BladenOnline.com

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

Grape Escape Cycling Event Is Planned for Elizabethtown

By Erin Smith The town of Elizabethtown is gearing up to welcome cycling enthusiasts, for the inaugural Grape Escape Metric Half Century and Metric Century cycling event, planned for Sunday, August 26th. Registration begins at 11 AM at Cape Fear Vineyard and Winery and costs $45 to enter. The ride begins at 1 PM. Town Manager, Eddie Madden, said the bike ride is a fundraiser for the Town of Elizabethtown Grape Escape Scholarship at Bladen Community College. All the funds raised during the event will be put towards endowing the scholarship for Bladen County students. Madden stressed this event is not a race, but rather an event where cyclists can …..

Read More

NCDA&CS declares sweet potato weevil quarantine for  Berkeley and Jasper counties in South Carolina

RALEIGH — The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has established Berkeley and Jasper counties in South Carolina as quarantine areas for the sweet potato weevil after the highly destructive pest was trapped on wild morning glory by South Carolina regulatory officials. The quarantine is effective immediately. Under the quarantine, the movement of certain sweet potato-related articles from Berkeley and Jasper counties in South Carolina is prohibited or regulated. This includes sweet potato roots, potatoes and plants including ornamental sweet potato plants, sweet potato vines, and vines or roots of other plants belonging to the morning glory family. Sweet potato weevils are generally considered the most serious threat …..

Read More

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations Eye Raleigh for Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force

RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announced today that his Office is “proud to partner with Homeland Security Investigations and other top-tier law enforcement agencies to pursue benefit fraud investigations and prosecutions. Immigration fraud is a significant national problem, and we need to address it with all available resources.” Established in April 2006, these task forces, known as DBFTFs focus their efforts on detecting, deterring and disrupting both benefit fraud and document fraud. Investigators from a variety of agencies with expertise in different aspects of document and benefit fraud collaborate with U.S. Attorney’s Offices around the country to formulate a …..

Read More

North Carolina’s July Employment Figures Released 

RALEIGH — The state’s seasonally adjusted July unemployment rate was 4.1 percent, decreasing 0.1 of a percentage point from June’s revised rate.  The national rate decreased 0.1 of a percentage point to 3.9 percent. North Carolina’s July 2018 unemployment rate decreased 0.3 of a percentage point from a year ago.  The number of people employed increased 13,077 over the month to 4,800,661 and increased 70,096 over the year. The number of people unemployed decreased 6,170 over the month to 203,407 and decreased 13,678 over the year. Seasonally adjusted Total Nonfarm industry employment, as gathered through the monthly establishment survey, increased 10,400 to 4,528,900 in July. The major industries with the …..

Read More

You Decide: How Does North Carolina Compare on Incentives?

By Dr. Mike Walden The use of financial incentives to attract new businesses is a controversial topic in most states, including North Carolina. The debates might get more heated with the prospects of Apple and/or Amazon coming to our state. Most states do use business incentives. In this column I won’t address the pros and cons of incentives. I’ve done this in past columns and will likely revisit the question in the future. Instead, here I want to compare North Carolina’s use of incentive to other states. I do this by making use of a newly released data set compiled by the Upjohn Institute for Employment Research. Upjohn was able …..

Read More

Justice Department, DEA Propose Significant Opioid Manufacturing Reduction in 2019

WASHINGTON — The Department of Justice and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have proposed a reduction for controlled substances that may be manufactured in the U.S. next year. Consistent with President Trump’s “Safe Prescribing Plan” that seeks to “cut nationwide opioid prescription fills by one-third within three years,” the proposal decreases manufacturing quotas for the most six frequently misused opioids for 2019 by an average ten percent as compared to the 2018 amount. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) marks the third straight year of proposed reductions, which help reduce the amount of drugs potentially diverted for trafficking and used to facilitate addiction. On July 11, 2018, the Justice Department …..

Read More

Small Business Incubator Project Nearing Completion

By Erin Smith A new small business incubator in downtown Elizabethtown is entering the final stages of construction after more than two years of setbacks. Bladen County Economic Development Director, Chuck Heustess, said the new windows are being installed in the building this week. He said the project experienced delays due to asbestos removal, Hurricane Matthew, the remodeling of the building’s rear entrance to make it compliant with the American’s with Disabilities Act and the project’s original architect, Chris Adams, closed his firm. With the closure of Adams’ architecture firm, the work was stopped until a new architect could be hired. The building, which will house the small business incubator, …..

Read More
Bladenboro Town Hall

Bladenboro Town Board Discusses Future Poultry Processing

By Erin Smith The Bladenboro Town Board met on Monday and discussed the possibility of another poultry processing company locating at the Bladenboro Industrial Park. Town Administrator, John O’Daniel, said the company, which was not named, has requested the town to review its sewer capacity to see if it will support another industry being added. Currently, the town is permitted by the State of North Carolina to discharge 500,000 gallons of wastewater per day. O’Daniel said the amount of water discharged by the town each day fluctuates based on whether or not Carroll Poultry is operating. “We’re looking back at our data and flow information,” said O’Daniel. He said currently, …..

Read More

Bladenboro Middle Football Practice Begins Monday

Bladenboro Middle School football practice will begin Monday, August 20th from 4-6 p.m. on John Frazier Field at the school. Players should wear shorts, t-shirts and tennis shoes Monday. They also must have had a physical within the last year in order to participate. Share:

Read More
Thoughts While Shaving

Thoughts While Shaving for August 17

It’s back to school and off to school for youngsters.  For the most part, the youngsters are excited, anxious to move to the next level of their life.  For those headed off to college, another huge step to adulthood.  For mom and dad, tough.  Mom will shed a few tears and dad may need a few minutes alone. A reminder of the Back 2 School Blast, Saturday (tomorrow) 10 AM to 3 PM at Cape Fear Farmers Market in Elizabethtown.  Free haircuts, free school supplies, free health screenings, free uniform exchange and free hot dogs.  For more information, the numbers to call are 919-606-6350 or 910-862-2066. Then on Sunday, Smithfield Foods and Foundation Bible Church are sponsoring a Back2School Bash.  …..

Read More

Volleyball: West Bladen 3, Fairmont 2

FAIRMONT – West Bladen rallied from a 2-1 deficit to defeat Fairmont 3-2 Thursday night in the Lady Knights’ Three Rivers Conference opener by set scores of 17-25, 25-21, 21-25, 25-17 and 15-12. “This was a great game,” said Lady Knight Coach Gaye Davis. “Both teams played extremely hard. My girls were thrilled to come away with a win from such a hard fought game.” Senior Raegan Davis poured in 12 kills, 9 aces, 5 service points, 4 solo blocks and 2 block assists to lead the West Bladen attack. Junior Mikayla Meadows filled up the stat sheet with 6 service points, 6 kills, 4 aces and 2 block assists. …..

Read More

JV Volleyball: Fairmont 2, West Bladen 0

FAIRMONT – Fairmont defeated West Bladen 2-0 Thursday in Three Rivers Conference jayvee volleyball action by set scores of 25-20 and 25-15. Freshman Lauren Pait fired in 4 service points and 3 aces to lead the Lady Knights. Teammate Ashlyn Cox knocked in 5 service points, an ace and a kill. Caroline Brisson slammed in 2 aces. Taylor West tallied 2 service points for West Bladen. Sophmore Alyssa Suggs and freshman Hannah Pait finished one kill and one service point each. Junior Erica Storms and freshman Savannah Turbeville pounded in one kill each. The Lady Knight jayvees will host Red Springs Tuesday at 4:30. Share:

Read More

Lakers win Championship

Contributed The Lakers a Bladen County Basketball travel team won the championship in Sanford, NC. The team brought home a big trophy to display for their accomplishment. Share:

Read More

Volleyball: Whiteville 3, East Bladen 0

ELIZABETHTOWN – Whiteville defeated East Bladen 3-0 Thursday night in Three Rivers Conference volleyball action by set scores of 25-14, 25-14 and 25-9. Junior Cybil Campbell knocked in a pair of service points to give East Bladen an early 3-1 lead. Sophmore Cheylee Mathis tallied a pair of service points in the first set for the Lady Eagles. Mathis reeled off four straight service points, and junior Sarah Johnson scored two more service points to trim the Whiteville lead to 21-13 in the second set. Mathis led the Lady Eagles with 7 service points. Campbell finished with 3 service points. Johnson tallied 2 service points in the match, and junior …..

Read More

Women’s Tennis: Whiteville 8, East Bladen 1

ELIZABETHTOWN – Whiteville defeated East Bladen 8-1 Thursday in Three Rivers Conference women’s tennis action. Singles Whiteville #1 defeated Ting Lin (EB) 8-4 Whiteville #2 defeated Anna Kate White (EB) 8-5 Whiteville #3 defeated Lily Lin (EB) 9-7 Whiteville #4 defeated Ashley Hardin (EB) 8-4 Whiteville #5 defeated Sammi Jiang (EB) 8-5 Whiteville #6 defeated Sarah Meares (EB) 8-2 Doubles Whiteville #1 defeated L. Lin/White (EB) 8-1 T. Lin/Hardin (EB) defeated Whiteville #2 8-6 whiteville #3 defeated Carleigh Devane/Carlie West (EB) 8-3 Exhibition Doubles Olivia Barnes/Heather Hardin (EB) defeated Whiteville #4 8-2 Johanna Parker/Jayden Willington (EB) defeated Whiteville #5 8-3 Coach Megan Kirby’s Lady Eagles, now 2-1 on the season, …..

Read More

Women’s Tennis: West Bladen 9, Fairmont 0

FAIRMONT – West Bladen swept Fairmont 9-0 Thursday in Three Rivers Conference women’s tennis action. Singles Savannah Lee (WB) defeated Ashton Turner (F) 6-0, 6-0 Autumn Brisson (WB) defeated Mikiyah Hunt (F) 6-0, 6-0 Alyssa Bell (WB) defeated Kiley Oxendine (F) 6-0, 6-1 Mireya Sandoval (WB) defeated Ashlyn Turner (F) 6-0, 6-1 Alyssa Smith (WB) defeated Eva Karolie (F) 6-0, 6-1 Haleigh Dunn (WB) defeated Sydney Lane 6-0, 6-0 Doubles Bell/Brisson (WB) defeated Ashton Turner/Hunt (F) 8-0 Lee/Dunn (WB) defeated Ashlyn Turner/Oxendine (F) 8-2 Smith/Sandoval (WB) defeated Fairmont #3 8-0 Coach Billy Bryant’s Lady Knights, now 3-0, will host Red Springs Tuesday in a 4 p.m. match. Share:

Read More

This Day in History for August 17

1590 – Governor of Roanoke Island colony, John White returns from England to find no trace of the colonists he had left there 3 years earlier (1591) 1788 – Losantville, Ohio (now Cincinnati) founded. 1807 – Robert Fulton’s steamboat Clermont begins first trip up Hudson River. 1859 – 1st air mail (in a balloon) took off from Lafayette, Indiana. 1891 – Electric self-starter for automobile patented. 1903 – Joe Pulitzer donates $1 million to Columbia University & begins the Pulitzer Prizes in America. 1918 – Samuel Riddle buys Man O’War for $5,000. 1936 – An unemployed worker, Neils B. Ruud, in Madison, Wisconsin, receives the first unemployment benefit check paid …..

Read More

Fantastic Shakers draw a crowd

By Erin Smith The Fantastic Shakers drew a crowd for the final concert of the Sunset Jams “Alive After Five” Concert series of the summer. The concert series is sponsored by the Elizabethtown-White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce and Southeastern Health. The Fantastic Shakers entertained the crowd with such favorites as “Hold Back the Night,” “Lady Soul” and “Cupid Shuffle.” The crowd enjoyed shagging and line dancing. Chamber Executive Director Dawn Maynard said a new item for the final Sunset Jams concert was the inclusion of a screen on the stage that broadcasts the logos of all of the Gold, Silver, and Bronze level sponsors who have helped make concerts …..

Read More
Upcoming Events

Events for Bladen County Residents

By Dora Brogdon This weekend promises to be a busy one for Bladen County residents. Tonight, (Thursday, August 16) beginning at 6 p.m. the final Sunset Jams Concert Series will be at Goldston’s Beach. The band that will be performing are called The Fantastic Shakers. The event is sponsored by the Elizabethtown-White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce and Southeastern Health. The concert will continue whether it’s rain or shine and admission is free. On Saturday, there will be a Back to School Blast from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Cape Fear Farmers Market in Elizabethtown. The event will help parents to obtain the many items a student needs like: school supplies, free haircuts, …..

Read More

Ribbon cutting held for Bladenboro business

By Erin Smith A ribbon cutting was held on Thursday morning at Down East Pest Control in Bladenboro. The well attended event included a barbecue lunch and free cups, fly swatters and other items. Elizabethtown-White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Dawn Maynard welcomed the company to the town and also welcomed them as a new Chamber member. Down East Pest Control is owned by Jeremy Dowless. He was joined by his family and members of the community for the ribbon cutting. He thanked everyone in attendance for their support. “I want to thank everyone for coming out in support of our business. Our number one goal is to …..

Read More
Southeastern Medial Center

Saturday Morning Injury Clinic begins Saturday, Aug. 19

Southeastern Orthopedics and Southeastern Health’s Athletic Training Department are offering Saturday Morning Injury Clinic for student athletes beginning Saturday, Aug. 19 and continuing through November. The Injury Clinic will be held at the Southeastern Health Mall Clinic located at 2934 N. Elm Street on the campus of Biggs Park Mall in Lumberton. Athletes are asked to arrive at the clinic at 8 a.m. and may contact their school athletic trainer for more information. Share:

Read More

NC DOT issues updated road closing

Faye Boyne, NC DOT The North Carolina Department of Transportation has issued an updated listing of road openings in Bladen County. The listing is as follows:   OPENINGS: Chicken Foot Road Chicken Foot Road remains closed and will open Thursday, August 16, by 5 pm. It was closed .019Mi. S. of SR1005   Center Road Center Road is open. Road was closed for bridge construction and miscellaneous roadway work. It is open.   UPCOMING CLOSINGS: Chicken Foot Road Chicken Foot Road will close Monday, August 20, at 8:00 am through Friday, August 24 at 5:00 pm. This is closed for crossline repair. It is closed ¾ Mi. S. of  NC20   ELWELL FERRY:   …..

Read More

Local Transportation Company Seeking Drivers

Local Transportation Company in need of drivers. Age 35 and up. Requirements: Valid Drivers License; Clean driving record; No criminal background history; Federal Exclusions list check; Drug and Alcohol Free. Please send resumes to drey7199@yahoo.com. Share:

Read More

Bladen County Schools to conduct Open House 

Bladen County Schools will have Open House on Thursday, August 23, from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m. Check the schedule below for Open House times for your child’s school. The Open House times are as follows: Bladen Lakes Primary will have Open House from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. Bladenboro Middle School will have Open House from 3:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. Bladenboro Primary School will have Open House from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Clarkton School of Discovery will have Open House from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. Dublin Primary School will have Open House from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. East Arcadia School will have Open House from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. East Bladen High School …..

Read More
Road Closing

Road Updates

OPENINGS: SR1300 (Chicken Foot Road) SR1300 (Chicken Foot Road) remains closed will open Thursday, August 16 by 5:00 pm. It was closed .019Mi. S. of SR1005     CLOSINGS: SR1100 (Center Road) SR1100 Center Road is closed with a posted detour in both directions. Road is closed for bridge construction and miscellaneous roadway work. It is expected to open by 09/30/2018.     UPCOMING CLOSINGS: SR1300 (Chicken Foot Road) SR1300 (Chicken Foot Road) will close Monday, August 20 at 8:00 am – Friday, August 24 at 5:00 pm. This is closed for crossline repair. It is closed ¾ Mi. S. of  NC20     ELWELL FERRY: The Ferry is Closed due to high water.   Share:

Read More

Bladen County Opioid Task Force Learns About Anchor Initiative

By Erin Smith  The Bladen County Opioid Task Force spent Tuesday learning about the Anchor Initiative of Brunswick County. Deputy Patti Hewett, with the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office, shared with the Task Force how the initiative works in getting help for those who are addicted and want to regain their sobriety. Deputy Hewett said the Anchor Initiative was launched in November, and has had 70 individuals utilize the program. “If they truly want help, they will get it,” said Deputy Hewett. She explained the program is not a jail diversion program, and is not designed to help anyone to get out of jail or to help them with their sentence. …..

Read More

White Lake FFA Camp Construction Is Topic of Chamber Luncheon

By Erin Smith Construction of the new women’s dormitory and a men’s bath house at the White Lake Future Farmers of America (FFA) camp, were the topic of the Elizabethtown-White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon meeting on Tuesday. Alycia Thornton, Director of Development with the North Carolina FFA Foundation, spoke to the group about the changes planned for the camp. A groundbreaking for the new facility was conducted on August 1st at the camp. Thornton said the project is expected to cost $1.5 million. She said $700,000 of the funds needed for the project have been raised through donations. The State Employees Credit Union made a $400,000 grant and …..

Read More
Thoughts While Shaving

Thoughts While Shaving

Election Day 2018, 12 weeks away on Tuesday, November 6.  Over the years, campaign rhetoric reaches a new level after Labor Day.  Expect the same, soon. Incidentally, Labor Day is little over 2 weeks away on September 3rd, followed by Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and a new year begins, all over again. Years ago, (40s, 50s & 60’s) ’bout this time of the year would begin to talk about Farmer’s Day, remember?  Moved around a little between Clarkton & Elizabethtown, not sure about Bladenboro.  For the most part, Clarkton was the ideal place, had tobacco warehouses where it could be held, mostly inside, no worry about ‘bad’ weather.  Farmer’s Day was an annual event, marked …..

Read More

This Day in History for August 16

1691 – Yorktown, Virginia founded. 1780 – British decisively defeat Americans in Battle of Camden, South Carolina. 1858 – Britain’s Queen Victoria telegraphs US President James Buchanan. 1891 – President Benjamin Harrison attends the dedication of the Bennington Battle Monument in Bennington, Vermont. 1904 – NYC begins building Grand Central Station. 1927 – 1st HR hit out of Comiskey Park, Chicago (NY Yankee Babe Ruth) 1934 – US ends occupation of Haiti (been there since 1915) 1947 – Ralph Kiner becomes 1st Pittsburgh Pirate to hit 3 consecutive HRs. 1954 – “Sports Illustrated” magazine begins publishing. 1960 – Joseph Kittinger parachutes from balloon at 84,700 feet. 1962 – Ringo Starr …..

Read More

John Ammons Named Baseball Coach at West Bladen

BLADENBORO – John Ammons has been named the head baseball coach at West Bladen High School replacing Kim Cain who resigned to take a position in South Carolina. Ammons has served as an assistant coach under Cain for six years and has also served as an assistant football coach at West Bladen. “I am excited,” said Ammons. “There is a great group of young’uns here. The junior class is very good, and they love the game. I am extremely fortunate to have the opportunity and also to have the staff that we have. Wade Pait (assistant coach) does a tremendous job.” Ammons also noted that “we play in the hardest …..

Read More

JV Volleyball: Westover 2, West Bladen 1

FAYETTEVILLE – Westover edged West Bladen 15-12 in the third and final set Wednesday to capture a 2-1 victory in non-conference jayvee volleyball action. Westover edged West Bladen 25-23 in the first set, and the Lady Knights battled back to take the second set 25-23. Ashlyn Cox led the Lady Knights with 6 service points, 2 kills and 2 aces. Sophmore Alyssa Suggs knocked in 3 kills, 3 aces and a service point. Teammate Caroline Brisson fired in 4 service points and 2 kills. Freshman Lauren Pait racked up 4 service points and 2 aces for West Bladen. Haleigh Fields slammed in 5 kills. Freshman Hannah Pait pounded in 3 …..

Read More

Men’s Soccer: North Brunswick 9, West Bladen 0

BLADENBORO – North Brunswick defeated West Bladen 9-0 Wednesday night in non-conference men’s soccer action. “We couldn’t get in a rhythm,” said Knight Coach Phillip Turnage. “We will build off it though and use it as motivation for next week and the rest of the year.” West Bladen, now 0-1-1, will travel to Midway Tuesday night. Share:

Read More

Volleyball: West Bladen 3, Westover 0

FAYETTEVILLE – West Bladen’s Lady Knights opened their 2018 volleyball season Wednesday night with a 3-0 non-conference victory over Westover by set scores of 25-12, 25-14 and 25-20. Senior Raegan Davis pounded in 11 kills, 6 service points, and 2 aces and collected 6 assists and a block to lead the Lady Knights. Sophmore Sidnee Walters fired in 11 service points, 2 kills and an ace. Junior Mikayla Meadows knocked in 7 service points, 4 kills, 3 aces and 2 blocks for the winners. Junior Jordan Benson contributed 9 assists, 3 service points and an ace. Junior Tatiana Hunt racked up 5 service points and 3 aces. Sophmore Shelby Pharr …..

Read More

Defense Secretary Mattis thanks Congressman Pittenger for Serving as Architect of National Security Reform Legislation

WASHINGTON – Congressman Robert Pittenger has received a letter from Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis expressing “sincere appreciation” for serving as the architect of the Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act, which President Trump recently signed into law. “I want to express my sincere appreciation for your commitment to safeguarding our Nation’s competitive advantage as the architect in the House of Representatives of the Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act (FIRRMA), included in this year’s National Defense Authorization Act,” writes Secretary Mattis.  “Strengthening and protecting critical national security infrastructure, technologies, and functions are vital to safeguarding our freedoms for the next generation.  The updates FIRRMA provides to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United …..

Read More

Volunteers prepare backpacks for Saturday

Contributed The Elizabethtown Town Hall’s Council Chambers was filled with activity on Wednesday afternoon as a group of volunteers gathered to prepare backpacks for Saturday’s Back to School Bash. The backpacks filled with school supplies will be given away on Saturday at the Cape Fear Farmers Market from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. There will also be an opportunity for your child to receive a haircut and for those needing school uniforms, a school uniform exchange will be set up. There will also be free health screenings and free hot dogs. Everyone is encouraged to come out and enjoy the day. Share:

Read More

Bladen Community College celebrates groundbreaking

Contributed DUBLIN – Bladen Community College has broken ground on the construction of a new 19,967 square feet building to house continuing education programs. The structure will feature a 125-seat teaching auditorium, a conference room, 2 EMS labs, 2 science labs, and 5 classrooms, as well as faculty and staff offices for the continuing education department. “We are excited to begin construction on a $6.5 million, 20,000 square feet Continuing Education and Workforce Development Building,” stated BCC president, William Findt. “This will enable the college to continue to serve students in the allied health, emergency medical, and general education fields for years to come.  We are pleased for the support …..

Read More

Bladen Community College breaks ground on new classroom building

By Erin Smith Bladen Community College was filled with excitement on Wednesday morning as a groundbreaking ceremony was conducted for the construction of a new classroom facility. The building, when completed, will measure 19,967 square feet and will feature a 125-seat teaching auditorium, a conference room, two EMS labs, two science labs, and five classrooms as well as faculty offices and offices which will house the continuing education department staff. Sondra Guyton, Vice-President for Continuing Education, said the building will be “a great resource for the county and will also be a great resource for the students” who will take classes in the building. In her remarks Guyton siad the …..

Read More

Sandy Grove Baptist Church will conduct Revival Services
  • 08/15/2018
  • Church
  • No Comments

Sandy Grove Baptist Church will conduct Revival Services from Sunday September 9, through Wednesday, September 12. Mark Smith from the NC Baptist State Convention will be the speaker for the Revival. Services will be on Sunday at 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., then Monday through Wednesday at 7 p.m. Share:

Read More

Event: An evening with author Sam Quinones

Judge Lewis and The Brunswick County Treatment Courts are proud to announce an evening with Sam Quinones, author of “Dreamland: The True Tale of America’s Opiate Epidemic”.  This event will take place on Thursday, August 23rd, 2018 at 7 p.m. at the Odell Williamson Auditorium, located on the campus of Brunswick Community College.  Admission is FREE and the first 250 attendees will receive a free copy of the book (1 per family).  We would love for all to come! Share:

Read More
Thoughts While Shaving

Thoughts While Shaving for August 14

The final concert of the Sunset Jams “Alive After Five” concerts for 2018 will be held Thursday at Goldston’s  Beach, White Lake.  The Fantastic Shakers will be entertaining beginning at 6 PM.  It’s free, sponsored by numerous local businesses and the Elizabethtown-White Lake Chamber of Commerce. I rise early each morning to share my ‘Thoughts’ and the last thing I want to see is “Please do not power off or unplug your machine….Installing updates”, but it does happen. Interesting announcement related to repair work, in the future, to US 701 bridge over the Cape Fear River, has to do with the surface of the roadway.. A couple of events are planned for youngsters heading back …..

Read More

This Day in History for August 15

1635 – 1st recorded north American hurricane hit the Plymouth Colony. 1848 – M Waldo Hanchett patents dental chair. 1893 – US no longer allowed exclusive rights in Bering Sea. 1906 – 1st freight deliver tunnel system begins, underneath Chicago. 1911 – Procter & Gamble unveils its Crisco shortening. 1914 – Panama Canal opens (under cost) 1923 – Mexico & US reach accord over oil concession of 1917. 1944 – US 7th Armour division reaches Chartres. 1945 – US wartime rationing of gasoline & fuel oil ends. 1945 – Victory over Japan Day, the Japanese surrender and the end of WWII is announced in Japan (due to time zones 14th …..

Read More

White Lake Recognizes Woodmen of the World Donation

By Joy Warren During their regular monthly Board of Commissioner’s meeting Tuesday evening, the White Lake Town Board recognized The Woodmen of the World organization for providing new flags for the Police Department, Town Hall and also for their latest donation of flags and poles at the entrance to White Lake on 701 across from the Wam Squam. Mayor Womble presented a copy of the adopted proclamation and thanked the organization for their continued support and contributions to the Town. Alycia Thornton, Director of Development for the NC FFA Center, gave a brief presentation on the expansion of the NC FFA Camp. The NC FFA Camp plans to start construction …..

Read More

Carolina Reapers Play 12U Softball Tournament

The Carolina Reapers 12-and-Under fast-pitch softball team made their travel ball debut Saturday at Northwest Park in Leland. The Reapers played three games Saturday and plan to continue on the travel ball circuit. Pictured- Top Row (Left-Right): Kennedy Carroll, Katelynn Brisson, Holland Davis, Marlie Walters, Laci Storms. Bottom Row (L-R): Gracie Faircloth, Emmee Ward, Hannah Richardson, Violet Allen, Karly Ross. Not pictured: Coaches Mackie Singletary, Jamie Singletary, Pam Stephens. Share:

Read More

JV Men’s Soccer: Scotland 7, East Bladen 3

ELIZABETHTOWN – Scotland pulled away in the final 15 minutes and defeated East Bladen 7-3 Tuesday in non-conference jayvee mens soccer action. “We cut it to 4-3 with 15 minutes left, but just ran out of gas,” said East Bladen Coach Jay Raynor. The two teams will play again next Tuesday at Scotland. Share:

Read More

JV Volleyball: East Bladen 2, Hobbton 0

ELIZABETHTOWN – Junior Cybil Campbell and sophmore Cheyanne Merritt combined for 31 service points Tuesday to lead East Bladen to a 2-0 non-conference jayvee volleyball victory over Hobbton by set scores of 25-16 and 25-3. Campbell fired in seven consecutive service points to vault the Lady Eagles to a 9-4 lead in the first set. A pair of service points from freshman Alexis Mitchell kept East Bladen ahead at 14-10. Junior Lila McDuffie reeled off five straight service points as the East lead grew to 21-12. Hobbton pulled to within 22-16 before Campbell served out the set with a pair of service points. With the score knotted at 2-2, Campbell …..

Read More

Women’s Tennis: East Bladen 9, South Robeson 0

ROWLAND – East Bladen’s Lady Eagles rolled to their second straight victory 9-0 Tuesday over South Robeson in Three Rivers Conference women’s tennis action. Singles Ting Lin (EB) defeated South Robeson #1 8-0 Anna Kate White (EB) defeated South Robeson #2 8-0 Lily Lin (EB) defeated South Robeson #3 8-0 Ashley Hardin (EB) defeated South Robeson #4 8-3 Sammi Jiang (EB) defeated South Robeson #5 8-1 Sarah Meares (EB) defeated South Robeson #6 8-1 Doubles L. Lin/White (EB) defeated South Robeson #1 8-0 T. Lin/Hardin (EB) defeated South Robeson #2 8-0 Carleigh Devane/Carlie West (EB) defeated South Robeson #3 8-1 Coach Megan Kirby’s Lady Eagles, now 2-0 on the season, …..

Read More

Women’s Tennis: West Bladen 5, South Columbus 4

BLADENBORO – Senior Mireya Sandoval and junior Alyssa Smith won the final doubles match Tuesday to lift West Bladen to a 5-4 victory over South Columbus in a showdown between last season’s top two Three Rivers Conference women’s tennis team. Sandoval and Smith won their respective singles matches, and juniors Autumn Brisson and Alyssa Bell also picked up singles victories for the Lady Knights. Singles South Columbus #1 defeated Savannah Lee (WB) 3-6, 6-2, 10-5 Autumn Brisson (WB) defeated South Columbus #2 6-2, 6-2 Alyssa Bell (WB) defeated South Columbus #3 6-2, 2-6, 10-4 Mireya Sandoval (WB) defeated South Columbus #4 6-2, 7-5 Alyssa Smith (WB) defeated South Columbus #5 …..

Read More

Volleyball: East Bladen 3, Hobbton 2

ELIZABETHTOWN – East Bladen’s Lady Eagles rallied from a 2-1 deficit to defeat Hobbton 3-2 Tuesday night in non-conference volleyball action by set scores of 25-15, 23-25, 17-25, 25-18 and 15-9. Junior Cybil Campbell reeled off a trio of service points to stake the Lady Eagles to a 5-3 lead early in the final set. A pair of service points from sophmore Cheylee Mathis padded the East lead to 10-6. After Hobbton closed the gap to 10-9, junior Ruth Ward served out the set with four consecutive service points. Junior Lorna Mendell knocked in 16 service points to lead the East Bladen servers. Ward and Mathis finished with 13 service …..

Read More

Men’s Soccer: East Bladen 5, Scotland 0

ELIZABETHTOWN – Senior Greyson Heustess fired in a pair of first-half goals to lead East Bladen to a 5-0 non-conference men’s soccer victory over Scotland Tuesday night. In the 12th minute of play, Ethan Sanchez banged in a header for the first East Bladen goal. Eleven minutes later junior Milton Estrada sent a pass to freshman Chase Starkloff who delivered the ball to Heustess. Heustess finished from 9 yards out for a 2-0 Eagle lead. Moments later senior Dan Tatum ignited another Eagle scoring burst with a delivery to Heustess who sent the ball on to junior Jay McGill. McGill found the back of the net from 13 yards out …..

Read More

Volunteers paint Senior Center

Contributed The Elizabethtown Senior Center has received a make over recently in the form of fresh paint. Volunteers have been busy recently painting the unfinished offices, break room, senior kitchen, exercise area, senior lounge and restrooms, the Medication Assistance office, and the conference room. Bladen County Division on Aging Director Kelly Robeson said, “These youth were a pleasure to have in our office and even played “chair volleyball” with the seniors!” This group of volunteers was from Lebanon United Methodist Church of Jarratt, Virginia. They stayed at the White Lake Christian Camp and Retreat Center, White Lake, NC. The Camp has hosted several groups this summer that have been involved …..

Read More

Registered Nurse ICU ~ Bladen Healthcare-CFVHS

Registered Nurse, with active NC License (NCBN) or compact State licensure.  Previous ICU, Emergency Dept experience and/or 1 yr Acute Care experience preferred. Willing to float to other Units. For more information or to apply send email to gjackson@capefearvalley.com Share:

Read More

Resource Nurse ~Bladen Healthcare-CFVHS

Registered Nurse, with active NC License ( NCBN) or Compact State licensure. Background in leadership role or demonstrates strong leadership skills. BSN or completion within 3 years.   Three to Five (3/5) years of related clinical experience preferred. Positive interpersonal skills. Effective organizational, teaching, and leadership skills.  For more information or to apply send email to gjackson@capefearvalley.com Share:

Read More

Discharge Planner/Case Mgmt ~ Bladen Healthcare -CFVHS 

Registered Nurse, with active NC license (NCBN) or compact state licensure. BSN required, MSN preferred.  Professional Case Mgmt Certification recommended (CCM or ACM) Minimum 3-5 yrs experience in Acute Care setting, (Med Surg or ICU preferred). Case Mgmt experience preferred.  For more information or to apply send email to gjackson@capefearvalley.com Share:

Read More

   Social Worker/Swing Bed Activities Coordinator – Bladen Healthcare-CFVHS 

Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work (BSW) required. MSW preferred. Certified as an Activities Coordinator for Long-term patients required upon hire. Minimum 1-year experience in Social Services, Long-term care setting preferred. Acute Care Case Mgmt experience preferred. Must have knowledge of Federal regulations and community resources. Written and Verbal communication skills essential. For more information or to apply send email to gjackson@capefearvalley.com Share:

Read More
NC DOT

Improvements Underway to Reduce DMV Wait Times
  • 08/14/2018
  • News
  • No Comments

RALEIGH – The N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles is making a series of improvements at local license offices to improve service and reduce wait times for customers. Changes include: •    Deploying additional staff at busiest offices. •    DMV call center helping customers find nearby offices that have appointment availability. •    Staff talking with customers in line to ensure they have the correct paperwork and see if they can accomplish their business online rather than waiting in line. •    Establishing dedicated road test teams, so DMV examiners are not leaving their desks to do road tests. •    Creating express lines for customers who have quick transactions in offices that have available space. …..

Read More

Kayla Thompson To Attempt To Qualify For LPGA

Kayla Thompson, former West Bladen and UNCW golfer will leave Saturday, August 18 for California to attempt to qualify for the Ladies Professional Golfing Association. The qualifying tourney will be held August 20-26 at Mission Hills C.C. (Dinah and Palmer courses) in Rancho Mirage and the Shadow Ridge Golf Club in Palm Desert. The top 60 golfers will move on to play Stage 2 on October 13-18 at Plantation Golf and CC in Venice, Fla. Kayla, with her father Travis caddying for her, will play three practice rounds before the actual competition begins. Share:

Read More
Bladen County Schools

Board of Education hears update on sales tax referendum 

By Erin Smith The Bladen County Board of Education met on Monday night and heard an update regarding the quarter-cent sales tax referendum. Bladen County Schools Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor updated the board regarding issues that will need to be addressed by the Board of Education. Dr. Taylor said a quarter-cent sales tax, if approved by the voters, would generate $500,000 per year. He said, as the ballot issue moves forward, there are a number of things the Commissioners want the Board of Education to review and address. He said some Commissioners felt that by specifying issues such as which schools would have projects and a listing of exactly how the funds …..

Read More

Fantastic Shakers to Close out Sunset Jams Concert Series

By Erin Smith The final concert of the Sunset Jams “Alive after Five” Concert Series featuring The Fantastic Shakers will take place Thursday, at White Lake on Goldston’s Beach, starting at 6 PM. The concert series is sponsored by the Elizabethtown-White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce and Southeastern Regional Health. The Fantastic Shakers are well known for their soulful sounds. The band was formed in 1978, and is known for such songs as “I Still Do,” “Myrtle Beach Days,” and “Shakin’ the Shack.” The band has received numerous awards from various beach music organizations. Those awards have included Group of the Year, Album of the Year three times, and more. …..

Read More

Judge Issues Order to Comply with Defense Request in Crash Suit

By Erin Smith The civil session of Bladen County Superior Court was conducted on Monday, and Judge Tanya Wallace presided over the proceedings, which included a case involving a Bladen County Sheriff’s Deputy who was involved in a crash in 2015. According to court records, the deputy was involved in the crash while he was responding to a call. The lawsuit was brought on by Lorenzo White, alleging negligence. He is represented by the Anglin Law Firm in Raleigh. The County of Bladen, Sheriff Jim McVicker, and Deputy Duggan, are represented by Kendra Stark with the law firm of Teague, Campbell, Dennis and Graham of Raleigh. A motion, which was …..

Read More

Dublin Peanut Festival applications for pageant, car show and vendors now being accepted

Contributed Plans are under way for the 26th annual Dublin Peanut Festival which is scheduled for Saturday, September 15th. Applications are being accepted for craft and food vendors, the Classic Car Show and the Dublin Peanut Festival Pageant. The Dublin Peanut Festival is now accepting applications for Craft and Food Vendors. Those who are interested in becoming a vendor can email dublinpeanutfestival@gmail.com for information. The Classic Cruisers Car Club is now accepting registrations for the car show. All antiques, classic cars and trucks are welcome. For registration information, email dublinpeanutfestival@gmail.com. Applications are now being accepted for the Dublin Peanut Festival Scholarship Pageant which will be held on Saturday, September 8th, …..

Read More
NC DOT

U.S. 701 North Bridge in Bladen County to Undergo Restoration

ELIZABETHTOWN – Crews will soon begin restoring the concrete surface of the northbound U.S. 701 bridge over the Cape Fear River in Elizabethtown. The bridge was built in 1986, and some of the concrete on the driving surface has begun to flake off as the result of age and weather. ACC West Coast of Benicia, California, will remove a portion of the driving surface and replace the pavement with a more durable epoxy-type concrete that produces a smoother ride. The N.C. Department of Transportation awarded the $1.35 million contract in May. “The deck will have a new topping, after we blast off the top inch,” said Terry Church, an assistant resident …..

Read More
East Bladen High School

Men’s Soccer East Bladen 2, Purnell Swett 1

PEMBROKE – East Bladen rallied for a pair of second-half goals to defeat Purnell Swett 2-1 Monday night in the non-conference men’s soccer opener for both teams. Sophmore Jafet Robles scored an early goal to give the Rams a 1-0 lead. “We misplayed a punt, and they got behind us and tucked it into the left side of the net,” said Eagle Coach Jay Raynor. “We kept drumming up scoring chances, but couldn’t put them away in the first half,” stated Raynor. “We came out on fire and pressed the ball in the second half. We were able to win the ball high up the field which resulted in better looks on …..

Read More
Thoughts While Shaving

Thoughts While Shaving

A reminder of the monthly meeting of the Elizabethtown-White Lake Chamber of Commerce meeting, 12 noon today, at Goldston’s Beach.  Guest speaker will be Alycia M. Thornton, Director of Development, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Advancement, NC State University.  She will provide an update on the NC FFA Center Initiative and future additions at the FFA center at White Lake. The Hester research team reported slightly over 2 inches of rainfall since ’bout noontime Friday, unofficial of course. Stumbled across the latest report on the US budget deficit.  A 21% increase has it on track for the biggest gap in six years.  $76.9 billion deficit in July, the Trump Administration has sharply revised upward estimations …..

Read More

Women’s Tennis: West Bladen 9, St. Pauls 0

ST. PAULS – West Bladen’s Lady Knights rolled past St. Pauls 9-0 Monday in their Three Rivers Conference women’s tennis opener. Singles Savannah Lee (WB) defeated Dulce Rocha (SP) 6-0, 6-0 Autumn Brisson (WB) defeated Natalie Luna Lopez (SP) 6-1, 6-1 Alyssa Bell (WB) defeated Sierra Britt (SP) 6-1, 6-0 Mireya Sandoval (WB) defeated Jessica Zavala Cruz (SP) 6-0, 6-0 Alyssa Smith (WB) defeated Jennifer Cabrera Angeles (SP) 6-0, 6-0 Haleigh Dunn (WB) defeated Wendy Villasenor (SP) 6-0, 6-0 Doubles Bell/Brisson (WB) defeated Rocha/Lopez (SP) 8-0 Lee/Dunn (WB) defeated Britt/Cruz (SP) 8-0 Smith/Sandoval (WB) defeated Angeles/Villasenor (SP) 8-1 Coach Billy Bryant’s Lady Knights will host South Columbus Tuesday at 4 …..

Read More

Women’s Tennis: East Bladen 6, East Columbus 3

Photos by Kenneth Armstrong ELIZABETHTOWN – East Bladen’s Lady Eagles opened their women’s tennis season with a 6-3 Three Rivers Conference victory Monday over East Columbus. Singles Sealey Sessions (EC) defeated Ting Lin (EB) 8-2 Olivia Rogers (EC) defeated Anna Kate White (EB) 8-8 (10-7) Lily Lin (EB) defeated Hannah Hayes (EC) 8-4 Ashley Hardin (EB) defeated Ashleigh Lennon (EC) 8-8 (10-6) Sammi Jiang (EB) defeated Jordin Stevens (EC) 8-1 Sarah Meares (EB) defeated Natalie Jacobs (EC) 8-5 Doubles Sessions/Rogers (EC) defeated L. Lin/White (EB) 8-4 T. Lin/Hardin (EB) defeated Hayes/Brianna Martin (EC) 8-0 Carleigh Devane/Carlie West (EB) defeated Stevens/Jacobs (EC) 8-3 Coach Megan Kirby’s Lady Eagles will travel to …..

Read More
This Day In History

This Day in History – August 14

1820 – 1st US eye hospital, the NY Eye Infirmary, opens in NYC. 1846 – Henry David Thoreau jailed for refusing to pay taxes. 1862 – Abraham Lincoln receives the first group of African Americans to confer with a US president. 1873 – “Field & Stream” begins publishing. 1912 – 2,500 US marines invade Nicaragua; US remains until 1925. 1932 – Philips makes 1 millionth radio. 1935 – Social Security Act becomes law. 1941 – US President Franklin Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill issue the joint declaration that later becomes known as the Atlantic Charter. 1947 – Babe Didrikson Zaharias gives up her amateur golf status for $300,000. 1962 …..

Read More

No more hogs for some farmers

By Charlotte Smith Smithfield Hog Production, doing business as Murphy-Brown has lost three lawsuits in the last few months with jurors awarding multi-millions of dollars to the plaintiffs in the cases. Farmers and Legislators have been saying these hog industry lawsuits threaten agriculture; now there is proof. Some hog famers say they had to take out loans when they decided to go into the farming business. The farmers caught in the middle of the trials have contracts with Smithfield Hog Production/Murphy-Brown. The contracts are a peace of mind for farmers who took out loans, have payroll to meet and have other operating expenses from their hog farms. The jurors from …..

Read More

240 Million dollars for military construction in NC

Senate Passes NDAA with Multiple Tillis Provisions, Heads to Presidents Desk Includes $240 Million for Military Construction in NC, Provisions to End Domestic Violence and Child Abuse   WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, applauded the Senate passage of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2019. The bipartisan legislation includes more than a dozen provisions authored by Senator Tillis, including a bipartisan provision he authored with Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) that directs the Secretary of Defense to submit an assessment of the potential purchase by the Republic of Turkey of the S-400 air and missile defense system from the Russian Federation, as well as an assessment regarding Turkey’s …..

Read More

Crisis Intervention Program Has $43.9 Million to Assist with Heating and Cooling Emergencies

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has $43.9 million available from the Administration for Children and Families to support the Crisis Intervention Program in state fiscal year 2018-19. The program provides funds distributed through county departments of social services to help qualifying low-income households who are experiencing a heating or cooling related crisis. During SFY 2017-18, county departments of social services helped 104,853 North Carolina households with assistance with utility bills or securing fuel or cooling resources. “This program is designed to help alleviate heating emergencies during the winter months and cooling emergencies during the summer months,” said NC Division of Social Services Director Wayne Black. “Assistance can prevent …..

Read More

A great day for Bladen County Democrats

Contributed by Sabrina Murchison The Bladen County Democratic Party celebrated the grand opening of their headquarters on Thursday, August 9th with a ribbon cutting by Mr. David Clark. A standing room only crowd welcomed our honored guests, long time Democrats Dr. Delilah Blanks, Mrs. Berline Graham, and Mr. Edd Nye.  Our guest speaker was 7th District Congressional Candidate Dr. Kyle Horton. The office is located at 300A Poplar Street in Elizabethtown. Share:

Read More

NC Emergency Management to test new low-cost flood gauges

RALEIGH – North Carolina Emergency Management has been selected by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate to help deploy and test three prototype, low-cost flood sensors designed to help bring early flood detection and warning to more communities at a reasonable cost.   Beginning in mid-August, NCEM will deploy a total of 75 early warning flood sensors. These prototype sensors have been designed and constructed by three different companies. Each sensor, depending on configuration, is expected to cost less than $1,000 – which is significantly less expensive than most of the 578 flood gauges that are currently part of North Carolina’s Flood Inundation Mapping and Alert Network …..

Read More

North Carolina Man Sentenced to Prison for Obstructing the IRS
  • 08/13/2018
  • News
  • No Comments

A Monroe, North Carolina resident was sentenced today to 18 months in prison for attempting to interfere with the due administration of the Internal Revenue laws, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division. According to court documents, between October 2007 and September 2011, Billy Darryl Floyd committed acts in order to obstruct and impede the Internal Revenue Service.  These acts include filing false income tax returns, which falsely reported that his income was zero.  Additionally, Floyd submitted fictitious “Surety Bonds” to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) attempting to satisfy his outstanding tax liability.  Floyd also disrupted the IRS sale of property seized from him to …..

Read More

Smithfield, Bladen Released Time and Foundation Bible Back 2 School Bash

Contributed Foundation Bible Church, the coordinator of the Back 2 School Bash, would like to thank Smithfield Foods, Inc.  for their generous donation to Bladen County Released Time for the purchase 1,000 backpacks and school supplies.  This event is designed to support the students of Bladen County as they start the new school year. Pictured is Ryan Godwin, MD at Foundation Bible Church, Rhonda Campbell, Sustainability Coordinator  of Smithfield Foods and Dean Hilton, Board Member of Bladen Released Time. Share:

Read More

Silver 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo for sale

Silver 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo for sale. Any race car drivers out there? You’d love this car. It has 190,000+ miles on it and the motor is as strong as an ox. No leaks anywhere, AC works great. Has Pioneer Satellite Radio/CD Player installed (with remote). Power windows, good tires, fresh oil & filter change one week before deciding to sell. Must see. Call Cheryl for more information. (336) 328-4618 This car is worth $4,000. Price is negotiable. Share:

Read More

Benefit planned for Ayven’s Sunny Place

Contributed A benefit is planned to support Ayven’s Sunny Place which is a non-profit group offering support to families with critical ill children. The event will take place on Saturday, September 8th, at the Lumber River Camp Ground located at 570 Tar Landing Road, Evergreen. According to the Facebook page for the non-profit, the funds raised will be used to construct the first house in Brunswick County for critically ill children and their families to enjoy a trip to the beach between their treatments. The event will include plenty to see and do. On Friday, September 7th, there will be a spaghetti plate sale and corn hole tournament. Cost fo plates is …..

Read More
Elizabethtown - White Lake Chamber of Commerce

Chamber meeting held at White Lake

The Elizabethtown-White Lake monthly lunch meeting will be held at Goldston’s Beach in White Lake tomorrow at 12 Noon according to an announcement made by Dawn Maynard, Executive Director of the chamber. The guest speaker will be Alycia M. Thornton, Director of Development College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Advancement NC State University. According to Maynard, Thornton will update us on the NC FFA Center Initiative and future additions to our FFA Center located in White Lake and how it impacts Bladen County! Everyone is invited to join the meeting and take advantage of this networking opportunity.   Share:

Read More

Sunday storms leave damage in their wake

By Erin Smith Update:  Strong thunderstorms rolled through Bladen County Sunday afternoon and resulted in damage at least three locations in the county. Bladen County Fire Marshal Ken Clark said a fire at 6 LC Street in White Lake resulted in two campers being damaged in Camp Clearwater. The damage was contained to electrical components and there was no electrical fire.  Clark said a second fire was reported at 654 Mitchell Ford Road near Clarkton. Clark said lightning struck a storage building at that location and it burned.  Clark said electrical damage and a small fire was reported following a lightning strike at 240 Gilbert R. Edge Road in the Live Oak community.  No injuries were reported in any …..

Read More
Bladenboro Town Hall

Bladenboro Board to meet Monday
  • 08/13/2018
  • News
  • No Comments

The Bladenboro Town Board will meet on Monday and deal with several items on the agenda. The board is expected to approve consent agenda which includes, the board agenda, minutes from the July meeting, departmental reports, and budget amendments. The board will also a consider a fire pit request from Delores Holcomb, discuss additional poultry processing business, discuss Carroll Poultry fine from May 2018, and a discussion of Attorney billing. The board is also expected to approve a Community Development Block Grant-I request for quote for engineering. The board is also expected to consider bids for an AR-15 purchase. The board will discuss and consider administrative software and hardware. Town Administrator John …..

Read More
Thoughts While Shaving

Thoughts While Shaving

Rain, rain, go away, for a while…. Enjoyed the 2018 PGA Championship.  Brooks Koepka won his third career major, the latest in St. Louis yesterday and likely ‘sewed up’ the Player of the Year.  Tiger Woods finished 2nd, best showing in many years. And, following the sports thought, high school football begins on August 24th.  East Bladen travels to Clinton and South Brunswick will be at West Bladen for 7 PM games. Willie Gore, longtime South Columbus coach/administrator is the latest to defect to South Carolina.  Understand salaries and subsidies make it attractive.  West Bladen’s AD/baseball coach, Kim Cain headed south a few weeks ago after a long, successful career in North Carolina. Think …..

Read More
This Day In History

This Day in History – August 13

1608 – John Smith’s story of Jamestown’s first days submitted for publication. 1889 – William Gray patents coin-operated telephone. 1898 – US forces under Admiral George Dewey captures Manila during Spanish-American War. 1907 – 1st taxicabs operate in New York City, imported by Harry N. Allen. 1914 – Carl Wickman begins Greyhound, the 1st US bus line, in Minnesota. 1923 – US Steel Corp initiates 8-hour work day. 1939 – Sabotage suspected in crash of ‘City of San Francisco’ 1950 – US President Harry Truman gives military aid to Vietnamese regime of Bao-Dai. 1959 – US Military satellite Discoverer 5 launched (into polar orbit) 1963 – Warren Spahn sets let-hander …..

Read More

Volleyball Season Opens This Week

West Bladen Coach Gaye Davis’ Lady Knights entertain Antioch Christian Monday at 4:30 in their season opener. West Bladen finished in fifth place in the Three Rivers Conference last season with an 8-10 record. Key graduation losses include: Patience Parker (87 kills, 25 aces), Mikayla Winebarger (78 kills, 29 aces), Elizabeth Allbright (72 kills, 29 aces) and Alise Pait (55 kills). Leading the list of returnees is senior Raegan Davis (166 kills, 66 aces, 32 blocks). Senior Caroline Davis led the Lady Knight defense last year with 267 digs. Also back is junior Lexi Corrothers (55 kills). East Bladen Coach Sara Ward begins her first season at the helm of …..

Read More

Men’s Soccer Begins This Week

East Bladen Coach Jay Raynor’s East Bladen men’s soccer team opens their season at 6 p.m. Monday at Purnell Swett. The Eagles won the 2017 Three Rivers Conference championship with a perfect 14-0 record and finished the season with a 21-2 overall record. Gone via graduation are leading scorer Brooks McGill (32 goals, 39 assists) and Caleb Hatchell (23 goals, 19 assists) but leading the returnees are seniors Greyson Heustess (19 goals, 25 assists), Pierce Melvin (14 goals, 14 assists) and Spencer Scott (64 saves, 15 shutouts in goal). Other key returnees are juniors Gabe Barber (14 goals, 19 assists) and Jake Evans (17 goals and 17 assists). West Bladen …..

Read More

Women’s Tennis Season Starts Monday

Coach Billy Bryant’s West Bladen women’s tennis team will open their season Monday at St. Pauls in a 4 p.m. league match. Bryant was an assistant coach last season as the Lady Knights posted a 16-3 record and were runners-up in the Three Rivers Conference. Departed via graduation is Helen Lopez (9-2 in doubles), and out with a knee injury is No. 1 player Conner Brisson (11-4 in singles and 9-4 in doubles). Returning players include: senior Savannah Lee (13-3 in singles, 7-4 in doubles), senior Mireya Sandoval (13-2 in singles, 12-0 in doubles), junior Autumn Brisson (12-2 in singles, 9-2 in doubles and junior Alyssa Smith (10-1 in singles, …..

Read More
This Day In History

This Day in History – August 12

1492 – Christopher Columbus arrives in the Canary Islands on his first voyage to the New World. 1851 – American inventor Issac Singer patents the sewing machine. 1867 – US President Andrew Johnson defies Congress suspending Secretary of War Edwin Stanton. 1877 – Thomas Edison completes 1st model for the phonograph, a device that recorded sound onto tinfoil cylinders. 1898 – Hawaii is formally annexed to US. 1908 – Henry Ford’s company builds he first Model T car. 1922 – Dedication of Frederick Douglas’ home in Washington, D.C. as national shrine. 1930 – Clarence Birdseye is granted a patent for method for quick freezing food (patent US 1773079A) 1944 – …..

Read More
Thoughts While Shaving

Thoughts While Shaving- August 12

The past week was an eventful week, some good news, some bad, some very bad…. When was the last time you shed a tear, whatever the reason?  Were you driving, maybe in the bathroom?  Most likely alone in your secret place. Am I wrong to think that the folks with least experience give the most advice?  I am reminded of a friend long, long ago who shared, ‘give advice sparingly and only when requested’.  Nothing has changed. Don’t know about you, but in moments where little is going on I think of something or someone from days gone by….Like the Hester Carter store, near Bladenboro High School when I was a …..

Read More

Dennis Pait Fundraiser

A barbecue plate sale and cake auction fundraiser is planned for Dennis Pait for Saturday, September 8, at 11 am at the Center Road Baptist Church Community Building. Cost is a donation.     Share:

Read More

Bladen County 4-H program makes advancements

This summer our Bladen County 4-H program has been Growing 4-H: Full STEAM Ahead, offering Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math activities and programs across our county.  One of our 4-H clubs, the Down East club, that meets in the Carver’s Creek area has been growing and offering a Summer STEAM opportunity to the youth in their area for much longer. In July, the Tabernacle Believers Holiness Church, sponsor of this 4-H club, hosted their third annual 4-H Robotics day camp program for youth ages 5 to 18. More than 20 youth participated in the two day workshops to learn to build and program robots, and almost as many volunteers …..

Read More

Odd Tools for Odd Jobs

Many of these tools are designed to accomplish specific jobs that would otherwise be very time consuming and much more frustrating. The right tools can definitely make the job easier and more enjoyable. Here is a quick look at some of the equipment out there and how to decide what you really need. The first rule of thumb is not to set out to stock up on all of these more obscure implements before you have the basics. Once that’s done, you can begin collecting specialty gardening tools. While there are about as many tools out there as there are gardening chores, some are practical choices that you will use …..

Read More

Make it Last

By Richelle Stafne There is a fine line in a productive summer garden where the harvest goes from plentiful to growing “out your ears.” Of course, you can give extra produce away or donate it to a local soup kitchen, but another option is to freeze the abundant harvest. I grew up on a rural farm where food preservation was a way of life. From snapping green beans for canning to washing blackberries for freezing, we learned to help from a young age. Here are tips to help you get started with freezing produce at home.   Selecting Produce Be sure fruits, vegetables and herbs are harvested at the right …..

Read More

Graham Tabernacle FBH Church will be hosting a 4-night Revival
  • 08/11/2018
  • Church
  • No Comments

Graham Tabernacle FBH Church will be having a 4-night Revival on August 13-16 at 7:30 pm. 13th – Evang. Vermethia Lance, 14th – Dr. Joyce Gause, 15th – Evang. Blanche McFarland, 16th – Pastor Merkethia Clarida. Graham Tabernacle FBH Church is located at 281 Grand Road, Clarkton. Rev. Samuel Bellamy Sr., Pastor. Hope to see you there! Share:

Read More

Baldwin Branch Missionary Baptist Church Announcements
  • 08/11/2018
  • Church
  • No Comments

Elizabethtown NC – The Baldwin Branch Missionary Baptist Church clothes closet will be open Saturday, August 25, 2018 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.  The food pantry, From His Table to Yours, will be open the same day from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  Personal transportation and identifications are required.  No fee is involved in either ministry.  Baldwin Branch is located at 4047 NC 242 Highway South, Elizabethtown NC.  Rev. Dr. Louie Boykin is the pastor. Share:

Read More
Bladen County Headlines... 35 Years Ago

Bladen County Headlines…35 Years Ago

Bladen County Hospital was seeking approval for a $5.5 million expansion program. Thomas Ellis from White Oak was named to a Land Conservancy Position. June unemployment in Bladen County was 14.2%. The Red Cross Bloodmobile was scheduled to be at Center Road Baptist Church. Share:

Read More
Money

BREAKING: Illegally Overcharging Military Servicemembers to be Easier As CFPB to Stop Supervision of Lenders

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This evening, the New York Times reports that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) will no longer supervise financial institutions to ensure they are complying with the Military Lending Act (MLA), a law that protects active duty servicemembers from predatory financial practices. The MLA prevents servicemembers from being charged more than 36% interest on most loans and provides other rights, including protection from forced arbitration. Instead of the CFPB conducting oversight of lenders, they will move to a complaint-based system, where CFPB enforcement depends on reporting of illicit activity. Center for Responsible Lending (CRL) Federal Advocacy Director, Scott Astrada, issued the following statement:   “Ripping-off military servicemembers is appalling …..

Read More

Wilmington gang member sentenced to more than 8 years for heroin distribution and weapon violations
  • 08/11/2018
  • News
  • No Comments

RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that, Chief United States District Judge James C. Dever III sentenced Diquelle Sweet, 22, of Wilmington to 105 months of imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release. On May 1, 2018, Sweet entered a plea of guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute a Quantity of Heroin, five counts of Distribution of a Quantity of Heroin, and to Possession of a Firearm by a Felon. Between April 2015 and October 2017, Diquelle Sweet, Deandre Sweet, Kyeric Sweet and others were responsible for the distribution of significant amounts …..

Read More

Rotary Club Hears About Cycle NC Mountains to Coast Ride

The Elizabethtown Rotary Club learned about Cycle NC, and other sports events in North Carolina, on Wednesday during their luncheon meeting at Cape Fear Vineyard and Winery. Chip Hofler, with NC Amateur Sports, presented the program to the group.   Hofler told the group there are three cycling events which take place in North Carolina, and a fourth event being the Powerade State Games. The three cycling events include the Mountain Ride, which took place early Spring in Tryon, NC, the Mountains to Coast Ride, which will take place September 29 through October 6, and the final ride is the Coastal Ride, which is planned for April 26-28, 2019 in …..

Read More

Kinlaw Furniture

Kinlaw Furniture

Archives