Duplin Sports

KENANSVILLE — The Duplin County Board of Commissioners held its annual organizational meeting this month, unanimously electing Commissioners Dexter Edwards as chairman and Elwood Garner as vice chair for 2026.

The board also unanimously approved refinancing of the county’s 2016 Limited Obligation Bonds after receiving updated interest rate information. The newly secured 3.41% fixed rate, down from roughly 5%, will save Duplin County over $1.2 million during the remaining 10-year repayment period. A public hearing drew no objections.

According to meeting documents, these bonds were issued in the amount of $52,640,000 to finance the cost of improvements to B.F. Grady Elementary School, Kenansville Elementary School, Rose Hill – Magnolia Elementary School, Wallace Elementary School, Warsaw Elementary School and North Duplin Elementary School.

Sheriff Statton Stokes presented retirement plaques to First Sgt. Benjamin Parrish, Sgt. Randy Forster, Chief Deputy Philip Humphrey, and Janice McCallop, who was not present.

“I’d like to thank the board for allowing us to be here and passing out these awards. It means a lot for county employees and especially the Sheriff’s Office to be able to highlight people who gave their blood, sweat, and tears to the county and the citizens,” said Stokes.

Parrish was the first officer recognized for his service to Duplin County. He also received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. In his remarks, Parrish reflected on more than three decades of service, beginning with the Coast Guard in 1987, followed by two deployments to Iraq with the North Carolina National Guard in 2003 and 2007. Alongside his military service, he worked in law enforcement across several agencies before settling in Duplin County.

“This is where my forever place is and my boys are right here in the school system,” said Parrish.

Forrester was honored next for his service from 2003 to 2024 and received the Old North State Award. In brief remarks, he expressed gratitude for the privilege of serving Duplin County residents and credited his faith and community for their support.

Humphrey followed, receiving recognition for his service from 1996 to 2025 and was presented with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. Humphrey thanked God and the community for the opportunity to serve. He reflected on his military and law enforcement career.

“I’m thankful and I’m blessed, and I’m so grateful that Georgia Garner gave me a chance to be right here to work with Jesse Dowe on the road,” said Humphrey.

Interim County Manager Lisa Hughes announced several upcoming county events and introduced an Eagle Scout project presented by the son of judges Henry and Melissa Stevens. According to Hughes, the proposed project would add QR-coded historical information to courthouse portraits, and received the board’s support.

Hughes also notified the board that the U.S. Mint’s discontinuation of penny production may affect departments handling cash transactions. Commissioners authorized a temporary policy to round totals down to the nearest nickel in the event of a coin shortage.

In other business

The board adopted its 2026 meeting schedule. Meetings will be held on the first Monday of each month at 6 p.m., and on the third Monday of May and June at 6 p.m. If county offices are closed due to a holiday or adverse weather, the meeting will be held on the next business day.

KENANSVILLE — The chill of winter is here and for many, so are the high energy bills. For some households across Duplin County, that could mean a first peek at a room with drafty windows, aging heaters or a system running overtime. Thanks to the state’s Energy Saver North Carolina program, Duplin homeowners and renters now have access to rebates for upgrades that make homes warmer and cheaper to run.

The  Energy Saver initiative helps cover the cost of upgrades such as heat pumps, insulation, high-efficiency windows and doors, and energy-efficient appliances, while also supporting local businesses and boosting the local economy.

The program, launched by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality earlier this year and officially opened to Duplin County households in November and offers more than $208 million in federally funded rebates.

Energy Saver NC consists of two components: Homeowners Managing Efficiency Savings (HOMES) and Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR).

HOMES provides up to $16,000 for home improvements such as air sealing, high-performance windows/doors and energy-efficient HVAC units. HEAR covers up to $14,000 for electric appliances like heat pumps, water heaters, stoves, wiring and insulation. These rebates can often be combined with federal tax credits (like the federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit) and some utility incentives, as long as stacked incentives do not exceed the project cost.

Eligibility is based on household income. In Duplin County, a two-person household earning up $48,900 or a four-person household earning up to $61,100 may qualify for a full rebate, while families earning 80% – 150% of the area median income are eligible for partial rebates. The program targets single-family, owner-occupied or rented homes, particularly in areas with high energy costs or storm impacts. Single‑family homes (including manufactured homes) are the primary target, but tenants can qualify if the property owner agrees.

Approved participants receive a free home energy assessment from licensed Energy Saver NC contractors, who provide recommendations and complete the work once approved.  Applications can be submitted online, by email, phone, or mail, with customer support available weekdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 866-998-8555 or visit energysavernc.org.

The program is currently open to 39 counties and will continue to open to more counties across North Carolina in the future. The program is expected to run through 2031.

Duplin County income eligibility by household size

1 Person 42,800

2 Person $48,900

3 Person $55,000

4 Person $61,100

5 Person $66,000

6 Person $70,900

7 Person $75,800

8 Person $80,700

Boykin demands full accounting of wastewater treatment funds before new budget cycle

WARSAW — Prior to swearing in new leadership, the Warsaw Town Board debated concerns over the ABC Board appointment at its December meeting, with Commissioner Ebony Willis-Wells emphasizing transparency, ethics and public trust in the selection process. While paperwork had been submitted late, she said this alone did not justify removing the item from the consent agenda without discussion.

Willis-Wells emphasized the importance of adhering to North Carolina General Statute. She stressed transparency, proper discussion, and the right of any member to recuse themselves when necessary to ensure public trust and compliance with state law.

“We as a board can do a temporary appointment so that the board can meet properly and then we can come back as well so that the town manager has adequate time to be able to advertise it from a fair standpoint to the entire town body just in case if there is someone else that desires to serve on that board,” said Willis-Wells.

Despite procedural debate, the consent agenda containing the ABC Board appointment and prior meeting minutes was approved by a divided vote. Following the consent agenda, Mayor Wesley Boykin, Willis-Wells, and new Commissioner Cherryl Smith were sworn in, with Commissioner Scotty Smith presenting plaques to outgoing officials Commissioner Al Searles and Mayor A.J. Connors for their service. After taking office, Boykin addressed residents and board members, emphasizing a commitment to building on past successes while addressing lingering issues.

Boykin thanked outgoing Mayor A.J. Connors and Commissioner Al Searles, noting that his goal is not to discredit prior leadership, but to continue and enhance the town’s progress.

“I want to build upon the ideas and successes that this entire board and staff achieved,” Boykin said. “At the same time, I want to address lingering matters in Warsaw that need attention to make the town the best small town in this state.”

He highlighted his personal connection to Warsaw and the drive that brought him home after living in other states, crediting his faith for his return and election.

Boykin detailed his commitment to enforcing all town ordinances and ensuring transparency in government operations. He encouraged board members to review the town charter and code of ordinances and work together to improve existing policies. A major focus of the speech is citizen involvement through the creation of multiple community advisory committees. These committees would provide structured input on administrative oversight, infrastructure and public works, waste and sewage management, community wellness, and community development, including safe and drug-free neighborhoods, beautification, and special events. He stated governance should be done “with” citizens, not “for” them.

Public comment reflected community engagement on collaboration among elected officials, responsible use of public funds, veteran services, youth athletics, and outreach efforts. Departmental updates followed, outlining ongoing programs and services.

Finally, Boykin called for financial transparency, specifically requesting an accounting of funds collected from a prior water bill increase that was promised for wastewater treatment.

“During the last budget cycle, we got on the record that every dime, and the word dime was huge, of the last year’s water bill increase will go to the wastewater treatment plant. So in the next meeting, we need to get a report on how many ‘dimes’ have been collected,” Boykin said.

He stressed accountability over costly audits.

“We asked that question three times,” he said. “The answer came from this board that every dime would be going into that. So we need to get a report. As the budget process begins in January, we need to have a full accounting of where we are. And the only way to get that, outside of that, is a complete forensic audit, which we don’t want to spend money to get that. So we’re going to hold each other accountable. And remember, you’re holding us accountable. And we hold staff accountable.”

The new mayor concluded by emphasizing shared responsibility among officials, staff and citizens, expressing gratitude, and offering well wishes for the holiday season.

State inspectors have cited the Duplin County Animal Services Animal Shelter for multiple violations of North Carolina’s Animal Welfare Act, including incomplete euthanasia records, inadequate supervision of dogs, and failure to provide water to several kittens, one of which died, according to state documents.

On Monday, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services issued a $1,700 civil penalty to Duplin County based on violations identified during a Nov. 17 inspection by the department’s Animal Welfare Section. The inspection followed a complaint received one week earlier alleging improper practices at the county-run shelter.

According to the state, inspectors reviewed shelter operations, records and animal care practices for compliance with state animal welfare laws.

Inspectors found the shelter failed to properly document euthanasia procedures. Records for seven animals did not include the route of administration for euthanasia solutions, while computer records for six additional animals contained incorrect information about the method used.

Animal care violations included unsupervised dogs in an exercise area lacking a separate perimeter fence and absence of doghouses for outdoor dogs. Inspectors also cited failures to clean litter boxes twice daily, sanitize water bowls with hot water and disinfectant, and document social interaction and enrichment for animals held long-term. In addition to the civil penalty, the shelter received a written warning for other violations, including a broken electrical outlet in the dog kennel room, improper storage of cat isolation bedding, and missing thermometers in multiple cat areas. 

Fines included $200 for euthanasia documentation errors, $200 for unsupervised dogs, and $500 for the incident involving water deprivation of kittens. The agency also issued a written warning for sanitation, storage and record-keeping deficiencies. The department noted that continued or repeated violations could lead to fines of up to $5,000 per violation and potential suspension or revocation of the shelter’s registration.

“Our animal welfare section is working with county and shelter administration to improve compliance with the animal welfare act and make things better for the future at the shelter,” said Patricia Norris, Animal Welfare Section director. “Our inspection staff will continue to follow up with shelter staff as they work on improvements.”

Duplin County has 60 days to pay the penalty or file a contested case petition with the North Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings. 

Interim County Manager Lisa Hughes confirmed to Duplin Journal that the county is reviewing the notice and has requested for the state to consider a settlement. She said protocols and procedures had already been revised before the notice was received. Hughes did not respond to questions regarding possible disciplinary action following the state’s findings, citing she “cannot discuss personnel matters.”

An AWS spokesperson told Duplin Journal that Duplin County Animal Services requested Veterinary Assessment Training from the Animal Welfare Section. “This request has been granted, and the training should be scheduled soon.”

The AWS spokesperson highlighted that the current violations at the animal shelter didn’t involve veterinary assessments. “In this case the shelter is going above and beyond to get extra training for their staff,” she explained.

The new findings come as critics raise concerns about what they describe as a broader pattern of irregularities at the shelter.

Former county employee Hope Tucker, who reported concerns to the state, told Duplin Journal that a shelter employee routinely mishandled euthanasia procedures. She alleges the said employee was protected by shelter management claiming that they could not afford to lose anyone due to staffing limitations. While those allegations have not been substantiated by state inspectors in the enforcement action issued this week, the department noted a failure to properly document euthanasia procedures.

Tucker alleged that in one instance five dogs were sedated and left unattended long enough to begin regaining consciousness before being re-sedated and euthanized. Tucker also alleged that prior to her termination, at least two dogs were euthanized before completing the state-mandated 72-hour holding period.

One was a female dog named Nanisca, who Tucker says was friendly, healthy and adoptable. She alleges that after an employee euthanized the wrong dog, Nanisca was labeled as aggressive to conceal the error.

Tucker also alleges that Jericho, a dog still within the legally required holding period, was euthanized for “time and space” reasons.
“He was patient, loving, healthy and full of life,” she explained, adding that five dogs had been on the adoption floor for nearly a month past their time, in addition to a few aggressive dogs they had in the back.

Intake documents reviewed by Duplin Journal describe Jericho as friendly and playful.

Gretchen Kozen of Duplin County Animal Advocates, also corroborated in an email sent to Duplin Journal, with shelter documents, that the 10-month-old mixed breed puppy, was euthanized without being made available for adoption.

“I would love to know why he was given shots, dog tested and approved for adoption, only to be killed in four days,” said Kozen. “The euthanasia of the wrong animals needs to stop. Duplin County deserves better than this.”

Former employee and local rescuers report altered records, retaliation, and animal-care lapses as regulators confirm an active probe

KENANSVILLE — The Duplin County Animal Services Shelter is once again under scrutiny as the N.C. Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services Animal Welfare Section confirms an active investigation following allegations of irregular practices involving shelter operations.

Hope Tucker, formerly a medical and intake specialist at DCAS, believes she was fired in retaliation for raising concerns about animal welfare issues. Tucker said she was told she was dismissed for using a racial slur.

On Nov. 3, four days before Tucker’s termination, Duplin Journal received a tip about potential misconduct at the shelter; the source claimed an employee had raised multiple concerns but was afraid to go on the record for fear of retaliation. On Nov. 6, Duplin Journal received a complaint sent to AWS and forwarded to multiple media outlets, pleading for the agency to investigate and interview employees privately. Tucker was fired the following day.

“I was terminated from my job without any prior notice,” she said.

Tucker has since agreed to go on the record and filed her own formal complaint with state regulators alleging altered documentation intended to hide staff errors, improper euthanasia practices and retaliatory behavior toward employees, rescues and advocates who question shelter practices. Duplin County Interim County Manager Lisa Hughes declined to comment beyond confirming that state inspectors visited the shelter on Nov. 17.

The shelter has faced similar scrutiny before. Duplin Journal investigated prior violations and interviewed other witnesses to learn more.

AWS investigated DCAS last year after a complaint alleged failures to vaccinate animals within 14 days of intake, lack of veterinary care for an injured dog and lack of required shade in outdoor areas, resulting in a $1,000 fine.

An April 1, 2024, inspection report obtained by Duplin Journal noted that the then shelter director told the state inspector that “the shade cloths were being installed later that day. As of the July 18, 2024, site visit, the shade cloths were not installed and a review of the purchase documents showed that the shade cloths were not ordered until June 18, 2024, with a delivery date expected to be 8-10 weeks from the order date.”

The same report documented that kennels housed kittens with signs of communicable disease among the general population. On a July 24 follow-up visit, inspectors found five more kittens showing symptoms and confirmed that a cat named Hamza remained unvaccinated despite direct instruction from the inspector to administer a rabies shot.

Documents shared with Duplin Journal show that Duplin County formally requested that civil penalties be rescinded, arguing that some violations occurred under mitigating circumstances. The county said kittens displaying disease had already been treated with antibiotics and showed improvement, rabies vaccination for some animals was delayed based on veterinary recommendations, and supply-chain issues delayed installation of required shade cloths.

The county highlighted several operational improvements, such as creating a new management position for Animal Services and appointing longtime shelter employee Samantha Lane as the interim director to address administrative deficiencies. As part of a proposed resolution, the county requested to accept responsibility only for the $200 penalty related to Hamza’s missed rabies vaccination. Additional documentation reveals that in November 2024, state officials agreed to reduce the shelter’s fine and placed the remaining $800 on a one-year hold. This hold is contingent upon no new violations occurring within that period, as any new violation would trigger immediate payment of the fine.

An email from a member of the Duplin County Animal Advisory Board shared with Duplin Journal shows a member recommending to ban individuals/volunteers from the new shelter before it opened, and recommended creating a list of acceptable rescue groups they “feel will be helpful” to their cause.

Geri Romain, executive director of Wagon Tails Farm, told Duplin Journal that rescues and community members who speak out are met with resistance rather than cooperation.

She described several incidents, including being denied access to a cattle dog mix named Baz, whom they were trying to place. Romain said that staff informed her that Baz was dangerous and was scheduled for euthanasia. She also noted that the next day, another rescue inquired about Baz, only to be told he was “an asshole” and wasn’t going anywhere. When she pressed further to take him in, her request was initially denied. However, after insisting on speaking to a supervisor, her request was ultimately approved.

“He’s the best behaved dog of our entire pack — it turns out, he had a crushed pelvis and was in pain while at the shelter,” she explained.

Romain also recounts rescuing two puppies who tested positive for parvo; despite notifying the shelter, DCAS allegedly took no action. “They simply said they would consult their vet.”

The shelter later euthanized a puppy with the disease and closed to the public for two weeks.

“I, personally, commented that it was a shame that they knew Parvo was in the shelter and chose to do nothing until a puppy had to be euthanized,” said Romain. “Immediately, all communication from the shelter ceased.”

Romain said her rescue was later banned from pulling animals.

“It’s a shame that the only rescue based in Duplin County is banned from helping our local county shelter,” Romain added. “Why are they so concerned with who can and can’t come in and what they might find?”

Concerns over recordkeeping and veterinary care mirror findings from a 2023 AWS investigation into the shelter’s handling of a dog named Gigi, after a complaint surfaced regarding inaccurate medical records.

Investigators found multiple inconsistencies, “including the absence of documentation for a second heartworm test that shelter staff said had returned a positive result. The only recorded heartworm test, which was conducted on July 27, 2023, showed the result to be negative for heartworms,” stated the report. Investigators also discovered that entries were added to Gigi’s medical record three days after her adoption and included an inaccurate notation stating she appeared “normal” on a date when she was no longer in the shelter’s custody.

Additional issues included gaps in medication logs, conflicting dosage instructions and failure to detect a chronic ear infection. AWS concluded that the shelter had not maintained required medical records, failed to ensure timely veterinary care and did not fully disclose the dog’s medical condition to the adopter. The shelter was fined $350