VOLUME 10 ISSUE 28 | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2025
DUPLINJOURNAL.COM
Duplin Journal THE DUPLIN COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
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BRIEF this week
Wallace Police launch medical contact initiative Duplin County The Wallace Police Department has introduced the Medical Emergency Contact List initiative aimed at better protecting Duplin County’s most vulnerable residents, including those with medical conditions such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, autism, special needs and hearing impairments. This voluntary program allows residents to register an emergency contact with the police department, ensuring that crucial information is readily available to first responders in case of an emergency. Participants will receive special alert stickers that can be placed on their front door or inside their vehicle, indicating that an individual inside may have a medical condition and might not respond to verbal commands. To register or learn more, call 910-285-2126, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sheriff’s Office invites residents to Community Day Warsaw The Duplin County Sheriff’s Office invites the public to join them for Community Day at the Warsaw Parks and Recreation on Sunday, Sept. 21 from 1-5 p.m. The family-friendly event is a chance for residents to connect with local law enforcement, enjoy free food, music, games, a dunking booth, bouncy houses and information booths.
Free computer courses for seniors Kenanasville James Sprunt Community College is offering a series of free computer courses starting in September, designed specifically for seniors looking to improve their digital skills at the Duplin Senior Center. Whether you’re a complete beginner or just need help with basic tasks, there’s a class for you. Basic Computer Operations will be held on Tuesdays through Sept. 30, with two time slots available 10 a.m. to noon or 12:30-2 p.m. Computer Basics for seniors with no prior experience will run Fridays from Sept. 5 to Oct. 3 from 10 a.m. to noon. An IT Support (Open Lab) session will follow from noon to 2 p.m. for seniors who need help with basic computer skills.
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COURTESY MURPHY FAMILY VENTURES
Wendell Murphy recognized for leadership in pork industry Surrounded by his family, Wendell Murphy, center, recently accepted the Larry Graham Pork Legacy Award in front of an audience of producers, stakeholders and fellow industry leaders during the 2025 National Pork Industry Conference at Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells, Wisc. Turn to A2 for more.
Wastewater pours into Stewarts Creek, public left unwarned for days Millions of gallons were released after the Warsaw treatment plant failed By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal WARSAW — A significant wastewater spill in Warsaw has raised environmental and public health concerns after several million gallons of wastewa-
ter were released into Stewarts Creek, a tributary of the Cape Fear River. In an Aug. 27 press release on the town’s website, officials announced that a disruption at Warsaw’s wastewater treatment plant — triggered by an
influx of industrial wastewater — forced operators to shut down parts of the treatment process. As a result, the wastewater flowing through the plant did not receive the required treatment before being discharged into Stewarts Creek, a waterway that feeds into a major regional watershed. Documents obtained by Duplin Journal show that on
Aug. 18, the plant operator informed the Wilmington Regional Office of the Division of Water Resources (DWR-WiRO) of operational issues stemming from excessive biological material. “The high organic loading over the past month has resulted in increased sludge production,” the document stated. It noted that, See WASTE, page A6
Audit fallout prompts terminations, sweeping reform Mount Olive leaders say personnel changes and policy overhauls are the first steps in rebuilding public trust By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal MOUNT OLIVE — Facing intense scrutiny after a damning report from the North Carolina Office of the State Auditor, the town of Mount Olive is attempting to rebuild trust
and demonstrate accountability through a series of swift administrative actions. A recent media release from the town indicated that even before the audit findings were made public, three employees were suspended and later terminated. This early action was
part of a broader effort by Interim Town Manager Glenn Holland and town officials to begin correcting internal failures and demonstrate a commitment to responsible governance. In addition to personnel changes, the town has implemented several operational reforms. These include ending the “white card” fuel purchases at the municipal airport, an area flagged in the report, and ap-
$1M hangar expansion gains momentum with site preparation “This would give us something to work with and allow us to time the project to begin in the Spring using already procured funds while still working for the whole funding to begin construction.” Joshua Raynor, Duplin County Airport director
Strategic investments aim to modernize the Duplin County Airport and boost the local economy By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal
board approved moving forward with S&ME, with the stipulation that costs not exceed the $47,000 without returning to the board for further approval. Funding for the third-party inspections was already allocated in the approved budget. Airport Director Joshua Raynor proposed using the remaining $1 million in unallocated funds for the hangar project. He suggested spending $500,000 to clear and prepare the rest of the ground between the new hangar and the Forestry Service. The remaining funds could be put toward the revitalization portion of the project. “Long term, it would be a cost savings to do the clearing work now with just a change order versus a
KENANSVILLE — With a focus on strategic growth and operational improvements, the Duplin County Airport Commission outlined ambitious plans on Aug. 26 to expand hangar capacity, upgrade facilities and secure funding. Daniels and Daniels has started hauling out the 9,000 yards of dirt necessary to begin the new hangar project. S&ME presented an estimate of $47,000 to provide the required third-party inspections for the project. The See AIRPORT, page A3
pointing a bonded finance officer, as required by state law. Looking ahead, Holland plans to recommend hiring a certified public accountant at the September town board meeting to reconcile bank statements and bring financial records current from July 2024 through June 2025. Town officials have asked for the public’s patience as they work through the remaining challenges.