The University of Mount Olive recently announced that its reading clinic program received a grant of $67,725 from the Anonymous Trust for the 2025-26 academic year. This funding will support elementary students struggling with literacy while providing education majors with hands-on teaching experience.
“The UMO Reading Clinic is an innovative initiative that exemplifies a win-win opportunity for both our students and the community,” said Amanda Bullard-Maxwell, Assistant Dean of Education in news announcement. “Not only does it provide our future teachers with invaluable experience, but it directly reflects UMO’s commitment to community engagement and service.”
The program began as a pilot in 2023, working with 10 students from North Duplin Elementary. The clinic uses research-based resources like Flyleaf decodable texts and tailors instruction to each student’s reading level to provide personalized and effective literacy development.
“The students are always eager to learn, and they arrive at the clinic excited and motivated,” said Ashley Johnson, Associate Professor of Education and Fieldwork Coordinator at UMO.
“One student even tells his parents he’s ‘going to college’ when he comes for his tutoring sessions,” said Johnson. “It’s inspiring to see both the academic growth and the confidence these young learners are developing.”
The new funding — almost three times the original grant amount — will support several major upgrades, including expanded small group tutoring, a new summer reading camp, stipends for lead teachers, a partnership with Carver Elementary School, and efforts to widen the clinic’s impact across Duplin and Wayne counties.
“The continued generosity of the Anonymous Trust allows us to expand our reach, deepen our services, and ultimately impact more students and future educators,” Johnson said.
In an announcement made last week by House of Raeford Farms FLOCK, the Rose Hill non-profit celebrated a record-breaking fundraising achievement by Camp Corral totaling $80,479. The amount raised was possible with the help of a $30,000 matching gift donated by FLOCK.
The funds will enable 64 children of wounded and fallen service members to attend a week-long summer camp in Raleigh designed to support their emotional and developmental needs.
“FLOCK’s partnership with Camp Corral is fulfilling our mission of helping those who are called to do good, do more,” said Dave Witter, a member of FLOCK’s board of directors, in a news release.
According to the organization, FLOCK has contributed over $94,000 to the non-profit since 2022. Camp Corral provides activities that foster growth, confidence and connection, helping military children form lasting friendships and giving them a safe space to heal, grow and thrive.
“House of Raeford Farms FLOCK has, once again, given America’s military children a week of summer camp and a lifetime of memories,” said Sheri Oberhelman, vice president of development and outreach at Camp Corral. “Their support of Camp Corral’s mission has helped to change thousands of lives over the past several years.”
With over 3,000 campers registered for summer sessions this year, the ongoing support from donors like FLOCK gives kids a chance to find renewed hope. The camp often serves as a transformative milestone, helping children discover their inner strength, develop social skills, and connect with peers who face similar challenges.
“They are strengthening military families one child at a time by giving them a chance to build lifelong friendships, grow in their self-confidence, and realize their own strengths,” said Oberhelman. “On behalf of the entire Camp Corral team and the children we serve, thank you.”
KENANSVILLE — Concerns about hazardous road conditions and infrastructure needs took center stage on June 16 as county commissioners met to approve the FY 2025–26 Budget.
One significant concern raised was the accumulation of grass clippings on roadways after state-contracted mowing. Mayor A.J. Connors voiced the dangers posed by thick grass left on highways, especially after rainfall, which can make roads slippery and hazardous.
“I know the DOT contracts individuals to cut the grass on the side of the road, but by the time they come to cut, that grass is tremendously high, and when they finish cutting it, some of that debris — heavy chunks of that grass — is blown back into the highway. Yet they do not have a sweeper behind them to blow it off,” Connors explained.
He specifically noted that contractors often leave grass debris on the pavement, particularly on Carrolls Road near Highway 24, instead of blowing it onto the shoulder.
“It is a concern because it does get very slippery as bad as it’s been raining lately,” said Connors.
Commissioner Elwood Garner relayed a resident’s complaint regarding water backing up into a yard on Tram Road.
“Don’t know if it’s a culvert stop or an outflow stop, but water backing up in his yard next to the highway,” he told the board.
Chairman Dexter Edwards also relayed a resident’s complaint. This was about White Flash Road, where a beaver dam was removed a few months ago. Residents have noted that water is once again backing up toward the road.
“I’ve not been over to see it, but that’s what residents called and told me… Sounds like the beavers have gone back to work,” said Edwards. County Manager Bryan Miller was asked to
forward these issues to the Department of Transportation for further investigation.
The board then reviewed the fiscal year 2025–26 Duplin County budget. Miller explained to the board that since the public hearing on June 2, an additional $471,794 was added and offset by ad valorem revenue. This amount will be allocated primarily for insurance, equipment, personnel, and a capital improvement project at Duplin Commons — while maintaining the current tax rate of $0.58 per $100 valuation and fund balance of $7.7 million. The board adopted the budget unanimously.
In other business:
Miller shared that ticket sales for the Aug. 22 concert featuring Scotty McCreary at the Duplin Events Center are strong.
The board authorized the county manager to sign an amendment to the Daniels and Daniels agreement for two shell buildings at the airport and SouthPark. This amendment sets a guaranteed project maximum amount of $5.6 million based on contractor bids, which have already been received.
The board voted to reschedule their first July meeting to July 14.
KENANSVILLE — Duplin County Senior Services held an elder abuse awareness event on June 11 to educate the community about issues affecting older adults.
The day began at the Duplin County Senior and Veteran Services building with an Elder Abuse Walk. Staff and volunteers showed their support by wearing purple, the official color for elder abuse awareness. Participants walked around the Duplin Commons trails, which featured signs that highlighted important information about elder abuse.
Melisa Brown, Duplin County Senior Services director, told Duplin Journal that 20 people participated in the walk. “One of the 20 is 93 years young,” Brown noted.
Following the walk, seniors had the opportunity to hear from key speakers from Eastern Carolina Council Area Agency on Aging (ECC-AAA) and ECU Health, who presented an informative session on elder abuse. The speakers highlighted warning signs and prevention strategies. According to Brown, there were 50 participants in the morning presentations.
“January Brown and Angelia Pridgen with ECC-AAA are great presenters, and the seniors enjoy the way they portray difficult topics with an easy application of how to avoid and endure whatever comes their way,” said Brown. She also praised Mary Lou Infinito, community outreach coordinator with ECU Health, who discussed advance directives and the importance of advance care planning.
“She will be coming back at another time to provide the advance directives for seniors that have had time to review the packet and speak with their family members,” Brown told Duplin Journal.
Brown shared that the event served as a platform to bring attention to a critical issue while also sharing valuable information to empower both seniors and caregivers. It also emphasized the importance of unity in the fight against elder abuse.
“The real-life examples provided by the presenters really provided the direct impact of the education to empower the community on how to recognize and report suspected abuse,” said Brown. “The seniors were engaged in the conversations and shared how they have been targeted with phone scams, etc.”
In the afternoon, caregivers of family members with dementia, along with staff members who serve seniors at home, participated in Dementia Live empowerment sessions. These sessions aimed to provide a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by individuals living with dementia. Brown reported that 11 participants attended the afternoon session.
“The Dementia Live empowerment allows all staff to have a great level of empathy to support and care for those with Alzheimer’s, Dementia, or memory impairment,” she explained, adding that for the caregivers in attendance, the sessions “helped them understand to some degree how the care recipient feels” and how they can be better able to assist or understand their behaviors.
“Knowledge is power, and it is our goal to love and support in the process,” said Brown.
MAGNOLIA — Once seen as a small town struggling to find its footing, Magnolia is now confidently stepping into a new chapter of growth, unity, and community pride. During last week’s board meeting, town leaders reflected on a transformative journey — from a place Police Chief Jerry Wood described as “ a child left behind” to one that is now evolving and thriving.
“We are achieving great things. Y’all are responsible for that. Y’all have the vision and the insight. You want to see Magnolia improve,” said Wood. “Years ago, I didn’t feel like there was a spirit here among some of the folks that were in your positions, that really wanted to see that improvement, that progress in Magnolia. But now, I see it… We’re driving forward.”
A renewed spirit of teamwork and collaboration has emerged among the board, town officials, and the community. The shift is attributed to strong leadership, collaboration and community engagement.
“While you do have some naysayers out there, you’ve got a whole lot more of your citizens that are behind you, people throughout the county. I hear comments all the time about the great improvements in Magnolia and where we’re headed to,” Wood commented on the support from the community. He encouraged everyone to take pride in their contributions.
He also commended the teamwork of the board and town leaders. The sentiment was echoed by nearly every speaker.
The board recognized not only the achievements of town leaders but also highlighted outgoing NC Lead Fellow Marco Barrientos and the police, legal, and administrative staff for their roles in Magnolia’s progress. In addition to infrastructure and financial matters, there was a notable cultural shift toward pride and empowerment within the town.
“In the six months that I’ve been here, this town and the people involved here and all the citizens that I’ve come about have all kind of had the same vision, and I think we’re all moving in the right direction,” remarked Town Manager Charles Banks.
Financial stability was another focal point. The Capital Management Trust currently holds over half a million dollars, ensuring that daily operations are adequately funded.
“We are holding our own and we’re making some really good progress,” Banks noted, indicating that the budget process is nearing completion, allowing for a focus on new projects. Magnolia is effectively managing its resources and is on a steady path of progress.
Mayor Dawn Ward expressed gratitude to Barrientos, highlighting his contributions during his tenure. This meeting was Barrientos’ final official board meeting before his departure on June 26.
“He has been a huge asset,” said Ward. “The work that you have seen is just a small, small snippet of what he has done… We were very blessed whenever we got him as our NC lead fellow and he has truly become part of our Magnolia family.”
The meeting also addressed the importance of community engagement. Plans for a Community Resource Day are underway, along with the establishment of a Community Engagement Committee aimed at increasing resident involvement and awareness of local resources.
The Magnolia Community Engagement Committee will hold its first meeting on June 19 at 6 p.m. at the town hall. Residents interested in serving on the committee are encouraged to attend or contact Mayor Pro Tem Jeanine Cavanaugh.
Attendees were also reminded that the Community Resource Day is scheduled for June 21, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Magnolia park. In closing, Ward emphasized the collective effort required to maintain the day-to-day operations of the town, stating, “It takes all of us, and I appreciate everyone’s efforts.”
In other business
A motion passed to officially close the undeveloped portion of Dogwood Drive in Magnolia. The property will revert to adjoining landowners.
The board unanimously approved a recommendation from Banks to select McDavid & Associates as the lead engineering firm for several upcoming infrastructure projects based on qualifications and experience.
A public hearing was scheduled for June 24 for the Land Use plan. A special meeting to vote on the plan will follow immediately after the hearing.
The board held a public hearing to comply with North Carolina’s Chapter 160D updates. The updates were mostly technical and legal clarifications. No changes to zoning districts or land uses were implemented. The public had an opportunity to comment; no opposition was noted. A motion passed to approve the ordinance updates.
Practical issues like overgrown grass near fire hydrants and broken stop signs are being addressed to ensure public safety and improve the town’s appearance.
Commissioner Eric Graham honored local figures who embody Magnolia’s spirit of generosity and service, reinforcing a sense of community pride.
Officials encouraged residents to attend meetings, stay informed, and participate in upcoming public hearings on the budget and land use plan.
The meeting concluded with a reminder of collective responsibility and optimism about Magnolia’s future.
Jessica Hall was recognized for excellence in livestock programming and producer impact
KENANSVILLE — What started as a college internship for Jessica Hall has developed into a rewarding career supporting livestock producers. Now serving as a livestock agent at the NC Cooperative Extension Duplin County Center, her commitment to the field has recently been recognized with one of the highest honors for young professionals — the NCACAA Young Agent Award.
“I really love the work that I do and the people I get to work with — both staff and livestock/forage producers,” Hall told Duplin Journal.
Raised on a small hobby farm in Benson, Hall brings a deep-rooted passion for agriculture to her role. She helps Duplin County producers navigate modern farming challenges with confidence and care.
For Hall, this award represents more than just recognition; it’s a tangible acknowledgment of her impact.
“It’s nice to know that everyone sees value in the work that we do. I love what I do, and I’m honored to be recognized for it,” Hall shared. “I’ve tried to expand on the existing programs while adding several new ones to serve new populations. I like to think that those efforts have been effective.”
In the last few years, the extension office has introduced programming for horses, sheep, goats, and dairy cattle. These additions have helped attract new audiences and deepened engagement within the community. Collaboration with other agents and university specialists has been central to Hall’s approach, creating more robust and meaningful learning opportunities for producers.
“I really love when I get to partner with other agents and specialists to bring more depth to a program because I always end up learning a lot, too,” said Hall.
Partnerships with county departments and local businesses have also enabled the creation of innovative events, such as equestrian clinics and AI certification courses, aimed at enhancing producer education and operational success.
“We have an amazing team of researchers and specialists at the university that are great about keeping agents updated on new things as they come out and offering us training that we can take out into our communities.”
Jessica Hall, a livestock agent at the NC Cooperative Extension Duplin County Center recently received the Young Agent Award from the North Carolina Association of County Agricultural Agents. Pictured above: Mark Blevins, Jessica Hall, Sarah Kirby, and Matthew Vann. Photo Courtesy NC Cooperative Extension Duplin County Center
Among the most impactful initiatives are innovative programs such as the Small Ruminant Field Day and the Cattle Reproduction School. These efforts combine academic expertise, practical skills, and producer participation to provide cutting-edge knowledge and hands-on experience.
Supporting a wide range of farm operations requires adaptability and a deep understanding of her clients. Whether through text, phone calls, email, or even Snapchat, she meets producers where they are and customizes her outreach accordingly.
“Every farm is different. Whether a huge commercial farm, small homestead, or something in between, it’s about getting to know the people and the operation,” Hall explained. “Our favorite answer in Extension is ‘it depends,’ so I get to say that a lot, but the fun part is diving deeper to help producers identify the factors at play and eventually getting them to the answer they need.”
Her work emphasizes building strong relationships, understanding individual farm goals, and providing practical, research-backed recommendations that align with their realities.
Looking ahead, she believes that producers must remain vigilant and adaptable. Rising input costs, pest pressures, shrinking farmland, and unpredictable market trends are all likely to shape the next five years. Yet, she sees promise in emerging technologies like drones and AI in breeding. Hall also stressed the importance of turning to credible sources like the Cooperative Extension for support.
Hall’s growth as an agent is fueled by ongoing education, including her pursuit of a Ph.D. She credits both Extension’s training resources and her clients’ lived experiences as essential to her development.
“It’s nice to work somewhere that encourages you to continue learning. My clients have also been a huge part of my growth as an agent. Some of these guys have been farming longer than I’ve been alive, so while I may be able to help them out with some things, they’re teaching me, too. That wisdom is invaluable to me,” said Hall.
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