led Jack and Linda to move to Glade Valley, NC, where they lived and loved the mountain life for 10 years before returning to Burgaw due to his health. While living in Glade Valley, Jack reconnected with many of his former DOC co-workers who lived in the area, and enjoyed sharing stories of “The Good Old Days.” Some of these stories “grew with each telling”, and he’d laugh later saying that he must not have been there, because of how di erent each story was from his memory of it. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Nellie Turlington, son Jackie V. Turlington, Jr. and sister Joyce Denton. Jack loved all his family and is survived by his wife Linda, son Je rey Paul Turlington (Erika), Matthew Turlington, step daughter Sunna Brown (Timothy), Grandchildren Leah Zuver (Zachary), Shanon Turlington, Austin (AJ) Perdew (Mackenzie), and Sydney Frizzelle (Cody), Great-Grandchildren Kayden, Brylee, Silas, Nathan, Mason, Lilly and Maren, brother Floyd Turlington (Alice), Coats, NC; sister Faye Cornell (Tucson, AZ); and sister Elizabeth (Libby) Cockrell, Angier NC., and many extended family members.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at Quinn-McGowan Funeral Home, Burgaw Chapel, on Friday, September 12, 2025, at 2 p.m. with Pastor Chris Jarman conducting the service. The family will receive friends at the funeral home following the service.
A private internment will take place at a later date. Memorials are requested to Poston Baptist Church Building Fund, your home church, Shriners Hospitals for Children, or St. Jude’s.
62 years; sons, Wayne Jackson Watkins, Jr., (Gail) and Anthony Glenn Watkins (Diane); brother, Tex Watkins (Brenda); and sister, June Brown; grandchildren, Wayne Watkins III, Brideon Watkins, Chloe Peedin (Reagan), and River Watkins; and great grandchildren, Addison, Kairi, Waylon and Van who he adored. He also had many nieces and nephews.
He will forever be remembered for the way he endured life’s hardest battles with dignity and for the way his presence brought light into the lives of those who loved him.
Though he is no longer with us, his smile, strength, love and treasured memories will remain in our hearts forever.
A graveside service to celebrate his life will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at Riverview Memorial Park with Pastor Billy Fowler conducting the service. The family will receive friends following the service.