Richardson and Mom Killed in Accident

53 year old Stanley Adolphus Richardson and his mother were killed Wednesday morning in an accident at the intersection of NC 87 bypass and Cromartie Road.  Richardson appeared to have pulled into the path of a tractor trailer. They apparently had just left their home on Cromartie Road.

The driver of the 18 wheeler was not hurt the accident.

Richardson, a long time educator, was recently appointed to filled the unexpired term of Margaret Lewis-Moore on the Bladen County Board of Commissioners.  He had not been sworn into office.  Billy Ray Pait, Chairman of the Commissioners announced at the meeting March 1st that Richardson had previous commitments and would not be sworn into office until the April 5 meeting.

Richardson was selected by a Democratic caucus to succeed Moore on the Board.  Commissioners agreed and appointed him.

Bladen Citizen Writes Manuscript Centered Around Carolina Sands Golf Course

Gary Mazzaferro, a native of Long Island, New York and an Air Force veteran, arrived in Bladen County some seven years ago. Being retired, he was looking for something to do part-time. His search led him to a job working in the pro shop at Carolina Sands Golf Course.

Gary has now written a book, Gary’s Own Links Fable. This is a story about Elizabethtown, the people he met, the stories they have told and of course, golf, the greatest game of them all.

Bladenonline.com will be publishing excerpts from the 137 page, eighteen-chapter manuscript. Anyone interested in acquiring a copy may contact Gary Mazzaferro at ggmazz14@comcast.net.  

What We Are Paying Bladen County Employees In 2010

The University of North Carolina School of Government has released the salaries for all county employees in North Carolina. We are now running a weekly series entitled WHAT WE’RE PAYING THEM IN 2010.

We will be comparing Bladen County with our neighboring counties of Columbus, Brunswick and Cumberland.

Accounts Payable Technician

Bladen---$28,411

Brunswick---$38,980

Columbus---$40,300

Cumberland---$32,368

N.C.’s Unemployment Rate At 11.1 Percent In January

Non-Farm Employment Increases By 8,000 Jobs

RALEIGH — North Carolina’s unemployment rate increased to 11.1 percent in January, according to statistics released today by the state’s Employment Security Commission. The rate increased from 10.9 percent in Decem­ber.

“North Carolina gained 8,000 jobs in January,” said ESC Chairman Lynn Holmes. “However, we must be cau­tious and realize that we have a long way to go to get back to pre-recession employment levels. In the meantime, Congress has extended the Emergency Unemployment Compensation program through April 5 and we will begin paying Tier IV benefits on March 17 to those eligible.”

Seasonally adjusted, total non-farm industry employment, as gathered through the monthly establishment survey, increased by 8,000 jobs over the past month to 3,894,300. The largest over-the-month increase occurred in Trade, Transportation & Utilities (+8,000). The largest decrease was in Construction (-5,000). Since January 2009, non-farm employment has decreased by 114,200 jobs.

Family Planning and Maternity Clinic

Bladen County Health Department offers Family planning and Maternity services to women of childbearing age who want help in planning their pregnancies and/or limiting their number of pregnancies. In our Maternity Clinic, you can receive quality pre-natal care, counseling and education throughout the duration of your pregnancy. Our office offers the convenience and confidentiality that is desired along with Free Pregnancy Testing. Being staffed with our two Mid-level Nurse Practitioners, we are sure to meet all of your needs. Patients are seen by appointment and payment is based on income and/or a sliding fee scale. Your appointment can be arranged for you over the phone or in our office.

The Family Planning and Maternity Clinic hours are:

Monday-Friday 8:00-5:00

Call: 910-862-6900 

Small Heaters Described as Dangerous

Bradley Kinlaw said many inexpensive electric heaters are dangerous and Kinlaw

should know.  He is Bladen County's Fire Marshall.  According to Kinlaw, 5 houses

have been totally destroyed by fire this winter using such heaters.  In one,

residents had 11 electric heaters in use.

Monday a Clarkton church was saved when the power was shut off when the breaker tripped.  One such heater was being used.

Kinlaw said most of the less expensive heaters do not have a tip over switch or an

over heat switch.  He said larger heaters with safety switches were safe for use. 

Kinlaw admitted he use a larger one but turned it off when he left the area being heated.

When ask to describe the less expensive with no safety switches, he replied, dangerous.

Bladen County Re-certified

Bladen County Emergency personnel have been re-certified as Storm Ready

by the National Weather Service.

The last in a series of classes for Emergency Services personnel was held Tuesday.

Josh Weiss, of the National Weather Service, meet with 911 personnel.  He told them the agency he represents depends on people like them to provide vital information in times of emergencies.  He spoke and used video to make his point.  He spoke about micro-burst, tornadoes, hurricanes, sleet and much more.  He said an EF5 tornado, the worst kind, had never been sighted in North Carolina.

Recertification is required every three year.

After the presentation, Bradley Kinlaw, Bladen County Fire Marshall and Emergency Director accepted a plaque marking the occasion.

February 2010

February 2010 was the coldest February in North Carolina in over 30 years, according to the climate summary provided by the State Climate office of North Carolina Average monthly statewide temperature was more than 6 degrees F below normal-conditions not seen since 1979.  Interestingly, minimum temperatures were not very unusual, with average minimums typically ranking 10-20 coldest.

However, nearly every location in North Carolina had average maximum temperatures for February ranked in the top 3 coldest. 

Precipation in February 2010 was generally near normal, which is a nice break from the record-setting precipitation from the previous months.  Despite only "normal" precipitation in February, many locations across the state will still end up with winter total precipitation ranking in the top 10.

Bladen County was in line with the averages.  Temperatures were 6.1 F below normal and rainfall was slightly above average, on the plus side by .24 inches.

Chamber Meets

The Elizabethtown-White Lake Chamber of Commerce met Tuesday and received an update on the census effort in Bladen County.  Workers continue to be recruited, March 28 is the deadline for applying.  The packets are scheduled to be mailed March 15-19.  April 1 is Census Day.

Chamber members heard from three individuals that will be working in the area over the next several weeks and months preparing for the 13th Annual Triathlon at White Lake. 

Championship Tickets On Sale

Advance tickets for the East Bladen-Salisbury State Championship Basketball game are on sale at East Bladen High School office and at Corner Cafe'. 

Advance tickets are $9.  They will be $10 at the gate.  All ticket sales are final....no refunds....or replacement for lost or stolen tickets.

Board of Education Meets for its March Session

Bethany Stephens

The Bladen County Board of Education met for its monthly session Monday night.  Three students from East Bladen High School’s seven member Brain Buster’s team were recognized for their accomplishments in the Brain Buster Challenge held at UNC-Pembroke.  Solomon Lennon was honored for Outstanding Performance in Finance and Marketing; Allen McLean was recognized for Outstanding Performance in Finance, and Ryan Fabre-Campbell was recognized for Outstanding Performance in Technology.  EBHS Career and Technical Education teacher Melinda Underwood coached and instructed the group. 

Clarkton Church Damage is Slight

Clarkton and Elizabethtown Fireman responded to a call from Liberty Worship Center in Clarkton Monday evening. When the units arrived the church was filled with smoke. However, the damages were slight.  A switch on a heater apparently burned out or malfunctioned and other than smoke and the heater, there were no other damages.

The church is located on NC 211 in downtown Clarkton.

Pastor Richard Priest expressed his appreciation for the response by the fire departments.  He said the congregation had been meeting in the building for the past 2 1/2 years.

Bladenboro Town Council Meeting

The town council of Bladenboro met in regular session in the Municipal building on Monday night.  Mayor Lewis called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM.  Following the invocation by Councilman Mitchell Hughes and the Pledge of Allegiance the floor was opened for citizens to address the board. 

Monday was a beautiful day

A touch of Spring, people moving around, golfers golfing and Bladen State Lakes personnel doing controlled burning.

Tobacco No Longer King

Remember when tobacco was THE row crop that provided the cash to pay the bills.  Years ago, just about every farmer, large or small, depended on tobacco for a large part of the family income.

Chris Tatum with the USDA Farm Service agency in Bladen County says the number of local tobacco farmers is 10 or less.  Several have large acreage, but it is decreasing.  Tatum says he would not be surprised to see less than 1000 acres of the golden weed planted this year in Bladen County. 

Census Workers Needed

Census workers are still needed in Bladen County.  Census forms are being received advising of the official form expected in the next couple of weeks.

Workers are needed to follow up with households that fail to return the form.  The jobs offer short-term employment, good wages, flexible hours, paid training and reimbursement for authorized work-related expenses, such as mileage incurred while conducting census work.  Best of all, census workers work right in their own communities.

Census taker jobs are excellent for people who want to work part-time, those who are between jobs, or just about anyone who wants to earn extra money while performing an important service to their community.

Check out details at www.2010censusjobs.gov or call 1-866-861-2010.

Voting to Begin April 15 at 4 Bladen County Sites

Early voting begins April 15 and Bladen County voters will have 4 locations to cast votes. 

Larry Hammond, Director of Bladen Elections, says the locations are, the Bladenboro Historical Building, Dublin Lions Club Building, East Arcadia Town Hall and Bladen County Library in Elizabethtown.

Any Bladen County voter may cast their vote at any of the locations. Board of Elections Virtual Private Network (VPN) records the vote and is linked to the elections office to eliminate fraud. 

Auto Fatality Reported in Bladen County

A 23 year old Lumberton man was killed in a single car accident early Saturday morning in the 1500 block of Tar Heel Road. 

Joseph McKinley Lowery of 345 River Ridge Road, Lumberton was killed instantly.  He was the lone occupant of the vehicle. 

2 A Eastern Championship Game

East Bladen Girls 48 - Burlington Cummings 43

Lady Eagles To Play for State Championship 

East Bladen vs Salisbury for State Championship

Fire Destroys Storage Facility

Fire destroyed a storage building located behind a home on Grimsley Farm Road near Bladenboro, shortly after noontime, Saturday.  Quick action by Bladenboro and Clarkton Fire units saved the house.

Dewey Hale, owner of the property, said he was removing old appliances from the building.  He dropped a cigarette, it fell into a pile of trash.  He saw the blaze and before he could get a hose, flames were of leaping out of control. 

Bladenboro and Clarkton Fire Departments responded and stopped the blaze just a few feet from the dwelling.

The storage facility was a total loss but there were no injuries.

Thoughts while shaving

The October Tory Hole confrontation has been addressed by the DA.  Not everyone is happy, I am sure....understandable.

My heart goes out to the Carroll and Stoker family.  I know them both.  Good folks...sometimes good people make bad decisions.  I have made my share.

I remember Ricky as a young man who responded to calls for help when I had a problem, on more than one occasion.  Very polite, quietly solved my problems, and moved along. 

BCC’s nursing programs have 100 percent pass rate on licensing exams

Jack McDuffie

Students from Bladen Community College’s nursing programs continue to improve their performance on the licensing exams.  BCC’s 2009 graduates from the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) and Practical Nursing Education (PNE) programs passed the exam on their first try, giving the college a 100 percent pass rate on the respective licensing exams, well above the average statewide. 

NCSCV Camp 794 Press Release

The North Carolina Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 794, The Columbus County Volunteers, will sponsor a program by Ms. Shirley Robinson on Sunday March 14^th at 2:30 PM, at the Peace Baptist Church on Love Mill Road in Whiteville, NC.

Ms. Robinson is a native of the United Kingdom. She has lived in North Carolina for the past 39 years.  Ms. Robinson has a bachelor's degree from the University of London, England and a Masters from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  Her professional career, from which she is now retired, was in fundraising.

Clarkton Native Nominated For Award At Cape Fear Community College

Beverly Hester Hardee, a native of Clarkton, has been nominated for the MARILYN GOODMAN ANDERSON AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING at Cape Fear Community College in Wilmington.

This prestigious award is presented annually to an outstanding faculty member at CFCC. It recognizes all aspects of excellence in teaching that fosters students’ lifelong learning and success. 

Medical Facility Coming Soon to White Lake

The Town of White Lake will soon add a medical facility to serve residents and visitors.

The Town recently purchased a house and lot next to City Hall and are renovating and hope to have it officially opened prior to the upcoming lake season.

The facility, located at 1921 White Lake Drive is currently nearing the end of a make-over and will house White Lake Family Practice, PLLC. 

Living History at Harmony Hall

Harmony Hall will be the site of Living History, May 22 - 23.  Bladen County history 18th and 19th century will be on display.  Period display, NC Frontier, Militia, Mountain Men and much more.

Enjoy a lecture by Bernhard Thuersam, Director of Cape Fear Historical Institute.

Set up is scheduled for Friday, May 21, beginning at 10 AM and the event begins Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM and on Sunday from 10 AM until 5 PM.

For more information call Robert Schaber at 910-960-0819 or email at oldrebschaber@aol.com or Laurie Smith at 910-866-4844 or rlsmith@intrstar.net.

Rainfall Plentiful in Early '10

Bladen County has received bountiful rainfall the first 60 days of 2010 according to the National Weather Service.

The rainfall varies from 6 inches to nearly 10 inches.  Average annual rainfall for Bladen County is about 49 inches, or about an 4 inches per month.

Adopt a Pet

The Bladen County Animal Shelter is full and spring time is a great time to adopt a pet.  Click HERE to view a flyer with pics.  Contact A Shelter Friend at www.ashelterfriend.org or visit the Bladen County Animal Shelter on Smith Circle in Elizabethtown for more information.

Elizabethtown-White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Spring & Grow Expo

The Elizabethtown-White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Spring & Grow Expo will be held April 2 & 3 at Lu Mil Vineyard in Dublin. On Friday night, the Annual Pig Cook-Off will be held and all meat from the competition will be donated to Relay for Life for a BBQ plate sale on Saturday during the Expo. All cookers will prepare an item for the "Anything Butt BBQ" contest on Friday night for judging by the public from 7pm to 9pm. The microphone will be open at 7pm for all political candidates to introduce themselves to the crowd.  Al Batten and The Bluegrass Reunion will be performing on stage at 7:30pm with your favorite bluegrass and folk music. There is a $5 fee for Friday night that includes sampling, judging & entertainment. 

JAMIE SMITH NEW ELIZABETHTOWN DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF

            Elizabethtown Fire Chief Byron Graham announces the appointment of Jamie Smith as the Deputy Fire Chief for the Department.  The Deputy Fire Chief position is a new full-time paid position funded jointly by the Town of Elizabethtown and the Elizabethtown Rural Fire District.

            Smith is 30 years old, single and engaged, and has volunteered with the Elizabethtown Fire Department for fourteen years.   He was born and raised in Elizabethtown. 

Courthouse Trees Fall

Workman were on the job early Friday morning removing a couple of damaged trees on the Bladen County Courthouse lawn.  Robert Mazur, General Services Manager for the county, said earlier, "two of these majestic and historic oaks have succumbed to disease and must be removed.  Others are being trimmed to allow for continued healthy growth.  One removed Friday morning was a Laurel Oak (closest to the courthouse) and the other is a large Live Oak (at the intersection of 701 & 87).  Plans are to replace the trees to ensure the respectful esthetics's of the Bladen County Courthouse. 

Two More from Bladen Headed to Haiti

Two Bladen County men leave for Haiti Monday to assist a medical team in the distressed country.  Rev. J. Ronald Hester and Kenneth Davis of Bladenboro and Gerald Williams of Fayetteville are part of a Baptist Men effort. They will be responsible for providing meals for a team of 12 - 14.  Some are doctors and some are other health care professional including nurses.

All three have been a part of several missions undertaken by the Baptist Men in recent years.

Hester, Davis and Williams will fly out of Raleigh Durham airport for Miami and then to Port au Prince  They will return March 15. 

Dr. Ron Cottle, Elizabethtown physician, recently returned from a similar trip to Haiti.

Bladen County Rabies Clinics Schedule

North Carolina Law states that, "Every owner of a dog or cat over 4 months of age shall have the animal vaccinated against rabies." 

In Bladen County, the owners of dog and cats, which now have NOT been vaccinated in accordance with this law are subject to a civil penalty in the amount of $100.

Saturday March 13, a clinic is scheduled at Elizabethtown Veterinary Hospital - Clarkton. 

BULLETIN

District Attorney Rex Gore has announced there will be no charges filed against Caleb Stoker.

The statement

After a thorough investigation by members of the Elizabethtown Police Department and the State Bureau of Investigation, and an intensive review of the evidence they collected, it had been determined that no charges will be filed against Caleb Stoker for the shooting death of Ricky Carroll on the night of October 29, 2009.  We do not have sufficient evidence to prove that Stoker did not act in self defense in what is locally referred to as the Tory Hole shooting. 

Town of White Lake receives Façade Grant

Goldston Womble, Mayor of White Lake is shown receiving a check on behalf of the town from the Bladen Cluster - NC STEP Facade Grant Program from Robert Hester, President of Bladen’s Bloomin’, Inc.  The funds are being used to help renovate the new medical clinic beside the White Lake Town Hall.

Middle Schools to Compete in Battle of the Books

The Bladen County Schools Battle of the Books competition is scheduled for March 24, 2010.  This year's Battle of the Books will be held in the Media Center at Clarkton School of Discovery beginning at 9:30 AM.  The following Middle Schools will be competing:  Bladenboro Middle School; Clarkton School of Discovery; East Arcadia Elementary School; Elizabethtown Middle School and Tar Heel Middle School.

BLADEN COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA

CANDIDATES FOR THE MAY 4, 2010 PRIMARY

Date Prepared:  3/3/2010 5:10 PM

(I) – Denotes Incumbent

22^ND  North Carolina House of Representatives

(Dem)  Robert Jacobs Brooks                                  I           M        63        910-645-4932

PO Box 157, Council, NC 28434

(Dem)  William Brisson (I)                                        W        M        63        910-862-7007

PO Box 531, Dublin, NC 28332 

Predator seminar is March 14

The Bladen Lakes branch of the Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA) will hold a predator hunting and trapping seminar March 14.

Jefferson Weaver, a trapper and predator hunter and member of the QDMA, will be the guest speaker. He will give tips on trap preparation, locations, furbearer management, and calling techniques.

The class will start at 2 p.m. at the Bladen Lakes QDMA headquarters, located just south of the N.C. 87 Bypass at Elizabethtown at 3004 N.C. 87 East.

For more information, call 874-0602.

Upcoming Events

Mar 11........ Democrat Precinct Meeting for Elizabethtown Precinct 2 will be held Thursday March 11 at 6pm. Elizabethtown Precinct 1 will follow at 7pm. Both meetings will be held in the basement of the courthouse near the commissioners room.

Mar 12....Bethel Democratic Precinct meeting will be held, Friday, March 12 at the Dublin Lions Club building. The meeting begins at 7 PM and all Democrats are invited.

Mar 12....Elizabethtown Church of God will be selling spaghetti plates Friday, March 12 from 11 AM until 7 PM.  Plates are $6 donation.  The church is located on Hwy 242 N.      

Golden Leaf Community Assistance Meeting Planned

The next meeting of the Golden Leaf Community Assistance Initiative is scheduled for Tuesday, March 16, 2010.  The meeting is scheduled from 6 PM until 8 at Bladen Community College. 

The objective of the meeting is to;

Make sure we are clear on the CAI concept and plan Review progress to date Identify priorities and begin brainstorming measures for each priority area.

This will be session #4. 

Early FAFSA filing deadline is March 15

The early deadline for filing a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form to attend college during the fall 2010 semester is March 15.  Students who fail to file by that date will not receive $350 in State-provided supplemental financial aid for the fall semester.

To apply online, go to www.fafsa.ed.gov.

For further information, Call Bladen Community College Financial Aid Secretary Lenora Lacy at 879-5562.

Announcement:

Bladen Community College’s Small Business Center is offering the following seminars during March on the dates and times noted below in Building 2, Room 212A, on the Main Campus.  All seminars are offered at no cost and are available on a first come, first served basis.

Date                            Time               Seminar Topic             

Tuesday, March 16     6 – 9 p.m.        “How to ‘Green’ Your Business”

Thursday, March 18    1 – 3 p.m.        “How to Start a Business”

Tuesday, March 23     6 – 9 p.m.        “Weatherization of Home and Business (Save

                                                            Money on Energy Costs)”

Thursday, March 25    1 – 3 p.m.        “How to Write a Business Plan”

Tuesday, March 30     1 – 3 p.m.        “How to Market Your Business”

For information on any of these seminars, call Small Business Center Director Dr. Lynn Welborn at 910.879.5572.

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