Local governments have adopted budgets for FY 2018-19 or will this week.
When I covered local government meetings, one of the budget items I most often checked was sales tax projections and the actual income. Tourism adds greatly to that line item in most local budgets, especially the Bladen County budget and that is good for all citizens. Millions are collected, and the numbers grow faster in the summertime.
July 4th is just days away.
Think often of Sincere Smith, the recent East Bladen grad who was drafted by the Yankees in the Major League Baseball (MLB) draft. The Yankees are sorting it all out and beginning to assign their new draftees to various rookie league teams. It must be some experience for the Bladen County youngster. How many would give just about anything to have the opportunity, regardless of how long it lasts? Wish him the best.
A year ago, many were following updates related to Mackenzie Gore, the Whiteville pitching sensation. Drafted No. 1 by San Diego Padres, signed a huge ($3M plus) contract, had a great season in minor league rookie play, but has had problems the first half of his first long season. He has suffered blisters on his pitching hand and only pitched 13 innings this year with the Fort Wayne Tincaps. According to the Fort Wayne newspaper, he appears to be healthy and is expected to start the second game of a double-header Sunday (tomorrow).
Quoting Mgr. Anthony Contreras, “Every time he goes out and looks healthy, it’s a win in our books.” The team completed the first half of their season 32-37.
Today’s weather forecast: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1 PM. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Heat index values as high as 102. Southwest wind 6 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
A wild crazy weekend involves sitting on the front porch, enjoying a cold beverage, reading a book.
I could easily escape to a nice cool spot and do absolutely nothing.
Religion that is contained only within a church building is a weekend hobby, not a personal faith. James Lankford.
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