VOLUME 10 ISSUE 14 | THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2026
DUPLINJOURNAL.COM
Duplin Journal inside
Turn to page A5 for our salute to Duplin’s graduating seniors
C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S
CLASS 2026 THE DUPLIN COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
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Wallace Fire Department selected as stop on national flag tour
BRIEF this week
Multiple shootings under investigation Duplin County Multiple law enforcement agencies are investigating a series of shootings into occupied homes reported over the weekend in Warsaw, Beulaville and Wallace.The Duplin County Sheriff’s Office said incidents occurred over 72 hours beginning May 16 at 2 a.m., with a second May 17 at 2 a.m. and a third shooting at 10 p.m. at a home on North College Street in Wallace. Authorities said investigators from the Wallace, Warsaw and Beulaville police departments are working alongside the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation to determine whether the incidents are connected. Anyone with information is asked to call 910-296-2150 or Crime Stoppers at 910372-9202.
Traffic stop leads to fraud investigation Beulaville The Beulaville Police Department is investigating an alleged multistate fraud scheme following an April 29 traffic stop on East N.C. 24 Highway. Police said officers became suspicious during the stop, and a K-9 alert led to a probablecause search of the vehicle. Officers reported finding drug paraphernalia and items they believe may be linked to fraud, including debit cards, a fictitious Florida driver’s license, altered checks and business cards, and other documents. Investigators said the passenger initially provided a false name but was later identified as Timothy Wayne Johnson with assistance from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation Information Sharing and Analysis Center. Authorities determined Johnson was wanted by North Carolina Probation and Parole and had outstanding warrants. Police said investigators confirmed more than $53,000 was stolen through the alleged scam, which involved suspects using fraudulent identification cards to make bank withdrawals while posing as victims.
REBECCA WHITMAN COOKE FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
Utility rate increases Warsaw faces strict state oversight headline Rose Hill budget discussions under wastewater The proposed budget includes a 6% increase in water and sewer rates while keeping the town tax rate unchanged By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal ROSE HILL HELD a public hearing on the proposed 2026-27 budget during the board of commissioners meeting May 12. The budget item that will affect citizens the most is a 6% increase in water and sewer rates for the town, one of three increases to be eased in over the next few years. Rose Hill Town Administrator Angela Smith told Duplin Journal the water and sewer
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“This increase will help keep pace with rising operational costs, support infrastructure maintenance and upgrades.” Angela Smith, Rose Hill town administrator rate increases are the first ones since 2022 and are needed. “This increase will help keep pace with rising operational costs, support infrastructure maintenance and upgrades, and strengthen the town’s position See ROSE HILL, page A3
The town risks escalating fines and deeper state intervention if deadlines are missed By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal THE TOWN OF WARSAW is facing mounting pressure to overhaul its troubled wastewater treatment system after entering into a sweeping Special Order of Consent (SOC) with the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission — an agreement town leaders say carries significant financial and operational risks if deadlines are missed.
Wallace council to consider tax hike, vehicle fee “The Town adopted a minimum fund balance target of 25% of expenditures.” Rob Taylor, Wallace town manager
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WoodmenLife representatives presented a commemorative U.S. flag to the Wallace Fire Department on May 14 as the department celebrated its 100th anniversary and the dedication of its new fire station. The presentation was part of WoodmenLife’s nationwide tour honoring America’s upcoming 250th birthday, with Wallace serving as one of 11 stops selected for its commitment to civic service. The special Betsy Ross-style flag features 13 stars encircling the number 250. Wallace Fire Chief Wayne Rich said the commemorative flag will be displayed at the station alongside the department’s American and memorial flags. The Wallace Fire Department also contributed a challenge coin to accompany the flag tour before it was placed in a time capsule at WoodmenLife headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska. Pictured are Harvey Knowles, left, standing next to Wayne Rich, center, and Spencer Owen as they hold the commemorative flag.
Public input is sought for the June 11 meeting By Curt Simpson For Duplin Journal THE WALLACE TOWN Council is considering a proposed property tax increase and a new vehicle fee as part of an $11.54 million budget designed to rebuild depleted reserves, fund road repairs and prepare for major residential growth already underway. Town Manager Rob Taylor and his staff presented the proposed 2026-27 budget to the town council on May 7, though council members still have time to make changes before the spending plan is adopted. Among the proposed
changes are an increase in the town’s property tax rate from 53 cents to 56 cents per $100 of assessed value, along with a new $10 annual vehicle fee intended to help pay for repairs to town-owned streets. The proposed budget totals $11.54 million, an increase of roughly $572,000, or 5.6%, over the current year’s budget. In his budget message, Taylor said the changes would amount to about $40 more per year for the average homeowner, while the owner of a home assessed at $350,000 would pay approximately $105 more annually. Taylor said the town’s fund balance has fallen below the recommended level of 25% of annual expenditures and See WALLACE, page A2
The SOC was approved with technical adjustments, including a change to the signatory and timelines for a peracetic acid (PAA) pilot test at the town’s May meeting. The agreement lays out a strict timeline of upgrades, enforcement actions and reporting requirements stretching through January 2027. At the center of the agreement is a high-stakes financial warning: The state is holding nearly $50,000 in existing civil penalties in abeyance, but those penalties will only be forgiven if Warsaw successfully completes every required mileSee WARSAW, page A3