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Bladen County Board of Education’s split vote (7-2) hires Jason Atkinson as new superintendent for Bladen County Schools effective March 15th, 2021 with a 2 year contract. Listen to the recorded virtual meeting on our YouTube channel.
Featured Article
Oh, the Places You’ll Go on National Read Across America Day!
By Nicole Smith
In case you were looking for a reason to celebrate today, I can give you two! Not only is it National Read Across America Day, but it is also Dr. Seuss’s birthday!
Every year on the birthday of quite possibly the most beloved children’s author of all time, we kick off National Reading Month with a holiday meant to inspire and encourage reading in our children and youth. READ MORE
Gearing up for Camp Clearwater Spring Fest, Accepting Vendors
The Camp Clearwater Spring Fest is a popular event drawing crowds from all over the United States. Today, Kristy E.M. Coleson, Director of Operations with Camp Clearwater, announced today vendor applications for the event are now being accepted.
The Camp Clearwater Spring Fest will be held Saturday, April 3, 2021, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. READ MORE
New Store Opens in Elizabethtown
Mo Moustafa a Bladen County business owner announced he and his team are opening a new business in Elizabethtown. The new store, Mo’s Vape & More has been in the works for a while now.
Mo said, “We are gladly announcing that we are opening up our doors for business. Please come check us out. We have a little bit of everything.”
Tobacco products, vape products, jewelry, hats, games, and a billiard table are some of the things the new store has to offer. READ MORE
County Commission Holds Quick but Fruitful Board Meeting
by Blake Proctor
With Commissioners Dr. Ophelia Munn-Goins and Michael Cogdell attending telephonically, and all other Board members present, Chairman Charles Ray Peterson gaveled the March 1, 2021, Bladen County Commission meeting to order at 6:30pm sharp. READ MORE
Updated: Bladen County Former Resident Quoted in New York Times Article
County Commission Holds Quick but Fruitful Board Meeting
by Blake Proctor
With Commissioners Dr. Ophelia Munn-Goins and Michael Cogdell attending telephonically, and all other Board members present, Chairman Charles Ray Peterson gaveled the March 1st, 2021, Bladen County Commission meeting to order at 6:30 pm sharp. READ MORE.
Board of Education Meeting – Open Session on YouTube
Elizabethtown Town Council Still Continues Meeting Via Zoom
By Joy Warren
In accordance with the N.C. Governor’s Executive Order, the March 1, 2021 Town of Elizabethtown Town Council Meeting was conducted virtually via Zoom. This meeting ushered in a full year of conducting Town Business via Zoom.
Mayor Sylvia Campbell announced that this would be Eddie Madden’s last meeting with the Council. His last day of work is March 26th. READ MORE
Opinion: Thoughts While Shaving
Sign of the times. Received a post card with info related to a product I use, need … A special offer … Deadline for offer was February 28 … I received March 1…
Pet peeve … A TV regular, apparently pushed for time … Sir or Miss, I have one more question and I am nearly out of time … Please answer as quickly as possible … then take 60 seconds to ask a complicated question … And yes or no is not a proper or adequate answer… READ MORE
Chadbourn Man Charged with Missing Mother’s Murder
One man has been charged with the killing of a Clarkton woman missing since February 8, 2021.
Timothy Ray Cain II, of 641 Merritt Road, Chadbourn, was charged with murder and armed robbery on February 25, according to warrants. READ MORE
UNC Health Southeastern Accepting Vaccine Walk-Ins March 2-3
UNC Health Southeastern is accepting walk-ins for COVID-19 vaccinations for emergency personnel, healthcare professionals, individuals age 65 and over, and teachers and all school personnel who are currently in or returning to in-person roles at daycares, preschools and/or K-12 schools, on the following dates at the listed locations from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.: READ MORE
Exec. Order No. 200 Establishes Flexible Work Search Requirements to Help Bridge Employment Gap
Contributed
RALEIGH – Governor Roy Cooper on Monday issued an Executive Order that the Department of Commerce will increase efforts to help North Carolinians who file for unemployment benefits return to work.
Executive Order 200 establishes a flexible work search requirement for all new claimants who apply for unemployment benefits on or after March 14, 2021. READ MORE
Extremes for Bladen County on March 2
Highest Temperature 86 degrees 1976
Lowest Temperature 17 degrees 1980
Greatest One-Day
Precipitation 1.73 inches 1994
Greatest One-Day
Snowfall 10.9 inches 1927
Yesterday’s High Temperature was 75 degrees.
This Day in History for March 2
1962 – Philadelphia center Wilt Chamberlain scores 100 points, most ever by an NBA player in a single game, during Warriors’ 169-147 win over NY Knicks in Hershey; 36-of-63 from field, 28 of 32 from free-throw line.
1991 – NC State point guard Chris Corchiani becomes 1st NCAA Division 1 player to record 1,000 career assists in a 89-84 loss to Wake Forest. READ MORE
NEWS FROM MARCH 1, 2021
If You See Something Beautiful in Someone, Speak it
By Nicole Smith
We all need a little confidence boost every now and then… To feel appreciated. Someone to notice our new haircut, acknowledge our hard work, or thank us for doing the dishes.
World Compliment Day, celebrated every year on March 1st, was originated by Hans Poortvliet of the Netherlands. READ MORE
COVID-19 Positive Cases Falling, Testing and Vaccine Clinics Scheduled
Bladen County Health Department released the COVID-19 (coronavirus) update for today. The coronavirus-positive active cases have taken a nose-dive in recent days. READ MORE
Bladen County Scam Aimed at Grandparent
The Bladen County Sheriff’s Office asks the public to be aware of a scam aimed at grandparents. According to law enforcement, the grandparent receives a phone call with a report their grandchild was involved in some incident out of state. READ MORE
Failure to Appear Scammer Posing as Bladen County Sherriff’s Deputy
The Bladen County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public to be aware of a Failure to Appear Scam that is going around Bladen County. The caller is posing as a Bladen County Sheriff’s Deputy named Brian Stafford. READ MORE
Group 3 COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments Available at Cape Fear Valley Health
FAYETTEVILLE, NC – February 28, 2021: Cape Fear Valley Health’s COVID-19 vaccination clinics are now open to “frontline essential workers”, which includes all of Group 3. Due to a high initial turnout of local PreK-12 and childcare school workers, combined with decreasing demand from other eligible groups, Cape Fear Valley Health is moving forward with the next phase of the vaccination plan, ahead of schedule. READ MORE
Bladen County Husband of Missing Mother Arrested on Firearm and Drug Charges; Chadbourn Man Charged with Murder
On Thursday, February 25, Bladen County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Ruben Lee Harrelson, a 45 year old, white, male of Rosindale Road in Clarkton. Harrelson is Jacqueline Elaine Landreth’s husband. Landreth, Lynn Landreth, is a 37-year-old mother of two who went missing on February 8, 2021. READ MORE
Opinion: Thoughts While Shaving
Today is March 1 … enjoy.
It was about this time a year ago that we were beginning to debate the COVID-19 virus issue … Turned into a nightmare … still is … beginning to think about a light at the end of the tunnel … Hopeful… READ MORE
NEWS FROM FEBRUARY 28, 2021
Bladen County Long-Standing African American Owned Businesses
Closing out February and Black History Month, the spotlight is shining on the long-standing, local, African American-owned businesses. Several businesses have endured the test of time and have been willing to share their experiences. READ MORE
Opinion: Thoughts While Shaving
Woke up with a song on my mind … “This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it … This is the day, this is the day, that the Lord has made” … Most of us learned that in our early years…
We, my bride, a neighbor and myself, went out to eat early last evening and we were not alone … Folks are ready to get out of the house. READ MORE
NEWS FROM FEBRUARY 27, 2021
Remarks by President Biden on the American Rescue Plan
Washington, DC – THE PRESIDENT: Good morning, folks. For a few weeks now, an overwhelming percentage of the American public has made it clear that they support my American Rescue Plan. And the House of Representatives took the first step toward making it a reality. READ MORE.
Severe Weather Preparedness Week March 7-13
Severe weather season is upon us, and March 7-13 has been designated Severe Weather Preparedness Week in NC and SC. That makes this an excellent time to review severe weather plans and where safe locations are at work and home with your family. It’s also a great time to replace the batteries in your NOAA Weather Radio. READ MORE.
Warm and Chances for Rain; River Flooding Continues
Impacts
- Low lying property and roads will have water from flooding. For specific impact information, please see http://water.weather.gov/
ahps for locations along area rivers. - Moderate rain rates could reduce visibility and create water ponding on roadways. Increased traffic and travel times also possible. READ MORE.
Rewards Program Adds Perks to Home Buying
(NewsUSA)
– The COVID-19 pandemic and historically low mortgage interest rates have caused a flurry of home buying across the United States. Families are searching for more flexible work or learning spaces, larger homes, and spacious yards for cooped-up kids. For those just getting started, an Arizona-based real estate rewards and referral network company, RBN (Real Buyer Network), offers homebuyers added value to their purchase through its relationship with American Express. READ MORE.
Better Immunity is Just a Spray Away
(NewsUSA)
– Now more than ever, we worry about maintaining our good health, and we are especially concerned about having a strong immune system that can take on all types of infections.TheraBreath, the world’s leading dentist-founded oral health care brand, feels the same way. READ MORE.
NCDOT’s Weekly Cash Watch Report
RALEIGH – To be open and transparent and to comply with Session Law 2019-251 of the N.C. General Assembly, the N.C. Department of Transportation will issue a news release each Friday publishing the weekly “NCDOT Cash Watch Numbers” report, which is a snapshot of NCDOT expenditures. READ MORE.
This Week at NCDOT: NCGHSP Outreach, Bike Helmet Initiative, Aviation Art Contest
RALEIGH – The following are highlights from this week at the N.C. Department of Transportation. The stories below are also featured in NCDOT Now, the department’s weekly newscast. READ MORE.
Rouzer Statement on House Passage of Biden Bailout Bill
WASHINGTON – Congressman David Rouzer (NC-07) issued the following statement after last night’s passage by the House of H.R. 1319, the Democrats’ $1.9 trillion partisan bailout bill touted as “COVID-19 relief” legislation: READ MORE.
Conscience. It’s all in your Mind.
by Danna Martínez
Have you ever wondered the name of that voice in our head guiding us to act, either for better or for worse? Well, some people call it conscience, and it can become essential in our daily behavior. READ MORE.
Opinion: Thoughts While Shaving
Should re-name for today … Thoughts while lying in the bed, wide awake … that was after an unplanned early evening nap…
Actually, it was kinda fun … Ever heard of Capudine? I’ve mentioned it a time or two … It was medication for head colds, manufactured in Raleigh. Came in a dark brown bottle … mmm, about 3 inches tall. READ MORE
Above all else, she was a mother
By Jefferson Weaver
It surprises, even shocks, some people when they realize the woman in the black and white swimsuit pictures is my mother.
Neither photo is objectionable, especially not by modern standards. In one, Miss Lois is maybe 18, with a demure, embarrassed look on her face. READ MORE.
NEWS FROM FEBRUARY 26, 2021
Federally Supported Community Vaccination Center to Open in North Carolina
Contributed
Raleigh, NC – Governor Roy Cooper today announced the establishment of a COVID-19 vaccination center in North Carolina, in partnership with the federal government. READ MORE.
Word of the Day: Erudite
by Danna Martinez
Erudite, a very little-known word but one that has a curious meaning. The virtue of knowing a specific or several topics so thoroughly to the point of being an expert, a sage, an erudite. READ MORE.
Bladen County First Responders Save Lives Affected by Heart Disease
The Bladen County First Responders work no matter the weather conditions and even when there is a Pandemic. Local emergency services personnel confirm heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in Bladen County. They receive multiple calls a week dealing with the issue. READ MORE
You Decide: How Can We Address Climate Change?
By Dr. Mike Walden
The Biden Administration has identified addressing climate change – specifically, global warming – as one of its top priorities. Indeed, they are incorporating climate change into both their foreign and economic policies. READ MORE
Bladen County Headlines…50 Years Ago
Bladen County’s population in 1970 was 26,477, down 8.3% from the 1960 census of 28,881.
F.L. Tatum of White Oak was honored for his 22 years service as a Bladen County Commissioner. READ MORE
Department of Public Instruction Joins NC Businesses for 11th Annual Students@Work℠ Program
Superintendent of Public Instruction Catherine Truitt joins employers, educators, and state leaders in recognizing March 2021 as Students@Work℠ Month. While all programs will be virtual, this statewide career awareness initiative is celebrating 11 years of helping public school students connect classroom learning with careers they may choose to explore in the future. READ MORE
Bladen County Board of Commissioners Agenda Announced
The Bladen County Board of County Commissioners’ next scheduled meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 1, 2021.
The meeting will be held in the Superior Courtroom, located on the second floor of the Bladen County Courthouse, 106 East Broad Street. The meeting will begin at 6:30 pm. READ MORE
NEWS FROM FEBRUARY 25, 2021
Foul Play Suspected After Body of White Female was Located in Columbus County
Many in Bladen County have been searching for the beloved mother of two, Jacqueline Elaine “Lynn” Landreth, who went missing from Clarkton on February 8, 2021. Investigators with the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office and the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office were directed to an area in Columbus County by information received in the missing person’s investigation of “Lynn” Landreth. READ MORE
Word of the Day: Unprecedented
By Danna Martinez
We have all heard the expression “unprecedented.” It’s considered a common word, and it is used in multiple areas of daily life. The term “unprecedented” shows that a referring event is a real novelty because something similar has never happened. READ MORE.
COVID-19 testing site adjusts schedule
UNC Health Southeastern’s drive through COVID-19 testing site at the main entrance to the medical center will no longer provide testing on Sundays starting this weekend. READ MORE.
State Board of Education Meets Wednesday and Thursday, March 3 & 4
The State Board of Education will meet remotely Wednesday and Thursday, March 3 and 4, for its regular monthly meeting.
The agendas for this meeting and executive summaries are available online. READ MORE.
Celebrating National Chili Day in the Kitchen
Today is National Chili Day, the fourth Thursday in February. The day is made to celebrate one of America’s most popular wintertime foods.
According to National Day Calendar.com, chili is also known as chili con carne, which means chili with meat. READ MORE
Bladen County Road Closings Update from NCDOT
North Carolina Department of Transportation released an update on Bladen County road closings this afternoon. READ MORE
Bladen County Board of Education to Hold Virtual Special Called Session for Personnel Matters
February 25, 2021 -The Bladen County Board of Education will meet in a special called session on Monday, March 1, at 6:00 p.m. The meeting will be conducted virtually. READ MORE
Former Congressman Mike McIntyre Awarded NC State Bar’s Highest Honor
Raleigh, NC — Ward and Smith attorney Mike McIntyre has been selected for the North Carolina State Bar’s highest honor, the John B. McMillian Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes demonstrated exemplary service to the legal profession. READ MORE
Trouble in the Alamo
By Leyton Ezzell
February 24, 1836, enter the show of an Alabama native known as Colonel Williams Travis; under heavy fire from cannons and guns, you decide to attempt to call for backup. Where are you stationed? Simple, the Alamo. READ MORE
Telehealth booth available for use beginning March 1
Beginning March 1, patients who would like to utilize telehealth visits but do not have adequate internet access at home or through their mobile device may use a booth for telehealth sessions at UNC Health Southeastern’s Community Health Education Center, also known as CHEC, located within Biggs Park Mall in Lumberton. READ MORE
HBCU Internships Through the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
Contributed
Raleigh, NC – Students at the state’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) will have the opportunity to learn and earn this summer through a 10-week paid summer internship within the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. READ MORE
Bladen County Schools Conducts First COVID-19 Vaccine Shot Day
Bladen County educators’ first shot day was held this week. The Schools posted on their social media photos of their staff members receiving their COVID-19 vaccines.
“They were excited to roll up their sleeve in the fight against COVID, receiving their first dose of the Moderna vaccine,” they posted. MORE PHOTOS
Blood Supply is in Demand: Lu Mil Vineyard to Host Blood Drive
Blood supplies at local health care centers are critically low. Lu Mil Vineyard has stepped up to help with the demand. READ MORE
State Elections Board Dismisses Complaint Against Bladen Elections Board Member
Contributed
RALEIGH — The North Carolina State Board of Elections dismissed a complaint against Bladen County Board of Elections member Michael Aycock on Tuesday.
According to the complaint filed in October by Dr. Larry Hayes, who is the chair of the Bladen County Democractic Party, during the early voting period between Oct. 15-18, Aycock spent time at the Elizabethtown site around a Republican party tent and talking to voters. READ MORE
Opinion: Thoughts While Shaving
Ever felt like life is a roaster-coaster? Highs and lows come more often … Guess we attempt to shave the highs and deal with the lows … Nothing that can’t be dealt with…
At 4:30 AM, the temp in our area was 52 degrees … With February 2021 nearing the end … Checked the average high for March is 71, compared with 63 in February. READ MORE
NEWS FROM FEBRUARY 24, 2021
Tillis, Colleagues Reintroduce Bill to Protect Health Care Workers from Discrimination
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Recently, U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) reintroduced the Conscience Protection Act of 2021 to protect health care providers, including health insurance plans, from government discrimination if they decline to participate in abortions. The Conscience Protection Act also provides a private right of action for victims of discrimination. READ MORE.
Governor Cooper Announces Easing of COVID-19 Restrictions as North Carolina Trends Stabilize
Key indicators used to guide decisions throughout pandemic show state’s trends are moving in the right direction
Contributed
Raleigh, NC – As North Carolina’s numbers continue to show improvement and vaccine distribution increases, Governor Roy Cooper announced today that the state will carefully ease some of its COVID-19 restrictions. READ MORE.
Improvements Funded at 10 N.C. Airports
Contributed
RALEIGH – In its February meeting, the N.C. Board of Transportation approved state and federal grants for safety and airfield improvement projects at 10 North Carolina airports. READ MORE.
Elizabethtown Police Department Seeking Assistance with Break-ins
The Elizabethtown Police Department is investigating two break-ins that occurred early Saturday morning, February 20, 2021. The local police posted one of the break-ins occurred at the Golden Run Chinese Restaurant and the other was at the No. 1 Chinese Restaurant, both located in Elizabethtown. READ MORE.
Word of the Day: Etiquette
by Danna Martinez
The behavior of the human being, acclaimed by some, criticized by others, but finally understood as an object of study in society. The change in the social context, time, trends, political and religious ideologies, innovations, among many others, has managed to generate an impact on the subject’s social actions. READ MORE.
Opinion: Open Letter from Sergeant Willie Thompson
Sergeant Willie Thompson is a detective on the Elizabethtown Police Department. Recently, Sgt. Thompson sent an open letter to Bladen Online about challenges and needed changes. READ MORE
Bladen County Students, Teachers Rev Up for NEA’s Read Across America Day
Students in Bladen County will join millions of their peers across the country to celebrate the annual National Education Association’s (NEA) Read Across America Day on Tuesday, March 2, 2021. READ MORE
Vaccination appointments available online
Teachers and all school personnel who are currently in or returning to in-person roles at daycares, preschools and/or K-12 schools may schedule COVID-19 vaccinations through UNC Health Southeastern’s website, srmc.org, by clicking on “Get Vaccinated.” READ MORE
COVID-19 Daily Update
Opinion: Thoughts While Shaving
Been thinking about operating an electric vehicle … I understand much research is underway and auto manufacturers are telling us they will be available in a few months/years … I understand batteries are being upgraded. For years we have paid a tax on every gallon of gasoline we use to pay for construction and upkeep of our highways system … if we no longer use gasoline, who pays? … Hope I am still around when the new system is in place. READ MORE
Bladen Elections – Prohibiting Racial Discrimination or Constitutional Rights
by Charlotte Smith
During the last Board of County Commissioners’ meeting, a Bladenboro resident voiced concerns many citizens in the area have stated in the past. Too many board members sit on the Board of Education and the Bladen County Board of County Commissioners. Currently, there are a total of nine members on each of the local boards. Also, voters should be allowed to vote for all countywide candidates. READ MORE
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Local Leadership Academy Accepting Applications
The Paul R. Brown Leadership Academy is accepting applications online for the 2021-2022 school year. The Paul R. Brown Leadership Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school approved by the North Carolina State Board of Education with grades 6th thru 12th. READ MORE
Bladen County Public Library Community Needs Assessment Survey
The Bladen County Public Library wants to know what you think! Help them meet their 2021 goal to serve our county better in 2021.
Please fill out the Community Needs Assessment Survey. READ MORE
Best of the Best Essential Workers
The year 2020 has been a year for the history books. Although times are tough, there is enduring beauty all around us. BladenOnline has a goal to celebrate the beauty in our communities.
The Best of the Best Essential Workers contest votes were collected during the month of September. READ MORE
Notice To Bladen County Taxpayers
The Bladen County Tax Office is in the process of data collection for the 2022 Revaluation.
Contracted tax appraisers will be visiting each property in the county to review the real property listing.
These appraisers have marked vehicles and Bladen County ID badges. READ MORE
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