VOLUME 11 ISSUE 10 | THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2026
DUPLINJOURNAL.COM
Duplin Journal THE DUPLIN COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
the
BRIEF this week
5 arrested during saturation patrol Beulaville Five people were arrested during a saturation patrol conducted April 20 in Beulaville. Officers from the Beulaville Police Department, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement, North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Duplin County Sheriff’s Office, and police departments from Wallace, Warsaw and Holly Ridge conducted traffic stops focused on improving roadway safety, resulting in 26 citations and 32 traffic charges. Additional charges included three felony drug offenses, seven misdemeanor drug charges, two weapons violations and one count of resisting a public officer. Officers also located three wanted individuals. The patrol was aimed at increasing law enforcement visibility and enhancing public safety.
James Kenan earns Purple Star designation Warsaw James Kenan High School was recognized as a Purple Star School on April 24 for its support of military-connected students. The Purple Star Award, presented through the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, is a state-sponsored designation for schools that demonstrate a strong commitment to helping military families navigate challenges such as frequent relocations and parental deployments.
Town officials remind residents of pool safety, permitting rules Faison Local officials are reminding Faison residents to follow local regulations governing residential swimming pools as warmer weather approaches. Under the town’s land development ordinance, all in-ground pools and above-ground pools with a depth of 30 inches or more must be enclosed by a fence at least 4 feet high and equipped with a locking gate. The requirement applies to both permanent and temporary pools to help prevent unauthorized access and improve safety. Town officials also note that pools are classified as accessory structures, meaning a zoning permit must be obtained prior to installation. Residents are encouraged to check requirements in advance to ensure compliance and avoid potential penalties.
$2.00
REBECCA WHITMAN COOKE FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
Pickle Festival turns 40 with big crowds Thousands packed downtown Mount Olive last weekend as the Pickle Festival marked its 40th anniversary with live music, contests, a drone show and dozens of pickle-themed foods and attractions. Turn to B6 for more.
Magnolia approves $5M in utility upgrades The town board advanced major water and sewer projects funded through state forgivable loans By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal THE MAGNOLIA Town Board advanced a slate of major infrastructure projects and emergency services updates during its most recent meeting,
approving more than $5 million in state-backed utility improvements while also receiving a candid report on the recovery of the town’s volunteer fire department and public safety concerns on local roads. Joe McKinney of McDavid &
Associates presented a series of infrastructure projects funded through state programs, primarily structured as “forgiven loans,” meaning they function as grants if all requirements are met. The first project involves replacing the Newberry sewer pump station, with funding of just under $1 million. The upgrade will include modern pumps, improved infrastructure
and relocation of the station from its current unsafe position in the roadway. This relocation requires land acquisition but will improve both safety and system reliability. McKinney noted that while the funding is largely forgiven, the town will still incur approximately $20,000 in administrative and related costs, with completion expected around 2027 due to permitting and construction timelines. The second project expands improvements across the town’s sewer system, with funding of approximately $1.97 million. This initiative targets widespread infrastructure issues, including deteriorated clay pipes, damaged See MAGNOLIA, page A2
Warsaw board debates staffing, policy compliance, approves settlement The town approved a $38,500 settlement in a police-related claim By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal WARSAW — Town officials grappled with staffing shortages, financial pressures and pol-
icy questions during Warsaw’s April board meeting as they considered how to fill key administrative roles, pursue a major parks grant and finalize a legal settlement.
“Our finance officer clerk was working part time, but she has had to leave that position,” said Town Manager Lea Turner. “We need to appoint an interim finance officer, and I’m requesting that be me again, until we can get someone in this position.” Board members debated whether assigning additional re-
Duplin County Veterans Museum honors 2 longtime volunteers The board president is planning a budget review and expanded hours By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal TWO VOLUNTEERS with the Duplin County Veterans Memorial Museum in Warsaw were honored at a dinner at the Country Squire Restaurant on April 16 for their years of service. Earl Rouse, who served as curator until recently, and Sara Freeman, who served on the board of the museum since its early days, were recognized
during the event. Rouse received a plaque for his service. Freeman, who could not attend, was also honored. The event was hosted by Earl Hardy, the newly elected president of the board for the museum. In an interview with Duplin Journal, Hardy said one of his first goals is to evaluate what the museum needs financially. “We’re going to sit down and look at our past three years’ expenses and develop a budget,” Hardy said. “I need to talk about why we need money and how much we need.” See MUSEUM, page A2
“I need to talk about why we need money and how much we need.” Earl Hardy, Duplin County Veterans Memorial Museum board president
sponsibilities to the town manager without clear policy guidance could create legal risk. Commissioner Scotty Smith asked whether any staff member could be promoted into the role, to which Turner said, “We don’t have anybody certified See WARSAW, page A5