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Abby Cavenaugh

Development at Duplin Commons keeps zoning officials busy

Development at Duplin Commons keeps zoning officials busy

KENANSVILLE — As various buildings near completion and new ones get ready to break ground, the Town of Kenansville has been busy with zoning requests.

According to Town Manager Anna West, the Town of Kenansville has been dealing with zoning requests due to all the new buildings at the Duplin Commons, among those are the Duplin County Senior Center, the transportation building and its wash out station, also “James Sprunt Workforce request with their new building,” said West. “The animal shelter is almost finished, and the other one that’s a non-building is the State Employee Credit Union,” which will be placing an ATM, once it’s approved by the town. “All of that is going on from a zoning standpoint.”

On Feb. 6, during the town’s board monthly meeting, the board approved an amendment to the definition of its government offices and facilities. The amendment proposed by the town’s planning board, modified the language for the definition of a government facility, to include public safety centers, and removed a line that excluded jails and correctional institutions. This amendment was necessary now that the County has approved the construction of the new detention center.

In other business:

Discussed options for CPA firms, currently the one they are looking at has an approximate bottom line of $27,000. According to town officials the CPA firm they are considering is one of the few that audits municipalities.

West introduced their new hire, Michelle Jones, who is now the administrative assistant.

“She is a retired school principal and English teacher,” said West, adding that Jones hit the ground running. “She’s revamped our Facebook page, for the Parks and Rec and for the town of Kenansville, and she’s working on our website right now.”

The town is asking all utility customers to verify their billing preferences by returning the letters they were mailed along with their utility bill. Town officials are asking customers to complete the form and return it to Town Clerk Amanda Lesesne.

West updated the board about her meeting with Stroud Engineering on Feb. 31, who will be at the March meeting with their recommendations for the $8 million grant.

The town is working on finalizing and updating their personnel policy, job descriptions, performance appraisals, and corrective procedures to have in place. West explained that they are working on the salary survey and will add a social media policy into the personnel manual.

According to West, they have rewritten the wastewater treatment plant operator job with the guidance of the League of Municipalities.

The Town also acknowledged they have received a “$10,000 check from Southern Bank Foundation for the playground. 

West announced that they received a call from the League of Municipalities, letting them know they received a $30,000 grant for grant services.

“We have a designated representative that will be working with us,” said West. “She says we have $30,000,  and that’s about 20 hours worth of work. We just need to determine what we want.”

Police Chief Jackie Benton updated the board sharing that the new cars are in. “We got them lettered up. Hopefully next week we get them to the shop to start getting the lights and regular stuff in, so we can get them in use,” said Chief Benton.

US cattle herd hit generational low as beef prices rise

US cattle herd hit generational low as beef prices rise

North Carolina’s top counties for cattle, by head, are Iredell, Randolph and Chatham

RALEIGH — The U.S. cattle supply is at its lowest level since 1951. That low supply will likely drive beef prices to record highs. The supply shortage is being driven by many factors, including droughts, inflation and a burgeoning wave of regulation and activism directed at curbing beef consumption and production. Amidst this backdrop, the future of beef within diets and its role in the agricultural sector is being highlighted by farmers, consumer groups and policymakers.

A December memo released by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recommends reducing the amount of beef in diets, increasing non-meat alternatives, and suggests “rebalancing” meat production and consumption. The recommendations from the U.N. are tied to the organization’s climate change agenda.

The FAO memo, advocating for a paradigm shift in livestock management to better align with both nutritional needs and environmental sustainability, outlines a strategy to “Change the livestock population to match not only nutritional needs but also environmental opportunities and constraints.”

According to the FAO, “the livestock sector is composed of a large variety of animals associated with a wide range of GHG (greenhouse gas) footprints and nutritional potential. Under current practices, shifting from large ruminant to small ruminant animals for meat products, and from ruminant to monogastric animals, in particular chicken, will reduce the GHG impacts of animal-food based products.” Ruminant animals, such as cattle, sheep, and goats, have a unique digestive system that allows them to ferment plant-based food in a specialized stomach prior to digestion, a process that produces methane, a greenhouse gas.

U.S. Congressman Mike Flood (R-NE), called the U.N. recommendations “nothing short of a disaster for your health and food security worldwide,” in a December 11, 2023, press release announcing a proposed resolution supporting the U.S. cattle industry. Flood’s resolution expresses the concerns of many within the agricultural community about the potential repercussions of such policies on local economies and food security.

“Meat is one of the most efficient ways to deliver protein, and here in the Beef State, cattle are a critical part of the Golden Triangle that’s supplying clean ethanol fuel around the world,” said Flood. “The resolution I’m introducing today makes it clear that the United States opposes any attempt to reduce or eliminate meat production. Doing so would shatter the world’s food security and end an age-old way of life for millions of farm and ranch families across the globe.”

Despite higher prices, domestic consumer demand for beef remains strong, but is expected to fall in 2024. According to Kansas State University’s Meat Demand Monitor, consumer willingness to pay increased for all retail products other than plant-based patties.

Beef sold for an average of five dollars per pound last year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Farm Bureau says declining production may lead to record beef prices as consumer demand stays relatively strong but supply withers.

Representative Ashley Hinson (R-IA), a co-sponsor of Flood’s resolution, criticized the underpinnings of the FAO’s motivations, implying a potential conflict of interest shaped by China’s influence.

“It’s laughable that a U.N. agency spearheaded by a top CCP official is calling on Americans to eat less meat in the name of climate change when China is the world’s worst polluter,” said Hinson, referencing Qu Dongyu, Deputy-General of FAO, who is from China. “This is a thinly veiled attempt by China to undermine U.S. agriculture as well as the Iowa farmers who produce high quality meat. The impact of the CCP infiltrating the U.N. is clear: they can strongly call for Americans to stop eating meat, but can’t strongly condemn Hamas for their human rights atrocities in Israel. I’m proud to lead the charge to condemn this nonsense from the U.N. alongside Representative Flood, stand up for U.S. agriculture, and set the record straight.”

In the context of these global discussions and political responses, the internal challenges faced by the U.S. cattle industry, especially concerning cattle supply and replacement inventories, remain pressing. Replacement inventories are essential for introducing new genetics and ensuring the long-term productivity of the herd. Despite a slight projected increase in overall cattle supply in North Carolina, the industry is bracing for significant declines in both beef cow and milk cow replacements, indicative of broader trends affecting the national cattle population.

North Carolina’s top counties for cattle, by head, are Iredell (42,500), Randolph (39,500) and Chatham (31,000). Wilkes, Surry, Cleveland, Sampson, Rowan, Duplin and Union counties are also in the top ten for cattle. Texas, Nebraska, Kansas, California and Oklahoma are the leading cattle-producing states in the U.S.

Duplin County to see 12 all-way stops in the next several months

By Ena Sellers, Duplin Journal

KENANSVILLE — Duplin County officials, leadership, and the public recently shared thoughts about the existing and planned all-way stops for several areas in Duplin County during the Board of County Commissioners meeting. Currently there are 12 intersections scheduled to have all-way stops. 

Commissioner Wayne Branch brought the topic to the board’s attention to keep the board and the public informed about future changes. 

The intersections that will be impacted are: 

Tram Road at Bethel Church Road, Tram Road at Bennetts Bridge Road/Scotts Store Road, Tram Road at Red Hill Road, Bowdens Road at Revelle Road, NC 41/NC 111 at Jackson Store Road, NC 50/NC 403 at Warren Road, Warren Road at Solomon Street, Charity Road at Bay Road, NC 11 at Charity Road, NC 11 at Register Road/Stocking Head Road, Liddell Road at Drummersville Road, and NC 403 at Beautancus Road. 

Representative Jimmy Dixon expressed his concerns and asked those in attendance about their general thoughts on the all-way stops. 

“A lot of money is being spent and some of them (all-way stops) I just don’t see the logic. 

I am not on the Transportation Committee, but I have some colleagues that are, and they can’t get any information from the State Department of Transportation,” said Representative Dixon. 

Chair Dexter Edwards stated that to him it appeared that money was spent on putting four-way stops that may not be necessary. 

“There may be information that the state has from accidents and such that I’m not aware of,” said Chair Edwards. “I’m old school, but when I’ve rode down a road as many years as I have, all of a sudden I come under a four-way stop on it, I’m aggravated and, like I said, if it is preventing accidents, I’m not trying to argue with the data, but I don’t see the value myself today.”

Sheriff Stratton Stokes shared that he has not seen any data shared from the DOT, but that he learned from the fire department in Teachey that a particular four-way stop in Teachey has reduced severe crashes. “But now some of these places, I don’t know why they have picked them. I mean, like Little Road and way out in the country where you don’t have as much traffic.” 

Commissioner Branch shared that last year when the four-way stop was placed at the intersection of Bay Road and Highway 117 he received several calls about it. “So, I went out there and actually sat there a little bit and watched a lot of tires sliding as a result of not being aware. So, I contacted the DOT just to try to get an understanding as to why you would put a stop sign on a 55-mile-an-hour zone.” 

He explained that he was presented with the data and the study that supported the need for the four-way stop at that location, adding that a lot of effort goes on from DOT in making the determination of what is needed. He also explained that DOT must look at the costs, and stop signs are the most cost-effective compared to a roundabout or stop lights. 

“The decision is being made within that structure,” said Commissioner Branch about the all-way stops slated for Duplin. “My point was to make sure that we are aware so we can communicate, because I don’t know what efforts, if any, going towards it would redirect it after the fact, unless there is some study to present the data to change it… I had mentioned maybe we need something to indicate that these stop signs are coming up on them, and they are still investigating that. But it is a decision that is still being made without a whole lot of leeway in terms of changing it, unless enough people were to get behind it to boast their concerns and see what would happen.” 

Commissioner Garner shared that while he understands the purpose for them, he was unsure about the need for some of them. 

“A prime example is on 403 in Rose Chapel. You come out of Graham Road (and) there is a four-way stop. You go 100 yards to the intersection of Summerville’s Crossroads Road and 403, and there is another stop. Why do you need two of them within 100 yards of each other?” said Garner. 

Duplin resident Barbara Grady, who lives half a mile from the Wayne County line North of NC 111 Highway, shared that she is surrounded by four-way stops and that she appreciated them being there. Grady stated that she believes the four-way stop at Outlaw’s Bridge Road in Highway 111 has prevented several fatalities from happening. She also mentioned that it has been helpful with traffic no longer being stalled out for a long time by the Zion Church Road. 

“The one right up in Wayne County from me serves the people coming out of Butterball, and there had been a lot of traffic back up because they had to stop and 111 went right on. Well, now that you’ve got a four-way stop, there’s less congestion at that particular crossroads when it’s shift-change time at Butterball. So, I am in favor of them,” Grady added.

Department of Transportation officials told the Duplin Journal that the schedules for the all-way stop installations have not been set and will be released once they are scheduled.

Wallace Town Council approves rezoning, annexation requests

The regular monthly meeting of the Wallace Town Council on Feb. 8 resulted in the approvals of one annexation and two rezoning requests, with three more rezoning requests set to be discussed at the March 14 meeting.

Public hearings were held on all three of the requests heard at the February meeting.

First up was an annexation request for 33 acres located at 4027 S NC 11 Hwy., property formerly owned by Martha Teachey. StrongRock Engineering Group PLLC requested the annexation. Two nearby residents commented during the public hearing, basically to ensure that their property would not be affected. After the residents were assured that it was not and that annexation must be voluntary, the council unanimously approved the request.

A public hearing was also held to discuss a rezoning request from Kosterman Bros., LLC for 8.71 acres on NC 11, across from a solar farm and just north of the John Deere Dealership. Planning director Rod Fritz stated that the property currently contains a storage facility, which is a non-conforming use for the residential zoning, but it was grandfathered in. Because the property transferred to new owners, a Highway Business zoning was required. There were no public comments on the rezoning, and it was approved unanimously.

A triangular piece of property on Old NC Hwy. 41, behind the McDonald’s and Walgreen’s, was also up for rezoning. Previously zoned R-6MH, Equity Trust Company was requesting that the property be zoned Highway Business. With no comments during the public hearing, the rezoning was approved unanimously.

At next month’s meeting, the council will hold public hearings on the following rezoning requests: .27 acres on East Boney Street from R-8 to HB, the Martha Teachey property rezoning for which annexation was approved Feb.8, and 150 acres on US Hwy. 117 near Willard.

Later in the meeting, the council also unanimously approved a bid for renovations to the Clement Park Community Center, which had been rebid at the December meeting, with the bids due by Jan. 31. Hatcher Builders was the low bidder, with $808,000, well within the $849,000 grant funding the town received for the project.

“That building will be almost completely gutted,” Town Manager Rob Taylor explained. “We’re putting in new windows, new flooring, painting, new HVAC systems, two new bathrooms — male and female bathrooms. You’ll have meeting areas, six meeting areas, where Scouts can meet. Two of the rooms are currently being used as the town gym; those will also be rehabbed.”

Council Member Jason Davis expressed concerns about not using the full $849,000 grant, but Taylor assured him there will be items that come up that will likely take up the entire funding.

In other business at the Feb. 8 meeting, the council:

  • Approved a proclamation designating February as Black History Month.
  • Heard an update on the Depot Commission from chairman Michael Blackburn.
  • Heard from Darlene Leysath, sister of late Mayor Pro Tem Wannetta Carlton, who requested that something be done in her sister’s memory. “My sister’s work has spoken in volumes, and it is my request that there’s some sort of recognition,” she said. “It can be a sign at Town Hall, it be a sign wherever to honor the great work she did.”
  • Heard from resident Joanna Whitfield, who asked that something be done about dogs in the neighborhood that killed her daughter’s cat and are known to chase children. She said she had called at least six times about the dogs, but nothing had been done. Mayor Jason Wells stated that he would follow up with her after the meeting.
  • Approved a contract with Highfill Infrastructure Engineering, P.C., for design work on a dike at the wastewater treatment plant.
  • Decided to invest airport grant funds in a two-year CD, with a rate of 4.1% APY.
  • Continued the meeting to Thursday, Feb. 22, at 7 p.m. at Town Hall.

Beulaville OKs contract for sewer system check; zoning non-conforming use request also approved

The Beulaville Board of Commissioners approved a contract with Bio-Nomic Services during its regular monthly meeting on Feb. 5.

Ivey McCauley with McDavid Associates requested that the board approve the lowest bidder, which was Bio-Nomic, to perform a sewer system inspection, which will include any of the town’s sewer system that’s over 12 years old.

That will be about 63,000 feet of the town’s total 73,000 feet of piping, Cauley said. Bio-Nomic originally bid $309,750, which includes cleaning, CCTV of the interior of the pipes, and smoke testing. After McDavid suggested including 3,039 additional linear feet, the revised bid totaled $424,967.58. The amount is funded by a grant.

When Mayor Hutch Jones asked what the purpose of the study is, Town Manager Lori Williams responded, “Just the condition of our lines that are underground. Actually, everything on GPS, maps, video of the lines, smoke testing to detect any problems, just a really good inventory of our services.”

Later in the meeting, the board unanimously voted to approve the budget ordinance for the project, recommendation of award, and a resolution awarding the contract to Bio-Nomic.

Also at the Feb. 5 meeting, a public hearing on a zoning non-conforming use request was held.

Williams explained that the request had come from the former Methodist Church. “If you’re familiar with that area, there is currently a modular unit behind the church that is currently used for their fellowship hall,” she said. “They are going to discontinue the use as a church and convert it to residential.”

She added that the owners of the church plan to make some modifications in order to make it more like a residence. “It already has water and sewer, but they’re just asking for that unit to continue as a non-conforming use,” Williams said. “They’re going to renovate the inside to make it a living space. “

After some discussion with Town Attorney Justin Hunter, the board voted unanimously to add stipulations that the modular unit has to have a permanent foundation and be converted to real property.

In other business at the meeting, the commissioners:

  • Passed a resolution in honor or retiring Police Chief Jamie Rogers. Williams also reported that an offer had been made and accepted for a new chief of police. The town is waiting for paperwork from the state before an official start date and announcement of the hiring can be made.
  • Approved a contract for the annual audit with Thompson, Price, Scott, Adams & Co., P.A.
  • Heard from Beulaville resident Brian Maddox, who advised the board that the town should work on the roads in south Beulaville, before they develop sinkholes.
Duplin cardiologist reminds individuals to listen to their heart

Duplin cardiologist reminds individuals to listen to their heart

It’s likely no surprise that the leading cause of death in Duplin County is heart disease, according to the 2021-22 Community Health Needs Assessment. What might be more surprising is that Duplin has all the tools and resources necessary to help detect, treat and prevent a variety of heart ailments.

ECU Health Heart & Vascular Care’s Dr. Anil George and Nurse Practitioner Jennifer N. Murphy work out of Kenansville, and see as many as 150 patients per week.

“I think we have everything and more that we need to start looking at the heart,” Dr. George told the Duplin Journal. “Should there be any sort of problem with any part of the heart, we have a good start at any one of our clinics.”

Most of the heart issues Dr. George and Murphy see fall into one of two areas — they’re either due to the fact that the heart is a pumping organ or that it’s an electrical organ. That translates to rhythm problems or valve problems, all of which can be detected and treated right here in Duplin County.

“The only thing that Greenville or Wilmington is going to have that we don’t have are processes that are intrinsic to the hospital,” Dr. George said, such as cardiac catheterizations, or stent placement.

Before heart problems develop, however, people have many options for prevention.

“A lot of it is talking to patients about diet and lifestyle, you know, not smoking, getting up and moving, things of that nature,” Dr. George said.

Smoking is a big issue in Duplin County, he explained. “We tell people not to smoke, we try to confirm they know that it causes cancer, it causes strokes, it causes emphysema, it causes loss of life, but they’re like, ‘yeah, but it’s hard to quit so I’m not going to stop,’” Dr. George stated. “That is an answer that’s very hard to swallow, but we have to sometimes.”

Diet is another big factor within the community. “Obviously [with some patients, we] find several areas where things can be improved,” Dr. George explained. “Like, what is your breakfast? What is your lunch? ‘Oh, it’s drive-thru. I just get a sandwich and a beverage from the vending machine and a Snickers bar.’ So then I’m like, what do you do in the evening, when you get home from work? Do you have 10 minutes to walk or 20 minutes to run? ‘Well, when I get home, I’m just so tired. I work until 5 and go back to work at 8 in the morning.’”

These are areas where individuals can work to improve their diet and get more exercise, Dr. George said. “When you go to the grocery store, you have to make choices. You really are what you consume.”

Dr. George and Murphy also emphasize the importance of being aware of symptoms. “Unfortunately,” Dr. George said, “we have a lot of people who are either very busy or stoic or just don’t care, and push through life. I have people who are like, ‘well, this was hurting for about eight months, but I just took a couple of Motrin and went to work.’”

It’s especially important for women to be aware of their symptoms, he added, because their symptoms aren’t the typical sudden grabbing of the chest as depicted on TV shows and movies. “A lot of women come in and all they’re having is gas pain, acid reflux, and you do an EKG and they’re having a heart attack right in front of you,” Dr. George stated. “If anything doesn’t feel right, just get an EKG. It only takes 10 minutes to do an EKG. If it hurts every time you go up the steps … that is your heart trying to get more oxygen and there’s a blockage. Some people are very insistent, it’s not pain, it’s like a tightness in my chest. I think taking symptoms seriously would be another key aspect.”

Murphy pointed out that individuals should also be aware of their blood pressure before they develop hypertension. “They call it the silent killer,” she said. “You may not even have symptoms.”

Dr. George compared staying heart healthy to taking care of your vehicle. “I mean, you would take your car to the mechanic to keep it from breaking down,” he said. “‘Oh shoot, I didn’t see that the air pressure was low.’ I went to the mechanic last week, and they said my battery was so corroded they couldn’t get a read on it. So I was like, ‘OK, take care of it.’ That’s like medical care. Preventing something before it starts.”

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