Ena Sellers

Firefighters from across Duplin County respond to Limestone Road blaze

KENANSVILLE — Firefighters from 17 departments across Duplin County battled a massive commercial fire for over seven hours on Dec. 29 at a multi-unit office building on Limestone Road, formerly the Bell Motor Company, overcoming water shortages and complex building layouts to bring the blaze under control.

Duplin County 911 received the call at approximately 9:28 p.m. for a fire at 149 Limestone Road. Units from the Kenansville Fire Department arrived first to find a large, actively burning structure. 

Because of the building’s size and remodeled, multi-occupancy office layout, additional fire departments were dispatched to provide fire suppression, manpower, and water support. Heavy water usage quickly strained the municipal system, prompting the activation of Duplin County Tanker Task Forces 1 and 2 and the establishment of two supplemental water points to protect critical infrastructure, including the Duplin County Jail, ECU Health Duplin Hospital, and local residents.

Crews cleared the scene around 3:17 a.m. The response included responders from 41 fire units, including 17 engines from Kenansville, Sarecta, Warsaw, Oak Wolfe, Beulaville, Calypso, Chinquapin, Pleasant Grove, and Potters Hill; 16 trucks from Kenansville, Sarecta, Warsaw, Oak Wolfe, Albertson, Faison, Greenevers, North East, Pin Hook, Pleasant Grove, Potters Hill, Pricetown, Rose Hill, and Wallace; and 8 special units, including squads, rescue vehicles, tower, and brush units from Kenansville, Sarecta, Oak Wolfe, Calypso, North East, Pleasant Grove, and Potters Hill. These units worked alongside additional support from Duplin County EMS, the Kenansville Police Department, Duplin County Sheriff’s Office, Duplin County Public Safety, and Kenansville Public Works.

County officials confirmed the building was unoccupied at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported. The cause and origin of the fire remain under investigation by the Duplin County Public Safety Fire Marshal’s Division, with assistance from the Kenansville Police Department.

KENANSVILLE — Duplin County leaders say the year ahead represents a period of intentional growth, with investments aimed at strengthening the local economy, improving public facilities and expanding services that touch residents’ daily lives.

County officials point to economic development projects, education improvements and long-term planning as signs of a county preparing for future opportunity while managing growth responsibly.

Deputy County Manager Carrie Shields said one of the most significant efforts underway is the county’s continued focus on job creation and economic development.

“Right now, the county is constructing two 50,000-square-foot shell buildings designed to attract new businesses and industries,” Shields said. “These buildings allow companies to locate and begin operations more quickly, which means new jobs, increased tax base, and long-term economic stability for our county.”

Economic growth efforts also extend to aviation-related development. Shields said a new 12,000-square-foot hangar planned at the Duplin County Airport will further support business and transportation activity.

“Together, these projects will create opportunities that will provide new employment, supporting existing businesses and helping ensure the county continues to grow in a way that benefits residents today and for years to come,” she said.

Beyond economic development, county leaders say investments in public facilities and community services are equally important. Shields said she hopes residents will recognize the county’s focus on meeting needs across all stages of life.

“When I imagine the county a few years from now, I hope residents are most proud of how intentionally we invested in the citizens,” Shields said.

Recent and ongoing projects include a newly constructed Senior and Veteran Services building, a new Public Transportation building and the Workforce Development Center at James Sprunt Community College.

“We are building pathways to education and good-paying jobs right here in our county.”

Interim County Manager Lisa Hughes said recent progress is part of a broader momentum for the county, made possible in part by securing outside funding to support major projects without placing additional strain on local taxpayers.

Several large-scale projects are already underway. Hughes said a new detention center is scheduled to open in March 2026, relocating a division of the Sheriff’s Office from downtown Kenansville. Leadership planning is also underway.

“The Board of Commissioners has begun its search for the next County Manager, who will be selected and hired in the first quarter of 2026,” Hughes said.

Education is also a major focus. Hughes said one project expected to have a significant impact on families’ everyday lives is the renovation of East Duplin High School.

“In collaboration with the Board of Education, we have secured state funds for a complete renovation of the East Duplin High School,” Hughes said. “Improvements to facilities utilizing state and federal funds help lessen the financial burden on the use of local funds.”

Community gathering spaces are also part of the county’s long-range vision as the Duplin County Events Center continues to bring people together through concerts and community events providing both entertainment and economic activity while giving residents a place to gather.

Looking ahead, county officials are developing a master plan for Cabin Lake County Park, with an emphasis on creating connection across generations.

“We are working on a master development plan for Cabin Lake County Park, which creates thoughtfully designed spaces that promote wellness and community connection for all ages,” Shields told Duplin Journal. “We want growth. We have plans. We have a future.”

Shields said she hopes residents will look back on the current period as a turning point, one marked by intentional planning and investment.

“My hope is that residents look back and see this was a time we planned for the future by envisioning all the possibilities we have in our county,” Shields said.

Hughes said she hopes residents will take pride in both the opportunities available to them and the people providing county services.

Looking ahead, Hughes said she hopes residents will take pride in both the opportunities available to them and the people providing county services.

Together, county leaders say the projects underway reflect a shared goal of thoughtful growth that benefits residents now and in the years ahead.

KENANSVILLE — The Duplin County Board of Commissioners held its annual organizational meeting this month, unanimously electing Commissioners Dexter Edwards as chairman and Elwood Garner as vice chair for 2026.

The board also unanimously approved refinancing of the county’s 2016 Limited Obligation Bonds after receiving updated interest rate information. The newly secured 3.41% fixed rate, down from roughly 5%, will save Duplin County over $1.2 million during the remaining 10-year repayment period. A public hearing drew no objections.

According to meeting documents, these bonds were issued in the amount of $52,640,000 to finance the cost of improvements to B.F. Grady Elementary School, Kenansville Elementary School, Rose Hill – Magnolia Elementary School, Wallace Elementary School, Warsaw Elementary School and North Duplin Elementary School.

Sheriff Statton Stokes presented retirement plaques to First Sgt. Benjamin Parrish, Sgt. Randy Forster, Chief Deputy Philip Humphrey, and Janice McCallop, who was not present.

“I’d like to thank the board for allowing us to be here and passing out these awards. It means a lot for county employees and especially the Sheriff’s Office to be able to highlight people who gave their blood, sweat, and tears to the county and the citizens,” said Stokes.

Parrish was the first officer recognized for his service to Duplin County. He also received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. In his remarks, Parrish reflected on more than three decades of service, beginning with the Coast Guard in 1987, followed by two deployments to Iraq with the North Carolina National Guard in 2003 and 2007. Alongside his military service, he worked in law enforcement across several agencies before settling in Duplin County.

“This is where my forever place is and my boys are right here in the school system,” said Parrish.

Forrester was honored next for his service from 2003 to 2024 and received the Old North State Award. In brief remarks, he expressed gratitude for the privilege of serving Duplin County residents and credited his faith and community for their support.

Humphrey followed, receiving recognition for his service from 1996 to 2025 and was presented with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. Humphrey thanked God and the community for the opportunity to serve. He reflected on his military and law enforcement career.

“I’m thankful and I’m blessed, and I’m so grateful that Georgia Garner gave me a chance to be right here to work with Jesse Dowe on the road,” said Humphrey.

Interim County Manager Lisa Hughes announced several upcoming county events and introduced an Eagle Scout project presented by the son of judges Henry and Melissa Stevens. According to Hughes, the proposed project would add QR-coded historical information to courthouse portraits, and received the board’s support.

Hughes also notified the board that the U.S. Mint’s discontinuation of penny production may affect departments handling cash transactions. Commissioners authorized a temporary policy to round totals down to the nearest nickel in the event of a coin shortage.

In other business

The board adopted its 2026 meeting schedule. Meetings will be held on the first Monday of each month at 6 p.m., and on the third Monday of May and June at 6 p.m. If county offices are closed due to a holiday or adverse weather, the meeting will be held on the next business day.