Bladen County Headlines…35 Years Ago
Bladen County Headlines…35 Years Ago There was a 26 car train derailment five miles west of Bladenboro. The Bladen County Hospital Employee of the Month was Ursula Kinlaw. Bladen Tech Board of Trustees met to select a new President for BTC. READ MORE
McKoy files for another term on Bladen Board of Education
Bladen County Board of Education District 1 representative Glenn McKoy filed for another term Friday as the first week of the filing period for November’s election ended. The filing period closes Friday, Dec. 20 at noon.
McKoy (pictured) was the only candidate to file for a county office since Monday, when nine people, including four incumbents, filed. READ MORE
Trooper Kevin Conner Memorial Foundation Inc BBQ fundraiser
The first annual Trooper Kevin Conner Memorial Foundation Inc BBQ fundraiser will be held Saturday, December 7 at the Bladenboro Fire Department immediately following the Christmas parade. Plates will be $7 and will be available to eat at the station or to go. READ MORE
Show your spirit for Christmas in the Bladenboro Christmas Parade
Contributed
The holidays are fast approaching. Bladenboro Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday, December 7 at 10:30. READ MORE
Bladenboro lifts boil water advisory
Bladenboro lifted the boil water advisory early Friday afternoon, according to Town Administer Blake Proctor. The advisory had been issued late Tuesday afternoon after Bladenboro Water System customers experienced periods of low pressure and outages in the distribution system due to a major water break. READ MORE
Bladen County Hospital to restrict visitation due to flu cases
Cape Fear Valley Health will implement a visitor restriction policy at all of its hospitals restricting children under age 12 from visiting, the organization announced Friday.
The policy will go into effect Monday. It is designed to minimize the spread of flu and flu-like diseases at Bladen County Hospital, according to Donnie Byers of Cape Fear Valley Health. READ MORE
Opinion: Morning Song
By Jefferson Weaver
Mr. Roo greets the morning an hour or so early every day, much to the dismay of the geese.
I don’t know why our rooster gets an early start, but that’s better than the one we had who might crow at any point on the clock, day or night, for no reason other than the fact that he could. He was not our favorite chicken. READ MORE
Opinion: Thoughts While Shaving for December 7
By Robert G. Hester
Reminder of the Bladenboro Christmas Parade today … beginning at 10:30 a.m. Following the parade, enjoy a BBQ plate, available at the Bladenboro fire department. … A Kevin Conner Foundation fundraiser. … Plates, $7 each, proceeds will benefit the scholarship fund that will be used to assist high school seniors in Bladen and Columbus counties, to further their education. READ MORE
Community Announcements, Upcoming Events and Fundraisers
Reindeer 5K this weekend to help make a difference
Don’t forget the Reindeer 5K to help raise money for good causes this weekend! The North Carolina Junior Beta Club President, Jair McElveen and the Youth Ambassadors of Men & Women United for Youth and Families are joining forces to help make a difference and you’re invited to join in the fun. READ MORE
Moores Creek National Battlefield to Hold Christmas in the Colonies Event
Contributed
Moores Creek National Battlefield will be holding a “Christmas in the Colonies” event on Saturday, Dec. 7. Park staff, volunteers, and other historians will be offering a variety of programs and demonstrations focused on the celebration of Christmas in the 18th century. The event will be from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. READ MORE
Extremes for Bladen County on December 7
Highest Temperature 79 degrees 1971
Lowest Temperature 18 degrees 1984
Greatest One-Day
Precipitation 0.92 inches 1979
Yesterday’s High Temperature was 63 degrees.
This Day in History for December 7
1787 – Delaware is the 1st state to ratify the US constitution.
1941 – Imperial Japanese Navy with 353 planes attack the US fleet at Pearl Harbor Naval Base, Hawaii, killing 2,403 people.
1967 – Otis Redding records “Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay” READ MORE
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT …
Voter Photo ID Educational Mailing Being Delivered
The first of four educational mailings about the photo ID requirement for voting, which takes effect in 2020, will soon arrive in mailboxes of North Carolina residents, reports the State Board of Elections. Every residential household in the state – 4.7 million in all – will receive a mailer in the coming days. READ MORE
Board of Directors Meeting
2019 Elizabethtown fire Dept cookies with Santa
Christmas Lunch at the sheriff dept
The county Christmas Lunch was at the sheriff dept December 5th. It was from 12 p.m.-2 p.m. and estimated to feed 250-300 people. SEE PHOTOS
Bladenboro commissioners to be sworn in Monday
Incumbent Sarah Jane Benson and recently elected John Bowen and Stephanie Thurman will be sworn in Monday night during the Bladenboro Board of Commissioners meeting.
Bowen and Thurman will replace Gene Norton and Patsi Callihan on the six-member board. Norton and Callihan were defeated in November. READ MORE
Let’s Eat Out, But Where?
By Cheryl Thurston
Thanksgiving was last week, so now let’s get on with the December report from our friends over at the Bladen County Health Department. You know, they go out into the community each month and inspect our restaurants, kitchens, cafeterias, and meat markets to ensure that our local food supply is safe and that our local eateries are keeping things sanitary and healthful. READ MORE
Bladenboro man sentenced for stabbing in August
A stabbing during a domestic dispute in August has resulted in a Bladenboro man being sentenced up to eight years in prison.
Biney Graham III, 23, was sentenced to between 72 and 99 months in custody after entering guilty pleas to assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury, second degree kidnapping and assault on a female Tuesday in Bladen County Superior Court in Elizabethtown. READ MORE
Argument Leads to Stabbing, Prison Sentence for Elizabethtown Woman
Dionne Ward pled guilty Wednesday to assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury for a stabbing that took place more than a year ago.
The Bladen County District Attorney’s office said Ward, 42, of Elizabethtown, received a prison sentence between 38 and 58 months during a session in Bladen County Superior Court.
Bladen County Habitual Felon Sentenced Up To 10 Years in Prison
A man from Bladenboro who was accused of shooting a man last Christmas Day and was apprehended in February on a drug charge, was sentenced up to 10 years in custody following guilty pleas Wednesday in Bladen County Superior Court.
Keith Powell, 36, entered guilty pleas to assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury, possession of a firearm by felon and selling a Schedule II controlled substance, according to a news release from the Bladen County District Attorney’s office.
Man Recognized for Assistance During Shooting at Smithfield Foods
A man who helped law enforcement during an active shooter situation at Smithfield Foods in Tar Heel on Nov. 21 was recognized Thursday by Bladen County Sheriff Jim McVicker.
Cornelius Regan, who is employed by Dycos Staffing Solutions and was doing contract work at the hog-processing facility that night, helped officers convince the alleged shooter, Jaquante Hakeem Williams of St. Pauls, to turn himself in. READ MORE
Bladen now in single Congressional district under approved plan
Bladen County will not be split into two Congressional districts following a ruling earlier this week by a three-judge panel in Wake County that approved redistricting plans for the 2020 election.
All of Bladen County will be part of District 7, which includes Johnston, Sampson, Pender, Columbus, Brunswick and New Hanover counties. David Rouzer, a Republican, represents District 7 in the U.S. House. READ MORE
Elizabethtown Kiwanis Club celebrates their 65th year; supporting others
Contributed The Elizabethtown Kiwanis Club held their annual Christmas party at Cindy’s on Highway 710 in Elizabethtown. The club invites teenage ladies from the Boys & Girls Homes of NC to attend the event every year. Before the evening meal, club members take the youth on a shopping spree at Leinwands. READ MORE
Both southbound lanes of US 701 bridge open
Both lanes on the southbound US 701 bridge over the Cape Fear River in Elizabethtown have reopened after one lane was closed Wednesday for an inspection.
NC Department of Transportation officials shut down one lane of the bridge Wednesday to allow crews and equipment to inspect work being done on the bridge that has been damaged by debris from hurricanes in recent years. READ MORE
Recent photo galleries
 Johnson receives NC Order of Long Leaf Pine |
 Elizabethtown Christmas Parade |
 Dublin tree lighting ceremony |
Producers Reminded to Signup for Market Facilitation Program
USDA reminds producers in North Carolina that the nationwide deadline to sign up for the Market Facilitation Program (MFP) is Friday, Dec. 6. MFP payments are aimed at assisting farmers suffering from damage due to unjustified trade retaliation by foreign nations.
Producers who have yet to sign up for MFP should contact the Bladen County FSA office located at 450 Smith Circle in Elizabethtown. The phone number is 910-862-3179. READ MORE
Toys for Tots is in need of toys and volunteers
The Toys for Tots campaign in Bladen County is in need. The district director, Ms. Carmen Jones reported there are currently 88 local families registered for the program.
Ms. Jones wants to ensure children will have a brighter Christmas this year with the benefits from Toys for Tots. READ MORE
Adopt-A-Cop in Bladen County this holiday season
Bladen County Adopt-A-Cop is a semi-annual joint effort between Melanie Knight Davis and other fans of Bladen County law enforcement organizer to honor our local law enforcement officers. The program was developed to acknowledge the daily sacrifices of law enforcement. READ MORE
Columbus County Has Highest Level In N.C. For Prescription Pain Pills
Prescription pain pills supplied to North Carolina between 2006 and 2012, according to data from the federal Drug Enforcement Administration reported by Triangle Business Journal. The largest N.C. distributors during that time were: READ MORE
Governor Encourages Residents to Prepare Early for Winter Weather
Winter Weather Preparedness Week is Dec. 1-7 Governor Roy Cooper has declared Dec. 1 – 7 as Winter Weather Preparedness Week and is encouraging North Carolinians to plan and prepare now, before potentially dangerous winter weather arrives. READ MORE
Bladen County Commissioners seat new officers
The Bladen County Commissioners held their first meeting of December on Monday evening. The meeting opened with special prayer and the pledge of allegiance to the United States flag. The election of board officers began with a nomination by Commissioner Mr. David Gooden to nominate Commissioner Mr. Ray Britt as Chairman of the Board of Commissioners. READ MORE
Attorney Leslie Johnson presented with NC Order of the Long Leaf Pine
Attorney Mr. Leslie Johnson was surprised when he was presented The Order of the Long Leaf Pine by North Carolina House Representative William Brisson at the Bladen County Commissioners meeting held on Monday, December 2, 2019. Mr. Johnson was surrounding by adoring family and friends during the ceremony. READ MORE
Join the fun at a sensory Santa event hosted by local NC Autism Society
The Bladen County Chapter of the NC Autism Society will be hosting a sensory Santa event on December 14th, according to Ms. Donita Johnson. RSVP is now until next Tuesday December 10th. READ MORE
Applications Open for NCDOT Bicycle Helmet Initiative
RALEIGH – To reduce bicycle injuries and deaths, the N.C. Department of Transportation is encouraging people to apply to receive free bicycle helmets as part of an annual initiative the agency conducts. READ MORE
Local Law Enforcement Appreciation hosted by WBHS FFA
On Tuesday, November 19th 2019, West Bladen FFA hosted an appreciation event for law enforcement officers who serve Bladen County. The event was held at the Cape Fear Farmers market in Elizabethtown. FFA Officers Daniel Kinlaw, Kayla Norris, and MacKenzie Morris opened the social. READ MORE
Energy Assistance Program to help heating costs for the winter
The Bladen County Social Services Department announced they are accepting applications for the LIEAP Program. Locations vary throughout Bladen County from December 11 until December 18, 2019. READ MORE
Re-elected Elizabethtown Officials Administered Oaths of Office
By Joy Warren
The newly re-elected members of the Elizabethtown Town Council were administered the oaths of office by Bladen County Clerk of Superior Court Nikki Dennis on Monday evening. Mayor Sylvia Campbell (pictured) and council members Howell Clark, Ricky Leinwand and Dicky Glenn thanked those who supported them during the election. READ MORE
Bladen County Road updates
The North Carolina Department of Transportation is busy in Bladen County. The Elwell Ferry is closed and there are roads closed and line shifts. READ MORE
Christmas party at Bladen County Public Library
The Bladen County Public Library has a special party planned this month to help celebrate the Christmas season.The Christmas Party will be held on December 12th, 2019 starting at 6:00 p.m. at the Elizabethtown branch. READ MORE
Sweetheart of a Good Time
Contributed
Great Miss Carolina Sweetheart Royal Majestic Madyson had a great time Sunday at the Cape Fear Farmers Market in Elizabethtown. READ MORE
Expecting a Drone This Holiday? Fly Safe and Legal with These Tips
RALEIGH – Drones are a popular holiday gift, but it’s important new drone owners take time to know how to safely fly an unmanned aircraft.
More than 30,000 North Carolinians now own and operate drones for recreational use. READ MORE
Updated: Sun Shines on Elizabethtown Christmas Parade
A rainy and gloomy Sunday morning gave way to a sunny afternoon in time for the annual Elizabethtown Christmas Parade.
Former East Bladen High School football players Larrell and Farrell Murchison served as grand marshals. Larrell played at N.C. State and Farrell played at Winston-Salem State this past season. READ MORE
• MORE PHOTOS by Kenneth Armstrong
Celebrities attended the Tree Lighting Ceremony in Dublin
Celebrities attended the Tree Lighting Ceremony in Dublin on Saturday evening. There were beauty queens, local elected officials, and the Grinch in the crowd ready to celebrate the occasion. Then Santa Claus arrived with the Dublin Fire Department. READ MORE
Another suspicious fire in Dublin completely destroys structure
There have been many suspicious fires in the Dublin area since February. A structure fire near the intersection of Highway 41 and 131 occurring early Thanksgiving morning is thought to be part of a string of arson activities in the area according to officials. READ MORE
Elizabethtown Optimist Club’s fundraiser offers Christmas trees
Elizabethtown Optimist Club started their annual Christmas tree fundraiser Thanksgiving day. The trees are for sale at the corner of the San Jose Restaurant across from Walmart in Elizabethtown. READ MORE
Christmas traditions of visiting Santa, shopping and celebrating start this weekend in Bladen County
Small Business Saturday has arrived. The annual commerce promotion started in 2010 to help independently owned businesses with their holiday sales during one of the biggest shopping weekends of the year. READ MORE
Opinion: The last picture of my son; 7 tips to help prevent drowsy driving
By: Charlotte Smith
This holiday season there will be a lot of parties and events for young and old to attend. Recently my family was taught some very good lessons about burning the candle at both ends. READ MORE
Updates on cases involving Delane Jackson and MacKenzie Brisson
By Charlotte Smith
This month has passed by with a lot of crime reports. There are two court cases our office receives a lot of questions about and we have been asked about these cases again this month.
Bladen County Lead Prosecutor and Assistant District Attorney Quintin McGee gave us an update about the two cases on November 15th. READ MORE
Bladen County Headlines … 35 Years Ago
The 1983-84 financial statement for the Elizabethtown ABC store showed a profit of $148,444.82. Mack Jessup was the store manager at that time. READ MORE
Bladen Commissioner Trivette Will Not Seek Re-election
Bladen County Commissioner Ashley Trivette announced Thursday night that she will not seek re-election next year. Trivette cited family considerations in reaching her decision after serving one term.
Trivette, in an email, wrote, “After prayerful consideration, I have decided not to seek re-election to the District 3 seat on the Bladen County Board of Commissioners.” READ MORE
Bladen and Columbus Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Ministry surpasses goal
The Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Ministry collection and relay site located at Fellowship Bible Church on Alexander Street in Elizabethtown was very busy this past Sunday and Monday. The local church is the Central Drop-off Site for Bladen and Columbus County. READ MORE
Check Holiday Décor for Pests Before Decking Halls
Elizabethtown, NC – Holiday decorating can enhance a home’s aesthetics, warming it up with festive lights and greenery, but could jovial decorations be inviting in more than just the holiday spirit? To evade these unwelcomed houseguests such as rodents, spiders, moths and more, McDuffie Pest Control is encouraging homeowners to examine holiday décor for signs of pests before decking the halls. READ MORE
Low Income Energy Assistance
The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is a federally-funded Opens in New Window program that provides for a one-time vendor payment to help eligible households pay their heating bills.Households including a person aged 60 or older or disabled persons receiving services through the NC Division of Aging and Adult Services are eligible to sign up for assistance from Dec. 1 – 31. READ MORE
32nd Annual MLK Parade is Set
Elizabethtown – The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade Committee is preparing for the 32nd annual parade. The event to be held Monday, January 20, 2020, commencing at 11:00 a.m. READ MORE
SoutheasternTimes.com: “Merry and Bright” Festival of Trees opens Dec. 6
(Contributed)
Osterneck Auditorium will soon transform into a winter wonderland for the 34th annual Southeastern Hospice Festival of Trees from Dec. 6 to 9. This year’s theme is “Merry and Bright,” and the festival will have a wide variety of gifts, decorations, food and holiday magic to spread that sentiment while also raising money for Southeastern Health’s Southeastern Hospice. READ MORE
Baldwin Branch ‘Hanging of the Greens’ Set Dec. 7
Not to skip past the season of Thanksgiving, however it’s beginning to look (and feel) a lot like Christmas.
Baldwin Branch Missionary Baptist Church, also known as da Branch, welcomes the public to a night of cheer as they have their “Hanging Of The Greens” experience Saturday, December 7 at 6 p.m. READ MORE
Youth Ambassadors for a better community Recognition Banquet
Ransom Event Center
2694 General Howe Hwy Riegelwood, NC 28456 READ MORE
Apply now for the Miss Bladen County Youth Focus Project Pageant
Contributed
Applications are now being accepted for the thirteenth annual Miss Bladen County Youth Focus Project pageant to be held on January 18, 2020. All ages may participate. December 20, 2019 is deadline for applications. READ MORE
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