November Election Update

The political primaries are over, the conversation continues and the November General Election

is approaching.

One question that is circulating in some areas of the county is, are write-ins legal in the November contest.  The answer, according to Larry Hammond, Bladen County Board of Elections Director, is NO.  According the Hammond, write-ins are not legal except in non-partisan elections. 

Bladen County Commissioners To Meet

Bladen County Commissioners will meet in regular session Monday at

6:30 pm in the courthouse.

The Board will recognize former Chief Deputy Phillip Little for 37 years

of service to Bladen County. 

Commissioners will consider a request from Sheriff Earl Storms to award

Side Arms to Little and retired Sheriff Steve Bunn.  It is customery for

retiring officers to be given their weapon.   

The James Daniel Pait-Paite-Pate family reunion was to be held at the Center Road Baptist Church Recreation Center.

John D. Mercer of Bladenboro retired as a rural mail carrier after 44 years of delivering mail.

The 1965 class of Bladen Central High School held their 20th class reunion. 

Thoughts while shaving 

Pack Family Medicine Holds Open House - Click HERE For Photos

A new medical provider held an Open House Thursday afternoon.

The Pack family and staff greeted a large crowd to their official Open House.

Karen Pack is the medical provider.  She has been involved in providing medical care in this area for the past 15 year.

Pack completed the Physician Associate program at Yale University Medical School.

The newly renovated Park Family Medicine office is located at 212 South Pine Street in Elizabethtown. 

The office hours are 9 - 5 Monday through Thursday and from 9 - 1 on Friday.

Appointments and walk-ins are welcomed.

A day in the life...First Due Firefighter Camp – Day 9 - Click HERE For Photos

 Rhonda Griffin

The scorching heat of the day didn't keep the cadets of the First Due Firefighter Camp from doing their jobs – and doing them well.

Thursday afternoon brought the 17 junior firefighters to White Lake to the site where the annual Firefighter Competition is held during the White Lake Water Festival. The object of the competition seemed simple enough – teams of cadets were to have a water battle over a large, metal 5-gallon barrel that is suspended from a wire that spans across an open field. Two teams of four or five cadets each grabbed a hose, aimed for the barrel and battled to see which team could make the other back down. But in watching the teams of each other on, the competition was clearly anything but simple. 

Sampson County Man Charged with Raping his Granddaughter

A 64 year old Sampson County man is in Bladen County jail, charged with raping his 8 year old granddaughter. The crime is alleged to have occurred in Bladen County.  

Sampson County authorities arrested Harold Lee Strickland of 1594 Hunter Road in Clinton, Wednesday.  He was turned over to the Bladen County Sheriff's Department.  He is in jail charged with first degree statutory rape.

The Raleigh Report

From the Office of Representative William Brisson

July 29, 2010

Since our session ended, the governor has signed several pieces of legislation into law. These laws will help protect the vulnerable among us, make our education system stronger and improve our health system. These are good laws meant to help in difficult times.

Thank you as always for your interest in state government. If you have any questions about this information or anything else that I can help with, please contact me. I am always glad to be of service. 

McIntyre Announces Jobs Strategy With Passage of “Make it in America” Legislation

Washington, D.C.—Today, Congressman Mike McIntyre voted in support of “Make it in America” strategy by supporting three bills that will rebuild the American manufacturing base, put the American people back to work, and grow our economy. 

With an emphasis on creating the high-skill, high-wage jobs of the future, “Make it in America” promotes American competitiveness, innovation, and exports.  

A day in the life...First Due Firefighter Camp – Days 6, 7 and 8 - Click HERE For Photos

Rhonda Griffin

The cadets of First Due Firefighter Camp kicked off their second and final week early Monday morning, and have had nothing but non-stop action since.

After their normal morning routines of raising the flags, prayer, stretching and physical training, the rest of each day has been packed with events. On Monday, the teams gathered for their timed turnout gear tests, with the results to be announced Friday evening during the camp's graduation. Then each team practiced their lifesaving skills by saving a “victim” who was trapped during a rescue scenario. 

Deer banquet Aug. 7

By Jefferson Weaver

Staff Writer

Trophy bucks, kid’s activities, and steak dinners will be on tap at the fourth annual Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA) banquet Aug. 7.

ODMA was founded by Elizabethtown native Joe Hamilton, a nationally known deer biologist. The national organization concentrates on helping hunters and farmers maintain healthy whitetail deer herds. 

Candidate talk:  John Szoka 

By Rhonda Griffin

Editor's note:  BladenOnline believes the voters should know their candidates in order to make a fair and solid decision at the polls. We would like to offer the opportunity to all upcoming candidates to share information about themselves and the issues they feel strongly about with our readers. To schedule an interview, call Rhonda Griffin at 549-4649. 

John Szoka has a simple yet strong view of his campaign for N.C. House District 22 – “Principles, Not Politics.” 

Come celebrate your health at BCHD

Bladen County Health Department is gearing up for their KICK-OFF Vaccination CLINIC for Wednesday, July 28^th from 8:30-11:30 and 1:00-4:00. These Vaccines target youth from ages 11-18 yrs. and will help to protect them from dangerous diseases such as: Meningitis and Pertussis (Whooping Cough).

The vaccine to protect against Pertussis (Tdap) is required for all rising 6^th grade students.

Please come by for PRIZES AND REFRESHMENTS!!! CALL 910.862.6900 FOR MORE INFORMATION!!!

View these websites for information on these infectious diseases and preventive vaccines that are offered at our office:

http://www.voicesofmeningitis.org/    http://www.menactra.com/

http://www.soundsofpertussis.com/   http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/default.htm

http://www.tdapvac.com/

Editor note - The following was submitted by Nanette Inman

Milton Stone

  What would you say of Milton Stone?  What sort of man was he?  He was

private, yet outspoken.  He lived quietly on a farm in Tobemory, yet served as

lockmaster and coach for a nationally lauded women's softball team.  He had

run for county commissioner.

  Mr. Stone loved to talk, said friend Jerry Singletary, but near the end was

barely able to speak.  Mr. Stone died this spring at age 84. 

APPLICATIONS SOUGHT FOR MINI-GRANTS TO BENEFIT YOUTH GROUPS

RALEIGH – The N.C. Youth Advisory Council of the Youth Advocacy and Involvement Office in the Department of Administration is accepting applications for mini-grants available to youth groups to conduct community projects.  The application deadline is 5 p.m. Oct. 11.

Up to $6,292 is available to North Carolina organizations composed of young people, ages 13 to 18, which implement programs to benefit their peers.  The mini-grants will range from $100 to $500 each.

BLADEN COUNTY FOOTBALL JAMBOREE

August 13, 2010  

On behalf of East and West Bladen High Schools, it is my pleasure to introduce the Bladen County Football Jamboree, hosted by East and West Bladen High Schools.  In its inaugural year, East Bladen will be this year’s host site on August 13, 2010.  The following year will be hosted by West Bladen High School.  We intend for this event to bring enthusiasm and support to our football teams, as well as other athletic teams at each school. 

1000 / 50 Club - BOYS AND GIRLS HOME OF NORTH CAROLINA

At a recent Jaycee reunion in Asheboro,  it was discussed by several that we should check into the status of the Jaycee support for Boys and Girls Home at Lake Waccamaw.  On July 6, a group of former jaycees visited the Boys Home to find out first hand.  They found that the Jaycee support from the North Carolina Jaycees had dwindled down to only support from a few chapters in the Raleigh area with the Raleigh Jaycees being responsible for over 80% of that support.  The total was just over $ 25,000.00 annually.  It takes approximately $190,000.00 annually to operate the Jaycee Cottage. 

Allen Barnhill—Elizabethtown Native, Instrumental In The Houston Symphony

Principal Trombonist Allen Barnhill has been a member of the Houston Symphony since 1977. He has been featured as a soloist with the orchestra several times and has also made solo appearances with such groups as The United States Navy Band in Washington, The Lexington Sinfonietta in Boston, The University of Texas Wind Ensemble, Sam Houston State Wind Ensemble and The Woodlands Symphony. In 1979 Barnhill took part in the Geneva International Solo Competition and was awarded the Swiss Prize. He has also performed with Chicago’s Music of the Baroque Ensemble, the Houston Symphony Chamber Players, the Atlanta Symphony, the San Antonio Symphony and the Rochester Philharmonic. Currently on the faculty at Sam Houston State University, Barnhill has taught on the faculties of the University of Texas at Austin, the University of Houston, Rice University and St. Thomas University. He has also taught at the Texas Music Festival, Grand Teton Orchestral Seminar, East Carolina University Summer Music Camp and the Pacific Music Festival in Japan. Barnhill is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music. He studied trombone with Donald Knaub and was awarded the Performer’s Certificate for outstanding performance as a soloist. Allen is also an avid water skier, snow skier and outdoor enthusiast.

Barnhill is a native of Elizabethtown and is the son of Dr. and Mrs. O.A. Barnhill.

Man in custody after allegedly stabbing three family members

Rhonda Griffin

A Harrells man was booked in the Bladen County Jail after allegedly stabbing three of his relatives on Sunday afternoon.

Darrell R. Miller Jr., 20, of 6589 N.C. Hwy. 210 E., has been charged with three counts of attempted first-degree murder, Bladen County Chief Deputy Prentis Benston said Monday morning. The three victims, who all resided at the same residence, were hospitalized for stab wounds, he said.

Around 3:30 p.m. Sunday, a call came in to Bladen's 911 communications center from one of Miller's family members reporting that Miller was refusing to take his prescribed medication. While deputies were in route to the home in Harrells, a second call was made reporting that three people at the residence had been stabbed, Benston said.

Miller was detained when deputies arrived, he said. After being booked on a $750,000 secured bond, Miller was taken for safekeeping on Sunday night due to medical reasons, Benston added. His first court appearance is expected on Monday or Tuesday.

The case is still under investigation by the Bladen County Sheriff's Office.

Bladen County School Lunchrooms Fare Well In Most Recent Gradings

Bladen County school lunchrooms fared well in their most recent inspections. In the thirteen schools that have been graded only three had a grade less than 100. Tar Heel School had a grade of 97 while Clarkton School of Discovery and Bladen Elementary scored 99. Schools with a 100 grade were East Arcadia and Plainview.

Getting a grade of 101 was Booker T. Washington in Clarkton. The highest grade of 102 was given to Bladenboro Middle, Bladenboro Primary, West Bladen High, Dublin, East Bladen High, Elizabethtown Middle and Elizabethtown Primary.

Upcoming Events

July 26 - 30.....Pleasant Union Missionary Baptist Church in the East Arcadia Community will be celebrating their Annual Youth Revival July 26 thru 30 at 7 pm.  The dynamic Pastor Kevin Joyner, of the River of Life Worship Center in Evergreen, NC will be the speaker of the week.  Please come and support our Youth.  For more information, contact Samantha Graham of (910) 655-8424.

 

July 31.....Praise Fest is scheduled for White's Creek Baptist Church, 6062 Mercer Mill Road, Clarkton.  Three bands will be performing live....King's Crest, High Road and Praise Out Loud.  A very special speaker will be Leonard Henry, former running back for the Miami Dolphins and Oakland Raiders.  Praise Fest is sponsored by Bikers for Christ, Bladen Chapter and Cape Fear Chapter and co-sponsored by "His Laboring Few" Biker Ministry, Bladen County Chapter.  Admission is free and refreshments will be provided.  All are welcome.  Program begins at 7 PM.  Call Kincy Barrow at (910) 874-1525 for more information.

 

July 31........The East Bladen Class of 2000 Reunion will be held October 2, 2010 @ Lu Mil Vineyard starting at 6pm. The cost PER person will be $40. This will cover dinner, catered by Fuller's, DJ, and rental of the building. We need all money and RSVP by August 1, 2010. This is to insure that the building, DJ, and food are all secured for that date. Please respond ASAP. For more information please call Erica Cashwell @ 910-991-5939 or Tiffany Tatum Bagwell 910-874-1733. If there isn't enough response the reunion will be cancelled.  Cougars Class of 2000 committee.

A day in the life...First Due Firefighter Camp – Day 5 - Click HERE For Photos

Rhonda Griffin

After five brutal days in temperatures of more than 100 degrees, the First Due Firefighter Camp cadets are getting a much-needed weekend off. Bladen's 17 junior firefighters who are taking part in the first camp of its kind in the county have worked hard this week, but they have already learned tons of new skills that will benefit them as they are serving their departments.

The cadets have begun each of their mornings in the camp with raising both the state and the American flags to fly high above the Elizabethtown Fire Department where the camp is being hosted. After a time of prayer and devotion and the Pledge of Allegiance, it's time for stretching exercises and a 1.5-mile run. 

REP. WILLIAM BRISSON  REMINDS RESIDENTS OF SALES TAX HOLIDAY WEEKEND

RALEIGH – Rep. William Brisson today reminded his constituents to take advantage of the state’s sales tax holiday, which starts at 12:01 am on Friday, August 6 and ends at 11:59 pm on Sunday, August 8.  In an effort to better help consumers afford back-to-school items for their children, shoppers this weekend will not have to pay the sales tax on clothing, school supplies and computers. 

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A day in the life....First Due Firefighter Camp – Day 4 - Click HERE For Photos

Rhonda Griffin

The cadets of the First Due Firefighter Camp got a bit of a break from the heat this morning when they were allowed to do their physical training part of their day in the air conditioning of the activity center at Elizabethtown Baptist Church.

The 17 cadets, all junior firefighters in a Bladen County fire department, seemed to be getting used to the strenuous activities of the camp, with today bringing little complaint about the horrific temperatures of more than 100 degrees. After their regular morning routine they visited the Corner Cafe for lunch, then returned to the Elizabethtown Fire Department, where the camp is being hosted, to begin training on how to assist injury victims.

The cadets learned how to properly restrain an injured person while preparing the victim for transport. The instructors proposed several scenarios to the cadets on the best methods to use in each case. The cadets will put their new skills to use tomorrow as they practice with preparing victims to be transported on a helicopter, which will be landing behind the Elizabethtown Municipal Building around 11 a.m.

A day in the life...First Due Firefighter Camp – Day 3 ~ Click HERE For Photos

Rhonda Griffin

While some teenagers are enjoying their break from school by sleeping in or soaking up rays at the beach, 17 of Bladen County's junior firefighters are spending part of their summer vacation at camp. But this is not just any camp – it's First Due Firefighter Camp – and most of the participants have agreed so far that it's not quite what they were expecting.

The cadets are taking part in a grueling two-week session that teaches them not only firefighting and lifesaving skills, but also the values of teamwork and watching out for each other, all wrapped up in an almost boot camp-style program that is filled with good-humored fun. Each day begins with stretching exercises and a 1.5 mile lap around Elizabethtown with a combination of marching, walking and running, followed by the lessons for the day. 

Taylor to Compete in World Competition [Advanced Aerobatic Team]

Bryan Taylor of White Lake, NC is a contestant in the Advanced World Aerobatic Championships in Radom, Poland. The event is scheduled from August 5 - 15.

Taylor will be part of the USA contingent and will be competing against pilots from around the world.

He has competed in in numerous events including National competition in Sherman Texas last year.

Taylor is no stranger to Bladen County residents as he is constantly flying, practicing in the area, putting on a show for the locals.

He is a commercial pilot and a certified flight instructor. He has been competing in Air Aerobatics for the past 3 years.

The website list the event as the 9th FAI Advanced World Aerobatic Championships - Random, Poland 2010.

Delayed Hunting and Trapping Rule Changes Take Effect Aug. 1, 2010
2010-11 Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Regulations also Effective Aug. 1

RALEIGH, N.C. (July 12, 2010) – The proposed hunting and trapping rule changes approved by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission in March 2009 but delayed for legislative review will go into effect on Aug. 1, 2010.

Along with these delayed rules, hunting, trapping and fishing rules proposed for the 2010-11 seasons, approved by the Commission in March 2010, go into effect on Aug. 1.

Fifteen hunting and trapping proposals were referred to the General Assembly by the North Carolina Rules Review Commission in April 2009 in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act. As a result, the rule changes could not take effect until they were reviewed by the legislature, which convened in short session on May 12 of this year. Legislators had 31 days to propose bills disapproving the rules. 

robert g hester