KENANSVILLE — James Kenan and Wallace-Rose Hill high schools are shifting into high gear as their automotive programs earn prestigious national accreditation from the ASE Education Foundation in maintenance and light repair.
Last week, Duplin County Schools announced this achievement, which underscores the programs’ compliance with rigorous industry standards, equipping students to become skilled, job-ready technicians.
“Students will be assured of a quality education, and shop owners will be assured of getting quality job applicants,” said Erica Jones, CTE director.
“During the past few months, we have worked closely with the ASE Education Foundation to make certain that our program would meet strict industry standards, and now we are delighted to join the ranks of the ASE accredited training programs,” Jones added.
Michael Coley, president of the ASE Education Foundation, explained that thanks to strong collaboration between local schools and industry leaders, James Kenan and Wallace-Rose Hill’s newly accredited automotive programs will ensure that graduates are employable entry-level technicians. Coley added that with top-tier training, drivers will benefit from better repair technicians entering the workforce.
The accreditation process includes a comprehensive evaluation that assesses instruction, facilities and equipment, ensuring that the training aligns with nationally recognized benchmarks for excellence in automotive education.
Additionally, the accreditation provides students with opportunities to pursue additional certifications and hands-on experiences for enhanced employment opportunities
With upgraded facilities and a curriculum tailored to meet real-world needs, both high schools are now positioned as leaders in vocational education in the area, providing students with a valuable head start in the automotive field.
KENANSVILLE — Duplin County recently honored the dedicated men and women of Emergency Medical Services with a heartfelt celebration during EMS Week, May 18–24. As a show of gratitude, the public safety administrative team prepared meals for every EMS shift. The appreciation continued with the county’s first-ever EMS Community Day on Saturday, providing families with an opportunity to connect with their local heroes.
EMS Director Brandon McMahon grills chicken for the EMS team. Photo Courtesy Duplin County Emergency Medical Services
During EMS Week, Brandon McMahon, EMS director, and Dr. Jon Kornegay, EMS medical director, along with shift supervisors, worked diligently to coordinate meals for each shift, ensuring that every crew member felt seen and appreciated. The community’s appreciation also showed through meaningful gestures, such as handwritten notes, thank-you cards, and donations of food, including a 12-layer chocolate cake.
“The reaction from the staff was incredibly heartfelt. Many of them were surprised,” McMahon told Duplin Journal. “They’re so used to focusing on the job at hand, they rarely pause to receive thanks.”
For McMahon, witnessing his team receive gratitude was deeply moving.
From left to right: EMT Alec Morales, and Advanced EMT Paul Chestnutt. Photo Courtesy Duplin County Emergency Medical Services
“To see their dedication acknowledged so openly was incredibly affirming, not just for them, but for me as well,” McMahon explained. “When gratitude comes from the very people you serve, it carries a special weight. It’s a reminder that every call, every sacrifice, every long night — it all matters.”
McMahon shared that these gestures of appreciation reminded everyone, including leadership, that the hard work, the emotional toll, and the quiet sacrifices made every day do not go unnoticed. Receiving gifts, sweets, and kind words from the community held significant meaning because they were more than just tokens; they were acknowledgments from those whose lives have been touched by EMS.
“I wanted each team member to feel that their dedication does not go unnoticed — not by leadership, and certainly not by the people whose lives they touch,” said McMahon. He explained that sometimes the demands of the job can overshadow the impact of their work, especially as shifts blur together and the emotional toll quietly accumulates.
Pictured above is EMT Alexis Casis alongside paramedics Jonathan Kennedy and Caroline Norris. Duplin celebrated EMS Week from May 18 to May 24 in honor of the dedicated service of emergency medical professionals. Photo Courtesy Duplin County Emergency Medical Services
EMS Week provided an opportunity to remind the teams that what they do truly matters.
“They are the backbone of a system that countless people rely on in their worst moments. And for that, they deserve not only gratitude but unwavering support,” said McMahon.
During EMS Week, a moment that stood out particularly for McMahon was when the shift crews had a rare opportunity to come together and fellowship as a group. In the fast-paced world of emergency response, such moments are both rare and fleeting.
Throughout the week, there were quiet moments that provided space for reflection on what the EMS team has endured over the past year, serving as a powerful reminder of the human strength and compassion that define the team.
“They’ve responded to some of the toughest calls imaginable — medical crises, car accidents, overdoses, moments of loss and panic,” recounted McMahon.
He noted that the team faced grueling challenges, sacrificing personal time, and enduring physical and emotional fatigue. “And through it all, they’ve remained steady, compassionate, and committed.”
A key message McMahon shared for the EMS team was, “You’ve carried not only patients but entire communities through uncertainty, fear, and pain. You’ve comforted strangers, saved lives, and stood strong when others couldn’t. That matters more than words can fully express. I’m proud of you — not just for what you do, but for who you are.”
McMahon shared that the hope for EMS Week is that every member was reminded of their profound importance and that their contributions do not go unnoticed. Most importantly, leadership and community stand with them in gratitude and support.
“The resilience, teamwork, and quiet courage you’ve shown inspire everyone around you. Never doubt the impact you have. And most importantly, you are not alone. We see you. We support you. And we are endlessly grateful for you,” McMahon emphasized.
The week of appreciation aimed to remind EMS teams that their efforts are recognized and valued. “I hope they carry forward the understanding that they are not just responders — they are healers, protectors, and trusted pillars in people’s darkest moments. Emotionally, I want them to feel proud. Not just proud of their technical skills or fast response times, but proud of the compassion they bring,” McMahon expressed.
Community Day, held at the Duplin Events Center, provided a special opportunity to bring families together for a day of fun, and break down fears around emergency responders by offering hands-on experiences with ambulances, fire trucks, and even a medical helicopter.
“This special event is a chance for our community to connect with local EMS professionals, learn about the vital work they do every day, and discover how we all can play a part in responding to time-sensitive emergencies like strokes, heart attacks, and trauma situations,” McMahon told Duplin Journal.
A participant of Saturday’s EMS Community Day gets hands-on practice with a dummy used to learn intubating techniques. Photo K.D. Beard / Duplin Journal
“We want them to get hands-on so they’re not scared whenever we respond to the real thing,” said Luis Arellano, Duplin County EMS member and one of the event organizers.
Arellano indicated that he hopes that the event will spark interest in public safety and EMS as a profession and expressed their aim of establishing EMS Community Day as an annual occurrence. “Our hope for this year is kicking off our annual thing and making it bigger and better.”
Participants had the chance to explore the Novant Health AirLink medical helicopter at the Duplin Events Center during EMS Community Day on Saturday. Photo K.D. Beard / Duplin Journal
More than just a celebration, the day offered a powerful reminder of the vital role EMS plays in emergencies like strokes, heart attacks, and trauma situations. It also allowed for first responders to interact with the community outside of crisis situations.
McMahon told Duplin Journal he hopes EMS staff feels recharged and reminded of their purpose in choosing this path. He wants his staff to feel not only appreciated but valued, seen, and deeply respected.
Editor’s note: K.D. Beard contributed to this story.
MAGNOLIA — Last week, the Magnolia Police Department announced the arrest of Ronnie Lenel Devane, 43, a suspect in a series of break-ins.
According to authorities, between April 7 and May 10, the town of Magnolia experienced an unsettling wave of break-ins, which included theft and property damage. Among the affected were a motor vehicle at Magnolia Court Apartments, Casa Guerrero Restaurant on Railroad Street, and Taqueria Mi Lupita on Main Street, which experienced three separate incidents.
Magnolia Police stated that the stolen items held little intrinsic value; however, the impact of these crimes led to damage to local businesses, which now bear the costs of repairs.
In an investigation led by Magnolia Police Chief J.T. Wood, Devane emerged as a primary suspect.
“Devane did not have a permanent address but was found to be spending most of his time in Magnolia Court Apartments,” reported Magnolia Police on a social media post.
As the investigation progressed, Wood learned of a break-in at a tanning salon in Wallace. On May 6, after reviewing surveillance footage provided by the Wallace Police Department, he identified Devane as a suspect in the burglary. In light of this development, Wood convened with a Wallace PD detective and law enforcement from neighboring jurisdictions to discuss the recent spate of break-ins.
On May 10, Magnolia PD apprehended Devane for trespassing at Small Town Laundromat on Monk Street. He was charged with trespassing, possession of cocaine, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Following his arrest, Devane was booked into Duplin County Jail under a $7,000 secured bond.
In the following days, Wallace PD announced additional charges against Devane, resulting in a $7,500 increase to his secured bond.
On May 23, the Magnolia Police served Devane with a series of serious offenses, including three counts of felony breaking and entering, two counts of felony larceny following breaking and entering, one count of breaking and entering a motor vehicle with larceny, and two counts of injury to real property. These new charges resulted in a substantial addition of $70,000 to Devane’s total secured bond, bringing the total to a hefty $84,500.
The Magnolia Police Department extended gratitude to all community members who contributed to the investigation of these cases.
“It takes a community coming together with one voice to deny crime a foothold on the communities and freedoms we hold dear,” wrote Magnolia PD.
Authorities are looking into any potential involvement of other individuals. Magnolia PD stated that no further information can be disclosed at this time to maintain the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are investigating any potential involvement of other individuals. Magnolia PD stated that no further details can be disclosed at this time to uphold the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
KENANSVILLE — Last week, County Manager Bryan Miller and the Board of County Commissioners revisited the county’s solar farms ordinance during their regular meeting. They focused on important regulatory aspects and potential updates, particularly site planning and decommissioning.
Miller provided an overview of the county’s current solar ordinance, which mandates that any new solar facility or significant expansion requires a new site plan.
“New solar facilities or modifications increasing their existing footprint by more than 10% will require a new site plan approval by our planning board and will have to conform to our current regulations,” explained Miller.
The county manager explained that specific regulations govern site layout, including required setbacks from roads, residences, and other structures, as well as stipulations for access easements and buffers.
He also discussed additional regulatory requirements, such as safety provisions, underground power lines, battery storage permits, and the necessity of securing proper property agreements.
“There are some airport regulations that they have to comply with the Duplin County Airport Ordinance if they’re within the vicinity of the airport,” said Miller, adding that all solar farms must be fully fenced, have safety signage and undergo planning board review and building inspections.
“There are technical details that we require that must be approved along with the site plan,” said Miller.
“We do have a decommissioning plan. … For example, lease expiration — 12 months of inactivity indicates that the site needs to be decommissioned. This ensures the removal of the solar panels, structures, fencing, roads, and foundations. So basically, they’re looking to restore the land to the pre-developed condition.”
Miller addressed the potential financial and logistical burden on the county in cases where solar developers default or declare bankruptcy. While current regulations require land restoration, they lack a financial safeguard — specifically, a bond — that ensures the county isn’t left responsible for cleanup and land restoration if a solar developer goes bankrupt or abandons the project.
The county may ultimately exercise discretion over whether this restoration occurs — especially if funding becomes the county’s responsibility due to a developer’s failure to comply.
“If the developer just walks away and the county is on the hook for removing the panels and for decommissioning the site. We do have to go through a legal process to be able to sue, which can be hard if the company has gone out of business,” said Miller. He added that introducing a bond would provide crucial protection and help avoid legal and financial burdens on the county in such situations.
Some commissioners expressed a preference for requiring bonds in future developments as a protective measure. Any ordinance change would require public hearings and formal amendment procedures.
Miller shared that existing solar facilities cannot be retroactively required to comply with new bond requirements due to “permit choice” laws. Miller explained that these laws allow solar developers to adhere to the regulations in place when their permit was issued unless a facility expands its footprint beyond a certain threshold. This means that even if the county updates its solar ordinance, including potentially adding bond requirements, existing permit holders may not be obligated to comply with those changes.
Chairman Dexter Edwards thanked Miller for providing the update. No action was taken.
In other business:
Angela B. Mainor, Duplin County Board of Elections chair, announced that Duplin County will reduce its precincts from 19 to 17. The closure of Locklin and Rockfish precincts was approved by the state board about two weeks ago, Mainor explained. “It’s a waste of money for us to keep those. Locklin has a low turnout. Doesn’t have many people in that area,” said Maynor. “We’ve been thinking about doing it for a long time. So, we just decided to just bring it in front of the State Board, and they agreed to it.”
Mainor shared that every affected voter will receive two mailed notices to ensure a smooth transition.
The meeting adjourned until June 2 at 6 p.m. at the Ed Emory Auditorium.
Harrells Christian Academy recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new 7,000-square-foot agricultural education building. The new facility will feature spaces for animal science education and a hands-on ag workshop, with training in welding, woodworking, and small engine mechanics.
“We believe the new HCA Agricultural Education Building and pathway will not only be beneficial to HCA but to the entire southeast region of North Carolina and its ag partners,” said Andy Wells, HCA head of school.
Planning for the building began in fiscal year 2021 to meet the growing demands as HCA continues to expand. The school is currently seeing record enrollment numbers, with more than 480 students — the largest in the last 10 years, according to the school’s announcement. This growth is also reflected in the popularity of its Future Farmers of America (FFA) program, which now serves more than 100 students in the FFA chapter.
The education building project received a substantial boost earlier this year with a $350,000 grant from the Golden LEAF Foundation. This funding, along with other designated and memorial gifts, will help equip the building with the tools and resources needed to prepare students for the workforce. Construction is anticipated to be complete by the end of the year.
“This facility will provide students with critical hands-on training that not only prepares them for high-demand careers in our state’s agribusiness sector but also strengthens the economic future of southeastern North Carolina,” said Scott Hamilton, Golden LEAF Foundation president, noting that Golden LEAF is proud to invest in Harrells Christian Academy’s vision.
The new facility, set to open in Spring 2026, will offer dual enrollment opportunities through partnerships with the University of Mount Olive and Sampson Community College. This will enable students to earn college credits and industry certifications, helping fill high-demand jobs in agriculture and skilled trades.
ROSE HILL — Last week, House of Raeford Farms announced the recipients of its annual scholarship program, totalling $82,500 in college scholarships supporting the education of students connected to its workforce.
“Youth development is one of the pillars that upholds the mission of House of Raeford Farms FLOCK, the nonprofit organization that helps oversee this scholarship program,” said Bob Johnson, House of Raeford Farms CEO.
This year marks a milestone, with 33 students receiving scholarships — the highest number in the program’s history. Each student received a $2,500 scholarship. According to the announcement, the recipients were selected based on academic excellence, leadership qualities, honors, involvement in school and community, and personal goals and aspirations.
According to Johnson, encouraging education among the next generation helps shape the future and honors the hard work of their team members. Through its growing scholarship program, the company aims to encourage personal success in the communities it serves. Over the last 12 years, the program has awarded $537,500 to 215 students in six states. Applications for the next round of scholarships will open in January 2026.
In Duplin County, the following students received scholarships:
Alden Chasten is the son of Kasharka Carr-Hardison of the Rose Hill Division
Alivia Chasten is the daughter of Kasharka Carr-Hardison of the Rose Hill Division
Avery Jennette is the daughter of Brian Jennette of the Rose Hill Division
Izabel Bradshaw is the daughter of Kathy Bradshaw of the Rose Hill Division
Kianna Simmons is the daughter of Bruce Wynn of the Rose Hill Division
Ivan Santibanez Lopez is the son of Carlota Lopez Santibanez of the Johnson Breeders Division
Jennifer Borja Hernandez is the daughter of Teresa Borja Hernandez of the Johnson Breeders Division
Linsey Peterson is the daughter of Greg Peterson of the Johnson Breeders Division
Drake Segars is the son of Debra Segars of the Corporate division.
Zoe Powell is the daughter of Jason Powell of the Corporate Division.
Visit houseofraeford.com for the complete list of scholarship recipients.
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