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VOLUME 10 ISSUE 44 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2025

DUPLINJOURNAL.COM

Duplin Journal THE DUPLIN COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Merry Christmas from Duplin Journal the

BRIEF this week

Fugitive wanted on attempted murder charges captured Beulaville A coordinated operation last week led to the arrest of a woman wanted on several charges. Lekeyia Petteway, sought on active bench warrants from Greenville County, South Carolina, for alleged attempted murder, assault and battery, and child abuse was located at a Beulaville residence. Authorities said officers from the Beulaville Police Department, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation’s Criminal Apprehension Team and Coastal District agents worked together to take Petteway into custody safely and without incident.

Memorial bricks available for courtyard tribute Faison The Town of Faison and the Faison Improvement Group are inviting the public to help update the Dr. William Thornton Memorial Courtyard. Personalized memorial bricks, starting at $100, can honor loved ones or organizations. Proceeds benefit the Faison Recreation & Wellness Center and Faison Improvement Group. Bricks are tax-deductible and engraved for life.

Local fire department retains Class 3 rating Wallace The Wallace Fire Department kept its ISO rating of 3, a distinction held by just 3,000–3,500 of 27,000 U.S. fire departments. Commissioner Glenn Price praised the volunteers’ professionalism on a social media post, noting that the rating helps ensure lower homeowners insurance rates for the community.

Magnolia partners to fight food insecurity Magnolia With the holiday season in full swing, the Town of Magnolia recently helped spread warmth and generosity by assembling 23 Meals-in-a-Bag kits, donated by Marine Federal Credit Union. The kits, featuring corn chowder or chili meals, were delivered to the Duplin County Partnership for Children to support local families experiencing food insecurity. The Partnership worked with the Duplin County Department of Social Services to identify families in need.

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MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

Saluting a dedicated workforce Duplin County employees filled the Duplin Event Center for the Employee Appreciation Luncheon on Friday afternoon. The event featured a barbeque lunch, recognition for years of service, as well as games and door prizes.

A year of growth, change From major infrastructure projects and economic gains to leadership turnover and public transparency debates By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal DUPLIN COUNTY experienced a year of growth, leadership changes, and infrastructure development in 2025. County officials focused on economic development, fiscal man-

agement, and public engagement, while recognizing local leaders and volunteers. In January, the Board of Commissioners approved the $430,000 purchase of a building on Limestone Road in Kenansville for Water Department administrative operations. The

board said the purchase would improve efficiency and customer service through features such as drive-through payments. The board also approved the use of $252,183 in opioid settlement funds for early intervention programs for school-aged children ($127,889.91), naloxone distribution ($60,855.92), collaborative strategic planning ($38,037.20), and addiction treatment for incarcerated individuals ($25,400). The

plan added two part-time positions and eliminated one fulltime role. The board also approved a $7,000 revision of the county’s personnel policy for the first time in more than a decade to clarify conflicting provisions. Auditors presented the FY 2024 audit in February, the general fund stood at $46.5 million, with nearly 80% available, and property tax revenues remained stable. In March, County Commissioner Dexter Edwards was recognized for his induction into the North Carolina See GROWTH, page A5

Wallace mayor reflects on 2025’s big projects A new fire department, remodeled community spaces and airport improvements signal growth and progress By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal WHEN WALLACE MAYOR Jason Wells looks back on 2025, he sees it as a year of major projects in town. In an interview with Duplin Journal, he said one of the biggest projects has

been construction of the new fire department. “We do have construction on the new fire department underway,” Wells said. “We anticipate that will be fully completed by mid-2026. That’s a big project for us.” In addition to the new fire

department, the town has been renovating existing buildings for new uses, Wells said. “We finished remodeling the Clement Building, which is a community building where Parks and Rec is now housed,” he said. “There is also community space that folks can rent out. We got that building fully renovated with grants.” The old Parks and Rec building by Clement Park is being

Dixon earns top public safety award for legislative leadership The local lawmaker's efforts resulted in stricter penalties and retirement protections for officers By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal THE NORTH CAROLINA Sheriffs’ Association (NCSA) recently recognized Rep. Jimmy Dixon as a 2025 Defender of Public Safety for his leadership during the 2025 legislative session, which advanced key policies to strengthen law enforcement and protect communities. “Nothing is more important than public safety in this troubled world. I will continue my absolute support for all our law enforcement and first responders,” Dixon told Duplin Journal.

Dixon’s legislative district is served by Sheriff Stratton Stokes in Duplin County and Sheriff Larry Pierce in Wayne County. According to NCSA, during a session marked by numerous public safety and law enforcement bills, Dixon worked closely with sheriffs and community leaders to champion legislation addressing fentanyl distribution, illegal firearms, and retirement protections for law enforcement officers. Sheriff Ricky T. Buchanan, president of the NCSA, praised Dixon’s efforts, noting that he has been a steadfast partner in the legislature, advocating for policies that support sheriffs and enhance public safety. See DIXON, page A2

COURTESY

Rep. Jimmy Dixon

remodeled to become the new town hall. Town administrative offices are expected to move there soon. “We anticipate we will be in that building [the new town hall] by the end of the year,” Wells said. “That will free up space in the current town hall to be remodeled for the police department.” Not all major projects involve See PROJECTS, page A5

Duplin Journal for Thursday, December 25, 2025

THURSDAY

12.25.25 #105

Stability, preparation for growth define 2025 in Beulaville Infrastructure projects and housing plans positioned the town for the future

“Join the conversation”

land, who was appointed town clerk and finance officer. Beulaville continued positioning itself for economic and residential growth. Multiple water and infrastructure projects remained underway, while several housing developments advanced toward construction. A 40-unit apartment complex is expected to be completed in 2026. Two additional subdivisions — one with 25 homes and another with 122 homes — are also in development. To support the town’s growing population, Beulaville expanded its recreational offerings. The town relocated and expanded a park on Broad Street and began planning a walking trail, along with new basketball and volleyball courts.

new appointments and ongoing development. In September, Justin Smith was appointed to the Zoning Board. In November, Lori Williams officially became town manager after serving in the role on an interim basis for eight years. Voters reelected Mayor Hutch Jones and Commissioners Gene Wickline and Delmas Highsmith. In December, those officials were sworn in along with Jennifer Strick-

By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal RESILIENCE, stability and preparation for growth marked 2025 in Beulaville, where the town saw leadership continuity alongside

Duplin Journal

Trip Hoffend Publisher

Jim Sills VP of Local Newspapers

Ena Sellers News Editor

Michael Jaenicke Sports Editor

Patsy Teachey Advertising Representative

Loretta Carey Office Manager

Town of Faison builds on community roots in 2025 Residents celebrated local traditions while town leaders advanced recreation, development

ed the death of employee Brent Turner. “We all miss Brent, he was a great friend and co-worker,” Ward said. Later in the year, the town added several part-time Parks and Recreation employees, and a full time employee in Public Works. Voters returned familiar leadership during the municipal election. Ward was reelected, along with Commissioners Sandy McCarty, Ken Avent Jr. and Juan Carlos Quintanilla. Residential and commercial development also moved forward in 2025. Construction began on Everwoods, an 18-home subdivision in Faison’s extraterritorial jurisdiction along N.C. Highway 403 between North Duplin Junior/Senior High School and the town. Plans were also announced for a truck stop near the intersection of N.C. 403 and U.S. Highway 117. In November, Hearts Desire Candle Co. relocated from Calypso to Faison, expanding its footprint. Owner Jimmy Tyndall said he welcomed the opportunity to “move home.”

ture and remains one of Faison’s well-attended events. Parks and Recreation programming expanded in 2025, with increased participation across age groups. The town’s after-school program continued to grow, and adult volleyball was added, drawing nine teams in its first year. “We have a thriving recreation department,” Mayor “Billy” Ward said in an interview with Duplin Journal. “Faison is a small town with a lot going on — especially for young people.” Several facility improvements were completed during the year. Bathrooms were finished at the Sports Complex, and covered picnic shelters and tables were added at both Faison Park and the Sports Complex. The town experienced both growth and loss among its staff. In April, Faison mourn-

By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal FROM COMMUNITY events to expanded parks and recreation programming, 2025 brought a year of steady activity in the town of Faison. Seasonal events highlighted Faison’s agricultural roots and military history, including the annual Farmer’s Parade in the spring, a Memorial Day program, a World War II Ghost Walk in the fall and participation in Wreaths Across America during the winter. More than 100 people attended the Ghost Walk alone. Town leaders said the long-running Farmer’s Parade continues to honor the area’s farming cul-

Dec. 15 • Derrick Allen Bradley, 47, was arrested by DCSO for misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

Wishing YOU and YOURS a VERY

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

• Kendall Darrell Broadnax, 45, was arrested by DCSO for failure to register as a sex offender. • Melvin Cruz-Morales, 40, was arrested by Wallace PD for murder.

• Fred Abraham JacoboHernandez, 22, was arrested by DCSO for carrying a concealed gun and resisting a public officer. Dec. 16 • Quvontre Harper, 26, was arrested by DCSO for child support. Dec. 17 • Jennifer Sue Brown, 53, was arrested by DCSO for misdemeanor larceny and possession of stolen goods or property.

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Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in Duplin County.

Dec. 31 7 p.m. Ring in the New Year at Wallace's annual Strawberry Drop. Wallace Train Depot

Jan. 19 Freedom Ride 9:30 a.m. Join the Freedom Ride, an MLK Observance, beginning at KEMBA in Warsaw at 9:30 a.m. Riders will travel around Warsaw and conclude at Missionary Baptist Church for a 10 a.m. worship service honoring Martin Luther King Jr. Guest speakers will include the mayors of Fayetteville and Apex.

Jan. 23 Basics of Air Frying Workshop 10 a.m. to noon

CRIME LOG

• Kevin Hall, 53, was arrested by DCSO for possession of methamphetamine, misdemeanor crime of domestic violence and communicating threats.

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Have an air fryer you haven’t used yet, thinking about buying one or looking for new recipes? Join the Duplin County Cooperative Extension Family and Consumer Sciences team for a hands-on Basics of Air Frying Workshop. Participants will learn how to cook with and care for an air fryer and explore different models during a live cooking demonstration. The workshop will be held at the Cooperative Extension Office. The cost is $15. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. To register, call 910-296-2143. 165 Agriculture Drive, 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.

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• Mary Bryant, 42, was arrested by DCSO for misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. • Tyree Deshawn Best, 31, was arrested by DCSO for possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver cocaine, felony possession of Schedule II controlled substance, maintaining a vehicle or dwelling place for controlled substances and possession of drug paraphernalia.

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• Saltino Cerrell Branch, 41, was arrested by DCSO for larceny, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm by a felon, larceny of a firearm and felony conspiracy. • Lareka Reshel Brinson, 44, was arrested by DCSO for habitual impaired driving, fleeing or eluding arrest with a motor vehicle, reckless driving, failure to heed light or siren and resisting a public officer. Dec. 18 • Dustin J Cobb, 39, was arrested by DCSO for driving while impaired, failure to yield to emergency vehicle, possession of open container of alcohol in passenger area, possession of marijuana paraphernalia and possession of drug paraphernalia.

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DIXON from page A1 “As a result, our sheriffs will see harsher punishments for criminals who poison our communities with fentanyl and for felons who illegally possess firearms. Additionally, thanks to legislators like Representative Dixon, law enforcement officers will no longer have to choose between continuing to serve their communities and losing a retirement benefit they have earned over their careers.” Dixon expressed gratitude, saying he was “pleased to once again receive this recognition from the Sheriffs’ Association.” The NCSA serves as the statewide voice for North Carolina’s 100 sheriffs, advocating for sheriffs, public safety, and citizens’ rights through education, training, and legislative initiatives. The 2026 session will begin in April.

Duplin Journal for Thursday, December 25, 2025

Celebrating 2025 | Community, culture and tradition From parades and festivals to holiday traditions and cultural celebrations, 2025 was a year that brought Duplin County communities together time and again. These images capture the moments that best captured the year — musicians playing through downtown streets, families gathering to celebrate heritage, and neighbors sharing joy at long-standing traditions that continue to shape the spirit of our towns. Mount Olive Black History Month Parade, Feb. 27

Magnolia Easter Celebration, April 24

Downtown Mount Olive came alive as the community gathered for the town’s Black History Month Parade. Participants and spectators alike danced, cheered, and celebrated a day filled with pride, culture, and unity.

Magnolia’s Easter Celebration brought families together for a joyful day of music, food and activities, including egg hunts, face painting, piñatas, K.D. BEARD / DUPLIN JOURNAL soccer tournaments, and bouncy houses. At left, Magnolia cooks proudly display free plates prepared for the community.

K.D. BEARD / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Faison Farmers’ Day Parade, March 20 Hundreds lined West Main Street in Faison for the annual Farmers’ Day Parade, a beloved hometown tradition celebrating the community’s deep agricultural roots and small-town charm.

ENA SELLERS / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Carolina Strawberry Festival, May 8 Thousands packed historic downtown Wallace for the Carolina Strawberry Festival for the two-day event featuring food, entertainment, and family-friendly fun. Each year, the festival brings lively energy and large crowds to the heart of town.

NC Pickle Festival, May 1

Latino Cultural Festival, Oct. 30

Crowds filled the streets of Mount Olive for the annual NC Pickle Festival, enjoying live music, spirited performances, pickle-eating contests, costume competitions with ENA SELLERS / DUPLIN JOURNAL Ollie Q. Cumber, and hundreds of vendors showcasing all things pickled.

Colorful dancers perform in front of the main stage at Duplin's Latino Cultural Festival. Now in its second year, the event celebrated Latino heritage through music, dance and traditional cuisine, with vibrant rhythms and festive energy that filled Clement Park in Wallace.

COURTESY OF ASOCIACIÓN LATINA DEL CONDADO DE DUPLIN

Veterans Day Parade, Nov. 6 The Sudan Drum and Bugle Corps of Wilmington filled the streets with powerful sound and patriotic spirit during the 105th North Carolina Veterans Day Parade in Warsaw on Saturday, drawing applause from spectators lining the route.

ENA SELLERS / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Hog Wild Festival, April 10 Carolina Beach music favorites Band of Oz brought high energy and classic hits to the stage during Beulaville's Hog Wild Festival, keeping the crowd dancing well into the evening.

K.D. BEARD / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Garden Gala, May 1

K.D. BEARD / DUPLIN JOURNAL

The Blackwater Band had the crowd singing along as they performed a cover of Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl” during the Carolina Strawberry Festival’s Garden Gala.

Merry christmas!

MARK GRADY / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Poultry Jubilee, Nov. 13 Downtown Rose Hill buzzed with excitement as families gathered for the annual Poultry Jubilee, savoring fried chicken from the World’s Largest Frying Pan, browsing vendor booths, sampling food trucks, and enjoying carnival rides. The twoday celebration honored the town’s proud poultry heritage with fun for all ages.

REBECCA WHITMAN COOKE / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Pickles, Pigs & Swigs, Nov. 13 Music, food, and family fun filled downtown Mount Olive during the annual Pickles, Pigs & Swigs festival. Laura Bryan snaps a photo of her children, Mamie Elizabeth and Hardy, beside the giant pink pig near the University of Mount Olive’s mobile laboratory bus, a popular attraction at the annual event.

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MARK GRADY / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Christmas at Twilight, Nov. 27 Wallace Mayor Jason Wells reads ’Twas the Night Before Christmas to a stage full of children during Christmas at Twilight celebration at the Wallace Depot, delighting families gathered for the holiday tradition.

MARK GRADY / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Duplin Journal for Thursday, December 25, 2025

THE CONVERSATION Trip Hoffend, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor VISUAL VOICES

COLUMN | SEN. TOMMY TUBERVILLE

Sharia law fuels jihadist terror in Nigeria; is America next? Islam breeds. In 2024, 70% of all Christians martyred for their faith in the entire world were in Nigeria. Kidnappings in Nigeria are also on the rise because Jihadists use this to extort ransom payments and fund more terrorism. In November, the world reacted with horror when 315 schoolchildren were kidnapped from a Catholic school in Niger State. Yet you won’t hear much about any of these tragedies because the mainstream media in America would rather bury their heads in the sand than report the facts. They don’t cover the wholesale slaughter of Christians, and when they do, they claim it’s equal opportunity murder of Christians and Muslims alike. Thankfully, President Donald Trump recently reclassified Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” placing a spotlight on persecuted Christians in the country. I also appreciate other members of Congress like Republican Rep. Marlin Stutzman of Indiana and Republican Rep. Riley Moore of West Virginia who have joined me in the fight to end the slaughtering of Christians in Nigeria. However, there is much more that needs to be done to hold the Nigerian government accountable for the genocide happening right under its nose. I am grateful for organizations like Across Nigeria that are working day and night to bring the killing to an end. I recently heard from Brad Brandon, who serves as CEO of Across Nigeria. He described the horrors of Islam firsthand, and how he has stood at the edge of large graves filled with entire families and villages of Christian believers. In 2021, a pastor who worked for Brandon’s organization was hacked to death by machetes in his bed. His church, home, and village were set on fire — all because he refused to deny his Christian faith and stop spreading the gospel. It reminds me of some

of the disciples in the earliest days of the church who were martyred for their faith rather than denying Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, this isn’t just a problem overseas. I’ve said it many times and have taken some heat for it, but Islam isn’t a religion, it is a death cult. And this type of poisonous ideology is alive and well in this country, just waiting to attack. Just this week, FBI Director Kash Patel announced they caught several Islamist terrorists who had planned terror attacks for New Year’s Eve in Los Angeles and New Orleans. If we don’t act now, these types of attacks will become commonplace. That’s why I refuse to be silent about this. Islam is fundamentally opposed to our Constitutional values. These people openly chant “death to America” and would like to see every single freedom-loving American dead. The threat of sharia law becoming a reality in America is not a hypothetical. It’s a real and present danger lurking in our own backyards. Nigeria is an example of what can happen when Radical Islam and sharia law overtake a once prosperous and free nation. Those who practice Radical Islam would love nothing more than to destroy this country. Our freedom is a gift, and I hope that more of our leaders will wake up and defend it before it’s too late.

Trump AI executive order protects Americans from Tower of Babel approach

and reliable AI systems. Congress alone has the authority to dictate such consequential decisions. Americans are rightfully eager for Congress to use that authority. But impatience must not become acquiesce to efforts by state legislators to step into the shoes of U.S. representatives and senators. The order’s core provision — the creation of an AI Litigation Task Force — will protect the American people from a Tower of Babel approach to AI development. States may think they’re enacting similar laws with similar provisions related to AI training, but they’re oftentimes speaking different languages — their bills are riddled with contradictory definitions and vague standards. This task force is overdue but far from an overreach of presidential authority. The order does not grant the U.S. attorney general any new authority nor permit the task force to “neuter” any constitutionally valid state laws, as alleged by The New York Times. Instead, the order is again to the president putting certain questions at the top of the AG’s agenda: specifically, challenging unconstitutional, unlawful or preempted state laws. None of that is new. It has been and always will be the case that state laws that run afoul of the Constitution or otherwise violate the law can and should be challenged. The order merely directs a focus on state AI laws that fall within any of those categories. State legislators may be forgiven for rushing to regulate AI amid the public’s uncertainty over how the technology will impact our economy, our schools, and our communities. AI’s disruptive effects warrant a national framework and soon. Congress must act. However, as signaled by this executive order, that forgiveness has limits: states that intentionally seek to impose their legislative will on others must be held accountable.

What’s taking place in Nigeria is a sad example of the dangers of Islam.

OVER THE LAST few months, I’ve been increasingly vocal about the rise of radical Islam in the U.S. As a result, the left has predictably lost their minds — calling me a “racist” and an “Islamophobe.” The truth is I’m an American, and I care about the safety of our country. I’m not afraid of Chuck Schumer calling me names. What I am afraid of is losing the greatest country on Earth to radical Islam. Look no further than the Thanksgiving shooting of two National Guardsmen in D.C. by a Biden‑imported Afghan Islamic terrorist to know that we are under attack. There’s a lot of good people that come from Middle Eastern countries who go by our laws and assimilate with our culture. But if you come here otherwise, refuse to go by our laws and chant “Death to America,” I have a message for you — we do not want you here. If you’re a peaceful Muslim who has assimilated, now is the time to speak out and condemn these acts of Islamic terrorism. What’s taking place in Nigeria is a sad example of the dangers of Islam. We are seeing firsthand the poisonous impact that Radical Islam can have on a country when it is allowed to take root. In the 1990s, Nigerian Christians and Muslims lived in relative harmony. But Muslims began gaining a foothold, and sharia law was soon installed by 12 of Northern Nigeria’s states in the early 2000s. There are now 101 references to sharia law and Islam in the Nigerian Constitution and zero references to Christianity. Now, 35 Christians a day are being murdered in Nigeria for their faith. Unfortunately, this statistic isn’t surprising. Islam openly teaches to “kill all infidels” — which includes Christians. Since 2002, an estimated 62,000 Christians in Nigeria have been murdered, and 350,000 people have died because of the instability that Radical

Sen. Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate. This column was first published by Daily Caller News Foundation.

COLUMN | KEVIN FRAZIER

The problem is that many states have misinterpreted their expansive authority.

THE ANSWER TO two questions will shape the future of AI in the United States: Who gets to write the national rules for AI development? Who gets to write the rules for how AI is adopted at the state level? This is not a pop quiz. These are the same questions that we had to answer in the late 1700s with respect to shipping in the late 1800s with respect to the railroads, and in the late 1900s with respect to the Internet. The right answers then, remain the correct answers today. The executive order on AI announced by President Donald Trump provides a clear answer to the first question: Congress. It’s the right answer given the unequivocal allocation of constitutional authority to Congress to resolve matters that implicate America’s economic and national security. AI development refers to the training, evaluation and deployment of AI models. In short, it’s the tasks that determine how quickly U.S. companies can continue to push the technological frontier as our adversaries race to do the same. Any pause, delay or diversion to these efforts may have irreversible effects on our ability to economically and militarily keep pace. It’s not hyperbole to stress that America requires a cohesive strategy on this frontier so that our leading AI labs and emerging startups can focus more on AI research, rather than attempting to navigate a patchwork of state AI laws. The order also answers the second question. States may dictate who uses AI, for what purposes, and subject to what limitations.

Again, this is the right answer as mandated by the Constitution and its reservation of extensive police powers to the states. It has long been recognized that it is the duty “of a state to advance the safety, happiness, and prosperity of its people, and to provide for its general welfare.” That’s precisely why the order does not contest the authority of states to enact and enforce laws related to child safety, data centers, state government use of AI and other issues that reflect that important duty. To use an imperfect analogy, the order acknowledges and welcomes state laws related to speed limits, road designs and driver’s license requirements, so long as they do not interfere with how the engine is designed and distributed. The problem is that many states have misinterpreted their expansive authority. Some have enacted laws that will impede the ability of other states to look out for the distinct wants and needs of their respective community. As mentioned in the order, states like Colorado want to dictate how AI models respond to certain queries — this akin to messing with the engine of AI. If labs comply, then the rest of America will have to live with what Denver thinks is best. Other states — namely, California — have enacted laws with the explicit purpose of shielding the rest of the nation from speculative risks. That’s akin to Californians prohibiting Montanans from driving trucks with V8 engines because Californians think they are too powerful. Worse yet, such laws may inhibit the ability of American innovators to move forward on devising new strategies to deploy more capable

Kevin Frazier is the AI and innovation fellow at the University of Texas School of Law.

Duplin Journal for Thursday, December 25, 2025

PROJECTS from page A1 buildings. Infrastructure improvements have also been a focus. “We completed the ‘830 project,’ which was a sewer line that runs essentially from the River Landing area all the way

back to the wastewater treatment plant,” Wells said. “That’s going to allow future development. That was about an eightyear project. We’re excited that it’s done.” Another major infrastructure project is taking place at the Wallace-Pender

Airport, owned by the town. “The other big project is the road out by the airport,” Wells said. “We’ve had DOT relocate that road so that the airport can continue moving forward with their expansion. That road should be completed in the next week or two.”

2025: Year of transition, scrutiny for Mount Olive Management upheaval, the state audit and infrastructure problems dominated town business By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

Construction of the new Wallace Fire Department is one of several major projects the town has undertaken in 2025, which Mayor Jason Wells described as milestones over the past year.

Merry Christmas from Our Family to Yours!

MOUNT OLIVE’S 2025 was marked by leadership changes, financial scrutiny and ongoing infrastructure challenges. In January, the Board of Commissioners dismissed Town Manager Jammie Royall and appointed Utilities Superintendent Glenn Holland as interim town manager. The decision revealed divisions among board members and set the tone for a year of heightened public attention to town governance. State and local oversight intensified following the release of a North Carolina State Auditor report and a subsequent State Bureau of Investigation inquiry. The audit documented financial mismanagement within town operations, including the Water Department and Municipal Airport, citing billing errors, improper fee waivers and unverified expenditures that resulted in more than $210,000 in lost revenue. The town suspended and later terminat-

GROWTH from page A1

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Pork Hall of Fame. In April, James Sprunt Community College broke ground on its 22,000-square‑foot Workforce Development Center. The stateof-the-art facility is expected to open by summer 2026. Economic growth continued, with Duplin County ranking fourth statewide in sales tax growth through April. Residential development advanced in Wallace, where plans were announced for more than 600 new lots, and Warsaw issued at least 60 zoning permits for new homes. In May, Greenevers Volunteer Fire Department Chief Gregory Carr received the Governor’s Medallion Award for contributing more than 700 volunteer hours. Solar energy was an important topic this year as Commissioners expressed concern about potential state legislation that could limit local land-use authority. The county currently has 35 solar farms with an initial investment of $267.6 million. Equipment receives an 80% state tax exemption, but the county collects $393,369 in taxes annually, or $244,583 after depreciation. In June, the Board of Commissioners dissolved the Tourism Development Authority, bringing tourism operations under county management. The Room Occupancy Tax rate was lowered, expected to reduce gross revenue by $58,000 but generate a net positive of about $100,000 through salary savings with two positions that were eliminated, according to then County Manager Brian Miller. Following the dissolution of the TDA, and the purchase of a corporate golf membership, public interest surged over county spending decisions, which officials addressed publicly after residents and advocacy groups called for greater transparency. Officials stated publicly that the golf membership is available to all county employees, prompting questions from residents about usage limits and eligibility. When asked for clarification, Miller noted that employee communication regarding access and procedures was being handled internally. In July, the county mourned the Duplin County Schools Superintendent Austin Obasohan who died at 65 on July 24. September featured several infrastructure milestones. The county broke ground on a $3 million, 50,000-square-foot state-funded shell building at the SouthPark Industrial Center near Wallace. It also began construction on a $3.6 million, 15,000-square-foot corporate aircraft hangar at Duplin County Airport. That month, residents experienced steep prop-

ed employees named in the audit, authorized forensic reviews, and implemented new financial controls. Water, wastewater and stormwater issues dominated board discussions throughout the year. Mount Olive remained under a state-imposed sewer moratorium due to excessive wastewater flows, limiting new development. Residents raised concerns over increased water and sewer rates, billing inaccuracies and drainage problems. The town pursued engineering studies, grant-funded projects, equipment purchases and required repairs under a state consent order in an effort to address system deficiencies. Despite ongoing challenges, the town took steps aimed at stabilization and compliance. Financial records were reconciled, oversight policies were updated, and new infrastructure planning efforts moved forward. In December, three newly elected commissioners were sworn in, and departmental oversight responsibilities were reassigned, marking the start of a new board term as Mount Olive continues work toward regulatory compliance and long-term infrastructure improvements.

1,479

Ballots cast in the Duplin County municipal election erty tax increases following countywide revaluation, despite a rate reduction to $0.58 per $100 valuation. The county received approximately 1,500 appeals, with about 30% resulting in adjustments. In October, local and state officials broke ground on the first of two shell buildings at the Duplin Airpark Industrial Complex as part of the county’s industrial development plan. Also, Wendell Murphy, founder of Murphy Farms, was inducted into the National Agricultural Hall of Fame. The same month, the Board of County Commissioners accepted Miller’s resignation after a special-called meeting. To date Miller’s resignation is unexplained as county officials have cited they cannot comment on personnel matters. The top county official’s unexplained resignation came amid scrutiny of procurement practices. While county officials declined to offer details, referring to state statute G.S. 153A98, which governs the privacy of county employee personnel records, Miller’s resignation came after the media was copied on a complaint email sent to county commissioners alleging irregularities in the procurement practices along with a 147-page packet of documents detailing payments to an unlicensed contractor over a two-year period. Lisa Hughes, former Yadkin County manager, was appointed interim county manager on Nov. 4. Also in November voters in Duplin County participated in municipal elections casting 1,479 ballots out of 7,509 registered voters. In Calypso, Mayor Pro Tem Marvin “Marty” Taylor defeated JoAnne Bowden-Wilson. Wesley Boykin unseated longtime Warsaw Mayor A.J. Connors. On Nov. 17, the Duplin County Animal Services Shelter was cited by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, resulting in a $1,700 civil penalty. In December, Duplin County officially broke ground on the highly anticipated $13.1 million North Carolina Forest Service Region One Headquarters at the Duplin County Airport. This new headquarters marks a major milestone in enhancing regional emergency response capabilities and supporting forest management operations across eastern North Carolina.

Duplin Journal for Thursday, December 25, 2025

2025: A year of impact, intention From civic action and historic honors to groundbreaking projects that will shape Duplin County’s future, 2025 was marked by moments of purpose, progress and pride. These were the defining moments of the year. Duplin families ask DEQ to revisit Lear’s draft permit

Duplin Hall of Fame honors Brinson

Jan. 22 A young boy holds a sign urging leaders to put “people before profits” during a North Carolina ENA SELLERS / DUPLIN JOURNAL Department of Environmental Quality meeting public comment session on Lear Corporation’s draft permit held at James Sprunt Community College’s Monk Auditorium in Kenansville. Residents voiced concerns over proposed PFAS discharges into the Northeast Cape Fear River, citing the health and safety of families who live, swim and fish downstream of the facility.

April 17 Former Duplin County Manager Davis Brinson stands with his wife, Brandi, following his induction into the 2025 Duplin County Hall of Fame on April 8. Brinson was recognized during the annual awards banquet for his distinguished service and lasting contributions to the county.

NC Pork Hall of Fame inducts Dexter Edwards March 6 Commissioner Elwood Garner (right) presents Chairman Dexter Edwards (left) with a resolution honoring him for his induction to the North Carolina Pork Hall of Fame during the County Commissioners meeting on March 3.

ENA SELLERS / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Wallace breaks ground on $20M airport improvement project Feb. 27 Members of the Wallace Town Council and airport board gather Tuesday morning, Feb. 25, for a groundbreaking ceremony launching a $20 million airport improvement project that includes road relocations and runway expansion.

K.D. BEARD FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

ENA SELLERS / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Parents turn loss into hope, raise $75K for Riley’s Army Oct. 2 Hosts Denny and Donna Lanier organized Camo for a Cause in honor of their sons, Hill and Wright, turning MARK GRADY / DUPLIN JOURNAL personal loss into communitydriven hope. The event, held at Tara Creek in Faison, raised an estimated $75,000 for Riley’s Army, a nonprofit supporting children with cancer and their families.

K.D. BEARD FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

Duplin breaks ground on $3.6M corporate hangar at county airport Sept. 25 County leaders, airport commissioners, and contractors gather Sept. 16 to break ground on a new $3.6 million corporate aircraft hangar at Duplin County Airport. The 15,000-square-foot facility is designed to support corporate aviation and drive regional economic growth.

April 17 James Sprunt Community College leaders and local officials break ground April 9 on the college’s new 22,000-square-foot Workforce Development Center. Designed to train students for in-demand careers in electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and other skilled trades, the state-of-the-art facility is expected to open by summer 2026. Courtesy Kyle Tyndall, James Sprunt Community College

Oct. 16 Local and state leaders gather Oct. 14 at the Duplin Airpark Industrial Complex to break ground on the first of two shell buildings as part of Duplin County’s long-term master plan for economic growth and industrial development.

Oct. 30 Wendell Murphy, founder of Murphy Farms, stands with family and colleagues following his induction into the National Agricultural Hall of Fame on Oct. 23 in Bonner Springs, Kansas. Murphy’s innovation and leadership reshaped pork production, earning him a place among agriculture’s most influential figures.

COURTESY MURPHY FAMILY VENTURES

Duplin breaks ground on new Forest Service Region One Headquarters

MARK GRADY / DUPLIN JOURNAL

JSCC breaks ground on Workforce Development Center

Duplin breaks ground at Airpark

Wendell Murphy inducted into National Agricultural Hall of Fame

Duplin celebrates ribbon cutting of $4.27M transportation building Feb. 27 Commissioner Dexter Edwards (left), Angel Venecia, and Brennan Fuquay smile as they prepare to cut the ribbon marking the official opening of Duplin County’s new $4.27 million Transportation facility on Feb. 18. Commissioners Wayne Branch and Elwood Garner look on in the background during the milestone celebration.

MARK GRADY / DUPLIN JOURNAL

$3M state-funded shell building breaks ground near Wallace

Dec. 11 State and local leaders turn the first shovels of dirt to mark the long-awaited groundbreaking of the new $13.1M facility that will be home to the N.C. Forest Service Region One Headquarters at Duplin County Airport. The facility will include office space and a dedicated training center on the 12-acre site.

Sept. 11 Officials from Duplin County, the Town of Wallace, the Economic Development Commission, and Daniels and Daniels Construction break ground Sept. 3 on a new 50,000-square-foot shell building at the SouthPark Industrial Center near Wallace, a key step in the county’s efforts to attract new industry and jobs.

ENA SELLERS / DUPLIN JOURNAL

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DUPLIN SPORTS MS. VOLLEYBALL 2025

HEART OF CHAMPION

Play of ‘complete’ player Page sends her into history books

Leadership role comes natural for Panthers’ three-sport Cave

Jansley Page was fourth in kills in 3A and showed her all-around game by landing third in 66 blocks, 156 digs (156) and and 53 aces.

WRH’s Jansley Page rises to the top by doing just about anything to help the ’Dawgs win on the volleyball court

ED’s Kinsey Cave is a coaches’ dream — in any sport

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

TEACHEY — Jansley Page is a talented hitter on a volleyball court. She’s also had a serve that zips the ball into a vacant spot on the floor. And the Wallace-Rose Hill senior covered a lot of the surface during any given point, there to dig it up, or set it in motion toward the net on the second touch. Covering nearly every statistical category in the scorebook, Page catapulted her way past teammate Angelina Cavallaro and East Duplin’s Kinsey Cave to become Ms. Volleyball in Duplin County. Page, the NCHSAA 3A Player of the Year overcame Cavallaro, who captured the honor the previous two seasons, by playing from baseline-to-baseline and backline to above the net. Both were highly-ranked hitters, with Cavallaro zipping 435 kills and Page 433, making decoys for setter Maddie Gavin, the leading assist player in Duplin County. All three were on the NC Volleyball Coaches Association’s all-stats 3A list. Cavallaro was second in kills in 3A and 18th among all classifications. Page was fourth and 19th, respectively. The duo is 1-2 in Duplin in kills, yet Page’s resume also includes three top-five finishes among her Duplin rivals. See PAGE, page B3

BEULAVILLE — Kinsey Cave is an extreme competitor. Perhaps not, but that’s sure how it looks to anyone who comes to the East Duplin campus, whether they see her in one of her four sports or during the school’s Powder Puff flag football game. The word offseason doesn’t appear on her calendar. The only real question is: What sport is she currently playing? She’s been Ms. Basketball the previous two See HEART, page B4

Jansley Page was named 3A Player of the Year by the N.C. Volleyball Coaches Association. She will play volleyball next fall for Fayetteville Tech.

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Kinsey Cave is all-Duplin first team in three sports — volleyball, basketball and softball.

PHOTOS BY EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

COACH OF THE YEAR

Williams connections with players huge reason for ’Dawgs’ success WRH’s head coach captured his 100th win and fourth-straight top coach award By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

WRH won its 100th match under head coach Kevin Williams in 2025. He led the Bulldogs to successive seasons of 13-7, 17-5, 18-5, 21-3 and 21-5 from 2021-25.

TEACHEY — Developing talent is one aspect. Drawing the road map, driving the bus and getting six players to connect on and off the court is much harder. An influx of players with fundamental volleyball skills was key in turning Wallace-Rose Hill into a power team the past five years. So, too, was head coach Kevin Williams, who has captured his third-consecutive Coach of the Year award in Duplin County.

Williams, who beat East Duplin’s Susan Raynor in what can only be described as a photo finish, captured his 100th career win just before the postseason. The connection between the two cannot be overlooked, as Wiliams was an assistant for Raynor for a handful of seasons before she returned the coach the Panthers. WRH won the ECC 2A in 2024 and tied Midway for the Swine Valley 2A/3A Conference title last fall to complete its second-consecutive 21-win campaign. The Bulldogs’ progression under Williams has been a steady upward climb. After going 20-35 from his first season in ’18 to ’20, WRH carved out consecutive campaigns that blossomed from 13-7 to 17-5 to 18-5 to 21-3 to it

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21-5 swansong that figured six seniors. Most nights, Angelina Cavallaro, who had 1,186 kills during her career, or Jansley Page (909 kills) would dominate, with 1,000-assist hustler Mattie Gavin spinning the drink on the floor. Credit Williams getting players such as Gabby Debman to log a Duplin-high 117 blocks, while Kaylee Lovette repelled 72 and Sally Martinez and Isabella Parker to combined for 258 digs. Teamwork on and off the court was facilitated by Williams and that bond was both necessary and instrumental in WRH’s success. His “life” huddles provided increased communication and an opportunity See COACH, page B2

Duplin Journal for Thursday, December 25, 2025

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Mattie Gavin Wallace Rose-Hill, volleyball

Mattie Gavin was the queen of assists in Duplin County in 2025. ‘ The Bulldog senior had 775 pre-point pushes and collected 139 digs. She was not a flashy front-liner, but rather a player who gave opportunities to her teammates. EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL Gavin was exceptional in helping teammates Angelina Cavallaro and Jansley Page combine for 868 kills as WRH went 21-5 and tied Midway for the Swain Valley Conference crown. Gavin will play volleyball next season at Louisburg College.

COLUMN MICHAEL JAENICKE

Talented volleyball players bring on difficult decisions THREE DUPLIN County volleyball teams played topnotch this fall, as WallaceRose Hill, East Duplin and North Duplin combined for a 60-6 record, two conference championships and many scorching kills, dynamite digs and fluffy sets made for a royal table setting. While there is no team of the year, a bigger task is selecting the best players is far from science yet not biased. First-, second- and thirdteam players were picked by comparing statistics and through conversations from the four county coaches. Unfortunately, there are not enough spots on the first team given this season’s talent. That’s not always the case, and in fact, on occasion I’ve not selected a player of the year. One basketball season, every first-team player had alarmingly similar statistics and next to impossible to find differences or special talents between five players, leading me to spout, “Is there really a Mr. Basketball this season?” I wanted more individual awards this time but then found out that, much like cheesecake, more is still not enough. Why couldn’t Angelina Cavallaro win the Queen of Kills award? Mattie Gavin, Karsyn Parker and Marissa Bernal could have fought over the Backcourt Battler award. Nine was the magic

There’s simply not enough spots on the all-star lists given this season’s talent.

number for the first team and that pushed several deserving players to the second team. But I settled on just three marquee awards, which brings us to Coach of the Year, where strong cases can be made for WRH’s Kevin Williams and ED’s Susan Raynor, two coaches who teach the game exceptionally well and have super-charged relationships with their players. So does ND’s Heather Best, the underdog choice, though comparing coaches is somewhat unimportant as all three, and also first-year JK coach Heather Blaylock, a former Methodist College player and energizer, are making an impact on their players on multiple fronts. Interest in volleyball has spiked in Duplin County the past few seasons, leading to success and more victory dances and that’s a direct result of quality coaching.

In case you missed it, here were a few highlights from the fall. • WRH (21-5) beat Midway to stop the Raider’s 55-match conference winning streak and tied the Spivey’s Corner gang for the Swine Valley Conference title. It’s the second flag the Bulldogs have collected in the past two seasons. They also advanced to the fourth round of the 3A playoff, falling to Midway for the third time in Teachey. • East Duplin (22-3) picked up speed after getting a revenge win over WRH. The Panthers won 15 in a row to end the season and ended their season in the fourth round of the 4A playoffs. • But Rebel fans had plenty to cheer as well, as ND went 17-8, landing second in the new seven-school Carolina Conference and won a firstround 2A playoff match. ND also logged a winning record in back-to-back seasons, a rarity in its history. • James Kenan (7-15) had nearly the same record as it did in 2024 (7-14), yet the Tigers’ play improved under first-year coach Heather Blaylock. Next fall, the former Methodist University player will be seeking to bring JK its first winning record since 2008’s mark of 9-8. Holiday cheer to all during the Christmas and New Year’s Eve holidays. Look for the all-Duplin boys’ soccer team on Jan. 9. Lilly Fulghum logged more than 1,000 assists during her career at ND.

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EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

COACH from page B1 for players to grow and develop together. The Bulldogs gobbled up teams for the better part of the regular season aside from Midway and a loss to 6A Jackson-

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ville in which Gavin missed the match for preventative measures following a fall three days earlier. The face of WRH volleyball will no doubt change next fall after a run from obscurity to being contender.

Williams’ coaching career extended to his two daughters, Hailey, and Haven, a twotime Ms. Softball at WRH (’18 and ’19) who played the sport at Louisburg College for a season. He’s still a bench coach for Bulldog head coach Cory Lovelace.

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Duplin Journal for Thursday, December 25, 2025

2025 ALL-DUPLIN VOLLEYBALL

Full-court coverage Four Panthers, three ’Dawgs and a pair of Rebels burned up area volleyball courts as first-team stars

Angelina Cavallaro (WRH) Jansley Page (WRH) Kinsey Cave (ED) Maggie Brown (ND) Zoe Cavanaugh (ED) Zoe Turner (ED) Abby Norris (ND) Sophie Jones (ED) Sophia Jones (ED) Bennett Holley (ED)

Fulghum was second in assists (249) and aces (63), while landing ninth in digs (131). The senior had 1,437 assists during her career.

SECOND TEAM Maggie Brown, ND, So. Made 172 kills and the top net player for the Rebels. Gabby Debman, WRH, Jr. Her 117 blocks were tops in Duplin. Bennett Holley, ED, Fr. Upstart fit right in with 110 digs, 71 kills and 39 aces. Y’Anna Rivers, JK, Jr. The Tigers’ top hitter showcased the rest of her game from midseason forward. Sophia Jones, ED, So. Her 55 blocks were fourth most in Duplin. Abigeal Norris, ND, Jr. Pushed in her 100th kill in the second round of the playoffs.

Angelina Cavallaro, WRH, Sr.

Turner might have been the

Lilly Fulghum, ND, Sr.

Cavanaugh’s 189 digs were third most in Duplin, while her 138 kills was fifth highest. She had 38 aces, while playing a slightly different role than in ’24 when she landed 174 kills.

TEACHEY — It was an exceptional fall for volleyball, one of the best-ever for Wallace-Rose Hill, East Duplin and North Duplin. The top individual marquee awards this season go to the following: Ms. Volleyball: Jansley Page, WRH, Sr. Heart of a Champion: Kinsey Cave, ED, Jr. Coach of the Year: Kevin Williams, WRH (See B1 for stories on these award winners.) The first-team also includes and would not be complete without the following:

Zoe Turner, ED, Sr.

2025 VOLLEYBALL STATS

Zoe Cavanaugh, ED, Sr.

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

The two-time Ms. Volleyball led the Duplin in kills with 435, which was No. 2 in 3A and No. 18th among all players in the state. The opposing coaches shuddered when she left her feet as defenders scrambled to cover the floor from her rocket shots. Though just 5-foot-8, this senior had a vertical leap of 24 inches and played with a presence, focus and fly-to-thenet-and-hammer-it-home approach that was intimidating. She finished with 1,186 career kills, 249 aces and 416 digs. She will play Division 2 volleyball next year at the University of Mount Olive.

itor. It backed up ’24 in which she had 709 assists. She was also fourth in aces (54) and fifth in digs (139).

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

WRH’s Angelina Cavallaro was second in 3A in kills with 435. most improved player in the county and did her share to carry East Duplin early in the season. She paced Duplin in kills with 70 and was sixth in kills (122) and seventh in digs (147) Marissa Bernal, ND, Sr. Bernal, who will play volleyball at Louisburg College, had a Duplin-high 384 digs and had 397 in ’24 to finish her career with 894. Her 57 aces were third best among her peers.

She also had 55 winners as a junior. Karsyn Parker, ED, Jr. Parker was second in digs (249) and fourth in aces (54) and a constantly moving force in the back court for the Panthers. Mattie Gavin, WRH, Sr. Gavin, an all-state 3A player, led the county with a whopping 775 assists, which was 94 more than her nearest compet-

THIRD TEAM Peyton Ezzell, JK, Fr. Landed in the top 20 because of her setting consistency and serve. Kaylee Lovette, WRH, Sr. Second in Duplin with 72 blocks. Gracie Higginbotham, ND, Fr. Made her presence known as first-year player with 51 aces and 74 digs. Isabella Parker, WRH, Jr. Had 107 digs as a strong support player. Sally Martinez, WRH, Jr. Had back-to-back 83 assist seasons. Lauren Cottle, ED, Jr. Came through for 81 digs and 150 assists.

PAGE from page B1

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Page, who will play volleyball at Fayetteville Tech, was third in blocks (66), fourth in digs (156) and fifth in aces (53). After each match point this winter, fans left Steve Robinson Court remembering at least one aspect of her game. And her do-it-all spurts were often infectious to her teammates. WRH had back-to-back 21win seasons and went 77-18 with Page as a four-year starter. Page had 603 career assists, including 386 as a sophomore, consecutive 50-ace seasons in ’24 and ’25, and at moderate pace, six to eight matches away from logging 1,000 kills. She finished with 909. Cave, who had far less kills (178) than the Bulldog combo, passed the eye-ball test as a leader and had solid numbers across all other stat categories (third in kills and blocks, fifth in assists, sixth in digs, seventh in aces). The Panther junior is the Heart of a Champion honoree.

KILLS 435 433 178 172 138 122 100 80 72 71

ACES Zoe Turner (ED) Lilly Fulghum (ND) Marissa Bernal (ND) Karsyn Parker (ED) Jansley Page (WRH) Karysn Parker (ED) Kinsey Cave (ED) Gracie Higginbotham (ND) Angelina Cavallaro (WRH) Sophia Jones (ED) Angelina Cavallaro (WRH) Bennett Holley (ED)

70 63 57 54 53 52 52 51 46 46 39 39

ASSISTS Mattie Gavin (WRH) Lilly Fulghum (ND) Kinsey Cave (ED) Lauren Cottle (ED) Bennett Holley (ED)

775 386 205 150 114

DIGS Marissa Bernal (ND) Karsyn Parker (ED) Zoe Cavanaugh (ED) Kinsey Cave (ED) Jansley Page (WRH) Sally Martinez (WRH) Zoe Turner (ED) Mattie Gavin (WRH) Angelina Cavallaro (WRH) Lilly Fulghum (ND) Bennett Holley (ED) Isabella Parker (WRH) Carrly Strickland (ND)

384 249 189 159 156 151 147 139 129 131 110 107 107

BLOCKS Gabby Debman (WRH) Kaylee Lovette (WRH) Jansley Page (WRH) Sophia Jones (ED) Kinsey Cave (ED)

MS. VOLLEYBALL 2025: Jansley Page, Wallace-Rose Hill 2024: Angelina Cavallaro, Wallace-Rose Hill 2023: Angelina Cavallaro, Wallace-Rose Hill 2022: Mary Hadden Braswell, Wallace-Rose Hill 2021: Emily Lanier, East Duplin 2020: Maddie Simpson, East Duplin 2019: Maddie Simpson, East Duplin 2018: Maddie Simpson, East Duplin 2017: Anna Thornton, North Duplin 2016: Lauren Brooks, Wallace-Rose Hill

117 72 66 55 30

Duplin Journal for Thursday, December 25, 2025

NFL postseason will miss all of Mahomes, Brady, Manning for first time since 1998 season Six quarterbacks not born by 1998 could star in this year’s postseason By Josh Dubow The Associated Press JOHN ELWAY and Dan Marino were still starting quarterbacks, Tom Brady was a little-known college player at Michigan and at least six starting quarterbacks for potential 2025 playoffs teams weren’t even alive the last time the NFL had a postseason like this. With Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs officially eliminated from playoff contention, the upcoming playoffs will be the first since the 1998 season that don’t feature at least one of Mahomes, Brady or Peyton Manning at quarterback. Those three prolific passers have defined the past quarter-century of NFL football, especially when it comes to the postseason. Since Manning made his playoff debut in his second season in 1999, at least one of those quarterbacks has been on center stage almost every January. In the past 26 seasons, that trio combined for 42 playoff

berths, 96 postseason starts, 66 playoff wins and 12 Super Bowl titles, with Brady winning seven, Mahomes three and Manning two. At least one of the three made it to the conference championship weekend in 20 of the 26 postseasons — including either Brady or Mahomes in the last 15 — with 18 Super Bowls featuring at least one, including when Brady beat Mahomes in Super Bowl 55 following the 2020 season. Brady and Mahomes stand on top of the leaderboard when it comes to several postseason quarterback stats, including wins (Brady 35, Mahomes 17) and TD passes (Brady 88, Mahomes 46). The absence of Mahomes and the Chiefs could open the door for someone like Josh Allen or Lamar Jackson to make their first Super Bowl trip or even give an opportunity to a newer generation that features six quarterbacks whose teams are currently in playoff position and weren’t born during the 1998 playoffs: Drake Maye, C.J. Stroud, Trevor Lawrence, Bo Nix, Caleb Williams and Brock Purdy. Carolina’s Bryce Young could be a seventh if the Panthers sur-

pass Tampa Bay in the NFC South race. Of course, there’s the possibility that the vacancy on the podium could be filled by a veteran quarterback who already has a Super Bowl ring. Philadelphia’s Jalen Hurts, Pittsburgh’s Aaron Rodgers, the Rams’ Matthew Stafford and Detroit’s Jared Goff all fit that bill. The quarterbacks from that 1998 postseason featured five future Hall of Famers in Elway, Marino, Steve Young, Troy Aikman and Brett Favre; other longtime quarterbacks like Vinny Testaverde, Mark Brunell and Randall Cunningham; as well as Chris Chandler, Jake Plummer, Doug Flutie and Scott Zolak. Elway finished that postseason run by winning his second straight Super Bowl for Denver over Chandler and the Atlanta Falcons. He retired after that game, with Marino, Young and Aikman following in the next two years. Brady was just about ready to step through the door left open at the time, just as Mahomes took the baton from him decades later. Now, the opportunity is there for someone else to join the elite group.

SIDELINE REPORT NFL

Receiver Meyers, Jaguars agree to 3-year, $60M extension Jacksonville, Fla. Receiver Jakobi Meyers and the Jacksonville Jaguars have agreed to terms on a three‑year, $60 million contract extension that includes $40 million guaranteed. The Jaguars traded two 2026 draft picks — fourth- and sixth-rounders — to Las Vegas to acquire Meyers at the trade deadline in early November. The 29-year-old Meyers has 27 catches for 355 yards and three touchdowns in six games with Jacksonville, becoming Trevor Lawrence’s most dependable receiver.

NCAA FOOTBALL

Mensah to return to Duke in 2026 Durham Duke quarterback Darian Mensah announced he would return to the Blue Devils next season. He had briefly explored entered the NFL draft after leading his team to a victory over Virginia in the ACC title game. The sophomore, who transferred from Tulane this past offseason, threw for 3,645 yards with 30 touchdown passes and just five interceptions for the Blue Devils. His yardage ranked third in the Football Bowl Subdivision, and he was fifth in touchdown passes.

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Kinsey Cave was the East Central 3A/4A Conference’s Player of the Year. HEART from page B1

ROBERT F. BUKATY / AP PHOTO

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) passes against the Buffalo Bills during a game earlier this month.

seasons and an all-county, allECC infielder for the softball team and she runs track when championship season comes around. Last fall, Cave did what always does — compete and lead on the volleyball court with her play and direction. She guided the Panthers to a 22-3 mark and an East Central 4A Conference title, before falling in the fourth round to eventual champ state Uwharrie Charter. The Panther head coach called her, “quarterback,” was key to a 15-match winning

streak as her production and leadership progressed. Cave blitzed her way to 178 kills, 52 aces and 205 assists, while producing 30 blocks and 159 digs in the defensive set, to land her in the top seven in Duplin County in five categories. ECC volleyball coaches voted her as their Player of the Year. Arguably the best all-around female athlete in Duplin County, Cave hit .362 in softball last spring and this winter is averaging 19.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 3.8 steals in basketball. This comes after being the point guard on a team that has gone 29-8 the past two seasons.

WARSAW PLANNING BOARD VACANCY Warsaw Planning Board has a vacancy for an in-town member. A North Carolina Municipal Planning Board member is a citizen appointed to review and recommend land use development applications, including zoning changes, subdivisions, site plans, and other development proposals, to the governing board of a municipality, ultimately guiding the community’s growth and development by ensuring proposed projects align with the comprehensive plan and local ordinances; their primary responsibility is to analyze plans, gather data, and provide informed recommendations to the town council on matters related to the physical development of the municipality. Interested individuals need to submit interest letter/resume to Town Manager, Lea Turner at manager@townofwarsawnc.com. Resumes and interest letters need to be received no later than January 7th.

WARSAW RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE VACANCY Warsaw Recreation Advisory Committee has a vacancy. This committee serves as an advisory body to the Board of Commissioners regarding parks and recreation resources and programs. The committee also reviews matters pertaining to the planning, development, improvement, equipping and maintenance of recreation facilities and resources of the Town. The recreation advisory committee meets. Interested individuals need to submit interest letter/resume to Town Manager, Lea Turner at manager@townofwarsawnc.com. Resumes and interest letters need to be received no later than January 7th.

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Duplin Journal for Thursday, December 25, 2025

obituaries

Sara Jane (Shelton) Evans March 15, 1944 – Dec. 15, 2025 Sara Jane Shelton Evans, a gracious, loving, and sharing lady, passed from her earthly life on Monday, December 15, 2025, at home at the age of 81 years. She was born March 15, 1944, in Delaware, Ohio, the daughter of Hubert C. Shelton and Mary Jane Brown Shelton. In addition to her parents, Sara was preceded in death by her daughter, Elizabeth “Lisa” Ann Evans-Newman, and brother, Jay Shelton. Sara is survived by her beloved husband of 62 blessed years, Rev. Ralph McKnight Evans; son, Brian Keith Evans; daughter, Susan Rebecca Witherspoon (Dax); grandchildren, Xan Witherspoon (Katie), MaryBeth Kratovel (Tyler), Kristopher Evans-Newman (Lynn), Rebecca Anne Doris (Ashton), and Emily Witherspoon; great grandchildren, Bentley and Charlotte; brother, Bruce Shelton (Anna); many nieces, nephews, and friends. Sara lived a life rooted in service, faith, and an unwavering commitment to others. As one of the first paid EMTs in Pender County, beginning at Pender East, she answered the call to help long before it was common to do so. Wherever life took her, she found ways to immerse herself in the community --founding a childcare center at their church in Gulf Beach, Florida, that continues to thrive today. As a minister’s wife, she embraced each move without complaint, working alongside her husband to help run The Highlands, a Presbyterian Camp in Ohio and later Camp Kirkwood in Watha, upon their return home to North Carolina. A force to be reckoned with, she would help anyone in a moment’s need. She drove school buses for Pender County Schools and later retired from the Pender County School System, where she devoted her career to working with special needs children, specializing in supporting students with autism. Loyal, resilient, and a fighter to the very end, her legacy of service, compassion, and strength will live on through the countless lives she touched. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Hopewell Presbyterian Church with Rev. Ralph Evans conducting the service. The family will receive friends at the church following the service. To Sara’s many friends and the entire community, Ralph and their family would like to thank you for every kindness shown … prayers, cards, visits, and genuine expressions of concern. We thank God, our Heavenly Father, for the gift of family and friends and pray His eternal blessings to all during this Holy Season and always.

Prince Monroe Lee Sept. 20, 1955 – Dec. 18, 2025 Prince Monroe Lee, 70, of Warsaw, NC, passed away December 18, 2025, at Kitty Askins Hospice Center in Goldsboro, NC. Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at Rainbow Missionary Baptist Church in Warsaw, NC. Public viewing is noon – 1 p.m. (one hour prior to the service). Interment following the service at Middleton Cemetery in Kenansville, NC.

Natasha Pease Aug. 8, 1990 – Dec. 16, 2025 Natasha Nicole Pease, 35, passed from her earthly life on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at her home. She was born August 8, 1990, in Roanoke, Virginia. Natasha is survived by her father, Randal Scott Pease; her mother, Amanda Sampson Pease; her husband, Michael Ratajczak; her grandmother, Anna Million; several aunts, uncles, and cousins. Natasha was a very creative, talented lady. She was artistic and enjoyed drawing and painting. She has written and published several fiction books. Natasha had a loving and compassionate spirit and was always reaching out to help others. She was loved and will be truly missed.

QUINN MCGOWEN FUNERAL HOME

Samuel Enriqe Martinez

Calvin Robert Beckwith Jr.

June 25, 1963 – Dec. 17, 2025

April 22, 1955 – Dec. 18, 2025

Mr. Samuel Enrique Martinez, age 62, of Magnolia, NC, passed away on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at home. Funeral services will be held at Rose Hill Funeral Home Chapel in Rose Hill, NC, on Sunday, December 21, 2025, from 11 am to 2 pm. Burial will follow at Riverview Memorial Park in Watha, NC. Left to cherish his precious memories are his wife, Maria Martinez, of the home; two sons: Daniel Martinez of Magnolia, NC and Mosis Martinez (Yensy) of Wallace, NC; three daughters: Melyna Martinez of Magnolia, NC, Sharna Martinez of Warsaw, NC and Daisy Martinez of El Salvador; three brothers: Daniel Talavera-Martinez of Honduras, Otoniel Talavera-Martinez of Colorado and Fernando Martinez of California; one sister, Elsa Martinez of Newton Grove, NC; eight grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that will miss him dearly.

Calvin Robert Beckwith Jr., 70, passed away on Thursday, December 18, 2025. The memorial service is Saturday, December 27, 2025, at noon with visitation one hour prior to the service. Their will be a private burial. He is survived by his son, Tony Beckwith (Kim) of Richlands, NC; grandchildren James Beckwith and Tony Beckwith Jr. Community Funeral Home is honored to serve the Beckwith family.

Joseph “Joe” D. Teachey

Vernella “Nell” Casteen

Aug. 4, 1948 – Dec. 15, 2025 Joseph “Joe” D. Teachey, 77, of Teachey, North Carolina, passed from this life to his eternal rest on Monday, December 15, 2025. He was born on August 4, 1948, in Duplin County, the son of the late-Dallas Daniel and Myrtle Ann Merritt Teachey. Joe was also preceded in death by his devoted wife of 34 years Joyce Fussell Teachey and brother James “Bobby” Teachey. Surviving is his daughter, Tammy Teachey Quinn and husband, Robert of Rose Hill; sons, Mathew Teachey of Rose Hill and Joseph Scott Teachey and wife, Sheri of Wallace; grandchildren, Gary Dylan Sessoms, Sarah Elizabeth Sessoms, Emily Caroline Quinn, Ethan Robert Quinn, Elijah Teachey, Steven Teachey, Chase Teachey and Laken Murray and husband Patrick; grandchildren, Lucas Joel Wilkenson and Ray Higgins; sister, Dallas Faye Lancaster, numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends that loved Joe dearly. Joe was a dedicated husband and father who loved his family with all his heart. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed spending time doing anything that involved the outdoors, including hunting and fishing. Joe loved animals. Earlier in his life, he had ‘show horses’ that he was very proud of. Joe was usually a calm and quiet man who tended to his own business. He will surely be missed but never forgotten. The family will receive friends from 9-10 a.m. on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at QuinnMcGowen Funeral Home, Wallace, NC. Graveside funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, inside the Mausoleum Chapel at Riverview Memorial Park. Pastor Philip Eakins will be conducting the service. After the service, Joe will be entombed in Riverview Memorial Park Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made in memory of Joseph Teachey to NC Wildlife Federation, PO Box 10626, Raleigh, NC 27690-6586.