The County of Sampson has already expended nearly $90,000 to defend a lawsuit filed at the beginning of 2022 by more than 30 current and former Sampson County Sheriff’s Office employees, who have alleged they were not properly compensated by the county as required by law. County staff has proposed setting aside an additional $100,000 for the coming fiscal year, according to the recommended 2023-24 budget.

The County of Sampson has already expended nearly $90,000 to defend a lawsuit filed at the beginning of 2022 by more than 30 current and former Sampson County Sheriff’s Office employees, who have alleged they were not properly compensated by the county as required by law. County staff has proposed setting aside an additional $100,000 for the coming fiscal year, according to the recommended 2023-24 budget.

On Thursday, Smithfield Foods showed its appreciation to Sampson County’s first responders. They held a sponsored luncheon at the Sampson County Expo Center and fed the members of the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office, as well as local police and fire departments and EMS (Emergency Medical Services) personnel. The reason for the event was nothing more than just wanting to say ‘thank you’ for the hard work those responders do to keep the community, residents and businesses safe.

Teacher, mentor, a blessing — these were only a few words that described the late Walt Smith. An artist that left a long lasting impact on all those he encountered throughout his life, Smith leaves a legacy that will live on forever inside his many students.

Dozens of people flocked to Salemburg on Monday to help long-time business Salem Pizza celebrate its 25th anniversary. The all-you-can-eat buffet of country cooking has made its mark through the years, serving up what local folks call ‘the best eating’ around the area. As a thank you to customers for their loyalty, Salem Pizza owners offered a buy-one, get-one buffet deal much to the delight of restaurant-goers. In a Facebook message posted with a multitude of photos from its 25th anniversary celebration, Salem Pizza stated: ‘From Our Family to Yours we would not be successful without all of our support from our customers, our family, and our employees you are the BEST. Thank you for making 25 years a great day.’

CLINTON — In Spring 2023, Sampson Community College (SCC) proudly graduated its first class of esthetician students, totaling fifteen in all. Part of the Workforce Development & Continuing Education department (WD&CE), the students successfully completed both Esthetician I and II, which began enrolling in Fall 2022 and Spring 2023, respectively.

Land transfers

CLINTON — During what was supposed to be an End-of-Grade (EOG) pep rally, students and teachers at Plain View Elementary School learned that the pep rally was really to celebrate one of their own.

Even though moved inside due to weather concerns, about a hundred yards away from the Sampson County Veterans Park outside, patriotism rang through the back of the old armory that once housed the bulk of the county’s emergency operations as the room was filled to pay tribute to the fallen on Memorial Day.