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Q&A Series: Getting to know County Commissioner Wayne Branch

Q&A Series: Getting to know County Commissioner Wayne Branch

As part of our continuing Q&A series with local leaders, Duplin Journal recently sat down with County Commissioner Wayne Branch so that he could provide insights into what it’s like to serve on local government, as well as shed some light on the African-American experience in Duplin County, in honor of Black History Month. Branch was raised in Franklinton, graduated from the Franklin County Public School System, and received his Bachelor of Science degree from Fayetteville State University. He has served as a law enforcement officer, an educator, coach, entrepreneur, in local and state government administration, Christian ministry and now, serves District 5 on the Duplin County Board of Commissioners. 

Q. What made you want to be a county commissioner?
A. Our community needs people who care to advocate for our needs. Duplin County is home to me and my wife. Therefore, after much thought, prayer and speaking to people in my community, I decided to run for county commissioner to be a contributor in the decision-making process that improves the lives of everyone living in Duplin County. I genuinely care about people and believe that people need someone who is committed to speaking intelligently about the issues and willing to work diligently and collaboratively with others, to actually resolve issues. I continue to believe I am the right person because I strongly believe in the importance of putting people’s needs before political theatre. This belief, combined with both my life experiences and challenges, have equipped me with the characteristics best for the role of statesmen, particularly as a county commissioner. I have the courage, desire, knowledge, and understanding to be a county commissioner. I will be fully committed to doing what is right for everyone, without reservation, every day.

Q. Why do you think it’s important for people of all backgrounds to take part in local government?
A. I encourage the people of Duplin County to take the opportunity to become familiar with the political process by attending the board’s monthly meetings. Our meetings are held at the Duplin County Administrative Office, located at 224 Seminary St., Kenansville, the first Monday of each month. Additionally, take the time to get to know those who have been elected as your district’s county commissioner. Ask them questions! Tell us what you need, how we can help and tell us how we are doing representing you.

Q. What is one thing you wish more people understood about being a county commissioner?
A. We hear the requests of the community; however, there must be a level of understanding, trust, compromise, as well as respect between both the commissioners and the citizens that fosters a working relationship which allows us to work together for the good of the citizens.

Q. How would you describe the African-American experience in Duplin County?
A. To be clear, the African-American experience in Duplin County has been pretty much the same as I have experienced in any other place I lived in North Carolina. There have been disparities in education, health care, economic opportunities, community engagement and the like. However, in spite of this, I have not allowed myself to be deterred from reaching goals I have set for myself and becoming entrenched in the community in which I live. As proud as I am of my African-American heritage, it does not dictate or determine my existence and relevance, it is being a decent person who cares about their fellow man regardless of race that matters. I would welcome the opportunity to see the day where we as a community can move forward collectively as Americans to eradicate the disparities and make our county a model of unity for others to aspire to attain.

Q. Why is it important to observe Black History Month?
A. Now, more than ever before, it is imperative we observe Black History Month. There are lawmakers openly attempting — and some with success — to eliminate teaching of black history in our public schools. They want to rewrite history not to include the “ugly, degrading and shameful parts.” In spite of the African-Americans’ plight and systemic racism endured, African-Americans have and continue to make major impacts and have influence in every sector of originalities be it innovations development; socially, politically, academically, culturally, economically, all to the benefit of our nation and our nation’s history. We cannot and should not requite and bury the accomplishments of African-Americans. Those accomplishments should be celebrated every day while encouraging us today to do something that others can celebrate in years to come that was done to better our society.  We must know where we came from, to know where we are going and not repeat the mistakes of the past.

Q. On a more personal note, what do you like to do in your spare time?
A. Family is everything, what we do isn’t as important as the fact we are spending quality time together.

Q. What is the last book you read?
A. The Holy Bible.

Q. What, in your opinion, is the best thing about living in Duplin County?
A. Meeting my wife, who is a native of Duplin County, who exposed me to the community that I now call home. As a result of becoming exposed to the community, I have become totally connected. I now serve in the following capacities: North Carolina Community Foundation, Kappa Rho Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Youth Pastor Adoram Baptist Church, President of Duplin County Fayetteville State University Alumni Chapter, Duplin County NAACP, Duplin County Commissioner and various other organizations.

Wallace breaks ground on $20M airport improvement project

Wallace breaks ground on $20M airport improvement project

WALLACE — With the symbolic shoveling of dirt on Tuesday morning, $20 million worth of renovations began at the Wallace-Pender Airport.

The project will last through the end of 2026, and will include relocating roads around the airport to make way for an expanded runway, Airport Director Ben Jones said.

“Right now, the roads are in the way of the runway,” Jones explained. “After we move the roads, we can expand the runway to 5,500 feet.”

Jones said he expects the road relocation to be complete by December of this year or January of next year, and then the runway expansion will follow by the end of 2026. The renovations also mean that in the future, the runway can be expanded to 7,500 feet, if necessary.

“This will bring a lot of new jobs and opportunities,” he said. “There will be a lot of manufacturing jobs, due to the new airport hub.”

The airport expansion will also benefit younger people who are just starting their careers, Jones said. “It opens up a lot of jobs to young Americans who want to get into aviation but may not have otherwise had the opportunity,” he added.

“It means a lot to the future of not only Duplin, but Pender County as well as the Wallace area,” Mayor Jason Wells said. “With the expansion comes economic opportunity.”
The rapid growth the Wilmington area is experiencing has caused many recreational pilots to seek more rural airports, Wells added. That’s good news for Wallace, but it also means the road relocation and runway expansion are much needed. He said the project has been in the works for about 10 years, and added that he is pleased to see it finally come to fruition.

“It’s been a labor of love to get this done,” said Warren Hepler, former town council member and a member of the airport board for more than 20 years. “We are centrally located here, with Wilmington, Jacksonville and Fayetteville able to use this as an emergency runway.”

The groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday morning brought in members of the town council, the airport board and Pender County Commissioner Jerry Groves.

“Without the hard work of all of these folks here, none of this would have happened,” Wells said. “It does mean a lot to the future of our community to see the expansion of this airport.”

Brinson Bell elected 2026 NASED president

KENANSVILLE — Karen Brinson Bell, a native of Duplin County and the NC State Board of Elections executive director, was recently elected as the incoming president of the National Association of State Election Directors (NASED). According to the NCSBE announcement, Brinson Bell was sworn in earlier this month during the NASED conference in Washington, D.C., and will serve as association president in 2026. She served as the organization’s vice president last year.

“Through this role on the NASED board, I interact routinely with election officials from across the United States as we learn from each other and improve elections,” Brinson Bell said. “I am proud of the work NASED does to help all election administrators succeed in making voting accessible, secure, and fair across the country.”

Born and raised in Kenansville, Brinson Bell has served in her position at the State Board of Elections for nearly six years. Brinson Bell currently leads about 65 employees at the state agency and has a long history in election administration, having worked in county, state, and national roles since 2006.

Among her many accomplishments in her role, her department initiated a voter confidence campaign during her first year, updated voting equipment, and managed elections during the height of the pandemic. Additionally, the department rolled out the absentee ballot request portal for citizens overseas, introduced ballot tracking for the public, and oversaw a website revamp to enhance security and accessibility. Her department jump-started a four-year plan to modernize the state’s election management system, which handles voter registration statewide and implemented field support to all 100 county boards of elections in the state, among other initiatives.

Her significant role in NASED represents a key milestone in her career, highlighting her leadership and commitment to enhancing the election process. Members of this nonpartisan organization meet twice a year to discuss the latest developments in election administration and share best practices, with the goal of promoting accessible, accurate, and transparent elections.

SO deputy will not face charges in shooting of Beulaville suspect

KENANSVILLE — Last week, District Attorney Ernie Lee issued a statement regarding the use of deadly force by a deputy from the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office, which resulted in Joseph Ross Duncan Jr. being shot and injured on Jan. 23.

Lee indicated that after reviewing the deputy’s body camera footage and examining the investigation conducted by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, he concluded that the deputy’s actions were justified in self-defense and no evidence suggested that the deputy acted inappropriately. Although the deputy did not sustain any injuries, his actions were deemed to be within his rights, and no criminal charges against him are warranted based on the circumstances revealed by the SBI investigation.

The deputy responded to a disturbance call at a residence on Howards Farm Road in Beulaville on the day of the incident, at around 4:15 a.m. Upon entering the dark residence with a flashlight, the deputy encountered Duncan, who appeared to be holding a knife.

According to the District Attorney’s office, the deputy drew his service weapon and aimed it at Duncan, who advanced toward him, forcing the deputy to back out of the house toward the street. As Duncan continued to approach, the deputy fired his weapon once, striking Duncan in the wrist.

Duncan was subsequently apprehended by other deputies who arrived shortly afterward, and emergency medical services treated him for his injury. The shooting occurred approximately 10 minutes after the deputy activated his body camera upon arriving at the scene.

“The deputy acted quickly to neutralize what he perceived as a threat,” Lee stated. State law permits the use of deadly force when an officer reasonably believes they are in imminent danger of death or serious bodily harm.

Duncan faces charges that include assault with a deadly weapon on a government official, resisting an officer, obstructing justice, and communicating threats.

Duplin celebrates ribbon cutting of $4.27M transportation building

Duplin celebrates ribbon cutting of $4.27M transportation building

KENANSVILLE — Approximately 45 people, including local dignitaries, gathered at the Duplin Commons in Kenansville to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the new Duplin County Transportation facility on Feb. 18.

Commissioner Dexter Edwards (left), Angel Venecia, and Brennan Fuquay smile cheerfully as they prepare to cut the blue ribbon marking the official opening of the new Duplin County Transportation facility on Feb. 18. In the background are commissioners Wayne Branch and Elwood Garner.

County Manager Bryan Miller welcomed guests to the $4.27 million facility, highlighting its significance for the community’s growth and future.

“This state-of-the-art facility stands as a testament to our county’s dedication to progress and innovation by enhancing the efficiency and accessibility of our transportation services. Our employees and the service will significantly improve the daily lives of our residents,” said Miller. “Transportation will continue to foster economic growth and they will continue to pave a broader pathway into the future for Duplin County.”

Miller acknowledged various stakeholders in attendance, including county commissioners, local dignitaries, and transportation staff.

After an invocation by Warsaw Mayor A.J. Connors, Commissioner Dexter Edwards took to the podium, expressing gratitude for a successful project.

Approximately 45 people gathered at Duplin Commons in Kenansville to celebrate the ribbon-cutting of the new Duplin County Transportation facility on Feb. 18.

“It’s been a long time coming. Like a lot of other projects that we’ve had here in Duplin County, and as you can see, Duplin Commons seems to be really growing,” said Edwards. “And most of this comes from getting help from outside sources.”

He thanked the external partners, highlighting that federal funding from the Department of Transportation awarded in 2019 was crucial in making the project a reality.

Edwards recognized Duplin County Transportation Director Angel Venecia, her team, and everyone involved, noting that the facility wouldn’t have been possible without the combination of external grants and local teamwork. He also emphasized the importance of public transportation in improving access to essential services like medical care and education.

“If my records are correct, y’all logged over 42,000 trips last year; a lot of these trips are just continuing to add value to the county,” said Edwards.

Brennan Fuquay, director of NCDOT Integrated Mobility Division, was next to address the crowd, praising the facility’s modern design and functionality. Fuquay stressed the project’s importance for the community.

“This facility isn’t just a building. It’s a hub for progress. It’s a place that can ensure our community members have access to reliable, safe, and efficient transportation. With over 4,000 square feet of space, this new facility includes more office space for the transit workers, a conference and training room… and also plenty of room for future expansion,” said Fuquay, adding that practical features like the covered parking and the wash bay for keeping the transit vehicles clean will enhance daily operations.

Brennan Fuquay, director of NCDOT Integrated Mobility Division, was a guest speaker at the transportation facility ribbon-cutting ceremony for the transportation facility in Kenansville on Feb. 18. Photos Ena Sellers/Duplin Journal

Fuquay acknowledged the resilience of Duplin County’s transit system, which has rebounded from a significant decline in ridership during the COVID-19 pandemic. Duplin County is one of the few rural counties that has not only recovered but is now seeing growth in ridership.

“We’ve now reached more ridership than what we had pre-COVID. And we’re one of the few counties that can say they were averaging 36,000 before COVID, and now we’re [at 42,000], as was mentioned before. This is such a testament to the resilience of the transit system here,” said Fuquay. “Running a transit agency is not easy. It requires dedication, coordination, and unwavering commitment to the community.”

Fuquay reflected on the broader importance of public transportation in supporting families and strengthening the community.

“The impact you make goes beyond the numbers — It changes lives. For individuals who rely on it to get to work, to get to school, or to their medical appointments, transit is essential. For families, it means the ability to support loved ones, to pursue opportunities, and be part of a thriving community,” said Fuquay.

Venecia expressed gratitude for everyone who played a role in bringing the new public transportation facility to life in Duplin County, emphasizing the collaborative effort required to make it a reality. She thanked the Federal Transit Administration for providing funding and the Department of Transportation for facilitating the distribution of those funds and providing technical assistance throughout the process. She also acknowledged the support and guidance from county leadership, which helped keep the project on track and ensured long-term planning for the county’s transportation needs.

Local dignitaries gathered at Duplin Commons in Kenansville to celebrate the official opening of the state-of-the-art transportation facility on Feb. 18. Photo Ena Sellers/Duplin Journal

Venecia gave special thanks to Jackson Builders, who were instrumental in turning the vision for the facility into a reality, highlighting their flexibility in managing the changes and challenges that arose during the project. She emphasized how the facility will directly benefit the community by improving access to essential services, employment, and other opportunities that enhance quality of life.

She expressed excitement for the future, underscoring the dedication of the staff and their enthusiasm for the growth and opportunities that the new facility will bring to the public transportation system and the county as a whole.

The event concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, refreshments, and a tour of the new facility, marking a significant milestone for Duplin County’s future progress in transportation and community development.

Guests applaud in celebration of the new Duplin County Transportation facility. The building’s modern design and functionality include practical features that will enhance daily operations. Photo Ena Sellers/Duplin Journal
On the front, Commissioner Dexter Edwards (left), Angel Venecia, and Brennan Fuquay cut the ribbon to celebrate the official opening of the new Duplin County Transportation facility on Feb. 18. In the background, Carrie Shields, Wayne Branch, Elwood Garner, Ray Potts, Justin Edwards and Bryan Miller are also pictured. Photo Ena Sellers/Duplin Journal

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