The Sampson Weekly

09/24/2025

Applications are being accepted for the U.S. Senate Youth Program for high school juniors and seniors. Two student delegates and two alternates will be selected to represent North Carolina, meet high-ranking government officials and participate in education, leadership and public service activities during Washington Week, March 7-14, 2026. Each delegate will also receive a $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship.

Learn more and apply at go.ncdpi.gov/USSenateYouth. Deadline to apply is October 5.

09/23/2025

The Wayne Regional Fair starts on Thursday and runs until October 4th. Come on out for a lot of family fun!

09/23/2025

On Friday, Governor Josh Stein announced the following:

“Today Governor Josh Stein announced more than $8.7 million in grants that will fund 22 local parks and recreation projects across the state through the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF). Combined with Accessible Parks grants awarded earlier and applicants’ required matching funds for each project, the grants bring the total to more than $20 million in investments into 30 municipal and county parks, improving recreation access across the state.”

One of the grants is being awarded to the Town of Salemburg in Sampson County:
-Town of Salemburg, $84,621 for Love McDaniel Memorial Park

The Town of Salemburg released the following statement on their social media:
“We are thrilled to share that the Love McDaniel Memorial Park – a project our community has been anticipating – is moving forward with exciting new updates! This long-awaited effort will fulfill the vision of the Town of Salemburg and its residents.

Last Friday in a press release, Governor Josh Stein announced that we are one of the recipients of the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) Grant, selected by the Parks and Recreation Authority managed by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. We are so thankful to receive this award. We would like thank the Parks and Recreation Authority for awarding us this matching grant and also thank Abby Manning with MidCarolina Regional Council for assisting the Town with this grant.

In early 2023, while developing the Town of Salemburg’s Land Use Plan, we had several Interest Meetings and Town surveys asking residents what they would like to see in the Town of Salemburg. At that time, the main interest for the majority of town residents was to have a park.

We shared our vision of having a park in Salemburg with Mr. Earl McDaniel, who has done so much for the Town over the years. He stated that he would love to see that also. That was the beginning of the Love McDaniel Memorial Park. Through his donation and this matching PARTF Grant we should begin construction of a new town park located on West College Street in the coming months!

Your patience and support have been key in bringing us to this point, and we can’t wait to share even more as the project unfolds. Stay tuned—big things are on the horizon for the Town of Salemburg.”

09/23/2025

Clinton Christmas Parade to be held on Saturday December 13th at 10am

09/23/2025

Saturation Patrol Yields 67 Charges

Clinton, NC — On September 21, 2025, the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with multiple agencies, conducted saturation patrols and checkpoints throughout Sampson County. The purpose of the operation was to conduct motor vehicle enforcement actions to enhance roadway safety.

As part of the initiative, two checking stations were established at the intersections of Bonnettsville Road / Laurel Lake Road and Church Road / Seven Mile Church Road. The operation resulted in a total of 67 charges, including 54 traffic violations and 13 criminal charges.

Traffic Charges (54 total)
· Driving While License Revoked – 16
· No Operator’s License – 15
· Speeding – 2
· Open Container – 5
· No Insurance – 4
· Reckless Driving – 1
· No Registration – 1
· No Plate – 1
· Stop Sign Violation – 1
· Improper Headlamp – 1
· Window Tint Violation – 1
· Seatbelt Violation – 1
· Child Restraint Violation – 1
· Fictitious Tag – 1
· Expired Registration – 1
· Inspection Violation – 1
· Providing Fictitious Information – 1
· Revoked Tags – 1

Criminal Charges (13 total)
· Resist, Delay, Obstruct (RDO) – 1
· Felony Possession of Methamphetamine – 1
· Felony Flee to Elude – 1
· Felony Possession of Schedule II Controlled Substance (Fentanyl) – 1
· Possession of Ma*****na – 3
· Possession of Firearm by Felon – 3
· Carrying Concealed Weapon – 3

Seized Items
· 39 grams of ma*****na
· 2.5 grams of methamphetamine
· 2 fi****ms

Additionally, officers issued 12 warnings for various traffic infractions.

“This operation highlights the strong collaboration between law enforcement agencies and their continued commitment to removing dangerous drivers from the roadways while also addressing criminal activity” -Marcus Smith, Captain.

The Sampson County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Pender County Sheriff’s Office, Duplin County Sheriff’s Office, Clinton Police Department, and Smithfield Police Department for their continued partnership and assistance in making this operation a succes

09/22/2025

09/21/2025

Fatal Auto Accident Outside Newton Grove
(NC Hwy Patrol Press Release)

This morning (Sunday 9/21) at 0722 hours, Trooper W.A. Davis was dispatched to a single vehicle fatal collision on NC 50 near the intersection of William R. King Rd. outside Newton Grove. Vehicle 1, a Chrysler PT Cruser being operated by Danny Ronaldo Bravo Rodriguez (23 Y/O of Seven Springs NC 28578) was traveling east on NC 50. Vehicle 1 ran off the road to the right causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. Vehicle 1 reentered the roadway then ran off the road to the right a second time where it collided with a ditch and overturned. Following the collision, Vehicle 1 caught fire a short time later. Vehicle 1 was burned too severely to locate a VIN or read the License Plate.

Vehicle 1 was occupied by the driver and three passengers:
Melquin Velasques Bravo (19 Y/O of Seven Springs NC 28578) was seated in the front, right seat.
Darmaris Velasquez (25 Y/O of Seven Springs NC 28578) was seated in the rear, left seat.
Wilder Bravo Rodriguez (22 Y/O of Seven Springs NC 28578) was seated in the rear, right seat.

Darmaris Velasquez was ejected as a result of the collision. Mrs. Velasquez expired at the scene of the crash.

The driver and 2 passengers were transported to Wake Med Raleigh as a result of the collision.

The Driver, Danny Ronaldo Bravo Rodriguez, was charged with Misdemeanor Death by Vehicle, and Failure to Maintain Lane Control.

Speed was not believed to be a factor, impairment is not suspected, and it is unknown if the occupants were restrained due to the vehicle fire. Vehicle 1 will be further inspected this week in an attempt to locate a VIN number.

09/19/2025

Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair starts September 25-October 4

09/19/2025

09/19/2025

Be Pro Be Proud Mobile Workshop Coming to Sampson County Schools

*Students explore high-demand, high-wage technical careers through hands-on experiences

Sampson County Schools is excited to announce that the Be Pro Be Proud Mobile Workshop will visit four high schools between September 22 and October 10, 2025. This unique, state-of-the-art experience introduces students to rewarding and high-demand technical careers through interactive simulators and virtual reality demonstrations.

The Be Pro Be Proud initiative was created to tackle America’s growing workforce gap in fields such as construction, manufacturing, transportation, and utilities. Across the nation, thousands of well-paying technical jobs remain unfilled, and industry leaders are seeking a new generation of skilled professionals.

Inside the Mobile Workshop, students will have the opportunity to “test drive” more than a dozen skilled professions, including welding, commercial truck driving, diesel technology, robotics, machining, plumbing, and more. The engaging, hands-on activities allow students to explore career paths that offer strong salaries, growth potential, and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Participation in the Be Pro Be Proud experience will include:
● High School CTE Students — High school students enrolled in Career & Technical Education (CTE) courses will take part in the exhibit, connecting classroom instruction to real-world career pathways.
● 8th Grade Students — Every 8th grader in Sampson County Schools will also participate.

This experience supports their required Career Development Plan, which must be completed prior to entering high school.

“Be Pro Be Proud gives our students a first-hand look at exciting careers they may not have considered before,” said John Goode, Director of Career & Technical Education for Sampson County Schools. “By connecting classroom learning to real-world career opportunities, we are preparing students for success after graduation—whether they pursue a two-year degree, apprenticeship, or enter the workforce directly.”

“We are proud to provide our students with innovative opportunities like Be Pro Be Proud,”
added Dr. Jamie King, Superintendent of Sampson County Schools. “These experiences not only spark interest in high-demand careers but also strengthen the future workforce of
Sampson County.”

Each school visit will feature selected Most Valuable Pros (MVPs)—student leaders who assist the Be Pro Be Proud team throughout the day while gaining valuable leadership and communication skills.

The Mobile Workshop will visit the following Sampson County high schools:
● Hobbton High School – Monday, September 22 – Wednesday, September 24
● Midway High School – Thursday, September 25 – Tuesday, September, 30
● Lakewood High School – Wednesday, October 1 – Monday, October 6
● Union High School – Tuesday, October 7 – Friday, October 10

Students will also be invited to join the Be Pro Be Proud movement, connecting them with ongoing resources, training opportunities, and pathways to local employment.

For more information about Be Pro Be Proud, visit www.beprobeproudnc.org.

About Sampson County Schools
Sampson County Schools is committed to preparing all students for success in college, career, and life. By offering innovative opportunities such as the Be Pro Be Proud Mobile Workshop, we aim to connect students with the skills, knowledge, and experiences needed to thrive in today’s

09/19/2025

Sampson County man celebrates 40th birthday early with $130,000 jackpot

Corey Hamilton of Clinton had trouble putting into words how he felt when a $1 Cash 5 ticket won him a $130,000 jackpot.

“I don’t even know how to describe the feeling,” he said. “I just always felt that if it’s meant to be, then it’s meant to be.”

Hamilton bought his lucky Quick Pick ticket from the Han-Dee Hugo’s on Southeast Boulevard in Clinton. The odds of matching all five balls are 1 in 962,598. He found out he won the jackpot in Tuesday's drawing when he checked his numbers early the next morning.
“I woke up at 3:30 and I was like, ‘Wait a second that can’t be right,’” Hamilton recalled.

He said the win comes at a great time for him.
“It has kind of all lined up since I turn 40 on Saturday,” he laughed.

Hamilton claimed his prize Thursday at lottery headquarters and, after required federal and state tax withholdings, took home $93,275.
He plans to use his winnings to buy a new truck, pay bills, and save for retirement.

Cash 5 is one of six lottery games in North Carolina where players have the option of buying tickets at a retail location or with Online Play through the lottery’s website or the NC Lottery Official Mobile App. Thursday’s jackpot is $110,000.

The N.C. Education Lottery’s Play Smart™ program helps North Carolinians make the most of their lottery play. Visit ncplaysmart.com to learn about all things lottery, from tips on how odds work to how to enter bonus drawings.

09/18/2025

Amber Alert- Suspect Arrested and Child Safely Recovered in Sampson County
Sampson County Sheriff’s Office

On September 17, 2025, the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the recovery of a 19-month-old child after an Amber Alert was issued out of Randolph County.

Deputies received information that the suspect vehicle involved in the incident may be traveling in the Mitchell Loop Road area of Sampson County. Deputies quickly responded and located the vehicle traveling on NC Highway 24 just east of Roseboro.

When deputies attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver failed to yield, initiating a short pursuit. Deputies successfully deployed stop sticks on Mitchell Loop Road, disabling the suspect vehicle. The vehicle left the roadway and came to rest in a ditch.

The driver was immediately taken into custody without further incident, and the child was safely recovered. Sampson County EMS evaluated the child on scene and confirmed that no injuries occurred. The Sampson County Department of Social Services subsequently took custody of the child.

The suspect, Tyler Toodle, 26 years old, of Elon NC has been transported to the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office for further investigation in coordination with Randolph County authorities.
“The quick actions of our deputies, combined with coordination across county lines, brought this situation to a safe conclusion. We are thankful the child is unharmed and now in safe hands- Marcus Smith, Captain.”
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional information related to the kidnapping will be released by Randolph County authorities.

Toodle is currently being held in the Sampson County Detention Center with no bond. The child has been reunited with the mother.

Tyler Toodle, 26 , W/ M of 550 Dillon St. Roseboro, NC was charged with: Felony Speeding to Elude Arrest, Felony Possessing of a Stolen Vehicle, Misdemeanor Reckless Driving, DWLR, Misdemeanor Resisting a Public Officer, Misdemeanor Child Abuse related to Sampson County Charges. Warrants from Randolph County were also served for: Felony Kidnapping, Felony Larceny of a Motor Vehicle and DWLR.