Now that we’re in that annual lull between Christmas and New Year’s, many of us will begin to reflect on the year past, and look ahead to the future.
There’s no doubt 2025 has been a roller coaster of a year for many of us, especially here at The Sampson Independent. We’ve basically got a brand new editorial staff, with two young reporters that are not from Sampson County, but have still grown to love this place and feel a sense of pride in the area where they spend so much time. It’s no secret that there’s been something of a revolving door at our news desks the past few years, but we feel confident that our current team is one of the best there’s ever been, and they are here to stay.
In addition to our recent college grads, Noah Britt and Trevon McGlone, we also have Anthony Goodman, who was promoted from content writer to the sports editor position in October, less than a year into his journalism career. That may be hard to believe, given his well-written game recaps and heart-wrenching profiles, but this young man has grown leaps and bounds, and has a hunger to do better each and every day. We couldn’t be prouder of his evolution as a journalist.
However, your local newspaper is not the only place we’ve seen some new faces take charge this year. County Manager Allen Vann was hired in July, taking over from the interim manager, Jeffrey Hudson, who led the county through a challenging budget cycle. The county probably couldn’t have had better leadership through these tough decisions than Hudson, who received much acclaim during his six-month tenure. As for Vann, he hit the ground running, and though the county won’t approve next fiscal year’s plan until June, he’s already taken the steps to start now, meeting with department heads last month to start working on their needs and wants for the next budget. Vann’s also a Sampson native, and there’s no substitute for knowing the community you’re trying to lead, inside and out.
Clinton saw a big change this year as well, when the police department’s former chief, Anthony Davis, abruptly retired in mid-October. Then interim Chief Adrian Mathews stepped up to the plate immediately, and was shortly appointed permanent police chief by the city council, making him the first African-American to hold the city’s chief law enforcement position.
The town of Garland has seen many ups and downs as well, with multiple commissioners resigning over the course of the year and a new mayor elected. Only in office for a few weeks at this point, Mayor Ralph Smith Jr. has taken the bull by the horns and already delivered on a campaign promise of bringing a DMV office to the town. It opened on Monday, far quicker than many may have expected. That is to be lauded, and we’re sure, is very much welcomed by those who are accustomed to long waits at the Clinton DMV.
In the year ahead, with the upcoming election, we could possibly see even more new faces in prominent leadership positions. Longtime Sheriff Jimmy Thornton faces fellow Republican Tracy Jackson in the primary, with the winner then battling Democrat Donald Edwards, a former Clinton police chief, for the county’s top law enforcement position.
Sampson will definitely have a new representative in the NC House, with Rep. William Brisson announcing his retirement just a month ago. Vying for the position are a few Sampsonians, Jerol Kivett, a former county commissioner, and Wellie Jackson, a farmer and newcomer to politics. Both Kivett and Jackson are Republicans who will face off in the primary, the winner going on to run against Jimmy Melvin, a pastor from Roseboro who’s also a political newcomer, and the only Democrat to file for the House seat.
The NC Senate seat, held for the past 14 years by Brent Jackson of Autryville, is also up for grabs in the next election. Sen. Jackson will face William W. Barbour, a Republican from Wallace, in the primary, with the winner going on to run against Democrat Helen Bronson of Clinton.
Clerk of Court Chris Fann has announced his retirement as well, opening the door for challengers Tammy Grady of Roseboro and Cashie Phillips Lee of Dunn, both Republicans.
There’s no way to predict who will win the elections, or who may retire or resign over the course of 2026. But one thing is for certain. The Sampson Independent will be here to cover it all, and report back to you, our readers.