Duplin Journal Vol. 10, Issue 32 by North State Journal

Duplin Journal

Joint operation

uncovers meth in Beulaville home

Beulaville

A Beulaville was arrested on Sept. 25, after a joint drug investigation conducted by the Duplin County Sheri ’s O ce Special Operations Division and Probation O cers with the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections.

According to authorities, a search of Billy Ray Miller’s residence uncovered crystal methamphetamine and numerous items of drug paraphernalia. Miller was charged with felony possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver a Schedule II controlled substance; felony possession of methamphetamine; felony maintaining a vehicle/dwelling/place for controlled substances; and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. He was placed under a $50,000 secured bond and is currently being held in the Duplin County Jail.

4 arrested during saturation patrols Duplin County Four people were arrested during a targeted saturation patrol operation in Magnolia and Rose Hill on Sept. 26. The Duplin County Sheri ’s O ce, with support from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, conducted 75 tra c stops, issuing 18 citations, seven written warnings, and more than 37 verbal warnings. Of the arrests made, two were for felony methamphetamine charges and two for driving while impaired. The patrols were designed to increase law enforcement visibility and address issues such as impaired driving, drug activity and tra c violations. Sheri Stratton Stokes credited the success of the operation to strong interagency cooperation, emphasizing that collaboration is essential to protecting and serving the citizens of Duplin County.

John Rich Road temporarily closed Magnolia The North Carolina Department of Transportation has temporarily closed the bridge on John Rich Road over Interstate 40 near John Williams Evans Road for maintenance. The road is expected to reopen by Oct. 9. Drivers are advised to use caution in the area.

Camo for a Cause raises $75K for Riley’s Army

Teen musicians Asher Brinson, left, and Charlie Morris donated their time and talent to perform traditional and bluegrass music at Camo for a Cause at Tara Creek on Saturday night. The event raised an estimated $75,000 for the nonpro t Riley’s Army that supports children with cancer and their families. Turn to A6 for the story and photos.

Rep. Dixon reverses retirement decision

The longtime lawmaker told Duplin Journal that he will seek reelection in 2026

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

IN A SURPRISING and exclusive announcement to Duplin Journal, longtime North Carolina Rep. Jimmy Dixon has ocially reversed his decision to retire and con rmed he will seek reelection in 2026. Just one week after stating he would not run again, Dixon says a wave of re ection, family conversations

and overwhelming community support led him to reconsider.

In an in-depth Q&A, the 4th District state representative opened up about what changed his mind, the role his grandson played in that decision, and why he believes now is not the time to step away. From battles over farming rights to the growing polarization in politics, Dixon shared candid insights on the challenges ahead — and why he’s not ready to hand over the reins just yet.

What ultimately in uenced your decision to reverse your retirement and seek reelection?

A Swansboro man is charged with hitting four police vehicles and crashing into a NCSHP building

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

KENANSVILLE — A multiagency pursuit through Duplin County involving a stolen vehicle ended in a crash Thursday

Ultimately, it was my own desire to continue and my assessment that I should not let a few frustrations about internal politics cause me to make a premature decision about retirement. Was there a particular moment or conversation that tipped the scales for you?

Yes. My grandson asked me why I was not going to run again. In trying to answer that question from a 10-year-old, I struggled with an answer, which caused me to re ect deeper about the “Why.” Additionally, a good friend and mentor asked, “If you are frustrated about a few issues, who do you think can go up there

and not be even more frustrated than you are?”

How did your family respond to your decision to remain in public service?

My family has always been super supportive of my e orts through all of the last 15 years. Actually, I initially discussed my possible retirement with only my wife and my daughter. Both were more than happy with both decisions, and they, along with my entire family, remain supportive. I can’t imagine anyone serving in this type of role in this type of political climate without

near Kenansville with the arrest of the suspect. According to the Beulaville Police Department, Edgar Gallagher III, 56, of Swansboro, led police on a chase that began shortly after an o cer spotted a Chevrolet box truck speeding and illegally passing vehicles in the turning lane on West Main Street. When the o cer attempted to initiate a tra c stop, the driver refused to pull over, accelerating westbound onto N.C. 24 Highway East and reaching speeds of up to 90 mph.

Airport board approves $550K cap for fuel tank purchase

“The majority of the taxpayers have no clue the secret treasure this place is.” Dexter Edwards

$2.00

The procurement for the fuel farm begins ahead of the spring 2026 build

By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal

KENANSVILLE — The Duplin County Airport Commission Board reviewed major infrastructure projects, staing progress and long-term planning during its Sept. 23 meeting, signaling continued investment in what board members called one of the county’s “best-kept secrets.” Airport Director Joshua Raynor said the Daniels and Daniels hangar project is still in the midst of moving dirt, and SM&E has concerns about water retention in some clay-heavy areas. Rehabilitation on the metal hangars

is “sharpening its price” and planning how to handle it with available crews. The rehab will be done one hangar at a time to be able to move planes to the ramp and get work done during the airport’s work hours. A proposed $15,000 to $20,000 change order would allow design work to remove a hill near the project area.

The Parrish & Partners taxiway project is nearing completion, pending nal documents and a punch list with S.T. Wooten. A key item on the agenda was approval to move forward with a contract allowing early procurement of fuel tanks for the airport’s new fuel farm — a move that starts a six-month lead time to keep construction on track for spring 2026.

“He did strike the front of our building and thankfully no one was injured.”

See DIXON, page A6

MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

Jason Casteen, NCSHP rst sergeant

Ena Sellers

Michael Jaenicke

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

We stand corrected

To report an error or a suspected error, please email: corrections@ nsjonline.com with “Correction request” in the subject line.

THURSDAY

CRIME LOG

Sept. 22

Justice Romelle Mott, 25, was arrested by the Duplin County Sheri ’s O ce (DCSO) for two counts of assault on a female and assault in icting serious injury.

• Charles Manuel Solis, 56, was arrested by DCSO for driving while license revoked, ctitious or altered registration, and expired registration.

• Jessica Renee Lanier, 37, was arrested by DCSO for driving while impaired and unsafe movement.

• Richard Eugene Lanier, 36, was arrested by the NC Highway Patrol for reckless driving with wanton disregard, driving while impaired, and driving left of center.

Sept. 23

• Ashley Faye Brown, 43, was arrested by DCSO for assault with a deadly weapon in icting serious injury and domestic violence.

• William Austin Inman, 30, was arrested by DCSO for assault on a law enforcement o cer, domestic violence, and assault on a child under 12.

• Nathan Hales McDu e, 41, was arrested by DCSO for second-degree forcible rape and false imprisonment.

• Brian Markelle Benson, 25, was arrested by DCSO for felony probation violation.

New water deal clears path for 600-home development in Wallace

The deal includes the purchase of a three-mile water line for $1 million over 10 years

By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal

MORE THAN TWO decades ago, the Town of Wallace and Pender County signed a contract for Wallace to provide water to the neighboring county. At the time, Pender did not have enough water to meet the demands of its growing population.

“Wallace had tons of it, so it was a good contract for both of us,” Wallace Town Manager Rob Taylor said in an interview with Duplin Journal.

The contract was good for 40 years.

Since that agreement, things have changed for Pender County. According to Taylor, Pender County has built their own water treatment plant, and the county has been adding wells to its system. As a result, they are not as in need of water from Wallace.

“They’ve been hinting about getting out of that contract for a while,” Taylor said. “It was a take-or-pay contract, meaning if they did not use the water, they still had to pay us.”

The existing contract has been a lucrative one for Wallace. The town has been collecting about $8,000 a month from Pender County in water sales.

After a series of negotiations between Pender County and Wallace, the two parties reached a new agreement that will help Pender County re -

• Rudy Lopez-Ramirez, 22, was arrested by the NC Highway Patrol for driving while impaired.

Sept. 24

• Markeia R. Herring, 35, was arrested by Warsaw PD for breaking or entering, damage to real property, and resisting a public o cer.

• Nina Kaylinda Hu n, 45, was arrested by DCSO for three counts of possession with intent to sell or deliver controlled substances.

• Mark Anthony Stukes, 71, was arrested by DCSO for three counts of tra cking in cocaine.

• Darryl Lewis McGee, 34, was arrested by DCSO for two counts of possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

• Sergio Juan Ramirez, 31, was arrested by DCSO for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia

Sept. 25

• Keith Anthony Clayborne, 36, was arrested by DCSO for domestic violence.

• Stephen Craig Blanton, 65, was arrested by DCSO for misuse of 911 system and damage to property.

• Antonio Carlos Capitano, 18, was arrested by Kenansville PD for two counts of shoplifting and larceny.

“That development should generate, once it’s all built out, about $1.56 million in system development fees.”

Rob Taylor

lieve themselves of the current costs of the contract and allow Wallace a way to still maintain water revenue from the Pender County area.

In a special called meeting on Sept. 23, the Wallace Town Council voted to approve a new contract with Pender County.

The new contract allows the Town of Wallace to purchase three miles of water line currently owned by Pender County. That line leads to 150 acres of land that Wallace annexed in Pender County last year. Plans are in place for 600 quarter-acre home sites to be developed on the property with land remaining for possible commercial development as well. The property is located in the vicinity of the N.C. Highway 11 split from U.S. Highway 117 near Willard.

Under the newly approved agreement, Wallace will purchase the three miles of water line to the property at a cost of $1 million, payable in installments of $100,000 per year for 10 years. The third party in the agreement is the developer of the 150-acre tract who will front the Town of Wallace $100,000 a year for ve years in the form of prepaid system development fees.

• Natalene Deandra Humphrey, 30, was arrested by DCSO for three counts of tra cking in methamphetamine.

• Bernard Jarmon, 76, was arrested by Kenansville PD for habitual impaired driving.

• Edgar Givens Gallagher, 56, was arrested by DCSO for driving while impaired, failure to report an accident, and hit and run.

• Billy Ray Miller, 48, was arrested by DCSO for felony probation violation, possession with intent to sell or deliver controlled substances, and possession of methamphetamine.

• Joshua Harmon Sanderson, 41, was arrested by Beulaville PD for intoxicated and disruptive behavior and concealed handgun permit violation.

• Stanley Ray Brown, 62, was arrested by DCSO for two counts of maintaining a dwelling for drug activities and possession with intent to sell or deliver controlled substances.

• Elvira Malinek, 72, was arrested by DCSO for two counts of driving while impaired and reckless driving to endanger.

Sept. 26

• Louie Bass, 65, was arrested by DCSO for driving while impaired, reckless driving, and driving while license revoked for impairment.

“Basically, it’s a wash for us the rst ve years,” Taylor said.

In the long term, the new contract works out in the town’s favor, Taylor said.

“Every house that gets built has to pay a system development fee to tap into the system,” Taylor said. “That development should generate, once it’s all built out, about $1.56 million in system development fees. That pays for the water line plus gives us another $570,000 worth of revenue.”

The contract will still allow Wallace to sell water to Pender County in the event they need backup.

During the special called meeting, Taylor told the council the developer had been waiting for the contract to be approved so he could proceed with getting the land ready.

“This means the developer can do what he needs to since (the negotiations for the new contract) have been a holdup for him. He has someone interested in buying the site, but he can’t get that done until he shows the state where the water supply is coming from. He really wanted to be moving dirt this fall, but because this has taken so long, it’s probably going to end up being further into the winter.”

In the interview with Duplin Journal after the special called meeting, Taylor praised the actions of former Wallace mayor Charley Farrior and previous town council members for having the foresight that put Wallace in a position to be well-supplied with water and an e cient wastewater treatment facility.

• Donald Ray Hall, 46, was arrested by DCSO for domestic violence.

• Dakarie Elijah Tresvant, 26, was arrested by Kenansville PD for driving while impaired.

• Sheena Janell Wimmer, 42, was arrested by DCSO for domestic violence.

Sept. 27

• Joe R. Alford, 22, was arrested by Warsaw PD for going armed to the terror of the public.

• William Richard Degen, 59, was arrested by DCSO for resisting a public o cer, ethnic intimidation, and communicating threats.

Sept. 28

• Karen Ainez, 35, was arrested by the NC Highway Patrol for driving without a license, reckless driving, and driving while impaired.

• James R. Carpenter, 62, was arrested by DCSO for two counts of simple assault and rst-degree trespassing.

• Emanuel Alexander Morales, 33, was arrested by DCSO for probation violation.

• Omar Rasheem Jevon Melvin, 26, was arrested by DCSO for driving while license revoked and expired registration.

DUPLIN happening

Oct.

NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet 6 p.m.

The Duplin County NAACP will host its annual Freedom Fund Banquet at the Kemba Center in Warsaw. Join the special evening to celebrate progress, honor local leaders, and support the mission of civil rights, equality, and community unity.

124 Water Tank Rd, Warsaw

Oct. 28

Trunk-or-Treat at the Library 6:30 p.m.

Join the Duplin County Library for a festive Trunk-orTreat at the Events Center. This is a safe, family-friendly Halloween celebration for kids of all ages. Come in costume and enjoy treats, fun and community spirit. 195 Fairgrounds Dr, Kenansville

Got a local event? Let us know and we’ll share it with the community here. Email our newsroom at community@duplinjournal. com. Weekly deadline is Monday at noon.

Wastewater woes stall Calypso’s growth

By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal

CALYPSO — As more people move inland in search of a ordable housing, lower taxes and less congestion, towns across Duplin County are seeing steady growth.

While Calypso has been experiencing some growth on the residential front, business development has come to a halt because the town relies on the Mount Olive wastewater treatment system. A series of problems with that system prompted the North Carolina Division of Water Resources to advise the town of Mount Olive that its wastewater treatment plant was not in compliance. That eventually led to the state placing a moratorium on any new wastewater being allowed into the system. That nightmare for Mount Olive has become a nightmare for Calypso as well.

In an interview with Duplin Journal last week, Calypso Mayor Jo Anne Wilson said the town has been able to welcome a little growth despite the restrictions.

“(The growth is) residential-

“We have to tell them we can provide the water, but we don’t have the sewage capacity.”

Mayor Jo Anne Wilson

ly, mostly,” she said, estimating that at least 25 new homes have been built within the town over the past two years.

The town was also able to bring in one new business.

“A few years ago, we had a Dollar General come to town,” Wilson said.

There has been interest expressed in buildings for businesses in town, she said.

“We have to tell them we can provide the water, but we don’t have the sewage capacity,” Wilson said.

The mayor said the town was able to get the individual homes added to the sewage system, but a new business would put them over capacityunder Mount Olive’s moratorium.

“We have a man who wants to build a laundromat and a man who wants to open

a car lot. Because of the moratorium, we aren’t able to accommodate them at this time.”

CSX commits to xing hazardous Rose Hill rail crossings

to make repairs at this crossing and one other in town sometime this month.

The tank budget is capped at $550,000, with funding from ve grants, most of which have already been secured.

The board also approved a work authorization for Michael Baker International to begin design work on the apron rehabilitation project at a cost of just over $227,000. Separately, a site has been cleared for the airport’s upcoming Maintenance Building.

Raynor shared that the airport has received a letter of intent for federal discretionary funding, advising them to prepare for runway rehabilitation in 2029. While 90% of the cost will be covered by federal funds, the airport is expected to contribute roughly $500,000. Plan-

ning must begin by 2026 due to funding timelines and restrictions. The rehabilitation will repave at least three inches.

The board discussed possible ways to raise the matching funds, including having the county set aside money annually over the next three years.

The runway was last updated in 2018, and it is expected to be upgraded every 10-15 years. The board authorized Raynor to begin working with the county manager on the funding plan.

In other business

Approximately 85 acres of airport property currently designated for hay and pasture use is now open for farming bids. Interested farmers can contact the

The company said work could begin as soon as this month if no delays arise

By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal

ROSE HILL — Duplin Journal reported in August that the railroad crossing at East Church Street and East Railroad Street in Rose Hill has long been a source of frus

tration and concern for town leaders and residents alike. The crossing’s severely rotted railroad ties, now well beyond repair, present a serious safety hazard for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. Despite repeated complaints over the past several years, e orts by town leaders and residents to push for

airport with bids on what they would be willing to pay to rent the land.

Raynor updated the board on sta ng, noting that two new hires are performing well, and only one part-time position remains open.

“We are nally getting some much needed help here,” said Raynor. The board discussed employee retention and possible perks to encourage people to work for and stay at the airport.

“Right now, we only close Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. It may be better to follow the county’s closures and give us eight to nine actual holidays o ,” Raynor suggested.

Raynor plans to review records of actual usage during the holidays to con rm whether or

“We noted two crossings that need work. One will be torn out and repaved. The other just needs the timbers replaced as the asphalt is good.”

Austin Staton

action from CSX have gone unanswered — until recently.

CSX spokesperson Austin Staton, director of media relations for the railroad, told Duplin Journal in August that he had contacted local teams to assess the situation and work toward a resolution. In a follow-up communication last week, Staton provided updat-

not closure would be e cient and helpful.

Chairman Jack Alphin acknowledged the importance of the partnership between the airport and the county commissioners to make things work.

County Commissioner Dexter Edwards, who also serves on the Airport Commission Board, highlighted the airport’s role as a gateway to the county.

“The airport is the rst impression for everyone who ies in,” he said. “We don’t know how many businesses have been sold on coming here based on just the hospitality and good impressions made of our county through our airport.”

Alphin noted that three of the county’s top businesses are actively working with the airport.

ed information regarding the plans for addressing the deteriorating conditions at the crossing.

“We noted two crossings that need work,” he wrote. “One will be torn out and repaved. The other just needs the timbers replaced as the asphalt is good. We are setting crossing closures up and plan to have this work completed in October.”

Staton also included an important caveat concerning the timeline: “This timeline assumes there are no delays due to weather or emergencies. I would probably be more accurate to say (fourth quarter).”

For now, town leaders and residents are cautiously optimistic, hoping the necessary repairs take place without further complications.

The board approved a resolution to recognize their contributions formally.

“People who are involved understand it, but the majority of the taxpayers have no clue the secret treasure this place is,” Edwards added. “We are very guilty for not telling our own story, but we need to toot our own horn.”

Raynor encouraged public engagement and reminded residents that he is available to give airport tours upon request.

Operationally, the airport had sold 8,078 gallons of fuel as of the meeting date, representing 14% of its projected fuel sales revenue. In capital outlay, major expenses included a new lawn mower, a leased Ford Explorer and a six-passenger golf cart to support airport operations.

Wilson said she hopes the town will be able to resolve the wastewater issues within the next year or two so Calypso can welcome more businesses and residents to town.

MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

A wastewater moratorium tied to nearby Mount Olive has stalled business development in Calypso.

MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

The railroad crossing at the corner of East Church Street and East Railroad Street in Rose Hill is awaiting repairs from CSX Railroad. A spokesman for the railroad said plans are

AIRPORT from page A1

The town has seen steady residential development, but business expansion is halted by wastewater moratorium tied to Mount Olive

THE CONVERSATION

Trip Ho end, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

Keeping government open and our defense intact

AS YOUR CONGRESSMAN, I am committed to ghting for your family, your freedoms and your future. That means making sure our government stays open without wasting your tax dollars, and making sure our troops and veterans have the resources they need to keep America safe.

Over the past two weeks, two big issues have come to the forefront: keeping the government open and passing the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). I want to share where I stand and what these decisions mean for you.

Last week, House Republicans passed a clean, commonsense funding bill. This short-term, sevenweek measure keeps the government open and ensures our troops and families don’t pay the price while Congress continues working toward the longterm reforms needed to rein in Washington’s wasteful spending. It doesn’t raise taxes or add wasteful new spending. It just ensures our government continues to serve our people.

Here’s what our bill does:

• Delivers paychecks for our troops, Border Patrol agents, TSA agents and air tra c controllers

• Prevents delays in Social Security and Medicare applications

• Provides uninterrupted health care for veterans

• Keeps National Parks open for families to enjoy

• Continues vital food inspections to protect consumers

However, a CR needs 60 votes in the Senate to pass. There are 53 Republicans in the Senate. Senate

LETTERS

FRIENDS and citizens of House District 4, Duplin/ Wayne Counties

As the result of the tremendous encouragement from many of my constituents in District 4 and a host of others across the entire state including a goodly number of my colleagues in the North Carolina General Assembly, I am withdrawing my decision to retire at the end of my eighth term and seek reelection in November 2026. Thank you for your friendships and loyal support over the last 15 years. Please know that my commitment to promote, support and protect agriculture and our hard working family farmers in District 4 and across our entire state is AS STRONG AS EVER!

Jimmy Dixon

Democrats are threatening a shutdown unless their partisan demands are met. They want to use this as an opportunity to tack on a massive $1.5 trillion spending hike. Their list of demands includes restoring taxpayer-funded health care for illegal immigrants, sending $500 million to liberal news outlets and pushing diversity programs in foreign countries while cutting bene ts back home.

Let me be clear: House Republicans did our job. We acted well before the deadline and passed a clean bill to keep the government open. If the government shuts down, it will be because Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) feels the need to put political games over people.

This shutdown would hurt families, seniors, small businesses and our veterans. I will not stand by and let Washington games hurt North Carolina families.

Alongside keeping our government open. Congress also passed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026. This annual defense bill is one of the most important responsibilities we have. It authorizes funding for our military, sets policy for the Department of War, and makes sure our troops and their families get the funding they deserve.

As Fort Bragg’s congressman, I fought to make sure this bill delivered for our community.

Fort Bragg and NC-09 wins:

• $44.7 million to construct training facilities at Forward Operating Base Freedom (Freedom Village) at Fort Bragg

• $5.3 million for SOF Joint Intelligence Center

(JIC) at Fort Bragg

• $19 million for Automated Infantry Platoon Battle Course

• $24 million for Aircraft Maintenance Hangar

• $80 million for Power Generation and Microgrid

• $6.5 Million for SOF Mission Command Center

• $7.5 million for advanced drone development in North Carolina

On a national level, the NDAA delivers a 3.8% pay raise for all U.S. troops. It codi es 15 of President Donald Trump’s executive orders, reinforces priorities like merit-based promotion, accountability and improving lethality among the ranks. It also provides new authority and funding for DOW to coordinate with Homeland Security on border security.

The NDAA funds Trump’s signature defense platforms, from the Golden Dome missile defense system to next-generation ghters, submarines, warships and autonomous systems. It cuts red tape in the Pentagon’s procurement process so innovation can reach the battle eld faster. And it makes new investments in arti cial intelligence, hypersonics and unmanned systems to ensure America stays ahead of China, Iran and other adversaries.

This legislation is a win for every soldier, veteran and military family who sacri ces for our country. It strengthens our national security, protects our homeland, and honors the service of those stationed at Fort Bragg and around the world.

The contrast in Washington could not be more clear. While we are ghting for a commonsense solution, the Democrats are focused on playing politics with partisan priorities that do nothing to help North Carolinians.

I will continue every day to ght for you, to protect your tax dollars and to support the brave men and women who keep us safe.

Richard Hudson represents North Carolina’s 9th District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

What 100 years of craftsmanship can teach us in the age of AI

THIS FALL, the John C. Campbell Folk School will celebrate a century of keeping traditional Appalachian crafts alive, including blacksmithing, weaving, woodcarving, basketry and more. But what we’re really preserving is something deeper: the human need to make, to connect and to belong. And that’s never felt more urgent than now. In the wake of Hurricane Helene, which devastated communities across western North Carolina, we’ve been reminded just how fragile our region — and its rich cultural heritage — can be. As we support recovery e orts, we also rea rm our commitment to sustaining the traditions that root and restore us. Because in a time of disruption, digital overload and AI, the Folk School o ers something powerfully countercultural: A space where making is slow, tactile and grounded in community.

Crafting by hand doesn’t just produce beautiful objects, it cultivates qualities we need now more than ever: mindfulness, resilience, creativity and focus. In our studios, people don’t scroll or skim. They observe, try again, and take pride in small, steady progress. Recent research shows that engaging in arts and crafts boosts life satisfaction, happiness and a sense of purpose even after accounting for age, health or socioeconomic status. Once engaged, participants also rediscover each other. Learning in a noncompetitive,

collaborative environment builds connection and purpose, qualities often eroded in our tech-saturated lives. We’ve seen what happens when we fail to preserve folkways. Sacred Harp and shape — note singing, once common across the mountains, has nearly vanished from many parts of Appalachia, near casualties of shifting tastes and modern convenience. Fortunately, a devoted community of singers passionate about preserving and perpetuating this traditional American music is working to keep the tradition alive. Thanks to similarly stalwart practitioners, Cherokee white oak basketry, a craft nearly lost, now passes down again through intergenerational teaching and shared storytelling.

The Folk School is part of that continuum. For 100 years, we’ve welcomed people to this corner of the mountains to learn and share traditional skills. And as we mark our centennial, we’re expanding the ways we honor and elevate this region’s heritage. We’ve restored and refreshed our historic Log Cabin Museum and introduced an interactive walking tour on campus. Both were developed in consultation with members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and Texana, the historic African American community in Murphy, and both will give visitors a layered sense of place and home held by diverse mountain people.

Another powerful symbol of this legacy is a rare, hand-drawn map of the Southern Appalachian region created in the early 1900s by Folk School founder Olive Dame Campbell and researcher Elva M. Dickey. This one- of-a-kind artifact, long hidden from public view, has now been stabilized and unveiled as part of our centennial celebration.

Our 100th anniversary isn’t just a look back. It’s a call forward. This October, during our Fall Festival and yearlong centennial programming, we’ll welcome thousands of visitors to join in that vision: to celebrate Appalachian artistry, share food and stories, and experience rsthand how craft, music and dance traditions still shape hearts and communities. In a world that increasingly and unquestioningly prizes rapid, digitized information, we invite people to embrace a di erent rhythm, one rooted in care, intention and connection.

Come join us. Put your head, heart and hands to work. And rediscover what it means to truly make something that matters.

Bethany Chaney is executive director of the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, which will o cially mark its 100th anniversary at its annual Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 4 and Sunday, Oct. 5.

COLUMN | BETHANY CHANEY

COLUMN | REP. RICHARD HUDSON

One family’s commitment to responsible farming

From sharecropping roots to modern hog barns, the Herrings have built a life and a legacy on the same Duplin County soil

By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal

IN NORTHERN DUPLIN

County there is a farm that takes pride in being in its third generation of pork production.

Herring Farm started in the 1930s with Leland Buck Herring, expanded with his son Curtis’ vision in the 1960s, and now continues with his grandson, Chad Herring.

“The most important part of our story is that we all still live here,” Chad Herring said as he toured the land with Duplin Journal. Leland started the farm as a sharecropper with ve children and no particular passion for pigs — he may have even been allergic to them.

“He did a lot of row crops,” Chad recalled.

But everything changed in 1965 when Leland’s son, Curtis, took on a 4-H project and raised nine feeder pigs to market weight. With the money he earned, Curtis reinvested in the farm and began steering the family business toward pork production.

“In 1970, we had a really tough winter. We had been keeping the pigs outside on the ground for years, but that year it froze, and we lost 75% of our livestock,” Chad remembered.

“Grandpa said we either take the pigs inside or we get out of the pig business.”

The following year, the family started building pig barns. With manual controls in the old barn and power controls in the new barn, ventilation systems with curtains now help keep the pigs’ temperature regulated.

Over the years, the family has continued to evolve with the times. Prentice Herring, Chad’s father, left the farm to attend college and later worked for a shirt manufacturer in Wilmington. But in 1978, when Leland fell ill, Prentice returned to help Curtis manage the farm.

“Dad was the business guy, and Uncle Curtis was more the

pigs are transported to Herring Nursery Farm from a sow farm grower. At Herring, they will continue to grow in special ventilated pig barns until they are ready to move on to a nisher farm.

mechanical. They worked together really well using each other’s strengths,” Chad said.

Like his dad, Chad also left the farm. He went to college, got a construction degree and started working in that industry. Still, he ended up coming home as well because of the opportunity that only farm life can provide.

“I had the best childhood growing up on a farm, and I wanted to give my children the same kind of childhood I had growing up here,” Chad said.

“We were independent and had the whole process here from sow to nish until the mid-late ’90s. We even made our own feed; that was one of my jobs in high school,” Chad remembered.

The increased prices on corn in the ’90s made self-made feed more di cult. Ultimately, the family chose to transition to becoming contract growers for Smith eld Foods.

“Smith eld Foods is vertically integrated,” Chad said. “Contract growers own their farms and provide the labor, while Smith eld owns the pigs and feed to grow them. They also provide all the veterinar -

ian care and medicine needed to take care of them.”

Farmers get paid based on feed conversion.

“It is advantageous for the farmer to make sure there are not a lot of feed spills, be ecient with feed and convert it to pork,” Chad said. “We have advanced a lot over the years and can grow a lot more pork with a lot less feed now. At the nursery stage here, we can grow a pound of pork with about 1.5 to 1.6 pounds of feed. The better I take care of my animals, the better the pigs will be, and the better my pay will be. It just makes sense to take care of the animals.”

One of the controversies surrounding pork production is the concern that pig farmers are polluting drinking water. In 1997, a moratorium was placed on hog lagoons, limiting any new pig farms from developing. Even to this day, it is hard to become a pork farmer without buying old farms with existing lagoon permits and remodeling them. Permits are renewed every ve years with public hearings that try to impose more regulations and regulations on farmers.

At Herring Pork Farm, man-made storage ponds leech to Coastal Bermuda grass elds that are harvested and fed to cattle. By law, the waste is regulated to be spread only at a rate that the grass is able to absorb and break down the nutrients.

“We have a zero-discharge policy for this kind of wastewater system,” Chad Herring said. When Herring returned to the farm in 2007-08, he said he made a commitment to it. He went to meetings and events to support pig farming, and he spoke as an advocate for the needs of farming families. In 2018, Herring became the

executive director of NC Farm Families, a nonpro t organization formed in 2015 to advocate for and speak on behalf of farm families in the state. With 40,000 to 50,000 followers on social media today, the organization shares farmer stories to reeducate the public.

“Farmers are just like everybody else (with lives, families to support, and sometimes other careers),” Herring said. “The modern farmer really has to be an activist. We need people to be advocates for this industry by attending meetings and speaking up for the needs of the farmers.”

UMO senior nds voice through Carolina Sound ensemble

Once hesitant to take the stage, Kara Strange now uses her voice to encourage others

Duplin Journal sta

MOUNT OLIVE — Kara

Strange, a senior at the University of Mount Olive, has turned a lifelong love of music into a platform for ministry and personal growth. As a vocalist with Carolina Sound, UMO’s traveling vocal ensemble, Strange now leads worship and inspires others — a far cry from the shy child who once avoided the spotlight.

Strange joined Carolina Sound in 2022 as a Soprano 2 after transferring from Liberty University. A pivotal spring break visit back to Wilson, where she rst

heard Carolina Sound perform, sparked her decision to transfer.

“They weren’t just performing — they were ministering,” Strange said. “I knew I wanted to be part of something like that.”

Now a music education major, Strange says Carolina Sound has helped her grow musically and spiritually.

“At rst it was intimidating,” she said, “but I needed to be challenged. This group isn’t just about talent — it’s about faith, encouragement, and family.”

The ensemble regularly performs at schools, churches and community events, blending performance with ministry.

Beyond the stage, Strange has also grown through UMO’s Campus Ministry and the mentorship of Pastor Matt Sharp. She serves on the worship team

and values the depth of leadership she’s encountered.

“Pastor Matt takes time to honor God’s presence. That’s taught me a lot about leading worship with intention,” she said.

Strange’s preparation for her future extended into a recent internship at Church Alive in Pikeville, where she worked alongside worship leaders and pastors. That experience helped con rm her interest in teaching and ministry, giving her peace about blending her passions for music and education.

Looking ahead to graduation, Strange remains open to wherever her journey leads.

“My prayer is to follow God’s plan, whatever that looks like,” she said. “I’ve learned that growth comes through faith, patience and surrender.”

PHOTOS COURTESY CHAD HERRING

Above, Chad Herring, left, gives a tour of his family’s pork farm to local students. Right, Nursery

COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF MOUNT OLIVE

Kara Strange, a senior at the University of Mount Olive and member of the Carolina Sound ensemble, uses her music to inspire and lead worship both on campus and beyond.

Parents turn loss into hope, raise $75K

By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal

FAISON — Donna and Denny Lanier faced a parent’s worst nightmare not once but twice. They lost their sons, Hill and Wright, to di erent forms of cancer 10 years apart. Wright died at 6 years old, and Hill died at 18.

In an interview with Duplin Journal, Donna said they were inspired by their own boys to help others experiencing what they had been through.

“Both of them had the heart, seeing what people were doing for our family, to say, ‘When I get better, we’re going to help other people,’” Donna said. “Denny and I felt like we wanted to do what they wanted to do.”

Last September, the Laniers attended the wedding of one of their son Hill’s best friends. He was marrying Jacy Phaneuf, who was associated with Riley’s Army, a nonpro t organization supporting children with cancer and their families in eastern North Carolina. Donna approached Phaneuf with an idea.

“We started talking, and I said, ‘Next September, I want to do something for childhood cancer,’” Donna said, adding she wanted to have it at Tara Creek. “I love this place,” she said.

Out of that conversation grew the Camo for a Cause event held last Saturday night at Tara Creek. The banquet facility was lled with sponsored tables, food, music and lots of people. All the money raised went to Riley’s Army, named after Riley Philpot, the daughter of Kirk and Kelly Philpot, doctors from Greenville. Riley died in 2011 at age 10 after a four-year battle with pediatric cancer.

Lee Graham, who owns Tara Creek with his wife, Amanda, told Duplin Journal

the full support of their family. What do you believe voters in District 4 value most about your leadership?

I have tried to be honest, transparent, passionate about farm life and make sure that House District 4 earned a seat at the decision-making table. I hope they believe I have achieved those goals.

You’ve long been a champion for agriculture — what speci c policies or initiatives will you prioritize in your next term?

Our right to farm laws seem to always attract challenges from a wide range of uninformed people and extreme left-leaning organizations who must think food comes from the grocery store. So we will continue to be alert and mindful of those challenges. Also, it is interesting to note that there are growing numbers of extreme right-leaning MAHA folks who present a di erent set of challenges. One of the continuing serious problems is the “traveling litigant lawyers” who prey on cer-

they were blessed to be a part of the event.

“I have been friends with Donna’s sister’s husband, Chuck Farrior, for quite some time,” Graham said. “I knew the family through Chuck. When they decided they wanted to help Riley’s Army, we certainly wanted to jump in.”

Funds for Riley’s Army were raised through the sale of table sponsorships for dinner, as well as through a silent auction and a live auction.

Amy Turner, marketing and operations manager for Tara Creek, said the event’s support was very successful.

“The sponsored tables were all sold out,” Turner said.

“The food, beverages and the items to be auctioned were all donated by local businesses and individuals.”

Notable at Camo for a Cause was the number of young people volunteering at the event.

“We were very blessed with a lot of young folks,” Graham said. “We reached out to Harrells Christian Academy, to the Beta Club there, and to some sporting teams at the high schools. We were very happy with the response. These children are giving back to children that are going through some hard times. It makes you realize there is still good in the world.”

Two volunteers were teen musicians Asher Brinson and Charlie Morris, who played traditional and bluegrass music during the event.

Another youth volunteer was the 2025 Teen Miss N.C. Poultry Jubilee, Harley Lanier.

“The whole community being involved is a big blessing and I love being a part of it,” Lanier told Duplin Journal. Turner estimated the event raised at least $75,000 for Riley’s Army.

“We’ve already set next year’s date for Sept. 26,” Turner said.

tain areas of our tried and tested farming methods and practices. Labeling on herbicides and pesticides are current areas of ruthless attacks. The lawfare tactics are designed (there are over 10,800 pending) to use state law as a springboard to get into court on issues where the state is bound by federal law. They want to le suit and settle out of court, like so many of our neighbors here in Duplin fell prey to during the infamous hog lawsuits. I will continue to ght them vigorously. What are the most pressing agricultural challenges facing District 4 today?

Weather, input costs, disaster recovery, loss of farmland to development, especially to solar facilities, and low commodity prices. But I am con dent that our well-developed livestock industry here in Duplin will help us stay above water. Most folks don’t realize that livestock accounts for 75% of our farm-gate sales, which produce the No. 1 economic driver for our state at $111.1 billion. Therein lies the strength of Duplin County agriculture. We must

promote and protect livestock production.

Are there any new issues or causes you plan to focus on if reelected?

Absolutely! Everyone is screaming that rampant violence, abusive language, political bashing, attacks on law enforcement, assassination attempts and ugly, debased immorality must stop! But I don’t think anyone is suggesting what will help those kinds of actions stop. We must try to reintroduce God and Christian teaching and behavior back into our schools. Surely we can try to do that. I will try.

You mentioned support from colleagues across the state — how do you see your role evolving in the General Assembly?

The response I have received across the state indicates that we have established a good and significant seat at the decision-making tables in the General Assembly. My e orts will be directed toward maintaining and improving that status for the bene t of District 4 and all future generations.

The pursuit escalated, prompting assistance from the Duplin County Sheri ’s O ce, North Carolina State Highway Patrol, and police departments from Kenansville and Rose Hill.

Beulaville o cials say Gallagher intentionally struck four law enforcement vehicles. He also damaged two buildings and several road signs before his truck collided with a State Highway Patrol cruiser in Kenansville. Sheri Stratton Stokes was among the o cers involved in the incident. The DCSO conrmed that no injuries were reported to any law enforcement personnel.

According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol Kenansville o ce, Gallagher crashed into the NCSHP building in Kenansville before being apprehended.

“He did strike the front of our building, and thankfully no one was injured,” NCSHP

1st Sgt. Jason Casteen told Duplin Journal. According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Gallagher was driving under the in uence.

Gallagher is now facing more than 30 charges, including multiple counts of assault with a deadly weapon on law enforcement o cers, hit-and-run o enses, driving while impaired, felony ee to elude arrest, aggressive driving, resisting a public ocer and numerous tra c violations, including driving without a license and possession of a stolen motor vehicle. His total secured bond has been set at just over $1.1 million. He is currently being held in the Duplin County Jail.

Investigators con rmed the truck had been reported stolen earlier that day in Swansboro. Inside, o cers recovered numerous pieces of lawn care equipment, which were also believed to be stolen.

Duplin

PHOTOS BY MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

Above, attendees at Camo for a Cause ll out silent auction forms to cast bids on donated items at the event, raising funds to support children with cancer and their families through the nonpro t Riley’s Army. Bottom left, Harley Lanier, the 2025 Teen Miss Poultry Jubilee, was one of many teen volunteers who helped with Camo for a Cause at Tara Creek. Bottom right, Denny and Donna Lanier prepare to welcome attendees to the Camo for a Cause event at Tara Creek on Saturday night. The Laniers teamed with Tara Creek and Riley’s Army to create the event in honor of their two sons, Hill and Wright, who both lost their battles with childhood cancer.

DIXON from page A1

DWI from page A1

Donna and Denny Lanier honored the memory of their sons and transformed their personal tragedy into purpose by hosting a fundraiser for Riley’s Army

DUPLIN SPORTS

Dawg power, endurance

WRH hangs the rst conference loss on Midway in 52 matches with defense and serving

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

TEACHEY — Head coach Kevin Williams made an adjustment, and the Wallace-Rose Hill volleyball team treated perennial 3A power Midway as it would any other team: overpower and outlast them.

Kevin

“We’re playing our great volleyball right now and perhaps peaking at the right time,” said Williams, whose squad beat Midway to break the Raiders’ 52-match winning streak in conference play last Friday afternoon on Steve Robinson Court.

WRH won the rst two sets, though, it wasn’t easy in 25-23 and 29-27 decisions before Midway responded with a 25-18 set.

Willliams gave Midway a di erent

schematic look by moving around his frontline players.

“We went to a hybrid that can give us two di erent looks to get more blocking on the right side,” said the coach whose team has gone 84-23 since 2021, improving its record each season. “It worked well in the rst two sets, but they caught on in the third, so I switched it back to how we normally do it.”

The ’Dawgs (15-2, 8-1) avenged a loss to the Raiders on Sept. 2 by taking the next set 25-18 for their rst monumental program win during the regular season.

“There was a lot of energy and electricity in that gym, and we fed o it,” Wiliams said. “We kept it on our side most of the match. Defense and our serving won that match.”

The defense slowed down Raiders outside hitter Kaedyn Moran (255 kills this season) just enough. Though she had 28 unreturnable spikes, WRH

The co-captain’s words and deeds were inspirational

By Bill Rollins For Duplin Journal

WARSAW — Eight-term 4th District state Rep. Jimmy Dixon of Duplin County remembers something senior co-captain Walker “Mac” McNeill told him before Dixon’s rst varsity football game as a starter in 1960.

“I was the ‘snotty-nosed’ sophomore starting quarterback,” Dixon said recently, “and while going through warm-ups before that game, Mac approached me and said, in essence, “‘Jimmy, Coach (Bill) Taylor has chosen you

The senior is averaging 15 yards per carry with 10 touchdowns on 42 carries

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

WARSAW — Who is the best running back in Duplin County?

Is it Wallace-Rose Hill’s Jamarae Lamb (124-950, 10 TDs), North Duplin’s Carell Phillips (80-706, 10 TDs), Harells Christian’s Jeremiah Davis (45-541, 5 TDs) East Duplin’s Shawn Davis (80-502, 7 TDs) or James Kenan’s Jeremiah Hall (42-631, 10 TDs)?

If judged by yards per carry, it’s the Tigers senior, who is putting up 15 yards each time he touches the ball.

Phillips is at 8.8, Lamb 7.7, Shawn Davis 6.6 and Jeremiah Davis 12.0.

“Thank you,” said JK coach Tim Grady, who’s running back has had fewer less carries than the other Duplin Journal running backs. He has nearly half the totes Shawn Davis and Phillips have, and 82 fewer carries than Lamb.

And while the race is far from over the Tigers senior, who ran for 1,150 yards and 13 touchdowns last season, could not only claim a Duplin County rushing title but be in line to rank among the all-time best. Marcelias Sutton ran for 1,804 yards and scored 26 touchdowns in 2012 when the Tigers went 15-1 and were 1AAA runners up. But rst Hall will have to run down Brandon Satchell, who had 1,773 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2007 when JK went 16-0 and won a 1AA title.

If he doesn’t make it past these two Tigers icons, it might be because JK has a handful of talented backs, with nearly every Tiger playing both ways.

Hall is a talented linebacker, though he’s not playing as much on defense this season.

“We’ve had long discus-

as our starting quarterback. I want you to know we think he made a good decision. You call the plays, and we’ll make them work.’

“And they did!”

They did it all through that unbeaten (14-0) state championship season, the school’s rst of three football state crowns (2007, 2013) and the rst in any sport for a Duplin County school.

“Mac’s gesture gave me condence that lasted three seasons and 36 games (35-1) at James Kenan,” said Dixon, who also played collegiately at Wake Forest as a defensive back and punt returner.

Now Dixon, who was elected to the JK Hall of Fame in its second class (2016), add-

sions as to how we should handle this situation,” Grady said. “He’s our go-to guy even though we’ve got ve that can run it really well, which is really a blessing. We just can’t have him play all night like that and not get rest, particularly after a long run or long series.”

Hall is averaging 3.5 tackles, but the Tigers defense is getting stronger each week.

“We’re sharing the wealth, yet it hardly seems like he gets any plays o ,” said John Bert Avent, JK’s defensive coordinator. “This kid has worked his tail o and is stronger and faster this year. He’s really a good linebacker, but we run him so hard o ensively.”

Around the JK campus he’s held in high regard by students, teachers and coaches.

“Character-wise he’s top notch,” Grady said. “I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like and respect him.”

Yet winning and not personal statistics are the focus of the Tigers, who went 12-2 last season and advanced to the fourth round of the playo s before falling to Northeastern.

Last Thursday, Hall’s four rst-half carries against Rosewood produced 84 yards and a pair of touchdowns as JK won in a 49-7 landslide.

ed a warm Hall of Fame welcome to the memory of McNeill, who died earlier this year.

“Congratulations teammate!” Dixon said.

McNeill will be inducted on Saturday, May 18, with three new fellow JK HOF members: two-time state championship football coach Ken Avent Jr., 2013 football state title game MVP and running back Marcelias Sutton, and three-sport star Cassandra Stroud.

The ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. in John P. Harmon Gym on campus.

This 10th class brings the Tigers legends roll call to 40

See HOF, page B4 See FOOTBALL, page B4

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

WRH is a handful of wins away from a school record with several matches left to set the mark. The Bulldogs beat Midway last week, and both have one league loss after splitting two matches.

“There was

lot

energy

electricity in that gym, and we fed o it.”

Williams, WRH coach

New James Kenan Hall of Fame inductee Mac McNeill, left, and fellow member Colon Quinn (2015) show o JK’s 1960 East Region and state championship trophies.

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Jeremiah Hall is running toward another 1,000-yard season and could rank among the all-time leaders at James Kenan before the season ends.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Mattie Gavin

Wallace-Rose Hill, volleyball

Bulldog volleyball fans owe Mattie Gavin a round of applause for how e ectively she’s used her hands.

Wallace-Rose Hill’s setter is the stir of the drink for a 15-2 team that upended power Midway last week in three sets in Teachey.

Gavin, who leads Duplin County in assists with 531, had 34 helping hand pushes and nine digs.

It was the 12th match in which Gavin, an all-Duplin player in 2024, had 30 or more assists.

One of her more notable matches came when she had a season-high 54 in a 3-2 win over Rosewood. She’s topped the 40-assist mark four times.

VOLLEYBALL from page B1

didn’t retreat during the match, and the senior wasn’t as e ective during key points.

Gracyn Hall (14) and Cailyn Hewlett (7) helped Midway have a 55-44 edge in kills.

But thunderous shots by the dynamic duo of Angelina Cavallaro (23) and Jansley Page (16) came because of 35 assists and nine digs from Mattie Gavin.

Gabby Debman’s four kills and ve blocks were likewise pivotal in the ’Dawgs fourth win in a row.

Midway (10-5, 9-1) had not lost a conference match in nearly ve years. The Raiders have gone 185-40 (78%) since 2016 and have seven league titles during that span. They advanced to the 2A nal in 2022 (16-1) and 2002, and went to the fourth round last season. The Raiders were 71-7 from 2022-24.

They beat the ’Dawgs 3-0 (25-22, 20-25, 25-23, 25-16) on Sept. 2 in Dunn.

Yet WRH also tamed another beast two days earlier in an easer-than-expected 25 -16, 25 -17, 25-8 triumph over Princeton to clinch the sea-

Bulldogs rumble past Cougars to kick o Swine Valley play

Wallace-Rose Hill ran for 449 yards in a 65-6 win over Goldsboro

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

GOLDSBORO — The Wallace-Rose Hill football team can’t forget the past. Nor can it linger in “what could have been.”

During the bye week, head coach Kevin Motsinger sought to keep it simple as the Bulldogs prepared for their rst Swine Valley Conference game.

“We felt the focus should be on us,” said Motsinger whose team went 1-3 during its nonconference schedule. “We went hard on Monday, Tuesday and half of Wednesday, and Thursday was supposed to all about preparing for Goldsboro.

“But I will say this, it was the best open week we’ve had since I’ve been here (2017), and we’re getting healthy and focused on what we want to do.”

But the league opener was pushed to Thursday to avoid several impending weather fronts predicting heavy rain and possible ooding.

son series with the Bulldogs. Page checked in with 18 kills and Cavallaro 18. Gavin had three aces, two blocks, three digs and 26 assists.

The Bulldogs were slated to face East Duplin (14-2) on Monday in a Duplin County rivalry match.

More battles with Raiders?

Midway (10-5, 9-1) and WRH could meet again in the Swine Valley Conference Tournament, and the two schools could clash in the 3A playo s as well.

WRH started the week as the No. 2 RPI team in 3A and the top team in the East. Midway is No. 8.

WRH raised $1,700 for a teacher in Duplin County with breast cancer during its Pink Out against Midway.

Volleyball — and sports — are about more than money to Williams, who recently won the 100th match of his career.

Cavallaro and Page each have 306 kills as the top spikers in Duplin County. They also both have 104 digs. Gavin’s 536 assists are the most in the county and the Swine Valley.

As per N.C.G.S. 160A-364, the Board of Commissioners of the Town of Kenansville has scheduled a public hearing on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the Town Hall located at 141 Routledge Road, Kenansville, N.C. 28349 to receive public comment on the following zoning matter: The Town of Kenansville has received a request to consider extending the manufactured housing overlay to include the property on the right side of

WRH’s revamped o ensive line that features Shane Miller and Jacob Hester at guard slots, Christian Scarlett and Jacoby Dixon at tackle, and Tashii Hu n at center opened up massive lanes during a 65-6 stomping in Goldsboro.

The Bulldogs ran for 449 yards as running backs Jamarae Lamb and Jamari Carr each had a pair of scores, and wing back/split end Adrian Glover and fullback Montavious

Hall also found the end zone.

“Our o ensive line has made huge strides,” Motsinger said. “They were ring o the ball and executing after the whistle. We’ve made huge strides. They got more physical and created holes against a big front.

“We also got to play some JV kids who made some mistakes but got a taste of playing with the big boys, and that’s going to pay o .” Lamb ran for 192 yards on 10 carries, Carr needed just three to get 101, while Hall six totes produced 80 yards. Lamb is 50 yards shy of the 1,000-yard mark for the season and is averaging 190 yards per game to lead all Duplin County runners. His 10 touchdowns are tied with James Kenan’s Jeremiah Hall and North Duplin’s Carell Phillips. Glover meanwhile tallied 82 yards on the ground and caught a 25-yard touchdown pass from Matthew Wells. Another physical challenge against Princeton

There will be Bulldogs ying all over the eld on Friday when Princeton comes to Teachey.

While the Johnston County Bulldogs are young, they are 3-2 with the same single-wing o ense that head coach Travis Gaster brought in 2015. He’s guided Princeton to wins in 71% of its games (88-36).

Gaster is the son of the late Jack Gaster (230-72-3), who three-consecutive state titles at Albemarle.

“They have athletes and holy-smoke size,” Motsing-

er said. “Their nose (guard) is 378 pounds and is way bigger than Scarlett, who is 360 on our scales.

“I’m concerned about getting outside to practice and prepare for what they do. Gaster is as good as anyone in getting his players to play in their style.”

WRH will need to control running back Teo McPhatter (1,296 yards, 19 TDs), who torched Midway for 389 yards two weeks ago during a 73-50 loss.

“He has good body control, balance and feel for running,” Motsinger said. “And if he gets six yards past the line, he’s got the speed to take it all the way.” Princeton is averaging 406 yards per game with Gerrell Bogle and Austin Lewallen, and both have run for more than 300 yards.

Princeton’s other loss came against East Duplin (42-20 on Aug. 29), and Gaster’s club had its open week last Friday.

Yet the Princeton defense has many holes as it has given up more points than it has scored (230-208).

“We’ve got to continue to get better and eliminate our one -guy mistakes on plays that cost us big plays,” Motsinger said. “I go back to the East Duplin game where a 4-yard gain turns into a touchdown because of one guy. Everyone on both sides of the ball needs to do their job.”

WRH stays on the road for another Swine Valley test Oct. 10 when the Bulldogs (2-3, 1-0) take on Midway (5 -1, 2-0), which plays James Kenan (4-1, 2-0) this Friday in Warsaw.

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Khajyre Murphy blows up a Goldsboro play and turns it into negative yardage during WRH’s 65-6 rout over the Cougars last Friday.

Crusader ‘playmakers’ shine during road ambush of Lions

Reid Strickland threw a pair of touchdown passes, and Jeremiah Davis and Dashuan McKoy added scores as the Crusaders beat Covenant Day 51-21

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

MATTHEWS — A Wing-T

o ense that has a quarterback with 10 touchdown strikes in six games.

An emerging lead running back who has averaged nearly 140 yards and found the end zone ve times the past three games.

A stable of fast wing backs and hard runners, along with the return of a bruising fullback.

And it’s impossible to not mention a defense that shut out two teams, yielded just a touchdown against another and has not allowed a score in 13 quarters, and has used its special teams for points.

All of this played into the equation as Harrells Christian nished up its nonconference NCISAA schedule with a 5-1 mark after last Friday’s 51-21 win over Covenant Day.

The victory in Matthews was the rst road trip for the Crusaders and helped them avenge

a 28-6 loss to the Lions on opening night in 2024 that cost HCA a spot in the postseason.

Reid Strickland threw a pair of touchdown passes, Jeremiah Davis ran for two scores, and Jarrod Miller had a banner game after returning from an injury.

Strickland hit on all three of his passes for 78 yards, including touchdown strikes to Demetrius Jones and Dashaun McKoy.

The Crusaders’ junior quarterback has thrown for an area-high 10 touchdowns and has 514 yards this season from 26 completions. HCA is averaging 19 yards when a receiver catches his passes. He has also handed the rock o and kept HCA’s o ense centered.

Miller scored a touchdown during a seven-carry, 136-yard performance which also saw him lay down several key blocks as HCA ran for 319 yards.

It was a career high for the 5-foot-9, 205-pound bull, who had 89 yards versus South Wake and 79 against Hickory Grove. The sophomore ran for 528 yards last season and eight touchdowns, second on the Crusaders to Jones.

Yet the brightest and highest-rising back is Davis, who ran the ball seven times for 159

yards. Davis (45-541) has 417 yards, scored ve times in the past three games and has averaged 13.5 yards per carry during that stretch.

His 541 yards this season is more than he had as a sophomore running (35-235) and catching (3-62) the football. Davis has nabbed ve Strickland passes this fall for 160 yards.

McKoy, who was a starter on the HCA basketball team that won a school-record 30 games, returned a punt for a score. He’s also scored twice on kicko returns.

“We’re playing pretty solid football right now and have a bunch of playmakers making plays,” said head coach Clayton Hall. “We’re on a bit of a roll and would like to keep it going.

“Jeremiah has made a lot of explosive plays for us. Our O-line is getting better. The last three games he has just taken o .” The game was the rst road trip this season for HCA.

Trip to City of Oaks will kick o Big East slate

HCA’s second journey will be shorter, though even more important as it travels to the state capital to play North Raleigh Christian to open Big East Conference play on Friday.

Davis

“It’s a shorter and more comfortable trip, but we have to go there ready,” Hall said. “We were lethargic in the rst quarter against Covenant Day. The kids understand how important our next game is. They know I feel we should never lose this game. They got us for the rst time in ’22 (55-6) in what was the rst time they ever beat us.”

HCA retaliated with wins in 2023 (28-21) and 2024 (34-18).

The Knights (3-2) rallied from a 20-7 de cit last Friday to beat Metrolina Christian 35-28 when Cooper Herakovich connected with Davin McKoy for an 18-yard score.

McKoy had a pair of 9-yard scores and Herakovich a TD pass to Gracyn Jones.

Herakovich (57-82) has thrown for 740 yards and eight touchdowns this season with ve interceptions. McKoy (52-298) is the team’s top runner and third in receptions (9-110).

Senior TE/WR Marcus Moore (19-237, TD) and sophomore WR/DB Jones (20-239, 3 TDs) are the primary targets for Herakovich, a 6-4, 180-pound signal caller who HCA can’t allow to sit in the pocket.

NRC beat Wayne Christian 20-14 earlier this season, while HCA handled the Eagles 34 -14. Wayne Christian will be the fth member of the Big East next season.

Crusader clipboard

Sophomore linebacker Noah Tanner led HCA in tackles with nine. Amir Moore and Jesse Smith had four each. The Lions had a mere 147 yards of o ense (53 running, 94 passing). Moore and Sam McKeithan each had two tackles were for lost yardage. Xander Garcia recovered a fumble. Davis, Miller and McKoy had two-point conversions. HCA’s run o ense is averaging 7.7 yards per rush.

HCA travels to Asheville Christian on Oct. 10. It’s next two games are key league affairs as Ravenscroft (1-4) visits Murphy-Johnson Stadium the following week and the Crusaders nishing the regular season with a trip to Fayetteville to face Trinity Christian (3-1) on Halloween night.

The Bulldogs and Panthers hope to build on momentum; ND gets its second win of the season

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

BEULAVILLE — Consistency on the soccer eld almost seems as di cult to develop and control as a ball kicked from outside the penalty box.

A modest two-game winning streak and 3-1-1 mark in its last ve matches has East Duplin (6-5-1) turning the short-term momentum into a much longer movement as play in the ECC started this week.

The Panthers have had their ups and downs in nonconference matches but may have ironed out a few concerns.

Yoskar Canales scored seven goals in wins over Liberty Christian (6-0) and Spring Creek (5-0).

“We need him to score and then maybe teams will pay too much attention to him and other players will step up,” said Panthers coach Blake Lanier. “Our defense is starting to read things better than we did early in the year. We’re not putting ourselves in as many bad situations.”

Canales needed four shots to make four goals against the NCISAA Heat. Brayan Mendez and Luis Ramirez added scores as ED pounded home ve second-half scores.

Brayan Gonzalez had a pair of assists, and goalie Brayan Orozco-Cabrera earned the win by stopping a penalty kick.

Canales, a rst-team all-Duplin player who scored 27 goals last season when ED went 15-7-1 and tied for the ECC title, had a hat trick against the Gators. He scored two of the Panthers’ rst three goals, and Brayan Dominguz added another as ED went in front 3-1 at halftime. After the break, Yobani Gomez connected, and Canales nished out the scoring with his Duplin County-leading 14th goal of fall. Weather permitting, the Panthers have three conference matches this week — Southwest

Onslow (1-7), Trask (2-6-2) and Spring Creek (5-8) — that look winnable.

“If we don’t let up, we’ll be OK,” said Lanier, Duplin’s Coach of the Year in 2024.

ED’s record is a bit deceiving in that it has two losses to 5A Richlands (12-1-2), setbacks to 6A schools Newton-Conover and Jacksonville, and a split with rival Wallace-Rose Hill.

A visit from ECC favorite

Clinton (10-2), which won a 2A title last fall, follows Oct. 6.

Bulldogs’ o ense catching up with defensive e orts

Wallace-Rose Hill, which beat Clinton 1-0, started play in its new conference with shutout wins over Princeton and Midway.

The Bulldogs (5-4-1, 3-0) have skunked three foes this season and allowed just 20 goals.

The defense is run around goalie Angel Seville and freshman keeper Emerson Andronde.

“Angel is a big body in the box and a good keeper,” said rst-year head coach Aaron Murray. He teaches Emerson, and Emerson pushes him every day in practice.”

Meanwhile, senior Brayen Sanchez and sophomore Dorlin Andrande are developing into stellar defenders.

“They step in and manhandle what they can manhandle,” Murray said. “Sometimes that’s the best way to describe it.”

And the WRH o ense is picking up steam.

Felix Funes had goals in both wins and has 11 this fall as the club’s top scorer.

“We’re getting the goals we’ve got to have but not the breakthrough of pounding the net and scoring,” Murray said. “We’ve got to get to the point where we hit the easy ones in the box, even when we play 2-0, 3-2 or 4-3 games. We’re registering between 18 and 20 shots per game. We need more of them to go in, and that will come in time with these guys.”

Wilmer Flores and Junior Ayestas connected during the 3-0 conquest of Princeton.

Funes and Patrick Reyes scored in the 2-0 victory over the Raiders.

Murray also had praise for defender D’Angelo Pineda.

“The rst day of summer workouts he didn’t want to play but said to me, ‘I’ll give you a chance.’ Since then, he’s stepped up and been a key guy back there and is as feisty a player as you will nd.”

WRH’s nonconference slate include brutal matches with Franklin Academy, Clinton, Laney and Cape Fear. The Bulldogs were to face Spring Creek and Rosewood this week and then James Kenan on Oct. 6 in Warsaw.

Tigers clip Cougars, fall to Raiders

James Kenan (4-5-2, 2-2) split two matches last week, falling to Midway 2-1 and shutting out Goldsboro 5-0.

Ismael Covarrubias had the lone score against the Raiders and hit the back of the net twice against the Cougars. He has 11 goals this fall.

Julio Mondragon scored twice and Je ery Flores once for Midway.

Tigers Gerzon Diaz, Fernando Reyes and Kaleb Gallegos scored on the Cougar’s turf.

Rebels nab second win of season

Roberson Godniez, Victor Mata, Esdres Lopes, Sergio Garcio, Sergio Ibarra, Logan Wood and Christian Velasquez scored goals as North Duplin (2-4, 2-3) beat West Columbus 7-0 last Friday in Cerro Gordo in a Carolina 1A/2A Conference match.

The Rebels will look to sweep the season series with East Columbus this week. They won 4-3 on Sept. 8 in Calypso.

Panthers, Rebels spikers seek to have historic nishes

East Duplin is pursuing 22 wins, while North Duplin wants surpass last season

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

BEULAVILLE — East Duplin is turning back the clock.

North Duplin is writing a new chapter in its history.

The Panthers (14-2) won their sixth in a row last week by beating South Lenoir 3-0 (25-21, 25-19, 25-10) and are one win shy of last season’s win total when they were 15-7.

Other milestones await as head coach Susan Raynor’s squad will play ve more ECC matches, play in the league’s postseason tournament and then look to make a run in the 4A playo s.

But that’s probably putting the quest to put a record in front of the daily ball carts the Panthers will serve and spike.

Yet for fun, it’s not impossible for ED to approach the 21 wins it had in 2009, 2012 and 2013. For even bigger fun, imagine a 22-win season that sets the tone for all other seasons that follow.

OK, the Panthers still have serious work to do and must remain the consistent team they have been for the previous 16 matches.

Last Tuesday, Zoe Cavanaugh and Zoe Turner came up big in several categories as ED whipped Pender in

from page B1

members. And the selection committee says it’s not done yet.

Two-way terror

McNeill, of course, was much more in football than a pep-talk guy.

He was a two-way terror at offensive guard and inside linebacker. As a senior, his teammates named him co-captain with Colon Quinn, a rst-ballot JK HOF member in 2015, and McNeill was a two-time, rst-team All-East Central Conference selection.

He also played in the N.C. East-West All-Star Game in Greensboro the summer after his senior year. Fellow senior Tigers lineman Bobby Best had been selected but couldn’t go, and his coach, Taylor, recommended and sent McNeill instead.

McNeill didn’t choose to play college football but graduated from NC State with a degree in science and earned an advanced degree at Virginia Tech before spending his career in dairy science research.

He was also a top student at James Kenan and quite admired by classmates. In their senior year, he was voted most popular, most intellectual and best all-around.

His wife-to-be, Jean Chambers of Kenansville, also was the only JK player to make the 1960-61 all-conference girls’ basketball team.

three quick sets (25-6, 25-15, 25-14).

Cavanaugh had nine kills, three aces and nine digs, while Turner netted ve kills and four aces.

Karsyn Parker and Callie Mewborn combined for 17 digs.

Kinsey Cave’s nine kills, six aces and six digs paced the Panthers past South Lenoir two days later. Cavanaugh pitched in with six kills, Bennett Holley ve kills and two aces and Parker with 10 digs.

ED won 25-21, 25-19 and 25-10.

On Monday of last week, Turner, Cavanaugh and Cave combined for 23 kills in a 3-0 (27-25, 25-13, 25-21) revenge win over Liberty Christian, who beat ED 3-1 on Sept. 8.

Hubert “Pepsi” Merritt was another classmate/teammate, another one of the brains of the bunch, and maybe should have been a tri-captain with McNeill and Quinn.

Merritt played halfback on offense and defense, and he caught winning touchdown passes from Dixon that season against arch-rival Wallace-Rose Hill (13-7, breaking a 20-year victory drought) and Ayden High (19-13), the latter in the Class 1A East Region semi nal.

The Tigers blanked Benvenue High of Rocky Mount 19-0 in the East nal and squeezed past N.C. School for the Deaf 13-12 in the state title game in Morganton.

“Mac was honest and a good man,” Merritt said recently. “All my life I never heard him say anything bad about anybody.

“In football and classwork, he did everything he was supposed to do.”

But Merritt also remembers that when they were sophomores and Johnny Godbold was a star senior fullback/lineman, somebody commented in an early practice about how much weight Godbold had gained.

“Well,” Merritt said, mcNeill quipped, “‘That’s two cases of beer!’

“I thought Johnny was gonna tear him up — but the coaches stopped it right there!”

McNeill’s wife, Jean, remembers a man who was faithful and true, always regarding his family rst, including their three children: James

The seven-game winning streak started after the loss in Richlands.

Can Rebels nish historic run?

North Duplin (11-4, 7-2) is also a win away from matching last season’s win total (12-10) and ve from pushing past the program-best 15-9 mark it had in 2011.

Yet it will take a few upsets for that to happen.

Maggie Brown surpassed the 100 -kill mark last Tuesday during a ve-set win over East Bladen.

Brown’s 18 kills were a season high, and ND needed every one, along with the seven it got from Abby Norris and six apiece it received from Kloe DeHoyas and Melany Sanchez.

ND trailed by a set twice but rallied to win the fourth set 25-10 and tie-breaker 15-9.

The Eagles took the opening set 27-25, ND tied it with a 25-23 conquest and then lost a 25-21 third set to force the Rebels to go the distance.

Senior Lilly Fulghum, who is rst in Duplin County in aces (48) and second in assists (215), came through with two aces, 39 assists and 11 digs.

Marissa Bernal had a season-high 30 digs, including her 200th of the fall. Her 208 digs are tops in the county.

East Bladen beat ND 3-0 on Sept. 2 on the Rebels’ home oor.

The win also kept the Eagles two games away from the third-place Rebels in the Carolina 1A/2A Conference standings.

Walker “Bo” McNeill, Katherine Allene McNeill-Barthel and Michael Boone McNeill.

“Mac was a wonderful husband, a great father and my best friend,” she said. Jean, an all-conference basketball player at JK, also o ered a humorous anecdote about McNeill’s limited run with Tigers hoops.

“He used to joke about it,” she said. “He’d say he only took one shot in a game — and made it. Then he’d say, ‘How many people can say they had a 1.000 shooting percentage for their whole career?’

“That was Mac.”

His younger brother Dan K. McNeill was a four-star general in the U.S. Army (retired in 2008) and in 2007 commanded 35,500 NATO ground forces in Afghanistan during the escalation of the war with the Taliban. Before that, Dan was a paratrooper in the Vietnam War and the commanding o cer at Fort Bragg in Fayetteville.

Their youngest brother, Clarence “Boone” McNeill, gave his life serving his country in Vietnam.

Sister Barbara “Sally” McNeill Miller is a retired former tax o cer in Duplin County.

Bill Rollins is a James Kenan and UNC graduate and lifelong sportswriter, who wrote for Duplin Times and Charlotte Observer during his 40-plus year career.

TOWN OF TEACHEY

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

He’s been limited in other games as well. He got 85 on opening night during a 56-3 blowout of Southern Wayne and 164 with three scores in another smoke job versus Spring Creek (77- 0).

Hall had 10 carries and 85 yards against East Duplin, but the Tigers went in front 21-0 and his totes were once again limited.

His breakout game this fall came when he had 202 yards and three touchdowns as JK nearly beat 6A Southern Nash, falling 44-42 in Rocky Mount.

That’s been the lone loss for JK (4-1, 1-0) as it prepares to host Midway (5-1, 2-0) on Friday at Bill Taylor Field.

The Raiders will no doubt get the opportunity to tackle Hall more than a few times.

Raiders piling up points

JK’s defense will be tested as Midway is averaging 47 points per game with a nice balance between running (1,595 yards) and passing (993).

Junior quarterback Tanner Williams has hit on 45 of 76 passes for nine touchdowns and run for 358 yards with eight scores.

Running back Wesly Tew, a 6-2, 190-pound sophomore, has 859 yards and nine scores as the top runner. Gehemiah Blue (36-199, 6 TDs) is also a weapon for head coach Barrett Sloan.

Sloan (30-20 for his career) has guided the Raiders to an 11-4 mark since 2024 after going 19-16 in three seasons at Lakewood.

“It’s de nitely a challenge for us that we are not looking past,” Grady said. “They’ve got good size up front on both sides of the ball, and we expect a physical game like we had against East Duplin.

“We’re excited about the challenge.”

JK leads the all-time series 19-11 and are 8-2 against the Raiders since 2009.

The Tigers’ 77 points against the Gators was three points o the school’s all-time high.

JK beat Midway 80-58 in 2023.

Gridiron notebook

Hill returned the opening kicko for a touchdown against the Eagles and scored after going 31 yards via an Eli Avent pass. Taulil Pearsall added a running score and had an interception, while fullback Cal Avent ran for a season-high 42 yards running up the gut of the defense.

JK led 35-7 at halftime. David Zeleya returned a fumble 63 yards for a score one play after Hall went 31 yards to pay dirt.

JK’s second-string o ense ran eight plays after Pearsall’s pick to eat up the fourth-quarter clock, which ran nonstop once the Tigers went in front with 8:01 left in the third.

Ismael Covarruibus hit all seven of his PAT attempts. The sophomore also scored three goals for the soccer team last week. His 11 goals are second in Duplin County to East Duplin’s Yoskar Caneles’ 14.

Kentrell Morrisey (10-83) added a touchdown.

Free safety Zeleya and senior linebacker Stedman McIver are averaging 10 tackles per game. They are followed by Jacquez Smith (8.3), Zamarion Smith (7.5), Hill (5.6), Alex Vasquez (4.5) and Hall (4.4).

NOTICES

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

The Public Hearing for the Town of Teachey to consider lowering the current tax rate and amending the current budget will be 10/13/25 @ 6:00 pm at the Teachey Town Hall in Teachey, NC 28464. Any questions or concerns call 910-285-7564.

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

ND’s Maggie Brown passed the 100-kill mark last week during a win over East Blades.

HOF

obituaries

Gerry Philip Blake

Dec. 24, 1980 –Sept. 23, 2025

Gerry Philip Blake, 44, of Rocky Point, passed peacefully from his earthly life.

Tuesday, September 23, 2025.

He was born on December 24, 1980, in Wilmington, to the late Gerry Philip Blake Sr. and Michelle Mallory Garrison.

Gerry is survived by his mother, Michelle Garrison and husband, Richard; several aunts; uncles; nieces; nephews; cousins; and a special father-like gure, Bobby Williams.

In addition to his father, Gerry was preceded in death by his brothers, Cody Williams and Scott Blake.

Gerry will be remembered as a kind soul with a gracious heart who had a love for dogs.

Memorial service will be held at a later date.

Craig Mckelpline Crumpler

March 29, 1943 –Sept. 27, 2025

Craig Mckepline Crumpler, 82, passed away on Saturday, September 27, 2025.

The funeral service is Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 7 p.m., followed by visitation at Community Funeral Home in Beulaville, NC.

He is survived by his wife, Jean Crumpler of Beulaville, NC; sons Robin Crumpler (Jodi) of Surf City, NC; Joseph Crumpler and Joshua Crumpler, both of Jacksonville, NC; and Shown Brown (Renee) and Casey “Buddy” Brown (Terry), both of Fountaintown, NC; his sister, Debra Smith (Harold) of Pink Hill, NC; brothers Bob Quinn (Rhoda) of Mt. Olive, NC, and Tony Quinn (Teresa) of Raeford, NC; and nine grandchildren.

Je rey Lynn Brogden

Nov. 2, 1972 – Sept. 23, 2025

Magnolia - Je rey Lynn Brogden, 52, of Magnolia, passed away Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at his home. Je rey was born in Sampson County, North Carolina, on November 2, 1972, to Linda Ezzell Brogden and the late George Brogden, Sr.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, September 29, 2025, at the Devotional Gardens of Warsaw.

Left to cherish his memory are his mother, Linda E. Brogden of Magnolia; brother, George Brogden Jr. of Magnolia; nephew, George Brogden III; and very close friends, Jamie and Lisa Taylor of Ivanhoe; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Je rey was preceded in death by his father, George Brogden, Sr.

Ivan Harvey

Dec. 30, 1951 – Sept. 25, 2025

Goldsboro- With profound sadness, the family of Mr. Ivan Harvey, age 73, announces his passing on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at UNC Health Wayne, surrounded by his loving wife. Though he is no longer with us, his impact was immeasurable, and his memory will be cherished forever. Join us as we lift this family in prayer as they prepare to make the nal arrangements. “ Earth had no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.”

Connie Blizzard Rhodes

Jan. 16, 1957 – Sept. 27, 2025

Connie Blizzard Rhodes, 68, passed away on Saturday, September 27, 2025, in ECU Duplin Hospital, Kenansville, NC.

Bobby Carroll Harper

Oct. 29, 1942 – Sept. 24, 2025

Dover- It is with deep sorrow and humble hearts that we announce the passing of Bobby Carroll Harper, age 82, who entered eternal rest on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, due to a tragic accident. The arrangements are incomplete at this time and will be announced at a later date. Please continue to keep the family lifted in your prayers during their time of bereavement.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Earl Daniel and Frances Blizzard, and a brother, Marty Blizzard.

Visitation is Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 7-9 p.m. at Community Funeral Home in Beulaville, NC.

A graveside service will be Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 11 a.m. at East Duplin Memorial Gardens in Beulaville, NC

She is survived by her son, Daniel Blizzard of Beulaville, NC; sisters Diane Henderson (Vic) of Raleigh, NC, and Emma Kaye Atkinson (Greg) of Beulaville, NC; brother Wally Blizzard (Denise) of Beulaville, NC; and grandchildren Brody Blizzard, Noah Blizzard and Josie Blizzard, along with many beloved family members and friends.

Patricia Dawn Gazaleh

Oct. 18, 1963 – Sept. 24, 2025

Patricia Dawn Gazaleh, 61, of Wallace, passed from this earthly life to her eternal rest on Wednesday, September 24, 2025.

She was born on October 18, 1963, in Wilmington, NC, the daughter of Patricia Cockman Gazaleh of Rose Hill and the late Zaki “Zak” Nasralla Gazaleh.

Patsy, as she was a ectionately called, grew up at Wells Chapel Baptist Church, where she played church softball, was a member of GAs, and was very involved in her church.

Surviving in addition to her mother is her brother, Nickolas “Nic” Gazaleh, and wife, Cheryl of Wake Forest, NC; aunts, uncles, cousins, and numerous extended family members who loved Patsy dearly.

Patsy was a loving daughter and caring sister who loved her family with all her heart. She was a graduate of Wallace-Rose Hill High School and continued her education at Brevard College for two years. She then attended NC State University, graduating with a BS/BA degree in English. Later in life, Patsy found her true calling, which was nursing. She studied hard and received her nurse’s degree and went to work in a doctor’s o ce. Patsy never met a stranger. She loved people and people loved her in return. Patsy will surely be missed, but she will never be forgotten.

Graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, September 29, 2025, at Wells Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery with Reverend Stan Jenkins o ciating.

In lieu of owers, donations may be sent to Wells Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 8565 S NC 41 Hwy, Wallace, NC 28466.

Joyce Kennedy Jackson

Nov. 18, 1944 – Sept. 25, 2025

Joyce Kennedy Jackson, 80, passed away on Thursday, September 25, 2025, in ECU Health Center, Greenville, NC.

A graveside service will be Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Jackson Family Cemetery at 633 Lyman Road in Beulaville, NC. Visitation will take place at the cemetery.

She is survived by her son, John Clayton Jackson Jr. “Clay” (Kim) of Grifton, NC; daughter Susan Jackson Harper (Lynwood) of Kenansville, NC; brother Carroll Kennedy (Fran) of Pink Hill, NC; sisters Janet Simmons of Beulaville, NC, Myra Jo Smith (Gerald) of Pink Hill, NC, and Jill Sanderson (Doug) of Beulaville, NC; and grandchildren Blythe Jackson, Corbin Jackson and Bodie Harper.

Community Funeral Home of Beulaville is honored to serve the Jackson family.

Edith Virginia Britt Costin

Oct. 18, 1928 – Sept. 27, 2025

Edith Virginia Britt Costin, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and greatgrandmother, passed away on September 27, 2025. She was born on October 18, 1928, in Wayne County, to the late Charlie Livingston Britt and Lillie Mae Capps Britt of Mount Olive, NC. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, William J. Costin, Sr., with whom she shared 58 wonderful years of marriage.

A dedicated member of the Warsaw United Methodist Church, Edith actively participated in the United Methodist Women and served as a circle chairperson. She was also a Sunday School teacher and the church historian. Edith helped to start the Warsaw 4-H Club and served as a leader for many years. She was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9810 Warsaw Auxiliary, where she held the role of president for several years. An avid reader and passionate bridge player, she found joy in these pastimes for as long as she was able. She also loved spending time with her family at Topsail Beach. Edith was an exceptional cook, with her family especially cherishing her famous rice soup and chicken and pastry. Her love for sharing memories led her to publish a book of memoirs, which is now a treasured keepsake for her family.

In addition to her husband and parents, Edith was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Jeanie Carol Costin; grandson, Robert Costin; brothers, Charlie Britt Jr., Carroll Britt, Willie Britt, Jim Britt, and Ru n Britt; and sisters, Hazel Wiggins, Fannie Jackson, and Ruth Daniels. She is survived by her children: William J. Costin, Jr. and wife Kathy; Gail Costin; Angela Hines and husband David; Wanda Ponton and husband Charlie; and Lori Smith and husband Scotty. She leaves behind cherished grandchildren: Rebekah Roth and husband Laurence, Virginia Wheeler and husband Mike, Samantha Hines, Noah Ponton, and Caleb Ponton; as well as great-grandchildren Lucas Wheeler, Jack Wheeler, Ellie Roth, and Libby Roth. She is also survived by her brother, Cedric Britt; sister-in-law, Kathryn Gardner; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Edith was a kind, caring, and remarkable woman who touched the lives of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever held in the hearts of her family and friends.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 10 a.m. at the Warsaw United Methodist Church. A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary, with a graveside service immediately following at Pinecrest Cemetery. In lieu of owers, memorials may be made to the Warsaw United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 422, Warsaw, NC 28398, or to a charity meaningful to you.

Billy Dail

Aug. 14, 1939 – Sept. 25, 2025

Thursday Afternoon, September 25, 2025, Billy Raybon Dail ascended peacefully to his heavenly home.

Billy, age 86, was born in the Wolfscrape community of Duplin County on August 14, 1939, to parents Currie and Annie Mae Barnette Dail. He was raised in Warsaw, where he continued to live, with the exception of his time served in the US Air Force. After his tenure in the Air Force and upon returning to Warsaw, he met and married Ruth Carolyn Warren. At the time of her death, they had been married for 54+ years. He held several jobs before working and retiring from DuPont in Leland. After retirement, he obtained his CDL and used it while employed with AG Protein in Rose Hill.

He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Warsaw, where in his pre-dementia years he served as a deacon, participated in the choir and other committees on as needed basis. He was a devout Christian which showed in his nal days, despite the dementia. Along with serving his Lord and Savior and spending time with family he enjoyed hunting and shing.

Billy, loving known as PaPa leaves behind a daughter, Lisa C Tyndall of Calypso, a granddaughter, Cora J Gore of Calypso and four greatgrandchildren, Vance Carter, Bailey Foster, Bryce Foster all of Calypso and Blair Cox of Bu alo, OK., a grandson, David Tyndall (Liz), great grandson Andrew Kyle (Deisy), and great great-grandchildren, Ariyanna, Damien and Quinn Kyle all of Clayton, sister Laura Eloise Dail Honeycutt of Macon, GA. He also leaves behind a treasured friend, hunting and shing buddy, Michael Chestnut (Kelly) of Clinton, and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Carolyn Warren Dail, son, Vance Warren Dail, grandson, Joel Cox and great granddaughter, Cora Cox, son in law David “T-Bone” Tyndall brother, Currie “Bud” Dail of and sister, Louise Dail Evans.

On Tuesday, September 30, 2025, the family will have a visitation at 1 p.m. at Community Funeral Home of Warsaw, with a memorial service to follow at 2 p.m. The Reverend Tim Gore and Currie Dail will o ciate. All visitation will be held at the funeral home.

The family wishes to take this opportunity to express their gratitude for all the care received from the sta at Goldsboro Assisted Living & Alzheimer’s Care and Gentiva Hospice of Goldsboro. He was happy and loved each of you. We couldn’t have asked for better care and attention.

Memorial gifts may be made to either of the following:

Calvary Baptist Church, c/o Earl Rouse 709 Memorial Drive Warsaw, NC 28398

Goldsboro Assisted Living 2201 Royal Avenue Goldsboro, NC 27534

Genitive Hospice of Goldsboro 2309 Wayne Memorial Drive, Goldsboro, NC 27534

Flora Mae Horrell Costin

May 9, 1941 – Sept. 25, 2025

Flora Mae Horrell Costin, 84, passed peacefully on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare in Wilmington, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born May 9, 1941, in Bladen County, the daughter of Lawrence Willard Horrell and Nellie Naomi Carter Horrell. In addition to her parents, Flora Mae was preceded in death by her husband, Jesse Leverne Costin; brother, Carl Horrell; and sister, Carolyn Woodcock. Flora Mae is survived by her son, Randy Costin (Betsy); daughters, Gay Johnson (Roy) and Camille Harrell (Randy); grandchildren, Andrea Costin (Tripp), Jared Johnson (Ivy), Jessica Blansett (Craven), Chase Harrell, and Mackenzie Harrell; great grandchildren, Banks Strickland, Finlee Johnson, Reynolds Johnson, Caison Blansett, Grayson Harrell, and Charlotte Council; sisters, Janice Rich and Phyllis Strickland; brother, Wayne Horrell (Bonnie); many nieces, nephews, and friends.

In 1958, Flora married the love of her life, Jesse Costin, going on to have three children: Randy, Gay and Camille, building a loving home of 59 years together.

A ectionately known as Grandma to her grandchildren, she found great joy spending as much time as she could with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Being a mother, grandmother, and greatgrandmother was one of the most important parts of Flora’s life, a role that gave her much pride and joy. She was loving, kind, and supportive and will be dearly missed.

Flora was a full-time mom and homemaker for several years before working outside the home. After many years, she dedicated over 22 years of service to Myers Craft Manufacturing Company as a canvas fabricator.

LOCAL BRIEFS

60 pounds of marijuana seized during tra c stop

Duplin County

According to the Duplin County Sheri ’s O ce, law enforcement agencies conducted a tra c stop near I-40 Exit 373 on Sept. 18 with assistance from K-9 Cortez, who alerted them to the presence of narcotics. Tyler Blackwood, 27, of Charlotte, was arrested at the scene and taken to the Duplin County Jail. He was placed on a $75,000 secured bond. Law enforcement o cials seized 60 pounds of marijuana, valued at more than $150,000. Blackwood faces charges of tra cking marijuana, driving without a valid operator’s license and following too closely.

She had a passion for gardening, which brought much joy and beauty to her home and yard. Any given day, you might see her outside working in her yard, picking up those dreaded pinecones, limbs and tending to her beautiful owers and plants. Not only did she enjoy her outside interests, but she also had many inside ones, including being a great seamstress, sewing costumes for school plays for her children and others as well as curtains, pillows, clothing, and anything else she set her mind to.

She took much pride in cooking and baking, especially during the holidays and family gatherings. Flora also loved the beach, looking for shells, surf shing, and pier shing; the location didn’t matter; she just wanted to catch the biggest sh. Having a competitive spirit, she and her grandchildren began a contest on who could catch the biggest sh. Flora also enjoyed the sport of basketball; she attended and played at Atkinson High School. She continued to talk about the great times that were had and long-lasting friendships she made and maintained with her teammates and classmates throughout the years. Some of her greatest pleasures were her family’s annual pumpkin carving parties, egg hunts, birthday parties, cookouts, sh frys, and all holidays or the just because gettogethers with family and friends.

Flora was a devoted member of Shiloh Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday school, served on the Social Committee, and assisted with Bible school over the years. She also looked forward to monthly outings with the ladies of the church; they were great friends in Christ and very special to her.

Flora was a very strong-willed woman. Unfortunately, that would come to an end a few years ago when she was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia. This condition took away much of her self-su ciency, but her wish was to remain at home, so with the love and care of her family, her request was granted.

The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Monday, September 29, 2025, at Shiloh Baptist Church with the Reverend Gardner Eakins conducting the service. The family will receive friends at 10 a.m., one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in Walker Family Cemetery.

Memorial gifts may be given to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Foundation, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401.

Local artist brings creative spark to Duplin County seniors

The county’s senior services department has expanded its programming to meet evolving interests of older adults

By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal

KENANSVILLE — A group of senior citizens gathered in a classroom at the Duplin County Senior and Veterans Services building in Kenansville for a hands-on art class led by local artist Timothy Edmonson of Rose Hill. While 15 participants initially signed up, several were unable to attend the rst session, leaving a smaller group to kick o the creative experience.

Edmonson, who was born in Canton, Ohio, moved with his family to southern California in 1966. He discovered his passion for art early in life.

“Early on, I knew that art was my calling,” he said in an interview with Duplin Journal.

school, he apprenticed as an automotive machinist which t in line with another of his loves: cars and motorcycles.

Man arrested following vehicle break-in investigation

Mount Olive

The Duplin County Sheri ’s O ce investigated a reported vehicle break-in and theft that occurred on Aug. 14 on Garner Chapel Road near Mount Olive. According to authorities, detectives from the Duplin County Sheri ’s O ce obtained arrest warrants based on evidence collected during the investigation, and Billy Earl Overton, 29, of Seven Springs, was arrested on Sept. 11. Overton is being held in the Duplin County Jail and faces multiple charges, including felony breaking and entering a motor vehicle with theft, felony possession of stolen goods, obtaining property by false pretense, and misdemeanor injury to personal property.

After high school, Edmonson earned an associate degree in ne arts from a junior college in southern California, followed by a bachelor’s degree in ne arts from the University of California–Santa Barbara. In 1978, he moved to the Bay Area, where he participated in juried art shows and collaborated with several local arts groups.

At one point, he considered becoming a commercial artist until he remembered watching the classic TV show “Bewitched” in the 1960s. The main male character in the show, the husband of a lady with special powers, was a commercial artist. The character’s name on the show was Darrin.

“Seeing what Darrin had to go through with his boss, I said, ‘Maybe I don’t want to do commercial art,’” Edmonson said.

Inspired by his father, a skilled machinist, Edmonson decided to learn a trade to fall back on. While he was in

In 1996, Edmonson relocated to Rose Hill and took a job working on school buses in Kenansville. He was later o ered a lateral move to teach art at a local middle school but found the age group challenging and returned to his previous role. Today, he continues working with the school bus system, now driving a daily route.

Edmonson’s passion for teaching art never waned. Last year, Edmonson was awarded a grant through Friends of the Arts to teach a 20-day fundamentals in art course to fth graders at Wallace Elementary School. He then taught the same course to middle school students at Rose Hill-Magnolia School where he found the students well-behaved.

That teaching experience soon led to a conversation with Melisa Brown, director of Duplin County Senior Services. When the topic of a senior art class came up, Edmonson volunteered.

“I told her I had taught students in the elementary schools and the middle schools, so I might as well do the same for my peers,” Edmonson said. Brown told Duplin Journal

she was glad they were able to o er the course.

“We feel with the senior population, they want to do more than play bingo,” Brown said. “We’re expanding opportunities for them, and this was an option that became available for us.”

Brown said Edmonson is volunteering his time to teach the course, and the Senior and Veterans Services Center is providing the supplies.

Among the participants, several students shared their personal reasons for joining. Shirley Brown said she hopes to create something that will impress her family.

“I want a beautiful painting for my wall,” she said. “I want to impress my nieces and nephews.”

Eloise James McMahan, another student, said she had taken a class at James Sprunt Community College in the past and was eager to revisit those skills.

“I want to renew what I learned then, especially how to mix my colors and how to darken or lighten the paint,” she said.

For Georgette Turner, the course is simply a creative outlet.

“It’s fun,” she said. “It gets your creative side owing.”

DUPLIN COUNTY TAX FORECLOSURE SALE

Students get to work on their paintings during an art class taught at the Duplin County Seniors and Veterans Services Center in Kenansville.

PHOTOS BY MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

Instructor and artist Timothy Edmonson of Rose Hill shares how to mix paints to achieve

the desired color for a painting during an art class last at the Duplin County Seniors and Veterans Services Center in Kenansville.