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Ena Sellers

Teachey approves budget, puts bite into its pet ordinance

Teachey approves budget, puts bite into its pet ordinance

The Teachey Board of Commissioners approved its budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year at its regular monthly meeting Monday night, June 10, and also continued a discussion from the previous month’s meeting regarding the town’s animal ordinance.

The proposed budget included an increase in water rates of 10% this year, 5% next year and 3% in 2026 for a total increase of 18% over the next three years.

Rates haven’t been increased since 2021, Mayor Bobby Jones said, and the increase is needed to keep up with the cost of living.

“The town of Wallace is going up, and we’re trying to keep it the same for our residents,” said public works director James Parker. “By next year, we should be pretty much even.”

The budget also includes a new town position, public works assistant, which will be open as of July 1.

At last month’s meeting, numerous Teachey residents were on hand to ask for the town’s pet ordinance to be updated, perhaps adding a monetary fine for ordinance violations.

Commissioner Patrick Williams had proposed a $50 fine for violations at the last meeting, and the mayor followed up with County Commissioner Wayne Branch and County Manager Bryan Miller on how the ordinance might be enforced.

“They said in order to amend their ordinance, they would not move the needle on service for our town unless there was a fee for service or a monthly contract that we would pay for that service,” Jones reported, adding that the town would need to amend the county’s ordinance so that livestock such as cows, chicken or pigs would be prohibited inside the town limits.

Commissioner Wanda Henderson asked if the county is set up to handle enforcing the ordinance for the town. The mayor responded that there are two new county employees that could possibly help respond to issues within Teachey, if the town decides to go that route.

“In the meantime, I think we still need to adopt a fine for each complaint, while that process is being handled with the county,” Jones said. “Because at least we’d be doing something proactive to try to mitigate the issue while this whole red tape process is happening.”

Commissioner Jamie Moore, Jr. stated that he felt any complaints should come before the board so that the fine “has some teeth to it.”

Ezzell advised the board that there has to be validation to any complaints about pets that come in, so that the town won’t be going on hearsay when issuing fines.

Parker said that currently there is no form for a complainant to sign; instead, he issues work orders for each complaint. Ezzell stated that the person in violation of the ordinance should be notified by a town representative in order for the fine to be valid.

The commissioners finally decided that the town should send a warning before a $50 fine is issued, and ensure that a town representative has validated the complaint. The motion was approved unanimously.

“I think the citizens are going to be pleased to know that we moved on this pretty quickly,” Jones said.

New town clerk/finance officer Morgan Jacobs was also sworn in during the June meeting.

In other business at the June meeting, the board:

  • Voted unanimously to extend the contract for sewer services with the town of Wallace for another 10 years, making it valid through September 2034.
  • Decided against purchasing solar-powered speed limit signs and agreed to install speed bumps in problem areas of town instead. Mayor Jones said that he felt speed bumps would neutralize the situation more than the flashing speed limit signs. Town Attorney Joseph Ezzell advised the board to notify everyone on the streets in which speed bumps will be going in, to ensure that all affected citizens are aware.
  • Approved a resolution directing the town clerk to investigate a petition for annexation for the Mill Creek project. A public hearing will be held at the next meeting, on July 8.
  • Learned about a Juneteenth festival and parade, scheduled for June 22, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Warsaw residents express frustration with proposed budget allocations

Warsaw residents express frustration with proposed budget allocations

WARSAW — There was a full house at the Warsaw Board of Commissioners held on June 10, as Town Manager Lea Turner presented the proposed FY 2024-25 budget.

Among the highlights for the proposed budget is a 5% cost of living adjustment for all full-time employees, a 10% increase for water/sewer user rates, and increases in the recreation fee schedule. 

“There are no outstanding loans at this time. Our taxes remain at $0.57 per $100 valuation. We have an estimated taxation of $226,441,939. This is an anticipated collection rate of 97%. The only changes to the fee schedule were a 10% increase to water and sewer funds for sewer revenue due to inflation costs,” ,” said Turner, explaining that they need to continue making their debt service payment and also need to begin a capital improvement fund for capital expenses.

Residents expressed their dissatisfaction with the increase on water/sewer rates adding that the services they are receiving are below standard. 

Angela B. Mainor expressed her dissatisfaction with the proposed recreation fee schedule, adding that charging $120 per hour to rent a place, and $350 to rent the kitchen was outrageous. “You won’t have nobody to rent the place anymore.”

Mayor A.J. Connors explained that these funds are to help whenever repairs are needed. Residents also disagreed with the proposed 5% salary increase.

Marzella Morrisey voiced concerns that the budget allocated for Dream Works ($268,850), who is contracted by the town, was higher than the budget allocated for the town’s Parks and Recreation Department.

“We’re overlooking the things necessary for the people of Warsaw,” said Morrisey, questioning how a contracted service is allocated more funding than the Parks and Recreation Department, emphasizing that the department needs funding to repair a park that has been in terrible conditions for a while. She also questioned the proposed raise.

“On this floor last year, without even looking at your budget, you gave everybody a $5,000 increase across the board… Now this year, Duke Energy increased my light bill and every citizen’s in Warsaw, and that was the kind of message that was delivered to us – that all of these increases are happening, and so, everybody needs a 5% increase… The town budget that our manager has proposed to us is not for the people of Warsaw. The population in Warsaw is at least 74% seniors on a fixed income, and we don’t make that kind of money to pay for all the increases that you all are asking for,” said Morrisey.

“The employees of this town work diligently to do what we ask them to do, whether it’s to clean up a dead animal off the side of the road … or whether it’s to be at a scene where somebody has been shot … the reality is these individuals that work for this town work hard. I’ve seen it, I’ve been there, they’ve been out in the snow, they’re out in the rain, whether it’s lightning, thunder, they’re out there doing the job that many of us know we would not want to do. So when they’re only getting a 5% raise this year that’s not a terrible thing,” said Mayor Connors in response to the complaints.

Morrisey insisted that she felt the citizens’ needs were not taken into consideration when the proposed budget was put together.

“I would not come before you guys if you all were serving the citizens of Warsaw to the best of your ability. But I’ve been here a long time and I’ve been coming to all the town’s meetings over a period of almost 20 years. I have notes, minutes, all the minutes, and I’ve seen minutes change from month to month and all kinds of issues… I don’t see you going in the right direction, because you’re not really serving the citizens,” said Morrisey.

“I say that 5% increase is not necessary when you’ve got to increase things for citizens of Warsaw who can hardly afford to eat. It’s not. It’s not the young folk that own food stamps that are going to those food banks.”

Commissioner Ebony Wills-Wells recommended for the board to revisit the budget. After some discussion, the board scheduled a meeting for another budget workshop to be held June 18 at 6 p.m.

In other business:

Mike Barnette with McDavid Associates conducted a public hearing to share information about the Community Development Block Grant-Infrastructure contract to repair Well # 3. The $3 million grant will enable the town to renovate the well located on North  Gum Street, and will put it back in operation. It will add a filter train to the existing water treatment plant, which is at 144 Pumphouse Lane, and it will construct approximately 7,400 linear feet of raw water line to connect that well to the treatment plant according to Barnette.

The board appointed Al Searles to fill in the seat left by the late Commissioner Russell Eason. He will be sworn in at the next board meeting and will serve until the municipal elections in July 2025.

EMS responders recognized for life-saving actions

EMS responders recognized for life-saving actions

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
Duplin County’s only animal rescue has a passion for pets

Duplin County’s only animal rescue has a passion for pets

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.

Wallace Methodist Church welcomes new pastor

Wallace Methodist Church welcomes new pastor

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.”

Airport terminal dedicated in honor of George Futrelle

Airport terminal dedicated in honor of George Futrelle

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.

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