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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.
