VOLUME 10 ISSUE 51 | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2026
DUPLINJOURNAL.COM
Duplin Journal THE DUPLIN COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
the
BRIEF this week
Duplin County Hall of Fame calls for nominations Duplin County The Duplin County Hall of Fame has extended its nomination deadline to Feb. 26. Nomination forms are available at the Duplin County Public Library and Cooperative Extension Service in Kenansville, the Duplin Times in Kenansville, and at Duplin Journal in Wallace. For questions, call 910-296-3676. The Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made significant contributions to Duplin County.
Early voting period starts Duplin County The early voting period for the March 3 primary election starts Feb. 12 and ends Feb. 28. Eligible individuals may still register and vote during the early voting period at any early voting site.
EMS recognized for stroke care excellence Duplin County Duplin County EMS received the 2026 Bronze Achievement Award from the American Heart Association Mission: Lifeline EMS program for excellence in prehospital stroke care. This marks the first time Duplin EMS has received the recognition, highlighting the team’s rapid stroke response, evidencebased care and coordination with hospitals.
Black History Month observance Rose Hill The Charity School Alumni Association will observe Black History Month with a community program on Feb. 21 at 3:30 p.m. at the Charity Missions Center. The public is invited to attend the program, fellowship with alumni and community members, and enjoy a soul food meal. The keynote speaker will be Monte Thorne, who currently serves as chair of the Duplin County Board of Adjustment.
Bingo Night for scholarship fundraiser Greenevers The Duplin County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. will host Bingo Night for the Aniya Faison Scholarship on Feb. 13 at 6 p.m. at Greenevers Community Center. Attendees can win prizes and enjoy hot dogs, BBQ sandwiches and drinks while supporting the scholarship fundraiser.
$2.00
MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
Exciting upgrades underway at Kenan Park Work is progressing quickly on a new $500,000 playground at Kenan Park. The project is funded by a state grant, and contributions from ECU Health Duplin Hospital, and the Southern Bank Foundation. The all-inclusive playground will feature a “poured-in-place” safety surface and a large tractor centerpiece. Kenan Park remains closed until the playground project is complete which looks like it will happen soon.
Candidates share priorities ahead of Duplin County primaries Early voting is underway through Feb. 28 as incumbents and challengers compete in several races By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal KENANSVILLE — As Duplin County’s primary elections draw near and early voting is underway through Feb. 28, vot-
ers will have the opportunity to weigh their choices among both long-serving incumbents and first-time challengers in several closely watched races. North Carolina’s primary elections give voters a direct role in deciding
which candidates will advance to the general election ballot representing their respective political parties. To help inform the electorate, Duplin Journal contacted candidates in contested primary races and invited them to participate in a Q&A designed to highlight their priorities, experience and vision for the district.
Inside this edition, Duplin Journal will feature responses from the candidates who accepted Duplin Journal’s invitation, organized by each contested race. In County Commissioner District 2, Tiffany Ferrell is mounting a challenge to the status See VOTING, page A3
Commissioners clash over building naming proposal A proposal to honor Jammie Royall, the former town manager, is expected to return to the agenda in March By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal A FEW IMPLIED accusations of racism were made at the Mount Olive Board of Commissioners meeting held Feb. 5. The first insinuation came during the board’s discussion of a recommendation to name a building associated with the town hall complex in memory of the
late Jammie Royall, the first black town manager for Mount Olive. After town commissioners Vicky Darden and Harlie Carmichael spoke in favor of the proposal, praising Royall’s work and dedication to his position, Commissioner C.J. Weaver responded by recommending other names for consideration. “Weights and measures,” Weaver said. “Are we motivated
to recognize someone because we think he was wronged, or do we want to recognize someone for what they’ve done?” Weaver said he believed the decision should be based on accomplishments rather than emotion. Mayor Pro Tem Delreese Simmons responded to Weaver’s comments defending Royall’s dedication to the town. “Yes, the first black town manager,” Simmons said. “You two new commissioners don’t know there was a piece of paper that
Board weighs projects as deadline nears for $4.2M grant The funds must be spent or contracted by June 30 under state guidelines By Mark Grady Duplin Journal THE DUPLIN COUNTY Economic Development Board was required to make prompt decisions at its Feb. 6 meeting on how best to spend $4.2 million remaining from a $12 million grant the county received for economic development purposes. The board was recently notified that the remaining funds must be used or contracted by June 30 or risk being returned. Duplin County is not alone in receiving the notice. Statewide, the notice stated approximately $40 million in unspent grant funds awarded out of a $1 billion allocation. Using a list of potential uses for the remaining funds provided by Duplin County Economic Development Director Scot-
ty Summerlin, the board discussed which options would most efficiently advance the county’s economic development goals. The top of the list included the construction of another shell building in the Duplin Airpark to be located across AirPark Drive from the nearly completed first of two 50,000-square-foot shell buildings. The board discussed whether it would be the best use of funds to build one new 30,000-square-foot building or two 20,000-square-foot buildings. After calling Joe McKemey, a project engineer with McDavid Associates, and Jeremiah Daniels with Daniels & Daniels for advice, the board decided one 30,000-square-foot shell building would be easier to market to companies seeking space for operations. In addition to the new building, the board decided to use some of the funds to complete four or five short-term See GRANT, page A6
people voted on to stop him from doing his job. It ain’t emotions for me, it’s the truth.” Simmons said the list of suggested alternatives was largely white. The board took no action on the request to name the building. It is expected to be placed on the March agenda for a public hearing on the proposal. The board also discussed a request made to remove the reversionary clause from the See NAME, page A2