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KENANSVILLE — The North Carolina Education Lottery announced last week that Edward Bass Jr. from Kenansville is the first winner of the $1 million top prize for their new lottery game — Lucky Loteria, which launched last week with four top prizes of $1 million.
Bass purchased his $10 scratch-off ticket at Kenansville Food Mart on Mallard Street and cashed in his winnings after visiting the lottery headquarters, where he had to decide between two payout options. He could either receive the $1 million prize as an annuity, where he’d get $50,000 per year for 20 years, or take a lump sum of $600,000. Bass decided to go with the lump sum option, which, after taxes, resulted in a payout of $430,503.
The North Carolina Education Lottery provides tips on understanding lottery odds and how to enter bonus drawings through its Play Smart™ program. Visit morethanagame.nc.gov for more information.
Michael Jaenicke
BEULAVILLE — The North Carolina Department of Transportation announced last week that a 10-mile section of NC 111 between NC 241 in Beulaville and NC 11 in Duplin County will experience intermittent closures as crews replace aging drain pipes.
Work will take place Monday through Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and is expected to wrap up by June, weather permitting. According to the announcement, each section of the road will be closed during construction but will be patched and reopened to traffic once the work is done. Work will begin near NC 241 and progress north along NC 111.
The closures are necessary to replace pipes that are nearing the end of their lifespan at 14 locations. The new, larger pipes will improve storm drainage in the area.
During construction, residents and businesses will still have access to their properties, although work areas will be barricaded for safety.
Through-traffic will be rerouted via NC 241 and NC 11. The detour will take drivers along NC 241 to Pink Hill, and NC 11 to access NC 111. Drivers are advised to expect longer travel times and to be cautious around the work zones.
NCDOT plans to resurface N.C. 111 later in the year.
BEULAVILLE — On March 4, Anthony James McCoy, 35, Trinity Alexis Smith, Prince Thompson, and Nykia Shanice Hodges were arrested during a traffic stop on NC 111 Highway near Beulaville.
Duplin County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a call about individuals potentially carrying guns in the area of Quinn Estates Loop Drive. Authorities identified a vehicle matching the suspect’s car at the intersection of NC 111 Highway and Turkey Branch Road, which led to the arrests of McCoy, Thompson, Smith, and Hodges. During the incident, law enforcement seized marijuana, handguns, multiple rounds of ammunition, and drug paraphernalia.
McCoy was charged with two counts of possession of a firearm by a felon and put on a secured bond set at $30,000. Smith was charged with carrying a concealed weapon and possession of marijuana. Thomson faces charges for communicating threats and resisting a public officer, and Hodges is facing charges for carrying a concealed weapon and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Born and raised in Calypso, Leonard Steele Guy Jr. had a remarkable life dedicated to education and public service.
He attended the former Calypso grade school and graduated from North Duplin High School.
In 1961, he earned a Bachelor of Science in physical education from East Carolina University, and in 1971, he obtained a Master’s Degree in educational administration.
Guy began his career in education at NDHS as a science teacher and coach, serving for seven years. His contributions to the school were highly valued, and in 1965, his students dedicated the school yearbook to him, expressing their deep appreciation for his guidance, belief in them, and hard work in helping them succeed.
In 1968, he became the principal of NDHS, working his way up within the education system.
He emphasized careful planning and staff development, prioritizing the creation of a supportive environment for each student. His leadership was centered on establishing clear, planned educational objectives to maximize opportunities for student success.
In 1973, Guy was named assistant superintendent of Duplin County Schools, where he also served as director of personnel and in-service training and instruction for four years before being promoted to assistant superintendent. His leadership and dedication earned him a reputation as an enthusiastic and energetic young principal, as noted in a 1973 article in the Progress Sentinel.
Guy was appointed superintendent of the Duplin County School System in 1981, where he served for 18 years until his retirement in July 1999.
After retiring as superintendent, Guy continued his commitment to public service. In 2000, he was elected to the Duplin County Board of Commissioners, serving two terms.
Guy died unexpectedly on March 3, at his home in Faison, at the age of 86.
Guy made a significant impact throughout his life by actively contributing to his community in various ways. He served on the Faison Fire Department and was a town commissioner for the town of Faison. Additionally, he was involved with the Faison Improvement Group and the N.C. Rural Internet Access Commission, and he served as chairman of the board of directors at Liberty Hall, among other roles.
His legacy includes not only his many years of service as an educator and administrator but also his dedication to positively influencing the lives of those around him.
Meet Deputy County Manager Carrie Shields
Each week, the Duplin Journal highlights a community member whose hard work and dedication exemplify the spirit of Duplin County. This week Duplin Journal invited Deputy County Manager Carrie Shields for a Q&A session.
In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, local governments play a crucial role in fostering economic growth and shaping the future of our communities. As someone who has served in key leadership roles, Shields is a testament to effective leadership. Her experience underscores the importance of strategic leadership and the vital role of local government in driving economic success. For Shields, the support and vision provided by the Duplin County Board of Commissioners has been vital in advancing the county’s development.
In this Q&A, Shields discusses the evolving role of local government, the essential factors in attracting businesses, and the importance of collaboration in enhancing Duplin’s economic resilience. You will also get to know the mom behind the scenes and discover a few of her Duplin favorites.
Q: Having served as the Economic Development Director and now as Deputy County Manager, how do you see the role of local government evolving in supporting economic growth?
Duplin County Board of County Commissioners have been supportive in the economic developments across our county. They have taken a proactive and strategic approach to the development in our county. By adopting a master development plan for Duplin Commons, as well as, for the county’s three industrial parks (AirPark, South Park and West Park) our county has a vision and a plan for growth. We continue to work closely with our state leaders and granting agencies to stay ahead of our county’s infrastructure needs, access to high-speed data, reliable healthcare, and educating our future workforce. Having a Board of Commissioners that finds value in leveraging our local strengths and encourages collaboration is critical in driving economic growth and resiliency for our county.
Q: In your view, what are the key factors that attract businesses to Duplin, and how does the county help facilitate that process?
The key factors in attracting businesses to Duplin County are product development, infrastructure, and a strong workforce.
Duplin County has strong partnerships with organizations across the state. Some of these partnerships are North Carolina’s Southeast, Economic Partnership of North Carolina, NC Department of Commerce, Duke Energy, and our Electric Cooperatives. These partnerships are critical in presenting Duplin County as the place to relocate your existing business or start a new business. The Duplin County Economic Development Commission Board is comprised of 10 leaders in our community that are dedicated to the growth, development, and success of our county. With support from our county commissioners, Duplin County has the right team to attract new businesses and industries.
Q: What are some ways the county is encouraging women’s leadership and participation in local government and business?
I do not consider myself as a woman in a leadership role. I view myself as a leader in the county. Every employee and applicant in our county is viewed and measured on their own merit. In my role, I take pride in knowing my voice has value.
Q: You’ve held various leadership roles. How has that varied experience shaped your approach as Deputy County Manager? and how did your previous roles influence your approach to these challenges?
Having different leadership roles prior to my time in Duplin County has provided me the opportunity to develop a diverse skill set and afforded me experiences that have enhanced my professional development. Engaging in these leadership positions has helped me build a strong business network, exposed me to different working environments, given me a broader perspective and allowed me to grow as a leader. My previous leadership positions have also exposed me to different leadership styles and challenges. This has allowed me to adapt and refine my own approach which I feel makes me a more effective leader.
Q: You’ve worked closely with JSCC’s customized training department. How do you think workforce development programs can better meet the needs of both local businesses and residents?
The workforce development programs at JSCC are doing tremendous job by offering training and education with industry-specific skills and working directly with our existing businesses to provide hands-on experience through customized training classes, internships, and apprenticeships. Additionally, JSCC offers flexible learning options in person and online to support different schedules allowing the ability to acquire necessary skills and successfully transition into the workforce. JSCC will be breaking ground on a new workforce development center in April. This state-of-the-art building will equip students with the necessary tools, skills, and training to meet our current and future job requirements. Duplin County is fortunate to have the leadership of Dr. Jay Carraway and his staff at JSCC.
Q: How did you get started in local government?
I started working in local government when I became the Economic Development Director for the County. Previously, I worked in the private sector. There are several differences in the public sector verse private sector. Learning to navigate these differences has been rewarding and I’ve truly enjoyed giving back to the community where I was raised.
Q: What do you do in your spare time?
I have a 10 year old daughter that keeps me busy and on the go. She enjoys playing softball so I spend a lot of time at the ball field. We enjoy being active in her school, our church, and our community.
Q: What was the last book you read?
The last book I read was “It Worked For Me – In Life and Leadership” by Colin Powell. This book was suggested in a Professional Development Academy course. It is a great read and I suggest this book to all current and future leaders.
Q: Where’s your favorite place to eat in Duplin County?
This is a hard one! If I had to pick one restaurant, I would say the Country Squire. The atmosphere, unique charm, and the stories shared about this restaurant always offers a memorable dining experience.
Q: What, in your opinion, is the best thing about Duplin County?
The people. Duplin County has many hardworking and delightful people. The dedication and efforts by all of our citizens have made Duplin County everything it is today. It is inspiring to see a strong and resilient community come together for one mission – To make Duplin County a better place to live, work and raise a family.
MOUNT OLIVE — The town of Mount Olive is among the recipients of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Community Development Block – Infrastructure (CDBG-I) grants announced last week by Governor Josh Stain and DEQ, receiving a total of $7,363,920 for sewer improvements.
The first grant, in the amount of $2,957,800, will finance improvements to the sewer infrastructure to meet community and housing needs. This includes the rehabilitation or replacement of approximately 14,400 linear feet of existing eight-inch sewer lines and 40 manholes.
According to town documents, the project will address the replacement of approximately 265 existing service laterals within the public right-of-way to connect existing customers to the upgraded infrastructure.
The work will either replace the old sewer lines with new pipes or rehabilitate them using cured-in-place pipes to serve around 220 occupied households. If six-inch gravity sewers are discovered, they will be upgraded to eight inches to comply with current regulations. According to the town’s Asset Inventory Assessment, the existing pipes are in poor condition, mostly made of vitrified clay and brick manholes, both of which are outdated.
“Street flooding is a common issue in the project area and the poor condition of these sewers allows them to be a source of infiltration and inflow,” said David Harris with Harris & Associates during a public hearing addressing the funding application for the grant last September.
These repairs will help reduce infiltration and inflow from this section of the sewer system, subsequently decreasing the risk of overflows downstream on the main sewer interceptor and at the wastewater treatment facility. Although these overflows occur at locations far from the project area, flow monitoring has shown elevated flows from the project area during rain events. Overflows have reached surface waters multiple times, as documented by violation notices.
Streets in which sewer line rehabilitation or replacement will take place include:
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East Nelson Street from 325 E. Nelson St. to Oliver Street,
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Cobb Street from East Nelson Street to Silver Street,
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Silver Street from Cobb Street to Oliver Street,
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East Hillsboro Street from Oliver Street to South Beems Street,
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Oliver Street from Franklin Street to East Nelson Street,
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Oliver Street from Silver Street to South Johnson Street,
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East Slocumb Street from South Center Street to Connor Street,
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E. Kornegay Street from South Center Street to Milford Street,
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Milford Street from East Kornegay Street to end,
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South Church Street from East Maple Street to East Pollock Street,
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East Pollock Street from South Center Street to South Church Street,
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East Pollock Street from South Johnson Street to South Jefferson Street,
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East Williamson Street from South Church Street to South Johnson Street,
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South Johnson Street from East Williamson Street to East Main Street,
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North Johnson Street from East Main Street to East James Street,
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East James Street from 215 E. James St. to North Jefferson Street,
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North Jefferson Street from East James Street to 105 N. Jefferson St.,
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East Main Street from North Church Street to North Jefferson Street,
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South Jefferson Street from East Pollock Street to East Main Street,
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Gordon Street from Oliver Street to 321 Gordon St.
The project’s design phase is expected to be completed by spring 2026, with construction scheduled to start in mid-July 2026.