Duplin Journal Vol. 11, Issue 21

VOLUME 11 ISSUE 21 | THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2026

DUPLINJOURNAL.COM

Duplin Journal THE DUPLIN COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL

the

BRIEF this week

NCDOT begins U.S. 117 repairs Magnolia The North Carolina Department of Transportation has begun roadway repairs along U.S. 117 from Powell Street to North Street in Magnolia. The project includes removing tree roots affecting the roadway and completing any necessary curb repairs associated with the work. The repairs are part of NCDOT’s Highway Maintenance Improvement Plan for 2027.

Riverbank restoration funds receive extension Additional time has been granted to Duplin County to use funds allocated for the Northeast Cape Fear Riverbank restoration project. Under the Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2026, the funds will return to the State Emergency Response and Disaster Relief Reserve only if they remain unspent or unencumbered by June 30, 2027.

Judicial district changes coming in 2027 A new District Court district will be created beginning Jan. 1, 2027, changing the county’s current judicial boundaries.

The newly established District Court District 5A will include Jones, Onslow, Sampson and Duplin counties, and it will be authorized to have 10 judges. Future judicial elections will be held according to the updated district boundaries.

Villari Food Group receives $800K agricultural grant Villari Food Group LLC in Duplin County has received an $800,000 grant through the North Carolina Agricultural Manufacturing and Processing Initiative.

The grant is part of $3.9 million awarded by Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler to support meat processors and other agricultural projects across the state. The funding is intended to expand in-state processing capacity and strengthen the supply chain.

Airport funding redirected for capital improvements A $1.5 million allocation for the Duplin County Airport has been redirected for capital improvements, equipment, airpark enhancements or access improvements adjacent to the airport. The change comes through the 2026 Current Operations Appropriations Act, which funds state government for the 2026-27 fiscal year.

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COURTESY FAISON FIRE AND RESCUE

Storms leave trail of downed trees across Duplin Strong thunderstorms moved through Duplin County last Friday, bringing gusty winds that knocked down trees and blocked roadways across parts of the county. Emergency crews responded to reports of storm damage, including multiple trees down, as winds from the storms reached up to 50 mph. See more on page B6.

Chief deputy enters sheriff’s race as write-in candidate Charles Weaver says the agency’s greatest strength is the people serving it

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal KENANSVILLE — In a significant shift in the Duplin County sheriff’s race, Chief

Deputy Charles Weaver has officially entered the contest as a certified write-in candidate, positioning himself as a candidate of stability following Sheriff Stratton Stokes’ resignation and the leadership transition.

A 28-year veteran of the agency, Weaver was recommended by the former sheriff to oversee daily operations until

the election and ensure no disruption in services during the transition.

“My priority since Sheriff Stokes asked me to serve as chief deputy has been making sure the public doesn’t feel any disruption in the services this office provides,” said Weaver, adding that patrol coverage, response times and ongoing in-

Tensions flare in Mount Olive A series of disputes dominated Monday’s meeting

By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal MOUNT OLIVE — Mayor Pro Tem Delreese Simmons accused Town Manager Octavious Murphy of violating town policy and state statutes during the

Mount Olive Town Board meeting Monday evening.

Simmons’ first comments about Murphy’s actions came early in the meeting when the mayor asked for a vote to approve the evening’s agenda.

Simmons made a motion to add an item to the agenda.

“We want to know whenever our town manager is doing something,” Simmons said.

“We want to know in advance

what’s going on because things is happening.”

Simmons went on to say he wanted the added agenda item to include a vote requiring Murphy to send copies of all email correspondence to the board and requiring at least two commissioners to be present at all meetings, including those with state advisers on the town’s wastewater moratorium.

In a split vote, the board ap-

Council clears way for more housing growth in Wallace The developer says market-rate apartments could rent for about $1,600 per month

By Curt Simpson For Duplin Journal WALLACE — The Wallace Town Council took major steps toward expanding the town’s housing stock last Thursday, approving a special use permit for a 96-unit apartment community and rezoning property for a separate 120-unit development.

Following a quasi-judicial public hearing with no opposition, the council unanimously approved Wallace Crossing, a market-rate apartment community proposed

by Wallace Railroad Station LLC. The company is owned by Raleigh multifamily developer David Medvetz, who said he has worked in the multifamily housing industry for 35 years.

Wallace Crossing will include 96

two- and three-bedroom apartments in three-story buildings. The development will be located between Wilmington Court Apartments and Southwest Railroad Street, across from Wallace Rehab and Healthcare Center. The parcel is heavily wooded and thick with kudzu vines.

The development will feature a dog park, playground, a half-mile walking trail around the property’s perimeter, fire hydrants and security cameras. Medvetz said the project is expected to take 14 to 16 months to complete once construction begins.

Councilman Glenn Price asked whether the apartments would be subsidized.

Medvetz said they would be market-rate units, with two-bedroom apartments expected to rent for about $1,600 per month at current market rates.

Price also asked about security, and See WALLACE, page A3

vestigations have continued without disruption.

Weaver also said he has reassigned administrative responsibilities following recent staff turnover to ensure office functions remain fully staffed without placing additional demands on deputies assigned to frontline public safety duties.

“My job right now is to keep this office steady, accountable and focused on public safety through the general election,” Weaver told Duplin Journal.

Weaver said his decision to run was not a long-held political ambition but a response to See WRITE-IN, page A2

proved adding the item to the agenda. Commissioner Gena Knode voted against the motion. Commissioner C.J. Weaver was not present at the meeting and requested the board grant him an excused absence, which they did.

When the issue came up later in the meeting, the board voted to approve Simmons’ motion.

In a separate issue, Simmons questioned Murphy’s handling of the promotion of four town employees to superintendent positions in their departments.

See DISPUTES, page A5

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Duplin Journal for Thursday, July 16, 2026

THURSDAY

7.16.26 #134

Historic drought persists DUPLIN happening as Duplin battles wildfires SPONSORED BY

Dry conditions and above-normal temperatures have left vegetation vulnerable while firefighters continue containing two blazes

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By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal AS FIREFIGHTERS continue responding to two Duplin County wildfires that burned nearly 700 acres near Rose Hill and Chinquapin, the county continues to experience one of its driest years on record.

More than 72% of Duplin County was classified in extreme drought (D3) as of July 9 after receiving 10.33 inches less rainfall than normal during the driest first half of a year in 132 years, according to the NOAA National Weather Service’s U.S. Drought Mon-

itor. The prolonged lack of rainfall and persistent heat have dried vegetation across the county, creating conditions that can allow wildfires to spread more quickly.

The larger of the two fires was reported July 8 near Pope Road, Corinth Church Road and Earl Davis Road west of Rose Hill. As of Tuesday, the North Carolina Forest Service reported the fire had burned approximately 529 acres and was 50% contained.

Duplin County Public Safety officials said firefighters faced difficult conditions as low relative humidity, strong winds and shifting wind directions caused the fire to spread unpredictably through thick brush. Crews from numerous local and state agencies worked to contain the blaze and protect homes and property. As a precaution, multiple residents were evacuated from areas threatened by the fire, and the Rose Hill Fire De-

partment opened its station to provide temporary shelter for residents displaced during the incident.

A second wildfire on Chicken Farm Lane near Chinquapin reported earlier this month burned about 164 acres. As of Tuesday, the fire was 90% contained, according to the North Carolina Forest Service.

The Nine Mile Volunteer Fire Department said the Chicken Farm Lane fire was started by a lightning strike, illustrating how drought conditions can allow a single ignition source to quickly develop into a significant wildfire.

Officials cautioned that wildfires can continue to smolder for extended periods during severe drought, even after rainfall. While recent storms have provided some relief, Duplin County remains under extreme drought conditions, and dry vegetation continues to pose an elevated wildfire risk.

News Editor

Moth Night 2026 8:30-11 p.m.

The Cowan Museum of History and Science in Kenansville will host Moth Night 2026. The event allows visitors to observe and learn about local moth species.

411 S. Main St., Kenansville

Cedar Fork Community Club Meeting

Michael Jaenicke Sports Editor

7 p.m.

Patsy Teachey

The Cedar Fork Community Club meets monthly to discuss community activities and local support efforts.

Advertising Representative

Loretta Carey Office Manager

1412 Cedar Fork Road, Beulaville

CONTACT US

Aug. 1

Office Phone: 910 463-1240 To place a legal ad: 919 663-3232; Fax: 919 663-4042

COURTESY ROSE HILL FIRE DEPARTMENT

An aerial view shows areas of burned woodland still producing smoke following the Corinth Church Road Fire near Rose Hill on July 9.

encouragement from the community as residents urged him to run.

“For 28 years, my job has been to serve this county — on patrol, in investigations and now as chief deputy — and that’s what I intended to keep doing,” said Weaver. “But after Sheriff Stokes asked me to step into that role, people across Duplin County began asking me to run for sheriff.

“I learned a write-in candidacy was still possible before Aug. 1, and after weighing that decision carefully … I chose to run.”

Weaver has served nearly three decades with the sheriff’s office, working as a dispatcher, patrol deputy, narcotics detective and SRT commander. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

In an interview with Duplin Journal, Weaver directly addressed criticism from Republican nominee Eric Southerland, particularly regarding office culture and staffing.

While Southerland has alleged there is a “mindset of complacency” among current leadership, Weaver argued the issue is one of resources, not attitude.

“Leadership sets the tone for an office … not something you

July 18

July 21

Ena Sellers

WRITE-IN from page A1

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

point to only when it’s convenient,” said Weaver. “Our leadership is on calls. Our leadership is in the field, working alongside the deputies who serve this county every day. If there is evidence of a complacency problem, I’d welcome anyone to bring it forward — because what I see on the ground doesn’t match that description. I don’t believe the answer is a different mindset. It’s a different follow-through.”

Responding to claims that administrative staff work business hours while patrol is understaffed, Weaver said administrative personnel routinely work beyond normal business hours and often assist with operational duties.

“The idea that administrative staff simply work 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and go home doesn’t reflect how this office actually runs,” said Weaver. “Our captains and lieutenants regularly stay over or pick up shifts in the jail on top of their administrative duties. Other captains — including our narcotics investigators — are out in the field, not behind a desk. Our administrative captain alone handles meetings, fleet management, purchase orders, records and compliance for this entire office — and still finds time to help with transport, patrol coverage and other opera-

“I don’t believe the answer is a different mindset. It’s a different follow-through.”

Charles Weaver tional needs as they come up.”

While some administrative positions require office hours to manage records and compliance, he said no administrative officer is unwilling to step into operational roles when needed.

He characterized staffing as an agencywide challenge rather than one isolated to patrol, saying the sheriff’s office depends on employees working across division lines.

“Staffing is a real challenge, and it deserves a real answer, not a talking point,” said Weaver. “This office runs on people pitching in across division lines … and that’s the standard I intend to hold as sheriff.”

Weaver said he would retain and develop existing leadership rather than make sweeping personnel changes.

“The administrative staff currently in place are experienced, trained officers who have invested years of service in this county,” Weaver told Duplin Journal. “That experi-

ence isn’t something I intend to dismantle — it’s something I intend to build on.”

Weaver said his leadership philosophy emphasizes communication, teamwork and continuity. Instead of restructuring the command staff, he said he would focus on restoring a collaborative leadership model in which every division works together.

“Creating a clear path for capable, up-and-coming supervisors to grow into administrative roles isn’t just about filling positions — it’s about building depth in this command structure for the long term, so that leadership is distributed and prepared, not concentrated in only a few hands,” said Weaver. “This isn’t about changing leadership for the sake of change. It’s about strengthening the experience already here while building a clear path for the next generation of leaders to step up.”

As a write-in candidate, Weaver’s name will not appear on the printed ballot. Supporters must manually write his name in the designated space on the ballot. His candidacy has already gained traction, with the Board of Elections verifying 205 signatures, far exceeding the 100-signature threshold required for certification.

Backstreet Music Festival 10 a.m.

The Backstreet Music Festival will bring a full day of entertainment for all ages, featuring live performances spanning R&B, Gospel, GoGo and Southern Soul music, along with dance groups, local vendors and family-friendly activities.

Attendees can enjoy arts and crafts, a fashion show, cornhole and volleyball tournaments, and music

by DJ Flash from 2-8 p.m.

For more information, call 910-616-7173.

208 SW Railroad St., Wallace

Level Up Summer Fest 9 a.m. to noon The Union Missionary Baptist Church’s Level Up Summer Fest will bring together fun, wellness and community resources with activities for all ages. The event will feature face painting, bounce houses, food, games, music, mental health conversations, community resources and more.

147 Rock Bottom Road, Wallace

Aug. 8 InflataFest comes to Duplin 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

WANTED: SPORTS CARD COLLECTIONS Share with your community! Send us your births, deaths, marriages, graduations and other announcements: community@ duplinjournal.com

Are you ready to

CASH IN? K&C SPORTS CARDS WANTS YOUR COLLECTIONS ••• Specializing in Vintage 90’s Basketball Text: Chris Ingram at 910-289-0422

InflataFest, an event featuring bounce houses, slides and obstacle courses, is coming to the Duplin Events Center. The event will include inflatable attractions, family activities and concessions. Admission is $20 for children ages 3 and older, while adults are admitted free. Groups of 20 or more children can purchase tickets for $15 each.

195 Fairgrounds Drive Kenansville

Duplin Journal for Thursday, July 16, 2026

Beulaville receives funding approval for crosswalk, sewer projects Town officials also discuss water line replacements and wastewater repairs

By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal BEULAVILLE — Beulaville received approval for a $600,000 crosswalk project and a sewer extension during its July town board meeting.

Town Manager Lori Williams shared that a USDA grant was approved for the crosswalk project at the intersection of N.C. 41 and N.C. 24, which will include improvements at all four stops of the intersection. A construction timeline has not yet been established.

Williams also shared that the state approved a sewer extension for the C&D Farms development and 18 additional houses will be added to the project, bringing the total to 42 units.

The town is also moving forward with water connection improvements after receiving a state grant to survey connec-

tions for lead and copper. Water connections at 120 homes were surveyed, with 19 connections identified as “replacement worthy.” The town is continuing to investigate 58 connections where the status remains unknown.

“Grant money will be available to help pay for the replacements,” Williams said.

During public comments, a new nonprofit organization shared information about its services in Snow Hill. Beverly Walcox of Heart’s Hope Women’s Pregnancy Center, located at 884 N.C. 421, shared with the board that the nonprofit provides “pregnancy support, baby supplies, and maternity services to both pregnant women and young moms with children up to two years old.”

Mayor Hutch Jones asked if there was anything the town could do to help and encouraged them to connect with the East Duplin Christian Outreach headquartered in Beulaville. Board members asked for information about making donations and spreading

“Grant money will be available to help pay for the replacements,” Town Manager Lori Williams on water connection improvements the word about the available services.

The board also discussed options for Christmas banners, noting a 12-to-14-week lead time is required for ordering.

“We know we want them to say ‘Merry Christmas,’ and there are some design options with that,” Williams said. “We need to order by mid-August.”

The board planned to review options and make a decision at its August meeting.

Chief of Police Karl Mobley shared that Beulaville Police made 19 arrests in June involving wanted persons and narcotics offenses.

Code Enforcement Officer Jamie Rogers reported the town is addressing uninhabited prop-

erties and managing bulk trash pickups. One specific zoning issue involves a property on N.C. 24 that resembles a “junkyard,” which is not permitted in that zoning district. A letter was sent to the owner requiring a fence to camouflage the equipment.

Rogers said many residents took advantage of bulk trash pickup.

In new business, the board discussed renewing a contract for CPA services with Beverly Stroud.

Though her contract allows for a maximum of $18,000, the town only utilized about $7,000 of her services in the previous year.

The board also adopted a resolution continuing the Section 125 cafeteria plan, which allows employees to pay for supplemental insurance through payroll deduction at no cost to the town.

“Fifty percent or more of our employees are participating in it,” Williams said.

The board authorized Town Attorney Justin Hunter to move forward with foreclosure proceedings for a vacant proper-

A3 ty at 406 W. Church St. The property has been vacant for three years with no communication from the deceased owner’s estate.

“The town is in the third year of paying for the property with no word from the family,” Williams said.

The board discussed how the house was removed and the lot was too small for development, making it primarily beneficial to adjacent property owners. The board approved moving forward with foreclosure procedures.

It was noted that a buyer at a tax foreclosure sale would take the property “free and clear of the town’s tax.”

The board also renewed the contract with the town’s social media consultant Tracy Sanderson. She was credited with increasing website traffic and facilitating the move to online registrations and payments.

The board discussed the possibility of future convenience fees for credit card payments to offset merchant costs.

“She’s been very versatile; she’s never told us ‘no’ to something we wanted to do,” Jones praised Sanderson.

The annual town audit is scheduled to begin July 24. The N.C. Department of Transportation is also planning a pavement project for Jason Street this fall.

Kenansville town manager announces plans to leave Commissioners hear updates on water loss, police grants and recreation programs

West they were sad to see her go.

“I make a motion that we formally accept Anna West’s resignation letter to the town of Kenansville, effective Jan. 2, 2028,” Tyson said, jokingly adding a year to West’s last day in her letter.

Tyson’s motion brought laughs, and the board eventually voted to accept West’s departure.

After the vote, West shared that recent compliments on the new playground at Kenan Park were greatly appreciated. She referred to the new playground of-

ten as her “baby.” She was responsible for lining up more than $500,000 in donations to build the project.

West also said her family had been to the beach for the weekend. She said to her grandson that she hadn’t been invited.

“Grandma, there’s a reason for that,” he said.

“Let me guess. I was working,” West said she replied.

“Yeah, Granny. You’re busy.”

“I think that was God talking through a 9-year-old,” West said

to the board, referring to her timing in leaving her position.

Kenansville Mayor Stephen Williams told Duplin Journal that while he was sad to see her leave, “I am happy for Anna as she pursues her next endeavors. Having known her for a long time, I really enjoyed working with her to further the town of Kenansville.”

In other business, West reported that an incident at James Sprunt Community College had resulted in some water loss for the town. She said roots from a tree stump had wrapped around an 8-inch fire protection water line, causing damage to the line when the stump was being removed. The incident resulted in a 160,000-gallon water loss.

Kenansville Police Chief Jackie Benton reported that the police department had received a partial grant from the Governor’s Crime Commission to replace the in-vehicle cameras in police vehicles. Benton added they should have word in the next 30 days regarding another grant that could give them the funds to replace all the in-vehicle cameras in late fall or the first of next year.

Courtney Brown, the town’s

yond that there’s nothing we can do,” he said.

Haywood Newkirk, owner of Newkirk Valuation and Consulting Services in Wilmington, testified in support of the project.

Newkirk, who said he has appraised thousands of apartment units during his career, praised the site’s access to water and sewer service, stormwater management plan and traffic access.

“In my experience this is an excellent site for this to be located,” Newkirk said.

Newkirk said the development’s location about six blocks from downtown Wallace would encourage residents to walk to local businesses, add an estimated $5 million to the town’s tax base and increase activity at downtown shops and restaurants.

No one spoke in opposition to the project. The Wallace Planning Board previously recommended approval unanimously, and the town council approved the special use permit unanimously after Price made the

motion and Councilman Frank Brinkley seconded it.

The council also unanimously approved a rezoning request for an 8-acre parcel on Old Wilmington Road, where Medvetz is proposing a separate 120-unit apartment community under the name It’s All R’s LLC. The wooded property currently sits between two mobile home parks. The development would be screened by a landscaped berm.

A quasi-judicial hearing for a special use permit is scheduled

By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal KENANSVILLE — Town Manager Anna West announced in a resignation letter that she will leave her position effective Jan. 2. Her announcement came during the Kenansville Town Board’s regular monthly meeting July 7.

“I have included my letter of departure even though it says resignation,” West told the board. “I don’t say I’m retiring because I’m not that old, and I’m not resigning because I did nothing wrong.

It’s not an easy decision. It’s not time to go, but it’s past time to pass the torch to someone else.”

The board had two members absent at the meeting but met the required quorum. The three commissioners there were reluctant to make a motion to accept West’s letter of resignation, so Commissioner Linda Tyson made the gesture, using it as an opportunity to show

WALLACE from page A1 Medvetz said surveillance cameras will be installed throughout the development and on the construction site.

Addressing flooding concerns from nearby Rockfish Creek, Medvetz said the building pads will be elevated and that sufficient drainage is planned for normal conditions.

“If we have another Hurricane Florence, then we’ll be filing an insurance claim, but be-

MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

Kenansville Town Manager Anna West, right, explains to the board her decision to leave her post at the first of the year while Mayor Stephen Williams looks on.

parks and recreation director, told the board there were several sports programs underway.

Brown said the baseball team had been advancing in the state playoffs and were headed to Mount Pleasant on July 10-14.

“We’re super proud of them,” she said. “They’ve really showed a lot of sportsmanship and they’ve practiced hard.”

Brown added that volleyball has started for the season and the department is hosting a softball camp July 18 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. She said 50 kids had already signed up for the event. She mentioned other events upcoming are a football camp July 25, as well as soccer and signups for flag football.

Brown said the department was exploring redoing the entrance to the concession area at Kenan Park in order to host morning coffee and croissants for seniors, plus having puzzles, games and cards available.

Williams responded that a survey had been conducted some time before Brown joined the staff and that her ideas had been mentioned in that survey.

“So thank you for that,” Williams said.

for the council’s Aug. 13 meeting.

Medvetz said construction on the Old Wilmington Road project is expected to take 18 to 24 months once the project receives approval, although he is pursuing an adjacent parcel that could allow the development to be expanded and help keep rent more affordable.

Mayor Jason Wells and Price said investment in that area would improve the appearance and contribute to the beautification of the Old Wilmington Road area.

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Duplin Journal for Thursday, July 16, 2026

THE CONVERSATION Trip Hoffend, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor COLUMN | DENNIS BERWYN

Patients deserve transparency and accountability in North Carolina’s hospital system The 340B Drug Pricing Program was created in 1992 to help ensure low-income and rural patients have access to affordable medicines.

NORTH CAROLINA families shouldn’t have to guess what their healthcare will cost or whether they’re getting a fair deal.

But too often, that’s exactly where people find themselves: navigating a system where prices vary widely, transparency is limited and accountability can feel just out of reach.

At the center of this challenge is a trend that has quietly reshaped healthcare across the country: hospital consolidation.

Over the past two decades, hospitals have steadily joined larger systems, often with the goal of improving coordination and expanding access to care. Those are important goals. But the reality for many patients, especially those in rural communities, has been more complicated.

Research continues to show that when markets become more concentrated, prices often rise and choices become more limited. New consolidation efforts in North Carolina raise real questions about what this means for patients, taxpayers and local communities.

When competition declines, patients lose. And too often, families and employers end up paying the price.

We’re seeing the effects here in North Carolina. Wide differences in hospital prices and real gaps in price transparency make it harder for patients and employers to plan ahead or even know if they’ve been treated fairly.

And it’s not just about confusion. It’s about trust — trust that the system is working as intended and that patients are benefiting from it.

One clear example is the 340B Drug Pricing Program. This federal program was created in 1992 to help ensure low-income and rural patients have access to affordable medicines. Eligible hospitals and clinics can buy outpatient medicines at steep discounts with the understanding that those savings should support

patient care and community needs.

That goal and the 340B program are worth preserving. But over time, the program has expanded dramatically without consistent transparency or clear requirements for reporting how those savings are used. In too many cases, patients have no way to know whether discounted medicines are actually lowering their costs or improving access to care.

In North Carolina, data shows that some hospitals participating in 340B have charged far more than the discounted price they paid for certain medications.

At the same time, there is no consistent requirement that those savings be passed directly to patients or clearly tied to improving patient access or affordability.

When that’s combined with continued hospital consolidation, it raises serious questions about whether the program is serving patients as Congress intended.

This highlights something else worth paying attention to: incentives matter.

As hospitals grow larger and acquire new facilities, they can expand their use of programs like 340B. Over time, that dynamic can reward consolidation, reduce competition and make an already complicated healthcare system harder for families to understand.

Supporting hospitals and standing up for patients should not be in conflict. We can, and should, do both.

That starts with greater transparency so patients can understand prices before they receive care. It means clearer standards and accountability so programs designed to help vulnerable populations actually deliver on that promise. It also means practical federal reforms that protect legitimate safety-net providers while closing loopholes that allow the program to drift away from patients.

The Trump administration is taking one encouraging step by continuing to pursue

the recent federal 340B rebate pilot, which offers a measured way to add verification and accountability before discounts are finalized. Done correctly, that approach can help confirm that a prescription is eligible, reduce duplicate discounts, create a clearer data trail and bring more discipline to the program without changing which hospitals or clinics qualify for 340B. Just as important, it focuses on solving problems up front rather than relying on slower, after-the-fact efforts to untangle errors once the money has already moved.

That is the kind of commonsense reform conservatives should support: limited, practical, focused on accountability and respectful of both taxpayers and patients.

Just as importantly, we have to recognize where responsibility for reform truly sits. Programs like 340B are federal by design, and Congress should lead.

A patchwork of state-level fixes risks creating more inconsistency and less accountability, failing to provide the clarity and consistency patients deserve.

North Carolina has always valued fairness, personal responsibility, competition and looking out for one another. Bringing more transparency and accountability to our healthcare system is simply an extension of those values.

At the end of the day, patients should come first, and families should be able to trust the healthcare system they rely on.

Congress should act now to strengthen 340B through clear federal reforms that restore transparency, protect taxpayers, preserve the safety net and ensure the program finally works the way it was intended: for patients.

Dennis Berwyn is vice chair of the Wake Republican Men and vice president of the Central Region of the North Carolina Federation of Republican Men.

COLUMN | DAVID HARSANYI

AOC should thank baby boomers for the world they left her The average American family in Mississippi now has a higher per capita GDP than the average French, British and German family.

ALEXANDRIA OCASIO-CORTEZ says she knows why socialism is on the rise: Blame it on the boomers.

“Millennials and Gen Z combined, now for the first time, are eclipsing the number of baby boomers,” she explained recently.

“Young people overall feel a tremendous amount of betrayal about the world we’ve been left.”

It’s inarguable that younger generations feel this way. The notion that millennials and Generation Z are toiling in a uniquely grueling economic era, however, is utterly delusional.

But convincing young people they’ve been handed a broken world only fostered an unprecedented sense of hopelessness.

You are not victims of “oligarchs,” unfettered capitalism or any other imaginary monsters.

One of the most popular myths these days (you hear it from both sides all the time) is that the American middle class is being gutted. It’s simply not true. In 1980, 36% of American families were middle class.

Only 31% of Americans are still in the middle class because the upper middle class has grown from 10% of households to more than 30%. The middle class is shrinking because the upper middle class is expanding.

Real median income has not only grown across all classes over the past 40 years but has zoomed past the rest of the Western world. The average American family in Mississippi now has a higher per capita GDP than the average French, British and German family.

That’s a pretty remarkable economic

inheritance. Just ask the soccer fans visiting for the World Cup. Another big grievance of younger people is that housing has become far too expensive. It’s a genuine concern. But ownership rates are no lower today than they were in the ’60s, ’70s or ’90s, and most of the 1980s. The homeownership rate in 1980 was 65.5%. In 2025, it was 65.4%. Rates temporarily spiked through the 2000s when government policy incentivized millions to “buy” houses they couldn’t afford with no money down.

Housing shortages are driven by the laws of physics. It’s not the boomers’ fault that too many people want to live in and around major urban areas.

You also wonder if the average Gen Zer understands that the environment is infinitely cleaner today than it was 30, 40 or 50 years ago.

There has been widespread reforesting and wetland restoration. There is far less litter. Air quality is drastically cleaner, as is water. When boomers started driving, gas was leaded, and most cars didn’t even have catalytic converters. Gen X grew up worried about things called “nuclear winter” and “acid rain.”

An average household spends on clothing and food a fraction of what their grandparents did. And yet, they also have substantially more choices, including international and nutritious fare.

It’s true that healthcare costs have risen.

Some of it can be attributed to bad policy.

Most of it reflects prosperity, as younger Americans will generally enjoy longer life expectancy and better care than any generation before them.

Big Pharma, one of the industries reviled

by Ocasio-Cortez and her allies, keeps coming up with ways to keep people with once-deadly diseases alive. None of it is cheap. Yet. When Ocasio-Cortez first won her congressional seat, Time magazine writer Charlotte Alter wrote a glowing profile of the socialist newcomer, explaining that her “adulthood was defined by financial crisis, debt and climate change. No wonder she and her peers are moving left.”

Since Ocasio-Cortez turned 18 in 2007, there have been only two negative growth years in the United States, one of them due to a worldwide pandemic. From 1970 to 2007, there was, on average, a negative or recessionary year every three to four years.

Americans worked through recessions in 1928, 1937, 1945, 1949, 1953, 1958, 1960, 1969, 1973, 1980-81, 1990 and 2001 without turning to socialism. The only thing special about Ocasio-Cortez’s adulthood is that the recessions have become shorter and less severe. AOC is living in the golden age.

Boomers have failed on plenty of fronts, but being on the hook for a ridiculously expensive student loan on a useless degree isn’t one of the great tragedies to have befallen mankind. It’s just the consequence of choices. And most progressives want other people to pay for their choices.

There are plenty of serious problems — there always are — but historically speaking, by virtually every quantifiable measure available, Americans are living in a uniquely wealthy and safe world. Ocasio-Cortez should be thanking baby boomers for the world they left her.

David Harsanyi is a senior writer at the Washington Examiner.

(Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

A5

Duplin Journal for Thursday, July 16, 2026

WRH custodian raises staffing concerns The board approved maintenance funding

By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal KENANSVILLE — Carol Newkirk, head custodian at Wallace-Rose Hill High School, addressed the Board of Education about staffing concerns during its July meeting.

“We have only two custodians at Wallace-Rose Hill High School, and we started off this summer rough with one out sick and only one left: me,” Newkirk said. “Can anyone in here imagine unloading, stripping, waxing and reloading 64 rooms, not counting the hallways and new board rooms at my school?

I want my school to look good, but it’s time for a change.”

“Can anyone in here imagine unloading, stripping, waxing and reloading 64 rooms, not counting the hallways and new board rooms at my school?”

Carol Newkirk Newkirk asked the board to approve funding for a third custodial position at Wallace-Rose Hill High School. She also shared how a 10-month employee volunteered to help during the summer and that the school found a way to compensate him.

Board Vice Chairman Regi-

nald Kenan thanked Newkirk for coming forward.

“A lot of times you don’t know until someone comes and informs you. This is good information to have,” Kenan said.

As part of the consent agenda, the board approved contract renewals for services ahead of the new school year. The contracts included medical services, policy updates, textbook purchases and lawn maintenance.

Additionally, North Carolina Education Lottery Building Repair and Renovation Fund applications were approved totaling $119,000. The requests include $63,000 for door and hardware replacements at five schools and $56,000 for carpet removal, flooring replacements and electrical circuits at four schools.

The board met briefly in closed session to discuss personnel matters. After returning to open session, members approved the superintendent’s personnel recommendations.

With no other business or comments, the meeting was then adjourned.

DISPUTES from page A1 The promotions came with a 5% pay raise. Murphy had placed a proposal on the agenda to change town policy to prevent the raises from being granted until after a six-month probationary period.

In making the announcement about the promotions, Murphy said, “This is an exciting time for the town of Mount Olive. We have positioned ourselves to promote four of our individuals in current leadership positions to superintendents.”

Murphy said the promotions came at the beginning of the new fiscal year, meaning the employees would receive a 3% cost-of-living increase in addition to the 5% raise.

Simmons accused Murphy of violating the town policy.

“We’re doing this (voting on the policy change regarding probationary periods) because we’re put into a situation where we have to do this, not because we want to,” Simmons said.

Simmons also responded to Murphy’s comment that it was an exciting time for the town.

“We’re not in a great situation in town either, so let’s stop it,” Simmons said. “The situation is this: Our town manager elected to give positions out, and he gave them their pay raises.”

Murphy responded to Simmons’ comments by saying the town has not been following the personnel policy for some time, adding that allowing raises to take effect with promotions provides an incentive for town employees.

Despite Simmons’ comments, the board voted to approve the change in personnel policy greenlighting Murphy’s actions.

Simmons again challenged Murphy during closing commissioner comments when he addressed how town checks were being signed. He said the signatures on the checks were not from the mayor or the town manager. Simmons said state statute requires the town manager to sign the checks or approve those who do sign them.

Murphy, who was appointed town manager earlier this year, admitted he did not assign the

MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

Mount Olive resident Sam Jones, left, speaks about deteriorating road conditions in her neighborhood during Monday’s town board meeting.

“We want to know whenever our town manager is doing something.”

Delreese Simmons, mayor pro tem current check signers.

In other business, the board voted to approve the sale of three acres of property adjacent to Carver Cemetery to local nonprofit ALDA Inc. and authorized the town attorney, Carroll Turner, to prepare and file the deed. Turner informed the board the deed could not be filed until after a survey of the property is completed. He said ALDA Inc. had agreed to pay for the survey and the deed would be filed upon its completion.

There were several responses to comments made by resident Sam Jones during the public comment period regarding deteriorating road conditions in some parts of town, including on Elmore Street. She said that holes had been filled with rocks, and those rocks were being thrown by passing vehicles and lawn mowers, striking and damaging vehicles.

Murphy said he had spoken with the contractor and

that those holes were going to be patched with asphalt, along with others throughout town, as early as next week. Jones said the patches do not last and the roads need to be repaved. Murphy said the list of roads needing to be paved would be discussed during the Board of Commissioners retreat scheduled for Sept. 23.

Jones and Commissioner Harlie Carmichael made remarks during the meeting regarding excessive speeding taking place in town. Carmichael’s remarks came when he mentioned the Mount Olive Fire Department had responded to many traffic accidents in town last month.

Carmichael also expressed concern that citizens were pouring oil and other hazardous materials into storm drains. He asked citizens to be on the lookout for that, emphasizing how dangerous the practice is.

During the town manager’s report, Murphy said that Mt. Olive Pickle Company has agreed to pay for half of the cost of a new pump for one of the town’s lift stations.

Murphy also reported he had met with an engineering firm in Raleigh seeking a solution to obtain a VAC truck to clean the town’s sewer lines, a step toward lifting the state’s wastewater moratorium.

AirPark project enters final stretch Officials report growing business interest

By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal KENANSVILLE — Phase 1 of the AirPark project is in its final stages, according to Executive Director Scotty Summerlin. During the July meeting of the Economic Development Commission Board, Summerlin said the contractor had “finished most of the cosmetic changes” and that only a few areas remained.

“We are putting the final change order together to finish out the contract, and we are hoping to have it all wrapped up before the August meeting,” Summerlin said.

The project is expected to come in under budget, allowing for extra funds to be used in other projects.

Similarly, signage at the AirPark is almost complete.

“They just need to get power to the sign and do the landscaping,” Summerlin said.

The AirPark enhancement project is 90% complete, with an estimated $27,000 surplus identified that the board hopes to repurpose for additional county signage.

“We are looking to use it to help fund signage throughout the county,” he added.

Phase 2 of the AirPark project is in the planning stage and transitioning to a different developer, Daniels and Daniels.

“We have the environmental permit cleared and the erosion control clearance. We are just waiting on the DOT for clarification on a few things,” Summerlin said.

Shell buildings were also discussed.

“Daniels and Daniels did an impeccable job on the first two buildings,” Summerlin said.

“We are in the warranty phase and had a few issues to address, but we’re in good hands with those guys.”

A progress meeting was scheduled to discuss the third 30,000-square-foot shell building. The building will be situated on a “curved crescent lot,” posing unique design challenges for the architect. Because Duplin County has a new process for contract approvals that takes approximately two months, the board discussed giving the contractor specific deadline dates to help keep the process moving and anticipate county turnaround times. The board established an unofficial asking price of $3.9 million for the South Park building and a starting lease rate of $6.50 per square foot annually.

A shift in construction administration has caused a one-month delay and a design revision on the short-term stay lots.

“We’ve made some options on exterior and interior furnishings, and we are hoping to pick up construction in August,” Summerlin said.

Marketing and Research Services Administrator Teresa Chambers projected imag-

“Now that the state budget has been approved, we are getting unbelievably busy with businesses looking at our properties.”

Board Member Carrie Shields es of the options chosen for the homes.

“We went with agreeable gray for the interior with wood-tone flooring, light counters and matching cabinets. On the exterior, we went with shades of gray with white trim and black shutters,” Chambers explained.

The board discussed purchasing appliances for the homes and recommended specifying brands and models, with delivery and installation included. Because the purchase is expected to remain below the $50,000 bidding threshold and is already budgeted, a formal public bid process may not be required.

The board also suggested making the houses have colored front doors based on state colleges and carrying that decor theme throughout the homes.

The board discussed showing the shell buildings to interested parties, and they expressed the need to clarify state and local incentives to help negotiate sales.

“We have a working lease template and a lease rate to start conversations with interested parties,” Summerlin said.

Marketing strategies were discussed, including obtaining updated photos and posting properties on Zoom Prospector.

“Now that the state budget has been approved, we are getting unbelievably busy with businesses looking at properties,” Board Member Carrie Shields said.

The board discussed spending $650 annually on a separate website for economic development. Members also discussed looking into options to maintain a front face at a lower cost.

A new county marketing position was discussed, and the board decided to “leave the website as is, see how the marketing position develops and talk to IT about scaling down the cost of everything.”

The board discussed how revenue generated from the lease or sale of industrial buildings would be designated to return to the EDC to fund future projects. Board members said they had “double-, triple- and quadruple-checked” the arrangement with multiple sources to ensure the funds would remain available for future projects.

The board shared information about their prospective areas and how funds will be coming into Duplin County since the state budget passed.

The meeting adjourned shortly thereafter.

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A6

Duplin Journal for Thursday, July 16, 2026

accolades

Clay McCauley, owner of KIX-FM, hosts the station’s morning show from the studio.

Four seniors earn teaching scholarships

MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

Local radio station celebrates 7 years Clay McCauley shares his radio journey

By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal SEVEN YEARS AGO, on July 1, Clay McCauley introduced a local classic country music station to listeners in Duplin County as KIX-FM. McCauley landed in Duplin County after years in the broadcasting business that took him through numerous markets ranging from Lillington and Charleston to from Burlington and Raleigh as an on-air personality. Until recently, he also hosted a syndicated beach music show.

Known to his listeners as the Clayman, he talked with Duplin Journal about his love for radio and his philosophy about the station. His interest in broadcasting started at an early age.

“If you hear it from my mother, she would say at age 2 I was running around with a hairbrush (like a microphone) saying, ‘What name, what name?’”

McCauley said. He said in his youth, he listened to WKIX ra-

“If you hear it from my mother, she would say at age 2 I was running around with a hairbrush (like a microphone) saying, ‘What name, what name?’”

Clay McCauley dio in Raleigh and wanted to be “that guy in the box.”

He got his chance to become “that guy in the box” while he was attending Boone Trail High School in Harnett County.

Thanks to his principal, he landed his first radio gig at WLLN in Lillington, which McCauley said had “call letters extremely hard to say.”

McCauley’s former high school building burned in May, and plans are underway to turn the property into an amphitheater.

WLLN kicked off his radio career. Like many in the business, he found himself moving frequently to different mar-

kets for better opportunities. His time on the air took him through many areas, including Burlington, Charleston, Florence, Fayetteville and Raleigh. Eventually, he decided it was time to turn his dream of his own radio station into a reality. That’s when he set his sights on Duplin County.

“We just picked a locale; Wallace, Rose Hill, Duplin County,” McCauley said.

Because of McCauley’s experience in radio, KIX-FM has the sound of a station you would hear in a much larger market.

He says the success of a station in a small market like Duplin County is dependent on focusing on what’s local.

“If you’re not local these days, with a smaller signal, you’re going to have a rough time of it,” he said. “You’ll hear some national stuff occasionally, but if it’s local, we like to be on it.”

McCauley said he frequently has guests in the studio during his live morning show, including local business people, staff from the parks and recreation department, and local artists, including a bluegrass group and a singer who recently competed in a gospel music competition.

KIX-FM can be heard at 710 AM and 100.5 FM. The station also streams online at KIX-FM’s website. Listeners can also see McCauley at work on the Duplin Journal YouTube channel at youtube.com/@duplinjournal.

Four graduating seniors have earned the 2026 Duplin County Schools Grow Your Own Teacher Recruitment Scholarship, taking the first steps toward careers as educators in the district they call home.

Through the Duplin County Schools Grow Your Own Teacher Recruitment Scholarship, the graduates will receive financial support as they pursue degrees in education and related fields. The program is designed to encourage local students to return to Duplin County as educators after completing their college education and earning teaching licenses. Each recipient may receive up to $5,000 annually for up to four years.

The Grow Your Own program reflects Duplin County Schools’ effort to develop educators with local connections and encourage graduates to bring their knowledge and experience back to the communities that helped shape them.

This year’s recipients are: London Brown, a James Kenan High School graduate who

will attend Fayetteville State University and study elementary education.

Salma Hernandez, a Wallace-Rose Hill High School graduate who will attend the University of North Carolina at Charlotte to pursue a degree in elementary education.

Zachary Fisher, a Wallace-Rose Hill High School graduate who will attend the University of Mount Olive, where he plans to major in exercise science with a minor in history. His academic path supports future opportunities in teaching and coaching.

Olivia Springfield, a Wallace-Rose Hill High School graduate who will begin at James Sprunt Community College before transferring to Appalachian State University to study elementary education and music.

COURTESY DUPLIN COUNTY SCHOOLS

From left to right, Duplin Schools’ Misty Ross; students London Brown, Salma Hernandez, Zachary Fisher and Olivia Springfield; and Duplin Schools’ Felicia Brown.

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2

Wins from a berth in the state tournament

Post 511 rides Jaxson Smith’s arm to take Game 1 of its series in its bid to make the American Legion Sr. State Tournament field

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal BEULAVILLE — Not every baseball team has an ace who changes the tone of a series, be it snapping a skid or

continuing a winning streak.

Jaxson Smith polished off his status as Beulaville Post 511’s No. 1 starter July 13 by confusing and frustrating Wilmington Post 10 Blue during a masterful one-hit shutout in the opening game of the best-of-five Area II playoffs.

Smith did not walk a hitter while striking out six, and 46 of his 65 pitches were strikes.

Colin Kilcommons logged the lone hit for Post 10 Blue, which was set to host Game 2 at Hoggard High School on Tuesday before the series returns to Beulaville the following day.

The series winner gets an automatic bid to the Ameri-

can Legion State Tournament July 25-29 at Sims Park in Gastonia.

The Lenoir Community College right-hander got the support he needed early and then when it came time for the kill.

Post 511 led 3-0 before roaring to seven runs in the fifth inning to secure a mercy-rule victory.

The winner faces the survivor of the top-seeded Wilmington Post 10 Jr. Sharks and Tabor City Post 507. The opening game of that series was rained out and scheduled for July 14.

Both series are slated See POST 511, page B3

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Noah Bass was strong through 41⁄3 innings during a 5-4 loss to Lumberton in the Dixie Youth 14U State Tournament. He hit a team-leading .733.

Duplin 14U Stars play for it all at Dixie World Series The team opens up the 12-team, double-elimination tournament against Alabama on July 17 in Louisiana

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Bladen Barnett, sliding, singled, doubled and drove in a run in Post 511’s 10-0 win over Post 10 Blue.

WALLACE — Will Rumbold has dreamed of playing a World Series since his father James Marshall Rumbold Jr. hit a home run for Sanford Central that beat Lumberton in 1961 and advanced to what was then a state final.

The younger Rumbold became instantly enamored with baseball and named his son after his father. Will and Marshall Rumbold and the teammates and assistant coaches of Duplin County’s Dixie baseball team will be in the spotlight this week when the 14U team plays in the World Series in Sterlington, Louisiana.

“I lost my dad when I was 11 and remember being on the baseball field when he passed,” said the Duplin coach. “He loved baseball and we watched See DUPLIN 14U, page B2

FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK

Small number of gridiron teams legitimate title contenders Championship dreams begin in the offseason, often with the declarative goal of playing for glory in early December

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal WALLACE — It’s 97 degrees and so humid the swarming mosquitoes are wearing goggles with wipers.

That could only mean summer football drills in North Carolina.

It’s also the time when every player and coach dreams of a rivalry win, conference title and trip home from the state finals with a never-forget-me trophy for their high school.

Indeed, as every coach will spit out between shouts and whistles, this is when championships are won.

If you stop the sweat, you stop the progress.

With the ultimate dream as a mindset destination, let’s examine past state-title-winning teams.

Beating the odds To begin, let’s look at the schools without a trophy.

There are 188 of them, and some might come as a surprise given their proficiency in all things pigskin in the past.

See FOOTBALL, page B2

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Hugh Martin took ND to the state finals in 2007 and 2017.

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B2

Duplin Journal for Thursday, July 16, 2026

Not so fast: New rules for fall team sports Gridiron officials watch for head-slapping while changes are made with soccer goalies and volleyball liberos

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal WALLACE — Prep players learning to play their specific sport often forget the biggest details.

Such as in football when a player at his own 10-yard line watches the opposition’s kickoff and doesn’t actually know or remember he must catch the ball.

Otherwise, the kicking team recovers the ball, just as it would on an onside or pooch kick. Sadly, this happens far too much at the high school level, sometimes because players don’t watch the game on TV, other times because they forget in the heat of the moment.

The NFHS, the national rules organizing body, can’t fix that players are asleep at the wheel, but it has put out rule changes for football, soccer and volleyball that will take effect with the first official grid hit, cage ringer and slam.

Cracking down on aiding the runner There are not many changes for gridiron teams, yet a move to prohibit head-slapping an opponent has the movement completely banned from the game.

Defensive players were the only ones restricted from it in the past.

Other changes deal with quarterbacks using play cards attached to their belts as well as on wrist bands, and teams can also use fixed electronic signs from the sidelines to relay plays.

But in-helmet communication devices remain prohibited.

Points of emphasis include

DUPLIN 14U from page B1 the Braves play on TBS every night.

“I’ve always had a connection with baseball and might be more excited about the World Series than our players. They’ll find out. It’s going to be a great experience.”

The youngest Rumbold is among four players — Braylen Gomez, Davis Smith, Henry Stevens — from Harrells Christian Academy. Vincenty Farina and Andrew Wilson represent James Kenan, Hatch Becher and Kon-

FOOTBALL from page B1 West Craven fits well into this category. They went to the biggest show of the fall in 2008 and lost 35-7 to Rowan. So do Northeastern, Charlotte schools Mallard Creek, Myers Park and Vance, and Douglas Byrd (0-6), Cape Fear and newcomer Jack Britt (0-4).

Goldsboro (1929), Northside-Jacksonville (2016), Pender (2010), Hobbton (1993), Lakewood (1992) and even sad-sack Jones Senior (2011) made it to the finals but returned with runner-up honors.

Yet North Pitt, Richlands, North Lenoir, South Lenoir, Greene Central, West Columbus, White Oak, Croatan, Dixon, Eastern Wayne and 177 others never played for a state crown on the gridiron. Nor have Leesville Road, Terry Sanford, West Forsyth and Gates County, despite having superb teams and making long state-tournament runs.

Princeton and SouthsideChocowinity and NorthsidePinetown are all 0-2, and Kinston’s loss in the 3A finals last fall put the Vikings at 1-2.

So it’s without a doubt hard and challenging, even for solid programs.

East Duplin (1-1) tripped Reidsville for its first title in 2022 after falling short in 2017 to Hibriten, who won its first championship. Midway, Jacksonville and Ayden-Grifton are likewise 1-1.

North Duplin (1-3) won its lone title in 1972 and had close losses in 2007 and 2017 and

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Left, Carrly Strickland and ND hope to contend for a Carolina Conference title this fall after 17 games, which included a playoff match. Right, WRH’s Angel Sevilla and other goalies will have eight, not six, seconds to release the ball this fall. clarification on flagrant and unsportsmanlike fouls, sideline management control and offensive players “helping the runner” make forward progress upfield.

Officials are being told to consistently and without hesitation enforce fouls that threaten the safety of players or the integrity of the game. In other words, no nonsense.

Meanwhile, pushing, pulling or lifting the ball carrier for the purpose of gaining progress is illegal.

Football is the most popular high school sport for boys with 1,029,588 participants in 14,269 schools across the country. In addition, there were 35,097 boys who participated in 6-, 8- and 9-player football, along with 4,969 girls in all four versions of the game to bring the number of players to more than 1.1 million.

Meanwhile, there will be more than 877,000 soccer players as the sport continues to grow closer to football in terms of numbers nationwide. And that mix is fairly equal between the genders as there are about 480,000 boys and 394,000 girls on prep sods.

This fall all eyes will be on goalies as they have eight seconds and not six to release the ball after catching it. Failure to meet the timeframe results in a corner kick and not a direct free kick.

Encroachment during a penalty kick will now be penalized only if the offense has a clear impact on the play.

According to the NFHS, “impact for the defending team occurs if an encroaching defender clearly distracts the kicker or

nor Sholar are from East Duplin, Aibel James is from Wallace-Rose Hill, while Noah Bass, Hampton Bass, Tanner Serafini, Jase Woodard and Dan Wilson are future shining stars at Clinton High School.

Duplin lost to Columbus County 7-4 in its state tournament opener and then nabbed wins over Onslow County, Hoke County and Hope Mills before falling to champ Lumberton 5-4 in eight innings.

Woodard ripped a home run in the fifth inning to give Duplin a 4-3 lead.

Becher also knocked in a run, and Rumbold belted a double, walked twice and scored.

“Nerves got to us,” said the Duplin coach.

Bass ripped two hits and drove in three runs during an 11-1 win over Onslow in Duplin’s first game in the loser’s bracket. Rumbold drove in two, and Smith and Becher also scored a teammate with a base knock.

Bass didn’t allow a hit in 32⁄3 innings, and Rumbold got the final out of the mercy-rule win.

The runs kept coming for Duplin during a 10-0 whitewash of

were dunked 86-8 by Maxton in the title game three years after beating Saratoga. Interestingly, ND’s losses were 20-14, 20-13 and 21-13. Current coach Hugh Martin led the last two Rebels teams to the finals.

Only 114 schools have won a title, which includes 22 schools that no longer exist. And some are so in the past, such as Chapel Hill’s title in 1919, that even grandpa doesn’t remember much about the game when he pulls out his leather cap to show off.

East Bladen, though, has a state finals loss and tie, but not a victory.

And some of the schools thought to be powerhouses locally do not have the titles one might expect from the pedigree of the program as Whiteville is 2-3, Havelock 3-5 and New Bern 4-4.

James Kenan is 3-1 in title games, winning in 2007 and 2013 under Ken Avent Jr., who recently retired from the school system. Bill Taylor led the Tigers to glory in 1960.

Clinton, a big rival to Duplin’s three biggest schools, has been to the finals nine times and won four times. That’s good enough to be in a tie for 18th place.

Yet perhaps the school with the most bragging rights is Albemarle, which is 5-0 in the finals. Two of its wins prevented WRH from capturing a title when Jack Holley was the Bulldogs’ coach. Holley, of course, is second all time among active coaches with a 412-96-9 mark.

Goalie action will be heavily monitored

Believe it or not, 600,000 girls and nearly 100,000 boys play volleyball in the U.S., a figure that is sure to increase since North Carolina will begin sanctioned volleyball for boys in the spring.

One tradition has bit the dust.

Players on the serving team can

no longer raise their hands before the serve crosses the net.

The girls of the fall can now designate two liberos, though only one can be on court at any given moment. Libero uniform bottoms are not required to match the rest of the team and may be any color.

“A team may designate up to two liberos, but only one libero can be in the game at a time,” the rule reads. “When a team designates two liberos and one is injured, a new libero may be redesignated. When a team designates two liberos and one is disqualified, the team must continue with one libero.”

Officials are shouting out preseason warnings to coaches and schools about examining all game-related equipment on the court, including the platforms officials stand on.

Hoke as Wilson (three), Becher (two), Smith and Serafini had RBIs. Becher allowed one hit, three walks and struck out three in four frames on the hill.

Four RBIs by Bass, two from Smith and a rally-killing triple play in the sixth inning helped Duplin drill Hope Mills 11-3.

Woodard threw four innings of one-hit ball. He whiffed four and allowed just one walk. The Fayetteville gang tagged Wilson for two earned runs in two innings.

Duplin won the Sportsmanship

Award at the State Tournament.

Bass (.733), Becher (.357), Rumbold (.450), Davis (.333), Woodard (.308) and Wilson (.300) lead a Duplin offense that is hitting .360 and has an on-base percentage of .481.

The 12-team, double-elimination tournament features entries from Texas, Virginia, South Carolina, Mississippi, Georgia, Arkansas, Louisiana, Alabama, Tennessee, Florida and that host club from the Pelican State.

It is the 70th time the trophy will be presented.

if they play a rebounding ball or challenge an attacker to prevent a goal-scoring opportunity.

For the attacking team, impact is distracting the goalkeeper or if an encroaching attacker plays the ball or challenges a defender to score or create a scoring chance.”

Also, spitting and biting now lead to direct kicks, and verbal offenses are a foul, which could rise to misconduct.

Hands down on volleyball serves

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Kevin Motsinger championed WRH to a 2A title in 2017 and was runner-up to Shelby in 2021.

‘Dawgs and bigger dogs Wallace-Rose Hill (7-4) is tied for 11th. The Bulldogs went 1-3 but rebounded to win six titles (2009, 2010, 2014-17) in nine years, five under Joey Price and one with current

coach Kevin Motsinger calling the shots.

Additionally, the Bulldogs have 100 more wins than James Kenan and North Duplin. ED, which is now and has been in a larger classification than both JK and WRH, had a .274 win-

ning percentage before Brian Aldridge came to town in 1985.

He went 35-20 and 160-57 during his two stints that covered all but four seasons before Holley (132-54) took over in 2011.

Other top teams that have the championship shine as WRH include Reidsville (22-7-2), Robbinsville (14-2), Shelby (13-5), Tarboro (11-6), Murphy (10-4), Mount Airy (9-5), Charlotte Catholic (8-3), Edenton Holmes (8-2-1), Crest (7-4), Independence (7-1) and Thomasville (7-3). Those 11 schools and WRH hauled in 102 state title flags.

Add in 10 more schools and the graph will clearly show that most state titles are won by schools with a title in its trophy case.

Three of Duplin County’s four coaches have more than 158 career wins and that’s a rarity. Motsinger is 13 shy of 200 wins, Holley needs 36 and Martin 38.

Harrells Christian Academy, an NCISAA runner-up in 2021 and 2022, has captured 13 state titles, the last of which came in 2008, which was Holley’s lone state title in five tries.

Bob Lewis, of Clinton fame, was the engineer of the title that preceded Holley in 2005.

And finally, let’s bring to light the phrase that is repeated endlessly from late June to the second week in December: “Our goal at the beginning of the season was to win a state championship.”

B3

Duplin Journal for Thursday, July 16, 2026

HCA building depth on gridiron, starting new era in basketball The Crusaders have a well-stocked roster of linemen, while three new players arrive as their basketball team rebuilds following a historic run

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal HARRELLS — There is safety and strength in numbers.

Small schools in the state often live and die — and win and lose — by the amount of players they can field in a sport, particularly football where there are 22 positions on both sides of the ball.

It is a concern at small schools such as North Duplin and Harrells Christian Academy.

The Crusaders are building up troops for their gridiron team, which opens its NCISAA season Aug. 21 against Parrott Academy, the association’s 8-man championship team last fall.

Indeed, getting and keeping players on a varsity and junior varsity roster isn’t a given these days with so many choices for athletes and students.

HCA lost two offensive tackles and its quarterback from a 9-3 team, but it could have new players ready to make contributions.

Head coach Clayton Hall returns offensive guards Sam McKeithan and Noah Tanner while losing its center and tackles.

“We’ve got some kids from a really big JV team, which include a ton of freshmen,” Hall said. “I feel we have what we need to develop players to play with the best teams. We saw where that fell off last year (against 2A champ High Point Christian).”

HCA expects big things from running back Jeremiah Davis, who emerged as a star at midseason and finished with 1,143 yards and 14 touchdowns. While losing fullback Jarrod Miller

(694 yards, 11 TDs) and all-purpose WR/RB/kick returner Dashaun McKoy (15-426, 6 TDs receiving, 269 yards rushing, 4 TDs, 46 tackles, two punt-return scores) to graduation, halfback Demetrius Jones (383 yards, 7 TDs) is back.

Both will take handoffs from Riley Falatovich, who replaces three-year starter Reid Strickland at quarterback. Falatovich (179 yards, 3 TDs) flashed his athleticism last fall. Yet Strickland passed for 828 yards and 11 scores in one of the better showings for a signal caller in the Wing-T offense run by Hall.

Davis, who recently accepted an invitation to play in the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl at Cowboys’ Stadium in early January, is the second-most recruited Crusader.

Tackle/end Amir Moore (6-foot-7, 270 pounds), who had a host of SEC and ACC schools pursuing him, decided to play at NC State in 2027.

More student-athletes will be available to Hall as they meet the school’s admission standards.

Yet he’s got a big smile thinking about new faces on HCA’s basketball team.

Three new hoopsters arrive on campus Hall is entering his third season as head football coach after serving for a decade as the offensive coordinator and head hoops coach.

Last winter he coached the HCA basketball team to a 29win season, which followed 303, 22-12 and 20-6 campaigns to mark the most successful run in school history.

Yet the Crusaders lost three players, including Antonio McKoy (28.4 points, 11 rebounds) to Western Carolina and cousin Dashaun McKoy (18 points, 7 boards) to the University of Mount Olive. Both played in the East-West All-Star Game in March.

Jeremiah Davis became a top-running back in the state midway through last season.

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Amir Moore came to HCA for basketball and is going to NC State to play football next fall.

Moore, who originally came to HCA to play basketball, averaged 10.7 points, 10.1 rebounds and was a shot intimidator with 1.2 blocks.

Mount Olive also scooped up point guard J’Kaeshi Brunson.

Enter Adam Fekete, Ivey Sampson and Richard Simpson, who won’t replace HCA’s Big 3 but will provide a base for Hall’s club this winter and into 2028.

Fekete, who is from Hungary, is a 6-foot-7 junior guard with tons of potential. He averaged 21.2 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists while connecting on 60% from the field competing for Ratgeber Academy last winter.

Both Sampson and Simpson come from Sampson County schools.

Sampson, a 6-foot-2 guard, averaged 4.5 points and 3 rebounds for Clinton, while Simpson hit for 14 points, 5.3 boards and 1.8 assists last winter for Hobbton. Simpson is the cousin of Dashaun McKoy. (The McKoys are likewise cousins.)

Yet keep in mind, Antonio McKoy (3,008) is in the top-five in scoring all-time across all classifications in the state. So virtually no player can step into the huge sneakers he left in Harrells.

Hatch Becher

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Duplin County 14U Dixie Boys Hatch Becher is a leader on the pitching staff of Duplin County’s 14U Dixie Youth baseball team that earned a spot in the World Series.

Becher hit .357 with a .400 on-base percentage and .757 OPS. He had five hits and two doubles during the state tournament.

Becher will play for East Duplin next season, but this week he and his teammates are in Louisiana for the 12-team, double-elimination tournament.

The team opens up against Alabama on Saturday.

POST 511 from page B1 to be completed by Friday.

Yet nothing was settled after one tournament game as No. 2 Beulaville split two matchups with No. 3 Post 10 Blue during the regular season. The Duplin club took a 6-1 game June 22 and fell 4-2 on July 2.

Yet Post 511 made quick work of the Blue gang as five players came through with RBIs.

Third baseman Brayden Pridgen knocked in two, and Eli Avent, Brayden Barnett and Reed Davis each logged a run-scoring hit. Pridgen had a pair of hits, while Barnett and Austin Clements both scored twice.

Post 511 made the State Tournament field last summer after reforming following a stoppage from events associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kornegay Insurance Two Locations Pink Hill / Mt. Olive 252.568.3911 / 919.658.6027 www.kornegayinsurance.com

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Jaxson Smith allowed just one hit as Beulaville Post 511 beat Post 10 Blue 10-0 in the opening game of its best-of-five American Legion Area 11 semifinals matchup.

B4

Duplin Journal for Thursday, July 16, 2026

Blaney wins 3-wide battle on final lap of overtime in NASCAR Cup race in Atlanta The Team Penske Ford driver survived hitting the wall to win

By Charles Odum The Associated Press HAMPTON, Ga. — A late brush with the wall wasn’t enough to send Ryan Blaney to pit row.

The decision paid off with a dominant victory.

Blaney emerged from a three-wide battle on the final lap of overtime in the weather-delayed NASCAR Cup Series race at Atlanta early Monday.

Blaney won every stage of the race and led 171 laps after starting on the pole, but the Team Penske Ford driver had to fight off challenges from Bubba Wallace and Christopher Hill, who finished second, on the final lap.

Carson Hocevar and Ty Gibbs rounded out the top four.

Wallace was penalized for passing below the double yellow lines and finished 29th instead of second.

There was a delay of 3 hours, 9 minutes because of rain and lightning. The race ended at 1:45 a.m. at EchoPark Speedway.

Blaney won the first two stages but brushed the wall with 29 laps remaining, causing possible damage on his right side, after he was cut off by Wallace. Blaney remained on the track despite telling his crew he felt a “terrible” vibration.

“I tried to make a move and just got loose and hit the fence,” Blaney said. “You know, I think it’s just concrete in the wheels and paint and stuff like that, but luckily it still drove really decent. ... It wasn’t too bad. Luck-

“I think it’s just concrete in the wheels and paint and stuff like that, but luckily it still drove really decent.”

Ryan Blaney ily it wasn’t enough damage we couldn’t keep running.”

Blaney’s crew chief Jonathan Hassler said his team was able to view photos of the right side of the car and determine the best chance to win was to remain on the track.

“There were 30 cars on the lead lap at that point and not a lot of laps left,” Hassler said.

“Our best chance to win was to stay out there.”

Multiple drivers, including Kyle Larson, Chase Briscoe and Riley Herbst, were involved in a wreck with five laps remaining to set up the overtime.

There had been concern about approaching rain before lightning within eight miles of the 1.54-mile oval track near Atlanta led NASCAR officials to order cars off the track and advise fans to exit the grandstand. Rain began soon after the race was delayed. Following some caution laps and pit stops, the race went back to green at 12:02 a.m.

Blaney said he “took a nap and ate a little food” during the delay. Larson said the resumption of the race a few minutes before midnight “is definitely past my bedtime.”

Blaney won the pole, and his Team Penske teammate Joey Logano joined him on the front row. A third Team Penske driv-

er, Austin Cindric, moved up to third early in the race for an early strong showing for the Fords.

Cup Series points leader Denny Hamlin, who qualified 28th, finished 12th. Tyler Reddick was eighth.

Reddick, who won at EchoPark Speedway in February as part of his string of five wins in the season’s first nine races, qualified only 31st on Saturday.

By the 35th lap he already had moved up to fourth, proving early that he again would be a factor in Atlanta.

Clean start The weather delay was the first caution for cause in the race, a dramatic departure from the weekend’s first race.

There were a track-record 13 cautions in Saturday night’s O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race won by Justin Allgaier. That total included four red flag incidents, creating an ominous preview for the Cup Series race.

The first caution for an incident on the track in the Cup Series race came when AJ Allmendinger lost control of his Chevrolet with 67 laps remaining. Allmendinger blew a tire and hit the wall with 25 laps remaining to cause another caution.

Another strong start for Team Penske Blaney’s Stage 1 win gave Team Penske Fords yet another strong start in Atlanta. Team Penske drivers have won Stage 1 in six of the last eight races at the track.

Blaney held off Reddick, who finished second in the first stage after qualifying 31st.

MIKE STEWART / AP PHOTO

Ryan Blaney celebrates after winning the NASCAR Cup Series race in Atlanta.

NOTICES NOTICE ESTATE OF EDGAR TYLER, DECEASED FILE No. 00E000193-300 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Personal Representative of the Estate of Edgar Tyler, deceased, late of Duplin County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to present them to the undersigned on or before September 25, 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.

Personal Representative: Vivian C. Tyler 308 Georgia Drive Raeford, North Carolina 28376 910-580-2531 Publication Dates: June 25, 2026 July 2, 2026 July 9, 2026 July 16, 2026

NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA DUPLIN COUNTY FILE NO. 26E000229-300 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Administrator CTA of the estate of Malachi McNeal Southerland, Sr., deceased, late of Magnolia, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the said decedent to present them to the undersigned on or before the 25th day of September, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate are requested to make immediate payment.

This the 25 day of June, 2026.

Malachi M. Southerland, Jr. 13010 Chesdin Landing Drive Chesterfield, VA 23838

23SP000123-300 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

to Gerald Futreal and wife, Dorothy H. Futreal, by a Deed recorded in Book 613, Page 47, Duplin County Registry.

NORTH CAROLINA, DUPLIN COUNTY

LESS AND EXCEPTING FROM THIS CONVEYANCE 1.93 acres as shown on a map entitled “ Survey for Reggie Thigpen and wife, Glenda Thigpen” recorded in Map Book 33, page 168 of the Duplin County Register of Deeds.

Being the same property described in a deed dated November 7, 2021, recorded in Book 1978, Page 462 of the Duplin County Registry.

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by James K Clendenin and Deborah R Morgan to Ruth W Garner, Trustee(s), which was dated May 11, 2022 and recorded on May 12, 2022 in Book 1996 at Page 22, Duplin County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on July 28, 2026 at 12:00 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Duplin County, North Carolina, to wit:

Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

All that certain lot or parcel of land located in Cypress Creek Township, Duplin County, North Carolina and being more particularly described as follows:

Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale.

Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are James K Clendenin (unmarried) and Deborah R. Morgan (unmarried).

Beginning at a stake in the Southern margin of the road leading from E. J. Whaley’s store to Eneas Lanier’s Store, at Dewey Halso’s, Ellis Maready, E.J. Whaley and Berry Maready’s corner in the old line, and runs thence with the Southern margin of said road South 61 degrees 15 minutes West-40 poles to a stake in the Southern margin of said road, Ida Whaley’s corner; thence as Ida Whaley’s line South 78 poles to a stake in Halso Creek, an old corner; thence with the run of Halso Creek about East about 60 poles to a stake in the old line, the old James G. Halso corner; thence with the old line North 50 degrees West 60 poles to a post oak; thence North 58 degrees East 19 poles to a stake in the old line; thence North about 38 poles to the point of beginning; CONTAINING 16 ACRES, more or less. And being the same land described in a Deed from Alton K. Halso etux, dated February 28, 1956, to Clifton Halso et ais, recorded in Book 503, Page 221, of the Duplin County Registry. Reference is had to Deed dated June 18, 1963, from Arnold A. Halso to Gerald J. Futreal and wife, Dorothy H. Futreal, as recorded in Book 582, Page 109, and also being the same property conveyed to Gerald J. Futreal and Dorothy H. Futreal in Book 658, Page 445 and Book 613, Page 47, of the Duplin County Registry.

THERE IS SPECIFICALLY EXCEPTED FROM THE ABOVE DESCRIBED 16 ACRE TRACT ALL OF THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED LAND:

26SP000037-300 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

WEST 75 FEET TO A STAKE; THENCE NORTH 72 DEGREES 30 MINUTES WEST 142 FEET TO THE BEGINNING.

NORTH CAROLINA, DUPLIN COUNTY

Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Eric N. Pabone to Fidelity National Title Company, LLC, Trustee(s), which was dated January 4, 2021 and recorded on January 4, 2021 in Book 1940 at Page 863, Duplin County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on July 28, 2026 at 12:00 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Duplin County, North Carolina, to wit: BEGINNING AT AN IRON STAKE LOCATED ON THE EASTERN RIGHT OF WAY OF KENNEDY DRIVE IN THE TOWN OF BEULAVILLE, WHICH LINE MAY BE LOCATED BY LEAVING THE INTERSECTION OF THE CENTERLINE OF STATE ROAD #1961 AND KENNEDY DRIVE AND RUNNING WITH THE CENTERLINE OF KENNEDY DRIVE IN A NORTHERN DIRECTION 387 FEET TO A NAIL, THENCE SOUTH 72 DEGREES 30 MINUTES EAST 22.5 FEET TO THE BEGINNING CORNER OF THE HEREINAFTER DESCRIBED LOT. AND FROM SAID BEGINNING CORNER SO LOCATED RUNNING WITH THE EASTERN RIGHT OF WAY OF KENNEDY DRIVE NORTH 14 DEGREES 50 MINUTES EAST 75 FEET TO THE PARKER LINE; THENCE WITH THE PARKER LINE SOUTH 72 DEGREES 30 MINUTES EAST 142 FEET TO A STAKE; THENCE SOUTH 14 DEGREES 50 MINUTES

Said property is commonly known as 309 S Kennedy Street, Beulaville, NC 28518.

A Certified Check ONLY (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/ or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Eric N. Pabone, a married man.

An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written

notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b)(2)]. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

Pursuant to NCGS §45-21.25A, this sale may be subject to remote bids placed by bidders not physically present at the place of sale, which may be accepted by the person conducting the sale, or their agent”.

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

If the transaction is subject to the FinCEN Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule (“RRE”) issued pursuant to the Bank Secrecy Act, information necessary to comply with the RRE Rule must be obtained and provided to the Reporting Person, as defined in the RRE Rule, prior to closing.

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 File No.: 23-13172-FC02

FIRST EXCEPTION: BEGINNING at a stake in the Southern margin of the old road, the Northwest corner of the 16 acre tract above described and runs thence with the old line South 400 feet to a stake, a new corner; thence a new line North 61 degrees 15 minutes East 105 feet to a stake, a new corner; thence a new line North about 400 feet to a stake in the Southern margin of the aforesaid road; thence with the Southern margin of the aforesaid road South 61 degrees 15 minutes West 105 feet to the point of beginning, CONTAINING .96 OF AN ACRE, more or less. And being the Second Tract and Exception conveyed by Deed dated January 14, 1969, from Dorothy H. Futreal and husband, Gerald J. Futreal, to Gerald J. Futreal and wife, Dorothy FL Entreat, and recorded in Book 658, Page 486, of the Duplin County Registry.

SECOND EXCEPTION: BEGINNING at an iron pipe in Arnold A. Halso’s line on the right-of-way line of Secondary Road No. 1715, said beginning being located South 02 degrees 00 minutes West 5.00 feet from an old iron stake at Arnold A. Halso’s corner, said beginning being also located South 07 degrees 36 minutes West 94.50 feet from Four County Electric Membership Corporation Power Pole No. 21276; running thence from said beginning with the right-of-way line of said road said right-of-way being 30 feet as measured at right angles from the center of same, North 62 degrees 56 minutes East 100.00 feet to an iron pipe, a new corner; thence South 02 degrees 00 minutes West 300.00 feet to an iron pipe, a new corner; thence South 62 degrees 56 minutes West 100.00 feet to an iron pipe in Arnold Halso’s line, a new corner; thence with Arnold A. Halso’s line North 02 degrees 00 minutes East 300.00 feet to the beginning, CONTAINING 0.60 ACRES, more or less as surveyed during September 1968

by A. Robert J. Salmon, Jr. The above described lot or parcel of land being a portion of the land which was conveyed

Said property is commonly known as 3621 Fountaintown Rd, Chinquapin, NC 28521.

A Certified Check ONLY (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale.

Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.

An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b)(2)].

Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

Pursuant to NCGS §45-21.25A, this sale may be subject to remote bids placed by bidders not physically present at the place of sale, which may be accepted by the person conducting the sale, or their agent”.

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee.

If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

If the transaction is subject to the FinCEN Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule (“RRE”) issued pursuant to the Bank Secrecy Act, information necessary to comply with the RRE Rule must be obtained and provided to the Reporting Person, as defined in the RRE Rule, prior to closing.

Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 File No.: 23-31308-FC01

B5

Duplin Journal for Thursday, July 16, 2026

obituaries

Willie Wells Aug. 25, 1930 – July 5, 2026 With hearts full of love and gratitude for a life well lived, we announce the passing of Willie Cavenaugh Wells, who peacefully entered the presence of her Lord on July 5, 2026, at the age of 95.

Born on August 25, 1930, Willie devoted her life to caring for others. She was a faithful wife, a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.

Throughout her life, Willie lovingly cared for family members during times of illness and hardship.

Whether preparing meals, sitting beside a loved one, offering a comforting hand, or simply being present, she gave of herself freely and without expectation.

Caring for others was not merely something she did—it was simply who she was.

If you ever visited Willie’s home, you were almost certain to hear her ask, “Have you eaten?

Can I get you something?”

Offering food wasn’t simply a habit—it was her way of making people feel loved. No one left her home without being offered something to eat. Around her table, conversations were shared, burdens became lighter, and family memories were made.

Willie found joy in the simple things in life—time with family, caring for others, sharing a meal, and listening to the music she loved. She lived a quiet life, never seeking recognition, but those who knew her best will remember a woman whose greatest happiness came from caring for her family and making others feel at home.

She is lovingly survived by her children: Steve Wells (Joyce), Stewart Wells (Vickie), Gary Wells (Angie), and Connie Capps (Greg). She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Daniel Sears (Tee), Kimberly Cronos (Dewayne), Jeremy Wells, Joshua Wells (Shelby), Tina Seeley (Darren), Curtis Wells (Jocelyn), Crystal Wells, and Ethan Evans. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren: Kelsea Guyton, Olivia Cronos, Jojo Cronos, Everly Wells, Lilly Wells, Thomas Wells, Austin Seeley, Allicya Seeley, Madie Ard, Rhaegan Wells, Jonathan Wells, Logan Wells and Declan Wells; as well as several great-greatgrandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Stokes Wells; her parents, Roland Oscar Cavenaugh and Vada Hanchey Cavenaugh; her sister, Ruby Holden; her brothers, Charles Cavenaugh, R.C. Cavenaugh, Frank Cavenaugh, and Sam Cavenaugh; and other cherished family members who welcomed her into Heaven.

While her family grieves her passing, they find comfort in knowing she is now at peace in the presence of her Savior and reunited with those who have gone before her.

“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord.” — Matthew 25:23 A private family graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. at the Wells Family Cemetery in Rose Hill, North Carolina, on Thursday, July 9, 2026.

SPONSORED BY QUINN MCGOWEN FUNERAL HOME

Tracy Michelle Wade

Macon Douglas “Doug” Brown

John Ralph Iacovino, M.D.

May 25, 1963 – July 5, 2026

Nov. 1, 1950 – July 7, 2026

Feb. 18, 1941 – July 4, 2026

Tracy Michelle Wade, 63, of Wallace, NC, passed away July 5, 2026, at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, NC. Funeral service will be at 1:00 pm on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at New Christian Chapel Church in Rose Hill, NC. Interment will follow the service in the church cemetery.

Macon Douglas “Doug” Brown, 75, of Beulaville, North Carolina, entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on November 1, 1950, Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Macon and Kathleen Brown, and by his beloved brother, Donald Ray Brown.

He is survived by his loving wife, Ada Thigpen Brown, of Beulaville; his daughter, Celeste Brown Kirby, and husband, Brian, of Greenville; his son, Jarrett Brown, and wife, Stephanie, of Raleigh; and his cherished grandchildren, Emily Kirby Nagle (Tom), Mary Ellen Kirby Ward (Brandon), Eli Kirby, Caroline Brown, and Vivienne Brown.

Doug’s life was a testimony of faith lived out through service to his family, church, and community. As a lifelong member, Beulaville Baptist Church was the cornerstone of his life. He was a dedicated deacon and choir member, as well as devoting countless hours mentoring and encouraging young people through the church’s youth ministry.

Working most of his life in construction and real estate, Doug also spent time farming, auctioneering, and numerous other ventures. For more than 40 years, he answered the call to serve his community as a member of the Beulaville Volunteer Fire Department and EMS. During emergencies and difficult nights when others needed hope, he was always willing to help. Doug served Beulaville as a member of the town board and was a frequent volunteer at East Duplin High School. He gave of himself with generosity and selflessness.

Above all, Doug treasured his family. He was the devoted husband of Ada, with whom he shared a lifetime of love, faith, and unwavering commitment.

Together they built a home where faith came first, family was cherished, and integrity was a way of life. As a family man, Doug led not by demanding respect but by earning it. He was a hero, best friend, and steady foundation. He taught his children and grandchildren what truly matters: to love God, love people, work hard, keep your word, and always be willing to help someone in need. Though his family and friends mourn his passing, they rejoice knowing his faith has become sight and can find comfort that he has heard the words: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”— Matthew 25:23 A memorial service will be Saturday, July 11, 2026, at noon at Beulaville Baptist Church in Beulaville, NC. Visitation will be held from 10:30 until noon at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Beulaville Baptist Church, P.O. Box 394, or Beulaville Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 784, Beulaville, NC 28518 in Doug’s memory.

“We die twice. First when we pass from this earth. Second when memories of us are forgotten.” Dr. Ducky Mallard, NCIS “Things that have form will all disappear. But certain feelings stay with us forever.” M. Murakami, South of the Border, West of the Sun. John Ralph Iacovino, M.D., the son of Louis John Iacovino, M.D. and Adeline De Rosa Iacovino was born in Cortland, NY on the 18th of February 1941. He died on July 4, 2026. Dr. Iacovino is survived by his wife and Venus in Blue Jeans, Anita Donofrio Iacovino and his two children, Nick, his spouse, Emily and Leana Iacovino and her daughter, Ava Greeno. He is also survived by Anita’s three daughters, Dania Etzold and daughter Saiya, Katja Vittorio, her husband Joseph and son Kai, and Nicole Etzold.

John graduated from Middlebury College, Vermont, where he was a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, and Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, MA. After completing postgraduate training, he practiced pulmonary diseases and critical care at a hospital in Norwalk, CT. He was board certified in Internal Medicine and Pulmonary Diseases and a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and the American College of Chest Physicians. Military service was in the United States Army Medical Corps, where he attained the rank of Major. He made the best decision of his professional career by leaving medical practice and entering the life insurance industry with General Reassurance Corporation in Stamford, CT. Five years later, he became Vice President and Chief Medical Director for Underwriting at the New York Life Insurance Company in Manhattan. He was in charge of the Medical Underwriting Department, developing company underwriting guidelines, conducting medicalactuarial research, and auditing compliance with the medical underwriting standards.

His career in the life insurance industry included election as President of the American Academy of Insurance Medicine and served on its Executive Committee for many years.

Sebastiano Roberto Batista Nov. 8, 1930 – July 11, 2026 Kenansville- Mr. Sebastiano Roberto Batista, age 95, peacefully ended his tour of duty and transitioned into the land of the free while in the compassionate care of The Gardens of Rose Hill in Rose Hill, North Carolina, on Saturday, July 11, 2026. The arrangements are incomplete at this time.

DeWayne Anthony Roach Sr. June 30, 1963 – July 2, 2026 Mr. DeWayne Anthony Roach Sr., age 63, of Kenansville, NC, passed away on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville, NC. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 11:00 am at Rose Hill Funeral Home in Rose Hill, NC. Burial will follow at Vann Family Cemetery in Mt. Olive, NC. Left to cherish his precious memories are three sons: DeWayne Roach, Jr. of Washington, DC, Dante’ A. Roach of Baltimore, MD and Darryl Roach on Clinton, MD; three daughters: Jessica Orwenyo of Clinton, MD, Jasmine M. Green (Thomas) of Alexandria, VA and Vanessa Moore of Aberdeen, MD; mother, Peolia Roach Moore of Washington, DC; sister, Sandra Crenshaw (Dathan) of Ft. Washington, MD; fiance’, Tanya Dyson of Kenansville, NC; nineteen grandchildren; one uncle, Charles Vann of Faison, NC; six aunts: Arlene Robinson, Letha Roach, Algene Walker, Lola Brinkley, Vitish Horne and Effie Mae Mitchell; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that will miss him dearly.

James Bryant Elixson Jr. Jan. 5, 1952 – July 10, 2026 James Bryant Elixson Jr., 74, passed peacefully on Friday, July 10, 2026, at home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on January 5,

He was awarded a Diplomat of the Board of Insurance Medicine. Additional awards were the Distinguished Physician Award for contributions to the life insurance industry and the W. John Elder Award for contributions to the Journal of Insurance Medicine. Dr. Iacovino was on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Insurance Medicine and published over fifty medical/actuarial articles on the impact of various diseases on life expectancy. He served on the Board of Directors of the Medical Information Bureau, Committee on Risk Classification for the American Council of Life Insurance, Mortality and Morbidity Committee, Liaison Committee with the Society of Actuaries, Board of Insurance Medicine for the American Academy of Insurance Medicine and Committee on Biotechnology and Law for the New York State Bar Association. He was a Facility Instructor for the Academy of Life Underwriting. Post-retirement from New York Life, he was Senior Medical Director for Fasano Associates, A Longevity Holdings Company. In that capacity, he analyzed mortality data both on individual lives and populations and estimated life expectancies for various insurance products.

Additionally, he provided expert testimony in legal cases involving life expectancies.

He regularly spoke at national and international life insurance meetings on topics related to longevity and life expectancy.

He was a past member of the Wallace Rotary Club, in which he was program chairman and directed the Dictionary Project, which delivered dictionaries to area schools. He served on the Duplin County Advisory Board of the Salvation Army and tutored at James Sprunt Community College Nursing Program and at Wallace Elementary School. With Anita, he delivered homebound meals to the elderly. John was a merit badge counselor for the Boy Scouts of America and taught at the annual merit badge college. When he arrived in Wallace, he donated his extensive train collection to the Wallace Depot Train Room where he volunteered operating the layout for many years. John was a lifetime philatelist and published numerous articles on Russian Philately in The American Philatelist, Rossica, The Journal of Russian Philately and the British Journal of Russian Philately. He also had a vast collection of postcards and other materials from his hometown of Cortland, NY, and regularly contributed articles of historical interest to the Cortland County Historical Society Bulletin. He was an avid reader in his favorite chair on the screened-in porch often interrupted by brief weewinkies. Donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice, or go out to dinner and celebrate his life.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

1952, in Duplin County, the son of James Bryant Elixson, Sr. and Reba Hardee Elixson. In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his siblings, Barbara McLaughlin, David Elixson and Reba Phillips.

James is survived by his wife of 50 years, Susan Champion Elixson; daughter, Jenifer Cumming (Jim); son, Joshua Bryant Elixson (Priscella); grandchildren, Bryant Elixson, Reeve Cumming, Rylee Elixson, Cole Cumming, and Abygail Elixson; sister, Edna Moore (Edward); brother, Jimmy Elixson (Hilda); and many nieces and nephews.

A full obituary will be forthcoming.

Memorial service will be scheduled soon at Shiloh Baptist Church.

More obituaries on page B6

B6

Duplin Journal for Thursday, July 16, 2026

Duplin crews respond after storms topple trees across county A line of strong thunderstorms moved through Duplin County on July 10, bringing winds of up to 50 mph and leaving multiple trees down across the county. Members of Faison Fire and Rescue, the Calypso Fire Department and community volunteers worked to clear fallen trees and debris from roadways.

PHOTOS COURTESY FAISON FIRE AND RESCUE