VOLUME 10 ISSUE 3 | THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 2025
DUPLINJOURNAL.COM
Duplin Journal THE DUPLIN COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
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BRIEF this week
95K gallons of animal waste impact Carltons Mill Run Creek Duplin County The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality reported an animal waste spill last Friday affecting Carltons Mill Run Creek in Duplin County. The spill, which originated from C&J Finishers on Carrolls Road near Warsaw, involved approximately 95,000 gallons of waste released due to a broken irrigation hydrant. The incident occurred from March 4 to March 5. Upon notification, C&J Finishers turned off the pump and took action to contain the waste. Water samples were collected, and the Division of Water Resources confirmed that there are no public drinking water system intakes in the affected area.
Fake registration plate leads to arrest Beulaville Beulaville Police arrested Kari Taylor last Saturday after allegedly stopping her for driving a vehicle with fake registration plates and suspicious activity at a Speedway store. According to law enforcement, the officer found 60 Oxycodone pills during during a search of the vehicle. Taylor was charged with multiple drug offenses and taken to the Duplin County Jail. She received a $60,000 bond.
K.D. BEARD / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Students raise vaping dangers awareness East Duplin High School students Alondra Morales, Zoe Thigpen, Madison Kornegay, Harley Lanier and Gavin Jarman stand alongside guest speaker Charlene Zorn and instructor Richard Goldsby at James Kenan High School last Thursday. The students organized the guest speaker’s visit to various schools in Duplin County to raise awareness about the dangers of vaping. Find out more on page A6.
Faison Town Board considers Mount Olive budget, renovations discusses ahead of Farmers’ Parade infrastructure, “I don’t think our machine is going to last that long.” Billy Ward, Faison mayor
3 arrested in drug, weapons bust Wallace Deputies with the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office seized more than 340 grams of marijuana, marijuana shatter, an Anderson AM-15 rifle, a FNS 9mm handgun, numerous rounds of ammunition and various drug paraphernalia after conducting a traffic stop at Teachey Park in Wallace on March 2. Rashawn M. Lemon, 19, Omari J. Kenan, 18, and Wuilfredo N. Perez, 19, were arrested and face multiple felony charges.
Fight captured on video leads to charges Beulaville The Beulaville Police Department confirmed last week that Austin Batts, 25, and Russell Guagliardi, 27, have been charged with affray in connection with a public altercation. The incident occurred Feb. 28 and gained attention after a video surfaced on Facebook. The footage shows the two men fighting in the middle of the road near the Speedmart, which caused a traffic disruption until a third person intervened and separated them.
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The board approved the purchase of a new backhoe By K.D. Beard Duplin Journal
FAISON — The town of Faison weighed proposed renovations against budgetary responsibilities at their monthly meeting Wednesday evening as they continue working closely with the Faison Improvement Group (FIG) to prepare the town for its annual Farmer’s Parade and Street Festival on March 15. Following a presentation from Faison native Ron Oates and George Carr of FIG, the board unanimously approved the town’s cooperation with FIG in sourcing and installing signs at sites of historic significance, as identified by Oates and Carr. Mayor Billy Ward advised that the town had obtained a quote from Bradley White of White’s Tree Service for the removal of nine dead trees,
shrubs and stumps along Main Street, in addition to a large tree limb hanging over the road near Faison Garage. “It’s been a trying time over the last several years on those trees,” said Jimmy Tyndall, the town’s executive administrator. “I do want to state for the record that we have no obligation to trim that limb,” said Tyndall. Ward explained that they received a reasonable quote for the required work and mentioned that White had agreed to remove the problematic trees ahead of the parade. After reaching a consensus, the board moved to approve the contract. The Faison Christmas tree will also meet its end at the hands of White’s Tree Service. Standing nearly 30‑feet tall, the once charming tree has grown into a nuisance that’s become difficult to manage. “We can’t get around it,” said Tyndall, adding that they’ve had an
finances
See FAISON, page A6
See MOUNT OLIVE, page A2
Former Duplin County superintendent dies at 86 L.S. Guy Jr., an educator and public servant, was remembered for his lifelong contributions By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal L.S. Guy Jr.
BORN AND RAISED in Calypso, Leonard Steele Guy Jr. had a remarkable life dedicated to education and public service. He attended the former Calypso grade school and graduated from North Duplin High School. In 1961, he earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education from East Carolina University, and in 1971, he obtained a master’s degree in educational administration. Guy began his career in education at NDHS as a science
teacher and coach, serving for seven years. His contributions to the school were highly valued, and in 1965, his students dedicated the school yearbook to him, expressing their deep appreciation for his guidance, belief in them and hard work in helping them succeed. In 1968, he became the principal of NDHS, working his way up within the education system. He emphasized careful planning and staff development, prioritizing the creation of a supportive environment for each student. His leadership was centered on establishing clear, planned educational objectives to maximize opportunities for student success. In 1973, Guy was named See GUY, page A5
Planning board members were reappointed to two-year terms By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal MOUNT OLIVE — Last week, Mayor Jerome Newton opened the Mount Olive town council meeting by establishing rules for acceptable behavior among attendees. He cautioned that commissioners who attack one another would receive warnings, and their speaking time would be limited. Following public comments, the board reappointed Julie Beck, Sondra Russell, Steve Martin and Nydia Lopez to the Planning Board for another two-year term, expiring on Jan. 1, 2027. The board also approved an upset bid of $3,200 for selling two lots at the intersection of Gordon and Oliver streets, directly across from the town’s water plant. The highest bidder was Bobby Denning Properties, LLC. Additionally, the board designated Police Chief Jason Hughes as a secondary check signer. Interim Town Manager Glenn Holland reported that new street signs have been ordered for Breazeale Avenue and Church Street. The town will evaluate its remaining budget to select a couple of additional streets, likely to include Main Street and