VOLUME 10 ISSUE 17 | THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2025
DUPLINJOURNAL.COM
Duplin Journal THE DUPLIN COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
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BRIEF this week
Rose Hill man arrested in connection with domestic assault Wallace Authorities arrested a man Sunday in connection with a violent domestic assault. Wallace Police responded to a domestic disturbance at an apartment in Wallace where they found signs of forced entry. Officers spoke with a victim, who had visible injuries. According to law enforcement, the victim told police her ex-boyfriend, 28-year-old Jamar Daeshawn, broke into her apartment, physically attacked her and injured her 11-year-old child by throwing a stroller while children were present. Newkirk was later located nearby, resisted arrest and caused damage to police property, authorities alleged. He is currently held without bond at Duplin County Jail, facing multiple charges including assault by strangulation and breaking and entering.
Mt. Olive Pickle to hold grand opening for new Pickle Parlor on June 26 Mount Olive Mt. Olive Pickle is opening a new store in downtown Mount Olive. The grand opening and ribboncutting event will be on June 26 at 11 a.m. The new store, located at 109 N. Center St., will replace the long-standing gift shop at the Mt. Olive Pickle Company headquarters. The new store shares the story of the nearly 100-year-old company through video, images and artifacts. A standout feature of the store will be the pickle bar for daily tastings, a soda fountain and Pickle Soda produced by R&R Brewing of Mount Olive.
Duplin County Veterans Stand Down set for July Rose Hill The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) mobile unit will be onsite at the Charity Mission Center, located at 1333 W. Charity Road in Rose Hill, on July 18 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the Duplin County Veterans Stand Down event. Free meals will be provided for veterans. The Stand Down event is an opportunity for veterans to learn about important changes that may affect them. Veterans in Duplin County who need transportation to the event can call 919-738-2006 by June 30.
COURTESY WILD HEARTS PHOTOGRAPHY
Revenge Roughstock delivers thrills in Kenansville showdown A powerful bull takes center stage, captured mid-buck as it launches a rider into the air during a dramatic moment at the Revenge Roughstock Pro Rodeo last Friday. Dust flies beneath the bull’s hooves in the outdoor arena at the Duplin Events Center in Kenansville, where the two-day event thrilled crowds with high-adrenaline action and top-tier rodeo performances.
Wallace approves $11 million budget Personnel is the largest expenditure of the total budget consuming nearly 43% By Curt Simpson For Duplin Journal WALLACE — It was a packed agenda, but members of the Wallace Town Council made short work of it in an hourlong meet-
Warsaw Police chief steps down New Interim Police Chief Steven Faircloth takes over after Giddeons’ departure By Ena Sellers and Curt Simpson Duplin Journal WARSAW — There has been a change in leadership at the Warsaw Police Department, though town officials have been largely silent about it. Police Chief Patrick Giddeons recently resigned from his position, but the town has not made a formal announce-
ment regarding his departure. Last week at the June town board meeting, Town Manager Lea Turner introduced Steven Faircloth as the new interim police chief. When asked about Giddeons, Turner told Duplin Journal, “He resigned.” Mayor A.J. Connors shared that he resigned about a month ago. “Mr. Giddeons decided to resign and to seek other employment,” said Connors on Friday.
“I think he was with the Warsaw Police Department for about 10 years-plus.” Turner did not respond to voicemails or emails asking for clarification. While details surrounding Giddeons’ resignation remain unclear, the decision came about a month after he acknowledged ongoing criticism of the police department. He expressed that some of this criticism was unfair, emphasizing the dedication and hard work of his officers despite unseen efforts and staffing shortages.
Magnolia thriving with unified vision for future “It takes all of us, and I appreciate everyone’s efforts.” Dawn Ward, Magnolia mayor
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ing Thursday, with the highlight being the adoption of a budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year. The new budget commits the town to spending just over $11 million in the coming year, which begins July 1. The total
represents an almost 3% increase from the previous year, according to Town Manager Rob Taylor. Compiling the yearly budget is no quick and easy process, with the state laying out a schedule that towns need to follow. The first work begins on the budget in December, with department heads laying out their plans and needs for the coming year in bud-
The board bid farewell to NC Lead Fellow Marco Barrientos By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal ONCE SEEN as a small town struggling to find its footing, Magnolia is now confidently stepping into a new chapter of growth, unity and community pride. During last week’s board meeting, town leaders reflected on a transformative journey — from a place Police Chief Jerry Wood described as “ a child left behind” to one that is now evolving and thriving. “We are achieving great things,” said Wood. “Y’all are responsible for that. Y’all have the vision and the insight. You
want to see Magnolia improve. Years ago, I didn’t feel like there was a spirit here among some of the folks that were in your positions, that really wanted to see that improvement, that progress in Magnolia. But now, I see it. … We’re driving forward.” A renewed spirit of teamwork and collaboration has emerged among the board, town officials and the community. The shift is attributed to strong leadership, collaboration and community engagement. “While you do have some naysayers out there, you’ve got a whole lot more of your citizens that are behind you, people throughout the county. I hear comments all the time See MAGNOLIA, page A2
get requests. In March, those requests are reviewed during workshops with the town council and department heads, and in May a proposed budget is presented to the council and public for review and comment. The final part of that process is a public hearing, which was held on Thursday See WALLACE, page A5
“These people are working really hard for all of you. You may not see it, but I want you to have some faith,” Giddeons said to the town board at its April meeting. “There ain’t a long line of y’all waiting to do this job. … If you want to take up arms with my brothers and sisters and do this dangerous job, I welcome it.” According to state records, Giddeons has been in law enforcement since 2001 and joined the Warsaw Police Department in 2014. He could not be reached for comment. Faircloth was appointed interim chief on June 1. Faircloth began his law enforcement career in 2007 and has been with the Warsaw Police Department since 2018.