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Help Wanted: Bladen Online Executive Director
Job Title: Executive Director
Organization: BladenOnline, Inc. (A Non-Profit Corporation)
Location: Hybrid
Position Type: Part-Time
Reports To: Board of Directors
Position Summary:
The Executive Director of BladenOnline, Inc. is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction, and operational management of the organization. This position ensures that BladenOnline, Inc. fulfills its mission of promoting academic growth in journalism, delivering accurate community news, and fostering civic engagement through partnerships. READ MORE
NCDEQ provides progress update on Flood Resiliency Blueprint, Spring 2025 Update
Contributed
RALEIGH – The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) Flood Resiliency Blueprint (Blueprint) within the Division of Mitigation Services (DMS) released the report, More Resilient by Design: North Carolina’s Flood Resiliency Blueprint. This report highlights key achievements and advancements including allocating $22 million in Blueprint funds to implement flood resilience projects in the six priority river basins, completing the Draft Flood Resiliency Blueprint and releasing the Draft Neuse River Basin Action Strategy. READ MORE
Thoughts While Shaving For March 22
Folks expressing concerns about all that is happening around us today … Pray for our country and be nice to others … see if it helps…
A reminder related to any, any outdoor burning … DON’T … A ban is in place … I know … I have some that needs attention … but not now… READ MORE
• THOUGHTS WHILE SHAVING ARCHIVE
Burn Ban Issued For Bladen County
Bladen County Fire Marshal Kenneth Clark issued a burn ban effective Friday morning following a proclamation from the Bladen County Board of Commissioners.
The restriction shall extend outward from all residential structures 100 feet, according to the proclamation and will remain in effect until further notice. READ MORE
3 Things To Know For March 22
1. Drive-Thru Rabies Clinic: Today, 1-2 p.m., Elizabethtown Veterinary Hospital, 4629 US 701 South, Clarkton.
2. Emereau Bladen Prospective Student Open House: Tuesday, 5:30-7 p.m., 995 Airport Road, Elizabethtown.
3. Chatting Chapters Book Club: Thursday, 6 p.m., Clarkton Public Library 10413 North College Street. READ MORE
• BLADEN ONLINE’S COMMUNITY CALENDAR
This Day In History For March 22
1871 – William Holden of North Carolina becomes the first governor removed from office by impeachment.
1972 – Congress approves the Equal Rights Amendment, but only 35 of the required 38 states ratified it that would have made it a part of the Constitution.
2021 – 10 people shot dead at a supermarket in Boulder, Colorado, by 21 year-old gunman Ahmad Alissa. READ MORE
STORIES FROM FRIDAY, MARCH 21
Ribbon Cutting at Boussias Law Firm!
Contributed
JOIN US for the exciting Ribbon Cutting at Boussias Law Firm, Bladen Co’s newest law firm! Please help us welcome Mr. Boussias and his team April 11th at 11:00 am, at 107 West Dunham Street, Elizabethtown, NC 28337! Refreshment will be served after the ribbon cutting. READ MORE
Community colleges exhibit workforce development programs at the General Assembly
Contributed
The North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) celebrated Community College Day on Wednesday by inviting colleges across the state to meet with their legislators and exhibit the programming they offer outside of the General Assembly in Raleigh.
More than 20 community colleges sent representatives to the event, including Bladen, Brunswick, Blue Ridge, Caldwell, Cape Fear, Carteret, Central Carolina, Fayetteville Technical, Forsyth Technical, Gaston, Guilford Technical, Haywood, James Sprunt, Johnston, Mayland, Nash, Pitt, Sandhills, Stanly, Surry, Wake Technical, and Wilkes community colleges. READ MORE
Statement from Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler on $311 million in ag disaster assistance for 2024 crop losses
Contributed
“I want to thank the members of the legislature for approving the start of an ag disaster assistance program to help farmers statewide recover from the disastrous 2024 farm season in North Carolina. And I thank the governor for quickly signing this important bill, said Steve Troxler. READ MORE
Dr. Chris Aul Patient Safety and Quality Award winners announced
Contributed
FAYETTEVILLE, NC – March 21, 2025 – Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation presented the third annual Dr. Chris Aul Patient Safety & Quality Award this week to three deserving Cape Fear Valley Health team members who make patient safety and quality care a priority each and every day. This year the award was presented to two clinical staff, Pharmacist Emily Cooley and Dr. Peggy Robinson, and one nonclinical staff, Patient Relations Manager Cortnie Langston. READ MORE
You Decide: Why Are Recession Fears Back?
Contributed by Mike Walden
There’s a word most economists — indeed, most people — don’t want to hear, and it begins with an “r.” The word is “recession,” and I expect most of you guessed correctly. READ MORE
Rev Up for Fun: Touch A Truck and Family Spring Fling at Bladen Community College!
Staff Report
Mark your calendars and get ready to honk, beep, and explore! Bladen Community College is hosting a FREE family-friendly event that promises big trucks, big fun, and big memories—Touch A Truck and Family Spring Fling is rolling into town on Saturday, April 12th, from 9 AM to 1 PM.
This interactive event is packed with excitement for kids and kids-at-heart. READ MORE
Bladen Community College Board of Trustees Meeting
Contributed
The Bladen Community College Board of Trustees regular meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, March 25, 2025, beginning at 6:00 p.m. in Building 7, Second Floor.
For more information, contact Melissa Hester at 910-879-5502. READ MORE
MU Hosts Annual Step Up 4 Health and Wellness Expo
Contributed
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – One of the most impactful events in the Fayetteville community is quickly approaching as the Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation’s Step Up 4 Health and Wellness Expo returns to Methodist University on April 12. Featuring a 4K and one-mile walk – plus dozens of family friendly activities – the event (other than the registration fee for the race/walk) is free and open to the public. READ MORE
Rural schools in NC’s Border Belt brace for federal funding cuts
Contributed
Schools across the Border Belt in rural southeastern North Carolina are preparing for cuts in federal funding. School officials in Bladen, Columbus, Robeson and Scotland counties say they anticipate their districts’ federal funds will be slashed by up to 30% in the fiscal year that starts July 1.
The cuts would predominantly impact federal grants including Title I, a program that provides extra money to schools with large percentages of low-income students. READ MORE
Bladen County Commissioners Board of Elections Special Meeting on April 7th
Contributed
The Bladen County Board of Commissioners will hold a Special Meeting regarding Board of Elections equipment purchase request beginning at 5:30pm on Monday, April 7, 2025.
The meeting will be held in the Commissioners’ Room, located on the lower level of the Bladen County Courthouse, 106 East Broad Street, Elizabethtown. READ MORE
Transportation Summer Accelerator
Contributed
For some students, finding a clear path to a successful career can be challenging.
But for Noah Wiliams, the combination of hands-on and classroom learning through the N.C. Department of Transportation’s Summer Accelerator program provided the early exposure needed to spark a passion for transportation. READ MORE
Thoughts While Shaving For March 21
Thursday was a beautiful day … from fair to mostly cloudy to rain late in the day … Total rainfall … maybe a quarter to half an inch, depending on location…
A burning ban is in effect due to dry conditions … including hazardous forest fire conditions … Effective Friday, March 21 (today) til further notice… READ MORE
• THOUGHTS WHILE SHAVING ARCHIVE
Open Burn Ban Issued For All North Carolina Counties
RALEIGH – Due to increased fire risk, the N.C. Forest Service has issued a ban on all open burning and has canceled all burning permits statewide effective 8 a.m. Friday, March 21, until further notice.
The burn ban does not apply to fires started within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. A local fire marshal has authority to issue a burn ban within that 100 feet space. READ MORE
STORIES FROM THURSDAY, MARCH 20
Dairy Margin Coverage Enrollment Deadline is Coming Up Soon
Contributed
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is encouraging dairy producers to enroll in Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC), an important safety net program that helps offset milk and feed price differences. This year’s DMC signup began Jan. 29 and the deadline to enroll is March 31, 2025. READ MORE
BCC Greenhouse Hosts Annual Spring Plant Sale: A Blooming Opportunity for Plant Lovers
Staff Report
Spring is in the air, and so are the sweet scents of fresh greenery at Bladen Community College’s (BCC) Greenhouse! The highly anticipated Spring Plant Sale is set to take place from April 9th to April 12th, bringing an array of vibrant plants grown with care by students from Bladen Community College and East & West Bladen High Schools’ Agriculture Programs. READ MORE
Middle schoolers across North Carolina are learning about high demand career opportunities this month
Contributed
Throughout the month of March, middle school students across North Carolina will participate in career awareness opportunities through the Students@Work℠ program. Students will learn about high-demand careers through first-hand experience with businesses across the state. READ MORE
Elementary School Battle of the Books
Contributed
The 2025 Elementary School Battle of the Books (BOB) competition was held on Tuesday, March 18 at Bladen Community College. 57 students from Bladen Lakes, Bladenboro Primary, East Arcadia School, Dublin Primary, Elizabethtown Primary and Tar Heel School came ready to battle! READ MORE
CSX updates on Road Closures
Contributed
CSX has posted the progress of the road closures and reopenings.
The following area is currently closed but will open tomorrow morning: Twisted Hickory and Grimsley Farm. READ MORE
The harmful truth about the Bradford pear tree
While the Spring time graciously approaches, the weather warms up, and the flowers bloom. Within these changes, we witness the blooming process of the Bradford Pear Tree.
As a popular tree to the geography of Robeson County, these invasive trees may have caught your eye, appearing admirable with their white petaled clusters. READ MORE
Thoughts While Shaving For March 20
Yesterday was a nice day … High temp … 80 degrees. Overnight, mostly clear … lows in the lower 50s.
A reminder for folks along NC 210 and the nearby railroad … Construction, repairs continue for some time… READ MORE
• THOUGHTS WHILE SHAVING ARCHIVE
STORIES FROM WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19
Bladen Community College Enhances Comprehensive Tutoring Services with Certified Tutor Trainer and Expanded Support
Contributed
Bladen Community College (BCC) is proud to announce that Robin Novak, Tutoring Coordinator, has achieved certification as a Certified Tutor Trainer through the Association for the Coaching and Tutoring Profession (ACTP). Novak successfully completed the required training at the ACTP Conference and Training Workshop in Orlando, Florida. READ MORE
USDA Expediting $10 Billion in Direct Economic Assistance to Agricultural Producers
Contributed
Program payments to offset increased input costs, market decline
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, on National Agriculture Day, announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is issuing up to $10 billion directly to agricultural producers through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) for the 2024 crop year. Administered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), ECAP will help agricultural producers mitigate the impacts of increased input costs and falling commodity prices. READ MORE
ApprenticeshipNC explores ways to expand the state’s labor market
Contributed
Over 250 apprenticeship stakeholders gathered in Durham March 10-11 for the 2025 ApprenticeshipNC Conference. The two-day event provided opportunities for leaders to “share best practices and explore strategies to expand North Carolina’s labor market through Registered Apprenticeship and Pre-Apprenticeship Programs,” a press release says. READ MORE
Three North Carolina Students Recognized in National Aviation Art Contest
Contributed
RALEIGH – Three North Carolina students have earned national honors in the 2025 U.S. Youth Aviation Art Contest for artwork they created celebrating aviation’s pioneering women.
The annual competition celebrates young artists who bring the spirit of flight to life through art and is hosted by the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) and the National Aeronautic Association (NAA). READ MORE
WarmNC has Volunteer Opportunities in Bladen County
Staff Report
If you have a bit of spare time, you are invited to use it for a neighborly cause at one of WARMNC’s special projects. If you’re interested, please contact us at volunteer@warmnc.org—we’d love to have you on our team! READ MORE
Company that built Carolina Panthers ‘dome’ expanding to Fayetteville
Contributed
Minneapolis-based Yeadon Fabric Domes, which counts the Carolina Panthers as a customer, will invest $4.6 million to build a facility to manufacture its inflatable sports domes in Fayetteville. The move is expected to create 72 jobs in Cumberland County.
Yeadon Domes designs and manufactures climate-controlled domed structures for customers ranging from professional sports teams to those with swimming pools. READ MORE
Thoughts While Shaving For March 19
Yesterday was near perfect, weather-wise … Hi temp … upper 60s under clear skies … Overnight, clears skies … low in the low 40s.
All set for basketball … NCAA, March Madness … ACC games tipped off Tuesday night with North Carolina beating San Diego State in the First Four round. READ MORE
• THOUGHTS WHILE SHAVING ARCHIVE
STORIES FROM TUESDAY, MARCH 18
NC Council on Developmental Disabilities – Self-Advocate Discussion Series on March 19 – Organized Advocacy
Contributed
The North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD) continues its Self-Advocate Discussion Series monthly discussion series to boost the voices and messages of NC self-advocates for influencing social and systems change. March 19, 2025, from 1:00 – 2:00 PM READ MORE
Get Ready for the 17th Annual Camp Clearwater Spring Fest & Easter Weekend!
Staff Report
Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 19th, as Camp Clearwater invites you to the highly anticipated Spring Fest & Easter Weekend. This exciting event promises a day filled with family-friendly activities, live music, tasty treats, and vibrant local vendors. Whether you’re hunting for Easter eggs, planting magical jelly beans, or competing in a cornhole tournament, there’s something for everyone! READ MORE
Professional Educator Preparation and Standards Commission Meets Thursday
Contributed
The Professional Educator Preparation and Standards Commission (PEPSC) will hold a hybrid (online and in-person) meeting on Thursday, March 20 at 10 a.m. The in-person option will be held in the State Board of Education Board Room on the 7th floor of the NCDPI Education Building. The meeting will be livestreamed for those who are interested in listening. READ MORE
N.C. Forest Service celebrates Arbor Day, and the many benefits trees provide
Contributed
RALEIGH – North Carolina will observe Arbor Day Friday, March 21, to commemorate the annual tree-planting holiday. North Carolina observes Arbor Day the first Friday following March 15, while National Arbor Day is held the last Friday in April each year. READ MORE
Resilient Bladen Coalition March Meeting
Contributed
The Resilient Bladen Coalition will be meeting on Monday, March 24, 2025, at 11 a.m. via Zoom.
Please see the attached agenda for details. READ MORE
Elizabethtown Airport/Economic Development Commission Meeting Scheduled for April 1, 2025
Contributed
This is notice to the public that the Elizabethtown Airport/Economic Development Commission will be meeting on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at 7:30 a.m. in the Terminal Building located at 466 Airport Road. READ MORE
Resources for districts: The Golden LEAF Schools Initiative
by Ben Humphries, a reporter and policy analyst for EdNC.
Earlier this month, state Superintendent Mo Green announced the Golden LEAF Schools Initiative, a five-year project that will support 20 middle schools in rural North Carolina counties. The Golden LEAF Foundation, which is funding the project, receives a portion of North Carolina’s funding from the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement with cigarette manufacturers. READ MORE
Thoughts While Shaving For March 18
Monday (yesterday) was a good day weather-wise … around us, some bad stuff … Pender County recorded a EF-1 tornado at about 7:30 p.m. Sunday…
Detour signs in the Clarkton area yesterday … Today, White Plains Church Road (SR-1713) will be closed for crossline … READ MORE
• THOUGHTS WHILE SHAVING ARCHIVE
STORIES FROM MONDAY, MARCH 17
Three Ways to Get Kids to Snack Healthy
Contributed
It’s National Nutrition Month! Most kids don’t just sit down to three regular meals a day. They eat more often, usually snacking throughout the day, so that makes it even more important to make sure snacks are healthy. READ MORE
Drought, abnormally dry conditions continue in North Carolina
Contributed
RALEIGH – The North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council (DMAC) has classified 99 of the state’s 100 counties as experiencing drought or abnormally dry conditions in the latest advisory released on Thursday. The state has not been drought-free since mid-October. READ MORE
Community Easter Egg Hunt on April 12th
Contributed
Families can expect egg-citing hunt, delicious treats, and a joyful atmosphere perfect for kids and adults alike all free of charge. This is more than just an Easter event—it’s a chance for our community to come together, build connections, and make lasting memories. READ MORE
2025 Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
Contributed
Every March, the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) and its partners collaborate to lead Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM).
NACDD’s 2025 theme, We’re Here All Year, emphasizing that community, accessibility, and opportunities for people with developmental disabilities should be recognized and championed every day—not just in March. READ MORE
Golden LEAF Funding Opportunities
Contributed
Recently, Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton sat down with the North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler via Zoom and filmed an episode of Critical Conversations. In this series, Scott talks with professionals about economic development issues affecting the state. READ MORE
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Wildlife and Landowner Workshop
Contributed
Join us on March 25, 2025, from 9 am to 11 am at our Wildlife and Landowner Workshop. This workshop will cover how to increase forages and enhance properties to meet the needs of wildlife through food plots, forestry practices, burning, soil sampling, and more! READ MORE
Bladen Community College Announces Registration for Career Kaleidoscope Youth Summer Camps 2025
Contributed
Dublin, NC – Bladen Community College is excited to announce the opening of registration for its highly anticipated Career Kaleidoscope Youth Summer Camp 2025. This unique and engaging summer camp offers young learners and teens an immersive and educational experience, exploring a variety of career pathways in a hands-on, interactive setting. READ MORE
Kindergarten Registration & NC Pre-K Screening
Staff Report
Bladen County Schools is excited to welcome new students for the 2025-26 school year! 
Kindergarten Registration
Families with children who will be 5 years old on or before August 31, 2025, are encouraged to register for kindergarten at their assigned district school. READ MORE
Bladen County Farmers Invited to “Farming in the New Normal” Workshop
Staff Report
As unpredictable weather patterns and environmental challenges continue to shape the agricultural landscape, local farmers are being given the opportunity to adapt and thrive. The NCCE-Bladen County Center is hosting a vital grower workshop, “Farming in the New Normal,” on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM at the Powell-Melvin AG Center, 450 Smith Circle, Elizabethtown, NC. READ MORE
