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New message from Bladen County Schools
Staff Report
Bladen County Schools Families
Due to expected winter weather in our area, Bladen County Schools will be closed for students and staff on Wednesday, February 19. There will be no remote learning for students and staff will receive an update regarding work from the superintendent later today. READ MORE
High School Basketball Tournaments Cancelled
Staff Report
The Southeastern 2-A Conference and Waccamaw 1A/2A Conference high school basketball tournaments have been cancelled because of expected freezing rain in the region Wednesday.
West Bladen was scheduled to host the Southeastern Conference boys and girls semifinal games Wednesday and Thursday and the championship games Friday. READ MORE
“New” Elwell Ferry Closure Announcement

Update: Freezing Rain Possible Wednesday In Bladen
The National Weather Service issued a winter storm advisory Tuesday morning for Bladen County with freezing rain possible beginning Wednesday afternoon.
A winter storm watch had been issued Monday afternoon, but was upgraded Tuesday to an advisory. READ MORE
Thoughts While Shaving For February 18
Yesterday’s high temp in our area was in the low 50s. Overnight low … around 30 degrees. Today (Tuesday), sunny with a high near 54. Tonight, mostly cloudy with a low around 32…
Then, our weather is expected to change … Stay abreast of weather updates… READ MORE
• THOUGHTS WHILE SHAVING ARCHIVE
3 Things To Know For February 18
1. Bladen County Commissioners Meeting: Today, 6:30 p.m., Bladen County Courthouse, 106 East Broad Street, Elizabethtown.
2. 3D Printing Workshop: Tuesday, 3:30-5:30 p.m., Clarkton Public Library, Hangout Hub, 10413 North College Street, Clarkton. Ages 11-18.
3. Moores Creek National Battlefield Anniversary: Saturday-Sunday, 40 Patriots Hall Drive, Currie. READ MORE
• BLADEN ONLINE’S COMMUNITY CALENDAR
This Day In History For February 18
1885 – Mark Twain publishes the “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.”
1973 – 15th Daytona 500: Richard Petty wins his 4th Great American Race by more than 2 laps over Bobby Isaac.
2013 – $50 million worth of diamonds is stolen in an armed robbery at Brussels Airport in Belgium. READ MORE
STORIES FROM MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17
Railroad crossing closing Bladen County – Wilmington
Contributed
Southern Commercial Development, LLC., working with CSX Transportation, is providing traffic control and detour signage for railroad crossing closures which require necessary maintenance and/or emergency repairs.
CSX Transportation has announced that they will be having a tie team starting in Bladen County on March 17, 2025, working towards Robeson County ending April 18, 2025. READ MORE
Lumber River United Way Is Giving Volunteers The Power To GIve Back To Their Community
Contributed
United Way’s annual Day of Caring is a volunteer event that brings the community together to create a positive impact on the nonprofits and human service providers that help those in need. Volunteers also tackle projects at local schools, churches, and city parks. READ MORE
Thoughts While Shaving For February 17
Interesting weather … rain Saturday night and until about 1 p.m. Sunday, at times, fairly strong showers, and windy, but a nice day, weather-wise … Local rainfall over the 24 hour period amounted to between 1½ to 2 inches by mid afternoon Sunday …
I invite you to check BladenOnline Events section … numerous activities, including school events… READ MORE
• THOUGHTS WHILE SHAVING ARCHIVE
STORIES FROM SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16
Wind Advisory Issued For Sunday In Bladen
The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for Bladen County in effect Sunday from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Southwest winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 50 mph are expected for portions of southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina. READ MORE
Thoughts While Shaving For February 16
Looking ahead … Monday is a holiday for some … Presidents’ Day or Washington’s birthday.
Banks will be closed … Stock Market closed…
Lest you forget, time to square-up with Uncle Sam … Tax time … deadline for filing for individuals … April 15. READ MORE
• THOUGHTS WHILE SHAVING ARCHIVE
STORIES FROM SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15
OP-ED – The BGHNC Difference in Foster Care
Contributed
When a child in our foster homes is getting ready for adoption, Boys & Girls Homes social workers ask each child how they want to celebrate. One little girl told her BGHNC social worker she wanted fairy wings. So, her BGHNC social worker showed up to her adoption court hearing with fairy wings, crowns, and fairy wands for the little girl and every member of her new family. READ MORE
Bladen County Board of Commissioners Meeting February 17th
Staff Report
The Bladen County Commissioners Regularly Scheduled Meeting will be held on February 17, 2025, at 6:30 p.m., in the Bladen County Courthouse, located at 106 East Broad Street, Elizabethtown, in the Commissioners room, lower level of courthouse.
Agenda for the meeting is below: READ MORE
Thoughts While Shaving For February 15
Yesterday’s high temp was near 54 degrees … under fair skies … Overnight, mostly clear skies with a low around 36 … Today (Saturday), a chance of showers, mainly after 1 p.m. Partly sunny with a high near 65 …
Banks will be closed Monday … Presidents’ Day…
Anyone else flooded with calls … Potential Spam? READ MORE
• THOUGHTS WHILE SHAVING ARCHIVE
Bladen County Headlines … 50 Years Ago
Here were some of the stories making news in Bladen County in 1975:
• Clarkton Board of Commissioners heard a report from Dave Bartlett of the Lumber River Council of Government. READ MORE
STORIES FROM FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14
Celebrating Black History Month – A Taste of American History
Contributed
Join in the celebration of Black History month with a free food tasting event on February 21st, from 1:00-4:00pm., at 710 Town Common Street, Lumberton, NC.
Black History is American history. African Americans have made many important inventions that improved the standard of living for all Americans. READ MORE
HCA’s Clayton Hall Named CIC Varsity Boys Basketball Coach of the Year
Contributed
Harrells Christian Academy Head Varsity Boys Basketball Coach Clayton Hall was recently named Coach of the Year for the Coastal Independent Conference. Hall, an alumnus of Harrells Christian Academy, currently teaches both Honors and AP United States History, and serves as Director of Athletics, Head Varsity Football Coach, and Head Varsity Boys Basketball Coach. READ MORE
Valley Hospice House to open Feb. 25, expanding hospice care in the region
Contributed
FAYETTEVILLE, NC – Feb. 14, 2025 – Cape Fear Valley Health is proud to announce the official opening of Valley Hospice House, a new, dedicated facility for hospice care, located at 2431 Legion Road. The facility will begin accepting patients on Tuesday, Feb. 25, providing specialized General Inpatient (GIP) Hospice Care and Respite Care in a compassionate, home-like setting. READ MORE
Healthy Start Parenting Classes
Contributed
Healthy Start Robeson is offering a Healthy Start Parenting class series beginning February 12th and running every Wednesday through April 9th. Classes are from 9:30 to 11:30am., and free to all Robeson and Scotland County residents, with childcare and transportation are available, if needed. Call 910.521.6181 to register now! READ MORE
USAF Heritage Band to Perform Free Concert at Methodist University
Contributed
Photo by Lev Birman
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — Reinforcing its strong ties with the military and local community, Methodist University is hosting the renown U.S. Air Force Heritage Brass Band on Feb. 21 at the Huff Concert Hall on the MU campus. The concert begins at 7 p.m. and is free and open to the public. READ MORE
North Carolina Leaders to Share Latest Education Attainment Update and Steps Needed for Continued Economic Success
Contributed
The media is invited to join myFutureNC’s third-annual State of Educational Attainment Update in Raleigh.
RALEIGH, NC – Top government, education, business, and nonprofit leaders across North Carolina will convene on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at The Merrimon-Wynne House in Raleigh, and virtually across the state, for an update on The State of Educational Attainment in North Carolina, hosted by myFutureNC. READ MORE
Thoughts While Shaving For February 14
Interesting stats from yesterday … High yesterday was in the upper 60s … and we recorded nearly a half inch of rain … Overnight, low … 32 degrees and a nice breeze…
Numerous events in the area this weekend … Check our upcoming events section… READ MORE
• THOUGHTS WHILE SHAVING ARCHIVE
STORIES FROM THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13
HCA’s Antonio McKoy Named CIC Player of the Year
Contributed
HCA’s Antonio McKoy was recently named the Coastal Independent Conference Basketball Player of the Year.
This season, Antonio has averaged 26 Points Per Game, 10 Rebounds Per Game, 3.3 Assists Per Game, 2.1 Steals Per Game, and 1.1 Blocks Per Game. READ MORE
Thoughts While Shaving For February 13
Congratulations to the West Bladen boys varsity basketball team … Won regular season championship … with a 20-1 record … they are 9-0 in conference play …
Time to prepare 2024 NC and Federal taxes…
“IRS: We’ve got what it takes to take what you’ve got.” READ MORE
• THOUGHTS WHILE SHAVING ARCHIVE
STORIES FROM WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12
HCA Wins CIC Tournament Championship and Awards
Contributed
After an amazing season of 29-2 and a conference record of 10-0, the Crusaders hit the road Friday, February 7 winning the Coastal Independent Conference semi-final against Faith Christian and advanced to the championship game on Saturday, February 8. HCA met challenger Fayetteville Academy in the final match-up hosted by Halifax Academy. READ MORE
Harrells Christian Academy Junior Beta Club Radiates at the State Convention
Contributed
Harrells, North Carolina – National Beta members from Harrells Christian Academy are celebrating their recent participation in the North Carolina Junior Beta State Convention held in Greensboro on February 2-4, 2025. These HCA Betas in grades 6-8 placed in the top 5 in the state of North Carolina in 8 different competitions, 2 of which were 1st place wins, and 5 HCA Jr. READ MORE
Blueberry Pruning with NC Cooperative Extension
Contributed
Pruning blueberries bushes is an essential part of management if you want to harvest good quality fruit. Pruning your blueberries bushes encourages new growth, prevents over growth of
the bush, defines the shape and height of your bush, and can improve productivity. READ MORE
Bladen County Ranks Fourth In Ag Sales
Staff Report
According to Business North Carolina magazine, Bladen County ranks fourth in agriculture sales in North Carolina with $592.64 million. Bladen had $507.08 in livestock sales and ranked fifth in the state. Duplin County ranked 1st in total agriculture sales with $1,67 billion. READ MORE
Thoughts While Shaving For February 12
High temp Sunday, near 80 … High temp Monday … in the low 40s … So, what’s ahead?
Lest we forget … Friday, February 14 is St. Valentine’s Day…
Gospel music fans mark your calendar … The Mark Trammell Quartet will be at New Center Baptist Church, March 7 at 7 p.m. READ MORE
• THOUGHTS WHILE SHAVING ARCHIVE
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Men and Women United is Bridging the Gap for Food Insecurity
Staff Report
Men and Women United is partnering with Bladen Community College and the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission to tackle food insecurity by partnering with farmers and producers who are doing the important work of promoting sustainable growing methods and securing food supplies for the present and the future.
On Saturday, March 8, 2025, from 9:00AM – 2:00PM you can meet with knowledgeable growers and learn about sustainable farming methods that produce the crispy, crunchy crops we all love to sink our teeth into. READ MORE
Save the Date for the Inaugural Pheasant Tower Shoot Fundraiser
Staff Report
The Bladen Community College Foundation is excited to announce its first-ever Pheasant Tower Shoot Fundraiser. This exciting event will raise essential funds to support student scholarships and academic programs at Bladen Community College. READ MORE
Moores Creek National Battlefield to Hold 249th Anniversary Event – FREE to the Public
Contributed
Currie, NC- On Saturday February 22 and Sunday February 23, Moores Creek National Battlefield will be commemorating the 249th Anniversary of the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge. Park staff, park partners, volunteers, and other living historians will be offering a variety of programs and demonstrations throughout the weekend. READ MORE