VOLUME 10 ISSUE 9 | THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2025
DUPLINJOURNAL.COM
Duplin Journal THE DUPLIN COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
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Magnolia churches unite for a day of faith, fun and egg hunts
BRIEF this week
Parks and Rec puts out call for volunteers
An adventurous egg‑hunter at Magnolia’s Easter Celebration proudly shows off her latest find. The Saturday event, sponsored by the town’s churches, celebrated both the holiday and the spirit of the Magnolia community with music, prayer, free food, egg hunting and more.
Kenansville Kenansville Parks and Recreation needs volunteers for their concession stand during the season’s games. If you are interested in helping, contact Courtney Brown at recreation@ kenansville.org
Poetry lovers unite at JSCC Kenansville Words will take center stage at Partners in Poetry on April 24 from 6:30‑8:30 p.m. at James Sprunt Community College in the Boyette Building. Whether one wants to share your own work, read a favorite poem or simply enjoy the performances of others, the event offers a welcoming space for creativity and connection. The event is open to the public.
K-9 unit live demonstration Pink Hill Discover the responsibilities of the furry, four-legged members of the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Department K-9 unit on April 24 at 4:30 p.m. at the Pink Hill Public Library. Watch a live demonstration and learn more about their important work and ask questions. To register, call 252-568-3631.
Rose Hill Library to host free community baby shower
Turn to page B6 for more. K.D. BEARD / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Local fire departments need volunteers amid nationwide shortage “It’s not really just here, it’s an everywhere problem.” Cody Herring
Rose Hill Soon-to-be moms are invited to attend the Duplin County Community Baby Shower on April 26 at 10 a.m. at the Rose Hill Library. This free event offers valuable resources and support for pregnancy and postpartum. Participants will have access to informative sessions and can pick up gently used and new baby essentials. Expecting families or those with children aged 2 years or younger are encouraged to preregister.
See life as a released prisoner with reentry simulation Kenansville It’s challenging for those released from jail to rejoin society. Whether it’s finding a job, securing stable housing, attending treatment regularly or adhering to release conditions, many factors stand in the way of success. To help the public better understand what released prisoners face, Trillium is hosting a Reentry Simulation on May 13 at 9 a.m. at the Britt Agricultural Service Center, 165 Agriculture Drive in Kenansville. Visit trilliumhealthresources.org/ events for more.
By K.D. Beard Duplin Journal FIRE DEPARTMENTS throughout Duplin County are actively seeking new recruits as departments nationwide face a steady decline in volunteer firefighters. Community involvement plays a critical role in ensuring public safety for the county’s volunteer fire and rescue teams, owing to a long-standing tradition of neighborly support — though many of the surrounding areas and municipalities employ career or paid firefighters, all but two of the 20 active fire departments in Duplin County are operated on a volunteer basis. “We’re in a very unique situation in Duplin County,” re-
marked Cody Herring, Fire Training Coordinator with James Sprunt Community College’s Fire Academy, who says several factors have contributed to the shortage locally, including out-ofcounty work commutes and rigorous training standards. For much of Duplin County’s history, volunteers in tight-knit communities have dedicated themselves to ensuring the public’s safety and well-being, often sacrificing time with family to answer life-saving calls. “A lot of people don’t know these guys and girls work a full-time job. People are having to drive to Wilmington, Jacksonville, Goldsboro to work, so it’s harder for them to make the calls,” said Herring, adding that for a growing number of Americans, finding time to volunteer can be challenging, especially when some have to work two or
Wastewater plant and board procedures dominated Warsaw’s meeting discussions
See FIRE DEPT, page A2
See WARSAW, page A2
Industry leaders inspire next generation at roundtable “Hearing their stories and advice firsthand has given me a deeper perspective on what it means to be a successful and ethical leader.” Macy Parkhurst, moderator
$2.00
New efforts focus on educating, training, and retaining homegrown heroes to protect Duplin County
The University of Mount Olive hosted a leadership event that connected students with leaders By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal THE TILLMAN Executive Roundtable recently held at the University of Mount Olive was a hit among students and faculty, providing a powerful platform for attendees to learn directly from business leaders. “These individuals are not only accomplished professionals but also visionary leaders who understand the importance of service and community,” stated Kathy Best, Tillman School of Business dean, in a media announcement. “They provided our students
Planning board appointments stir discussion over consent agenda use
with sound and solid advice that will guide them as they prepare to enter and lead in the business world.” The event attracted a full house at the Rodgers Chapel, where participants gathered to learn from the featured speakers: • Bill Bryan is the executive chairman, former president, and CEO of Mount Olive Pickle Company. Bryan is known for promoting innovation and community support. He joined the company in 1985 and led it for 25 years, establishing it as the leading brand in the pickle industry. • Drew Covert is the chairman and CEO of Southern Bank and Trust Company. With over 30 years in banking, Covert has guided the bank See PANEL, page A6
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal WARSAW — Last week’s town board for the town of Warsaw addressed some key governance and procedural issues that sparked internal debate among commissioners and prompted critical public commentary. A central point of contention was the approval process for the meeting agenda. Initially, a motion was made and seconded to approve the agenda as it was presented. However, questions arose regarding the procedural correctness, reflecting ongoing tensions between board members and town leadership. Commissioner Ebony Wills-Wells proposed an addition to the agenda to receive updates about the waste treatment plant, she also made a motion to remove consent agenda Item #5 for the approval of planning board members to move it to the regular agenda for discussion, which failed due to the lack of a second. The planning board appointments drew criticism for being approved without open discussion. While the consent agenda passed, the process