Updated regularly
UPDATED: Bladen’s Best of the Best continued
BladenOnline.com readers and fans ask and we listen. We have added a Part II of Bladen’s Best of the Best 2019 to include some people and places our readers would like to celebrate by voting them Bladen’s Best of the Best in their category.
Update: Vehicle possibly in Cape Fear River
By Erin Smith
Bladen County Emergency Management officials are still working Saturday evening to remove a vehicle from the Cape Fear River near Tar Heel. As of 7 p.m., the vehicle still had not been removed from the river. READ MORE
Ag News: Public Hearing for General Swine Permit is Tuesday
For farmers who want to offer feedback on the state’s new Swine General Permit, time is running out. READ MORE
Hurricane Florence: Poverty lies in storm path in North Carolina READ MORE
NC gerrymandering: Some GOP supported redistricting reform READ MORE
This Day in History for February 17
1621 – Myles Standish is elected as the first commander of the Plymouth Colony.
1801 – US House of Representatives breaks electoral college tie, chooses Thomas Jefferson President over Aaron Burr.
1817 – First US city lit by gas (Baltimore) READ MORE
Extremes for Bladen County, NC, on February 17
Highest Temperature 84 degrees 2001
Lowest Temperature 13 degrees 1958
Greatest One-Day
Precipitation 2.89 inches 1998
Greatest One-Day
Snowfall 2.0 inches 1969
Yesterday’s High Temperature was 60 degrees.
NEWS FOR SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16
Bladen County Historical Places: Desserette
Each week we present an historical place in Bladen County. This week we present Desserette. READ MORE
Sports: 30th Annual Bladen We Care Golf Tournament Scheduled For April 25
One of the most successful charity golf tournaments in North Carolina is scheduled for Vineyard Golf at White Lake on April 25 with a rain date of May 2. READ MORE
Bladen County Headlines 35 Years Ago
The Bladen County Sheriff’s Department was investigating a break-in at the B.C. Moore Store in Elizabethtown.
The Clarkton Board of Commissioners turned down a request for a beer and wine referendum in the town. READ MORE
EPA hits GenX chemical maker Chemours for not notifying on new compounds READ MORE
Bladen County Commissioners to meet Monday
By Erin Smith
The Bladen County Board of Commissioners will meet on Monday night in the Commissioners meeting room in the basement of the Bladen County Courthouse. The Commissioners will honor Dr. Pearly Graham Hoskins and recognize Danette Sessoms for her retirement. READ MORE
Ag News: The Importance of a Good Credit History
Farm Service Agency (FSA) Farm Loan programs require that applicants have a satisfactory credit history. A credit report is requested for all FSA direct farm loan applicants. READ MORE
Crime: Valentines roundup with Bladen County law enforcement
Sheriff Jim McVicker of Bladen County announced more drug arrests made with joint agency efforts. Arrests involving cocaine, narcotics and marijuana were all part of what the Sheriff announces as the “Valentines Roundup”.
On February 14, 2019, the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office with the assistance of the Bladenboro Police Department executed a search warrant READ MORE
Vehicle possibly in Cape Fear River
By Erin Smith
Two people were fishing on Friday afternoon near the Cape Fear River at Tar Heel when they noticed tire tracks leading into the river.
Bladen County Fire Marshal Kenneth Clark said Bladen County Water Rescue and Lumberton Water Rescue are in route to the boat ramp in Tar Heel. They are expected to use side scan sonar in an attempt to locate the vehicle. READ MORE
Opinion: Thoughts While Shaving
Weekend has arrived! Any special plans?
If you were in charge of the government in D.C., N.C. Bladen County or your home town for a day, month or a year….what would be your top priority? READ MORE
NEWS FOR FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15
Update: Bladen Commissioners hear Board of Education funding request
By Erin Smith
The Bladen County Commissioners and Board of Education are working together to create a Memorandum of Understanding concerning shelter coverage overtime compensation from Hurricane Florence. READ MORE
Black History Month: Thomas Sheridan credited with building Brown Marsh Church
By Erin Smith
When people think of Black history they often think of politicians, judges, and educators. Many do not think of architects, engineers or craftsmen. READ MORE
Opinion: Owl songs, rocking chairs and red pocketbooks
By Jefferson Weaver
I went looking for my mother the other night.
Logically, I knew I wouldn’t find her; I won’t see her again until we meet in Heaven, but I looked for my father after his death, so to I had to look for my mother. READ MORE
Singles Show Off At The First Single Mingle
By Charlotte Smith
Bladen County Beautiful, Bladen County’s showcase magazine, presented the first Single Mingle in Elizabethtown this Valentine’s Day with the assistance of the sponsors. The sponsors Big Tom’s Subs ‘N More, Ray’s Furniture & Jewelry, BladenOnline.com, Cape Fear Heating & Cooling, Town of Elizabethtown along with one anonymous sponsor helped make sure singles in the area had some fun on the day of love. READ MORE
Lifestyles: La Patronal Community Dance Workshop and Performance
Peruvian festival music performers La Patronal will visit the Carolina Civic Center Historic Theater on Saturday March 30, 2019 to share their authentic music and dance with a 1-2 p.m. free community dance workshop and a 7 p.m. performance. READ MORE
Event: Clarkton Beautification Committee to host fundraiser March 23
The Clarkton Beautification Committee will host a Spaghetti fundraiser on Saturday, March 23rd, 2019, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Clarkton Depot. READ MORE
Elizabethtown prepares to debut new terminal building
By Erin Smith
Work on the new airport terminal building has been completed and the town staff are now putting the finishing touches on the building. The town is now gearing up for a grand opening celebration. READ MORE
Smithfield Foods to Sponsor 30th annual Bladen We Care Gala
By Erin Smith
Smithfield Foods Inc. will be the presenting sponsor for the 30th annual Bladen We Care Gala, to be held on Friday, April 5, 2019 at Cape Fear Vineyard and Winery in Elizabethtown. The band for this year’s gala will be the Legacy Motown Revue. READ MORE
Lifestyles: Laughter will be on tap March 9
Contributed
Laughter will be the order of the evening when the “Laughter with a Melody Clean Comedy” takes place on Saturday, March 9, 2019, at East Bladen High School. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the show starts at 6 p.m. READ MORE
Work beginning on new fire and rescue facility
By Erin Smith
If you are driving on East Broad Street in Elizabethtown, you have noticed the construction work that is taking place at the intersection of East Broad Street and South Cypress Street. The preparation work has begun on the lot that will become the future home of the Elizabethtown Fire Department. READ MORE
Opinion: You Decide: Can We Fix Social Security?
By Dr. Mike Walden
My wife is not an economist, but she does sometimes ask me about economic issues. One of her most frequent questions is about Social Security. READ MORE
Event: BCC Board of Trustees Retreat and February Meeting
A board retreat of the Bladen Community College Board of Trustees is scheduled on February 22, 2019, at 2 p.m. in the Student Resource Center, Building No. 7, on the main college campus in Dublin, NC. READ MORE
UNC Pembroke announces honors lists for Fall 2018
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke announced the Chancellor’s and Honors list for the Fall 2018 semester. READ MORE
East Carolina University announces honors lists for the fall semester
Contributed
East Carolina University has released their Chancellor’s List, Dean’s List, and Honor roll for the Fall 2018 semester. Several Bladen County residents were named to those lists. READ MORE
Event: Valentine Gala to support Bladen County Relay for Life
There will be a Valentine Gala to support Bladen County Relay for Life on Saturday, February 16, 2019, at 4 p.m. at the Clarkton Entertainment Center. READ MORE
SPORTS: Dixie Youth ready to play ball
Contributed
The Dixie Youth baseball season is just around the corner. Online signups have started and run through February 16th. READ MORE
NEWS FOR THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14
SoutheasternTimes.com: Faster Action Needed by EPA to Set Standards for Unregulated Chemicals in Drinking Water, Governor Cooper says
RALEIGH: The U.S Environmental Protection Agency must move faster to help states like North Carolina dealing with unregulated chemicals that are causing serious concerns about drinking water, Governor Roy Cooper said today. READ MORE
Elizabethtown Primary School issues honor roll for second nine weeks
The Elizabethtown Primary School has released the honor roll for the second nine weeks grading period. READ MORE
Tar Heel Middle School releases honor roll
Tar Heel Middle School has released the honor roll for the second nine weeks grading period. READ MORE
WECT: Rouzer says office can do little to help with White Oak Dike, will look at flood mitigation READ MORE
Crime: Man charged in killing of Trooper indicted for first-degree murder in 2016 death
By Erin Smith
A Columbus County man charged in the shooting death of NC Highway Patrol Trooper Kevin Conner was indicted by the Columbus County Grand Jury on Thursday morning on a first-degree murder charge for a murder that took place in 2016. READ MORE
Event: BCC to feature Famous and Infamous Women
March is National Women’s History Month and Bladen Community College will offer the program, “Famous and Infamous Women of North Carolina,” on Monday, February 25, 2019, at 11 a.m. in the library. READ MORE
Event: Public Hearing Monday 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. The system will significantly reduce the emissions of PFAS, GenX and other pollutants coming from the facility. READ MORE
Evidentiary hearing could determine new election
By Erin Smith
Will there be a new election? That is the question on everyone’s mind as the State Board of Elections prepares to conduct an evidentiary hearing beginning Monday regarding allegations of election fraud and absentee ballot tampering in Bladen County. READ MORE
White Lake man loses life moving mobile home
By Erin Smith
A White Lake man lost his life on Wednesday afternoon after a mobile home he was attempting to move fell on him.
Bladen County Coroner Kenneth Clark said Randy Barnes, 55, was pronounced dead at the scene. READ MORE
Bladenboro approves mold clean up for Police Department
By Erin Smith
The Bladenboro Town Council met on Monday night and discussed the mold remediation efforts at the police department building. READ MORE
Clarkton author to conduct book signing Feb. 24
By Erin Smith
A Clarkton author will hold a book signing on Sunday, February 24th, 2019, at the Clarkton Public Library from 2 until 4 p.m. READ MORE
Southeastern Times: Orrum man charged after allegedly firing shots at officers
RALEIGH – Gary Lynn Gatlin of Orrum was charged Tuesday for possession of a firearm by a felon after allegedly firing multiple shots toward law enforcement officers last Friday, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina Robert J. Higdon Jr. announced Wednesday in federal court. READ MORE
SOUTHEASTERN TIMES: Tabor City man sentenced for drug trafficking, money laundering
GREENVILLE – Justin Lee Myers was sentenced to 14 years in prison Wednesday on drug trafficking and money laundering charges, according to the office of U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina Robert J. Higdon Jr. The Tabor City man was among eight people charged as part of a 22-count indictment filed Nov. 19, 2017. READ MORE
NEWS FOR WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13
Dublin Primary Releases Honor Roll for Second Nine Weeks
Dublin Primary School has announced the honor roll for the second nine weeks grading period. READ MORE
Disaster Case Management Program Approved for Florence Survivors
RALEIGH, N.C. – North Carolina residents whose lives were upended by Hurricane Florence may be eligible to get a case manager to help them with their recovery. READ MORE
Bladen County Board of Education Studying Modified Year-Round Calendar
By Erin Smith
The Bladen County Board of Education is studying a modified year-round calendar for the 2019-20 academic year. The proposed calendar shows a proposed start date of August 12, 2019, and a proposed last day of school as May 22nd, 2019. READ MORE
National Weather Service Wilmington’s WSR-88D will be upgraded next week
Beginning next Tuesday, February 19, the WSR-88D radar operated by the NOAA National Weather Service in Wilmington, NC will be down for approximately five days for the refurbishment of the transmitter. READ MORE
Town Waiting on FEMA for Cemetery Damages
By Erin Smith
Town of Elizabethtown officials say they are waiting for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to notify the town regarding repairs to the town’s cemetery suffered during Hurricane Florence. READ MORE
Lifestyles: PBLA Parent-Teacher Organization Offers Raffle
Contributed
The Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) at the Paul R. Brown Leadership Academy is selling raffle tickets for a chance to win $1,000. The drawing for the winner will take place on Friday, March 22, 2019. READ MORE
SoutheasternTimes.com: North Carolina to Honor African American Artists, Musicians During Black History Month Reception on Thursday
RALEIGH: In celebration of Black History Month, Governor Roy Cooper and First Lady Kristin Cooper will honor African American musicians and artists from North Carolina at a reception at the Executive Mansion beginning at 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14. READ MORE
White Lake Residents Hear Lake Water Restoration Update
By Joy Warren
A packed room heard an update on the Lake Water Restoration project during Tuesday night’s White Lake Board of Commissioners regular meeting.
Dr. Diane Lauritsen (pictured) gave an overview of the project which began in 2017 when changes at White Lake were encountered due to the change in pH level. READ MORE
Busting Myths About Pig Lagoons READ MORE
Crime: Gore murder trial set for May
By Erin Smith
A trial date has been set for a Wilmington man who is charged in the 2017 shooting death of Allen Blanchard, also of Wilmington. READ MORE
NEWS FOR TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12
Bladen County students participate in Job Shadowing
A small group of visitors spent the morning at the BladenOnline.com office on Tuesday morning. Alyssa Hill of Elizabethtown Middle School, Angie Perez of Tar Heel Middle School, Eva Ayala – Martinez and Jose Reyes, both of Tar Heel Middle School spent the morning learning about journalism during their job shadowing. READ MORE
Event: Bladen County Education Foundation to meet Feb. 19
The Bladen County Educational Foundation, a non-profit corporation organized and existing to provide financial help for the public schools and educators of Bladen County, will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, February 19, 2019, at 5:30 P.M. READ MORE
SoutheasternTimes.com: Gov. Cooper Names Chief Justice of NC Supreme Court
RALEIGH: Today, Governor Roy Cooper named Associate Justice Cheri Beasley as Chief Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court. READ MORE
Ag News: USDA to Host 2018 Farm Bill Implementation Listening Session
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Bill Northey announced that USDA is hosting a listening session for initial input on the 2018 Farm Bill. USDA is seeking public input on the changes to existing programs implemented by the Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Risk Management Agency. READ MORE
Ag News: Secretary of Agriculture discusses agriculture issues in North Carolina
By Erin Smith
Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue visited North Carolina on Monday and met with farmers, business leaders, elected officials and college students at the University of Mount Olive. READ MORE
Ag News: USDA Reminds Producers of Feb. 14 Deadline for Market Facilitation Program
WASHINGTON, DC – Agricultural producers have until Feb. 14, 2019, to sign up for USDA’s Market Facilitation Program (MFP), launched last year to help producers suffering from damages due to unjustified trade retaliation. Producers can apply without proof of yield but must certify 2018 production by May 1, 2019. READ MORE
Small Business Center New Location And Classes
Bladen Community College’s Small Business Center announced their new location and upcoming classes. The office for small business owners to seek assistance is now located inside the newly renovated business incubator in downtown Elizabethtown.
Chuck Heustess, Bladen County Economic Development Director explained the incubator’s amenities. READ MORE
Kelly Resident: ‘Can someone help us?’
Erin Smith
Residents in the community of Kelly are asking some hard questions about the aftermath Hurricane Florence. The biggest question seems to be, “Can someone help us?”
Numerous homes were flooded after the White Oak Dike was breached in several locations, allowing flood waters to stream into the town following Hurricane Florence. READ MORE
New Management at White Lake Marina and Water Sports
By Erin Smith
As spring is approaching, many thoughts turn to boating and water sports. The White Lake Marina and Water Sports is now open under new management and gearing up to offer residents a variety of services. READ MORE
NEWS FOR MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11
NCDACS accepting applications for Healthy Food Small Retailer Program
RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will offer grant assistance to convenience stores interested in offering healthier food options to those living in one of the state’s 349 food deserts. The funding is a part of the Healthy Food Small Retailer Program. READ MORE
Bladen County Historical Places: Clarkton Depot
Each week we present information on an historical place in Bladen County. This week we present Clarkton Depot. READ MORE
NEWS FOR SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10
Dollar General in Bladenboro Grand Re-Opening
Photos contributed by Nancy Brass
Saturday the weather turned cooler, but the royal court and elected officials still made a special appearance to help celebrate one local store.
The weather in 2018 caused the Dollar General to close. Hurricane Florence hit the town of Bladenboro with flooding. READ MORE
A film about Bladenboro teen’s hanging death earns Sundance Film Festival award READ MORE
Foreign docs can bridge urban-rural health gap, but rules get in the way READ MORE
North Carolina Highway Patrol Has Busy 2018
In 2018 1,600 North Carolina State Troopers wrote 346,000 citations for speeding, 19,910 citations for DWI, and investigated 1,037 fatalities in North Carolina. The troopers patrolled over 78,000 miles of North Carolina highways. READ MORE
Emereau: Bladen Board of Director’s to meet Feb. 19
The Emereau: Bladen Board of Director’s regular scheduled meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 19, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. READ MORE
Deadline Approaching for Golden Leaf Scholarship
Golden LEAF Scholarship information and applications for the 2019-20 school year are now available at CFNC.org/goldenleaf. A total of 215 awards will be offered to first-time recipients from qualifying counties for the 2019-20 academic year. Applications are due March 1, 2019. READ MORE
Applications available for Farm Bureau Scholarship
Contributed
An integral part of fulfilling Farm Bureau’s mission is to make leadership development available to our members. We feel that education is an important component of leadership. Providing opportunities for our future leaders to obtain an education is important to us. READ MORE
Lifestyles: Golf Tournament to benefit Bladen County Students
Contributed
The Elizabethtown Rotary Club has been distributing scholarships for years to local high school students. This year the club has a goal to award even more scholarships according to their President, Col. Roy Allen. READ MORE
