Duplin Journal Vol. 9, Issue 8

Duplin Journal

the BRIEF this week

Public welcome at Calico Bay Road wastewater project community meeting

Teachey

Duplin County is inviting the public to attend the Calico Bay Road Wastewater Project Community Meeting on April 23 at 6 p.m., at First Baptist Church of Teachey, 307 Log Cabin Rd., to learn about potential wastewater solutions. Residents are encouraged to share concerns and provide feedback. Agri Waste Technology representatives will explain next steps such as visits to review electrical capacity, septic tank conditions, and property boundaries for planning purposes. The data collected is needed to apply for project funding. There will be more community meetings to notify residents of what the expectations should be, said County Manager Bryan Miller, at the April 15 County Commissioners meeting, adding that this “does not guarantee wastewater services in the future,” nor does it “obligate the county or any municipality to provide wastewater services.”

DJS

New animal services facility now open

Kenansville

The Duplin County Animal Care, Control, and Adoption Facility is now open. The new facility is at 287 Fairgrounds Drive in Kenansville and is open Monday through Friday noon to 5 p.m.

“I will note there are some adorable puppies. Anybody looking for a puppy, go to the animal services center tomorrow,” said County Manager Bryan Miller at the April 15 County Commissioners meeting. The shelter sta asks the public not to bring any animals through the front door and to rst speak to a sta member for instructions on where to drop the animal.

DJS

Fuel spill at bulk storage tank

Duplin County

A contractor’s busted hose resulted in an approximate 50-gallon fuel spill at the county’s bulk storage tank. According to the town manager certi ed engineers will report on their investigation of the a ected soil and the asphalt. The contractors have accepted responsibility and are taking care of the area cleanup. The area has been closed to employees for now.

Living legend inducted into Duplin Hall of Fame

Leon Horace “Sonny” Sikes was inducted to the Duplin County Hall of Fame as the 2024 Living Recipient at the Ed Emory Auditorium on April 9. Each year the DC HOF honors Duplin County citizens for their service, achievement, dedication and signi cant contributions to the community. Turn to page 6 for more photos of the event.

Duplin County Hall of Fame inducts its rst historian

Four people, including two posthumously, were inducted in 2023-24 class

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

KENANSVILLE — Nearly 100 people gathered at the Ed Emory Auditorium on April 9 for the 29th iteration of the Duplin County Hall of Fame, a salute to Duplin County citizens past and present.

Leon Horace “Sonny” Sikes, Gilbert Estus Alphin, Richard Earl Harrell and Angus Wilton Mercer are among the 59 people who have been inducted to the elite group for their leadership, service, achievement, dedication and signi cant contributions to the community.

“Tonight, we publicly recognize and thank Sonny Sikes, our leading Duplin County historian for his dedicated and hard work in preserving the history of our county and region in the most thorough and interesting ways.”

Marilynn K. Hroza, Duplin County Hall of Fame president

Wallace town council discusses downtown apartments

Master plan for Clement Park also approved

By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal

WALLACE — The potential for downtown apartments — especially ground-level, accessible apartments — was a huge part of the Wallace Town Council’s regular monthly meeting on Thursday night, April 11.

Each recipient was introduced by a DC HOF board member who spoke about the inductee’s life and legacy.

Angus Wilton Mercer

“He rose to become one of the most prominent men in North Carolina and was known throughout the United States,” said Charles Ingram about the 2023 deceased recipient, who served in

Joyful chatter permeated the large room as guests trickled in and mingled. Marilynn K. Hroza, DC HOF president, welcomed everyone and shared a bit of history about the origins of the DC HOF, thanking Anne Houston and Anne Taylor, two of the original founders who were in attendance, along with Sikes who was on the organization’s rst board of directors. “They had a vision, and because of these Hall of Fame founders, each year we continue to honor our Duplin County citizens and preserve important pieces of our history,” said Hroza.

Town Manager Rob Taylor and Planning Director Rod Fritz have been having discussions recently about an ordinance to govern residential spaces downtown, because as Fritz said, there are many downtown buildings that are not being used. As part of the discussion, developer EB Pannkuk addressed the board, sharing information about similar historic preservation projects he’s worked on in downtown Wilmington. He said he’d like to see downtown Wallace prosper as downtown Wilmington has.

“I think everybody here has seen a marked improvement in the historic district north of the railroad tracks,” he said. “On Railroad Street, those buildings haven’t necessarily been taken

“I don’t want to get into the business of having to tear buildings down because they’re not being used. What’s going to keep people downtown? Is it going to be change and growth, or are we going to keep downtown the same and have to tear part of it down?”

Jason Wells, Wallace mayor

care of. That sense of prosperity is not really present on Railroad Street. What I’d like to see is more development in that area to restore historical buildings.”

There are limited opportunities in downtown Wallace currently, Pannkuk said, which translates to many of the businesses on “the wrong side of the tracks” not necessarily thriving. “The other thing I think in general is a problem is not having rst- oor apartments because

See WALLACE , page 2

Duplin County sends 4 students to NC Governor’s School

The students were honored at April’s Board of Education meeting

By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal

KENANSVILLE — Four Duplin County students have been selected to attend the prestigious North Carolina Governor’s School this summer. The four students were each honored at the April 9 meeting of the Duplin County Board of Education.

Nicole Murray,

chief o cer of STEAMA Curriculum and Instruction/Professional Development for Duplin County Schools, introduced the students to the school board members. “The NC Governor’s School is the oldest summer residential program in the nation that serves gifted high school students,” Murray explained. “These students will participate in a four-week residential

See STUDENTS , page 3

ENA SELLERS / DUPLIN JOURNAL

ABBY CAVENAUGH / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Four students from Duplin County Schools have been selected to attend the North Carolina Governor’s School this summer: (from left) Jaclyn Williams-Briggs of Wallace-Rose Hill High School, Jordan Hooper from Duplin Early College High School, Lily Stringer from North Duplin Jr./Sr. High School, and Elier Marquez Chavez of Wallace-Rose Hill High School.

WALLACE from page 1

there’s really no handicap-accessible units downtown anywhere,” he said.

Wallace realtor Curt Simpson shared that he gets calls every day from people seeking rentals, even though he works exclusively in real estate sales. There’s o ce space available downtown, but many people now work from home. “So if you want people downtown, and you put apartments down there, you’re going to have people downtown,” he said. “They’re looking for places where they can live and work at the same time.”

Mayor Jason Wells made a lengthy statement on his feelings about creating more living space downtown, whether it’s in upstairs apartments or ground level ones. He admitted that the buildings are old, and the town has already had to tear down the former Market Furniture building due to the re. “I don’t want to get into the business of having to tear

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

APRIL 18

Join JSCC and NC Works for their annual Duplin County Job Fair on Thursday, April 18, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the JSCC campus and meet with employers. Be sure to dress to impress and bring copies of your resume. For more information, email kblanton@jamessprunt.edu.

APRIL 20

Chestnutt Farms presents the 2nd annual Spring Vendor Market on April 20, 10 a.m. –2 p.m., at 428 NC Highway 11 S. Local vendors, food trucks and more!

APRIL 27

The NC Pickle Festival kicks o Friday, April 26 from 5-10 p.m., with the main day on Saturday, April 27 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in downtown Mount Olive. The festival will feature Cuke Patch 5K, Tour de Pickle, a pickle eating contest, recipe contest, live music, a car show, a pickleball tournament, beer and wine garden, special guests and a pickle princess pageant.

The Carolina Strawberry Festival Garden Gala will be on Saturday, April 27, 1-6 p.m. at the Gardens at Johnson Nursery and will feature food, drinks, music, and an opportunity to explore the beautiful Gardens. Entertainment will be provided by The Catalinas. VIP tickets are $75, and general admission tickets are $35.

The Wallace Moose Lodge is hosting Touch a Truck community event on April

CRIME LOG

APRIL 10

Juan Rubns, 56, was booked into the Duplin County Jail on charge(s) of misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, injury to personal property. No bond was set.

APRIL 12

Marshall Allen Mobley, 59, was booked into the Duplin County Jail on charge(s) of two counts of possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver Schedule II controlled substances, manufacture Schedule II controlled substances, two counts of maintaining a vehicle, dwelling, or place for controlled substances, two

buildings down because they’re not being used,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of houses coming, we’ve got a lot of commercial property coming. What’s going to keep people downtown? Is it going to be change and growth, or are we going to keep downtown the same and have to tear part of it down?”

“If you wanna sit here and stare at some empty buildings,” he continued, “then we don’t need to do anything. … What I am talking about is looking at some options that would allow for a handicapped person to have an accessible apartment. Just because it hasn’t been done doesn’t mean it can’t be done.” Taylor said he would work on drafting an ordinance, and bring it before the council at the May meeting.

Also at the April 11 meeting, the council approved the master plan for Clement Park. As Taylor pointed out, a public forum on the park’s master plan was held in March. “There are two grant opportunities here,” he said. “We’re going to put in for an accessibili-

SPONSORED BY DUPLIN CALENDAR

27, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 175 Skydive Ln. near the Wallace Airport. Kids will be able to explore vehicles like a police car, fire engine, dump trucks, live haul trailer, and tractors! The event is rain or shine. Proceeds will benefit the Moose Heart Children’s Home. Power Lifting Competition on April 27, at 11 a.m., at 138 Town and Country Shopping Center in Wallace. Weigh-in is at 10 a.m. Become part of the Men’s 1,000lb Club & Women’s 600lb Club. Deadline to enter is April 1.

Pet Friends Of Duplin County will host a free/low cost rabies clinic on April 27, 8 -10 a.m. at W. Main Street in Wallace. Rabies shots are free for your first five dogs, cats or ferrets (Duplin County residents/ owners) additional pets are $5 each. Dogs must be on a leash at all times; cats or ferrets must be in crate/cage. Duane Blanton, DMV will be administering vaccinations for more information, call 910271-4709.

MAY 1

Shred A Thon will be on Wednesday, May 1, 10 a.m.—1 p.m. at the Duplin Events Center, located at 195 Fairgrounds Drive in Kenansville, in celebration of Older Americans Month.

counts of felony possession of Schedule II controlled substances, possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver marijuana, two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia, possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver Schedule II controlled substances, selling Schedule II controlled substances, manufacturing Schedule II controlled substances, delivering Schedule II controlled substances. No bond was set.

APRIL 13

Israel Hernandez Cruz, 36, was booked into the Duplin County Jail on charge(s) of felony death by vehicle, driving

ty grant and the original PARTF grant.” The existing playground will be moved to Dobbins Park, and will be replaced with an inclusive playground, which the town hopes an accessibility grant will help pay for. The PARTF (Parks and Recreation Trust Fund) grant portion of the plan, which is estimated to be about $250,000, includes tennis courts, a multi-use eld, pickleball courts and some shade areas, as well as new parking areas. Some of those items may have to be trimmed, Taylor said, depending upon the grant awarded.

In other business, the council:

• Approved tax releases totaling $65.27. Approved the purchase of new radios for the re department. Fire radios will be changing frequencies on Jan. 1, 2025. The funding totals $112,000, less $45,000 in Covid funds that were approved in November 2023.

Protect yourself against Identity Theft! Shred old tax records, employment records, bank statements! Reduce clutter in your home For more information call the Duplin County Senior Services at 910296-2140.

MAY 3

The Carolina Strawberry Festival will be on May 3-4. Friday night will include live music from North Tower and the Band of Oz, while Saturday night’s entertainment will be provided by Rivermist and The Tams. Both Friday and Saturday will include amusement rides, and the dinosaur show. The annual pageant will be held on Saturday morning at the main stage.

MAY 4

Duplin County residents can register for a free spay/neuter for one cat and one dog raffle sponsored by Pet Friends of Duplin County. Drawing will be May 4. Registration sites are Warsaw Hardware, Kenansville Dorothy Wightman Library, Beulaville Phillip Lee Library, Wallace Thelma Bryant Library, This Little Pig, Tabby & Barkers, and Traveling Gypsy.

while impaired, reckless driving to endanger, no operator’s license, cancelled, revoked, or suspended certificate/tag, no liability insurance, driving left of center, possession of an open container of alcoholic beverage in the passenger area. Bond was set at $200,000.

Gregory Scott Taylor, 43, was booked into the Duplin County Jail on charge(s) of seconddegree trespassing. No bond was set.

Georgina Regazzi, 25, was booked into the Duplin County Jail on charge(s) of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury. No bond was set.

MAY 15

Registration for Summer Basketball for ages 3.5-15, opens May 15 through June 30 with games taking place on Saturdays in the month of August. For more information, call 910-267-0115.

MAY 31

The Beulaville Area Chamber of Commerce 9th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament will be on May 31 at the Bear Trail Golf Club. Maple Hill, NC with Tee times at 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Contact: John Weston 910-262-5272 or Johnweston8@gmail.com for more information.

HAPPENING MONTHLY

The Duplin County Board of County Commissioners meets the rst and third Monday of each month at 6 p.m., at 224 Seminary St., Kenansville. For

• Approved a one-year lease for 45 acres of farmland at Farrior Park, at a cost of $55 per acre, or $2,500. Approved the appointment of Logan Brown to the library board for a six-year term

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Rose Hill town board releases 2 streets from weight restrictions

The re department received a $250,000 grant

By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal

ROSE HILL — The Rose Hill Board of Commissioners

met for a busy monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 9.

A previous tra c schedule approved by the town board prohibited vehicles over 20,000 pounds from traveling on streets within the town limits with a few exceptions.

After a complaint was received last month from a business owner that he was unable to access his business because of the restriction, the town board discussed exempting a couple of streets from the regulations.

After the discussion, the board agreed to release all of Magnolia Street and Main Street from Highway 117 to the city limits from the restrictions. “Those streets are the only access for some businesses, so we decided to

STUDENTS from page 1

• Elier Marquez-Chavez, son of Adela Chavez and Lutgardo Marquez, a student at Wallace-Rose Hill High School. He was chosen to attend Governor’s School East, where he will study social science.

• Lily Stringer, daughter of Jamie Alphin and Forrest Stringer, a student at North Duplin Jr./Sr. High School. She was selected to attend Governor’s School West, where she will study natu-

release them,” said Town Administrator Angela Smith.

The restriction doesn’t apply to garbage trucks, water and sewer maintenance or repair trucks, or any re protection services provided by the town.

Also during the April 9 meeting, the board accepted a Regional Economic Development Grant from the North Carolina O ce of State Budget and Management for $250,000. The board also unanimously approved a capital project ordinance to appropriate the funds to the re department. The grant funds will be used for capital improvements and equipment at the new department, located at 109 S. Sycamore St. Smith said she’s unsure of the exact date the new re department will be ready, but it’s anticipated that it will be sometime in May.

In other business at the Rose Hill town board meeting:

• The following planning board members were reappointed for terms ending

ral science.

• Jaclyn Williams-Briggs, daughter of Gretchen Williams and Anthony Briggs, a student at Wallace-Rose Hill High School. She was chosen to attend Governor’s School East, where she’s going to study choral music as a rst soprano. “So, these students represent the best of Duplin County and North Carolina students based on what they have worked for and what they’ve achieved,” Murray said. “The application process to get into Governor’s School is extensive, and it’s very,

in 2027: Mabel Chasteen, Evelyn Tuten, Henrietta Mathis, Steven Jones, and Johnny Williams.

• A joint planning board/ board of commissioners session was held to kick o the creation of a land use plan. The two boards will hold a community meeting this summer to receive public comment on the proposed land use plan. Smith said the town hopes to adopt the plan in early 2025.

“Those streets are the only access for some businesses, so we decided to release them [from tra c restrictions].”

Angela Smith, Town Administrator

• A letter of complaint from Chuck and Joan Hall was entered into public record. The couple was complaining about a neighbor’s “barnyard animals,” including rabbits, chickens, geese and turkeys. “Why would anyone want to move to our town?” the letter reads. “We’re living in the [1950s] and enforcing ordinances of that period. Sure, we can attract the same people that have turned our town into what it is becoming, but what about the people who have lived her[e] all of their lives?” Smith reported that after the meeting, an inspection was performed by the public works director and a police o cer, but the property owner in question was not violating any ordinances. “So basically, there’s nothing we can do,” she said. The Rose Hill Board of Commissioners will next meet on Tuesday, May 14, at 6 p.m. in Town Hall. That meeting will include a public hearing on the proposed 2024-25 scal year draft budget, Smith said. The town’s budget is usually approved before June 30.

very strenuous. The fact that we had four students chosen from Duplin County, we’re very proud of that.”

She went on to thank each of the students’ parents, as well as their teachers, administrators, and counselors.

“Congratulations to all four of you,” School Board Chairman Brent Davis told the students. “It’s really an amazing accomplishment, a real testament to your work ethic. We hope the experience is all that you want it to be and that you get a whole lot out of it.”

In other business at the April

9 school board meeting, the board approved the consent agenda, which included various eld trip requests and contracts for IEP (individualized education plan) services, including a sign language interpreter, nursing care. The consent agenda also included approval to name the East Duplin High School Track & Field after former principal, Kenneth Kennedy. After a closed executive session, the board approved the superintendent’s request for personnel changes. Board Member Pam Edwards also motioned to continue to pay positions in

Kenansville town clerk resigns

Board approves to surplus

2011 Dodge Charger

Duplin Journal Sta

KENANSVILLE — The Town of Kenansville has started the interviewing process for a new town clerk after the resignation of Amanda Lesesne, whose last day was March 13.

At the April board meeting Town Manager Anna West told the board they had a person helping initially, but after about a week she informed West that she was not able to continue. West told the board they have received several applications and believes they have some good candidates.

In other business:

• West shared with the board that they have completed all the paperwork for funding the playground and they are hoping to hear something back soon.

• The board approved a motion to surplus a 2011 Dodge Charger from the Kenansville Police Department so they can replace it with a newer car. The meeting concluded with a motion to go into closed session.

exceptional children math and science bonus money, which was approved unanimously.

Superintendent Dr. Austin Obasohan reminded the board that a strategic plan review is scheduled for May 6 at 6 p.m. at the Kenansville Elementary School cafeteria.

“Our annual review of the DCS Strategic Plan is important as it will clarify our vision, goals, priorities and action plan,” Dr. Obasohan said. “It also gives us an opportunity as a family to measure our progress, celebrate successes and nd ways to improve.”

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

| PHILIP GLADDEN

When will we ever learn?

The “young, poorly-prepared college student” is now a retired, respected pastor. He is a friend, mentor, and inspiration to me. His life and ministry demonstrate the same conviction he shared in that pulpit in 1968.

ON PALM SUNDAY, April 7, 1968, a young, poorly-prepared (his description) college student got up to preach in a small church in a small North Carolina town.

Three days earlier, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had been assassinated in Memphis. The young man’s sermon was about reconciliation and, according to him, “I didn’t have a brave sermon, though I suspect my grief was visible.” A few minutes into his sermon, the entire congregation got up and walked out of the church. Fresh out of seminary in 1983, I began my ministry at a church in eastern North Carolina. One August day, in preparation for the new Sunday School year, I was cleaning out a classroom with the help of two mothers whose children attended public schools. I overheard them talking about the upcoming school year and asking one another, “How many children are in your child’s class? One answered, “four,” and the other answered, “ ve.”

Thinking I had heard wrong (how could public school classes have so few students?), I said, “Excuse me, did you say there are only four and ve children in

your children’s classes this year?”

One of the women looked around the room, leaned in toward me, and in a hushed tone said, “white children.”

In the early 2000’s, Rev. James Page, pastor of the Adoram Baptist Church in Wallace, and I worked closely together to make our dream of a local crisis center a reality.

We ate lunch together regularly at Andy’s (now Highway 55). Finally, Duplin Christian Outreach Ministries opened in July 2005 and continues to serve the citizens of our county who are experiencing nancial crises.

One Saturday morning in February 2006, I received a phone call from a member of my congregation who asked if I had heard about the church burnings in Alabama.

Over a week’s time, ve black and four white congregations had their churches destroyed. The church member told me he was concerned because of my work with Rev. Page and DCOM. Immediately I assumed he was opposed to what we were doing and that we were collaborating and, I must admit,

Educators are superheroes

We are one of the worst states for teacher pay. In beginning teacher pay, we rank 46th nationally.

NORTH CAROLINA teachers put in hundreds of hours into their profession. Their work extends far outside the walls of a classroom; they support our state’s children at sports games, band performances, and church programs. They are the glue that holds our schools and communities together.

But right now, teachers in North Carolina are overworked, underpaid, and disrespected. Republican leaders in the General Assembly have created these conditions. Teachers are expected to do more with less. Youth across North Carolina are experiencing a serious mental health crisis, and teachers are on the frontlines. When our schools fall short of the psychologists, counselors, and nurses that are desperately needed, teachers shoulder the additional demands. They are not only in charge of learning, but they care for kids who are going through a hard time.

It’s harder for teachers because they don’t have the assistants they need. Teacher assistants especially help children in lower grades who need extra support. Since these Republican leaders took over the NCGA, they have reduced the number of state funded teacher assistants by almost 20%, from 18,227 to 14,798 TAs.

When looking across the United States, we are one of the worst states for teacher pay. In beginning teacher pay, we rank 46th nationally. We pay new teachers less than Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina and Tennessee do. If the starting salary is so abysmal, it’s hard to convince incoming professionals to even enter the teaching pipeline. Republican leadership claim they are giving raises to teachers, but they are really handing out scraps. Educators aren’t fooled. Teacher salaries have not kept up with in ation, and they feel it in their pocketbooks.

One of my constituents, Guadalupe, is nishing her fourth year in the classroom. She has an associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degree. Her

it made me angry. Then he told me, “I’m not telling you to quit doing what you’re doing. I support what you’re doing. I’m just concerned about you and your family’s safety. Just be careful and stay alert. There are some crazy people out there.”

These are just three incidents — 1968, 1983, 2006 — 20 years apart. Here we are 20 years later. Unfortunately, there are too many similar instances still occurring to pick just one to relate.

The “young, poorly-prepared college student” is now a retired, respected pastor. He is a friend, mentor, and inspiration to me. His life and ministry demonstrate the same conviction he shared in that pulpit in 1968. He wrote recently on Facebook about that experience and said, “And here we are 56 years later, and apparently we haven’t learned much. Lord, in your mercy . . .” Yes, Lord, in your mercy . . .

Philip Gladden is a retired Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) minister who lives in Wallace, NC. He can be reached at gladdenphilip620@gmail.com.

passion for teaching fuels her: “I chose to be a teacher because I wanted to make a di erence, even if it’s small and localized to my community.”

But her family sometimes faces a challenging nancial position because of her choice to be a teacher: “I have had to forgo medical services because of the cost of prescriptions for my children. Being a professional with a Master’s degree, I as well as other educators should not be in the predicament where we cannot a ord our health needs.”

In 2013, the Republican majority in our state legislature took away master’s pay. They also took away health bene ts for retired educators.

The man at the top of the North Carolina Republican ticket in 2024 has called teachers “wicked people.” He sounds like a schoolyard bully, not someone who supports educators and the children they instruct.

We also see disrespect coming from the Republican leadership at the NC General Assembly. Their legislative priorities have been to manufacture culture wars and control the curriculum that teachers are trained to teach.

The House passed a bill that restricts instruction about important parts of our country’s history and micromanages the social studies curriculum. And instead of addressing real issues like fully funding public schools or raising teacher pay, Republican leaders passed a “Parents’ Bill of Rights” that burdens teachers with more paperwork and concocts culture wars in our classrooms.

Educators should have their work valued, be paid accordingly, and get respect from our state legislature. They aren’t getting any of the three right now. We owe better to Guadalupe and the thousands of other teachers across the state. Our number one goal this November should be to break the Republican supermajority so we can nally reprioritize public education.

Robert Reives II is the N.C. House Democratic Leader and represents Chatham County.

Pledge allegiance to America LETTERS

“I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands — one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” This pledge was pinned in 1892, by Francis Bellamy, an American editor and clergyman. I pray that this pledge is taught to all students at all grade levels and repeated each day by all students in all schools, public and private. If we are Americans, we must pledge our support to our nation, the United States of America. We must pledge our support to defend it, to love it, and work to make our nation a safe place to

United States of America and to the republic for which it stands –one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

COLUMN

COLUMN | ROBERT REIVES

First-ever Strawberry Festival Garden

Gala promises a ‘berry good time’

The April 27 party will kick o the Carolina Strawberry Festival

By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal

FOR THE FIRST time this year, Wallace’s premier event, the Carolina Strawberry Festival, will kick o a week early, with the Garden Gala on Saturday, April 27, from 1-6 p.m.

The gala, a formal party, will be hosted by the Gardens at Johnson Nursery. The Gardens are located about 10 minutes from Wallace, at 985 Johnson Nursery Road in Willard.

“We are modeling this event after the Azalea Festival Garden Party,” former Wallace Mayor and president of the Carolina Strawberry Festival board, Charley Farrior told the Wallace Town Council at the March 14 meeting.

Because the Carolina Strawberry Festival draws about 15,000 people to town, Farrior said the organizers decided to add the new event to kick o the festival a week early.

The Gardens are a perfect location for the gala, he said. “Things are starting to bloom in the Gardens,” Farrior said,

“and by April 27 they’ll be in full bloom, so it’s something you don’t want to miss.”

Musical entertainment for the Garden Gala will be provided by The Catalinas, known mostly for beach music. The band will perform a wide range of hits, though, and are sure to get folks on the dance oor.

There will be a red carpet with a specially curated Carolina Strawberry Festival backdrop for photos so attendees can feel their own few minutes of fame.

The gala will include a variety of beverages (two complimentary for VIPs) “from the best drink maestros in town,” according to the website carolinastrawberrygardengala.com.

There’ll be plenty of food available as well, “from a smorgasbord of vendors, ranging from food trucks to sizzling wood- red, brick oven pizzas,” the website says.

“This inaugural kick-o event promises an enjoyable experience with food, drinks, music, and an opportunity to explore the beautiful Gardens,” said Kristyn Padgett, who handles advertising and social media for the festival.

VIP tickets are $75 each, and include access to the exclusive

VIP tent, two complimentary drinks, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, Strawberry Festival T-shirt and koozie, and Calibrachoa Superbells Strawberry Punch plant from Proven Winners. General admission tickets are $35, and include one complimentary drink, a Strawberry Festival koozie and Calibrachoa Superbells Strawberry Punch plant from Proven Winners. After the Garden Gala wraps up at 6 p.m., there will be an ofcial after-party at Mad Boar Restaurant & Pub. “Delight in delicious bites, groove to the lively tunes of The ‘B’ Side, a honkytonk band, and create unforgettable memories throughout the night,” the Garden Gala website reads. The “B” Sides will be performing from 8-11 p.m.

For more on the Garden Gala, visit carolinastrawberrygardengala.com.

Of course, after the Garden Gala, there will be the Carolina Strawberry Festival itself, in downtown Wallace on Friday and Saturday, May 3-4.

This year, Funtime Amusements will return with rides, and Ed’s Dinosaurs will return with its dinosaur show, which is always popular with the kids. Friday night, the North Tow-

er Band and the Band of Oz will perform on the Main Stage, while Saturday will have performances by Rivermist and The Tams.

There’ll be the recipe contest, corn hole tournament, pageant, and o cial T-shirts for sale featuring the festival’s original artwork, designed by Wallace-Rose Hill High School student Ashley Yanez.

The Wallace Fire Department will host its barbecue cook-o contest again this year on Saturday, with area departments competing for the champion title. After the cook-o , barbecue sandwiches will be sold by the Wallace-Rose Hill Booster Club.

The festival is also partnering with Wallace Parks and Recreation this year on the 5K run, with 100% of the pro ts are going toward the inclusive playground that’s going to be built at Clement Park. The 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run will start and nish at Clement Park.

The festival will include more than 40 vendors lining the streets of downtown Wallace on Saturday.

“There will be lots to eat, lots to see and do,” Farrior said. “And it goes without saying, there will be lots and lots of strawberries — we have strawberry jam, strawberry ice cream, strawberry shortcake, strawberry butter.” Visit the festival’s Facebook page or carolinastrawberryfestival.com for more on the 2024 Carolina Strawberry Festival.

Retirements

Duplin County

Job Fair on April 18

Kenansville

The annual Duplin County Job Fair sponsored by James Sprunt Community College and NC Works will take place on the JSCC campus in Kenansville on Thursday, April 18, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Job seekers are encouraged to dress to impress and bring plenty of copies of their resume to give out to potential employers. For more information, contact Karla Blanton at kblanton@ jamessprunt.edu.

Chestnutt Farms

second annual spring vendor market is Saturday

Kenansville

Chestnutt Farms is hosting its second annual spring vendor market on Saturday, April 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be food available for purchase, as well as a number of vendors to peruse during the market. Chestnutt Farms is located at 428 NC 11 Hwy. South in Kenansville, beside the Department of Transportation.

(Left) Ann Herring steps down after more than two decades of service with the Duplin Watershed Commission board and the Duplin Soil and Water Conservation District Board. She is the rst woman who was elected to this position. Herring is pictured next to William F. Pickett

and Harvey Lee Kennedy.

Water Board president.

Friday, April 26 5 pm-10 pm

Pay one price carnival rides, $15, 5-9 pm, concessions available; Live outdoor concert in front of Ribeyes Steakhouse featuring Steel County Express, 7-10 pm; Cuke Patch 5K Glow Run, 7:30-9 pm. Note:FridayNightisalimited festivalexperience.

www ncpicklefest org

Saturday, April 27 9 am-6 pm

Classic Car Show, Pickle Eating Contest , noon, Live Entertainment, Beer & Wine Garden, Mascot Race, 3 pm Tour de Pickle Bike Ride, 9 am, Helicopter Rides, Food, Vendors, Petting Zoo, Carnival Rides, Kazoobie Kazoo shows, Knockerball, roaming entertainers, Poetry Fox, Pickle Train Rides, free pickles, and so much more!

FreePark&RideShuttlesfromUniversityofMountOlive,Walmart,Roses,&BobbyDenning

Jr. (center)

(Right) Angie Quinn with Duplin Soil and Water resigned from Duplin County after serving for 30 years. She will be the new director of Onslow County Soil and Water. Quinn (right) stands next to Franklin Williams, Soil and

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DUPLIN COUNTY SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT

the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War.

In 1959, Mercer became a business owner, his company was one of the rst to o er customers the option to rent equipment.

Over the next two decades the company expanded to nine locations with 400 employees. The company was later sold to W.R. Grace Company with Mercer remaining president of the southeast division. Under his leadership, the company grew to 18 locations with annual sales exceeding $60 million. He retired at age 61. In 1990, Mercer and his two sons-in-law purchased a small parts and equipment rental business with annual sales of $500,000. The company expanded rapidly and by 1997, annual sales had grown to $14.5 million.

Once again, the great success of the company attracted buyers, and in 1997, at age 70, the company was sold to United Rentals — the largest equipment rental business in North Carolina, where he served as a consultant for the next three years.

According to Ingram, Mercer was acknowledged as a trail blazer and recognized as a great entrepreneur and innovator. He was also featured in several articles

and business publications and recognized for his contributions.

“His business success allowed him to help many others. He helped many young people go to college who, without his help, would not have been able to do so. He has been very active in the life of his community,” said Ingram. “He rose from the tobacco elds of rural eastern Duplin County to become a leader in his industry nationwide and in his community and state. Along the way, he preserved his character and integrity and contributed unsel shly and greatly to helping others. Duplin County is honored to have produced such a gifted and caring person.”

Earl Harrell

Richard

The 2023 living recipient was introduced by Curt Simpson. “[Harrell] left home for a while only to return and do good work and make a di erence in our county,” said Simpson about the Rose Hill native, who in 1975 returned to Kenansville as Duplin General Hospital administrator. “As a result of a nationwide search, he was called back home to take on the task. His title was eventually changed to president and chief executive o cer of the hospital which we now know as

ECU Health Duplin Hospital,” said Simpson. “While his accomplishments are impressive, that’s not what merits his induction into the Duplin County Hall of Fame. It is his expert management and leadership of Duplin General Hospital that commands this selection. … In the 1940s, 40% of counties in the U.S. did not have a hospital. Duplin County was one of them. … It took an act of Congress to lead to the creation of many hospitals in the U.S. and through the leadership of our county commissioners and some determined community members, Duplin County moved forward with the construction of our hospital in 1951.” Simpson explained that market forces and factors such as a population that can’t a ord medical care, among other factors, make operating a hospital an enormous nancial challenge.

“For 28 years, he not only managed the day-to-day, but also a tremendous amount of growth in our hospital that became the basis of the ne institution that we have here in Kenansville today,” Simpson said, adding that in 1976, the hospital’s total operating revenue was over $3 million and by the time Harrell retired, that revenue had grown to just under $60 million.

“Under his leadership, the hospital grew exponentially, and he was able to maintain nancial viability despite some very challenging headwinds. … No longer do our citizens have to go out of the county to receive primary medical care. … With his education, experience, skill and expertise, he could have left Duplin County many times for higher salaries, but it was important to him that he use his skills to serve the people of his home county.

“The nominee was born in the family home in Wolfscrape Township on April 6, 1910,” said Jim

Sills as he presented the 2024 deceased recipient.

Alphin was the youngest of seven children and grew up on his family farm in Duplin County. He attended a boarding high school near Rocky Mount.

“The school o ered the standard high school education but also vocational agricultural instruction. The choice of this high school was fortuitous in that agriculture would be the major in uence and interest in the life of our nominee,” said Sills.

In 1948, Alphin was elected to serve as president and chairman of the Duplin County Historical Association committee to organize a celebration for Duplin County’s bicentennial anniversary which featured the famous Duplin Story production. According to Sills this also served as a source of funding for the construction of a natural outdoor amphitheater.

“Having returned to his Wolfscrape Township Farm in 1950, the nominee was recognized for his outstanding diplomacy, leadership and success in bringing the Duplin Story about,” said Sills.

“The nominee inherited his father’s knack for invention. It was written in later years that the nominee was driven by this inborn desire to make something better, to improve on a method of doing something,” which led to “the creation of a mechanical marvel of its time, the mechanized tobacco harvester.”

“The harvester also simpli ed other jobs connected with raising tobacco, such as suckering the weed and poisoning tobacco worms. The nominee established a manufacturing operation to produce his tobacco harvesters,” said Sills, adding that numerous news outlets wrote about Alphin’s invention and how it improved not only the physical demands of harvesting tobacco, but the nancial conditions of tobacco farmers.

“The problem-solving creative genius of the man from Wolfscrape Township, Duplin County, changed farming methods for decades. It was a revolutionary idea. … It is obvious that the nominee’s life of unsel sh service and leadership constitute a record of noteworthy achievements and that he has a con-

rmed reputation as a person of outstanding qualities of character and leadership that have indeed made Duplin County proud.”

Leon Horace “Sonny” Sikes

“After the death of his father, he and his younger sister and mother moved to Rose Hill to live with grandparents. Today, he and his wife reside in that same family home in Rose Hill as they have throughout most of their 48 years of marriage,” said Hroza as she presented the 2024 Living Recipient.

The United States Air Force veteran became Duplin County’s rst director of tourism in 1991 and was awarded the Special Ambassador Award for outstanding support and devotion to the growth, development and promotion of Duplin County by the Duplin County Economic Development Commission in 2004. Among several other accolades, he was honored by the Rock sh Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution for outstanding achievements in historical, educational, cultural, medical, humanitarian, patriotic and citizenship work in the community, according to Hroza.

“His deep personal interest in local history led him to become a member and service president of the Duplin County Historical Society. … This nominee was also instrumental in the e ort to preserve the vast genealogical information and records of his neighbor and friends,” said Hroza, adding that Sikes’ interest in history, genealogy and photography led him to record many of the old homes and buildings in the county and authoring books.

“This historian now has a vast collection of historical photographs, originals and reproductions of early Duplin County,” said Hroza, highlighting that Sikes’ rst book, “Duplin County Places, Past and Present,” is the recipient of the 1985 Willie Parker Peace Award.

“Tonight, we publicly recognize and thank Sonny Sikes, our leading Duplin County historian for his dedicated and hard work in preserving the history of our county and region in the most thorough and interesting ways.”

Gilbert Estus Alphin

PHOTOS BY ENA SELLERS / DUPLIN JOURNAL

The late Gilbert Estus Alphin, was honored at the Duplin County Hall of Fame awards presentation on April 9 at the Ed Emory Auditorium in Kenansville.

/ DUPLIN JOURNAL

Marilynn K. Hroza, Duplin County Hall of Fame president, presents Richard Earl Harrell with the 2023 living recipient medal on April 9 at the Ed Emory Auditorium in Kenansville.

SELLERS / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Marilynn K. Hroza, Duplin County Hall of Fame president, gives the microphone to the family of the late Angus Wilton Mercer, after honoring him as the 2023 deceased recipient.

DUPLIN SPORTS

Cave has dazzling debut in limelight for East Duplin

The

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

BEULAVILLE — Kinsey

Cave’s rst moment of fame came when she participated in MLB’s Pitch-Hit-Run competition in July of 2018 at the Nationals’ ballpark in Washington, D.C. — when she won the 7-8 year-old classication.

Yet basketball may be the sport where she excels and perhaps takes her game to the next level — college hoops.

But that decision is three years away. In current time, Cave coming to Beulaville from middle school proved to be a perfect t.

East Duplin has talented players, who can do many things on the court. But the need for a point guard was paramount to success.

The Panthers went 10-14 the previous season and returned a cast of players ready to step up.

Cave is the second freshman to be named Duplin County’s Ms. Basketball since the awards began in the 2009-10 season. She’s also the rst to win it outright as a freshman.

She engineered a season in which the Panthers went 24-5, losing to West Craven 47-45 in the third round of the 2A playo s.

In 2013-14, ED freshman Jonisha McCoy, became the only other frosh to be named Ms. Basketball, sharing the title with James Kenan’s Dezarae Phillips.

McCoy became a three-time winner of the top award. She won it outright as a sophomore in 2014-15, missed the next season with an injury, then came back to recapture the award as a senior in 2016-17.

This past season, Cave did a little bit of everything for the Panthers, including score, rebound, set up teammates, beat a press and make the half-court o ense ow.

She did the nal item exceptionally well as ED had ve players with 219 or more points this season. “She constantly works on her game and has such a con dence about the things she does,” said ED coach Mark Lane, who guided the Panthers to their eighth 20-win season in his 16 years.

Lane had the system and Cave turned the dream inside his head into moving pictures as ED played hard, disciplined basketball, which included a focus on defense.

“She’s by far our best passer,” Lane said. “And her turnovers were less after she learned about her teammates and the style of play at this level.

“She’s in the top 10 in assists in the state, which includes all classi cations. That’s pretty big.” There is nothing small about her act, even though it might just be a start of something big for both Cave and the Panthers, who

return all but valuable shooting guard Sallie Hatcher next season.

Cave averaged 9.2 points, 4.5 assists and 5.8 rebounds. Her shooting percentages most likely will improve, as she’s at 38 percent from the eld, 19 percent from beyond the 3-point line and 51 percent from the charity stripe.

“She’s aware of those numbers,” Lane said. “Her shooting actually got better as the season progressed. She’s also a good rebounder and great at throwing a long pass to start the break. She’s getting better at reading defenses.

“She really gave us a lift on the boards, helping JaMyah (Pickett), who is a handful in the paint. That helped us play well out of our new matchup zone defense.”

Cave also works well with classmate Ava Noble. The pair bring tons of promise to the program in the next three seasons.

Three of ED’s losses were to

See PANTHERS, page 10

Panthers lead Duplin County’s full-court press of young talent

Six Panthers are among the top 17 girls’ basketball players

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

BEULAVILLE — Three of Duplin County’s four basketball teams had better seasons than the previous season even though competition from teams in the East Central 2A and Carolina 1A conferences rose signi cantly. And East Duplin, James Kenan and Wallace-Rose Hill had better records than in 2022-23.

Lane’s matchup zone key to Panthers’ success

Longtime coach Mark Lane’s new defensive wrinkle and balanced o ense make East Duplin soar

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

BEULAVILLE — East Duplin girls basketball coach Mark Lane has taken the Panthers to the fourth round of the playo s three times.

And the “one that got away” from Lane’s team was the 2017-18 squad that nished 25-3, falling 51-48 to eventual 2A champ North Pitt. “We should have won a state championship that year,”

Lane said. “That’s just my feeling.” He’s looking to take those nal steps next season. For now, he’s Duplin County’s Coach of the Year for 2923-24.

ED’s best season under Lane and a 24-5 campaign have a few things in common: a point guard and ve players who can score and play defense to his high standards.

The 2017-18 club had a sophomore point guard, Marley Ingram, who set up seniors Mariah Moore, Brianna McDaniel, Keytonia Watkins, Brianna McMillan and Alizah Benson.

The ringleader of the Panthers last winter was fresh-

See COACH, page 10

on the rst team by teammate JaMyia Pickett, ND’s Addy Higginbotham and Reece Outlaw and James Kenan’s Y’Anna Rivers.

East Duplin made the Rebels a distant second after going 24-5 and exiting the playo s in the third round — a shot from beating West Craven in a game the Panthers had led.

Kinsey Cave, the Duplin Journal’s Ms. Basketball, is joined

North Duplin did not, though the Rebels won the CC Tournament and were second in the county to the ED Panthers.

The second team features ED’s Zakoya Farrior, Sallie Hatcher and Makya Kornegay, along with WRH’s Savannah Smith and JK’s Ron’Nyia Joyner and Lillie Kornegay and ND’s Tateyawna Faison. Third-team selections were Panthers Ava Noble and Carrie Carr, Bulldogs Nevaeh Dobson and Sophia Sloan and Rebel Lilly Fulghum. Youth was a theme as there were just ve seniors in the top 17.

Our team has 50 years of combined experience focusing on Duplin County real estate. How can we help you?

ED had six overall selections. Panthers Kornegay and Hatcher and ND’s Faison were previously rst-team picks (Hatcher and Faison last season and Kornegay in 2021-22). Panther coach Mark Lane is the Coach of the Year, returning to the top seat after a two-year hiatus.

A one-senior roster didn’t stop East Duplin from giving Lane his eighth 20-win campaign. He took the top coach honor of the previous year’s John Oliver of North Duplin, who announced he would not be returning to the

See ALL-COUNTY, page 10

freshman point guard led East Duplin on a memorable run

EDWARDO PUAC FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

EDWARDO PUAC FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

Kinsey Cave was the missing player on East Duplin, which went 24-5 and advanced into the third round of the 2A state playo s.

Mark Lane has a 288 -121 career mark at East Duplin, which includes eight 20-win seasons.

ALL-DUPLIN GIRLS’ BASKETBALL 2023-24

Kissner’s Bulldogs nally turn the tables on rival East Duplin

WRH snaps long spell to tag Panthers’ Thigpen with rare loss

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

BEULAVILLE — First-year coach and former Bulldog Logan Kissner asked his team to project a win over East Duplin.

Kaiden Lui helped him pull o the heist to tag Thigpen with his second loss to a Duplin County school in eight seasons. ED lost to North Duplin last season, but has dominated its neighbors, and often ended games with the 10-run mercy rule.

Not on Monday night.

It also puts the ECC into more of a scramble as ED (810, 3-5) and WRH (10-6, 4-4) battle North Lenoir, South Lenoir and Southwest Onslow. Both schools appear to be in a position to earn a spot in the 2A playo s.

And yet much of the season awaits with four league games left in the regular season for both schools.

ED led 2-0 before the game was called on Friday and went up 3-0 on Monday.

“I told our guys they could quit or play hard, scratch out runs and compete,” Kissner said. “We came out at, but then found a way to win. Everyone did their job. We chipped away.”

Dane Turner drove in two runs in the sixth, and Kaiden Lui had a long double to deep center eld that nearly cleared the fence.

Lui pitched WRH to the win by allowing four hits and three earned runs, striking out seven and walking fourl “He makes us compete at a high level when he’s on the mound,” Kissner said.

PREP ROUNDUP

Panthers outlast Richlands is 19-run slugfest

East Duplin withstood Richlands’ seven-run fourth inning rush to slip away with a 10-9 win, last Wednesday in Onslow County.

The Panther controlled the action by forging to a 7-0 lead after three innings.

ED went up 8-7 after ve in-

nings. Each school scored twice in the seventh and were scoreless in the sixth.

Sawyer Marshburn had four hits, JP Murphy three and Gavin Holmes two for ED. Holmes and Kolby Hinson each knocked in two runs.

Braeden Costello has three RBIs. Hayden Turner and Mason Row combined for four hits and two runs apiece.

ED entered the game with ve losses in its past six matchups.

Bulldogs’ ve-game winning streak snapped by Blue Devils

Braden Barnett and Austin Clements limited Wallace-Rose Hill to four hits last Tuesday as South Lenoir broke the Bulldogs’ ve-game winning streak with a 12-2 win in Deep Run. It was accented by a seven-run sixth inning that forced the 10-run mercy rule to end the game.

Panthers push aside ’Dawgs to sweep season series

East Duplin is still alive in the ECC race despite two league losses

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

TEACHEY — Wallace-Rose Hill gave East Duplin more of a battle than their previous meeting this spring, but the Panther bats proved to lethal during a 9-3 win.

The two teams played ve innings on Friday before rain and wind forced them to start again on Monday with East Duplin in front 5-3.

Panther pitcher Morgan Brown kept WRH at bay with 1-2-3 innings in the sixth and seventh.

ED (7-6, 5-2) remained in the race for the ECC title with the win, while WRH (10-5, 4-3) missed an opportunity to knock o a perennial ECC favorite. ED dumped WRH 10-0 on March 8 in Teachey.

Rebecca Beach homered in the fth and Emory Raynor, Beach and Zoe Turner score in the seventh\ as Ava Noble drove in two runs.

Noble singled and scored the rst run of the game.

WRH went up 2-1 in the second as Payton Tyndall singled and Cl\hloe Straughn walked. Both ended up scoring.

Brown and Beach touched home plate in the fourth to give ED a 3-2 edge.

Kingsley Bond and Bond

scored in the fth before the weather took control. ’ Dawgs, Tigers tangle on Friday

The Bulldogs host James Kenan on Friday. WRH fell to South Lenoir 7-2 last Tuesday.

Kennedy doubled in Sophia Sloan and scored in the fth to cut the lead to 4-2. She yielded seven hits, three earned runs, while striking out seven and walking three. WRH rallied with three runs in the sixth inning to beat JK 6-5 on March 15 in Teachey.

JK got blown away twice last week, 11-0 by North Lenoir and 13-0 at the hands of Trask. Kendai Giddons went 3-for-3 against the Blue Devils. Jourdan Joe had two hits in three trips to the plate. Freshman Scarlett DeLuca laced a pair of singles against the Patriots.

Noble, Jenkins star in setback to Richlands

ED lost 9-3 to Richlands last Tuesday for its fourth consecutive setback.

Ava Noble had a single, double, triple and scored a run. Carley Grace Jenkins had two hits and two RBIs.

Zoe Turner tripled in a run and Kinsley Bond’s 1-for-4 evening included an RBI. Addison Tuck had a hit, walk and crossed home plate.

WRH catcher Reid Page had two hits in three trips. Caden Gavin scored the lone run o a hit via Devon Sloan.

WRH travels to James Kenan on Thursday. First pitch is slated for 6 p.m.

Rebels lose heartbreaker to Eagles

Tanner Kornegay gave North Duplin a chance during its key Carolina 1A Conference matchup against Rosewood last Tuesday.

The southpaw hurler limited Rosewood to six hits and two earned runs in 5.1 innings during a heartbreaking 3-1 loss that lifted the Eagles a game in front of the Rebels in the standings.

The two schools meet April 23 in Calypso.

The Eagles (10-5, 5-0) scored single tallies in the second, third and sixth frames. ND went up 1-0 in the opening inning as Holden Williams knocked in

Branden Reyna, who pinch ran for Eric Santos-Clark, who walked to reach rst base.

ND’s other big guns were held in check aside of Austin Du (double, single, walk in three trips to the plate) and Hunt Pate (1-for-3).

But 10 strikeouts and leaving six runners stranded on the base paths gave the Eagles an edge. Yet Rosewood also left 10 on the bases.

Both teams had an error.

Ed Garber drove in two runs for Rosewood, while Jack Adams and Anderson Clucas each lashed two hits.

ND (9-6, 5-1) recovered the following day to rip Neuse Charter 13-0.

Du and Garris Warren knocked two runs apiece.

Kornegay, Santos-Clark and Noa Quantilla each came through with a pair of hits.

Williams went ve innings for the win, allowing two hits, while whi ng four and walking one.

Tigers fall for fth-straight time

Wyatt Barbour deserved a better fate than a 4-0 loss to South Lenoir. Barber scattered four hits over 5.1 innings, striking out eight and walking four.

But James Kenan (3-9, 1-5) was silenced by three Blue Devil pitchers.

Mason Grady had two hits in three trips and Eli and Cal Avent were both 1-for-3, yet they were among the seven base runners stranded at the end of an inning.

South Lenior struck for two runs in the fourth and sixth innings.

Grady punched two hits the following day when JK lost to Pender 8-2 in Burgaw.

Pender (5-8) beat JK 8-1 on March 5 in Warsaw.

The Tigers other hits came o the bats of the Avent twins, Paxton Smith and Hansley McGee and Barbour.

Wildcats bash the ball hard against Coastal foe

Erin Thibault hit a two-run homer for Richlands. Makenzie Goin lashed two singles, a double and had four RBIs.

ED tagged Goin for nine hits, but just three earned runs.

Richlands (11-6) led 5-3 until it posted four in the sixth inning as the Wildcats swept the two-game rivalry series.

Richlands skunked White Oak 15-0 two days later and opened its week with a 4-2 decision over Croatan (7-5, 2-1).

Reagan Stapleton, Piper Turner and LeNayah Jackson each had two hits against the Cougars. Goin whi ed nine and walked one, allowing ve hits and one earned run with her 92-pitch performance.

Cameron Cubas, Meghan Pittman, Tashi Allen and Addi

Andrews combined to drive in nine runs. Richland drilled 13 hits in a game shortened to three innings. Anderson, a junior, limited the Vikings to one hit, throwing 39 pitches to pick up the win in the circle. Richlands travels to West Carteret on Thursday. Rebels dismantle Wildcats, Eagles Revenge was sweet, even after a month. North Duplin avenged its only loss last week by crushing Wayne Christian Academy 17-7. The Eagle beat the Rebels 9-2 on March 12, the rst week of softball for the many Rebels who played for the ND basketball that was eliminated in the second round of the state playo s.

Addy Higginboth hit a grand slam and Lilly Fulghum doubled, homered and drove in

two runs. Reece Outlaw added three hits and three RBIs, while Iala Overton knocked in two and Ady Spence and Abigail Brown, each had a run-scoring at-bat.

Outlaw, Fulghum and Meghan Martin knocked in two runs apiece versus Hobbton during a 12-2 victory last Monday in Calypso. Brown, who replace all-Duplin catcher Kasey Jones, had three RBIs and is hitting .333. Spence (3-1) notched the win inside the circle.

ND (9-1, 4-0) has one more loop around the six-team Carolina 1A Conference, which features game against Rosewood, Lakewood, Union and Hobbton.

The Rebels have no non-conference games on their schedule and will play two CC teams in the league’s postseason tournament.

EDWARDO PUAC FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

ED’s Kyle Kern is 2-3 as a rst-year varsity starter.

EDWARDO PUAC FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

WRH’s Payton Tyndall has the speed to beat out a ground ball, but not this time as ED’s Kinsley Bond sends her back to the dugout.

Panthers work through OT to take rst step to ECC ag

ED slipped past SWO on a Rodriques goal to take sole possession of rst place

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

BEULAVILLE — When East Duplin’s girls soccer team needed a goal, freshman Anamarie Rodrigues delivered it.

Rodrigues got behind the Southwest Onslow defense and sprinted toward the goal with a game-ending opportunity.

She kicked in the ball to end a double-overtime thriller on Tuesday last week as East Duplin beat the Stallions 2-1 on the Panthers’ turf.

The win put ED (10-4-1, 6-0) in the driver’s seat in the ECC. Southwest (6-5-1, 5-1) will host the Panthers on April 30 in a match that is sure to seal rst-place one way or another.

A Stallion win puts the two teams in a virtual deadlock. An ED triumph gives the Panthers the undisputed title, and the No. 1 seed from the league in the 2A playo s, which start 10 days later (May 10).

ED’s key win came the day after students returned from spring break.

“I was a little concerned because I felt we were moving forward and some things were starting to click,” said Panther coach Joey Jones. “We tried to practice a couple of times but didn’t get much done because of the solar eclipse and the holiday.

“But we came together and played well. Both teams did, really.”

One key was stopping the Stallions’ Taylor Casper, a senior who has 12 of SWO’s 25 goals this season.

Jones assigned Savannah Hill and Zoe Cavanaugh to the task of covering Casper.

“We kind of tag-teamed her by shadowing those two on her,” Jones said. “We saw her as the biggest threat, though others can score. They did a good job on her.”

A strong defense led to a strike at just the right time in overtime by Rodrigues, who took over as the Panthers’ scoring leader recently. She has

14 cage-ringers, a good start for any player, much less a freshman. “She came in like a tornado on that play,” Jones said. “She’s fast and it was a foot race.”

Yet no one is counting out SWO just yet.

Last season, the Stallions and Panthers tied 1-1 in their second ECC match on the nal day of the regular season. The end result was SWO (16-3-1, 9-0-1) edging out ED (11-7-4, 8-1-1) for the conference title.

Last week, ED lost 4-0 to 3A Dixon (9-1-1) the following day as starters and on-the- eld leaders Rilee Kisler and Ellianna Rogers were nursing injuries.

“We had a good start and then Dixon scored, but Anamarie put one across the goal that just missed high,” Jones said. “I believe that would have given us some energy.

“The second goal didn’t hurt much and I was still feeling OK about how we were playing. We’ll get them back, but we need Rilee and Ellianna to play our best soccer.” Rogers has 10 goals, while Kisler is key to ED’s defense and mid eld.

Katelin Jones netted both scores on Friday during a weather-shortened 2-0 ECC win over Wallace-Rose Hill (6-6, 2-4). She has scored 12 goals this spring.

The match, which went long enough to be considered o cial, ended with about 20 minutes left due to rain and high winds.

ED traveled to JK (8-3, 2-2) on Monday and will venture to Deep Run on Friday to take on South Lenoir (6-7, 2-4). The Panthers ripped the Blue Devils 9-0 on March 15 in Beulaville.

Wednesday’s match with North Duplin has been postponed and likely will not be made up.

Tigers’ winning streak reaches three James Kenan entered Monday’s match against ED riding a threematch winning streak.

First-year coach Kenny Williams’ club dropped Pender 6-2 last Wednesday in Burgaw, a day after upending North Lenoir 4-1 in Warsaw.

Katherin Chirinos knocked in a pair of goals and Yively Benegas and Marisol Escondido added scores in the triumph over the Blue Devils.

“We were a little sluggish o ensively coming back from spring break and not being able to practice Monday, but our defense was solid enough to keep things steady early on,” Williams said.

“We are especially young on the back line, with three freshmen starting back there, but they have been improving as the season goes along.”

Chirinos scored all six goals against the Patriots. Arely Patino and Karla Diaz each had a hat-trick of assists to back Chirinos’ record day.

JK led 3-2 at halftime.

“Playing on back to back nights, we started a little sluggish and the rst half was back and forth,” Williams said . “We challenged the girls at halftime to come out focused and take control of the game and I was proud of them for responding.

“Arely played without a doubt her best game of the year. Along with Karla Diaz, they both did a good job of controlling the ball and setting up Katherine, who was able to nish strong.

Defensively, we were much better in the second half and really didn’t allow them any good looks at the net.”

Bulldogs drop OT thriller against Hawks

WRH’s loss to ED extended the Bulldogs losing streak to four games. The one that got away during this span was Monday’s 4-2 double-OT loss to North Lenoir. Gabby Debman scored both goals, one o an assist from Haleigh Hanchey.

Emily Jones scored her second goal in the second overtime and SL added an insurance tally. Zulma Lopez and Kate Wooten added scores for the Blue Devils. Gracie Tyndall repelled nine shot opportunities by WRH.

The Bulldogs, who are on the road four of their nal ve matches, travel to JK on Thursday. WRH beat the Tigers 2-1 on March 15 in Teachey.

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the Duplin County Board of Equalization and Review will hold its rst meeting on Thursday, April 25, 2024 at 2:00 pm in the Commissioner’s Room, Duplin County Administrative Building, 224 Seminary Street, Kenansville, NC. This meeting is held for the purpose of review and hearing appeals of listings and valuations. The following is a schedule for all meetings of the Board of Equalization and Review to be held at the above stated location:

East Duplin, softball

No one is swinging a hotter bat than Ava Noble.

The East Duplin freshman is hitting .650 with six doubles, ve triples, two home runs and 12 RBI. She leads the Panthers in hits and extrabase hits, even though she missed three games because she played on the ED basketball team that advanced to the second round of the state playo s.

Noble is a perfect 11-for11 in stolen bases. She’s hit safely in all but one game and has struck out twice and walked four times in 47 plate appearances.

2nd meeting – Thursday, May 16, 2024 at 2:00 pm

The Board expects to adjourn on May 16, 2024. In the event of earlier or later adjournment, notice to that e ect will be published in this newspaper.

Gary M. Rose Clerk to the Board of E&R

EDWARDO PUAC FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

Anamarie Rodrigues slipped by the defense to punch in the game-winning shot in overtime as ED beat SWO 2-1.

ALL-COUNTY from page 7

Rebels’ bench next season. Cave was the coaches and media choice as top player. She and teammate Pickett, Duplin’s top player in the paint, were easy picks.

Leaving Makya Kornegay, Farrior and Faison o the rst squad were tougher decisions.

ED went 5-1 against its Duplin rivals by having ve players score more than 215 points. Avid fans will say The Panthers’ sixth selection, Noble, who like Cave is a freshman, will be one of the best players in the ECC in the next three seasons. Noble was ED’s sixth man, yet was nonetheless a player who is fundamentally sound and has a high basketball IQ.

No player has won Ms. or Mr. Basketball four times. Cave has that opportunity

Here are brief synopses for the other 16 players. There were ve on the rst and second teams and seven on the third squad.

FIRST TEAM

Ja’Myia Pickett, ED

Junior forward

No player in the county uses her body to make space in the paint as well as Pickett.

She’s 5-foot-6 with a rm frame but plays as if she’s 6-6 and on a mission.

The junior averaged 8.6 points and, 8.5 rebounds, shooting 43 percent from the eld.

She’s tough, physical, agile and ghts like a Panther would in the tropics of southeast Asia.

That spunk put her at the free-throw line often, as Pickett shot a county-high 142 attempts.

Her best game might have been when she netted 11 points, eight boards and had two blocks as ED upset Eastern Wayne in the second round of the playo s.

She averaged 11 points and 10 boards in four games against Southwest Onslow, which accounted for all but two of the Panthers’ losses this season.

Addy Higginbotham, ND Junior guard

Higginbotham is a smart player who improved to become the best player on her team.

She’s athletic and skilled with muscle memory and quickness.

She averaged 13.6 points and led ND in assists and steals.

Several games last season, neither Outlaw nor Faison were on the court, and Higginbotham led a cast of reserves outside of Meghan Martin and Fulghum.

It was a glimpse of life after Outlaw leaves, and it wasn’t as concerning to fans after seeing Higginbotham take charge.

On most nights, Higginbotham was the best player on the court. Other nights she helped Outlaw have that tag. Higginbotham is a playmaker who can score and a backcourt pest to the opposition.

She could be the second-best player in Duplin County.

Reece Outlaw, ND Senior guard

Outlaw was Ms. Basketball last year.

Yet her fall isn’t a big one, and mostly because of the rise of Cave and Higginbotham.

Outlaw, who signed a letter-of-intent to play softball at UNC, averaged 14.1 points. She was an all-county volleyball player in the fall.

ND would have gone 18-8 and gotten into the second round of the playo s without having what Outlaw brought. ND went 24-2 in 2023-23 and 22-2 in 2021-22 with Outlaw as a starter.

Outlaw didn’t shoot as well as she did last season, though 1A ND played eight games

ALL-DUPLIN CO. GIRLS’ BASKETBALL 2023-24

FIRST TEAM

Kinsey Cave, ED, Fr.

Ja’Myia Pickett, ED, Jr.

Addy Higginbotham, ND, Jr.

Reece Outlaw, ND, Sr.

Y’Anna River, JK, Fr.

SECOND TEAM

Zakoya Farrior, ED, So.

Lillie Kornegay, JK, Sr.

Makya Kornegay, ED, Jr.

Tateyawna Faison, ND, So.

Sallie Hatcher, ED, Sr.

Savannah Smith, WRH, So.

Ron’Nyia Joyner, JK, Sr.

THIRD TEAM

Ava Noble, ED, Fr.

Nevaeh Dobson, WRH, Sr.

Carrie Carr, ED, Jr.

Lilly Fulghum, ND, So.

Sophia Sloan, WRH, So.

COACH OF THE YEAR

Mark Lane, East Duplin (24-5, 10-2 ECC)

against 2A schools, which proved to be too many matchups against bigger foes.

She scored 22 and 14 points in her nal two playo games.

Y’Anna Rivers, JK, Freshman guard

Rivers averaged 10.8 points, 9.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 2.7 steals and 2.2 blocks, while shooting 33 percent from beyond the 3-point line. As a freshman.

She played all ve positions on the oor for the Tigers, who were without Lillie Kornegay due to injuries a few times. JK went 10-14 during a season that could have had fewer wins, given the Tigers’ injuries.

Rivers is a good dribbler, penetrator and shooter and should be the face of JK girls hoops for the next three seasons.

Rivers has a bloodline with three former JK stars.

Her mother Sherelle, aunt LeAhnie and uncle Davon Rivers were all-conference selections. All-county teams started in 2003. Sherelle and LeAhnie played for former Tiger coach Wendy Lanier, who said Davon Rivers had “an exceptionally great career.”

SECOND TEAM

Makya Kornegay, ED

Junior guard

Kornegay was a rst-team all-county pick as a freshman but played at Southwest Onslow her sophomore campaign. She returned a better player and was surrounded by a solid cast of Panthers. Kornegay actually led ED in scoring until the nal ve games of the season; She averaged 8.4 points, 1.5 assists, 2.6 rebounds and 3.5 steals. The junior got ED going early by scoring in double gures in six of the rst eight games. She settled into her role as the Panthers’ sixth man and it allowed other players to develop.

Kornegay is a good decision-maker and the Panthers’ best on-the-ball defender. First team or reserve? Starter or reserve?

Kornegay just wants to win and plays with a get-it-done intensity.

Sallie Hatcher, ED

Senior guard

Hatcher canned a team-high 47 3-pointers, handled the ball well while averaging 7.6 points and 2.8 rebounds. She too was asked to take a new role with the arrival of Cave, return of Kornegay and rise of Farrior.

Zakoya Farrior, ED Junior guard

Farrior can burn the nets down from the outside when she’s in her groove. The sophomore averaged 7.4 points and 3.5 boards, but that hardly explains her talent or importance to ED. She gave the Panthers another perimeter threat. She canned 40 trifectas for the season and averaged 12 points during two playo games.

Fans got an early peek at her last season when Farrior played in 15 games, averaging 6.7 markers and 4.1 boards.

Look for Farrior to step up again next season, with an increased con dence from being around familiar teammates. ED loses only Hatcher next season and frosh Noble is ready for prime time.

Lillie Kornegay, JK Senior center

Injuries put a damper on Kornegay’s season, though she nearly averaged a double-double, hitting for 8.3 points, 11.6 rebounds and 2.3 blocks as a defender of the basket on defense. Not having her on the court hurt JK on both ends of the court.

Tateyawna Faison, ND Junior center

Faison averaged 10.1 points and led ND in rebounding. The 6-foot center is a twotime all-conference player averaged 9.5 points and 8.4 rebounds.

Ron’Nyia Joyner, JK

Senior guard

Joyner battled a foot injury all season, yet still put up 8.4 points, 2.3 assists, 2.5 steals and hit 33 percent from behind the 3-point line.

Savannah Smith, WRH Sophomore guard

Smith matured over the course of the season. She averaged 8.6 points as one of two WRH players to play in every game. She scored 16 points in a come-from-behind win over JK and seven against the Tigers in Warsaw in another rally to beat their rival, though the Bulldogs won just ve times in 22 games.

THIRD TEAM

Ava Noble, ED Freshman guard

Noble, who averaged 4.4 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.4 assists, is a player who will make noise in the future.

Nevaeh Dobson, WRH Senior forward

Dobson, a former player at JK, was instrumental in the win over the Tigers, too. She averaged a team-high 9.1 points.

Carrie Carr, ED Junior forward

Carr can clean the glass with the best players around. While not getting full-time minutes she averaged 3.8 points and 6.1 rebounds.

Sophia Sloan, WRH Sophomore guard

Sloan averaged 5.3 points as a second-year starter who came on strong near the end of the season.

Lilly Fulghum, ND Sophomore forward

Fulghum found her way late in the season as well. She averaged 5.1 points and wasn’t a player prone to turnovers.

COACH from page 7

man Kinsey Cave, a point guard who put all the pieces together. Her game allowed post player Ja’Myah Pickett to dominate in the paint, and for Makya Kornegay, Zakoya Farrior, Sallie Hatcher and others to get shots in their respective comfort zones.

Lane implemented a new defensive scheme, guiding a team with just one senior to 20 wins for the eighth time in his 16 seasons. The uprising came after a rare 3-18 campaign in 2021-22 and the 11-14 season that followed.

Since 2009, no ED class has graduated without being a part of at least one 20-win season.

ED’s previous 20 campaign was in 2019-20 when the Panthers were 20-5. Lane’s fourth team in 2011-12 started the whole thing by pushing to 25-4. What followed was marks of 21-7 (2012-13), 23-4 (2015), 21-8 (2017) and four consecutive 20-win marks of 21-8, 25-3, 26-2 and the afore-mentioned 20-5 (2017-20).

Lane endured the two toughest seasons of his career and has come out with the hope of a great season next winter.

“We’re going to be good in six months, the question is will we be better,” Lane said. “It’s a matter of, who is willing to work to become better. One player? Two. Or the whole team.”

ED went to a matchup zone this season, veering from the man-to-man defense Lane leaned on heavily in the past.

“The kids made it go,” Lane said. “It allowed us to move the o ense to one side, and we rebounded well out of it, something you worry about with a zone defense. I think we were only out-rebounded three or four times.”

The o ense was uid and lled with scoring sources. Five

TAKE NOTICE

players scored 200-plus points as Cave netted 267 Kornegay 228, Hatcher 219, Farrior, 215 and Pickett 214.

“We had a number of players who could score the ball, and I also include Ava (Noble) in that list, as well as Carrie Carr and Zoe Cavanaugh, whose games have improved and who made contributions to an amazing season,” Lane said.

“I knew we would be good in summer camp, but I didn’t think we’d go unbeaten in the conference aside from losses to Southwest Onslow. But I knew early in the season when we ripped North Lenoir at their place that it was going to be a good season.”

Wins piled up and ED’s only other loss was an early setback to North Duplin, which the Panthers avenged a month later.

Lane, who is 288-121 since ne took over for ED coaching icon Jerry Hunter in 2009-10, said drubbing Eastern Wayne 65-57— in a game that wasn’t as close as the score indicated — was a highlight. It was a second-round road playo victory.

“We shot the ball well, spread out the o ense and played well defensively,” Lane said. “So early-on I knew we could play with anyone.”

ED lost 56-47 to West Craven in the third round of the playo s after falling to SWO three times before the playo s.

“We led in the third quarter or later in all of those games,” Lane said. “Turnovers and being unable to sustain our leads late in games were our downfalls. But we were learning. We started two freshman and a sophomore some games.”

Lane knows Cave is still learning, but she’s often way ahead of the curve she’s about to navigate on a basketball court.

She is a huge reason why the Panthers have returned to dominating ECC and most 2A foes in Eastern North Carolina.

PANTHERS from page 7

ECC champ Southwest Onslow, which ended its season with a 26-1 mark. Yet the Panthers had chances to win all three games, all of which were dog- ghts that saw the Stallions rally to victories. The West Craven game was also winnable. ED wasn’t to-

gether enough when a solid North Duplin team beat them early in the season.

That changed as Cave turned up her intensity and turned into orchestrating games at a pace that best- t East Duplin’s roster.

She found open looks for Pickett, Hatcher, Makya Kornegay, rising star Zakoya Farrior and any Panther with space in front of them.

Cave edged out teammates Kornegay and Pickett, plus ND’s Addy Higginbotham and Reece Outlaw to capture Ms. Basketball honors. Outlaw was the winner the previous season when ND advanced to the fourth round of the 1A playo s, nishing up at 24-2.

NC 28518

Run dates: A17,24,M1,8p

obituaries

Stratton King Murphy

Jan. 21, 1973 – April 6, 2024 (age 51)

Stratton King Murphy, 51, of Plantation, Florida, left this earthly life to enter the Kingdom of Heaven on Saturday, April 6, 2024, following a tragic motorcycle accident. He was born on January 21, 1973, in Kenansville to Harry Daniel “Pete” and Lynn Chandler Murphy. Stratton grew up in Rose Hill, and was a graduate of Harrells Christian Academy. From an early age Stratton was committed to doing his very best in all endeavors. At Harrells, he was a Morehead Scholar Nominee, President of the Student Body, and a member of the Quizbowl team. On the football eld, Stratton was Quarterback his Senior year and won three State Championships. He also played four years of baseball, winning two state championships, four years of basketball, as well as enjoying Varsity golf. Stratton attended the University of Miami, in Coral Gables, Florida, where he received a Bachelor of Business Administration, with honors, in 1995 and a Masters of Business Administration in 1997. At “The U”, he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, where he made lifelong friendships and lasting memories, as well as a member of Beta Alpha Psi, honor Accounting Fraternity. Always one to seek new adventures, Stratton began his career in Barcelona, Spain working for Ernst & Young as a Senior Accountant, focused on mergers and acquisitions. As a Harley-Davidson enthusiast and

Magdalene Parker Herring

Feb. 18, 1935 – April 13, 2024 (age 89)

Magdalene Parker Herring

came into the world on Feb. 18, 1935. She was the youngest of four children born to Ollin and Ethel Parker. She was known as Maggie or Mag to those who knew and loved her.

On a senior school trip to Washington, DC, she met the love of her life, Billy Herring. The two married on October 2, 1955. She always joked that she met Bill on a roller coaster and she had been on a roller coaster ever since. Family was everything to them. They were both raised in loving families and wanted to continue the tradition with a family of their own. They built a beautiful life together in Newton Grove and raised ve children together: Tommy, Lisa, David, Mark, and Betty.

In 1969 they worked together

rider, Stratton traveled all over Europe on his bike, riding over 40,000 miles to 35 countries, territories and independent states, traveling South to Malta and Crete, East to the Black Sea, West to Portugal and North to Iceland, North Cape, and Norway.

Upon returning to America to start his own family, Stratton had the honor to work alongside his father serving as President/ Managing Partner for Murphy Investment Group. Beginning in 2011, Stratton also proudly served as CEO and President of Desperado, Mad Boar, Taboo, and Hideout Harley-Davidson Dealerships. He continued his journeys riding countless miles on his Harley across the United States and Central America. Surviving, in addition to his parents, are his sons Liam, Aleix, and Biel Murphy and his former wife, Meritxell Gangonells Murphy of Plantation, Florida; brothers, Marc Murphy of Raleigh and Nick Kukulinski, and his wife Paula, of Raleigh; nephews, Payne Kukulinski and Santana Murphy, and nieces, Claire Kukulinski and Marisa Murphy; Uncle, Wendell H. Murphy and his wife, Linda, and Uncle Larry Chandler; Great Aunt, Peggy Stubbs; as well as numerous cousins, including Dell Murphy (Wendy), Wendy Crumpler (Kelly), Cindy Bass, Wesley Hairr (Donna), Angela Brown (Robby), Kimberly Byrd (Mike), Alexander Holder (Denise), Carla Kie er (Jonathan), and extended family and friends, all of whom loved Stratton dearly. Stratton was preceded in death by his Grandparents, Holmes and Lois Murphy and Lawrence and Nellie Chandler, and Aunt, Joyce Murphy Minchew. Stratton’s greatest accomplishment and source of pride were his sons. His family was always most important to him and it was his honor to be called “Dada”, “Son”, and “Uncle Scratch.” Stratton was actively engaged in his son’s lives which included their school, the NSU University School in Fort Lauderdale, where he sat on the Student Life Committee for the Head of the School Advisory

to start a company from the ground up called Hog Slat, Inc. which is still thriving today. Mom worked by Daddy’s side until the business was stable and then returned to her role as CEO in the Herring household. Through the years, Mom was known for her hospitality. Her love of owers and ability to create beauty in everything around her was evident in every event she hosted. Her beautiful homes provided the perfect setting for entertaining family and friends. Whether she was serving a surprise lunch guest or hosting her Annual Ladies’ Christmas Luncheon at Topsail Beach, or a wedding or baby shower, she made sure everything was perfect. Large family gatherings at Thanksgiving and Christmas were such a joy to Mom, and she was always happy if extras showed up to enjoy her meals.

Mom’s great loves were our Daddy, her family, her church and her Lord. She was so proud of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her favorite days were when our family lled the pews at Goshen Methodist Church, where she was always the rst to volunteer for any church meal or event. A generous soul to the end, she was cooking and taking food to friends the day before she left us. She was a loving mother, a cherished grandmother and great-grandmother, and a loyal

Board and served as a dedicated volunteer and donor. Since sports were such an important part of his youth, Stratton gave back by serving as a Youth Recreational Sports Coach in Davie, Florida.

Stratton was disciplined and committed to a rigorous tness routine which inspired family and friends. He was a Tae Kwon Do Black Belt, frequent participant in the 75 Hard Challenge, and recently completed Rise Up Kings, a highly structured and intense Christian business training program. Stratton’s commitment to Christ was an important aspect of his life and he was a member of First Baptist Church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. An avid fan of and contributor to the Miami Hurricanes, North Carolina State University Wolfpack, and East Carolina Pirates, he enjoyed joining family and friends to cheer on those teams whenever possible.

Patriotic, sel ess, and a man of his word, Stratton showed up for the people he loved for moments both big and small. With a smile that lifted spirits and a huge heart, Stratton knew no strangers. He was loving and ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. While Stratton will surely be missed, the treasured memories and his legacy will forever live on through his children and generations to come.

Funeral service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 21, 2024, at First Baptist Church of Wallace. The funeral will be followed by an entombment service at Devotional Gardens in Warsaw. There will be a Celebration of Stratton’s life held at the River Landing Clubhouse following the services above. Flowers are welcome and contributions may be made in memory of Stratton to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, dogood. t2t.org/IMOStrattonMurphy, to support our nation’s greatest heroes and their families, or The ALS Association Research Program, http://donate.als.org , to support research to identify, treat, and one day cure ALS.

friend to all who were fortunate enough to call her a friend. She never met a stranger and was quick to champion the underdog. Her legacy of love and compassion will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Godspeed, Mom. We were so lucky you were ours!

She is survived by her loving husband, William Thomas Herring Sr.; children, William Thomas Herring II (Sharon), Lisa Herring Mende (Bryant), David Herring (Lisa), Mark Herring (Sylvia) and Betty Smith (Steve). 16 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren and brother, Roland Parker of Charlotte. A special thank you to Janet Carr, who assisted Mom for the past 30 years and in her nal years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ollin and Ethel Parker, her brother, Julius Parker, her sister, Betty Parker Coleman, and grandson, Walker Herring Taylor and granddaughter, Elizabeth McCollough Smith.

A celebration of her life will be at Goshen Methodist Church 2765 Suttontown Road Newton Grove, NC 28366, on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at 1 p.m. Following the service, the family will receive guests in the Church Fellowship Hall from 2-4 p.m. Memorials may be sent to Goshen Methodist Church P.O. Box 51 Newton Grove, NC 28366.

Mickey Allen Sholar

Jan. 26, 1989 – April 12, 2024 (age 35)

Mickey Allen Sholar, 35, of Chinquapin passed away suddenly on Friday, the 12th of April, 2024. He was born in Duplin County at Duplin General Hospital on Thursday, the 26th of January, 1989, the youngest of three sons to Sebelia Gray Sholar and the late Donald Ray Sholar.

As soon as Mickey was brought home, he became the most precious baby in the household. His two other brothers, Anthony and Donnie, drug him around the house like a cabbage patch kid doll. Anthony saved him from getting into trouble, while Donnie was his partner in crime and instigator. When Mickey was about 5, Anthony realized he was getting out of hand. Donnie was okay with how Mickey was and remained his partner in crime and instigator.

At this point, it was each boy on their own. By this time… it was too late.

To the faculty and sta of Chinquapin Elementary School — thank you for your patience with Mickey’s “undesirable language” that you did not teach out of the textbooks. To the doctors, nurses, and ER sta at the numerous local hospitals who come to know our family on a rst-name basis — thank you for your continuous limb realignments and suturing of the gaping wounds (commonly known as nightmares) and his “undesirable language.” To the locals in the Pin Hook, Chinquapin, Lyman, and Beulaville areas — trust us, we know he was as bad outside the house as he was behind closed doors.

To know Mickey was to love Mickey. From a young age, Mickey was well known for not holding anything back. If you did not want to know the truth, don’t ask Mickey. This was a vast improvement from his younger years of being able to easily pursue a career at the age of 5 as a Philadelphia Lawyer.

Mickey attended East Duplin High School, where he was actively involved in the ROTC. Mickey did very well in the ROTC program and had the opportunity to pursue a career in a branch of the military; however, that wasn’t Mickey’s desire. Mickey, rather, wanted to drive a big truck and be like his daddy. Mickey obtained his CDLs and began driving big trucks.

In the meantime, Mickey met the love of his life, Holly. Mickey and Holly had a oneof-a-kind relationship. They always poked fun at each

other, sometimes threatening each other, but ultimately, they loved each other like no other. They had each other’s back, and you better not mess with one, or you would get the other one, too. A couple of years after they were married, they had a “Mickey Junior” Dalton Ray Sholar. Meet Dalton if you want to get an idea of Mickey in his younger years. His work career stemmed from driving trucks to farming, primarily landing in farming in the latter years. He took great pride in preparing land for crops. While cruising farmland that had been prepared, Mickey would often stop at a eld and admire the crops, stating, “Look at those lines; you just don’t see those like that anymore. Can’t everybody make a row that straight. That is one heck of a farmer right there!” Little did the people know he was talking to; he was the one who prepared the land. In harvesting season, Mickey would gather the crops and often take them by 18-wheeler to the grain mills. This time of the year, not only busy, was the best time of the year because Mickey could do both things that he loved dearly – driving an 18-wheeler and farming.

Outside of work, Mickey enjoyed being a volunteer reman with the Chinquapin Volunteer in Chinquapin, and the Lyman Volunteer Fire Department in Lyman. He collectively volunteered at both for more than 10 years. While volunteering at Lyman, he became the Assistant Chief, a title of which he was enormously proud. He volunteered at Lyman for about eight years.

Surviving in addition to his mother is his best friend and loving wife of 12 years, Holly Sholar; his son, Dalton Ray Sholar of Chinquapin; brothers, Anthony Sholar (Derek) of Mint Hill; Donnie Sholar (Jennessa) of Chinquapin; sister Madison Gray of Ketchum, Oklahoma; one niece, Destinee Heath; one nephew, Decatur Ray Sholar; his canine son, Ranger; canine sister, Brendy; canine brother, Bruiser; and numerous extended family and friends that loved Mickey dearly.

Mickey was preceded in death by his father, Donald Ray Sholar; maternal grandparents, William F. and Nelma C. Gray; paternal grandparents, Elwood Anthon and Pennie Mae Sholar; uncles, George E. Sholar, Craig B. Gray, and F. Windell Gray.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, the 18th of April, from 6-8 p.m. at The Church at Pin Hook. A funeral service to celebrate Mickey’s life will be held Friday, the 19th of April, 2024, at noon at The Church at Pin Hook, with burial services immediately following at the Gray Family Cemetery located on Norwood Blanchard Road, Wallace.

In lieu of owers, the family asks that donations be sent to Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home, PO Box 339, Wallace, NC 28466.

Sandra Faye (Ballard) Powell

Aug. 10, 1944 – March 30, 2024 (age 79)

Sandra Faye Powell, 79, of Wallace passed from this life to her eternal rest on Saturday, March 30, 2024.

She was born on Aug. 10, 1944 in Hopewell, Virginia; the daughter of the late Linwood K. and Mary Louise Gri th Ballard. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Delton Theo Powell; son, Mark Ziegler; daughter, Lisa Zeigler and numerous siblings.

Surviving to cherish her memory is her son Craig Zeigler and wife Joanne of Bowie, Maryland; grandsons Steven Zeigler and Brian Zeigler and wife Lakita; granddaughter Elizabeth Zeigler, six greatgrandchildren, along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Treasured memories of Sandra will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Davy Alford Sholar

Feb. 27, 1948 – April 10, 2024 (age 76)

Davy Alford Sholar of Wallace departed his earthly life on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, while at Novant-New Hanover Regional Medical Center. Born on Feb. 27, 1948, he is the son of the late Sigford and Ioma Hunter Sholar. Also preceding him in death are his wife, Peggy Brinkley Sholar; brother, Nathan Sholar; and granddog, Caydee.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Debbie Fussell (Carl) of Wallace, Gwen Rivenbark (Skeeter) of Wallace; son, Brent Sholar (Christina) of Teachey; grandchildren, Amber Murphy and (Steve), Andrew Fussell, Haley Rivenbark Kelley (Briley), Hannah Rivenbark, Hillary Rivenbark; greatgrandchildren, Brody Watkins, Kate Fussell, Oliver Fussell; siblings, Berena Alston of Wallace, Vaden Sholar (Cleo) of Wallace, Hunter D. Sholar (Linda) of Franklin, Tennessee, and Kim Jones (Floyd, Jr.) of Richlands; and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Sholar was born in Duplin County and spent most of his life there. While attending elementary and high school he never missed a day. Most of his work career was in poultry growing and raising cattle, and he was admired for his ability to grow wonderful collards. He worked also in textiles at Guilford East. As a happy man himself, he enjoyed making others laugh, as well, and never complained about anything. He was dearly loved by his family, and he considered his family his greatest possession on earth.

The family will greet friends at a visitation on Sunday evening, April 14, in the chapel of Padgett Funeral & Cremation Services in Wallace. A graveside service to celebrate his life was Monday, April 15, in the Nickson-Pierce Cemetery on Highway 50 in Pin Hook. At other times the family greeted friends at the home of Brent Sholar in Teachey.

Terry Donnell Rogers

Oct. 23, 1966 – April 4, 2024 (age 57)

BEULAVILLE — Mr. Terry Donnell Rogers, age 57, of Beulaville passed away on Thursday, April 4, 2024 at ECU Health Duplin Hospital in Kenansville.

Funeral services were held on Friday, April 12, 2024 at the Rose Hill Funeral Home Chapel in Rose Hill. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Funeral Home Cemetery in Magnolia.

Left to cherish his memories: wife, Diana Rogers of Beulaville; two sons, Jermy Royall and Terry Rogers, Jr.; three daughters, Desara Grant, Amelia Rogers and Deana Smith; two brothers, James Murray (Melinda) of Fayetteville and Leon Murray of Kinston; father-in-law, Troy Smith of Kenansville; mother-in-law, Alma Tyler of Beulaville; one grandson, Kainnan Smith; six aunts, four uncles; numerous, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that will miss him dearly.

Emory Glen Parker

Oct. 19, 1935 – April 6, 2024 (age 88)

Emory Glen Parker, 88, passed away on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at his home. He was born Oct. 19, 1935 in Deep Bottom, Wallace, He was the son of the late William Parker and Mary (Walker) Parker. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, William Parker, Jr., Millard Parker and Marion Parker; sisters, Pearl Cottle, Hazel Anderson, Kathleen Cottle and Collister English.

Emory is survived by wife, Frances (Pat) Wood Parker and brother Gene Ray Parker (Jackie), as well as children, Patrick Parker (Tracie), Regina Parker (Mark Turnbull), grandsons, Zachary Chase Parker and Hunter Cole Parker (Delilah).

Emory served in the Army. He retired in 1999 from construction/crane operator and was a member of Sharon Baptist Church in Chinquapin, where he attended regularly until illness prevented it.

He was a avid hunter and enjoyed hunting with Patrick, Zachary, and Hunter. He also enjoyed babysitting his grandsons.

Funeral service was Tuesday, April 9, 2024, followed by visitation, at Community Funeral Home, Beulaville. Graveside service was private.

In lieu of owers, memory gifts may be made to ECU Health & Hospice, 401 N. Main St. Kenansville, NC 28349.

Macy Magdeline Hollingsworth

Oct. 9, 1931 – April 6, 2024 (age 92)

Macy Magdeline Hollingsworth, 92, passed away on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at her home. She is preceded in death by her parents, Stacy and Norma Sholar, her spouse, Denver Hollingsworth, Sr. (Taylor), daughter, Diane Garrett and brothers, I. J. Sholar and Donald “Duck” Sholar.

Visitation was Monday, April 8, 2024 at Community Funeral Home, Beulaville. Funeral service was Tuesday, April 9, 2023 at the Wallace Branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1585, Hwy. 50, Maple Hill, NC 28454. Interment followed at Hollingsworth Cemetery in Wallace. Survivors include: son, Marty Hollingsworth (Jacque) of Wallace; daughter, June Owen (Carl) of Wallace, Sue Roper (Tom) of Burgaw; grandchildren, Stacy Garrett, Chris Roper (Kelly), Britney Roper, Denver Hollingsworth, III (Emily), Dallas Hollingsworth (Taylor), Travis Owen (Kimberly), Jackson Hollingsworth and Logan Hollingsworth; great-grandchildren, Macy Hollingsworth (Denver & Emily) and Sadie Rose Roper (Chris & Kelly).

Dorothy Mae Estella (Bennett) Moore

Jan. 24, 1931 – April 6, 2024 (age 93)

Dorothy Mae Estella Bennett Moore of Rose Hill passed from her earthly life on Saturday, April 6, 2024, while at ECU Health Duplin Hospital. Born on January 24, 1931, she is the daughter of the late Willie Eugene and Beaulah Frances Johnson Bennett.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Angelene Robinson and husband Quincy of Rocky Mount, Tony Bennett and wife Debbie of Wallace, and Frances Moore and Randolph Newkirk of Rose Hill; grandchildren, Michelle Wallace of Charlotte, Jennifer Riley of Atlanta (Georgia), Quanza Mooring and husband Isaac of Houston (Texas), Malcolm Robinson of Rocky Mount, and Jamael Moore and wife Brie of Wallace.

Mrs. Moore was born in Duplin County and after her marriage to Mr. Moore, attended college and received an associate’s degree. Most of her work career centered around her role as a juvenile correctional o cer at Dobbs School in Kinston. She loved her family dearly and was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and greatgrandmother. Arrangements were at Peters Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church on Sunday, April 14, 2024.