VOLUME 10 ISSUE 45 | THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2026
DUPLINJOURNAL.COM
Duplin Journal THE DUPLIN COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
Happy New Year from Duplin Journal A glimpse into the future of River Landing An artist’s rendering
COURTESY RIVER LANDING AND DUPLIN LAND DEVELOPMENT
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BRIEF this week
Economic Development meeting rescheduled Kenansville The Duplin County Economic Development Commission has rescheduled its January meeting. Originally scheduled for Jan. 2, the meeting will now be held Jan. 9 at 7 a.m. in the Duplin County Airport conference room.
LOOKING AHEAD
Duplin County charts path for growth, opportunity Economic development, workforce training and community spaces anchor the long-term vision By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal KENANSVILLE — Duplin County leaders say the year ahead represents a period of in-
tentional growth, with investments aimed at strengthening the local economy, improving public facilities and expanding services that touch residents’ daily lives. County officials point to economic development projects, education improvements and long-term planning as signs of a county preparing for future opportunity while
NC Pickle Festival accepting vendor applications Mount Olive Vendor applications for the 2026 North Carolina Pickle Festival will be accepted until Feb. 1. Vendors are encouraged to submit their applications promptly at ncpicklefest.org/vendors to secure a spot. The 2026 NC Pickle Festival will take place on Saturday, April 25.
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managing growth responsibly. Deputy County Manager Carrie Shields said one of the most significant efforts underway is the county’s continued focus on job creation and economic development. “Right now, the county is constructing two 50,000-squarefoot shell buildings designed to attract new businesses and industries,” Shields said. “These
buildings allow companies to locate and begin operations more quickly, which means new jobs, increased tax base and long-term economic stability for our county.” Economic growth efforts also extend to aviation-related development. Shields said a new 12,000-square-foot hangar planned at the Duplin County Airport will further support business and transportation activity. “Together, these projects will create opportunities that will provide new employment, supporting existing businesses and helping ensure the county See AHEAD, page A5
Quiet leadership, remarkable growth
Duplin seeks volunteer 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.
showcases a new condominium project at River Landing, located off Pond Landing Drive near the 8th and 9th holes of the River Course. According to a recent announcement made by River Landing and Duplin Land Development, construction is expected to begin in early 2026. The new condos are designed to appeal to a variety of residents, including those seeking a second home, family members wanting to live nearby, or individuals looking for the ease of low-maintenance living without the responsibilities of a yard or property upkeep.
New facilities, rising enrollment and plans for a satellite campus mark a transformative era MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
James Sprunt Community College President Jay Carraway stands beside an artist rendition of the new Workforce Development Building being constructed on campus. Carraway says the 22,000-square-foot building is on track to be completed ahead of schedule in May.
By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal WHEN JAY CARRAWAY retires as president of James Sprunt Community College in
Duplin County Public Schools plan major renovations in 2026 The needs-based construction grant will fund gym, CTE renovations and other improvement By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal 2026 IS POISED to be a year of upgrades and renovations for Duplin County Public Schools. A $32.4 million dollar needsbased school construction grant has been awarded to begin work at East Duplin High School, but this is just one step in a larger plan set into play last August. “In August, the school district proposed a comprehensive construction plan involv-
ing Wallace-Rose Hill, North Duplin Jr-Sr, North Duplin Elementary, James Kenan and East Duplin,” Superintendent Daren Tyndall said in an interview with Duplin Journal. “Receiving this grant provides partial funding for that broader plan, and the district hopes to secure funding for the remaining projects in the future.” The grant comes as part of the Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund (NBPSCF), which uses revenue from the North Carolina Education Lottery to provide construction funding for schools. NBPSCF grants have a spending cap, and schools cannot request more See SCHOOLS, page A3
“The district hopes to secure funding for the remaining projects in the future.” Daren Tyndall
February, he will be leaving behind an incredible legacy of growth, though he is very reluctant to take credit. When asked if he considered the new Workforce Development Center being constructed on the campus as “his legacy,” he replied, “Nothing’s mine. I’m part of a team.” See GROWTH, page A2