By: Erin Smith

A bill working its way through the General Assembly would soon require all schools to perform criminal background checks on all personnel. The bill titled “Protects Students in Schools” requires Charter School board of directors to adopt a policy that requires applicants to undergo a criminal background check. It also contains language that requires the local board of education for public schools to also adopt a policy requiring background checks on personnel.

Bladen County Schools Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor said, “We do background checks on all employees. The district will cover the costs of that.” He added the district already performs criminal background checks on all employees and the district staff feel they already meet the standard.

“Anytime we have a negative result on a background check, we make a decision based on what kind of job person applied for,” said Dr. Taylor.

For example,. if someone applies to drive a bus and they have a lot fo traffic violations, they would not be hired.  Dr. Taylor said if some has a sex offender violation, that would preclude the school district from hiring them because of the many restrictions the potential employee would have placed upon them due to their sex offender status.

Dr. Taylor said the school district also performs criminal background checks on all volunteers. “That is something we have done for years,” said Dr. Taylor.

Dunaway

Kate Alice Dunaway, with Emereau:Bladen Charter School, said no one is offered a contract without completing a criminal background check.  She explained there are specific laws that address the Charter Schools and also address criminal background checks. Dunaway explained Charter Schools are required to meet or exceed the local school district standards.

Dunaway said the policy for background checks for Emereau:Bladen requires criminal background checks be performed on all members of the Emereau:Bladen board, all school personnel and all volunteers.

“We have a company that performs background checks for corporations other entities so we have the most reliable information,” said Dunaway.

The proposed bill also requires a school district to notify, upon inquiry, another school district or charter school or NC DPI if the individual’s criminal history is the reason for a resignation or dismissal. This comes after several issues have ocurred in the state involving teachers with criminal histories. One report by WRAL involves an exchange of text messages between a teacher and her student.  The teacher in question was fired from Johnston County but was rehired by Sampson County as a teacher. The teacher was found to have exchanged inappropriate texts with one of her students and fired. For the full report, click here.

FAIRMONT –  South Robeson capitalized on four West Bladen misplays to score 8 runs – 6 unearned – in the fifth inning en route to an 11-8 victory over the Knights Monday in the Robeson County Baseball Slugfest.

Due to illnesses that sidelined a couple of starters Coach Kim Cain was forced to shuffle his line-up and had four players who were not at their regular positions in Monday’s game.

With the score tied 3-3, a walk and a botched bunt play put two Mustang runners on base in the fifth. Cody Scott slapped a single through the drawn-in infield to drive in the go-ahead run, and Zack Carter squeezed in another against relief pitcher Jarrett Williams.

Braylon Hunt clubbed a double off the centerfield fence that scored Scott. A couple of misjudged fly balls brought in two more runs, and a dropped line drive scored another. Bob Butler singled in another run, and Carter’s infield hit plated another for an 11-3 Mustang lead.

Williams was hit by a pitch to start the Knight half of the fifth. A wild pitch moved courtesy runner Dalton Pait to second base, and freshman catcher Jake Butler knocked him in with a single to left-centerfield.

Senior Weston Pidgeon swatted a single to right field, and freshman Logan West and junior Scott Bowen drew walks that forced home Cody Garner, the courtesy runner for Butler. Senior T.  J. Guyton drilled a double to left-centerfield that cleaned the bases scoring Pidgeon, Logan West and Bowen to trim the lead to 11-8.

Senior Ian Sykes started on the mound for the Knights and pitched 4-plus innings, allowing 6 runs – 4 earned – on 4 hits and 3 walks while striking out seven. Williams pitched 3 innings giving up 5 unearned runs on 5 hits and 2 walks while striking out five.

Jake Butler batted 3-4 with a double and a run batted in to lead the Knight hitters. Pidgeon finished 2-3 at the plate with a run scored. Bowen slammed a double and had an rbi and 2 runs scored.

Guyton doubled and drove in 4 runs. Senior Caleb Sholar belted an rbi single, and Trent West singled and scored. Logan West scored 2 runs, and Dalton Pait and Garner scored a run each.

The Knights grabbed a 1-0 lead in the second inning. Trent West beat out an infield hit, and Guyton reached base on an error. A throwing error on Sholar’s sacrifice bunt scored Trent West.

The Mustangs vaulted back in front with 2 runs in the third on an infield hit, a hit batter, a wild pitch, a sacrifice bunt and a fielder’s choice.  Secondbaseman Pidgeon’s diving stop retired Carter to end the inning.

West Bladen retook the lead with 2 runs in the home third. Pidgeon walked but was forced out on Logan West’s bunt. Bowen drilled a double to left-centerfield, and Trent West was walked intentionally to load the bases.

Guyton’s sacrifice fly to centerfield brought home Logan West, and Sholar laced a single to left that scored Bowen and edged the Knights ahead 3-2. A leaping catch by the Mustang secondbaseman robbed Sykes of an rbi single and ended the inning.

A walk and Matthew Chavis’ 2-out double tied the game 3-3 in the top of the fourth.

Jake Butler drilled a double off the left-centerfield fence to begin the Knight fourth. The Knights loaded the bases with one out, but a line-out and a deep fly ball stranded the runners.

Carter pitched 5.1 innings to pick up the win for South Robeson. Cameron Hunt worked 1.2 innings of relief. Matthew Chavis batted 2-4 with 2 doubles, an rbi and a run scored to lead the South hitters. Carter drove in 2 runs with a 2-4 performance.

West Bladen is now 9-9 overall and returns to Four County play April 25th at home against Pender.

1775 – Paul Revere and William Dawes ride from Charleston to Lexington warning the “regulars are coming!”

1861 – Battle of Harpers Ferry, Virginia, part of the Maryland Campaign (US Civil War).

1865 – Confederate Gen. Johnson surrendered to General William T. Sherman in North Carolina.

1881 – Billy the Kid escapes from the Lincoln County jail in Mesilla, New Mexico.

1907 – Fairmont Hotel opens in San Francisco.

1912 – The Cunard liner RMS Carpathia brings 705 survivors from the RMS Titanic to New York City.

1924 – 1st crossword puzzle book published (Simon & Shuster).

1925 – World’s Fair opens in Chicago.

1942 – James Doolittle bombs Tokyo & other Japanese cities.

1946 – “Call Me Mister” opens at National Theater NYC for 734 performances.

1955 – 1st “Walk”/”Don’t Walk” lighted street signals installed.

1964 – Sandy Koufax is 1st to strike out the side on 9 pitches.

1966 – Bill Russell became 1st black coach in NBA history (Boston Celtics).

1977 – Alex Haley, author of “Roots”, awarded Pulitzer Prize.

1990 – Bankruptcy court forces Frank Lorenzo to give up Eastern Airlines.

1990 – Supreme Court rules states could make it a crime to possess or look at child pornography, even in one’s home.

1991 – US Census Bureau said it failed to count up to 63 million in 1990 census.

1998 – 1998 NFL Draft: Peyton Manning from University of Tennessee first pick by Indianapolis Colts.

2010 – 45th Academy of Country Music Awards: Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley, and Miranda Lambert win.

2015 – Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees: Lou Reed, Ringo Starr, Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Green Day, Bill Withers, the Paul Butterfield Blues Band and the 5 Royales.

FAYETTEVILLE – Kyshawn McLean and senior Devin Bagley combined to pitch a 5-hitter as Cape Fear held off East Bladen 4-2 Monday night in the semi-finals of the J. Hoyt Warren/Wayne Edwards Easter Baseball Tournament at Douglas Byrd High.

McLean allowed only 2 hits and one run in 5.2 innings to pick up the win. The junior righthander struck out 7 but walked six. Bagley worked the final 1.1 innings and gave up a run on 3 hits.

The Eagles almost took a first inning lead when sophmore Shy Pone walked but was forced at second by junior Sincere Smith. Senior Kyle Tatum raked a single to leftfield.

Smith stole third base and attempted to score when the throw to third squirted into leftfield. Shortstop Gavin Williams backed up the play and fired a laser to the plate where Smith was called out on a very close play.

In the Colt second inning, Jackson Parker’s fly ball was dropped, and Ryan Johnson sliced a single down the leftfield line. After a walk, Eagle pitcher Xavier Wooten picked Johnson off second base, but Taylon Hope was hit by a pitch, and a walk to McLean forced home Parker for a 1-0 Colt lead.

After walks to Pone and Smith in the East third inning, Kyle Tatum lined an apparent hit to rightfield, but Parker made a diving catch and doubled a runner off first base.

With two out in the Cape Fear fifth, Jay Stevens, John Robert MacNaught, and Williams connected for back-to-back-to back singles that scored Stevens with Williams driving him in.

A 2-out error on Bagley’s grounder kept the Colt sixth alive. After a walk, McLean cracked a single to rightfield that scored Bagley for a 3-0 lead.

After Smith walked and Kyle Tatum reached base on a throwing error in the Eagle sixth, a double play erased Tatum. Smith broke for the plate on the catcher’s return throw to the pitcher and slid in headfirst with a steal of home and the first East run.

Walks to Williams and Josh Krings preceded Parker’s wind-aided double that scored Williams in the Colt seventh inning.

In the home seventh, Josh McKoy beat out an infield hit, and Deondre Newkirk laced a single to right-centerfield. Smith rapped a single to centerfield that scored McKoy. A fly ball ended the game with the tying runs on base.

Junior Xavier Wooten pitched the first 6 innings for East Bladen giving up 3 runs – one earned – on 5 hits, 3 walks and a hit batsman while striking out five.  Pone struck out 2, walked 2 and gave up a run on one hit in the seventh inning.

Smith, Kyle Tatum, Brooks McGill, Newkirk and McKoy connected for one hit each for the Eagles. Smith and McKoy scored runs, and Smith drove in a run.

Parker batted 2-4 with a double, an rbi and a run scored to lead the Colts. McLean singled and drove in 2 runs. Williams singled in a run and scored one.

The Eagles, now 9-5, will play Freedom Christian Tuesday at 4 p.m. in the tournament’s third-place game. Cape Fear will battle Scotland in Tuesday’s 7 p.m. championship game.

One of the really ‘kewl’ events that is held annually is Kids Appreciation Day in Elizabethtown, sponsored by the Police Department. The date is Saturday, May 6, on the lot behind Town Hall. Food, games, horseback riding, a home run derby, basketball free throw shots and bicycles will be given away. Meet police, play games, enjoy tasty food, an all around fun event. Have attended over the years and it is interesting to see youngsters checking out police vehicles and fire trucks.

If you are not checking all the different pages of BladenOnline, you could be missing important announcements or news events. Today’s sports page includes results from high school baseball tournaments involving East and West Bladen. John Clark has it covered. Obits, Upcoming Events, Regional news, Classifieds and more. Oh yes, Guestbook. You can be educated or do some educating by participating. One of our most popular pages.

Regional hard copy newspapers have changed, not sure for the better. Very little local news, 2 or 3 lengthy articles and a couple of national news articles. More AP stories and on the sports page, writers are not the usual names we are accustomed to. Locally home-owned papers are becoming scarce. We will continue to cover the local scene. And, lest we forget, thanks for your continued support.

BladenOnline’s first edition was February 1, 2008, over 9 years ago. Our commitment to you, The Best Is Yet To Come.

Today is the last day for you to file your 2016 income taxes, without penalty.

Con artists are still in business. Had a friend request from a neighbor, yesterday. First question was, have you heard the news? My response was, not sure. Response was, I won $200,000 and it went on to tell more. Called the acquaintance. I explained the purpose of my call was to verify…response was, ‘not true……..I wish’.

To succeed in life, you need three things: a wishbone, a backbone and a funny bone. Reba McIntire.

There are only three things women need in life: food, water and compliments. Chris Rock

Everything is funny, as long as it’s happening to somebody else. Will Rogers

RALEIGH – Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler today announced three new appointments at the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to replace division directors who are retiring.

“I am pleased to have well-qualified and dedicated staff members who will be stepping into new leadership roles at the department,” Troxler said. “I am confident they will do an outstanding job based on their years of experience in their respective fields.”

John Howard, Emergency Programs director

John Howard

John Howard of Efland has worked 18 years with the N.C. Forest Service, most recently as a district forester with supervisory responsibilities for 27 employees. He is an incident commander on the N.C. Forest Service Incident Management Team. Howard has been dispatched on numerous disasters around the United States, including wildfires, hurricanes and floods. In those responses, he has worked with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other state and federal organizations, giving him a strong background in emergency response protocols and order. Howard earned a Bachelor of Science degree in forestry from N.C. State University. He will replace Sharron Stewart, who is retiring May 1.

Vernon Cox, Soil and Water Conservation director

Vernon Cox

Vernon Cox of Raleigh will leave his post as head of the Plant Industry Division to serve as director of Soil and Water Conservation. The move marks the Columbus County native’s return to the agency where he served for 15 years when it was part of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Cox first joined Soil and Water Conservation in 1995 as an economist working on the Small Watershed Grant Program. He was promoted to chief of the division’s Technical Services Section in 2005, before becoming an NCDA&CS environmental policy specialist in 2010. He was promoted to director of the Plant Industry Division in 2013. Cox earned undergraduate degrees in agricultural business management and agricultural engineering technology from NCSU. He also earned a master’s degree from NCSU in agricultural economics. Cox will replace Pat Harris, who is also retiring May 1.

Phillip Wilson, Plant Industry Division director

Phillip Wilson

Phillip Wilson of Pikeville has worked for 32 years with the Plant Industry Division, most recently as plant pest administrator overseeing the division’s Plant Protection Section, with responsibilities for regulatory survey and control activities of harmful insects, pathogens and weeds. Wilson began his career as a research technician, before serving for 25 years as a plant pest specialist and field certification specialist. He is a member of the Southern and National Plant boards, and is the vice president/treasurer of the Gypsy Moth Slow the Spread Foundation. Wilson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in botany from NCSU.

The Bladen County Board of Commissioners is set to approve a second compensation agreement with Bladen’s Bloomin’ Agri-Industrial during the consideration of the consent agenda on Tuesday, April 18. In an agreement similar to the one adopted last month for Bladen County Economic Development Director Chuck Huestess, this second agreement with BBAI concerns the relationship between BBAI, the Bladen County Commissioners and Linda Clark who serves as Assistant to Huestess. Read the full agreement here.

The agreement states Clark is a Bladen County employee and she will “devote her full time best efforts to the job and perform to the best of her ability all duties that may be required of and from her in this position as for the Employer.” The agreement also calls for Clark to assist in providing monthly updates, if requested, to BBAI, Bladen County Committee of 100, Bladen County Board of Commissioners, and the Bladen County Economic Development Commission Board.

The agreement calls for Clark to be compensated as follows: Bladen County Base Pay $39,130.20 and Bladen’s Bloomin’ Agri-Industrial compensation of $6,300 and BBAI will also pay FICA of $481.95, Retirement of $473.94, and Retiree Health of $379.26 for a total BBAI Compensation and fringes of $7,635.15. The total compensation by BBAI and the County is $40,465.35.  All funds from BBAI must go through the Bladen County payroll department and will begin with the first pay period in May 2017. The agreement also states “Bladen County base pay and fringe benefits are subject to change.” The contract states the terms are “at the discretion of BBAI and the Bladen County Board of Commissioners.”

The Bladen County Board of Commissioners will meet in regular session tonight (Tuesday, April 18) at 6:30 p.m. due to the Easter holiday. After approving several items in the consent agenda, the board is expected to recognize several employees for their years of service to the county.

The consent agenda, which is a listing of items to be approved as a group by the board, include: the proposed agenda; Minutes of March 30, 2017 Special Meeting; Minutes of April 3, 2017 Regular Meeting; Minutes of April 5, 2017 Special Meeting; Budget Amendments; County Attorney Invoices in the amount of $8,350; Tax Releases and Refunds No. 3-17;  Compensation Agreement with Bladen’s Bloomin’/Agri-Industrial, Inc. and Soil & Water Conservation Grant Agreement with NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, Division of Soil & Water Conservation Regarding a Stream Debris Removal Project.

The board is scheduled to hear concerns regarding Mental Health from Charlotte Smith and Bladen County Emergency Management Director Bradley Kinlaw is scheduled to present an Emergency Services fee schedule and an agreement between the US Marine Corps Installations East and the Elizabethtown Fire Department.

The board will also hear a financial update from Finance Director Lisa Coleman and Department of Social Services Director Vickie Smith will present a memorandum of understanding with Child Caring Inc and East Coast Migrant Headstart.

Bladen County Sheriff Jim McVicker is scheduled to appear to discuss a request for more detention center employees and deputies.

Bladen County Economic Development Director Chuck Heustess is scheduled to make a presentation regarding updated by laws for the Bladen County Economic Development Commission Board and the Commissioners will consider appointments to the Bladenboro Fire District Board and the Keep Bladen Beautiful board.

Bladen  County Manager Greg Martin is scheduled to present the calendar update and an update to the Voluntary Shared Leave policy. Martin will also discuss an amendment to the Courthouse Security policy.

The board is scheduled to conduct a closed session to discuss matters of economic development and personnel.

Jason Atkinson, Chief Technology Officer, Bladen County Schools has earned the Certified Education Technology Leader (CETL) designation by passing a rigorous certification exam.  The CETL certification, awarded by the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN), signifies that Atkinson has mastered the knowledge and skills needed to bring and implement 21st century technology to our K‐12 school systems.  Atkinson is one of only 5 professionals in North Carolina and only 300 professionals nationwide to receive the CETL certification to date.

“Earning the Certified Education Technology Leader certification demonstrates a commitment to bringing 21st century learning to our nation’s schools. Because of the CETL recertification requirements, certified leaders pledge to stay current in this ever‐changing field of education technology,” said Keith Krueger, CAE, Chief Executive Officer of CoSN.

To become certified, the candidate must have demonstrated experience in the education technology field and pass a comprehensive two‐part examination based on the 10 skill areas in CoSN’s Framework of Essential Skills of the K‐12 Chief Technology Officer. Once the CETL certification is earned, the professional must complete 60 hours of professional development activities every three years to maintain the designation.   The CETL certification is awarded by the Consortium for School Networking.

Founded in 1992, CoSN is the premier professional association for school system technology leaders and its mission is to empower educational leaders to leverage technology to realize engaging learning environments.

Atkinson holds a Bachelor of Music (BM) in Music Education from UNC Pembroke, Master of Arts in Education (MAEd.) in Instructional Technology from East Carolina University, Master of Arts (MA) in Music Education from UNC Pembroke, an Educational Specialist (Ed.S) in Educational Administration from Liberty University, and is currently completing a Doctor in Education (Ed.D) in Educational Administration from Liberty University.  He has also earned a Certified Educational Chief Technology Officer endorsement from UNC Chapel Hill.

Senator Thom Tillis
The Hill

For the last 40 years, elected officials in Washington have repeatedly tried to secure our nation’s southern border and fix our broken immigration system, but every attempt at comprehensive reform legislation has failed.

While some falsely assume that this prolonged failure only affects border communities, the reality is that it has also created disastrous repercussions for the rest of the nation.

This point was made abundantly clear when I recently joined fellow members of Congress for an extensive tour of the Texas-Mexico border, spending days meeting with border patrol agents who work tirelessly to stop illegal trafficking and contraband and keep our nation safe.

The most deadly consequence of Washington’s failure to secure the southern border has been the rise of dangerous narcoterrorist organizations that operate within the confines of both Mexico and the United States.

This in turn has exacerbated the heroin and opioid epidemic that is devastating virtually all communities in every corner of our country. Heroin overdoses took the lives of more than 30,000 Americans in just a three year period from 2013 to 2015.

The vast majority of heroin in the United States comes from Central and South America, as cartels smuggle the drugs across our border, store them at stash houses, and then distribute them to cities across our country.

In addition to profiting from poisoning Americans with addictive and lethal drugs, narcoterrorist cartels are also making lucrative profits from human smuggling. Most people who illegally enter through the Southern border rely on “coyotes” or human smugglers to assist them. Many of these smugglers are affiliated with or work directly for a cartel, and give them a large chunk of their earnings.

The human smugglers and cartels have no regard for the lives of the families and unaccompanied children they escort to the border, abandoning them at the first sign of a law enforcement official, bad weather, or a simple health ailment of one of the travelers. Hundreds die every year during the treacherous journey to American soil.

One ranch I visited on the Texas-Mexico border has recovered more than 100 dead bodies on the property over the last ten years, reflecting the real, tragic danger for migrants. The cruel twist is that the ranch is only half a mile away from a rescue beacon run by border patrol, where agents are ready to provide help and safety.

Some migrants have also been killed at the direct hands of the cartels, with one of the most notorious examples being the 2010 massacre in which Los Zetas narcoterrorists executed 72 men and women and buried their bodies in a mass grave after they refused to pay extortion fees to cross the border.

It’s clear that our unsecured border is the source of both a humanitarian crisis and a major national security vulnerability. We need to start focusing on practical solutions that will secure our border once and for all.

We need to recognize that a continuous wall from one end of our Southern border to the other is neither feasible nor effective. It’s basic geology. A 20-foot wall on a 3,000-foot sheer cliff will not stop human crossings or drug trafficking, and neither will a 20-foot wall on the Rio Grande River, where the winding river and soft soil make construction extremely difficult and expensive.

However, we can still effectively achieve a secure border through major strategic investments in three resources: personnel, technology, and infrastructure.

We need more boots on the ground to patrol the border, which means hiring more Customs and Border Protection agents to apprehend those attempting to illegally enter our country. This is easier said than done, as the agency has faced staffing difficulties and low morale in recent years. These issues must be addressed head-on, with a focus on ways to decrease the attrition rate and significantly increase the number of qualified men and women to serve as agents.

Technology will also play a critical role in assisting efforts to keep our border secure. This includes making investments in sensors, remote video and monitoring surveillance systems, forward looking infrared, and thermal acquisition monocular systems.

Beefing up infrastructure is also a necessity. There are many areas along the border where we can utilize a combination of fencing, watch towers, and other physical barriers that will ultimately increase the speed and effectiveness of apprehending illegal entrants.

We must also improve security and infrastructure at ports and bridges of entry and exit, where the majority of narcotics, counterfeit goods, and other illicit products are smuggled into the United States. This must include expanding and improving the resources available to Customs and Border Protection agents.

Above all else, the personnel, technology, and infrastructure that we invest in and utilize must be targeted to the unique needs of specific areas along the border. We must rely on the experience, knowledge and insight of local leadership.

I believe that a practical and effective approach to border security can gain the support of the Trump administration and both Republicans and Democrats in Congress. Moving forward, border security should initiate the first phase of a methodical, step by step process to immigration reform that will also strengthen interior enforcement, reform our legal immigration system, and address the undocumented population in the United States in a fair and compassionate way.

Securing our border and reforming our broken immigration system will require all sides to demonstrate a willingness to work together and refuse to allow the perfect to become the enemy of good solutions.

Brambs

The Elizabethtown Rotary Club learned about the importance of estate planning from Peter Brambs of First Bank Wealth Management.

Brambs discussed the need for everyone to have a will, an estate plan, a medical power of attorney and a durable power of attorney. These items aren’t just for the wealthy, they are for anyone who has assets and who has loved ones. Each of the above have different purposes, but the main point is to put your preferences and wants on paper. He encouraged everyone to seek guidance in preparing these from their CPA, certified financial planner and their attorney.

Key Messages
*Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is still here. Applicants with questions, updates or issues should call the FEMA help line at 800-621-3362, for voice 711 and Video Relay Service. If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY call 800-462-7585.

*Temporary Sheltering Assistance (TSA) lodging has been extended for eligible survivors currently occupied in TSA until April 14, 2017, with a checkout date of April 15, 2017.

* Survivors in North Carolina looking for rental housing may use asd.fema.gov/inter/hportal/home.htm or nchousingsearch.org/ to help find rental resources.

Designated counties

*Forty-five (45) counties are eligible for Individual Assistance (IA).

*Fifty (50) counties are eligible for Public Assistance (PA), Categories A through G.

*List of designated counties for IA and PA:  https://www.fema.gov/disaster?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss /4285/designated-areas

Individual Assistance

*Temporary Sheltering Assistance (TSA) is for eligible disaster survivors who are unable to stay in their homes and need a short-term place to stay when housing options in their area are limited. TSA is a temporary solution to help bridge the gap for survivors until they can find a permanent housing solution.

*Currently there are 267 TSA-eligible survivors lodged in 304 hotel rooms in the following North Carolina counties: Columbus, Cumberland, Edgecombe, Lenoir, Pitt, Robeson,Wayne and Wilson.

*TSA Outreach Centers are operating in Robeson, Edgecombe and Cumberland counties to support survivors with their transition into temporary or permanent housing and make referrals to resources for any unmet needs.

*FEMA can help survivors locate temporary rental resources. Applicants may receive information on housing resources by calling FEMA’s help line at 800-621-3362 or through FEMA’s housing portal: asd.fema.gov/inter/hportal/hom e.htm.

*The State of North Carolina is using http://nchousingsearch.org/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss to help find housing for those displaced. Property providers can help by logging in to add or update listings, or call 877-428-8844 (toll free).

Registrations as of COB on 4/09:

*Total registrations: 81,979

*Total IHP Approved: $96 million

Help through SBA Disaster Loans

*Total SBA loans dollars approved as of COB on 4/09: 97 Million.

*To contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center: Call 800-659-2955

*Email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov

*Visit SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss

*Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call TTY 800-877-8339

HUD Assistance

HUD assistance is available:

*Survivors who lived in a public housing authority unit; or a subsidized unit (Section); or have a Housing Choice Voucher; and were impacted by Hurricane Matthew, you should contact your local housing authority. If you have additional questions, contact HUD at 336-851- 8058 or email at hudhelping@hud.gov

*Survivors who are a homeowners and need help or have questions about foreclosure, foreclosure prevention or your next steps, contact a HUD approved housing counseling agency by calling 800-569-4287. Survivors concerned about housing discrimination after the disaster may contact HUD at 800-669-9777 or 888-560-8913.

Public Assistance

*Completed 416 of 416 eligible kick-off meetings.

*FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) Grant Program provides assistance to state, tribal and local governments and certain types of private nonprofit organizations to help communities quicklyrespond to and recover from the effects of Hurricane Matthew.

*Through the PA Program, which is administered by North Carolina Emergency Management and FEMA provides supplemental federal disaster grant assistance for debris removal, emergency protective measures and the repair, replacement or restoration of disaster-damaged, publicly owned facilities and the facilities of certain private nonprofit (PNP) organizations. ThePA Program also encourages protecting these damaged facilities from future events by providing assistance for hazard mitigation measures.

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)

*As of COB 4/07, 5,846 NFIP claims have been paid to North Carolina survivors for $190 million.

*Survivors with flood insurance can call the FEMA help line at 800-621-3362, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST and select No. 1 then option No 2. The call center staff will assist you with information regarding your policy and survivor’s calls can be transferred to their insurance carrier for additional assistance.
Other Resources

*Owners of meat and poultry producing businesses who have questions of concerns may contact the FSIS Small Plant Help Desk by phone at 877-FSIS-HELP (877-374-7435), by email atinfosource@fsis.usda.gov, or 24/7 online at  www.fsisusda.gov/wps/portal/f?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss sis/topics/regulatory-complain ce/svsp/shelpdesk.

*Legal Aid of North Carolina provides temporary legal assistance to disaster survivors at no charge. Survivors with questions can call 866-219-5262.

By Reginald D. Carter, PhD, PA and Thomas Clark, MSLS

Treadwell

Although generally recognized as the originator of the physician assistant concept, Dr. Eugene A. Stead, Jr. is the first to note that the idea was not his exclusively. Prior to the development of the physician assistant program at Duke University in 1965, many physicians were training their own assistants on the job. Stead was aware particularly of one such proprietary trained assistant, Mr. Henry Lee “Buddy” Treadwell, who was trained by and worked with Dr. Amos Johnson in general practice in Garland, North Carolina. This relationship crystallized Stead’s vision of how a physician’s assistant could be used to help over-worked doctors deliver health care services. READ MORE

The North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation has awarded Bladen Community College $125,000 to support the development of a writing center on the Dublin campus.

Dean of Arts and Sciences and Developmental Studies, Dr. Joyce Bahhouth, is the motivation behind the writing center. “Regardless of the course of study a student may choose, writing skills are essential to their academic success.”

“This grant award provides the financial means for the writing center to have tutors, designated computers, and expanded resources,” explained Bahhouth. “We are thrilled to partner with the North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation to create a state-of-the art center for Bladen County.”

The writing center provides an environment that nurtures the writing process. Assistance is readily available in all disciplines with face-to-face and online appointments with virtual tutors, walk-in help, one-on-one tutoring, group tutoring, and writing workshops.

“We are equipped with handout materials, onsite reference books, tutors, and computer access,” stated Bahhouth. “Our experienced tutors can provide guidance for all styles of writing.”

President William Findt endorses the value of strong writing skills. “Skilled writing extends beyond traditional creative writing and into academic areas such as writing within the sciences. Everyone, in every career or workforce position, benefits with enhanced writing skills.”

About the North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation
The North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation is an independent self-funding 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting activities that help meet the educational and health needs of today’s society and future generations. Since its creation in 1986, the foundation has granted $71.0 million to support North Carolina projects and programs that emphasize the understanding and application of science, health, and education at all academic and professional levels. Visit the website at NCGSKFoundation.org. or by twitter handle in a tweet with the release @NCGSKFOUND.

For more information about the Writing Center, or other programs at Bladen Community College, call 910.879.5500.

Events planned in May in Raleigh, Colfax, Charlotte

RALEIGH – It has been about a month since most areas of North Carolina saw their last freeze, and for local strawberry growers and eaters that means the second wave of strawberries is almost here.

“This has been an unusual strawberry season in North Carolina,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Thanks to a warm February, many growers were picking at least two weeks ahead of schedule. Then the state had freezing temperatures in March, which put production on hold. It takes 30 days or more for a blossom to turn into a berry. Now that we are past the last freeze, more strawberries are about ready for picking, and consumers should expect a strong crop through the end of May.”

Picking will begin in Eastern North Carolina and the Piedmont over the next two weeks. Western North Carolina growers should be ready for picking May 1. The peak of the N.C. strawberry season is traditionally Mother’s Day weekend, but locally grown berries should still be available into Memorial Day, said Dexter Hill, marketing specialist with the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

To celebrate the season, the department and N.C. Strawberry Association will hold three Strawberry Day events at the state-operated farmers markets in Colfax, Charlotte and Raleigh in May. The first event is at the State Farmers Market in Raleigh on May 4. The celebration includes a strawberry recipe contest, ice cream samples and a visit by Suzy Strawberry. On May 5, the Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers Market in Colfax will host its Strawberry Day, which also includes a recipe contest, ice cream samples and visit by Suzy Strawberry. On May 12, visitors to the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market can enjoy free strawberry ice cream samples. All three events will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

North Carolina is the fourth-largest producer of strawberries in the nation, and the crop generated more than $23 million in farm income in 2015. More information about the strawberry industry is available at www.ncstrawberry.com?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss. Consumers interested in finding a you-pick strawberry farm near them can go to www.ncfarmfresh.com?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss.

By: Erin Smith

The Christian Women’s Job Corp is set to hold fundraiser on Saturday, May 6, from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Tar Heel Community Building located on Hwy. 87 near the Tar Heel Middle School. Jennifer Carter of Christian Women’s Job Corp said the CWJC is a ministry of the Bladen Baptist Association that assists women in overcoming poverty and hardships.

Carter said the program involves women mentoring women with the goal being to help them change their mindset and to empower them to succeed. She said many women experience poverty and hardships for various reasons. Carter added it isn’t always about financial hardships. Sometimes the women are faced with self-esteem issues and/or suffer abuse or need to learn parenting skills.

Carter said the women attend a Bible study once per week and there is a covenant made between the CWJC and the participant; a covenant is made between the mentors and CWJC; and a covenant is made between businesses and CWJC. She said the mentors work with the participants to set goals and work towards achieving them. The goals could be financial, educational, or personal in nature. Carter said when a participant reaches a goal they have set for themselves, they celebrate the achievement.

“We work on their strengths. We build them up to the women they can become through Christ,” said Carter.

Carter said the CWJC still needs volunteers to serve as mentors. She said the mentors must complete a statement of faith and will work one-on-one with program participants.

The CWJC is planning a fundraiser on Saturday, May 6, from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Tar Heel Community Building to help support the program. Carter said the CWJC is housed in a home owned by the Bladen Baptist Association at 509 S. Poplar Elizabethtown. The home was donated to the BBA but Carter said the CWJC must have funds to pay for such things as materials for the Bible studies and utility bills.

The CWJC also has a ribbon cutting ceremony planned for their location at 509 S. Poplar Street in Elizabethtown on Saturday, May 20, at 11 a.m. 

Those wishing to become program participants or volunteer as mentors can contact the Bladen Baptist Association office at 910-862-3496 or Carter can be reached by calling 910-734-9231.

BladenOnline’s Erin Smith took part in last year’s Jail-A-Thon event.

The Bladen County Education Foundation is gearing up for some fun with their 9th annual Jail-A-Thon set for Wednesday, April 26, from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. at the public meeting room of the Bladen County Board of Education.

“People seem to have a good amount of fun with it,” said Bladen County Education Foundation’s David Wall. He said the foundation has already received some donations from individuals who will not be able to take part in this year’s event.

“All of the money goes back to the public schools,” said Wall.

The way the Jail-A-Thon works is you sign up a friend, business partner, loved one, or boss to be “arrested.” The person being arrested will then be picked up by a police officer and transported to the Bladen County Board of Education where they will face Wall and learn the “charges” against them and receive their “fine.” Once they have been “sentenced,” the participants then make telephone calls to friends and co-workers to raise the fine.

Last year, the event has raised more than $5,000 to assist the public schools in Bladen County, said Wall. This is the group’s main fundraiser for the year.

To volunteer or to nominate someone to be “arrested,” call 910-862-1488.

The April 18 SFSGA Tournament was held this week at Cypress Lakes Golf Course near Fayetteville. 52 players participated with four teams shooting 56. Those teams were: Linwood Hedgepeth, Steve Lennon and Jim Tori. Emery White, Mickey Brisson, Ken Britt and Mark Dixon. Richard Davis, Ricky Hair, Clifton Neill and B.C. Smith. Rob Conway, Al Phillips, Bradley Butler and Leo Hester.

The April 25 tourney will be held at the Country Club of South Carolina in Florence.

How long will food stored in the refrigerator be safe to eat during a power outage?

Emergencies happen, especially with extreme weather conditions. When they do, the best strategy begins with an emergency plan. This includes knowing the proper food safety precautions to take before, during, and after a power outage.

Minimize the potential loss of food and reduce the risk of foodborne illness by knowing how to determine food safety. You can learn the right decisions for keeping your family safe during an emergency with these food safety facts from the Food and Drug Administration.

Be Prepared

*Have a refrigerator thermometer.
*Know where to buy dry ice.
*Keep three days worth of ready-to-eat foods on hand that do not require cooking or cooling, which depend on electricity.

When the Power Goes Out

*Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible.
*A refrigerator keeps food cold for about four hours if it is unopened.
*A full freezer keeps the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed.
*Refrigerators should be kept at 40 F or below for proper food storage.

Once the Power is Restored

*Check the temperature inside of your refrigerator and freezer.
*If you keep an appliance thermometer in the freezer, check the temperature when the power comes back on. If the freezer thermometer reads 40 F or below, the food is safe and may be refrozen.
*If you do not keep a thermometer in the freezer, check each package of food to determine its safety. You can’t rely on appearance or odor. If the food still contains ice crystals or is 40 F or below, it is safe to refreeze or cook.
*Refrigerated food should be safe as long as the power was out for no more than four hours. Keep the door closed as much as possible.
*Discard any perishable food (such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs or leftovers) that stays above 40 F for two hours or more.
*Inadequately refrigerated or frozen perishable food such as meat (like beef or pork), poultry (such as chicken or turkey), seafood, milk, and eggs may cause illness if consumed, even when thoroughly cooked.

Begin preparing for power outages, severe weather and other emergencies now by joining the Prepareathon.

RALEIGH, N.C. – Information from Democracy North Carolina will be added to our ongoing investigation into the protest matters following the general election. The file remains active and our work continues.  Consistent with agency practice, any findings of wrongdoing are referred to appropriate prosecutorial agencies when warranted by the evidence.

The legal team at the State Board of Elections has proposed changes to the official election protest forms, which have been re-designed to better shield eligible voters from unsubstantiated accusations.

If adopted by the State Board, the new form would require a protestor to swear, under the penalty of perjury, that the information in the protest is true and accurate. It would also place the protestor on notice that it is a felony to submit a fraudulent form and would make clear when a candidate, political party or organization has requested or financed the filing. If a protestor is represented by counsel, the form would require the attorney to file an addendum.

The State Board of Elections is expected to consider these changes at its meeting later this month. The date hasn’t been scheduled.