Bladen County Solid Waste Public Notice
Bladen County Solid Waste Hours of Operation for Monday, May 29 – Memorial Day:
All convenience sites will be operating on normal schedule, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. However, the Transfer Station will be closed in observance of the holiday. Normal operations will resume on Tuesday, May 30.
3 Things To Know For Monday
1. Whack Smack It Memorial Tournament: Friday, noon, Vineyard Golf at White Lake.
2. Touch A Truck: Saturday, 8 a.m.-noon, Bladen Community College.
3. Summer Reading Program: June 29, 6 p.m., Bladen County Public Library, Elizabethtown. READ MORE
• BLADEN ONLINE’S COMMUNITY CALENDAR
STORIES FROM SUNDAY, MAY 28
Thoughts While Shaving
Rain, rain go away … come again another day … Actually, don’t think we have had that much rain, but dark, dreary and wet for several days … and more appears to be on the way…
ACC baseball tournament championship game today … Miami vs. Clemson at 12 noon today on ESPN2.
UNC Wilmington advancing to the finals of the 2023 CAA Baseball Championship. READ MORE
Single Lane Traffic on May 31 for Cape Fear River Bridge in Elizabethtown
At the beginning of May, the N.C. Department of Transportation announced the new bridge spanning the Cape Fear River in Elizabethtown is open to all traffic, and the old bridge is closed. Kenneth L. Clark, PE, District Engineer with Division of Highways, North Carolina Department of Transportation, stated in an email to Bladen County Officials, “We will be having a single-lane closure on May 31, 2023, from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm READ MORE.
Bladen County to Hold Public Meeting Regarding Opioid Litigation Settlement Funds
Contributed
A meeting has been scheduled for 5:30 pm on Monday, June 5, 2023. The purpose of this Public Meeting is to receive comments from local municipalities regarding proposed uses of the Opioid
Litigation Settlement funds. READ MORE.
Bladen County Schools Announce Graduation Plans
Bladen County Schools announced Friday plans for high school graduation ceremonies where more than 300 seniors will receive diplomas during three ceremonies.
Each graduate will receive seven tickets for guests. Doors will close to attendees 15 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony. READ MORE
Bladen 4-H Summer Camps Accepting Registration
It’s that time again for summer fun with Bladen County 4-H with a variety of camps for ages 5 through 18 set to begin June 27.
For more information or questions contact Toni Newby, 4-H Agent, at 910-862-4591 or at toni_newby@ncsu.edu. READ MORE
This Day in History For May 28
1923 – US Attorney General says it is legal for women to wear trousers anywhere.
1972 – White House “plumbers” first break in at the Democratic National Headquarters and install listening devices at Watergate Complex in Washington, D.C.
1987 – Monitor, Civil War warship, is discovered by a deep sea robot. READ MORE
STORIES FROM SATURDAY, MAY 27
Thoughts While Shaving
Ever feel like you were operating with one-hand tied behind your back? I have upgraded, downgraded and disrupted most of my equipment … But, this too shall pass … Not complaining, just the facts … I have been attempting to upgrade … and made a ‘mess’ out of it all…
A Hazardous Weather Forecast for our area over the next couple of days … READ MORE
NCDOT Warns Public That Heavy Rainfall Could Make Travel Treacherous
Contributed
RALEIGH – As North Carolina braces for a soggy weekend, drivers should pay extra attention and slow down on what could be slick roads.
Forecasters are predicting widespread rainfall, scattered flash flooding and possibly downed trees. READ MORE
Town of White Lake Offices Closed For Memorial Day
In observance of Memorial Day, the White Lake Municipal Complex will be closed Monday, May 29.
Payments may be deposited in the night deposit box located beside the drive-thru window. READ MORE
State Highway Patrol Encourages Safety During Summer Travel Period
RALEIGH – With approximately 37 million motorists projected to take to the roadways this Memorial Day weekend, the State Highway Patrol is preparing to ensure safe travel on our states approximately 80,000 miles of roadway.
As the Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start to summer, AAA predicts that the number of people who will travel by automobile will increase by 6% in comparison to last year. READ MORE
STORIES FROM FRIDAY, MAY 26
New LifeLink Air Helicopter stationed at Bladen County Hospital
Elizabethtown – A large crowd gathered Thursday morning to celebrate a ribbon cutting for the new LifeLink Air Helicopter stationed at Bladen County Hospital. The local hospital is among North Carolina’s 21 critical access facilities.
Officials say the helicopter is needed to ensure Bladen County provides the best possible care to patients whose health conditions warrant medical treatment at more advanced hospitals in the quickest way possible. READ MORE.
Updated- Bladen County Schools Approved Stoles and Cords for Graduation
Contributed by Bladen County Schools
Elizabethtown, NC—Graduation is an exciting time for our graduates, their families, and our school district—every year we look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of our graduating seniors. Last spring, district administrators and high school principals came together to establish unified graduation procedures to eliminate discrepancies between the schools’ ceremonies and ensure we were aligned with our graduation plans and requirements—including the list of approved stoles and cords. It was recently brought to our attention that some students were presented with cords not on the approved list. After careful consideration, the district will allow those cords to be worn at this year’s ceremonies. READ MORE.
5 Vacation Spots in North Carolina
By Haylie Robinson
Summer is coming up, meaning it’s time for vacation with family, friends, or just yourself! This also means you need places to consider visiting in North Carolina; North Carolina is full of sites; we have cities, mountains, and beaches. Many different areas to explore, like the historic town of Manteo or the colorful places such as Asheville. READ MORE.
Thoughts While Shaving
First thing first … Let’s check the weather…
Not exactly the kind of weather forecast we would hope for … but, much needed … It is dry at our place…
Bladen County’s scheduled school year ends a week from today … READ MORE
Sampson County Natural Gas Facility Draft Air Quality Permit Public Hearing Set
Contributed
RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality is accepting public comment and will hold a public hearing on the draft Title V air quality permit for Sapphire Renewable Natural Gas, a new facility in Sampson County. Sapphire Renewable Natural Gas applied for an air quality permit to allow it to accept and process landfill gas into natural gas onsite at Sampson County Disposal LLC in Roseboro. READ MORE
57 New Driver License Examiners to Help Improve Service at DMV Offices
Contributed
ROCKY MOUNT – The N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles on Thursday welcomed 57 new driver license examiners to their ranks as part of a biannual graduation ceremony that took place at the DMV headquarters.
These 57 employees, following a five-week training program, will be deployed throughout the state to increase service levels at driver license offices. READ MORE
STORIES FROM THURSDAY, MAY 25
Bladen County Schools Approved Stoles and Cords for Graduation
Contributed
Bladen County Schools announce the approved stoles and cords for our high school graduation ceremonies. According to College Wear, Inc., in general, the main components of graduation attire are: READ MORE.
Thoughts While Shaving
“The debate over the budget continues in D.C. The debt ceiling was raised 74 times from March 2011.” Republicans and Democrats continue the debate … A default on debt would not be good.
Remember your graduation? How long ago? I am Bladenboro Bulldog, class of ’56 … READ MORE
STORIES FROM WEDNESDAY, MAY 24
Employee, customer, and dog suffer serious injuries in propane explosion; 3 Tips for Propane Safety
Contributed
White Lake, NC – On Monday, May 22, 2023, at 4:18 pm White Lake police officer on stationary patrol at 2038 White Lake Drive witnessed an employee and customer of Camp Clearwater Campground be severely
burned while attempting to fill a propane cylinder at the business propane filling station. READ MORE
Bladenboro’s New Town Square Construction is Progressing
By the BladenOnline team
The “New Town Square” construction in downtown Bladenboro is progressing. With DeVane Builders of Elizabethtown, Terry Nance confirmed masons have been laying bricks at the work site, the heating and cooling equipment is installed, and drywall is hung. Duke Power will be out this week or next week to connect power to the facilities, so the next stage of construction may begin. READ MORE.
Ray Starling to Address HCA Class of 2023
Harrells, NC – Sampson County native and former Chief of Staff to the United States Secretary of Agriculture, Ray Starling, will deliver the commencement address for the Class of 2023 at Harrells Christian Academy on Thursday, May 25, 2023. Raised on a Century Family Farm in Autryville, Starling credits his childhood agricultural environment for shaping his career path more than any other influence or opportunity. Mr. Starling obtained a BS in Agricultural Education from NC State University, served as a National FFA Officer, and received his Juris Doctorate, with honors READ MORE.
Crossroads Offers Pressure Washing and Cleanup Services
Contributed by Southeastern Carolina Crossroads
God is LOVE! Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body [a]to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. (1 Corinthians 13:1-3)Do I love like Jesus? If we were honest, we would admit that this is very hard to do. But with the Holy Spirit we can live a lifestyle of love. We are to Love God and people. READ MORE.
Thoughts While Shaving
Negotiators continue to meet in DC, no deal on a new budget … “Still a significant gap” according to one source … Some say money should ‘run out’ by June 1. May need to cut off $s to negotiators … Pay for performance…
Columbus County native MacKenzie Gore gave up a 2-run homer in the first inning last night … Nationals lost 7-4 to Gore’s former team, the San Diego Padres. READ MORE
Bladen County Headlines … 50 Years Ago
Here were some of the stories making news in Bladen County in 1973:
• United Sisters Savings Club presented a check for $703.75 to the Elizabethtown Rescue Squad. READ MORE
Obituary: Franklin Thad Williams
Franklin Thad Williams on Sunday May 21st entered his forever heavenly home. Thad, through his unwavering faith and with the loving support of his wife Tammy, and children, Amanda & Larry, and Justin & Rebecca, bravely, and with great courage battled a long bout with cancer. READ MORE
• BLADEN ONLINE’S OBITUARY PAGE
STORIES FROM TUESDAY, MAY 23
NCDOT: Bladen County Road Closures Update
The North Carolina Department of Transportation released a road closure update Tuesday. Following are the roads that are closed.
CLOSED
(SR1144) Baldwin Branch Church Road. READ MORE
Step Up 4 Health and Wellness Expo Raises Nearly $55,000
Contributed
FAYETTEVILLE – Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation raised nearly $55,000 through the second annual Step Up 4 Health and Wellness Expo last month. The event, which was held on Saturday, April 15, at Methodist University, raised money to support multiple patient care areas at Cape Fear Valley Health. READ MORE
Cape Fear Valley Health Presents Quarter Awards
Contributed
FAYETTEVILLE – Each quarter, Cape Fear Valley Health recognizes members of its medical staff. These winners are later considered for an annual award, which is recognized each year on Doctor’s Day.
For the first quarter of 2023, the winners are READ MORE
Inaugural NC Friends of Farmland Award Presented
Contributed
RALEIGH – The Farmland Preservation Division of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced new initiatives to celebrate farmland preservation efforts across the state.
Additionally, a new award has been established to recognize the exemplary efforts of individuals and groups that advance farmland preservation efforts in North Carolina. READ MORE
Thoughts While Shaving
Our national leaders are attempting to work out differences related to budget issues and the debt of the US … Same old story, if one party is for, the other is against … Wish there were some grown-ups in the room …
Folks at the local level get it done … annually before the deadline … If Congress and the President can’t do it … Let’s elect leaders that can … both parties… READ MORE
Men and Women United Receives USDA Rural Partners Network Loan
Men and Women United For Youth and Families Inc. has received a $300,000 Community Facilities Direct Loan and Guaranteed Loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Partners Network, Secretary Tom Vilsack announced Monday.
The Delco-based organization offers programs for people in Bladen, Columbus and Brunswick counties. READ MORE
DMV Adds More Online Services, Increases Direct Communication with Customers
Contributed
ROCKY MOUNT – In a continuing effort to provide more services online, the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles will now allow residents with a State ID card to renew online and teen drivers with a Level 3 Full Provisional License to upgrade to a regular Class C license up to one year after expiration. READ MORE
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
White Lake Commissioners Set Budget Hearing June 13
The White Lake Board of Commissioners have set Tuesday, June 13 at 7 p.m. for a public hearing for the 2023-24 fiscal year budget. The proposed budget has been submitted to the board and is on file in the clerk’s office for public inspection.
The meeting is open to the public. READ MORE
Wine Glass Painting Class Offered June 6-7
Bladen Community College’s Community Enrichment Department is offering a pair of wine glass painting classes at People’s Emporium in Elizabethtown.
Cost is $35 and includes paint and choice of two glasses. Paint your own unique designs in drinkware. READ MORE
Nurses Association Night Out June 16 at Woodpeckers Game
The North Carolina Nurses Association’s South Central Region has planned a Nurses Night Out on Friday, June 16 at Segra Stadium in Fayetteville.
A networking event will be held from 5-7 p.m. at the stadium located at 460 Hay Street prior to the Fayetteville Woodpeckers playing the Columbia Fireflies. READ MORE
Aviation Camps Set In June at Elizabethtown Airport
The Town of Elizabethtown and the Curtis L. Brown Jr. Field Airport will be hosting two aviation summer camps in June. The first camp will be from June 5-8 and the second camp will be from June 26-29.
The camps are for grades 5 through 9 and will be from 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. each day. There will be no charge for the camps. Registration is limited to 30 students per session. READ MORE
Golf Tournament to Benefit Jim & Sue Schultz Foundation
The “Whack Smack It” Memorial Golf Tournament is scheduled Friday, June 2 at Vineyard Golf at White Lake with a noon shotgun start.
The event will raise funds for the Jim and Sue Schultz Foundation. Proceeds will benefit East Bladen and West Bladen athletic programs and the Elizabethtown DYB program. READ MORE
Carolina Civic Center ‘Boot Camp’ July 17-22
Contributed
The Carolina Civic Center Historic Theater in downtown Lumberton will hold its “Summer Theater Boot Camp” July 17-22. The six-day artistic intensive program, ending with a culminating revue for friends and family, will allow campers ages 8 to 16 to develop essential acting skills, participate in theater games and exercises, create and act out scenes through improvisation, dance/movement, music instruction, and audition prep/headshots, among other skills. READ MORE
May Programs At Jones Lake State Park
Jones Lake State Park has released its May program itinerary. Take a canoe hike, get an introduction on using a compass and learn about snakes.
The park is located at 4117 NC 242 North, Elizabethtown. Events are free and open to the public. READ MORE
Free COVID-19 Tests Available Through June 30
Contributed
RALEIGH — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced this week a change to the Project Access COVID Tests program (Project ACT) that will allow all North Carolina households to request free, at-home COVID-19 tests through June 30. Residents are encouraged to order additional free tests while supplies last. READ MORE
Bladen Extension Service Offers Better Bladen Series
From beekeeping, backyard chickens, healthy eating, and garden basics, NC Cooperative Extension – Bladen County Center has a variety of workshop opportunities coming up in 2023 as a part of the Better Bladen Series.
Workshops are at no cost to the participant and will be held at the Powell-Melvin Agriculture Center located at 450 Smith Circle in Elizabethtown. READ MORE