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Four County EMC kicks off Bright Ideas grant program
BURGAW — Four County EMC and North Carolina’s electric cooperatives have pledged nearly $600,000 to the state’s teachers in Bright Ideas education grant funding for the 2013-14 school year and are accepting grant applications beginning April 1. Grants of up to $2,000 will be awarded directly to educators for creative, hands-on classroom projects that would not otherwise be funded. Teachers can learn more and apply online at www.ncbrightideas....
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Social Security challenges you to a word game
In 1938 — only a couple of years after Social Security was signed into law — a depression-era, unemployed architect named Alfred Mosher Butts studied the front page of The New York Times to figure out how often each of the 26 letters was used. The result was a game he called Criss Cross Words, renamed ten years later as Scrabble. In honor of Scrabble’s 75th anniversary, we’d like to challenge you to a word puzzle. Here are your scrambled ...
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EMS director Ronald Bass
Sampson receives federal fire funds
Sampson County’s ambulances — as well as its Quick Response Vehicles — are seeing newer defibrillators coming aboard thanks to federal dollars and several grants that have allowed Emergency Medical Services officials to replace older models with the latest in technology. U.S. Representative Mike McIntyre announced last week that the Sampson County EMS has received $144,000 in federal funds for operations and safety improvements, monies that...
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Crimewatch
Arrests/Citations 4/5 - Mario Hernandez Medina, 23, 1435 N.C. Hwy. 455, Cofield, N.C., failure to appear on charges of driving while impaired, no opeartor’s license and driving after consuming. Bond $1,500; court date May 16. 4/5 - Victor Jeovani Urviba, 38, Roseboro, larceny/concealment of goods, failure to appear on charge of no operator’s license. Bond $1,000; court date April 15. 4/6 - Taraneshia Jefferson, 712 Stewart Avenue, sim...
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A culinary adventure
Final in a series United Way’s “Outstanding in Our Fields” fundraiser is only a couple of weeks away and chef Joanie Babcock, owner of Southern Exposure in Faison, is excited to be preparing the main course for the highly anticipated shabby-chic dinner event. “I will be making an Italian-style roasted pork,” shared Babcock, who said she is thrilled to be working with this particular meat. “I love pork; I’m fascinated with it. I’ve actu...
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Recently filed bills outlined
I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter weekend. Monday we had a skeleton session and no votes were taken. Tuesday was the deadline to file a new bill and I will be updating you about all the bills that I have filed as soon as possible. NOTABLE LEGISLATION: SB 518 - An act that would amend the laws pertaining to divorce to establish two-year waiting period to file for an absolute divorce. This bill has been referred to the Rules and Oper...
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Patrick and his wife Elizabeth Kelso Murphy from Scotland settled in the vicinity of Ivanhoe in the 1770s. They are buried in the Black River Church cemetery. Their graves were originally marked with the above wooden markers, which were replaced by a marble marker. These wooden markers are presently located in the Sampson County History Museum. The markers read: P(atrick) M(urphy) De(parted) H(is) L(ife) M(onth) T(he) 11(th) 1785 (ag)ed 66 and E(lizabeth) M(urphy) De(parted) T(his) L(ife) M(onth) 8(th) 1798 (ag)ed 71.
The life of Patrick Murphy (1723-1785)
In September of 1774, Patrick Murphy and his wife, Elizabeth Kelso, sailed from Greenock, Scotland, aboard the ship Diana headed for North Carolina. They brought with them their children: Archibald, Hugh, Mary, Elizabeth, and Robert. Another daughter, Margaret, was born during the six-week voyage. Patrick’s brother, Finla, and his wife, Catherine Hendry, were also with them. After landing at the port of Wilmington, Patrick and Elizabeth set...
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Eye safety in the home
April is named National Home Eye Health Month to help bring attention to the dangers to our vision that exist in our everyday lives. I will help point out to you some of the simple things you can do to help protect your family’s sight without drastically changing the way you live. Believe it or not, the average home is full of dangers that often go unnoticed. In fact, accidents involving common household products cause 125,000 eye injuries ...
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Courtesy photo This is Jett, a very playful and energetic pup. He has a lot of energy, is great with other dogs and cats and playful with children, staff at the Sampson County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center said. Jett, a Labrador mix, weighs 29 pounds and is about 5 months old. He has been at the shelter since Feb. 22 and 'wants to find a loving home!' To adopt Jett, or inquire about other animals, call the shelter at 910-592-8493 or 910-592-1294.
Pet of the Week
Courtesy photo This is Jett, a very playful and energetic pup. He has a lot of energy, is great with other dogs and cats and playful with children, staff at the Sampson County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center said. Jett, a Labrador mix, weighs 29 pounds and is about 5 months old. He has been at the shelter since Feb. 22 and ‘wants to find a loving home!’ To adopt Jett, or inquire about other animals, call the shelter at 910-592-8493 o...
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Courtesy photo Jessica and Luke Martin with 2-year-old son Sammy.
Shave it for Sammy
It has been nearly a year since a visit to the doctor’s office changed the course of Sammy Martin’s life, along with those of his parents and extended family, just shy of his second birthday. Sammy Martin is the son of Luke and Clinton native Jessica, who now live in Raleigh, and grandson of Gary and Patsy Rouse of Clinton. Diagnosed with ocular melanoma in December, Sammy has been receiving ongoing treatment at Duke — but through it all, h...
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Makin’ the grade
Restaurant Grades Week of April 1, 2013 Subway (Newton Grove) 97.5 McDonald’s (Newton Grove) 95.5 Lewis Barbeque 96.5 Beth’s 95.5 Bessie Burger 97 Taste of Sensation 93.5 Sunset Donuts 93.5
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Vital statistics
Building Permits Mar. 28 - Apr. 2 Amber Linda Leon, 565 sq. ft., mobile home setup Jose Romon Torres, 1120 sq. ft., double-wide setup Arnold Edge, 529 sq. ft., metal building Jimmy Lee, 980 sq. ft., mobile home setup Robert Rich, 1120 sq. ft., residential addition - carport Stephanie and Gregory Blanchard, 280 sq. ft., residential addition - deck Mary Ann Hill, 304 sq. ft., residential addition Evelyn Autry, 800 sq. ft., rem...
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Although the little town of Salemburg works hard to take care of things on its own, Mayor Bobby Strickland shared that grants, like those from the Golden LEAF Foundation, have been "a great benefit" to the town. A grant from Golden LEAF helped fund the Strickland building in downtown Salemburg. (Lauren Williams/Sampson Independent)
Loss for Golden Leaf, a loss for Sampson, some say
The Golden LEAF Foundation’s funds could wither away if Gov. Pat McCrory’s budget proposal passes as is, and Sampson County, which has reaped greatly from those grants, would feel the effects. According to McCrory’s recommendations, “the budget transfers $412 million in FY 2013-14 and $135 million in FY 2014-15 from various funds and other sources into the General Fund. The primary sources include retaining $65 million from the Master Settl...
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Seventeen area high school students demonstrated the seven C.O.P.E. goals while participating in many activities throughout the leadership weekend sponsored by Four County EMC. Pictured are, back row, from left: Austin Redmond, Heide Trask High School; Savannah Nabours, Heide Trask High School; Erica West, Union High School; Travis Walters, West Bladen High School; Thomas Allen, Topsail High School; Bria Cromartie, Pender High School; Roddric Newton, Wallace-Rose Hill High School; Shaquasha Williams, Pender Early College; and front row, from left: Rodolfo Sandoval, Union High School; Gaby Alcala, East Bladen High School; Cole Nye, Harrells Christian Academy; Izzy Evans, East Bladen High School; Hayley Hall, West Bladen High School; Jackie Calderon, Wallace-Rose Hill High School; Brandon Coates, James Kenan High School; Jessica Vara, Topsail High School; Tyler Pugh, Pender High School and (center) C.O.P.E. Director George Howard.
Local students attend Four County youth leadership weekend
Seventeen area high school juniors attended Four County EMC’s sixth annual Youth Leadership Weekend held March 22-24 at the Cape Fear Scout Reservation in Bladen County. Participating schools were East Bladen High School, West Bladen High School, Wallace-Rose Hill High School, James Kenan High School, Pender High School, Pender Early College, Heide Trask High School, Topsail High School, Harrells Christian Academy and Union High School. The w...
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Crimewatch
Arrests 4/4 - Justin Nobles, 311 Madelin Lane, Autryville, unauthorized use of motor vehicle. Bond $1,000; court date April 29. 4/4 - Jeffrey Allen Jones, 40, 87 Old Drag Strip Road, Clinton, child support. Bond $1,500; court date not listed. 4/4 - William Harrell Hinson, 36, 1905 Indian Town Road, Clinton, failure to appear on child support charge. Bond $1,232; court date April 9. Incidents 4/4 - Gloria Ann Quick, Colt Lane, re...
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Chris Berendt/Sampson Independent Three conceptual designs for Royal Lane Park were put out to the public, each representing expansion of opportunities through consolidation of facilities. Feedback has already been solicited in the process by way of nearly 400 surveys and four focus groups. The revolving-door meeting earlier this week was the next step.
First glimpse at potential plans for park expansion offered
A more consolidated, user-friendly Royal Lane Park will allow for expansion and efficiency of recreational facilities, city officials and design engineers said. Potential plans were unveiled at a meeting Thursday night, allowing residents to get a glimpse of the park’s possiblitities and give feedback. It is the most recent step in soliciting public input toward developing a Royal Lane Master Plan, a joint venture between the city’s Recreat...
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Youngsters play with their Hula Hoops and balls during last Monday's Easter celebration at the Henry J. Fowler American Legion post. Balls, Hula Hoops and other goodies were provided by the auxiliary to the 30 children who attended the annual Easter Egg hunt. (Courtesy photo)
Legion auxiliary pairs exercise and healthy eating with annual celebration
The Henry J. Fowler American Legion Auxiliary Unit No. 319 brought smiles to the faces of dozens of youngsters during the annual Easter celebration, always held the Monday after the holiday. This year’s celebration paired the annual Easter egg hunt with healthy eating and exercise, themes designed to promote Children & Youth Month, which is recognized in April and is one of the programs of the auxiliary, according to president Helen Faison....
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Clinton City Schools' Board of Education recognized the 2013-14 Jack and Kitty Morisey Teacher of the Year recipients during a recent meeting. Recipients are: Stephanie Carter of Clinton High; Emily Colt of L.C. Kerr; Brenda Blackmon of Butler Avenue; Stormi Moore of Sunset Avenue; and Zulma Marin of Sampson Middle. (Lauren Williams/Sampson Independent)
City’s Teachers of the Year touted
Lauren Williams/Sampson Independent Clinton City Schools’ Board of Education recognized the 2013-2014 Jack and Kitty Morisey Teacher of the Year recipients during a recent meeting. Recipients are: Stephanie Carter of Clinton High, Emily Colt of L.C. Kerr, Brenda Blackmon of Butler Avenue, Stormi Moore of Sunset Avenue, and Zulma Marin of Sampson Middle.
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Master Ron Whitted teaches L.C. Kerr students in the Blazing Stars Academy after-school program simple taekwondo moves as well as character-building principles. (Lauren Williams/Sampson Independent)
Kicking into gear
A young student at L.C. Kerr Elementary School quietly comes into the multipurpose room after school, sits down on the floor, legs crossed with hands resting on his knees. “He knows how to sit properly,” pointed out taekwondo master Ron Whitted, obviously proud of his student. This young student is just one of the many who participate in Blazing Stars Academy, the city schools’ after-school program, which offers students a variety of oppo...
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Sampson County Schools recently held its Battle of the Books competition for their middle schools at Midway High School recently. Union Middle School's team placed second. Team members are: Cameron Baker, Taylor Barbrey, Megan Gardner, Shyderia Harris, Catherine Lockamy, Stephanie Malahias, Davion Vann, Jamaar Wallace, Tyson Weeks, Isaiah Wilson and their coach Debora Malahias. Students had to read 27 books and be able to answer questions from these books.
County Battle of the Books teams
Courtesy photo Sampson County Schools recently held its Battle of the Books competition for their middle schools at Midway High School recently. Union Middle School’s team placed second. Team members are: Cameron Baker, Taylor Barbrey, Megan Gardner, Shyderia Harris, Catherine Lockamy, Stephanie Malahias, Davion Vann, Jamaar Wallace, Tyson Weeks, Isaiah Wilson and their coach Debora Malahias. Students had to read 27 books and be able to ans...
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