VOLUME 9 ISSUE 39 | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2024
DUPLINJOURNAL.COM
Duplin Journal THE DUPLIN COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
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BRIEF this week
Two killed in car crash Chinquapin Navy Chief Simba Wallace and his wife, Natalie Castro, were reportedly killed in an crash near Chinquapin on Nov. 13 around 5:30 p.m. According to the N.C. Highway Patrol, a Jeep Wrangler was traveling south on Ludie Brown Road near Willie Hatcher Road when it failed to yield to a tractor trailer carrying chickens, which was traveling west. The couple’s Jeep was hit by the tractor trailer, which overturned causing major damage to both vehicles. Both occupants of the Jeep died at the scene. The driver of the tractor trailer was transported by EMS to ECU Health Duplin Hospital with minor injuries.
Beulaville Speedy Mart employee arrested for theft Beulaville An employee of the Beulaville Speedy Mart has been arrested after stealing from the business while on duty. On Nov. 11, Speedy Mart management notified the Beulaville Police Department that Ryan Hunter was suspected of stealing while working her shift. An investigation by Beulaville police revealed that Hunter had stolen cash and cigarettes from the business on Nov. 2 and Nov. 4. Hunter was arrested and charged with three counts of larceny by an employee. She was taken to the Duplin County Magistrate’s Office where she was served and given a $10,000 secured bond.
Celebrate Christmas by the Tracks Rose Hill Christmas by the Tracks is only two weeks away. The event will feature craft vendors, food, children’s variety show entertainment and a parade on Saturday, Dec. 7. The craft fair will kick off at 10 a.m. with the Children’s Variety Show at 2 p.m. The lighted nighttime parade will start at 5 p.m., and the adult’s variety show will be after the parade.
Stuff the Cruiser Toy Drive now through Dec. 16 Warsaw Help the Warsaw Police Department make the holidays brighter for children in need. Drop off a new, unwrapped toy donation for children ages 3 to 12 at the Warsaw Police Department Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 pm. or at the Town Hall from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and to support local children now through Dec. 16. For more information, call 910-293-7816.
ENA SELLERS / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Southern lights ring holiday season with stunning displays A winter wonderland came to life at the Johnson Nursery in Willard as the first tree lighting of the season got underway last Friday during the second annual Southern Lights. Trails illuminated by colorful light displays featured giant ornaments and beautiful holiday decor. Turn to B6 for the story and more photos.
Allegations continue New body scanner to surface in Warsaw brings extra layer of Commissioner raises concerns about town leadership By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal WARSAW — Controversy continues to swirl in Warsaw as a growing voice in the community vocalized discontent with the local government, citing a lack of transparency and accountability. Many residents have expressed concerns about the town manager’s failure to follow through on important issues. Month after month, frustrated residents come to the town hall meetings hoping to have their voices heard and find solutions they are often unable to get through the regular channels. Last week at the town board meeting, Anece Best stood before the board to present a signed petition requesting an audit investigation of the town’s financial management, operational practice and overall governance. “We have observed issues related to the transparency of Warsaw’s financial records and reported practices. Community members report difficulty obtaining access to financial statements
safety at Duplin jail The high-tech scanner has already stopped attempts to smuggle drugs By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal KENANSVILLE — The Duplin County Sheriff’s Office unveiled its new body scanner for contraband de-
See WARSAW, page A5
Wallace approves annexation of Pender County property “It was not included in the original annexation, but the owner and developer, Tony Davis, was able to negotiate that into the annexation.” Rod Fritz, Wallace planning director
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and supporting documents, leading to concerns about the accuracy and completeness of information ” said Best, adding that allegations of “potential mismanagement of public funds” have emerged. Concerns include “possible misuse of designated funds, irregularities in procurement and contracting practices … misreporting of project costs, and insufficient oversight noted by various stakeholders,” said Best, adding that “reports of conflicts of interest, lack of transparency” have raised questions about the “overall effectiveness and accountability of town leadership.” Mayor A.J. Connors told Duplin Journal that Warsaw has not experienced any issues with their audits, and he believes the majority of residents are satisfied with the town’s administration. He also explained that the town has an audit company that audits the books every year. “The books are in order and it will come back clean this year because we do not have anything to hide,” Connors told Duplin Journal, adding that Warsaw has ordinances and general statutes they have to follow, and they plan
Johnson Furniture seeks to close an alley between two buildings By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal
house on the right hand side of the road if you’re going toward I-40,” explained Planning Director Rod Fritz. “It was not included in the original annexation, but the owner and developer, Tony Davis, was able to negotiate that into the annexation.” There were no comments during the public hearing, and the request was unanimously approved. The council also set a public hearing for the Dec. 12 meeting to consider the closure of an alley between the two buildings currently used as Johnson Furniture on Main Street in downtown Wallace. “It would allow (owner Eric Kosterman) to construct a facade at the front of those two buildings, connecting the
WALLACE — During a relatively short meeting on Nov. 14, the Wallace Town Council unanimously approved a voluntary annexation request from Tony Davis for a portion of property on U.S. Highway 117 just across the Pender County line. The property is located near 150 acres of property that were annexed into the town several months ago to make way for a new residential and commercial development. “Tonight, we’re here to open a public hearing to do the Hughes property, which is 2.66 acres, which is the farm- See WALLACE, page A3
tection, Tek84. This new technology allows a four-second head-to-toe scan to detect drugs, weapons and contraband hidden in body cavities. Sheriff Stratton Stokes told Duplin Journal that about a year and a half ago, they experienced issues with contraband entering the jail despite See SCANNER, page A5 Lt. Erica Williams demonstrates the use of the Tek84 Intercept body scanner at the Duplin County Jail on Nov. 14.
ENA SELLERS / DUPLIN JOURNAL