Engage Sampson - May Newsletter

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Sampson County Budget Session Meeting #1

Sampson County Board of Commissioners called a special meeting on April 30, participated in a budget workshop, discussion of a resolution related to the Opioid Settlement Agreement, and review of a budget amendment for the Sampson County Animal Shelter.

County Manager Allen Vann began the budget session by introducing the budget highlights. Representatives from the Sheriff's Office and Detention Center, IT, Veteran's Services, Register of Deeds, Tax Administration, Libraries, Animal Shelter, Transportation and Economic Development participated in the budget session and answered questions from the Board of Commissioners regarding their departmental budgets.

Two more budget workshop sessions are scheduled for May 11 and May 18 to review the remaining departments. No final budget decisions were made during this meeting, as the budget review process is still ongoing.

Sampson-Clinton Public Library Hosts Donation Drive for Animal Shelter

The Sampson-Clinton Public Library is partnering with the Sampson County Animal Shelter to collect much-needed supplies for animals in our community. Residents are invited to drop off donations at the library during regular business hours at any of the library branches from May 1 to June 30, 2026.

Thank you for helping us make a difference for local pets in need!

Interested in Becoming a Foster Parent?

Are you interested in becoming a foster parent? The next Model Approach to Partnerships in Parenting (MAPP) class will begin on the evening of May 4th. We will meet the following dates May 11, 18, and 26 and June 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 and First aid/CPS July 11th.

If anyone is interested in becoming a foster parent please call Sampson County DSS licensing department and ask to speak to licensing Social Worker Birzayit Sanchez-Olvera at 910-592-4200 ext. 3366 OR Licensing supervisor Natalie Blackmon, 910-592-4200 ext. 3357.

2026 Alive After Five Concerts Series

Alive After Five (AA5), the popular community concert series, concluded its 15th anniversary season in 2025, marking an important milestone in both the history of the series and its long-standing partnership among the Sampson Arts Council, the City of Clinton, and Sampson County. The 2026 season will serve as a transition year. Ownership of the series transfers to the City of Clinton effective immediately, with leadership shifting to the Main Street Program under the direction of Tyler Wise, Business & Downtown Manager. In 2026 we are celebrating 16 years of Entertaining Sampson County! Check here for the concert dates and time.

Statewide Ban On Open Burning

The statewide burn ban remains in effect until further notice despite weekend rain in some areas. Persistent dry weather and increasing rainfall deficits from the last several months have left most of the state needing 10 inches of rain or more.

Board of Commissioners Meeting Recap

Upcoming Events and Activities

Monthly Healthy Recipe

Brought to you by our NC Cooperative Extension - Sampson County Center, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent Sydney Knowles. Eating well is key to feeling your best and supporting long-term health. Each month, Mrs. Knowles will share a simple, nutritious recipe to help you make healthier choices that fit your lifestyle.

Happy Med Month!

May is National Mediterranean Diet Month. We just kicked off a new session of Med Instead of Meds at the Sampson County Extension office with a growing waitlist for our next class. The Mediterranean eating pattern isn't about cutting things out; it's about adding more of the good stuff - colorful produce, whole grains, healthy fats, and fresh herbs. This time of year, going Med is easy to do with all of the fresh produce becoming available. Local strawberries are hitting their peak right now, and this month's recipe is the perfect way to use them. This Strawberry Quinoa Salad comes together in about 30 minutes, works great as a side or a light meal, and is one of those dishes that looks way more impressive than the effort it takes. It's a staple in our Med Instead of Meds class for good reason — bright, fresh, and proof that eating well doesn't have to be complicated.

Strawberry Quinoa Salad

From MedInsteadofMeds.com

Serves 4 | Prep: 15 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 35 min

Ingredients:

Dressing:

· 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

· 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

· 2 tablespoons olive oil

· Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

Salad:

· ½ cup dry quinoa

· 2 cups baby spinach leaves, chiffonade

· 2 cups arugula

· ⅔ cup sliced strawberries

· 2 tablespoons sliced almonds, toasted

· 1 handful of fresh basil leaves, chiffonade

Directions:

1. Place quinoa in medium saucepan along with 1¾ cups water. Bring to boil, then cover and reduce heat to simmer for 15 minutes or until cooked.

2. Remove lid and cook until all water is evaporated. Remove from heat.

3. Make the dressing by combining all ingredients in a bowl or jar.

4. Place the quinoa, spinach, arugula, strawberries, toasted almonds, and basil in bowl and combine.

5. Add and toss in dressing just prior to serving.

Adopt a Pet

Meet Adams

Adams is a handsome black-and-white Retriever Labrador mix with a calm spirit.

Available to adopt at Sampson County Animal Shelter.

Visitation Hours

Monday - Friday
1:00 PM to 5:00 PM

168 Agriculture Place, Clinton, NC

Shelter Office: 910-592-8493

Apply to be part of Sampson County Government today!

Sampson County Job Opportunities

Sampson County Government is an equal opportunity employer.