VOLUME 9 ISSUE 27 | THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2024
DUPLINJOURNAL.COM
Duplin Journal THE DUPLIN COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
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It’s Back-toSchool time once again
BRIEF this week
The first day of classes for most Duplin County Schools students was Monday, Aug. 26. Left, School Resource Officer Matthew Byrd welcomes Beulaville Elementary School students to the first day of the 2024‑25 school year. DCS Superintendent Austin Obasohan stated, “On behalf of our Board of Education, I would like to thank everyone for making today an amazing start to the 2024-25 school year! Our teachers, staff and students are positive and enthusiastic about teaching and learning, and I am confident our children are going to soar this year! God bless our school family, and best wishes for a successful school year.”
N.C. 111 closes for multiple pipe replacements Duplin County The N.C. Department of Transportation announced N.C. 111 near Donald K. Outlaw Road will reopen Aug. 30 and also N.C. 111 near Zion Church Road will close on Sept. 4 and reopen Sept. 5. During the closures, crews will install three new pipes to improve water flow along the highway. While local traffic will be allowed, drivers will be detoured to Zion Church Road, Mark Herring Road, Liddel Road, N.C. 903 to access either side of the closure. Drivers are urged to be cautious where crews are working and allow extra time for their commute.
N.C. Department of Labor fines electrical contractor after death inspection Mount Olive R.H. McRae, an external contractor for Butterball, was fined a $6,452.40 penalty for an Occupational Safety and Health violation. The N.C. Department of Labor announced the fine last week following an inspection that started after an external contractor died at the Butterball plant in Mount Olive on Feb. 22.
COURTESY DUPLIN COUNTY SCHOOLS
Opioid Town Hall discusses solutions to protect children By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
A back-to-school message from Commissioner Branch Duplin County Commissioner Wayne Branch issued a back‑to‑school message to the students of Duplin County: “As you embark on this new academic year, remember that each day is an opportunity to learn, grow, and make a difference. Believe in your potential and know that your hard work will pave the way for a bright future. The entire community, including myself, is proud of your efforts and cheering you on every step of the way. Keep striving for excellence, stay positive, and never give up!”
Vaping — the silent killer
North Duplin Elementary third grade teacher Jenny Sasser was named the Duplin County Schools Teacher of the Year for 2024-25. She will now compete for statewide Teacher of the Year.
ABBY CAVENAUGH / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Duplin County Schools names Teacher of the Year Principals and support staff were also honored at the annual banquet By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal WALLACE — Duplin County Schools and the Duplin County Education Foundation honored the Teacher of the Year, Principal of the Year, Assistant Principal of the Year, Be-
ginning Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the Year during a banquet held Aug. 22 at the River Landing Clubhouse. Jenny Sasser, a third grade teacher at North Duplin Elementary, was named the DCS Teacher of the Year. She will go on to compete for North Carolina Teacher of the Year and was awarded a plaque as well as $5,000. See TEACHER, page A6
WALLACE — Approximately 30 participants, including county and town leadership, gathered for the annual Opioid Town Hall at the Mad Boar Restaurant last week. “We are trying to get our towns to think about what we can do to help the vaping and opioid crisis and give examples of what other counties are doing,” said Maury Castillo, Duplin County Health Department public health educator, adding that they hope some of those could be implemented locally. Jamie Murray with the Duplin County Health Department Opioid Response Team opened the floor with an update on the Opioid Settlement Fund Distribution.
Wallace Walmart will be reconfigured as part of major store renovations The store will hold a grand reopening on Oct. 25 By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal WALLACE — Duplin County’s only Walmart is getting a facelift. Over the past few weeks, shoppers have most likely noticed that the Walmart in Wallace is undergoing extensive renovations, with the pharmacy moving across the store and many other departments relocating. The megastore chain, which includes groceries, household items, a pharmacy, outdoor furniture, a garden center and vision center, is expanding its offerings without physically expanding the store. “The renovations are necessary to upgrade the overall shopping experience of our customers,” said Alicia Anger, global communications director for Walmart Corporate Affairs.
So far, the pharmacy has been relocated from near the grocery entrance to the housewares entrance. According to Anger, the pharmacy has been expanded, with an improved vision center also part of the renovations. “Once the store renovations are complete, new and interactive features will be available to customers,” Anger said. There will be new products and categories, she said, including expanded departments and new apparel brands. In addition, the dairy and foods section will be expanded with “an improved layout.” The reconfigured store layout will provide “more convenient access to well-shopped areas,” new paint inside and outside the store, and signage for easier navigation through the store. Finally, new fixtures and LED lighting will provide for better lines of sight and easier navigation.
“The renovations are necessary to upgrade the overall shopping experience of our customers.” Alicia Anger, Walmart Corporate Affairs The renovations will continue over the next two months, with a grand reopening slated for Oct. 25.
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“We have been allocated $4,457,908,” said Murray. “We have already received $1,289,620.98. That’s almost 29% of our allocation.” Murray spoke about some of the strategies that are being implemented in Duplin County, among them the distribution of free naloxone and medication safe lock boxes. Also, the Too Good for Drugs curriculum, which has been added for Duplin County Schools, starting with first, third, fifth, seventh and ninth graders. “When we did the pilot program, the kids loved it. They were very engaged.” Addiction treatment for inmates is another strategy that the Opioid Response Team will be implementing at the Duplin County Jail. It will include medication-assisted treatment and medication coverage. Guest speaker Ernest Watts with Southeastern North Carolina Tobacco League was next on the lineup. See OPIOIDS, page A3