Deal for new restaurant progressing
By Erin Smith
The deal to bring a new restaurant to Elizabethtown is moving along, according to officials with Clark Brothers, Inc. READ MORE
Bladen County students donate to Bladen County Foster Care Angel Tree
Contributed
The East Bladen Keyettes and the Clarkton School of Discovery made donations to the Bladen County Foster Care Angel Tree. All items are to assure that every foster child in Bladen County custody has a cheerful Christmas. READ MORE
opinion: Thoughts While Shaving
NFL action last night – Eagles 30, Rams 23.
Tonight – Saints at Panthers
NFL regular season coming to a close, playoff action begins in about 3 weeks. READ MORE
This Day in History for December 17
1777 – George Washington’s army returns to Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.
1791 – NYC traffic regulation creates 1st 1-way street.
1821 – Kentucky abolishes debtors’ prisons. READ MORE
Extremes for Bladen County, NC, on December 17
Highest Temperature 75 degrees 1984
Lowest Temperature 16 degrees 1963
Greatest One-Day
Precipitation 1.98 inches 1970
Greatest One-Day
Snowfall 2.0 inches 1942
Yesterday’s High Temperature was 61 degrees.
NEWS FOR SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16
Celebrate the holidays with family safely
For many individuals, celebrating the holidays includes traveling or hosting friends and family in your home. If you are traveling to see family or hosting guests at your home over the holidays, make sure that everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency. READ MORE
Social Security benefits to increase in 2019
By Brenda Brown
Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Fayetteville, NC
Each year we announce the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). Usually, there is an increase in the Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit amount people receive each month, starting the following January. READ MORE
Keep your health in check this holiday season
The holidays are known for taking a toll on our bodies. Between the chilly temperatures, onset of flu season and the overabundance of sweet treats at every turn, it’s easy for physical health to fall to the wayside. And, with the excitement of the holidays many forget to take into account the emotional and mental toll that the winter season’s stressors can have on our overall wellness. READ MORE
NEWS FOR SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15
NCDOT and railroads using infrared cameras
One of the biggest safety challenges that NCDOT and the railroads encounter are people on the tracks. Railroads are private property, meaning not only can you be arrested or fined for trespassing on the tracks, but you are also putting your life at risk. READ MORE
NC legislature adopts bill requiring new primary if new election ordered
By Erin Smith
With an investigation being conducted by the NC State Board of Elections and Ethics into irregularities with mail-in absentee ballots in Bladen County, the North Carolina General Assembly adopted a bill on Wednesday that would require a new primary if a new election is ordered. READ MORE
NC State Board of Elections hearing date for 9th District election irregularities
The NC State board of Elections and Ethics has announced the date for an evidentiary hearing into election irregularities in the US House 9th District race. READ MORE
Cape Fear River expected to reach minor flood stage
Contributed
The Cape Fear River is expected to reach minor flood stage this week, according to the National Weather Service office in Wilmington. READ MORE
Joseph Sledge lawsuit against SBI, NC Courts can move forward
By Erin Smith
photo credit to www.newsobserver.com
A man who was wrongfully convicted for a double murder in Bladen County in 1976 can move forward with his case against the State Bureau of Investigation and the NC Administrative Office of the Courts. The North Carolina Industrial Commission has ruled Joseph Sledge can move forward with his lawsuit against the SBI and the NC Office of the Courts. READ MORE
Bladen County Headlines 35 Years Ago
The Elizabethtown Jaycee of the Month was Ricky Leinwand.
Robert Register was sworn in as the newest Clarkton Town Board member. READ MORE
Wet year causes issues for bridge maintenance and debris removal
By Charlotte Smith
The U.S. Highway 701 southbound bridge over the Cape Fear River in Elizabethtown has been closed since Hurricane Florence. A log jam under the bridge in has been a costly issue for the North Carolina Department of Transportation and is the reason for the continued closure of the bridge. READ MORE
Bladen County Commissioners to meet
By Erin Smith
The Bladen County Board of Commissioners is scheduled to meet on Monday night and take up several items on the agenda. READ MORE
NEWS FOR FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14
Smithfield Foods Invests Over $100 Million to Open the Innovative Facility in Tar Heel
SMITHFIELD, Va. — Smithfield Foods, Inc. is pleased to announce the grand opening of its new distribution center in Tar Heel, North Carolina, which will create approximately 250 new jobs in the state. Smithfield invested more than $100 million into the over 500,000-square foot facility, about the size of eight football fields, and its blast cell cold storage capabilities at its processing facility, which will strengthen the company’s supply chain to better serve customers globally. READ MORE
Update: Two men have murder cases dismissed
By Erin Smith
Two men had their murder cases dismissed in Bladen County Superior Court on Wednesday.
Raliek Tyree Lapaix and Malik Sharmaine Riggans were charged with first-degree murder. Those charges have been dismissed, according to Bladen County court records. READ MORE
New Generation Yarn Corporation (Warp Clarkton) expands its North Carolina based Warping Operations
Contributed
The town of Clarkton is getting a new business. New Generation Yarn Corporation (a North Carolina based company) formally announced its activities to expand their North Carolina based warping operations. READ MORE
Lloyd recognized during LCOG Award Presentations
Contributed
Lumber River Council of Governments Present Regional Awards On December 13, 2018, the Lumber River Council of Governments (LRCOG) celebrated 46 years of excellence and recognized individuals who have generously given their time and energy towards the work of the LRCOG. LRCOG Board of Directors Chairman, Mary Jo Adams, presided over the event. READ MORE
Dementia Friends Initiative topic of Chamber discussion
By Erin Smith
The Elizabethtown-White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce met for their December luncheon on Tuesday afternoon at the Cape Fear Farmer’s Market in Elizabethtown. Bladen County Division on Aging Director Kelly Robeson discussed the Dementia Friendly Initiative and how businesses in Bladen County can join. READ MORE
Girl Scouts give back
Contributed
The members of Girl Scout Troop 713 in Elizabethtown have been busy assisting Santa with his duties. The group recently learned of children in need of a wonderful Christmas Elf through the Elf Angel Organization started by Debbie Heustess of Clarkton! They picked a child and shopping they went. READ MORE
Deadline to register for FEMA assistance extended to Dec. 19
RALEIGH, N.C. – The deadline for North Carolinians to register for disaster assistance has been extended one week to 11:59 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2018. FEMA granted the extension at the request of Gov. Roy Cooper. READ MORE
Club practices service above self
Contributed
The Elizabethtown Rotary Club practices its motto, “Service Above Self” by giving to others. Recently the club members have been spotted all over Bladen County giving to others. READ MORE
NEWS FOR THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13
Two men have murder cases dismissed
By Erin Smith
Two men had their murder cases dismissed in Bladen County Superior Court on Wednesday. READ MORE
Salvation Army brightens Bladen County Christmases
By Erin Smith
On Thursday morning, the office of Families First Inc. in Elizabethtown was bustling with excitement and activity as the Salvation Army rolled into town with bicycles, toys, and food for Bladen County families. READ MORE
Corps of Engineers host information session regarding future of lock and dam system
By Erin Smith
Many people enjoy boating and fishing on the Cape Fear River especially in the vicinity of the locks and dams. READ MORE
Town Hall: What happened to the ballots in Bladen County
There will be a Town Hall held on Tuesday, December 18th about the Bladen County Primary Election’s missing ballots. READ MORE
Bladen County Sheriff McVicker election campaign documents subpoena
RALEIGH, N.C. – The ongoing investigation into absentee voting irregularities and other alleged activities in the 9th Congressional District is the top priority at the State Board of Elections & Ethics Enforcement. READ MORE
Emereau:Bladen Meeting Time Change
The Emereau Bladen Board of Director’s Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, December 18, 2018 has been changed to 6:30 p.m. instead of 5:00 p.m. as previously announced. READ MORE
BPS December Terrific Kids
Pictured with Bladenboro Primary School assistant principal Jason Folsom is Riley Hester, kindergartner who was the winner of a twenty-five dollar gift certificate to Pizza Palace of Bladenboro. READ MORE
Adoption Special at Bladen County Animal Shelter
At Christmas time, many cats and dogs are looking for their forever home. The Bladen County Animal Shelter will be waiving the adoption fee for dogs and cats for the week of December 17th– 21st. READ MORE
Dan Ward of Clarkton Elected New President Of National Peanut Board
In Ward’s first term as board member, he served on the executive committee as secretary in 2016, then as treasurer the following year. With his reappointment for a second term, Ward is now vice chairman of the Board. Ward previously served two terms as the North Carolina alternate. READ MORE
NEWS FOR WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12
Not all voices heard at Bladenboro hearing
By Charlotte Smith
The Town of Bladenboro town council held an administrative hearing on Tuesday, December 11, for water usage issues with the local Carroll Poultry, LLC. Members in the audience left upset after requests to be heard were denied by Bladenboro Mayor Rufus Duckworth. READ MORE
State officials urged not to sign Chemours consent order
By Erin Smith
Residents and other interested individuals gathered at Bladen Community College on Tuesday night to hear from State officials regarding the consent order with Chemours. Also, to receive updates on the ongoing investigation into the presence of GenX and other compounds in the Cape Fear River. READ MORE
State Community College President visits Bladen Community College
Contributed
When Peter Hans became the president of the state’s community college system this past May, he pledged to visit all 58 community colleges in North Carolina. Recently, he visited Bladen Community College where he met with Dr. William Findt, BCC President and his leadership team. READ MORE
Board of Education elects new Chairman, Vice-Chairman
By Bethany Stephens
The Board of Education met this past Monday where they welcomed their newly elected member, Cory Singletary. Following a reception immediately held before the official meeting, Singletary was sworn in by Nikki Dennis. Roger Carroll was elected by the board to serve as their chair and Glenn McKoy was elected to serve as Vice-Chair for the following year and was sworn in accordingly. READ MORE
Fourth hog farm trial in deliberation
By Charlotte Smith
The fourth hog farm trial out of more than twenty started the second week of November. The holidays have assisted in stretching out the time frame of the fourth court case involving the hog farming industry. READ MORE
Jimmy Dean product recalled
CTI Foods LLC, an Owingsville, Ky. establishment, is recalling approximately 29,028 pounds of frozen, ready-to-eat (RTE) pork and poultry sausage links products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically pieces of metal, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced. READ MORE
