Back to School Cautions amid the COVID-19 Pandemic
by Leyton Ezzell
It’s almost time for the children to go back to school and learn all over again. However, this might have effects that could affect students’ school years. The COVID-19 pandemic has made the last two school years difficult for all students to perform in; most schools, public and private, are forced to go online for a majority of the school year. READ MORE.
NCDOT Announces Burney Road Will Be Closed
On Thursday, July 29, 2021 North Carolina Department of Transportation announced Burney Road will be closed on August 2 through August 13 for a crossline repair. Following is the complete list of closings according to NCDOT. READ MORE.
July 19, 2021 Board Meeting Recap According to Bladen County Schools
During its July 19, 2021, regular monthly meeting, the Bladen County Board of Education opened its meeting with the following members in attendance: Chris Clark, Dennis Edwards, Tim Benton, Gary Rhoda, Vinston Rozier, Cory Singletary (virtual), Alan West, Glenn McKoy, and Roger Carroll and Board attorney, Gary Grady. The Board took the following action: READ MORE.
Weekly Recipe – Breakfast Bake
by Bladen Online Team
Every Thursday, the BladenOnline Team publishes a new video with recipes. In last’s week recipe video, the Team changed things up a bit. Instead of making dinner, the Team prepared a Morning Breakfast Bake! READ MORE.
Word of the Day: Dolphin
By Danna Martínez
The dolphin is a mammal that inhabits the waters around the world. An average dolphin is around 2.5m tall, has a grayish color, and is smooth. In addition to their most famous facial feature, the smile, dolphins have an extensive list of quirks and curiosities. READ MORE.
Mountaire Awards $67,500 In Scholarship Funds to Students
Contributed
MILLSBORO, DE – July 29, 2021 — Mountaire Farms, the nation’s fourth largest chicken producer, recently awarded 27 students with $2,500 scholarships to help them pay for college. READ MORE.
Charly Lowry opens 4th Annual Lumbee Film Festival before outdoor screening of RUMBLE: The Indians Who Rocked the World
Contributed
Pembroke, NC – The 4th annual Lumbee Film Festival returns to the big screen with eighteen new films directed by indigenous filmmakers screening over two days at the Thomas Entrepreneurship Hub on Main Street. READ MORE.
State Board of Education Meets Next Week, August 4-5
Contributed
The State Board of Education will meet next Wednesday and Thursday, August 4 and 5, in the 7th floor Board Room, Education Building, 301 N. Wilmington Street, Raleigh. READ MORE.
NC Governor Encourages Citizens to get Vaccinated
The recent COVID-19 news conference was held on Thursday, July 29, at 3 p.m. During the conference, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper and his task force encouraged citizens to get vaccinated. The previous mask mandate the Governor ordered ends this week; he said, “Where we are going to focus is getting more people vaccinated.” READ MORE.
Biden Administration to Invest $67 Million to Help Heirs Resolve Land Ownership and Succession Issues
Contributed
RALEIGH, NC, July 29, 2021– The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is providing $67 million in competitive loans through the new Heirs’ Property Relending Program (HPRP), which aims to help agricultural producers and landowners resolve heirs’ land ownership and succession issues. READ MORE.
NCDOT Will Widen Another Stretch of I-95
Contributed
DUNN – Work to widen another section of Interstate 95 will begin soon, after the N.C. Department of Transportation awarded a $236.5 million contract in July.
A joint venture of Flatiron and Fred Smith Co. based in Morrisville will upgrade the interstate from north of Exit 71 in Harnett County to the interstate’s junction with I-40 at Exit 81 in Benson. READ MORE.
North Carolina Cooperative Extension Environmental Exploration Workshop
Are your children interested in learning more about environmental health? Are you a high school student considering an education or career in the environmental sector? On August 4th and 5th, from 9 am to 12 pm, individuals aged 9-18 are welcome to join in on a FREE Environmental Exploration workshop! READ MORE.
North Carolina Hepatitis A Outbreak Surpasses 1,000 Cases
Contributed
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced the state has surpassed 1,000 reported cases of hepatitis A associated with a national outbreak that began in April 2017. 63% of cases have required hospitalization, and 16 people have died. READ MORE.
NCDHHS Announces Medicaid Managed Care Regional Behavioral Health I/DD Tailored Plans- Bladen County Included
Contributed
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced the selection of seven organizations to serve as Behavioral Health and Intellectual/Developmental Disability Tailored Plans (Behavioral Health I/DD Tailored Plans). READ MORE.
Thoughts While Shaving
Congratulations to East Bladen soccer coach Jay Raynor. He has been named head coach of the East boys team in the 2022 East-West All-Star soccer game … to be played July 12, 2022.
Much hullabaloo about measures suggested to deal with a new strain of COVID-19 … If one group says red, the other says blue … COVID-19 kills… READ MORE
Bladen At 5.7% Unemployment Rate In June’s North Carolina Figures
RALEIGH — Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in 99 of North Carolina’s counties in June and decreased in one, according to the N.C. Department of Commerce on Wednesday. Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate at 9.4 percent while Orange County had the lowest at 3.7 percent.
North Carolina county’s unemployment rates: Bladen 5.7, Brunswick 6.0, Columbus 6.2. READ MORE
3 Things To Know For Thursday
1. Bike Ride: Saturday, Registration 8:30 a.m., kickstands up 10 a.m., Open Door Ministries, Elizabethtown. Fundraiser for Joan Skipper.
2. Downtown Elizabethtown businesses meeting: Today, 5:30 p.m., Cape Fear Farmers Market.
3. Bladen Recreation Soccer Registration: Through Aug. 27. Ages 3 to 14. For more information, call 910-862-6770. READ MORE
• BLADEN ONLINE’S COMMUNITY CALENDAR
This Day in History for July 29
1928 – Test footage first created for Walt Disney’s “Steamboat Willie” with Mickey Mouse.
1995 – Carolina Panthers beat Jacksonville Jaguars in their first NFL exhibition game 20-14.
2015 – Microsoft launches Windows 10. READ MORE
NEWS FROM JULY 28
Bladen County Substance Misuse Task Force
The task force is asking for an opportunity to share with your church (parent/youth groups), schools, and civic meetings to provide substance misuse updates. READ MORE
Rouzer Statement on Extension of the WHIP+ Disaster Assistance Program
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman David Rouzer (NC-07) released the following statement after the House Agriculture Committee, of which he is a member, unanimously voted to advance the 2020 WHIP+ Reauthorization Act during yesterday’s committee markup: READ MORE
Word of the Day: Fingerprint
By Danna Martínez
And if you still doubt that you are unique, just look at the palms of your hands. Studies have shown that each person’s identity, as well as their fingerprints, are different and unrepeatable. READ MORE.
“Polo To Go” Back To School Uniform Drive
Back-to-school time is approaching, and so is the Bladen Community College Back to School Blast. This is an event for all Bladen County students, whether they go to public, private, or charter schools.
At the event, school uniforms will be given out. To accommodate each attending student, the hosts of the event need help from the community. READ MORE.
North Carolina Updates StrongSchoolsNC Public Health Toolkit- 60% of North Carolinians over 18 have now received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine
Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D. shared updated public health guidance for K-12 schools to follow in the upcoming school year.
“The most important work our state will do next month is getting all our school children back into the classrooms safely for… READ MORE.
National Milk Chocolate Day
By Leyton Ezzell
National Milk Chocolate Day is celebrated on July 28th in order to honor a beloved treat for people of all ages, chocolate! Specifically milk chocolate, which is produced when solid chunks of chocolate are combined with powdered, condensed, or liquid milk. But how did people’s favorite treat come to be in the world? And how did it become so popular? READ MORE.
Thoughts While Shaving
The best part of any trip for me is pulling into my driveway … I love calling Bladen County, NC home…
Rain came down … between 6 and 9 p.m. last evening. About a half inch recorded at the NWS station at the Curt Brown Airport … and another very brief shower about 11 p.m. READ MORE
Esteemed Community Leader, Lee Greene, Leaves Behind a Lasting Legacy
By Charlotte Smith
One of Bladen County’s most esteemed community leaders passed away on Wednesday, July 21, 2021. There was standing room only after many gathered for the Celebration of Life Service to honor Lee McLane Greene, Sr. at Trinity United Methodist Church in Elizabethtown. READ MORE
Coach Harold Ford Remembered as Role Model, Inspiration, Father Figure, A Blessing
By John Clark
An inspiration, role model, a father figure, a great person, a blessing, a coach and an educator – those were some of the words used by former players and fellow coaches to describe Coach Harold Ford who passed away Monday.
Ford led Clarkton to 5 state championship games in basketball and finally won his state championship in 1985, but his former players and friends spent most of their time talking about Coach Ford – the person. READ MORE
• Clarkton veteran Harold Ford shares story about service to country and community
• “It’s Your Day” Mr. Harold Leon Ford
The silent auction fundraiser for Joan Skipper is live now.
https://www.32auctions.com/JC2021
NEWS FROM JULY 27
Input from Elizabethtown and White Lake Business Leaders Wanted
The Elizabethtown-White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce and both the Town of Elizabethtown and the Town of White Lake organized two meetings. The objective of the meetings is to listen to concerns, discuss how to enhance the business district, and plan promotions.
Businesses in the Elizabethtown downtown area are invited to… READ MORE.
Bladen County Deaths – Numbers and Causes
By Cara Beth Lewis
The Bladen County Register of Deeds provided Bladen Online with information regarding the number of deaths and their cause for 2020 and 2021 so far. READ MORE.
Bladen County Citizens’ Opinions Of Critical Race Theory
By Cara Beth Lewis
BladenOnline conducted video interviews with two Bladen County residents: Mattie McLaurin, nurse and parent, and Wayne Schaeffer, Chairman for the Bladen County Republican Party. They were each asked a series of questions. READ MORE
Long Lost Marchmon Family Bond in Bladen County
written by Charlotte Smith
In 1992, Thomas Marchmon was killed in New York, and he left behind an infant, three brothers, and three sisters. Machmon’s siblings only knew his daughter as “Baby Cromartie” and did not know how to contact her.
Fast forward to 2021, some Facebook sleuthing led Shareina Collier (“Baby Cromartie”) to her accepting, long-lost family in Bladen County, North Carolina. READ MORE.
Handmade Colombian Style Necklaces For Sale
Now available for sale are handmade Colombian-style necklaces – the perfect gift of a special occasion or a unique statement piece. READ MORE
Community Baby Shower – Honoring Sofia
By Danna Martínez
This August 18, the Bladen County Health Department will host an open baby shower for the community. The donations will provide diapers and wipes for the little members of local families. READ MORE.
Bladen County Division on Aging Senior Nutrition Program
By Danna Martínez
The Aging Senior Nutrition Program offers home-delivered meals to the entire community. The service is leaded for people 60 and older who are limited to visit Bladen County nutrition sites.
Food delivery is available within… READ MORE.
Bladenboro Rotary Club Celebrates 54 Years of Service with Scholarships and Awards
The Bladenboro Rotary Club leads by example with the motto Service Above Self. For 54 years, the local civic group has awarded members for service and supported deserving Bladen County students with scholarships.
On Monday, July 26, at 6:30 p.m., the club celebrated its 54th Annual Awards and Recognition Banquet at the Bladenboro Community Building. READ MORE.
UNC Health Southeastern at maximum capacity; asking patients to seek alternatives
Officials with UNC Health Southeastern are urging the public to visit their primary care physician or use local urgent care clinics for all health conditions not requiring emergency care as currently all staffed beds at the medical center are occupied and patients seeking admission are facing delays. READ MORE.
Word of the Day: Patent
By Danna Martínez
Few have the skill to innovate, and have the talent to develop. However, all people can create, and we all have the right to patent our creations.
The term patent comes from the Latin verbs patens and patere. The words patens and patere referred to something seen or manifested. READ MORE.
Thoughts While Shaving
Sadly, COVID-19 is still alive and well in Bladen County … Not much being said, but understand deaths are on the rise … locally…
Youngsters and teachers will soon be heading back to school … Hope we do not have a repeat of last year … so far as sickness and deaths are concerned … Vaccines are available … contact the Bladen County Health Department… READ MORE.
Young’s Photos To Be Exhibited At Bladenboro Historical Society Building
A photo exhibit featuring the works of Terry Wayne Young will be on display beginning Sunday, Aug. 1 at the Bladenboro Historical Society Building.
Describing it as something for all ages, Young, who teaches math at West Bladen High School, says the exhibit will allow visitors to stop and take a brief excursion to place and sights they might ordinarily overlook in southeastern North Carolina. READ MORE
NEWS FROM JULY 26
Updated- Bladen Native, Beck Black, Performs in Los Angeles And Releases Single
By Cara Beth Lewis
Beck Black is a musician from right here in the Mother County who has accomplished much during her career. Bladen Online has shared many of her past successes, and now we are proud to share yet another. READ MORE.
9-11, 20 Years Later
By Leyton Ezzell
The tragedy of September 11th, 2001, is something that shook the entire world. The shock of what happened rippled within any person who saw it live on TV or was directly involved. To honor those affected, the Elizathbethtown-White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce joined forces with the Bladen County Board of Commissioners to plan an event to memorialize the affected locals. READ MORE.
How To Remedy the End of Summer Blues
By Cara Beth Lewis
Whether you are a student or teacher with the end of summer break dreadfully drawing near or simply a lover of sunshine and summer, the end of summer can sometimes be a bummer. However, there are ways to combat this melancholy feeling you may be experiencing as you think of the return to responsibility, the loss of daytime hours, and the drop of temperature. READ MORE.
Updated-Headstones Damaged at Mt. Horeb Presbyterian Church
The Bladen County Sheriff’s Office sent an update on the report they released on July 26 about damages at the cemetery. According to their update after further investigation the tombstone damages occurred in March 2021 and was caused by a vehicle accident. READ MORE.
National Farmers Market Week
By Cara Beth Lewis
The U.S. Department of Agriculture proclaimed the first National Farmers Market Week in 1999. The first full week in August is a time to observe National Farmers Market Week. Bladen County is fortunate to have multiple Farmers Markets where you can find fresh produce, hand-crafted goods, live entertainment… READ MORE.
Celebrating National All or Nothing Day!
By Danna Martínez
For those who are risk-takers and for those who are not, this is your day. Today we celebrate the National Day of All or Nothing!
Today, July 26, is a day to face what has been on our minds for a while but we have not dared to do. READ MORE.
Word of the Day: Ovation
By Danna Martínez
There are multiple ways to show admiration and respect; one of them is the ovation.
The term ovation comes from the Latin word ovatio. In old Latin, “ovatio” refers to a small triumph. Long ago, ovations were granted to the Romans after finishing… READ MORE.
Thoughts While Shaving
Browsing thru the Internet this A.M., checking to see when fall sports (mostly football) begin practice and regular season play begins…
This info is from the Internet … check with local schools for exact dates and time… High School football practice begins … August 2. READ MORE.
NEWS FROM JULY 25
Thoughts While Shaving
Sometimes I enjoy thinking about days gone by … yesteryear … about times and places … activities that shaped our lives, (my siblings and I) … people in our community that helped us navigate the good times and not so good … But there was always one given as a youngster … We, my siblings and I, would be in church on Sunday. READ MORE.
NEWS FROM JULY 24
Town Of Elizabethtown Public Hearing Notice
Pursuant to NCGS 160A-20, this is notice to the public that the Elizabethtown Town Council will be conducting a Public Hearing on Monday, August 2, 2021 at 7 p.m. in the Elizabethtown Municipal Building located at 805 W. Broad Street, Elizabethtown, N.C. READ MORE.
Carolina Civic Center Announces Auditions For Robeson County Christmas Show
The Carolina Civic Center Historic Theater in downtown Lumberton will hold auditions for its Tenth Annual “Robeson County Christmas Show” original production. Directed by the theater’s resident artist, Kendrix Singletary, the show is a heart-warming holiday musical revue… READ MORE.
Thoughts While Shaving
Worked hard for a short time yesterday … cutting weeds … Thought I should reward myself … a few extra cookies, an extra soft drink, a few extra Hersey’s Kisses … Stepped on the scales this AM … Gee, I really rewarded myself … so next few days … no rewards… READ MORE.
NEWS FROM JULY 23
JoJo’s Call For Help
by Leyton Ezzell
Located in the IGA grocery store in Elizabethtown, North Carolina, is a jar containing money for a small dog named JoJo. JoJo is a 5 pound Chihuahua owned by Anthony Bomar who got into an accident READ MORE.
Elizabethtown Resident to Speak on Racial Injustice in Charlotte Tomorrow
By Cara Beth Lewis
Lamar Burno, an Elizabethtown resident, former celebrity bodyguard, and former manager of Frank Lucas, is scheduled to speak in Charlotte tomorrow. Sonya Jones, Mayor Michael Alvarez, Jacob Blake Sr, Tommy Jones, “Jolly Good Ginger,” and Lorenzo Caldwell will also speak at the event. READ MORE.
Textbook Commission Reschedules Deliberations and Reconsideration Meeting; Adds Called Meeting July 29
From North Carolina Public Schools:
The NC Textbook Commission has rescheduled the Deliberations and Reconsiderations meeting from July 29-30, 2021, to Oct. 6-7, 2021. The meeting location will be determined at a later date. An agenda will be posted before the meeting.
The NC Textbook Commission will meet on July 29… READ MORE.
Candidate Filing Closes, Bladenboro Mayoral Candidates Share Ideas
By Cara Beth Lewis
Municipal elections are held every two years. This year is an election year in Bladenboro. Joey Lee Todd, Sue Elkins Hester, and David William Hales Jr. of Bladenboro are running for Mayor, according to the Bladen County Board of Elections. Citizens whose primary residence is within the corporate limits of the Town of Bladenboro and who have registered to vote may participate in the municipal elections. READ MORE.
Fifty-Three Percent COVID-19 Increase in Bladen County
By Cara Beth Lewis
The number of positive COVID-19 cases is higher than it was this time last week in Bladen County. According to the Bladen County COVID-19 update from Dr. Teresa (Terri) Duncan, on Friday, July 16, Bladen County had only 73 active cases. Today, Friday, July 23, there are 112 active cases. That is a 53% increase in just one week. READ MORE.
NCDOT’s Weekly Cash Watch Report
RALEIGH – To be open and transparent and to comply with Session Law 2019-251 of the N.C. General Assembly, the N.C. Department of Transportation will issue a news release each Friday publishing the weekly “NCDOT Cash Watch Numbers” report, which is a snapshot of NCDOT expenditures.
For holidays when NCDOT offices are closed, the release and report will be published on the closest business day.
The latest cash report, as well as previous reports, can be viewed on this NCDOT webpage. READ MORE.
This Week at NCDOT: Welcome Center Reopens, Litter Collection Update, Historic Bridge Removal
RALEIGH – The following are highlights from this week at the N.C. Department of Transportation. The stories below are also featured in NCDOT Now, the department’s weekly newscast.
Renovations Complete, I-85 Welcome Center Reopens
Travelers coming from Virginia into North Carolina are now greeted with a newly renovated Welcome Center. READ MORE.
Bladen County Headlines…50 Years Ago
The Border Belt Tobacco Market was scheduled to open August 3. Clarkton had a market with three warehouses having daily sales on the Border Belt.
The Bank of Elizabethtown was opening a branch in Tar Heel. READ MORE.
Word of the Day: Cacophony
By Danna Martínez
The reproduction of unbearable or unpleasant sounds is known as cacophony.
The term cacophony comes from the Greek words kakós and phoné. READ MORE.
Thoughts While Shaving
Elizabethtown Dixie Youth team suffered their first loss in the local double-elimination tournament, being played at Leinwand Park … West Robeson 9 – Elizabethtown 6…
Saw an obituary for Margaret Melvin, Bladen County retiree. She was so helpful in the early days of the Elizabethtown Rescue Squad as Dispatcher at the Sheriff’s Office and a huge supporter of the local squads. READ MORE.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Fundraiser for Joan Carroll Skipper Entails Bike Ride, Plate Sale, Silent Auction, Door Prizes
By Cara Beth Lewis
On Saturday, July 31st, at Open Door Ministries, various activities are set to take place in honor of Joan Carroll Skipper. Registration for the Bike Ride will begin at 8:30 a.m. and “Kickstands Up” at 10 a.m. The cost to ride a single is $20, or $30 for a double. READ MORE.
Back to School Blast For All Students in Bladen County – Free Supplies, Uniforms, Vaccines, Activities, and More!
By Cara Beth Lewis
A “Back to School Blast” will occur on August 7th from 8 am until 12 pm at Bladen Community College. All students, grades K-12 that live in Bladen County are invited, according to Sondra Guyton, Vice President of Workforce and Continuing Education at BCC. She stated, “If they live in Bladen County, this event is for them!”
The Back to School Blast will be a “blast” for students and… READ MORE.
Fan Heat Relief 2021
Bladen County Division on aging will provide relief from the heat to those in need.
Requirements are as follows:
- You must be 60 or older unless you have proof of disability. If disabled, you must bring proof of disability.
- Must be a Bladen County resident.
- Must provide a picture idea and most recent electrical bill. READ MORE
Beast Fest 2021 – Vendor Availability, Sponsorship Opportunities, Entertainment, and More
By Cara Beth Lewis
After a break from the tradition last year due to the pandemic, the annual Beast of Bladenboro Festival will draw a crowd from all over the southeast once again this year! The event is scheduled for October 29th and 30th. READ MORE.
Vaccines Available For Ages 12 & Above At Bladen County Health Deptartment
By Cara Beth Lewis
According to the Bladen County COVID-19 Daily Update, there are 61 active cases in Bladen County.
Bladen County Health Department offers COVID-19 vaccinations (Pfizer and Moderna) for ages 12 years and older. READ MORE.
Bladen County Schools Releases Academic Calendar and Uniform Policy For The Upcoming School Year
By Cara Beth Lewis
A new school year is approaching, and Bladen County Schools has recently made announcements for parents, guardians, and students.
According to the Bladen County Schools Website, the uniform policy that was adopted in 2012 is now in place for the 2021-2022 school year. READ MORE.
Bladen County Schools Require Uniforms and Release the Supply List Needs
According to Bladen County Schools, starting in August, when students return to school on the 23rd, uniforms will be required in all Bladen County Schools. The uniform policy adopted in 2012 by the Bladen County Schools Board of Education was put on pause in March 2020 during the Covid pandemic. READ MORE.
Absentee Request Form Released for Bladen County November Elections
Christopher L. Williams, Director Bladen County Board of Elections, released the 2021 North Carolina Absentee Request Form for November elections. The next election will be held November 2, 2021. READ MORE.
Pet Adoption Special at Bladen County Animal Shelter
Bladen County Animal Control will offer an adoption special from July 12, 2021, thru July 30, 2021, according to Karen Suggs, Shelter Manager at the Bladen County Animal Control/Shelter. READ MORE.
Bladen County Beautiful – Home Edition
Since 2017, BladenOnline has been publishing the Bladen County Beautiful magazine. The concept for the magazine idea was to capture the things about Bladen County that make it a great place to live, work, and play.
Today, we are publishing the 6th issue of the magazine as a Home Edition. READ MORE
Bladen County News Outlets Bring Home Numerous NCPA Awards
North Carolina Press Association members were honored during the 148th annual convention held virtually due to Covid-19 protocols and made available to NCPA members on Friday, February 26, 2021. NCPA’s editorial and advertising contest is one of the largest in the nation, with over 4,000 entries submitted by more than 100 newspapers and news organizations. Judging was completed by members of the West Virginia Press Association. READ MORE
Best of the Best Essential Workers
The year 2020 has been a year for the history books. Although times are tough, there is enduring beauty all around us. BladenOnline has a goal to celebrate the beauty in our communities.
The Best of the Best Essential Workers contest votes were collected during the month of September. READ MORE
Notice To Bladen County Taxpayers
The Bladen County Tax Office is in the process of data collection for the 2022 Revaluation.
Contracted tax appraisers will be visiting each property in the county to review the real property listing.
These appraisers have marked vehicles and Bladen County ID badges. READ MORE
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