Easter Monday, and for those who celebrated on Friday, time to return to work. For others, a day off. According to the Bladen County School calendar, Spring Break for students and staff, except Bladen Early College. Just a few weeks remain before this school year is over and the Class of 2019 moves on to college or joins […]
READ MOREHappy Easter Day… Remember as a youngster hearing the Easter story of Jesus hanging on a cross. Never gets old. We celebrate with Cantatas and other forms of worship. Youngsters enjoy Easter Egg Hunts, a tradition that reportedly dates back to the late 16th century, when the Protestant reformer Martin Luther organized egg hunts for […]
READ MOREThoughts While Shaving Looking forward to this day, after the storm yesterday. Checked with National Weather Service on info gathered at the local airport (Curtis Brown) just east of Elizabethtown. Highest sustained winds were in the 28 mph range with gusts as high as 38 mph between 4:30 PM and 5 PM. As you know, winds were strong […]
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Tillis Co-Sponsors Bipartisan Legislation To Defend U.S. Citizens And Diplomatic Staff From Political Prosecution In Turkey
bladenonline 04/20/2019 0 COMMENTSWASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) co-sponsored the bipartisan Defending United States Citizens and Diplomatic Staff from Political Prosecutions Act of 2019 (S. 1075) to address the ongoing wrongful detentions of U.S. citizens and diplomatic staff by the Government of Turkey. Throughout 2018, Senator Tillis worked to help secure the release of Pastor Andrew Brunson, […]
READ MOREBladen County Special Olympics event, 2019 was well attended by an enthusiastic crowd, Thursday at Elizabethtown Middle School football field. Lots of energy by participants and supporters. Mark your calendar… Thursday, April 25, Bladen We Care Golf Tournament at The Vineyard Golf Course, White Lake. Saturday, April 27, Relay for Life from 11 AM to […]
READ MOREBladen We Care Golf Tournament, 30th edition, slated for a week from today at The Vineyard, White Lake. Still a few starting times remain if you would like to participate. Call 910-874-2008 for details. And, a reminder, all proceeds assist Bladen County residents struggling with healthcare issues, and the support of nursing scholarships at Bladen […]
READ MORESens. Tillis and Coons and Reps. Collins, Johnson, and Stivers Release Section 101 Patent Reform Framework
bladenonline 04/17/2019 0 COMMENTSWASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Chris Coons (D-DE), Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property, andRepresentatives Doug Collins (R-GA-9), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, Hank Johnson (D-GA-4), and Steve Stivers (R-OH-15) released a bipartisan, bicameral framework on Section 101 patent reform. The framework comes just months after Senators Tillis and Coons revived the […]
READ MOREOn the way home from DC. Been a good, hopefully productive trip to Washington. Spent considerable time Tuesday with Elizabethtown native Bryan Martin. Bryan has been a part of the late Congressman Walter Jones staff for the past 4 years. Jones died late last year, a primary elections will be held shortly for a new 3rd […]
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Acting Chairman Aubrey Woodard Releases Statement Regarding Central Committee Meeting
bladenonline 04/16/2019 0 COMMENTSRaleigh, NC — Acting Chairman Aubrey Woodard has released the following statement: “The NCGOP Central Committee had its bi-monthly meeting on Sunday, April 14 with a full agenda. One of the leading subjects was the planning for our State Convention to be held in Concord, NC, on June 6-9. This is a very important convention in that we will […]
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By Jefferson Weaver Sitting here staring at a screen, this is not the column I wanted to be writing this evening. It’s Holy Week; I wanted to share a message of hope and love through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. But instead, I’m writing about hatred. We have the constitutional right to […]
READ MOREHow about Tiger Woods winning another green jacket, a symbol of a Master’s winner. Must have a closet full. He has come full circle professionally and personally….Never give up. Still in D.C., meetings all day long, speakers from FCC, Department of Agriculture and others. One of the top issues is mapping…where is the current fiber. Mapping […]
READ MORETillis and Warren Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Enforce Salary Caps on Fannie and Freddie CEOs
bladenonline 04/15/2019 0 COMMENTSWASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) both members of the Senate Banking Committee with jurisdiction over Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, recently introduced the Respect the Caps Act. The bill comes after the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Inspector General reported the FHFA has allowed compensation for executives at Fannie Mae […]
READ MOREGreetings from Washington, DC…. Was on the road several hours yesterday, mostly I-95, running nearly 80 MPH, 3 wide for the better part of 7 hours, give or take little, arriving late in the day with 3 others….two using their cell phone to assist as we entered the city, to arrive at the designated location. […]
READ MOREBob Lewis, former East Bladen, Clinton, & Harrells Christian Academy football coach, was formally inducted into the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) Hall of Fame Saturday. Bob won his first state championship with East Bladen High School in 1973. He had his greatest success as the Clinton Dark Horses coach winning state championships in […]
READ MOREHigh School prom time. Remember yours? WOW, so long ago, Bladenboro, NC, class of ’56, at National Guard Armory…I think. Seldom see many of my classmates, but think of them often. Tax time…every year around April 15, for as long as I can remember. Showers off and on overnight and more forecast for today. Highs today should […]
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By Jefferson Weaver Got a message the other night from a long-lost friend, and I was reminded of matters of mice and men–Mercury outboards. I think Robert Burns’ poem, “Ode to a Mouse”, should be carved into the deck of every boat. Maybe not the entire poem, but specifically the lines – “The best laid […]
READ MORESenate Passes Tillis & Feinstein Bipartisan Resolution to Combat International Parental Child Abduction
bladenonline 04/12/2019 0 COMMENTSWASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) applauded the Senate’s unanimous passage of their bipartisan Senate resolution that designates April 2019 as “Countering International Parental Child Abduction” month and instructs the federal government to educate state and local law enforcement about the issue and how to combat it. According to the Department of State, from 2008 to […]
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By Dr. Mike Walden I need to remind you I’m an economist. I say this so I don’t shock you with my next statement. One of the publications I eagerly look forward to each year is titled Facts and Figures: How Does Your State Compare? It’s published by a Washington think tank called the Tax Foundation. […]
READ MOREThe Masters Golf Tournament is one of the elite sporting events, began yesterday and what a day. Low round of the day was 66 shared by a couple of young guns…Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau, Phil Mickelson had a 67 and Ian Poulter and Dustin Johnson posted rounds of 68, in all nearly 30 golfers, […]
READ MORETillis Co-Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Enhance Financial Protections for Surviving Military Spouses and Spouses of Injured Service members
bladenonline 04/11/2019 0 COMMENTSWASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) co-introduced the bipartisan Gold Star Spouses and Spouses of Injured Service members Leasing Relief Expansion Act. Military families may relocate frequently or suddenly as the result of a service member’s military orders, and these moves often involve entering into leases for a house, apartment, or other […]
READ MOREA reminder of the celebration at Baldwin Branch Missionary Baptist Church Sunday, beginning at 3 PM. Their male chorus has been in the singing business 48 years. Other groups will be singing as well, open to all. About half of Bladen County will join counties along the NC-SC border, all the way to Mecklenburg County attempting […]
READ MORESenators Introduce The Protect Act To Ensure Protections and Affordable Coverage For Americans With Pre-Existing Conditions
bladenonline 04/10/2019 0 COMMENTSWASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Republicans believe in patient-centered health care that delivers the choices they want, the affordability and protections they need, and the quality they deserve. That is why Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) and his colleagues today introduced the Protect Act, legislation that protects Americans with pre-existing conditions, ensuring that Americans have the peace of mind knowing that they and their loved ones will […]
READ MOREA reminder of the Shriners Fish Fry today at the Food Lion parking lot, West Broad Street in Elizabethtown….11 AM until. See you there. Employment in North Carolina was 4.2% state wide, slightly lower in 99 counties. Buncombe (Asheville) was the lowest at 3.2%….Hyde (Swan Quarter) was highest at 12.5%. Others in the area: Bladen 5.3% […]
READ MOREVirginia Cavaliers 85 – Texas Tech Red Raiders 77 (overtime) Many are calling the game one of the best ever as March Madness, 2019 comes to an end. Kyle Guy named MVP. Keep an eye on the weather today…the forecast is for showers and thundershowers. Some storms could be severe, with hail and damaging winds. Cloudy, […]
READ MORETonight, NCAA crowns the men’s basketball champion and it will be….either Texas Tech or Virginia. The game will be televised on CBS, tip-off at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis at 9:20 PM. Ladies championship goes to Baylor 82-81 winner over Notre Dame. Most of the match-ups have been great. It’s Monday and spring time in Bladen. […]
READ MORENCAA action…..Virginia 63 – Auburn 62 Texas Tech 61 – 51 The Richmond, Viginia newspaper described the first game very well. Kyle Guy made “three terrific, amazing, spectacular free throws” to win. And I would add, he made the free throws with less than a second left in the game to pull a victory from the […]
READ MOREBladen We Care 30th Anniversary Gala, well attended. The Legacy Motown Revue provided the entertainment at Cape Fear Winery, Saturday evening. Sponsor for the event was Smithfield Foods and the local BWC committee. Bladen We Care Annual Golf Tournament will be held Thursday, April 25 at Vineyard Golf Course, White Lake. For those unable to attend or […]
READ MOREI wonder if the president of the US, members of congress, members of the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) and other prominent office holders receive robo calls? How about astronauts in outer space? Is there no place to escape? At our house, the numbers are increasing, daily. Think the abusers have created a new industry and must be […]
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The Bladen County GOP has rescheduled their regular monthly meeting for April. The regularly scheduled Monday meeting in April falls on Easter Monday (April 22, 2019). The meeting has been rescheduled to the next Monday, April 29, 2019, at San Jose Restaurant in Elizabethtown. Share:
READ MORESpring time events are ‘springing up’ all around… Check our Events page… Friday, April 5….Bladen We Care Gala, at Cape Fear Vineyard…7-11 PM…Music by The Legacy Motown Revue…tickets $100 per couple. Saturday, April 6…..Bladenboro’s Annual Spring Fling…10 AM to 10 PM. Gary Lowder and Smokin’ Hot will entertain beginning at 7 PM. Thursday, April 18…Bladen County […]
READ MORETillis & Shaheen, Co-Chairs of the Senate NATO Observer Group, Reaffirm Congress’ Commitment to the Alliance
bladenonline 04/03/2019 0 COMMENTSWASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), chairs of the Senate NATO Observer Group, reaffirmed Congress’ commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in advance of the organization’s 70th anniversary. Senators Tillis and Shaheen held a Senate NATO Observer Group meeting with Ambassador Kay Baily Hutchison and more […]
READ MOREHayes Delegates Day-To-Day Operations Of NCGOP To Party Officers Per Rules
bladenonline 04/03/2019 0 COMMENTSRaleigh, NC — Chairman Hayes today announced he has relinquished most of his day-to-day duties of managing the NCGOP to other constitutional officers. “In the best interest of the party, I make this announcement today and will let our respected officers lead on a temporary basis until our regularly planned party elections this June,” said Hayes. “After […]
READ MOREHopefully, winter is over and springtime has returned. Tuesday’s high temp in Bladen was 48 degrees with rain and wind…..today should be sunny and 68 and northwest winds 3 to 5 mph. Thursday’s high near 71. And, a 70% chance of rain on Friday with high near 70…. Guess we all enjoy a ‘feel good’ story. […]
READ MORETillis Statement on the Administration’s Decision to Suspend the Delivery of F-35 Equipment to Turkey
bladenonline 04/02/2019 0 COMMENTSWASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) issued the following statement regarding the announcement by the Trump Administration that it will halt the delivery of F-35 equipment to Turkey after the decision by the Turkish government to proceed with the purchase of the Russia’s S-400 air defense system: “Turkey’s decision to purchase the S-400 air defense system from NATO’s adversary Russia […]
READ MOREI have learned through the ‘University of Hard Knocks’ that the learning experience never ceases. When you think you know all there is to know, there is another test coming. And, as I look around and share time and thoughts with those in my age range, I am thankful for the good health I enjoy […]
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After A Lifetime Dedicated To Public Service, Chairman Robin Hayes Announces 2019 State Convention To Be His Last As Chairman
bladenonline 04/01/2019 0 COMMENTSNCGOP Will Elect A New Chair At Convention In June Concord, NC — Former five-term Congressman Robin Hayes, who was also elected four times to lead the North Carolina Republican Party as its Chairman, will conclude his time as Party leader in his home town of Concord on June 8 at the 2019 North Carolina Republican Party […]
READ MOREThe Final Four college basketball teams are set for the championship tournament in Minneapolis April 6 – 8. #1 seeded Virginia will play #5 Auburn Saturday, 6:09 PM, and #2 seeded Michigan State will play #3 Texas Tech at 8:49 PM. Winners play Monday for the championship. #1 seeded UNC and Duke ousted, but some great […]
READ MOREMarch Madness continues. #1 Virginia 80 – Purdue 75 (overtime) #3 Texas Tech 75 – #1 Gonzaga 68 Today (Sunday) 2:20 PM #2 Kentucky vs #5 Auburn CBS 5:05 PM #1 Duke vs #2 Michigan State CBS Texas Tech will play in their first ever final four. Interesting info, Walmart is the largest employer in […]
READ MOREHeartbreak for UNC fans. NCAA Sweet 16 action: #5 Auburn 93 – #1 UNC 80 #1 Duke 75 – # 4 Virginia Tech 73 Schedule for Elite 8 as March Madness continues today: #1 Gonzaga vs #3 Texas Tech 6:09 PM TBS #1 Virginia vs #3 Purdue 8:49 PM TBS Tomorrow (Sunday) #2 Kentucky vs […]
READ MORETillis, Risch, Menendez, Shaheen, Johnson, and Murphy Introduce Bipartisan Legislation in Recognition of NATO 70th Anniversary
bladenonline 03/29/2019 0 COMMENTSWASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Jim Risch (R-ID), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ron Johnson (R-WI), and Chris Murphy (D-CT) introduced bipartisan legislation in support of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and in recognition of the great accomplishments the organization has made over the past 70 years. “Over the last 70 […]
READ MOREBy Jefferson Weaver Had she been any more grateful for the simple little thing I did, the lady would have embarrassed me. I promised not to use her name, so I won’t; she had a problem and didn’t know where to turn. It took me but a moment to find the telephone number and name […]
READ MORETillis Co-Sponsors Bipartisan Legislation to Address PFAS Contamination
bladenonline 03/29/2019 0 COMMENTSWASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) co-sponsored bipartisan legislation to address contamination from chemicals containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The PFAS Detection Act provides the U.S. Geological Survey with $45 million to develop new advanced technologies to detect PFAS and then to conduct nationwide sampling for PFAS in the environment. “North Carolina has […]
READ MORETillis, Lankford, Shaheen & Van Hollen Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Prohibit Transfer of F-35 Aircraft to Turkey
bladenonline 03/29/2019 0 COMMENTSWASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), James Lankford (R-OK), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) introduced a bipartisan bill to prohibit the transfer of F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft to Turkey until our government certifies that Turkey will not accept delivery of Russia’s S-400 air defense system. Under the US-led, multinational Joint Strike Fighter […]
READ MOREBy Dr. Mike Walden Economics sometimes suffers from a bad image. Economists are famous for disagreeing over public policies. Economics has its own language which is almost impenetrable for those without a degree in the “dismal science.” And speaking of dismal, many have the opinion economics provides little help for everyday decisions. I’ve spent much […]
READ MORENCAA results from Thursday night action: Gonzago 72 – Florida State 58 Purdue 63 – Tennessee 49 Texas Tech 63 – Michigan 44 Virginia 53 – Oregon 49 March Madness continues! Friday night action: 7:09 PM #2 Michigan vs #3 LSU CBS 7:29 PM #1 UNC vs #5 Auburn TBS 9:39 PM #1 Duke vs […]
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We support teachers and are championing the changes our education system needs, but I cannot support protests that force schools to close. The protest organizers should choose a non-school day. The legislature will be in session in Raleigh for at least another three months, a time period that spans dozens of days students are not […]
READ MORETillis Co-Sponsors Bipartisan Bill to Protect Law Enforcement Who Investigate Fentanyl, Dangerous Drugs
bladenonline 03/28/2019 0 COMMENTSWASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Rob Portman (R-OH), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Ed Markey (D-MA), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Charles Schumer (D-NY), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) introduced bipartisan legislation to provide state and local law enforcement […]
READ MORETillis Co-Sponsors Bipartisan Legislation to Expand Reorganization Tools to More Family Farmers
bladenonline 03/28/2019 0 COMMENTSWASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) co-sponsored bipartisan legislation to help family farms reorganize after falling on hard times. The Family Farmer Relief Act of 2019 was introduced by Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and is also co-sponsored by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Doug Jones (D-AL), Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Tina Smith (D-MN). […]
READ MOREI am a pack rat….love sports at all levels and have stored up many memories, some I forget about ’til I look through old records, programs etc. from sports banquets, old score books, too often where the last name is all I have…,mostly from the early 70s and 80s. Plundering thru some old boxes recently brought back memories, […]
READ MORERead an interesting article recently…a head shaving event in Kinston, actually it is the 8th annual. It will be held Monday evening, 5-8 p.m. Last year 130 people took part and more than $23,000 was raised. All proceeds benefit childhood cancer research. Different strokes for different folks. Primary date for the Special Election for voters […]
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Arguments have concluded at the U.S. Supreme Court in Rucho v. League of Women Voters of North Carolina, a partisan gerrymandering challenge to North Carolina’s congressional plan that was consolidated with Rucho v. Common Cause. In addition to the two North Carolina cases, the Supreme Court also heard arguments in a Maryland partisan gerrymandering challenge, Lamone […]
READ MOREThe Mueller Report has captured headlines across the nation, and only a few have seen the report. Most agree the report should be made available to Congress and the public…all that can be….Both parties will look for favorable talking points and spread the news. Seems everything is so partisan. Saw where a Bladen County man won $200,000 […]
READ MORETillis Sends Bipartisan Letter Seeking Answers on Possible Tariffs for Foreign Autos
bladenonline 03/25/2019 0 COMMENTSWASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) signed a bipartisan letter urging the U.S. Department of Commerce to release its report on whether imported automobiles and auto parts threaten the country’s national security. Last year, Commerce self-initiated a “national security” investigation into automotive imports under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. Under the statute, the […]
READ MOREWASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement on the summary of Special Counsel Mueller’s report: “Robert Mueller should be commended for leading a fair and thorough investigation. In the end, the special counsel found there was no collusion and President Trump has been vindicated.” […]
READ MOREMarch Madness Sweet 16 match-ups are set. Great games so far, few upsets. Action continues Thursday & Friday, March 28 & 29. The Sweet 16 line-up: Thursday 7:09 PM #1 Gonzaga vs #4 Florida State CBS 7:29 PM #3 Purdue vs #2 Tennessee TBS 9:39 PM #3 Texas Tech vs #2 Michigan CBS 9:59 PM #1 Virginia […]
READ MORERaleigh, NC — North Carolina Republican Party Chairman Robin Hayes has issued the following statement: “After two years of burdensome and overzealous investigations, costing the American taxpayer tens of millions of dollars, the Mueller Report has returned exactly what President Trump has been saying the entire time: No collusion. While President Trump has led our nation […]
READ MOREBlueberry farmers most likely spent considerable time over the past few hours monitoring the weather….prepared to irrigate if necessary as they attempt to protect their crops. A freeze warning was in effect. The National Weather Service forecast temps in the mid 30s. Trying times for the berry folks. Other farmers are about ready to begin […]
READ MOREFor college basketball fans, this is the best time of the year. Partial list of NCAA results: Duke 85, North Dakota State 62 UNC 88, Iona 73 UVA 71, Gardner Webb 56 Virginia Tech 66, St. Louis 52 Sunday’s schedule (partial listing) 2:40 p.m. UNC vs Washington 6:15 p.m. Duke vs UCF 7:10 p.m. Liberty vs […]
READ MOREAs I grow older I have little or no appetite for controversy. With that as my starting place. I will be happy when people are judged on their own merits, not by Republican or Democrat, but as Americans. I will be happy when the Mueller report is complete, let the chips fall wherever. I will be happy when […]
READ MORECalendar indicated Spring began late yesterday (Wednesday). Maybe the weatherman failed to check his calendar. Today and for the balance of the week promises to be more spring like. Windy and warmer today, high low to mid 60s. Friday, mid 60s with sunshine. More Spring like. Rainfall was slightly over half an inch at the […]
READ MORECongratulations to Sam Boger, retired East Bladen basketball coach and teacher. The Bladen County Board of Education recently voted to name the gym at Elizabethtown Middle School (formerly East Bladen) in his honor. Coach Boger coached teams enjoyed much success over the years at the site. His teams won 18 conference championships, he was named Coach of […]
READ MORETillis & Coons Raise Bipartisan Concerns Over Impact of Supreme Court Copyright Ruling on Intellectual Property Rights
bladenonline 03/19/2019 0 COMMENTSWASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, U.S. Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Chris Coons (D-DE), the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property, sent a letter to the Acting Register of Copyrights raising concerns that a recent Supreme Court decision could prejudice American copyright owners and hinder the enforcement of constitutionally protected intellectual property rights. In Fourth Estate Public Benefit […]
READ MOREOn Monday, March 25, 2019 the Bladen County Republican Party annual convention will be held at the Powell Melvin Agriculture Building, 450 Smith Circle, Elizabethtown. Registration is from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. and the convention will begin at 7 p.m. Precinct meetings will be held at 6:30 p.m. The speaker will be Dallas […]
READ MORETillis Signs Bipartisan Letter Urging Administration to Keep Mercury Rule Untouched
bladenonline 03/19/2019 0 COMMENTSWASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) urged the Trump Administration to withdraw a proposed rule that could lead to changes to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Mercury Rule. The letter led by Senators Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Tom Carper (D-DE) said that the proposed rule could lead to the undoing of the Mercury Rule, […]
READ MOREEnjoy this last day of winter, 2018. Weather forecast for today, should be much like yesterday, maybe a few degrees cooler with lots of sunshine and high temp around 60 degrees. Bladen County Commissioners meet in Kelly at 6 p.m. this evening at Centerville Baptist Church. Purpose of the meeting is to receive comments, suggestions regarding the White […]
READ MORESometimes I spend some time reminiscing about ‘the way it was’ before TV and Internet…. When folks would listen to The Lone Ranger, Amos ‘n Andy, the major league baseball game of the day or week while grading tobacco in a hot pack house. Before the days of TV or even FM radio. It was AM radio, […]
READ MOREBladen County Commissioners meet Monday evening, 6:30 p.m., regular session. They will also meet at Centerville Baptist Church in Kelly, Tuesday, March 19, a Special community meeting related to the White Oak Dike Levee System than failed during the last major storm, late last year and caused flooding in the community. And, a third meeting this week, another […]
READ MOREBy Jefferson Weaver Yeah runnin’ down a dream That never would come to me Workin’ on a mystery, goin’ wherever it leads Runnin’ down a dream… Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers It took weeks of negotiations—all right, begging—but I had finally talked the Old Man into it. If I could talk her daddy into […]
READ MORETen Republicans, one Democrat, and one candidate each from the Green Party and Libertarian Party are candidates for the NC 9th Congressional seat, currently vacant after the NC State Board of Elections failed to certify the November 2018 General Election, because of alleged irregularities in Bladen and Robeson county. A primary election contest will be held […]
READ MOREBy Dr. Mike Walden Two news items motivated me to write this week’s column about debt. One is a debate in the North Carolina General Assembly over state funding for new educational facilities, such as school buildings. The other is a new study on how households pay off debt, and whether they use economic logic. […]
READ MOREToday is the final day for candidates for the NC 9th Congressional House District to file for the seat. According to the NC State Board of Elections website, as of closing time Thursday (yesterday), 7 candidates have officially filed, 1 Democrat, 5 Republicans and one Libertarian. Dan McCready (D) David Blackwelder (R) Mathew Ridenhour (R) Stevie […]
READ MORETillis, Cornyn, Grassley & Crapo Introduce Bill to Protect Asbestos Victims Trust Fund
bladenonline 03/14/2019 0 COMMENTSWASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), John Cornyn (R-TX), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and Mike Crapo (R-ID) introduced the PROTECT Asbestos Victims Act, commonsense legislation that provides much-needed oversight of asbestos bankruptcy trusts to ensure victims receive fair and just compensation. “Asbestos bankruptcy trusts were created to compensate asbestos victims, not trial lawyers,” said Senator Tillis. “The PROTECT Asbestos Victims Act will […]
READ MOREThis should be a perfect spring-like day, weather wise. Some sunshine expected with temps in the mid 70s. The calendar indicates spring officially arrives next Wednesday. Stock market looking good, great for savings accounts, especially for retirees…. Former East Bladen all-everything, Lacey Suggs continues her great career as a member of the UNCW basketball team. […]
READ MOREFor those who have been in the area for a few years…remember Kent Dunn? He came to Bladen fresh out of broadcasting school in Sanford…The Roxboro native arrived at WBLA…must have been in the late 70s, maybe early 80s…After a few years he accepted a position with the Beasley Media Group in Raleigh and he […]
READ MORETillis & Rouzer Provision to Designate “American World War II Heritage Cities” Signed Into Law
bladenonline 03/12/2019 0 COMMENTSContributed WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) and David Rouzer (R-NC-07) applauded President Trump for signing the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act, which includes a provision authored by Tillis and Rouzer to direct the Secretary of Interior to annually designate at least one city in the United States as an “American […]
READ MOREApril 15 is a month away, but the closer we get, the faster time seems to move along. Elizabethtown-White Lake Chamber of Commerce monthly meeting is set for 12 noon today at Cape Fear Farmer’s Market. Guest speaker will be Greg Martin, Bladen County Manager. Dutch lunch provided by Burney’s Sweets & More. Members are […]
READ MORETillis Co-Sponsors Bipartisan Legislation to Accommodate ALS Patients
bladenonline 03/11/2019 0 COMMENTSWASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) co-sponsored bipartisan legislation to eliminate the five-month waiting period before ALS patients can receive the Social Security Disability Insurance benefits they earned by contributing to Social Security. The ALS Disability Insurance Access Act introduced by Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Tom Cotton (R-AR) would build on previous steps by Congress and […]
READ MOREBladen County Commissioners meet today at 6:30 p.m. in their meeting room in the courthouse. Included on the agenda is ‘Consider scheduling of a Special Meeting regarding the Kelly Dike.” Kelly area folks suffered greatly during the last storm when the dike system failed. The meeting is open to the public. Local temps from mid […]
READ MOREWe are now on Daylight Savings Time, means we rise an hour early and have more daylight in the afternoon and evening. Often wonder why, so I Googled. Among the definitions was this…..”Daylight savings time is a widely used system of adjusting the official local time forward, usually by one hour from the official standard time for […]
READ MOREThe cost of a second election process for counties in the 9 congressional district will be paid for by county governments. Don’t know anyone happy about a do-over. But, no other option. And, many prognosticators think the votes cast will be less….To be determined. Another lawsuit determined by the court system….Smithfield Foods lost again, truth […]
READ MORETillis Co-Sponsors Bipartisan Legislation to Combat Rate of Suicide Among National Guard and Reserve Component
bladenonline 03/08/2019 0 COMMENTSWASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) co-sponsored bipartisan legislation to combat the high rate of suicide among members of the National Guard and Reserve. Currently, members of the National Guard and Reserves undergo annual health assessments to identify medical issues that could impact their ability to deploy, but any follow-up care must almost always […]
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Rouzer statement on Dems attempt to federalize election system at taxpayers expense
bladenonline 03/08/2019 0 COMMENTSWASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Rouzer released the statement below following House consideration of H.R. 1: “The new Democratic majority has made clear its top priority is putting in place measures to allow the federal government to interfere in our country’s election system forcing taxpayers to fund campaigns they may not support. A ‘one size fits […]
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Contributed The Bladen County Democratic Party Convention will be held at the Bladen County Court House in the Superior Courtroom, on Saturday, March 23, 2019. The Convention will be called to order at 10:00 a.m. Irving L. Joyner will be the guest speaker for the convention. He has worked as a Professor at North Carolina […]
READ MORESpringtime arrives March 20, less than two weeks and over the years, volunteers have planned numerous local events, many time fundraisers, to assist in various ways. No different this year. In no special order…. March 16th in Bladenboro a fundraiser is planned for Murray Hester. BBQ-benefit will be held at Bladenboro Historical Building from 4-7 […]
READ MORETillis Co-Sponsors Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Veterans’ Disability Benefits
bladenonline 03/07/2019 0 COMMENTSWASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) co-sponsored the bipartisan Honoring American Veterans in Extreme Need (HAVEN) Act this week to protect the economic security and well-being of veterans and their families who rely on disability benefits and may be experiencing financial hardship. Under current bankruptcy law, disability benefits paid by the Department of Veterans Affairs […]
READ MOREWASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) attended a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing and discussed issues military families are facing with on-base military housing.Last week, Senator Tillis toured homes on Fort Bragg with Secretary of the Army Mark Esper and participated in a listening session with military families. Tillis on touring military housing at Ft. Bragg: “I want […]
READ MORETillis & Burr Support Additional Funding for the Middle District’s U.S. Attorney’s Office to Combat Gangs and Violent Crime
bladenonline 03/07/2019 0 COMMENTSWASHINGTON, D.C. – North Carolina Senators Thom Tillis and Richard Burr sent a letter to Director of the Executive Office for United States Attorneys Jim Crowell to express support for additional funding for the Middle District of North Carolina’s United States Attorney’s Office for the remainder of fiscal year 2019 and for all of fiscal year […]
READ MOREOne of the events I missed during the sickness of my bride was the ribbon cutting at the new Mac Campbell, Sr. Terminal Building at the Curtis Brown Airport. Missed seeing Col Curtis Brown, retired astronaut and the remarks about Mr. Mac, Sr. Remember Curt as a youngster growing up, his dad was the owner-operator of […]
READ MOREOn Monday, March 25, 2019, the Bladen County Republican Party annual convention will be held at the Powell-Melvin Agriculture Building, 450 Smith Circle, NC 28337. Registration is from 6 pm to 7 pm and the convention will begin at 7 pm. Precinct meetings will be held at 6:30 pm. All registered Republicans are encouraged to […]
READ MOREMany have asked about my bride who has recently been hospitalized, she appears to be doing better. More doctors’ appointments. Keep her in your prayers and thanks for asking. We are a small family…two sons, two grandchildren, (one married) and a very smart, supportive daughter-in-law. Like to think we are stable folks. One son has been employed […]
READ MORESurprise, Surprise. We Have Snow in Bladen. Checking the local National Weather Station at the Curtis Brown Airport, it began near 3:30 this morning. Very little accumulation, but dangerous….Be safe in your travels. High later today 47 degrees and mostly sunny. Spring arrives in a couple of weeks…..March 20. Any idea where the most politically tolerate […]
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North Carolina’s Partisan Gerrymandering Plaintiffs File Final Brief with U.S. Supreme Court Ahead of Oral Arguments Later This Month
bladenonline 03/04/2019 0 COMMENTSWASHINGTON, D.C. – Plaintiffs in Rucho v. League of Women Voters of North Carolina filed their final brief with the U.S. Supreme Court today, just more than three weeks before the Court is slated to hear oral arguments in the partisan gerrymandering cases out of North Carolina and Maryland on March 26. Lower court victories for the plaintiffs mark […]
READ MORETillis, Colleagues Introduce Legislation Preventing Dangerous Criminals with Known Gang Associations From Entering the U.S.
bladenonline 03/04/2019 0 COMMENTSWASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) introduced legislation that would bar known gang members and those convicted of dangerous crimes from entering the United States. Criminals with known gang associations would be disqualified from taking advantage of our immigration laws and receiving […]
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Jen Mangrum Announces Candidacy of Superintendent of Public Instruction
bladenonline 03/04/2019 0 COMMENTSReidsville, NC- Jen Mangrum announced today that she will seek the office of North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction. She is currently an Associate Professor in the School of Education at UNC-Greensboro. Jen has more than a decade of classroom experience as well as a decade in teacher preparation at both NC State University and […]
READ MORETillis & Feinstein Urge DOJ to Prosecute Individuals Who Unlawfully Abduct American Children
bladenonline 03/02/2019 0 COMMENTSContributed WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) urged Attorney General Bill Barr to make full use of the International Parental Kidnapping Crime Act to combat international parental child abduction. Every year, several hundred American children are abducted by one parent and brought to a foreign country, where they are […]
READ MORETillis, Bipartisan Group of Senators Introduce PFAS Action Plan Legislation
bladenonline 03/02/2019 0 COMMENTSContributed WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) co-sponsored bipartisan legislation that would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) within one year of enactment declare per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as hazardous substances eligible for cleanup funds under the EPA Superfund law, and also enable a requirement that polluters undertake or pay for remediation. […]
READ MOREBeen out of place for a few days, difficult to get started again. Kinda reminds me of my favorite computer that has aged with me. The longer I am idle, the longer it takes to get ‘up and running again.’ Much like a former neighbor of our family….he lived about 4 or 5 miles from […]
READ MOREBy Dr. Mike Walden It’s March, and for most of my colleagues, neighbors and friends, this means only one thing – “March Madness” and the NCAA basketball tournament. This is a big deal in the country, but especially so in North Carolina where we have so many great teams. But I have to admit something. […]
READ MORETillis & Coons Reintroduce Bipartisan Resolution to Establish a Human Rights Commission in Honor of the Late Senator McCain
bladenonline 03/01/2019 0 COMMENTSWASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Chris Coons (D-DE), co-chairs of the Senate Human Rights Caucus, reintroduced a resolution to establish a John S. McCain III Human Rights Commission, modeled after the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission in the U.S. House of Representatives. If passed, the resolution would create a bipartisan commission to […]
READ MOREBy Jefferson Weaver General Lee was a hero. Before you get to attacking my Southern heritage, of which I am not ashamed and for which I shall not apologize, let me clarify: in this case, I am referring to William Lee, not Robert E. Lee. While Robert E. Lee will always be a personal hero […]
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