Opinion: Open Letter From Commissioner Candidate, Greg Taylor About Election Manipulation by McCrae Dowless
Fellow Citizens,
I am running for county commissioner county-wide. Obviously, I believe that I am the right person for the job or I would not be running. For a few years, I was not able to run for office because of my job. But for the last several years, I have not run because of the ongoing election manipulation by McCrae Dowless and his partners. When it looked like the authorities had finally put a stop to McCrae, I began to feel led to once again submit myself to the voters as a candidate. READ MORE
N.C. pecan growers expect plentiful crop
RALEIGH – After several years of weather-related setbacks, North Carolina pecan growers are reporting a strong crop. That is welcome news for farmers such as Tim Haithcock, who has been growing pecans for over 25 years. READ MORE
COVID-19 Daily Update
From 9-1-1 to Water; from Covid19 to Taxes; and More, County Commissioners Hear It all
By Blake Proctor
The October 19 th County Commission opened with a bang as Chairman gaveled the meeting to order at 6:30pm. The Reverend Sam van Slyke, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Bladenboro provided the invocation and County Manager Greg Martin led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. The 14-item Consent Agenda was unanimously approved. READ MORE
Bladenboro Middle is Third Bladen County School to Shutdown This Week
Today, Bladen County Schools announced a third school closure. On October 19, Bladen County Schools was made aware of an individual at Bladenboro Middle School tested positive for COVID-19 along with exposing a significant number of close contact individuals. Due to privacy requirements, the school cannot release the individual or details that may identify him or her or those that may have been exposed. The information has been provided to the Bladen County Health Department. READ MORE
Opinion: Thoughts While Shaving for October 21
Wish I could get as excited about World Series as I did as a teenager … Just about every year … so it seemed … Brooklyn Dodgers vs New York Yankees … and I was a Yankee fan … Whitey Ford, Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra … and Casey Stengel was the manager … Watched the game on a TV with … maybe a 12 inch screen, and no color … black ‘n white … at my workplace. READ MORE
Opinion: When this is all over
By Jefferson Weaver
Two conversations with dear friends got me to thinking the other day about what things will be like when “this is all over.”
Whether “this” is the pandemic, the quarantine, the civil unrest, the safety social media offers cowards, the election, the growing decay of upbringing and manners — or all of the above and then some — I honestly don’t think I can remember so much pure, true hatred being spouted so readily. READ MORE
COVID-19 Daily Update for Bladen County
READ MORE FOR TESTING SITES
COVID-19 Cases are Climbing this Fall as Predicted; Vaccine Delayed
Health officials warned earlier this year COVID-19 cases would hit a new surge in the fall months. Bladen County Health and Human Service has reported a double digit rise in COVID-19 (coronavirus) cases since last week. Two Bladen County Schools have shut down due to the virus.
Today the local health officials reported 96 active cases in Bladen County. READ MORE
Three Things to Know for October 21
Here are Three Things to Know for Wednesday, October 21:
1. A Candy Walk is planned Thursday at the Bladen County Public Library in Elizabethtown.
2. The White Lake Fire Department is selling tickets for its annual Thanksgiving meal fundraiser.
3. Harmony Hall Community Workday: 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 7. READ MORE
• BLADEN ONLINE’S COMMUNITY CALENDAR
North Carolina’s Unemployment Rates Double Over Last Year
RALEIGH — The state’s seasonally adjusted September unemployment rate was 7.3 percent, increasing 0.8 of a percentage point from August’s revised rate. The national rate decreased 0.5 of a percentage point to 7.9 percent.
North Carolina’s September 2020 unemployment rate increased 3.6 percentage points from a year ago. The number of people employed increased 38,683 over the month to 4,558,033 and decreased 352,111 over the year. READ MORE
Elizabethtown Rotary Kicks Off Virtual Fundraiser
Elizabethtown Rotary invites the public for a virtual wine tasting benefiting several local causes. Cape Fear Vineyard & Winery is partnering with the civic club to help raise money for local charity causes. READ MORE
Extremes for Bladen County on October 21
Highest Temperature 89 degrees 1984
Lowest Temperature 30 degrees 1981
Greatest One-Day
Precipitation 2.59 inches 1958
Yesterday’s High Temperature was 77 degrees.
This Day in History for October 21
1854 – Florence Nightingale with a staff of 38 nurses is sent to the Crimean War.
1869 – 1st shipment of fresh oysters comes overland from Baltimore.
1902 – A five month strike by United Mine Workers ends. READ MORE
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT …
Update on Dublin Primary School COVID-19 Related Shutdown
Contributed by Bladen County Schools
Bladen County Schools has learned that two employees at Dublin Primary School have tested positive for COVID-19 on October 15. Due to privacy requirements, we cannot release the names of the individuals or details that may identify him or her, but the information has been provided to the Bladen County Health Department. READ MORE
Update on East Arcadia Elementary School COVID-19 Related Shutdown
Contributed by Bladen County Schools
Bladen County Schools has learned that an individual at East Arcadia Elementary School has tested positive for COVID-19 on October 16. Due to privacy requirements, we cannot release the names of the individual or details that may identify him or her, but the information has been provided to the Bladen County Health Department. READ MORE
One-Stop Voting Continues
By Blake Proctor
Relatively heavy early voting continued on Friday and over the weekend, with a three-day tally of 2,301 ballots cast; this does not include the single provisional ballot cast in Bladenboro on Saturday. Additionally, the Board of elections updated the registrations of 116 voters, and registered 54 new voters in that three-day period. READ MORE
Community Announcements:
Spring Registration Kicks Off This Week at Bladen Community College
DUBLIN-Class registration for the 2021 spring term kicks off this week at Bladen Community College. Classes begin January 11,2021 but it is never too early to get the registration process started. Applications are being accepted now with classes available in both curriculum and continuing education programs.
“Potential students can begin to register now for spring classes,” states Barry Priest, Vice President for Student Services. READ MORE
College Application Week Has Arrived
Many high school seniors are thinking about the next step in their education. Aliaha Austin, with the College Advising Corps at East Bladen High School, announced today would kick off the College Application Week.
North Carolina Countdown to College annual campaign is held every October. READ MORE
North Carolina Forestry Association and N.C. Forest Service promote National Forest Products Week Oct. 18-24
RALEIGH – National Forest Products Week is celebrated the third week in October every year, and in celebration, the North Carolina Forestry Association and the N.C Forest Service recognizes the $33.6 billion contribution of the forest products industry to our state’s economy.
NCFA Executive Director John Hatcher says, “Forestry is a significant economic driver for our state, ensuring jobs and tax dollars necessary to the livelihoods of the many people who depend on this industry.” READ MORE
East Arcadia School to halt in-person classes because of COVID-19
Bladen County Schools announced Saturday afternoon that East Arcadia School will halt in-person classes beginning Monday because of the number of COVID-19 cases and close contact exposure cases.
Also Saturday, the school system announced that a person had tested positive for COVID-19 at Elizabethtown Primary School on Friday, although in-person instruction would continue. READ MORE
Education and Safety in Question after Dublin Primary Shutdown
Bladen County Schools announced Thursday that Dublin Primary School would be closed for a minimum of two weeks beginning on October 19 due to COVID-19. According to Bladen County Health Director Teresa (Terri) Duncan, the school does not meet the guidelines to qualify as a cluster, which means five or more positive cases. READ MORE
Trooper Kevin Conner Memorial Run Brings Out Hundreds
Today makes two years since Bladen County native, North Carolina Highway Patrol Master Trooper Kevin Conner, was killed in the line of duty. The day was bitter sweet as the Trooper Kevin Conner Memorial Run had almost 400 people participate in the event.
The Trooper Kevin Conner Memorial Foundation was formed to honor his legacy. NC Highway Patrol Troopers and Trooper Conner’s family gathered to thank those in attendance before the race began. READ MORE
One-stop Voting Heavy on First Day
By Blake Proctor
Thursday, October 15th, was the first day in Bladen County the electorate could vote early – also known as “One-stop voting.” A total of 1,802 ballots were cast across the six polling places, with only one provisional vote all day. READ MORE
Attempt to Locate Suspect and Stolen Truck
According to Bladen County Sheriff’s Office, on the night of October 13, 2020, a 1996 Chevrolet truck, dark green in color with North Carolina Registration PAZ-7299, was stolen from the area of Cromartie Road in Elizabethtown. READ MORE
A Bladenboro Man Arrested for Multiple Columbus County Breaking and Entering Charges
Contributed
Columbus County, NC – During the morning hours of October 16, 2020, Coleman Dean Johnson, 41, of Midway Drive in Bladenboro was arrested by Bladenboro Police Department for outstanding warrants for multiple breaking and entering cases that occurred in Columbus County. He was transported to Bladen County Detention Center where he received a secured bond of $80,000.00 for four counts of each: felony larceny after breaking and entering, felony breaking and entering, and misdemeanor injury to real property. READ MORE
Bladen County Headlines … 35 Years Ago
The 1985 North Carolina Tobacco Festival in Clarkton was termed “A great success, the best ever.” by Mayor Dan Meshaw.
Some of the events were, the golf tournament won by Pam and Bobby Davis, Miss North Carolina Tobacco Festival Sonya Enzor of Fair Bluff was selected. READ MORE
Rep. William Brisson Recognized with Strong Pro-Business Rating in NC House
RALEIGH, N.C. – The North Carolina FreeEnterprise Foundation (NCFREE) released a special COVID-19 edition of the organization’s 2019-2020 Legislative Business Rating (LBR), an analysis of the voting records of North Carolina General Assembly members as they relate to advancing and protecting business opportunities within the state. READ MORE
Updated: Dublin Primary Closed Due to COVID-19
On Thursday evening parents of Dublin Primary School received a phone call from Valarie Newton with Bladen County Schools. Ms. Newton stated that due to an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases and close contact cases in the school; the Superintendent is recommending the school close for in-person learning. READ MORE
Record Turnout In North Carolina For First Day of Early Voting
Contributed
RALEIGH — North Carolina voters turned out in droves on the weather-friendly first day of the early voting period Thursday, with nearly 230,000 ballots cast across the state as of 5:30 p.m.
Even with a couple hours remaining until the polls closed Thursday night, that number easily surpassed the total for the first day of early voting in 2016, when about 166,000 ballots were cast statewide. READ MORE
Rent, Utility Assistance Program Applications Being Accepted
Contributed
RALEIGH — Gov. Roy Cooper announced Wednesday that applications are now being accepted for the N.C. Housing Opportunities and Prevention of Evictions (HOPE) Program, which will assist eligible low- and- moderate-income renters experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19. The program seeks to promote housing stability during the ongoing pandemic by providing rent and utility assistance to prevent evictions and utility disconnections. READ MORE
Bladen Online Pet of the Week: Dusty Rose
Bladen Online’s Pet of the Week is Dusty Rose, a 5-month-old female cat.
Dusty Rose is at the Bladen County Animal Shelter and has been looking for a special someone to give him a loving home. Could it be you?. She is shy at times, but can be very playful once she warms up to you. READ MORE
Beasley Continues State Court System COVID-19 Response
Contributed
RALEIGH – Chief Justice Cheri Beasley issued an order Wednesday extending emergency directives in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many court hearings continue to be handled remotely using teleconferencing tools, and the public is encouraged to conduct as much business as possible online. READ MORE
Safe Halloween Activities Announced
The amusement may be limited for this Halloween, but that is not keep everyone from planning a sweet treat for young ones. Two events in Bladen County have been announced, offering safe activities.
First, the Bladen County Public Library located in Elizabethtown will offer a Candy Walk on Thursday, October 22, 2020. READ MORE
USDA Issues $1.68 Billion in Payments to Producers Enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program
WASHINGTON, Oct. 15, 2020 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is issuing $1.68 billion in payments to agricultural producers and landowners for the 21.9 million acres enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), which provides annual rental payment for land devoted to conservation purposes.
“CRP is one of the many ‘tools’ that USDA offers to producers and private landowners to help best manage sensitive lands,” said Richard Fordyce, Administrator of USDA’s Farm Service Agency. READ MORE
Bladen County One-Stop Voting Starts
Bladen County One-Stop voting starts October 15, 2020, for the General Election. There are six one-stop sites in the county. This period is sometimes called “one-stop early voting.”
The One-Stop voting will continue from Thursday, October 15, until Saturday, October 31, 2020. READ MORE
High School Blood Donor To Win Car
FAYETTEVILLE – October 15, 2020 – One lucky student will soon be driving to school in a brand-new car, just for giving the gift of life.Cape Fear Valley Blood Donor Center and Powers Swain Chevrolet are teaming up to give away a Chevy Spark to promote blood donations among area high schoolers. READ MORE
Emereau Bladen Board of Directors Meeting
The Emereau Bladen Board of Directors meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 20, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. The meeting will be held on campus of Emereau Bladen Charter School, 995 Airport Road, Elizabethtown, NC. READ MORE
Faith leaders explain the importance of Bladen County United Way’s Days
Rev. David Foster, with the Bladen Baptist Association and Pastor Fletcher Collins with Greater Temple Holiness Church, explain the importance of Bladen County United Way’s Days of Caring. The United Way of Bladen County Days of Caring will take place Monday, November 2, and last through Saturday, November 7. READ MORE
Opinion: The music of houndsong
By Jefferson Weaver
Their heads stuck out between the edge of the dogbox and the side of the truck, ears flying, drool raining on the fenders and the cars behind them.
I don’t know whether the hounds were working dogs en route to chase a hog (both were wearing vests) or just deerdogs heading for a veterinarian’s visit before the first day of the season. READ MORE
Dublin Town Hall Reopens
In a Public Notice issued on October 14th, Dublin Town Clerk Ashley Matthews informed Dublin’s citizens and any other interested parties that their Town Hall will be open to the public beginning at 8:00am on Monday, October 19th; normal office hours will be observed. READ MORE
Town of White Lake Board of Commissioner’s Recommend No Door-To-Door Trick or Treating
By Joy Warren
The Town of White Lake Board of Commissioners met Tuesday evening via Zoom meeting and joined with Elizabethtown in recommending no door-to-door Trick or Treating for the White Lake residents. According to CDC guidelines, in-person trick or treating can be high-risk for spreading viruses. READ MORE
Halloween Proclamation for the Town of Bladenboro
The Halloween Proclamation for the Town of Bladenboro has been released. Melanie Hester, Town Clerk/Finance Officer with the Town of Bladenboro stated, “As usual, it is up to the residents and parents whether they wish to participate in Trick or Treat or any other Halloween festivity.”
She added, “Stay safe, have fun.” READ MORE
Town of Elizabethtown To Follow CDC Recommendations For Low Risk Halloween Activities
by Joy Warren
Due to the Governor of NC and the Center for Disease Control Guidelines for Halloween activities, the Town of Elizabethtown is recommending no door-to-door trick or treating for the Town residents. Many traditional Halloween activities such as in-person trick or treating can be high-risk for spreading viruses. There are several safer, alternative ways to participate in Halloween. The CDC recommends these lower risk activities as safer alternatives: READ MORE
Flu Vaccines Now Available at the Bladen County Health Department
ELIZABETHTOWN, NC.–With the upcoming flu season expected to coincide with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Bladen County Health Department is now offering flu shots daily. The Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging everyone 6 months of age to get a flu shot to help protect themselves and their communities from vaccine-preventable illnesses. READ MORE
Bladen County Beautiful Magazine: Reach Bladen and beyond with this new opportunity
Times are tough, but there is enduring beauty all around us. BladenOnline wants to help celebrate the beauty by featuring the Best of the Best Essential Workers, a church directory, and articles about local beauty that reaches beyond the county. READ MORE
Harmony Hall Community Workday Planned Nov. 7
Harmony Hall Plantation Village, one of Bladen County’s historic sites, has not fared well in the past few years because of hurricane damage.
The Elizabethtown–White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce and Keep Bladen Beautiful are teaming up with the Board of Harmony Hall Plantation Village to host a Community Workday on Saturday, Nov. 7 from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the site located at 1615 River Road in White Oak. READ MORE
Notice To Bladen County Taxpayers
The Bladen County Tax Office is in the process of data collection for the 2022 Revaluation.
Contracted tax appraisers will be visiting each property in the county to review the real property listing.
These appraisers have marked vehicles and Bladen County ID badges. READ MORE
Candidates for Bladen County November Election
Bladen County Board of Elections Director, Christopher Williams released an updated list with Candidates who have filed for the November election. READ MORE
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