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Ena Sellers

Revaluation sparks outrage over soaring assessments

Revaluation sparks outrage over soaring assessments

KENANSVILLE — A rainy Monday morning brought more than just bad weather for Duplin County residents; it also delivered higher-than-expected property tax bills following a county-wide revaluation. This revaluation has resulted in dramatic increases in assessed property values, with some values more than doubling.

Despite months of reassurance from county officials that the revaluation wouldn’t necessarily mean tax increases, and even dropping its tax rate to $0.58 per $100 of assessed value — a 15.5-cent decrease  — citizens are reporting tax increases ranging from $500 to $3,000. Many are grappling with inflated home valuations and inaccurate property data. Some residents have appealed their assessments, calling for accountability, and others are concerned about their ability to afford their homes.

“I paid 280,000 and now 410,000,” shared Leroy Chasten from Magnolia in a survey conducted by Duplin Journal for this story. Another resident from Wolfscrape shared, “My appraisal says 109,000. They now tax it at $203,600. I sure couldn’t sell it for that,” wrote Linda Williamson.

The financial strain is echoed by many. “How are people affording these tax bills when the average income is under $40,000?” said Zack Fussell, emphasizing how the burden falls on working families. 

“Most of the citizens are struggling as it is,” said Williamson, who is about to retire. “It’s sad that you work all your life and at the end you are taxed out of your home.”

Gary Rose, County Tax Administration Department head, attributes the steep increases to real estate appreciation since the last revaluation in 2017.

“Duplin County has experienced a lot of appreciation in the real estate market since that time,” Rose told Duplin Journal. “The largest increases percentage-wise are coming in the residential properties. The lower-priced to medium-priced homes and doublewide mobile homes saw the highest rates of increase. That directly correlates to what is happening in the real estate markets.”

A significant driver is the surge in new development projects across Duplin County, which raises comparable sales prices and pushes older properties’ values upward even without physical improvements. Development of upscale or modern homes tends to elevate the perceived value of neighborhoods, creating a halo effect that drives up the values of surrounding older homes.

In towns like Wallace, Beulaville, Warsaw and Teachey, new homes, subdivisions and multifamily projects are emerging quickly. Wallace alone is planning over 900 residential lots across two large projects, and Warsaw has more than 60 zoning permits out for new homes.

Data from the Federal Reserve Bank indicates that 134 building permits were approved for new private housing structures in Duplin County last year.

Wallace, Beulaville, and Teachey rank among the top 30 towns statewide with significant investor activity driving up prices. Wallace is ranked 15th for the “Investor Feeding Frenzy Factor,” with home values rising nearly 28% above their 10-year average. Beulaville is 20th, showing a 20.8% increase in home prices compared to historical trends, while Teachey ranks 25th due to increased investor interest, based on data from Zillow Home Values Index and HomeStratosphere. Additional information from Stacker shows that Magnolia experienced a 20.2% increase, Teachey saw a 14.4% rise and Warsaw’s home values grew by 15.7%.

While these trends can indicate economic growth, they also reflect the challenges faced by residents during this transition. Understanding the factors behind the revaluation may help residents facing significant tax increases build stronger cases for appealing what they perceive as excessive assessments based on inaccurate comparables.

According to Rose, “Any valid and qualified sale in the county was included as comparables.” He also noted that some residents are seeing larger tax bill increases due to town taxes. “Some of the towns did not reduce their tax rates and others only reduced a small amount,” Rose pointed out.

When asked about the property inspection process, Rose said the county tried to conduct in-person reviews on all improved parcels, but rural areas posed challenges.

“Aside from the 10 small towns and the River Landing area, most of Duplin County is rural. We tried to do in-person inspections on all the improved parcels,” said Rose. “Now the poultry and swine farms are different. With the concerns of spreading diseases and such, we relied on looking at farms from the road and using the 2024 aerial photographs.”

Rose added that they did the best they could with properties with fences and “no trespassing” signs. “Vacant farmland and woodland we tried to verify if there were any improvements or changes.”

Rose noted that approximately 1,500 appeals were filed, with around 30% resulting in value adjustments.

For more information, call the County Tax Administration Department at 910-296-2110.

Read More: Survey shows widespread assessment disputes

UMO recruiter honored for pioneering work in agricultural education

UMO recruiter honored for pioneering work in agricultural education

Curtis Rains wins top regional honor for agricultural education leadership 

Curtis R. Rains, serving as the Agricultural Recruiting Liaison at the University of Mount Olive (UMO), has been recognized with the 2025 Visionary Impact Award by the South Carolina Association of Agricultural Educators. This award acknowledges his significant contributions to enhancing agricultural education in the region, particularly in linking North and South Carolina and facilitating pathways for students to pursue careers as agricultural educators.

Rains focuses on not just recruitment but also collaboration. He has established partnerships with organizations such as South Carolina FFA and Piedmont Technical College to create a sustainable pathway aimed at addressing the shortage of agricultural educators and enhancing access to quality agricultural education.

“It’s a privilege to encourage teachers to continue promoting agriculture and to help improve the educational opportunities for young people,” Rains said. “These partnerships ensure we have skilled, passionate educators to meet the needs of our communities.”

Since taking on his role at UMO in 2005, Rains has engaged with hundreds of schools, fostering relationships that are crucial in addressing the agricultural educator shortage in the region. His efforts have notably opened doors for students from rural communities, providing them opportunities for higher education and careers in agriculture.

Tim Woodard, UMO vice president for Enrollment, Marketing, and Communications, highlighted Rains’ influence, stating that his efforts have motivated many students to consider careers in agriculture.

Rains noted the growth of the School of Agriculture at UMO, expanding from a few students to approximately 300 currently enrolled. He emphasized the importance of new programs, technology, and practical experiences in maintaining engagement and energy in his mission to support future agricultural students. As the demand for agricultural educators increases, Rains remains committed to ensuring a strong pipeline of qualified professionals in the field.

Ag teacher brings agriculture to life at Wallace-Rose Hill

Ag teacher brings agriculture to life at Wallace-Rose Hill

TEACHEY — At Wallace-Rose Hill High School, ag teacher Danielle Trimbur is inspiring the next generation of ag leaders by combining hands-on learning with cutting-edge technology. From drone-based precision farming to student-grown plant portfolios, her classroom serves as a hub of innovation and engagement.

Raised among farms and fields in Oley, Pennsylvania, Trimbur’s interest in agriculture began at a young age. As a standout FFA student, she credits her high school agriculture teacher with igniting her passion for agricultural education—a spark that would ultimately shape her career path. Trimbur graduated from the University of Mount Olive in 2024, where she received accolades for both her academic and athletic achievements while majoring in agricultural education.

As an agriculture teacher at Wallace-Rose Hill High School, Danielle Trimbur is planting seeds of curiosity, confidence and career-readiness in her students. Courtesy University of Mount Olive

In the classroom, Trimbur enriches her curriculum by incorporating field trips, guest speakers, and FFA competitions, helping students develop both technical skills and confidence. The Wallace-Rose Hill teacher emphasizes the importance of student engagement and real-world relevance, highlighting the excitement among her students when their learning directly connects to the world around them.

“There’s something special about watching a student walk in every day excited to check on the plant they’ve nurtured from a seed,” Trimbur said. “And now with drones, students who love technology are getting to see how it applies directly to agriculture. It’s a game-changer.”

Her success, she says, is thanks in large part to mentors and professors at UMO who helped her develop leadership skills and teaching strategies.

“By stepping out of my comfort zone and being willing to ask questions, I’ve been able to grow — for myself and for my students,” said Trimbur.  She wants her students, especially girls, to see that there’s a place for them in agriculture.

“It’s important that young women see female role models in agriculture. I want to be that example,” said Trimbur, who encourages young women to explore the field of agriculture with an open mind and a willingness to try new things.

“Try it all. Go to the workshops, take the elective, attend the camp. You don’t have to love everything, but you do have to try,” said Trimbur. “Every experience adds something valuable.”

From soccer fields to spreadsheets

From soccer fields to spreadsheets

Joao Barboza Filho’s journey from Brazil to a prestigious internship shows the power of perseverance

Joao Barboza Filho’s story is one of transformation — both personal and professional. Arriving in the U.S. from Brazil at just 16, Barboza faced the daunting challenge of learning a new language and culture. Despite these hurdles, he not only became fluent in English but also found his passion in accounting.
Now a senior at the University of Mount Olive, he is excelling as an accounting major, with a prestigious internship at top accounting firm RSM under his belt. His journey reflects how grit, family influence, and the right environment can turn potential into progress.
“Learning English was one of my biggest wins,” said Barboza. “And as someone who’s introverted, I’ve had to push myself to grow socially, too.”
While many students discover their career paths through classes, Barboza’s interest in accounting started around the dinner table, sparked by a conversation with his aunt. That curiosity deepened with research, guidance from his accountant sister, and eventually, real-world experience. “The more I learned, the more I liked it,” he explained.
His choice of UMO wasn’t just about academics — it was also about balance. The university offered him the ability to play soccer and stay close to family.
“I’ve built great friendships, enjoyed my classes, and had professors who make the journey special and meaningful. I admire the way (Waylon Woodall) teaches and the kind of person he is,” Barboza said. “He’s always willing to help students grow and prepare for the real world.”
The internship at RSM has served as a proving ground for Barboza, testing his classroom knowledge in a fast-paced, real-world environment. Far from being just a resume booster, the role has given him a deeper appreciation for the profession’s demands and rewards. He’s embraced early mornings, technical challenges, and professional development activities like the “Bottom Line” exercise, where he got to step into a partner’s shoes and analyze client scenarios. Through it all, he’s learned that technical expertise is only part of the equation — communication, adaptability, and a willingness to learn are just as vital.
“Everyone is incredibly supportive and willing to help,” he said. “I thought it would be very formal, but people actually take the time to teach you.”
With graduation in sight in 2026, he’s already planning to earn a master’s degree and complete the CPA exam before entering the workforce full-time. His goal isn’t just to land a job — it’s to build a career he’s proud of in a specialization like international tax or financial services.
His advice to others pursuing a similar path is grounded in his own experience: ask questions, stay curious, and lean into real-world learning.

Magnolia Warns: Illegal burning could cost you $25K a day

Magnolia Warns: Illegal burning could cost you $25K a day

MAGNOLIA — The Magnolia Police Department is cracking down on illegal burning, warning residents that violations of North Carolina’s open burning law could result in fines of up to $25,000 per day. Police Chief Jerry Wood announced stepped-up enforcement in response to a rise in local violations and repeated failure by some to comply with the law, stating, “It has to stop now.” Open burning of anything other than natural yard debris — like trash, plastic, or treated wood — not only violates N.C. Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) regulations, but also puts the health of neighbors at risk.

We have tried to give folks every opportunity to comply,” Chief Wood said. “But due to increased frequency and failure to heed previous warnings, we will be checking closely to ensure any open burning is in compliance.” He added that the burning of non-vegetative materials is especially harmful to those with respiratory issues or allergies. “If it doesn’t grow naturally, don’t burn it,” he emphasized.

The DEQ’s open burning rule allows only the burning of natural vegetation like leaves and limbs, and only under specific conditions. Burns must occur between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., and never on Code Orange or worse air quality days. Additionally, yard debris must originate from and be burned on the same property, and only if public yard debris pickup is not available.

Commercial land-clearing burns have additional restrictions. Fires must be at least 500 feet from homes and 250 feet from public roads when the wind is blowing toward them, and may only be ignited with approved fuels like kerosene or diesel.

While exceptions exist for campfires, outdoor cooking and firefighter training, officials urge all residents to think twice before lighting a fire. As Wood put it, “If it’s anything other than natural yard debris, it’s going to be a nuisance to the violator too — to the tune of $25,000 per violation, per day.”

Meth-smuggling guard sentenced to 5 years in prison

KENANSVILLE — Dawan Dontra McKinzie, a former correctional officer at Neuse Correctional Institution in Goldsboro, was sentenced Tuesday to five years in federal prison and four years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute.

The 31-year-old Kenansville man admitted in May 2025 to smuggling drugs and contraband into the prison where he was employed, said the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of North Carolina, in a press release.

The case has drawn attention due to the breach of trust by a law enforcement official responsible for maintaining safety inside a correctional facility. Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar emphasized the gravity of the offense, stating, “When those entrusted with public safety break the law, the damage runs deep – inside our prisons and throughout our communities.”

McKinzie’s role as a correctional officer gave him access and authority, which he used to bypass security and introduce dangerous substances into a controlled environment.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the court documents revealed that McKinzie began smuggling drugs between July and October 2023, often hiding them on his person during entry into the facility. A federal investigation launched in November 2023 led authorities to confront McKinzie at his home, where he confessed to receiving a package from an inmate’s wife. He voluntarily showed agents where he kept the contraband, leading to the seizure of methamphetamine, psilocybin mushrooms, cocaine, Suboxone, tobacco, a cellphone, and explicit photographs.

The investigation uncovered incriminating messages on McKinzie’s phone, offering detailed insight into the conspiracy and communication with inmates. His actions not only violated the law but also compromised the safety and integrity of the correctional facility.

“Illicit drugs and contraband endanger the health, safety, and security of our employees, those in our custody and the public,” said Leslie Dismukes, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction.

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