VOLUME 9 ISSUE 37 | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2024
DUPLINJOURNAL.COM
Duplin Journal THE DUPLIN COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
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BRIEF this week
Wallace Firefighters Association hosts toy drive Wallace The Wallace Firefighters Association is hosting a toy drive to ensure families in western North Carolina have toys this Christmas. Anyone who wishes to help can drop off a new toy at the Wallace Fire Department now through Nov. 23. Toys can also be dropped off at Duplin Journal at 104 W Main St. in Wallace, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Nov. 22. For more information, visit the WFD Facebook page.
Pleasant Grove fire chief receives NCOSFM Valor Award Mount Olive Chief Scott Rouse of Pleasant Grove Fire Department was honored with the North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal Valor Award. Rouse was surprised with the award during a visit from the state fire marshal director of governmental affairs. He received the award for his courage and bravery, saving an elderly neighbor when he rushed into her burning home and pulled her from the blaze safely without a second thought or protective firefighting gear, announced NCOSFM.
Magnolia Police asks public for assistance Magnolia Law enforcement with the Magnolia Police Department and Duplin County Sheriff’s Office are investigating gunshots fired on the night of Oct. 27 in the area of Croom and Murphy streets in Magnolia, where an occupied residence was struck by gunfire. Nobody was injured. According to Magnolia Police, the incident does not appear to be a random act. Anyone with information is asked to contact Magnolia Police at 910-289-9900.
Door prize donations needed Kenansville The Duplin County Cattlemen’s Association is seeking door prize donations for the Duplin County Cattlemen’s Association Christmas Party. Drop-off will be at the Soil & Water Department through Nov. 18.
Volunteers needed for Community Advisory Committees Duplin County The Eastern Carolina Council Area Agency on Aging is seeking volunteers for their Community Advisory Committees in Duplin, Lenoir, Onslow, and Wayne counties, among several others. These volunteers visit long-term care facilities to advocate for the residents’ rights, promote elder abuse awareness, and work locally to resolve complaints. Visit eccog.org for more information.
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ENA SELLERS / DUPLIN JOURNAL
An Army soldier with the 82nd Airborne Division parachute jump team jumps off an aircraft with an American flag bringing excitement as the 104th Veterans Day Celebration and Parade kicks off Nov. 2 in Warsaw. See more photos on page A6.
Duplin County unofficial election results announced Sen. Brent Jackson and Rep. Jimmy Dixon, both Republicans, secured an eighth term in office By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal FORMER PRESIDENT Donald Trump won 64.15% of Duplin County’s votes over Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris en route to winning North Carolina and a second term in office. Republican Sen. Brent Jackson claimed more than 65% of the votes over Democrat Jamie Campbell Bowles in the state Senate’s 9th District, winning an eighth term in office. Jackson won 65.24% of the vote in Duplin County, besting Campbell by 6,694 in Duplin and more than 31,000 votes overall. “I would like to thank all the citizens of District 9 that exercised their rights and took the time and effort to go vote,”
Jackson said.” I also would like to thank them for their vote of confidence in me. It has been truly a humbling honor to serve the citizens of District 9 and I look forward to continuing that service for the next two years.” Jackson has held public office for the past 14 years, 11 representing District 10 and two after it changed to District 9, which includes Duplin, Sampson, Bladen, Jones and Pender counties. He chairs the Agriculture, Energy, and Environment Committee, and the Appropriations Budget Committee. State Rep. Jimmy Dixon also secured an eighth term in the North Carolina House of Representatives District 4, defeating Democrat challenger Vernon Moore with more than 63% of the vote. Dixon won 65.13% of votes in Duplin County with a margin of more than 9,000 votes. “I’m very thankful the citSee ELECTION, page A3
Warsaw honors nation’s heroes Thousands gather in Warsaw for the longest-running Veterans Day observation in the country By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal WARSAW — Thousands of people lined the streets of Warsaw last Saturday, joining the country’s longest-running consecutive Veterans Day observance and the state’s official Veterans Day parade. The parade kicked off with the North Carolina Forest Service flyover as excited crowds cheered on and watched in awe as members of the 82nd Airborne Division parachute team jumped off aircraft during the presentation of the U.S. Flag. From marching bands, JROTC units, Sudan Cruisers, Shrine Clubs and fire trucks to churches, car clubs, and homecoming queens and kings, more than 120 groups participated in the 104th Vet-
Eagle Scout builds flag retirement box for Wallace Tattered US flags can be disposed of free of charge By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal WALLACE — Folks in the Wallace area have a new way to properly dispose of American flags, thanks to local Eagle Scout Jase Blanchard. Blanchard, who’s been part of Troop 35 for 12 years and lives in Rose Hill, said he built the box for his Eagle Scout project because he saw a need in the community. “The U.S. flag can only be disposed of by burning,” he explained. “The VFW does that for free at the American Legion in Wallace, but if the building isn’t open, a lot of people would just leave flags on the front bench or outside the door, so I
thought a box would be a better, more convenient way.” Throughout his scouting career, Blanchard said he’s taken part in a lot of flag retirement ceremonies, so he immediately thought of doing the box when it came time for his Eagle Scout project. When his mother, Shannon Barber, was on vacation, she happened to see a flag retirement box, and thus, the idea was born. There’s no right or wrong way to build a flag retirement box, Blanchard said. “It could be a wooden chest or something like that, but I wanted something that looked cool.” He and his father, Chris Blanchard, drew up the plans together and the younger scouts constructed it, with Jase Blanchard’s guidance. Gotcha See SCOUT, page A5
“Throughout scouts as a whole, they teach you how to live your life. It’s not just camping in the woods.” Jase Blanchard, Troop 35 Eagle scout
“The military saved my life because I had nowhere to go. It gave me something to look up to.” William Watson, retired army sergeant major erans Day Celebration and Parade with a festive display honoring the nation’s heroes. Crowns enjoyed live music, area vendors, bouncy houses, food trucks and activities for the whole family. Retired Army Sgt. Maj. William Watson told Duplin Journal that he appreciated being selected as grand marshal and the way people respect the military for its service. This recognition honors not only my time and age but also acknowledges all those who have served their country from day one, “and the sacrifices that they made for their country and the blood they shed in foreign countries See VETERANS, page A6