VOLUME 10 ISSUE 25 | THURSDAY, AUGUST 14, 2025
DUPLINJOURNAL.COM
Duplin Journal THE DUPLIN COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
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BRIEF this week
South Raleigh Street undergoing roadwork Wallace Over the next two weeks, crews in the town of Wallace will be replacing water lines along South Raleigh Street. On Monday, the town of Wallace announced that once the utility work is completed, paving will begin. Paving is scheduled to start in early September along the section from Boney Street to Wilmington Court Apartments. Town officials are urging the public to exercise caution in the area and to be mindful of the construction crews as these important infrastructure improvements are made.
Duplin EMS director steps down Kenansville Brandon McMahon, director of Emergency Medical Services for Duplin County, announced he will step down from his role. In a message shared on social media, McMahon reflected on his time leading the department and expressed deep gratitude to his colleagues. “Serving alongside you has been the greatest honor of my career,” he wrote, acknowledging the dedication and resilience of the EMS team through “every late-night call, every life saved, every challenge overcome.” While he is stepping away from his role Aug. 15. McMahon said he plans to stay connected to the community and is proud of Duplin County EMS and its ongoing mission.
Charity Golf Tournament to benefit Duplin special needs students Wallace Tee off for a great cause at the 17th annual Bill Lord Memorial Knights of Columbus Charity Golf Tournament on Aug. 29 at River Landing in Wallace. The four-person scramble is open to men and women of all skill levels and includes unlimited range balls, golf carts, refreshments, prizes and a luncheon on the terrace. Proceeds benefit Duplin County Schools’ Exceptional Children’s Program, supporting grants that positively impact students with special needs. For more information, call 910-271-4444.
New Hope Christian Academy announcement Wallace Parent-Student Orientation will be held on Aug. 15. Orientation for new families begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by orientation for returning families at 7 p.m. The first day of school is Monday, Aug. 18.
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REBECCA WHITMAN COOKE FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
School spirit soars at Duplin’s back-to-school bash Crowds gathered at the Duplin Event Center on Saturday for a fun-filled day. Families picked up backpacks sorted by grade and then explored vendor booths offering giveaways and services. Kids enjoyed face painting, balloon animals and bounce houses, while volunteers served up delicious treats. Outside, the fun continued with inflatable slides, axe throwing, roller ball and a dunking booth. See more photos on B6.
Public trust erodes as Mount Olive faces major scandal following audit Mount Olive is under scrutiny after a state review highlighted financial irregularities and misconduct By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal MOUNT OLIVE is at the center of a major municipal scandal after a sweeping state
audit exposed years of financial mismanagement, fraud and oversight failures that have cost the town hundreds of thousands of dollars and eroded public trust. The North Car-
olina Office of the State Auditor (OSA) uncovered practices involving the Mount Olive Municipal Airport and the Water Department, including fraudulent fee waivers, mismanaged contracts and unauthorized spending. The investigation began after misconduct allegations were reported
Mayor’s work with Villari sparks ethics concern at Warsaw meeting A.J. Connors denied wrongdoing and called concerns “mudslinging” By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal WARSAW — Warsaw Board of Commissioners member Ebony Wills-Wells announced at
Monday’s town board meeting that she had received a statement indicating that Mayor A.J. Connors’ employment with a local agriculture company presents a conflict of interest for the town. Wills-Wells stated citizens, employees and town contractors have reached out to her about a circulating statement
that highlights an ethical issue. She quoted, “Mayor Connors is working for Villari.” Wills-Wells expressed her concern not about whether Connors is working for Villari, but rather about the implications of those claims suggesting Connors is involved with an industry that has already cost the town thousands of dollars. Earlier in the year, the town of
Wallace police chief tapped for FBI National Academy role “This is a tremendous honor for him and a point of pride for our entire town.” Jason Wells, Wallace mayor
Crayton begins a nine-year leadership journey representing Section III at the national level By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal WALLACE — Police Chief Jimmy Crayton has been elected as the Section III representative for the FBI National Academy Associates (FBINAA), the town of Wallace announced last week. Crayton’s election was confirmed during the 2025 FBINAA National Annual Training Conference held in Baltimore, Maryland, marking the start of a nine-year leadership journey within the organization. Mayor Jason Wells praised Crayton’s achievement as a significant
milestone for both his career and the town of Wallace. “Jimmy’s election to this national leadership role reflects not only his outstanding career and reputation but also the dedication and professionalism he brings to Wallace every day,” said Wells. “This is a tremendous honor for him and a point of pride for our entire town.” Crayton’s election follows two years of campaigning across the region and reflects strong support from FBINAA members. “I’m truly humbled by the trust and support from members across our region,” wrote Crayton in a social media statement. The FBINAA is widely regarded as one of the most respected leadership networks in See WALLACE, page A6
via the State Auditor Tipline. “The town is taking this seriously,” Interim Town Manager Glenn Holland told Duplin Journal. “We are looking in and doing reviews of all the financial records and accounts. But outside of that, I See SCANDAL, page A6
Warsaw identified Villari Food Group as a significant source of the Warsaw Wastewater Treatment Plant’s organic overload and indicated the town’s wastewater permit compliance will remain at risk until Villari reduces its organic load. Wills-Wells pointed out the wastewater discharges and permit violations, raising questions about potential undisclosed discussions between Villari and Connors if the allegations are factual. She added that the alleged concerns were also communicated by the town manager. See WARSAW, page A2