Haiti Update Through the Eyes of A Volunteer

Rev. Ronald Hester and Kenneth Davis of Bladenboro, and Gerald Williams of Fayetteville have been in Haiti for about a week working with NC Baptist Men as a support unit for a group of Medical workers volunteering to assist in Haiti in the recovery, following the earthquake.  Others from Bladen have been on similar missions and more are slated to go.  Hester has been sharing his thoughts of the trip.  This may his final report from Haiti, for this trip. 

Thoughts while shaving

Interesting week ahead.

An all out effort is underway to save the Fitness Center in Elizabethtown.  Cape Fear Valley Hospital System has announced they are closing the Center. 

Bladen County Commissioners are scheduled to hear from the supporters at their Monday evening meeting. 

Funerals Today

Funeral Services for Dr. Stanley Richardson and his mother, Ms Beulah Richardson are set for 3 PM today at Elizabethtown Middle School.

Both were killed Wednesday morning in an accident on the 87 bypass.

Dr. Richardson was scheduled to be sworn in as a Bladen County Commissioner on April 5.

Fitness Center to Close

The Bladen Fitness Center in Elizabethtown will close at the end of business on April 30, the pool will close on March 31, according to a news release from Cameron Highsmith, CEO, of Bladen Healthcare.  The center has been affiliated with Cape Fear Valley since the Bladen County Hospital became a part of the Cumberland hospital.  Rehab services will continue according to the release.

Other news releases indicate the center has 800 members, but that may not be active, paying members.   

Thursday's Haiti Report

Rev. Ronald Hester and Kenneth Davis of Bladenboro and Gerald Williams of Fayetteville are in Haiti as a cooking team and support group for a medical team representing the NC Baptist Men. Hester has been providing a daily summary of their activities.  The group will return home Monday.  Here is his report as of late Thursday.

Today has been another busy long day. We arrived back at the campus near 8:00 this evening. Our surgeons today operated on a club foot baby to straighten the foot and provide him opportunity to have a more normal life. 

Harriett Coleman and Jeffrey Owens were selected to appear in “Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges”. Coleman and Owens were Bladen natives who attended Campbell University.

Clarkton Town Commissioner Robert Register resigned due to moving to Beulaville.

After deliberating for three days, a federal jury found in favor of Deborah Johnson, former town clerk in Elizabethtown, in her wrongful firing and slander suit against the town. 

Perseverance pays off for BCC basic skills student

Jack McDuffie

Benita Jefferson, a Bladen Community College GED student, can hardly contain her excitement.  She learned this week that she has completed all requirements for award of the GED certificate after years of struggle to reach her goal.

A native of Atlantic City, New Jersey, Jefferson says she dropped out of high school in the 11^th grade to go to work full time.  She admits that leaving school at the time was a mistake and that it was not a result of having difficulty with her school work.

“I was a teenager and was having communications problems with adults at the school,” she explained.  

Report from NC Baptist Men's Team in Haiti

Update from Rev. Ronald Hester, Bladenboro resident and pastor of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Cumberland County.

Others working in Haiti this week include Kenneth Davis of Bladenboro and Gerald Williams of Fayetteville.  They are providing support in the form of meals for a medical team.  The three are part of the NC Baptist Men effort in the devastated country and will return home Monday.

"Today has proven to be very challenging, yet rewarding. We had breakfast with a group called "Fellow Ships". I had not met them before, but they have 4 ships which are used in disaster situations to transport personnel and supplies to the damaged area. They are headquartered in Louisiana and they proved to be some very interesting Christians who are committed to ministry to others. 

Richardson Services Announced

Funeral services have been announced for Stanley Richardson, 53, and his mother, 78 year old, Beulah Richardson.  Both were killed in an a two vehicle accident near Elizabethtown Wednesday morning.

According to reports, Richardson drove his Honda into the path of a tractor-trailer on NC 87 about 8 AM. He had just left his home on Cromartie Road. 

Multi-Jurisdiction crime spree ended

FAYETTEVILLE, NC – The United States Marshals Service, Eastern District of North Carolina, announces the arrest of Gary Hendricks, age 41.  Hendricks was being sought for various crimes including Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill, Possession With Intent to Sell and Deliver Marijuana, Resisting Public Officer, Flee to Elude Arrest, Breaking & Entering, Reckless Driving to Endanger, Financial Card Theft, Possession of Stolen Goods, Financial Card Fraud, Identity Theft, Larceny of a Motor Vehicle, Injury to Personal Property, Failure to Return Rental Property, Obtaining Property by False Pretense, and a North Carolina State Probation Violation.  At approximately 6:00 am, Hendricks was arrested on the 700 block of East Main Street, Riverhead, NY by members of the NY/NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force and the Riverhead Police Department. 

Commissioners To Meet Monday

Bladen County Commissioners will meet Monday at 6:30 PM in the Bladen County Courthouse.

One of the first items on the agenda is the Dedication of a Plaque in Memory of Commissioner Margaret Lewis-Moore.  Moore died earlier this year.  A plaque will also be presented to the Moore family.

Another plaque in memory of Elizabeth "Libby" Priest will be presented to her family. 

McIntyre Says, “We Need To Repeal NAFTA!”

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Mike McIntyre has signed on to legislation to repeal the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Congressman McIntyre stated, “We need to repeal NAFTA!  NAFTA has cost too many jobs, eroded our industrial base, and decimated towns and communities.  Enough is enough – we need to focus on creating jobs right here in the United States – not in foreign countries!”

NAFTA and similar trade agreements have resulted in a 29% decline in U.S. manufacturing employment since 1993.

BCC’s East Arcadia Center celebrates 15 years

Jack McDuffie

Sixteen years ago a group of concerned citizens from the East Arcadia community met with representatives from Bladen Community College to discuss the possibility of the College locating a Center in the community. 

BCC President Lynn King and BCC Trustee Charles Munn, a lifelong resident and community activist who had long advocated a larger presence of the College in the community, and numerous other community leaders and educators from the area attended the meeting and supported the effort. 

The Raleigh Report

From the Office of Representative William Brisson  

March 11, 2010

In the face of concerns about ethics and efficiency, reformation of North Carolina’s ABC System has become an important issue for many North Carolina lawmakers. The following information highlights the mission of the recently appointed Joint Select Committee on Alcohol and Beverage Control, and provides a general outline for the issues addressed by committee members this week during their first meeting.

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. 

Clarkton Lions Club Sponsors International Peace Poster Contest

Congratulations to the following Clarkton School of Discovery students who have won the Lions’ Club International Peace Poster Contest. First row left to right-Steven Miller-Honorable Mention and Malik McKoy-Honorable Mention.  Second row left to right-Maria Ortiz-2^nd Place, Skylar Farrow-1^st Place, and Grace McDuffie-3^rd Place.

CSD Advanced Art Class Visits African-American Masters Exhibit

Ms. Theresa Wuebbels’ Advanced Art students at Clarkton School of Discovery recently had a chance of a lifetime.  They were able to study and personally view over sixty of the most famous African-American Masters’ artworks in existence.  The Art Center in Fayetteville, North Carolina had the rare opportunity to host “The African-American Masters Exhibit”.  This national touring exhibit was previously shown in New York City.  From Fayetteville it will be traveling to Chicago, Illinois and then to the West Coast.  It was very unusual for Fayetteville to be chosen as the only city in Southeastern United States to be able to show this exhibit.  It is thanks to the Art Center’s gracious sponsors and benefactors that this dream became a reality.  

Clarkton School of Discovery's Bridge Building Team Takes Top Prize in Regional NCDOT Bridge Building Competition

Haiti Mission Going Well

My brother is Rev. J. Ronald Hester, pastor of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Cumberland County.  He and his wife, Betty Carol live in the Bladenboro area.  For years, Ronald has been very active on mission trips in time of disaster with the North Carolina Baptist Men.  He is in Haiti along with Kenneth Davis of Bladenboro and Gerald Williams of Fayetteville.

They are a cooking team for a group of medical professionals.  They left home Monday, March 8 and will return on the 15th.  He has been sending messages back home about his mission trip and he has given me permission to share with BladenOnline readers. 

Upcoming Events

Mar 15....The Brown Marsh Precinct will have a meeting on Monday, March 15, 6:30 PM at the Clarkton Town Hall Depot.  All members are ask to attend.  Bladen County Democratic Chairman, Charles Corbett will be in attendance.  Louella P. Thompson is Chairperson and Johnnie Martin is Vice Chair.

Mar 16....Shining Light Ministries located at 113 WS Railroad Street in Clarkton will begin having a Tuesday evening Worship Service/Bible Study at 7:00 pm. We will begin with a Bible Study on the Book of Philippians. Everyone is invited to come, and to come as you are. For more information, call: Reverends David & Reba Little 910-647-0039 or 910-647-5231.

Mar 17 - 21.... Baldwin Branch Missionary Church is planning an anniversary celebration honoring Pastor David C. Camp on his 5th anniversary.  The celebrations begin on March 17 and continue March 18, a banquet is planned for Saturday March 20 and concludes with a special Sunday service on March 21.  For more information call Arthur Bullock, chairman of the event at 645-4995.

Town of White Lake Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting

The White Lake Board of Commissioners met in regular session Tuesday, March 09, 2010 at the White Lake Town Hall.  Commissioners handled a short agenda quickly.  In Administrative matters, Commissioners approved the Utility and Tax Releases. 

In other business, the Fire Department was awarded a safety grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to purchase 19 self-contained breathing apparatus (air packs) and 19 spare bottles totaling $99,750.  The Federal share is 95% or $94,763 of the approved amount and the Town’s share costs 5% or $4,987.  The Commissioners approved amending the 2009-10 General Fund Budget to include these funds. 

Bladen County School Superintendent Greg Killingsworth Released a Statement about the death of Dr. Stanley Richardson

"Bladen County School System is shocked and deeply saddened by the sudden loss this morning of one of our Administrators Dr. Stanley Richardson along with his mother Ms. Beulah Richardson.  Dr. Richardson was the Upward Bound Administrator for the school system.  He was a man of true character and strong faith.  His beliefs helped him guide and counsel the students of the Upward Bound program with grace and fidelity.  Dr. Richardson was recently appointed to the County Commissioner seat formerly held by another school administrator Mrs. Margaret Lewis-Moore. He believed in education and in Bladen County Schools. He believed in the student’s and their ability to succeed.  He encouraged all and served as a mentor not only to the students but to all the staff of Bladen County School System.  We have lost yet another great ambassador for the school system. His presence and leadership will be greatly missed.  His laughter will forever echo in the hallways of the District Office. Our heart goes out to the family of Dr. Stanley Richardson during this very sad time."

Elizabethtown Awarded Grant for Farmers Market

The Town of Elizabethtown has been notified that a grant application through RAFI-USA has been approved.  The $30,000 grant will be utilized for engineering and architectural services for the Cape Fear Farmer's Market to be located in downtown Elizabethtown.  With the grant, the project can stay on schedule so construction can begin in 2010. 

Elizabethtown Town Council has retained Terry Cox to complete the architectural design of the building.  He will be working hand-in-hand with the Cape Fear Farmer's Market committee to determine the final design. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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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