VOLUME 10 ISSUE 47 | THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026
DUPLINJOURNAL.COM
Duplin Journal THE DUPLIN COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
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BRIEF this week
Law enforcement makes 6 arrests in saturation patrol Duplin County Six people were arrested during saturation patrols conducted earlier this month in the southern part of Duplin County. Officers conducted 78 traffic stops, issuing 31 citations, six written warnings and more than 46 verbal warnings. Arrests included two illegal narcotics charges and two driving while impaired. The patrols were part of a collaborative effort between the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation aimed at increasing law enforcement visibility, deterring crime and enhancing public safety.
Duplin County Historical Society to meet Feb. 7 Kenansville The Duplin County Historical Society meeting will be at noon on Feb. 7 at Wesley Chapel UMC Fellowship Hall at 1127 North N.C. 11-903 Highway in Kenansville. Members and the public are invited to discuss the status of the organization and its future. Please note that the Duplin County Historical Society will not meet at the Rose Hill Restaurant. Annual membership fees — $20 for individuals and $25 for families — are due and can be paid at the meeting.
Tri-County EMC scholarships open for 2026 Duplin County High school seniors in Duplin County have the chance to earn scholarships ranging from $250 to $750 to support their college or vocational education through Tri-County EMC. Awards are available for students attending fouryear colleges, community colleges, technical schools, or non-traditional students. Applicants must be graduating seniors who are members of Tri-County EMC, children of members or live in a home served by the cooperative. Eligible high schools include North Duplin, East Duplin, Duplin Early College and James Kenan. Applications are due March 31.
Albertson woman arrested on federal meth charges Duplin County A woman was arrested on federal methamphetamine charges after a long-term investigation into illegal drug distribution conducted by the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Division with assistance from the DEA. According to authorities, Sharon Lynn Jones, of Albertson, faces five federal counts for allegedly distributing methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute.
COURTESY DUPLIN COUNTY SENIOR SERVICES
Thread by thread: Seniors discover the art of quilting Seniors Joyce Hunter, Colleen Newkirk, Johnny Pickett, Beverly Sholar, Jill LaCour and Alba Bedoya enjoy a quilting lesson on Jan. 8 at the Duplin County Senior Services center. The hands-on class offered participants an opportunity to learn new techniques while socializing with fellow quilters. To join the group, contact the senior center at 910-296-2140.
Warsaw officials clash over ethics, authority The board debated recusals, planning board appointments and welcomed a new police chief By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal THE WARSAW TOWN hall meeting on Jan. 12 opened with a discussion about ethics, conflicts of interest, and ad-
Duplin Airpark infrastructure project faces delays, cost challenges The board addressed contractor oversights and cost adjustments while shell buildings near completion By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal DUPLIN COUNTY Economic Development Director Scotty Summerlin opened the board meeting on a positive note last Friday regarding the delayed completion of infrastructure
work at the new Duplin Airpark industrial complex at the airport. “A tremendous amount of work has really transpired in the last 30 days since our last meeting,” Summerlin said. “Everybody is stepping up. Contractors are stepping up, trying to get the work done.”
The tone turned to frustration when the board began to discuss two serious last-minute issues that have materialized with the project. Summerlin and contractors joining the meeting remotely said a ditch that was supposed to be completed in front of the new N.C. Forest Service district headquarters that just began construction would now have to be piped in for approximately 260 feet. Two drop inlets
Kenansville Police address complaints about ABC Store patrols A commissioner with law enforcement experience backed the police’s decisions, citing safety and law enforcement priorities By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal
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herence to proper procedures. The three-hour session began with Mayor Wesley Boykin emphasizing the importance of reading ethics requirements into the record, citing a violation at a prior meeting. A disagreement
arose over whether Commissioner Scotty Smith had improperly voted on his brother’s appointment to the ABC Board. Tensions escalated as commissioners debated events from the previous meeting, referencing livestream footage, official minutes and personal recollections. The mayor repeatedly asserted his authority as presid-
KENANSVILLE CHIEF of Police Jackie Benton told members of the town board of commissioners during their meeting on Jan. 6 that he had received complaints regarding where and how long police cars were
parked during routine patrol. His remarks came during department reports near the end of the meeting. Benton told the board he had received two complaints accusing the department of targeting the ABC Store in town when officers used the alleyway beside CVS Pharmacy, across from the ABC Store, or when they were in the ABC Store parking lot. “The complaint was they thought we were targeting people leaving the ABC Store, which we do not do,” Benton said. “We can’t stop a vehiSee POLICE, page A5
“The complaint was they thought we were targeting people leaving the ABC Store.” Jackie Benton, Kenansville police chief
ing officer, reminding members they must be recognized before speaking and apologized to the public for the contentious exchange. The board then turned to approval of meeting minutes, with Boykin requesting a delay due to errors and omissions. Concerns were raised about missing statements and the legal importance of minutes as the official historical record. Staff acknowledged that while minutes are not verbatim, some typos and incomplete statements warranted correction before approval. Additional debate arose over See WARSAW, page A5
would also have to be installed. The additional cost to make the ditch change is estimated at approximately $55,000. The ditch does not meet the slope angle that is needed to mow the ditch line. Summerlin added the area affected has eroded badly and is an eyesore. Summerlin said that due to some funds not being spent from the budget, the actual additional cost to pipe in the ditch line at that location could be reduced to $30,000. Duplin Deputy County Manager Carrie Shields said the county should not be responsible for the additional cost of See DELAYS, page A3