Wendell Murphy inducted to National Agricultural Hall of Fame
Veterans Day Parade returns
Warsaw The Town of Warsaw will host its 105th Annual Veterans Day Parade on Friday, Nov. 1 at 11 a.m., honoring the service and sacri ce of the nation’s heroes. Recognized as North Carolina’s o cial Veterans Day Parade and the longest-running consecutive Veterans Day Parade in the United States, the event draws participants and spectators from across the region. Highlights of the day include a memorial service, a parachute jump and an aerial yover, followed by community activities such as a barbecue fund raiser and museum tours.
NCDOT temporarily closes Beasley
Torrans Road
Warsaw The N.C. Department of Transportation has temporarily closed both directions of Beasley Torrans Road near Perry Rivenbark Road to perform maintenance work on the bridge over Interstate 40. The road is expected to reopen Nov. 7. Motorists are advised to use Highway 117 to Highway 903 to Isham Fredrick Road as a detour.
Sen. Jackson honored as 2025 Defender of Public Safety
Duplin County Sen. Brent Jackson was named a 2025 Defender of Public Safety by the North Carolina Sheri s’ Association. Jackson said it is a privilege to stand alongside the dedicated men and women who serve and protect North Carolina communities every day.
Kenansville Christmas Parade set for next month
Kenansville The Kenansville Area Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications for the fourth annual Kenansville Christmas Parade. The parade will take place Saturday, Nov. 29 at 11 a.m., promising a festive celebration full of holiday spirit and community cheer. Local groups, businesses and individuals are invited to participate in the holiday tradition. To apply, contact the Kenansville Area Chamber of Commerce at 910-275-0323.
Concert by Curtis Hyler and Jubilation Quartet
Albertson
Curtis Hyler and the Jubilation Quartet will perform a special concert on Saturday, Nov. 1 at 6 p.m. at Woodland Church, located at 2695 Tram Road in Albertson. The community is invited to attend and enjoy the performance.
$2.00
Concord Baptist Church celebrates 200 years
Members honored two centuries of worship, missions and community with a service recalling the church’s roots dating back to 1825
By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal
CONCORD BAPTIST
Church was lled to over owing last Sunday as members gath-
ered to celebrate the church’s 200th anniversary. Some wore long dresses, bonnets, overalls and straw hats reminiscent of the 1800s to honor the church’s roots. The service opened with
a time-honored roll call — a cherished tradition that echoed Concord’s deep and enduring history.
Concord Baptist was formed in 1825 as an outreach of the Bulltail (now Wells Chapel) church. As it grew, Concord kept a mission mindset. In 1835,
See CHURCH, page A3
Duplin County early voting o to modest start in rst week
More than 100 voters have cast ballots, with Warsaw, Wallace and Kenansville showing the highest turnout
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
KENANSVILLE — Duplin County voters are starting to trickle into the polls for
the 2025 municipal elections, with early voting now underway at the Ed Emory Auditorium in Kenansville.
According to Carrie Sullivan, Duplin County Board of Elec-
tions director, through the close of business on Oct. 23, a total of 108 voters had participated.
Although overall turnout remains low, certain areas are showing stronger engagement.
“So far, the largest turnout is coming from Warsaw, Wallace, and Kenansville,” Sullivan told Duplin Journal.
Rose Hill leaders approve Comprehensive Land Use Plan
“Plans are typically done anywhere from a 10, 15, or 20-year time horizon. That’s how far forward we look.”
Ashli Barefoot, Insight Consulting Group
After months of review and public feedback, the town’s updated plan went into e ect
By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal
THE ROSE HILL Board of Commissioners and Planning Board held a joint meeting and public hearing Oct. 14 to again consider approving the town’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan,
which is required by state statute for towns to have and enforce zoning ordinances. The proposed plan was originally presented to the commissioners and planning board at the Aug. 12 meeting, but approval was tabled to allow more public feedback on the plan and to make a requested change. Ashli Barefoot of Insight Consulting Group in Wilmington, the group hired by the town to create the plan, again appeared
See ROSE HILL, page A2
Ashli Barefoot of Insight Consulting Group gives an update to changes requested to the Rose Hill Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
Wendell Murphy, founder of Murphy Farms, was inducted into the National Agricultural Hall of Fame in Bonner Springs, Kansas, last Thursday. Murphy’s innovation and leadership transformed pork farming, earning him a place alongside agriculture legends. Murphy, second from left, stands next to, from left to right, Mike Fergus, Linda Murphy, David Hurrelbrink and Zane Hedgecock.See story on A2.
For those who have not yet cast their ballots, early voting is available Thursday, Oct. 30 through Saturday, Nov. 1 from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4, when the polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Voters are reminded to cast their ballots at their designated precincts.
With only a few days remaining before the election, local election o cials are encouraging residents to take advantage of early voting to ensure their voices are heard in this year’s municipal contests.
MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
REBECCA WHITMAN COOKE FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
Historic Concord Baptist Church celebrated its 200th anniversary last Sunday.
MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
Trip
Ena Sellers
Michael Jaenicke Sports Editor
Allison Batts
Advertising Representative
Loretta Carey
O ce Manager
CONTACT US
O ce Phone: 910 463-1240
To place a legal ad: 919 663-3232; Fax: 919 663-4042
ROSE HILL from page A1
before the boards to update them on progress since the Aug. 12 meeting when concern was expressed that an area of land targeted for recreational use along West Ridge Street was privately owned property that could be a ected if landowners wanted to sell or develop the property. Barefoot said that the plan had been updated to remove the recreational designation and change that area to “medium high density.”
Barefoot also informed the boards that social media posts and yers were used to encourage more public feedback on the plan, but that no additional feedback had been received.
During public comments, Barefoot was asked how long the plan would remain in e ect.
She responded that the statute requires the plan to be “reasonably maintained” while admitting it is ambiguous.
“Places grow at di erent rates and have di erent things going on,” Barefoot said. “Plans are typically done anywhere from a 10-, 15- or 20-year time horizon. That’s how far forward we look.”
Both the Planning Board and the Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the Comprehensive Land Use Plan, which went into e ect immediately.
In other business
The board heard a report from fellow commissioner and town Fire Chief Billy Wilson Jr. on the re insurance audit completed by the state at the Rose Hill Fire Department the day before. He commended the volunteer re ghters involved in preparing for the audit.
“They worked on it extremely, extremely hard, getting all the material together,” Wilson said. “It’s an awfully lot to compile for ve years of records; hydrant testing, training and ve-year testing on trucks. It’s very important that we do maintain these records and have great audits because that’s what keeps our insurance rates down.”
Wilson said they will get the results of the audit and what the insurance rating for the department is within 90 to 120 days.
The board agreed to consider, at the next meeting, a request from a hair salon at 105 East Church St. to have handicap handrails installed from the street to the sidewalk to allow for easier access to the business by older customers who have trouble managing the steps.
The North Carolina pork industry pioneer was honored for his transformative impact on modern agriculture
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
WHEN THE National Agricultural Hall of Fame welcomed its newest members Oct. 23, it wasn’t just honoring individual achievement — it was recognizing the power of innovation to reshape an industry.
Among the honorees was Wendell Murphy, the Rose Hill entrepreneur whose forward-thinking approach to pork production transformed American agriculture.
Murphy was honored with induction into the National Agricultural Hall of Fame, joining the ranks of George Washington, Thomas Je erson, Abraham Lincoln, John Deere and others. Murphy was inducted alongside former USDA Secre-
“I’m feeling many emotions — gratitude, humility, and truthfully, disbelief. To be inducted into the National Agricultural Hall of Fame is an honor beyond anything I could have ever imagined.”
Wendell
Murphy
tary Sonny Perdue and antique tractor preservationist Michael Hinton, each recognized for their unique contributions to the agricultural landscape.
“I’m feeling many emotions –gratitude, humility and, truthfully, disbelief,” said Murphy during his acceptance speech.
“To be inducted into the National Agricultural Hall of Fame is an honor beyond anything I could have ever imagined. When I look at the names of those who came before me, I see pioneers of American agriculture — men and women who not only shaped our industry but also our nation. To be counted among them feels almost unreal.”
For Murphy, the honor re-
ected a lifetime devoted to changing how America raises and produces pork.
“It is fair to say that no one in the history of U.S. agriculture has had a greater in uence on swine breeding and raising swine than Wendell Murphy,” said North Carolina Department of Agriculture Chief of Sta Zane Hedgecock. “Agriculture in North Carolina and the nation was changed for the better because of his vision.”
Chartered by Congress in 1960, the National Agricultural Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose outstanding contributions have led to the advancement of American agriculture.
Mount Olive moves forward on projects to ease sewer moratorium
The board authorized an engineering rm to negotiate the scope and costs of wastewater treatment upgrades
By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal
MOUNT OLIVE — Members of the Mount Olive Board of Commissioners gathered for a special-called meeting on Oct. 21 to consider two items related to work the town hopes will be a step in repairing the wastewater woes that have plagued the town for years and that has resulted in a moratorium issued by the state on any new sewage capacity in town.
A contract, which would be awarded to Ralph Hodge Construction Company of Wilson, for a “sewer collections rehabilitation project,” was tentatively approved by the board, subject to approval of bid documents by the N.C. Division of Water Infrastructure.
In addition, the board approved Interim Town Manager Glenn Holland’s request that authorizes McGill Associates Engineering to negotiate the scope and costs with
“It will start the process of doing the two projects, one of them being I&I (in ltration and in ow) on the collection system and the other work on the wastewater treatment plant.”
Glenn Holland
a contractor regarding the “wastewater treatment improvements project.”
In an interview with Duplin Journal, Holland was cautiously optimistic about these two projects taking the town at least in the direction of eventually ending the town’s wastewater problems.
“It will start the process of doing the two projects, one of them being I&I (infiltration and inflow) on the collection system and the other work on the wastewater treatment plant to hopefully, keyword hopefully, have a positive impact,” Holland said.
Holland said the work on the collection system will help meet some of the requirements of a special consent order between Mount Olive and the state that features several mandated steps the town must take to avoid
additional sanctions and fines on the town.
As far as how these contracts will affect the wastewater moratorium Mount Olive is under, which has basically brought development in the town and other areas its sewage system serves to a halt, Holland said that remains to be seen based on how effective the project is.
“As far as the impact on the moratorium, until the work is completed and we can look and see if we see a reduction in flow to the collection system, I have no way of telling you how far toward relief from the moratorium we will be,” Holland said.
He indicated this work is just a small step toward eliminating the town’s overall wastewater handling problems, but he, like the town, hopes it is a step in that direction.
Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in Duplin County:
Oct. 31
Magnolia Trunk-or-Treat
7 p.m.
Join the annual Halloween Trunk-or-Treat event at the Magnolia Fire Department, featuring a costume contest. Arrive on time to participate and be judged. The fun, safe event provides a festive outlet for families and children to celebrate Halloween together.
110 Taylor St, Magnolia
Haunted Museum & Trick-or-Treat
6-8 p.m.
Get ready for a spooky good time at the annual Haunted Museum & Trickor-Treat at the Cowan Museum in Kenansville and enjoy an evening of frightful fun and familyfriendly trick or-treating. Free admission.
411 S. Main St., Kenansville
Trunk-or-Treat at Rose Manor Shopping Center
6-9 p.m.
Heavenly Grounds will host a Trunk or Treat at the Rose Manor Shopping Center. The family-friendly event will feature candy, face painting, a costume contest, music and games, o ering a safe and fun way for the community to celebrate Halloween.
594 S. Sycamore St., Rose Hill
Nov. 7-8
NC Poultry Jubilee
The NC Poultry Jubilee returns to downtown Rose Hill to celebrate North Carolina’s rich poultry heritage at the home of the World’s Largest Frying Pan in Rose Hill. The event will feature live music, local vendors, and lots of fried chicken.
512 E Main St., Rose Hill
Nov. 8
Oyster & Smoke Festival
Noon to 5 p.m.
Duplin County is heating up with the inaugural Oyster & Smoke Festival in Teachey. Enjoy oysters, authentic smoked meats, live music and all the avors that capture the spirit of eastern North Carolina. General Admission $10 (no oysters included).
Boney Street, Teachey
Greeveners mayor responds to public call for more patrols
An increase of police patrols is being considered after a con rmed shooting
By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal
GREENEVERS — Public safety and infrastructure improvements topped the agenda at the Greenevers Town Board’s October meeting, where o cials con rmed a recent police incident, approved major water project contracts and discussed several community concerns.
A constituent inquired about reports of a shooting at the Community Center. The board conrmed that police responded to the incident; no one was injured, and no witnesses came forward, so no action was taken. The constituent requested increased police patrols, and Mayor Diane Brown stated the town is considering adding o cers to the payroll.
After public comments closed, a representative from McDavid Associates presented updates on the town’s water infrastructure project. The bidding process be-
gan in April for a new well control system, a well house renovation, and tank painting. However, the rm initially struggled to secure the required number of bids. Bids were nally received in September, and a contractor has been selected to complete the work. The total project cost exceeded the $3 million grant, so McDavid Associates agreed to reduce their fees by $50,000 to remain within budget. The board approved tentative awards to Cox Edwards and other subcontractors for the $3.025 million in water and infrastructure
the church sent 24 members to establish Beaverdam (now Magnolia) Baptist Church. In 1853, it sent 32 members to establish Carroll’s Chapel (now Corinth) Baptist Church. Over the years, Concord has also sent missionaries to China and Africa. In the past 28 years alone, they have given more than $500,000 to missions. The heart of Concord is still beating strong today.
Following roll call, the church congregation sang hymns together, including “When We All Get To Heaven,” “Bringing In The Sheaves” and “Onward Christian Soldiers.” The church followed with prayer, o ering and a reection on attendance andnancial records.
“In the 1800s, the church started with just 15 members and an o ering of $4.50,” Gary Bell, Sunday School superintendent and chairman of the Concord Church’s Histori-
“In the 1800s, the church started with just 15 members and an o ering of $4.50. We’ve changed a lot since then.”
Gary Bell
have died since last year. Flowers decorated the front of the sanctuary in honor of one, Diane Usher Spivey. The Usher family, like many attending Concord that day, have been in attendance at the church for two to three generations.
Pastor Jimmy Johnson was also honored with a special engraved Dignitary Bible from Gideon’s Bible International. In his 28 years of service at Concord, Johnson has been a committed supporter of the ministry of Gideon’s Bibles.
Bell shared a brief summary of the church’s history and
day. It was renovated in 1996. In the early 1900s, additions started to add space for Sunday School and fellowship. A new fence and sign were added to the cemetery in 2019. In 2022, an LED sign was added in front of the church, but the structure still holds its classic, timeless charm.
Bell showed a slideshow of pictures showcasing members, growth and memories made at Concord over the years. Johnson welcomed Dennis Conner, a leader from the Southern Baptist Convention, as guest speaker. Conner preached about the importance of memorials.
“Meaningful memorials, like what you are doing here today at Concord, recall God’s promises, provision, and protection,” Conner said.
Conner recalled history and how the church had to hold strong despite political tides and wars surrounding it on all sides. He encouraged the current congregation to take time to recall God’s protection, provision and promises ful lled in
The service closed with an altar call, singing “Amazing Grace.” People lingered in fellowship and a full potluck banquet following the service.
grant funds, along with amendments and change orders recommended by McDavid Associates. Brown thanked the rm for their exibility. McDavid Associates expects to nalize paperwork and begin work within the next month or two.
Town Clerk Emma Brinson provided an update on the subdivision ordinances. She stated that at the Sept. 29 Planning Board meeting, Carlton Gideon recommended revisions to the subdivision plan, which has since been updated and forwarded to Duplin County for review. The Town Board discussed meeting with the Planning Board at a later date to review the revised plan. Under new business, Brown inquired about a vehicle obstructing a town project. Brinson reported that the owner has been noti ed by letter but has not yet responded. She also presentednancial reports and recommended releasing three accounts from
the tax roll: one for a property where the building was relocated in 2022, another that has been sold and a third qualifying for an elderly exemption. The board approved releasing all three accounts, totaling just under $250.
Brown announced the addition of new playground equipment. Brinson then reported complaints regarding free-range chickens roaming onto neighboring properties. Since the town currently has no ordinances addressing live-caged animals, the mayor suggested the Planning Board draft appropriate regulations at its next meeting.
The board also discussed contract landscaping for town maintenance. Members expressed concern about the proposed costs, debris left behind by contractors and the importance of including clear obligations in written agreements.
The meeting concluded with a closed session to discuss personnel matters.
FLOCK Foundation helps launch innovative safe space at RHM Elementary
A combination of creativity, therapy and play helps students build resilience and coping skills
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
ROSE HILL-MAGNOLIA Elementary School is breaking new ground in student mental health and behavior support with the opening of the Eagles Nest, a state-of-the -art deescalation room donated by the House of Raeford’s FLOCK Foundation. The school and foundation celebrated the ribbon-cutting ceremony last week, marking the launch of an initiative designed to help students manage emotions, reduce behavioral issues and provide a safe, supportive space to regulate themselves.
“It’s a wonderful place where the kids can have an opportunity to relax, feel more comfortable, in an environment away from the classroom, away from the principal’s o ce,” said Rose Hill Magnolia Elementary Co-Principal Cary Powers.
“The mental health of our children in Duplin County schools is a high priority with school administrators. Two of the four guiding pillars of House of Raeford Farms FLOCK are youth development and mental health,” House of Raeford Farms’ Dave Witter told Duplin Journal. “As the Eagles Nest project at Rose Hill-Magnolia Elementary developed, the FLOCK Board of Directors determined that this initiative would be a good t for FLOCK and our community-minded e orts.”
According to Witter, a couple of other schools in the county have expressed some interest in implementing the program.
The Eagles Nest equips sta with a valuable tool to support students in crisis while addressing broader mental health needs. The room’s multipurpose design integrates educational, emotional and even spiritual support, o ering dedicated areas for art, reading, STEM, games and counseling. Powers emphasized that helping students regulate emotions in a safe environment can boost academic performance and foster long-term resilience, ultimately bene ting the entire county.
“We know it’s going to be successful,” said Powers. “Thank you to the House of Raeford FLOCK for the hard work out here to make this happen.”
“As the Eagles Nest project at Rose HillMagnolia Elementary developed, the FLOCK Board of Directors determined that this initiative would be a good t.”
Dave Witter, House of Raeford Farms
CHURCH from page A1
REBECCA WHITMAN COOKE FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
Pastor Jimmy Johnson, left, receives an engraved Bible from Gideon’s International recognizing his service to Concord Baptist Church.
THE CONVERSATION
Trip Ho end, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor
VISUAL VOICES
Follow the money: How the Democrat Party lost its local touch
This ain’t granddaddy’s Democrat Party.
TIP O’NEILL, the 47th speaker of the United States House of Representatives, is the person most often credited with using the phrase “all politics is local.” We don’t hear that phrase as often as we did a couple of decades ago. However, keep that thought in mind as I express a few opinions about some of today’s politicians and their politics.
I do not believe today’s politics, especially national Democratic politics, are local to the majority of Duplin County citizens. I know that an overwhelming majority of Duplin County registered Republicans and una liated voters do not agree with the national leaders of the Democratic Party. I am acquainted with many local folks still registered as Democrats, and my experience, gained over many years, tells me they do not support the current policies or politics of the radical left wing of the Democrat Party.
Additionally, I am very well acquainted with all the elected Democrats on the Duplin County Board of Commissioners and on the Duplin County Board of Education. I consider them to be good friends, and I am truly thankful for their service to our county. I do not think they believe or support the radical left-wing policies of the national leaders of the Democrat Party.
Consider the following issues I consider to be radical and ultra-left wing. I believe they are out of line with the vast majority of
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
WHILE I REALIZE I was not at my best, at least my heart was in the right place when I attended and shared remarks at the recent gathering at the Wallace Depot to show my love and appreciation for Warren Hepler, a man who helped me so much and one who served in various positions to make our community and the world a better place. He was one of the best.
Wallace has always seemed like a second home to me, having moved there the night I graduated from high school and going to work the next day with Stroud Construction. I tell folks I laid the bricks on the Roy Carter home across the street from the barbershop. And I did. I laid them on the sca old for the brickmason. While living and working there, and playing music every Saturday night at the Legion, I met a lot of wonderful people. I lived there until I entered the Armed Forces.
David Henderson, a man who would run and become a member of the U.S. Congress would play an important role in my life, while I did everything I could to help him. There was no way I could ever repay him for all he did for me. On the lighter side, I will never forget the night we went backstage at the Grand Ole Opry and took pictures with Dolly Parton. That was a night we would long talk about and remember. LOL. Warren had a strong commitment to the preservation of the Depot. You can honor him by making a contribution to the ongoing maintenance, as I plan to do. Wallace Depot, 206 Southwest Railroad St., Wallace, NC 28466.
Charlie Albertson, Beulaville
Duplin County citizens, regardless of how they are registered. Wide open borders, legalized marijuana, de-funding the police, biological men in women’s sports, bene ts for illegal immigrants, illegal immigrants voting, changing gender, late -term abortion, no cash bail, attacking ICE o cers, judicial tyranny, same sex marriage, destroying property during riots, Obamacare/ACA, DEI in higher education, vulgar language, sympathy for antifa, free giveaways, anti-Israel, support for Hamas, overfunding NGOs, unabashed lawfare against political opponents, drag queen shows in schools, inappropriate agelevel sex education, excessive mail-in voting, excessive early voting days and, nally, the rampant Trump Derangement Syndrome.
Consider these federal and state-level Democrat politicians that I consider far-left radicals with extreme secular progressive ideas who want to “fundamentally change America”: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, Ayanna Pressley, Rashida Tlaib, Greg Casar, Summer Lee, Delia Ramirez, Jamaal Bowman, Nancy Pelosi, Hakeem Je ries, Chuck Schumer, Cory Booker, Bernie Sanders, JB Pritzer, Gavin Newsom, Zohran Mamdani, Letitia James, Jack Smith and Fani Willis.
Now consider these state-level Democrat politicians who parrot or look the other way to the politics and ideology of those listed
above: Josh Stein, Je Jackson and former Gov. Roy Cooper. Remember, “Birds of a feather ock together.” You will not hear them criticize or challenge the politics of the radical left because they need and want their support. There are, of course, other issues and other secular progressives, but these two lists are fairly convincing that this ain’t Granddaddy’s Democrat Party anymore! The politics of those listed above certainly isn’t local for Duplin County. Additionally, Jena Wadsworth and Sarah Taber, who challenged Steve Troxler in 2020 and 2024, respectively, were far from Granddaddy’s typical farmers. But each got more than 90% of the Duplin County Democrat votes, even though Troxler is the most popular and respected politician in North Carolina.
That being said, I ask this question: Why do county-level Democrats still block votes for radical left-wing candidates like Wadsworth, Taber, Stein, Jackson and Cooper, who bow the knee to such radical left-wing Democrats as listed above?
My answer is, “Follow the money.”
Thus, I believe, the voting mantra of county-level Democrats across North Carolina is to forget local politics and local ideological values and vote for the state and federal candidates who raise the money and the “Democrat Party Machine” supports. Please remember this in November 2026.
We the people should remember “if you associate with or vote for bad company, you will likely acquire their negative traits.”
Rep. Jimmy Dixon represents Duplin and Wayne counties in the N.C. House of Representatives.
The normie revolution
THREE WEEKS AGO, The New York Times released a poll of Americans on the question of whether America’s political system could still solve the nation’s problems. The overwhelming response: no. In September 2020, 51% of Americans believed that America’s system could still address America’s problems; by September 2025, that number had declined to 33%. Meanwhile, almost two -thirds of Americans believe that America’s political system is too politically divided to solve the nation’s problems. It’s easy to attribute this growing dissatisfaction with some sort of unique period of gridlock. But that’s not what the data suggests. The number of bills passed into law by Congress has not markedly declined since the Obama era — in the 111th Congress (2009 -11), for example, there were 383 public laws passed; in the 117th (2021-23) there were 362. And major laws — huge omnibus packages costing trillions of dollars — continue to be signed into law on a regular basis, of course. It’s also easy to attribute Americans’ growing sense of dread about our political divisions to the rise of social media. And there’s more truth to this: Social media exacerbates our divisions by highlighting the most extreme opinions and signaling on all sides, thus incentivizing creation of such radicalism. The monetary and attention-laden bene ts of such radicalism are clear and obvious to anyone who spends any time on X, for example.
But even that isn’t enough to explain why Americans are so frustrated with their political system. Americans, of course, have been extraordinarily divided before over politics: violent radicalism was a regular feature of life in the 1960s and 1970s, for example. And yet this time feels unique. It feels unique because there are no institutional brakes on such radicalism. Every major institution in American life — many of
which were designed to act as moderating in uences on popular passions — have completely lost their credibility. From universities, which promoted propagandistic leftism to generations of college students, to churches, which emptied their pews by embracing liberalism above eternal values; from the FBI, which destroyed itself by targeting President Donald Trump, to the media, which wrecked itself on the shoals of Russiagate, BLM, COVID and Joe Biden’s incompetence; virtually all the institutions that would have authority to speak on behalf of truth and decency have collapsed. The result is chaos.
And that chaos means mistrust.
What can restore that trust? Only leadership. Consistent, capable and able leadership: a willingness to speak the moral truth, to speak facts in a vacuum, to reach across the aisle to others willing to do the same. In an era in which utilitarianism has replaced Biblical morality, in which decency is now perceived as unilateral disarmament, only a bipartisan embrace of rules and decency can provide a path forward. Will that happen? It’s unlikely, but it has happened before. America has undergone spiritual revival; leaders have risen. But it cannot happen unless Americans are willing to tentatively trust one another again. And that cannot happen unless Americans get to know each other once again, o ine, in real life situations. Most Americans are normal people who want the same things Americans have always wanted: a better life for their children, freedom to pursue that life and communities rooted in traditional virtue. The normies must nd each other and must nd solidarity with each other. America does need a revolution — but it needs a Normie Revolution. The time is now. It cannot wait.
Ben Shapiro is a graduate of UCLA and Harvard Law School, host of “The Ben Shapiro Show” and co-founder of Daily Wire+.
COLUMN | JIMMY DIXON
COLUMN | BEN SHAPIRO
TEACHEY COMMISSIONER
Duplin County Elections & Commissioner Ethylen Powell talks growth, community,
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
INCUMBENT Ethylen Powell has spent more than a decade helping guide the growth of Teachey, a town she’s called home for more than 50 years. First appointed to the board of commissioners in 2009, Powell’s journey into public service was ignited by a desire to stay involved in the community and being a part of decision making and growth. Since then, she’s become a steady voice in local government, championing improvements from park facilities to public services.
Answers have been edited for spacing purposes; a full version is available online.
Looking back on your time in public o ce, what accomplishment are you most proud of, and how has it tangibly bene ted the community?
I’m proud of our town’s progress — from our park with playgrounds, trails and picnic areas to new homes, improved services and growing community spirit. We’ve added sta , sewer and trash pickup, and a new re department supported by residents. When my husband and I moved here over 50 years ago, we had to either wash clothes or take a shower. This would sometimes ll up the septic tank, and we had to call for help and that
leadership
cost was around $150. We also had to pay the county $90 a year and haul our trash to a small land ll past the Du Creek community. Our town now celebrates together with Easter events in the park and an annual Christmas tree lighting.
How will you ensure all voices, including those in outlying or underserved areas, are heard and represented in town decisions?
All citizens are always invited to every town meeting, and our mayor has an open-door policy.
In your opinion, what is the most pressing challenge Teachey faces right now?
The most pressing thing right now is the tax base, and we are working on that.
What are your three priorities, and how do they align with residents’ concerns?
To ensure a smooth transition of new growth in town, listen to citizens’ concerns and continue to serve honestly.
What is your take on livestreaming and recording all public meetings? How important is it to you that budget documents are easily
accessible for residents?
Our administration does a very good job of recording minutes, and a copy of the budget is available for all citizens.
How have you addressed the community’s concerns about infrastructure and public services during your term?
Our monthly meetings are open to the public, and residents can have a copy of the minutes. It is, and always has been, an open-door policy — whether in person or by phone — if any citizens need help.
What is the most challenging part of your job that you wish residents would understand?
No one gets what they want all the time. Everyone must understand that running a town is similar to running your home or a business; you must always budget for emergencies and set priorities in order.
If given $1 million for Teachey, where would you allocate the funds and why?
You must always have a reserve to keep the town running. Repairs for roads, sewer stations and donations to the re department are very important parts of every town.
Four generations of service in Duplin
Since 1967, families have passed down a legacy of service, keeping the Oak Wolfe rehouse and community connected
By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal
AS NATIONAL FIRST Responders Day honors the dedication of re ghters, EMTs and other emergency personnel Oct. 28, the Oak Wolfe Fire Department in northern Duplin County stands out for its multigenerational legacy. Since its founding in 1967, the department has seen some families serve across four generations, passing down a tradition of community protection and volunteerism.
“In our re department, we have many members whose family members served before them,” Fire Chief John Daniel Ivey told Duplin Journal. “We have had some families who are on the fourth generation of serving, and many are in the
second and third. Many times our members will join because their in-laws or friends have joined, and they become interested as well.”
Ivey, a member since 1997 and re chief for nine years, emphasizes that Oak Wolfe’s members span all ages and experience levels.
“We have a wide range of service years,” he said. “Some have been on for over 50 years and are still active in day-to-day activities as well as many younger members who have been on 5, 10, 15, 20-plus years.”
Despite di erences in tenure, members work together with respect and a shared commitment to protecting their community.
“We are blessed to have compassionate members who truly stand by each other not only on the re ground, but also in our everyday lives as friends and supporters,” Ivey said.
Many children of members and local youth help at community events, cultivating pride and interest in the re service from an early age.
Community dinners are a ma-
jor tradition. Twice a year, Oak Wolfe grills BBQ pork and chicken plates, with proceeds funding equipment and supporting the department’s operations.
“People line up early because the food is good, but the fellowship is better,” Ivey said.
The next BBQ sale will be held Saturday, Nov. 1 at 4 p.m. at the Oak Ridge Community Building, with drive-thru and dine-in options.
Today, re departments face growing demands, from rising call volumes and increased certi cations to higher equipment costs. Fundraisers like these help Oak Wolfe meet the challenges while maintaining strong community ties.
“Our re department would not be what it is today without the support our community has given us since our inception in 1967,” Ivey said. “Our department is blessed with a great group of neighboring departments who we train with regularly so we can work as one when there is a time of need.”
Faison mayor discusses town’s future, 250th anniversary plans
By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal
FROM WATER and sewer upgrades to downtown development and community festivals, Faison’s incumbent Mayor Billy Ward says his next term will focus on keeping the town running strong while encouraging growth and civic pride.
Answers have been edited for spacing purposes; a full, unedited version is available online.
Looking ahead to your next term, what are your three priorities for Faison, and how do these address the concerns and needs you’re hearing from your residents?
To me, the top priorities are taking care of your citizens, essential services, making sure the town is well-maintained and taxpayers get value. We also want to grow, attracting new businesses while respecting property owners’ preferences for retail development.
Community engagement has been a recurring theme in your administration. How are residents being invited to participate in shaping the future of Faison?
Community engagement is key. We have festivals, rec programs and committees like the Faison Improvement Group (FIG) that encourage people to get involved. We use social media to share updates and events. For example, our executive administrator, Jimmy Tyndall, produces short videos explaining how our water system works and highlighting upcoming activities. We want residents to participate, not just complain — attend meetings, join committees, and help make Faison better.
How is the town balancing immediate needs with long-term planning given aging infrastructure?
Most of our water and sewer lines have been replaced, though a few areas still need attention, like the sewer under Highway 403. We’re planning long-term solutions and seeking funding to address these issues. Overall, Faison is in better shape than many
BILLY WARD
towns, but we continue replacing and repairing infrastructure as needed.
Looking ahead to the next few years, what do you de ne as Faison’s biggest opportunity and biggest risk?
Our 250th anniversary next July is a huge opportunity to showcase Faison, attract visitors, and engage the community with events, reworks and vendors. The biggest risk is people coming to town. We want people to bring their businesses here, we want people to try and open up small businesses, but that is a risk in itself in a small town, especially when you don’t have a grocery store or you don’t have a bank like we do. We encourage people and want people to do it but because there are successful businesses in Faison.
For example, one longtime restaurant is now closed on Mondays, but food trucks have lled that gap. The hardware store has been using their parking lot to get food trucks to come every Monday. Encouraging new businesses is a risk but also essential for growth, though there are few empty lots or available properties.
Re ecting on your time in o ce, what accomplishment are you most proud of?
The memorial for Dr. William Thornton, North Carolina’s rst NASA astronaut. I can’t take full credit for it because it had been started three or four years ago, we just said it’s time to get it done. We nished up the memorial, removed the old gym and created a brick courtyard honoring his legacy. So far, that’s probably the biggest thing that has happened while I was in o ce.
Voices of WWII come alive at Ghost Walk
All the voices represented Faison natives, many of whom rest in the cemetery today
By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal
FAISON — Voices from the past lled the Faison Cemetery Oct. 18 during the annual ghost walk, this year spotlighting World War II. Seven actors portrayed real people who lived through World War II, at home and on the front.
The family-friendly tour started with an air warden played by Bryan Bullard, who explained eastern North Carolina’s role in World War II. During his interactive discussion, the tours moved forward in a straight line through tombstones, with lights on the ground illuminating the way. The actors were set up in individual stations along the route to tell their stories. All the actors wore period dress, with props and, in some cases, accents to bring their characters to life.
There were the Martin sisters, Rachel Martin Clifton and Marietta Martin Davis, who served in the Navy and Army and returned home to Faison. They talked about life in the service and coming home afterward. There was John Warren, a farmer with six children at the time of WWII. He told the story of life at home and the war e orts underway in America at that time. Stella McColman was there to talk about the three-star ag that hung in her window for the three sons she had o at war. Luckily, they all came home, and one became the mayor of Faison. Ron Oates Sr. was there. He talked about moving to Faison with his wife and ending up building ships in Wilmington for the war. Clifton Edgerton, a Quaker and writer-illustrator living in New York at the time, brought some of his sketches. Originally from Faison, Edgerton was killed in action and buried in Belgium. He was
awarded the Bronze Star, the French Order of the War and a Purple Heart. James Coley, an Army veteran and POW survivor, was there. He told the story of how he escaped from a German prison camp and returned to his company.
All the “voices” of the ghost walk were portrayed by actors representing Faison natives — many of whom are buried in the cemetery today. Andrew Taylor, Faison Improvement Group director, estimated that more than 100 people attended the free event. This was FIG’s third year hosting the event, and it plans to be bigger and better next year.
“Next year is the 250th anniversary of our town and country. We plan to have voices here from the Revolutionary War forward,” Taylor said.
Everyone is encouraged to come back next year for the walking tour.
Bring your own chair and enjoy the day! SATURDAY NOVEMBER 8 11 AM-4 PM
PHOTOS BY REBECCA WHITMAN COOKE FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
Top, Brittany Massey Taylor and Kelly Pena bring to life the Martin sisters, Rachel and Mae, who proudly served in the Navy and Army during World War II. Bottom left, Jimmy Tyndall dons a hat, overalls and a distinctive accent to embody John Warren Sr., a WWII-era farmer and father of six. Warren is buried in Faison Cemetery. Bottom right, Wilma Best Taylor portrays Stella McColman, who displayed a three-star ag in her window for her three sons serving overseas. All three returned safely, and one went on to become mayor of Faison, highlighting the family’s enduring mark on the community.
DUPLIN SPORTS
Tigers-’Dawgs: Smashmouth
Swine Valley Conference war
“We’ll need a clean game against Wallace, without fumbles, staying in front of the chains and then just trust our defense.”
Tim Grady, JK head coach
JK is favored but could face its sternest test this season against its longtime rival WRH
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
WARSAW — The rubber will hit the road Friday as the Jimmies and the Joes and their respective coaches of the X’s and O’s converge on both ends of Bill Taylor Field.
And the moment one warrior leads his followers past the mid eld, it’s full throttle muscle and speed to the chains or the end zone in four-down sequences, if necessary.
Punting is for those who don’t believe in grinding out
grueling yards inside the hash marks. This is James Kenan versus Wallace-Rose Hill, playing a smashmouth football war on Halloween night.
WRH enters the game much like JK did for the previous 13 meetings: an underdog, and not because the Tigers nipped the Bulldogs in overtime in the third round of the playo s last season.
JK (8-1, 5-0) is considered to be as high as the No. 1 seed in the 3A East Region, while WRH (5-4, 4-1) sits in the midteens in terms of a seed.
A Bulldogs win might not earn WRH a rst-round bye, as JK will have, but it would give head coach Kevin Motsinger and his team a share of the Swine Valley Con-
ference’s regular season title.
And, of course, any rivalry win in Duplin County is monumental.
Motsinger, who revived the Tigers program from 2003-05 by going 24-14, said JK is loaded with talent.
“It’s been said all year they are the team to beat in the East because they are the athletes and great overall speed,” he said. “They tackle well and have like nine backs when you can only have three on the eld. The super power stu they run is tough to defend, and No. 3 (Jeremiah Hall) is so good. No. 9 (two-way lineman Cal Avent) is such an explosive fullback blowing people
Wallace-Rose Hill (3A) and East Duplin (4A) 20-win campaigns ended
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
TEACHEY — When both
Wallace-Rose Hill and East Duplin fell in fourth-round matches on Saturday, it dawned separate new eras for two Duplin County volleyball programs with a combined record of 42-7, if matches between them were discounted.
That’s a whole lot of digging, setting and spiking for two schools that won conference separate titles after eight years of being in the same league.
ND grad and longtime Rebels coach Hugh Martin faces WRH OC and head coach Adam Scronce of Hobbton in the Carolina Conference nale
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
CALYPSO — It’s title-claiming Friday for Duplin County schools as all four could have a piece of a conference championship.
North Duplin alumni and longtime coach Hugh Martin is seeking a second-straight Carolina Conference ag. His counterpart, Adam Scronce, is in his rst season as Hobbton’s head grid man following a long and successful stint as Wallace-Rose Hill’s o ensive coordinator.
The Wildcats enter as the hottest reball, having recently destroyed Lakewood 20-7 as part of their six-game winning streak, which followed tough losses to quality foes — Midway, Triton and Dixon.
Both had nothing short of glorious runs. Cavallaro, Page, Gavin end great careers
A third loss to perennial power Midway left WRH (21-5) with a rebuilding project next season. But oh, what a legacy seniors Angelina Cavallaro, Jansley Page and Mattie Gavin left courtside at Steve Robinson Gymnasium. Each played four varsity seasons as WRH went 77-18. Cavallaro nished with 420 kills, 125 digs and 45 aces, while Page logged 413 kills, 52 aces, 62 blocks, 147 digs and 55 assists. Gavin had 743 assists as the
leadup player to points. She had 132 digs, 21 aces and 41 kills as the organizing force for the Bulldogs. WRH also loses seniors Kaylee Lovette, Bailey Teague and Kamdyn Gideon.
Cavalarro will play at UMO, Page at Fayetteville Tech and Gavin, who head coach Kevin Williams calls, “his MVP,” at Louisburg College.
“Jansely may be our smartest and best player and Angelina the one who gets point, but we don’t win without the heart and soul of Mattie,” Williams said. No. 2 WRH beat Eastern Randolph and Louisburg in the second and third rounds,
PHOTOS BY EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Left, WRH’s Khajyre Murphy will be on the frontlines Friday against JK. Right, Alex Vasquez, left, and Zamarion Smith give JK speed and fundamental open- eld tackling.
PJ WARD-BROWN / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Zoe Cavanaugh has been a consistent senior leader for ED this fall.
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL Garris Warren and ND will be tested by Hobbton’s running game as the free safety likely won’t be asked to do much pass coverage.
Kinsey Cave
East Duplin, volleyball
Kinsey Cave’s best sport is probably basketball. Or softball.
In the fall, it’s volleyball.
“She’s our point guard on the volleyball court,” said East Duplin head coach Susan Raynor, who plays that position in basketball.
But the all-Duplin hoopster and softball player was the glue for the Panthers, who went 22-3 and lost to Uwharrie Charter in the fourth round of the 4A playo s last Saturday in Asheboro.
This season, the junior had 178 kills, 52 aces, 30 blocks, 159 digs and 205 assists.
Cave led the Panthers basketball team to a 49-8 mark the past two seasons and hit .362 for the 14-9 softball team last spring.
The Panthers dominated action from the opening kicko during a 38-18 win over Pender to clinch the ECC 3A/4A title
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
BURGAW — The Davis gridiron brothers found ways into holes of the East Duplin Wing-T during last Friday’s 3818 win over previously unbeaten Pender.
The Panthers (7-2, 5-0) scored on four of their rst ve possession of the rst half and needed just a third-quarter score to come within a game of capturing the ECC 3A/4A title on Hyne Field.
Dwayne Davis had what would be the winning score, Shawn Davis and Aaron Hall added touchdown runs, and Branson Norris connected with Garrett Sholar for another score. The Panthers’ season nale is against South Lenoir.
The Blue Devils (3-6, 0-4) have lost ve straight, and their wins have come against Lejeune, Jones Senior and Spring Creek, which are a combined 2-27.
Another win will not only give the crown to ED but also put the Panthers in line for a top seed in the 4A playo s. Predictions with RPI rankings have ED rising to as high as the second seed.
“We’ve got one more game to take care of and then hopefully have a week o to prepare for the second round (the top 8 seeds earn byes),” Holley said. “But we’ve got to get better o ensively.”
The passing game of the Panthers is improving as Norris red his seventh touchdown strike after having only three in eight games last fall.
“For us to be able to win in the playo s, we’ve got to have that kind of thing,” Holley said. “We need quality quarterback play and better blocking from everyone else to support our running backs.”
Defensive linemen Tavarious Dawson, Allen Stukes and Jacuri Hill, cornerback Keeshon McKinnie, strong safety Bryson Brown, free safety Dewayne Davis and defensive back Zack Ball, who has a Duplin-high six interceptions, bent a bit but did not give away many big plays, especially in the second half.
“I felt it was one of our better
VOLLEYBALL from page B1
respectively, before falling to the Raiders 3-1.
Tied at 1-1, No. 3 Midway won the nal two sets 25-23 and 25-14 as Kaedyn Moran and Gracyn Hall combined for 38 kills.
“We pulled ourselves together in the second set, yet after losing a close third set looked drained,” Williams said. “I really thought we had the right pieces to go all the way this year.
“There were a lot of tears in the locker room. This is a special group, and we’ll always have great memories. That’s the best part of all of this.”
Panthers rebuilt, ready for future ‘runs’
East Duplin’s map to a 22-3
overall games and the defense played well,” Holley said. “We’re peaking but have not peaked yet. You always want to be playing your best at this time of the year.”
Up 14-12, Dewayne Davis (7-74) scored from the 10, three plays after Hall sprinted for 19 yards.
Ball’s interception on the next snap resulted in a 37-yard score for Dewayne Davis’ second touchdown scamper.
Gavin Jarman’s 22-yard eld goal came after a Dewayne Davis’ 33-yard punt return and a 10-yard thrust by Shawn Davis. ED hit the locker room in front 31-12 follow a stop of Pender at the Panthers 27.
The Panthers forced Pender to turn the ball over on fourth down twice in the rst seven minutes of the third quarter.
Shawn Davis, who was selected to play in the North Carolina Coaches Association’s East-West All-Star game in December, then ripped o a 22-yard gain, converted on fourth-and-3 and scored two plays later from the 4 for his 10th touchdown of the season.
ED bene tted from Pender’s 118 penalty yards, stopping the Patriots 6 of 9 times on third down and 7 of 8 on fourth down.
While they seemingly gave up a lot of yards (324), Pender has a season-low in points. Quarterback Austin Deal, 1585 running in the Bone Flex attack, threw a touchdown pass to Messiah Darling and ran for a meaningless fourth-quarter score from 7 yards out.
Pender (8-1, 4-1) is predicted
campaign included a 16-game winning streak that was snapped by No. 1 Uwaharrie Charter (27-3) on Saturday after 25-10, 25-19, 25-17 sets in Asheboro.
“I think the 31⁄2-hour bus ride led to a slow start,” said ED head coach Susan Raynor, who credited assistant coaches Makayla Byrd and Nicole Kennedy for ED’s success as the Panther improved from 15-7 in 2024 to a contender.
“They help out tremendously as our players developed bodies to better jump and hit,” Raynor said. “But what our girls did was rst be good athletes and then develop the will to win. You can’t teach hustle, heart and determination we saw when got down 0-10 against Trask and came back and won.”
ED beat Clinton (3-2) and Ayden-Grifton (3-0) in
to be a favorite in the 3A playo eld and will likely earn a rst-round bye.
Norris’ touchdown pass came on ED’s eighth snap. A Brown sack on fourth down gave the Panthers a short eld. Norris then found Ball for a 6-yard pass, and Mckinnie’s rst-down jaunt had added yardage after a face masking ag.
Hall (10-44) scored from the 9 after Norris got slipped into the line for a rst down on the previous play.
Panther paws McKinnie leads ED in tackles at 10.2 per game. He has two interceptions. Brown is next at 9.7 followed by Shawn Davis (8.3), Isiah Bennerman (8.1), Hill (7.6), Dewayne Davis (7.1), Semaj Scott (6.9) and Stukes and Ball (5.4 each).
Mckinnie’s has two interceptions and a team-high four sacks.
Mckinnie, Hill, Brown and Scott all have eight tackles for lost yardage.
Ball is averaging 25 yards after his six picks.
Shawn Davis and JK graduate and grid coach Pat Byrd will both represent the East in the all-star game. Byrd, who led Richlands to the fourth-best season in school history in 2024, is the o ensive coordinator for unbeaten Jacksonville (8-0). He will be an assistant for head coach Jason Battle of Rocky Mount. The Cardinals beat ED 35-24 on Sept. 19 and need to whip White Oak (4-5) to win the Big Carolina 6A/7A Conference.
the second and third round, respectively.
While the Panthers lose Zoe Turner (122 kills, 70 aces, 247 digs) and Zoe Cavanaugh (138 kills, 189 digs, 39 aces) the rest of the roster is underclassmen, including Kinsey Cave (178 digs, 52 aces, 159 digs, 205 assists), Karsyn Parker (205 assists, 249 digs), Sophia Jones (80 kills, 55 blocks), Bennett Holley (71 kills, 39 aces, 110 digs) and Lauren Cottle (81 digs, 150 assists).
“They decided they could do it when they saw they could be good,” said Raynor, who left to coach at WRH but returned in 2022 and while gone led WRH to a 22-4 mark in 2016 and a fourth-round appearance in the 1A playo s.
She took two Panthers squads to that level during her rst tenure in Beulaville.
Crusaders seek rst Big East Conference title since 2021
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Jeremiah Davis runs for one of his three touchdowns against Ravenscroft. The Crusaders’ top running back is 51 yards shy of 1,000 for the season.
fall was to Lakewood in the rst league matchup for both schools.
Hobbton (6-3, 4-0) has averaged 35 points during its winning streak using Scronce’s Wing-T attack.
He’s used running backs Amir Tate (144-1,014, 11 TDs), Reginald Thompson (1281,078, 8 TDs) and Anthony Cowell (32-407, 5 TDs) e ectively on the ground.
When the ball is passed, it’s been to the hands of Tate (11-168, TD) or Thompson (6 - 60, TD).
“They have a di erent o ensive scheme now and a coach who has done a great job in making it what is has become,” said Martin, who contrasted Scronce with Joe Salas’ pass-happy o ense of the past.
“It ts his personnel as they have speed at key positions, and their O-line is obviously big and improved and able to put their hands I the dirt and block.”
ND leads the all-time series 29-27, which started in 1967. Martin stepped into the middle of a long Rebels losing streak to the Wildcats and after a 1-3 start won seven straight. But then came ve consecutive losses. His Rebels have won the past two encounters, including last season’s 34-31 triumph, which was the closest game ND had en route to an unbeaten regular season.
The Rebels’ lone loss this
ND (8-1, 4-1) counters with an experienced team that can score quickly or sustain clock-chewing drives.
Any attempt to stop the Rebels will rest on Hobbton’s ability to make running back Carell Phillips (160-1,594, 23 TDs) look like anything other than the best back in the league. The Wildcats proved they are capable of that by limiting Leopard Calvin Lacewell to 89 yards last week in Lakewood to 114 yards on the ground.
Yet no school has held the Rebels senior down this fall, and when Phillips goes o on a team, it’s all over early.
He ran for 251 yards and four scores last Friday when ND stomped East Columbus 53-12 for its fourth win since a 26-22 setback to Lakewood.
“No. 21 (Phillips) is a really good player, and that team has some tough scrappy players,” Scronce said. “We’ve got our work cut out for us. They are good at what they do and will limit your possessions and chew up the clock with long drives. We have to get them behind the chains and then score when we have the ball.”
In addition, the winner of the contest will have a higher seed, possibly as high as No. 2 in the 2A playo s. Though both
HCA seeks its rst win over Fayetteville Academy in four years as two Crusaders clash
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
HARRELLS — All Crusaders are not created equal.
Only one will emerge as Big East Conference champions Friday when Harrells Christian and Fayetteville Christian clash in “Soldier City.”
It’s been a di cult place for HCA to play, though, even as it enters the game as a slight favorite.
“I tried to take care of that right after Ravenscroft by saying, ‘That eld is 100 yards long, like every other eld, and we have to get there to score points,” said Crusaders head coach Clayton Hall. “Football is football, whether it’s a parking lot or grass.”
HCA (8-1, 2-0) didn’t need to take measurement last Friday during a 48-21 win over rival Ravenscroft on Murphy-Johnson Field.
Jeremiah Davis (5-145) ran
for three scores and is within 49 yards of passing the 1,000-yard plateau this fall.
Demetrius Jones (3-35), Jarrod Miller (6-34), Riley Fatovich (9-46) and Dashaun McKoy (2- 43) added scores as HCA went in front 35-7 at halftime.
“Our boys played for this opportunity, and they certainly know what’s at stake,” Hall said.
“We’ll have to be able to shut the door on their running game. They’re a good team, but so are we.”
It will be a battle between Crusaders teams that run the ball.
Longtime FA head coach Chuck Webster’s club is 6-2 after going 10-2 the past two seasons, advancing to the NCISAA’s 2A semi nals in 2024 and falling in the nals the previous season.
They whipped HCA 42-6 last season and dominated the Crusaders in ’23 (43-14) and ’22 (50-0 and 55-21 in the regular season nale and rst game of the postseason). HCA won 56 -20 and 21-15 in ’21 and ’22, respectively, which were its last state nals appearances.
Fatovich, a sophomore, came up with a team-high 10 tackles against the Ravens to help avenge a 38-35 loss to the Kinston-based school,
“We moved Day-Day (McKoy) from free safety to corner back and played Riley there,” Hall said. “He came up to support the run and along with some changes in our defense we were able to stop a good football team.”
Noah Turner had seven tackles, Jesse Smith seven, Xander Garcia and J’Kaeshi Brunson six apiece, while Amir Moore, Smith and Tanner were credited with sacks. Brunson and Smith had interceptions.
HCA’s defense is holding teams to 17.2 points, while Davis and company are hitting the scoreboard for 43 on Friday nights. In addition, quarterback Reid Strickland (31-51 for 642, 11 TDs) gives Hall other options out of his smashmouth running o ense.
The winner of the game could get a rst-round bye in the playo s, which always provides rest and healing for players and additional time for coaches on the practice eld.
schools should receive a bye in the rst round as one of eight in each classi cation, which is new this season. It appears that unbeaten Tar-
Wallace, NC 28466. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Town Council of the Town of Wallace that: A public hearing to discuss closing the public right-of-way street, Old Field Lane will be held after 6 pm on Thursday, November 13, 2025 at the Wallace Woman’s Club located at the 216 NE Railroad Street, Wallace, NC 28466.
The Town Clerk is hereby directed to publish the Resolution of Intent once a week for four consecutive weeks in the Duplin Times or Duplin Journal.
The Planning Director is hereby directed to transmit by registered or certi ed mail
boro has all but locked on the top spot.
ND’s top tacklers this fall are Ethan Turner (8.1 per game), Braylon Lee (7.0), Lucas Dail
(5.0), Trashawn Ru n (4.1), Noah Bennett and Noa Quintanilla (4.0 each), Ben Kelly (3.9), Garris Warren (3.4), and Holden Williams (3.1).
FOOTBALL from page B1
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Lucas Dail is third in tackles for ND, which plays Hobbton on Friday for a share of the CC title.
Bulldogs’ 10th-straight win brings home Swine Valley ag
Cergio Acosta scored the lone goal as WRH clinches the boys’ soccer conference title
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
SEVEN SPRINGS — Wallace-Rose Hill shared the East Central 2A Conference title with James Kenan and East Duplin.
This fall, the Bulldogs own the newly created Swine Valley 2A/3A Conference that was created when the NCSHSAA went from four to eight classi cations.
WRH regroup after losing a ock of players, including all- state performer Alex Zepeda (48 goals, 14 assists) under rst-year coach Aaron Murray, a former Bulldogs player.
Last week a 1-0 win on Spring Creek’s pitch gave WRH a league title as the Gators are three games behind the ’Dawgs with matches left in the regular season.
Senior Steven Acosta set up junior Cergio Acosta in the second half for the lone score against the Gators (9-12-1, 7-3).
And even though the Swine Valley isn’t as strong as the ECC was the last several seasons, the ag reassures the opposition that WRH (12-4-1, 10-0) is a big-time player in 3A.
Murray is establishing a new culture and way of playing soccer as his team was the No. 3 RPI-rated school in that classi cation entering this week.
WRH has given up just 20 goals this fall, 14 during its nonconference slate and only six in 10 league matches.
The ’Dawgs nish out the regular season against Rosewood and James Kenan. The rst round of the playo s is Tuesday, Nov. 4, though WRH will likely get a bye and start its postseason two days later.
Expect WRH to make a run at another title.
Panthers ght for playo positioning
ED (12-7-2, 6-2) was beaten 3-0 by Clinton (19-2, 8-0) last
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away and then plays great on the D-line.”
Motsinger has similar praise for quarterback Eli Avent (30 - 48 for 645 yards, 11 TDs) as he did Hall (90-1,240, 20 TDs).
“No. 11 (Eli Avent) is shifty and doesn’t get the credit he deserves,” he said. “He’s a playmaker and can take o at any time.”
Meanwhile, JK head coach Tim Grady is concerned Jamarae Lamb (170-1,812, 22 TDs) doesn’t go for long sprints as he has against every foe this fall.
“They still have speed, along with a college running back (Lamb) and speed in the secondary,” Grady said. “Their D-line is monstrous, huge, and they move their feet so well.”
WRH leads the all-time series 47-29. Motsinger is 10-1 vs. JK and Grady 1-4 vs. WRH.
Anyone thinking an underdog can’t have a big win in this series is forgetting 2015, when the Bulldogs were spanked by the Tigers 33-15 in Warsaw, the
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Cergio Acosta is mobbed by his WRH teammates after scoring the winning goal against Spring Creek.
week but got a solid 4-1 win over Trask.
The Panthers are No. 12 in the RPI system in 4A and this week are playing for one of the 16 rst-round byes. The Dark Horses are the No. 2 RPI team in 4A. ED is No. 12.
Clinton and ED are the lone schools in the ECC with an over .500 winning percentage.
Yoskar Canales scored his 25th goal of the season in the win. Gerado Lopez, Brayan Gonzalez and Oscar Ramirez added scores and Richard Reyes the lone assist.
Gomez goals help Tigers take two matches
Devis Gomez scored four goals in a pair of games last week as James Kenan (9-7-2, 6-4) captured its season-high fourth win in a row.
lone loss in a 1AA championship season for WRH, which returned the favor with a 29-13 beat down in the East Region nal.
JK’s attacking defense is led by free safety Zeleya (10.3 tackles per game), Stedman McIver (8.1), Cal Avent (7.3), Jacquez Smith (7.0), Zamarion Smith (6.8), Pearsall (5.3), Hill (5.0) and Alex Vasquez (5.0). WRH counters with Aspen Brown (6.9), Will Brooks (6.7), Khajyre Murphy (5.1), Darrius McCrimmon (4.9) and Adrian Allen (4.8).
Tigers push over Princeton; ’Dawgs whitewash Eagles
JK smoked Princeton 49-14 last Friday in Johnston County as Hall galloped for 198 yards and four scores.
Taulil Pearsall (45-451, 8 TDs) added a score with a 55 -yard run and Eli Avent had scoring strikes to CJ Hill (12-349, 6 TDs) and David Zeleya (8-193, 2 TDs) to bolster his numbers to 30 for 48 for
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE
FILE NUMBER: 25SP001052-300 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust executed by MYRTLE MILLER dated April 23, 2013 in the amount of $100,642.00 and recorded in Book 1748, Page 0670 of the Duplin County Public Registry by ANTHONY MASELLI OR GENEVIEVE JOHNSON, EITHER OF WHOM MAY ACT, Substitute Trustee, default having been made in the terms of agreement set forth by the loan agreement secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, ANTHONY MASELLI OR GENEVIEVE JOHNSON, EITHER OF WHOM MAY ACT, having been substituted as Successor Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O cial Records of Duplin County, North Carolina, in Book 2083, Page 732, and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door in Duplin County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, on November 4, 2025 at 11:00am, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the County of Duplin, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER(S): 0726102
ADDRESS: 137 GEORGE SUMNER RD BEULAVILLE, NC 28518
PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): UNKNOWN HEIRS OF MYRTLE MILLER THE LAND DESCRIBED HEREIN IS SITUATED IN THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, COUNTY OF DUPLIN, AND IS DESCRIBED IN DEED BOOK 1748,
Gomez had a hat trick during a 6-0 triumph over Rosewood. Ismael Covarrubias, Jayden Funez and Gerzon Diaz added a goal as the Tigers went in front 4-0 at halftime.
Scores by Gomez and Kebert David lifted JK past Goldsboro 2-0.
JK can improve its No. 22 ranking this week with a win against WRH.
Rebels crown Vikes for third win of season
Douglas Torres, Jerrson Lopez, Emanuel Mendez and Allan Valencia each scored twice as North Duplin beat East Columbus 10-1 for its third win of the season.
Victor Mata and Sergio Garcia added scores in Calypso for ND, which is 3-8-2 overall and 3-7-2 in Carolina Conference play.
645 yards and 11 touchdowns.
“It was a little better than I thought it might be,” Grady said. “Jeremiah didn’t touch the ball much (eight times) but really went o .
“We’ll need a clean game against Wallace without fumbles, staying in front of the chains and then just trust our defense.”
Senior Night in Teachey produced a few tears and a 58-0 triumph over Rosewood.
Lamb (13-183), Adrian Glover (6-50) and Jamari Carr (4-17) each had a pair of scores.
“I thought it was the best we’ve been on both sides of the ball,” Motsinger said. “Our defensive line attacked, and our linebackers really got downhill. Rosewood gave us so many opportunities to practice things we’ll see down the road that are hard to simulate in practice.
“We need to lineup properly and tackle well all over the eld against James Kenan and be aware that we won’t likely get explosive plays, but to keep playing hard every down.”
DEBT COLLECTOR. THE PURPOSE OF THIS COMMUNICATION IS TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE, except as stated below in the instance of bankruptcy protection. IF YOU ARE UNDER THE PROTECTION OF THE BANKRUPTCY COURT OR HAVE BEEN DISCHARGED AS A RESULT OF A BANK-RUPTCY PROCEEDING, THIS NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU PURSUANT TO STATUTORY REQUIREMENT AND FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND IS NOT INTENDED AS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT OR AS AN ACT TO COLLECT, ASSESS, OR RECOVER ALL OR ANY PORTION OF THE DEBT FROM YOU PERSONALLY. Sarah A. Waldron or Terrass Scott Misher, Esq ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Attorneys for the Substitute Trustee 13010 Morris Rd., Suite 450 Alpharetta, GA 30004 Telephone: (470) 321-7112
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA DUPLIN COUNTY FILE#25E001159-300 The undersigned, HENRIETTA M. WILLIAMS having quali ed on the 2ND DAY of OCTOBER, 2025, as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of ANDREW WILLIAMS, 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 16TH Day of JANUARY 2026, 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 16TH Day of OCTOBER 2025. HENRIETTA M. WILLIAMS 523 W. BONEY ST. WALLACE, NC 28466 Run dates:O16,23,30,N6p
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA DUPLIN COUNTY FILE#25E001388-300 The undersigned, TAMMY PARKER, having quali ed on the 1ST DAY of OCTOBER, 2025, as EXECUTOR of the Estate of EVELENE HATCHER CAVENAUGH, 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 16TH Day of JANUARY 2026, 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 16TH Day of OCTOBER 2025. TAMMY PARKER, EXECUTOR 2927 S NC HWY 50 BEULAVILLE, NC 28518 Run dates:O16,23,30,N6p
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA DUPLIN COUNTY FILE#25E001393-300 The undersigned, SOMMER WILSON, having quali ed on the 6TH DAY of OCTOBER, 2025, as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of ANITA LOIS BURTON,
Run dates:O30,N6,13,20p
SWINE
obituaries
Mary Claudia Wilson
March 10, 1949 –Oct. 21, 2025
Mary Claudia Wilson, 76, of Magnolia, NC, passed away on October 21, 2025, at Four Oaks Senior Living in Four Oaks, NC. Funeral service will be 1 p.m. on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at Wilson Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Turkey, NC. Visitation from noon-1 p.m. (one hour prior to the service). Interment following the service at Wilson Chapel MBC cemetery.
Billy Gerald Thompson
April 2, 1949 – Oct. 18, 2025
Though we are saddened by the passing of Billy Gerald Thompson, age 76, on October 18, 2025, we rejoice in knowing he has gone to his eternal home in Heaven, where pain and su ering are no more.
Billy was the son of the late Ashley and Dicie Thompson, born on April 2, 1949, in Lenoir County, North Carolina.
To his family, he was the ultimate provider — a loving husband to his wife of 56 years, Jenny, a devoted father, a doting grandfather, and a proud greatgrandfather. His greatest joy was spending time with his family, vacationing often, and creating lasting memories together.
A man of incredible integrity and a powerful work ethic, Billy dedicated 60 years to his career in drywall work. He always strived to do his best and encouraged his children and others to do the same, teaching them the value of hard work and perseverance.
Billy was a devout Christian whose faith and trust in the Lord sustained him through the highs and lows of life. He was a faithful member of West Richlands Holiness Church for 25 years.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Virginia “Jenny” Thompson; son, Billy Gerald Thompson Jr., “BJ” (Dana); daughter, Sherry Thompson; and special granddaughter, Amber Gwynn (William).
He is also survived by grandchildren Tyler Rodriguez (Harper), Justin Thompson, and Ashlee Thompson; greatgrandchildren Kendall Lanier, Jackson Lanier, Coleman Gwynn, Lawton Gwynn and Sawyer Reign Stephen; sister Bonnie Melton (Roy Lee); brother Bobby Thompson; favorite vacation companions Danny Brinson and Geraldine Tyndall; long-time friend Anthony “Ant” Humphrey, who was like a son to him; cherished friend Teresa Powell; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Waiting to welcome him in Heaven were his brother Wilbur James “Jimmy” Thompson and sister Bernice Thompson Sanders.
A memorial service will be held at Community Funeral Home in Beulaville, North Carolina, on October 23, 2025, at 6 p.m., followed by an informal visitation, with Pastor John Taylor o ciating.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for all the thoughts, prayers, and visits during this time.
Karen Jean Littlejohn Peterson
April 1, 1970 – Oct. 20, 2025
Mrs. Karen Jean Littlejohn Peterson, age 55, of Teachey,
Stephen Glenn Mills Sr.
Oct. 26, 1936 – Oct. 17, 2025
Stephen Glenn Mills Sr. (Steve), age 88, entered his eternal home on October 17, 2025. Born on October 26, 1936, Steve was one of six children of the late James Marcus Mills and Madie English Mills. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy Mills Popik. After graduating from Wallace High School, Steve was employed by J.P. Stevens (SteveCo Knit) for more than 40 years. Instrumental in ushering the company into the computer age, he became the head of the Data Processing Department. Additionally, he and Jan owned a Singer sewing machine business in the 1970s and a Japanese maple nursery in their later years. Steve also enjoyed farming on his John Deere tractor. A true patriot, Steve proudly served in the N.C. Army National Guard for eight years.
Steve was a loving husband, father, grandfather, sibling and friend. A man of great faith, he attended First Baptist Church of Wallace. He also enjoyed years of Bible Study Fellowship International. Steve was known for his strong work ethic, positive attitude, and generosity. He was a good neighbor and friend who put others before himself.
Steve was an avid golfer, a hobby he enjoyed with family during holidays and vacations. He also played the guitar, and his love of music is shared by his children and grandchildren.
Steve is survived by his wife of 66 years, Janice Cottle Mills, daughter Kim Weaver (Gary) of Goldsboro, daughter Lisa Sasser (Byron) of Lewisville, son Stephen Mills, Jr. (Summer) of Hampstead, grandchildren Lauren Weaver of Warsaw, Blake Weaver (Alaina) of Durham, Kristen Sasser of Raleigh, Haedyn and Kendall Mills of Hampstead, and great-grandchildren Lyla Weaver, Beckett Weaver, and Winnie Weaver. He is also survived by siblings James Mills of Wallace, David Mills (Sandra) of Macon, Georgia, Joe Mills (Betty) of Raleigh, Emily McCraven (Spencer) of Cary, and many other loving relatives.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, October 28, at Quinn McGowen Funeral Home, Wallace, NC, with Pastor Merrell Mckoy o ciating. The family will receive friends after the service.
In lieu of owers, the family requests that memorial gifts be sent to Samaritan’s Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607, or online at samaritanspurse.org/ our-ministry/donate-online, or to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741, or online at give.michaeljfox.org/ campaign/725318/donate, or to a charity of your choice.
The family would like to extend special gratitude to the sta of Poplar Grove Memory Care and Gentiva Hospice for the loving and compassionate care given to Steve in his nal months.
NC, passed away on Monday, October 20, 2025, at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Hospital in Wilmington, NC.
A viewing will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the Rose Hill Funeral Home Chapel in Rose Hill, NC, followed by the funeral at noon. Burial will follow at Burton Cemetery in Wallace, NC.
Left to cherish her precious memories are her children: Rodney D. Littlejohn of Greensboro, NC, Andre’ L. Smith of Jacksonville, NC, Terrence L. Peterson, Jr. of Wallace, NC, and Shakia M. Peterson of Teachey, NC; one aunt, Glenda Barton of Wallace, NC; five grandchildren; two nieces, one nephew; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that will miss her dearly.
Annie Mae Bland
Jan. 17, 1943 – Oct. 22, 2025
Annie Mae Bland, 82, passed gently from her earthly life on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. She was born on January 17, 1943, in Norfolk, Virginia, the daughter of Jodie A. Bland and Annie Green Bland. In addition to her parents, Annie Mae was preceded in death by many sisters and brothers.
Annie Mae is survived by her son, Tony Ray Burckhard, and his wife, Julie; daughter, Judith Ann Bland Weston; brother, David Bland; three step-grandchildren; six step-great-grandchildren; and many, many nieces and nephews.
Annie Mae was a joy to be around. She loved laughter, speaking what was on her mind, and dressing up with hats and pretty clothes. In years past, Annie Mae enjoyed knitting and sharing items that she made.
The graveside service will be at 1 p.m. on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at Riverview Memorial Park, with her nephew, Mr. Rusty Brewer, conducting the service. The family will receive friends at the cemetery following the service.
Simon Brock
Jan. 2, 1950 – Oct. 24, 2025
Simon Brock, 75, passed away on Friday, October 24, 2025, in ECU Duplin Hospital, Kenansville, NC. The funeral service is Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at 7 p.m. followed by visitation at Community Funeral Home in Beulaville, NC. The graveside service is Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Brock Family Cemetery in Kenansville, NC
He is survived be his son, Ray Brock (Jessica), Wallace, NC; daughter Angela Foss, Kinston, NC; Sisters Lurlene Futrell of Kenansville, NC, Fannie Mae Barnette of Beulaville, NC, and Elizabeth Varker of Warsaw, NC; brothers Woodrow Brock (Penny) of Rose Hill, NC and Norwood Brock; and grandchildren Madison and Ian Davis.
Catherine LeGwin Blanchard
Oct. 10, 1929 – Oct. 19, 2025
Catherine LeGwin Blanchard, 96, of Wallace, North Carolina, passed from this life to her eternal rest on Sunday, October 19, 2025. She was born on October 10, 1929, in New Hanover County, the daughter of the late LeRoy LeGwin and Ruby Wiggs LeGwin. Mrs. Blanchard was also preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, William Ward Blanchard, and her brothers L.C. LeGwin, Jr., and Joe LeGwin.
Mrs. Blanchard was a lifelong member of Wallace Presbyterian Church where she served throughout the years in numerous ministries. She was a proud and avid DAR member for many years and served various o ces.
Surviving to cherish her memory is her daughter Julie B. Case of Wallace; son William David Blanchard and wife Jennifer of Rose Hill; grandchildren, Kristen Case Barber and husband Zack, Lauren Case, Peyton Blanchard, Dylan Blanchard, Abigail Blanchard; greatgrandchildren, Zachary Loner, Case Loner, Bailey Case and Bryson Barber; special friend Stacy Alan Wells of Wallace; her faithful companion ”Zoey” and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends that loved her dearly.
Catherine was a loving mother and caring grandmother who loved her family with all her heart. She was a woman of uncommon character, beauty, and grace; and to those who knew her, “an instrument of God’s love on this earth.” After high school, Catherine attended nursing school at Watts Hospital in Durham, where she earned her nursing degree. Catherine had a servant’s heart and loved helping others. She was an avid NC State fan and loved playing bridge with her bridge club ladies. Catherine had a special place in her heart for children. She was the ‘grandmother of the neighborhood’ and children gathered at her house for love, nurturing and ice cream. Catherine was a special lady who loved unconditionally and was always willing to help others. She will surely be missed but never forgotten.
Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Wallace Presbyterian Church with the Reverend Robert Lapp o ciating.
The family will receive friends from 1-2 p.m. on Thursday, one hour prior to the service inside Currie Hall at the church.
Burial will follow the funeral service on Thursday at Rock sh Memorial Cemetery in Wallace.
The family would like to thank Catherine’s special caregivers, Belinda Alford of Harrells and Billie Shackleford of Burgaw, for all the love and care you gave to Catherine.
In lieu of owers, memorial gifts may be given to Wallace Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 717, Wallace, NC 28466, or the Children’s Home Society of NC, PO Box 14608, Greensboro, NC 27415.
Ralph Robertus Hunt
Feb. 17, 1945 – Oct. 21, 2025
Ralph Robertus Hunt, 80, passed away on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. Arrangements are incomplete at this time.
He is survived by his wife, Pearline Hunt of Kenansville, NC; sons Aaron Hunt and Keith Hunt of Asheville, NC, Bryan Hunt, Kenansville, NC, and Rudy Taylor, Wilmington, NC; daughters Lori Jones of Jacksonville, NC, and Donna Raymas of Kenansville, NC; 13 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
Ariana Nevaeh Imoni Smith
March 23, 2010 –Oct. 17, 2025
Ariana Nevaeh Imoni Smith, 15, of Pittsboro, NC, gained her heavenly wings on October 17, 2025, at UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill, NC. Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, October 25, 2025, at New Christian Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Rose Hill, NC. Visitation will be noon-1 p.m. (one hour prior to the service). Interment following the service at Devotional Gardens Cemetery in Warsaw, NC. SPONSORED
June 14, 1929 – Oct. 22, 2025
Mildred Pauline Batchelor, 96, passed away on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. The graveside service is Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Amos Lanier Cemetery in Chinquapin, NC. She is survived by niece Karen Jenkins of Chinquapin, NC; and great-nephews: Je Batchelor (Jessica) and Ebbie Batchelor, both of Wallace, NC.
Mildred Pauline Batchelor
Second time’s the charm for rescheduled Latino Festival
By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal
WALLACE — After a two-week delay caused by a nor’easter, the Duplin County Latino Cultural Festival made its second-year return to Clement Park in Wallace last Saturday, celebrating Latino heritage with music, dance and food under picture-perfect fall skies.
The festival was organized by Wallace Mayor Pro-Tem Francisco Rivas-Dias, who told Duplin Journal the past two years’ events are actually the rebirth of a Latino Festival held years ago in the community.
“In the past, there used to be a nonpro t called the Duplin County Latino Center. They started doing the festival, but the last one was about 15 years ago,” Rivas-Diaz said.
He said the event ended when the nonpro t stopped being active after the original organizers left the county.
“I told (his wife) Brenda, ‘We haven’t had a Latino Festival in a while,’ and I came up with the idea for me to create one, so we brought the Latino Festival back last year,” Rivas-Diaz said, adding, “Ours is called the Latino Cultural Festival, emphasizing that we want to promote culture within the Latino community, including the arts and music.”
This year’s event featured numerous entertainment acts, including musicians and dancers, as well as a large collection of vendors and food trucks.
Left, food vendors featuring a wide variety of treats had their own section in Clement Park on Saturday during the annual Duplin Latino Cultural Festival. Right, a group children gather for a quick game of soccer in Clement Park on Saturday afternoon during the annual Duplin Latino Cultural Festival.
Duplin County Economic Development Commission (EDC)
Notice is hereby given that the Duplin County EDC is soliciting responses for Request for Proposal (RFP) for Lot Clearing, Tree Removal, Grading, and Erosion Control Services – AirPark Center. Interested respondents may submit proposals to the Duplin County EDC O ce, 260 Airport Road, Kenansville, NC 28349. All proposals are due on or before Friday, November 21th, 2025 at 4:00PM at the Duplin County EDC O ce. Proposals received after the deadline will not be considered. Electronic bid packets can be found at https://www.duplinnc.gov/ or scott.summerlin@duplinnc.gov. Questions can be emailed or answered by calling 910-385-6236.
The town of Wallace celebrated community and culture at Clement Park
PHOTOS BY MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
Left, Mayor Pro-Tem Francisco Rivas-Diaz and his wife, Brenda (center), organizers of the Duplin Latino Cultural Festival, are joined by event sta members Olga Polanco, left, and Geouanay Sauceda, right, as they keep things running smoothly at Saturday’s event in Wallace’s Clement Park. Right, the eld on both sides of Clement Park in Wallace was loaded with vendors selling wares and promoting nonpro ts at Saturday’s Duplin Latino Cultural Festival.
