Welcome To BladenOnline.com - Bladen County Local News and Sports Web Site

Bladen County School Breakfast/Lunch Menu - May 2012

	May 1, 2012

> Legislation filed today to compensate eugenics victims

> Editorial: Rainy season

> Wingate names Ann Hancock head women's basketball coach

> Gov. Perdue announces record level of exports from NC

> Bladenboro man killed after tractor was struck by car Sunday near Lumberton

> Inmates at Bladen Correctional Facility train dogs to give them a better chance at adoption

> Editorial: Gubernatorial candidates should focus on real issues

Bladen Board of Elections Receive Election Protest Notifications

Three candidates for political office in the May 8th primary have presented an Election Protest to the Bladen County Board of Elections.

Those protesting include Mathew (Matt) J. Dixon, Robert Wayne Brooks and Albert C. Beatty.

Dixon was a candidate for the North Carolina House of Representatives, District 22. Brooks was a candidate for Bladen County Commissioner, District 1 and Beatty was a candidate for County Commissioner At-Large.

Hospital gets a facelift during Beautification Day - Click HERE For Photos

Visitors and passersby at Cape Fear Valley/Bladen County Hospital should notice a lot of changes in the facility after volunteers gave their time and efforts on May 11 at the hospital's first Beautification Day. Employees, spouses and community members, including students from both East and West Bladen high schools, volunteered during the efforts to plant flowers and bushes, spread mulch and paint, among other duties, to give the main building and outlying clinics a fresh look. Future efforts will be planned for the clinics as well.

“I can't begin to tell you how much I appreciate everyone's participation,” said Dan Weatherly, the hospital's administrator. “In just one day, we have transformed our hospital into a much more pleasing and inviting place to come for our patients and their families.”

Local Board Honors Workforce Development Professionals

In observance of National Workforce Development Professionals Month, the Lumber River Workforce Development Board hosted a staff appreciation luncheon on May 18, 2012 at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke Regional Center, located at COMtech Park. Workforce development professionals from numerous area agencies, organizations and schools were treated to a complimentary lunch and door prizes, and were recognized for their work and dedication.

The East Bladen All-Sports banquet was held Thursday night.

Major winners included;

Joe Bostic award               Farrell Murchison (L)
Wade A. Taylor, III award   Scott Beasley (R)
Lacy West award              Cameron West (Below L)

Female Athlete of the Year Zhane Johnson (Below R)
Male Athlete of the Year     A. J. McKoy (Below R)

Financial Literacy in the Classroom: Getting the Best Return On Investment from Students

CULLOWHEE-Areda Rogers and Theresa E. Wuebbels of Clarkton School of Discovery in Bladen County, recently attended a financial literacy seminar held at the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching, a recognized national leader in professional development programming for educators. The seminar, titled "Dollars and Sense: Promoting Financial Literacy," was supported in part by a grant from the BB&T Charitable Foundation.

Man charged in theft after being identified by witness
By Rhonda Griffin

A Clarkton man has been charged after an eyewitness identified him allegedly removing lawn equipment and hand tools from a home on March 9, Capt. Rodney Hester of the Bladen County Sheriff's Office said.

Corey Michael Peterson, 34, of 1476 Elkton Road, was charged with felony larceny and possession of stolen property in connection with the theft, Hester said.

Thoughts while shaving

It's Festival Time at White Lake....thousands will be in Bladen County this weekend for the Water Festival....We appreciate the rain, but a few hours without would be great over the next couple of days....Lord...we can't be satisfied...It's all about us....good thing someone else is in control of showers.

Folks in the Bladenboro have two less places to purchase gasoline....Handee Hugo near Hardees is being leveled for a new structure and the other across from Pizza Palace is closed...A new Minuteman will be constructed on the former Wam Squam site at White Lake. Giorgio's is expanding in E-town and Tractor Supply is coming....There are other upgrades on the way...

Climate in Bladen County, North Carolina

Bladen County, NC, averages 48 inches of rain per year. The US average is 37 inches. Average snowfall is 1 inch. The average US city gets 25 inches of snow per year . In Bladen County, the average number of days with any measurable precipitation is 104.

On average, there are 215 sunny days per year in Bladen County, NC. The July high is around 89 degrees. The January low is 32. Our comfort index, which is based on humidity during the hot months, is a 31 out of 100, where higher is more comfortable. The US average on the comfort index is 44.

White Lake Water Festival Family Fun

Over 30 years of family fun will continue this weekend at White Lake during the Annual White Lake Water Festival.

Festivities begin Friday:

Friday, May 18
6:30 - 9 PM	Classic Car Cruise-In
7 - 9 PM	Street Dance at Goldston's Beach

Homegrown Talent at Bladen County Library

Thursday evening, June 7th the Bladen County Public Library will celebrate homegrown creative talent! Five authors from Bladen County will share their work at the main library in Elizabethtown, several farmers will display their produce and Phyllis Lewis will hang her quilts. Our authors are Takenya Lennon (poetry), Stephanie NewKirk (children's literature), Jane T. Pait (children's literature), Darlene S. Swinson (autobiography), and Marjorie Walker (autobiography). They will set up a display in the meeting room so visitors can view their work and talk to the authors. The glass display case will have a selection of honey, soap, and other goods grown in Bladen County, and Mrs. Lewis' quilts will brighten everything. Join us for an evening of Bladen County talent!

Elizabethtown’s Dr. Kevin Gaylord Practices Medicine In Wilmington

Dr. Kevin Gaylord, a native of Elizabethtown, is associated with Hanover Medical Specialists, P.A. of Wilmington.

Dr. Gaylord received his medical degree from East Carolina School of Medicine in 1998. He completed his internal medical residency at Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, and his Gastroenterology Fellowship at Albany Medical College of Albany, New York.

Old Elizabethtown Baptist Church was located in

100 block of West Broad Street

County of Bladen
State of North Carolina

Special Meeting Notice

Notice is hearby given that the Bladen County Board of Elections
will hold a Special Meeting on Tuesday, May 22, 2012 at 10:00 A.M.
for the purpose of a preliminary consideration regarding the election
protest filed by: Matt Dixon, Robert Brooks and Albert Beatty.

The meeting will be held in the Board of Elections Meeting Room
of the Bladen County Board of Elections located at 301 Cypress
Street, Elizabethtown, NC 28337.

Vernello "Marie" Robinson
Chairman, Bladen County Board of Elections

2012 COC ELECTION INFORMATION

One of FSA's responsibilities is to conduct County Committee elections in an open manner that ensures accountability. FSA will provide local organizations representing socially disadvantaged groups with detailed information about the COC election process. The agency is reaching out to agricultural communities to get equitable representation on their county committees. This year, LAA 1 consisting of Elizabethtown, Brown Marsh, Whites Creek, and Carvers Creek townships will conduct the election. For convenience, we have included a nomination form in a recent newsletter mailing to all owners, operators, and producers that are on the Bladen County Farm Service Agencies records.

Whooping Cough Making Comeback

Pertussis (Whooping Cough) is making a comeback in North Carolina and across the United States.

States such as California and Washington State have experienced an outbreak of pertussis which has resulted in deaths from the disease. In North Carolina, several counties in the southeast region have reported cases of whooping cough.

Because of the increased incidence of pertussis disease (whooping cough) in North Carolina, the North Carolina Immunization program (NCIP) is making Tdap vaccine available immediately and until further notice.

Agriculture is Key to Economic Growth in North Carolina
U.S. Congressman Mike McIntyre
May 17, 2012

May 15th marked the 150th anniversary of the United States Department of Agriculture which was ushered into being by one of our Nation’s greatest leaders, President Abraham Lincoln, and plays a vital role in ensuring that rural America remains vibrant and strong. As the American conservationist John Muir said nearly one hundred years ago, when “one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world,” which is especially true of agriculture.

Bladen Community College announces spring honors list
Jack McDuffie

Bladen Community College has released its scholastic honors list for the spring semester. Only students considered full-time are named to honors lists. In order to be included on the President’s List, students must have maintained a 4.0 grade point average. In order to be named to the Dean’s List, students must have maintained a grade point average of 3.5 with no grade below a “C”.

5-14-12 Board Approves Roofing Projects

At the May 14 board of education meeting, board members approved a lottery application to replace and/or repair the roofs of ten schools in Bladen County. Funds from the NC Education Lottery will be used to pay for the projects.

Schools that will be part of the project are Bladen Lakes Primary (building 1, 2, and 3), Clarkton School of Discovery (gym lobby and technical lab), Plain View Primary (pre-k building), East Arcadia (building 1 and 2), Elizabethtown Middle (old ROTC building), B.T. Washington (cafeteria), Elizabethtown Primary (pre-k building), Dublin Primary (media center and cafeteria), Bladenboro Primary (cafeteria), and Bladenboro Middle (gym, welding shop, lobby, and walkway). The roofs will be a combination of foam and TPA single ply systems.

White Lake Water Festival Weekend

The Annual White Lake Water Festival will be held this weekend, as it has for the past 30 plus years.

The parade is set to kick-off at 10 AM Saturday.

This year festivities begin on Friday with a Classic Car Cruise-In beginning at 6:30 PM and a street dance begins at 7 PM.

BladenOnline Hits
May 1 - 16

Year		Total Hits	Daily Ave
2008		245,433	15,340
2009		837,408	52,338
2010		2,790,143	174,384
2011		2,468,855	154,303
2012		3,306,042	206,628

Let Us Help Tell Your Story Contact our Sales Department

Sales	Bobbie Todd				876-4884
News	Rhonda Griffin				874-4089
Sports	John Clark				876-7082
robert g hester				876-2322

Bladen County Board of Education Meeting
Bethany Stephens

The Board of Education met Monday night for a lengthy session. They began by recognizing West Bladen student, Shawanda Hepburn, for competing in and winning a gold medal in the State FCCLA Conference’s Create a Meal competition. Students from West Bladen’s Science Olympiad team, led by teacher Pam Roberts, were recognized for various wins at the regional competition. Adam Rutland and Cody Roberts, whose first place win earned them a spot in the state competition, won fourth place in the State Helicopters event.

Bladen County Headlines…35 Years Ago

Edward McKenna, Sr. of Bladenboro filed a $2.3 million lawsuit against Sheriff John B. Allen, the town of Elizabethtown, Bladen County, former SBI agent Wesley Terry and SBI agent Marshall Evans. McKenna had been convicted of murdering Raleigh police officer William K. Holland.

Robin Ricks of Elizabethtown was crowned the Strawberry Queen at the North Carolina Strawberry Festival in Chadbourn.

The Samuel C. Brown family of Rt. 1, Council was named the FHA District VI Farming Family of the Year.

Jon David—District Attorney
May 16, 2012
Press Release
Shooting Death of Eight Year Old Child in Bladen County

This press release concerns the shooting death of Ethan Bartley on November 25, 2011. Ethan, who was eight years old at the time of the incident, was visiting relatives in Bladen County over the Thanksgiving Holiday. On the day in question, Ethan went to visit the next-door neighbor’s home where two twelve year old boys were staying. The children were observed to be in the home playing video games. Two adults made the decision to go on a shopping trip and left the children in the company of an eighteen year old relative of one of the twelve year old boys.

Former superintendent gets new attorney in case
By Rhonda Griffin

Former Bladen County Schools Superintendent Greg Killingsworth, who was indicted by a grand jury last year for financial crimes, has obtained a new attorney in his case, said Scott Pait, investigator for District Attorney Jon David's office. The change in representation came after Killingsworth's previous lawyer, Doug Parsons of Clinton, was recently appointed to a district court judge seat.

The new attorney, whose name was not released, is also from Sampson County, Pait said.

Bladen County Fire Departments Receives $'s

Bladen County Fire departments are sharing in the 2012 Volunteer Fire Department Fund. Statewide, 644 departments are sharing in the fund to the tune of $8,717,495.18.

The Fund was created in 1988 and is available annually for local volunteer fire departments on a dollar-for-dollar match.

Eight Local departments received a total of nearly $100,000.00.

Included are:

* Ammon VFD

$3,850.00

* Bay Tree VFD

$11,111.44

* Bladenboro Fire Department

$19,050.00

* Clarkton Fire Department

$30,000.00

* Dublin Fire Department

$10,622.50

* Elizabethtown Fire Department

$3,500.00

* Kelly VFD

$7,105.00

* White Lake Fire Department

$13,465.00

Bladen County Solid Waste Schedule for Memorial Day

All Bladen County Solid Waste facilities will be closed Monday, May 28th in observance of Memorial Day. All facilities will resume normal scheduling on Tuesday, May 29th.

Truck Driver Suffers Heart Attack

A contract mail carrier apparently suffered a heart attack while traveling on NC 87 early Sunday morning. The tractor-trailer he was driving came to rest in a field east of Elizabethtown.

The unidentified Sampson County man was found dead in his truck about 6 AM. He apparently had been there for some time.

Former Student Speaks to Students at CSD

Elizabethtown Planning Board Zoning and Enforcement Officer Bryan Martin recently visited Clarkton School of Discovery and spoke to the eighth graders during one of their seventh period "Fun Fridays." Martin, an alumnus of CSD, shared information about his middle and high school years, college life at Chapel Hill, and his career. The students are allowed to ask questions after the speech.

SR 1005 Purdie Hall Rd. Closure May 17, 2012

On Thursday, May 17, 2012, the North Carolina Department of Transportation
will temporarily close a section of SR 1005, Purdie Hall Rd at the
Robeson/Bladen County line, near Tolarsville in Robeson County for bridge
construction. There will be a signed detour as follows:

* SR 1924 Barker Ten Mile Rd in Robeson County. to NC 20 into Bladen
County; SR 1300 Chicken Foot Rd.; to SR 1005 Purdie Hall Rd.

The road will be closed for approximately 120 days.

Academic Awards Presented at HCA Banquet

On Tuesday evening, May 14, the high school students of Harrells Christian Academy were honored during the annual upper school academic banquet. The event was held at the Elizabethtown Baptist Church Activities Center.

Pictured are the students who maintained the highest and second highest overall averages for school year.

First Row: Second Highest Overall Averages: John Thomas (Junior), Ben Roberts (Senior), Chris Cannady (Sophomore), not pictured Christian McLaughlin (Freshman)
Second Row: Highest Overall Averages: Jackie Parker (Freshman), Hannah Verrilli (Senior), Anna DeVane (Sophomore), Allison Cottle (Junior)

Bladen Canvass Complete

The Bladen County Board of Elections met Tuesday morning to canvass the votes in the May 8 primary.

There were no changes in the list of winners and losers after the canvass was complete.

Statewide, a second primary is expected. However, there will be no local candidates. None are eligible.

Bladen County Man Still Missing

Captain Rodney Hester of the Bladen County Sheriff's Department said Michael Blake Atkinson is still missing. A Silver Alert was issued April 13, 2012.

Citizens were ask then to be on the lookout for Atkinson, who is believed to be suffering from dementia or some other cognitive impairment.

According to the state website, anyone with any information should call Det. Morgan Johnson of the Bladen County Sheriff's Department at 910-862-8141.

Bridgers Received Crusader Award

On Tuesday evening, May 14, the high school students of Harrells Christian Academy were honored during the annual upper school academic banquet. The event was held at the Elizabethtown Baptist Church Activities Center.
The recipient of the prestigious Crusader Award was Kathryn Bridgers. She is pictured with her parents, Dr. & Mrs. Stephen Bridgers.

Honor Roll for Plain View Primary

Second Grading Period

"A" Honor Roll
Janet Chavez, Bailey Hynde, Shaunessy McMillian, Shelby Pharr, Atzel Salavador-Gonzalez

"B" Honor Roll
Justus Belle, Gabriel Cruz, Christopher Hunt, Brianna Long, Tyler Marcoullier, Daniel Zavala Lopez, Kai Belle, Larry Council, Nathaniel Davis, Christy Edge, Iveth Garcia, Brookelynn Hoffman, Vincent Nelson, Samuel Phipps, Albert Reyes-Gonzalez, Kenia Velasquez

Harrells Christian Academy Class of 2012

1st Row
Rachel Victoria Adams, Meredith Victoria Cooke, Kathia Mariel Chirinos Acosta, Sara Ashleigh Moore, Gabrielle Elizabeth Johnson, Jennifer Elizabeth Ricci, Jacob Nye King, Gracie Eakins

2nd Row
Kathryn Neal Bridgers, Andrea Delani Sholar, Samantha Leigh Holland, Phoebe Carlin Campbell, Joseph Mills Bryant, Christian Thomas Peterson, Wendell Holmes Murphy III

2012 HCA Marshalls Announced

On Tuesday evening, May 14, the high school students of Harrells Christian Academy were honored during the annual upper school academic banquet. The event was held at the Elizabethtown Baptist Church Activities Center.

Pictured from left to right are the 2012 graduation marshalls: Allison Cottle (Chief), John Thomas, Cory Levings, Matt Crawford, Ashley Kersey

HCA Academic Awards

Pictured from left to right are the recipients of the Christian Character Awards: Matt Maready (Senior), Cory Levings (Junior), Austin Wells (Sophomore), Andrew Miller (Freshman)

Bladen Habitat Seeking Applicants

Bladen Habitat for Humanity is seeking applicants. Interested in becoming a homeowner? You are invited to the Spring 2012 Application Workshop to learn about Bladen Habitat for Humanity homeownership.

The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 17, 2012 at 6:00 PM at Elizabethtown Hall, located at 806 West Broad Street in Elizabethtown.

Everyone is invited to attend.

UNCW Dean's List

The UNC Wilmington Dean's list includes three (3) Bladen County students.

Rivers Quinn Lancaster of Elizabethtown
Laura Nicole Myers of White Lake
Rebecca Diane Norris of Kelly.

Ammon residents host community watch meeting
By Rhonda Griffin

A handful of Ammon residents gathered Monday evening to host the community's first crime watch meeting with presentations and safety tips from the Bladen County Sheriff's Office. The main focus when the citizens took the floor was a plea to the Bladen County Commissioners to allow more funding for the department.

Officers touched on subjects that are becoming more common in the county, such as prescription drug abuse and copper theft, and on the growing trend of identity theft. Bladen County Sheriff Prentis Benston presented information about how the department works, with five road deputies per shift having responsibility for all of the incidents throughout the county.

McIntyre Unveils Farm and Rural Policy Agenda

Washington, D.C. – On the 150th birthday of the United States Department of Agriculture, U.S. Congressman Mike McIntyre has unveiled his plan of action for farm and Rural America policy. These principles will serve as the foundation for McIntyre’s work on the House Agriculture Committee as the next Farm Bill is written.

Congressman McIntyre, a senior member of the Committee stated, “Farming and agriculture are critical to the economy of North Carolina, and it is vital that we have strong principles and programs in place to make sure that our farmers can compete in the global economy.

Bladenboro Town Commissioners Receive Budget Proposal

Bladenboro Town Manager Delane Jackson presented the town commissioners his proposed budget for FY 2012-13 Monday evening.

The proposed budget is $1,606,737, about 1% above the current budget. Jackson pointed out that the proposed budget is $250,822 less than the FY 1998-99 budget. The proposal for next fiscal year keeps the same tax rate of 57 cents. It makes the 15th consecutive year that there has been no tax rate increase, in fact, according to the City Manager, their have been 2 reductions over the past 15 years.

BMA Clinics Earn Recognition For Patient-Centered Care

ELIZABETHTOWN – All three Bladen Medical Associates clinics have received Level 3 (highest level) designation as patient-centered medical home programs by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).

The three-year designation is provided through the Physician Practice Connections-Patient Centered Medical Home (PPC-PCMH) program.

Elizabethtown Airport to Receive Grant

The Curtis L. Brown Airport in Elizabethtown is one of several that will receive a $150,000 grant. The announcement was made Monday by the NC Department of Transportation.

The announcement stated, "As part of the NC Department of Transportation's ongoing commitment to improving aviation in North Carolina, the NC Division of Aviation awarded $9,639,270 in Vision 100 funds from the Federal Aviation Administration to several general aviation airports across the state.

Dr. Helms Celebrates 30 Years in Bladenboro

Dr. Don Helms, optometrist, joined Dr. Craig Swain at the Bladenboro Eye Clinic May 19, 1982.

Helms, a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and the Pennsylvania College of Optometry, came to the local office when it consisted of one small exam room in the Bladenboro Community Medical Center with a small staff, consisting of one, sometimes two employees.

East Bladen Students Compete

East Bladen High school students recently placed first in Envirothon competition (L), and Land Judging competitions (R).

National Nursing Home Week Celebrated locally

Today kick's off National Nursing Home Week. Rita Graham and Shawntell Cromartie, activity coordinators at Poplar Heights along with resident Grady McMillan, help start the celebrations with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Bladen residents participate in Senior Games
By Rhonda Griffin

An active and energetic group of Bladen residents took part in a 6-day event to show their skills and engage in some friendly competition recently during the 19th Annual Lumber River Regional Senior Games. Designed for ages 55 to 100+, the participants took part in bowling, golf, table tennis, swimming, football throws, basketball, and a variety of other sports, along with literary and performing arts categories throughout the course of the event that was held from April 23 to May 1.

Bladen Native Is Teacher Of The Year At Horry-Georgetown Technical College

Brian Tessenear, a native of Elizabethtown and a graduate of East Bladen High School and Bladen Community College, was recently named Teacher of The Year at Horry-Georgetown Technical College.

Tessenear, Assistant Chair and Professor of Computer Technology and Information Technology at Horry-Georgetown, is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Tessenear and is married to the former Meg White of Elizabethtown.

Battle of the Tory Hole Planned in Elizabethtown

Mayor Sylvia Campbell has announced the Battle of Tory Hole will be re-enacted in Elizabethtown August 3-4 & 5, 2012.

A living history re-enactment is set to begin on Friday, August 3 with a Candle Light Tour at 9 PM.

Saturday's activities begin at 9 AM with Camps and Settlers. The Battle of Tory Hole begins at 2 PM followed in the evening by Music and Storytelling.

Upcoming Events

June 17-21st....... Singletary United Methodist Church invites you to a spectacular week of VBS. This year's theme is "Operation Overboard, where kids dare to go deep with God." VBS will be for pre-school through middle-school children and youth. There will be fun and suprises all week long and maybe even a bounce house or two. For more information please call or email Pastor Lamont at (910)774-0057 or lhemminger@ec.rr.com.

May 19.....Saturday, May 19... Boats on White Lake are invited to hear local band South of Sanity playing classic to current rock music on top of Pier 173, near Shady Shores, at White Lake, from 9 PM until.

May 19....White's Creek Baptist Church Youth is sponsoring a CAR WASH Saturday, May 19, 2012, 8:00am-until at the Parking Lot of Absolute Auto Parts (Old NAPA)...1106 W Broad St. All proceeds benefit our Youth Missions trip to Washington, DC.

Comments are welcome on Guestbook but must be signed.

Concerned Citizen or John Q. Taxpayer is not a name. Identify yourself!!

robert g hester

BladenOnline Hits

Thursday - May 17, 2012

Hits

184,341

robert g hester