VOLUME 9 ISSUE 26 | THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2024
DUPLINJOURNAL.COM
Duplin Journal THE DUPLIN COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
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BRIEF this week
Community Engagement meeting and citizen survey Rose Hill The Town of Rose Hill is seeking the public’s engagement to help it develop a comprehensive plan to prepare for future growth. The meeting will take place on Oct. 21 at 109 S. Sycamore St. in Rose Hill. The first 50 participants will receive a free meal. Visit planrosehill.com to participate in the Citizen Survey.
Railroad improvements to close N.C. 41 Wallace The NC DOT announced that a portion of N.C. 41 near SE Railroad Street at the Wallace railroad tracks will be closed for improvements until Aug. 30. Rail crews will install new tracks while NC DOT conducts pavement removal and replacement as part of the project. Commercial vehicles will be detoured onto Wallace Highway, U.S. 421, N.C. 11 and U.S. 117, and other traffic can use downtown streets to access either side. Officials ask the public to use caution near the worksite.
Celebrate Warsaw Day this Saturday Bring your children to the eighth annual Warsaw Day. The event will be held on Aug. 24 from noon to 3 p.m. at 309 Memorial Dr. in Wallace. The event will feature games, food, a backpack giveaway and free dental screenings for children ages 1-12.
National Night Out set for Sept. 7 Warsaw Join the Warsaw Police Department on Saturday, Sept. 7, from 4-8 p.m. at 309 Memorial Park and celebrate National Night Out. The yearly event will feature food trucks, bouncy houses, games, emergency vehicles and more.
ABBY CAVENAUGH / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Praying for a successful school year Duplin County faith-based leaders held the annual Prayer at the Pole event to pray for the upcoming school year on Aug. 13 at the Duplin County Board of Education, featuring prayers from students and local pastors. See more photos on A3.
Local mayors voice concerns about adopting ordinance
River Landing Builders’ Ben Jones, left, discusses plans for a new subdivision with Candace Knowles, resident of a neighboring subdivision, after the Teachey Board of Commissioners meeting Aug. 12.
Retiring Vicki Bostic was honored for her 17 years working for the county ABBY CAVENAUGH / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Teachey OKs annexation, rezoning for Mill Creek Meadows subdivision The development will add 203 homes By Abby Cavenaugh Duplin Journal TEACHEY — The town of Teachey is moving forward with plans for a new subdivision that will add 203 homes to the town limits. Mill Creek Meadows, as the subdivision will be named, is a 100-acre tract on U.S. High-
way 117. The front portion of the planned development was in the town limits, while the back 45-50 acres needed to be annexed into the town. The entire subdivision also needed to be rezoned to R-10, residential. “Mill Creek Meadows is proposing 203 homes, so with 203 homes, that’s going to be a major addition to the town of Teachey,” said Mayor Bobby Jones. “If you do the math, See TEACHEY, page B6
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal KENANSVILLE — There was a full house Monday night at the Board of County Commissioners meeting. Warsaw Mayor A.J. Connors appeared in front of the board to discuss concerns about Warsaw adopting the county’s animal control ordinance as this would involve taking in large animals. “The county has expressed that we could come together on some terms of animal control, but the town would have to accept hoofed animals and others in the city limits as well,” said Connors, explaining they do not have the manpower to handle that. “Our citizens are asking that the county revisit this issue and consider letting the town stay in the fashion that
Warsaw commissioner encourages businesses to sponsor kids’ sports “My intent has always been to work together toward solutions to serve all the families, ensuring that no child is left out due to the financial barriers.” Marbella Ascencio, Warsaw resident
The board extended the deadline for code of ordinances draft response By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal WARSAW — Marbella Ascencio was among the residents who signed up for public comment at the Warsaw town hall meeting last week. Ascencio addressed the board voicing her concerns about the recent increase in registration fees for sports at the Parks and Recreation Department. “As a parent and a longtime resident of Warsaw, I’ve been proud of the community and the opportunities it provides our children. However, the fee increase has raised significant concerns among parents,” said Ascencio. “I was
able to speak to a few town leaders and members of our community who regularly use the Park and Recreation facilities. These conversations were insightful, but I must express that at times my efforts have been misunderstood. “I’ve occasionally encountered responses suggesting that the fee increase is set in the annual budget and therefore unchangeable. While I fully understand the constraints of the budget, it’s disheartening to feel that my activism may have been perceived as an attack rather than an effort to collaborate and improve our community. My intent has always been to work together toward solutions to serve all the families, ensuring that no child is left out due to the financial barriers.” Ascencio stated that she has been going door-to-door,
they’re in, which is just without the large animals, and that the county would only come in and pick up dogs and cats or animals that may become vicious, such as animals that may have rabies.” Connors added that Warsaw residents are paying the same taxes outside the county but not getting the service. He also explained that it would cost more if they had to deal with large animals left behind. “It’s a money saving for the county if we could keep it this way without the large animals in the town or reevaluate it and look at it from another point of view. … I don’t want to sound like a broken record, but I’ve been here at this podium before on this issue,” said Connors. Teachey Mayor Bobby Jones was next to address the board. “We also have this issue with animals and animal See ORDINANCE, page B6
speaking to neighbors — many who were unaware of the fee increases but showed support for her efforts. “The issue is about more than just the fee increase,” she said. “It’s about ensuring that our town’s recreational programs remain accessible to all families.” Commissioner Jack Hawes later explained that the town costs have gone up significantly and they weren’t breaking even with the way their fees were set. “One reason why fees were low, and we can’t continue to depend on this, is that the department head, the manager over there, her friends and family were doing a lot of volSee WARSAW, page A5
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