BRIEF
this week
Voter registration deadline on Friday
Duplin County Voters must register by 5 p.m. Friday to vote in the March 3 primary election. Feb. 6 is also the deadline for registered voters to change their party a liation. Eligible individuals may still register and vote during the early voting period, Feb. 12-28, at any early voting site.
Application deadline for Pitch It Duplin! on Sunday
Duplin County
The application deadline to compete in Pitch It Duplin is Sunday. Aspiring entrepreneurs are invited to pitch their business ideas for a chance to win: $3,000 for rst place, $2,000 for second and $1,000 for third. The local business pitch competition is hosted by the JSCC Small Business Center in partnership with Marine Federal Credit Union and the Kenansville Area Chamber of Commerce. For details, call 910-659-6008.
Volunteers, donations welcomed for Prison Ministry Crusade
Beulaville
Emerge Ministries of Beulaville is welcoming volunteers and donations of composition notebooks, word search books, stamps and envelopes as it prepares for its rst quarterly Prison Ministry Crusade of the year, happening March 6-8. Registration is open for volunteers until Feb. 20. Supplies donations can be dropped o at Emerge Ministries at 990 Old Chinquapin Road in Beulaville.
GriefShare support group o ered
Kenansville
Duplin County Senior Services hosts GriefShare, a grief support group, on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 2-3 p.m. Facilitated by Dr. Ray Kennedy. For more information, call 910 -296 -2140.
Whiteout brings snowmen, sleds, smiles to Duplin
Last weekend, Duplin County wrapped in white with nine to 12 inches of snow and memories to match after Winter Storm Gianna passed. Children and adults gathered at Dorothy Wightman Library with their sleds to enjoy the snow. Turn to A6 for more photos.
Winter weather snarls Duplin roads
Several drivers were stranded due to conditions
By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal
THE HISTORIC snowfall in Duplin County over the weekend left many drivers learning a hard lesson about attempting to drive in hazardous conditions despite repeated warnings to stay o the roads, according to Brian Matthis, Duplin County Public Safety deputy director.
“There have been a lot of ve -
hicles run o into ditches where they can’t see where the road is,” Matthis said Monday afternoon in an interview with Duplin Journal.
While slippery roads left many drivers stranded, there have been no reports of serious injuries.
“As far as motor vehicle collisions with injuries, I don’t know of any,” Matthis said.
Fortunately, the area experienced snow rather than an ice storm. As a result, there were
Johnson receives lifetime achievement award
Bob Johnson (center), CEO and owner of House of Raeford Farms, holds his 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award alongside his wife, Luanne Johnson, and Greg Morgan, NPFDA chairman of the board.
The NPFDA honored the poultry executive’s decades of leadership and impact on the protein industry
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
ROSE HILL — Robert C.
“Bob” Johnson, chief executive o cer and owner of House of Raeford Farms, was honored with the National Protein and Food
New hangar expected by June
Interest income and grants will support renovations, the fuel farm and apron upgrades
By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal
KENANSVILLE — Construction on Duplin County Airport’s new hangar has come a long way over the holidays.
Distributors Association’s 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award during the organization’s annual meeting in Atlanta on Jan. 28.
“I was honored to receive the same award given to my father 19 years ago,” said Johnson. “It was also incredibly special to have my wife Luanne, children, grandchildren, other family members, and so many co-workers present with me during the ceremony.” For more than ve decades,
Among the discussed options were hydraulic doors, new roof, and deskinning (replacing old metal with new metal). Much of the budget has already been committed to dehumidication systems that will solve long-standing moisture problems in the buildings. The board discussed what di erent options would have the most lasting bene ts for the airport and which could justify increasing rental rates.
“All the big metal is up on the new hangar, and the walls are starting to go up,” Airport Director Joshua Raynor told the Duplin County Airport Board at last Tuesday’s meeting. The board then discussed the project’s budget and how to best spend the $400,000 set aside to rehabilitate existing structures. Both hangars to be renovated are more than 35 years old. Hangar 1 was built in 1974; Hangar 2 was built in 1990.
Board member Dexter Edwards suggested that a nicer hydraulic door on the new hangar would help test the waters of who is willing to pay more for a luxury hangar. Still, the board decided to make no decision on the doors until price quotes could be o ered. Instead, it approved $290,000 to Daniels and Daniels, moving $170,000 from $2.00
See
COURTESY KENANSVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT
MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL Lake Leamon Road, just east of Wallace, had been plowed, leaving it in better condition than many secondary roads in Duplin County on Sunday afternoon.
COURTESY HOUSE OF RAEFORD
Joshua Raynor
Ena Sellers
Michael Jaenicke
Patsy Teachey
Advertising Representative
Loretta Carey
O ce Manager
CONTACT US
O ce Phone: 910 463-1240
To place a legal ad: 919 663-3232; Fax: 919 663-4042
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reserves. The new hangar is projected to be done by early June. Rental rates on the new hangar have yet to be determined. Board member Gage King recommended consulting a realtor from Raleigh who is looking to market hangar space.
The board made $311,000 in interest after investing the $5 million hangar project funds. The board discussed the rules on how to spend the interest funds and discovered that the same limitations apply to interest income as to the funds from which they were earned. However, a request could be made to the legislators who awarded it if the board wanted to submit a plan for the use of funds outside the scope of the original approved project.
Payment for the completed taxiway project is set to be covered by grant funding, but it is still waiting on the state to move funds from one grant to another to pay out the project.
The fuel farm project is moving forward with plans to start in mid-March. Part of the apron will be closed during construction. A fuel truck will be used away from the fuel farm for safety during working hours, and self-serve gas will remain open during non-working hours.
The apron design project discovered that no stone was under the concrete when it was built in 1995. Stone is necessary to keep the ground safe around the fuel farm in case of leakage. A 9-inch soil-and-concrete mix will be installed to x it.
The board discussed a temporary “dust storm” that will lower visibility while this soil cement is being laid. The apron design is going to seek state funding for concrete instead of asphalt. The state prefers asphalt, but the unique geographical problems and needs of the location make cement a better option. In the location, asphalt sinks in the summer. Plans with estimates for the apron project are expect-
THURSDAY FEB. 5
FRIDAY FEB. 6
The $750 award is available for business or business-related degree programs
Duplin Journal sta
THE NORTH CAROLINA
Cooperative Extension Administrative Professionals Association (NCCEAPA) is offering a $750 scholarship for the 2026 academic year. Applications for the award
RAEFORD from page A1
fostering connection, collaboration and long-term business relationships that strengthen the protein industry has been a goal of the NPFDA. The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to persons whose leadership have in uenced and strengthened the processing, distribution or marketing segments of the protein industry. For Johnson, the honor continues a family legacy rooted in the values instilled by his father and grandfather. For the NPFDA, it re ects his decades-long leadership, commitment to community-focused initiatives and multigenerational impact on the protein industry. Johnson’s career mirrors the evolution of House of Raeford Farms itself, which began as a family farm in 1955 before becoming House of Raeford
SATURDAY FEB. 7
SUNDAY FEB. 8
are being accepted through March 20.
Open to those working toward an associate or bachelor’s degree or a diploma program that leads to a college degree in business or related elds, the scholarship supports students who will be enrolled in college classes during the 2026-27 school year. For additional information, students may contact the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service,
Farms. Starting on the processing line of his family’s turkey operation, Johnson gained an understanding of the business from the ground up. Over time, that hands-on experience shaped his approach. Following in the footsteps of both his father and grandfather, Johnson helped carry forward the family legacy.
“As a child, I can remember being around my dad, grandfather, and uncle as they slowly grew our business from a few turkey farms to a hatchery, feed mill, and processing facility. Those early experiences shaped my belief that hard work and family values would always guide our company,” wrote Johnson in a public letter as the company celebrated 70 years.
Today as CEO and owner of House of Raeford Farms, he leads one of the nation’s top
Duplin County Center at 910 -296 -2143 or visit the center at 165C Agriculture Drive in Kenansville. Application packets are available through the nancial aid o ce at local community colleges. The award honors the contributions of Edith Herter and Frances O’Neal, who co-founded NCCEAPA in 1973 and helped shape the organization’s mission to support professional growth in cooperative extension services.
10 chicken producers and a top revenue-generating company in North Carolina. Under Johnson’s leadership, House of Raeford’s impact expanded beyond production numbers and market share. In 2010, the company established FLOCK, a nonprofit organization focused on hunger relief, youth development, and advancing mental health and addiction recovery initiatives in communities where the company operates.
“The real credit for the success of House of Raeford goes to those who came before me and planted the seeds, like my father and grandfather,” ,” said Johnson. “And the many associates that nurtured those seeds over 70 years through hard work and dedication. It takes a committed team to achieve great results, and I am proud to work alongside such outstanding people.”
ed to be ready for discussion at the next board meeting.
The remaining earthwork needed for the airport maintenance building was approved. Work to haul dirt and make a pad will start when the weather is dry. Afterward, the airport will open for bids to complete the airport maintenance rehab project; $200,000 in grant funding has already been approved toward the project.
The board discussed their budget. Fuel sales were lower than expected in January, but everything else was on track
with the budget. There were 391 operations in January: low but not unusual. A new white Ford Explorer from Enterprise will now be the airport’s new crew car. Contracts were signed to lease it for three years. The airport also acquired a new, six-passenger electric golf cart. Both vehicles should be available for viewing at the next board meeting. New hires were discussed. Raynor shared that Brandon Gibson was hired full time and Mark Anderson was hired part time. Both new hires are from
Beulaville. The board asked for all airport employees to come to meet the board and share dinner with them at the next board meeting. The board had some discussion about members up for reelection this year. Four positions will be up for reelection on June 30. Raynor said the members would have to decide by April if they want to go for reelection in order to be presented to the county commissioners and placed on the ballot in time. The meeting adjourned shortly thereafter.
Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in Duplin County:
Feb.
7
Annual sheepshearing
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Visitors can watch sheepshearing demonstrations, learn about wool grading and ber arts and enjoy hands-on activities for all ages. Free admission.
141 Old Fountain Road, Richlands
Duplin County Historical Society meeting
Noon
The Duplin County Historical Society meeting will be at Wesley Chapel UMC Fellowship Hall. Members and the public are invited to discuss the status of the organization and its future. Please note that the Duplin County Historical Society will not meet at the Rose Hill Restaurant. Annual membership fees are due and can be paid at the meeting.
1127 North N.C. 11-903 Highway, Kenansville
Feb. 10
Duplin County 2026 Soup-er Bowl
5:30–7:30 p.m.
The Duplin County Cooperative Extension will host the 2026 Soup-er Bowl cooking workshop. Participants will learn how to prepare healthy soups while exploring nutrition, food safety and culinary techniques. Teams will cook, taste and vote to crown the winning soup. Cost is $20.
N.C. Cooperative Extension – Duplin County Center, Kenansville
Feb. 13
Night to Shine Prom
5 p.m.
The Tim Tebow Foundation’s Night to Shine, a special needs prom, comes to Duplin County. The event will be held at Charity Mission, o ering an unforgettable evening of celebration for honored guests and their families.
1333 W. Charity Road, Rose Hill
Got a local event? Let us know and we’ll share it with the community here. Email our newsroom at community@duplinjournal. com. Weekly deadline is Monday at noon.
HANGAR from page A1
REBECCA WHITMAN COOKE FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
The new hangar at the Duplin County Airport is projected to be completed by early June.
Mural artist will begin work in Wallace later this year
Local o cials are exploring locations and designs for a mural
by artist Max Dowdle
By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal
MAX DOWDLE IS a man on a mission or, more accurately, an artist on a mission. His goal is to paint a mural in each of North Carolina’s 100 counties. Plans are for the town of Wallace to become a recipient of his artwork later this year.
In an interview with Duplin Journal, Dowdle said the idea came up thanks to a discussion he had with a man he considers a mentor, Larry Wheeler, the director emeritus of the North Carolina Museum of Art.
“(Wheeler’s) retired now, but he wanted to keep his hands in various art projects around the state,” Dowdle said. “We started talking about something that would be statewide and could engage every county.”
The moment the idea of murals in every county came up, about 31⁄2 years ago, Dowdle went right to work. He reached out to the N.C. Association of County Commissioners, N.C. Main Street and the N.C. Museum of Art.
“It’s been a great experience so far,” he said. “I’ve just loved every minute of it.” So far, Dowdle has complet-
CURFEW from page A1
no reports of trees down across the county, Matthis said.
Although the emergency management o ce does not receive speci c calls for frozen pipes, Matthis said he had heard anecdotal reports of residents without water af-
“It’s always places that people are trying hard to rejuvenate and make better. I just love that I’m able to be a part of that all across the state.”
Max Dowdle
ed 12 murals across the state, including one in Clinton. That mural caught the attention of Wallace Town Clerk Jackie Nicholson when she read about it in a newsletter.
“I thought, ‘We need that here,’” Nicholson told Duplin Journal. “I found his contact information and sent an email, so here we are.”
One challenge has been selecting the best wall to house the new mural. It was hoped a wall across from the Wallace Depot could be used, but the property owner declined. A building not far from the old Jim Russ Chevrolet building along Main Street is now being considered. As that decision is being made, there is also exploration into what the mural art will contain. The town sent a survey to residents for feedback.
“I have collated those responses,” Nicholson said, adding she is going to send the results to Dowdle.
Next, she wants to bring Dowdle to town for an oppor-
ter temperatures plunged into the single digits overnight Monday. Tow truck drivers and plumbers are expected to be busy in the aftermath of the storm. Several banks and stores in the county closed Monday, though most grocery stores remained open. Walmart in
tunity for community input.
“I can’t decide if we want to have a meeting or the kind of thing we did when he got the grant for the park, an in-and- out event when you could come whatever time you want and leave your comments,” Nicholson said. “I guess it will depend on what his preference would be.”
Dowdle said he has been very pleased with reactions to the murals he has completed and what they mean to a community.
“It’s like a facelift,” he said. “It immediately injects energy into a place, as well. It’s always places that people are trying hard to rejuvenate and make better. I just love that I’m able to be a part of that all across the state.”
Dowdle projects he will have 20 murals completed by the end of this year, and Wallace is on that list. He said he would like to line up Wallace for the fall or late summer if the wall and design are ready.
It’s obvious Dowdle’s art is impressing people in the communities where he has completed murals.
“Even months later, I will get emails or calls from people saying how much they appreciate a piece that I put up, so it’s been fantastic,” he said.
The Town of Wallace was the recipient of a $2,500 grant from the Carolina Strawberry Festival board in September for the mural project.
Wallace opened at noon after closing in the morning, and the U.S. Post O ce in Wallace remained open.
Duplin County Schools implemented an asynchronous remote learning day on Tuesday and Wednesday to ensure safety for students and sta .
DUPLIN COUNTY CLERK OF COURT
Integrity • Dedication • Christian • 23+ Years Experience • Compassionate • Conservative ELECTION DAY March 3rd EARLY VOTING: FEBRUARY 12TH – 28TH
DCOM helps thousands of Duplin families with food, rent, utilities
Crisis Center and Feed Our Hungry Children programs provide critical support for households and students
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
WALLACE — Duplin Christian Outreach Ministries (DCOM) continues to provide emergency assistance to Duplin County residents facing financial and food insecurity, offering help with basic needs such as rent, utilities, gasoline and access to food resources.
Founded to give area churches a centralized way to respond to emergencies, DCOM serves residents across the county through a network of partner food pantries and social service referrals.
Tomme Maier, executive director of Duplin Christian Outreach Ministries, re ected on the powerful way the community has come together.
“It has been an amazing experience to watch churches, businesses, civic groups, schools, agencies and individuals come together to not only address food insecurity in our community but to encourage each other in service to our neighbors including our children,” said Maier, adding that the needs in Duplin are significant.
Data from the 2024 Economic Snapshot of the Duplin County Community Foundation notes that 44% of Duplin County residents are considered low-income and 19.8% are food insecure.
Maier highlighted the painful realities many families face as they try to rebuild their lives amid hardship.
“I hate to think about a child going to bed hungry or sleeping in cars and tents in frigid weather, families torn apart by violence and those trying to restart their lives and hitting hardships while doing it,” Maier told Duplin Journal.
Despite these challenges, she emphasized the strength and compassion of the community when needs are met through collective action.
“I witness greatness in our community at large when needs are recognized, resources are identified, and efforts come together to put action to faith and faith into action,” Maier said.
“The services provided cannot solve the great issues of poverty and hunger in Duplin County, but they may make a di erence for individual neighbors and families,” said DCOM Board Vice Chair Phil Gladden.
“I witness greatness in our Community at large when needs are recognized, resources are identi ed, and e orts come together to put action to faith and faith into action.”
Tomme Maier
According to DCOM’s data shared with Duplin Journal, DCOM served 8,911 households and 29,068 individuals across Duplin County through its core programs last year. The DCOM Crisis Center assisted 1,375 households and a total of 3,782 people, providing more than $56,000 in emergency assistance for rent, utilities and gasoline, helping the households during difficult times. Five partner pantries served 7,276 households, supporting 25,026 people.
According to Gladden, children remain a key focus of the ministry’s work with Duplin County’s child poverty rate at 31%. Through its Feed Our Hungry Children and Backpack Ministry, DCOM distributed 8,052 weekend backpacks and 750 summer backpacks to students in five Duplin County schools during the 2024–25 school year.
DCOM also operates Blessings in Store, a thrift shop on West Main Street in Wallace. The store generated more than $128,000 in sales, with proceeds supporting the ministry’s Crisis Center services.
Maier expressed deep gratitude for the volunteers who serve through the Crisis Center, food pantries, Feed Our Hungry Children Backpack Ministry and Blessings In Store, noting that their dedication makes a meaningful difference every day.
She encouraged the broader community to join in the local missions — feeding the hungry, keeping families safely housed, helping children thrive in school and supporting local agencies like Duplin Christian Outreach Ministries.
“God has blessed many of us, and we are reminded to serve where we can and when we can with what we can,” Residents interested in supporting Duplin Christian Outreach Ministries can contact Maier at 910-285-6000 or visit duplinchristian.org.
DCOM BY THE NUMBERS (2024-25)
7,276 households served by food pantries
$56,130 in crisis assistance
8,802 backpacks distributed
• $128,183 generated by Blessings in Store
Duplin County Community Foundation
THE CONVERSATION
Trip Ho end, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor
VISUAL VOICES
| DAVID HARSANYI
Price controls won’t work any better for Republicans than it does Democrats
Thomas Sowell points out that the typically “mundane” explanations for economic activity are “far less emotionally satisfying than an explanation which produces villains to hate and heroes to exalt.”
DEMONIZING GREEDY BANKERS and landlords is the last refuge of the poorly polling politician.
And, as a ordability remains a leading issue among voters, the Trump administration has regularly used rhetoric and ideas that mirror those of progressive Democrats like New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
Take the president’s recent idea for capping credit card interest rates at 10%. Or rather, the idea that’s already proposed in a bill sponsored by Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.). “They’ve really abused the public,” the president said of credit card companies. “I’m not going to let it happen.”
This probably feels good to hear. But if you nd an APR on a new credit card o er “predatory,” de nitely do not sign up for it. You don’t owe the bank anything, and it doesn’t owe you.
An interest rate, though, re ects risk. It’s the entry price for obtaining credit. If you have a good credit score, you get lower rates and vice versa.
Capping the rate won’t eliminate credit risk factors, though it will likely shrink available money for people who need it most: lower-income and young workers, or anyone else trying to build up their credit. Lots of entrepreneurs and small-business owners also rely on credit cards to tide them over for a season or help with up-front capital.
And those who are denied cards will still need funds. They’ll inevitably seek out other means of borrowing, probably at even higher rates. Maybe they’ll go to payday loans and cash checking places. Maybe they’ll take second mortgages. Maybe they’ll go to the black market.
There are those who argue that Americans already borrow far too much and that limiting access to credit would be good for them. Rest assured, these nannies almost surely own their homes and cars — purchases that become even more prohibitive for people unable to improve their credit scores.
Trump likes to explicitly threaten or jawbone companies into doing his bidding. Bank of America, for example, is reportedly considering o ering a credit card with interest capped at 10% to placate the administration.
Well, there’s no federal cap on what APRs banks can o er on credit cards. If providers want to undercut competition, nothing is stopping them. Banks are businesses, after all, not charities.
But if banks lose out charging riskier customers lower interest rates to get on the good side of the administration, they’ll simply raise fees elsewhere, pull back on rewards and nd other creative ways to make their reliable consumers pay.
Price xing never alleviates cost — it merely displaces it.
Take Mamdani as he “cracks down,” as one
12 Question quiz: What ‘fascist’ ‘xenophobe’ ‘tyrant’ said this?
We simply cannot allow people to pour into the United States undetected, undocumented, unchecked.
1. “I’m really good at killing people. Didn’t know that was going to be a strong suit of mine.”
a. President Donald Trump, 2019
b. President Barack Obama, 2012
2. “But, let me tell you, we can build a fence 40 stories high — unless you change the dynamic in Mexico and — and you will not like this, and — punish American employers who knowingly violate the law when, in fact, they hire illegals. Unless you do those two things, all the rest is window dressing.”
a. President Donald Trump, 2017
b. Sen. Joe Biden (D-Del.), 2006
3. “Today, I will issue a national security memorandum directing every federal department and agency to do even more to stop the ow of narcotics — including fentanyl — into our country. It will increase intelligence collection on tra ckers’ evolving tactics to smuggle narcotics into our country. And it will help our law enforcement personnel seize more deadly drugs before they reach our communities.”
a. President Donald Trump, 2025
b. President Joe Biden, 2024
a. President Donald Trump, 2026, about Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro
b. President Barack Obama, 2011, about Libya’s Muammar Gadda
5. “We simply cannot allow people to pour into the United States undetected, undocumented, unchecked and circumventing the line of people who are waiting patiently, diligently and lawfully to become immigrants in this country.”
a. President Donald Trump, 2025
b. Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.), 2005
6. “Real reform means stronger border security ... putting more boots on the southern border than at any time in our history and reducing illegal crossings to their lowest levels in 40 years.”
a. President Donald Trump, 2026
b. President Barack Obama, 2013
travel magazine referred to it, on “junk fees” in city hotels.
“Junk” is just a description of a cost that consumers and politicians have arbitrarily decided shouldn’t be paid. But they will be. Hotels will almost inevitably raise prices elsewhere or decrease services to make up for it.
Economic magical thinking never dies, however, because it’s tethered to envy and anger rather than rational thinking. Thomas Sowell points out that the typically “mundane” explanations for economic activity are “far less emotionally satisfying than an explanation which produces villains to hate and heroes to exalt.”
And there is no more convenient villain than a faceless pro t-mongering landlord.
Take another price control policy championed by Mamdani: rent control, a practice that’s been failing to lower housing costs since Roman times, at least.
A slew of studies and empirical evidence nds that rent control doesn’t work. The vast majority of economists, both on the right and left, believe it’s a bad idea. Still, most polls nd that rent “stabilization” is supported by around 80% of New Yorkers.
Every generation, it seems, convinces itself it possesses the best technocrats and formula to properly control economic activity to make it fairer and decent. Mamdani is just another in a long line of politicians who play the role.
But Trump? He should know better.
David Harsanyi is a senior writer at the Washington Examiner. Harsanyi is a nationally syndicated columnist and author of ve books — the most recent, “How To Kill a Republic,” available now. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)
8. “Because we do need to address the issue of immigration and the challenge we have of undocumented people in our country. We certainly don’t want any more coming in.”
a. President Donald Trump, 2019
b. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), 2008
9. “All Americans ... are rightly disturbed by the large numbers of illegal aliens entering our country. ... We are a nation of immigrants. But we are also a nation of laws.”
a. President Donald Trump, 2020
b. President Bill Clinton, 1995
10. “I think we can enforce our borders. I think we should enforce our borders.”
a. President Donald Trump, 2018
b. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), 1994
Larry Elder is a bestselling author and nationally syndicated radio talk-show host. To nd out more about Larry Elder, or become an “Elderado,” visit www.LarryElder.com. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com) COLUMN | LARRY ELDER
4. “The United States and the world faced a choice. (The dictator) declared he would show ‘no mercy’ to his own people. He compared them to rats and threatened to go door to door to in ict punishment. In the past, we have seen him hang civilians in the streets and kill over a thousand people in a single day. It was not in our national interest to let that (massacre) happen. I refused to let that happen.”
7. “Illegal immigration is wrong, plain and simple. ... People who enter the United States without our permission are illegal aliens and illegal aliens should not be treated the same as people who enter the U.S. legally. ... Until the American people are convinced that we will stop future ows of illegal immigration, we will make no progress on dealing with the millions of illegal immigrants who are here now. ... When we use phrases like undocumented workers, we convey a message to the American people that their government is not serious about combatting illegal immigration. If you don’t think it’s illegal, you’re not going to say it. I think it is illegal and wrong.”
a. President Donald Trump, 2017
b. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), 2009
11. “If making it easy to be an illegal alien isn’t enough, how about o ering a reward for being an illegal immigrant? No sane country would do that. Right? ... If you break our laws by entering this country without permission and give birth to a child, we reward that child with U.S. citizenship.”
a. President Donald Trump, 2017
b. Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.), 1993
12. “A biometric-based employment veri cation system with tough enforcement and auditing is necessary to signi cantly diminish the job magnet that attracts illegal aliens to the United States.”
a. President Donald Trump, 2020
b. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), 2009 Hint: If it’s not too late, consider betting on “b.”
COLUMN
Students shine in Carolina Strawberry Festival Art Contest
The rst- and second-place artwork will appear on the festival T-shirt
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
LAST WEEK, THE Caroli-
na Strawberry Festival Committee announced the winners of the 2026 art contest which drew strong participation from Duplin County high school students, prompting organizers to recognize three winners this year.
First place went to Presley Brown, a freshman at Wallace-Rose Hill High School. Presley’s colorful design will be featured on the back of the ocial 2026 festival T-shirt.
“Drawing is my favorite way to express myself and make sense of the world around me,” said Presley. “I take pride in my community and feel inspired by the people and places that have shaped who I am.”
Second place was awarded to Yandel Martinez Mendieta, a senior at James Kenan High School. “I love expressing myself through art,” said Yandel. In a special twist this year, Yandel’s artwork will appear on the front pocket of the festival T-shirt rather than the traditional logo.
The artwork that will be featured on the back of the o cial 2026 Carolina Strawberry Festival T-shirt was created by Presley Brown, a freshman at Wallace-Rose Hill High School, who earned rst place with her vibrant and colorful design.
Third place went to Emely Guzman, a sophomore at James Kenan High School, who said she enjoys using art to connect with her community and spend time with family and friends. Festival organizers praised
all participants and said they were proud to celebrate the talent of Duplin County’s young artists. Winning artwork will be displayed during the 2026 Carolina Strawberry Festival on May 1-2 in downtown Wallace.
Trojan Teach Forward gives students a rsthand look at teaching careers
The conference aims to strengthen eastern North Carolina teacher pipeline
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
MOUNT OLIVE — Last week, the University of Mount Olive welcomed nearly 200 middle and high school students from Duplin, Onslow, Edgecombe, Wayne and Lenoir counties for its inaugural Trojan Teach Forward Conference.
Organized by UMO’s School of Education, the conference highlighted the university’s “growyour-own” strategy for cultivating future educators in a region where many districts struggle to ll classroom positions.
“In eastern North Carolina especially, many school districts face persistent teacher shortages,” said Amanda Bullard-Maxwell, dean of the School of Education.
Students engaged in workshops, met with current teachers and education majors, and explored a variety of teaching pathways, from elementary classrooms to specialized licensure areas, while gaining an au-
thentic understanding of both the challenges and rewards of the eld.
“The challenges are not sugar-coated,” Bullard-Maxwell said. “But we emphasize that the rewards far outweigh them.”
According to Bullard-Maxwell, the goal is to help students see themselves as future educators and leave with clarity and con dence about pursuing teaching.
“Teaching is both a professional and moral commitment to serve children,” said Felicia Brown, superintendent of human resources with Duplin County Schools. “It is one of the most meaningful jobs there is.” Assistant Dean Kelly Alves emphasized that exposure to real-world practices and a welcoming campus environment can spark interest in education while allowing students to consider multiple career possibilities.
Bullard-Maxwell and Alves hope Trojan Teach Forward will become an annual event, strengthening the region’s future workforce while encouraging young people to consider teaching as a viable career.
PHOTOS COURTESY CAROLINA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL COMMITTEE
Felicia Brown, superintendent of human resources with Duplin County Schools, underscored the deeper purpose of the teaching profession.
Above, the second-place winner of the Carolina Strawberry Festival art contest is Yandel Martinez Mendieta, a senior at James Kenan High School. Her design will appear on the front pocket of the festival T-shirt. Right, third place in the Carolina Strawberry Festival art contest went to Emely Guzman, a sophomore at James Kenan High School, whose design also stood out among many talented entries.
PHOTOS COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF MOUNT OLIVE
Attendees of the Trojan Teach Forward Conference had the opportunity to tour the University of Mount Olive campus.
Duplin sees rare snowfall as winter storm moves
When Winter Storm Gianna dropped up to a foot of snow, Duplin County answered with sleds, snowmen and happy paws.
COURTESY ALYSSA CARTER
COURTESY JERI DENISE
COURTESY KAREN SCALF
COURTESY ADDISON COOMBS
COURTESY STACY GRAY
COURTESY KIM CAVENAUGH JONES
COURTESY BRENDA SCRONCE
COURTESY SARAH LANIER
COURTESY ELIZABETH ANNE
COURTESY BRANDY SCRONCE GRADY
DUPLIN SPORTS
Tight-knit JK covers weaknesses with toughness, senior leadership
Complementary play has the Tigers on a seven-game winning streak
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
WARSAW — Successful basketball teams play together, even with a superstar. And while James Kenan might not yet have its brightest-burning light, the Tigers are playing complementary basketball. Compliments abound as head coach Taylor Jones prepares his second Tigers team that can make a run in the postseason. They sit 14-2 and will play Goldsboro for rst place in the Swine Valley Conference. That
game was postponed because of heavy snow across the state and will either be played Thursday or four days later.
The Tigers put their all-hands- ondeck teamwork on display last Friday throughout their 74-48 win over Midway in Dunn.
Kentrell Morrisey, who is projecting like the next 1,000-point scorer at JK, pumped in 19 points and had seven rebounds.
Court leader Zamarion Smith pushed in 16 points and had six assists and four steals.
Lane ashing CJ Hill added 11 markers and four boards.
Jeremiah Hall added nine points, four rebounds and three assists, and sixth man Eli Avent hit a pair of 3-pointers at key moments.
“Most of our kids play sel ess, and when one guy is having a down night or is out to pick it up,” said head coach Taylor Jones. “They play for each other, and that’s the kind of thing you can’t make up. It happens or it doesn’t.”
Undersized JK plays a lot like an undersized 3-point-shooting Jones during his heydays at North Duplin.
“We chase down rebounds and don’t turn the ball over because we’re not shooting a high percentage,” Jones said. “They listen. They adjust. We make small adjustments at halftime, but more importantly, our kids reset and make things happen by changing their mindset.
“And I get asked all the time what
Matthew Wells shined in prime time as WRH rebounded from three consecutive road losses
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
TEACHEY — Matthew Wells is making Mount Olive University look good.
A few days after signing to play basketball for the Trojans, the Wallace-Rose Hill senior played the best three games of his life — scoring, rebounding, handing out assists, diving for loose balls and coming up big when other Bulldogs were unable to produce.
Wells scored 33 against Trask and 26 against Goldsboro in games in which his e orts were signi cant
BOYS’ BASKETBALL ROUNDUP
Ball, Halls put Panthers in position to challenge in ECC
and Dominic
Hall
and Aaron
added support as ED won for the third time in four games
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
BEULAVILLE — Sometimes you can almost feel a record is about to fall.
Six days after tying his career high, Zachary Ball set his senior bar higher by scoring 27 points and grabbing eight rebounds as East Duplin beat Southwest Onslow 55-49 for its third win in four games. The win ended an eight-game losing streak to the Stallions, whose recent spurt gives them 21-16 lead in the all-time series.
Hall hit on 11 of 18 shots from the eld (61%) and 5 of 8 from beyond the 3-point line. He
scored a career-high 27 points during a 55-49 win over Southwest Onslow to break ED’s eight-game skid against
Bulldogs out of tailspin
in keeping the Bulldogs from withering, as both were losses. He then came back to re in 18 and nab nine boards last Thursday as WRH snapped its three-game skid by knocking o Princeton 76-65.
Wells has averaged 22 in his last three outings to pump his scoring average to 14.2. He’s hitting 54% from the eld while getting 7.7 boards and 3.1 steals.
In other words, he’s playing a complete game, and when one aspect of his play isn’t up to par, it hasn’t stopped other contributions.
“In the games where he scored 26 and 33, he had only three 3s,” said Bulldogs head coach Dustin Squibb. “That’s some of the toughest, hard-nosed scoring I’ve seen.
Transfer center Chase Bland added 15 markers and six re -
bounds while being was an intimidating defender.
“He was a force blocking or altering several more,” Squibb said. Bland gave WRH a lead it would never relinquish with 53 seconds left in the third quarter. It came during a 14-3 run and included two hoops by McCrimmon and a driving score by Carr. Up 47-44 entering the fourth, WRH used outside shooting to run away as McCrimmon hit a pair of trifectas and Jamari Carr and Bland also knocked one down while Wells made back-to-back layups.
Wells scored ve points after Princeton trimmed the lead to 70 - 61. Darrius McCrimmon scored 16,
Zachary
hits ve treys,
Hall
Hall
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Point guard Jeremiah Hall has 4-to-1 assist-turnover ratio (80 assists, 20 turnovers) and is averaging a JK-high ve assists per game.
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
WRH’s Matthew Wells has averaged more than 22 points in his past three games and is the top rebounder on the Bulldogs.
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Zachary Ball
the Stallions.
ATHLETE
OF THE WEEK
BY BILL CARONE
Jae’lyn Ingram
North Duplin, boys’ basketball
The North Duplin forward is averaging 18 points and eight rebounds but has scored more than 20 in his last eight games. He’s gone over that mark nine times this season.
His season high was 33 in an early 76-58 loss to East Columbus and helped ND avenge it by scoring 26 points and grabbing 13 boards for a 57-54 win Jan. 23.
Ingram had 28 markers in last week’s win over Union and 25 against East Bladen in another revenge win for the Rebels.
ND (10-8, 6-3) is a game out of rst place in the Carolina Conference. After starting 3-7, the Rebels have since won seven of eight.
The one setback was a 50-49 overtime heartbreaker to West Columbus, in which Ingram netted 24 points and had eight rebounds.
Since the turn of the calendar year, he’s been lights out for the Rebels and has jumped to ninth statewide in 2A in scoring.
Cave returns with a vengeance to lead Panthers past Stallions
The two-time Ms. Basketball back on the court after an ankle injury
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
BEULAVILLE — East Duplin is a competitive team without Kinsey Cave.
With her, the Panthers are a contender.
All of that was proven the last two weeks after the junior do-it-all basketball player was on the sidelines.
The two-time Ms. Basketball in Duplin County tossed in a career-high 23 points last Friday during a 61-41 drubbing of longtime rival and ECC foe Southwest Onslow.
But that’s not all. She had ve rebounds, ve assists and six steals. It was the fth time she hit for 20 points or more this season. Her previous high last season was 17.
While still not 100% healthy, Cave is averaging 15 points, 7 boards, three assists and three steals.
And East Duplin (15-4, 5-1) has ourished with its running-the- oor style of play despite lacking height and inside rebounding as it has almost always had in the past.
The Panthers next big game is Friday when they travel to unbeaten Clinton (18-0, 6-0).
ED fell to the Dark Horses 52-47 in Clinton on Jan. 20 without the services of Cave.
Freshman Bennett Holley scored 14 and had nine rebounds during the victory over the Stallions. Zoe Cavanaugh had eight and six rebounds, and Andraia Scarbough added four points and 11 boards.
Lorena Rodriguez and Zakoya Farrior combined for 11 as ED used spurts of 17-7 and 26-8 in the middle two quarters for a comfortable win.
Cave scored 19 in her initial return to lead ED to a 48-20 win over Southwest Onslow early last week. Rodrigues added nine, and eight other Panthers had at least a basket.
ED will face ECC opponents Trask, Clinton, Pender and South Lenoir to end its regular season. The league’s postseason tournament is played a week before the rst round of the playo s, set for Feb. 24. The NCHSAA’s format features three games in the rst week and the fourth and region nals contests being played the rst week of March.
Francis rules paint, Smith perimeter in ’Dawgs win
Marion Francis score 15 points in the paint and grabbed 11 rebounds, and Savannah Smith added 15 markers on 3-of-5 shooting from beyond the 3-point line to send Wallace-Rose Hill past Princeton 65-29.
All-state volleyball players Angelina Cavallaro and Jansley Page combined for 13, and QuoRyiona Vines had six.
WRH (12-8, 5-3) has four games remaining, including three against opponents the Bulldogs have beaten previously this season (Midway,
Spring Creek, Rosewood) and a season nale confrontation with JK on Feb. 13. The Bulldogs are six wins from topping the best mark in school history during the last quarter-century.
Francis got WRH started against Princeton with a pair of scores in the lane.
Page banged down a 3 and Smith a step-in jumper as the Bulldogs went up 11-5.
Treys by Smith and Zikiya Philyaw kept WRH in the second quarter continuing the roll. The advantage went to 30 -15 by halftime as Smith zipped her third trey and then scored on a rebound. Vines added a layup in between her scores.
WRH scored o turnovers a lot in the second half, though the Bulldogs had great ball movement o ensively.
The win was a relief after a 59-22 loss to Goldsboro earlier in the week. Vines’ ve markers was the most by a WRH player, and that pretty much told the story of the one-sided a air.
Evers, Eagles get revenge on Rebels
Abby Rose may have been the best player on oor, but East Bladen showed a team e ort to beat North Duplin 44-38 in a matchup between Carolina Conference teams battling for a league ag.
Rose scored 25 points, but the Eagles had ve players with at least ve points. ND’s Abigeal Norris netted ve, and Maggie Brown and Rachel Herring scored four markers apiece. No other Rebels scored. Rose completed her double-double with 12 rebounds. ND beat EB 57-47 earlier this season. Eagles head coach Patty Evers won the 650th game of her career. She led the Eagles to the 1A nals last season.
Both schools now have two league losses and trail East Columbus (12-4, 7-1) in the standings.
Norris had a double-double of her own during a 64-33 win over Union earlier in the week, scoring 15 and hauling down 14 rebounds. Her stepsister Brown joined her with 10 makers and 10 boards.
Lilly Fulghum added 15 and Herring nine.
ND (14-5, 7-2) faces bottom-feeders Hobbton (08, 0-8) and West Columbus (1-14, 1-8) before playing Lakewood, the most dangerous 12-7 team in the state, to nish its regular season slate.
The biggest challenges left for rst-place East Columbus (12-4, 7-1) are against the Leopards and the Eagles.
An EB win over EC on Feb. 12 could create a three -way tie for the title with ND thrown into the mix via three wins over schools it has already beaten this season.
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
What does Kinsey Cave do after returning from an ankle injury: Score a career-high 23 point in a win over Southwest Onslow.
Young JK reserves stepping up as building blocks to future
Coach Aaron Smith is nurturing the development of the Tigers’ bench
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
WARSAW — With the stars
— Y’Anna Rivers, Gabi Outlaw and Aleyah Wilson — now established players, James Kenan head coach Aaron Smith is shaping up contributing players and underclassmen for future roles and development.
Rivers scored 17, Outlaw 10 and Wilson seven last week when the Tigers knocked o Rosewood, but other players made signi cant input in a 57-16 win.
Senior LaBria McGown pitched in with six markers and seven rebounds. Sophomore Kendia Smith tossed in 12 and freshman Kendonya Morrisey eight.
The trend continued during a 61-48 conquest of Midway later in the week as Rivers hit for 17, Wilson 13, Outlaw and McGowan six apiece, and Morrisey seven and Smith six.
Wilson and Morrisey powered JK to a 17-9 rst-quarter lead, and Rivers and Smith laid down the wood for an eruption that sent it to 36-17 by halftime.
It was a walk in the park from that point forward for JK, which improved to 14-2 overall and 8-1 in ECC play. They are awaiting a key ECC confrontation with Goldsboro (16-2, 8-0). No other league school is within an arm’s length of the top spot as even third-place Wallace-Rose Hill (12-8, 5-3) and fourth-place Midway (6-11, 5-4) are clearly on the outside looking inward as teams scramble to nish less than a handful of games. Rivers scored by going
,
coast to coast, and then after a steal Smith ripped a pair of 3-pointer to start a 13-2 blitz in the second quarter.
Junior guard Zaniya Brown canned a trey and JK got a lot of turnovers o its full-court press.
With JK up 19 to start the third, Wilson threw down for a pair of hoops and McGowan had a steal and layup for a 6-0 burst. The Tigers’ defense forced a 10-second count when the Raiders were inbounding the ball and Brown, McGowan and Wilson forged JK to a 49-17 lead. Midway scored the rst 15 points of the fourth quarter to
make the game closer than it was in Dunn. Rivers leads JK in points (17.1), shooting (50%) and has 26 of JK’s 36 blocks, showing her prowess as a defender. Wilson (13.1, 7.1 rebounds) and Outlaw (11.1, team-high 21 treys) have been steady, while Smith (4.6 points per game) Morrisey (3.5) and McGowan (3.3) are rising players. Outlaw and McGowan are the only seniors on the JK roster. But second-year coach Smith feels the Tigers are ready to go deep in the postseason this winter with sharp-shooting Outlaw still around.
SIDELINE REPORT
NBA
NBA suspends 76ers’ George 25 games for violating anti-drug policy
Philadelphia Paul George of the Philadelphia 76ers was suspended 25 games for violating the NBA’s anti-drug program. The league did not disclose the substance involved. George released a statement saying he took something that was “improper.” He apologized to the team and its fans, saying he takes “full responsibility for my actions.” This is George’s rst violation. The suspension will cost him approximately $11.7 million of his salary.
BOXING
Miller’s hairpiece knocked upward by punch, then thrown into crowd
New York
Jarrell Miller was hit with such a good punch it knocked his hair o . Heavyweight Kingsley Ibeh landed a punch in the second round that knocked Miller’s head backward, and his hairpiece popped upward from the front, revealing a large bald spot that covered most of his head. Miller nished the round with the hairpiece, then ripped it o in his corner between rounds and tossed it into the crowd at Madison Square Garden. Miller won by split decision, then rubbed the top of his head while doing a celebratory dance.
ROUNDUP from page B1
scored 19 against Pender on Jan. 23. Ball certainly got support as Aaron Hall pitched in 11 and Dominic Hall had eight and 12 rebounds. Point guard DJ Davis chipped in seven markers and six boards.
It was the fourth win for ED (7-9, 4-2) on Jerry Hunter Court, though the Panthers’ loss to South Lenoir (12-6, 6-0) earlier in the week may be too much for ED to overcome the Blue Devils in the ECC standings. They need help from another league school.
Ball was one rebound short of a double-double in the South Lenior game, scoring 10 points and hauling down nine rebounds.
Center Dominic Hall had 15 points and 13 boards, and Hall chipped in with 11 markers. ED connected on 5 of 14 from the free-throw line, while the Blue Devils were 14 of 25.
The two schools will play again Feb. 12.
The Panthers host Clinton on Friday for their lone game this week. ED beat the Dark Horses 67-65 on Jan. 20 in Beulaville.
Rebels defense strongholds it way past Eagles
Defense might be all but vanished from professional basketball, but it reigns supreme at North Duplin.
That’s what Rebels coach Je Byrd said lifted his team to a 62-54 win over East Bladen for ND’s fourth straight win and six in its last eight games.
Jae’lyn Ingram scored 25 points and had nine rebounds, and Noah Price (11 points, ve boards) and Carell Phillips (nine markers, 11 boards) paced the Rebels, who went on a 19-3 run in the second quarter to go in front 30-16 at halftime.
“We played good team defense and really more of a group defense since we don’t have a standout defender,” Byrd said. “A big thing about our win over Union was hitting 7 of 8 free throws down the stretch to seal it.”
ND (10-8, 6-2) will face
Hobbton (5-11, 3-5), West Columbus (8-11, 6-3) and Lakewood (6-13, 2-7) in its nal three Carolina Conference matchups.
“Those are three super-tough games,” Byrd said. East Columbus (8-8, 6-2) started the week atop the standings, though it will have to face the bottom three teams in the standings before traveling to East Bladen (5-13, 5-3) in Lake Waccamaw on Feb. 12.
Earlier in the week, Ingram hammered in 28 and Noah Bennett 10, while Noah Price and Phillips combined for 13 in a 64-46 win over Union.
Crusaders fall to two top-two teams in 2A
If you must lose, make it against a winning program.
Harrells Christian Academy su ered its rst back-to -back losses this season in defeats to No. 1 Green eld School and No. 2 Fayetteville Academy, each of which have a Division 1 recruit.
Justin Caldwell, a 6-foot-9 Georgetown signee, and Kobe Edwards, the No. 5 recruit in the state, were thorns in the side of the Crusaders.
Caldwell scored 14 points and had seven assists and seven rebounds as Green eld (22 - 4) got its fth win against ve teams in 2A and are the odds-on favorite to win that NCISAA classi cation.
Camereon Moore added 13, and Braxton DuBose and Donavan Dickens had 11 apiece. It was the 700th career win for Knights coach Rob Salter. Antonio McKoy, a Western Carolina signee, had 21, Dashaun McKoy 12 and J’Kaeshi Brunson eight for HCA (22-6).
Caldwell scored 27 points and had 12 rebounds in the triumph over the Crusaders.
Four other players hit for double gures as Fayetteville Academy (21-5) took a 73-66 decision by shooting 55% from the eld and having a 6-1 edge in 3-pointers. Antonio McKoy and his cousin Dashaun had 21 and 12 points, respectively.
910-833-9430
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Sophomore Kendonya Morrisey is one of several young JK players who are playing their way into playing time for the Tigers.
Hurricanes score 3 times in nal 2 minutes, stun Mammoth in 5-4 win
Carolina became the third team in history to have the historic rally
By Cory Lavalette North State Journal
RALEIGH — In many ways, last Thursday’s game wasn’t one Hurricanes defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere will want to play on a loop at a family gathering.
His wipeout in the neutral zone early in the second period allowed Utah winger Kailer Yamamoto to score his rst of two goals and tie the game after Carolina dominated the opening 20 minutes.
Then with just 13 minutes left in the game, Yamamoto pestered the Hurricanes defenseman into a turnover and a goal by Michael Carcone to give the visiting Mammoth what seemed like a nail-in-the-co n two -goal lead.
But Gostisbehere — returning to the lineup after missing the last ve games — and the Hurricanes not only fought back, but they also pulled o one of the best rallies in NHL history.
Andrei Svechnikov, Gostisbehere and Jordan Staal scored three times in 89 seconds, with Staal’s goal coming with just under 30 seconds remaining, to turn a multigoal de cit into a 5-4 Hurricanes win at Lenovo Center.
“Just forget,” Gostisbehere said of moving past his miscues, “or score right after so you forget about it.”
It was just the third time in league history that a team trail-
ing by two goals with under two minutes remaining ended up winning in regulation.
The rally started with Gostisbehere and Svechnikov.
With Carolina on a four-minute power play due to a high sticking penalty by Barrett Hayton and Brandon Bussi (21 saves) on the bench for an extra attacker, Gostisbehere shot wide, but the puck hit the end boards and popped right to Svechnikov. He banged it into the vacant net for his second goal of the night and 20th of the season — matching last season’s total.
Gostisbehere, who had scored his seventh goal of the year on the power play to tie the game in the second period, got his second of the night 22 seconds after Svechnikov’s goal.
With Bussi again on the bench for a sixth skater, Jackson Blake zipped a diagonal pass to Gostisbehere at the right point for a one-timer that hit the cross bar and went in to tie the game.
“It is always about your next shift, good or bad,” Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour said. “You score a goal, you don’t sit there patting yourself on the back. You’ve got to go do something about it. The same thing if you give up a goal. Ghost has been around. I don’t think he gets too ustered.”
Then the Hurricanes seized the momentum to get the winner.
Defenseman Jalen Chateld took a shot from the outside edge of the right circle. Jordan Martinook tipped the shot, and the puck went to Staal at the left post, where he knocked
it in for his 12th goal of the year.
“We were just kind of riding the wave,” Staal said. “But obviously, things weren’t clicking and it nally clicked. To get those three goals that quickly and in that short period of time to win the game was really cool.”
Gostisbehere and Svechnikov each nished with three points.
“You saw him tonight,” Staal said of Svechnikov. “He was not only scoring goals, but he was physical, he was hard, he was skating well. And he’s got his strength back and his speed. … He’s the player that we all know he can be. And this year he’s been solid all throughout.”
And despite struggling much of the night on the power play, Carolina managed to score two key goals on ve opportunities.
“It’s sticking with it,” Gostisbehere said. “The entries weren’t beautiful, but at the end of the day, when you get two goals on power play, you know it’s going to help you win.”
And it did the Hurricanes extended their point streak to six games and further tightened their grip on the Metropolitan Division lead on Whalers Night.
“It’s always nice to score goals, especially game winners,” Staal said. “It’s making memories, and I love the game, I love being a part of of nights like this, and you want more of them. You’re chasing them, and you’re chasing those memories.
“And to do it alongside these guys in this room, the friends, and battle with each other is what I live for. It’s what I do this job for, and tonight was one of the good memories.”
WELLS from page B1
Jawon Carr nine and freshman
Kayden Keith eight.
Wells sent an early notice he was in the house against Princeton with a 3-pointer.
Bland’s jam ended the quarter with WRH in front 10-9.
Jawon Carr and McCrimmon hit consecutive 3s to start the second quarter
Bland set up Wells for a bas -
ket to end a six-point run that put WRH up 22-13. But Princeton went on a 7-2 run to trim the margin to 24 -20. The Johnston County Bulldogs led 30-29 at halftime.
Bonus free throws
Jawon Carr is second in scoring with 14.2 points per game. He’s followed by McCrimmon (9.2), Keith (7.5),
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
February
JK head coach Taylor Jones is having one of the best seasons in his 20-plus-year career record-wise and personally with his team connected together.
I say at halftime, and the truth is nothing that is signi cant. They need me to show them how much I believe in them. Then they nd ways to make things happen.”
Tigers take over in second half
Down 12-7, Avent and Smith swished 3-pointers to trim Midway’s lead to 18-13. An Avent bomb to open the second quarter and a monster drive by Morrisey gave JK its rst lead at 19-18.
Hurricanes center Jordan Staal celebrates his gamewinning goal against the Mammoth with forward Nikolaj Ehlers (27) during Carolina’s 5-4 win last Thursday in Raleigh.
Midway played well, and despite another bomb by Smith, rebound basket by Hill, and steal and layup by Morrisey, led 27-26 at halftime.
The home team scored the rst four points of the third quarter before JK could string together an 11-2 push behind an inside hoop and tip-in by Morrisey, a Smith layup, a Hill steal that led to a Morrisey hoop and a conventional 3-point play by Smith. From that point forward, anytime Midway (9-13, 4-5) made a push, the Tigers had an answer. Hall canned a pair of free throws at the 2:05 mark of the third and a basket to end the stanza with two seconds left on the clock.
NOTICES
NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA DUPLIN COUNTY
FILE#26E000002-300
Bland (7.4) and Aspen Brown (6.2 and second in rebounding).
WRH is four wins shy of matching the 2022 team (17-6) and ve from it best mark since 2016 (18-8).
The Bulldogs (12-3, 5-3) will look for revenge Feb. 13 when they host archrival JK, which won the rst game of the series in Warsaw earlier this season.
WRH is 8-1 on Steve Robinson Court.
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
Morrisey opened the fourth by working the baseline and JK got him the ball. He added a steal on the next play and scored. Smith zipped in a 3-pointer as part of the 8-0 streak. Hall had a steal and layup on consecutive plays, and a minute later, the senior and classmate Hill had back-to -back layups. It got ugly for Midway and extremely delightful for JK.
The Tigers travel to Princeton and Wallace-Rose Hill to end the regular season. The Swine Valley postseason tournament is played a week before the rst round of the NCHSAA playo s, set for Feb. 24. The state format features three games in the rst week with the fourth round and region nals being played the rst week of March.
Hoops notebook
Smith leads JK in scoring at 15.7. Morrisey is right behind at 14.1 and followed by Hill (11.4), Avent (8.4), Hall (6.6) and David Zeleya (4.5). Morrisey is the top rebounder at 7.0, but the other ve players above all average better than 4.2 boards. Hall has a 4-to-1 turnover ratio (80 assists, 20 turnovers), which Jones calls “incredible.”
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
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
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 and local judges, district attorney, and county o ces.
now be located at the American Legion building in Wallace at 529 E. Southerland Street, Wallace, NC 28466.
NOTICE TO THE VOTERS OF THE LOCKLIN PRECINCT
Due to the decision made by the Duplin County Board of Elections and accepted by the State Board of Elections on 05/06/2025, the Locklin precinct polling place will now be located at the American Legion building in Wallace at 529 E. Southerland Street, Wallace, NC 28466.
Questions? Call the Duplin County Board of Elections O ce at (910) 296-2170 or send an email to dcboe@duplincountync.com
Ann Henderson, Chairman Duplin County Board of Elections
TIGERS from page B1
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
KARL DEBLAKER / AP PHOTO
obituaries
Henry Joseph Turner
Dec. 14, 1956 – Jan. 29, 2026
Henry Joseph Turner, 69, known to all as Joey, passed from his earthly life on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at his home, being cared for by his loving family.
Joey was born December 14, 1956, in Middleboro, KY, the son of Guy Joseph Turner and Martha Delina Simpson Turner. In addition to his parents, Joey was preceded in death by his sons, Roman Turner and Matthew Turner; sister, Joan “Bimmie” Woodcock; and brother, Vance “Tim” Turner.
Joey is survived by his devoted wife of ten years, Julie Turner; sons, Isaac Turner (Sarah), Ricky Turner, Sam Aman (Susan), Justin Aman (Rebeka), and Stephen Aman; daughter, Tonia Watkins (David); 16 grandchildren; sister, Barbara Littleton; many nieces, nephews and friends. Not to be forgotten are Joey’s beloved Beagle constant companions, Sadie, Junior and Quincey.
Joey was a man of many interests and enjoyments – shing, boating and traveling about mostly in North Carolina. Joey loved family gatherings, and he was usually the one grilling a delectable pig enjoyed by all. He was a Panthers football fan, rooting for them whether they won or lost a game. Joey enjoyed watching wrestling and kept up with the world news on TV on a daily basis. Most of all, Joey loved his family. Joey’s presence in our lives will truly be missed. Following Joey’s expressed wishes, there will be no services held just as he requested.
Larry Colvin
May 13, 1960 – Jan. 24, 2026
Larry Colvin, 65, of Atkinson, NC, passed away January 24, 2026, at Poplar Grove Nursing Home in Burgaw, NC. Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Friday, January 30, 2026, at Hawes Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Atkinson, NC. Public viewing will be from noon to 12:50 p.m. (one hour prior to the service). Interment following the service at Hawes Chapel Church/ Ashford Cemetery.
Cindy (Rogers) Newkirk
July 24, 1967 – Jan. 27, 2026
Cindy Rogers Newkirk, 58, of Harrells, North Carolina, passed away on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center.
She was born on July 24, 1967, in Pender County, the daughter of the late Jimmy Rogers and the late Linda Batson Rivenbark. Cindy was also preceded in death by her loving husband, Desi Arnold Newkirk, and her sister, Tammy Maynor.
Surviving to cherish her memory is her daughters Krystal Gurganious and Samatha Gurganious (Josh Biggs) all of Harrells; grandchildren Christian, Braylyn, Jada, Antonio and Gabriel; great grandchild Layloni; sisters Jan Richardson and husband Brian of Burgaw and Sandra Heath of Richlands; brother Jay Willoughby and wife Sharon of Penderlea; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends that love Cindy dearly. Cindy was a devoted wife and caring mother, grandmother and sister who loved her family dearly. She adored her grandchildren and spoiled them whenever she got the chance. Cindy was a dedicated wife who loved and cared for her husband, Desi, while he battled cancer. Being an avid outdoors person, Cindy enjoyed playing softball in high school and gardening. She took great pride in making sure her yard was close to perfection. Cindy loved all animals, but her favorite was horses. She enjoyed watching the Kentucky Derby and football games on TV. With a big heart, Cindy would give the shirt o her back to anyone in need. Cindy will surely be missed, but treasured memories will remain in the hearts of all those who knew and loved her.
A Celebration of Life Service will be announced at a later date.
Joseph Alphause Morris III
Aug. 30, 1961 – Jan. 23, 2026
Warsaw- Mr. Joseph Alphause Morris III, age 64, put his hand in the Master’s hand on Monday, January 23, 2026, at ECU Duplin Hospital in Kenansville, North Carolina. The arrangements are incomplete at this time. Please keep the family in your prayers during their time of sorrow.
Ella Mae Starling
Jan. 26, 2026
Ella Mae Starling, 94, passed away Monday, January 26, 2026, at The Gardens of Rose Hill. Miss Starling was born in Cumberland County, NC, to the late Maurlus Gainey Starling and Jannie Elizabeth Ward Starling.
Miss Starling spent a career teaching in Cumberland County, and she was also a member of the Rose Hill Baptist Church.
Miss Starling is survived by sister, Sarah Parker of Georgia; nephews, Ralph Starling of Denver, NC, Steve Starling of Franklinton, NC, and Wayne Parker of FL; and nieces Sandra Ross of GA and Jennifer Dinnsen of Charlotte, NC. No services are scheduled at this time.
Myles Holloway
Aug. 8, 1955 – Jan. 23, 2026
Goldsboro- Mr. Myles Holloway, 70, completed his earthly journey and transitioned from labor to reward, Friday, January 23, 2026, at home surrounded by his loving family. The Celebration of Life will be on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 1 p.m. at J.B. Rhodes Jr. Memorial Chapel, 1701 Wayne Memorial Drive, Goldsboro, NC 27534. There will be a viewing from noon to 12:50 p.m. He will be laid to rest at Wayne Memorial Park, 2925 US Hwy 117 S., Dudley, NC 28333. Please remember his family in prayer during their time of bereavement.
Mary Franklin “Frankie” Dempsey Peterson
Nov. 9, 1937 – Jan. 26, 2026
Mary Franklin “Frankie” Dempsey Peterson left this earthly life at the age of 88 to join her Lord on Monday, January 26, 2026. She passed away peacefully in her home in Harrells, NC, during the night, all tucked in and ready to reunite with her loved ones. Frankie was born on 11-091937, the rstborn child of Seba and Mary Lillie Dempsey, in Wallace, NC. She was raised in a loving and tight-knit family, and was devoted to her parents and sisters. She met and shortly thereafter married Erwin “Scott” Peterson of Harrells, NC. She was predeceased by her parents Seba and Mary Lillie Dempsey of Wallace, NC; husband Scott Peterson of Harrells, NC; sister Shelby D. Moore and brother-inlaw David Moore of Wilmington, NC; sister-in-law and brother-inlaw Rachel P. Nichols and Ray Nichols of Harrells, NC; sisterin-law and brother-in-law Emily P. Knowles and Charles Knowles of Wallace, NC; niece Denise P. Nichols and her half-sister Betty Rae Monroe of White Oak, NC. She is survived by her youngest sister, Linda D. Chamblee, and brother-in-law, Barry Chamblee, of Wendell, NC. Although Frankie and Scott had no children of their own, they considered all of the nieces and nephews as “Ours”. Trent Rogers (Melissa); Scott Rogers (Lisa); Bryan Moore (Sheila); Todd Moore (Tracey); Nikkie M. Johnson (Stan); Kathy Walker (Rusty); Frank Nichols; Glenn Knowles (Beth). She was as devoted to her many great nephews and nieces as she was their parents, providing them all with loving and happy memories and stories to tell for years. They
Reginald Lawrence Phillips
Oct. 11, 1983 – Jan. 28, 2026
Goldsboro- It is with great sadness that we announce the loss of Mr. Reginald Lawrence Phillips, age 42, who departed this life on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. The arrangements are incomplete and will be announced at a later date. Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers during their time of bereavement.
are all blessed and proud to have Aunt Frankie in uence their lives. Frankie was raised in the Dupin County – Wallace community. She was the oldest of three girls and was very close to her sisters, Shelby and Linda. She attended school in Wallace and graduated from Wallace High School. It was in her high school years that she formed and maintained lifelong and close relationships with her classmates. Her class reunion always brought her so much joy. Shortly after graduation, she met Scott Peterson, and they were married on February 10,1957. There were married for 45 years at the time of his death. In the rst years of their marriage, they lived in Wallace and later built a home in Harrells. She worked at J.P. Stevens and held several positions, eventually becoming the Administrative Secretary. The friendships found at work were genuine and lasted far beyond retirement. She helped close out the last months of J.P. Stevens and was one of the last employees to lock the doors, but she never forgot a soul there. Upon retirement, she was to happily and wholeheartedly devote her time to her beautiful yard, vegetable garden and raising Koi in her front yard pond. She had a bountiful garden for many years that she was always willing to share with her family and neighbors, and the Koi became her retirement stayat-home job. To say she loved being outside in her yard is an understatement. That is where her heart and soul thrived. Frankie was devoted to all of her family, friends and community. She was a feisty woman with a quick and generous smile. To know her was to understand you had hugs and kisses coming your way each time you met. She was genuinely interested in everyone she met and never forgot a name. She would sing for you if asked; she had a beautiful voice and was glad to share it in a song. And her trademark other than her big smile… she always used her hands to interpret the conversation just in case it wasn’t lively enough. She is going to be greatly missed, but the family rejoices knowing she is with her Lord and Savior, reunited with the ones that have gone before her. Services will be held at Padgett Funeral Home on Friday, January 30, at 2:30 p.m. There will be a visitation one hour prior to the service. Graveside services will be conducted afterward at Harrells Cemetery. The Rev. Bryan Moore (nephew) will be o ciating.
Ronald Eugene Edwards
Feb. 26, 1964 – Jan. 27, 2026
Goldsboro- Mr. Ronald Eugene Edwards, age 61, peacefully transitioned from this life on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at his residence. The arrangements are incomplete at this time. The Sta of J. B. Rhodes & Cremations Care Inc. extend our deepest condolences to the family. Please keep the family lifted in your prayers.
More scenes from Duplin’s snow day
From bitter winds to snow urries, icy conditions lingered as Duplin emerged from Winter Storm Gianna, which brought up to a foot of snow last weekend. While the countywide curfew was lifted Monday, local o cials urged residents to stay o the roads due to lingering black ice and hazardous conditions.
accolades Harrells Christian Academy announces
Principal’s List, Honor Roll
Head of School List (All A’s) — 2nd nine week grading period
3rd grade: Ellis Anders, William Blackwell, Wyatt Coombs, Ezra Davis, Avery Flockhart, Asher Hall, Carter Harrell, Hogan Jernigan, Robert Oates, Janson Parker, Emerson Patram, Ellie Quinn, Charleigh Reeves, Anna Keith Rivenbark, Hollan Sholar, Shelby Sinnott, Hailey Smith, Kyle Talley, Callan Warren, Cole Weeks, Cate White
4th grade: Jake Arnette, Tucker Brantley, Aubrey Bryant, Ellie Colville, Bennett Dail, Aiden Davis, Macy Evans, James Grady Herring, Holden Hood, Emmie Kelly, Laura Blake King, Nate Lee, Isaiah Marquez, Betsy Martin, Bevan Matthews, Saylor McGuirt, Ezra Miller, Hadley Moore, Carver Naylor, Riley Osborne, Rhett Parker, Ryan Parker, Lilly Parrish, Weston Price, Mary Grace Sasser, Evie Simmons, Colton Squibb, Murray Miles Strickland
5th grade: Gunner Arce, Adalynn Bowen, Bella Cavenaugh, Abigail Dagerhardt, Wyatt Dagerhardt, Dalton Davis, Allie Parrish Johnson, Cade Lanier, Taylin Lyon, Owen Norris, Evan Owens, Jake Parker, Harbor Sholar, Annie Marie Starling, Will Starling, Herring Williams
6th grade: Gisella Barbour, Claire Barnhill, Ben Barrier, Isla Blanton, Grace Brantley, Cate Carlton, Falyn Carroll, Sinia Colville, John-Ward Farrior, Walker Hairr, Kate Hall, Paxton Henderson, Jake Hilton, Johnson Ivey, Pearson Johnson, Kenner Lane, Harper Jane Ludlum, Livie Martin, Charleigh Anna Naylor, Scarlett Phillips, Cates Sutton, Piper Thompson, Wake Wells
7th grade: Jackson Beasley, Paul Chronis, Finn Ezzell, Brooklyn Frederick, Kaleb Funes, Brody Hilton, Hadley Grace Lassiter, Landon Norris, Carter Sasser, Annell Grace Starling, Taylor Stranz, Gigi Tew, Mary Thomas Williams
8th grade: Ivey Brown, Emily Campbell, Ayden Chadwick, Hayes Clifton, Riley Coates, Ellison Gideon, Braylen Gomez, Sarah-John Jackson, Ruby Liggitt, Emmie Marlowe, Savannah Matthews, Amory Kate Merritt, Alex Morkos, Marshall Rumbold, Davis Smith, Henry Stevens, Savannah Kate Stevens, Allie Tanner
9th grade: Fisher Blanton, Gavin Campbell, JC Carr, Avery Hall, Kenzie Tate Jackson, Caroline Owens, Breelyn Peed, Nash Register, Lilly Kate Rogers, Parker Thompson, Brenlee Thornton, Zoie Underwood, Anna Williams, Elizabeth Woolverton
10th grade: Oakley Brice, Caven Chambers, Harry Chronis, Talon Coates, Ben Darden, Riley Maddox Falatovich, Brantley Frederick, Scarlett Graham, Addison Haney, Eve Bradlee Hardison, Patrick Hardison, Xinyi Huang, Caleb Kirven, Miller Ludlum, Lainey Malpass, Josiah Marquez, Sam Martin, Magdalene Parker, Davis Rogers, Luke Weeks, Izzy Zukowski
11th grade: Elizabeth Edwards, Windsor Farrior, Hutchens Glenn, Rebecca Jackson, Demetrius Jones, Piper Nelson, Trey Owens, Will
Owens, Noah Tanner, Matthew Wilson
12th grade: Trey Bryan, Collin Cole, Riley Dixon, Gracen Edwards, Brayden Frederick, RayAnna Ginn, Peyton Gomez, Gracie Johnson, Jenna Lee, Kenzie Malpass, Jr Marquez, Carlos Munguia-Leon, Niyuh Pegues, Lily Powell, Mary Willow Rumbold, Jesse Smith
Honor Roll (All A’s and B’s) – 2nd nine week grading period
3rd grade: Knox Bass, Wyatt Byrd, Dakota Chestnutt, Bella DeLeone, Reni Mac English, Worth Graham, Grayson Hall, Turner Howard, Colt Johnson, Julian Johnson, Wyatt Merritt, Brooklyn Murray, Vanna Claire Rackley, Grayson Raynor, Dallas Squibb, Claire Reid Strickland, Bryce Thornton
4th grade: Dany Aguirre, Layla Anders, Khaliyah Bartlett, Ellie Carlton, King Cason, Dixon-Lee Edwards, Emily Hall, Lawson Hall, Emrick Henderson, Ella Jo Justice, Kaison Tatum, Peyton Thompson
5th grade: Emma Bailey, Crawford Bass, Dustin Hardison, Liam Herring, Jack Liggitt, Nell Miller, Kinsley Parker, Kenzlie Rich, Thalia Robbins, Quinn Short, Brea Spencer, Harper Strickland, Axel Vilchis Bautista, Gabriel Wilson
6th grade: Millie Chambers, Jett Coombs, Vince King, Wade Lockamy, Jewels Miller, Anna James Rouse, Harleigh Sholar, Carter Strickland, Katherine Thomas, Kilee Wallace, Nate Wells
7th grade: Paisley Bass, Britton Blanchard, Conner Cain, Adele Edwards, Aubrey Edwards, Aaron Garcia, Leah Gonzalez Chavero, Rebecca Hall, Matilda Parker, Emory Landen Patram, Hayden Peters, Savannah Phillips, Will Rivenbark, McKenzie Robinson, Bryce Simmons, Anna Belle Smith, Andrew Thornton
8th grade: Gabriel Bowker, AC Brown, Holt Campbell, Kendall Haney, Kiyan Hemmingway, Joseph Mejia, Garrison Page, Kassidy Peterson, Harrison Register, Blake Robinson, Sophia Shearer
9th grade: Kayleigh Bowen, Gage Campbell, GaryAnna DeVane, Ellis Dunn, Chance Evans, Rylee Glova, Jaden Hairr, Jackson Lassiter, Wyatt Price, Landon Pusey, Mollie Sasser, Landry Singletary, Morgan Sutton
10th grade: Bailey Bowles, Holden Cline, Bella Jernigan, Taylor King, Jonathan Smith, Trace Thompson, Kenton Willard
11th grade: Gracelyn Bowles, Gracie Brice, Walker Clifton, Wilson Clifton, Robert Coombs, Jeremiah Davis, Julianne DeVane, Ella Lynch, Ella McKeithan, Sam McKeithan, Amir Moore, Kamillah Sabillon
12th grade: Gracie Barnes, Kaeshi Brunson, Karlee Casteen, Josiah Crumpler, Lillian DeVane, Grayson Gatton, Colten Harrell, Noah Johnson, Josue Leon-Ferral, Dae Dae McKoy, Chamani Newton, Preston Russ, Hannah Smith, Drake Smith, Reid Strickland, Landon Toler, Alex Trejo, Kennedy Grace Vinson
COURTESY DUPLIN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE