VOLUME 10 ISSUE 1 | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2025
DUPLINJOURNAL.COM
Duplin Journal THE DUPLIN COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
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In front, Commissioner Dexter Edwards (left), Angel Venecia (center) and Brennan Fuquay cut the ribbon to celebrate the official opening of the new Duplin County Transportation facility on Feb. 18 while Wayne Branch, Elwood Garner, Ray Potts, Justin Edwards and Bryan Miller watch in the background.
BRIEF this week
Woman involved in fatal crash sues North Carolina State Highway Patrol Wallace Raylee Grieco, who claims she was wrongfully charged with DWI in a fatal crash that killed a man near the Wallace exit on I-40 last year, is suing the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. Grieco was initially charged with driving while impaired and failure to reduce speed by the NCSHP, but the DWI charge was later dismissed as blood results from the State Crime Lab showed there were no impairing substances in her system. Despite the dismissal of charges, Grieco is suing the NCHP for wrongful charges, alleging misconduct in the investigation. She is seeking monetary compensation, punitive damages and a public apology.
NCDOT to replace pipe in Lyman Road Beulaville A section of Lyman Road N.C. 24 in Duplin County will be closed until March 14 while the N.C. Department of Transportation replaces a pipe to improve water flow in the area. Traffic will be detoured onto N.C. 24 and Edwards Road. NCDOT advises drivers to allow for extra time for their commute and to use caution when traveling near the work site.
Sheriff warns public about counterfeit weight-loss, diabetes drugs Duplin County Sheriff Stratton Stokes is warning the public about counterfeit versions of Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound potentially containing dangerous substances. The sheriff warned that consuming or injecting these fake medications can cause serious side effects or even hospitalization. He also encouraged the public to contact local law enforcement if they see someone selling counterfeit drugs or active ingredients.
Duplin crews respond to traffic accident involving Kinston officer Duplin County Highway 241 between Church Road and Parker Heath Road in Duplin was shut down for several hours last week following an accident involving a Kinston patrol car. According to Potter Hills Fire the vehicle struck a light pole leaving an officer and his K-9 trapped inside due to a live power line. Law enforcement stated that the officer fell asleep after a 12-hour shift when the vehicle crossed the center line and traveled off the roadway, ultimately striking the power pole.
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ENA SELLERS / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Duplin celebrates ribbon cutting of $4M transportation building The new facility aims to improve access to services and opportunities to build a better future By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal KENANSVILLE — Approximately 45 people, including local dignitaries, gathered at the Duplin Commons in Kenansville to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the new Duplin County Transportation facility on Feb. 18.
County Manager Bryan Miller welcomed guests to the $4.27 million facility, highlighting its significance for the community’s growth and future. “This state-of-the-art facility stands as a testament to our county’s dedication to progress and innovation by enhancing the efficiency and accessibility of our transportation services. Our employees and the service will significantly improve the daily lives of our residents,” said Miller. “Transportation will continue to foster economic growth, and they will continue to pave a broader path-
“For families, it means the ability to support loved ones, to pursue opportunities, and be part of a thriving community.” Brennan Fuquay, NCDOT Integrated Mobility way into the future for Duplin County.” Miller acknowledged various stakeholders in attendance, including county com-
The renovations will facilitate a runway expansion By K.D. Beard and Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal
K.D. BEARD / DUPLIN JOURNAL
WALLACE — With the symbolic shoveling of dirt on Tuesday morning, $20 million worth of renovations began at the Wallace-Pender Airport. The project will last through the end of 2026 and will in-
SO deputy will not face charges in shooting of Beulaville suspect The DA determined no criminal charges were warranted based on the investigation’s findings
COURTESY PHOTO
See RIBBON, page A3
Wallace breaks ground on $20M airport improvement project
Wallace Mayor Jason Wells used a golden shovel to break ground on a renovation project at the Wallace-Pender Airport on Tuesday morning.
Joseph Ross Duncan
missioners, local dignitaries and transportation staff. After an invocation by Warsaw Mayor A.J. Connors, Commissioner Dexter Edwards expressed gratitude for a successful project. “It’s been a long time coming. Like a lot of other projects that we’ve had here in Duplin County, and as you can see, Duplin Commons seems to be really growing,” said Edwards. “And most of this comes from getting help from outside sources.”
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal KENANSVILLE — Last week, District Attorney Ernie Lee issued a statement regarding the use of deadly force by a deputy from the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office, which resulted in Joseph Ross Duncan Jr. being shot and injured on Jan. 23. Lee indicated that after reviewing the deputy’s body camera footage and examining the investigation conducted by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, he concluded that the deputy’s actions were justified in self-defense and no evi-
dence suggested that the deputy acted inappropriately. Although the deputy did not sustain any injuries, his actions were deemed to be within his rights, and no criminal charges against him are warranted based on the circumstances revealed by the SBI investigation. The deputy responded to a disturbance call at a residence on Howards Farm Road in Beulaville on the day of the incident, at around 4:15 a.m. Upon entering the dark residence with a flashlight, the deputy encountered Duncan, who appeared to be holding a knife, authorities said. According to the District Attorney’s office, the deputy drew his service weapon and aimed it at Duncan, who advanced toward him, forcing the See SHOOTING, page A2
clude relocating roads around the airport to make way for an expanded runway, Airport Director Ben Jones said. “Right now, the roads are in the way of the runway,” Jones explained. “After we move the roads, we can expand the runway to 5,500 feet.” Jones said he expects the road relocation to be complete by December or January, and then the runway expansion will follow by the end of 2026. See AIRPORT, page A2
“With the expansion comes economic opportunity.” Jason Wells, Wallace mayor