VOLUME 10 ISSUE 31 | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2025
DUPLINJOURNAL.COM
Duplin Journal THE DUPLIN COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
State Rep. Jimmy Dixon announces he won’t seek reelection The veteran lawmaker will retire from the state House after completing his eighth term By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal LONGTIME North Carolina Rep. Jimmy Dixon announced Tuesday that he will not seek reelection after completing his eighth term in the General Assembly. Dixon, who has represented House District 4 for 16 years, said his decision comes after “serious and prayerful consideration,” emphasizing a desire to spend more time with his family and church. “I have always planned to take myself out of the game while I still have some game left,” Dixon told Duplin Journal in an exclusive interview — just weeks after previously signaling his intent to run again. The decision marks a significant shift for the veteran legislator, who has become a well-known figure in the state’s political landscape. Dixon said he remains committed to serving the remainder of his term, which ends in 2026. “I have enjoyed my service in the people’s House,” said Dixon. “May the Lord bless our efforts and future efforts to conduct their business well.”
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BRIEF this week
Wendell Murphy inducted into National Agricultural Hall of Fame Duplin County Murphy Family Ventures announced Monday that Wendell Murphy, founder of Murphy Farms, will be inducted into the National Agricultural Hall of Fame on Oct. 23 in Bonner Springs, Kansas. Murphy’s innovation and leadership transformed pork farming, earning him a place alongside agriculture legends like George Washington Carver and John Deere. He will be honored with former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and antique tractor preservationist Michael Hinton.
MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
Representatives from Duplin County, the Airport Commission, and Daniels and Daniels Construction join together to break ground on the new $3.6 million corporate aircraft hangar at Duplin County Airport on Sept. 16.
Duplin breaks ground on $3.6M corporate hangar at County Airport The 15,000-square-foot facility aims to boost regional growth and attract corporate aviation to the area By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal KENANSVILLE — For the second time this month, Duplin County leaders gathered with shovels in hand — this time to break ground on a $3.6 million corporate aircraft hangar they say will elevate the region’s economy and solidify the county airport as a hub for business growth.
owners flying into the airport. Airport Commission Chairman Jack Alphin echoed Edwards’ praise of the airport. “We think we have as nice a small airport, not only in North Carolina, the nation,” Alphin said. “If you have a facility, they will come. We think this will bring an individual or a company to Duplin County because this facility is here.” Airport director Joshua Raynor told the crowd, “This See AIRPORT, page A2
Local elections bring choice, change Early voting starts Oct. 16 By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal WITH EARLY voting for municipal elections less than three weeks away, towns across Duplin County are gearing up for pivotal local races that could shape the future of water infrastructure, econom-
ic development and public accountability. From uncontested incumbents to fiercely contested town board seats, the upcoming election offers a snapshot of civic engagement and disengagement at a critical time for local leadership. Now is the time to get informed, as early voting for the Nov. 4 municipal election begins Oct. 16. The political landscape across Duplin County reflects a
blend of stability and emerging changes. Several towns, including Faison, Mount Olive, Warsaw and Calypso, are experiencing dynamic election cycles. In Mount Olive, the entire town board and the mayor’s seat are up for election, with several incumbents opting not to seek reelection, leading to significant changes in leadership. The stakes are high in Mount
Duplin advocates join lawsuit against EPA on meat waste “Existing technology can dramatically reduce pollution from meat and poultry plants.” John Rumpler
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Held at the Duplin County Airport on Sept. 16, the groundbreaking ceremony for the new 15,000-square-foot corporate aircraft hangar marked a significant milestone for Duplin County. During the ceremony, Dexter Edwards, chairman of the Duplin County commissioners, called the occasion a “historical event” and credited the late George Futrelle, former airport
director, for his role in laying the groundwork for the project. “It’s amazing how it started out with a few people getting together and bringing in some of their equipment and doing the work themselves,” Edwards said. “As I’ve had the privilege in my previous job to travel place to place, I’ve never seen an airport that competes with our Duplin County Airport.” Edwards also praised the current airport director, Joshua Raynor, for the professionalism and hospitality he extends to pilots and company
The lawsuit argues the EPA rollback endangers water quality and disproportionately affects vulnerable communities By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal THE DUPLIN-BASED Rural Empowerment Association for Community Help and Cape Fear River Watch is among a coalition of 10 environmental and public health organizations suing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). They are challenging the EPA’s decision to withdraw proposed regulations aimed at reducing water pollution from slaughterhouses and meat processing facilities. Th case is particularly significant for Duplin County, where a high concentration of indus-
trial animal operations has contributed to long-standing water pollution concerns. Local advocates argue that the EPA’s rollback of regulations disproportionately affects low-income communities and communities of color, highlighting persistent problems with elevated bacteria levels in tributaries of the Cape Fear River Basin, which they partly attribute to industrial discharges. “Existing technology can dramatically reduce pollution from meat and poultry plants,” said John Rumpler, Environment America, Clean Water director. “It’s time for new slaughterhouse rules strong enough to protect America’s rivers, lakes and streams.” The coalition claims that millions of pounds of nitrogen, See MEAT, page A2
Olive, as the town faces challenges stemming from a recent state audit that revealed financial mismanagement and struggles with a long-standing sewer moratorium due to repeated wastewater violations and aging infrastructure. Mayor J. Jerome Newton is running unopposed for reelection. Newcomers Harlie Junior See ELECTION, page A5