VOLUME 10 ISSUE 16 | THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2025
DUPLINJOURNAL.COM
Duplin Journal THE DUPLIN COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
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BRIEF this week
Local grandmother hits $912K jackpot Warsaw Marcella Hooker from Warsaw won a jackpot of $912,326 on a $5 digital play of The Lamp: Dark Arts on June 4. Hooker claimed her prize on Monday at the North Carolina Education Lottery headquarters. After required federal and state tax withholdings, she took home $654,596. The lucky grandmother plans to use her winnings to pay off her house. She also plans to buy a new car and help out her family. According to the N.C. Education Lottery, the win is one of the largest prizes since the game was launched in 2023.
Warrant leads to major drug, weapons arrests Duplin County Joshua Lee Pickle, 34, of Beaufort, was arrested following a traffic stop on June 3. A search, conducted after deputies found an outstanding felony drug warrant, uncovered a .22 caliber handgun, a fully operational MAC-11 machine gun, two disassembled MAC-11s, a 9mm handgun, ammunition, methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia. He was charged with multiple felony drug and weapons offenses. His passenger, Morgan Bistritz, 30, of Otway, was arrested for marijuana possession and drug paraphernalia. Both were jailed without bond due to previous charges.
Town of Mount Olive offices will be closed June 19
K.D. BEARD / DUPLIN JOURNAL
As American as fire trucks and barbecue Members of Chinquapin Volunteer Fire and Rescue worked tirelessly to whip up and dish out plates of barbecue for the station’s Touch-a-Truck fundraiser on Saturday. Turn to B6 for more photos.
Warsaw approves $4.1M Proposed budget; public pushes budget cuts back over rate hikes tax rate by “Y’all got a job to do that I wouldn’t dare try to tackle.” Craig Armstrong, Public Works director
Mount Olive In observance of Juneteenth, the town of Mount Olive offices will close its offices June 19. There will be no household garbage and recycling collection on that day. Additionally, the recycling center will be closed and will reopen on Saturday, June 21, at 8 a.m. For water or sewer emergencies, call 919-658-9539.
Hurricane season is here — be prepared Duplin County Hurricane season has officially begun, and NOAA is predicting an active year with a 60% chance of an above-normal season. Forecasts call for 13 to 19 named storms, six to 10 hurricanes, and three to five major hurricanes. Stay informed by following trusted sources such as the National Hurricane Center at hurricanes.gov, the National Weather Service at weather.gov and Duplin County Emergency Services Facebook page for the latest updates and safety information.
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Budget breakdown: Warsaw’s fiscal priorities are under the microscope By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
WARSAW — The town of Warsaw held a contentious two‑hour meeting Monday to approve its $4.1 million FY 2025–26 budget, drawing sharp criticism from residents over fiscal priorities. While the budget includes funding for police and administrative services topping the town’s expenditures, only $2,500 is designated for the library, prompting outrage after $258,250 was earmarked for DreamWorks, a recreation facility. Water and sewer rate hikes, cost-of-living raises for town staff and a stipend increase for town leaders further fueled debate. Although the property tax rate has decreased from 57 to 50 cents per $100 valuation, many
believe the budget overlooks essential infrastructure and community needs. The budget outlines a total General Fund appropriation of more than $4.1 million, which includes $1.6 million for the police department, $600,575 for administration, $557,100 for streets, $323,700 for sanitation, $317,550 for recreation, $168,456 for the fire department, $268,394 for special appropriations, $25,000 for police separation allowance and $257,750 for both the library and DreamWorks combined. Estimated revenues are expected to balance this amount largely from property and sales taxes. The new tax rate is based on an estimated taxable property valuation of more than $306 million and a collection rate of 97%. Also a 5% fee increase is applied to water services. Angela B. Mainor questioned the annual water rate increases. Town Manager Lea Turner See WARSAW, page A6
Board of Education recognizes grant, scholarship recipients “Our Duplin County teachers are amazing.” Erica Edwards
Educators attaining National Board Certification were also acknowledged By K.D. Beard Duplin Journal KENANSVILLE — The Duplin County Board of Education acknowledged student and educator recipients of various grants, scholarships and certifications at its regular business meeting on June 3 with a period of special recognition. Eduardo Gonzalez and Mya Smith, recognized at May’s meeting for their acceptance into the North Carolina Governor’s School program, were presented certificates to commemorate the honor. Brittany Baker with Chinquapin Elementary School,
Garrick Purdie with Duplin Early College High School, Jessica Servin-Turcios with Rose Hill-Magnolia Elementary School and Juanito Hernandez with Wallace-Rose Hill High School were recognized as recipients of North Carolina Farm Bureau’s “Ag in the Classroom… Going Local” grants by Erica Edwards, presenting the awards on behalf of the Duplin County Farm Bureau. According to the North Carolina Farm Bureau website, the grants help instructors provide students with valuable, real-world education and experiences directly related to the agricultural industry and the North Carolina standard course of study. “I have the privilege of getting to read and see hundreds See EDUCATION, page A2
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Duplin County balances its $112 million budget, increasing education and EMS funding and boosting employee pay By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal KENANSVILLE — Employee raises and school support highlight Duplin’s proposed 2025‑26 fiscal plan presented by County Manager Bryan Miller last week at the Ed Emory Auditorium in Kenansville. The plan totals more than $112 million and allocates $76.48 million to the general fund, which supports the county’s essential services. A key focus of the presentation was fiscal responsibility, driven by the Board of County Commissioners’ directive to avoid unnecessary changes to ad valorem taxes while continuing to sustain and improve county services. “The Board remains dedicated to strengthening and sustaining existing services, ensuring a competitive compensation framework, exploring initiatives to enhance employee retention, See BUDGET, page A3