VOLUME 10 ISSUE 41 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2025
DUPLINJOURNAL.COM
Duplin Journal THE DUPLIN COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
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BRIEF this week
State awards Duplin $32.4M to modernize East Duplin High Duplin County A major state investment is coming to Duplin County Schools after $32.4 million was awarded for the renovation of East Duplin High School. The funds, distributed through the Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund, support major upgrades and will help provide students with a safer, modernized learning environment. Duplin is among 10 districts statewide receiving more than $392 million in lottery-funded grants for school construction and renovation in economically distressed counties.
Duplin seeks 2026 volunteer award nominations Duplin County Duplin County is accepting nominations for the 2026 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award, honoring individuals, groups, national service members and volunteer managers across a variety of service categories. The county may select up to 10 honorees, with one advancing for the Governor’s Medallion Award. Nominations are due Feb. 13. For more information, call Duplin County Senior Services at 910-296-2140.
Temporary road closure on James Street Mount Olive The Town of Mount Olive last week announced a temporary closure of one block of James Street, spanning Chestnut Street to James Street and Center Street to James Street, due to an ongoing demolition project and safety concerns. The closure will remain in effect until further notice. Residents and drivers are urged to plan alternate routes and exercise caution in the area while work is underway.
Police seek footage after pedestrian accident Warsaw The Warsaw Police Department is investigating a pedestrian incident on East Chelly Street and is asking the public for any video footage that could assist in the case. According to authorities, a pedestrian walking westbound in the 600 block of East Chelly Street was struck by a vehicle traveling west between 7 p.m. and 7:20 p.m. on Nov. 22. The pedestrian sustained traumatic injuries. Persons with doorbell, residential, business or dashcam footage capturing vehicles in the area during that time are urged to contact the Warsaw Police Department.
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MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
Holiday spirit outshines freezing temps downtown Sudan Shriners turned downtown Kenansville streets into a track for their famous Thunderbolt cars during the Kenansville Christmas Parade on Saturday. Turn to A6 for more photos.
Duplin County Animal Shelter faces renewed scrutiny as complaints mount Former employee and local rescuers report altered records, retaliation, and animal-care lapses as regulators confirm an active probe By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal KENANSVILLE — The Duplin County Animal Services Shelter is once again under scrutiny as the North Caroli-
na Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Animal Welfare Section confirmed an active investigation following allegations of irregular practices involving shelter operations.
Hope Tucker, a former medical and intake specialist at DCAS, believes she was fired in retaliation for raising concerns about animal welfare issues. County officials, however, have stated that Tucker was dismissed for using a racial slur. On Nov. 3, four days before Tucker’s termination, Duplin Journal received a tip about potential misconduct at the
shelter. The source claimed an employee had raised multiple concerns but was afraid to go on the record for fear of retaliation. On Nov. 6, Duplin Journal received a complaint sent to AWS and forwarded to multiple media outlets, pleading for the agency to investigate and interview employees See SHELTER, page A5
Mount Olive swears in 3 new commissioners The town finalized wastewater dispute before assigning new oversight roles By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal THREE NEWLY elected members of the Mount Olive Board of Commissioners were sworn in during the board’s regular meeting Monday night. Because of higher-than-usual attendance for the ceremony, the meeting was held in the Southern Bank Auditorium on
the University of Mount Olive campus. Harlie Carmichael was sworn in as at-large commissioner, while Gena Messer Knode took the oath as the District 3 commissioner and C.J. Weaver was sworn in as the District 4 commissioner. After the new board was seated, Commissioner Delreese Simmons was elected mayor pro tempore by a 4–1
vote. Messer Knode cast the only vote in opposition. Town Clerk Sherry Davis administered the oaths to the three new commissioners. Mayor Jerome Newton was sworn in for his new term by N.C. House District 10 Rep. John Bell. After being selected as mayor pro tem, Simmons also requested that Bell administer his oath. After the new board was seated, Newton thanked outgoing board members Barbara Kornegay, Tommy Smith and Danny Keel, presenting each
Retired Yadkin County manager to lead operations during transition Lisa Hughes returns to public service to oversee county operations focusing on goals and efficiency By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal KENANSVILLE — The Duplin County Board of Commissioners announced the appointment of Lisa Hughes as interim county manager after a closed session on Nov. 4. Hughes, who retired as Yadkin County manager earlier this year, will guide county operations during the transition period. “My role as interim is to continue implementing the goals established by the commissioners and to identify any areas to improve efficiency and effectiveness,” Hughes told Duplin Journal.
Hughes will work an average of 32 hours per week while the county conducts its search for a permanent manager. Hughes holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a master’s in public administration from Appalachian State. She also holds a North Carolina Local Government finance officer certification and a North Carolina budget and evaluation certification. She previously served Yadkin County for more than a decade, beginning her tenure there as assistant to the county manager in July 2010 before becoming interim county manager and ultimately serving as county manager from 2014 until her retirement on July 1. Her responsibilities during her tenure in Yadkin included oversight of human resources and service as finance officer.
Lisa Hughes
with a plaque for their service. Prior to the new board being sworn in, the existing board did take care of a few items of town business during the meeting, including the approval of a settlement with the company Terra Nova in the amount of $50,000. Interim town manager Glenn Holland told the board the town had contracted with Terra Nova in 2023 to clean out three tanks at the wastewater treatment plant at a total cost of $151,408. See BOARD, page A3