VOLUME 10 ISSUE 19 | THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2025
DUPLINJOURNAL.COM
Duplin Journal THE DUPLIN COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
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Another Summer Sunday
BRIEF this week
More than 30 vendors and food trucks, like the Hawaiian Kine Shave Ice truck pictured above, came together for Freedom Festival in Richlands on Sunday for a family-friendly day out.
Candidate filing for 2025 municipal elections opens Duplin County The candidate filing period for 2025 municipal elections opens July 7 and closes at noon July 18. Candidates wishing to withdraw their notice of candidacy and receive a refund must do so by 5 p.m. on July 15. Those interested in running should contact the Duplin County Board of Elections for details on filing fees. The 2025 municipal elections will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 4.
For more, turn to page B6.
Duplin County Public Library to host a photography workshop Beulaville The Duplin County Public Library is inviting all third grade to seventh grade shutterbugs to join their Summer Photography Workshop at the Beulaville branch on Mondays from 3-4 p.m. on July 14 to Aug. 4. Kids will learn how to frame, focus and capture amazing shots. No experience is needed, but spots are limited. The Beulaville library is located at 807 E. Broad St.
Food and resources available at veterans stand down Duplin County Free meals for veterans will be offered at the Duplin County Veterans Stand Down event July 18 at the Charity Mission Center. Additionally, the Disabled American Veterans mobile unit will be available on-site. For more information, call 919-738-2006.
Jabil plans to create nearly 1,200 jobs in Rowan County with manufacturing investment Salisbury The electronics company Jabil plans to create nearly 1,200 jobs in central North Carolina by building a new manufacturing plant. The company is investing $500 million toward a facility to support cloud computing and artificial intelligence data centers. Officials announced Monday that the facility will be in Rowan County, northeast of Charlotte. The project includes a $264 million capital investment and 1,181 jobs by the end of 2030. North Carolina competed with Florida for the project and offered more than $21 million in incentives. Jabil already operates three facilities in the state, employing about 1,000 workers.
REBECCA WHITMAN COOKE FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
Duplin Rotary Club celebrates its centennial anniversary By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal THE DUPLIN Rotary Club celebrated its 100th anniversary with a banquet at The Country Squire last Thursday night. The meeting opened with the presentation of the colors from Sea Scouts of Ship 55. Faison
she said. “The Rotary Club promotes peace and high ethical standards; many Duplin business people have been part of this group and helped projects locally and globally. We’ve helped eradicate polio, build schools and provide clean water wells. In North Carolina, we helped build the now 30 Boys
Wallace fire director stepping down Taylor Johnson, who also serves as chief, is taking job in western N.C. By Curt Simpson For Duplin Journal AFTER TWO YEARS on the job, Wallace Fire Operations Director Taylor Johnson is stepping away from his positions with the town and fire department to start a new job in another part of the state.
The 30-year-old firefighter was just married in April, and he said he has received a job opportunity with Fire Connections, a fire department equipment supplier based in Rocky Mount. Johnson currently wears two hats. He has served concurrently as the town director of fire operations and as the chief of the Wallace Fire Department. He turned in his resignation to Town Manager Rob Taylor on June 16.
Warsaw seeks solutions to Relax Inn issues “I really don’t want to complain. If it wasn’t for this place, I’d be homeless.” Relax Inn resident
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Cub Scouts Killian and Gavin Kennedy of Pack 48 led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance. Chaplain’s Aide Logan Schall of the Sea Scouts opened in prayer. Rotarian Jo ann Stroud gave historical perspective on what it means to be in Rotary. “Rotary has been around for 120 years, ours is 100 years old,”
Drugs and crime have been ongoing problems By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal THE TOWN of Warsaw has apparently had enough when it comes to problems surrounding the Relax Inn hotel near downtown on Pine Street. Drugs, crime, substandard conditions and a recent sewage spill have all plagued the motel over the years. “There is not a lot I can tell you because it is part of an investigation,” Warsaw Town Manager Lea Turner told Duplin Journal. “I can say we have had multiple conversations with the owner, and they are cooperating with the town.” When asked if she was optimis-
“As far as director of fire operations, I will be stepping down from that role as of Aug. 1,” Johnson said Thursday. “The plan is for me to remain as fire chief until January, when the membership will vote on new officers.” Though he will no longer be with the department, he’s staying in the field that he loves. “I will be selling fire equipment and fire apparatus,” Johnson said. ”My wife and I felt like it was an opportunity that we
tic that the problems will be resolved, Turner said, “I would like to hope so. As recently as today, there are some conversations about closing it down for some remodel work. I’m not sure exactly what that will bring, but we are hopeful that it will bring some positive changes.” Warsaw Town Commissioner Ebony Wills-Wells has been advocating for improvements to the Relax Inn for some time, even posting photos on her Facebook page showing a serious sewage leak at the motel in February. That leak forced the closure of the facility for a few days, and occupants were able to stay in another motel while the leak was repaired. “I just received an email yesterday about the hotel,” Wells told Duplin Journal during an interview last Friday. “It said there was no air conditioning there, and they were concerned about the general living environment.” Wells said she has spoken to residents at the hotel, and they are afraid to speak out for fear of losing a place to live. “In my opinion, it’s become a homeless shelter. People who don’t See HOTEL, page A6
and Girls Homes of NC fostering kids in this state. Locally, we recognize students of the month from our area high schools, provide annual 1K scholarships to outstanding seniors, give camp scholarships, and help with various other needs in our community and outside our community. Putting service above self as is our motto.” To honor its 100th birthday, the club chose to recognize old businesses that had a long standing impact on the community. The first business, Quinn See ROTARY, page A5
could not pass up and is better for our future. We will have to relocate over the next several months. I have enjoyed my time in Wallace and have learned a lot of valuable lessons that I can continue using.” Taylor explained that while the fire department is volunteer, the town position is paid. “Our department’s structure is fairly unique,” he said. “To my knowledge, only one or two other municipal departments in the state operate similarly, relying on volunteers while remaining under municipal oversight. See DIRECTOR, page A6