VOLUME 11 ISSUE 18 | THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2026
DUPLINJOURNAL.COM
Duplin Journal THE DUPLIN COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
COURTESY MEGAN ROSE PHOTOGRAPHY
Southern Ground Manor opens with farmers market kickoff Chamber members, local officials and community guests attended the Southern Ground Manor ribbon-cutting ceremony June 16. The event marked the official opening of the venue ahead of its first farmers market later in the day. Turn to B6 for more photos.
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BRIEF this week
1,000 feet from home: The buffer that redrew property lines A new zoning rule is preventing some property owners from building on family acreage
Kornegay announces write-in bid Duplin County Health Director Tracey Simmons Kornegay has announced plans to run as a write-in candidate for Duplin County District 2 commissioner. Kornegay is seeking the seat in an effort to represent the district through a grassroots write-in effort ahead of the upcoming election.
Farm Act signed into law The NC Farm Act of 2025-26 has been signed into law by Gov. Josh Stein. Sen. Brent Jackson (R-Sampson) said the legislation strengthens agriculture, supports rural communities, and helps ensure North Carolina remains a leader in food and fiber production. He described the measure as a win for the state’s agricultural sector, saying, “Agriculture feeds, fuels and clothes our state.”
Kenansville Police joins Task Force Model Kenansville The Kenansville Police Department recently joined the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement 287(g) program Task Force Model. The program authorizes officers to enforce limited immigration authority during routine police duties. As of June 22, 2,002 law enforcement agencies in 39 states have joined the program.
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By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal A DUPLIN COUNTY woman says a zoning change meant to regulate development near livestock operations has taken away
her ability to return to the land her family has called home for generations. Marie Turner, a landowner in the Potter’s Hill area, said she was preparing to build on a parcel left to her by her late father.
The lot, where her grandparents once lived and died, had already been surveyed and perked for a septic system. Plans were moving forward until she received a letter citing a recently amended provision of Duplin County’s Unified Development Ordinance. “I am a farmer’s daughter. I do not mind my neighbor making a living with chickens, turkeys
or hogs. I need them to eat, they need us for corn and beans to feed the animals so we all can eat,” Turner told Duplin Journal. “I do mind someone changing the rules as they see fit.” Under the amended rules, adopted in August 2025, new residential dwellings and See ZONING, page A2
Stokes announces plan to resign as sheriff The outgoing sheriff cited gratitude for the community as the county prepares for a leadership transition
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal KENANSVILLE — Duplin County Sheriff Stratton Stokes has announced plans to resign from his position effective July 12. In a statement released to the public, the sheriff said the
decision was made after careful consideration and thanked county residents, law enforcement personnel and community partners for their support during his tenure. “Serving as your sheriff has See STOKES, page A2
Overturned tanker prompts lengthy hazmat response Officials say nitrobenzene was contained and roads were reopened following a multiagency cleanup effort By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal WARSAW — A hazardous materials spill involving a tanker truck carrying nitrobenzene shut down portions of Interstate 40 and N.C. Highway 24 West near the Warsaw rest area June 15, prompting a prolonged multiagency response that lasted more than 23 hours. According to Duplin County Public Safety, the tractor-tanker, carrying the toxic industrial chemical, overturned about
11 a.m. on the shoulder of the roadway near the I-40/N.C. 24 interchange. Emergency crews from the Warsaw Fire Department were first on scene and established a safety perimeter, closing N.C. 24 West while detouring traffic on Interstate 40. State officials with North Carolina Emergency Management and regional hazardous materials response teams were dispatched to assist with containment and cleanup, along with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol and Department of Transportation. Authorities said the material was successfully contained, and air monitoring indicated there was no threat to the public. No injuries were reported. See HAZMAT, page A5
“Thankfully, due to the professionalism and quick actions of all involved, there was no threat to the public.” Warsaw Fire Department