VOLUME 10 ISSUE 26 | THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2025
DUPLINJOURNAL.COM
Duplin Journal THE DUPLIN COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
the
BRIEF this week
8 arrested during saturation patrols Duplin County Eight people were arrested during a targeted saturation patrol operation in Duplin County on Aug. 14. In a continued effort to improve public safety, the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office, with support from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI), carried out targeted saturation patrols in Beulaville, Chinquapin, Lyman and Pin Hook. In total, officers stopped over 60 vehicles, issuing eight citations, one written warning, and more than 42 verbal warnings. The patrols aimed to increase law enforcement visibility and target issues such as impaired driving, drug activity and traffic violations. Sheriff Stratton Stokes credited the success of the operation to strong interagency cooperation, emphasizing that collaborative efforts are key to keeping even the most remote corners of Duplin County safe.
Unemployment rates rise Duplin County Unemployment in Duplin County rose slightly for the month ending June 30, with the rate increasing to 3.6%, up from 3.2% in May and nearly half a percentage point higher than in April. The county’s labor force stands at 22,412, with 21,608 employed and 804 unemployed. While the rise is modest, it marks a continued upward trend over the past two months and may be influenced by several local factors like departmental consolidations and the dissolution of the Tourism Development Authority, which resulted in staff layoffs. Seasonal shifts in agricultural employment may also play a role in the uptick. Updated figures for July are expected on Aug. 27.
Cabin Lake County Park unveils new logo Pink Hill Cabin Lake County Park is turning heads with a new logo that reflects the fresh energy and outdoor spirit of the local gem. The park’s updated look adds a modern touch to a longtime favorite. According to county officials, new merchandise featuring the logo will soon be available.
COURTESY HARRELLS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
Back in session: HCA leads the way into the school year Students at Harrells Christian Academy returned to school last week, marking the unofficial end of summer break. Across Duplin County and surrounding areas, students are gearing up for the start of a new academic year filled with fresh opportunities, challenges and the promise of growth. With excitement in the air and backpacks in hand, many are preparing to reconnect with classmates, meet new teachers and dive into learning. Duplin County Schools are set to welcome students back Monday, officially kicking off the 2025-26 school year.
As Wallace grows, so do educational needs Town leaders say private and charter schools may play a role in solving the classroom crunch By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal WALLACE — The Wallace area is experiencing significant growth, evidenced by hundreds of permits issued for new homes and the arrival of numerous businesses. This growth has raised important questions about educational facili-
opment could reignite interest in charter school options. Wells points out that the development in the surrounding area will not only impact local schools but could also affect schools in Pender County, such as Penderlea School, which may receive students from new developments. While work on creating a charter school seems to have subsided, Wells believes the See WALLACE, page A2
Rose Hill eyes possible rail stop in land use plan The board approved increases for water, sewer and zoning applications By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal ROSE HILL — The Rose Hill Board of Commissioners and the town’s planning board held a joint meeting Aug. 12 to hear a presentation on a proposed Comprehensive Land Use Plan for the town.
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal MAGNOLIA — The Magnolia Police Department is cracking down on illegal burning, warning residents that violations of North Carolina’s open burning law could result in fines of up to $25,000 per day. Police Chief Jerry Wood announced stepped-up enforcement in response to a rise in local violations and repeated failure by some to comply with the law, stating, “It has to stop now.” Open burning of anything other than natural
Ashli Barefoot of Insight Consulting Group refers to a proposed future land use map during a presentation on Aug. 12.
North Carolina statutes require municipalities to adopt a land use plan to enforce zoning regulations and guide future growth. Currently, Rose Hill does not have this required plan in place, so it has engaged Insight Consulting Group to assist in creating one. During the meeting, the board listened to an almost hourlong presentation by Ashli Barefoot. According to Barefoot, several See ROSE HILL, page A6
MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
Magnolia warns: Illegal burning could cost violators $25K daily Police cite rising violations and public health risks in ramping up enforcement efforts
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ties, particularly where incoming children will attend school. Wallace Mayor Jason Wells has noted an increasing concern regarding school capacity at recent community meetings, including a session with the Wallace Rotary Club. “People were asking about the schools,” Wells said in an interview with Duplin Journal.
“Wallace Elementary is already kind of maxed out as far as what they can handle. You also have Wallace Christian, which is growing by leaps and bounds.” In the past, there were efforts to establish a charter school in the Wallace area; however, progress on this initiative appears to have stalled, according to Wells. “That doesn’t mean it won’t happen at some point,” Wells said. He said the upcoming devel-
yard debris — like trash, plastic, or treated wood — not only violates N.C. Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) regulations but could also put the health of neighbors at risk. “We have tried to give folks every opportunity to comply,” Wood said. “But due to increased frequency and failure to heed previous warnings, we will be checking closely to ensure any open burning is in compliance.” He added that the burning of nonvegetative materials is especially harmful to those with respiratory issues or allergies. “If it doesn’t grow naturally, don’t burn it,” he said. The DEQ’s open burning rule allows only the burning See MAGNOLIA, page A5
“If it’s anything other than natural yard debris, it’s going to be a nuisance to the violator too — to the tune of $25,000 per violation, per day.” Police Chief Jerry Wood