VOLUME 10 ISSUE 29 | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2025
DUPLINJOURNAL.COM
Duplin Journal THE DUPLIN COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
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BRIEF this week
Wallace Police seek public’s help in hit-and-run investigation Wallace The Wallace Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating a two-toned pickup truck involved in a hit-and-run that occurred at the Village Store on Sept. 6. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information about the vehicle or driver is urged to contact the Wallace Police Department at 910-285-2126.
Operation Guardian nets felony arrest in Duplin County Duplin County Two deputies from the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office participated in a major law enforcement effort along Interstate 40 on Aug. 27, resulting in 16 traffic stops, four citations, two written warnings, and one felony arrest for possession of a weapon with a defaced serial number. The operation, known as Operation Guardian, was a coordinated, multiagency initiative led by the North Carolina Highway Patrol, spanning the entire I-40 corridor. The mission focused on identifying and addressing human trafficking, criminal activity and traffic violations.
Duplin Senior Services faces $30K grant reduction Kenansville The Duplin County Senior Services Department is experiencing a $30,000 reduction in funding from the Home and Community Care Block Grant, which is allocated by the Eastern Carolina Council. This reduction was highlighted by County Manager Bryan Miller during the September County Commissioners meeting. Miller expressed concerns about the potential impact the loss of funding could have on services for local seniors. Melissa Brown, the director of the department, has temporarily reallocated internal funds to address this shortfall, but additional funding may be necessary to maintain current programs and services. According to Miller, the Eastern Carolina Council’s Area Agency on Aging team is contesting both the funding reduction and the methodology used to determine funding levels. They are currently discussing these issues with state officials to seek a resolution. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.
$3M state-funded shell building breaks ground near Wallace The new facility marks a major step in Duplin County’s strategy to attract industry and jobs By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal WALLACE — Local dignitaries, including town and county representatives, gathered in SouthPark Industrial Center near Wallace on Sept. 3 for a groundbreaking ceremony where a new 50,000-square-foot shell building is being constructed. The shell building is the first one in SouthPark that is being built through the Duplin County Economic Development Commission with funding from North Carolina Legislature. “In my opinion, a shell building is one of the biggest items in the economic development toolbox,” Duplin County Economic Development Board Chairman Charley Farrior said during remarks at the event. “Having a shell building available is the first step in getting a client
Officials from Duplin County, the Town of Wallace, the Economic Development Commission, and Daniels and Daniels Construction gathered Sept. 3 to break ground on a new 50,000-square-foot shell building in the SouthPark Industrial Center near Wallace. into the county. It makes a major statement about your county’s commitment to economic development.” Farrior said the new SouthPark shell building will be the fifth shell building constructed in the Wallace area since 1978. The previous ones were built by the Wallace 100 Committee,
which Farrior added is “unfortunately no longer active.” All four of the previously constructed shell buildings are occupied by active industries. “They have become very important to Duplin County and provide many jobs,” Farrior said. “These buildings contribute to the tax base of Du-
plin County, and that’s very important.” Speaking of the tax base, Farrior referenced the controversial recent property revaluations in the county and said he wanted to assure local taxpayers that funding for the new SouthPark See CEREMONY, page A2
Duplin County eyes major JSCC President bond savings at meeting announces I would like to note that as of today, we have approximately 24 that we’re going to be in review for this next round of applications. I received 18 about 30 minutes ago.” Chris Hatcher, county planner
Bond refinancing, grain storage expansion and housing rehab grants defined the September meeting By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal KENANSVILLE — A proposal to refinance Duplin County’s 2016 Limited Obligation Bonds topped the agenda at the September county commissioners meeting, with officials approving the first step in a process that could save the county approximately $1.4 million over the remaining life of the bonds. In a unanimous decision, commissioners authorized Davenport & Company to explore refinancing options for the bonds. If interest rates remain favorable, refinancing could lead to significant savings over the remaining 10-year term. Ty Welford, economic adviser with Davenport, explained that the bonds, originally is-
sued for school projects, can now be refinanced at a lower interest rate. This approval allows the county’s financial adviser to seek better interest rates either in the bank market or through a public bond sale. Welford emphasized there is no financial risk to the county because Davenport will not be compensated if the refinancing does not proceed or does not result in favorable terms. “It checks all the boxes that you would typically want to see as it relates to a potential refinancing,” Welford explained. “We think if we can get an attractive bank rate and a bank bid, it’s going to be a lot more cost-effective and quick for the county to be able to do that and lock in those savings.” The process is expected to progress swiftly, with results set to be presented to the board in November, including concrete proposals and savings calculations. See BOND, page A2
NC Forest Service headquarters construction to begin by year’s end “We’ve had some slowdowns, but I feel we’re getting back on track.” Scotty Summerlin
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MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
The $6 million industrial buildout and Forest Service HQ face setbacks, but construction teams remain optimistic By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal KENANSVILLE — Members of the Duplin County Economic Development Board received an update at their regular meeting last Friday on the N.C. Forest Service’s expansion at the Duplin County Airport and Airpark. Construction is expected to begin by the end of the year on
a new facility that will significantly increase the Forest Service’s footprint at the airport. The Forest Service already occupies two large hangars at the airport that are home to firefighting and observation airplanes and helicopters. According to Scotty Summerlin, executive director of the Duplin County Economic Development Commission, the N.C. Forest Service is relocating their Region One Headquarters from the Global Transpark in Kinston to the Duplin County Airport. The new facility will occupy space on a 12-acre tract in the Airpark. In addition to offices, the See FOREST, page A5
retirement Jay Carraway will step down from his leadership role in February 2026 By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal KENANSVILLE — After more than four decades in education, James Sprunt Community College President Jay Carraway has announced his retirement after six years at the school, effective February 2026. In his announcement earlier this week, Carraway underscored his commitment to continue serving the college until the end of his tenure. “Serving as President of JSCC has been the most meaningful and rewarding period of my 43-year career in education,” said Carraway. See CARRAWAY, page A2
COURTESY
Carraway
“We have accomplished so much together.” Jay Carraway, James Sprunt Community College president