Duplin Journal Vol. 11, Issue 22

VOLUME 11 ISSUE 22 | THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2026

DUPLINJOURNAL.COM

Duplin Journal THE DUPLIN COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL

the

BRIEF this week

Shooting investigations continue Duplin County The Duplin County Sheriff’s Office says multiple agencies continue to investigate a series of shootings into occupied homes in Duplin and Sampson counties.

Investigators have executed several search warrants, seized firearms and other evidence, and identified multiple suspects. The investigations remain active, and additional charges are expected. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the sheriff’s office or their local law enforcement agency. Information may also be submitted anonymously by contacting Duplin County Crime Stoppers at 910-372-9202.

Public input sought for Wallace PD assessment Wallace The Wallace Police Department will undergo an on-site assessment Aug. 11 as part of its pursuit of accreditation through the North Carolina Law Enforcement Accreditation (NCLEA) program. The public is invited to submit comments about the department’s compliance with NCLEA standards

by Aug. 10. Email NCaccred@ncdoj.gov with “Wallace Police Department” in the subject line or mail comments to the NCLEA Program Manager, P.O. Drawer 149, Raleigh, NC 27602.

Fraud alert Magnolia The Magnolia Police Department is warning residents about a phone scam involving someone claiming to represent T-Mobile. Officials say there is no T-Mobile office in Duplin County. A resident who provided banking information after being directed to a fake Magnolia address later reported fraudulent activity on their account. Residents are urged to verify requests for personal or financial information before providing it.

REBECCA WHITMAN COOKE FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

Cardboard vessels set sail at Cabin Lake Cardboard boats became vessels of teamwork, creativity and competition as Royal Rangers from across the area gathered for the 2026 Cardboard Boat Regatta at Cabin Lake on Saturday. Turn to A6 for more.

Warsaw town attorney resigns He claims political dysfunction, personal attacks and withheld information affected his ability to serve

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal WARSAW — Just five days after the Warsaw Board of Commissioners approved a new one-year, $35,000 legal services contract with Thompson & Thompson Law Firm, Town

Attorney Kennedy L. Thompson submitted his resignation, saying the town’s governing environment had become so dysfunctional that he could no longer effectively serve as its legal counsel.

In a July 18 resignation letter addressed to Mayor Wes-

ley Boykin, the Board of Commissioners, and Town Manager Lea Turner, Thompson said he had concluded he could no longer effectively serve in the position despite recently agreeing to a one-year contract running through June 30, 2027. He stated he would refund the unearned prorated portion of any compensation paid under the agreement.

“This decision has not been

Precinct officials wanted The Duplin County Board of Elections is seeking individuals interested in serving as precinct officials.

Anyone interested in serving their community is encouraged to apply.

Training opportunities will be available soon.

$2.00

See WARSAW, page A5

Questions remain after Mount Olive Housing Authority director resigns The housing board declined to discuss the meeting that preceded the director’s resignation

By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal DURING A RECENT meeting of the Mount Olive Board of Commissioners, Mayor Jerome Newton used his closing comments to reveal he had received

numerous calls regarding conditions at low-income housing units being administered by the Mount Olive Housing Authority.

Under state statutes, the mayor acts as a local liaison between the town and the U.S. Department of Housing and

Urban Development (HUD), which is responsible for the housing authority’s operation.

The same state rules require the mayor to appoint a local board for the housing authority.

In a recent interview with Duplin Journal, Newton said the complaints were varied.

“Issues (included) the grass had not been cut, the air conditioning not working, and ramps

Volunteers needed Wallace The Wallace Police Department is seeking volunteers to serve as role players during Active Threat Training on July 28 from 1 to 4 p.m. Those interested should contact the Wallace Police Department at policeinfo@wallacenc.gov or by calling 910-285-2126.

made lightly,” Thompson wrote.

“Warsaw is my hometown. My family has served this community for more than 50 years, and I accepted this position because I wanted to use my legal experience to help move the Town forward — not to become entangled in political dysfunction.”

Thompson said his role as town attorney required him to

Health director launches write-in campaign for county commissioner Tracey Simmons Kornegay will challenge longtime incumbent Dexter Edwards

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal BEULAVILLE — Duplin County Health Director Tracey Simmons Kornegay has launched an unconventional campaign for the District 2 commissioner seat, entering the race as a certified write-in candidate against incumbent Dexter Edwards, who has served nearly 12 years.

Kornegay said her leader-

ship philosophy was shaped by years in healthcare, including leading the Duplin County Health Department through the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Throughout my healthcare career, the importance of teamwork, inclusion and being attentive have remained at the forefront of my values,” Kornegay said.

Kornegay said she believes the best decisions come from bringing together people with different experiences and viewpoints.

She likened that approach to “a box of crayons,” saying, “Each crayon has its own unique colSee CAMPAIGN, page A6

“Those long days in the fields reinforced the lessons of responsibility, perseverance and teamwork.”

Tracey Simmons Kornegay

for wheelchairs were breaking,” Newton said. “When they tried to call the office, they couldn’t get the local housing authority to respond to them.”

According to Newton, HUD sent a letter to the town commissioners advising them they could not reach the local housing authority director, which See DIRECTOR, page A6

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Duplin Journal for Thursday, July 23, 2026

THURSDAY

7.23.26 #135

County sends setback DUPLIN happening ordinance back for review SPONSORED BY

Commissioners delayed action on proposed ordinance changes after extensive public comment

“You are interfering with neighbors being neighbors and denying families of their homes. ... On their deeds, it does not list Duplin County as a co-owner.”

Marie Turner

“Join the conversation”

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By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal KENANSVILLE — A proposed amendment to Duplin County’s Unified Development Ordinance recently drew significant public comment during a meeting of the Duplin County Board of Commissioners, with residents challenging a 1,000-foot setback requirement between homes and livestock facilities.

Residents argued the requirement limits property use, affects inheritance rights and reduces land values, while county officials considered changes that would provide some exemptions and reduce certain setback requirements.

The most contentious portion of the meeting involved proposed amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance presented by Planning Director Chris Hatcher. The changes addressed the setback requirement between new residential dwellings and existing livestock facilities, including poultry and swine operations.

The proposed changes included allowing immediate family members to subdivide land and build within the 1,000-foot setback if the property is not sold for 60 months.

The amendments also included reducing the setback to 500 feet for certain expedited minor divisions and removing setback requirements if a livestock facility has been out of production for 18 months.

Many residents spoke against the current 1,000-foot requirement, arguing it restricts property owners’ ability to use or transfer their land.

Vivian Brown said the rule “impedes free land trade” and that “a landowner’s right should supersede.”

Marie Turner told commissioners, “You are interfering with neighbors being neighbors and denying families of their homes. ... On their deeds, it does not list Duplin County as a co-owner.”

Jiren Kennedy, a sixth-generation farmer, said the setback requirement made 80% of his 40-acre property unusable for his children’s future homes.

Chris Jar said the family exemption did not address the larger issue because property should be usable regardless of who purchases it.

“I should be able to sell to her and for her to be able to build on it. And if she can’t, then it’s not working,” Jar said.

Commissioners expressed concerns about the 60-month restriction and the overall setback requirements. Commissioner Jesse Dowe made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Wayne Branch, to send the ordinance back to the planning board for further review. The board scheduled a new public hearing for Aug. 3 to consider revised options.

The board also approved several technology and service contracts.

The Information Technology Department received approval for contracts with RingCentral, which will replace outdated fax and phone systems; Concise Networks for routers used in emergency vehicles; and SHI International for a consolidated help desk system.

Greenevers board reviews water concerns, budget changes The board discussed rising bills, hydrant repairs and recovery housing requirements

By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal GREENEVERS — Water infrastructure concerns, budget amendments and a proposed recovery housing zoning change dominated the Greenevers Town Board’s July meeting, as officials reviewed financial reports, discussed rising water bills and considered steps needed to move forward with zoning changes.

The presentation of the financial report involved two distinct parts: the final results for June 2026 and a series of budget amendments that prompted questions from Mayor Diane Brown.

The board reviewed the closing figures for the previous month, showing positive net income across both major funds.

For June 2026, the General Fund reported $34,348.42 in revenue and $25,826.57 in expenses, resulting in a net income of $8,521.85. The Water and Sewer Fund reported $47,639.62 in revenue and $36,858.03 in expenses, resulting in a net income of $10,781.59.

A significant portion of the financial discussion focused on clarifying budget amendments from the 2025-26 fiscal year.

“It doesn’t make any sense how you got to these numbers,” Brown said, asking Town Clerk Emma Brinson to explain.

Brinson explained the amendments were made to “make the 2025-26 budget balanced.”

The board discussed a $41,415 increase to the Water and Sewer budget, bringing the revised total to $479,015. The board also discussed a new amendment for

REBECCA WHITMAN COOKE FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

Jackie Wilson, left, addresses the Greenevers Town Board about a sharp increase in her water bill during the board’s July meeting. the 2026-27 fiscal year to account for the $40,000 received in tap fees.

“The town received $40,000 for the waterline extension project to cover the tap fee for 16 connections. I would suggest using this toward the fire hydrants we are repairing,” Brinson said.

The board agreed to use the tap fee revenue for fire hydrant repairs. Officials discussed prioritizing repairs to inoperable hydrants, including those on Jerry Ruth Road. The town also plans to install posts near hydrants to increase visibility and prevent damage from wide farming equipment.

Jackie Wilson, a local resident and nurse, addressed the board about concerns with a significant increase in her water bill.

Wilson said her typical high water bill was $75, but her most recent bill increased to $212 despite her living alone and not increasing her water usage.

“Seventy-five dollars is my normal high water bill, but my last bill was $212,” Wilson said.

“My water’s just as high as my electric now. How can you expect people to afford what you are charging? Something is off about why there is such a drastic change, and we need to do some-

thing different to figure it out.”

Wilson also questioned how residents could afford high bills when they are using limited amounts of water.

“What is absolutely beyond understandable is 3,000 or less gallons. ... How can you expect people to afford that?” she said.

Board members suggested a leak between the meter and the home could be the cause.

“Even a slow leak could amount to a lot of gallons in a month’s time,” Commissioner Timothy Murphy said.

The board scheduled a maintenance worker to visit Wilson’s property to investigate the issue.

“You don’t want to have a high-priced bill, and you want to get to the bottom of it,” Brown said. “That’s understandable.

We want to accommodate you as much as we can.”

Brinson also updated the board on infrastructure projects.

Testing is ongoing for the waterline extension on Pass Ranch Road, with new customer connections expected to begin within a month. Brinson also reported that the floor of Well No. 2’s well house has been poured as the project continues.

The board discussed a new application for the Communi-

Emergency Services received authorization to purchase powered ambulance cots and track systems intended to provide consistency across the county’s ambulance fleet.

The board also approved a memorandum of understanding presented by Transportation Director Dawn Strickland for a partnership with Sampson County to provide coordinated transportation services for residents traveling to Fayetteville for $16 per trip.

In economic development and airport matters, commissioners approved clearing and grading contracts for AirPark Phase 2 with F&S Grading Company and a master planning agreement for WestPark with Thomas & Hutton.

A proposal for a fiber internet contract with Spectrum at the airport was tabled for further information about costs.

The board also addressed a billing issue involving a scrap tire disposal contract with Central Carolina Holdings LLC, also known as Liberty Tire. The county discovered two versions of the same contract existed with different rates, leading to overcharges. The county negotiated a $13,770 credit and entered a new three-year agreement.

During announcements, Interim County Manager Lisa Hughes informed commissioners that the state budget did not include requested funding for a new roof at the Cooperative Extension building but did include $500,000 for fire departments.

ty Development Block Grant Neighborhood Revitalization program. Officials said they need to identify 10 eligible homeowners living in stick-built homes or double-wide homes with permanent foundations to participate in the initial survey this month.

The board also discussed a zoning ordinance change related to recovery housing.

The town attorney informed the board that recovery housing is not currently a permitted use in any zoning district. To allow recovery housing, the town would first need to amend its zoning ordinance, a process requiring public hearings and a recommendation from the Planning Board.

Brinson said the town attorney would need to be hired outside the existing agreement for the matter. The board discussed how to use the attorney without exceeding the existing retainer and ways to encourage public participation through signs and phone calls to “make sure the town’s voices are heard” on the issue.

“I have no problem doing what the town wants, but if we don’t hear some voices, we don’t know what the town wants,” Murphy said.

Board members emphasized the importance of hearing from residents, particularly those who live on the affected block.

Brinson said the Planning Board would make its advisory decision during its July meeting and a public hearing could be scheduled afterward.

The board discussed a request from Gemstone regarding a development on Wilson Drive, where the developer currently has one unit and wants to add three more. The developer is seeking septic permits from Environmental Health and asked the town to approve installation of the septic tanks. Rather than taking action during the open meeting, a board member suggested moving the matter to closed session for further discussion.

The board officially scheduled Greenevers Community Day for Oct. 24.

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

Aug. 1 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, go-go 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

Historical society to host State Archives speaker noon The Duplin County Historical Society will hold its quarterly meeting at the Rose Hill Library. The featured speaker will be Brice Bongiovanni, imaging operations coordinator with the North Carolina State Archives in Raleigh.

Bongiovanni will discuss the archives’ current work, including the digitization of historical records, the role of artificial intelligence in preservation efforts, and new opportunities these technologies create for historians and researchers.

For more information, call 910-296-3676 or 910-296-7414.

113 South Walnut St., Rose Hill

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.

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

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Duplin Journal for Thursday, July 23, 2026

Rose Hill seeks $50K after fiber installation damages sewer line

regarding your claim.’” Thompson said.

Thompson told the board he did not like the tone of the response, which indicated MasTec or the insurance adjuster did not want to discuss the damage any longer. He suggested the board give the company and adjuster a timeline for a response and that further action could be taken if they did not. He added that

Focus Broadband is the originator of the cable installation and could also be held responsible for the damage. He said if there was no resolution soon, he would contact all the parties involved in the installation.

“Hopefully, this will all be washed out in the weeds,” Thompson said.

In other business, the town board received an update from

Tammy Jones of Adams Company, the firm contracted to complete work under a Community Development Block Grant the town received to repair or rebuild homes belonging to citizens who do not have the economic resources to make the repairs.

Jones said work on the homes involved is ahead of schedule.

One of the parties is expected to be moved to another location Aug. 1 so work can begin on her home. The cost of the repairs or rebuilding, as well as temporary housing while the work is being completed, is all paid for under the grant.

Mayor Pro Tem Billy Wilson, who also serves as chief of the Rose Hill Fire Department, reported on the wildfire in the area of Pope Road, Corinth Church Road and Earl Davis Road. He said the fire originally affected 525 acres and resulted in a large response from area firefighters, both local and state.

“Nine departments, 12 forestry tractors, two helicopters and two airplanes (responded),” Wilson said, adding that as of the meeting, the fire was 50% contained.

Despite the intensity and size of the fire, while there was a loss in forest land, some fence lines and crops, Wilson said other property was spared.

“Nobody lost a home. Nobody lost a vehicle. Nobody lost an animal. So, great teamwork by the departments,” Wilson said.

Industrial upgrades help Warsaw wastewater plant rebound

moved $684,540 from the fund balance to cover overages for sludge hauling and state fines.

Turner explained that while the town is billing the industries to recoup these costs, payments are delayed.

The board debated whether money recovered from industries should be classified as “fines” or “reimbursements.”

Madden and attorney Ken Thompson said labeling the payments as civil penalties could require them to be sent to the state school system, so they recommended describing them as reimbursements for fines.

Additional budget amendments approved by the board included moving $37,933 from administrative repairs to cover sanitation contract overages due to increased garbage tonnage; accepting $25,355 in excess revenue from DreamWorks memberships to cover roof repairs and utilities; and authorizing $100,000 from the sale of surplus police vehicles to decrease lease payments on new police cars.

The board approved a written legal services contract with Thompson and Thompson Law Offices establishing a $35,000 annual retainer.

“This is the first contract we’ve had for legal services … at least in the last five or six decades,” said Mayor Wesley Boykin.

Thompson confirmed, “There’s been no written contract. None required by state statute. Many towns, particularly small towns, don’t have written contracts.”

The contract replaces a verbal $15,000 retainer that had been in place.

“You suggested when you became mayor that we have a written contract. I agreed with you.

I thought it was a good idea,” said Thompson. “This makes it clearer and I think a better un-

derstanding between my firm and town.”

Thompson said the increase reflects that the retainer had not changed in nearly 20 years.

Budget records show the town budgeted $15,000 for the retainer but paid $50,000 because of additional legal fees.

Boykin also questioned whether the contract had received the required preaudit certification under North Carolina law. He explained that state law requires municipalities to certify they have the revenue streams to cover any contract that commits public dollars.

Turner also announced the Warsaw Police Department is now fully staffed. She said the town is continuing its search for a pretreatment coordinator to bring industrial compliance oversight back in-house.

The meeting concluded with discussion about the town’s public image.

Commissioner Tommy Jones pushed back against what he described as negative perceptions of Warsaw, citing a $7 million grant effort that he believes proves Warsaw is on the upward road.

“Warsaw is not so bad,” Jones said. “The state’s not messing with us about our budget. I don’t care what nobody tells you, but we’re in good shape with our budget this year.”

Commissioner Ebony Wells contributed to the image discussion by emphasizing transparency as a way to build public trust. While acknowledging progress, she also reminded the board and citizens that there are still two open cases with the North Carolina state auditor.

Since this meeting, Thompson resigned effective July 31, citing concerns about the town’s governing environment. See the related story on Page 1 for complete coverage.

Officials say contractors involved in the project disagree over responsibility for the damage

By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal ROSE HILL — When fiber optic cable for Focus Broadband service was being installed in Rose Hill, one line was apparently installed into a sewer line.

The action resulted in approximately $50,000 in repairs to the sewer line in that area, according to Rose Hill Town Attorney Ken Thompson, who updated the town board at its July 14 meeting.

Thompson indicated the contractors involved in the installation of the cable seemed to be passing the buck as far as who is responsible for the damage.

“We filed a claim against MasTec,” Thompson said. “They are trying to put it off on the subcontractor.”

MasTec, based in Coral Gables, Florida, specializes in cable installation and

PHOTOS BY MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

Left, members of the Rose Hill Board of Commissioners discuss town business during their July 14 meeting. Right, Tammy Jones of The Adams Company updates the Rose Hill Board of Commissioners on progress made in repairing or rebuilding homes under a Community Development Block Grant the town received. telecommunications services.

Thompson said he had heard from a claims adjuster from the insurance company representing MasTec just prior to the meeting.

The adjuster told Thompson that MasTec had subcontracted the fiber optic cable installation in Rose Hill to another contractor.

“She said at the very end, ‘Please contact them directly for any future correspondence

Officials say the town’s treatment plant has largely returned to compliance, but stronger enforcement is still required

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal WARSAW — Warsaw’s wastewater treatment plant has mostly returned to compliance with fecal coliform limits following improvements by the town’s major industrial users, but state officials are withholding further consideration of the town’s Special Order by Consent (SOC) until local leaders strengthen enforcement of wastewater regulations.

Much of Warsaw’s July 13 town board meeting centered on the town’s industrial pretreatment program and its SOC with the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). Cecil Madden of McDavid Associates updated commissioners on the town’s progress, saying DEQ has conditionally approved Warsaw’s pretreatment program but expects stronger enforcement against industries that violate wastewater regulations.

Madden told the board the state will not move forward with discussions until Warsaw begins issuing civil penalties rather than relying solely on surcharges. If the town fails to issue these penalties to the industries, it remains liable for heavy fines from the state, which would eventually impact user rates.

COURTESY PHOTO

Mayor Wesley Boykin speaks during the July 13 town board meeting in Warsaw.

“The state office that reviews Warsaw’s industrial pretreatment program has expressed many times that Warsaw must comply with its enforcement response plan, including issuing and collecting civil penalties,” Madden said.

He said improvements at the Villari and C2NC facilities have helped bring the town’s treatment plant back into compliance with fecal coliform limits, though additional work remains.

Villari recently installed a new wastewater treatment system and is expected to meet compliance standards by the end of July. An additional treatment component to remove chlorides and certain metals is expected by year’s end.

To address the state’s concerns, the town is developing a point-based civil penalty system that would assign predetermined fines based on the severity of industrial violations, eliminating what Madden called “nebulous judgment calls.”

Town Manager Lea Turner said the town is developing a more detailed penalty schedule modeled after the town of Clinton and that regulators know the town is working on the issue.

Commissioners also approved several budget amendments for the 2025-26 fiscal year, including moving wastewater funds to cover sludge hauling and permit fees associated with industrial overages. The amendment

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Duplin Journal for Thursday, July 23, 2026

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

COLUMN | VICTOR JOECKS

What Americans can learn from World Cup fans

National pride doesn’t mean an endorsement of everything in your country’s history.

THE WORLD CUP showed why you shouldn’t be ashamed of America’s heroes and heritage.

While only Argentina and Spain made Sunday’s World Cup final, citizens of many countries enthusiastically cheered on their teams. Norwegian fans became an internet phenomenon for their “Viking Row” cheer.

Sitting like they were in a longboat, fans moved their bodies backward and forward in unison while pretending to row. To complete the cheer, they chanted, “Ro!” They rowed in stadiums and Times Square.

The Norwegian soccer team rowed after defeating Senegal. The cheer spread throughout Norway — from classrooms, nursing homes and even the country’s Parliament.

Norway’s soccer team embraced the Viking imagery. They took an epic team photo with players dressed as Vikings — complete with spears, swords and shields.

The propaganda press couldn’t get enough.

“Good Morning America” had Norwegian soccer fans on and had them row. The chant “captured the American imagination,” The Athletic wrote.

Yahoo Sports asked if it was “the best chant in sports.”

“Norway’s soccer fans have rowed through this World Cup like Viking conquerors piloting a longboat a thousand years ago,” The New York Times gushed.

Twelve hundred years ago, seeing a Viking longboat would have inspired terror, not delight.

Vikings used their seafaring prowess to raid and pillage towns on the coast of Europe. They raided monasteries, burned villages and took slaves. Vikings routinely abused their slaves.

In some cases, it was a Viking custom to kill a master’s slaves so that they could serve him in the afterlife.

This wasn’t the only team with a connection to extreme violence. Mexico played its final game of the World Cup at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. Before losing to England, Mexico had a remarkable record there — 70 victories, 17 draws and just two losses. One reason for its success was the passion of its home fans.

Aztecs believed that one of their gods, Huitzilopochtli, killed his siblings after being born. Their bodies became the stars, serving as a nightly reminder of the importance of warfare. They believed that this god feasted on human blood and hearts. As a result, they routinely practiced human sacrifice. Aztecs may have sacrificed 20,000 people annually — and perhaps many more.

Japan’s soccer team is called the Samurai Blue. The samurai were fierce and disciplined warriors who trained in swordsmanship and horsemanship. They were also brutal, slaughtering those they defeated in battle and

burning villages. European visitors were shocked to see samurai behead commoners to test the sharpness of their swords.

Norway, Mexico and Japan didn’t spend the tournament embarrassed about these historical realities. Fans proudly displayed their nations’ flags. Players didn’t apologize for their country’s past sins. What’s more telling is that the propaganda press didn’t even bring this up.

Contrast that with how the left treats America. The New York Times’ 1619 Project sought to reframe America’s founding to make slavery the center of the American story. Despite its many historical inaccuracies, school districts around the country adopted curricula based on it. Leftists denigrate George Washington and Thomas Jefferson for owning slaves. In many places, they’ve replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day. They push land acknowledgements, which imply that America stands on an illegitimate foundation. Even the Smithsonian has spent years pushing a negative view of America’s story.

Citizens in countries around the world understand something that was once obvious. National pride doesn’t mean an endorsement of everything in your country’s history. You can even pull out admirable traits from a group of people who also did horrible things.

If Norwegians can celebrate Vikings, Americans can unashamedly celebrate our founders and history.

Victor Joecks is a columnist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal and host of the “Sharpening Arrows” podcast. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

COLUMN | LARRY ELDER

On the Iran war, NATO chief agrees with Trump — the media buried the lede

He offered an assessment of how close Iran was to acquiring nuclear capability — and that assessment closely tracked Trump’s own.

WHY DO SO MANY Americans oppose the war against Iran?

The biggest reason is that they do not believe Iran was close to obtaining a nuclear weapon.

If Iran was nowhere near a bomb, President Donald Trump’s decision to use military force looks unnecessary, even reckless. But if Iran was close, as Trump claims, the debate changes dramatically.

That is why NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte’s recent assessment should have been a major news story.

During his June 24 Oval Office meeting with Trump, Rutte said: “This is, first of all, about the nuclear capability Iran was basically getting its hands on — and that would have been a threat to the region. It would’ve been a threat to the whole world.” The next day, Rutte was even more direct. “We know they were close,” he said, while commending the United States “for making sure that the world stays safe from Iran with a nuclear capability.”

Rutte’s statement does not, of course, establish as a matter of fact that Iran was close to obtaining a nuclear weapon, let alone how close. But it is unquestionably newsworthy that the secretary general of NATO assessed Iran’s nuclear progress substantially the same way Trump did.

Rutte’s statement did not merely express the view that Iran should never be allowed to possess nuclear weapons. Nearly everyone says that. He offered an assessment of how close Iran was to acquiring nuclear capability — and that assessment closely tracked Trump’s own.

Rutte is not a member of the Trump administration. His agreement therefore carried independent weight, even if critics believed his praise was tactical. The media need

not endorse his judgment. They merely had to report it prominently and scrutinize it as they would any other significant claim. But they did not.

The Associated Press focused heavily on Rutte’s efforts to flatter and reassure Trump because he threatened to reduce America’s military commitment to Europe. Reuters likewise described Rutte as using “flattery” to ease tensions over Iran and NATO. Those were legitimate news angles.

But where was the comparable emphasis on Rutte’s nuclear assessment?

CBS reported on how Rutte praised Trump for setting back Iran’s nuclear capabilities but did not highlight Rutte’s far more consequential assessment that Iran was “basically getting its hands on” that capability. Similarly, a review of coverage by NBC, ABC, NPR, PBS, The New York Times and the Los Angeles Times found no prominent treatment of Rutte’s explicit agreement with Trump on Iran’s nuclear proximity.

Suppose Rutte said Iran was nowhere close to obtaining nuclear capability, that Trump exaggerated the threat and that the war was unnecessary. It would have led broadcasts and been cited as independent proof that Trump misled the country.

Imagine the headlines: “NATO Head Disputes Trump’s Claim on Iran’s Proximity to Acquiring a Nuclear Weapon”; “NATO Secretary General Undercuts Trump’s Rationale for the Iran War”; or “NATO Leader Sides With Americans Who Question the Iran War.” Instead, Rutte’s assessment was overshadowed by stories about Trump’s grievances with NATO and Rutte’s conspicuous

praise of the president. Was Rutte flattering Trump? Quite possibly. After all, Trump angrily criticized European allies for failing to join the military operation against Iran and raised the possibility of pulling American troops out of Europe.

But that does not render Rutte’s nuclear assessment unimportant.

Whatever many in the media think about Trump’s veracity, Rutte’s comment is most certainly newsworthy and merited far more attention. Skeptical journalists could have quoted Rutte, offered evidence against his assessment and questioned whether he was merely currying favor.

What they should not have done was treat the statement as though it barely mattered.

And, days later, after Iran violated the ceasefire memorandum, Rutte again backed Trump by calling the renewed U.S. strikes “absolutely necessary.”

The war has damaged Trump’s approval ratings. It has become increasingly likely that this conflict may drag on for some time, drive gas prices higher and risk more military casualties. The question remains: Is this a war worth fighting?

Iran has shown time and again it is willing to kill its own people and allow them to suffer to allow its regime to remain in power. What would this regime do with nuclear weapons?

Again, as to Iran’s proximity to obtaining this nuclear capability, the NATO secretary general agrees with Trump.

The public deserves to know about it.

Larry Elder is a bestselling author and nationally syndicated radio talk-show host.

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Duplin Journal for Thursday, July 23, 2026

Repairs underway at Boney Mill Pond, dam Workers are replacing eroded material to reduce leaks beneath the dam

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal WALLACE — The Boney Mill Pond and Dam are undergoing repairs to address water leaking beneath the dam structure, which has caused concerns about erosion and the stability of the historic site.

Town officials said the seepage was discovered last fall and had prevented the pond from reaching its normal water level. The pond was drained July 1 to allow crews access to the dam foundation as the leaking water created erosion beneath the dam structure, raising concerns about potential impacts to the stability of the dam and historic grist mill.

Councilman Glenn Price, who recently visited the mill

“The drought has helped with getting this work done. As little rain as we’ve had, there is only a trickle of water that’s made it across the pond and near the dam.”

Glenn Price and documented the work, said an excavator is removing organic material that has accumulated at the base of the dam over years of storms and hurricanes.

The material will be removed until the remaining original clay foundation is reached.

To reduce seepage and prevent future problems, workers will place bentonite, a type of clay that expands when wet, in front of the dam. The material will then be covered with local clay sourced from fire department construction.

The concrete dam will also receive repairs to fill cracks and

voids created by the seepage.

Price said the cracks have also shown historical changes to the structure, including an increase in the dam’s height.

Price said the current drought has helped crews access the area.

“The drought has helped with getting this work done. As little rain as we’ve had, there is only a trickle of water that’s made it across the pond and near the dam,” he explained.

Once the clay and concrete repairs are complete, the pond is expected to refill naturally through rainfall.

IN MEMORIAM

Dr. Austin Obasohan “DR. O” August 18, 1959 - July 24, 2025 Former Superintendent, Duplin County Schools, 2010 - 2025

It’s a year already, yet it feels like yesterday.

Oh, how we love and miss you dearly. The pain ,# ),0&+$ 6,2 &0 !""-H 21 4" IJ+! 0,) " +! $2&! + " in the lessons you taught us, the values you lived by, your words of wisdom, and your passionate love for # *&)6 +! ,**2+&16F ,2/ ),3&+$ *"*,/6 4&)) forever live on in our hearts.

God is good, and to Him Be The Glory!

THE OBASOHAN FAMILY

COURTESY COUNCILMAN GLENN PRICE

A view from the backside of Boney Mill shows the exposed pond bed where crews are removing eroded material from the base of the dam as part of the repair project.

WARSAW from page A1 provide “objective legal advice based on the law, not politics, personalities, or agendas.”

Thompson said his decision stemmed from what he described as an environment marked by “personal attacks, social media theatrics, rumor and unnecessary drama,” as well as the withholding of important town information from employees, legal counsel and elected officials.

“The current environment no longer allows me to effectively perform my duties as legal counsel in the manner the position requires,” said Thompson.

“Municipal government should be conducted openly, honestly, and professionally. It should not be driven by innuendo.”

Thompson said he will continue serving through July 31 and will assist with transitioning the town’s legal matters to successor counsel.

He concluded his letter by expressing hope that “the town can move beyond the current discord and return its focus to

“I accepted this position because I wanted to use my legal experience to help move the town forward — not to become entangled in political dysfunction.”

Attorney Kennedy L. Thompson

transparent, lawful, and effective governance,” adding, “The citizens of Warsaw deserve nothing less.”

Boykin said Thompson’s resignation came without prior discussion, but that he respects the town attorney’s decision to step down.

“Change is a necessary part of the science of improvement,” Boykin told Duplin Journal.

“I have great respect for the town’s attorney. I wish I had the opportunity to speak with him before receiving his letter of resignation; however, that was not part of his plan.

As such, I have to respect his decision.”

Boykin said the town council, which is responsible for hiring the town attorney, is already moving to secure interim legal guidance while

beginning the search for a permanent replacement.

“On Monday, I asked the manager to schedule a special called meeting for closed and public sessions on either July 28, 29 or 30,” Boykin said.

“By these advanced optional dates, I hope to maximize attendance.”

He said he expects to hear from Turner soon regarding the scheduling of the meeting in accordance with the North Carolina Open Meetings Act. Looking ahead, Boykin said he hopes the transition will ultimately strengthen the town’s leadership.

“It is our job to make this change a pathway to improving the Warsaw governing body and administrative leadership,” Boykin said.

Join us!

The Rockfish Chapter of the DAR, along with Col. Alexender Lillington, SAR invites you to join us for The 10th Annual Battle of Rockfish Celebration at 10 a.m.

Saturday, August 1, 2026.

GUEST SPEAKER: Dennis Harper, Author & Historian

TWO DAY TOUR OF BATTLE CAMPS COMING SOON!

Hist

If t

Share with your community! Send us your births, deaths, marriages, graduations and other announcements: community@duplinjournal.com Weekly deadline is Monday at noon

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Duplin Journal for Thursday, July 23, 2026

Young racers take to Cabin Lake in annual cardboard boat regatta A 14-year tradition gives Royal Rangers a chance to compete, connect and serve

By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal THEY WERE BUILT from cardboard, strengthened with duct tape and tested against the waters of Cabin Lake. But for the young racers taking part in the 2026 Royal Rangers Cardboard Boat Regatta on Saturday, the event was about much more than seeing whose boat crossed the finish line first — it

was about teamwork, faith and a tradition that has brought local churches together for more than a decade.

Royal Rangers is a faith-based boys program that mixes outdoor activities with skill-building and discipleship at outposts throughout the country. The Cardboard Boat Regatta was the idea of Sheldon Rowser, commander of Outpost 5 at Pathway Church in Beulaville.

“I was brainstorming with another commander about what we could do to bring another event to the calendar, and the idea for this just came to me,” Rowser said. “A lot of Roy-

al Rangers outposts take the summer months off, but I don’t know why. The kids don’t have school, and they are more pliable in their schedules to do stuff like this.”

Over the course of 14 years, the regatta has grown to include multiple churches. This year’s race included 10 boats and participants represented Gum Branch, Springfield, Piney Grove and Pathways Pentecostal Freewill Baptist churches. Many of the children who raced at young ages still race today and mentor younger racers. While children pilot the cardboard boats, their parents build them. One parent ex-

plained that they find ideas online and spend months building the boats.

“One cardboard boat can have anywhere from six to eight rolls of duct tape on it,” one parent explained. Though the boats take months to build, they rarely last past race day.

“They will get out in it a few more times after the race, but once it gets water in it and starts getting waterlogged, it’s done for,” another parent said.

The Pink Hill Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department provided safety throughout the event. The regatta started around 9 a.m. with a modest crowd gathering, includ-

ing parents, friends and locals.

Rowser reminded the children of their route and rules, then started the race with some quick advice.

“It doesn’t matter how fast you get to the water, it’s how fast you get to the finish line,” Rowser said.

Children were put in life jackets, given paddles and paired up into boats. Most of the younger racers were in the first heat, and two more young racers paired with teenagers went in a second heat. As the racers fought to balance their oars and steer their courses, their speed increased around the two buoys halfway into the lake and to the finish line at the boat dock. Both parents and racers cheered on other racers from the finish line: “Keep going, don’t give up!”

Racers won trophies, second-place ribbons and patches.

Families stayed for lunch and fellowship after the race.

PHOTOS BY REBECCA WHITMAN COOKE FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

DIRECTOR from page A1 was the same complaint residents had. He added that HUD was coming to Mount Olive, at his request, to train the new housing authority board members he had appointed.

In the meantime, Newton asked Commissioner Gena Knode to meet with the housing authority staff. While town commissioners have no direct control over the agency, Newton told Knode he hoped her experience in real estate could help.

Duplin Journal spoke with Knode last Friday. She said her recent meeting with Mount Ol-

CAMPAIGN from page A1 or, purpose and perspective, but together, more meaningful and impactful decisions can be made than anyone alone.”

She said that collaborative approach would guide her if elected commissioner.

“I believe that our strength to solving problems, supporting one another and achieving the best possible outcomes for all is through collaboration, innovation and trust,” Kornegay said.

A lifelong resident of the Beulaville area, Kornegay said her connection to agriculture began long before her healthcare career. As a school-aged child, she spent summers helping her grandparents on their farm, working in chicken houses, tending gardens and learning to drive a tractor. As a teenager, she spent summers working in tobacco fields alongside members of her extended family.

ive Housing Authority Director Erin Lambert revealed that problems were much bigger than resident complaints.

“Erin Lambert told me verbatim she had not been paid since February, but she loved her job and loved the people of Mount Olive, and she would work without pay,” Knode said.

During that meeting, Lambert told Knode that approximately 20 to 22 housing units were out of commission. Both Knode and Newton told the Duplin Journal they were concerned about having those units remain unoccupied for such a long period of time considering the number of people seeking

“Those long days in the fields reinforced the lessons of responsibility, perseverance and teamwork that I learned, and gave me a deep appreciation for the farmers and their families who help support and feed our communities,” Kornegay told Duplin Journal.

Kornegay also said her family’s experience has given her an understanding of the risks farmers face.

“Learning of my mom’s farming accident on a tobacco harvester during one of her high school summers gives me a deeper appreciation for the potential risks associated with farming,” she said. “It shows the importance of farm safety, education and access to healthcare for farming families.”

She said rural residents often face unique healthcare challenges because of long work hours, seasonal demands and limited access to medical services.

housing. Not only are the units empty, but no one could reach housing authority staff to inquire about a vacancy.

Knode’s meeting with Lambert came prior to HUD’s meeting with the newly appointed housing authority board in Mount Olive. Following HUD’s meeting with the newly appointed housing authority board, Lambert resigned her position.

Knode said she did not hear what specifically happened at the meeting with HUD, but the reason for the meeting was, to her knowledge, simply to fulfill the mayor’s request that they provide training

COURTESY

Tracey Simmons Kornegay “Duplin County has opportunities to better support our farming community by expanding access to healthcare through telehealth, mobile clinics and local services that meet people where they are while also continuing to strengthen community partnerships,” Kornegay said. “When healthcare is accessible, practical and built around the needs of our farm families, we help create a healthier

to the housing authority board.

“My understanding is HUD came for the training the mayor had requested,” Knode said. “To my knowledge, that was truly the reason HUD came last week.”

As far as details of the meeting with HUD, Knode said, “I cannot tell you who was there.

I cannot tell you what training took place. All I can tell you is that during that time frame, (Lambert) resigned.”

Duplin Journal reached out to two members of the Mount Olive Housing Authority Board and asked what had transpired at the meeting with HUD. The chairperson of that

board, Annette Kirby, replied, “No comment,” and refused to answer any more questions.

Ed Fennell, a member of the housing authority board, said, “It’s confidential for right now, OK?” When asked if he believed the public should be aware of a public issue like what happened at the meeting, Fennell said, “You don’t need to, in my opinion, get one-on-one information from a commissioner, or so forth. One on one with you is not my job.”

As of press deadline, a message requesting comment from the HUD regional office in Greensboro had not received a response.

and stronger Duplin County for all.”

Looking ahead, Kornegay said she hopes Duplin County preserves its agricultural heritage while embracing innovation.

“Agriculture is a way of life, supporting families, local businesses and our economy,” she said. “I hope future generations continue to value the hard work, stewardship of the land and commitment to producing food that has defined Duplin County for generations while embracing new technologies and practices that help farming remain sustainable and environmentally friendly.”

Running under the slogan “Beyond the Pharm,” Kornegay said the listening, problem-solving and collaborative skills she developed throughout her healthcare career have prepared her for public service.

She said her priorities include strengthening public safety, in-

vesting in education, improving infrastructure, expanding access to physical and mental health services, and increasing public involvement in county government through greater transparency and open communication.

Kornegay earned a doctorate in pharmacy from the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy and has worked as a pharmacist, healthcare leader and clinical program developer, helping develop healthcare programs that served a 27-county region.

Kornegay said her campaign is rooted in the values of faith, hard work and service, adding that she wants county decisions to reflect the needs of families, seniors, farmers and business owners.

“I hope Duplin County never loses its family farming roots, the pride people take in working and the uniqueness created by our close-knit agricultural community,” Kornegay said.

DUPLIN SPORTS Deja vu in Port City 4

Runs scored in the seventh inning by Beulaville Post 511 in its 6-5 win over Wilmington Post 10 Red

Beulaville Post 511 upended perennial power Wilmington Post 10 Red again for a top-four seed in American Legion State Tournament

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal WILMINGTON — The Beulaville Post 511 baseball team saved its best for perennial power Wilmginton Post 10 Red in an Area II final for the No. 1 seed in the American Legion Sr. State Tournament.

It was deja vu for head coach Brandon Thigpen and his “veteran” players, who seemed to emerge from the sky last season to nip Post 10 Blue 1-0 for one of the top four seeds.

The shutdown July 20 at Buck Hardy Field was perhaps even more exciting as Post 511 rallied for four seventh-inning runs to win 6-5.

Up 6-3 with three outs left to play with, the Wilmington gang’s rally fell short in

the home half of the seventh.

Eli Avent drove in a run and scored twice, while Blayden Pridgen added an RBI and Jaxson Smith scattered four hits, five strikeouts and three walks over four innings.

Wilmington’s offense was limited to two players. Owen Gore had three hits and drove in three runs, and Camden Croom laced four hits in four plate appearances.

Cole Jarman, Reed Davis and Austin Clements whacked their way to hits for Post 511.

Post 10 Red blasted Beulaville 15-6 on July 6 and also won a 6-1 affair June 22.

A sweet sweep of Blue Post 511 swept Post 10 Blue in three games in its semifinal series.

Wilmington Post 10 Blue manager Daniel Weninger said Beulaville Post 511’s lineup is filled with college players.

“They can manufacture runs, that’s for sure, and move runners around and get clutch hits and at-bats,” Weninger

said after being swept in a three-game sweep in the best-of-five Area II semifinals.

Post 511 scored 32 times and used 17 walks to advance to the eight-team American Legion Sr. finals in Gastonia on July 24-29 at Sims Park.

“They have a lot of lefty hitters, and that’s a benefit as well as the experience they have,” Weninger said. “It showed.”

Staff ace Smith’s 10-0 shutout win in the opener was followed by a 12-8 triumph and then a 10-9 walk-off win on the home diamond of East Duplin on July 15.

Post 10 Red got to the finals in a similar and more impressive fashion, outscoring Post 507 out of Tabor City 39-0 for its sweep.

Post 511 upended Post 10 Red 1-0 last season to earn the top seed from Area II. While it was considered an upset, both teams advanced to the state tournament, as they will this summer to join seven other teams in the double-elimination tourney.

Beulaville lost to Post 39 of Pitt County 9-6 and Post 342 of Rowan County 17-1 at last summer’s gathering in Cherryville.

See POST 511, page B3

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Hampton Bass pitched Dupin to a key win in the Dixie World Series.

Duplin’s 14U Dixie baseball team on fire at World Series The all-star team is two wins from capturing the title

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

PHOTOS BY EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Left, Noah Rouse settles in on a fly ball during Post 511 win that sent the Belleville team to the American Legion Sr. State Tournament. Right, leadoff hitter Eli Avent makes things happen on the bases.

Rebels’ Martin enters 25th season as head football coach Hugh Martin led ND to a 29-6 mark the last three seasons to raise the Rebels’ all-time winning mark to nearly 60%

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal CALYPSO — Hugh Martin has been around the game of football so long that it’s easy to talk about the wins and career marks he’s accomplished at North Duplin.

And it’s so not about stats for the coach who is entering his 25th season as the head man on

the sidelines on Friday nights.

“Early on I had to learn the game and how to teach it as efficiently as possible, and that factor seems to be there every year,” said Martin, who is only the sixth coach at ND since 1955. “It’s been a joy and a challenge. There are things that are different, but it’s still about young men who want to learn the game and coaches with the opportunity to learn and excel at teaching the game.”

Martin, who retired as a history teacher a few seasons ago, said connecting and staying See MARTIN, page B2

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Hugh Martin’s career coaching record is 159-125. He’s 141-102 at North Duplin.

STERLINGTON, La. – The Duplin County 14U baseball team is in the semifinals at the Dixie Boys World Series in Sterlington, Louisiana.

Duplin suffered its first loss July 20 after three wins to open the double-elimination tournament.

The host team beat Duplin 12-2 following wins over teams from Florida, Mississippi and South Carolina.

Duplin needs three consecutive wins to capture the title. A loss in any game sends them home. The tournament ends July 21 or July 22 if Duplin is still in the championship mix.

Duplin County takes on Hartsville, South Carolina, in its fifth game at 10 p.m. on July 20. Unbeaten Sterlington and one-loss Florida square off in the other semifinal matchup.

All three teams will have to whip the host school twice to claim the crown.

Rally for two runs to topple Florida Duplin County looked defeat in the eye in its third game. It trailed Florida 3-2 with three outs remaining.

Leadoff hitter Braylan Gomez walked to start the rally, was bunted to second base by Aibel James and got to third via a stolen base.

David Smith’s single tied it, but Duplin wasn’t finished as Noah Bass’ grounder moved Smith to third base.

Marshall Rumbold’s second RBI hit of the day was the game-winner.

Duplin jumped to a 2-0 lead with single runs in the first and third innings.

Florida tacked up two in the top of the seventh to grab the lead and set up the North Carolina team for the walk-off win.

Rumbold drove Noah Bass in the first run, while Bass’ single to centerfield knocked in Hampton Bass.

Meanwhile, Hatch Becher struck out eight See 14U, page B2

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Duplin Journal for Thursday, July 23, 2026

BRITISH OPEN

Young waited and waited some more, but another British Open slipped from his grasp The former Demon Deacon is still searching for his first major

By Steve Douglas The Associated Press SOUTHPORT, England — Cameron Young was waiting on the range at Royal Birkdale, driver in hand, when a huge roar came that he didn’t want to hear.

Just a stone’s throw away on the 18th green, Ryan Fox had holed a 12-foot birdie putt to win the British Open.

There’d be no playoff for Young.

No chance to end his wait for a first major championship title.

The American and former Wake Forest golfer bowed his

head, swung his driver gently over his shoulder then back onto the ground, and trudged off.

Some 2½ hours earlier, Young had been on that 18th hole himself, getting up-and-down from a greenside bunker — he actually nearly holed it — to salvage bogey and shoot 64 for what would remain the lowest score of the final round.

Then came the long, agonizing wait to discover whether his 9-under 271 total would be enough to win.

Young had some food, cleared out his locker — “for efficiency’s sake,” he said — and spent some time in the players’ lounge.

By 6 p.m., he was practicing on the putting green.

And around half an hour later, the spectators in the huge grandstands lining one of the

“I had a chance to win with not everything I’ve got. So I think that’s a good takeaway.”

Cameron Young most famous walks in golf gave him the bad news.

Add Birkdale to the 29-year-old Young’s close calls at the majors, following a runner-up finish at the British Open in 2022 — he made eagle on the final hole to be one stroke back from Cameron Smith at St. Andrews — and a tie for third at the Masters this year after sharing the 54-hole lead.

Now up to No. 4 in the world, the widespread belief in golfing

circles is that Young’s time will come. That’s because he has risen to elite company this year with wins at The Players Championship in March and the Cadillac Championship at Doral, in front of President Donald Trump, a couple of months later.

Young says his score “could have been 60” Speaking after his round, Young said he thought 10-under par would have a “decent chance” of victory.

So it proved.

And he would have got there — or maybe better — had he not found a fairway bunker on No. 18 after choosing to hit driver. He barely got out of the sand with his second shot that struck the top of the bunker wall and spilled out 20 yards forward,

and went on to scramble for a bogey.

A par there would have seen him match the lowest final-round score in a major.

A birdie? Well, that would have won him the whole thing.

“It could have been 60,” Young said of his round that included a front-nine 29.

“I played a great round of golf,” he added, “and I did it in a really good way.”

Young’s thoughts after Fox completed victory are a mystery because he declined to talk to the media.

He surely will regret his 3-over 73 on Saturday that came after two 67s and dropped him to a tie for 20th overnight.

“I had a chance to win with not everything I’ve got,” he said. “So I think that’s a good takeaway.”

MARTIN from page B1 with players until they graduate is key for his Rebels.

“We spend more time with them in the weight room than with football, so that’s a pretty important piece of the pie. The messages we convey about the total student athlete are as important as anything we do, and really is the basis for what is done.”

Martin, who is respected in the halls, classroom and on the practice field, has one of the toughest football jobs in the state.

ND was 10 students shy of being a 1A school, and Martin must constantly work on keeping up his roster numbers.

And talent isn’t always a blessing for a given class at ND. So football is a full-time venture that starts nearly as soon as it ends.

ND went 29-5 the past three seasons, but this fall looks as if Martin and ND coaching grads — Brad Rhodes, Daniel Cates and Wilfredo Puac — will be in a familiar rebuilding mode.

Martin took his 2007 (15-1) and 2017 (14-1) teams to the state finals but then struggled following title runs.

ND was 16-23 from 2008 to 2010 and 16-25 from 2018 to 2021.

“It takes the right combination of classes coming through with us,” Martin said. “It’s not one class for us most of the time but two or having a class with contributing sophomores who do that for three seasons.”

Martin’s graduating seniors, led by UNC recruit and defenseman Trashawn Ruffin and Carell Phillips, who ran for 4,686 yards and 70 touchdowns the past four seasons, is an example of a loaded class. And it included several longtime starters — Garris Warren, Ethan Turnage, Quan Stevens, Noa Quantanilla, Lucas Dail and Holden Williams.

“When we have young talent it has to be on the field and

PHOTOS BY EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Left, Hugh Martin, who guided North Duplin to two state title games, is among the state’s all-time leaders in wins. Right, Martin has influenced hundreds of athletes at ND as well as grandchildren Edward, Jase and Ethan Canterbury and Owen and Rylie Mello. performing,” Martin said. “And we can’t take for granted what they know (about the game). We have to both play them and teach them all the little steps necessary. We need game experience on the field.”

Martin, a ND grad in 1978, is entering his 31st football season as a coach.

He spent four seasons at the head coach of East Duplin, going 18-23 from 1990-93 before leading the Rebels to an 11-3 mark when he returned to North Duplin in 2006.

Martin’s four seasons with the Panthers was a buffer between assignments for Brian Aldridge, who turned the program around by going 35-20 from 1985-89 and 160-57 from 1995-2010.

Battle Holley (164-65, 2A title in 2022) took over the next season, and the rest is history.

He was an assistant under Aldridge before taking over.

“He knew the lay of the land and did a great job for us,” said

Aldridge, who went to Whiteville before returning to Beulaville. “He has a love of the game and knowledge. He took what he learned and has done a great job over there. There’s a lot of tradition at North Duplin, and he’s maintained what (Richard) Kaleel and (Ken) Avent Sr. left.

And maintaining a program is harder than making the climb toward the top.”

Martin’s career record is 159-125, and he’s 141-102 in Calypso through 20 seasons at ND. Avent Sr. (172-105) is the all-time leader, though Martin has passed Kaleel (113-77-5 in 19 seasons). Kaleel led ND to its lone state title in 1972.

Martin will tie Avent in years as a head coach this fall, and though still behind Aldridge, he’s the dean of active coaches in terms of years of service.

And more than anything, that is a measuring stick for Martin. His consistency and longevity have earned him a spot

in the heart of players and fans.

“I’ve often coached my players’ grandfathers, dads and brothers,” Martin said. “That’s special. We’re constantly fighting the numbers game with our roster, and for me, truly the hardest time is when we lose a senior class like the last one.”

John Bert Avent, who coached at both ND and James Kenan, has the highest admiration for Martin.

“He’s as good and solid as any coach to come through Duplin County,” Avent said. “What he accomplishes and has accomplished is nothing short of outstanding.”

One day Martin will hang up his whistle and most football fans are expecting Rhodes to take his spot.

When it is time that would make an excellent transition.

Until then, Martin runs the defense and is the final word and Rhodes is the offensive coordinator.

14U from page B1 in 61⁄3 innings for the mound win.

Bass boys, Rumbold, Woodard power the way Nioah Bass was in the spotlight in Game 2 as he whiffed nine and yielded three hits in 62⁄3 innings during a 1-0 win in eight innings over Hattiesburg.

Noah Bass threw the final 11⁄3 frames and did not allow a hit.

Rumbold and Dan Wilson cracked hits in the nail biter.

Duplin opened the tournament with a rousing 7-4 triumph over Florence, South Carolina.

Rumbold and Jase Woodard each had a double, single, two RBIs and two runs scored.

Noah Bass singled, walked twice and scored.

Wilson, Gomez and Konnor Sholar each added a hit.

Woodard whiffed eight in 42⁄3 innings.

PHOTOS BY EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Left, Jase Woodard’s hits to all fields with a level swing. Right, Braylen Gomez moves a runner to second with a bunt.

Martin was an assistant coach in the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas in 2023 and East-West NC Coaches Association’s All-Star game in 2018.

The quiet leader behind the Rebels’ success remains a student of the game and a teacher of all things to his players.

“It’s more than about football here,” he said.

ND opens its season Aug. 21 when Southside-Chocowinity visits H.E. Grubbs Field. Look for the Rebels to be 4-0 heading into a war with longtime Carolina Conference rival Lakewood on Sept. 18. East Bladen and Hobbton are major roadblocks in October.

In the past three seasons, Martin has taken ND from a .588 winning percentage (431301-5) to a .595 (469-301-5) mark.

The veteran coach and his wife Donna, a retired teacher’s assistant, have two daughters and five grandchildren.

B3

Duplin Journal for Thursday, July 23, 2026

FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Arnette seeking to bring new light to proud Dark Horse program

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By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal CLINTON — A small number of football teams play successful programs such as East Duplin, Wallace-Rose Hill, Whiteville during the regular season and add James Kenan to its mix in 2027.

Welcome to the Dark Horse gridiron world of Clinton, a five-time state champion looking to recover from the after-effects its 2A finals appearance in 2024 and coming off a ho-hum 6-6 campaign last fall.

And that ho-hum-ness wasn’t just from over-zealous fans, angry parents and longtime armchair quarterbacks.

At Clinton, the bar was set

by Bob Lewis (333-153-6), who won four state titles with the Dark Horses, another with East Bladen and an eight-man championship with Harrells Christian Academy.

While Cory Johnson brought four seasons of winning (61-12 in six seasons), he departed to Marlboro County High (S.C.) with coaches and players like a hero turned villain in a Marvel movie script.

Johnny Boykin was left to pick up the pieces. Boykin, a member of Clinton’s 1990 2A title team who had a 26-46 record as the top man at Ragsdale, guided the depleted Horses to two wins in 10 games in his first season.

He was replaced by Jason Arnette, another former Dark Horse player and assistant under Lewis. Going 8-14 and a lack of direction, Clinton and Boykin parted ways.

Arnette returned as an assistant last season after going 45-31 at HCA and taking the Crusaders to the NCISAA’s 2A finals in 2020 and 2021.

Arnette and his brother, the late Shane Arnette, are both former Clinton players.

Plenty of light in Clinton’s 2025 highlights While there were plenty of blown assignments and penal-

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Clinton grad Jason Annette went 45-31 at Harrells Christian Academy. He replaces Johnny Boykin, who stayed for two seasons. ty flags, Clinton still presented teams with challenges last fall.

In fact, East Duplin (20-13), WRH (22-18) and Pender (50-45) were one-score losses, though setbacks to East Bladen (26-20) and Midway (55-39) were harder to explain.

Clinton’s biggest hurrah came in a 37-36 conquest of Whiteville, who struggled to go 7-4 out of the weak Southeastern 3A/4A/5A Conference.

Yet the Dark Horses still only needed two touchdowns and a 2-point conversion to win the ECC. All of this and being able to run the program his way has Arnette excited about Clinton’s future.

“When I took over in January, we started hitting it hard in the weight room,” Arnette said. “We are in there four days a week, and we practice three days. We’re getting stronger.

We’ve got 60 players out now, will probably have 70 when we start, and I’d love to see it go to 80.

“We’ve got to get it back to where it was to give our players that unique high school experience.

“But we know the expecta-

tions are high. Last year we didn’t finish. Some of that is within our players. Some of it is mental.”

Clinton has back-to-back road games against Midway and WRH in Week 2 and 3, respectively, and will likewise travel to 2025 league-winner East Duplin on Oct. 16. It also won’t be a picnic when the Dark Horses host Whiteville, Pender and East Bladen in succession.

The Dark Horses are slated to scrimmage James Kenan at the Sampson County Jamboree on Aug. 14 at Midway High School.

“We’ve got a small senior class and a big sophomore class, and I think we need to work on really developing a winning mentality,” Arnette said.

“Right now it’s about what goes on each day and not about anything else.”

Yet Arnette and company saw rising senior quarterback Miles McCallop (1,971 yards, 22 touchdowns passing, 283 yards, 4 TDs rushing) and wide receiver/athlete Zaire Strickland transfer out of Clinton.

Arnette is also without a solid senior class from 2025.

Beulaville Post 511 Beulaville Post 511’s Henry Bass made his at-bats count during a three-game sweep of American Legion Post 10 Blue last week in the semifinals of the Area II playoffs.

Bass went 6 of 9 with four RBIs and scored four times to send his team into the state tournament for the second consecutive summer.

The Clinton grad, who will play for Lenoir Community College next fall, hit .440 in the final season for the Dark Horses. He had 33 hits, 33 runs and drove in 22.

He also had a 2.09 ERA in 501⁄3 innings of work, striking out 50 and walking 20 for 15-9 Clinton.

Post 511 will play in the state tournament July 24-29 at Sims Park in Gastonia.

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POST 511 from page B1 Weninger must have felt the series would go to a fourth game against Post 10 Blue as his club had leads of 7-1 and 10-3 in Game 3.

But Post 511 rallied for three runs in the sixth and walked off the win with four in the seventh.

Beulaville coach Brandon Thigpen wasn’t thrilled with his team’s early lackluster effort yet championed the comeback.

Henry Bass ripped three hits and knocked in three runs, and Cole Jarman and Reed Davis each drove in a run. Post 511 got on base four times via being hit by a pitch and waited out seven

walks from Wilmington hurlers.

Southpaw Mason Murphy threw the final three innings, whiffing four and allowing a hit.

Shawn Marshburn and Noah Rouse each contributed a hit for the winners. Christian Atkinson had three hits and five RBIs for Post 10.

A day earlier, Post 511 broke a 6-6 tie by scoring three times in the sixth and seventh innings.

Braden Barnett singled twice, doubled and drove in three runs. Gage Howard likewise knocked in three runs with a double.

Marshburn had two hits in three trips to the plate and an RBI, while Rouse contributed a run-scoring single.

Reed added two of Beulaville’s 14 hits.

Henry Bass struck out two in the seventh to earn the save after Austin Clements went four frames and Jarman two.

Atkinson had two hits and drove in three for Post 10 Blue, which is made up largely of players from 8A Hoggard High School.

Winners of the 2026 American Legion Senior Sr. state tournaments advance to one of eight regional tournaments., which run from Aug. 5-9.

North Carolina’s representative will play in the Southeast region in Cherryville.

The American Legion World Series is Aug. 13-18 at Keeter Stadium in Shelby on Aug. 13-18.

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B4

Duplin Journal for Thursday, July 23, 2026

ACC looks to corporate sponsorships as way to boost bottom line of league revenue Commissioner Jim Phillips continues to search for new sources

By Aaron Beard The Associated Press CHARLOTTE — Jim Phillips has spent his five-plus-year tenure as Atlantic Coast Conference commissioner trying to generate more revenue for a league facing financial pressures even with yearly record hauls.

For his league — and across the national landscape in the revenue-sharing era, for that matter — that has included more emphasis on corporate sponsorships.

Finding event sponsors for naming rights. Securing deals for advertisements on conference TV networks. It’s all about looking for ways to sell those options and supplement the media rights payouts and earnings from postseason success that stand as core engines of the college financial system.

And stacking every bit helps in a time when schools are allowed to pay athletes directly.

“I don’t know if it’s pressure, but it’s the reality,” Phillips said during the league’s preseason football media days. “To me, it’s the reality of this role and it’s reality of our league. We have to continue to find incremental dollars each and every year that continue to grow.”

That’s been a particular focus for Phillips, too, in dealing with a significant revenue gap behind the Big Ten and Southeastern Conference since his spring 2021 arrival.

The league reported about $826.5 million in total revenue in tax filings covering the 2024-25 sports season, with schools earning a full distribution share getting an average of $47.1 million.

That continued the ACC’s upward trajectory; the league reported $617 million for 2021-22 in Phillips’ first full season, good

“You can’t wait around, you can’t just kind of sit on your hands as it relates to some of these other areas and not fully explore and commit to finding those additional dollars.”

Jim Phillips, ACC commissioner for a full-share average of $39.4 million. And Phillips said the league would crack $900 million in total revenue for the just-completed 2025-26 season.

By comparison, the Big Ten and SEC both crossed the $1 billion mark in total revenue in their 2024-25 filings, with the Big Ten paying an average of nearly $79.9 million to full-share members while the SEC came in at nearly $72.4 million.

The biggest way to move the needle for a league looking to change its financial picture typically is media rights contracts.

The ACC is locked into a deal with ESPN — both for its base TV rights and the August 2019 launch of the ACC Network — through the 2035-36 season.

The TV revenue continues to increase, but Phillips said at least some gains have come through corporate sponsorships, such as investment management firm T. Rowe Price putting its name on the men’s basketball tournament.

The ACC has doubled its list of corporate sponsorships to nine in the past five years, a list that includes Apple, Dr Pepper, Gatorade and Allstate.

The league announced a deal with AI cybersecurity firm ReliaQuest, which includes advertising through ESPN, ESPN parent company Disney and the ACC Network.

That goes with other adjustments such as changes to the league’s revenue-distribution

Bermuda Run Apartments

model to reward programs that generate higher TV viewership and the “success initiative” that allows schools to keep money generated by their own postseason success.

“You can’t wait around, you can’t just kind of sit on your hands as it relates to some of these other areas and not fully explore and commit to finding those additional dollars,” Phillips said. “All of that stuff adds up incrementally.”

In its most recent report, SponsorUnited estimated that Power Four schools generated about $1 billion in corporate sponsorship revenue across roughly 6,300 deals for the 2025-26 season.

That equated to about $9.7 million per school in the ACC and $11.2 million for the Big 12. The SEC ($21.5 million) and Big Ten ($16.1 million) led the way, with the Big 12 as the only league lacking its own TV channel.

“There’s not a lot of places where you can go to an AD and say, ‘Look, I think we could potentially generate $5-10-20 million annually if we think differently about this side of the business and we can control it,’” Lynch said. “So it becomes a really intriguing space to look and say if we invest there, we could potentially extract a lot of dollars and generate a lot that we weren’t doing before.”

In the ACC’s case, that meant hiring Anthony Macri last September as its first chief revenue officer.

He’s helping schools in determining their own options on anything from patches on jerseys to arena signage. And unlike selling a finite number of tickets for an event, corporate sponsorships could offer layers of revenue options.

“We have a chance to really grow that area,” Macri said.

“It’s been an underleveraged opportunity that has unlimited growth potential, so that gives us a lot of room to push on.”

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PUBLIC HEARING The Duplin County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, August 3, 2026 in the Duplin County Administrative Building, Commissioners Meeting Room located at 224 Seminary St, Kenansville, NC to consider public input on the naming of the following private roads: Location NC 111 4472 NC 111 1271

Proposed Name R and S LN Padrick PL

Only those roads listed will be considered at this time.

Duplin County Board of Commissioners Jaime Carr, Clerk to the Board

26SP000037-300 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, DUPLIN COUNTY

23SP000123-300 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, DUPLIN COUNTY 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: All that certain lot or parcel of land located in Cypress Creek Township, Duplin County, North Carolina and being more particularly described as follows: 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: 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 to Gerald Futreal and wife, Dorothy H. Futreal, by a Deed recorded in Book 613, Page 47, Duplin County Registry.

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.

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

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. 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).

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 Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 File No.: 23-31308-FC01

of

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 WEST 75 FEET TO A STAKE; THENCE NORTH 72 DEGREES 30 MINUTES WEST 142 FEET TO THE BEGINNING. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

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 Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 File No.: 23-13172-FC02

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B5

Duplin Journal for Thursday, July 23, 2026

obituaries

Peggy Tyndall Alexander Dec. 1, 1945 – July 4, 2026 Peggy Tyndall Alexander passed away Saturday evening, July 4, 2026, at the age of 80.

Peggy, a native of the Pleasant Grove area near Mount Olive, had made her home in Palmyra, Virginia for many years. In recent months, she relocated back to North Carolina to be near her sister and brother due to health issues.

Peggy attended B. F. Grady School and graduated in 1964 from East Duplin High School.

She had been employed as a public relations agent with Lake Monticello Homeowners Association in Virginia, where she used her photography skills for the public good. She was also a talented artist and had painted many scenes and works of art which brought her awards, ribbons, and accolades.

Peggy’s life was remembered on Wednesday, July 8, with funeral services at 3 p.m. at Snow Hill Original Free Will Baptist Church, the home church of her and her family. Officiating was the Rev. Mark S. Hobbs. Committal rites with burial followed in the church cemetery. Immediately following the committal, friends greeted and fellowshipped with the family in the church.

For those who wish to make a memorial donation, please consider Snow Hill Church, 1224 Red Hill Road, Mount Olive, NC 28365.

Preceded in death by her parents, William Claudell and Lettie McCullen Tyndall; two brothers and a sister-in-law, Kenneth Ray and Doloris Tyndall, and Henry Delano “Speck” Tyndall, she leaves behind a sister and brother-in-law, Carol Tyndall Messick and Gene Messick of Kinston and Mount Olive; a brother and sister-in-law, William Earl and Joyce Outlaw Tyndall of Kinston; another sisterin-law, Rosemond Outlaw Tyndall, of Mount Olive; four nephews and a niece, Wyatt King, Barbara Tyndall, Greg Tyndall, Barry Tyndall, and Brian Tyndall, along with their families.

Julius Monk July 30, 1950 – July 10, 2026 Mr. Julius Monk, age 75, of Warsaw, NC, passed away on Friday, July 10, 2026, at ECU Health Duplin Hospital in Kenansville, NC. Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Rose Hill Funeral Home in Rose Hill, NC. Burial will follow at Monk Family Cemetery in Magnolia, NC. Left to cherish his precious memories are two sons: William Earl Lawson, II of Charlotte, NC and Julius Monk in Durham, NC; one daughter, Jillian Monk of Charlotte, NC; one brother, Harry Lee Monk of Warsaw, NC and one sister, E.B. Boney of Fayetteville, NC; six grandchildren, one greatgrandchild; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that will miss him dearly.

Michael Alderman Sept. 24, 1955 – July 14, 2026 Mr. Michael Alderman, age 71, of Rose Hill, NC, passed away on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at Lower Cape Fear Life Care in Wilmington, NC. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Rose Hill Funeral Home Chapel in Rose Hill, NC. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Funeral Home Cemetery in Magnolia, NC. Left to cherish his precious memories are his sister, Yvonne Alderman Graham (Dewey) of Bolton, NC; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that will miss him dearly.

Gwendolyn “Bethea” Vann

Melissa Turner Register

Dec. 2, 1940 – July 20, 2026

June 4, 1974 – July 17, 2026

Ms. Gwendolyn Terrell Bethea Vann, age 85, of Magnolia, NC, passed away on Monday, July 20, 2026, at Wallace Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Wallace, NC. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at noon at the Rose Hill Funeral Home Chapel, 472 Wells Town Road in Rose Hill, NC. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Funeral Home Cemetery, Hwy 903 in Magnolia, NC. Left to cherish her precious memories are two sons: Norwood Vann, Jr. and Norman Vann, both of Magnolia, NC; one daughter, Tomiko Vann of Atlanta, GA; three siblings: Ronald Bethea, Eric Bethea (Crystal) and Carolyn DeRiggs, all of Maryland; one grandchild, Warmis G. Vann; several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that will miss her dearly.

Warsaw- Melissa Dawn Turner Register, 52, of Warsaw passed away Friday, July 17, 2026, at Kitty Askins Hospice Center in Goldsboro. Melissa was born June 4, 1974, in Sampson County to Brenda Quinn Turner and the late Donald Ray Turner.

Left to cherish her memory are her mother, Brenda Turner of Warsaw; son, William Register of Warsaw; daughter, Katlyn Register of Warsaw; brothers, Donald Ray Turner, Jr., and Michael Paul Turner of Warsaw; grandchild, Elijah Lee Register; and niece, Hannah Jane Turner of Warsaw.

A funeral service will be held at 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 21, 2026, in Community Funeral Home Chapel, Warsaw, NC, with burial to follow in Matthew-Quinn Cemetery on Bowden Rd, Turkey, NC.

SPONSORED BY QUINN MCGOWEN FUNERAL HOME

Christine S. Espin

James Allen Jones

John C. White Jr.

April 30, 1945 – June 29, 2026

Nov. 6, 1956 – July 14, 2026

Sept. 3, 1948 – July 18, 2026

James Allen Jones, 69, of Wallace, NC, passed away on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington.

James was born November 6, 1956, in Rose Hill to the late W.R. and Susie Jones. He is survived by his wife, Blanche Jones; children - Sarah, Jessica (Billy), Amanda (Ronnie); brothers – Glenn (Robin) and Billy Jones (Winnie); and 7 grandchildren. He graduated in 1975 from Wallace Rose Hill. He served in the United States Army where he received his infantry awards. He met the love of his life, Blanche Trimble Jones, while James was away. He stayed in close contact with his parents and brothers. They talked on a weekly basis.

James was a quiet man. He loved his whole family. He always showed up for everyone and never expected anyone to show up for him. He was close with his family.

James’s daughters knew no matter what he would show up. Everyone knew that if they called or texted, he would be there anytime. James got his CDL the day that he turned 18. James loved being out on the open road. He would take his daughter Jessica on the truck with him when she was little. He drove for independent contractors. Then he decided to come off the road and work for Smithfield Foods which later became Murphy Brown.

James loved to cook and watch movies with his daughter.

Sarah and James would sit up late at night enjoying each other’s company. He would call his children and grandchildren daily.

He enjoyed his weekly trips with his son-in-law Billy. He was very close to his brothers Glenn and Billy Jones. He was very proud of his grandsons Mason and Sam and all their achievements. He enjoyed taking them to football games and wrestling matches.

They have a lifetime of memories of just the three of them. Each of his granddaughters has a lifetime of memories themselves. Their Pa would cook breakfast every Sunday morning. He would cook each one of them their eggs just how they wanted and whatever they wanted with them. Whether it was pancakes or French toast. He would take Genna, Ally, Miranda, Gabby and Abby to Wilmington for brunch during their summers out of school. He would also take them to school and pick them up. He was such a family man that even his nieces and nephews knew if they called and needed him, he was there.

A Celebration of Life/ Visitation is set for 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in the Transfiguration Catholic Church of Wallace, NC. There will be a truck procession at 2:15 p.m. from Jones’s home to the church.

John Carlson White Jr., of Kenansville, North Carolina, passed away early Saturday, July 18, 2026, at his home at Duplin Country Club, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Mr. White was born in Wilmington, Delaware, on September 3, 1948. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Carlson White and Emily Anderson White.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Jane White. Mr. White is also survived by his sisters and brothers-in-law, Nancy White Rundell and Tom Rundell of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Janet White Jensen and Gene Jensen of Mays Landing, New Jersey; a brother, David White of Radnor, Pennsylvania; and a sister-in-law, Dannie Andrews of Columbus, Georgia. Additionally, he has five nephews, one niece, and their spouses, Clayton and Meghan Rundell of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, David Jensen of Rocky Mount, Virginia, Stephen and Lisa Jensen of Mays Landing, New Jersey, Elizabeth and Garry Graham of Cataula, Georgia, Russell Andrews of Columbus, Georgia, and David Andrews and Kelley O’Brien of Carrboro, North Carolina. Last but not least, he leaves behind his two four-legged “kids,” Hannah, the doggie, and Charlotte, the cat.

Mr. White was very proud of his military service. He graduated from the United States Army Aviation School in November of 1969 as a helicopter pilot after training at Fort Wolters, Texas, and Fort Rucker, Alabama. He served as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam from 1969-1970, in a time when others in his generation would not. He was a member of the 282nd Assault Helicopter Company stationed near Marble Mountain in Vietnam. He also served as an instructor pilot at Fort Stewart, Georgia after his service in Vietnam.

He went to Penn State University and graduated from Wofford College in 1975 with a degree in economics. He worked in the textile industry, beginning with Milliken and Company in South Carolina, then with Guilford Mills in Kenansville, North Carolina, and ending his career with Glen Raven Mills in Burlington, North Carolina.

Traveling and cruising were favorite pastimes for John and Jane. They spent four decades traveling all over the world with family and friends. They enjoyed traveling to so many different places and especially enjoyed meeting many wonderful friends along the way. Some became lifelong friends who meant the world to them.

A service to remember and celebrate the life of Mr. John White will be held Friday, July 24, at 11:00 a.m. by the graveside at Devotional Gardens, Warsaw, North Carolina. Military honors will be rendered by the United States Army Honor Guard from Fort Bragg, Fayetteville, North Carolina. At the conclusion of the service, Mrs. White and family will convene at Duplin Country Club to receive friends and relatives, at which a buffet luncheon will be offered to all.

Memorial gifts in Mr. White’s memory may be made to the charity of one’s choice, or to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Rd., Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256.

Mrs. Lucy Christine Summerlin Espin, age 81, passed away Monday afternoon, June 29, 2026, at ECU Medical Center in Greenville.

Mrs. Espin was a long-time employee of the Lundy Packing Company. After retirement, she had held several other jobs on a short-term basis.

Funeral services were held Thursday, July 2, at 11:00 a.m. by the graveside at Devotional Gardens at Warsaw. Presiding was the Rev. James DeLuca. Her family received friends at the cemetery.

Mrs. Espin is survived by her husband, David P. Espin; her three sons and their wives, Larry and Beverly Summerlin of Turkey, Gary and Shannan Batchelor of Turkey, and Thomas and Martha Batchelor of Kenansville; seven grandchildren, Brody Batchelor, Sam Batchelor, Abigail Batchelor, Logan Batchelor, Leslie Batchelor, Jeffrey Summerlin, and Jessica Summerlin; a greatgrandson, Brantley Summerlin; two sisters, Mavis Summerlin and Joyce Sage; and several nieces and nephews.

Her parents, Leslie Summerlin and Lucy Taylor Summerlin, as well as several siblings, Debbie Jean Summerlin, Lois S. Allen, Milton Summerlin, Mary S. Outlaw and Hubert Summerlin, preceded Christine in death.

Donnie Ray Register Feb. 24, 1940 – July 14, 2026 Warsaw - Donnie Ray Register, 86, of Warsaw passed away Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at WakeMed in Raleigh. Mr. Register was born February 24, 1940, in Sampson County to the late Hallie Davis Register and Reda Williams Register.

A visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, July 17, 2026, at Calvary Baptist Church in Warsaw. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the Register Family Cemetery in Turkey, NC. Left to cherish his memory, Mr. Register is survived by wife, Jewel W. Register of the home; sons, Steven Ray Register and wife, Donna of Clinton, Kenneth Wayne Register and wife, Kathleen of Warsaw, Kevin Lee Register and wife Jennie of Clinton; brother, Bobby Register of Kenansville, Cathy Carter and husband, Charles of Clinton; grandchildren, Kelly Williams and husband, Clint, Stephen Lee Register and wife Courtney, Brittany Drew and husband Aaron, Kenneth Wayne Register, Jr. and wife, Catherine, Brett Casey Register and wife, Amanda Hope Ashley Myrick and husband, Kevin, and Tyler Strickland and wife Hannah; great grandchildren, Autumn Williams, Kylee Register, Brody Hinson, Rylan Register, Carter Register, Connor Register, Paisley Drew, Levi Drew, Breanna Thomas, Hannah Register, Adyson Register, Reagan Register, Anna Myrick, Carson Myrick, Emalyn Myrick, Tatum Register, Jack Strickland and Ele Strickland.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Register was preceded in death by his brother, Ellis Register.

Shirley Batchelor Dail April 9, 1942 – July 14, 2026 Shirley Batchelor Dail, 84, passed away on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at her home.

The graveside service is Monday, July 20, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Oak Memorial Park in Pink Hill, NC. There will be visitation at the graveside She is survived by nephews Billy Murphy, Johnny Batchelor, Jerry Batchelor and Rusty Batchelor; and nieces Brenda Basden, Patricia King, Judy Garriss, Gail Heath and Martha Foy.

More obituaries on page B6

B6 OBITUARIES

Carolyn Marie Jenkins March 21, 1933 – July 15, 2026 Carolyn Marie Jenkins, 93, of Leland, NC, passed away July 15, 2026, at her residence. A funeral service to celebrate Mrs. Jenkins’ life will be at noon on Monday, July 20, 2026, at Hoopers’ Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Leland. Public viewing is from 11:00 a.m. to noon (one hour prior to the service). Interment follows the service at Jenkins McClearn Cemetery.

Robert Wesley Sipper Jan. 22, 1945 – July 18, 2026 Robert Wesley Sipper, 81, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 18, 2026.

He was born January 22, 1945, in Wake County, the son of Harvey Sipper and Dorothy Ruth Alford Sipper.

Robert is survived by his sons, Wesley Sipper and Greg Sipper (Patricia); his daughter, Winter Harlow (Ben Stanton); grandchildren, Dylan Sipper and Kinsley Stanton; greatgrandchildren, Lilly Sipper and Gracie Sipper; brother, Mike Piner (Wanda); many extended family members and friends.

Robert served proudly in the US Navy.

Robert will be remembered for his easygoing spirit, his love of spending time with friends, and the many memories he created throughout his life. He especially enjoyed shooting pool at Harvey’s, where he shared countless laughs and conversations, and playing poker with his many friends. One of his favorite daily traditions was enjoying breakfast at Olde Carolina Eatery, where he looked forward to good food, familiar faces, and friendly conversations.

Robert treasured the friendships he built over the years and found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. Whether around the pool table, the poker table, or over breakfast with friends, he was happiest in the company of those he cared about.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. The wonderful memories of Robert will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and everyone whose life he touched.

May Robert rest in peace.

A service of Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Burgaw Chapel.

Duplin Journal for Thursday, July 23, 2026

Seeds of service grow in Wallace The project brings together local business leadership and agricultural education to create a community space in Wallace

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal A NEW COMMUNITY project is taking root in the historic district of Wallace, bringing together local business leadership, agricultural education and student service.

Local business owner Felix Herring has partnered with the Wallace-Rose Hill FFA chapter to establish a new community garden designed to create a welcoming green space while helping revitalize Wallace.

Herring, a lifelong Wallace resident, said the project reflects his desire to give back and invest in the future of his hometown.

The garden project provides an opportunity to transform an unused space into a place where residents can gather, learn and connect. Through the partnership, Wallace-Rose Hill FFA students are helping turn Herring’s vision into reality while gaining hands-on experience in agriculture, leadership and community service.

Members of the WRH FFA officer team and chapter students have embraced the opportunity to contribute to the

project. Applying skills learned in the classroom, students have assisted with planning, preparation and development of the garden site. They have also helped clear debris, organize the area and prepare the site for planting.

As the garden continues to develop, FFA members are taking ownership of individual raised beds, managing each space from soil preparation through harvest. The hands-on approach allows students to apply agricultural knowledge while learning valuable lessons about responsibility, teamwork and stewardship.

The partnership also includes plans to expand the garden’s impact beyond traditional planting areas and is exploring future opportunities, including the addition of a beekeeping area to support pollinators and the possibility of connecting the site with a local farmers market.

The potential farmers market would provide an opportunity for local growers to share their products directly with residents while encouraging community engagement and supporting agriculture in the area.

PHOTOS COURTESY WALLACE-ROSE HILL HIGH SCHOOL

Chinquapin Class of 1957 gathers for 69th reunion The Chinquapin High School Class of 1957 celebrated its 69th reunion June 13

at Rose Hill Restaurant. Twelve graduates and four spouses attended. Standing, from left, are Billy Pickett, Bobby Barfield, Emily Batchelor Barfield, Jimmie Bostic, Bobby Ray Lanier, Marie Whaley, Terry Whaley, Judy Sholar and Jimmy Sholar. Seated, from left, are Pat Manning Sanderson, Berena Sholar Austin, Eloise Sholar Register, Marie James Hinton, Mary Sue Gurganus Sanderson, Anita Swinson Pickett and Joanne Sanderson Lasseter. Image courtesy Emily Barfield