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VOLUME 11 ISSUE 29 | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026

DUPLINJOURNAL.COM

Duplin Journal THE DUPLIN COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL

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BRIEF this week

9/11 memorial service scheduled Faison Faison Fire and Rescue will host a memorial service at 9:30 a.m. Friday to mark the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, and honor the first responders who lost their lives that day. The service will be held at 108 S.W. Center St. in Faison. Community members are invited to attend as the community remembers those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

New stop signs coming Duplin County Drivers traveling through a Duplin County intersection will need to adjust to a new traffic pattern beginning next week. The N.C. Department of Transportation will convert the intersection of Summerlin Crossroad Road and Wards Bridge Road to an all-way stop Sept. 9. Crews will install stop signs and pavement markings as part of the safety improvement. The work is weather-dependent and could be rescheduled. Drivers should use caution near the intersection while crews are working.

Marine Federal Credit Union mobile unit coming to Magnolia Magnolia Marine Federal Credit Union’s mobile unit will begin making weekly visits to Magnolia, giving residents an opportunity to access the credit union’s services closer to home. The mobile unit will be in the parking lot of Magnolia Town Hall at 110 E. Carroll St. on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Residents do not have to be Marines to become members. Those interested in membership can visit the mobile unit to learn whether they are eligible.

Chinquapin group launches monthly senior gathering Chinquapin A new monthly gathering will give senior citizens an opportunity to socialize, participate in activities, and stay mentally and socially active. Do The Work will host “Senior Citizen Do The Work Wednesday” every third Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. beginning Sept. 16. The gatherings will include activities, classes and games, as well as time for seniors to relax, meet friends and chat in a welcoming environment. The event will be held at 2735 S. N.C. 41 in Chinquapin. Organizers are also seeking volunteers to help with the gatherings.

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COURTESY FAISON FIRE AND RESCUE

Severe thunderstorms keep crews busy A large tree blocks a roadway in Faison on Saturday as Faison Fire and Rescue responded to several weather-related calls throughout the evening. Severe thunderstorms and strong winds moved through the area, bringing down trees and creating hazards for motorists.

UMO withdraws nursing program from national accreditation The university withdrew its CCNE accreditation in late August, with the program originally scheduled to remain accredited through June 2027 By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal THE UNIVERSITY of Mount Olive (UMO) has voluntarily withdrawn from national accreditation with the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The program’s nation-

al accreditation was originally scheduled to run through June 2027, but the university officially decided to withdraw in late August. The prelicensure bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program remains under the active oversight of the North Caroli-

na Board of Nursing (NCBON). According to the information available from NCBON and UMO, eligible students can continue working toward their BSN and pursue the NCLEX-RN licensing exam. The loss of national accreditation could affect some graduates’ employment or graduate-school options, depending on the requirements of individual employers and programs.

Staffing cuts draw concern at Duplin school board meeting District officials said state funding losses and mandated salary increases have contributed to millions of dollars in planned reductions By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal KENANSVILLE — Concerns about teacher shortages, staff reductions and resources at Du-

plin County schools took center stage during public comments at last Wednesday’s school board meeting, with district officials explaining the financial pressures behind the cuts.

Four people spoke about the loss of a beloved receptionist at Duplin Early College. “Ms. Melbourne was like a second mother to us,” Miguel Balderas, a student at Duplin Early College, said. “She watched out for our safety.” Another student, Ruth Ann Baker, said, “I understand there is a lot going on and we aren’t

Board backs Book Buddies program at Faison Library Commissioners voiced support for a popular reading program led by librarian Holly Horne By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal FAISON — A complaint about the Faison Library’s Book Buddies program prompted discussion at Faison’s Sept. 2 town board meeting, with commissioners ultimately agreeing to formally ask the county to allow the program — featuring librarian Holly Horne’s two dogs — to continue. Horne created the Book Buddies program, which allows patrons to read to her two dogs at the library on Mondays and

Wednesdays from 2-6 p.m. An alleged complaint about the dogs’ presence led the county to tell Horne to stop bringing them to the library. The board discussed the program’s success in drawing patrons to the library. “She’s been doing the program for a very long time with no incidents or issues, and kids do come in for this,” Executive Administrator Jimmy Tyndall said. The board discussed that dogs are allowed in other places without issue, and it asked for clarity about the legal boundaries of the issue. Town Attorney Joseph Ezzell clarified that the library belongs to Faison, but See LIBRARY, page A2

“She’s been doing the program for a very long time with no incidents or issues, and kids do come in for this.” Jimmy Tyndall, executive administrator

State board data showed UMO’s first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate was 50% in 2025 and 61.1% during the first quarter of 2026. UMO did not respond to requests for comment before press deadline. According to UMO’s website, the university is exploring transfer and educational pathways for students and plans to seek national nursing accreditation again in the future.

like other schools with football teams, but we do our best. We still get overlooked and lose more people than we earn.” Danielle Nixon-Baker asked the board to reinstate Melbourne. “Duplin Early College High School has some of the highest report card grades in the county, yet one of the district’s highest performing schools continues to lose resources and staff,” Nixon-Baker said. “Why is a school that is already operating with limited resources being asked to do even more with less?” She named at least six other See SCHOOL, page A5

Duplin Journal for Thursday, September 10, 2026

THURSDAY

9.10.26 #142

911 calls lead to indecent exposure arrest in Warsaw Police say the investigation began after 911 callers reported inappropriate behavior at a convenience store By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

“Join the conversation”

WARSAW — Calls to 911 following a reported indecent exposure incident at a local convenience store led Warsaw police to identify and

left the business before officers arrived. An officer identified Courtney during the investigation, and warrants were obtained. He was later located and arrested in Pender County. Courtney was charged with felony indecent exposure in the presence of a minor, misdemeanor indecent exposure and additional misdemeanor driving-related charges. He received no bond, according to Warsaw police.

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arrest a Pender County man. According to the Warsaw Police Department, Michael A. Courtney was arrested Sept. 2 with assistance from the Pender County Sheriff’s Office after police investigated a reported indecent exposure incident Aug. 29. According to law enforcement, officers were dispatched to the store after reporting parties said a man had been inside engaging in inappropriate behavior. The suspect had

Duplin Journal

DUPLIN

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

Sept. 12 Pet Day in the Park

Traffic stops lead to more than 10-year sentence after cocaine, fentanyl seizures Authorities recovered the drugs during two stops and said a Sanford man supplied drugs throughout eastern N.C. Duplin Journal staff A SANFORD MAN was sentenced to more than 10 years in federal prison after two traffic stops led authorities to recover cocaine and fentanyl and helped uncover a drug trafficking operation supplying eastern North Carolina, according to federal prosecutors. Aaron Cotten, 50, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 11 pounds or more of cocaine, 400 grams or more of fentanyl and a quantity of heroin, as well as possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and 40 grams or more of fentanyl. The case began with a March 15, 2022, traffic stop by

“Every drug trafficking network that gets taken down is an opportunity to prevent violent crime and better protect our communities.” Alicia Jones, ATF special agent in charge the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office. Cotten was a passenger in the vehicle, where deputies detected a strong odor of marijuana. A search found more than $15,000 in cash near Cotten’s seat. When deputies attempted to search Cotten, he resisted, and deputies recovered more than a pound of cocaine and several ounces of fentanyl. On April 3, 2024, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office conducted another traffic stop involving Cotten as a passenger. After a K-9 alerted to narcotics, deputies searched the vehicle and found approxi-

mately one pound of fentanyl concealed in the engine bay. A gun was also found on another passenger. According to the investigation, Cotten distributed multiple pounds of cocaine and fentanyl throughout eastern North Carolina and sourced the drugs from Charlotte. He has prior convictions for robbery with a dangerous weapon and second-degree burglary. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, Jacksonville Police Department, Beulaville Police Department, Goldsboro Police Department, Duplin County Sheriff’s Office and Lee County Sheriff’s Office. “Wherever illegal narcotics are being sold, you find that the likelihood of violent crime greatly increases,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones. “Every drug trafficking network that gets taken down is an opportunity to prevent violent crime and better protect our communities.”

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The free community event will feature Paw Patrol, a bounce house, a pet costume contest with prizes, a pet picture station, facepainting, airbrush tattoos, a gigantic bubble machine, a Pup Cup station and an art station for kids. Attendees can also visit Agape Farms of Watha and Fresh Start Reptile Rescue, meet local police and fire personnel, and learn from Open Arrow Dog Training. A basketball competition with a prize will also be held. 209 E Clement St., Wallace

50th Grape Stomp Festival 1-8 p.m. Duplin Winery marks the 50th anniversary of its Grape Stomp Festival with live music, wine tastings, food and grape stomping. 918 West Charity Road, Rose Hill

Fall Vendor and Craft Fair 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cabin Lake County Park hosts a fall craft fair featuring local vendors selling handmade crafts, candles, cups, flowers and food. 220 Cabin Lake Road, Beulaville

LIBRARY from page A1 Horne is a county employee and is subject to county rules. “It is no risk to the county at all (for her to have this program), but they can tell her as a county employee not to do it,” Ezzell said. The board agreed to write a formal letter to the county manager showing their support for both the librarian and the Book Buddies Program. “We are trying to keep that library open, and Holly has done a wonderful job with that library,” Commissioner Carolyn Kenyon said. Mayor Billy Ward gave updates about the Parks and Recreation Department. “Basketball has one weekend left,” Ward said. “Volleyball and soccer sign-ups go through this coming weekend.”

“Afterschool has started, and the school bus has worked out great so far,” Tyndall said. “We are two short of the same enrollment numbers we had last year — 34 presently, and we still have availability.” The board discussed a classroom in the Parks and Recreation Center that has been without air conditioning for two weeks because the old unit stopped working. The room, used for most of the town’s committee meetings, has been nearly unusable during the current heat wave. Tyndall explained the estimates included options ranging from new units to ductless mini-splits. After some discussion about what would be the best fit for the room, the board approved just under $8,000 for Anderson Heat and Air to install a mini-split. The board

also approved appropriating funding from the general fund to pay for it. The board discussed a request from a local artist, Ashley Wall, concerning a drawing she sold to FIG. In exchange for the copyright, Wall requested a free membership to the town’s gym. The board discussed the arrangement and didn’t feel comfortable with a lifetime membership because of the changing appointments of government positions. Tyndall suggested making the membership for a shorter time frame and making it renewable at those same time increments. The board approved giving Wall a five-year gym membership with renewal rights in exchange for the copyright to her artwork, allowing the town to use it in any way it sees fit.

The meeting went into closed session to discuss a legal matter. When the board returned, Ward reminded everyone of the ice cream social Sept. 13 at the Methodist Church for town employees. Commissioner Sandy McCarty shared information about the eighth annual Sportsman’s Giveaway on Sept. 19 to support Faison Fire and Rescue. “Our fire and rescue departments have been very busy,” McCarty said. “This month, they had 31 calls. … So far this year, they have had 364 calls.” Commissioner Christy Allen reminded everyone about the Ghost Walk coming up Oct. 17, and the board approved hosting it again in the Faison Cemetery. The meeting adjourned shortly thereafter.

Sept. 12-14 Duplin Agribusiness Fair Sept. 12-13: 5-10 p.m. Sept. 14: Noon to 10 p.m. The event returns with midway rides, agricultural exhibits and fair food. Admission is $6 for adults, and children 15 and under get in free with an adult. 195 Fairgrounds Drive, Kenansville

Duplin Journal for Thursday, September 10, 2026

25 years of change at James Sprunt Two longtime employees reflect on the college, their careers and the people who made the journey meaningful By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal FOR LISA HUMPHREY and LaTasha Moore, 25 years at James Sprunt Community College have been about more than time served. They have watched buildings rise, programs expand, technology change and new opportunities emerge for students. They have also built careers, relationships and memories along the way. Both began working full time at James Sprunt in 2000. This year, they were among 13 employees recognized for their years of service during Spartan Ignite, the college’s annual welcome-back event for faculty and staff. Held at the start of the academic year, Spartan Ignite brings employees together for professional development and fellowship before the college president delivers the annual State of the College Address. “The heart of James Sprunt is the people who have dedicated themselves to serving our students and our community,” said former JSCC President Shannon Hair. “Together, these employees represent 145 years of experience and commitment to this college and its mission. We are grateful for their service and the difference they continue to make each day.” For Moore, who began her JSCC career as an administra-

COURTESY JAMES SPRUNT COMMUNITY COLLEGE

LaTasha Moore

“These employees represent 145 years of experience and commitment to this college. ... We are grateful for their service and the difference they continue to make each day.” Shannon Hair, former JSCC president tive assistant in the leadership program and now serves as the college’s controller, reaching 25 years has provided a perspective few employees have. “The ability of James Sprunt to adapt and move forward with the changing times has been especially mean-

Lisa Humphrey ingful to witness,” Moore said. Over the years, Moore has watched conversations about potential new programs develop into programs operating at full capacity. She has also witnessed the college’s physical growth, including the expansion of the WestPark location, the addition of the health education and nursing wing, and the development of a new Workforce Development Center. “I feel the college is ‘in tune’ with its community and surrounding areas,” Moore said. “The college is proactive in addressing areas of interest from the community and businesses.” That responsiveness has helped create opportunities for students preparing for a changing workforce. “Students have the option to do what they really want to do, from linemen to CDL, esthetics

Warsaw development rules move forward after hearing The Board of Commissioners is scheduled to hold a final decision and adoption public hearing Sept. 14 By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal THE WARSAW Planning Board recently held a required public hearing on the town’s draft Unified Development Ordinance, reviewing changes to the final draft and hearing public comments before unanimously recommending the ordinance to the Board of Commissioners. Ashli Barefoot, director of planning with Insight Consulting Group, and Corey Faithley, an attorney with Insight, led the review. The Board of Commissioners is scheduled to hold a final decision and adoption public hearing Sept. 14. The UDO would consolidate Warsaw’s development regulations into one document, including rules covering zoning, subdivisions, housing, nuisance properties, stormwater and flood damage prevention. Insight Consulting Group conducted a technical and statutory review of the draft to ensure compliance with North Carolina General Statutes, including Chapter 160D. Changes included adjustments to density standards in the R6 and R10 districts, restoration of several uses to residential and industrial districts, and

provisions addressing existing nonconforming properties. The draft also removes a 12-month waiting period for refiling denied or withdrawn rezoning applications. Other revisions included standardizing statutory references, adding a definition for a doctor’s office, completing planning board membership information and clarifying extraterritorial jurisdiction representation. The UDO was also reviewed for consistency with Warsaw’s 2023 Land Use Plan. According to the presentation, the ordinance aligns with the plan’s goals related to housing, neighborhood compatibility, mixed-use development, pedestrian connectivity, redevelopment, tree preservation, floodplains, stormwater, community appearance, infrastructure and historic preservation. During public comment, residents raised concerns about communication and public involvement during the land use plan and UDO processes. One resident said printing the 266-page draft at the county library cost $66 and raised concerns about the cost of obtaining copies. “The town charges some astronomical money to print pages,” said Marzella Morrisey. Barefoot said she would provide physical copies of the Land Use Plan and UDO at Town Hall for public viewing. Residents also suggested using water bills or email notifications to provide information about planning meetings

to nursing,” Moore said. “The opportunities are here.” Her 25 years at James Sprunt have also brought personal growth. “I have grown both professionally and personally,” Moore said. “I look back, and I am so proud of myself for staying on this journey.” Humphrey, a library assistant, has experienced the college’s evolution from a different perspective. For her, 25 years at James Sprunt are intertwined with her family’s connection to the college. Both of her children were presidential scholars at James Sprunt, graduated from the college and later transferred to four-year universities. “The college has not only had an impact on my life but also on the life of my family,” Humphrey said. Like Moore, Humphrey has

watched the college change throughout her career. “We have seen new buildings, new services and so many new opportunities for students that simply weren’t available when I first started,” Humphrey said. “There is a real sense of pride in watching the college thrive and continue to make a difference in the lives of our students and in our community.” For Humphrey, though, the milestone is ultimately about the people she has encountered along the way. “I have had the opportunity to meet and work with so many wonderful people and students,” she said. “I am incredibly grateful for the experiences, friendships and memories that working at James Sprunt have given me.” Humphrey and Moore were among 13 employees recognized during this year’s Spartan Ignite. The 2025-26 service award recipients included nine employees recognized for five years of service: Philip R. Anderson, Tonya Shivar Braswell, Elizabeth Turner Howard, Anne Kennedy, Patty C. Oates, Stanley W. Skidmore, Eric Southerland and April Taylor. Ashley Davis Graham was recognized for 15 years of service. Deborah Avant Edwards and Patricia Owens-Sharpe were recognized for 20 years. And Humphrey and Moore marked 25 years. Together, the employees recognized this year represent 145 years of service to James Sprunt. For Moore and Humphrey, those years represent more than a number. They represent a quarter-century of watching James Sprunt grow and change — and finding their own place in that journey.

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and zoning changes. A resident asked whether meetings had occurred without public notice after the May 14 meeting. Barefoot said the changes resulted from her technical review as a consultant rather than additional Planning Board meetings. Faithley said the Planning Board does not have statutory authority to appoint citizen subcommittees, though residents could ask the Board of Commissioners to create them. The consultants also discussed Insight’s services involving Community Development Block Grants and disaster recovery. The board discussed potential neighborhood revitalization and disaster recovery funding for community needs, including roof repairs. After public comment, the Planning Board closed the hearing. A motion recommending that the Board of Commissioners approve the UDO was made and seconded. The motion stated the ordinance is consistent with the 2023 Land Use Plan and is reasonable and in the public interest. The motion passed unanimously.

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Duplin Journal for Thursday, September 10, 2026

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

COLUMN | DEBORAH WILSON

Lindsay Clancy and when justice cannot reach a verdict Any resolution must acknowledge the enormity of three children’s deaths.

SOMETIMES THE most important verdict is the one a jury cannot reach. After weeks of testimony and nearly 40 hours of deliberations, the jury in the Lindsay Clancy murder trial could not unanimously decide whether she should be held criminally responsible for the deaths of her three children. The result is a mistrial — and an extraordinarily difficult question about what happens next. The easy answer is another trial. The harder question is whether that is necessarily justice. A mistrial in a case of this magnitude carries costs that extend far beyond dollars. Prosecutors have devoted enormous resources to preparing and presenting the case. Defense attorneys have done the same. Experts have testified, medical records have been dissected, witnesses have taken the stand and court personnel have spent weeks managing a proceeding watched across the country. Now imagine doing it all again. A new jury — with knowledge of the case — must be selected. Experts must return. Witnesses must again recount painful events. Attorneys must reconstruct arguments that have already consumed weeks of courtroom time. And a family that has endured an unimaginable tragedy must once again watch the deaths of three children become the subject of testimony, argument and public debate. None of that means prosecutors should abandon the case. Cora, Dawson and Callan Clancy died violently. Their lives matter. The public has a legitimate interest in accountability, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has an obligation to enforce its laws. Justice cannot become a calculation in which prosecution ends simply because

another trial will be expensive or difficult. But justice has another obligation as well. It must recognize the rights of the accused. A mistrial is not a conviction. Lindsay Clancy remains entitled to the presumption and protections our criminal justice system affords every defendant, regardless of how disturbing the allegations may be. The prosecution’s burden does not become lighter because the first jury could not agree. That leaves prosecutors facing one of the most difficult exercises of discretion our system demands. They can try again, decline to retry the case or explore another option. In other words, can the parties explore whether some negotiated resolution appropriately balances accountability, public safety, mental illness and the interests of a family that has already suffered enough. A plea agreement should not be mistaken for surrender. Our criminal courts resolve cases through negotiated pleas every day. The question is not whether compromise somehow diminishes justice. The question is whether a particular resolution adequately serves it. In the Clancy case, that calculation is exceptionally difficult. Any resolution must acknowledge the enormity of three children’s deaths. It must consider public safety and society’s interest in accountability. But it must also account for the profound mental-health issues at the center of the case and the reality that a jury, after hearing the evidence and deliberating for days, could not unanimously determine criminal responsibility. Then there is the family. We frequently speak about victims and their families as though another trial automatically serves their interests. Sometimes it does. Sometimes

families desperately want another jury to hear the evidence. But another trial also asks people who have already endured unimaginable grief to return to the courtroom and experience it again. The human cost deserves a place in the calculation. So does the expenditure of public resources — not because justice has a price tag, but because government has an obligation to use finite resources responsibly. Another lengthy prosecution involving competing experts and extensive medical evidence will consume resources that cannot simultaneously be devoted elsewhere. The question is what another trial is expected to accomplish. Perhaps another jury will reach the definitive answer this jury could not. If prosecutors reasonably believe that will happen, another trial may be justified. However, there is another possibility we should be willing to confront: Twelve new jurors may listen to substantially the same evidence, confront the same agonizing questions about mental illness and criminal responsibility, and arrive at another impasse. Justice does not require endless repetition simply because the first answer was unsatisfying. Nor does mercy require abandoning accountability. Somewhere between those principles may lie a resolution that honors the lives of three innocent children, protects the public, respects the rights of the accused and spares a grieving family from being forced to relive its worst day in a courtroom. A mistrial means the jury could not find its way to a unanimous answer. What happens next will tell us something equally important: Whether our system is capable of recognizing that sometimes the pursuit of justice requires knowing not only when to keep fighting but when to search for another way. Deborah A. Wilson is a Georgetown University Law Center graduate and a practicing Northern Virginia attorney.

COLUMN | VICTOR JOECKS

Why liberty requires virtue

A people without virtue shouldn’t expect to enjoy the blessings of liberty indefinitely.

A FARMER can’t make his plants grow, but he can create the conditions that lead to their flourishing. A society can’t make its citizens virtuous, but it can nurture the institutions that lead to virtuous citizens. Great thinkers in Western civilization have long noted the importance of virtue. In “Politics,” Aristotle declared, “The best life, both for individuals and states, is the life of virtue, when virtue has external goods enough for the performance of good actions.” “Virtue then is a settled disposition of the mind determining the choice of actions and emotions, consisting essentially in the observance of the mean relative to us, this being determined by principle, that is, as the prudent man would determine it,” Aristotle wrote in “Nicomachean Ethics.” Practically, that means “virtue in a man will be the disposition which renders him a good man and also which will cause him to perform his function well.” Contained in that clunky English is a key insight. Virtue requires ascertaining truth and moving toward it with actions. This presupposes that truth is objective, not a personal possession. This fits in with an observation the great Roman statesman Cicero once made. He contrasted virtuous citizens with those who cared “more for his own interests than for those of the republic.” Perhaps you can start to see the link

between liberty and virtue. A man with the ability to do as he chooses can use that ability to oppress others. Or, as Cicero warned, he could make self-centered choices that undermine the governing system that protects liberty more broadly. Since freedom is rare, both are serious threats. A tyrannical government may compel subservience from its citizens by removing their ability to take some destructive actions. The result may look virtuous, but coercion doesn’t create virtue by compelling conformity. Our Founding Fathers talked about the importance of virtue and extended it to Christianity, the ubiquitous religion in the Colonies at the time. In 1776, John Adams declared, “The happiness of society is the end of government.” But his definition of happiness may surprise you. He wrote, “All sober enquiries after truth, ancient and modern, Pagan and Christian, have declared that the happiness of man, as well as his dignity consists in virtue.” That should make you think differently about the Declaration of Independence declaring that the “pursuit of happiness” is an unalienable right. “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports,” former President George Washington said in his 1796 Farewell Address. “In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should

labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens.” In a 1798 letter, Adams explained why morality and religion are essential to check human passions. Without them, human vices “would break the strongest cords of our Constitution as a whale goes through a net. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” The country has spent decades rejecting the virtue and Christian principles that the country was founded on. A deeply divided country only seems to agree that the government isn’t working as it should. This is a major reason why. Government can’t make individuals virtuous, but it can stop undermining the institutions, like the family and churches, that once inculcated virtue in the next generation. Government schools once taught students the Bible. Now those schools undermine parents, the country and even the notion of truth. A people without virtue shouldn’t expect to enjoy the blessings of liberty indefinitely. That’s a crisis to jump in and fix, not a foregone conclusion to observe passively. Victor Joecks is a columnist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

Duplin Journal for Thursday, September 10, 2026

COURTESY COUNCILMAN GLENN PRICE

Repairs complete at Boney Mill dam as pond awaits refill Repairs to the Boney Mill Pond dam have been completed following concerns about water seepage and erosion beneath the historic structure. The pond will now refill naturally, and N.C. Wildlife will assist with restocking once water levels return. According to Councilman Glenn Price, the small pond at the back of Farrior Park is scheduled to be restocked within the next two weeks.

SCHOOL from page A1 teachers who had been relocated from the school. Alexis Newkirk said her family was recently denied enrollment at Wallace Elementary because the school did not have enough teachers to take on more students. “If Wallace Elementary is facing a capacity crisis as it was told to me, then we ask you to look into this crisis so our children will not fall behind,” Newkirk said. Though the board did not immediately address the comments, members returned to them after discussing the 2026-27 proposed budget. Duplin County Public Schools Finance Officer Ashley Jata said the district is facing “significant financial pressure” for the second consecutive year, compounded by state-mandated increases in salaries and benefits. “Last year, we lost approximately $2.6 million in low-wealth state funding, and part of how we responded was

appropriating $1.8 million of our savings to balance last year’s budget,” Jata said. “This year, we are facing large mandated increases in salaries and benefits. At the same time, we are also facing another year of spending reductions. We have $2.8 million in reductions planned.” Jata said the district eliminated 17 positions last year and has implemented another $2.8 million in reductions this year. Thirty-three positions were eliminated, mostly through attrition, as part of those reductions. The district had requested a $2.8 million increase in local funding from Duplin County government, but the request was not funded. This year’s reductions include a 9.5% decrease in central office funding, a 1.5% cut to school-level budgets and a 5.5% cut to district operations. Jata said the district is trying to reduce its reliance on its fund balance. “Similar to an emergency account, when we use this fund balance for things like payroll

“Ms. Melbourne was like a second mother to us. She watched out for our safety.” Miguel Balderas, Duplin Early College student that are ongoing, it can add up quickly, and that is not what it’s designed for,” Jata said. “It’s designed to support us in emergencies.” The district had projected an average 3% salary increase, but certified employees received an average increase of approximately 8%. Retirement contributions increased by almost 6% compared with an estimated 4%, while district health insurance contributions rose by another 5%. One-time bonuses added $230,000 to local budget needs, Jata said. Jata said state funding fully covers salaries and benefits for about 550 employees, most-

ly teachers and principals, while more than 600 support positions are funded through fixed dollar allotments. “We estimate the increase in pay allotments will cost $4.1 million more to the district than last year,” Jata said. Jata said the district is proposing to use $1.4 million from its fund balance this year, compared with $1.8 million last year. “Unfortunately, without sustainable fund sources, it is likely that we might face even more reductions in future years,” Jata said. Board Chairman Brent Davis said the district has cut 50 positions over the past two years. “All the raises that went into place, the state did that,” Davis said. “The general public thinks that the state covers all those positions, but the state allotted positions are covered. … The dollar allotted positions have no money out there to do it. Our only two options are to go to the county and ask for additional funding or make cuts to be able

to make those benefit costs and salary raises.” Davis also addressed those who made public comments. “We try to treat every school the same, and we made sure everybody still had a position–we didn’t send anyone home,” Davis said. “Expenses are still going up, and a lot of it is unfunded mandates that puts us in this incredibly difficult position of constantly cutting. … We value every position at every level. … Unfortunately, we are constrained to what funds we have and we’ve got to make them, work the best way we can.” The board then approved a consent agenda including the new budget, policy updates, fundraisers, donations and independent contracts for services across the district. After a closed session for legal matters, the board reopened and approved appointing Laterri Underwood as assistant principal at Wallace Elementary and Maria Uribe as the director of federal programs, counseling and pre-K.

TOWN OF WALLACE, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS Date of Publication/Posting: September 10, 2026 Town of Wallace 120 Municipal Drive Wallace, NC 28466 (910) 285-4136 TO ALL INTERESTED AGENCIES, GROUPS AND PERSONS: On or about September 28, 2026, the Town of Wallace will request the North Carolina Department of Commerce to release Federal Funds under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (PL 93-383) for the following project: CDBG-NR Grant No. 24-C-4214 – Demolition and Clearance of Vacant Residential Structures The proposed project consists of the demolition and clearance of three vacant residential structures, including associated site cleanup and stabilization, at the following locations: Unit 2 – 122 Rose Avenue Wallace, Duplin County, North Carolina Unit 3 – 126 Rose Avenue Wallace, Duplin County, North Carolina Unit 4 – Vacant Farmhouse Wallace, Duplin County, North Carolina

Total Project Cost = $556,400; Total CDBG Cost = $556,400; CDBG/Total Cost Percent = 100% An Environmental Review Record applicable to the above project has been made by the Town of Wallace, which documents the environmental review of the project. This Environmental Review Record is on file at the above address and is available weekdays 8:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. for public examination and copying, upon request and payment of any authorized copying charges. PUBLIC COMMENTS Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the Environmental Review Record to the Town of Wallace at the address above. All comments received by September 17, 2026 will be considered by the Town of Wallace prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. RELEASE OF FUNDS The Town of Wallace will undertake the project described above with Community Development Block Grant funds from the North Carolina Department of Commerce, under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. The Town of Wallace is certifying to Commerce that Robert Taylor, in his official capacity as Town Manager, consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to environmental reviews, decision making, and action; and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. The legal effect of the certification is that upon its approval, the Town of Wallace may use the Block Grant funds, and Commerce will have satisfied its responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and related laws and authorities.

OBJECTION TO RELEASE OF FUNDS Commerce will accept an objection to its approval of the release of funds and acceptance of the certification only if it is on one of the following bases: (A) That the certification was not in fact executed by the chief elected official or other officer of the applicant approved by the State; or (B) The Town of Wallace has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58; (C) The grant recipient has committed funds or incurred cost not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by Commerce; or (D) Another federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedure (24 CFR Part 58) and shall be addressed to Commerce at 301 North Wilmington Street 4th Floor, 4346 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-4346. Objections to the release of funds on bases other than those stated above will not be considered by Commerce. No objection received after October 13, 2026 will be considered by Commerce. This notice is available in Spanish upon request. Language assistance in other languages and reasonable accommodations are also available upon request. Please contact Robert Taylor, Town Manager, Town of Wallace, 120 Municipal Drive, Wallace, NC 28466, (910) 2854136. Este aviso está disponible en español previa solicitud. También hay asistencia lingüística en otros idiomas y adaptaciones razonables disponibles previa solicitud. Comuníquese con Robert Taylor, Administrador Municipal, Town of Wallace, 120 Municipal Drive, Wallace, NC 28466, (910) 285-4136.

Duplin Journal for Thursday, September 10, 2026

Surprise honor for principal who keeps pushing Christy Eubanks credits her staff and students for the success that earned her the district’s top principal honor By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal CHRISTY Eubanks thought she had blown it. After completing the interview required of Lenoir County Public Schools’ Principal of the Year nominees, Eubanks told Superintendent Brent Williams she thought she had done poorly. On Monday, Williams gathered the staff at Northwest Elementary School and told her otherwise. “She thought she had done poorly,” Williams said. “That’s because she always wants to do better. You see she did great. She won.” Eubanks was named the 2026-27 Lenoir County Public Schools Principal of the Year, capping a tenure at Northwest marked by academic gains, statewide recognition, and a leadership style that puts the emphasis squarely on her staff and students. “I’m just shocked. I’m honored,” Eubanks said after the surprise announcement. The recognition came as a surprise at the end of a previously scheduled meeting between Northwest staff, Williams and other district leaders. What Eubanks did not know was the meeting would end with long and loud cheering from the staff. For Eubanks, the award is the latest recognition in a career with LCPS that began in 1999. She spent 15 years in the classroom as an elementary teacher before moving into roles as a curriculum specialist and assistant principal. Along the way, she led the district’s Read to Achieve summer program. Eubanks has served as princi-

COURTESY LENOIR COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Christy Eubanks, center, celebrates her Principal of the Year award with, from left, Brent Williams, Robin Roberson, Frances Herring, Jennifer Sutton, Elizabeth Pierce, Nicholas Harvey II, Lynn Morris, Steve Saint-Amand, Christel Carlyle and Stacy Cauley. pal of Northwest since July 2022. During that time, the school has earned recognition as a STEM School of Distinction and an Apple School of Excellence. Northwest is one of 24 current STEM School of Distinction honorees to achieve “model” status from the N.C. Department of Public Instruction. Since 2022, student proficiency at Northwest has increased, according to the state’s accountability testing program, and the school has paced the district in students’ academic growth. But Eubanks is quick to point away from herself when asked about those accomplishments. “We have the best staff and students,” she said. “They make me look good because they work

so hard, and they are willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done.” That attitude is part of what Williams saw in Eubanks during the Principal of the Year selection process. The process began with nominations from schools. The selection committee then reviewed nominees’ work histories and accomplishments before narrowing the field to three finalists. South Lenoir High School principal Jeremy Barnett and EB Frink Middle School principal Michael Moon were finalists with Eubanks. Williams said Eubanks’ reaction to her interview was consistent with the mindset that

“She always wants to do better.” Duplin County Superintendent Brent Williams on Christy Eubanks has helped shape her leadership. For Eubanks, that desire to improve appears to be less about individual recognition and more about what she believes a school community can accomplish together. Her career has taken her from the classroom to school administration, but her focus remains on the people working alongside her.

Now Eubanks will take that team-first approach beyond Northwest as she represents LCPS in the competition for Southeast Region Principal of the Year. The regional winner will become a finalist for the Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year. Eubanks holds an associate degree from Lenoir Community College, a bachelor’s degree from East Carolina and a master’s degree in school administration from Gardner-Webb. For someone who walked away from her most recent interview convinced she had not done well, Monday offered a very different result.

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DUPLIN SPORTS PANTHERS-TIGERS SHOWDOWN: SMASHMOUTH DUPLIN RIVALRY

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

JK’s Sherrod King, Taulil Pearsall and Jaylon Smith must gang tackle ED’s many runners in Battle Holley’s Wing-T attack.

After routing the Firebirds, JK seeks a third straight win in their 64th meeting with ED By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal WARSAW — Fans who didn’t know better might have thought Spring Creek was on the grass of Bill Taylor field during James Kenan’s 39-7 win over 5A Southern Nash. Indeed, that’s how bad the Tigers (2-0) made the Firebirds look Sept. 4. JK lost the bulk of its star power from a season ago when it went 12-2, but younger players are stepping into the backfield, and the Tigers’ lines could be better than they were in 2025. “We were flying around on defense, and it was very good to see 10th and 11th graders we are depending on to play well,” said JK head coach Tim Grady,

whose team will face its biggest nonconference test Friday via a trip to Beulaville to face East Duplin (3-0). “We’re better up front on both sides of the ball. We’re playing confident right now and creating our own identity.” JK is seeking its third consecutive win in the rivalry following a five-game tailspin. The 3A Tigers lead all-time series 35-29 over their 4A rival and have winning streaks of 10, five, six and four (twice) games in an encounter that dates to 1957 when the boys in blue were called Beulaville. Fireworks on, off field Quarterback Keyshawn Murray had his second three-touchdown game in as many starts and running backs Taulil Pearsall (14-129, 2 TDs), Kentrell Morrisey (9-39, TD) and Zyquan Twitty (78-yard TD) and wide receiver Terrell See TIGERS, page B3

ED’s Keeshon Mckinnie and Zachary Cruz will be active in combating JK’s running attack.

ED punished the ’Cats in a physical preparation for its backyard tussle with JK By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal RICHLANDS — The team that is often never as big or as fast as its opposition plays the game about as well as any football team in the state. After wins against Wallace-Rose Hill and Princeton, East Duplin crafted a 34-13 win over 5A Richlands despite a few mishaps — a fumble and kickoff return that led to scores, and 72 yards in penalties. “Under the conditions of practicing outside for just 45 minutes all week, I was proud of the way we played,” said ED head coach Battle Holley, whose team will host 3A Duplin rival James Kenan on Friday.

While the Wildcats got a rare win against ED three years ago, the Panthers improved to 3-0 for the second consecutive season as former Wildcat Noah LeBlanc (10-130) ran for three scores, and Keeshon Mckinnie (7-49) and Esiah Bennerman (7-63) paced an offense that cranked out 370 yards from its Wing-T offense. Holley spread the love around as sophomores Zachary Cruz (6-43), Darwin Bonilla (4-42) and James Matas (2-38) all added to the offensive rush. The Panthers led 21-0 in the first half before Camden Warren returned a fumble 43 yards for a score. In front by two scores at halftime, ED put a nail in the victory with two fourth-quarter scores. Cruz made it 27-7 when he scored from the 4 during a drive that was set up by ED stopping Richlands on fourth-and-1 and from a 29-yard connection See PANTHERS, page B2

Bulldogs let opportunities slip away in loss to Dark Horses WRH showed its potential despite struggling with turnovers and penalties By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal WALLACE — Wallace-Rose Hill showed its potential last week during a 7-6 loss to Clinton. Yet presnap and holding penalties by the offense and a pair of fumbles at the 1- and 7-yard line dropped the Bulldogs to 1-2, though they lost both games by a total of three points. So close, yet so far from the way WRH has historically played at the Jack Holley Sport Complex inside Legion Stadium.

“I’m very disappoint how we executed offensively and embarrassed the way the kids acted on the sidelines,” said WRH head coach Kevin Motsinger. “They let the outside noises get to them, and they turned on each other.” Yet Motsinger also had words about days leading up to the game regarding the practice policy during 90-plus-degree days. “I’m beyond mad because Clinton practiced for four days, and good for them, but we got in 30 minutes of real practice and chose to spend our time on defense,” Motsinger said. “It showed. So we’re allowed to send them to war but not to basic training. And at the end of the day, there’s no punishment for the programs who

break the rules, and the ones who obey the rules are punished for doing the right thing. “Our kids are angry too because they knew Clinton had four days practice. So the parents and community, who don’t know the rules, don’t know why we couldn’t practice, while others were allowed to.” Motsinger, who didn’t blame the loss on that factor, hasn’t thrown in the towel on his ’Dawgs. He’s amazingly optimistic. “Everyone on our field knows we should be 3-0, but offensively we are very young, and the gameplan is to grind it out until it gets cold (the playoffs) and watch out See BULLDOGS, page B4

50 Years combined experience serving Duplin County! Cyndi Hatcher: 910-289-1291 Dora Jernigan: 910-271-1382

Katie Jernigan: 919-222-3150 Curt Simpson: 910-290-2194

WRH fullback Logan Marks works to get Adrian Glover in the open field.

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Duplin Journal for Thursday, September 10, 2026

MVP OF THE WEEK James Matas

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Keyshawn Murray

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Moore and Jeremiah Davis for scores. When HCA scored with 50 seconds remaining, it had the feel of a Crusaders upset. The Greenies scored on a bomb touchdown pass with 11 seconds to play and kicked the PAT for the win. Mak Anderson’s fourth touchdown pass of the night found the hands of Jason Dorel Onana to tie the game at 41-41. Wes McAven’s extra point split the uprights as the Greenies stunned most of the stadium. “We had some bad luck as Jerry (Hall) couldn’t play the entire third quarter because of cramping,” said Hall, who called his team’s inability to practice outside during the week detrimental. “We missed two extra points. We had some bad luck. “Having Jerry not on the field hurt us. The kids were upset after the game, and I was too, but I also couldn’t have been prouder of them. They proved something to themselves, and (it) will prepare us for things down the road. They brought everything they had to

the field and left it there.” HCA (1-1) beat Wayne Christian 35-7 Aug. 7 and had its game against Parrott Academy canceled by the Kinston school, which didn’t want to make it up after a rainy Friday stopped the action. South Wake (0-3) visits HCA on Sept. 11. Crusaders notebook Noah Tanner paced the HCA defense with eight tackles. Javion Peterson had seven, Moore six and DJ Davis five. Trey Owens’ lone takedown was a sack of Anderson. Jones returned the ball 26 yards after intercepting Anderson. McKeithan averaged 36.5 yards on four punts. Jeremiah Davis and Matthew Wilson ran for 2-point conversions. Jones caught a pass for 10 yards in what was his best game with the Crusaders. HCA hosts Ambassador Christian (3-0) on Sept. 1. The Crusaders also play the next three games that follow — Covenant Day, North Raleigh Christian and Asheville Christian — in Harrells.

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

TIGERS from page B1 Allen (5-53) provided more excitement to a group of players that were largely unknown last season, sans the work of Pearsall. JK looked ready for prime-time. SN (1-2) obliged by making big mistakes and turnovers that fed into the Tigers’ machine-like work. Heading into the game, it had the appearance of a close contest, like it was last season when the Firebirds eked out a 44-42 win in Rocky Mount. It turned into a routine blowout and started early when Morrisey returned the opening kickoff to the SN 43 and then pushed it to the 27 via an 11-yard run and a Firebirds penalty. Pearsall’s sweep to the right on the next play made it 7-0 after playing 78 seconds as fireworks exploded atop of the JK scoreboard. The Tigers kept the pressure on as Jamarion Dudley recovered the Firebirds’ kickoff. Murray scored from the 36 to make it 13-0 after playing for 1:29. JK’s stingy defense gave up a first down but then forced a punt that soared to the Tigers 5 and gave SN an opportunity to gain field position with a stop. Two plays later, Morrisey ran for seven yards, but the ball bounced out of his hands before he hit the ground, and it was alertly scooped up by Twitty and returned 78 yards for a score. Murray ran for the 2-point conversion, and JK led 21-0 after playing for 3:59. It seemingly couldn’t be worse for the Nash County school, which was about to make it that way. JK’s leading tackler on the night, Sherrod King, pounced on the football on the SN kickoff, and two plays later it was 27-0 as Morrisey bolted for 25 yards and Pearsall hit pay dirt from the 18. JK’s only big mistake came when they let DJ Baker scoot 72 yards on the ensuing kickoff. SN recovered from a pair of false start penalties and

Kentrell Morrisey catches a pass from Keyshawn Murray during JK’s win over Southern Wayne.

PHOTOS BY EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

a sack by King to score on third-and-goal from the 20. Fear not, the uprising was anything but a momentum-shifter away from JK. Later in the first quarter, an 18-play, 73-yard march was finished when Murray scored from the 6 to push the margin to 33-7. Morrisey had a 17-yard effort during the drive, and Zavion Woodard (6-32) carried it for 12 yards to reach the 3. JK had possession of the ball six plays later via another Firebirds giveaway. Allen squeezed a 29-yard reception on first-and-20, and his 22-yard catch two plays later took the ball to 5. Morrisey scored, making it 39-7. Neither team scored in the second half, and Grady used every player on the sidelines during a landslide victory. “We were able to put our foot on the gas and work on some stuff I had been wanting to do for a while,” Grady said. “Winning Duplin County” first goal for Tigers Grady made no bones about it in the preseason when he said “winning Duplin County is our first goal.” Yet that will be a fight against a familiar foe. Longtime coach and offensive coordinator

Battle Holley always has something up his Wing-T sleeve, especially for county rivals. “He’s so good at coming up with formations that gets players out of place, and it’s hard to prepare for all his adjustments,” Grady said. “It’s a lot of preparing. We had some ugly moments in our first two games, but those can be cleaned up. “To win, we’ll have to eliminate our mistakes and capitalize on ones they make while using our athletes in space to get one on one.” Sideline chatter King’s 12 tackles were tops for JK. Jaden Garner had nine, Twitty eight, and Dunn, Morrisey and Pearsall seven each. Murray was 6-of-11 passing for 64 yards. Allen has nine catches for 113 yards through two games. The Tigers were without the services of PK Ismael Covarrubias and made 1 of 3 PAT attempts. He hit 7 of 7 against Southern Wayne and will return to play against ED. But running back Mari Graham could still be a no-show following a vehicle crash in the preseason. Yet his return is “very soon,” according to the JK coaching staff. Pearsall has quietly run for 211 yards in two games, and Murray has 174.

James Kenan, football Keyshawn Murray is quickly making fans forget about Eli Avent. Murray, a first-year senior quarterback at James Kenan, has done quite well replacing the two-time all-Duplin quarterback. In two victories this fall, Murray has electrified Bill Taylor Field with his arm and legs. Murray has hit on 12 of his 19 passes for 154 yards and a touchdown. He’s carried the ball 19 times for 174 yards, and the combination of the two has given fits to defensive coordinators at Southern Wayne and Southern Nash. Head coach Tim Grady said his quarterback is only finding his way and that with more game experience, he should be one of the best players on any field he plays on this fall. JK went 12-2 the past two seasons, but despite losing a flock of seniors, the Tigers appear to once again be one of the best teams in the East. The wait is over for Murray. And so far, he’s playing like there’s no tomorrow in sight. He’s fast, strong, agile and has a nice touch on his passes. His biggest test will be Friday when the Tigers visit East Duplin.

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Duplin Journal for Thursday, September 10, 2026

Rebels drop heartbreaker to Eagles, stay out of ’Cats’ trap ND lost a cliffhanger to East Bladen in a CC showdown for first place By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal CALYPSO — The North Duplin volleyball team didn’t need inspiration for its match against Hobbton last Thursday. Two losses still stuck in the heads of Rebels volleyball players. Two days earlier, East Bladen dominated the final two sets after the two Carolina Conference foes split a pair of close sets. It was all Eagles after they had eked out a 28-26 verdict in the first set and were tripped by the Rebels 25-23. Taylor Dowiess ripped a match-high 16 kills and Tatum Allen added 10 aces as East Bladen (7-3, 3-0) took early control of first place in the league by winning sets at 25-16 and 25-10. Dowiess has 98 kills this fall after zipping home 184 last fall. Maggie Brown’s 11 scorchers paced the Rebels (5-2, 2-1). Gracie Higginbotham added 15 aces and Marissa Sanchez 18 digs. ND swept EB last season en route to a 17-7 record and second-place finish in the CC. The two schools meet again Sept. 24 on the Rebels’ home court. Being serious about a showdown with Hobbton came after the Wildcats beat ND last season as one of two league setbacks, which cost head coach Heather Best and her squad at least a share of the CC title. East Columbus (21-2, 12-2) walked off with the crown despite splitting two matches with the Rebels, who settled for third-place honors, though they won their first playoff match in Calypso in years in the opening round. Eight players combined for 23 kills as ND beat Hobbton 3-0 (25-17, 25-18, 25-3). Carrly Strickland and Maggie Brown worked together for

BULLDOGS from page B1 then,” he said. “We built this team on defense, and at the end of the day, I’ve done a great job of building teams to get to December.” WRH’s best offensive player was once again Adrian Glover, who ran the ball 24 times for 155 yards. Time and again the Bulldogs shut down the Dark Horses’ drives. When Clinton got into WRH territory nothing went its way. The Bulldogs fumbled the ball away at the Clinton 7 on its first possession after a 25-yard run from Kaleb Carr and a 38-yard rumble by Glover. Defensive end Adrian “Miami” Allen forced and recovered a fumble at the WRH 26 to thwart a Dark Horse scoring attempt. One minute, two scores

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Yesenia Gomez, Madison Fields and their ND teammates are 5-2 entering this week’s action. 10 aces, while Higginbotham and Blust each had five assists. ND (6-2, 2-1) will host East Duplin and West Columbus this week, though the Rebels will return to league play for its final seven games, four of which are in Calypso. All six of their victories came via 3-0 scores. Brown (63) leads ND in kills, while Higginbotham is tops in aces (27), Yesnia Gomez (12) in blocks and Trystan Blust (79) in assists. Panthers push Cardinals to the limit East Duplin showed the fight of a champion, even though it lost to 5A Jacksonville in four sets. The Cardinals (10-2) won the first set 25-20. ED took the second 25-16 and then fell 25-16 and 25-22 in four pressure-packed sets. Earlier in the week, Sophia Jones had nine kills and six blocks and Lorena Rodriguez seven kills and nine digs as the Panthers beat Richlands 3-0 (25-21, 25-14, 25-22).

Bennett Holley and Beth Howard combined for 10 kills, and Karsyn Parker hit the floor for 12 digs. ED (7-6) begins ECC play this week against Southwest Onslow (5-4). Tigers-Bulldogs matchup circled Meanwhile, James Kenan and Wallace-Rose Hill started the week with a combined losing streak of five as both race toward a Sept. 15 collision on the Bulldogs’ court. The Tigers (2-6, 2-2) were beaten 3-0 (25-10, 25-14, 25-7) by Midway (8-0, 4-0) and then axed by Goldsboro 3-1. JK won the opening set 25-22 in Warsaw and then dropped three 25-20 sets. Its lone match this week is Thursday against Princeton (3-4, 2-1), which has the look of the second-best team in the league. WRH (4-7, 0-3) has lost four straight, the final two against Princeton 3-1 (26-24, 16-25, 25-13, 25-23) and Midway 3-0 (25-12, 25-14, 25-22).

WRH then went on a 13-play, 53-yard scoring march to take a 6-0 lead after Carr scored from the 9 on second down. That play happened because Glover drew a pass interference flag on a Clinton defender he had beaten in the open field on fourth-and-12 from the 27. The Bulldogs converted on fourth down two more times during the march. But within a minute it was 7-6 as Elijah Bryant (12-28 for 193 yards) hit Bryson Mozingo for a 43-yard pass to take the ball to the WRH 11. Bryant scored on third-and-goal from the 9. Otherwise, the WRH defense was stellar, as it was in

a 13-12 loss on opening night against East Duplin. It allowed 73 yards on the ground. WRH’s first two possessions of the second half ended because of a pair of procedure penalties and two consecutive false start flags. The third ran dry because of a procedure flag, a holding call and fumble it pounced on. Its fourth possession ended via a high snap. That one might have hurt the most since it looked every bit like a game-winning drive. Johan Boone then ran for a pair of first downs to ice the game. Gridiron notebook WRH will seek revenge Friday when Pender rolls into Legion Stadium. The Pats beat the Bulldogs 50-45 in overtime last fall and went on to finish 10-2, falling to ED (38-18) and Northeastern (52-34) in the second round of the 3A playoffs. Pender returns quarterback Austin Deal (32-68 for 632 yards, 1,140 yards, 9 TDs rushing) and running back Zeke Williams (107-1,153 yards, 10 TDs). The Pats rushed for nearly 700 yards in monster wins over West Bladen (52-0) and Red Springs (54-0). They are led by legendary coach Tom Eanes. “They run the flex bone as well as anyone, and the quarterback makes it all go,” Motsinger said. ED’s Battle Holley and HCA’s Clayton Hall likewise offered a complaint about the lack of outside practice time due to the heat. Raquan McCrimmon, Tyran Boney and Trenell MadinaSmith play key roles in WRH’s defensive scheme.

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

NOTICES NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA DUPLIN COUNTY

Estate of Bonnie Howard Mobley Estate File No. 26E000323-300

NORTH CAROLINA DUPLIN COUNTY

FILE#26E000358-300

Having qualified as Personal Representative of the Estate of Bonnie Howard Mobley, deceased, late of Duplin County, North Carolina, the undersigned hereby notifies all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the estate of the decedent to present their claims to the undersigned at the address below on or before December 3, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate are requested to make immediate payment.

FILE#26E000351-300

The undersigned, REBECCA C. WALKER, having qualified on the 19TH DAY of AUGUST 2026, as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of GRAHAM WALKER, deceased of DUPLIN County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 27TH Day of NOVEMBER 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 27TH Day of AUGUST 2026. REBECCA C. WALKER, ADMINISTRATOR 104 BILL BLAKE DR. WILLARD, NC 28478

This the 25th day of August, 2026. Brittinay Baranowski Personal Representative of the Estate of Bonnie Howard Mobley 2165 Fountaintown Rd Chinquapin, NC 28521 First publication: September 3, 2026

The undersigned, BERTHA J. GOLDBERRY, having qualified on the 14TH DAY of AUGUST 2026, as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of LONEY RENEE JUDGE, deceased of DUPLIN County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 10TH Day of DECEMBER 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 10TH Day of SEPTEMBER 2026. BERTHA J. GOLDBERRY, ADMINISTRATOR 9 BASSETT AVE. MINE HILL, NJ 07803 Run dates:S10,17,24,O1p

Run dates:A27,S3,10,17p

TOWN OF WALLACE, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS Date of Publication: September 10, 2026 Town of Wallace 120 Municipal Drive Wallace, NC 28466 (910) 285-4136

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT The Town of Wallace has determined that the proposed action will have no significant impact on the human environment. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 is not required. An Environmental Assessment documenting the environmental review and the Town’s determination is available for public examination and may be obtained by contacting:

These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the Town of Wallace.

Town of Wallace 120 Municipal Drive Wallace, NC 28466 Phone: (910) 285-4136

REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS

PUBLIC COMMENTS

On or about September 28, 2026, the Town of Wallace will submit a request to the North Carolina Department of Commerce, Rural Economic Development Division (REDD), for the release of Community Development Block Grant funds under CDBG-NR Grant No. 24-C-4214 to undertake the following project:

Any individual, group, or agency disagreeing with this determination or wishing to comment on the environmental effects of the proposed project may submit written comments to the Town of Wallace at the address above. All comments received by September 25, 2026 will be considered by the Town of Wallace prior to submission of the Request for Release of Funds.

Unit 1 – Former C.W. Dobbins School 908 N. Teachey Road Wallace, Duplin County, North Carolina The proposed activity consists of the demolition and clearance of the vacant former C.W. Dobbins School building, including associated site cleanup and stabilization. The CDBG-NR funds and this environmental review are limited to the demolition, clearance, cleanup, and stabilization activities described above.

ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION The Town of Wallace certifies to the North Carolina Department of Commerce, Rural Economic Development Division (REDD), that Robert Taylor, Town Manager, in his capacity as Certifying Officer, consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal courts. This applies if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities concerning the environmental review process. The Town of Wallace certifies that these responsibilities have been satisfied.

REDD’s certification approval satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the Town of Wallace to use the CDBG-NR program funds for the approved activity. OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS REDD will accept objections to its release of funds and the Town of Wallace’s certification for fifteen days following the anticipated submission date or the actual receipt of the request, whichever is later. Objections will be accepted only on the following bases: (a) The Certifying Officer did not execute the certification; (b) The Town omitted a required step, decision, or finding under 24 CFR Part 58; (c) Funds were committed, costs incurred, or activities undertaken before approval of the release of funds; (d) Another Federal agency has submitted a written finding under 40 CFR Part 1504 that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedure (24CFR Part 58) and shall be addressed to REDD at 301 N. Wilmington Street, Raleigh, NC 27601-4346. Potential objectors should contact REDD to verify the last day of the objection period. This notice is available in Spanish upon request. Language assistance in other languages and reasonable accommodations are also available upon request. Please contact Robert Taylor, Town Manager, Town of Wallace, 120 Municipal Drive, Wallace, NC 28466, (910) 285-4136. Este aviso está disponible en español previa solicitud. También hay asistencia lingüística en otros idiomas y adaptaciones razonables disponibles previa solicitud. Comuníquese con Robert Taylor, Administrador Municipal, Town of Wallace, 120 Municipal Drive, Wallace, NC 28466, (910) 285-4136.

Duplin Journal for Thursday, September 10, 2026

obituaries

Clara Copeland Feb. 4, 1951 – Sept. 1, 2026 Clara Lee Kornegay Copeland, 75, passed away Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at ECU Health Duplin Hospital in Kenansville, NC. Clara was born February 4, 1951, in Wayne County, NC, to the late Major and Clara Foss Kornegay. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 290 Revelle Road, Warsaw, NC Clara is survived by her daughter, Tammy Brown of Warsaw; son, Jonathan Brown of Warsaw; grandchildren, Amy Townsend and husband, Bradley, Joshua Lassiter and wife, Ashleigh, and William Dave Brown; great-grandchildren, Kylie Townsend, Ellie and Kathryn Lassiter; brothers, Ronnie Elton Kornegay, Leon Joseph Kornegay, and Johnny Kornegay; sisters, Annie Ruth Hall and Teresa Harper. In addition to her parents, Clara was preceded in death by her brothers, Roy Kornegay, Major Allen Kornegay, David Ray Kornegay, William Earl Kornegay, Melvin James Kornegay, and her sisters, Joyce Kornegay, Florine Kornegay, and Lucille Harrell.

Carolyn Lee Fowler

Clara Kathryn Ogden

Feb. 6, 1947 – Aug. 30, 2026

Nov. 27, 1971 – Sept. 3, 2026

Carolyn Lee Fowler, 79, passed gently from her earthly life Sunday, August 30, 2026, at home. She was born February 6, 1947, in Lumberton and was preceded in death by her husband, Dock Billy Fowler, and her mother, Elsie Singletary Hammonds. Carolyn is survived by her loving family, her daughter, Tammy Caison (Timothy); grandchildren, Billy John Blanton (Ashley) and Christopher Shane Olsen (Christine); greatgrandchildren, Sierra Blanton, Skylar Blanton, Lucille Blanton, Isabella Olsen, and Brantley; sister, Shirley Lewis (Allen); several nieces, nephews, and extended family members, all who loved Carolyn. Not to be forgotten is her beloved Canine companion, Fifi. Carolyn was a quiet lady with many interests – reading, fishing, and bird watching. She was a kind and compassionate person and spent much of her life caring for others as a nursing assistant. Most of all, she was loving and proud of her close-knit family. Carolyn was loved and will be fondly remembered forever. A service of Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Burgaw Chapel.

Clara Kathryn Ogden, age 54, of Rose Hill passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, September 3, 2026. She was born in New Hanover County, the daughter of Terry and Patricia Smith Stonerock of Rose Hill. In addition to her parents, Clara leaves behind two devoted sons who loved their mother dearly Zachary Stonerock and his wife Jessica of Rose Hill and Marcel Brown and his wife Marie Vanhoesen of Colorado Springs, CO; grandchildren Dalton Stonerock, Lofi Brown and Audio Brown; brother Bradley Stonerock of LaMar CO; nephew Landon Stonerock; maternal grandmother Kathryn Smith and numerous uncles, aunts, extended family and friends. Clara was a loving daughter and mother; caring grandmother and sister who loved her family with all her heart. She was a simple woman who enjoyed the simple things in life, but her greatest joy was her sons and spending time with family. Clara was born and lived in North Carolina early in life. Then she moved to Colorado, worked and raised her children but always wanted to come back “home” to North Carolina. She got her wish on August 1, 2026. She moved back to Rose Hill, North Carolina. She was so excited to be “home” again. Clara was a fighter and never complained. With some health problems that tried to hold her back, she would not allow it. She was a determined young lady. She had a big heart and would always put others before herself. Clara loved Flamingos for their beauty and elegance. Clara will surely be missed but treasured memories will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. There will be a private family celebration of life service at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, in memory of Clara Kathryn Ogden.

Betty Williams Lanier Nov. 26, 1941 – Aug. 30, 2026 Betty Williams Lanier passed away on August 30, 2026, at her home. Proceeded in death by her parents, Ruth and Melton Williams; spouse, James Dewey Lanier; and a sister, Dorothy Rummage (Kenneth) The funeral service will be Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at 7 p.m. at Community Funeral Home in Beulaville, NC. Visitation will take place after the service. A graveside service will be held Thursday, September 3, 2026, at 10 a.m. at East Duplin Memorial Gardensin Beulaville, NC She is survived by daughters Yvonne Nishimura (Ray) and Pamela Lanier Preast, both of Beulaville, NC; grandson Will Preast of Virginia; and sister Patsy Baysden (Kenneth) of Kinston, NC. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cedar Fork Baptist Church Building Fund, 668 Cedar Fork Church Rd., Beulaville, NC 28518 or Cedar Fork Community Club, 1336 Cedar Fork Rd., Beulaville, NC 28518. Community Funeral Home of Beulaville is honored to serve the Lanier family.

Donald Ray Rhodes July 14, 1951 – Sept. 1, 2026 Mr. Donald Ray Rhodes, age 75, of Wallace, NC, passed away on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at Lower Cape Fear Life Center in Wilmington, NC. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, September 6, 2026, at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 978 Corinth Church Rd, Rose Hill, NC 28458. There will be a viewing one hour prior to the service. Internment will follow immediately after the service in the church cemetery. Left to cherish his precious memories are: sons, Patrick D. Rhodes (Ingrid) of San Antonio, TX and Brandon J. Rhodes (Yolanda) of Castle Hayne, NC; daughter, Donnetta R. Davis (Morris) of Raleigh, NC; grandchildren: Tiffany, Brianna, Makayla, Patrick, Jamal, Brandi, Jordan and Ariel; greatgranddaughter, Nyla; brothers, Bobby Rhodes of Wallace, NC and Marshall Rhodes of Rose Hill, NC; sisters: Patricia Gladden of Dudley, NC, Joanna Pickett of Wallace, NC, Mary Katherine Hill (Joe) of Rose Hill, NC, Rowena Sanchez (Marvin) of Jacksonville, NC, Darlene Rhodes of Concord, NC and Nadine Crawford of Augusta, GA; aunt, Bertha Rhodes of Rose Hill, NC; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that will miss him dearly.