Duplin Journal

04/29/2026

MISSING PERSON

The Wallace Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in locating a runaway juvenile. The juvenile is described as:

Name: Madalyn Rose Neal
Age: 15 years old
Race: White
Gender: Female
Height: 5 feet 7 inches
Weight: 100 lbs.

If anyone has information concerning the whereabouts of Madalyn Rose Neal contact the Wallace Police Department at 910-285-2126. The image that is attached is the most recent photograph available depicting Madalyn Rose Neal.

04/17/2026

A fast-moving fire threatened multiple structures Thursday morning on High School Road near Teachey. Dispatched around 10:05 a.m., crews from Teachey Fire Department arrived to find a camper fully engulfed, with flames already spreading to a nearby outbuilding and endangering another. Firefighters from the Rose Hill and Wallace fire departments quickly joined the attack, working to contain the blaze and protect surrounding property.
No injuries were reported according to Teachey Fire.
Photos by Teachey Fire

04/08/2026

Duplin County celebrated some truly special people Monday night—honoring a volunteer whose quiet kindness has touched generations and recognizing public servants who helped lead the community through hurricanes, a pandemic, and years of growth.
Congrats to Harvey Knowles, who at 95 continues to inspire! He received the Governor’s Volunteer Service Award and will be honored with the Governor’s Medallion Award this May in Raleigh.
Shoutout to retirees Katherine Mitchell, Dr. Elizabeth Griffin, Simone Vann, and Gwenda Swann for their decades of service and lasting impact. Van received the State of the Long Leaf Pine Award, and Swan was presented with the Old North State Award. Visit our website for the story.

https://duplinjournal.com/harvey-knowles-recognized-for-decades-of-service-with-governors-award

04/02/2026

AgFest at the University of Mount Olive brought ag to life last Thursday, with hands-on experiences, industry connections, and a closer look at the careers driving one of North Carolina’s largest industries. Photos by Ena Sellers / Duplin Journal

04/02/2026

Scenes from Faison Farmers Parade 2026. Photos by Rebecca Whitman Cooke for Duplin Journal

04/02/2026

Families gathered at Clement Park in Wallace on Sunday afternoon for Easter in the Park. Egg hunts, games, crafts and visits with the Easter Bunny delighted children and adults alike. Photos by Mark Grady for Duplin Journal

03/19/2026

Mount Olive leadership dispute heads to court.

Commissioner Delreese Simmons has filed a lawsuit alleging defamation.
Simmons claims a 2024 censure effort failed and that officials falsely said otherwise.
But town records show the Mount Olive Board of Commissioners approved a formal censure in a 3–2 vote, citing alleged misconduct, intimidation and disclosure of confidential information.

Simmons denies the allegations, saying he was targeted. He’s now seeking damages and a jury trial. Despite the controversy, earlier this month he was reelected with 85% of the vote and is now serving as mayor pro tem.
For the story, visit

Delreese Simmons seeks compensatory and punitive damages over alleged defamation and interference MOUNT OLIVE — A newly filed lawsuit by Mount Olive Commissioner Delreese Simmons is drawing renewed scrutiny to longstanding divisions within the town’s leadership, raising competing claims about mi...

03/16/2026

Duplin County Schools will be closed Monday, March 16th, for students and staff due to severe weather.

03/12/2026

Mount Olive leaders voted in a special called meeting to strip Mayor Jerome Newton of key powers, sharply limiting his authority. The board made the decision in a closed session after voting to exclude Newton. More to follow.

03/11/2026

Duplin County approves $200K loan to support wastewater upgrades in Warsaw
At the March meeting, the Board of Commissioners approved a $200,000 loan from the county’s revolving loan fund to help Villari Food Group LLC upgrade its wastewater pretreatment system. The $3.27M project aims to reduce strain on Warsaw’s treatment plant, protect 1,000 existing jobs, and create 75 new positions. Commissioners called it a “win-win” for the company and the town of Warsaw, noting it could free up sewer capacity and support future growth. The loan was unanimously approved, allowing the project to move forward.

KENANSVILLE — During the March meeting of the Duplin County Board of Commissioners, one of the key items focused on a proposed $200,000 loan from the county’s revolving loan fund to support a project by Villari Food Group LLC in Warsaw. The loan request was presented by Economic Development Dire...

03/11/2026

Public records dispute in Warsaw
After four months of waiting on public records about Warsaw’s wastewater system, a complaint has been filed in Duplin County Superior Court accusing the town manager of failing to release the documents as required under North Carolina law.
The request follows ongoing concerns about the town’s aging treatment plant — an issue that drew attention after millions of gallons of partially treated wastewater were discharged into Stewarts Creek in 2025.
Town officials say the request was extensive and difficult to complete due to limited staff.

For the full story, visit:

WARSAW — After months of unanswered public records requests, Jessica Thomas, environmental justice chair for the Duplin County NAACP, has filed a complaint in Duplin County Superior Court seeking the release of public records from the Town of Warsaw. According to the complaint, Thomas submitted a ...

03/11/2026

Eric Southerland is emerging as the frontrunner in the Republican race for sheriff, capturing 48% of the vote and positioning himself as the presumptive next sheriff. Meanwhile, incumbent Dexter Edwards secured the Republican nomination for District 2 county commissioner and will face unaffiliated candidate Jessica Thomas in the November general election.
The primary also saw strong voter participation, with turnout surpassing the county’s 2022 midterm primary by more than 1,000 voters. The Duplin County Board of Elections is scheduled to certify the results during Friday’s canvass meeting, officially finalizing the outcome and setting the stage for a closely watched general election this fall. For the full story, visit:

Voters in Duplin County delivered decisive results in local primaries last week, with Eric Southerland leading the Republican race for sheriff. Southerland captured 48% of the vote, emerging as the presumptive next sheriff. "I am humbled by all of the support and forever grateful for everyone that