Temperatures in upper 90s expected this week
The first day of summer still is more than three weeks away, but the last week of May is going to feel a lot like late July or early August.
The National Weather Service is forecasting temperatures in the upper 90s to 100 degrees through Thursday with virtually no chance of rain in Bladen County.
Memorial Day is expected to have a high of near 97 with northwesterly winds between 5 and 9 mph. READ MORE
Bladen County Board Of Commissioners Hold Special Meetings
Friday afternoon Chairman of the Bladen County Board of Commissioners, Charles Ray Peterson announced three upcoming special meetings.
The first meeting the Bladen County Board of Commissioners will hold is a Special Meeting regarding the Fiscal Year (FY) 2019-20 Budget. READ MORE
OPINION: Thoughts While Shaving for May 26
We are in the middle of a heat wave … and more on the way, according the National Weather Service.
Today, (Sunday), Sunny and hot, high near 98,
Memorial Day (Monday), Sunny and hot, high near 98, READ MORE
BladenOnline.Com Office Closed For Memorial Day
We hope you all have a happy and safe holiday weekend as we remember those who sacrificed for our freedom. In observance of the Memorial Day holiday, BladenOnline.com office will be closed on Monday, May 27, 2019. Our office will reopen on Tuesday, May 28, 2019 at 8 a.m. READ MORE
Library holiday hours in observance of Memorial Day
All branches of the Bladen County Public Library will be closed Saturday, May 25th-Monday, May 27th in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. All branches will reopen on Tuesday, May 28.
Extremes for Bladen County on May 27
Highest Temperature 93 degrees 1964
Lowest Temperature 45 degrees 1988
Greatest One-Day
Precipitation 1.64 inches 1948
Yesterday’s High Temperature was 98 degrees.
Community Announcements, Upcoming events and fundraisers
NEWS FOR SUNDAY, MAY 26
Wild bird photographs on exhibit in Bladenboro
You’ve likely seen hummingbirds flitting around flowers and feeders. Blink an eye and the tiny birds are gone.
Henry Singletary has captured the beauty of a hummingbird feeding on a passion flower among his wild bird photographs that are on exhibit through July 28 in the Bladenboro Visual Arts Council gallery. READ MORE
The Harvesters to perform at Sandy Grove Baptist
The Harvesters will perform Sunday, June 2 at Sandy Grove Baptist Church located at 8299 NC 242 South in Bladenboro. The concert is free. An offering will be taken for the group.
The Harvesters Quartet is a southern gospel group from North Carolina. Group members are Tommy Young (tenor), Danny Parker (lead), Allen Hunter (baritone) and Mark Hoggard (bass). READ MORE
Clarkton Library to be closed May 23-31 for repairs
The Clarkton Public Library will be closed for repairs (for damage sustained during Hurricane Florence) from May 27-May 31. The library plans to reopen on Monday, June 3 with regular operating hours.
Politics: Military Pay Raise And Troop Increase Endorsed By Senate Panel
The Senate Armed Services Personnel Subcommittee Quickly Approved Its Portion Of The Fiscal 2020 Defense Authorization Bill Tuesday By A Voice Vote, Endorsing The Defense Department’s Requests For 7,700 Additional Troops And A 3.1 Percent Military Pay Raise Next Year. READ MORE
Take Simple Steps To Practice Water Safety And Protect Against Drowning, Health Officials Say
Heading to a beach, lake, river or pool this holiday weekend? Officials at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services caution swimmers to take steps to ensure water safety, including keeping a close watch on children and young adults and avoiding rip currents at the coast.
Drowning deaths among young children often happen when children access pools without supervision or when adults are distracted. READ MORE
Bladen County Headlines…35 Years Ago
The Tar Heel Volunteer Fire Department was having a “Fun Day”.
Bladen County Hospital voted to establish a medical facility at White Lake.
45 students received their GED certificates from Bladen Technical College. READ MORE
NEWS FOR SATURDAY, MAY 25
Middle school carjacking suspect arrested in Fayetteville
The man wanted in connection with a robbery and carjacking of an Elizabethtown Middle School bus driver in the predawn hours at the school was arrested Friday in Fayetteville, according to Bladen County Sheriff James McVicker.
Michael Darrell Smith, also known as Pooh Daddy, will be brought back to Bladen County to face multiple charges. READ MORE
Results are the same in recount, Priest remains commissioner
By Charlotte Smith
The Bladen County Board of Elections met Friday to canvass results from the elections held May 14 and to recount votes in the race for the District 3 seat on the county Board of Commissioners.
The canvass meeting was slated to begin at 11 a.m. and the District 3 recount at 1 p.m. at the Board of Elections offices located on South Cypress Street in Elizabethtown. READ MORE
Wilmington business owner sentenced after found guilty of involuntary manslaughter
David Wayne Gore of Wilmington was found guilty Thursday of involuntary manslaughter in the shooting death of a man in a lumber yard in Kelly in 2017. Friday morning Gore was sentenced in Bladen County Superior Court.
Gore, 57, who is the owner of Gore Marine in Wilmington, had been charged with murder. Gore was sentenced to 60 days after his conviction of manslaughter with a fine of $75,000 according to officials in the court room. READ MORE
N.C. Forest Service urges extreme caution with fire
RALEIGH – The N.C. Forest Service urges everyone to be cautious with fire over the holiday weekend. The lack of rainfall in most areas has increased the probability of wildfires, especially within the eastern portion of the state. The U.S. Drought Monitor lists 21 counties in southeast North Carolina, including portions of Bladen County, as abnormally dry. READ MORE
NEWS FOR FRIDAY, MAY 24
Construction and improvements to Lock and Dam No. 2
By Charlotte Smith
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wilmington District closed the recreational area at Lock and Dam No. 2 on the Cape Fear River located in Elizabethtown. The primary reason for the closure was for construction of repairs downstream of the dam. Turbulence resulting from water flowing over the dam scoured out a deep hole in the river bottom downstream from the dam, according to officials. READ MORE
The land of wolves
By Jefferson Weaver
The boy had to stretch a little to make it atop the vinyl-covered stool, and he had to stretch to reach the scarred Formica counter top. Like most diners of the era, cigarette smoke and the smell of the lunch special dominated the air.
The boy had about a dollar, and he knew he could get a Coke on ice and have some change left. READ MORE
Governor Cooper Statement on Stalled Federal Disaster Relief Funding
RALEIGH: Governor Roy Cooper shared the following statement on stalled federal disaster relief funding legislation:
“North Carolinians working to recover from disasters like Florence and Michael have been waiting too long for Washington to act,” Gov. Cooper said. “I’m disappointed North Carolinians continue to wait for much-needed relief, and I urge the House to swiftly pass this legislation as soon as possible.” READ MORE
This Week at NCDOT: Memorial Day Travel and Crash Simulation
As of this morning, the department has suspended most road construction activities on major routes to make travel easier for drivers. This hold on construction projects will continue along interstate, N.C. and U.S. routes until Tuesday evening on May 28.
To safely navigate the highways during Memorial Day weekend, remember these tips: READ MORE
Lifestyles: Upcoming marriage of Caroline Kate Register To Brinson Robert Crotts
Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Lee Register and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Crotts
are honored to announce the upcoming marriage of their children READ MORE
Opinion: You Decide: Is ‘NCFIRST’ Up to the Task?
By Dr. Mike Walden
A couple of weeks ago I had plenty of time – specifically 30 hours – to consider our travel system up close. My wife likes to call it a trip to honor her late sister, who unexpectedly passed. The sister left three cats, and it was our job to transport them from Raleigh to near Buffalo, New York to live with a cousin.
We left shortly after 4 a.m. to avoid peak morning congestion in Raleigh, but still encountered a large number of commuters doing the same thing. In Virginia we had open-field running on I-81 through the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. READ MORE
Lumberton man sentenced following multiple firearm arrests
NEW BERN — A Lumberton man could serve more than seven years in prison after he was sentenced Thursday in federal court on possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, according to a news release.
Frederick Beverly, 41 pled guilty to the charge in January, says Robert J. Hidgon Jr., who is the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina. READ MORE
Near-normal hurricane season PREDICTION for 2019
Bladen County was battered by hurricanes the past two years. There was Michael in 2017 and Florence in 2018. What can be expected in 2019?
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center announced Thursday that it’s predicting a near-normal Atlantic hurricane season is most likely for 2019. READ MORE
ICYMI: Governor Cooper Establishes Paid Parental Leave for North Carolina State Employees
RALEIGH, N.C. — Gov. Roy Cooper signed an executive order Thursday creating a new paid parental leave benefit for most state employees.
Starting Sept. 1, new mothers will get eight weeks paid leave after giving birth with full pay. Fathers and other partners will get four weeks, as will parents who adopt or take in a new foster child. READ MORE
Harrells Christian Academy Receives Yearbook Award
HARRELLS – Harrells Christian Academy’s yearbook program has been named a 2019 Jostens’ National Yearbook Program of Excellence, it was announced Tuesday.
The HCA award winning yearbook program is led by co-editors Jeana Grace Bowker and Stefani Boussias under the direction of Natalie Pope, the Harrells Christian Academy yearbook adviser. READ MORE
Governor Announces Paid Parental Leave Policy
RALEIGH – Gov. Roy Cooper issued Executive Order No. 95 on Thursday, extending paid parental leave to state employees in cabinet agencies.
“This new paid parental leave policy will give state employees more time to recover from childbirth and give their newborns the care and attention they need,” Cooper said. READ MORE
NEWS FOR THURSDAY, MAY 23
Upcoming events at White Lake, NC
By Charlotte Smith
The 41st White Lake Water Festival was one of the best ever according to Dawn Maynard, Executive Director of the Elizabethtown-White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce. The Car Show held at the new White Lake Christian Camp & Retreat Center made a big difference, Maynard explained. READ MORE
SHP Urges Motorists To Plan Ahead For Memorial Day Travel
RALEIGH – With an estimated 37.6 million motorists taking to the roadways this Memorial Day weekend, the State Highway Patrol is encouraging drivers to plan ahead before traveling.
Regardless of the intended destination, an increase in motor vehicle travel is expected which may lead to congestion on major interstate, US and NC highways. With this in mind, troopers will be out in full force to monitor driver behavior in an attempt to reduce collisions that occur from high speed, impaired and distracted driving, and lack of seat belt use. Using the Vision Zero approach, law enforcement officials hope to report zero fatal collisions throughout the holiday weekend. READ MORE
Multiple suspects wanted and arrested by Narcotics Unit with Bladen County Sheriff’s Office
The Bladen County Sheriff’s Office announced today there were multiple suspects arrested and some are still wanted by Sheriff Jim McVicker and his team members with the Vice/Narcotics Unit, the Criminal Investigative Division, and the K-9 Unit. Some of the charges listed included heroin, cocaine, and selling controlled substances 1,000 feet from school grounds. READ MORE
Bladen’s Kinlaw, Dowless win NCDOT ‘Roadeo’ Competition
Tractor mower Wade Kinlaw and motor grader Tracy Dowless, both based in Bladen County, won their competitions during the NC Department of Transportation’s Division 6 ‘Roadeo’ held May 7-9 in Lumberton.
About 150 division employees squared off in seven categories on an abandoned tarmac at the Lumberton Regional Airport. READ MORE
Educators, Child Care Owners Urge Legislators to Close Health Care Coverage Gap
RALEIGH – In a round table discussion with Gov. Roy Cooper and Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy Cohen, early childhood professionals from across North Carolina shared stories of how the health care coverage gap is negatively affecting their colleagues. READ MORE
NEWS FOR WEDNESDAY, MAY 22
SoutheasternTimes.com: Trooper Discharges Weapon During Investigation
RALEIGH – On Wednesday, May 22, 2019 at approximately 3:26 a.m., the State Highway Patrol stopped to check on a Chevrolet SUV that was parked stationary on the shoulder of I-40 near mile marker 340 in Sampson County.
During the course of the investigation, the driver of the Chevrolet pointed a gun at the trooper. As a result, the trooper fired three shots, striking only the SUV. READ MORE
Bladen County Commissioners discuss deaths, births, and challenges of CAP Program
By Charlotte Smith
Bladen County Health Department Director, Terri Duncan gave a review to the commissioners of the 2018 Vital Statistics Report during the Bladen County Board of Commissioners meeting held on Monday evening. The annual report listed Bladen County with 162 births and 228 deaths in 2018. The report only gives data on the births and deaths which occurred in county. READ MORE
AG NEWS: Agronomist explains the basics of soil pH and lime
Guest column by Jagathi Kamalakanthan, NCDA&CS soil lab agronomist
RALEIGH — Soils in our humid southern climate are naturally acidic and some old-timers often referred to soil needing to be “sweet” for good plant growth. This expression most often relates to the use of lime to correct our acidic soils.
Lime is commonly used by farmers and home gardeners to help soils obtain a proper pH level for optimal growth. READ MORE
National Crime: Synagogue attacker gets three years in federal prison
INDIANAPOLIS – United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced that Nolan Brewer, 21, of Eminence, Indiana, was sentenced in federal court yesterday evening to three years in prison for conspiring to violate the civil rights of Congregation Shaarey Tefilla, a Jewish synagogue in Carmel, Indiana. Brewer pleaded guilty to a federal hate crime before U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Walton Pratt, who imposed the prison sentence. READ MORE
NCDOT Reminds Drone Pilots to Fly Safe and Legal this Summer
RALEIGH – With summer right around the corner, residents and visitors in North Carolina will be taking to the skies in record numbers with their personal drones.
Around 30,000 North Carolinians now own and operate drones for personal and recreational use. READ MORE
Sheriff: School Bus Driver Robbed at Gunpoint
A school bus driver was robbed at gunpoint before sunrise Tuesday as she arrived at Elizabethtown Middle School to pick up her bus, Bladen County Sheriff James McVicker said.
According to McVicker, the driver arrived at the school about 4:15 a.m. Tuesday. The driver told deputies as she pulled into the school that she was stopped by two people who said their car had run out of gas on the off-ramp of NC 87 and US 701, READ MORE
Video features the devastation left by hurricane, gratitude for funding
By Charlotte Smith
The Bladen County Board of Commissioners watched a video presented by Chairman Charles Ray Peterson on behalf of the Lumber River Council of Governments during their meeting Monday evening. Photos and videos shared from Bladen, Hoke, Robeson, Richmond, and Scotland counties were featured to document the destruction left behind after Hurricane Florence. READ MORE
Bladen County honors Garrtis “Pistol” McLean for dedication to community
By Charlotte Smith
Garrtis “Pistol” McLean was honored on Monday evening at the Bladen County Board Commissioners meeting for his dedication to his community. Chairman of the board, Mr. Charles Ray Peterson read the proclamation aloud while Mr. McLean along with Mr. McLean’s family and other commissioners gathered around in support. READ MORE
Commissioners schedule several public hearings June 3
The Bladen County Board of Commissioners have scheduled several public hearings for Monday, June 3 in the meeting room on the lower level of the Courthouse in Elizabethtown. The meeting will start at 6:30 p.m., according to Chariman Charles Ray Peterson.
Among the hearings on the agenda concerns the proposed fiscal year 2019-20 operating budget. READ MORE
Students, teachers recognized at Board of Education meeting
The Board of Education recently met for their May meeting where they recognized several winners of grants from the Bladen County Educational Foundation. The $150 grants are to be used to help purchase additional instructional materials.
The following teachers and their respective schools were recognized for receiving the grant. READ MORE
Big Canoe Adventure Set At Singletary Lake
Singletary Lake’s Big Canoe Adventure is scheduled for Sunday, June 9 at Singletary Lake State Park located off NC 53 East in Kelly. The program is free.
Two 29-foot canoes will take 12 people each on an hour-long guided tour and paddling program around the lake. Paddlers must register for the event by calling the park at (910) 669-2928. READ MORE
NEWS FOR TUESDAY, MAY 21
NC-210 traffic detour due to construction
Faye M. Boyne, Administrative Specialist I, with Division of Highways of the North Carolina Department of Transportation released a notice stating North Carolina 210 in both directions North of White Lake is expected to have low back up traffic flow with a detour. READ MORE
Bladen Community College Celebrates Graduates
DUBLIN – Two hundred and thirty candidates for graduation moved their tassels from right to left as Bladen Community College awarded degrees, diplomas, and certificates to curriculum students on Thursday, May 16 in two well-attended ceremonies.
Likewise, 50 high school completion candidates received their high school credentials in an afternoon commencement ceremony. READ MORE
Road closings in Bladen County
There’s still work to be done on the Cape Fear River bridge on U.S. 701 in Elizabethtown before all lanes will be open, says Faye Boyne, the administrative specialist for the N.C. Department of Transportation’s Division of Highways Elizabethtown office. READ MORE
State vet encourages livestock owners to vaccinate before peak rabies season
RALEIGH – Summer is peak rabies season and State Veterinarian Doug Meckes is encouraging livestock owners to consider having their animals vaccinated against the disease.
Rabies is transmitted primarily in saliva through a bite. READ MORE
Agencies Rally to Promote Statewide ‘Click It or Ticket’ Seatbelt Campaign
RALEIGH – A statewide ‘Click it or Ticket’ campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of being an unbelted occupant in a vehicle, got underway at the North Carolina State Highway Patrol training track in Raleigh on Monday.
The staged crash involved two Dodge Chargers on a pully system, headed towards each other at about 45 mph. READ MORE
More than 280 people, One Dog Use Ocracoke Express on First Day
MANNS HARBOR – North Carolina’s newest transportation option, a passenger ferry called the Ocracoke Express, made its maiden voyage on the Outer Banks on Monday morning.
“The reviews have been very positive,” said Harold Thomas, director of the N.C. Ferry Division. READ MORE
Medal of Honor Recipient Highlights Moores Creek Annual Meeting
Contributed
Moores Creek Battleground Association President Connie Hendrix announced that the Association’s June 1st Annual Meeting and Covered Dish Luncheon will feature as guest speaker Medal of Honor recipient Col. W. Joseph Marm, Jr. (USA, Retired). READ MORE
White Lake Water Clean-Up underway
The 3rd annual White Lake Water Clean-Up runs through Thursday, June 6 as the town seeks volunteers to help restore and protect the community resource.
White Lake is asking for help to “Clean the lake, fill the dumpster” by removing debris from the shoreline and the lake.For information, contact Town Hall at (910) 862-4800. READ MORE
Bladen schools to offer summer meals for children
The summer wave of nutrition is coming to five Bladen County schools this summer.
Free summer meals will be offered by Bladen County School’s School Nutrition Department to anyone 18 years and younger beginning in June. The Dairy Alliance helps sponsor the program. READ MORE
‘Annie: The Musical’ to be presented at Lumberton theater
“Annie: The Musical” will open a four-day, five-show performance June 13 at Carolina Civic Center Historic Theater in Lumberton.
Directed by the theater’s resident artist, Kendrix Singletary, and based on the popular comic strip by Harold Gray, “Annie” has been performed worldwide and has won seven Tony Awards. READ MORE
Bladen County Solid Waste Memorial Day Hours
All convenience sites will be operating on their normal schedule, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m, on Monday, May 27. The Transfer Station will be closed May 27 in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. Normal operations will resume on Tuesday, May 28.
Summer camp options at Bladen Community College
Bladen Community College has many opportunities for your camper to learn, express, create, and build on their already growing personalities. Why not use the summer to let your camper brush up on their math skills, explore career areas of interest or discover their creative talents in a performing arts or art camps.
They are all available at our STEM’ for the future Summer Camp, right here at Bladen Community College, for a very affordable price. READ MORE
Thompson Family Reunion
The descendant of Shade & Civil Thompson, & Jesse & Perci Boyett of Bladen County, will hold their family reunion on June 1, 2019, at shady Grove Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. The Church is located at 10981 Twisted Hickory Road, Bladenboro. READ MORE
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