Updated regularly
Conner’s Law passes the NC House
By Charlotte Smith
Accident at Saw Mill sends one to hospital
By Erin Smith
An accident at a sawmill on NC 210 near Ivanhoe sent one man to the hospital on Wednesday afternoon.
Suggestions for Kelly Dike, Commissioners visit DC
By Erin Smith
The Bladen County Commissioners have been working in Washington DC and in Bladen County with federal legislators for assistance to help the local rural communities. US Congressman David Rouzer spoke with the commissioners on Wednesday afternoon and the commissioners gave a report on the National Association of Counties annual Legislative Goals Conference they attended in Washington DC. READ MORE
Tips about firearm safety
Maryellen Robeson with Shooter Ready, LLC spoke to the Elizabethtown Rotary Club about gun safety this week at Cape Fear Vineyard & Winery. Robeson is a NRA Certified Firearms Instructor, NC Certified Concealed Carry Instructor, Staff Instructor for NRA Whittington Center, New Mexico, Women’s Wilderness Escape, NRA Certified Range Safety Officer, and is a Retired Youth Pastor. “We do as Americans get to enjoy our right to be gun owners, but with that right we have to be responsible,” Robeson opened the presentation saying. READ MORE
Residents express anger, ask questions about White Oak Dike repairs
By Erin Smith
Residents of the Kelly community gathered at Centerville Baptist Church on Tuesday night for a public hearing regarding the White Oak Dike. The dike was breached during Hurricane Florence and led to the flooding of the community.
Bladen County Commissioner Chairman Charles Ray Peterson opened the meeting and told the audience that the information gathered at the meeting will be documented and utilized to develop a plan to repair the dike. READ MORE
SoutheasternTimes.com: Charter Day School Kindergarteners Celebrate Learning to Read
Charter Day School Kindergarten students proudly show off their “I Can Read” certificates. READ MORE
Underage driver charged in Hernandez death
A West Bladen High School student died from injuries he sustained in a wreck on Butler Mill Road occurring on Sunday, March 10 at 1:50 p.m., according to the North Carolina Highway Patrol (NCHP). Charges have been filed against the underage driver according to the NCHP report. READ MORE
Traditional Calendar Approved for Bladen County Schools
by Joy Warren
The Bladen County Board of Education met Tuesday evening for a special called meeting to discuss the school calendar for 2019-20. Prior to discussion of the calendar action item, citizens were allowed to address the board. The only participant was White Lake Mayor Goldston Womble. READ MORE
Kiwanis busy making a difference
Contributed
Kiwanis of Elizabethtown had a busy agenda Tuesday evening. Relay For Life, Boys Scouts, Beta Club, the Boys & Girls Homes, and Lower Cape Hospice were all on the list for the club to assist in at least one way. READ MORE
OPINION: Thoughts While Shaving
Congratulations to Sam Boger, retired East Bladen basketball coach and teacher. The Bladen County Board of Education recently voted to name the gym at Elizabethtown Middle School (formerly East Bladen) in his honor. READ MORE
This Day in History – March 20
1816 – US Supreme Court affirms its right to review state court decisions.
1852 – Harriet Beecher Stowe’s “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” published in Boston.
1886 – 1st AC power plant in US begins commercial operation in Massachusetts. READ MORE
Extremes for Bladen County, NC, on March 20
Highest Temperature 87 degrees 1968
NEWS FOR TUESDAY, MARCH 19
Best Biscuit and Pound Cake Contests at Spring Fling
Contribute
2nd Annual Best Biscuit Baker Contest & 1st Annual Pound Cake Contest
“Searching for the Best Pound Cake & Best Biscuit Baker”
Judging will be at the stage Downtown READ MORE
Notice of Fire Hydrant Testing
Contributed
Fire hydrant flow testing will conducted on Saturday March 23 rd between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. READ MORE
Commissioners hear from citizens regarding beaver issue
By Erin Smith
The Bladen County Board of Commissioners heard from two Bladen County citizens regarding issues with beavers in the county. READ MORE
Series of Dublin fires remain under investigation
By Erin Smith
Three suspicious fires remain under investigation near Dublin, according to the Bladen County Fire Marshal’s Office. Investigators have developed persons of interest in the case. READ MORE
Bladen County Commissioners Discuss Building for Sheriff’s Office
By Erin Smith
The Bladen County Board of Commissioners approved a lease agreement for the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office to utilize a building located on West Broad Street in Elizabethtown to store evidence. READ MORE
Elementary Battle of the Books Champion
Contributed
Congratulations to Elizabethtown Primary School for their first place win in the Elementary Battle of the Books competition. READ MORE
Bladen Disaster Recovering Team fundraising to make a difference
The Bladen Disaster Recovery Team has heard the cries of local hurricane victims for months now. The newly organized group is striving to make a difference and meet the needs of those in Bladen County devastated by Hurricane Florence. READ MORE
SoutheasternTimes.com: NC Communities Get $127 Million to Improve Water and Sewer Systems, Protect Clean Water
RALEIGH: Communities across North Carolina from Sylva to Elizabeth City will get $127 million in loans and grants to help pay for 96 critical drinking water and wastewater projects statewide, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. READ MORE
POLITICS: Bladen County Republican Party annual convention is Monday
On Monday, March 25, 2019 the Bladen County Republican Party annual convention will be held at the Powell Melvin Agriculture Building, 450 Smith Circle, Elizabethtown. READ MORE
EVENT: Bladen County Relay for Life Cancer Survivor’s Gala set for Sunday
By Erin Smith
The annual Bladen County Relay for Life Survivors Gala will take place on Sunday, March 24th, at the Cape Fear Farmers Market in Elizabethtown at 4 p.m. The theme for this year’s event is Super Heroes of Hope. The event is open to cancer survivors and their caregivers. READ MORE
Celebrating 100 years with Key to the City
By Erin Smith
An Elizabethtown man recently celebrated his 100th birthday in style as he was presented with the Key to the City.
Deacon Grover Cleveland Hall was greeted by fellow church members, friends and family at Glenda’s Just Desserts in Elizabethtown recently. READ MORE
NEWS FOR MONDAY, MARCH 18
St. Patrick’s Day Fun Day offers plenty of fun
By Erin Smith
The United Way of Bladen County held their second annual St Patrick’s Day Fun Day and 5K on Saturday morning at Cape Fear Vineyard and Winery in Elizabethtown. Temperatures were cool and the wind was brisk but the atmosphere was warm and welcoming to those who came out to meet the vendors and cheer on the participants in the 5K. READ MORE
Duke Energy announces $1 million in grant opportunities to power storm resiliency in N.C. communities
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – After a year of record-setting weather events – from tornadoes and flooding to ice storms and hurricanes – the Duke Energy Foundation today announced $1 million in funding to help North Carolina communities increase their resiliency to these major weather events with advanced preparation and planning through the Powerful Communities: Storm Resiliency grant program. READ MORE
County Unemployment Rates Announced…Bladen At 6.0 Percent
Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in all 100 of North Carolina’s counties in January. READ MORE
Local Author to Speak at BCC on March 19th
Cliff Tyndall, a Wilmington resident who teaches at Bladen Community College, has a new book out called “Camp Davis: a 21 Century History & Guidebook”. The author will be speaking in the college’s auditorium on Tuesday, March 19th at 6pm on the book’s subject and background. The new publication is a supplement to Tyndall’s 2006 book, “Greetings from Camp Davis”, available on Amazon.com. READ MORE
EVENT: Clarkton Beautification Committee to host fundraiser March 23
The Clarkton Beautification Committee will host a Spaghetti fundraiser on Saturday, March 23rd, 2019, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Clarkton Depot. READ MORE
Voters Challenge to State Voter ID Moves Forward
RALEIGH, N.C. – On Wednesday, Wake County Superior Judge Vince Rozier, Jr. issued an order that allows a state constitutional challenge to North Carolina’s voter ID law to move forward in front of a three-judge panel. Chief Justice Beasley will appoint the three members of the panel. The case was heard by Judge Rozier on March 4. Plaintiffs in the case brought the challenge immediately after the voter ID enabling legislation went into effect when the Legislature overrode Gov. Cooper’s veto. READ MORE
LIFESTYLES: Kelly Spring Fest is planned for April 27
The annual Kelly Spring Fest will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2019, at the Kelly ball field. Food, arts and crafts vendors are welcome. READ MORE
Fayetteville State University Open House Scheduled For March 23
Prospective students, their families, and the residents of southeastern North Carolina will have the opportunity to discover the exciting array of educational opportunities and resources at Fayetteville State University (FSU). Open House, which is specifically targeted at prospective students and their families, will be conducted on Saturday, March 23, 2019, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Check-in begins at 8 a.m. READ MORE
Hog trials discussed at Agriculture Rally
By Erin Smith
The hog farm nuisance lawsuits were the topic of the evening at the Sampson County Friends of Agriculture’s 18th annual Rally for Agriculture held Tuesday night at the Sampson County Agri-Exposition Center in Clinton. Andy Curliss, CEO of the NC Pork Council, spoke about the trials and those who are supporting the lawsuits. READ MORE
NEWS FOR WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13
UNCW ranked among best graduate schools by US News and World Report
Wilmington, N.C. – The University of North Carolina Wilmington’s master’s degree programs in nursing and public administration each moved up 12 places on the U.S. News & World Report list of “2020 Best Graduate Schools,” the university announced today. READ MORE
Operation Medicine Drop fights opioid epidemic with statewide take-back events
RALEIGH — “Poisonings and deaths occur when prescription drugs end up in the wrong hands,” said Commissioner Causey. “That’s why I am touring the state to protect our communities and environment by educating residents about the responsible way to get rid of unused medication.” READ MORE
Four candidates have filed for 9th Congressional District Primary
By Erin Smith
The filing for the 9th Congressional District election has gotten underway with four candidates declaring their intentions to run for the vacant seat. The filing period will close at 5 p.m. on Friday, March 15. READ MORE
US Army Corps of Engineers Wilmington District Presidents Budget
WILMINGTON, N.C.—The President released the budget proposal for fiscal year 2020 (FY20) which includes funding for ongoing projects in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District. READ MORE
April Job Fair planned, vendor space available
A Job Fair is planned for Tuesday, April 16, 2019, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Bladen Community College Auditorium. Vendor space is available. READ MORE
Court Date Notifications and Reminders for Criminal Cases Now Available via Text and Email
RALEIGH – The N.C. Judicial Branch has launched a new court date notification service allowing you to quickly and easily subscribe to up-to-the-minute criminal court date notifications and reminders via email or SMS/text messages at www.NCcourts.gov/services. Subscribers are immediately notified of court date, room or session changes, as well as upcoming court date reminders seven days and one day in advance of the court date. READ MORE
Work on Bojangles location in Elizabethtown is beginning
By Erin Smith
A long awaited Bojangles restaurant is taking another step towards becoming reality this week. Construction equipment has arrived at the proposed location on S. Poplar Street and equipment could be seen removing asphalt and other debris on Tuesday. READ MORE
Columbus Charter School Celebrates “I Can Read” Ceremony on March 15
Columbus Charter School Kindergarten students will celebrate learning to read on Friday, March 15, 2019 at 9:45 AM with an awards ceremony. Students will receive an “I Can Read” certificate and their own book to celebrate their landmark achievement. READ MORE
Bladen County Educational Foundation to meet March 19
The Bladen County Educational Foundation, a non-profit corporation organized and existing to provide financial help for the public schools and educators of Bladen County, will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, March 19, 2019, at 5:30 P.M., in the public meeting room of the Bladen County Board of Education on US Highway 701 South, in Elizabethtown. READ MORE
POLITICS: Annual County Democratic Party Convention
Contributed
The Bladen County Democratic Party will have its annual county convention on Saturday, March 23. The guest speaker will be Professor Irving L. Joyner.
The meeting will be held at 10 a.m. in the Bladen County Courthouse Superior Courtroom. READ MORE
Federal subpoena issued in 9th Congressional District investigation
By Erin Smith
A federal grand jury for the Eastern District of North Carolina is now investigating potential election fraud that occurred in the 9th Congressional District race. READ MORE
Share:
