Updated regularly
Bladen County business helping federal employees
With the federal government shutdown continuing with no apparent end in sight, some federal workers are becoming concerned about their lack of income and how they will continue to pay their bills. Some federal workers have taken jobs such as substitute teaching to tide them over until the shut down ends. READ MORE
After two years, Elizabethtown Murder Case Unsolved
By Erin Smith
After more than two years, an Elizabethtown murder case involving an illegal farm worker remains unsolved. The crime happened in June 2016 and investigators say they are still following leads related to the crime. READ MORE
Health and Human Services Agency meeting needs
By Erin Smith
The Bladen County Department of Health and Human Services has been providing for many needs in Bladen County. On Tuesday night, the Bladen County Board of Commissioners learned what many of the departments do. READ MORE
Secret about Bladen Early College
Contributed
Bladen County Early College Principal Rodney Smith and Nicole Dove, the Career and College Liaison, spoke at the Elizabethtown Rotary Club meeting Wednesday. This year the school will have their first graduating class. READ MORE
Nicotine addiction is an epidemic
By Charlotte Smith
Bladen County Schools held a Youth and Vaping 101 Community forum this week to help educate teachers, parents and students about the rising issues with vaping. Smoking costs North Carolina $3.81 billion per year in healthcare costs, according to Travis Greer, with the NC Youth Tobacco Prevention, who led the presentation. READ MORE
Crime: Elizabethtown Police need help identifying suspect
By Erin Smith
The Elizabethtown Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect involved in the breaking and entering of the Dragonfly Coffee House on West Broad Street last week. READ MORE
FEMA to host Community Mitigation Resiliency Workshop
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will host a Community Mitigation Resiliency Workshop on Thursday, January 24, 2019, from 6 until 8 p.m. at the Bladen County Emergency Operations Center. READ MORE
Commissioners recognize employees
By Erin Smith
The Bladen County Commissioners recognized eight County employees on Tuesday night for their years of service and honored them with a reception. The recognition took place during the Commissioners’ regular monthly meeting which was held on Tuesday night due to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. READ MORE
SoutheasternTimes.com: 3-year old Boy Missing in Craven County
By Erin Smith
A 3-year old boy is missing from Craven County. A search was conducted overnight and is expected to resume on Wednesday morning. READ MORE
Judge refuses to certify Mark Harris as winner of District 9
By Erin Smith
A Wake County Superior Court Judge refused to certify the 9th US Congressional District race on Tuesday afternoon. Judge Paul Ridgeway said there was no basis for the court to step in and certify the results. READ MORE
Jury Selection to Begin Monday in Baldwin Murder Trial
By Erin Smith
Jury selection is scheduled to begin on Monday afternoon for the fourth person charged in the shooting death of Darrell Dionte Council. READ MORE
FEMA appeals clinics offered
RALEIGH · December 19, 2018 – Pro bono attorneys will help Hurricane Florence survivors file FEMA appeals and reconsiderations at free Saturday clinics on Jan. 12 in New Bern, Feb. 9 in Wilmington and Feb. 23 in Morehead City. READ MORE
Ag News: USDA to Reopen all FSA Offices for Most Services During Government Shutdown
All Farm Service Agency (FSA) service centers will be open beginning January 24 to provide the majority of FSA services needed by farmers and ranchers during this critical time of the year for agricultural operations. Additionally, the limited FSA loan services initially made available at certain FSA county offices beginning January 17 will continue January 22 and 23. READ MORE
Opinion: Thoughts While Shaving
Weather should be improving over the next couple of days….High today in the mid 60s overnight lows upper 50s and Thursday, high should be near 67 degrees. READ MORE
Extremes for Bladen County, NC, on January 23
Highest Temperature 80 degrees 1974
Lowest Temperature 7 degrees 1985
Greatest One-Day
Precipitation 1.15 inches 1954
Greatest One-Day
Snowfall 0.1 inches 2016
Yesterday’s High Temperature was 42 degrees
This Day in History for January 23
1845 – Uniform US election day for President & VP authorized.
1879 – Elva Zona Heaster is found dead in Greenbrier County, West Virginia. Resulting murder trial of her husband perhaps only case in US history where the alleged testimony of a ghost helped secure a conviction. READ MORE
NEWS FOR TUESDAY, JANUARY 22
Bladen County native recognized as Highly Certified Researcher
A former East Bladen High School graduate has been named to the 2018 list of Highly Certified Researchers. The list is compiled by Clarivate Analytics and features the work of researchers from around the world in 21 different fields. READ MORE
Railcar catches fire near Clarkton
By Erin Smith
Firefighters spent the night battling a fire on a railroad car on Monday night near Clarkton. READ MORE
Opinion: Being our best
By Jefferson Weaver
There’s a whole lot of talk these days about toxic masculinity, whatever that is.
I am of the opinion that many of today’s problems come from a lack of masculinity. READ MORE
Prescribed burn workshop offered
On Tuesday, February 5, 2019, a prescribed fire workshop for private landowners will be held at the Bladen County Extension Office in Elizabethtown. READ MORE
Incentive package for Clarkton industry
By Erin Smith
The Bladen County Commissioners are set to consider an incentive grant for New Generation Yarn Corporation tonight (Tuesday, Jan. 22). The incentive grant will be worth and estimated $3,000 to $4,000 per year for a duration of five years, according to Bladen County Economic Development Director Chuck Heustess. READ MORE
Are Bladen County teens up in smoke?
Back in 2017 the Alcohol Law Enforcement cautioned teachers and parents on teens using flavored vapors and THC candy. Many teens today are using vapors instead of smoking cigarettes, Israel Morrow, an assistant special agent in charge for Alcohol Law Enforcement reported a couple years ago. READ MOREGREAT grant deadline is approaching
Raleigh, N.C. – The application period for the 2018 GREAT Grant program will close February 1 at 11:59 p.m., Eric Boyette, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Information Technology and State Chief Information Officer, said today. READ MORE
We Are All One Humanity
By Charlotte Smith
The event, “We are all one Humanity,” focused on celebrating the continuing dream of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The event was held at the Elizabethtown Presbyterian Church drew a large crowd after the local parade. A hot dog lunch was served before Reverend Jerrod Lowry addressed the audience. READ MORE
Elizabethtown Truck Driver Missing Since Crash Found
By Erin Smith
A search in Lenoir County for a missing Elizabethtown man has come to a sad ending. The body of a missing truck driver from Elizabethtown was recovered over the weekend from the Neuse River near Kinston. READ MORE
Bladen County celebrates Living the Dream with a parade
By Charlotte Smith
The 31st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. parade in downtown Elizabethtown celebrated Dr. King’s dream with style. There were floats, Queens, car clubs, horses, motorcycles, business and political leaders all enduring the 30 degree weather for the big event. READ MORE
NEWS FOR MONDAY, JANUARY 21
Opioid death rates inching upwards
By Erin Smith
The Office of the NC Medical Examiner has released data for the State regarding the number of Opioid-related deaths. The data reveals that opioid-related poisonings increased in North Carolina in 2017, the latest year for which data is available. READ MORE
Blood pressure medication recalled
By Erin Smith
A nationwide recall has been issued for Irbesartan and Irbesartan HCTZ tablets due to possible contamination by cancer-causing agents. The recall was issued by Prinston Pharmaceutical Inc., dba Solco Healthcare, LLC who manufactures the drug. READ MORE
SoutheasternTimes.com: United Way of Robeson County offering personal hygiene, household items
The United Way of Robeson County will be offering personal hygiene and household items at 302 North Chestnut Street in Lumberton. READ MORE
Bridal show draws business for vendors
The annual Bridal Show at Lu Mil Vineyard was a great success, according to Becky Packer with Lu Mil Vineyard and the vendors in attendance. Packer said there were over 70 brides registered for the event. READ MORE
Tips to Keep Water Lines from Freezing
By Erin Smith
When temperatures plunge below freezing, there comes the risk for frozen water lines, which can break leading to costly repair bills. Taking a few simple steps to prevent your pipes from freezing can stop broken water lines from occurring. READ MORE
Boost the Boro donates $10,000 to local businesses
By Charlotte Smith
The new year has some local organizations looking at achievements made in 2018 and setting goals for 2019. Boost the Boro, Inc., a non-profit committed to improving business and revitalization in Bladenboro had a lot to celebrate. READ MORE
NEWS FOR SUNDAY, JANUARY 20
WECT: After battle with cancer, Lewis sworn in as senior resident superior court judge
Woodmen Life presents awards
Left to right, Archie Bordeaux, Wanda Singletary, and Marie Jackson
Thursday evening was a time of celebration for some in Bladen County. The Tar Heel Camp 1044 Woodmen Life held their annual awards night on January 17th. READ MORE
NEWS FOR SATURDAY, JANUARY 19
Bladen County Historical Places
This week we will be featuring Brown Marsh Presbyterian Church which is located near Clarkton.
Brown Marsh Presbyterian Church, also known as Clarkton Presbyterian Church, is a historic Presbyterian church in Clarkton, Bladen County, North Carolina. READ MORE
Bladen County Headlines…35 Years Ago
Bladen Technical College announced that they were now offering a Notary Republic class for students.
New officers for Masonic Lodge 646 of Elizabethtown were installed. READ MORE
Weather wreaking havoc at Harmony Hall Plantation
West explains new ways to rescue
In June 2004, Elizabethtown Fire Department and Lisbon Fire Department were dispatched to a call of a man trapped in a grain silo. Seven different fire departments responded to the scene and the rescue took all day, according to reports.
Elizabethtown Fire Chief, Nick West explained to the Elizabethtown Rotary Club a new piece of equipment the department obtained to assist the trapped in rescue calls. READ MORE
Voters removed from registered list; 5 person board
By Charlotte Smith
As of Friday, January 18, the North Carolina and Bladen County registered voters’ lists have decreased by the thousands since December 2018.
On December 29th, there were 23,338 registered voters in Bladen County and 7,139,604 registered voters in North Carolina. READ MORE
Rainfall impacting county farms
Record rainfall has been falling in Bladen County as well as across North Carolina. For 2018, Bladen County received 64 inches of rainfall. The average amount of rainfall for Bladen County is 50 inches, according to US Climate Data. READ MORE
Public Hearing Feb. 18 on Draft Air Permit for Chemours to Install Thermal Oxidizer
RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ) will host a public meeting and public hearing on Monday, February 18, on a draft permit for the Chemours Company to install and operate a thermal oxidizer/scrubber system for emission control at their Fayetteville Works Facility. READ MORE
Vote for Bladen’s Best of the Best
Our readers and fans have asked for us to hold a contest to celebrate Bladen County’s favorite people, places and services. Please cast your vote by providing the name of the person or place under each category you feel deserves the Bladen’s Best of the Best title. READ MORE
NEWS FOR FRIDAY, JANUARY 18
NCDA&CS accepting applications for 2019 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program
RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is accepting grant applications for the 2019 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Applicants have until 5 p.m. March 1 to apply. READ MORE
‘The singing patient’ hopes his music will inspire others
By Bill Schaller, Director of Communications & Marketing, UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
MG Autry of Smithfield, North Carolina, has lived a life dedicated to service. From his decorated military career spanning more than 31 years, which included deployments in Iraq and Kuwait, to creating music that provides hope for those facing serious health issues, Autry is committed to helping others. READ MORE
Johnsonville recalls prok patty products
By Erin Smith
Johnsonville, LLC is recalling their pork patty products over concerns they may be contaminated with rubber particles. READ MORE
Former Elizabethtown Doctor, Girlfriend appear in Federal Court
By Erin Smith
Detention hearings were held for a former Elizabethtown doctor and his girlfriend this week at the federal courthouse in Wilmington. READ MORE
Boys Scouts accepts girls after name change
Contributed
There will be a new platform for what has been known as Boy Scouts starting in February. Family Scouting offering iconic Boy Scouts of America programs to boys and girls was the topic of discussion presented by Boy Scout’s District Commissioner, Alex Hursey at Tuesday’s Kiwanis meeting. READ MORE
Pork perseveres in Bladen County
By Charlotte Smith
Traveling through Bladen County this week we found this happy porker. His smile is contagious. READ MORE
SoutheasternTimes.com: State Superintendent Mark Johnson Announces Steps to Reduce Testing for Students in North Carolina
Making good on the promise he made when he entered office, State Superintendent Mark Johnson today announced initiatives to reduce the testing currently required for students in North Carolina’s public schools. The steps come after getting feedback from parents and teachers. Recent surveys showed a high percentage feel that students are taking too many tests. These steps are in addition to changes that have already been taken over the last two years by Johnson. READ MORE
Perdue Foods recalls chicken nuggets
By Erin Smith
Perdue Foods LLC of Perry, Georgia, is recalling more than 68,244 pounds of chicken nuggets due to possible contamination. READ MORE
North Carolina Seasonally Adjusted December Unemployment Rate At 3.6 Percent
The state’s seasonally adjusted December unemployment rate was 3.6 percent, remaining unchanged from November’s revised rate. The national rate increased 0.2 of a percentage point to 3.9 percent. READ MORE
Bridger Memorial Library to host Game Nights
The Bridger Memorial Library will be hosting a series of Game Nights. READ MORE
Clarkton Library to host Game Nights
The Clarkton Public Library will be hosting a series of Game Nights. READ MORE
Opinion: You Decide: How Can We Address Our Transportation Issues?
By Dr. Mike Walden
My wife retired a dozen years ago after working three decades as an elementary school teacher. Her daily routine now involves a trip to the nearest wellness facility for exercise as well as conversation – hopefully not at the same time! READ MORE
NC DOT announces road openings, closings
Faye M. Boyne, NC DOT
The North Carolina Department of Transportation has issued an updated listing of road closings and openings due to repairs. READ MORE
Bladen Lakes State Forest conducts prescribed burns
In the last month, smoke has been seen and smelled because of prescribed burns at Bladen Lakes State Forest and other areas across the state.
In Bladen County, more than 1,100 acres of forestland has been treated with prescribed burning on state and private lands since the beginning of January, with over 650 acres on Bladen Lakes State Forest alone, according to the N.C. Forest Service. READ MORE
Ospreys in the air
By Erin Smith
The sound of Ospreys could be heard overhead in Elizabethtown this week. READ MORE
Celebrating 5 years and counting for rescue work
Rescue work is not for the faint of heart. One non-profit is celebrating 5 years of success.
“October 2013 marked the date we went from being a backyard bird barn to a full- scale sanctuary,” Ces Erdman founder of Cape Fear Parrot Sanctuary said. READ MORE
NEWS FOR THURSDAY, JANUARY 17
BCC honors MLK with Celebration
Contributed
The public is invited to join faculty, staff and students to honor the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at a celebration held in Bladen Community College’s auditorium on Thursday, Jan. 24th, at 11 a.m. READ MORE
Famous Boxer to help celebrate holiday
Arthur Bullock, Bladen County Commissioner and organizer of the Annual Martin Luther King, Jr Parade made an exciting announcement. READ MORE
Ribbon cutting for Bladen Express Lube and Tire in Elizabethtown
By Erin Smith
A ribbon cutting was held on Thursday morning at Bladen Express Lube and Tire in Elizabethtown. READ MORE
Blighted properties a concern
By Erin Smith
When one drives through Bladen County you notice farm fields, wooded areas and the occasional blighted property. READ MORE
Beyond the treeline
By Jefferson Weaver
Since last fall’s hurricane, I have fallen into the habit of taking a walk or two a day. READ MORE
School Bus Driver Classroom Training
Contributed
A training session has been scheduled for all non-certified staff which began employment as of July 1, 2005, and has not taken the training class. READ MORE
Video Sweepstakes opens on US 701 South
By Erin Smith
A sweepstakes establishment has opened it doors on US 701 South in the former location of Woodies Grill. READ MORE
Church: Rev. Lowry to address MLK gathering
By Erin Smith
Elizabethtown Presbyterian Church will mark the annual celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, January 21, with a presentation followed by a light lunch in the PAC Building immediately following the parade. READ MORE
Beware of Publisher’s Clearing House Scam
By Erin Smith
Some Bladen County residents have recently reported being contacted by someone calling from a Jamaican telephone number posing as a Publisher’s Clearing House representative. READ MORE
Kuraray announces major investment in Bladen County
By Erin Smith
Kuraray America, Inc. announced late Wednesday afternoon they are planning to invest $20 million at the Fayetteville Works site in Bladen County. READ MORE
Ag News: USDA to Reopen FSA Offices for Limited Services During Government Shutdown
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced that many Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices will reopen temporarily in the coming days to perform certain limited services for farmers and ranchers. READ MORE
Furniture donation assists families in recovering
By Erin Smith
On Wednesday, four Bladen County families who suffered damages from Hurricane Florence received assistance in the form of new furniture to fill their homes. Men and Women United for Youth and Families teamed up with Designing Station to assist the families who had lost their furniture as a result of the storm. READ MORE
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