Harrells Christian Academy’s Senior Beta Club Performs Powerfully at State Convention
Contributed
HARRELLS – Harrells Christian Academy’s Senior Beta Club recently attended the North Carolina Beta Convention in Greensboro from January 27-28 where they competed with other Betas in grades 9-12 from throughout the state. Students participated in academic and artistic events ranging from individual to large group competitions. This year’s Beta theme, Power of Beta, was incorporated into many of the projects and performances. READ MORE
Online Transaction ‘Safe Zone’ Available In Sheriff’s Office Parking Lot
It’s been more than five years since Bladen County Sheriff Jim McVicker introduced a safe location for people to conduct transactions that began on the internet.
The “Safe Zone” still is available in the parking area outside the Sheriff’s Office located on Smith Circle in Elizabethtown. READ MORE
Cape Fear Valley Announces Hiring Events
FAYETTEVILLE – Cape Fear Valley Health has several special upcoming hiring events. Interested applicants can find more information and register in advance for any of these events by clicking here.
Thursday, Feb. 9, there will be a Highsmith-Rainey Specialty Hospital Nursing Hiring event. READ MORE
West Bladen AJROTC Defeats Smith Station MCJROTC In Air Rifle League
West Bladen AJROTC defeated Smith Station MCJROTC 915.3 to 858.2 in the 2023 National Air Rifle New Shooter League. West Bladen AJROTC was led by Marissa Taylor, who shot a 255.0. The remaining contributing members were Sarah Hash, Ashley Resindez, and John Hundley. They are from Bladenboro and are coached by Hash. READ MORE
Trail Bridge Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Scheduled Feb. 17
A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled Friday, Feb. 17 to open a new bridge over the Jones Lake Drain in Turnbull Creek Educational State Forest.
The ceremony will coincide with the Year of the Trail Festival in Bladen County Feb. 17-19. READ MORE
N.C. Transit Agencies To Receive Critical Federal Funds
Contributed
RALEIGH – North Carolina transit agencies and communities will receive about $183 million for public transportation improvements as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Federal Transit Administration recently announced. READ MORE
UNC Study: States That Expanded Access To Food Benefits Saw Decreases In Child Neglect, Abuse Cases
By Jennifer Hernandez, North Carolina Health News
States that expanded access to federal food benefits saw decreases in the rates of cases investigated by child protective services, a new study by researchers from UNC Chapel Hill shows.
“It was affirming to see it aligning with mounting evidence,” said Anna Austin, an assistant professor at the Gillings School of Global Public Health and principal investigator on the study. READ MORE
Thoughts While Shaving
Checking local weather … Patchy fog before 8 a.m. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 61.
The Greater Fayetteville Business Journal highlights economic development in the past, present and future in the county seats throughout a seven county coverage area … Interesting reading … Google for article… READ MORE
Bladen Commissioners To Consider Rezoning Request For Retail Store
The Bladen County Board of Commissioners are expected to hold a public hearing Monday and consider for approval a rezoning request for a retail store to be built at the intersection of NC 242 South and Twisted Hickory Road.
The hearing is part of the board’s regularly scheduled meeting Monday at 6:30 p.m. inside the Commissioners’ Room on the lower level of the Bladen County Courthouse in Elizabethtown. READ MORE
Elizabethtown Council Expected To Approve Neighborhood Revitalization Grant
The Elizabethtown Town Council is expected to approve an agreement Monday for a $2.575 million Community Development Block Grant-Neighborhood Revitalization Program following a required second public hearing.
The Council is scheduled to conduct its regular monthly meeting Monday at 7 p.m. at Town Hall located at 805 West Broad Street. READ MORE
3 Things To Know For Monday
1. Blood Drive: Today, Noon-6 p.m., Hickory Grove Baptist Church, Bladenboro.
2. Bladen County Commissioners Meeting: Today, 6:30 p.m., Bladen County Courthouse, Elizabethtown.
3. Cancer Survivor’s Gala: Feb. 25, 5 p.m., Whimsical Florist & Gifts Ballroom, Elizabethtown. READ MORE
• BLADEN ONLINE’S COMMUNITY CALENDAR
This Day in History For Feb. 6
1935 – “Monopoly” board game goes on sale for 1st time.
1971 – American astronaut Alan Shepard is 1st to hit a golf ball on the moon.
2014 – Jay Leno ends his time on “The Tonight Show” READ MORE
STORIES FROM SUNDAY, FEB. 5
Thoughts While Shaving
A Chinese balloon (satellite spy?) was finally shot down by the US off the coast of South Carolina, (Saturday). Not likely a Happy Birthday wish to someone…
Today is CHURCH DAY … Attend the church of your choice, or join a service online… READ MORE
Woody Ornamentals Pruning Class Set For Feb. 21
The N.C. Cooperative Extension-Bladen County Center has scheduled a woody ornamentals pruning class Feb. 21 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at 450 Smith Circle in Elizabethtown.
To register, call 910-862-4591 or email jacob_barber@ncsu.edu by Feb. 17. READ MORE
STORIES FROM SATURDAY, FEB. 4
Thoughts While Shaving
It’s Saturday … February 4, 2023 … Remember the old song, “Baby It’s Cold Outside”, well, it is and will be for the next few … Sunny today, with a high near … brrrrr 42 degrees.
Lots of conversation by some related to making Interstate 95 a toll road in the Lumberton to Benson area … Just that … talk… READ MORE
Registration Open For Free Virtual Diabetes Education Program
North Carolina Cooperative Extension – Bladen County Center in partnership with 5 other North Carolina counties is offering a free online Dining with Diabetes series
The virtual 4-week Dining with Diabetes series will be held on Tuesdays beginning Feb. 21 and continuing Feb. 28, March 7 and March 14 from 5:30-7 p.m. READ MORE
STORIES FROM FRIDAY, FEB. 3
Bladenboro Middle School Sweeps Up Awards and Recognitions at NC State Junior Beta Club Convention
This week, the Bladenboro Middle School Junior Beta Club won over 20 awards at the annual North Carolina Junior Beta Club Convention.
Each year schools across the state compete at the convention held in Greensboro. READ MORE
Tar Heel Middle School’s Junior Beta Club Brought Home 18 Awards and Recognitions
Tar Heel Middle School announced this week that their Junior Beta Club won many awards at this year’s North Carolina State Junior Beta Club Convention.
Following are the awards and recognitions the local middle school brought back from the convention held in Greensboro. READ MORE
Clarkton School of Discovery Wins Multitude of Awards; Student Quadir Brown Secures NC Junior Beta Club Vice President Office
Clarkton School of Discovery announced this week their Junior Beta Club won a multitude of awards at the 2023 Junior Beta Club State Convention held in Greensboro.
During the convention, Clarkton School of Discovery student Quadir Brown won the NC State Vice President title. READ MORE
Things To Do In North Carolina For February 2023
By Haylie Robinson
Have you ever been sitting in your house wishing you had something to do? Well, there are many different things you can do in North Carolina, ranging from the Carolina Chocolate Festival in Morehead City; to Colored Silk: A Mother’s Civil War Odyssey in New Bern. We want to help you find some events you may be interested in attending. READ MORE
Town of Elizabethtown Celebrating 250 Years Throughout 2023
Contributed
The Town of Elizabethtown will be celebrating its 250th anniversary this year with a schedule of events that will span from March to November, kicking off with a Founders Day on Saturday, March 4.
The 250th Committee welcomes additional idea and suggestions. Contact Terri Dennison at 910-862-4368. READ MORE
Bladen Board Of Education To Hold Work Session
The Bladen County Board of Education will hold a work session on Monday, February 6, at 5:30 p.m. for the purpose of hearing presentations by school and district administrators regarding their respective schools and departments.
There will be no action items on the agenda. The meeting will be open to the public. The meeting will be held in the Board Room at the Bladen County Schools Administrative Building.
Mother County Genealogical Society Meeting Feb. 11
The Mother County Genealogical Society will meet on Saturday February 11 at 12:30 p.m. inside the Bladenboro Historical Society Building located at 818 South Main Street.
All with an interest in history and genealogy are welcome. READ MORE
Moores Creek National Battlefield Receives Donation From Cape Fear Revolutionary War Round Table
Contributed
CURRIE — Members of the Cape Fear Revolutionary War Round Table donated $500 to Moores Creek National Battlefield. The recent donation will help the park develop new exhibits that will highlight important stories about the battle.
The battle for Moores Creek Bridge took place in the early morning hours of February 27, 1776. READ MORE
Thoughts While Shaving
We have asked for rain recently, we have received … not more than needed in our area … Checking the gauge at the local airport and only about 3/4 of an inch has been recorded over the past 2 or 3 days … Just feels like more I guess … More rain in today’s forecast…
Still not excited about round-a-bouts … or 4-way stops … but, best I can tell someone is… READ MORE
Turnbull Creek Educational State Forest Hosting FLAME Week
Turnbull Creek Educational State Forest is hosting FLAME Week beginning Feb. 6. It’s a series of prescribed fire and wildfire related Zoom webinars.
Pre-registration is required for the online webinar series and Project Learning Tree. The webinars are open to the public. READ MORE
STORIES FROM THURSDAY, FEB. 2
Let’s Eat Out, But Where?
By Cheryl Thurston
As usual, the new beginning to a month brings with it the report from the fine folks at the Bladen County Health Department, making us aware of the sanitation inspections that were performed in the previous month. You can check out the list to see which restaurants, kitchens, delis, and stores were inspected this year in January. READ MORE
Sponsors Needed to Help Provide N.C. Summer Meals
Contributed
When school is out of session, North Carolina’s Summer Nutrition Programs help fill the gap by providing free meals and snacks to children ages 18 and younger who might otherwise go hungry.
The need for sponsoring agencies and sites for Summer Nutrition Programs is at an all-time high. READ MORE
Love is in the Air Series: Will You Be My Valentine?
By Cara Beth Smith
Wednesday was February 1st. In stores, you are probably seeing all shades of pink and red, flowers, balloons, and more chocolate than you could ever eat. That means the season of love is now in full swing.
Maybe you are talking to or dating someone new – some sort of new “love interest” – How do you tackle Valentine’s day without being “too much?” READ MORE
Thoughts While Shaving
Selected College Basketball Results
NC State 94 – Florida 66
Pitt 65 – UNC 64
80% chance of showers today, high near 44.
US financial leaders painted a positive picture yesterday and the stock market reacted in a like manner … READ MORE
STORIES FROM WEDNESDAY, FEB. 1
Elizabethtown Christian Academy Wins Big at NC Junior Beta Convention
Contributed
The 31st Annual NC Junior Beta Club Convention was held January 29-31 in Greensboro.
This was the seventh year ECA has competed in the NC convention, and it was their most successful year yet. ECA brought home a total of 26 awards. READ MORE
Heavyn Smith Inducted Into National Honor Society
Heavyn Smith, a junior at East Bladen High School, was recently inducted into the school’s Chapter of the National Honor Society.
A student’s membership is based on character, scholarship, leadership, and service. READ MORE
Bladen’s Unemployment Rate At 4.3% In December, 3.2% Statewide
Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in 96 of North Carolina’s counties in December and increased in four, according to figures released Wednesday by the N.C. Department of Commerce.
Bladen County’s unemployment was at 4.3% for December, which was a 0.7% drop compared to November’s 5.0% rate, the state figures show. READ MORE
Motown Special with Denise Tichenor February 18 at Carolina Civic Center Historic Theater
The Carolina Civic Center Historic Theater in downtown Lumberton will present an evening of Motown on Saturday, February 18 at 7 p.m. with “The Motown Special with Denise Tichenor and Friends.”
Denise Tichenor has been a professional singer/performer for over 30 years. READ MORE
Small Business Spotlight: Stewart’s Mobile Services
By Cara Beth Smith
What started as a part-time venture became a full-time small business for Kevin Stewart. Taking a leap of faith, he left his job of eight years to devote all of his working hours to Stewart’s Mobile Service nearly 20 years ago.
Stewart’s Mobile Services is a family business, offering medium and heavy diesel truck repair as well as heavy trailer repair. READ MORE
Thoughts While Shaving
An explanation is in order … I produced Thoughts for Tuesday, January 31 … I thought I sent them … but obviously, I did not … and #2 son was visiting, and I was attempting to have vehicles inspected … I usually visit the BladenOnline site throughout the day, not so yesterday … I discovered My Thoughts someplace deep in my computer, and later forwarded late last evening … I offer my apology … I promise to attempt to do better…difficult at times … very rewarding at other times… READ MORE
Duke Energy To Help Customers Go 100% Renewable
Contributed
CHARLOTTE – Duke Energy has proposed a major expansion to its Green Source Advantage (GSA) program, giving customers the option to supplement their power usage with 100% renewable power – and the ability to pair renewable projects with energy storage. READ MORE
STORIES FROM TUESDAY, JAN. 31
West Bladen Takes the Trophy for the Annual Kiwanis Canned Food Drive Competition
Each year the Kiwanis Club of Elizabethtown challenges East Bladen and West Bladen High Schools to a “Canned Food Drive Competition.”
The East and West Bladen Key Clubs and the local Kiwanians set up boxes for canned donations across the county. READ MORE
East Bladen High School’s Jair McElveen Wins State Title; Beta Club Members Win at State Convention
Jair McElveen, a junior at East Bladen, ran for NC Beta Club State President and won the title. He had hundreds of Betas, “Jumping in the Air for Jair.” His fellow East Bladen Betas also performed a convincing skit and won third place for their efforts.
“It has been amazing,” McElveen stated. READ MORE
West Bladen Wins Plethora of Awards at Beta State Convention
Contributed
The West Bladen High School Beta Club attended the North Carolina State Convention in Greensboro on January 27-28. 56 students competed in a variety of academic, visual and performing arts competitions. The following students placed in the following categories: READ MORE
Bladen Early College Betas Win Multiple Divisions at State Convention
Bladen Early College Beta Club members attended the North Carolina State Beta Convention in Greensboro this past weekend.
Holding to the club’s purpose, Bladen Early College High School (BECHS) entered multiple divisions at the State Convention and displayed award-winning talent. READ MORE
Bladen County Headlines … 50 Years Ago
Here were some of the stories making news in Bladen County in 1973:
• The Elizabethtown Jaycees held their DSA banquet and made the following awards:
• Six store windows were damaged by gunfire on Sunday night. READ MORE
Thoughts While Shaving
Interesting comments from recent ‘Thoughts” One response to yesterday’s thoughts … “We have been watching the Walton’s on Prime TV … It will take one back to smoke houses and ice refrigerators.” Thanks for sharing
Traveling life’s road can be difficult at times … very rewarding at other times… READ MORE
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Moores Creek National Battlefield to Hold 247th Anniversary Weekend
CURRIE — It’s been almost 247 years since a group of Loyalists charges across a partially dismantled Moores Creek Bridge as nearly 1,000 North Carolina Patriots waited quietly with cannons and muskets poised to fire.
On February 25-26, Moores Creek National Battlefield will commemorate the 247th anniversary of the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge. READ MORE
Application Period Opens For Boost The ‘Boro Scholarship Programs
The application period has opened for a pair of $750 educational scholarships and two $1,000 scholarships for high school seniors who live in the 28320 ZIP code.
The deadline to submit an application for the scholarships is April 28. Winners will be announced in May. READ MORE
February Programs at Jones Lake State Park
Here are the programs scheduled for February 2023 at Jones Lake State Park.
The park is located at 4117 NC 242 North, Elizabethtown. For information about the programs, call 910-588-4550. READ MORE
Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation, Methodist University Announce Step Up 4 Health Partnership
Contributed
FAYETTEVILLE – Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation and Methodist University announced Friday their partnership for the 2023 Step Up 4 Health and Wellness Expo. The event, which will be held on Saturday, April 15, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., is moving this year to the college’s campus. 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
Bladen Board Of Elections Meeting Rescheduled To Feb. 21
The Bladen County Board of Elections scheduled meeting to be held Feb. 14 has been rescheduled to Feb. 21 at 5 p.m., according to Elections Director Chris Williams.
The public is invited to attend. The meeting will be held at the Board of Elections Office at 301 S. Cypress Street in Elizabethtown.
Lu Mil Wine Run 5k Scheduled April 8
Like running or walking? Love wine? This race may be for you.
The Lu Mil Wine Run 5k is scheduled Saturday, April 8 at the vineyard located on the outskirts of Dublin. Proceeds will benefit the Dublin Peanut Festival. The event will start at 9 a.m. READ MORE
Golden LEAF Scholarship Applications Due March 1
The Golden LEAF Colleges and Universities Scholarship application window is open for the 2023-2024 academic year. Applications are available at CFNC.org. A total of 215 awards will be offered to first-t05ime recipients from qualifying rural and economically distressed counties, which includes Bladen County. Applications are due March 1. READ MORE
Talent Competition, Play Auditions at Carolina Civic Center Announced
The Carolina Civic Center in downtown Lumberton will hold auditions the weekend of Feb. 10-12 for its annual “My Time to Shine” Talent Competition and its June production of Disney’s Broadway hit “Beauty and the Beast.”
Auditions for the ninth annual “My Time to Shine” Talent Competition will be held 6 p.m., Friday, Feb. 10 and 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 11. READ MORE