BladenOnline.com

Bladen County's top website for news, sports, advertising and more!

CresCom Bank Welcomes New Assistant Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer in Wilmington

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C., September 25, 2017 – CresCom Bank, a community-banking leader within the Carolinas, is pleased to welcome Shameena Broach as the new assistant vice president and commercial loan officer at the Wilmington, North Carolina branch. Prior to joining CresCom Bank, Broach worked at South State Bank in several management roles including retail area manager vice president, retail sales leader assistant vice president, assistant branch manager and accounting assistant. Broach earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and a minor in religion at Meredith College and later attended North Carolina Bankers Association School of Banking where she expanded her management banking skills. “We are happy to welcome Shameena to the CresCom …..

Read More

Golden Leaf Scholarship recipients announced for Bladen Community College

Three Bladen Community College students have received Golden LEAF Scholarships. Receiving scholarships are  from left Victoria P. Sullivan, Quinisha L. Herring, and Fabiola L. Taylor. The Golden LEAF Scholars Program has provided over 11,500 scholarships since its inception to help North Carolinians attend participating community colleges. For information regarding available scholarships at Bladen Community College, contact the financial aid office at 910-879-5567. Share:

Read More

East Bladen High School homecoming parade

The East Bladen High School Homecoming parade is scheduled for Friday, October 6, at 3:30 p.m. Those interested in entering the parade are asked to line up behind the Elizabethtown Municipal Building by 3:10 p.m. There is no charge to enter the parade. For more information contact Brandy Wikins at East Bladen High School or via email at bhwilkins@bladen.k12.nc.us. Share:

Read More

Woman sentenced to probation in child drowning

By Erin Smith Teresa Denise Lauderback, 33, was recently sentenced to a 24 months probation on a misdemeanor child abuse charge. The sentence was suspended, according to court records. She was charged following the July 15, 2015, drowning of her 4 year-old son at White Lake. White Lake Police Officers responded to a report of a possible drowning at 2038 White Lake Drive. When officers arrived on the scene they found an unresponsive male child. Samaritans administered CPR and members of the White Lake Fire Department and NC State Parks and Recreation personnel took over efforts to resuscitate child. He was transported to Cape Fear Valley-Bladen Healthcare where he was …..

Read More
Bladen County Headlines... 35 Years Ago

Bladen County Headlines…35 Years Ago

Bobby Gooden of Clarkton was having a signing party at the Clarkton Library for his new book “Showbiz”. SBI Agent Mike Lowder was the guest speaker at the Elizabethtown-White Lake Chamber of Commerce meeting. Paula Greene was the newest attorney to begin practicing in Bladen County. J.B. Monroe was honored for 30 years of service to the town of Dublin. Share:

Read More
Thoughts While Shaving

Thoughts While Shaving

Late night NFL score….Redskins 27 – Raiders 10.  Tonight Cowboys vs Cardinals at 8:30 PM. Can you believe?  This is the first day of the last week of September 2017… Daily average high and low temps for September is 83 and 62…..for October, 75 and 50. Municipal elections are just 6 weeks from tomorrow (Tuesday).  Not much visible activity in the county.  Filing for county, state and national elections begins in early 2018. Wish we could all be more civil in matters related to the ‘political state’ of our nation.  Not sure I have ever witnessed a division as great as the current situation at the state and national level.  I …..

Read More

Kayla Thompson Places 16th In Furman Lady Paladin Invitational Golf Tourney

West Bladen graduate Kayla Thompson of Clarkton, a senior at UNCW, shot 71-76-73=220 (four over par) to take 16th place in the Furman Lady Paladin Invitational Golf Tourney held this past weekend in Greenville, S. C. The UNCW Lady Seahawks took 8th place with a score of 890. Furman won the tournament with a score of 857. There were 15 teams with 85 lady golfers playing. The next tournament for UNCW will be the Ruth’s Criss Tar Heel Invitational held October 13-15 in Chapel Hill. Share:

Read More

Farrell Murchison Rushes for 83 Yards For Winston-Salem State

ETTRICK, VA – East Bladen grad Farrell Murchison rushed for a team-high 83 yards Saturday night but his Winston-Salem State Rams lost in overtime 33-27 to Virginia State. Murchison only had 2 carries for 6 yards in the first half but broke loose for runs of 14 and 8 yards during a 77-yard touchdown drive that gave the Rams a 20-14 lead with 4:35 left in the third quarter. On the next Ram possession, Murchison galloped 41 yards to the Virginia State 11 yardline then added a 5-yard carry that set up Rod Tinsley’s quarterback sneak that put Winston-Salem up 27-19 with 11:52 remaining in the final period. Murchison powered …..

Read More
This Day In History

This Day in History for September 25

1493 – Columbus sails with 17 ships on 2nd voyage to the Americas. 1775 – American Revolutionary War hero Ethan Allen captured. 1804 – Twelfth Amendment to the US Constitution, establishing the procedure for electing the President and Vice President, becomes effective. 1867 – Congress creates 1st all-black university, Howard University in Washington, DC. 1878 – British physician Dr. Charles Drysdale warns against the use of tobacco in a letter to The Times newspaper in one of the earliest public health announcements on the dangers of smoking. 1911 – Groundbreaking begins in Boston for Fenway Park. 1919 – US president Woodrow Wilson suffers a breakdown in Colorado, his health never …..

Read More
Thoughts While Shaving

Thoughts While Shaving

College football results: NC State 27, Florida State 21 Duke 27, UNC 17 Wake Forest 20, App.State 19 Alabama 59, Vanderbilt 0 Clemson 34, Boston College 7 South Carolina 17, Louisiana Tech 19 Winston Salem University lost to Virginia State 33-27, in overtime and dropped to 2-2 overall  and 0-1 in conference play.  Former East Bladen star Farrell Murchison led the Rams in rushing with 85 yards. ECU (0-3) plays at Connecticut (1-1).  Game on ESPNU at 12 noon. And there is a full slate of NFL action today as well. Someone will take home a nice ‘chunk of cash’ after today’s final round of the PGA Tour Championship.  Paul Casey …..

Read More
East Bladen High School

Men’s Soccer: East Bladen 8, Scotland 1

LAURINBURG –Junior Greyson Heustess recorded a ‘Hat Trick’ plus one Thursday night to lead East Bladen to an 8-1 non-conference men’s soccer victory over Scotland. Sophmore Jake Evans, senior Brooks McGill, freshman Jay McKoy and junior Pierce Melvin added one goal each for the Eagles. Senior Caleb Hatchell dished out 2 assists to lead the East Bladen playmakers. Junior Ezequiel Arteaga, Heustess, Pierce Melvin, Evans, McKoy, junior Irvin Hernandez, sophmore Gabe Barber and McGill. Evans racked up 15 steals to lead the Eagle defense. Gabe Barber came up with 13 steals, and Arteaga finished with 12 steals. McGill, Heustess, freshman Garrett Melvin, junior Keshaun Davis and junior Dan Tatum were …..

Read More

JV Volleyball: Whiteville 2, East Bladen 1

ELIZABETHTOWN – Whiteville edged East Bladen 15-13 in the third and deciding set Thursday night as the Lady Wolfpack jayvees won 2-1 in Three Rivers Conference jayvee volleyball action by set scores of 15-25, 25-18 and 15-13. Freshman Cheylee Mathis took charge for the Lady Eagles in the first set with an 8-point service run that produced a 15-7 lead. Sophmore Abbie Cross won a pair of service points that kept the lead at 20-13. Freshman Alyssa Futrell reeled off 3 straight service points to pad the lead to 24-14 and a side-out ended the set. The teams battled on even terms in the second set until a 4-point service …..

Read More

Middle School Volleyball: Clarkton School of Discovery 3, East Arcadia 0

BLADENBORO – Clarkton School of Discovery defeated East Arcadia 3-0 Thursday in Bladen Five Middle School volleyball action by set scores of 25-4, 25-13 and 25-10. Merritt Martin started the match with an incredible service run of 17 points that included one ace for the Lady Blue Devils. Lauren Gooden won two of the points with outstanding returns. After a service error by East Arcadia, Heather Hardin slammed in an ace and another service point for Clarkton. Teammate Karli Priest served out the set with 4 service points that included an ace. Sophia Masaid knocked in seven straight service points aided by great returns from Maegan Burney and AnnaGrey Heustess …..

Read More
This Day In History

This Day in History for September 24

1657 – First autopsy & coroner’s jury verdict is recorded in Maryland. 1789 – US Congress establishes Post Office Department following the new constitution. 1789 – US Federal Judiciary Act is passed & creates a six-person Supreme Court. 1924 – Boston, Massachusetts, opens its airport. 1928 – Cohan/Lardner’s musical “Elmer the Great” premieres in NYC. 1929 – Lt. James Doolittle guides a Consolidated N-Y-2 Biplane over Mitchell field in NY in 1st all-time instrument flight. 1946 – Yanks set season attendance record of 2,309,029 besting 1929 Cubs. 1948 – The Honda Motor Company is founded. 1952 – American fast food restaurant chain “KFC” {Kentucky Fried Chicken} opens its first franchise …..

Read More

Social Security’s Online Estimates Help You to Plan for Retirement and More

By Brenda Brown Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Fayetteville, NC Social Security encourages all Americans to take steps toward ensuring their financial security. Wherever you are in life — starting your first job, beginning a family, or getting ready to retire — it is never too late or too soon to start planning for the years ahead. We are here to help, and we offer a suite of online tools you can use to plan for a secure future for you and your family. Your personalized Social Security Statement is among the many resources available to you through your online my Social Security account. This important planning document allows …..

Read More

Elizabethtown Christian Academy Inaugural Legacy Golf Tournament

The Elizabethtown Christian Academy had their first golf tournament Saturday at Vineyard Golf at White Lake. Twenty-seven four man teams participated in this inaugural captain’s choice tournament. The winners were: First Flight Winning Team: Jim Woodruff, James Woodruff, Jimmy Davis, Bobby Davis (53). First Flight Second Place: Ty Wilson, Brian Tart, Winford Johnson, Cade Hancock (55). First Flight Third Place: David Faircloth, Mac Porter, Stacy Owen, Lee Todd (58). Second Flight Winning Team: Will Fisher, Zac Campbell, Jake Suggs, Jerry Lanier (62). Second Flight Second Place: Dave Allen, Ebbie Clark, Sling Shaw, Dean Brady (62). Second Flight Third Place: Steve Kinlaw, Zach Kinlaw, Kevin Rachles (64). Third Flight Winning Team: …..

Read More

All Eyes on Hurricane Maria

All eyes are turning towards the Atlantic Ocean as Hurricane Maria, now a category 3 storm with maximum sustained winds of 115 mph, churns it way northward.  The National Weather Service Office in Wilmington is encouraging residents from Cape Fear through the Outer Banks to keep an eye on the storm’s progress and to stay tuned to local news stations for more information. Share:

Read More

Elizabethtown Fire Department Receives Medium Rescue Certification

The Town of Elizabethtown is pleased to announce that the Elizabethtown Fire Department is now a Certified Medium Rescue provider by the North Carolina Association of Rescue and Emergency Medical Services. The Elizabethtown Fire Department now has certified rescue personnel along with a full complement of technical rescue equipment required to qualify as a medium rescue provider. The rescue certification was awarded after more than a year-long process of training classes and equipment acquisition that concluded with an inspection on September 8th, 2017 by the Rescue Association. Official notification of the certification was received on September 19th, 2017. You can read the letter in its entirety here. Elizabethtown is the …..

Read More

Kiwanis Club passes pencils to all Bladen County students

Kiwanis of Elizabethtown each year supports the schools, teachers, and students of Bladen County in different ways. Scholarships and the Terrific Kids program are just two of the ways the local organization gives back. This year is the third year the civic group has supplied pencils to the schools for every student in the county’s public schools. “We love and appreciate all our educators in Bladen,” said Club Secretary Dr. Lisa Bryan. Kiwanis of Elizabethtown Club President Jeff Futrell, was photographed passing out the pencils at some of the schools this week. Share:

Read More

Bladen County 4-H’ers win honors at State 4-H Congress

Contributed This year  Bladen County 4-H celebrated a state presentation winner as well as District level club honors. 4-H Congress, held in Raleigh July 29-Aug. 1, attracted more than 500 young people and their adult leaders for activities including presentations on a variety of subjects, leadership and citizenship training, service opportunities, officer elections and more. Some of our winners and participants are highlighted below. Luke Barber, 12, son of George and Sonya Barber of Elizabethtown, won a gold medal in 4-H presentations for his presentation on poultry production. In addition, Arriel Staten, age 13, also participated in state level presentations this year, competing in junior level presentation in the Health …..

Read More

Friday’s High School Football Results

Three Rivers Conference East Bladen 34, Red Springs 6 West Bladen 48, East Columbus 8 Whiteville 58, South Robeson 12 St. Pauls 28, Fairmont 12 South Columbus 49, West Columbus 8   Other Area Scores Charlotte Latin 48, Harrells Christian 0 East Duplin 14, Wallace-Rose Hill 12 Clinton 49, James Kenan 12 Lumberton 42, Hoke County 24 Midway 21, Spring Creek 14 Swansboro 48, Union 32 Heide Trask 14, Pender 6 Richmond 56, Purnell Swett 34 West Brunswick 7, Wilmington Ashley 0 Wilmington Laney 50, North Brunswick 0 New Hanover 50, South Brunswick 0 Pine Forest 50, Westover 42 Scotland 48, Jack Britt 20 Cape Fear 42, Grays Creek 6 …..

Read More

Football: West Bladen 48, East Columbus 8

Photos by Kenneth Armstrong DUBLIN – Senior B. J. Drake rushed for 159 yards and 4 touchdowns to lead West Bladen to a 48-8 Three Rivers Conference football victory over East Columbus. The Knight offense scored on its first 7 possessions of the game and so dominated the game that a running clock was used for the final 16 minutes due to the 40-point lead mercy rule. “B. J. set the tone for us early on offense,” said Knight Coach Kris Williams. “Basically everybody on offense contributed tonight. Our defense played well after their first couple of possessions.” A squib kick-off by the Gators to start the game set the …..

Read More
Thoughts While Shaving

Thoughts While Shaving

I have learned a new word…dotard…Kim Jong-un of North Korea’s description of President Trump after our Presidents UN speech.  Webster, as in the dictionary, defines dotard as …a person in his dotage; foolish and doddering old person.  I was called much worse as a local elected official 40 years ago. I recall a visit to Sen. Jesse Helms office in DC where he had one wall covered with cartoonist renderings of mostly uncomplimentary cartoons of him.  He seemed to enjoy, just a part of public life. Saw a news article relating to another new record of US debt, so I looked it up, earlier today (Saturday, September 23, 2017)  We, …..

Read More

Football: East Bladen 34, Red Springs 6

RED SPRINGS – Senior Xavier Wooten ran for 129 yards and 3 touchdowns, and East Bladen’s defense completely shutdown Red Springs offense as the Eagles rolled past the Red Devils 34-6 Friday night in Three Rivers Conference football action. Red Springs star running back Lee McLean came in averaging over 115 yards per game, but the Eagle defense limited him to only 12 yards on 13 attempts. The Red Devils were held to a negative 3 net yards rushing and only 17 total yards thanks to quarterback sacks and tackles for loss. “The defense played pretty good,” said East Bladen Coach Robby Priest. Offensively the Eagles went with a new …..

Read More

Bladen Five Middle School Volleyball Schedule

Sept. 14 At East Arcadia School 4 p.m. Elizabethtown vs. Bladenboro 4:40 p.m. Tar Heel vs. East Arcadia Clarkton School of Discovery, Open Sept. 21 At Bladenboro Middle 4 p.m. East Arcadia vs. Clarkton School of Discovery 4:40 p.m. Bladenboro vs. Tar Heel Elizabethtown, Open Sept. 28 At Tar Heel Middle 4 p.m. Elizabethtown vs. East Arcadia 4:40 p.m. Tar Heel vs. Clarkton School of Discovery Bladenboro, Open Oct 5 At Elizabethtown Middle 4 p.m. Bladenboro vs. East Arcadia 4:40 p.m. Elizabethtown vs. Clarkton School of Discovery Tar Heel, Open Oct. 12 At Clarkton School of Discovery 4 p.m. Elizabethtown vs. Tar Heel 4:40 p.m. Clarkton School of Discovery vs. …..

Read More

Bladen Five Middle School Football Schedule

Sept. 26 6 p.m. Elzabethtown at Bladenboro 6 p.m. Tar Heel at Clarkton School of Discovery Oct. 3 6 p.m. Tar Heel at Elizabethtown 6 p.m. Bladenboro at Clarkton School of Discovery Oct. 10 6 p.m. Bladenboro at Tar Heel 6 p.m. Clarkton School of Discovery at Elizabethtown Oct 17 6 p.m. Bladenboro at Elizabethtown 6 p.m. Clarkton School of Discovery at Tar Heel Oct. 24 6 p.m. Elizabethtown at Tar Heel 6 p.m. Clarkton School of Discovery at Bladenboro Oct. 30 6 p.m. Tar Heel at Bladenboro 6 p.m. Elizabethtown at Clarkton School of Discovery Share:

Read More

Who receives Affordable Care Act funds?

By Congressman Robert Pittenger Did you know four liberal states currently receive 37 percent of all Obamacare funds? That inequity is one reason certain special interest groups and politicians are so anxious to maintain the status quo. Wouldn’t it be better if your federal tax dollars were shared more equitably, so that communities could develop healthcare solutions that meet their needs? And at the same time, do away with Washington’s top-down, one-size-fits-all approach to healthcare? Those are the conservative, common sense principles behind the “Graham-Cassidy” healthcare legislation, which the Senate is on the verge of passing to repeal and replace Obamacare. This is a conservative, market-based solution to repairing America’s …..

Read More
Vineyard Golf

Activities and Tossups Aplenty At Vineyard Golf

Things have been rocking at Vineyard Golf at White Lake. There has been activities aplenty at Vineyard Golf this week. On Monday a group of about 70 players from a Fayetteville senior organization played the course. On Tuesday the Southeastern Fellowship of Senior Golfers, about 70 in all, played and on Saturday, September 23 there will be a tournament with over 100 players participating. The Friday Tossup saw a good group of senior golfers teeing it up. The team of Stacy Owen, Lenon Fisher, Charles DeVane and Henry Warwick won the front side with a score of plus 2. The backside was won by David Cross, Lloyd Hester, Micky Brisson …..

Read More

Cape Fear Propane says, “Thank You!”

The weather was perfect for an outside event. Friday, September 22nd, Cape Fear Propane in Elizabethtown held their annual Customer Appreciation under warm, sunny skies. The local business had food, prizes, gifts and more to offer their loyal customers. Walter Wilkins with WKML was live on the scene too helping celebrate the big occasion. Scott Johnson, General Manager at the Elizabethtown and Clinton locations said he was glad to see everyone come out for the special event. Also, the Friday kicked off a food drive at Cape Fear Propane. The Share the Love Food Drive will continue through October 31st.  Bladen County residents can drop off 10 cans of food …..

Read More
This Day In History

This Day in History for September 23

1642 – Harvard College in Cambridge, Mass, 1st commencement. 1806 – Lewis & Clark return to St. Louis from Pacific Northwest. 1845 – 1st baseball team, NY Knickerbockers organize, adopt rule code. 1879 – Richard Rhodes invented a hearing aid called the Audiophone. 1897 – 1st frontier days rodeo celebration (Cheyene Wyoming) 1912 – 1st Mack Sennett “Keystone Comedy” movie released “Cohen Collects a Debt” 1926 – Gene Tunney beats Jack Dempsey in 10 for heavyweight boxing title. 1938 – Time capsule, to be opened in 6939, buried at World’s Fair in NYC (capsule contained a woman’s hat, man’s pipe & 1,100′ of microfilm. 1949 – US President Harry Truman …..

Read More

North Carolina Joins 14 States in Bipartisan U.S. Climate Alliance

Governor Roy Cooper announced today that North Carolina will join 14 other states in the U.S. Climate Alliance, which is the bipartisan coalition launched in response to President Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. The bipartisan group of states is committed to reducing their share of the U.S. greenhouse gas emission reduction targets in the Paris Agreement. “In the absence of leadership from Washington, North Carolina is proud to join the U.S. Climate Alliance, and we remain committed to reducing pollution and protecting our environment,” said Gov. Cooper. “Clean air and a healthy environment are vital for a strong economy and a healthier future. So much of North Carolina’s economy …..

Read More

State Highway Patrol Graduates 23 New Troopers

RALEIGH – The State Highway Patrol proudly welcomed 23 new troopers at a graduation ceremony for the 142nd Basic Highway Patrol School.  The celebration ended 15 weeks of extensive academic and physical training. The ceremony was held at the Colonial Baptist Church in Cary at 10 a.m.  The oath of office was administered by Justice Michael R. Morgan, Supreme Court of North Carolina.  Colonel G. M. McNeill Jr., 27th Commander of the State Highway Patrol provided words of encouragement. “My challenge to you on this day is a charge to be an effective law enforcement leader, to carry out your duty to North Carolina with loyalty, integrity and professionalism,” said Col. Glenn M. …..

Read More

Bladen Middle School Football Jamboree

Contributed The start of middle school football is a sure sign fall has arrived in Bladen County. The Bladen Middle School Jamboree was held recently with plenty of excitement and anticipation for the upcoming middle school football season. Everyone is encouraged to come out this season and cheer on their favorite middle school. Share:

Read More

Bladen County road construction updates

The roads closed and opened in our communities change due to the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s projects. Bladen County road construction updates have been announced by Kenneth L Clark this week. OPENINGS:   SR 1122 (Cabbage Road) SR 1122 (Cabbage Road)is open for the weekend.  It will re-close again on Monday (see below).   CLOSINGS:   SR 1709 (Coley Road) SR 1709 (Coley Road) is closed in order to replace the bridge over Hammonds Creek.  The bridge replacement project will take until late November / early December.  A signed detour will be in effect to use SR 1704 (Airport Road) / SR 1713 (White Plains Church Road) / SR 1719 (Vause Road) …..

Read More
USDA

Bladen County FSA Updates

Bladen County USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director Chris Tatum announced that farmers and ranchers in North Carolina now can receive notifications from their county office through text messages on their cell phone. Whether producers are in the field, on a tractor or even on horseback, this service enables FSA customers and stakeholders to receive notifications while on the go. Producers will receive text messages regarding important program deadlines, reporting requirements, outreach events and updates. Producers can text NCBladen to FSANOW (372-669) to subscribe to text message alerts from Bladen County. Standard text messaging rates apply. Contact your wireless carrier for details associated with your particular data plan. Participants may unsubscribe …..

Read More

Celebrate Take a Child Outside Week by visiting an Educational State Forest

Ranger Josh Gray conducts a program at Clemmons Educational State Forest in Johnston County. RALEIGH – Sept. 24-30 is Take a Child Outside Week, and the N.C. Forest Service is encouraging adults and children to get outside and visit one of the agency’s Educational State Forests. “Fall is a great time to get outside and enjoy the cooler days and crisp air while learning about nature,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Each forest features a series of easily accessible, well-marked trails with exhibits and displays depicting the ecology of a managed forest. All the forests have a large picnic shelter that can be reserved by groups.” The ESFs are intended for use …..

Read More

White Lake Police Department, Bladen County Sheriff’s Office discover meth lab in joint investigation

An Indian Trail couple was arrested Thursday evening after police discovered they were making Methamphetamine in a travel trailer at White Lake.  Keith Douglas Transue, 50, and Karen Joan Pham, 42 of Indian Trail, have been charged with the following crimes.   Maintaining a dwelling for a controlled substance  Manufacturing Methamphetamine  (5) Counts, possession of precursor’s chemicals with intent to manufacture Methamphetamine.  Transue received a bond of $300,000.00; Pham received a bond of $150,000.00. The couple’s first court appearance is scheduled for today Friday, September 22, 2017. Transue and Pham will be facing additional charges once test results are confirmed at the North Carolina State Crime Lab.  A joint investigation between the White Lake …..

Read More

Specialty Product Technologies (SPT) Celebrates First Fortive Day of Caring

Elizabethtown Facility Donates 2,400 Hours to Serve Their Neighbors on October 2, 2017 #fortivecares Elizabethtown, NC – On October 2, 2017, more than 300 SPT employees will join forces to give back to their communities. SPT has offered every employee a day to volunteer as a team, or with the community organization of their choice. The SPT team joins over 100 events around the world, sponsored by the other operating companies and locations of their parent company, Fortive Corporation.  In Elizabethtown and surrounding areas, the SPT employees will be working on approximately 10 projects to feed the hungry, boost educational opportunities, and fight homelessness. “With over 300 employees in the …..

Read More

Congressman Pittenger: N.C. gains $7B under Graham-Cassidy

WASHINGTON – North Carolina stands to gain $7 billion in additional federal healthcare funding under the Graham-Cassidy healthcare reform legislation, with up to $1.4 billion of that additional funding dedicated to Medicaid. The estimates are based on the Graham-Cassidy funding model, which awards block grants based on the percentage of population within a certain range of the federal poverty line.  An earlier press release inadvertently referenced the wrong number. “Obamacare attempts to force individuals into a one-size-fits-all model.  As a result, rates in North Carolina have skyrocketed 176 percent since 2013,” said Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09).  “Graham-Cassidy equitably distributes over $1 trillion to the states and gives them flexibility to address local healthcare …..

Read More
East Bladen High School

JV Football: East Bladen 30, Red Springs 0

Photos by Kenneth Armstrong ELIZABETHTOWN – Jordan Robinson and Lawson Hester scored two touchdowns each to lead East Bladen to a 30-0 jayvee football victory over Red Springs. Robinson and Hester both caught 2-point conversion passes from quarterback Zach Meares. Hester also ran for another 2-point conversion. The Eagles led 22-0 at halftime and a running clock was used in the second half due to the weather. Share:

Read More
Bladen County Sports

Weather Postpones Thursday Games

The rain and lightning in the area forced some postponements to Bladen County sports on Thursday. West Bladen’s jayvee football game at East Columbus was postponed and will be played Monday at 6 p.m. at East Columbus. East Bladen’s home tennis match versus Whiteville was postponed until Wednesday, Sept. 27. East Bladen’s jayvee soccer game at Scotland was cancelled. Share:

Read More
Soccer

Men’s Soccer: West Bladen 3, St. Pauls 2

ST. PAULS – Junior Victor Lopez recorded a ‘Hat Trick’ of 3 goals as West Bladen rallied from an early deficit to defeat St. Pauls 3-2 in Three Rivers Conference men’s soccer action. A pair of early St. Pauls goals had the Knights down 2-0 when lightning stopped play with 7:20 left in the first half. After an hour and a half delay, Lopez fired in two goals in 5 minutes to pull West Bladen into a 2-2 tie at halftime. Five minutes into the second half Lopez drilled in his third goal to put the Knights ahead to stay at 3-2. “The defense really stepped up in the second half of …..

Read More
West Bladen High School Logo

Volleyball: Fairmont 3, West Bladen 0

FAIRMONT – Fairmont defeated West Bladen 3-0 Thursday night in Three Rivers Conference volleyball action by set scores of 25-9, 25-16 and 25-21. Senior Patience Parker led the Lady Knights with 10 digs, 5 kills and 3 service points. Junior Raegan Davis banged in 3 kills and 3 service points and had 2 digs. Senior Mikayla Winebarger knocked in 2 kill and an ace and had 2 digs. Junior Callie Lewis hammered in 3 kills and a service point. Senior Elizabeth Allbright knocked in a kill, an ace and a service point. Senior Alise Pait slammed in an ace and a service point and had one dig. Sophomore Lexie Corrothers added one …..

Read More

JV Volleyball: West Bladen 2, Fairmont 1

FAIRMONT – West Bladen defeated Fairmont 2-1 Thursday in Three Rivers Conference jayvee volleyball action by set scores of 19-25, 25-23 and 15-10. Freshman Khadijah Jones filled up the stat sheet with 4 kills, 4 service points, an ace and a solo block for the winners. Freshman Shelby Pharr fired in 4 service points, 2 aces and 2 kills. Teammate Amelia Brisson knocked in 3 aces. Indra Rodriquez smacked in 3 service points, and sophmores Jordan Benson and Erica Storms contributed 2 service points each. Alana King hammered in an ace and a service point. Cheyenne Lewis drilled in an ace, and Madison Cain and Taylor West tallied one service point each. …..

Read More

Fun Friday Bladen Beauty Tips

BladenOnline.com was excited to announce last week, Jenna Lee, as our new Account Executive. Not only will Jenna be assisting our customers with their advertising and marketing needs, but once a week she will offer beauty tips. Jenna is certified in cosmetology and has plenty of tips to share. In order for our readers and viewers to get to know Jenna better we will be publishing a weekly video of Jenna’s beauty tips on our YouTube Channel. View this week’s video now by following the link below. Jenna has been going around to business leaders this week announcing the opportunity to advertise in our new first edition, “Bladen County Beautiful” magazine. For …..

Read More
Sandra Cain

For Better Living: Pick a Pear

By Sandra R. Cain The pear is a fruit that has been cultivated for centuries. Though there are thousands of varieties of pears, only about ten are grown and sold commercially. While pear culture is somewhat similar to apple culture, several factors inhibit pear production. Nevertheless, there are quite a few roadside market growers of pears primarily in the apple-producing areas of the state. The Kieffer variety is an old variety that produces a fairly reliable product. Many homes in central and eastern North Carolina have one or more Kieffer trees. This variety will generally produce some fruit every year. Although the fruit is rough and of limited dessert quality compared to Bartlett, it …..

Read More

Sheriff’s Office searching for two suspects in Clarkton armed robbery

By Erin Smith The Bladen County Sheriff’s Office is searching for two suspects in an armed robbery which took place in Clarkton on Thursday night. According to Bladen County Chief Deputy Larry Guyton, a clerk was behind the counter in the Scotchman store on U.S. 701 in Clarkton when a tall black male entered the store and pointed a gun at her. Chief Deputy Guyton said the suspect told the clerk he was not “playing and give him the money.” “She opened the register and he took the money. He told her to open the safe and she said she couldn’t open it,” said Chief Deputy Guyton. According to the …..

Read More

North Carolina receives international accolades for swift water and flood rescue

SOUTH BEND, Indiana – North Carolina has received the international Higgins and Langley Award for Outstanding Achievement in Swift Water Rescue for the coordinated local, state and federal response in October 2016 to Hurricane Matthew. More than 30 teams rescued 2,336 people and brought them to safety as Matthew’s floodwaters rose.  The premier internationally recognized award for excellence in swift water and flood rescue was presented last night during the annual conference of the International Association of Water Rescue Professionals in South Bend, Indiana. “When the flood waters rose after Hurricane Matthew, these heroes put their lives on the line to save others,” Governor Roy Cooper said. “We’re grateful for their courage and …..

Read More

Mark Andersen and Friends Present “Phantom of the Opera”

Contributed Mark Andersen and Friends will present “Phantom of the Opera” at 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 26th. Organist and composer Mark Andersen returns to his home theater and our Mighty Morton theater organ with a special evening of film and singing just in time for Halloween. The first half of the show features Andersen accompanying on organ the 1925 silent horror film classic with his own original score, while the second half features some of the region’s best vocalists performing selections from Andrew Lloyd Weber’s hit musical. An utterly unique evening not to be missed!  Performers:  Melvin Ezzel will sing the Phantom, Janiel Miller will sing Christine, Brad Thompson will sing …..

Read More
Upcoming Events

Events for Bladen County Residents

By: Dora Brogdon On Friday, an online webinar called Ten Tips and Tricks for Your Pitch from 10 until 11 a.m. will take place through Bladen Community College. All seminars are open to the public and provided at no charge due to special funding arrangements for the Small Business Center and Bladen Community College. To register for any of the seminars or for more information, contact Todd Lyden, Small Business Center Director, at 910-879-5572 or register online: https://www.ncsbc.net/center.aspx?center=75040. There will be a display of Upcycled and Repurposed Garden Projects this Saturday. The program is free but a pre-registration will be required. It will start at 9 a.m. until noon located at the Bladen County …..

Read More

Rotarians learn about Vocational Rehabilitation

Michael D. Ramey from N.C. Vocational Rehabilitation in Elizabethtown addressed the Bladenboro Rotarians at their Monday night meeting. Mr. Ramey presented a brief overview of services offered to qualifying individuals. The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services provides people with physical, psychiatric, and intellectual disabilities the training to acquire skills necessary to obtain gainful employment. Share:

Read More
This Day In History

This Day in History – September 22

1817 – John Quincy Adams becomes US Secretary of State. 1851 – City of Des Moines, Iowa incorporated as Fort Des Moines. 1862 – President Lincoln says he will free slaves in all states on January 1. 1905 – 11th US Golf Open: Willie Anderson shoots a 314 at Myopia Club, Mass. 1911 – Cy Young beats Pitts 1-0 for his final career victory, number 511. 1920 – Chicago grand jury convenes to investigate charges that 8 White Sox players conspire to fix the 1919 World Series. 1922 – US Congress passes the Cable Act, under which an American women who marries an ‘alien’ will not lose citizenship; neither will women …..

Read More
Thoughts While Shaving

Thoughts While Shaving

High School football action slated for tonight.  East Columbus at West Bladen and East Bladen travels to Red Springs.  Kick-off for both games is 7 PM. East Bladen boys soccer team 7-1 overall and 3-0 in conference play and the Knights ladies tennis team is off to a 9-0 start. Check current sports news on our Sports page.  John Clark covers local sports like no other. NFL’s Thursday night game results…LA Rams 41, 49ers 39. While on the topic of sports, the 2017 PGA Tour Championship is being played in Atlanta.  30 players aiming for a ‘lions share’ of the $8,750,000 total prize money.  Kyle Stanly leads at 6 under after …..

Read More

Single vehicle crash claims life of one

By Erin Smith A single vehicle crash in the Ammon community took the life of one Bladen County man on Wednesday. Roman Blake Barnes, 29, of Garland, was killed when his 1999 Buick Regal crashed on Wednesday morning on Old Fayetteville Road near NC 242, according to the North Carolina Highway Patrol. Sgt. Ezzel said Barnes was driving east on Old Fayetteville Road when he entered a right-hand curve and his car began to slide. Sgt. Ezzel said Barnes overcorrected and the vehicle ran off the road to the left and struck a ditch and overturned. Sgt. Ezzel said Barnes, who was ejected from the vehicle, was not wearing a …..

Read More

Youth Ambassadors program teaches leadership skills to teens

By Erin Smith Men and Women United for Youth and Families’ Youth Ambassadors program is a unique program that teaches leadership skills and self sufficiency to teens in Bladen, Brunswick and Columbus counties. The program boasts about 20 teens who are working to make a difference in their communities and schools. During a meeting of the Youth Ambassadors program at the Columbus County Cooperative Extension office on Wednesday evening,  Randolph Keaton said, “Part of being a Youth Ambassador is taking a leadership role, part of a leadership role is giving back to your community.” The group is working diligently to give back to their communities.  The group is planning  to …..

Read More

Chemours to supply bottled water to homeowners after positive preliminary tests

By Erin Smith Preliminary results on water samples from residential wells which were tested by Chemours are back and at least 11 of the residential wells sampled by the company were shown to be contaminated with the chemical GenX. Chemours has been directed by state officials to make bottled water available to those impacted. Chemours’ Fayetteville Works facility has voluntarily tested 32 residential wells for those living near the plant for GenX only. The preliminary test results showed 11 wells tested positive for the presence of GenX at levels higher than the state recommendation of 140 parts per trillion. The majority of those residents are located on the north side …..

Read More

Crime Victims Compensation Commission Honors Longtime Chair Dick Adams

RALEIGH – For the first time since it was created in 1987, the state’s Crime Victims Compensation Commission soon will have a new chairperson. Dick Adams, who has chaired the Commission for the past 30 years, retired after today’s quarterly meeting. The Crime Victims Compensation Commission reimburses victims of violent crime for medical bills, lost wages, out-of-pocket expenses and other losses related to their victimization. Adams, who has been involved with crime victim rights since the murder of his son, Richard, in 1982 during a robbery, was honored by the Commission and the state of North Carolina prior to the meeting. He received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the …..

Read More

Today is World Peace Day

By Erin Smith Today marks World Peace Day. It is a day celebrated annually on September 21st specifically to recognize and call for the absence of war and violence. The theme of the 2017 World Peace Day is “Respect, Safety, and Dignity for All.” One suggestion for honoring the day is to fold origami cranes and sign up on a website to exchange your crane with someone else in another city around the world. To learn more about the Peace Crane Project, go to: https://peacecraneproject.org/. The first observance of World Peace Day took place in 1982 and it has been observed by many nations around the world on an annual basis. …..

Read More

Bankers offer tips for those dealing with Equifax breach

By Erin Smith Bladen County’s bankers have offered some tips to those who have been impacted by the Equifax security breach. The most important thing you can do is to monitor your bank account for any type of suspicious activity. Mike Davis, Branch Manager with First Bank in Elizabethtown, said, “We have not had a great number of issues with it (the Equifax breach).” He added, there have been clients who have had questions regarding the breach. Davis said there is a link everyone can go to and follow the instructions to learn if they may have been a victim. That link is https://www. equifaxsecurity2017.com. “This is legit,” said Davis of …..

Read More

Bladen County to benefit from Crime Commission grants

By Erin Smith Bladen County law enforcement and the District Attorney’s Office for the 13th Prosecutorial District will receive $97,123 from the North Carolina Governor’s Crime Commission to assist them in performing their duties. The District Attorney’s Office for the 13th Prosecutorial District, which includes Bladen, Brunswick, and Columbus counties, will receive $76,955.38 for Bladen/Columbus Domestic Violence Prosecution. The Bladen County Sheriff’s Office will receive $20,167.62 for the purchase of jail extraction suits. The extraction suits provide protection to officers from blunt force trauma injuries. There were 437 programs throughout North Carolina which received funding in the 2017 grant cycle. A total of $73 million in grants was made available …..

Read More

Lower Cape Fear Hospice offers Family Day for Families with Children Coping with Grief

Healing the Hearts of Families with a Special Fun-Filled Day WILMINGTON, NC – Lower Cape Fear Hospice (LCFH) will offer a no cost, one-day camp for families with children coping with the death of a loved one. It will be from 10 a.m.until 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 21st, at New Life Church of God, 107 Maultsby Street in Whiteville. Space is limited. Registration is required. To register, call 910-515-66899 or 910-796-7991. “Children grieve differently than adults and experience many emotions they’ve never had to face,” Kristen Rudy, children and youth bereavement counselor, said.  “They may not feel comfortable talking about these emotions with their parent(s), because they know seeing them sad makes their parent(s) sad. …..

Read More

Rep. Brenden Jones Appointed as Vice-Chair of the House Select Committee on Disaster Relief

Raleigh, NC – Representative Brenden Jones (R-Columbus, Robeson, Bladen) was recently appointed as Vice-Chair of the House Select Committee on Disaster Relief. “I am pleased to have been appointed by the Speaker of the NC House of Representatives, Tim Moore, to serve as Vice-Chair  on the House Select Committee on Disaster Relief,” stated Rep. Jones.  It is an honor to be chosen for this position as a Freshman Member and I look forward to working with my colleagues on a topic of such vital importance.” The Committee may study the following: Hurricane Recovery and Flood Preparedness 1.  May receive updates and provide oversight regarding implementation of the Disaster Recovery Acts …..

Read More
Thoughts While Shaving

Thoughts While Shaving

  My memory is slipping, but do not recall as much destruction caused by natural disasters, at least in recent years, and more storms still active.  Thankfully, Maria appears to be tracking off shore, away from the coast of the US. Our friends in Robeson County and Fair Bluff, still attempting to return to normal following Hurricane Mathew.  Governor Roy Cooper is scheduled to visit Fair Bluff today. FEMA funds for our area have been placed on a temporary hold, as Fed officials deal with Texas, Louisiana, Florida and Puerto Rico recovery efforts. Recently, President Trump referred to Kim Jong-un as “rocket man”, now North Korea’s foreign minister has referred to those comments as …..

Read More

Men’s Soccer: East Bladen 9, West Columbus 0

CERRO GORDO -Senior Brooks McGill blistered the nets with a ‘Hat Trick plus one’ of 4 goals, and junior Greyson Heustess dished out 4 assists to lead East Bladen to a 9-0 Three Rivers Conference men’s soccer victory over West Columbus Wednesday night. The Eagles remained unbeaten in league play at 3-0 and are 7-1 overall. Heustess played a ball out of midfield to Gabe Barber who sent a pass to McGill who knocked in the first goal from 7 yards out in the 6th minute. Five minutes later McGill converted an assist into a goal off a header from Heustess that was set up by a Gabe Barber throw-in. …..

Read More

This Day in History for September 21

1776 – Nathan Hale, spied on British for American rebels, arrested. 1784 – 1st daily newspaper in America (Pennsylvania Packet & General Advertiser) 1827 – According to Joseph Smith, Jr., the angel Moroni gave him a record of gold plates, one-third of which Joseph translated into The Book of Mormon. 1837 – Charles Tiffany founded his jewelry & china stores. 1895 – First auto manufacturer opens-Duryea Motor Wagon Company. 1903 – First cowboy film “Kit Carson” premieres in US. 1928 – “My Weekly Reader” magazine made its debut. 1938 – Hurricane (183 MPH winds) in New England kills 700. 1948 – “Texaco Star Theater” with Milton Berle premieres on NBC-TV. …..

Read More

Farmers say fall harvest is looking good

By Erin Smith Farmers in Bladen County are beginning to gather their fall crops and most say their fields are looking good. They say good weather and a good moisture content in the soil is helping the harvest. Dan Ward of Clarkton said they have completed harvesting their corn crop and it was a good harvest. “We started digging peanuts this week,” said Ward. He said they will continue to dig peanuts for about another month. Ward said based on the fields they have dug so far, the peanut crop looks to be on target for a big harvest. He said based on the  USDA yield estimate for 2017, this …..

Read More

JV Volleyball: East Bladen 2, West Bladen 0

Photos by Kenneth Armstrong DUBLIN – East Bladen defeated West Bladen 2-0 Tuesday in Three Rivers Conference jayvee volleyball action by set scores of 26-24 and 25-12. Freshman Kayleigh Raynor fired in 3 service points as East Bladen grabbed a 4-1 lead in the first set. Freshman Khadijah Jones rallied the Lady Knights to a 6-4 lead with 4 service points. Another Raynor service run of 3 points edged East ahead 15-14. Back came West with another Jones’ service run of 4 straight points that put West Bladen up 19-16. Two service points from freshman Katie Evans and one each by Cheylee Mathis and Lila McDuffie tied the set 24-24, before Raynor claimed …..

Read More
East Bladen High School

JV Volleyball: Clinton 2, East Bladen 0

ELIZABETHTOWN – Clinton defeated East Bladen 2-0 Monday in Three Rivers Conference jayvee volleyball action by game scores of 25-20 and 25-12. Five service points from sophomore Abbie Cross staked the Lady Eagles to a 7-2 lead in the first game. Service points from freshmen Alyssa Futrell and Cheylee Mathis kept the East lead at 12-8. Clinton rallied to take a 16-14 lead, but a pair of service points from Cross vaulted East ahead 17-16. The Lady Dark Horses then rode a 9-3 spurt to take the game. A run of ten straight service points gave Clinton a 14-2 lead early in the second game. Two service points from Futrell and one …..

Read More

Congressman Pittenger: Free American Pastor Held in China

WASHINGTON – For the past three years, Greensboro, N.C. pastor Reverend John Cao has worked to build 16 schools for impoverished ethnic minorities near the China-Myanmar border. This year, Rev. Cao began to face pressure from the Chinese government, including travel restrictions and the forced closure of some schools.  He was arrested for “illegal border crossing” on March 5th, despite previously having traveled between Myanmar and China without trouble as part of his humanitarian work. This week, Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09) and Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-04), who serve together on the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, wrote Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to ask that the State Department prioritize Rev. Cao’s case.  …..

Read More

Consumer Advocates Urge Congress To Cap Payday Loan Rates

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL), Americans for Financial Reform (AFR), and nearly 40 national and state organizations sent a letter urging Members of Congress to pass the Protecting Consumers from Unreasonable Credit Rates Act, a bicameral bill introduced by U.S. Senators Richard Durbin (D-Ill.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and U.S. Representatives Matt Cartwright (D-Penn.) and Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.). The bill would protect consumers from predatory lenders by capping payday and car-title loans at no more than 36% annual percentage rate (APR). “Currently, payday and car title lenders charge triple digit annual interest rates, often 300 percent or higher. A large body of research has demonstrated that these …..

Read More

UNCF Reception for Bladen Honorees

Bladen County UNCF Cabinet will host a reception for Bladen County Honorees on Tuesday, September 26, 2017 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Paul R. Brown Building located on Martin Luther King Drive in Elizabethtown. This year’s Honorees are Anita Hall of Little Hands Daycare; Ophelia Munn Goins, Bladen County Commissioner; Audtra McKoy Cole, Distinguished Musician; Rev. Carl Smith, Pastor of Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church; and Mathew Cromartie, Riverside Lodge Worshipful Master. These Bladen County Citizens are being honored because of their volunteer service to their communities. All former Honorees, all people interested in learning more about UNCF, anyone interested in learning more about UNCF Scholarships and …..

Read More

Carvers Creek United Methodist Church homecoming
  • 09/20/2017
  • Church
  • No Comments

Carvers Creek United Methodist Church in Carvers Creek will celebrate their homecoming on Sunday, October 8th. The guest speaker will be past minister, Pastor Brian Perry. Dinner will follow on the grounds after the service. All are invited! Share:

Read More

Eastpointe Board learns about Compliance Monitoring

By Erin Smith The Eastpointe Board of Directors received training from Theresa Edmundson regarding compliance monitoring of providers and Eastpointe staff.  She told the  board it is important to have a strong compliance program in place. “When you handle the amount of money Eastpointe handles, you have to have compliance monitoring in place,” said Edmondson.  Chief Executive Officer Sarah Stroud asked Edmondson to explain the difference in external compliance program integrity and provider monitoring. Edmondson said external compliance program integrity monitors for things such as potential fraud, waste and abuse committed by providers.  Provider monitoring reviews the various types of services offered by providers and ensures the clients are receiving the …..

Read More

Bladen Community College hosts diversity speaker

DUBLIN – Dr. Robert Canida, II, Director for Diversity and Inclusion at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, will speak on the BCC campus on Tuesday, October 3, at 11 A.M., in the Student Resource Center (building 7). Canida is the immediate past Chair for UNCP’s Staff Council and serves on the Pembroke Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. He has co-authored and presented numerous publications addressing the importance of diversity in academic settings and the workplace. His presentations include discussions about cultural competency and organizational change. Canida holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Xavier University, a Master’s degree from the University of Kentucky, and a Doctorate …..

Read More
Thoughts While Shaving

Thoughts While Shaving

So much news, ESPN and others provide sports round-the-clock, Meteorologist cover the weather from infancy of a storm to destruction.  News is covered instantly and often…..All good, helpful….but, remember grading and tying tobacco in a hot pack house, listening to major league baseball on an AM station….poppin and cracklin’.  Growing up in Bladenboro, WTSB in Lumberton provided our entertainment.  I recall a time when 3rd baseman Eddie Mathews hit 3 or 4 homeruns in a game for the Milwaukee Braves, in the early 60s  The Braves were my #2 favorite team, second only to the Yankees. Remember when they were the Boston Braves?  Now, the Atlanta Braves. Sports has been a big part of …..

Read More

Women’s Tennis: West Bladen 8, East Bladen 1

Photos by Kenneth Armstrong DUBLIN- West Bladen’s Lady Knights stretched their unbeaten streak to nine in a row Tuesday with a 8-1 women’s tennis victory over East Bladen. Coach Mary Catherine White’s Lady Knights are now 9-0. Singles Conner Brisson (WB) defeated Jayme LeeAnn Frady (EB) 6-4, 6-2 Savannah Lee (WB defeated Ting Lin (EB) 6-4, 7-5 Helen Lopez (WB) defeated Anna Kate White (EB) 6-0, 6-1 Autumn Brisson (WB) defeated Lily Lin (EB) 6-0, 6-1 Mireya Sandoval (WB) defeated Sammi Jiang (EB) 6-0, 6-1 Alyssa Smith (WB) defeated Carlie West (EB) 6-0, 6-0 Doubles J. Frady/T. Lin (EB) defeated C. Brisson/Haleigh Dunn (WB) 8-6 H. Lopez/ A. Brisson (WB) …..

Read More

Volleyball: West Bladen 3, East Bladen 0

Photos by Kenneth Armstrong DUBLIN – West Bladen defeated East Bladen 3-0 Tuesday night in Three Rivers Conference volleyball action by set scores of 25-15, 25-18 and 27-25. Junior Raegan Davis reeled off 5 straight service points as West Bladen grabbed a 6-0 lead in the first set. Senior Mikayla Winebarger stretched the Lady Knight lead to 15-5 with 6 straight service points. A trio of service points from senior Alise Pait padded the West lead to 19-6. Sophmore Lexie Corrothers knocked in a pair of service points as the lead grew to 22-7. Senior Kaley Smith rallied East to within 22-10 with a pair of service points. Four consecutive …..

Read More

This Day in History for September 20

1814 – “Star Spangled Banner” published as a song, lyrics by Francis Scott Key, tune by John Stafford Smith. 1859 – George Simpson patents electric range. 1877 – Chase National Bank opens in NYC (later merges into Chase Manhattan) 1891 – The first gasoline-powered car debuts in Springfield, Massachusetts, United States. 1904 – Orville & Wilbur Wright fly a circle in their Flyer II. 1919 – Booth Tarkington’s “Clarence” premieres in NYC. 1939 – Joe Louis KOs Bob Pastor in 11 for heavyweight boxing title. 1951 – 1st North Pole jet crossing. 1954 – 1st FORTRAN computer program run. 1958 – Baltimore Oriole knuckler Hoyt Wilhelm no-hits NY Yankees 1-0. …..

Read More

Campbell Oil Company helping with relief efforts after hurricanes
  • 09/20/2017
  • News
  • No Comments

By Tonya Bockover As residents of North Carolina keep a wary eye on Hurricane Maria, a local company has been active in the relief efforts since hurricane Harvey. “We sent our first crews to Katy, Texas, on August 29th,” said Tracy Hardin, manager of the Fuel Products division at Campbell Oil in Elizabethtown. Campbell Oil has had multiple fuel truck crews out continually since Harvey. The company currently has several crews in south Florida distributing fuel. Campbell Oil works together with other oil companies to provide fuel to crews such as the utility crews that are working to restore power in Florida. They also have fuel generators that are providing …..

Read More
Bradley Kinlaw

Bladen County hurricane victims put on hold

Last week Bladen County Emergency Services told eight county residents funding had been approved for them to receive assistance due to their damages from Hurricane Matthew in 2016. This week, County officials are having to call the eight residents back to inform them the funding has been frozen according Emergency Services Director, Bradley Kinlaw. The federal funding approved for the local residents was allocated to assist the property owners with elevation, reconstruction, or acquisition of their property according to Kinlaw. However, since disaster has struck in Florida and Texas recently the federal dollars Bladen County residents had been approved to receive have been frozen to enable funds to be sent …..

Read More

Tillis, Klobuchar Bipartisan Legislation to Help Veterans Exposed to Toxic Burn Pits Passes Senate

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) applauded the Senate passage of their bipartisan legislation to help veterans who have been exposed to toxic burn pits as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018. The Helping Veterans Exposed to Burn Pits Act would create a center of excellence within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to better understand the health effects associated with burn pits and treat veterans who become sick after exposure. “Many of our brave men and women in uniform were exposed to harmful substances from toxic burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan, and we have an obligation to care for them,” said Senator Tillis. “Understanding …..

Read More

Bladen County Chemours fighting DEQ; settles lawsuit for similar issues in Ohio Valley

By Erin Smith For residents of Parkersburg, West Virginia, the news of the dumping of GenX and Nafion chemicals into the Cape Fear River in North Carolina, brought back  memories of a similar incident which resulted in a lawsuit against DuPont and Chemours. Chemours Fayetteville Works facility in North Carolina is currently under investigation by state officials after the chemical GenX was found in the Cape Fear River and in the water system of the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority in a study conducted in 2013-14. The study was released only recently in the Environmental Letters The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality has threatened to suspend Chemours’ permit to discharge …..

Read More

Bladen County Emergency Responders announce training

When you have an emergency it is nice to know the personnel responding to the situation are trained and ready to assist in your needs. From time to time, BladenOnlie.com reports about the training occurring with Bladen County first responders. Bladen County Emergency Director, Bradley Kinlaw announced a training will be held today for emergency responders at 7:00 p.m. According to Kinlaw several fire, rescue and other emergency personnel may be seen later today, Tuesday, September 19 at or around Airport Road. Kinlaw stated he wanted to make the announcement so citizens would not be alarmed when they see so many emergency responders in one area. Share:

Read More

CONGRESSMAN PITTENGER MOVES INTO PERMANENT FAYETTEVILLE OFFICE

Facility Closed for Months Due to Hurricane Matthew   FAYETTEVILLE – This morning, Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09) unpacked boxes and hung pictures in his permanent Fayetteville office.   Located in the Post Office Building in downtown Fayetteville, the facility had been closed since last October due to flooding from Hurricane Matthew.   “We are excited to finally unpack.  At the same time, we recognize there are still families in Cumberland, Robeson, and Bladen waiting for necessary FEMA or HUD assistance to rebuild or repair their homes,” said Congressman Pittenger.  “On Thursday, I’m meeting with the Office of Management and Budget to discuss North Carolina’s remaining disaster recovery needs.  We’ve been engaged since I-95 …..

Read More

Tillis Secures Provisions in NDAA To Fund Upgrades To NC Military Installations And Improve Quality of Life For Servicemembers and Military Families

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) applauded the Senate passage of the FY2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which included several key provisions introduced by Senator Tillis that will make critical improvements to Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, provide an across the board pay raise for servicemembers, and implement important reforms that will make life easier for military families. Senator Tillis chairs the Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel , which has oversight over half of the Pentagon’s budget. On a bipartisan basis, Senator Tillis and his subcommittee colleagues pushed through an across the board 2.1% pay raise for our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines. The subcommittee also …..

Read More

Men’s Soccer East Bladen 9, East Columbus 0

LAKE WACCAMAW – Junior Greyson Heustess recorded a ‘Hat Trick’ of 3 goals Monday night to lead East Bladen to a 9-0 Three Rivers Conference men’s soccer victory over East Columbus.   Heustess was also credited with an assist in the match. Senior Caleb Hatchell racked up 2 goals and an assist for the Eagles. Junior Pierce Melvin fired in 2 goals, and senior Brooks McGill dished out 3 assists.    Sophmore Gabe Barber was credited with 2 assists and a goal. Sophmore Jake Evans and freshman Garrett Melvin added one goal each for the winners.    In the third minute, Evans booted a corner kick to Gabe Barber who laid the …..

Read More

Volleyball Clinton 3, East Bladen 1

Photos by Kenneth Armstrong   ELIZABETHTOWN – Clinton dropped the first set then rallied to take the next three sets in a 3-1 non-conference volleyball victory over East Bladen Monday night by scores of 21-25, 25-13, 25-6 and 25-13. Senior Kaley Smith and junior Sarah Johnson tallied 2 service points each to keep East Bladen even at 7-7 in the first set.  Smith later reeled off a run of 6 straight service points that edged the Lady Eagles in front 18-17. Two service points by Jozee Strickland kept East on top at 21-18, before Sarah Johnson served out the set with a trio of service points. Kaley Smith started the second game …..

Read More

Men’s Soccer West Bladen 3, Red Springs 2

Photos by Kenneth Armstrong DUBLIN – Freshman Joseph Masaid fired in a pair of first-half goals to lead West Bladen to a 3-2 Three Rivers Conference men’s soccer victory over Red Springs Monday night. Junior Victor Lopez also scored a first-half goal off of an assist from Masaid as the Knights built a 3-0 halftime lead then held on as the Red Devils fought back with a pair of goals in the second half. “I am proud of the way our team fought for the lead and was able to maintain it,” said Knight Coach Phillip Turnage. “Our defensive play was really our best to date. Goalkeeper Angel Martinez had …..

Read More

Superintendent Pitches School Construction/Consolidation plan to Bladen County Commissioners

By Erin Smith The Bladen County Board of Commissioners met on Monday night and heard a presentation from Bladen County Schools Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor regarding proposed school construction and consolidation plans. Dr. Taylor told the Board of Commissioners the Bladen County Board of Education has been studying the issue for some time now of how best to handle declining enrollment numbers and how to handle aging school facilities which are in need of repairs and upgrades and recruitment of teachers. Dr. Taylor said the school district has worked hard trying to maintain the aging, crumbling buildings but some of the schools simply need to be closed. Dr. Taylor told …..

Read More

Congressman Pittenger’s Lumbee Recognition Act To Be Subject of Key Committee Hearing

WASHINGTON – The House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indian, Insular, and Alaska Native Affairs today announced a legislative hearing on Congressman Robert Pittenger’s Lumbee Recognition Act (H.R. 3650), scheduled for Tuesday, September 26th. “This is the next step in bringing Lumbee recognition up for a vote,” said Congressman Pittenger (NC-09).  “The Lumbee Tribe has sought full federal recognition since 1888.  We are working closely with the Lumbee Tribe and other leaders to ensure a strong showing next Tuesday.” Congress recognized the Lumbee Tribe in 1956, but unfairly prevented the tribe from receiving federal benefits.  As a result, the Lumbee Tribe is not eligible for vital economic development programs through the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and …..

Read More

Tillis Joins Bipartisan Effort to Extend Critical Funding for Community Health Centers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) joined a bipartisan letter led by Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Roy Blunt (R-MO) to call for immediate action to extend critical funding for community health centers before funding runs out at the end of this month. In a letter to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Chairman and Ranking Member, Tillis, Stabenow, Blunt, and 58 other Senators expressed their strong support for community health centers, which provide access to cost-effective primary and preventive care for families across the country. “Without extension of the CHCF, community health centers will lose seventy percent of their funding,” wrote the Senators. “This will result …..

Read More

Boil Water Advisory for Forest Hills area rescinded

The Boil Water Advisory for the Forest Hills area, and the area in close proximity has been rescinded.  This means that all normal human consumption of water can continue again. If you have any questions concerning this Notice, call Public Services (910) 862-2035 or Town Hall (910) 862-2066. Share:

Read More
Thoughts While Shaving

Thoughts While Shaving

Have discovered that renewing NC drivers license is less painless when done online, and I am still needed around the house as long as we use a hand-operated can opener and I can reach items on the top level of our kitchen cabinets. Remember when retail outlets respected Sunday as a day of rest?  Even fuel for our vehicles was difficult to find.  Times have changed, Sunday is pretty much like any other day.  A recent Sunday school lesson reminded us of God’s law…..Exodus 31 says, “Observe the Sabbath, because it is holy to you.  Anyone who desecrates it must be put to death…..” Kinda looking forward to 50 degree mornings and high temps …..

Read More

This Day in History for September 19

1778 – The Continental Congress passes the first budget of the United States. 1796 – George Washington’s farewell address as president. 1849 – 1st commercial laundry established, in Oakland, California. 1933 – NY Giants clinch the pennant. 1951 – 1st broadcast of “Search for Tomorrow” on CBS-TV. 1952 – “Adventures of Superman” TV series starring George Reeves premieres in syndication in the US. 1959 – Nikita Khrushchev is denied access to Disneyland. 1960 – Chubby Checker’s “Twist” hits #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. 1968 – Denny McLain’s 31st win & Mickey Mantle’s 535th HR. 1970 – “The Mary Tyler Moore” show premieres on CBS. 1980 – “Ordinary People” directed …..

Read More

Vineyard Golf Announces 3rd Anniversary Golf Tournament

Vineyard Golf’s Third Anniversary Golf Tournament will be held on Saturday, October 7 (rain date Oct. 9) with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. This event will be a four man Captain’s Choice. The cost is $260 per team and the entry deadline is October 5th. There will be a car given away for the first hole in one on No. 16. $5,000 will be given for the first ace on No. 5. There will also be a $5,000 putting contest and there will be a meal to follow play. While playing in the tournament you are invited to witness and meet ABC Sports Long Drive Champion Jeff Crittenton. Vineyard …..

Read More

Elizabethtown Christian Academy to conduct first annual golf tourney

The Elizabethtown Christian Academy is conducting their first annual golf tourney and space is rapidly filling up. The tournament is scheduled for Saturday, September 23, with a shotgun start at 9:30 a.m. Registration for the tournament is open and spots are filling rapidly. Todd Coates said, “It’s going really well.” As of Friday morning, there were 18 teams entered and there is a 30 team or 120 players cap. There are plenty of prizes for players to win. There will be a putting contest for a chance to win $5,000 and the lucky player who scores a Hole in One on the 16th hole will win a Buick Envision courtesy of …..

Read More

Bladen County Young Professionals: Making financial dreams come true for clients is his goal

By Erin Smith For one Bladen County resident, helping clients to achieve their financial goals is one thing he enjoys. After working in Fayetteville and Raleigh, returning home to Bladen County has been refreshing, said Jeremy White. “My whole life is about helping other people,” said White. White, who works with Woodmen of the World, said he really didn’t see himself returning to Bladen County when he graduated from high school. But, White said he soon learned returning home was an excellent choice. After graduating from East Bladen High School in 1999, White attended UNC at Pembroke where he intended to play baseball. He said he only played baseball for …..

Read More

Elizabeth Miller Wins at Sun Fun Classic

Elizabeth Miller won first place in sparring in the 5-year-old division Saturday at the “Sun Fun Classic” in Myrtle Beach.   Elizabeth also took second place in forms.  She is pictured with her instructor, Daniel Miller, from Bladenboro’s Carolina Karate. Share:

Read More

Archives