Sampson County, NC

The Sampson Independent, Clinton, N.C. Taylors Bridge Fire Chief Alan Williams addresses the Sampson County Board of Commissioners regarding a request made for six additional paramedics, which is currently not included in the county’s 2021-22 budget. “We’re going to hurt somebody in this county … we’re going to kill somebody...

Salemburg, N.C. — More than seven years after McKenzie Sessoms was found dead in her Sampson County home, the charges against the only person arrested in the case have been dismissed. The 11-year-old was living with her father and two adult brothers on Hairr Lane in Salemburg when one of...

More than seven years after McKenzie Sessoms was found dead in her Sampson County home, the charges against the only person arrested in the case have been dismissed.

A request for six paramedics is poised to go unfilled in a proposed 2021-22 Sampson County budget, a prospect that has brought concerns from emergency officials who voiced the imminent need for the additional personnel. Taylors Bridge Fire Chief Alan Williams spoke to the matter during Monday’s regular Sampson County...

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Division of Air Quality (DAQ) has issued an air permit modification for the Enviva Pellets Sampson facility located in Sampson County. The final permit adds equipment to control emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) and Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAP) from the existing pellet...

The mobile Farm School on Wheels, a program of the Granit Training Group, is making its presence felt in Sampson and surrounding counties, in conjunction with NC Cooperative Extension resources. Michael B. Hardison | Sampson Independent. An inside look at the classroom in the farm school RV. Michael B. Hardison...

During a Friday visit to Clinton, UNC Chancellor Kevin M. Guskiewicz, right, speaks with Allie Ray McCullen, left, and Sampson County Clerk of Court Chris Fann, center. The chancellor of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill visited Sampson County last week, part of a continuing goal to get into the state’s towns and visit communities students call home.

Ashley Knowles works at her desk in her classroom at Union Middle. The Union Middle School staff doubled its districtwide awards for 2021-22, garnering another Sampson County Schools honor, with Ashley Knowles landing the coveted Teacher of the Year award. Union Middle’s Dr. Theresa Melenas was already selected as Principal...

I visited North Carolina before I moved here more than 10 years ago. One of the first things I noticed and appreciated, while driving down a narrow two-lane road lined with agricultural fields in Sampson County, was the friendly wave of a stranger when I stopped at an intersection as I headed in the opposite direction.

A 17-year-old Clinton resident was killed Friday in a head-on collision on U.S. 421 when her vehicle crossed the center line and struck a tractor-trailer. The investigation is ongoing into the deadly wreck, the third on Sampson County roadways in less than a week. According to reports, Friday’s fatal collision...

Beautiful entry way to The Ultimate Gallery. One of The Ultimate Gallery’s many customizable floral arrangements. Another assortment put together by Michelle Cooper and Devonte Mathis. Courtesy Photo. A custom-made woodcarving from The Ultimate Gallery. Courtesy Photo. Personalized welcome boards handcrafted by Michelle Cooper. Michael B. Hardison | Sampson Independent.

Sampson County has selected a longtime New Yorker to fill its Emergency Management Services director position. Richard J. Sauer will take the post, effective July 15. County officials said they were “fortunate to have several quality candidates apply and undergo an extensive screening process” conducted by Developmental Associates, LLC that included an EQ‐i assessment, structured interviews, a written assessment and simulation exercises.

The Sampson‐Clinton Public Library System has resumed normal operations this week, including the lead branch at J.C. Holliday Library in Clinton. A Harrells Christian Academy graduate is back on familiar grounds in Sampson County, hired to take the reins of the Sampson-Clinton Public Library System. The county selected Kelsey Edwards...