BLADEN COUNTY EXTENSION & COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION PRESENTS THE 2019 CHRISTMAS IN JULY BAZAAR AND LUNCH
Bladen County residents are already asking about the upcoming annual Christmas in July. The annual Christmas in July & Bazaar and Salad Lunch will be held July 12, 2019, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Powell-Melvin Agricultural Center, according to Krista Johnson, Extension Agent, with Family & Consumer Sciences at the N.C. Cooperative Extension – Bladen County Center. READ MORE
CRIME: Suspicious Vehicle Report Leads To High Speed Chase
The call was about a home in the 8300 block of NC 41 West, Bladenboro. READ MORE
What You Need to Know About Products Containing Cannabis or Cannabis-derived Compounds, Including CBD
You may have noticed that cannabidiol (CBD) seems to be available almost everywhere, and marketed as a variety of products including drugs, food, dietary supplements, cosmetics, pet food, and other animal health products.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognizes the significant public interest in cannabis and cannabis-derived compounds, particularly CBD. READ MORE
This coastal school system has the highest average teacher salary in NC. Here’s why
Updated: Law enforcement searching for suspect, called off
Lower Cape Fear Hospice’s Compassionate Lab Simulation Experience offers family, caregivers a chance to experience symptoms
Wilmington, NC – Lower Cape Fear Hospice’s Compassionate Lab Simulation Experience offers family, friends and caregivers a chance to experience the symptoms their loved ones or patients are experiencing, thanks to a grant from the Landfall Foundation.
Utilizing special props, the program lets participates experience the effects of symptoms of conditions like neuropathy or stroke, as well as other conditions, like cataracts, which are common as people age. READ MORE
Community Announcements, Upcoming events and fundraisers
Gas prices make shopping local hard for some motorist
By Charlotte Smith
For the past several weeks BladenOnline.com has been contacted by our readers about the gas prices in Bladen County. Local motorists are saying they don’t understand the reasons behind the higher gasoline prices. In Elizabethtown and Clarkton the gas prices at times have been more than 30 cents different than those prices in Wilmington and Fayetteville. READ MORE
Community meeting in Kelly
A Community Meeting will be held in Kelly on Thursday, June 27, 2019. The purpose of this meeting is to provide updated information regarding the White Oak Dike Levee System. The meeting will be held at Centerville Baptist Church, 18577 NC 53 East, Kelly, NC 28448. READ MORE
SHERIFF OFFERS TIPS FOR A SAFE JULY 4TH WEEKEND
With the approach of the July 4th weekend, Bladen County Sheriff James A.
McVicker asks all citizens to join him in making this Fourth of July holiday period a happy and enjoyable one for all.
Traditionally during the July 4th Holiday, our highways experience one of the
highest traffic flows of the year. READ MORE
Local Graduating High School Seniors enroll as College Juniors
DUBLIN – The Bladen Community College Career and College Promise Program (CCPP) continues to prepare local high school students for university environments with up to two years of college credits and a sampling of college rigors. READ MORE
SoutheasternTimes.com: Behavioral Health Expert Joins Fayetteville Pediatric Group
(Fayetteville, NC June 18, 2019) Rainbow Pediatrics founder Taner Esensoy, MD, is pleased to announce the addition of a new pediatric provider who has expertise in behavioral health and culinary medicine. Board certified in both psychiatry and primary care, Laurie Powers, PA recently joined the team and began seeing patients in their Fayetteville clinic. READ MORE
Bladen Online Pet of the Week: Wesson
By Ray Jones
Bladen Online’s Pet of the Week is Wesson, a 1-2 year-old male shepherd mix.
Wesson is a very friendly dog, full of energy, loves to play, and gets along well with other dogs which makes him a great addition to the family says Shelter Manager Karen Suggs. READ MORE
Thoughts While Shaving for June 25
By Rogert G. Hester
Bladen County Commissioners will hold a Community Meeting in Kelly on Thursday, 7 p.m. at Centerville Baptist Church to provide an update on information related to the White Oak Dike Levee System. County commissioners and members of the Kelly Dike District Committee are expected to attend. All are to be commended in attempting to ‘work through’ the issues that allowed flooding to cause millions of dollars of damage last year. READ MORE
Extremes for Bladen County on June 25
Highest Temperature 96 degrees 2015
Lowest Temperature 56 degrees 1979
Greatest One-Day
Precipitation 1.78 inches 1986
Yesterday’s High Temperature was 95 degrees.
This Day in History for June 25
1630 – Fork introduced to American dining by Governor Winthrop.
1798 – US passes Alien Act allowing president to deport dangerous aliens.
1868 – US President Andrew Johnson passes a law that government workers would work 8 hour day. READ MORE
NEWS FOR MONDAY, JUNE 24
Opinion: Humans are strange
By Jefferson Weaver
The possum chuckled as he found the nearly-whole tomato.
“Overripe, my granny’s bare tail,” he said. “I love a compost pile during garden season.” He sat flat in the moonlight, slurping as he chomped into the juicy pulp, eying a watermelon that would provide dessert. READ MORE
Bladen County Opioid Working Group welcomes Cathy Gantz
The Bladen County Opioid Working Group met on Tuesday, June 11th to discuss a strategic plan and to welcome the new coordinator of the group.
The meeting was held at the Bladen County Health Department in the conference room. As the meeting started some folks were missing from the group. Local educators, counselors, doctors, nurses and church members were some of the industry and community leaders in need of attending the strategic planning meetings according to some members in attendance. READ MORE
Board of Education Specially Called Meeting
The Bladen County Board of Education will meet in a specially called session on Thursday, June 27, 2019, at 6:00 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to close-out the 2018-2019 budget year, to discuss personnel matters, 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). READ MORE
Bladen County Board of Elections announcements READ MORE
Ag News: Cost Share Funds Available
Cost Share assistance is available to landowners and tenants in North
Carolina to help fund the cost of installing conservation practices to improve
the state’s water quality. READ MORE
NEWS FOR SUNDAY, JUNE 23
Summer Camp for Bladen County children
Bladen County has camps for children this summer. The Bladen County Recreation Department is offering the Healthy Bladen Kids Summer Recreation Program and Bladen Community College is also offer camps. READ MORE
You Decide: Recession — Yes or No?
By Dr. Mike Walden
A trade war is raging, farmers are suffering, manufacturing and construction are slowing, the Federal Reserve has tightened credit and the stock market is wobbly. Sound familiar? READ MORE
4-H Kicks off Leadership Program for Teens in Bladen County
Thursday, June 27 at 5 pm, Bladen County 4-H will host a kick off for their new program 4-H LEADS: Preparing for Tomorrow, Succeeding Today at the Bladen County 4-H office in the Powell Melvin Agriculture Building in Elizabethtown, NC. Rising 9th through 12th graders are encouraged to register for this NEW teen leadership program using this link go.ncsu.edu/4hleads-youth-registration-form by Tuesday, June 25. READ MORE
MEET THE GUTSIEST GUY IN THE PIG BUSINESS | SUCCESSFUL FARMING
Sales And Fireworks Help Ring In The Independence Day Holiday
By Charlotte Smith
White Lake and Elizabethtown have been busier than usual the past month. Mildred Jackson with the Christian Book Store on Broad Street in Elizabethtown sent in a photo of some of her out of town customers.
“The Salinas Family from Winston Salem, NC came in my store today,” Ms. Jackson said last Saturday. READ MORE
Sampson County Sheriff’s Office Trains In Bladen County
Many noticed the presence of Sampson County Sheriff vehicles in Bladen County this week. Friday, June 21 concluded a weeklong training event for the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office Enforcement Division. The training was for Pursuit/Precision Driving and Forced Vehicle Stops conducted by the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office Training Division. READ MORE
NEWS FOR SATURDAY, JUNE 22
Bladen County Headlines … 35 Years Ago
Fisher Field, the airport in Elizabethtown, was celebrating it’s 40th year in business.
The Bladen Journal Father of the Year in Bladen County was W.M.”Bud” Warner of Elizabethtown. READ MORE
Elizabethtown Kiwanis Club Give Scholarships To Local High School Seniors
Contributed
The Elizabethtown Kiwanis Club met Thursday night at Cindy’s Restaurant in Elizabethtown. The club hosted four scholarship winners from Bladen County High Schools along with friends and family. READ MORE
Yoga at Jones Lake
By Charlotte Smith
Yoga is a group of physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines which originated in ancient India, according to Wikipedia. Mr. Eric Procknal of White Oak has been practicing Yoga to help with pain for years since he was injured in a car accident. READ MORE
North Carolina’s May Employment Figures Released
RALEIGH — The state’s seasonally adjusted May unemployment rate was 4.1 percent, increasing 0.1 of a percentage point from April’s revised rate, according to figures released Friday by the N.C. Department of Commerce. The national rate remained unchanged at 3.6 percent.
The next unemployment update is scheduled for Tuesday, July 2 when the county unemployment rates for May 2019 will be released. READ MORE
Town of Bladenboro to hold special called meeting
A Special Meeting of the Bladenboro Board of Commissioners has been called to meet at the Town Hall in Bladenboro for Monday June 24, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. READ MORE
NEWS FOR FRIDAY, JUNE 21
Frozen fruit sold in NC recalled for possible norovirus
The berries were sold at Walmart and Save-A-Lot stores in select states.
Frozen blackberries sold at Walmart and Save-A-Lot stores in select states have been recalled because they could be contaminated with Norovirus. READ MORE
Bladen County Aim for a Cure with Steven’s Stompers event coming soon
The third annual Bladen County Aim for a Cure with Steven’s Stompers event is planned for Saturday, June 29th. The event will be held at Allen Brothers Hunting Preserve. Proceeds from the event will benefit the ALS Association of North Carolina. READ MORE
Politics: Public comment period begins for new voter ID, absentee voting rules
RALEIGH, N.C. – The N.C. State Board of Elections is seeking public comments from June 21 to July 12 on proposed rules changes related to the implementation of the new voter ID law, including the photo identification requirement for absentee-by-mail voting. READ MORE
U.S. and North Carolina Flag Half-Staff in honor of US Army Private First Class William “Hoover” Jones
Bladen County Clerk, Maria Edwards sent a notice out on Thursday, June 20th that the United States and North Carolina Flags will be at Half-Staff in honor of US Army Private First Class William “Hoover” Jones on Friday, June 21, 2019.
Governor Roy Cooper ordered all United States and North Carolina flags at state facilities to be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Friday, June 21, in honor of PFC Jones and all those who have fought for our country overseas and never returned home. READ MORE
Terrie Priest Joins LCFH as Foundation Manager
Wilmington, NC – After 19 years of experience working with healthcare foundations, public relations and marketing, Terrie Priest has joined Lower Cape Fear Hospice as Foundation Manager.
Priest has several decades of experience in communications and development, including 19 years working for Columbus Regional Healthcare System (CRHS), most recently as VP of Marketing & Community Relations and Director of the CRHS Foundation. Originally from Bladen County, she has lived in Whiteville for 33 years. READ MORE
Local Man Is Now Veterinarian In Wake County
Dr. Matthew McIntyre, formerly of Bladen County, is now associated with Crepe Myrtle Animal Hospital in Angier, North Carolina. McIntyre, son of Mr. and Mrs. Herb McIntyre of Bladen County, is a graduate of Campbell University and North Carolina State Vet School. READ MORE
Complete Count Committee promoting 2020 Census
By Charlotte Smith
The Bladen County 2020 Census Complete Count Committee met Thursday morning in the Bladen County Agricultural Center in Elizabethtown. Mr. Greg Elkins with County of Bladen is leading the charge.
Every 10 years, the federal government conducts a population count of everyone in the United States. READ MORE
NEWS FOR THURSDAY, JUNE 20
Electrical Fire At West Bladen High School
No injuries were reported as a result of a small electrical fire Thursday morning at West Bladen High School, shortly after school personnel arrived to work at 7:30 a.m. according to Valerie F. Newton, Public Relations & Information Officer, Bladen County Schools.
A short burst of flames came from one of the ceiling lights in the main gym. READ MORE
Brown’s Creek Bike Park and Nature Trail benefits from Ashton Robeson’s Eagle Scout Project
By Charlotte Smith
Ashton Robeson, a West Bladen High School rising Junior and Boy Scout was seen working hard at the Browns Creek Bike Park and Nature Trail this past Saturday, June 22nd. Robeson explained his plan was to replace all the boards on the bridge at the park with new boards as his Eagle Scout Project. READ MORE
Bladen County road closings announced by NCDOT
The North Carolina Department of Transportation announced Bladen County road closings according to Faye M. Boyne, Administrative Specialist I, Division of Highways with NCDOT.
CLOSINGS: READ MORE
Conner’s Law has momentum in Senate
By Charlotte Smith
North Carolina lawmakers introduced a bill, House Bill 283, also known as Conner’s Law, in early March 2019. The bill was presented by District 46, House Representative, Brenden Jones in honor of the late North Carolina Highway Patrol Trooper Kevin Conner. READ MORE
NEWS FOR WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19
Secretary of State Urges Public to Report Elder Abuse
RALEIGH – In recognition of Elder Abuse Awareness Month, NC Secretary of State Elaine F. Marshall is reminding financial professionals and the public to be on the lookout for elder financial abuse, including potential exploitation by family members or caretakers. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is this Saturday (June 15). READ MORE
Dawn Maynard, Hubert Kinlaw honored at Chamber’s awards banquet
Maurice Williams, Walter McDuffie, Bruce Dickerson and Charles Ray Peterson also recognized
Dawn Maynard had to pause for a moment while recalling her 12 years as executive director of the Elizabethtown-White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce. Tuesday night, Maynard presided over her final annual meeting and awards banquet for the organization.
Former Bladen County Coroner Hubert Kinlaw received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award. READ MORE
Community shows ‘love’ for 100-year-old Bill Storms
Friends and family wanted to know what Bill Storms needed for his 100th birthday. As he has said so often, and with a smile, the lifelong Bladenboro resident replied “just love me.”
Sunday afternoon, about 250 people showed their love for Storms during a birthday party held at the Bladenboro Historical Building. A sign behind Storms, in big, gold letters, read “JUST LOVE ME” READ MORE
Bladenboro And Elizabethtown Communities To Receive Generators For Powering Critical Public Infrastructure
FEMA and the state of North Carolina have approved funding of more than $1.4 million for 24 generators, which will help North Carolina communities become more resilient in the face of future storms and disasters.
Through FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), 24 generators will be purchased and installed where they are needed to support critical public infrastructure. In two locations, transfer switches will be installed, and one generator will be relocated. READ MORE
Suspects wanted for theft of a dog, suspects claim innocence
By Charlotte Smith
On Sunday, May 26th a blue, female, pit bull dog was stolen from the area of Chicken Foot Road and Calvin Tyson Road in St. Pauls near Tar Heel, according to the owner. Investigator Greg Bullard with the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance. READ MORE
SoutheasternTimes.com: Fayetteville Man Sentenced to More Than 13 Years for Drug Distribution and Firearm Offenses
RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today in federal court, United States District Judge James C. Dever III sentenced LUIS JOEL ROBLES LATORRES, 42, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, to 162 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release. READ MORE
Blood Donor Center In Critical Need For Type O Blood
FAYETTEVILLE – Cape Fear Valley Blood Donor Center is extending hours this week due to a critical shortage of type O blood.
The center currently has less than a two-day supply of type O-positive and O-negative blood. A few trauma patients can deplete the center’s entire on-hand supply. READ MORE
Grief workshops offered in Elizabethtown
Lower Cape Fear Hospice is offering a series of 90-minute “Navigating Grief” workshops in Elizabethtown on the second Tuesday of each month, 3-4:30 p.m.
Elizabethtown, NC – Lower Cape Fear Hospice is offering 90-minute “Navigating Grief” workshops in Elizabethtown on the second Tuesday of each month. READ MORE
Relay for Life Wrap-Up meeting
Contributed
2018/2019 American Cancer Society RELAY FOR LIFE “WRAP-UP” will be held Tuesday, June 25th, at 6:30pm at the Bladen County Agriculture Extension Office located at 450 Smith Circle in Elizabethtown, NC 28337. READ MORE
Bladen County Solid Waste holiday hours for Independence 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 on Thursday, July 4th. READ MORE
Bladen schools to offer summer meals for children
The summer wave of nutrition is coming to five Bladen County schools this summer.
Free summer meals will be offered by Bladen County School’s School Nutrition Department to anyone 18 years and younger beginning in June. The Dairy Alliance helps sponsor the program. READ MORE
Summer camp options at Bladen Community College
Bladen Community College has many opportunities for your camper to learn, express, create, and build on their already growing personalities. Why not use the summer to let your camper brush up on their math skills, explore career areas of interest or discover their creative talents in a performing arts or art camps.
They are all available at our STEM’ for the future Summer Camp, right here at Bladen Community College, for a very affordable price. READ MORE
