VOLUME 10 ISSUE 44 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2025
DUPLINJOURNAL.COM
Duplin Journal THE DUPLIN COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
Merry Christmas from Duplin Journal the
BRIEF this week
Fugitive wanted on attempted murder charges captured Beulaville A coordinated operation last week led to the arrest of a woman wanted on several charges. Lekeyia Petteway, sought on active bench warrants from Greenville County, South Carolina, for alleged attempted murder, assault and battery, and child abuse was located at a Beulaville residence. Authorities said officers from the Beulaville Police Department, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation’s Criminal Apprehension Team and Coastal District agents worked together to take Petteway into custody safely and without incident.
Memorial bricks available for courtyard tribute Faison The Town of Faison and the Faison Improvement Group are inviting the public to help update the Dr. William Thornton Memorial Courtyard. Personalized memorial bricks, starting at $100, can honor loved ones or organizations. Proceeds benefit the Faison Recreation & Wellness Center and Faison Improvement Group. Bricks are tax-deductible and engraved for life.
Local fire department retains Class 3 rating Wallace The Wallace Fire Department kept its ISO rating of 3, a distinction held by just 3,000–3,500 of 27,000 U.S. fire departments. Commissioner Glenn Price praised the volunteers’ professionalism on a social media post, noting that the rating helps ensure lower homeowners insurance rates for the community.
Magnolia partners to fight food insecurity Magnolia With the holiday season in full swing, the Town of Magnolia recently helped spread warmth and generosity by assembling 23 Meals-in-a-Bag kits, donated by Marine Federal Credit Union. The kits, featuring corn chowder or chili meals, were delivered to the Duplin County Partnership for Children to support local families experiencing food insecurity. The Partnership worked with the Duplin County Department of Social Services to identify families in need.
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MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
Saluting a dedicated workforce Duplin County employees filled the Duplin Event Center for the Employee Appreciation Luncheon on Friday afternoon. The event featured a barbeque lunch, recognition for years of service, as well as games and door prizes.
A year of growth, change From major infrastructure projects and economic gains to leadership turnover and public transparency debates By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal DUPLIN COUNTY experienced a year of growth, leadership changes, and infrastructure development in 2025. County officials focused on economic development, fiscal man-
agement, and public engagement, while recognizing local leaders and volunteers. In January, the Board of Commissioners approved the $430,000 purchase of a building on Limestone Road in Kenansville for Water Department administrative operations. The
board said the purchase would improve efficiency and customer service through features such as drive-through payments. The board also approved the use of $252,183 in opioid settlement funds for early intervention programs for school-aged children ($127,889.91), naloxone distribution ($60,855.92), collaborative strategic planning ($38,037.20), and addiction treatment for incarcerated individuals ($25,400). The
plan added two part-time positions and eliminated one fulltime role. The board also approved a $7,000 revision of the county’s personnel policy for the first time in more than a decade to clarify conflicting provisions. Auditors presented the FY 2024 audit in February, the general fund stood at $46.5 million, with nearly 80% available, and property tax revenues remained stable. In March, County Commissioner Dexter Edwards was recognized for his induction into the North Carolina See GROWTH, page A5
Wallace mayor reflects on 2025’s big projects A new fire department, remodeled community spaces and airport improvements signal growth and progress By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal WHEN WALLACE MAYOR Jason Wells looks back on 2025, he sees it as a year of major projects in town. In an interview with Duplin Journal, he said one of the biggest projects has
been construction of the new fire department. “We do have construction on the new fire department underway,” Wells said. “We anticipate that will be fully completed by mid-2026. That’s a big project for us.” In addition to the new fire
department, the town has been renovating existing buildings for new uses, Wells said. “We finished remodeling the Clement Building, which is a community building where Parks and Rec is now housed,” he said. “There is also community space that folks can rent out. We got that building fully renovated with grants.” The old Parks and Rec building by Clement Park is being
Dixon earns top public safety award for legislative leadership The local lawmaker's efforts resulted in stricter penalties and retirement protections for officers By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal THE NORTH CAROLINA Sheriffs’ Association (NCSA) recently recognized Rep. Jimmy Dixon as a 2025 Defender of Public Safety for his leadership during the 2025 legislative session, which advanced key policies to strengthen law enforcement and protect communities. “Nothing is more important than public safety in this troubled world. I will continue my absolute support for all our law enforcement and first responders,” Dixon told Duplin Journal.
Dixon’s legislative district is served by Sheriff Stratton Stokes in Duplin County and Sheriff Larry Pierce in Wayne County. According to NCSA, during a session marked by numerous public safety and law enforcement bills, Dixon worked closely with sheriffs and community leaders to champion legislation addressing fentanyl distribution, illegal firearms, and retirement protections for law enforcement officers. Sheriff Ricky T. Buchanan, president of the NCSA, praised Dixon’s efforts, noting that he has been a steadfast partner in the legislature, advocating for policies that support sheriffs and enhance public safety. See DIXON, page A2
COURTESY
Rep. Jimmy Dixon
remodeled to become the new town hall. Town administrative offices are expected to move there soon. “We anticipate we will be in that building [the new town hall] by the end of the year,” Wells said. “That will free up space in the current town hall to be remodeled for the police department.” Not all major projects involve See PROJECTS, page A5