the BRIEF this
week
Public Safety
o cials urge caution ahead of possible wintry weather
Duplin County Duplin County Public Safety encourages residents to monitor the National Weather Service for updates on a system that could bring wintry precipitation to eastern North Carolina this weekend, with potential impacts from Saturday into Sunday. Forecast models suggest snow, ice or a mix is possible, which could create hazardous travel conditions. O cials caution that small shifts in the storm’s track could signi cantly a ect outcomes and encourage residents to rely on o cial forecasts for updates.
Police warn of phone scam activity
Beulaville
The Beulaville Police Department is warning residents about recent phone scams in which callers use spoofed law enforcement phone numbers to appear legitimate. Scammers claim individuals have outstanding warrants or missed jury duty and demand payment to avoid arrest, often requesting gift cards or reloadable debit cards. Police remind citizens that law enforcement agencies do not call to demand payment and urge the public to remain vigilant.
Free Adult Wellness
Screenings o ered
Beulaville
Free adult wellness screenings will be o ered Tuesday, Jan. 27 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Kingdom Partnership Christian Center, 3501 N.C. 24 in Beulaville. Screenings include body mass index, blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol checks, along with health coaching. No preregistration is required. For more information, call 910-296-8836.
Sheri ’s o ce warns of jury duty phone scam
Duplin County Sheri Stratton Stokes and the Duplin County Sheri ’s O ce are warning residents about a phone scam in which callers claim to be deputies and demand payment for missed jury duty. Scammers may use spoofed phone numbers, threatening language, deputy names or fake case numbers. The sheri ’s o ce emphasizes that deputies will never call to demand payment or request gift cards, prepaid cards or electronic payments. Residents who receive such calls are urged to hang up and report the calls.
Robert Burns Supper brings tradition, festivity
Philip Ross led the festivities as master of ceremonies at the 24th Annual Robert Burns Supper at the Country Squire Restaurant and Winery, celebrating the life, poetry and legacy of Scotland’s national bard with traditional music, haggis and community camaraderie. Turn to page A6 for more.
JSCC announces new president
Shannon Hair was named the seventh president of James Sprunt Community College
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
KENASVILLE — James
Sprunt Community College is entering a new chapter with the appointment of Shannon Hair as its seventh president, ocially approved Jan. 16 by the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges. JSCC announced Hair will take the reins in early February.
Hair’s career spans more than two decades and bridges higher education, workforce development and regional economic growth. According to the announcement made by James Sprunt Community College last week, at Danville Community College in Virginia, Hair led initiatives that connected students with real-world skills, expanded fundraising e orts, and strengthened ties between the college and local businesses. Prior to that, Hair spent over a decade with Dewberry, Inc., helping communities in Virginia and North Carolina secure funding for major workforce
and infrastructure projects.
A lifelong learner, Hair holds a doctorate in higher education leadership from National University, a master’s in higher education administration from the University of Nebraska, and a bachelor’s in civil engineering from Old Dominion University, along with technical degrees from Danville Community College.
“The Board of Trustees and James Sprunt Community College look forward to welcoming Dr. Shannon Hair to campus and beginning this next chapter of leadership,” stated the announcement.
Teachey board reviews new subdivision plans
The developers seek townhome guidelines and eye a 2028 construction start Shannon Hair
By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal
TEACHEY — Developers presented preliminary plans for a new subdivision in Teachey to the town’s board of commission-
ers at its Jan. 12 meeting. The plans call for townhomes and single-family homes to be built on a site located near the intersection of N.C. Highway 117 and Hunter Street on a 9.7-acre site.
Chad Lambert of Bert Prop-
erties and his business associate Robert Stevens, as well as project engineer Jonathan Holmes, requested speci c rules be adopted regarding building townhomes on the property within town limits.
“As you know, there is a lot of building going on in Wallace and we see the growth in Duplin County, and we’re trying to bring that growth to the town of Teachey,” Lambert said in opening remarks. “We have a plan for a small subdivision with townhomes up front.”
Audit of Rose Hill reveals healthy nances for 2024-25
The auditor praised the town’s $1.9 million undesignated fund balance
By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal
ROSE HILL — The auditor
conducting a state-required audit for the Town of Rose Hill for its scal year 2024-25 gave the town a clean nancial bill of health in a presentation given to the town board via a video conference during its Jan. 13 meeting.
their nances as “very impressive numbers.”
Eubanks seemed most impressed with the undesignated fund balance of the town.
“The minimum undesignated fund balance and percentage of expenditures minimum threshold is 34%,” he said. “Your undesignated fund balance is $1.9 million. You’re sitting at 151.47%, well over the minimum threshold.”
The board was also pleased to learn they are in good shape for any unexpected situations.
“As of June 30, 2025, if you did not collect any more additional revenue, you can still operate on a normal basis, not having to reduce any expenditures. You could still operate for $2.00
Austin Eubanks of the Wilmington o ce of Thompson, Price, Scott & Adams, CPA told the board he found no problems with Rose Hill’s nances in the audit. He referred to
Austin Eubanks
Lambert said the property is currently zoned R-10, which allows for single-family and multifamily dwellings, including
O
We stand corrected To report an error or a suspected error, please email: corrections@ nsjonline.com with “Correction request” in the subject line.
Fatal Warsaw shooting found to be justi ed self-defense, DA says
A son red at his mother’s alleged attacker after receiving an emergency call
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
WARSAW — A 41-year- old Warsaw man was shot and killed Sept. 7, 2025, at the home of his longtime girlfriend by her adult son, authorities said. District Attorney Ernie Lee said after reviewing reports from the Warsaw Police Department and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation that the shooting was legally justi ed. According to the DA’s ofce, investigators concluded that Eliecer Luna’s actions
created an apparent threat to the lives of the son and other occupants of the residence, including six children. Law enforcement stated the son acted after receiving a call from his younger sister reporting that Luna was allegedly assaulting their mother and told her to call the police.
Law enforcement said the son retrieved a handgun and went to the home where he found his mother badly beaten. The son red multiple times after Luna allegedly approached him with a raised st. Police found Luna dead inside the home.
Authorities said the mother sustained injuries, she “had an excessive amount of blood on her head, chest and legs,” said the report. “The victim had
su ered a head injury causing the bleeding and there was a substantial amount of long, dark hair, consistent with the victim’s hair near the blood on the oor.”
According to authorities, two children were upstairs and four others were found hiding in the closet. According to the DA’s o ce, SBI interviews and statements from the mother reportedly corroborated the son’s account of events. The autopsy conrmed Luna died from multiple gunshot wounds. Ofcials said they found no evidence of criminal intent and cited Luna’s prior history of domestic violence and the immediate threat to residents as justi cation for self-defense.
MLK celebration honors youth voices, community legacy
A local Martin Luther King Jr. celebration at the Lois G. Britt Agribusiness Center highlighted the voices and talents of Duplin County youth while honoring the history and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. Musical performances by the youth choir from Diversity Nurtures Achievement, an enrichment program based in Warsaw, energized the audience, while youth performers lled the room with song and joy.
Share with your community! Send your birth, death, marriage, graduation and other announcements to community@ duplinjournal.com Weekly deadline is Monday at noon.
Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in Duplin County.
Jan. 23
Basics of Air Frying Workshop
10 a.m. to noon
Have an air fryer you haven’t used yet, thinking about buying one or looking for new recipes? Join the Duplin County Cooperative Extension Family and Consumer Sciences team for a hands-on Basics of Air Frying Workshop. Participants will learn how to cook with and care for an air fryer and explore di erent models during a live cooking demonstration. The workshop will be held at the Cooperative Extension O ce. The cost is $15. Space is available on a rst-come, rst-served basis. To register, call 910-296-2143. 165 Agriculture Dr., Kenansville
Feb. 7
Duplin County Historical Society meeting
Noon
The Duplin County Historical Society meeting will be at Wesley Chapel UMC Fellowship Hall. Members, and the public is 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 are due and can be paid at the meeting: $20 for individuals and $25 for families.
1127 North N.C. 11-903 Highway, Kenansville
Feb. 8
Pitch It Duplin
Aspiring entrepreneurs are invited to compete in Pitch It Duplin, a business pitch competition hosted by the JSCC Small Business Center in partnership with Marine Federal Credit Union and the Kenansville Area Chamber of Commerce. Participants will pitch their Duplin County business ideas to a panel of “Business Bulldogs” for a chance to win start-up funding: $3,000 for rst place, $2,000 for second and $1,000 for third. For details, contact Joy Wynne at 910-659-6008.
JSCC Small Business Center Kenansville
PHOTO COURTESY DUPLIN COUNTY NAACP
Mount Olive hydrants take a beating
Multiple accidents prompt long repairs but no major service interruptions
By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal
MOUNT OLIVE — Glenn
Holland, interim town manager for Mount Olive, said several of the town’s re hydrants have been damaged in recent incidents.
“I know of at least four, and there might be a total of six within the last few months,” Holland said in an interview with Duplin Journal. “I know there have been at least three in the past 60 days.”
The most recent incident occurred Jan. 13 when a truck belonging to North Carolina Department of Transportation struck a hydrant located near the end of the access ramp from U.S. Highway 117 South to N.C.
Highway 55. The truck was leaving after performing routine maintenance on equipment located in the area for DOT work.
As the truck was leaving, it hit the hydrant and broke it o . Repairing the hydrant proved challenging for Holland and the town crew.
“We didn’t have a replacement hydrant valve, so we couldn’t cut the hydrant o ,” Holland said. “We tried to go around town to kill water on the line, and we
were unable to. We eventually began opening other hydrants to reduce pressure. We xed it while it was still under pressure.”
Holland added the most time was spent reducing the water pressure.
“It took about six hours to get the pressure down where we could work on it, but only about an hour to x it,” he said. “I don’t think anybody actually lost water. I think they just had low water pressure.”
Several businesses are located near the intersection of N.C. Highway 55 and U.S. Highway 117, including a Hardee’s restaurant. Another hydrant was recently damaged when a farmer struck a hydrant while preparing land with a tractor. The tractor swung to avoid a light pole, and the disc hit the hydrant, pulling it out of the ground. Another hydrant was damaged when it was hit by a re truck. Holland blamed that accident on narrow roads built in town many years ago that don’t give much room for larger vehicles to maneuver.
Greenevers board reviews infrastructure, community projects
The mayor questioned hydrant costs as the town explored grant opportunities for sidewalks and recreation
By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal
GREENEVERS — Commissioner Rozena Bivens was sworn into o ce early in the evening at the Jan. 12 meeting in Greenevers. The meeting continued with project updates from Town Clerk Emma Brinson including partial completion of the water and sewer extension, re hydrant replacements, and renovations starting on well houses and the water tower. Mayor Diane Brown questioned why $10,000 of the town’s funds had to be used for parts to x two hydrants when 18 hydrants are in need of repair or replacement.
In November, Brinson shared that the N.C. Municipal ARP funding included mass grant
an additional 18 months,” Eubanks told the board.
Those numbers are obviously good news, especially when the brie ng from the auditor was followed by town business revealing a need to fund several repairs and projects in town.
One of those needed projects is replacing a heat pump unit at the Rose Hill Community Library. The unit that handles the main library area has been out for more than a month, forcing the library to limit hours on days when the temperatures were very low. The board voted to replace the unit at a cost of $16,600 which will go to Powell Heating & Air, which was the lowest of three bids.
The board also approved a contract to repair the roof at town hall and the police department at a cost of $38,000.
The board voted to table two other major projects in town in hopes of obtaining more than one bid on them.
One of those projects involves repairs to a gravity sewer line on Charity Road. Rose Hill Public Works Director Blake Parker told the board the line is broken in three places. He added the repairs will be challenging because the 30 feet of line that needs repairs is 17 feet deep.
Parker said he had only received one bid on the project at a total cost of $33,500.
In another major project, the town is attempting to improve
REBECCA WHITMAN COOKE FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
writing to assist towns. The town approved seeking their assistance in the hopes of funding re hydrants, stormwater, sidewalks, small business, public housing and recreation. At the time, Brinson said this opportunity would
most likely help with grants for sidewalks and recreation. After working with them, she was able to a rm in the January meeting that she was correct. Though the town is likely to welcome grant funds for sidewalks and recre-
MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
Members of the Rose Hill Board of Commissioners listen to CPA Austin Eubanks as he gives a report on the state-required audit for the scal year 2024 -25.
a sidewalk along Church Street to make it easier to access businesses located on the northern side of the street. A beauty shop had requested handrails be installed along steps in front of their business to help older clients safely get to their business. It was determined any repairs or additions to the sidewalk would have to bring that block into Americans with Disabilities Act compliance.
Only one bid for the sidewalk repairs, which would include a handrail along the entire block, as well as the addition of an accessible ramp at the corner of Church Street and Railroad Street, was priced at $56,292.
The sewer line repair project and the Church Street sidewalk project were tabled in order to seek additional bids.
In other business
• The board reappointed Town Administrator Angela Smith to serve another term as a representative on the Eastern Carolina Council General Membership Board.
During department reports, Commissioner Billy Wilson Jr., who also serves as chief of Rose Hill Fire Department, said he was hoping to hear soon from the state regarding the town’s latest re rating after their recent inspection. The rating of local re departments a ects the cost of homeowners insurance in the area they serve.
ation, Brown was discouraged to see no other funds discovered for the town’s more pressing needs.
In other updates and news
• The planning board set a meeting with Carlton Gideon for 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 26 to review plans concerning the subdivision annex.
Designation of a town representative for the East Carolina Council was discussed, but no commissioner committed to the role.
• The board also discussed drainage problems on Lillian Moore Road and how much the town is responsible for. An estimate was given for part of the work, but it came in high. The board requested Brinson seek more estimates. A tax release was approved in order to separately bill the
TEACHEY from page A1
townhomes. But the zoning rules for Teachey cover lot size and details for single-family homes, which do not match what would be required for townhomes.
“There is no townhome set of rules for Teachey. They don’t exist,” Stevens added. “We’ve taken the liberty of reading all the other ordinances around the area, other similar towns. We’ve kind of pulled some things from here and there that t for Teachey.”
Town attorney Joseph Ezzell recommended the town adopt speci c requirements for townhome construction. The board agreed to discuss the issue at an upcoming Board of Commissioners workshop scheduled for Jan. 30. If the board decides to consider an ordinance, a public hearing would need to be scheduled, most likely at the March meeting.
In an interview with Duplin Journal, Lambert said construction is expected to begin on the new subdivision in 2028 if the town adopted rules for townhome construction.
It is not the rst development project for Lambert in Teachey. He also owns apartments on Lodge Street.
actual owner of the property in question.
Financial reports were shared, and the board discussed ordering leather o ce chairs to move the board meetings back to town hall.
• A grease buildup in the community center’s pipes prompted the board to discuss repairs and maintenance.
The planning board decided to close the center’s gates at night to prevent extended parking. Concern over recent violence and misuse of the lot has caused the town to decide it needs to protect its property.
• The board discussed other repairs needed including replacement of the 10-year-old toilets in the building. The meeting adjourned shortly after this discussion.
MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
Developers Chad Lambert, left, and Robert Stevens of Bert Properties listen as Teachey Town Board members discuss the possibility of adopting speci c rules for townhome construction in town.
Mayor Bobby Jones responded by saying, “If we allow that, who’s to say that someone could come in here and say, ‘Hey, I got two pet horses on my quarter-acre lot that I’d like to have. I’ll keep them fenced in.’”
Citing existing ordinances regarding livestock, the board denied his request.
The board voted to have a workshop session on Jan. 30 at noon.
During the visitor comment period, Robbie Rosak of Calico Bay Road asked the board for permission to keep a sheep gifted to him by his father on his property. Rosak said the sheep is a pet and would not be used for any agricultural purposes. He also said the animal would be kept in a picket fence he plans to erect around his property, and he would not be adding any more animals.
Mayor Diane Brown, left, swears in Commissioner Rozena Bivens at the Jan. 12 meeting in Greenevers.
ROSE HILL from page A1
THE CONVERSATION
Trip
Ho end, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor
VISUAL VOICES
| REP. JIMMY DIXON
Why local Democrats must speak up
I believe there is a dangerous distortion between what the national leadership represents and what the local Democrats I know actually believe.
DECEPTION, DISTORTION and detraction are the methods ultra-liberal media sources use to bring dangerous anti-Christian thoughts into our nation, our government, our homes and the minds of our children. They target those who are uninformed, and their goal is to misinform those most vulnerable.
Do local Democrats really believe, support and practice the policies espoused by the current ultra-liberal wing of the national Democrat Party?
I believe there is a dangerous distortion between what the national leadership of the Democrat Party represents and what the local Democrats I know believe and practice. I also believe the liberal news media uses the high-pro le elected Democrats to make the abnormal look normal. They are very good at making that which is so wrong look so right.
I’m going to express some opinions about the national leadership and policies of the Democrat Party and contrast that with what I perceive to be the views of the leadership and policies of local Democrat leaders.
First, I know several local Democrats whom I would readily support going to the national level and replacing some of the crazy, so - called Democrats in other states and at the federal level. In other words, in my opinion, the people who make up the local leadership of the Democrat Party are good people who do not
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Do better
Dear Editor,
This comes as a response to your article titled “Warsaw mayor sounds alarm on town governance, cites intimidation” on page A6 of your Jan. 15, 2026, edition.
True or not, the information in this article angers me. Warsaw citizens should make you angry also. I don’t live in the town of Warsaw but have a Warsaw address. I don’t vote for the mayor or board members, but what they do a ects all who surround the town too.
The town is economically depressed and being held back by the pettiness and self- enforced depravity of those who think they know best. Pettiness abounds. Shamefully so.
Lea Turner, town manager, in her time in the aforementioned position, I have not heard or seen one written statement about her that has been positive. If you have, please share it. Of the board members, I personally know only one and have always thought of him as an upstanding community member. But here is his name cast in a negative light along with a number of the other board members. Shame on all of you.
To Ms. Turner and the town of Warsaw board members: Stop the political BS that is going on. Do better for your town, your constituents and your county.
Debby Scott Warsaw
Contact a writer or columnist: connect@
really believe or support the ultra-radical left wing that controls the national Democrat Party.
The main question that I have for my Democrat friends is this: What are you doing locally to show that you are di erent from New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer or California Gov. Gavin Newsom?
I do not believe local Democrats really believe or support many of the far-left radical ideas proposed by these and other high-pro le Democrats. I understand that party unity and loyalty is important if we want to achieve the value of strength in numbers. But that principle can be taken too far. I believe the national radical leftist movement is asking the good, local Democrats to be loyal to a variety of beliefs not consistent with many local tenants of traditional Democrat leaders.
From experience, I know that the vast majority of folks of both major political parties in our area regularly attend church and have faith in the Judeo-Christian belief system of organized religion. I also believe that the secular progressive tenets of the national leadership of the Democrat Party are inconsistent with those Christian values.
I will cite just two related modern social movements and one public safety issue to make
COLUMN | STEPHEN MOORE
my point. First, gender identity and same-sex marriage. Second, public safety and the left’s attack on ICE.
Nothing could be more essential to the proliferation of mankind than God’s creation of two genders: male and female. Only through the combination of those two genders can future generations be produced. Radical national Democrat leaders want local Democrats to accept or turn a blind eye to their distorted Godless ideas about gender, transgender issues and same-sex marriage. Nothing could be more essential to us all than public safety. If we are not safe, what else matters? Most of us have probably said, “Nothing surprises me anymore.” Then we get surprised again. The radical Democrats led attacks on law enforcement, especially the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), is di cult to comprehend and disturbing to watch. All the Democrat leaders named above appear very self-righteous as they spout out hateful attacks on those trying to protect us from murderers, rapists and scum of all kinds. We the people, all the local people of both parties, should reject anything not consistent with our traditional Christian values.
Rep. Jimmy Dixon represents Duplin and Wayne counties in the N.C. House of Representatives.
Stop pretending that colleges are nonprofit institutions
Star athletes have been exploited by colleges for years, and now they are getting their just dues.
HERE’S A RECENT story from the Chicago Tribune that jumped o the page when I read it. Northwestern University is nishing up the construction of a new $800 million football stadium. This is supposedly a nonpro t “educational” entity.
Uh-huh.
Northwestern — an “institution of higher learning” located outside of Chicago — is ush with cash. It has an endowment of nearly $15 billion, and the tax-free donations keep owing in.
Almost all the $800 million — which rivals the cost of professional sports arenas with luxury skyboxes and opulent decor — for the lavish Taj Mahal football stadium on the shores of Lake Michigan was donated to the school with tax-deductible dollars. About half the money came from multibillionaire Pat Ryan. No word yet as to whether the Northwestern stadium will come with hot tubs in the end zones. Meanwhile, universities are now paying star football players millions of dollars thanks to the new “portal” rules. Many basketball and football athletes are now selling their passing, tackling and dunking skills each year to the highest bidder. They can often make more money playing for the old U than if they played in professional leagues like the NFL or NBA.
This is pay-to-play athletics. It won’t be long before women on college volleyball teams are pay-to-play. Star athletes have been exploited by colleges for years, and now they are getting their just dues.
Don’t get me wrong. I love college sports. This is a great product, and we are seeing the best teams money can buy.
But when will Congress stop buying into this mythology that colleges are nonpro t organizations? Why should donations from millionaires and billionaires be IRS tax writeo s? It’s farcical.
It also costs taxpayers a small fortune.
Northwestern’s donors will get tax deductions worth almost $200 million.
This makes as much sense as allowing the Chicago Bears to sign the best quarterback and free safety tax-free.
Don’t forget that universities have other absurd tax advantages. They generally are exempt from property taxes — which means the rest of us pay more.
Universities are supposed to be educational institutions, not semipro leagues. To treat them in the tax code as if they were the equivalent of homeless shelters, food banks and the Salvation Army is a fantasy.
Universities are big business. The “amateur student athletes” are de facto professionals. Many rarely if ever attend a class. Some of them are 25 and 26 years old.
The cost to the Treasury of the tax loophole for colleges is enormous. Colleges have a combined endowment today of nearly $1 trillion. Almost none of this money was ever taxed. These government subsidies to universities are on top of the trillion dollars of student loan subsidies — debts many of which will never be paid back by the former students.
If this giant loophole were plugged, tax rates for families and legitimate businesses could fall by 10% to 15%.
When I attended the University of Illinois, we used to joke that our school motto was: We never let academics stand in the way of a winning football team and basketball team. Now the universities don’t let money stand in the way of a great team either. And the federal tax code encourages the “best team money can buy” mentality.
Let’s face it. If an institution can spend $800 million on a football stadium, it can a ord to pay its fair share of taxes.
Stephen Moore is a former Trump senior economic adviser and the cofounder of Unleash Prosperity.
COLUMN
Duplin County Animal Shelter shows progress in state review
A January inspection found compliance with animal welfare standards and noted improvements
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
KENANSVILLE — After repeated state citations and public scrutiny, the Duplin County Animal Shelter received an approved compliance inspection from the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Animal Welfare Section last week, indicating documented improvements across multiple operational areas.
The Facility Compliance Inspection, approved Jan. 13, evaluated the shelter under the North Carolina Animal Welfare Act and related administrative codes. The shelter received an overall approved status, with most areas fully compliant and only minor corrective actions noted.
County Manager Lisa Hughes acknowledged the shelter’s history of violations and said the county is focused on long-term improvements.
“We want to make sure that we get it right and the chang-
es made are permanent and in the best interests of the animals we protect and house temporarily at the Animal Shelter,” Hughes said.
State inspectors noted signi cant improvements in cleanliness and facility conditions. The shelter “was much cleaner and had improved smell throughout the facility,” the inspector noted.
According to the AWS report, animal care practices were found to be compliant during the January visit.
“All animals had water during inspection,” and “all animals with medical concerns had proper documentation and veterinarian records,” the inspector reported.
Inspectors also noted that “no animals were present in the play yard during this inspection.”
The inspection report found recordkeeping to be compliant.
“Medication records have proper reason noted from shelter veterinarian treatment recommendations or shelter treatment protocol.” Inspectors further noted that “record keeping has been updated and have been consistently being lled out daily with prop -
“We want to make sure that we get it right and the changes made are permanent and in the best interests of the animals we protect and house.”
Lisa Hughes
er details required.” Adoption documentation was also compliant, with “adoption records reviewed had legal ID for adopters and proper documentation for adoption,” the report states.
Veterinary oversight met regulatory requirements. “During this inspection I reviewed new documentation of veterinary care and treatment plans from the shelter vet,” the inspector wrote, adding that “treatment plans set by the shelter vet have been followed and properly documented.”
Indoor conditions, including ventilation, were found to be compliant. Inspectors noted one area requiring improvement: the absence of a functional thermometer in the cat room to verify temperature monitoring. The issue was documented with corrective action recommended.
Duplin County Schools awarded $20K to expand construction trades training
The award will help fund a new metal shop at East Duplin High School
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
KENANSVILLE — Duplin County Schools is expanding hands-on construction training for students through the North Carolina Homebuilders grant, which will support facility upgrades, industry credentials and workforce-ready learning at East Duplin High School. The district is one of 10 statewide selected to strengthen career pathways for students, including those considered at-risk and those with disabilities.
Duplin County Schools will receive $20,000 in funding to support the new woodworking and construction trades program at East Duplin High School and address long-standing facility limitations. School o cials said the grant will fund a dedicated 30-by-30-foot metal shop beside the current building, improving safety and allowing the program to grow in response to strong student interest.
“We are deeply grateful for this support, and we look forward to seeing the student projects, credentials, and partnerships that will grow out of these investments in our programs,” said Erica Jones, director of 9–13 Curriculum and Career and Technical Education.
Construction is planned for the spring. With expanded shop space, EDHS students will begin live production work and
“Securing these grants has been an enormous opportunity for our students.”
Erica Jones
prepare to participate in Pender County’s SHED competition during its rst full year.
Participants can earn National Center for Construction Education and Research certications and OSHA safety credentials, which are designed to prepare students for entry-level employment and continued training after graduation.
The EDHS program includes coursework in Construction Core, Carpentry I and II, and Woodworking I and II, and provides opportunities for students to earn industry-recognized credentials, including NCCER Construction Core, Carpentry I and II, OSHA 10 Construction Safety, and the Woodwork Career Alliance Sawblade Certi cate.
“These grants put hammers, tools and real-world skills into the hands of students across North Carolina,” said North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction Mo Green. “When students build homes, sheds, and structures alongside industry professionals, they’re not just learning a trade — they’re building a pathway to a career and strengthening their communities.”
This is the second consecutive North Carolina Homebuilders grant secured by Duplin
County Schools to strengthen skilled trades education for students and help expand hands-on learning environments, support industry partnerships and prepare students for high-demand careers.
In the 2024-25 school year, the district received $20,000 to implement a program change at James Kenan High School, shifting from full-scale homebuilding projects to shed construction. This adjustment addressed scheduling and curriculum timing limitations associated with long-term homebuilding, enabling instruction to continue throughout the school year. Grant funds were used to remove an existing house foundation and install a concrete slab and covered metal shop space, which was completed in the fall of 2024.
According to school o cials, the updated facility now serves 210 students and supports both carpentry and electrical courses. The shared space has enabled coordinated instruction between the two programs, with students working jointly on shed construction projects. To date, two student-built sheds have been completed and are planned for local sale, providing applied trade experience and supporting community use.
“Securing these grants has been an enormous opportunity for our students,” said Jones. “The enhanced shop spaces at James Kenan and East Duplin allow us to deliver hands-on, industry-aligned instruction that prepares students for real careers in the skilled trades.”
Additional improvements to water access and sanitation are underway. “Water bowls have been added to the outdoor portion of kennels for animals when animals are moved there during cleaning,” the report states, and “the facility is working on water line cut o values to ensure water bowls can be more easily sanitized daily.”
Inspectors observed that there were county workers working on the water lines while they were there for the inspection.
“Overall, the shelter has improved with deep cleaning and verifying all animals have consistent access to water,” wrote the AWS inspector.
Inspectors also cited improvements in sta oversight and daily monitoring. “Facility has implemented walk-throughs rst thing in
the morning by supervising sta to monitor for any medical concerns and ensure all animals have water.”
The inspector also noted that the facility has been in consistent contact regarding policies and plans to send the inspector copies as they are completed for review.
When Duplin Journal asked Hughes whether any rescues or volunteers will remain banned from the facility, and about the timeline for completing the improvements suggested on the inspection, she stated that policy revisions remain in progress and those updates will include increased accountability measures.
“All of the Shelter’s policies, procedures and forms are being reviewed and revised appropriately for more accountability, including documentation,” Hughes told Duplin Journal. “We will go through a vetting process for rescues and a process for volunteers that includes background checks.”
As for the timeline for completing the improvements suggested on the inspection, Hughes said the county is evaluating best practices and consulting with other shelters before nalizing changes.
“While we are doing the things as expeditiously as possible, it is more important to us that we take the time needed to do the research and make sure it is right,” she said. “We are talking with other Shelters and visiting other Shelters as well.”
WHAT’S HAPPENING
100 vehicles pile up in Michigan crash as snowstorm moves across country
More than 100 vehicles smashed into each other or slid o the interstate in Michigan as snow fueled by the Great Lakes blanketed the state. The massive pileup Monday prompted the Michigan State Police to close both directions of Interstate 196 just southwest of Grand Rapids. The State Police say there were numerous injuries but no deaths reported. The crash is just the latest impact of the major winter storm moving across the country. The National Weather Service issued warnings about either extremely cold temperatures or the potential for storms across several states.
Net ix intensi es bid for Warner Bros., makes $72B o er in all cash
Net ix is now o ering to buy Warner Bros. Discovery’s studio and streaming business in an all-cash deal. This move aims to win over Warner’s shareholders for a $72 billion merger and counter a bid from Paramount. On Tuesday, Net ix and Warner announced a revised transaction to simplify the structure and speed up a shareholder vote. The all-cash o er is valued at $27.75 per Warner share. Warner’s leadership supports the merger with Net ix. Meanwhile, Paramount has made a $77.9 billion o er and plans a proxy ght. The sale could face antitrust scrutiny and political in uence.
Trump lands in Switzerland after delay caused by switching aircraft
Zurich Air Force One touched down in Zurich a little after 12:30 p.m. local time on Wednesday, nearly two hours after President Donald Trump was originally scheduled to arrive for an economic forum. The trip to Davos got o to a hiccup when a minor electrical issue aboard Air Force One led the crew to turn his plane around 30 minutes into the ight out of an abundance of caution. Trump changed planes in Washington, D.C. The president instead ew on one of the smaller planes used as Air Force One, an aircraft that’s typically used for domestic trips to smaller airports. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt made a joke to reporters about a Qatari jet sounding “much better” than the aging 747 typically used as Air Force One.
Scotland tradition comes to town
Philip Ross lead the 24th annual Robert Burns Supper at the Country Squire
By Mark Grady Duplin Journal
JUST A FEW weeks ago when the clock struck midnight, ushering in a new year, people in towns and cities all over the country, all over the world for that matter, broke out in song.
“Should old acquaintances be forgot ...”
Members of the Port City Pipes and Drums perform a musical tribute to Robert Burns during the 24th annual Robert Burns Supper at the Country Squire Restaurant and Winery.
The question is, how many people know who wrote those words?
Those famous words that became the New Year’s standard, “Auld Lang Syne,” came from the pen, most likely a quill one, of Scottish poet Robert Burns in 1788. Burns said he was actually capturing the words from an old man.
Burns was born on Jan. 25, 1759, in Scotland. His father died in 1784, leaving his son to run a not-too-successful family farm. Just before his father’s death, Burns began writing poetry for himself and friends. He eventually published a book of his creations titled “Poems, Chie y in the Scottish Dialect,” in 1786. It became a hit in Scotland.
Burns died at the young age of 37 in 1796, leaving behind a legacy of being the national poet
Bottom left, a youth member of the Port City Pipes and Drums opens a moving rendition of “Amazing Grace” as the last song during their musical tribute to Robert Burns on Saturday. Bottom middle, Donald Ross gives an address during the traditional “Presentation of the Haggis” at the Robert Burns Supper held at the Country Squire Restaurant and Winery Saturday evening. Right, Todd Kitsick and Kelly Smith, of the Scottish Cultural Organization of the Triangle, visited the Duplin County version of the Robert Burns Supper for the rst time.
of Scotland. Five years after his death, friends held a “Burns Supper” to mark the fth anniversary of his passing. It was an enormous success and was soon duplicated every year across the globe to honor Burns’ life, words and reputation as being a bit of a rebel.
For 24 years, the Country Squire Restaurant and Winery has hosted its version of a Robert Burns Supper. This past Saturday’s event featured the Port City Pipes along with the tradi-
Age Scottish national poet Robert Burns died in 1796
tional dinner of “Haggis, Neeps and Tatties,” followed by a selection of more American-known entrees for the packed banquet hall.
The Country Squire is owned by Iris Lennon, who is a native of Scotland.
PHOTOS BY MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
DUPLIN SPORTS
MR. FOOTBALL 2025
Unstoppable Lamb has started his college football journey
Jamarae Lamb, the third-leading rusher in N.C., wins Duplin’s top prep honor before an early exit to play at Division II Lenoir-Rhyne
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
TEACHEY — Jamarae Lamb is unlike any athlete in Duplin County.
He nished his prep football career in November and last week started attending classes at Lenoir-Rhyne University while also learning the Bears’ playbook.
Yet the Wallace-Rose Hill running back has one more news item attached to his resume: Mr. Football.
Lamb, who led the county with 2,426 yards and 30 touchdowns,
turned his back on 10 Division I offers to play for the Division II school in Hickory. Though he had more carries than both James Kenan’s Jeremiah Hall and North Duplin’s Carell Phillips, the Bulldog played more defensively and on special teams, and he was counted on to be the No. 1 and only option at WRH. And even when teams knew the ball would be in his hands from a direct snap, opponents were unable to stop him.
Lamb was held to 60 yards in a season-opening loss to East Duplin but had his way the rest of the fall.
He compiled more than 200 yards against six teams while adding 192, 179, 168, 145, 140 yards in ve other games. And unlike most running backs, if
Lamb hit the second level he was on his way to pay dirt. He scored ve times and had two conversions in a rst-round playo win over Greene Central. He scored four times against Spring Creek, had four games with four scores and two games with three scores. He averaged 202 yards per game and 8.8 yards per carry. He threw a touchdown pass, made eight conversions and caught six passes for 66 yards.
Lamb follows former Bulldogs greats such as Johnny Glaspie (ECU), Keyshawn Canady (ECU), Javonte Williams (UNC), Cameren Dalrymple (Navy), Kanye Robert (Appalachian State) and Irving Brown (Ohio University) — six Division I
See MR. FOOTBALL, page B3
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2025
Tigers’ Zeleya sacri ces o ense to become feared sniper
David Zeleya let his JK teammates score touchdowns so he could concentrate on being a free-ranging safety with a nose for the ball
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
WARSAW — David Zeleya would be a star running back at any school other than James Kenan. As a Tiger, he’s the Defensive Player of the Year. Zeleya, whose runs and catches were limited this season because of his 2,060-yard senior classmate Jeremiah Hall and emerging roles for Taulil Pearsall and CJ Hill, became a monster free safety who led Duplin in both tackles (143) and solo tackles (87). His ve interceptions were second to seven via
See DEFENSE, page B4
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2025 Tigers’ Hall, Rebels’ Phillips end banner careers as star bookends
JK’s Jeremiah Hall and ND’s Carell Phillips were as close statistically and what they did for their respective teams
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
CALYPSO — Senior Jeremi-
ah Hall has been a key o ensive player in the turnaround of James Kenan’s football fortunes the past two seasons. So has classmate Carell Phillips, who had two of the greatest seasons in North Duplin history. Both lauded similar statistics and were play- and game-breakers.
The running backs also led their respective schools to at least a share of consecutive conference titles.
They will share the O ensive Player of the Year award as both were mega-alpha runners.
Hall ran for 2,060 yards as the ninth-leading rusher among all classi cation. Phillips had 2,049 and was 10th in the state.
Phillips had 28 touchdowns in 12 games; Hall 27 in 14 games.
Both ran for more than 200 yards four times.
And while football is a team game, JK is 24-2 in the previous two seasons; ND is 20-3.
See OFFENSE, page B2
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Jamarae Lamb ran for 2,426 yards and 30 touchdowns and turned his back on 10 Division I o ers to play for the Division II Lenoir-Rhyne University.
Carell Phillips ran for 2,049 yards and had 28 touchdowns for 10-2 North Duplin, which won the Carolina Conference.
PHOTOS BY EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Jeremiah Hall ran for 2,060 yards and 27 touchdowns for 12-2 James Kenan.
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
David Zeleya returned a punt, kicko and fumble for touchdowns and had six o ensive scores.
Abby Rose
North Duplin, girls’ basketball
Abby Rose has blossomed into a basketball player that can lead a team.
Rose, a North Duplin sophomore, has averaged 16.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.7 steals and 3.2 assists.
She has hit double gures in every game for ND (12-3) and tied her career-high 22 during a win over Wayne Christian. She also had 22 against 3A Kinston (11-1) and hit for 21 in two other a airs.
She’s had one double-double while getting one short of that rebound total in the other three games.
And all of that is a big jump from her sophomore campaign of 6.1 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.4 assists.
GIRLS’ BASKETBALL ROUNDUP
Tigers girls claw past Panthers for signature rivalry victory
JK snapped a six-game skid against ED, which won 16 straight from 2014-19
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
BEULAVILLE — Y’An-
na Rivers, Aleyah Wilson and Gabi Outlaw have James Kenan looking like a contender.
Rivers scored four of her game-high 21 points in thenal two minutes to lift the Tigers to a 44-41 win over East Duplin last Thursday night.
It broke the Panthers’ six-game winning streak in the series. JK won two games in 2021 but were on the lopsided end of a 16-0 run by the Panthers from 2014 to 2019.
The win was the rst for Tigers head coach Aaron Smith, an ED alumni.
It was big because Mark Lane is 321-127 through 17 seasons in Beulaville.
Outlaw hit a key 3-pointer to give JK as 39-35 lead. The next play was pivotal as Panthers star Kinsey Cave delivered a perfect pass to Andraia Scarbough to trim the de cit to a deuce, but Cave hurt her ankle on the play and hobbled o the oor.
Rivers seized the moment by driving for a layup and posting up in the paint to give JK a 43-39 edge Wilson, who had 12 points, canned a free throw with 4.3 ticks left on the clock.
Cave (12 points) returned to feed Bennett Holley for a hoop with 9.3 seconds remaining. But Wilson, who had 12 points, canned a free throw with 4.3 ticks left on the clock to seal the win for JK (9-2).
Cave didn’t play two days later and is expected to miss at least a week.
The loss only hurts the Panthers in a rivalry sense as the schools are in di erent conferences.
Rivers netted 18, Wilson 14 and Outlaw 10 when JK whacked Princeton 53-14 for its ninth win.
But let’s be honest, fans in Warsaw were jumped for joy, a celebration that carried over to last Monday’s 47-31 win over the Panthers in Warsaw.
Outlaw gunned in 18 and River, Wilson and Kendria Smith each red in eight markers.
JK (10-2) took control in the middle two quarters, going on a 15-5 burst in the second to lead 23-13 at haltime and blitzing to a 13-5 run in the third that put the Tigers comfortably in front 41-18 entering
OFFENSE from page B1
Hall might have had a better o ensive line, though both schools were rebuilding its blocking brigade.
One award for two winners seems rather apropos. The duo is the rst to share the award, which was started in 2009.
Phillips took the honor in 2024 and joins Tigers quarterback Ken Avent III (’15, ’16) and WRH running back Kaymond Farrior (’20, ’21) as double winners.
Phillips, who ran for 1,300 yards and 31 touchdowns as a junior, nished his career with 4,876 yards and 70 scores. He went over the 100-yard plateau 21 times in two seasons.
He averaged 9.2 yards per carry and 171 per game in 2025.
Hall did all his damage in
Y’anna Rivers is averaging 18 points a game for JK, which
ED last week for the rst time in six encounters.
the nal eight minutes of play.
ED (11-4, 2-0 ECC) beat Wallace-Rose Hill 55-40 one night after being upset as Lorena Rodriguez tossed in a career-high 18 points. Zakoya Farrior added 11, Scarborough eight and Zoe Cavanaugh seven. The Panthers had excellent ball movement and got past the inside presence of Marion Franics (14 points) and speedy guard QuoRyiona Vine, a freshman point guard.
ED will host unbeaten Clinton (13-0) this week in a battle for the lead in the ECC.
WRH (10-6, 4-1 Swine Valley) clobbered Rosewood 55-14 after its setback and has a league date with JK on the same night the Panthers and Dark Horses battle.
Rebels rattle two foes to roll to eighth straight win
Don’t count out North Duplin. The rebuilding-team-thatcan dunked Wayne Christian (53-22) and West Columbus (54-20) for its eighth win in a row. Abby Rose scored 22 points and had nine rebounds and Lilly Fulghum 12 points and ve steals as ND topped the Eagles.
OFFENSIVE POY
2009: Devonta Herring, WRH
2010: Omar Carr, WRH
2011: Devin Oliver, ND
2012: Tyler Royal, ND
2013: Daron Goodman, ND
2014: Ken Avent III, JK
2015: Ken Avent III, JK
2016: Chris Benson, ED
2017: Will Archer, ND
2018: John Thomas Avent, JK
two seasons. He bolted for 1,150 yards and 13 touchdowns as a junior to nish with 3,210 yards. Two of his 200-yard games came in the playo s. He 202 and three scores in a 44-42 loss to 6A Southern Nash.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Maggie Brown added eight points and Abigeal Norris 11 rebounds.
Fulghum led the way in the triumph over the Vikings, tossing in 16 markers, dishing out ve assists and blocking two shots.
Rose chipped in with 11, which was the same number of rebounds that Brown and Norris pulled down together. Reagan Herring pitched in four points and seven boards as ND prepped for its Carolina Conference showdown with Lakewood this week. The Rebels (12-3, 4-0) will try to slow down run-and-gun swing player Areona Mckoy (24.8 points per game), one of the best shooters in the East.
ND coach Jon Kornegay has the Rebels exceeding nearly everyone’s preseason expectations after losing guard Addy Higginbotham and center Tatewayna Fasion, two 1,000-point career scorers who are playing college sports.
So far, the Rebels’ lack of depth hasn’t hurt them as several players are emerging and the team is playing well together.
The Feb. 12 matchup between ND-Lakewood is the regular season nale for both schools.
2019: Cameren Darymple, WRH
2020: Kaymond Farrior, WRH
2021: Kaymond Farrior, WRH
2022: Kanye Roberts, WRH
2023: Corbin Kerr, WRH
2024: Carell Phillips, ND
2025: Carell Phillips, ND and Jeremiah Hall, JK
He averaged 11.3 yards per carry and 182 per game. Hall and Phillips are similar in another area as both are seeking to nd a place to play in college. They are the rst players to share the O ensive Player of the Year award.
The Beulaville Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Monday, February 2, 2026 at approximately 6:45 p.m. at the Beulaville Town Hall, 508 East Main St. The purpose of the public hearing will be to receive public comment on a Re-Zoning Request for property located at East Park Drive from Highway Business (HB) to Residential (R5 Conditional). The property requested is Parcel #07-2219 containing 3.39 acres and 1.61 acres of Parcel #07-4030-3.
A description of the Re-zoning Request will be available for public inspection at the Town Hall during
hours. All interested persons are urged to attend the public hearing. Lori T. Williams, Town Manager
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
beat
Bulldogs, Tigers clear the table for rst rivalry clash
Two games between Wallace-Rose Hill and James Kenan will have major conference and playo implications
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
TEACHEY — Two basketball success stories who have combined for a 21-2 record will collided early this week.
Meanwhile, a big man from another school is making a huge impact in the paint.
Wallace-Rose Hill (12-1, 4-1) and James Kenan (9-3) were slated to play in Warsaw early this week and then have a rematch Feb. 13 on Steve Robinson Count in Teachey.
Both schools lost to and trail Goldsboro (11-3, 5-0) in the Swine Valley 3A Conference standings.
Duplin County’s 4A team, East Duplin could have the most emerging center in sophomore Dominic Hall.
Here are a few snapshots from last week’s games as the Panthers lost to both of their Duplin rivals.
CJ Hill scored 16 points, Eli Avent 14, Zamarion Smith 12 and Kentrell Morrisey 11 as JK whipped ED 63-51 in Beulaville.
Smith hit a pair of 3-pointers and a jumper in succession to send the Tigers to an early 17-7 edge. Neither team was playing all that well until late in the second quarter when Zachary Ball and DJ Davis hit bombs, which were immediately matched by two long Avent zingers, the last of which gave JK a 32-27 halftime lead. The Tigers had 18 points via 3-point shots and went to the foul line 10 times as compared to twice for the Panthers.
Using a balanced attack, JK went in front 45-35 entering the nal quarter.
MR. FOOTBALL from page B1
signees at WRH since 2015.
He ran for more yards than everyone but Roberts, who holds the Duplin County single-season record of 3,055 yards.
Lamb, third in the state in rushing among all classi cations, meets the “eye test” that goes beyond statistics. No matter the outcome of the game, the player with the orange No. 1 jersey was the best player on the eld.
“He’s a football player,” said WRH head coach Kevin Motsinger, “and can play at running back, quarterback, wide receiver, cornerback, safety and outside linebacker. He’s a lockdown defensive player.”
WRH struggled to a 6-6 mark while losing by two points to Kinston (the 3A East nalist), and one-score games against James Kenan (12-2 and East Region nalists), Midway (8-3) and Pender (10-2).
“With all the injuries we had he had to be the guy, and everyone knew that to beat us you have to tackle him. And he had to be it for every play.”
For now, Lamb won’t be a defensive player at Lenoir-Rhyne.
“He’s had a great rst week, and they want him to learn the o ense as a running back and
A 3-pointer by Jordan Pickett trimmed the de cit to eight with 1:55 to play, but Hill converted a layup, and he and Jeremiah Hall combined for ve charity tosses.
Dominic Hall had nine markers and 11 rebounds, and he would be more dangerous when ED faced WRH the following night.
He scored 23 points, but it was not enough to overcome the Bulldogs, who turned it on in the fourth quarter for a 66 -58 win.
Raqwon McCrimmon scored 14, Matthew Wells and Kayden Keith 12 apiece, and Darrius McCrimmon nine.
Dominic Hall, a 6-foot-5 cen-
ter, scored ve points in thenal two minutes of the rst half to rally ED to a 23-23 deadlock at halftime.
ED took leads of 38-34 o a Hall hoop and 40-38 following his jam and were in front by four after three periods.
A driving score by Keith and two Raqwon McCrimmon trifectas allowed WRH to go in front for good at 55-52 with 4:35 to play.
ED fought hard but WRH had the momentum, and that force was greater than it could overcome.
A Pickett bomb got the bulge to 63-58 with 22 seconds remaining.
The Bulldogs handled Rosewood 59-47 the next night for their 12th win, which is one more than they had last winter. They could be en route to passing the WRH team from ’16 went 18-8, the last big season for coach Robinson, who led the Bulldogs to a 2A title in ’98 and a 1A crown in ’06.
Three new schools atop CC as ND wins three of four
Sophomore Jae’lyn Ingram is averaging 16 points and 7.5 rebounds for North Duplin, which lost to West Columbus 50-49 last Friday in a Carolina Conference game in Cerro Gordo.
It ended the Rebels’ three -game winning streak.
ND and longtime CC members Lakewood, Hobbton, Lakewood and Union trail new schools East Columbus, West Columbus and East Bladen in the standings, which are in the league after the NCHSAA’s four-year realignment plan. Ingram scored 22 a day before the loss as ND slipped by Wayne Christian 56-40. Senior Quan Stevens added nine and sophomore Messiah Cooper six.
slot receiver,” Motsinger said. “They have high expectations for him. He’s up at 5 a.m. for 6 a.m. workouts.” Lamb, who ran for 1,361 yards as a junior, is the ninth
Bulldogs player to capture the Mr. Football title, with Glaspie (’14 and ’15), Williams (’16, ’17), Roberts (’20, ’21) and JK’s Marcelias Sutton (’12, ’13) winning it twice.
JK’s Hassan Kornegay, the state’s leading tackler, won it in 2024. He’s just the second defensive player to capture the honor. ED linebacker Amaru Herring took the award in 2018.
ND (6-8, 2-3) is also getting contributions from two other sophomores — Noah Bennett (6.2 points, 3.6 rebounds) and Noah Price (5.8 points, 3.1 rebounds).
Senior Stevens, Holden Williams, Carell Phillips and Lucas Dail are combining to give 16 points and 14 rebounds in coach Je Byrd’s two-platoon lineup.
Crusaders win in a row, one win away from 20th Same formula, di erent night.
Antonio McKoy, Dashuan McKoy and Amir Moore combined for 48 points and 22 rebounds as Harrells Christian Academy (19-4) beat Rocky Mount Academy 85-25 in a laugher on the Crusader’s court last Thursday.
Look for HCA to win 20 games for the fourth season in a row this week when it has three scheduled games. The Crusaders have won 30, 22 and 20 games in the previous three seasons.
Two days earlier, the McKoy cousins, who are both seniors, and Moore, a junior, combined for 63 markers in an 82-50 domination of Liberty Christian.
Antonio McKoy, who is heading to Western Carolina, is averaging 28.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, and is shooting 59 percent from the oor.
Dashaun McKoy is at 16.2 points, 6.8 boards and is hitting 53% from the eld and 72% from the free-throw line and has 27 blocks. Moore is at 12.2 points, seven rebounds and has 23 blocks.
Point guard J’Kaeshi Brunson leads the team in assists at 6.4 and is second in steals to Antonio McKoy.
MR. FOOTBALL
2009: Delonte Miller, ED
2010: Dawan McKenzie, WRH
2011: Traveon McKenzie, WRH
2012: Marcelias Sutton, JK
2013: Marcelias Sutton, JK
2014: Johnny Glaspie, WRH
2015: Johnny Glaspie, WRH
2016: Javonte Williams, WRH
2017: Javonte Williams, WRH
2018: Amaru Herring, ED
2019: K.D. McClarin, ED
2020: Co: K.D. McClarin, ED
Co: Kayne Roberts, WRH
2021: Kanye Roberts, WRH
2022: Avery Gaby, ED
2023: Corbin Kerr, WRH
2024: Hassan Kornegay, JK
2025: Jamarae Lamb, WRH
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
WRH’s Jamari Carr slips to the iron past Nick Davis.
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
WRH coach Kevin Motsinger, who is approaching 200-career wins, helped develop Jamarae Lamb into a college prospect who followed the footsteps of Javonte Williams, Kanye Roberts and Irving Brown.
Power determined to make Penske regret writing him o
By Jenna Fryer The Associated Press
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Will Power casually walked through the near-empty fan zone at Daytona International Speedway in a simple, white resuit void of any Penske or Verizon Wireless logos. One of the winningest drivers in IndyCar history was practically unnoticeable at an unfamiliar track where few should have recognized the Australian.
And yet suddenly a crowd grew out of nowhere.
“Will Power! When you put your foot on the gas in an IRL car, there’s no stopping you,” one man gushed as he clamored for a sel e.
Others handed him diecasts of his iconic No. 12 Team Penske car for his signature. They heaped praise and admiration and o ered Power a warm welcome at his rst Rolex 24 at Daytona sports car race. He will drive for 75 Express, a team owned by fellow Australian Kenny Habul, in the GTD Pro class next week.
It was the con dence boost Power didn’t know he needed.
“It feels good just to be recognized,” he told one fan.
Power had driven for Roger Penske since 2009 and set the series record for poles (71), built a career that has him ranked
“There’s nothing more I want to do this year than beat Penske every single weekend.”
Will Power
fourth on the all-time wins list with 71 victories — one of them the Indianapolis 500 — and won two IndyCar titles.
But that math couldn’t compete with the clock, and Power, who turns 45 on the same day the IndyCar season opens March 1 in St. Petersburg, simply doesn’t have much time left on his racing career. It led Team Penske to choose 24-year-old David Malukas as his replacement, a transition more than a year in the making, but a lack of transparency forced Power to twist in uncertainty for almost the entire 2025 IndyCar season.
With Power still at the top of his game, Penske late last season was apparently prepared to o er Power a peace o ering of a one-year contract extension. But the damage to Power’s ego, pride and mental state already had been done; he told his boss of nearly two decades that he wasn’t interested.
Power instead signed a contract with Andretti Global, now owned by TWG Motorsports and Dan Towriss, a group eager to add his veteran leadership in its bid to return the organi-
zation to the top of IndyCar. Spurning a return to Penske did not sit well with the boss, who held Power to a contract that ran through Dec. 31 and essentially parked him from starting with Andretti until the rst of this year.
Malukas, meanwhile, was in Penske merchandise and getting a jump on his new job the entire time Power was sidelined, unable to do anything with his new team.
Power, a career Penske loyalist who meets every de nition of “Penske Material,” has been crushed by the way his parting played out and the animosity he felt from his former organization through the nal four months of last year.
The rami cations may come back to bite Team Penske, which is coming o one of its worst seasons in years: Power rang in 2026 by going for a run at midnight on New Year’s Eve decked in Andretti gear. He was in the shop two days later to meet his new team, sit in the seat of his new car and start working on a campaign he’s determined will make Penske regret writing him o .
“There’s nothing more I want to do this year than beat Penske every single weekend,” Power said. “And I understand why I wasn’t allowed to start at Andretti until now because we’re only two weeks into the year, and we are already working very, very hard on everything we need to get to get to work on.”
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA DUPLIN COUNTY
FILE#26E000002-300
The undersigned, IRIS JEAN BLANTON, having quali ed 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, rms 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
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 8:00 AM-7:30 PM
Friday, February 13 8:00 AM-7:30 PM
Monday, February 16 8:00 AM-7:30 PM Tuesday, February 17 8:00 AM-7:30 PM
NORTH CAROLINA DUPLIN COUNTY
FILE#25E001060 -300
The undersigned, RONNIE DEAN ENGLISH, having quali ed 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, rms 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
Wednesday, February 18 8:00 AM-7:30 PM Thursday, February 19 8:00 AM-7:30 PM Friday, February 20 8:00 AM-7:30 PM Sunday, February 22 1:00 PM-5:00 PM Monday, February 23 8:00 AM-7:30 PM Tuesday, February 24 8:00 AM-7:30 PM Wednesday, February 25 8:00 AM-7:30 PM Thursday, February 26 8:00 AM-7:30 PM Friday, February 27 8:00 AM-7:30 PM Saturday, February 28 8:00 AM-3:00 PM
Absentee ballots will be mailed to voters who have requested them beginning Monday, January 12, 2026. A voter can ll out an absentee ballot request at votebymail.ncsbe. gov, or by lling out a request form provided by the county board of elections o ce. The request must be received through the website or by the Duplin County Board of Elections by 5 p.m. February 17, 2026. In the general election, voters will select candidates for U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, N.C. General Assembly, state
DEFENSE from page B1
East Duplin’s Zachary Ball. He averaged 11.3 tackles, which included big nights against Southern Nash (22), Wallace-Rose Hill (16 and 13 tackles), Midway (15), East Duplin (14) and Franklin Central (13) in the fourth round of the 3A playo s. Zeleya came up to defend the run exceptionally well and had eight tackles for lost yardage.
His role as the minister of the defense was pivotal for the Tigers, who lost to Kinston in the East Region nal for their second-straight 12-2 campaign. His number of solo tackles also meant he was a top -notch open- eld tackler, which served to limit an opponent’s yards and points.
Defensive coordinator John Bert Avent allowed Zeleya to have more roaming time than an unlimited cell phone account, trusting his instincts and ability to recover if he needed to change his direction.
Ironically, he lled the role of the Tigers’ Hassan Kornegay, the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year who led the state in tackles.
Yet head coach and o ensive coordinator Tim Grady used Zeleya as he accounted for 18.9 yards in receiving each game and 13.9 yards in running. He scored ve times rushing and once via a pass. And there’s more.
Zeleya returned a punt, kicko and fumble for a touchdown. He compiled 190 interception yards and another 370 yards in punts and kicko s. He had six picks and 115 tackles as a junior when
FORECLOSURES
DEFENSIVE POY
2009: Dre Scarbrough, ED
2010: Traveon McKenzie, WRH
2011: Derrick Black, ED
2012: Dijon Kenan, WRH
2013: Dijon Kenan, WRH
2014: Timmy Turner, WRH
2015: Javonte Williams, WRH
2016: Xavier Murray, WRH
2017: Jordan Mitchell, ED
2018: Cameron Donaldson, WRH
2019: Russell Gaby, ED
2020: Russell Gaby, ED
2021: Daunte Hall, ED
2022: Mason Brown, JK
2023: Hassan Kornegay, JK
2024: Trashawn Ru n, ND
2025: David Zeleya, JK
he was used more running (87- 483, 10 TDs) and catching the ball (14-250, 3 TDs). One game fans will remember came against WRH as Zeleya continueously ran the ball through the defense to will the ball into the end zone on a late game-winning drive.
He made 48 more tackles in ’25 and had one more interception (six) in his nal season. He is the third Tiger to win the award. Logan Brown took it in 2022 as JK has produced the top defender in three of the previous four seasons. WRH’s Dijon Kenan (’12, ’13) and ED’s Russell Gaby (’19, ’20) are the lone two-time winners. Six Bulldogs have walked o with the honor, which started in 2009.
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 led in the above-entitled special proceeding. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: Plainti 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
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA DUPLIN COUNTY
FILE#25E001476 -300
The undersigned, BRYAN RHODES, having quali ed 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, rms 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
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA DUPLIN COUNTY
FILE#25E001473-300
The undersigned, DANIEL R. BLIZZARD, having quali ed on the 3RD DAY of DECEMBER, 2025, as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of CONNIE BLIZZARD TYNDALL, deceased, of DUPLIN County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 22ND 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 22ND Day of JANUARY 2026.
DANIEL R. BLIZZARD, ADMINISTRATOR 439 N BLIZZARDTOWN RD. BEULAVILLE, NC 28518
Run dates:J22,29,F5,12p
and local judges, district attorney, and county o ces.
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.
Absentee meetings
One of the top IndyCar drivers is ready to join his new team at Andretti
DARRON CUMMINGS / AP PHOTO
Indianapolis 500 champion Will Power, of Australia, poses with the trophy after winning at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2018.
Jesse “Bubba” Leon Osborne
July 7, 1958 – Jan. 14, 2026
Jesse “Bubba” Leon Osborne, 67, of Winnabow, passed away on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center.
He was born on July 7, 1958, in Wilmington, North Carolina, to the late Samuel and Alice Mae (Faine) Osborne.
Bubba was an accomplished carpenter and handyman. He could x cars, frame houses, or install chimneys. Bubba enjoyed target shooting with his son, Patrick, whom he taught to shoot at an early age. Bubba will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Bubba is survived by his wife, Jennifer Osborne; his son, Patrick Osborne and wife, Kourtney; his daughter, Jessica Fields; his brother, Samuel Edward Osborne; his grandchildren, Laurah, Derek, Devin, Tara, Olivia; and a host of other family members and friends.
In addition to his parents, Bubba was preceded in death by his brothers, Jewell Lee Osborne and Stephen Osborne, and his sisters, Patsy Ann McLachlan and Catherine Faye Higdon.
Gary Michael James
Jan. 4, 1938 – Jan. 15, 2026
Mr. Gary Michael James, age 65, of Dillon, SC, passed away on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at home. The funeral service will be held at Rose Hill Funeral Home Chapel in Rose Hill, NC, on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 11 am. Burial will follow at Little Mission Cemetery in Magnolia, NC.
Alton Dactor Lanier
June 26, 1933 – Jan. 19, 2026
Alton Dactor Lanier, 93, passed away on Sunday, January 18, 2026. The funeral service is Monday, January 26, 2026, at noon at The Church at Pin Hook at 1650 Deep Bottom Road in Wallace, NC.
Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service.
Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery at 1090 Old Maple Road North in Maple Hill, NC.
He is survived by son Chip Lanier, of Maple Hill, NC; daughter April Lanier, of Virginia Beach, VA; sister Faye Russ, of Wilmington, NC; and brother Barden Lanier, in Swansboro, NC.
Elwood Coombs
Dec. 31, 1937 – Jan. 17, 2026
Elwood Coombs passed from this life into the presence of his Lord on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at home surrounded by his family. Born December 31, 1937, he is the son of the late Stanley Coombs and Olivia Williams Coombs in Lenoir County. He is also preceded in death by his siblings, Larry Williams Coombs, Barbara Ann Coombs and Bernice Edna Coombs, and his nephew, Michael William Coombs.
Elwood was a loving husband, father and Poppie. Left to cherish his memory and carry his legacy is his wife of 60 years, Sherry Cavenaugh Coombs; son Roger Lee Coombs (Michelle) and daughter Susan Coombs Bradshaw (Ashley); grandchildren Madelyn Coombs, Olivia Bradshaw, Maggie Ray Bradshaw, Claire Elizabeth Bradshaw and Robert Stanley Coombs; and special family Beth and Bo Fussell and Kim and Dennis Patram.
He loved his country and served in the US Navy aboard the aircraft carrier USS Hornet from 1956 to 1960. He was a poultry farmer and retired from textiles; however, after retirement, he enjoyed driving a rollback for his son’s business and delivering peanuts for English Family Peanuts. He loved people and brought laughter and joy wherever he went, wearing crazy wild socks and sharing a joke to lift spirits and bring smiles to others.
He loved his church and served his Lord with enthusiasm. He helped with the Backpack ministry of Westview Methodist Church, packing bags of food and sharing in delivering them to the schools. He loved air-frying turkeys for the Heroes In Training (HIT Squad) gatherings, helping them in any way he could. He enjoyed the children of the church and delighted in them being “children.”
His greatest love was his grands – Madelyn, Olivia, Maggie Ray, Claire-Beth and Robert. He had a special relationship with each one and spent as much time with them as they would allow. Whatever they wanted, he tried to make it happen. He loved being their Poppie!
Elwood’s family will greet friends at a visitation on Tuesday, January 20, from 6-8 p.m. or on Wednesday, January 21, at 1 p.m. with service in the chapel of Padgett Funeral Home at 2 p.m. After the service, interment will be in Riverview Memorial Park of Watha.
Fran McDu e
Sept, 26,1962 – Jan. 14, 2026
Goldsboro- Ms. Fran McDu e, 63, completed her earthly journey and transitioned from labor to reward, Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at UNC Health Wayne, surrounded by her loving family. The arrangements are currently incomplete. Please join us in prayer for her family during their time of bereavement.
Ronald “Gene” Rhodes
Aug. 8, 1951 – Jan. 15, 2026
Ronald “Gene” Rhodes, known to most simply as Gene, passed away Thursday, January 15, 2026, at the age of 74.
Gene was born on August 8, 1951, and lived a life marked by hard work, strong opinions, quick humor, and a heart that made room for just about everyone. He never met a stranger, and if you crossed his path, chances are he spoke to you, joked with you, or told you exactly what he thought. Those who knew him best also knew that whatever came up usually came out. Gene was often heard saying, “It is what it is,” which demonstrated his resilience and good nature.
Gene proudly served his country in the United States Navy, including time stationed in Naples, Italy. By trade, he was a carpenter who built things with his hands and appreciated a job well done.
Family was important to Gene, and he loved his children deeply. He once admitted that when his son Glenn was born, he was so tiny that Gene was scared to hold him. But Gene’s life stands as a witness to the fact that his love carried through the years steadily and unmistakably.
Gene and his wife, Peggy, shared 50 years of marriage together, and February of 2026 would have marked 51 years. Their life together was lled with dancing at the Moose Lodge, friendships that spanned decades, and memories that will continue to echo in the lives they touched.
Gene had a fondness in his heart for older folks. He enjoyed keeping his vehicle shiny and spotless and loved anything with horsepower and a goodsounding exhaust. He was known for cooking pigs, telling colorful jokes, and bringing laughter wherever he went. He could be short-fused at times, but he cooled o just as quickly as he heated up and moved on with the business of living.
In recent years, Gene especially enjoyed time spent talking with friends at Kurt’s shop, Sanders Auto Parts, and with his buddy, Bip. Those conversations—full of stories, laughter, and sprinkled with truth—are great memories for those who shared them.
And if you ever had one of Gene’s pecan pies—especially if your name was Mike—you knew you were loved.
Gene attended Baysden’s Chapel Church in Richlands, and his service will be o ciated by Pastor David Jarman.
He is survived by his loving wife, Peggy Rhodes of Richlands; his son, Glenn Rhodes and wife Amy of Potters Hill; his daughter, Donna Camell and husband Robert of Pink Hill; his sister, Debbie Hatcher and husband Phil of Chinquapin; his brothers, Mike Rhodes and wife Becky of Raleigh, and Billy Rhodes and wife Mary of Clayton; and his cherished grandchildren, Isaiah Rhodes, Zoey Shoup and Baylee Raynor.
Visitation will be held Monday, January 19, 2026, from 6-8 p.m. at Community Funeral Home in Beulaville.
Graveside services will be held Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 3 p.m. at East Duplin Memorial Gardens in Beulaville.
Gene leaves behind a legacy of honesty, laughter, hard work and connection. He spoke his mind, loved his people, and lived fully in the middle of life. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.
Nellie Mae James-Wells
Jan. 26, 1935 – Jan. 14, 2026
Mrs. Nellie Mae James-Wells, age 90, of Teachey, NC, passed away on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at Duke Regional Hospital in Durham, NC. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 2 p.m. at the Rose Hill Funeral Home Chapel in Rose Hill, NC. Burial will follow at Duplin Memorial Garden in Teachey, NC.
Marjorie Wallace
Sept. 24, 1945 – Jan.12, 2026
Mrs. Marjorie Lavonna Tate Wallace, age 80, of Teachey, NC, passed away on Monday, January 12, 2026, at ECU Health Duplin Hospital in Kenansville, NC.
The memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 1 pm at the Rose Hill Funeral Home Chapel in Rose Hill, NC.
Left to cherish her precious memories are her children: Patsy Wallace of Teachey, NC, Heather Wallace of Rose Hill, NC and Dorothy Wallace of Teachey, NC; sister, Carolyn Tate of Missouri; seven grandchildren: Chasity Bryant, Sierra Bryant, Tyler Bryant, Eric Wallace, Jalen Wallace-Mathis, Lake Wallace and David Ingram; three greatgrandchildren: Easton Bryant, Simba Hagler and Mike Carter; a host of other relatives and friends that will miss her dearly.
Elton Dean Byrd
Jan. 10, 1944 – Jan. 19, 2026
Elton Dean Byrd, 82, passed away on Monday, January 19, 2026, in Kitty Askins Center, Goldsboro, NC.
The funeral service is Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Community Funeral Home in Beulaville, NC
Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Lanier Cemetery in Chinquapin, NC
He is survived by his stepdaughters Sharon Pullen (David), of Chinquapin, NC, and Edith Mobley (Chris), of Beulaville, NC; step-sons Randy Mobley, of Chinquapin, NC, and Kirk Mobley, of Ohio; and sister Bertha Hanson (Jim), of Beulaville, NC.
Charles Martin
Lockamy
Jan. 14, 1943 – Jan. 15, 2026
Warsaw-Charles Martin
Lockamy, 83, of Warsaw, passed away Thursday, January 15, 2026, at Lenoir Memorial Hospital.
Charles was born on January 14, 1943, in Duplin County to the late Aldridge Crosby Lockamy and Emma Allen Scott Lockamy.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, January 19, 2026, at the Devotional Gardens Mausoleum. A visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Community Funeral Home of Warsaw.
Left to cherish his memory, Mr. Lockamy is survived by his son, Troy Lockamy of Raleigh, and his sister-in-law, Rebecca Lockamy. In addition to his parents, Mr. Lockamy was preceded in death by his wife, Sandra Lanier Lockamy; his son, Charles “Chuck” Martin Lockamy Jr.; and his brother, Bobby Scott Lockamy. In lieu of owers, memorial donations may be made to Pet Friends of Duplin, P. O. Box 152, Wallace, NC 28466.
Lawrence Fisher Herring Sr.
Feb. 17, 1944– Dec. 30, 2025
Mr. Lawrence Fisher Herring Sr., age 81, of Rose Hill, NC, passed away on Tuesday, December 30, at home.
The funeral service will be held at New Bethel A.M.E. Church in Magnolia, NC, on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 2 p.m. Burial will follow at Herring Cemetery in Rose Hill, NC.
Left to cherish his precious memories are his children: Lawrence Fisher Herring Jr. (Deborah) of Teachey, NC, Jeannette Chester of Coatesville, PA, Eric West of Raleigh, NC, Daryl West (Denise) of Clinton, NC, Keith Herring of Winston-Salem, NC and Tasha West of Clinton, NC; sisters: Inell Davis of Wallace, NC and Mary Caroline Williams (Neaman) of Statesville, NC; sister-in-law, Marilyn Herring of Statesville, NC; brother like, Wade Ward (Cam) of Rose Hill, NC; special grandson, Thomas Vincent Herring Jr. (Victoria) of Middleburg, FL.; two right hands: Gregory Peterson and Ulysses Hu n of Statesville, NC and fur baby of 14 years “Cookie” Herring; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that will miss him dearly.
Gary Steven Lanier
Nov. 12, 1960 – Jan. 8, 2026
Gary Steven Lanier of Rose Hill (NC) passed away on Thursday, January 8, 2026, while in the care of Sampson Regional Medical Center. He was preceded in death by his parents, Norwood (Pete) and Nancy Turner Lanier.
Left to cherish his memory are his brother, Harry Keith Lanier, and wife, Susan of Harrells (NC); nephew, Jerry Lanier and wife Haley of Clayton; niece, Olivia Lanier of Raleigh; great nephews, Thomas and Carson Lanier; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Gary was born in and grew up in the Duplin County area and graduated from James Kenan High School in 1979. He took great pride in his lifelong career as a truck driver. He simply loved being behind the wheel—whether it was an eighteen-wheeler or one of his favorite cars. Always quick with a smile or a laugh, Gary was a friend to many.
His family will greet friends at a visitation set for 1 p.m. on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, in the chapel of Padgett Funeral Home, with a service to celebrate his life at 2 p.m. Interment will follow in the Oak Plain Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Rose Hill. In lieu of owers, the family requests donations be made to Oak Plain Presbyterian Church, Beth Smith, 438 Halls Pond Rd, Rose Hill, NC 28458.
Jimmy Hall
March 22, 1943 – Jan. 8, 2026
Goldsboro- Mr. Jimmy Hall, age 82, peacefully accepted his call from his Heavenly Father while in the compassionate care of Kitty Askins Hospice in Goldsboro, North Carolina, on Thursday, January 8, 2026. The arrangements are incomplete at this time. We extend our deepest condolences to the family, and please continue to keep the family in your prayers.
Elizabeth “Skeet” (Futreal) King Horrell
June 26, 1933 – Jan. 5, 2026
Elizabeth “Skeet” Futreal King Horrell, 92, of Wallace, left this earthly life for her eternal home to be with Jesus Christ, her Lord, forever.
She was born on June 26, 1933, in Duplin County, the daughter of the late Henry N. and Katie Lee Wilson Futreal. She was also preceded in death by her rst husband and father of her children, Wilbert Doris King; her late husband, Morris Horrell; and her daughter, Sarah King Baker.
Mrs. Horrell was an active member of the Willard Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church as long as her health permitted.
Surviving to cherish her memory is her children JB King and wife Debbie of Fayetteville, Wilbert D “Bill” King Jr. and wife Terri of Burgaw and Gary Neal King and wife Tracy of Teachey; grandchildren Derrick King (Sarah), Jordan King (Anna), Jessica King Bain (Neal), Ashley King (Joel), Michelle Baker Ross, Amy King Stone, Brailey Jones (Kristin), Maddison McFadden (Tyreck), Ashley Henderson (Jason), Jake Tucker (Vickie), Courtney Tucker and Eli Tucker; numerous great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends that loved Skeet dearly.
Elizabeth or “Skeet” as everyone a ectionately called her was a devoted wife and loving mother and grandmother. She was a simple woman who enjoyed the simple things in life, but her greatest joy was family.
Being a diligent homemaker and great cook, she lled her home with love and welcomed all who entered. Skeet was a great woman of faith. She loved and served her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and lived a life that glori ed Him. Today, she has run the race and has achieved all that she has strived for all her life - to be with Jesus. Skeet will surely be missed but she will never be forgotten.
Funeral service will be held at 12 Noon on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home, Wallace Chapel, with her son, JB King, o ciating. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. to noon, one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Interment will follow the service in Riverview Memorial Park, Watha, NC.
Roy Lee Taylor
July 1, 1939 – Jan. 9, 2026
Roy Lee Taylor, native of the Summerlin’s Crossroads area of Duplin County, and a long-time resident of Calypso, passed away early Friday morning, January 9, 2026, while receiving care at Wayne UNC Healthcare. He was 86.
Roy Lee was a retired volunteer with Oak Wolfe Fire Department, and he was a member of Bethel Church of Mount Olive. He retired from Smith eld Foods where he was their purchasing agent. He, too, had served for 30 years with the North Carolina Army National Guard.
Roy Lee leaves behind his son and daughter-in-law, Lee and Jessica G. Taylor, of La Grange three grandchildren, Brynlee Taylor, Gabriel Taylor, and Ainsley Taylor; a brother, Elmer “Buddy” Taylor of the Summerln’s Crossroads area, Mount Olive; a sister and brother-inlaw, Betty Faye and Jimmy Sauls of Bowdens; a sister-in-law, Annette P. Taylor, of Grantham; and several nieces and nephews to include Je rey Cooke and Marshall Cooke, who were very attentive to him.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Jones Taylor; his parents, Roland and Estelle Rhodes Taylor; a brother, Joel Ray Taylor; a sister-in-law, Faye S. Taylor; and Carolyn’s parents, Charlie and Suddie Jones, and all their children and spouses.
A private graveside service was held. Mr. Taylor lay in state for viewing at the Tyndall funeral home on Monday, Jan. 12, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., and on Tuesday, Jan. 13, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.
In lieu of owers, it is requested that memorial gifts be made to Oak Wolfe Fire Department, c/o Jack Alphin, 519 Bethel Church Road, Mount Olive, NC 28365, or Bethel Church, c/o Mrs. Murray McClenny, 240 Jones-Turner Road, Mount Olive, NC 28365.
James Ray Ball
Sept. 20, 1960 – Jan. 17, 2026
James Ray Ball, 65, passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2026. Arrangements are incomplete at this time.
Rita Sutton Quinn
Nov. 28, 1936 – Jan. 7, 2026
Warsaw - Rita Sutton Quinn, 89, passed away Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Rex Hospital, Raleigh, NC. Born November 28, 1936, Rita was the daughter of the late James Lewis Sutton and Alberta Strickland Sutton of Warsaw. In addition to her parents, Rita was predeceased by her husband, Gerald Haywood Quinn Sr., and her grandson, Dillon James Rouse. Surviving Mrs. Quinn are her daughter Carla Quinn Rouse and husband, Rick; and son, Gerald Haywood Quinn Jr. and wife, Patricia, of Kenansville. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Leslie Rae Rouse, Ivey Quinn Rouse and ancé, Zach McLamb; and Gerald Haywood ‘Luke’ Quinn, III and wife, Madison; and sister Helen Sutton Steed and brother, Charles Lee Sutton and wife, Jane; and sister-in-law, Faye Quinn Williams. Heartfelt gratitude for the comfortable lifestyle care given by Kate Kendro and other friends from Golden Harmony. Rita graduated from Warsaw High School in 1954 and went on to attend High Point Business School. Before starting her family, Rita worked at BB&T Bank and Vance Gavin’s law o ce. A devoted wife and mother, Rita supported her husband, children and grandchildren in business, education, sports and civic activities. Rita was a member of Warsaw Baptist Church and prided herself in her strong Christian faith. She and Gerald were married for 58 1/2 years. They enjoyed many years of traveling with friends and family. Visitation will be in Powell Hall at Warsaw Baptist Church at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 10. Funeral services will follow at 2:30 p.m. in the Warsaw Baptist Church. Entombment will follow at Devotional Gardens.
The family requests that memorial donations be made to Warsaw Baptist Church, 209 E. College Street, Warsaw, NC 28398, or Charity Mission Center, 1333 W. Charity Road, Rose Hill, NC 28458.
Hilda Smith
Oct. 30, 1949 – Jan. 5, 2026
Goldsboro -With heartfelt reverence on behalf of the family of Ms. Hilda Smith, age 76, we announce her transition into eternal peace on Monday, January 5, 2026. The Celebration of Life will be Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 2 p.m. at New Stoney Hill United Holy Church, 1003 Dr. H. E. McNair Street, Goldsboro, NC, 27530. There will be a church viewing from 1 -1:50 p.m. She will be laid to rest at Old Mill Cemetery, 3718 Central Heights Road, Goldsboro, NC 27534. We extend our deepest condolences to the family, and please continue to keep the family in your prayers during their time of bereavement and beyond. What’s your fondest memory of Hilda?
Jerry William Elmore Jr.
Nov. 20, 1954 – Jan. 7, 2026
Jerry William Elmore Jr., 71, passed away on January 7, 2026, in Kitty Askins Hospice Center, Goldsboro, NC Arrangements will be made at a later date.
He is survived by his wife Pattie Wells Elmore, of Kinston, NC; father Jerry W. Elmore Sr., of Deep Run, NC; son Jerry W. Elmore III “Little Jerry” (Christy), of Kinston, NC; daughter Laura E. Weston (Ryan), of Kinston, NC; sister Wilma Jarman, of Deep Run, NC; grandchildren Hailey Ellis (Blake), Michaela Elmore (Zach), Canaan Weston, Bryden Weston, Ellie Elmore (Seth), Kylee Weston and Jace Elmore; and great-grandchildren Brixton Ellis and Sloane Gri n.
LIST YOUR DUPLIN COUNTY TAXES BY MAIL
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN
All property subject to ad valorem taxes shall be listed as of January 1, unless otherwise provided for in the General Statutes of North Carolina. Listing shall begin on January 2, and continue through February 2, 2026. Personal property such as unlicensed vehicles, campers, mobile homes, boats & motors, jet skis, airplanes, all farm equipment and machinery, rental household personal property and business personal machinery and equipment must be listed EVERY YEAR. If you received a listing form it should be completed and returned to the County Assessor’s O ce, PO Box 968, Kenansville, NC 28349 by February 2, 2026.
IMPROVEMENTS OR OTHER CHANGES TO REAL PROPERTY MUST BE REPORTED BY FEBRUARY 2, 2026
Duplin County has the permanent listing of REAL PROPERTY; therefore,
JANUARY 2, 2026 THRU FEBRUARY 2, 2026
real estate can be brought forward; however, improvements (such as additions, new construction, decks, outbuildings, remodeling etc.) or other changes made to your real property MUST BE LISTED. You may be penalized for failure to report such improvements.
PROPERTY TAX RELIEF FOR ELDERLY AND PERMANENTLY DISABLED PERSONS
North Carolina General Statute 105277.1 excludes from property taxes the greater of twenty ve thousand dollars ($25,000.00) or fty percent (50%) of the appraised value of a permanent residence owned and occupied by a qualifying owner. A North Carolina resident age 65 or older (whose income does not exceed $38,800.00) or totally and permanently disabled (whose income does not exceed $38,800.00) is eligible to apply. The exclusion covers real property occupied by the owner
as his or her permanent residence or mobile home used by the owner in connection with his or her permanent residence. Disposable income includes all moneys received other than gifts or inheritances received from a spouse, lineal ancestors, or lineal descendants. Both incomes (husband & wife) must be reported. Application must be received in the Tax O ce by June 1, 2026.
FILE FOR THIS EXEMPTION DURING LISTING PERIOD
LISTING BY MAIL IS ENCOURAGED LIST EARLY TO AVOID LONG LINES AND/OR LATE POSTMARK IF YOU LIST IN PERSON, BRING YOUR FORM WITH YOU
LISTINGS RETURNED BY MAIL MUST BE POSTMARKED BY THE U.S. POSTAL SERVICE NO LATER THAN FEBRUARY 2, 2026 TO AVOID THE LATE LISTING PENALTY
Anyone having questions concerning the forms or need help with the
listing should contact the County Assessors’ O ce, 117 Beasley Street, Kenansville, NC, between the hours of 8:00am and 5:00pm Monday through Friday from January 2 – February 2, 2026. Telephone number is (910) 296-2110.
COMPLETED LISTING CAN BE PLACED IN THE DROP BOX LOCATED ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE TAX OFFICE BUILDING AT 117 BEASLEY STREET – BOX IS CHECKED TWICE A DAY
TAX OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2026
Applications for Present Use (Land Use) valuation must be led with the o ce of the county assessor during the regular listing period (by February 2, 2026). Applications are available in the county’s assessor’s o ce.
GARY M. ROSE TAX ADMINISTRATOR DUPLIN COUNTY