Saturday, June 21, 2025

			
				                                Despite rainy weather, Warsaw celebrated Memorial Day in what many called ‘patriotic fashion,’ from the Warsaw Baptist Church Chancel Choir’s opening performances to the ceremonial laying of a wreath to honor the war dead by David Benton with Warsaw VFW Post 9810. Retired Command Sgt Major William Watson gave a ‘moving’ keynote address, urging all to remember the sacrifices made to preserve faith, liberty and freedom, the James Kenan JROTC presented the colors and John Berry, retired Army, from VFW 9810 played ‘Taps.’ Also on the program during Monday’s celebration was Warsaw Mayor AJ Connors and Warsaw Chamber President Frank Rhodes. Monday’s ceremony was dedicated to the memory of Jerry Allan Carter, a volunteer with Warsaw’s Recreation Department, a veteran and ‘a dedicated friend and volunteer of the Warsaw Chamber who loved participating in and working for the annual Veterans Day Parade. (Sherry Matthews|mountolivetribune.com)

Warsaw celebrates Memorial Day

Despite rainy weather, Warsaw celebrated Memorial Day in what many called ‘patriotic fashion,’ from the Warsaw Baptist Church Chancel Choir’s opening performances to the ceremonial laying of a wreath to honor the war dead by David Benton with Warsaw VFW Post 9810. Retired Command Sgt Major William Watson gave a ‘moving’ keynote address, urging all to remember the sacrifices made to preserve faith, liberty and freedom, the James Kenan JROTC presented the colors and John Berry, retired Army, from VFW 9810 played ‘Taps.’ Also on the program during Monday’s celebration was Warsaw Mayor AJ Connors and Warsaw Chamber President Frank Rhodes. Monday’s ceremony was dedicated to the memory of Jerry Allan Carter, a volunteer with Warsaw’s Recreation Department, a veteran and ‘a dedicated friend and volunteer of the Warsaw Chamber who loved participating in and working for the annual Veterans Day Parade. (Sherry Matthews|mountolivetribune.com)


			
				                                Vietnam veteran Robert Van Wormer salutes the flag he had just placed at the grave of a fellow Vietnam veteran Saturday morning at Oakview (Maplewood) Cemetery. Volunteers were busy placing flags on the graves of veterans ahead of Sunday’s annual Memorial Day observance and Memorial Day on Monday. In the background is his wife Sandra. (Steve Herring|mountolivetribune.com)

Memorial Day speaker offers encouragement to continue to honor a debt that can never...

Robert Van Wormer drove his screwdriver into the hard ground at Oakview (Maplewood) Cemetery; in the hole it left, he placed a small U.S. flag.

Margaret Annette Sutton

Margaret Annette Sutton, of the Suttontown community, passed away peacefully Tuesday afternoon, May 20, 2025, at Mary Gran Nursing Home in Clinton.

Wayne County to pay tribute to fallen warriors in Memorial Day ceremonies

The 2025 “Flags In” and Memorial Day ceremonies will be held Saturday, May 24, to honor the fallen warriors of Wayne County.


			
				                                Wallace Christian Academy students and staff break ground for the new 11,000-square-foot middle school during ceremonies held April 30. The $1.2 million project is expected to be completed for the opening of the 2026-27 school year. (Courtesy photo)

Wallace Christian begins work on $1.2M middle school

WALLACE — Seeds of faith are being planted in the Duplin County soil once again as members of Poston Baptist Church and supporters of its school look toward the future and a $1.2 million building that will, when complete, allow for the acceptance of sixth-graders by the 2026-27 school year.


			
				                                The University of Mount Olive held spring graduation ceremonies last weekend. (UMO Photo)

UMO holds spring commencement ceremony

MOUNT OLIVE — The University of Mount Olive celebrated its 71st Spring Commencement on Friday, May 9, honoring the achievements of graduates from across the country and around the globe. The ceremony, held in Kornegay Arena, marked the culmination of years of study, sacrifice, and perseverance for the Class of 2025.


			
				                                Hundreds of U.S. flags cover the area in front of Dudley Christian Church’s Veterans Rock for last year’s Armed Forces Day observance at the church, 212 O’Berry Rd., Dudley. The public is invited to the church fellowship hall on Saturday, May 10, for an 8 a.m. breakfast and then to help place the flags for this year’s observance that will be held at 11 a.m. Sunday, May 18, at the church. The public is invited to that event as well. (Photo courtesy Dudley Christian Church)

Public invited to Dudley Christian Church’s annual Armed Forces Day observance and to help...

DUDLEY — The public is invited to Dudley Christian Church’s third annual Armed Forces Day Service Sunday, May 18, at 11 a.m.

Passengerkilled inaccident

An unrestrained front seat passenger was killed in a one-vehicle accident Saturday night on Suttontown Road, some eight miles southwest of Newton Grove.

When we falter in our faith, it’s OK

I can count the many times that I allowed the weight of the world to be on my shoulders, causing my faith to falter. I didn’t want to pray, read scriptures, fast, or even go to church. Everything that was happening in my life, the “Spiritual Warfare” that I was going through, the storm, I had let it in…again. The Bible tells us as Christians in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world (NIV).” As Christians, the one thing that we must remember at the forefront of serving God and living for God is this, we are not going to be without having our own trials and tribulations, but while being followers of Jesus Christ and facing our trials and tribulations of/in this world, we can find peace and encouragement in our faith, knowing that Jesus has already conquered the world and its powers. You may have felt like giving up, or may even still wanna give up, but I am here to tell you today, don’t give up just yet. Before you throw in that towel, remember that Jesus is the towel, so just hold on a little while longer, it is going to get better, no matter what it looks like.


			
				                                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.