Duplin Journal Vol. 11, Issue 3

Duplin Journal

Local leader joins workforce board

Kenansville James Sprunt Community College President Shannon Hair has been appointed to ll Jay Carraway’s unexpired term on the Eastern Carolina Workforce Development Board to help shape regional workforce priorities. The term runs through June 30, 2027.

Great Colon Tour, wellness screenings

Duplin County

The nal stops of the Great Colon Tour are at the Duplin County Health Department on March 18, from 9 to 11 a.m. and WAGES Senior Nutrition Center on March 26, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free adult wellness screenings will be available.

Library Saturdays adjusted

Kenansville

The Kenansville Library Branch will now close on Saturdays whenever a holiday falls on the Friday before or Monday after, giving sta and visitors a predictable schedule around holidays.

GriefShare Support Group o ered

Kenansville

Duplin County Senior Services hosts GriefShare, a grief support group, on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 2-3 p.m. Facilitated by Dr. Ray Kenedy. For more information, call 910 -296 -2140.

Americans unite in aggravation over sticker shock at the gas pump

A country divided on many fronts is nding common ground at the gas pumps. The cost of the Iran war is hitting Americans squarely in the wallet and aggravating people across the political spectrum. That was the message from Associated Press interviews Monday with people at gas stations and beyond in ve states. The national average gas price was $3.48 a gallon on Monday, up from $2.90 a month ago, before the war, according to tracking by AAA.

Anthropic sues

Trump administration seeking to undo “supply chain risk” designation

Anthropic is suing the Trump administration, asking federal courts to reverse the Pentagon’s decision designating the arti cial intelligence company a “supply chain risk” over its refusal to allow unrestricted military use of its technology. The Pentagon designated the San Francisco tech company a supply chain risk after an unusually public dispute over how its AI chatbot Claude could be used in warfare.

$2.00

Student artists, musicians shine at Friends of the Arts event

Kaelyn Castillo, an eighth grade student at Duplin Music Academy, performs in the foyer at the River Landing Clubhouse, greeting guests arriving for the Friends of the Arts Supporter Appreciation Night. Turn to A6 for more.

Wallace re chief retires suddenly, volunteers resign

The town turned to the Teachey Fire Department while rebuilding the volunteer ranks

By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal

WALLACE — Members of the Wallace Town Council gathered in the Wallace Woman’s Club for

speci cs. However, a social media post by the town after the meeting referenced “low morale” in the department.

As Wells stated in his continued opening remarks, this development left the town at risk.

an emergency meeting on Monday afternoon after Wallace Fire Chief Sammy Marshburn and several volunteers of the Wallace Fire Department abruptly resigned.

In an opening statement, Mayor Jason Wells said, “On Thursday, March 5, 2026, the re chief of the Wallace Fire Department tendered his retirement e ective immediately. Following that announcement, several members of the volunteer re department resigned that same evening.”

While Marshburn’s departure was referred to as a retirement, it appeared to have been tendered without advance notice to the town. There was no reason stated for either the chief’s abrupt departure or the volunteers’ resignations. Under personnel laws, the town could not discuss any

Public records dispute leads to court complaint in Warsaw

Jessica Thomas said a months-long wait for wastewater documents prompted legal action

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

WARSAW — After months of unanswered public records requests, Jessica Thomas, environ-

mental justice chair for the Duplin County NAACP, has led a complaint in Duplin County Superior Court seeking the release of public records from the Town of Warsaw.

According to the complaint, Thomas submitted a public records request to Town Manager Crystal Lea Turner on Oct. 20, 2025 seeking communications between town o cials, the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality Villari Foods, C2NC, and state and federal representatives regarding the town’s wastewa-

County backs Villari wastewater upgrade with $200K loan

O cials say the $3.27 million upgrade will reduce treatment strain on Warsaw system and allow room for growth

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

KENANSVILLE — During the March meeting of the Duplin County Board of Commissioners, one of the key items focused on a proposed $200,000 loan from the county’s revolving loan fund to support a project by Villari Food Group LLC in Warsaw. The loan request was presented by Economic Development Director Scotty Summerlin during a public hearing. The funding would help nance a

$3.27 million project aimed at improving the company’s wastewater pretreatment system before its discharge enters the Town of Warsaw’s wastewater treatment plant. The project includes two phases: installing upgraded pretreatment equipment and developing a land application system to manage processed wastewater more effectively. The improvements are intended to reduce the burden on the town’s treatment facility and address past challenges with wastewater discharge.

“The project demonstrates the company’s strong desire to address their treatment deciencies and challenges,” said Summerlin.

He noted that the revolv-

“Villari cannot grow without the project.”

Scotty Summerlin

“These developments have created signi cant and immediate concerns regarding the department’s sta ng levels, leadership structure and its ability to e ectively respond to emergencies and provide reliable re protection services,” Wells continued. “Because the re department is a critical public safety function of the town, any disruptions to its operational capacity present

ter treatment system, environmental compliance and related issues.

Thomas told Duplin Journal she hoped the information would clarify e orts to secure funding and address the town’s aging infrastructure.

“I wanted to understand what was going on with the wastewater treatment plant and whether the town had been communicating with state and federal ocials about funding or solutions,” Thomas said.

Thomas alleges the town

Ena Sellers

Michael Jaenicke Sports Editor

Patsy Teachey Advertising Representative

Loretta Carey

O ce Manager

CONTACT US

O ce Phone: 910 463-1240

To place a legal ad: 919 663-3232; Fax: 919 663-4042

Southerland emerges as presumptive sheri

Two will face o in the District 2 commissioner contest

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

VOTERS IN DUPLIN

County delivered decisive results in local primaries last week, with Eric Southerland leading the Republican race for sheri . Southerland captured 48% of the vote, emerging as the presumptive next sheri .

“I am humbled by all of the support and forever grateful for everyone that supported and voted for me,” Southerland told Duplin Journal. With no opponent in the general election, Southerland said he is asking for continued voter support, and pledges to serve all citizens impartially.

Incumbent Dexter Edwards won the Republican primary for District 2 county commissioner with 74% of the vote, setting up a November showdown with una liated candidate Jessica Thomas, who gathered 271 signatures earn-

“I am humbled by all of the support and forever grateful for everyone that supported and voted for me.”

Eric Southerland

ing her a spot in the November ballot. Thomas expressed gratitude for the community members who helped her circulate petitions.

“I feel good about it,” said Thomas. “I just want a change for our community, however that needs to happen … As a commissioner, you’re only one vote, but making the information accessible to the people matters.”

In the race for clerk of Superior Court, Amy Price secured the nomination with 56% of the vote. At the state legislative level, Republican incumbents maintained commanding leads. Brent Jackson won the N.C. State Senate District 9 primary with 3,868 votes over

William Barbour’s 694, while Jimmy Dixon captured N.C. House District 4 with 3,726 votes against Marcella Barbour’s 901.

Duplin County Board of Elections Director Carrie Sullivan, told Duplin Journal the turnout was better for this primary than the county’s 2022 midterm primary, with about 22% of registered voters casting ballots — more than 1,000 additional voters.

“This election showed similar turnout as the 2024 Presidential Primary, which saw 7,033 voters which was 22.32% of the registered voters in the county,” said Sullivan.

The county will certify its results at Friday’s canvass meeting.

In the U.S. Senate Republican primary, Michael Whatley led the eld with 59.9% of the vote. He will face incumbent Governor Roy Cooper who dominated the Democratic primary race with 88% of the vote.

Judicial races saw Matt Smith win the Republican N.C. Court of Appeals Judge Seat 1 with 57.7%. In the 3rd Congressional District Democratic primary, Raymond Smith received 52.8% of the vote. For the N.C. Court of Appeals Judge Seat 3, Christine Marie Walczyk secured the nomination with 62.7% of the vote.

Mount Olive board schedules RFP for town legal services

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an immediate risk to the safety and welfare of Wallace residents, businesses and visitors. The loss of key leadership and multiple trained volunteers in a short period of time requires prompt action by the town council to stabilize the department’s command structure and ensure continuity of emergency response services.”

After Wells’ statement, the council voted to allow the town manager and town attorney to negotiate an immediate re protection contract with the Teachey Fire Department. In addition, the council agreed to dismiss all current Wallace Fire Department volunteers, rescind all policies, bylaws and standard operating procedures currently in place for the re department, and adopt a new volunteer policy for the town.

In addition, the town appointed two former members of the re department to ll roles during the restructuring. Wayne Rich was appointed chief and Archie Carter was appointed assistant chief. Both men have a long

The board also addressed the town clerk’s contract renewal and town manager position in closed session

By Mark Grady Duplin Journal

WHEN THE Mount Olive Board of Commissioners emerged from a closed session at the end of their regular meeting on March 3, they announced that three items of business had been discussed. The board did not provide details on the matters, which are understood to involve personnel issues.

The board voted to create a request for proposals (RFP) for legal services to the town. Attempts to determine whether the RFP a ects longtime town attorney Carroll Turner pro-

duced no comment from board members.

A phone message to Mount Olive Mayor Jerome Newton was not returned. Mayor ProTem Delreese Simmons returned a call but declined to answer questions about Turner’s status.

“I can’t tell you about that, it was a closed session,” Simmons said. Turner did not respond to a request for comment.

The RFP for legal services released by the town states in part: “The Town of Mount Olive, North Carolina, is requesting proposals from quali ed attorneys and/or law rms to provide municipal legal services to the Mayor, Board of Commissioners, administration and sta of the Town related to the operations of the Town. Proposals must be received by the Town of Mount Olive by 5:00 P.M. on March 31, 2026.”

history with the department. After voting unanimously to approve the changes, the board went into closed session.

told

Mount Olive Town Clerk Sherry Davis responded to an email question regarding the RFP and asking if Turner was no longer the town attorney. Her response read, “No, Mr. Turner is still here. The vote was unanimous (on the RFP).”

Another item voted on during the closed session involved renewing the contract of the town clerk. Simmons conrmed that Davis will remain in that position.

A third matter reported by the board as o ering a permanent town manager position remains unresolved. Simmons and Davis said the o er is still being negotiated, and the board has not disclosed whether the interim town manager, Glenn Holland, or another candidate is involved. The board has announced a special-called meeting on March 12. The agenda indicates the session will be closed.

“From what I understand, we will be the primary re department for the town of Wallace,” Williams said.

The proposed contract between Wallace and the Teachey Fire Department would last two weeks.

While all current volunteers with the Wallace Fire Department have been dismissed, volunteers interested in being involved with the department are being asked to reapply under the new volunteer policy of the town.

After the emergency meeting, Wallace Town Council member Glenn Price told Duplin Journal the developments last week in the re department came unexpectedly.

“I never thought I would have to deal with this when I was running for council,” Price said. “I thought the re department was pretty self-su cient and had a history of doing really great things in Wallace. It’s always had a great reputation.”

Price added that this year marks the 100th anniversary of the incorporation of the Wallace Fire Department.

Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in Duplin County:

March 14

Faison Farmers’ Parade & Festival

10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Join the Faison Farmers’ Parade & Festival and enjoy a parade along West Main to Southwest Center Street. The one-mile-long parade will begin at 11 a.m. The parade will feature vendors, food trucks, entertainment, ra e drawings, family activities and a vintage farm equipment display at Faison Baptist Church.

W. Main Street, Downtown Faison

Prom Dress Glam Giveaway

1-4 p.m.

Get ready for prom at Linzzie’s Event Center this Saturday. This community prom dress giveaway o ers free formal dresses to local high school students. Enjoy a fun, supportive environment to nd the perfect out t and get glammed up for the big night.

120 North East Railroad St., Wallace

March 15

The Call of the Drums – A Night of Belly Dance for a Cause 7 p.m.

Join The Country Squire Restaurant & Inn as Heartsong Tribal presents The Call of the Drums, a belly dance performance bene ting Sarah’s Refuge. Tickets are $15.

748 N.C. Highway 24-B/50, Warsaw

March 20

“When God Is in the Building” dinner theater 7 p.m.

Cista Lueeeze’s Brunch House Theatre Inc. will present the VIP Dinner Theater production of “When God Is in the Building” at The Sampson County Expo Center. Written by local playwright Jacqueline Gathers, the gospel dramedy follows Pastor Lutha and his stepdaughter as their choices lead to unexpected consequences and redemption. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., dinner begins at 6 p.m., and a live preshow starts at 6:15 p.m. 414 Warsaw Road, Clinton

Commissioners discuss courthouse events, re lane enforcement

Board approves rally date and hears plans for Gold Star memorial dedication

By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal

KENANSVILLE — Two organizations appeared before the Kenansville Board of Commissioners meeting on March 3 seeking permits to assemble for upcoming events around the Duplin County Courthouse grounds.

An organization called Duplin County People First plans to hold a “No Kings Rally” at the courthouse on March 28 at noon. Doug Walter, chairman of the Duplin County Democrat Party, appeared before the board on behalf of Robert Gumpright, the organizer of the event. The group’s permit-to-assemble application requested a blanket approval for rallies on various Saturdays. The board voted to approve the March 28 date but advised Walter that a separate permit application would have to be submitted for each event.

Prior to Walter’s request, Earl Hardy, treasurer of the Duplin County Historical Society, spoke during the public comment period about plans to dedicate a Gold Star Memorial on the courthouse square at noon on May 22. The Gold Star Memorial honors families who have lost loved ones while serv-

Doug Walter, right, chairman of the Duplin County Democratic Party,

the Kenansville Board of Commissioners about a “No Kings Rally” planned for March 28 at the Duplin County Courthouse square.

ing in the U.S. armed forces. The marker will be placed beside four existing monuments dedicated to service members killed in action.

Hardy was advised to meet with the Kenansville Police Department to help plan the event and that he would have to complete a permit-to-assemble application.

Iris Wellman appeared be-

fore the board expressing concern over how parking enforcement is handled in the re lane in front of NAPA Auto Parts in Liberty Square Shopping Center. Wellman, manager of the store, said she had a customer receive a ticket for parking in the re lane while entering the store to receive a heavy car battery he had purchased. She said she felt it was unfair since deliv-

ery services, such as UPS, park in the re lane to make deliveries all the time. The issue generated a long discussion between Wellman, board members, Kenansville Police Lt. Kirk Tripp and town attorney Joseph Ezzell. The town attorney read from both state statutes and town ordinances stating that vehicles can only be in the re lane while actively

loading and unloading and cannot be left unattended. Wellman pointed out that commercial delivery vehicles are left unattended in re lanes while making deliveries and argued it would only be fair to allow customers to park there brie y to load heavy purchases such as car batteries.

According to Wellman, she contacted the Kenansville Police Department to request that the ticket issued to her customer be withdrawn, but after originally being told it would be, it was not.

Kenansville Mayor Pro Tem Milta King suggested Wellman ask the shopping center owners to designate a parking space near the front of her store for deliveries and pickups.

In other business, Town Manager Anna West reported that Police Chief Jackie Benton had requested funds be transferred from speci c budget line items so the department could purchase a Dodge Durango for $32,000.

West also said she was arranging a date and time for the auditor completing the 2024-25 town audit to make a presentation to the board on its ndings. She said she would request a special-called meeting when the time is nalized.

During department reports, Tripp told the board the Duplin County Safety Committee had recommended installing a four-way stop at the intersection of Seminary and Cooper streets after a county employee had been injured in an accident there. However, Tripp said he did not believe the four-way stop was necessary after his research revealed only two accidents had occurred at the intersection in the past three years.

New state-of-the-art playground debuts in

The playground includes ramps, soft surfaces and accommodations for all ages and abilities

By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal

WALLACE TOWN o cials, representatives of Trillium Health Resources, and a group of excited children gathered in Clement Park on March 5 to o cially open a new inclusive and accessible playground. The large facility marks the 42nd playground of its type, made possible thanks to funds from Trillium Health Resources.

“To my knowledge, the closest type of playground like this is in Wrightsville Beach,” Mayor Jason Wells told Duplin Journal at the ribbon-cutting.

“Everyday playground equipment just doesn’t allow certain kids with certain disabilities to be able to play. This will allow one place for everybody to come play and have a good time, and feel a part of something special. This is state-of-the-art, as hightech as it gets,” said Wells.

Mayor Pro-Tem Francisco Rivas-Diaz said the playground is a major addition to the area.

“It just shows how open and progressive Wallace is by making the facility available to kids of all types,” he said. “It’s a great thing for the region, the county, and for Wallace.”

Haley Sink, director of health

Jason

equity at Trillium Health Resources, told Duplin Journal in an interview that helping construct 42 of these playgrounds is in line with the health plan’s mission.

“We serve individuals with mental health, intellectual and developmental disabilities, physical disabilities and traumatic brain injuries,” Sink said. “We want our members to be able to play beside any of their neighbors.”

Sink added that seeing these playgrounds become reality has a personal e ect on her.

“My sister uses a wheelchair and there was nowhere for us to play together when we were growing up,” she said. “So, every time we do this, it really is a dream come true.

Wallace

THE CONVERSATION

Trip Ho end, publisher | Frank Hill,

senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

Trump eradicates 47 years of feckless foreign policy

The U.S. can break Iran’s nuclear and military capabilities and its internal repression machine. It is under no obligation to clean it up.

IF ONE OF your national slogans is “Death to America,” you should be living in persistent and paralyzing fear of the United States. Say what you will about President Donald Trump, America’s enemies aren’t making any more demands after Operation Epic Fury. Not after the president shattered nearly ve decades of Washington foreign policy appeasing, legitimizing and emboldening the Iranian regime, one of our most enduring and dangerous enemies.

Trump has already reset American foreign policy by rejecting both the technocratic naivety of neoconservatism and the unfeasible demands of isolationism. He has also shed the convoluted, pseudointellectual foreign policy theories that had congealed as conventional Washington wisdom.

One of the bogus “norms” propagated by experts, and now “America First” isolationists, is that any military action needs to be contingent on short-term “imminent” threats against the U.S. Why should the U.S. sit around until the breaking point to act in our interests? This is a self-applied, short-sighted limitation. It’s almost surely the case that the landscape would have been far more dangerous had Trump allowed the regime to regain its footing after months of protests and Israel’s summer o ensive. Trump struck the regime when it was at its weakest, before it could stockpile enough ballistic missiles and advanced weaponry to create a quagmire.

Preemptively eliminating long-term threats is a way to mitigate harm against the U.S. Iran could have agreed to stop enrichment at any time in the past 47 days, or even 47 years, and avoided con ict. U.S. special envoy Steve Witko claims that the regime’s negotiators in Geneva bragged that they controlled 460

kilograms of 60% enriched uranium for 11 nuclear bombs.

Trump now has clear, achievable objectives: Ensure the mullahs don’t get their blood-stained hands on any nukes, end the regime’s ballistic missile capabilities and destroy the Iranian navy so it can’t threaten world shipping.

There are also unstated goals. The U.S. acted to undermine Chinese military expansion into the Middle East. China was about to sell Iran supersonic missiles that would have allowed it to target the American military. The clerics pay for military upgrades in oil. Nearly all of Iran’s crude exports already go to China, virtually its only consumer. As with removing Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro, weakening the mullahs weakens China.

Another bogus “norm” of the past decades was famously summed up by Secretary of State Colin Powell, who warned then-President George W. Bush before the 2003 Iraq invasion: “You break it, you own it.” The “Pottery Barn rule” contends that the U.S. has a responsibility to reconstruct countries after having beaten them. Sometimes it bene ts us to participate in rebuilding projects to create stability, and sometimes it doesn’t. The U.S. can break Iran’s nuclear and military capabilities and its internal repression machine. It is under no obligation to clean it up.

Over the years, the Washington foreign policy blob has convinced many people that the U.S. has a duty to marshal a large contingent of nations before acting — namely, weak-kneed European countries with signi cant Muslim populations who o er little military value. Similarly, some people are under the impression that the U.S. needs permission from the United Nations, a bastion

of strongmen, theocrats and fascists, to act. It does not.

“International law” has done little but hamper our ability to alleviate threats while allowing our enemies to act with impunity.

On the other hand, before Trump, U.S. administrations have refused to openly operate with our most-trusted ally, Israel, in militarily dismantling the Iranian threat. The idea was that Israel’s presence would undermine support from the Arab world. It’s in our interests to embrace Israel’s tech, intel, and military swagger and competence. “Capable partners are good partners,” War Secretary Pete Hegseth said of Israel, “unlike so many of our traditional allies who wring their hands and clutch their pearls, hemming and hawing about the use of force.”

Moreover, we’re not living in 1973 anymore. The bene ciaries of Israel’s operation in Iran have also been Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, all of whom joined the Americans in denouncing the regime.

Making predictions about the outcome of war in the Middle East is foolish. But the unknown shouldn’t paralyze us either. The best-case scenario for Operation Epic Fury is an organic uprising by Iranians that transforms that nation into a nonhostile entity that ceases exporting terrorism and Islamic fanaticism around the world. In the worst- case scenario, a weak, rump Islamic Republic survives.

Right now, no matter what happens, the clerics are gelded. That alone is a win.

David Harsanyi is a senior writer at the Washington Examiner, a nationally syndicated columnist and author of ve books.

(Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

This kind of weather is why the great Russian writers were so damn gloomy. You give me another week of this, and I’ll be Dostoevsky.

I’M WRITING IN the worst part of a blizzard. What a satisfying, heroic way to start a newspaper column.

I’m not kidding, either. Here in Tiverton, Rhode Island, on the shores of Narragansett Bay, hard by the Massachusetts line, we’ve got more than 2 feet of snow on the ground, and we’re supposed to end up with about 36 inches.

To cliche up, it’s wet snow, heavy as lead, and the wind sounds like a freight train.

There’s a driving ban. If you’re not an “essential worker,” you can’t be on the roads. Mayors have pulled the plows o the roads because the drivers can’t see through the blowing snow. In a nearby city of 100,000 people, only two legal marijuana stores remain open. The National Guard is on its way with front-end loaders and dump trucks.

This kind of weather is why the great Russian writers were so damn gloomy. You give me another week of this, and I’ll be Dostoevsky. There are several ways to write the “horri c act of nature” column.

You can always fall back on the “nature’s fury makes me feel insigni cant” column, but I’ve been married for 16 years, so I feel insigni cant every day. I don’t think anyone believes that kind of column anyway. If I’ve just discovered my own insigni cance, why am I writing about how the storm makes me feel?

I could exhaustively research and write a column about how a blizzard doesn’t mean global warming is a hoax, and how weather isn’t the same as climate, but most people wouldn’t read all the way to the end of that column, and about 40% of you would just call me a communist.

There remains the “most vulnerable” column in which the writer centers on any group of beings who su er the most in extreme weather. Feral cats. The homeless. Any half-bright writer can milk that until he’s got a bucket of tears. If I did that, I’d go for the feral cats angle. People feel a lot worse for homeless cats than they do for homeless people.

A lot of cities open special shelters for the homeless during periods of intense cold or blizzards. The bene t to the reporter/columnist is you can nd the homeless, or at least the less stubborn homeless. You go down to the shelter, and there they are, full of misery and quotes. If you can, nd a homeless veteran. People feel worse for an Iraq War veteran who “turned to drugs” than they do for some clown who started using drugs in junior high and hasn’t done anything since then but use drugs.

The feral cats are harder to nd. They’re dying under snow-caked shrubs, and “meow” is a lousy quote. If you could nd a former military dog, one of those bomb-sni ers, and it was dying under a shrub, a whimper would be a hell of a good quote. If you ran a picture of the dog, and you set up a GoFundMe for the pooch,

he’d be adopted and butt-deep in kibble by the end of the week.

A couple of days before the blizzard, my wife Deborah and I prepared. We used the traditional male/female division of labor: She went to the grocery store, I went to the liquor store. We ended up with a big bunch of groceries and a 30-pack of cheap beer. Standing in line at the liquor store, the day before it hit, I was struck by my own insigni cance in the face of nature’s fury. No matter what kind of horrifying act of God was about to come out of the clouds, I still didn’t have enough money to buy good beer, imported beer, craft beer. It makes a man think.

We still have power in our house, even though tens of thousands of people in the state are without electricity. If the power goes out, and the outage lasts for several days, and my wife and I freeze to death, when they nd us, I’m going to be clutching a can of beer that costs $20 for a 30-pack. That’s less than a buck a can. You don’t know how big a failure you are until you’re freezing to death under a shrub, being let into the emergency shelter or facing the cold wrath of God with a can of cheap beer in your hand.

Marc Dion’s latest book, a collection of his best columns, is called “Mean Old Liberal.” (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

Beulaville board reviews stormwater, plans for future repairs

Waterline replacement project funds will be used to x a leak on Brown Road

By Rebecca Whitman Cooke Duplin Journal

BEULAVILLE OFFICIALS

report progress on water projects, town cleanup, and upcoming plans at the March board meeting.

Town Manager Lori Williams and Public Works Director Ricky Raynor reported that 2.7 inches of rainfall was recorded in February, and daily water use averaged 195,000 gallons. They also shared that available funding from the Waterline Replacement Project will close out the available funding repairing a leak

on Brown Road. On March 27, bids will be accepted on engineering services for USDA grant projects. The Stormwater Project closed out and a Capital Improvement Plan has been submitted with primary concerns for future repairs listed. The board will review the plan in the upcoming months.

Police Chief Karl Mobley had no major issues to report since returning to a four-person schedule. He shared that a new parlor opened in town and received letters to remove electronic gaming systems under the town ordinance. Code Enforcement O cer Jamie Rogers reported piles of trash and debris cleared throughout town. In some cases, residents were given ve days to clean up their collec-

tions of cans or construction debris.

The board approved a Tree Board Ordinance formalizing the town’s plans for the board and how it will be used to better the town as a whole.

The board also approved a 2026 auditing contract with Thompson, Price, Scott, Adams & Company in Wilmington. The contract will allow for individual assessments as needed for grants.

Williams reported a successful town shredding event at the end of February with 2,000 pounds of material shredded. A bulk trash day will be held on March 25.

The town board scheduled a meeting for March 19 for a virtual review of last year’s scal audit. The meeting will be followed by a budget workshop.

School board recognizes STEAMA winners, approves campus improvements

East Duplin renovation preparations and campus upgrades move forward

By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal

KENANSVILLE — Awards and recognitions were acknowledged at the March school board meeting. Nicole Murray, chief ofcer for STEAMA curriculum and instruction professional development recognized district STEAMA gold medal winners who represented Duplin County at the Southeast Regional Science and Engineering Fair at UNC Wilmington last month.

“These students represent through their work inside and outside the classroom the very best of Duplin County Schools,” Murray said. Though most students were not present to be recognized, 11 were named from Wallace Elementary, Warsaw Elementary, Beulaville Elementary, North Duplin Elementary, East Duplin High School, and Duplin Early College. Ronald Moore and Sandra Gurganus then recognized the winner of the Clean School Award: North Duplin High School.

“These students represent through their work inside and outside the classroom the very best of Duplin County Schools.”

Nicole Murray

purchase two new 72-passenger Thomas buses.

The board discussed where students would meet when their classrooms — seven modular units — are removed as construction begins at East Duplin High School. Plans were explained to show how students will be reassigned throughout the campus to use di erent spaces temporarily.

ing loan fund has existed for about 40 years and was originally created using Community Development Block Grant funds, meaning local tax dollars were not used to establish it. Loan applications are reviewed by a committee consisting of a county commissioner, a business owner, a certi ed public accountant and a banking professional. After reviewing Villari’s proposal, the committee recommended approval of the loan under terms including a 10-year repayment period and an interest rate based on the U.S. prime rate of 6.75%, with no deferred payments or early-payment penalties.

During discussion, Summerlin emphasized that the funding would support both repairs and improvements to address existing wastewater issues. Chairman Dexter Edwards, who sits on the committee, said he initially “was very concerned” when the proposal was rst presented and

wanted to ensure the project would not negatively a ect the Town of Warsaw nancially.

“I asked a question to make sure it was not going to be a loss of income for the town of Warsaw,” he said. “It does appear to me this is gonna be a bene t to Warsaw. It’s gonna free up some sewer opportunities for Warsaw, and I’m very much believing that this is going to help the citizens of Warsaw, not just Villari.”

Edwards explained that the improvements would reduce solids and other materials entering the treatment system, lowering operational strain and costs for the facility. In addition, the upgrades could free up capacity in the town’s wastewater system, potentially allowing for future growth and development.

Commissioners Jesse Dowe and Wayne Branch raised questions about whether town leaders had been consulted and whether the project could a ect Warsaw’s treatment capacity or nances. In response, Summerlin said he was not

aware whether Villari had presented the project to the Warsaw Town Board but said he had spoken with the Warsaw town manager.

Summerlin described the project as a way to protect existing employment while supporting long-term economic growth in the community. He explained that expected outcomes of the project include the ability for the company to grow in Duplin County, protect 1,000 existing jobs, and create 75 new jobs.

“Villari cannot grow without the project,” said Summerlin.

Several commissioners expressed that the project appeared to be a “win-win” situation for both the company and the town of Warsaw. They noted that the company had demonstrated a willingness to invest millions of dollars in infrastructure improvements and address environmental concerns. After discussion, the board voted unanimously to approve the loan request, allowing the project to move forward with county support.

The board approved several contract agreements, school calendars, eld trips and fundraising requests in its consent agenda. Some small improvements to schools districtwide were approved in the consent agenda as well. For example, the purchase of 154 security cameras for all schools using lottery funds was approved. A proposal from Hite Associates was approved to complete the work on the East Duplin High School renovation and addition project. The board approved $69,200 for a new awning at Chinquapin Elementary. It also approved $325,184 to

“There are approximately 11 classrooms that we have to relocate, and we have found 11 areas,” said Scott Ballard, East Duplin principal. The board approved selling the units through Floyd’s Auction after the end of the 2025-26 school year at a scheduled time before the start of the 2026-27 school year. The board moved into a closed session to discuss con dential student information and personnel. When members returned to open session, they approved the Superintendent’s recommendations concerning personnel.

Duplin County Schools Superintendent Daren Tyndall shared that the North Carolina School Boards Association requested that a Duplin County board member be selected to serve on its legislative committee. Board member David Jones was nominated and approved by the board to ll the position. Tyndall also shared dates for upcoming activities across the county. The meeting adjourned thereafter.

and the town manager.

WARSAW from page A1

failed to provide the requested records as required under the North Carolina Public Records Act despite multiple follow-ups over four months. The complaint asks a judge to order the town of Warsaw and Turner to produce the requested records and to review any withheld records to determine if exemptions under the law apply.

Thomas also seeks reimbursement of $266 she spent ling the complaint. She said she led the complaint after attending a Feb. 9 town board meeting and publicly urging the release of records that had still not been provided after four months.

“I requested public records months ago, and I still haven’t received everything. That’s why I led a complaint in superior court — to get the information I’m legally entitled to and have my costs reimbursed,” said Thomas. “If she did her job in the rst place, we wouldn’t be here.”

The request comes amid ongoing concerns about Warsaw’s wastewater infrastructure and environmental impacts in the area.

The records request comes amid concerns about Warsaw’s wastewater system after millions of gallons of “partially” treated wastewater were discharged into Stewarts Creek in August 2025 when the town’s treatment plant

became unstable as sludge production surged far beyond normal levels, forcing operators to shut down portions of the treatment process and discharge wastewater into the creek during a system restart. The spill was reported to state regulators, but the public was not noti ed until several days later through a notice posted on the town’s website. Stewarts Creek ows into Six Runs Creek and eventually the Black River, which is part of the Cape Fear River watershed.

“The wastewater treatment plant is in an area of Warsaw that has the most minorities. It’s behind an elementary school, a church, and a rest home. There are complaints that people can smell it, and that creek ows through the rest of Duplin County until it dumps into the Black River,” said Thomas.

“If the town manager needs help contacting elected o cials, I feel like that would be a good way for Duplin County to step in, because we have contacts with our representatives, senators, and congressmen.”

Town o cials contacted Thomas after the complaint was led and provided access to records electronically, she said, though she reported di culty accessing the les and while the town later a ash drive with 69 pages, 22 of those were blank. Turner did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Faison board tackles residential water cuto compliance

Many residents do not have cuto s outside the town meter

By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal

FAISON — Bishop T.D. Powell asked the Faison board on March 4 for help nding a permanent home for the community church he pastors at the Faison Park and Recreation Center.

“We want to be a more vital part of the community,” Powell said. “We do have a goodnancial base and have funds for renovation of a space. We are not just here to be here every other weekend for services; we want to be a bene t to the community. It’s important for us to move forward and have a building so we can do more food drives and things for the community.”

Commissioner Carolyn Kenyon said she attended the weekend the church distributed school supplies.

“It turned out very well; a lot of children got bags with all kinds of things to help them. [Powell’s church] is a bene t to the community,” Kenyon said.

“We know ya’ll need a building, but we are thankful that you rent our Rec Center and take care of it on the rst and third Sundays,” Mayor Billy Ward said.

Ward noted that the end of the scal year is near and it is time to plan for the next budget. Outgoing Town Clerk Sha-

ron Lee scheduled two budget workshops for March 11 and 16 to help establish the new budget before she retires at the end of March. The new town clerk, Kelly Parks, was present but still learning. Several motions were passed to enable Parks to act on the town’s behalf innancial matters going forward, such as opening and renewing certi cates of deposit at United Bank, purchasing bonds, and holding credit cards at Sam’s Club and PNC.

The board said Parks’ education does not yet meet the quali cations needed to serve with a nance o cer bond in the same way Lee did. They will decide later whether to hire a nance o cer or assign a board member to that role.

The board also approved transferring 26.5 hours of sick leave Parks accrued at Wayne County Schools.

Faison Parks and Recre

ation shared that basketball season has concluded, and volleyball and soccer will start mid-March through April. The afterschool program is going strong. The approved buses have been purchased, and town employees are enrolled in courses for CDL endorsements. They will continue using town vehicles to transport children until their endorsements are completed.

One full-time employee at the Recreation Center, Jean Wright, has resigned to pursue her own business. The board approved hiring Mi-

Bishop T.D. Powell speaks to the Faison board about the need for his community church to nd a permanent building.

chael Albertson at $12 an hour to work part-time in her place.

Complaints about roosters have increased, prompting the town to send out notices giving the owners time to resolve the issue.

The request for bids to mow Faison Cemetery returned with 12 bids ranging from $13,000–$50,000 for the year. Executive Administrator Jimmy Tyndall presented the options with a spreadsheet to show what each o ered, including the needed additions of spraying pesticides for ants and Bahia grass. The board approved a contract for $13,750 to First Choice Lawn Care of Benson, who came highly recommended and will per -

form all the needed services.

The board approved a budget amendment to cover the new sidewalks at the Faison Cemetery and appropriating $50,000 from savings to pull and rehabilitate the pump at Well #4 on Church Street. The pump was last serviced in 2009.

The board also approved updating the ve-year Hazard Mitigation Emergency Plan and a $16,000–$25,000 2026 auditing contract with Thompson, Price, Scott, Adams & Company of Wilmington. Additionally, the board approved a policy de ning what can and cannot be done in town vehicles.

Tyndall shared an ongoing problem with water cuto s at residential locations. Tyndall explained that each time a town employee is called out, the town loses water and incurs labor costs. The ordinance requires property owners to have their own cuto s outside the town meter, but many do not.

“A person in violation of the ordinance shouldn’t get special treatment — but they do all the time,” Tyndall said. “We help our people. Part of helping our people is educating them on how to help themselves.”

The board agreed the town should focus on helping residents, not doing work for them, but tabled a decision until further research is completed.

The board adjourned with light refreshments celebrating Lee’s retirement.

Friends of the Arts supporters treated to visual art, music

Lovers of the arts gathered at the River Landing Clubhouse on March 5 to attend the Friends of the Arts of Wallace and Rose Hill Supporter Appreciation Night.

Guests arriving in the upstairs foyer were welcomed with hors d’oeuvres, piano music by students from Duplin Music Academy and a display of paintings created by local teen artists.

Inside the ballroom, music from the Wallace Rose-Hill High School Jazz Band greeted guests with music and vocals from Olivia Spring eld. Later in the evening, Spring eld was awarded the Charles Schae er Scholarship from Friends of the Arts in recognition of her musical accomplishments. She plans to continue her education as a music major.

After the comments and presentations, attendees were treated to big-band music from the ensemble Speakeasy 7, from Wilmington.

DUPLIN SPORTS

Ava Noble is back from a knee injury as ED seeks to ex its muscles in new ECC

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

BEULAVILLE — The return of Ava Noble should be of great concern to East Central Conference softball teams.

Noble, who hit .538 with eight doubles, seven triples and two home runs as a freshman in 2023, is playing a sport for the rst time since hurting her knee early in the 2024 -24 basketball season.

But her arrival came after junior Kinsey Cave decided to concentrate on basketball for her senior season in 2026-25. Cave, an all-Duplin selection, was third in hitting on ED

(.362, four doubles, four triples, 12 RBIs) last spring.

The Panthers return ve players with extensive experience, including leado hitter Karsyn Parker (.408, six doubles, two homers, 16 RBIs), who was also an all-Duplin pick. Parker will play second base.

Third baseman Leighton Davis (.283) is back at the third as a sophomore, while freshman Blair Howards is at rst base.

Senior Rebecca Beach (.391, ve doubles, four triples, 19 RBIs) will catch for the third consecutive season, though she’s working through a knee injury.

Callie Mewborn (.65, 20 RBIs) will likely be her replacement. ED’s other big loss from last spring was left-handed pitcher Morgan Brown (11-7 in 104 innings, .324 average).

That void will be lled by Sophie Jones, who mostly played rst base in 2025. She went 3-1 with a 2.93 ERA in 28.2 innings. And there’s every reason to believe her bat (.201) will improve from her freshman season.

Look for Parker or senior Zoe Turner to get a little time in the circle, but the job is certainly Jones’ to begin the season. Jenkins thinks the ED defense will support Panther pitching.

“We have a really strong defense and that’s how we’ll win games,” he said. “We don’t have a dominate strikeout pitcher, so they will need to throw strikes and we’ll make plays. We have four freshmen in the lineup who are good athletes and good softball players. But they are adjusting

Pitching and defense will be a stronghold for East Duplin

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

BEULAVILLE — With the exception of veteran Gavin Holmes, the East Duplin baseball team is shaded with seniors in the in eld and in center eld. And the Panthers started the season with freshmen in the out eld corners.

Manager Brandon Thigpen’s likes the prospects of his 10th Panther team, which plays solid baseball programs at South

Jourdan Joe, Shylah Sloan, Ava Jones look to carry JK to new heights

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

WARSAW — Several James Kenan softball players have made a name for themselves the past four seasons.

First-year coach Brian Casteen thinks forecasts a breakout for the Tigers, who were 17-47 that past three seasons while building up their hitting attack, but have started 2-0 this season.

“We have a chance to be the best softball team James Kenan has ever had,” Casteen said. “We’ve got a proven senior class and a great freshman class, and we only lost one starter from last season.

“We’ve really focused on pitching during the summer and in winter workouts. Walks really hurt us last year. Pitchers and catchers start 30 minutes before the rest of the team gets there.”

Ava Jones and Shylah Sloan will be key to JK’s success with their play inside the circle.

“We gave up four walks in our rst two games after averaging eight last year,” Casteen said. “And

Lenoir, Southwest Onslow and Clinton in the newly constructed East Central 3A/4A Conference, which also includes Trask and Pender.

“Everyone lost their top pitcher and we’re all in the same boat,” said Thigpen, who is 121-59 in Beulaville since 2017. “It’s going to be about who makes the fewest mistakes night in and night out. We’re all very similar.”

ED graduated one of its best hurlers ever in Kyle Kern (5-2, 1.75 ERA, 225 strikeouts), who led the state in whi s in 2025, but Thigpen said he still expects big things from his pitching sta .

“I still see it as one of our strong suits,” he said. “We have to go out and be scrappy, throw strikes and compete. Our players can do that. Our pitching gave us a chance in both of our rst two games (7-2 and 12-0 wins over Richlands and Wallace-Rose Hill, respectively).”

Holmes (.352, 14 RBI) and Kern were all-state 2A players last spring.

The junior right-hander will play center eld when he’s on the mound, trading places with classmate and southpaw JP Murphy.

ATHLETE

Gracie Higginbotham

North Duplin, softball

Gracie Higginbotham didn’t waste a minute in making her presence known.

The North Duplin freshman bashed two hits and picked up the win in the circle as the Rebels routed Rosewood 12-0 on opening day in Goldsboro.

Higginbotham is the younger sister of Addy Higginbotham, an all-state in elder last season who, through 19 games, is hitting .393 at Wingate University.

Gracie limited the Eagles to four hits in ve innings, striking out eight and walking four.

Unlike her sister, Gracie is a southpaw pitcher.

The siblings’ mom is Rebels head coach Jaimie Kylis Higginbotham.

Read a preview on ND in next week’s Duplin Journal.

Freshman Brayden Jones will also get time on the hill and away from his regular spot in right eld, opposite classmate Hayes Lanier in left.

ED lost out elders Austin Rouse (.246) and Calvin Harper (.271, 11 RBIs), who were both timely hitters when last season when the Panthers went 13-9 and nished second in the ECC.

Colton Holmes may also get a turn in the rotation but will otherwise play second base and the expectation is he will improve his hitting stroke from last season (.214, 9 RBIs).

Jack Tuck (.339, 16 RBIs) returns at shortstop with Luke Hall at third after missing last

season with an injury, while junior Brady Blizzard and sophomore Silas Jarman are splitting time at rst base. Both are rstyear varsity players.

Four-year starter Sawyer Marshburn (.318) will catch.

“It’s a senior-heavy in eld and I think that helps our pitchers,” said Thigpen, who was Duplin County’s Coach of the Year for the sixth time last season.

“We have enough pieces of the puzzle to put together a very competitive team. It’s early, and our hitting has to improve and the margin for error is slim. We have 12 players on varsity and 12 on junior varsity. But I have high-character kids that are winners, regardless of the outcome of a game.”

Warren, Williams, Price lead Rebels into new era

Garris Warren, Holden Williams and Noah Price are the Rebels’ top hurlers in the new-look Carolina Conference

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

CALYPSO — The ball came

o the cover late last season for the North Duplin baseball team.

First-year head coach and longtime top football assistant Brad Rhodes thinks the Rebels can avoid long slumps this spring and be competitive in the newly formed seven-school Carolina Conference.

ND lost three of its rst four games to start 2025 and then ve in a row to end its season at 9-11, its rst losing campaign since 2016-17.

Five seniors and a handful of underclassmen look to turn back the hands of time behind its leader, Garris Warren, who paced ND in hitting and was the team’s No. 1 hurler.

“He’s been a great leader for four years,” said Rhodes, a 2008 ND grad who played baseball and football. “He comes to work every day and does all that is asked of him. He’s a competitor who plays the game the way it is supposed to be played.”

Warren (.298 in 2025) was a rst-team all-Duplin selection a season ago.

Joining him on the pitching sta is classmates Holden Williams and Kayden Bowden and underclassmen Noah Price, Keiz Brock and Garrett Stevens, who will also play rst base.

Graduation took Wesley Holmes (.346) and Hunt Pate (.306), but several other Reb -

els stepped up last season to show they can contribute.

In elders Bowden (.273), Price (.293) and catcher Noa Quintanilla (.300, 15 RBIs) are expected to be front-line producers this spring.

Ben Kelly, Vance Carter and Brock will roam the out eld and also be o ensive threats.

“We have ve seniors and four of them played two or more years,” Rhodes said. “So, there is talent and leadership there to perform and teach those around them. We’re happy to have Holden back and want to see what Vance can do following his football injury.”

ND is 1-1 after a 10-1 loss to Rosewood and an 11-0 triumph over Spring Creek and 12 of its next 13 games are

against Carolina Conference schools.

The Rebels square o against the Eagles on April 22 in Calypso, but the remaining 12 games are against league foes.

“We have to play a clean brand of baseball defensively,” Rhodes said. “The three new schools (East Bladen, West Columbus, East Columbus) are pretty solid, and Hobbton and Lakewood are both really scrappy and tough outs.”

ND’s football and basketball teams fared well in the new Carolina Conference that only lacks the presence of Rosewood and Princeton. Rhodes, who is the Rebels’ o ensive coordinator in football, has Thomas Brickhouse, Colton Chrisman and Holden Taylor as bench coaches.

WALLACE-ROSE HILL BASEBALL PREVIEW 2026

Bulldogs regroup in hopes of returning to state playo s

Wallace-Rose Hill wants to forget about a disappointing 2025 and work to compete against heavyweights in Swine Valley Conference

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

TEACHEY — Midway and Rosewood have a strong tradition in baseball. The Raiders were a 2A power, while the Eagles ew high in the 1A classi cation.

Both are favorites in the Swine Valley 2A/3A Conference this spring, with Rosewood being the lone 2A school in the league.

Conventional wisdom says the other four schools – Goldsboro, Spring Creek, James Kenan and Wallace-Rose Hill –will be ghting for third place.

“It’s a good baseball conference,” said Logan Kissner, WRH’s third-year coach. “We must do what we have to do to win games. I have a team that is very sel ess. They don’t mind doing the little things like bunt, go the opposite way or take pitches.

“We’re not the most athletic

but our kids are very coachable and that’s our advantage.”

WRH underachieved last season by going 7-14 and will play without the services of Kaiden Lui (.434), Caden Gavin (.313) Khalil Mathis (.372), Devon Sloan (who moved) and Logan Marks (surgery after football season).

That team lost three of itsnal ve games before taking down JK 16-14 to end its season without a visit to the state playo s, while competing against ECC baseball powers South Lenoir, North Lenoir and East Duplin.

The Bulldogs regroup this spring around shortstop Reese Buckner, Will Brooks, Hayden Lovette and Luke Jackson.

Buckner, who hit .328 and was an all-Duplin rst-team player, is back for his sophomore season at shortstop. He had 12 walks and made just four errors and was involved in ve double plays at one of the toughest positions.

He’s had two doubles and two singles in eight trips to the plate this season and is without a doubt WRH’s next star on the diamond.

Senior Hayden Lovette (.275) returns to third base for

the third season, while junior Luke Jackson (.226), a defensive specialist, trots out to rst base.

“He’s the best rst baseman I’ve coached,” Kissner said. “And Lovette’s been solid over there for three-plus years.” Second base will be lled by either juniors Gray James or Jerman Ayllon or senior Zachary Fisher.

Senior Will Brooks (.226) is once again behind the plate. He can play third base when Lovette is on the mound. Ayllon is also able to ll in at catcher. Lovette, Buckner, Jackson and James will do the bulk of the pitching for WRH.

Sophomore center elder Christian Smith has surprised Kissner. Fisher could play a lot in left eld, while Jacob Davis is holding down right eld.

Smith hit .278 in 25 atbats last season. Davis was at .240, while Fisher played in six games.

“Christian has great potential,” Kissner said. “He listens well and makes adjustments.”

WRH (2-2) lost to two 4A power schools (19-0 to Whiteville and 12-0 to East Duplin) and whipped Wayne Prep (100) and Pender (15-5).

WRH’s Reese Buckner tags ED’s Hayes Lanier during last week’s loss to the Panthers.

Crusader hurlers set tone under new ‘manager’ Rackley

Jesse Smith, Drake Smith and Reid Strickland are HCA’s top three hurlers, but as many as ve others Crusaders are on call for mound duty

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

HARRELLS — Given the talent he has, rst-year Harrells Christian Academy baseball coach Joshua Rackley feels like he’s a manager in the professional ranks.

“We’re going to be really good defensively and we have a ton of talent with good arms,” said Rackley, who coached at Union and Hobbton for 16 years. “I’ll have some tough decisions to make, but in baseball there’s a reason you are called a manager and not a coach.”

As many as seven Crusaders will work on the hill this spring, but top spots are reserved for seniors Jesse Smith, Drake Smith and Reid Strickland.

But at any time, Rackley can go to senior submariner hurler Colten Harrell or classmate

Collin Cole for an inning or a hitter.

Or he can raise his hand to summoned in sophomore righthanders Luke Weeks or Holden Cline or freshman southpaw Avery Hall.

“We’re very senior-heavy,” Rackley said. “But we have talent and potential everywhere.”

Jesse Smith (.315), a righthander who will play shortstop when he’s not on the mound, is cool under pressure, according to his coach. He played third base last spring.

“He’s got a nose for the ball and just nds ways to get it done,” Rackley said. “He makes the routine plays and makes the hard plays look routine.”

Strickland, who was the school’s quarterback for the past three seasons, will be at rst base when he’s not on the bump.

“He’s so relaxed on the

mound, and he’s the kind of pitcher that want the ball with the bases loaded,” Rackley said.

Lefty-throwing Drake Smith (.328) will play in center eld when he’s not on the hill and hit in the cleanup spot.

“He’s a weight-room warrior with Division 1 prospect talent,” said Rackley of his senior who will play at the ECA baseball developmental academy in Goldsboro next season.

The threesome and all other Crusader hurlers will work with senior catcher Peyton Gomez, who is HCA’s leado hitter.

“He’s solid behind the plate and has a very consistent bat,” Rackley said.

That might also be said of senior second baseman Cole and possibly third baseman Luke Weeks, a sophomore.

Rackley calls sophomore center elder Avery Hall, his best two-strike hitter.

“He’s got a bright future, and I can also see him closing out a few games.” Harrell will play in right, while sophomore Davis Rogers takes control in center. Rogers is also HCA’s backup catcher. The Crusaders went 8-14 in head coach Raymond Spells’nal season, which featured an NCISAA playo win over Rocky Mount and a second-round loss to the Burlington Christian Academy, which went on to capture the 2A crown.

HCA lost its rst four games in 2025 and eight of its rst nine outings. Spell went 2534 in three seasons after replacing Winfred Johnson, an

Blaney ends Reddick’s streak to give Team Penske weekend sweep at Phoenix

Reddick nished eighth, while Blaney took the lead with 10 laps left

By Jenna Fryer The Associated Press

AVONDALE, Ariz. — Ryan

Blaney completed a Team Penske sweep at Phoenix Raceway by winning the Cup Series race, denying Tyler Reddick a fourth consecutive win to start the Cup Series season.

Blaney was the race favorite after winning last November in the season- nale on the mile oval but he had to overcome at least three tire problems that cost him track position. He chased down Ty Gibbs — the 49th car he passed Sunday — to take the lead with 10 laps remaining and seal his 18th career victory.

“Just perseverance,” Blaney said. “We had a couple mistakes that we learned from, got better, had to come from the back a couple times. It’s cool to win, especially after a day like that. Can’t say enough about the (team) for keeping their head down and doing what they do.”

As he celebrated on the frontstretch, his parked Ford began to roll away and Blaney had to chase after it to ensure it was in park.

The victory came during a weekend celebration of Team Penske’s 60th season of competition and during a “desert doubleheader” that bundled IndyCar and NASCAR together at Phoenix. David Malukas won the IndyCar pole for Roger Penske and then Josef Newgarden won Saturday’s race; Joey Logano won the pole for the Cup race and then Blaney completed the sweep.

“Really proud of everybody at Team Penske,” Blaney said.

“We swept the weekend, Newgarden winning yesterday, us winning today. Can’t wait to see Roger.” Christopher Bell nished second in a Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing, reigning Cup champion Kyle Larson was third in a Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports and Gibbs dropped to fourth.

Denny Hamlin, who lost the championship last November at this track, was fth as JGR drivers took three of the top ve positions. Bell dominated the race the same way Hamlin did in November and, just like Hamlin, lost because of the wrong pit strategy.

Hamlin in November took four tires on the nal stop and

was beat for the championship by Larson, who took two tires.

On Sunday, Blaney took two tires while Bell and Hamlin each took four.

“You win some, you lose some,” said Bell, who led 176 of the 312 laps. “This one stings, but on the positive side, I’m really proud of our entire team. It’s something to build on.

Visit richsheatandairnc.com

All-American and Hall of Fame player at ECU.

HCA will be pushed this season by Coastal Plain Conference schools Wayne Country Day (Goldsboro), Parrott (Kinston) and John Paul II Catholic (Greenville). The 11-team conference features a mix of 2A and 3A schools that play two-game series in the space of few days, a model used by college and professional leagues.

Will Rumbold, Fernando Gomez and Terry Smith are assistants under Rackley, whose Crusaders will play three games in the Clinton Easter Tournament March 6-8.

“It’s cool to win, especially after a day like that.”

Ryan Blaney

It was a day that we needed.”

Bubba Wallace was sixth for 23XI, William Byron was seventh for Hendrick, and Reddick was eighth. Toyota drivers took six of the top 10 spots.

“It would have been nice to make it four,” Reddick said. “Scored the fourth-most amount of points on the day... solid day. If we’re not going to win, these are the kind of days we need to have.”

The race was slowed by a record-tying 12 cautions, most caused by a rash of tire failures.

Gibbs responds

Ty Gibbs has chosen not to comment on the federal lawsuit his grandfather’s race team led against its former competition director, even after court declarations from Chris Gabehart claimed he left Joe Gibbs Racing in part because of the young driver.

Ty Gibbs said ahead of the race Sunday he’d let his performance on track speak for him and then delivered with his second consecutive fourth-place nish.

“Very happy with my team. All the guys, I’m with the right guys. That makes a di erence,” Gibbs said. “So we’re running good because of that. It shows.”

Ty Gibbs is in his fourth full Cup season driving for his grandfather. Ty Gibbs was successful in NASCAR’s second-level series, where he won 12 races and the 2022 championship by winning the nale at Phoenix. His father, Coy, was found dead in his Phoenix hotel room the morning after the championship.

Ty Gibbs moved to the Cup Series in 2023 and is winless in 127 starts. The 23-year-old nished a career-best 15th in the 2024 Cup standings.

obituaries

Elizabeth McElmore

June 12, 1958 – Feb. 21, 2026

Elizebeth Baker McLemore, 67, passed from her earthly life Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center.

She was born June 12, 1958, in Wilmington, the daughter of Robert R. Baker and Lenora Caddell Baker. In addition to her parents Elizebeth was preceded in death by her sister, Jennette Baker.

Elizebeth is survived by her husband of 36 years, Bennie “Mack” Julian McLemore; sisters, Maria Register, Lynn Pruitt and her husband, Rev. Dan Pruitt, and Denise Vermeulen and her husband, Rev. Peter Vermeulen; many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Elizebeth graduated from Miller Mott Business School and went on to work for PPD in Wilmington, retiring after working 33 years.

Elizebeth was musically gifted and talented, always willingly sharing her God-given love of music with family and friends. Not only did she play the piano and organ, but she also had an outstanding singing voice. For relaxation and fun at home, Elizebeth enjoyed watching Westerns on TV – Gunsmoke being her favorite. Elizebeth’s joy in life and radiant smile will be truly missed.

With heartfelt appreciation to loyal and loving cousins, Toni Long, Kaye Knowles, Rita Nance, Rev. Jerry Green, and Linda Batchelor, all of whom spent many hours with Elizebeth.

A memorial service will be at 4 p.m. Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Quinn McGowen Funeral Home, Burgaw Chapel, with a visitation at the funeral home to follow.

Penny Lynn Gomes

Sept. 1, 1971 – Feb. 27, 2026

Penny Lynn Gomes of Harrells (NC) departed her earthly life on the early morning of Friday, February 27, 2026. Born on September 1, 1971, in Missouri, she is the daughter of Larry and the late Linda Gentiles Adams. Also preceding her in death are daughter—Victoria Lynn Deaver; brother—James Adams; and Poppie—Alford Carl Deaver.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband—Kevin Gomes of Harrells; son—Michael Anthony Deaver of Richlands; granddaughter—Elenor Mae Martin; siblings—Samuel Chisenall of (PA) and Eva Wippich of Jacksonville (NC); Phyllis Ann Deaver; and mother-in-law— Tamara Herbstritt.

A great part of Penny’s work career involved caring for the elderly in sitting with them, taking them to appointments, encouraging them, and just loving them. “She was full of GOD’s love! She WAS God’s love! She always made anyone she came in contact with feel better! She was a true angel on earth!”

Services will be held at Crossroads Church in Harrell’s, NC, at 11 a.m. on March 8, 2026. Padgett Funeral Home is assisting the Gomes family. In the event you cannot make it but would like to send anything, 116 Core Road, Richlands, NC 28574, Harrell’s Hwy., Harrell’s, NC 28444

Beatrice Guy Whaley

Jan. 5, 1937 – March 4, 2026

Beatrice Guy Whaley, 89, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 4, 2026

A funeral service will be held Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 2 p.m. with visitation at 1 p.m. at Community Funeral Home in Beulaville, NC. Interment will be at East Duplin Memorial Gardens in Beulaville, NC

She is survived by her husband, Mervin “Monk” Whaley of Beulaville, NC; son Kenny Whaley (Emily) of Beulaville, NC; daughters Ginger Mobley (Lynn) and Gina Brown (Greg), both of Beulaville, NC; grandchildren Kendra Whaley (Joey), Brittany Rich (Devin), John Whaley (Stephanie), Nick Mobley, Lindsay Manning (Shane) and Zach Brown; great-grandchildren Carson Outlaw, Carlee Outlaw, Collin Whaley, Tanner Whaley, Audrey Whaley, Charlotte Whaley and Walker Manning.

Harold Vann Blake

April 29, 1949 –March 4, 2026

Harold Vann Blake, 76, a man of great courage and thoughtfulness, passed from his earthly life on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center. He was born April 29, 1949, in Wilmington, the son of James Gordon Blake, Jr., and Clara Vann Freeman Blake. In addition to his parents, Vann was preceded in death by his stepson, Frederick Dean Taylor, Jr.

Vann is survived by his beloved wife, Pamela “Pam” Burgess Blake; son, Harold “Hal” Vann Blake, Jr., and his wife, Ginger; daughter, Andrea Blake; granddaughter, Harper Vann Blake; brothers, James “Jim” Gordon Blake III and Neil Freeman Blake and his wife, Mary; many nieces, nephews, and friends. The Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. What a blessing Vann was to so many during his many years in Public Education, especially in Pender County. While remembering Vann, keep Pam and the entire family in your prayers, thoughts, and hearts.

SPONSORED BY

QUINN MCGOWEN FUNERAL HOME

Donald Lawrence

Oct. 2, 1972 – March 4, 2026

Some people pass quietly through life, but Donny lived boldly, embracing every adventure, every challenge, and every moment with a fearless spirit that inspired everyone who knew him.

Donald “Donny” Lee Lawrence, 53, of Burgaw, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at home on March 4, 2026, after a courageous and resilient battle with cancer. His faith carried him through his journey and gave him comfort in knowing he would one day be home, free from worry and pain, with his Maker.

Donny was born on October 2, 1972, in Hornell, New York. He found his way to Wilmington, North Carolina as a young boy after his parents relocated, where the Intracoastal Waterway and island life perfectly suited his adventurous spirit.

Donny worked with General Electric Aircraft Engines for many years, where his mechanical mind, mathematical gift, and creative hands made him a natural problem solver. During his time there, he proudly volunteered as a re ghter with the company’s Emergency Response Team (ERT), a role he embraced wholeheartedly and often said he enjoyed as much as, if not more than, his regular work.

Outside of work, Donny lived life exactly the way he believed it should be lived: fully, boldly, and without fear. Nothing intimidated him. He faced life head-on and rarely worried about tomorrow, believing instead that today was meant to be lived to the absolute fullest.

Donny was known for his love of tinkering and guring things out. He had a natural mechanical talent and especially loved restoring and working on his cars. Whether turning a wrench in the garage, xing something that others thought couldn’t be repaired, or bringing an old machine back to life, Donny found joy in creating, rebuilding, and making things better than they were before.

He loved boating, shing, and spending long days on the waterway. No one could throw a cast net like him, always pulling up a net full of bait. He had many secret shing holes, each tied to a memory and a story he loved to share.

Above all else, Donny was most proud of his children and the lives they are building. His daughter, Blair Lacik (Nick) of Wilmington, North Carolina, and his son, Austin Lawrence of Asheville, North Carolina, were his greatest joy and proudest accomplishment.

He is also survived by his loving mother, Sandra Layton, and bonus father, Jerry Layton; his sister and best friend, Sherry Bordeaux (Allen); his sister Tammy Criss (Jim); his brothers Jim Lawrence (Melissa) and Larry Lawrence Jr. (Tammy); along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Donny was preceded in death by his father, Larry Lawrence Sr. The family will announce a celebration of life at a later date.

Though he has cast his nal net, the tide of his memory will continue to rise in the hearts of all who loved him. One of Donny’s wishes was that his name live on. May we remember him whenever we see a quiet stretch of water, a sky full of stars, or the simple joy of exploring the wonders of the world.

Joy Annette (Holleman) Kinser

Jan. 29, 1938 – March 2, 2026 Joy Annette Holleman Kinser, 88, of Atkinson, North Carolina, left her earthly life for her eternal rest on Monday, March 2, 2026. She was born on January 29, 1938, in Salisbury, North Carolina, the daughter of the late Norman R. and Emma Kendrick Holleman. Joy was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ronald B. Kinser, in 2005, and her sister, Iva Kepley. Joy served the Wallace and surrounding areas for 35 years as a Title Clerk for the NC Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in the Wallace o ce. She acquired many friends and acquaintances during those years. Surviving to cherish her memory are her children, Tony Kinser and wife, Misty, of Atkinson, Karen King and husband, Thurman, of Wilmington, Je Kinser and wife, Heather, of Cary, and Jeannie Kinser of Atkinson. Joy was also blessed with eleven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who loved her dearly. Joy was a loving mother and caring grandmother who loved her family with all her heart. She was a simple woman who enjoyed doing simple things such as shopping, going to the beach, and having her nails done. Joy loved going to church at Shiloh Baptist when her health permitted, and she loved her work at DMV along with her dedicated work family. Joy worked with her friend and employer, Gladys Sikes, for many years at DMV, and they developed a great friendship that will last forever.

After Gladys’s sickness and retirement, Joy continued to work at DMV under the management of Jessica Straughn. The sta continued to have a true, lasting bond of love and friendship, and they are missing Joy very much.

Above all, Joy loved her children and especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed spending time with each of them. Joy will surely be missed, but she will never be forgotten.

Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home

Wallace Chapel with Pastor James Scharder o ciating.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday evening, March 5, 2026, at QuinnMcGowen Funeral Home in Wallace.

Burial will be held following the funeral service at Murphy Cemetery in Greenevers, NC.

Memorial gifts may be sent in honor of Joy Kinser to help our veterans, DAV – Disabled American Veterans, PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301, or online https://help.dav.org.

MARRIAGES

Anita Marie Savage, Duplin County Register of Deeds issued 20 marriage licenses for the month ending on Feb. 28, 2026.

• Jahir Bahena Lopez, Warsaw, and Alondra Lopez Castillo, Magnolia;

• Wayne Wise, Warsaw, and Marchella Ann Frederick, Warsaw;

• Hannah Page Pendley, Raleigh, and Jeb Stuart Cameron Smith, Albertson;

• Alyssa Gayle Knowles, Beulaville, and Josiah Nathaniel Keller, Beulaville;

• Gorden Ezra Miller, Warsaw, and Yolanda Smith Royal, Mt. Olive;

• Vanessa Reyes, Mount Olive, and Milton Eliel Castro Chavez, Garland;

• Sonya Hill Eubanks, Pink Hill, and Andy Dell Pittman, Pink Hill;

• Victoria Haley Cavenaugh, Wallace, and Durwood Allen Raynor Jr, Wallace;

• Jacinto Salvador Mendoza Valdez, Warsaw, and Keidy Yesenia Mejia Escobar, Warsaw;

• Krystin Turlington Donaldson, Clinton, and Gregory Elliott Smitman, Ohio;

• Esdras Aroldo MarroquinAleman, Warsaw, and Keylin Andrea Aceituno Zelaya Rose Hill;

• Hannah Rose Mcintyre, Warsaw, and Jacob Matthew Culbreth, Warsaw;

• Edwin Adalio Alvarenga Alvarenga, Rose Hill, and Xiomara Lizeth Zepeda Ramos, Rose Hill;

• Corey J Bonnevie, Maine, and Ann E Harrison-Billiat, Maine;

• Cameron Grace Blue, Rose Hill, and Cody Lane Whaley, Rose Hill;

• Danielle Vivian Dunham, Beulaville, and Cody Alan Bailey, Beulaville;

• Trent Alexander Gainus, Beulaville, and Emily Mae Tawes, Raleigh;

• Kendy Anahy Rangel, Calypso, and Aaron Brett Rose, Mount Olive;

• Deisy Isela Guzman Franco, Newton Grove, Kevin Arias-Alvarado, Newton Grove;

• Fausto Y Garcia Leiva, Florida, and Alberta Renteria Garcia, Beulaville.

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

TOWN OF WALLACE

McMahon calls on Stein to opt into Education Freedom Tax Credit

students who remain in public schools.”

She added the program

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — At a Monday press conference held in High Point, U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon urged North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein to enter state into the Trump administration’s Education Freedom Tax Credit program.

The press conference was held at the Phoenix Academy Primary School Library.

As part of the One Big Beautiful Bill, the program o ers a federal tax credit of up to $1,700 for individuals contributing to scholarship-granting organizations (SGOs), which must be a 501(c)(3) organization.

“I’m here today because I believe it is unfortunate that North Carolina Gov. Stein is preventing families in the Tarheel State from taking advantage of the support this measure will provide, such as access to scholarships for tuition and tutoring, specialized services, homeschool materials, cutting edge technology, or even after school supports to keep kids on track,” McMahon said.

Joining McMahon at the event were Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (R-Banner Elk), who sits on the House Education Committee, state Sen. Steve Jarvis (R-Davidson) and Michael Whatley, the Republican candidate for the state’s U.S. Senate seat.

North Carolina law requires any contractor bidding on work in the State which costs $30,000.00 or more to show evidence that he is licensed under the “Act to Regulate the Practice of General Contracting.” Bidders shall be properly licensed under Chapter 87, General Statues of North Carolina. Other Requirements:

No consideration will be given any request for Plans and Speci cations within the ve (5) day period immediately prior to the date for receiving bids. No bid may be withdrawn for a period of sixty (60) days after the scheduled closing time for receiving bids. The Owner reserves

Wallace, and plainly marked “Bid, Town of Wallace Sewer System Expansion”. The name, address and license number of the bidder shall be plainly marked on the outside of the envelope. Small, under-utilized, minority, or women-owned businesses are encouraged to submit Bids. All bidders are required to make positive e orts to use small and minority-owned businesses and comply with GS 143-128 and the MBE/WBE goals established by The Town of Wallace. Bidders shall have a veri able ten percent (10%) goal for participation by minority businesses

“The Education Freedom Tax Credit isn’t some distant idea,” McMahon said. “It’s a homegrown solution that puts North Carolina families in charge of their children’s education.” McMahon refuted some of the claims Stein has made about the program.

“Contrary to Gov. Stein’s claims, the tax credit doesn’t take a single dollar away from public schools,” said McMahon. “It raises additional funding for education by stimulating private donations by federal tax incentives — including those

“builds directly” on the state’s “thriving Opportunity Scholarship program,” which gives funding to students to attend the private school of their choice, with a prioritization on low-income households.

McMahon remarked that the Education Freedom Tax Credit goes beyond the state’s scholarship program, allowing students in traditional public schools to receive scholarship funds without changing schools.

“The Trump administration is your ready partner. Opt In,” McMahon said near the closing of her remarks.

Whatley spoke brie y, saying the tax credit program was important not just for North Carolina but the entire country as well.

“It is ridiculous that the legislature moved immediately to be the rst state to opt into this tremendous program,” he said while blaming former Gov. Roy Cooper, his opponent for U.S. Senate, for rejecting the idea.

Last year, Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Eden) ran House Bill 87, the Educational Choice for Children Act, to opt the state in. The bill quickly passed and was sent to Stein, who vetoed the it a week later.

“Once the federal government issues sound guidance, I intend to opt North Carolina in so we can invest in the public school students most in need of after school programs, tutoring, and other resources,” Stein wrote in his veto message. “Therefore, HB 87 is unnecessary, and I veto it.”

The guidance mentioned by Stein was issued last fall. Stein did not respond to North State Journal’s requests for comment on his veto claim that he would opt the state in following such guidance.

“The fact is we need Gov. Stein to opt into this,” Whatley said. “Dollars should follow students whether it is to a public school, a private school, a charter school or homeschooling.”

Foxx echoed McMahon’s remarks on the program and education as vital to student success.

“Contrary to Gov. Stein’s claims, the tax credit doesn’t take a single dollar away from public schools.”

U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon

“It’s a perfect example of providing opportunity for students and families,” said Foxx. “And it’s truly unfortunate that students and families in our state are being denied that.”

On the same day as her press event, McMahon issued an opinion article on the tax credit in the North State Journal, focusing on Stein’s inaction.

“North Carolina remains on the sidelines while 27 other states have already opted in,” wrote McMahon. “This isn’t leadership; it’s partisan delay dressed up as caution.”

Last month, a coalition of union-linked organizations and nonpro ts ran a campaign urging the remaining governors, including Stein, not to opt into the program. Stein’s o ce did not respond to North State Journal’s request for comment on the campaign.

North State Journal has again reached out to Stein’s ofce for comment about McMahon’s visit, and a spokesperson issued the following statement:

“Governor Stein continues to await nal guidance from the U.S.Treasury and the IRS about the federal tax credit for contributions to Scholarship Granting Organizations that HR1 established. Depending on federal guidance, there could be potential opportunities for the federal tax credit program to bene t North Carolina’s public school students – which would factor into the Governor’s decision.

“The Governor has long supported magnet schools and accountable charter schools because public schools open doors of opportunity for kids in every corner of the state. He believes that school choice is good for students and parents, provided appropriate measures are in place to ensure accountability and prevent discrimination.”

Braves’ Profar suspended for season following second positive drug test

The

punishment leaves a hole at DH for Atlanta

By Rondald Blum The Associated Press

NEW YORK — Atlan-

ta Braves out elder Jurickson Profar was suspended for the 2026 season by Major League Baseball on Tuesday following his second positive test for a performance-enhancing drug.

Profar tested positive for exogenous testosterone and its metabolites, the commissioner’s o ce said, which means testosterone that was not produced by his body. Because it was a second o ense, the length of Profar’s suspension was 162 games.

The players’ association led a grievance at Profar’s request to appeal to baseball’s independent arbitrator, Martin F. Scheinman, a person familiar with the process told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity, because no announcement had been made.

An All-Star in 2024, Profar was suspended for 80 games last March 31 following a positive test for Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG), a hormone that helps production of testosterone. He issued a statement then saying: “I would never willingly take a banned substance, but I take full responsibility and accept MLB’s decision.”

His agent, Dan Lozano, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Braves released a statement that they “were incredibly disappointed” about the failed drug test.

ED from page B1

to the speed and pressures that are di erent from what they’ve seen in the past.” Jenkins said he’s still formulating his out eld con guration, but that Turner, Mewborn,

7Number of MLB players to receive a 162-game suspension for steroids. Profar is the rst since 2023.

“Our players are consistently educated about the (MLB Drug Prevention and Treatment) Program and the consequences if they are found to be in violation,” the club said. “The Atlanta Braves fully support the Program.”

Profar homered in his return from suspension on July 2 and nished with a .245 average, 14 homers, 43 RBIs and a .787 OPS in 80 games. He batted .280 in 2024, when he set career highs with 24 homers, 85 RBIs and an .839 OPS.

Profar said at the start of spring training that he had sports hernia surgery in November, requiring a six-week recovery time. He has appeared in four spring training games this year, going 3 for 10 with three RBIs.

Under the suspension, he is ineligible for the postseason and the World Baseball Classic. A native of Curaçao, Profar had been set to play for the Netherlands.

Profar will lose his $15 million salary for this year as part of a $42 million, three-year contract through 2027. He lost half his $12 million salary in 2025 due to the initial suspension.

He became the seventh player suspended 162 games for a second PED infraction after

Kennedy Jones, Ansley Hunter, Olivia Di endorfer and Bennett Holley are all in the mix. Jenkins has guided ED to a 364-171 mark since 2002 and has never posted a losing record. Look for South Lenoir (15-7

New York Mets pitcher Jenrry Mejia (July 2015), Cleveland out elder Marlon Byrd (June 2016), free agent catcher Cody Stanley (July 2016), Houston pitcher Francis Martes (February 2020), Mets second baseman Robinson Canó (November 2020) and Milwaukee pitcher J.C. Mejia (September 2023).

Mejia received a lifetime ban in February 2016 after a third positive test, the only player to be given a permanent ban since drug testing with penalties started in 2004.

Four players had been suspended previously this year for positive tests, including free agent out elder Max Kepler for 80 games under the major league program following a positive test for Epitrenbolone.

Following the o season signing of left elder Mike Yastrzemski to a $23 million, two -year deal, Profar had been targeted to be the Braves’ primary designated hitter.

When catcher Sean Murphy returns from a hip injury, perhaps in May, 2025 NL Rookie of the Year Drake Baldwin could ll in at DH when not behind the plate.

With Yastrzemski, Michael Harris and Ronald Acuña Jr. in the out eld, Eli White could be a DH option. The Braves also are without projected starting shortstop Ha-seong Kim due to a nger injury. Mauricio Dubon, expected to serve a utility role, is scheduled to open the season as the starting shortstop.

The loss of Profar could create an opportunity for Dominic Smith, who signed a minor league deal on Feb. 17.

last season) and Trask (16-9) to be ED’s biggest competition in the ECC.

“We’ve got a pretty good mix now of younger and older players, but we’re still looking for that perfect formula,” Jenkins said.

ED’s Karsyn Parker was one of the best players in Duplin last season and a 2A all-state player.

from page B1

we’ve had just two strikeouts o ensively in 70 at-bats. Those are the kind of numbers that will help us be in and win games.”

Casteen is expecting big things from slugger Jourdan Joe (.480, nine extra-base hits, 8 RBIs) and Shylah Sloan (.323), who will play college softball next spring at Elizabeth City State. Joe will be at the hot corner, while Shylah Sloan will be at shortstop when not pitching. While not being related, Kinzley Sloan (.552, four doubles, three triples and a HR), a sophomore, will provide pop from her spot as the team’s catcher. Junior Kenadi Gideons (.516) showed promise last season and will play second base.

NOTICES

NORTH CAROLINA DUPLIN COUNTY

FILE#26E000086-300

Casteen’s daughter Sadie is one of three freshman starters for the Tigers. She plays rst base.

Classmates Jovi Hall and Peyton Ezzell are in centereld and left eld, respectively, with junior Scarlett Deluca and sophomore Carmen Mahoney splitting time in right eld.

“Jourdan, Shylah and Ava are great senior leaders,” Casteen said. “I like our chances this season.”

JK won two of its rst four games last spring before nishing 5-11 and will be pressed by Swine Valley Conference foes Midway, Princeton and Rosewood, though favorites in games against Goldsboro, Wallace-Rose Hill and Spring Creek.

The Tigers were 12-9 in 2022 but have only been over .500 one other time since 2012.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned, BARBARA SMITH ASHLEY AND BELINDA SMITH MAY having quali ed on the 24TH DAY of FEBRUARY 2026, as CO-ADMINISTRATORS of the Estate of BOBBY GLENN SMITH, deceased, of DUPLIN County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 5TH Day of JUNE 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 5TH Day of MARCH 2026.

BARBARA SMITH ASHLEY, CO-ADMINISTRATOR

7228 LEDFORD GROVE LANE WAKE FOREST, NC 27587

BELINDA SMITH MAY, CO-ADMINISTRATOR

1909 AMETHYST RIDGE DRIVE RALEIGH, NC 27604

Run dates:M5,12,19,26p

NORTH CAROLINA DUPLIN COUNTY

FILE#26E000068-300

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned, MICHELE M. THOMPSON, having quali ed on the 24TH DAY of FEBRUARY 2026, as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of WILLIAM DWIGHT THOMPSON, deceased, of DUPLIN County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 5TH Day of JUNE 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 5TH Day of MARCH 2026.

MICHELE M. THOMPSON, ADMINISTRATOR 4660 E. NC HWY 24 BEULAVILLE, NC 28518

Run dates:M5,12,19,26p

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

all labor and materials and performing all work connected with New AirPark, EastPark, SouthPark and WestPark Entrance Road Signage as

indicated in the plans and speci cations dated March 2026. The project shall consist of furnishing all labor, materials, and equipment and performing all work required to satisfactorily complete the project. Items of work include demolition and disposal of existing signs, permitting and construction of new entrance road signs to include; site lighting, and landscaping improvements for all locations. Bid Forms, Plans, Speci cations, and Contract Documents will be available on Thursday, March 10, 2026 and will be available through the Duplin County website: www. duplinnc.gov. Duplin County reserves the right

to reject any and all bids and to waive any and all technical defects in the execution of the submission of any bid. Duplin County reserves the right to reject any subcontractors. Duplin County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This information is available in Spanish or any other language upon request. Please contact the Economic Development Commission at 910-296-2180 for accommodations for this request. Esta información está disponible en español o en cualquier otro idioma bajo petición. Por favor, póngase en contacto con Economic Development Commission al 910-296-2180 de alojamiento para esta solicitud.