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Category Posts : Lifestyles

Travel Safely during Hurricane Season

Summer vacations take a lot of planning and packing. If you travel to a hurricane-prone area, make sure you plan for a possible storm. Whether taking a road trip or traveling abroad, stay safe with resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Department of State, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration(NHTSA), and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Find out the hurricane risk of your destination. Then, follow tips from the Ready Campaign: Create a Communication Plan to stay in contact with friends and family. Download the FEMA App for weather alerts and safety tips. When packing for a plane, train, or bus, consider a small emergency kit with a flashlight, batteries, and a spare USB power bank. Stock …..

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Fundraiser for Joey Taylor, husband, father, friend

Friends of Joey Taylor want to help him and his family with his medical expenses. Joey is a resident of White Lake, NC from Deep Run, NC, he is a husband, father, grandfather, business owner, volunteer, golf and bike enthusiast and so much more. He has been battling cancer for over two years. Please help us with your prayers and support. Joey has been a blessing to many and we want to assist him and his family. Please help us show the Taylor family great kindness in their time of great challenges. We thank you in advance for your prayers and support. How you can help… Prayers Your prayers are …..

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You have to stand for something

Contributed Courtlyn Smith, a Bladen County resident, wanted to show support for her Papa and Grandma this weekend. A ‘Stand for Hog Farmers’ sign had the toddler very excited. “Courtlyn is concerned for our local farmers and her grub,” said Courtney Smith, mom to the concerned youngsters. Related articles: https://bladenonline.com/lawsuits-against-smithfield-foods-are-a-dangerous-threat-to-all-north-carolina-farmers/ https://bladenonline.com/smithfield-foods-to-appeal-nuisance-lawsuit-verdict/ https://bladenonline.com/jury-awards-plaintiffs-more-than-50-million-in-historic-hog-nuisance-lawsuit/ Share:

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Avoiding Bad Neighbors

by Diane Beyer Everyone has had an experience with a bad neighbor. There are various reasons for considering a neighbor “bad,” but most of them have an element of “chemistry” in them somewhere. Some people just don’t get along. It’s no different in the plant world. Since plants are restricted in place and not able to move away from bad or undesirable neighbors, they must employ other methods. Plant communities use chemistry to repel or subdue those that may pose a threat to a thriving population. There are several other things to consider when deciding what to plant with what: What growing conditions do the plants require? Plants that have …..

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Heat Safety for Vehicles

Learn how the temperature outside may affect the temperature inside your vehicle. With the summer months upon us, now is the time to learn about the dangers of heatstroke and being trapped in a hot car. Heatstroke is dangerous and can be deadly. Never leave children, pets, or older adults unattended in a parked car. Use the following life saving tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to remind yourself and others to check the back seat before walking away from a vehicle. Children mistakenly being left in hot vehicles make up many of the tragedies reported each year. Look Before You Lock. Get into the routine of always checking the back …..

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Division on Aging marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

  By Erin Smith Elder abuse and neglect are issues that face many families. The Bladen County Division on Aging held an Elder Abuse Awareness Day to help their clients to be able to recognize the signs of abuse or neglect. Christina Brewington with the Bladen County Department of Social Services addressed those in attendance and went over some signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect. She stated that in the 2014-15 fiscal year 24,500 cases of elder abuse and neglect were reported to Social Services Departments. Brewington noted that is a 60 percent increase since 2008. Brewington asked those in attendance to give her some reasons for the increase …..

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Madonna Thunder Hawk to Attend Inaugural Lumbee Film Festival with North Carolina Premiere of ​Warrior Women

Filmmaker Christina D. King will also be in attendance  Wilmington, NC — Madonna Thunder Hawk (Oohenumpa Lakota) is confirmed to attend the first ever Lumbee Film Festival with the film Warrior Women, Saturday, June 23, 2018 at the UNC Pembroke Entrepreneurship Incubator. This inaugural festival showcases bold, original new films made by American Indians, especially members of the Lumbee Tribe living in North Carolina and across the United States. Tickets are free, and guests are encouraged to RSVP at cucalorus.org/lumbee-film-festival/​. Since the 1970s Madonna Thunder Hawk has been an instrumental voice in the battles for Native sovereignty, and remains vocal in her advocacy for implementing self-determination in tribal youth and …..

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Rotary hears from scholarship winners

The Elizabethtown Rotary Club awarded scholarships to three high school seniors and one Bladen Community College student this year. Three of those students attended a luncheon at Cape Fear Vineyard and Winery on Wednesday and spoke about their future plans. The first student to speak was Janaja McKoy who graduated recently from the Paul R. Brown Leadership Academy. She plans to attend UNC-Pembroke in the fall and major in Psychology. “Psychology has always been one of my passions,” said McKoy. “I aspire to help people to be and feel better.” She hopes to be able to help others be able to achieve their goals. The East Bladen High School scholarship …..

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Gospel artist Euclid Gray to perform

The famous gospel artist Euclid Gray will be featured in the Blue & Silver Banquet on Saturday, July 14, at the Faith Temple Evangelist Center in Clarkton. Dinner will be served at the banquet but seating is limited for the event. Tickets will cost $20 and to purchase the tickets and for more info call LoWanda at (910) 988-4475. Formal attire required.   Share:

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Quilt exhibit in Bladenboro Historical Society Art Gallery

Contributed A display of fancy handmade quilts made by Mary Pittman is now on exhibit in the Bladenboro Visual Arts Gallery in the Bladenboro Historical Society Building, 818 South Main Street, Bladenboro, NC. Bladenboro Visual Arts Gallery hours are 2 until 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. This exhibit will continue until July 29th. Mary Pittman was born in Bladen County in 1923, the daughter of William McCoy “Coy” Smith and Lilly E. Singletary.  Her quilts were made from 1945 through 1980.  The display of the quilts was prepared by Mrs. Pittman’s daughter, Mary Lou Davis Share:

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Final Weekend of “Into the Woods” at Carolina Civic Center Historic Theater

The Carolina Civic Center Historic Theater’s production of the musical “Into the Woods” will have its final performances at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, June 15 and 16.  Tickets are $25 for adults, $22 for 65+ seniors and military, and $10 for students. Group rate is $17 per ticket with advance purchase of ten or more at same time, and are available by contacting the box office.  Tickets can be purchased in-person or by  telephone with credit card or cash noon-6pm pm Monday through Friday through the theater’s administrative offices in the theater’s second floor (enter on Fourth Street side), or by calling the Civic Center at 910-738-4339. Tickets can also be purchased at the door. Theater lobby …..

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Upcoming Events

Events for Bladen County residents

By Dora Brogdon This Saturday from noon to 2 p.m. the Mother County Genealogical Society will be meeting at the Bladenboro Historical Society Building. Bonnie (Bridger) Mittelmaier will be the speaker for the event and will be talking about “Back To England, Digging Bridger Root”. Also on Saturday, the First Missionary Baptist Church will be hosting the Hammond Creek Fun Day. Saturday evening Hickory Grove Baptist Church and the Bladenboro Benefit Committee will be sponsoring a Chicken & Rice Plate benefit for Jessica Allen Ludlum. The fundraiser will begin at 11 a.m. and all proceeds will go to benefit Ludlum. Each plate will cost a donation and bake sale items will be available. Local talent …..

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Annual Shaw-Elkins Family Reunion planned

The annual Shaw-Elkins Family Reunion will be held Sunday, June 10, 2018, in the Fellowship Hall of Lisbon Baptist Church located at 4588 Lisbon Road, Clarkton, N.C.  Please bring your favorite covered dish and join us for the meal beginning at 12:45 P.M. Share:

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Health Grades

Let’s Eat Out, But Where?

It’s hard to believe, (since it took so long for spring to arrive), that May is already gone, but June is here and so is your monthly report on the health and sanitation scores achieved by the restaurants, cafeterias, daycare kitchens, and eateries we all frequent in Bladen County. As you know, the professionals over at the Bladen County Health Department take public health very seriously, and they perform inspections every month to ensure your food safety. And just like that, BladenOnline.com publishes the report that is generated every month because those fine folks are just as serious about serving the community. So check out the list below and be …..

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Bladen County 4-H to host Father-Daughter Dance

Save the date for the upcoming 2018 Father-Daughter Sweetheart Dance to benefit Bladen County 4-H. This special night will be Saturday, June 16, 2018 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. You can download and print a registration form here to submit with appropriate total. New this year – you can register online and mail payment or pay at the door! Use this form to submit your registration https://goo.gl/forms/Q7MjonS5qkKVFaJZ2. On this special night, Bladen County Dads (or Grandfathers) can bring their sweetheart date(s) to enjoy a night of music, dancing, dinner, refreshments, face painting, a keepsake photo, crafts and much more! The cost of a ticket will be $15 per couple …..

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Carolina Civic Center Historic Theater announces 2018-19 Season Schedule

The Carolina Civic Center Historic Theater has announced their 2018-19 Schedule. Tickets for the new season will go on sale beginning at 12 noon on Tuesday, July 24th. Ticketing Information  Tickets for the Mainstage Series can be purchased online by going to the theater’s web site at www.carolinaciviccenter.com.  Tickets also can be purchased in-person or with credit card or cash from noon to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday through the administrative offices in the theater’s second floor (enter on Fourth Street side), or by calling the Civic Center at (910) 738-4339. Tickets can also be purchased at the door (if available). Theater lobby box office opens for ticket sales one hour …..

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Minuteman Thanks Customers who Donated to MDA Fundraiser

We would like to say “Thank You” to all of our customers at Minuteman Food Mart for their generous contribution during our MDA fundraiser. Because of you, we were able to raise $65,000.00 this year!! It takes a lot of money to send a child to camp each year and because of your faithfulness to give, we are able to send 32 kids to MDA camp this year. The Muscular Dystrophy Association is the world’s leading non-profit health agency dedicated to finding treatments and cures for muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neuromuscular diseases. It does so by funding worldwide research; by providing comprehensive health care services and …..

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Lifestyles: Elizabethtown Fire Department recruitment letter

The Elizabethtown Fire Department takes our responsibility very seriously. Our community is protected by dedicated and committed emergency service responders who do their jobs when called upon, even at three o’clock in the morning. Saving lives and protecting property is not an easy task responding to over 1,000 calls a year. We do it willingly and often without recognition. Volunteer firefighters and emergency medical service providers are a special kind of people. We are looking for members to help answer the call of duty. The Elizabethtown Fire Department has started a new campaign to recruit volunteer members to respond to emergency calls for help and assist with fundraising and administrative duties. As …..

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State Highway Patrol Graduates 20 New Troopers

RALEIGH – The State Highway Patrol proudly welcomed 20 new troopers at a graduation ceremony for the 144th Basic Highway Patrol School.  The ceremony ended 15 weeks of rigorous training preparing them for a fulfilling career of service to the state of North Carolina.   The ceremony was held at the Colonial Baptist Church in Cary at 10 a.m.  The oath of office was administered by Justice Paul M. Newby, Supreme Court of North Carolina.  Colonel G. M. McNeill Jr., the 27th Commander of the State Highway Patrol provided remarks to those in attendance.   “As Troopers, we must continue to view our profession as an opportunity to demonstrate leadership through dedicated service in …..

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Remembering those killed in action in Vietnam this Memorial Day

Memorial Day Tribute By Ellen Gause I personally do not know any veterans who lost their lives in service to our country.  However, I would like to pay tribute to 47 veterans who served in my husband’s unit in Vietnam who were killed in action.  These men served in the Americal Division, Alpha Company, 5th/46th Infantry Battalion, 198th Light Infantry Brigade. Veteran                                                 Hometown                                   Date of Death FIRST PLATOON Thomas Blanks                       …..

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Upcoming Events

Events for Bladen County residents

By Dora Brogdon This weekend there will be plenty for Bladen County residents to see and do as they prepare to celebrate the Memorial Day weekend. On Saturday, there will be a Grilled Chicken Plate fundraiser at the Camp Clearwater Arcade in White Lake. Each plate of food will cost $7 and will begin at 11 a.m. The fundraiser is for Ron Black, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer last year and diagnosed again with colon cancer in February. He cannot afford to pay some of his medical bills because he doesn’t have insurance. On Sunday, at 6 p.m. the Elizabethtown Church of God will be showing Rev. David West’s chalk artworks. Share:

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Congratulations Kaleb Wilkes

Kaleb Wilkes is graduating from Cape Fear High School in Fayetteville, N.C. He is the son of David and Angela Wilkes of Fayetteville, N.C. and the grandson of Cecil and Susie Wilkes of Elizabethtown, N.C. Kaleb achievements include: Natural Science Academy graduate, honor student, The President’s Academic Award, Eagle Scout, highest grade in Geology, regional winner in Science Olympiad, in the Top 10 of his class, Animal Science Award, and graduated from the National Youth Leadership Training Academy. Kaleb has been accepted to North Carolina State University where he will be majoring in the Physics Program of the College of Sciences. Share:

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Bladen Community College celebrates history graduates

DUBLIN – In today’s high-technology world, students are frequently encouraged to seek degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. But many students are inclined to enjoy the humanities, possessing great interests and talents in writing, art, music, religion, philosophy, and history. Bladen Community College transfer graduates Ingrid Bullard, Melissa Combs, and Levy Pait recently graduated from four-year universities with bachelor degrees in history, and are strategizing their futures with a commitment to the humanities. Ingrid Bullard graduated from Bladen Community College in 2015 with a college transfer degree. It was during her first semester with BCC history professor Cliff Tyndall that Ingrid decided she wanted to become a history major. …..

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Memorial Day recognitions

Memorial Day is a time we stop to pay homage to those men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. The staff at BladenOnline.com recognizes a lot of sacrifices have been made by our men and women in uniform for freedom. Both freedom and the protection of freedom come with a high price. This week we would like to honor those men and women who sacrificed so much for our great country with memorials in their honor. We will publish them on our Lifestyles page. Submit your photos and memorials by email to BladenOnline.com@gmail.com. Share:

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Celebrate your Graduate with Graduation Lines

Congratulations to all of our 2018 graduates! As the academic year comes to an end, Seniors are anxiously awaiting the moment when they will be announced as graduates. BladenOnline.com is proud of all of our 2018 graduating seniors and would like to celebrate their accomplishments. As your graduate prepares to receive their diploma, send them a congratulatory note to let them know how much their hard work and dedication are appreciated. You can purchase 3 lines of text for only $5 for each announcement! A picture with text is $20 for each announcement! Your message will be published on BladenOnline.com. You can submit photos of your graduating Senior to bladenonline.com@gmail.com, or meet Tori Chestnutt, our …..

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Cindy’s moves in to new building

By Erin Smith Cindy’s Drive Thru and Catering restaurant located on US 701 South across from Elizabethtown Middle School is moving into a larger space. On Tuesday, the restaurant is expected to open in the newly constructed building located behind the current facility. “She’s going to be serving there tomorrow (Tuesday),” said Ron Taylor, who owns Taylor Manufacturing. Cindy’s offers a lunch menu and also caters events in the area. To have Cindy’s cater your event, call 910-391-8052. Taylor said the certificate of occupancy was issued by Bladen County officials on Thursday. He said the restaurant’s staff have started relocating everything to the new building. Once the move is complete, Taylor said the building …..

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40th White Lake Water Festival continues

The rain has not stopped the 40th Annual White Lake Water Festival from continuing on Saturday, May 19th. The fun started with the annual parade. Over 20 vendors set up shop at Goldston’s Beach. The bands are keeping things rocking. The boat show was a success and there is still more fun to come. Sunday the Festival will come to an close with the annual Volleyball Tournament. Previous article: White Lake Water Festival still on go https://bladenonline.com/white-lake-water-festival-still-on-go/ Share:

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White Lake Water Festival still on go

The 40th annual White Lake Water Festival is still on go for this weekend. Tonight (Friday) Soul on the Beach will take to the stage at 6 p.m. at Goldston’s Beach. On Saturday, the festival continues with the parade beginning at 10 a.m.  “Our Water Festival Committee is hoping for a great weekend in spite of on and off showers to celebrate 40 years of the Water Festival,” said Elizabethtown-White Lake Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Dawn Maynard. The only events which have been cancelled are the Car Show and Tractor Pull which were scheduled to take place on Saturday on US 701 across form the Scotchman. All other events will go on as scheduled.  There are two …..

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Sandspurs, fireants and all

I’ve never been convinced that Neil Sellers and Dave Brown killed Blanche Packer. I spent a lot of time with Blanche, Brown, Sellers, Sheriff Lyon and others a few years back, and I have never been completely sure that the men hanged on the courthouse lawn in Elizabethtown were indeed murderers. But whether or not Sellers and/or Brown were truly hardened criminals, or the victims of a lynch mob mentality in a racially-charged election year, is a moot point. For those unfamiliar with the case – Blanche Russ Packer, 21, was the wife of a sawmill hand named George Packer. They lived near Abbottsburg. George worked for the Cape Fear …..

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Events for Bladen Residents

By Dora Brogdon May 18 & 19: Saturday at 10 a.m., the 40th Annual White Lake Water Festival will begin with a parade. There will be activities throughout the day to keep everyone busy! For more information on the festival or you would like to take part in it, call the Elizabethtown-White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce at (910)-862-4368. May 19: White Oak Family Worship Center’s College and Careers Group will have their 5k Trail Run and Walk begin at 8:30 a.m. It will take place at Jones Lake State Park and call (910) 618-7329 to pay for the $25 admission. For more information and registration go to payit2.com/event/100198. May …..

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Miss North Carolina pays visit to Bladen County

By Erin Smith The residents of the Bladen East Health and Rehab got a very special visit on Thursday afternoon when Miss North Carolina Victoria Huggins visited them. The residents were treated to an afternoon filled with music and laughter as Huggins displayed her musical talent and warm personality. “I am thankful for my Mom Dad. They taught me that if I was going to achieve my dreams I was going to have to work hard,” said Huggins. Huggins, who calls St. Pauls home, sang renditions of Almost Like Being in Love, At Last and Somewhere Over the Rainbow. She also sang hymns with the group including Amazing Grace and …..

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NCDA&CS expects good blueberry crop through July

By Dexter Hill, NCDA&CS RALEIGH – Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler says the 2018 blueberry season is shaping up to be a good one despite unusually cold weather in the first quarter of the year. “Our blueberry growers have become accustomed to dealing with unusual weather,” Troxler said. “They have done an excellent job protecting the crop from frost this year, and overall, it is in very good condition. Consumers should expect fresh, N.C. blueberries from now through July.” To celebrate the season, the department will host two Blueberry Days in June. The State Farmers Market in Raleigh will host Blueberry Day on June 21. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., visitors can …..

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Bladen County’s newest Eagle Scout Celebrated 

The newest Eagle Scout was recognized during a ceremony this past Saturday at Dublin First Baptist Church. Each Boy Scout has different merit badges and service requirements to advance through to obtain a higher rank in the organization. Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class are three of the ranks a young Scout must pass through in order to advance to Star Scout, Life Scout and then the highest rank of Eagle Scout.  This past Saturday Channing Robeson was recognized for obtaining Eagle Scout. His parents, Kevin and Thelma Robeson were also honored at the Eagle Scout Ceremony. Before receiving this honor Channing had to complete a community service project. Channing created revitalization at the Dublin …..

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Volunteers package meals for the hungry

Kyle’s Farm in Harrells was a hub of activity on Saturday as more than 50 volunteers gathered to pack meals for Rise Against Hunger. The volunteers, who were from various churches and the community, packed 20,088 meals which will be shipped to areas around the world impacted by natural or environmental disasters or extreme poverty. Each meal bag contains a protein, dehydrated vegetables, rice, and a seasoning packet. Each meal bag is estimated to feed six people. As each set of 1,000 meals was completed a gong would sound and the Gym at Kyle’s Farm would erupt in cheers as the volunteers got closer to their goal. Rise Against Hunger is based …..

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Gardening on a Slope

By Helen Newling Lawson Many landscapes have at least some degree of slope. In certain situations, a slope can be a design asset, allowing you to create interesting features or place certain garden elements at eye level. But steep slopes can create mobility or erosion issues that sometimes require some type of landscaping solution. For walls higher than approximately 1 foot, UGA professor Paul Pugliese advises you seek the advice of a professional. But many slopes can be managed with simple, inexpensive approaches. Love the look of a rock garden? A slope can help make placed boulders look more natural, as if they have emerged through the hillside from natural …..

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This Week at NCDOT: Bike to School Day and Hurricane Preparedness Week

RALEIGH – The following are highlights from this week at the N.C. Department of Transportation. The stories below are also featured in NCDOT Now, the department’s weekly newscast. Bike to School Day This week, hundreds of students, parents, teachers and community leaders across North Carolina took part in Bike to School Day, with the statewide event taking place at South Smithfield Elementary School. This one-day event was part of a national effort to encourage more families to consider getting to school on bike or foot. More than 200 North Carolina schools registered to participate in Bike to School Day. Attendees were reminded about several important bicycle safety tips that all cyclists should …..

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Fundraiser planned for Memorial Day weekend

Contributed A Grilled Chicken Plate fundraiser for Ron Black is planned for Saturday, May 26th, at 11 a.m. at the Camp Clearwater Arcade at White Lake. Cost is $7 per plate.  There will also be a silent auction, door prizes and a 50-50 raffle. Black was diagnosed with prostrate cancer in 2017 and colon cancer in February. He has undergone two different surgeries and does not have medical insurance. Share:

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Volunteers improving Bladenboro

Contributed photos Bladenboro has Volunteers putting time in to make the Town more beautiful. Three people were photographed taking their free Thursday morning to plant shrubs down town. Share:

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Dead fish halt State alum application project at White Lake

UPDATE at 12-NOON on Tuesday, May 8th – At the Elizabethtown-White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Lunch White Lake Mayor, Goldston Womble released the following statement: White Lake has experienced algae blooms in recent years, and the Town of White Lake has been working to identify why the changes have occurred and what can be done to improve the health of this unique resource that is a critical part of our community and our regional economy. The Town has been working with lake scientists to understand the causes of the algae blooms as well as assessing the declines in the lake’s lifeblood – its groundwater source. The algae blooms are …..

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NC DOT

Watch for Me NC Encourages Drivers and Bicyclists to Be Safe and Considerate Road Users During Bicycle Safety Month

RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Transportation, through its Watch for Me NC program, is reminding drivers to “Make Room for Bikes” and bicyclists to take steps to be safe on the state’s roadways during Bicycle Safety Month. May is recognized as Bicycle Safety Month, both in North Carolina and nationally, as a time to celebrate the benefits of two-wheeled transportation. A variety of events are scheduled this month, including National Bike to School Day on May 9, National Bike to Work Week May 14-18, and National Bike to Work Day on May 18. As such, NCDOT expects more bicyclists to be on the roads, and take steps to make sure everyone stays safe. The  Watch for Me …..

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Superintendent Mark Johnson Kicks Off Teacher Appreciation Week with Initiatives Created in Response to the Needs of Educators

State Superintendent Mark Johnson got Teacher Appreciation Week off to a great start by announcing new initiatives guided by needs he has heard from educators on his statewide listening tour. In addition to transforming the state education agency to better support schools, reducing over-testing, and working for school calendars that fit local needs, Superintendent Johnson today announced new programs focused on providing better professional development. “Earlier this year, we were able to devote $200 worth of materials to each K-3 reading teacher,” said Superintendent Johnson. “For Teacher Appreciation Week, we are excited to announce initiatives that will support every teacher and show how much we appreciate them.” Superintendent Johnson announced …..

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Second year success to benefit ALS Association of North Carolina

By Charlotte Smith The second annual for Bladen County Aim for a Cure with Steven’s Stompers event is was held Saturday, May 5th, starting at 9:30 a.m. at Allen Brothers Hunting Preserve. Event organizers reported great attendance and success.  ALS stands for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The term “amyotrophic lateral sclerosis” comes from Greek. “Amyotrophic” means wasting or thinning of the muscle, or atrophy. “Lateral” refers to the location of the nerve cells that deteriorate in the spinal cord, on its far edge. When these nerve cells die, they leave a scar in the spinal cord that is referred to as “sclerosis.” Alex Daniel and Sandra Robbins organized the Aim for …..

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Thompson family reunion set for June 2

The descendant of Shade and Civil Thompson, and Jesse and Perci Boyett of Bladen County, will hold their family reunion on June 2, 2018, at the Shady Grove Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. The church is located at 10981 Twisted Hickory Road, Bladenboro. A covered dish meal will be served at 1 p.m. All descendants, family & friends are encouraged to attend and bring any photos you may have of family past and present. Anyone needing more information may contact Patricia Thompson Edge  at 910-876-7144 or Golda Thompson Moore at 336-972-6049. Share:

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School Family Fun Day to benefit Autism research and awareness

West Bladen High School announced their Dream Team, FFA and JROTC will be collaborating this year for their 1st Annual Family Fun Day. The event will start in the morning on Saturday, May 19th, at 8 a.m. with their traditional 5k run/walk and then fun activities will be offered through out the morning and early afternoon for individuals and families. There will be a dunk tank (need volunteers to take a dip!), kiddie tractor pull and many more activities. This year all proceeds will be donated towards Autism research and awareness. The school started pre-ordering t-shirts during lunch on Monday, April 30th and will continue until Friday. T-shirts will be $10 each. T-shirts …..

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Kelly Spring Festival draws crowd

By Erin Smith A bright, sunny sky greeted visitors to the Kelly Spring Festival on Saturday morning. The morning began with a parade which included political candidates, beauty queens, motorcycles, fire trucks and beautifully decorated floats. The highlight of the day was a performance by the North Tower Band of Raleigh. The North Tower Band sang such hit songs as Brown-eyed Girl and Mustang Sally.  A 50-50 raffle was held and there were also other prizes including a Yeti cooler, a Kelly Spring Festival T-shirt and two Thirty-one brand bags. Vendors for the day included jewelry, herbal teas, handmade dream catchers, and food.  Everyone enjoyed the warm afternoon listening to the band and …..

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Peony Power

By Tony Minstretta Peonies are one of the best perennial choices for a garden. The reason is simple: Peonies are hardy and extremely reliable. Once established these beauties are durable and low maintenance. Another admirable aspect of peonies is that, unlike some other perennials, the do not ramble. They come back reliably year after year with little care and produce huge flowers — even enough blooms for cut-flower bouquets. Peonies became popular in Europe in the 1780s after they were introduced from China and Japan, where they had been grown for thousands of years. In the 1800s peonies graced the gardens of Empress Josephine Bonaparte and Thomas Jefferson, who included …..

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Elizabethtown Christian Academy students competing

Elizabethtown Christian Academy participated in the North Carolina Science Olympiad held at Jack Britt High School on April 14. Hutchens Glenn and Witt Gooden placed 1st of 26 teams in Bottle Rocket competition. Sarah Cain and Eliza Waters place 6th of 26 teams in Science Sleuths. Caleb McGough and Jayden Dew place 10th out of 26 teams in Backyard Biologist. Rex Register and Tyler Griffin participated in Trajeggtory.  Elizabethtown Christian Academy students participated in the Bladen County Soil and Conservation Contest. First place winners in the county moved on to the Area 7 district competition. Thomas Nance, Thad Brisson, Chandler Bordeaux, Caleb McGough, and Hutchens Glenn also won the district …..

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Bladen County Animal Shelter Waives Fee for May Adoptathon

Bladen County Animal Shelter will be waiving the Adoption fees on all animals for the month of May. You will still be required to pay the $25-$30 dog and $15 cat vaccination fees. We also offer Micro-chipping for any animal adopted before it leaves the shelter for $15. May is Pet Adoptathon month and we hope that waiving the adoption fee will encourage more people to come out and adopt a shelter pet. The shelter will be open on Monday-Friday from 1-5:00 pm for adoptions. The shelter will be closed on Monday May 28th for the Holiday. These animals deserve a new loving home. So come on out and find …..

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Bladen County Opioid Task Force has busy week

By Charlotte Smith Governor Roy Cooper, along with other Governors and Mayors across the nation, have claimed this week as National Addiction Treatment Week. The Bladen County Opioid Task Force is rising to the call. The group continues to work together helping educate others about the issues opioids and similar drugs cause our communities. Local elected officials, law enforcement officers, County employees, some faith based members and other community service minded people gathered on Tuesday of this week to discuss how to gain more support, momentum, and treatment to help in the fight against drug abuse. Chairman of the group, and County Commissioner, Charles Ray Peterson lead the discussion. Sergeant Richard …..

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National Addiction Treatment Week recognized in North Carolina

12 Governors and 4 Mayors Declare April 23-29  National Addiction Treatment Week in their States and Cities The week, an initiative of American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) and its partners, generates awareness that addiction is a disease, evidence-based treatments are available, and more clinicians need to enter the field of addiction medicine in order to treat the nationwide epidemic. There has been a tremendous response to social media events, including a lively twitter chat with the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) about alcohol use disorder, and two informative webinars on “Improving Language and Coverage of Addiction” and “Pathways to the Addiction Medicine Subspecialty.” The second half of the week …..

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Cooperative Leadership Camp: Making a Difference

Each summer, the Council holds a week-long, overnight camp for youth, held at the NC FFA Center at White Lake, NC.   Open to rising high school sophomores, juniors and seniors, this camp features energetic and interactive workshops and presentations, outdoor recreation, leadership development, team building activities and small group sessions with an emphasis on how cooperatives operate.  Youth who attend are sure to have an exciting, memorable learning experience while making lasting friendships with youth from across the state.  Cooperative Leadership Camp is designed to provide an enjoyable learning experience for students, concentrating on: • The cooperative way of doing business in a free enterprise society • Developing leadership skills …..

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Advice on managing fertility in centipede grass

RALEIGH — Centipede is a popular, low-maintenance turf for lawns that is particularly adaptive to sandy soils in eastern North Carolina, as well as more clayey soils in the Piedmont region of the state. It requires infrequent mowing and little management compared to other warm-season grasses such as Bermuda or St. Augustine. With warm-season grasses now greening up, it is a good time to look at centipede from a fertility management perspective.  In general, centipede is a grass that performs best long-term with minimal fertilization. In many soils, phosphorus index levels (P-I) may already be high from prior fertilization. This may have occurred over time by over-application of phosphorus-rich fertilizers …..

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29th Annual Bladen We Care Byron Gooden Golf Tourney Held At Vineyard Golf

55 teams of golfers teed it up Thursday on a beautiful day to participate in the 29th Annual BWC Byron Gooden Golf Tournament. An A.M. tournament was held and a P.M. tournament was held. 27 teams played in the morning and 28 in the afternoon. The winners in the A.M. were: First Flight: 1st Place, Augustine (57), 2nd Place, Davis (59), 3rd Place, Camp Clearwater (59). Second Flight: 1st Place, ESL Tech/Musket (64), 2nd Place, John Clark (64), 3rd Place, Coastal Beverage (65). Third Flight: 1st Place, CAM2 (67), 2nd Place, S&D Coffee (67), 3rd Place, Altria (68). Woman’s Long Drive Contest was won by Pam Taylor. Men’s Long Drive Contest was …..

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Bladen County Veteran still serves

We salute our men and women in our armed forces. Bladen County has a lot of honorable service people. BladenOnline.com has started a new series called Bladen County Veteran’s Stories. The first video of the series is Bladen County Veterans’ Stories: Featuring Retired Lt. Commander Larry Hammond. In the video, Hammond gives our viewers a glimpse into a local Veteran’s service in the United States Coast Guard.  Hammond shares some of his service memories with BladenOnline.com in our newest video on YouTube. With a start from New Jersey, Hammond toured the globe assisting in many different efforts while serving his country. Some of his services included search and rescue missions, recruiting, and polar …..

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Lights, Camera, Action!

By Bob Byers Cut! If you can’t mentally picture a garden that inspires you, a script if you will, it’s important to search magazines, seek out gardens to visit when you travel, and look at photos of other gardens to find that perfect inspiration. Then you can get started. Include practical concerns like shade, soil, and moisture that will determine good plant choices. Once you have a good handle on those, what’s next? Begin with the basics: form, color, line and texture. Cut! What again? Yes, there’s something really important to consider. These characteristics apply to every single item in your garden and interact continuously with each other. Just like in …..

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Jefferson Weaver

The death of a newspaper

By Jefferson Weaver For 21 years, the Old Man wrote a column every year, saying goodbye to The Dunn Dispatch. Sometimes it made print, sometimes it didn’t. In 2001, he lay in his hospital bed, too weak to sit up. He asked me to carry on his tradition. I promised I would. Sometimes mine have made it to print, sometimes they haven’t, but I kept my promise to my father. I also made a promise to myself that day, about another column. Lord willing, you’ll read that one in a few days. Sometimes, silence is a comfort. Changes in my trade have forced a lot of evolution in the way we …..

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Bladen County Afghans offered at Cooperative Extension

By Erin Smith If you are in need of a gift for Mom for Mother’s Day look no further than Bladen County Cooperative Extension. They are offering afghans which depict various historical events and places from around Bladen County.  The afghans were started as a fundraiser for the Cooperative Extension office to meet some of its funding needs. LaToya Lucy, with Bladen County Cooperative Extension, said of the afghans, “It was a way to furnish extra money for programming support for Extension.”  Both she and Director Becky Spearman said the afghans have been a staple of Bladen County Cooperative Extension for a while.  The afghans cost $55 each and they can …..

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Tips to protect against sex trafficking after woman was approached in Fayetteville

By Charlotte Smith A video about an encounter at the Cross Creek Mall in Fayetteville is going viral as you read this article. The video is of a Facebook user, Adrienne Nichole Holland, detailing an experience she had this past Sunday, April 22nd, which left her and others puzzled and concerned. The video describes a unnerving situation in the Cumberland County shopping complex. Two women approached Holland as she and her four year old son went to the pretzel shop in the mall. “Have you heard about the prophecy, God the Mother?” the ladies asked Holland. One of the women appeared to be Asian in her late 20’s or early …..

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Duplin Winery Announces the Release of Sweet Rosé This May

ROSE HILL- Duplin Winery is jumping on the “Rosé All Day” train with its newest product addition, Sweet Rosé. Duplin Winery specializes in Muscadine wines, so naturally this sparkling wine is made with a secret blend of delicious Muscadine grapes. Duplin Winery’s last product debut was the release of Pelican Red in 2017. Since then, many dedicated minds have been working together to create the perfect blend of red and white muscadines for the Sweet Rosé and its finally here. Sweet Rosé will be available to all Duplin Winery fans starting Wednesday, May 2. The launch of Sweet Rosé will be celebrated with a ‘Pick-Up Party’ held from May 7-9 …..

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Thoughts While Shaving

Thoughts While Shaving

Ready for a new week?  It’s here and there is so much activity in the area. First, early elections continue at sites in Bladenboro, Dublin, East Arcadia & Elizabethtown.  Google Bladen County Board of Elections for exact locations and hours of operation.  The time varies for each location. Bladen We Care Golf Tournament will be held Thursday at The Vineyard, White Lake, NC.  Special Olympics is upcoming soon, White Lake Water Festival is less than a month away and more sponsors are needed.  Contact Dawn Maynard at the E-town-White Lake Chamber of Commerce.  I’m sure there are others.  Check our Events page for more. Rain is in the forecast, much needed rain …..

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Blackbeard’s Flag on NC Ferries

Those taking a ferry this summer at the Outer Banks will do so under the black flag of North Carolina’s most infamous pirate, Blackbeard. In partnership with the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, the flag will fly on ferries serving the Hatteras-Ocracoke, Cedar Island-Ocracoke, and Swan Quarter-Ocracoke ferry routes. The Pamlico River route between Bayview and Aurora will also hoist the flag, as both areas have historic ties to the 18th century pirates. The flags are part of a series of events taking place in observance of the 300th anniversary of Blackbeard’s death in 1718. Ferry tickets can be booked online today. For more information about NCDOT Now, contact the NCDOT …..

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Thoughts While Shaving

Thoughts While Shaving

Whew, Saturday has finally arrived. Sunny with highs in the mid 60s today. Did you see the headline: Amazon Prime has 100 million members. Wells Fargo bank slapped with a 1 $billion fine. National debt over $21 trillion!  Actually, with all the future obligations the debt is nearly $70 trillion. Millions, billions, trillions, what the heck, it’s just money.  Attitude seems to be, who cares?  The political party in power ignores, the minority power complains, then they switch roles.  Been that way for as long as I can remember. Enthusiastic crowd was ready for a party at the first of Bladen We Care’s annual fundraisers last night at The Venue, White Lake.  The Byron Gooden Memorial …..

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Bladen We Care Gala set for tonight

By Erin Smith The 29th annual Bladen We Care Gala will take place Friday, April 20th, 2018, at 7 p.m. at The Venue at White Lake. The theme for this year’s event is island casual. At the gala there will be a live auction and heavy hors d’oeuvres will be available. The Blackwater Rhythm and Blues Band, which is always a crowd favorite, will also perform. The Gala is sponsored by Smithfield.  All of the funds raised through its two main fund raisers, the Byron H. Gooden Golf Tournament and the Gala, remain in Bladen County to help Bladen County residents. Proceeds from the event are used to provide support for local residents …..

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Thoughts While Shaving

Thoughts While Shaving

High temp yesterday in the mid 80s and windy, overnight low in the low 40s.  Today’s high should be near 65 with sunny skies and northeast wind around 8 mph.  Highs for the next week in the upper 60s to lower 70s with a chance of rain Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Bladen We Care Gala/Dance tonight, 7-11 pm, at The Venue at White Lake.  Blackwater Rhythm & Blues will provide the music.  Proceeds benefit folks dealing with medical issues and limited resources. A reminder of the fundraiser at Center Roads Baptist Church to benefit Alvin Butler who lost his house and wife in a recent fire.  BBQ dinner, donations only, beginning at 11 a.m., lasting until. Timothy Peters …..

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Thoughts While Shaving

Thoughts While Shaving-April 18

Condolences to the Bush family.  Barbara Bush set standards for all to live by. One Stop voting begins tomorrow, April 19.  Check with Bladen County Board of Elections for more info. Bladen We Care annual Gala/Dance is set for Friday, 7-11 PM at The Venue, White Lake featuring Blackwater Rhythm & Blues Band.  A limited number of tickets still available, $50 per person. How about the stock market?  Two very good days as companies announce quarterly earnings. I love calling North Carolina home and happy to be back in Bladen County. Good visits Tuesday in DC at a couple of congressional offices, Rep. Rouzer and Jones.  Planned to visit a couple of more but confirmations came late …..

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May 19 5K Trail Run & Walk

White Oak Family Worship Center’s College and Careers Group is hosting a 5k Trail Run and Walk at Jones Lake State Park, on Saturday, May 19. Jones Lake State Park is located at 4117 NC-242, Elizabethtown, NC . Admission is $25. For more information and registration details go to: payit2.com/event/100198. Share:

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Both missing from Bladen County Found

According to Captain Larry Guyton with the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office, both missing persons from Bladen County this week have been found. Jesse Sgro went missing from Singletary Lake State Park was found in Singletary Lake by Duplin County Divers on Saturday afternoon. He did not survive. Alejandra Vazquez went missing from the West Bladenboro area this week.  Vanzquez was found safe and unharmed in Robeson County late Friday evening with her boyfriend.     Share:

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Apply Now for the NCDPI 2018 Student Leadership Institute  

In its seventh year, the institute, is designed to prepare students to take active roles in their schools and communities through service experiences that are aligned to the curriculum.  It is divided into three cohorts:  (1) rising fourth and fifth graders, (2) rising sixth through eighth graders, and (3) rising ninth through twelfth graders. Prospective participants register as a team of 4-6 students with at least one adult mentor from their school or district.   Selected teams will  receive: Team building experiences; Hands on, minds-on learning from experienced trainers in character and leadership development; Experiential learning experiences; Service-learning action-planning; Evening activities that are fun, reflective, and impactful; Tools and materials to support service-learning, …..

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Colorectal Cancer:  Screening and Diagnostic Colonoscopy Procedures available at Cape Fear Valley Bladen County Hospital

A screening colonoscopy, for testing for the presence of colorectal cancer or polyps, is a service performed at Bladen County Hospital on a person who has no symptoms of colon cancer.  In addition, individuals with symptoms like bloody stools, dark tar-like stools or changes in stool size and shape should have a diagnostic colonoscopy. According to statistics from the North Carolina Central Cancer Registry’s Cancer Profiles, cancer was the leading cause of death in North Carolina in 2015.  In 2014, 202 cancer cases were reported in Bladen County residents.  In 2015, eighty Bladen County citizens died from some form of cancer.  Of these deaths, 11 % were caused by colon …..

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Chamber gearing up for a busy spring and summer

By: Charlotte Smith The Elizabethtown-White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce has been busy this winter planning and preparing. After this month’s regular chamber luncheon members found out there is a lot happening in Bladen County and in North Carolina. The guest speaker at April’s lunch meeting was Lisa Crawford, Senior Advisor-Special Projects (REAL ID) with the Office of Commissioner, Division of Motor Vehicles. Crawford announced in detail about the new program NC Department of Transportation will be rolling out. The N.C. REAL ID is the name of the program. It will make it more convenient when you need to board a commercial airplane or visit a military base or other federal …..

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BCC student receives NC Space Grant Community College STEM Scholarship

DUBLIN – BCC welding student, Savannah Doyle Schmidt, has been awarded the North Carolina Space Grant Community College Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Scholarship. The Community College STEM Scholarship is based on academic merit and potential for successful matriculation into a 4-year degree program. It is the goal of the scholarship award to foster community college retention in STEM academic tracks through graduation or transfer to a four-year institution, to promote STEM career awareness and workplace skills while recognizing high academic achievement and promise, and to increase participation of all students, including underrepresented minorities, females, and students with disabilities, in STEM-related careers. In May of 2018, Schmidt will receive …..

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Isaac Keyshawn Monroe

East Bladen High School graduate, Isaac Keyshawn Monroe, passed away on Monday, April 9th from injuries sustained in a vehicle wreck on Airport Road in Elizabethtown. His funeral services are being provided by Johnson Funeral Home. In honor of the late 21 year old soccer player and his beloved family, Dublin First Baptist Church has created a funeral line for Monroe’s funeral expenses. Donations are being collected until Sunday, April 15 at the church and on the church’s website. All donations need to be earmarked for the Monroe funeral line. Below is the church’s information. Dublin First Baptist Church P.O. Box 187 Dublin, NC 28332 https://www.dublinfbc.org/give Related article: https://bladenonline.com/one-killed-in-monday-afternoon-wreck/ Share:

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Vendor registration open for the Got To Be NC Festival

The annual Got To Be NC Festival takes place May 18-20 at the N.C. State Fairgrounds in Raleigh. Got To Be NC members are invited to show, sample and sell your products in the 50,000-square-foot Exposition Center. This is your chance to join more than 100 other North Carolina food and beverage companies to promote your products to thousands of consumers. For booth and event information, including vendor rules, regulations and application, visit http://www.gottobenc.com/node/1542. The deadline to sign up is April 20. Applications with payment are required to secure your booth(s). For more information, contact Sherry Barefoot at Sherry.Barefoot@ncagar.gov or 919- 707-3154. The show is expected to sell out, so apply …..

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Education about snakes from Wildlife Officer

As the weather warms, snakes start moving. Jones Lake State Park Superintendent Shane Freeman held an educational presentation at the Elizabethtown Rotary Club about the reptiles.  Freeman gave many tips about signs indicating if a snake is venomous. However, his advice was if you see a snake, don’t panic. Leave it alone and walk away. A lot of snakes are completely harmless and, if given enough time, a snake will usually move out of the area on its own according to Freeman.  Most snakes, even venomous ones, are reluctant to bite because they use their energy or their venom to acquire food, and they don’t view humans as a food …..

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Clyde’s Caliente Cowboys from Buncombe Cook Their Way to Kentucky

The Caliente Cowboys and Cowgirl, a student culinary team from Clyde A. Erwin High School in Buncombe County, cooked their way to first place in the first-ever North Carolina Jr. Chef Competition, held Monday at Guilford Technical Community College. With their Hot Asheville Chicken with Farmers Market Salad, team members Jacob Boyd, Lane Worley and Haley Marlowe won top honors, a trophy and a ticket to Kentucky to represent North Carolina in the Southeast Jr. Chef Competition. Ashe County High School took second place with a recipe for Chicken Cheese Enchiladas. Topsail High School in Pender County took third place with a Tropical Chicken Wr For the North Carolina Jr. Chef Competition, Sullivan …..

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Dublin Resident Awarded Honors

Contributed Christopher McLaughlin 24 , Dublin resident and Honor Student at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, to be inducted into the Lambda Sigma National Honor Society on Saturday April 14th, 2018. Christopher has been named on the University’s Honor list and his induction into Lambda Sigma comes with the recognition of being in the top 25% of his class. This honor society was established on the UNCP campus in 2009.   The Lambda Sigma Honor Society is a national honor society for second year men and women dedicated to the purpose of fostering leadership, scholarship, fellowship, and the spirit of service among college students, and to promoting the interests of the …..

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Special Messages for Bladen County Moms

Mother’s Day is just around the corner and many of you are planning how to make Mom’s special day unique. We want to help our readers to celebrate their Moms for all of their love, support and dedication. BladenOnline.com will be publishing your special messages to your Mom from May 9th through May 16th. So now is your opportunity to let your Mom know just how much she means to you. Mother’s Day lines are $5 per 3 lines. If you would like to add a photo with your Mother’s Day sentiment it will be a total charge of $20. Our college intern, Tori Chestnutt, will be out in the community taking …..

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Missing person at Singletary Lake State Park in Bladen County

  There are about 75 people searching this morning for a missing man. According to Bradley Kinlaw, Bladen County Emergency Director, Jesse Sgro, a 23 year old male from Fayetteville, was noticed missing early Saturday morning from his camp group at Singletary Lake State Park. Emergency responders started searching for the man around lunch on yesterday. Currently there are about 75 people on site searching. The family is bringing a photo of Sgro to help with the search. Kinlaw said he will distribute the photo and more information as soon as it becomes available. If anyone has any information about Jessie Sgro’s whereabouts they are asked to call the 911 …..

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Some weekend events postponed due to weather

By Erin Smith Organizers for two events planned for this weekend have announced cancellations. Cara Osborne, co-facilitator for the Bladen County Chapter of the Autism Society, said the first annual Autism Awareness Festival scheduled for Saturday at the Elizabethtown Middle School has been cancelled. Osborne said organizers are hoping to announce a new date for the event soon. A second event, the Hope Abounds Relay for Life fundraiser, which was planned for Sunday afternoon at Cape Fear Vineyard and Winery in Elizabethtown, has been cancelled according to the event Facebook page.  No new date was announced. BladenOnline.com will have more announcements regarding postponements due to the weather as we receive …..

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A Canna Renaissance

By Garry McDonald Working on a university campus, I can’t help but notice the changing whims of fashion. Lately, the trend among young men is khaki walking shorts, polo shirts, and white crew socks and white sneakers: exactly what we wore on campus in the early 1980s. Like clothes, plants come into and fall out of fashion. Re-discovering old garden plants is usually the result of breeding improved cultivars or someone taking a fresh look at how plants can be used in the landscape. One such plant is canna. Canna is certainly not a new plant, being very popular in Victorian gardens and into the 20th-century. The original garden plant, …..

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Child Abuse Awareness event planned

By Erin Smith On Tuesday the Bladen County Board of Commissioners adopted a proclamation declaring the month of April as Child Abuse Awareness month. The members of the Bladen County Department of Social Services are planning their 9th annual Child Abuse Prevention event for Saturday, April 28, beginning at 12 noon at the Bladen County Courthouse lawn in Elizabethtown. The annual Child Abuse Awareness Walk will begin at the San Jose Parking lot at 12 noon and will travel down Broad Street and end on the front lawn of the Bladen County Courthouse. There will light refreshments, entertainment and parent information packets will be provided. The event will end with …..

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Events for Bladen Residents

By: Dora Brogdon This weekend will be a busy one for Bladen County residents with events scheduled for both Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday, the morning begins with the First Annual Autism Awareness Festival which will be taking place at the Elizabethtown Middle School Athletics Field. The festival will be held from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. and will include fun activities such as rock painting, vendors, information booths and, a 1K Fun Walk for the whole family to enjoy! In Bladenboro the Spring Fling will be taking place at the Bladenboro Farmers Market and from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. along with live entertainment at 1 p.m. BBQ sandwiches will be available for only $5 and …..

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3 Redneck Tenors to perform at Carolina Civic Center Historic Theater

The Carolina Civic Center  Historic Theater in downtown Lumberton, NC, presents “3 Redneck Tenors” 7pm Friday April 27. Tickets are $25 individual, $22 senior (65+) or military, $20 SRMC Privelages Plus members, $10 students.  Group rate is $17 for 10 or more tickets purchased at same time in advance. Go to www.carolinaciviccenter.com  for ticketing details and promo video. Conceived by friends and fellow performers Matthew Lord, Blake Davidson, and Johanthan Fruge, 3 Redneck Tenors is a fresh new take on the Three Tenors model. These classically-trained singers perform all styles of music from modern pop to opera, and everything in between. Trained at such prestigious institutions as the Julliard School of Music, and having performed …..

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Let’s Eat Out, But Where?

By Cheryl Thurston Ahhh, Spring has finally arrived, with sunny days and mild nights. I love it. It makes me want to walk right out of the kitchen and go eat out. I may be still working off those 10 extra winter pounds but I can’t let myself starve. I remember when March used to come in like a lion and go out like a lamb, but the thing that I remember most about this March was how similar it was to March of last year. You may recall that this February was unseasonably warm and then March had some cold snaps in it. Just like last year. I hope …..

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West Bladen King and Queen forfeit their crowns 

It is prom season and time for students to be crowned King and Queen of their student bodies. Two Bladen County students have shown great generosity during their reign. West Bladen High School’s new Queen Sage McDonald and King Grayson White were crowned on Friday, which was Prom night for the school. However, they were not the first choice. The student Knights originally voted Scott Bowen to be King and Alise Pait to be Queen, but the new royal pair had different plans. According to those in attendance, Bowen and Pait had big plans as their school’s reigning royalty. Many say Bowen and Pait set a fine example for all …..

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Second win for Paul R. Brown Leadership Academy

Contributed The Black/Jack unit from the Paul R. Brown Leadership Academy won its second National Society of Pershing Rifles Drill Championship.   The Cadets competed against 24 Pershing Rifles, Pershing Angels and BlackJacks units from all over the United States. 23 College drill teams were represented and one other high school made up this years competitive field.   The meet was held in Concord NC on the Infield of the Charlotte Motor Speedway.   The Cadets competed in six events.  They won third place in Regulation Platoon commanded by Passion Graham, Three first place trophies in Regulation Squad Armed commanded by Josclynn Coleman, Collor Guard commanded by Brittany McMillan and Platoon Exhibition Armed …..

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Bladen County Pet of the Week: Rango

By: Dora Brogdon This week a 2 to 3 year old male hound by the name of Rango has been chosen. This handsome guy is very friendly and has a ton of energy! He’s very playful and would be the perfect family dog for that perfect family! The cost to adopt a dog is $50 and $40 to adopt a cat which includes the animal’s first required shots. The adoption hours are Monday to Friday at noon until 5 p.m. Donations of dog food, treats, toys, and cat litter are accepted by the shelter. Bladen County Animal Shelter is located at 506 Smith Circle in Elizabethtown. For more information or …..

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Bladen County Master Gardeners to conduct plant sales

The Bladen County Master Gardener Volunteers will be having their Annual Plant Sale on Saturday, April 28, and again on Saturday, May 5, at the Cape Fear Farmers Market in Elizabethtown, from 8 a.m. until  1 p.m. each day. A huge variety of North Carolina grown trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals and tomatoes will be available at reasonable prices. This is the only fund raiser the Master Gardeners have to sponsor two $500 scholarships for college bound students with a focus in agriculture and to promote the Bladen County Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Volunteer program. Share:

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Bladen Students join club to serve community

Kiwanis’s Club of Elizabethtown welcomed new Key Club members from East Bladen at a ceremony on Tuesday, March 20 at the Cape Fear Farmer’s Market. Key Club is the oldest and largest service program for high school students. It is a student-led organization that teaches leadership through service to others. Members of the Kiwanis International family and Key Club members build themselves as they build their schools and communities. Kiwanis Club President, Jeff Futrell welcomed everyone and spoke about both the Kiwanis’s Club and the Key Club serve the communities. Secretary of the Kiwanis Club, Dr. Lisa Bryan led the new members in the club’s pledge. Each new member in …..

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Bladen County Relay for Life scheduled for May 4

The annual Relay For Life of Bladen County event will take place on Friday, May 4, 2018, at Elizabethtown Middle School located at 1496 US Hwy. 701 South, Elizabethtown, from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. There will be plenty for everyone to see and do! The 2018 Bladen County Relay for Life theme is “Rainbow of Colors.” We’re expecting you to help us fight this disease called Cancer while giving hope to all it touches. Share:

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BBQ Benefit for Alvin Butler

There will be a BBQ benefit for Alvin Butler planned for Saturday, April 21st, at the Center Road Church Fellowship Hall. Plates will cost a donation and proceeds will got to assist Mr. Butler in rebuilding his house or purchasing a mobile home. This fundraiser will be a joint effort between Pleasant Grove Independent Church, Center Road Baptist Church, and the Bladenboro Benefit Committee. Share:

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Autism Awareness event planned for April 2nd

Gibbs Helping Hands an organization which helps to build awareness for Autism will be having an event on Monday, April 2nd, at the Family Lewis Building in Elizabethtown, NC on Martin Luther King drive at 2 p.m. All drinks and food are free. We will have games, an Easter Egg hunt and other fun, exciting games and events planned. Everyone is encouraged to come out and support us, donations are welcomed. You can visit Gibbs Helping Hands on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/pg/GibbsHelpingHands/about/ Share:

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