VOLUME 10 ISSUE 39 | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2025
DUPLINJOURNAL.COM
Duplin Journal THE DUPLIN COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
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BRIEF this week
JSCC dedicates nursing wing Kenansville James Sprunt Community College held a ceremony Monday to dedicate the Nursing Wing of the Hoffler Building in honor of the late William E. Craft. He served on the JSCC Board of Trustees for more than three decades. Craft, a World War II U.S. Army veteran and longtime Kenansville attorney, was deeply involved in civic organizations. The JSCC ceremony recognized Craft’s lifelong commitment to education and his lasting impact on the college and community.
Toys for Tots donations accepted through Dec. 17 Kenansville Duplin County Partnership for Children has announced its continued partnership with Toys for Tots and invites residents to help brighten the holidays for local families in need. Duplin County Partnership for Children is accepting donations for the 2025 holiday season through Dec. 17. Community members are encouraged to drop off new, unwrapped toys at the Partnership’s office, located at 149 Limestone Road in Kenansville.
Holiday closures Duplin County In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, Duplin County offices will be closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 27–28.
Albertson man arrested on child sex crimes Albertson Duplin County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested an Albertson man Nov. 13 on felony charges of statutory sex offense with a child, statutory rape of a child 15 or younger, second degree kidnapping and a misdemeanor charge of contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile. The man, identified as Albert Lorden, is being held without bond. According to authorities, the alleged charges result from a sexual assault investigation that included DNA evidence analyzed by the State Crime Lab.
MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
Southern Lights dazzle on opening night The Southern Lights premiere brought the holiday spirit to life at The Gardens of Southeastern North Carolina in Willard. Families wandered through dazzling displays, fire-lit benches, a glowing maze and a foam snowball pit. Turn to A3 for more.
Funding uncertainty dominates Warsaw town board meeting The mayor-elect challenged the “learn as you go” approach while the town faces critical infrastructure deadlines By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal WARSAW — At last week’s November Warsaw Town Board meeting, Mayor-elect Wesley Boykin used public comment to
thank the board for its service while urging a more formal and structured transition as new members prepare to take office in December. Boykin said that after meeting with Town Manager Lea Turner, he was told that managers and officials “learn as they go,” a characterization he challenged. He emphasized that elected officials must have a written, publicly available transition plan to ensure transpar-
ing, and since the officers-elect are simply that, they cannot give directives,” said Boykin, adding that although officers-elect cannot issue directives, they may make reasonable requests. Boykin told Duplin Journal that the move would require minimal effort, likely involving only relocating microphones. Following public comment, the town’s engineers provided See WARSAW, page A2
Gilmore enters 2026 race with key endorsement Longtime Judge Henry Stevens announces retirement and endorsed Judge Robert Gilmore for Superior Court By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal LAST WEEK, District Court Judge Robert H. Gilmore announced his intent to run for North Carolina’s Judi-
cial District 5 Superior Court; he is endorsed by Superior Court Judge Henry L. Stevens IV, who announced he will not seek reelection to his seat in 2026. “I am looking forward to passing the baton to another person to fill this great responsibility,” said Stevens, whose family has a long lineage of judicial service. “I can think of no one more qualified, with greater integrity, fairness, and
knowledge, than Judge Robert Gilmore. He embodies the values this office demands — legal skill, humility, diligence, compassion — and I am confident he will carry forward the legacy of impartial justice and service to our communities.” Gilmore accepted the endorsement with gratitude, noting Stevens’ exemplary tenure. “Judge Stevens has set the See GILMORE, page A2
Audit finds deficiencies in Wallace’s finances Turnover, software issues and unreimbursed FEMA funds contributed to late audit and overspending, officials say By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal
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ency, continuity of government and adherence to established protocols. Boykin also requested a change of venue for the December meeting, noting that a larger public turnout is expected and that Parks and Recreation facilities could accommodate the crowd. “I was told that it would be too much work because we know that there would be a lot of people attending the Dec. 8 meet-
WALLACE — The auditor conducting the state-required audit for the town of Wallace told the town council at its Nov. 13 meeting that there were some “significant deficiencies” discovered during the audit. In addition to expenditures exceeding appropriations during the previous fiscal year and a late debt service payment, the town also missed the deadline for completing the audit. The auditor, T.D. Hill of the accounting firm RH CPAs, also said two “material weaknesses” included prior-period adjustments and preparation of financial statements.
Another concern expressed by Hill in his presentation was the town’s “fund balance as a percentage of expenditures.” The audit revealed that in the 2024 fiscal year, that percentage fell to 29.8%. The state’s Local Government Commission (LGC) minimum threshold is 34%. Hill’s report said, “This is considered a financial performance indicator and will require a formal response to be submitted to LGC within 60 days.” During Hill’s presentation to the council, he showed several charts depicting the financial health of the town. One graphic summarizing the general fund revealed the expenditures of the town have exceeded the revenues each year from 2021 through 2024, with expenditures growing each year. In 2024, the graph stated the revenues into the town were $4,628,120, while expenditures were $5,519,314. Despite the issues, Hill complimented See WALLACE, page A5
Robert H. Gilmore