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Thoughts While Shaving

Health professionals are warning again of worse days ahead related to COVID-19 … I hope not … but I have my shots, I wear a mask when in a crowd … Was hoping the virus was going away … only about 40% of our friends and neighbors have their received shots … Call or visit the Bladen County Health Department for more info … Shots are free… READ MORE

3 Things To Know For Monday

1. Bladen County Commissioners meeting: Today, 6:30 p.m., Courthouse.

2. Elizabethtown Town Council: Today, 7 p.m., Elizabethtown Municipal Building.

3. Environmental Exploration: Wednesday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-noon, Bladen County Cooperative Extension Office, 450 Smith Circle Drive, Elizabethtown. Ages 9-18. No cost. READ MORE

• BLADEN ONLINE’S COMMUNITY CALENDAR

This Day in History for August 2

This Day In History

1909 – Army Air Corps formed as Army takes 1st delivery from Wright Brothers.

1964 – North Vietnam fires on a US destroyer in the Gulf of Tonkin incident which would eventually escalate US involvement in the Vietnam War.

2018 – Apple becomes the first American public listed company to reach $1 trillion in value. READ MORE

NEWS FROM AUGUST 1

Thoughts While Shaving

Interesting weather forecast for the next few days … Showers and thunderstorms likely after 5 p.m. today. Mostly sunny with a high near 94 and heat values in the 105 range. Windy, with gust in the 17 mph range and a 60% chance or rain.

Today is the 1st day of August … Average high temps for the month in the upper 80 degree range and lows in the mid to upper 50s. READ MORE

NEWS FROM JULY 31

Fundraiser for Joan Carroll Skipper

There is a fundraiser happening today, Saturday, at Open Door Ministries in Elizabethtown for Joan Carroll Skipper. Joan injured her leg and ankle on a motorcycle which will take months to recover from. There are chicken plates for sale for $8 per plate. T-shirts are for sale for $20 per shirt. READ MORE.

Thoughts While Shaving

Nothing more fun for me at my age than to meet up with a friend that I haven’t seen in a long time … Enjoy a brief conversation, kinda catch up on family … and move on…

Dreamed I was preparing to broadcast a high school football game … all night long … Just could not get everything ‘in place’ for a very important game. READ MORE

NCDHHS Expands COVID-19 Community Health Worker Program

Raleigh, NC – The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is expanding the COVID-19 Community Health Worker program, bringing it statewide.

El Centro Latino and UNETE join six other vendors that were previously selected for this work – Catawba County Public Health, Kepro, Mount Calvary Center for Leadership Development, One to One with Youth, Southeastern Healthcare NC, and Vidant Health – to aid in North Carolina’s efforts to connect those affected by COVID-19 with needed support, including assistance with COVID-19 vaccinations. READ MORE.

North Carolina to Require Vaccine Verification for State Employees, Urges Other Government Agencies and Private Employers to do the Same

Raleigh, NC – On Thursday, July 29, 2021, Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D., announced that the state government would begin verifying the vaccination status of its workers. READ MORE.

North Carolina Rural Hospitals Receive More Than $4 Million for COVID-19 Testing and Mitigation

Contributed

Raleigh, NC – North Carolina received more than $4.9 million federal funds for small rural hospitals in the state to provide COVID-19 testing and mitigation, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced today. The program will provide increased COVID-19 testing to rural populations ensuring an equitable distribution across the state. READ MORE.

Storm readiness, response and recovery workshops available for municipalities in eastern North Carolina

Contributed

RALEIGH – The N.C. Forest Service, the N.C. Urban Forest Council and N.C. Cooperative Extension are hosting a series of daylong workshops for municipalities and communities across eastern North Carolina. READ MORE.

NEWS FROM JULY 30

38 Job Vacancies Listed by Bladen County Schools

By Cara Beth Lewis

On July 26, Bladen Online asked Superintendent Dr. Jason Atkinson and Valerie Newton, Public Relations and Information Officer, a series of questions that parents need answers to before the 2021-2022 school year that is quickly approaching. Today, July 30, we received responses from Newton. READ MORE.

New Ways to Celebrate with Traveling Sign Co.

By Cara Beth Lewis

Traveling Sign Co is a locally run business focused on helping you celebrate your special occasions and events. Traveling Sign Co is owned and operated by Kacy Gunter and Mackenzie Singletary.

Traveling Sign Co offers various yard signs to celebrate you, your family, and friends. READ MORE.

Annual Trooper Kevin Conner Memorial Run

By Cara Beth Lewis

The annual memorial run for Trooper Kevin Conner will take place on Saturday, October 16, 2021. Trooper Kevin Conner (B-551) lost his life during a traffic stop on October 17, 2018. Every October, nearly a thousand people in the community come together on his End Of Watch for this annual 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk in memory of Trooper Kevin Conner’s life… READ MORE.

Upcoming Bladen County Board of Commissioners Meeting Agenda

Bladen County By Cara Beth Lewis

The Bladen County Board of Commissioners meet on the first and third Monday of each month at 6:30 pm. The next meeting is scheduled to begin at 6:30 pm on August 2nd and will be held in the Commissioners’ Room, located on the lower level of the Bladen County Courthouse, at 106 East Broad Street, Elizabethtown. READ MORE.

COVID-19 Case Numbers Continue to Rise in Bladen County

By Cara Beth Lewis

According to Dr. Teresa (Terri) Duncan, there are 185 current COVID-19 cases in the Mother County. One week ago, on July 23rd, there were 112 active cases. Two weeks ago, on July 16th, there were only 73 active cases, meaning the number of cases has more than doubled in the last two weeks. READ MORE.

North Carolina State Board of Elections Announces Remote Meeting

The State Board of Elections will hold a remote meeting beginning at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 17, 2021. Meeting materials will be posted on a rolling basis on the State Board’s meeting website. Members of the public and the media may view and listen to the meeting as… READ MORE.

Upcoming Family Fun at Camp Clearwater

By Cara Beth Lewis

Camp Clearwater at White Lake has several events in the upcoming weeks. These are open to the public and will be great family fun.

The nearest event is the Camp Clearwater Cardboard Boat Race on August 7th at 11 am. This is open to customers and the general public. The event will take place in the beach area behind the Camp Clearwater Arcade. READ MORE.

Benefit Bike Ride and Plate Sale for Christine Hayes Moody

By Cara Beth Lewis

Christine Hayes Moody, a Bladen County Resident for over 40 years, was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer in March of this year. Christine is 71 years old and resides in Elizabethtown with her husband, Wayne Moody, Sr. Her children, grandchildren, and community are planning a benefit bike ride and plate sale on August 28th, 2021, at 3715 US Highway 701 North in Elizabethtown. This will help support Christine and assist with the costs of her battle with cancer. READ MORE.

Foundation Church to Host Yard Sale, Proceeds to Operation Christmas Child

By Cara Beth Lewis

Foundation Church in Elizabethtown will host a donation and volunteer-based yard sale on September 4th, 2021, at the church. Proceeds of the event will help pay for items for Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes and the shipping costs of the boxes. READ MORE.

2021 High School Graduates May Qualify for Free Community College

By Cara Beth Lewis

Thanks to the Longleaf Commitments Grant, North Carolina 2021 high school graduates may be eligible for two years of free community college. Governor Roy Cooper allotted over 86 million dollars from the Emergency Education Relief fund. According to Spectrum Local News… READ MORE.

Word of the Day: Ubiquity

By Danna Martínez

Joining a friend by chance is normal and can even be funny; meeting him a second time is already strange; coinciding with him a third time worries us, and to find him a fourth time in the same day would make us think that he is ubiquitous.

The term ubiquity comes from the Latin Ubique. READ MORE.

Bladen County Headlines … 50 Years Ago

The town of Tar Heel set their 1971-72 tax rate at 60 cents per $100. READ MORE

Thoughts While Shaving

Few things frustrate me more than traveling the highways and a vehicle ‘jacked’ up, riding my back bumper and headlights in my rearview mirror … I attempt to accommodate by speeding up or slowing down, depending on the traffic … Rude, rude, rude … Most drivers are accommodating, if I am … but … there are those others… READ MORE

This Week at NCDOT: Drone Deliveries at Ocracoke

Getting emergency supplies to the barrier islands may soon be made easier thanks to drones.

Last week, NCDOT’s Aviation Division, Ferry Division and the U.S. based drone company Volansi partnered together to stage two test drone deliveries between Hatteras Village and Ocracoke Island. READ MORE

You Decide: Should Wage and Price Controls Be Brought Back?

By Dr. Mike Walden

Fifty years ago, I was sitting in a summer school class studying microeconomics. I had just switched my major from architecture to economics. In order to still graduate in four years, I had to take classes in the summer. I scheduled classes for the morning so I could continue my warehouse job in the afternoon.

On one particular warm morning in August, the instructor entered the classroom very excited. He said the economic and financial worlds had just been turned upside down. READ MORE

NEWS FROM JULY 29

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 7^th 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

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

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

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

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

photos by Kenneth Armstrong

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

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

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.