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Category Posts : Local News

Ribbon cutting announced

By Erin Smith The town of Elizabethtown is growing by yet another new business. A ribbon cutting and Grand Opening celebration are planned for Do Right Carpet and Flooring located at 210 Peanut Road in Elizabethtown. The celebration is scheduled for Tuesday, September 26, from 3 until 5 p.m. Do Right Carpet and Flooring specializes in all types of flooring to meet your needs. Everyone is invited to attend the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting. Share:

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BCC welcomes climate change expert to campus

DUBLIN – Bladen Community College will host a presentation by University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) Emeritus Professor Dr. Robert Miller about the science of climate change in North Carolina. The event is scheduled for Thursday, October 5, at 11 a.m., in the Student Resource Center (building 7) on the Dublin campus. Miller has published numerous papers in professional and scientific journals and is the author of the book Urban Forestry: Planning and Managing Urban Greenspaces. He earned bachelor and master’s degrees in Forestry from West Virginia University and a Ph.D. in Forestry from the University of Massachusetts.  This presentation focuses on the science behind climate change, beginning with the earliest warning …..

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Golden Leaf Scholarship recipients announced for Bladen Community College

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

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East Bladen High School homecoming parade

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

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Woman sentenced to probation in child drowning

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

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Bladen County Headlines... 35 Years Ago

Bladen County Headlines…35 Years Ago

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

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Thoughts While Shaving

Thoughts While Shaving

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

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This Day In History

This Day in History for September 25

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

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Thoughts While Shaving

Thoughts While Shaving

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

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This Day In History

This Day in History for September 24

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

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

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

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All Eyes on Hurricane Maria

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

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Elizabethtown Fire Department Receives Medium Rescue Certification

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

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Kiwanis Club passes pencils to all Bladen County students

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

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

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

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Thoughts While Shaving

Thoughts While Shaving

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

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Cape Fear Propane says, “Thank You!”

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

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This Day In History

This Day in History for September 23

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

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

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

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State Highway Patrol Graduates 23 New Troopers

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

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Bladen County road construction updates

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

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

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

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

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

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Fun Friday Bladen Beauty Tips

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

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Sandra Cain

For Better Living: Pick a Pear

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

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

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

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Upcoming Events

Events for Bladen County Residents

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

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Rotarians learn about Vocational Rehabilitation

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

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Thoughts While Shaving

Thoughts While Shaving

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

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Single vehicle crash claims life of one

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

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Youth Ambassadors program teaches leadership skills to teens

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

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Chemours to supply bottled water to homeowners after positive preliminary tests

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

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Today is World Peace Day

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

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Bankers offer tips for those dealing with Equifax breach

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

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Bladen County to benefit from Crime Commission grants

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

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

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

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Thoughts While Shaving

Thoughts While Shaving

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

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Farmers say fall harvest is looking good

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

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UNCF Reception for Bladen Honorees

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

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Eastpointe Board learns about Compliance Monitoring

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

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Bladen Community College hosts diversity speaker

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

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Thoughts While Shaving

Thoughts While Shaving

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

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Bradley Kinlaw

Bladen County hurricane victims put on hold

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

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

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

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

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

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Bladen County Emergency Responders announce training

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

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Superintendent Pitches School Construction/Consolidation plan to Bladen County Commissioners

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

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Boil Water Advisory for Forest Hills area rescinded

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

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Thoughts While Shaving

Thoughts While Shaving

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

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

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

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Bladen County Special Olympics invited to invitational Bocce competition

The Bladen County Special Olympics has been invited to participate in an invitational in New Hanover County on Sunday, October 8th, in the sport of Bocce. Any athletes, child and adult, who are  interested in participating, must contact Shayla Yancey by Friday, September 22, 2017. The Bocce invitational will take place at Legion Stadium in Wilmington. Check-in for the event is from 9 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. and warm ups start at 9:30 a.m and the competition will begin at 10 a.m. Lunch will be provided for all coaches, volunteers and athletes. If anyone is interested in participating or volunteering, contact Shayla Yancey so arrangements can be made for transportation, …..

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Clarkton School of Discovery is ‘Boasting the B!’

By Erin Smith The team of teachers, staff and students at Clarkton School of Discovery are celebrating a B grade on their school report card. “We are ‘Boasting the B’,” said Clarkton School of Discovery Principal Stephanie Norris. She said being located in rural North Carolina and being able to achieve a B grade is a testament to the dedication of her faculty, staff, students and parents working together. She said the growth composite score, which measures how much a student grows academically from the beginning of a school year to the end of the school year, was the deciding factor. The school exceeded growth with a growth index of …..

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Thoughts While Shaving

Thoughts While Shaving

It is a wonderful time of the year!!!! Boiled peanuts are all around and very good.  Should soon begin to see huge trailers, loaded with peanuts headed to market.  Observers indicate a great crop this year. Falcons held on in late NFL action last night to win 34-23.  Earlier in the day, Carolina Panthers  defeated the Buffalo Bills 9-3 in a defensive struggle.  A win is a win, but. Another rock-solid week for BladenOnline for week of September 10-16, 2017. Page Views: 110,231 Visits: 19,970 A week earlier: Page Views: 106,445 Visits: 18,675 BladenOnline is also available on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Most Read Stories: 4,647: Man exits vehicle during road …..

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Middle School Volleyball Bladenboro 2, Elizabethtown 0

Photos by: East Arcadia EAST ARCADIA – Bladenboro defeated Elizabethtown 2-0 Thursday in the Bladen Five Middle School Conference volleyball opener for both teams. Bladenboro won the first set 25-14 then edged the Lady Cougars 27-25 in the second set. “It was a good game for both teams,” said Lady Bulldog Coach Jessica Rhodes. Share:

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Thoughts While Shaving

Thoughts While Shaving

The 25th Annual Dublin Peanut Festival has come and gone.  Organizers confirmed it is likely to be the last.  Why?  Same crew year after year and they are growing older.  The committee will continue with other activities, ex. oyster roast-fish fry and pageant.  Proceeds are shared with worthy non-profits countywide who serve others. Fall arrives next Friday! My mind wonders back to yesteryear, when we pulled peanuts, stacked them in the field to dry before being transported to market. Cotton was picked by hand, corn was harvested and loaded on a wagon pulled by a mule or horse and stored in a pack house, few tractors, none at our house…..back-breaking work.  …..

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International young educator has Bladen ties

Contributed When it comes to Halle Jordan Stanley, the apple does not fall far from the tree.  Halle is the 16 year old daughter of the late Mr. Joseph Stanley, of All Tied Up Clothing Store in downtown Whiteville, and Dr. Jennifer Smith, an International Education Leader and Superintendent, from Clarkton. At the young age of 16, Halle has already experienced a life that most people can only dream about.  Due to her mother’s career internationally, she has gained the opportunity to live abroad and attend private international schools in four different countries and continents:  Seoul, South Korea; Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Africa, and Germany.    Halle has always …..

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Boil Advisory from the Town of Elizabethtown

Boil Water Precautionary Advisory for the area(s): Forest Hills Neighborhood Including Singletary, Jessup, Keith, Clark, Johnson, Robbins, First, Second, Third, Tanglewood, & Some of W. Broad St. The water customers of the Town Of Elizabethtown in the above described area and those within close proximity may be experiencing periods of low pressure and/or outages in the distribution system due to a water main break. The Town of Elizabethtown is presently working to correct the problem in the fastest and most efficient manner. Periods of low or no pressure in the distribution system increases the potential for back siphonage and introduction of bacteria into the water system. Therefore, the Town Of …..

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The end of the Dublin Peanut Festival

Photos by Jeff Owen: https://flic.kr/s/aHsm2XqoYb By: Charlotte Smith The 25th Annual Dublin Peanut Festival may be the last. The roads were overflowing with people in the local Bladen County town which was great, but organizers confirmed rumblings of this being the festival’s final year.  James Hopkins brought his whole family to the parade from Grays Creek for the first time. He said, “This is awesome. I’ve never seen anything like this in my whole life.” Dublin Peanut Festival Committee member, Mrs. Bobbie Todd explained the benefits to the community of the festival. The nonprofit donates money every year to the Dublin Dixie Youth , Bladen We Care, Boy Scout Troop …..

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Thoughts While Shaving

Thoughts While Shaving

Dublin Peanut Festival kicks off with a parade at 10 AM today….Fun, food and a good time, all day long. East Bladen High School football team (3-1) suffered their 1st loss of the year Friday night, losing to South Columbus 14-13 in a battle of the 2 top teams in the conference.  The Stallions should be favorites for the conference title, East Bladen will need help.  Still lots of high school football remaining this year. West Bladen evened up their record at 2-2 losing to Red Springs 27-14. Next Friday night, Eagles at Red Springs, Knights host East Columbus. John Clark captures all the action in both games in our Sports section. …..

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You Decide: What Are The Good And Bad In Today’s Economy?

By Dr. Mike Walden Although my late mother never finished high school, she still was a wise person. One of her favorite sayings was, there’s two sides to every story. Of course when I tried to use this logic after I disobeyed one of her rules, she would reply – there are exceptions! I’m frequently reminded of my Mom’s advice when I give presentations about the economy around the state. Attendees often challenge me on whether the economy is doing well or not. I look forward to these discussions because they allow me to elaborate and give more “sides” – good and bad – to the economic story. In this …..

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Bladen County Road openings and closings

OPENINGS: N/A   CLOSINGS:   SR 1709 (Coley Road) SR 1709 (Coley Road) is closed in order to replace the bridge over Hammonds Creek.  The bridge replacement project will take until late November / early December.  A signed detour will be in effect to use SR 1704 (Airport Road) / SR 1713 (White Plains Church Road) / SR 1719 (Vause Road) / SR 1708 (Rosindale Road)   UPCOMING CLOSINGS:   US 701 Bypass in Clarkton The closure of US 701 Bypass at the railroad tracks in Clarkton will be postponed until October 2, 2017.  The railroad plans to install an upgraded crossing at the location.    SR 1122 (Cabbage Road) Beginning Monday, September …..

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Board of Elections meeting gets contentious over poll workers

Video by Gordon Kinlaw Article by Erin Smith Discussions of how to proceed with the selection of Chief Judges, Judges and Poll Workers for the upcoming November election cycle became contentious on Thursday afternoon. The meeting was conducted at the Bladen County Board of Elections office in Elizabethtown. Under Actions and Plans, the board was presented a proposed list of names for consideration to be appointed as Chief Judges, Judges and Poll Workers from Bladen County Democratic Party Chairman Ben Snyder . Bladen County Board of Elections Director Cynthia Shaw also gave the board the list of judges and poll workers from the Nov. 8, 2016, General Election to review. She presented …..

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N.C. August 2017 Unemployment Figures

North Carolina’s August Employment Figures Released RALEIGH — The state’s seasonally adjusted August unemployment rate was 4.1 percent, remaining unchanged from July’s revised rate. The national rate increased 0.1 of a percentage point to 4.4 percent. North Carolina’s August 2017 unemployment rate decreased 0.9 of a percentage point from a year ago. The number of people employed increased 2,496 over the month to 4,702,213 and increased 69,738 over the year. The number of people unemployed decreased 347 over the month to 200,200 and decreased 42,910 over the year. Seasonally adjusted Total Nonfarm industry employment, as gathered through the monthly establishment survey, increased 8,400 to 4,423,000 in August. The major industries …..

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Residents say “no” to proposed Black River State Park

By Erin Smith A large crowd of concerned Bladen County residents gathered at the Bladen County Public Library in Elizabethtown on Thursday evening for an Open House in order to learn more about the proposed Black River State Park.  “No park,” was the mantra from most who attended. The Open House was an informal gathering designed to allow residents to learn more about the proposed state park and to ask questions as well as voice concerns. Dave Head, who is the Planning Program Manager for the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation, said, “The legislature said to do a feasibility study whether or not this should be a park.” He said …..

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Thoughts While Shaving

Thoughts While Shaving

Final NFL score Thursday evening: Houston Texans 13 – Cincinnati Bengals 9.  Unless there is much improvement by both teams, Texan and Bengals fans need not worry about a trip to the Super Bowl this season. Dublin Peanut Festival tomorrow (Saturday), all day long at Dublin School. Mark your calendar for Saturday, October 14.  NC Grape Festival at Lu Mil Vineyard….Grape Stompin’, Blackwater Rhythm @ Blues Band.  U Pick Grapes NOW.  Check their website for details. High School football tonight.  Both Bladen County teams in conference action.  South Columbus at East Bladen and West Bladen at Red Springs.  Gametime for both 7 PM. Discharge by The Chemours Company into the Cape Fear River is …..

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Officials answer questions about GenX well water testing

By Erin Smith Residents and area leaders gathered at the St. Pauls Middle School to learn more about the residential well testing for the presence of the chemical GenX. Testing is set to begin Friday, September 15th. Representatives from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services were on hand to answer residents’ questions. A relatively small crowd attended the event held in the school’s auditorium. Information was provided regarding the ongoing investigation into the the chemical compound and the latest on the well sampling tests conducted on groundwater testing wells on the Chemours property. As a result of those tests, …..

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Bladen County Citizens warned: Equifax data breached

WORRIED YOU MAY BE ONE OF THE MILLIONS OF CONSUMERS AFFECTED BY THE EQUIFAX DATA BREACH? As you may have read by now, data giant Equifax has suffered a massive security breach. Hackers accessed private information (including Social Security numbers, dates of birth, etc.) about 143 million Americans. The company collects data and financial information and it may hold information about you even if you’ve never dealt directly with them. Check here to see if your data has been compromised in this breach. (Click “Potential Impact”)   Even if your data hasn’t been compromised, we strongly urge you to consider freezing access to your credit. A security freeze (also known as a …..

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Man exits vehicle during road check in Bladen County

By Erin Smith On Wednesday night a passenger in a car undergoing a road check by the North Carolina Highway Patrol exited the vehicle and walked away. The  traffic check was conducted at the intersection of Marsh Road and NC 41. According to the Highway Patrol the man remained at large on Thursday afternoon.  Trooper G. White explained that after obtaining information from the vehicle’s occupants he sat down in his patrol vehicle and then the passenger fled from the scene. “When I walked back to the car he was gone,” said Trooper White.  The vehicle was stopped for a seat belt violation, according to Trooper White. It was learned …..

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Elizabethtown Rotary Club learns about Cooperative Extension

Contributed The North Carolina Cooperative Extension Office offers so much more than just a place to bring your soil samples. Horticulturist Nancy Olsen spoke to the Elizabethtown Rotary Club during their luncheon meeting on Wednesday about the various programs and services offered by Cooperative Extension.  Olsen said the Cooperative Extension Service was begun with the adoption of the Hatch Act in 1887 which established experiment stations. She explained there are also two land grant colleges in the state which are North Carolina A & T State University and North Carolina State University.  Some of the goals of Cooperative Extension include enhancing agricultural, forest and food systems; strengthening and sustaining families; developing …..

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Star Communications talks commercials, videos

By Erin Smith Members of the Elizabethtown-White Lake Chamber of Commerce learned about making commercials and marketing their business thanks to Star Communications, who was also the spotlighted business. Dickie Walters and Chris Heuer with Star Communications explained how commercials are made using digital technology to simulate a home on fire, an accident and more. They also briefly discussed various services offered by Star Communications such as internet, television, security services, cell phone services, and telephone services. “Telephone is changing day in and day out. Most people are going away from the regular phone lines at their residence and we started saying what can we do differently? The advent of …..

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Thoughts While Shaving

Opinion: Thoughts While Shaving

Dublin Peanut Festival is this weekend. Good food and fun and the proceeds assist worthy causes in the area. Begins Saturday with a 10 a.m. parade. The Bladen County Educational Foundation, a non-profit corporation organized and existing to provide financial help for the public schools and educators of Bladen County, will hold its annual meeting on Tuesday, September 19, at 5:30 p.m. in the public meeting room of the Bladen County Board of Education on US Highway 701, south of Elizabethtown. Should last about an hour and interested individuals are invited to attend. New officers are expected to be elected and plans for upcoming fund-raising efforts will be discussed. Would you pay $1,000 or more …..

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Public Meeting

Bladen County Educational Foundation to meet

The Bladen County Educational Foundation, a non-profit corporation organized and existing to provide financial help for the public schools and educators of Bladen County, will hold its annual meeting on Tuesday, September 19, 2017, at 5:30 p.m. in the public meeting room of the Bladen County Board of Education on US Highway 701 South, in Elizabethtown. This is an important meeting and all members and interested parties are urged to attend. Your presence at this meeting will be greatly appreciated and certainly needed, as we will attempt to elect new Officers and members of the Board of Directors, and will discuss plans for upcoming fund raising events. The meeting should …..

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Meeting for well testing for Bladen and Cumberland residents Thursday

By Erin Smith Officials with the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality and the Department of Health and Human Services will conduct a meeting Thursday, September 14, at 6 p.m. to discuss the planned testing of private wells near the Chemours Fayetteville Works plant in Bladen County. The information session will take place at St. Pauls Middle School located at 526 West Shaw Street, St. Pauls. The information session will give residents the opportunity to ask questions and to sign up to have their wells tested. Last week it was learned that groundwater test wells located on the property of the Chemours plant were found to be contaminated with GenX. …..

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Walking the Mountains to Sea Trail in Bladen County

Photos Courtesy Friends of the Mountains to the Sea Trail By Erin Smith A beautiful crisp Saturday morning saw walkers take to the Mountains-to-Sea In a Day event in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the trail’s founding. The North Carolina Mountains-to-Sea Trail does have a section running through Bladen County. Carl deAndrade, owner of White Lake Marine, helped to organize the walkers for the Bladen County section of the trail known as Segment 13b. The segment runs from Suggs Mill Pond Gameland to Singletary Lake State Park.  “Statewide they hiked the entire trail 1,175 miles and there were 1,600 participants. Here in our section, our section of the trail …..

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Division on Aging offers newsletter for Bladen County Seniors

By Erin Smith The Bladen County Division on Aging has many exciting programs and trips planned for this Fall.  This month, the agency debuted their first edition of the agency newsletter which will keep Seniors in Bladen County abreast of all of the activities taking place throughout the month.  The newsletter is free and is published by Liturgical Publications of Ohio, said Carol Mitchell of the Division on Aging. She said she learned about the company while attending a conference recently. “The company representative came out to the Division on Aging and met with me and I filled out a questionnaire for vendors,” said Mitchell. She said the advertisers are what …..

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Reward offered for missing Robeson County woman

A reward in the amount of $1,000 is being offered for the safe return of a missing Robeson County woman. Abby Lynn Patterson has been missing from Lumberton since 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 5, 2017. She is believed to be in danger. If you have seen her, please call the Lumberton Police Department at 910-671-3846 or call 911. Share:

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The Times, The Towns, The Tales: Home is where your heart is

By Tonya Bockover For Elizabethtown resident Billie Hardee, Kelly, North Carolina, will always be home. Born October 1922, Ms. Hardee spoke fondly of her quiet little community. “We had a ball field, a school and we had floods,” said Ms. Hardee. She remembers the flood of 1945 very vividly. On September 15th of that year, the Homestead Hurricane fell upon Southern Florida. The remnants of this hurricane reached North Carolina three days later bringing with it flash flooding along the Cape Rear River. Ms. Hardee recalled her father, Mr. Potter, lugging mattresses to the second floor of the old brick Kelly school house where flood victims took refuge. The majority …..

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Thoughts While Shaving

Thoughts While Shaving

We missed another couple of hurricanes, Irma and Jose. At the Hester household, had a total of 2.3 inches of rainfall from the remnants of Irma. Politico is reporting that House Speaker Paul Ryan is meeting today with top Democrats to discuss legislative options to protect Dreamers. Dreamers, debt ceiling, healthcare, budget, overhaul of tax system, busy time inside the DC beltline.  Read some place where members of Congress were to arrive late Tuesday to begin work and were leaving Thursday.  My kind of work week, pay not bad and pretty good benefits.  Wonder who sets their work schedule? Hardly a sound locally about municipal elections!  Less than 8 weeks ’til election day …..

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Five CTE teachers recognized by Bladen Board of Education

By Bethany Stephens The Board of Education met this Tuesday for their monthly session where they recognized five Career and Technical Education teachers and their classes for earning 100 percent proficiency. Mitchell Newkirk of East Bladen High School, Brandy Wilkins of East Bladen High School, Debra Kinlaw of West Bladen High School, Gail Marsh of West Bladen High School, and Mary Todd of West Bladen High School all had classes that earned the 100 percent proficiency rating. Additionally, Cedric Matthis, a now retired teacher from East Bladen, had a class that also earned the recognition. In related news, Bridget White, Instructional Management Coordinator for the CTE Program, later presented the …..

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White Lake Multi-Use Path Project Set to Begin

By Joy Warren The Town of White Lake Board of Commissioners met in regular session Tuesday evening. The Town is ready to begin the first phase of the Multi-Use Path by approving a contract with The Wooten Company for $68,400 to provide professional services for the construction of the multi-use path. The services will include the design, permitting, bidding and construction phase services of a 10-foot-wide, asphalt surfaced multi-use path approximately 10,000 feet in length. The Board also heard and accepted a proposal from Eddie Madden, grant coordinator with the project, for management and grant reporting services that he will provide. His monthly fee will be $1,000. The project is …..

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Bladen County conducts opioid forum

By Erin Smith Opioid addiction is claiming more and more lives each day. Elected officials, members of law enforcement, EMS, Bladen County Schools staff and faculty, Bladen Community College staff, business leaders, Bladen County commissioners, members of the judicial system, and members of the community gathered at Bladen Community College to discuss the opioid epidemic. The forum featured sobering statistics as well as information on access to care for substance abuse. David Howard, director of Bladen County Health and Human Services, said that in 2005 there were no deaths in Bladen County related to opioid use. In 2015, Bladen County had 15 deaths due to overdoses. Howard said people lose …..

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NC Theological Seminary of Bladen County Open House

By Erin Smith   NC Theological Seminary conducted an Open House recently at Baldwin Branch Missionary Baptist Church. The Open House was a time to introduce new and prospective students to the seminary which has been serving Bladen County for four years, according to Baldwin Branch Missionary Baptist Church Pastor Rev. Louie Boykin. The school is certified through the North Carolina Board of Governors, which certifies all colleges, and is accredited by the Transworld Accrediting Commission International. The Rev. Boykin serves as President and his wife, Katrina Boykin serves as Vice-President of the school, which is a satellite campus of the North Carolina Theological Seminary. Students have the option to …..

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Jenna Lee new to BladenOnline

BladenOnline.com is growing and we want to help our customers do the same. Advertising and marketing is very important to any business. Our advertisers help BladenOnline.com to provide a free news source to our visitors. Currently our digital media outlet receives over 40,000 unique users between our website, social media accounts, our mobile app and our YouTube Channel. All this traffic is great and more business owners need to be aware of the advertising opportunities available to them through BladenOnline.com. Charlotte Smith, owner of BladenOnline.com has handled the sales of the advertising in the past. However, with the growing business more staff is needed to meet the needs of our readers …..

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Elizabethtown officials help prepare citizens for hurricane season

By: Charlotte Smith Hurricane Irma has been tearing through the United States after crushing the caribbean islands. Last week the historic storm was predicted to hit North Carolina hard. Gov. Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency for NC. Some residents of the Mother County stated their concerns about the potential damager of the storm. Elizabethtown officials along with Bladen County Emergency responders helped educate citizens on how to prepare for hurricanes by passing out a hurricane checklist. Even though, Hurricane Irma did turn more to the west of the US, Bladen County has received rains and winds from its remnants. Schools have been closed and delayed Monday, September 11th …..

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Thoughts While Shaving

Thoughts While Shaving

Bladen County Public Schools will be operating on a 2 hour delay today, based on info received from Valerie Newton, Public Relations and Information Officer.  Reason for the delay is weather, caused by remnants of Hurricane Irma. Emereau, Bladen County local charter school will be closed today, no info on other educational institutions in the area. Elizabethtown-White Lake Chamber meeting at 12 noon today at Cape Fear Farmers Market.  Dickie Walters and Chris Heuer of Star Communications will be the sharing many opportunities and services of the company they represent.  All are welcome. Dublin Peanut Festival is set for Saturday at Dublin School Beast of Bladenboro Festival upcoming later part …..

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Bladenboro Board vetoes personnel policy change

By Erin Smith The Bladenboro Town Board met on Monday night and voted to leave the career ladder plan and requirements unchanged. The board had considered amending the policy to add language that would allow the town to hire someone who has not completed their GED or high school education. Bladenboro Town Commissioner Gene Norton suggested the town leave the policy as it is. “We don’t want to encourage young people to quit school to go to work,” said Norton. Commissioner Jeff Atkinson noted the current policy specifies one must have a GED or high school diploma to be considered for full-time employment. Town Administrator John O’Daniel told the board …..

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August Lottery Winners In Bladen County

Staff report August was certainly one of the slowest months for lottery winners in Bladen County. The winners were: $1,000 Winners: Jiovana Concepion, Tasha Melvin, Tony Cooper, Raymond Lee. $5,000 Winner: Mike Melvin. Share:

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We Won’t Forget 

By Erin Smith Flags flew at half mast on Monday in Bladen County in recognition of Patriot’s Day. This day has been set aside to remember the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack. In the attack, more than 3,000 people were killed in the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center in NYC, at the Pentagon building in Washington, D.C., and in a plane crash near Shanksville, PA. Also, 400 police officers and firefighters lost their lives on that fateful day. Patriot Day was set aside as a national day of service and remembrance for those that lost their lives when then-President George Bush signed a resolution on …..

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Bladen Charge opens their hearts to Hurricane Matthew victims in Lumberton 

Almost one year later, there are victims of Hurricane Matthew who still remain housed in hotels or other forms of temporary housing. The Bladen Charge held their Revival called Love Out Loud this past weekend. Besides a time of coming together in worship, the churches of the Bladen Charge performed service projects during the weekend. Bladen Charge Pastor Brock Meyer said, “We are a community desiring to actually Live Out Loud. It was on our heart to serve our community and serve the community surrounding us who are hurting.” The scriptural basis for the event was Mark 10:42-45 which reads: “ Jesus called them together and said, “You know that …..

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TEAS preparatory session to be held at BladenCommunity College

Bladen Community College is offering preparatory sections for potential BCC nursing students who will take the Test of Essential Academic Skills  (TEAS). The test consists of English, reading, math, and science sections. There are 20 free sessions beginning Monday, September 11, 2017 and ending January 25, 2018. Students will have opportunities to ask questions, acquire test-taking skills, refresh their memories about fundamental concepts, and practice taking the test. All potential BCC nursing students are encouraged to attend the TEAS preparatory sessions in building 3, room 102. Sessions are Mondays and Thursdays from 12 noon until 1:30 p.m. and Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 1 until 2:30 p.m. For more information, contact Director of Nursing Sharron Thomas at 910 …..

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NC DOT

NCDOT Reminds Drone Hobbyists: No Drones in Disaster Zones

RALEIGH – As Hurricane Irma approaches, the N.C. Department of Transportation’s Division of Aviation is urging drone hobbyists not to fly while disaster relief and response efforts are ongoing. While licensed and well-trained professional drone operators can be a huge help in disaster response efforts, hobbyists get in the way more often than not. In a number of recent natural disasters, including wildfires in the western U.S., recreational drone users flying without authorization have forced emergency responders to cease operations out of concern for the safety of their crews. During and after a disaster, the Federal Aviation Administration often imposes temporary flight restrictions over affected areas.  Drone users should always check the FAA …..

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Board of Education meeting postponed

The regular monthly meeting of the Bladen County Board of Education scheduled for tonight (Monday, September 11, 2017) is being moved to Tuesday, September 12th, beginning at 6 p.m. at the board of education administration building. Share:

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Allison Fisher: An Evening with a Champion

The most accomplished female in the history of cue sports, Allison Fisher will be appearing in the Gallery Ballroom at Cape Fear Winery for An Evening with A Champion on September 30th. The Show includes dinner, her empowering story, trick shot exhibition, Q&A, challenge matches, and special guests 12-year-old Joey Tate and 14-year-old Joshua Shultz. The Cape Fear Winery is located at 195 Vineyard Drive in Elizabethtown, NC. Tickets are on sale now at www.corkroomdining.com You can learn more on this event at Allison’s Facebook Page or  on YouTube check out Allison’s Highlight Reel and the promo video for the event! Cape Fear Winery, located between Fayetteville, NC and Wilmington, NC …..

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Thoughts While Shaving

Thoughts While Shaving

Bladen County Schools will be closed for students today (Monday, September 11) due to Hurricane Irma and it will be an optional workday for teachers with an 8 AM start time. After watching the weather channel off and on over the past few hours I am convinced that one requirement for storm assignment, need to have a few extra pounds to maintain an upright position in strong winds and rainfall. Continue to pray for Floridians.  Many still in the state and many more up and down I-95 (including NC) and other major roadways having left home seeking ‘safe haven’, ’til the storm that has caused havoc across the state, passes by.  Reminds me …..

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This Day In History

This Day in History – September 11

1773 – Benjamin Franklin writes “There never was a good war or bad peace” 1847 – 1st singing of Stephen Foster’s “Susanna” (in Pittsburgh) 1875 – 1st newspaper cartoon strip. 1903 – The first race at The Milwaukee Mile in West Allis, Wisconsin is held.  It is the oldest major speedway in the world. 1914 – W.C. Handy publishes “St. Louis Blues” 1940 – George Stibitz pioneers the first remote operation of a computer. 1941 – FDR orders any Axis ship found in American waters be shot at on sight. 1941 – Charles Lindbergh, charges “British, Jewish & Roosevelt administration” are trying to get US into WW II. 1946 – 1st …..

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2017-2018 Dublin Peanut Featival Queens

It was all about Glitz, Glamour and Sparkles this past Saturday night, as the Dublin Peanut Festival held it’s annual Scholarship Pageant. Queens are as follows:  Left to right, Front Row- Kennedi Brown, Ambassador; Kelbi Bowen, Tiny Miss and Kayla McLaurin, Junior Miss; Back Row from left-Cylee Lugenbell, Little Miss; Tara Ward, Miss and Hannah Townsend, Teen Miss Share:

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Over 500 Athletes Participate In Triathlons At White Lake

White Lake was loaded this past weekend with runners, swimmers and bikers. 550 athletes participated in three triathlons held at the lake. All three events had their headquarters at the FFA camp on highway 53. Two triathlons were held Saturday and one was held Sunday. The White Lake Fall Half 2017 Saturday consisted of a 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike and a 13.1 mile run. The winner in the men’s division was James Duff from Carrboro with a time of 4:04:55. The winner in the women’s division was Kelli Kerkhoff from Wilmington with a time of 5:07:25.. Also held Saturday was the White Lake Fall International 2017 which consisted …..

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