Read more on our page: REGIONAL NEWS <<<click link for regional news

Crime | Sports | Ag News | Obits | Lifestyles | Classified | Events | Guestbook | Churches | Helpful Links | Service Directory | Regional News | Opinion | Politics

TRENDING NOW

NEWS FOR SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21

SoutheasternTimes: Reminder to voters: Photographing a voted ballot is against the law

RALEIGH, N.C. – The State Board of Elections & Ethics Enforcement is reminding voters that North Carolina law prohibits taking photographs of voted ballots. N.C.G.S. § 163A-1133(c).

Voters are allowed to have phones or electronic devices with them while voting as long as those devices are not used to photograph a ballot or communicate with anyone via voice, text, email or any other method. READ MORE

NEWS FOR SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20

Bladen County Headlines…35 Years Ago

Four candidates filed for three seats on the Elizabethtown Town Board. They were: Bob Beasley, Henry Bostic,  Russell Grimes and Pervis McLaughlin.

The Bladen County Board of Education announced that their budget for the coming fiscal year was $13 million. READ MORE

North Carolina’s September Employment Figures Released 

The state’s seasonally adjusted September unemployment rate was 3.8 percent, decreasing 0.1 of a percentage point from August’s revised rate.  The national rate decreased 0.2 of a percentage point to 3.7 percent.

North Carolina’s September 2018 unemployment rate decreased 0.6 of a percentage point from a year ago.  READ MORE

Price gouging found in Bladen County

By Charlotte Smith

There have been many contractors in Bladen County since Hurricane Florence assisting homeowners with property repairs. Local and out of town professionals have been seen from one end of the county to the other.

However, one reputable insurance agent has reported suspected price gouging. An elderly lady who owns a double wide mobile home in Camp Clearwater at White Lake reported being charged $1,392 to have her roof partially covered by a tarp. READ MORE

County employees questioned pay after storm

By Erin Smith

During an emergency event or major storm, county employees are extremely busy. The county employs many to provide numerous services for its residents and the workload sometimes doubles when there is a storm. READ MORE

Opinion: Thoughts While Shaving

Not sure about a Mega Million (Billion) winner last night.  As of early Saturday (10/20/18) no one had stepped forward. Still early.

According to statistics related to US lotteries $72.97 billion is spent annually on lottery tickets or about $223 for every American citizen.  READ MORE

 

NEWS FOR FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19

Income Taxes, Sales Taxes and Hunting Rights on the Ballot

By Erin Smith

Voters have begun heading to the polls to cast their ballots with One Stop Voting having started on Wednesday. As of 2 p.m. Friday, 1,275 ballots had been cast, according to the Bladen County Board of Elections.  READ MORE

No responsibility taken in flooded homes due to dike damage

The Kelly community is seeking answers for how to repair and maintain the White Oak Dike system that protects the community from flooding.

The Kelly Dike system was one of the topics of discussion on Monday during the Bladen County Commissioners’ Hurricane Florence briefing. READ MORE

Slow moving processes to repair extraordinary issues with bridge and cemetery

By Charlotte Smith

Hurricane Florence devastated many areas of Bladen County. Elizabethtown, the county seat, did not have as many residents reporting damages, but issues involving a main bridge and cemetery in the town has many citizens eagerly awaiting answers.

An extreme amount of debris under the U.S. Highway 701 bridge over the Cape Fear River in Elizabethtown caused concerns about possible damages to the bridge. READ MORE

Are You Prepared for Flu Season?

Flu Season is just around the corner! Did you get your flu vaccine? The flu can affect people of all ages, even those in good health. Protect against the flu by getting a flu shot, and use these tips to stay healthy during flu season:  READ MORE 

NEWS FOR THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18

Bladen County Pet of the Week

By Dora Brogdon

This week a 1 to 2 year old female bulldog mix named Autumn has been picked to be Pet of the Week. READ MORE

Damages are still being reported from Hurricane Florence

By Erin Smith

The damage assessment is still under way in Bladen County from Hurricane Florence. Reports of property damage are still being received from various county departments and organizations. READ MORE

Cactus Collecting

By Timothy J. Malinich

Cacti (singular cactus) catch the eye of many hobbyists. They are easy and rewarding to grow, fun to display, and readily available. People are often hesitant to grow them because they fear the reputation of these desert denizens. Here are a few tips that will hopefully de-mystify the collecting of cacti. READ MORE

Ag News: USDA Issues Safety-Net and Conservation Payments to State Farmers

USDA State Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced that approximately $1,524,159.00 will be paid to State farms that enrolled in Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) for 2017 market downturns. Additionally, State FSA will distribute $158,563.00 in Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) rental payments to landowners for their commitment to conservation stewardship.  READ MORE

Photos of procession from Elizabethtown, Bladenboro and Whiteville in honor of Fallen Trooper Kevin Conner, B551 on 10/17/2018

Photos by Kenneth Armstrong, Erin Smith and Charlotte Smith

Fallen Trooper recognized by hometown, colleagues

By Erin Smith

There was an air sadness as residents, family members and friends gathered along the sidewalks of Main Street in Bladenboro to say goodbye to a favorite son. READ MORE

 

Sports: East Bladen Accepting Canned Food Items at Friday Night Football

Friday night East Bladen will be accepting canned food items at both gates during the varsity football game to help with the canned food drive for Bladen Crisis. READ MORE

Event: West Bladen High to Host Veterans Recognition Ceremony

West Bladen High School will host it’s annual Veteran’s Recognition Assembly on Thursday, November 8, 2018, at 9:30 a.m. READ MORE

Officers Learning Valuable Driving Skills

Contributed

Although Wednesday started with heartbreaking news of a fallen law enforcement officer, officers from the Whiteville Police Department, Elizabethtown Police Department, and the Bladen County Sheriffs Office trained together on Tuesday and Wednesday in Precision Law Enforcement Driving and Defensive Maneuvers. The training took place on the taxi-way of the Elizabethtown Airport. READ MORE

NEWS FOR WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17

Suspect in Shooting of Highway Patrol Trooper Makes First Appearance

By Erin Smith

The suspect in the early morning shooting of a NC Highway Patrol Trooper made his first appearance before Judge Scott Ussery in a Columbus County Courtroom on Wednesday afternoon. READ MORE

Subdivision Expansion in the Works

By Erin Smith

An expansion is in the works for the Oyster Shell Ridge subdivision off of Owen Hill Road near Elizabethtown.  READ MORE

Bladen County Tax Office Implements New Procedures

By Erin Smith

The Bladen County Tax Office will review and implementing new procedures to help improve the County’s tax collection rate.

On Monday night, Bladen County Tax Administrator, Renee Davis, told the Bladen County Board of Commissioners the ad valorem tax collection rate for the county is at 95.6 percent.  READ MORE

Bladen County Commissioners Recognize Employees

Erin Smith

Several Bladen County employees were recognized for their years of service to the county on Monday night, by the Bladen County Board of Commissioners.  READ MORE

Light up your community; go local for the holidays

When you shop, eat or stay local you help create more local jobs. According to a report 28 more jobs are reported when you shop with independent retailers. READ MORE

 

Small Business Center reaches out to community; incubator back on track

Contributed

Since Hurricane Florence struck Bladen County businesses with a mighty blow in September, many have been searching for answers. Todd Lyden, Director with the Small Business Center at Bladen Community College met with the Elizabethtown Rotary Club to explain options for storm victims.  READ MORE

 

Update: NC Highway Patrol Trooper Killed in Columbus County

By Erin Smith

The Trooper who was shot and killed in line of duty has been identified. READ MORE

 

In-person early voting begins Wednesday

RALEIGH, N.C. – In-person early voting for the 2018 general election begins Wednesday (October 17) in North Carolina.

Statewide, more than 300 early voting sites will offer approximately 50,000 combined hours of voting through Saturday, November 3. Election Day is November 6.  READ MORE

Junior Livestock Sale of Champions draws record $190,000

RALEIGH – Junior winners in the N.C. State Fair livestock shows drew a record $190,000 for the top steers, barrows, lambs, goats and turkeys in the Junior Livestock Sale of Champions at the N.C. State Fair on Oct. 13.  READ MORE

FEMA assistance grants are available to assist Hurricane Florence victims

Contributed

FEMA assistance grants are available to victims of Hurricane Florence.  READ MORE

Bladen County Commissioners Heated in Personnel Discussion

By Erin Smith

A large crowd gathered at the Bladen County Courthouse on Monday night, forcing the Commissioners’ meeting to be moved to the Superior Court Room. They were present for a discussion regarding a personnel matter at the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office, which became heated. READ MORE

 

NEWS FOR TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16

Crime: Joint Operation Leads To Two Arrests

Contributed

The Bladen County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit, Elizabethtown Police Department and North Carolina Probation and Parole have completed an investigation into the distribution of Controlled Substances in the Jones Street area of Elizabethtown.  READ MORE

SoutheasternTimes.com: North Carolina Wins $27 Million in Federal Funding to Fight Opioid Misuse

RALEIGH: North Carolina will receive $27 million over the next year to fight the state’s opioid epidemic by getting people off opioids and preventing others from misusing them, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. Grants include $23 million from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and $4 million from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will administer both grants.  READ MORE

Ag News: Farmland preservation grants available through NCDA&CS

RALEIGH – County governments and nonprofit groups pursuing farmland preservation projects have until Dec. 14 to apply for funding assistance from the N.C. Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund. This year’s request for proposals includes statewide funding for conservation easements, agricultural development projects and agricultural plans.  READ MORE

Places of Worship with Hurricane Damage

Any places of worship that received damage from Hurricane Florence are encouraged to attend a Public Assistance meeting to receive details on how to apply for the FEMA Public Assistance program which may provide financial assistance to help in your recovery process.  READ MORE

 

Bladen Disaster Relief Distribution Announces Site New Hours

Bladen Disaster Relief Distribution site was launched as a concerted effort with Foundation Bible Church, Bladen Crisis Assistance, Bladen County United Way, and the County of Bladen. The organization has been staffed entirely by volunteers from many local churches and residents from in-and-around Bladen County. READ MORE

Learning more about what you’re voting on

Would you like to attend an event featuring the candidates, learn their positions and learn more about the proposed six amendments on the November ballot?  READ MORE

 

Groundbreaking held for new STEM facility

By Erin Smith

Excitement could felt all around the Bladen Community College campus on Monday morning. The prospect of a groundbreaking for a new STEM facility on the campus brightened an otherwise grey morning. READ MORE

MORE NEWS

State/FEMA Disaster Recovery Center Open in Bladen County

AG News: USDA Offers Secure, Convenient Online Business Options

Lifestyles: Detours, Friends a Gospel Singing

Campbell joins Hilton Auction & Realty for new career

Bladen County Public Library to Host Children’s Monster Bash

Canned food collection challenge to schools

Arrest made in Bladenboro after narcotics investigation

Grape Festival Provides Fun For All

Achieving Self Support with Social Security

Bladen County Headlines 35 Years Ago

Bladen County residents place in NC State Fair Competition

Church: Pastor Brunson released from Turkish Prison

White Oak Fire Department to hold Pancake Breakfast

Essential Fire Prevention Tips to Share With Your Family

Mold found in Bladen County Courthouse, remediation under way

Massage Therapy, Acupuncture Can Help Relieve Stress

Share: