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Dressed to the nines, Sunset Avenue student Honesty Williams performed Etta James' song "At Last" during the school's Black History Month program. (Lauren Williams/Sampson Independent)
Celebrating Black History
Sunset Avenue Elementary School commemorated Black History Month Thursday with a special program in the school’s auditorium. “It’s an annual program that we do,” shared Heather Honeycutt, fourth grade Language Arts teacher and co-organizer of the program. “It helps pinpoint for the students key moments in history that show how far African Americans have come. It helps them understand why they are all able to come to the same school together...
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Chris Berendt/Sampson Independent Lethia Lee, co-chairperson for the Harrells Community Center, talks about the many short and long-term goals for the facility, none of which will be possible without a new roof.
Harrells group seeks county’s help with roof for community building
A Harrells group is seeking funding for roof repairs at the Harrells Community Center, deemed by residents and the county district’s representative as vital to that area of southern Sampson. Lethia Lee, co-chairwoman for the Harrells Community Center, took the group’s request to the Sampson County Board of Commissioners this week. She said the facility on Bland School Road is in need of $10,000 for a new roof for its community center and to...
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A visit to SCC On Feb. 26, Tracy Hatcher’s Teen Living students attended a college work session over on the campus of Sampson Community College. Students and Hatcher offered a special thank you to Oscar Rodrigues, director of admissions, Sharon Herring, school-age instructor,Susan Baxter, department chair of Early Childhood Education, and Perry Gillespie, professional development coordinator for sharing information. Students were encouraged to continue their education after high school and told about the many new programs available for students to take advantage of at the college level. Students left enlightened and excited about soon enrolling in a college course, Hatcher said. (Courtesy photo)
A visit to SCC
On Feb. 26, Tracy Hatcher’s Teen Living students attended a college work session over on the campus of Sampson Community College. Students and Hatcher offered a special thank you to Oscar Rodrigues, director of admissions, Sharon Herring, school-age instructor,Susan Baxter, department chair of Early Childhood Education, and Perry Gillespie, professional development coordinator for sharing information. Students were encouraged to continue thei...
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Chris Berendt/Sampson Independent Council members Marcus Becton and Jean Turlington voted, along with the rest of the Council, to offer $2,500 in incentives over a five-year period for Duplin Marketing Company, a Smithfield Foods subsidiary, to relocate to downtown Clinton.
City OKs economic incentive
The city of Clinton is offering economic incentives to a Smithfield Foods subsidiary to locate in the heart of its downtown, bringing a dozen jobs and a quarter-million dollars in investment with it. The city received a request from Duplin Marketing Company LLC, a subsidiary of Smithfield Foods, for economic development incentives to relocate their office to Clinton. The office would include 12 employees with an average annual salary of $65...
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City school board honors Student of the Month Students of the month from each city school were recognized this week during the Clinton City Schools' Board of Education March meeting. Back row, left to right, are Jayla Whitted of Sampson Middle, Davon Kirby of Clinton High, and Abby Mitchell of Sunset Avenue. Front row, left to right, are Alexis Serrano of L.C. Kerr and Yudelke Escobar Lopez of Butler Avenue. (Lauren Williams/Sampson Independent)
City schools honors Students of the Month
Lauren Williams/Sampson Independent Students of the Month from each city school were recognized this week during the Clinton Board of Education March meeting. Back row, left to right, are Jayla Whitted of Sampson Middle, Davon Kirby of Clinton High, and Abby Mitchell of Sunset Avenue. Front row, left to right, are Alexis Serrano of L.C. Kerr and Yudelke Escobar Lopez of Butler Avenue.
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Basstown Road bridge closing for repair
Motorists traveling in Sampson County will have to find yet another road to travel during March, as Department of Transportation crews work to repair a bridge in the Basstown Road area. According to Shannon Baylor, bridge maintenance supervisor, both directions of Basstown Road (State Road 1827), 0.1 miles north of Grady Road (State Road 1831) will close at 8 a.m. Monday, March 18 and remain closed until Thursday, March 28 at 5 p.m. Baylo...
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Sampson Community College president Dr. Paul Hutchins, far left, and administrators Virginia Lucas, Ann Butler and Dr. Bill Starling gather around a portrait of Dallas Herring that will hang at the college. (Courtesy photo)
NC Community Colleges celebrate Dr. W. Dallas Herring Day
‘North Carolina’s community colleges celebrated the legacy of Dr. W. Dallas Herring on March 6. Dr. Herring, a Duplin County native, is considered the philosophical godfather of the state’s Community College System. As the chair of the State Board of Education in 1963, Herring was instrumental in the creation of the community college system. He may be best known for his belief that education should be available to all and that community colle...
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Clinton City Schools' Board of Education gave their approval this week during their March meeting for the school system to reapply for the 21st Century Learning Center Grant, which funds the Blazing Star Academy after-school program. (Lauren Williams/Sampson Independent)
City school board green lights writing grant
The Clinton Board of Education has given its approval to reapply for the 21st Century Learning Grant, which currently funds the district’s after-school program, Blazing Stars Academy. The grant, which is worth $400,000 and lasts four years, is set to expire in 2014. During this week’s Board of Education meeting, Terrace Miller, director of Special Programs for Clinton City Schools, encouraged members to give their approval, noting that th...
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Tiny, Little, Jr. and Miss Harrells Christian Academy Pageant Friday
Harrells Christian Academy will present the Tiny, Little, Jr. and Miss HCA Pageant Friday, March 8, 7 p.m., in the Joseph Newkirk Auditorium at Harrells Christian Academy. Miss HCA Logan Tart and Jr. Miss HCA Miranda Wells will be giving up their titles. There are two lovely ladies vying for the title of Miss and three vying for Jr. Miss. In addition, there are 15 beautiful young ladies vying for the title of Little Miss and three preciou...
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Chris Berendt/Sampson Independent City manager John Connet requests an amendment to the City Code allowing the Clinton Police Department to assist the code enforcement officer in enforcing the nuisance vehicle ordinance on private property. The Council approved.
Council adds muscle to ridding city of nuisance vehicles
Vehicles that have been serving as a nuisance may soon be disappearing from streets, driveways and yards across Clinton, with extra enforcement authority given to the Clinton Police Department to remove and dispose of those vehicles. The issue was talked about briefly last month, with city manager John Connet announcing a citywide effort to curb nuisance vehicles starting in March. The City Council assisted in moving forward with that effor...
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Lockamy/TEK Chamber’s Member of Week The Chamber Member of the Week is Lockamy/TEK Insurance Agency, Inc. Located at 1940 Hobbton Hwy., Clinton, Lockamy/TEK Insurance Agency, Inc. has been serving the citizens of eastern N.C. since 1995. They offer all lines of personal coverage, commercial coverage, life, health and annuities. For more information, contact Billy C. Lockamy and staff at 910-592-4700, mail@Lockamytek.com or www.Lockamytek.com. Pictured, from left, seated: Ann Gainey, Mavis Hobbs, Cindy Joyner; standing Cindy West, Adrianna Renteria Espinoza, Billy Lockamy and Carson Godwin. For inforamtion about the Clinton Sampson Chamber of Commerce, please contact the Chamber office at 910- 592-6177. (Courtesy photo)
Lockamy/TEK Chamber’s Member of Week
Courtesy photo The Chamber Member of the Week is Lockamy/TEK Insurance Agency, Inc. Located at 1940 Hobbton Hwy., Clinton, Lockamy/TEK Insurance Agency, Inc. has been serving the citizens of eastern N.C. since 1995. They offer all lines of personal coverage, commercial coverage, life, health and annuities. For more information, contact Billy C. Lockamy and staff at 910-592-4700, mail@Lockamytek.com or www.Lockamytek.com. Pictured, from left...
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Chris Berendt/Sampson Independent Bill Owen, with United Developers Inc. of Fayetteville, talks about a proposed 48-unit, multi-family apartment complex to be located at the end of Jasper Street, adjacent to Eliza Lane, just off U.S. 701 in northern Clinton.
Council paves way for possible 48-unit complex
Already the site of planned infrastructure upgrades that will overhaul utilities and pave streets, a neighborhood in northern Clinton could soon see a full makeover with the development of a 48-unit affordable apartment complex. The Council on Tuesday night approved a rezoning request by United Developers Inc. to rezone approximately 9.65 acres located at the end of Jasper Street, adjacent to Eliza Lane, from RA-20 residential agriculture t...
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Butler students, staff celebrate Dr. Seuss Students at Butler Avenue Elementary School recently celebrated Read Across America. On Thursday,Feb. 28, students participated in a Dr. Seuss character costume contest. Visitors were invited to come read with students during their reading block. Students also participated in 'Read The Most From Coast to Coast' on Friday March 1. This was a national reading event to challenge students to join together to break the record for the number of Accelerated Reader Quizzes taken in one day. Students read a book at the appropriate level, and then took a quiz on a computer, which assesses general comprehension of the book. This reading event enabled students to take part in a shared reading adventure, while receiving a Certificate of National Participation. Students were elated to discover that the new record was set, at 4,409,622 quizzes.
Butler students, staff celebrate Dr. Seuss
Courtesy photo Students at Butler Avenue Elementary School recently celebrated Read Across America. On Thursday, Feb. 28, students participated in a Dr. Seuss character costume contest. Visitors were invited to come read with students during their reading block. Students also participated in “Read The Most From Coast to Coast” on Friday March 1. This was a national reading event to challenge students to join together to break the record for...
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Warren receives grant Richard Warren, Hobbton High School technology teacher, was recognized by the Sampson County Board of Education during their February meeting as a recipient of one of the fall Simple Gifts Love of Learning grants. Warren's grant focused on robotics. (Lauren Williams/Sampson Independent)
— Teachers receive Simple Gifts grants
Lauren Williams/Sampson Independent Richard Warren, Hobbton High School technology teacher, was recognized by the Sampson County Board of Education during its February meeting as a recipient of one of the fall Simple Gifts Love of Learning grants. Warren’s grant focused on robotics. Lauren Williams/Sampson Independent Kellie Chaney, Midway High School Spanish teacher, was recognized by the Sampson County Board of Education during the Fe...
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Westerbeek honored by Lions President G. Steve Wilson of North Carolina Lions, Inc. recently announced that Diane Westerbeek has been named as a Founder in the William L. Woolard “Partner-in Service ” Program. In doing so she has taken the initial steps in providing needed services to the blind and visually impaired in North Carolina. Each year the programs and services of the North Carolina Lions, Incorporated touch the lives of thousands of individuals. Diane’s participation in this program demonstrates her desire to help those who are less fortunate and affirms the Lion’s motto, 'We Serve.' (Courtesy photo)
Westerbeek honored by Lions
President G. Steve Wilson of North Carolina Lions, Inc. recently announced that Diane Westerbeek has been named as a Founder in the William L. Woolard “Partner-in Service ” Program. In doing so she has taken the initial steps in providing needed services to the blind and visually impaired in North Carolina. Each year the programs and services of the North Carolina Lions, Incorporated touch the lives of thousands of individuals. Diane’s partic...
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Clinton City Schools' superintendent Stuart Blount gave the state of the district address during the board of education meeting this week. Among the topics covered were the new partnership ventures, the increase of instructional technology, and the improvement in drop out rates, to name a few. (Lauren Williams/Sampson Independent)
City schools chief touts partnerships
During this week’s Board of Education meeting, Clinton City Schools’ superintendent Stuart Blount delivered a State of the District address, providing what he called “a snapshot” of how Clinton City Schools is doing. Blount began by sharing a few of the new and advantageous partnerships Clinton City Schools is working to build, one of which is with Sampson Community College. Blount explained that he and college president Dr. Paul Hutchins a...
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Crimewatch
Arrests 3/5 - Keith Bryant Warrick, 54, 311 Madline Lane, Autryville, failure to appear on driving while impaired charges. Bond $500; court date April 3. Incidents 3/2 - John Lockamy of Suggs Road, Dunn, reported that someone entered his home and removed copper and other metals. Damage to the double-wide trailer was estimated at $30,000. 3/5 - Gloria Draughon of Raleigh reported that someone stripped a residence she owns on Wilmin...
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Chris Berendt/Sampson Independent County manager Ed Causey gives an overview of a proposed amendment to the county's personnel resolution requiring residency of key county staff positions and department heads. It was unanimously approved by the Board of Commissioners.
Local residency a must now for key county staff
Sampson County department heads and managerial staff will have to live within the county, and holding residence outside Sampson may be grounds for dismissal, according to unanimous action by the Board of Commissioners Monday night. The board approved the proposed amendment to the Personnel Resolution, Section 16, “Residency requirement for county manager, assistant county manager, clerk to the board, finance officer, deputy finance officer ...
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Clinton High School's step team at their most recent competition on Feb. 23 in Jacksonville at Northside High School where they placed first and won $800. Front row, left to right: Tyeisha McKoy, Atiya Muhammed, Nakyra Aycock, Kikia Smith, and coach Pamela Marshall standing. Back row, left to right: Devin Smith, Shanaya Graham, Letoya Simmons (sound technician), Nicole Coley, and coach Angela Harding standing. Not pictured is Zaria Pridgen. (Courtesy photo)
New life breathed into CHS Step Team
Although it has come and gone over the years, Clinton High School’s step team has been brought back to life and is now stepping stronger than ever, winning many of the competitions the team enters. “I stepped during high school at Clinton High for two years, from 2002 to 2004,” recalled Angela Harding, now the coach of the CHS step team. “It became really strong in 2002; that’s when we really began to compete. A few years after I left, thou...
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School board touts Faison's achievement Harold Faison Jr., a seventh-grader at Roseboro-Salemburg Middle School, was recognized by the Sampson County Board of Education during its February meeting for receiving the College Foundation of North Carolina Victor E. Bell Jr. Scholarship. Nominated by his school counselor Bessie Locus, Faison will receive $20,000 in increments from now until he goes to college. (Lauren Williams/Sampson Independent)
School board touts Faison’s achievement
Lauren Williams/Sampson Independent Harold Faison Jr., a 7th grader at Roseboro-Salemburg Middle School, was recognized by the Sampson County Board of Education during their February meeting for receiving the College Foundation of North Carolina Victor E. Bell Jr. Scholarship. Nominated by his school counselor Bessie Locus, Faison will receive $20,000 in increments from now until he goes to college.
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