Duplin Journal Vol. 11, Issue 9

Duplin Journal

this week

VAD meeting canceled

Kenansville

The Duplin County Voluntary Agricultural District (VAD) program has canceled its April 28 meeting due to a scheduling con ict a ecting several members. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 4 at 7 p.m. in the Soil and Water conference room.

County in severe drought

Duplin County Duplin County is experiencing severe drought conditions, re ecting a broader trend across eastern North Carolina. According to the National Integrated Drought Information System, 2026 is among the driest starts to a year on record, with below-normal rainfall from January through March. The lack of precipitation is reducing soil moisture, lowering water levels in streams and ponds, and placing stress on crops and pastureland. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality also reports an increased wild re risk due to dry vegetation.

Coombs named NC Pork Council president

Clinton Pork producer Josh Coombs has been elected president of the North Carolina Pork Council, succeeding Jay Archer. Reggie Strickland of Mount Olive will serve as vice president, and Lorenda Overman continues as secretary/treasurer. The council also announced seven new board members: Garret Barwick, Chris Conser, Reid Cumbo, Blake Floars, Dean Hilton, Kaleb Sargent, and Mallory Strickland.

Authorities investigate fatal stabbing

Pink Hill

The Duplin County Sheri ’s O ce is investigating a fatal stabbing that occurred around 12:45 a.m. on Sunday in a roadway near 312 Broadway St. in Pink Hill, just inside Duplin County. The victim, identi ed as Jermaine Graham, was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities said Graham was with a female; she has been identi ed by law enforcement, but her name has not been released. No charges have been led, and the investigation is ongoing.

Livestock sector leads gains, speakers say at Pork Forward

State Sen. Brent Jackson, left, and Ray Starling, general counsel for the NC Chamber, speak after Starling’s presentation at Pork Forward on April 15 in Clinton. Turn to A3 for more.

Duplin’s Brown named to NC Pork Hall of Fame

Awards from the North Carolina Pork Council spotlight innovation and service

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

GREG BROWN, a longtime agricultural producer from Duplin County, was recently in-

ducted into the North Carolina Pork Hall of Fame — one of the highest distinctions in North Carolina’s pork industry.

Brown was recognized during the North Carolina Pork Coun-

cil’s annual conference for a career spanning decades in hog production, beginning on a small family farm and growing into leadership roles in both corporate and independent operations across Eastern North Carolina. His entry into the hog business came after the loss of his fa-

Ribbon cutting marks new era for ag education at HCA

A nearly 7,000-square-foot center o ers hands-on training in mechanics, welding and animal science

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

HARRELLS — The hum of future welders, mechanics and agricultural leaders is set to ll a new space at Harrells Christian Academy, which o cially

opened its Prestage Agricultural Education Center on April 15. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held at the Cargill Agriculture Education Complex, marked the debut of a nearly 7,000-square-foot facility designed to expand hands-on learn-

ing for students in grades 6-12. Inside the new center, students will gain experience in welding, woodworking, small engine mechanics and animal science, guided by instructors Lindsay Matthews and Mark Stampe, with additional collaboration from the University of Mount Olive. School leaders dedicated the building in honor of William H. Prestage, recognizing his last-

Duplin Winery seeks town support for liquor permit

A liquor-by-the-drink approval could boost the weddings and events business for the company

By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal

ROSE HILL — Dave Fussell, president of Duplin Winery, appeared before the Rose Hill Board of Commissioners at its April 14 meeting to request that a letter be submitted by the town in support of the winery being granted a liquor-by-the-drink permit. Fussell said the permit is needed for the winery to be competitive with other venues that o er facilities and services for special events, especially weddings.

“We have a lot of competition in (that area),” Fussell said. “One of the reasons we’re not getting so much (wedding business) is because we’re not able to serve liquor by the drink, which is a cocktail. The alcohol content would be about the same as a glass of our wine.”

Angela Smith, Rose Hill town administrator, told the board that a letter had been drafted with the help of town attorney Kenn Thompson and could be signed by Mayor Davy Buckner and presented to the N.C. ABC Commission in support of the permit. The board voted to approve the request with one board member, Perry Tully, abstaining from voting on the issue.

“The alcohol content would be about the same as a glass of our wine.”

Dave Fussell, Duplin Winery president

ther when he was 12, later building a 15-sow operation with his family. By 1972 he had joined Carroll’s Foods, eventually becoming vice president of production operations. In 1991, he founded Browns of Carolina, expanding hog nishing operations throughout the region. The family’s agricultural business now includes nishing barns, poultry houses, cattle and cropland.

Family members say his in uence extends beyond agriculture.

“He’s left a legacy within our family, but he’s also left a legacy

ing impact on the agricultural community.

Attendees included members of the Prestage family, as well as representatives from the Golden LEAF Foundation, local o cials and supporters of the school’s agricultural program. Funding for the project came from a mix of grants, corporate support from Prestage Farms and private donations.

The facility’s opening represents the realization of a student-led idea rst proposed by HCA’s 2021-22 Future Farmers of America o cers. Less than a year after breaking ground,

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BROWN from page A1

within our community,” said his son, Bret Brown. “People who know him understand how hard he worked and that he’s done it the right way.”

Along with Brown’s induction, the Pork Council recognized ve additional individuals whose work supports di erent aspects of pork production in the state. Awards went to Curtis Barwick of Clinton for service to producers, Debbie Craig of Mount Olive for excellence in farming, Christina Phillips of Wallace for research and innovation with Smith eld Hog Production, Mary Battrell of Garland for veterinary contributions with Murphy Family Ventures, and Blake Floars of Goldsboro as an emerging industry leader with Carolina Swine Integrators.

“Every one of these recipients represents the best of our industry,” said Roy Lee Lindsey, CEO of the NC Pork Council. “Their dedication, integrity and commitment to doing things the right way are exactly what make North Carolina pork producers successful.”

HCA from page A1

that concept has become a permanent addition to campus — one school leaders say will help equip students with practical skills and open doors to careers in agriculture across southeastern North Carolina.

THURSDAY APRIL 23

FRIDAY APRIL 24

SATURDAY APRIL 25

SUNDAY APRIL 26

MONDAY APRIL 27

Beulaville man wins $100K on $30 scratch-o

Loyd Hall said he had to double-check the ticket before believing the prize

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

A BEULAVILLE MAN is celebrating a lottery win after turning a $30 scratch-o

lottery ticket

ticket into a $100,000 prize.

Loyd Hall said he initially struggled to believe the result, double-checking the ticket several times before sharing the news with his family.

“I told my son, and he thought I was joking,” Hall said. “My daughter is the only one who believed me.”

He purchased the win-

ning $100,000 Cash Payday ticket from J&N Grocery in Richlands.

Hall claimed the prize at state lottery headquarters and received $72,018 after taxes. He said the money will go toward bills and home improvement projects. The ticket is part of a newly released game.

Loyd Hall, center, holds a check with daughters Lori Hall, left, and Joan Forsythe.

Kenansville hospice closure part of broader eastern NC health care transition

ECU Health shifts services to Liberty Home Care and Hospice amid rural nancial pressures

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

KENANSVILLE — ECU

Health will permanently close its Home Health and Hospice o ce in Kenansville on May 1, according to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Noti cation (WARN) ling submitted April 7.

The closure is part of a broader transition tied to ECU Health’s planned sale of its home health and hospice division to Liberty Home Care and Hospice, an agreement rst announced in March and pending approval from the North Carolina Attorney General’s O ce.

Under the agreement, Liberty is expected to assume operations across multiple sites, including home health o ces in Kenansville, Greenville, Windsor and Washington; hospice o ces in Kenansville, Greenville and Ahoskie; and the Service League of Greenville Hospice House.

“We look forward to supporting a smooth transition and preserving access to these essential services for years to come.”

Donna Turlington

ECU Health o cials cited ongoing nancial pressures in rural health care — including shrinking reimbursement rates — as a key factor in the decision, stating the transition is intended to preserve access to essential home-based and end-of-life care.

“This decision was made with sustainability and continuation of services at the forefront,” said Brian Floyd, ECU Health chief operating ocer. “Liberty Home Care and Hospice brings the scale, expertise and mission driven focus needed to help ensure uninterrupted high quality home health and hospice care for patients and families who depend on these services.”

Leadership from both organizations indicated that pa-

tient services are expected to continue without interruption during the transition.

“We are deeply committed to ensuring patients and families continue to receive the compassionate, high quality home health and hospice services they rely on, delivered by care teams who understand this community,” said Donna Turlington, Liberty Home Care and Hospice president. “We look forward to supporting a smooth transition and preserving access to these essential services for years to come.”

The Kenansville closure is expected to a ect 37 employees, with additional workforce impacts reported in Beaufort, Bertie, Hertford and Pitt counties under the same WARN notice.

ECU Health stated that affected employees may have opportunities for reassignment or transition support, with resources being provided to assist sta through the change.

Both ECU Health and Liberty Home Care and Hospice report they are coordinating closely to ensure continuity in patient care, scheduling and communication throughout the transition process.

TUESDAY APRIL 28

WEDNESDAY APRIL 29

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

April 24

Choral Concert Celebration

6 p.m.

Trans guration of Jesus Catholic Church in Wallace will host a free choral concert celebrating music director Lara Capparuccia’s 20th anniversary. The program features classical and contemporary works, including selections by Vivaldi and Natalie Sleeth, along with original compositions. Refreshments will follow.

506 East Main St., Wallace

April 25

North Carolina Pickle Festival

9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The annual festival returns for its 40th year to celebrate the town’s famous industry. The festival features the popular Pickle Eating Contest, Cuke Patch 5K, Tour de Pickle, live entertainment, food and craft vendors, and free pickles.

Downtown Mount Olive

Firemen’s Day Parade

10 a.m.

The Greenevers Volunteer Fire Department will celebrate its annual Firemen’s Day. The day will kick o with a parade, followed by family fun activities, ra es and plate sales. Plates will feature grilled chicken and barbecue for $10. Sales will bene t the re department. Hargroves Drive, Greenevers

Rabies

TOWN OF KENANSVILLE PUBLIC HEARING

As per N.C.G.S. 160A-364, the Board of Commissioners of the Town of Kenansville has scheduled a public hearing on Tuesday, May 5th, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Town Hall located at 141 Routledge Road, Kenansville, N.C. 28349 to receive public comment on the following zoning matter:

The Town of Kenansville has received a request to consider extending the manufactured housing overlay to include the property on the right side of N Church Street beginning at the corner of Mallard and N Church Street and ending at the corner of Seminary and N Church Street. The request will include the following parcel numbers: 13-2078, 13-1195, 13-E061, 13-7, 13-559, 13-1657, 13-509, 13-4, 13-2, 13-3, 13-5, 13-6, 13-1996, 13-677, 13-488, 13-3102, 13-2651, 13-2653, 13-1763, 13-550, 13-1196, 13-1770, 13-1753, 13-555, 13-1629, 13-1655, 13-1095, 13-1727, 8925987

Anyone with comments or questions concerning this matter may attend the public hearing to speak on the matter. To obtain further information and view a copy of the map identifying the subject properties, you may do so by calling 910-296-0369 or visit the Kenansville Town Hall.

This 8th day of April 2026.

Anna West, Town Manager Town of Kenansville

Pork Forward highlights strength of animal agriculture

Industry leaders point to rising meat exports and express optimism for pork producers

By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal

LEADERS FROM the area’s animal agriculture industry gathered at the Sampson County Exposition Center in Clinton on April 15 for an event called Pork Forward.

In addition to numerous seminars and exhibitors showing their latest wares to serve farmers, attendees also heard addresses from N.C. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler and Ray Starling, general counsel for the NC Chamber and president of the NC Chamber Legal Institute.

from page A1

Fussell said future plans for Duplin Winery may include a distillery.

The board delayed a nal vote on proposed repairs to sidewalks on Church Street and Main Street in the downtown area to allow for easier access to businesses and a church downtown, as well as to bring those sidewalks into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The bids received for the projects o ered options of one or two sets of steps with handrails to access the Church Street sidewalk. If the option of a second set of steps is chosen, it would mean the loss of a few parking spaces in front of the businesses.

The board decided to request feedback from downtown businesses and citizens on which op-

Starling displayed graphics during his presentation revealing some encouraging news for those in the pork industry. While his slides showed prices of corn and soybeans are down, meat products are performing well. Starling said that exports of meat and poultry have grown steadily since 2000, with 2025 being a record-breaking year as global exports exceeded $100 billion. Poultry and pork top the list of exports, with beef close behind.

In an interview with Duplin Journal, Starling said animal agriculture has an advantage right now over grain growers because the cost of production is lower.

“It’s our input costs that are eating us alive,” Starling said of grain prices. “It’s the cost of equipment, the cost of

tion they prefer before making a nal decision.

The board also voted to approve the bids of four contractors to reconstruct homes in town that were selected under a Community Development Block Grant program that awarded the town $950,000 to repair or reconstruct the homes of citizens in need in Rose Hill. The grant will also pay for rental housing for the residents whose homes are being rebuilt while construction is taking place.

Tammy Daniels of the Adams Company, administrator of the grant for the town, said there may be funds left over to possibly help another resident in need of home repairs who meets the requirements. In other business, the board agreed to hold two public hearings during the May 12 meet-

seed, the cost of pesticides and fertilizer.”

He added that the way to see the grain and meat industry being tied together is the fact that they need each other.

“When you look out in that eld or in that barn, and you see those animals, you should mentally think about little bags of corn and beans moving around,” Starling said. “That’s how we’re going to export corn and beans out of the U.S., through our meat.”

Duplin Journal spoke with state Sen. Brent Jackson (R-Sampson), who attended the event, and said he found Starling’s data, as well as comments from Troxler, to be good news.

“The Commissioner was right. Seventy- ve percent of our farm gate value comes from livestock,” Jackson

ing. One hearing will present the proposed town budget for the next scal year for public feedback. The other public hearing will be to consider a zoning request for a three-acre parcel of land on Brooks Quinn Road from industrial to residential. Smith told Duplin Journal that the property owners, Carlos Bonilla and Cindy Ferrel, want to build a house on the property.

During department reports, Rose Hill Fire Chief Billy Wilson Jr., who also serves as a town commissioner, reported that the department is now up to 36 volunteers, which is good news considering many volunteer re departments are struggling to maintain an adequate number of members. He reported that over the past month, the re department responded to an average of one call per day.

said. “That’s a huge number.”

He added this puts his district in a good position.

“That’s very encouraging, especially from Duplin County, where we’re based, as well as Sampson. Well, the whole region to be honest.”

Dexter Edwards, chairman of the Duplin County Commissioners, also attended Pork Forward and told Duplin Journal he also liked

what he heard at the event.

“I think it looks like a wonderful future,” Edwards said. “I mean, the bottom line is the world’s going to keep on eating, and we’re feeding the world. There are a lot of good things happening in the hog industry.”

The afternoon presentations included a variety of subjects ranging from farm safety and swine nutrition to irrigation and the use of drone technology.

Trip

Ho end, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

Why this graduation season means so much at JSCC

As we close out the semester, I’m reminded that May is a season of new beginnings.

GRADUATION SEASON is here at James Sprunt Community College, and our faculty and sta are working hard to make this moment truly special for the students we serve. As a rst-generation college student myself, I understand the signi cance of completing something that once felt di cult and unknown. For each of our graduates this May, this milestone represents a meaningful step toward the future they envision. For some, it means creating a new path for generations to follow. For others, it’s one step in a longer educational journey.

May 14 will be a particularly special day for the entire JSCC family, and for me personally, as it marks my rst graduation as a Spartan. Since arriving in Duplin County, I’ve felt incredibly welcomed by this community. Our students’ success is personal, and I look forward to celebrating alongside them and their families. It has also been a busy and rewarding spring on

COLUMN | LARRY ELDER

campus. We’ve welcomed student groups for specialized tours, o ering them a closer look at our programs and the opportunities available to them. These visits allow our faculty and sta to connect one on one with prospective students and help them envision their futures.

We’re also excited to host our biannual “Crayons on Campus” event, welcoming rst graders from across Duplin County. It’s a meaningful opportunity to introduce young students to higher education and begin building lasting connections.

As we close out the semester, I’m reminded that May is a season of new beginnings. I encourage everyone to re ect on the past year and take one more step toward a brighter future, perhaps even with us at JSCC.

Shannon Hair is the president of James Sprunt Community College.

The implosion of Eric Swalwell: What was he thinking?

Despite a combined income with his wife of over $400,000, he is deeply in debt.

WHEN THEN-REP. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) announced his candidacy for governor of California, I was beyond surprised. Rumors of sexual misconduct, including allegations of blatant and serial in delity, had been circulating for years. Having run for this very o ce, I experienced rsthand the intense level of local, state and national scrutiny one receives when seeking the top job in the biggest state in the country.

The left-wing media treats liberal Democrat candidates di erent from how it treats conservative Republican candidates, but the media are not the problem if one’s candidacy starts to resonate. The heat comes from the same-party campaign rivals.

When I decided to run for governor of California, I sought the advice of several experienced strategists, politicians, pundits and some professors. They all said the same thing, only worded di erently: “Is there anything in your background that would be a problem?”

These questions, they advised, include but are not limited to: Skeletons in your closet? What about your friends, associates and family members? Taxes? Sexual harassment or misconduct or assaults? Any present or past behavior that could be deemed scandalous? Dating history, marriage or divorce? Outstanding warrants? Tra c tickets? Unpaid tra c tickets? DUIs? Automobile accidents you caused or were involved in? Arrests? Misdemeanors? Felonies? Unpaid bills? Credit card debt? Lawsuits led by or lawsuits against you? Drug use and drug abuse? Alcoholism? Abuse of prescription drugs? Sketchy business dealings? Bankruptcy? Inappropriate internet activity, including porn sites, other illicit sites or sending “compromising pictures”? Social media posts that could come back to haunt you? 911 calls from your home? Your work history? To what church do you belong? Who is your pastor? Ever been red? If so, why? Is your campaign biography accurate, with no exaggerations or embellishments? Do your neighbors like you?

And, for good measure, I was advised to hire a private detective to investigate myself. My experienced campaign manager took me on only after I addressed all those questions — and others — and obtained a report from a well-regarded private investigator. My campaign manager cautioned, “If you are accused of picking your feet in Poughkeepsie — especially if you did pick your feet in Poughkeepsie — it will come out.”

This brings us to Swalwell, who, according to a University

of California, Berkeley poll conducted in March, was the leading Democrat in the primary. He was endorsed by Sen. Adam Schi (D-Calif.), who, like Swalwell, served as a prosecutor in an impeachment trial against President Donald Trump.

According to Reuters, “A fth woman came forward to accuse Swalwell of unwanted sexual contact, saying the Democratic lawmaker drugged and raped her during an encounter in 2018.” Swalwell rst denied the accusations. He then dropped out of the race for governor, followed by his resignation from Congress.

Former House Speaker and Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) claimed she knew nothing about the rumors against Swalwell. But Willie Brown, once a mentor to former Vice President Kamala Harris and a former mayor of San Francisco, and who for 15 years served as speaker of the California Assembly, said, “No, I’m not surprised frankly because there have been rumors after rumors after rumors, his colleagues in Washington pretty much said that. That’s what Adam Schi said, that’s what Nancy Pelosi said.”

But Swalwell’s problems are just beginning. The sheri of Los Angeles County has launched a criminal probe, as has the Manhattan District Attorney’s O ce. Civil lawsuits may follow.

Then there are Swalwell’s nancial issues. Despite a combined income with his wife of over $400,000, he is deeply in debt. He owes $100,000 in student loans, borrowed against his retirement account to help fund his campaign and deferred paying income taxes to conserve cash ow. This is not exactly a good look for someone vying to be the chief executive of a state with a budget de cit and massive unfunded pension liabilities.

On top of everything, these scandals could cost the father of three children his marriage. After all, Swalwell set the standard. During the con rmation hearing of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, Swalwell considered Kavanaugh un t due to allegations of sexual misconduct. Swalwell tweeted, “Support survivors. Believe survivors. We are with you.”

All of this raises a question: When Swalwell decided to run for governor, “What was he thinking?”

Larry Elder is a bestselling author and nationally syndicated radio talk-show host. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

School board recognizes student achievement, employee honors

O cials also heard a report on growth and future enrollment pressure

By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal

KENANSVILLE — Recognitions and presentations highlighting student achievement and regional growth were the focus of the Duplin County School Board meeting April 14.

Nicole Murray presented a U.S. Presidential Scholar Award to Edwardo Gonzalez of Wallace-Rose Hill High School.

“The purpose of the program,” Murray said, “is to recognize outstanding high school seniors and encourage their continued excellence. The program was established by President (Lyndon) Johnson in 1964 and has recognized over 8,000 students since.”

Murray was later honored as Duplin County Employee of the Quarter.

“Ms. Murray has made a meaningful impact in many capacities with unwavering commitment to excellence,” Chairman Brent Davis said.

Murray thanked Davis and others during her remarks.

“It has been a pleasure to serve this district for almost 20 years so far,” Murray said.

“It has been a pleasure to serve this district for almost 20 years so far.”

Nicole Murray

“I would be remiss if I did not express my appreciation for Dr. (Austin) Obasahan and his belief in me,” she said, also praising her “amazing team” for their support.

The Wallace Town Council presented information on residential and commercial growth expected to impact school capacity. They shared growth and construction plans surrounding the Tin City area expected to see more than 400 homes added to the area currently served by Wallace Elementary.

“We are one of the fastest growing areas,” the Wallace council said, explaining that they expect to see people coming from Wilmington to buy homes and settle in Duplin County.

“We will be feeling the pressure of this new growth on our school system within the next 2-3 years,” the Wallace council said. “Within 4-5 years, we will be stressing the system.”

The council did not ask the

board for any decisions or funding. Rather, it sought to inform the board about what was coming to “equip them with information” for future decisions.

Lynette Stokes recognized achievements in the Child Nutrition Department.

“This year marks our rst participation in the School Nutrition Association’s Culinary Arts Competition,” Stokes said. “We joined districts from all across the state. … This opportunity allowed them to showcase their talent and creativity on a larger stage and bring home some awards.”

Culinary sta from at least three schools participated, earning awards including rst place in lunch and entrée, second place in quick breads, second place in cupcakes and third place in whole grain side dish. Stokes also recognized community partners supporting the summer lunch program. Davis thanked Stokes, sta and partners for their e orts.

In other business

Duplin County will be hosting the State Board of Education’s May meeting May 5-7. As a result, the May board meeting was moved to May 12.

Garden Gala kicks o Strawberry Festival events

The Garden Gala, a preliminary event to the upcoming Carolina Strawberry Festival on May 1-2, was held at the Gardens of Southeastern North Carolina on Saturday. Attendees were treated to music, food, beverages, owers and a silent auction to bene t the festival.

Charley Farrior, Carolina Strawberry Festival president, told Duplin Journal at the event that the Garden Gala was one of several special events associated with the festival this year. “It’s our second event for the festival, with the beauty pageant being the rst,” Farrior said. “Then, the recipe contest is next week with the Strawberry Festival the week after that. We’re excited.”

Greenevers board addresses water dispute

The board suspended water shuto s as o cials review meter accuracy and billing concerns

By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal

GREENEVERS — Continued concerns about high water bills and potentially faulty meters took center stage at the start of the April 13 meeting in Greenevers. One resident, Jackie Wilson, addressed the board regarding a potential shuto for past-due bills. She said her meter gave a faulty reading during the billing period. The town replaced her meter and sent the old one o for inspection.

Wilson said she was still being held responsible for the disputed charges and late fees even while the meter’s accuracy was under review. Mayor Diane Brown, Town Clerk Emma Brinson and the commissioners discussed Wilson’s account, including how much of her balance had been paid and

what remained. Commissioner Timothy Murphy supported Wilson, arguing that late fees should not continue to accrue while the town investigates the meter’s accuracy.

Wilson said she would take the matter to court if required to pay what she believes are inaccurate charges. After discussion, the board agreed to suspend any shuto action against Wilson and apply all current payments to her ongoing usage.

The disputed charges will be billed as a lump sum, including late fees, if the meter is found to be accurate. If it is determined to be faulty, her bills will be adjusted accordingly.

Brinson provided updates on several ongoing projects.

The town’s waterline extension project continues, replacing aging lines and connecting to a new water main. The old well house has been demolished, and renovation work is moving forward.

A draft of the subdivision ordinance was provided to the board, but it could not be adopt-

ed. It has to go before the planning board rst. Brinson also reported that $10,000 in re hydrant repairs has been completed. The board discussed the color-coded system used on hydrant tops, which indicates water pressure levels. Additional hydrant repairs were approved, with funding allocated from the water and sewer fund.

Funding for additional projects was discussed, including grants for sewer improvements and improvements to the town’s community center. Because some of the grants would require the town to come up with a percentage of the cost in matching funds, the board approved pursuing only three of the ve proposed grants.

A 10-year contractual agreement with the Town of Wallace for water and sewer services was approved.

The board discussed rotating the mayor pro tempore position among commissioners, agreeing to rotate the position annually.

Brinson a rmed that the

Red Cross partnership to make the community center a disaster relief shelter did complete its on-site assessment. No further action has been taken to make the center a shelter at this time.

The re department’s shared use of the town’s lawn equipment was addressed concerning division of cost on repairs. After the lawn mower was used by the re department, there was an issue with the seat. The re department agreed to pay half of the cost to repair the seat, and they agreed to pay half of any future repairs as well.

Land for sale o Charity Road was discussed because it is near town hall and the owner o ered the town the opportunity to purchase it. The board agreed the property would be desirable but saw no practical use for it and voted against purchasing it.

The board began discussing objectives for the 2026-27 scal year budget. The board used a worksheet provided by the Local Government Asso -

ciation to help guide its discussion. Brinson explained the worksheet was to “keep in mind future items as well as current items.” The board agreed to allow additional time for further consideration and tabled the discussion for a later meeting.

Brinson also shared that the monthly budget for March included a net pro t of $16,000 in taxes and $10,000 in water and sewer revenue. She further shared that there was an increase in interest earnings since funds were moved. The board approved a budget amendment to move funds from the water and sewer fund.

The board approved a $15,000 quote for tree limb removal on an overgrown part of the town’s land. The work would restore the area to manageable conditions. Ditch drainage issues were also discussed. Brown asked the re department to ush the ditches to help maintain the town’s investment in ditch tiles. Fence and bridge repairs were also discussed, and the board approved $500 for bridge repairs. The meeting adjourned into closed session shortly thereafter.

Friday, May 1, 2026

9:30 AM – 1:30 PM

Lunch

CAROLINA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

DUPLIN SPORTS

MR. BASKETBALL 2025-26

Zamarion Smith averaged 15.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists and was a tenacious

‘Z’ stamps his initial

on Tigers basketball

“He’s a competitor and a winner.”

JK head coach

Taylor Jones on Zamarion Smith

Zamarion Smith’s shooting, defense and all-around play made him the most consistent player in Duplin and gave JK star power

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

WARSAW — Zamari-

on Smith isn’t a vocal leader. So to hear his voice ring through a gymnasium was both a battle call and a warning to Rosewood. James Kenan’s loss to Wal-

lace-Rose Hill in the regular season nale sparked a rare emotional response from the normally reserved senior.

“He took that one hard,” said JK head coach Taylor Jones. “You could see our kids were angry, and it just didn’t feel right.” The Tigers had several

BOYS’ BASKETBALL COACH OF THE YEAR 2025-26

chances to beat WRH late but squandered it, 66-64.

“I told our guys to hold out that they’ll probably get another shot at Wallace in the conference tournament,” Jones said.

“Then I see us up on Rose 20-0 and 44-8 at halftime, and I say, ‘they’re ready,’ and we went out and played what was probably our best game of the year.”

JK, which played team basketball all winter, had extra inspiration from Smith and more vocal co-captain Jeremiah Hall, dominating every aspect of the game and never let the Bulldogs feel the least bit comfortable during a 71-65 demolition.

Smith, who was the most

ALL-DUPLIN BOYS’ BASKETBALL 2025-26

The undersized foursome ashed nifty footwork and were crafty nishers

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

WALLACE — While James Kenan’s Zamarion Smith was clearly the best all-around player in Duplin County, four of his teammates on the Journal’s all-county team shared at least one trait: the ability to score and rebound in the paint.

Wallace-Rose Hill’s Matthew Wells, North Duplin’s Jae’lyn Ingram and JK’s Kentrell Morrisey were undersized but didn’t let that stop them from being a force at the rim.

So was East Duplin’s Dominic Hall, a 6-foot-5 junior who became an imposing center who blocked, altered and prevented shots in his area.

Wells, a senior, was really a guard/forward or swing player, while sophomores Ingram and Morrisey are traditional small forwards.

Several second-team players just missed the cut, and worthy arguments can be presented for their absence, Zachary Ball and CJ Hill in particular.

Though Smith and Wells were the lone seniors on the rst squad, all ve second-team selections graduate in June, as do four of the six honorable mention recipients.

Matt Wells, WRH, Sr. Wells, who will play Division II basketball at Mount Olive, was the Bulldogs’ most

20.5

Scoring average for ND sophomore Jae’lyn Ingram this season

Jones taps into competitive mindset of Tigers athletes

Taylor Jones won his 200th career game late this season. He’s coached the past seven seasons at JK after being at Spring Creek for 12 years.

JK’s Taylor Jones has success by building up and not browbeating his team to an 18-win campaign

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

WARSAW — Math whiz and former 3-pointer specialist Taylor Jones had one of his best basketball winters in two decades.

In fact, James Kenan’s head coach was so busy enjoying the journey he didn’t know he posted

the 200th win of his career just before the end of the regular season via a win over Rosewood. He was too concerned about a loss to rival Wallace-Rose Hill three days previous, which was the Tigers’ lone two-game skid en route to an 18-6 campaign.

It was JK’s most wins since 2017 and the most by Jones, a former North Duplin long-range hoopster, since coming to the Tigers from Spring Creek in 2021.

Jones is 68-51 since then after going 135-157 in 12 seasons in Gator land where basket-

ball skills and talent were most often low.

So while he’s earned 203 wins, Jones has also taught the game to a large number of players and has had his teams shock bigger schools, such as Goldsboro. He went 20-8 in 2019, 22-7 in 2017 and 21-5 in 2015. Yet clearly, a lack of talent played a part in Jones’ 208 career losses.

But 18 wins for the Tigers last winter earned Jones Coach of the Year honors for Duplin

See JONES, page B6

consistent all-around player in the county, had countless step -up moments for the Tigers en route to becoming the Duplin Journal’s Mr. Basketball.

He averaged 15.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists and was a tenacious defender.

“He can score on all three levels,” Jones said. “He can nish, score at the free-throw line and also from behind the 3-point line.

Defenders who slept on Smith paid the price.

“He has one of the quickest rst steps I’ve ever seen,” Jones said. “You can know he goes right rst 95% of the time, and he’ll still get around you. He’s a good kid with a great heart.”

Smith led a Tigers team that lived o hustle, second chances, grit and defense.

“He scored a lot, but a lot of times had to guard the other team’s best (o ensive) player,” Smith said. “Z and Jeremiah were always having a competition on who held down their man the most. It was a bragging rights thing. That competition and fun made us better on the oor and as a team.”

JK nished 18-6 with three losses to Goldsboro (21-5) with its nal setback coming via mega basketball power Farmville Central, which was unbeaten during its third-round matchup with the Tigers.

He was frequently the leading scorer. But he yielded to rst-team forward Kentrall Morrisey and second-team players CJ Hill and Eli Avent.

When he wasn’t the top gun, Smith displayed other parts of his game.

“He’s a competitor and a winner,” Jones said. “He competed at a high level every game.”

Smith played three seasons.

He was brought up and started as a freshman when JK had a rash of injuries. Jones said 11 of 13 players missed a month or more due to injuries.

The “bug” hit Smith the next

MR. BASKETBALL

2015: John Brooks, JK

2016: Johnnie Glaspie, WRH

2017: Darryl McCaster Jr., JK

2018: Darryl McCaster Jr., JK

2019: Darryl McCaster Jr., JK and Chase Ingram, ED

2020: No season (COVID-19)

2021: Kavel Donaldson, JK

2022: Jalen James, WRH

2023: Jalen James, WRH

2024: Dujuan Armwood, ND

2025: Donavan Armwood, ND

2026: Zamarion Smith, JK

season as an ACL injury kept him on the sidelines.

Smith had a solid junior season, though JK never found its rhythm and nished a disappointing 8-12 and lost several seniors who were two- and three-year starters.

“We competed every game and the chips never fell our way for some reason or another,” Jones said. “Yet through all this, Z and other guys went through success and failures, which are both great learning tools.”

Smith is the sixth Mr. Basketball from JK in the past 11 seasons and the latest winner since Kavell Donaldson in 2021.

Darryl McCaster Jr. shared the award in 2019 with East Duplin’s Chase Ingram and then wore the crown the next two seasons. The late John Brooks won the rst Mr. Basketball in 2015.

North Duplin’s Donavan Armwood took it home a year ago, and his older brother Dujuan won in 2024.

WRH’s Jalen James captured it in ’22 and ’23, and Bulldog Johnnie Glaspie in 2015.

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Rebels, Panthers in conference title mix as playo s approach

ND kept momentum by winning its fth straight, while ED won twice to end a four-game tailspin

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

CALYPSO — North Duplin continued to ride its winning wave.

East Duplin steered its way to a sweep of Clinton to snap its Easter losing streak.

Both schools will battle for conference titles and positioning in the state playo s in the next two weeks. First round affairs are slated for May 5.

Staying on the cloud of momentum

Last week, the Rebels (7-4, 6-3) captured wins over Union (30-0) and East Bladen (10-6), which was their fth-straight win after a 2-4 start.

“We took some early lumps, but our guys have responded with great play, and mentally we’re all on the same page,” said head coach Brad Rhodes. “It’s a fun group because the more you challenge them, the more they respond. We kept the momentum we had before the Easter break.”

ND has four of the top 11 hitters in Duplin County, led by the seemingly unstoppable bats of Garris Warren (.618) and Noah Price (.525), who are Nos. 1 and 2 in the charts.

But Cole Grady (.444) and Garrett Stevens (.424) have each banged out 10 hits in their past ve outings, while Noah Quintanilla (.421) is 6 of 7 in his last three games after going 6 of 10 during a three-game stretch earlier this month.

Rhodes also mentioned reliever Hayden Miller as a game-saver.

Miller has a pair of saves in six appearances. He got thenal three outs against East Bladen after the o ense set up ND for the win.

Price and Quintanilla each had three hits and combined to drive in ve runs. Stevens had two hits and three RBIs, while Warren added a run-scoring single, walk and two runs.

ND will have to be on its game this week during games against Carolina Conference-leading Hobbton (13-3, 7-1) and rival Rosewood (16 -2, 8-1), a 2A school that chose to play in the Swine Valley 3A rather than the CC.

ND’s last loss came to the Wildcats, a 3-1 verdict on March 19 in Newton Grove.

ND nishes the regular season against West Columbus (7-10, 4-5) and Lakewood (6-11, 3-6).

“We played well in the rst Hobbton game, and I told the kids if we keep doing that this whole thing would turn,” Rhodes said. “We’ve got two tough ones, that’s for sure.”

Panthers respond to Easter wake-up call

East Duplin (10-5, 6-0) got rattled by North Johnston, Rosewood, Charles B. Aycock and North Lenoir during

spring break but returned to sweep two games for ECC rival Clinton.

Gavin Holmes had a pair of singles, a triple and three RBIs in the 9-8 squeaker in Beulaville.

Jack Tuck, JP Murphy and Brayden Jones each whacked a pair of hits, and Luke Hall and Sawyer Marshburn had RBIs.

Colton Holmes lashed two hits, walked three times and scored a run. Eight players drove in runs three days later in Beulaville during a 15-0, mercy-rule triumph. Yet Jones may have been the biggest star since he held Clinton to two hits and two walks in ve frames and also had a pair of hits and three RBIs. Gavin Holmes, Silas Jarman, Brody Blizzard, Hayes Lanier, Braxton Bedding eld, Colton Holmes, Marshburn and Murphy all knocked in a run.

Jack Tuck didn’t, but he singled, doubled, walked and scored twice.

Marshburn (.463) and Gavin Holmes (.455) are sixth and seventh, respectively, among all Duplin hitters. Shortstop Tuck (.391) isn’t far o their pace.

The Panthers play a two-game set against Pender (2-15, 0-5) this week and with two wins can go for the ECC title when facing South Lenoir (12-2, 5-0) in the nal week of April. The Blue Devils also have losses to CBA and Rosewood.

Noah Rouse (.462, 13 RBIs), Gage Howard (.413, 15 RBIs), Braden Barnett (.389, 17 RBIs) are three of six South Lenoir players with at least 10 RBIs. SL is hitting .348 as a team while outscoring its foes by an average score of 11-4.

Bulldogs rally to topple Cougars

Wallace-Rose Hill scored all of its runs in the nal three innings during a 13-3 win over Goldsboro in six innings. The Cougars tallied three rst-inning runs and held onto

the lead until the four-run fourth. WRH added two more in the fth and blew o the lid with seven in the sixth.

Will Brooks ripped a pair of doubles and a single to account for three RBIs. Landon Smith added a two-run base knock. Luke Jackson had two hits in three trips and drove in two while scattering six hits and an earned run on the mound.

Two days later, Brooks, Hayden Lovette and Gray James accounted for WRH’s four hits during a 7-0 setback to Princeton (10-6, 6-2).

WRH (7-8, 3-5) needs an upset to be .500 by the state playo cuto , which will be di cult since Rosewood and Midway (16-6, 8-1) are on the docket in the next two weeks.

Can the Tigers nd their way to .500?

It’s quite possible that James Kenan will need to beat WRH on April 30 in Teachey to nish the regular season with a .500 mark.

JK (5-7) has been surviving via the bats of the Avent twins, Eli (.500, 7 doubles) and Cal (.484, 4 doubles), with help via Hansley McGee (.341) and Paxton Smith (.333), who have combined for ve doubles.

The Tigers were thrashed by Rosewood 14-3 and Midway 23-0 last week.

Strickland, Crusaders return to topple Knights

Reid Strickland drove in two runs as Harrells Christian Academy returned from an eight-day layo with a 6-3 win over Village Christian (12-7). Davis Rogers had two hits in three trips as HCA (10-5, 3-4) took a 5-3 lead in the third inning.

Strickland allowed one hit in ve innings, whi ng nine and allowing just one walk. Drake Smith, Peyton Gomez and Jesse Smith each had an RBI.

The Tigers and Bulldogs booters are bracing for a key rivalry match

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

BEULAVILLE — The team that’s played the most softball games in the Duplin Journal-area has the most wins and faces two regular-season- ending series that will decide its fate in the state playo s.

East Duplin (14-2, 5-1)

soared to three landslide victories last week and will face Pender (11-2, 4-2) in a two -game set this week before playing South Lenoir (11- 6, 5-1) as three teams grapple for the ECC title with two weeks to play.

The Panthers thrashed Clinton 10-0 and 20-0 and pushed past West Brunswick 10-4 in between league wins.

ED is seeking its rst title since going 12-0 in loop play in 2023.

In the win over the Scorpions, Lorena Rodriguez and Ansley Hunter each had three hits and three RBIs, while Ava Noble had two hits, a sacri ce and scored three times.

Leighton Davis and Sophia Jones each knocked in a run, and Zoe Turner tripled as part of the Panthers’ six extra-base hits.

A ve-run fth gave ED a 9-3 lead as Zoe Cavanaugh came in to relieve Karsyn Parker for the nal three frames.

Bulldogs win third straight

Seniors Sophie Sloan, Mattie Gavin and Angelina Cavallaro had run-scoring hits, and classmate Jansley Page scored three times as Wallace-Rose Hill needed just six innings to dust o Princeton 12-3 in Teachey.

The win came after a tougher-than-expected 5-2 win over Goldsboro.

Payton Tyndall limited the Johnston County squad to two hits while whi ng eight and walking one. WRH tacked up six runs for the senior in the rst inning.

Page and Gavin each had two hits and combined to score three times against the Cougars.

Tyndall went the distance, striking out 10 to tie her season high.

Sloan, Page, Gavin and Isabella Parker combined to drive in 11 runs when WRH (8-7, 6-2) slashed Northside-Jacksonville 18-0.

Rebels ex pop for eighth straight win

The dust of spring has settled, and it’s no surprise North Duplin is 10-1 and on the move.

The Rebels only had to ex half their muscles to beat Union 16-0 and 17-0 and then nearly pulled down the mercy rule on West Bladen with a 13-3 road win in Elizabethtown.

Lilly Fulghum had three

hits and three RBIs, and Marissa Bernal and Ady Spence each drove in a pair of runs.

Fulghum is hitting a crispy .581 this spring with nine extra-base hits and 21 RBIs. She hurled four innings in the circle. Gracie Higginbotham, who had two hits and scored twice, threw the other three frames.

The duo combined to whi 13 and walk three.

ND won its eight-straight game and is tied with East Columbus (14-5, 7-1) for the top spot in the Carolina Conference.

The two schools split two games this season, and barring an upset, neither will lose in league play the rest of the way. Losses to either EB (5-10, 3-3) or WC (4-8, 4-4) are unlikely for the Gators.

ND has the No. 4 RPI spot among all 2A schools in the state. Roxbury Community (12-2), which lost to Perquimans County in the East Region nal last season, is the top seed.

Unbeaten Raiders, Stonerock tame Tigers

Kaleigh Stonerock showed James Kenan how a dominant pitcher works in the circle, even if she is slightly o her game.

The Midway senior scattered six hits while striking out 10 to get around seven walks as the Raiders beat the Tigers 12-3 to all but clinch the Swine Valley Conference title.

JK (12-3, 7-2) fell to Midway 9-8 on March 18 in Dunn as Makenzie Odom threw for six innings and Stonerock one.

But unbeaten Midway (15 - 0, 9-0) has allowed just 20 runs in its 14 other games. Hoggard, a 7A school, scored seven times but lost to Midway 8-7. The Raiders have seven shutouts, and no other school has scored more than two runs against them. Midway is the state’s No. 1 3A school in RPI, while JK is 10th.

All three of JK’s runs came in the seventh.

Jovi Hall, Sadie Casteen, Shyulah Sloan, Ava Jones and Kenadi Gideons each had a hit for the Tigers, who will be favored in their nal ve games of the regular season.

The state playo s start May 5, though JK is likely to get a bye into the second round.

Crusaders bash Parrott

Makenzie Jackson drove in two runs, Breelyn Peed scored three times and nine runs were driven in by Crusaders as Harrells Christian bashed Parrott Academy 10-0 in a four-inning a air ended by the mercy rule.

HCA (6-7, 2-7) scored four times in the opening inning, added two more in the fourth and four in the fth to nish o the Patriots (2-9, 0-5).

SOCCER

Panthers in ECC’s driver’s seat

Anamarie Rodriguez scored

a goal in three East Duplin wins last week, the most important of which came during a 1-0 win over Clinton as the Panthers (10-6, 5-1) won for the seventh straight time following a 2-5 start.

A day later, the Panthers junior was also the trigger for a 1-0 win over Princeton.

She added two scores the following day as the Panthers stumped the Dark Horses 5-1 to earn the spot atop the ECC standings.

Melanie Reyes also added a pair of scores, while Reagan Campbell also had a cage ringer.

ED must whip Pender (4-7, 1-5) and South Lenoir (4 -10 -1) twice to capture the ECC ag for the second consecutive season and third in four years. Tigers, Bulldogs, Raiders scrambling for lead in

Swine Valley

James Kenan’s defense had not allowed a goal in its past four Swine Valley Conference matches.

Yet it took a goal by Yaneiudi Cruz, her eighth of the spring, to send the Tigers to a 1-0 win over Midway.

But goals came like raindrops during a 5-0 win over Rosewood earlier in the week.

Aleyah Wilson picked up her area-leading 20th, and Noilin Rodriguez, Labria McGowan, Arely Panito and Josselyn Gomez scored.

JK (10-4, 8-1) has big matches against Princeton (11-3-2, 7-1) and WRH (7-7, 6-2) in the next two weeks.

Goals by Kaylee Guzman and Bayleen Flores lifted the Bulldogs past Princeton last week and created a three-way race for the title.

JK hosts Princeton on April 28 and visits WRH two days later. Wilson scored two late goals March 31 when the Tigers beat the Bulldogs 2-0 in Warsaw.

East Bladen defense blankets Rebels

East Bladen’s defense near its goal was su ocating, and the Eagles were ying to win 50-50 balls.

Three second-half scores, two of which came o the feet of Gabriela Rebollar, propelled East Bladen to a 3-0 Carolina Conference win last week.

The loss dropped ND (9-2, 7-2) to a game o the pace of league leader Hobbton (9-4, 7-1), a school the Rebels beat 3-0 on March 19 in Newton Grove.

The two schools lock horns this week in Calypso.

ND avenged a 2-1 overtime loss to Union early last week by getting three goals from Tristen Stemmler, two from Carrly Strickland and one via Roselin Orozco. Strickland leads the Rebels with 16 goals. Stemmler has 11, Sasha Arguilo nine and four assists, and Orozco seven and three assists.

North Duplin, softball

Lilly Fulghum has failed to get a hit in one full game this spring, though North Duplin beat Topsail 10-6.

Last week, the senior was in her usual form and bashed three hits, scoring three times and driving in three runs during a 12-3 win over East Bladen.

Fulghum, an all-state player from a season ago and UNC Charlotte signee, is hitting .581 with six doubles, a triple, two homers and 21 RBIs while crossing home plate 18 times.

The right-hander is sharing the pitching duties with freshman Gracie Higginbotham and plays shortstop when not in the circle. Fulghum, a four-year starter, is a .612 career hitter with 25 doubles, nine triples and 17 home runs.

The once-beaten Rebels are the No. 4 RPI school in 2A.

consistent player the past two seasons.

WRH went 18-6 for its best nish since two-time state champ Steve Robinson guided the Bulldogs to an 18-8 mark in 2016.

Wells averaged 15.1 points, eight rebounds and three assists while having the basketball skills to handle the rock, knock down free throws and use hustle, toughness and his strong basketball IQ.

He hit 59% from 2-point range, 39% from beyond the 3-point line and 76% from the charity stripe, leading his team in all three categories.

Kentrell Morrisey, JK, So.

Morrisey could dominate a game. Doing it in the rst half often set the tone, and doing it in the second half started the previctory ceremony for fans.

Even the opposition could admire his skills in the corners, near the basket and in the open court, as the sophomore leveraged his way to 14.3 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.8 steals.

Morrisey might have the most talent of any returning player and was just beat out for Mr. Basketball by his teammate.

Look for him to become a better defender and develop a better outside shot. It’s hard to imagine him being more active close to the basket, yet more points and rebounds will follow.

He will team well with classmates Mari Graham and Tripp Phipps next season.

Jae’lyn Ingram, ND, So.

How good is Ingram? After one season, he’s more than halfway to a 1,000-point career. And he did it playing in head coach Je Byrd’s platoon system, where his minutes are less than what most starters from the opposition receive.

In the same mold as Mor-

risey, he averaged 20.5 points and 7.6 boards while connecting for 49% from the eld and 59% from the free-throw line.

He tossed in 28 when ND beat Triangle Math and Science in the second round of the 2A playo s. It was a total he matched two other times. His best e ort was a 33-point outburst against Hobbton.

He notched double gures in all but three games for ND, including the nal 13 to end the regular season. And also, like Morrisey, Ingram will be well served next season playing alongside classmate Missah Cooper (5.6 points per game).

Dominic Hall, ED, So.

Hall averaged 12.7 points, 8.4 rebounds and a county-high 2.6 blocks. He hit 45% from the eld and 55% from the line, numbers that are sure to increase next season, while he cuts down on turnovers.

He logged double-digits points 14 times, including hisnal six games. One big one during that stretch was a 13-point, sixboard performance that helped East Duplin beat Clinton for the ECC Tournament title.

24 SP 101 AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

NORTH CAROLINA, DUPLIN COUNTY

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Shirley C. Underwood and Earnest E. Underwood to John M. Mercer, Trustee(s), which was dated September 13, 2006 and recorded on September 28, 2006 in Book 1565 at Page 110, Duplin County Registry, North Carolina. Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on April 27, 2026 at 12:00 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Duplin County, North Carolina, to wit: The following described property located in the northeast quarter of the Town of Wallace, Island Creek Township, Duplin County, State of North Carolina and being described with bearings relative to the North Carolina Grid Meridian (NAD 1983). Beginning at an iron pipe found at the intersection of the south line of Cavenaugh Street and the west line of Graham Street and being the northeast corner of Lot 25 in Block 31 of the S.B. Wilson Subdivision as recorded in Map Book 216, page 187 of the Duplin County Registry, and runs thence With the west line of Graham Street south 17 degrees 09 minutes 20 seconds east 146.47 feet to an iron pipe found, thence With the Earlie C. Sanderson line (Bk. 551, Pg 522) south 72 degrees 35 minutes 10 seconds west 125.32 feet to an iron pipe found in the line of Lot 20, thence With the line of Lot 20 north 17 degrees 00 minutes 10 seconds west 146.47 feet to an iron pipe found in the south line of Cavenaugh Street, thence With the south line of Cavenaugh Street north 72 degrees 35 minutes 00 seconds east 124.93 feet to the point of beginning, containing 0.42 acres more or less as surveyed by Brent H. Whit eld L-3589 on April 26, 1995. The above tract is a part of Lots 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 in Block 31 of the S. B Wilson Subdivision as recorded in Map Book 216, page 187 and also being that land described in a Deed in Daryl W. Ambrose and wife, Janice L. Ambrose as recorded in Book 904 page 608 of the Duplin County Registry. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 322 East Cavenaugh Street, Wallace, NC 28466. A certi ed check only (no personal checks) of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE

He went for 19 and six during a 62-52 win over North Pitt in the rst round of the 4A playo s.

Hall’s development opened up lanes of opportunities for Zachary Ball, Aaron Hall and DJ Davis as ED won ve of its nal seven games to nish at 12-12.

SECOND TEAM

Zachary Ball, ED, Sr.

Ball, who got better as the season progressed and took on an advanced leadership role, may have been the most improved player in Duplin.

He averaged 10.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.9 steals and canned 32 shots from behind the 3-point line.

CJ Hill, JK, Sr.

Hill is perhaps the most underrated player in Duplin and showed o his style after having healed from an injury that all but kept him o the gridiron in 2025.

He averaged 14.3 points, 5.1 rebounds and was a factor inside or on perimeter on both offense and defense.

RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.

Said property to be o ered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being o ered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are SHIRLEY C. UNDERWOOD.

An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be e ective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b)(2)]. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the e ective date of the termination.

Pursuant to NCGS §45-21.25A, this sale may be subject to remote bids placed by bidders not physically present at the place of sale, which may be accepted by the person conducting the sale, or their agent”.

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit.

Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the ling of a bankruptcy petition prior to the con rmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

If the transaction is subject to the FinCEN Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule (“RRE”) issued pursuant to the Bank Secrecy Act, necessary to comply with the RRE Rule must be obtained and provided to the Reporting Person, as de ned in the RRE Rule, prior to closing. Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Substitute Trustee Brock & Scott, PLLC Attorneys for Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC 5431 Oleander Drive Suite 200 Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: (910) 392-4988 File No.: 17-00587-FC03

He and Ball nearly made it to the rst team. Both made signi cant contributions in football and were rst-team picks.

Darrius McCrimmon, WRH, Sr.

McCrimmon hit for double gures in 13 of WRH’s rst 16 games, including the rst 10 as the Bulldogs roared to a 12-1 start. He averaged 12.0 points and 6.1 rebounds but was held under double gures four of his nal ve regular season games.

Jeremiah Hall, JK, Sr.

Hall left numbers in every statistic box, from scoring (6.6) and rebounds (5.1) to assists (5.2) and steals (4.1) as a selfless player. The Tigers followed his lead to go 18-6 with three losses coming to ECC champ Goldsboro.

Aaron Hall, ED, Sr. Hall averaged 9.9 points and 3.3 rebounds and 2.4 steals and scored a season-high 25 in a win over Trask. His 13 and six against Clinton helped ED capture an ECC Tournament title. He was the Panthers’ No. 2

NOTICES

NORTH CAROLINA DUPLIN COUNTY FILE#26E000120-300

running back last fall when ED won a league gridiron crown.

HONORABLE MENTION

Raquan McCrimmon, WRH, So. Darrius’ younger brother had a way of showing his stu on a veteran team. He averaged 9.2 points.

Eli Avent, JK, Sr. Avent (8.4 points, 4.2 boards, 2.1 assists) came o the bench or started and was the Tigers’ best 3-point shooter and an all-out hustler otherwise.

David Zeleya, JK, Sr. At 6 feet, he was the biggest defensive enforcer inside for the Tigers.

Kayden Keith, WRH, Fr. Averaged 7.6 points, 4.2 boards and looks like a star of the future.

Carell Phillips, ND, Sr. Phillips did the dirty work in the paint for the Rebels, averaging 5.1 points and 6.6 boards after returning for his nal season following a three-year stint as one of ND’s most accomplished running backs.

DJ Davis, ED, So. Davis averaged 8.2 points and 5.9 rebounds as the Panthers’ point guard while stepping into the circle for jump-ball situations.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

JOY KING PATE, ADMINISTRATOR 1171 FRIENDSHIP CHURCH ROAD FAISON, NC 28341 Run dates: A9,16,23,30p

DUPLIN COUNTY REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

CLEARING & GRADING SERVICES

Duplin County will receive Bids from properly licensed and quali ed contractors for the Airpark Phase II Clearing and Grading Project at the Duplin County Economic Development O ce located at 260 Airport Road, Kenansville, NC 28349, until May 14, 2026 at 9:00AM, at which time and place all Bids received will be opened. Late bids will not be considered. The general scope of work includes clearing, grubbing, grading, and erosion control of approximately four (4) acres of forested land for the development of a future access road. Instructions for bidding and full details of the project scope can be found at the Duplin County website: www.duplinnc.gov, by clicking “News” and “Bid Opportunities”. Duplin County is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Duplin County reserves the right to waive any informalities or irregularities in or to reject any or all Bids and to award or refrain from awarding the Contract for the work, whichever the County deems to be in its best interest. Send questions to Hillary Crawford at hcrawford@parrishandpartners.com.

TOWN OF ROSE HILL PUBLIC HEARING

regular meeting of the Town Board, held for legislative purposes.

The Zoning Map Amendment Request is available for public inspection in the o ce of the Rose Hill Town Clerk, located in the Town Hall during normal business hours, Monday-Friday from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm.

Date:

Time:

Place:

Purpose: To hear and record public comments regarding the Zoning Map Amendment Request for a ± 3.09 acre portion of tax parcel 11-997 from I-1 to MU. This map amendment may be adopted after the public hearing at this

Written comments on this request will be accepted two (2) business days prior to May 12, 2026 to the Town Clerk, Mrs. Keren Parker.

Any person needing special accommodations, please contact 910-289-3159 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.

Angela Smith Town Administrator Run April 23rd and April 30th

obituaries

Mary DeBose

Jan. 11, 1947 – March 19, 2026

Mary Virginia Henry DeBose, 79, a strong and courageous lady, passed gracefully from her earthly life on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center following an eight-year battle with severe health issues. She kept the faith and the ght until the very end.

She was born on January 11, 1947, in Wilmington, the daughter of James Tate Henry and Lorena Wheeler Henry. In addition to her parents, Mary Virginia was preceded in death by her daughter, Gina DeBose.

Mary Virginia is survived by her daughter, Crystal “Crysti” DeBose; granddaughter, Ariana DeBose; sister, Joyce Waters; and many dear friends.

She retired from Southeastern Mental Health in Wilmington after working for many years.

Mary Virginia was a lady of many talents and interests. She enjoyed all kinds of crafts, silk ower arranging, and attending concerts as she loved good music, especially vocals by her faithful personal friend, Ronnie McDowell. Mary Virginia loved life, loved chatting, loved laughter and having a fun time with family and friends. Most of all, Mary Virginia loved her family and was especially proud of her granddaughter, Ariana. Her bright and sunny smile, talking and laughter will surely be missed.

The graveside service will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Woodcock Cemetery with the Rev. Merrell McKoy conducting the service.

Stephanie Stallings

March 13, 1962 – April 11, 2026

Stephanie Renee Glasper Stallings, 64, of Beulaville, NC, passed away April 11, 2026, in Greenville, NC. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at New Christian Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Rose Hill, NC.

Aug. 30, 1950 – April 11, 2026

Martha Jane Clinton, 75, of Pink Hill, NC, passed away April 11, 2026, in Wallace, NC.

The family will have a Celebration of Life Dinner at 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Kings Restaurant, 405 E. New Bern Road, in Kinston, NC (o Hwy 70), o ciated by Dr. Apostle Charles Peterson.

Frances Kaye Jackson

June 29, 1957 – April 5, 2026

Frances Kaye Jackson, beloved matriarch and cherished Aunt Kaye, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 5, 2026, at the age of 68, in Youngstown, Ohio. Born on June 29, 1957, in Clinton, North Carolina, the daughter of Bashie (Tatum) Butler and Willie Butler Jr., Frances lled her life with love, laughter, and an unwavering passion for family and friends.

A proud mother, Frances is survived by her children, Trocola (Rodney) Johnson, Victor (Shaquilla) Jackson and Anthony “Dante” Jackson. Frances was the beloved sister of Mary (Harold) Neil, Cynthia Pro t, Brenda Butler, Ronnie Butler, Pamela (Dennis) Atkinson and Pearline Atkinson. She will also be missed by her brother-inlaw, Wilbert Evans, and adoptive siblings, Lafawnda Evans, Latoya Evans and Wilbert Jr. Evans. Her legacy is carried on by an extensive family, including 15 grandchildren and 19 greatgrandchildren, each of whom knew her as a beacon of love and strength. Frances was preceded in death by her parents; siblings Bernice Butler, Thomas Butler, Anna Benton, Peggy B. Evans, Roy Butler, Billie Ray Butler and James “Toe-Joe” McNair, who, along with countless friends and family members, welcomed her into eternal peace. Frances Kaye Jackson will be remembered not only for her love of life but also for her extraordinary ability to bring people together. She truly lived life to the fullest, embracing every moment with grace and joy. As we celebrate her legacy, we invite all who knew her to join us in honoring a life well-lived, lled with tenderness, warmth, and an abundance of love.

The Celebration of Life will be on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 1 p.m. at J.B. Rhodes Jr. Memorial Chapel, 1701 Wayne Memorial Drive, Goldsboro, NC 27534. There will be a viewing from 12-12:50 p.m. She will be laid to rest at Tatum Cemetery, 8521 Hobbton Hwy., Clinton, NC 28328. Please remember her family during their time of bereavement.

Cynthia Neola Brunson

Oct. 17, 1958 – April 13, 2026

Goldsboro- Ms. Cynthia Neola Brunson, 67, completed her earthly journey and transitioned from labor to reward, Monday, April 13, 2026, at UNC Health Wayne. The Celebration of Life will be on Wednesday, April 22, at noon at J.B. Rhodes Jr. Memorial Chapel, 1701 Wayne Memorial Drive, Goldsboro, NC 27534. There will be a viewing from 11-11:50 a.m. She will be laid to rest at Wayne Memorial Park North, 1191 Old Grantham Road, Goldsboro, NC 27530. Please remember the family in prayer during their time of bereavement.

Robert Creech

Oct. 9, 1949 – April 10, 2026

Robert J. Creech, known to most as Zeke Creech, passed away Friday, April 10, 2026, at ECU Medical Center in Greenville.

Zeke, 76, was a life-long resident of the Scott’s Store area near Mount Olive.

Zeke was preceded in death by his parents, Carl L. and Sudie Kornegay Creech; his sister and brother-in-law, Minnie Pearl and O’berry Wilkins; three brothers, Bobby Creech, Wilbert Creech, and Kenneth Creech; and a little sister, Catherine Creech.

He is survived by several nieces and nephews to include Linda W. Williamson, Eva Wilkins, Lisa W. Stroud, Nancy W. Raynor, Jackie W. Herring, and Dennis Wilkins, along with their families; an aunt, Stella Wade of Maryland; and several cousins.

Zeke will be remembered as a local gure who “made his rounds” on a daily basis to the local stores. Always friendly, he was a simple man. While he had worked brie y at Carolina Turkeys and at Brock’s Septic Tank Service, he mostly assisted area farmers with farming duties.

Graveside funeral services were held Thursday, April 16, at 2 p.m. at the Pate Cemetery. O ciating was the Rev. Je Bartlett.

Ruby “Bunny” Tyndall Quinn

July 27, 1940 – April 14, 2026

Ruby “Bunny” Tyndall Quinn, 85, passed away on April 14, 2026, in ECU Health Duplin Hospital, Kenansville, NC

The funeral service is Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 6 p.m. followed by visitation at Community Funeral Home in Beulaville, NC.

A graveside service is Sunday, April 19, 2026, at 1 p.m. at East Duplin Memorial Gardens.

She is survived by sons Rodney Allen Quinn of Beulaville, NC, and Ronnie J. Quinn (Angie) of Potters Hill, NC; daughter Wanda Quinn Faircloth (George), Beulaville, NC; sister Naomi Garvey of Rose Hill, NC; grandchildren Chris Quinn (Leah), Jonathan Quinn (Erin), Blake Wilson (Bailey), Ronnie Quinn, Jr. (Kaley), Colten Quinn (Shana), Chasady Wudkwych (Brian) Brandy Lanier (Adrian), Ashley Edwards and Dylan Edwards; and great-grandchildren Ayden Allen Quinn, Raegan Quinn, Aubrie Quinn, Kinsley Edwards, Sebastian Quinn, Arabella Quinn, Norah Wudkwych, Wesley Wudkwych, Randyn Swinson, Carissa Shepard, Faythlyn Williams, Tyler Mathis and Fallon Lanier.

SPONSORED BY

QUINN MCGOWEN FUNERAL HOME

Edgar Warren

April 2, 1944 – April 14, 2026

Edgar Vann Warren, 82, passed peacefully from his earthly life on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. He was born April 2, 1944, in Sampson County, the son of Edgar Gibson Warren and Mabel Lewis Warren. In addition to his parents, Edgar was preceded in death by his brother, W. G. Warren, and sister, Doris Holloman.

Edgar is survived by his daughters, Terri Crumpler and her husband, Howard Crumpler, Jr., and Lora Warren Lucas; four grandchildren, Cameron, Corey, Jack and Jesse; and brother, Ernest Warren. Edgar was musically gifted and talented and loved sharing his talent. He wrote a song that was played at his daughter, Terri’s, wedding. Piano was his instrument of choice, which he played beautifully both by note and by ear. He was an animal lover and had many fur babies through the years. His last canine companion was Max. There will be a private family gathering at a later date.

Robert Franklin Taylor

March 14, 1944 –April 16, 2026

Robert Franklin Taylor, 82, passed away Thursday, April 16, 2026, at The Gardens of Rose Hill.

Robert was born March 14, 1944, in Duplin County, NC, to the late Eddie C. Taylor and Pearl Smith Taylor. A funeral service will be held at 7 p.m., Monday, April 20, 2026, in Community Funeral Home Chapel in Warsaw, with visitation following the service. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in Devotional Gardens, Warsaw, NC.

Mr. Taylor is survived by his wife, Myra P. Taylor of Warsaw; sons Eddie Taylor and wife, Karon of Warsaw and Phillip Taylor of Clinton; daughter-in-law, Charity Taylor of Beulaville; fteen grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Taylor was preceded in death by sons, Rodney Taylor, Kent Taylor and Jonathan “John Boy” Ryan Taylor; brothers, John Taylor and Alvin Taylor and wife, Barbara; sisters, Eleanor Pope Stevens and Inez Taylor.

Leigh Beavers Best

Dec. 27. 1973 – April 12, 2026

Leigh Beavers Best, 52, passed away early Sunday morning, April 12, 2026, at her home.

A service to remember Leigh was held Friday, April 17, at 6:00 p.m. at the First Pentecostal Holiness Church of Mount Olive. O ciating were Pastors Je Dail and Terry Coates. The family greeted friends and relatives following the service in the church’s fellowship hall.

Leigh was a life-long resident of the Rones Chapel community near Mount Olive. She graduated from North Duplin High School with the class of 1992. Leigh had attended East Carolina University, the University of Mount Olive, and Cape Fear Community College. She had worked at Southern Produce, Southern Bank and Trust Company, had been a substitute schoolteacher, and had worked in the family business, M and B Towers. Her main goal in life was providing a loving and welcoming home for her family.

Leigh was a trooper, a real ghter, for her life brought about many hurdles, but she never gave up. At the age of eight, she was diagnosed with liver cancer, which through extensive treatment and God’s grace, she overcame. In her early 20’s, it was discovered that her cancer treatment had damaged her heart; therefore, in 2002, she underwent a heart transplant, which sustained her life for seven years. In 2009, she underwent a heart and kidney transplant which allowed her several more years to enjoy life and her family. While she recently faced a decline in health and multiple hospital stays at Duke, just weeks before her passing she was diagnosed with liver and pancreas cancer. She leaves behind her loving family which includes her husband, Kenneth Wade Best; her daughter, Alyssa Caroline Best; her parents, Roy and Rose King Beavers; her brother and sisterin-law, Andy and Billie Jo Beavers, all of the Rones Chapel area; several nieces and nephews who she loved very much; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins, along with many friends.

Her grandparents were the late Arthur and Rachel King, and Roy Bruce and Helen Beavers.

Leigh and her family were and are deeply indebted to the donor families who, through unsel sh giving, gave Leigh a life in which to love, be happy, and to make a di erence in the world. Therefore, they prefer that memorial gifts be made to Donate Life NC, 4750 Commercial Park Court, Clemmons, NC 27013, or to The Outlaw Foundation, PO Box 189, Newton Grove, NC 28366. For those who wish to send owers, the family prefers plants and small cut arrangements, items they can enjoy in their respective homes.

The Best and Beavers families extend a special note of deepest appreciation to ECU Hospice and Home Care, especially to Leigh Ann Underhill and Brandi Ivey for their exemplary care, love, and devotion.

Hog Wild Cooko draws crowd in Beulaville

The 2026 Hog Wild Cooko drew crowds Saturday for live music, vendor shopping and fresh pork barbecue. Cooks began preparing the hogs Friday night, and by noon more than 400 plates had been served to the public.

Vendors outside o ered a wide range of items, including shirts, jewelry, plants, custom drinks, handmade wooden furniture, cutting boards, barn quilts and custom-engraved boulders.

Activities for children included a pig-themed bounce house, cutout photo props and a blow-up ax-throwing station. Carl Newton’s Review provided classic rock covers throughout the day.

County. He shared it with Ervin Murray his rst season in Warsaw (2021).

JK has captured the top coach award six times in the past 11 seasons, joining former Tigers coaches Je Byrd (’16 and ’17) and Reggie Melvin (’18 and ’19) as a two-time winner.

Byrd, who nabbed the honor the previous two seasons at North Duplin, has four Duplin coaching cups.

Four of JK’s losses last winter came at the hands of Goldsboro (22-8). An early setback to Wayne Prep came as JK scrambled to get its players o the football eld after a trip to the East Region nals and onto the basketball court. JK’s nal setback was to then-unbeaten Farmville Central in the third round of the 3A playo s. And in a way, the Tigers were much like many teams

Jones coached at Spring Creek.

JK’s players were not 6-footplus.

“Our 5-6 players had to play 6-5,” Jones said.

Examining the stats also shows JK didn’t shoot the ball like a contender.

“I don’t think that would impress many people,” Jones said.

Yet the Tigers’ unity and oneness of focus were o the charts.

“They stuck to it and trusted us that it would work,” Jones said.

Yet just a few days removed from a tough football loss to Kinston, Jones had to transform and energize players.

“We talked about a tough, disappointing ending to football,” Jones said. “I reminded them that we’d have fun and be together for three great months. I had to make it fun. And I knew the competitive juices of our players. We used football as a fuel.”

JK’s rst setback came three games into the season, a 68-66

loss to Wayne Prep on a Saturday. Jones said the way his team reacted said everything.

“We were dead-legged and they walked o smiling, not mad or upset,” Jones said. “They had fun and knew they had three late chances to win the game. Even with all that didn’t go right, they knew and believed in themselves and how they could play as a team. That’s when I knew this team was di erent.”

JK improved to 7-1 before being tripped 68-66 in Goldsboro in the closest of three setbacks to the Cougars.

The Tigers ran o eight straight wins before falling to the Cougars and WRH, their only consecutive losses of the season.

Yet Jones was concerned about the season-ending setback to WRH.

JK made up for it with a totally dominating 75-61 conquest of the Bulldogs in the Swine Valley Conference Tournament semi -

nals. JK swarmed in front early by exerting its will on WRH.

JK’s nal loss was to a respectable foe that has tons of tradition, Farmville Central, especially during the last decade.

“We had problems playing teams with extreme length,” Jones said. “We couldn’t get o shots against Farmville, which was as good or better than any team I saw or watched on tape all year. And even though we couldn’t score as we wanted against Goldsboro, we held them down to o ensive numbers lower than usual.”

Jones frequently talks about his senior leaders, yet his coaching approach was also a key to JK’s success.

“If you had told me before the season that we’d win 15 games, I would have taken it,” Jones said. “But these guys did much more. They played so hard and so fast.”

And Jones believes the Tigers did so because of their love

TOWN OF WALLACE PUBLIC HEARING

TOWN OF WALLACE TOWN COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

May 14, 2026, after 6:00 PM

NOTICE IS HEARBY GIVEN that the Town Council of the Town of Wallace has called for a Public Hearing at the Wallace Women’s Club, located at 216 N. East Railroad Street, Wallace, NC 28466, on Thursday, May 14, 2026, after 6:00 PM for the following: The applicant is seeking to rezone 44.49 acres, Pin 331603115966 located on the

for one another and not the game.

“We loved every minute, including practice,” Jones said. “We had after-practice talks and nobody was running to the door. Our seniors set the perfect example, and it was a great thing for our younger guys to see. That’s how it works best.”

Early in his coaching career, Jones said he was rejuvenated and energized after a long conversation with Jim Larranaga, a longtime college coach who led George Mason (2006) and Miami (2023) to their rst Final Four appearances.

“As soon as I unbuckled my seat belt I questioned and listened to him for 30 minutes,” Jones said. “I think everyone was in shock that I did it. He told me I was doing the right things and that there is no magic formula. I was going through a down period as a coach, and I left that conversation with a new revelation and con dence.”

South side of S NC 41 Hwy just East of the Walmart and across from the water tower, from RA-20 (residential, agricultural, minimum lot size 20,000 sq. ft.); R-20MH (residential, minimum lot size 20,000 sq. ft.; HB (highway business) to Conditional. Persons wishing to speak on the issues are invited to attend and be heard at the scheduled public hearing.

Persons having questions may contact Rod Fritz, Planning Director at (910) 2854136 or rfritz@wallacenc.gov.