Op-Ed

As November’s midterm elections approach, Sampson County residents face decisions that extend well beyond choosing between Republicans and Democrats. From determining who will serve as sheriff to deciding on proposed changes to local taxes and the state constitution, voters have plenty to consider before heading to the polls.

For one Saturday each fall, downtown Clinton becomes a little more crowded, a little louder and certainly filled with a few more tempting smells than usual, and that is part of the beauty of the Clinton Square Fair & BBQ Cookoff.

This week marks National Newspaper Week, an annual observance that gives those of us in this profession an opportunity to reflect on why newspapers still matter.

October arrived Thursday, bringing with it Breast Cancer Awareness Month and an important reminder of a disease that has touched countless families and communities.

Project Activate is scheduled to conclude today. We hope that date marks the end of its current funding source, not the end of the work the program has provided to Sampson County Schools.

Filling our grocery carts these days tends to empty our wallets a whole lot quicker, much the same as tapping off our gas tanks.

Tuesday marks the autumnal equinox and, with it, the official beginning of fall — a season that seems to arrive with its own personality.