VOLUME 9 ISSUE 38 | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2024
DUPLINJOURNAL.COM
Duplin Journal THE DUPLIN COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
the
BRIEF this week
Pipe replacement to close Nine Mile Road south of Richlands Richlands A section of Nine Mile Road south of Richlands will be closed to traffic through Nov. 22. During the closure, crews will replace a pipe, improving the water flow in the area. Drivers are urged to seek alternate routes while the road is closed and use caution if traveling around it.
Comments on proposed PFAS concentrations being accepted Duplin County Public comments on proposed maximum allowable concentrations for three PFAS in groundwater are being accepted until Dec. 31. The proposed rules aim to protect public health and ensure residents do not carry the entire burden of removing PFAS from their drinking water. Comments can be sent by email to GWTriRevComments@deq. nc.gov. Call 919-707-3645 for more details.
Thanksgiving at Cabin Lake Pink Hill Cabin Lake invites the public to celebrate Thanksgiving with a special lunch on Nov. 23 at noon. Kick off the holiday season, share some laughs and make memories while enjoying delicious food, warm company and gratitude at 220 Cabin Lake Road in Pink Hill.
Dec. 2 last day to purchase wreath to honor fallen heroes Faison Remember the fallen and honor those who served with Wreaths Across America. On Dec. 14 at noon, the Town of Faison will be helping Faison cemeteries honor veterans by laying remembrance wreaths on the graves of our fallen heroes. Persons who would like to honor a fallen hero are welcome to sponsor remembrance wreaths, which are $17 for one, or purchase two wreaths and get an additional one for free. The last day to buy a wreath is Dec. 2.
Donations accepted to make Thanksgiving treats for the shelter’s animals Kenansville Duplin County Animal Services is accepting donations to make Thanksgiving Protein Pots for the dogs and cats at the animal shelter. They need chicken breast, livers, gizzards, ground beef, rice, green beans, chickpeas, sardines and tuna before Nov. 20. Items can be dropped off at 287 Fairgrounds Drive in Kenansville.
ENA SELLERS / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Duplin County officials, seniors and veterans celebrated at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Senior and Veteran Services Center located at Duplin Commons in Kenansville. Pictured from left to right are retired Maj. Harvey Knowles, Carrie Shields, Jeremiah Daniels, Melisa Brown, Dexter Edwards, Wayne Branch, Bryan Miller, Jesse Dowe and Elwood Garner.
New seniors, vets center opens The 12,363-square-foot facility will house senior and veteran services offices By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal KENANSVILLE — A dream of a larger senior center has come to fruition for Duplin County Senior Services director Melisa Brown with the official opening and ribbon cutting ceremony of the Senior and Veteran Services Center at the Duplin Commons in Kenansville on Nov. 7.
support to live actively and independently while our veterans will receive the appreciation and assistance that reflects their service to our country,” said County Manager Bryan Miller during the inaugural ceremony while thanking all contributors to the project. “Your support and commitment ensure this center is not just a building, but a vibrant, caring resource for all of those who walk through the doors,” said Miller. “We are grateful to everyone who contributed to making this vision a reality, and we look forward to all the
good this center will bring our community.” Retired Maj. Harvey Knowles, a World War II veteran, played a rendition of “God Bless America” with his harmonica, after which County Commissioner Dexter Edwards highlighted the $5 million state grant that helped fund the $6.2 million facility, emphasizing the importance of recognizing veterans. “For each and every one of you that live here in Duplin County, you look through this facility See CENTER, page A3
Teen charged for beating cat to death with bat The charges have been turned over to the North Carolina Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency System By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal CHINQUAPIN — Duplin County Sheriff Stratton Stokes confirmed that a 15-year-old was charged with felony and misdemeanor animal cruelty on Nov. 5, for beating a cat to death with a baseball bat near Chinquapin.
Stokes told Duplin Journal that a Snapchat video was sent to the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office Monday afternoon showing the teenager beating the cat. The video which had been circulating on social media, was a recording of a Snapchat on someone else’s phone. The video showed a blonde, white male wearing an orange ball cap beating a tuxedo cat with a baseball bat. The disturbing video had the tagline “who is the sport on this.” After reviewing the video, Stokes said they went to the juvenile court council and
secured a juvenile detention charge for both felony and misdemeanor animal cruelty. “The incident happened in Duplin County, it was back toward Lyman Road,” said Stokes, adding that since the suspect is 15 years old, they cannot release any further information. When asked about further steps and if the parents will be held responsible for the teen’s behavior, Stokes explained that at that point in the investigation they were not looking at the parents at all. He also explained that a judge will de-
Overdose death in Teachey gets trafficker nearly 13 years in prison “The sentencing of Dylan Jones is a pivotal step in our ongoing fight against the devastating impact of drug overdose deaths.” Stratton Stokes, Duplin County sheriff
$2.00
The new 12,363-square-foot facility, now home to the senior services and veterans offices, will enable both departments to provide comprehensive services and foster social connection and community engagement. The building provides ample and welcoming space for hosting events and facilitates access to resources for more seniors and veterans. It features a stateof-the-art gym, dedicated areas for crafts and classes, a conference room, and indoor and outdoor recreation areas, complete with TVs throughout the facility. “Here, our seniors will find
After completing his sentence, he will be on supervised release for five years educating youth about fentanyl dangers By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal ON NOV. 7, Dylan Alexander Jones was sentenced to 12 years, nine months in prison for trafficking counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl following a fatal overdose in Teachey. After his prison time, Jones will be on supervised release for five years. He must complete 50 hours of community service teaching youth about the dangers of fentanyl and the impact of drug abuse. “The sentencing of Dylan Jones is a pivotal step in our ongoing fight against the devastating impact of drug overdose
deaths. We stand firm in our commitment to justice for the victims and their families,” said Duplin County Sheriff Stratton Stokes. “I want to commend our exceptional team for their relentless dedication and professionalism in building this challenging case. Together, we are making strides toward a safer community.” According to a media release made by Michael F. Easley Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District, the 24-year-old from Wayne County pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of fentanyl and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in April. The release indicated that on July 22, 2022, Duplin County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a 911 call about an See TEACHEY, page A6
cide what happens next and if the juvenile needs any type of treatment. “A lot of times, they will be put on probation,” he explained. The charges have been turned over to the North Carolina Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency System, which is the agency responsible for handling criminal cases involving juvenile delinquents and where they will undergo the juvenile justice process instead of the adult criminal court system The male juvenile is a student at East Duplin High School.