from the state House after completing his eighth term
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
LONGTIME North Car-
olina Rep. Jimmy Dixon announced Tuesday that he will not seek reelection after completing his eighth term in the General Assembly. Dixon, who has represented House District 4 for 16 years, said his decision comes after “serious and prayerful consideration,” emphasizing a desire to spend more time with his family and church.
“I have always planned to take myself out of the game while I still have some game left,” Dixon told Duplin Journal in an exclusive interview — just weeks after previously signaling his intent to run again.
The decision marks a signi cant shift for the veteran legislator, who has become a well-known gure in the state’s political landscape. Dixon said he remains committed to serving the remainder of his term, which ends in 2026.
“I have enjoyed my service in the people’s House,” said Dixon. “May the Lord bless our e orts and future e orts to conduct their business well.”
Wendell Murphy inducted into National Agricultural Hall of Fame
Duplin County Murphy Family Ventures announced Monday that Wendell Murphy, founder of Murphy Farms, will be inducted into the National Agricultural Hall of Fame on Oct. 23 in Bonner Springs, Kansas. Murphy’s innovation and leadership transformed pork farming, earning him a place alongside agriculture legends like George Washington Carver and John Deere. He will be honored with former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and antique tractor preservationist Michael Hinton.
By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal
KENANSVILLE — For the second time this month, Duplin County leaders gathered with shovels in hand — this time to break ground on a $3.6 million corporate aircraft hangar they say will elevate the region’s economy and solidify the county airport as a hub for business growth.
Early voting starts Oct. 16
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
WITH EARLY voting for municipal elections less than three weeks away, towns across Duplin County are gearing up for pivotal local races that could shape the future of water infrastructure, econom-
Held at the Duplin County Airport on Sept. 16, the groundbreaking ceremony for the new 15,000-square-foot corporate aircraft hangar marked a signi cant milestone for Duplin County.
During the ceremony, Dexter Edwards, chairman of the Duplin County commissioners, called the occasion a “historical event” and credited the late George Futrelle, former airport
director, for his role in laying the groundwork for the project.
“It’s amazing how it started out with a few people getting together and bringing in some of their equipment and doing the work themselves,” Edwards said. “As I’ve had the privilege in my previous job to travel place to place, I’ve never seen an airport that competes with our Duplin County Airport.”
Edwards also praised the current airport director, Joshua Raynor, for the professionalism and hospitality he extends to pilots and company
owners ying into the airport.
Airport Commission Chairman Jack Alphin echoed Edwards’ praise of the airport.
“We think we have as nice a small airport, not only in North Carolina, the nation,” Alphin said.
“If you have a facility, they will come. We think this will bring an individual or a company to Duplin County because this facility is here.”
Airport director Joshua Raynor told the crowd, “This
ic development and public accountability. From uncontested incumbents to ercely contested town board seats, the upcoming election o ers a snapshot of civic engagement and disengagement at a critical time for local leadership.
Now is the time to get informed, as early voting for the Nov. 4 municipal election begins Oct. 16. The political landscape across Duplin County re ects a
blend of stability and emerging changes.
Several towns, including Faison, Mount Olive, Warsaw and Calypso, are experiencing dynamic election cycles.
In Mount Olive, the entire town board and the mayor’s seat are up for election, with several incumbents opting not to seek reelection, leading to signi cant changes in leadership.
The stakes are high in Mount
Duplin advocates join lawsuit against EPA on meat
“Existing technology can dramatically reduce pollution from meat and poultry plants.”
John Rumpler
$2.00
The lawsuit argues the EPA rollback endangers water quality and disproportionately a ects vulnerable communities
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
THE DUPLIN-BASED Rural Empowerment Association for Community Help and Cape Fear River Watch is among a coalition of 10 environmental and public health organizations suing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). They are challenging the EPA’s decision to withdraw proposed regulations aimed at reducing water pollution from slaughterhouses and meat processing facilities. Th case is particularly significant for Duplin County, where a high concentration of indus-
waste
trial animal operations has contributed to long-standing water pollution concerns. Local advocates argue that the EPA’s rollback of regulations disproportionately a ects low-income communities and communities of color, highlighting persistent problems with elevated bacteria levels in tributaries of the Cape Fear River Basin, which they partly attribute to industrial discharges.
“Existing technology can dramatically reduce pollution from meat and poultry plants,” said John Rumpler, Environment America, Clean Water director. “It’s time for new slaughterhouse rules strong enough to protect America’s rivers, lakes and streams.”
The coalition claims that millions of pounds of nitrogen,
Olive, as the town faces challenges stemming from a recent state audit that revealed nancial mismanagement and struggles with a long-standing sewer moratorium due to repeated wastewater violations and aging infrastructure.
Mayor J. Jerome Newton is running unopposed for reelection. Newcomers Harlie Junior
Representatives from Duplin County, the Airport Commission, and Daniels and Daniels Construction join together to break
on
new $3.6 million corporate aircraft hangar at Duplin County Airport on Sept. 16.
The 15,000-square-foot facility aims to boost regional growth and attract corporate aviation to the area
The veteran lawmaker will retire
Ena Sellers News Editor
Michael Jaenicke Sports Editor
Allison Batts Advertising Representative
Loretta Carey O ce Manager
CONTACT US
O ce Phone: 910 463-1240
To place a legal ad: 919 663-3232; Fax: 919 663-4042
MEAT from page A1
phosphorus and fecal bacteria are discharged annually into already impaired waterways. They argue that the EPA’s decision could negatively impact public health, drinking water quality and ecosystems.
In a press release, Waterkeeper Alliance indicated that the EPA’s decision contradicts its own internal ndings, which indicated that modernizing pollution controls would impose minimal costs on the industry while improving public health and environmental outcomes. Waterkeeper Alliance noted that the EPA cited “economic stressors” as a reason for withdrawing the proposed rule.
The coalition estimates that the proposed regulations could have prevented over 8 million pounds of phosphorus and 9 million pounds of nitrogen, along with other pollutants such as fecal bacteria and grease, from entering U.S. waterways each year. Currently, slaughterhouses and rendering plants are estimated to discharge approximately 112 million pounds of nitrogen and phosphorus annually, contributing to algal blooms and low-oxygen dead zones. These conditions impact more than 60 million people living near polluted rivers and streams.
Locally, environmental issues related to meat processing operations are evident in Warsaw, where the municipal wastewater treatment plant has struggled to manage high levels of organic waste for the past two years, largely due to industrial users. These challenges have overburdened the plant’s capacity and resulted in repeated permit violations.
According to state records, in August, the facility su ered a system failure that led to the release of approximately 9.6 million gallons of wastewater into Stewarts Creek, a tributary of the Cape Fear River. The incident is part of a broader pattern of noncompliance linked to organic overload due to the limited regulation and oversight of industrial discharges from meat processing facilities.
The lawsuit marks the third legal action brought by Waterkeeper Alliance and its partner organizations seeking to compel the EPA to strengthen oversight of wastewater discharges from meat and poultry processing facilities.
THURSDAY SEPT.
Duplin County to launch monthlong food drive
Local organizations help ght food insecurity during October
By Rachel Ezzell For Duplin Journal
THE DUPLIN Coalition for Health is partnering with Duplin Christian Outreach Ministries to host a food collection drive in support of local food pantries. The collection drive will take place throughout October to celebrate World Food Day.
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization designated Oct. 16 as World Food Day in 1979. The purpose of the day is to promote global awareness and action for those who su er from hunger and to highlight the need to ensure healthy diets for all.
According to the most recent Community Health Needs Assessment, 13% of adults and 20% of children in Duplin County are considered food insecure. The county’s local food pantries help bridge this gap in need.
The Duplin Coalition for Health is a collaborative, community-based partnership committed to improving the health and well-being of all Duplin County residents. Through the initiative, it brings together community partners across multiple sectors to drive sustainable, locally led solutions that address the root causes of poor health and health disparities. Local leaders, organizations and residents from diverse sectors — health care, education, government, faithbased groups, nonpro ts and businesses — identify and address priority community health concerns, and promote healthy lifestyles, behaviors and environments.
While the food collection drive will accept all donations of food, some of the sug-
AIRPORT from page A1
15,000-square-foot hangar will expand our capacity to attract new business, which will drive the economic development in the county.”
In an interview after the ceremony, Raynor told Duplin Journal the new hangar
The Duplin Coalition for Health and Duplin Christian Outreach Ministries are teaming up for a county-wide food drive this October in honor of World Food Day.
gested items based on need and prioritizing nutrition include: whole grain pasta, rice, water, high-protein canned items (meats), peanut butter, canned beans, dried beans, canned soup or broth, canned fruits and vegetables. Whether donating or purchasing for yourselves, here are a few tips to keep nutrition in mind when shopping for nonperishable items. Reducing sodium. When purchasing canned beans, vegetables, meats, soups or broths (for donation or personal use), it is recommended to opt for low-sodium or nosalt-added food items whenever possible. With canned beans and vegetables that aren’t low-sodium, draining and rinsing can reduce the sodium by up to 40%.
Whole grains. The USDA’s MyPlate Plan recommends that half of the grains consumed come from whole grains. Whole grains are typically higher in ber and nutrients, and research suggests their consumption is linked with reduced risks of heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes and obesity.
will have space large enough to accommodate a corporate aircraft in addition to o ce space. The $3.6 million needed for the hangar construction will come from the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Reserve Directed Funds.
Reducing added sugars. When shopping for canned fruits, look for fruits canned in 100% juice or options with the lowest added sugars. In the most recent revision of the nutrition facts labels, products must now be labeled to show how much sugar was added to the product. Interested in supporting the food collection drive? Donated items can be dropped o throughout October at locations across the county, including any Duplin County library, Wallace or Warsaw Parks and Recreation, Piggly Wiggly in Wallace and ECU Health Duplin Hospital. Visit go.ncsu.edu/duplinfood-drive for a complete list of drop-o locations, physical addresses, a printable list of most-requested items, and more information about the Food Bank of CENC, Duplin Christian Outreach Ministries and food assistance in Duplin County.
Rachel Ezzell is a family and consumer sciences agent with N.C. Cooperative Extension Duplin County Center.
According to a report released this year by the North Carolina Division of Aviation, the Duplin County Airport generates $6.3 million in tax revenue and supports 455 jobs in the region, with an estimated economic impact of $146.4 million for Duplin County.
Share with your community! Send your birth, death, marriage, graduation and other announcements to community@duplinjournal.com Weekly deadline is Monday at noon.
Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in Duplin County.
Sept. 27
Rabies clinic
9 a.m. to noon
Pet Friends of Duplin County is hosting a free/low-cost rabies clinic at Warsaw Animal Hospital. Free rabies shots for up to ve pets (dogs, cats or ferrets) per Duplin County household; $5 per additional pet. Dogs must be on a leash at all times. Cats or ferrets must be in a crate. For more information, call 910-271-4709.
1472 N.C. 24 Business, Warsaw
Bow-making class
10 a.m.
Join the Magnolia Community Engagement Committee for a festive bowmaking class at the Magnolia Volunteer Fire Department. The $20 fee (cash only, paid at the door) includes all materials, practice ribbon, and a Christmas-themed bow to take home. No experience is needed — participants will learn to create professional-quality bows perfect for holiday décor. Preregistration is required to ensure su cient supplies for everyone. Email magnoliacommunity engagement@gmail.com to reserve your spot.
110 Taylor St, Magnolia
Camo For A Cause
6 to 9 p.m.
Join Camo for a Cause for a powerful evening dedicated to supporting families battling childhood cancer. Come together with the community to raise hope, awareness, and critical funds for those who need it most.
136 Robert Hobbs Road, Faison
Charity School Alumni Association Reunion
6 p.m.
The Charity School Alumni Association presents its annual class reunion at the Lois G. Britt Agricultural Center. Enjoy food, music and entertainment as alumni, friends and families reconnect. Call 910-271-1524 for more information.
165 Agriculture Drive, Kenansville
COURTESY N.C. COOPERATIVE EXTENSION DUPLIN COUNTY CENTER
Magnolia seeks input for revitalization grant
The town explored gym renovations, housing rehab and medical facility as part of the grant application process
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
MAGNOLIA
— With hopes of securing up to $950,000 in federal funding, the Town of Magnolia held the rst of two public hearings at their monthly town council meeting, initiating its application process for a Community Development Block Grant for Neighborhood Revitalization.
“I think we can do a lot with that kind of money in this town,” said Town Manager Charles Banks.
The hearings are required to gather community input on how to allocate the funds. Eligible projects include housing rehabilitation or replacement, infrastructure improvements and public facilities. Several potential projects were discussed, including the renovation of the town gym and converting
the old town hall into a medical facility. Banks explained that the ideas are still preliminary, and community members are encouraged to suggest other projects and identify residents who may qualify for housing assistance.
“With one or two di erent things in the town, I think it would really make a big improvement,” Banks added. A second public hearing is scheduled for Oct. 14.
During public comment, Banks addressed questions from the audience. One resident raised concerns about the di erence in tax rates between Magnolia and Duplin County and requested clari cation.
The tax rate in Magnolia is currently $0.67 per $100 of property value, which is higher than Duplin County’s rate of $0.58. Banks explained that as a small town, Magnolia has limited revenue streams and xed operational costs.
“Duplin County did go down on theirs a little bit,” said Banks.
He explained that unlike Duplin County, which bene ts from multiple funding sources
and a larger tax base, Magnolia lacks the exibility to reduce its tax rate without compromising essential services.
“But we did not raise the taxes,” he added.
Banks expressed hopes that upcoming improvements and better cost-saving systems might allow for tax relief in the future.
Another resident voiced her ongoing frustration about a blocked storm sewer grate at Carlton and Leaker streets that lls with debris each year. Despite previous requests for cleanup, she stated that the e orts have been inconsistent and ineffective. She shared that last year, someone came to rake around it, but it “completely lled in again immediately,” and nobody returned to ensure that “the water can get into the storm sewer.”
This same resident also expressed concern about recurring issues with dogs running loose and attacking her cats. She inquired about animal control measures and their enforcement.
Banks explained that the town has a protocol in place, however, due to limited sta ng,
UMO launches School of Education in e ort to address teacher shortage
The academic unit aims to strengthen educator preparation and expand leadership programs
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
MOUNT OLIVE — In response to ongoing teacher shortages and educational leadership gaps across North Carolina, the University of Mount Olive (UMO) has o cially launched a new School of Education, expanding its capacity to train and support future educators and school leaders.
Previously a division within the School of Arts and Sciences, the education department now operates as an independent academic unit under the leadership of Amanda Bullard-Maxwell, appointed as the inaugural dean. The shift allows for more focused decision-making, resource allocation and responsiveness to the state’s evolving educational needs.
UMO President H. Edward Croom called the change both “timely and strategic,” citing the university’s goal to be a central player in preparing highly e ective, classroom-ready teachers for the state.
“With this new structure, UMO will have greater autonomy and focus, positioning us to better respond to the teacher shortage and leadership needs in our state,” Croom said.
COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF MOUNT OLIVE
Previously a division within the School of Arts and Sciences, the education department now operates as an independent academic unit.
“We believe in building pipelines that encourage future educators to return to and remain in the communities they know best.”
Amanda Bullard-Maxwell
The new School of Education will encompass UMO’s full range of teaching programs, including undergraduate degrees, online licensure and nonlicensure options, graduate programs, and a newly launched doctoral education degree (Ed.D.) in educational leadership, which provides a pathway to superintendent licensure in North Carolina. The curriculum is tailored to today’s diverse classrooms. Students complete eldwork, including tutoring, observations and practicum teaching, integrated directly into their coursework. The program also prepares students for licensure exams, such as the Praxis, while o ering training in educational technology, collaboration and ethical practices.
“The UMO School of Education will continue to work closely with local districts, including initiatives like our Homegrown Teacher Academy in Duplin County,” said Bullard-Maxwell. “We believe in building pipelines that encourage future educators to return to and remain in the communities they know best, especially in rural areas where teacher shortages are greatest.”
With the launch of the dedicated School of Education, UMO aims to strengthen its teacher preparation programs, expand grant and partnership opportunities, and develop long-term solutions to the state’s education workforce challenges.
“This is more than an academic shift — it’s an investment in the future of our schools and communities,” said Bullard-Maxwell.
enforcement is reactive and relies on residents to report issues directly. If noti ed, the town can set traps with the property owner’s permission. “The guys are doing everything. They do law enforcement and animal control. But we can set a trap if you will call us,” said Banks. “We will try everything we can within a couple of hours to get someone out there with a trap to set it.”
Another resident inquired about renovations at the town library, asking about its future use and the source of the funding. She also asked if there was any possibility of obtaining funding for youth-oriented projects. Banks explained that the building is being transformed into a multiuse community space for events, training and rentals. The renovations were funded through an old insurance policy that had never been claimed, with $13,000 identi ed and used — primarily for a new tin roof. Banks praised local contractors who provided discounted services to help the town stretch the limited funds.
“We’ve done everything you
see with some really good contractors that wanted to help the town because they’d given us cheaper rates than what should have been,” said Banks. “They’ve done a lot of work that they didn’t charge for.”
On the nancial side, Banks reported that Magnolia’s general fund currently totals $472,514, and the day-to-day operating account holds an additional $106,895.
“We’re drawing roughly $1,900 to $2,100 every month in interest. So this is increasing a little bit each month,” said Banks.
He also shared that the town is preparing to switch banking operations from Truist to Southern Bank.
Commissioner Elvenia Wilson provided an update on street repairs, con rming that road patching e orts will begin soon. Between 10 and 15 critical pothole areas have been identi ed, with several located on Sandy Street, which residents have described as particularly rough. Due to limited funding, only the most severe spots are being prioritized at this time.
Grammy-winning songwriter dies in Macon County plane crash
Brent Jamez wrote Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus, Take the Wheel”
By Kathy Mccormack and Josh Funk The Associated Press
GRAMMY AWARD-WINNING country songwriter Brett James, whose string of top hits includes “Jesus, Take the Wheel” by Carrie Underwood and “When the Sun Goes Down” by Kenny Chesney, died in a plane crash in Franklin, authorities said Friday. He was 57.
The small plane with three people aboard crashed last Thursday afternoon “under unknown circumstances” in the woods in Franklin, the Federal Aviation Administration said in a preliminary report. There were no survivors, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol said in a statement.
James was on a Cirrus SR22T, which was registered to him under his legal name of Brett James Cornelius, according to information provided by the FAA. It was not known if he was the pilot. The patrol conrmed his death. The FAA and NTSB said they will investigate the crash.
The other two people on the plane were Melody Carole and Meryl Maxwell Wilson, the patrol con rmed.
The plane had taken o from an airport in Nashville.
James was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2020. The organization posted an online statement of mourning.
A native of Oklahoma City, James left medical school to pursue a music career in Nashville, according his biography on the Hall of Fame’s site.
“At my stage in life, I’m not going to write about driving around in pickup trucks, chasing girls.”
Brett James
His rst No. 1 hit was “Who I Am” in 2001, by Jessica Andrews. “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” which he co-wrote for Underwood, earned the 2006 Grammy for Best Country Song, among other honors.
James had more than 500 of his songs recorded for albums with combined sales of more than 110 million copies, according to his Grand Ole Opry biography online.
Other artists who sang his songs include Faith Hill, Kelly Clarkson, Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, Nick Jonas and Meghan Trainor.
Additional hits include “Cowboy Casanova” by Underwood, “Out Last Night” by Chesney and “Summer Nights” by Rascal Flatts.
“Heartbroken to hear of the loss of my friend Brett James tonight,” country singer Jason Aldean posted on X. “I had nothing but love and respect for that guy and he helped change my life. Honored to have met him and worked with him.” James recorded his own album in 2020.
“At my stage in life, I’m not going to write about driving around in pickup trucks, chasing girls,” he was quoted as saying on the Opry site. “It needed to feel more classic, lyrically. They all wound up being love songs, but hopefully love songs with a twist, that haven’t all been written before.”
THE CONVERSATION
Trip Ho end, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor
THOUSANDS UPON thousands of words were used last Sunday afternoon in Arizona during the Memorial Service in memory of Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA. Many high-ranking public o cials lled the front row seats in the arena, including President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. However, the largest group of people present were regular men and women, ordinary Americans, exceeding 75,000. Many millions of interested people watched on television and through internet services around the world.
Vance said, in essence, he has never felt comfortable talking in the public arena about his faith — his Christian faith. He further stated that he had expressed more public thoughts about his faith in Jesus Christ over the last two weeks than he had in the rest of my life. Wow! There is no telling how many elected o cials across this nation thought, “He just described me and my reluctance to express my faith in the public square.”
Why would good men and women elected to public o ce hesitate to express thoughts about their faith or religious a liations? Why would good and faithful ministers hesitate to encourage their parishioners, from the pulpit, to consider the faith characteristics of those seeking elected o ces? There are many possible answers to such questions, but let’s consider the foundational answer.
Satan is the father of all lies, and by his in uence, he has deceived many good people into believing that the founders of our constitutional republic established a
hard, impenetrable wall between church and state.
That deception is based on a true principle that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.” Thus, with deliberate and cunning precision, he has used the First Amendment to convince many that even acting on religious belief in the public square constitutes the “establishment” of a certain religion.
Thus it has become taboo to express one’s faith, especially one’s Christian faith, in the public square. That standard has been viciously enforced by the “cancel culture” of the left. It is amazing how those who demand tolerance do so in such an intolerant way. The “establishment clause” in our Constitution has been totally misrepresented with the convincing words “separation of church and state.” So schools being classi ed as entities of “the state,” we have accepted the false premise that prayers in schools constitute a violation of the “separation of church and state.”
Additionally, the courthouse, the post o ce, and state and federal buildings, being part of the government, must not display anything religious in nature. How ridiculous. How sad. The United States of America was founded in large measure by valiant, though admittedly sometimes sinful, imperfect Christian men and women. Even Jesus himself did not mandate the establishment of the Christian religion. He just invited all to, “Come, follow me.”
Accolades upon accolades were expressed in sincere e orts to pay tribute to Charlie Kirk from his humble beginnings to his magni cent successes. There was a somber yet joyful spirit that projected itself through all the cameras used to relay the memorial service to the world. Many excellent thoughts were presented, but a simple three-word statement astonished everyone everywhere: “I forgive him.”
With those three words, Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk’s widow, obviously with great forethought and a genuine conviction to begin to forgive the young man who assassinated her husband, identi ed her most cherished identity. With those words, she declared I am a Christian. The audience, although stunned by her unsel sh charity, rose in unison and joyfully applauded her Christ-like willingness to forgive the unforgivable.
Maybe, just maybe, we are now blessed and privileged to witness the beginning of “a revival” this nation has needed for many, many years. For far too long, very clever e orts by Satan have deceived otherwise good men and women into polluting Christian religious thought with godless secularism.
We the people should make sure that neither we nor our government is ever separated from the love of God and the atonement of his son for our sins.
Rep. Jimmy Dixon represents Duplin and Wayne counties in the N.C. House of Representatives.
Government lists are a threat to free association
Without clearly showing cause, no government o cial should have the power to scour a private organization’s records.
NO GOVERNMENT o cial needs to know what organizations you nancially support. And no state attorney general should have access to Americans’ sensitive personal information without clearly showing cause or in the absence of criminal proceedings. Yet wielding state power for his own political agenda, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin asked a court to force First Choice Women’s Resource Centers to disclose donor information about nearly 5,000 contributions (see AAF’s amicus brief in First Choice Women’s Resource Center v. Platkin). Similar disclosures in the past have not fared well for Americans. In 2014, Mozilla forced their new chief executive, Brendan Eich, the founder of JavaScript, to resign after discovering that Eich had donated $1,000 six years earlier to a campaign that supported Proposition 8, the voter-approved California constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage. In the late 1950s during the Civil Rights Movement, Alabama attempted to use disclosure requirements to prevent the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) from conducting business, which included the Montgomery Bus Boycott and funding programs for African American students wishing to attend the state university (see NAACP v. Alabama). Today, big government agencies already have large databases on Americans’ private information. Plenty of people have not told their best friend or neighbors how much they earn. Yet the government — only trusted by
22% of Americans to do the right thing always or most of the time — knows. Thanks to the SEC’s Consolidated Audit Trail (CAT), the federal government also compiles a list linking your every purchase and sale in the stock market to your sensitive, personal information (see AAF’s amicus brief challenging CAT in Davidson v. Gensler). With the Supreme Court tailoring optouts for gender ideology in schools to religious exemptions, the government could seize the opportunity to create yet another list, this time of religious parents.
As explained in AAF’s amicus brief in Platkin, “No government o cial should be able to use his legitimate law enforcement power to pursue those with whom he disagrees politically.” The latter would reduce our constitutional protections to be the “mere parchment barriers” that our framers feared. Regardless of whether the court rules against Platkin, he will have taken time and resources away from First Choice’s mission of helping mothers and saving babies.
Without clearly showing cause, no government o cial should have the power to scour a private organization’s records. Even the threat of disclosure threatens freedom of speech and association, which are the cornerstones of the American tradition.
In America’s earliest days, Alexis de Tocqueville noted the “art of association then becomes … the mother science; everyone studies it and applies it”
(quoted in AAF’s amicus brief First Choice Women’s Resource Centers
v. Platkin). Where “all citizens are independent and weak” and “can hardly do anything by themselves,” Americans must coordinate to e ect change. The latter is an intentional feature of our constitutional system that protects minority opinions from suppression and ensures power remains derived from the people.
Platkin is not a uke or merely a result of one bad actor. In October, the Sixth Circuit will hear a similar freedom of association case, Buckeye Institute v. IRS, where the federal government defends its practice compelling nonpro t organizations to disclose private donor information.
President Ronald Reagan said the scariest words in the English language were “I’m from the government, and I’m here to help.” When the government collects information, Americans are threatened by the abuse of that information. For that reason, the government should only be collecting information it absolutely needs. The courts in these cases must ensure that governments are not storing up information and, in so doing, exposing Americans to harassment by government agents.
Marc Wheat is the general counsel of Advancing American Freedom. This column was rst published by Daily Caller News Foundation.
COLUMN
COLUMN | J. MARC WHEAT
New housing project signals growth in Magnolia
Town o cials say Magnolia is ready to welcome new residents and businesses
By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal
MAGNOLIA — Magnolia is preparing for a season of growth, with new housing developments underway and rising interest from businesses, according to Mayor Dawn Ward. From a ordable housing to potential commercial expansion, the town is positioning itself as a welcoming destination for newcomers seeking lower costs and small-town charm.
“I’ve con rmed with the town manager we’ve issued 15 zoning permits since the rst of the scal year (July 1) for new residential housing,” Ward said in an interview with Duplin Journal.
In addition, the town has partnered with a private developer to create an a ordable housing development on 32 acres of town-owned land. The development will contain 100 or more homes.
To make the homes more a ordable, they will be double-wide manufactured homes.
Carmichael and Don Fairman are competing for the at-large seat. Incumbent Commissioner Delreese Simmons is running unopposed in District 2, while newcomers Gena Messer-Knode and Camilla Loftin are vying for the District 3 and District 4 seats.
Warsaw is facing a heated election amid ongoing wastewater treatment violations, including a recent incident in which millions of gallons of partially untreated water spilled into Stewarts Creek and went unreported to the public for several days. Also, the recently adopted $4.1 million budget for FY 2025-26 has stirred controversy. Although the property tax rate saw a modest decrease, water and sewer rates rose, along with sta wages and stipends for elected o cials. Many residents are pushing back, questioning the town’s scal priorities.
In this election, incumbent Mayor A.J. Connors is challenged by political newcomer Wesley Boykin in a rare contested race. The commissioners race is competitive, with ve candidates vying for two seats. Incumbents Al Searles and Ebony Wills-Wells are running against Sheree Shepard, Kiara Smith and Cheryl Smith. Meanwhile, Calypso’s contested mayoral race between Mayor JoAnne Bowden-Wilson and Mayor Pro Tem Marvin “Marty” Taylor re ects a leadership crossroads. Incumbent Larry Cashwell and newcomers Rodney Lambert Jr. and Willie Wilcutt are vying for two town board seats. This lineup suggests possible shifts in leadership, marking one of Calypso’s more engaged election cycles in recent years.
In Faison, while incumbent Mayor Billy Ward is running unopposed, the real action is in the commissioners race, where incumbents Sandy McCarty, Juan Carlos Quintanilla and Ken
Ward emphasized the community will not be what people would consider a trailer park.
The roads in the development will be paved, and there will be a homeowner’s association.
Ward attributed the growth headed in the direction of
IS RUNNING?
WHO
BEULAVILLE
Magnolia to factors ranging from housing costs to lifestyle changes.
“I think probably what we’re seeing is part post-COVID with a lot more people working remotely,” she said. “I think that housing, both purchased
Beulaville has three municipal positions on the ballot, all are running unopposed.
Incumbent Mayor Michael (Hutch) Jones
Incumbent Commissioner Delmas Highsmith
Incumbent Commissioner Gene Wickline
CALYPSO
Calypso voters will decide three seats this year: mayor and two town board positions.
Running for mayor: Incumbent Mayor JoAnne Bowden-Wilson Incumbent Mayor Pro Tem Marvin “Marty” Taylor
Running for commissioner:
Incumbent Larry Cashwell
Newcomer Rodney Lambert Jr.
• Newcomer Willie Wilcutt
FAISON
Faison’s election includes the mayoral seat and three town board positions. Incumbent Mayor Billy Ward is seeking reelection unopposed.
Running for the town board:
Incumbent Commissioner Sandy McCarty
Incumbent Commissioner Juan Carlos Quintanilla
• Incumbent Commissioner Ken Avent Jr.
Newcomer Alane Brewer Floyd
Newcomer Joan Babcock
GREENEVERS
Greenevers voters will fill three town board seats.
• Incumbent Commissioner Gregory Carr
Incumbent Commissioner Timothy Murphy
• Incumbent Commissioner Roszena Devione-Bivens
Avent Jr. aim to retain their positions against challengers Alane Brewer Floyd and Joan Babcock. Wallace also stands out as the town approaches its upcoming municipal election amid signicant changes. Incumbents Mayor Jason Wells, Councilman Jason Davis and Councilwoman Tasha Herring-Redd are all seeking reelection, signaling continuity. At the same time, political newcomer Glen Price adds a twist to the
KENANSVILLE
and rentals, is extraordinarily expensive now.”
Ward explained that many people are now willing to commute longer distances in order to nd more a ordable housing options. Magnolia has also begun to attract early inter-
Kenansville’s election includes the mayoral seat and two town board positions. Mayor Stephen Williamson Jr. is running unopposed.
Running for the town board:
• Incumbent Commissioner Linda Tyson
No candidates have filed for the seat currently held by Commissioner Kirk Bell.
MOUNT OLIVE
Mayor J. Jerome Newton is running unopposed.
Running for commissioner-at-large:
• Newcomer Harlie Junior Carmichael Newcomer Don Fairman
Magnolia has three town board seats up for election.
Incumbent Jeanine Cavenaugh
Incumbent Perry J. Raines Newcomer Michael Glenn Chestnutt
ROSE HILL
Rose Hill’s election features the mayor and two town board seats.
Incumbent Mayor Davy Buckner is running unopposed
race by challenging for a council seat. The election comes at a crucial moment for Wallace, which is experiencing notable growth and infrastructure expansion.
In contrast, neighboring towns like Beulaville, Kenansville, Magnolia and Greenevers are facing minimal competition, with incumbents running unopposed or with just enough candidates to ll the available seats.
In the lead-up to the elec-
est from commercial developers, though no speci c projects have been nalized yet.
“What’s happened is people are moving out of Wilmington, and they’re coming west on I-40,” said Ward, adding that Castle Hayne and Burgaw were the rst to experience people leaving New Hanover County in search of lower housing costs and property taxes.
She emphasized that the town is open to both residential and commercial growth. While she doesn’t anticipate Magnolia growing to the scale of nearby Wallace, she praised that town’s success in managing development and attracting businesses.
“They have done a phenomenal job with the growth they are experiencing,” said Ward. “I think it’s wonderful they have been able to attract the businesses they have there.”
Looking ahead, Ward believes Magnolia is well-positioned for continued expansion over the next ve years.
“I feel like we want to manage (the growth) carefully,” she said. “We are absolutely not opposed to commercial development; we would welcome it, as well as the residential. It would be good for Magnolia.”
Running for commissioner: Incumbent Tashau Mathis Newcomer Perry Tully Newcomer Randy Barrios
TEACHEY
Teachey voters will elect two town board members: Incumbent Patrick Williams Incumbent Ethylen Carlton Powell
• Newcomer Danny Sutton
WALLACE
Wallace has three positions on the ballot: mayor and two council seats.
Incumbent Mayor Jason Wells is running unopposed
Running for town council: Incumbent Jason Davis Incumbent Tasha Herring-Redd
• Newcomer Glen Price
WARSAW
Warsaw’s election includes the mayor and two town board seats.
Running for mayor: Incumbent Anthony J. Connors
• Newcomer Wesley Boykin
Running for commissioner:
• Incumbent Al Searles Incumbent Ebony Wills-Wells Newcomer Sheree Shepard
• Newcomer Kiara Smith Newcomer Cheryl Smith
tion, Duplin Journal is preparing to bring voters in-depth Q&A features with their local candidates. Duplin Journal is also inviting the community to weigh in through a brief survey: Your Voice, Your Town. Tell us what matters most to you and what questions you would like to ask candidates and current leaders. Visit tinyurl.com/duplinvotes25 to take the survey and get your an-
swers before heading to the polls. All candidates are invited to participate in the Q&A. If you are a registered candidate and have not received an invitation to participate, please send your email address to ena@northstatejournal.com to be included. Be sure to include “Candidate Q&A” and your town on the subject headline and we will email you the questions. Participation is completely free.
MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
Mayor Dawn Ward says Magnolia truly means it when the sign reads, “Welcome to Magnolia.”
With new housing underway and hopes for growing business, Ward envisions a bright, welcoming future for the town.
La Patrona blends community, culture in downtown Warsaw
Deysi Madrid’s cafe is a hub for connection across generations and cultures
By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal
AT 214 WEST College St. in Warsaw, there is a little slice of heaven and home for the local community.
Deysi Madrid, a U.S. citizen originally from Honduras, has opened a co ee and snack shop called La Patrona. The shop is a little bit of everything. It o ers ice cream and co ee, pancakes and crepes, Mexican snacks and fresh food — all in an atmosphere designed for hanging out and taking your time.
There are pool tables, disc hockey, foosball, darts, photo walls, hanging swings, tables, karaoke, arcade games and other activities, intentionally creating an environment for social interaction.
Madrid opened La Patrona to provide a safe gathering place for teenagers.
“There was nothing out here where teenagers could go that
I felt safe to leave my kids at,”
Madrid said. “Now, young people, instead of staying home on the internet, come here and enjoy themselves in a safe, alcohol-free environment. Some students even come here after school or between classes and drink bobas or co ee while they work on their homework.”
Since its opening a year ago, La Patrona has become popu-
lar among local youth, fostering an environment where they can choose positive activities. The shop is open to people of all ages and backgrounds, featuring mixed groups of customers, from teens singing karaoke in one corner to adults playing pool in another.
“I really love to hear my customers having a fun, healthy, secure time — not out in a club
Fun and safety at Warsaw’s National Night Out
The Warsaw Police Department hosted National Night Out last Friday featuring bouncy houses, water slides, vendor booths and displays of emergency vehicles. A DJ provided music, and kids enjoyed taking swings at a demo car.
partying and getting drunk behind their parents’ backs,” Madrid said.
La Patrona’s menu includes unique food pairings, such as the “Aylin,” a Bisco milkshake paired with pollo con tajadas, the “Edgar,” which is carne asada ceibeňa with an ice white mocha, and the “La Patrona” special, which is a pork chop served with vanilla shaken espresso. Though some things are available year-round, the menu is ever-changing with seasonal items. Right now, all things fall are featured on the menu, including a special Day of the Dead bread.
The co ee shop is particularly noted for its sweet treats, offering mini pancakes, wa es, and crepes topped with Nutella, condensed milk and fruit. Additional snacks like street corn with chicken are also available, catering to customers’ cravings for nostalgic avors from home.
“Most of my customers can’t go back home, so being able to come here and have that little bit of home that we can bring for them is really meaningful,” Madrid told Duplin Journal.
Madrid’s journey to the U.S. began 28 years ago when her mother crossed the border to create a better life for their family.
“My mom came by herself illegally across the border,” Madrid said. “She got married and came back for (Deysi and her brother). She is my hero.”
Madrid learned a lot from and was inspired by her mother. The family worked together to earn their U.S. citizenship and have used their experiences to bring authentic Hondurian and Mexican food to the community.
In addition to La Patrona, Madrid owns Taco Loco, a well-established restaurant featuting traditional food.
“Taco Loco focuses on the food while we do more of the desserts, snacks and drinks,” she said.
The shop also accommodates a diverse clientele, including locals and immigrants from various cultures, re ecting the multicultural community in Warsaw. La Patrona is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day.
REBECCA WHITMAN COOKE FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
Deysi Madrid, second from the left, stands with three of her children, who work alongside her at La Patrona.
PHOTOS BY REBECCA WHITMAN COOKE FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
DUPLIN SPORTS Panthers show fourth-quarter
SO CLOSE IT HURTS
“Penalties and mistakes were key. We were out of sync for where we had been earlier in the season,” Hugh Martin, ND head coach
The Rebels fell to the Leopards in a physical, mistake- lled, action-packed rivalry between top CC schools
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
ROSEBORO — It was both painfully clear and obvious last Friday night that the winner of the North Duplin-Lakewood football game would be the team to possess the ball with enough time to put it in the end zone.
Time wasn’t a friend to the Rebels, who drove to the Leopard 19-yard line before the clock expired, giving Lakewood a 26-22 win in a key Carolina 1A/2A Conference matchup.
Both teams did enough to lose the game, and both had chances to seal the victory for the second consecutive time. The Leopards lead the all-time series 20-14.
“Penalties and mistakes were key,” said ND head coach Hugh Martin. “We were out of sync for where we had been earlier in the season. We’ve got a lot of things to clean up, but credit our kids for scratching and ghting to make things happen when it just wasn’t going well for us.
“Lakewood has a big, strong defensive line and two backs that run hard. The rst score was on me because we didn’t get lined up right and gave up a big run.”
Lakewood scored with 1:23 to play and ND was able to run six plays. Out of timeouts, a eld goal was not an option after Carell Phillips took the ball inside the 20.
Yet ND had an opportunity to run out the clock when Calvin Lacewell (15-114) dropped the ball on third-and-14 as he was heading to the end zone.
in loss to Cardinals
East Duplin’s rally fell short in a 35-24 loss to Jacksonville
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
BEULAVILLE — East Duplin head coach Battle Holley was satis ed with some aspects or the Panthers’ 35-24 loss to Jacksonville last Friday at Brian Aldridge Field. Yet he feels his team needs to learn some valuable lessons from the nonconference schedule after playing ve physically tough football teams: stay ahead of the chains o ensively and get third-down stops on defense. The combination of the two has gotten the Panthers o to slow beginnings. The
last three games, which included James Kenan and Princeton, the opposition had a 48-9 edge in rst-half points.
“We’ve got to start a little faster even though we played to the end on all our games,” said Holley, whose Panthers are 3-2 and o this week before starting ECC play against Southwest Onslow on Oct. 3.
“We responded in the second half, but really we’ve struggled to score in the rst half for three games now.” Jacksonville (4-0) broke open the game with three unanswered touchdowns in the second quarter to lead 28-3 at halftime. Neither team scored in the third. The
Cassandra Stroud was an allconference basketball player for four seasons, and she was all-league in softball and volleyball for three seasons.
James Kenan Hall of Fame nominee Cassandra Stroud showcased her skills in basketball, softball and volleyball
By Bill Rollins For Duplin Journal
WARSAW — Cassandra Stroud was a three-sport terror with the James Kenan Tigers in the mid-1990s, which has earned her a place in the 10th induction class of the James Kenan Sports Hall of Fame.
Stroud will be inducted Oct. 18 with three others.
Stroud, who excelled in basketball, softball and volleyball, was an All-East Central 2A Conference selection for at least three years in all three sports (four in hoops). She was also named to All-Area honors by the Goldsboro News-Argus and Wilmington Star-News.
Her Tigers teams didn’t win conference cham-
pionships but took down Jones Senior in a holiday tournament nal.
The legacy she left in hoops was as a erce competitor, scorer, assist and rebound leader — with similar all-out hustle in softball and volleyball.
“Our basketball teams weren’t tall,” she said, “so coach (Sherman) Futch usually had us playing pressure defense and fast-break o ense.”
Oh, and she hit a fabulous .800 in slow-pitch softball, which is like going 4 for 5 every game. And she shot the out eld gaps for extra-base hits, including home runs on an open eld with no fence. She also played like a vacuum cleaner at shortstop.
In basketball, she was known more for her all- out play as a point guard and relentless defender than even for her game averages of 15 points, 10 rebounds, ve assists and three steals. That’s 10 rebounds at 5-foot-4, growing to 5-53⁄4 her senior year.
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
When Noah Bennett, left, and Noah Quintanilla get a hold of a runner rst, Ethan Turnage, right, isn’t far behind.
THURMAN PARKER FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL Gavin Jarman, left, and Bryson Brown take down a Jacksonville runner near the end zone during Friday’s 35-24 loss to the Cardinals.
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
SPONSORED BY BILL CARONE
Carell Phillips
North Duplin, football
Carell Phillips never disappoints Rebels fans.
The 6-foot, 165-pound running back ran for 237 yards and a touchdown and caught a pass for another score as ND fell to Lakewood 26-22 in Roseboro.
The senior is second in rushing in Duplin County (80-706) and rst in rushing scores (10).
He ran for 1,913 yards and 31 touchdowns last season and has 3,533 yards and 52 scores during his career.
Double duty: ‘Cito,’
shine in limelight
Two-way threats David Zeleya and Christoper Hill are Tigers the opposition can’t overlook on either side of the ball
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
WARSAW — When James Kenan head coach Tim Grady decided to trim the fat from his roster two seasons ago, it forced the Tigers into playing on both sides of the ball.
It’s been a bonus and blessing, and the Tigers have had few injuries to key players in the past two seasons.
It’s also been a time to appreciate the two-way play of split end/corner back Christopher “CJ” Smith and free safety/running back Davis “Cito” Zeleya.
Zeleya hasn’t been used by the Tigers much on offense, but he’s leading the team in tackles and had a 65 -yard pick-six last Friday in JK’s 77-0 smoking of winless and somewhat hopeless Spring Creek, who have gone 1-23 in the past three seasons.
“He’s playing like a mad man, and it’s just unbelievable how he flies up to the line of scrimmage to make plays,” said JK head coach Tim Grady. “Here’s how you describe him: He’s a warrior and is playing selfless football.
“He hates to lose.”
So does Smith, who broke his leg early last fall and missed the season in which JK went 12-2, beat Wallace-Rose Hill and East Duplin and advanced to the fourth round of the 2A playoffs before being bounced by Northeastern.
Hill had three touchdown catches against the Gators and
Stats are one thing, but she was more concerned with team outcomes than personal ones. She took a erce competitive edge into virtually every game in each sport, emulating her sister Cinquetta “Cola” Stroud, who was a senior when Cassandra reached James Kenan.
“My older sister had a huge in uence on both my life and my involvement in sports,” Cassandra said recently. “I wanted to be just like her — competitive, hardworking and uplifting to others. I was fortunate to have the chance to play alongside her when I was a freshman and she was a senior.
“Those experiences not only motivated me to raise my level of play but also strengthened the bond we still share as sisters.”
By the way, Cassandra also had a nickname — “Weasel,” which she said Cola gave her as a baby, and she has carried it to this day.
“It was an honor taking the court with my teammates, three of whom were my best friends: LaQuanta Brinson, Tamika Tillery and Trumanda Raines,” Stroud said.
O ensively, “Weasel” loved driving to the basket to get opponent’s best post player in foul trouble and also stepping out to shoot a three. On fast breaks, she relished pushing the ball up the court, “with a long pass for Trumanda or Tamika” to nish with a quick two in transition.
She also earned a lot of points from the free-throw line. In one game, 14 of her 16
has nabbed seven balls for 206 yards and four scores this fall.
He’s also fourth in tackles.
“CJ’s no surprise to us as a coaching staff,” Grady said.
“He’s got amazing hands and quickness and is the faster shuttle runner on the team.
“He’s fast on defense and is the hidden giant on our team.”
O ensive coordinator John Bert Avent said both were key defenders.
“They’re very important,” he said. “They keep us from breaking and then can make plays. It’s hard, and not many can do what Zeleya does as a free safety, especially playing the way he comes up to play the run.
“Zamarion (Smith) has also stepped up on defense and up to full speed. He’s also a guy we could use on offense. Those three guys make sacrifices and make us a better football team.”
points came on foul shots.
Futch’s o ense was mainly run-and-gun, though he would slow it at times to execute set plays.
Defensively, Stroud’s style was just as aggressive. She thrived on applying pressure, playing tight man-to-man defense and denying the ball.
“Blocking a layup was always an exciting moment,” she said. In softball, Stroud was rstteam all-conference all four years and Tigers MVP her last three. In volleyball she was rst-team all-conference three years and MostOutstanding Defensive Player.
She also gives great credit to her coaches, especially Futch in basketball and Patty Sutherland, the latter who mentored her for three years each in volleyball and softball. Also Jennifer Faison and Je Byrd, who
Tigers notebook
Limiting Zeleya and Smith is happening because of the O-line play of Cal Avent, Alex Vasquez and company, and running backs Jeremiah Hall, who is third in Duplin in yards (34-548) and tied for second in touchdowns (eight), and the arrival of junior Taulil Pearsall (38-309, 5 TDs).
Quarterback Eli Avent (13-19 for 260 yards, 4 TDs) has been nearly awless in delivering and controlling the ball this fall. He threw for 1,022 yards last season and 11 touchdowns. Hall had 1,150 and barring an injury is sure to burn past that mark. JK has punted just one time this fall. Placekicker Ismael Covarrubias is 14 of 15 on PATs. JK (3-1, 1-0) travels to face Rosewood (1-4, 1-0) on Friday. The Eagles beat winless Goldsboro 20-0 last Friday. The Tigers host Midway (4-1, 1-0) on Oct. 3 in their next test.
followed Sutherland as coaches in volleyball and softball.
Stroud also shined away from her games. She was JK homecoming queen as a senior after also being selected for the court her rst three years.
Her senior year also saw her voted Most Athletic and Best Dancer. At her graduation ceremony, she was awarded Female Athlete of the Year. She also was an N.C. Scholar, and she made the Honors Chorus and National Honor Society.
All through her days with the Tigers, Stroud gured if she didn’t play ball, she would pursue a career as a sports journalist. She wrote the sports content for several Tigers yearbooks, still saying today, “I just love sports!”
But she had a change of heart in her senior year.
“I decided to go with physical therapy,” she says, “which eventually changed to physical education and sports management with a minor in business at Methodist University.”
She played all three sports her freshman year at Methodist College, and continued her nal three years in softball and volleyball. In her junior year, the softball team went 32-12 (100 as conference champs) and made the school’s rst appearance in the NCAA Tournament. She still lives in Fayetteville, and now serves Cumberland.
Bill Rollins is a James Kenan and UNC graduate, and a lifelong sports writer who wrote for The Duplin Times and the Charlotte Observer during his 40-plus year career.
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
David Zeleya, JK’s leading tackler, returned an interception 63 yards for a score against Spring Creek.
Cassandra Stroud
Crusaders topple Lions in key NCISAA divisional game
Harrells Christian Academy won for the fourth time in ve games
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
CALYPSO — Harrells Christian Academy is picking up “playo chips” as it picks up gridiron wins.
Jeremiah Davis ran for 146 yards and scored twice, Reid Strickland red a pair of touchdown passes and Dashaun Mckoy scored from two ways and had an interception during a 41-7 win over Hickory Grove.
“Turnovers hurt us the week before (in the Crusaders’ rst loss of the season to High Point Christian),” said head coach Clayton Hall. “We took care of the football this week and had probably our most complete game this year.”
HCA (4-1) captured a divisional win and will look for another Friday with a trip to Covenant Day (1-4) in Matthews. The Crusaders have played their rst ve games at Murphy-Johnson Stadium.
“We’ve put ourselves in a good position for a really decent seed come playo time,” Hall said.
“We’re in a good spot and feel good about our progress. O ensively, we’re getting better on the line. We controlled the line of
scrimmage and didn’t let them dictate the way the game was played.
“Defensively, we were solid.”
A third quarter score by the Lions stopped HCA from having its third shutout of the season.
HCA had the only other score of the second half and led 35-0 at halftime.
Strickland, who has eight touchdown passes this fall, threw a 21-yard touchdown to Mckoy and also had a 9-yard ip to Riley Falatovich.
Mckoy’s one rushing attempt covered 9 yards to a pay dirt nish.
Jarrod Miller (11-79), Demetrius Jones (7-53), Falatovich (1550) and Davis’ second straight 100-plus game helped the Crusaders compile 361 yards on the ground.
Davis has 382 yards for the season. He’s also caught six passes for 160 yards and three scores. Davis and Jesse Smith added interceptions.
Mckoy made a team-high ve tackles, Noah Tanner four and Amir Moore three, two of which were sacks. Turner and Zayden White recovered fumbles.
HCA jumped in front 14-0 after one quarter.
Conference play starts Oct. 3
The 333-mile roundtrip could
Darryl Jackson and Richlands will need a running attack against Northside Jacksonville to break a four-game skid. The Wildcats lost 49 -20 to Havelock last Friday on their home turf at Brock Ridge Stadium.
earn HCA another playo chip. Covenant Day lost to Trinity 43-6 last Friday and hasn’t won since pushing by Mt. Zion Christian 39-26 on opening night (Aug. 22).
The Matthews team that is also uses the nickname Lions
Battle-tested Bulldogs enter conference play
Swine Valley favorite WRH has a grueling nonconference schedule
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
TEACHEY — Before making a critical judgment on the nonconference record of Wallace-Rose Hill soccer team (3-4 -1, 1-0) keep in mind all of its nonconference foes play in higher classi cation.
The Bulldogs’ history of success often blurs the vision of the lens.
Last Thursday, rst-year coach Aaron Murray discovered another school coming like a freight train when Goldsboro took a 3-0 lead.
“We came out a little lackluster and out of focus, and it’s hard to come back from 3-0,” Murray said after his team answered with four goals to emerge with a 4-3 win in the rst Swine Valley Conference game.
“It took us a couple of seconds and then we got back to doing. I’m proud we came back, but I also know we probably shouldn’t have even gotten to that place.”
Steven Acosta’s head in overtime was the game-winner.
Felix Funez scored twice, and Cristian Calderon converted a penalty kick.
“We had close to 20 shots and we have to get balls into the back of the net more, but we pulled one out,” said Murray.
WHR’s focus is now on league matches. This week it has bouts
as favorite
against Princeton (7-2) and Midway (8-2-1, 1-0).
“It will be all new to our kids and interesting to see how we play against some of the schools they wouldn’t normally see,” Murray said. “It will be new for them.”
Midway beat Princeton in overtime and then lost to Spring Creek (4-6, 2-0), which also beat James Kenan (3-4-2, 1-1).
A rough translation is there could be a lot of parity this season in the Swine Valley with Goldsboro (4-6, 0-2) in the basement suite.
Earlier in the week, WRH fell 2-1 to 6A Cape Fear. Acosta drilled in the lone goal.
“We had a heck of a (nonconference) schedule and had to recover from an own-goal, a 38-yard free kick that put us down 2-0 41⁄2 minutes in to go down 3-0. We weren’t expecting that. But we’re nding the back
of the net better than earlier in the season. We also have our defensive rotation down and they are t and excited.
“I like where we are having one of the toughest schedules. We play big and better schools and while we don’t always get the results we want, we get better.”
Panthers also sharpened via test against bigger foes
East Duplin (4-5-1) could say the same about its nonconference schedule as the Panthers open up ECC 3A/4A league play Sept. 29 against Southwest Onslow. League favorite is Clinton. The Dark Horses’ lone loss in 10 matches was to WRH (2-1 on Sept. 3).
Yoskar Canales scored his seventh goal of the season during a 2-2 tie at 6A White Oak (4-4-1).
Richard Reyes pushed in his third score.
Two days later, Hayes Rogers rattled the cage with his rst of the season during a 2-1 loss to 6A Jacksonville.
Two-goal e ort by Covarrubias lifts Tigers
Ismael Covarrubias scored a pair of goals and Jayden Funez added another key score as James Kenan broke a three-game skid with a 3-2 win over Rosewood in the middle of last week.
The win came on the heels of a 1-0 heartbreaking loss to Spring Creek.
JK (3-4-2, 1-1) faces Midway and Goldsboro this week.
lost its next three game to good programs — Cannon-Concord, Metrola Christian and Charlotte Country Day. Covenant Day punched HCA 28-6 in the rst game of the 2024 season. Three of HCA’s next four
Cardinals went in front 35-3 early in the fourth, only to see the Panthers rally with a pair of touchdowns from Dewayne Davis and a returned fumble recovery by Keeshon Mckinnie. While the game might have been out of reach, ED hung in the trenches with a good 6A football team coached by Beau Williams, with former JK grad Pat Byrd the o ensive coordinator. Two lost fumbles by the Panthers also played into the equation. Amari Peterson (21-159) scored from the 8 and 10, and quarterback Anthony Washington (7-11 for 58 yards) red touchdown strikes to SaRonn Thompson and Amaree Betton for the 21-point outburst in the second quarter.
Betton had the game’s opening score in the rst quarter via a 12-yard run. He had runs of 33 and 11 yards during the rst possession of the game. He scored on the 11th snap.
Zachary Ball’s rst of two interceptions set up ED’s eld goal, as did a Jacksonville pass interference call from an incompletion by Branson Norris. Gavin Jarman, who was 3 of 3 on PATs, split the uprights from 30 yards after the Panthers’ drive stalled at the 13.
A 23-yard scamper by Betton set up Jacksonville’s second score. The Cardinals struck one play after ED lost a fumble deep in its own territory.
Yondez Baker’s 37-yard punt return that took the ball to the ED 12 was the key to the fourth Jacksonville parade to the end zone.
Sacks on the rst two series of the second half and a failure on fourth-and-8
games are Big East Conference a airs. The Crusaders travel to North Raleigh Christian on Oct. 3 and Trinity Christian on Halloween night, a week before longtime rival Ravenscroft comes to town. HCA visits Asheville Christian on Oct. 1, a school which also uses a Lion as the mascot.
Rams break out of slump to pound Wildcats
Kaleb Montanye threw a pair of touchdown passes, and Zy’King Patillo and Jayen Howard had long scoring runs as Havelock took out its 0-4 start on Richlands with a 49-20 win in Richlands.
It was the fourth consecutive loss for the Wildcats (1-4, 0-1), who will travel Friday to face Northside Jacksonville (3-1).
Havelock, a perennial power in the East, lost to West Craven (7-0), New Bern (28-7), Tarboro (35-7) and JH Rose (21-14) in its previous games yet will nonetheless be the favorite in the Coastal 5A/6A Conference.
Quarterback CJ Benedetto and receivers Tyler Clouatre, Beau Mills, Chase Boutwell and Cale Wilges take on an explosive Northside (3-1), who is led by signal caller Reginald Gray (5381 for 726 yard, 9 TDs) and running back Gavyn Davis (23-345, 3 TDs).
chewed up the bulk of the third quarter. Jacksonville scored on the rst play of the fourth to up its lead to 35-3.
A 16-yard push by Aaron Hall (12-53) and a 38yard rumble by Shawn Davis (13 -79) moved the pig to the 9 where Dewayne Davis scored. Ball’s pick o Josiah Betton keyed the next Panthers touchdown. Norris got his rst touchdown pass of the season when he found Dewayne Davis for an 8-yard connection. McKinnie’s 55-yard fumble recovery was a highlight as the junior also led ED in tackles with 11.
“I thought we competed against a really good team, and this game will only make us better,” Holley said.
Gridiron notebook
ED was just 1 of 13 on third down and 1 for 5 on fourth down. The Cardinals were 5 of 12 and 1 of 2, respectively. Jacksonville outgained ED 236-143, with many of the Panthers’ yards coming late in the game.
Mckinnie had two sacks. Jacuri Hill added eight tackles, Ayden Lane seven and Shawn Davis, Bryson Brown and Semja Scott six apiece. Ball has four interceptions this fall.
Shawn Davis is third in Duplin in rushing (80-503) and fourth in touchdowns (seven). Hall is fth in rushing (69-414).
The Panthers travel to Clinton (2-3 with a win over Whiteville) and Pender (4 - 0) in back-to-back weeks in October. Both will be key ECC a airs. It seems unlikely Trask (2-3), SWO (0-4) and South Lenoir (0-4) will give ED a serious challenge.
AIDEN TOKONITZ FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
WRH’s Felix Nunez leads his team in goals with nine.
RUSHING
PLAYER (School) Att-Yds TDs
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#25E001358-300 The undersigned, SHAMIKA PITTMAN-PICKETT, having quali ed on the 16TH DAY of SEPTEMBER, 2025, as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of DONNIE VELMA PITTMAN, 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 25TH 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 25TH Day of SEPTEMBER 2025.
SHAMIKA PITTMAN-PICKETT, ADMINISTRATOR
431 JOE HOP WILLIAMS RD. BEULAVILLE, NC 28518 Run dates:S25,O2,9,16p
But the Rebels’ o ense sputtered and punted the ball four plays later, and Lakewood took control at the ND 47.
ND took its nal lead with 6:06 left in the third quarter, going 59 yards in 11 plays with Keiz Brock hitting Phillips with a 7-yard pass. It was the junior’s rst touchdown pass. Phillips (34-234), who had his best running game of the season, had a 16-yard chain mover and converted on fourth-and-1 from the 21. Vance Carter (13-39) ran it to the 7. ND chewed up all but 1:53 of the rst-quarter clock on its opening drive, which covered 58 yards in 13 plays and included two fourth-down conversions.
Two delay-of-game penalties made the o ense work harder. Phillips moved the sticks to the 8 on fourth-and-1 and scored on fourth-and-goal from the 1. Lakewood responded to take a 7-6 lead, going 72 yards in ve plays as Donovan Smith (7-77) hit pay dirt from the Rebels 44.
ND countered with a 69 -yard march that featured two rst-down runs by Quan Stevens (10-35) and a score from the 1. Phillips added the 2-point conversion for a 14-7 Rebels lead.
A sack by senior and rst-year player Braylon Lee and the play of defensive end Trashawn Ru n keyed a three-and-out by the ND defense.
But ND’s next drive gave every Rebels fan a few gray hairs as they had four penalties in ve plays and punted deep in their own territory.
Lakewood got the ball at its own 34, getting a rst down at the ND 46, but throwing three incomplete passes. But on fourth-and-10, the Rebels were agged for a roughing the punter penalty.
Then pass interference and roughing the passer calls pushed the Leopards to the ND 5. Donavan Carr scored with 14.4 left on the rst-half clock, but a failed PAT allowed the Rebels to lead 14-13 at the extended intermission. Lakewood scored on the rst snap of the third quarter to go in front 19-14 after ND stumped its conversion attempt.
Phillips, who is second in Duplin in rushing (80-706) and rst in touchdowns (10) has shown progress.
While he always seems faster than the defense, particularly when running outside, the senior has become a more powerful runner between the tackles.
“That became evident a few weeks ago when I watched the tape,” Martin said. “He really runs behind his pads like good runners do. He’s worked at that body lean and hits the hole quick and with a lot of strength where he can bounce o or avoid tacklers.
“Keiz (Brock) has become good at blocking from the quarterback spot, and our other backs have blocked well too.”
Rebels notebook
Martin’s club was agged for 10 penalties for 75 yards. Linebacker Noah Bennett recovered a fumble. Two punts by Carter and another by Noa Quintanilla went for a 35.7 average.
Ethan Turnage, the top defender for ND this season, made 13 tackles. Quintanilla and Ben Kelly had seven apiece, and Lee and Garris Warren combined for eight more takedowns.
ND (4-1, 0-1) beat Lakewood during the regular season in 2024 but lost to the Leopards in the third round of the playo s to nish 10-1. The Rebels will be idle this week and host East Bladen (4-1, 1-0) on Oct. 3.
TOWN CLERK/DEPUTY FINANCE OFFICER BEULAVILLE, NC
The Town of Beulaville is seeking applicants for the position of Town Clerk/ Deputy Finance O cer. Responsibilities: Performs all duties of Town Clerk as required by NC General Statutes and Town Charter. Provides administrative assistance to the Town Manager and Board of Commissioners; and serves as custodian of all o cial Town records, documents, and contracts. Directs the overall nancial management functions of the Town to include general accounting, payroll, accounts receivable and payable, revenue collections, and assistance with the annual audit. Work is performed under the supervision of the Town Manager. Position requires superior organizational and writing skills, and ability to communicate e ectively with citizens, sta , and elected o cials. Requires combination of education and experience equivalent to
ve years responsible administrative experience in a professional setting. A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited community college with major course work in public administration, business administration, accounting, nance, paralegal sciences, o ce management, or related eld recommended. Certi ed Municipal Clerk preferred, or ability to obtain certi cation. Must be able to be bonded. Must possess a valid North Carolina Driver’s License. Salary is DOQ.
Submit a completed Town of Beulaville application and/or resume with references to: Town Manager, Town of Beulaville PO Box 130, Beulaville, NC 28518. Applications/resumes can also be emailed to lwilliams@townofbeulaville. com. Applications are available at the Beulaville Town Hall, 508 East Main Street, Beulaville NC. Position is open until lled. EOE.
ND from page B1
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
ND’s Garris Warren goes as low as possible to tackle Lakewood’s Dashaun Carr.
obituaries
Felecia Marie (Horrell) James
April 8, 1962 – Sept. 18, 2025
Felecia Marie Horrell James, 63, of Teachey, North Carolina passed from this earthly life to her eternal rest on Thursday, September 18, 2025.
She was born on April 8, 1962 in Pender County; the daughter of Wade “Bill” Horrell of Teachey and the late Janice Jenkins Horrell who passed on September 3, 2025.
Felecia is survived by her sons Brandon Hall (Kelly) of Wallace and Chris Hall of Wallace; grandchildren, Avery Hall, Rebecca Hall, Emily Hall and Grayson Hall; brother Ricky Horrell and his wife Debbie of Wallace; nephew Joshua Horrell of TN and numerous extended family and friends that loved Felicia dearly.
Felecia was a devoted mother and caring grandmother, daughter and sister. She had a heart full of love and compassion for everyone she knew. Felicia was a people’s person who loved people and was loved in return. Her passion was being a nurse but Felecia was more than just a nurse by name. She was a nurse from the heart; a servant of God. She loved and cared for her patients as if they were her family. She took great pride in caring for each one. Felecia will surely be missed but precious memories will forever remain in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved her.
Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Wallace.
Joyce Verlene Carlton
Feb. 1, 1937 – Sept. 12, 2025
Joyce Verlene Hill Carlton, 88, of Warsaw, NC passed away September 12, 2025 at her residence. Funeral service will be 1:00pm Friday, September 19, 2025 at Hawes Funeral Home - Warsaw. Visitation will be 12 noon - 1:00pm (one hour prior to service). Interment following the service at Hill Family Cemetery in Faison, NC.
Magdaline Covington
Dec. 26, 1960 –Sept. 13, 2025
Magdaline Covington, 64, of Magnolia, NC passed away September 13, 2025 at her residence. There will be a visitation on Saturday, September 20, 2025 from 1:00pm - 3:00pm at Hawes Funeral Home in Warsaw. Interment will follow the visitation at Brinson Family Cemetery in Magnolia, NC.
Glory Ann Hobbs
Feb. 24, 1938 – Sept. 20, 2025
Glory Ann Rogers Hobbs, 87, of Wallace passed from this life to her eternal rest on Saturday, Septemer 20, 2025.
She was born on February 24, 1938 in Detroit, Michigan; the daughter of the late Charles Aaron and Emily Hinckle Rogers. Glory was also preceded in death by her sister Jeanette McGowen and son-in-law Larry T. Hickman.
Glory is survived by her devoted daughter Sherrie Hickman of Holly Ridge, NC; her grandchilldren Charles Hughey and wife Sharon of Erwin, William Hughey and wife Jamie of Sprringlake and Larry Hickman and wiife Deanna of Holly Ridge; her great grandchildren Hunter, Hayley, Kaitlyn and Ashlyn; numerous extended family and friends that loved Glory dearly.
Glory was a loving mother and caring grandmother who loved her family with all her heart. She was a simple lady who enjoyed the simplest things in life but here greatest joy was spending time with her family. Glory will surely be missed but treasured memories of her will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Wallace.
Carolyn Mobley Hines
May 15, 1947 – Sept. 16, 2025
Carolyn Mobley Hines, age 78, died on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at home. She is preceded in death by her daughter, Eleanor Pierce.
She is survived by her husband, Earl Hines; children, Jonathan Pierce and wife Denita, Christy Lanier and husband Joseph, Rhonda Hines, Alvis Earl Hines; grandchildren, Anita Lanier and husband Gerren, Curtis Lanier and wife Sarah, Samantha Benson and husband Eric, Colt Pierce and wife Olivia, Ethan Lanier and wife Casey, Body Williams, Luke Lanier; great grandchildren, Kendall Lanier, Jackson Lanier, Gavin Lanier, Carlie Benson, Madilynn Johnson, Payton Johnson, Hudson Pierce, and Junie Lanier; nieces Tammy Robbins and husband David, Brandi Wash and husband Hank, and Kayla Lanier and husband Joshua.
Elizabeth “Betsy” Jane (Ayers) Knowles
April 5, 1954 – Sept. 20, 2025
With heavy hearts, we share that our beloved mom & wife, Betsy Ayers Knowles, passed away on Saturday, September 20, 2025. There are no words big enough to capture who she was or the love she gave so freely. She was not only our mama and wife, but also our teacher, our cheerleader, and our safe place.
Betsy was born on April 5, 1954 in Wayne County; the daughter of the late Kenneth Aubrey and Ora Jane Grimes Ayers. She was preceded in death by her brother Tommy Ayers.
Surviving to cherish her memory is her devoted husband of 49 years Ivey Knowles of the home; her children John Blanton (Yoly) of Willard, Beth Knowles of Wallace and Casey Knowles and wife Jennifer of Wallace; grandchildren Morgan Blanton, Kelsey Scott and husband Steven, Jordan Bass and husband Quinton, Avery Blanton, Levi Knowles and Jack Knowles; great grandchildren Saylor Scott and Sawyer Scott; sisters Susan Ayers of Wallace, Nancy Hardison and husband Craig of Hampstead and Enid Wells and husband Chris of Deep Gap; brother Ken Ayers and wife Rose of Owensboro, Kentucky; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends that loved Betsy dearly. Betsy’s greatest joy in life was being “Mama” and “Mammy.”
Her grandchildren were truly her pride and joy, and she lit up every time she talked about them or spent time with them. The love she had for her family was immeasurable, and she showed it in countless little ways—whether through her hugs, her words of encouragement, or the quiet strength she carried through every challenge. Betsy leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and kindness that will continue to guide us even though she is no longer physically here. Our hearts are broken, but we nd comfort knowing she is at peace and that her love will always surround us. We are so grateful for every memory, every laugh, and every lesson she gave us. Though she is gone from our sight, she will never be gone from our hearts.
Memorial service wil be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at Corinth Baptist Church with the Reverend Phil Eakins and the Reverend Shane Cassell o ciating. The family will receive friends following the service at the church.
The family request that monetary donations can be made to American Cancer Society Hope Lodge, 930A Welness Drive, Greenville, NC 27834.
Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Wallace.
Karmen Leigh Sasser
July 18, 1986 – Sept. 21, 2025
Karmen Leigh Sasser, 39, passed away on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at her home. She is preceded in death by her father, Rene Du . Arrangements are incomplete at this time. She is survived by her husband, Ben Sasser, mother Kathy Du , sister Kristen Rogers (Jamie), niece Savana Ferguson, all of Beulaville, NC, and her beloved fur babies, Buddy and Charlie.
Community Funeral Home of Beulaville is honored to serve the Sasser and Du family.
Oct. 5, 1945 – Sept. 16, 2025
Mirval Juanita Carr, 79, of Wallace, NC passed away September 16, 2025 at ECU Health Duplin Hospital in Kenansville, NC. Funeral service will be 1:00pm Monday, September 22, 2025 at Rock sh AME Church in Teachey, NC. Visitation will be 12 noon1:00pm (one hour prior to the service). Interment at Rock sh AME Church cemetery.
Mable Outlaw Dixon
June 27, 1930 – Sept. 18, 2025
Mrs. Mable Dixon, 95, of Kenansville, NC passed away September 18, 2025, at Warsaw Health and Rehabilitation Center. Funeral service will be 1:00pm on Saturday September 27, 2025 at Big Zion AME Zion Church in Kenansville, NC. Public viewing will start at 12pm on Saturday before the funeral service and 4:00pm - 6:00pm on Friday, September 26, 2025 at Hawes Funeral Home in Warsaw, NC. Interment following the service at Devotional Gardens, in Warsaw, NC. Left to cherish her precious memories are her children: Mamie Frederick; Rosa Dixon; Evangeline Monk; Melvin Dixon; Rathel “Bob” Dixon (Mary); Grant Dixon; Ronda Dixon; Hermina Eakens, and daughter-in-law Sonya Dixon. She also leaves behind over 115 grandchildren, greatgrandchildren and great, greatgrandchildren.
Cecil Brent Kennedy
April 12, 1948 – Sept. 18, 2025
Cecil Brent Kennedy, 77, passed away on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at his home. A graveside service: will be held Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at noon at East Duplin Memorial Gardens in Beulaville, NC. Visitation will take place on the graveside.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Kennedy, of Pink Hill; daughters Christal Wood (Frankie), of Kenansville, and Carrie Kennedy, of Pink Hill; sister: Carol Gri n, of Pink Hill; and grandchildren Zachary and Ethan Wood.
Community Funeral Home of Beulaville is honored to serve the Kennedy family.
Donald Delaney Wells
Aug. 21, 1946 – Sept. 18, 2025
Donald Delaney Wells went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at home.
He was born on August 21, 1946, in Duplin County to the late Lucian Whit eld Wells and Thelma Wells Wells. After graduating from WallaceRose Hill in 1964, he graduated from King’s Business college with a degree in Business. In 1967 Donald joined the Army and was stationed in Germany for 3 years. He received several honors during his service. He retired after 30 years of service with General Electric in Wilmington, NC.
Donald was a loyal and supporting son to his mother for many years until her death. For many years Donald was a member of Rock sh Presbyterian Church, where he served on several committees.
Donald is survived by his beloved siblings Jean Wells Marshburn (Earl) of Jacksonville, William J. Wells (Lavoice), James Milton Wells (Geraldine), and Douglas Wade Wells (Linda), sister-in-law Faye D. Wells all of Wallace and brother-in-law Dodson Wells of Rose Hill He was predeceased by siblings Lucian W. Wells Jr. (Buddy) and Sherry W. Wells.
Also surviving are nieces and nephews Stewart Wells (Carmen), Beverly Page (friend Tim Lindsay), Greg Marshburn (Jan), James Milton Wells Jr., Julie Wells, Laura Meyer (Jason), Jason Wells (Tabatha), Amanda Sholar (Je rey) and Michael Wells (Lauren). He was predeceased by Lynne W. Williams. In lieu of owers, the family requests donations be made to Rock sh Presbyterian Church cemetery. The address is PO Box 532 Rose Hill, NC 28458.
Mirval Juanita Carr
Bulldogs-Panthers spikers brace for rivalry clash
WRH and ED won’t care about conference standings when they play for the second time this season
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
BEULAVILLE — The Wallace-Rose Hill volleyball team will face three foes in six days that are good enough to make deep playo runs in their respective classi cations.
The Bulldogs (13-2, 6-1) face Princeton (7-6, 4-3) and Midway (9-3, 8-0) this week in key Swine Conference matches before traveling to face ECC 4A foe and Duplin County rival East Duplin.
The Panthers (11-2, 3-0) and would like nothing better than avenging a 3-1 loss earlier this season to snap their seven-game skid against the Kevin Williams-coached Bulldogs.
ED’s last win in the series came Oct. 12, 2021, though it should be mentioned the Panthers owned the Bulldogs “for 15, 20 years,” according to Williams, an assistant under current ED coach Susan Raynor when she was at WRH.
“Susan will always have her girls ready, and it will be a great match if we play like we’re capable of playing,” said Williams said. “East Duplin’s defense is awesome, and it keeps them in a match. Our offense keeps us in matches.”
The Panthers have gone 10-1 since falling to the Bulldogs.
“We’ve turned the corner and are playing together pretty well,” Raynor said. “Our defense is doing good things, and facing Wallace will be good for us heading into the playo s. It’s going to be a good game.”
Zoe Turner had six kills and three aces and Zoe Cavanaugh added nine kills last week as ED slipped by Trask in three competitive sets (26-24,
25-15, 27-25) last Tuesday.
Two days later, the Panthers whipped Clinton (25-23, 25-18, 25-19) to move to the top of the ECC standings.
Turner led the way with ve kills, six aces and seven digs.
Cavanaugh had ve aces, Kinsey Cave ve kills and Karsyn Parker 11 digs.
ED faces a revenge challenge against Liberty Christian (who beat the Panthers 3-1 on Sept. 9) and less serious confrontations against Pender (1-9, 0-3) and South Lenoir (3-9, 1-2) before hosting the Bulldogs.
Week of big numbers
Williams won his 100th match last week, Mattie Gavin got her 1,000th assist and Angelina Cavallaro, the two-time Ms. Volleyball in Duplin County, posted her 1,000th kill.
WRH beat Goldsboro 3-1 (25-14, 25-12, 19-25, 25-16) in its lone match last week. The win came after su ering its second loss of the season to 6A Jacksonville as the Bulldogs played without senior setter Mattie Gavin following a fall in a previous match.
“She dictates how we play,” said Williams, who said
Gavin is ne to return to the court. “She’s a go-getter and a coaches’ dream who will run through a wall for you.”
Rebels settle into third in CC
A North Duplin team short on experience has found its comfort zone at 9-4 overall and 5-2 in Carolina Conference play with six matches left in the regular season. The Rebels fell 3-1 to East Columbus (10-1, 6-1), who is tied with Hobbton (8-3, 6-1) atop the league standings, after whipping Lakewood earlier in the week. ND was 12-9 last season and is in line to have back-to -back .500-plus seasons for the rst time.
Maggie Brown and Carrly Strickland each had ve kills when ND dusted the Leopards (25-17, 25-14, 25-12). Gracie Higginbotham contributed four kills and four aces and Lilly Fulghum 15 assists. Brown had eight kills and eight digs against the Gators.
Though all but out of the title chase, ND has a two-game edge over fourth-place East Bladen.
COURTESY HARRELLS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
At halftime of Harrells Christian’s football game on Sept. 5, Coach Clayton Hall was honored with a special award recognizing values of leadership, hard work and discipleship.
Harrells Christian Academy honors 25 years of Will Johnson’s legacy
Coach Clayton Hall was recognized for embodying the spirit and values of Will Johnson
Duplin Journal sta
HARRELLS — For 25 years, Harrells Christian Academy has honored the life and faith of Will Johnson, a student whose commitment to Christ and community left an indelible mark on all who knew him.
The recent Legacy 25-25 celebration, held Sept. 4-8, brought together generations of family, friends, teammates and school leaders to re ect on Johnson’s inspiring example of faith, leadership and perseverance.
The week began with a message from Pastor Ross Cavanaugh of Genesis Church, who reminded students and sta that the best way to honor Johnson’s legacy is by embracing a person-
al relationship with Jesus. His poem, shared with the Johnson family years ago, set a reverent tone for the days to come. Central to the celebration was the “Will Walk,” a tradition led by HCA Athletic Director Clayton Hall, Johnson’s longtime teammate and close friend. Participants, including current players and cheerleaders, surrounded the “Will statue” and placed yellow roses as a symbol of lasting friendship and dedication — not only to the sport but to living a Christ-centered life. The presence of four generations of Johnson’s family underscored the enduring impact of his spirit.
The celebration culminated during halftime of Friday’s football game, with re ections from Johnson’s mother, Luanne Johnson, and a special award presented to Hall for embodying Johnson’s values of leadership, hard work and discipleship.
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
ED coach Susan Rayner, left, will use defense to try to break a seven-match skid against WRH.
