Bridgers’ Barber Shop Celebrates 55 Years with Dennis Hawes
By Charlotte Smith
On this day in 1965 Lyndon B. Johnson was president, the cost of a stamp was .05 cents, The Beatles appeared on Shindig, and Mr. Dennis Hawes began his career at Bridgers’ Barber Shop in downtown Elizabethtown. Today Hawes celebrated 55 years in his career as a Barber.His first day on the job was Wednesday, January 20, 1965. “We had just had a snow and there was still a little snow on the ground,” Hawes recalled. READ MORE
Annual Martin Luther King, Junior Day Parade Honors the Dream
By Charlotte Smith
It has been 57 years since Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave the “I have a Dream” speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., but the dream carries on across the nation today. Many proved the dream is still alive this morning as they lined the street in Elizabethtown, North Carolina for the annual Martin Luther King Junior Day Parade.
Leading the great procession was Retired Army Veteran and Educator, Deacon Harold Ford, the Grand Marshal of the parade. READ MORE
Community Announcements, Upcoming Events and Fundraisers
Opinion: Thoughts While Shaving for January 20
By Robert G. Hester
The more I hear about the confusion at the local Board of Elections, I am convinced the average citizen has limited knowledge about who is in charge of local government. We elect county commissioners and think they are in control of all. … Far from it… READ MORE
Wildlife Commission Seeks Input on Sunday Hunting on Game Lands
RALEIGH — The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is seeking input from the public, agency constituents, and stakeholders to help identify issues and options related to Sunday hunting on game lands. Bladen Community College will host one of six forums across the state to discuss the topic. The forum is scheduled Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. in the college’s auditorium. READ MORE
Bladen Online Week in Review: Jan. 12-18
Should the Pledge of Allegiance be recited prior to the Bladen County Board of Elections meetings? Can Bladen County count on you? Champions crowned in the Bladen County Middle School basketball tournaments.
Those were some of the top stories in Bladen County for the week of January 12-18, 2020. READ MORE
Martin Luther King Jr. Parade Route, Grand Marshal and Guest Speaker announced
Mr. Arthur A. Bullock, Co-Chairman and Ms. Natasha B. Cromartie, Co- Chairwoman of the Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Parade Committee announced road closures and access restrictions for the day of the parade being held on January 20, 2020. Also, Retired Army Veteran and Educator, Deacon Harold Ford has been asked to be the Grand Marshal of the parade. READ MORE
Bladen County Headlines … 35 Years Ago
Former Clarkton Police Chief Steve Gunsallus graduated from the North Carolina Highway Patrol School and is now a highway patrolman. READ MORE
Three Things to Know for January 20
1. The 32nd annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. parade is scheduled today at 11 a.m. in downtown Elizabethtown.
2. Agriculture and Forest Landowners meeting is Thursday from 9 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at Powell Melvin Agricultural Service Center auditorium. Register by Tuesday.
3. Navigating Grief workshop is scheduled Feb. 4 at noon at the Lower Cape Fear LifeCare office in Elizabethtown. READ MORE
Extremes for Bladen County on January 20
Highest Temperature 75 degrees 1972
Lowest Temperature 11 degrees 1994
Greatest One-Day
Precipitation 1.86 inches 1978
Greatest One-Day
Snowfall 2.0 inches 1940
Yesterday’s High Temperature was 64 degrees (12:30 AM)
This Day in History for January 20
1872 – California Stock Exchange Board organized.
1887 – US Senate approves naval base lease of Pearl Harbor.
1920 – The American Civil Liberties Union is founded. READ MORE
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT …
Opinion: Have you talked to your teen about marijuana?
Is America becoming a pothead nation? Pot logic is taking over the brains of the misguided. Because medical marijuana is legal in several states does not justify the risks. Because recreational marijuana is legal in several states, the imprudent crowd argues that it’s benign. Common sense has gone up in a puff of smoke. And teenagers are listening in. READ MORE
Speaker Moore Calls Out Pattern of Improper Behavior by Governor’s Elections Appointees, Demands Resignation
Raleigh, N.C. – State House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Cleveland) sent a letter to Gov. Roy Cooper on Thursday demanding the resignation of Bladen County Board of Elections Chairwoman Louella Thompson following her threats to arrest citizens for reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and reprimands for partisan social media posts violating her duty of impartiality. READ MORE
Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr with Unity in the Community
By Charlotte Smith
The ninth annual “Unity in theCommunity” four-day event will kick off this evening at 7 p.m. to honor Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
When asked about the event, Fletcher “Big Show” Collins said Unity in the Community Weekend is designed to bring the community together as one. READ MORE
Census Workers Wanted in Bladen County
The U.S. Census Bureau is recruiting thousands of people across the country to assist with the 2020 Census count. Greg Elkins with the Bladen County Cenus Committee announced there are temporary positions available in the area. Only 53.9% of the recruiting goal for Bladen County has been achieved, according to the interactive map. READ MORE
Board of Elections Adding Pledge of Allegiance to Agenda, Easier Said Than Done
By Charlotte Smith
According to elected and appointed officials Chairperson Louella P. Thompson has stated the Pledge of Allegiance will be added to the agenda for the Bladen County Board of Elections’ meetings starting in February. On January 14, 2020 the local Elections Board voted against adding the Pledge of Allegiance to the agenda. READ MORE
Mr. James David Souter receives the Bladen Auxiliary Scholarship
On January 16th , Ms. Jackie Goodnight, Bladen County Hospital Auxillary President, presented a $1,000.00 Scholarship check to the winner of the Bladen Auxiliary Scholarship, Mr. James David Souter, according to Ashley Dowless with Cape Fear Valley Healthcare – Bladen County Hospital. READ MORE
Friday Funny this week is a reminder of what the Pledge of Allegiance means
Over the past several months there has been much debate about the Pledge of Allegiance and the United States Flag at the Bladen County Board of Elections’ meetings. A famous American comedian back in the 1960’s, Red Skelton, recited a lecture he was taught in school about what the Pledge of Allegiance means. READ MORE
Public comment period extended on Chemours’ proposed Groundwater corrective action plan
RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is extending the public comment period until March 6, on a proposed groundwater corrective action plan to address per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in groundwater and surface water at the Chemours Fayetteville Works Site. READ MORE
Regionals: SeHealth welcomes gastroenterologist
Dr. Allan Andrews has joined Southeastern Digestive Health Center, an affiliate of Southeastern Health.
Dr. Andrews earned his undergraduate degree from Harvard University in 1991 and his medical degree from University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in 1999. READ MORE
Harrells Christian Holds 26th Annual Geography Bee
Contributed
The 26th annual Harrells Christian Academy Geography Bee was held Tuesday, Jan. 14 in the school auditorium. The competition was open to all fourth through eighth grade students.
This year’s winner was seventh grader Hudson Griffin of Clinton. READ MORE
Bladen commissioners to meet Tuesday
Planning Director Greg Elkins is expected to provide an update Tuesday to the Bladen County Board of Commissioners regarding the 2020 census.
The meeting was moved from Monday because of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. Tuesday’s meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. in the Assembly Room in the lower level of the Bladen County Courthouse. READ MORE
Bladen County Citizen Complaints Lead to Drug Arrest
On January 14th, 2020, members of the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division and Narcotics Unit investigated citizen complaints concerning narcotic complaints in the East Arcadia, Council, and Carvers Creek areas of Bladen County. READ MORE
Opinion: Bladen County Citizen Responds to Bladen County Board of Elections Lack of Support for Flag
By Terri Stanley, Clarkton, NC
I am not a very educated person nor do I keep up with politics. I am a person of simple ideas. I viewed, online, the Bladen County Board of Elections meeting of January 15, 2020. There are just a few things that really irritate me and one of these was addressed at that meeting. READ MORE
Bladen County Economic Development topic of Chamber luncheon
By Charlotte Smith
The Elizabethtown-White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Luncheon was held on Tuesday, January 14, 2020 at the Cape Fear Farmer’s Market. Jennifer Leggett, the Chamber President announced the guest speaker, Chuck Heustess, Director of Bladen County Economic Development.Heustess gave a report on the economic development in the county. READ MORE
Updated: Democrats vote out pledge and refuse to stand for flag
By Charlotte Smith
The Bladen County Board of Elections held a regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, January 14, 2019 at the local office located at 301 S. Cypress Street in Elizabethtown. The meeting ended with threats of law enforcement being called to the next meeting. READ MORE
White Lake Board Hears Lake Water Management Update and Mult-Use Path Phase II Information
By Joy Warren
Mayor Goldston Womble gave an update to the White Lake Board of Commissioners during the Tuesday evening meeting. Dr Diane Lauritsen of LIMNOSCIENCES provided the December report. Water Quality Monitoring continues with identifications of algae found in the lake to be completed in the next few weeks with the expectation of no new types. READ MORE
White Lake Fire District Receives New Rating
By Joy Warren
Tuesday evening, Mayor Goldston Womble announced that the Town received word from the NC Insurance Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Mike Causey that White Lake Fire District completed their routine inspection. The district received a rating of 4 (1 highest to 10 lowest). READ MORE
Bladen Online Pet of the Week: Sky
Bladen Online’s Pet of the Week is Sky, a 5-month-old Domestic Short Hair female cat.
Bladen County Animal Shelter is located at 506 Smith Circle in Elizabethtown. For information or questions call (910) 862-6918. READ MORE
Lifestyles: A love of words, history and Coca-Cola
Around 2015 or so, Ray Wyche leaned around the corner of his cubicle and waved a
pair of dollar bills at me.
“Jefferson, if you’ll go get us a Coca-Cola, I’ll split it with you. You can keep the
change.” READ MORE
CLASSIFIED AD: BUSINESS/INDIVIDUAL PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXATION
According to the North Carolina General Statutes, all property that is not defined as “real estate” or real property” is considered to be “personal property.”
Business personal property is taxable whether it is owned, leased, rented, loaned, or otherwise made available to the business. READ MORE
Cape Fear Valley Blood Donor Center in critical need for blood donations
FAYETTEVILLE – JAN. 13, 2019 – Cape Fear Valley Blood Donor Center has less than a two-day supply of most blood types and is in critical need for blood donations. The shortage is due to a low turnout of local volunteers, seasonal illness, and busy holiday and travel schedules. READ MORE
Bladen County roads weekly update from NCDOT
Ms. Faye M. Boyne with the North Carolina Department of Transportation announced some roads closures and a wide traffic restriction in Bladen County. READ MORE
Tips to build self-esteem and promote mental health by Cape Fear Valley Health
Many resolutions have been made this new year. Some commit to live healthier lives. Cape Fear Valley Health (CFV), the parent company of Bladen County Hospital, gave some tips to build self-esteem and promote mental health. READ MORE
Bladen County Solid Waste announces hours for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
All convenience sites will be operating on their normal schedule, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. However, the Transfer Station will be closed in observance of the holiday. READ MORE
Politics: Bladen County resident, Tony Priest, requests Gun Sanctuary resolution from commissioners
Bladen County resident, Mr. Tony Priest is seeking a resolution from county commissioners in reference to the mother county becoming a Second Amendment Sanctuary. Mr. Priest is scheduled to present his request to the Bladen County Board of Commissioners during the February 3, 2020 regularly scheduled county meeting. READ MORE
Absentee By-Mail Voting Begins Monday for Primary Election in North Carolina
Beginning Monday (January 13), absentee by-mail ballots for the March primary election will be mailed to voters who request them. Any registered voter in North Carolina may vote absentee by-mail. READ MORE
NCDOT Announces Update on US Highway 701 Bridge repairs
The US Highway 701 bridge in Elizabethtown is extremely important to the economy in Bladen County. The North Carolina Department of Transportation emergency repair project to the bridge has a lot of people concerned and asking questions. READ MORE
Town of Bladenboro Purchases a Clamshell Truck to Help with Clean Up
In July 2019, Town of Bladenboro Manager Blake Proctor sent a memo out to town officials in reference to the need of a clamshell truck. This truck is a specialized piece of equipment used to pick up large size debris from the roadside left by town residents. READ MORE
LCFL Offers No-Cost Grief Workshops for Those Who Have Lost a Loved One
Wilmington, NC – Lower Cape Fear LifeCare is offering 90-minute “Navigating Grief” workshops in Elizabethtown for those dealing with the death of a loved one.
Each workshop focuses on a specific aspect of grief and the grieving process. READ MORE
Substance Abuse Task Force announces changes and new plans
It is a new year, but the fight against opioids and substance abuse continues in Bladen County. Dr. Cathy Gantz, Program Coordinator of the Substance Abuse Task Force released some announcements in reference to the task force. READ MORE
Grants Available For Agricultural Projects
Supporting the agricultural industry, impacting rural communities and stimulating economic development are key objectives for the 2020 NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission (NCTTFC) grant cycle. Funds will be awarded in the fall of 2020 for selected innovative projects. READ MORE
January 2020 Schedule – Bladen Community College Small Business Center
Seminars
Bladen Community College, Dublin, NC The Small Business Center (SBC) of Bladen Community College is offering many great no-cost seminars and webinars in January. The new “Online Non-Profit Academy” will be presented online via webinar and livestreamed on the Main Campus in Building 2 on Tuesdays from 6:00 to 8:00 PM READ MORE
January 2020 Client Service Training Available
DUBLIN -Bladen Community College is pleased to offer a short-term training opportunity, at no cost, for those seeking to enter the field of client care services. Pre-requisite “Working Smart” training starts on Tuesday January 21 st at 5:30PM on the main campus of BCC in room 207, building 2. READ MORE
Opinion: Serving Our Country Is Not a Right, It Is a Privilege
By Charlotte Smith
The holidays are behind us and we find ourselves facing a possible war in the Middle East. Before the next news announcement scrolls across the screen, please take a stand. How often have you read, how our country stands as one nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Those are not just words, they are at the very core of what our nation stands for. Don’t you think we in Bladen County deserve leaders willing to stand and pledge their allegiance to the country they are serving. READ MORE
Board of Elections: No Photo ID Needed To Vote In March Primary
RALEIGH – The State Board of Elections on Monday released a video of Executive Director Karen Brinson Bell informing North Carolina voters that they will not be required to show photo ID for the March 2020 primary election.
The primary is March 3. In-person early voting begins February 13. Absentee by-mail ballots are scheduled to go out beginning January 13. READ MORE
Smith Circle in Elizabethtown closing soon according to NCDOT
The N.C. Department of Transportation announced the following road closings in Bladen County. According to Faye M. Boyne, NCDOT Administrative Specialist I, Division of Highways there will be some repairs made to Smith Circle in Elizabethtown starting on Wednesday, January 8, 2020. READ MORE
DEQ Seeks Comment On Chemours’ Proposed Groundwater Corrective Action Plan
RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality is accepting public comment until Feb. 5 on a proposed groundwater corrective action plan to address per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs) in groundwater and surface water at the Chemours Fayetteville Works Site. READ MORE
NCDOT announces Elwell Ferry is closed
Elwell Ferry is closed due to high water, according to Ms. Faye Boyne with North Carolina Department of Transportation. READ MORE
It’s an early start date for the 2020-2021 Bladen County School Year
In a unanimous decision, the Bladen County Board of Education approved an early start calendar for the 2020-2021 school year at their December 9 board meeting.
The 2020-2021 school year will begin on August 10 for teachers and students will return to classes on August 17. READ MORE
Early primary voting begins February 13, includes Sunday hours
Early voting for the March primary will begin February 13 and include Sunday afternoon voting at the three sites under a plan requested by the Bladen County Board of Elections and approved by the State Board of Elections. The primary is scheduled March 3.
Early voting sites will be at the Board of Elections office in Elizabethtown, East Arcadia Town Hall and Spaulding Monroe in Bladenboro, according to the plan. READ MORE
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 32nd Annual Parade
Contributed
Elizabethtown – The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 32nd Annual Parade has been set. It will take place on Monday, January 20, 2020, commencing at 11:00 a.m. The assembly area will be along West King Street; Elizabethtown NC. READ MORE
RESILIENCE – a special documentary viewing is scheduled in January
The traumatic events we suffer as children can lead to lasting physical and mental health challenges, two decades of research show. According to researchers, those negative health outcomes don’t have to be a child’s destiny. Recently, communities across North Carolina have been actively working to find ways to help reshape the paths for children in such situations. READ MORE
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