VOLUME 10 ISSUE 43 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025
DUPLINJOURNAL.COM
Duplin Journal THE DUPLIN COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
the
BRIEF this week
Section of West Charity Road temporarily closed Rose Hill The North Carolina Department of Transportation has temporarily closed a section of West Charity Road over Island Creek near Bay Road due to damage from a crash. The road is expected to reopen by 5 p.m. on Dec. 26, weather permitting. Local traffic can detour via Bay Road to East Rosemary Road to Harrell Road. Drivers are advised to use caution in the area and check DriveNC.gov for updates.
JSCC celebrates Access to Achievement program Duplin County James Sprunt Community College announced its first Access to Achievement interns for Fall 2025. Eight students completed internships across JSCC and community sites, gaining workplace skills, confidence and career experience while promoting inclusion for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
NCMedAssist to host over-the-counter medicine giveaway Dec. 20 Warsaw NCMedAssist will hold an over-the-counter medicine giveaway and community event Dec. 20, at the KEMBA Center in Warsaw. Participants are encouraged to preorder medicine while supplies last. Volunteers aged 12 and older are welcome, with those under 18 requiring adult supervision. The event will also offer digital literacy training, telehealth guidance and information on additional benefits. For assistance, participants can call 910-226-8138.
Suspect arrested in homicide investigation Wallace Authorities have arrested a man in connection with the Dec. 14 shooting death of a woman in Wallace, police said. The suspect, Melvin Cruz Morales, 40, was taken into custody Monday in Harnett County and transported to Duplin County. The arrest was assisted by the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. According to Wallace Police, officers responded to reports of shots fired at Wallace Mobile Home Park Lane, where they found an adult female with gunshot wounds. The victim, later identified as Iliana Gómez, was pronounced dead at the scene. She is survived by two young daughters.
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MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
Holiday spirit fills Main Street at Wallace Parade Bringing the parade to a festive close, Santa Claus “flew” over the railroad tracks on Main Street with the help of a few reindeer Saturday. Turn to B6 for more.
Wallace swears in mayor, town council The state soccer champions and an outgoing council member were also honored By Curt Simpson For Duplin Journal THE DECEMBER Wallace Town Council meeting opened on a celebratory note Thursday, recognizing a state championship soccer team, honoring an outgoing council member and
swearing in the mayor along with two council members, including one newcomer to the board. Mayor Jason Wells presented Wallace-Rose Hill High School’s soccer team with a proclamation after their 2-0 state championship win over Polk County on Nov. 22 in Greensboro. Wells then honored outgoing Councilwoman Tasha Herring for her service to the town over the past two years. Herring
thanked the mayor and council for their support during her time on the board and said she is not finished with public service. Herring finished third in the November election for two council seats but said she was not upset, emphasizing her continued commitment to the community. “I didn’t lose,” Herring said. “Wallace won. There were three great people running, and they all love Wallace. I am
so happy to be a part of this community and this board because they have taken me in with open arms.” Superior Court Judge Bob Roupe then administered the oaths of office to Wells, returning Councilman Jason Davis and council newcomer Glenn Price before the board moved on to the evening’s agenda. The first order of business was the selection of a mayor See WALLACE, page A6
New Rose Hill commissioner joins returning officials Marsha Whaley was recognized for 28 years of service By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal THE ROSE HILL Board of Commissioners welcomed a new face at its Dec. 9 meeting as newly elected member Perry Tulley was sworn in by Town Clerk Keren Parker. Tulley is taking the seat of re-
tiring board member Marsha Whaley, who served on the board for a total of 28 years. Mayor Davy Buckner presented Whaley with a large, inscribed silver dish honoring her service to the town. In addition to Tulley’s oath of office, Buckner and commissioner Tashau Mathis were also sworn in for their new terms. Board member Billy Wilson, who also serves as chief of the Rose Hill Fire Department, was unanimously selected as mayor pro tem.
After the ceremony, the board voted to approve the budget calendar, the board meeting schedule and the holiday schedule for 2026. In other business, the board considered two bids recommended by Angela Smith to perform services as part of improvements to buildings under a Community Development Block Grant the town recently received funds for from the state. The services for this portion of the grant include asbestos inspections as well as
Warsaw installs new mayor Mayor Boykin demanded full accounting of wastewater treatment funds before the new budget cycle By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal WARSAW — Prior to swearing in new leadership, the Warsaw Town Board debated concerns over the ABC Board appointment at its December meeting, with Commissioner Ebony Willis-Wells emphasizing transparency, ethics and public trust in the selection process. While paperwork had been submitted late, she said this alone did not justify removing the item from the consent agenda without discussion. Willis-Wells emphasized the importance of adhering to North Carolina General Statute. She stressed transparency, proper discussion and the right of any
member to recuse themselves when necessary to ensure public trust and compliance with state law. “We as a board can do a temporary appointment so that the board can meet properly, and then we can come back as well so that the town manager has adequate time to be able to advertise it from a fair standpoint to the entire town body just in case if there is someone else that desires to serve on that board,” said Willis-Wells. Despite procedural debate, the consent agenda containing the ABC Board appointment and prior meeting minutes was approved by a divided vote. Following the consent agenda, Mayor Wesley Boykin, Willis-Wells, and new Commissioner Cherryl Smith were sworn in, with Commissioner Scotty Smith presenting plaques to outgoing officials, See WARSAW, page A6
“I want to address lingering matters in Warsaw that need attention to make the town the best small town in this state.” Wesley Boykin, new Warsaw mayor
surveying services for four structures benefiting from the grant. Smith told the board three companies had submitted bids for the surveying services. The lowest bid was from Willie Miller Land Surveying for $800 per structure. Kenan Consulting and Construction Company submitted a bid for $750 per structure for asbestos inspections. The board approved both of Smith’s recommendations. See ROSE HILL, page A5