Tuesday, May 13, 2025

			
				                                James Kenan’s Cal Avent, first base, and Eli Avent, second base, look to work together to advance themselves on the base paths.
                                 Robert P. Taylor|Mt. Olive Tribune

Wallace-Rose Hill outlasts James Kenan in slugfest

WARSAW — In a high-scoring affair on Thursday night, Wallace-Rose Hill edged out James Kenan 16–13 in a dramatic Duplin County rivalry game that featured multiple lead changes, explosive innings, and standout performances on both sides.


			
				                                A festive atmosphere filled the air as a costumed pickle and a contestant in a bright yellow shirt celebrated the start of the pickle eating contest.

NC Pickle Festival provides entertainment for all ages

A festive atmosphere filled the air as a costumed pickle and a contestant in a bright yellow shirt celebrated the start of the pickle eating contest.


			
				                                Jennifer Graham, 6, demonstrates her determination to make her goat, Ballerina, behave during the annual Wayne County Junior Livestock Show held Thursday, April, 24, at the Wayne County Fairgrounds, Dudley. Jennifer is the daughter of Justin Graham of Mount Olive. (Steve Herring|mountolivetribune.com)

Wayne County Junior Livestock Show continues decades of education, fun and family tradition.

DUDLEY — Show business can be tough even for a pig — just ask Baconator.

Kimberly Cuellar balances work, school, and ambition in UMO’s MBA program

CASTLE HAYNE — For Kimberly Cuellar of Castle Hayne, the journey to earning her MBA from the University of Mount Olive has been shaped by personal growth, real-world experience, and a steady pursuit of her goals. Set to graduate on May 9, the 22-year-old earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Management from UMO and is now taking her education and future to the next level.


			
				                                Mount Olive’s newest mural was unveiled during a brief Tuesday afternoon ceremony. Left to right are, Judson Pope, Pope Transport; Al and Deborah Southerland, Men of FIC, Rotary; Pam Brewer, building owner; Dave Sauls, Southern Bank; Lauren Saegar, Steele Memorial Library; Steve Wiggins, Mount Olive Community Development Corp. president; artist Winford Galmon; Jennifer Ricks Merritt, University of Mount Olive; Julie Beck, Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce president; Anna Hinson, Arts Council of Wayne County executive director; Bill Bryan, Mt. Olive Pickle Co.; Barbara Kornegay, Development Corp.; Ed Olive, UMO Agribusiness Center; Lynn Williams, N.C. Pickle Festival co-chair; and Mayor Jerome Newton. (Steve Herring|mountolivetribune.com)

Mount Olive unveils its new UMO Trojan mural just in time for this Saturday’s...

Stand in just the right spot next to the larger-than-life University of Mount Olive Trojan featured on the town’s third and newest mural and he is looking right at you.


			
				                                Patricia McCoy Hill cuts the ribbon Tuesday morning during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new downtown location for her Hilltop Insurance Services and N.C. Realty. Behind Hill is her husband Maurice. Others include Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce officials Edward Olive, chairman, front row, left; Melissa Kilpatrick, immediate past chairman, front row second, from left; Julie Beck, president, front row, third from left; and far right, Leora “Sam” Jones, Chamber ambassador; and Pernell Brickley, second from right, board member. Hill purchased and rennovated the strip shopping area at 212 N. Center St.(Steve Herring|mountolivetribune.com)

Ribbon cutting held for Hilltop Insurance Services and N.C. Realty at its new downtown...

For Patricia McCoy Hill of Dudley buying and renovating a strip shopping area and then relocating her businesses there was a step of faith.

JACKSONVILLE, FLA. — It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Owen James Wilson, Jr. as a result of dementia.


			
				                                Mount Olive town commissioners met in closed session for about an hour on Friday, April 4, to discuss the search for a new town manager. Mayor Pro-tem Barbara Kornegay, who presided over the session, called it a productive session, but could not comment since it involved personnel. (Steve Herring|mountolivetribune.com)

Town board meets in closed session to dicuss town manager search

The Mount Olive Town Board met behind closed doors for about an hour on Friday, April 4, to begin its discussions about the search for a new town manager.


			
				                                Nothing says springtime more than seeing our gardens come alive with color. (NC State Extension photo)

Gardening tips to kick off gardening season

Spring is in the air and we are ready to see our gardens flourish. April is gardening month so enjoy the spring weather with these timely gardening tips.


			
				                                Bob Kornegay

Kornegay named to NC Community Foundation Board

Mount Olive native Bob Kornegay has been named a member-at-large on the North Carolina Community Foundation Board of Directors.