Duplin County Registration is open for the Duplin County Partnership for Children’s Imagination Library program, which provides a free, age-appropriate book delivered each month to children from birth through age 5. Families can register by visiting imaginationlibrary.com. The program is designed to support early literacy skills and encourage families to build a love of reading together.
Board of Elections cancels Aug. 6 meeting
Kenansville The Duplin County Board of Elections has canceled its meeting scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 6. Information about future board meetings will be available at the Duplin County Board of Elections website.
JSCC fall semester classes begin Aug. 17
Kenansville The fall semester at James Sprunt Community College begins Aug. 17. Students who register for fall classes by the designated dates will automatically be entered for a chance to win a $50 JSCC Bookstore gift card. Giveaway drawings will be held July 31, Aug. 7 and Aug. 14.
School year begins Aug. 24
Duplin County Duplin County students will return to classrooms for the rst day of school Aug. 24. Families are encouraged to take advantage of local back-to-school events o ering supplies and resources ahead of the new school year. Turn to A2 for a list of back-to-school events.
Airport funding redirected for capital improvements
Duplin County
A $1.5 million funding allocation originally designated for the Duplin County Airport has been redirected for capital improvements, equipment, airpark enhancements or access improvements located adjacent to the airport property. The change comes through the North Carolina General Assembly’s Current Operations Appropriations Act of 2026, which outlines the state’s nancial plan for the 2026-27 scal year.
Precinct o cials wanted
Duplin County
The Duplin County Board of Elections is seeking individuals interested in serving as precinct o cials. Anyone interested is encouraged to apply at the DCBOE o ce.
$2.00
Public concerns reshape proposed family land rules
The Planning Board recommended changes to the proposed family division rules before the ordinance returns to county commissioners
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
PUBLIC OPPOSITION has prompted Duplin County ocials to revisit key portions of
proposed changes to the Uni ed Development Ordinance, with residents raising concerns about family property rights, agricultural setbacks and the ability to pass land to future generations.
Town o cials say heavy rainfall, in ow and in ltration, and equipment failure contributed to the spill
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
MOUNT OLIVE — A sanitary sewer over ow of approximately 144,000 gallons spilled
into the headwaters of Thunder Swamp on July 24, just days before the town of Mount Olive faces a key deadline under its ongoing Special Order by Consent (SOC) with the North Car-
The Duplin County Planning Board held a public meeting and hearing July 14 after county commissioners sent the proposed ordinance revisions back for further review following a packed July 13 county commissioners meeting where residents voiced concerns about the changes.
At the center of the debate
olina Department of Environmental Quality.
The over ow occurred at Lift Station No. 1 on Norbert Wilson Road after heavy rainfall over a 12-hour period. Mount Olive ofcials told Duplin Journal the lift station serves a large area of Mount Olive.
Despite the volume of the
4 families displaced after Wallace apartment re
Investigators say the blaze started on a bed
By Mark Grady and Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
WALLACE — Four families were displaced after a re tore through an apartment building at the Glendale Village apartment complex on Glendale Village Lane on Sunday afternoon, prompting a multiagency emergency response and causing substantial property loss.
According to the Wallace Police Department, o cers responded to the structure re Monday at approximately 5 p.m. Upon arrival, o cers conrmed the re with Duplin County Communications and
immediately began evacuating adjoining apartments.
The Wallace Fire Department reported that crews arrived to nd heavy smoke coming from the single-story apartments and launched an aggressive interior re attack. Teachey Fire arrived within seconds to assist with re attack and water supply, while Rose Hill Fire assisted with reground operations. Northeast Fire and Pender Fire and EMS arrived shortly afterward to assist with re attack, ventilation and overhaul.
Following the re, Wallace Police detectives and Duplin County Public Safety investigated the scene and determined the re originated on a bed in one of the bedrooms.
“I live here with my sisters, and my mom lives just down from us. We are all trying to see what we are going to do.” Tradeca Parker
Josh Young, right, of The Young-Outlaw Ranch holds a fawn as a student pets it during a visit to the ranch in Dudley, which borders northern Duplin County. The visit was part of the University of Mount Olive’s North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission Supervised Agricultural Experience Camp held July 20-24. Turn to A3 for more.
were a proposed 1,000-foot setback for new residential dwellings near existing operational poultry, dairy or swine facilities, and a 60-month, or ve-year, waiting period before newly created family lots could be sold or transferred outside the family. Several residents told the Planning Board the setback requirement could signi cantly reduce the amount of land available for future generations.
A local chicken farmer presented a map showing that because setbacks are measured
LAND, page A2
spill, town o cials did not issue a public health advisory. O cials stated the public health risk was mitigated because heavy rainfall diluted the wastewater, and they con rmed the spill did not a ect drinking water.
page A6
THE DUPLIN COUNTY EDITION
COURTESY
Duplin Journal www.duplinjournal.com
North State Media LLC 104 W Main Street Wallace, NC 28466 Copyright 2026
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CONTACT US
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To place a legal ad: 919 663-3232; Fax: 919 663-4042
Man on the Street
People in Wallace weigh in on growth
Duplin Journal asked locals how they view what is happening in the area
By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal
ELECTED OFFICIALS and community leaders have regular opportunities to share their views and opinions on issues a ecting their communities. But what do everyday residents think?
This month, Duplin Journal begins a new monthly series, Man on the Street, taking the conversation directly to residents to hear their perspectives on issues, news and everyday life in Duplin County. In the rst installment, Duplin Journal spoke with people in downtown Wallace about the rapid growth taking place across the area, particularly in Wallace, where the number of homes is forecast to double in the not-too-distant future. For some, growth represents an opportunity. For others, it raises questions
“More business means more people, and more money being brought into Wallace and the surrounding areas.”
April Murray
about how expansion should be managed.
Mark Quesnel, who previously lived in Wallace before moving to Wilmington, still commutes daily to work in Wallace. Originally from Maryland, Quesnel said his perspective comes partly from being someone who has not spent his entire life in the community.
“I see positive,” Quesnel said. “I mean, look around, right? One street o of Main Street and you’ve got a building that looks like it’s been bombed out. Not being from here, I realize I don’t have the same romantic charm for Wallace other people
may, so I do see it both ways.”
Quesnel added that growth should be well done.
“I think the biggest thing for me is you just have to expand the right way,” he said.
“I mean, do you want to build eight more gas stations, or do you want to try and promote businesses instead of building on new plots of land? If we can be smart about it, putting businesses in the right spots and trying to promote the right kind of growth instead of just urban sprawl.”
April Murray, a Rose Hill resident who works in downtown Wallace, also sees growth as a positive development for the area.
“The country area needs more growth,” Murray said. “We need to get modernized like other towns, bigger towns.”
Murray said additional businesses could bene t the county.
“More business means more people, and more money being brought into Wallace and the surrounding areas.”
Back-to-school events planned across Duplin County
Families can nd free school supplies, activities and community resources throughout August
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
AS THE FIRST DAY of school on Aug. 24 approaches, organizations across Duplin County are preparing to help students head back to the classroom with free school supplies, family activities and community resources. Several backto-school events are scheduled throughout August.
The Wallace Police Department will kick o its annual Back-to-School Drive on Aug. 1 at Walmart. Community members are encouraged to donate
LAND from page A1
“corner to corner” from his poultry houses, the proposed requirement would e ectively make 80 acres of his 90-acre farm “unusable” for his children even though the poultry houses occupy 10 acres.
“We should not have any footage,” he said. “There are laws in existence at the state level ... to protect agriculture.”
Residents also questioned the proposed ve-year holding period, asking why someone who received a family lot should be prevented from selling it if life circumstances changed, such as relocating for a job.
Planning Director Chris Hatcher said the restriction was intended to prevent developers from using the family division provision to “circumvent” subdivision regulations by immediately selling newly created lots for pro t.
While much of the discussion focused on the setback and waiting period provisions, Hatcher said those mea-
school supplies or make monetary contributions to support local students. Also on Aug. 1, Ana’s Angels will host a free community school supply drive-thru from noon to 3 p.m. at Lynda’s Funtime Junction at 309 NW Railroad St. in Wallace. Children must be present to receive supplies.
Heaven Hill Kidpreneur will host a back-to-school supply giveaway Aug. 8 from 1-3 p.m. at Wallace Parks and Recreation. Free school supplies will be available while supplies last for students in pre-K through 12th grade. Children must be present. Supplies will include backpacks, notebooks, pencils, pens, folders, crayons and other classroom essentials.
“The proposed family division provision would allow qualifying family members to divide property beyond the limitations of the current access easement division without triggering the requirement to construct a paved road.”
Chris Hatcher, planning director
sures represented only part of a broader proposal intended to help families divide land. In a follow-up interview with Duplin Journal, Hatcher said Duplin County currently does not have a family division exemption. Under existing regulations, landowners are limited to creating a maximum of three lots using a nonpaved access easement. Any additional division is classi ed as a ma-
Aug. 24
First day of school across Duplin County; several organizations are holding events to provide free school supplies to students.
Three community events are scheduled for Aug. 15.
Operation Giveback 2026 will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at Beulaville Town Hall at 508 E. Main St. The event will feature school supplies, activities and additional community resources.
jor subdivision, which requires infrastructure improvements, including paved roads built to county standards.
“The proposed family division provision would allow qualifying family members to divide property beyond the limitations of the current access easement division without triggering the requirement to construct a paved road,” Hatcher said.
He explained that the proposal was intended to provide relief from those costs while ensuring adequate and safe access for emergency services.
“There are numerous property divisions throughout Duplin County that were created using access easements, and in some areas, re, EMS and law enforcement have experienced challenges accessing these properties due to the lack of a maintained roadway,” Hatcher said.
He said the road requirements are rooted in public safety concerns, noting that existing homes served by unpaved access easements have
The Duplin County Partnership for Children will host its annual Back-to-School Community Day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 408 N. Main St. in Kenansville. The event is open to Duplin County students in pre-K through 12th grade. Children must be present to receive supplies. Families also can enjoy games, bounce houses, entertainment and opportunities to learn more about the organization’s programs.
Jalen’s Bless the Block will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 683 E. Southerland St. in Wallace. The event will provide school supplies, free haircuts, braiding services, family activities and special guests. Wallace Urgent Care is serving as an o cial school supply drop-o location and event partner.
B.R.A.V.E.’s 10th Warsaw Day will be held Aug. 22 from noon to 3 p.m. at Warsaw Parks and Recreation at 309 Memorial Drive. The free community event will include school supplies, food, music and activities.
created challenges for emergency responders.
Hatcher also addressed suggestions that liability waivers or deed disclosures could replace the proposed setback requirement.
“The county does not have the ability to enforce deed restrictions,” Hatcher said.
Following the public hearing, the Planning Board voted to recommend removing three debated provisions from the proposed ordinance: a 1,000 -foot setback that would have limited where new homes could be built near existing poultry, dairy and swine facilities; a ve-year waiting period before newly created family lots could be sold or transferred outside the family; and related setback requirements included in the proposed family division rules.
The county commissioners will hold a second public hearing Aug. 3 to receive additional public comment before deliberating and voting on whether to approve or deny the amendments.
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 arti cial intelligence in preservation e orts 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
In ataFest comes to Duplin
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In ataFest, an event featuring bounce houses, slides and obstacle courses, is coming to the Duplin Events Center. The event will include in atable 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
PHOTOS BY MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
Left, April Murray. Right, Mark Quesnel.
Agricultural camp introduces students to careers in farming
Students participating in the University of Mount Olive’s North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission Supervised Agricultural Experience Camp toured agricultural businesses and area farms from July 20-24, gaining rsthand insight into careers in agriculture and entrepreneurship. During the weeklong program, participants visited local operations, learned about precision agriculture and drone technology, and heard from former National FFA o cer Wesley Barefoot, who shared how his SAE project in uenced his career. The institute concluded with a certi cate presentation recognizing students for their participation.
Heart’s Hope brings new pregnancy support center for 3 counties to Beulaville
The new center re ects a decades-long vision to create a place of support for the community
By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal
DUPLIN COUNTY gained a new resource in Beulaville.
Heart’s Hope Crisis Pregnancy Center is the rst of its kind in the area and is poised to serve Duplin, Jones and Pender counties. Though the center opened its doors in May and has started serving clients, it has been more than 20 years in the making.
Beulaville native and founder Lorrie Kennedy left the area years ago, anxious to put behind her the county she associated with the pain of her past. States away, Kennedy found herself looking to volunteer at a pregnancy center to help other women. The center had her take
H.E.A.R.T. training, and Kennedy found her calling from there.
H.E.A.R.T. stands for Healing the E ects of Abortion Related Trauma. According to Kennedy, H.E.A.R.T. is a 10 -week, con -
“While we are pro-life and Christ-centered, we don’t sell Jesus here and we don’t judge people.”
Lorrie Kennedy
dential, Bible-based small-group study designed to help women cope with the long-term e ects of abortion.
“No matter what a woman says in that moment, there is something innate within us that knows when we are pregnant and knows it is something we are supposed to nurture and protect,” Kennedy said.
To this day, Kennedy said the abortions she had still haunt her.
“If I had a place like this available to me back then, maybe I wouldn’t have made some of the bad decisions I did at the time; maybe I wouldn’t have had that rst abortion,” she said. “Who knows how di erent my life would have been.”
Heart’s Hope o ers free preg-
nancy tests and practical support with unplanned pregnancies. The center hopes to partner with families through the rst two years of a child’s life with useful support like diapers, children’s clothes and classes. In the future, the center plans to o er ultrasounds and abortion reversal pills.
“While we are pro-life and Christ-centered, we don’t sell Jesus here and we don’t judge people. We try to give them all the information available to them medically, and we just love them from there,” Kennedy said. After taking that rst H.E.A.R.T. class, Kennedy became a teacher of it. As she moved to di erent states, she reconnected with pregnancy centers to continue teaching it. Back in Duplin County, she was teaching at the Born Anew Barn in Beulaville when the opportunity came to open a crisis pregnancy center. She had called a center in Charlotte for curriculum information and ended up calling the very place she had been praying about opening a center
in Duplin County. After more prayer and a few tears, Kennedy agreed to found Heart’s Hope in Beulaville.
“My story is not one of drugs and alcohol, I just made bad decisions,” Kennedy said. “I was in church, choir, Sunday school and everything. I wasn’t really a Christian, but I could fake it with the best of ’em. I was always searching for something better. I didn’t know Christ. I didn’t have a relationship with Him. That’s why I don’t judge anyone that comes through here. You never know what someone’s been through or the hurt and pain they are hiding.”
Kennedy said her story changed when one pastor had the courage to confront
her directly about her lifestyle.
Though she fought that confrontation, she ended up accepting Christ at a revival shortly afterward. Years later, she reconnected with that pastor, shared her story and he became a part of the leadership team of Heart’s Hope. His church is now one of their largest donors. Kennedy described returning to Duplin County as part of her own journey of healing.
Heart’s Hope may be a play on words for the class Kennedy teaches there, but she said the name represents her mission.
“Heart’s Hope is everything my heart hopes for: to care for and love those in crisis pregnancies as Christ does,” she said.
PHOTOS COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF MOUNT OLIVE
Trip Ho end, publisher | Frank Hill,
senior opinion editor
VISUAL VOICES
JSCC prepares for a new academic year with focus on student success
The future of James Sprunt Community College is bright.
IT IS HARD to believe the fall semester is about to begin. When I became president of James Sprunt Community College in February, I joined an incredible team of dedicated faculty, sta and trustees who believe deeply in our students and our mission. As we begin a new academic year, I am lled with excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to work with such a talented team.
Our Student Services Department has been instrumental in preparing for our fall enrollment, reaching out to students through calling campaigns, on-campus orientations, promoting nancial aid opportunities, and ensuring students have the support and resources needed to be successful on their educational journey. Throughout the summer, JSCC has continued to strengthen
COLUMN | COLTON OVERCASH
its commitment to student success through events like Summer Fest, Spartan 60 registration opportunities and our countdown to Fall Campaign. We have also invested in our employees, with 12 JSCC team members completing the InsideTrack Coaching to Advance microcredential through the support of the John M. Belk Endowment.
This summer also brought moments of re ection as we mourned the loss of our JSCC colleague and friend, David Foy. His legacy will continue through a scholarship created to support students pursuing agriculture and workforce programs. For those interested in contributing to this scholarship e ort, please contact Taylor Sandlin, executive director of the James Sprunt Foundation Inc., at tsandlin@jamessprunt.edu.
As we prepare for our upcoming rea rmation of accreditation, I recently attended the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Summer Institute in Atlanta with Crystal White, Shakeena White and Norma Jean Hatcher. The SACSCOC Summer Institute provided valuable insight into best practices that support continuous improvement and student success. The future of James Sprunt Community College is bright because of the people who make JSCC special. Together, we are not only preparing for another semester but also building the future of our students, our community, and our Spartan family.
Shannon Hair is president of James Sprunt Community College.
Rezoning should require a vote, not an expired clock
A rezoning is lawmaking about what may be built on the land, and the people who hold that power are the ones the voters chose.
THE NORTH CAROLINA Senate has passed Senate Bill 1047, the Regulatory Reform Act of 2026, and its development-review provisions are now before the House. The bill is right to impose rm deadlines on local development review and to give those deadlines real consequences. Yet one provision deserves a closer look before it becomes law because it would deem a rezoning application approved solely because a review deadline expired.
Delay is a real cost, and it falls on the applicant. Carrying costs continue while land sits idle and nancing commitments lapse. A local government that will not decide can turn that refusal into a practical denial. On that point, the sponsors are right. The wrong answer is to treat an expired clock as if the elected board had voted yes.
Senate Bill 1047 applies to jurisdictions with populations of 20,000 or more. A covered government would have seven days to check whether an application is complete, staged periods for sta review and applicant response, and a nal 90-day period to decide. Extensions would require the applicant’s consent and could not exceed six months. If that nal deadline passes, the application would count as approved. For an administrative approval, a strong default remedy has some logic because such a permit turns on objective standards an applicant either meets or does not. Lawmakers may reasonably decide that a missed deadline should favor the applicant once those requirements are shown.
A rezoning is a di erent kind of act. Under North Carolina law, it is a legislative decision by the elected governing board that requires
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
To the Editor,
From here it seems as if nothing rattles the puppet masters quite like an informed public. And I love that for them.
Here’s to the ones who think for themselves — May their questions forever continue to be inconvenient.
Jessica Thomas, Kenansville
published notice and a legislative hearing, referral to the planning board for review and comment, and governing-board statements addressing the amendment’s consistency with adopted plans and its reasonableness. If approved, the amendment must be adopted by ordinance. A rezoning is lawmaking about what may be built on the land, and the people who hold that power are the ones the voters chose.
Proposed North Carolina General Statute (G.S.) 160D-707 would let a rezoning be deemed approved with no vote by the governing board, yet the bill does not explain how approval by expiration would interact with the legislative hearing, ordinance adoption, planning-board review, and consistency and reasonableness statements that state law still requires. What the bill leaves unanswered is who performs the legislative act when no one votes.
That gap is not only a problem for opponents. A conventional rezoning produces a clear public record of the required hearing, the governing board’s action and the amendment it adopted. An approval by expiration may instead require proof of when the clock began, whether it was tolled and which version of the application was approved. Those questions can surface during nancing, purchase or litigation, long after the approval is demanded.
The House can keep the binding schedule while xing this defect. It should retain the completeness review and the deadlines for rezonings but change what happens when a deadline expires. The consequence should be a decision, not a deemed approval.
The jurisdiction should complete any remaining notice, planning-board review
and hearing steps on an expedited schedule, place the application on the earliest legally permissible agenda and hold a vote soon after the hearing. The local government should refund the application fee for missing the deadline so the missed deadline carries a direct nancial consequence. If the board still fails to act, the applicant should have an expedited superior-court action to compel a vote, with docket priority and recovery of reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs. The statute should also state plainly that expiration of the review period does not by itself amend the zoning map. Supporters will say the consequence has to be approval itself because a board that can stall without losing will simply stall. The concern is fair, and any alternative must carry a real penalty. Together these remedies would impose a nancial cost, place the application on a mandatory decision schedule and give the applicant an enforceable right to the vote o cials failed to provide. They must also be usable by the owner of a single lot, not only a developer with a legal department, so the compulsory-vote action should be simple to le and shift fees. A local government should not be allowed to avoid a decision. A zoning map, however, should change because the elected governing board voted to change it.
Colton Overcash is the founder of Vertex Strategies, a Charlotte-based government relations and strategic advisory rm. His work includes land-use policy, development approvals, and state and local government issues across North Carolina.
BE IN TOUCH
Letters addressed to the editor may be sent to letters@nsjonline.com or 1201 Edwards Mill Rd., Suite 300, Raleigh, NC 27607. Letters may be edited for style, length or clarity when necessary. Ideas for op-eds should be sent to opinion@nsjonline.com.
Contact a writer or columnist: connect@northstatejournal.com
COLUMN | SHANNON HAIR
Rock Fish Meadows carries on family legacy of faith, camp
A vision passed through generations has grown into a camp serving children and churches throughout the year
By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal
IT’S BEEN part of Americana for generations — summer camp. One of those destinations for a week of adventure is the result of a dream born more than a century ago. The camp, located about seven miles west of Rose Hill, is called Rock Fish Meadows.
Duplin Journal visited the camp during a recent teen week and talked with director James Guthrie about the camp and its origin.
“This was a dream of my great-grandfather’s that he passed along to my grandfather when he was a boy,” Guthrie said. “He told him he wanted to have a place for kids to come to play here on our property.”
Guthrie said his great-grandfather, Bob Herring, lived to see that dream come true when he was 82 years old. He died in 1975. The building that serves as an indoor recreation area, as well as an auditorium for daily services during camp, is named the Bob Herring Center after his great-grandfather.
Herring’s dream was a camp with a mission.
“He wanted a place for kids to learn about Jesus,” Guthrie said, adding that even the way the name of the camp is spelled has special meaning.
“The creek out here is called Rock sh Creek. It’s one word, but he called it Rock Fish Meadows. The Rock is Jesus, and we’re shers of men,” he said.
The camp features enough activities to keep any energetic youth busy. It has its own lake,
Hodges said. “It’s the best camp around. I love it here. It helps me get closer to God.”
Guthrie said interest in the camp has been growing. As recently as a few years ago, the camp had very few teenagers attend. That has changed.
“We actually have people on the waiting list this summer. We’re packed in,” Guthrie said. “This year, we’re up about 40%.”
James Guthrie
a zip line, a water slide and an outdoor amphitheater. Activities include swimming, volleyball, basketball, soccer, archery, ri ery and more. Every day, campers take a break to gather in the Bob Herring Center for a praise-and-worship service, as well as a message.
During the newspaper’s visit, Duplin Journal spoke with one of the campers, Dylan Hodges, a student at Wallace-Rose Hill High School. When asked to give a review of his week at the camp, he gave it high marks.
“I’d give it a 10 out of 10,”
While summertime is busy with back-to-back youth camps, Rock Fish Meadows is far from idle during the o -season.
“We also rent the camp to churches throughout the year for retreats,” Guthrie said. “We have people that book two years in advance in the summertime because it’s so popular,” adding that the o -season rentals help nance the summer camp for youth.
“If it wasn’t for the rentals, we wouldn’t be able to be here. We take donations, as well, but the rentals keep us going throughout the year.”
Rock Fish Meadows is located at 133 Meadow Lane in Rose Hill.
Among those displaced was Tradeca Parker, who was back at the property Monday assessing the damage.
“I live here with my sisters, and my mom lives just down from us,” she told Duplin Journal, adding that their mother had also lost her residence. “We are all trying to see what we are going to do.”
Parker said residents received con icting information about the cause of the re. According to Parker, a representative of the apartment complex said the re was caused by an electrical issue, while others said children playing with cigarette lighters were responsible.
As of Tuesday, calls to Glendale Village apartment management seeking comment on e orts to provide temporary housing for the displaced families have not been returned.
In a statement, the Wallace Police Department credited the coordinated response of the agencies involved, saying that although four families were displaced and the re caused substantial property loss, lives were saved and a great deal of personal property was protected because of the quick response and property preservation e orts.
The department also thanked Duplin County EMS for providing care to rst responders and residents during the incident.
COURTESY WALLACE FIRE DEPARTMENT Emergency personnel move through the scene after re ghters brought an apartment re under control in Wallace.
PHOTOS BY MARK GRADY / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Faison Fire Camp teaches safety through hands-on fun
Children recently took part in two Faison Fire Camp sessions where they gained hands-on experience with re safety and emergency preparedness. Campers learned about the importance of working smoke detectors, when to call 911 and why knowing their home address can save valuable time during an emergency. Participants also explored re ghting equipment, climbed aboard re trucks and capped o the day with a friendly re ghters-versus-campers water balloon ght. Between both camps, Faison Fire and Rescue provided re safety education and interactive experiences for about 85 children.
“No signs of impact to environmental or aquatic life (were) identi ed or reported,” Mount Olive Town Clerk Sherry Davis told Duplin Journal.
Beyond the heavy rainfall initially cited in the town’s public notice, sta told Duplin Journal the over ow was also caused by “in ow and in ltration along with equipment failure” at the pump station.
The spill comes three days after Town Manager Octavius Murphy released the town’s quarterly report detailing progress on infrastructure projects, sewer system investigations and regulatory compliance required under the SOC.
According to the report, the town has completed major infra-
structure projects identi ed as Contract I and Contract II, but Murphy acknowledged continuing operational limitations at the wastewater treatment plant.
“The projects have been completed with limitations and operation due to the design and installation of the land application system, which limits ow,” Murphy wrote.
Because the wastewater never reached the treatment plant, town sta maintained that limitations in the recently completed Contract I and Contract II rehabilitation projects did not contribute to this speci c event.
While some sections of the lines leading to this station have already undergone CCTV inspection and repair, work in this area is ongoing as part of the broader SOC requirements.
“The projects have been completed with limitations and operation due to the design and installation of the land application system, which limits ow.”
Octavius
Murphy, Mount Olive town manager
Under the SOC, the town must complete a series of active repair points by July 31. A second deadline of Oct. 31 requires smoke testing and video inspections of 20% of the sewer collection system to identify defects and sources of in ltration.
The town also must complete 34,000 linear feet of closed-circuit television inspections of sewer mains. As of July 21, ofcials reported completing 30,000 linear feet and said the project remained on schedule.
According to the quarterly report, a contractor funded through a Sewer Collections Rehabilitation Grant has completed repairs on Martin Street, John Street, West College and part of Smith Chapel Road.
Current work includes point repairs on Dudley Street, with additional work planned for West James, North Chestnut and North Breazeale.
The town also is working with engineering rms to rent a vacuum truck for routine cleaning and maintenance of sewer lines and pump stations.
Town o cials said some sewer lines leading to Lift Station No. 1 have undergone closed-circuit television inspections and repairs while other sections remain under investigation. O cials said they will “continue CCTV and repairs on the lines” leading to the station and elsewhere in an e ort to reduce in ow and in ltration.
According to the town, the over ow did not reach the wastewater treatment plant.
The North Carolina Division of Water Resources was noti ed of the over ow July 27, three days after the spill occurred. Mount Olive expects to continue sewer inspections and additional rehabilitation projects through late 2026 as it works to meet the remaining requirements of the SOC.
UPGRADES from page A1
PHOTOS COURTESY FAISON FIRE AND RESCUE
DUPLIN SPORTS
Former Tiger Brown nds home in Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium
Mason Brown went from walk-on to playing in 11 games for bowl-winning ECU
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
WARSAW — Mason Brown is a part of James Kenan football history and in a short time will be lining up against the Crimson Tide. Yet it wasn’t always a smooth ride the past four years for the former James Kenan linebacker/tight end who was Mr. Football in 2022. Brown, the Defensive Player of the ECC and Duplin County, turned down o ers
from other universities where he could have played sooner to walk on at ECU and is vying to become the starter for the Pirates.
Brown played in 11 games last season when ECU went 9-4 and beat Pitt 23-17 in the Military Bowl.
“When I took the preferred walk-on, I knew it would be tough,” said Brown, who conducted a youth camp for kids July 24 in the John P. Harmon Gymnasium because of inclement weather. “I didn’t know I would be playing in college until my senior year.
His nal season in Warsaw was signi cant as JK went 9-3 after being 16-21 in the previous from 2017 to 2020.
He was a monster linebacker who made 157 tackles and averaged 13.1 takedowns per game. He also played tight end in Tim Grady’s Wing-T o ense. It paved the way for two Tigers defensive leaders who were both Defensive Players of the Year in Duplin County. Linebacker Hassan Kornegay led the ’24 club to a 12-2 mark by making the most tackles in the state. He was Mr. Football in Duplin. He won Mr. Football in ’23, and last fall, free safety David Zeleya was the top defender in the county as JK went 12-2 and lost to Kinston in the 3A East Region nal.
See BROWN, page B3
While their names are rarely in the headlines, linemen often decide who wins football games
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
WALLACE — Former lineman and JK head coach Tim Grady frequently tells his running backs, “Go ahead and try to do it without an O-line.”
East Duplin assistant coach Jeremy Joyner takes the duties and responsibilities a step further, coming short of calling linemen “Protectors of the Universe.”
“It’s the only job in sports that the sole responsibility is to protect everyone else,” Joyner said.
North Duplin assistant coach and ex-lineman Brad Rhodes says linemen “must be selfless individuals.”
In other words, it’s all guts and little personal glory.
That is just part of what makes linemen special. And before this goes further, let’s dismiss the thought that linemen are just fat and lazy players.
It’s as far from the truth as it can be, said Jacksonville o ensive coordinator Pat Byrd, who called linemen “the smartest players on the team.”
Close losses end Post 511’s state tournament run
Legion Post 511 was tripped up by Gastonia and Union County in itssecond tourney trip in as many years
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
GASTONIA — Sometimes the hardest part of a obtaining a goal is nailing the rst step. And that could be the case with Beulaville Post 511, which has gone 0-2 in consecutive summer trips to the American Legion Sr. State Tournament. Post 511 lost 6-0 to Gastonia
Braves Post 23 in its opening game at Sims Park on July 24 and was eliminated from the nine-team double elimination tournament 6-0 by Union County Post 535 the following day. It was the second consecutive season head coach Brandon Thigpen and many of his players advanced to the showcase event. Last season, the 511 gang also lost a pair of games at the tourney.
“We didn’t hit,” said Thigpen, whose club had 10 hits in two games. “We competed and had a chance to win both games. Our pitchers gave us a chance, but we left our bats at home.” Indeed, Post 511 had oppor-
tunities. It led 3-2 in the fth inning against Gastonia and 4-3 heading into the bottom of the sixth, three outs from an upset.
“We were set up to take it in before a leado walk, bunt, two more walks and a triple that cleared the bases,” Thigpen said. “It was there. We just couldn’t grab it.”
Post 511 outhit Union 8-7, but a four-run outburst tipped the cart in favor of a traditionally strong team out of Area IV and western N.C.
Cole Jarman, Eli Avent and Gage Howard each ripped a pair of hits. Avent, Austin
See POST 511, page B2
ECU ATHLETICS
Mason Brown and ECU both struggled before coming alive after Blake Harrell was promoted to head coach.
Beulaville Post 511 was one of nine teams to make it to the American Legion Sr. State Tournament and the top-seed from Area II.
Brown
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
ED’s Anderson Puac and JK’s Luis Dela Rosa battle for position during last season’s annual showdown between the two Duplin rivals.
Bulldogs’ Funez, Ayestas end prep careers at all-star match
The WRH all-state soccer players played in the N.C. Coaches Association’s East-West games
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
HIGH POINT — East team
members Alex Funez and Junior Ayestas played side by side for the nal time last week during the North Carolina Soccer Coaches Association’s East-West All-Star Game.
The West won 3-1 in a match that wasn’t decided until late in the evening at Truist Stadium in High Point. Yet they hardly walked away with a bad taste in their mouth after leading the Bulldogs to a 2A title last fall.
Neither will pursue soccer at a higher level, and Bulldogs head coach Aaron Murray said it isn’t because either lacks the talent.
“It’s not a skill-level issue, it’s a life issue, and they want to join the workforce,” said Murray, who guided the Bulldogs to an ECC title and a 19-4-1 mark in his rst season.
“Many of these players are going to college and have been and are on travel teams. Junior and Alex have not played organized soccer in seven to eight months.
“And I think the discipline and work ethic they got from soccer will carry through. Their mindset was to enjoy high school soccer one more time. So from that
Consecutive wins for WRH last
lens, they gave everything they had.”
Both were on the sod extensively during the 34th annual all-star game, and even as the East missed a penalty kick with 21 minutes to play that would have tied it at 2-2.
Fernando Hernandez scored both the rst and nal goal of the game for the West. Both came o assists from Southwestern Randolph teammate Aaron Avina.
Hoggard’s Adler Sauer hit the back of the net in the 43rd minute for the East to tie the game at 1-1. Hernandez put the match away in the 72nd minute.
The win closed the East’s lead in the series to 16-12-6 as the West won for the rst time since 2021.
Clinton’s Holden Spell (36 goals, 26 assists), an all-stater in 4A, also played for the East.
Funez (28 goals, 14 assists) was Mr. Soccer in Duplin County, while Ayestas (four goals, three assists) was a sel ess mid elder who did all the dirty work and set the foundation for WRH’s o ense.
“It was an enjoyable experience for Alex and Junior, and both kept saying how grateful they were to have had this happen,” said Murray, who was delighted two WRH players made the team. “Credit our players for doing something to get both them and us noticed. To have two players there is an honor, and it couldn’t have been a better nal sendo .”
WRH opens up its ’26 campaign Aug. 10 with a trip to Wilson County to face Greene Central.
A summer to remember for Duplin’s 14U Dixie crew
Baseball turned into a sports, travel and life adventure for players, families and coaches who went to the World Series in Louisiana
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
WALLACE — The Duplin County 14U baseball team went back to their respective homes in the 910 area code last week after returning from its Dixie Youth World Series with the runner-up trophy from Sterlington, Louisiana.
And its trip included much more than passing through ve states and traveling more than 900 miles.
“Our kids come from di erent schools, though some have played together, and it’s a credit to them for the work they’ve done,” said head coach Will Rumbold. “I still don’t think it’s sunk in to them.
Duplin nearly didn’t make it to the tournament, which featured opposition from South Carolina, Mississippi, Georgia, Florida, Texas and Arkansas.
“The fact that we were down at the state tournament and then got to go to the World Series was a big win, but so was a second-place nish,” Rumbold said. “So much went on, but the moment was never too big for these kids, though I still think we hit better than we can.”
Duplin got a shot at winning
POST 511 from page B1
Clements and Blayden Pridgen had RBIs. Jackson Pierce hit the triple that plated three teammates, and Logan James drove in a run for Union.
Sunday’s setback came when Gastonia scored ve times in the sixth. Post 23 led 1-0 before the outburst and managed just two hits o Canton Bare, who walked two and struck out one. The righthander pitched and hit (.441) 4A Lincoln Charter into the NCHSAA region nals in the spring.
Landon King and Ronald Cosner each drove in a pair of runs for the victors.
“I still don’t think it’s sunk in to them.”
Will Rumbold, head coach
the title by beating Hartsville, Sorth Carolina, 10-1, in its fth game in the World Series as Noah Bass laced three hits and limited the Palmetto State club to a pair of hits in two innings.
Jase Woodard yielded just four hits in four frames, striking out four and walking two. He had two hits in four trips to the plate and drove in a pair of runs.
Dan Wilson likewise had two RBIs, while Hatch Becher had two hits and scored twice.
Duplin scored four times in the rst inning and led 6-1 after three frames. The team scored twice in the fth and sixth and collected 11 hits in the a air.
Smith, Marshall Rumbold and Hampton Bass provided the lone hits during an 11-3 setback to Sterlington in Duplin’s nal game in Louisiana.
Rumbold (.412), Woodard (.353) and Hampton Bass (.286) were Duplin County’s leading hitters during the World Series.
“Our players are going to look back at this, and for my part, I’ve never made it to a World Series in my coaching years,” said the Duplin County head coach. “I look for our players to continue to progress in baseball and at their schools. They made an impressive run.”
“We spoke getting here into existence, but I’ll say this: Post 511 can win a state championship.”
Brandon Thipgen, head coach
Howard and Clements popped hits for Post 511. Gastonia, the tournament host city, also eliminated Wilmington Post 10 from Area II, and the 14-14 team was one of three left in the tournament.
“We’re good enough to win
this thing and for our program to take the leap to get back here and get our rst one (win),” said Thigpen, whose club beat Post 10 to earn the top seed from Area II. “We spoke getting here into existence, but I’ll say this: Post 511 can win a state championship.
“We’ve got to play with a chip on our shoulder, like we have something to prove. But I know we’re getting there.”
Diamond notes
Avent led the team in hitting with a .371 mark. He was followed by Henry Bass (.357), Howard (.333), Branden Bar-
nett (.312), Carson Tew (.309), Clements (.293), Sawyer Marshburn (.282) and Pridgen (.268). Tew, who will suit up for the University of Mount Olive, did not play in the playo s. Post 511 has seven players who will play in college next spring. This season, Thigpen was able to get players from North Lenoir, South Lenoir, Clinton, Southwest Onslow, East Duplin and Midway.
“The toughest part is getting the right pieces,” said Thigpen, who played the best players and did not show favoritism to ED players. “I think our success is helping. And let me say this, there’s also a regional tour-
nament in Shelby and then Major League Baseball pays for a team to appear in the World Series. It’s the only league that MLB does it for. They recognize Senior Legion for the quality of its baseball.” Thigpen, who played at Campbell University and at ED (135-66 since 2017), is making quite a mark in coaching. It’s impressive for a coach who doesn’t desire to be elsewhere.
On a personal note, his newborn Fielding is making progress after hitting rst base in life June 2 weighing just over a pound. And that’s a grand slam in the real world.
season
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Junior Ayestas, from left, WRH assistant coach Aiden Murray, head coach Aaron Murray and Alex Funez won a 3A state title last fall.
Top, Duplin County represented North Carolina when it played at the Dixie Youth World Series. Bottom, Duplin County stuck together during a hot summer of baseball.
COURTESY PHOTOS
And in a way, it all started with Brown.
“First o , it’s a tragedy to get recruited now,” said Grady. “He’s 6-3, a stat leader in a strong conference, and it was between NC State and ECU as a walk-on. But ECU saw the light in him and invested, and now they’re tasting the fruit.”
Grady said he wasn’t surprised Brown stayed the course and kept working to become a player on Saturdays.
“Most kids would have hit the portal, but I’m not surprised at all Mason did what he did,” said the Tigers coach. “He could have picked a Division II school and started and then wind up at a strong Division I school. But he was patient and kept working hard. That’s him.”
And working his way to the front was di cult, though Brown has competition from returnee Gage Reale and transfers Kenen Hamlet (Appalachian State) and Ismael Smith Flores (University of Texas-Rio).
“It’s the most time con-
Part of that is because linemen are more into the mental aspect of the game than meets the eye.
Playbook pro cient players
Most coaches agree that linemen can’t only know what to do during a given play but also know the roles of every other player on his side of the ball and read the tendencies and focus of a defense.
“Because of that, we tend to make our assignments and calls as simple as possible for them,” Rhodes said.
And linemen must be physically prepared.
“They must be in shape, and weight training is also a mandatory,” Grady said. “They carry 50 more pounds (than other players), and we ask them to go nearly every down on both sides of the ball all night long. You have to be conditioned to take that kind of hitting and running. It takes its toll after two or three quarters.”
And size is not thenal word on a player. In fact, there’s more technique than most fans can imagine.
“It’s much more than just running,” Joyner said. “You have to know the fundamentals. If not, you will get beat often by someone you should beat nearly every time. It’s about good footwork and knowing what you are doing. Big bodies fall when players don’t have the fundamentals down.
“But think about it: Every play you are delivering punishment, and that’s a lot over the course of a game.”
Unity and brotherhood
Linemen must also be a unit of brothers.
“Five guys, at least, must be on one accord,” Grady said. “The successful ones look at how a defense is denting us instead of it’s nothing but raw strength and want-to.”
Duplin area schools often have smaller than average linemen (5-foot-9 to 6-foot-1 and 185 to 225 pounds) but usually run the ball e ectively in the Wing-T or Single Wing against much larg-
sumed I’ve been in my life,”
Brown said. “It’s nearly year ’round. We get three to four weeks o , and even those weeks you think about your body, working out and how to eat properly. But it’s all worth it.
Brown’s rise coincides with the arrival of Blake Harrell, who took over in midseason for the red Mike Houston.
“ECU was always the school I wanted to play at,” said the 6-foot-4, 250-pounder. “Once coach Harrell came, it all changed. His ability to lead is incredible. Everyone bought into his way of doing things. It’s about playing for your teammates, doing your job and not worrying about the outside things.”
In fact, Pirate Nation is excited about the upcoming season as they shoot for three consecutive bowl invitations.
Texas Tech transfer Mitch Gri s looks to be the quarterback. He replaces Kalin Houser (3,300 yards, 19 TDs). New o ensive coordinator Jordan Davis had the No. 1 o ense in the nation last season for North Texas. ECU was 19th. New defensive coordina-
er lines. Bigger classi cations require more height and beef (6 -foot-1 to 6-foot-3 and 250 to 300 or more pounds).
That’s normally the size colleges expect from incoming players.
Linemen make or break a team, and they often carry the spirit of a team.
“It’s not about glory because no one is tracking pancake blocks,” Rhodes said. “If an NFL defensive player makes one sack a game, he’s going to be an All-Pro. But if an o ensive lineman gives up even a few sacks, he’s going to be dropped.”
Great o ensive linemen from ND include Josh Powell, Justin Swinson and Isaac Davis.
“Ask any coach who played us and they will tell you they have to account for Isaac at all times,” Rhodes said. “I’m not sure fans understand that aspect of the game.”
Nor do they see the brotherhood of linemen.
“It’s a blue-collar job, and here we don’t have to sell them on it because they humbly work for the team,” Grady said. “It’s a very humbling role, so having the right players there and having them play together is what it’s all about.”
Joyner agrees.
“They’re really some of the best kids to coach because it’s not about them,” he said. “It’s one unit, and though you can have a standout player or big physical guy, if the line is not cohesive, everything else is for naught.”
Rhodes, a head coach in waiting, said two of the best Rebels linemen were Buddy Grady and Trea Beavers, who played on the 2007 team that went 15-1. They played beside one another on both sides of the ball.
“Those two saw our running back was slipping too much and replaced his spikes before we played Ayden-Grifton for the conference championship,” Rhodes said. “They took care of the backs. Another time, Buddy was puking in the huddle, and the opposing team was making fun of him. Buddy never left the eld even though it was brutally hot. For me, they set the standard, though there have
tor Jordan Hankins had the top-rated defense at Memphis and will try to improve ECU’s 50th-ranked unit.
ECU e ectively used a “running back by committee” approach last season.
“We spread the eld, run a lot and are not the most traditional o ense,” Brown said. “But that brings opportunities to a lot of players. The fan base is huge, and Dowdy-Ficklen has been rowdy for a long time.”
Tight ends, of course, must both block and run pass routes.
“We do about everything, and it’s one of the more tough positions on the eld,” Brown said.
“I’m ready.”
So is Pirate Nation after seeing ECU have two consecutive solid seasons with Harrell guiding them to a 14-5 mark to jump-start the program.
ECU and Alabama kick o at noon on Sept. 5 on Saban Field in Tuscaloosa where more than 100,000 fans and a national TV audience will watch on ABC.
Indeed, that’s big for both the Pirates and Brown, who never gave up on his dream.
been many outstanding linemen here over the years.”
Center play critical
Wallace-Rose Hill’s Kevin Motsinger, who is both the o ensive coordinator and O-line coach, said the action begins in the middle of the eld and matriculates outward.
“Center is the most important position on the eld because nothing happens until he gets the ball to the quarterback,” he said. “We lost center Deounta Cromity on the rst play of the game against East Duplin in 2017 (when both teams went to the nals in separate classi cations), and they realized he was gone and Desmond (Newkirk) and Javonte (Williams) both only got o one run and lost 14-12. While he was too small, I had more than 30 colleges interested in him.”
Motsinger said lineman Owen Teachey outplayed a Havelock stud that was twice his size when WRH beat the Rams that same season.
“Owen played like a ve - star, while the only stars the Havelock player had were around his head,” he said. He had one-quarter of his ability and size of that 6-foot-5, 315-pounder who later played at a couple Division I schools. His rst block sprung Pookie (Williams) for a touchdown, and it was all because of Owen.”
Motsinger went on to say communication and interaction at the line is his favorite part of football.
“It’s like an arts performance to me,” he said. “And let me say this, our success this season will be 100% on our o ensive and defensive lines.”
Duplin teams rebuilding
It’s no secret that JK, ND, ED and Wallace-Rose Hill’s o ensive lines last season were not up to the standards of the past. But each school had one or more running backs that made plays when the blocks were not there.
All four county schools are looking to shore up their lines this season in anticipation of the opening kicko s Aug. 21.
Beulaville Post 511 baseball
Baseball has been a key part of Eli Avent’s life, though he guided James Kenan to a berth in the East Region nals in football and played a key role on the Tigers basketball team that won 19 games.
The JK graduate, who will play baseball at Carteret Community College, hit .500 for the Tigers.
The last two months he’s been the leado man and top hitter for Beulaville Post 511, which upended Wilmington Post 10 Red for the No. 1 seed in the American Legion Sr. State Tournament.
This summer, Avent hit .371 with an OBP of .476 and an OPS of .890.
His father, John Thomas, played baseball at UNC Wilmington before becoming a well-respected defensive coordinator for the Tigers.
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Obama surprises WNBA All-Stars at practice at new Presidential Center
The stars were the rst pro team to practice at the facility’s new gym
By Doug Feinberg
The Associated Press
CHICAGO — Caitlin Clark was in awe after meeting former President Barack Obama after he surprised the WNBA All- Stars on Friday at his Presidential Center.
Clark called her conversation with Obama “a moment I’ll probably remember for the rest of my life.”
“It was obviously super cool. He just complimented me for the way that I handle everything, obviously with everything that’s been going on,” the Indiana Fever star said last Friday after meeting Obama. “He’s somebody that has been in front of the media quite a bit, and he reminded me, ‘When I got famous in my 40s, I didn’t have to do it in my 20s.’”
Obama spoke to the players for a few minutes on the basketball court at the center, which opened last month.
“Some of you I’m meeting for the rst time. All of you are extraordinary, and I could not be bigger fans,” Obama said. “The way the game has been growing lately, the way it’s been picking up and people paying attention to your excellence, I think it’s been something for basketball fans, generally, a sight to see. It’s been making me happy.”
He spoke to the players for a few minutes before taking a group photo. Obama then spent about 10 minutes shaking
“Let me go over there with the basketball, you know, do a little cross, bump him a little bit.”
Jonquel Jones on former President Barack Obama playing defense on her
hands with the players and taking photos with them, including Clark.
“I know many of you are involved in some wonderful ventures o the court, looking out for other young people and inspiring them,” Obama said. “I just wanted to say thanks.”
The former president gave a shout out to A’ja Wilson in his talk to the players and then went over and chatted with her as well.
After the photo ops were done, Obama stepped on the court and talked with New York Liberty star Jonquel Jones, getting down in a defensive stance for a few seconds on her.
“I feel like as a hooper, you know when someone’s challenging you,” Jones said. “So I was just like, let me go over there with the basketball, you know, do a little cross, bump him a little bit. And I knew that I would get him activated a little because he’s a hooper, too.”
Jones said she had met Obama once before.
“He’s a role model for me, and it was nice to be able to have that moment,” Jones said. “Someone that I look up to, someone that has paved the way for a lot of
people to be here and see him continuing, his family continuing to give back to the community when they’ve already done so much is just so inspirational.”
That was the extent of his time on the court. He told the players that he didn’t play 5-on-5 anymore to protect his Achilles. He did say that he broke in the court with a game of “horse.”
Obama was the rst sitting U.S. president to attend a WNBA game when he and his daughter Sasha sat courtside in 2010 for a Washington Mystics game.
Obama was gifted with a No. 44 WNBA All-Star jersey that the players were going to autograph later.
This was the rst professional sport to use the basketball court at the center, which opened in June. Obama said he unfortunately wasn’t going to be able to make the All-Star Game on Saturday because of a previous engagement with his wife, Michelle.
“It’s tting for our 30th anniversary that we’re here as the rst sports league to play in the Obama Presidential Center,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said. “Someone who has inspired hundreds of millions of people to dream big and accomplish things like President Obama has and his tie to basketball is amazing, too. I think there’s no more tting person to be meeting with the players.”
After talking to the players, Obama went across the center to talk to a group of investors in the league and nearly 100 high school girls.
MLB Mets slugger Soto goes on 10-day injured list with left calf strain
New York New York Mets slugger Juan Soto was placed on the 10 - day injured list with a left calf strain that’s expected to sideline him for at least three weeks and probably more. Soto felt discomfort pushing o when running to second base. He had been nursing the nagging injury since returning from the All-Star break last week. Soto is hitting .283 with 21 homers, 52 RBIs and an NL -best .947 OPS. He missed 15 games in April with a right calf strain.
NCAA ATHLETICS
NCAA Division I board: No plans to change age based eligibility rule being challenged in court The NCAA Division I Board of Directors is standing rm on its new age-based eligibility rule despite legal challenges. The rule allows athletes ve seasons of competition over a ve-year period starting with full-time enrollment or the academic year after their 19th birthday. Lawsuits were led, arguing the rule unfairly limits athletes’ college careers. It eliminates waivers for extended eligibility, except for speci c cases like military service. The SEC supports the rule, although some leaders have concerns about its timing and e ectiveness.
NFL
49ers coach Shanahan hurt in a car crash, limited as training camp opens Santa Clara, Calif. San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan su ered a concussion and other injuries in a car crash earlier this month that will limit his participation at the start of training camp. The two-car accident happened July 14 in Palo Alto, leading to Shanahan being taken to the hospital. Police say there was no evidence that either driver was impaired. No one was cited. Niners general manager John Lynch says Shanahan sustained a concussion, broken nose, broken ribs and an injured hand.
NBA
Curry to have dedicated exhibit at Basketball Hall of Fame, rst for active player Spring eld, Mass. Stephen Curry is headed to the Hall of Fame, making more basketball history with a rst-of-its-kind exhibit for an active player. Stephen Curry: Beyond the Arc celebrates the career of the two-time MVP and the NBA’s career leader in 3-pointers. The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced the exhibit was the rst time in the museum’s nearly 75-year history that an active player would have a dedicated feature experience. The exhibit will feature video footage of Curry’s career, memorabilia and audio and video components.
NOTICES
NOTICE OF QUASI-JUDICIAL PUBLIC HEARING
TOWN OF WALLACE, NORTH CAROLINA August 13, 2026, After 6:00 P.M.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Town Council of the Town of Wallace will conduct a Quasi-Judicial Public Hearing at the Wallace Women’s Club, located at 216 N. East Railroad Street, Wallace, North Carolina 28466, on Thursday, August 13, 2026, after 6:00 P.M., to consider the following application: Request: Special Use Permit for a Multi-Family Residential Development
The applicant is seeking approval of a Special Use Permit to construct a 120-unit apartment
complex on property located on Old Wilmington Road, identi ed as Parcel ID 09-4901 and PIN 3305010464582, pursuant to the requirements of the Town of Wallace Uni ed Development Ordinance.
This hearing will be conducted as a quasijudicial proceeding. All persons wishing to present testimony or evidence shall be sworn prior to speaking. Testimony must be competent, material, and relevant to the standards applicable to the requested Special Use Permit. The Town Council’s decision will be based solely upon the competent, material, and substantial evidence presented during
P.M., to consider the following application: Request: Mobile and Manufactured Home Park
Operator Permit
The applicant is seeking approval of a Mobile and
Manufactured Home Park Operator Permit pursuant to the requirements of the Town of Wallace Uni ed Development Ordinance. This hearing will be conducted as a quasijudicial proceeding. All persons wishing to present testimony or evidence shall be sworn prior to speaking. Testimony must be competent, material, and relevant to the standards applicable to the permit request. The Town Council’s decision will be based solely upon the competent, material, and substantial evidence presented during the hearing and the applicable provisions of the Uni ed
the hearing and the applicable provisions of the Uni ed Development Ordinance.
Any person who believes they have standing as a party to the proceeding may appear in person or be represented by legal counsel. Parties may present evidence, call witnesses, and cross-examine witnesses as permitted by law.
The application and supporting materials are available for public inspection at Wallace Town Hall during normal business hours.
Persons having questions may contact Rod Fritz, Planning Director, at (910) 285-4136 or by email at rfritz@wallacenc.gov.
Development Ordinance.
Any person who believes they have standing as a party to the proceeding may appear in person or be represented by legal counsel. Parties may present evidence, call witnesses, and cross-examine witnesses as permitted by law.
The application and supporting materials are available for public inspection at Wallace Town Hall during normal business hours.
Persons having questions may contact Rod Fritz, Planning Director, at (910) 285-4136 or by email at rfritz@wallacenc.gov.
PAUL BEATY / AP PHOTO
Former President Barack Obama poses for a sel e with WNBA All-Star Angel Reese during a practice at the Obama Presidential Center.
obituaries
Larry Lee English
Dec. 16, 1949 – July 20, 2026
Larry Lee English, age 76, of Wilmington and formerly of Rose Hill, went home to be forever with Jesus on July 20, 2026, after a very short illness.
He was born on December 16, 1949, on the US Army Base at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to the late Jack Stacy and Leola English. Larry was also preceded in death by his brother Robert English, maternal grandparents Robert Henry and Idella Jones, and paternal grandparents Stacy and Artinecia English.
Larry proudly served his country in the 237th Engineer Battalion of the United States Army as an Atomic Demolition Munition specialist. He was a lifelong member of Corinth Baptist Church in Teachey, NC. Surviving to cherish his memory are his best friend and wife of 27 years, Lisa Phifer English; brothers Richard English, Michael English and his wife Joyce, and Charles English and his wife Joan; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends who loved Larry dearly.
Larry was a kind and gentle man who loved his family with all his heart. As a child, he excelled in school and especially enjoyed history and reading. Born into a military family, Larry attended Georgia Military Academy, where he received an associate degree. He joined the Army and served our country both in the States and in Germany twice. He was an instructor for young men in the eld of ADM (dismantling bombs and explosive devices) at Fort Belvoir. He served his country for seven years and truly loved it.
After an honorable discharge, Larry went to work with the USDA Farm Service Agency in Kenansville as a Program Technician. He had a great work ethic and was a fair and honest man. During his years at USDA Farm Service, he met many men and women who became great friends throughout the years.
Larry was a single man until he met Lisa Phifer in 1998 in Gatlinburg, TN at the age of 46. They fell deeply in love and were married one year later. Both Larry and Lisa loved the movie “White Christmas”. Larry loved it for the army theme, and Lisa loved it for “all that snow” and the Christmas cheer. They decided to pattern their wedding after the one in the “White Christmas” movie. Larry and Lisa called it their “Destination Wedding”. They went to Vermont, where the movie was set, found a nice Bed and breakfast, and were married on Christmas Eve – just like the movie. Larry loved Lisa and took good care of her until he became sick. He and Lisa were deeply involved in the Wounded Warrior Project Battalion at Camp Lejeune throughout the years.
In addition to Larry being a loving and faithful husband, he enjoyed watching plants grow and spending time with family and friends. He was a quiet, humble man who would give the shirt o his own back to anyone who needed it. He will surely be missed.
Funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at Corinth Baptist Church with Pastor Phil Eakins o ciating.
The family will receive friends from 2-3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, one hour prior to the funeral service at the church.
Burial will follow the service at Rock sh Memorial Cemetery in Wallace, NC.
Carolyn Diane Hodges Faust
June 28, 1954 – July 20, 2026
Warsaw-Carolyn Diane Hodges Faust, 72, of Warsaw, passed away Monday, July 20, 2026, at Warsaw Health and Rehab. Mrs. Faust was born June 28, 1954, in Beaufort County to the late Mahew Plum Hodges and Geraldine Leggett Hodges. Left to cherish her memory are daughter, Jennifer Cerny; grandchildren, Daniel Cerny and wife, Alexis, and Josh Cerny; great-grandchildren, Bralynn and Raylan Cerny. No services are planned at this time.
Leonza Edward Miller
Oct. 26, 1942 – July 23, 2026
Leonza Edward Miller, 83, of Beulaville, NC, passed away July 23, 2026, at ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville, NC. Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at St. Matthew AME Zion in Pink Hill. Public viewing will be from 4- 6 p.m. on Friday, July 31, 2026, at Hawes Funeral Home in Warsaw. Interment will follow the service at Boney Field Cemetery in Kenansville.
Joseph Whaley
May 19, 1947 – July 23, 2026
Joseph “Joe Rayburn” Whaley, 79, passed away on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at his home.
A funeral service will be Monday, July 27, 2026, at 6 p.m. followed by visitation at Community Funeral Home in Beulaville, NC.
A graveside service is Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 9 a.m. at Whaley Cemetery at 802 Wagon Ford Road in Pink Hill, NC. He is survived by wife Doris Moody Whaley of Potters Hill, NC; son Joey Whaley (Heather) of Potters Hill, NC; daughters Cathy Whaley of Potters Hill, NC, Janet Lowell (Brian) of Alabama and Lori Williams (Ryan) of Beulaville, NC; grandchildren Landon Hale (Emily), Lindsey McLamb (Blake), Elliott Edwards (Olivia), Kaylee Voytek (Jared), Mackenzie Whaley, Mason Whaley, Avery Padgett, Sophia Lowell, Stella Lowell, Emily Pate (Josh), and Ellie Williams (Blain); and great-grandchildren Chasen McLamb, Chesley McLamb, Oliver Hale, Kai Voytek, Weston Voytek, Olivia Pate, Owen Pate and Ayden Hinson. He was preceded in death by his sister, Janice Faye Whaley and a brother, Milton Whaley. In lieu of owers, donations may be made to Gobbles and Grunts, c/o Leigh Wolfe, 618 Cedar Fork Rd., Beulaville, NC 28518.
Coach
Wayne Nunn
Nov. 24, 1945 – July 21, 2026
Wayne Nunn, age 80, of Warsaw, passed away Tuesday evening, July 21, 2026, while receiving comfort and care at Kitty Askins Hospice Center in Goldsboro.
Mr. Nunn was a native of the Greensboro area and was the son of the late Waco Nunn and Mattie Delree Nunn. He graduated from Pembroke College. As a school teacher and coach, his rst teaching assignment was at Warsaw School, after which he joined the sta of E. E. Smith Middle School in Kenansville, and from there he retired.
A true outdoorsman and sports fan, he enjoyed gol ng, shing, and all sports. He loved beach music, going to yard sales and ea markets which dubbed him being a junk man. He also loved a vegetable garden, complete with the gathering, canning and freezing of its bounty.
Mr. Nunn leaves behind his wife, Gail Rackley Nunn, of the home; a son, David W. Nunn, Jr. and wife, Brenda Padgett Nunn, of Mount Olive; a stepson, Robbie Kelly of Faison; a granddaughter raised as a daughter, Scarlet Rhaye Kelly, and her signi cant other, Joshua Larkin Fowler, of Gastonia; a grandson, David Jeremiah “D.J.” Nunn; a sister, Mattie Sue Byerly; and four great-grandchildren, Hazel Mae Fowler, Paisley Nunn, Aubrey Nunn, Deckling Nunn, and Oakland Nunn.
A gathering at which the life of Coach Nunn was celebrated Sunday, July 26, at 2 p.m. at Tyndall Funeral Chapel in Mount Olive. Fellow educator, coach, and friend Pat Matthis presided. Following the service, a time of fellowship and greeting the family took place.
Edna Pearl Atkinson Williams
Dec. 8, 1939 – July 27, 2026
Mrs. Edna Pearl Atkinson Williams, age 86, of Wallace, NC, passed away on Monday, July 27, 2026, at Wallace Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Wallace, NC.
Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Riverview Memorial Park in Willard, NC.
Left to cherish her precious memories are one sister, Annie Louise Bennerman of Wallace, NC; special niece, Lavern Johnson (Douglas) of Watha, NC; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that will miss her dearly.
Larry Mitchell Knowles
Nov. 18, 1951 – July 22, 2026
Larry Mitchell Knowles, age 74, of Rose Hill passed from this life to his eternal rest on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. He was born on November 18, 1951, to the late Marvin Earl and Margaret Allene Gri n Knowles. Larry was also preceded in death by his loving wife Linda Walker Knowles and his brother Joseph “Joe” Knowles.
Surviving are his devoted children, Sean Knowles and wife Tracy of Wallace and Wendy Knowles Malone of Rose Hill; his grandchildren Jeremy Brice, Carrie Malone, Madelynn Knowles, and Christopher Cole Malone; his brother James “Jimmy” Knowles and wife Karen of Teachey; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Larry was a hard worker and great provider for his family. He was born and raised in Duplin County, North Carolina. Larry was a farmer by trade and enjoyed growing poultry and swine. He was a unique man who had his own ways and ideas. One never had to guess what Larry was thinking because he would always let you know what was on his mind. Larry loved to talk and carry on a conversation, which was always interesting. Being an outdoorsman, Larry enjoyed hunting and doing things outside. He was very talented and used that talent to build the house he lived in. He made every brick and constructed a very beautiful place to live. Larry will be missed, but he will never be forgotten.
A memorial graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Rock sh Memorial Cemetery in Wallace, NC.
In lieu of owers, memorial gifts may be sent to Evergreen Baptist Church, 63 E. MagnoliaLisbon Road, Rose Hill, NC 28458.
Sharon Sutton Riddick
March 12, 1957 –July 24, 2026
Sharon Sutton Riddick, 69, of Warsaw, NC, passed away July 24, 2026, at ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville, NC. Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. on Wednesday at Mt. Zion Community Church in Warsaw. Public viewing will be from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday at Hawes Funeral Home. Interment will follow the service at Middleton Cemetery in Kenansville.
Wallace bookstore brings childhood dream to life
The mother-daughter team hopes the shop will create a place where visitors feel connected and encouraged
By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal
ONE OF DELINA Murvin’s favorite memories as a young girl was going shopping with her mother. The shops that had the most lasting impact on her were Bible bookstores.
“I loved looking at the posters and the CDs, and all the trinkets and jewelry,” Murvin told Duplin Journal last Friday. She said she once bought a necklace with a cross and it became her favorite piece of jewelry.
“That memory of going and touching the Bibles, feeling them and looking at all the Bible covers while shopping with Mom is special,” she added.
Those memories created a dream of one day opening her own Bible bookstore, especially after seeing so many close during the COVID-19 pandemic. That dream came true July 18 when Murvin and her mother, Barbara Harrelson, opened The Bee Blessed Cottage at 511 N. Norwood St. in Wallace.
Harrelson’s frequent trips to Bible bookstores with her daughter in tow served two purposes, she told Duplin Journal.
“I was a Sunday school teacher, and I was going to nd things for Sunday school,” she said. “I wanted her to go with me all the time because I felt like that was planting a seed. That’s one thing I want to do here, plant a seed with people that aren’t really going to church.”
The Bee Blessed Cottage is a Bible bookstore but fea-
tures much more, including faith-based gifts, books and a room speci cally for children.
One noticeable part of the shop is called the Prayer Tree.
Visitors can ll out a prayer request note beside the tree and hang it on a branch. The requests are prayed over every day.
Murvin and Harrelson say there are plans for future events at the shop, including Bible studies.
“The Bible says, ‘Do everything unto the Lord.’ What a better way to honor God and be able to live your dream than to have a store completely dedicated to Him,” Murvin said. She added that she and her
Jail administrator praised for compassionate leadership
The Duplin County Sheri ’s O ce recently recognized Capt. Denise Mitchell, the jail administrator, for leading “with integrity and heart,” saying she treats people in custody with dignity and professionalism.
When an inmate needed treatment for a serious heart infection, Mitchell helped arrange her release on an unsecured bond so she could receive care while remaining under house arrest at the hospital. The inmate later thanked Mitchell by creating the sign she is holding in the photo, posted by the sheri ’s o ce on Facebook.
“She understands that while individuals may be in custody, they are still human beings deserving of fairness and professionalism,” the sheri ’s o ce wrote.
“What a better way to honor God, and be able to live your dream, than to have a store completely dedicated to Him.”
Delina Murvin
mother have been praying for years about the idea. Harrelson said it meant even more to her that the business was opened alongside her daughter.
“It is such a blessing for us to be together to do this because the Lord has really blessed us with it,” she said.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR CONSIDERATION OF ANNEXATION
The public will take notice that the Board of Commissioners of the Town of Teachey has called a public hearing at 6:00 p.m. on August 10, 2026 at the Town Hall for the purpose of considering to annex Bk 2110 Page 1-2 Parcel # 09-5554-1 Bert Properties located in Island Creek Township, Duplin County, North Carolina.
Being a portion of Tract B containing 9.770 acres as shown on map entitled “Type A Expedited Minor Subdivision for Relentless Ventures, LLC of Duplin County Parcel # 09-5554-1” recorded in Map Book 36 Page 366 of the Duplin County Registry.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this matter you can contact The Teachey Town Hall by phone 910-285-7564 or by mail at P.O. Box 145 Teachey NC 28464.
Morgan Jacobs – Town Clerk Town of Teachey, N.C.
PHOTOS BY MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
The Bee Blessed Cottage, a Bible bookstore and gift shop, opened Saturday in Wallace.
Delina Murvin, right, and her mother, Barbara Harrelson, owners of The Bee Blessed Cottage, a new Bible bookstore and faith-based gift shop, hold a frame featuring the rst dollar earned in business at their grand opening July 18.
