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Annual Blue Monday Shad Fry April 21 At Lock & Dam No. 1
Staff report
Prepare to indulge in a delicious dive into history and culture at the Blue Monday Shad Fry, returning to US Lock & Dam #1 on April 21, 2025. This event offers a unique opportunity to celebrate North Carolina’s rich heritage while indulging in mouthwatering dishes. The best part? It’s completely free for everyone! READ MORE
Bladen County Headlines … 50 Years Ago
Here were some of the stories making news in Bladen County in 1975:
• The Commissioner of Insurance John Ingram met with the Bladen Young Democratic Club to discuss auto liability insurance. READ MORE
3 Things To Know For April 20
1. Story Time: Tuesday, 4 p.m., Clarkton Public Library, 10413 North College Street.
2. Grand Reopening: Thursday, Noon-2 p.m., Cape Fear Valley Speech Therapy, 501 South Poplar Street, Elizabethtown.
3. Bladen County Health Information Fair: Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Elizabethtown Farmers Market. READ MORE
• BLADEN ONLINE’S COMMUNITY CALENDAR
This Day In History For April 20
1912 – Fenway Park opened with the homestanding Boston Red Sox beating the New York Highlanders 7-6 in 11 innings.
1979 – President Jimmy Carter was attacked by a swamp rabbit which swam up to his fishing boat in Plains, Georgia.
1999 – Columbine High School massacre: Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold killed 13 people and injured 24 others before committing suicide in Colorado. READ MORE
STORIES FROM SATURDAY, APRIL 19
North Carolina’s March Unemployment Rate At 3.7%
RALEIGH — The state’s seasonally adjusted March unemployment rate was 3.7 percent, which was unchanged from February’s revised rate, according to figures released Friday by the N.C. Department of Commerce.
North Carolina’s unemployment rate increased 0.2 of a percentage point from a year ago. READ MORE
Miss Harrells Christian Academy Queens Crowned
Contributed
HARRELLS — Harrells Christian Academy held its 20th annual Miss Harrells Christian Academy Pageant on Friday, April 11 inside Newkirk Auditorium with 13 contestants competing for the titles of Tiny Miss, Little Miss, Young Miss, Junior Miss, and Miss HCA. READ MORE
FrogWatch Training Sessions June 20-21 At Jones Lake State Park
The N.C. Aquarium Chapter of FrogWatch USA has scheduled two-day training for adults interested in becoming volunteers for FrogWatch USA.
The sessions are set for June 20-21 at Jones Lake State Park, 4117 NC 242 North, Elizabethtown. READ MORE
STORIES FROM WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16
Elwell Ferry Closed Until April 23rd
Contributed
Elwell Ferry will be closed until 7 a.m. Tuesday, April 23 due to high water, the N.C. Department of Transportation announced.
The inland cable ferry, which is free to ride, connects NC 53 and NC 87, crossing the Cape Fear River and connecting Carvers Creek and Kelly. READ MORE
Routine Weather Briefing from National Weather Service
Staff Report
High pressure shifting across the eastern half of the country will maintain dry and cool weather through Thursday. The high will move offshore on Friday, bringing a substantial warmup lasting through the weekend. READ MORE
N.C. Forest Service struggles with wildfire response amid 100 vacancies
By
Extensive personnel shortages at the NC Forest Service hampered the agency’s ability to manage the wildfires that raged in Western North Carolina this spring, state and county officials say.
According to Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler, 100 positions are vacant at the agency. READ MORE
State Highway Patrol Seeks Public Feedback
Contributed
RALEIGH — The North Carolina State Highway Patrol maintains national law enforcement accreditation through the Commission on Law Enforcement for Accreditation (CALEA). As a part of this process, an opportunity is provided to citizens of North Carolina for public feedback via the CALEA Portal, which can be located here: https://cimrs2.calea.org/889. READ MORE
WARMNC’S WISHLIST: Bottled Water Drive
Contributed
Warmer days are here, and WARM volunteers and construction staff need your support to stay hydrated!
Drop offs are welcome Monday-Thursday, 9am-5pm, and Friday, 9am-12pm. READ MORE
DEQ provides funding for projects to reduce flood risks in North Carolina communities
Contributed
RALEIGH – The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Flood Resiliency Blueprint (Blueprint) is working with North Carolina Emergency Management (NCEM) to implement infrastructure projects to reduce flooding and associated damaged. DEQ is providing over $3.9 million for three NCEM projects that will target flooding in Greenville, Fayetteville and Sanford. READ MORE
A Vision Takes Shape: Final Beam Placed at Future School of Medicine
Contributed
North Carolina settles with state’s largest landlord over use of AI to inflate rents
Contributed
N.C. has secured a settlement with Cortland Management, prohibiting the use of AI technology to inflate rent prices. This legal victory, part of a broader DOJ lawsuit against RealPage’s unlawful practices, marks a significant triumph for renters across the state. READ MORE
Meeting of Bladen Soil and Water Conservation District
Contributed
The Bladen Soil and Water Conservation District, Board of Supervisors will meet Wednesday @ 9:30 a.m. on April 30, 2025, at Cape Fear Winery, 195 Vineyard Drive, Elizabethtown NC 28337.
For additional information call 910-247-3457 or email: bjsmith@bladenco.org READ MORE
Today’s number: $39.1 billion
Contributed
That’s the amount of state taxes collected by North Carolina in 2024 across five broad categories, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s annual survey of state government tax collections released Tuesday.
Broken down, the state collected more than $18.2 billion in income tax, $18.1 billion in sales and gross receipt taxes, $2.6 billion in licenses and $113.4 million in other taxes. READ MORE
FEMA Evaluators to Present Harris Nuclear Plant Exercise Outcome at Public Meeting
Contributed
RALEIGH — On April 29, 2025, state and local emergency officials will join representatives from Duke Energy in an exercise to test emergency response plans for the Harris Nuclear Plant in Wake County, NC.
The exercise will focus on the 10-mile Emergency Planning Zone around the Harris Nuclear plant and evaluate the command, control, communications and response functions of the state, county and utility partners. READ MORE
Thoughts While Shaving For April 16
Next mention of rain in the forecast is next Tuesday … 30% chance..
May have shared earlier … if yes … doing it again … Average life of the growing season in our area … 214 days…
A reminder … If you are a gospel music fan … Mark Trammel Singers coming to New Center Church, 18844 NC 131 in June … READ MORE
• THOUGHTS WHILE SHAVING ARCHIVE
STORIES FROM TUESDAY, APRIL 15
‘Speed A Little. Lose A Lot’ Campaign Launches Statewide
Contributed
Law enforcement increasing patrols to crack down on speeders
RALEIGH – The N.C. Governor’s Highway Safety Program (GHSP) is reminding drivers that speeding has life-threatening consequences.
Now through April 20, law enforcement officers throughout the state will conduct speed patrols and checkpoints to catch speeders. READ MORE
At the crossroads of education and workforce
By Jill Cox
The workforce of tomorrow is sitting in our classrooms today. Yet for many students, the connection between their education and a future career seems hazy. So how do we sharpen the picture and help students zoom in on the opportunities around them? READ MORE
DEQ State Energy Office hearing on Weatherization Assistance Program
Contributed
RALEIGH – The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) State Energy Office will hold a public hearing on April 17 and accept public comments on the Weatherization Assistance Program’s Annual State Plan. Members of the public are invited to attend in person or online. READ MORE
NC Reconnect, North Carolina’s effort to reenroll adult learners
By Emily Thomas
North Carolina leaders, education stakeholders, and representatives from N.C. community colleges gathered in Greensboro April 8-9 for the John M. Belk Endowment’s (JMBE) third annual adult learner convening.
The event focused on the future of higher education and how community colleges can continue to be a place of maximum opportunity for adult learners, or students over the age of 25. READ MORE
$8.3 million federal grant will expand NC charter schools
By T. Keung Hui
TMSA Public Charter Schools announced Thursday that it will receive $8.3 million over the next five years from the U.S. Department of Education’s Charter Schools Program grant. School leaders say the grant will support the replication and expansion of its STEAM-focused schools across North Carolina, particularly for students from underserved communities. READ MORE
Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Receives Pinnacle of Excellence Awards for Outstanding Employee Engagement
Contributed
Southeastern, NC – Lower Cape Fear LifeCare is proud to announce that two of our hospice care center teams have received national recognition. Press Ganey has awarded both the SECU Hospice House of Brunswick and the Angel House Hospice Care Center in Whiteville with the 2024 Human Experience Pinnacle of Excellence Award® for Employee Experience. READ MORE
Wilson County installs naloxone kiosks to fight opioid overdose deaths
By Jaymie Baxley
Naloxone is a widely available medication that can bring someone back from the brink of death in minutes, but cost, stigma and other barriers have kept the opioid overdose antidote out of reach for many of the North Carolinians who need it most.
In Wilson County, a new initiative aims to break down those barriers by giving residents free, 24/7 access to naloxone — no questions asked. READ MORE
Business Summit on Mental Health – May 13
Contributed
The NC Chamber’s inaugural Business Summit on Mental Health will unite industry leaders, policymakers, and experts to explore best practices for improving workplace well-being and addressing the evolving mental health landscape in North Carolina. From workforce challenges to innovative care models, attendees will gain actionable strategies to foster well-being in their organizations and beyond. READ MORE
Thoughts While Shaving For April 15
Ever attempted to read the Constitution of the USA? I browsed recently .. I was looking for something I thought I heard as a high school student … “One’s rights end where another begins.” I gave up…
Saw a notice recently where a “clean-up day” was set for an old cemetery … Years ago, not uncommon … and maybe so today … Just caught my “eye.” No doubt many probably need some attention… READ MORE
• THOUGHTS WHILE SHAVING ARCHIVE
STORIES FROM MONDAY, APRIL 14
Revving Up for a Cause: “Riding for Russ” Rolls Into Elizabethtown
Staff Report
Get ready to feel the rumble of community spirit and chrome on Saturday, June 21st, as the Blue Shepherds LERC invites riders, road warriors, and barbecue buffs to join the “Riding for Russ” fundraiser at the Elizabethtown Farmers Market, located at 106 M.L.K Drive. At 12:30 PM, enjoy a special live performance by country music guest Brent Underwood, guaranteed to keep spirits high and boots tappin’. READ MORE
Elizabethtown-White Lake Chamber of Commerce Monthly Breakfast at Cape Fear Winery
Staff Report
Calling all members of the Elizabethtown-White Lake Chamber of Commerce! You are invited to join all members for the Monthly Members Chamber Breakfast at Cape Fear Winery. READ MORE
NCDOT This Week: Spring Litter Sweep, Bridge Dedication, Distracted Driving Awareness Month
Contributed
RALEIGH – The stories below are also featured in NCDOT Now, the department’s weekly newscast.
Spring Litter Sweep, Patrolman Arnold Bridge Dedication, Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and remember to put the phone away and never drive distracted. READ MORE
“Fight the Bite” to Prevent Tick- and Mosquito-Borne Diseases
Contributed
As warmer weather approaches, NCDHHS urges North Carolinians to “Fight the Bite” by reducing their risk of tick- and mosquito-borne diseases.
In 2024, more than 900 cases of tick- and mosquito-borne illnesses were reported statewide. READ MORE
Sun, Songs & Sips: Lu Mil Vineyard Gears Up for Its May Day Jamboree
Staff Report
Get ready to raise your glass and tap your boots—Lu Mil Vineyard’s annual May Day Jamboree is sprouting up on Saturday, May 3, 2025, and it promises a full bouquet of fun, flavors, and free festivities from 2 PM to 8 PM. The lush, vine-draped landscape of Lu Mil transforms into a lively celebration as Southern as sweet tea on a porch swing. READ MORE
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Various Soup & Bowl Products Due to Possible Extraneous Material Contamination
Contributed
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for various soup and bowl products that may be contaminated with foreign material, specifically wood, in an FDA-regulated ingredient, cilantro.
The following products are subject to the public health alert: view products & labels READ MORE
NC Lawmakers look to lower the legal alcohol limit for drivers
By Emmy Martin
Lawmakers are working across the aisle to advocate for a bill introduced earlier this year to lower the legal blood alcohol concentration limit for operating vehicles from 0.08 to 0.05.
A press conference will be held on Tuesday at noon about the bill with the WNC Regional DWI Task Force president Ellen Pitt, law enforcement officials and family members of victims affected by drunken driving. READ MORE
Thoughts While Shaving For April 14
Yesterday’s high temp in the mid 60s … all day long … and mostly under clear skies…
Uncle Sam wants to hear from you … deadline for filing 2024 taxes upcoming very soon…
“Why do bumblebees hum? They don’t know the words.” READ MORE
• THOUGHTS WHILE SHAVING ARCHIVE
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Big Hats, Big Hearts: Kentucky Derby Gala to Benefit Bladen County Hospital Foundation
Staff Report
Bladen County, NC — Get ready to place your bets and raise your glasses—Southern charm is galloping into town for a cause. The Bladen County Hospital Foundation is rolling out the bluegrass carpet for its upcoming Kentucky Derby Charity Gala on Saturday, May 3, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. This isn’t just a party; it’s a four-hour fusion of mint juleps, casino games, and the fastest two minutes in sports, all in the name of healthcare. READ MORE
Sassy Sam’s Ribbon Cutting
Contributed
Join us at the Ribbon Cutting for Sassy Sam’s Cleaning Service on April 25, 2025, at 1415 Greenwood St., Elizabethtown, NC.
Light refreshments will be served after the ribbon cutting! READ MORE
