THE TOWN OF WALLACE came alive with the vibrant spirit of Hispanic Heritage Month, offering a rich tapestry of dance, food, and entertainment at its first-ever Latino Cultural Festival on Saturday, Oct. 12, at Clement Park in Wallace.
Wallace Mayor Jason Wells read a proclamation from the town at the inaugural Festival Cultural Latino in Clement Park on Saturday morning. He was assisted by Wallace-Rose Hill High School senior class president Katerin García, who interpreted the proclamation into Spanish for the audience. Photo by Abby Cavenaugh / Duplin Journal
Participants enjoyed various dance groups, games, food trucks, sports, and live music during the celebration. Wallace Mayor Jason Wells read a proclamation assisted by Katerin Garcia, Wallace-Rose Hill High School senior class president, who served as an interpreter for the Spanish-speaking audience.
Youngsters got a chance to try to break the piñata during the Festival Cultural Latino in Wallace on Saturday. Games and piñatas were available for kids throughout the daylong festival. Photo by Abby Cavenaugh / Duplin Journal
Children enjoyed a day filled with cheer and laughter, as they eagerly tried to break candy-filled piñatas. The inaugural festival was a feast for the senses, featuring diverse activities, traditional foods and special performances, including those from the Wallace-Rose Hill High School International Club Folkloric Dance Group.
The festival’s planning committee was comprised by Wallace Mayor Pro Tem Francisco Rivas-Diaz, Luis Galan, Brenda Rivas-Diaz, Olga Polanco, Margoth Barahona, Geovanny Paredes, and Nimia Sabillon.
KENANSVILLE – Captain Denise Mitchell with the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office was recently presented with the North Carolina Jail Administrator of the Year award. The award was presented at the NC Jail Administrators Association banquet.
Mitchell was nominated for this prestigious award by Sheriff Stratton Stokes. As a jail administrator, she is entrusted with the crucial tasks of planning, directing, and supervising the jail’s personnel, daily activities, and administrative functions.
Duplin County Sheriff Stratton Stokes stands next to Captain Denise Mitchell, who was awarded the North Carolina Jail Administrator of the Year award on Sept. 26 at the North Carolina Jail Administrators Association banquet. Courtesy Duplin County Sheriff’s Office
With over 25 years of service in the Sheriff’s Office Detention Center Division, having assumed the role of jail administrator in 2007 and serving as a board member of the NC JAA since 2016, Mitchell brings a wealth of experience to her position. Mitchell made history as the first African-American Lieutenant for the Duplin County Detention Center, and her election as vice president of the North Carolina Jail Administrators Association last year stands as one of her most notable achievements. This prestigious position, a first for anyone from Duplin County, underscores her influence and the high esteem in which she is held by her peers across the state. Her involvement at this level is a testament to her expertise and leadership in jail administration.
“Her journey with the Sheriff’s Office is a testament to her exemplary service and unwavering commitment,” said Sheriff Stokes. “In her role as Jail Administrator, Captain Mitchell has proven herself to be a reliable and dedicated leader. She consistently goes above and beyond her duties, demonstrating a hands-on approach that sets her apart. Whether she is assisting in the kitchen, ensuring that meals are prepared with care, or personally accompanying detainees to the hospital, Captain Mitchell leads by example. Her commitment to the welfare of both staff and detainees is evident in every aspect of her work.”
According to Sheriff Stokes, outside of her professional responsibilities, Mitchell is deeply committed to her community.
“She volunteers with her church and various local organizations, demonstrating her dedication to making a positive impact both within and outside the detention center. Her community engagement reflects her belief in service and her desire to contribute to the betterment of society,” said Sheriff Stokes.
Captain Denise Mitchell (center) stands between her daughters Tanisha Satchell (left), and Shalleese Mitchell (right) at the North Carolina Jail Administrator Association banquet held on Sept. 26 in Greensboro, NC. Photo Courtesy Duplin County Sheriff’s Office
The Sheriff’s Office credited Mitchell’s leadership as pivotal in the development of the new detention center.
“Working closely with Sheriff Stokes, she is spearheading this initiative, ensuring that the facility meets the highest standards. Her vision and expertise are crucial to this project, showcasing her forward-thinking approach and commitment to excellence.”
Sheriff Stokes added that Mitchell exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding jail administrator, and her leadership and dedication make her a role model.
“Her exemplary service and accomplishments truly merit this recognition,” said Sheriff Stokes.
The countdown is on for the general election on Nov. 5 — only 19 days away. Persons who missed the voter registration deadline can take advantage of same-day voter registration during the early voting period from Oct. 17 through Nov. 2 to register and vote. Absentee ballots must be requested by 5 p.m. on Oct. 29 and they must be received in the Duplin County Board of Elections office by 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 5.
During the general election Duplin voters will be able to vote for or against a proposed constitutional amendment to provide that “only a citizen of the United States who is 18 years of age or older and otherwise possessing the qualifications for voting shall be entitled to vote at any election in this State.”
“If passed, the proposed amendment would change the language in the State Constitution from “every person born in the United States and every other person who has been naturalized, 18 years of age” to the new wording in the referendum,” explained Duplin County Board of Elections Director Carrie Sullivan.
Duplin County voters will also have the opportunity to vote for or against the proposed alcohol referendum, which concerns the on- and off-premises sale of unfortified wine and malt beverages.
This is the second installment of Questions and Answers Sullivan:
More than half a million people are currently homeless in the United States. Many are eligible voters but face obstacles registering because of their lack of a stable address or the required ID. What is being done in Duplin County to help these voters navigate the process? State legislature allows for all eligible voters in each county to register where they lay their heads. Once they are registered, all voters are able to come into our office and get a free voter ID. Our office is devoted to ensuring that all eligible voters in Duplin County have the opportunity to cast their vote.
Do ID requirements instill more confidence in the legitimacy of the election?
I believe that ID requirements do instill more confidence in voters with the legitimacy of elections. North Carolinians want to feel secure in the fact that only eligible voters actually vote. Utilizing photo ID requirements reassures voters that everyone can only vote under their own registration.
What are your top three priorities as we move closer to November?
ONE: Keeping voters calm and informed.
TWO: Giving my team of precinct officials all of the support they need to get through this busy election cycle.
THREE: Providing a fair and safe environment for the citizens of Duplin County to cast their votes.
There has been recent talk about absentee ballot containers, can you clarify if absentee ballots need or don’t need to be returned in sealed container-return envelopes in order to count? All absentee ballots that are returned via mail should be sealed inside the completed ballot envelope and then sealed in the larger return envelope. Ballots must be sealed inside the envelope in order to be accepted.
For more information, call the Duplin County Board of Elections Office at 910-296-2170.
KENANSVILLE — Every year ECU Health Duplin Hospital welcomes a group of teens to their VolunTEEN program. Here students learn about potential careers in healthcare and gain hands-on experience in various hospital areas where they can immediately start making a difference.
Nancy Farrior, ECU Health Duplin Hospital Volunteer Services manager, has been running the program for the past six years. Last summer Farrior had 20 teen volunteers who went above and beyond the program requirements completing more than 900 hours as a group.
“They were supposed to do, per their application, 30 hours a piece, so 600 hours. But they actually did 999 hours,” said Farrior, adding that the volunteers shine for going above and beyond the call of duty.
“I have four college kids that started out as teens that are still coming back and volunteering during the summer,” said Farrior, adding that two young ladies who volunteered with her when they were teenagers are now full-time employees. “And I have several that are in college going into the medical field, that I wrote their college recommendation letters for.”
VolunTEENs go through an orientation comparable to that of a new employee and have to complete educational modules, learn about infection control, and personal protective equipment.
Pictured from left to right are VolunTEENs Hailey Maready, Adrianna Rhodes, Marissa Bernal, Asia Carlton, Shaila Mejac, Onesty Sutton, and Akhia Carr. Photo Courtesy ECU Health Duplin Hospital
“It’s very hands-on and exposes them to different areas of the hospital,” said Farrior. “It’s just not all clinical.”
The group of young VolunTEENs actively contributed to the operations of the emergency room. Stationed in the nurses’ area of the emergency room, the students had the opportunity to observe patient care, learn how to properly escort a patient on a wheelchair, and even run specimens to the lab.
“They’re basically a leg. But they get to see a lot. It’s just been a wonderful experience all the way around,” Farrior told Duplin Journal, explaining that these young volunteers were active learners in different departments, gaining valuable experience along the way.
“They really liked working in the Women’s Center because of the babies,” Farrior added.
VolunTEENs also assisted at the second north nurses station, answered call bells from patients, and helped in diverse areas such as oncology and surgical units.
“ECU Health also supports Duplin County Health Sciences Academy as well. It’s one of two in our system,” Laura Maready, ECU Health Duplin Hospital director of strategic relations, told Duplin Journal. “We’re really proud of it.”
“Our volunteer program is the very same. They come in and they’re able to observe and get a feel for what working in the healthcare field might look like, said Maready, explaining the program complements the school curriculum… It’s a great pool to jump into here as a small fish.”
Pictured from left to right are VolunTEENs Gipsy Alvarado, Harper Huffman, Tavishi Katta, Aliya Castillo-Hartsfield, Olivia Diffenderfer, Ainsley Jackson, Claire-Beth Bradshaw, Maggie Bradshaw, Luke Hall, and Jayden Lanier. Photo Courtesy ECU Health Duplin Hospital
Farrior added that most of the students, including those who are now in college, take advantage of the Duplin County Health Care Academy.
“We’re very fortunate in our county to have this. [Students] are required to do 25 hours of volunteer time,” said Farrior. “I moved away for 28 years, and it has just been a fabulous experience to be back here with this hospital and back in Duplin County.”
Farrior also oversees adult volunteers and currently has 14.
“We have volunteering time year-round at the hospital in a variety of different positions,” said Maready, adding that they have volunteer chaplains who serve the community.
“I have eight chaplains and actually have one employee that volunteers,” said Farrior, adding that employees pursuing higher levels of education often take advantage of the programs offered.
Nancy Farrior (left) stands next to Swannie Turner, a volunteer who recently celebrated her 95th birthday. Photo Courtesy ECU Health Duplin Hospital
The healthcare industry needs more workers, making this program particularly important to make young adults aware of the opportunities.
“The healthcare industry right now is struggling as far as really losing a lot of the workers, specifically nurses,” said Maready. “It’s a tough industry to work in, but it’s a very rewarding industry to work in, especially for our community. … You’re helping your family, your neighbors, your friends. … So it’s just vitally important that we reach out to these kids and make them aware of what we’re doing here. … The technology that we have at this hospital that we’re able to serve patients with, and our community with is on the leading edge.”
For Maready, the volunteer program provides a great starting point for young adults to explore various career paths and could lead to a pathway through community college for an associate degree, a four-year school for an undergraduate degree, and even on to graduate school.
Pictured from left to right are Caroline Rust, Marissa Bernal, and Adrianna Rhodes. Photo Courtesy ECU Health Duplin Hospital
She shared that they have volunteers who have progressed to work in different departments and even pursued higher education to further their careers. One of them is a volunteer who went on to work in food and nutrition services, then went to college, and now she is working there as a dietician.
“Once the volunTEENS see the possibilities, they can actually work here. And then once they start working here, we encourage them to really rise up in whatever they’re in and seek opportunities for higher education,” said Maready. “We’re a one-stop shop for a young person coming in.”
For more information about any of the volunteer programs at ECU Duplin Hospital, call 910-296-2629.
The North Carolina Poultry Federation has named Cowan Johnson of House of Raeford Farms as their president for 2024-25. The announcement was recently made at the organization’s annual meeting in Greensboro.
Johnson, a seasoned professional with 23 years of service at House of Raeford, a poultry business founded by his grandfather, has been a key figure in the company’s growth.
Cowan Johnson, of House of Raeford Farms, was recently named North Carolina Poultry Federation president for 2024-25. Photo Courtesy House of Raeford Farms
“It is an honor to accept this important role, and I look forward to our federation making great strides over the next year in support of the North Carolina poultry industry,” said Johnson. “I am also pleased to follow in the leadership footsteps of my father and current House of Raeford CEO, Bob Johnson, and my late grandfather, Marvin Johnson, both of whom served as NCPF presidents.”
Johnson, who most recently served as vice-president of NC Poultry Federation, is the president of House of Raeford’s ready-to-cook and further processing divisions, and president of sales. He serves on the corporation’s board of directors and is the operations manager of House of Raeford’s largest ready-to-cook processing location in Wallace. His journey within the company has seen him take on increasing responsibilities in diverse roles. Notably, Johnson also manages his chicken houses, contributing to House of Raeford’s Rose Hill and Wallace processing operations.
In addition to his roles at House of Raeford, Johnson is a member of the National Chicken Council’s board of directors.
Under Johnson’s leadership, the North Carolina Poultry Federation aims to address the industry’s evolving challenges and opportunities, acting as a unified voice for the industry, promoting a favorable business environment for all those involved in the poultry industry in North Carolina.
County Commissioners honor four former county employees with prestigious awards
KENANSVILLE — Davis Brinson, former Duplin County manager, was one of four former county employees honored during the Oct. 7 County Commissioners meeting.
Brinson, who retired on July 31, 2023, after serving in Duplin County for nearly three decades, was presented with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine award and a retirement flag.
“Over the years, I enjoyed many successes and achievements but none of it would have been possible without the support of my family and those who served with me. I feel extremely blessed to have been able to serve the people of Duplin County,” Brinson told Duplin Journal.
Davis Brinson, former Duplin County manager, stands in front of the Board of Duplin County Commissioners after being presented with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine award and a retirement plaque on Oct. 7. Brinson retired on July 31, 2023, after serving in Duplin County for nearly three decades. Standing on the back are Commissioners Jesse Dowe, Justin Edwards, Dexter Edwards and Wayne Branch. Photo Courtesy Brandi Brinson
Brinson’s roots in local government run deep. His father, grandfather, and mother all played significant roles in government, setting a solid foundation for his civic journey.
He began his journey as a telecommunicator deputy sheriff in 1995, later he served as a social worker with DSS and a probation parole officer with the North Carolina Department of Corrections. In 2000, Brinson was elected Register of Deeds and re-elected five times; during this time, he was honored with the Eunice Ayers Distinguished Service Award, a prestigious recognition in local government. Brinson also served as chairman of District 5 and as the legislative co-chair for the association. After 17 years as Register of Deeds, he was appointed the Duplin County manager. He was involved in the Duplin Rotary Club, Duplin County Agribusiness Council, the Charity Fund, and St. John’s No.13 Masonic Lodge, demonstrating a solid commitment to civic involvement and community service.
“I always enjoyed working with the Board of Commissioners,” said Brinson, adding that he admires the commissioners’ work ethic and how they always seem to find common ground to do what is best for Duplin County. “I like to think that I put a staff in place that left the county in a better place than where we found it, at least financially. I think we have some very strong department heads.”
One by one, the county commissioners thanked the former county manager.
Commissioner Justin Edwards shared a personal memory, “I remember roaming the halls of the courthouse when I was a little boy with my mom and never did I dream that I would have to work with you one day, I was gonna stay at home and farm. I found myself in Kenansville working with you. Thank you for welcoming me onto this board with open arms.”
“Davis and I go way back. I can say I’ve always appreciated the fact that you were genuine, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you upset, which means that you’re a God-fearing man. You walk by faith and not by sight, and that will carry you a long way as you’ve already accomplished a lot,” said Commissioner Wayne Branch.
Chairman Dexter Edwards thanked Brinson adding that his comment about the board working well together was really meaningful, acknowledging that while they are lucky to have a great board, his leadership and efforts made it easy for them to be a united board.
“You’ve done your job to make sure you communicated with each one as they needed to be communicated with, and we didn’t have to come here and have controversy because leadership is where it all starts. We’re elected officials and we come here to try to help advise, but we don’t run the county,” said Edwards. “I really thank you for what you’ve done for this county.”
Brinson shared that since retiring, he has been able to spend a lot of time with his family and travel.
“During the past few months, I have been able to spend a lot of time helping my wife by managing her re-election campaign as Franklin County’s Register of Deeds,” Brinson told Duplin Journal.
Maddie Elizabeth Batts, who served Duplin County for 30 years, was also honored during the meeting and was presented with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine award. Batts is known for her advocacy role at the senior center and dedication to serving others.
Neal Mobley, who has worked in Emergency Services for over 30 years, including four years with Duplin County, was honored with the Order of the Longleaf Pine and a retirement plaque. Mobley was recognized for his mentorship and commitment to the citizens of Duplin County.
Patricia Williams was presented with the Old North State Award for her exceptional dedication and service to North Carolina. Williams retired last December after serving for more than 30 years, 25 of those years she worked in Duplin County. Williams served with the Board of Elections, Veteran Services and the town of Rose Hill.
The next county commissioners meeting will be on Monday, Oct. 21.
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