The first steps to bringing a new special needs accessible playground to Clinton are being made following City Council’s unanimous approval to apply for a half-million dollar grant.

During Tuesday night’s meeting, council addressed its first order of new business for the new year — consideration of adopting a resolution for an accessible park grant in the amount of $500,000 through the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund.

Sampson County Parks and Rec Director Garrett Bryant presented the rec department’s proposal. His hope, along with that of the advisory board, should the grant be awarded, was for construction of a full ADA (Americans with Disabilities) accessible playground and splash pad at Newkirk Park.

“The Recreation and Parks Department is seeking consideration for adopting a resolution in support of applying for an accessible park grant,” he said. “The accessible park grant program provides $12.5 million in matching grants for parks and recreation to benefit people living with disabilities in North Carolina. Applicants may be able to request a maximum of $500,000 with each application, and must match the grant with at least $1 of local funds for every $5 in grant funds.”

Clinton Mayor Lew Starling opened discussions, asking council if they had questions about the grant application. There were none pertaining to that topic but Councilman Daniel Ruggles did offer a deeper understanding of the proposed project.

“Mr. Ruggles I know you’ve been involved in this a lot, and we appreciate your good work and on help with this,” Starling said. “Is there any comments you’d like to make before we go to vote.”

Ruggles said he was excited about the project and looking forward to it coming to fruition.

“Mr. Bryant’s done a fantastic job with Parks and Rec around Royal Lane and the Sampson Center, so he’s just trying to spread some of the love around. On the playground, I think I’m correct in saying this, but I don’t think there’s another playground to this level in the entire county. I think you have to go outside the county for a splash pad.

He continued, “Where Newkirk Park is, you’ve got a lot of young kids in that area close to downtown, and we’ve got an elementary school right down the street. So looking at it, in general, it’s just a great place for something like this.”

Ruggles also explained that the $500,000 from the accessible park grant would not cover the entire cost of the project. While true, he was optimistic about obtaining the remainder of the funded needed if the city were awarded the grant.

“The playground, it’s about a $600,000 to $610,000 project,” Ruggles said. “Hopefully, we can get the $500,000 from this and then possibly some other grants, local funds and/or donations to offset the other $100,000 to $120,000, or wherever we are at after the grant. Either way, I’m personally excited and in full support of the playground and splash pad and I hope it’ll work on out.”

Mayor Pro Tem Marcus Becton asked a follow-up question after Rugglesr’ remarks.“I know this is in the early stages, but where are you looking at placing this?” Becton asked.

”I actually have a drawing of it, but to answer your question, we are actually looking at placing it where the current playground is at Newkirk, the longer playground, closer to the facilities,” Bryant responded.

Councilwoman Wanda Corbett didn’t have a question but did express her complete exuberance over the project, saying it had touched her heart personally.

“I personally am very excited about the opportunity, because as a parent of three children on the spectrum, we travel to Cumberland County to use the splash pad over there,” she said smiling. “Things that people do take for granted is that those type of areas are conducive to a child being able to run free. A lot of times people don’t think and don’t really realize that all children cannot run free.

“Because of the way the splash pad is built, it allows our ADA children to have just as much fun, if not more,” Corbett added. “We’re also able to put them down and allow them to roam, because they are protected on every hand, because of the way these structures are built for children with disabilities. Even the enclosures, they are safe to the degree that little Johnny can just do his thing to his heart’s content, so I’m very excited by all this,” Corbett attested.

Starling asked Bryant a final question about the city’s chances of receiving the grant.

“I know it’s still early, and I hate to ask, but do you think we have a good chance to get it?” Starling queried.

“I think we do!” Bryant replied. “Typically, a lot of these grants look at first time breaking ground on certain areas. Therefore, where we are looking at placing this particular facility, will be the first time something like this has (been) broken on that ground. So I believe we have a strong possibility of getting it.”

That confidence was shared by Starling, who, in turn, sought a motion from a mutually excited council, all who jumped in to make a motion to move forward.

“All right, so with that, I’ll entertain a motion that we make application for this grant. It seems everybody wants to make a motion,” Starling said, the audience laughing. “I’ve got a motion from Mr. (Holden) Dubose and a second by Rev. Becton, with no further discussion, we look forward to seeing this going forward.

“I feel very confident as well, that if we’re able to get the grant for this, we can find the rest needed to get this done,” the mayor added. “It’s very much a need in Sampson County that we have to rise to the challenge and complete. I see former banker Mr. (Bill) Scott here, as he knows, we’ll have to fill the gap. We’re kind of working from a deficit but we’ll make it work out.”

In the late game on Tuesday, Clinton’s Dark Horse and Midway’s Raider boys hit the hardwood for their first matchup of the season. Another close rivalry throwdown was expected to unfold here as well, but for the most part, this one was controlled by Midway. The Raiders avoided a late run by the Dark Horses and secured victory in their conference opener, winning 57-40.

The action up and down the court was fast-paced at the onset, but there was little scoring to show for it. After the first few moments of the game, the teams had only exchanged a single free throw for a 1-1 score.

Midway finally grabbed the early lead, opening an advantage of 6-2. The action picked up after that and the Raiders established a 10-5 lead, prompting Clinton to spend a timeout at the three-minute mark. With under a minute to go, Midway secured a couple of buckets from Ke’Mari McNeill and Everett Jackson to take a 14-5 first quarter lead.

The Raiders surged at the start of the second quarter, running out to a double-digit lead. A block from Jackson and a three-pointer by Travis Gist ignited Midway’s gun as the Raiders leaped out to a 23-10 lead. At the 3:10 mark, the Dark Horses signaled for timeout, looking to regroup. From there, though, the Raiders continued to shine and grew their lead to 30-13 at the halftime intermission.

When the second half got underway, the clock stayed on the move for the first couple of minutes with little scoring and no whistles. Midway’s Anthony Graham was fouled on a layup, which he made, but missed the extra free throw, putting the score 32-13. Their lead eclipsed the 20-point mark but the Dark Horses gradually worked it back down a bit. At the end of the third quarter, the Raiders led 44-31.

Almost unknowingly, Clinton began sneaking back into contention. A three-pointer by Amir Wright with 4:56 left in the game made it a 10-point score, at 48-38, as the Raiders had been lulled into a stretch that wasn’t going in their favor.

Shots also had stopped falling.

Another bucket by Devon Garner put the margin under double-digits at 48-40 as the clock dipped below four minutes to go. McNeill finally answered for Midway, making it 50-40 at the 3:09 mark. Then, Colin Woods sank a three to put the Raiders back at a comfortable margin at 53-40. From there, the Raiders coasted to the 57-40 victory.

Leading scorers for Clinton were Wright with nine points and Garrison Hill and Jabari Daughtry with six points each. Anyahs Butler had five.

For Midway, McNeill had 14 points and Graham had 12 points. Hunter had nine points and Travis Gist had eight.

Clinton, now 2-9 overall and 0-1 in conference play, was slated to be back on the court at home on Friday, hosting West Bladen. Winter weather, however, forced the cancellation of that game.

Midway is now 9-1 on the season and 1-0 in league play. They were set to hit the road down to Fairmont on Thursday.

The Sheriff’s Department received a federal Department of Justice grant of $220,000. for the purchase of the X-ray scanner, Tek84. Inmates will go through this before being booked into the jail.

“It’s similar to what you would see in an airport,” Capt. Marcus Smith explained. “If there’s any hidden contraband on a person, it will be detected, something that otherwise might go unnoticed. It will certainly provide safety to both the officers and inmates in the jail.”

The Sheriff’s Department was notified in May that they would receive the funding. They should expect to have the equipment within the next few weeks.

The Department of Aging received an Urgent Repairs Program grant, which is a reimbursement for expenditures. This grant helps to cover needs for the elderly who have dire home repairs that could potentially harm, or kill someone, such as a sagging floor, or roof damage.

“We apply for it every year and it works on an 18-month basis, explained Dana Hall, director of Aging for Sampson County. “It’s reimbursement for work that has been done — money coming from the N.C. Housing Authority. The one we just finished up was 23 and we’re starting 24 now, and applied for 26 through the state.”

The grant allows up to 18 months to get the work completed, which the county’s Department of Aging does quarterly, reporting on the updates of current repair projects, and the grant pays out in quarterly payments.

The way the grant works is that the county pays for it, and then is reimbursed.

“They (N.C. Housing Finance Agency) has increased the amount available over the past couple of years,” noted Hall. “Going into the ‘24 grant we got $132,000 and we will do about 11 jobs with that money,” she said.

Hall said the grants were named after the year the grant begins across the 18-month period, but now that has changed.

“The numbers of the grants, such as 23 and 24, used to stand for the year the grant began, which runs from July 14 of 2023 to to December 2024. Hall clarified. “Now, instead of the beginning year date marked it is the completion date which is why the next one is 26 instead of 25. There isn’t a grant 25.”

Hall noted they do smaller repair jobs, too, such as handrails in homes, ramps or widening of door frames for a wheel chair to pass through.

‘It’s tough because the need is so great but more money is needed, so it’s a double-edged sword, but it such a rewording service.” she said.

The animal shelter also received a $15,000 increase from the county’s contingency fund, and $2,375 from donations.

“This was a first year with having a vet, so we weren’t sure about the total cost of supplies ahead of time, I’ve never had to buy those supplies, so it was needed just to cover our cost,” said Anna Ellis, director of the animal shelter.

Soil and Water Conservation received a fund balance increase appropriated by the state for $4,059 to be used for department office supplies.

In a Dec. 17, 2024 email from former Finance Officer David Clack to Melissa Burton, now current finance officer, it stated that the soil and conservation funds will be used to “purchase four desk chairs, six guest chairs, and eight conference room chairs.”

The Library received $32,031 in a state base grant for department supplies, including equipment, new books, and contracted services.

The Mintz varsity boys basketball team hosted Sandhills Classical Christian School (SCCS) on Thursday night in an intense matchup that showcased determination, defensive efforts, and a strong finish. In a game marked by high-energy plays and key contributions from several players, Mintz came out on top with a final score of 56-42.

The game began with an electric first quarter as Mintz established early momentum. Cy Crosby opened the scoring with a confident three-pointer from the top of the arc, followed closely by a smooth two-point jumper. These opening plays set the tone for the home team, giving them a 5-2 lead. SCCS responded with two quick layups, keeping the game close. Brayden Autry stepped up to the foul line, sinking one of two free throws to extend the lead.

Midway through the quarter, Mintz faced a moment of adversity when Parker Hinson had the ball stolen. However, he redeemed himself moments later with a critical steal that energized the crowd. Crosby added another point from the foul line, while Bell showcased his defensive prowess with a steal. Though he missed the layup that followed, he capitalized on a foul, hitting one of two free throws to push the score further in Mintz’s favor.

As the quarter progressed, SCCS fought back, scoring on a layup after Hinson narrowly missed a block attempt. Jaiden Bell continued to draw fouls, making one of two free throws on two separate trips to the line. Crosby then displayed excellent court awareness, scoring off a throw-in and a layup in quick succession. SCCS managed to close the quarter with a layup, narrowing the gap.

In the second quarter, SCCS came out strong, tying the game with two consecutive shots. Crosby stepped up again, driving to the basket for a layup and converting a free throw to reclaim the lead. He followed this with another basket, but SCCS answered with a well-executed three-pointer to cut the lead.

Mintz struggled with rebounding during this stretch, prompting Coach Roscoe McNair to address his team during a timeout, emphasizing the importance of securing second-chance opportunities. Following the timeout, Noah Carter made a pivotal mid-range jumper after a steal, providing a much-needed boost.

The score remained tight as both teams battled for control. SCCS tied the game with a layup after Mintz missed several scoring opportunities. Crosby was fouled during a layup attempt but missed both free throws. However, Jamie Parrish stepped up to make two crucial free throws after being fouled on a rebound, giving Mintz the lead again.

As the half neared its end, SCCS capitalized on a defensive lapse by Hinson, scoring a layup to retake the lead. Crosby responded with a clutch three-pointer, sending the home team into halftime with a slim advantage.

The third quarter saw Mintz refocus on defense, with Carter and Parrish excelling in securing rebounds. Bell added to the defensive effort with a block, but SCCS managed to score a layup and a 3three-pointer to reclaim momentum. Autry missed two free throws early in the quarter but quickly bounced back, scoring a layup alongside Bell to put Mintz ahead.

A timeout gave Mintz an opportunity to regroup. Bell missed a layup but made both free throws on the ensuing possession, extending the lead. Despite additional missed free throws by Autry, Mintz maintained its edge. SCCS scored a layup to stay within reach, but Crosby converted two free throws to keep Mintz ahead.

Mintz began to find its rhythm offensively. A steal by Autry led to a layup by Bell, and Crosby added another pair of free throws to widen the gap. SCCS managed a layup, but Mintz answered with a series of strong plays. Autry drove to the basket for a layup, followed by a rebound and layup from Crosby. SCCS ended the quarter with a three-pointer, but Mintz maintained control heading into the final period.

The fourth quarter belonged to the Lions, as they capitalized on SCCS turnovers and extended their lead with relentless scoring. Autry opened the quarter with a layup to build on the advantage. Although Crosby missed a three-pointer early on, Bell stepped up with a smooth jump shot for two points.

Mintz continued to pile on the pressure, with Crosby scoring consecutive layups. Autry followed with two back-to-back steals, each resulting in fast-break layups, igniting the crowd and giving Mintz a commanding lead.

SCCS attempted to rally, hitting a three-pointer after missing two free throws. However, Beasly added a two-point shot to keep the momentum firmly in the home team’s favor. SCCS managed one last layup, but it was too late to overcome the deficit. The game ended with Mintz securing a well-earned victory.

Coach Roscoe McNair emphasized the importance of defensive discipline in his post-game remarks, stating, “Our biggest opponent is us. We live by our defense.”

Mintz faced challenges with missed free throws early on. However, their ability to draw fouls and convert late in the game proved decisive. Turnovers were a factor for both teams, but Mintz’s ability to recover quickly and capitalize on SCCS mistakes made the difference.

The game was a battle of momentum, with SCCS keeping it close through three quarters. Mintz’s ability to maintain composure, execute on offense, and tighten up defensively in the fourth quarter allowed them to pull away for the win.

Mintz’s performance highlighted their resilience and teamwork, earning them a hard-fought victory on their home court.

Mintz Christian Academy hosted Sandhills Classical Christian School (SCCS) in a thrilling girls’ varsity basketball matchup Thursday night that tested both teams’ stamina and strategies. Despite a hard-fought effort from Mintz, SCCS emerged victorious with a final score of 54-50. The game showcased aggressive play, turnovers, strategic timeouts, and standout performances, offering fans an exciting evening of basketball.

As the players warmed up, Mintz demonstrated their focus and dedication, cycling through drills at the free-throw line, two-point range, and layup practice. Captains Chloe Faircloth and Mahayla Bell led their team through the warmup, ensuring everyone was prepared for the challenge ahead.

On the sidelines, Coach Roscoe McNair encouraged his players to emphasize defensive discipline and capitalize on scoring opportunities. Fans filled the gym, creating a charged atmosphere for the anticipated showdown.

The game tipped off with Mintz’s Bell setting the tone by driving through SCCS’s defense for a layup, giving the home team an early 2-0 lead. SCCS quickly responded with a layup of their own after a turnover, tying the score.

Mintz faced challenges early on with multiple turnovers and missed passes, which SCCS exploited with quick layups and cohesive ball movement. The visitors built an 11-2 lead before Mintz’s Chloe Faircloth broke the streak with a determined layup. Fouled on the play, Faircloth stepped to the free-throw line but missed the additional shot.

In a key defensive moment, McNair stole the ball and was fouled on a fast break. She calmly sank both free throws, narrowing the deficit to 6-14. Shortly after, Bell made a steal of her own, converting it into a layup, though she missed the accompanying free throw. As the clock wound down, Faircloth found Naylor under the basket for a quick layup, ending the first quarter with Mintz trailing 19-10.

The second quarter began with renewed energy from Mintz. Faircloth opened with a quick layup to bring the score to 19-12. However, SCCS continued to capitalize on Mintz’s mistakes, extending their lead with layups and a steady defensive effort.

Mintz’s Tatum McNair stepped up to the free-throw line twice, converting all four attempts and trimming the lead to 25-17. Coach McNair called a timeout at 2:26, urging his players to focus on their defensive setups and execute more controlled offensive plays.

The timeout proved effective. Faircloth stole the ball and assisted McNair for back-to-back layups, bringing the score to 27-23. SCCS responded with a buzzer-beating three-pointer, ending the half at 29-23 and reclaiming momentum.

SCCS came out of halftime determined to maintain their advantage. Tight defensive play and fast breaks allowed the visitors to score several uncontested layups, pushing their lead to 35-25.

Mintz refused to back down. Faircloth and McNair combined for a series of layups that reignited their team’s energy, narrowing the gap to 39-31 midway through the quarter. Despite their efforts, SCCS capitalized on Mintz’s defensive lapses, ending the third quarter ahead, 43-36.

The fourth quarter was a testament to Mintz’s resilience. With improved defensive contributions from King and Bell, the team made it difficult for SCCS to score. Meanwhile, Faircloth and McNair led the offensive charge, each driving aggressively to the basket and converting crucial layups.

Mintz’s defensive improvements slowed SCCS’s scoring, allowing the home team to close the gap to 51-47 with just under two minutes left on the clock. However, SCCS’s efficient foul shooting kept them ahead. Turnovers by Mintz in the final moments gave SCCS the opportunity to seal the game. Despite a valiant effort, Mintz fell short, with the final score reading 54-50 in favor of SCCS.

Mintz’s Faircloth was a standout on both ends of the court, showcasing strong leadership and determination throughout the game. She led the team in scoring while also creating opportunities for her teammates with timely assists. McNair also made her presence felt with clutch free throws and aggressive drives to the basket.

Defensively, Bell and King made significant contributions in the fourth quarter, helping to disrupt SCCS’s rhythm. On the SCCS side, the visitors demonstrated excellent teamwork and poise, particularly in their ability to capitalize on Mintz’s turnovers.

Coach McNair acknowledged his team’s effort while emphasizing the need for greater focus on defense. “Our biggest opponent is us,” he remarked after the game. “We live by the defense.”

Mintz’s strong start in the first quarter was quickly overshadowed by turnovers that allowed SCCS to build a commanding lead. Despite this, Mintz demonstrated resilience, particularly in the second quarter, when a timely timeout helped them regain focus and execute key plays.

The second half saw SCCS maintain their composure under pressure, using their defensive discipline to keep Mintz at bay. Mintz’s fourth-quarter surge added excitement to the closing minutes, with fans rallying behind their team.

This game highlighted the ongoing development of the Mintz girls varsity basketball team under Coach McNair’s leadership. The team’s ability to stay competitive against a well-coordinated SCCS squad speaks to their potential for growth.

For Mintz, the close loss serves as a learning opportunity to refine their defense and improve their ball-handling under pressure. The players’ determination and effort, particularly in the second half, won the admiration of their fans and demonstrated the team’s fighting spirit.

Looking ahead, Mintz will aim to build on this performance as they prepare for future games. The crowd’s energy and support during this matchup underscored the importance of community in fostering the success of local sports programs.

In a building that once housed Lean Bodz gym for over 30 years, owner Greg Thornton has taken it in a different direction, transforming it into a space for baseball and softball training.

The property, at 212 Wall St., has sat vacant since Hurricane Florence came through the area. A combination of damage from the hurricane and the ensuing COVID-19 pandemic provided the perfect storm to make the gym less than viable, Thornton said.

Before the Sampson County businessman talked about how the baseball and softball training will work, though, he wanted to highlight something more important: the tutoring rooms at the front of the building.

“I want my parents and the kids that come in here and use this facility to understand that they’re student-athletes and the student comes first,” he said, adding that his hope was to get the help of teachers, mentors, or possibly even other students, to come in and tutor others in whatever subject they might need help.

Turning the corner past the dividing wall in the front of the building leads you straight to the newly-installed turf which lines the big, open space that once housed a gym.

“It’s about 30 feet to the wall,” said Thornton, pointing from the edge of the turf to the cinder blocks on the other side. “So anywhere between 30 and 40 feet, four or five nets, so that they can do teamwork. They can pitch and hit while having a pitcher throw to them. We can run lessons out of here.

“I can have Division 1 softball girls, Division 1 baseball boys. They can come give lessons.”

A local team is already taking advantage of the space, which isn’t complete, but has enough amenities to host some training. Coach Terry Smith, with the Clinton Colts, currently holds practice in the former gym at least twice a week, if not more. Thornton said Smith has about six teams he works out at the facility.

“I want them (the public) to know that if they need a place, there’s a place they can send kids. They can work with kids. They can work as a team,” he said.

“For me, this isn’t a retirement fund. This is all about the kids,” he added, the latter of which he repeated multiple times throughout the interview, highlighting that this project is truly for the student-athletes it will be serving.

With a budding soccer program in Sampson County, which allows kids to play together from a young age through high school, Thornton saw an opportunity to do something with baseball and softball. “We’re trying to rebuild our feeder programs, which is what we did with football eight or 10 years ago. That’s what I want to do with baseball,” he stressed

“Baseball has become important to me through my sons. I love to play it, too, but it’s really become important to me because of my kids. So, to see all the kids that go to Fayetteville, Wilmington, or to Raleigh and not have anything near — and the people that don’t (go to those cities) because they can’t travel much and go to other places — it was solving the problem by having them come here,” he continued.

A recent trip to Washington, D.C. led Thornton to the ABCA, or the American Baseball Coaches Association, which provided opportunities for the businessman to network and learn more about his new venture.

He noted that he got equipment as well, including pitching machines and nets that he will install at his Clinton training facility.

Included with the nets for the baseball training will be a golf simulator, so parents whose kids are practicing or training will have something to do, which Thornton noted was important.

“I’d like to have different things in here to pull in different kinds of people,” he added. “Because when it’s nice and sunny, they’re gonna play baseball outside, which they should. But, if they want to work at night or on Saturday and Sunday when they’re not playing, we’ll fill that gap.”

A nutrition area will be added later on, Thornton noted, as well as a workout area consisting of treadmills, weight training, and a TV to “keep your mind off of it (training).”

The back portion of the building will serve more for pitchers, with three long lanes that they can practice their craft in. Like many things in the building, Thornton noted that this was a “work in a progress,” with changes still to come.

Thornton said he is hoping to have the practice facility open to both the public and travel teams by March 1, a date that has been pushed back from the original goal of having it completed this winter.

Over the past year, particularly the past few weeks, we have seen a lot of bad things happen in our communities and throughout the world.

We have seen large plane crashes. We have seen people killing each other in homes, stores and in the streets. We have seen yet another school shooting. We have seen one man kill fourteen people with his trust as a weapon. We have even seen a man kill and blow himself up in his vehicle. But all of this violence, mayhem, death and misery is nothing new.

Thousands of years ago, there was a just and righteous man named Job who lost everything in one day. He lost his oxen, asses, camels and sheep. His servants and children were also killed on that same day.

Before Job lost everything on that dreadful day, he was unaware of a conversation that took place between Satan and God. Satan appeared before God and God asked where he had been. Satan told God he had been going up and down the earth. His purpose for doing so was to see who he could devour.

God eventually gave Satan permission to touch everything that Job had, but Satan was to leave his life alone. But before getting permission to hurt, steal, kill and destroy Job’s permission, Job was still going up and down the earth to see who he could devour.

Ephesians 6:12 has been given to us to help explain what was going on with Job and what can also happen to us from time to time. We, like Job, do not wrestle or have struggles with flesh and blood. Our real struggles are with spiritual demons who operate under the guidance of Satan.

Satan has a kingdom of demons who operate at different levels of society. Demons are fallen angels. They receive their instructions to do evil from Satan. They are smart, cunning, knowledgeable, and deceitful.

The Bible has given us some examples of what demons are capable of. They can cause physical diseases. They can cause mental sufferings. Demons tempt people into immoral practices. Demons promote and teach false doctrine and they are committed to do evil or cause others to commit evil.

What happened to Job over a thousand years ago is happening today. There is a battle, a fight, a war going on between good and evil, period. What’s really going on in this world is a constant war between good and evil. It’s not about racism, it’s not about division, it’s not about radicalization, it’s not about Democrats and Republicans, it’s about good and evil..

The source of all good is Jesus Christ. The source of all evil is Satan. Satan is here to kill, steal and to destroy. Jesus Christ is here to give us life and life more abundantly.

Every act of racism, whether it’s done by a white person or black person, is about good and evil. Every school shooting is about good and evil. Every terrorist act is about good and evil. Every immoral sexual act, whether it’s fornication, adultery, or homosexuality is about good and evil. And of course, every sin is about good and evil.

So what are we to do? How can we protect ourselves and loved ones from being caught up in this war and not becoming a casualty?

There is only one thing we can do and it is given to us in Ephesians 6:10. It says, “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.!!!

How can we be strong in the Lord? How can we be strong in the powerer of His might? May I suggest at least three things that must be done.

Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might by walking everyday by faith and not by sight. Don’t believe everything you hear or see, but believe every Word that comes out of the mouth of the Lord. Read the Bible everyday for yourself and believe what you read. Obey the Word that you read regardless of the circumstances you may find yourself in.

Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might by making sure you have an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. Spend time with Him as often as you can. Talk to Him as often as you cna. Talk to Him about how good He is. Talk to Him about your problems, your struggles and your sins. Jesus should be the one you can discuss things with like nobody else.

The Apostle Paul suggests we can be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might by putting on the whole armor of God every day. We must put on truth, righteousness and an eagerness to take the good fight good and evil to Satan himself. We must put on and believe the promises of God and carry His word in our hearts and minds. And daily prayers must be part of our daily wardrobe.

Even after God allowed Satan to bring evil to Job, Job remained strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Many wanted Job to curse God. But even after Job experienced all the evil from Satan, he was able to say and proclaim this about the Lord. “Ye thou He slay me, yet will I trust Him.” In the end, the Lord blessed him with more than he lost. Amen.

That is particularly true when it comes to the understanding people have about what they unabashedly post on social media pages, public and private. Libel, slander and copyright violations seem to be on the uptick, with people confusing the three with rights of free speech, assuming they have liberal rein to post what they want, when they want, sometimes hiding behind a guise of anonymity, other times throwing it out there under their own name.

In some cases, people simply don’t know when they step over the line of legality or civility; in other cases, people know and do it anyway.

Either way, we want to try to make it clear, as it pertains to our newspaper, or, for that matter, any newspaper, and violations of copyright.

Posting entire newspaper pages or entire stories on a social media page is a direct violation of copyright law. It is akin to buying a copy of a John Grisham novel, taking photos of the first chapter and then posting it for all your friends to read and share.

It’s theft of property.

The newspaper is a business. Our paper is a product. And while we make every effort to provide a service to the public by being the eyes and ears of a community, what we write and how we determine to share it is our decision to make. We often provide most of our news both in print, to subscribers and daily rack buyers, and online, where whole or portions of stories can be found and links share, but we do make some things exclusive to the printed paper. That is usually true when writers spend inordinate amounts of time researching or covering major events, like trials or in-depth stories on water issues or devastating tragedies.

And when it’s exclusive, that’s exactly what it means — exclusive to those who either subscribe to our paper or choose to purchase one at the rack, again just like a person chooses to buy a novel to read more than the cover or the jacket.

It is not a disregard of free speech as some would have you believe. There is a huge difference between free speech and violations of copyright.

For some reason, social media has skewed a person’s view to believe everything should be handed out and, if not, can and should be shared by another to the masses. That isn’t free speech either. It is theft.

Below are simplistic excerpts from copyrightlaw.gov as it pertains to the laws surrounding the reprinting, posting or use of newspaper material. We hope people will read it and abide by it:

A newspaper is considered copyrighted, meaning that all original material within it, including articles, photographs, and illustrations, are protected under copyright law, and reproducing any significant portion without permission from the publisher is generally considered illegal; however information published before 1923 would be considered part of the public domain

Automatic protection: Copyright applies automatically to any original content created within a newspaper, including individual articles and images.

Collective work: A newspaper is considered a “collective work” as it contains multiple individual contributions compiled together.

Copyright duration: Generally, copyright on a newspaper article lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years.

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The Clinton High School state championship men’s soccer team was honored by City Council Tuesday, praised as hometown heroes for their accomplishments.

That night was council’s first meeting of 2025, but before business got underway Mayor Lew Starling invited up a special guest, Brad Spell, head coach of the Dark Horses soccer team. Accompanying him were the very young men and coaching staff at the center of it all, and they nearly filled the council chambers.

When he got to the podium, Spell said it wasn’t his plan to speak that night, even so, he knew exactly what he wished to say. And it was all about those who got the Horses to this moment.

“I wasn’t planning on speaking, but I will, and the first thing I’ll say is that I’m blessed beyond measure,” Spell attested. “This is my 26th year coaching at Clinton High School. After all, my years of coaching at Clinton, I’ve still got the juice for it and I still love it. Those early mornings at 6:30 a.m. working with these guys is some of the best times of my life, so I thank you for mentioning them and inviting us to be here.”

Spell was touted for his role as head coach and being named Coach of the Year for 2024. While the spotlight was placed on the veteran coach, for Spell, it was those he brought them that he credited for his achievements.

“I know it was mentioned about me being Coach of the Year, well, that’s a fantastic accolade, but I know that without these gentlemen behind me, none of that was possible,” Spell said. “I know for a fact that I‘ve got the best coaching staff in the state. We work really hard and a lot of people don’t understand what that word truly means, working hard.”

When Spell mentioned working hard he wasn’t referencing just the team’s play on the soccer field.

“I think we’ve got one of the most elite programs in the state because of things we do, not only for soccer, but for the community, and our fan support is fantastic,” he stated. “You don’t see a lot of soccer programs with the fans we have in the stands for us, and it’s just an unbelievable feeling. So, again, I’ll say, I’ve been blessed to get to coach our Clinton High School soccer program.

“I just want to thank you once more for the opportunity of coming here tonight,” Spell added. “While all the glory and accolades are great and all, it can’t be done without those here that stand with me; they’re the one’s that made me look good.”

The coaching staff and team received their honors soon after Spell’s unplanned and heartfelt speech. The coach announced each player in coach in a proud and loud voice, giving them accolades and praise for becoming the state champs and heroes to their hometown.

As names were called, both Starling and Mayor pro tem Marcus Becton circled the room shaking the hands of each player and coach, presenting medallions, pins and plaques, and sharing their pride in the team.

While Spell spoke plenty on his team, the sense of pride for all they achieved wasn’t just felt by the Dark Horses, it was community-wide. Those mutual feelings were expressed from more than a few that night, each sharing words reminiscent to those by Councilman Neal Strickland.

“I just want to tell you how proud the citizens ought to be of the way the community came to support these young men, especially for the last two games,” the councilman began.

“The stands were full, and so, I know seeing them achieve this made y’all proud. One thing I liked to share about these young men, when they played for the Eastern championship. Most of those men played travel ball and some of the opposing team members were on their travel team. To see the way they went up to those former teammates and consoled them after losing shows your character; I was real proud of the way y’all did that.

“I can bet those rough, hot summer mornings at 5 a.m. weren’t all that bad while you were jumping around celebrating and holding that trophy,” Strickland added with a laugh. “It just shows that hard work does pay off, and you can tell that y’all worked harder than any other team, so congratulations, we couldn’t be more proud of you.”

A scripture in 1 1 Corinthians 5: 1-2 stirred this story about the House of the Soul and checking our faith. Think on the meaning of these verses from The Message.

“For instance, we know that when these bodies of ours are taken down like tents and folded away, they will be replaced by resurrection bodies in heaven - God made, not handmade - and we’ll never have to relocate our ‘tents’ again.”

Have you enjoyed a camping experience with family and friends near and dear to your heart? The first thing most folks do when they go camping is pitch the tent. Some people have their own small pop-style tent and others often have a mega family-sized tent to deal with putting up and taking down. Whatever the tent looks like, it is no more than a temporary dwelling place, not our real home.. Can you imagine living in a tent in hot deserts or cold terrain for long periods of time? Even our homes we’ve saved for, worked hard to have built, and sacrificed to have them custom designed to meet our needs and desires will not last forever. They, too, are temporary and much as we love and cherish the old home place, one day it will be empty and we will be gone to Heaven or to hell. So, where are we pitching our tents and how is the house of the soul?

The tabernacle, or ‘Tent of the congregation’ was a tent that temporarily served as God’s dwelling place here on earth but was just a shadow of things to come. Why? The tabernacle was patterned after God’s spiritual tabernacle in heaven. How hard it is to imagine the glory of God’s dwelling place in heaven forever and ever! Oh, the joy of Beulah Land when our work here is done. Seeing eternal homes built by the Great Architect - GOD Himself will keep us praising and worshiping Him as we are Rising UP Now R.U.N.

The apostle Paul was a tentmaker on the side. He would have understood our earthly tents being folded up and put aside for our time here on this planet is timed and temporary. When we die, we’ll go to a house not built by human hands, but to one designed and built by the great architect - God! We can only imagine what heaven will be with all the glory and light and forever tents - eternal homes - put in place by Thee. “Yes sir e” - The House of the Soul is being prepared for you and me, being built for all God’s children who look to Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life, walk in faith, and have a close relationship with Thee.

“Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me” 11 Peter 1:14 KJV

Having a faith check is always needed as we go forth in this sinful world. What will transpire in our world as we witness things written in Revelation happening before our eyes? When we (believers) die, we leave our earthly tents behind and move into our heavenly homes for eternity. There will be no more temptations, violence, no sickness or disease, no decay or corruption, no exhaustion or loneliness, and no pain. There will be no more death, and definitely no more tears. Oh, what a day that will be when we leave our tents here and head to our heavenly home built by the great architect -GOD - for eternity!

GARLAND — A day seems to make a lot of difference in the town of Garland. Tuesday morning, the town looked to be in danger of having its charter revoked because the mayor and three of its five commissioners had resigned, leaving action on any issue in limbo.

But some 24 hours later, at 6 p.m. Wednesday night, in an emergency meeting, things changed as Mayor Austin Brown rescinded his resignation and then immediately turned around and appointed a new member, Ed Gillim, to the Board of Commissioners, returning the board to a voting quorum.

Gillim, who was quickly sworn in, and existing members Jo Strickland and Ralph Smith Jr., then took action to fill an additional seat. Smith nominated former town commissioner Carolyn Melvin to take one of the two remaining open seats. Gillim seconded the nomination, and the three approved the measure. Melvin was sworn in shortly after, joining the three at the table.

As Brown opened the meeting Wednesday night, he told a packed room of concerned town members that he had consulted staff with the League of Municipalities, who told him the town was in jeopardy if he didn’t stay on as mayor and get the town running again.

“I couldn’t let that happen,” Brown said, noting his deep commitment to the town.

Brown noted that he was, by law, allowed to accept one resignation and appoint one new commissioner since the town’s board didn’t have a quorum and, therefore, had no voting rights.

With that, he rescinded his resignation, accepted Commissioner Anthony Norris’s resignation, and immediately appointed Gillim. He was also at the meeting and immediately came forward to be sworn in, his wife by his side.

It was a surprising turn of events that began Jan. 3, when Brown announced he was giving up his mayoral position. Closely on the heels of that announcement came word Monday that Norris, along with commissioners Timothy Blackburn and Lee Carberry, were also resigning. And that was followed by town clerk Alyssa Hale’s own resignation.

However Wednesday night’s appointments of Gillim and Melvin are expected to bring fresh perspectives and energy to the local government. A fifth member of the board will be selected after input from the community, Brown noted, and will take the board back to its full capacity.

The four-member board and Brown are hoping members of the community will show interest in filling the vacant position.

Gillam, chairman of Sampson’s Democratic Party, is known for his involvement in local community initiatives and his advocacy for economic development in the region.

“I am honored that I was selected for this position and look forward to working in the town for a better future and getting the town moving on the right track,” he said Wednesday night.

Gillim’s wife, LaTonya Gillim, shared her optimism about her husband’s appointment: “I hope that his appointment brings peace; I’m proud of him.”

Melvin, who served on the board from 2014-18, brings back experience in public service and a passion for improving community services.

“I want to move forward and bring back community involvement in the town, and I am looking forward to working with the town, and I want to bring back a lot of the town activities that have phased out over the years,” she said.

The newly formed board voted to place Smith in the interim finance officer position, allowing for bills to be paid until the vacancy can be permanently filled.

“The board’s actions signal a new chapter for Garland as it moves forward with a strengthened leadership team,” the mayor noted after the meeting.

The town is expected to focus on advancing key projects, including infrastructure improvements and community programs.

Brown’s decision to stay in office has been met with a mix of support and skepticism, but it marks the continuation of his leadership at a crucial time for the small town. As the community moves ahead, many are hopeful that the recent changes will lead to a more collaborative and effective town government.

In the coming weeks, the Garland Town Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss plans for the year, with a particular focus on addressing long-standing issues related to development, public safety, and town services.

For further updates on Garland’s local government and initiatives, residents are encouraged to attend upcoming town board meetings or visit the official Garland Town website at www.townofgarlandnc.com.

On Wednesday and Thursday, Sampson County began prepping for the arctic weather, with road crews placing salt brine on heavily traveled roadways. Both Sampson and Clinton City School systems were placed on a two-hour early dismiss Friday, and several small businesses in the area announced early closings. Sampson County government offices even closed early on Friday.

While most of the bad weather will have moved on by today, there will still be a chance of rain, with wind gusts of close to 20 mph, along with freezing temperatures at night.

James Danco, meteorologist with National Weather Service out of Raleigh, said the bad weather should be over by the time residents of Sampson County wake up this morning, with the wintry mix from Friday mostly gone.

“It could start as a little bit of brief snow or sleet, but it will change very quickly over to freezing rain and then just rain as we get later into the day. I think that far southeast, the impact won’t be that significant, but there will be some slick spots on the road, but temps will change over to rain,” he noted.

Danco further stated the precipitation should move out today, and be dry. “But don’t be surprised if there’s nothing down there but wet grounds and roads. We have a winter weather advisory in Sampson County. Please be cautious when driving, but Saturday afternoon we should be back to normal.”

“We encourage people to stay home, look at the forecast,” said Sampson County Emergency Management Director Rick Sauer. “We’ve been in contact with NCDOT, and the weather service, and just encourage everyone to stay home and wait things out.”

As a reminder, Sampson County Public Transportation will be closed over the weekend as usual, so there will not be any special transportation services.

Due to the severe winter weather conditions, convenience sites in Sampson County, which closed early on Friday, will reopen today at 11 a.m.

For a non-emergency concerns or questions, the contact number for Sampson County Emergency Services is 910-592-8996. The non-emergency phone number for the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office is 910-592-4141, and Clinton Police Department is 910-592-3105. In the event of a real emergency, please dial 911.

Both Sauer and Danco said slick spots of black ice will still potentially plague the roadways in spots, and both men urged using caution if anyone has to drive today.

But there is sun at the end of an icy tunnel, as Sampson County moves into Sunday. Weather forecasters are calling for the sun to return, with a high of 44 and a low of 25, allowing those who want to get out to go to church, or to lunch to do so, but caution is still advised.

It’s a Washington tradition. In the coming days, President Joe Biden will give his farewell address to the country. Like other presidents before him, President Biden will probably give an encouraging speech, making sure to highlight his administration’s accomplishments during the past four years.

There have been farewell addresses given by presidents throughout our country’s history. But the most famous was the first one, given by President George Washington. Given in 1796, its message is still timely today.

It was 1796, at the end of Washington’s second term as President. Commander in Chief of the military during the Revolutionary War, George Washington was our country’s first President. Choosing not to run for a third term in office, Washington wrote a letter to the country. His warnings to the young United States should be heeded by us over 200 years later.

So what were our first President’s chief concerns in his letter? His main warnings were: 1) Don’t get entangled with foreign countries 2) Avoid national debt 3) Don’t let political parties control the country and 4) Don’t forget the importance of religion to the welfare of the country. Sounds like advice for our country today.

Don’t get entangled with foreign countries. Just a few years away from the war with England, the U.S. was now facing conflict with France. Thomas Jefferson promoted an alliance with France while Alexander Hamilton leaned more toward more reconciliation with England. President Washington wanted neither. He wrote, “It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world…”

Avoid national debt. He knew the tendencies of government to borrow. But he knew it must be used sparingly. He wrote that we must “…cherish public credit. One method of preserving it is to use it as sparingly as possible…avoiding likewise the accumulation of debt….it is essential that you…bear in mind, that towards the payments of debts there must be Revenue, that to have Revenue there must be taxes; that no taxes can be devised, which are not…inconvenient and unpleasant…” I wonder what he would think about our over $36 trillion national debt we have today. Was “trillion” even a word in 1796?

Don’t let political parties control the country. The website, Mt. Vernon.org, describes the political world of Washington’s time. “Political parties, as we know them today, began to take shape while Washington was in office. By 1793, there was an emerging split between two distinct visions for the future of the country. They would form the nucleus of a formal, concerted opposition party, something that frightened many people, including Washington.”

Washington wrote, “However political parties may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion.” I didn’t know, that along with being “The Father of Our country,” George Washington could see the future that is today, and the damage political parties have done.

Don’t forget the importance of religion to the welfare of our country. Washington wrote, “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.” Washington knew that

without the principles set forth by religion, the concept of right and wrong would be without standards, and then become subject to the wants and desires of individuals.

The problems George Washington pointed out in his farewell address to the young United States in 1796 seems to be much the same today in 2025. Except we are now much more entangled with foreign countries, like Ukraine. We are much, much more in debt as a nation, the two political parties are dividing us for their own advantage, and religion is now often considered irrelevant in today’s culture.

By the way, history tells us that world powers have seldom lasted more than two hundred years. We can learn a lot from history.

The Dream Lives On March, in honor of Martin Luther King, will be held on Saturday, Jan, 18, in Clinton. The march will begin at the Clinton Farmers Market and continue to the Sampson County Agri-Exposition Center.

Organizer Leslie Mathis-Becton has been diligently working to bring together the event in the hopes that it resonates with the people of Sampson County. He says everyone from the Clinton City Council to the fire department, as well as local law enforcement, have been helpful in helping him pull the event together.

“I love the people here,” Mathis-Becton said of Clinton, “Mayor (Lew) Starling, Chief (Anthony) Davis, and Fire Department Chief Hagan Thornton, they’re really great. They have been supportive, and I appreciate that.”

But the encouragement hasn’t stopped there. Mathis-Becton said he has been in awe of the support from local businesses in the area as well. “So many places of business have been willing to spread the word, put the flyers in the businesses, and (everyone) really has come together to show hope and positivity toward this march.”

The Dream Lives On March will begin at 10 a.m., but people planning to participate need to gather at the Clinton Farmers Market by 9 a.m. The march will be followed by music and fellowship until 3 p.m.

That evening, a banquet will be held with a charge per person.

Mathis-Becton said he hopes the community will come out to participate in the march. He said children will be placed in the front, “because that is our future.” Elected officials, along with law enforcement, will be placed behind the children, followed by the community, as they march to the Exposition Center.

“This is really special to me,” explained Mathis-Becton. “Having this march, that represents the dream of Dr. King, and it being my father’s birthday, too, it’s just really special. I hope the community comes out, of all races and backgrounds. We have such a diverse community here in Clinton; I love this place.”

He said while most towns have a parade, he felt a march would be more in step with King’s legacy. “I think it’s wonderful that other communities have parades, but Martin Luther King was about marching in unity, moving forward, and I am really hopeful about the idea, itself. It’s new, so I hope that people will embrace it and come out.”

Since moving back to Clinton, Mathis-Becton has been working on putting something like this together through his nonprofit group State of Opportunity of North Carolina.

He said he dropped everything in California two years ago, when his now 98-year-old father needed care. Professionals suggested he be placed in a nursing home, but Mathis said he couldn’t do that.

So, he moved back to Clinton to help care for his father, who, just a couple of months ago, took a “horrible fall” on his electric scooter, causing a broken pelvis, and other complications due to the injuries sustained from the fall.

But hope prevails, as does the dream of Martin Luther King, which just so happens to be his father’s birthday, Mathis-Becton stressed.

“To have so many people already being supportive of this event — I am just really excited bout this, and hope we can do this again every year,” he attested. “With the theme ‘The Dream Lives On,’ we are honoring Dr. King’s legacy by coming together as one community, united in a march that aims to transcend racial divides and reinforce our shared humanity.”

Despite the potential for adverse winter weather, an area baseball camp, which has taken place for decades, is still set to take place Saturday, Jan. 11, at Wayne Community College from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Baseball coach George Whitfield, who started and has organized this clinic for almost 60 years said he has “worked too hard” and he is trusting that everything will work out for the clinic to still take place.

Registration for the day of baseball instruction is from 8 to 9:30 a.m., and the entire day — including lunch for the attendees — is free.

The baseball coach, who has spent time at the collegiate and high school levels, admitted that representation from Sampson County hasn’t been the best in years past, but it optimistic that this year will be different.

The address for the camp is 3000 Wayne Memorial Drive in Goldsboro, on the campus of Wayne Community College.

On one night in February, the magic of prom, with all its glitter and glamour, will be provided to over 100 special needs individuals in and around Sampson County, and the community has an opportunity once again this year to help make that one night a dream come true for many.

Now is the time for those who can — and will — to donate those sparkling dresses and formal wear hanging in the backs of closets so others can make memories of their own.

It’s all part of the A Night to Shine event, and organizers are now putting out a call for prom dress donations.

“We had so many dresses last year,” said Leslie Seals, co-chairwoman of A Night to Shine. “We’re hoping for the same response this year, too.”

In its second year, A Night to Shine is a prom for persons with development disabilities, explained Seals, “The Tim Tebow Foundation sponsors it, and next year will be the last year to get the grant from them, but we will continue to host it through local sponsors.”

The dress drive, being held at Rebecca’s of Clinton, 1129 McKoy St., will be open from Jan. 9 to 11, during normal business hours, 10 a.m. - 6 pm. “Any dresses, or church clothes that are fancy are accepted, and pocketbooks and purses are needed, too,” said Seals.

The event will be held Feb. 7, at the Sampson County Agri-Exposition Center, but Seals said the earlier the committee can receive donations and, in turn, distribute them to prom attendees, the sooner those wearing the dresses can have them altered as needed.

First Methodist is the official sponsor of Night to Shine, but as Seals explained, “it truly is all the community and church involved. Anywhere between $30,000 to $40,000 is raised to make it happen each year — it’s a lot, it takes a lot, but we really have had such good support from the community,” she added. “It really is the best night in Clinton, for both the guests and the caregivers”

Last year, Night to Shine had 117 guests and over 200 volunteers. Each person is assigned a buddy. Paparazzi will be there to take their photographs as they walk the red carpet into the dance,. A live DJ, a photo booth, refreshments for the guests, two photographers, a videographer, and activities tables will be available to the guests.

“There will be karaoke,” interjected Seals as she excitedly rattled off all the activities that will be happening inside the Expo Center.

Security, ambulance and medical will also be on site for the event, if needed. But the best part of the night will be the special gifts, which Seals explained will make each participant feel like the king and queen of the ball, “At the end of the night each guest will get a crown and tiara and Tim Tebow will be on a video announcement talking to the guests.”

It will be, Seals promised, a night to remember for all those participating, a true night to shine.

“We’re just so grateful for the community support,” gushed Seals, “and we continue to make Clinton more inclusive. There’s not a lot of opportunities, but several clubs are looking for ways to make Clinton more inclusive, and help people become more aware of how they can make our community more inclusive for those with disabilities.”

Anyone looking to donate prom dresses for the event can bring them by Rebecca’s in Clinton on the designated days. Other accessory items will be accepted, too.

As for the guys attending the event, this year suit donations aren’t being accepted. Instead each young man will have the chance to rent a tuxedo, at no cost, Seals noted.

“Most men have their suits fitted for them, and a lot of people need a little more customization, so we just will do the tux rentals.”

Seals said she is hoping for 150 guests for the Night to Shine prom and every guest will go home with a swag bag.

“It has sensory items, and dentist offices have donated toothpaste and toothbrushes, and everybody gets a stuffed bear from Phillip Loves Bears,” she pointed out.

“There’s going to be a lot of new things this year that we didn’t do last year, so we’re really looking forward to the event,” Seals added.

For more information, visit FMCNC.nighttoshine.com for more information, or drop off your gently used prom dress and purses at Rebecca’s of Clinton.

The demand for county water continues to grow, as the number of people taking to the podium at the Sampson County Board of Commissioners’ meeting Monday night spread to include comments from western Sampson County residents.

The commissioners held their first meeting of the year Monday. The Jan 6 meeting was only the second meeting since the new board was formed on Dec. 2, 2024. The meeting consisted of naming a private road, a couple of board appointments and public comments from county residents seeking clean water.

In a matter of 25 minutes, the board moved through the agenda, including public comments.

During the public comment section of the meeting, Old Warsaw Road resident Elaine Hunt returned to discuss her request for county water to be extended to her community.

“You know why I’m up here,” Hunt began. “I reached out to the state, and received various emails in regards to what we can do — each one told me like I realized, I can’t apply for a grant, but the Sampson County Board of Commissioners can.”

She said the various employees with the state were kind and prompt to come out and test the water. The results showed that 14 out of 16 of the residents who had their water tested had been returned, and half of the 14 have PFAS.

PFAS are also known as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down easily in the environment or the human body. PFAS have been linked to health problems, including certain cancers.

“The state is helping us all they can,” added Hunt. “We’re asking you to help us more than you have been.”

She thanked Sampson County Public Works Director Mark Turlington for staying in touch with her over time, but noted to the commissioners that serious dangers and hardships are being faced by residents on well water.

“Some of us can’t eat, can’t drink, can’t cook because of the PFAS in the water. We’re asking you to help us get county water like I’m sure most of you have.”

Those same sentiments were echoed by Antoinette James who lives near Roseboro and has for over 20 years. Like Hunt, she said, she has dealt with well water problems.

“I can remember a time when well water was the best thing since slice bread; now it no longer is,” stated James as she addressed the commissioners.

James said she was also told by state officials not to drink or cook with the water.

“Over the years, well water went from being this good thing, clean thing, to significantly worse,” James noted, adding that she was on her tenth day without water due to rust in the well. She will now have to figure out how to pay to drill another well.

“It’s not fair we have to eat the cost, and we want to be plugged into county water,” she added. “I hope this reaches someone on this panel that cares, and leads us in the right direction, because it’s not fair to us — as taxpayers — that we can’t get clean drinking water, to cook with, and when you wash your clothes and they come out a different color,” she said before her three-minute time limit expired.

Jay Ingram, of the Old Mintz Highway area of Roseboro, also spoke on the water issue. “I was told we were turned down twice (for grants), but I wasn’t told the reason. This is serious,” he said. “The bottom line is, PFAS is in the ground, but what I don’t understand is why? Some people tell you that you have to pay for this and we have no control over this. Everyone deserves to have clean water and clean air.”

Ingram let his frustration out. “Well water used to be good, but then technology came in to grow crops,” he attested, mentioning how some small farmers can’t sell their crops because they’re “infected” with PFAS. “People shouldn’t have to spend $25 to do laundry at a laundry mat. We’ve been here since before y’all ,and tell me how that’s fair?”

Larry Sutton then took his turn to speak to the county commissioners, stating, “Let me just start by saying the county has a problem. The problem is having access to clean drinking water. I have access to county water where I reside,” he explained, “but I am here on behalf of Ms. Hunt, and anyone else that needs clean drinking water.”

Sutton’s voice grew louder as he continued, “The county has a problem and this problem will continue to grow. This problem will worsen, you will have more Elaine Hunts up here, and more other speakers up here. This problem is not going away anytime soon; it will worsen, and I applaud those coming up here to get your attention to get them clean water.”

As has been their normal procedure, commissioners did not respond to the residents other than to thank them for coming. Although chairman Allen McLamb has said commissioners would take public comments under consideration and discuss at the next month’s meeting, they did not address Hunt’s comments from December.

In other business, the commissioners approved, among other general items, a request to allow the library to discard material from the collections of the Sampson-Clinton Public Library System due to damage, disuse, or out-of-date or inaccurate information.

They also authorized the execution of a professional services agreement between Sampson County and recently appointed interim county manager Jeffery Hudson’s limited liability company, NCMCS, LLC, for interim county manager services.

GIS coordinator Jessie Matthews presented the board with a request to rename a private road, PVT 1135-3132, Cromartie Bell Lane, which was approved unanimously.

The Sampson County Board of Commissioners’ meeting concluded after 25 minutes, with no closed session this time.

In the final game of Friday night action at Lakewood, the Leopards looked to get payback on Midway’s boy’s basketball team for their loss in the first game of the season, and play spoiler in the process. Lakewood was successful in both as they took the 54-47 win and gave the Raiders their first loss of the season.

It was Xavier Hall who won the tipoff for Lakewood, but a stout Raider defense got the takeaway. Anthony Graham got the game’s first points at the other end on another putback layup. He also scored the next basket in the game on a jumper at the free throw line after snagging an offensive rebound, and quickly the Raiders led, 4-0.

Hall scored Lakewood’s first point nearly two minutes into the contest on a free throw.

Everett Jackson got a big block on a Hall layup attempt, giving Midway possession momentarily until a travel was called. Cameron Williams took the ball to the hoop and fought through contact to sink a layup through a foul, but he was no good on his foul shot, making it a 4-3 game near the five-minute mark.

Just three minutes into the first quarter, the Raiders found themselves with four fouls despite having their slim lead. Lakewood’s Dashaun Carr sank one of his free throws to tie the game up with five minutes to play in the opening period.

Travis Gist gave the Raiders the lead once more on a layup, and Williams was no good at the other end on his midrange jumper attempt to tie things up. Midway scored again to make it 8-4 and Lakewood’s coach, Brandon Powell, signaled for the game’s first timeout with 4:04 to play in the first.

Midway’s Landon Hammond ran a floater in from the baseline to give them the six-point advantage at 10-4, as Lakewood had yet to score in multiple possessions and minutes.

Williams hit two free throws to cut the lead back to 10-6, still in favor of the Raiders.

Midway continued its tough defense, allowing very few opportunities for the Leopards to even have a look at the basket. This didn’t turn into many opportunities for themselves offensively, but they were at least keeping the home team from scoring.

Dashaun Carr hit one free throw, but Gist bounced back with a three at the one-minute mark to make it 13-7 with the Raiders still ahead. Nakai Owens sank another free throw, but once again Midway was there to return the favor as Gist hit a floater across the lane. Hammond hit a putback off a rebound to give them the 17-8 advantage as the first quarter ended.

Jacob Holland hit a free throw to open the second quarter’s scoring, but both teams struggled to add any more points shortly after.

A Nakai Owens three added points to the board for Lakewood, cutting the lead down to 18-11.

Hall assisted Dontaveous Smith on a long pass down the court after Smith poked the ball loose, which cut the visitors’ lead to 18-13 with a hair over five minutes to play in the half.

Graham hit another putback for Midway on his return to the game after picking up a couple quick fouls in the first. Jaziah Brunson swatted a layup from Kemari McNeil and Lakewood snagged the inbound pass, which led to a Hall putback at the other end to keep the Midway lead at 20-15. Brunson was fouled on a layup, and he was successful on the and-1 to shrink the lead to two.

Colin Woods gave the Raiders the 22-18 advantage just south of 1:30 left to play in the half on a baseline layup. Both teams were playing tough defense, with neither side getting a true advantage in rebounds.

Lakewood’s Devin Jones blocked a shot from Walker Holmes under the hoop to end the half, as Midway continued into the break with their same 22-18 lead.

It took 1:33 for either team to score and it was a three from Dashaun Carr to tighten things up to a 22-21 lead for the visiting Raiders. McNeil added a layup for them, and they stole a possession, but Hall swatted a shot from Graham at the elbow, so the score remained at 24-21.

Lakewood took the 25-24 lead with under five minutes to go in the quarter, but a three from McNeil gave the Raiders the 27-25 advantage. Cameron Williams tied things back up at 27 shortly after, before Xavier Hall gave them the 29-27 lead on the next possession. Neither team could connect on baskets for a stretch, and Midway called for the timeout with 2:32 remaining in the third period and Lakewood holding their 29-27 lead.

Dashaun Carr broke the scoring depression on a free throw to make it 30-27, but Everett Jackson shot back with a three t0 tie it up. Hall slammed home an open lane dunk to get the two-point advantage before another Midway triple took the lead back at 33-32. It was Cameron Williams this time on a jumper on the left side to propel the Leopards out to a 34-33 lead with a minute to play in the third.

The quarter broke with the same score as the teams battled it out down the backstretch, poising the fans for a high-stakes finish for a Friday night basketball game.

Another floater from McNeil opened the scoring for the fourth quarter and Midway took the 35-34 lead nearly a minute into the final period. A Brunson assist to Cameron Williams gave the hosting team the 36-35 lead and a fast break layup on a steal by Dontaveous Smith gave them the 38-35 advantage. An and-1 by Dashaun Carr stretched it out to a 41-35 lead on the successful foul shot.

Hall fouled Graham on a layup of his own, but he couldn’t complete the three-point play himself. Another Brunson layup at the other end, and the Leopards had the 43-37 lead with under five minutes to play.

A three from Midway tightened it back to 43-40, but another emphatic dunk from Hall gave the Leopards the five-point lead once more. Hall was called for the foul on Holland at the other end, who hit one of his two shots from the charity stripe to close things to a 45-41 lead.

The clock moved under three minutes to play with the same score but a Holland steal led to a fast break for the Raiders. Tanner Williams was called with a charge on the play, which thwarted Midway’s attempt at closing the gap even further.

Xavier Hall fouled out of the game with 2:19 to play.

Cameron Williams took a drive to the basket and made the layup through contact and connected on the and-1 to extend Lakewood’s lead to 48-41 with under two minutes to play.

Gist scored the first Midway point in a long period on a floater up the middle, drawing another foul from Lakewood in the process. He was successful on the and-1 foul shot, which made it a 48-44 Lakewood ball game with 1:28 to play.

The Leopards grabbed two points from free throws to make it 50-46, but a drive from McNeil ended with another successful three point and-1, which made it 50-47 with 1:06 left.

McNeil fouled out with exactly one minute to play, much to the excitement of the hometown crowd after a lengthy discussion with the officials.

A moving pick was called on Holland at the 45.9 second mark, giving Lakewood the ball back to try and kill as much of the clock as they could.

Dontaveous Smith got a steal at the end of the game for a breakaway layup attempt which wasn’t successful, but Cameron Williams was there for the cleanup. The score went final at 54-47.

Members of the Roseboro Fire Department were heralded as heroes by one of their former firefighters, Hugh Herring, whose life was saved thanks to quick action after he unexpectedly collapsed from cardiac arrest.

The event unfolded during what seemed like an ordinary night inside the Roseboro Fire Department. The town had just finished celebrating the annual Christmas parade, and fire crews were wrapping up the day, putting away the fire truck used in the parade.

Among those helping was a retired, yet still active, Herring,who was making his way back inside the station when a heart-stopping moment befell the fire department.

“We had just got back from the Christmas parade,” recalled Lee Coleman, Roseboro fire chief. “We were backing in and getting everything off the trucks, and he (Herring) was actually down there watching the parade. As we were standing there getting everything in, that’s when he walked up and collapsed. I remember as he was getting closer he was hanging over and tired, but I just figured it was because he walked a long ways, none of us was expecting him to collapse.”

Coleman said he, along with many of the other firefighters, immediately went into action performing CPR right after Hugh’s fall. That went on for four minutes, Coleman said, and, in that time, Herring had actually died.

Thanks to the swiftness of firefighters, they were able to retrieve one the AED defibrillators from a fire truck to shock Herring back to life.

“When I started the compressions, all I could remember is hollering for Chris Jackson, my assistant chief,” Coleman explained. “All I could say was ‘Chris,’ I didn’t know what I wanted him to do in that moment but I knew I wanted him to do something. Chris ended up calling 911 on the radioa and while that was going on it gave our guys time to go grab an AED off the truck.

“When it got to us, I helped the two boys with the AED, and one of our guys, Allen Sessoms, took over compressions. That gave us time to shock him back to life while we called EMS. They came, got him and took him to Cape Fear, where he stayed for about a week.”

The entire situation lasted a brief moment, but what they were able to accomplish, the fire chief said, was what they all agreed was the difference between life and death.

“If he had been home and we then had to call for rescue, he would not have made it,” stressed Milton Sessoms, with the Roseboro Fire Department, and one of those who assisted during the incident.

“The closest rescue was stationed in Salemburg, I think, but they were on call somewhere else,” interjected Coleman. “They had been to the parade and then got a call but it was canceled so they weren’t too far out. They got here within eight minutes, but the reason he survived is because it happened right here at the station.”

Eight minutes may not be long but for those there that day, they said it felt like an eternity.

“It was a nightmare, in kind of a weird way. I’ve know Hugh forever, he’s like a daddy to me,” Jackson attested. “Situations like these are already bad enough if you have to go tend to somebody out there in the public. But, it hits home harder if it’s somebody you really know and you’re now accountable for trying to save their life. In that moment, it was like time slowed down.”

For Sessoms, who took over Herring’s lifesaving CPR, what came to mind then was shock, but despite that, his training came to him.

“All I can say was it was like a big shock when it happened,” he said. “That’s when your training kicks in, and I remember just going over their and immediately started doing compressions.”

“What also helps drastically, is when it happened there was no waiting,” Milton added. “Me and Lee instantly rolled him over and we noticed that his tongue had rolled back, and then we immediately started working on him.”

While it was a tense moment with a person’s life hanging in the balance, Coleman said there was an important lesson everybody can learn from this situation — the need for knowing CPR.

“This moment shows the importance of knowing early CPR and even early defibrillation,” the fire chief stressed. “A lot of people don’t like to do CPR because they think of the mouth-to-mouth component. I’m a CPR instructor and I can tell you that we don’t teach that anymore, nobody does that. We don’t teach it unless it’s like an infant or your own child.

“So in intense situations like this one, if somebody would just do chest compressions, then there’s enough oxygen in the body to circulate around until the paramedics can get there, or somebody with an AED that can shock them. If you just let them lay there and don’t do anything, then in four to six minutes, you’re gonna start losing brain cells and they don’t come back.

“Luckily, he was here, and somebody else was here that could start CPR and use the defibrillator on him,” Coleman added.

That sentiment was shared by his colleagues who also agreed the most important takeaway was the need for the public to become more knowledgeable of CPR.

“I think everybody should know at least the basics of CPR because you never know when it could be needed,” Jackson said. “I mean that seriously, you could simply be at home eating dinner with your family and something like this could happen; you just never know.

“Just imagine, if you go somewhere like a Walmart and there’s somebody there that collapses, like Hugh,” he added. “In that moment of time just doing CPR, that can help save a person, if you know what to do and are able to do it.”

If Jackson’s words weren’t enough, he recounted an exact situation he’d experienced at a Walmart that saved the life of an infant.

“I’ll give an example on how knowing at least the basics can make all the difference,” he stressed. “I was at Walmart one day and there was an infant that suddenly went in cardiac arrest. I remember standing there talking to another firefighter from Salemburg Fire Department. As it was happening, I bet there was 25 people around just standing there but we were able to get down there and bring that baby back until rescue got there.

“Had we not been there, just think of what could’ve happen,” Jackson said. “Specially when there were that many people that could’ve helped had they only know or done just basic CPR.”

Allen agreed.

“That what’s important about knowing CPR, we were right there and just doing CPR gave us that extra second to get the defibrillator to save Hugh’s life,” Allen attested.

“The main thing is starting it just as soon as you see someone go down and don’t stop,” Milton added. “If you happen to get tired, your arms start hurting or anything like that, make sure, if someone’s around, that they immediately takeover to give you a break because once you start, you can’t stop until help arrives.”

Coleman said learning CPR isn’t as complicated as many may think, and it doesn’t require a class to learn how to apply the basics.

“The main thing people need to know, and you don’t have to go take a CPR class for this, is to push hard and fast,” Coleman said. “That’s what we teach in basic CPR classes, just hard and fast. Also, if you call 911, they will tell you how to do it. There are also apps on your phone where, if you download it, it will beep and tell you exactly when to do the compression.”

At the center of all these remarks is Herring, himself, who was present and listening in as his firefighter brothers recounted that day. He didn’t say much, aside from making some jokes about the test and medical procedures he had to endure.

When it was his turn to tell his part of the story, he said there wasn’t much he could say.

“I can’t really say much because I honestly don’t remember what happened,” Herring said, laughing. “I just remember blacking out and next thing I knew I was waking up with my head hurting from falling on my face and my chest hurting from Allen’s heavy-handed compression’s.”

“Want to know something else funny?” Coleman asked “When we finally got him out of danger, and he came to, we told him what happened and that EMS was going to take him to the hospital. How about he told us, ‘No I’ll be alright, I just need to lay here for a little a bit and I’ll be good.’

“He’s as stubborn as you can be but best believe we told him he didn’t fully grasp what had happened and that he was for sure going to hospital,” Milton added with a laugh.

The crew gave Herring the opportunity to share final remarks on all that happened, to which he simply said, “I’m glad to be here!

While he didn’t say it at that time the depth of his gratefulness was already expressed. That gratitude was written on a small scrap of paper Coleman brought out, one acknowledging his former firefighter mates as his heroes.

“Fireman you all are my hero. Your bravery and quick thinking saved my life, and for that, I am eternally grateful. Thank You, Hugh.”