TAR HEEL – Rylee Chadwick pitched a one-hitter and struck out 6 to lead Bladenboro to a 21-1 Bladen Five Middle School Conference softball victory over Tar Heel Tuesday.

Chadwick limited Tar Heel to only 4 base-runners – a hit batter, a walk and an error produced 3 of them. Tar Heel pitcher Shelby Pharr hammered a solo home run over the rightfielder’s head in the second inning for the only Lady Panther hit.

Bladenboro’s Savannah Turbeville drilled a 3-run home run to centerfield in the third inning. Teammate Kaden Thurman slammed a triple to rightfield that drove in 2 runs.

Catcher McKenzie Singletary batted 2-3  for the Lady Bulldogs. Lauren Pait slammed a double, and Hannah Pait belted a single.

Chadwick, Hannah Hester, Hannah Pait and Turbeville scored 3 runs each for the winners. Thurman and Taylor West scored 2 runs each, and Emma Smith, Singletary, Lainey Autry, Taylor Lewis and Kalee Wilkins scored one run each.

Bladenboro will travel to Clarkton School of Discovery Thursday, while Tar Heel visits Elizabethtown.

Bladen County Special Olympics will be held today at Elizabethtown Middle School, from 9:30 AM ’til 1 PM. For more info, call Shayla Yancey at 910-874-8130 or Tessia Williams at 910-862-4136. Athletes and volunteers should begin arriving at 8:30 AM. An Opening Ceremony will be held prior to the games, including a torch run by local law enforcement officers. The public is invited to attend and support the participants.

It is good to see the support for Dixie Youth activities, all over the county. It begins with willing adults, eager youngsters and lots of support from family and friends.

Early reports are positive for those attending a Buies Creek Astros baseball game. Games are played at Jim Perry Stadium at Campbell University. The Astros are scheduled to eventually move to Fayetteville, when a new stadium is completed in the downtown area. The team participates in the Carolina League as a Houston Astros affiliate.

Planting time for farmers, means sharing the roadways with huge farming equipment.

Weather is ‘just right’.

IRS tax filing deadline is Tuesday, April 18.

Tickets still on sale for Bladen We Care 28th Gala, Friday, May 5. The event to be held at Lu Mill. Tickets are $100 per couple and the time is 7 PM ’til 11 PM. Call 910-862-8423 for more info and tickets.

The 1st Annual Archery Event and 3D Tournament, hosted by Bladen County Aim for a Cure, is scheduled for Saturday, May 6, from 9:30 AM and 3 PM. The event will benefit the ALS Association and will be held at Allen Brothers Club House, 3062 Cabbage Road, Bladenboro.

Success is no the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. Albert Schweitzer

Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none. William Shakespeare

A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning. Brad Henry

The North Carolina Education Lottery announced winners for the month of March. Several Bladen County residents were among the winners.

$1,000 Winners: Keshanda McDowell, Jiovana Concepion, Larry Carter, Lan Nguyen, Teresa Jackson, Ricky Rising, Kanishia Parker, John Womble, Jessica Bridgers, Cathy Graham, Virginia Edge, Billie Smith, David Shaw, Natasha High, Marcus Council, Frances Rose.

$2,000 Winners: Pamela Purdie, Raekwon Shaw.

$2,600 Winner: Lillian Johnson.

$2,700 Winner: Victor Davis.

$5,000 Winners: Alfred Bowen, Gwendolyn Sledge, Keona Melvin.

$7,000 Winner: Lester Brennan.

By Sandra Cain

Strawberry history goes back over 2200 years ago.  It is thought that the name “strawberry” came from the practice of growers spreading a layer of straw around the plants when the berries begin to form.  The 600 strawberry varieties found today stem from five or six original wild species, and are a member of the rose family.

Strawberries are ready in Bladen County!  Whether you pick your own, or buy them from a produce stand or grocery store, here are some tips to help you enjoy them in simple preparations to savor their sweet flavor.

Nutrition

Strawberries are an excellent source of Vitamin C. A one cup serving provides more than the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for Vitamin C.
One cup of unsweetened berries contains only 55 calories.

Selection

Berries should have a full red color, bright luster and firm, plump flesh.

Choose fully ripe berries. Strawberries do not ripen after being picked. Avoid berries with green or white tips.

The caps should be bright green, fresh looking and fully attached.

Berries should be dry and clean; usually medium to small berries have better eating quality than large ones.

Avoid berries with large uncolored or seedy areas or those with a dull, soft look.

Storage

Use strawberries as soon after purchase as possible.

Take berries home immediately after purchase. Remove the berries from their market or store container. Leaving the caps on the berries, sort and gently arrange them in a single layer on a cookie sheet or other shallow container. Store in the refrigerator immediately.

Just before serving, wash them in cold water in a colander. Drain and remove caps by giving them an easy twist with a strawberry huller or sharp knife.
Eat them within 48 – 72 hours, or freeze them.

Yield

Due to the many variables, such as moisture content, size and variety, it is impossible to give specific recommendations as to quantity to buy. As a rule of thumb, 1 quart strawberries = approximately 3-3/4 cups hulled, whole berries.

Source:  Ohio Cooperative Extension

Strawberry Spinach Salad

4 cups fresh baby spinach

3 cups sliced fresh strawberries

1 can (11 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained

2 tablespoons canola oil

2 tablespoons cider vinegar

½ cup fat-free raspberry yogurt

¼ cup slivered almonds, toasted

In a large bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries and mandarin oranges.  In a small bowl, whisk together the oil and vinegar.  Whisk in yogurt.   Put almonds and dressing on salad just before serving.

Uncooked Strawberry Jam

2 cups crushed strawberries

4 cups sugar

1 package powdered pectin

3/4 cup water

To prepare fruit-Sort and wash fully ripe berries. Drain. Remove caps and stems; crush berries.

To make jam-Place prepared berries in a large mixing bowl. Add sugar, mix well, and let stand for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Dissolve pectin in water and boil for 1 minute. Add pectin solution to berry-and-sugar mixture; stir for 3 minutes. Pour jam into freezer containers or canning jars, leaving 1/2 inch space at the top. Cover containers and let stand at room temperature for 24 hours or until jam has set.

Store uncooked jams in refrigerator or freezer. They can be held up to 3 weeks in a refrigerator or up to a year in a freezer. Makes 5 or 6 half-pint jars.

One of our loyal readers caught a North Carolina Highway Patrol officer and an Elizabethtown Police officer assisting a stranded motorist today, April 13th. The motorist was on the side of the road in Elizabethtown with a van that would not work properly.

The two officers assisted in pushing the stranded motorist’s vehicle into a local auto parts store according to Mrs. Bille Priest.

Highway Patrol Telecommunicators Week

Highway Patrol Telecommunicator1

Bladen County E-911 Call Center

E-911 Call Center Excellence Award

By Erin Smith

The Week of April 9 through April 15 has been set aside to recognize Public Safety Telecommunicators. They are “the voice on the other end of the line” when you call 911 or dial *HP on your cell phone. They are the vital link between you and getting help to your location.

Pictured are the North Carolina State Highway Patrol Telecommunicators PTC. Brittany Heitchew, PTC. Jared Hester, PTC. Kathey Andrews and TSS. Charlotte West and TCS. Debbie Reilley.

North Carolina State Highway Patrol Telecommunications Center Supervisor Debbie Reilley said the telecommunications center located in Elizabethtown receives calls from Troopers located in an 11 county area that make up North Carolina State Highway Patrol Troop B. The counties that make NC State Highway Patrol Troop B are Cumberland, Sampson, Onlsow, Duplin, Pender, Columbus, New Hanover, Brunswick, Robeson, Harnett and Bladen. Reilley said anytime a motorist dials *HP on their cell phone in any of those counties, the call is answered in the telecommunications center in Elizabethtown.

The Highway Patrol Telecommunications Center relays information and receives information from State Troopers only. Really said their peak call volumes often occur in the period from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. She added one of the largest call volumes received at the telecommunications center was during Hurricane Matthew when the telecommunications center received more than 2,000 in the span of just a few hours.

Patti Yandle, a Telecommunicator with the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office, said the 911 Call Center located in the Courthouse in Elizabethtown is the “heartbeat” of Bladen County. She said Telecommunicators located in the E-911 Call Center answer the calls for EMS, fire departments, the Sheriff’s Office and Elizabethtown, Bladenboro and White Lake Police Departments. Yandle said it does not stop there. She said they also dispatch calls for animal control and public utilities.

Pictured are Bladen County E-911 Telecommunicators Patti Yandle and Supervisor Melanie Duncan.

In an emergency time is critical in getting help to a patient. Yandle said in 2015 the Bladen County E-911 Call Center was also presented a plaque for obtaining a 96.89% performance in answering all 911 calls within 10 seconds.

The job of telecommunicator is also a very stressful one. For example, Yandle said, in the event of a bad traffic accident, there are many different agencies the Telecommunicators reach out to and must coordinate the response. Yandle said, if the helicopter is needed, the E-911 Call Center must call and see if the helicopter is available, coordinate a landing zone and give the coordinates of the landing zone to the pilot; all while coordinating the EMS, fire department and law enforcement response to the crash scene as well.

Yandle said the E-911 Call Center Telecommunicators also receive 911 Calls from other counties. She said that occurs sometimes based on where a person is and what cell phone tower their phone hits. Yandle said when those situations occur, they take the information and transfer the call to the correct county’s E-911 Call Center.

Yandle said during Hurricane Matthew, the Bladen County E-911 Call Center received numerous class for help from residents in Sampson and Cumberland counties, when the E-911 Call Centers in those counties were down briefly due to the storm.

Rescue Cape Fear Tory Hole 3

Rescue Cape Fear Tory Hole 2

Rescue Cape Fear Tory Hole 4

Rescue Cape Fear Tory Hole 6

Rescue Cape Fear Tory Hole1

Rescue Cape Fear River Tory Hole 5

Rescue Cape Fear Tory Hole 7

Wayne Benson of Tar Heel and his two children had to be rescued Wednesday, April 13, at Tory Hole Park in the Cape Fear River.

“I just got the boat. Registered it yesterday and it was the first time we used it,” said Benson.

His children, ages 9 and 12 years old, were wearing their life jackets, according to Elizabethtown Fire Chief Nick West. He also said the weight on the boat may have been a contributing factor to its sinking. White Lake Water Rescue also assisted with the rescue and retrieved a Yeti cooler, a boat seat, and two floaties.

There was a couple nearby that called 911 for help and then helped to pull them in the water, according to Benson.

“I got $1,500 setting in the river I haven’t used yet. At least we are here, that’s the important thing,” Benson said.

Jackie Torok, The Brunswick Beacon

There was a really great story in The Washington Post last week that grabbed my attention and made my heart sing. It was about the staff of the Booster Redux, the student newspaper of Pittsburg High School in Kansas, who questioned the credentials of their new principal. She resigned as a result of their story; it turned out her story didn’t check out.

My friend and former colleague, Bill Glassgow, had this to say about the story: “This is a perfect example of the free press at work. Investigative reporting is key in how the free press works. Don’t allow ANYONE to take away the free press, just because someone doesn’t agree with what they are saying. Just because you don’t like it, doesn’t mean it’s fake news. Honor the free press.”

Another story reported by WECT in Wilmington caught my eye last week, too. The station reported being turned away from the Social Security office on 16th Street when they tried to capture footage of President Trump and Vice President Pence’s portraits missing from the entryway in the process of investigating a viewer complaint about it.

The first person to comment on the story online called it “much ado about nothing” and suggested the station respect the privacy of the people conducting business there, saying it should “show some decorum” and claimed the story didn’t serve the public.

I felt compelled to respond: “They were obligated, on behalf of their viewers, to investigate that complaint. (Nevermind that if they didn’t, said viewers might then turn around and accuse this news outlet as being anti-Trump or ‘liberal media.’)

“When an agency that receives our taxpayer dollars fails to follow the law, it is, in fact, worth reporting — regardless of whether you care about it or whether it meets your standard of decorum. That’s how it serves the public. It’s not asking too much to expect law enforcement officers at every level to know and follow the laws they are charged with enforcing. Much ado about nothing? No. Watchdog reporting? Not on a grand scale, but yes.”

Others chimed in, mostly with similar sentiments. Someone else brought up another important point I failed to make in my response: there is no expectation of privacy in a public place.

There are other efforts under way at the legislative level to increase access to public records and maintain government transparency.

For instance, Sen. Bill Cook, a Republican from Beaufort County, filed Senate Bill 77 on Feb. 14 to make it a Class 3 misdemeanor to deny access to public records or violate the state’s open meetings laws. The bill, cosponsored by Republican Sen. Norm Sanderson of Pamlico County, passed first reading the next day and was referred to the Committee on Rules and Operations of the Senate, where it could remain in limbo, unfortunately for you and me. Remember: The Freedom of Information Act is for everyone, not just journalists.

Last week, concurrent bills were filed in the House and Senate to continue requiring governments to publish legal notices in newspapers — a requirement Republican Sens. Trudy Wade of Greensboro, Wesley Meredith of Fayetteville and Dan Bishop of Charlotte are seeking to do away with.

I was reminded about a statement our former Republican Rep. Bonner Stiller of Southport made about giving local governments the choice to suspend notice publication to the public through newspapers. He said it would “create havoc” for free press rights every time a newspaper criticized the government.

The bills Republican Rep. Stephen Ross of Burlington and Sen. Sanderson (I’m starting to really like that guy) filed are modeled after one Florida’s legislature passed in 2012. The North Carolina Press Association — of which I’m a member — says they continue the requirement that legal notices be published in newspapers of general, paid circulation and adds the requirement that newspapers taking legal ads also publish the notices on their websites and upload them to the NCPA-operated statewide website.

That way, they can be distributed far beyond the reach of any government-operated website while still reaching citizens in areas without Internet service (such places do still exist in our state), those unable to afford Internet service and those disinclined to read notices on government websites.

Makes sense to me.

An aside: I think it’s pathetic we North Carolina citizens can get public records more quickly, easily and thoroughly from Florida’s government than our own.

The bill sponsored primarily by Wade purports to support education by directing 50 percent of all fees collected by local governments for legal notices to be spent on local teacher salary supplements, it actually seeks to keep us less educated about the issues that affect us by restricting the publication of public notices in newspapers.

It’s another attempt to make newspaper publication optional for government agencies, thereby hiding their activities.

It’s counting on members of the public to be too busy to click through multiple links on government websites or too frustrated to navigate them successfully.

It would be a great way for property owners to be blindsided by rezoning, for instance. “Oh, didn’t you see it posted on our website?” a government spokesman might say to someone who asked when notice was given — and found out about a change too late to weigh in on it.

Well, it’s not too late to support House Bill 572 and SB 435 right now.

The ultimate watchdog, after all, is the public eye. I’m proud to do my part as a journalist to keep its vision clear.

Jackie Torok is managing editor of the Beacon. Reach her at 910-754-6890 or editor@brunswickbeacon.com.

WASHINGTON, March 16, 2017 – America’s farmers and ranchers will soon have the opportunity to strongly represent agriculture in their communities and industry by taking part in the 2017 Census of Agriculture. Conducted every five years by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), the census, to be mailed at the end of this year, is a complete count of all U.S. farms, ranches, and those who operate them.

“The Census of Agriculture remains the only source of uniform, comprehensive, and impartial agriculture data for every county in the nation,” said NASS Administrator Hubert Hamer. “As such, census results are relied upon heavily by those who serve farmers and rural communities, including federal, state and local governments, agribusinesses, trade associations, extension educators, researchers, and farmers and ranchers themselves.”

The Census of Agriculture highlights land use and ownership, operator characteristics, production practices, income and expenditures, and other topics. The 2012 Census of Agriculture revealed that over three million farmers operated more than two million farms, spanning over 914 million acres. This was a four percent decrease in the number of U.S. farms from the previous census in 2007. However, agriculture sales, income, and expenses increased between 2007 and 2012. This telling information and thousands of other agriculture statistics are a direct result of responses to the Census of Agriculture.

“Today, when data are so important, there is strength in numbers,” said Hamer. “For farmers and ranchers, participation in the 2017 Census of Agriculture is their voice, their future, and their opportunity to shape American agriculture – its policies, services and assistance programs – for years to come.”

Producers who are new to farming or did not receive a Census of Agriculture in 2012 still have time to sign up to receive the 2017 Census of Agriculture report form by visiting www.agcensus.usda.gov?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss and clicking on the ‘Make Sure You Are Counted’ button through June. NASS defines a farm as any place from which $1,000 or more of agricultural products were produced and sold, or normally would have been sold, during the census year (2017).

For more information about the 2017 Census of Agriculture and to see how census data are used, visit www.agcensus.usda.gov?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss or call 800-727-9540.

The Cape Fear Farmers Market is set to open its 2017 season on Friday, April 28th. The market, which operates at 106 Martin Luther King Drive in downtown Elizabethtown, is open weekly from Monday through Saturday.  “Farm Fresh Fridays” will kick off with the Bladen County Master Gardeners Annual Plant Sale. The Master Gardeners and others will be hosting demonstrations including gardening techniques and more. “Farm Fresh Fridays” is a rain or shine event from 11 AM to 7 PM that continues through the end of the growing season.

The Cape Fear Farmers Market allows consumers to have access to locally grown, farm fresh produce as well as local craft vendors. “Customers can expect to find farm fresh produce, baked goods, meats, honey and plants and other items, “ said Eddie Madden, Elizabethtown Town Manager . “We are looking to capitalize on a great location, no-fees for vendors, and good day of the week for business in town.”

Direct marketing of produce and products through farmers markets continues to be an important sales outlet for agricultural producers nationwide. Food in the United States travels an average of 1,500 miles to get to the kitchen table. All this shipping uses large amounts of natural resources (especially fossil fuels), contributes greatly to pollution, and creates excess trash with extra packaging. As of 2012, Bladen County was still over 45% cropland. As of 2015, crops sold were worth over 72 million dollars and placed Bladen County at 14th in the state for crop sales.

“Farm Fresh Fridays” will not cost vendors. However, due to limited space, pre-registration is requested. Contact Billie Hall at the Elizabethtown Town Hall office at 910-862-2066 or visit www.capefearfarmersmarket.com?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss to obtain a copy of the regulations and reserve a spot for Friday, April 28th.

The Small Business Center (SBC) of Bladen Community College is offering no-cost seminars in April.

“Staff Development for the Non-Profit or Church” is scheduled for Saturday April 22, from 9 a.m. until 12 noon on the main campus in building 2, room 202. This workshop will guide the development of employees and volunteers of non-profits and churches.

“Online Apps and Tools for Business” is planned for Monday April 24, from 6 until 8 p.m. This is a hands-on seminar that highlights useful tools for small businesses and entrepreneurs. The class meets in building 2, room 207.

The class “Train and Motivate Sales and Customer Service Teams” will show entrepreneurs and owners how to encourage their employees for sales and customer service. It will meet on Thursday April 27, from 6:30 until 9:00 p.m.

“Why Partnerships Matter to Small Businesses and Non-Profits” is scheduled for April 25, from 6 until 8 p.m. at the Bladen County Public Library in Elizabethtown.

All seminars are open to the public and provided at no charge due to special funding arrangements for the Small Business Center and Bladen Community College.

To register for any of the seminars or for more information, contact Todd Lyden, Small Business Center Director, at 910-879-5572 or register online:

https://www.ncsbc.net/center.?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss aspx?center=75040

HCA Athletic Director Clayton Hall was named MVP of the East Duplin All Stars team in the ACC Barnstorming game. He is pictured here, center, along with Coach Phil Ford, left, and Amile Jefferson, right.

Beaulaville, NC— ACC fans and local players gathered together for the ACC Barnstorming game at East Duplin High School Wednesday night where they were able to watch, and for two Harrells Christian Academy coaches, play against some of the ACC’s biggest stars.

At the end of the night, HCA Athletic Director and Head Varsity Boys Basketball Coach Clayton Hall was named MVP for the East Duplin All Star team, a collection of local players invited to square up against the ACC players, including a handful of recently crowned National Champions from UNC Chapel Hill, in a short game of basketball.

Hall and his brother, Assistant Varsity Boys Basketball Coach at HCA, Nolan Hall, played against the ACC stars as a part of the East Duplin All Star team. Both Nolan and Clayton are proud HCA alumni.

Speaking on the event Clayton Hall stated, “It was truly an honor for my brother and I to play a fun game of basketball against some of the best college basketball players in the country.”

HCA senior Sierra Votaw attended the event as a spectator and was amazed to see some of the hottest names in NCAA basketball up close and personal. “I grew up in South Dakota and we don’t get to experience things like this,” said Votaw. “I don’t think everyone understands how unique it is to be able to see guys like Luke Kennard up close and personal just down the road from your house at a local high school.”

Every Spring the ACC Barnstorming Tour chooses eight different locations around the state to host its ACC Barnstorming All Star Games. The ACC All Star teams consist of seniors and, occasionally, players who have already decided to turn pro from Wake Forest, NC State, UNC Chapel Hill, Duke, and ECU. They are coached by former Tarheel player and former Sacramento Kings point guard Phil Ford.

After the game is over the ACC All Stars hold a 15 minute autograph and picture session so all the fans get to meet their favorite players.

This year’s ACC team included Luke Kennard, Amille Jefferson, and Assistant Coach Nolan Smith from Duke University; Isaiah Hicks, Kennedy Meeks, Stillman White, Nate Britt, and Kanler Coker from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; BJ Anya, Terry Henderson, and Tucker Thompson from North Carolina State University; Trent VanHorn from Wake Forrest University; and Andre Washington and Caleb White from East Carolina University.

“We would like to thank East Duplin High School for allowing us to participate. It certainly is a memory that we will never forget,” added Clayton Hall.

TAR HEEL – Brycen Blackman and ShyRon Adams scored 3 runs each as Bladenboro built a 15-4 lead over Tar Heel in Bladen Five Middle School Conference baseball game that was suspended in the fifth inning.

Bryley Williams walked, and Alex Strange smacked a single and both came around to score runs in the Bulldog second inning.

Blackman walked, and Adams belted a single in the third inning and both scored runs.

In the fourth inning, Cameron Flowers reached base on a fielder’s choice, and Elijah Crabtree and Blackman both drew walks. Kaiden Stanley was hit by a pitch, and Devon Strange cracked a single. All five of them scored in the inning.

Josh Russ was hit by a pitch to begin the Bulldog fifth inning. Blackman and Adams followed with singles. Stanley walked, Devon Strange was hit by a pitch. Williams reached base on an error. All six of them scored in the fifth inning.

Blackman pitched the first four innings for Bladenboro and was relieved by Josh Russ in the fifth inning.

The game will be completed later in the season.

Three triathlons are scheduled for White Lake on April 22 and 23. The White Lake Spring Half 2017 will take place at 7 a.m. on April 22 with 212 athletes. The White Lake International 2017 will be held that same day at 8 a.m. with 211 participants. The final triathlon, the White Lake Spring Sprint 2017, with 208 folks, will be held April 23.

Anyone interested in participating in these events is urged to go to www.setupevents.com?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss for information.

Thursday afternoon rain came with little warning in some parts of Bladen County. The rain along with speed was a factor in a single vehicle wreck involving a FedEx truck according to Highway Patrol officer Jason Weissinger.

According to the trooper’s report FedEx driver, Raymond Thomas from Pembroke was traveling south on NC Hwy 131 and crossed the centerline, ran out of road to the left and struck a ditch causing the delivery truck to overturn.

Thomas was charged with exceeding a safe speed due to rain, according to Weissinger. No injuries were reported.

The truck did have packages on board. As our staff was leaving more FedEx truck drivers were on site to help collect packages from the wrecked vehicle.

Special Olympics held at Elizabethtown Middle School Thursday; Smiles in Abundance 7

Special Olympics held at Elizabethtown Middle School Thursday; Smiles in Abundance 8

Special Olympics held at Elizabethtown Middle School Thursday; Smiles in Abundance 9

Special Olympics held at Elizabethtown Middle School Thursday; Smiles in Abundance

Special Olympics held at Elizabethtown Middle School Thursday; Smiles in Abundance 5

Special Olympics held at Elizabethtown Middle School Thursday; Smiles in Abundance 11

Special Olympics held at Elizabethtown Middle School Thursday; Smiles in Abundance 2

Special Olympics held at Elizabethtown Middle School Thursday; Smiles in Abundance 3

Special Olympics held at Elizabethtown Middle School Thursday; Smiles in Abundance 6

Special Olympics held at Elizabethtown Middle School Thursday; Smiles in Abundance 9

Special Olympics held at Elizabethtown Middle School Thursday; Smiles in Abundance 9

Special Olympics held at Elizabethtown Middle School Thursday; Smiles in Abundance 2

Special Olympics held at Elizabethtown Middle School Thursday; Smiles in Abundance 12

Athletes competed in a soft ball toss, walk/run races, long jump, Bocce, bowling, corn hole, and horse shoes. There was also a magician and face painting as well as an Olympic Village.

Lt. D. Cheshire of the Elizabethtown Police Department said, “It is good for all of our agencies to come together for a good cause to help the kids. That’s what al police officers are here for and we appreciate the opportunity to represent our agencies.”

1. Elizabethtown Middle School
2. Tar Heel Middle School/Dublin Primary School
3. Bladenboro Primary School
4. Bladenboro Middle School
5. Bladen Lakes Primary School

1. Carolina Home Care
2. Bladen Community College Comp. Ed.
3. Monarch Bladen Opportunities Unlimited
4. Community Innovations

On Saturday, March 25th, a Bladen County resident lost his entire home and all his belongings due to a fire. He had no insurance due to an accidental policy lapse according to a local church, Center Road Baptist Church.

There will be a BBQ plate fundraiser held on April 22nd from 11 a.m. until at Center Road Baptist Church Community Building located at 2484 Center Road, Bladenboro.

Donations will be accepted. Please make checks payable to Center Road Baptist Church.