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Company suing Waccamaw Bank shares
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Editorial: Changes - Perdue bombshell shakes
political landscape
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Perdue will not seek re-election
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Bev Perdue won't seek second term as governor
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Hospital board reappoints chairman, vice
chairman, trustees
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Report finds 10 N.C. counties had high poverty
rates over three decades
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Report ranks Bladen, Columbus counties as
'persistently poor'
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Mark Blumenthal (mysterypollster) on Twitter
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County kicks off emergency shelter
program for pets By Rhonda Griffin
Pet owners will have a few less worries
during inclement weather as Bladen County has
plans in place for an emergency pet shelter at
Elizabethtown Middle School that will be
available anytime the regular shelter is open.
County officials have been working toward
the program, which has been funded by grants
from the Dept. of Homeland Security, for a
couple of years, Bladen County Emergency
Management Director Bradley Kinlaw said. Headed
up by Becky Spearman of the Bladen County Animal
Response Team, the program is ready to put into
action during the next emergency situation in
Bladen. |
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NC Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Local
DA Friday, the North Carolina
Supreme Court sided with DA Jon David ruling
against Judge Jerry Jolly. The issue
dates back to April of 2011 when Jolly ruled
against a traffic program initiated by David.
Jolly ruled the StreetSafe program was run
by an organizer and contributor to David's
campaign, thus creating a conflict of interest. |
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Elizabethtown Primary's Battle of
Books
Students
at Elizabethtown Primary School are busy reading
selected books for Battle of the Books. These
children are members of the Battle of the
Books team and will compete against on another.
The Elementary Battle of the Books is a state
program in which students read state selected
books and answer questions about them. Shantell
Faircloth, Media Coordinator at ETP is the coach
of the team.
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North Carolina Drought Advisory
The North Carolina Drought Advisory issued
by the Drought Management Advisory Council has
been updated to reflect drought conditions on
January 24, 2012 indicated on the weekly U.S.
Drought Monitor of North Carolina. Until further
notice, the NCDMAC strongly urges the
implementation of drought response actions, for
all water users located in or dependent on water
resources from the areas of the state
experiencing the following drought conditions: |
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McIntyre
Considers Run for Governor
7th District
Congressman Mike McIntyre indicated Thursday he
was considering a run for NC Governor after
incumbent Bev Perdue announced she would not
seek a second term.
McIntyre is one of
many taking a look.
Lt. Governor Walter
Dalton is the first Democratic candidate to
announce his intentions to seek the position.
Republican Pat McCrory, former Mayor of
Charlotte has announced he will be a candidate.
He finished a strong second to Perdue 4 years
ago. |
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Cape Fear Community College President
Eric McKeithan, A Native Of Bladen County,
Announces His Retirement
Eric
McKeithan, a native of Abbottsburg, has
announced his retirement as President of Cape
Fear Community College in Wilmington.
McKeithan’s retirement will take place July 1,
2012.
McKeithan, a graduate of Bladenboro High
School, has been associated with Cape Fear
Community College since 1994. He is the son of
the late Frank and Margaret McKeithan of
Abbottsburg.
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Bladen man found near death in
Whiteville
A Cape Fear Manor resident was found
unconscious behind Village Family Buffet
restaurant in Whiteville Wednesday.
The 55 year old, identified as a resident of
the nursing home, had two bottles of medication
in his possession, according to Whiteville
Police. He was taken to Columbus Regional
Healthcare for treatment of an overdose and a
mental health evaluation. He was in critical
condition when he was found, according to
reports. It is not known how the man got to
Whiteville, police said, or how long he was
missing from the nursing home.
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Bank bandit gets five years probation
A Lisbon Road man will serve five years
probation for robbing a Riegelwood bank.
Jonathan B. Drye, 29, was sentenced to five
years probation in Columbus County superior
Court after pleading to common law robbery. He
stole cash from BB&T in Riegelwood and First
Bank of Whiteville in 2011. The
first six months of Drye’s probation will be
under intensive supervision, with a daily curfew
and community service. Drye was previously
convicted of armed robbery in 2004. He admitted
stealing $604 from BB&T on March 18, and $865
from First Bank. He will be required to pay
restitution. Drye's record also showed
convictions for breaking and entering in 2001,
fraud in 2002, and DWI, also in 2002.
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Thoughts while shaving
So, how do you feel about the
presidential candidates? One
really rich man who obviously knows how to
make money.. One lifetime politico
who says he is not a lobbyist, but is paid
over a million dollars a year for advice....
Two who can't seem to get "traction."
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Bladen Headlines...35 Years Ago
Kelly Woman’s Club,
sponsor of the Kelly Volunteer Fire Department,
presented a check to Kelly Volunteer Fire
Department Chief Bob Mitchell.
The
Elizabethtown Jaycees were selling jelly for the
North Carolina Burn Center. Mike Thomas of
Elizabethtown bought the first jar of jelly.
The
Bladen County Board of Commissioners gave the
Bladen County Board of Education $50,000 to
complete the building of the East Bladen High
School gym.
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Man charged with
larceny of lawnmower
By Rhonda Griffin
A
Council man was arrested for larceny after the
victim arrived home on Jan. 23 to find that the
suspect had loaded his lawnmower on a trailer
and was prepared to leave with it, Capt. Rodney
Hester of the Bladen County Sheriff's Office
said.
Adrian Paul Savage Jr.,
52, of 5673 Lisbon Road, was arrested and
charged with felony larceny and felony
possession of stolen goods.
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Bladen Bluff Project Nearly Complete
Don Betz, Executive Director of the Cape
Fear Water and Sewer Authority, said
Wednesday
the Bladen Bluff project is nearly complete.
The $30 million project, located west
of Tar Heel, near Smithfield Packing will soon
be online producing 6 million gallons of treated
water per day and half of it
is already committed to Smithfield. The
other 3 million is available to area counties in
need of water. |
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Bladen County Voting Maps Available
The Bladen County Board of Elections and
the Bladen County E-911 Addressing
Department have completed new maps for the
upcoming elections. Changes were
made in the County Commissioners/Board of
Education maps to bring the 3 districts into
compliance based on population. Those maps have
been approved by the US Justice Department as
required under the Voting Rights Act. The
majority of the changes were moving the Happy
Valley and surrounding communities from District
2 (Bladenboro) to District 3 (Elizabethtown).
At the same time, the Baldwin Branch Church
community and surrounding areas were moved from
District 2 to District 1 (Clarkton,East
Arcadia). |
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Safety in
social networking
By Rhonda Griffin
Social networking is
an essential of life for many these days, and
with sites like Facebook and Twitter, a couple
of clicks are all it takes to stay involved in
the lives of family and friends. But what many
citizens don’t often realize is that posting too
much information online can open the door for
mischief.
Most users of these
sites are open to sharing their day-to-day
activities with all of those who have the
ability to view their information. Little perks
such as Facebook “Places” makes posting those
details even more convenient. But when users
share too much of their personal lives with
others, it can be asking for trouble. |
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Regional Teachers of the Year Named
Nine teachers have been selected to
represent their regions and charter schools as
the state's regional Teachers of the Year and
will now compete for the title of 2012-13 North
Carolina Teacher of the Year. The
Southeast Region will be represented by Melissa
Warren of South Brunswick High School.
The current Teacher of the Year is a former East
Bladen High School Graduate. Tyronna
Hooker is an exceptional children's teacher at
Graham Middle School in the Alamance-Burlington
School system. She will end her year's
reign when the new Teacher of the Year is named.
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McIntyre Campaign Raises An Impressive
$852,000 in 2011! Roars Into 2012 With
$687,000 Cash on Hand
Lumberton,
N.C. -- The Mike McIntyre For Congress Campaign
Committee announced today that the campaign
raised $852,000 in 2011 and begins the 2012
election year with $687,000 cash on hand.
Congressman McIntyre stated, “I am honored
to have so many citizens committing to us
financially and politically. Folks all across
Southeastern North Carolina are showing their
support for our message of putting the people of
our area first, working in a bi-partisan manner,
honoring the commitments to our senior citizens,
veterans, military, farmers, rural and coastal
communities, and protecting our great nation!
Now more than ever, we need a strong voice in
Congress who can reach across the aisle, build
consensus, and get things done. |
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State Unemployment Rate Drops to 9.9
Percent in December RALEIGH —
The number of people unemployed in North
Carolina decreased in December as the
unemployment rate dropped one-tenth of a
percent, from 10 to 9.9 percent.
“Gov. Perdue’s mission on jobs for North
Carolina continues to be our focus,” said N.C.
Department of Commerce Deputy Secretary Dale
Carroll. “Looking at the private sector
over-the-year, we are seeing some moderate signs
of improvement. We remain committed to assisting
our customers statewide with our programs and
services available at our local offices.”
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Author Jane Pait shares books at
bookmark making program
White
Oak author, Jane Pait will share her book
RED-HEADED ANGEL DISCOVERS THE CRYSTAL SEA at
the bookmark making program Thursday, Feb. 2nd
at the main library in Elizabethtown at 4 PM.
Celebrate Groundhog Day by making your own
bookmark and one for a Valentine. Call
862-6990 to register.
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Bladen County Sheriff's Department
Pursuing Leads in Recent Shooting
Captain Rodney Hester said Tuesday morning,
Bladen County deputies continue their
investigation into the shooting last week of a
Bladenboro woman. Hester reported deputes
were following up on leads. The woman
returned to her home on Twisted Hickory Road
between Abbottsburg and the Bladen-Columbus
county line around 11 AM Wednesday, January
18, to find a strange car in her yard.
When she pulled into the residence, two men came
out of her home firing weapons. She was
shot and taken to a Lumberton hospital.
She has since been released.

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Elizabethtown Library had
distinguished visitor
Elizabethtown
Library had a distinguished visitor Saturday
morning. Carl Long, professional baseball
player with the Negro Leagues and the Major
Leagues opened the Pride and Passion: the
African-American Baseball Experience Exhibit.
Mr. Long played with the Birmingham Black Barons
and the Pittsburg Pirate Assoc. in the early
1950s. His teammate was Willie Mays and he
played against Hank Aaron and Charlie Pride.
He lives in Kinston, NC and the Kinston Indians
celebrate Carl Long Day each summer to celebrate
his contributions to baseball and to Kinston.
Mr. Long was the 1st black baseball player in
the Carolina League, the 1st black Deputy
Sheriff for the City of Kinston and the 1st
black Detective for the City of Kinston.

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IF YOU ARE
10-18 YEARS OF AGE –NOW IS THE TIME TO GET YOUR
TDAP VACCINE
What is the (Tetanus,
Diphtheria, and Pertussis) Tdap Vaccine?
Tdap (Tdap is a vaccine that can give protection
in adolescents against three serious diseases to
give additional protection in case immunity
fades. As of August 1, 2008 the
North Carolina Immunization Law requires that
students entering the sixth grade or a four year
college or university receive this vaccine.
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CSD BAND STUDENTS RECEIVE HONORS
Jerod Faulkner and Sierra George, both
eighth grade students in band at Clarkton School
of Discovery, have been selected for the
Southeastern NC Middle School All-District Band.
Auditions were held at Mac Williams Middle
School in Fayetteville
on
Saturday, January 21, 2012. Over 600 students
from across 15 counties attended the auditions,
where they performed rigorous requirements as
they competed for selection in the band.
Jerod, who plays the tuba, is the son of Jerry
and Susan Faulkner. Sierra, who is a
percussionist, is the daughter of Sharon Rainey.
Both students will attend a two day clinic where
they will rehearse and perform with all selected
band members.
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Dove Brothers Annual Homecoming
Coming Soon The award winning
Dove Brothers Quartet of Bladenboro will be
holding their annual Homecoming Singing at the
Elizabethtown Middle School Gym Thursday, Friday
and Saturday, February 2, 3 & 4.
Thursday evening beginning at 7 PM, it will be
the Dove Brothers and Friends, talent from the
surrounding area. Friday beginning at 7 PM
the program will consist of the Dove Brothers,
the Freemans and the Nelons. and on Saturday
beginning at 6 PM the line-up includes the Dove
Brothers, the Florida Boys and the Anchormen.
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Wellness Checks Available Now at Health
Department The Bladen County
Health Department is offering Wellness Checks
for children ages birth to 20 years of age.
A general physical exam is conducted that
includes vision and hearing screenings. If
vaccinations are needed, they are also
administered. Parents are reminded that
it is not to early to have School Physicals.
School Physicals are required and can be given
before entrance into Daycare, Head Start
program, Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten. |
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N.C. students remain a priority for the
member-funded SECU Foundation.
January 23, 2012 – State Employees’ Credit
Union (SECU) members have once again made North
Carolina students a priority through the renewal
of the “People Helping People” SECU Foundation
high school and community college scholarship
programs. These programs represent an
annual commitment of over $4 million, with a
collective total of $32 million since the
initial scholarship funding was approved in
2004. |
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A Look at Upcoming Elections
A three judge panel ruled Friday that the
May primary election will go on as scheduled.
The following local political offices will
be up for election. Filing for all offices
begins February 13, 2012 Bladen
County Commissioners At Large (3)
Incumbents David R. Gooden |
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Upcoming Events
Jan. 28....Baldwin Branch
Missionary Baptist Church is sponsoring Family
Conference 2012 Saturday, January 28 from 10 AM to
2:00 PM. Adult sessions from 10:20 - 12:45
includes The Importance of Christian Communication
with Pastor Melinda Green and The Dynamics of
Teaching led by Rev. Dr. Jamal Johnson.
Session 2 will include Faith & Finances with
Minister Deanna Freeman and Importance of Christian
Communication with Pastor Melinda. Youth sessions
will be led by Fred Jones, Jr. and Shereese Robinson
and Rev. Wanda Thomas. Rev. Dr. Cureton
Johnson will speak at the closing session on Bible
Based Spiritual Stimulus Plan and book signing.
Refreshments will be served and everyone is welcome.
The church is located at 4047 Highway 242 south of
Elizabethtown.
Jan. 28....A Wild Game cook-off
and BBQ supper is planned for Elizabethown Baptist
Church beginning at 5:30 PM Saturday, January 28.
Anyone may bring a wild game dish for supper.
If you plan to enter the wild game cook-off you need
to be there by 10 AM. Official rules and entry
form is available at
www.bowhuntersforchrist.com.
Entry forms need to be returned immediately.
The guest speaker will be Hank Parker, Jr....door
prizes will be awarded. An archery shoot,
bounce house obstacle course, turkey paintball are
just some of the fun activities planned. A
USDA trapping trailer will also be on display.
Events begin at 10 AM, everyone is welcome and all
questions should be directed to Greg Taylor at
910-874-2589 or email
bowhunterforchrist@yahoo.com.
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NCDOT to Hold Public Meetings for
Proposed Improvements to NC 87 in Bladen and
Columbus Counties The NC
Department of Transportation will hold two
public meetings, also called public hearings,
regarding proposed improvements to 30 miles of
NC 87 from US 74/76 in Columbus County to the
Elizabethtown Bypass in Bladen County.
The meetings will be held at 7 PM and are
scheduled as followed: |
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Sorghum, Corn and Soybean Meeting
A meeting will be held Monday, January 30th
at 12 noon at the Powell-Melvin Agricultural
Service Center for Sorghum, Corn and Soybean
growers. The program includes Dr. Ron
Heiniger, NCSU Extension Corn Specialist and Dr.
Jim Dunphy, NCSU Extension Soybean specialist.
Persons planning to attend are ask to
contact the Bladen County Cooperative Extension
office at 910-862-4591 by 5 PM Thursday, January
26th, 2012. Lunch will be provided at
the meeting.
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Comments are welcome on Guestbook but must be
signed.
Concerned Citizen or John
Q. Taxpayer is not a name. Identify yourself!!
robert g hester |
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Monthly Meeting Articles |
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Regional Briefs |
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Leaner Army's focus changes as budget cuts loom
N.C. Supreme Court: District Court judge
overstepped authority in traffic court decision
Merle 'Mad Dog' Hart gains brigadier general
rank
Sen. Kay Hagan begins jobs tour in Scotland
County
Lumberton man killed in single-car crash on West
Carthage Road
Tabor City police arrest former North Carolina
Sen. R.C. Soles accuser after search
Crime Report for Saturday, Jan. 28
Unclaimed Cash 5 ticket worth more than $460,000
sold in Fayetteville
Man faces drunken driving charge in Wade school
bus crash
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