A former mayor died, a desperate search for a kidnapped Lumberton teen continued, and the election results were made official during the week of Nov. 12-18.
Former Bladenboro Mayor Edgar Evans died Tuesday, Nov. 13. He was 87. Burial was held Thursday, Nov. 15 at Lennons Crossroads Church.
Mr. Evans served as mayor from 1974 until 1993, according to town records. Current Mayor Rufus Duckworth said, “Edgar was a good friend to me.”
Hania Noelia Aguilar was abducted from her yard on Elizabethtown Road in Lumberton on the morning of Nov. 5. The FBI and Lumberton police continue to search for the 13-year-old. A male described as wearing dark colored clothing and a yellow bandana is reported to have forced Aguilar into a green Ford Expedition with South Carolina tags, according to the FBI.
A $25,000 reward is being offered by the FBI for information leading to the location of Hania or information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for the kidnapping.
While there was plenty of controversy in some parts of the country following the Nov. 6 election, Bladen County didn’t have any issues. The Board of Elections met Friday, Nov. 16 and certified the results, which did not change any outcomes from the unofficial results announced Nov. 6.
In a related matter, political signs from some candidates can still be found along road sides in Bladen County. State law said that signs on public right-of-ways should have been removed by Nov. 16.
The second annual Pork & Beats Festival was held Saturday, Nov. 17. Mike Shaw, one of the organizers, said, “I couldn’t be happier with the turnout we have had.” Plans already are underway for next year.
The Bladen County Shrine Club’s annual fish fry was another rousing success in Elizabethtown and Bladenboro. Proceeds go to Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Other stories of note from the week of Nov. 12-18 included:
• New police chief takes oath in Bladenboro
• After 18 years, Bladenboro EMS Chief Josh Parker retires
• West Bladen teacher Gaye Davis wins statewide donation award
• Debris removal under U.S. 701 bridge comes to a halt
• Elizabethtown Airport terminal future is bright
• Bladenboro pursuing federal funds for Wateree Creek clean up
• Bladenboro to get new look in downtown area
• White Lake honors first responders and Hurricane Florence volunteers
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