VOLUME 9 ISSUE 31 | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2024
DUPLINJOURNAL.COM
Duplin Journal THE DUPLIN COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
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BRIEF this week
Town of Magnolia implements CodeRED System Magnolia Residents can sign up for Town of Magnolia alerts through the CodeRED emergency notification system. CodeRED uses phone calls, text messages and emails to notify people about emergencies, from road closures and tornadoes to water infrastructure issues and police alerts. To receive these alerts, text ALERTSMAGNOLIANC to 24639 or visit the town’s Facebook page for more details.
Pickles, Pigs & Swigs call for teams and sponsors Mount Olive Organizers of Pickles, Pigs & Swigs are seeking cook teams, sponsors and local vendors. The competition is limited to 20 teams, accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. The fourth annual event returns to Mount Olive on Nov. 8-9. Prizes for this year’s contest will be $1,200, $600 and $300. Those interested in fielding a team must apply and pay online at picklespigsswigs.com. The event is also looking for sponsors and local vendors. Contact the Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce at 919-658-3113 for more information.
Bricks for the Animals Kenansville Paws for the Cause of Duplin is raising funds to help the animal shelter and the pets. Through Bricks for the Animals, any person wishing to help may purchase a Duplin County Animal Shelter brick with their name, the name of a loved one or the name of a pet. The finished bricks will be placed in the path in front of the shelter. Visit bricksrus.com/ donorsite/pawsbricks for more information.
ENA SELLERS / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Hundreds of families flock to Mount Olive to celebrate cultural roots Children enjoyed a day of fun in the sun at the St. Mary of the Angels Catholic Church Fall Festival Kermes in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month on Sept. 15 in Mount Olive. Turn to page A3 for more.
Beulaville man arrested on multiple charges after domestic disturbance call Rodney Judge faces drug and illegal alcohol sales charges
found approximately 101 grams of marijuana, eight THC vape pens, a gallon of moonshine and drug paraphernalia “indicative of narcotics sales and use,” accordBy Abby Cavenaugh ing to a statement from the Duplin Journal Beulaville PD. They also dis BEULAVILLE — After be- covered an outbuilding on the ing called to a residence on property that was being used Suggs Street for a domestic to sell alcohol without a permit. disturbance, BeuRodney Judge, laville police discovthe homeownered the home was er, was arrested being used for illegal on the following narcotics and alcocharges: posseshol sales, which led sion with intent to to the arrest of Rodmanufacture, sell, ney Judge. and deliver mariThe call was made juana; felony posSept. 17, referencing session of marijuaa domestic disturna; maintaining a bance at 711 Suggs Rodney Judge dwelling for conSt. When officers trolled substances; arrived, they discovered information leading possession of non-tax paid althem to believe the residence coholic beverage; and posseswas being used for the sale of sion of alcoholic beverages for narcotics and alcohol. Based sale without a permit. Judge on that information, the Beu- was placed under a $25,000 laville Police Department ob- secured bond. The Duplin County Sheriff’s tained a search warrant for Office assisted the Beulaville the property. After a search, officers PD in this incident.
Wallace breaks ground on major sewer extension The project is crucial for accommodating River Landing and the town’s growth By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal WALLACE — Prior to the Wallace Town Council meeting Sept. 12, council members, Mayor Jason Wells, Town Manager Rob Taylor and former Mayor Charley Farrior gathered at a site on River Road for the official groundbreaking of a lift station and sewer extension project that will help accommodate the growth of the town and the community of River Landing. “The project is crucial for accommodating the River Landing community and supporting the town’s anticipated growth,” Taylor said. “The new sewer line will run along River Road as a force main and transition to gravity flow at Highway 11.”
Magnolia town manager to resign “They’re a great board to work with and they’re going to continue to do great things.” Charles “Twig” Rollins, Magnolia town manager
Police Chief Jerry Wood to serve as interim town manager By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal MAGNOLIA — Charles “Twig” Rollins recently announced his decision to step down as Magnolia town manager. His last day will be Oct. 12. Rollins accepted a new role as town manager for Summerfield. He told Duplin Journal the driving factor in his decision was the long commute. “I got married back in March, and I’ve been commuting, not every night, but it’s a long commute to be with my wife,” said Rollins, adding that his in-laws are battling cancer and the move will put him and his wife closer to them so they can visit on the weekends. Magnolia Police Chief Jer-
ry Wood was appointed interim manager at last week’s special board meeting. Wood is a native of Beulaville and has been serving as police chief since 2021. “He served as interim before while I was on vacation out of the country,” Rollins told Duplin Journal. “Everybody in town knows him and respects him. He did a good job as interim.” While serving as Magnolia’s town manager, Rollins played a crucial role in obtaining grants and positioning the town for growth. According to Mayor Dawn Ward, Rollins sought and obtained more than $2 million in grants. Ward added that Rollins also established personnel, travel and purchasing policies, and je established the first board budget-planning retreat, which is now done annually. See MAGNOLIA, page A5
Charles “Twig” Rollins
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“Completing this project is essential for the growth and development we expect to see over the next five to 10 years.” Jason Wells, Wallace mayor The mayor had asked at the August meeting that the council procure gold shovels and hold a groundbreaking ceremony since the project has been in the works for about eight years. “The start of this project is the result of many years of hard work and dedication,” Wells said. “Completing this project is essential for the growth and development we expect to see over the next five to 10 years, and I appreciate everyone who contributed to making it happen.” See WALLACE, page A5