NOTE: DUE TO TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES, BLADENONLINE.COM MAY NOT BE LOADING CORRECTLY. WE ARE WORKING DILIGENTLY TO CORRECT THE ISSUES. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED PATIENCE AND READERSHIP.
Barefoot Brew Brings Beverages to BCC
Barefoot Brew invited the public to the Grand Opening of their second location on May 11, 2022, at John Darrell Page Student Resource Center, Building Seven. The celebration started at 10:30 am.
Kelly and Bo Barefoot are the owners and operators of Barefoot Brew and have a heart for their community and a strong work ethic. READ MORE.
Spring Tips Series: Spring Cleaning
By Cara Beth Lewis
Spring Cleaning is a project that many people tackle each year, with a goal to give their homes a nice refresh. It’s satisfying and rewarding, but it is certainly a task. Luckily, the hard work is worth it and provides you with a more livable space in time for Summer.
Trying to decide where to start can be daunting. In this Spring Tips article, we are going to help your figure out where to begin. READ MORE.
Updated-Political Candidates May Submit a Video for Publication at No Cost
Are you a Candidate for election this year? BladenOnline.com is accepting videos of candidates for election this year to be published on BladenOnline’s YouTube Channel and shared on the BladenOnline website, Facebook, and Twitter accounts.
There will be no charge to publish the video. The stipulations are – the candidate must submit a prerecorded video, no longer than four (4) minutes, to the BladenOnline office located at 1110 S. Poplar Street in Elizabethtown. READ MORE.
New video submitted:
Cristin Hursey for Clerk of Court.
Bladen County Educational Foundation (BCEF) Supports Beta Convention Trip
Elizabethtown, N.C— This summer, students from Bladenboro Middle School, Bladenboro Primary School, Clarkton School of Discovery and Tar Heel Middle School will travel to Nashville, TN, to compete at the National Beta Club Convention. The Bladen County Educational Foundation recently presented each school with a $350 check to help support their travel expenses. READ MORE.
Updated-Political Candidates May Submit a Video for Publication at No Cost
Are you a Candidate for election this year? BladenOnline.com is accepting videos of candidates for election this year to be published on BladenOnline’s YouTube Channel and shared on the BladenOnline website, Facebook, and Twitter accounts.
There will be no charge to publish the video. The stipulations are – the candidate must submit a prerecorded video, no longer than four (4) minutes, to the BladenOnline office located at 1110 S. Poplar Street in Elizabethtown. READ MORE.
Harrells Christian Academy’s Devin Gardner commits to play football at NC State University
Harrells, NC – On Monday, May 9, 2022, Harrells Christian Academy senior Devin Gardner signed to play football for the Division I North Carolina State University Wolfpack. At fullback, Devin rushed for 2,330 yards and scored 34 touchdowns. At linebacker, Devin recorded 65 tackles and 1 touchdown. As team captain Devin led by example, never missing a practice and competing at full speed every game. READ MORE.
More Than 11% Of Electorate Cast Ballots During Early Voting
More than 11% of Bladen County’s registered voters cast a ballot for the primary during the early voting period that ended Saturday afternoon.
There were 2,450 ballots cast during the 17 consecutive days of early voting at four sites in Bladen County, according to figures from the local Board of Elections. The rest of the electorate will have an opportunity Tuesday to choose which candidates advance in Democratic and Republican primaries ahead of November’s general election. READ MORE
Corrected Bladen County Headlines…50 Years Ago
*Lt. Governor Pat Taylor named Worth Hester of Elizabethtown as his Bladen Campaign Manager in his race for the Governorship of North Carolina.
*Bladenboro Businessmen Jabe Frink and Edgar Evans escorted Senator B. Everett Jordan as he
inspected Bryant Swamp.
*Bladen native Sidney Warner was announced as Manager of North Carolina National Bank offices in Thomasville.
Home Food Preservation Series!
NC Cooperative Extension wants to help ensure you are canning and preserving your foods safely! We invite you to participate in our upcoming Home Food Preservation series.
The series of workshops include:
June 1 st from 6:00-7:00 p.m. – Introduction to Canning (free)
June 30 th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. – Boiling Water Canning ($5.00) READ MORE.
Thoughts While Shaving
Loved the weather yesterday … still need rain … Today’s forecast … A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2 p.m. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 90, wind gusts as high as 18 mph.
So much bad news in the world … Why not all of us greet everyone with a smile and a HELLO? … See what kind of response we get… READ MORE
U.S. 701 Closings Over Cape Fear River Expected To Resume Monday
The twice daily closing of U.S. 701 that spans the Cape Fear River in Elizabethtown is expected to resume Monday.
The closures, again, will be from 9-10 a.m. and 2-3 p.m. weekdays, according to NC Department of Transportation District Engineer Kenneth Clark. The closures are needed to allow a tractor-trailer to offload the bridge girders. READ MORE
NCHSAA Class 2A Mid East Track & Field Boys Regional: East Bladen Places 3rd; West Bladen 11th
FRANKLINTON – East Bladen’s Eagles finished 3rd Saturday in the NCHSAA Class 2A Mid East Track & Field Boys Regional, and 5 Eagles and 2 West Bladen Knights qualified for the Class 2A State Track & Field Championships. READ MORE
• MORE PHOTOS by Kenneth Armstrong
NCHSAA Class 2A Mid East Track & Field Girls Regional: Nine Bladen Girls Qualify for State Championships
FRANKLINTON – Nine Bladen County girls – 5 from West Bladen and 4 from East Bladen – qualified to advance to the Class 2A State Championships Saturday with their performances in the NCHSAA Class 2A Mid East Track & Field Girls Regional. READ MORE
• MORE PHOTOS by Kenneth Armstrong
East Bladen & West Bladen In Girls Soccer Playoffs
CHAPEL HILL – East Bladen and West Bladen both received NCHSAA Class 2A State Playoff bids Friday when the 2022 girls soccer playoff brackets were announced Friday. Opening round games are scheduled for Monday. READ MORE
Sports Schedule
Monday, May 16
NCHSAA Class 2A Girls Soccer Playoffs
5:30 p.m. West Bladen at Frankin Academy (Wake Forest)
6 p.m. Graham at East Bladen
Elizabethtown Dixie Youth Baseball
At Leinwand Park
Major League
6:30 p.m. Cubs at Braves Field #1
6:30 p.m. Astros at Athletics Field #3
Bladen County Dixie Youth Baseball
Coach Pitch
6 p.m. Red at Bladenboro Angels
Minor League
7 p.m. Clarkton vs. Tar Heel at Dublin
NOTE: East Bladen’s Sports Awards Night will be held Wednesday, May 18 in the main gym beginning at 5:30.
3 Things To Know For Monday
1. High School Soccer: Today. NCHSAA playoffs – West Bladen at Franklin Academy, 5:30 p.m., and Graham at East Bladen, 6 p.m.
2. Bladen County Board of Education Special Meeting: Today, 5:30 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually.
3. Bladen County Book Club Meeting: Today, 3 p.m., Bladen County Library, Elizabethtown. READ MORE
This Day in History For May 16
1866 – US Congress authorizes the nickel 5 cent piece (replaces silver half-dime)
1918 – The Sedition Act of 1918 is passed by the U.S.Congress, making criticism of the government an imprisonable offense.
1985 – Michael Jordan named NBA Rookie of Year. READ MORE
STORIES FROM SUNDAY, MAY 15
BCS to Hold Meeting on Every Student Succeeds Act which Replaced the No Child Left Behind Law
Bladen County Schools announced a meeting on the Every Student Succeeds Act that is scheduled for Monday, May 16, 2022 at the Bladen County Schools District Office at 11 am. The meeting is open to the public.
“The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is the federal K-12 education law of the United States. ESSA was signed into law in 2015 and replaced the previous education law called “No Child Left Behind.” ESSA extended more flexibility to States in education and laid out expectations of transparency for parents and for communities. READ MORE
988 is New 3 Digit Number for the Suicide Prevention Lifeline
The Suicide Prevention Lifeline is (800) 273-8255 or 1-800-273-TALK. However, suicidepreventionlifeline.org announced, there is a new number all US citizens may dial for assistance with suicide prevention.
“We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States. READ MORE.
West Bladen NAACP Planning Rally at Bladen County Schools District Office
Rev. Corey Lyons, West Bladen NAACP President announced his organization is planning a rally at the Bladen County Schools District office at 4:30 pm on Monday, May 16, 2022. He said he has concerns over how Dr. Antonia Beatty was treated by the Bladen County Board of Education. READ MORE.
Thoughts While Shaving
Early voting in the Primary Election is over in Bladen County and North Carolina … There are over 7 million voters eligible to vote … Election day is Tuesday, May 17 … Polls will be open at all 17 voting sites in Bladen County…
Interesting reading in the Border Belt Independent newspaper for Bladen, Robeson, Columbus and Scotland Counties … READ MORE
PREVIOUS STORIES
Small Business Spotlight of the Week: Circle H Resales
By Cara Beth Lewis
It is a thrift shop with a wide variety of inventory that began thanks to a love for thrifting and reselling. This business has grown from Ebay sales into a thrift shop that may remind you of a trading post from days past: Circle H Resales.
Joseph Hardee runs both the resale business and a pressure washing business, and is known for his involvement with the Whiteville Cruisers. READ MORE
WECT-Bladen Co. man wins $1 million prize on scratch-off ticket
READ MORE at https://www.wect.com/2022/05/13/bladen-co-man-wins-1-million-prize-scratch-off-ticket/
Thoughts While Shaving
Early voting ends today in North Carolina…at 3 p.m. Primary election set for Tuesday at all voting sites in the county….
Lu Mil Vineyard’s May Day Jamboree is set for today…Rain or Shine..from 2 to 8 p.m. Free fishing all day long and participate in the Cornhole Tournament ….registration at 1 p.m., bags fly at @ 2…$20 per team…. READ MORE
Updated-Political Candidates May Submit a Video for Publication at No Cost
Are you a Candidate for election this year? BladenOnline.com is accepting videos of candidates for election this year to be published on BladenOnline’s YouTube Channel and shared on the BladenOnline website, Facebook, and Twitter accounts.
There will be no charge to publish the video. The stipulations are – the candidate must submit a prerecorded video, no longer than four (4) minutes, to the BladenOnline office located at 1110 S. Poplar Street in Elizabethtown.
The video must be in a format compatible with YouTube uploads, and submitted on a flash drive. The candidate has to sign a permission form allowing BladenOnline to publish the video submitted.
Once a video is submitted, the video will be published within two (2) business days on BladenOnline’s YouTube Channel. BladenOnline will not be responsible for thumbnail images or videos published.
BladenOnline is not endorsing any candidate by publishing the informational videos. We are allowing candidates the opportunity to speak to the public by video because we believe in freedom of speech and being informed when voting.
New video submitted:
Britt for Clerk
Together we can bring conservative leadership to the Bladen County courthouse this election. Vote Britt for Clerk.
Bladen County Schools Notice of Special Called Virtual Meeting
The Bladen County Board of Education will hold a special called virtual meeting on Monday, May 16, at 5:30 PM, for the purpose of discussing and taking action on items related to the Tar Heel School Construction Project, and to go into closed session for the purpose of discussing personnel, as per NCGS 143.318.11 (a) (1), and to consult with an attorney, if needed, as per the NCGS 143.318.11 (a) (3), and to take action on personnel items, if needed. A hyperlink will be activated prior to the meeting to allow the public to listen to the meeting virtually. The link to view the meeting is listed below:
Link to Livestream: Bladen Livestream – YouTube
No information was given on why the Board meeting is being held virtually.
NC Chamber Launches Mental Health at Work Campaign
New resources include toolkit to help employers advance workplace mental health
RALEIGH, N.C. – To celebrate May’s Mental Health Awareness Month and empower employers in supporting the mental health of their employees, the NC Chamber launched several resources on its website, including a complimentary toolkit the organization developed with First Citizens Bank, IBM, Poyner Spruill, and WakeMed.
“People are priority for North Carolina’s business community – and employees’ mental health is a top priority for our state’s employers,” said NC Chamber President and CEO Gary Salamido. READ MORE.
Short Line Railroad Grants Awarded
RALEIGH – The North Carolina Ports Authority and 13 short line railroads will be improving their rail infrastructure thanks to approximately $10.9 million in matching grant funds being awarded as part of the N.C. Department of Transportation’s Freight Rail and Rail Crossing Safety Improvement program (FRRCSI). READ MORE.
Yard Sale – 701 Car Craft
Sponsored by Fellowship Bible Church
Furniture,clothes,tools,auto parts, kitchen utensils,home decor,etc., will be available for purchase. A portion of the proceeds will go towards supporting Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child ministry. READ MORE.
Bladen Recreation 8-10 Softball: Bandits 7, Heat 6
Keri Faye Burgess and Laikyn Rogerson belted hits and scored the tying and winning runs in the bottom of the 5th inning as the Bandits rallied to edge the Heat 7-6 Tuesday in Bladen Recreation 8-10 Softball action. READ MORE.
Kayla Thompson Continues Her Tournament Schedule
Clarkton’s Kayla Thompson will continue her 2022 golf tournament schedule May 17 with an appearance at the WLN Central Arkansas Open being played at Centennial Valley Golf Course in Conway, Arkansas. The purse in this tournament is $55,000. READ MORE.
Clarkton Volunteer Fire Department Shows Great Love
Contributed
There’s a verse in the Bible that talks about the sacrifice a man with great love is willing to make for his friends. In Clarkton, there are about two and half dozen men and women who are willing to make that sacrifice every single day for their friends and neighbors. READ MORE.
Bladen County Aim for a Cure Hits Target with Fundraiser
By Leyton Ezzell
On Saturday, May 7, Allen Brothers Outdoors hosted “Bladen County Aim for a Cure,” an annual event dedicated to raising money and awareness for ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. READ MORE.
Updated- Dr. Antonia Beatty, Bladen County Schools Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, Found Dead
By Charlotte Smith
Updated at 1:45 pm on Wednesday, May 11, 2022 – Bladen County Schools announced the death of Dr. Antonia Beatty, Bladen County Schools Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, this morning. Lt. Detective D. Cheshire with the Elizabethtown Police Department confirmed reports that Dr. Beatty’s cause of death was a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The Elizabethtown Police Department was dispatched at about 8:45 pm on Tuesday, May 10, 2022, after receiving a phone call to respond to Glenwood Drive in Elizabethtown.
“There is nothing to indicate foul play,” Lt. D. Cheshire stated.
According to Lt. D. Cheshire, Dr. Beatty did not leave a note at the scene.
According to reports, Dr. Beatty was last seen at the Bladen County Board of Education meeting held on Monday evening, May 9, 2022, where her employment contract as the Bladen County Schools Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources was not renewed by the Board of Education.
BladenOnline.com reached out to Bladen County Schools Public Relations Officer Elly Johnson yesterday, May 10, to confirm the information about Dr. Beatty’s employment contract. At the time of this report, no response has been given from Bladen County Schools about Dr. Beatty’s employment.
Dr. Beatty was a native of Bladen County. She held a Master’s Degree in Education from Fayetteville State University and a Master’s Degree in School Administration from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Dr. Beatty earned a Doctorate Degree in Educational Leadership from Wingate University and has over 20 years of experience in Bladen County Schools as a teacher, school administrator, and district office administrator.
Bladen County Schools posted on their social media this morning the following statement, “It is with great sadness that we share with you this morning the passing of Dr. Antonia Beatty, Bladen County Schools Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources. During this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with her family and our entire school community.”
School officials have noted there are counselors and social workers in place at the district office and the schools for support during this difficult time.
Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255.
Update at 3:27 p.m. on May 11, 2022. Elly Johnson with Bladen County Schools replied to questions submitted by Charlotte Smith at 3:27 pm on May 11, 2022. Following are the questions asked by Smith on May 10, 2022, and the answers given by Johnson on May 11, 2022.
1. What were the motions made after the closed session?
The motions made following the closed session were Personnel Action Items A-M.
Action item A passed.
Action item B failed for lack of motion.
Action items C & D passed.
Action item E failed for lack of second.
Action items F, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M passed.
2. Did they renew Dr. Heavenridge and Dr. Beatty’s contracts?
The Superintendent’s recommendation to renew the contract of Dr. Beatty was not approved by the Board due to a lack of motion.
The Superintendent’s recommendation to renew the contract of Dr. Heavenridge was not approved by the Board due to a lack of a second.
*Correction-The writer gave the address as Greenwood, however, Beatty’s address is on Glenwood Drive in Elizabethtown.
NOTICE from the Bladen County Educational Foundation, Inc.
The Bladen County Educational Foundation, Inc., 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, May 17, 2022, at 5:30 P.M., in the public meeting room of the Bladen County Board of Education on US Highway #701, South, in Elizabethtown. All members and other interested parties are asked to attend this meeting, and the same should not last more than approximately thirty (30) minutes. Please come out and help support us in our continued efforts to support Bladen County Public Schools.
Retired Bladen County Sheriff’s Deputy and World War II Veteran Fletcher Kemp Celebrates 100th Birthday
By Charlotte Smith
May 10, 2022, is a milestone birthday for Bladen County resident Fletcher Kemp. Born in 1922 and raised “a mile and a quarter from Lisbon,” Kemp is turning 100-years-young today.
Growing up in Bladen County, the youngest sibling to four brothers and one sister, “I was the runt of the litter,” Kemp said.
He started school in Lisbon at the age of eight, and his teacher was so impressed with his abilities that she promoted him to the third grade. He attended Carvers Creek and Clarkton schools as well.
After school, he was drafted into the Air Force and served during World War II. He served as a crew member on C-47 Skytrain aircrafts and enjoyed his job. “I was lucky,” Kemp explained, “I made it back safely from the overseas missions.”
He was honorably discharged from the Air Force and served his community as a Bladen County Sheriff’s Deputy.
In 1984, Mr. Kemp retired from the Bladen County Sheriff’s office and took up driving cars for Jessup Motors in Elizabethtown.
He married his bride at the age of 36. They were happily married for 63 years until she passed away in September of 2021. Although he continues to miss her, he remains strong and happy in their home near Elizabethtown. “She loved flowers, and you can still see all the azaleas she planted,” Kemp reminisced as he pointed at the blooms.
To celebrate his birthday, Kemp is enjoying correspondence from friends and family and watching old westerns on television. He smiles as he pulls out a heartfelt card from his niece to show his visitors.
According to the centenarian, the secret to living a long, healthy life may be loving to read and eating slowly.
If anyone rides by Kemp’s home today, they will see a sign pitched in his front yard that reads, “Happy 100th Birthday Fletcher”.
Updated-Political Candidates May Submit a Video for Publication at No Cost
Are you a Candidate for election this year? BladenOnline.com is accepting videos of candidates for election this year to be published on BladenOnline’s YouTube Channel and shared on the BladenOnline website, Facebook, and Twitter accounts.
There will be no charge to publish the video. The stipulations are – the candidate must submit a prerecorded video, no longer than four (4) minutes, to the BladenOnline office located at 1110 S. Poplar Street in Elizabethtown.
The video must be in a format compatible with YouTube uploads, and submitted on a flash drive. The candidate has to sign a permission form allowing BladenOnline to publish the video submitted.
Once a video is submitted, the video will be published within two (2) business days on BladenOnline’s YouTube Channel. BladenOnline will not be responsible for thumbnail images or videos published.
BladenOnline is not endorsing any candidate by publishing the informational videos. We are allowing candidates the opportunity to speak to the public by video because we believe in freedom of speech and being informed when voting.
First video submitted:
Weaver Video
Elect Althea D. Weaver Clerk of Superior Court Bladen County in the General Election.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
White Lake Water Festival Schedule of Events
The White Lake Water Festival will be held the third weekend in May. Terri Dennison with the Elizabethtown-White Lake Chamber of Commerce released the schedule of events for this year’s festival.
1st Annual Columbus County Veterans Celebration Parade
Columbus County and the city of Whiteville are pleased to announce the 1st Annual Columbus County Veterans’ Celebration Parade to be held in downtown Whiteville, NC, on November 12, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. If you are a veteran or support our veterans, please plan to attend. Additional details concerning the parade… READ MORE.
Register For Summer And Fall 2022 At Bladen Community College
Dublin, NC – Make plans to attend Bladen Community College this summer and fall! Summer classes begin Wednesday, June 1st, and fall classes begin Monday, August 15th. Contact the BCC Advising Center at 910.879.8854 or email bccadvising@bladencc.edu where our team of Advisors is available to guide you every step of the way. READ MORE.
Annual Rabies Clinics in Bladen County Offers Protection for Animals and Humans
Elizabethtown Veterinary Hospital has announced the schedule for the 2022 Rabies Clinics in Bladen County. The clinics offer rabies vaccinations for cats and dogs for a cash payment of $7.00 each. The clinics are held across the… READ MORE.