Peaked out a window recently overlooking our back yard and saw a deer, ’bout half grown, just wandering around. A few minutes later, bounced into a nearby wooded area and disappeared. I love calling rural Bladen County, NC, my home. Not uncommon to see squirrels, birds of all types, occasionally see a fox or an opossum, turtles, have heard an owl (not recently) and occasionally have geese & ducks in the yard. No rabbits (not sure why) and haven’t seen a snake in a long time. Must confess, do not go looking for snakes. Wouldn’t trade our rural Bladen County home place for any place I know.
Ever think where rural America would be without locally owned retail outlets? I hear folks promoting ‘shop at home,’ but often wonder if they really do or not. Being a local merchant is a challenge. Haven’t had a retail outlet, as we think of them … like a place where items are sold locally, but have owned a small AM radio station and a small online newspaper. … It’s a challenge. … Shop locally.
This Labor Day weekend, as in the past, Elizabethtown’s local merchants will be moving outside for their annual Labor Day Sale. Bargains galore. … Shop locally, and save.
White Lake’s public beaches open this weekend.
Ever scroll through Facebook and see postings by proud locals, mostly about schools, past festivals, other local events, etc? Good reading … good memories.
Check all sections of BladenOnline for local news, including sports, police reports, obits, upcoming events and more. Local folks, covering local events for locals residents … and former local residents as well as newcomers.
Love the idea of deputies stopping by local schools occasionally. … Schools officials and Sheriff’s department working together to make Bladen a safer, better place to live, work and play.
“My life is the land, the dogs, the car, the pond, the canoe … checking the mail box. It’s just a rural retreat that I enjoy.” Burt Shavitz
“You know, rural Americans are a special people. Their labor puts food on our table and fuel in our gas tanks. Their service in our military sets a powerful example of leadership, honor and sacrifice. Their spirit of community inspires us all.” Tom Vitsack
“I didn’t grow up on any sort of border, more in the middle of nowhere, in rural eastern North Carolina.” Tim Pratt
“Rural Americans want leaders who help middle-class communities to plan and prosper over the long term – not opportunist who reap the rewards for themselves, leaving nothing for the people who do the sowing.” Tom Vilsak
robert g hester
rgh4612@gmail.com
910-876-2322
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