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VOLUME 10 ISSUE 47 | THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026

DUPLINJOURNAL.COM

Duplin Journal THE DUPLIN COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL

the

BRIEF this week

Law enforcement makes 6 arrests in saturation patrol Duplin County Six people were arrested during saturation patrols conducted earlier this month in the southern part of Duplin County. Officers conducted 78 traffic stops, issuing 31 citations, six written warnings and more than 46 verbal warnings. Arrests included two illegal narcotics charges and two driving while impaired. The patrols were part of a collaborative effort between the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation aimed at increasing law enforcement visibility, deterring crime and enhancing public safety.

Duplin County Historical Society to meet Feb. 7 Kenansville The Duplin County Historical Society meeting will be at noon on Feb. 7 at Wesley Chapel UMC Fellowship Hall at 1127 North N.C. 11-903 Highway in Kenansville. Members and the public are invited to discuss the status of the organization and its future. Please note that the Duplin County Historical Society will not meet at the Rose Hill Restaurant. Annual membership fees — $20 for individuals and $25 for families — are due and can be paid at the meeting.

Tri-County EMC scholarships open for 2026 Duplin County High school seniors in Duplin County have the chance to earn scholarships ranging from $250 to $750 to support their college or vocational education through Tri-County EMC. Awards are available for students attending fouryear colleges, community colleges, technical schools, or non-traditional students. Applicants must be graduating seniors who are members of Tri-County EMC, children of members or live in a home served by the cooperative. Eligible high schools include North Duplin, East Duplin, Duplin Early College and James Kenan. Applications are due March 31.

Albertson woman arrested on federal meth charges Duplin County A woman was arrested on federal methamphetamine charges after a long-term investigation into illegal drug distribution conducted by the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Division with assistance from the DEA. According to authorities, Sharon Lynn Jones, of Albertson, faces five federal counts for allegedly distributing methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute.

COURTESY DUPLIN COUNTY SENIOR SERVICES

Thread by thread: Seniors discover the art of quilting Seniors Joyce Hunter, Colleen Newkirk, Johnny Pickett, Beverly Sholar, Jill LaCour and Alba Bedoya enjoy a quilting lesson on Jan. 8 at the Duplin County Senior Services center. The hands-on class offered participants an opportunity to learn new techniques while socializing with fellow quilters. To join the group, contact the senior center at 910-296-2140.

Warsaw officials clash over ethics, authority The board debated recusals, planning board appointments and welcomed a new police chief By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal THE WARSAW TOWN hall meeting on Jan. 12 opened with a discussion about ethics, conflicts of interest, and ad-

Duplin Airpark infrastructure project faces delays, cost challenges The board addressed contractor oversights and cost adjustments while shell buildings near completion By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal DUPLIN COUNTY Economic Development Director Scotty Summerlin opened the board meeting on a positive note last Friday regarding the delayed completion of infrastructure

work at the new Duplin Airpark industrial complex at the airport. “A tremendous amount of work has really transpired in the last 30 days since our last meeting,” Summerlin said. “Everybody is stepping up. Contractors are stepping up, trying to get the work done.”

The tone turned to frustration when the board began to discuss two serious last-minute issues that have materialized with the project. Summerlin and contractors joining the meeting remotely said a ditch that was supposed to be completed in front of the new N.C. Forest Service district headquarters that just began construction would now have to be piped in for approximately 260 feet. Two drop inlets

Kenansville Police address complaints about ABC Store patrols A commissioner with law enforcement experience backed the police’s decisions, citing safety and law enforcement priorities By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal

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herence to proper procedures. The three-hour session began with Mayor Wesley Boykin emphasizing the importance of reading ethics requirements into the record, citing a violation at a prior meeting. A disagreement

arose over whether Commissioner Scotty Smith had improperly voted on his brother’s appointment to the ABC Board. Tensions escalated as commissioners debated events from the previous meeting, referencing livestream footage, official minutes and personal recollections. The mayor repeatedly asserted his authority as presid-

KENANSVILLE CHIEF of Police Jackie Benton told members of the town board of commissioners during their meeting on Jan. 6 that he had received complaints regarding where and how long police cars were

parked during routine patrol. His remarks came during department reports near the end of the meeting. Benton told the board he had received two complaints accusing the department of targeting the ABC Store in town when officers used the alleyway beside CVS Pharmacy, across from the ABC Store, or when they were in the ABC Store parking lot. “The complaint was they thought we were targeting people leaving the ABC Store, which we do not do,” Benton said. “We can’t stop a vehiSee POLICE, page A5

“The complaint was they thought we were targeting people leaving the ABC Store.” Jackie Benton, Kenansville police chief

ing officer, reminding members they must be recognized before speaking and apologized to the public for the contentious exchange. The board then turned to approval of meeting minutes, with Boykin requesting a delay due to errors and omissions. Concerns were raised about missing statements and the legal importance of minutes as the official historical record. Staff acknowledged that while minutes are not verbatim, some typos and incomplete statements warranted correction before approval. Additional debate arose over See WARSAW, page A5

would also have to be installed. The additional cost to make the ditch change is estimated at approximately $55,000. The ditch does not meet the slope angle that is needed to mow the ditch line. Summerlin added the area affected has eroded badly and is an eyesore. Summerlin said that due to some funds not being spent from the budget, the actual additional cost to pipe in the ditch line at that location could be reduced to $30,000. Duplin Deputy County Manager Carrie Shields said the county should not be responsible for the additional cost of See DELAYS, page A3

Duplin Journal for Thursday, January 15, 2026

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CRIME LOG Jan. 5 • Ralph Dahu Carter, 56, was arrested by DCSO for breaking or entering and second-degree trespass. • Pedro Roman Cruz, 35, was arrested by DCSO for driving while impaired, felony possession of cocaine, resisting a public officer and littering.

Jan. 6 • Mario Alfredo Chaves, 35, was arrested by DCSO for obstructing justice. • Christine Nicole Hunter, 39, was arrested by DCSO for larceny of motor vehicle and possession of stolen motor vehicle.

Jan. 7 • Cynthia Belinda Wells, 52, was arrested by DCSO for assault on a pregnant woman, simple assault and breaking and entering.

Jan. 8 • Donna Marie Ryan, 60, was arrested by DCSO for felony possession of Schedule II controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Jan. 9 • Jasmine Octavia Carter, 33, was arrested by DCSO for simple assault and communicating threats.

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Jan. 10 • Roberto Carmonanava, 32, was arrested by Wallace PD for hit and run, driving while impaired, failure to heed light or siren and driving while license revoked.

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Wallace-Pender Airport DUPLIN expansion moves forward happening The longer runway is expected to boost fuel sales and accommodate for larger aircraft

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“With a longer runway, jets can take on more fuel and still take off successfully, so we sell more fuel.” Ben Jones, airport director

By Curt Simpson For Duplin Journal MUCH LIKE EASING back into routine after a long Christmas vacation, the Wallace Town Council began 2026 at an unhurried pace Thursday evening, convening a brief meeting with a light agenda. Airport Director Ben Jones provided an encouraging update on the Wallace-Pender Airport’s ongoing expansion. The multiyear project has already transformed the small facility straddling the Duplin-Pender County line. All surrounding homes have been acquired and demolished to clear space for growth, Jones reported. Runway rehabilitation and lighting upgrades are 100% complete, as is house demolition. Road relocations, which affect portions of Wallace Airport Road and Old Mill Road, are 90% finished. “It’s starting to look like a real airport out there,” he told the council. The extended runway and new taxiways remain in early stages. They are about 10% complete and in final design, while terminal and ramp im-

provements are just beginning preliminary design work. The longer 5,500-foot runway promises multiple benefits, including accommodating larger aircraft, increasing takeoffs and landings, and boosting fuel sales. “With a longer runway, jets can take on more fuel and still take off successfully, so we sell more fuel,” Jones explained. He also noted rising traffic at the airport, driven in part by overflow from the increasingly busy Wilmington International Airport, which draws smaller planes and private pilots seeking a friendlier alternative. Public Works Director Brent Dean also gave an update on public works, with updates on the amount of water treated in the town’s wastewater treatment plant, and the capacity for new commercial and residential development planned over the next few years. In an effort to clean up some past deficiencies, the council voted unanimously to formally annex three parcels that were already owned by the town but had not been annexed in the past. The parcels were Farrior

Park at the Boney Mill Pond, which was acquired by the town in 2014; the water tower parcel located off of U.S. 117 that was acquired in 1976; and the public safety training grounds, which used to be the old wastewater treatment plant and was acquired in the 1950s. In other business, new Councilman Glenn Price was appointed to replace retired Planning Director Rod Fritz on the Eastern Carolina Council of Governments. The council also voted to approve the contract for the 2024-25 fiscal year audit with RH CPAs, LLC. Town Manager Rob Taylor said the goal is to have the audit completed in March. The cost of the contract, $49,500, will be paid for from funds from the N.C. League of Municipalities to help the town get back on track. The audit for the 2023-24 fiscal year was behind schedule and deficiencies were found that the town is in the process of correcting. The meeting concluded with a closed session to discuss personnel matters; however, no action was taken, Taylor said.

Suspect arrested following officer-involved shooting in Mount Olive area The man was charged with assault against a law enforcement officer with a firearm By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal MOUNT OLIVE— The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is currently examining an officer-involved shooting that occurred early Sunday after a deputy with the Duplin County Sheriff’s Of-

fice responded to a noise complaint on White Flash Road in the Mount Olive area. Authorities reported that upon arrival, the deputy encountered an armed man later identified as Juan Perez, 24. According to a statement from the sheriff’s office, Perez allegedly ignored commands to stop, advanced toward the deputy and pointed a firearm at him. The deputy discharged his weapon in response. Perez was transported by Emergency Medical Services to a hos-

pital for treatment. No other individuals were reported injured during the encounter. Sheriff Stratton Stokes confirmed that District Attorney Ernie Lee has been notified and stated that the investigation will thoroughly review all aspects of the incident to determine the circumstances surrounding it. Perez was arrested and charged with one felony count of assault against a government official/law enforcement officer with a firearm.

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

Jan. 17 Community Walk and Black History Program 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. St. Phillip AME Church of Rose Hill hosts its first Community Walk and Black History Program. This free, all-ages event invites the community to pray, walk and honor African American mentors past and present. Come as you are, dress as a mentor or in Afrocentric attire, and enjoy reflections, speakers, dancers and music. On Jan. 18, Church History Program follows 11 a.m. worship. Bring a guest. 354 W. Church St., Rose Hill

Jan. 18 MLK celebration 3 p.m. A Celebration of the Life and Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. will be held at Holy Ghost Cathedral. The theme is Drawing Strength From the Past While Planning for the Future. The program will feature Bishop Timothy Dortch, Word of Truth Christian Fellowship and the Word of Truth Christian Fellowship Choir of Goldsboro. The event is sponsored by the Carver Alumni and Friends Association Inc., Mount Olive Chapter. For more information, contact Carrie Kornegay at 919-222-1581. 812 E. James St., Mount Olive

Jan. 19 Freedom Ride

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OVER 80 Duplin County Merchants in ONE Location

• Joshua Tyon Hayes, 32, was arrested by DCSO for driving while impaired and felony injuring utility wires or fixtures. • Larico Marquis Hodges, 21, was arrested by DCSO for assault on a female, injury to personal property, possession of marijuana, misdemeanor crime of domestic violence and communicating threats.

TUESDAY JAN. 20

9:30 a.m. Join the Freedom Ride, an MLK Observance. 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. KEMBA Center, Warsaw

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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.

Duplin Journal for Thursday, January 15, 2026

Late-night crash cuts power to downtown Kenansville A collision with a power pole left parts of the business district without electricity for hours By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal KENANSVILLE — A traffic accident just before midnight on Jan. 8 left much of the downtown Kenansville area in the dark for hours. Kenansville Police Chief Jackie Benton told Duplin Journal the accident occurred when a vehicle struck a power pole not far from the Du-

plin County Courthouse along N.C. Highway 11. The car struck the pole hard enough to cause the lines crossing the highway to bring down another pole across the street. Power crews worked throughout the night to repair the damage and were able to restore power to some parts of town around 5 a.m. the following morning. However, some areas, including the business district that includes McDonald’s and CVS Pharmacy, did not have power restored until after noon. Roxie Dobson, a manager

with the Kenansville McDonald’s, said in an interview with Duplin Journal that they did not have power restored until around 12:10 p.m. Dobson said this meant the restaurant was unable to open and serve breakfast to customers and was unable to open for lunch until after the power was restored and staff were able to prepare the restaurant for opening. Benton said the 32-year-old driver of the car involved in the accident was charged with driving while impaired. The driver is an employee of the ABC Store in Kenansville.

Faison board appoints mayor pro-tem Anudit confirmed finances are positive with strong emergency reserves By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal FAISON — Plans for growth and celebration dominated the Faison board meeting on Jan. 7. Mayor Billy Ward issued a proclamation announcing Faison’s 250th anniversary celebration, set for June 27, and shared a brief history of the town. Founded on July 2, 1776 — making it older than the United States itself — Faison boasts a long and proud civic history. The town plans to showcase its contributions to the region as part of the milestone celebration. “Everything we do this year is about the 250th celebration,” Ward said. Festivities will run from 5-9 p.m. and include vendors, food trucks, games, rides and fireworks. The board also approved historical marker signs to guide visitors to significant sites, as well as a billboard advertisement to run the month following the Farmer’s Market Parade.

Ward submitted a nomination for mayor pro-tem, which the board approved, and Commissioner Carolyn Kenyon was sworn into the position. Duplin County Clerk of Court Republican candidate Crystal Strickland along with Republican Sheriff candidates Eric Southerland and Tony James made presentations to the board. Parks and Recreation Director Matthew Scott then gave updates on programs and highlighted growing needs for the afterschool program. With basketball kicking off that weekend and sign-ups for volleyball and soccer starting, Scott said it’s wide open until April. The Department of Transportation donated dirt to help create a practice field, reducing overuse of the main game field once funding allows construction. Scott also noted transportation challenges for the afterschool program, reporting that the bus system could no longer bring all students to the facility. The board discussed purchasing two used school buses to address the issue, but

liability concerns prompted them to defer a decision pending further research. The board approved a social media policy for town employees and renewed the contract for Southern Software, which supports town services. Austin Eubanks of Thompson, Price, Scott and Adams of Wilmington presented the town’s audit report via Zoom. The certified public accountant confirmed the financial statements were accurate and free of errors. “Budget funds are in the positive in every area with a steady increase of revenue providing the desired 18 months of buffer in case of emergencies,” Eubanks said. The board also addressed staffing needs, approving an advertisement for a new cemetery maintenance contract as the current contractor plans to exit the business. The board then went into closed session to discuss personnel. When they reopened, they approved relisting of the town clerk position in order to get applicants with more experience.

MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

Members of the Duplin County Economic Development Board view a map on the screen showing where a ditch will need to be piped in along Airport Road in the new Airpark. DELAYS from page A1 piping in the ditch since the issue was an oversight on the part of the engineering firm contracted for the infrastructure project. “Parrish (and Partners) should pay for some of that,” Shields said. “This isn’t only on Duplin County. We’ll accept our mistakes, but we expect you guys to take care of yours.” Shields’ comments were directed to Matthew Ferguson with Parrish and Partners, who was participating in the meeting remotely. Summerlin added that it was the firm’s oversight that led to the need for the ditch modification. “With the lack of field verification of existing conditions, Parrish and Partners needs to contribute to this project,” Summerlin said. Ferguson said the issue was one that would have to be discussed with Jeff Kirby, the company’s president. The issue of the ditch along Airpark Road was addressed at the board’s August meeting when a $7,598 change order was approved to lengthen the ditch to meet N.C. Department of Transportation requirements. The change, along with an estimated 19 other change orders during the Airpark infrastructure improvements, has been costly in both money and time on the project, causing frustration with the board members. Board Chairman Charley Farrior questioned whether the board should consider approving the current change

order to pipe in the ditch without more details and a conclusion as to who would be responsible for the cost. Another frustration with the infrastructure work at the Airpark arose when a subcontractor painted traffic lines along the newly paved roadways. Board members viewed photos showing poorly painted lines and lines that were not properly aligned. Ferguson said the only solutions to correct the errors could potentially damage the new asphalt on the new roads. A suggested solution to use black paint over the markings would be temporary, meaning the paint would eventually wear off revealing the bad markings. Since the subcontractor has not completed the markings around the new traffic circle at the airport, Farrior told Ferguson to advise the subcontractor not to do any additional markings at the airport until the issue is resolved. Not all news on the Airpark project was discouraging. Work on the new industrial shell building is nearing completion, and the board praised the work being done by Daniels and Daniels Construction on the building, as well as another shell building close to completion at the SouthPark Industrial Park near Wallace. In other business, Summerlin told the board that only two bidders had responded to a request for bids for new signage at the Airpark. As a result, the project will be readvertised to seek new bids. The board voted to hold a special-called meeting at 7 a.m. on Jan. 23.

Share with your community! Send your birth, death, marriage, graduation and other announcements to community@duplinjournal.com Weekly deadline is Monday at noon.

REBECCA WHITMAN COOKE FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

Mayor Billy Ward swears in Commissioner Carolyn Kenyon as Faison’s mayor pro-tem during the town board meeting on Jan. 7.

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Duplin Journal for Thursday, January 15, 2026

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

COLUMN | PHILIP GLADDEN

You never know WHEN I WAS in seminary, a professor gave us good advice that I used to shape my ministry for 40 years. He said, “When you are really busy in your study, your to-do list is quite long, and someone knocks on your door and asks if you have a minute to talk, don’t consider that an interruption of ministry, but an opportunity for ministry.” Often people would say to me, “Thanks for talking. I know you’re busy so I’ll let you get back to work.” I tried never to be too busy to listen to someone who needed to talk. I hope people felt heard over the years. As my wife and I watched “Wake Up Dead Man,” the third movie in the series called “Knives Out,” I thought about my professor’s advice. A young priest is assigned to a troubled parish. As he wrestles with guilt from his past, he and the community are faced with a murder that seems unsolvable. The renowned detective Benoit Blanc is called in to solve the mystery and

enlists the priest’s help. In one scene, the priest is tracking down a promising lead in a phone call with a very talkative woman. Both the priest and the detective are noticeably perturbed as she chatters nonstop. However, the priest’s mood instantly changes when the woman begins to cry and asks, “Will you pray for me?” Much to the detective’s irritation, the priest goes into another room for quite a while as he continues to listen and pray for the woman. As one review puts it, “Accused of a murder he did not commit — pursued by police and facing prison — he chooses to be fully present with someone in pain, listening, praying, and offering care. What matters is not clearing his name in that moment, but the vulnerable person on the other end of the line. He treats the woman not as a tool but as a human being worthy of love.” A friend and I agreed this movie is the best of the three in the series. He said, “I thought that for a secular

who-done-it, it was the best description of what a priest should be I’ve ever seen.” As my professor told us, the priest saw the interruption for what it could be, an opportunity for ministry. You don’t have to be a minister or priest to find opportunities for ministry and caring. According to the popular saying, “Be kind because you never know what someone else is going through. A thoughtful word, a small gesture, or simply showing up with compassion can make all the difference.” Why not look for opportunities to be kind? That might mean asking the tired cashier at the grocery store how he or she is doing or setting aside your to-do list to provide a listening ear or a comforting presence. After all, you never know what opportunity might present itself for you to be kind and make a difference. Philip Gladden is a retired minister who lives in Wallace.

COLUMN | MARK MEADOWS

President Trump’s America First trade agenda will help Republicans win 2026 midterms Many foreign countries are doing everything in their power to keep cheating American workers.

PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP recently stated that “losing our ability to Tariff other countries who treat us unfairly would be a terrible blow to the United States of America,” and he’s not wrong. With the midterms fast approaching, Trump’s $2,000 tariff stimulus check will demonstrate to millions of American families that the president’s plan is working. Unfortunately, foreign countries like China and Mexico continue to cheat the system and seek to destroy millions of American manufacturing jobs. Having served as Trump’s chief of staff, I traveled with him to communities across America’s heartland that were decimated by foreign countries cheating the system. America’s trailer manufacturing industry is on the brink of similar decimation, as foreign countries like China and Mexico flood the U.S. with unfairly traded imports. Even more disturbing is that the Chinese Communist Party and stateowned Chinese trailer companies have moved trailer manufacturing facilities to Canada to avoid tariffs, so they flood the U.S. with unfairly traded Chinese trailer products from there too. Upon Trump’s historic reelection, our great president marked his return with a comprehensive America First trade agenda, including prioritizing antidumping/countervailing (AD/ CVD) duty cases. After serving the president, I can confidently say that these commitments are not just words; they are actionable initiatives that are saving American manufacturing. In response to such initiatives, many foreign countries are doing everything in their power to keep cheating American workers. America’s trailer industry represents a prime example of the tens of thousands of American workers that we must protect from this cheating. From Georgia to Wisconsin, the domestic trailer industry supports over

50,000 American jobs. In my home state of North Carolina, this great American industry supports thousands of goodpaying jobs. Many of these jobs are in key battleground states that will decide the outcome of the 2026 midterm elections. The sad reality is that trailers from China, Mexico and Canada now supply 40% of the U.S. market for van trailers. Many of these foreign trailers are unfairly traded through subsidization and dumping, entering the U.S. at prices significantly beneath market levels. As mentioned, Chinese government-owned companies are even setting up shop in Canada, where they can assemble Chinese trailer parts, slap on a “Made in Canada” label, and flood their products across our border duty-free. This not only jeopardizes the livelihoods of thousands of hardworking Americans, it puts our national security at risk by creating a dangerous reliance on foreign products to sustain our economy. Moreover, in the event of an international crisis, we need facilities that can quickly adapt to our military needs. During World War II, trailer manufacturing facilities rose to the occasion and produced high volumes of military equipment. What will we do in a similar situation if all of our large-scale manufacturing has been decimated by foreign cheating? American manufacturers within the trailer industry are on life support. Many are operating at less than half of their capacity, with companies bleeding out American jobs left and right in response to unfairly traded imports. In fact, the threat of unfairly traded trailer imports is so great that the majority of the domestic trailer industry united to file a historic trade case in November to save their domestic industry. This momentous trade case, unsurprisingly, has been met with resistance by the foreign countries and companies that cheat the system.

Considering Trump’s trade priorities and all these jobs at risk in key battleground states, it is imperative for the Department of Commerce to initiate its investigation as soon as possible. This historic trade case is not only about saving the domestic trailer industry and tens of thousands of American jobs, but it will also define the outcome of the 2026 midterm elections in Georgia, Wisconsin and North Carolina. Across America’s heartland and in my home state of North Carolina, America’s trailer manufacturing industry is still here and still fighting, unlike many industries that have been wiped out due to foreign countries’ cheating. As the Trump administration enters its second year of this term, let’s continue to practice what we preach, starting with the initiation of this trade case to save 50,000 American jobs. The forgotten men and women of America who stood with Trump in 2024 will stand strong with him again in the 2026 midterms if the administration keeps pushing forward and initiating trade cases that save millions of American jobs. While the left-wing extremists want Republicans to lose congressional seats in 2026, we will win by supporting the president’s trade agenda and putting American workers first. Mark Meadows served as the 29th White House chief of staff and as a member of Congress for North Carolina’s 11th District from 2013 to 2020. This column was first published by Daily Caller News Foundation.

Duplin Journal for Thursday, January 15, 2026

East Duplin High to receive grant funds School officials say other high schools remain under consideration for future funding By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal KENANSVILLE — January’s school board meeting started in a buzz about the recent acquisition of grant money for revisions at East Duplin High School. Angela Best Maynard, a constituent from Warsaw, addressed the board and asked them to explain why East Duplin was getting the money when James Kenan and Wal-

lace-Rose Hill are in greater need. Board Vice Chairman Reginald Kenan responded that he had the same question. “Please understand that we can’t afford to create brand new high schools, but what we are trying to do, with the help of our community, is revamp them,” Kenan said. Board Chairman Brent Davis shared more about the application process for the grant. “Prior to making the application, we did a lot of research to try to figure out which way would be the best way to get the most funds for the school system. After learning about their ranking system, it was determined that East Duplin and

James Kenan were the two most favorable projects. East Duplin had the top number of modular replacement classrooms. … It probably ranked a little higher. From a county’s standpoint, it was $2 million more to Duplin County to do East Duplin versus James Kenan,” Davis said. Board member Pam Edwards added, “That does not mean that we have forgotten the other three schools. We are still looking for funds for the other three high schools. We know that we need renovations at all four high schools, and we have a plan in place for all four high schools.” Shifting gears, the board then honored Coach Aaron

POLICE from page A1 cle without having reasonable suspicion or probable cause to make a traffic stop.” Benton said another complaint accused two officers of parking in the ABC Store parking lot for a long period of time on the afternoon of New Year’s Eve. “I went back and pulled the camera footage (from the police vehicles),” Benton said. “One vehicle sat next to the second vehicle for seven minutes, from 2:22 p.m. until 2:29 p.m. on the 31st. The other vehicle sat (in the parking lot) for 20 minutes, from 2:09 p.m. until 2:29 p.m.” Kenansville Mayor Pro Tem Milta King, who also serves as chair of the Kenansville ABC Board, accused the police of affecting sales at the store. “The first instance that happened with the ABC Store, (police) made 19 arrests that month when we normally have seven,” King said. “They were sitting in the ABC parking lot and when cars would leave the liquor store,

MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

Kenansville Police Chief Jackie Benton, standing left, addresses the town board regarding a few complaints his department has received accusing officers of targeting patrons of the town’s ABC Store. they would follow them around the store and stop them,” an accusation Benton denied, saying that the 19 arrests that month included five DWIs, drug arrests and arrests of people with outstanding warrants. King said, “There are people in the community, they may not be drunk when they leave the store, but they may not have a license, they may not have proper

tags, so when they see that police car, they are gone. The ABC Store helps the town financially; it helps the police department financially.” Town board member Linda Tyson, who also has experience in law enforcement, defended the actions of Benton’s officers. “This is the law enforcement side of me,” Tyson told the board. “I would sit where I needed to

WARSAW from page A1 public comment procedures. Commissioner Jack Hawes insisted that the sign-up cutoff remain at 6 p.m., a position seconded by Commissioner Cheryl Smith. Resident Marzella Morrisey raised concerns about town governance, use of town facilities and allocation of resources. She noted that she tried to contact the mayor and realized that there was no telephone or email address for him on the website, and when she went to the mayor’s office at the town hall she found out it was no longer the mayor’s office. (See A6 for more on this) Morrisey also questioned why former Mayor A.J. Connors was hired as police chaplain. “I understand he has an office in the police area. And if things are that serious that we need a chaplain, why we don’t have a jail or a cell down there? Our policemen should use the employee assistance program if they need a chaplain,” said Morrisey. “I want to know why does he have an office and is he paid a salary because we speak of not having money at all.” Morrisey provided each member of the board with a copy of the memo requesting to make it part of the minutes. “I would like for these questions to be answered — not only

Darius Jacobs Bentley is Warsaw’s new chief of police. Bentley emphasized transparency, accountability and community engagement as his key priorities.

COURTESY PHOTO

to me. You can respond back to the citizens,” she said. Boykin asked the town clerk to consider that memo as a Freedom of Information Act request and suggested the town lawyer may want to follow up. Town Manager Lea Turner said they need someone to serve on the Eastern Carolina Council. Currently, Commissioner Scotty Smith serves as the town representative. “I’ve been doing it for a while, and I really don’t have the time at this point in my life where I can continue to put the time into it,” Smith said. Ebony Willis-Wells and Cheryl Smith volunteered to serve. Hawes moved to have Cheryl Smith serve

on the board and was approved. Boykin was appointed to serve in the Eastern Carolina Council Rural Transportation Planning Organization and the Duplin County Transportation Committee. The board appointed Willis-Wells to serve alongside Boykin. A significant portion of the meeting focused on vacancies and reappointments to the Warsaw Planning Board. Discussion centered on statutory requirements for in-town versus ETJ representation and the appointment process. Boykin exercised his authority under the town’s code of ordinances to appoint two nonvoting, ex officio members, selecting Annise Best.

Murray and the Wallace-Rose Hill men’s soccer team for winning the 3A state championship. The board presented the team with a plaque, and the coach addressed the board. He shared advice he was given early on to pour into the younger players and “not stress the first season.” He shared some of his coaching journey and thanked the board for hiring him and trusting him to do the work. “This season is an attestament to that work,” Murray said. Farm Bureau then shared two teacher grants it is awarding to Duplin County Schools. Rena Patrick from the Center of Opportunity was awarded a

grant to continue work on its greenhouse project. A second grant was awarded to Victoria Newkirk, media coordinator at Kenansville Elementary. Employee of the Quarter was awarded to Jacquetta Smith, who started her career in the kitchen and now works as a purchasing specialist for the district. Davis thanked the people who work hard every day to make the school system run smoothly. “It’s really an amazing machine,” he said. “Ya’ll are invaluable; we couldn’t do it without you.” The board went into closed session to discuss personnel and closed shortly thereafter.

sit to make sure everybody in the town of Kenansville is safe, and if it’s sitting across from the ABC store, or around the block from the ABC Store, I wouldn’t care because nobody can replace somebody’s child that has been hit by somebody driving under the influence. Adults do it all the time. If they don’t want you there, then don’t go there, but sit across from there and do the same thing you’ve been doing.”

on the property. A few months ago, the board took no action on approving his rezoning request.

In other business • The board scheduled a public hearing during their March 3 meeting. The public hearing is the second request of town resident Sylvester Carlton to extend a mobile home overlay zone to include his property at 114 North Church St. The property originally held a mobile home on the property until several years ago. Carlton now wants to place another mobile home

Hawes questioned the mayor’s authority in the town’s council– manager government. “The mayor’s position is only ceremonial,” he said. The debate over procedural authority and ordinance interpretation concluded with unresolved tension, though Boykin clarified that the provisions remain in effect. The board also discussed utility policies, particularly water and sewer billing, noting that some industrial users exceeded capacity, affecting surcharge calculations. The policy was tabled for further review. Questions regarding contracts and bidding processes were raised, with Boykin noting that contracts using town funds are public record unless protected by statute. He also mentioned that a requested list of contracts had not yet been received from the town manager. Warsaw officially welcomed Darius Jacobs Bentley as its new police chief. Bentley, who brings a combination of law enforcement and managerial experience, emphasized transparency, accountability and community engagement as key priorities for his leadership. “Being a police chief is less about being a police officer and more about operations and making sure the public is aware of

• Town manager Anna West advised Carlton that a new fee schedule, which the board approved later in the meeting, meant he would be responsible for the costs of advertising the public hearing and the cost of mailing certified mail notices to property owners in the area to advise them of the hearing. Carlton agreed to pay the zoning request fee as well as the additional costs. • The board agreed to give town staff authority to waive utility late fees for residents of the town if it is determined the issue involved the town’s transition to new software, which has been a challenge for the staff. The board extended the authority to waive late fees on an asneeded basis until March 31.

“The mayor’s position is only ceremonial.” Jack Hawes what’s going on. Accountability, trust, transparency … those are the things that I know how to do,” said Bentley. The new chief outlined immediate changes, including enforcement of the chain of command, increased community policing and clear policies against harassment. Bentley encouraged board members and residents to participate in ride-alongs to see the department’s operations firsthand. “We are going to be transparent,” he said. “We are going to be accountable. We will be integral, and we will show you what the police department is supposed to look like.” Bentley acknowledged current staffing challenges, noting that the department is “short about six positions” and is in a rebuilding stage, stressing the importance of seasoned and accountable officers. He emphasized restoring trust and strengthening community relationships. “Doing the right thing when nobody’s looking, when nobody’s watching … that’s real integrity,” said Bentley.

Duplin Journal for Thursday, January 15, 2026

Warsaw mayor sounds alarm on town governance, cites intimidation The new police chief says a marked unit followed the mayor for safety By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal WARSAW — In an exclusive interview with Duplin Journal, Warsaw Mayor Wesley Boykin described deep, systemic problems in the Town of Warsaw that he says “go far beyond the capacity of any single elected official to fix.” Boykin said he has been denied basic resources necessary to perform his duties and subjected to conduct he believes raises concerns about ethics, safety and transparency within the town government. Boykin said Town Manager Lea Turner reassigned his office to an exterior space shortly before he was sworn in. Traditionally, the mayor’s office had been located inside the town hall for more than two decades. Citing personal safety concerns, Boykin said he has not moved into the new location after experi-

encing what he believes were acts of intimidation. “The manager told me that we have a camera in the hallway,” Boykin said. “I said, ‘Lea, what good is a camera if someone walks in the door from the outside, throws rocks at me, or for God’s sake, shoots me — and all you can say is we got it on camera?” He said he was not provided a building key or access to a town vehicle, as had been customary. The mayor’s concerns were echoed by residents such as Marzella Morrisey, who at the January board meeting questioned access to elected officials. She said she attempted to contact Boykin but could not find a phone number or email address listed on the town’s website, and when she visited the mayor’s office, she realized it had been moved. “When did the town, the town commissioners or the town need to remove the mayor from the main office and have him located in the lobby area?” Morrisey said. “When I came to the office that day, I found out

“They wanted whoever the individuals were with the perceived threat to see law enforcement actually following you so that it could be a crime deterrent.” Darius Bentley that the chamber was being moved from where the chamber had been for the last 25 years, and I say 25 years because I returned to Warsaw 25 years ago.” Morrisey also questioned the reasoning for relocating the Warsaw Chamber of Commerce inside the town hall. “The Warsaw Chamber is a private entity. It should not be in the town hall,” she said. “The chamber acquires businesses for the town and it should not — that’s a conflict of interest and for better business practices they should be removed from our town hall immediately.”

Another resident, who requested anonymity, told Duplin Journal she is concerned that citizens cannot reach the mayor when they have issues. Boykin told Duplin Journal he relied on the Chamber of Commerce for building access. “They allowed me to go in to conduct a meeting in the building,” he said. “But whenever I had a meeting with the chamber, I had to wait outside and yell up there for them to come, let me in.” He eventually received a building access card from the former interim chief of police, but as of Monday he did not have a key to his office. Boykin also described resistance in his attempts to engage with local officials, noting that of the five county commissioners he contacted, only Ebony Willis-Wells and Cheryl Smith acknowledged his request. The new mayor told Duplin Journal that the town’s annual audit submitted to the North Carolina Local Government Commission contains identified violations. He said he was con-

tacted by a representative from the commission and urged the town manager to disclose the findings. Boykin said he supports a forensic audit but does not believe the current board would approve one. Boykin said he has experienced what he believes to be intimidation since before the election, including being followed by law enforcement vehicles and stopped under questionable circumstances. Police Chief Darius Bentley addressed these concerns during the board meeting, saying he was told a marked police unit followed Boykin for his safety. “They wanted whoever the individuals were with the perceived threat to see law enforcement actually following you so that it could be a crime deterrent,” Bentley said. Boykin said he wished he had been informed of that purpose at the time. Also during the meeting, the new chief acknowledged that trailing or following individuals can create a negative perception of law enforcement. He said the department is working to change its culture so officers are seen as trustworthy and committed to fairness and public safety. Despite challenges, Boykin said he will continue to rely on transparency, public disclosure and outside oversight to push for change.

Beulaville board makes key appointments, plans projects

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Tillis to visit Denmark as Trump focuses on Greenland

DHS ending temporary protected status for Somali immigrants

The town plans to adjust water rates, repair potholes and launch a walking trail

A bipartisan U.S. congressional delegation is headed to Copenhagen later this week to show unity with Denmark amid tensions over Greenland. Sen. Chris Coons is leading the trip, which includes at least nine members of Congress, including North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis. They plan to meet with Danish and Greenlandic officials on Friday and Saturday. Coons emphasized the importance of the U.S.Denmark alliance, especially after recent statements by President Donald Trump about acquiring Greenland. Tensions have grown as Trump suggests taking Greenland to prevent Russian or Chinese control. Danish and Greenlandic leaders insist Greenland’s future must be decided by its people.

President Donald Trump’s administration is ending temporary protected status for immigrants from Somalia. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement Tuesday that conditions in the horn of Africa nation, one of the world’s poorest, no longer meet the standards of the program. The move affects hundreds of Somalis in the U.S. under TPS, and it comes amid Trump’s immigration crackdown in Minneapolis, where many Somalis live. Their existing protections expire March 17. Congress created TPS in 1990, and Somalia has been designated as a TPS nation since 1991.

By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal BEULAVILLE — Review of activity in 2025 was the majority of what was discussed at Beaulaville’s January board meeting. Public Works reported completion of stormwater and waterline projects. Following the clean up and new asphalt from these projects, the town will be adjusting water rates, fixing potholes and installing more meters. The police department reported it is starting out the year fully staffed. New hires in December filled staffing gaps to help them start strong. “I am proud of the work we have done on the drug issue while we were down two staff positions in 2025,” Police Chief Karl Mobley said. “We had 153 arrests and 95 felony gun charges. They are start-

“I am proud of the work we have done on the drug issue while we were down two staff positions in 2025.” Karl Mobley, Beulaville police chief ing to see that we are not tolerating it, and they are taking it elsewhere.” Code Enforcement reported having a few violations in December, but they “took it as easy as possible” on citizens through the holidays. Bulk trash was carried off and flashing lights at businesses were fixed. The spring season will be full of new growth and beautification projects in Beulaville. Town Manager Lori Williams reported that a contract is in the works for a walking trail to be added to the town. The trail comes as part of an urban tree planting project and

an Arbor Day celebration. Assembly of a tree advisory board is required for funding of the project. Commissioners Gene Wickline and Russ Lanier both volunteered to be on the board. Three other members of the community are needed to fill the board. In addition to the board, a landscape specialist will also work with the engineer on the project to offer guidance. Other new projects starting in the spring include the Housing Rehab project and another bulk trash collection on March 25. Some roles and positions changed. Mayor Hutch Jones assumed the role of representing the town at the Eastern Carolina Council. The council representative position had been held by Lanier for three years, but he requested a rotation out of that role. Additionally, a new administration position will be advertised to fill Jennifer Strickland’s former position of utility clerk. The meeting adjourned shortly after these discussions.

SEEKING: PART-TIME ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT The Town of Beulaville is seeking qualified applicants for the position of a part-time Administrative Assistant. Responsibilities include assisting Town Manager with day-to-day activities, general clerical duties, customer service, preparing and collecting utility and tax bills. Applicant must have strong knowledge of computer applications, data entry, Microsoft Word and Excel. Demonstrated ability to maintain effective relationships with other employees and the public is a must. Salary DOQ. Submit application and/or resume to Lori T. Williams, Town Manager, Town of Beulaville, P.O. Box 130, Beulaville, NC 28518. Position open until filled. EOE.

NOTICE OF PRIMARY ELECTION - DUPLIN COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA The statewide primary election will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. Voters will be asked to show photo ID when they vote. All voters will be allowed to vote with or without ID. If a voter does not have ID, they will vote on a provisional ballot. Registered voters who lack ID can get one for free from their county board of elections. Find out more at ncsbe.gov/voter-id. Polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Election Day. Early voting will be held at the following location from Thursday, February 12, 2026, to Saturday, February 28, 2026: Ed Emory Auditorium, 165 Agriculture Dr., Kenansville, NC 28349 Thursday, February 12 Friday, February 13 Monday, February 16 Tuesday, February 17

8:00 AM-7:30 PM 8:00 AM-7:30 PM 8:00 AM-7:30 PM 8:00 AM-7:30 PM

Wednesday, February 18 Thursday, February 19 Friday, February 20 Sunday, February 22 Monday, February 23 Tuesday, February 24 Wednesday, February 25 Thursday, February 26 Friday, February 27 Saturday, February 28

8:00 AM-7:30 PM 8:00 AM-7:30 PM 8:00 AM-7:30 PM 1:00 PM-5:00 PM 8:00 AM-7:30 PM 8:00 AM-7:30 PM 8:00 AM-7:30 PM 8:00 AM-7:30 PM 8:00 AM-7:30 PM 8:00 AM-3:00 PM

and local judges, district attorney, and county offices.

Absentee ballots will be mailed to voters who have requested them beginning Monday, January 12, 2026. A voter can fill out an absentee ballot request at votebymail.ncsbe. gov, or by filling out a request form provided by the county board of elections office. The request must be received through the website or by the Duplin County Board of Elections by 5 p.m. February 17, 2026.

Absentee meetings will be held at the Duplin County BOE Office located at 160 Mallard St., Kenansville, NC 28349. Absentee meetings will be held at 5:00 PM on January 27, February 3, February 10, February 17, February 24, and March 2. Other business may be transacted by the Board at these meetings.

In the general election, voters will select candidates for U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, N.C. General Assembly, state

The voter registration deadline for this election is 5 p.m. Friday, February 6, 2026. Eligible individuals who are not registered by that deadline may register and vote at any early voting site during the early voting period. New registrants will be required to provide documentation of their residence.

Legal Notice NOTICE TO THE VOTERS OF THE ROCKFISH PRECINCT Due to the decision made by the Duplin

County Board of Elections and accepted by the State Board of Elections on 05/06/2025, the Rockfish precinct polling place will now be located at the American Legion building in Wallace at 529 E. Southerland Street, Wallace, NC 28466. NOTICE TO THE VOTERS OF THE LOCKLIN PRECINCT Due to the decision made by the Duplin County Board of Elections and accepted by the State Board of Elections on 05/06/2025, the Locklin precinct polling place will now be located at the American Legion building in Wallace at 529 E. Southerland Street, Wallace, NC 28466. Questions? Call the Duplin County Board of Elections Office at (910) 296-2170 or send an email to dcboe@duplincountync.com Ann Henderson, Chairman Duplin County Board of Elections

DUPLIN SPORTS COACH OF THE YEAR

HEART OF A CHAMPION

PHOTOS BY EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Left, North Duplin’s Trashawn Ruffin is a player that must be double-teamed at the prep level. Right, Wallace-Rose Hill’s Adrian “Miami” Allen is quicker and just as strong as he looks, especially to linemen and runners.

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Tim Grady, right, has guided JK to a 45-23 mark in five seasons and is JK’s first Coach of the Year since Ken Avent Jr. won it in 2013.

JK’s Grady brings Tigers back to championship arena NEXT WEEK Read Duplin Journal on Jan. 22 for stories on Mr. Football, Offensive Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year.

Tim Grady has guided his alma mater to consecutive 12-win seasons and one step from the finals in 2025 By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal WARSAW — For more than a decade, Tim Grady coached football players at Charity Middle School during that would go on to great prep careers — Johnny Glaspie, Keyshawn Canady and Javonte Williams to name just a few. Yet those players went on to success at Wallace-Rose Hill, which won six titles in nine seasons, not James Kenan. Grady went with head coach Kim Brown to North Lenoir for a couple seasons but returned to James Kenan to be the top assistant for Scotland County native Will Clark, who previously led Crest to a state title.

ND’s Ruffin, WRH’s Allen were impassioned grid destroyers Gentle giant Trashawn Ruffin and play wrecking Adrian ‘Miami’ Allen put fear in coaches and players with their big bodies and competitive hearts By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

Grady wanted to coach at his alma mater so badly he took position as a construction teacher. Yet the timing was off as JK’s talent was inferior to East Duplin and Wallace-Rose Hill. In fact, the three years (2018-20) with Clark in charge ended with a 13-19 mark. He returned to Scotland County the next season, and Grady took over. He led JK to a 9-3 mark, and the rebuild looked ahead of schedule. It was. The Tigers were 6-5 the following season, losing their final three games, including a 16-14 setback to Greene Central in the first round of the playoffs. Grady made changes, and knowing the talent bank was reloaded, he forged JK into a smashmouth offense with a fast and aggressive defense. The former Tigers lineman, who

TEACHEY — Offensive blockers and runners were in awe and flat out intimidated by the physical size of Trashawn “The Gentle Giant” Ruffin and Adrian “Miami” Allen as the reputation of both 300-pound linemen preceded spoke loudly before the opening kickoff. And yet it was two other traits that made both great prep players: skill and heart. Both have amazing speed, agility and strength and were aggressive play-stoppers. The extra push from within was a competitive spirit that spoke nearly as loudly as their talent. Ruffin, who will play at UNC next fall, was doubled-teamed on most plays yet still managed to disrupt plays, series and the outcome of games. North Duplin’s 6-foot-3, 350-pound defensive end/tight end turned down the best schools in the nation — Alabama, Georgia, LSU Texas, Texas A&M, Ohio State, Michigan, Florida State — to play for former legendary NFL coach Bill Belichick.

See COACH, page B4

See HEART, page B4

TWO-WAY WARRIORS

Panthers’ Davis, Tigers’ Avent forged from same steel-strong mold ED’s Shawn Davis and JK’s Cal Avent were forces on both sides of the ball to lead their respective schools to conference titles By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

JK’s Cal Avent was a physical player who contributed on offense, defense and as a leader. JK went 24-4 with him in the lineup the past two seasons.

WARSAW — East Duplin RB/MLB Shawn Davis and James Kenan FB/DT Cal Avent were star players on both sides of the ball for their respective teams. It was no coincident the 4A Panthers and 3A Tigers captured conference titles in part because of their double-duty seniors. Neither missed many snaps

over the course of the past three seasons as both enjoyed the finer things in gridiron life: hard hits, sustained blocks and the physical domination of foes. Both ended banner careers by being named Two-Way Warriors, an award they will share because of the impact they made for their respective schools. Avent’s final prep game came See WARRIORS, page B4

PHOTOS BY EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Senior Shawn Davis has been the heart and soul of ED for three seasons. The Panthers relied on him more on defense this season than in the past.

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Duplin Journal for Thursday, January 15, 2026

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EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

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BASKETBALL ROUNDUP

Bulldogs, Tigers on collision course for key rivalry showdown WRH’s and JK’s boys will knock heads in Swine Valley Conference test; ED girls prep for a game with unbeaten Clinton By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal TEACHEY — The Wallace-Rose Hills and James Kenan boys’ basketball teams are on fire. Something will have to give on Tuesday as the archrivals enter this week with a combine record of 16-3. Both have a loss to Swine Valley Conference favorite Goldsboro, though the Tigers’ 68-66 setback last Friday in the Cougars’ gym was more heartbreaking than the Bulldogs’ 55-45 verdict a week previous in Teachey. ZaMarion Smith was the Tigers’ guiding force during a 67-46 league win over Midway last week. The senior scored 20 points with five rebounds, five assists and five steals. Smith is leading JK in points and assists while also guarding the best scorer on the opposition. Eli Avent chipped in with 16 points and seven boards and CH Hill with 12 markers. Jeremiah Hall (six points, six assists, five boards) and David Zeleya (eight points, eight rebounds) also made contributions. JK (7-2, 3-1) will face East Duplin a day before its loop showdown with WRH. The Bulldogs (9-1, 2-1) are getting scoring from Jawon Carr, Darrius McCrimmon, Matthew Wells and newcomers Raquan McCrimmon, Kayden Keith and center Chase Bland with Jamari Carr running the point guard duties. Wells hit for a season-high 22 during a 67-46 victory over Midway. Jawon Carr netted 26, Darrius McCrimmon 15 and younger brother Raquan 14. Earlier in the week, big man Bland came through with 13, Jawon Carr 22, Darrius McCrimmon 22 and Wells 10. Aspen Brown, who has been a force in the paint, added eight. WRH’s only league win came via an 85-56 stomping of South Lenoir in which Darrius and Raquon McCrimmon combined for 30, while Brown and Keith polled for 10, Jawon Carr 14 and Wells 11. Panthers rally from loss to pop Wildcats, Titans DJ Davis scored 22 points, Aaron Hall 16 and Dominic Hall 13 as East Duplin used a 24-14 fourth-quarter push to beat Trask 74-62 in an ECC game last Friday in Rocky Point. Zachary Ball had nine markers and 11 rebounds. The win was the second straight after falling 66-56 to Southwest Onslow Earlier in the week, ED (4-5, 1-1) zipped to a 23-9 edge over Richlands en route to a 74-47 victory in Beulaville. Jordan Pickett tossed in 15, Davis and Obediah Miller 14 apiece, and Aaron Hall and Dominica Hall evenly split 16. Miller, Ball, Aaron Hall and DJ Davis all had double-figure outputs against the Stallions, who won the ECC the previous two seasons, but are not in the loop this winter. SWO’s Carlos Pegan’s 34 points were too much for ED to handle, as was the Stallion’s 53% shooting from the field, especially when the Panthers were at 38%. Rebels win second straight in front of road trips North Duplin inched its way to the .500 mark by beating Spring Creek (69-41) and Hobbton (65-49) last week. The Rebels (5-7) recovered from a loss to Carolina Conference foe East Bladen (43-32) when Jae’Lyn Ingram fired in 19 points and Noah Bennett nine. Bennett stayed hot to net 18 as ND went on an 18-7 streak in the fourth quarter to zap

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

ED’s Zachary Bell is a returning letter-winner looking to take the Panthers to the playoffs. the Gators. Quan Stevens added 12 , Lucas Gregory 11 and Carell Phillips eight. Crusaders take OT thriller, fall to Greenfield the next day Elon signee and point guard Kobe Edwards scored 28 points, had six steals and dished out eight assists as the Greenfield School (Wilson) beat Harrells Christian Academy 71-63 in Harrells last Friday. Cameron Moore, a 6-foot-7 freshman post added 18, and the Knights (17-2) used a 22-12 streak in the fourth to capture the win. The two teams play Jan. 30 in Wilson. Antonio McKoy led HCA with 25 points and 11 boards. Cousin Dashaun added 15 and eight rebounds, and post Amir Moore had 18 markers. HCA might have had tired legs since it had to go to overtime the previous day to beat Cape Fear Academy 62-60. Antonio McKoy, a Western Carolina recruit, pumped in 32, while Dashaun chipped in with 18. HCA came back after the loss to bump off Trinity 71-48 behind 32 more from their star scorer. GIRLS Bulldogs win five of six after 2-4 bumpy start Madison Francis scored 19 points and cleaned the glass for 14 rebound last Friday when Wallace-Rose Hill pushed past Midway 49-35. Freshman QuoRyiona Vines scored 14, and senior Savannah Smith had eight points and eight steals. WRH used an 18-4 burst in the third quarter for its fifth win in six games, which came following a 2-4 start. Francis pumped in 11 points and had 16 rebounds earlier in the week during a 43-25 triumph over Princeton in the Bulldogs’ gym. Vines had 12, and Smith and Angelina Cavallaro combined for 10. WRH is 8-5 overall and 2-1 in Swine Valley play, and its next target is getting to the 10-win mark it reached in 2018. Tigers run out of gas against Cougars Gabi Outlaw scored a career-high 20 point, hitting on four of six from 3-point land, but it was not enough as James Kenan fell to Goldsboro 60-49 last Friday in Wayne County. Y’Anna Rivers added 12 and Aleyah Willson 11. Goldsboro

(9-2, 3-0) led 26-19 at halftime Three days earlier, Rivers threw down 20, Wilson 10 and Outlaw 12 with eight steals as the Tigers lassoed Midway 53-21 in Warsaw for their sixth win in a row. JK (7-2, 3-1) could be on the verge of logging its best season going 16-6 in 2013-14 under head coach Wendy Lanier. Rebels win sixth in a row, still unbeaten in Carolina Conference North Duplin is making winning look easy. Well, at least not complicated. Abby Rose and Lilly Fulghum each scored 21 points while combining for 15 rebounds as the Rebels beat East Bladen 57-47. Reagan Herring and Maggie Brown each had six markers and six boards. The Eagles (10-2, 2-1), who had won four straight, were 2A finalists last winter. Rose (15) and Fulghum (14) paced the attack during a 49-15 roasting of Spring Creek. Last Friday’s 47-7 laugher over Hobbton featured a 14-point performance by Rose, 11 from sophomore Camden Cox, and 13 more from classmates Brown and Scarlet Dyer. All told sophomores and freshmen scored 40 of ND’s 47 points. Panthers prepping for showdown against unbeaten Clinton With 12 games left in its regular season ED (10-2) is where it needs to be to continue what is nearly an annual tradition under head coach Mark Lane: win 20 games. The Panthers have done it the previous two seasons and nine times since 2012. Two-time Ms. Basketball Kinsey Cave and her teammates will have its biggest test Tuesday when the Panthers travel to 12-0 Clinton with first-place in the ECC on the line. This winter, Cave (14.6 points per game, 7.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 2.9 steals) is getting help from Zoe Cavanaugh (7.6 points), Zakoya Farrior (6.5 points, though not up to her best after a knee surgery) and Andriaia Scarborough (5.8 points, 7.8 rebounds). Frosh Bennett Holley (4.3 points, 3.4 boards) and Lorena Rodriguez (5.1 points., 3.3 rebounds) are likewise making contributions. The Dark Horses are for real as proven by their 30.1-point average margin of victory this season.

Duplin Journal for Thursday, January 15, 2026

ALL-DUPLIN FOOTBALL 2025

Avents, Hall, Smith, Zeleya pace Tigers’ 9 first-team selections WRH’s Jamare Lamb, ED’s Shawn Davis and Keeshon Mckinnie, and ND’s Trashawn Ruffin and Carell Phillips make return showings By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal WARSAW — If there were a “Super Bowl” trophy last fall in Duplin County, it would belong outside Bill Taylor Field. James Kenan was the best team in the regular season and advanced the deepest in the postseason behind its six senior leaders — Cal and Eli Avent, David Zeleya, CJ Hill, Jeremiah Hall and Zamarion Smith — all of whom were among the Tigers’ nine firstteam all-Duplin selections. East Duplin followed with eight, including three-time repeater Shawn Davis and Keeshon Mckinnie, the ECC’s Defensive Player of the Year, and Zachary Ball, who is among the state’s interception leaders. North Duplin running back Carell Phillips, DL/TE Trashawn Ruffin and were also three-time stars, while teammate and free safety Garris Warren is a top-list player for a second time. The Rebels had five first-team players, while WRH running back Jamarae Lamb and defensive lineman Adrian “Miami” Allen were among the Bulldogs’ four selections. Twenty-four players covered 26 first-team slots. There are stories on B1 of the Coach of the Year and honorees for the Heart of a Champion and Two-Way Warrior awards. Mr. Football, Offensive Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year stories will appear in the Jan. 22 publication of Duplin Journal. Here’s a snapshot of the best gridiron players in Duplin in 2025. FIRST-TEAM OFFENSE Eli Avent, JK, Sr., QB Avent hit on 44 of 77 for 825 yards and 14 touchdowns while running 49 times for 245 yards and seven scores. He did whatever was necessary and rarely had a turnover, yet he was happy to let the Tigers’ running attack roll, so much so that he probably blocked a bit too much. Fans feared he would get hurt. Avent, who is also a speedy leadoff hitter in baseball, is a relentless competitor.

The senior needed 182 carries to compile 2,060 yards and 27 touchdowns after going for 1,150 yards and 13 scores as a junior. He scored four times against Princeton and had four games with three scores. He failed to reach the end zone once (during a 27-6 win over WRH) and was limited to less than 100 four times (all of which were landslide Tigers wins) while averaging a Duplin-high 11.3 yards per carry. Jamarae Lamb, WRH, Sr., RB Lamb’s 2,426 yards is the most by a Duplin back since Kanye Roberts’ 3,511 season in The senior, who is already attending classes after signing to play for Lenoir-Rhyne with the hope of moving to a Division 1 school in two years, also led the county in touchdowns with 30. He scored five times in a first-round playoff win over Greene Central and ran for more than 222 yards on five occasions. His biggest yardage game came when he ran for 315 yards against Midway. Trashawn Ruffin, ND, Sr., TE Ruffin has been a feared defender and blocking tight end the past three seasons and is one of two players on both the first-team offense and defense. He originally signed to play at Texas A&M but reneged by switching to UNC when Bill Belicick became the head coach. He will play defensive tackle in college.

Shawn Davis, ED, Sr., MLB Made 89 tackles from his spot in the middle of the field. Zamarion Smith, JK, Sr., LB

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

ND’s Garris Warren is a twotime all-county player who can cover receivers and also help out on running plays. 64 touchdowns and passed for 841 yards and 14 scores. Gavin Jarman, ED, Sr., P/PK Jarman hit on 45 of 49 PAT and was 4 of 5 on field goals while also having a 37.1-yard average punting. The senior, who was named ECC Special Team’s Player of the Year, punched 17 of his 43 kickoffs for touchbacks. Shawn Davis, ED, Sr., Utility It’s almost impossible to leave Davis off the first team, even though he might have been one of the best two-way players in the East. He ran for 1,207 yards and scored 16 times. He’s also a first-team defensive player. FIRST-TEAM DEFENSE Cal Avent, JK, Sr., DL Avent averaged 9.4 tackles with 26 tackles for lost yardage, as the heart and soul of the Tigers’ D-line. He was named as co-Two-Way Warrior with ED’s Shawn Davis.

CJ Hill, JK, Sr., WR

Adrian Allen, WRH, Jr., DL

Hill was used everywhere by JK. He ran for 436 yards and 10 scores and had 16 catches for 422 yards and seven touchdowns. Hill’s versatility was key for the Tigers. He was also averaged 4.5 tackles with an interception as a defensive back.

Made 43 tackles and was at times a one-player wrecking crew. Anyone who watcesh his aggressive play became a believer in “Miami.” He is co-Heart of a Champion winner with ND’s Trashawn Ruffin (See the story on B1).

Tashii Huffin, WRH, OL, So.

Trashawn Ruffin, ND, Sr.

The 6-3, 311 sophomore will be a mover and shaker in 2026 after a solid first season in which he played progressively better each game.

The UNC recruit, who is also a co-Heart of a Champion honoree, will play at UNC next fall. (See the story on B1).

Gavin Garner, JK, Sr., OL

Alex Vasquez, JK, Jr., DL

The two-year starter who played center seemed to improve each game as JK’s line bulled its way to the East Region final before falling to Kinston.

Came into his own as a star by averaging 4.9 tackles and seldom getting pushed around. The 6-2, 250-pound junior was also a stellar offensive lineman.

Luke Hall, ED, Sr., OL

Tavarius Davis, ED, Sr., DL

Hall’s 81% blocking grade was the highest among all Panthers. He was a key cog that helped ED run for 3,042 yards.

The two-way tackle had 62 tackles for a Panthers defense that might have overachieved given its lack of experience entering the season.

Jeremiah Hall, JK, Sr. RB

Miguel Osorio, JK, Sr., OL

Ethan Turnage, ND, Sr., LB

Hall is the most accomplished runner at James Kenan since Marcelias Sutton (2014), a JK Hall of Famer who played for Oklahoma.

Osorio being picked as one of the top linemen was one of the better surprises in Duplin County last season. JK’s offense ran for 4,118 yards and

Turnage is one of the best defenders to ever come out of North Duplin. The strong, fast and physical senior averaged a team-high 7.7 tackles.

Carell Phillips, ND, Sr. RB Phillips finished a stellar career with 2,049 yards and 28 touchdowns. In three seasons, he galloped for 4,876 yards and 70 scores while averaging 9.3 yards per carry. He went over 100 yards in 21 of 22 games his final two seasons. He will be a huge player to replace next season as his gridiron talent was among the best to wear a Rebels uniform.

Smith moved up from the second team after making 111 tackles as he ran to the ball to make plays. He was third-leading tackler for the Tigers and sacrificed by playing defense because he could run the ball, though JK didn’t need him there because of its depth in the backfield. David Zeleya, JK, Sr., FS Fans wondered how the JK defense would rate after losing Hassan Kornegay, the No. 1 tackler in the state in 2024. Zeleya’s 163 tackles were shy of the 203 by Kornegay, but the defense was just as good overall, which was perhaps the biggest surprise in the Tigers’ camp. Zeleya made tackles on the line of scrimmage and in the backfield as a free safety, and could read and react to plays as if he were in the offensive huddle. Zachary Ball, ED, Sr. CB Ball did a lot of the Panthers, including grip a Duplin-high 12 interceptions, which put him tied for 12th among all players in the state. He made 67 tackles, blocked two field goals and had 12 catches for 177 yards and two scores as a split end. Garris Warren, ND, Sr., DB Warren logged 43 tackles, three interceptions and three fumble recoveries as ND’s best pass-coverage player. Matthew Wells, WRH, Sr. DB/QB/TE Played hard wherever he was positioned. The effort and intensity were always there for the senior. Keeshon Mckinnie, ED, Jr., FS Fans and coaches remembered Mckinnie for his versatility. The ECC’s Defensive Player of the Year caused havoc for foes on offense, defense and special teams. He led the Panthers in tackles 130 tackles (10.8 per game) and sacks (four) and had three interceptions and caused three fumbles. Mckinnie ran (31-261, 4 TDs) and caught passes (9-76, 3 TDs) for the offense, and he seemed to be a frequent volunteer when ED needed a lift. Dewayne Davis, ED, Jr., Utility The FS/RB will be more involved in the offense next season after showing great promise in 2025. He ran for 383 yards, had more than 300 yards in punt and kick returns, made 92 tackles and had four interceptions.

SECOND-TEAM OFFENSE QB: Branson Norris, ED, Sr. Hit on 40 of 88 for 628 yards and 12 TDs. RB: Taulil Pearsall, JK, Jr. Ran the ball 77 times for 837 yards and 12 TDs with 87 tackles as a DB. RB: Aaron Hall, ED, Sr. Ran for 919 yards and 10 TDs and had 114 receiving yards. RB: Jaylon Pope, ND, Jr. Came on strong for 597 yards and 6 TDs after replacing injured Vance Carter in the middle of the season. TE: Hunter Whitman, JK, Sr. Whitman is a two-year starter who enjoyed WR: Zack Ball, ED, Sr. Caught 12 passes for 177 and two scores. OL: Christian Scarlett, WRH, Sr. His size and strength created mismatches. OL: Jack Tuck, ED, Sr. Quietly played solid as an undersized lineman. OL: Brady Kelly, ND, Sr., DL. Was a pleasant surprise for ND OL: Jacob Hester, WRH, So. Look for big things in the future from the Bulldog sophomore. PK: Ismael Covarrubias, JK, So., PK. Covarrubias hit on 62 of 65 of his PATs

SECOND-TEAM DEFENSE DL: Jacauri Hill, ED, Sr. Made 89 tackles, including nine for lost yardage. DL: Noa Quintanilla, ND, Jr. Averaged 4.2 tackles as a linebacker who played on the D-line because of a team need. DL: Stedman McIver, JK, DL, Sr. Made 120 tackles as a rising player. DL: Khajyre Murphy, WRH, Jr. Played big by averaging 4.2 tackles and making seven tackles for lost yardage. LB: Bryson Brown, ED, Sr. His 9.5 tackles were second to Mckinnie for the team lead. LB: Will Brooks, WRH, Sr. Made 66 tackles, including 11 for lost yardage. LB: Jacquez Smith, JK, Jr. His 109 takedowns were fifth-most for a rugged Tigers defense. LB: Lucas Dail, ND, Sr. Averaged 4.7 tackles while logging an interception and recovering three fumbles. DB: Esiah Bannerman, ED, Sr. Made 93 tackles (8.5) as a speedy player defender who beat blanketed receivers. DB: Holden Williams, ND, Sr. A key member of the secondary, Williams made 34 tackles and had three picks.

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Duplin Journal for Thursday, January 15, 2026

COACH from page B1 graduated in 2000, guided JK to the fourth round of the 2A playoffs in 2024 by going 12-2. He took over the offensive play-calling duties last fall, and his veteran team once again won 12 games, falling in the East Region final to Kinston. “It was always his dream job to coach at James Kenan,” said John Bert Avent, longtime defensive coordinator for the Tigers. “He waited a long time, enduring a lot of things while waiting for it. “He’s a God-fearing man who isn’t just concerned about wins and losses. He cares that his players are good in the community. He molded a group of leaders, and if he continues to do that, he’ll have a lot more success. I can see him staying here until he’s done with his coaching career, whenever that might be.” JK buzz-sawed its way through the regular season with just three close games (seven-point wins over WRH and East Duplin, and a 44-42 loss to 6A Southern Nash). The other seven regular season wins came by an average margin of victory of 42.4 points. JK entered the playoffs as the No. 1 seed in 3A in the East and eliminated WRH (26-7), Ayden-Grifton (54-26) and Farmville Central (51-32) in games at Bill Taylor Field. The Tigers’ 30-7 setback to Kinston was the first home loss in 14 games. It hardly diminished how Grady and company reshaped the face of Tigers football and the whole meaning of Friday nights. The culture shifted two years ago. Grady empowered his young assistant coaches — Ken Avent III and Lee Sutton — and several unpaid coaches who are former JK players — Deveon Harris, Andrew Pender, Daniel Forsythe. It’s the second-straight top coach award for Grady. He’s the

FORECLOSURE COACH OF THE YEAR 2009: Joey Price, WRH 2010: Joey Price, WRH 2011: Joey Price, WRH 2012: Ken Avent Jr., JK 2013: Ken Avent Jr., JK 2014: Joey Price, WRH 2015: Joey Price, WRH 2016: Joey Price, WRH 2017: Kevin Motsinger, WRH 2018: Battle Holley, ED 2019: Battle Holley, ED 2020: Kevin Motsinger, WRH 2021: Kevin Motsinger, WRH 2022: Battle Holley, ED 2023: Kevin Motsinger, WRH 2024: Tim Grady, JK 2025: Tim Grady, JK

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Tim Grady and JK have posted back-to-back 12-win seasons, which include an outright Swine Valley Conference title this fall and a co-ECC title in 2024. first Tiger to win it since Avent Jr. captured it in back-to-back seasons in 2012 and 2013. ED’s Battle Holley and

WRH’s Kevin Motsinger each won it three times from 2016 to 2024. WRH’s Joey Price twice won

it during three consecutive seasons (2009-11 and 2014-16). WRH’s Kevin Motsinger (187-91) captured it four times between 2017 and 2023, while ED’s Battle Holley (16465) took it three times during that span. ND’s Hugh Martin (158-123) has two state title appearances (2007, 2013) during his 20 seasons coaching the Rebels but has yet to win a Coach of the Year award. Grady (45-23), who is the 13th-winningest coach in Duplin County history, is on par with his three coaching contemporaries, even though the threesome has many more career wins. He broke a 13-game losing streak to WRH in 2024 as an initial monkey-off-his-back proclamation. He’s got three wins in a row over his archrival from Teachey and has a pair of victories against Holley the previous two seasons. The win in ’24 snapped a five-game skid against the Panthers. Grady knows what history has repeatedly proven: When the Tigers knock off the Panthers and Bulldogs a long postseason hunt is in the works.

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DUPLIN COUNTY In the Superior Court CARDINAL FINANCIAL COMPANY, LIMITED PARTNERSHIP v. TIA JONES; ANY KNOWN SPOUSE OF TIA JONES; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ACTING BY AND THROUGH ITS AGENCY THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; GODDARD & PETERSON, PLLC; 25CV001678-300 Party to be served: TIA JONES; ANY KNOWN SPOUSE OF TIA JONES Take notice that a pleading seeking relief against you has been filed in the aboveentitled special proceeding. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: Plaintiff is seeking the foreclosure of real property at 570 W MAIN ST, WALLACE, NC 28466 You are required to make defense to such pleading not later than February 16, 2026, and upon your failure to do so the party seeking service against you will apply to the court for the relief sought. This, the 2 day of January 2026 Gregory P. Cowen NC Bar# 39608 Attorney for Petitioner Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 13010 Morris Road, Suite 450 Alpharetta, GA 30004

NOTICES NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA DUPLIN COUNTY FILE#26E000002-300 The undersigned, IRIS JEAN BLANTON, having qualified on the 5TH DAY of JANUARY, 2026, as EXECUTOR of the Estate of ALVIN JOE BASS, deceased, of DUPLIN County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 15TH Day of APRIL 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 15TH Day of JANUARY 2026. IRIS JEAN BLANTON, EXECUTOR 118 CLAY HILL FARM DRIVE ROSE HILL, NC 28458 Run dates:J15,22,29,F5p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS HEART from page B1 when JK finished 12-2 following a loss to Kinston in the East Region 3A finals. The Tigers beat Wallace-Rose Hill twice and dominated all but one other team on its slate (a 44-43 loss to 6A Southern Nash). Avent was a central leader in JK’s return to glory as the Tigers won 24 games during his final two seasons in Warsaw. Davis played in the N.C. Coaches Association’s EastWest game in late December following a 9-3 campaign in which the Panthers captured an ECC 3A/4A title. Another commonality was leadership — often by example — as both delivered essential intangibles on both sides of the ball and to their teammates. They held teammates accountable while taking own-

HEART from page B1 Ruffin averaged 4.3 tackles per game with three sacks and 12 tackles for lost yardage. He had a 17-yard touchdown catch during a 15-14 win over East Bladen, which was key in securing the Rebels a share of the Carolina 1A Conference title. He clearly earned his pay on the defensive line but shows another part of his athleticism by throwing the shot put and discus. He’s been to the outdoor state finals three times. He was

NORTH CAROLINA DUPLIN COUNTY

ership of their responsibilities. Their force, energy and efforts created opportunities for teammates and the greater good. Their hard work in practice and games was immeasurable, though a key ingredient to JK and ND’s success. Davis hadn’t played on both sides of the ball much until last fall. He did so because the Panthers need him defensively. He responded with 89 tackles, including seven for lost yardage as the Panthers held ECC schools to 11 points per game. With the opposition in check, Davis joined the offensive huddle to run for 1,207 yards and 17 touchdowns. It was his third 1,000-yard season. He had 1,464 yards in 2024 and 1,144 in 2023. He wound up with 3,804 ca-

reer yards and 53 touchdowns as he followed in a long line of Panthers runners that includes Avery Gaby (2,195 yards in 2022); Cris Benson (2013-15 with consecutive seasons of 1,409, 1,867 and 1,434 yards); Vishone Kennion (2,274 yards in ’97) and William Brown (2,794 yards in ’98). Avent was a lead blocker who occasionally ran the ball or caught it out of the backfield, and he was always a cog in JK’s “tush push” displays of power and force. He averaged 9.4 tackles per game, logged two sacks, caused four fumbles, blocked a punt and made 26 tackles for lost yardage. Avent’s twin brother Eli (44-77 for 825 yards, 14 TDs, seven rushing scores) gave the Tigers a leadership package that was extended to include stud running back Jeremiah

Hall, free safety raider David Zeleya and RB/SE/DB CJ Hill as the leadership ladder created a championship chemistry. Yet Avent walked on different ground than other members of his family. The Avent’s older brother John Thomas was likewise a quarterback at JK, as were his cousin Ken III and his father Ken Jr. (both of which played four seasons at Catawba). Ken Jr. guided JK to state titles in ’07 and ’13, while dad Ken Sr is the longest tenured coach in Duplin County (172-105 in 25 years at North Duplin). Cal Avent’s dad, John Bert, who played baseball at UNC Wilmington, is the Tigers’ defensive coordinator. Ken Sr. and Cal were the lone linemen in the Avent lineage.

third in the shot and fourth in the discus last spring. Allen, whose family nearly moved out of the district last fall, was a beast and, if it were possible, played beyond his physical tools. At least that’s what it looked like on the gridiron when the junior broke into the backfield a few seconds after the snap. There was usually no way to stop him, so opponents ran away from him. He averaged 4.1 tackles. When the whistle blew, Allen looked more like a rag-

ing bull than a football player. His intensity was contagious, and the opposition scrambled to find a way around the mismatch Allen presented. Foes found out quickly that this “Bull”-dog was a terror to contain while privately marveling at a rare combination of power and speed Allen possessed. The Allen-led defense and work of running back Jamarae Lamb (2,426 yards, 30 TDs) helped WRH (6-6) avoid a losing season, and in

fact lost four one-possession game, including one in overtime. WRH has the longest .500-or-better streaks in Duplin County. The Bulldogs of 2008 were the last WRH behind that curve. ED and JK were under .500 in 2020 and North Duplin in 2021. Allen shocked offensive linemen at the point of attack and plowed through double teams. His quick lateral movements, footwork and speed help him navigate traffic and redirect to pursue plays outside the tack-

FILE#25E001060-300 The undersigned, RONNIE DEAN ENGLISH, having qualified on the 5TH DAY of JANUARY, 2026, as EXECUTOR of the Estate of ROBBIE ENGLISH, deceased, of DUPLIN County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 8TH Day of APRIL 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 8TH Day of JANUARY 2026. RONNIE DEAN ENGLISH, EXECUTOR 1725 KINGS LANDING RD. HAMPSTEAD, NC 28443 Run dates:J8,15,22,29p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA DUPLIN COUNTY FILE#25E001476-300 The undersigned, BRYAN RHODES, having qualified on the 22ND DAY of DECEMBER, 2025, as EXECUTOR of the Estate of ARLINE RHODES, aka, ARLINE C. RHODES, aka ARLINE CAVENAUGH RHODES, deceased, of DUPLIN County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 8TH Day of APRIL 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 8TH Day of JANUARY 2026. BRYAN RHODES, EXECUTOR PO BOX 905 NEWPORT, NC 28570 Run dates:J8,15,22,29p

RE-ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Duplin County – AirPark Entrance Road Signage Project No.: 2421-000 Sealed bids will be received until 4:00 p.m. (local time), Thursday, January 22, 2026, at the Duplin County Airport, 260 Airport Road, Kenansville, North Carolina 28349, and then opened and publicly read for furnishing all labor and materials and performing all work connected with New AirPark Entrance Road Signage. The project shall consist of furnishing all labor, materials, and equipment and performing all work required to satisfactorily complete the project. Items of work include permitting and construction of a new entrance road signage, site lighting, and landscaping improvements. Bid Forms, Plans, Specifications, and Contract Documents remain available on through the Duplin County website: www.duplinnc.gov, with the online plan rooms Construct Connect, www.constructconnect.com and Dodge Construction Network, www.construction.com. Duplin County reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive any and all technical defects in the execution of the submission of any bid. Duplin County reserves the right to reject any sub-contractors. Duplin County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and invites the submission of proposals from small and minority and women-owned firms, historically underutilized businesses, and certified/registered Section 3 businesses. This information is available in Spanish or any other language upon request. Please contact the Economic Development Commission at 910-296-2180 for accommodations for this request. Esta información está disponible en español o en cualquier otro idioma bajo petición. Por favor, póngase en contacto con Economic Development Commission al 910-296-2180 de alojamiento para esta solicitud.

Duplin Journal for Thursday, January 15, 2026

obituaries

Geraldine Carlton Gavin

May 24, 1958 – Dec. 26, 2025

Jan. 19, 1944 – Jan. 7, 2026

June 4, 1942 – Dec. 28, 2025

Mr. Randolph Newkirk, aka “Big Ran, age 67, of Rose Hill, NC, passed away on Friday, December 26, 2025, at ECU Health Duplin Hospital in Kenansville, NC. The funeral service will be held at Rose Hill Funeral Home Chapel in Rose Hill, NC, on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at noon. Viewing will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Newkirk Cemetery in Magnolia, NC. Left to cherish his precious memories are his son, Marketo Hargrove of Goldsboro, NC; daughter, Kimberly Dobson of Warsaw, NC; three grandchildren; aunt, Helen Richardson (Leo, Jr); sister-in-law, Ida Mae Newkirk of Pink Hill, NC; special sister, Sheila Floyd (Anthony) of Jacksonville, NC; life partner, Frances Moore of Rose Hill, NC; special children: Jamael Moore of Wallace, NC and Jennifer Riley of Atlanta, GA; two special grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that will miss him dearly.

Ellen Lentz Brewer passed away peacefully at the Briar Creek Health Center in Charlotte on Wednesday, January 7, 2025. Ellen was born to Margaret and Larry Lentz on January 19, 1944, in Taft, California, while her father was serving in the Army Air Corps during WWII. She was born as one of a set of preemie twins. Her sister, Janie Riegle, did not survive, but Ellen always credited the Army medical staff in Taft for her making it through. Ellen was raised in Goldsboro, NC, and graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1966 with a degree in English. She was in Alpha Delta Pi Sorority and maintained lifelong friendships with her sorority sisters. After working in several of the grand old department stores in Richmond and Miami, she married Craven Brewer, and they set up a life in Warsaw, NC. While she loved to complain about small town life, she thrived in Warsaw and made friends without regard to age, race, religion, social status or college football team. She leaves truly uncommon and enduring friendships in Warsaw, many of which lasted over 50 years. Many of her happiest memories were of Warsaw and, in the interesting way life works out, she spent most of time in Charlotte keeping up with the goings and comings in little Warsaw and talking about them to anybody that would listen. She taught business and merchandising for the Duplin County School System for over 20 years. While she was always grumpy in August and never thought she could make it through another year, she loved the students and the chance to share her experiences. She had a knack for finding students with underappreciated abilities and helping them to grow. She was always gratified when her students made careers in business and merchandising. She was extremely patriotic and especially proud of her students who later served in the military. Ellen loved to read, and the family home was filled with books - unfortunately, the 10,000 fashion magazines and retail books she kept never turned into valuable collectibles as she had hoped. She was the master of getting kids to piano lessons, tennis practice, Boy Scout meetings, and every other event before that was a thing. She was a tireless advocate and supporter of her children; there was nothing she would not do to help them do their best. She was an active volunteer in the community and served on the Duplin Medical Board, Parents Council of the NCSSM, and for several years as the leader for the Ladies Sunday School Class at Warsaw Presbyterian. Ellen is survived by her children: Ellis Brewer (Tracy), Lentz Brewer (Angie), and Margaret Linn (Tom). Also, by three delightful young granddaughters, Molly, Claire, and Mary Ellis. Her biggest regret would be not getting to see the wonderful people they are growing up to be. She is preceded in death by her parents and husband. Ellen was a dog lover extraordinaire and was also preceded in death by a dozen dogs that she raised throughout her life. Many were strays whom she rescued, loved, and cared for like only she could have.

Geraldine Carlton Gavin, 83, of Warsaw, NC, passed away December 28, 2025, in Fayetteville, NC. Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at First Missionary Baptist Church - Warsaw. Public viewing will be from 10-11 a.m. (one hour prior to the service). Interment will be at 2 p.m. on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Goldsboro, NC. The family respectfully asks that there be no sit-up and no home visits. Expressions of sympathy are welcome through cards, flowers, or by attending the funeral service. If sending flowers, please note that purple was Geraldine’s favorite color. You may call Lane’s Florist at (910) 289-2324 if you would like to place an order for a floral arrangement. The family sincerely appreciates your prayers, love, and support during this time.

Randolph Newkirk

Dec. 7, 1958 – Dec. 30, 2025 Kenansville - Willie Ray Arnette, 67, passed away Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at his home. Willie was born December 7, 1958, in Duplin County to the late Lannie Edward Arnette and Flora Lee Dail Arnette. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m., Friday, January 9, 2026, at Community Funeral Home of Warsaw, with visitation to follow. Willie survived by his wife, Joyce H. Arnette of the home; step daughters, Stephanie Renee Hardin of Kenansville, Kimberly Ann Henderson Bradshaw of Warsaw; grandchildren, Courtland Ray Bradshaw; niece and nephew Betty Sue Arnette Anderson of Surf City and Dexter Gene Arnette of Mount Olive; great nieces and nephew, Ashley Arnette, Brandi Anderson and Timothy Anderson; brothers-inlaw Jackie Horne and wife, Judy, Roy Horne and wife, Cathy, Tony Horne. He is also survived by Joseph Hardin of Texas, Blaze Hardin, David Hardin of Clinton, Mark Hardin Rameaur, NC, Jeff Hardin of Asheville, NC, and numerous cousins. In addition to his parents, Willie was preceded in death by his son, Courtland Wayne Arnette; brother, Paul Edward Arnette; brother, Dexter Arnette; maternal grandparents, Dobson and Annie Pate Dail; and brother-in-law, Troy Horne.

James Wyatt Smith Jr. June 17, 1972 – Jan. 2, 2026

Dec. 1, 1950 – Jan. 4, 2026 Linda Norris Shoup, 75, passed away on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at her home. She is preceded in death by her parents, Marvin and Loudell Norris, a brother, Bennett Norris and a son-in-law, Teddy Price. A funeral service will be held Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 7 p.m. followed by visitation at Community Funeral Home in Beulaville, NC. A graveside service will be Friday, January 9, 2026, at 11 a.m. at East Duplin Memorial Gardens, Beulaville, NC. She is survived by her husband, Randy Shoup, of Kenansville, NC; son Randall Shoup Jr. (Amber), of Pink Hill, NC; daughter: Donna S. Price, of Mount Olive, NC; sisters Becky Stroud (L.C.), of Albertson, NC, and Lisa Grady (Jeffery), of Warsaw, NC; brothers Ed Norris Jr. (Jackie), of Fayetteville, NC, and Jim T. Norris (Paulette), of Kenansville, NC; grandchildren Ashley Mora (Emiliano), David Price (Briana), Zoey Shoup, Ravyn Kennedy, Kayden Shoup and Maura Shoup; and great-grandchild: Henry-David Mora

QUINN MCGOWEN FUNERAL HOME

Ellen Lentz Brewer

Willie Ray Arnette

Linda Norris Shoup