Duplin Times

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Duplin TimesFirst female apprentice among latest group of Crown ‘grads’About the time they and their classmates were graduating from high school, three LCPS seniors were “graduating” from a nationally recognized apprentice program with Crown Equipment that has moved them farther down the road to a well-paying job. Cassidy Dumont and Jordan Howard of South Lenoir High School and Ismael Espino of Kinston High School wrapped up the year-long program in June and, with their Crown experience as an anchor, are heading out into the wider world – Ismael to pursue his interest in auto...

Kinston, NC22 hours ago

Duplin TimesWallace man Named Deacon of the YearReverend Mike Vandiver, a deacon at Transfiguration of Jesus Catholic Church, was recently named Deacon of the Year by the State Chaplin of the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic men's organization whose mission is promoting faith, charity, and service. Of 95 deacons in the Diocese of Raleigh, Vandiver was selected for his active involvement in supporting Faith in Action programs as demonstrated by his service to the community and his church. ...

Wallace, NC23 hours ago

Duplin TimesWayne County’s 13-game winning streak comes to an endWINTERVILLE — After some early struggles this season Wayne County found their stride, winning 13-straight games from June 13 to June 28 and winning a conference title along the way; however, their winning streak came to end on Saturday night as they were defeated 7-5 by Pitt County Post 39. The first run of the game didn’t occur until the top of the fourth inning when, with one out and a runner on base, Wayne County’s J. Buckley launched a two-run homer over the fence...

Winterville, NC1 day ago

Duplin TimesSix East Duplin soccer players make the all-district teamThe East Duplin’s girls soccer team made history this season by advancing to the third round of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association state playoffs for the first time in school history. The Panthers also clinched their second conference title in three years and finished the season with a record of 17-6-2. None of these accomplishments would have been possible; however, without the standout performances of starters Anamarie Rodriguez, Rilee Kisler, Elleanna Rogers, Katelyn Jones, Bella Gaby, and Savannah Hill who were recognized for...

Beulaville, NC1 day ago

Duplin TimesFormer Tiger softball player Rachel Blanchard named NCAA academic all-districtCurrent Methodist University outfielder and former James Kenan infielder Rachel Blanchard recently become one of just two Methodist players to make the NCAA Divison III Academic All-District First Team. The award honors the athletes who were voted to have the best combination of on-the-field performance as well as academic performance in the classroom. Ranchel Blanchard was also one of just three Methodist players named to American All-Conference First Team this...

Fayetteville, NC1 day ago

Duplin TimesMount Olive resident opens Fountain of Youth home care facilityA new four bed men’s group home will be opening up on July 1 in Mount Olive. Owner Sadio Sykes, held a ribbon cutting on Friday, June 21 at her business located at 1116 South Church Street in Mount Olive. Five Mount Olive Chamber of Commerce members joined her for a ceremony in front of the home. At the start of the event, Sykes welcomed the crowd and told them what services her business would be offering to the community. ...

Mount Olive, NC1 day ago

Duplin TimesMagnolia offers youth free meals through summer food programMAGNOLIA – The Town of Magnolia is offering free meals and snacks for youths of the age 18 and under this summer. In partnership with the Duplin County Schools Summer Food Program, Magnolia town officials wanted to tackle food scarcity and hunger in the area. The program is offered throughout the summer from Mondays to Thursdays at the Magnolia Town Hall located at 110 East Carroll Street in Magnolia with pick up times starting at 12:30 p.m. when school is out. For more information and sign ups, you can reach the program coordinators at (910) 289-3205 to find out more.

Magnolia, DE2 days ago

Duplin TimesThe Year of Public Schools: 2024Do you remember writing an essay in response to the writing prompt, “What I did this summer”? One month into summer vacation, Duplin County students are already making memories to write about. Although parents will not have to write anything in the fall, they are enjoying time with their children and thinking about the transition to a new grade, a new teacher, or a new school. Teachers are benefiting from a much-deserved break but also planning for the new school year. Administrators are evaluating the past year, anticipating the coming year, and working to have everything ready come August 26....

Nashville, NC4 days ago

Duplin TimesYouth leading the way for environmental justice by championing native and rural voicesThe Commission for Environmental Cooperation held a panel for their thirty-first annual council session following the theme Strengthening Environmental Justice through Community Empowerment on June 25. The youth panel had several guest speakers from North Carolina, Texas, Mexico, and Canada on the topic titled “A Conversation on the Generational Fight for Environmental Justice.” This student and youth-led discussion gave voice to various young adult leaders who work between the engagement...

4 days ago

Duplin TimesUMO librarian Pam Wood has sights set on a new chapterMOUNT OLIVE — University of Mount Olive Director of Library Services Pam Wood will return her final book at Moye Library on June 30. It will mark the end of a 55-year career at the institution that she has called her second home since 1966, when she enrolled as a student at what was then Mount Olive Junior College. “I started working in Moye Library as a cataloger as a freshman,” Wood recalls. “I enjoyed it so much that after obtaining my associate’s degree, I...

Mount Olive, NC5 days ago

Duplin TimesParties for Kennedy, West, Terry denied North Carolina ballot accessThree political parties respectively supporting longshot presidential candidates Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Cornel West and Randall Terry were denied access to North Carolina’s November ballot Wednesday by the state Board of Elections. The board said it would reconsider later in July. We The People, for Kennedy; Justice for All Party, for West; and the Constitution Party, for Terry, on June 3 turned in what they believed to be valid and...

5 days ago

Duplin TimesMan gets 31 years for 2020 shooting, death at Beulaville McDonald'sKEENANSVILLE — A Sampson County man was sentenced to up to 31 years in prison on Thursday for his role in an attempted robbery and shooting that killed one man and injured another in the parking lot of the Beulaville McDonald's in 2020. Antonio Murphy, 29, was convicted by a jury in Duplin County Superior Court of second-degree murder in the death of Randy Anthony Rolla Jr. of Greenville and the shooting of Michael Deangelo Bryant Jr. of Maysville, according to District Attorney Ernie Lee...

Beulaville, NC5 days ago

Duplin TimesJohn Hood: Legislature should avoid pork, fund core programsI acknowledge that one politician’s “wasteful spending” may be another politician’s “strategic investment.” Still, I suspect state Sen. Phil Berger got it right when he blamed the slow start of this year’s budget negotiations on lawmakers’ lack of focus on truly state responsibilities. Berger, president pro tem of the North Carolina Senate, told reporters that House leaders wanted to appropriate not just the $1 billion in revenue surpluses projected for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 fiscal years but as much as $1 billion more from state...

5 days ago

Duplin TimesJacksonville family prepares to celebrate the life of Ida Dixon who is turning 100 in JulyThe name Ida Essiejane Burton Dixon has been the topic of discussion in the Jacksonville community because she has a birthday coming up next month…the big 100! Members of the community that have lived that long have seen many things change and grow. People look to them for wisdom and guidance, and they see the world in a completely different light. “I feel good about it because I know it’s the Lord. I know He has blessed me to be able to live this long...

Jacksonville, NC5 days ago

Duplin TimesJSCC announces approval and start of esthetics continuing education programJSCC recently received a 100% approval score from the North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners for its new Esthetics program. This is one of many new programs JSCC is unveiling, aiming to provide innovative courses that meet the public’s needs and interests. Esthetics has been a growing area of interest for quite some time, and it is an accomplishment for all faculty and staff to see the classroom completed and receive a perfect approval score! “We are incredibly proud to offer this new program...

Jackson, TN5 days ago

Duplin Times4-H holds district competition at the University Mount OliveEach year, 4-H members come together for a day of friendly competition. This year, the University of Mount Olive was the host venue for the Southeast District competition held on Friday, June 14. The all-day event had over 200 participants along with the families that came to support them. During the competition, there were over 30 categories kids could enter such as arts and communications, char grill cook-offs, livestock and dairy competitions, horticulture and much more. ...

Mount Olive, NC6 days ago

Duplin TimesOut and aboutPet Adoption Duplin County Animal Services would like to thank all Veterans (Active and Non-Active), military along with our first responders by offering free adoptions for approved adopters for the month of July. Proof of services is requested. Please come out to 287 Fair Grounds Drive in Kenansville to visit all adoptable cats and dogs. Freedom Fest ...

Wallace, NC6 days ago

Duplin TimesJames Sprunt Nursing Alumni and Rose Hill native breaks records and barriers with National Lifetime Achievement Award at age 37The Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) presented the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award to Clifton Kenon, Jr., DNP, RN, IBCLC, FAWHONN, FAAN last week in Phoenix. The Lifetime Achievement Award is AWHONN’s most prestigious honor for those who have shown exemplary characteristics in the nursing care of women and newborns across the nation and beyond. Dr. Kenon graduated from James Sprunt Community College with an Associate Degree...

Rose Hill, NC6 days ago

Duplin TimesTom Campbell: D-day offers lessons about working for democracyEvery morning when I rise, I see this miniature condiment jar on my dresser. It’s filled with sand from Omaha Beach in Normandy. My “bucket list” trip was extremely emotional, especially viewing the large red, white and blue flag waving over the American cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach. 9,400 crosses symbolize young Americans memorialized there. After a brief ceremony our National Anthem played and many of us joined in singing along. But pride quickly turned to tears when the bugler played Taps. ...

6 days ago