Phase 1 of Gov. Roy Cooper’s plan to ease restrictions amid the coronavirus pandemic went into effect Friday at 5 p.m. as confirmed cases in Bladen County increased by 23 during the week to 50.
Bladen County also reported its first death as a result of COVID-19, according to Health and Human Services Director Dr. Terri Duncan. As of Friday, Bladen County had confirmed 50 cases of the virus with 19 having recovered, 29 isolating at home and one person hospitalized. The person who died was not identified.
Cooper’s order announced Tuesday allowed retail businesses to open at 50% capacity and required customoers to stand 6 feet apart. The General Assembly passed and the governor signed a $1.6 billion COVID-19 relief funding package.
Certain businesses remain closed, including bars, personal care businesses, entertainment venues, and gyms. Restaurants may only continue to serve customers for drive-through, take out and delivery.
Bladen County school buildings have been closed to students and staff since mid-March because of the virus with instruction given through virtual classrooms. As the end of the academic year nears, Bladen County Schools announced plans for commencement ceremonies for graduating seniors at East Bladen and West Bladen high schools. Unless restrictions are lifted, the plan calls for an individual graduation ceremony on June 1 with students given an assigned time.
In other news,
A winning Carolina Cash 5 draw ticket worth $100,000 was sold at Dublin Mini Mart. The person with the winning ticket has not come forward, according to the N.C. Education Lottery.
The Elizabethtown Police Department is seeking assistance from the public about the shooting death of Thomas Anthony Lewis Sr., (pictured, left) who was shot May 4 at Martin Luther King Jr. Park. If you have any information about the shooting, contact Sgt. Thomas Davis at 910-862-3125.
The Bladen County Sheriff’s Department arrested four people and sought a fifth on drug charges. Officers executed a search warrant at 224 Timber Haven Drive outside of Elizabethtown on May 1. Officers found heroin, powder cocaine, crack cocaine and methamphetamine, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
The iconic Elwell Ferry is closed until further notice, according to the N.C. Department of Transportation. The ferry (pictured, above) has been in service across the Cape Fear River since 1905. It’s located off NC 53 at State Road 1730 on Elwell Ferry Road, northwest of Kelly on one side, and off N.C. 87 East between Elizabethtown and Carver’s Creek.
In sports,
West Bladen High senior Nolan Bryant (pictured, above) announced that he plans to attend and play baseball at Methodist University in Fayetteville. He struck out seven and picked up the victory in an 8-4 win at Red Springs in the Knights’ final game before the season was cancelled because of COVID-19.
Dixie Youth Baseball cancelled the 2020 World Series. The move will allow leagues to focus on league play if restrictions are lifted that would allow play. N.C. DYB State Director Carey Wrenn said the board will meet soon to discuss the possibility of district and state tournaments.
Stay safe and enjoy the week ahead.
About Author
