Warsaw man charged after 130-mph chase ends in crash
Magnolia
A 33-year-old Warsaw man was arrested last week after a reported high-speed pursuit through Magnolia ended in a crash. According to the Magnolia Police Department Chief Jerry Wood, o cers observed a red 2014 Chevrolet Camaro speeding on Monk Street shortly before 11 p.m. on May 21 and attempted a tra c stop. The driver, identi ed as Milton Donovan West, allegedly did not stop and continued at a high rate of speed, at times estimated to exceed 130 mph. The pursuit ended when the vehicle left the roadway and crashed in a eld south of the House of Raeford area along U.S. 117 near the Brooks Quinn intersection. Authorities said West sustained a minor forehead injury. West was arrested and charged with multiple o enses, including felony eeing to elude arrest, driving while license revoked, speeding, reckless driving, no insurance, possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance, carrying a concealed weapon and operating a vehicle without registration. He was booked into the Duplin County Jail on a $5,000 secured bond.
Magnolia sets June 9 budget hearing
Magnolia Town residents are encouraged to attend a public budget hearing scheduled for June 9 at 6 p.m. at Magnolia Town Hall. Town o cials said the meeting will provide an opportunity for residents to review the proposed budget, ask questions and o er public comment before nal adoption.
Parking enforcement near ball elds
Beulaville
The Beulaville Police Department is reminding residents that parking on sidewalks near the town’s ball elds is prohibited and will be enforced. O cials say increased parking along sidewalk areas on Jones Street and East Broad Street has created safety hazards for pedestrians. Police encourage the public to follow posted guidelines to help keep the area safe for visitors. Violations may result in citations or towing.
Duplin unveils Gold Star Memorial marker
Duplin County honored generations of military sacri ce Friday with the dedication of a new Gold Star Memorial Marker in Courthouse Square in Kenansville. Bagpipes, wreaths and tributes marked a solemn ceremony recognizing Gold Star families and their lasting legacy. Turn to A6 for the story.
$4.35M
The mayor said a proposed rate hike adds burden to residents who are already struggling
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
THE TOWN OF WAR-
SAW’S proposed $4.35 million budget for fiscal year 2026–27 is prompting debate
Policy
over rising utility costs, town employee pay increases and questions about transparency in how the spending plan was prepared and presented to the board leaving limited time for review before discussion.
Mayor Wesley Boykin said board members received the proposed budget only shortly before the meeting began, leaving little time for meaningful scrutiny ahead of the presentation. Town Manager Lea Turner introduced the budget plan, which relies heavily on property taxes, sales taxes and utility revenues to fund operations for the 2026–27 fiscal year. Property tax collections are projected at approximately $1.66 million, based on the current tax rate of 50 cents per $100 valuation and a projected 97% collection rate.
shift sparks debate over animal control o cer safety
The decision shifts long-standing practice for animal control o cers and raises questions about safety and eld operations
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
DUPLIN COUNTY o cials say nonsworn employees will no longer be authorized to carry
handguns as part of a review of departmental roles and personnel policies, directing a ected sta to return previously issued rearms.
“Non-sworn personnel are
generally not authorized to carry rearms,” the county said in a public statement, adding that the decision was made to align job duties with county policy and ensure consistency across depart-
Commissioners hear budget proposal focused on stability, operations
The recommended plan includes employee raises, EMS upgrades, sheri ’s vehicles and new county positions without raising taxes
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
“I bet if I were to ask anybody in this room other than Chelsey (Lanier, the nance o cer), I don’t think anybody could tell me what all was included in any one of those functions, that’s why this year it is recommended at the department level.”
Lisa Hughes
KENANSVILLE — With no proposed tax increase and employee raises included, Duplin County leaders unveiled a recommended $79.46 million budget during the May 18 Board of County Commissioners meeting. County Manager Lisa Hughes presented the recommended scal year 2026-27 budget totaling $79.46 million, an increase of approximately $2.5 million over the current year’s adopted budget. Revenue sources include property taxes, sales taxes, fees, intergovernmental grants and appropriated fund balance. The proposed budget appropriates $2.00
See BUDGET, page A2
ments. Animal Control O cers will continue responding to calls, enforcing ordinances, assisting residents and coordinating with law enforcement when needed.
County Manager Lisa Hughes said the decision was based on policy review and legal guidance, not any speci c incident. She said there was no triggering event that prompted the change. Hughes said the decision followed an internal review and consultations with the UNC School of Government, the county attorney, and surrounding
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BUDGET from page A1
$7,310,491 from the county’s fund balance, often referred to as the county’s “rainy day” savings account. That amount is lower than the $7,730,233 appropriated in the current year’s budget.
Hughes explained that the county has traditionally used fund balance as a mechanism to balance the general fund budget, but historically has only actually needed to spend those funds once since 2017.
“In the past when you have adopted a budget, you have adopted it for general government, public safety, environmental protection, scal development, human services, education, cultural and recreational, contributions and transfers and debt service. I bet if I were to ask anybody in this room other than Chelsey (Lanier, the nance ocer), I don’t think anybody could tell me what all was included in any one of those functions, that’s why this year it is recommended at the department level,” Hughes said.
The proposed budget maintains the current county tax rate with no increase and includes a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment for county employees. Health insurance costs are projected to increase by 4% per full-time employee and retiree, and the county is also facing mandatory increases in contributions to the Local Government Employees’ Retirement System.
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
Duplin school board recognizes student, teacher achievements
Duplin school board recognizes student, teacher achievements
By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal
THE MAY Duplin County School Board meeting opened with recognition of some exceptional achievements.
Chief O cer for STEAMA Curriculum and Instruction
Nicole Murray recognized two students from Wallace-Rose Hill High School for academic achievements. Kaylon Leon was recognized for being selected to attend the North Carolina Governor’s School to study natural sciences. The Governor’s School is a fourweek summer residential program for gifted high school students, and it is the oldest statewide program of its kind in the nation. The second student, Edwardo Gonzalez, was recognized as the recipient of the 2025-26 Morehead-Cain Scholarship.
”It is one of the most prestigious undergraduate scholarships in the nation and it is awarded to exceptional students who choose to attend UNC-Chapel Hill,” Murray explained. Murray went on to share that Gonzalez was also the recipient of the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship — valued at up to $55,000 a year for four years. Accepted to multiple Ivy League schools and “hav-
The proposed budget continues all existing county services while adding one marketing and public information o cer position and three positions tied to a possible county takeover of the Wallace library.
“We currently contract with various companies to do our marketing. So, we’re going to try to bring that in house and beef that up a little bit,” Hughes said while explaining the recommendation for the public information position.
The budget also recommends eliminating positions that have remained vacant for more than one year or positions department directors requested be removed.
More than $2.5 million in capital expenditures are included in the proposed budget. Planned purchases include six sheri ’s o ce vehicles, a new cell booth for the detention center, one new ambulance, one ambulance remount and replacement of all EMS cardiac monitors. Additional purchases include one quick-response vehicle, three inspector’s trucks, one animal control truck, a new van for the animal shelter and one Department of Social Services vehicle.
Facility and recreational improvements are also included in the proposal, including restroom upgrades and a johnboat for Cabin Lake, along with concession upgrades at the county event center.
While Duplin County Public
“North Carolina is No. 1 in the country for National Board Certi ed Teachers.”
Felicia Brown
ing a resume longer than most of us here”, Murray shared that Gonzalez chose to attend Yale University.
Newly certi ed National Board teachers were also recognized.
“North Carolina is No. 1 in the country for National Board Certi ed Teachers,” said Felicia Brown, assistant superintendent for human resources. The four new National Board teachers who were recognized were East Duplin High School business teacher Tonya Powers, North Duplin High School English teacher Hannah Smith, EC Adaptive Department teacher Caroline Rocha, and North Duplin Elementary School second-grade teacher Morgan Taylor. All four teachers will receive a 12% pay increase for becoming National Board Certi ed.
The board then approved a consent agenda that included the new driver’s education pay schedule and more than $500,000 in 2026-27 agreements with several IEP service providers.
The board also approved out-of-state BETA eld trips
Schools requested a $2.8 million increase in county funding, the recommended budget keeps school funding at for the upcoming scal year.
James Sprunt Community College “did not ask for an increase for next year,” said Hughes.
Before entering closed session, Hughes recognized outgoing Deputy County Manager Carrie Shields for her signi cant contributions to county operations and budget preparation.
Hughes also highlighted recent grant successes, including approximately $1 million for James Kenan High School and $800,000 for emergency services projects. She said those funds are currently being formally processed and incorporated into the budget so the county can move forward with both projects.
Commissioners expressed appreciation for Shields’ work and acknowledged that her departure would leave a noticeable impact on county operations.
The board is scheduled to hold a public hearing on the proposed budget June 1, withnal adoption of the budget ordinance expected June 15.
In other business
Commissioners approved a request from Consolidated Human Services Director Angel Venecia to contract with E cient Construction Inc. for the con-
for Chinquapin Elementary School, Wallace Elementary School, B.F. Grady Elementary School, Warsaw Elementary School and Wallace-Rose Hill High School. An out-of-state trip was also approved for James Kenan High School to visit Fort Jackson.
Board member Pam Edwards recused herself from the vote to approve a 2026-27 contract for IEP services with Edwards and Associates Physical Therapy with a maximum value of $85,000. The board acknowledged donations from Lovick’s Chapel AMEZ Church and Faison Presbyterian Church for sta and teacher appreciation and end-of-year celebrations. Members also acknowledged a donation from WoodmenLife for outdoor tables and second-grade patios at Wallace Elementary School and a donation from Smith eld Foods for Wallace-Rose Hill High School’s Senior Decision Day. The board moved into a closed executive session to discuss personnel. When members returned to open session, they approved the superintendent’s recommendations from the closed session.
Duplin County Superintendent Daren Tyndall shared information about upcoming exams through May 22 and graduations scheduled for May 26-29. “I’d like to congratulate all our upcoming seniors on achieving their graduation,” Tyndall said.
struction of a new 24-by-48-foot open-air shed behind the animal services building.
The $28,300 project, which is funded within the current budget, will provide covered storage for the county’s emergency animal trailer and temporary shelter space for large animals such as horses, goats and cows taken into county care.
Venecia explained that the structure will serve a dual purpose by protecting county equipment from weather-related wear and tear while also providing a safe holding area for livestock brought into the county’s custody.
The board also approved the purchase of a new LiveScan ngerprinting system for the detention center at a cost of $32,267.
The Duplin County Sheri ’s O ce explained that the existing system, purchased in 2014, is no longer supported by the manufacturer and has been experiencing recurring technical failures that disrupt inmate intake procedures and create operational delays.
O cials said the ngerprint system is essential because it connects directly with the State Bureau of Investigation and federal immigration databases for required background checks and identity veri cation.
The approved purchase includes installation, onsite training and the rst year of maintenance, with annual maintenance costs afterward estimated at $3,933.
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:
May
31 Gospel Concert
6 p.m.
Join the Woodland Church for a special night of Gospel Bluegrass music featuring The Penny Family singers. 2695 Tram Road, Albertson
June
5-6
Pro Rodeo returns 8 p.m.
Revenge Roughstock and Rodeo Company will host two nights of professional rodeo competition featuring bull riding, bareback riding, barrel racing and other rodeo events. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance for adults, $10 for children ages 6-12 and free for children 5 and under. A limited number of tickets will be available at the gate for $25. Tickets are available through Ticketfox.
195 Fairgrounds Drive, Kenansville
June 6
Murder Mystery Dinner Theater
5:30 - 9 p.m.
Duplin’s Murder Mystery Dinner Theater at Duplin Winery will feature an interactive, brain-teasing night of comedy, mystery and live performance with original scripts, quickwitted characters and hilarious twists. After dinner, attendees will interact with characters and work in teams to solve the mystery. The team that cracks the case wins a prize and bragging rights.
505 North Sycamore St., Rose Hill
June 13
Beach Brew & Que
The Duplin Events Center will host Beach Brew & Que, a summer kicko event featuring barbecue, live beach music and daylong entertainment. Live music includes performances by I-42 Band, The Embers and Jim Quick & Coastline.
195 Fairgrounds Drive, Kenansville
Greenevers approves funding priorities for upcoming scal year
Former Mayor Jackial Swinson was recognized for decades of community service
By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal
GREENEVERS — Mayor
Diane Brown opened the town of Greenevers meeting with a special presentation. Former commissioner and town mayor
Jackial Swinson was presented the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award. The Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award is one of the highest honors in the state. It is awarded to individuals who have made a signi cant impact on the state of North Carolina through community service over multiple years. The award is supported by documentation submitted by peers and leaders in the community, but it is awarded at the discretion of the Governor. Swinson’s lifetime of service includes teaching for more than four decades, creating a girls’ leadership program, civic service, published works
and involvement in multiple organizations. Swinson presented a bouquet of roses to Town Clerk Emma Brinson in appreciation for all she does for the town. She also gave a short thank you speech for the award.
“I am so fortunate to have been elected for this honor… I thank all who have helped me in the visions that I have had to help the young, the needy and the elderly,” Swinson said as she recognized several individuals who have been of signicance to her journey.
Continuing in public session, the board discussed a need for new water spigots on Hargrove Drive. They voted against the town paying for them. They then discussed the extension of the waterline project. Additional funding from other projects became available, allowing the town to extend the waterline project into Pasture Branch Road.
The CDBG-R reconstruction project has completed its paperwork, but no demolitions have begun. Brinson said that the project managers are work-
ing on obtaining county permits to build, once the demolitions are complete; they want to secure the permits before any demos start.
Brown asked about progress on the subdivision ordinance. Brinson con rmed that the planning board has not been able to meet to discuss it or other requests awaiting their approval. Brown asked for them to set a date to meet.
“There is a lot of movement and people interested in property right now; the town needs to be able to have a foundation to move forward,” Brown said.
Brinson shared that Adams & Company has o ered to help the town establish a budget in association with grants the town will be applying for. The application — due in August — will be for $50,000 of the NC Rural Development Grant to help make needed repairs to the community center.
The board discussed the 2026-27 scal budget in detail and made a list of priorities for funding. The board approved the following sev-
en priorities: 1. An auger for maintenance for sta to clear plumbing lines, 2. A new lawnmower because the current one is constantly in need of repair, 3. A pressure washer for maintenance, 4. A second truck for maintenance with a $15,000 cap cost, 5. A business phone for maintenance, 6. A new phone system for town hall, 7. A new printer for town hall. The board also approved an increase to payroll and bene ts.
Town employees will have a 2% increase in pay and their retirement match will increase from 3% to a 3.5% match. The overall annual cost increase for the bene ts package is $4,838.87 annually.
The board discussed the need to increase rental rates at the community center in order to maintain the building and be more comparable to rates in other towns. The board approved raising the rent from $200 to $275 with a $100 refundable deposit if the renters clean the building.
The board also discussed the use of the community center
to host soccer games on Sundays. The board approved allowing grounds-only rentals for for-pro t events at a rate of $50 per event. The board discussed the results of the investigation into faulty water meters. The meters were found to be functioning properly so the board plans to bill the resident for all pastdue charges. Another residential problem was also discussed concerning 150 Cedar Lane. Extreme grease buildup in the pipes is forcing the town to hire a professional septic company to pump out the lines.
“It is killing our town’s septic pumps,” Brinson explained. The board discussed the town’s need to update its policies, and they agreed to issue a letter telling the resident that they will pay half of the cost this time but the resident will be fully responsible for any future needed services.
Brinson shared that interest in water and sewer services has been expressed for a residential development coming to more than 20 acres on Highway 11. The development is still in the planning phases.
Brinson shared the town’snancial report for April. The general fund reported $29,905 in revenue and $16,768.79 in expenses — leaving a net pro t of $13,136.21. The meeting ended in closed session shortly thereafter.
Magnolia proposes $991K budget without raising taxes
O cials plan to increase spending on public safety, streets, parks and community projects while maintaining current tax and utility rates
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
MAGNOLIA — With infrastructure projects underway and new community investments on the horizon, Magnolia leaders presented a proposed 2026–27 budget that modestly increases spending without raising taxes or utility fees.
Town Manager Charles Banks reported steady, sustainable growth of 1.5% to 2%, with infrastructure projects progressing and expected to improve services, attract businesses, and strengthen the town’s future over the next three to ve years.
“The town is actually moving in a very positive direction,” said Banks. “Growth has been slow in the area, but we’re still moving ahead. We’re factoring in 1.5% to 2% growth, which I think is sustainable. And that’s the biggest thing with us right now.”
The proposed general fund budget increased from about $960,000 to $991,025, allowing for additional community projects, public safety funding, parks improvements and operational support.
General government opera-
tions were allocated $399,950, while public safety funding increased to $300,150. The streets department received $85,125 for maintenance and repairs, and the volunteer re department was budgeted at $34,800. Recreation and park funding increased to $7,475 to support ball elds, soccer elds, and park improvements. The town also allocated $5,000 for community engagement activities, including holiday events and public programs, along with smaller investments in the community center and heritage garden. O cials noted that these increases would help advance projects already underway, including the completion of the community center and improvements to public spaces.
On the revenue side, Magnolia’s property valuation rose from approximately $32.4 million last year to about $35.3 million this year. As a result, projected property tax revenue is expected to increase from roughly $219,000 to approximately $225,000. Despite this growth, the town chose not to increase its tax rate, which will remain at 67 cents per $100 valuation. While the town con-
sidered a “revenue neutral” rate of 64 cents, o cials determined that the 3-cent di er
ence was necessary to prevent the town from running a de cit due to thin margins.
“We know people are still trying to recover from over the last year with the valuations and the tax increases,” Banks said. “So we’re doing everything we can on our side to try to keep them as low as we can.”
Sales tax revenue remains the town’s largest source of income, projected at approximately $365,000 for the coming year. Additional revenue sources include $45,000 from motor vehicle taxes, approximately $150,000 from utility and sanitation service charges, and an estimated $22,500 in annual interest earnings generated through the town’s Capital Management Trust investments. Town leaders highlighted that these investments have grown signi cantly over recent months, increasing from roughly $570,000 to more than $607,000.
The water and sewer fund also showed signs of nancial improvement and there are no planned increases for water, sewer, or tap fees. In-town water remains at a base rate of $22.50 per 1,000 gallons, while in-town sewer is a at rate of $28 per 1,000 gallons. Garbage collec-
“We know people are still trying to recover from over the last year with the valuations and the tax increases. So we’re doing everything we can on our side to try to keep them as low as we can.”
Charles Banks
tion fees remain $25 per month for in-town residents and $41 for out-of-town residents. Connection fees and deposits will remain at current levels.
O cials projected total water and sewer appropriations at $690,500, including repayment of past support borrowed from the general fund when the utility department previously operated at a loss. Water and sewer revenues are expected to total approximately $320,500 each, with additional income generated from connection fees and miscellaneous revenues. Town leaders credited the public works department for careful nancial management and infrastructure maintenance that helped stabilize the utility system.
A public hearing on the proposed budget is sched-
uled for June 9 for residents to o er comments before nal adoption.
In other business
O cials discussed plans to use Powell Bill funding for pothole repairs and replacement street signs, while also addressing ongoing waterline replacement projects. In addition, the town recently spent approximately $37,000 to repair a leak in the water tower, a repair o cials said is expected to extend the tower’s usable life by 15 to 20 years. Town leaders also noted concerns about aging public works equipment, including a backhoe with a failed transmission that may require major repairs or replacement. Renovations to the community building are nearing completion and are expected to be nished before summer. This facility will host a summer kids’ crafts program starting June 8.
The mayor announced plans for a weekly “Mayor’s Minute” video update to keep residents informed about town projects and developments.
O cials began discussing long-term plans for Magnolia’s 175th anniversary celebration in 2030 alongside park and gym revitalization e orts.
THE CONVERSATION
Trip Ho end, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor
VISUAL VOICES
Reflecting on 100 days of purpose, partnership, student success
Hearing directly from students about the impact of scholarships and educational opportunities was a powerful reminder of why our mission matters.
AS I REFLECT on my rst 100 days as president of James Sprunt Community College, I am reminded just how quickly time passes when you are surrounded by purpose and progress. May was lled with meaningful moments that highlighted the strength of our students, faculty, sta and community partners.
At JSCC, student success remains at the center of everything we do. One of the most impactful events this spring was our Apprenticeship Luncheon, which brought together workforce leaders, local employers, ApprenticeshipNC, NCWorks and Duplin County Schools to discuss expanding apprenticeship opportunities in our region. These partnerships are essential as we continue preparing
| MICHAEL BARONE
students for meaningful careers and strengthening our local workforce.
I also had the privilege of attending my rst President’s Reception, where we celebrated the generosity of donors whose support changes students’ lives every day. Hearing directly from students about the impact of scholarships and educational opportunities was a powerful reminder of why our mission matters. At the conclusion of our event, being able to raise over $5,000 in new scholarship funding in a three-minute text-a-thon event demonstrated the compassion and commitment for JSCC and our students!
Another highlight was representing JSCC at Community College Day at the North Carolina General Assembly
alongside our electrical systems technology program, one of the college’s fastest-growing programs. We were honored to spend time with Rep. Jimmy Dixon and Sen. Brent Jackson, whose continued support of our college is deeply appreciated.
Of course, the greatest celebration of all was commencement for the Class of 2026. Across our nursing, curriculum, and continuing education ceremonies, we celebrated students whose dedication and perseverance brought them to this milestone moment. Watching our graduates walk across the stage was a reminder of the transformational power of education and the bright future ahead for both our students and our college. With this being my rst of many graduations at JSCC, I found myself overwhelmed with emotion, gratitude and excitement for our students’ accomplishments throughout the ceremonies.
Shannon Hair is president of James Sprunt Community College.
Can Trump handle the world he has changed?
The cheap drones that Ukrainians have invented and produced in astonishing numbers — some 60,000 per day.
TEN YEARS AGO this month, Donald Trump clinched the Republican nomination for president, with a platform that was vastly di erent on trade and foreign policy from other recent presidents, Republican and Democratic alike.
How fares America — and the world — 10 years later?
In some important ways, things have moved in Trump’s direction. In 2016 and since, he complained constantly that Europeans were not contributing their fair share to NATO. That had been the position of previous administrations, but none emphasized it as Trump did.
Early in Trump’s rst term, only ve NATO allies met the stated goal of spending 2% of GDP on defense. A decade later, the goal has risen to 5%, and most NATO allies are moving toward that goal.
And as Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened his neighbors, previously neutral (for nearly 75 years!) Finland and Sweden, with their highly competent militaries, have decided to join NATO and have made the Baltic Sea just beyond Putin’s hometown of St. Petersburg a NATO lake.
In the Middle East, Trump has also made a di erence. His predecessors’ policy was based on the hoary assumption that the key to stability was to pressure Israel to make a peace agreement with the Palestinians. So America’s task was to pressure Israel to make concessions.
Trump saw it di erently. He pushed the Abraham Accords, diplomatic relations between Israel, Saudi Arabia and Persian Gulf oil producers. Progress has been uneven but palpable. Israel’s paci cation of Gaza has not prevented the Saudis and United Arab Emirates from supporting Trump’s e orts, cooperating with Israel, to disarm and destabilize the regime in Iran. On trade, Trump’s on-again, o -again
threats, impositions and adjustments of tari rates have resulted in channeling trade in di erent patterns. The days of a jointly dependent “Chimerica” (historian Niall Ferguson’s phrase) seem to be waning.
Not everything has gone Trump’s way. His xation on unproblematic trade “de cits” has led him to impose tari s that have fed in ation and eroded his job approval at home. His initiatives in Iran, without persuasive explanations to voters or any attempt at buy-in by the political opposition, have also hurt him politically — although regime collapse in Iran remains possible and could put things in a di erent light.
More importantly, the world has changed, sometimes in line with his expectations, sometimes to the contrary. The prime example is Russia’s war on Ukraine. As Trump has noted, Putin launched his 2014 attacks on Donbas and his 2022 march toward Kyiv when Democrats were president. And former President Joe Biden’s restrictions on aid to Ukraine — especially bans on lobbing attacks on Russian territory — limited Ukraine’s defense.
As analysts of various stripes have concluded, Ukraine has developed drone warfare as a barrier to Russian advance and to make advances itself.
Ukraine has had one advantage Putin didn’t count on in 2022: morale, a sense of national pride and resolve that is unquanti able but has enabled seemingly ordinary people to adapt with extraordinary speed and inventiveness reminiscent of the best of American examples in World War II. It’s interesting that Trump, for all his emphasis on building America’s national morale, has been deaf to the importance of that factor in Ukraine.
The cheap drones that Ukrainians have
invented and produced in astonishing numbers — some 60,000 per day — have routinely destroyed much more expensive Russian missiles and have enabled Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to destroy energy infrastructure in Perm, 1,000 kilometers beyond the Russian border, and prompted Putin to downsize his WWII victory parade in Moscow.
It is clear that the Trump policy of pressuring Ukraine to accept Russian control of provinces it hasn’t occupied is as obsolete as Trump’s predecessors’ policies of pressuring Israel to accept Palestinian control of territory from which the Palestinians could launch attacks like those of Oct. 7, 2023.
It seems clear as well that the remnants of the Iranian regime are unwilling to abandon their 47-year hostilities toward the U.S., and that Trump’s eagerness to deploy “the art of the deal,” even under the auspices of a hostile Pakistan, is encouraging their continued resistance. And in the meantime, will the drawdown of America’s expensive smart weapons in the Persian Gulf reduce American deterrence against Chinese aggression against Taiwan?
The nal verdict on Trump’s foreign policies cannot be written now, with 32 months left in his term and so many kinetic events in unpredictable motion. But perhaps it can be said that while his departures from his predecessors’ policies have had some successes in reshaping the world, it is not clear that he has developed policies adapted to the world he has done so much to change.
Michael Barone is a senior political analyst for the Washington Examiner, resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and longtime co-author of “The Almanac of American Politics.” (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)
COLUMN | SHANNON HAIR
COLUMN
The proposed budget includes a significant increase in the tax base of more than $27.3 million in projected tax base growth driven by annexations, development and revaluations. Officials estimate that each penny on the tax rate would generate roughly $33,370 in revenue.
Local sales and use taxes are expected to generate another $1.33 million, making them one of the town’s largest single revenue sources. Additional revenues include $480,000 in service fees, nearly $198,000 from utility franchise taxes, $150,000 in investment income, about $227,000 in recreation revenues, and more than $158,000 categorized as miscellaneous and other revenues, which include rental income, police-related fees and surplus property sales. The budget also projects $300,000 in revenue from industrial waste surcharges.
Employee-related expenses were a major focus during discussion. The proposal includes a 3% cost-of-living adjustment for all employees.
“The county is giving a 2.5% adjustment. The federal government is recommending 2.5%. You are asking for more than both,” said Boykin, questioning Turner’s rationale. Staff maintained that the proposed raises were modest compared to the town’s existing wage gap. Employee insurance premiums also became a
POLICY from page A1
counties, which led o cials to conclude that non-sworn personnel should not routinely carry sidearms. She emphasized that the move was not nancially motivated and said the county remains committed to supporting animal control o cers in the eld.
The county said o cers will still have access to shotguns in situations involving active threats to human safety, along with other protective equipment. Previously issued handguns will either be transferred to the sheri ’s o ce or sold at market value.
Hughes said animal control o cers are trained to avoid immediate-threat situations when possible and coordinate with law enforcement when danger is anticipated.
“While most calls involve stray animals, o cers will continue carrying protective equipment and tools that meet, and in some cases exceed, industry standards to help ensure their safety in unexpected situations,” Hughes told Duplin Journal.
She said shotguns are generally viewed as “safer and more e ective in animal control situations,” citing “greater accuracy, stability in high-pressure situations and reduced risk of overpenetration compared to sidearms.”
While county o cials say the change strengthens policy alignment and safety standards, it has raised concerns among animal control personnel and their families, who argue the decision could create safety risks and a ect eld operations for o cers who frequently work alone, often re-
central focus during the budget discussion as Turner revealed that the town’s monthly health insurance cost is projected to rise to approximately $24,811 per month, or nearly $1,100 per employee.
Turner said the increase reflects a projected 16% rise in health insurance premiums for the upcoming fiscal year, though final renewal numbers are still pending. Officials also noted that supplemental insurance plans for retirees increased by approximately 35%, further adding pressure to the town’s personnel budget.
Concerns were raised, however, about whether the town can continue absorbing rising costs long term without reducing bene ts or nding alternative plans.
“The budget is balanced. So I’m not afraid that we can’t pay that fee,” said Turner.
Turner also proposed a 5% increase in water and sewer rates, raising the minimum residential bill from $67.10 to $71.25 per month. Water and sewer operations are budgeted at nearly $3.1 million, with Turner citing in ation, infrastructure maintenance and future capital needs as reasons for the increase. Stormwater fees would remain unchanged at $4 per customer, generating about $63,000 annually.
In an interview with Duplin Journal, Boykin characterized the proposed increase as a “slap in the face” to residents, given the town’s high default
“The thought of him losing a form of protection he has carried for the past six years was deeply concerning for our family.”
Tammie
Santiago
sponding to calls at night and in isolated areas. In some cases, law enforcement response times may vary depending on distance, sta ng levels, or concurrent calls for service.
Animal Control O cer Brandon Santiago said o cers may encounter unpredictable situations where immediate backup is not available.
“Administration is not wanting us to put ourselves into dangerous situations,” said Santiago. “But the issue is we are not always going to know what may transpire at any particular call. And calling for LEO assistance may not always be fast enough.”
According to Santiago, the county appears to want animal control o cers to operate similarly to EMS personnel, with law enforcement rst securing scenes where there are immediate safety concerns and responding if situations become violent. However, he questioned whether that approach is realistic given the department’s workload.
According to Santiago, Duplin County’s four animal control o cers handled “over 400 calls for service” in September 2025 alone — a volume he said is “more than LEO, EMS, re, and probation combined. Logistically I don’t think it will work well,” he said.
“The county is giving a 2.5% adjustment. The federal government is recommending 2.5%. You are asking for more than both.”
Wesley Boykin, Warsaw mayor
rates and frequent water cuto s. The mayor expressed concern that residents already struggling with high default rates and water cuto s are now being asked to pay more to fund salary increases.
He said the proposal was particularly di cult to justify given the town’s ongoing issues with water billing disputes, shuto s and public complaints over penalties and collections.
“How are you now going to say to the same people that you’re cutting o their water … now you’re going to hit them with an increase in the same water bill?” he said.
Several capital and departmental expenditures were highlighted, including $176,870 for re department operations, $677,725 for streets, $346,400 for sanitation and $326,425 for parks and recreation. The town also proposed allocating $63,000 toward stormwater repairs and maintenance, $97,440 for contracted maintenance services and $212,000 for Powell Bill street funding, including a proposed $100,000 transfer from reserves.
The town’s proposed zoning and permitting fee structure also generated discussion. Of-
Santiago said the decision “felt like a slap in the face,” adding that o cers who work in the eld daily were not adequately considered during the decision-making process. “No higher-ups have been out in the eld with us to see the job we do rsthand,” he said.
Tammie Santiago, Brandon Santiago’s wife, told Duplin Journal that the change has created fear and frustration at home.
“The thought of him losing a form of protection he has carried for the past six years was deeply concerning for our family,” she said. “He is trusted to handle dangerous and unpredictable situations every day, yet now it seems that trust no longer extends to allowing him the protection he has responsibly carried without issue. I also questioned why leadership felt the need to change something that, for over two decades, has not created problems for the county.”
Tammie Santiago told Duplin Journal that she believes the risks associated with the job have been signi cantly underestimated and questioned the practicality of relying on weapons stored in vehicles.
“Anyone who understands how quickly dangerous situations can unfold knows there would not always be time for Brandon to run back to his truck,” she said.
The Santiagos said they plan to attend the June 1 county commissioners’ meeting to share their concerns.
As the county moves forward with the change, one question continues to linger: Could the policy expose the county to new safety concerns instead of reducing them?
cials projected the new fee schedule would generate approximately $101,300 in revenue against roughly $120,000 in estimated operating costs, keeping the program below full cost recovery as required by law.
The Police Department is the largest expense at approximately $1.7 million. This includes $6,000 allocated for upgrading o cer uniforms. The re department would receive a 5% operational increase. Street operations also represent one of the town’s largest departmental expenditures at approximately $677,725, followed by sanitation services at $346,400 and parks and recreation at $326,425.
The budget also includes funding for drainage and stormwater improvements, with o cials proposing $63,000 for stormwater-related repairs, maintenance and equipment. Water and sewer system operations are budgeted at more than $2.8 million, plus an additional $276,375 in debt service. The town also plans to spend $212,000 through Powell Bill funding, including a proposed $100,000 transfer from reserves to support pav-
ing and street repair projects.
Beyond core operating costs, the proposed budget includes several targeted expenditures. Among the highlighted expenditures is $97,440 for contracting mowing and grounds maintenance.
The budget also allocates $63,000 for stormwater drainage repairs and maintenance, including equipment purchases intended to improve the town’s response to drainage complaints and ooding concerns.
The town also budgeted $5,000 for marketing and special event e orts, which can be used for festivals, advertising, promotions and other public events.
Outside agencies and community organizations would continue receiving town support under the proposal. The budget includes $10,000 for the Warsaw Chamber of Commerce and $6,000 for the Warsaw Veterans Day Parade. It represents a $1,000 increase for parade funding from the previous year.
Recreation and development projects were another area of focus. O cials conrmed that approximately $220,000 remains available in ARPA funds for the Memorial Park expansion project after a recent budget amendment. Those funds may be used for engineering, grant matches or other project-related expenses as planning continues.
The public hearing for the proposed 2026-2027 budget is scheduled for June 6.
Duplin adds Gold Star Memorial to Veterans Park
It is the 11th Gold Star Memorial Marker installed in North Carolina
By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal
KENANSVILLE — Bagpipes, ags and solemn ceremony lled Courthouse Square in Kenansville on Friday as Duplin County dedicated a new Gold Star Memorial Marker honoring generations of military families.
The service opened with a bagpipe procession from the Wilmington Police Drum and Bagpipes. The procession marched along the sidewalk past memorials honoring the fallen and past the Patriot Guard Riders who stood stoically by ags lining the walk.
The Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard presented the colors. Corazon Ngo sang the National Anthem, and JoAnn Stroud led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance. Earl Hardy of the Duplin County Historical Society welcomed guests and o cials and thanked the County Commissioners and Stroud for supporting the pursuit of the Gold Star Memorial.
North Carolina Garden Club Chair for Blue and Gold Star Markers Paula Hartman presented the history of the markers and explained how they can only be installed through the sponsorship of a garden club.
“At the close of World War II, National Garden Clubs were
ly after losing his own brother in Vietnam.
“These monuments represent their immutable testimony of courage, sacri ce, duty and service for the common good, but today we honor their families. Families are no less warriors and servers than the soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines that they o er up to this country,” McNeill said. “Duplin County is a family of families, and what we are doing today is right to recognize these families.” Giving insight into the importance of memorials, Gen. McNeill shared a quote attributed to an unknown source, “A person dies twice. The rst time they die is when they stop breathing; the second time they die is when they are not remembered.”
Hardy re ected on the 250 years of America’s existence and said that the memorial was for all the families that have sacriced along the path of that 250year history. He shared the story of John Grady who gave his life in the Battle of Moore’s Creek Bridge in 1776.
“Duplin County has had Gold Star families since that time. We have given warriors to the freedom of this country since that time,” Hardy said. Mark Grady, a direct descendant of John Grady, spoke about several family members who have served the country.
“It’s an honor to be a descendant of heroes,” Grady said. Grady then assisted two chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution with placing ower wreaths beside the Gold Star Marker.
Hardy thanked everyone in-
Appalachian State University, Auburn University, Campbell University, Cape Fear Community College, Charleston Southern University, Christopher Newport University Clark Atlanta University Clemson University Coastal Carolina University East Carolina University Fayetteville Technical Community College, Hawaii Pacific University, High Point University, James Sprunt Community College, Johnston Community College, Liberty University, Meredith College, Methodist University, New York Institute of Technology, New York University, North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina State University North Carolina Wesleyan University Pace University Pitt Community College Sampson Community College Southeastern Community College SUNY Buffalo State University, The University of Alabama, University of Mississippi, University of Mount Olive, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, University of North Carolina at Pembroke, University of North Carolina Wilmington University of South Carolina University of Tennessee Virginia Tech Wake Technical Community College West Virginia State University, Western Carolina University, William Peace University, Wingate University
PHOTOS BY REBECCA WHITMAN COOKE
The Carolina Patriots and Battle of Rock sh Chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution were assisted by Mark Grady in placing wreaths at the memorial.
Left, Wendell Murphy introduces the keynote speaker Friday during the Gold Star Memorial dedication in Courthouse Square in Kenansville. Right, the Wilmington Police Drum and Bagpipes played patriotic music before and leading into the ceremony.
DUPLIN SPORTS
CLUTCH IN CRUNCH TIME
“We
thought the game was over, but we never gave up,”
Marissa Bernal, ND center elder
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
CALYPSO — North Duplin may have had an informal “passing of the guard” last week during a 10-9 comeback win over Manteo to clinch an East Region title. While a six-run outburst in the sixth inning gave the Rebels the lead, senior Lilly Fulghum had reached her limit in the circle, putting freshman Gracie Higginbotham in a bases loaded, no-out pickle in the seventh.
The southpaw responded by inducing a yout to right elder Sara Smith, a line drive that was stabbed by Ady Spence and striking out Peedee Barry for the nal out in Game 3 of an extremely close series. The Rebels are the only team in 2025-26 in Duplin County to make a nals appearance. ND returns to its classication championship for the rst time since 2023 — when Fulghum was the Rebels’ star hurler. “This was a very emotional
game, and I can’t say enough about my teammates in the eld and Gracie,” said Fulghum, who hit a home run in the rst and gave the Rebels all she had in the circle. “And this shows why we need two pitchers.”
Spence knocked in a run to trim ND’s de cit to 5-4 in the fth, but the Redskins (20-8) got to Fulghum for four runs to secure a seemingly safe 9-4 edge.
CALYPSO — The MVP and 2A championship trophies go through Lilly Fulghum and her Rebels and Karrie Obie and her Bulldogs.
Both Division I-bound players have been virtually unstoppable this spring, and when the opposition walks either senior, their respective supportive casts have stepped up to the plate.
The state title is at stake in this week’s best-ofthree series as West champ Roxboro Community (23-3) is hitting .414, while East champ North Duplin (18-2) is at .358.
The series runs May 27-28 at Duke University’s softball complex.
Obie, who will play at UNC Greensboro next spring, is hitting .655 with three doubles, two triples, 13 home runs, 26 walks and 36 RBIs.
Her 21 home runs last season snapped Karli Godwin’s all-time NCHSAA single-season record. Godwin played at East Columbus and is currently at Oklahoma State. Fulghum, a UNC Charlotte signee, is hitting .615 with 11 doubles, three triples, ve ‘round-trippers, 13 walks, 36 runs and 37 RBIs.
Panthers make fourth round exit for second straight season
East Duplin fell to No. 1 First Flight for its rst loss in 15 matches
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
BEULAVILLE — A soccer season of success for East Duplin was quickly disintegrating with each goal by No. 1 First Flight.
Ella Ray Reece struck for a hat trick.
Savanna Smith and Leighton Dutt also connected as the Knighthawks lived up to their advanced billing with a 5-0 triumph over the No. 6 Panthers in the fourth round of the 4A playo s.
FF (19-3-1) hosts No. 2 Carrboro (20-1-3) for the East Region title. The winner plays the survivor of the West championship between No. 2 Hibriten (20-2-2) and No. 8 Lake Norman Charter (17-4-3).
“They were good and I’d have to put them on another level,” said longtime Panther coach Joey Jones. “I love what my girls accomplished this year, but this team was just too much. The majority of their girls play out of Virginia Beach with high-level travel teams.
“They’re fast up front and it doesn’t take long for them to nd an extra gear and to then get o a shot. They had us on our heels.”
The loss was the rst for ED since falling 2-1 to Trask on March 24. Since that time the Panthers have gone 14-0-1. ED nished 17-7-2 to tie the 2024 team for the most wins in the past 15 years.
The Panthers have gone 8341-11 since 2021 and have been especially hot in the past three seasons. They were 17-6-2 in ’24 with a third-round playo exit and 13-9-2 the following spring after a fourth-round loss.
“To me, the girls have outdone themselves the past three years,” Jones said. “We started out by struggling against
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
ND returns to the state nals best-of-three series for the rst time since 2023.
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Anastan Holley has been a key player for the ED defense.
ND rallied from a ve-run de cit in Game 3 behind Gracie Higginbotham, Wyllow Holmes, Ady Spence and Marissa Bernal to beat Manteo 10-9
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
The only way to stop Lilly Fulghum is to walk the senior, who is hitting .615 with 19 extra-base hits and 37 RBIs.
A season-ending 1-0 loss to Princeton recharged WRH’s soccer program
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
TEACHEY — It’s not so much how many matches the Wallace-Rose Hill soccer team won this season.
The best measuring stick might be how competitive the Bulldogs were the last half of the spring.
While a 1-0 loss in Princeton ended their season, it stands as one of the best in school history. A history rst-year coach Dennis Ly sees as full of sunlight.
WRH nished 13-8 after Princeton captured the rubber game of its series in the third round of the 3A playo s.
But words such as playo s, third round and more wins than losses are a new concept in Teachey.
“It was a battle between good teams as to who will move on,” Ly said. “We played hard and I was proud of our defense to score a nice goal. But No. 9 slipped by and got us.”
Sophomore Libbie Forbey, who wears that number on her jersey, pounced on a ball o the foot of Makenzie Alexander for the lone goal late in the second half.
“It was extremely hot that day and the arti cial turf gave Princeton an advantage,” Ly said. “But we don’t make excuses. I was proud of our e ort. Most of our girls gave 110%. Princeton
STATE from page B1
the ND lineup started the rally as a bloop single by Hannah Gonzalez scored Gizelle Bernal.
Holmes, who scored in the fth, singled in Raegan Herring after Fulghum was walked and Higginbotham followed with a two-run shot to make it 9-8.
Marissa Bernal’s y ball was misplayed in right eld with two outs and ND had its only lead of the game.
“We thought the game was over, but we never gave up,” said the senior center elder, who made a pair of outstanding catches in a game that featured two rain delays.
Indeed, ND needed to be resilient as Manteo hitters battled throughout.
Kayla Austin hit a three-run homer in the rst to stake the Redskins to an early lead.
Spence tied it in the third by doubling in Marissa Bernal and then scoring on a groundout.
Manteo added a run in each of the next two frames to stay ahead on the scoreboard.
“I feel great pride in what our girls accomplished,” said ND head coach Jaime Higginbotham. “This was one of the best games I’ve seen.”
Spence said ND wasn’t surrendering.
“We don’t crack and always do our best,” said Spence, who hasn’t hit as well as she did a season ago, but had three hits in Game 3 and drove in three runs in the 7-5 win in Game 1. “This is the playo s and we all have to play and hit well. We must
was the better team that night.
“We have a freshman goalkeeper and only lose four seniors (Brianna Maradiaga, Salma Sabillon, Kaylee Guzman, Yaslin Melendez). I like what we have going on and our energy to become a better team.”
The Bulldogs made huge strides to become competitive this spring, a building block for the future after going 10-8 in ’24 and 9-9 in ’25. WRH went 50-128 from 2012 to 2023.
WRH will bring back its top two scoring threats as Bayleen Flores (20 goals, four assists) and Gabby Debnam (11 goals, three assists) and other key members of the rising senior class that also includes midelder Nathalie Paredes, who scored the winning goal in a second-round triumph over James Kenan and defenders Angela Rosales and Kaylann Leon.
WRH split with JK and Princeton during the regular season. Yet the ’Dawgs got o to a 3-5 start before going 10-3 from March 24 to the nal kick last week in Johnston County.
No. 3 Princeton (16-5-3) was crushed 7-1 in the fourth round by No. 2 NC School of Math and Science (19-4).
The Unicorns face No. 1 Wake Prep (21-2-1) in the East Region nal this week, while No. 1 Pine Lake Prep (18-3) meets No. 2 Henderson (21-2-1) for the West title.
And speaking of titles, WRH shared the Swain Valley Conference with James Kenan and Princeton. No Bulldog team from the past can make that claim.
be at our best on every play.”
Higginbotham, a coach at the University of Mount Olive for more than a decade, liked her team’s defensive e ort.
“We made three clutch defensive plays,” she said. “Ady at second with the line drive, an out eld catch and a few smart
moves getting the lead runners. Smart softball. That was also a great e ort by our freshman pitcher. Those are things and plays you can’t teach.”
Spence’s three-run double in the rst gave ND the lead in the series opener. It was the lone hit of the frame. Higginbotham
and Fulghum drew walks and a sacri ce bunt by Holmes and two errors played into the jam for Manteo.
ND (18-2) thrived o Manteo’s miscues in the third as four runs came across with only Fulghum and Holmes driving the ball out of the in eld.
Up 7-2, the Redskins scored twice in the fth and once in the seventh.
Winning pitcher Fulghum struck out the nal out in the rst, second, third, sixth and seventh innings.
Spunky Redskins squeeze out Game 2 win
One bad inning and a home run by the No. 9 hitter led to Manteo’s 6-5 win in the second game of the series in Dare County.
Errors and a two-run homer by Haley Wescott gave the Redskins a 5-1 lead. But Higginbotham recovered from a leado triple in the second and did not allow a run.
Higginbotham and Raegan Herring each singled in a run in ND’s third inning and Marissa Bernal smacked a tworun shot into the right-center gap as the Rebels tied it at 5-5.
But a solo homer by No. 9 hitter Hurley Williams in the fourth was the di erence.
Fulghum gave ND a 1-0 lead and ied out to deep left eld in the seventh, as the ball was caught three feet short of the fence.
The long balls came with the help of an outgoing wind of more than 15 mph.
While struggling in the second, Higginbotham used whi s to end the rst and third innings. Fulghum struck out Bella Huntingford to end the sixth with runners at second and third.
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL Kaylee Guzman was one of four seniors on the Bulldogs’ soccer squad.
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Seniors Ady Spence, Marissa Bernal and Lilly Fulghum each scored during the Rebels’ six-run rally to beat Manteo in Game 3.
NCHSAA approves girls’ ag football, boys’ volleyball
Prep organizing body votes down cutting of classi cations and the use of a shot clock for basketball
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
KENANSVILLE — Foot-
ball, boys’ soccer and girls’ tennis rule the fall prep season.
Baseball, softball, girls’ soccer and track and eld are in the crowded spring, while basketball is the only game in Duplin towns in the winter.
Look for two other sports to become attractive options for student-athletes in the state as the NCHSAA Board of Directors has approved startup programs for girls’ ag football in the fall and boys’ volleyball in the spring.
Both will be integrated into the calendar and have a state championship.
There are 35 schools with ag football teams and 120 schools with boys’ volleyball programs.
The vote for football passed by a 9-8 vote. A 13-4 tally made it a fall sport.
Currently, more than 70,000 females play the sport in 30 states, according to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association.
Additionally, colleges are o ering ag football for girls, which will certainly enhance the appeal for girls playing the sport in high school.
Internationally, the sport received a big boost with the announcement that it will be on the dockets for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
Boys’ volleyball passed by a
PLAYERS from page B1
Chances are both will be awarded intentionally free passes to rst base if possible.
And both will play against one another at the next level as UNCG and UNCC collide annually.
Given that both could be on rst base seconds after stepping into the batter’s box, the contributions of teammates that follow will be a key to the series.
The Bulldogs’ bats have outscored foes 326-86 behind the following players: Katie Mann (.508, seven doubles, three triples, seven HRs), Leah Grifn (.422, seven doubles, a triple, ve HRs), Karlie Barringer (.414, 11 walks, second in runs with 31) and Kylie Powers (.422, 22 RBIs).
Seven players have 20 or more RBIs.
Roxboro’s lone loss to a 2A school came against South Stanly in the West Region series. Its other setbacks were to 8A Laney on March 7 and 5A Eastern Alamance on Feb. 25.
Junior hurler Kaylan Pope is 19-1 with 113 strikeouts, 41 walks and a 2.65 ERA in 118 innings this season. Pope, the NC Softball Coaches’ Association’s Pitcher of the Year in District 2, went 16-6 last season with a .388 ERA.
SOCCER from page B1
mainly Onslow County and the more we played the more our girls became uni ed.”
The connection led the Panthers to an ECC title. ED has captured at least a share of the league crown four times in the past six seasons. The Panthers won it outright this spring and in ’24 and ’22 and shared it with Clinton in ’21. After a rst-round bye, ED squashed North Pitt 5-0 and then pushed past North Johnston 6-4. The Panthers had a 4-1 lead on NJ at halftime and Anamarie Rodriguez and her counterpart on the other side of the eld, Ella Williams, each red in a hat trick of goals. Rodriguez nished the season with 30 goals via just 37 shots.
That’s sharpshooting.
ED opened up its o ense with scores by Joselin Ma-
ED females.
10-7 margin as North Carolina became the 36th state to have the sport.
The North Carolina Boys Volleyball Association started in 2017 with four teams. The organization expects 200 teams next year, including 133 public schools that count toward sanctioning requirements, leaving the sport well above the threshold needed to be a sport in the NCHSAA.
Watered down brackets to continue
The NCHSAA, which this year increased its classi cations from four to eight, is holding rm on allowing 48 teams to participate in the playo s in each classi cation. That’s 24 for the East and the West Regions, which has fre -
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Roxboro’s Karrie Obie has hit 13 home runs this season after setting a state record of 21 in 2025.
The two teams have met once before, ironically in the season ND won its only state title — 2015.
The Rebels won the second-round a air 7-1 and roared to the 1A title behind Haley Brogden, Rylee Pate, Mikayla Koch and Shaily McCarty.
And with that a new tradition started in Calypso. ND lost to Princeton in the East Region
ta-Aguilar, Laneace Hernandez and Marley Segundo. Two scores by Rodriguez and another by Mata-Aguilar put ED in front 3-1. Segundo’s jackpot ve minutes before halftime made it 4-1 at the break with her 18th score of the spring.
Rodriguez’s third goal was the rst of the second half. Sydney Daughtrey red in her 62nd and 63rd scores of the season in the nal 17 minutes of play.
It might have looked like an upset win over No. 3 NJ (17-43), but the second-place team to Washington in the Three Rivers 4A Conference played inferior competition to what the Panthers faced – Richlands (18-6), Swansboro (10-8-3), White Oak (14-10-2) and Cape Fear Academy (18-1-1).
Mata-Aguilar, mid elder Kayleigh Chase and stopper Zoe Cavanaugh played their nal match for the Panthers, a team that will return
quently led to as many as eight teams in each classi cation earning a rst-round bye.
The vote to reduce playo teams from 48 to 32 failed by a 10-7 vote.
Cost of shot clock shoots down resolution
One day a shot clock will come to prep basketball.
That day isn’t xed on the calendar as a measure to allow a shot clock for scrimmages, invitational tournament and special events was axed by the NCHSAA.
The main reason for the rejection was a tentative cost of $5,000-$6,000 to purchase and install the clocks.
The board said smaller schools would be burdened by the cost.
nal the next spring and has ruled the Carolina Conference. The Rebels are back in thenals after nishing runner-up to Union Academy in 2023. ND and Roxboro have nearly clashed the past two seasons.
Hitters that are expected to come through if Fulghum is walked include Gracie Higginbotham, Wyllow Holmes, Marissa Bernal and Ady Spence. Higginbotham (.614, nine doubles, four triples, HR, 19 walks, 37 runs, 16 RBIs) and Holmes (.453, 32 runs, 15 RBIs) are freshmen upstarts, Bernal (.362, eight doubles, four triples, ve HRs, 21 runs, 26 RBIs) and Spence (.271, four doubles, triple, 14 runs, 20 RBIs) are returning senior leaders.
In the circle, ND puts its trust in Higginbotham, a southpaw, and Fulghum, a right-hander, who pitched the Rebels to the nals as a freshman in 2022.
Last season, ND lost to Bear Grass in the second round and then whipped Roxboro. Northside-Pinetown beat ND and Roxboro in the fourth round and East Region nal, respectively, in 2024.
Roxboro head coach Michael Clark is 63-26 since taking over in 2022.
Rebel coach Higginbotham is 85-19 in the past ve seasons.
the bulk of its roster in 2027.
“Kayleigh’s been so solid the last two years and as good a player as you could ask for,” Jones said. “Zoe’s been the one to mark the other team’s best scorer, which is obviously a big assignment every night.”
Segundo, a transfer from Spring Creek, was a big surprise for the Panthers.
In a way, so was junior goalie Kimberlynn Guzman and Sosa Hernandez-Espino, who scored nine goals and had a Duplin County-high 15 assists.
Tabor and Anastan Holley were steady defensively and in the mid eld.
“We have a lot of experienced players returning next season,” Jones said. Rodriguez returned to form following a knee injury, though she still hasn’t reached her full potential.
That’s scary for opponents and a power play-like feeling for the Panthers.
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK SPONSORED BY BILL CARONE
Wyllow Holmes
North Duplin, softball
Not many freshmen are ready to perform in primetime. Wyllow Holmes is among a handful of softball players in the region who immediately showed the skills to be a star — this season.
The lefty-swinging frosh lashed seven hits in 15 playo at-bats, including a two-hit, two-run game against Manteo in the clinching game of a best-of-three series for the 2A East Region crown. Holmes, a slap hitter in the No. 2 spot in the lineup, also had a sacri ce bunt and drove in a run as North Duplin rallied from a ve-run de cit for a 10-9 win.
She’s hitting .453 with 29 hits, 32 runs and an on-base mark of .493.
Bat control has helped her hit safely in 15 of 20 games while striking out three times in 72 chances.
She’s also stolen 12 bases and only committed one error in the out eld.
Holmes is third to all-state in elder Lilly Fulghum and classmate Gracie Higginbotham in several statistical categories.
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
THURMAN PARKER FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
Playing ag football during Powder Pu week is very popular among
NCAA FOOTBALL
Orgeron returns to LSU as special assistant to recruiting, defense
Baton Rouge, La. Ed Orgeron returned to LSU’s football program Wednesday, seven years after he coached the Tigers to the 2019 national title. LSU head coach Lane Ki n added Orgeron, 64, to the sta as a special assistant to recruiting and defense. Orgeron worked under Ki n at Southern California and Tennessee. Orgeron spent six seasons as LSU’s head coach before being red after the 2021 season.
TOWN OF WALLACE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The public and all interested parties are hereby noti ed that the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget has been submitted to the Town Council and is available for inspection at the Town Hall. A public hearing to receive citizen comments will be held on Thurs., June 11, 2026 starting after 6:00 PM at the Wallace Women’s Club, 216 NE Railroad St, Wallace, NC. Anyone having an interest in this matter is invited by the Town Council to attend the public hearing and provide public comments. Persons requiring additional information about the public hearing are asked to call the o ce of the Town Manager at (910) 285-4136 for assistance.
Rob Taylor, Town Manager
TOWN OF WALLACE
TOWN COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
March 12, 2026, after 6:00 PM
NOTICE IS HEARBY GIVEN that the Town Council of theTown of Wallace has called for a Quasi-Judicial Public Hearing on a Special Use Permit Application at the Wallace Women’s Club, located at 216 N. East Railroad Street, Wallace, NC 28466, on Thursday, June 11, 2026, after 6:00 PM for the following:
The applicant is seeking to construct multi-family apartments on SE Railroad Street; zoned R-6 (residential, minimum lot size 6,000 sq.ft.), Parcel ID 09-2693. Persons wishing to speak on the issues are invited to attend and be heard at the scheduled public hearing. Persons having questions may contact Rod Fritz, Planning Director at (910) 285-4136 or rfritz@wallacenc.gov.
TOWN OF WALLACE
TOWN COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
June 11, 2026, after 6:00 PM
NOTICE IS HEARBY GIVEN that the Town Council of theTown of Wallace has called for a Public Hearing at the Wallace Women’s Club, located at 216 N. East Railroad Street, Wallace, NC 28466, on Thursday, June 11, 2026, after 6:00 PM for the following: The applicant is seeking to rezone 2.66 acres, Pin 3314-35-68270000 located at 10771 US Hwy 117 N, from HB (highway business) to R-6C (residential, minimum lot size 6,000 sq.ft., conditional). Persons wishing to speak on the issues are invited to attend and be heard at the scheduled public hearing.
Persons having questions may contact Rod Fritz, Planning Director at (910) 285-4136 or rfritz@wallacenc.gov.
TOWN OF WALLACE PUBLIC NOTICE – CODE VIOLATION
TOWN OF WALLACE, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF VIOLATION – CHAPTER 92 (HEALTH & SANITATION / NUISANCE)
To: Brenda Ingram
Property Address: 1204 N. Norwood Street, Wallace, NC 28466
TAKE NOTICE that the above-referenced property has been found to be in violation of the Code of Ordinances of the Town of Wallace, speci cally Chapter 92 – Health and Sanitation / Public Nuisance. An inspection by the Town’s
cer has determined that conditions
on the property constitute a public nuisance, including but not limited to: - Accumulation of debris, junk or solid waste - Overgrown vegetation and/or unsanitary conditions
Pursuant to §92.18 of the Town Code, you are hereby ordered to abate and correct the violation within thirty (30) days from the date of this notice. Failure to comply within the prescribed time period will result in the Town taking corrective action to remove or remedy the nuisance. All costs incurred, including
This notice is given in accordance with the procedures established by the Town of Wallace Code of Ordinances. Service is deemed su cient by publication when other methods of service have failed or are impractical.
For questions or to con rm compliance, please contact: Town of Wallace Code Enforcement 120 Municipal Drive • Wallace, NC 28466
Phone: (910) 285-4136
POSITION VACANCY TOWN OF ROSE HILL
WATER DISTRIBUTION / WASTEWATER COLLECTION SYSTEM MAINTENANCE WORKER / EQUIPMENT OPERATOR III
The Town of Rose Hill Public Utilities Department is seeking an individual to ll a permanent full-time position. Employee will perform skilled manual labor related to but not limited to, the installation, maintenance and repair of both the water distribution and wastewater collection systems. Employee will demonstrate a high level of specialized skill in the operation of a backhoe for various installation, maintenance and repair activities. Employee will be required to work some nights, weekends and holidays on a rotating basis. Must have the capability to provide “on call” services.
QUALIFICATIONS: A valid NC driver’s license is required (a CDL is preferred). A criminal background check and drug screening will be required. Due to job related requirements, the applicant must
be able to perform work in hot and cold weather conditions, able to lift and carry items weighing up to 50 lbs., possess the ability to utilize clear and concise language skills, follow written and verbal instructions and complete certain logs/ reports. Water and/or sewer certi cations are preferred, but not required.
STARTING SALARY: $34,283.48/yr.; however, negotiable based on current certi cations. Bene ts provided include retirement, medical, dental, vision insurance, paid vacation, paid sick leave, and 12 paid holidays per year.
INTERESTED APPLICANTS:(POSITION WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL FILLED) Submit application by mail, email or in person to Town Hall attn.: Blake Parker, Public Utilities Director, 103 SE RR St., P.O. Box 8, Rose Hill, NC 28458; bparker@townofrosehillnc.com ; Phone (910)289-2000. EOE, AAE
obituaries
Luther Gates Sr.
May 17, 2026
Luther Allen Coy Gates Sr., 69, passed away Sunday, May 17, 2026, at ECU Health Duplin in Kenansville, NC.
A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at Devotional Gardens in Warsaw, NC.
Mr. Gates is survived by one son, Luther Gates, Jr., and his wife, Amy, of LaGrange, NC.
Mr. Gates was preceded in death by his parents, Coy P. and Mable Turner Gates; brother, Gary “Speedy” Smith.
Memorial donations may be made toward funeral expenses at Community Funeral Home or by mail to Community Funeral Home of Warsaw, Inc, P. O. Box 336, Warsaw, NC 28398.
Betty Mae Bradshaw
May 1, 1947 – May 17, 2026
Mrs. Betty Mae Du Bradshaw of the Northeast community of Wallace departed her life here on earth on the afternoon of Sunday, May 17, 2026, while in the Novant Health NHRMC in Wilmington (NC). Born May 1, 1947, she is the daughter of the late Robert Edward and Maggie Davis Du , who lived in Wallace. Also preceding her in death are siblings—Jimmy Du , Robert Du , and Bonnie Gunter.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband—David Royal Bradshaw; children— Christy Bradshaw Cantrell and husband Gary of Wallace and Penny Bradshaw of Wallace; grandchildren—Jada Ann Parham and husband Alan of Wallace and Landon William Cantrell of Wallace; siblings—Terry Du and wife Deleane of Wallace and Tommy Brown of Rocky Point; sister-in-law—Connie Du of Wallace; many nieces and nephews and many great nieces and nephews who adored her; special friend—Faye English; and “her back row church sisters”.
Mrs. Betty’s entire life was lived in the Wallace area. After marriage to her “sweetheart” David Bradshaw, the two spent sixty wonderful years together in the Northeast Community outside of Wallace. Family was the center of her world whether it was her children, her grandchildren, her siblings, or her nieces and nephews. They were all especially dear to her, and they knew it. She worked twenty-plus years in banking before retiring. For many years, she was a loyal member of the Northeast Church, where she was a devoted Sunday School teacher for children for more than thirty years. Over the years, she and Ms. Faye English spent a lot of their Sunday afternoons visiting the sick and shut-ins of the community.
A service to celebrate her life is set for 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2026, in the chapel of Padgett Funeral Home in Wallace, with visitation at 10:00 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will follow in the Little Creek Cemetery at 360 Hanchey Road in the Northeast community. O ciating will be Pastor Aubrey Avery. Family relates that owers are welcome or please consider a contribution to the Northeast Church Building Fund.
Frank Dobinson Russ Jr.
Oct. 2, 1954 – May 17, 2026
Frank Dobinson Russ Jr. of Atkinson, NC, died on May 17, 2026, at his mother’s home in Watha. Frank was born in Burgaw on October 2, 1954. He is survived by his mother, Barbara Woodcock Russ Honeycutt, as well as numerous cousins and friends who were as close as family. He was predeceased by his father, Frank D. Russ, Sr., and two infant brothers.
Frank knew early on that he was called to ministry. He was licensed to preach in 1974 by what is now the Atkinson Baptist Church and ordained to ministry by the Ivanhoe Baptist Church in 1976. He served as youth director of the Burgaw Baptist Church and attended Southeastern Seminary, where he earned a Master of Divinity in 1981. As he continued to discern his calling, he pursued additional education and was awarded a Diploma in Anglican Studies. He was ordained to the priesthood in the Episcopal Church in 1991. Frank served churches in Southport, Clinton, and Goldsboro, as well as parishes in Virginia, New York, and South Carolina. Frank loved to entertain. Nothing made him happier than lling the little house on Point Caswell Road with friends and family and food. Many looked forward to his annual Christmas Open House. He had the old packhouse on the property converted to a gathering place. He enjoyed the monthly suppers with his extended group of cousins and cherished that time with family. He liked to travel and took trips to Georgia and Hawaii as long as he was able. But his real home was North Carolina, and he was proud of the work he did to restore his Woodcock family’s home. For many years, it was one of the homes featured in the Atkinson Christmas House Tour.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.at Caswell Presbyterian Church in Atkinson. Ashes will be interred at Atkinson Cemetery following the service. In lieu of owers, those wishing to honor Frank’s memory may contribute to a hospice of their choice.
Gerardo Gonzalez
Feb. 22, 1994 – May 17, 2026
Gerardo Favela Gonzalez,32, passed away Sunday, May 17, 2026. Mr. Gonzalez was born on February 22, 1994, to Jesus Gerardo Favela Ruiz and Matilde Gonzalez Torres. He is survived by his parents, Jesus Gerardo Favela Ruiz and Matilde Gonzalez Torres, girlfriend, Ann Cristal Loa Pineda of Goldsboro; sisters, Ashly Favela Gonzalez and Ana Favela Gonzalez, both of Warsaw; and brothers, Irving Favela Gonzalez and Leonardo Favela Gonzalez, both of Warsaw. A private service will be held.
James Dewey Lanier
Nov. 5, 1942 – May 20, 2026
James Dewey Lanier, 83, passed away on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, in ECU Duplin Hospital, Kenansville
He is preceded in death by his parents, Dewey and Sabrah Lanier.
The funeral service will be Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 6 p.m., followed by visitation at Community Funeral Home in Beulaville, NC.
A graveside service will be Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 10 a.m. at East Duplin Memorial Gardens in Beulaville, NC.
He is survived by wife Betty Lanier of Beulaville, NC; daughters Yvonne Lanier Nishimura (Ray) and Pam Lanier Preast, both of Beulaville, NC; and grandson Will Preast of Virginia.
In lieu of owers donations may be made to Cedar Fork Baptist Church Building Fund, 668 Cedar Fork Church Road, Beulaville, NC 28518 or Cedar Fork Community Club,1336 Cedar Fork Road, Beulaville, NC.
Mabel Brown Lanier
Aug. 25, 1934 – May 20, 2026
Mabel Brown Lanier, 91, passed away on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, in Dayspring of Wallace.
She is preceded in death by her spouse, Allen “Warren” Lanier, and a son, Allen Lanier, Jr.
A funeral service will be Sunday, May 24, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Community Funeral Home in Beulaville, NC. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service.
Interment will be at Roe Lanier Cemetery in Beulaville, NC.
She is survived by sons Keith Wade Lanier (Connie) of Albertson, NC, and Corey Lanier (Christy) of Beulaville, NC; grandchildren Destey Lanier, Chelsey Lanier and Kayla Moody; and great-grandchildren Cam Moody, Brenna Allen and Clay Lanier.
Roscoe Gene Swinson
Nov. 12, 1942 – May 19, 2026
Roscoe Gene Swinson, age 83, died Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in ECU Health Duplin Hospital in Kenansville. He is preceded in death by his son, Jonathan Edward Swinson.
Mr. Swinson is survived by his wife Elaine E. Swinson of Beulaville; daughter Katina S. Holmes of Summerville, SC; daughter-in-law Stacy Teddar of Black Creek; sisters, Louise Morgan of TX, Jeanette Dixon of Maple Hill; brother, Donald Swinson of Maple Hill; three grandchildren, Dustin Holmes, Abigail Swinson, Chloe Holmes; and three great grandchildren, Kainen Moore, Avery Holmes, and Daniel Swinson. A funeral service will be held Friday, May 22, 2026, at 3 p.m. at Serenity Funeral Home in Beulaville with visitation one hour before the service.
Interment will be at East Duplin Memorial Gardens in Beulaville, NC.
In lieu of owers, donations can be made to the memorial fund at Beulaville Baptist Church, P.O. Box 394, Beulaville, NC 28518.
Mary Lou Kintyle
Sept. 13, 1964 – May 23, 2026
Mary Lou Kintyle, 61, went to her home in GLORY on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at her home. She was born September 13, 1964, in Marion, Indiana, the daughter of Tex William Kintyle and Barbara Ann Mitchell Carrico. Mary is survived by her sons, Ricky Champion (Fern); daughter, Shauna Meadors (Joe); eight grandchildren; sister, Cristie Hitchens; brother, Kenny Kintyle (Jenny); several nieces and nephews and many extended family and friends. Mary loved her family and was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and sister. Her grandchildren were a bright and shining light in her life. She had two special canine companions, Kipper and Zipper, that brought her much joy and entertainment. Mary enjoyed crafting, gardening, and canning the fruits of her gardening labors. Mary’s place at our family table will be empty, but we will cherish so many fond memories of Mary. A memorial service is being planned and will soon be announced.
Jon Sikes
Jan.9, 1950 – May 18, 2026
Jon Sikes, age 76, of Wallace, North Carolina, passed peacefully from his earthly body to his new glori ed body in heaven on Monday, May 18, 2026, after a long and painful illness.
He was born on January 9, 1950, in New Hanover County to the late Joseph Earl and Launa Harrell Sikes. Jon was also preceded in death by his rst wife, Janice James Sikes; his second wife, Peggy Foy Sikes; his son, Kevin Sikes; and his sister, Bonita Chiquita Clayton. Jon attended and ministered at many di erent churches near and far, but Wallace Pentecostal Holiness Church was his home church.
Surviving to cherish his memory are his two stepsons whom he considered his own sons, Guy W. Croom and wife Janeth of Wallace and Donald Croom, Jr. of Wallace; his grandchildren Tyler Brett Sikes, Logan Croom, Garrett Croom and Brandon Parker and wife Jordon, sister Martha Sikes Thompson; brother Joseph Earl Sikes, Jr., nieces and nephews Tammy Bishop, Chris Clayton, Lindsay Souza, Amy Johnson, Patrick Watkins, Brandon Sikes and Courtney Sikes; special aunt and uncle Linda and Charles Harrell; special friends from Pennsylvania - Sid, Linda, Sidney Sr., Nicole, Kim, Sid Jr., Ethan, Evan, Estella, Pastor Karl Horne, Robin Horne, Lou and Brandon and extended family and friends that loved Jon dearly.
Jon was a wonderful father, stepfather, grandfather and brother who loved his family with all his heart. He was a simple man who enjoyed the simple things in life, but his greatest joy was spending time with those he loved. He was a small man in stature but had a big heart and was always willing to help anyone in need. Jon loved people and was loved in return. With a kind spirit and compassion for others, Jon had numerous friends that reaches across the United States. He was a hard worker and a good provider for his family. Jon was also a man of great determination. When he set his mind on something, you could not change it. He was determined to do it his way. Jon was a talker who loved to share stories, opinions, jokes and the Lord with others. He loved life and gave fully. Most of all, Jon loved his Savior, Jesus Christ, and his faith carried him through his lengthy and di cult illness. Jon will surely be missed but treasured memories will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 22, 2026, at Wallace Pentecostal Holiness Church with Pastor Bobby Smith o ciating. A special “Thank You” to Charlie Register, Kayla Maready and Brett Sikes for the exceptional care you gave to Jon during the past months and for making his life more comfortable during his last days on earth.
Harrells Christian Academy Congrats Class of 2026!
A rural venue with big-city appeal
The Kenansville venue continues to grow as a destination for concerts, rodeos and community events
By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal
WHETHER YOU LIVE in Duplin County or visit the area, the response to seeing the Duplin Event Center in Kenansville for the rst time is usually the same; it has quite a “wow factor.” It is a complex you would expect to see in a major city, not in a rural area.
Duplin Journal visited with Duplin Event Center Director Amanda Pope last week. She has been in the position for ve years. She says the venue has evolved since it was constructed in 2005.
“The original plan was for a livestock-type facility,” Pope said, adding the original ooring was dirt.
“From my understanding, they did have a concert on the dirt oors,” she said. “They decided if they were going to do concerts, they needed to cover the dirt up” and pour concrete on it.
Concerts continue to be popular events at the Duplin Event Center. In recent years, artists who have performed there include Travis Tritt, Tracy Lawrence, Justin Moore, Tracy Byrd and Scotty McCreery.
The building has plenty of room for almost any event. The facility totals 75,000 square feet in size and seats 1,875 in the xed seating area on each side. Adding oor seating increases the capacity to more
than 4,200. The building has been used for weddings, festivals and trade shows, in addition to rodeos and concerts.
That’s just the inside part of the Duplin Event Center. The property also has an arena for outdoor rodeos.
Pope came to Duplin County after working in the parks and recreation department for Sampson County for a little over 10 years. She began with Duplin County working in tourism before being offered the director position at the Duplin Event Center.
A great time to visit the Duplin Event Center in the near future is during a pro rodeo event on June 5 and 6, or during Beach, Brew and Que on June 13. Details can be found on the Duplin Event Center website or by visiting its Facebook page.
Memorial Day crowd stands in tribute to fallen heroes
Community members stood in the rain Monday as the names of local military members killed in war were read aloud at the courthouse
By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal
KENANSVILLE — As the names of fallen soldiers, sailors and Marines were being read during Monday’s Memorial Day observance at the Duplin County Courthouse, it began to rain. No one moved. It was a moving, tting tribute to Duplin County service members of the military who made the ultimate sacri ce ghting for freedom.
Names of all the fallen from Duplin County during World War I through Vietnam were read by local retired members of the military, as well as representatives from area American Legion posts, the VFW and the Daughters of the American Revolution.
The raising of the ag was presented by members of Boy
Scout Troop 48 of Faison, which has a wartime history of its own. The troop was founded on the eve of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941.
In an interview with Duplin Journal after the ceremony, the organizer of the event, retired attorney Charles Ingram, said it is important to continue these events no matter how small the crowd may be.
“It means we still care,” Ingram said, adding that the Memorial Day observances are not as well attended as they used to be, which saddens him.
“I think about it when we have these ceremonies, and they are certainly not as well attended as they ought to be,” he said. “If I was one of these 165 men lying in a grave somewhere, I’d be angry that I had made the supreme sacri ce for people who don’t seem to care. At least they know some of us do care, the ones here today. Memorial Day is not just a day about going to the beach and having a barbecue. It’s a day of remembering these men.”
MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
Duplin Event Center Director Amanda Pope came to Duplin County from Sampson County. She was with Duplin County Tourism before being promoted to director.
COURTESY HARRELLS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
Mascots pictured on the front are Avery Nye and Alex Aguirre.
MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
Retired U.S. Army Maj. Harvey Knowles of Wallace reads the names of Duplin County’s fallen during World War II during the Memorial Day observance at the Duplin County Courthouse while event organizer Charles Ingram looks on. The number of fallen heroes in World War II from Duplin County totaled 102.
