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There’s been some difficult and tragic times of late in Bladen County. Hurricane Florence brought massive flooding and Tropical Storm Michael brought even more rain. Earlier this month, Highway Patrol trooper Kevin Conner, a Bladenboro native, was killed in the line of duty.
The 12th annual Beast Fest gave folks from Bladen County and throughout the region an opportunity to relax and enjoy rides, games and entertainment. Of course, the Beast of Bladenboro made an appearance during the event held Friday, Oct. 26 and Saturday, Oct. 27.
Trooper Conner was remembered during a tribute Saturday.
A second suspect was charged in Trooper Conner’s murder on Tuesday, Oct. 23, according to the District Attorney’s office. Conner was shot and killed on Wednesday, Oct. 17 during a traffic stop in Columbus County.
Chauncy Askew, 18, of Chadbourn, was arrested in Loris, S.C. He made his first court appeearance on Wednesday, Oct. 24 on a charge of first degree murder. He was denied bond.
Twenty-year-old Raheem Davis of Chadbourn also has been charged with first degree murder.
GenX
GenX emissions from the Chemours plant located on the Bladen-Cumberland County line off NC 87 has been in the news over the past year. The chemical has been found in groundwater near the facility and in the Cape Fear River. It’s unknown the affect GenX has on humans.
On Tuesday, Oct. 23, Chemours announced plans to construct an Emissions Control Facility that, the company, says, will help reduce emmissions into the air and water by more than 99 percent.
Early voting
It’s not exactly breaking news, but there’s an election coming up. Voting is set for Tuesday, Nov. 6.
More than 3,000 registered voters already have cast a ballot during early voting at the Bladen County Library in Elizabethtown.
Early voting continues through Saturday. Hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 3
Handicapped parking
Finding parking in downtown Elizabethtown can be a problem at times. For people with disabilities, it can be even more difficult.
Part 2 Series: Handicap parking injustice
Part 1 Series: Ending ignorance about people with disabilities; benefits of service dogs
Other news
• On Tuesday, Oct. 23, Bladen We Care was the recipient of a $5,000 donation from First Bank of Elizabethtown for the Hurricane Florence relief effort. Mac Campbell, with Bladen We Care, said the group has been working with the hurricane relief efforts since Hurricane Florence hit the area with devastating flooding and wind damage.
• Motions have been filed and oral arguments were heard in the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia, regarding the multimilllion dollar verdicts in the first three hog farm lawsuits that took place earlier this year.
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