News

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

NC Emergency Management – Joint Information Center Streaming video of State EOC news conferences may be viewed here live: Watch Now

NEWS FOR TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

Assistance available for Hurricane Florence victims

Bladen County Emergency Management released information stating assistance is available for Hurricane Florence victims. For those in need of meals in the Bladenboro, Clarkton, Kelly areas tomorrow, September 19, 2018, the National Guard will be serving MREs (Meals Ready to Eat), and bottled water from 10 am until 7 pm, at the following locations: READ MORE

Life-threatening flood conditions continue

Situational Overview and Weather Update through Saturday

Life-threatening flood conditions continue according to the National Weather Services briefing by Steven Pfaff.

Situational Overview as of: 630 PM on Tuesday Sept 18, 2018

Forecast Overview: A weak front will move toward the southeast and off the coast late tonight. READ MORE

Emergency Officials warn citizens dangers are not over

By Charlotte Smith

Bladen County Emergency Services Director Bradley Kinlaw and Bladen County Sheriff Jim McVicker explain why citizens should still heed warnings in a video with BladenOnline.com.

The two officals explained water is still rising in parts of Bladen County. The curfew is still in effective for Bladen County starting at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, September 18th until Wednesday, September 19th at 7 a.m. READ MORE

Horrific Damage in Bladenboro

Photos by Bladen County Commissioner Charles Ray Peterson

Bladen County Commissioner Charles Ray Peterson testified to the damage Bladenboro has received during Hurricane Florence. The photos Peterson shared of the small town show destruction of many businesses. READ MORE

Political Power Working Together To Help Bladen

By Charlotte Smith

Congressman Mark Meadows with North Carolina District 11 and Republican Candidate for Congress Mark Harris paid a visit to Bladen County on Tuesday. While they were on the way down to Bladen County, they were on the phone with FEMA and President Trump.

Harris said, “Sheriff McVicker helped us navigate down here because with the roads as bad as they are we would not have been able to get here without his guidance. READ MORE

Driving in Highway Division 6 Dangerous, More Roads Closures

FAYETTEVILLE – Driving conditions remain dangerous across much of the greater Fayetteville area as floodwaters continue to rise and force more road closures.

Flooding has caused the N.C. Department of Transportation to close the Person Street bridge over the Cape Fear River in downtown Fayetteville, and the department plans to close at 6 p.m. another section of Interstate 95, from mile marker 46 to 56, over the same river. READ MORE

Listing of Stores Open in Elizabethown

Stores and gas stations in the town of Elizabethtown are beginning to re-open for those who are in need of supplies following Hurricane Florence, according to Lt. Mark McMichael with the Elizabethtown Police Department. They are as follows. READ MORE

Bladen Community College to remain closed through Sept. 23

Bladen Community College will remain closed through Sunday, September 23 due to the result of Hurricane Florence. READ MORE

Cape Fear Valley closures and Delays

FAYETTEVILLE – Due to flooding and power outages as a result of Hurricane Florence the following clinics will be closed on Wednesday, Sept. 19. READ MORE

Curfew lifted for Elizabethtown residents

The curfew for the town of Elizabethtown for Hurricane Florence has been lifted effective immediately.

Cape Fear Propane Biz Card

Storm sees neighbors bonding with neighbors

By Erin Smith

When there is an emergency, neighbors work together to help each other.

On Monday morning, Colly Creek overflowed its banks along NC 41 East. As the Merritt family and friends gathered to move equipment out of the shop at Merritt Brothers, they were also helping their neighbors. They took the time to take their equipment and move a family and their belongings to higher ground as well. READ MORE

Camp meets needs, at capacity

White Lake Christian Camp and Retreat Center is at capacity hosting hurricane relief volunteers from Murphy, NC, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and California, according to Lake Church Pastor Cameron McGill. READ MORE

Disaster Relief Donations Being Accepted

By Erin Smith

Donations of relief supplies are now being accepted. Kelly Robeson, Director of the Bladen County Division on Aging, is serving as the County’s Disaster Relief Coordinator. READ MORE

River Levels along Cape Fear River

Although the rain has stopped, power is being restored, and weather conditions continue to improve, we are still experiencing flooding effects throughout large areas within Bladen County from Hurricane Florence. READ MORE

Elizabethtown Middle School Shelter closing

The Bladen County Emergency Operations will be closing the Elizabethtown Middle School Shelter effective as of 12 pm today, Tuesday, September 18, 2018. READ MORE

Bladen County Serving as Staging Area for Many Needed Resources

By Erin Smith

Bladen County is serving as a host, as well as receiving assistance from many groups and rescue teams.

On Tuesday morning, Bladen County Emergency Management Director, Bradley Kinlaw, said that right now preparations are underway to establish community feeding locations. Once those sites are determined, an announcement will be made, said Kinlaw. READ MORE

Cape Fear Valley-Bladen Healthcare announces clinic schedule

Cape Fear Valley-Bladen Healthcare has announced the clinic schedule. READ MORE

Bladen County is battered following Hurricane Florence

By Erin Smith

As the rains from Hurricane Florence subsided on Monday, the task of assessing the damage and preparing for historic flooding began. Bladen County Manager Greg Martin said the Cape Fear River is rising and mandatory evacuations are in place for residents living along the river. READ MORE

Duke Energy estimates power restoration times for Carolinas customers following Hurricane Florence

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Duke Energy expects to restore power to most North Carolina and South Carolina customers impacted by Hurricane Florence by Sept. 26 at 11:45 p.m. – but the vast majority will be restored sooner. READ MORE

Foundation Bible Church is offering breakfast for those in need

Foundation Bible Church in Elizabethtown is offering breakfast to those in need from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m. on Tuesday, September 18, 2018. READ MORE

Opinion: Thoughts While Shaving

NFL Bears 24, Seawhawks 17.

Quoting WNCN-TV, the CBS affiliate in Raleigh, “Hurricane Florence produced one of the ‘most significant rainfall events’ in the Carolinas, the National Weather Service said.” READ MORE

This Day in History for September 18

1679 – New Hampshire becomes a county in Massachusetts Bay Colony.

1789 – 1st loan is made to pay salaries of the presidents & Congress.

1793 – US President George Washington lays the cornerstone of the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. READ MORE

Extremes for Bladen County, NC, on September 18

Extremes For Bladen County Highest Temperature 95 degrees 2005

Lowest Temperature 47 degrees 1990

Greatest One-Day

Precipitation 2.09 inches 1974

7-Day Forecast

NEWS FOR MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

Bladen County is battered following Hurricane Florence

By Erin Smith

Emereau:Bladen to close due to Hurricane Florence

Due to Hurricane Florence, Emereau: Bladen Charter School will be closed until further notice.

Power is slowly returning in Bladen County

Power is slowly returning to Bladen County on Monday as utility workers from as far away as Texas have arrived to help begin the process of repairing downed lines and replacing broken poles. READ MORE

Elizabethtown beginning the process of cleaning up

By Erin Smith

The town of Elizabethtown is beginning the efforts to clean up and begin the process to recover from Hurricane Florence. On Monday morning power was beginning to return to the town. READ MORE

Bladen County Courts to be closed

The Bladen County Courts have announced they will be closed this week due to the impacts from Hurricane Florence. READ MORE

Updated Listing of Bladen County Road closings as of Monday

The following is a list of updated road closings due to Hurricane Florence as of Monday morning, Sept. 17, 2018. READ MORE

Flooded neighborhoods near Bladenboro

Photos courtesy Jessica Gillis Lee

On Sunday afternoon, neighborhoods were inundated with flood waters. READ MORE

Bladen County receives almost three feet of rain from Hurricane Florence

The National Hurricane Center in Coral Gables, Florida is estimating the Bladen County has received more than three feet of rain since Thursday. As of 2 p.m. Sunday, September 16, 2018, the doppler radar has measured 29.05 inches of rainfall in Elizabethtown. READ MORE

A view of Downtown Elizabethtown

This aerial view of downtown Elizabethtown was taken at 5 p.m. on Sunday, September 16, 2018 by Chris Robeson. The normally busy downtown is quiet and calm following Hurricane Florence. READ MORE

Hurricane Florence’s wrath still being felt in Bladen County

The wrath of Hurricane Florence is still being felt in Bladen County on Sunday evening. Many homes and businesses have been damaged or destroyed. Flooding is occurring in many communities throughout Bladen County. READ MORE

NEWS FOR SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

SE Health Affiliates to open Monday

It is the goal of Southeastern Health leadership to strategically respond to the needs of our communities as quickly as possible. READ MORE

Cape Fear Valley-Bladen Outpatient Clinics closed

Cape Fear Valley-Bladen Outpatient Clinics will be closed tomorrow. READ MORE

Bladen County Schools to close until further notice

With continued severe impacts to our area from Hurricane Florence, Bladen County Schools will be closed beginning Monday, September 17, until further notice. We will reassess the status of our buildings by Friday to make a determination as to when schools can reopen. READ MORE

Elizabethtown Middle School Shelter is nearing capacity

The Emergency Shelter at the Elizabethtown Middle School is nearing capacity, according to Bladen County Emergency Management. READ MORE

Bladen County Road closings as of Sunday afternoon

The following is a list of updated road closings due to Hurricane Florence as of Sunday afternoon, Sept. 16, 2018. READ MORE

Many areas flooding, residents should use caution if they need to travel

Bladen County is still being hammered with rainfall and catastrophic flooding from the remnants of Hurricane Florence. Some residents ventured out in Elizabethtown on Sunday morning to area stores in search of supplies. READ MORE

Church: Hurricane Florence Prayer Vigil for Bladen County

All churches in Bladen County are asked to sign up for a non-denominational prayer vigil. Lisa Clark from Clarkton, North Carolina has asked for assistance with obtaining church volunteers in Bladen County to pray during the vigil.

The vigil will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 16 and last until 6 p.m. Monday, September 17. READ MORE

Bladen County Schools, Emereau: Bladen and BCC School schedules for upcoming week

We have only received updates from Bladen County Schools, Emereau: Bladen and Bladen Community College at this time regarding their schedules starting Monday. READ MORE

Flooding of roadways and homes occurring in Bladen County

By Erin Smith

Flooding is occurring throughout Bladen County on Sunday. The Bay Tree Lakes Fire Department was busy on Sunday morning erecting barricades and checking on residents in their fire district. READ MORE

Four County Membership Electric is restoring power

https://gis.fourcty.org/pub/mobile.html

Duke Energy continues to restore power across Carolinas; 830,000 back online already

https://news.duke-energy.com/releases/duke-energy-continues-to-restore-power-across-carolinas-830-000-back-online-already

Mandatory evacuation order issued for Kelly and Rowan

SoutheasternTimes: Record breaking rainfall in Wilmington

WILMINGTON HAS BROKEN ITS ALL-TIME ANNUAL RAINFALL RECORD

AND IS EXPERIENCING ITS WETTEST WEATHER EVENT IN HISTORY…

As of 9:00 AM this morning, annual rainfall in Wilmington, North

Carolina totals 86.79 inches. READ MORE

Updated Listing of Bladen County Road Closings as of Sunday morning

An updated listing of road closures in Bladen County as Sunday morning, September 16, 2018. READ MORE

Florence downgraded to Tropical Depression

While Hurricane Florence has been downgraded to a Tropical Depression, the news is still not good as another 5 to 8 inches of rain is forecast to fall across Bladen County on Sunday, September 16, 2018. READ MORE

Patrol car drives into standing water

By Erin Smith

A Bladen County Sheriff’s Deputy drove into standing water near Clarkton on Saturday evening and his vehicle stalled out on NC 211. READ MORE

Cape Fear River Expected to Flood Beginning Sunday

By Erin Smith

The Cape Fear River has begun to rise and is expected to reach flood levels as high as Hurricane Matthew, according to the National Weather Service. Bladen County has received between 12 to 15 inches of rain as of Saturday morning, according to the National Weather Service. More rain is forecast for the coming days. READ MORE

NEWS FOR SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

Bladen County Schools to Close on Monday

Bladen County Schools will be closed on Monday, September 17, 2018, for students and staff. READ MORE

Power Crews Assessing Damage, No Restoration Times Yet

Some progress has been made in restoring power to Bladen County.

On Saturday evening, Duke Energy reported they had restored power to 637,000 customers out of an estimated 1.1 million. In Bladen County, more than 1,500 customers remained without power. READ MORE

Emereau:Bladen Charter School to Close Next Week

Emereau: Bladen Charter School will be closed to students and staff on Monday, Sept. 17, Tuesday, Sept 18, and Wednesday, Sept. 19.

Tactical Rescue Teams Ready to help

By Erin Smith

On Saturday morning the White Lake Fire Department was a hub of activity as they removed downed trees from roads, checked on residents, and surveyed storm damage. READ MORE

Bladen County issues mandatory evacuation order for residents along Cape Fear River

Bladen County Emergency Management Officials have issued a mandatory evacuation order for residents who reside along the Cape Fear River and along Burney Road, River Road, and Tar Heel Ferry Road. READ MORE

Hurricane Florence isn’t done with Bladen yet

By Charlotte Smith

There is still a chance for more flooding today. There are some stores, gas station and restaurants open. However many roads and highways have standing water and could be washed out completely. READ MORE

One Emergency Shelter Closing, Others Remain Open

Due to the potential for roadways to be impacted, the Bladen Lakes Shelter will be closing effective immediately, and moving to the Elizabethtown Middle School Shelter located at 1496 US-701, Elizabethtown, NC 28337. READ MORE

NEWS FOR FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

Consumer Safety Alert: Cleaning Up Trees Damaged by Hurricane Florence

Hurricane Florence is hitting southeastern North Carolina hard, and has brought heavy rains and winds to the surrounding areas. Rescue teams are operating 24/7 to reach those stranded in flooded areas. READ MORE

Duke Energy customers in Carolinas feeling major effects of Hurricane Florence

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The number of power outages began to rise sharply today as Hurricane Florence made its way along the North Carolina and South Carolina coasts, bringing strong winds, heavy rain and storm surge. Outage numbers continue to rise – now in the hundreds of thousands. READ MORE

Hurricane Florence set to drench Bladen

Hurricane Florence is set to drench Bladen County with rainfall. The National Weather Service is forecasting Bladen County to receive an estimated 24 inches of rain. READ MORE

Residents asked to stay off the roadways

Bladen County Emergency Management Officials are asking residents to stay off the roadways until Hurricane Florence passes. Trees are down throughout the county and creating hazardous driving conditions. READ MORE

River Flooding Could Follow Hurricane Florence

By Erin Smith

River flooding is becoming a concern with the rainfall amounts that are forecast for the duration of Hurricane Florence. READ MORE

Hurricane Florence Pounding Bladen, Roads Still Good

By Erin Smith

Hurricane Florence has made landfall near Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina as a Category 1 storm; however, residents are advised not to let their guard down as catastrophic flooding and wind damage are forecast for Friday. READ MORE

Widespread power outages reported due Hurricane Florence

By Erin Smith

Widespread power outages are being reported in Bladen County on Friday morning, as Hurricane Florence continues to pummel the area. READ MORE

Beware of Hackers, Scammers during Hurricane Florence

Many cyber criminals will use times of natural disaster to take advantage of storm victims and unsuspecting people. Criminals will try to send emails or cal and solicit personal information, according to NC State Chief Information Officer Eric Boyette and NC State Chief Risk Officer Maria Thompson. READ MORE

Life-threatening flooding expected with Hurricane Florence

Flood Briefing from the National Weather service as of: 1145 p.m. on Thursday, Sept 13, 2018

Prepared by: Rick Neuherz, Hydrologist

More rivers expected to reach Major Flood READ MORE

Duke Energy ready for Hurricane Florence with largest Carolinas storm response ever

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Duke Energy has staged more than 20,000 professionals across North Carolina and South Carolina – ready to go to work to restore power once it is safe to do so in the wake of powerful Hurricane Florence. READ MORE

WECT Report: 2.6 magnitude earthquake strikes west of Columbia near SC-GA line READ MORE

NEWS FOR THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

Bladen County implements curfew with slow moving storm

Bladen County has implemented a daily curfew beginning Thursday, September 13, 2018, from 8 p.m. until 7 a.m. until further notice, according to Bladen County Emergency Management. READ MORE

SoutheasternTimes.com: NC 911 Board Issues Safety Guidelines for Emergency Calls During Hurricane Florence

Raleigh, N.C. – The North Carolina 911 Board has issued a set of guidelines and reminders designed to keep North Carolinians and the state’s first responders safer during Hurricane Florence. READ MORE

Support Crews and Utility Workers Staging and Ready to Go in Bladen County

By Erin Smith

Long before Hurricane Florence arrived at the Carolina coastline, help was already pouring into North Carolina from all over the United States. On Thursday morning, a 40-man USAR team arrived in the county from Vermont. READ MORE

Elizabethtown Council Receives Briefing on Storm; Institutes Curfew

Elizabethtown Town Manager, Eddie Madden, briefed town staff on Thursday morning regarding the latest on Hurricane Florence. The town council voted to implement a curfew during the storm. READ MORE

Town of White Lake closes offices

Due to the uncertainty of Hurricane Florence and in order to ensure the safety of employees and staff, the White Lake town offices will be closed on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018, and Friday, Sept. 14, 2018. READ MORE

White Lake implements curfew for storm

The town of White Lake has implemented a curfew due to Hurricane Florence. READ MORE

SoutheasternTimes.com: FEMA Hurricane Florence Response Is Team Effort

FEMA is working with state, local, tribal, and territorial partners to respond to the impacts of the storm.

When it comes to disaster response, the entire community has a role to play. READ MORE

Meeting to discuss William O. Huske Locks and Dams Study Postponed

Due to Hurricane Florence the meeting to discuss the Cape Fear River William O. Huske Locks and Dams Disposition Study will be postponed. READ MORE

Cape Fear Valley-Bladen Healthcare announces Hurricane operations

Bladen County Hospital staff members are in place and ready to serve our community as necessary throughout Hurricane Florence. READ MORE

New Emergency Shelter location to open

A new emergency shelter is set to open in Bladen County at 2 p.m. at the Elizabethtown Middle School located at 1496 Hwy. 701 South, Elizabethtown, according to Emergency Management Director Bradley Kinlaw. READ MORE

Hurricane Warning Issued for Bladen County

A hurricane warning has been issued for Bladen County as of 5 a.m. Thursday morning. A hurricane warning means hurricane-force winds are expected in the area over the next 36 hours, according to the National Weather Service. READ MORE

Power Crews Gearing up for Hurricane Florence

By Erin Smith

Power crews from Duke Energy and Four County Electric are ramping up their preparations ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Florence.

On Wednesday, Duke Energy Storm Director, Howard Fowler, said the company is estimating 1 to 3 million customers will be without power following Hurricane Florence. READ MORE

Update: Closings, delays and cancellations due to Hurricane Florence

Several organizations, event organizers and schools have announced closings and delays due to Hurricane Florence. Below is the current list of closings and cancellations as of Tuesday morning. READ MORE

Bladen County Emergency Shelters are now open

Bladen County Emergency Shelters have opened and are ready to receive residents. READ MORE

Politics: Rep. David Rouzer offers tips and information for Hurricane Florence

As our state continues to prepare for Hurricane Florence, I wanted to provide you with various resources to assist you in advance and the potential aftermath of Hurricane Florence. READ MORE

Crime: Elizabethtown man sentenced after conviction of murder-for-hire and firearms offenses

GREENVILLE – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announces that today, Francisco Damian Torres-Victoria, 25, of Elizabethtown, was sentenced by United States Senior District Judge Malcolm J. Howard for murder-for-hire and possession of a firearm by an alien. Judge Howard sentenced Torres-Victoria to 120 months of imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release. READ MORE

Bladen Community College Trustees Take Oath of Office

Bladen Clerk of Superior Court, Niki Dennis, administered the oath of office to Ray Britt and Joseph Rozier as new Bladen Community College trustees. READ MORE

Town of Dublin declares State of Emergency

The town of Dublin has declared a State of Emergency beginning at 2 p.m. and Wednesday, Sept. 12, and continuing through Monday, Sept. 17, 2018. READ MORE

National Guard Troops are ready to assist

On Wednesday morning, North Carolina National Guard Troops arrived at the Armory located on Swanzy Street in Elizabethtown. The troops are here to provide support and assist residents where ever they are needed. READ MORE

SoutheasternTimes.com: NCDOT Helping with Evacuations, Readying Emergency Response Supplies

NC DOT RALEIGH – State transportation officials are helping with evacuations along the coast, readying emergency supplies and finalizing preparations for Hurricane Florence. READ MORE

USDA Offers Food Safety Tips for Areas Affected by Hurricane Florence

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12, 2018 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing food safety recommendations for those who may be impacted by Hurricane Florence. READ MORE

Duke Energy encourages customers to complete storm preparations

Fierce winds and torrential rainfall are expected from Hurricane Florence.

This is a storm of historic proportion that will result in widespread and extended power outages. READ MORE

Politics: Sen. Thom Tillis: Some important telephone numbers to have available

This week, North Carolina will be experiencing severe weather, including strong winds and a large amount of rainfall as Hurricane Florence makes landfall. There is potential for power outages and major flooding in low-lying areas, and the most important thing you can be doing is to start preparing for a direct hit. READ MORE

Don’t get scammed; 5 tips to remember

By Charlotte Smith

After Hurricane Matthew citizens were victims of price gouging, fraud and scams. Don’t let that happen to you. READ MORE

Bladen County Public Library to close for Hurricane Florence

In order to ensure the safety of staff, all branches of the Bladen County Public Library will be closed Thursday, September 13- Saturday, September 15. The libraries do not have Sunday hours. READ MORE

Bladen County government offices to close

In order to ensure the safety of employees and staff, the County of Bladen has made the decision to close county offices on Thursday, September 13, and Friday, September 14, 2018. READ MORE

Bladen County preparing for Hurricane Florence

By Erin Smith

Residents of Bladen County are busy today (Wednesday) making final preparations for the arrival of Hurricane Florence. The Category 4 Major Hurricane is taking aim at the Carolina coast while an exact landfall location is still unknown, the storm has taken a slightly southward turn. READ MORE

Flags and signs can not take Hurricane Florence

Something else to think about while your are preparing for Hurricane Florence are your flags and signs. READ MORE

Crime: Court case for man involved in stand off is continued

By Erin Smith

The man involved in a standoff with law enforcement officials in Dublin in November had his court case continued in Bladen County Superior Court. READ MORE

Town of Bladenboro issues voluntary evacuation

Bladenboro Town Hall On Wednesday morning the town of Bladenboro has issued a voluntary evacuation for individuals who are living in low-lying areas subject to flooding or who live in mobile homes in or around the Bladenboro area to evacuate. READ MORE

Ag News: NCDA&CS activates hotline to help farmers impacted by Hurricane Florence

RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has activated its hotline to connect farmers with resources that can assist with agricultural emergencies. READ MORE

IRS urges taxpayers to prepare for natural disasters

WASHINGTON — Because a natural disaster can strike any time, the Internal Revenue Service is reminding individuals and businesses to take time now and create or update their emergency preparedness plan. READ MORE

Hurricane Florence poised for Carolina coast strike

While an exact location for landfall is still unknown, forecasters do agree powerful Hurricane Florence is projected to strike the Carolina coastline on Thursday. Forecasters warn there will be catastrophic damage due to the storm. READ MORE

Dublin Peanut Festival Canceled

Dublin Peanut Festival Canceled due to Hurricane Florence, according to Jade Carter, one of the event organizers.

As Hurricane Florence approaches Carolinas, Duke Energy announces $145,000 grant to support disaster response efforts

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Duke Energy is helping communities prepare ahead of Hurricane Florence with $145,000 in grants to the American Red Cross. The funds will support disaster response, including support for Red Cross shelters, volunteer training and mobilization of volunteers. READ MORE

Cry Out America canceled; never forget

There is still hope, prayer and remembrance. Founded following the infamous 9/11 terrorist attacks, Cry Out America is a grassroots prayer initiative signaling hope. Though the State of Emergency announcements canceled the local annual event organized to remember those who lost their lives 17 years ago, residents are still asked to pray.

September 11, 2001 was a moment that forever changed America. READ MORE

NEWS FOR TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

White Lake Town Board Recognizes Police Officer

By Joy Warren

During the regular meeting of the White Lake Town Board of Commissioners Tuesday evening, Officer Joshua “Blake” Bryan was recognized for completing the Advanced Law Enforcement training certification. Mayor Womble presented a plaque to Officer Bryan and thank him for his dedication to the profession and to the Town. READ MORE

Farmers Preparing for Wrath of Hurricane Florence

By Erin Smith

Bladen County’s farmers have been busy this week preparing for the wrath of Hurricane Florence. Chris Tatum, with the Bladen County Farm Service Agency, said farmers are extremely busy right now. READ MORE

Miss Dublin Peanut Festival crowned

Contributed

The Dublin Peanut Festival pageant was held on Saturday night at Dublin Elementary School. READ MORE

Bladenboro Board Discusses Several Issues

By Erin Smith

Bladenboro Town Hall The Bladenboro Town Board met on Monday evening and discussed several matters.

The board named Melanie Hester, as interim town administrator, following John O’Daniel’s resignation. READ MORE

White Lake, Clarkton and Bladenboro declare State of Emergency

Both Bladenboro, Clarkton and White Lake have declared a State of Emergency due to the threat of inclement weather from Hurricane Florence. They join Bladen County and the town of Elizabethtown who had already declared a State of Emergency. READ MORE

Bladen County Pet of the Week

By Dora Brogdon

This week a 2- to 3-year-old male lab mix with the name Snyder has been chosen once more as Pet of the Week. He’s very friendly and likes everyone but he is selective around other dogs. READ MORE

DMV Offices in Path of Hurricane Florence to Close Wednesday

RALEIGH – More than 30 driver license offices in eastern North Carolina and some in central areas of the state will close Wednesday at noon as the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles prepares for Hurricane Florence. READ MORE

Watch Out For Price Gouging Scams During Hurricane Florence

As Hurricane Florence approaches our coast this week, all of North Carolina is under a state of emergency. This means that our state’s price gouging law is in effect as well. Price gouging occurs if businesses or vendors charge excessively high prices in a time of crisis. READ MORE

Bladen Community College to close due to Hurricane Florence

Bladen Community College will be closed beginning at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, September 12, through Saturday, September 15, due to the predicted inclement weather event of Hurricane Florence. READ MORE

Emereau:Bladen Board of Director’s Meeting rescheduled

The Emereau:Bladen Board of Director’s Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, September 18, 2018 has been rescheduled to Tuesday, September 25, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. READ MORE

Hurricane Watch issued for Bladen County

The National Weather Service has issued a hurricane watch for Bladen County. A Hurricane Watch means hurricane-force winds are possible somewhere within the watch area within the next 48 hours, according to the National Weather Service office in Wilmington. READ MORE

Chamber cancels monthly meeting

Elizabethtown - White Lake Chamber of Commerce Many cancelled plans are expected with Hurricane Florence threating the Southeast Coast. The Elizabethtown-White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce monthly meeting for Tuesday, September 11 has been cancelled according to Dawn Maynard, Executive Director of the Chamber. READ MORE

SoutheasternTimes.com: NC Congressional Delegation Requests Approval of Hurricane Florence Emergency Declaration

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, North Carolina’s entire Congressional delegation, led by Senators Thom Tillis and Richard Burr, sent a letter to President Trump requesting that the administration approve Governor Roy Cooper’s Emergency Declaration in advance of Hurricane Florence’s landfall. READ MORE

Dublin IGA supplying needs before Hurricane hits landfall

The IGA grocery store in Dublin was packed Monday afternoon with residents preparing for Hurricane Florence. The storm strengthened to a Category 4 Major hurricane on Monday afternoon. READ MORE

Chamber luncheon meeting cancelled

Elizabethtown - White Lake Chamber of Commerce The Elizabethtown-White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce has cancelled their monthly luncheon for Tuesday. READ MORE

Town of Elizabethtown under State of Emergency

By Erin Smith

The town of Elizabethtown is now under a State of Emergency. According to Town Manager Eddie Madden, the town followed Bladen County’s lead with instituting a State of Emergency at 2 p.m. READ MORE

8 tips for technology during hurricane

By Dr. Lisa Lee Bryan, MCP

Get ready Florence is coming! Some technology tips.
1 – Back up everything and carry backups with you.
2 – Unplug all your computer/network equipment including printers. READ MORE

Bladen County Board of Elections one of 44 in NC under federal subpoena

By Erin Smith

Bladen County Election Officials, along with election officials in 43 other countries in Eastern North Carolina, received a federal grand jury subpoena recently from the United States Department of Justice and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The North Carolina State Board of Elections voted on Friday to request the North Carolina Attorney General to “quash the subpoenas.” READ MORE

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct meeting regarding future of the Lock and Dam system on Cape Fear River

Ariel view of Dam at Lock and Dam # 2 during construction

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), Wilmington District, will conduct a public meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018, regarding a disposition study focused on the three locks and dams included in the Corps’ authorized project known as Cape Fear River, N.C., above Wilmington. READ MORE

SoutheasternTimes.com: Friday’s Masters of Soul Performance at Carolina Civic Center Rescheduled

Due to expected weather conditions associated with Hurricane Florence, this Friday’s sold out concert by Masters of Soul at the Carolina Civic Center Historic Theater in Lumberton has been rescheduled. READ MORE

Bladen County declares State of Emergency, residents should finish preparations

By Erin Smith

Bladen County officials have declared a State of Emergency on Monday morning ahead of Hurricane Florence. Bladen County Emergency Management Director Bradley Kinlaw said Bladen County residents need to complete their storm preparations. READ MORE

NC DOT issues latest list of road openings in Bladen County

Faye M. Boyne, NC DOT

The North Carolina Department of Transportation has issued the latest list of road openings in Bladen County. READ MORE

Florence threat increased; 5 tips to prepare for a hurricane

By Charlotte Smith

Steven Pfaff, Warning Coordination Meteorologist with the National Weather Service sent out the latest outlook for Florence this evening. Florence started as a Tropical Storm but has strengthened to a category one hurricane as on Sunday.

Pfaff’s briefing warns Florence has gained some strength. There is a need to begin ramping-up initial protective measures. READ MORE

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month; Ayven’s Sunny place event

Each day, 43 families in the United States will hear the dreaded news that their child has cancer. Some Bladen County residents are well aware of childhood cancer and the effects it has on children.

Cancer is the number one disease killing children from age six months to young adulthood. READ MORE

Ag News: Statement from Agriculture Commissioner Troxler on waiving of motor vehicle regulations to help farmers

RALEIGH – Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler released the following statement regarding Gov. Roy Cooper’s issuance of Executive Orders 51 and 52 in preparation for Tropical Storm Florence:

“With the potential impact of Tropical Storm Florence next week and the threat of severe economic loss of livestock, poultry and crops, I appreciate Gov. Cooper issuing a state of emergency for North Carolina. READ MORE

Wildlife Commission requests deer hunters help to report wildlife observations

NC Wildlife Resources Commission The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is seeking assistance from deer hunters to report wildlife observations from Sept. 8 through Jan. 1.

Hunter observation information helps Commission biologists track long-term wildlife population and distribution changes, as well as provides valuable data on fawn survival and buck-to-doe ratios. READ MORE

Campaign signs reported stolen

According to the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office an investigation was started on Tuesday involving campaign signs being stolen. The signs were reported missing from US 701 South, NC 242 South and Peanut Plant Road.

According to the North Carolina General Statute 136-32 (e), it is illegal to remove political campaign signs that have been appropriately placed. READ MORE

Bladen County Headlines … 35 Years Ago

Breece Horton was Elizabethtown Jaycee of the Month.

Elizabethtown received a $744,250 Community Development Grant. READ MORE

SoutheasternTimes.com 19 foreign nationals indicted for illegally voting in 2016 elections

WILMINGTON, N.C. – Nineteen foreign nationals were charged with unlawfully voting in the 2016 elections Friday, and a U.S. citizen was charged with aiding and abetting an alien to falsely claim U.S. citizenship to register to vote. READ MORE

Ag News: USDA Launches Trade Mitigation Programs

(Washington, D.C., September 4, 2018) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today launched the trade mitigation package aimed at assisting farmers suffering from damage due to unjustified trade retaliation by foreign nations. Producers of certain commodities can now sign up for the Market Facilitation Program (MFP), while USDA will also begin to purchase identified commodities under a food purchase and distribution program. READ MORE

Motions filed to allow appeal process to begin for third hog farm case

By Erin Smith

Attorneys involved in the hog farm lawsuits against Murphy-Brown LLC have filed motions to allow an appeal to the verdict in the third case. The motions were filed in the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia, on Thursday afternoon. READ MORE

Part 1 Series: Ending ignorance about people with disabilities; benefits of service dogs

By Charlotte Smith

Our team at BladenOnline.com have been contacted by several different readers about citizens with disabilities being discriminated against or not having adequate services in the mother county. We are dedicated to helping our communities stay informed and help prevent discrimination of any kind.