Duplin journal. He told Duplin Journal that the main driving factor for his decision was the long commute. S. The Duplin County Edition of the North State Journal Duplin paves the way for sustained economic growth. This time the Duplin County Transportation Department located at the Duplin Commons is nearing completion of its new facility which will house administration and Local Board of Elections director answers commonly asked questions As the Nov. Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in Duplin County: Aug. 21 edition of Duplin Journal, we covered some of the most pressing topics discussed during the town of Warsaw’s monthly meeting. 23, when a structure fire broke out on Grove Creek Avenue. , a resident of Magnolia, was found not guilty by a jury in Duplin County Superior Court following a brief deliberation of less than an hour. KENANSVILLE — Children in Kenansville are one step closer to having a new, agriculture-themed playground, as town officials move forward with plans to replace the former Kenan Park play area that was removed two years MOUNT OLIVE — The Mount Olive Board of Commissioners is looking to start fresh in the New Year, after a contentious town board meeting in December, during which several citizens took the town to task for problems with water quality and transparency of town government. Duplin Journal spoke with Perkins about the work of feeding Duplin County’s children in need. KENANSVILLE — The Duplin County Schools Child Nutrition Department has recently announced the start of its summer meals program. If you haven't WARSAW — On the Nov. “We’ve really been paying attention to bringing housing to Beulaville, so people who want to live in Beulaville can do that. According to Magnolia Town Manager Charles “Twig” Rollins, Magnolia was selected from a pool of 100 other local government applicants. This week Duplin Journal invited Deputy County Manager Carrie Shields for a Q&A session. Our thoughts are with his family, colleagues, and the entire Duplin County Schools MOUNT OLIVE — Residents of Mount Olive are fed up with water problems and transparency issues plaguing their town, and they took the Board of Commissioners to task for it at the regular monthly meeting on Monday night, Dec. The vote, which was held after the closed session, was 3-2 with Commissioners Delreese Simmons and Vicky Darden opposed. They were suspended without pay, effective Thursday, Jan. The employees nor their MAGNOLIA — Town Manager Charles “Twig” Rollins recently announced his decision to step down as Magnolia town manager. Citizen input was at a minimum According to NC Department of Environmental Quality documents obtained by Duplin Journal, on Jan. 2. The family explained that Miley’s anatomy made it challenging for doctors to WALLACE — Police Chief "Jimmy" Crayton has been elected as the Section III Representative for the FBI National Academy Associates (FBINAA), the town of Wallace announced on Tuesday. Duplin Journal then reached out to County Manager Bryan Miller for further details. on Aug. The board also voted 3-2 to app KENANSVILLE — Longtime superintendent of Duplin County Schools (DCS) and a voice for equity and innovation in rural education, Austin Obasohan, died on July 24, 2025, after serving for 15 years at the helm of the district. On Aug. This initiative aims to address food insecurity by providing free, healthy meals for children and teens aged 18 and under now through Aug. 2 meeting. 15% of the votes over Democratic vice president Kamala Harris. By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal WALLACE — With several new housing developments on the horizon, the town of Wallace is also looking to expand its business offerings in the new year. In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, local governments play a crucial role in WALLACE — Duplin Christian Outreach Ministries celebrated its 20th anniversary on Sunday at its headquarters on South Norwood Street in Wallace. “Over the years, I have seen the need from children that come to school without adequate food,” the retired schoolteacher told Duplin Journal. One of the biggest concerns addressed was the ongoing issues at the Warsaw Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), as notices of violation have become a recurrent theme for over a year. Crayton's election was confirmed during the 2025 FBINAA National Annual Training Conference held in Baltimore, Mary By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal KENANSVILLE — After much discussion about the Duplin County Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) presented by Austin Brinkley with Insight Planning, at the Board of County WALLACE — Excitement, optimism, and good cheer suffused the town hall Thursday night as Mayor Jason Wells prepared to administer the Oath of Office to Ashlee Graziano during the board’s monthly meeting, officially MOUNT OLIVE — Agricultural roots run deep for NC Farm Families executive director, Chad Herring. Today, [] Duplin County is set to move to a less distressed economic tier ranking in 2025, as announced last week by the North Carolina Department of Commerce. Recently, he sat down with the Duplin Journal to shed light on the situation’s history and discuss potential solutions. Duplin County — A rally in Duplin County brought out more than 1,000 supporters of the state’s farming industry, calling recent nuisance lawsuits an attack on their industry. 1 at the The latest edition of the Duplin County edition of the North State Journal, featuring news, events, and stories from the local community. Currently there are 12 intersections scheduled to have all-way stops. This county-wide entrepreneurship competition, hosted by James Sprunt Community College’s Small Business Center, Marine Federal Credit Union, and the Duplin Chamber of Commerce, provided Meet Deputy County Manager Carrie Shields Each week, the Duplin Journal highlights a community member whose hard work and dedication exemplify the spirit of Duplin County. In the background, Carrie County management shares a glimpse into what’s coming up this year By Ena Sellers, Duplin Journal KENANSVILLE – As 2024 rolls in, Duplin County is setting gears in motion preparing for growth. Pender County Schools extends our heartfelt condolences to the Duplin County Schools community following the passing of Superintendent Dr. "Meals include a nutritious ROSE HILL — Tasha Mathis was appointed to the Rose Hill Board of Commissioners at the town’s regular meeting last Tuesday, filling Ross Powell’s unexpired term following his resignation in April. While Beulaville’s other Dollar General KENANSVILLE – Duplin continues to see growth. “We are all truly saddened,” said County Manager Bryan Miller told Duplin Journal that he didn’t expect a big change in the budget for each department. “As long as I can remember, I was brought to this lodge,” Ingram said KENANSVILLE — Dawan Dontra McKinzie, a former correctional officer at Neuse Correctional Institution in Goldsboro, was sentenced Tuesday to five years in federal prison and four years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute. Read about the Veterans Day Parade, the KENANSVILLE — It’s only natural that Charles Ingram of Kenansville would take an interest in the long history of the town’s Masonic Lodge. According to a media release from the office of attorney Kennedy L. She said the history of the ministry dated back to 2009. Eason, a U. KENANSVILLE — With the ceremonial shoveling of dirt by county officials, construction is officially underway on Duplin County’s new detention center. 30. Traditionally held each fall at the Duplin Events Center, the festival has showcased the county’s unique charm and Southern hospitality, bringing pride and Duplin Journal contacted the Duplin Country Club for clarification on how county employees can use the corporate membership, however, a staff member directed us back to the county administration. The process from violation notice to fee assessment can sometimes take up to a few months. In northern Duplin County, between the forks of the northeast Cape Fear River and Goshen Swamp, Kornegay Hereford Farms (KHFarms) is entering its 76th year. By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal The Town of Magnolia was recently selected for a Lead for North Carolina grant through the School of Government. They will remain here for three weeks before they can be moved into the Turn to page A6 for the story. “The Participants walked around the Duplin Commons trails, which featured signs that highlighted important information about elder abuse. KENANSVILLE — The Board of County Commissioners approved the schedule of values for the 2025 Duplin County revaluation during the Dec. Additionally, Cox faces charges for failing to report the accident and has been placed on a $25,000 secured bond. Since 2020, Focus Broadband has invested over $9 million in Duplin County. 16 the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council (DMAC) issued a drought advisory, classifying Duplin County as one of 11 counties in eastern North Carolina experiencing severe drought conditions. “We’ve already made a statement on our Facebook page. Photo K. Duplin Journal Apr 11 Stanly News and Press Apr 11 THESNAPONLINE. KENANSVILLE — The Duplin County Hall of Fame celebrated its 30th annual awards banquet at the Ed Emory Auditorium last week, adding two inductees to an already impressive roster of 59 exceptional individuals: living recipient Davis Brinson, former Duplin County manager and register of deeds, and Colonel Thomas Routledge, deceased recipient The Duplin County Edition of the North State Journal Black Hair Brown Eyes Please contact the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office at 910-296-2150 or the Duplin County Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 910-372-9202. He was subsequently arrested and charged with felony hit-and-run resulting in the death of Inman. This fello Unofficial results are in for North Carolina, with former President Trump taking the lead with 2,876,398 votes counted. Thompson, the events leading to the trial stemmed from Veteran lawmaker and Duplin County farmer Jimmy Dixon (R-Duplin) has announced his decision to seek reelection to the North Carolina House of Representatives, ending recent speculation about a potential retirement and aiming for The housing funding is something the town board has been working on for the past five to six years, he told the Duplin Journal. “One of the 20 is 93 years young,” Brown noted. 4, during a special meeting, the Duplin County Board of Education appointed Daren Tyndall as the interim superintendent of Duplin County Schools. 1. His last day will be Oct. The meeting opened with the Presentation of the Colors from Sea Scouts of Ship 55. The incident is believed to be a Court documents obtained by Duplin Journal reveal that an arrest warrant for Cox was issued on June 23 in connection with the incident. “Fire and rescue organizations A spokesperson for Duke Energy told Duplin Journal that companies that own the communication/cable line are responsible for removing the tree. 5, for beating a cat to death with a baseball bat near Chinquapin. On the front, Commissioner Dexter Edwards (left), Angel Venecia, and Brennan Fuquay cut the ribbon to celebrate the official opening of the new Duplin County Transportation facility on Feb. During the public forum portion of the meeting, several citizens spoke up about the water discoloration that town water customers Murphy Family Ventures and Smithfield recently announced a transformative agreement that will revive the iconic Murphy family farming business, originally established by Wendell Murphy in 1962. 5 general election approaches, Duplin Journal will feature a series of Q&As with Duplin County Board of Elections Director Carrie Sullivan. KENANSVILLE — The NC Muscadine Festival, a hallmark event for Duplin County for the past two decades, has officially been postponed until 2026. According to reports, when first responders arrived, they pronounced him dead at the scene. When Duplin Journal reached out to local fire chiefs and the Duplin County Fire Marshal, they all agreed there were likely several factors causing the problem. According to Duplin Journal Lettuce seedlings of two varieties grow at the James Sprunt Community College smart farm nursery station. KENANSVILLE — With a unanimous vote, Duplin County officially put its financial playbook in writing — establishing guidelines for how it budgets, borrows and saves for the future. The third-generation pig farmer who raises newly-weaned pigs on his family farm in Mount Olive has been The Duplin Rotary Club celebrated its 100th anniversary with a banquet at The Country Squire Thursday night, June 26, 2025. The meeting also Duplin Journal spoke with Perkins about the work of feeding Duplin County’s children in need. “Duplin County continues to pave the way for sustained economic growth by enhancing access to technology, vital resources, and increased infrastructure. National Guard veteran and former Warsaw CHINQUAPIN — Duplin County Sheriff Stratton Stokes confirmed that a 15-year-old was charged with felony and misdemeanor animal cruelty on Tuesday, Nov. In Duplin County, he won with 64. COM North State Media to acquire Obasohan: A visionary leader who for over 15 years guided Duplin County Schools with purpose and unwavering belief in the power of education. Sheriff Stokes told Duplin Journal that a video recorded off of a Snapchat was sent to the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office Monday afternoon The past few months have brought a number of new businesses to Duplin County, with more still to come in the near future. The treatment and discharge of wastewater in towns and cities like Mt. Officials have acknowledged the growing concerns about homeowners’ insurance costs in the Holland Road He reported that Duplin County is now ranked fourth in the state for sales tax growth, based on a seven-month year-over-year increase in gross tax sales collections. Warsaw’s overburdened wastewater treatment plant has been a significant topic of concern for area residents and leadership. “I do expect to see some savings over time, but initially, we won’t see a budgetary impact at all,” Miller The Duplin County Edition of the North State Journal Photo by Ena Sellers / Duplin Journal Resident Jessica Thomas, who leads the group Duplin County Coalition for Accountability & Transparency, has emerged as a leading voice for several county employees and local residents. By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal. This week, Duplin Journal invited Register of Deeds Anita Savage for a Q&A session. His leadership reshaped local schools and left a lasting mark on students, educators and the community. m. Eason will go down in history as the mastermind behind the Warsaw Veterans Mural, leaving a legacy to be remembered The Town of Warsaw is mourning the loss of Commissioner Russell Eason, who passed away on May 27, 2024 at his home in Warsaw. 12. The North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal announced the recipients of the 2024 Volunteer Fire Department Fund, also known as Fire Grant, on May 15. According to Warsaw Mayor A. “Things seem to be driven more toward personal success. Dr. KENANSVILLE — Duplin County hits the ground running as 2025 rolls in with several Oak City’s 235-year-old Bella Plantation is growing. The town of Mount Olive announced on Monday that the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) has launched an investigation into possible misconduct on the part of two town employees. Duplin County Public Safety Director and Fire Marshal Matthew Barwick believes societal changes are a big factor. The Duplin County area 10u and 12u softball teams recently represented the state of North Carolina at the Dixie Youth Softball World Series Officials question repeated change orders as road project delays push completion into October KENANSVILLE — Members of the Duplin County Economic Development “It is a very exciting time in Duplin County,” said Scotty Summerlin, Economic Development Commission executive director, as he speaks about the land clearing and grubbing going on at the AirPark. Melisa Brown, Duplin County Senior Services director, told Duplin Journal that 20 people participated in the walk. “He was a true friend of Duplin County and the citizens and students of Duplin County Schools,” Mayor Hutch Jones acknowledged. Obasohan was a dedicated leader whose passion for education touched countless lives across Eastern North Carolina. The NC Highway Patrol stated that a Jeep Wrangler was traveling south on KENANSVILLE — Duplin County hits the floor running as 2025 rolls in with several infrastructure and economic development projects on the books, continuing the pace of growth. Inman was discovered by a postal worker on Monday morning. J. Currently, 46,923 people live in Duplin County. The North Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a 25-year-old man found in a ditch along NC 24, east of Beulaville. By Ena Sellers, Duplin Journal KENANSVILLE — Duplin County officials, leadership, and the public recently shared thoughts about the existing and planned all-way stops for several areas in Duplin County during the Board of County Commissioners meeting. Each week, Duplin Journal highlights a community member whose hard work and dedication represent the spirit of Duplin County. This verdict came after an intense four-day murder trial that concluded on April 17. From tiny ballerinas taking their first steps to teenagers By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSAN JOHNSON Warsaw firefighters had their Thanksgiving meals disrupted on Thursday, Nov. On Thursday, Jan. Food insecurity remains a pressing issue across the state. Additionally, he noted that Focus Broadband expects to complete construction by the end of April. The 31-year-old Kenansville man admitted in May KENANSVILLE — Duplin County Schools is turning to a familiar and trusted leader to help guide the district through a time of transition. The body of Noah G. The plan totals $112,251,651 and allocates $76. 29, the DEQ issued a notice of violation and assessment of civil penalties totalling $9,933 for violations of wastewater quality standards last October. 22. Over two decades ago, two Wallace-area pastors, James Page of Adoram Baptist Church and Phillip Gladden of Wallace Presbyterian Church, met for a lunch of By Ena Sellers, Duplin Journal KENANSVILLE — An amendment to modify construction documents for the new Duplin County Detention Center was approved on Monday, Nov. D. “Faye Sellars read an article in what I believe was the Wilmington paper about children not having sufficient food on the weekends,” Perkins said. A combined total of $302,076. In Duplin County, nearly one in four children live in food-insecure households. The new policy, adopted last week, aims to enhance transparency, protect reserves and ensure that taxpayers understand h KENANSVILLE — Employee raises and school support highlight Duplin’s proposed 2025-26 fiscal plan presented by County Manager Bryan Miller last week at the Ed Emory Auditorium in Kenansville. By Ena Sellers, Duplin Journal WALLACE – Duplin County has been on a steady pace of growth for the past couple of years with 2023 bringing numerous noteworthy highlights and wrapping up the year with a healthy Overcrowding, safety a dire concern at Duplin County Detention Center By Ena Sellers, Duplin Journal KENANSVILLE — The need for a new detention center to replace the deteriorating and severely overcrowded Duplin KENANSVILLE — In an update on Duplin County Schools’ STEAMA learning initiative at the Board of Education’s monthly meeting Tuesday night, Kevin Smith, assistant superintendent for Educational Innovation and Duplin County has ranked among the top 10 lowest unemployment rates in the state, according to numbers released May 1 by the North Carolina Department of Commerce. The much-needed center will replace the county’s current overcrowded KENANSVILLE — Local entrepreneurs brought the heat to the pitch in Kenansville last week as the winners of the Pitch It Duplin 2025 were announced. Austin Obasohan. The names of the employees were later re In April, Duplin Journal wrote a story about a draft permit that, if approved, would allow Lear to legally discharge PFAS into the river after a violation landed them in hot water and a requirement to report the discharges. Our thoughts are with his family, colleagues, and the entire Duplin County Schools Photo courtesy of Connie Perkins Feed Our Hungry Children, associated with Duplin Christian Outreach Ministries, is currently led by co-directors Connie Perkins and Jim Perry. Obasohan’s contract by one more year to 2028 is the maximum amount of time that can be given to a superintendent’s MOUNT OLIVE — Mount Olive Town Manager Jammie Royall was dismissed after a special closed session meeting of the Board of Commissioners on Jan. Photo by Ena Sellers / Duplin Journal Resident Jessica Thomas, who leads the group Duplin County Coalition for Accountability & Transparency, has emerged as a leading voice for several county employees and local residents. KENANSVILLE — Children in Kenansville are one step closer to having a new, agriculture-themed playground, as town officials move forward with plans to replace the former Kenan Duplin Journal, Wallace. The extension of Dr. Public interest surged following recent departmental changes, the dissolution of the Tourism Development Authority, and the purchase of a corporate golf membership, among other topics. The farm continued a long-standing family tradition of growing row crops and raising livestock. Duplin Journal's post Duplin Journal Feb 3 TWO TOWN OF MOUNT OLIVE EMPLOYEES BEING INVESTIGATED BY SBI — The town of Mount Olive announced on Monday that the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) has launched an investigation into possible misconduct on the part of two town employees. Carrie Shields, County By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal Dr. “This current dry spell in North Carolina began with a very dry October and warm November,” said Klaus Albertin, chair of the DMAC. Mark Grady / for Duplin Journal In addition to the two damaged The Duplin County Fire Marshal’s Office, Duplin County Sheriff’s Office, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, North Carolina Office of the State Fire Marshal, and the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) are investigating the fire. Olive are heavily regulated, with many guidelines established by the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and enforced by the North Carolina KENANSVILLE — A large crowd attended the Duplin County Commissioners meeting on Monday night, with the room filled to capacity and people spilling into the receiving area. 16 will help 14 volunteer fire departments purchase equipment using matching funds. 48 million to the general fund, which supports the county’s es KENANSVILLE — Local leadership is looking at solutions to help residents of Holland Road area in Duplin County who have been facing high insurance rates due the area’s designation as protected class 10, which is the lowest level of fire protection. 1,029 likes · 1,630 talking about this. Cecil and Jean Kornegay started the farm in 1949 with a family of four children. with any information on the whereabouts of Devin Tre Shon Brown. Connors, the town needs approximately $44 million to expand the wastewater treatment plant infrastructure needed to keep up with the town’s growt The Duplin County Edition of the North State Journal WALLACE — After more than five decades of teaching and inspiring generations through the art of dance, Jane Highsmith, owner of Dancer’s Corner, has retired. Beard / Duplin Journal On Dec. 4 board meeting in Beulaville opened with a moment of silence to honor the late Austin Obasohan, former Duplin County Public Schools Superintendent. According to Kornegay, the population has decreased by about 10% compared to the last census. Recognized as a pioneer in the modern swine industry, this venture represents one of the most significant independent pork producers in the country. 12, 2024, Zorn joined Thigpen, Kornegay, Morales, Lanier, and Jarman at East Duplin High School and shared with the freshmen class the heart . BEULAVILLE — The Aug. Veteran Services and Senior Center breaks ground By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal KENANSVILLE — More than 100 people along with community leaders and dignitaries came together to celebrate a The Byrds told Duplin Journal that their goal with the research fund is to help those born with single ventricle hearts live longer, fuller lives. North Carolina law mandates a revaluation at least once every eight Victor Thomas Parker Jr. 20, during the Board of County An unidentified Navy sailor and his wife were reportedly killed in an accident on Ludie Brown Road near Chinquapin Wednesday around 5:30 p. Austin Obasohan will remain Duplin County Schools Superintendent through at least June 30, 2028, the Board of Education decided at its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, March 5. Join the Duplin County Library for a colorful morning at Paint Party with Erica Maready happening at 11 a. Both Beulaville and Rose Hill now have DG Market stores. 13. KENANSVILLE — Last week, Tracey Simmons-Kornegay, Duplin County Health director, presented the Duplin County Community Health Needs Assessment data findings to the Board of County Commissioners. 18. The county is shifting from Tier 1 to Tier 2, with its economic distress ranking improving from #29 in 2024 to #41. Rollins accepted a new role as town manager for Summerfield. meci jmnue ogqngcv bcfj inrywz waxac rdbj hzydytj tar gsasmj
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