VOLUME 10 ISSUE 14 | THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2025
DUPLINJOURNAL.COM
Duplin Journal inside
Turn the page for our salute to Duplin’s graduating seniors
C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S
CLASS 2025 THE DUPLIN COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
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Inclement weather cancels Memorial Day event, but tribute endures in Kenansville
BRIEF this week
Wreaths honoring those who died in the Vietnam, Korean and both World Wars were placed at monuments outside of the Kenansville Court House by the Duplin County Historical Society as part of its annual Memorial Day Observance. Although the organization had to cancel the event due to inclement weather, the spirit of remembrance remained strong. In a quiet display of respect, several community members, including Sheriff Stratton Stokes and Commissioners Wayne Branch and Jesse Dowe, gathered outside the Kenansville Courthouse to pay their respects.
Locklin, Rockfish precincts to close Duplin County Starting this election cycle, Duplin County will reduce its precincts from 19 to 17 with the closure of the Locklin and Rockfish precincts. This decision, made by the Duplin County Board of Elections and approved by the State Board of Elections, was driven by financial considerations due to low turnout and proximity to Wallace precinct. Rockfish is located just a mile from the Wallace precinct, and Locklin is only two miles away, making it inefficient to continue funding separate polling sites with such low turnout and proximity. Voters from Locklin and Rockfish will now vote in Wallace. Every affected voter will receive two mailed notices.
Beulaville man arrested on multiple drug charges Beulaville John Wesley Taylor was arrested in Beulaville on May 14 after officers, aware of his outstanding warrant, spotted him riding a bicycle near Main and Jackson streets. According to Beulaville Police, a search revealed 6 grams of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, leading to multiple drug charges.
2 convicted felons arrested on drug trafficking charges Beulaville Michael Raynor and Harvey Sholar, both convicted felons, were arrested in Beulaville on May 17 following a traffic stop that resulted in the discovery of methamphetamine, a suspected cocaine/fentanyl mixture, a handgun and more than $1,000 in cash. They face multiple felony charges, including drug trafficking and possession of a firearm by a felon. Raynor is being held without bond due to prior charges, while Sholar has been granted a secured bond of $35,000.
HCA senior celebrated for sportsmanship, leadership Harrells Ella Campbell, a standout senior at Harrells Christian Academy, was recently honored with the Will Johnson Living Will Award during the 2025 Varsity and JV Athletic Awards program. This accolade is awarded to an exceptional student athlete who embodies the values of sportsmanship, motivation, hard work, dedication and Christian leadership.
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K.D. BEARD / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Economic development plan unveils vision for Wallace’s future vitality The plan outlines goals the town hopes to achieve by 2030 By K.D. Beard Duplin Journal
“The greatest asset you all have in Wallace is your people.” Samantha Darlington
WALLACE — An economic development strategic plan was presented to the Wallace Town Council last Thursday, outlining the town’s chief objectives over the next five years and strategies to achieve them. The plan focuses on the revitalization of downtown Wallace, improving community engagement and connection, and creating a strong network of local businesses in addition to other objectives aimed at ensuring the small town retains its characteristic charm as it continues to grow.
It’s been nine months since the town council formally approved a resolution requesting the assistance of the North Carolina Main Street and Rural Planning Center in the preparation of an economic development strategic plan meant to foster prosperity in the town of Wallace, and a little over 10 since Samantha Darlington, a community economic development planner with the North Carolina Department of See WALLACE, page A7
Commissioners consider financial safeguards for solar farms developers The county manager addressed key safety measures surrounding solar development By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal KENANSVILLE — Last week, County Manager Bryan Miller and the Board of County Commissioners revisited the county’s solar farms ordinance during their regular meeting. They focused on important regulatory aspects and potential updates, particularly site planning and decommissioning. Miller provided an overview
Harrells Christian Academy breaks ground on new ag building “This facility will provide students with critical hands-on training that... prepares them for high-demand careers.” Scott Hamilton, Golden LEAF Foundation president
The new education facility will train future generations in trades and agriculture By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal HARRELLS Christian Academy recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new 7,000-square-foot agricultural education building. The new facility will feature spaces for animal science education and a hands-on ag workshop, with training in welding, woodworking, and small engine mechanics. “We believe the new HCA Agricultural Education Building and pathway will not only be beneficial to HCA but to the entire southeast region of North Carolina and its ag partners,” said Andy
Wells, HCA head of school. Planning for the building began in fiscal year 2021 to meet the growing demands as HCA continues to expand. The school is currently seeing record enrollment numbers, with more than 480 students — the largest in the last 10 years, according to the school’s announcement. This growth is also reflected in the popularity of its Future Farmers of America program, which now serves more than 100 students. The education building project received a substantial boost earlier this year with a $350,000 grant from the Golden LEAF Foundation. This funding, along with other designated and memorial gifts, will help equip the building with the tools and resources needed to prepare students See HCA, page A2
“If the developer just walks away, then the county is on the hook for removing the panels and for decommissioning the site.” Bryan Miller of the county’s current solar ordinance, which mandates that any new solar facility or significant expansion requires a new site plan. See SOLAR, page A7