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Commissioners consider financial safeguards for solar farms developers

Commissioners consider financial safeguards for solar farms developers

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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 breaks ground on new ag building

Harrells Christian Academy breaks ground on new ag building

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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.

House of Raeford awards $82K in scholarships

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.

Beulaville family turns loss into legacy

Beulaville family turns loss into legacy

BEULAVILLE — May marked the first year since Miley Byrd, a 19-month-old from Beulaville, lost her battle with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome — a condition where the left side of the heart doesn’t form properly. Miley spent much of her life in Duke Children’s Hospital, undergoing two open-heart surgeries and awaiting a heart transplant.

Today the Beulaville community continues to remember the brave little girl whose fight touched so many hearts. Since Miley’s diagnosis, her family — Chelsea and Ryan Byrd, along with her siblings Hudson and Emerson — leaned on their faith and the outpouring of community support. Chelsea, a teacher at Beulaville Elementary, and Ryan, a home health nurse, have transformed their deep personal loss into a mission of hope, support, and legacy for others.

“Learning that Miley was growing in my womb with half a heart was devastating,” said Chelsea. “The journey has been one that has depleted our emotions at times and tested our faith certainly. During the time that Miley was alive, we really chose to place our trust in God that He would sustain her and keep her.”

In the face of adversity, the community became a beacon of hope, where friends, family, and even strangers rallied together, organizing fundraisers, donating leave, cooking meals and sharing words of encouragement. This generosity became a lifeline during long hospital stays.

“Our community really pulled together to support us during the time that we were waiting for Miley’s arrival, and especially during the last hospitalization where we both were out of work, caring for Miley at Duke,” said Chelsea. “It was overwhelming and humbling to see how much our community cared.”

Miley’s story resonated deeply, not only inspiring others but also bringing the community closer.

The Byrds expressed tremendous gratitude for all the support and for genuinely believing in a miracle for Miley. Ryan shared that many people told him that their faith had been reinforced because Miley.

As both parents grief the loss of their youngest child, they hold tightly to the cherished memories she left behind. For Chelsea, it was the awe-inspiring resilience she demonstrated and the little miracles. “The moments that she defied odds,” said Chelsea. “Watching her learn to eat by mouth after relying on a feeding tube and being weak from open heart surgeries, learning to crawl and walk and talk and do all these things sooner than doctor’s thought she would.”

For Ryan, the sweetest memories are wrapped in the sound of laughter as Miley played with her older brothers. “Miley adored her older brothers so much. Watching her climb all over them and go for ‘blanket rides’ will be memories that I will cherish forever,” Ryan explained, adding that even when her little body was weary, “she kept a smile on her face and loved to be silly.”

Miley is pictured with her brothers, Emerson and Hudson, at Duke Children’s Hospital Pediatric Cardiology ICU. Photo Courtesy Chelsea Byrd

Dave Witter, an associate pastor at Beulaville’s Grace Covenant Church, witnessed firsthand how the Byrd family spent countless hours navigating Miley’s care and grappled with the depths of their grief following her death. Their journey, though marked by profound sorrow, has also been filled with an unwavering commitment to honoring Miley’s memory in powerful and meaningful ways.

In honoring Miley, the Byrd family took a significant step by focusing on a project that would leave a lasting impact on other children facing similar struggles. This initiative involved funding and establishing a playroom in the pediatric cardiology ICU at Duke Children’s Hospital, where Miley spent much time. Ryan told Duplin Journal that the idea came about during Miley’s last hospital stay.

“She was feeling well enough to get out of her hospital room for a little while. The nurses got her out of bed and ready to go visit a playroom that was on another floor,” said Ryan, explaining that as Miley was being wheeled down the hallway, one of her doctors came running down to stop them, expressing concern about her leaving the unit.

“From that moment on, we knew it was our mission to see a playroom built on the 3rd floor in the PCICU. With the support of our community, family, and friends, the playroom was able to be completely funded. To see that dream come to fruition has been amazing.”

The room, now a tribute to Miley, was completed and opened in February, with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony led by her brothers.

The portrait of Miley Byrd is displayed in the playroom of the Pediatric Cardiology ICU at Duke Children’s Hospital. The room was dedicated in memory of Miley and it reads: “This playroom was made possible by a generous gift from family and friends of Miley Byrd. In Miley’s honor, let this room remind us to live like Miley — with joy, strength and courage.” Photo Courtesy Chelsea Byrd

“This was a very special moment for Hudson and Emerson. One of their favorite things to do when they visited Miley in the hospital was to play with her. Whether it was in her hospital bed or on the floor of her hospital room, they would make the best of what they could. To see a playroom now in that same unit that she was in and for them to be a part of making it happen is such a perfect way to honor their little sister. The ribbon-cutting, dedication service, and just getting to the playroom firsthand was just the icing on the cake,” said Ryan.

In addition to creating a playroom, the Byrds established the Miracle Miley Research Fund to support research into single ventricle defects. Their goal is to raise $100,000 to help fund advancements that may one day provide more options for families facing similar challenges.

“We saw a problem and knew that we could help [create] a solution,” said Chelsea, expressing that frustration with the lack of research funding for single ventricle defects led to the fund’s creation.

“We had a very generous and big-hearted donor approach us about the Miracle Miley Research Fund and their desire to see it reach its full potential,” said Ryan. “With their contribution, up to $25,000 of donated funds will be matched and will go directly to single ventricle heart research.”

So far, the initiative has garnered significant support, largely thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor who is offering to match donations. This effort has already raised more than $15,000 in just a few days.

Chelsea and Ryan Byrd donated the funds raised during Miley’s journey at Duke Children’s Hospital to build a playroom for other children undergoing treatment. The room, now a tribute to Miley, opened in February. Photo Courtesy Chelsea Byrd

Witter spoke about the family’s commitment to the research fund, emphasizing their understanding of the limitations they experienced due to Miley’s medical condition after their doctors reached the end of their treatment options.

“And for a parent, you can imagine what that’s like to hear those words,” Witter told Duplin Journal, adding that despite the grief they are experiencing, they are doing everything they can to make a difference.

The Byrds told Duplin Journal that their goal with the research fund is to help those born with single ventricle hearts live longer, fuller lives. The family explained that Miley’s anatomy made it challenging for doctors to manage her life support systems, which included ECMO, VAD, a ventilator, and dialysis.

“Many complications arose due to her ‘Glenn Anatomy.’ We know that currently, research is being done in specific areas of single ventricle heart defects,” the family shared. “We hope that ground-breaking discoveries are made that directly improve lives and increase the lifespan of those living with SV hearts.”

Honoring Miley’s life has brought a newfound purpose for the Byrd family as her story continues to make a difference, transforming grief into hope and a legacy that supports medical advancements that may change the future for other families.

“Miley meant so much to so many people. To see her life and memory continuing to make such an impact on people’s lives is incredible,” said Ryan, adding that God is using her life to make a difference in ways that they could have only imagined.

“Never stop believing for a miracle, even when it doesn’t come in the way you had hoped for or expected,” said Ryan. “Every day that Miley lived was a miracle. God’s hand was on her life until her very last breath. Now Miley is healed and whole and in Heaven, and in the words of my son Emerson, ‘she’s in the best place ever.’”

Visit this link to learn more about the Miracle Miley Research Fund.

Magnolia shares proposed budget for fiscal year 2025–26

Magnolia shares proposed budget for fiscal year 2025–26

MAGNOLIA — Last week, Town Manager Charles Banks presented the proposed Fiscal Year 2025–26 Budget for the town of Magnolia.

He shared that the Water and Sewer Fund is balanced at $665,000, with no changes to water or sewer rates. The only increase is a $2 monthly rise in the in-town garbage collection fee, rising from $23 to $25 per month. This increase helps cover the rising costs of trash collection services, which jumped from $72,000 to an estimated $90,000.

Water and sewer hookup fees will remain at $1,250, with no increases in actual usage rates. Nevertheless, penalties such as the $50 late fee and $40 reconnection fee will still apply.

“We’ve heard a lot of comments from citizens, from the county, and from other counties about reevaluations going on in the town. So we have tried to be fair, trying to still do what we need to do for the town itself, but also keeping ultimately our citizens and our customers in our thoughts,” said Banks. “I know that the valuation has stunned a lot of people; it’s hit a lot of people hard. And hopefully it will not come to that in the town again.”

Banks shared that county leadership is considering moving to 4-year valuation cycles instead of eight, as this would provide a more gradual adjustment to ease future burden.

“We tried to keep everything flatlined and as close to what we did this year to not have any increases, other than the valuation and the tax revenue and the $2 garbage can for in-town. That is the only changes that will be made between the 2024-25 and the 2025-26 fiscal year budget,” Banks explained.

The town’s finances are in solid shape, with over $88,000 in reserves and more than $500,000 in a Capital Management Trust. The town is allocating $391,835 for general government operations, $272,343 for Public Works and the Police Department, $94,275 for streets and $34,800 for the contract with the fire department. Banks shared that small amounts will be set aside for community events like the Christmas celebration, upkeep of the Heritage Garden, and improvements to the community center and the park.

“We are trying to invest in our Recreation Department and doing things for our parks and our community,” Banks explained.

Mayor Dawn Ward thanked Banks and the board for their hard work.

“We’ve tried to put something together that we feel is, as I shared with my mayor’s advisory council last night, physically responsible for the town. While we weren’t able to add as much as we would have liked to, the pie is only so big, we did try to add some new dollar amounts for recreation, the gym, and the park,” she explained.

In other business:

  • The board accepted a resolution recognizing May 11 through May 17 as Police Week, honoring the Magnolia Police Department’s role in maintaining public safety and fostering community welfare. It was also resolved that May 15, Peace Officers Memorial Day, would be a special day of remembrance in Magnolia.

  • Police Chief J.T. Wood presented the family of late officer Mark Mobley with a special plaque to commemorate Mobley’s service with the Magnolia PD.

    The above plaque was presented to the family of the late Magnolia Police Officer Mark Mobley during the monthly board meeting on Tuesday. Courtesy Magnolia Police Department

“Mark was not only a valued member of the Magnolia Police Department, but to me, he was a valued friend. I’ve known him all my life,” said Wood. “He would go out of his way to help. That’s the type of person he was, and he was a great man.”

  • Mayor Dawn Ward recognized Elier Marquez, a Wallace-Rose Hill High School senior from Magnolia, for his remarkable accomplishments and presented him with a certificate of recognition for his outstanding success.

  • The board scheduled a public hearing for chapter 160D zoning ordinance updates for the next regular board meeting on June 10. The updates are intended to bring Magnolia into baseline compliance with North Carolina state law.

  • A motion to accept $92,500 in funding for a Lead Service Line Inventory was approved unanimously. Inventory will focus on properties built before 1987. The project is part of a larger effort tied to previously won infrastructure grants to comply with federal and state mandates to identify possible health hazards by locating any lead pipes in the town’s water system.

  • Chief Wood provided departmental updates and shared that there has been a spike in break-ins, including business burglaries and larceny from vehicles.

“These activities that have been happening are not something that Magnolia is used to,” said Wood. He explained that some homeless people outside of town have wandered into Magnolia in recent months, but authorities are working on relocating them. Also, some break-ins are linked to cases in Warsaw and Wallace. Wood stated that a suspect has been identified across multiple jurisdictions and charges are pending.

“I would like to encourage citizens to remove items from your vehicle, anything that might be of value… A lot of times, they look for open vehicles or buildings because those are easy targets. … If you’ve got cash registers, we ask that you remove cash from them, and leave them open,” said Wood, explaining that this would deter thieves if they see that the cash register is empty.

Wood urged residents to stay vigilant.

Warsaw partners with Tetra Tech for wastewater plant expansion

Warsaw partners with Tetra Tech for wastewater plant expansion

WARSAW — The Town of Warsaw is beginning a project to expand its wastewater treatment plant, which will require an updated NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) permit. To secure this permit, the town is collaborating with Tetra Tech, an environmental consulting firm, to monitor and model the stream where treated wastewater is discharged.

Last week, at the town board monthly meeting, Town Manager Lea Turner addressed questions about Tetra Tech’s modeling plan and requested board approval for Phase 2 of the project.

The modeling plan that they have presented does give multiple sites of testing,” explained Turner. “It is a huge scope of work. However, it is flexible. …They will be working very closely with the state to make sure that we don’t do any extra work than what we absolutely have to have.”

Turner explained the plan’s scope, noting that it involves 12 water monitoring sites, although the number may be reduced based on initial findings. According to Turner, the model being developed will offer a detailed picture of current stream conditions and simulate how projected increases in water flow from the expanded plant could impact the environment.

“It will capture the existing conditions and be able to provide somewhat of a dashboard to trigger different scenarios of impact, to show the impact of proposed flow and what that expansion could look like,” said Turner, noting that they want to make sure they are not doing anything that could harm the creek or “give it more than it can handle.”

According to Turner, some initial sampling has already been conducted, but more data is needed to create a comprehensive model. Tetra Tech will also assist the town in seeking funding resources.

“They had to come in and do test sites initially to find out where we would be best to get this data from, so there has been some sampling that has taken place, but not to the detail of where we can give an accurate model of what the needs are and what the stream will hold for the expansion,” Turner explained.

Commissioner Albert Searles raised concerns about the project’s timing and funding. However, Turner clarified that delaying this step would set back the permitting process by at least a year, which is already expected to take around five years to complete. Once issued, the permit will be valid for five years. She noted that the model can accommodate current and future conditions, making this an optimal time to proceed.

Funding for the project is anticipated to come from grants, surcharges, and payments made by C2 Energy, which had previously reserved sewer capacity with the town and agreed to reimburse it.

“When C2 came on and did a conditional use permit with the town, they promised to pay back capacity because we held capacity for them for such a time,” explained Turner. “And so that would be what would be used to fund this. Their payback and other grant opportunities.”

The board approved the Phase 2 scope of work, allowing Tetra Tech to move forward. The expansion of the town’s wastewater capacity will support future growth and development.

In other business:

  • The town officially recognized June 1 as Stand for our Children Day. The resolution highlighted child welfare issues, violence statistics and education disparities.

  • DreamWorks reported steady growth in its fitness facility. Community engagement increased through programs like the “Power Challenge,” won by Malik Sharp, pulling a total of 1,370 pounds.

  • Security and safety were also briefly discussed. A question was raised about the limited camera coverage at the back of the DreamWorks building, particularly facing Yancey Street. The town manager and fitness center leadership acknowledged the concern and agreed to evaluate whether more cameras should be added.

  • The Parks and Recreation Department also shared updates, noting a successful April highlighted by the annual Easter Egg Hunt, which attracted about 250 participants. Preparations for summer events are underway, and interest is already growing, as seen through early calls and sign-ups. The department also attended a chronic disease prevention meeting focused on making recreational spaces tobacco-free. However, concerns were voiced about applying this rule to adult sports leagues, as Warsaw’s programs differ from school-based youth leagues, where such policies may be easier to enforce.

  • Lastly, recent camera installations around the ball fields and North Street have improved visibility and safety at recreational areas.

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