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By Ena Sellers, Duplin Journal
KENANSVILLE (Feb. 28, 2024) — Members of the Kenansville Area Chamber of Commerce, local leadership and special guests gathered at the Country Squire Restaurant on Feb. 22, for the Chamber’s annual banquet celebration.
Duplin County Manager Bryan Miller and Assistant County Manager Carrie Shields were the guest speakers.
Miller said he was thankful for the warm welcome and the great deal of hospitality he has received since he came to Duplin County last October.
The County Manager shared that he has found the real strength of Duplin County is the sense of community and its residents, adding that Duplin is “doing it right.” Miller shared that he is taking the lead of those who came before him, “and we are going to do it right.”
“Duplin created an incredible fund balance thanks to the Board of County Commissioners, and Duplin did that right… Duplin developed a master plan for Duplin Commons and did that the right way. Duplin had chosen strategically to focus on economic development and agriculture, and did that the right way,” Miller said.
“It was great to see the Kenansville Chamber in action. It was great to see them honoring people from the community that do such a tremendous job, teachers, farmers, firefighters, officers, medical personnel… to see them go out of their way to recognize everyday heroes was great.”
Kirk Tripp, Paul Phillips, Hannah Bell, Richard Barden, and Luis Arellano were presented with awards for their outstanding contributions and service to the county and the Town of Kenansville. Each of the five honorees also received a $50 gift card.
Officer Tripp was awarded Outstanding Officer of the Year, Phillips was recognized as the Outstanding Farmer of the Year, Bell was awarded Outstanding Teacher of the Year, Barden received Outstanding Firefighter of the Year, and Arellano was named Outstanding Medical Personnel of the Year.
Miller said he was proud of the awardees and thankful for their service to the county.
“They are incredible people,” said Miller. “We should all be so thankful.”
The County Manager also shared updates on the construction projects at the Duplin Commons, which are moving fast.
“The scheduled completion date for the Senior and Veteran Services Center is December,” said Miller. “That’s tracking along perfectly. Daniels and Daniels, the construction folks, they are doing such a wonderful job, and they are keeping everything on track.”
Miller told the Duplin Journal that the transportation building was about to receive its certificate of occupancy and as soon as it did, they would start moving furniture into the building.
“Hopefully we’ll get them (the employees) in that building within the next two or three weeks,” said Miller, adding that the “animal services center should receive their certificate of occupancy within the first two weeks of March. So, we are going to have a lot coming online really, quickly.”
Miller added that with all these new facilities, the county will be able to provide better services to the residents. “Our residents will be better cared for. The services will be better,” said Miller.
“We’ll finally be able to give the residents what they’re paying for with their tax dollars.”
According to Miller, while they don’t have a date set for the new detention center groundbreaking, they anticipate a contract will be presented to the board in March.
“We do expect that at the latest, the second meeting in March,” said Miller.
