VOLUME 11 ISSUE 14 | THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2026
DUPLINJOURNAL.COM
Duplin Journal THE DUPLIN COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
the
BRIEF this week
Warsaw man charged after 130-mph chase ends in crash Magnolia A 33-year-old Warsaw man was arrested last week after a reported high-speed pursuit through Magnolia ended in a crash. According to the Magnolia Police Department Chief Jerry Wood, officers observed a red 2014 Chevrolet Camaro speeding on Monk Street shortly before 11 p.m. on May 21 and attempted a traffic stop. The driver, identified as Milton Donovan West, allegedly did not stop and continued at a high rate of speed, at times estimated to exceed 130 mph. The pursuit ended when the vehicle left the roadway and crashed in a field south of the House of Raeford area along U.S. 117 near the Brooks Quinn intersection. Authorities said West sustained a minor forehead injury. West was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including felony fleeing to elude arrest, driving while license revoked, speeding, reckless driving, no insurance, possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance, carrying a concealed weapon and operating a vehicle without registration. He was booked into the Duplin County Jail on a $5,000 secured bond.
Magnolia sets June 9 budget hearing Magnolia Town residents are encouraged to attend a public budget hearing scheduled for June 9 at 6 p.m. at Magnolia Town Hall. Town officials said the meeting will provide an opportunity for residents to review the proposed budget, ask questions and offer public comment before final adoption.
Parking enforcement near ball fields Beulaville The Beulaville Police Department is reminding residents that parking on sidewalks near the town’s ball fields is prohibited and will be enforced. Officials say increased parking along sidewalk areas on Jones Street and East Broad Street has created safety hazards for pedestrians. Police encourage the public to follow posted guidelines to help keep the area safe for visitors. Violations may result in citations or towing.
REBECCA WHITMAN COOKE FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
Duplin unveils Gold Star Memorial marker Duplin County honored generations of military sacrifice Friday with the dedication of a new Gold Star Memorial Marker in Courthouse Square in Kenansville. Bagpipes, wreaths and tributes marked a solemn ceremony recognizing Gold Star families and their lasting legacy. Turn to A6 for the story.
$4.35M Warsaw budget draws scrutiny over utilities, pay, process The mayor said a proposed rate hike adds burden to residents who are already struggling By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal THE TOWN OF WARSAW’S proposed $4.35 million budget for fiscal year 2026–27 is prompting debate
over rising utility costs, town employee pay increases and questions about transparency in how the spending plan was prepared and presented to the board leaving limited time for review before discussion.
Policy shift sparks debate over animal control officer safety The decision shifts long-standing practice for animal control officers and raises questions about safety and field operations By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal DUPLIN COUNTY officials say nonsworn employees will no longer be authorized to carry
handguns as part of a review of departmental roles and personnel policies, directing affected staff to return previously issued firearms. “Non-sworn personnel are
generally not authorized to carry firearms,” the county said in a public statement, adding that the decision was made to align job duties with county policy and ensure consistency across depart-
Commissioners hear budget proposal focused on stability, operations The recommended plan includes employee raises, EMS upgrades, sheriff’s vehicles and new county positions without raising taxes By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
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Mayor Wesley Boykin said board members received the proposed budget only shortly before the meeting began, leaving little time for meaningful scrutiny ahead of the presentation. Town Manager Lea Turner introduced the budget plan, which relies heavily on property taxes, sales taxes and
KENANSVILLE — With no proposed tax increase and employee raises included, Duplin County leaders unveiled a recommended $79.46 million budget during the May 18 Board of County Commissioners meeting. County Manager Lisa Hughes presented the recommended fiscal year 2026-27 budget totaling $79.46 million, an increase of approximately $2.5 million over the current year’s adopted budget. Revenue sources include property taxes, sales
“I bet if I were to ask anybody in this room other than Chelsey (Lanier, the finance officer), I don’t think anybody could tell me what all was included in any one of those functions, that’s why this year it is recommended at the department level.” Lisa Hughes taxes, fees, intergovernmental grants and appropriated fund balance. The proposed budget appropriates See BUDGET, page A2
utility revenues to fund operations for the 2026–27 fiscal year. Property tax collections are projected at approximately $1.66 million, based on the current tax rate of 50 cents per $100 valuation and a projected 97% collection rate. See WARSAW, page A5
ments. Animal Control Officers will continue responding to calls, enforcing ordinances, assisting residents and coordinating with law enforcement when needed. County Manager Lisa Hughes said the decision was based on policy review and legal guidance, not any specific incident. She said there was no triggering event that prompted the change. Hughes said the decision followed an internal review and consultations with the UNC School of Government, the county attorney, and surrounding See POLICY, page A5