Fayetteville Man Sentenced to More Than 13 Years for Drug Distribution and Firearm Offenses
bladenonline 06/19/2019 0 COMMENTSRALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today in federal court, United States District Judge James C. Dever III sentenced LUIS JOEL ROBLES LATORRES, 42, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, to 162 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release. LATORRES was named in a 12-count Indictment filed on December 12, 2017, and on […]
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Bladenboro and Elizabethtown Communities to receive generators for powering critical public infrastructure
bladenonline 06/19/2019 0 COMMENTSHazard Mitigation Grants fund projects to build more resilient communities FEMA and the state of North Carolina have approved funding of more than $1.4 million for 24 generators, which will help North Carolina communities become more resilient in the face of future storms and disasters. Through FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), 24 generators will […]
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Tillis & Burr Advocate on Behalf of NC to Secure $110 million in DOT Grants
bladenonline 06/17/2019 0 COMMENTSWASHINGTON, D.C. – North Carolina Senators Thom Tillis and Richard Burr applauded the Department of Transportation (DOT) for awarding North Carolina three grants totaling more than $110 million dollars after advocating on behalf of stakeholders in the state. The three grants are: Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Grant Program $34,898,895 to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) […]
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SeHealth Athletic Trainer Christopher Chapman awarded with LifeSaver Citation from NCHSAA
bladenonline 06/14/2019 0 COMMENTSRed Springs High School Licensed Athletic Trainer Chris Chapman, an employee of Southeastern Health, was presented with the LifeSaver Citation by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association. The award is designed as a special recognition from the NCHSAA at their annual meeting, which was held this year on May 2, for service to a […]
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Department of Justice Reminds the Public to be Aware of Fraud When Disaster Strikes and Report it to the National Center for Disaster Fraud
bladenonline 06/13/2019 0 COMMENTSAs the 2019 hurricane season begins, the Department of Justice reminds the public to be on the lookout for fraud against natural disaster victims, and report it to the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF). The Atlantic Hurricane Season opened June 1 and runs through November 30. “Committing fraud against natural disaster victims is an […]
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SeHealth to open walk-in clinic in St. Pauls; primary care clinic will transition as new site of RHCC
bladenonline 06/12/2019 0 COMMENTSSoutheastern Health will open a new walk-in clinic, The Clinic at Brisson Drugs, at 217 West Broad St. in St. Pauls on Monday, July 8. Family Nurse Practitioner Matthew Herring of St. Pauls will treat patients there for minor health conditions and issues without an appointment. He earned an associate degree in nursing from Robeson Community […]
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St. Pauls Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Cocaine Distribution and Firearm Offenses
bladenonline 06/11/2019 0 COMMENTSRALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today in federal court, Chief United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle sentenced MARCUS ANTONIO BLANKS, 32, of Saint Pauls, North Carolina, to 168 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. On February 6, 2019, BLANKS pleaded […]
READ MORESouth Carolina Man Sentenced for Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISIS
bladenonline 06/11/2019 0 COMMENTSZakaryia Abdin, 20, of Ladson, South Carolina, was sentenced yesterday to 20 years to be followed by a lifetime of supervised release for attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization. Abdin previously entered a guilty plea in August of 2018 and has remained […]
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Contributed Each year, an estimated 5 million older adults are abused, neglected, or exploited. Elder Abuse occurs in every demographic and can happen to anyone—a family member, a neighbor, even you. It is estimated that only one in five of these crimes are discovered. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) was launched on June 15, […]
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Raleigh- On Friday, June 7, 2019 at approximately 3:30 p.m. the State Highway Patrol was notified of a plane that had gone missing and possibly crashed in Nash County, N.C. The last reported radar indication of the plane was in the area of NC 43 and Harrison Road. The State Highway Patrol responded to the area, […]
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Whiteville men convicted in Lumberton Bank Robbery and firing weapon at law enforcement
bladenonline 05/30/2019 0 COMMENTSRALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today, Daquan Madrid Pridgen, 27, of Whiteville, North Carolina was convicted in federal court following a three-day trial before Chief United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. The jury found Pridgen guilty of bank robbery, discharging a firearm in furtherance of a bank robbery, […]
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Columbus County Sheriff’s Office unusual discovery of methamphetamine
bladenonline 05/30/2019 0 COMMENTSColumbus County, NC – On May 18, 2019, Columbus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) conducted a checking station in the Chadbourn community. During the checking station, a 1999 Honda passenger car approaching the checking station abruptly turned in the middle of the road and began traveling North on Joe Brown Highway. A CCSO Deputy pursued the […]
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Governor Cooper Statement on Stalled Federal Disaster Relief Funding
bladenonline 05/24/2019 0 COMMENTSRALEIGH: Governor Roy Cooper shared the following statement on stalled federal disaster relief funding legislation: “North Carolinians working to recover from disasters like Florence and Michael have been waiting too long for Washington to act,” Gov. Cooper said. “I’m disappointed North Carolinians continue to wait for much-needed relief, and I urge the House to swiftly pass […]
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May 24 marks National Poppy Day. This flower is a symbol of sacrifice worn since WWI to honor those who served and died for our country. Since 1922, the Buddy Poppy has been an integral part of the VFW community. As VFW’s official memorial flower, the Poppy represents the bloodshed by American service members. It […]
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Memorial Day Travel As of this morning, the department has suspended most road construction activities on major routes to make travel easier for drivers. This hold on construction projects will continue along interstate, N.C. and U.S. routes until Tuesday evening on May 28. To safely navigate the highways during Memorial Day weekend, remember these tips: […]
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RALEIGH – On Wednesday, May 22, 2019 at approximately 3:26 a.m., the State Highway Patrol stopped to check on a Chevrolet SUV that was parked stationary on the shoulder of I-40 near mile marker 340 in Sampson County. During the course of the investigation, the driver of the Chevrolet pointed a gun at the trooper. As […]
READ MOREMorgan County man convicted on federal hate crime charges INDIANAPOLIS – United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced that Nolan Brewer, 21, of Eminence, Indiana, was sentenced in federal court yesterday evening to three years in prison for conspiring to violate the civil rights of Congregation Shaarey Tefilla, a Jewish synagogue in Carmel, Indiana. Brewer […]
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RALEIGH – With summer right around the corner, residents and visitors in North Carolina will be taking to the skies in record numbers with their personal drones. Around 30,000 North Carolinians now own and operate drones for personal and recreational use. As this number grows, the N.C. Department of Transportation is reminding drone pilots to follow […]
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Video features the devastation left by hurricane, gratitude for funding
bladenonline 05/21/2019 0 COMMENTSBy Charlotte Smith The Bladen County Board of Commissioners watched a video presented by Chairman Charles Ray Peterson on behalf of the Lumber River Council of Governments during their meeting Monday evening. Photos and videos shared from Bladen, Hoke, Robeson, Richmond, and Scotland counties were featured to document the destruction left behind after Hurricane Florence. […]
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MANNS HARBOR – North Carolina’s newest transportation option, a passenger ferry called the Ocracoke Express, made its maiden voyage on the Outer Banks on Monday morning. At 9 a.m., 57 women, men and children, and a dog named “Cotton” boarded the Ocracoke Express in Hatteras Village and arrived about 70 minutes later in Ocracoke Village. […]
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Agencies Rally to Promote Statewide ‘Click It or Ticket’ Seatbelt Campaign
bladenonline 05/20/2019 0 COMMENTSRALEIGH – A statewide ‘Click it or Ticket’ campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of being an unbelted occupant in a vehicle, got underway at the North Carolina State Highway Patrol training track in Raleigh on Monday. The staged crash involved two Dodge Chargers on a pully system, headed towards each other at about […]
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State vet encourages livestock owners to vaccinate before peak rabies season
bladenonline 05/20/2019 0 COMMENTSRALEIGH – Summer is peak rabies season and State Veterinarian Doug Meckes is encouraging livestock owners to consider having their animals vaccinated against the disease. “This year we have seen a rise in the number of reported rabies in livestock at seven cases,” Meckes said. “Last year the state had three cases reported for the […]
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Nine N.C. Airports Receive Funds for Safety, Development Projects
bladenonline 05/20/2019 0 COMMENTSFAYETTEVILLE – In its May meeting, the N.C. Board of Transportation approved state and federal grants for projects to bolster the economy and improve safety at nine North Carolina airports. Nearly $13.6 million in state and federal funding has been granted for projects that will help these airports grow, such as new hangar sites and updated safety […]
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CHARLESTON, S.C., May 20, 2019 – CresCom Bank, the second largest community bank in North and South Carolina, welcomes new Team Members throughout its North and South Carolina branches. New Team Members include: Kinston, N.C. Jennifer Creech has joined the bank as a Branch Manager at the Kinston branch. Prior to joining CresCom Bank, Creech served […]
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LAKE WACCAMAW – Based on public input last fall, the N.C. Department of Transportation has revised a proposal for upgrading U.S. 74/76 in Columbus County. Officials will hold another open house May 30 to show the new preliminary design, the organization announced Thursday. The department continues to upgrade U.S. 74/76 to interstate standards by removing […]
READ MORESpecialty Vehicle Manufacturer Chooses Cumberland County for First East Coast Location
bladenonline 05/16/2019 0 COMMENTSContributed RALEIGH: E-N-G Mobile Systems, LLC, a designer and manufacturer of specialized vehicles, will create 60 jobs as it locates its first East Coast operations in Cumberland County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company and a related company will invest $2.3 million in the new facility, located in Fayetteville. “Manufacturers know they can find the […]
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RALEIGH – With more than 100 tractors, North Carolina food and beverages, music, a carnival and kids’ activities, the Got to Be NC Festival promises to be a not-to-be-missed event at the N.C. State Fairgrounds in Raleigh, May 17-19. “The antique tractor and farm equipment display, featuring a daily tractor parade, and the Food Lion […]
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Applications Open for State Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning Grants
bladenonline 05/15/2019 0 COMMENTSRALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Transportation is accepting applications from communities for the 2019 Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning Grant Initiative. The program provides funding for municipalities across the state to develop comprehensive bicycle or pedestrian plans. All North Carolina municipalities are eligible to apply for a standard bike or pedestrian plan. Additionally, the following options […]
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Sheriff warns parents: monitor children’s social media, social media post leads to arrest
bladenonline 05/14/2019 0 COMMENTSWhiteville, NC –The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Vice-Narcotics Unit arrested one individual on May 07, 2019, at the conclusion of an investigation. This investigation was initiated as the result of social media posts. Columbus County Sheriff’s Office Vice-Narcotics Unit received information that a student was advertising the sale of prescription medication on a social […]
READ MOREGov. Cooper Urges Legislators to Prioritize Investments in Public Education, Health Care
bladenonline 05/14/2019 0 COMMENTSContributed RALEIGH: In a letter, Governor Roy Cooper urged Republican legislators to use recently announced surplus revenue to invest in public education and health care in the 2019 – 2021 state budget. “Seize this easy choice to strengthen North Carolina’s schools and health care,” Gov. Cooper wrote in the letter. “Let’s show the nation that we […]
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Contributed Moores Creek Battleground Association President Connie Hendrix announced that the Association’s June 1st Annual Meeting and Covered Dish Luncheon will feature as guest speaker Medal of Honor recipient Col. W. Joseph Marm, Jr. (USA, Retired). Colonel Marm was a 2nd Lt. in Company A, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment when his unit was engaged […]
READ MOREGov. Cooper on Hurricane Florence Long-Term Recovery Appropriations
bladenonline 05/14/2019 0 COMMENTSContributed RALEIGH: Gov. Cooper released the following statement today on North Carolina receiving $336.5 million in Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding to assist communities struggling to rebuild after the devastation of Hurricane Florence. The money will not be made available to the state until the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban […]
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St. Pauls among towns receiving Rural Housing Recovery Fund grants
bladenonline 05/13/2019 0 COMMENTSRALEIGH – St. Pauls and Fayetteville are among eight North Carolina communities hit hard by storms that will get a share of $2.7 million in special housing infrastructure grants to help develop more affordable housing, Gov. Roy Cooper announced Monday. The 2019 Rural Housing Recovery Fund, established through a partnership between the N.C. Department of […]
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HAMMOND- U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II recognized the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal police officers on the occasion of National Police Week, which is being observed Sunday, May 12 to Saturday, May 18, 2019. In October 1962, Congress enacted a joint resolution, which the President signed,declaring May 15th as National […]
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Internist and Pediatrician Dr. Toni Chagolla Oxendine has joined Southeastern Health at Southeastern Multi-Specialty and Urgent Care Pembroke. “I’m very excited to be able to come back and serve Robeson County, where I’m from, and to be able to provide such an array of services,” Dr. Oxendine said. Dr. Oxendine earned a bachelor’s degree in […]
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Duplin Winery Increases Production With The Addition of New Bottling Line
bladenonline 05/13/2019 0 COMMENTSROSE HILL, N.C., May 13, 2019 – With the addition of a new bottling line in its Rose Hill, N.C. production facility, Duplin Winery now has the capability to bottle 9,000 bottles of wine per hour. The Winery’s previous bottling line bottled 6,000 bottles an hour. The new bottling line, built in Italy by GIA, […]
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By Roxana Ross Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU) Shift Supervisor and Registered Nurse Don “Jake” Jacobs was honored as Southeastern Health’s 2019 Baker Nurse of Excellence Tuesday night, May 7. Jacobs was named as this year’s honoree during a ceremony hosted by the organization’s Professional Growth Council as part of National Nurses Week. “I have […]
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Contributed WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) spoke at a Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Border Security and Immigration hearing on the humanitarian and security crisis at our southern border. Senator Tillis on the human toll of people coming here: “When the Flores court decision was reached in 2015 and people in other countries […]
READ MORETillis Co-Introduces Bipartisan Disaster Relief Bill to Release Long Awaited Funds to NC and Other States
bladenonline 05/11/2019 0 COMMENTSContributed WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Joe Manchin (D-WV), John Cornyn (R-TX), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Kamala Harris (D-CA) introduced the Bipartisan Disaster Recovery Funding Act. The bill directs the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to release $16 billion in long-awaited disaster relief funding within 60 days to nine states […]
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Edgecombe County School Leader Named 2019 NC Principal of the Year
bladenonline 05/10/2019 0 COMMENTSContributed Matthew Bristow-Smith, a past regional teacher of the year who has led Edgecombe Early College High School to high student performance for the last five years, was named Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year at an awards luncheon today in Cary. The small, application-based high school earned an “A” school performance grade […]
READ MOREGovernor Cooper Announces Appointments for North Carolina Boards and Commissions
bladenonline 05/10/2019 0 COMMENTSAppointees from Alamance, Bertie, Brunswick, Buncombe, Cabarrus, Carteret, Catawba, Chowan, Columbus, Craven, Duplin, Durham, Edgecombe, Forsyth, Franklin, Gaston, Guilford, Harnett, Hayward, Hertford, Macon, Mecklenburg, Moore, New Hanover, Northampton, Onslow, Orange, Person, Randolph, Robeson, Southampton, Surry, Swain, Union, Wake, Warren, Wayne, Wilson Counties RALEIGH: Governor Roy Cooper announced new appointees to twenty-eight boards and commissions. “I appreciate […]
READ MOREContributed RALEIGH – With more than 100 tractors, North Carolina food and beverages, music, a carnival and kids’ activities, the Got to Be NC Festival promises to be a not-to-be-missed event at the N.C. State Fairgrounds in Raleigh, May 17-19. “The antique tractor and farm equipment display, featuring a daily tractor parade, and the Food […]
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GREAT Grants awarded to 19 rural counties for broadband expansion
bladenonline 05/09/2019 0 COMMENTSRALEIGH, N.C. – Better internet access is coming to 19 rural, economically disadvantaged counties in North Carolina thanks to nearly $10 million in grants, Governor Roy Cooper announced today along with the NC Department of Information Technology and its Broadband Infrastructure Office. “Access to reliable, high-speed internet service is critical for businesses to grow, students […]
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UNC System Names Three NC Graduates as its 2019-20 Presidential Scholars
bladenonline 05/08/2019 0 COMMENTSThe University of North Carolina System Interim President Bill Roper has announced that three recent UNC System graduates will serve as Presidential Scholars for the 2019-20 academic year. Presidential Scholars serve a one-year appointment and provide a wide range of professional functions for the UNC System Office. The scholars will interact with the president, his senior leadership and members […]
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Moores Creek Battleground Association Announces Annual Meeting Open to Public
bladenonline 05/08/2019 0 COMMENTSThe Annual Meeting and Pot-Luck Covered Dish Luncheon will take place on Saturday, June 1, 2019 in Patriots Hall at Moores Creek National Battlefield on Hwy. 210 in Currie, NC. The program begins at 12:00 p.m. with live period music by the talented musicians comprising the Wilmington based group Masonboro Parlor followed by lunch and […]
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Piedmont Natural Gas selects contractor to build new liquefied natural gas facility in North Carolina
bladenonline 05/07/2019 0 COMMENTSCHARLOTTE, N.C. – Piedmont Natural Gas announced today it has selected Matrix Service Inc., a subsidiary of Matrix Service Company, to build its liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility in Robeson County, North Carolina. The facility will help Piedmont Natural Gas continue providing customers with a reliable supply of natural gas during peak usage days, when […]
READ MOREGov. Cooper Proclaims May 5 – 11 Small Business Week in North Carolina
bladenonline 05/07/2019 0 COMMENTSContributed Honoring the nearly 900,000 small businesses operating in North Carolina, Governor Roy Cooper has proclaimed May 5 – 11, 2019 as Small Business Week in the state. “Small businesses are the heart and soul of North Carolina’s communities, economy and future prosperity,” Gov. Cooper said. “From cutting-edge tech startups to long-established hometown businesses, small […]
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Columbus County Farmers Market Opening Day and 5k Fun Run & Walk are May 11
bladenonline 05/06/2019 0 COMMENTSRegister for Fun Run at www.fmrun.com Columbus County Community Farmers Market will officially open for the 2019 season on Saturday, May 11, at 8 a.m. and the ninth annual Farmers Market Fun Run & Walk will be held on that morning. “We’re excited to see another beautiful spring in Columbus County,” said market manager Susie Rockel. “That means we should be a […]
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Contributed Dan Gerlach, recently named interim chancellor at East Carolina University, will be the featured speaker at the 2019 curriculum graduation ceremonies for Bladen Community College. Since October 2008 and until his recent appointment as ECU interim chancellor, Mr. Gerlach has served as president of the Golden LEAF Foundation, a non profit which works to […]
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With the busy summer travel season making its approach and Boeing under fire after two fatal crashes, WalletHub today released its report on 2019’s Best Airlines. WalletHub’s study focuses not just on price but also many other aspects of the air travel experience, such as safety, delays, baggage issues, animal incidents, passenger complaints and more. You […]
READ MOREBladen County unemployment rate dropped three-tenths in March from a month ago, according to figures released Wednesday by the N.C. Department of Commerce, and was down four-tenths from a year ago. Bladen County’s unemployment rate, which was not seasonally adjusted, was listed at 5.0 percent. That was down from 5.3 percent in February and 5.4 […]
READ MORETropical depression may form in Atlantic as hurricane season approaches
bladenonline 05/01/2019 0 COMMENTSThe Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1, according to the National Hurricane Center. However, the weather tracking organization is watching an area of potential tropical development off the southeast coast of the United States. Bladen County was flooded by Hurricane Florence last September and pounded by Hurricane Matthew in 2016. Will the Mother County be […]
READ MOREMedicaid Momentum: NC Business Leaders Call for Closing Coverage Gap and Another Hospital Passes Resolution of Support
bladenonline 04/30/2019 0 COMMENTSContributed As business leaders in the State of North Carolina, we know firsthand that a strong workforce is essential to North Carolina’s economy. We also know that employee health is a big contributor to the strength of our workforce. Unfortunately, 13 percent of North Carolinians under 65 are uninsured. These are our neighbors – they […]
READ MORESmall Business Disaster Declaration Granted to Help Durham Businesses
bladenonline 04/30/2019 0 COMMENTSContributed RALEIGH: Gov. Roy Cooper today received from the U.S. Small Business Administration a disaster declaration for business owners in Durham County that suffered damages following the April 10, 2019 gas leak that led to a deadly explosion in the downtown area. The SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan declaration enables business owners to seek low-interest government […]
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Duke Energy awards $3.2 million to innovative education programs as part of its Powerful Communities grant program
bladenonline 04/30/2019 0 COMMENTS131 organizations across six states to receive grants supporting early childhood literacy and STEM programming CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Duke Energy announced today it is awarding $3.2 million in grants to support 131 innovative K-12 education programs across the communities served by the company. “Bright futures begin in the classroom, and every child deserves a fair […]
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Contributed CHECKING STATION Whiteville, NC – On April 27, 2019, Columbus County Sheriff’s Office joined forces with neighboring law enforcement agencies to conduct a checking station on Highway 130 near Ervin T. Richardson Road in the Old Dock community. The goal of this combined enforcement effort was to ensure compliance of the motor vehicle codes […]
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New school financial transparency website showing how NC schools spend $15.8 billion annually
bladenonline 04/26/2019 0 COMMENTSState Superintendent Mark Johnson announced today the launch of a publicly accessible website, www.schoolfinance.nc.gov, to provide better financial transparency for North Carolina’s public schools. Developed in partnership with the Government Data Analytics Center of the N.C. Department of Information Technology and Cary-based SAS, the North Carolina School Finances website provides an easy-to-navigate yet powerful tool […]
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Contributed by Alex Granados This morning, the North Carolina House discussed its education budget plan, which covers a lot of prominent issues discussed so far this session, including school-performance grades, school support positions, a virtual early learning pilot, and more. There have been multiple bills filed this session to address school-performance grades, which some see as […]
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North Carolina Ports Makes History, Welcomes First 12,000 TEU Vessel
bladenonline 04/26/2019 0 COMMENTSWilmington, N.C. – North Carolina Ports made history Monday by welcoming its first-ever 12,000 TEU vessel to the Port of Wilmington. The ship, Kota Pekarang, is the largest capacity-wise to call the port. The Kota Pekarang is operated by ZIM in partnership with the 2M Alliance which links Asia to Wilmington. “This is a monumental milestone […]
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Duke Energy appeals North Carolina coal ash excavation order to protect customers from excessive cost and disruption
bladenonline 04/26/2019 0 COMMENTSContributed CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Duke Energy today appealed a recent order by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) requiring extremely expensive and disruptive excavation of nine coal ash basins at the company’s Allen, Belews Creek, Cliffside/Rogers, Marshall, Mayo and Roxboro facilities. Scientists and engineers have determined that capping the basins in place is […]
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Columbus Charter School Students Compete in High Intensity Academic Competition
bladenonline 04/26/2019 0 COMMENTSContributed Students at Columbus Charter School competed in a high intensity, NASCAR-inspired academic skills competition on Thursday, April 18, 2019. The competition – named “FASTAR” – sees students “race” to complete a reading passage and 50 math problems at speeds close to two minutes. “FASTAR” stands for Fluent Academic Skills Tournament in Arithmetic and Reading […]
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State Superintendent Mark Johnson Statement on N.C. House Education Budget Proposal
bladenonline 04/26/2019 0 COMMENTSContributed Following the release of the N.C. House of Representatives education budget proposal, State Superintendent Mark Johnson released the following statement: “While we are only at the beginning of the process, I am pleased to see so many of our #NC2030 top priorities in the House education budget bill. I thank the members of the NC House […]
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The State Board of Education will meet Tuesday and Wednesday, April 30 – May 1, for its bi-annual planning and work session. The board will convene Tuesday at noon and meet both days in Room 150 of the Education Building, 301 N. Wilmington St., Raleigh. The board will meet in its regular monthly session Thursday, May 2, at 9 a.m. in the 7th floor […]
READ MOREOFFICE OF THE NINTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA OPEN TO SERVE AND ASSIST CONSTITUENTS
bladenonline 04/25/2019 0 COMMENTSContributed Washington, D.C. — The Washington, D.C. and North Carolina offices of the Ninth Congressional District of North Carolina are open to serve the people of the District under the supervision of the Clerk of the House of Representatives. Staff members will be on the House payroll under the supervision of the Clerk of the House […]
READ MOREContributed RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper used a round-table discussion with rural hospital executives Wednesday to raise pressure on Republican lawmakers to expand Medicaid coverage to more uninsured adults. Executives from seven hospitals met with the Democratic governor and expressed support for offering Medicaid to more uninsured adults who can’t otherwise […]
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New Judges Will Serve Duplin, Jones, Onslow, Sampson, Randolph, Hoke and Moore Counties RALEIGH: Governor Roy Cooper has appointed three new judges to serve Duplin, Jones, Onslow, Sampson, Randolph, Hoke and Moore counties. “District court judges play a critical role in our justice system and I believe these appointees will serve our state and its people […]
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School Owner Indicted for Defrauding Department of Veterans Affairs Program Dedicated to Rehabilitating Disabled Military Veterans
bladenonline 04/23/2019 0 COMMENTSContributed The owner of a physical security school has been indicted by a federal grand jury for defrauding a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) program dedicated to rehabilitating military veterans with service-connecting disabilities and for making false statements to the VA. Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. […]
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NC Charter Schools Advisory Board Meets April 26 in Called Session
bladenonline 04/23/2019 0 COMMENTSContributed The NC Charter Schools Advisory Board (CSAB) will meet Friday, April 26, at 10 a.m., in a special called session. The meeting will convene via conference call in the 7th floor State Board Room in the Education Building, 301 N. Wilmington St., Raleigh. The agenda for the meeting is available here. The meeting will be audio streamed via […]
READ MOREContributed RALEIGH: During remarks at the Pitt County Reentry Job and Resource Fair, Governor Roy Cooper announced April 22-26, 2018 is Reentry Week in North Carolina. Reentry Week highlights ongoing efforts to help formerly incarcerated North Carolinians successfully return to their communities and careers. “North Carolinians who have paid their debt to society deserve the […]
READ MORESeHealth heart and vascular program welcomes three advanced practice providers
bladenonline 04/23/2019 0 COMMENTSContributed by Roxana Ross Three advanced practice providers have joined Southeastern Health’s Southeastern Cardiology and Cardiovascular Clinic and Southeastern Health Heart and Vascular, which is managed by Duke Health and located on the campus of Southeastern Regional Medical Center. In addition to their work in the clinic, Nurse Practitioners Jolene Beaumont and Jennifer Singleton treat […]
READ MORESouth Carolina homicide suspect and kidnapping victim found deceased
bladenonline 04/23/2019 0 COMMENTSContributed Tabor City, NC –According to the City of Pickens Police Department, on April 16, 2019, Rebecca Marie Purry went to the Police Department to report that her ex-boyfriend, Marco Murice Vaught, 36, had threatened to come to her house and get her. On April 17th, at approximately 1:00 am, the City of Pickens Police […]
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The U.S. Government announced that four adjacent tracts totaling 41.69 acres, more or less, in Amherst County will sell by sealed bids, which are due by 4:30 pm on Monday, May 20, 2019 to the Pittsylvania County FSA Office. The United States government owns this 41.69-acre property. The appraised value of the property is $70,500. The […]
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Bladen County Voter’s Absentee Rights, Board of Elections meetings
bladenonline 04/23/2019 0 COMMENTSOn Tuesday, April 23rd the Bladen County Board of Elections will hold their first absentee meeting according to the Bladen County website. Absentee voting allows you to vote by mail. Every state has absentee voting and rules on who can take part in absentee voting. The Bladen County meeting about the absentee voting will be […]
READ MOREUNITED STATES REACHES SETTLEMENT WITH HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC. AND INTERNATIONAL PAPER CO. FOR CLEANUP OF CONTAMINATED SOILS AND SEDIMENTS
bladenonline 04/19/2019 0 COMMENTSWASHINGTON – The Department of Justice and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced a settlement with Honeywell International Inc., and International Paper Co., for cleanup of contaminated soils and sediments at the LCP-Holtrachem plant in Riegelwood, Columbus County, North Carolina. The United States brought its action under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and […]
READ MOREGovernor Cooper Requests SBA Assistance Following Durham Explosion
bladenonline 04/19/2019 0 COMMENTSContributed RALEIGH: Today, Governor Roy Cooper formally requested that the US Small Business Administration provide assistance following last week’s explosion in downtown Durham. “Our thoughts are with the victims of this tragic incident and state and local officials are continuing to investigate the cause of last week’s explosion,” Gov. Cooper said. “We must also help […]
READ MOREPiedmont Natural Gas urges customers to save time and money by keeping their service on during summer months
bladenonline 04/18/2019 0 COMMENTSContributed CHARLOTTE, N.C. – As temperatures begin to climb, many customers who have Piedmont Natural Gas service solely for heating sometimes choose to disconnect their service for the summer months. Piedmont encourages those customers to keep their service on year-round, a decision that could save them time and money. When customers disconnect their service during […]
READ MOREPlastics Manufacturer Expands in Richmond County with $5.3 Million Investment
bladenonline 04/18/2019 0 COMMENTSContributed RALEIGH: Superior Plastics Extrusion Company, Inc., known as Impact Plastics, will expand its manufacturing operations in Richmond County and create 13 jobs, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest $5.3 million in Hamlet. “This announcement is just the latest example of a manufacturer finding success in North Carolina and deciding to expand […]
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Statement Regarding Cooper’s Veto Of Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act
bladenonline 04/18/2019 0 COMMENTSContributed Raleigh, NC — North Carolina Republican Communications Director Jeff Hauser released the following statement: “The day before Good Friday, Governor Cooper has chosen to stand with infanticide and extremist groups like Planned Parenthood and NARAL over life,” stated Hauser. “It is grotesque to think that Cooper believes providing care to infants born alive during an abortion […]
READ MOREContributed RALEIGH: Today, Governor Roy Cooper vetoed the following bill: Senate Bill 359: “AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE BORN-ALIVE ABORTION SURVIVORS PROTECTION ACT.” Gov. Cooper shared the following statement on his veto of Senate Bill 359: “Laws already protect newborn babies and this bill is an unnecessary interference between doctors and their patients. This needless legislation […]
READ MORERALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that Chief United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle sentenced TYRA MAKAVA WATSON, 19, of Lumberton to 144 months’ imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised released, and BOBBY PRESTON MCNAIR, 26, of Lumberton to 184 months’ […]
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Online Pet Supply Retailer Chewy to Invest $55 Million in Salisbury RALEIGH: Chewy, an online pet supply retailer, has selected Rowan County for its new fulfillment center, creating 1,200 new jobs and investing $55 million, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will locate in Salisbury, N.C. “Chewy selected North Carolina because from our […]
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Golden LEAF Board Appoints SVP Ted Lord as Acting President ROCKY MOUNT – Dan Gerlach, the president of the Golden LEAF Foundation for the past 10 years, today announced to the Golden LEAF Board of Directors that he would resign his position effective May 3, 2019. Gerlach leaves to serve as interim chancellor of East […]
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Wilmington Man Who Supplied Cocaine to Bloods Street Gang Sentenced to 6 1/2 Years in Federal Prison
bladenonline 04/17/2019 0 COMMENTSRALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that United States District Judge James C. Dever III, sentenced Rufus Lamar Parker, 28, of Wilmington to 78 months’ imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release. On July 9, 2018, Parker pled guilty to six counts […]
READ MORECompetitive process yields Carolinas’ biggest one-day collection of solar projects ever; significant savings for Duke Energy customers
bladenonline 04/17/2019 0 COMMENTSCHARLOTTE, N.C. – Bringing more cost-effective solar energy to the Carolinas, 14 utility-scale projects have been selected during an independently judged bidding process – part of a 2017 comprehensive renewable energy law. Based on an independent evaluation process, Duke Energy will produce or purchase a total of 602 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy from projects […]
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Governor Cooper Announces Grant to Protect Lumberton Manufacturer from Future Storms
bladenonline 04/16/2019 0 COMMENTSNorth Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority Grant to Help Protect Jobs from Flooding LUMBERTON: Governor Roy Cooper today visited Rempac Foam Corporation’s manufacturing facility in Lumberton, where he announced a grant to help protect the business and its jobs from future floods and discussed ongoing efforts to rebuild from Hurricane Florence. During his tour, the governor […]
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Eight students were announced as winners of the 24th annual Illustrate Your Favorite Caldecott Book contest at Harrells Christian Academy. Each year, the HCA Media Center collaborates with the Art Department to sponsor a contest for grades K-5 in honor of nineteenth century children’s book illustrator Randolph Caldecott. Students read and illustrate a cover for a […]
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Lower Cape Fear Hospice Named a 2019 Hospice Honors Elite Recipient
bladenonline 04/16/2019 0 COMMENTSWilmington, NC – Lower Cape Fear Hospice received the 2019 Hospice Honors Elite recognition from HEALTHCAREfirst yesterday at the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s Leadership and Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C. Each year, HEALTHCAREfirst conducts a review of the Hospice Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) survey results, which ask hospice patients’ caregivers […]
READ MORERALEIGH: Today, Gov. Roy Cooper appointed the Hon. Reuben Young and Christopher Brook to the North Carolina Court of Appeals. “The work of the North Carolina Court of Appeals must instill confidence in the people of our state, reminding them they live within a fair and just society,” Gov. Cooper said. “These appointees will bring […]
READ MORENCDOT open house in Fayetteville will be May 2 FAYETTEVILLE – To lessen congestion and plan for more traffic growth, the N.C. Department of Transportation proposes widening about 5 miles of the All American Freeway inside Fayetteville. The department invites the public to look at the preliminary design maps and offer comments during an open house from 4 […]
READ MORENational Park Service Names New Moores Creek National Battlefield Superintendent
bladenonline 04/14/2019 0 COMMENTSATLANTA – National Park Service Southeast Regional Director Robert Vogel announced the selection of Matthew Woods as superintendent of North Carolina’s Moores Creek National Battlefield, effective April 14. “Matthew has a deep understanding of Moores Creek National Battlefield and will help to ensure the park’s history and resources are well preserved,” Vogel said. “He is […]
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Tillis & Burr Decry Lack of Action on Additional Florence Disaster Aid for North Carolina
bladenonline 04/13/2019 0 COMMENTSWASHINGTON, D.C. – North Carolina Senators Thom Tillis and Richard Burr expressed disappointment today over Congress’ failure to deliver critical disaster aid to assist North Carolina’s Hurricane Florence recovery efforts. After Senators Tillis and Burr secured an initial down payment last October to help North Carolina’s long-term recovery efforts, the senators have worked to negotiate in good faith […]
READ MORERALEIGH: Today, Governor Roy Cooper announced new appointments to fourteen North Carolina boards and commissions. “By serving on state boards and commissions, these appointees are helping give back to their communities and move our state forward,” said Gov. Cooper. “I appreciate their service and look forward to their work for the people of North Carolina.” Gov. […]
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Governor Cooper Announces $12 Million Grant to Fight Opioid Epidemic in NC
bladenonline 04/11/2019 0 COMMENTSContributed North Carolina will receive a $12 million grant to continue its fight against the opioid epidemic, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The funds will be used for prevention, access to treatment and improved linkages to care. “The opioid crisis harms families, communities and our economy and we’re tackling it head-on to save lives,” said […]
READ MOREGovernor Cooper Signs Executive Order to Increase Employment Opportunities for People with Disabilities
bladenonline 04/11/2019 0 COMMENTSBy Ryan Hill April 5, 2019 – Governor Roy Cooper signed an executive order to increase opportunities for fair wages, employment and careers for people with disabilities. The order, called “Employment First for North Carolinians with Disabilities,” was signed at the Piedmont Regional Council in Kernersville on March 28. It also directs state government to […]
READ MORECherokee County Hospital Calls on General Assembly to Close Health Coverage Gap
bladenonline 04/11/2019 0 COMMENTSContributed MURPHY: Today, the CEO of Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital presented Governor Roy Cooper with a resolution “urging the North Carolina General Assembly to expand Medicaid in North Carolina as soon as possible.” “The single best thing we can do for our rural communities is to close the health insurance coverage gap, which will pump […]
READ MOREContributed what: ***MEDIA AVAILABILITY *** Speed A Little. Lose A Lot. when: 11 a.m. Friday, April 12 where: Fort Bragg North Post Exchange Butner Road Building #8-5050 details: In 2017 there were 17,495 crashes statewide; 734 of which were serious injuries. The following year, those numbers increased to 21,339 crashes and 831 serious injuries. (Editors note: […]
READ MOREICYMI: Tillis, Colleagues Introduce the Protect Act to Ensure Protections for Americans with Pre-Existing Conditions
bladenonline 04/11/2019 0 COMMENTSContributed Senate Republicans believe in patient-centered health care that delivers the choices Americans want, the affordability and protections they need, and the quality they deserve. That is why Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) and his colleagues yesterday 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 MORECHARLOTTE, N.C. – Today, the company issued the following statement in response to an April 1, 2019, order by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) requiring excavation of coal ash basins at the company’s Allen, Belews Creek, Cliffside/Rogers, Marshall, Mayo and Roxboro facilities. The state decision came after the company submitted to NCDEQ detailed […]
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RALEIGH -This year, farmers can add CropCheck, a pilot program offered by Field Watch, that allows growers to map small grain/commodity crops by herbicide-resident traits. Crops include cotton, corn and soybeans. It’s been three years since the online mapping programs Driftwatch and BeeCheck were launched in North Carolina. Since then, it has become a valuable […]
READ MORERALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today, United States District Judge James C. Dever, III sentenced Darrick Lamorris McKenzie, 39, of Lumberton, to 379 months imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release and ordered to pay $9,500.00 in restitution. McKenzie was […]
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