Duplin Journal

09/18/2026

DSS reports that it’s experiencing issues with their phone lines. Offices will remain open during regular business hours.

Duplin County Consolidated Health and Human Services – Social Services Division (DSS) is still experiencing an issue with its phone lines. The office will remain open and continue to provide services.

During normal business hours (8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.):
‣To report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a child: Please call DCHHS-SS at 910-271-4985.
‣To report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an adult: Please call DCHHS-SS at 910-271-4038.
‣For Economic Services please call 910-282-5192. Due to an increased call volume you may experience an extended wait time.

After normal business hours:
‣To report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a child or adult, please call the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office at 910-296-2150.

You can also apply for economic services online through NC ePASS at https://epass.nc.gov.

We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to resolve the issue.

09/17/2026

A man was fatally shot late Tuesday night near Rodney Lanier Road and Durwood Evans Road, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
Authorities say a traffic stop led to a chase and foot pursuit. According to authorities Master Trooper Connor Davis was assaulted during a struggle before firing his weapon. The man died at the scene.
Davis was hospitalized with broken bones and injuries and placed on administrative leave following protocol. The victim has not been identified. The investigation is ongoing.

Update: the man was identified as Bryan Saldivar-Hernandez,27.

09/11/2026

09/11/2026

Bear spotted in the Pinecrest neighborhood in Kenansville. Town officials are asking the public to take precautions and do not approach it.

🚨 Attention Residents 🚨
We want to make you aware that a bear has been spotted in a residential area of Kenansville. Please remain alert and take the following precautions:

- If you see the bear, do NOT approach it.
- Do NOT feed the bear.
- Keep a close eye on children and pets while outside.
- If possible, keep your pets indoors at night.

This post is not intended to create fear or alarm about local wildlife in our area. Our goal is simply to keep our citizens informed and to remain vigilant. Please give the bear plenty of space and allow it to move along safely.

08/31/2026

Breaking News

The suspect in Sunday night's shootings in Magnolia has been captured.
Magnolia Police Chief Jerry Wood confirmed that Gerardo Olvera was taken into police custody in Hoke County.
More information will be reported as it becomes available.

08/31/2026

Police searching for Magnolia man in aftermath of shootings

Law enforcement officers are searching for a Magnolia man following a shooting that left one person dead and two others seriously injured Monday morning.
Magnolia Police Chief Jerry Wood confirmed that authorities are searching for Gerardo Olvera, 53, of Magnolia, in connection with the aftermath of a shooting Sunday evening in the 400 block of E. Sandy Street in Magnolia.
One victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Two other victims were airlifted to the hospital.
The Magnolia Police Department, Duplin County Sheriff's Office and North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation are conducting the search for Olvera.
The SBI has released a photograph of Olvera, as well as a photograph of a Ford Flex that he is believed to be driving. Olvera should be considered armed and dangerous, according to an SBI news release.

He was last seen around 8:16 p.m. Sunday near I-95 Northbound in Benson, driving a grey Ford Flex with North Carolina registration RHZ7826.

If you see Olvera or this vehicle, do not approach him. Instead, call 911 immediately and report the location.
More information will be reported as it becomes available.

08/26/2026

Did anyone see Dolly Parton perform in Duplin? Share your memories.....

08/22/2026

STATUS OF JSCC PRESIDENT IN QUESTION

Dr. Shannon Hair, president of James Sprunt Community College, has been placed on administrative leave by the school’s board of trustees. The action was confirmed to Duplin Journal by JSCC board chair Anita Powers.
“We have appointed an acting president, someone to take the role until we’re able to take the next step in terms of finding an interim,” Powers told Duplin Journal.
She said the acting president is Jeff Taylor, who has served as JSCC’s Associate Vice President of MIS, according to the staff directory.
Due to personnel privacy laws, Powers was unable to give a reason for the board’s action.
Considering Powers says the board will now seek an interim president, it calls into question how long Hair will be on administrative leave or if he will remain as president of JSCC. He assumed the role in February of this year after the retirement of longtime president Dr. Jay Carraway.

08/10/2026

Brittany Boltinhouse challenges Miss North Carolina USA title removal in court.

Brittany Boltinhouse announces legal action over stripped Miss North Carolina USA title August 10, 2026 Ena Sellers News Brittany BoltinhouseThe battle over Brittany Boltinhouse’s Miss North Carolina USA 2026 title is moving to court. Her attorney, Patrick Mincey, says Boltinhouse is pursuing lega...