VOLUME 10 ISSUE 32 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2025
DUPLINJOURNAL.COM
Duplin Journal THE DUPLIN COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
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BRIEF this week
Joint operation uncovers meth in Beulaville home Beulaville A Beulaville was arrested on Sept. 25, after a joint drug investigation conducted by the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Division and Probation Officers with the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections. According to authorities, a search of Billy Ray Miller’s residence uncovered crystal methamphetamine and numerous items of drug paraphernalia. Miller was charged with felony possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver a Schedule II controlled substance; felony possession of methamphetamine; felony maintaining a vehicle/dwelling/place for controlled substances; and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. He was placed under a $50,000 secured bond and is currently being held in the Duplin County Jail.
4 arrested during saturation patrols Duplin County Four people were arrested during a targeted saturation patrol operation in Magnolia and Rose Hill on Sept. 26. The Duplin County Sheriff’s Office, with support from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, conducted 75 traffic stops, issuing 18 citations, seven written warnings, and more than 37 verbal warnings. Of the arrests made, two were for felony methamphetamine charges and two for driving while impaired. The patrols were designed to increase law enforcement visibility and address 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 collaboration is essential to protecting and serving the citizens of Duplin County.
John Rich Road temporarily closed Magnolia The North Carolina Department of Transportation has temporarily closed the bridge on John Rich Road over Interstate 40 near John Williams Evans Road for maintenance. The road is expected to reopen by Oct. 9. Drivers are advised to use caution in the area.
MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
Camo for a Cause raises $75K for Riley’s Army Teen musicians Asher Brinson, left, and Charlie Morris donated their time and talent to perform traditional and bluegrass music at Camo for a Cause at Tara Creek on Saturday night. The event raised an estimated $75,000 for the nonprofit Riley’s Army that supports children with cancer and their families. Turn to A6 for the story and photos.
EXCLUSIVE
Rep. Dixon reverses retirement decision The longtime lawmaker told Duplin Journal that he will seek reelection in 2026 By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal IN A SURPRISING and exclusive announcement to Duplin Journal, longtime North Carolina Rep. Jimmy Dixon has officially reversed his decision to retire and confirmed he will seek reelection in 2026. Just one week after stating he would not run again, Dixon says a wave of reflection, family conversations
Ultimately, it was my own desire to continue and my assessment that I should not let a few frustrations about internal politics cause me to make a premature decision about retirement. Was there a particular moment or conversation that tipped the scales for you? Yes. My grandson asked me why I was not going to run again. In trying to answer that question from a 10-year-old, I struggled with an answer, which caused me to reflect deeper about the “Why.” Additionally, a good friend and mentor asked, “If you are frustrated about a few issues, who do you think can go up there
and not be even more frustrated than you are?” How did your family respond to your decision to remain in public service? My family has always been super supportive of my efforts through all of the last 15 years. Actually, I initially discussed my possible retirement with only my wife and my daughter. Both were more than happy with both decisions, and they, along with my entire family, remain supportive. I can’t imagine anyone serving in this type of role in this type of political climate without See DIXON, page A6
Stolen vehicle chase ends in DWI arrest, $1M bond A Swansboro man is charged with hitting four police vehicles and crashing into a NCSHP building By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal KENANSVILLE — A multiagency pursuit through Duplin County involving a stolen vehicle ended in a crash Thursday
near Kenansville with the arrest of the suspect. According to the Beulaville Police Department, Edgar Gallagher III, 56, of Swansboro, led police on a chase that began shortly after an officer spotted
a Chevrolet box truck speeding and illegally passing vehicles in the turning lane on West Main Street. When the officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the driver refused to pull over, accelerating westbound onto N.C. 24 Highway East and reaching speeds of up to 90 mph. See DWI, page A6
Airport board approves $550K cap for fuel tank purchase “The majority of the taxpayers have no clue the secret treasure this place is.” Dexter Edwards
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and overwhelming community support led him to reconsider. In an in-depth Q&A, the 4th District state representative opened up about what changed his mind, the role his grandson played in that decision, and why he believes now is not the time to step away. From battles over farming rights to the growing polarization in politics, Dixon shared candid insights on the challenges ahead — and why he’s not ready to hand over the reins just yet. What ultimately influenced your decision to reverse your retirement and seek reelection?
The procurement for the fuel farm begins ahead of the spring 2026 build By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal KENANSVILLE — The Duplin County Airport Commission Board reviewed major infrastructure projects, staffing progress and long-term planning during its Sept. 23 meeting, signaling continued investment in what board members called one of the county’s “best-kept secrets.” Airport Director Joshua Raynor said the Daniels and Daniels hangar project is still in the midst of moving dirt, and SM&E has concerns about water retention in some clay-heavy areas. Rehabilitation on the metal hangars
is “sharpening its price” and planning how to handle it with available crews. The rehab will be done one hangar at a time to be able to move planes to the ramp and get work done during the airport’s work hours. A proposed $15,000 to $20,000 change order would allow design work to remove a hill near the project area. The Parrish & Partners taxiway project is nearing completion, pending final documents and a punch list with S.T. Wooten. A key item on the agenda was approval to move forward with a contract allowing early procurement of fuel tanks for the airport’s new fuel farm — a move that starts a six-month lead time to keep construction on track for spring 2026. See AIRPORT, page A3
“He did strike the front of our building and thankfully no one was injured.” Jason Casteen, NCSHP first sergeant