February 21, 2025

Briefs

FEB. 20, 2025

Suspect charged in overdose investigation

Elijah Eddie Robinson, 23, of Wallace, was arrested on Feb. 17, in connection with an overdose death that occurred in March 2024. According to the Sheriff’s Office, deputies found Jacey Newkirk’s body on March 7, 2024, after responding to a call at South NC 50 Highway in Rose Hill. According to the DCSO, investigators determined that the victim had obtained narcotics from Robinson prior to her death. On Feb. 13, the North Carolina State Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that the cause of death was a fentanyl overdose. Robinson was charged with death by distribution and is currently being held in the Duplin County Jail on a $250,000 bond.

DEQ responds to animal waste spill in Duplin

On Tuesday, North Carolina’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Division of Water Resources, reported a spill of approximately 84,000 gallons of animal waste that impacted Doctors Creek over the weekend. The spill originated from Farm 6703 and 6704, located on Kenan Loop Road in Wallace, and was caused by a malfunction in the equipment used to pump waste between lagoons. According to the report, the spill occurred on Feb. 15-16. The Division of Water Resources confirmed that the waste was cleaned up, and samples were taken at the discharge point, as well as upstream and downstream, to assess the water quality impacts related to the spill. DEQ stated that there are no known public water system surface water intakes along the path affected by the waste.

Juvenile in custody after high-speed chase

A Duplin County 15-year-old is in custody of the Duplin County Juvenile Detention Center after a high speed chase led to his arrest. According to the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office the high-speed chase began in Duplin County when, allegedly, the young male jumped into a vehicle belonging to an elderly woman who was dropping off trash at a trash dump on Jan. 6. The LCSO reported that officers observed the vehicle driving at a high rate of speed while traveling north on N.C. 11 and attempted to stop it. The juvenile allegedly led deputies on a high-speed chase from N.C. 11 in Pink Hill onto U.S. 70 West, ending at Kinston’s Barnet Park. He has been charged with larceny of a motor vehicle, felony speeding to elude arrest, and several other traffic violations.

Faison Farmers’ Parade scheduled for March

The Faison Farmers’ Parade is back and will take place on March 15 at 11 a.m. Sponsored by the Faison Improvement Group, this year’s parade will include a street festival in downtown Faison featuring food trucks, children’s activities, vendors, static displays, vintage tractors, and live music. The parade route will begin on West Main Street and conclude at the old Piggly Wiggly parking lot.

Murphy Family Ventures seeks summer interns

High school and college students can spend their summer gaining hands-on experience in pig production, farm maintenance, or heavy equipment operation by signing up for a summer internship with Murphy Family Ventures. Interns will work under the supervision of department leaders and the intern coordinator, learning and performing key responsibilities in their assigned area. Internships run from May 26 through August 1. Interns must be at least 16 years of age and have reliable transportation. Apply online at: http://bit.ly/4kapmZx.

ECU Health Duplin Hospital hosting “Fireside Chat”

ECU Health Duplin Hospital is hosting a “fireside chat” to help potential employees learn more about joining the team. A virtual session will be held on March 6, 6-7 p.m. The virtual session will include more information about the hospital’s mission and vision, as well as an interactive panel discussion with nursing leaders. An in-person session will follow on March 25, 6-8 p.m., at the Mad Boar Restaurant & Pub in Wallace. Register at https://wkf.ms/4jQ1x8U.

FEB. 13, 2025

Authorities release names of Beulaville house fire victims

Officials with Duplin County Fire and Emergency Management have released the names of two individuals found dead in a house fire on Jan. 28. The victims were identified as Phil Terry Rhodes, 77, and Emily Mashburn Rhodes, 75. Their bodies were discovered while firefighters were extinguishing the flames and conducting search and rescue operations inside the home located at 212 South Williams Road, near NC 24 Highway in Beulaville. Authorities have reported that the investigation into the cause and origin of the fire is ongoing, and there is currently no evidence to suggest any criminal activity was involved. The Duplin County Fire Marshal’s Office has requested the North Carolina Office of the State Fire Marshal to take the lead on this investigation.

UMO receives $1M grant for state-of-the-art educational livestock facility

The University of Mount Olive has been awarded a $1 million grant from the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission to help complete Phase 1 of an educational livestock facility. According to the university’s announcement, this funding will support the construction of a 30,000-square-foot multipurpose training and livestock building located on Shady Grove Road. Phase 1 is expected to be finished by the end of 2025. The facility will serve as a hub for hands-on training, research, and community engagement in animal agriculture. It will include livestock handling areas, a training arena, classrooms, and will provide a unique multispecies educational environment for students and farmers.

Golden LEAF Colleges and Universities Scholarship is accepting applications

The application period for the Golden LEAF Colleges and Universities Scholarship is now open. This scholarship offers a valuable opportunity for students from rural and economically disadvantaged communities to receive financial assistance for their education. The application deadline is March 1. Visit Golden LEAF Foundation for more information.

FEB. 6, 2025

Applications for NC State Extension Summer Internship are open

The 2025 NC State Extension Summer Internship program is now accepting applications. From crop protection to 4-H livestock projects, Extension internships offer a first-hand view of a career making a positive difference in the community. There are 40 internships available across the state. Undergraduate and graduate students are invited to apply. Visit ncst.at/sXQz50UN5cl to learn more and apply.

Mt. Olive Pickle Company Gift Shop moving downtown

The Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce announced that the Mt. Olive Pickle Company Gift Shop is moving downtown this summer.

Applications for the Governor’s Page Program are now open

High school students and recent high school graduates in good academic standing are encouraged to apply for the Governor’s Page Program. Participants will visit Raleigh for a week of hands-on participation in their state government. Participation in the program is an excused absence from school. Participants receive a $200 stipend to compensate for any costs associated with the program. For more information, call 919-814-2030.

NC Tobacco Trust Fund 2025 grant cycle opens

Applications for the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund 2025 grant cycle are now open and will be accepted until March 7. These grants will go toward agricultural projects that support the industry, impact rural communities and stimulate economic development. Visit tobaccotrustfund.org/2025-grant-cycle/ to learn more.

Duplin Coalition for Health members undergo training

Several members of the Duplin Coalition for Health recently received Results Based Accountability (RBA) training. ECU Health Duplin Hospital reported on a social media post that they are excited to apply their new knowledge to produce measurable improvements in the health and well-being of people in Duplin County, and are looking to expand the coalition by recruiting representatives from various sectors like county and town government agencies, the health care community, faith and educational institutions, nonprofit organizations and businesses. For more information, contact Maury Castillo at 910-296-2130.

JAN. 30, 2025

Duplin saw record snow for the first time in over a decade

The NC State Climate Office reported that southern Duplin had 4 inches of snow for the first time since February 2014. According to the report, the Wallace ECONet station recorded the coldest reading in more than seven years, with temperatures dropping to 6°F last Thursday morning.

WolfCAC is searching for candidates

The NC State College Advising Corps is searching for candidates to join the team as a part of their 2025-26 cohort. They are looking to fill vacancies in Duplin County. The NC State College Advising Corps recruits recent college graduates to serve as AmeriCorps College Advisers in high-need rural high schools to guide students through pursuing a postsecondary pathway.

UMO named state’s safest college campus

The University of Mount Olive was recently named the Safest College Campus in North Carolina according to Niche’s 2025 Safest College Campuses rankings. School officials reported this marks the fourth consecutive year that UMO has held the top spot in the state.

Opportunity to become the next NC Watermelon Queen

The North Carolina Watermelon Association is currently accepting applications for the next North Carolina Watermelon Queen until Feb. 1. The selected queen will represent the state’s agriculture industry and serve as an inspiring ambassador for watermelon farmers. Visit NC Watermelon Queen for more information.

Former Wallace airport manager to lead one of NC’s largest airports

Gage King, who served as the Henderson Field Airport manager for more than six years has been appointed as the new NCGTP airport director, succeeding Rick Barkes, who retired last December.

JAN. 23, 2025

Duplin experiences severe drought conditions

The North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council announced last week that Duplin is one of 11 counties in eastern North Carolina experiencing severe drought conditions. The mid-to-long-term forecast suggests that these dry winter conditions will persist, largely due to the La Niña weather pattern. For the latest drought updates, which are released every Thursday, visit ncdrought.org.

Free income tax assistance offered through UMO

The University of Mount Olive Tillman School of Business will host a complimentary income tax service available to all eligible taxpayers through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program. From Feb. 12 to April 9 taxpayers can drop off their tax documents to be processed for free by student volunteers. After the tax return is completed and reviewed, the site coordinator will contact taxpayers to review and approve the tax return before electronic submission to the IRS. For general questions, call 843-446-6547.

Chinquapin Volunteer Fire and Rescue offers help with EMT certification

The Chinquapin Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad is searching for dedicated individuals who live in Chinquapin or the surrounding area to join their team and is offering assistance to qualified candidates interested in getting their NC Emergency Medical Technician certification. For more information, visit Chinquapin Volunteer Fire and Rescue Monday nights at 7 p.m.

Applications are being accepted for paid summer internship at NCA&T

The Cooperative Extension Student Internship Program is offering an 11-week paid Summer Internship Program at NCA&T for full-time college students looking to make an impact in agriculture & natural sciences, 4-H youth development, community development, and family & consumer sciences. This hands-on experience is designed to take classroom knowledge and put it into real-world action. Interns will develop skills in advocacy, program planning, and social impact, gaining insight into community engagement and youth development work across diverse NC communities.

JAN. 16, 2025

Martin Luther King Jr. Day observance

Duplin County offices will be closed on Jan. 20 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Magnolia reopens land use community survey

The Town of Magnolia has announced that they will reopen their Land Use Plan Community Survey through the first week of February, to give Magnolia residents another opportunity to share their thoughts on the town’s growth and development. Over 40 Magnolia residents have already shared their perspectives. Don’t miss your chance to make your voice heard. This 18-question survey takes just a few minutes to complete.

Community gathering seeks to engage the public in open discussions

Join the Town of Warsaw Community Gathering on Feb. 27 at the Warsaw Park and Rec Center on 309 Memorial Drive at 6 p.m. This is your opportunity to ask questions, share suggestions and meet with local leaders, elected officials, town employees, law enforcement, first responders and community organizations. Enjoy light refreshments and engage in open discussions.

Landowner summit registration deadline is fast approaching

The N.C. Cooperative Extension Duplin County Center will host an Eastern Forestry Landowner Summit on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 165 Agriculture Drive, Kenansville. The registration deadline is Jan. 22. Participants will have the opportunity to hear from foresters, wildlife biologists, university professors, and Extension specialists, as well as visit with various organizations exhibiting their products and services. This all-day event is designed for woodland and forest landowners who desire a deeper understanding of forestry and wildlife management.

JAN. 9, 2025

Mt. Olive Pickles receives $3 million grant award

Mt. Olive Pickles of Duplin County has been awarded $3 million from the North Carolina Agricultural Manufacturing and Processing Initiative. This award is part of a $6.6 million initiative to increase the state’s agricultural manufacturing and food processing capacity while reducing costs and burdens for area farmers and growers.

Morris Murphy re-elected to AgCarolina Farm Credit Compensation Committee

AgCarolina Farm Credit recently announced their Director and Nominating Committee election results. Morris Murphy, a Duplin County row crop farmer from was re-elected to serve on the AgCarolina Farm Credit Compensation Committee for region 8, which serves Duplin, Jones and Lenoir counties. He will serve a four-year term. Murphy also serves on the NC Pork Council Board and James Sprunt Community College Foundation Board.

Eastern Forestry Landowner Summit registration deadline is Jan. 22.

JAN. 2, 2025

Pitch It Duplin is now accepting applications

The Duplin Chamber of Commerce and James Sprunt Community College Small Business have teamed up to host Pitch It Duplin! A competition that gives business entrepreneurs the chance to win start-up money by pitching a new business idea to a panel of three industry experts. The application period is now open. The deadline to submit your application video, professional resume, and proof of residency is Feb. 18 by 5 p.m.

Learn how to optimize soybean production

The Southeast Region Soybean School will host a class at the Duplin County Extension Center in Kenansville on Jan. 28. The class will feature research-based information for optimizing soybean production. Register by Jan. 15 to reserve your spot. Visit ncsoy.org/regional-soybean-schools to register.

Med instead of Meds series start on Jan. 16

Nutrition Education: Med instead of Meds, a 6-session series will start on Jan. 16 at 5:30 p.m. at the Cooperative Extension office in Duplin. Cost is $20 for the series. For more information, visit go.ncsu.edu/duplin-mim space is limited.

Free adult wellness screenings

Free adult wellness screenings for blood pressure, glucose, body mass index and cholesterol checks will be offered at the Thelma D. Bryant Library in Wallace on Jan. 7, from 9 a.m. to noon. ECU Health will also offer free health coaching.

Teachers can now win a $2,500 grant to promote financial literacy

The Coastal Credit Union Foundation is awarding $2,500 grants to support innovative projects that inspire financial literacy in North Carolina classrooms. If you are a credentialed teacher with a unique idea to promote financial education, and you’re currently working at a public or private school in North Carolina you can apply now through Feb. 1.

The $2,500 grants will be awarded to the most innovative and impactful ideas. Recipients of the grants will be selected and announced by March 1. Visit coastal24.com/teachergrant to apply.