KENANSVILLE — Last week Duplin County celebrated a proud moment as eight members of Duplin County Emergency Medical Services were recognized for their life-saving actions.
Abby Cannon, Neal Mobley, David Tollefson, Canaan Weston, Christopher Jackson, Justin Chapman, Ryan Schallock and Luis Arellano were honored with the prestigious Life Saver Award for their prompt actions resuscitating three victims of sudden cardiac arrest, providing life-saving care and transportation.
“Survival of sudden cardiac arrest is dependent upon the promptness of CPR administration and early or rapid defibrillation,” said Dustin Swinson, EMS training officer to the County Commissioners at the June 3 meeting, explaining that immediate CPR has proven to double or triple the chance of a patient’s survival after a sudden cardiac arrest.
“There is no doubt that without the professional and prompt care delivered by all these teams, that the outcomes of the aforementioned patients would not have been the same,” said Swinson, who along with Brandon McMahon, EMS director and Jon Kornegay, EMS medical director, presented the awards.
Swinson spoke briefly about each incident. He shared that last year in December, Medic 7 truck out of Rose Hill staffed by EMT Chapman and paramedic Schallock, was dispatched to the town of Magnolia for an unresponsive person.
“When they arrived, they found CPR in progress by the first responders, who were actively delivering the shock with their automated external defibrillator, CPR continued shortly with paramedic and advanced life-support interventions being performed in transport. They were also joined by Captain Luis Arellano and the patient developed recurrent spontaneous circulation (ROS) during medical care. The patient had positive signs of life when they arrived at the emergency department. So, we are very proud of these individuals.”
In March, Medic 2 out of Wallace, staffed by EMT Weston and paramedic Jackson responded to a CPR in progress call at a local business.
“Wallace Police Department arrived on the scene about the same time as Medic 2 did. This was only three minutes after the time of dispatch. The automated external defibrillator was applied, and shock delivered. Return to spontaneous circulation was achieved briefly,” said Swinson, adding that Paramedic Jackson quickly realized during transport that the patient had no pulse and immediately delivered advanced life-support interventions.
“By the time that unit arrived at the hospital with the patient on board, there were positive signs of life,” said Swinson. “And just to elaborate, this patient who was breathing spontaneously, following commands, speaking with the crew on the way to the hospital was pronounced clinically dead just a few moments before Medic 2 arrived. It was pretty impressive; It doesn’t happen very often.”
In April, Medic 6 out of the Pleasant Grove Firehouse responded to a heart problem call.
“They arrived and found the patient conscious and alert, complaining of some problems with their heart,” said Swinson. He explained that during transport, Paramedic Mobley recognized the cardiac arrhythmia had become lethal and joined by EMT Tollefson and Captain Cannon, rapidly administered CPR, and the appropriate care to control the patient’s cardiac arrhythmia. “The patient had purposeful movements and spontaneous respirations upon arrival at the ER.”
Swinson concluded by asserting that the patients are now home with their families because of the efforts of these eight EMS members.
“Team we’re proud of all of you. Thank you for everything you do to make Duplin County a safer place to live and visit,” Swinson said.
Left to right, front row: Dustin Swinson, Abby Cannon, Neal Mobley, Ryan Schallock, Justin Chapman, Luis Arellano, Canaan Weston. Back Row, Brandon McMahon, Jonathan Kornegay, Commissioners Jesse Dowe, Wayne Branch, Elwood Garner and Dexter Edwards. Photo by Ena Sellers / Duplin Journal
Wagon Tails Farm Rescue may be based on a farm outside Beulaville, but the organization’s reach is felt by dogs, cats, goats, ducks and even reptiles from all over North Carolina, and even as far as West Virginia, Maryland and New York.
“People definitely think we’re a shelter a lot of times,” said executive director and founder Geri Romain. “We are foster-based, so every animal in our rescue is in somebody’s home. We do not have a brick and mortar [building], so to say. There are no kennels.”
The animals that come to Wagon Tails mostly come from shelters in eastern North Carolina, but there are also some that come from other states that Geri and her husband Steve find through connections they’ve made over the years. The animals will stay in a foster home until they can find their forever home.
“Really and truly, the rescue runs off of volunteers who are willing to take in animals,” Geri said. “They get to know them and train them, and learn all they can about them before we put them into a forever home.”
The animals come from shelters, although sometimes they are strays that are taken in locally. However, Geri pointed out, “Legally, the shelter is who needs to be notified. Because when you find a stray animal, it’s not just take it in and find it a home. You need to call the shelter and do the due diligence and find the owner, but if you can’t, then that’s when we step in and do what we can to find them a home.”
The Romains are originally from Ohio, and started the rescue soon after they moved to the area in 2018. They started out serving as fosters for the Australian Cattle Dog Rescue Association, but then it grew to include all kinds of dogs and other animals. “We started to open our eyes to what was going on down here,” Geri said. “Just how bad overpopulation is, and all the loose dogs and cats.”
When Covid hit, Geri said they thought they were through with the rescue business. However, the pandemic had the opposite effect of what they expected. “We had an influx of foster homes that wanted to help while they had the time, and we were able to take in a bunch of animals,” she said. “It kind of gave us a boilerplate to start with, and that’s when we were able to add people from out of state.”
The first year, Wagon Tails took in five animals. Last year, they took in 200 and found homes for 180 of them. Since 2018, they’ve helped nearly 500 animals find their forever families.
“It’s been unexpected but great,” Steve said, adding that their personal home has become “a land of misfit toys,” since they’ve taken in some animals that could not find homes, for whatever reason.
“We can never have enough [foster families],” Geri said. “The more fosters we have, the more animals we can save and place.”
Most individuals who want to foster an animal already have pets, but there are those who might be thinking of adopting a dog, for example, but aren’t sure they’re ready for it. By fostering a dog, they can help the dog and also help themselves decide if a dog is right for them, Steve said.
When it comes to finding fosters, Geri said the criteria is actually pretty simple. “We’re really looking for somebody who wants to do good, and knows that they’re going to be able to give that animal exposure to different things,” she said. “Like, people or other animals or going out in public for other dogs. Somebody who’s passionate about it. Not somebody who’s going to be like, ‘Oh, I work 14 hours a day, so I might let it out for an hour or two.’ Anybody who’s dedicated. Somebody who wants to help make a difference.”
“It really doesn’t matter where you are or where you’re from; everybody can make a difference,” she added.
Those interested in applying to be a foster can visit the website, wagontails.org.
Wagon Tails will be hosting its inaugural Woof Stock at the Farm Sept. 28, with food and beverage vendors, and a chance for the public to meet some of the animals that are part of the rescue. Further details will be announced as the event draws closer.
Matthew Pope, originally from Shelby, wasn’t raised in the Methodist Church, but that doesn’t mean he wasn’t the perfect choice for Wallace Methodist Church’s new pastor.
“I was raised Southern Baptist,” Pope told Duplin Journal. “I grew up in a Christian home and we attended church as much as possible.”
Pope said he had his “conversion moment” as a senior in high school, and went on to study theology at Belmont Abbey College, before attending seminary at Baptist Theological Seminary. Although he grew up Baptist and went to seminary at Baptist Theological Seminary, he said he was ordained by the Evangelical Association, a non-denominational entity.
“So what happened was when I began to preach and become an associate pastor, it really made me realize that God can use me anywhere, with any type of people,” he explained.
After college and after living in a couple of different places and growing his faith, Pope ironically moved to Faith, NC, a town just outside of Salisbury, to be closer to his parents.
“So they had started attending a church there, Mount Hope Church, and I got involved pretty much as soon as I moved back,” Pope recalled. “I got involved, joined right away, and my pastor at the time, my mentor, Dr. Johnny Boggs … We worked together and we had what we call an agreement of the spirit.”
After preaching his first on-stage sermon at his parents’ church, Pope began a sermon series on Sunday nights. Other area churches became aware of him, and he had several ongoing arrangements as guest pastor, followed by a 90-day pastorate with Center Grove Church, in Midland. At the same time, he was submitting resumes to churches all over the state — including Wallace Methodist. “I just happened to make contact with this church,” he said, “and they got back with me right away. Immediately from there, we found this spiritual agreement. They said, ‘we’re looking for a pastor’ and I said, ‘I’m looking for a church,’ and we just kind of matched. God’s plan, God’s hands, we just matched completely. The rest is history, and I’m here.”
He officially joined the church as pastor on May 26, though he’d preached several trial sermons beforehand.
And as far as not having grown up or preached in strictly Methodist churches, Pope said that he was actually drawn to Wallace because it’s an independent Methodist church. “I have a heart for Methodist churches coming out of that disaffiliation process, because there’s a lot of churches that were hurt,” he said. “I think forcibly, they were closed. So you had, in a sense, a denomination that was closing churches rather than helping them and keeping them afloat, which was counterintuitive, theologically and practically.”
Having lived in Wilmington previously and having extended family there, Pope said he was drawn to the coastal area. “I saw that it was an independent Methodist church, which was really attractive to me, and I obviously had a prior history with those kinds of churches,” he said. “And then it was honestly, after making that connection and talking with them, it was just the hospitality. They’re so welcoming and accommodating. Since being installed, I’ve seen that over and over again. It’s just the kindness that made me understand that God was working all those things for good.”
Pope moved to Wallace, just four blocks away from the church, which is located on College Street. He said he loves the small town feel of Wallace. “Everyone knows each other, and in some way, we’re all connected,” he said. “As a pastor, that’s been super awesome, because … it allows me to minister more effectively.”
As for Wallace Methodist’s future under his tenure as pastor, Pope said a big priority is attracting children and younger people. The church is looking at Vacation Bible School options, and will host an art camp next month.
“One of the biggest things for this church in my mind is visibility, getting us out in the community,” he said. “We want to be an invitational church. We want people to come, learn about the Word and feel encouraged when they leave. And empowered, too.”
KENANSVILLE — Last Tuesday marked an incredibly special milestone for Duplin County as more than 60 distinguished guests, including local, regional and state leadership gathered at the Duplin County Airport to celebrate the memory and legacy of George Futrelle, the former airport director and assistant county manager who died in May 2023 after post-surgical complications.
The ceremony marked a special occasion for the county and for the Futrelle family, who were honored with the unveiling of Duplin County Airport’s George Futrelle Terminal.
Sally Futrelle Gillis, Futrelle’s mother, told Duplin Journal the dedication meant a lot to her, and she just wished George were here to help with the celebration.
“This was his whole life,” said Sally, about the airport. “He came here at the very beginning when they had just a little trailer and a short runway, and so, he saw this go from that to this and this is a great day to celebrate.”
Futrelle’s wife, Renee P. Futrelle, echoed the sentiment.
“It means the world. He would not think that he was worthy,” Renee told Duplin Journal. “I think you agree, and we all know that this airport is what it is mostly because of him. He loved this place.”
Renee spoke about Futrelle’s love for the airport, and his desire to make it the best it could be.
Senator Ted Budd’s regional director Sam Shumate, presents a flag to Renee P. Futrelle, George’s widow, during the Duplin Airport terminal dedication ceremony on Tuesday, June 4 in Kenansville. Photo by Ena Sellers / Duplin Journal
“He knew every blade of grass on this place,” said Renee with a smile, reminiscing how he considered every detail about the airport, from the grass blade length to how it compared to other airports and after each trip he was ready to come back and make the airport even better.
The ceremony began with a speech from County Manager Bryan Miller, who spoke about Futrelle’s dedication and forward-thinking.
“George not only advanced our airport standing in the aviation community but also inspired countless individuals with his gentle but unwavering commitment to excellence,” said Miller as he welcomed guests.
“Your presence here stands as a testament to the profound impact George had on so many lives… Let this place be a beacon of excellence, a hub of connection and a symbol of the tireless effort George brought to Duplin County.”
Mayor A.J Connors spoke about Futrelle’s gift to touch hearts, reflecting on his accomplishments and his strong faith. He was followed by Jack Alphin, Duplin County Airport Commission chair, and pilot. Alphin reminisced about the airport’s early days and the first time he landed at the Duplin airport, describing it as a two-lane road. “There wasn’t much to it… not a telephone site or a building at that time.”
Futrelle began his career at the Duplin airport in 1989, leaving for about a year, following his dream of working at a large airport. “He left us and went to Raleigh, Durham… we hated to see George leave because we loved him and he did a great job here, but that was the best investment that this airport ever made, and probably that this county ever made,” said Alphin about letting Futrelle pursue that dream.
“He went to Raleigh, Durham and became operations officer and one of George’s proudest accomplishments in that year was he coordinated the visit of President Bill Clinton. He had a picture forever in his office of Air Force One sitting on the tarmac at Raleigh, Durham and he coordinated all that with the Secret Service. …. George would always talk about that and how proud he was that he was able to have that project. … After a year, we had a different FBO operative, and it became obvious that we needed George back,” said Alphin. “So, a group of folks that were at the airport got together and talked about what we had to do to get George back.”
Alphin shared that the year working at the Durham airport gave Futrelle a lot of experience.
“George always had the ability to get the money, to get the plans together to be able to be ready when the opportunity came for expansion. There’s been a lot of growth here under George’s leadership,” said Alphin as he spoke about the airport’s infrastructure and the changes it has experienced in the last 30 years.
“George was a leader in the aviation community. He was a legend in the aviation administration business,” Alphin added.
Commissioner Dexter Edwards as well as Rep. Jimmy Dixon, held back tears as they spoke about Futrelle. The late airport director was a tower of strength for many in the community, including Edwards, who shared how Futrelle helped him shortly before undergoing the surgery that led to his untimely passing.
“He called me and talked me through all the preparations for my surgery… and checked on me through my surgery. George was just a blessing to everybody. This county will never be the same,” said Edwards, as his eyes welled up.
“God let George do what George did for Duplin County for you guys, for his church, but God needed his help and he brought him home to help him up there.”
Edwards concluded his speech with the unveiling of the plaque that will be permanently displayed at the George Futrelle Terminal.
Rep. Jimmy Dixon was next to speak, sharing he felt honored to be there in a heartfelt speech.
“Every now and then in this life, if we are very fortunate, we cross paths with someone who really makes a difference and my association with George accounted as one of those special opportunities in this life – to meet a person who really made a difference,” said Rep. Dixon.
“He understood the importance of livestock – that was a key to his success… I’m bold to say that if it weren’t for livestock this building would not be here, so we owe a debt of gratitude,” said Dixon, with a long pause trying not to get choked up, “to our hard-working family farms that he understood, and maximized, in a magnificent way with what he did here.”
After a touching speech that left several in tears, he humored guests and had everyone laughing, joking that somebody forgot something that should’ve been part of the celebration – pork chops.
“There should have been a grill sitting over there – upwind on us and we should smell that pork chop coming this way,” he joked, reminiscing of Futrelle’s hospitality and his one-of-a-kind pork chops – something he was also known for.
Sam Shumate, southeast regional director for Senator Ted Budd, was also part of the ceremony, presenting a flag to the Futrelle family.
“Senator Budd has had a long-standing policy of reserving these for individuals or entities that go above and beyond to make a positive difference in their community. Each year, over 100,000 of these are requested by different members of Congress to be flown over the Capitol. This is the first one I’ve done in a year and a half that he has requested for any individual or entity in Duplin County, so it is extremely special,” said Shumate.
Joshua Raynor, Duplin County Airport Director, who worked under Futrelle’s wing for nearly a decade, spoke about Futrelle’s leadership.
“He was always a constant source of solid advice and guidance. He guided me more than a few times through uncertain times. He was passionate about the airport and believed with all his heart of what an asset it was to the county and to the community. I had the privilege of working with him for almost 10 years at this airport, and I learned so much from him,” said Raynor.
After his speech, Raynor invited Futrelle’s daughters Samantha Futrelle Lee and Meredith Futrelle, to bring their dad’s photograph to the vestibule where it will be permanently displayed. The ceremony concluded with a reception inside the terminal. Beautiful flowers and lush ferns decorated the terminal as guests mingled, sharing memories and honoring the lasting impact of Futrelle’s life and legacy.
To view more photos of the event visit our Facebook page photo gallery.
Local groups and authorities come together in preparation for an active hurricane season
Visit Know Your Zone and enter your address to determine whether it is safe to shelter in place or if you live in high-risk area. The above map shows evacuation zones A and B in Duplin County. IMAGE NCDTS KNOW YOUR ZONE
With hurricane season in full swing through Nov. 30, and an 85% chance of an above-normal hurricane activity predicted by NOAA National Weather Service, it is essential for everyone to be prepared.
According to NOAA, this year we could see a range of 17-25 named storms with winds of 39 mph or higher, with four to seven developing into major hurricanes.
To help Duplin County residents stay ahead of potential natural disasters and have a plan in place, the Disaster Recovery Group of Duplin County is hosting a Disaster Preparedness Expo on Saturday, June 8 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Charity Mission Center in Rose Hill.
The event will feature informational resources, vendors, door prizes and giveaways.
Below we have compiled a few tips from local and national resources to help you get ready.
County residents can sign-up for the Hyper Reach Alert text system to receive weather information and notification of shelter locations and opening times. Visit dchealth.duplincountync.com/preparedness/ and click on the link to sign up for Hyper Reach.
Download the Red Cross Emergency app for weather alerts, Red Cross shelter locations and safety tips in various languages.
Prepare an emergency kit that includes 2 weeks of food, water and medicine supplies for each family member and pets. Pack important documents, medicine, and batteries in a waterproof container. Visit redcross.org for an inclusive list of what items to include.
If you are in a flood prone area, designate a location on higher ground that you can move to before flood waters reach you.
Plan where you will go if the need to evacuate should arise, make sure to add extra preparation time if you or a loved one will need special transportation or help leaving the home. If you have pets, include them in your evacuation plans. Have a list of pet friendly hotels outside the area, boarding facilities or friends that could care for your pets in case of an emergency. Also to make sure your pets are wearing a collar with up-to-date identification. Check with the shelters to find out which ones accept pets.
If local authorities advise you to evacuate, do so right away and follow evacuation routes. Do not try to take shortcuts, the route may be flooded or blocked by debris. Never walk, swim, or try to drive through floodwater.
The Duplin County Health Department preparedness website recommends checking with Emergency Management about shelters opening for hurricane, flooding, or other severe weather by calling 910-296-2160. Duplin County uses the local schools as shelters and they usually open 12-24 hours before predicted landfall.
If you evacuated, do not return home until officials say it is safe.
Remember that damaged or fallen power lines, poles, and downed wires should be avoided – they can electrocute you.
Gasoline, propane, natural gas, or charcoal-burning devices should never be used inside – or outside near an open window. Carbon monoxide can’t be seen or smelled, but it can kill fast. The Red Cross recommends getting fresh air right away if you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak.
10 local young men were recognized for their dedication and service to the community
Left to right, front row Brian Bullard, Julio Perez, Cage Bullard, Ben Bullard Jose Lopez, and Dexter Edwards. Second row, Justin Edwards, Elwood Garner, Wayne Branch and Jesse Dowe. Photo by Ena Sellers / Duplin Journal
KENANSVILLE — A group of young men with the Faison Sea Scout Ship 55 was recognized for their selfless dedication and volunteerism to Duplin County at the June 3 County Commissioners meeting held at the Ed Emory Auditorium in Kenansville.
The group, comprised of Michael Stempek, George Carr, Samuel Carr, Genaro Pacheco, Benjamin Bullard, Frank Manuel-Tomas, Victor Chilel, Julio Perez, Dante Santibanez, and Jose Lopez, was nominated for the 2024 Governor Volunteer Service Award in the Veteran/Military, Youth Service, and Health & Human Services group categories.
“These young men have worked together to maintain and enhance the Town of Faison Community Garden by planting, fertilizing, watering and cultivating crops that are given freely to anyone in the community,” said Melisa Brown, Duplin County Senior Services director, asking the Sea Scouts and Brian Bullard, Sea Scout Ship 55 committee chair, to come forward for the recognition.
“They provided bi-lingual signage for the Faison Community Garden so as to be welcoming and inclusive to the entire community. They worked together to build an 8-by-10 storage building for tools, as well as two benches that convert into a picnic table. The adoption of the Faison Community Garden is vitally important to the health and wellbeing of the town residents since the town lost their only grocery store some years ago and people would have to otherwise travel elsewhere to purchase fruits and vegetables.”
Brown shared that the Sea Scouts volunteer their time coaching the youth soccer and basketball programs with the Faison Recreation Department. The group also repaired a picnic table and built two others for the park, so parents can have a place to sit and watch their children and people can have a spot to enjoy their lunch at the park.
“Realizing the need for central places for citizens to drop off tattered US flags that needed proper retiring, members of Ship 55 created and decorated flag retirement drop boxes that were placed at Faison Town Hall and in front of the Faison Library and Wellness Center. A considerable number of US flags have been collected and will be retired in a respectful ceremony on Flag Day,” said Brown, adding that at the request of North Duplin Elementary, the Sea Scouts built a wooden gaga-ball pit at the school for the children to play and burn energy. The group also pressure-washed and repaired existing picnic tables at North Duplin High School and donated two new picnic tables they built for the students.
“Sea Scouts worked together to construct and landscape new signs for two Faison-area churches that needed signage. This was greatly appreciated by the congregations,” Brown added.
Chair Dexter Edwards then presented the young men with a volunteer pin award and certificate from North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper.
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